Here's something that might interest you if you've got nothing else to do this weekend. Jane's Walk is a cross-country event, where you join up with a group of people to take a walk in specific neighbourhoods in your city and discover hidden secrets you might not otherwise have known.
It takes place this weekend all across Canada, so take a gander at the Jane's Walk website and sign up for a walk or two!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Scissor Sisters - Fire With Fire
Here's a trailer for the new Scissor Sisters album, Nightwork, featuring the first single Fire With Fire:
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Why Can't The World Be Ruled by Alphabeat?
It would be such a happier place, don't you think?
Guaranteed to at least make your head bob!
Guaranteed to at least make your head bob!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Old School UK Photos - Asian Style
This trip was all about history for me, my parents' history and my family's history in the UK. I took some snapshots of my mother's friends' wedding album from 1951, because I just loved the rich history of these images. Aren't they just fabulous!
This is Mr and Mrs Ho, whom we spent 2 nights with in Pudsey, just outside of Bradford.
This is Mr and Mrs Ho, whom we spent 2 nights with in Pudsey, just outside of Bradford.
News on Kylie's Aphrodite!
The lucky folks at Popjustice got to hear tracks from the new Kylie album!!!
Here's what they had to say:
FIRST UP: THE SINGLE IS BIG BOLD DANCEABLE PROPER KYLIE.
This is the most important news, because if the singles come in the wrong order the whole thing falls apart. 'All The Lovers' is the comeback single '2 Hearts' wasn't, which is funny because it's written by the same people (ie the artists formerly known as Kish Mauve). In tone it's a bit like 'I Believe In You' (which until now was Kylie's best single since 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head') with a more danceable edge; a confident, worldly-wise voice in 'All The Lovers' replaces the slightly naive optimism of 'I Believe In You'. The song starts off with Kylie quietly singing "dance, it's all I wanna do, why won't you move? I'm standing here with you, why won't you move?". Kylie suggests that the dancing is important "even if it throws you to the fire, fire, fire" and as the HUGE MASSIVE CHORUS storms into view it's clear that the song's not really about relaxing while you dance, it's about relaxing into a relationship. In the chorus - backed by a brilliantly wibbly synth riff - Kylie sings "all the lovers that have gone before, they don't compare to you, don't be frightened, just give me a little bit more, they don't compare, all the lovers". The lyrics might not read like much but they're proper air-punchingly euphoric and defiant and a little bit overwhelming in the song. One of the oddities with 'X' seemed to be that some Fairly Fundamental Things had happened in Kylie's life but were ignored in the tunes. Part of this single's likeability comes from its message that "yes, a lot's happened and we've both been around the block a bit but what we have here is properly amazing so calm down and let's just get on with it". After a bit of verse-chorus-verse-chorus action everything drops out for the middle eight where it goes all breathy and intimate and hot and sweaty with Kylie's repeated request to dance then the track EXPLODES into the music from that YouTube clip she put up last week. It's confident and exciting and completely brilliant if not something of a masterpiece and all in all is 'a bit of a moment'. Apparently 'All The Lovers' only really came up in the last three weeks and very quickly took the position of lead single.
SECONDLY: OTHER TRACKS ARE ALSO V GOOD.
Stuart played us a handful of other tracks from the album. 'Get Out Of My Way' could well be this album's 'Love At First Sight'; 'Better Than Today', while similar to the version Kylie performed live last year, now seems to have a punchier, more stompsome production. Another song Stuart played us even though he wasn't meant to but what are they going to do sack him is a slightly 'Wow'-esque number which has a BRILLIANT 'Stuart Price moment' (you'll know it when you hear it) plus another segment in which everything falls away - Stuart describes this is "the moment in a club when you can hear glasses clinking". How very posh - the clubs we go to put everything in plastics. (NB 'Get Out Of My Way' will sound amazing in the sort of club that doesn't trust its clientele with glassware.)
THE TITLE TRACK IS IMMENSE AND RIDICULOUS AND FANTASTIC.
'Aphrodite' is the title track on 'Aphrodite', hence the name. Stuart likes its 'Rhythm Nation'-esque qualities; we felt there was a slight Art Of Noise-ish, 'True Faith'-ey thing going on. It would have fitted in well on 'X' and would have been one of the album's best tracks, not least for the line "it's the truth, it's a fact, I was gone and now I'm back". It's a lyric that underlines and puts into capital letters the idea that this, not 'X', is really Kylie's big comeback album. Elsewhere in the song there's a great "I'm going back and forth and forth and back, can you feel me in stereo" hook along with military drums and handclaps. On one listen it doesn't feel like a single but we think it's one of the songs that'll end up defining the album.
Read more of their review on the Popjustice site!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Movies: Leap Year
The Back Up Plan > Leap Year
I mean, Leap Year had its tender moments, but otherwise it was pretty plain Jane. I could swim in Matthew Goode's eyes for a good while but that's not enough for me to get on board with this film about a woman who flies to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend only to get stranded in a small town where she meets the ruggedly handsome Matthew Goode.
We ALL know where this is headed, so why waste our time getting there with dull dialogue and cliche situations?
It's a cute movie, but go with J Lo if you want a RomCom that's a bit more entertaining.
PVR It
iPhone 4G
You've probably already heard about the Apple engineer who left a prototype of the next iPhone in a bar. If you haven't, well it got picked up and sold to Gizmodo who exclusively broke the story, complete with pictures, an iPhone autopsy, and an examination of the new features!
Looks pretty nifty, eh? For more details about the features, such as the forward facing camera, the built in flash, and the glass/ceramic backing for better phone reception, visit the Gizmodo site!
Looks pretty nifty, eh? For more details about the features, such as the forward facing camera, the built in flash, and the glass/ceramic backing for better phone reception, visit the Gizmodo site!
Hilton Maldives
How amazing would it be to stay at the Hilton in the Maldvies, and eat at their restaurant located underwater!!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Movies: The Back Up Plan
You know, when you're in the right mood for a RomCom, then it's not that hard to enjoy one, unless it's really horrible or lame. I was expecting really horrible and lame with the new J.Lo vehicle, The Back Up Plan, about a woman who impregnates herself only to meet the man of her dreams immediately after. It starts off pretty lame and I thought, Am I really going to do this?
The answer in short is yes, I was. Why? Well not only is the guy in it pretty cute, but he plays a CHEESE FARMER of all things. And not just any cheese - GOAT CHEESE. The kind of cheese that I can eat!!! So, I let myself get swept up in all sorts of fantasies about dating a goat cheese farmer and the endless supply of night cheese I'd have at my disposal!
And then there was that one scene that involves a bunch of single women chanting around another woman during childbirth in a kiddie pool, and I seriously LAUGHED OUT LOUD.
Well played, J.Lo. Well played, indeed.
If you've got nothing else to do, The Back Up Plan is not a bad idea. It isn't anything brilliant, but it will satisfy.
Rent It
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Movies: Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Carrie Bradshaw can only be Carrie Bradshaw. There is no Sarah Jessica Parker. That's why I'm eagerly anticipating the Sex and the City sequel coming out next month. To tide me over, I thought I'd watch this criticized bomb one bored evening at home.
It's pretty bad, but it's not terrible. I mean, yeah it IS terrible, but I slugged through it, just because I literally had nothing else better to do. Carrie and Hugh Grant play a divorcing couple, who witness a crime and have to go into the Witness Protection Program. Hilarity ensues, or at least is supposed to. There is just zero chemistry between these two. Hugh Grant plays his regular character - bumbling Brit, to Sarah Jessica's whiney counterpart. Seriously, Hugh Grant needs to find a good solid role that he can really sink his teeth into, don't you think? Something totally against type.
Anyway, the movie is bearable if you have no life like me.
Otherwise, feel free to Skip It.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Photos from the UK - Part One!
I took over 400 photos on my trip to the UK last month and I don't know how I'm going to be able to show them all to you! Just kidding, I wouldn't do that. I could barely put all of them up on Facebook for friends to see - even for that I had to wade through my mess in order to select ones that were presentable. From those, I have chosen a select few to blog about. So you're getting the cream of the crop here!!
This photo was taken near the tail end of the trip, but thought it would be a good start for this exhibit. I mean, a black cab is classic Brit, yes? I didn't actually get to ride in one per say, but maybe next time!
Can call all you want, but there's no one home and you're not gonna reach my telephone! My telephone! My, my, my telephone!
My very first night in London, I reunited with my Divorced Friend. Yes, this is him. We've had our ups and downs over the years, which is why I felt like I had to divorce him. But perhaps distance makes the heart grow fonder? It was really nice to see him and catch up with him. He took me out to a Rice Queen bar that first night, where as you can see, we got well drunk! This was probably taken right after I finished making out with some Russian guy, who was sitting beside me sipping on Sambuca!
Before the bar though, my friend took me on a walk through the West End, where we stumbled upon the theatre where Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical was playing. I wouldn't be seeing it till later in my trip, but just had to snap a shot of this fabulous display out front!
Mother and I took a side trip over to Paris because she's never been and wanted to check it out, since we were so close. We took the Chunnel and it was super fast and super convenient! Highly recommended for all who are in the vicinity!
Dr, Who's that girl? Why, it's the Doctor Who tardis!! This was taken in Cardiff when my cousin and I were wandering around a random parking lot and it was just SITTING THERE in the corner!! Like Dr Who himself had just landed on our planet and parked his Tardis while he went off to explore! Does he still do that in the new ones? I haven't been keeping up... but I know who would know, Old Cheeser that's who!! The last episodes I'd watched are the ones from the 70s!
Oh, and kids, if you're listening to the new Goldfrapp CD and get to my favourite track - I Wanna Life - there's a line where Alison sings, "A nowhere bar that's like a Tardis" - this police box is EXACTLY what she's singing about!!! I tried to get inside in search of this "nowhere bar" but sadly, it was padlocked. That Dr Who sure knows how to keep out intruders!!
We stayed with Fourth Aunt in Cardiff, pictured here with my mom. Just down the cute little street here lives Fifth Aunt. Third Aunt lives a bus ride away, so I got to meet all three of them! It was really cool for me to meet my dad's side of the family, as I have no recollection of them and don't really hear from them at all. And I just loved how cute these row houses are, and felt like I was walking down Coronation Street!
Ever since I was little, I have dreamed about Britain's mince meat pies. I remember them from my early childhood, but of course, how reliable can a three year old's mind really be? In Canada, everyone thought I was making it up when I spoke of these magical pies. The only mince meat pies that people know about here are those sweet ones that come out at Christmas. Bleck!! No, that's not what I'm talking about, I'd protest, but no one could understand, and I thought perhaps I was slowly going insane. But it was so good to see that these morsels DO exist, and in copious amounts, might I add!! I have friends who have Asian food as their comfort food, but for me, these pies bring back memories of my short stint in England before moving to Canada. I wish I could've packed a whole suitcase of these and shipped them home with me!
Faggots are meatballs.
Brits love wallpaper. I became obsessed with photographing all the different styles of wallpaper that I came across, but of course there'd be way too many for me to post here. So instead, I'm just posting these two shots because they actually have some meaning behind them. They were taken in Bradford, where I was born, in my parents' old fish and chip shop. In fact, this wallpaper is the original wallpaper that my parents put up over 30 years ago. The current owners (the same ones who bought it from my parents - yes they're still there!) didn't change a thing over the decades!!
Here is the front of my parents' old Fish and Chip shop! It's still there for now, but the current owners have JUST sold it off, so it was perfect timing that we got to visit before it disappeared forever into memory. Back in my parents' day, there was no cage over the windows. The town has since seen an increase in crime, which is why they've had to put on those additions. Oh, and inside, it's literally just a bench for customers to sit on while they wait for their order, and a counter. It really is just a "take away" shop!
Here's the back alley where I ran out holding a popsicle for me and my neighbour when I was about 3 or 4, and didn't notice the car that was rounding the corner! Luckily, the car was not going fast so when it hit me, I was barely hurt at all.
I couldn't visit the old fish and chip shop without having fish and chips and curry! Northern England is known for its curry and for good reason, too! It was amazing! Especially when it was covering those fries! Yum!! My mom knows how to make this, so I'm definitely hitting her up for a cooking lesson pronto!
And I'm going to leave you with this last image for now, just of a random street in smalltown Britain. I liked this row of houses because it reminded me of the Spice Girls' "Stop" video and just imagined Ginger, Sporty, Scary, Posh, and Baby knocking on these doors and coming out to sing!
This photo was taken near the tail end of the trip, but thought it would be a good start for this exhibit. I mean, a black cab is classic Brit, yes? I didn't actually get to ride in one per say, but maybe next time!
Can call all you want, but there's no one home and you're not gonna reach my telephone! My telephone! My, my, my telephone!
My very first night in London, I reunited with my Divorced Friend. Yes, this is him. We've had our ups and downs over the years, which is why I felt like I had to divorce him. But perhaps distance makes the heart grow fonder? It was really nice to see him and catch up with him. He took me out to a Rice Queen bar that first night, where as you can see, we got well drunk! This was probably taken right after I finished making out with some Russian guy, who was sitting beside me sipping on Sambuca!
Before the bar though, my friend took me on a walk through the West End, where we stumbled upon the theatre where Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical was playing. I wouldn't be seeing it till later in my trip, but just had to snap a shot of this fabulous display out front!
Mother and I took a side trip over to Paris because she's never been and wanted to check it out, since we were so close. We took the Chunnel and it was super fast and super convenient! Highly recommended for all who are in the vicinity!
Dr, Who's that girl? Why, it's the Doctor Who tardis!! This was taken in Cardiff when my cousin and I were wandering around a random parking lot and it was just SITTING THERE in the corner!! Like Dr Who himself had just landed on our planet and parked his Tardis while he went off to explore! Does he still do that in the new ones? I haven't been keeping up... but I know who would know, Old Cheeser that's who!! The last episodes I'd watched are the ones from the 70s!
Oh, and kids, if you're listening to the new Goldfrapp CD and get to my favourite track - I Wanna Life - there's a line where Alison sings, "A nowhere bar that's like a Tardis" - this police box is EXACTLY what she's singing about!!! I tried to get inside in search of this "nowhere bar" but sadly, it was padlocked. That Dr Who sure knows how to keep out intruders!!
We stayed with Fourth Aunt in Cardiff, pictured here with my mom. Just down the cute little street here lives Fifth Aunt. Third Aunt lives a bus ride away, so I got to meet all three of them! It was really cool for me to meet my dad's side of the family, as I have no recollection of them and don't really hear from them at all. And I just loved how cute these row houses are, and felt like I was walking down Coronation Street!
Ever since I was little, I have dreamed about Britain's mince meat pies. I remember them from my early childhood, but of course, how reliable can a three year old's mind really be? In Canada, everyone thought I was making it up when I spoke of these magical pies. The only mince meat pies that people know about here are those sweet ones that come out at Christmas. Bleck!! No, that's not what I'm talking about, I'd protest, but no one could understand, and I thought perhaps I was slowly going insane. But it was so good to see that these morsels DO exist, and in copious amounts, might I add!! I have friends who have Asian food as their comfort food, but for me, these pies bring back memories of my short stint in England before moving to Canada. I wish I could've packed a whole suitcase of these and shipped them home with me!
Faggots are meatballs.
Brits love wallpaper. I became obsessed with photographing all the different styles of wallpaper that I came across, but of course there'd be way too many for me to post here. So instead, I'm just posting these two shots because they actually have some meaning behind them. They were taken in Bradford, where I was born, in my parents' old fish and chip shop. In fact, this wallpaper is the original wallpaper that my parents put up over 30 years ago. The current owners (the same ones who bought it from my parents - yes they're still there!) didn't change a thing over the decades!!
Here is the front of my parents' old Fish and Chip shop! It's still there for now, but the current owners have JUST sold it off, so it was perfect timing that we got to visit before it disappeared forever into memory. Back in my parents' day, there was no cage over the windows. The town has since seen an increase in crime, which is why they've had to put on those additions. Oh, and inside, it's literally just a bench for customers to sit on while they wait for their order, and a counter. It really is just a "take away" shop!
Here's the back alley where I ran out holding a popsicle for me and my neighbour when I was about 3 or 4, and didn't notice the car that was rounding the corner! Luckily, the car was not going fast so when it hit me, I was barely hurt at all.
I couldn't visit the old fish and chip shop without having fish and chips and curry! Northern England is known for its curry and for good reason, too! It was amazing! Especially when it was covering those fries! Yum!! My mom knows how to make this, so I'm definitely hitting her up for a cooking lesson pronto!
And I'm going to leave you with this last image for now, just of a random street in smalltown Britain. I liked this row of houses because it reminded me of the Spice Girls' "Stop" video and just imagined Ginger, Sporty, Scary, Posh, and Baby knocking on these doors and coming out to sing!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
WireTap in 2D!
Meet the gang of CBC's WireTap!! One of my favourite CBC radio programs! I download the weekly podcast to get a glimpse into the highs and lows (mostly lows) of the life of host Jonathan Goldstein. Now here they all are in video format!! All we're missing is Bernice!
Eating: Cork and Fin, Wally's Burgers
Visited Gastown's Cork and Fin restaurant a week or so ago, and it was an enjoyable meal.
It was a very Gastown type of place, with its exposed brick and cool clientele. The food was mostly seafood, as I dug into my mussels. I did find it odd though that all of us early diners were seated in the very back corner of the restaurant when the rest of the room was empty for the most part. I guess it added to the intimate dining experience.
Vancouver is blessed with good eats and it's almost as though a new restaurant pops up every week! It's hard to keep up, but it's nice to know that if you point yourself in any direction, you're bound to walk into a great eatery.
Meanwhile, across town, just by my place, the historic Wally's Burgers has opened up shop. They closed their Kingsway location some time ago, and I thought they had gone the way of the dinosaur, but here they are revamping themselves and springing up in a strip mall - the same strip mall as Killarney Market, where Michael Buble's video for "Still Haven't Met You Yet" was filmed!
I walked over for lunch on Saturday and grabbed a classic Wally's with fries and a diet coke, though their handspun milkshakes looked tempting. I didn't see any of their Fish Burgers on the menu anymore, but will definitely have to go back for a HOT DOG!! The burger itself was alright, nothing to rave about. I think it's more of a nostalgia thing with Wally's. I think my favourite burger in town is Jimmyz Greek Burger from Sophie's Cosmic Cafe!! Oh I have not been there in ages!! Anyone want to go with me?!
It was a very Gastown type of place, with its exposed brick and cool clientele. The food was mostly seafood, as I dug into my mussels. I did find it odd though that all of us early diners were seated in the very back corner of the restaurant when the rest of the room was empty for the most part. I guess it added to the intimate dining experience.
Vancouver is blessed with good eats and it's almost as though a new restaurant pops up every week! It's hard to keep up, but it's nice to know that if you point yourself in any direction, you're bound to walk into a great eatery.
Meanwhile, across town, just by my place, the historic Wally's Burgers has opened up shop. They closed their Kingsway location some time ago, and I thought they had gone the way of the dinosaur, but here they are revamping themselves and springing up in a strip mall - the same strip mall as Killarney Market, where Michael Buble's video for "Still Haven't Met You Yet" was filmed!
I walked over for lunch on Saturday and grabbed a classic Wally's with fries and a diet coke, though their handspun milkshakes looked tempting. I didn't see any of their Fish Burgers on the menu anymore, but will definitely have to go back for a HOT DOG!! The burger itself was alright, nothing to rave about. I think it's more of a nostalgia thing with Wally's. I think my favourite burger in town is Jimmyz Greek Burger from Sophie's Cosmic Cafe!! Oh I have not been there in ages!! Anyone want to go with me?!
Words With Friends
Fun new iPhone app! It's basically online Scrabble and you can play against your friends!
If you're an iPhone user and want to play, download it and then add me! My username for it is bitterwoo!
(Thanks Bellybutton for hooking me up!)
If you're an iPhone user and want to play, download it and then add me! My username for it is bitterwoo!
(Thanks Bellybutton for hooking me up!)
Embracing a Life of Solitude
I was sick all weekend, with a fever, and so basically stayed in and got all caught up on my Rupaul's Drag Race. Only three queens left! This show is pure fun because it basically incorporates elements of all the other reality game shows, from Project Runway to America's Next Top Model, with a sprinkling of The Apprentice.
In my feverish delirium, I thought about being single and loneliness and all that usual blather that occupies my mind 99% of the time. I won't bore you with the details since you've heard it all before. I may have sent The Guy a text message and then went on to make him a CD with songs that contained not-so-subtle messages in them.
Today I read this article from the New York Times titled Embracing a Life of Solitude. It's a good read and it got me thinking about things like moving away and becoming a hermit. I am pretty sure I wouldn't be able to hack that. I mean, I'm definitely more City Mouse than Country Mouse.
Though the thought of escaping the demands of the day and setting up shack on paradise island sounds dreamy, doesn't it? Where time is all you have and you can be all environment-friendly? Of course it all sounds idyllic but we all know that I can't even handle being in a small town without a WiFi connection.
Still though, with Earth Day upon us this week, it's a good time for me to reasses my "carbon footprint" and see how I can better do my part. I used to have a bucket in the shower with me that would collect all the water while I was washing, and then I'd re-use that water to flush my toilet but I stopped doing that after awhile. Perhaps it's time to pick that up again?
I've also begun getting interested in this 100 Mile Diet, where it's encouraged to eat foods that are grown locally (i.e. within 100 miles) rather than costly and environmentally unfriendly imports. It sounds like a tough challenge, but may be worth a try.
And have you read your love forecast for 2010 yet? Astrologer Tim Stephens is the only guy I trust, and he's got it all laid out for you on his site, Astral Reflections. You cannot go any further until you've read it!
For me, it says that I am in the midst of a metamorphosis, and I do feel that I've changed somewhat over the past year. Hopefully for the better. It also states:
Your dreams about love and about a life mate will come true in the decade ahead.
Ah well, we'll see, won't we? Maybe I won't be embracing a life of solitude after all...
In my feverish delirium, I thought about being single and loneliness and all that usual blather that occupies my mind 99% of the time. I won't bore you with the details since you've heard it all before. I may have sent The Guy a text message and then went on to make him a CD with songs that contained not-so-subtle messages in them.
Today I read this article from the New York Times titled Embracing a Life of Solitude. It's a good read and it got me thinking about things like moving away and becoming a hermit. I am pretty sure I wouldn't be able to hack that. I mean, I'm definitely more City Mouse than Country Mouse.
Though the thought of escaping the demands of the day and setting up shack on paradise island sounds dreamy, doesn't it? Where time is all you have and you can be all environment-friendly? Of course it all sounds idyllic but we all know that I can't even handle being in a small town without a WiFi connection.
Still though, with Earth Day upon us this week, it's a good time for me to reasses my "carbon footprint" and see how I can better do my part. I used to have a bucket in the shower with me that would collect all the water while I was washing, and then I'd re-use that water to flush my toilet but I stopped doing that after awhile. Perhaps it's time to pick that up again?
I've also begun getting interested in this 100 Mile Diet, where it's encouraged to eat foods that are grown locally (i.e. within 100 miles) rather than costly and environmentally unfriendly imports. It sounds like a tough challenge, but may be worth a try.
And have you read your love forecast for 2010 yet? Astrologer Tim Stephens is the only guy I trust, and he's got it all laid out for you on his site, Astral Reflections. You cannot go any further until you've read it!
For me, it says that I am in the midst of a metamorphosis, and I do feel that I've changed somewhat over the past year. Hopefully for the better. It also states:
Your dreams about love and about a life mate will come true in the decade ahead.
Ah well, we'll see, won't we? Maybe I won't be embracing a life of solitude after all...
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Your Love is Bittersweet
It was so refreshing to watch TV in the UK because they actually play music videos over there, and not just any music video, but pop music videos!! I spent a morning watching their Official Top 20 Britney Spears videos. The next day, they had the Official Top 20 Beyonce videos! Amazingness.
Even more amazing, seeing a Sohie Ellis Bextor video on TV!! Her latest single, Bittersweet:
Even more amazing, seeing a Sohie Ellis Bextor video on TV!! Her latest single, Bittersweet:
Can You Hear The Horses Cause Hear They Come!
Last night's Florence and the Machine concert was brilliant!!! The best moment of the night was not her amazing drumming like a wild child. Nor was it when she was flinging about the stage, her fiery red hair all alight like a giant flame. It wasn't her spectacular voice that howled and groaned and moaned and delivered. It wasn't when she had the entire room jumping during Dog Days Are Over or when she instructed us to raise our hands during Rabbit Hearted Girl.
She sang almost the entire Lungs album, with the addition of a new song. I did freak out during Dog Days Are Over, welled up for Cosmic Love, and danced about for My Boy Builds Coffins, but the best part of the night was still to come.
Her theatrics were dramatic and over the top, with the shadowy lighting, fist punching the air, Bjork vocals, and Stevie Nicks-inspired outfits. And even though she was completely cute and almost bashful and totally sweet and humble, that too was not the highlight of the evening.
Clearly the best part of the night was when she dove into the audience and body surfed.
Clearly.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Sue Sylvester Vogues
Okay, my bad, I am so thick today. they didn't air the whole Madonna Glee episode last night, they only aired Sue Sylvester's Vogue. Whew!!!
Happiness Hit Her Like a Train On The Track
Hi there! I've been occupied the past while, trying to get back into the swing of things after holidaying. Did you watch Glee last night??? I'm soooo pissed that Fox aired the Madonna episode right after the first one, because I totally missed it! And I was being all patriotic and watching it on the Canadian channel, which advertised the Madonna episode for next week. Bah!!!
Oh well, it's good to have Glee back. I missed Lost, so will have to catch up on that later. Tuesday nights Glee vs Lost? That's a tough call...
So I'm very excited to go see Florence and the Machine tonight!!! It's a nice small venue at the Commodore, and it's been sold out for awhile now, but luckily I managed to get tickets at cost from Ticketmaster when they released a few more earlier this week!!!
I've been hanging out a bit with Krista the past few days, as she was in town for work! We tested out the new Judas Goat tapas place in Blood Alley, right next to Salt.
Hung out with The Guy on the weekend. It was alright. I mean, in actuality, it was great. In my head, it was a bit more dramatic and turbulent, which only today has finally subsided. Still though, I am a prisoner to my thoughts.
Pictures from my UK trip coming soon, I swear!!!
Oh well, it's good to have Glee back. I missed Lost, so will have to catch up on that later. Tuesday nights Glee vs Lost? That's a tough call...
So I'm very excited to go see Florence and the Machine tonight!!! It's a nice small venue at the Commodore, and it's been sold out for awhile now, but luckily I managed to get tickets at cost from Ticketmaster when they released a few more earlier this week!!!
I've been hanging out a bit with Krista the past few days, as she was in town for work! We tested out the new Judas Goat tapas place in Blood Alley, right next to Salt.
Hung out with The Guy on the weekend. It was alright. I mean, in actuality, it was great. In my head, it was a bit more dramatic and turbulent, which only today has finally subsided. Still though, I am a prisoner to my thoughts.
Pictures from my UK trip coming soon, I swear!!!
I Can't Stop Listening to the New Scissor Sisters Track!
Sooooo good!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's like Pet Shop Boys meets Thriller meets Rasputin meets The Bee Gees and so much more!!!! Throw in some wild bird noises and it's an extravaganza!!!
It's like Pet Shop Boys meets Thriller meets Rasputin meets The Bee Gees and so much more!!!! Throw in some wild bird noises and it's an extravaganza!!!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Workin' on the Night Cheese!
With my blogmate Old Cheeser, that is!!!
I got to meet up with Simon, whose blog I have been reading for awhile now. I've met some fellow bloggers in the past, and for the most part, they've been great! With Simon, it was absolutely wonderful! I must admit, his voice was a lot deeper than I had imagined! It wasn't quite the Krystle Carrington whisper I had imagined it to be! :) I only mention that because he's an avid Dynasty fan, or as he might say in his British accent, "DINasty"!
We bar-hopped a few times, from Kudos to The Village and some others in-between that were already closed by the time we stumbled to their entrances. We discussed books and love and the pronunciation of KeBAB versus KeBOB! He filled me in on Clarkes shoes, Dr Who, and his obsession with Charlie's Angels, to which I will respond by sending him my original Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith dolls!! (Send me your address already!)
He also introduced me to these hilarious remixed Dynasty clips!!
It was greet meeting you Simon and yes, you must visit North America soon!!! Muah!!
I got to meet up with Simon, whose blog I have been reading for awhile now. I've met some fellow bloggers in the past, and for the most part, they've been great! With Simon, it was absolutely wonderful! I must admit, his voice was a lot deeper than I had imagined! It wasn't quite the Krystle Carrington whisper I had imagined it to be! :) I only mention that because he's an avid Dynasty fan, or as he might say in his British accent, "DINasty"!
We bar-hopped a few times, from Kudos to The Village and some others in-between that were already closed by the time we stumbled to their entrances. We discussed books and love and the pronunciation of KeBAB versus KeBOB! He filled me in on Clarkes shoes, Dr Who, and his obsession with Charlie's Angels, to which I will respond by sending him my original Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith dolls!! (Send me your address already!)
He also introduced me to these hilarious remixed Dynasty clips!!
It was greet meeting you Simon and yes, you must visit North America soon!!! Muah!!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Portland
So flitting off to Portland this past long weekend was my way of curing those post-Vacation blues, and it worked.
Portland's...interesting. I'm not sure I want to head back there anytime soon. Maybe it's cause of the area we stayed in (downtown)? But we did make it across the bridge and to some other areas of town, and there was a sense of the whole place being a bit downtrodden... I'm not knocking Portland, it's just an observation. It may be due to the excessive rain we had all weekend. Or maybe it's the effects of the bad American economy? You could really tell things were all shambles, i.e. walking into a department store and the racks are empty and there aren't that many people shopping.
Shopping is Portland's biggest draw, too! When I told people I was heading to Portland, they all said, "Oh Portland! Shopping! No tax!"
Maybe it's because I was just in the UK and amid a blur of people and things to do in London?
A hidden treasure of Portland however, are its restaurants! After taking the Amtrak train from Vancouver all the way down there (8 hours later) we embarked on our first culinary adventure. Ping, located right smack dab in Chinatown, is a cool, chic restaurant serving up Asian food. The service was great, and the servers were hot! (Hello, young bearded guy who served us!)
For dessert, we made our way to the famous Voodoo Donuts, which is where they put donuts when they've gone insane. They had a Tex-Ass Donut, which was the size of my head. Enough said! And their mottos printed on signs and on their boxes were great. "The magic is in the hole" and "Good things come in pink boxes!" Cheeky!!!
The next day, we hit it up across the bridge to get to Bunk Sandwiches, where the pork belly sandwich was TO DIE FOR!!! At this point, the sandwich was my favourite meal thusfar!
We also explored their Saturday Portland arts and craft market (in the rain), as well as the Farmer's Market over at the Portland State University (in the rain). There were numerous CD and record stores much to my delight. I was finally able to find a CD i'd been searching high and low for - Miami Sound Machine's "Eyes of Innocence"
I also picked up some Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, and flipped through some Marlena Shaw LPs.
Our next eatery was Ned Ludd, which was way too far to trek to, but we did, by foot, in the semi-rain. Was it worth the journey? No. Even though GQ magazine did a write-up on it, calling it one of the best restaurants in America of 2009? I don't think so. The food was fine, but maybe the entire experience was ruined by our long distance walk followed by an hour wait at the bar. Plus, we weren't even that hungry so overall, it was not fantastic but it wasn't necessarily the restaurant's fault.
Breakfast was had at the Byways Cafe, which was featured on the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dive's television program. It's your basic greasy spoon diner, with gigantic portions. Always a staple of mine.
Brunch on Sunday however, we opted to head over the water again and eat at the Simpatica Dining Hall, where the food and space was definitely worth the wait! This quickly overtook Bunk Sandwiches as my favourite meal of the weekend! I had their waffles and fried chicken and it was just what the doctor ordered!!!
After brunch, we walked off some calories by going up Hawthorne Avenue, which was decorated with a bunch of vintage furniture shops, much to my delight!! My favourite was the Lounge Lizard, where I was obsessed with what's known as an Infinity Mirror. It was perfect, and I could have stared into it all day long! It's from the 70s, made by a company called Turner, and when you look in it, it's as though you are looking into infinity!!
Here's an example of a more modernized mirror:
A visit to Portland would not be complete without a trip to Powell's Books, either. It's literally a giant used and new book store that takes up an entire city block. It was quite insane.
Didn't get to check out the gay scene, even though they have more venues than Vancouver, yet Vancouver is a bigger city! What in the What?!! I know right? Anyway, it was an interesting visit!
Portland's...interesting. I'm not sure I want to head back there anytime soon. Maybe it's cause of the area we stayed in (downtown)? But we did make it across the bridge and to some other areas of town, and there was a sense of the whole place being a bit downtrodden... I'm not knocking Portland, it's just an observation. It may be due to the excessive rain we had all weekend. Or maybe it's the effects of the bad American economy? You could really tell things were all shambles, i.e. walking into a department store and the racks are empty and there aren't that many people shopping.
Shopping is Portland's biggest draw, too! When I told people I was heading to Portland, they all said, "Oh Portland! Shopping! No tax!"
Maybe it's because I was just in the UK and amid a blur of people and things to do in London?
A hidden treasure of Portland however, are its restaurants! After taking the Amtrak train from Vancouver all the way down there (8 hours later) we embarked on our first culinary adventure. Ping, located right smack dab in Chinatown, is a cool, chic restaurant serving up Asian food. The service was great, and the servers were hot! (Hello, young bearded guy who served us!)
For dessert, we made our way to the famous Voodoo Donuts, which is where they put donuts when they've gone insane. They had a Tex-Ass Donut, which was the size of my head. Enough said! And their mottos printed on signs and on their boxes were great. "The magic is in the hole" and "Good things come in pink boxes!" Cheeky!!!
The next day, we hit it up across the bridge to get to Bunk Sandwiches, where the pork belly sandwich was TO DIE FOR!!! At this point, the sandwich was my favourite meal thusfar!
We also explored their Saturday Portland arts and craft market (in the rain), as well as the Farmer's Market over at the Portland State University (in the rain). There were numerous CD and record stores much to my delight. I was finally able to find a CD i'd been searching high and low for - Miami Sound Machine's "Eyes of Innocence"
I also picked up some Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, and flipped through some Marlena Shaw LPs.
Our next eatery was Ned Ludd, which was way too far to trek to, but we did, by foot, in the semi-rain. Was it worth the journey? No. Even though GQ magazine did a write-up on it, calling it one of the best restaurants in America of 2009? I don't think so. The food was fine, but maybe the entire experience was ruined by our long distance walk followed by an hour wait at the bar. Plus, we weren't even that hungry so overall, it was not fantastic but it wasn't necessarily the restaurant's fault.
Breakfast was had at the Byways Cafe, which was featured on the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dive's television program. It's your basic greasy spoon diner, with gigantic portions. Always a staple of mine.
Brunch on Sunday however, we opted to head over the water again and eat at the Simpatica Dining Hall, where the food and space was definitely worth the wait! This quickly overtook Bunk Sandwiches as my favourite meal of the weekend! I had their waffles and fried chicken and it was just what the doctor ordered!!!
After brunch, we walked off some calories by going up Hawthorne Avenue, which was decorated with a bunch of vintage furniture shops, much to my delight!! My favourite was the Lounge Lizard, where I was obsessed with what's known as an Infinity Mirror. It was perfect, and I could have stared into it all day long! It's from the 70s, made by a company called Turner, and when you look in it, it's as though you are looking into infinity!!
Here's an example of a more modernized mirror:
A visit to Portland would not be complete without a trip to Powell's Books, either. It's literally a giant used and new book store that takes up an entire city block. It was quite insane.
Didn't get to check out the gay scene, even though they have more venues than Vancouver, yet Vancouver is a bigger city! What in the What?!! I know right? Anyway, it was an interesting visit!
Shows in London
So being a "culture vulture" as someone called me, I had to go check out a show or two while in London. Even though this trip was more about finding out about my family history and reconnecting with relatives, I couldn't let four nights in London go to complete waste.
So on one of those nights, my divorced friend took me to go see Soap, which is like Cirque du Soleil meets your bathroom. Set around a bathroom/bath tub motif, the show consists of vignettes featuring acrobats, dancers, contortionists, and clowns. I wasn't sold on the prospect of seeing this, but actually had quite an amazing time!
Of course, the other show I went to see, was Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, which I was really looking forward to, and boy did it live up to expectations! It was a fun frolic and definitely the gayest musical I've ever seen in my life!! I mean, it stars Kylie's ex, Jason Donovan for crying out loud!! Check how fabulous this show was!
So on one of those nights, my divorced friend took me to go see Soap, which is like Cirque du Soleil meets your bathroom. Set around a bathroom/bath tub motif, the show consists of vignettes featuring acrobats, dancers, contortionists, and clowns. I wasn't sold on the prospect of seeing this, but actually had quite an amazing time!
Of course, the other show I went to see, was Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical, which I was really looking forward to, and boy did it live up to expectations! It was a fun frolic and definitely the gayest musical I've ever seen in my life!! I mean, it stars Kylie's ex, Jason Donovan for crying out loud!! Check how fabulous this show was!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Home and Away
What's the cure for post-vacation blues? Go on another vacation!
I got back earlier this week, after having my plane delayed in Montreal - forcing us to spend the night there. Luckily, the airline put us up, but I have no idea still what happened or why our original flight got cancelled. Anyway, I didn't get home until Tuesday morning, rather than the planned Monday night.
I've got loads of pics I want to share, so i'll be putting those up soon.
However, I'm now gone again on a mini-trip down to Portland, Oregon. Amtrak began running a train from Vancouver to Portland and I thought it was time to take advantage of it. It's only about $35 one way to get down here, and the ride starts at 7am and you get in around 3pm. Not bad.
So far, Portland is a quaint little town but with really cool restaurants and good eats! Who knew? Sadly though, you can really see the effects of the American recession here...
Anyhow, will talk soon!
I got back earlier this week, after having my plane delayed in Montreal - forcing us to spend the night there. Luckily, the airline put us up, but I have no idea still what happened or why our original flight got cancelled. Anyway, I didn't get home until Tuesday morning, rather than the planned Monday night.
I've got loads of pics I want to share, so i'll be putting those up soon.
However, I'm now gone again on a mini-trip down to Portland, Oregon. Amtrak began running a train from Vancouver to Portland and I thought it was time to take advantage of it. It's only about $35 one way to get down here, and the ride starts at 7am and you get in around 3pm. Not bad.
So far, Portland is a quaint little town but with really cool restaurants and good eats! Who knew? Sadly though, you can really see the effects of the American recession here...
Anyhow, will talk soon!
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