Holy Hotness Meredith!

Ummmm ... so Chris O'Donnell is on "Grey's Anatomy". It happened last week but his romantic status was confirmed with tonight's episode. Could I be more excited that my crush-boy of the early 90s is on now on my favourite television show?! Does the universe love me or what?

And kudos to the "Grey's Anatomy" team for KNOWING their audience. Cause really? Is there a woman out there between 25 & 35 that is not somewhat addicted to the show? First they gave us Patrick Dempsey - our lovable 80s dork turned hotness. And now they offer up the blue-eyed boy wonder to play the rival for Meredith's affections! Has anyone else maybe had a dream like this?

DVD TV - My Brother Was Right

Yay! again for Video Difference and the 7-day, $12.99 rental for an entire box-set deal. I had gone in to pick up Season 4 of "Coupling" and decided to finally cave to my brother's influence and get Season 1 of "Arrested Development" as well. Well, the final season of "Coupling" was FANTASTIC. But since it was now over I needed a new fave show and AD fit the bill perfectly. How could I have resisted watching this show for so long? How could FOX TV not want to keep in on the air?

The problems with AD on network (American) television are many. The influence of advertising disrupts the flow of AD. The shuffling of program schedules challenges the cohesiveness of the layered serial. The mediocre preferences of mainstream viewers limits the ratings for an intellectual satire. But on DVD all of these problems are eliminated. No commercials. Creative production. Smart story-telling. Brilliant performances. Comic payoffs. It's all there. And it is completely addictive.

AD follows the antics of the Bluth family. It is filmed in a documentary/reality TV style that keeps the action moving and generates an intimacy with the charaters that most sitcoms fail to achieve. Although the Bluths are odd, selfish and deluded individuals you grow to love them. You crave the next installment. You want to know what will happen next. And the characters are so wonderfully drawn that it does feel like watching a "real" group of people fumble through absurdity.

And then there is Jason Bateman as Micheal Bluth. He is the "normal" heart of this dysfunctional body. He is trying to keep it all together. He is trying to be a good father to his son. He is trying to get his dad out of jail and save the family company. And Bateman is SO good in the role. So sincere and dry and easy on the eyes. Yes, Bateman has grown into a completely marry-able man who, lucky viewers, plays the straight-man to perfection. I would be lying if I said that one of the show's joys wasn't watching him. Time to go back for a second helping and get Season Two!

Bio-Blog #8 ... Cindy

So I made Cindy complete this bio super-fast for last weekend and then didn't get it posted. I apologize for the two-week gap in friends due to the Easter holidays. This week it's all about my gal-pal Cindy who is looking totally derby festive in her picture cause she's living in Australia and went to the horse-races. I hope when she comes home I will FINALLY have someone who will go to Woodbine with me! But enough about that. Cindy is one of the Georgian Bay hags (there are 4 of us!) - my last full Katimavik cluster. What a year that was and I got three exceptional friends out of it - one of which is Ms. C here. I love the time I get to hang out with Cindy. She has things like the "jaunty walk" and putting her hair in her eyelid (don't ask!) that I will always remember about her. And she has this great way of looking at you with an amused expression that makes you feel like a nut and completely loved at the same time. Not alot of people can do that. She's one of a kind - and my friend.

I am ... extremely lucky in friendships, not so lucky in love.
I can ... appreciate the small things, speak portufranglais, forget a name as soon as I hear it and sometimes my friends' birthdays, and get so into a book that I forget where I am and where I'm going.
I love ... food. Music, movies, books, parties, dancing, and of course my family and friends. A good challenge, new experiences.
I will ... never stop learning.

What is your sign? Leo and Dragon
Where were you born? Wingham, Ontario, but mostly grew up in Kincardine.
Where do you live now? Sydney, Australia. Temporarily

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
That's a tough one. Sitting on top of an inselberg in rural Mozambique feeling completely at peace with the world. Or snorkeling in Cuba with my best friend despite our fear of sharks.

What is your favourite:
Movie: Mr. Holland's Opus
Book: The Life of Pi
TV Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or ER
Drink: gin and tonic, beer, champagne, wine... you know, the basics.

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? Goran Visnjic

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Bono. I think his political work is interesting, and he's not hard on the eyes.

How do you know Raye?
Katimavik, of course. We worked in the same cluster and she amazed me with her organizational and motivational skills. And we talked a lot about boys and movies and became known as the alcoholic cluster. We rocked.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
energetic, determined, sensitive

Do you have your own website? www.cindytwo.blogspot.com

Is It 1984 Yet?

"Who controls the past controls the future.
Who controls the present controls the past."
Big Brother is Watching You.

I saw a small theatre company's adaptation of George Orwell's famous novel tonight and the experience has caused many thoughts to swirl in my mind. The thought police would have a field day with me! In the first place, the play itself. It was all right. I find it fascinating to attend independent theatre because of its no-frills nature. This makes the performance less-thrilling but more focused on the actors. This presentation was no exception. There was no stage, art direction was bare, and seating was improvised.

The adaptation was original and you could see that in the effort of the players. They really wanted the experience to work. But the script fell short in achieving the critical subtext that makes the novel so intriguing. The play moved through static plot points but never achieved a cohesiveness of theme. One of the films greatest strengths was the use of video to create the INGSOC news bulletins and to model the ever-watching telescreen. This tool was effective and communicated most of the important information from the novel. It was clear that the presentation was made for fans of the book but not as an artistic interpretation in its own right. If you've never read 1984 then you would not leave the play with an understanding of its commentary. You would, however, get a good grasp of the major activities of the story.

So leaving the play I pondered this idea. There appears to be a return to political commentary in popular culture. And as I perused the internet to find an image for this post I encountered many political cartoons and pictures that connected the current US administration with Orwell's Big Brother. But then I also found a multitude of images from that other Big Brother - the shameless reality TV one - and realized that entire generation probably doesn't know why that show is called what it is. And if this is the case, then there are more people who haven't read the novel (or its brethren - the works of Huxley and Vonnegut for example) and I feel that the scary prophecies of the 1940s are moving closer to reality.

There is much to say about the book but it is not one of my favourites. I took me three tries before I could get into it enough to get all the way through the story. But it has stayed with me. And I found that during the play I would nod at the touches, the comments, the references as the story came flooding back to me. The performance was not as riveting a I had hoped. I also felt that it missed the opportunity to present the overall feeling of the book. But I will also concede that the adaptation is a challenge and I am just thankful that such obstacles are tackled in the arts scene here.

My Closet

THIS is my closet. I love it. It's the best thing I've had for a closet in a long time. It has no doors but that's fine by me. I can actually lay in bed and figure out what I want to wear. What could be better? OK - an entire walk-in would be better - but this is good for now. And when I took this pic (a couple of months ago) my closet was in prime shape. I had filled with a solid collection of work, school, social, and fun options. My particular "looks" had colour options and flattering combinations. I was very happy with my closet. And this month, I got a bit smaller. As in, I lost an inch off my waistline. And as much as I am excited to be digging into those last few inches around the middle, the change has ruined my closet. My pants hang low and baggy. My skirts are about to fall off. My tailored blouses have become boxy. And now that I have a job for which to wear all my great outfits I lay in bed and struggle over what to wear. I knew it was too good to last forever.

A Real BIRTH Day

In an obvious attempt to one-up my plant acquisition - my friends Scott & Katrina welcomed their son into the world yesterday. I stole this pic from Scott's site so I hope he doesn't mind. It is all in the name of spreading the news afterall. So Maxwell Hunter Carefoot arrived on the 23rd of April to say "Happy Birthday" to his very own father. Can you believe that? To be born on the SAME day as one of your parents? I thought it was nifty when Taggart was born on his great-grandfather's bday but this one takes the cake (so to speak!). I'm gonna go water my plant now.

Lily-Livered No More

This is my new plant. I bought it today - it's called a Peace Lily which is the perfect name for my current frame of mind. I bought it because I need to work on keeping something alive. I have always been down on my green-thumb potential but I figured I have to start somewhere. I bought it because I need to work on peace of mind and part of that is about speaking up and clearing up my life. I have come to realize that the only way to "let someone go" is to be honest that you want to hold on to them in the first place. For me, this has always been the hard part. Admitting what I really want and then putting that into words with respect to other people has not been one of my strengths. But I worked on it today when I finally took control of one of my emotional drains. And then I bought my lily. The plant is the first step in re-affirming my right to have positive things in my life - and who knows - maybe this one will flourish.

Thank you for Smoking - movie review

I have been waiting to see this film ever since I caught the trailer on one of my weekly visits to my fave trailer site a couple of months ago. And then I missed it during the festival circuit. And then all the press about it after Sundance had to do with "the missing Katie Holmes sex scene". And then I forgot about it. And then it opened in Halifax and I had to go. Well, it was worth the wait. Best comedic satire of the year (sorry American Dreamz).

Smoking is short and sharp. Like most solid movies it comes from written source material (the novel by Christopher Buckley) and you can see it in the structure. At 92 minutes, the film might sound like a waste of your $10-13 but if people will dish out for The Benchwarmers @ 85mins. or Scary Movie 4 @ 83!mins. then the commentary-packed time of Smoking is money well spent.

Smoking centers around lobbyist Nick Naylor and follows his path from "Sultan of Spin" for Big Tobacco to, well, "Sultan of Spin" for other ethically flexible enterprises. If this journey sounds short it's not. The movie navigates through ethical debate, logical argument, and corporate responsibility. It introduces us to the MOD = Merchants of Death (tobacco, alcohol and guns), the consumers, and the consequences with a razor-sharp and intelligent approach. The film succeeds at illuminating the tobacco industry as criminal even as the central character is extolling its virtues. It's completely clever.

Acting is crucial in a film like this one. Thankfully, Aaron Eckhart is leading the way on this crusade. If you don't know him (or only know him from Erin Brokovich or The Core) then I suggest you take a look at Neil LeBute's early films In The Company of Men and Friend & Neighbors which were the launchpads for Eckhart's career. They also show that he is potentially the best actor in Hollywood to portray moral ambiguity in a character and not appear utterly villainous (i.e. John Malkovich or Willem Dafoe). In Smoking, he is in his element. He is all charm and grin and wit and eloquence. And his eyes tell you everything that he's not saying. It's wonderful to watch and makes you root for Naylor even at his worst. The supporting cast is strong with Maria Bello, Robert Duvall, William H. Macy and Rob Lowe (!) turning in convincing performances with the requisite amount of wink for a film of this kind. Sam Elliot IS the Marlboro Man - seriously. Adam Brody and Katie Holmes try their best but both are easily replaceable. Oh - and that sex scene? It's there - and its entertaining but I've never belived Holmes as a sexpot and she doesn't sell it here either.

Many things work well in Smoking. The direction and pacing are on target and keep the film hopping along. Creative set-ups and smart editing take advantage of what the film medium allows and weave the various smoking viewpoints together with style. But the best element is the character of Nick Naylor's son. As a mild Jiminey Cricket figure, the son follows Naylor on his journey and pushes the father to explain, defend, and support his actions. The interaction between the two characters is the core of the Smoking debate - one about choice. It also emphasizes the need to question assumptions and to educate ourselves (and our children) because the choice is empty if it is not an informed one. In the end, I think that Thank you for Smoking might be the best film to watch for anyone struggling with the convergence of ethics, business and health. All that in an hour and half - they must have had a smoker's needs at heart!

Girl Crush

Can I admit to having a girl crush on Mandy Moore? It's been a slow, creeping, steady buildup to this crush and I succumbed to its reality when one of the reasons I wanted to see American Dreamz is because she is in it. And she doesn't disappoint. She may have began her career singing sugar-coated ballads and tossing her blonde curls but that has all changed. At 22-years-old, Moore has evolved into the refreshing opposite of new millenium pop-starlet-ness. She actually became a brunette. She has created a line of flirty Tshirts (company name: Mblem) that I would actually wear! She dates intelligent dork Zach Braff. She seamlessly moves between films and albums without either feeling like a vanity attempt. She shows up on red carpets in demure, classy, elegant, and stylish ensembles that make her lovely rather than lewd. She has never appeared to have an eating disorder. She has never made the front page of "Scoop" in a blurry, post-bar drunken photo. And yet, this potential goody-goody-ness is not annyoing. If anything, it makes her more likable. And as the door swings open for a new girl-next-door (now that Katie Holmes has, you know, gone crazy) I feel more than justified in supporting Moore for that title. Squeeee - crushes are so girly!

Me & T and Nancy Makes Three

I was fortunate enough this year to make the acquaintance of two spectacular ladies in the accelerated stream of the MBA program. My twosome with Tanya became a threesome in the second semester with Nancy. We are fun, fearless and fantastic. And tonight we celebrated the end of the academic year. Here's a look back ... it only paves the way for a fricken awesome future.

SEPTEMBER - Whitepoint Beach Retreat & Crystal Crescent Cleanup

OCTOBER - Halloween & DECEMBER - Ten Mile House at the Pogue

JANUARY - MBA Games & Second Semester Pub Crawl

FEBRUARY - Spring Break Party

MARCH - Greg's Bday & MY Bday

APRIL - MBA Formal & Post-Case Competition Pub

A Good Catch

Finally saw the 1970 movie version of the classic book by Joseph Heller. What can I say? It was excellent. Mike Nichols manages to take the schizophrenic joyride of Heller's novel and turn it into a solidly entertaining political romp through WWII. The cast is a full-on who's who of soon-to-be movie regulars with Alan Arkin sealing the deal as Cpt. Yossarian. Although much is still left on the pages, the movie achieves an enormous feat by matching the book's clarity and confusion all at once. Well worth the watch.

The Errors of My Ways

Two full weeks into my new job on my own and ... ouch! A couple of time-consuming errors have made my days much longer than I hope they will be in the future. I am not a fan of my mistakes. At the moment they are revealed I feel instantly stupid. I hate that feeling. But in the end, mistakes always teach me more than any instant success. And at a job with so many details they are unavoidable in the beginning. I just wish it wasn't such a hectic and crucial time for my organization so that my learning curve wouldn't feel like such a rollercoster loop! Somedays I wake up and am afraid of what damage I may cause next. The perfectionist in me can get a little nasty. But it only takes 10 minutes in my office to relax and start the day and I know that I will be fine.

How Cool is Easter?

If you're me in 2006, then Easter is pretty cool. Or at least totally satisfying which is cool. I bought a last minute (overly expensive) flight to Ontario to join my family - SURPRISE! - for the long weekend. I only missed one day so I got a full Sat/Sun combo with the parental units, the sibling, the sis-in-law, the extended gang and the nephew. In fact, we got a dad, a grandad AND a great-grandad on the deck all at the same time! Saturday was turkey dinner and Sunday was buffet brunch. I LOVE the brunch meals that have been de rigueur at family gatherings for as long as I remember. Thankfully the weather was nice enough that we could sit outside on the deck and use my new Old Navy sunglasses. We had to restrain the dog - its SO funny how much puppy is still in her even though she's 14 years old! But the entire scene was full-on family and I couldn't have asked for more. And then I went back inside and filled my plate with deviled eggs (whew! they had some heat), sliced ham, kosher pickles, fruit salad, bagels & cream cheese, tomato salad, pickled salmon, asparagus spears and mimosas just for fun. I also enjoyed some much-needed sleep. That sleep you get when you DON'T have to get up the next day. But I still managed to be up before 10 both days ... this job may have ruined me! Mom still plays Easter Bunny but in lieu of chocolate at got DVDs. Gotta love it! I got my fair share of eggie goodness at Beth's on Sunday (and another turkey dinner! YUM!) when she presented a giant steel bowl of classic Easter treats. I was in awe. The timing and length of the trip was perfect. It was exactly what a long weekend should be!

"Why is he Stealing My Berries?" ... "He just got off Lent."

Those two phrases were the bookends of a truly funtastic Thursday night as I hung out with my friend Jodi in Toronto. After a quick skip west on the plane, I made my way to the Library Bar at the Royal York Hotel - the designated meeting spot for the night. Jodi appeared 5 minutes after me and promptly announced that we must go elsewhere. Good call as the stodgey snobbery of the Library Bar WAS a bit much.

Around the corner she had found a bar that was "happening" and we made our way to KI. It is a very cool looking establishment with a great patio and asian-style decor. But upon seeing the long vanity line, we decided that it wasn't the place for us. It was already 9:30 - no time to wait. So we run kitty corner and head to Canoe. Canoe is located on the 53rd floor of a downtown office building and possesses a stunning view of the city. My favourite part was the kind reception we got from the host AND hostess at the door as they offered to check my blue Eddie Bauer duffle bag. After a minor scramble to quickly pack a suitable evening purse we were at the bar and ordering our first round of $12 martinis. MMMMMMMM .... tasty. Although Jodi's cosmopolitan was never really satisfactory. Three drinks, 1.5 hours, one business plan discussion (Jodi amazes me!) and $45 later we were off again.

Jodi has moved into shared digs not far from Queen west and has created a teak paradise of a room. I almost didn't want to leave. But after a quick change into jeans and a couple of hiphop tunes we were back out the door to her local bar. This place would be our home for the night. That wasn't the original plan but, like most things in this neighbourhood dive, it just sorta happened. Ramchackle furniture and random wall hangings match a cobbled together back "patio" that is reminiscent of many hostel bars I visited downunder. It's a place where Labatt 50 is served, you get a can of Coke with your mixed drink, "the Tab" is a colletion of chicken scratches in a notebook (no credit card hold required) and everyone knows everyone ... eventually. In the three hours we were there, the bar went through a bottle and a half of jagremeister shots. Jodi and I had to partake. And although she got tequila, we received our liquid deaths as free pours into the bottom of a small table glass rather than a shot. The entire scene had a family kitchen-party vibe that you couldn't help but enjoy. And through it all was meandering Steve. He could barely stand. And although he is a "brilliant scientist", his alcohol tolerance left much to be desired. The reason? He had forsaken drinking for Lent and Thursday was his return to the fold. In the end, good times had by all.

White is the New ...zzzzzzzzz

It has been over a month since I posted a picture of my nephew extraordinaire. How could I have been so careless! Well, here he is again. A little ghost with giant chompers. How cute is that?! Seriously, I think Taggy is one of the few things in the world that turns me into a sentimental moron. Rob says he's begun to show his displeasure with things by throwing objects at the floor. Sort of a "take that" response I guess. These days I can understand. I am totally swamped at my new job. There are no moments of rest. I feel completely overwhelmed and lost and energized and capable all at once. I am actually amazed at how un-stressed I feel. Occassionally I feel stupid. But the stress remains in check. I am, however, dog tired. It takes A LOT of brain power to be productive for 8 hours straight - kudos to all you that have been doing it these past few years. I guess the best thing to hope for is to find a job that makes you smile like buddy here - THAT would be a blessing.

The Bright Side

I took this picture from my living room window this evening. It is one of the joys of living on the 20th floor. And it was a random moment in an otherwise frustrating day when I looked outside and saw the sky on fire. I love a good sunset. Today I am in the deepest depths of procrastination and the inertia that brings. It's like my brain is blocked with a brick wall of weak thoughts and I am completely incapable of completing my last assignment of the year. It's gonna be a long night. But this is one dark spot in a week that has been quite sunny. I completed my first full week of work and I love my new job. It's challenging and frustrating and stimulating and I am positive that I will (one day) be really good at it! I have amazing co-workers who make me smile. I have wonderful friends here that I need to trust in more and worry about less. I got to see both Bryan Adams AND the Constantines in concert this week. I got a new pair of shoes that are rockingly stellar. I have made a new friend with potential. So, the sun is going down tonight but its shone bright for days.

Bio-Blog #7 ... Beth

I went back to university, didn't party much and lived with my parents. Because of this, it took me awhile to find some friendly gems in the nickle city. One of the diamonds is Beth - this week's biography. Beth came into my life through a random social idea that has now become a bit of an institution and a solid gal pal in the greater scope of life. We've had great times sipping martinis, watching cheesy movies, enjoying a good BBQ and closing down the pub with rousing tales on ANY subject. She totally inspires me because she is one of the most genuine and caring people I know who has managed to raise two lovely daughters, get her university degree and still dream big. And then we had that one night with the INCO guys ...

I am ... sooooo flattered that Raye picked me as the first bio from her Hometown!
I can ... burn pretty much everything that I try to cook!
I love ... so many different things! Number one is my girls, but I also love Cadbury mini eggs, listening to music in my car really loud, and making people laugh…..usually at something stupid that I did!
I will ... never forget how much my family has done for me. My dad is the most amazing person I know.

What is your sign? Aries
Where were you born? At the Sudbury General Hospital. March 31st @ 8:31 pm
Where do you live now? Sudbury!

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Hmmm, I’m not a world traveler like Raye and her other friends. I really haven’t been to many places. The best place I would love to visit is Australia, but I’m also hoping to visit Raye in Halifax in the near future!

What is your favourite:
Movie: Forest Gump, Monster’s Inc,
Book: Where the Red Fern Grows, Da Vinci Code
TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Drink: Rum & Diet Coke or Dry White Wine and Georges Mint Chocolate Martini’s

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?
Jake Gyllenhal, and George on Greys

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
I think I would have lunch with myself when I was about 13 years old. Give myself a little pep talk and some insight on how wonderful life will be after puberty is all done and over with!

How do you know Raye?
I know Raye from her less exciting educational journey at LU. St. Mary’s sounds like a blast! Raye was in the same program as me, we were in a few classes together but never really hung out until I got invited to one of Raye’s Wings & Beer. I really looked up to her…..she is soooooo smart. I was having a horrendous time with a Policy paper (and presentation for the next day!) she was gracious enough to pull an all nighter with me to fix MY paper….the rest is history! I miss her buckets!

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye?
Brilliant, Dramatic, Cool
Do you have your own website?
Nope!....not even a “My Space”…hmmmm, I should get with the times!

My Boy Bryan

Did you know that I love Bryan Adams? In 1993 I saw him in concert for the first time. I went with my bestest friend - Natalie - and we took a "concert caravan" from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie to see him play. It was the year of his Waking up the Neighbours Tour and we had general admission tickets. We got crunched in the crowd and sweated buckets and got within three rows of the stage. That's what you do at 16 and it was awesome!

I always knew that I would see him again. And this past week turned out to be full of Bryan sightings. Last Saturday he walked past me in a hotel lobby - only 2 feet away (he's actually quite short). And then I saw him accept his Lifetime Achievement Award at the Junos on Sunday. And then it was the concert. Playing to a packed house at the Halifax Metro Centre, my boy Bryan rocked us with his Room Service Tour. It was awesome!

By the end of the show I was a giddy fan-girl. I was jumping up and down I was so excited. He sounds the same as always. That great raspy garage rock voice. And when you're in an arena with everyone singing the words there is nothing more cool. There were moments when the song was owned by the audience - that beautiful mass hymn of fans singing. And there were swaying arms, and lighters (or rather cellphone screens) in the air, and bright lights and crashing cymbals. Bryan kept it basic in a black Tshirt and jeans (turned cuffs) and worked the stage for everyone's enjoyment. At one point he brought a random fan on stage to sing "Baby when you're Gone". It was an excellent moment. By the end, he got down in the crowd and shook hands and took digital photos of himself with fans. The love was energizing to watch. And it was a solid show. Two full hours. Two encores. It was awesome!

V for Vendetta - movie review

OMG!! If I say that V for Vendetta blew my mind I would not be exaggerating. And although part of me feels that maybe I am too easily fooled I will stand by my point-of-view that the film is one of the best I've seen in a long time. It is hard to nail down exactly what makes the film so impressive as the discussion turns into a cacophony of competing elements. Really, it is through the integration of visual, mental and verbal strengths that makes V a worthy letter.

The film starts from solid source material. Adapted from a graphic novel of the 80s and written for the screen by the guys who gave us The Matrix, Vendetta is [to quote Greg] "Shakespearean" in its timeliness. The film opens with a historical account of Guy Fawkes' attempted destruction of British parliament in 1605 and sets the stage for both the leading character's identity and the film's themes of rebellion, civil disobedience, and the nature of citizenship. If that sounds a litte heady for an action film - it is. But that is what makes Vendetta a valuable experience. Asking more questions then it offer answers, V pulls the audience directly into the dilemma of how to have a voice in this world. And it's done with intelligence and flair.

It is no surprise to cynics out there that Vendetta takes place in Britain. It is hard to imagine the film taking place in America when one of the central themes is blowing up the government (only aliens can do that in the USA!) as an act of freedom. Vendetta is clearly influenced by Orwell, Huxley and Vonnegut (all favourites of mine) among others and builds a story about losing fear in the face of oppression. Evie (Natalie Portman) serves as the audience's mirror in the film as she walks the path to confront and overcome fear. The film articulates how a fear of death is propped up by faith, wealth and power. Uncertainty or lack of control in any of these areas leads to increased fear for the individual. In orgainzational terms these three pillars are the church, the market, and the government and when all three have conspired in concert they can work against, rather than for, the people. Vendetta is about such a conspiracy.

As the movie progresses, the villiany of society systems is exposed in many ways. Further, the complicitness of citizens in building their own cages is clearly expressed. No cow is sacred. The military, industries, government, pharmaceuticals, nuclear power, torture, television, violence, intolerance and chaos all dot the canvass of Vendetta's visuals. These images are positioned against the concepts of love, freedom and justice to generate an ethical and values debate that requires more than one conversation to digest. And as the film pulls in references and images and quotes from throughout human history you cannot help but feel moved. (Admittedly, I cried in the closing minutes.)

In the end, the film will leave an impression on any viewer. I was tickled by the wonderful dialogue (V's opening alliterative monologue in particular), dazzled by the deliberate staging, and mesmerized by the mind-bending connections. As a lover of words, Vendetta is a satisfying testament to their power. One line states that "artists use lies to tell the truth" - the makers of Vendetta have taken this comment to heart by acknowledging the falseness of film as a medium to expose the realities of our world. In the end, V's quest is not of vengeance but of voice. It is about being active rather than passive. It is about reminding the system that it serves us. And as a tide of Guy Fawkeses stormed the parliament I couldn't help but wonder if I would have been one of them. A film that makes me question the strength of my beliefs? Yeah - that's a Very good one.

Formally

MBA year-end Formal: Are words really necessary?

I didn't think so.

Coolest Thing to Do on a Sunday

I spent my Sunday afternoon and evening at the Junos today. After climbing out of bed at 2pm with no trace of a hangover from the MBA formal the night before - I actually made it to the Halifax Convention Centre to fulfill my volunteer gig as a "seat filler" for the event. How cool is that? Free entrance to the Junos! Seats in the lower bowl with clear views of the stage at all times. The hassle? Having to move from seat-to-seat. But it really wasn't so bad.

The set-up was amazing. The spotlights during Coldplay's performance were brilliant. The theatrics in general (Nickelbacks fire - HELLO!) transformed the basic arena into quite the event stage. I was totally entranced watching the production of the event - I've never been to a performance that was LIVE on TV before. And the bands ... I got to see Bryan Adams, Coldplay, Micheal Buble, Jully Black & the Black Eyed Peas, Divine Brown, Hedley, Nickelback, Bedouin Soundclash, Broken Social Scene, etc. for FREE and AT THE SAME TIME. It was by far, one of the niftiest things I have ever had the pleasure to do. Sweet.

Bio-Blog #6 ... Greg

This week I present my new friend Greg. He was supposed to be posted a couple of weeks ago in honour of his birthday but he didn't submit his info on time. In spite of this tardiness I am still his friend. In truth, Greg is one of my best friends in Halifax. Our friendship is occassionally wobbly in its newness but it is always sincere in its intent and full of respect. We are sometimes (often?) not on the same page but we definately live in the same book of life. He was there for me once when I really needed it and for that he will always be my friend. Someday he is going to let me re-arrange his apartment and/or take him shopping but until then we will fill our time with rambling conversations that would likely put other people to sleep but satisfy us just fine.

ok Raye, I will do this on one condition. If i die or am maimed you promise to take this down. Ok?

I am ... an forgetful and scatterbrained
I can ... cook a great chicken pesto pizza
I love ... spending time with my familly and friends
I will ... never get old

What is your sign? Pisces
Where were you born? New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
Where do you live now? The slums of Halifax

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
I firmly believe the people make the place. So anywhere i have met great people (and great people are throughout the world) can be considered a great place.

What is your favourite:
Movie - Lawernce of Arabia, Catch 22, Star Wars, Citizen Kane, Unforgiven, Matrix, Momento, etc
Book - Enders Game, Gateway both sci-fi, bio would be Errol Flynn
TV Show - Arrested Developement, Coupling, the Office
Drink - Vodka Paralyzer

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice? The chick from Lord of War [Bridget Moynahan, Angelina is #2

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
Mom. Cause she's old school cool.

How do you know Raye? Jail.
What 3 words would you use to describe Raye? Bubbly, organized, and generous.

Do you have your own website? Yes, but you are not allowed to see it.