Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs and Classical Music
Blair Tindall
A really interesting mix of personal memoir and facts about the evolution of American classical music making and it's patrons over the past 30 years. Writen by Blair Tindall, an freelance oboist, it contains some shocking revalations about the industry. She definitely damaged her career early on by sleeping with most of her contemporaries. If you love classical music and like a good racy story read this! The statistics are a little dry at times, but they don't make up too much of the book.
The First Assistant: A Continuing Tale from Behind the Hollywood Curtain
Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare
The follow up to The Second Assistant was just as fun. The main character can be a tad annoying, but overall, I enjoyed it. All the major plotlines were resolved from the first book and there were a couple of surprises as well.
The Journals of Knud Rasmussen
Beautiful and poetic film about the Inuit just before Christian infiltration. Shot mainly in Iniktitut with some English and Danish it is sometimes hard to follow, but very magical. The nomadic shaman and his family seem out of this world and the cinematography is stunning. It has so many layers it will take many viewings to catch all the subtlties. Interestingly, the film is set in 1922, but you would never know it as the scene has a timeless quality, a circle complete.
Mine are Spectacular!
Lynn Schnurnberger and Janice Kaplan
This book was really fun. The characters are in their 40s, but the plotlines are still accessible. Of course, the NYC setting adds to the fun. Apparently there's a smash hit out there called The Botox Diaries by the same authors that preceeds this one. I've noticed a trend in double authors in a lot of the books I've read in this genre. I wonder why that is?
Three Black Skirts: All you need to survive
Anna Johnson
It took me a while to read this book. It falls into the self help category and covers a lot of things, from relationships, to physical and mental health, to decorating or your inner spirit. There's a lot of good advice in here, although towards the end the author gets a bit preachy. It's definitely worth a read if you feel that some or all aspects of your life have hit the rails.
The Second Assistant: A Tale from the Bottom of the Hollywood Ladder
Clare Naylor and Mimi Hare
This was really great. I'm so glad there is a sequel and I am able to read it right away. Hilarious day to day story of being an assistant to a Hollywood agent. There is a lot of name dropping as well as thinly veiled references to bad tempered, or nutty celebrities. The herione is plucky, in a klutzy, always doing the wrong thing kind of way, and the novel is quite fast paced. A great beach/subway read.
The Queen
Really interesting. About Queen Elizabeth II the week following Diana's sudden death in 1997. The actors playing the different famous roles (the Queen, Prince Charles, the Queen Mum, Tony Blair etc) were not camp and really did a wonderful job. I've always really liked Helen Mirren as well, and she was phenomenal as the Queen. The film used live footage of the U.K.'s outpouring of grief as well as numerous television and newspaper clippings of the real Diana. I still remember where I was (partying before the start of 4th year at McMaster) when the news broke. The film is a tad slow paced, but has some great moments.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Diagnosis in at last...
Well, I have enough distance now to effectively blog about this. I have been diagnosed with early inflammatory arthritis. This is often the pre-cursor to Rheumatoid Arthritis, but is not always. Treatment is the same for all types of inflammatory arthritis, which is an auto-immune disorder. Basically the body thinks that the joints are invasive and sets the immune system on them to take take them out. Swelling and stiffness are the result and if left untreated can spread to organs and eventually kill you. Onset is anywhere between 25 and 45 and is often caused by extreme stress. My doctors think that my ankle break and the resulting stress had something to do with it.
The Good News
My sister was diagnosed with RA 13 years ago so I know a fair amount about the disease and it's treatment.
I've only had symptoms for three months and my rheumatologist specialises in early detection.
The cortiso-steroids that have been injected into my muscles are relieving some of my symptoms.
I feel better than I have in a long while and the pain in my right knee is completely gone.
The Bad News
I start a very aggressive drug treatment tomorrow with three DMARDs which are disease modifying drugs. The goal is to shove it into remission. I will have to get my liver and eyesight checked regularly as damage to them are potential though rare side effects.
The cortiso-steroids are supposed to take away all the symptoms not just some. My doctors tell me that sometimes it can take longer for them to go away, so I'm hoping I just have to wait a little longer. Right now, my fingers and wrists are the worst off, with my toes and ankles a close second.
So there it is. I hopeful that the drugs will do their job and I will feel back to normal and be able to resume normal activities. The DMARDs don't take effect for at least three months, so it'll be a bit of a wait yet. Wait and see and remain positive, that's my goal.
The Good News
My sister was diagnosed with RA 13 years ago so I know a fair amount about the disease and it's treatment.
I've only had symptoms for three months and my rheumatologist specialises in early detection.
The cortiso-steroids that have been injected into my muscles are relieving some of my symptoms.
I feel better than I have in a long while and the pain in my right knee is completely gone.
The Bad News
I start a very aggressive drug treatment tomorrow with three DMARDs which are disease modifying drugs. The goal is to shove it into remission. I will have to get my liver and eyesight checked regularly as damage to them are potential though rare side effects.
The cortiso-steroids are supposed to take away all the symptoms not just some. My doctors tell me that sometimes it can take longer for them to go away, so I'm hoping I just have to wait a little longer. Right now, my fingers and wrists are the worst off, with my toes and ankles a close second.
So there it is. I hopeful that the drugs will do their job and I will feel back to normal and be able to resume normal activities. The DMARDs don't take effect for at least three months, so it'll be a bit of a wait yet. Wait and see and remain positive, that's my goal.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Happy Turkey Weekend!
After deciding that I was in too much pain to wait until my specialist appointment, I went to Emergency at St. Mikes. Spent a long time there, as I expected, but I was lucky to have company. For which I was very grateful, as the hospital hardly tops anyone's list as a great way to spend a day. I left with a prescription for an anti-inflammatory and have been feeling a lot better. I am still somewhat achy, but not in the dehabilitating way. I am looking forward to going to school tomorrow without the major pain I've been dealing with so far. In the long term, anti-inflammatories are really bad for you, but in the short term, I'm glad I have drugs.
Had a great day on Sunday, with two, count em, two turkey dinners. Met some lovely people and had a very relaxing rest of the weekend. And it's a four day week this week! Whahoo!
Had a great day on Sunday, with two, count em, two turkey dinners. Met some lovely people and had a very relaxing rest of the weekend. And it's a four day week this week! Whahoo!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Overdue Update
I was looking over my blog and realised that I haven't updated anything about myself lately.
Health
Adequate to poor. I still have low grade laryngitis which has been going on for almost 2 months. I am calling my doctor to get an ENT specialist referral. Although my ankle has responded really well to the health care regime I started in the summer, I have had some setbacks. I developed compensation pain in my left knee due to the stress I put on it while favouring my right ankle. I have also developed some sort of condition where I get random pain in all different parts of my body. It is at times in my feet, ankles, calves, shoulders, forearms, upper arms, neck and jaw. A few knuckles are swollen and there are some very tender points near joints. I had a preliminary test that showed positive for the marker for rheumatoid arthritis. This was very scary, as my sister has suffered tremendously with the disease for a number of years. There are many diagnosises being bantered around including Fibromyalgia, arthritis and other inflammatory ailments. There is some agreement that it is temporary due to the extensive trauma with the ankle break. Apparently it is common in accidents and other major injuries that your body chemistry changes and sometimes triggers latent ailments. I have an appointment with a rheumatologist on October 18th, so hopefully I'll learn more then.
Work
I love my new job! It is lots of fun. I have to be the total singing dancing clown, so it's like performing for a rapt audience every class. Do I wish my voice was all there? Of course, but I can't really do anything about it, so between that and my dysfunctional body, I am not performing my job to the utmost of my ability, but am doing my very best. I can't wait to get healthy and really kick a** at a job that I love and know that I am good at. My assignment is mostly primary, so I am having tons of fun. Little kids are hilarious and great to watch learn and grow. It's not always roses, as they have little self control and take forever to learn routines, but still love you unconditionally no matter how often you have to talk to them about their behaviour.
Dating
I really don't use this blog to openly discuss this topic, but it is part of my update so I am including it sparingly. After what seems like eons of bad dates I have actually had a number of good ones with the same person if you can believe it. Without reading too much into things and keeping my head on straight it's a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to what's next.
Home
Still need to paint! Still need to do the floors! Still need a shelving unit for the bathroom and a hutch for the dinning room. But I am still in love with my condo. I open the door at the end of the day and smile because I know that it's mine. Since I've become more mobile, I've had the opportunity to explore my neighbourhood and love it even more. There's so much to do, and the people watching is great.
Self
I've had to really make some major changes to my life. I am definitely doing too much and need to scale back. So I'm going to cut back on rehearsals and take more time for me. A few days ago I figured out that I don't really know how to relax. I thought it meant going strong until I burnt the candle at both ends down to a puddle of wax and then throwing myself on the couch and flaking in front of the television. Umm, not so much! Also, taking care of my spirit is really beneficial to my healing process. So time to learn to relax. Back to Yoga, more reading, aromatherapy baths, meditiation, I'll try most things as long as they are safe and doable.
All in all a pretty full update. Looking forward to what is going to happen in October!
Health
Adequate to poor. I still have low grade laryngitis which has been going on for almost 2 months. I am calling my doctor to get an ENT specialist referral. Although my ankle has responded really well to the health care regime I started in the summer, I have had some setbacks. I developed compensation pain in my left knee due to the stress I put on it while favouring my right ankle. I have also developed some sort of condition where I get random pain in all different parts of my body. It is at times in my feet, ankles, calves, shoulders, forearms, upper arms, neck and jaw. A few knuckles are swollen and there are some very tender points near joints. I had a preliminary test that showed positive for the marker for rheumatoid arthritis. This was very scary, as my sister has suffered tremendously with the disease for a number of years. There are many diagnosises being bantered around including Fibromyalgia, arthritis and other inflammatory ailments. There is some agreement that it is temporary due to the extensive trauma with the ankle break. Apparently it is common in accidents and other major injuries that your body chemistry changes and sometimes triggers latent ailments. I have an appointment with a rheumatologist on October 18th, so hopefully I'll learn more then.
Work
I love my new job! It is lots of fun. I have to be the total singing dancing clown, so it's like performing for a rapt audience every class. Do I wish my voice was all there? Of course, but I can't really do anything about it, so between that and my dysfunctional body, I am not performing my job to the utmost of my ability, but am doing my very best. I can't wait to get healthy and really kick a** at a job that I love and know that I am good at. My assignment is mostly primary, so I am having tons of fun. Little kids are hilarious and great to watch learn and grow. It's not always roses, as they have little self control and take forever to learn routines, but still love you unconditionally no matter how often you have to talk to them about their behaviour.
Dating
I really don't use this blog to openly discuss this topic, but it is part of my update so I am including it sparingly. After what seems like eons of bad dates I have actually had a number of good ones with the same person if you can believe it. Without reading too much into things and keeping my head on straight it's a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to what's next.
Home
Still need to paint! Still need to do the floors! Still need a shelving unit for the bathroom and a hutch for the dinning room. But I am still in love with my condo. I open the door at the end of the day and smile because I know that it's mine. Since I've become more mobile, I've had the opportunity to explore my neighbourhood and love it even more. There's so much to do, and the people watching is great.
Self
I've had to really make some major changes to my life. I am definitely doing too much and need to scale back. So I'm going to cut back on rehearsals and take more time for me. A few days ago I figured out that I don't really know how to relax. I thought it meant going strong until I burnt the candle at both ends down to a puddle of wax and then throwing myself on the couch and flaking in front of the television. Umm, not so much! Also, taking care of my spirit is really beneficial to my healing process. So time to learn to relax. Back to Yoga, more reading, aromatherapy baths, meditiation, I'll try most things as long as they are safe and doable.
All in all a pretty full update. Looking forward to what is going to happen in October!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
September 2006 Books
Bergdoff Blondes
Plum Sykes
So this book is actually too New York for me. It's all about the highest echelon of NY socialites and their daily lives. Too much money, to many inane worries (highlight touch ups every 13 days indeed!) and the narrator of the story makes some really dumb choices. I was actually getting as frustrated with her as I was with the girl in the shopaholic series for spending so needlessly. There are other, better books about the NY scene.
Rexy (a play)
Allan Stratton
Set in the years just before and during the second world war this play treats Mackenzie King's conscription decision. It's fast paced and an easy read, but if you don't know your Canadian history, a bit confusing. I laughed at the bits with King talking to his dead mother and dog, as it is often brought up in history books. Again, would love to see it in production.
The Undomestic Goddess
Sophie Kinsella
Ok, I'll admit, I'm a big fan of Kinsella's other novels so I was pretty sure I would like this one. Samantha, a lawyer at a pressure cooker firm in London, seemingly makes a mistake and runs away. She ends up at a house in the country and is mistaken for a housekeeper applicant. Of course she can't cook, clean or do any housekeeping type duties, hence the title. A nice frothy story that keeps you reading and even has a nice love story thrown in, like all Kinsella novels. I enjoyed it and was sorry when it ended.
The 101 Miracles of Hope Chance
Allan Stratton
This play is a little more time specific as it addresses the TV evangelist scams which were very prevalant in the 80's and early 90's. Ellen, a nurse, performs a miracle, and is scooped up by a tele-evangelist racket. I enjoyed the pace and thought the love story with the investigator (trying to bring down the crooks) an interesting twist. I also liked some of the subtle references to one of the evangelists being gay and so opposite to the fundamentlist point of view. Production please?
Everyone Worth Knowing
Lauren Weisberger
This is the Devil Wears Prada author's second outing. She definitely took this heroine in another direction and fleshing out her relationship with her parents and herself a lot more. Bette is stuck in a dead end job in a bank and up and quits. She finds work at a PR firm, where it quickly becomes her job to party and get her name in the papers whenever possible. Not as much NY stuff as I would like (fashion and place references) but still a good read. Not as good as Devil, but we'll see if they decide to make a movie out of it.
Citizen Girl
Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus
Second outing from the Nanny Diaries authors. Although the book was slow to start and I thoroughly dislike the way they name their main characters (Nanny in the Nanny Diaries and Girl in Citizen Girl) after a while the book grew on me. Girl is a 24 year old Feminine Studies Major trying to make it in NYC and having a really difficult time pitted against mysogynist bosses and inconsistant boyfriend behaviour. I don't believe the authors set out to write a feminist novel but it is definitely one. I was really surprised I like this one in the end, because I was ready to throw in the towel after a chapter. It's definitely worth a look.
Plum Sykes
So this book is actually too New York for me. It's all about the highest echelon of NY socialites and their daily lives. Too much money, to many inane worries (highlight touch ups every 13 days indeed!) and the narrator of the story makes some really dumb choices. I was actually getting as frustrated with her as I was with the girl in the shopaholic series for spending so needlessly. There are other, better books about the NY scene.
Rexy (a play)
Allan Stratton
Set in the years just before and during the second world war this play treats Mackenzie King's conscription decision. It's fast paced and an easy read, but if you don't know your Canadian history, a bit confusing. I laughed at the bits with King talking to his dead mother and dog, as it is often brought up in history books. Again, would love to see it in production.
The Undomestic Goddess
Sophie Kinsella
Ok, I'll admit, I'm a big fan of Kinsella's other novels so I was pretty sure I would like this one. Samantha, a lawyer at a pressure cooker firm in London, seemingly makes a mistake and runs away. She ends up at a house in the country and is mistaken for a housekeeper applicant. Of course she can't cook, clean or do any housekeeping type duties, hence the title. A nice frothy story that keeps you reading and even has a nice love story thrown in, like all Kinsella novels. I enjoyed it and was sorry when it ended.
The 101 Miracles of Hope Chance
Allan Stratton
This play is a little more time specific as it addresses the TV evangelist scams which were very prevalant in the 80's and early 90's. Ellen, a nurse, performs a miracle, and is scooped up by a tele-evangelist racket. I enjoyed the pace and thought the love story with the investigator (trying to bring down the crooks) an interesting twist. I also liked some of the subtle references to one of the evangelists being gay and so opposite to the fundamentlist point of view. Production please?
Everyone Worth Knowing
Lauren Weisberger
This is the Devil Wears Prada author's second outing. She definitely took this heroine in another direction and fleshing out her relationship with her parents and herself a lot more. Bette is stuck in a dead end job in a bank and up and quits. She finds work at a PR firm, where it quickly becomes her job to party and get her name in the papers whenever possible. Not as much NY stuff as I would like (fashion and place references) but still a good read. Not as good as Devil, but we'll see if they decide to make a movie out of it.
Citizen Girl
Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus
Second outing from the Nanny Diaries authors. Although the book was slow to start and I thoroughly dislike the way they name their main characters (Nanny in the Nanny Diaries and Girl in Citizen Girl) after a while the book grew on me. Girl is a 24 year old Feminine Studies Major trying to make it in NYC and having a really difficult time pitted against mysogynist bosses and inconsistant boyfriend behaviour. I don't believe the authors set out to write a feminist novel but it is definitely one. I was really surprised I like this one in the end, because I was ready to throw in the towel after a chapter. It's definitely worth a look.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Out of Africa
What a beautiful movie. I feel like the last person in the world to see it. It's about a Danish woman who makes a marriage of convenience to become a Baroness and runs a coffee farm with her philandering husband. She meets and falls in love with Robert Redford, who is a very complex character. Esentially a love story, the romantic interests are actually secondary to all the characters' relationships with Africa. I hadn't even heard of it, until I watched Sex and the City, and Steve wanted to wash Miranda's hair, just like Robert Redford washed Meryl Streep's in Out of Africa. I have always loved Meryl, but I'm officially now going to watch every film she has ever made that I haven't already seen. She is brilliant. I am so envious of her ability to master any accent. Her Danish accented public school girl English was so believable it was uncanny to watch. It's too bad Redford has no accent whatsoever. They really should have made him an American, when it was so obvious he has no capacity for accents. The cinematography is breathtaking, and because of the time setting, you actually forget that it was made in the 80's. The only time you can tell is when they super impose shots on other backgrounds. Modern cinema technology is much better at it now. An absolute must see!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
First week at school
My first week was mixed.
Really good because I love my new job, the kids are great so far, the staff is really fun and I am doing music and drama.
Not as good because I have bursitis in my left knee, due to 9 months of supporting my bum right ankle. There is no elevator at school and I am constantly going up and down stairs as my music room is in the basement, the kindergarten classes are on the main floor and my desk is in a small room on the second floor. I also still do not have my voice back, and it's really hard to sing.
Even though I know I am being too hard on myself I can't help but think that I could be doing an even better job if I were 100% healthy. I love my job so much I just want to do it to the best of my ability.
My physio therapist says it will take time, and I know he is right. But I'm just impatient to feel like me again.
Really good because I love my new job, the kids are great so far, the staff is really fun and I am doing music and drama.
Not as good because I have bursitis in my left knee, due to 9 months of supporting my bum right ankle. There is no elevator at school and I am constantly going up and down stairs as my music room is in the basement, the kindergarten classes are on the main floor and my desk is in a small room on the second floor. I also still do not have my voice back, and it's really hard to sing.
Even though I know I am being too hard on myself I can't help but think that I could be doing an even better job if I were 100% healthy. I love my job so much I just want to do it to the best of my ability.
My physio therapist says it will take time, and I know he is right. But I'm just impatient to feel like me again.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
On the eve before the first day of school
1 part new job
1 part new school
1 part excitement
1 part aprehension
Mix and you have a gal who is ready to go back to work, but at the same time hoping that the kids are ready to learn and the staff/admin are good.
Cover me....I'm going in!
Wheeeeeeeee!
1 part new school
1 part excitement
1 part aprehension
Mix and you have a gal who is ready to go back to work, but at the same time hoping that the kids are ready to learn and the staff/admin are good.
Cover me....I'm going in!
Wheeeeeeeee!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
I nearly died laughing...
when I read this on one of the dating sights I surf from time to time.
"Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But I can usually shut the b*tch up with cookies." - unknown
"Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But I can usually shut the b*tch up with cookies." - unknown
Friday, September 01, 2006
Thursday, August 31, 2006
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.
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.
Friday, August 25, 2006
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! :)
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! :)
Thursday, August 24, 2006
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!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
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.
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.
Monday, August 14, 2006
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.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
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.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
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.
Monday, July 31, 2006
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
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.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
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.
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.
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