It's ALL Gonna Work Out

Your Power Element is Earth

Your power color: yellow Your energy: balancing Your season: changing of seasons Dedicated and responsible, you are a rock to your friends. You are skilled at working out even the most difficult problems. Low key and calm, you are happiest when you are around loved ones. Ambitious and goal oriented, you have long term plans to be successful.

What's Your Power Element?

Pirates of the Carribean:At World's End - movie review

In 2003 I went to the movies to see a film based on a Disneyland attraction. If it had not been for the casting of the sublime Johnny Depp and the up&coming hottie Orlando Bloom I may never have considered it. But I went anyway. And it was fantastic. Smart, creative, technologically brilliant and full of swashbuckling fun. Of course it would spawn sequels. And so it has.

Last summer saw the release of flick number two (which you can read about here) and this weekend landed ship #3 on audience shores. Coming in at almost 3 hours, the adventure At World's End requires some planning. You must commit to that time and at least 2/3 of it will be well-spent. And so, like so many other blockbusters these days the film is too long. The padding comes in two places: in an extensive series of opening vignettes that keep fan-fave Jack Sparrow off the screen far longer than expected and in the long-winded fight scenes that actually lose some momentum.

Lucky for the POTC fans (if not the audience at large) the film has maintained the visual impressiveness that characterizes the series. The first film had skeletons, the second sea people and the third is all about the world. This time around it is the environment that captures the imagination. Ships travel through iceberg-filled canals, Jack wallows in a white wasteland, and the sea opens in a maelstrom of rain of waves. These fantastic elements are fitting considering the soul of the film is Calypso - the mythological daughter of the sea god. Once again the film goes to the heart of ocean lore to build its story. And for the most part, it works.

The other thing that stands out in this film is the undercurrent of love that binds it all together. Elizabeth and Will appear to be broken apart and their tale is twinned with the backstory of Davey Jones' heart and the curse of the Flying Dutchman. It is in the scenes between estanged lovers that the film achieves true feeling and the pace takes pleasant respite from the swordplay and boarding parties. Depp sashays through the complex tale with an increased mania until the final frame when he returns to his Black Pearl self. And at this moment, the series shows how it has come full cirle. How it has tied-up all the loose ends of this particular adventure and how it still has room for more if the movie gods deem it to be.

Of course you could go just for the effects. Or for Depp. Or to see how Orlando Bloom has finally moved into some masculinity. To watch Keira Knightley become the Pirate King and Keith Richards rock his black eyeliner. You can go for the swordfights in Asian villages and on cursed ships. You can go for the labour-movement/anit-corporatist politics (seriously - they are there!). Or you can go because so few movies these days manage to be treasure troves of comedy, action, romance, visual effects, mythology and star power that a slightly overblown one is not that bad a choice.

Life Path in the Stars

I spent the long weekend being useless. After a full day of class on Saturday I found myself reasonably burnt out and ready to do nothing on Sunday. I continued this path of nothing all day Monday as well. But while I wasn't physically doing anything (other than sabotaging my diet!) my mind was racing. See, my mind is busy trying to figure out what it is I really want to do with my time. And although I am also working on being more now-focused, I haven't knocked my bad habits of worrisome future planning.

What's on my mind these days? Well, am I in the right place - geographically - for one. This is a hard one to face. All my life I have pursued interesting things and gone away to do many of them. I have not been one to settle or to stay. My original plan was a to stay in Halifax about a year and then to move on to studies elsewhere. But as new opportunities (and mounting debt) arrived in my life I took the chance to have a great job and maybe build a life on the east coast.

Now I am almost two years out here and I must admit to spending A LOT of my time alone. This reality was emphasized on a long weekend when I had noone close to with whom to hang out or make plans. I spend a lot of time alone. And although I love this city, enjoy my job, and am committed to completing my degree I can't help feeling like maybe I should be somewhere else. I wonder why I am deliberately away from my family and established friends. Do I want to make my life here? Or should I be looking elsewhere? I alsways said that I would stay out east (after my MBA) if I found an amazing job or an amazing man - currently neither are in play. So how do I decide?

Well, if you are me you do a little bit of celestial reflection. Here's what my planetary elignments say about who I am to be:

Moon in Taurus = Emotions ... I have a need to be alone and thrive in my private places - whatever they might be. I enjoy being surrounded by belongings that hold personal meaning. My emotional well-being depends on the harmony of my emotional attachments.

Mercury in Pisces = Communication ... My psychic impressions are often so pronounced that my reasoning ability is clouded. Great imagination and creativity is indicated and much information is viewed through intuitive means.

Venus in Aries = Love ... I can exhibit aggressive social interaction and passion in romantic relationships. I can form impetuous and implusive ties and am self-centered in love. I show initiative in making money but is usually goes out as fast as it comes in. I will likely marry early or in haste.

Mars in Aquarius = Stamina & Sex ... I have a unique approach that may brand me as eccentric. I act independently to achieve my goals which are often directed toward humanity in general. My approach to sex can be rather unemotional.

Uranus in Scorpio = Individuality ... My independence is derived from drastic or profound change. My temper can be quite fierce and I may feel compelled to bring about change regardless of the consequences.

Neptune in Sagittarius = Intuition ... My intuition allows me to understand broad spiritual issues and fit them into my own search for truth. My blind spot may be a need for creative freedom that defies conformance.

Saturn in Cancer = Karma ... My tenacity sees me through most obstacles and difficulties. I choose a course (not always the best) that doesn't threaten my emotional/financial security. Emotional restraint is due to internalization of things which stifles my psychic and intuitive resources.

Jupiter in Pisces = Morality/Spirituality ... My compassion and emotional sensitivity and imagination expand my philosophical and spiritual foundations. Psychic, occult and anything to do with behind-the-scenes brings benefits.

Pluto in Libra = Transformation ... Regeneration in my world comes through a revamping of views towards relationships, marriages and partnerships. These elements will never be the same again by the next pluto transit.

So hmmmm ... some things to think about. But still no answers!

Georgia Rule - movie review

There is very little about Georgia Rule that will be what you expect. The biggest turnaround will come from expectations in director Garry Marshall (Pretty Woman, Princess Diaries, The Other Sister) because there is nothing "feel good" about this film. In fact, this flick has a very dark center and not for anyone expecting a sweet afternoon of female-bonding and tear-jerking. Yes, those elements are there. There is, eventually, bonding. There are tears. But these things are derived from a family beyond dysfunction and personal traumas not to be taken lightly (or soberly!).



But, if you leave your expectations at the cinema door. If you note NOT to take your tween to see her redheaded idol. If you forego the notion that this film is the best choice for a girlie matinee experience then you will be impressed. Rule is about three generations of women who are forced to address the pains they have inflicted and endured at the hands of each other. It is a search of truth and self and the obstacles that get in the way. And it is a story about love and the disturbing way that father's influence how daughters see love and how mothers can suffer the fallout of that relationship. See, not simple or sweet at all.

Things begin when Lily (Felicity Huffman) sends her rebellious daughter Rachel (Lindsay Lohan) off Idaho to live with her estranged mother Georgia (Jane Fonda) for the summer. What you notice immediately is the level of talent on screen. Fonda returns to the screen (after the throwaway that was Monster-In-Law) in a role that is reminiscent of Gena Rowlands in Hope Floats - which is a good thing. Huffman continues to prove herself as an impeccable actress. In fact, a supporting actress not is well within her grasp with this endeavour. And Lohan shows once again that the screen loves her and her range deserves notice. Although her recent tabloid life will make you wonder how much she may be "playing herself", as the core of the picture she remains strong and utterly watchable.

The story slowly unravels from a glib confession to a dangerous lie to a cathartic truth. Through it all the three women come together, fall apart and finally reconnect. The men are only pegs on which to hang the threads of the web that is being spun and by the end all the pieces are connected. The dialogue is tough and unflinching. The performances are sincere and complex. The story is disturbing and solid. And in the end, by ignoring all the rules of mainstream "chick flicks", Georgia emerges as an interesting film on the edge of a typical summer season.

End of Greys

What? You didn't seriously think I would let the end of Season 3 go by without any comment did you? Yesterday was essentially a waiting game for the final episode of my favourite show. And I was not the only one. Everywhere I went there was buzz about it. You have got to hand it to Shonda Rimes and ABC - they have made a true winner. And although I have not been loving this season as much as others I was hoping for a strong finish. I was also hoping for Burke & Cristina to get married. Well, one out of two ain't bad.

So the season ended well in my perspective. I continue to be amazed with how much the show crams into an hour. I love the fact that I can look at the clock and go, wow! there is still 20 minutes left! and I don't feel ripped-off for the first 40. And so it was with the final hour (plus bonus 15 mins!). We are left with a sad state of affairs in Seattle and yet it feels right. The dust will settle over the summer and the show will return with a new lease on life. And I think that point was made clearly. Everyone must start again. Nothing is dragging across the seasonal line. Everyone is in a new place and must reevaluate who they are. New beginnings are always good and they do wonders for show. So exicted for next year? You bet!

First I have to say if Sandra Oh doesn't win another Emmy or Golden Globe or whatever for her work in the episode then there is something wrong. She was incredible. What a fantastic way to bring her character's journey to a gut-wrenching end and she nailed every moment of it. I was truly hoping the marriage would go through. But when Burke explained why it had to end there was no room to argue. He was right. And I realized that once again, I AM Meredith and my desire for the wedding was driven by a want for the good couple to have the good ending. But Greys' strength is in the flaws of people and this episode excelled in that department.

So in that vein we have Callie suggesting a band-aid baby and Izzie pleading for her romanticism to be justified, Alex letting Ava go and Meredith just unable to love Derek back. All these people are flailing about and it makes for great television and wonderful characters.

The full-circle elements were a good touch. The entry of the new interns shows that the arc for the last 3 seasons is closed. But the symmetry is there. George witnessed the new team and meets a Grey. And that Grey is the same girl that Derek flirted with the night before. And if you recall that is how Season 1 opened - with Meredith meeting Derek at the bar the night before her internship started and then meeting George in the lockerroom. But Derek did not go home with Lexie because he loves Meredith. And George was not inspired by Lexie because he has grown beyond that kind of infatuation. That particular circle is closed. Time for a new one to begin.

The Personification of Manliness

words are SO unnecessary

New Photoblog!!

Well, I thought it was about time that I started a photoblog to keep my non-text passion motivated. One picture posted a week. Check it out HERE!

What I'm Looking For...

OK, confession time. For the last few years I have been enjoying (and being frustrated by) the interesting world of internet dating. I know, I know! My first foray began years ago when a couple of my work colleagues and I decided to give a site called Matchmaker a try. It was just for fun ... and kind of creepy. Then Lavalife hit the scene and I have had various profiles there for the last three? - four? - years. I remember one fun evening in Montreal as my best friend's husband decided to play around on the site and randomly send comments to people. OK, maybe not the most productive use of the site but it was fun. This year I went on a couple of promising dates and actually met a very nice man ... but it was not to be.

Just recently, on the recommendation of a friend, I joined eHarmony. It is my 3-month summer trial to see if this "relationship" site offers something beyond the others. The site uses an "in-depth" personality profile to match up members so instead of the random shopping you have supposedly good-potential matches delivered to you. I found the personality profile it generated to be quite accurate so maybe the other aspects of it will be as well.

Another thing I liked was the function to create a list of "Must Haves" and "Can't Stands". Just the exercise of going through the options was helpful to isolate what I would like and what I don't want to deal with in a relationship. I have included them below because I found it an interesting list. I am not sure if it paints an overly idealistic picture or not. I find I am often accused for being too naive and romantic in my expectations. But I can also read this list and I know men who embody it all ... now if I would find who wants what I offer ...

MUST HAVE
Shared Politics...
I must have someone who has political beliefs which are the same or similar to my own.
Autonomy...
I must have a partner who will give me space to be my own person.
Intellect...
I must have a partner who is bright and can share my understanding of the world as well as enjoy discussing important issues.
Emotionally Healthy...
I must have a partner who is emotionally healthy, and able to share a stable life with someone else.
Family...
I must have someone who shares my desire to have or adopt children.
Passionate...
I must have someone who is willing to explore our sexual desires with passion and understanding.
Adaptability...
I must have a partner who is able to adapt to life's surprises.
Emotionally Generous...
I must have a partner who enjoys people and is generous with his or her compassion, attention, sympathies and love.
Affectionate...
I must have someone who is comfortable giving and receiving affection.
Chemistry...
I must feel deeply in love with and attracted to my partner.

CAN'T STAND
Anger...
I can't stand someone who can't manage their anger, who yells, or bottles it up inside.
Workaholic...
I can't stand someone who treats everything in life as secondary to their job.
Recklessness...
I can't stand someone who has a careless and irresponsible manner when with others.
Poor Hygiene...
I can't stand someone who is not clean.
Uninterested...
I can't stand someone who does not enjoy having sex on a regular basis.
Undependable...
I can't stand someone who fails to come through and is unreliable.
Excessive Overweight...
I can't stand someone who is overweight.
Addictions...
I can't stand someone who currently suffers from addictions.
Drugs...
I can't stand someone who uses heavy illegal recreational drugs.
Intolerance...
While I understand that religious conviction is a positive trait, I can't stand someone who is self-righteous and feels that their particular faith is the only one that matters.

OH! And of course ... he should look like Ben Affleck!

The Unfairness of Calories

So it turns out the one my FAVOURITE snacks is the WORST. There are 520 calories in a snack bag of Cheetos Crunchits! Five Hundred and Twenty! That is almost one-thirs of a daily allowance. This fact, of course, reveals why I was so chunky in my early twenties when I used to eat this ALL the time! And not the snack packs but the BIG bags that had ... well, god knows how many but WAY more to be sure! calories. However, now I am working at actually reading labels, counting overall calories and trying to balance the sources for my calories. It's a fun little obsession and has been quite enlightening. It has really helped to reveal my weak spots and the things that drive me to them. So today I said NO! to the crunchits and settled on the Rold Gold pretzels at 270 for a bag instead. Of coures, the pretzels contain 1390mg of sodium ... but that's another story.

More Robot Chicken Goodness

Another clip from the cult-tastic Robot Chicken. This one references one of my fave books: The Neverending Story. My fave part? Bastian doing the porn-slap on the princess. Check it out.

Spiderman 3 - movie review

The problem with Spiderman 3 is that it is stupid. I know, this may sound harsh but I could not help but roll my eyes as this bloated sequel unraveled on the screen. Even worse than the X:3 experience of last spring, this entry in the franchise has a definate Batman Forever dissatisfaction going on. And while the series began as a solid comic book translation this one cannot escape the trappings of Saturday morning cartoondom.



I could maybe end the review there sure that I have sissuaded you from going to the multiplex or at least curbing your enthusism. But there are elements of Spiderman that are not all bad. First of all the sound editing is fantastic. I know, who goes to the moves for the sound editing? But in a film reverberating with Whiz! Bang! and Pop! it means alot when they work well together. The sound also serves the effects well. And the effects are strong - for the most part. In particular, the Sandman is wonderful. His particalization is fascinating the details are impressive. It is not until the climax scene when a gigantic Sandman appears to things look schlocky. And then there are the fight scenes. Likely the most elaborate scenes done in the series they show obvious creativity. HOwever, the camera work is blurry and cut WAY to much for any true appreciation to arrive. At times I found myself squinting trying to decipher exactly what was happeing as physics were twisted and turned. The final bit of kudos goes to Venom. Although he arrives much to late in the game, the alian goo and resulting villain are stiking. It would have been nice to have more of him.

So if the effects are not that bad and it sounds good then ther really flaws in this Spiderman are the story and characters. To say that the film is poorly written is an understatement. It is slow. It is stretched. It is boring. The movie attempts to explore the importance of being yourself. But instead it echoes the "power corrupts" concept more than any notions of self-awareness. Further, the film's central attempt to show either point in an aggressive Peter Parker is laughable. I suspect the point was to illustrate how ridulous one looks when not being true to oneself but instead it gives us a swaggering emo-boy Parker that is just silly. The promotion (and the Venom story arc) gave promise of a film that explores that dark side of the Spidey-verse but this darkness is neutered for a PG audience. Add to this mix a series of almost slapstick comedy elements and the film loses itself.

I am sure Spiderman 3 will make good money. Like the hoardes of cheering children in the film there will be lines of excited fans willing to pay for this chapter. But this Spiderman is only barely satisfying. It has too many characters, too many villians, and too many stories all fighting for screentime and in the end it becomes a messy web of suck.

Bio-Blog #19 - Mitch

Way back in highschool I was fixed up on a blind date. The date turned out to be Mitch. And we have been friends ever since. This week I want to talk about my friend Mitch. The guy who introduced me to Collective Soul. The "Spoonman". The guy who enjoys camping just like me but sho doesn't have the same alcohol tolerance (or so I like to think!). Mitch has lived a full life since we went on our separate paths after highschool. A few years in Mexico. A few serious life changes. Recently the gods were unfair to him in the cruelest of ways and noone deserves it less. He is someone who gives his friends respect, a sense of humour and challenging sarcastic edge and I consider myself lucky to be in that club. So here is a bit more about my friend Mitch...

I am ... afraid of needles.
I can ... run a 5 minute mile (just kidding)
I love ... a good movie
I will ... never understand reality TV

What is your sign? Gemini
Where were you born? Sudbury, ON
Where do you live now? Uxbridge, ON

What has been the best place you've visited in between and why?
Mexico, mostly because of the food. Yum!!!!

What is your favourite:
Movie: Lord of the rings.
Book: Lord of the rings.
TV Show: Lord of the rings if it existed, but since it doesn't, Cheers.
Drink: Rye and ginger.

Who is your celebrity hottie of choice?Salma Hayek

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world ... who would it be and why?
My dog. He is the best listener.

How do you know Raye?
We dated in highschool and have been friends since.

What 3 words would you use to describe Raye? energetic, positive, bright

Do you have your own website? nope

Grey Days

Two hours of "Grey's Anatomy" on Thursday night. TWO HOURS! What could be better?! But then I end up watching it and it was actually sort of depressing. I love this show but when it lets me down I really feel it (like last year's finale) and last night let me down. It dragged. It didn't have the punch, the verve, the spice of the regular episodes. And although I was intrigued with the Addison spin-off stuff I found the show it presented to be rather grim. I mean, everyone in that L.A. Oceanside clinic is sad! Hot (hello Taye & Tim!) but sad, lonely, depressed. Which I guess makes it a good place for the lost Addison to end up if the show goes through.

Other things that bugged me? What happened to the connection between Burke & Christina? OK, so they didn't always communicate perfectly but they used to be in sync. And George and Izzie just bug me now - although I admit to their chemistry because that elevator kissage was good. Overall, I am not overly enthused with last night's special episode. It was too choppy and too messy and I think it hurt the experience of both shows. Still, a good set-up for the end of the season. Hopefully they won't mess this one up too!