Commodore

This is my second time and probably his one hundredth. It makes me feel almost guilty. I wasn't legal before I insist, but this is the Commodore, an institution, he just rolls his eyes. We check our coats and he knowingly walks to the best spot in the room. I'm not convinced. Scanning the crowd he scoffs at the Star Wars t-shirt clinging to the skinny hipster beside us. "I had that t-shirt thirty years ago and threw it out...I bet he bought mine for $50." Everything old is cool again? I'm sure he's noticed. The opener plays and the sound is amazing. His 'spot' lends to the best acoustics. As the main act starts I comment on the volume, have i not been to a show in this long. "You think this is loud? Ha, I've seen the Ramones live here four times, now that's loud." I know nothing, my Dad wins.

Twain-ed

"Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen..."

True? "Truth is the most valuable thing we have. Let us economize it"

Or False? "Fiction is obligied to stick to possibilities. Truth isnt"

Unknown...

The Truth

"The trouble is that we have a bad habit, encouraged by pedants and sophisticates, of considering happiness as something rather stupid. Only pain is intellectual, only evil interesting. This is the treason of the artist: a refusal to admit the banality of evil and the terrible boredom of pain." Ursula K. Le Guin.

This quote is from The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, a short story I had to read for class last semester. Probably the best short story I've ever encountered, Le Guin discusses the indiscernible parallels between utopian and dystopian societies. Something that is not as far from our current political discussions as it initially appears.

The quote is so close to the truth for me. There is a real appreciation for that which hurts. That which plays on our tragic realities. That which incites thought provoking melancholy. And I’m over it. Optimism may yield unrealistic results, but it’s much sweeter then peering through our present looking glass. I only wish that I had been introduced to this quote when I was in high school. The hours spent dissecting lyrics and the days spent capitalizing on what ifs could have been so much more productive.

Power To Palin

Obama's officially in office. George is thankfully back in Texas. Michelle looked beautiful in Wu. And, Sarah Palin pushed for renewable energy? Say what! The governor who famously coined "drill, baby, drill," announced yesterday that by 2025 the state of Alaska will attempt to obtain half its electricity from renewable sources. While the report is more of a guideline then a plan of action, Palin is garnering applause from environmentalists across the country. Alaska has the potential for tidal, wave, geothermal and wind energy so the shift to renewable sources is more then attainable. But leaving Palin in charge? I won’t even go there.

In other Obama news. Ilham Anas, a newspaper photographer from Jakarta, looks freakishly similar to the new President...

....he also look's pretty stoked about it.

(photo cred. the globe and mail)

Cate & Leo
...similar to Kate & Leopold that really bad movie with Meg Ryan, only BETTER.

After watching Todd Haynes confusing yet wildly creative I’m Not There last night, a movie about the multiple personas of the great Bob Dylan, I realized the genius that is Cate Blanchett. It wasn't a grande epiphany as I have always been a fan of her work, but the realization of her unique devotion to acting the roles of many different major characters. Over her career she has played a multitude of prominent figures, namely, Queen Elizabeth I...Katherine Hepburn...Queen Galadriel in Lord of the Rings and Jude Quinn (aka Bob Dylan). And she's done this well. I mean, Elizabeth: The Golden Age is not a movie you really stay awake watching while flying home from Toronto, but her desperate and humane qualities kept me engaged. And for anyone who has not seen I’m Not There, you may as well rent it on her performance alone. The total embodiment of her character and acute attention to detail makes me wish I went to theatre school and could attempt to replicate it with a third of her talent. Apparently I'm not the only one in awe of her work as she is well decorated in the award department, and was nominated for Oscars in both the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories at this year’s Academy Awards. While a select many of today's actresses have given notable performances within their careers, few are able to consistently maintain such a high level of credibility, like Cate.

While not an actress, it is fair to say Leonardo DiCaprio also consistently provides a distinct level of performance. And while I admittedly am charmed by the fact that he is “really really ridiculously good looking,” as well as an outspoken advocate for the environment, his acting says it all. It was two years ago, but i still say "yea yea" in a mock South African accent similar to his as Danny Archer in the acclaimed Blood Diamond, One of, if not the best, of his most recent acting roles. Scorsese’ protégée, he definitely solidified himself in the upper echelons of the acting world with repeatedly brilliant work in Gangs of New York, Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator and The Departed. Similar to Cate Blanchett, he deals with each of his roles with a definite level of intensity. It's hard to watch one of his films without being drawn to his level of detail infused character acting. And yes I realize he was in Titanic, which I have only seen once. And therefore the great love affair of Jack and Rose has not lost any of its magic for me...no matter how corny. Leo has had a long and colourful career in the acting world, and luckily for me it is not coming to a halt any time soon.

As a major fan of motion pictures, and an increasing critic of the direction they may be taking, it's a refreshing reminder to know two celebrities are using their talent to provide elevated levels of good entertainment.

You May Say That I'm A Dreamer...

It’s only fitting that I begin my blogging process with a tribute to a true legend, a peaceful visionary and 1/4th of my favourite band of all time --John Lennon.

Realistically I just love this photo and wanted an excuse to include it in here, but UK magazine Uncut did recently compose a list of all time favourite Lennon songs, voted by a panel of famous musicians in the bizz. The list features everyone from Brian Wilson to Liam Gallagher, all weighing in on the Beatles best work. It has got me thinking about my personal Lennon fav.

It's no secret to those who know me that 'Hey Jude' is hands down not only my favourite Beatles tune, but my favourite song of all time. A McCartney/Lennon collaboration, it was written by McCartney for Lennon's son Julian.

But what’s the ultimate Lennon song? I could not begin to choose. His most internationally acclaimed record is obviously 'Imagine.' An anthem for peace worldwide, the song has become synonymous with his name. However it often overshadows other worthy mentions, including Jealous Guy, Working Class Hero and Love.

Regardless of your personal favourite, or lack there of, Lennon's iconic presence is not losing momentum anytime soon...and with that I leave you with a favourtie I can settle on.

"You are all geniuses and you are all beautiful. You don't need anyone to tell you who you are, you are what you are. So, get out there and get peace. Think peace, live peace and breathe peace. You'll get it as soon as you like."
-Lennon