My 2009 resolution, in addition to killing more zombies, was to enter any reasonable call for entry in order to kick myself back into art or the semblance of creativity. One contest that I mentioned previously was Canada Writes '09, but I suddenly find myself facing the fast approaching deadline of February 7, midnight.
I'm undecided on which 200 words to hastily send in so maybe my loyal readers (brief cricket chirp) can suggest their favourites from Xiao Pangzi or whatever entry they can remember being particularly offended by.
My personal favourites include:
The Great Taste of Friends
Sayako vs Paris
Cold cuts - I reject!
Equality in my stomach
Hair for the ages
Running...to the max!
When I look at the dates of these blog entries, I wonder if I should enter at all. Have I not written anything decent lately? As I cry, please feel free to suggest a blog entry by February 6.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Fast approaching deadline
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ma ville ce n'est pas une ville, c'est l'hiver
With the latest snowfall on Toronto, the sound bites on the news have included such predictable laments as "I should be in Barbados" and "I hate winter." I have repeatedly defended Mel Lastman's enlistment of the army to dig Toronto out of a record snowfall a decade ago but it is hard to tolerate the whining and negative attitude towards winter in this city.
Christopher Hume's article covers many of the thoughts that have been running through my head. However, I would still like to rant about people who insist on wearing Fall jackets in -25C weather. Every day, I see at least two or three pedestrians inappropriately dressed for winter, and it makes no sense. There are many fashionable winter coats; technical puffy coats, polished wool pea coats, classic shearling coats - all would be more useful than a leather jacket or a wind breaker and just as stylish. Even if it is a matter of cost, I think any winter coat is worth the investment since Torontonians experience at least five months of inhospitable weather every year.
Perhaps Torontonians fail to see the appeal of winter because we have limited access to fun winter activities like skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling. Still, the complaining about winter has to stop. Lastman's enlistment of the army was a one time transgression but winter bitching has become a seasonal past time and doubly embarrassing to be sure.
Christopher Hume's article covers many of the thoughts that have been running through my head. However, I would still like to rant about people who insist on wearing Fall jackets in -25C weather. Every day, I see at least two or three pedestrians inappropriately dressed for winter, and it makes no sense. There are many fashionable winter coats; technical puffy coats, polished wool pea coats, classic shearling coats - all would be more useful than a leather jacket or a wind breaker and just as stylish. Even if it is a matter of cost, I think any winter coat is worth the investment since Torontonians experience at least five months of inhospitable weather every year.
Perhaps Torontonians fail to see the appeal of winter because we have limited access to fun winter activities like skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling. Still, the complaining about winter has to stop. Lastman's enlistment of the army was a one time transgression but winter bitching has become a seasonal past time and doubly embarrassing to be sure.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Ain't what it used to be
I just love Michael Imperioli's look on "Life on Mars". That 1970s porno dirt bag look; you can just smell the cologne layered on sweaty polyester. Unfortunately for the show's ratings, Imperioli's amazing mustache has not actually compelled me to watch it in action. Too often, I hear that the American version of "Life on Mars" pales in comparison to the British original. So, I figure, what's the point?Speaking of weak remakes, I always disliked Michael Bublé's "Feeling Good" because it was such easy listening crap that had potential to be more interesting. Thanks to Errol Nazareth on CBC Radio's "Metro Morning", I found out that Bublé's song is actually a remake of a Nina Simone song. Hearing Simone's version of the song shocked me; I actually like it alot.
Pair up Simone's song with Imperioli's photo and I've got myself a good time.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Prelude to a lynching
We knew that Iceland's economy was in the crapper when we decided to take advantage of a seat sale from Icelandair and book an island vacation. Then, we find out today that Iceland's coalition government has collapsed. There is already a move to form an interim government until elections can be held in May.
Hopefully, this will quelch Icelandic rage until the elections, lest the locals turn on Canadian tourists, especially a particular group of ethnic people that will include at least one Jew.
Hopefully, this will quelch Icelandic rage until the elections, lest the locals turn on Canadian tourists, especially a particular group of ethnic people that will include at least one Jew.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Winter has its uses
In the past 10 years, I've skied a handful of times but I had only "snowboarded" once. I use the quotations because my experience consisted of relieving a tired friend of her snowboard rental then rolling in the snow for the next hour because I had no idea what I was doing. For the brief seconds that I was in a vertical position, I felt like I was rushing recklessly to my doom. In comparison, skiing was the safer and more productive choice.
I was put off snowboarding until Dangard Ace recently alerted me to a Blue Mountain special offered in conjunction with National Ski & Snowboard Week (January 19-23, 2009). A beginner lift, lesson and rental package for $39 was an offer that I could not resist and I decided to give snowboarding another chance.
As is usually the case when I sign up for outdoor adventure lessons, I was tutored by at least one Red Bull-toting jock who was contemptuous of my inability to roll forward onto my board. After one painful crawl down a bunny slope made up entirely of unsuccessful attempts to stand up on my board, I decided that flipping myself onto my stomach to push myself onto my feet would be a more productive strategy. A more helpful coach then taught me how to hop to a forward facing position once I was on my feet. After learning how to brake - always a useful skill - I was able to glide down the slope, making 'S's all the way.
Snowboarding seems to be synonymous with risky behaviour. Whereas I can be conservative and slow in my skiing, snowboarding requires a full commitment to a wider turn radius and faster speed in order to stay upright. Having learned the basics of snowboarding, the adrenaline rush has now become enjoyable as opposed to bowel-emptying.
As I relaxed in the waters of Le Scandinave Spa that evening, I found myself visualizing carving snow instead of enjoying the beautiful surroundings and the therapeutic waters. On the long ride home from Blue Mountain, I was mentally correcting my positioning and posture. I asked Joe that night when we can go snowboarding again. This sounds like the start of an addiction.
I was put off snowboarding until Dangard Ace recently alerted me to a Blue Mountain special offered in conjunction with National Ski & Snowboard Week (January 19-23, 2009). A beginner lift, lesson and rental package for $39 was an offer that I could not resist and I decided to give snowboarding another chance.
As is usually the case when I sign up for outdoor adventure lessons, I was tutored by at least one Red Bull-toting jock who was contemptuous of my inability to roll forward onto my board. After one painful crawl down a bunny slope made up entirely of unsuccessful attempts to stand up on my board, I decided that flipping myself onto my stomach to push myself onto my feet would be a more productive strategy. A more helpful coach then taught me how to hop to a forward facing position once I was on my feet. After learning how to brake - always a useful skill - I was able to glide down the slope, making 'S's all the way.
Snowboarding seems to be synonymous with risky behaviour. Whereas I can be conservative and slow in my skiing, snowboarding requires a full commitment to a wider turn radius and faster speed in order to stay upright. Having learned the basics of snowboarding, the adrenaline rush has now become enjoyable as opposed to bowel-emptying.
As I relaxed in the waters of Le Scandinave Spa that evening, I found myself visualizing carving snow instead of enjoying the beautiful surroundings and the therapeutic waters. On the long ride home from Blue Mountain, I was mentally correcting my positioning and posture. I asked Joe that night when we can go snowboarding again. This sounds like the start of an addiction.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A good start and good bye
It would be an understatement to say that I am not familiar with American presidential inaugurations. Today was my first complete viewing of an inauguration ceremony and the only one that I cared enough to watch live.
Regardless of my ignorance, I think political pundits will agree with my assessment that President Obama gave a beautiful speech. His acknowledgment of a hard road ahead, the need for cooperation between people of different backgrounds and a lengthy appeal to other countries are, I think, unprecedented in the history of inaugural speeches (correct me if I'm wrong). Obama's description of America as a "patchwork" society is almost, dare I say, Canadian in its attitude; an appreciation for the various colours rather than painting everything red, white and blue in one fell swoop.
When Obama first appeared in the hall leading out to the steps of the US Capitol, I had to catch my breath. I believed that I had experienced a saturation point on all things Obama and yet, seeing him walk calmly and confidently out got me excited all over again. It is a testament to the man's ability to connect with the average person that I felt like I was watching a friend when Obama flubbed the oath of office; I felt worried and protective. Thankfully, it was clear when Obama began his speech that he would be just fine.
As the speech continued, my gaze drifted momentarily to George W. Bush. It occurred to me that Bush's eight years of power were wasted in such a ridiculous fashion that the man should be put on trial for crimes against humanity. Instead, I will have to be satisfied with Bush being ostracized by his own party and sent into exile to Dallas, Texas. I would pity the man if I thought he had an inkling of what an embarrassment his terms in office have been.
Regardless of my ignorance, I think political pundits will agree with my assessment that President Obama gave a beautiful speech. His acknowledgment of a hard road ahead, the need for cooperation between people of different backgrounds and a lengthy appeal to other countries are, I think, unprecedented in the history of inaugural speeches (correct me if I'm wrong). Obama's description of America as a "patchwork" society is almost, dare I say, Canadian in its attitude; an appreciation for the various colours rather than painting everything red, white and blue in one fell swoop.
When Obama first appeared in the hall leading out to the steps of the US Capitol, I had to catch my breath. I believed that I had experienced a saturation point on all things Obama and yet, seeing him walk calmly and confidently out got me excited all over again. It is a testament to the man's ability to connect with the average person that I felt like I was watching a friend when Obama flubbed the oath of office; I felt worried and protective. Thankfully, it was clear when Obama began his speech that he would be just fine.
As the speech continued, my gaze drifted momentarily to George W. Bush. It occurred to me that Bush's eight years of power were wasted in such a ridiculous fashion that the man should be put on trial for crimes against humanity. Instead, I will have to be satisfied with Bush being ostracized by his own party and sent into exile to Dallas, Texas. I would pity the man if I thought he had an inkling of what an embarrassment his terms in office have been.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Mid-season TV news bits
- Nathan Fillion is back on TV in ABC's "Castle" starting March 9, 2009. It is purportedly a "witty drama" and Fillion's character is "out of control" so let's hope this is more fun than Fillion's previous vehicle, "Drive" and lasts longer than "Firefly" (sob).
- Harrold Perrineau is listed as a cast member in a new cop show, "The Unusuals". This can only mean, at the very least, less of Perrineau's character, Michael Dawson on "Lost". Personally, I want to see a violent end for Michael followed by cast-wide amnesia regarding his existence hereafter.
- Joss Whedon's latest foray into television, "Dollhouse" will premiere on Fox on February 13, 2009. Whedon fans, being the pessimistic sort prone to rallying around a cause, prematurely campaigned to save the show back in May. One has to wonder what kind of sadistic delight TV executives take in causing Whedon fans to jump at the shadow of cancellation while continuing to inflict "Heroes" on us long after any fan has ceased to care for it.
- Warning - "Battlestar Galactica" January 16 episode spoiler: Really, did anyone shed a tear at the death of Lt. Dualla? How else is Lee going to live happily ever after with Kara? Then again, I applauded when Cally Tyrol flew out into space. I'm a terrible person - long live the Cylons!
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