August 2007 Books and Movies

Fluke
Christopher Moore

Took a while to get into (I can see why Mike gave up on it halfway through) but then, wham, it turns into a classic Chris Moore gem. The stuff this guy comes up with. Whale ships? Whaley boys? Goo? What a great ride. Oh, and I learned a lot about cetacean biology too! Makes me want to go out and watch whales. A solid book.

Mostly Martha

Ok, so what I wrote about No Reservations, double and triple the praise for Mostly Martha which is the original German film that was remade. Absolutely brilliant! The simple nuanced acting, the location and the food preparation/presentation make it great to watch. I wish I had seen this first, because I wanted to be surprised by the plot, but it was still good.

The Simpsons - The Movie

Much funnier than I thought it would be! Sort of like watching an extended episode on the big screen, but I laughed quite a bit. It would have been just as good as a rental. No need to see it on the big screen. The nudie Bart skateboarding scene was hysterical.

No Reservations

Very cute. Not always a fan of rom coms but this one was better than most. I really like the little girl, Abigail Breslin, who was in Little Miss Sushine. I almost always enjoy Catherine Zeta Jones and have always loved, Patricia Clarkson, ever since I saw her as Ruth's sister in Six Feet Under. Laughed and even cried a litte, and that, for me, is always a sure sign of a good movie.

The Bourne Ultimatum

Very cool. Ties the story together nicely with a tonne of action. Matt Damon is great and it was nice to see Julia Stiles. I read that she was off the scene for a little while doing indies, producing and directing. It's helpful to see the other two movies in the to make sense of the plot. Go see it!

July 2007 Books and Movies

North Country

Wow, what a movie. Charlize Theron is amazing. My stomach curdled at the abuse and harrassment suffered by these women who were only trying to earn a living. They were increadibly strong to stay at the mine when no one would stand up for them. Woody Harrelson was somewhat of a weak link for me but Frances McDormand was spectacular. I've loved her ever since I saw Fargo. This film made me very glad that I am living in the present and can only hope that the emancipation of women moves ever forward.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
J.K. Rowlings

This book was all I could have asked for and more. J.K. Rowlings tied everything together, answered all my questions and brought in aspects from the other books. The ending was spectacular and I'm double crossing my fingers that she has left the door open for more. I think she has, but one never knows. I'm sad and happy at the same time because the book journey is over, but there are still two more movies to go. I was so glad that she made Snape a sympathetic character in the end, I really didn't want to hate him. The book droops a little in the middle but bounces back and steamrolls to the end after the appearance of the silver doe. I read it to the exclusion of all else, staying up through the night to finish. My first instinct was to pick it up and read it again. I think I'll go back to the begining and read from one to seven in order.

You Suck
Christopher Moore

Well it shouldn't have come as a surprise to me, after not loving Bloodsucking Fiends, that I wouldn't love You Suck. I know, I must be one of the few people on the planet who feels this way. It's not that I didn't like it, it was a good read, I just wasn't as into the characters. I much prefer the residents of Pine Cove to the San Fran crowd, I think. There were definitely some laugh out loud parts, I'd like to see a story centred around Abby Normal and her friend Lily, the girl who works for Charlie Asher in a Dirty Job. In fact, bring them up to Pine Cove, and throw in the Lust Lizard and the Stupidest Angel, now that would be funny!

Ratatouille

Absolutely one of the best movies I've seen this summer. In typical Pixar fashion, the words are for adults and the action is for kids. I'm not a huge fan of rats, but I found Remy cute. Loved Janeane Garofalo, as always. Great cooking and a Paris backdrop just topped it off. Go see it!

Blood Sucking Fiends
Christopher Moore

I knew it would happen eventually, that I would come across a Moore book that just didn't do it for me as much as the other. That being said, I still read it cover to cover in a matter of days. I think I just don't really like vampire lore too much. Although, reading this book made me realise that the mysterious woman buying up all the soul vessels in a Dirty Job was Jody. She and C. Thomas Flood are an odd couple but they really love each other. I'm starting to enjoy the Emperor a lot more. There were quite a few funny scenes, the turkey bowling made me laugh out loud! Looking forward to the sequel, You Suck, to see what happens next.

Harry Potter - The Order of the Phoenix

Loved, loved, loved this movie! It was all that I expected and more. I was a bit nervous about it because the book is so long, but the director really managed to convey all the important parts of the story in just over two hours. The additional casting was amazing, look for Helena Bohnam Carter to knock your socks off. They just got it so right. I will be seeing it again and again, and anxiously awaiting it's arrival on DVD. One of the best HP films so far.

The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove
Christopher Moore

Okay, I'm starting to sound like a broken record. I love this guy. This book was laugh out loud funny especially the weird, twisted encouters between Molly Michon and the Sea Beast. Where does he come up with this stuff? Again, love the fact that he uses the same characters from other novels, but especially the fact that you don't have to read them in order to understand the relationships. I first encoutered the characters from Pine Cove in The Stupidest Angel, but this book takes place before then. Great read, so funny and I was shocked at some of the things that made me laugh. I guess I'm a little twisted after all!

Sicko

Brilliant! I love Michael Moore films. I know he can be manipulative to the extreme sometimes, but to be honest, I enjoy the ride. I don't want to give to much away, but leads with some of the salient points from his previous films, profiles some of the better healthcare systems in the first world (of which Canada is one) and highlights a number of deficits in the American system. He uses a lot of humour to diffuse the tension, as always, but I found that I really laughed out loud at some parts.
Another great one from Mr. Moore.

The Odd Couple (1968)

I can't believe I have never seen this movie! So funny! I love Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau and have seen most of their later films. Grumpy Old Men is one of my favorites. The characters are perfect foils for one another and Neil Simon is a great playwright. I'm glad I turned on the TV by chance. Turner Movie Classics is a great channel, no commercials and really great movies.

Arthritis Update

Haven't posted about this in a while, but it's because I've been feeling so much better. Still a touch stiff in the the mornings when I've not been getting enough rest or over exerting myself, but my pain is much diminished and my stomach is more or less back to normal. My last visit to Dr. Jamal on May 2nd saw an up in my dose of Methotrexate to one full cc. Generally, any new drugs/dosages take full effect in 3 months. My next appointment is July 31, so I still have almost a month to go. I'm hopeful that this will kick me over the edge into remission as my wrists are the only joints that are swollen. I still can't weight bear though, which is disappointing. I went for a mini run (30 minutes) of 2s and 1s on the treadmill yesterday and survived. The bursitis in my left knee has flared up though, so I think running is still not yet in the cards. Oh, well, back in the pool I guess. I've found that I'm able to bike ok, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it everyday. Still in the testing stage. All in all, good progress made and keeping positive about maximum improvement.

Great Canada Day long weekend!

Friday Night:

Volunteered at the Delfeyeo Marsalis/ Joshua Redman show at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival. Got to meet Delfeyeo, he was very nice. What a player, he did this magical rendition of What a Wonderful World, it was stunning. Then went on to The Rex to see Emilie Claire Barlow. What a show! She is one of my favorite singers, I just loved her rendition of Gentle Rain.

Saturday

Went to Gary's 60th bash in Port Perry. Great food, cute town, lot of fun. There is a minutures/dollhouse store there that I have to check out the next time I'm there.

Sunday

Played in a massed band to open the new BMO Soccer Stadium. Love cool gigs like this, where I get to go to places I wouldn't ordinarily be able to walk across. The field is really a great addition to Toronto's sports scene.

Monday

High tea at the Fairmont Royal York. Tres chic! They've gone back to a traditional tea, circa 1907. Until recently they've been doing an Asian Fusion tea that I had wanted to try, but maybe they'll bring it back someday. Nevermind, I love the trad tea so much and have only been to the one at the King Eddy. Afterwards, took a ferry ride to Centre Island and walked to Hanlan's Point. Haven't been to the islands in a while, so it was a lovely finish to the afternoon after all that rich tea food.

June 2007 Books and Movies

The Year of Yes
Maria Dahvana Headley

Great book about opening your mind and possibly finding love along the way. Many times during my LL adventures I had to remind myself that a date requires an open mind to see if anything is there. I admire her attitude and bravery, she certainly dated some unusual characters. A mime, a homeless guy who thought he was the re-incarnation of Jimi Hendrix, a 70 year old Salsa dancer who only spoke Spanish, to name a few. An intriguing, smart and humorously self-deprecating read. She must be one great playwright, can't wait to read some more of her work.

Knocked Up

Pretty good, but be warned, the f-word is used ridiculously often and there are some very graphic scenes. They didn't quite get the balance right between the humour and the drama. Katherine Heigle was good, it was weird to see her playing a character other than Izzy Stevens. Not as good as The 40 Year Old Virgin but there were some really great moments.

The Stupidest Angel
Christopher Moore

Loved it!!!! Funny, strange, disturbing, kooky and fantastic. I love, love, love this writer. I am a little obsessed... :) Can't wait to read everything else he's written, especially the ones that feature characters that are in this book. I'm one of those strange people who doesn't think that Xmas is the greatest holiday, usually, I am done with it almost before it starts. I don't want to give anything away, but Santa takes a shovel upside the head to kick things off. It's fairly short and a really easy read so go read it!

It's the Little Things...

Yessssss! Ms Vickie's has introduced a new flavour of chips, "aged cheddar and spring onion". Seven years after discovering Walkers Cheese and Onion crisps in the UK, and only getting to taste them once in a while from the great import shop in downtown Oakville, they are on regular shelves. But, of course, only in moderation! Very tasty...try them out!

May 2007 Books and Movies

Pirates of the Carribean: World's End

Finally, a 3rd sequel that was good! I have loved this entire series from the first movie. I think Orlando Bloom has something to do with it! :) This installment was a tad long at almost 3 hours and I would definitely recommend re-watching the first two movies before hand. I had no idea what was going on for the first half hour, they don't give you much back story. Keith Richards was freakin' hilarious. Even if you don't like the franchise, he'll make you laugh. If there was anyone who needed the least possible makeup to become a pirate, it's him. Stay until after the end credits for an extra scene, it's actually relevant, unlike the one at the end of Pirates II. When it comes out on DVD, it'll be cool to watch the three back to back.

A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland Indiana
Haven Kimmel

Great throwback memoir to a quieter time. Kimmel is a master of metaphor and descriptive writing. It's a little sleepy to start but as you move through the book, the characters are fleshed out and the it starts to roll along. I was actually surprised when it ended, I was expecting more. Not for everyone, especially if you want a hectic plot, but for those of us who love language, it's a treat.

A Dirty Job
Christopher Moore

Love it, loved it, loved it! Took a little while to get into, because I didn't get some of the death lore in the begining, but the story explains what it's talking about so well, that it all started to make sense. Funny, laugh out loud at times, disturbing and creative, from his creative metaphors to his descriptions of San Francisco this guy is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I also really like the way he brings minor characters from previous novels into subsequent storylines. Minty Fresh, a great lesser character from Coyote Blue has a much larger role as a Death Merchant in this one. The fact that the evil forces of darkness are funny is great. Loved Charlie Asher and the whole concept of the Beta Male. A definite must read.

Shrek the Third

Oh when will I ever learn that seqels usually suck! It wasn't walk out of theatre bad, but I hardly laughed at all. The new improved animation tricks were pretty cool. The jokes were almost all geared toward adults, I have no idea how a kid could find anything to laugh at, although maybe the sight gags were enough. Justin Timberlake was pretty awful. The original Shrek is still the best, but I know I would go to another one if it were made. I am such a sucker!

Spiderman III

Not as good as the first two. Still liked the first one the best. Too many villans, not enough plot, the usual contrivances. I don't even read the comic books and knew that it didn't ring true. Still like Toby and that Franco kid is pretty hot. The CGI stuff was cool, especially the black suit. I couldn't believe the age of some of the kids that were in the theatre. One of them, must have been around 3 or 4, fell asleep, the woke up with a start at a particulary violent part and started screaming. Poor kid, what were his parents thinking? Glad I saw it, but wouldn't see it again unless someone else chose to rent it as a dvd. Hopefully they'll stop at 3 and not kill it with a pointless 4th movie that has none of the original actors in it.

Hot Fuzz

Laugh out loud hilarious. Well worth the price of admission and a second screening! I'm not usually a big fan of gore, but this film was so funny that the blood didn't bother me so much. Really want to see Shaun of the Dead now, just for the two actors who pair up again in this movie. Apparently they are best friends in real life. I've always loved films set in the UK and the southern sleepy village chosen was perfect. The fast paced shots and camera movements were interesting although a little hard on the eyes. Great, definitely go see it!

A Good Ole Fashioned Drive In Movie!

I've only ever been to one drive in and that was in university for a 4 movie extravaganza. We stayed all night and fell asleep for parts of it. This time, we went to Pirates of the Carribbean - At World's End at the drive in on 9th line in Oakville. This place is like a time warp. You can tell it's been around for eons and the people who go there have been doing it in their families for generations. The theatre plays ads from the 50s for a retro kitch feel and the old listening posts have been left in place to mark the parking spots. Unfortunately, the invention of the hatchback SUV and minivan make for less than stellar viewing as ignorant and or rude people don't care if they are blocking anyone's view. It's cool that you pay for two movies, but in our case, the second one was a boring teen flick, so we left.

Even though it's almost the end of May, I'm going to include my review for Pirates III here:

Good special effects, great costumes, confusing plot (couldn't recall the last two movies that well, recommend you watch them beforehand if you have the time) and make sure you stay until the last of the end credits have played for an additional scene. There is an obvious opening for a fourth movie, but I can't imagine Johnny Depp would make that kind of artistic choice. It's pretty long at 2 hours and 50 minutes, which was not so fun while cramped in a car. One of these days I'll have to watch the three back to back on DVD just so I can follow the plot better. The first movie is still the best, as usual, but this third one was highly watchable especially with Orlando Bloom burning up the celuloid.

New Short Hair for summer!

Love this cut. It'll be nice not to have hair sticking to the back of my neck during the hot days of summer.

Gaaahhhh, what were they THINKING!

Melinda, Melinda, Melinda...you were robbed! By a youth obsessed culture (you are only 29 for crying out loud) with no taste. Jordan is clearly too young for her instant fame, and Blake would have made an excellent number 2 to your talent. It's a crying shame, the finale is going to be boring, dull and dismal. Hope you make an album! Although I have never bought any recording made by an Idol finalist, I would buy yours. Judge Jru will be so disappointed.

Facebook

The social networking site that has taken the world (and definitely Toronto - which has been named facebook captial of the world) by storm. Can't sleep and have a few things to get off my chest about it.

Positives:

Re-connect with old friends
Get updates on how people are doing
User friendly and a good way to while away time

Negatives:

Somewhat addictive
Feel like I'm in high school again, with all the people adding and deleting themselves on my list
Shocked by some of the people who are not interested in adding me as their friend, even though there is an obvious connection (well I guess to me, not to them).

I've thought about some stuff.

I am at the top of most people's lists because my last name starts with "A". When a person's pic and name come up every time you click on your friends list and you say "oh, I'm not really friends with her, why is she on my list again?", it's easy to hit delete.

I don't need to be e-friends with people who don't want to be e-friends with me. In fact I don't need to be friends with them in real life either.

I shouldn't take it to heart, there are always other reasons for things.

These are all good things to think about, and a healthy way to look at using a site that can at times be hurtful or confusing. Here's the thing though...I still feel bad when certain things happen. I need to look at the fact that this isn't necessarily the healthiest site to be participating on. But then again, lavalife was no picnic much of the time and I managed to get through that.

I'm just confused, frustrated, perplexed, wondering and flabbergasted at some of the facebook goings on.

Feel better now that I've vented.

April 2007 Books and Movies

Around the World in 80 Dates
Jennifer Cox

I knew I would like this book by the title. The combination of romance and travel is exhilarating and right up my alley. I didn't expect to love this book. Even though at times Cox is a bit repetitive, (eg: overuse of the word ubiquitous) her world wide search for a Soul Mate is great reading. She makes some important self discoveries that really resounded with me. Reading this book caused me to reflect on my own life, what I want, what I need and who I love. An absolute must read for anyone, with or without a soul mate. Not too girly, so men will find it accessible, and doesn't read like a guide book. Really enjoyed it!

The Hopeless Romantic's Handbook
Gemma Townley

I really like this author, but this was not one of my favorite books. It was funny, and I zipped through it, but not with the same enthusiam. I didn't really get into the character of Kate, and knew from the first page who she was going to end up with in the end. I really hate predictability in books. I did enjoy the reality/home makeover show story line, which placed the story firmly in this decade. The sub plots seemed gratuitous and resolved themselves a little too compactly. All in all, too formulaic.

Forever in Blue: the Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood
Ann Brashares

Final installment of this series. With all the hype, I was expecting it to be a nice rounded off ending for the four girls. In reality it seemed like an open ended book, that invited a sequel, even though the author has said this is definitely the end of the series. Just seems a bit commercial to me. The girls' characters weren't really as fleshed out as they had been in the past, and the pants weren't as important to the story line. Carmen didn't even get a romantic storyline, which seemed strange. It seemed that the series had already finished with the 3rd book and this last one was written because of fan pressure and for money.

Coyote Blue
Christopher Moore

Weird. Good. Weird. Funny. Definitely weird. This guy is some author. I'm looking forward to reading more from him. I really liked the native trickster storyline and absolutely laughed out loud at some parts. Really quick-paced and cerebral. I also liked the darkness, which surprised me. Maybe I do have a touch of goth in me after all.

Clerks (DVD)

I can't believe I had never seen this movie! It was hilarious! I loved the low budget look, fast dialogue and general quirkyness. I've seen other Kevin Smith features and really liked them. I heard that Clerks II wasn't quite as good, we'll see. Loved the line "I'm not even supposed to be here today!", cracked me up everytime. The dead guy tenting made me laugh out loud. Saturday morning well spent...thanks Janet!

The Culture Code - An Ingenious Way to Understand Why People Around the World Live and Buy as they Do
Clotaire Rapaille

As far as convenient theories for the masses go, this one was pretty interesting. Rapaille asserts that consumers buy products based on applied codes from their subconcious. Born in France, he considers himself an American so the majority of codes are for these two countries. Some of the more interesting ones are these:

American Code for Sex = VIOLENCE
American Code for Food = FUEL
American Code for Fat = CHECKING OUT
American Code for Health = MOVEMENT
American Code for the American Presidency = MOSES

Here's an interesting comparison:

American Code for the USA = FREEDOM
Canadian Code for Canada = TO KEEP (our culture from changing)

It was a fast entertaining read, especially when Rapaille found ways to make everything fit jigsaw like into his theory.

Shopaholic and Baby
Sophie Kinsella

Waaaa! I love this series and was left with a ho hum feeling after this installment. As much as I hate to admit it, I think the Becky (nee Bloomwood) Brandon story is just about done. Things were much more exciting when you wanted to yell at the pages of the book when she was spending out of control. Now her and Luke are so well off, it doesn't seem like her spending is too bad. Kinsella is in good form as ever, the writing is tight and the story spins its tale well. I think, like the heady feeling of a first kiss, the first book is in a league of its own and won't be topped no matter how many books come afterwards. Still enjoyable and still will read anything this author commits to print.

Reign Over Me

Love Don Cheadle and he didn't disappoint. Adam Sandler often pulls off dramatic roles, I really liked him in Punch Drunk Love and The Wedding Singer. Here he plays a man who has lost his entire family in 9/11 and has disconnected from the rest of the world. He meets up with Cheadle, who was his college roomate and begins to re-enter the world again. I don't want to give away too much, but parts of it are really sad. Bring tissues!

Wild Hogs

Stupid, stupid, William H. Macy is always good, stupid. That about sums this movie up. Laughed a few times, but not enough to make it worth a look in the theatre. Rent it if you must...

Zlata's Diary - A Child's Life in Wartime Sarejevo
Zlata Filipović

Hailed as a modern day Anne Frank, this young girl chronicles 2 years of war in Sarejevo. Though not as compelling as Anne Frank, it is really interesting to read about a modern war and its effect on ordinary people. Both mature beyond her years and childlike in her simple mantra for peace and an end to war, Zlata draws you in, until you finish the diary. A good read for students grades 5-9, when studying the history of conflict.

Busy Concert Weekend

The choir I sing with, the Toronto Classical Singers (TCS) just finished our last concert of the season and it was a great way to end the year. We performed Ralph Vaughn Williams Sea Symphony, which took a lot of practice, but was well worth it in the end. I was starting to feel a little bored at the TCS, but if we continue to do challenging works like this, it should be much more interesting. Also my voice is getting better all the time, so that is injecting some much needed enthusiasm to my singing as well!

An Arty Weekend

This has been a great weekend full of dancing, music and theatre!

Went to a fundraiser show last night. Linda's cousin is a therapeutic clown who is going on a trip with Patch Adams (a doctor and performer) to Russia's hospices and orphanages. She got together a bunch of her performing friends at the Centre of Gravity (a local clown college) to put on a show. There were other fundraising initiatives, a 50/50 draw, a silent auction and a bake sale. Some performances were amazing (the acrobat who suspends herself using two pieces of silk strung from the ceiling and the didgeridoo player), some were heartfelt (singing and performance art) and some were hysterical (clowning around, some with fire!). The red nose is the smallest mask of all, just putting it on and turning around and looking at the audience can make them laugh. Add other gags and you'll have them rolling in the aisles. A therapeutic clown is slighter gentler, and much more interactive due to the nature of their audience. Anna (the person going to Russia) closed the show with a very funny skit. I loved the eclectic people who were both performing and audience members, the free space where everyone could be who they really were and most of all, the artistic energy. It made me realise how much I miss creating, performing and collaborating. The Centre of Gravity has a number of activities on during the week, which would be a great way to get back in the swing of things.

An Afternoon at the Theatre

Lucy
CanStage - Berkeley Street Theatre

Had the opportunity to see this show last minute and am I glad I did. Excellent cast, writing and topically relevant. The play explores autism and interaction with the story of an autistic child, Lucy, who moves in with her estranged mother. It was funny, touching and thought provoking. The actor playing Lucy (Meg Roe) was phenomenal. I'm looking forward to seeing her in other things. I found it very relevant because this year I have two autistic children in my classes. Autism is a broad spectrum exceptionality so these children respond to myself and my program in various ways and sometimes not at all. I wish I had know about it beforehand, as I would have mentioned it to others at school. A very enjoyable Saturday afternoon.

Cache at Lula Lounge

Went to see my friend Yannick play in his latin jazz band Cache at Lula Lounge tonight. First time I'd ever been to Lula. I used to be pretty crazy into Latin dance, even was seriously taking lessons just before I went to England. I really love to dance still but find that my ankle just doesn't hold up as well, although it held up better than I thought. As usual, although there were a few good male dancers, most of the men were there with their wives/girlfriends and not the greatest dancers. That's the thing, for latin dance, you NEED a partner. Sure I danced by myself and had a good time, but it would have been nice to practise some things that I haven't done in a while such as cross body leads, twirls and dips. But the choice of partners always fall into two categories, scary good that I am too intimidated to ask to dance and really beginer who ask me and then there's no strong lead. Also because asking someone to dance in Latin culture is intrinsically NOT a come on, other men who don't understand this wonder why women don't want to dance with them. Oh for a moderately advanced latin male to dance with, who just wants to DANCE!

March 2007 Books and Movies

Freedom Writers Diary
How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them
The Freedom Writers and Erin Gruwell

Better than the movie. I really got into the students journal entries. Some of them were absolutely gut-wrenching. Gruwell's entries were preachy in tone, and a touch self righteous, which is how I felt about the depiction of Gruwell in the film. Good message and well written by the students who evidently learned a lot during the process. The end of the book contained a sneek preview of a memoir based on her first student teaching year at Wilson which was released the same time as the movie. A little too convenient, seemingly to capitalise on the envisioned sucess of the film. It's really great that all proceeds from the book are going to the non-profit organisation founded to re-create the Room 203 classroom environment.

700 Sundays
Billy Crystal

I have always loved this guy! The book is based on his eponymous stage show about the 700 Sundays Crystal spent with his father before he died. He also talks about his family life and early years. I wish I had seen the show, as I'm sure it was hilarious. The writing is fast paced, witty and heartwarming. The book is short but even if it were longer, it would be a quick read. I was amazed to read about some of the people he met, even before he was famous. He is connected to the jazz world through the family business of Commodore records which in itself is incredible. I definitely feel I know a lot more about how one of my favourite actors and commedians came by his love for the art of acting.

Breach

Interesting but not that well made. Gratuitous ending was lame! About the biggest breach in FBI history, an agent who leaked information to the former USSR for over 20 years. Chris Cooper and Laura Linney are great, and Ryan Phillipe was better than expected. I was glad to see Dennis Haysbert (David Palmer on 24) but wish he had a bigger role. To be honest I thought it would be much much better. Worth a DVD rental, but a little slow in parts.

Cinderella Was a Liar
Brenda Della Casa

Pretty good! The Cinderella analogy became very tiresome after oh, about page three, but once you got used to skimming over the constant references to maidens, princes, toads, slippers and cottages, the point of the book comes through loud and clear. Everyone has something to work on to be able to put their best foot forward in a relationship. There's points to be taken, no matter what stage you're at, from falling in love with yourself, to casual dating, to fledging relationships to heading toward significant commitment. Della Casa is a touch aggressive in tone, but it is with good intention. She really seems bent on waking up the masses. At times it borders on condescending, but I find that is true with a lot of self-help books. Worth reading for reflection and for the funny quotes at the end from the men she interviewed during research.

Real Women Have Curves (DVD)

Not so indie now that America Ferrera is a big star on Ugly Betty, but very watchable. The title is a bit strange because it suggests that thin women aren't real. The featurette talks about how the title is more a metaphor that real women curve off in different directions and don't always conform to what is suggested as acceptable in their time. I like that a lot. For me, the film is about acceptance for who you are whatever size. Very nice coming of age story set within Mexican-American culture. I saw a lot of similarities to Italian culture, especially when watching the over-bearing mother. I was really impressed with the acting and the simple yet powerful storytelling. The scene where they all take off their outerclothes is well done, but I couldn't help but notice that they had the biggest women wearing girdles. I'm curious as to if it is a neccesity for comfort or if it was an aesthetic choice by the director. The character Ana is very easy to identify with and the film is extremely strong because of this. Highly enjoyable.

Corktown Chamber Orchestra

Went to see my cousin Rebecca play tonight with her group. It was nice to go out and do something cultural, and as a bonus my other cousin, her sister Sarah, played as well. It was the CCO with three singer songwriters (including Sarah), a few staples of the chamber orchestra rep and an original composition from one of the viola players. The string arrangement the conductor wrote to go along with the first of Sarah's songs was beautiful. Especially the chord progression in the upper strings towards the bridge. I suggested she should record that version and put it on her next album along with the original. Looking forward to the next concert in May!

Being sick is no fun...

Picked up some kind of bug from the kiddies then passed it to Mike. I'm sure he thanks me for that one! :) Not pleasant and a bit scary at times, as Mike was running a pretty high fever on Monday night. We got through it and are feeling better. It was comforting to have someone else, to look out for and to be looked out for by them. Glad we're on the mend!

Lovely Mini Break for March Break

Had a wonderful four day get-away holiday to Montreal and Ottawa with Mike.

Some of the highlights were:

Stayed at the Montreal Ritz-Carlton and ordered room service for the first time.


Went to see the very limited time and city Walt Disney exhibit at Le Musee des Beaux Arts.

(No pics allowed of the exhibit)

Had drinks at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.


Saw some amazing exhibits at the National War Museum.


It was a little cold...


...but we had a lot of fun!