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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.

NEW YORK, N.Y. - "Saturday Night Live" is welcoming two prominent up-and-comers to this week's show. Guest hosting the special Christmas edition will be a brilliant Canadian-born comic, Martin Short.

PARIS - France's Socialist government is introducing a 75-per cent income tax on those earning over €1 million ($1.3 million), forcing some of the country's rich and famous to set up residency in less fiscally-demanding countries.

Most prominent among the classical holiday-music concerts this weekend are the Victoria Symphony’s annual pair of performances of Handel’s Messiah, and its concert with singer-songwriter and pianist Chantal Kreviazuk Saturday evening.

Langford residents celebrate the eighth annual Christmas in the Park and the 15th annual Festival of Lights Fire Truck Parade on Sunday. At 6 p.m.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - To the rest of the world, the "12-12-12" concert was an all-star fundraiser for those affected by Superstorm Sandy. In a hard-hit New Jersey shore community, it was a break from a changed, stressful world.

MELISSA HANK Postmedia News As a TV show in which sniper rifles and criminal impulses operate on a hairtrigger, Flashpoint isn’t exactly lighthearted viewing.

If you go into the woods today, you’re in for a blues surprise. Since 1929, the family of guitarist David Gogo has run a Christmas tree farm in Nanaimo. Sometimes, during the busy season, Gogo greets customers at the front gate himself.

MUSIC What: Smalltown DJs and Grand Theft with The Shrew When: Tonight, 9 p.m. Where: Club 9ONE9 (919 Douglas St.

IN CONCERT: Jesse Cook When: Friday, 8 p.m. Where: Royal Theatre Tickets: $60.50 (limited availability) Jesse Cook always goes to the source when it comes to channeling his musical influences.