Why?

Commercials are something that I find beyond ridiculous. However, without them I know getting my weekly source of Jack Bauer and Chuck Bass would be impossible. So I deal. It's called mute. My roommate and I both have our commercials we absolutely despise. For Rom it’s that Maria Menounos hair commercial about volume...just no. For me it’s that new yogurt one where yuppies ask me if I’m feeling Yoptimal…I’m not. While both are beyond annoying, we have coping methods to deal.

There is one commercial however that has just gone too far. Not only does it make me feel weird, but it completely freaked me out the first time I watched it. I’m talking about the peer into a soul ones…where various characters walking up to an unknown window and then “peer” into it. There is no dialogue, merely text directing you to a website, peerintoasoul.ca. After seeing the commercial multiple times we thought it could be about anything from mental health to safe driving –oh how wrong we were.

Finally we checked it out. I was literally terrified at what may pop up on my screen, but when I did peer through my fingers, what was staring back at me…a freakin KIA. A car. A stupid little dumbass car. Needless to say we were choked. What the hell were they trying to portray with their ads? That wearing a really creepy mask and breathing heavily onto a window will spur the masses to purchase a new ride? Maybe they are just trying to get people to check out their site, generate some mystic? This, I'm sure, can be done without cauing mild panic attacks at opening their home screen. KIA...I’m not convinced...I'm just disturbed.

He's At It Again

No, not Michael Phelps and his bong (HA!), but that pesky Philly rodent. And you know what he saw --his shadow. Which means were in for a loooong winter, six weeks longer to be exact. This is the second year in a row that little jerk groundhog saw his shadow. It could be more then the second actually, but I will never forget last years winter in TO and I will never forget hearing the news of its extension. Nothing could have been worse. But if winter look’s anything like it has during these last two days, I think I can survive.

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.

They Probably Miss Linden

Six games! Really? Let's not make it seven. The Canucks face off at ten-thirty tonight (EST) and I'm sending my good vibes westward. Perhaps the AllStar break has given them the rejuvenation they need. They have their centre, they have their goalie, and there are no more excuses. Even my boyfriend, whose always has an unwavering devotion to the team, is getting fed up. It’s time boys, tonight is the night. I best be waking up to winning headlines tomorrow.

And beyond excited over this...

A bit amused over this...

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)

Rachel Got Married

There. Now you know the ending. You no longer have to waste your time or money seeing it. In my attempt to see movies with potential Oscar candidacy I went and saw Rachel Getting Married. And for a movie that garnered such hype, I’m thoroughly disappointed. I found myself annoyed at all the parts that discussed and centered on the wedding. Then I remembered that was the entire premise of the film. Anne Hathaway does a good job playing the irritating egotist of a sister with the shady past and propensity for uppers. But, for a protagonist who propels the narrative of the movie, how come we had her figured out from the beginning? My roommate and I also struggled with the musical melange heard through the entirety of the process. We get it, your fiancé has rhythm. But as Rom pointed out, is it really probable that your wedding reception would turn into a fun loving club playing everything from blues and rock-n-roll, to reggae and jazz? Music aside, the less then climatic ending left me bitter not awe inspired. I didn't care about any of the relationships, nor did I care for the whiny undertones of the story. According to many, this opinion is not shared. So, if you’re interested in the dysfunctions of the Buckman's and watching thirty something excruciating minutes of wedding speeches, this is the movie for you.

You Fail

My adoration for blog's is no secret to my fellow classmates. So I was delighted when Carly pointed out one of her personal favourites. While it’s not a blog I would typically follow, failblog.org is one of the most amusing sites I've seen in a while. If you need a good laugh or enjoy making fun of people's stupidity, this is the place for you. After only looking through the first couple of pages I pulled out some personal favourites to share...

Gina the diva my wish to re-think this personalized plate. Thank god I didn't see this while driving.









No words needed...

Its Business Time

The Vancouver ladies are sadly making their trek back west, meaning the week long weekend is over and life resumes normality too early tomorrow morning. However, as I'm currently watching the Golden Globes I've been reminded of the impending award show that really matters. The Oscars.

I can attribute my fascination to my parent’s annual Academy Awards party. From Cuba Gooding Jr's over the top acceptance speech too Gwyneth’s teary water works. From Angelina Jolie's incestual kiss to Bjork's swan dress, I can vividly remember ticking off my predictions in anticipation of the best movie of the year. While the cinematic campaigning has become a little out of control none of the magic of award season is lost on me. I have many dates with the movie theatre before I can really think about winners. That and the nomination list needs to come out. But, if my early predictions mean anything I’m rooting for Slumdog Millionaire.

Back to the Globes --congrats Heath and best of luck too Mr. Penn.