Dance Your Ph.D.

I thought I had posted about the Dance Your Ph.D. contest, but I can't seem to find it. Maybe it was just an e-mail conversation that I had with a friend about it. Anyway, I was reminded of this today, so I felt like I had to share.
The premise is pretty self-explanatory...and amazing.
I only watched a couple of the entries from the 2010 contest because I found them kinda boring. I don't want some dance with deeper meaning that I can't figure out. I don't want to have to read the explanation. I want to watch the video and understand. Even if it is in a field that I don't know much about.
I think the winner did a great job of that. It's cute, literal, and makes it obvious what the heck is going on. The best part is that members of her lab were the dancers. Sure, she had some dance training, but it wasn't like the entire cast had taken dance classes before. At least, they looked like they hadn't.
It showed that they were willing to have a good time, not take themselves too seriously and help out a fellow labmate. I'm fond of the guy doing Thriller in the background. Too bad that the Thriller DNA wasn't able to interact (err, match the calibre of the dancing) with the target.
I'm not creative enough to come up with a dance for my own dissertation, but I'd love to be part of someone else's entry!

Zuca bags

I've seen two people in non-skating situations wheeling Zuca bags around downtown. Are these bags actually known outside of the skating world?
I still don't see the big deal. Who cares if they're stackable, have a frame so tha tyou can sit on them, and have wheels that light up. They're still weird looking.

Jane's Walk

Last weekend was the annual Jane's Walk event. I don't know why I'd never heard of it before, but now that I know about it, it'll be something that I will definitely schedule in each year.
So, for the weekend of May 7th and 8th, there were hundreds of walking tours going on around the city. And not just downtown, but in the suburbs as well. There were historical walks, cultural walks, community walks...the variety was incredible.
As my weekend was pretty booked up with Hot Docs films and other commitments, I only managed to get to one walk this year.
I decided to pick the Graffiti in Toronto walk because the location and time was convenient and I was interested to learn more about graffiti. You see random scrawling on walls when you're a kid, and in adolescence, each time I took the RT, I enjoyed looking at the work between Lawrence East and Kennedy stations.
I wasn't sure how many folks would show up to such a walk. Apparently over 75! I know that some other walks were not well attended, but to show up to my first walk and have this many people also waiting around on a street corner for something official to begin was pretty amazing.
I also didn't really know what kind of person would be interested in these walks. Turns out, everyone! We had tots in strollers and on scooters all the way to more mature folks with canes or in wheelchairs.
Our two hour walk was lead by the folks at Tour Guys and although it wasn't a super in-depth look at graffiti in the city, it was a good introduction. I guess for an event such as this, you can't go too intense. And also with a group this large. The guide wanted the tour to be as interactive as possible, which probably also helped him to gauge the knowledge/interest level of his massive audience.
For me, not really knowing anything about graffiti, it was a perfect tour. I learned about tags, throw-ups and pieces and can even identify a couple artists in the city. Some standouts include Uber5000 (look for yellow birdies having a grand 'ole time! ) and Elicser (of the HUG Me tree fame - FYI, HUG is a crew, not an action...but many people do hug the tree and have stories to share about the tree).
We mainly walked down Graffiti Alley which is just south of Queen Street West, for the most part between Spadina Avenue and Portland Street (but there are sections that span outside of that area). Stopped to look at a couple pieces and discuss basics and issues surrounding graffiti and then continued to walk and just enjoy what surrounded us.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed myself and not only will I pay more attention to the graffiti around the city and sometimes even change my path to see some, but definitely make room for more walking tours in the future!

Hot Docs 2011 recap

So, all in all, my Hot Docs 2011 experience was very successful. I attended 12 screenings (and only didn't get into one - well, there was a second one, but I didn't get there until after it had started) and enjoyed all of the movies that I watched.

1. POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
2. Jig
3. Boy Cheerleaders
4. Conan O'Brien Can't Stop
5. Love Arranged
6. Becoming Santa
7. People in White
8. The Hollywood Complex
9. El Sicario, Room 164
10. Family Portrait in Black and White (screened with Hand to Toe: An Exploration in the Art of Giving)
11. The Interrupters
12. Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey

There were a couple more that I had really wanted to see, but maybe they'll get released in theatres, or I'll have a chance to see them at another festival or venue.

As per usual, all of the Hot Docs folks were fantastic and it was nice to meet some people while waiting in those rush lines or even in the theatre as we waited for the screenings to start.

Can't wait for the next film festival!

Watermelon

Watermelon = sun and summer. Straight up.
I'm eating watermelon right now and it's fabulous.
Gross - I just looked at the weather report...we're in for a bunch of days of rain.

Ah, the internet

A couple of my posts have gone missing as a result of maintenance on the Blogger website. It's kinda stressing me out.
I only realized that they were missing when I was looking to create a HotDocs recap post and couldn't find all of the posts that I had done for the movies that I'd watched. I looked around on a couple blogger site and stumbled upon a forum where people also shared that they were missing posts. One commenter made a remark about how that's the risk we take as bloggers and users of the internet, which is completely right.
I think so at least, I mean, I'm not a tech person, but I imagine that to be the case. For example, there are a bunch of e-mails from high school and early university years that I presume are forever lost because I was using a web-based e-mail address that just disappeared after awhile. Come to think of it, I'm using a web-based e-mail address for most of my correspondence now. Uh oh.
But I'm such a pack rat that I don't like the fact that my posts/e-mails can just disappear at a moments notice. I like going back and looking at posts/e-mails. Sometimes I find information that I need for them, other times it's just for nostalgia.
To solve the blog issue, I could write in a journal. I do every so often, and I usually write things there that I wouldn't feel comfortable writing online. I just like this blog as a way to practice writing, expressing thoughts, chronicling events and other schenanigans. It's been a crude version of twitter as times. I have shared some pictures as well on my blog.
At one point, I was considering printing out my blog and creating a hard copy of it so that in case it got lost, or when I decided to stop blogging, I would still have a record of it. That's actually the reason why I haven't changes my profile write-up. I was going to use this one for the time that it relates to, and then change it to a current profile and the one that I've been living out for the past almost-four years.
The blog has been fun. I've learned a very minimal number of html codes (better than nothing) and I know that it doesn't have a big readership, but that was never my main goal for it. Yes, I did want friends and family to read about some of my adventures when I lived in Europe, but of course that purpose is obsolete and while at the beginning it really was me trying to share my thoughts and experiences with the readers, the more I think of it, the more I realize that this blog is very much for me.
I am learning a lot from this blog. From my interests, to my habits, emotions, preferences, -isms, and so much more. Many posts may be dry and telling about what I did on whatever-trip, or what I thought about whatever-movie/restaurant/book/etc. but there is a deeper discovery that I've made through thinking about, composing, reading, and re-reading these posts.
So, while I had initially wanted to just comment on hoping that those couple posts come back soon, it's turned into a rambled dialogue of sorts.
And that's taught me something too. I love (self-)reflection.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey (official website here) is a film about puppeteer Kevin Clash. Among other characters, Kevin is the voice and physical presence behind Elmo.
The film follows typical big-budget documentary protocol: background, character profile, inspirations, breakthroughs, interviews with various family members, friends, other constituents and a cameo or two (Whoopi!) the continued journey and the beginning of a new cycle with how Kevin's giving back and inspiring the next generation.
Of course the story was great, but I really liked learning about the art of puppetry. I really liked watching Kevin practice and coach other puppeteers. It's also interesting to watch how he 'creates' a character. And I'm not just talking about the part with needle and thread. The little nuances are amazing. Even watching them together on-stage for interviews or appearances...it really in like Elmo (or whatever character he's portraying) is alive. When all the attention is on the puppet, the attention really is on him/her/it. Kevin's focus is right there, his emotion is right there. Or focused on who the puppet is interacting with. And then the moments when Kevin and the puppet are interacting with one another. That's amazing too. It's so natural. And then when Kevin's in the spotlight, for example when Kevin's being asked a question in an interview, you can see that Elmo (or whoever) turns his attention to Kevin and listens as the audience does. Or even when Elmo's taking a break and not being manipulated as Kevin responds, I don't know if it's intentional or not, but Elmo just happens to look like he's sitting casually with his head leaning fondly on Kevin's chest or with his head cocked up so that he's looking in Kevin's direction. That interaction is amazing.
I had desperately hoped that there would be a Q&A for this film. Who doesn't love Elmo and how could you not be in awe of Kevin's talent and story? I watched a couple videos on the film's website and they are so wonderful. I wanted to see Elmo get tickled in person. Or give some sort of witty response to a question from the audience. Oh well, can't have them all.
It was a great film, again, because of the subject matter. I am, however, holding this film to higher standards. As a big budget film, I just expect more for some reason. Is that unfair? I mean, the film is narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, so it kinds of sets it apart from many of the other films that are at Hot Docs. The amount of archive footage that was available and included was incredible. I'm glad it was included because it enriched the film, but again, different category. So that being said, it was a good film, but not amazing. It's an amazing story and they were able to express that in the film, but the subject matter is amazing on its own so I don't think that they needed a lot of help there.

- picture courtesy of www.beingelmo.com

The Interrupters

The Interrupters (official website here) is a film about three "violence interrupters" working with the CeaseFire organization in Chicago. Each of the interrupters have street credibility as a result of their life experiences.
Given the subject matter, I was pretty amazed at how much of an inside look we got into the world. There were a couple choice shots where faces weren't in the screen, or other images were fuzzed out...but we did see violence, we saw tense moments and we saw confrontations.
In the Q&A with director, Steve James, we also found out that there were many more scenes that couldn't be included in the film. That the crew were asked to step back from certain moments during shooting based on the situation. I do wonder if their presence did help in certain situations. Steve seemed to say no, because the characters are so emotionally involved with whatever they're doing that they basically forget about the crew.
I was absolutely mesmerized by the interrupters ability to communicate with members of their community. The way that they were able to use verbal and physical language was incredible. I was amazed by their courage and strength.
This documentary clearly focused on a couple positive/success stories that the interrupters were involved with. Sure, each story did have challenges and those involved still have their issues that they need to battle, but holistically, I believe them to be success stories. I was wondering if telling these specific stories provides a well-rounded and complete picture of the work that they do, but with a subject matter such as this, it seems obvious that the work they do is challenging so for something like this, what's the point on dwelling on the negative stuff? Might as well focus on the great stuff they do and look at the optimistic components of their work.
So, did I like this film? Yes. Most likely because of the content and the characters/stories that they decided to follow. Each are compelling (the interrupters and the folks that they work with) and great to watch. There are so many issues that are raised and of course it really tugged on my educator/mentoring heartstrings.

Mental note: I need to watch Hoop Dreams.

- picture courtesy of www.interrupters.kartemquin.com

Hand to Toe: An Exploration in the Art of Giving

Hand to Toe: An Exploration in the Art of Giving was a short film screened with Family Portrait in Black and White. From the Hot Docs website:
Once a week, Yellowknife’s Salvation Army transforms itself into a makeshift spa, offering pedicures, wool socks and a kind touch to those most in need. As neglected feet are cleaned, massaged and cared for, a greater connection is explored in this empathetic film celebrating the virtues of compassion.
I thought that this was great. Most of the shorts that I've seen are just artsy, kind of weird things that I don't really get - in fact, there was another one that I saw during the festival that I've completely forgotten about and didn't bother writing up. In general anything that somehow gets me emotionally, I tend to gravitate towards. Short film or not. Anything that involves compassion is a quick way to win my vote.
Although the synopsis of the film uses the term "spa", and describes features that could be seen as indulgent, I wonder if there's any parallel to foot washing traditions in religion contexts. As the Salvation Army is a Christian organization, it wouldn't be surprising.
Regardless, I really did just see it as a chance for those who use the facilities to have a moment of pampering. A moment that most of these people enjoy and deservedly so. A simple joy that doesn't take much time or effort but goes a long way.
I love the idea of it and I love the film itself. While you're able to eavesdrop of some conversations, the film is almost entirely comprised of feet. Worn-out and tired feet enjoying the moment. It's amazing because although they say the eyes are the windows to the soul, I felt like I could read a lot just from watching these feet. I got a sense of the history of these people. I got a sense of the weight that the feet have been carrying. I could see the feet exhaling.
I always have ideas for little things that I want to to make a difference. I do something different each year. I hope I don't forget about and have the courage to follow through with my most recent one.

- picture courtesy of www.hotdocs.ca

Glee's still got it

Rebecca Black's 'Friday' song has made the rounds. I'm not going to bother linking to a video or anything.
I think it's hilarious that everyone's so fanatical about this video/song. People are spazzing out about it. I guess I'm contributing to it by writing about it too.
It's not like it's my favorite song, but I don't think any negative thoughts towards it because look at how big it's gotten (for various reasons).
Anyway, I've said before that I enjoy the fact that Glee doesn't take itself too seriously. I think their inclusion of 'Friday' was very savvy of them and their rendition was great.
I'm still confused as to how long this show will be able to run and maintain its novelty (I'd be surprised if anyone's watching the show for the plotlines and investment in the characters) but in the meantime, it's pretty amazing.

Family Portrait in Black and White

Family Portrait in Black and White (official website here) was my favorite movie of Hot Docs.
While all movies that I watched were good and fulfilled my interpretation of what a documentary should do (investigate/shed light on a specific subject matter), some were what I've been calling surface-level films where they just kind of show what's going on but don't somehow have an extra oomph to them. Now, I could just be seeing them as 'good, but generic' because of the amount of knowledge I already have about the subject matter, but I think it has more to do with the emotional involvement, cinematic prowess or the film's ability to have me keep thinking about what's going on in the movie. Like most people, I like watching shows/films/productions that have a clearly organized resolution at the end so that you walk out feeling a sense of closure, but this film didn't give this and that's precisely why I enjoyed it so much.
I think the Hot Docs' synopsis is a good one:
It can be dangerous to be black in post-Soviet era Ukraine, a country peopled by 99.9% blue-eyed blonds. Olga Nenya faces down age-old xenophobia as she fosters 23 abandoned children along with her own, including 16 bi-racial orphans, in a ramshackle house in a small Ukrainian town. At first their lives seem like an idyllic United Colors of Benetton ad: love and affection from Olga, swimming trips to the lake, playing with chickens, goats and cats, going to school and doing chores in the garden and house. But as the film progresses over three years, a more layered and psychologically disturbing portrait emerges. Olga plays favourites and picks on kids who contradict her, and strict Soviet-era ideas about child rearing stymie their opportunities and abilities. Fresh from its Sundance premiere, Julia Ivanova brings festival audiences a rich observational portrait of a woman who wants to save the children from an unjust world—her way.
As they say, everything seems very sunshine and rainbows as Ms. Nenya takes in these orphans that need a loving home, but as the film continues you really see that there's more to it. Some good, some questionable, it's hard to determine where you stand with her decisions and the situation as a whole when the foundation of it all is love and good intentions.
We watch the family members interact, we see how they are perceived in their community, we are given a context for the world the live in, we hear from the mother and many of the children. We hear about hopes and dreams for the future.
Julia Ivanova (director) and Boris Ivanov (producer) were in attendance for this Canadian premiere. I'm so glad that there was a Q&A for the film and wish that it could have gone on longer. It allowed me to realize that I wasn't the only one who had confused thoughts...from audience members to even the filmmakers themselves. Julia shared that she was inspired to make this film after reading about the family in a newspaper article (a lot of the films that I watched were inspired by a newspaper article) and they were shooting, she slowly uncovered that the story was more complex than she had thought it would be. As a result, she felt like she was creating a film to try to better understand the family and a way for her to sort through the mixed emotions that she had towards Ms. Nenya. I can't figure out what made it so powerful, but yeah, it was good. I think it was the way that the film flowed. Setting the context, showing the good, getting you hooked, and then blam-o! Something to throw you off. Even her conscious decision of the final message of the film by her choice for the final storyline was well done.
When asked if the family had seen the film, I was a little taken aback by the response. Julia said no, but she does plan to show the film to them in the near future. Only, it will be a different version. She intends to have a different cut where certain interviews and implications are left out. Ones that may show Ms. Nenya in a negative light. She doesn't want there to be any negative ramifications towards the children as a result of watching the film. She was a little concerned that the version that the public sees will get to the family. Well, specifically, Ms. Nenya.
I usually only reflect on the content of films and sometimes will take notice of the production itself, but this information reminded me of issues surrounding the medium and art-form itself. Is the purpose of documentaries to shed light on a topic? To give a complete picture rather than tell a story through a specific lens? How much influence does/should the filmmaker have on the subject itself? Does the fact that the film was made change the natural path of the subject? What are the ethical/moral implications of filmmakers as they make their film? Serious stuff.
Anyway, if it wasn't obviously, I would highly recommend this film.

- picture courtesy of www.familyportraitthefilm.com

El Sicario, Room 164

El Sicario, Room 164 is a film about a former hitman. Based on an article from Harper's written by Charles Bowden (if you have a subscription, chick here...if not, click here) the film was basically an interview with the man. I really liked the added touch of the notebook and marker that he used to illustrate and emphasize points. Most of the film took place in a motel room where the sicario did some of his work. To break up interview and transition between stories, there were moments of black and silence or simple shots of Mexican life.
We learned about the cartel, how they work, who they recruit, Mexico and the corruption, sicarios and their trade. It was both intriguing and horrifying at the same time.
This one would have been really cool to have a Q&A. To find out logistics of making the film. To find out what became of the notebook. Ah well. I always wonder if there's a way to find out which screenings are scheduled to have a representative from the film present. I guess premieres have a higher chance of having someone in attendance.
I thought this film was great because of the content. As I said, it was fascinating learning about something that you're really not supposed to know about. From first-hand experience. And again, the notebook thing was really cool too. He used it very effectively. I was thrown off by the sicario's final saving grace. I didn't read the Harper's article before watching the movie, so I wasn't expecting it.

- picture courtesy of www.hotdocs.ca

The Hollywood Complex

The Hollywood Complex (official website here) is a film about the yearly migration of children and their families to Hollywood for pilot season.
I thought that it would be a film about over-crazed parents really pushing their children to succeed, but it was quite the opposite. Sure, it's a bizarre world, but the stories that were told showed that it is the children who are driven to land that big (or not so big) role. The families that surround the children are very supportive. Some are sweet, caring parents just trying to learn the ropes (and sometimes getting conned in the process), others are a little overzealous in their attempts to help their child reach their goal.
Directors Dan Sturman and Dylan Nelson were available for a Q&A and gave an update of one of the more memorable children from the film. Actually, the final credits does a great job of letting audience members know where the children are at now. The film had just been completed a couple days before the festival so the updates were pretty, well, up-to-date.
I thought the film was just okay. The families that were followed were interesting and gave the audience a good variety of experiences. The film also let us into the world of pilot season, the sometime sketchy world of showbiz and the famous Oakwood Apartments and the many services that they offer to their tenants. I did enjoy it but it wasn't anything more impressive than many other films that I've seen.

- picture courtesy of www.thehollywoodcomplex.com

People in White

People in White was the most artsy films that I watched during the festival. I missed the director's introduction of the film, which could have potentially helped better prepare me for the film that I was about to watch. It's not that the premise was difficult to understand, it was just the style and pacing that was different from typical documentaries that kind of made me confused. It was almost feature film-esque in its approach.
So, the director wanted to hear from clients of mental health care facilities about their experiences. And of course, given the topic it was a little heavy. And of course, keep in mind that basically all of the films that I'd seen in the festival so far were comedies and/or uplifting.
The film was a series of vignettes acting out memories of the patients, interspersed with them sitting in a circle (like they were sitting in a circle sharing their memories) starting and ending the narrations of their memories. The vignettes were acted out in a mental health care facility and the sharing sessions took place there as well.
My biggest confusion was who was playing what role. Some vignettes seemed to have another participant acting out the narrator's experiences as the patient him/herself and then the narrator would act out the role of the mental health care worker. Other times, it was two participants that would act out the scene and then the narrator would be separate. At the beginning, you're not introduced to who's who in the film, so I wasn't actually sure if maybe it was the filmmakers who were playing the mental health care professionals and the participants were acting our their own memories. And there were moments that different professionals would do mini-soliloquies. So I was confused.
The end credits are great though. I don't want to tell you about them, because I'm hoping that you'll watch the film.
I think the premise of the film was interesting, but I have to say that I didn't learn much from the film. Usually, I think of documentaries as educational films of sorts and this one really just seemed like a feature film version of true story. Does that even make sense?
I think the film was a little too bizarre for me. It was cool to see and I don't regret watching it, but I don't think that it's my favorite movie of all time.

- picture courtesy of www.hotdocs.ca

Darn it!

Hot Docs released its People's Choice Award top ten and the winner was the movie that I wanted to see the most, but didn't get a chance to see due to conflicts with prior commitments.
Darn it, darn it, darn it!
Still, I can't really complain. I ended up seeing 12 films for free (unless you count the cab ride to one of the screenings). I don't think any of the films that I saw were misses. All of them were pretty great, actually.
I've written about a couple of them, but hopefully in the next little while, I'll get around to the rest of them.
My favorite of the lot (which I haven't written about yet) was Family Portrait in Black and White, which also won an award.

Becoming Santa

Becoming Santa is definitely a feel-good movie. Winner of the Audience Award from this year's South by Southwest film festival, the documentary stars Jack Sanderson and follows his preparations to become Santa Claus for the first time. The film not only shows him getting fitted for a custom Santa suit, going to Santa school, meeting happy and not-so-happy children, and being the guest of honour at a parade but also introduces us to many different Santas and other stakeholders in Santa-world.
It's pretty incredible. Regardless of whether or not you believe that Santa exists, this film emphasizes the human spirit. As the synopsis on the hotdocs site says, the film is "part first-person exposé and part cultural history", but if there was someone who left the screening thinking that there wasn't a little bit of "Santa" within each of us...well, then I would think that their heart is made of coal. And for those of you who don't watch the film, I can tell you that you also have a Santa within you.
"Santa Jack" (I liked how all of the folks we met in the film who were Santas were, well, "Santa-whoever" when not Santa Claus) was in attendance (he was producer and writer) and we were happy to learn a little bit more about the Santa-world. I never really thought of the fact that there would probably be a need for Santa-agencies with Santa-agents!
Although in the film, Jack says that this is a one time experiment, he was happy to report that this season would be his third season in the business.
A great film.

- picture courtesy of www.hotdocs.ca

Love Arranged

Love Arranged is a film by Soniya Kirpalani about two girls looking for love in India. Each is in their late twenties, is well educated with good jobs. They are self-assured but single. Each had tried going the love marriage route, but have not come up with anything. At their age, they are getting antsy and this film follows them as they attempt to go the arranged marriage route.
I thought this film was quite good. I liked learning about a different culture, their approach to and outlook on things, traditions and for it to reinforce just how difficult it is to navigate through this thing called love.
The Q&A with Soniya was interesting as well. She gave us her perspective on things, tried to explain a non-Western perspective and even brought onstage a potential suitor for her own daughter. The story was quite interesting. Her daughter wanted her to bring a boy back from Toronto and daughter even had contact information for a potential match. Soniya met the boy and his family upon arrival, they seemed to hit it off, and the boy (maybe I should say young man/gentleman) and his parents attended the screening and were brought on stage to be introduced to the audience. Interesting.
I left the screening full of thoughts. Thoughts that I don't want to share on this blog, but thoughts that represented a mixture of emotions. Some comforting, some worrisome.
I liked the film, but it's not my favorite that I've seen.

- picture courtesy of www.hotdocs.ca

Conan O'Brien Can't Stop

Conan O'Brien Can't Stop (official website here - when I wrote this post, the link redirected you to facebook page) is a film about Conan O'Brien post-NBC and pre-TBS. Basically, it shows him deciding to do a touring show, preparing for the touring show, and doing the touring show.
You could say that this is just a film version of the touring show and I would compare it in structure to Force of Nature: The David Suzuki Movie, with a little less backstory about the main character. I didn't like the David Suzuki doc (although the rest of the audience did as it won a People's Choice Award), but I managed to enjoy the Conan doc. I suppose when the content and subject in the film is funny, it helps make the film more interesting to watch.
That being said, it's not like the film is amazing. I enjoyed it, but again, it was a very surface-level film. The name of the film eludes to the fact that Conan can't stop performing or working, or whatever, even if he's legally restricted in what he's able to do, and there is a little mention of this in the film, but again, when it comes down to it, the film is more about finding ways to tie together snippets of his touring show.
Sure, through interviews and eavesdropping on him during non-show times, I was able to better understand the man, but it was a balance between the show and the person rather than being a character investigation. Maybe that was the point.
An enjoyable film, but I'll bet that it won't stand out from the rest.

- picture courtesy of www.hotdocs.ca

Jalouse

This makes me jealous. Et nostalgique. Et faim.

Apparently there isn't a dessert cart anymore...this is terribly sad news.

Curious

I enjoy watching the GoogleTalks on youtube.
Something I've noticed as a running theme in the interviews that I've watched that the interviewer is, well, awkward. They're not the most adept at dealing with the interviewee and their answers (all of the interviewees that I've watched are witty and/or can give zany answers). Sometimes they don't know how to react. Sometimes they don't know how to segue.
I think this is because of the high concentration of nerdiness at google.
Yes, I stereotype.

Boy Cheerleaders

In a UK dancing-themed day, after seeing Jig, I watched Boy Cheerleaders.
The documentary follows an all-boy cheerleading team as they prepare for their National Championship competition. Again, not a novel concept for a film, however unlike Jig, I felt as though this one fell short. Again, we got to know a couple of the boys on the team, their stories, their sacrifices, their families, their hopes and dreams, but with this one, I will say that I thought that it was an on-the-surface film.
With both films, it was clear that the intention was to create a film about people. Sure, we get to know about each sport, but it's the people and their stories that the filmmakers are really interested in (Sue Bourne said it herself in the Q&A for Jig). So, for Boy Cheerleaders, one particular part of the boys' stories that could have been further examined was the fact that each of the boys that were followed (not everyone on the team was followed) had no father figure in their lives. Each of them were raised by a single mother and each of those mothers comment on their own struggles growing up. Although it was eluded to, I would have thought it would be interesting to delve a little bit more into how this team helps the boys find their footing, and if/how the male coach of the team provided a positive male influence to them.
That being said, it wasn't a horrible film. It was cute. It did everything that a film should do, but of course I'm so demanding and critical that I wanted more (especially after just having seen Jig).
I wished the director, James Newton, was in attendance for a Q&A, but that didn't happen. This film would also be a great one to have a follow-up about. There was a mini pay-off at the end of the film, but a real follow-up would have been better. And since I felt as though so many of the characters in the film had so many challenges in their lives (sorry, it's the educator in me coming out), I really yearned for that follow-up. I suppose the director did a good enough job that I felt connected to the characters, or maybe you can say that he didn't do a good enough job that I was left unresolved. You could argue either way.
So, a nice film. Something that I would watch if it was playing on TV (it did in the UK), but probably not buy a ticket to watch on the big screen for wide-release. I did enjoy the section about "facials". Oh, the world of cheerleading...

- picture courtesy of www.hotdocs.ca

Jig

After an unsuccessful Rush attempt to see El Bulli - Cooking in Progress (note: After failing at two Rush attempts for food docs - last year, I didn't get into Kings of Pastry - I need to remember that Torontonians are more fanatical about food than I thought), I was back on track with Jig.
Jig (official website here) is a film about the world of Irish dancing and follows various competitors as they prepare for the World Irish Dancing Championships. It's not a novel idea for a documentary (following competitors and learning about their sport/families/etc.), but apparently Irish Dancing is notorious for not allowing cameras and stuff like that into their world.
I LOVED this doc. I know nothing about Irish dancing (well, I know a couple steps and some of the superficial stuff about the outfits and such), so I didn't have that extra investment in the movie. Of course, I can relate as someone who has a passion and someone who's prepared for important competitions, but I would think that most people who have something sort of similar (even if not on the same scale). I thought the director, Sue Bourne, did a great job at picking a variety of dancers and really getting to understand their personalities, their stories, the whole bit. A common sentiment that I have about documentaries is that they're too on-the-surface, but although I can't figure out what this film did more than the others, I really thought that this one gave me as much of the story as I wanted. I wasn't left wanting more. I thought the timing, the weaving, the depth, the pay-off, it was all really really great.
I also loved the music. I don't know if most people notice music during movies, but I do, and I seem to comment on it quite often. I remember thinking that, of course the Irish music was very suitable and enjoyable in general, but that it was well timed and the type of music selected for each section was perfect. And as the credits rolled, one name stuck out. Patrick Doyle. A-ha. Kudos.
In the Q&A, Sue Bourne mentioned how fortunate she was to snag Patrick. She couldn't afford him, but had asked him to recommend someone. He watched the film, loved it, and then signed himself on instead. She was also able to give updates on all of the characters of the film (the doc leads up to the 2010 Worlds and the 2011 had just taken place a month ago) and they were good stories. I won't tell you, because you have to watch the film first.
Anyway, needless to say, I would highly recommend this film.

- picture courtesy of www.jig-the-film.com

More Zermatt!

Another whole episode of the Amazing Race in Zermatt.
And a big doggie to meet them at the pit stop...Schön!

POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold

Hot Docs is underway!
Once again, I've decided to go budget and take advantage of the free daytime screenings for students. There are plenty of films that I want to see, and more than enough to fill the free time that I have outside of my regular day-to-day commitments during the festival. There is one film, however, that I'm particularly interested in seeing that I can't attend during the day. So depending on how I feel, I might end up buying a ticket for the evening screening of the film.
As a Student or Senior, any screenings before 6pm are free. The catch is that you can only get tickets the day of. So, if the film has already gone Rush, you need to wait in that Rush line. I'm not opposed to it, but it just means being prepared for it.

Today, I Rushed POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (official website here).
In this documentary, director Morgan Spurlock (of Super Size Me fame - I still haven't watched this film) makes a film about product placement and corporate partnerships with product placement and corporate partnerships.
It was a nice, lighthearted movie to get the festival started. Unfortunately, Morgan wasn't in attendance for the screening (he was at the screening last night - this was the festival's opening film) as he needed to be back in New York to continue to promote his film.
This film actually appeared on my radar after seeing his appearance on the Conan Show. On the show, he talked about the premise of the show while wearing a custom-made sponsorship suit, accompanied by a small pony. The punchline of the pony involvement was probably my highlight of the film itself.
As for a review of the film, well, I thought it was okay. I enjoyed it, I laughed out loud, but it was a relatively on-the-surface documentary. I wasn't surprised by anything that I saw, but I'm not sure that it was meant to be anything more than that. There was a nice mixture of advertising spots and documentary, and of course the whole product placement aspect of the film. I admit that I got a little bit of product placement fatigue by the end of the film. The punchlines were so obvious that it wasn't annoying per se, but by the end, I kind of wished that he had somehow taken it to the next level. I mean, for the first while the audience would chuckle anytime there was product placement on the screen, but by the end, there wasn't much of an audible response, and I would think that as a filmmaker, you want to have your film build towards the end, and although there was a small payoff there (yes, a very predictable one), the meat of it kind of fizzled in my opinion.
Again, that's not to say that it was a bad film. I laughed, and that's probably the most important thing. I do think that he did a good job of poking fun at the whole idea. I also kind of wish that he somehow made more of the final credits (although there are a couple great moments there too). I do like how he weaved in his process of putting together the film as well as the obligatory doc-type interviews with notable/credible people in the field. Maybe not the "Greatest Movie" I've ever seen, but it still works. The concept is pretty hilarious and witty in itself, so it can't help but be good.
Oh, and on the way out, we got a small bottle of POM Wonderful.
Nice.

- picture courtesy of www.sonyclassics.com/pomwonderfulpresentsthegreatestmovieeversold

Summer, soon?

Ontario Place is celebrating it's 40th Anniversary this year, and to celebrate, admission for the season is free!
It might be nice to be on the grounds for the events with fireworks - but that would mean beating the crowds. Could be worth it - we'd just need to plan it out. Or get lazy and watch it from the comfort of my balcony again.
I'll try to take a walk down to Ontario Place this summer. Might as well. Most of the stuff there, you have to pay for anyway, but it'll still be nice to walk around, I'm sure.

Always nostalgic

I get nostalgic very easily. I have a lot of very fond memories of everything that's happened in my life - my life is amazing, what can I say?
Yesterday, I was back in Scarborough visiting some schools and happened to be near Cedarbrae library. It's gotten a make-over. At first, I thought it was just an extra addition to the building, and even though it sort of is just a face-lift, it's still very very different. I went inside to re-live some of my childhood memories of the place, and while I was still able to see some familiar corners, I was completely stunned by the new space. This library was like no public library that I have been to in my lifetime. We're clearly in a different generation and I'm so happy that this new generation has access to these wonderful facilities, but I do still miss that old space.
Changes.
Sigh.

Take five...

And watch this.
Here's the same program just a couple months earlier if you need some English commentary.
I had the privilege of watching clips of the program as it was being created. We watched Patrick run through the SlSt (the last part of the program where he doesn't do any jumps and spins, and just does edges and turns) over and over again. He would wipe out and bail because the steps and changes of lean are so difficult. But he'd get right back up and do it again. And again. And again.
It's not just the 'big tricks' that are hard to do.
Lori Nichol is a genius.
And Patrick's amazing too. I still remember him as a wee-tyke being jokingly scolded by Kurt Browning at needing to always thank Mr. Colson for his wonderful coaching. And then judging him as a Pre-Novice skater at a Sectional event a couple years later. I was still a rookie judge and was nervous about being on the stand, but I did know his name. A wonderful judging colleague psyched me up for the event and told me I was in for a treat as without naming names (no pre-judging!) he said there would be a skater that would amaze me and just be a delight to judge.
Sometimes, being on that stand is painful, but when a skater has that magical skate (no matter the level), you feel so lucky to be a part of it.

Nostalgisch

The folks from The Amazing Race were in Zermatt. While some of them were chowing down on fondue (not my fav), some were running around delivering luggage to hotels that I stayed at or had a drink in their lovely lounges.
I've realized that I like the vibe of those kinds of places over bars. Maybe I should just stick to those here in the city.
And now, back to the show.

P.S. Zermatt is amazing. I miss the little taxis. I miss the mountains. I miss the chalets. I miss the shops. I miss the skating rink. I even miss the Coop.

I'm already dreaming of all of the things that I'm going to do when I'm back in Europe this summer.

Dance off with the Star Wars stars

Ha ha ha ha ha.
There's a Part 2.

No. Way.

Grey's does not equal Glee.
To take a cue from the young-ins on facebook, dislike.

Blam-o!

Comps - PASS!

Now if I could just get my act together and finish up that proposal. Yeah, I'd originally thought that I could submit by December 1st. 2010. Oops. Meh, I'm still on track with my long-term plans, so it's all good.

Also, I'm so glad my comps were nothing like the comps that I know other people had to endure.

Music trends

I don't follow current music trends. I don't own an i-pod. I don't watch MuchMusic, MusiquePlus, nor MTV. My radio is tuned in to Classical 96.3FM.
But I do go to dance class. And in these classes, I have the chance to hear some current stuff. We've recently been on an Oh Land run.

Gaga on Google

I know nothing about Lady Gaga. Well, I know she wears zany outfits, puts on shows and sings songs that get stuck in my head...but that's it.
I pass no judgment about her. Seriously.
I watched her appearance at Google and I'm quite impressed.
Slightly awkward interviewer, but great interviewee.

Yum

Droooooooool

All good things must come to an end

By the end of the week, I will have seen three ballets within three weeks. First was to see future stars at the Erik Bruhn Prize (Orchestra, 5th row - center), then to watch fiesty Sonia in Don Q and gobsmack at her amazingness in the pas de deux that everyone waits for (Orchestra, 4th row - center), and finally, a good across-the-face slap with a pair of gloves in Onegin (awesome seat at a great price, shazzam!).
National Ballet FTW!

Have learned, must practice!

Le lezioni sono finite. Italia - attenzione! Ma parlare lentamente, per favore.
Domani, i capelli ... chop chop chop!
Una sorpresa attende.

1,2,3...5,6,7...

My classically trained pianist wrists are sabotaging my salsa advancement.
Bah.

It's all about self control

See, the reason I probably won't be getting an iPad anytime soon is because then I wouldn't have any reason to get the Hermes iPad case. But it is tempting. The iPad and the case, of course.

Wee update

I have been busy. And sick. So less of the posting business has been happening.

Nonetheless, I have two things to say (whoa - I just flashed to this song all of a sudden):

1. I was in a flash-mob dance party. Of sorts. It was more of a planned and non-secret flash-mob, but it was lovely. I had a blast. We danced to Dirty Bit by the Black Eyed Peas.

2. There's a student in a Grade 3/4 split class wearing a Threadless shirt right now. Kids are cool.

WORK!

In love...

I just set the irobot Roomba loose for the first time and...swooooon! I need to give it a name. This is most definitely the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Go Glee!

At first I was watching Glee because I liked the singing and dancing, and then I enjoyed the guest appearances, but I have to admit that I'm really getting hooked. I really enjoy their ability to make fun things in the top-40 music world and even the show itself. I haven't hit the point where I'm appreciating the long-term storylines though. I'm purely enjoying each episode as a discrete entity. The way that they've packaged the episodes thematically is lovely. Keep it up, Glee.

Moncler does it again!

Love it!
I love Moncler more and more. Feel free to watch their previous fashion show again. And I still want to be part of a dance-party flash mob. A good one.

New experience

Sweet. I think I have laryngitis. This no voice thing is kinda cool.
It was especially cool during my presentation today.

And I'm a benevole...

18 hours after the day started (and it began when I was already tired, with a nice cold developing), a delayed, no - canceled flight and expensive taxi ride later (fo shiz...but I didn't have to pay the bill), I am finally home from North Bay. At least I have raspy-sicky voice to show for it.
Stellar weekend.

Seriously?

And now it's 'Copacabana'.

Strange musical choices

When checking-in at the airport, 'The Right Stuff' by New Kids on the Block was playing. I'm waiting at the gate to board my flight and being serenaded by 'Stop' by the Spice Girls.
So strange.

James Stewart

I don't know if I'll write a textbook in the future, but if I do, I probably won't be as successful as James Stewart.
I used his Calculus: Early Transcendentals text (4th Edition) for MATH120 in first year university. We fondly referred to it as Stewie. My copy is sitting in a box with all of my other math textbooks in my storage room.
The reggies used his Calculus: A First Course for OAC calculus.
I want an integral house.

Thunder Soul

Before I do my little write up about this most recent installment of Doc Soup, I have to talk about the screening that I missed last month. In January, I remember hemming and hawwing about whether or not to go to The Mouth of the Wolf. The write up wasn't particularly compelling. The trailer wasn't particularly compelling, but it has gotten rave reviews at some other film festivals.
Turns out, I made the right decision. Prior to this week's film, we were read some of the e-mails that Hot Docs had received after last month's film. We were read a selection of comments that were all supposed to be negative. They were pretty funny to hear. I think my favorite was, "Too innovative!" So Hot Docs didn't choose the best film for their audience. But I do agree with them that it's nice to throw a curve-ball at us every so often. They just now know not to go too far. Hilarious.
Anyway, so this month, the documentary that they screened was Thunder Soul. This film had been part of Hot Docs 2010 and won the People's Choice Award, so they thought that they should bring it back from Doc Soup. The write=up from the Doc Soup website is as follows:
Conrad "Prof" Johnson composed original funk songs and arranged fantastic stage antics with Houston’s Kashmere High School Stage Band. He became the first black high school bandleader with an all-black high school band to win the Texas state championship in the 1970s. His "give it all you got" attitude made the group unstoppable, leading them to win 42 out of 46 contests over the course of the decade and establishing them as international funk legends with tours in Paris and Japan. THUNDER SOUL combines archival footage of the kids in action, showing off their James Brown showmanship, platform shoes, and Bootsy Collins-type rhythms, with the band members' recent reunion. With nothing but love for the father of funk from their youth, they practice for the first time in three decades, hoping they "still got it" enough to perform a tribute show for the ailing 92-year-old Prof.
So the film was great. I mean, it had me at music and education. When that band played at the final reunion...whoooooo wheeee! If you didn't feel like dancing or at least bopping your head, there is something wrong with you.
Apparently the band played after some screenings at other festivals. Jea-lous.
I think some seriously musical folks would enjoy this film as well. There's some music history and talk about genres that I don't know much about in there. Click here to hear the Kashmere High School Band sampled by DJ Shadow. This is a film that has quite a few different levels.
So on top of the music, my heart was melting at one of the main messages of the film. The Post-film Q&A with director, Mark Landsman confirmed that the film was trying to bring attention to the lack of funding towards the Arts in schools. In the film, Prof made it clear that he believed that music in schools does more than just provide students a chance to learn an instrument. So much more.
And of course, the other message of the film: a great teacher can be...life changing.

This film is getting wide release in the States in the fall. That probably won't help my readership in any way, but this is a darn good film. And maybe one day you'll watch it.

- picture courtesy of www.thundersoulmovie.com

Happy New Year!

I hope you have a hoppin' good year!

Snowstorm!

Apparently there's going to be a big snowstorm tonight. I'm looking forward to wearing my Moon Boots. Wheee!
An ex-pat friend was asking if this was a 'regular' winter, but I didn't know the answer. Other people tell me that the past couple of years have been very mild, and of course I wasn't in the country prior to that. And then before that, I was living in K-town which was ridiculously cold and snowy.
So basically, I don't remember what 'regular' Toronto winters are like.

FEAST Toronto

A couple weeks ago, I attended the inaugural FEAST Toronto event. It was splendid.
As the website states:
FEAST (Funding Emerging Artists with Sustainable Tactics) is a community dinner and funding event. Artists and designers are invited to present proposals for art-or design-based, community-oriented projects during the dinner. Everyone attending the dinner votes on which project they would like to fund, and the project with the most votes is given a grant from the money that is raised from the dinner.
I wasn't really sure what kind of crowd would turn up for this sort of event, and I'm not entirely sure what kind of crowd it was, but the people whom I chatted with at the event seemed really nice. I happened to be sitting at a table that seemed to be comprised of friends of one of the organizers of the event and many of the other tables seemed to be comprised of presenting artists and their supporters. I think our table was the only one that didn't have participating artists at it. It was a pretty small venue.
Anyway, we got to know our tablemates over appetizers and as we got settled into our main course, the presentations began. There were 9 project proposals spanning a wide range of ideas and media. There was visual art, performance art, participatory art, sculptural art, and multimedia. I found it hard to decide which one to vote for. The three that I found most interesting were:
Psychic Cooking - The simple story is that David Frankovich does a tarot card reading and instead of the traditional cards, he uses various canned goods. Each of the food items has a symbolic relationship to the real tarot cards. Then, along with basic ingredients of rice and spices, he makes you a meal out of the food that turns up from your reading.
Field to Feast - They did a pilot project with a rabbit. So they killed a rabbit, and did all that taxidermy business. The rabbit was the guest of honour at a dinner that contained, ummm...it. Other ingredients to the dishes were part of the rabbit's diet and habitat. The dinner also consisted of diagrams to illustrate what part of the rabbit diners were eating, and a really neat detail was that each diner had a napkin with the diagram to illustrate how the rabbit was prepared. Not to be eaten, but to be, errr, stuffed. They were hoping to have a lamb the next time around.
Out of the box planters - You may know of Sean Martindale from his Poster Pocket Plants project. It was amazing. This time, Sean wants to take busted up planters (think, the big square ones on University Ave. on the sidewalk that each have a tree in them) and do something cool with them. He didn't seem to articulate exactly what he was going to do, but with his track record, I was game.
I ended up picking the project that I thought would get the most exposure. I want as many people as possible to experience art. And in the end, Sean won the grant.
A student grant was also awarded from two proposals. Matt Moreland, an OCAD student who created Xeroxr.com won the grant and his plan is to create a Xeroxr magazine.
It was a wonderful night, and I'm hoping to attend the next event. I think Sean and Matt are supposed to give a report about what they ended up doing with the money and I'm looking forward to seeing what other artists decide to participate and what great ideas they come up with.

Good to know

...that good fashion and academia are not discrete entities. Sure, the Venn diagram may not have a huge intersecting section, but it exists all the same. There was a prof wearing some really slick, navy, Etro pants today. This is the prof who I often see wearing all-black. There was another prof who was wearing a pair of stand-out, mustard-coloured socks today. The man is going up for tenure, yet he still has enough sense in him to wear amazing socks. Something to strive for.

Nobis

In my continued hunt for a great winter coat, I discovered Nobis. I'm almost afraid to write about it, because I know that word is getting around that this company is making some great coats and heaven forbid it become out of control like those Canada Goose coats. These companies have definite similarities, but I assert that these coats are nicer. Umm yeah, so apparently, Nobis got someone who used to be at Canada Goose to come over and design their stuff. The goal was to make a more upscale product.
Yeah. I enjoy.
Now, if only someone could decided to make an upscale UGG.

Oh, those tech-savvy people

In the workshop today, the guy beside me pulls out a slick-looking wireless keyboard. Uh, okay. At first I thought that he was going to pull a stunt like those folks who practice the piano on cardboard keyboards. Yes, it's ridiculous, but given the topic of the workshop, it was vaguely plausible - especially since I had no idea where he was going with just having this wireless keyboard. Anyway, he finally pulled out an iphone, propped it up against his Moleskine, pushed his keyboard close to it for a second and then I saw the devices synch, the screen popped up like a regular monitor, and the typing began.
Amazing.

Also, he was wearing a great scarf. I don't think it's a coincidence. He was, however, wearing a Canada Goose parka. I knew it was too good to be true.

This could be useful...

So apparently there's a new textile dye that doesn't fade. "More than 50 per cent of clothing is black." Really, that's it? Oh right, they're talking about in general, not just for me. Ha.

Museum Secrets

There's a 'documentary' series about Museums around the world that is being aired on the History Channel (and then posted online - woohee!). Episode 3 stars Toronto's very own Royal Ontario Museum. Of course, the museum is very excited about this. I am also excited, so I clicked to watch the trailer for the episode. Ummm...they make it look like some E! True Hollywood Story expose or something. Or at least the narrator's voice does.
I'm wondering if the episode will highlight anything that I didn't already know about the museum, as the trailer didn't seem to give me any great insights into the place. Based on the title of the series, I thought that they might talk about the ROM's resident ghost, but nope, it seems like it's more about how we had a barosaurus under our noses this entire time! Incroyable!
Anyway, I'll still watch the episodes. I'm sure I'll get something out of it.

Neil Pasricha: The 3 A's of awesome

I'm still bummed that I wasn't accepted to be an audience member for TEDxToronto, but thanks to TED, I can catch a glimpse of what I missed.
I've seen the book in stores, but of course I was never compelled to open it up and read it. Obvious character flaw.
I just quickly perused the website and it is pretty awesome. It's true, we have our bumps in the road, but all in all, life is awesome. There are so many things that we encounter, see, experience, smell, accomplish, touch, and the list goes on...there are just so many things that are awesome.
Reminding yourself and those around you about the awesome things, well that's awesome too. I'm wondering what will happen once Neil gets to 1000. Clearly, there are more than 1000 awesome things, so I hope that he keeps going.
So awesome people, in this awesome world...have an awesome night!

The Cube

I've been scoping out the winter coat situation for awhile now, and while I probably won't buy a new one anytime soon, this one seems interesting...at least in concept.
Max Mara has a collection called The Cube. These down filled coats pack themselves into bags. Okay - they're not the most stylish bag, and it's not like this is a new idea, but I'm intrigued nonetheless.
For someone who needs a super warm coat, and one that can be packed easily (and discretely), this might be a nice idea. Am I going to act on it? Doubtful.

Crawling back towards world domination!!! I mean, control.

I win!!!
Yesterday, I was stressed out about not being able to find a bracelet.
Today, I looked around in some more places that I could have possibly put the bracelet, but to no avail. And then, thanks to a jaunt down memory lane on flickr, I was reminded of the last day that I remember actually having (and almost wearing) the bracelet. That day had been crazy but since I actually am in full control of my life, I was still able to figure out a couple more places to look.
And I found it! Booyah!

It's all downhill from here...

I think I'm slowly starting to loose it. Literally.
Awhile back, I realized that I misplaced my old passport. I still can't find it. Last night, I couldn't find a special bracelet. Both have extremely high sentimental value (yes, I realize that I think that everything has sentimental value). I didn't have a lot of time to look for the bracelet last night and somehow managed to suppress a frenzy, but looked for it today. I looked in all of the spots that I thought it would be, but to no avail.
I really hope that all of my misplaced items turn up. You see, I'm convinced that I'm immune to loosing things. I like to think that I'm on full control of my life and all of my belongings. We'll see how that goes...
Please don't make jokes about me getting old. I'm happily in denial. Thanks.

Globe Bistro

Although the front room was completely empty (I was later assured that this front room is just the overspill room and that they like to put their patrons in the back - which was nicer - and even on the second level), I got a really good vibe from this place as soon as I took my seat at the table.
Globe Bistro is one of those restaurants that does the local thing and it was lovely. I'm a sucker for good plating and good service, so Globe had more points going for them. Okay, so the service was good, but it wasn't exceptional. But good is still better than mediocre.
The food was nice. I think all of it was good, but it wasn't mind blowing. The elk was actually quite tasty, and the tobacco smoked beef tasted, well, porky. I was told that my porky reference should actually be an association to bacon and those smoked hams from my youth. The appetizers and dessert were also good, but again not anything special.
It was also pointed out to me that the space used to be a bowling alley and they they repurposed the lanes for flooring. In fact, many other patrons were noticing it was they walked by our table, pointing out the arrows by their feet.
Anyway, I thought that the restaurant was quite nice. Decent price point for the food, ambiance and service that you get. Like I said, I had a good feeling about this place right from the get go. I would definitely go back.

Price point: mid-range
Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Would return again: yes

Moncler F/W 2010

I saw something that reminded me of this show. I know it's old, and for some reason, I thought that I had already posted it, but I guess not? Anyway, it's a great show. Still on my bucket list - attend a fashion show.

Centro

Centro is a well-known, high-ish end restaurant. I quite liked the ambiance of the place. Comfy chairs, not too dark lighting, high ceilings and some cool features. My first impression of the restaurant led me to believe that I would enjoy this meal. The food was decent, but I wasn't particularly impressed with what I had. Maybe my expectations were too high? I don't think so, though. The service had potential, and I don't know if it was because we had a big table and our waiter knew that it was for a special occasion, but I found it a little excessive. I've experienced European service, and while at times it seemed excessive, it didn't completely annoy me. This service did. In Europe, it was very frequent, but it always seemed to have a purpose. Here, it didn't. Or at least the timing was off. I felt like I was told things that I really didn't care about, or at completely the wrong time. Since my expectations of this place were high, I would think that even with our big table, everyone would be served at the same time. I do remember one instance that all of our plates didn't come out at the same time, which surprised me. I hope I'm not sounding too critical, but something about the service, was off. But not all the time. At times, I though it was okay. I guess I'll go back to my original sentiment in that it had potential.
And it's a shame because, like I said, I had a good first impression of the place.

Price point: mid-high
Ambiance: 5/5
Food: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Would return again: yes

Luma

Back in September, I had said that I would start doing quick reviews of restaurants that I dined at. Oops. Forgot to follow through.
So this review will be brief, as I think many future reviews will be (if I remember to even do them). Maybe these reviews will be more for my own reference for future dining purposes.

Luma is a newish restaurant in the TIFF Bell Lightbox. It's part of the Oliver & Bonacini family of restaurants and I would assume, by looking at the price point, that it's supposed to be on the nicer end of the spectrum. I'm a sucker for good service and well plated food, so it was a mixed experience for me. Service was NOT good. Our table was forgotten about on a couple occasions, and we had to get some of the heads of service involved, when I don't think they were supposed to be. I'm hoping that their involvement would highlight that someone else on their team is slacking off, but I don't know if that message will get through. The service was saved by someone on loan from Canoe. He was great and made sure that we felt like we were being well looked after.
The plating was nice. I thought they paid attention to how the food looked, and on the taste side, I wasn't too disappointed. The scallop sashimi was light, refreshing and flavourful. The tuna tartare was also tasty. I quite liked my tagliatelle, and it was much more filling than I had expected. The dessert was also quite nice - my opera cake was forgettable, but the buttered popcorn ice cream tasted better than it sounds and the chocolate Pop Rocks it was served on top of were super fun.
So yeah - I guess the food was nice...but the service was very disappointing.

Price point: mid-range
Ambiance: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 2/5
Would return again: yes

Happy holidays

At this time of year, a lot of people settle in front of the TV to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas, Home Alone, Love Actually, or The Sound of Music.
I watched Requiem for a Dream. Ha.
I've had a borrowed copy of the DVD in my possession for three years and have had really good intentions to watch the film, but I don't tend to be in the right mood to watch this kind of movie. Not to say that the holidays put me in the mood to watch this kind of film, but I figured that I would probably never be in the right mood, so on a quiet night in, I just decided to go for it.
It's an interesting movie. Probably not my favorite that I've ever seen, but it's interesting. I thought it started sort of slowly, but I think this is a movie that the more you think about it or watch it, you'd be able to get more out of it. And of course, the soundtrack is amazing. Amazing enough that a bazillion ice dance teams skated to its soundtrack during last year's Olympic season.

Also - Happy Holidays, folks!

A little lost

I'm thinking that I shouldn't have left my September-September framework to get a January-January agenda (albeit a classic Moleskine one). There are a bunch of events in the New Year already piling up, and I have nowhere to make note of them. I need to get organized. I need a new agenda. I need to be less picky in buying one. I'm feeling a little flummoxed.

A lovely laptop cover

Anyone need a 15inch laptop cover? Canvasco has this beauty. Hop Kanada!

Some things never change

A blast from my 4-year old past:
"You were about as tall as my knee and you always had a big smile for everyone. I think you found life pretty delightful back then."

Conflict resolution

Overheard in a school office:
"Are you happy with this being a, 'Say you're sorry, end of story' kind of situation?"
"Yes, sir."

Shaken to the core

I'm not the best at dealing with my emotions. I'm not the best at explaining what's going on when I feel something. Like, seriously feel something.
While watching Waiting for Superman, I started crying. I was pretty confused about it because I don't think of myself as a crier. I thought through my emotions, and I think that I understand why I responded that way. Nonetheless, I was shocked how I reacted to my feelings.
It happened again. I just got an e-mail that shook me to my core. I love it, maybe more than your average person, when things connect. When you find out the world is small and you feel like there's too much of a coincidence of what's happens in life. So that part of the e-mail was great, but then I started reading into the subtext of the e-mail and again I was surprised at how strongly I was reacting. When things get really personal. When thing really hit at what you're passionate about. I guess that's when you react in surprising (or maybe extreme?) ways. At least, that's how it seems to be for me.
As I've said, there are some things that I need to pursue.

"School board considers paying needy students"

There's an article in the Toronto Star that talks about an idea that has the TDSB paying "needy" students for things including good grades, attendance at school, involvement in programs.
From skimming the comments on the webpage (I haven't looked at the Twitter page that they referred to), it seems as though people are bashing the idea. I, however, I can come up with both pros and cons to the proposal, but there's not enough information to really make an informed decision. I would like to learn more about it.
I also hope that in the future I will directly be involved with policy, institutional, systematic, or similar kinds of changes. That would be so exciting.

"Gifted"...in the Globe and Mail

The Globe and Mail is doing a series about giftedness. Here are the articles thus far.
When I'm passionate about something, I find it hard to articulate my thoughts about it...which probably isn't good for my profession. Also, I need to pursue this area in more depth. I have to.

Definitely not the norm

I was sitting beside a Kindergarten student during afternoon snack-time. She turned to me and asked for my help. She couldn't open her bottle of San Pellegrino on her own.

Les ailes d'Hermes

This website by Hermes is quite cute. Some videos are better than others. I quite like the fingers skateboarding.

Freitag's new Hazzard

I'm liking the new Hazzard backpack by Freitag.

A disappointing workshop

This afternoon, I attended a workshop about networking. It was a complete disappointment. It's not necessarily that I had high expectations, but it's a topic that I think is very important and something that I want to learn more about, improve upon and think that it will be integral in my future.
It was such a horrible workshop. The presenter seemed too confident, too much of an entrepreneur, I was pretty disgusted. I don't feel as though I learned anything from the presentation other than confirming some of my feelings about networking being kind of sleazy. I know it's an important part of life, but I still like to think of it as something that can come from a genuine place. If you think that's naive, too bad. I truly believe that it can be done without that dark side coming out.
The presentation was horribly done. Instead of learning any valuable skills, I felt like a commodity, only there to trade information with others in the room. One could argue that our networking was valuable to our future, but it was ridiculously superficial.
It was a 2.5 hour workshop, and two hours were spent finding out about everyone's career interests one at a time. We learned about all of the wonderful contacts that our presenter could provide for us, and were constantly reminded of the value of LinkedIn (I'm not sure how I feel about this). After a 10 minute break, the final 20 minutes were spent going through a powerpoint presentation in which we learned of all the successes of our presenter and in the last four minutes (seriously) we finally learned some basic networking ideas. I had a conversation with the presenter during the break. She had asked me who she could introduce me to so that I could get closer to my goals, and I honestly couldn't think of anyone, nor was I sure that I wanted to be (at this point, I was already disillusioned by her 2 hour ramblings about who she knew and how she'd be able to introduce us to all of them). It was almost as if her actions backfired, and I didn't even want to be associated to her. As opposed to me wanting to get into her network so that there would be a reciprocal payoff, I wanted to stay as far away as possible.
It was like she thought the only reason I wanted to be there was to get introduced to some important person that may advance my career. Although I'm apparently a green link (sequential thinker, list maker, summarizer, quick witted, don't like wasting time, visual, know what I expect from things, make a beeline for my target - I guess I did learn something, however, it wasn't made clear what the point of this knowledge was...I mean, I already know what I am), I wanted to learn more about the process rather than get just a name out of the workshop. I told her this, and although she kept saying "what can I do to help you", I got no help other than being reminded of mundane etiquette that everyone in my world knows. I was told about all of the wonderful things that I do, which doesn't seem helpful, because I do them already, so why bother telling me about it. Whether they are conscious or unconscious things, I do them, so tell me about the things that I don't do. When asked what I wanted to learn about (this was done in another round-about way that talked about things that I already knew about), we both agreed that it wouldn't be helpful to learn about obvious basics (that she proceeded to outline and explain in great detail - this woman is so ridiculously ineffective!), so I proceeded to tell her that sometimes you don't know what you don't know so you can't articulate exactly what you want to learn. I think it's her responsibility as the 'expert' to be able to provide us with that next step and be able to tell us (from her prolific experience) what more we need to learn. Is this where I'm supposed to toot my own horn and admit that I'm lucky that I've had a variety of experiences and opportunities to learn and develop the skills that were being (but I really don't think were) presented in this workshop and since I already have the skills and knowledge about all this stuff, that's why I felt do annoyed by the sub-par performance?
Ugh. I was so annoyed. I wanted to get up and leave.
The write-up about the workshop was completely misleading. Instead of learning about networking, I wasted 2.5 hours of my life and felt sorry for all the rest of the people who were subject to the presenter's wrath. I have no doubt that she's successful, but she does it in a way that is completely different than I would ever do. I may never be a millionaire like she is, but I much more comfortable in the way that I view life and other people. Sometimes workshops are ridiculous. I wonder if I'm more judgmental of presenters because of the field that I'm in. And I feel like my rant isn't really explaining the situation. If only I was more eloquent. Maybe I should attend a workshop about that.

Schooled by a Kindergartener

I was reading a Scooby-Doo book to a wee Kindergarten student this morning and had some trouble. You see, it was a learn-to-read kind of book that had pictures in place of many words. I had to get my new friend to tell me who all the characters were. I hid my lack of Scooby-knowledge by encouraging her to help me read by saying all of the words that were pictures. Rather quickly she got tired of this and said, "Can you just read the book for me?" Yes darling...now that you've told me who Fred, Velma and whoever that other girl's name is, yes, I'll read the book for you. I had to get her to remind me about Fred and that other girl's name a couple more times. Obviously, the names didn't stick.
I, clearly, missed out on some classic TV as a child. And this child of the 21st century, knew more about the stars of my childhood than I did. How strange.
It was mighty fun being in an elementary school again. I listened to the barely audible morning announcements over the tinny PA system, sat in a chair so that my knees were almost hitting my chin, sat on the rug for storytime, squished 6 bodies onto a loveseat, got told that I was pretty, you know, all the good stuff.
Education is a wonderful thing.

Trivial dilemmas

May hair seemed to be a great length a month ago. Now, it's too long. The dilemma is that I decided awhile back that the next time I cut my hair, I want to cut off a significant amount. It's long enough to donate to an organization that can turn it into a wig for cancer patients, so that's the goal. I've already decided the style of cut that I'm going to get, but I don't really want to have that style until warmer weather rolls around. That's not for months. Also, I want to give my blunt bangs more exposure. This new 'do has gotten some interesting reactions. Anyway, I thought that I could last until the spring, but my hair is entering 'too long' zone. I don't want to wear my hair up for the next couple of months, so I'm getting antsy. I could just trim my hair, but I'm concerned that they'll chop it too short. Actually, I just don't know where to go for a decent trim. I visit hairdressers for cuts, not trims. Another annoyance is that static-y hair season is upon us. Woe is me.