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The last comic standing _, ebra DiGiovanni didn't need the Dbuzz of NBC's Last Comic Standing to establish herself as an up-and-coming comedy star, She's already had a Comedy Now special on CTN. and is a regular con- tributor to MuchMusic'sVideo on Trial show. Although even she can't bring herself to take a shot at the painful per- formance Britney Spears turned in at last weeks MTV awards. "M's. been done." she said of the tabloid train wreck that has become Britney. "It's almost mean now -- she's like a dog with one of those little sur- gery cones on her head. 'Now we' re iust praying that Jessica Simpson puts something out." So she knows something about what makes people laugh. And Canadi- ans already get her quirky sense of humour that delves into some of her own idiosyncrasies "It's more about my life and the idiocy that is me," said DiGiuvanni. one of the headliners of the Rogers Evening of Comedy this Saturday at Wilfrid Lauder's Athletic Complex. The show is part of the homecom- ing festivities at WLU, and also features appearances by Trevor Burris of CIVs Comedy Now, and veteran comedian and talk-show host Mike Bullard han- dling the master of ceremonies duties. .__.o e-_-- -____e DiGiovanni often talks about the things that people might say to them- selves in front of a mirror, but in her case she does it standing in the line of fire of a live audience. And she has lots to talk about. A grad of Humber College's inaugu- ral comedy writing program in 2000, she has since gone on to Best New- comer in Stand-up at the Canadian Comedy Awards and opened for viral video star Russell Peters. But her own star is on the climb with her appearance on the NBC show that has put the spotlight back on stand-up comics. n has helped open some doors as she looks to break into the lucrative US. market. ""ii'sGuaen things up a notch," said DiGiovanni. "More and more peo- plerare {eppgnizing me which is great. "And it'sugoodvfor Canadian come- dr" Was she surprised with the instant recognition that comes with the show? 'iriust happened so quickly it just didn't sink in until you were there," liff , MEMORY FOAM BED TOPPERS own-comm .. own-mammary» Quantum“ By 300me ( 'hronicie Staff , ..r.r.-v. .-......... tt I ' , n...l.!.'........llll" 4t? We Custom Cut Foam '" Fof Everything! "' JUST ASK! Mr, said DiGiovanni, who finished eight overall on the program after being selected at a Montreal audition. "You have that moment of dawning where youve like, I'm on a reality show on NBC. "1 never thought I would end up dressing up like a jester - it wasn't part of my summer plans for this year. It was very surreal, that's the best way to describe it." She was a good sport about dressing up like a royal buffoon too. And that helped her develop an obvious rapport with the audience. "The jester is probably one of the last costumes I'd want to wear," laughed DiGiovanni. "l still have bad dreams about that one. "I wake up going 'Oh God.'" The producers of the show obvious- ly recognized her [Durability as well. You can tell by the air time she gets When they do the usual pan and scan shots of the audience they spot- light DiGiovanni. She's expecting more face time on tonight's season finale of the show that will finally select a win- "It's still feels like a win for me despite being the third person voted off (the final round)," she said. "Maybe it's a Canadian thing. but to get any rGt%rbtiaovanni "i'i'llrFoa'lA" Store kind of recognition in the US. is a She said she was disappointed that the other Canadian on the show. Jerry Dee. didn't make it to the tinal two, But she joked she was also disappointed she didn't win the $250,000 prize that comes with the title. She was already figuring out ways to spend it. “011?; iii/rd if) judée comedy," said DiGiovanni. "It's so subjective to decide what is funny. . "But the show is getting closer to being what every comedian wants it to be as a competitiqn." - - So why does she think she connects with the audience? A - --- "Gilst a regular gm," said Diem vanni, "There's something in me that resonates with, people. - "I get this all the time after a show ... 'You remind me of my favourite grade- school teacher or my babysitter when I was a kid. I know I'm not perfect. I'm kind of a weirdo but I'm still happy - and that really works with people "They're like, Tm a weirdo too.” DiGiovanni will have more of that self-deprecating humour on display this weekend at WLU. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at local Rogers stores or at the WLU book- store. STYLE I ' ,iriil "Kr?,. 1Q??? s"," P" tsafd AND ‘1‘» _ FOAM ... “mm MEMORY FOAM for all your camping and RV needs The TiUsgkiNs AND mourns for all marine applications wt. Come and join the Waterloo Central Railway for an evening of suspense and drama on its first murder mystery train on Sept. 28. Arrive at the station for 6 pm. and be treated to refreshments that will be set-up in the diner or sta- Hon. The train will depart at 6:30 p.m. and the mystery will start to unfold. Intermission will be at the plat- form in St. lacubs. where they will offer additional refreshments. The adventure will begin as soon as the train starts to move again. They will not stop at the mar- ket as the investigation of the mystery is more press- ing. my The night will conclude as the train arrives at the station in Waterloo Park at approximistely 8:30 pm. The actors will be waitirig on the blatfoim to greet you after the drama is over. - - ' A - Ar 7..:_» an Jung 1‘" 5.“. ,v- My. ___"- _,v,, Feel free to wear your best party attire, so dust off those long dretsts and fedoras. -iiUGiriiirry by calling 519-885-2297. Tickets are $35 each and taxes are inclufieri, _ -fiiirGiri Elation is at the Visitor and Heritage Information Centre at 10 Father David Bauer Dr., at the corner of Erb Street. . Talking trades Tam: talks including apprenticeship information, employer panel and a discussion on the service trades takes place today from 4:30 pm. to 6 pm. at aonestoga College’s Watedoo campus. w..-_._°_ WW“ t beam details about apprenticing and working in the service trades, such as baker, hairstylist. honi- culture and landscape. early childhood education and horse groomer, from a panel of employers, tradespeople, Conestoga College (,',ttg,cst/,'g' and a training consultant from the apprentt eship office. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. The campus is at 108 University Ave. E, For more information, contact Earla at 5194385- 0300, ext. 233. or Elisha at 519-743-2246, ext. 403. Rinison College at the University of Waterloo will elebrate East Asian culture at its popular festi- val on Sept. 29 with a special exhibit by famous Hong Kong artist Annie Wong. """D"""D""”' ' v The 13th annual festival presents a variety of cul- tural entertainment including tai chi demonstra- tions, lapanese sword arts performances and live Chinese music. from ll am. to 2 pm. "iiii/rGijiic Arent, which also offers East Asian cuisine, will be held in the college's great hall. Admission and parking are free. "ttre: Celebrate Asian culture ERGONOMIC SEAT PADS a. _ BOLSTERS FACTORY OUTLET 360 Trillium Dr, Kitchener 51 9.748. 1 491 new nouns: non. "huttfft. 8-4 lump aboard the mystery train (jitter: MEMORYTDAM PILLOWS $353.3": "e, , a l ken-"”319“!