Traffic Jams.
Red Lights.
Losing your keys.
Tripping.
Forgetting Something At Home.
Car Accidents.
Flat Tires.
Stomach Aches.
Being Broke.
Broken Hearts.
Getting Lost.
Sounds of laughter, shades of life are ringing through my open ears
September 29, 2007, 5:11 pm
Filed under: movie reviews
Filed under: movie reviews
The Beatles’ music has had a great effect on me throughout my life. From the day that I first discovered my dad’s old records in the garage, a love affair was born. Last night Kristina and I hit up The Paramount and watched Across The Universe. This beautiful film is almost a music video of sorts. It uses thirty three of The Beatles’ songs and director Julie Taymor’s unique visual style to illustrate both a personal love story and the overall conflict in the sixties.
What I enjoyed most was how the film reinterpreted and revealed new facets of these songs. It seemed to serve as a tribute to their breadth and greatness.
The true essence of the era is captured perfectly. I love period films, especially when the costuming and sets are flawless. This movie transports the viewer back in time and slices into the hearts and minds of the generation that changed a world.
The artistic beauty of this movie is something almost unmatched. The colors and the psychedelic sequences make for an amazing movie-going experience and well, the music speaks for itself.
Pure emotion. This is a definite must-see.
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You look just like…
The first time it happened, I was shopping with my friend Jenna and her kids at the mall. Over the last few weeks, it has continued to happen. I have been stopped countless times by little girls asking me, “Are you the girl from High School Musical?” or “Can I have your autograph, Ashley?”
Errr…who? So I had to check it out. Apparently, I look “just like the girl from High School Musical!” This girl, I discovered is Ashley Tisdale. It’s a compliment that these little cuties think I’m a superstar, and quite comical at the same time. It seems that I have a whole fan club of juniors. Turns out the”Celebrity Lookalike” application on Facebook thinks that I look like her too.
Maybe this will mean the end of my run as Chrissy Snow…I have forever been told that I look just like a young Suzanne Somers. When I wore my hair lighter especially, it would not be unusual for at least ten people to approach me to tell me this in one night out.
Who is your celebrity lookalike?
I’m sensitive and I’d like to stay that way
This has been one of those draining weeks that I have spent wondering when it’s going to end. Tonight, I was beyond happy to make some tea and collapse onto the sofa to watch the much anticipated season premiere of Grey’s Anatomy. After a letdown of a finale last spring, I didn’t have high hopes for the start of this season…but I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised. I got from tonight’s show what I always hope for in an hour of television; I laughed out loud, I cried like a baby and it made me think. What more can you ask for on a Thursday night?
On account of my extreme lack of motivation, and because my inbox was visited by the list fairy today, I decided to share my lists. Here goes:
My Favourites
- Flower: daisy
- Perfume: ‘Clean’
- Food: sushi
- Drink: iced tea with lots and lots of ice
- Song: ‘I Will’ by The Beatles…but so hard to pick just one
Pet Peeves
- People who don’t wave when you let them into traffic
- Bad spelling and grammar
- Overuse of “lol” online, come on! I know you’re laughing out loud!
- Pink, girly versions of team merchandise. Hello, pink is NOT one of the Canucks’ colours!
- Arrogance
Things I Like
- Opening up a brand new fashion magazine
- Hugs
- Songs with acoustic guitars
- Wandering around the city by myself
- Getting letters in the mail
I’m overrated, desecrated, still somehow illuminated, I know I’ve got a screw loose
I don’t know if my current mood is a result of the change of season and the recent gloomy weather, but tonight I am exhausted, emotional and uninspired. I’m having one of those days, I feel like I could cry at the drop of a hat. I have a migraine and I want to rip my eyeballs out of my head. Grrr. I have been so insanely busy lately that I feel like a crazed maniac. Too many messages that I haven’t returned, too many people I want to make time for…not enough hours in the day. I need to get it together before I become a mean, old hag. I’m trying to smile even though I want to crumble. Shake, some action’s what I need.
The Juice: Take Two
It wasn’t more than a few weeks ago that my best friend Edward was visiting from Paris. We sat around after dinner, reminiscing and drinking wine. We started talking about how much we loved to debate about current events and politics when we were in high school. In particular, he reminded me how obsessed I became back in 1994-95 with the O.J. Simpson trial. As I always tend to do when I become interested in something, I found every available resource that was relevant. I was 14 years old at the time and became completely enthralled with all the details of this case. I developed my own theories and arguments. I listened to every single word spoken in that courtroom and analyzed it. I became very familiar with all of main players: victims Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, plus Marcia Clark, Johnny Cochran, Chris Darden, Judge Ito, Kato Kaelin and Mark Furman, among others- and also with Mr. Simpson himself.
I read the book that O.J. wrote from jail, plus books written by Nicole Brown’s sister, by her best friend Faye Resnick, and countless others written about the case by lawyers and various experts. My television was pretty much permanently tuned into CNN that summer. When the trial went into the fall, I even had to call in sick for class the morning that the verdict was announced so that I would be able to watch it.
Being able to watch the court proceedings allowed a real glimpse into the case and I found it very interesting. Seeing the trial unfold with the whole media frenzy surrounding it was kind of like ‘reality television’ before its time.
When news broke recently that O.J. Simpson had been arrested again and may face life in prison for the ten charges against him in connection with an armed robbery and kidnapping incident in Las Vegas, of course Eddie e-mailed me right away, “So, you think he’s innocent again?”
I had to clarify. I have never said that O.J. is innocent. As a 14 year old, I said that I could prove that he is not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. My point was that the American Legal System says that an individual is “innocent until proven guilty.” In my opinion, nobody was able to prove that he is guilty.
What do I think now? Well, I think that he’s certainly got some anger issues and obviously, he has a violent past. There’s no arguing that. Maybe he did get away with murder. He really lost me when he wrote and published If I Did It last year, a book explaining how and why he would have committed these murders, had he been the actual murderer.
The week that the new allegations were announced, I tuned into an interview with Kato Kaelin on CNN. All the characters are re-emerging, most likely trying to get new book deals and schedule interviews with the National Enquirer. The whole thing is just so sensationalized (as much now as it originally was back when it all started with the Bronco chase). I saw an interview with Marcia Clark on Entertainment Tonight over the weekend as well; she had freshly bleached locks and looked to have just walked out of the botox clinic. All of this really does take away from the point, which is that two lives were maliciously ended and the person responsible was never convicted.
This whole new case is definitely fishy…a set up? I think it’s a possibility. All of the victims are serious criminals. It’s certainly a sketchy story. Whatever the truth is, the chances of O.J. actually getting sentenced to life in prison are I’m sure, about as likely as getting away with murder…oh, wait…
Perhaps I have missed my true calling as a criminal lawyer. Maybe it’s not too late…but I’ll only work for high profile celebrity clients. And I will only wear Prada suits when I’m in the courtroom.
Sunday Ticket
My Sunday was just what I needed; some quality father daughter time. I just love spending days with my dad. Today the two of us hit the road early in the morning and headed south for the border. We knew the lineups would likely be long on account of our currently strong Canadian dollar and we had to make it to the Qwest Field in Seattle in time for the Seattle Seahawks one o’clock kick off against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Thankfully, we arrived with plenty of time and headed straight into the madness. NFL football games truly have a culture all of their own. It never ceases to amaze me; adrenaline is pumping. Every single time that I attend a game in Seattle, I am astounded by the quality of the production as well as the intensity and loyalty of the Hawks’ fans. The pre-game tradition every week is a massive tailgate party; and let me tell you, these fans know how to party. It’s a total zoo. Trucks and trunks are open all around the venue. Music is blasting, beer is flowing, guys have barbecues set up in the parking lot and are cooking up and feasting on hot dogs everywhere you turn. You would be hard pressed to find somebody who is not wearing a Seahawks jersey, or hat or t-shirt; not to mention all of the people who are fully decked out, head to toe; including wigs, masks, face paint and in some cases, full out costumes. The energy and the atmosphere are indescribable. People are into it and you can feel it. My dad and I scarfed down the best hot dogs ever and took in the scene with an hour to kick off.
Making our way into the venue, we waited for the elevator to take us up to our club seats. Everybody packed in and up we went. On the way to our seats, we encountered several greeters and ushers for the building, and in my experience, everybody who works at Qwest Field is a character; they are all absolutely friendly and positively helpful but with many of them, you have to see the comedic possibility. I think that being in a place with such an enormous number of people from such a cross section; of all ages, races and genders is probably what makes ‘people watching’ at these events so priceless. I swear, I was writing skits for Saturday Night Live in my head all day long. Plus, I can always count on my dad to be able to read my mind to some degree in these moments so that makes it even more fun.
Once settled in and upon being introduced to all of my dad’s season ticket holding buddies who are in the seats around his, I was super excited for the show to begin. The thing about NFL football games, is that it doesn’t stop at the football. At Qwest Field, besides the men running around in tight pants and helmets showcasing their incredible athleticism, every game is also a production of fireworks and pyrotechnics, beautiful dancing Sea Gals, a marching band, a real live hawk and today…men jumping out of planes! Pre-game, they shot to live image of five guys in a plane above with cameras strapped to their heads and parachutes strapped to their backs. These guys then jumped from the plane; we could see their view on the big screen and they floated down. One by one, they came into view and landed on the field.
Then it was kick off…the game was thoroughly entertaining and what was possibly more entertaining than the game itself was watching the fan reactions when something exciting happened. A good play for the Hawks led to high fives and fist pumps plus hugs and kisses (in some cases quite lengthy make out sessions) all around. “Go Hawks Go” echoed through the building in waves. There is something very cool about all of these thousands of people coming together for a couple hours, forgetting their troubles in life and losing themselves in the game. There is a bond between fans that connects complete strangers. After four intense quarters of play, the Hawks managed to pull off a 24-21 victory over the visiting Bengals.
We capped off our day together with a stop in at The Outback Steak house for a scrumptious dinner and then headed back up north. The whole day was perfect. Thanks Dad!
Now I’m back at home, ready to get some much needed sleep so that I can face the week ahead. I couldn’t be more excited about my head hitting the pillow tonight.
London calling to the far away towns
September 22, 2007, 7:48 pm
Filed under: London Fashion Week, Luella Bartley, fashion, spring 07 collection
Filed under: London Fashion Week, Luella Bartley, fashion, spring 07 collection
Not so long ago, back in the year 2000, Luella Bartley was struggling to pay her rent. Now, she is right at the epicentre of fashion as one of the most cutting edge and talented designers in the world. Claiming to make “the kind of clothes you can get drunk and fall over in”, Luella’s first collection enjoyed rave reviews, with Kate Moss being counted among her biggest fans.
What I love about Bartley is that she always pushes the limits. Her clothes are provocative and a bit quirky. There is something fresh and a little off beat about Luella. Though her vision is eclectic, her clothes are wearable.
Since launching her line in 1999, the London-based designer has been creating effortless street-chic season after season. Her eternal muse is the rebel British “It” girl who can’t help but be adorable in her button-down shirts tucked into skintight jeans or layered under striped sweaters. Bartley mixes themes with élan: punk motorcycle jackets with gingham skirts; little black dresses with pearls for polka dots; preppy navy, red, and white. She also has an incredible accessories lineup of beautiful leather bags and shoes.
Last Monday, the “princess of pop-punk style”, made her London Fashion Week comeback, showing her Spring 2008 collection, which she described as “cartoon chic.”
Models came out in mod trouser suits emblazoned with Batman motifs, and Batman and Robin masks. Bartley used micro-floral prints, embellished with sequins for flirty dresses, short-sleeved shirts worn with high-waisted “cheeky-shorts” and tutu-skirts over tulle petticoats, all accessorised with multi-coloured, patent ankle-boots and platform shoes. The flower-power idea extended to lashings of fake plastic flowers that were appliquéd on to mini prom-frocks in taffeta, worn with matching capes. I imagined myself dancing around in these whimsical ensembles.
The newest collection is also inspired by Thora Birch’s geeky shabby chic character in the cult movie Ghost World. This is the second collection in a row where Luella has tossed around the geek chic theme; however, as geeky as Luella tries to be, she always manages to churn out the kind of clothes that cool girls want to wear.
Nothing To Hide
Matt played new tunes from Hospital Music, as well as old ones like Symbolistic White Walls, even resurrecting Fated from the limited edition Lo-Fi B Sides, which has been one of my personal favourites since I first heard him play it at Edgefest in ‘99. He also covered a Simon and Garfunkel tune, Keep The Customer Satisfied, especially for his dad. A highlight of the evening was his performance of my favourite song from the new record I’m A Window, in which he was joined on stage by his best friend and partner in crime, Mr. Rod Bruno. It was a very special moment in time.
September 21, 2007, 1:37 pm
Filed under: concerts, matthew good, music, nothing to hide, personal, reflections
Filed under: concerts, matthew good, music, nothing to hide, personal, reflections
Last night was truly a special evening- Matthew Good’s hometown send off show for the ‘Nothing To Hide Tour’ was one of his most amazing and dynamic performances that I have ever experienced (and as you all know, over the years I have seen Matt play many, many times). He entertained the sold out crowd at ‘The Centre’ for hours with his witty quips, incredible acoustics and astounding vocals. My friend and roommate Amy was my date for the show and we couldn’t believe how incredible our seats were. There we sat, in the second row, dead centre- which made the performance that much more intimate. The atmosphere, as always at Mr. Good’s shows, was exquisite. It was impossible not to feel the passion pumping through the veins of every single person inside the venue, it was amazing.
Matt played new tunes from Hospital Music, as well as old ones like Symbolistic White Walls, even resurrecting Fated from the limited edition Lo-Fi B Sides, which has been one of my personal favourites since I first heard him play it at Edgefest in ‘99. He also covered a Simon and Garfunkel tune, Keep The Customer Satisfied, especially for his dad. A highlight of the evening was his performance of my favourite song from the new record I’m A Window, in which he was joined on stage by his best friend and partner in crime, Mr. Rod Bruno. It was a very special moment in time.
Possibly my favourite thing about seeing Matt play live, especially in this kind of
acoustic setting all by himself, is hearing him interact with the audience and
listening to his comedic interludes. The man is utterly brilliant and completely hilarious; those of you that are addicted to his blog or have listened to any of his podcasts with Tony know this. I have always said that Matt Good is the kind of guy that his fans want to go out for a beer with (or a glass of wine, or cup of tea…) to shoot the shit, talk about life and politics and joke around with. Getting to know him on a personal level over the last while, and now calling him my friend, has proven this thought to be correct. His dry, sarcastic sense of humour appeals to me as much as his articulate lyrics and passionate songs do. He’s the whole package. You just can’t not love Matt Good and you honestly couldn’t find a more talented, down to earth and genuine guy. I’ve grown up being inspired by his work and his passion for what he does both creatively and politically. His new record Hospital Music is deeply personal- and a real tribute to the strength, courage and resilience that Matt has shown, especially over this difficult past year of his life. It was beautiful to hear to him share his story in this way.
acoustic setting all by himself, is hearing him interact with the audience and
listening to his comedic interludes. The man is utterly brilliant and completely hilarious; those of you that are addicted to his blog or have listened to any of his podcasts with Tony know this. I have always said that Matt Good is the kind of guy that his fans want to go out for a beer with (or a glass of wine, or cup of tea…) to shoot the shit, talk about life and politics and joke around with. Getting to know him on a personal level over the last while, and now calling him my friend, has proven this thought to be correct. His dry, sarcastic sense of humour appeals to me as much as his articulate lyrics and passionate songs do. He’s the whole package. You just can’t not love Matt Good and you honestly couldn’t find a more talented, down to earth and genuine guy. I’ve grown up being inspired by his work and his passion for what he does both creatively and politically. His new record Hospital Music is deeply personal- and a real tribute to the strength, courage and resilience that Matt has shown, especially over this difficult past year of his life. It was beautiful to hear to him share his story in this way.
It was also great to see fellow blogger and Matt Good fan Patz again, who came up to say hello after the show. Make sure that you click on over to his page to view the awesome photos that he took and read his review of the show called “Chocolate Milk and Crazy Straws.”
All in all, the night was flawless. As always, I had goosebumps the entire time.
Cheers Matty, and thanks for yet another incredible show. All the best on the road!
Photos courtesy of Jen on Flickr and Patz
Headlights before me, so beautiful, so clear, reach out and take it ’cause I’m tired of all this fear
Go Figure…
There’s a world outside yourself, where the trees keep growing and the cars keep moving without you there
Last week my office sent a group of us out for some “team building”…Friday morning, we got up bright and early, laced up our skate shoes and set off on a day trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Although I have grown up in the Lower Mainland, and I know full well that the famed bridge was visited by the exchange students who stayed with me from both France and Italy, I must admit that I had never myself been to visit this incredible site. The sun was shining brightly in the blue sky, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was very excited to check out this tourist attraction, nonetheless.
My pulse quickened as I stepped onto the swaying planks of the bridge. I could smell the cedar-scented rainforest air as I made my way across. I was quite shocked by how much it swayed and how difficult that made it to walk in a straight line; it shook even more as some of the people crossing it bounced back and forth, jumping from side to side. Suddenly a monotone voice boomed out, “Please do not shake the bridge” and as the shaking continued, she spoke again, “As I said, please do not shake the bridge. People who are afraid of heights do not find this funny.” The voice continued to speak, but the shaking did not stop. I was relieved when my foot touched solid ground again.
Once across the bridge, we discovered what they call the Treetops Adventure. This is the newest of the Capilano Suspension Bridge’s attractions and the first venue of its kind in North America, offering a squirrel’s eye view of a thriving coastal forest. We ventured from one magnificent Douglas fir tree to another on a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet above the forest floor. It was absolutely beautiful.
The group spent hours walking around the natural splendor of rainforest trails through magnificent evergreens, enjoying the unique perspective. We hugged trees, took a ton of photos and then there was that part about crossing back over the bridge….after which, we were all absolutely exhausted.
All in all, it was a fabulous day of bonding, laughing, nature and good times. We have a truly delightful group of individuals that make up our company and I am so blessed that these are the people I get to work with each day.
