iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

@torontostar-rss.bsky.social desperately trying to normalize radical conservative Brad Brad Ford with feature stories, more coverage than front runner Olivia Chow and soft human interest stories about guy who barley beat joke candidates last time out. Star stopped being progressive paper long ago.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Calling @mayoroliviachow.ca anti-Semitic is Trumpian in its absurdity. She has spent her life fighting racism including anti- semetism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism and so much more. Pathetic pandering and actually using Jewish suffering in the hopes of political gain. Shameful.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

@torontostar-rss.bsky.social wears its bias on its sleeve with fawning, sympathetic article about Liberal candidate in Scarborough provincial by-election including photo that largely ignores the other candidates. NDP has excellent candidate Fatima Shaban. Grossly unfair and unbalanced reporting.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Packed house for press screening of Acme vs. Coyote. I confess to being psyched. Trailer is hilarious.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Just received my first “Back to School” themed press release. Booo!

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Tonight at the Shoe should be epic!

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Brad the Chameleon Bradford poll story such manufactured bullshit as media conspires to make this virtual prank candidate legit. Last time they did this we got Rob Ford. This joke can get unfunny very quickly.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Let’s go Belgium! Would Cup integrity, such as it is, on the line. We knew Whiner-in-Chief, world’s worst loser, would ruin World Cup, just didn’t know how. Whines like a weepy little kid who doesn’t understand the rules. Games or elections only valid if his side wins. Pathetic

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

So sad, @torontostar-rss.bsky.social’s entire Friday entertainment section is filled with wire service copy, not a word of original copy on arguable biggest day of week for arts. This is NOT the way to hold onto or grow readership. Pathetic

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Our first SPIN Canada cover story, also my first SPIN Canada cover story. I speak with mega-talented Palestinian-Canadian singer-songwriter Nemahsis. Turns out Stevie Wonder is a big fan. She's a major star on the rise. www.spinmagazine.com/2026/06/spin...

spinmagazine.com

SPIN Canada June Cover Story: Juno-Winning Palestinian-Canadian Singer Nemahsis Finds Allies and Fellow ‘Freaks’ With Her Intimate Songs of Alienation - SPIN

Who: Nemahsis (Nemah Hasan) Sounds like: Kate Bush, Sarah Harmer, Feist Essential spins: coloured concrete; what if i took it off for you?;

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Cool when the bar staff are dancing to the bands at @northby.bsky.social

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Just got the proof for our first SPIN Canada cover and it’s pretty stunning. Can’t wait share it with the world. Sunday

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Full festival lineup now out! Come join us @northby.bsky.social this year. Starts Wednesday and $49 Discovery Pass gets you into everything all week, just show up early for hot tickets.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

I love hockey but can’t watch Stanley Cup final. Had to turn it off, made me sick to hear Vegas goalie name, one of London Scumbag junior players who escaped conviction but is nonetheless guilty of being abusive pig. Shameful seeing him normalized. Carolina crowds chanting “No means No” helps.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Excited to share that we are launching SPIN Magazine Canada and I am the editor-in-chief. Delighted to have another platform to celebrate the great Canadian music scene. Will also continue to publish @nextmagazinecanada highlighting Toronto’s arts scene. www.spinmagazine.com/2026/05/spin...

spinmagazine.com

SPIN Magazine Expands Into Canada With Localized Editorial Platform - SPIN

SPIN Magazine is coming to the Great White North. For more than four decades, the music media brand has shaped American culture, but today, SPIN announces Brand launches at NXNE with debut of SPIN Can...

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

@joejacksonmusic_ has still got it as the legendary jazz-powered pop-punk icon showed Thursday night @thedanforthmusichall. Could have used a few more hits but ones he played were magnificent. And his band made even corny new songs sound epic. My 4-N @nextmagcanada here: nextmag.ca/live-review-...

nextmag.ca

Live review: Joe Jackson ‘looks sharp’ in satisfying show that proves veteran singer still has it » NEXT Magazine

Veteran jazz-powered pop-rocker digs a little too deep into deep cuts but plays enough hits to satisfy fans

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Toronto regularly “gifts” the Federal Liberals over 20 seats most elections. Time for these MPs to step up and use their power to stop Doug Ford’s destruction of our waterfront — otherwise what’s the point? They have the power use it! Stand up for the city that routinely elects them!

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Had high hopes for @billieeilish new 3D concert film, out now, made with @jamescameronofficial but “Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft” is literally and metaphorically flat. For super-fans only. My 2-N @nextmagazine.bsky.social review here: nextmag.ca/review-billi...

nextmag.ca

Review: Billie Eilish 3D concert film disappointingly flat » NEXT Magazine

James Cameron seems like lost grandpa wandering around superstar singer’s backstage

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

The only major media outlet that refers to the US Department of Defense by Trump’s made up Department of War is the CBC. Not NYT, CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera. What possible excuse do they have for mouthing Trump’s fake name? Gulf of America next on CBC reports? Need to stop. Discredits them.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Time for Liberal MPs to stand up for Toronto and fight Ford’s absurd attack on the waterfront and block the airport expansion. They can do it — so do it. Stand up for the city that routinely elects Liberals. Time for city to reap a payoff for this endless loyalty, Liberals can’t dodge this issue.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

When do Toronto residents finally, unequivocally say enough to Doug Ford? Grabbing public parks for jets nobody living downtown wants, potentially grabbing the islands, massive spa & parking lot on waterfront, ripping up bike lanes destroying Science Centre, crimes against city stacking up. No Mas!

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

@fordnation.bsky.social’s back down on his purchase of Gravy Plane should empower all that oppose his destructive rule, especially towards Toronto. Protest works, he is hyper-sensitive to it. So let’s save waterfront from his jets, spas and other corrupt city-crushing plans. Keep up the pressure.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

And @mark-carney.bsky.social got greedy. Good chance he’ll get his majority this week without having to bring in repugnant MPs. She was against banning forced conversion therapy fer gawdsake! Hideous. Politically dumb move for Carney too. This stink won’t wash off and was likely totally unnecessary.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

@mark-carney.bsky.social had a choice to make and he chose to welcome Marilyn Gladu who is a bigot, homophobic, anti-Trans, anti- women’s right to chose MP who is too right wing for PP on some issues. Shameful opportunism. Liberal brand’s progressive claims smashed by this disgraceful act.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

The Ford’s are not a Toronto Royal Family, they are a scourge that seeks to destroy this city and who hate a downtown they barely understand. Absurd that nepo slug Mike Ford thinks his name buys him anything but scorn in this City. Sure, run l’il fella and split that right wing vote some more.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Bad Brad Bradford will do and say anything to chase votes including tossing free speech in the garbage to suck up to pro-Israel voters by trying to ban annual local Al-Quds rally in support of Palestine. As Gaza and occupied West Bank under assault like never before, not time for silence. Shameful.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Doug Ford sounds more like his one time hero down south every day and his expropriations sound a lot like Cheetos beloved executive orders. Ford sounds more like Trump every day right down to his attacking students as basket weaving bums who don’t pay their share. Just more likable for some reason.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

@torontostar-rss.bsky.social managed to send actual reporter to @torontosceptres.bsky.social packed home game Sunday. Women’s Day after all. But the story was buried at bottom of an inside page and Star still cheaped out. Sent no photographer, used wire service pic. Women’s sports deserve better.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Nepo baby Doug Ford wants a generation of working class kids who manage to get into university to graduate carrying massive debt while his and his pals kids are launched debt free into a life of privilege.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

After covering women’s sports somewhat diligently during the Olympics @torontostar-rss.bsky.social scores own goal by NOT sending a reporter to cover Toronto Sceptres first post-Olympic home game packed with Olympic stars. They used CP wire copy instead— for local game. No wonder readership is down.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

If you’re just getting your news on Israeli-US attack on Iran from western news channels you need to add Al Jazeera to the mix to get important perspective. You can add it to your cable or watch live for free www.aljazeera.com/video/live

aljazeera.com

LIVE - Al Jazeera English | Video broadcast from Al Jazeera

Watch Al Jazeera’s live broadcast now

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

201 Iranians already dead including schoolchildren in Trump’s war to distract from Trump-Epstein Files. And Carney supports this cynical brutality.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

@mark-carney.bsky.social’s “winning streak “ officially over as he falls in line with war mongers in supporting US and Israel’s unjustifiable attacks on Iran.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

The stink of Danielle Smith’s immigrant blaming forcthe mess that is Alberta is shameful and has no place in Canadian politics. Alberta screwed up betting everything on oil and Tory governments routinely squandered the cash from oil’s glory days. Alberta’s challenges are home grown not imported.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Director @bazluhrmann has created a characteristically gorgeous, surprisingly intimate performance-based celebration of the King of Rock ‘n’ Rock in his latest film @epic.themovie that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen. Check out our 5-N review here: nextmag.ca/review-baz-l...

nextmag.ca

Review: Baz Luhrmann creates masterful, deeply personal portrait of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll » NEXT Magazine

‘EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert’ is a brilliant look at rock 'n' roll’s biggest solo star and should be seen on big the screen

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

Post-secondary students are an asset to any country and creating financial barriers is short sighted as well as unfair. Shameful backsliding in Ontario with tuition hikes and grant cutbacks. Why do we continue to let Doug Ford deconstruct Ontario? Tuition free in smart countries.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Blown away by legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb @hughsroomlive.bsky.social Tuesday night. Mesmerizing master class in songwriting. He’s back there Thursday but sold out.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Matt Johnson’s and Jay McCarrol's hilarious new film, “Nirvanna the Band, the Show, the Movie” is the best comedy of the year and one of 2026’s best films. I can’t recommend it enough! I speak with the talented filmmakers for @nextmagcanada here: nextmag.ca/interview-ni...

nextmag.ca

Interview: ‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’ is hilarious celebration of Toronto and hope » NEXT Magazine

Toronto can be ‘your oyster’ if you stay in touch with adolescent spirit, says Matt Johnson

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Only two seats total sold for four screenings today in Toronto. Smart film goers in this town not taking the bait.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 31/01/2026

“Melania” is even worse than expected— and I expected it to be horrible. This appalling infomercial for fascist royalty feels like it could have been made by Marie Antoinette in last days of Louis XVI’s despotic regime. Our first zero N review @nextmagazine.bsky.social: nextmag.ca/review-melan...

nextmag.ca

Review: “Melania” feels as if made by Marie Antoinette during last days of empire » NEXT Magazine

Tone-deaf disgrace of a film not even “good bad” just awful

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

Toronto’s @thepwhl.com team @torontosceptres.bsky.social play a rare game Scotiabank Arena, a major event and @torontostar-rss.bsky.social doesn’t even send a reporter, they use Canadian Press coverage instead. Pathetic! And then they wonder why readership in decline. Do the work!

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

Time for @maritstilesndp.bsky.social to seize the moment. Liberals leaderless, adrift and will be for a while and Ford fatigue is inevitable especially as his possibly criminal actions become clearer. Stop playing it safe. Present a real progressive choice and shoot from the hip. People are ready.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Handsome Ned was King of Queen Street in the 1980s until his death from a heroin overdose, 39 years ago on January 10. “You Left Me Blue: The Handsome Ned Story” screens at the Paradise on the anniversary of his death. My feature on brilliant artist, gone too soon here: nextmag.ca/preview-musi...

nextmag.ca

Remembering Handsome Ned: Music doc celebrates Queen West legend on 39th anniversary of his passing » NEXT Magazine

‘You Left Me Blue: The Handsome Ned Story’ fitting tribute to local music pioneer

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Meeting with the @northby.bsky.social programming team as we begin booking bands for our 31st festival this June. I love this part of the job. Still find it thrilling to hear undiscovered gems among thousands of applications. So much talent. Can’t wait to share these acts with the world June 10-14.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

A new year is like a fresh sheet of ice, full of amazing potential. Wishing you all a spectacular 2026.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

CBC’s Here and Now were stooges for last mayoralty election’s joke candidate Brad Bradford getting quotes from him on today’s newscast like he’s voice of civic opposition. He’s not, he’s a shape shifting opportunist who’s stopped working for his constituents while he jumps gun on election campaign.

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Michael Hollett @northbymichael.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

Hadn’t opened my X account in months. What a cesspool, wont be going back any time soon.

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