August 2006 books

The Devil Wears Prada
Lauren Weisberger

Great book! Quite different than the movie, so I was glad I saw the it first, then read the book, then saw the movie again. (Which I loved for the second time, it was even better!) So many people say it is based on Anna Wintour at Vogue, but I have no basis for comparison so I'll leave that one to those in know. The Andy Sachs in the book a lot bitchier and vindictive than in the movie. There were more characters who played pivotal roles and I enjoyed reading about them. Miranda was completely over the top. Merryl Streep's Miranda was just that touch softer and more believable. If the book Miranda does exist and it is based on Anna Wintour, I shudder for those who work with her. I'm looking forward to reading Weisberger's next book.

Bag Babies (A Play)
Allan Stratton

Set in the early 90's, this play is a restoration comedy about the nouveau riche and the homeless in Toronto. There are some really interesting devices used her, the rich speak in rhyming couplets, and the poor speak in prose. There is the breaking down of the 4th wall with the poster boy for the homeless, Uncle George, speaking directly to the audience. The poetry is clever and the farce is hilarious, but it is all masking the real problems of poverty and rich guilt. I would love to see it in production to really get a feel for it. I was a teenager in the early 90s (so somewhat self absorbed) but I still remember the economic and social climate. The subject matter is timeless in that all periods witness discrepancy between the rich and the poor but the play itself has somewhat outdated references. I believe that it could be tweaked a little and still draw audiences. I will ask Allan next time I see him if he has heard of any possible revivals for any of his plays. He is really into his novels these days, but there is a possibility.

The Nanny Diaries
Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

I've read a few reviews that have compared this book to The Devil Wears Prada, stating that this book is the superior of the two, based on it's writing. I didn't find that at all. I enjoyed the Nanny Diaries, but mainly for it's depiction of Park Avenue appartments and all other references New York than the daily functions of a Nanny. The kid was funny and Mrs. X was unbelievably insensitive, but it didn't really grab me. The writing was good and I didn't have to fight to get through it, which is why I'm going on to read the duo's next novel, about a recent college grad working at her first entry level job. I just love to read about New York...oh and visit there too!

The Phoenix Lottery - A Play
Allan Stratton

Having already read the novel version of The Phoenix Lottery, it was easy to read the play. It would be interesting to have read or seen the play without the background of the novel though. The lottery's prize is to be the person to torch a priceless Van Gough and the fame and noteriety that come with it. Not to give away too much of the plot, there are ghosts, spirits, a cardinal, a performance artist, a Baffin Island bush pilot, and a rich family. Personally I prefer the novel, simply because the story is more fleshed out. Like any play I read though, I would love to see it in production.

Papers (A Play)
Allan Stratton

Really interesting concept of two brilliant wordsmiths who fall in love but aren't able to communicate that love. They try and try but aren't able to articulate their feeling until it's almost too late. It's also a play within a play within a play which is very cleverly done. Another one I would love to see in production, but that's par for the course.

Lipstick Jungle
Candance Bushnell

Basically, Sex in the City, but the women are in their 40s and have way more money than the SATC girls. It's a good read. I liked her other books, Sex in the City, 4 Blondes, Trading Up and Lipstick Jungle is being made into a television series, so that should be good. I love books about NYC as I've mentioned many times :) so this was a good read.

As a footnote to the post on this book, I just read that they are casting Melissa George (a 30 year old who looks 25!?!) to play Nico O'Neilly, who is supposed to be in her early 40s. Even with Botox and money for anti aging procedures, Nico would NOT look 25. I also read that Candance Bushnell has pulled out (or been dismissed) as the writer and who ever is in charge of the casting is seriously on crack. They have cast another really young man as Mike Harness. I was really hopeful for this series, but if they keep on casting so young, I will be giving it a pass.

Joggers (A Play)
Allan Stratton

Definitely wasn't expecting this one. It's very creepy and plays on your emotional fears just enough to set you on edge, but keep you glued to the page, or if you were in the theatre, on the edge of your seat. Some very disturbing ideas in this one, and there are a lot of inferences to be made. I think it is really well written.

The Way We Were

Starring Barbara Streisand and Robert Redford, directed by Sidney Pollack.

I just saw this movie for the first time. I first heard about it on Sex and the City, when Carrie finds out that Big is marrying Natasha. She likens herself to Katie (the Babs character) and the show does a repeat of the end scene in front of the Plaza Hotel.

The thing that bugs me though, is that SATC said the order of the scene wrong. In the movie, Katie says (when commenting on Robert "Hubble" Redford's new wife) "your girl is lovely Hubble, THEN smooths his hair. On SATC when they are describing the scene the girls say she smooths his hair first. Which is what they do when Carrie says that to Big at the end of the episode. He says "I don't get it". Which also is weird, because especially with Big being older, wouldn't he have potentially been out on a date or something in 1973 when the movie came out and would have seen it? If he was 42 when he and Carrie met in 1998, then that would make him 17 in 73, perfect date movie material. And if Carrie is 10 years younger than Big, that would make her 7 years old? Not the most appropriate movie for a child, so assume that she discovered it as a classic. Anyway the show portrayed the scene much differently, so I was really surprised when I actually saw the movie.

I thought I would cry, but I didn't. I really enjoyed the movie, both for the historical content and the doomed love relationship. Highly recoomend it to anyone who is a Babs or RR fan or just likes a good story and doesn't mind old movies that are not "technologically" perfect. And as always, anything that shows NYC as another character gets the thumbs up from me! :)

First time for everything!

I just hosted my first family event at my own place! Well not in my condo, as it is a bit too small but in the coffee lounge which is one of the rooms available for booking in the building. Everything went well and my grandparents finally got to see my condo, 9 months later. They liked it, which is important. They always worry, mostly because they are Italian and super old fashioned and would like to see me married. Not sure I'm going to be able to make their day on that one. But everyone had a good time and nothing went awry so all and all a success!

Laryngitis - Weird!

I cannot talk. I know, some people out there might say it is a good thing. :)

I tend to chat to myself a little, even if it is only a hmmm or an aha, or a few words. It is unconcious so when I can't talk, I am still trying to, which is putting even more strain on my vocal cords.

I need to get better though, in 2 weeks I'll be back in school, teaching singing no less.

Being completely quiet has made the thoughts in my brain spin out of control. Answering the phone is tough! I just ended up turning it off.

At least I don't feel unwell. My voice just doesn't work.

Unexpected Outing

Tonight I did something completely random. I went to a bar (I know that's not unexpected) where people were there to play....scrabble! It was fun! Michelle wanted to go and did the legwork finding out about where to play scrabble in TO. So we played against this unbelievably good team, and lost....big time! Our score was 74, theirs was 474! The organizer picked the theme of "vacation" and we all had to report back the words we had played that fit the theme. Our words were "lounge" and "boink". Then he went around to all the players to get a vote on the best word. We won with "lounge"! The prize was a deluxe scrabble board and since Michelle already had one, she let me take it home. All in all a pleasant way to spend an evening. It was great to catch up with Michelle and I won something. Finishing up with an ice cream from Greg's was delish.

August long weekend

In lieu of any real holiday this summer I tagged along with John on a business trip to New Jersey. We left TO on Thursday morning and arrived in NJ at about 5pm. The hotel, in beautiful Mahwaw (lol) was about an hour train ride to the city (NYC). We headed in for dinner and walked around Times Square. It was unbelievably muggy and hot. The temp read 102F, which I think is around 40C. The next day John had his meeting and it was off to New Haven to visit Halima, one of my best buds from Goldsmiths. I've never been to New Haven before, even though I've been going to Conneticut for 30 years. Went out and partied on the Friday night, and walked around Yale on Saturday. I wanted to go to the beach, but there was no time, so I settled for an outlet mall. We made it to my cousin's place outside of Hartford and went to a BBQ at her friend's home. The next day we had lunch with some more relatives and left for the T dot around 4pm. We hardly stopped at all and made it back in a realtively quick 8.5 hours. The drive was a little tiring, but it was really nice to get away for a bit.

Good Fun!

Went out for drinks tonight at the Maddy with Doug (my associate teacher from teacher's college and new colleague). Was there from 7pm to 1am! Can't believe I am out this late on a "school" night at 30. But it was good fun.

July 2006 Books

Chandra's Secret
Allan Stratton

I know this author personally and have some of his other work, especially the young adult novels in the same vein. A very real and heartwrenching look at the AIDS crisis in Africa told through the eyes of a 16 year old girl living in a fictional African nation. As a teacher, I see immesurate possibilites for study in a grade 8,9, 10 and 11 classroom. As a reader, I couldn't put it down. Currently, Allan is working on a sequel to Chandra's story, I'm looking forward to it coming out.

Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii - A comedy in two acts
Allan Stratton

Very funny! A bit retro (it was written in the 80s) but not too dated. I would love to see it produced, as reading a play is only the tip of the iceberg. It's a farce so if you aren't familiar with this type of playwriting it may be confusing. I'm amazed at how prolific a writer Alan is, and how many things he has written.

The Penultimate Peril
Lemony Snicket

I'm reading the series of unfortunate events because most of the kids I teach or know have read or are reading them and I like to keep up with new children's literature. This latest installment is even more confusing than the last. It doesn't help that I read the other 11 books quite some time ago, with the Grimm Grotto last summer. I just don't remember everything that happens. It's interesting that there are only 13 books in the series and they have to tie up everything in the next book. I've also heard that this is a series that was written years ago, and has been re-published but the copywright has been changed to now. Does anyone know? Is this just a rumour? Thanks!

Restless Summer Nights

I am definitely falling into a pattern this summer. I stay up late and sleep late. I have toooo much time to think! I am trying to get stuff done, but to be honest I am a little bored of myself. I do lots of things with other people, but still spend a lot of time on my own. We'll see how this week goes.

Movies

The Davinci Code

So I read the book then saw the movie. Ummmm, not horrible, but not great. Tom Hanks was not the Robert Langdon I had envisioned. Audrey Tautou needs to stick to acting in French. Oh, and on that note, the French was not the same as the English subtitles! Ian McKellan was great, as was Jean Reno and Alfred Molina. I wonder if it would have been more confusing without having read the book. They changed a bunch of things which was too bad as they were better left unchanged.

The Devil Wears Prada

Really fun! I didn't read the book before hand, because I didn't want to compare it and be disappointed. I love Glen Close, and Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci were great too. The boyfriend story line was a little lame. The fashions were fantastic, made me want to go shopping. I would definitely see it again.

Reading Reading

Made you Look - How Advertising Works and Why You Should Know
Shari Graydon

Another book from Amy's list.

Targeted at kids and teenagers, it's a good grounding in how advertising words. Being an adult and reasonably intelligent, the book didn't really tell me anything I didn't know before. We are constantly being manipulated by advertisers who are quickly running out of new ideas to capture our ever fragmented and fleeting attention. The best thing about this book is the web links to different Canadian and U.S. watchdog groups. Graydon herself is a former president of MediaWatch.

Here are some of the sites I've found interesting.

www.media-awareness.ca
www.mediawatch.ca
www.adbusters.org

It's very troubling to think that things aren't changing but what's worse is that people aren't changing. How many times have I bought into the sterotype that makes me feel inadequate as a woman? How many times have I spent money on something I don't need? Sometimes I feel very vulnerable being in the target age range 18 - 35.

Viva Italia!

Had a fun World Cup Sunday!

This would be the first time in a long time that I can remember when a team I was rooting for in an important game actually won...

Went to Betty's Bar for the game then walked in Little Italy afterwards. It was madness! But so fun. I went home via Yonge Street, which was not so fun, there were a lot of French supporters there. They yelled not so nice things.

Now I am very tired, so I'm glad to be home.

Viva Italia!

Forza Italia!!!

On the eve of the World Cup Final, I thought it fitting to proclaim my choice! The game tomorrow should be a real edge of the seater. You'll most likely find me at Betty's watching the game.

Went to Summerlicious at Barootes tonight. It was good, but not fantastic. The best things I ate were the sticky chicken and the caramel sauce on the creme caramel. The best thing I drank was Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon (2002).

Also went to Pirates 2, which I had trouble following for the a little while because I couldn't remember what had happened in the first movie! I recommend renting the first one again before seeing it. It was good, and the end makes you want to see the third movie. Make sure you stay for the credits, there's a little bit at the end.

Go Italy Go!

So many books!

I can't believe how many books I have out from the library right now. I'm actually off to collect some more after this blog because the library called again!

In Your Face - the Culture of Beauty and You
Shari Graydon

This was recommended by Amy so some of my comments are the same. Written for a younger audience, who really are the ones who will benefit most from this book, Graydon really gets to the point. You are as beautiful as you think and feel you are, and the more attention you pay to the way the media potrays people the less you feel you measure up. I was amazed to learn that there is actually something called Centerfold Syndrome, where young men who have been over exposed to unrealistic potrayals of women in the media are unable to form real relationships with real women. All in all a good read.

The Davinci Code
Dan Brown

Originally I didn't want to read this. I don't tend to like books that are universally liked by the masses. But when the movie came out starring Audrey Tautou, I knew I wanted to see it. I loved her in Amelie and really wanted to see her in an English language film. I heard that the movie was better if you read the book because of the detail laden plot, so I borrowed a copy and read it. It was really interesting! I liked the pace, and the theories purported were odd and fascinating at the same time. So now I'm off to the film, and hopefully I won't be too disappointed. Already though, the picture I have of Robert Langdon in my head does not match Tom Hanks. He's just too old!

Finally I've finished a new book

Born Lucky
RSM Harry Fox, MBE
One D-Day Dodger's Story

Craig B. Cameron

This book was an incredible read. Harry Fox is a Queen's Own veteran (I play flute and piccolo in the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Band and Bugles)and I have met him on several occasions. In his early 90s, Harry is still as sharp as ever. Captain Cameron was the Padre of the Queen's Own until recently.

Even though Harry went to Italy (hence the term D-Day Dodgers) with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment (Farley Mowat's regiment) he never forgot his roots with the Queen's own and went back to them for one year following the war. He retired from active military service in 1947. After many years away he returned to the Queen's Own Rifles Association and has been active with them ever since.

This book is an amazing account of near misses. Because a Regimental Sargent Major (RSM) has many responsibilities, Harry seemed to be everywhere at once, always just missing the shot that seemingly had his name on it. He recieved the Order of the British Empire (MBE) citation for maintaining Tactical Headquarters (to supply ammunition) extremely close to the front line. He is funny and serious, always a gentleman. After years of telling his stories on Sunday afternoons at the Queen's Own Legion on Lakeshore, Capt Cameron suggested writing it all down.

As we move further and further away from this time in our history, and as our vets diminish in numbers everyday, we need to think about how we are going to remember. Once a year for two minutes at 11:00am on 11/11 is not enough. In our society of followers, what would most people do if asked to die for what they believed in? Is there anything we believe in that strongly anymore?

So near yet so far...

3 more days at Howe!!!

Still trying to get the last essay for my course done, but it is really hard to motivate myself especially since I don't need this French qualification for my new music job.

Went to Masa last night, love the food there. It's a Japanese dim sum type restaurant where you check things off and they bring them to your table. But because it is a buffet price they charge you for wastage. That's where I like dim sum better. Because you pay for the individual piece orders, if you order too much, you can take it home.

I can't believe how much is going on this weekend...

Pride - I usually go, but there's just too much to do
TO Jazz Festival - I'm a volunteer and I have a shift from 3-7pm
Cousin's baby shower - can't go but will send gift

Crazy!

Been Waaaay Too Long

Well school is almost over, only 8 more days with the kids. Another day after that for a final staff meeting which will be at my new school. I'm looking forward to meeting the people I will be working with and I anticipate that I will be at this school for at least the 4 years of my 4 over 5.

Had my condo warming last night. It was a little more sparsly attended than had originally rsvp'd yes, but that's ok, because all of the important people were there! We had fun hanging out.

Disappointing that I had changed the date to accomodate the Poland trip, yet no one who is going on that trip made it.

I am still trying to get a last minute ticket to Belgium for my two friends weddings. If I do go, it will be from July 7th to Aug 4. I may go to England or Italy or both as well. Not sure yet. I do miss Europe though. It's been a while since I've been.

Still have to complete my FSL course which is weighing a bit heavily on the mind.

Back to work!

Rainy Saturday

I feel a little stressed and over busy.

Had a great de-stresser today. Went to a quaint little manicure spa with Amy to finally use my gift certificate from my birthday in November. Very relaxing.

Did some shopping at H&M (I love that store, when I was in England I shopped there all the time!) according to the what not to wear book. Was money well spent and came away with some great pieces.

Big news! I have a new job! I'm so excited. It's a full time vocal music job, K-6. It's also closer to home which is great.

Have been marking, but am still behind. Have to get to it, report cards are due on June 9th! Also have to work on my French course inquiry, which is proving to be very time consuming. It's also hard to be motivated, when I know I won't be teaching French next year, and don't really need the course. But I was so close to finishing it and it will guarantee that I am more marketable for future teaching jobs. Music and French is a good combination.

Looking forward to my condo warming, but am concerned that more people have not responded. I really need to know numbers for the catering.

Am looking forward to the summer, but not as much as I thought I would be. I know this has to do with the fact that 5 months later, I still have dehabilitating pain and swelling due to my ankle injury. After doing some research on the net and talking to others who have had it done, I am going to talk to my Orthopedic Surgeon (have an appointment on June 12) about hardware removal. Hopefully after the pain and discomfort associated with the surgery itself has cleared up, the chronic pain will be gone.

Trying to eat more healthily, so am doing a lot more cooking. It's exciting to make food, but I need some more creative ideas!

American Idol Final

Very boring.

Why do they do the same songs!!!

Taylor is going to win. Go Taylor!

I like Katherine, but I don't believe she gave it enough oomph to win it. She will have a decent career though, she has a great set of pipes.

Yay! Canadian idol is starting next week!

Happy Victoria Day!

Am going to watch the fireworks from my rooftop tonight. It's sort of an experiment, and plus I don't want to trek all the way to the beach tonight.

I found out the name of the 4th book, but it's not out until January 9th, 2007. Which means the library won't get it until quite some time after that.

Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood.

Been listening to the new Shakira, it makes me want to dance!