First. On December 13, 1871 Emily Carr was born, the Mother of Modern Arts. She found her muse: native culture-totem poles from Ucluelet to Skidegate-and the dark and slightly dangerous beauty of the dense forest. After she visited France, Carr’s literal depictions of native art and life developed into passion-swept modernist masterpieces of the West.

The Globe and Mail, Monday,December 13, 2010

Second. Run, Santa, Run! On December 18, 2010 at Eau Claire Market runners and walkers are invited to take part in this new and unique event, a 5km run and 1km walk in Prince’s Island park and along the Bow river, adults wearing a Santa suit and children wearing a santa hat during the event. It is organized in support of the Third Academy, a school dedicated to students with mild to severe learning disabilities.

Calgary herald, Thursday, December 9,2010.

Third. While Australia has dropped the penny as a circulating coin, it is still retaining in pricing. If you pay a bill for $24,97 using a credit ar debit card, you pay $24,97, but if you pay cash, it’ll be rounded down to $24, 95.

The Globe and Mail, Wednesday, December 15, 2010.

Fourth. The recordings released this year as the box set “Alan Lomax in Haiti: Recordings for the Library of Congress, 1936-1937-received two Grammy nominations: best historical album and the best album notes. Averill, who wrote the liner notes – a book, essentially- is nominated in the latter category.

The Globe and Mail, Wed., Dec., 15, 2010.

Fifth. The Golden Globe nominees were announced on Tuesday, kick-starting the awards season leading up to the Oscars-and putting Canadian heartthrob Ryan Gosling, who co-stars with Michelle Williams in the harrowing marital tale “Blue Valentine”, in the running for top dramatic acting honors.

The Globe and Mail, Wed., December 15, 2010.