Pay Day

Today I got my first pay cheque from my new job. Well, actually, I got the pay statement for the money that was deposited into my bank account but it still had a nice little number on the bottom to call my own. I would like to say that I spent some of it on something fabulous to celebrate but all I got today was a new set of frying pans. Then I came home and made squash soup. Not the most exciting first payday! But tomorrow I'm getting a pedicure so that will be an expense - and one paid for by my new job. Yay!

In the Air

The air was SO warm today you could smell cedar sap in the air while walking past the university. It was so warm the slapping sound of flip-flops echoed on the sidewalks. It was so warm the young ladies in residence moved from layered Ts and belted jeans to skimpy tanks and ruffly skirts. It was so warm today that I could feel the sunshine warm my face and make the corners of my mouth turn up without any effort. I have three quarts of strawberries in the kitchen that I'm about to slice up and freeze for later. Their perfume explodes in the kitchen and brings today's warmth into the evening.

Mark an "X"

There are certain films that I call "big-screeners". Those pictures that MUST be seen on the big screen to be truly enjoyed. Here is advance notice on my most anticipated "big screener" of the 2006 season. Mark and "X" and don't miss these MEN in May.

Inside Man -movie review

To say that Inside Man is a brilliant is not an understatement. But it is an understated brilliance. Bringing the talents of Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer and Willem Dafoe together, Spike Lee puts a meaty stew on the element and then lets it simmer. By taking the anti-Bruckheimer route, Lee gives us one of his best offerings in years. Sprinkled with race-tinged Spike-isms, eclectic music, creative images and intertwining stories, Inside manages to be both a satisfying heist flick and a solid commentary on post-terrorism NYC.

The script by first-timer Russell Gerwitz offers plenty of ingredients that in lesser hands could have spelled disaster. The film is rife with red herrings and smoking guns and keeps even an avid movie watcher (or thriller reader) behind the action. A further upside of this development is that it offers great post-viewing conversation about what you saw coming and what you didn't. I guarantee there is something each viewer won't get. This on-your-toes status is an engaging change in cinema these days and elevates Inside Man above average fare.

The final touch is the acting. Inside this film are some serious acting chops. The three leads have all won acting Oscars - and all deservedly so! In fact, I would argue that much of the film's strength is in watching these performers go toe-to-toe as their characters mark out turf. One scene in particular when Jodie Foster and Denzel Washington confront each other illustrates this point. Would a lesser actress be able to face Denzel with such steely conviction? Would a weaker actor be able to stand up to Foster with similar personality? And although Owen spends much of the film behind a mask, he still manages to be dark and powerful. In the end, everything inside Inside works and makes it a movie meal worth consuming.

Bio-Blog #5 ... Cathy

This week I present my friend Cathy. Cathy is currently house-hunting in the urban jungle that is Toronto and kicking ass in a new job. We have known each other 10 years - and although most of it has been apart - we do an excellent job of maximizing the time we have. We go to plays, take walks in the park and re-evaluate the independent woman's lot in life over cold pints of beer. She credits me with "inspiring" her to go to Australia - but really? how hard could that have been? I'm hoping we get to spend some time on the seashore this summer if she gets some time to visit me. In the meantime, we get this little biography about her!

I am ... a WebGoddess, a fantastic girlfriend, a loving daughter, a bit of a delinquent sister
I can ... build a website, write a bang-up journal, organize the hell out of anything except a move, sew a stellar baby quilt, cook a gourmet dinner, plant a bumper crop of onions.
I love ... my job, traveling and my family. And my boyfriend, but don’t tell him I said that or he’ll get all mushy.
I will ... never cheat on my boyfriend, live on the street, stop having a sweet tooth, exercise as much as I wish I did, have a good memory, regret having braces.

What is your sign? Leo
Where were you born? Alliston, ON
Where do you live now? Toronto, ON

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Australia. Because it was the last time I had to be absolutely free to do what I want, unencumbered by what others wanted or expected, in a gorgeous climate with other people who were similarly unencumbered and fun.

What is your favourite:
Movie - The Mission, Moulin Rouge
Book - The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay
TV Show - ER, CSI, Daily Planet, What Not to Wear
Drink - chocolate martinis or really good coffee (latte/flat white)

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? Hugh, as soon as I see the next XMen.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Raye – she enjoys a good meal and she is always the most interesting person to talk to. Plus, we never see each other enough.

How do you know Raye?
We met in university and I was awed/inspired by her ability to go down a different path and make the everyday special.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Creative.succulent.neurotic.

Do you have your own website? www.webgoddesscathy.com (don’t.kid.yourself)

It's a Beautiful Day

Today was a day that evolved from nothing into a fantastic afternoon with friends. With a blast of warm spring weather in the air, Greg, Wade and myself took some time to head to a hiking trail at Long Lake. For two hours we trekked in the quiet bush. I even tried out my digital camera on some "nature shots". I felt so relaxed and energized at once by being outside for the afternoon. And I loved the spring freshness in the green moss, the random patches of ice, and the squelchy mud that (thankfully) had not overrun the trail yet. Halfway through we sat in the sunshine and talked. Wade made "art" out of dry grass. I hope to have many more days like this: easy and free and full of friends.

Getting Carded

I got this WICKED card from my buddies for my birthday this year. Greg spent a "bit" of time on photoshop and Tanya did some fancy things with ribbon. I thought it was so cool that I figured I would share it.

Nikolaj Coster-Wha?

Ummm ... I would like to introduce you to my new crush. His name is Nikolaj Coster-Waldau - yep, you heard me ... Nikolaj hotness is my new up-and-coming eye candy. Where have you seen him? Try last year's Wimbledon. Where can you see him now? In the latest Harrison Ford crapfest Firewall. I think I owe Paul Bettany and Richard Loncraine for bringing this Danish beefcake into my view. The former was his costar, the latter his director for both of the mentioned films. Let this my way of saying thank you.

Cash from the Stars

Last thoughts of my March horoscope in In Style "...money seems to find you too. Whether it's earned or just luck, a comfy cushion of cash is headed your way." Sure, that's what any horoscope will say. Especially one from a magazine about fashion and buying things. But then today I get word that I have won an MBA Performance Scholarship for my fall semester results.
Hmmmm ... coincidence or cosmic consequence?

What a Difference a Sofa Makes

It is the first day of spring and I am sick. So sick. Not the sickest I've ever been but sick enough to be pathetic and unproductive. The only thing that makes being sick tolerable is lying on my new sofa...

OK - it's new-to-me it's small but whatever. I've decided that it is a sofa because it is definitely NOT a "chesterfield"; I can't stand the term "loveseat"; and "couch" just doesn't seem appropriate. So sofa it is. And it is saving my aching, coughing, tired burden-of-a-body today. The other thing that helps is homemade chicken soup from Wade. Seriously, BEST chicken soup I've ever had (sorry, mom!) It was fricken fantastic and it's all I can do to keep the last serving in the fridge for tomorrow. Yummers. So, sofa and soup and sickness. Welcome Spring!

Bio-Blog #4 ... Kat

I can't believe a week has gone by already. You can tell it was a busy one because my consistent posting fell off completely and now you get two bios almost back-to-back! This week I present a different kind of friend. She's different cause she's actually legally bound to my family! She's my amazing sister-in-law: Kathryn. She's been with my brother longer than I can remember and for most of that time I haven't been around - so it's only been recently that we have forged our friendship. But it is one of the friendships that I count on the most. Kat has been SO good to me. Listening to my dramas. And we both like a good day of Winners shopping!

I am ... a mother and a wife, happily
I can ... clone human DNA, read the genetic code, write a +100 pg thesis, but still can't get the laundry done on the weekend...
I love ... my family more than words
I will ... never stop learning

What is your sign? Aquarius
Where were you born? Orillia, Ontario
Where do you live now? Brampton, Ontario

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Cuba, it was beautiful and I will always have good memories from there.

What is your favourite:
Movie - couldn't pick just one
Book - cheesy, but I enjoy the Harry Potter series
TV Show - The Price is Right :)
Drink - pomogrante juce is so darn good (I bet it's good with booze in it too)

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
I have a Jake Gyllenhaal thing right now, which is why I won't watch Brokeback Mountain...

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
My husband, who gets enough quality time with a one year old?

How do you know Raye?
Sister-in-law extraodinaire

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
thoughtful, neurotic, sensitive

Do you have your own website? just one with pics of the baby :)

Birthday Buzz

Let me tell you a little bit about my friends in HFX. They are AWESOME. They are kind. They are considerate. And they put together the best little birthday I could have hoped for considering I was feeling pretty down about the whole thing in the first place. The last 2.5 months have not been filled with sparkles and roses. They have actually been rather difficult on a personal level and my usual birthday energy was not materializing. And as I approached 31, I was having mixed feelings over the path of my life to this point. And then I had to get up at 6am on my birthday to complete an assignment. And then I was sick all morning. And, although I soldiered on - I was positive that a happy birthday was not to be. But I was WRONG.

My day truly began with an exceptional lunch with Nancy at our favourite pasta place. I got lemon chicken on herb linquini with alfredo sauce. We love this place. And then we picked up the parcel my parents had sent. I got a whole box of goodies - including a Winners gift card! Nancy dropped me off downtown to meet Amanda for a matinee of Failure to Launch. It was just as I expected - SJP in fun clothes and Mat's amazing smile (although he didn't take his shirt off enough!). We followed that up with some Winners shopping - but alas, I could not find anything worthy of my parents' generosity. Then I dropped an obscene amout of money at the liquor store - and it felt good. The bar at my place is now STOCKED!

Get home at 8pm and it happens that Tanya and Greg have concocted a birthday party at my place. SOOOOO nice. And my best friends all come over and we drink too-strong martinis and indulge in molten lava cakes with bailey's on them. And I get the coolest movie-themed & homemade birthday card that includes another (overly generous!) Winners shopping card! HELLO!!! Tanya gave me a fish necklace that is the prettiest thing I've ever seen and it made me cry. I know, I'm a softie. Amanda did my makeup so I could be all pretty for our night out and we went to a bar where my fave bar band was playing. Such a good time!

Although the gang had to be responsible and leave early (I luckily had the next day off!) I got some good dancing moves in from a friendly neighbourhood PEI boy. I gotta say, those Island guys are total sweeties! The evening ended on a refreshing note (that included a hot tub!) and a good, sound sleep - until 3pm the next day!!! All in all, it was an extraordinary way to celebrate my 31st year of life. I got everything I asked for and heard from everyone I love. That's what a birthday should be.

Bio-Blog #3 ... Nann

A little bit late on the bio-blog this week. It's that time of year when alive = busy.This time I present my dearest friend from the west coast - Nann. We have been friends for almost 7 years (WOW! where did the time go?) and she was my saving grace in 1998. Now she lives on the completely opposite side of the country as me and we don't get to see each other nearly enough - my attempts to get her to live in Ontario with me failed utterly. Oh well, she has stayed my friend through thick and thin and - for me? - that's the most important thing. We will be reunited someday soon. For now, I offer this insight into one of my bestest gals.

I am ... a nannconformist
I can ... write and pick things up with my toes
I love ... the memories that some smells invoke - especially the ones that remind me of "home"
I will ... never compromise myself

What is your sign? A moderately well-balanced Libra
Where were you born? Ashcroft, BC
Where do you live now? Cloverdale, BC

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why? Clare, Nova Scotia. Maybe it was because I was there in August (3rd rotation in my Katimavik experience) - but it seemed to me that no matter what the weather was like - it was always beautiful. Even when the fog rolled in and you couldn't see two feet in front of you - we would walk on the beach when the tide was out and it was just magical.

What is your favorite:
Movie - Breakfast at Tiffany's
Book - Fall On Your Knees, by Ann-Marie MacDonald
TV Show - Simpsons will always be the front runner, I think. But right now - I am very much into House, Grey's Anatomy...and,uh...America's Next Top Model....don't tell anyone.
Drink - Rum n' Coke

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? Joaquin Phoenix. He's had the most staying power so far, kind like your Ben. But, like Nat, I also went through a Colin Firth phase.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Frank Black because he's creative and brilliant. He's also got the best wail in rock music and he can scream everything at me when we're talking if he wanted to .... it's be like having lunch with Bobcat Goldthwait - but I don't care.

How do you know Raye?
I met Raye when I was 18 in Hinton, AB. She quickly became my savior, roommate and dancing/drinking partner. She still continues to be a rock...and be rockin'. On top of that - she is the only person in the entire world that I can shop with.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Just. Wickedly. Awesome.
That's three right? Also - Smart. fun. determined. non-stoppable. Woman.

Do you have your own website?
Yes, I do http://falteringme.blogspot.com but have patience - I don't really know what I'm doing yet.

Bringing Back the Ben

Armageddon was on TV this afternoon and it reminded me how much I love Ben. The movie represents the moment when Ben's glory days began. It was his first star project after Good Will Hunting and the studio had gotten him a personal trainer and invested in some new teeth. He was in the midst of his prom-king&queen relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow. It was the summer of 1998 and he was beautiful.

Recently, my dear friend Nann reminded me of my Ben lust. It had been tarnished by the Jlo style-tan and the succeeding decline into ragged scruffiness. Add the poor movie selection and smoking habit and I was starting to doubt my boy Ben. But today I remembered why he is my celeb hottie of choice. And as I looked back at my dating choices over the years I realized that there is not a Ben in the bunch. In fact, there have been a lot of anti-Bens. No one tall. No one dark. No one handsome in that Han-Solo-kind-of-way. I think it's time that changed.

Begin Birthday Countdown

Did you know I love birthdays? Yes I do. Very much so. I think that birthdays are the greatest things. Why? Because they celebrate human beings. They exist to honour the joy of having a particular person in the world. They are not about a cultural or religious convention (Christmas, Easter). They are not marketing constructions (Valentine's Day). Birthdays are about people getting excited about other people being in their lives. And it is the one day of the year that you can unabashedly make all about you.

This week was full of birthdays. My nephew turned 1. My grandfather added another year. My friend Greg got "older" today and in exactly ONE WEEK it will be my turn. And for the first time in a long time I don't have a plan. Last year the invites went out a full month ahead of the date and I eventually celebrated for almost a week. So far I've received a decadent cake to enjoy while visiting Nat & Blair in Montreal. We even got an impromptu visit from Marge so it felt like an actually "party". And the cake? OMG! Chocolate mousse + raspberry sauce = dessert orgasm. WOW! But how will I celebrate the actual day? I have no idea. What would I like to receive? Hmmmmm...let me see.

With a self-indulgent mindset I can offer the following things I like would like. I have very few needs at the moment and although wanting anything when I already have SO much seems wrong I can't help myself! Right now there are two art prints that I am coveting by Trish Biddle. I'm a fan of Birds of Paradise and Sunflowers. A winners gift card will always be well-used! But really, there is little that I want at the moment that I cannot get for myself (except maybe those fantastic snakeskin pumps that I just can't afford yet!). I'm sure my mother has found a truly original something to send my way (I got a drinking game for Valentine's afterall). I could do with a decent neck massage to take away the stress I'm feeling. And really? I little action is always nice - but it looks like this is yet another birthday that's going to pass by without it (please, nobody "buy" this for me!!!) So I will just hope that the world keeps spinning for the next week.

Oh Oscar

Normally I would do an entire rundown of the Oscar telecast. But I found that there was very little to comment upon this year. Jon Stewart did a solid job of hosting. In particular I enjoyed his opening film and his ability to mock the proceedings as they happened ("we are officially out of movie clips"). Still, it's amazing how Hollywood can have NO sense of humour once you dress them all up. That is one aspect where the Golden Globes do better - the dinner & champagne setup of the Globes puts everyone in a better mood.

First, my favourite part of the evening was the fashion. Thankfully, CTV carried the pre-show from its American affiliate so I didn't have to suffer through more than 20 minutes of Ben Mulroney (btw - what's happened to his face?!). I always find that I never get to see enough of the clothes but this year was decent. Nice to see colour on the red carpet. I don't know about that big ruffle on Michele Williams though. And what was with the second head on Charlize's outfit? Props must go to Jen Garner for rocking her post-baby cleavage so completely (maybe that extra weight is what prompted her to almost take a header on stage?) But my top three are presented below. These ladies showed up with class and style. Reese rebounded perfectly from her Globes gaffe. Salma continues to personify buxom beauty. And Jennifer earned he way back into my good graces with her impeccable choice.

The telecast moved quickly. Much faster than previous years and this is a good thing. As well, the in-audience awards were removed meaning the presentations were definately cruising along. I guess that speech-prep video sent out by the Academy and Tom Hanks did the trick! Sadly, their were few surprises in the categories and few great speech moments. In fact some (the matching bowties from the Wallace & Gromet guys) were down right cringe-worthy. And then there was the anouncement of Crash as Best Picture.

OK - I almost threw something at the TV. WTF? I know my friend Dave will disagree with me here - but there is NO WAY that Crash was the best film of 2006. It is a heavy-handed & contrived story of limited depth presented through weak directing and melodramatic performances. Much of it makes little sense outside of the heightened emotional context of a film. It is populated with B-list actors and is essentially one step away from being an HBO produced movie-of-the-week. So overall, I was satisfied with the proceedings but not overly impressed with the results.

Number 1 Already?

Today is my nephew's first birthday. I can't believe he has been in the world a year already. It feels like yesterday that he was a nothing but a talc-smelling roast beef of a person that I could hold in the crook of my arm. Now he's a walking, pointing, babbling and smiling machine!! Way to cool. In ten days I get to celebrate my birthday. I have a feeling that it's going to be a mellow affair this year and, for once, I think I'm OK with that possibility. Does that mean I'm getting old?

Rapping to Redemption

Sometimes I find myself having to watch Saturday Night Live. The most recent instance occured while visiting friends who don't have cable. So what else to do late on a Saturday night when you've stopped "doing" the club thing? If you're like me, you may end up watching SNL and remembering why you stopped in the first place. Or, you will be like me last night and you'll enjoy the return of some decent sketches. And, most importantly, you will be treated to Natalie Portman doing this! Thank you Ms. Portman. I forgive you for all that prequel-jazz now.

Bio Blog #2 ... Natalie

This week I present Natalie - my best friend. She can get by on the one-name-thing cause almost everyone who knows me has heard of her. I have known her for 23 years. Truth be told, she is my Jiminy Cricket. I'm off to visit her (and her fantastic husband) this weekend when we will talk for hours, drink tasty martinis and engage in delicious cooking rituals. I will be nourished in all the good things in life by the time I get back - thanks to Nat for that!

I am ... quirky, bookish, and full of opinions.
I can ... imagine everything and plan nothing.
I love ... a small number of people with a large amount of ferocity.
I will ... never dedicate my life to acquisition.

What is your sign? Sagitarius
Where were you born? Sudbury
Where do you live now? Montreal

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
I spent a year in the South of France when I was 19. I had never lived outside of Sudbury before and France made me understand beauty. Poetry meant something after that. I went back for a month at 28 with my husband Blair, and I had no idea how much more beautiful beauty could be when you're in love.

What is your favourite:
Movie - Moulin Rouge
Book - Possession, by A.S. Byatt
TV Show - The Office (British version)
Drink - Red wine

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
Mark Ruffalo ... and Colin Firth ten years ago

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Can it be someone dead? If so, then Sigmund Freud. I think it would make a funny story. ("And then I ordered sausages, and he was like 'Very interesting choice, my dear . . . '")

How do you know Raye?
We met at school in grade 3 and used to play make believe and My Little Pony in the woods together.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Ebullient ... Imaginative ... Fun

Do you have your own website? No

If I Were a Member of the Academy

It is only 4 days until the red carpet unfurled at the Kodak theatre and the stars arrive to pick up their little gold men. I have to say that this year's event is likely to be less-thrilling than other years. The potential and likelihood for an upset is low. The "winners" appear to be foregone conclusions. All of them are worthy choices. But some of them just wouldn't be mine.

Supporting Actor:
George Clooney - Syriana
Matt Dillon - Crash
Paul Giamatti - Cinderella Man
Jake Gyllenhaal - Brokeback Mountain
William Hurt - A History of Violence

The hard part here is that I haven't seen two of the films (Cinderella & Violence). I think the Academy is going to be split over Giamatti - who was snubbed for a Sideways nomination last year and Clooney - who they will want to reward in some fashion since it can't be for director or film! For myself, I'd like to see the new generation represent and get some gold-laminate in Gyllenhaal's hands. I've always been a believer that the supporting award must go to someone that "supports" the film and lead performers to the extent that the film would not be same without that portrayal. Jake is the only one who truly fits the bill from this list of nominees (but I liked him better in Proof to be honest).
Likely Winner? Clooney
Raye's Choice? Gyllenhaal

Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams - Junebug
Catherine Keener - Capote
Frances McDormand - North Country
Rachel Weisz - The Constant Gardener
Michelle Williams - Brokeback Mountain

Again - two performances on this list that I haven't had the pleasure to see (June & North) but neither of them are really in the running this year. The downside of this category is the inclusion of Weisz. In a "political" move to keep her out of the leading lady pack where the competition is tougher she has been slotted into this secondary group. The good thing? She's going to get an Oscar out of it and complete the awards season trifecta (Globe, SAG, Oscar). The bad thing? She shouldn't be running in this race at all - she had a leading role and is going to steal the award from a woman who truly gave an incredible supporting performance this year - Michelle Williams.
Likely Winner? Weisz
Raye's Choice? Williams

Lead Actor:
Philip Seymore Hoffman - Capote
Terrence Howard - Hustle & Flow
Heath Ledger - Brokeback Mountain
Joaquin Phoenix - Walk the Line
David Strathairn - Good Night, and Good Luck

If you had asked me in November I would have said this was Phoenix's award to lose. It appears now that it is Hoffman's to keep. It's always a tough year when the category is full of great performances and you everyone is deserving without any politics coming into play. It's also nice to see such a strong showing of younger actors coming into their own. That reality may sway people to want to support Strathairn - the lion of the group - but this won't be the case. For me, the best work is done by the one guy NOT playing a character based on a person in the real world - Heath Ledger. The challenge of "becoming" a (once) living person maintaining the character's reality but I've always been more impressed with actors who can conjure complete characters from nothing but words on a page.
Likely Winner? Hoffman
Raye's Choice? Ledger

Lead Actress:
Judi Dench - Mrs. Henderson Presents
Felicity Huffman - Transamerica
Keira Knightley - Pride & Predjudice
Charlize Theron - North Country
Reese Witherspoon - Walk the Line

The obvious oddity in this group is Knightley - I can only conclude that the actresses who nominated her were so shocked by the potential that Keira could act that they felt compelled to say something. But act to an Oscar degree in P&P? I don't think so. And aside for Walk the Line, the remaining films are small, critical faves that certainly gave their leading ladies material to devour. But this is no real contest. It's Reese's show - consider she never sang or played an instrument before taking the role? - and deservedly so.
Likely Winner? Witherspoon
Raye's Choice? Witherspoon

Adapted Screenplay:
Brokeback Mountain
Capote
The Constant Gardener
A History of Violence
Munich

Original Screenplay:
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck
Match Point
The Squid and The Whale
Syriana

I love the screenplay awards. They are the starting point of all great films because they build the story foundation on which all the visuals are built. This year the field in both categories is strong and I've seen all the films but two (I can't believe the DVD release for Violence was delayed!!!). Truth be told, I have NO idea where the Academy is going to come down on these awards. Often, the screenplay awards go to strong films in other areas (acting, directing) which would favour Match Point and Syriana. Or, the award goes to the films that are the broadly competent like Brokeback. Then again, the award can go to the film that poses the "tough" questions (Crash) or delivers wonderful dialogue (Capote). It appears that the Academy writers know WHAT to nominate. The question will be whether or not the voters can agree on what to reward.
Likely Winner? Brokeback Mountain & Crash
Raye's Choice? Capote & Syriana

Best Film:
Brokeback Mountain
Capote
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck
Munich

The best film race is a lack-lustre one for me this year. But it is likely one that the Academy enjoys. All the contenders are strong films. All the films have solid contributions from actors and/or feature the talents of acclaimed directors. But for me? The field feels empty. None of the nominees are films that made a substantial mark on me. Not like Million Dollar Baby or The Aviator did last year. Still, one film stands out as offering the best collection of goods in one basket and I will be surprised if the Academy doesn't agree with me.
Likely Winner? Brokeback Mountain
Raye's Choice? Brokeback Mountain

The Academy Awards will air on CTV (support your Canadian TV stations!) on Sunday, March 3. I will be at my best friend's place watching them. And not matter who wins, I reckon it will be a good time cause Jon Stewart is hosting!!!

Triptych

I took these three pics on a whim. And, due to a funky printing error they came out in bronzed shades of pink and yellow. I'm not an artist but I love my photography.