Travelling again

I didn't think that I would get to fly again for quite some time...yet, next week, I'm boarding a plane to head out west. First time to Vancouver!
I'm so excited. I've hear such great things about the city, and I will finally be able to say that I've gone west of Ontario. It's pretty embarrassing how little of Canada I've actually seen. I hope the change that sooner rather than later.
Anyway, just like with most of my trips, I'm doing a little research on the net and scouting out touristy things.
I've only started my search, but have realized that it's the Vancouver International Film Festival while I'm out there. Not as big at the Toronto version, but going through the event, I see that there are quite a lot of potentially good movies there. Some of the big shows are already at "Rush" status (Lust, Caution) but surprisingly, some of the other big guns aren't quite there yet (hello...Persepolis?!?). Too bad I can't make the screening times, or else I'd be there in a flash. I'm not sure how much time I'll have to watch movies out there, but it's really really tempting...

Cufflinks

I'm still waiting to find the perfect pair. Some of these are pretty close.

Too late

Darn it. The two events that I would be interested in at Architecture Days are both sold out. "Inside Rosedale and Forest Hill" and "Architects’ and Designers’ Own Homes". I've loved big and different looking houses ever since I was really young, and in my travel and various museum visits, I've come to realize that I love architecture and interior design. I'm not good at doing it for myself, but really appreciate a finished product.
Boo-urns.
Oh well, I guess I'll have to think about how to deal with a Nuit Blanche instead. It'll be super.

The Red Violin

I just finished watching this movie...again. I haven't watched it in a long, long time, but every time I see it, I'm riveted.
Everything about Le Violon Rouge (I guess it's originally French, but the movie is shot in different languages, and I would hope that no one would try to dub it all to just one language) is good. It would be my favorite movie, hands down, except it's too intense, so I can't watch it all the time. Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, on the other hand...
The Red Violin is amazing. I feel like there's something more to the movie...especially the stuff that happens in Montreal. Obviously the score is indescribable. The use of themes, while adding a twist depending on context.
This movie is just so darn good.

- picture courtesy of www.imdb.com

Welcome to the world of figure skating

Sad, but true. Unless you're really really lucky, these days, you've gotta be pretty loaded to get anywhere as a figure skater.
From the equipment, to the ice time, to the coaching fees, to every other associated cost involved...it really adds up.
I went back to my local skate shop to get my new skates tampered with (blister central, first time out!) and there were a lot of private school kids, mixed in with private skating club members and every purse in the store was of a high end label. Prada, Gucci, Longchamp, Dior...and we're not talking fake ones. (FYI, I was sporting my Rugby North America.)
There was a mother buying new skates for her two daughters who were just taking lessons for the first time. She had the option of getting used skates, but wouldn't think of it. Sure, the new skates were a tenth of what I ended up paying for mine (sigh), but her girls are probably going to grow out of the skates before they even break them in and the used skates are cheaper and already broken in (but not too much). On top of that, skate guards (I was so jealous...I want a pair of pretty sparkly ones, but would rather save the money. I've got old crappy ones that I can still use.) skating bags (I remember using whatever was around the house) and helmets (no complains here...safety first!). She didn't get any blade covers (I'm guessing she didn't know that they existed) which, again, cheapy me is trying to learn how to make 'em (better sentimental value).
Next customer up...repeat above for her two grand-daughters. "Bubby" was uber-chic in all black and Gucci sunglasses perched on her head.
I'm not judging or anything, but for some reason during my visit, it just hit me in the face.

Sassafraz back in the running

So, word on the street (I was eavesdropping on a pretty loud conversation) is that Sassafraz is open again.
Context: "Sarah saw Johnny Depp at Sassafraz...what the heck is Sassafraz?"
For being a mid-teen private school girl, I was a little surprised that she didn't know what Sassafraz was. Prada tote-ing Mom quickly brought her into the loop.
I guess cause of the history, Sassafraz will do just fine and celebs will flock back just because they're supposed to, but One at The Hazelton Hotel is going to be tough competition. It was hopping during the TIFF and just looks like a place to be seen. Personally, I like the style a lot better, so if anyone's up for looking chic for the fun of it, let me know and we'll stake our claim on the patio.

Different type of "investment" purchase

The big spending continues...nope, not another bag...it's skates!
Yup, as I type, I'm wearing my new Ridell 1500 boots fitted with a Cornation Dance blade. That's right, I paid over $1000 for my skates, but managed to save $300 off the final price because the recommended MK Dance blades were out of stock and were basically backlogged until, well, a long time. It's like I was trying to get a Birkin or something!
Anyway, somewhere in the past 8 years, skate technology has changed and apparently I no longer have to suffer through the break-in process. This is a good thing, although it's really really weirding me out that I have such a great knee and ankle bending ability right from the first time that I put on the skates. I've been assured that it doesn't mean that the stiffness in the boot has been compromised. I love a tough boot. Going to Ridell's a leap of faith as well. From custom-made Knebli's, to having to switch and ending up with SP Teri Deluxes, it's always hard to switch up something that you've used for a long time and have gotten good results with.
Tomorrow, I'm going to try out this whole dance blade thing. I'm scared that I'm going to totally wipe out, off the heel or something. The "top-of-the-line" MK Dance blades would be even worse I think...especially with the lack of toe picks. I'd be backwards from The Cutting Edge problem, falling forwards instead of tripping forwards. I've been told that the adjustment won't be so bad. I sure hope not. To be honest, I could have gotten another "top-of-the-line" dance blade (the Super Dance 99), but again, $300 for, really, how much of a difference? A good skater is a good skater, regardless of the equipment. Yeah, sure it helps, but at this point, I don't think it'll help enough to make it worth the price difference.
Here's hoping for no blisters!!!

Cole Haan

I finally made it into the Cole Haan store just to see what a friend was raving about. Okay, the stuff is beautiful. I'm not going to make any purchases soon (I just spend four-figures on new skates, the last of the credit card bills from Europe are keeping my spending at bay), but I do understand the appeal. Yum.

On a related note (to only a certain few)...word on the street is that Breaker High is going well...

Funny what you miss...

You know, I kinda miss seeing teenagers rushing around here and there with a Red Bull in their hands...
Or at all hours of the day, seeing people of all ages drinking out of tall boy beer cans...
Desperados...

Getting schooled by Gossip Girl

Well, I'm done reading the fourth (Because I'm Worth It) and fifth (I Like it Like That) books from the Gossip Girl series by Cecily von Zeigesar.
Nothing of interest to report. The books are quick and easy to read and that's why they're so great for commutes and minutes before bed reading.
Just like with most chic lit, there's a lot of store, label and "it-list" name dropping. I was happy to see a shout out to moon boots! I have to pull mine out sometime
here in Canada. I just have to work up the courage to do it, because I'm not sure if anyone else here wears em. Chances are, no. Anyway, I haven't had any problems with any of the terminology used (even the slang, being surrounded by teens all the time helps) until this one: "potsticker".
HUH?!? The context was that a teenager was eating a "wild mushroom potsticker". Seeing as how there's a lot of drugs in the book, I was confused...'shrooms? Pot?

How embarrased was I when I googled the term and found out that potstickers are really "pot"-"stickers"!!! Yeh yeh yeh: Guotie!!! I guess not everyone speaks Chinese. Wicked wicked wicked.

- pictures courtesy of www.chapters.indigo.ca

Unfinished Stories

Wednesday night, after showing up the box office to find out that the extra tickets that were released that morning had sold out and feeling completely bummed, I ended up in the Rush line for Unfinished Stories.

From the TIFF website:
*************
Several quietly powerful works by Iranian directors appear in this year’s Festival. First-time feature filmmaker Pourya Azarbayjani’s Unfinished Stories offers a raw yet stirring study of that nation’s women and – as the work’s open-ended title suggests – its future.

The brilliantly structured film – which Azarbayjani also wrote and co-produced – is composed of three episodes revealing the plight of three young women. Setareh (Setareh Pesyani), Hengameh (Hengameh Ghaziani) and Saiideh (Saiiden Amir Saii) share similar situations: through choice or through fate, they find themselves alone with nowhere to go. Each is forced to spend the night on the streets of Tehran.

Setareh is an independently minded, passionate young girl who has run away from her house and her conservative parents, who oppose her marriage to the boy she loves. She waits for the object of her affection to join her at the bus stop so they can start over together, somewhere new. Hengameh is pregnant. After a quarrel with her husband, who is unwilling to support a baby, she flees her home in search of someone to terminate her pregnancy. Saiideh has just given birth, but with a husband in prison and no money to pay her medical bills she steals away from the hospital and escapes into the night with her fragile newborn.

These three women have three different stories, but together they add up to a moving and surprising portrait of the various obstacles confronted by Iranian women. The pattern of hard decisions and even harder circumstances emerges clearly from this courageous film. Seeking marriage, motherhood or stability, Setareh, Hengameh and Saiideh are each abandoned by their families and obliged to solve their problems on their own. Their strength, resourcefulness and courage are inspiring. The talented leads exude an unexpected power that is simultaneously graceful yet fierce. Azarbayjani, meanwhile, introduces himself as a talent to watch. The original vision manifested by this young writer-director promises more impressive work in the future.

Dimitri Eipides
*************

What seemed to start off as slow, but with some strange things that I felt like I wasn't getting something, and then in the middle too straightforward to the point that I almost became uninterested, to the unpredicted ending (in content and sudden arrival of closing credits)...as soon as I started walking out of the theatre, I grew to like this movie more and more. Definitely a good sign. I was left thinking about the subtleties. The underlying messages. Open interpretations. The insight provided by the Q&A (love them!!!) with Producer, Pourya Azarbayjani.
I love movies that have different stories which are somehow tied together. I was constantly trying to predict how one story would flow into the next, who and what themes would weave in and out from all three. It was so well done. I would have almost liked to get more insight into the secondary characters, but the whole movie, much like the title suggests is vague and open-ended.
I want someone to tell me a story. To tell me about life in Iran. What life is like there.
Obviously the subject matter is very sensitive in its native Iran, it hasn't really been embraced by the cinemas there (yet?!?). This was the North American premiere of the movie. Mr. Azarbayjani gave great answers (through an interpreter) to some great questions...I was so impressed. This guy is my age and see what he's accomplished? Oh, no, I'm not going to go comparing myself to other people out there, it could get too depressing. But really, the insight and strength that he had was really fantastic. I hope he keeps making movies they way he wants, and for what he wants.
For sure...watch this movie.

This was the last movie I saw at TIFF07...and I have to say, I loved the experience. I probably would never see movies like this. Having access to such an international group of films, I felt really really fortunate. Hearing different languages (not just in the movies, but in Toronto - which is a really multicultural city, for sure, but all clumped together on Bloor Street...I don't know how to describe it. It reminded me of living in Europe. Mental note: find some way to speak French soon). Chatting with total strangers (reminded me a little bit of the Olympic spirit that was in Torino). What a great vibe. You know, things like this are great for the city. Tourism, sense of community, enjoyment of the arts. I love this city and the amazing things that it has to offer.

- picture courtesy of www.tiff07.ca

My Kid Could Paint That

This past Monday night, I got to see my first TIFF movie.
I was downtown anyway, so I thought that I'd walk by the theatre to check out the "rush ticket" situation for this movie that was already sold out. The line was short at 10 people, so after chatting with some volunteers, being a in a pretty good mood and having something to do to pass the time, I thought, you know what? Why not, I'm already here and it's something that I've said that I've wanted to be a part of, so nothing to lose right? An hour of my time really isn't too big of a deal. I'd be at home getting ready for bed anyway. Carpe diem.
My Kid Could Paint That seems to be a documentary about Marla Olmstead and her art. I say seems, because that would be the logical subject matter for the movie.
Marla Olmstead and her family (parents and younger brother) live in Binghamton, New York where at the age of three...pretty much four, she lauded as being a master of modern art. Her art work gets displayed in a gallery and gets sold for thousands of dollars. Worldwide media eats up the story...and the downward spiral begins. There's an "expose" on 60minutes which discredits Marla's abilities and also points a finger to her father as tampering with her individual creative processes.
As I'm watching the movie, I'm torn regarding Producer, Amir Bar-Lev's intentions in this film. Where does he stand in the matter of the authenticity of Marla's work? Who is to "blame" for the hype?
I quickly start to detest certain people. Lose trust in others. Sympathize with others.
For me, Marla's younger brother, Zane seems to be a tell-tale in how this all works. From being ignored, from acting out, from having your loving older sister try to get you praise. You have to see it for yourself.
There's big discussion about Marla's talents. There was a comparison between some of her "early" works (during the buzz) and her "later" works (during the scandal) and to me (untrained artist), the style is completely different. But I have a theory (cause I'm still rooting for the kid). The early stuff, done at age three, early fours don't seem to have set focal points. Lots to colours, smeared (sounds kind of vulgar for something so, ummm, special) in different ways, swirled, mixed. Just like in the picture above. This is the "period" of Marla's work that I really enjoy. The later stuff is more thematic, has motifs of shapes, ideas. I'm wondering is there's something in a child's development when children go from "scribbling" (again, a vulgar term, but it's how I equate it to the style of art of a non-genius child) to things that have form? From experimenting with colours to experimenting with shapes?
And anyway, if you like the art, who cares who created it (and how old they are). Aren't you paying big bucks for what you seen on the canvas? Oh, if only it were that simple.
At the end of the screening, Amir Bar-Lev did a Q&A with the audience. I had so many questions to ask, but was too shy to do so. Lots of other people put up their hands. We could have kept going forever, but was cut off. This is why I think it's worth the $20 to see movies at the Film Festival. Not only do you get to see movies that you may not get to see in a mainstream theatre setting, but you get a chance to see and hear from people associated to the movie. I was three for three for Q&A's. I don't know if I was just lucky, or if that's completely normal. It made the movie more personal and more insight could be gained as well.
By the end of the movie, while some things are still unclear (in the Q&A, it seemed as though Mr. Bar-Lev was still unclear about a couple things as well), but what it clear is that this documentary shows that it is not Marla that we focus on (even though she's super-duper cute and completely unfazed by any of this, afterall, she's just having fun and playing and most of the time the social engagements are this confusing chore to her), it's the adults in her lives. Their interactions. Their involvement.
Here's the movie's official website.
I would recommend this film...for sure. And then let's have a discussion!

- picture courtesy of www.tiff07.ca

Lessons learned from my first TIFF

- Don't wait until last minute to think about the Toronto International Film Festival. If you do, then chances are, you've already missed the boat.
- Check the website and/or sign-up for the newsletter for volunteer and staffing announcements. Working with the Toronto International Film Festival Group seems like a really fun experience and you get to interact with lots of neat people!
- Never trust the ticketing section of the TIFF website. Here's hoping that they do something about that for next year!
- There are more than 10 movies that are good (if you watch movies alone, and if you don't you definitely won't have any problems), so for sure get a 10-pack. Best deal EVER. That is, unless you've got a lot of stamina and time to go full tilt and get a full-out pass of some sort.

If you did leave it until last minute...
- Usually a good chance that there's a couple more tickets available the day of the show. But, getting to the box office early is key. First come first serve...you know how it is...
- Same day tickets at theatre box offices are cheaper than at the Manulife Centre box office. The trade-off is that theatre box-offices usually open later...so you're taking a risk that tickets may disappear between 7am and theatre opening times. The price difference is minimal...$1
- Student/Senior pricing available for same-day tickets. Save money where you can!
- Rush tickets are a total possibility. Line up about 1h15m before the show starts and you're practically guaranteed to get in. You'll be surprised how fast the time goes if you're prepared (with some reading and/or music to listen to) and/or have company (familiar and new-found...seriously, everyone's so nice!). Anywhere less is a crap shoot, well, technically anything is a crap shoot, but from what I've seen it's been pretty good. I never tried to Rush a Gala though.
- Getting lucky is also a possibility too...waiting in Rush, lots of people who's friends couldn't make it, or are just too pooped to attend the screening are trying to get rid of their tickets. Feel free to bargain with them (depending on how desperate the parties involved are). Usually, the timing's perfect that you pick up a ticket, go and grab a coffee and come back feeling superior or that you just head right into the theatre to wait in the "Ticket Holder's" line. Yes, some ticket holders line up 1h15m in advance as well.

It was such a great experience - can't wait for next year!

I eat my words

Awhile back, I scoffed at Forever 21 moving into the city.
A couple days ago, I willed myself to go in, and realised that I was most likely thinking of a different store that I'd visited in the States. Either that, or it's undergone a major upheaval in the past two years.
The store had lots of selection on items that ranged from down right blah and trashy to not so bad. I found two items in the entire store that I would have wanted to try on, but couldn't be bothered because the queues for the fitting rooms were too long and/or they didn't come in...well, black. The prices weren't too bad.
I'd say that this store could be the American equivalent to H&M. And I enjoy H&M. Not all of their lines, but I can usually find something that I like.
Anyway, I don't hate Forever 21 anymore. The next time I walk by, if it's a weekday morning (tidy store with not many people), I'll go in. I'm willing to give it a chance.

Great idea

I like this.

Getting groceries in Yorkville

I guess I'd always vaguely wondered...where do the Yorkville residents go to buy their produce? Last night, I ventured into two such places: Pusateri's and Whole Foods Market.

I'd vaguely heard of Pusateri's, but obviously not enough, as I thought it was a trendy eatery that celebs enjoyed. They friggin have valet parking. Whoa snob central. I was kinda hoping for a Harrods Food Halls type of experience, but upon entry, I quickly realised that there was no room for such a place. It's a tiny little shop, but it contains, as you would expect in such an area, gourmet goods. The hot foods counter smelled amazing and the fresh seafood counter was incredible. I've never seen shrimp or scallops so huge in my entire life! There wasn't much selection, but I'm sure that these specific brands and goods were hand picked off a very upity list. It was obvious that Fiji water is still trendy, but I was happy to see that they had Voss (only still, come to think of it, I haven't had bubbly water since I've come home. I used to live on that stuff!) available as well. The best part of the store was the pastry counter for sure. The cakes were created with presentation in mind, but I'm sure the taste is just as good. They seemed decently priced as well. Of course everything in the store was overpriced, but I wouldn't expect anything less. I would love to get something baked from there, but other than that, I don't see myself going into the store ever again. The store was too small and didn't have enough choice for my liking. If I'm going to spend that much money on food, I want to have a variety of gourmet items to pick from...like Whole Foods.

Five years or so ago, I walked by this Whole Foods store, realising that it was in Yorkville, but was told it was just your average health nut market. I never thought to go in since then. In London, I walked into the Whole Foods, and was flabbergasted. It was big, shiny and new. I was impressed. It had all that healthy, organic, environmentally conscious stuff, but I could tell it was partly fashionable as well. I never made the connection that there was this exact store sitting in trendy-land Toronto. So, last night, when I went in, it clicked. Sure, I'm sure it's all fine and good, but it's located in the right area as well. Having just come from Pusateri's I really enjoyed the largeness of the store. The long aisles (well labeled, just like your average grocery store) and lotsa brand selection. The water aisle (I'm a little bit of a fanatic) had both still and sparkling Voss, along with your staples, Fiji (of course), and even some Hildon. I sampled their handmade pizza (soooo tasty), and was tempted to get a fig and almond thing. I forget what it was called, but it was like a compressed packet of sweet and sticky goodness. Watching the customers, it was the appropriate mix of trendy students and people living in the area. I found that some of the customers were very inconsiderate of others. Like, the whole, I'm so entitled thing. The customers at Pusateri's were so much more glam, but seemed so much more friendly. Maybe I would go to Pusateri's again...the experience is so important when shopping. And the pastries too...

Press noticed Colin Farrell too

I wonder if this homeless guy is the same as this homeless guy?
It doesn't really matter. I'm impressed on so many levels.

UPDATE: It's totally the same guy. Wicked.

The changing face of Toronto's shopping venues

My theory is this: Torontonians are starting to enjoy big sprawling strip malls as opposed to tall, contained shopping malls.
Sure, malls like Yorkdale and the Eaton's Centre are still very popular, but Vaughan Mills and RioCan type of situations are popping up all over the place.
Is this because it's cheaper for the builder/tenant? Or that shoppers enjoy this type of experience better?
Perfect bizzaro example: Morningside Mall, situated at Lawrence and Kingston Rds. Self contained mall, in not necessarily the most thriving area, but it had a food court, bank, grocery store, public library and Walmart among other things. Some of these staple tenants left, leaving the mall pretty useless. Instead of getting new tenants, or even tearing down the mall itself, I've noticed that at the perimeter of the expansive parking lot, little sections of buildings are going up with retail spaces...including Starbucks. If a Starbucks is there, it means that they haven't completely given up hope. I just find it so confusing. It's like a donut of potential commercial energy around a black hole of abandoned stuff.

Loyalty

I find that I viciously loyal to certain things. Restaurants, stores, brands, whatever. Once I decide on a base, I find it really hard to venture toward a competitor with an open mind. Especially when it has a sotry behind it.
Take m0851 for example. Rudsak is much more affordable, and has coats to die for, but I can't do it.
Or Second Cup. Starbucks is a big no-no for me.

Such a nerd

Okay, I don't think you have to be a nerd to find this activity supremely cool.

It may be hard to describe, but I'll give it a go.

Step 1: Take a strip of paper and create a loop with it. Overlap the ends a bit and tape together so the loop won't come apart.

Step 2: Repeat with a second equally sized strip of paper. (The loops don't have to be very big.) So now to have two separate, but identical loops.

Step 3: Stack the two loops on top of each other in such a way that it looks like you have a number 8. Rotate the top loop 90degrees so that you've still got an 8, but one circle is facing you, and other is facing the side. If you look down on the top of the 8, you see: +. Tape the loops together so that your shape doesn't come apart.

Step 4: Take a pair of scissors and cut one of the loops in half in such a way that you will create two equal sized (skinnier) loops. (You will go all the way through the middle where the two loops are connected.)

Step 5: Repeat with the other loop.

(Keep in mind, if I were leading this activity, I'd probably be asking all kinds of leading questions and stuff to get you thinking and hypothesizing...)

OMG!!!