“It’s been a long, hot summer, let’s get undercover, Don’t try to hard to think, Don’t think at all”
-Staring at the Sun, U2

Let us not lament the impending end of “summer”! (especially since technically summer ends of September and I don’t have to cut my fun short and return to school, but in the sake of tradition, I will lament privately.)

Instead, let the countdown to the Toronto International Film Festival begin!

“I’m not just deaf and dumb, I’m staring at the sun”

Picked up my pass & coupon order book today, so with my fingers crossed, here’s what I picked for my first choices:

Brokeback Mountain- I so want to see this, not because I have a slight crush on Jake Gyllenhaal, or I hope his sister Maggie is in attendance with the (current) man o’ my dreams, Peter Sarsgaard, but I also enjoy Ang Lee. Who doesn’t love a good gay cowboy movie?

Breakfast on Pluto- I am a Neil Jordan fan, a Liam Neeson fan, a Stephen Rea fan, and basically an all-things Irish fan. Gavin Friday, who is Bono’s best friend is in the movie and due to the fact that it’s also U2 week in the city, I am hoping that Bono will grace the theatre with his presence for the premiere. Either way, I’ll still enjoy it (I actually own a Gavin Friday CD).

Elizabethtown- Sure I can wait a month until it opens wide in theatres, but why not fill up my Sunday afternoon with a film?

Everything is Illuminated- I love Live Schreiber and he directed this. And Elijah Wood isn’t a bad draw either. I almost bought this book the other day but decided to get The Constant Gardener instead…an no, I don’t only read books that have/will become movies.

The Cabin Movie; Hostel- I just like movies that look creepy. Especially when one is being screened at 9am on a Saturday morning.

Also on the list: Thumbsucker, Neverwas, Winter Passing, Thank You for Smoking.


Runner-up, 2nd choices: Romance & Cigarettes, Tideland, Shopgirl, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Slow Burn, Bee Season, Harsh Times, Whole New Thing. And Corpse Bride.

Corpse Bride may come as a surprise for being on my second choice list, but it was between that and Breakfast on Pluto, which I chose for previously stated reasons. I love Tim Burton. All of him! But CB will be out everywhere relatively soon and I’m sure it’s the more in demand film anyway.

“Waves that leave me out of reach, breaking on your back like a beach”

I’ve decided to stay away from movies that we’ve funded at the CTF, because I can borrow those at any time. Like- Where the Truth Lies, L’Enfer, Water, The Life and Hard Times of Guy Teriffico, to name a few.


“I’m nearly great but there’s something missing”


But that’s all for now. I’ll know what I’m stuck with soon enough…if only I didn’t have a job and I could watch movies all day (so many good things showing pre-5pm!). But I love my job too much to quit.

OVERRATED: Volunteers. So you work for free. I don’t.
UNDERRATED: 9 to 5ers. Okay, not really. But sometimes there are movies I’d like to see that are on during normal working hours. Not to mention “Montel”….

“I’m not the only one who’s happy to go blind”

“You like me, and I like it all”
- Rebel, Rebel, David Bowie

Interesting highlights of the weekend: The Cat Show at the CNE.

Yeah, truthfully that’s it. Migraine on Friday derailed my nightly plans and got me out of work for the day.

And now, a recap:

Thursday: I won passes from Dose for a preview screening of The Brothers Grimm. Kate and I went, ate new York Fries and heckled things. I’m on a winning streak of things lately. The passes go hand in hand with my Sno-Cone maker, book of recipes from the National Pork Council, and a keychain. Yes! Anyway, save your time and your money in regard to the dear old “Brothers.” If you want to know what it’s like, put Sleepy Hollow, The 10th Kingdom, and Lost in la Mancha on and watch them all at once. Terry Gilliam, you disappoint me.


“You want more and you want it fast”


In more exciting news (at least to me!) I joined zip.ca to rent all my movies from them. It is by far the best thing ever. I’m so impressed. I got my movies in less than 24 hours. However, the movies I rented were, um, well….let’s start with The Center of the World. Now, my love of Peter Sarsgaard is legendary , but even I can’t love this film. Rent it if you will, but I was expecting more than soft core porn. Call me foolish. (See: Dorff vs. Sarsgaard)

Friday: I think I watched Casa de Los Babys and The Salton Sea (again with the Peter Sarsgaard). I knew there was a reason I put Val Kilmer on my underrated list so many weeks ago….I can’t remember Friday. Meh.


“They put you down, they say I'm wrong, You tacky thing, you put them on”


Saturday: New iPod day! Thank you Apple warranty. This U2 iPod actually works. And I’ll take better care of it. Kate and I went shopping and to ARBY’S! (“I’m so hungry, I could eat at Arby’s”- Sheri or Teri, The Simpsons). I recall watching Moulin rouge and SNL (only to see Keane, again). I told you it was a slow weekend.

And I bought Toronto Film Festival gala tickets for Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. Not my first choice (Proof and Elizabethtown were sold out) but at least I get to see my high school crush (circa 1997-1999) Ralph Fiennes see old email address “rfiennes_fan@yahoo.com”), as he is one of the voices. Yes I know, I am odd, being the only girl in high school back in the day who was not in love with the Backstreet Boys or Leo DiCaprio. I laughed when he dies in Titanic. Either way it will be exciting! I do love Wallace and Gromit.

We’re also having a stalking contest at work for stars during the festival. I hope Maggie Gyllenhaal brings her boyfriend, Peter Sarsgaard….(obsess much? Just for this week anyway)


“Hey babe, let's stay out tonight, You like me, and I like it all, We like dancing and we look divine”


Sunday: When there’s nothing else to do, CAT SHOW! And buy things on eBay- As part of the Peter Sarsgaard themed weekend: Empire and Shattered Glass. And Primal Fear for no reason at all.


This week will prove to be chaotic enough:
-Last softball game with work (we’re not in the finals because we keep losing…only one win)
-Nayeli is moving in YAY!
-Eve is moving to Japan BOO!
-Montreal for the looooong weekend!
-Green Day on Sunday!


“You love bands when they're playing hardYou want more and you want it fast”


I’m in a listing mood today so here goes:

Best/Worst concerts I have seen:

Best:
U2. Obviously. Okay to narrow it down to one out of the 4 (soon to be 6) times I have seen them: Montreal. October 2001 with Shane. Garbage opened. Best. U2. Concert. Ever. It had to be good: They played “Out of Control.” I yelled “Take off your pants.”

Stars/The Organ. Ottawa. Forget the Organ. It’s all about Stars. April 2005. Right after Natalie and I wrote our art history exam! We went with Mairin, Dirk, and Shane. As usual, given our company, we had a great time.

Keane. February 2005. Montreal. With Heidi, Dirk, Shane, and Rusty. They were really good. Bonus points for The Zutons as openers.

The Bravery. The Dead 60’s opened. Toronto. With Eve. They were better than expected, especially because they threw in an old school U2 cover of An Cat Dubh.

Bush. December 1999. The Warehouse (Kool Haus). With Dan. I came home with bruises. It rocked.

Honourable Mentions- Duran Duran (2000), Madonna (2004), Bon Jovi (2001), Nelly Furtado (2004).

As I make this list, I realize that most concerts are good.

Worst:

Britney Spears. August 2000? With Dan. Okay, we paid our $20 as a joke. The entire premise was to answer the question of whether we could tell if she had breast implants.

Bush. May 2002. With Miranda in Toronto. No matter what, Bush just wasn’t as cool in 2002. Points are taken away because Robin Black opened.

Third Eye Blind. October 1997. I didn’t really go to see them on purpose but they opened for U2 when I went with my Mom. And we heckled and booed them. And while we're on the subject of support acts: PJ Harvey. WTF?

No Doubt. Toronto. With Dan and Hillary. Now I like No Doubt. But not live. Sooooo bad. Stay away when Gwen Stefani does her solo tour. And Black Eyed Peas (pre-Fergie) opened. I don’t have any recollection of them actually performing.



OVERRATED: The centre of the World. Okay, not really, since it didn’t have good reviews. But it didn’t need to go masquerading around as an actual film. All it needed to say was Peter Sarsgaard. Soft core porn…I still would have watched, but I would have been better prepared.
UNDERRATED: The Salton Sea. I love movies about drugs. For an extra depressing time, watch it in trilogy form with Trainspotting and Requiem for a Dream. Then stay off drugs.


“You wanna be there when they count up the dudes”

"There's nothing my love can't fix for you, baby."
-Nothin' My Love Can't Fix, Joey Lawrence

I just saw a picture of Mr. Belding (Dennis Haskins) from Saved by the Bell. The years (and I don't mean "The College Years") have not been kind.

That's it. It's ruined my day. All mental processes have ended. Possibly also due to this Joey Lawrence song. Damn you Joey Lawrence! You haunt my dreams!


"You'll lose your blues soon, Cuz baby my love is true. Break it"


OVERRATED: Zack Morris. In retrospect, he sported a lot of Cosby-esque sweaters.
UNDERRATED: Jessie Spano. If only she knew what she'd become....

p.s. Gotta love lyrics like this:

"But lets get back to the subject at hand, Baby baby baby, Oh you is back in demand"

“Mediocrity’s got me so opportunities have been slow.”
-Le Le Low, Hot Hot Heat

You know summer is over when it’s time to go to the CNE.

That’s exactly what my roommate Kate and I did on Sunday. Our whole mission was to go into the Food Pavillion and eat. We don’t care enough for rides, all we want to do is sample foods of the world- ie. Corn dogs and funnel cakes.


“My left back speaker’s on. Left the radio on.”


Our whole journey to the Ex began when Kate told me of a magical display in the Farm, Food and Fun building called “From farm to Fork.” The display featured pigs from the recently born to the point where they are ready for consumption. It is disturbing to see people petting piglets while eating hot dogs (true, the hot dogs may in fact not even be made of pigs, save for snouts and hooves). I took pictures of the sign. Once I figure out how to get the photos from my cell phone onto my computer, I shall post them here.


“It’s second rate you know. Average, if not below.”


Other interesting sites included a sign at a food stand claiming to serve “Burritos as big as your head.” Whose head, I don’t know. I took a picture. I also took a picture of the Pig Mobile and of a man dressed as an inflatable Gingerbread Man (you know they’re all convicts in costume) and a rubber chicken on the ground. We also checked out the carnies and tried to guess what violent crime they were out on parole for. We don’t touch the rides because we don’t trust anything that is supported by a semi-truck and run by carnies. I also plan on going back as part of my two-for-one pass to check out the cat show this weekend and eat some more. Yeah, that counts as fun for me.


“Where’s all your passion gone? Where’s all your fashion gone? Where’s all your magic gone? Now you feel famous?”


To top off our day of gluttony, we went and saw “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” which I must say, is the funniest movie of all time and has one of the greatest endings in all of movie-dom. I was in tears from laughter.


“It’s second rate you know. Average, if not below.”


A day like that is one of the reasons that I’ll miss you Kate when you move out. But like I said, if law school doesn’t pan out, there’s always room for you in the Famous People Players.


“I shouldn’t even say…but it all sounds the same.”


OVERRATED: Burritos as big as your head. They didn’t live up to the name from the looks of them. And do you really want a burrito that big? Made by CNE food service employees?
UNDERRATED: Famous People Players. It’s hard to carry those giant foam hands in all that black lighting.


“Metric systemic buzz is making me anxious.”

So much fun sideways

5 Girls in a bed

I HAD to post this picture. This is up there with Tim Robbins giving the "Tim Robbins." Ahhh Mr. T and Bebe Neuwrith. I hope they're in love because that would the the best celeb couple ever.

“Hey, do you think I’m attractive, Do you think I’m lovely?”
-Loud, Andy Stochansky


Legitimately meeting and conversing with a performer is almost as good as grabbing their ass….almost.


There’s this thing that goes on over the summer in Toronto at Nathan Philips Square called Tasty Thursdays where there’s food and bands. Today was Andy Stochansky. He’s some sort of modern rock alterna singer dude with some more folky slow songs. Example- they play “Stutter” on both Edge 102 and Mix 99.9


“Do you want to get loud? I just want to get loud”


I saw Andy Stochansky play at Zaphod’s in Ottawa back in November with Dirk and Natalie. Like, purposefully went to see him because I had liked his music for a while, as had Dirk, and I’d intro’d Natalie to him. This time however, it was clear that I was the only one who was at all familiar with him since I seemed to be the only one singing along. Granted, it was lunchtime in the city and most people just came to eat. By the end the seats were pretty full. I stood. Who sits at a concert? (See, “Sit down! You’re ruining it for everyone!”)


“Love give me love, yes I really want it”


I bought his new CD (the single is called “Shine.” I actually saw the video on Much this morning) that came with a bonus live CD, which is the real draw. So there was a signing and I talked to him and had him sign my CD for me to add to the collection of autographs and Andy Stochansky CDs (okay not really. I have a burned copy of his last CD but he doesn’t need to know that). I told him I saw him in Ottawa, blah blah blah. Airbrushing does him wonders however. Bags under the eyes galore. My other question is, who does an autograph session without a pen? Had to borrow one. It’s one more concert to add to my list, literally.


“Well do you think I’m a fool? How about you?”


Which leads me in a round about way back to my first statement: It’s nice to actually shake a guy’s hand whose performance you’ve enjoyed and tell them that you’re a fan, but grabbing C-List celebrity ass a la Tom Green in Ottawa makes for a much better story.

You’ve never heard of Andy Stochansky? Then download these:

22 Steps
Stutter
Loud
Everest
Shine
Superman

The other amusing thing about my lunchtime was that the church on Church St. (Metropolitan something or other) had its bells ringing “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It was amusing. I stopped and listened. As did the bum next to me who did interpretive dance.


“Hey do you think it’s a crisis?”


The other tidbit is Steven “Cojo” Cojucaru (of Entertainment Tonight, etc.) needs another kidney. Maybe yours. I hate him, but I secretly have to like him because he’s Canadian.


“Do you find me reactive?”


OVERRATED: Our Lady Peace. I just have this bitter grudge against them since the dawn of time and it comes out every time they release a new album. And they suck.
UNDERRATED: Andy Stochansky. He’s good, not excellent, but he’s worth a lesson and is even better live. More people should find out who he is.

Stochansky word count: 7


“What does it matter anyway if I’m okay?”

“Find me and follow me through corridors, Refectories and files you must follow, Leave this academic factory”
- The Dark of the Matinee, Franz Ferdinand


Best. Game. Ever. (in softball)

We had our best game ever vs. Alliance Atlantis last night. We lost 12-8. That’s right, our best game ever is us losing. Why? Because we usually lose by about 20 runs. At least this was close. I contributed to one run and we managed 6 runs in one inning. So I have to give a shout out to my teammates: G-Unit, Phil the Thrill, Caro, Tony the Tiger, M-dog, AJ to the Max, and Double R. We hope to continue the losing streak on Thursday. We plan on not making it to the playoffs so we can still celebrate like we’ve won by dumping an orange McDonald’s cooler filled with water on eachother, refilling it and doing it again. We also want to play tanked. I love my job.


“I time every journey to bump into you accidentally, I charm you and tell you of the boys I hate, All the girls I hate, all the words I hate, The clothes I hate, How I'll never be anything I hate”


My mood today is: Awake but moody- my iPod died and has to be sent back from whence it came. For free. So I’m suffering with the radio. I’m also indifferent (par for the course) and contemplative on the future.

I can’t think without music. At least tomorrow is the free Andy Stochanksky concert downtown.


“My words and smile are so easy now, Yes, it's easy now, yes, it's easy now”


I had a very nice conversation with Eve today! Yay! Makes me happy to think of the friends that I’ve made over the past 4 years at school and the new ones that I’m making now.
Look, proof. I have (4 month old) pictures:

And let us all remember Puivis who was bit in the ass by a creature and is on his way to making a full and hairless recovery.

“You smile, mention something that you like, Oh, how you'd have a happy life, If you did the things you like”

UNDERRATED: Full conversations revolving around quotes from the Simpsons. Today’s favourite is:

GLORIA: My name is Gloria. I'm here beacuse Johnny-boy hasn't been able to cut it man-wise for some time... not that I'd want his odor of gin and sour defeat pressed against me

JOHN: That's enough Gloria!!!

REVEREND LOVEJOY: Thank you Gloria. John, why dont you tell us a little about why you're here?

JOHN: She never cooks. She keeps a filthy house. And she talks profanely. She's the Queen of the Harpies!

GLORIA: No I'm not..

JOHN: Queen of the Harpies!!!! Here's you're crown your majesty!!!! Queen of the Harpies!!!!!

OVERRATED: That new Rolling Stones song. Sounds like “Brown Sugar” rewarmed and (already) overplayed.

“It's better in the matinee”

(This song was chosen today in outrage and refusal to pay more than $30 to see Franz Ferdinand live)

“I don't like Mondays.”
- I Don’t Like Mondays, The Boomtown Rats

The lyrics say it all, which is why there really isn’t much point to this song other than an anthem for the day. The elevator is broken. The coffee machine is broken. And all the candy is gone. Bad day to go back to work.

“All the playing's stopped in the playground nowShe wants to play with her toys a while”

Rather enjoyable weekend hitting up a few bars in the city- Drake Hotel (pretentious), Dooney’s (tasty food), Lee’s Palace (nothing bad to say), Lobby (nevermind), Hemingway’s (why bother?) and finally “Shmooze” (I don’t know if they realize that they left the “c” out of the nameplate on the door. And also Mink on Saturday.

What happens when you have a group of people with varying tastes in music is that you club hop. Thankfully, no cover charge all night as we discovered that a group of girls will get even the nerdiest guy in for free (not that Max isn’t enjoyable on his own as we were the only two who wanted to stay at Lee’s Palace and he likes Johnny Cash). Instead, money that would have gone for cover went for cabs which is fair in the end.

“No, it ain't so neat to admit defeat”

And I’m also out of my feeling-sorry-for-myself-because-I-have-nothing-better-to-do-so-I’ll-just-contemplate-the-past state o’ mind. Note to self: don’t start the day out listening to mellow, wistful music and keep self occupied at work instead of playing Freecell. And I must delete my slow U2 playlist from iTunes/iPod (and my iPod is broken today anyway).

“And he can see no reasons' Cause there are no reasons”

OVERRATED: Vodka Red Bull. For the love of God, why? It kicks in three hours later to result in weird dreams and the feeling that I’m on speed.
UNDERRATED: Plain old rum. Out of the bottle. Or boot. Or better yet, a nice, $4.95 bottle of Boone’s. Who says I’m hard to please?

“I don't like Mondays, I want to shoot the whole day down”

Stuck in a Moment

“You've got to get yourself together, You've got stuck in a moment, And now you can't get out of it”

- Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of, U2


I found my journal from my first year in university. It’s funny and at the same time kind of sad because I’m still dealing with some of the same issues that I thought for sure I’d be over almost four years later. In a way I can see that I have changed a lot. But then there’s other things that I could have written yesterday. I found it about a year ago and went through the same thing then. I surprise even myself that I’m reliving certain events and feelings and I can also see hints of what I’m feeling now way back then for other issues. One of the more frivolous examples being that if you think someone may be obnoxious and crazy, it may be true so don’t move in with them or they’ll put your roommate’s cat in the fridge. True story.

“I will not forsake, The colors that you bring, The nights you filled with fireworks, They left you with nothing; I am still enchanted, By the light you brought to me, I listen through your ears, Through your eyes I can see”


It’s always nice to go back and relive some of those moments. Some of them are laugh out loud funny- like the time we all went out for Eve’s 19th birthday where I almost jumped in a fountain of bubbles and then rolled out of a cab onto my back. Or the Montreal U2 concert trip. And Frosh Week. I remember September 2001 being a good month. Or just being with people who aren’t around anymore because we’ve gone our separate ways as we’ve all moved onto new things. I’m really glad I documented some of those experiences, especially conversations with certain people and my feelings on things and how relationships have changed over the years.

“I'm not afraid, Of anything in this world, There's nothing you can throw at me, That I haven't already heard”


It’s kind of my place to say things that I can’t seem to say in real life or am kind of afraid too in case the outcome isn’t favourable. But I’d still say it’s 90% mostly good experiences, although I do like to write things when I’m angry. Maybe it’s just me listening to “Stuck in a Moment” that’s getting me all contemplative. And this song always makes me sad because I have memories wrapped in this song too. Wait, it’s okay now, because The Pointer Sisters, “I’m So Excited” just came on. Now everything is just funny.

” It's just a moment, This time will pass” (maybe)

Wake Up

“Children wake up, hold your mistake up, before they turn the summer into dust.”

- Wake Up, Arcade Fire

Last night it started pouring rain. Kate and I were watching “100 Weddings and a Funeral” or some garbage like. Okay, we weren’t watching so much as heckling. I brilliantly decided that we should run around outside. So we did. I love torrential downpours. We just ran around and jumped up and down in the driveway. All this only 20 minutes after I had blow-dried my hair. That’s why I’m the fun one in the house.

“If the children don't grow up, our bodies get bigger but our hearts get torn up.”

Nothing spectacular to write about. I haven’t ventured out to see the Crazy Guy on the corner today, but possibly later is I go for ice cream. It’s all part of my plan to relieve my childhood and continue doing fun things while I can. Hopefully something fun will come about this weekend. I love getting in trouble like the good old days at Zak’s Diner following a night of drinking where shoes were thrown and gum was stolen. I also miss house parties. Damn lack of friends who remained in the same part of the province!

“But now that I'm older, my heart's colder, and I can see that it's a lie.”


Rumours are swirling about as to who will open for U2 in Toronto. My nemesis gives the standard list that any 6 year old with a radio can conjure up- The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Stars, etc. Why not just list any band that sounds remotely cool- The Bravery, Arcade Fire (they are in Ottawa and Montreal), Kaiser Chiefs, Keane, etc. Anyone that’s good is just a bonus as far as I see it.

Something else to save my money for: A Napoleon Dynamite action figure! Yessssssss.

“I guess we'll just have to adjust.”


OVERRATED: Gwen Stefani. Granted, I used to like her back in the day with No Doubt, and I did buy her solo CD (Worst CD ever! Regretting that one). But everyone keeps asking me if I’ve seen her new video for “cool.” Yes, I have. Wow, she dyed her hair brown. The storyline is weird. I’m changing the channel now.
UNDERRATED: Clearly the Napoleon Dynamite figure.

“I can see where I am going”

Save Me

“I've gotta stop my mind, Working overtime, It's driving me insane”
- Save Me, Jem

I’m driving myself nuts.

More so than usual.

Chalk it up to boredom, I guess. I’m just tired of things already. Not much new on the horizon now that I’m finished school, which basically means no change of scenery for the Fall and not a whole lot to do other than continue going to work. I’m just ready to move on in more ways than one.

“Why would I think such things, Crazy thoughts have quick wings, Gaining momentum fast, One minute I am fine, The next I've lost my mind, To a fake fantasy”


I think that line from “Save Me” pretty much sums up everything that I have going on in my head. Both in my career and personal life. Sigh. I do it to myself for reasons I can’t explain. Actually I know exactly what my problem is but there’s nothing ot really come of it. No plans for the weekend as of yet, either. Still bored.

“Insecurities keep growing, Wasted energies are flowing, Anger, pain and sadness beckon, Panic sets in in a second, Be aware it's just your mind, And you can stop it anytime”


So if my plans on moving/traveling actually happen, am I just going to be bored in another country in a foreign language? So far the top choices are Ireland, Australia, and the England. Or Spain. I’d prefer to go somewhere I haven’t been which is what makes the first two choices more desirable. That and I can’t afford to live in London. Or this may just turn into an extended backpacking trip. Assuming I can get all of my stuff into one bag. And I do like stuff. And I’d have to leave my DVDs behind. Sad, but true. I fully blame “Eurotrip.” I decided to watch it again last night and of course, just as I always do, I feel like backpacking through Europe after watching it. I should do it now while I’m not tied down, right?

“I need to take control, ‘Cause my mind is on a roll, And it isn't listening to me”

And the Rolling Stones are playing in TO tonight at a small venue. If I weren’t so lazy and actually cared, I may have lined up for tickets. But not overnight and not in that area of town. I’d like to see them legitimately in concert and not just in a festival setting (SARSstock), but I don’t want to part with $130 of my “hard earned” money. Only Bono deserves that much (and clearly more).

And because I’m in the mood for a mini-list, the best places I have traveled to are:

Rhodes, Greece
London, England
Barcelona, Spain
Pacentro, Italy
Istanbul, Turkey

“Ok so here we go, If it works I'll let you know”

Inside and Out

“You're the reason for my laughter and my sorrow, Blow out the candle I will burn again tomorrow”
-Inside and Out, Feist (quoting the Bee Gees)


Recent TV shows have sparked some interesting debate both at home and work.

The first is the good girls vs. bad girls debate.

The complicated part is deciding which one I am. There is evidence for both categories. I think I’m essentially a good girl who does bad things. I’m a jerk. I hate people. But I love animals. And I can be nice. I don’t wish death and destruction on very many. But has always been my motto that if I’m going to Hell, I’d rather go full out than just squeak by. If you’re there, you may as well have earned it. I’d show up in a bathing suit with some suntan lotion. I think most of us are both good and bad, although I have met pure evil and the nicest of the nice girls. I’m good where and when it counts, but bad when I need to be. I have my fun. I can repent my sins later, like a good Catholic (of which I’m clearly not now as I try to accomplish as many of the 7 deadly sins as I can). That was the debate at work today.


“I ain't no vision, I am the girl,Who loves you inside and out, Backwards and forwards with my heart hanging out”


The other is the whole idea that attraction is purely and scientifically based on scent. I find this one intriguing. The argument is then, that you don’t really choose who you fall in love with but by finding the most appealing scented partner. So when you finally realize that you’re not in love with someone anymore has their scent changed or has someone better walked by? I think it works the same for monkeys. Especially bonobos. Look for a Canadian TV special on this coming your way soon! These are the reasons I love going to work.


"You can't change the way I feel inside"


OVERRATED: “Like a Rolling Stone”- Bob Dylan. Okay, I do enjoy this song and Mr. Dylan. But I’m tired of this song constantly reappearing on Top 100 lists (Rolling Stone’s Greatest Songs, and now a new one voted on by artists). It’s getting as old as seeing “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on the top of the music video lists. It’s not that spectacular.
UNDERRATED: The video for “Reunion” by Stars. It’s somehow exactly as I pictured it should be. Especially the “Plus I always wanted you” line which is my fave. Sigh.


“What are we gonna do if we lose that fire?”

“Turning away from the light, Becoming adult, Turning into my soul”
-Banquet, Bloc Party


Why is there only non-decaf tea at work today when all I really need is some strong caffeine to keep me awake?


Rather strenuous, but by far, one of the most enjoyable weekends this summer. Two nights of drinking and dancing. I can’t complain about any of it, so I’ll happily suffer through exhaustion, sore muscles, and the realization that I’m old. Whatever, I’ll do it again next weekend if I can.


“And we don't read the papers, we don't read the news, Heaven's never enough, we will never be fooled And if you feel a little left behind, I will see you on the other side”


I’m also sad today because Peter Jennings died. I love him. I have his autograph. He briefly went to my university, Carleton in Ottawa. Sigh.


“She don't think straight, She's got such a dirty mind and it never ever stops, And you don't taste like her and you never ever will”


There’s far too much happening the week of Sept.8-17. On top of the Toronto Film Festival, it also happens to be U2 concert week, possibly the last week one of my best friends will be in the country before going to Japan, as well there are also 2 other concerts that I wish I can fit into my schedule- White Stripes and Bloc Party. Perhaps one will work out for me. I’ll just be incredibly tired that week. But anything for my 3 favourite things in the world- concerts, film, and Bono.


“Cause I'm on fire, I'm on fire when you come, I'm on fire so stub me out”


Because I’m in somewhat of a list-making mood (when am I not?), the following are the best songs for dancing to and what I am currently listening to on my iPod, trying to remain coherent.

Daft Punk is Playing at my House- LCD Sound System
Banquet- Bloc Party
Slow Hands- Interpol
Comfortably Numb- Scissor Sisters
Riot Radio- The Dead 60’s (quite good in concert too)
Blood on our Hands- Death from Above 1979
Seconds- U2
Blue Orchid- White Stripes


“Why'd you feel so underrated? Why'd you feel so negated?”


And now what has seemingly become my flavour of the month:

OVERRATED: Picking up dudes at a bar when you’re cruising in pairs. One of you is always bound to end up with the dud.
UNDERRATED: Making sure that you always have at least one male friend to accompany a group of ladies to the bar to keep away the undesirable dudes who just don’t get that you’re not interested. Like the Hobbit.


“A heart of stone, a smoking gun, I'm working it out”

Reunion

“All I want is one more chance, to be young, and wild, and free”
-Reunion, Stars


Friday and Saturday night proved to be highly entertaining. The festivities began with some pre-drinking with Eve, Shane, and Nayeli. It ended with the group going separate ways, a panic as to whether anyone remembered how to get home. In between there was more drinking, dancing, falling down on the sidewalk, a lot of hugging, hanging out on a and in an alley behind Burger King, rand a random dude who ate a flower that I had picked and given to my friends. In short, Friday was excellent.


“I had six too many drinks last night, yes, and that’s why I made you stay, Plus I always wanted you”


Saturday proved much the same witht he same people, although with more or a musical mixed bag, and a bit less drinking, seeing as how the effects of the night before were still being felt. Saturday was the more enjoyable on the whole though, as it included Dumb & Dumber(er), Townies, and a hot dog stand in no particular order. As usual, we did it up.


And after a weekend of good music, this Stars song is randomly stuck in my head. Afterall, it was a Reunion of sorts with ym Ottawa friends in Toronto (although by September 1st, they'll all be Toronto friends).


“’Tainted Love’s’ too fast to dance to, so let’s leave them all behind. They hated us with everything they had and we hated them in kind.”


Good times.


“All I want is one more chance to show you you were right for me”

All these Things That I’ve Done

“If you can hold on, hold on, I wanna stand up, I wanna let go”
-All These Things That I’ve Done, The Killers


This is the song of the day because Brandon Flowers (of The Killers) got hitched to his long-time girlfriend. Sigh. One more tasty celebrity off the market. Not that I was planning on being Mrs. Brandon Flowers or anything.Feeling totally stream on conscious today so here goes.


“I am so much older than I can take, And my affection, well it comes and goes, I need direction to perfection”


Planning on volunteering with my fellow ladies, Eve and (future new roommate!) Nayeli. Should be fun. I’m such a sucker for movies anyway. Clearly my Film degree was well worth it. None of that, “Did I choose the right career path?!?!” Although as of late the last few movies I’ve seen- Must Love Dogs, The Island, Bewitched- have been less than spectacular (but exactly as expected).Today marks the beginning of an all-intensive, non-stop, party weekend with the girls who are visiting from Ottawa. But I’m so old and tired, I need a nap. Who knew at 23 I’d feel like a certifiable adult who wants nothing more than to go home after a long day at work and watch TV and/or have a nap.


“Help me out, Yeah, you know you got to help me out, Yeah, oh don't you put me on the back burner, You know you got to help me out”


A random pet peeve that I have today is about raspberries. How come everytime I buy raspberries, they’re bad the next day, before I can even eat them? Why can’t someone invent raspberries that are still good by the time I get them home? Someone should look into this.

Feeling very lackluster (do to my company’s spectacular loss at softball last night- We’re lost 8 of 8 games so far! And the score isn’t even close!) Nothing interesting going on here today. Just waiting for the weekend (as opposed to “Workin’ for the Weekend”). Here goes:

OVERRATED: Destiny’s Child. The sum of all parts are not greater than a re-warmed version of TLC or any other random R&B act. But that’s just my totally biased, anti- anything-that’s-not-rock, opinion.
UNDERRATED: The Bravery. Okay, sure they’re new. Rolling Stone said they were the band to watch a while back. But they kind of came and went so far. But they were AWESOME in concert. Especially their cover of the U2 song “An Cat Dubh.”


“I got soul, but I'm not a soldier”

“People, They don't mean a thing to you, They move right through you”
- An Honest Mistake, The Bravery


A crazy guy on the street told me I looked good today. I’m glad because I had doubts about the shoes. Everyone likes a confidence boost. Even if it is from the crazy guy who hangs out at the church (a good Catholic!) and heckles the chess players while simultaneously ogling women as they walk down the street. At least he’s keeping busy.


“Don't look at me that way , It was an honest mistake”


I also saw a girl in a t-shirt that said “Jude Law is a cheater” which made me think that:
a) that’s an incredibly fast turnaround between event and t-shirt.
b) this is a trend that has to stop (see “Free Katie” and “Smooth Criminal” shirts).
c) does anyone really care? Lots of people cheat
d) I would marry Jude Law.


“Sometimes, I forget I'm still awake, I fuck up and say these things out loud”

And just in case you were wondering, Crazy Guy didn’t tell her she looked good.
The only regret that I have (and I don’t have any real regrets in life) is that I didn’t buy the David Suzuki t-shirt at Ottawa’s Ribfest. But even $30 is too much for you, David Suzuki. But I do enjoy my Napoleon Dynamite skills shirt. Almost too much. eBay also has a t-shirt that says “George Clooney is my Batman.” With the Batman logo. Ugh. Adam West is rolling in his grave. Wait. Not dead. Yet.


OVERRATED: George Clooney. I just can’t stand him. Worst. Batman. Ever.
UNDERRATED: Val Kilmer. I’m partial to Batman Forever.

“I swear I never meant for this”

The Adventures of Eve and Rachel in the City


“From the top of the first page, To the end of the last day, From the start in your own way, You just want somebody listening to what you say, It doesn't matter who you are”
-Square One, Coldplay


Okay, so it’s a lot harder than it looks to get decent tickets from scalpers than previously believed.


After meeting up with Eve after a strenuous day at work (insert laughter here), for dinner (@ Hey Lucy, if you care….mmmmm tasty!), we decide to stroll over to the ACC to see how much scalpers are charging for Coldplay tickets. One (1, uno, un, ) single ticklet had appeared on Ticketmaster the day before for $52 (up to $71), so we knew our price ranges going in.


“You're in control, is there anywhere you wanna go? You're in control, is there anything you wanna know?”


Our first guy offered us tickets with a “face value” of $85 for the upper level. The next scalper we ran into, being the blood sucking, lustful creature he is, said he would give two gorgeous ladies like us a “deal” for $300 per ticket. Thanks, but no thanks. According to most leeches selling tickets, a good deal ran about $150 for upper level tickets. And then there was the guy who told us to ask Santa Claus for tickets if we wanted to pay less than $100…


“I need a compass, draw me a map, I'm on the top, I can't get back”


Our Santa dude was also selling suspicious brown Ticketmaster tickets. From someone who either fortunately or unfortunately goes to many a concert with Ticketmaster tickets, knows that they are always a brilliant shade of blue. Or you can always see what the legitimate tickets look like by watching the people in line getting body cavity searched before entering the ACC. There also seemed to be a surplus of young women like ourselves hovering outside the ACC waiting for the scalpers to drop their prices after the show started. We were clearly in a seller’s market. And the scalpers themselves bear striking resemblances to drug dealers, cell phones, pagers, hos, and all.


“Some catapult it fired you, You wonder if your chance will ever come, Or if you're stuck in square one”


Eventually admitting defeat, we left the scalping bonanza and went our separate ways.

All this for a band I’m only mildly interested in and downright despised until the X&Y album. Basically two weeks ago. Thank God I have my U2 tickets (Sept. 14th & 17th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and don’t have to resort to scalpers again. In a related matter, Coldplay made the comment they wanted to be the next U2, but they have a long way to go (hey, Entertainment Weekly agreed with me on that one too. A long waaaaaay to go my friends). Which brings me to the mini list for the day:


OVERRATED: Scalpers. The prey on the weak and feeble with low speed internet connections so they can snap up all the tickets for events before real fans get a chance.
UNDERRATED: The outdoor beer garden at the ACC. Sure we couldn’t get into the beer corral but they had a screen broadcasting the concert to the drunks and the crazy “Jesus Loves You Guy” I nthe parking lot.


And just because I’m rolling with a theme here, the best Coldplay songs on X&Y (I don’t want to hear anything about pre-2005 due to my anti-Coldplay stance in the past. I still hate them pre-Garden State Soundtrack when they were dead to me)

Square One
Speed of Sound
X&Y
Talk
Fix You
White Shadows


“The future's for discovering, The space in which we're traveling”