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| The Hitchhiker By: Lannon McGregor |
| 05.10.09 (4:44 pm) [edit] |
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His soul has long been sold.
He walks close alongside death;
His legs are growing old.
In fact, getting older with each step taken.
His body shakes in waves of panic,
As he walks amongst the stars.
Calm twilight, sidewalk graves,
And the highway's hissing cars.
They said he'd appreciate a mile of sun,
When he had walked a mile of rain.
But lonely storm clouds can't be outrun,
And show little signs of change.
The wetness weighs him down,
And now he struggles with each step.
His heavy eyes loathe the sight of ground,
And his lungs draw tired breaths.
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| Japanese Rockers, FACT: Accident Cancels Concert Tour By: Christine Albrecht |
| 04.20.09 (11:45 pm) [edit] |
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Both good and disappointing news were received by many FACT fans on April 14, 2009. On the same date the Japanese rock band's self-titled debut, Vagrant/Maximum FACT, was being released, they were involved in a serious van accident on Interstate 85. The band was on their way to an Altoona, PA. gig from Montgomery, AL. when they were struck by a Chevy 'Malibu' which had crossed the median. The two vehicles collided head on, flipping FACT's 15-passenger van onto its side. (Charges are pending against the driver of a third vehicle which allegedly forced the Malibu into the median.) Drummer Eiji suffered a broken arm; singer Hiro sustained a concussion, while the other members received mild injuries. Relief was expressed at the news that tour manager, John Kim's, internal injuries were not as serious as originally reported. The most serious of the injuries were broken ribs (as reported by Elizabeth Richardson of the Times-Herald). The band cancelled their final two US concert dates as well as cleared their Canadian bookings (to be rescheduled at a later date) in order to recuperate in Japan.The members of FACT are: Takahiro (guitars, vocals), Tomohiro (bass, vocals), Eiji (drums, vocals), Hiro (lead vocals), and Kazuki (guitar, vocals).Drop the members of FACT a note at their myspace page.Visit (Label) Vagrant's website.
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| Come to Canada: Big Acts/Small Venues (A Common Occurrence) By Christine Albrecht |
| 03.23.09 (8:44 pm) [edit] |
Great Bands Play Awesome Venues in VancouverI pulled out my January, 2008, Spin magazine and did a flip-through to determine if I should save or recycle the publication. I do not like to throw out any music magazine, but I equally dislike magazine clutter, so I force myself to critically evaluate if the issue is a keep'er or toss'er. It's not uncommon for me to have a second or third read-through of Spin's archives, so as I was reacquainting myself with January's articles I noted several familiar names. The names are familiar because I just posted an update of Vancouver concerts. As I noted familiar headliners, I had to take a second look at the booked venues. How is it that up and coming, popular musicians, sell out mid-sized arenas throughout the world, yet continue to be booked into small venues while touring Canada?This is not the first time I have puzzled over the Big-Act/Small-Venue Canadian phenomenon. In the early '90s I attended a Radiohead gig at Vancouver's The Town Pump (recently known as Sonar). The Town Pump was a small pub/dance club in downtown Vancouver which allowed an audience of approximately 400+ patrons. The club's booking manager kept musically 'current', often bringing in top talent who could sell out 5000+ venues anywhere else (than Canada). Richard's on Richards is a similarly sized venue.Lykke Li  and The Charlatans UK will be playing at Richard's on Richards. As well, the extremely popular The National played there in 2007.I'm not sure of the reason for currently popular bands being booked 'down' in Canada, but I'm always grateful for the 'up close and personal' experience. I often wonder how the performers reacted to the venue. Were they surprised, appalled, embarrassed, oblivious, annoyed, or indifferent? Canadian concerts spoiled me as I now refuse to attend a concert if the venue holds an audience larger than 1000 (using The Commodore Ballroom as my quota template). The Commodore's capacity limit is advertised as 990, but sardine-packed audiences at sold-out gigs appear 'fuller'.TV on The Radio will be playing the Commodore on Sept. 7th.  Canada's knack for showcasing amazing talent in contrarily matched venues consistently baffles me. The only explanation I've arrived at is our nation's tendency towards delayed appreciation. The Fine and Performing Arts rarely receives priority status in the media. As a teen, I was reliant on local/national Canadian media for my music news, and our country remained six months to over a year behind the rest of the world. Although the Fine and Performing Arts are still largely under-reported, the internet has allowed music lovers to fall into sync with similar-minded fans around the world. However, the average Canadian concert-goer still depends on the media to alert him/her to an upcoming concert rather than proactively seeking updates.With an 'audience alert' in mind, here is a sample of upcoming performances by artists presently riding a popularity wave. And to avid fans of specific bands - Canada may be your last chance of viewing your favourite musician(s) in a more intimate setting (and you won't need a video screen to see them perform). I may not understand the reasoning, but I appreciate the bang-for-yer-buck entertainment outcome.September 1st - Estelle - The Commodore Ballroom (capacity 990)The London rapper/singer/producer (Shades of Lauren Hill) coos her 'American Boy' hit .... groove from will.i.am that's way better than his half-baked crap. Spin MagazineSeptember 7th - TV on the Radio - The Commodore Ballroom (Capacity 990)... one reason TV on the Radio gets listed among the best American bands of their generation is because their free-ranging sound... Rhapsody Mp3 Spin Magazine 2008's Artist of the Year.October 8th - The Charlatans UK - Richard's on Richards (Capacity 400)...played a number of high-profile supporting gigs during the summer of 2007, including for The Who and The Rolling Stones, at venues including Wembley Stadium and Twickenham Stadium in London... WikipediaOctober 16th - Duffy - Croation Cultural Centre (Capacity up to 1000) Duffy's rise to success has been remarkable. She already has a number 1 single under her belt, as well as critically acclaimed TV performances and is the current darling of the music industry. October 17th - Sara Bareilles - The Vogue (Capacity 1150)achieved success in 2008 with the hit, 'Love Song', which brought her into the number one spot on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. WikipediaOctober 28th - Lykke Li - Richard's on Richards (Capacity 400)... the Swede of the month... tentative, tuneful love song, 'Little Bit', is buoyed by wispy indie-tronic production...To see more upcoming concerts go to Swanktrendz Concert Listings.FYI: Capacity Numbers for Vancouver's Musical Venues BC Place: 59,687UBC Thunderbird Stadium: 21,500GM Place: 14,000Vancouver Coliseum: 16,123 |
| All Aboard the Internet: Sola Caritas by Lezah Williamson |
| 03.23.09 (8:26 pm) [edit] |
I'm all for things that make our world a better place, and simply by googling Sola Caritas and watching a couple of ads, you too can help to make our world a better place.Sola Caritas is the brainchild of an amazing young guy I know, David Wen. Along with some partners, he has created a website where you can help send money to charities - and it doesn't cost you a red cent! Gotta love that!It's brilliantly simple: businesses team up with the Sola Caritas website, which in turn runs ads for said businesses. Every time you watch one of these ads on the Sola Caritas website (for free, I remind you), 50% of the ad fees get sent to a charity. The more clicks, the more money. This brilliant idea found Sola Caritas take 1st Place at Dalhousie University's EcoVenture 2008, (Canada's first ever green business plan competition.)Easy peasy. Visit Swanktrendz
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| Book review: Water for Elephants By: Lezah Williamson |
| 03.23.09 (8:22 pm) [edit] |
Visit Swanktrendz A friend of mine loaned me Water for Elephants by former Vancouverite Sara Gruen. It's a love story filled with animals - what could be better, I ask you?Set in the Great Depression (I'm a sucker for Depression-era stories), Water for Elephants is the story of Jacob Jankowski, a young man who, a week before he sits his final exams in Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, has the rug pulled out from under him. His life, both as he knew it and as he envisioned it, is gone; in a fit of despair, he runs off and jumps the first train out of town.Jacob has leapt, unknowingly, into the lion's den. He finds himself hooked up with a second rate circus that criss-crosses the country, looking as much for the next score as for other failed circus outfits to cannibalize. The cast of this ragtag crew is probably more entertaining than the pathetic illusions their circus act offers: Al, the boss, envies Ringling Bros. to the point of obsession; Marlena is the beautiful wife of the alternatively abusive and charming August; Rosie is an elephant who can only understand Polish; Blackie, is a brute whose sole purpose seems to be 'redlighting' employees who have outlived their usefulness; Kinko is a dwarf who puts up walls around him so high that no one can get in; and Camel is an old drunk who paves the way for Jacob.The story is told from the perspective of Jacob as an old man. Either 90 or 93 years old (what does it matter when you're that age?), he recalls the story while suffering the indignities of old age as they play out in his nursing home. The story explores the bizarre subculture of the circus world, and throughout the book, black and white photos illustrating aspects of the circus world evoke the difficult life those people led.Water for Elephants was on the NYT Best Sellers list for over 55 weeks. Fox 2000 has acquired the movie rights to the novel, and is said to be fast-tracking the project. Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend) has signed on as director.
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| Glowing Review for Vancouver’s Glowbal Grill and Satay Bar By Lezah Williamson |
| 03.23.09 (8:19 pm) [edit] |
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Glowbal Grill and Satay Bar is a restaurant located in the Yaletown district of Vancouver (1079 Mainland Street). Situated in an area that had previously been a warehouse district and is now filled with trendy shops, restaurants and luxurious condos, Glowbal is a perfect fit with its neighbourhood.My friend and I popped in on the last night in February; we had just had snow two days previous, and when the waiter asked if we wanted to sit inside or out. I must admit I looked at him a little askance. However, he led us out onto the patio, and I have to admit, it was the right choice. There was plenty of street ambience, so much so that it took me back to my trip to Paris last year. But unlike Paris, at Glowbal I was warm! We were there for two full hours, and I was comfortable and warm the whole time - in fact I not only shed my jacket, but also my sweater. (That rarely happens anywhere for me between the months of November and March!) And the outdoor patio was lovely in other ways, too - the decor was upscale casual. Inside, it was a little more nightclubby, and so that patio fit our mood better.
Next came the food: my friend decided she wanted to share appies rather than eat an entrée each, and that suited me fine. We ordered sweet potato fries first - and they weren’t even on the menu, but the chef was kind enough to accommodate us. Next we had a Baby Spinach Salad with warm pancetta vinaigrette ($12), oven-dried tomatoes, saffron egg, buffalo mozzarella and candied pecans. This was not at all overwhelming in size, but it left me feeling very satisfied. The melding of the sweet and the savoury was fantastic. Next up was the lobster mashed potatoes ($10) and the grilled lamb chops ($15), which the waiter brought to us on a long plate for our convenience. While the lobster mashed potatoes was fine, it wasn't something I'd order again; the lamb, on the other hand... I haven't stopped thinking about it! Between you and me, I haven't eaten lamb since I owned a pet lamb, and I was somewhat reluctant to try this. But it was lovely and tender - absolutely delectable. Finally, dessert: in keeping with our sharing theme, we chose the Pastry Chef's Dessert Selection (($12), which gave us a pot of creme bruleé (the best I've ever had!), a warm chocolate coffee cake (which I had misread on the menu as a lava cake, so was a bit disappointed with at the time - but I got over that!), and a white chocolate mousse (smooth!! creamy!!). Truly the best restaurant dessert I've had in a long, long time. On top of that, their coffee was great. For me, that's the all-important crux that is missing in many dining establishments.And for all you single ladies out there: Glowbal has what is undoubtedly the finest stable of male employees I have ever laid eyes on. It looked like they had raided the files of every modelling school out there to come up with their wait staff. These guys are hot! In fact, I don't recall even seeing a female employee there, although I could be mistaken.The executive chef at Glowbal is John Crooks, and yes, reservations are recommended.
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| Annie: A Theatrical Review By Lezah Williamson |
| 03.23.09 (8:16 pm) [edit] |
Where: Vancouver: The Centre for the Performing Arts, March 5, 2009Visit SwanktrendzWe went to see Annie on March 5th; not being a fan of the original comic strip, I certainly wasn't familiar with its print format, and although I will admit to having seen the movie, I must have been on drugs or something, because I had the story completely wrong. In case you're not familiar with the story, here's a brief overview:< >Annie is set in the depression in New York. Annie is a resident in an orphanage, but unlike the other 'abandoned' children, Annie was dropped at the door with a note stating that her parents would be back for their darling daughter as soon as they had some money to support the family. The parents left Annie with half a silver locket; the other half would be produced by the parents as proof that Annie was rightfully theirs when they came to claim her. Because of this, Annie was far more independent than the other orphans, and was a frequent runaway. Miss Hannigan, an alcoholic who runs the orphanage, was constantly on the look out for Annie's next escape. Annie does successfully manage to run away, but is caught and returned to the orphanage. Meanwhile, Grace, the assistant to the very rich Daddy Warbucks, has shown up to 'borrow' an orphan for the Christmas holidays. Annie is spotted, and the deal is set. Similar to the Ann of Green Gables story, it was a boy he had in mind, but he begrudgingly agreed to keep the girl - only to decide to adopt her. Complications arise when Annie reveals that she has a 'real' set of parents out there somewhere; further complicating the issue is Miss Hannigan's unscrupulous brother and his girlfriend Lilly, who decide to pretend they are Annie's parents in order to get the reward posted by Daddy Warbucks.Being a story for kids, this has a happy ending. 'Nuff said.We saw the Broadway production that is currently touring North America. So, understandably, the sets and costumes were very professional looking. Annie is being played by Madison Kerth, and although she acted well, her voice just grated - alternating between a scream and bellow. On the contrary, AnnaLisa Leaming, who plays Grace, has an absolutely lovely voice. Another standout was Lynn Andrews as Miss Hannigan. |
| Passages (1932 - 2009) - John Updike By: Lezah Williamson |
| 01.30.09 (2:07 am) [edit] |
Visit Swanktrendz "The great thing about the dead, they make space.quoted from: Rabbit is Rich, by John Updike). And so it goes. John Updike died today, Jan. 29, 2009, once again, proving himself right. Updike was born in Pennsylvania in 1932; was a Harvard grad who twice won the Pulitzer Prize for Rabbit is Rich and Rabbit at Rest. He is best known for his Rabbit series, as well as his chronicling of suburban adultery in small-town- USA, as seen in novels such as The Witches of Eastwick.But Updike was also a poet, short story writer, art critic and literary critic. Altogether, he wrote 25 novels in his career, while working for The New Yorker and the New York Review of Books. In addition to these accomplishments, he was featured in an episode of The Simpsons, and he also enjoyed writing childrens' books.Although Updike had suffered from a skin condition for years, it was lung cancer which determined his final ending.Image from s.matrix.msu.edu John Updike Fan Page |
| The Watchman (Is It Worth The Wait?) By: Lezah Williamson |
| 01.30.09 (2:05 am) [edit] |
Visit Swanktrendz One of the most highly anticipated films for spring 2009 must surely be The Watchman. Based on the graphic novel of the same name, it is directed by Zack Snyder. Legal battles over distribution rights between Fox and Warner have pushed back the release date, but that looks to be settled now; rumours last year had fans worried when the movie was clocking in at just over three hours. Likewise, a fantastic first trailer was followed by a much weaker one. Add to that a storyline and cast of characters that many feel will be hard to translate to the big screen in a meaningful way, and you've got a whole lot of people waiting with bated breath until March.My prediction: it'll be worth the wait. The story, set in an alternate 1985 America, where superheroes are a part of everyday life, is a strong one. Writer of the graphic novel, Alan Moore (V for Vendetta, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Swamp Thing) is a legend. The film's director Snyder has vowed to stay as true to the graphic novel as possible. He has also, apparently, worked some CGI magic with main character Rorschach's mask which can only add to the overall effect.All in all, this film will be a good one to watch for. |
| Lie to Me - Best on TV Emmy, Anyone? By Lezah Williamson |
| 01.30.09 (2:03 am) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzThe best new show out on TV now is Lie to Me, starring the fantastic British actor Tim Roth (Reservoir Dogs). The show, which started airing this week (Wed. Feb. 21) is inspired by a real life deception specialist - in other words, a human lie detector. The main character works for a private agency that is contracted to the FBI, but you also see the more human side of Roth's character in his interactions with his peers. Overall, this show was well written and, with Tim Roth on board, really, you can't go wrong. |
| DOLLHOUSE - New Television Show to Be Aware of - By Lezah Williamson |
| 01.30.09 (2:02 am) [edit] |
Here's a new show to watch out for: Dollhouse.Originally, Dollhouse was to start airing in January of 2009, but has been pushed back. Written by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly) and starring Eliza Dushku ("Faith" in Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the show is set around a group of individuals whose personalities have been wiped clean so that they can be parachuted into new lives, where they gather information and help create 'situations'. They return after each assignment to the Dollhouse; complications arise, however, when the FBI starts sniffing around. Likewise, main character Echo (Dushku) starts to remember - it turns out the memory erasing didn't stick with her. Visit Swanktrendz |
| Modern Pirate: By Lannon McGregor |
| 01.17.09 (8:38 am) [edit] |
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Pirate man,Is using hands,While digging cities' garbage cans.Sucking Blood,Rolling Mud,Eating - Breathing, The cities' sludge.There he sleeps,On cracked concreteWakes up wide-eyed, incomplete.With a shopping cart,He's modern art,Grudgingly fed from the bottom of our hearts.Worn out soulsIn both heart and shoes.But never stole,That he can't use...L.M |
| The Curious Case of Benjamin Button :Movie Review and Critique Christine Albrecht |
| 01.16.09 (1:36 am) [edit] |
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Visit SwanktrendzRead Fitzgerald's Original Story Here.
Directed by David Fincher Original Story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald Starring: Brad Pitt (Benjamin) Cate Blanchett (Daisy) Julia Ormand (daughter) Before launching into a nit-picking, plot-questioning critique of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I wanted to share a few film, and theatre odds and ends with the readers. The 2008 release of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (here on in noted as 'The Curious Case...') provides an interesting twist to the original short story (written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, in 1921). Ray Stark held onto his "The Curious Case..." screenplay for years. Years after Stark's '04 death, David Fincher purchased, directed, and released 'The Curious Case...' to rave reviews - especially for its artistic efforts in costume and make up.I purposely went to the 4:30 p.m., Boxing Day show, at Langley's Colosseus Cinema (during a nasty snow storm) envisioning a deserted theatre, mine for the taking. Instead, I turned the corner and found a packed house. I clearly underestimated the average movie-goer's fortitude, or the loyalty of a Brad Pitt/ Cate Blanchett fan. Then again, perhaps movie-goers are a hardy group who ascribe to the same creed as postal workers. While watching this movie, I mentally hummed the chorus to an old tune by The Faces entitled, Ooh La La. "I wish that I knew what I know now... when I was younger..."Who hasn't had a brief yearning to go back in time, yet be empowered with one's current knowledge? Through Benjamin Button's eyes, we're granted a brief replay of past dangerous naivety and interludes of awkwardness. However, this time we are empowered with wisdom and experience. Through Benjamin Button, we are able to step in and address - or wisely let pass - situations as they naturally unfold and present themselves.After viewing "The Curious Case..." I was unable to gauge any kind of audience reaction, as this movie threw a heavy blanket of silence on everyone. I have never attended a show where the audience didn't verbally assess the experience on their way out. If quiet introspection was capable of sound - like a car horn - our exiting would be on par with a New York Taxi Drivers' convention. A cacophony of deep thought.Both the book and the movie version of "The Curious Case ..." contain the line "I was born under unusual circumstances..." and this is where the similarities end. I readily admit that I understand the purpose of the differences as I am not fond of Fitzgerald's main, brazen character.We all hate getting older, but who would actually want to get younger as they progress through life? To knowingly await the agonies of painful adolescence? Experiencing the powerlessness and dependency of early childhood, while still cognizant of the lifetime one had experienced? No thanks. Yet that is what Brad Pitt has managed to portray to viewers, while maintaining a thoughtful and quiet acceptance of his fate.I have glanced through critics' reviews of the movie, and I am confused by their disregard of the glaring discrepancies between the book and the movie. I will be the movie reviewer to address the Benjamin Button elephant in the room because, after all, he's huge!Benjamin Button had the misfortune (or to some, good fortune) to be born an old man. Our character enters this world as a baby, albeit an arthritic, slow moving, cataract impaired newborn. The movie dramatically shows Benjamin being rejected by his father (after his mother dies during his birth) and subsequently abandoned. The book has Benjamin being emotionally abandoned, but nonetheless, remaining at home where his old-man behaviours are a source of embarrassment to his father who constantly demands that Benjamin behave more childlike. Aside from peripheral characters entering and leaving Benjamin during his formative years (which helps explain his varied education and philosophies) the book and movie differ in many other areas. The most serious digression from the original is in Benjamin's aging process. Fitzgerald has his protagonist born with an 85 year-old's thoughts, behaviour and attitude whereas Fincher's movie has the character physically representing an 85 year-old, but mentally on par with a newborn. As the book-Benjamin becomes more immature, in keeping with his age defying appearance, the movie Benjamin becomes more worldly and wise while physically regressing.I understand the reasoning behind Pincher's version of Benjamin Button's aging. Overall, Fitzgerald's original character is not a likable guy; meanwhile there's something bittersweet in watching movie-Benjamin experience his first drink, first love, etc. as an 18 year-old man housed in the body of a 65 year-old senior. Movie-Benjamin is more appealing to the average viewer than 7 year-old, book-Benjamin smoking cigars, cursing, and leering at woman.The movie contains a few changes that I didn't understand as necessary. Why is Benjamin abandoned at an old folks' home in the care a single, financially strapped, black woman (Taraji P Henson)? Henson delivers an outstanding performance as Benjamin's adoptive mother, Queenie, but how necessary was this change to the story's telling? I am grateful for the entertainment of the old folks' home setting as it allowed for a nice introduction to the developing love story between Daisy (Cate Blanchett) and Benjamin (Brad Pitt). As well, some of the seniors residing alongside Benjamin at the home, provided the much needed comic relief during an otherwise somber movie. For example, the comedic, intermittent presence of "The General" whose self-introductory line to Benjamin is consistently, "Did you know I've been struck by lightning 7 times?" We are then given a visual of The General being struck.I wondered if the writer(s) felt Benjamin wouldn't have been able to explore his 'firsts' during early manhood if his parents were around, or more vigilant? (However, that implies adoptive/foster parents are less aware of their children's behaviour or whereabouts.) As well, why couldn't his movie father have maintained the book father's hardware business? Why did the movie allow a simplistic 'button manufacturer' as the family business? As well, if they wanted Benjamin to be perceived as an abandoned orphan, why reintroduce his father (aside from to explain an inheritance)? Finally, although less melodramatic, the movie's ending would be equally touching to view baby-Benjamin nestled in bed, near his Nana in the home of his son, Roscoe (book), than in the arms of his lover, Daisy (movie). I will admit I was sucked into the movie's predictable moment when infant Benjamin and aged Daisy lock eyes, and exchange a fleeting moment of complete recognition and acknowledgement. Like a silent farewell. So corny, yet so wonderful, necessitating the folded arms, stare-at-the-ceiling-and- blink-rapidly, stance.I have always enjoyed Brad Pitt's acting yet I sympathize with him as his undeniable good looks immediately discount any acting talent he possesses; forcing him to work three times harder than the likes of Tom Hanks, Sean Penn, or Jack Nicholson. Cate Blanchett is a perfect counter-partner for Pitt, visually and in spirit and timing. The make-up/ visual effects artists responsible for the characters' aging demonstrated remarkable talent, as they allowed us to witness the characters realistically age, or de-age in Benjamin's case. Daisy gracefully ages from the feisty, stunning dancer to a bedridden senior resisting removal from her hospital care during the Hurricane Katrina disaster.Julia Ormond's character (as Benjamin's and Daisy's daughter) was so milquetoast, she could have been invisible. She was simply the vessel whose questions allowed Daisy to recollect and share her untold youth. Throughout the flashbacks of Daisy's recollections, I had difficulty determining which time period showed Pitt's and Blanchett's characters as they are in reality. The make-up effects should merit an Oscar nod. I suppose, in order to make money, it was decided that "The Curious Case..." should evolve as a love story, one which supports the 'love can surpass both time and age' rather than keep with F. Scott Fitzgerald's razor-sharp, sardonic look at society's celebration of youth, and open disdain towards aging. If that story had been kept, there wouldn't be much to love as book-Benjamin figuratively holds a mirror up to a class-conscious society, thus reflecting the absurdity of placing importance upon appearance and material accumulation. Both the book and the movie do drive home the importance of character. It's what inside that counts. Movie-Benjamin has 'character' in spades.I enjoyed the movie, just as I enjoyed the short story (see link to story below), and I am grateful that never the two did meet. The two versions are so vastly different; combined, it couldn't have worked. Perhaps someone will come forth with a modified 3rd version; one which nicely melds the original and movie version. I have heard there is another story out which offers more depth to Fitzgerald's original plot. Perhaps this is the third view I am searching for. It is also titled the The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and is written by Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir (with illustrations by Kevin Cornell). For scenic views, Pitt's and Blanchett's artistically balanced acting, masterful make-up (10/10), and for allowing Benjamin to be portrayed as a likable character, I give the movie 8.5/10
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| Pick Ton By: Lannon McGregor |
| 01.10.09 (5:49 pm) [edit] |
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 A few police in ol' B.C.Searched Willy's farm,and found some teeth.The rivers swelled,As numbers tolledand ANGELS fellWhere HELL runs cold.See the hate in Willy's eyes, See all the twisted ways to die.Ask the pigsFed and bigOh, if only they could talk.They'd sniff at the mudin thirst of blood,and tell you of the meat Willy brought.They'd watch the Mounties' patience boil,While digging deep through Willy's soil.They can't wipe their hands from the stench of shit,They've seen a lot, just not this sick.They've seen rape; they've seen dead,But they can't see the HATE in Willy's head. Rot In Hell! L.M.Remember The Women. |
| A Bean to Pick with Starbucks by Lannon McGregor |
| 12.28.08 (5:15 pm) [edit] |
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I woke myself from a short sleep to greet Monday with saggy, heavy eyes. The morning air was topped with a crispy crust of fog with a mist and cloud-filled center. Habit forced me to stop for my usual Starbucks' fix. Lucky for me, I had half a dozen Starbucks' outlets to choose from during my five-minute walk to the Sky Train Station in downtown Vancouver. While I was waiting for my Venti Americano (aka extra-large coffee), I impulsively grabbed a bottle of water and paid $1.99 for this 'seemingly' normal beverage. Now, allow me to confess; I am not known for "paying" for water. Call me crazy, but I believe the freshness of water tastes just the same from the tap as it does bottled (aside from the general smug feeling one gets from the obviously elitist choice to pay for water), and such was the case with my purchase of Starbucks' "Ethos" water except Ethos had a promotion which spoke to my innermost humanity.After looking at the heart-tugging, subliminally prompting, (the image was of clearly thirsty Africans) and reading the "Help the World", or some equally similar hippie-bullshit promotion, I assumed that my Ethos water-purchasing-coins would contribute to implementing change in an otherwise, impoverished country.And then I scanned the information on the back label which read:... only 10 cents of my $1.99 contribution would go towards building wells for villagers in Africa...and, I've gotta tell you, I was appalled. Here's a company which can afford to put two outlets directly across the street from each other, but can't afford to dish out more than 10 cents per bottle towards the promoted charity? Yet somehow they can justify charging two bucks for a bottle of water, by disguising the sale as a lame-ass excuse for a humanitarian mission instead of as the marketing ploy it is? I mean 10 cents? C'mon! That's not even 10% of the proceeds yet the charitable aspect is 90% of their campaign to sell the product. It's ridiculous to think we have to pay as much as $2.00 for water just to get a company to take some responsibility in helping someone.This whole scheme is marketing at its best. We are always force fed guilt like it's our job, as middle class working stiffs, to help the poor whom these corporations are generally getting rich from. Why do we have to buy a happy meal from billionaire corporations like McDonalds just to encourage their (tax-deductible) charitable contribution of 10 cents to Childrens' Hospital?Corporations are the only groups with the means to help and provide REAL change, yet time and time again they are ignoring their obligations by constantly passing off the responsibility to their consumers by using these charitable marketing schemes to play on our compassion.The funny thing about it is, I passed a homeless man on the way in who asked me for change and I told him to get a job. Had I given the clearly, alcohol-dependent man the $2.00 I spent on the water, at least I would have been giving to a more immediate cause, rather than having my money sucked into the vacuum of a faceless corporation. After all, everyone's gotta drink something.On the plus side, I am glad to see Starbucks do SOMETHING for a country they have been raping for all these years. I wonder how much those Ethiopian bean pickers make per hour?I wonder if it's more or less than a bottle of Ethos water?I hear it's awful hot over there... 
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| Transporter 3 Movie Review By: Ian Albrecht |
| 12.04.08 (9:02 pm) [edit] |
Just so you know, my youngest son has decided to start posting his reviews of music and movies on Swanktrendz. Due to his young'ish age (12)- Go easy on him (or Mama Bear will roar, heh!). Actually, I warned him he was on his own and he has to take the good with the not so good (responses to his writing). Given he is an official 'tween', I think he's doing all right. Enjoy!Although I was initially excited at the prospect of seeing the third installment of the Transporter movie trilogy, I couldn't help but come away from the theatre feeling largely underwhelmed. The main character, Frank Martin, (played by Jason Statham)  receives his latest assignment involving the delivery of a 'package' from "Marseilles to Odessa on the Black Sea." However, Martin's European 'delivery' is not without (predictably) at least one 'twist'. Furthermore, his usual 'delivery' method is hampered by his being outfitted with a wrist device that will ensure explosive death and destruction if Frank ventures beyond 75 feet of his vehicle.Unfortunately, this 'twist' immediately brought to mind the movie, Speed, as the underlying premise/theme is similar. E.g.: If the main hero alters/changes his course, in opposition to the villain's projected demands, the outcome will be life-threatening mayhem.I openly admit that Jason Statham did an excellent job despite being given an average script; containing some gad-awful dialogue, as well as plenty of clichés reserved for "bust 'em up/ bang 'em up" movies. Moreover, Statham's acting should be noted for his having to respond to (with a straight face) his co-star, villain, Robert Knepper as Johnson. But more about Knepper, later.Of course there is the standard love interest between the Prime Minister of Ukraine's daughter, and our hero, Frank. Despite how important her character is to the movie's central plot, (her role is played by Natalya Rudakova) ... I could NOT recall her character's name! I had to google both the character's and actor's name (which turns out to be Valentina). This does not bode well for any actor attempting to make her mark in the 'biz'. As well, despite her character's important addition to the plot, as well as to the "twist", Rudakova did not leave any impression that would make us a) want to know her name or b) care to learn who was performing the role.François Berléand, once again played Inspector Tarconi, (Frank Martin's sidekick/closest thing to a best friend) and, once again, Berléand did a solid and consistent job at injecting some humour and the occasional dramatic urgency into an otherwise, lukewarm role. The main villain was one of the 'worst' villains I've seen, and I did not buy into/believe in his character for one minute, I would label his acting as "old school"; as in, I would liken Transporter 3's villain to the original Joker from the black and white television series, Batman.Overall, the plot for Transporter 3 was dull, been-there-done-that, and simply pathetic (with exception to anything being blown up, or any computer generated excitement.) Then again, these effects should be a 'given' in any action movie genre. So, why do I say pathetic? When the audience is thrown subplots, or extra information that is even more unbelievable than the movie's, "villain character's" acting... Well? What would you call it? For example, the police department and the government learn the villain's real name and location, and rather quickly, in the movie. At least in other espionage/action flicks, the bad guy will toss out a couple of red herrings to keep the "good guys" and audience wondering what's going to happen next. I was able to predict this movie's plot and ending, but it's times like this when I hate to be right. I guess the most intense guessing, wondering or predicting I did during the 90 minutes was... trying to figure out when the movie was going to end? Is this movie worth spending cash at the box office, or is it a wait-for-the-DVD type of flick? Definitely a wait for the DVD, as it is the most disappointing movie of the trilogy and will, no doubt, go straight to video within three months. 1.5/5 (and the half point was strictly for the guns, explosions, and computer generated effects. And, 1 point to Jason Statham for doing a good job in a stinker of a movie).
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| The 10 Best Lies I Ever Told by Mike Gillis |
| 11.16.08 (9:06 am) [edit] |
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The ten best lies I ever told were:
String of Lies graphic image by: Tad Lauritzen Wright
BTW: As I was searching for an image to attach to Mike's article, I happened across a blog entitled ron-day.com. I browsed through the site and thoroughly enjoyed the art section (see the site's outside-art link). I suggest you visit and let Ron Day et el know Swanktrendz sent you. (Editor)
A Site worth Browsing
Visit Mike
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| 11.16.08 (9:02 am) [edit] |
| Seagull Management Redefined: Book Review by J Williamson, Jargontalk |
| 11.09.08 (6:58 pm) [edit] |
The term Seagull Manager dates back to the late '80s, and was used in an article by Michael Madison, who used it to describe a particular management approach of interacting with employees, of only dealing with them when a problem arises, making quick-fire decisions about things, then leaving and letting others have to deal with all of the mess left behind. But is was Ken Blanchard who really quantified the term in his 1999 book , Leadership and the One Minute Manager. where he said something like: Seagull managers fly in, make a lot of noise, dump on everyone, then fly out. Read this line those years ago, and for awhile enjoyed the guilty pleasure of quoting it when dealing with issues as a middle manager. And if you've never dealt with Seagull Management yourself, then just think of Donald Trump in his NBC reality show, The Apprentice, where he walked in and so often uttered his now-famous line This one's easy for me... you're fired.That's 'seagull management.'When I saw a blurb in print about the forthcoming release of Squawk!: How to Stop Making Noise and Start Getting Results it was interesting, and more so because the author was Travis Bradberry, Ph.D., and his management seminars have become famous. Have I attended one of them? No, but I have suggested them to others, then looked over the material they brought back. And Dr. Bradberry's book looks like it was tailor-made for his seminars.It's not a difficult read, and as you make your way through the pages, following the adventures of Charlie, a seagull manager, you'll pick up a number of good, solid middle-management pointers. It's an easy-to-follow narrative, and has an often humorous story line. Dr. Bradberry shows us the three crucial qualities of leadership that help us deal with seagull managers in the workplace. And if you're really lucky, you might even see yourself as a “Charlie the Seagull Manager," and be able to identify areas worthy of self-improvement.If you're a middle manager, get this book. Once you've finished with it, think if you want to loan it to your boss, or maybe buy copies for some who report to you. You might like it and you might not, but this reader found it to be an engaging and worthy read.You might want to also consider a couple of Dr. Bradberry's other books The Personality Code or The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book to add your own management or leadership library.In truth, I didn't like this book at first, and was thinking ”been-there-done-that" in the first thirty or so pages. I found Charlie to be irritating, but as the parable continued, found myself warming to it and to the seagulls and the other critters. In the end had to admit that it was a better book than I had first thought.OK, enough of my squawking... it's an easy 5-star read.Go to Amazon.com and vote on Jargontalk's review.
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| The Langley Weavers and Spinners Guild Annual Sale Nov 8 to 9 |
| 11.08.08 (6:08 am) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzTo read an article on the 2005 Spinners Guild Sale click here.The Langley Weavers and Spinners Guild is proudly hosting its 37th annual Artisans’ Sale on:
November 8 and 9th,from 10 am to 4 pmFort Langley Community Hall,9167 Glover Road.The Artisans’ Sale features the juried weaving, knitting, spinning and felting work of our guild members.It also features the work of several local artisans; highly creative and talented people who have devoted their energies to creating original pieces of art.This year we have several returning artisans and we are welcoming the work of some newcomers to the Sale.Joining us for the weekend sale are wood workers, potters, paper makers, jewelers, and many more.In addition to the Artisan tables, there is a Wool Room up on the stage offering just about any delectable item for the fibre junkie. In here you will find all kinds of fibres for spinning and felting, yarns for knitting and weaving, and a multitude of tools and other paraphernalia.Downstairs you will find a lovely Tea Room where you can rest, take in a bit of atmosphere with spinning and weaving demonstrations, samples of fine works, relaxing music, tea, coffee and homemade sweets.So grab a friend and come by the Fort Langley Community Hallon November 8 and 9th.Bring a toonie for the door, stay long enough to win a door prize and find that perfect original gift for the special folks in your life and support our local artisans. 
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| Spinning a Tale, Weaving a Story - LIVE! With Shari Taylor |
| 11.08.08 (6:06 am) [edit] |
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Spinning a Tale, Weaving a Story - LIVE! at the City of Langley LibraryShari Taylor is our Langley Artist in Action for the month of November. Drop by the City of Langley library Friday, November 14th, between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. to watch and learn as Shari demonstrates spinning and weaving. While demonstrating her artistic skills in-the-moment, Shari will answer your questions about this beautiful and practical art form. Call or visit the library to reserve a spot:20399 Douglas CrescentLangley604-514-2855.Visit Langley Arts Council
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| Enya' s AAnd Winter Came to Be Released November 11th By: Christine Albrecht |
| 10.18.08 (11:09 am) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzTwenty years after arriving on the scene with her memorable, Watermark, album, Enya, is set to release her seventh studio album, And Winter Came. As a well known artist selling 70 million albums worldwide, we can expect Enya's latest effort to garner brisk sales when it arrives in stores on November 11, 2008. And Winter Came took Enya two years to craft at Aigle Studios near Dublin, Ireland. Once again, she sought partnership with producer, Nicky Ryan, and lyricist, Roma Ryan. The album was originally envisioned as a Christmas themed release, but as recording progressed, it became apparent that a broader seasonal theme had emerged.  During her career, Enya has collected four Grammy Awards, winning Best New Age Album for Shepherd Moons, The Memory of Trees, A Day Without Rain, and Amarantine, as well as three World Music Awards in 2002 for Best Selling Female Artist, Best Selling Irish Artist and Best Selling New Age Artist.Enya has also earned an Oscar nomination for Best Song Written For A Motion Picture, both in conjunction with her musical partners Nicky and Roma Ryan, for the song, May It Be, which was written and recorded for the movie, Lord Of The Rings - The Fellowship Of The Ring. May It Be was written at the personal request of director, Peter Jackson. The song also won the Los Angeles Film Critics Association award for Best Song and was also nominated for a Hollywood Golden Globe Award.Check out your local music store on November 11.
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| Ruby's Chicky Boil-Ups (Radio Nowhere) By: Terry Lowe |
| 10.18.08 (2:23 am) [edit] |
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I love well-made radio almost as much as I love print media, so Internet podcasts are catnip to me. I found Ruby's Chicky Boil-Ups by following a link from my favourite podcast, The Bike Show, broadcast from London by Jack Thurston on Resonance 101 FM (link below). The Bike Show, not surprisingly, focuses mainly on cycling. Ruby (who, it turns out, is Jack's cousin) focuses entirely on music. She chooses a loose theme for each show, then chooses a surprising range of music to fit each theme. She also finds a well-informed someone to talk to about this theme, and includes music that this person chooses. The result is eclectic, unusual, and wonderful. How surprising? How eclectic? A few themes and playlists are shown below. Scroll down and have a look... Sunday ServiceGospel Train - Sunbury Junior Singers of the Salvation Army Heaven's Radio - Molly O'Day and the Cumberland Mountain Folks Female Jesus - Men in Gray Suits Dominique - The Singing Nun Saved - Lavern Baker Jesus in His Pomp - The Chimps Six and Seven Books of Moses - The Maytals as The Vikings Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho - Paul Robeson Soul Train - Judith Angels Laid Him Away - Mississippi John Hurt Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet - Gavin BryarsTour De France Rockin’ Bicycle - Fats Domino En Bicicleta - Manuel Jiminez La Troisiéme Roue De Ton Velo - Antoine A Bicyclette - Yves Montane Motorcycle - The Rumble Strips Gravel Rash - Cookin' on Three Burners Pedal Pusher - Abdominal Tour De France - Kraftwerk Bravo Eddy - Jean Narcy Blood on the Saddle - Tex Ritter Henkie de Fiets - Henkie The Highway Code - The Master Singers Waiting At The Bus Stop - Kay-Gees La bicyclette - Annie DuparcThe Great Outdoors I Came Out of the Wilderness - Pete Molinari Arizona Yodeller - DeZurik Sisters Building a Boat - The Rumble Strips Run Rabbit Run - Harry Smith Country Death Song - The Violent Femmes Moonlight & Roses - Tommy Sanderson Francis, Day & Hunter The Valleys - Electrelane Inakano Musume - Ban Ban Bazar Goodbye California - Jolie Holland Puszta-Fox - Orchester Barnabask von Geczy Roam - B52s La Montagne - Choeur des Armaillis de la Gruyere Whispering Grass - The Ink Spots Lord Blow the Moon out Please - Hem Down by the Riverside - Lesley First Man Walks Among Us - Jonathan RichmanArchitecture The Smoke Comes Out My Chimney Just the Same - Skeets McDonald Do The Whirlwind - Architecture in Helsinki This is the House that Jack Built - Willy Whyton London Calling - The Clash Luton Bungalow - John Hegley First Row Balcony - The Gaylords Love Breaks Down - Prefab Sprout Home is where the Hatred Is - Gil Scott-Heron I Wish to Build a Mosque - Markos Vamvakaris In Your House - The Cure Crying in the Chapel - Elvis Living on the Ceiling - Blancmange Maison Rose - Emmanuelle Parrenin Underneath the Arches - Billy's Banjo Band My Head is My Only House Unless it Rains - Captain Beefheart Lara’s Castle - Yann Tiersen Come on Feel the Illinoise! - Sufjan Stevens Build - The Housemartins Christopher Robin at Buckingham Palace - Anne Stephens We Built this City on Rock and Roll - Starship Enjoy! I certainly do, and hats off(!) to Ruby.
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| Durham County Television show review - by Lezah WIlliamson |
| 10.18.08 (2:21 am) [edit] |
Visit SwanktrendzThere was once a time when Canadian TV shows were guaranteed to be dull, unappealing, and have a really low-budget appearance.Then came Durham County.Six episodes premiered back in May, 2007, on The Movie Network and Movie Central; this year, you can catch the repeats on Global, as well as Showcase (at 9:00). Season 2 is just starting production this month, and the first episodes are set to air in the spring of 2009. I'm predicting a surge in audience numbers by that time: the first episode of Durham County has been nominated for 13 Gemini Awards, including best series, best writing, best directing, best photography, best editing, and best sound (to name but a few). And well it deserves any accolades that come its way.There is more art to be found in one episode of Durham County than you would find in any gallery in Canada. In scene after scene, there are shots that are just masterful. The images are incredibly evocative.Most episodes open with, or feature at some point, a shot of the power lines that run through Durham County. Between the images, the symbolism, the mood that is set and the story itself, this is TV that easily tops every that is out there right now. It is almost Lynchian in its presentation, and frequently juxtaposes images and ideas that tell you much more, and much more quickly, than you are learning from the characters themselves. And that is just part of its magic.Durham County is a police procedural with a family drama backstory; each episode is not resolved, but rather, the story builds as the season progresses. The show stars Hugh Dillon as Detective Mike Sweeney; Sweeney has left Toronto following the death of his partner, and the near death of his wife (to cancer). Still dealing with the emotional after-effects of both of those emotionally traumatic events, Sweeney is plunged right into the middle of a serial killer hunt in his new hometown, the suburb of Durham County. Complicating matters further, it turns out a nemesis from his youth lives directly across the road; as well, the young woman he fell in love with at the cancer support group turns out to be his daughter's high school English teacher.In addition to the adult cast, the teens in this film are especially noteworthy. Laurence Leboeuf stars as Sweeney's daughter, an independent young lady who enjoys recreating crime scenes in her doll house during her spare time; her counterpart is the shy, artistic son of his father's nemesis. Rounding out the cast is the youngest daughter, a character who appears in most shots wearing an over-sized Sailor Moon mask. Altogether, the story is a convoluted, twisting journey through an everyday neighbourhood where good and evil co-exist.Not to be missed.
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| AC/DC's Latest Release Sold Only in Wal-Mart By Terry Lowe |
| 10.18.08 (1:32 am) [edit] |
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AC/DC has announced that its forthcoming CD (title widely speculated about, but in August, had yet to be confirmed) will be sold exclusively in Wal-Mart stores in the USA. With that, their credibility has dropped through the floor. AC/DC, in its early days, was a fun band; a sort of guilty pleasure – who couldn’t like the bouncy raunch of "Girls Got Rhythm?" But Wal-Mart? Say it ain't so, boys. Wal-Mart may be the world's biggest retailer of CDs, but... Wal-Mart is evil. Don't get me started, or I'll rant all night. Information on Wal-Mart's cancerous "race to the bottom" tactics is not hard to find: just Google the term "Wal-Mart is evil" and you'll find lots. And most of what you'll find is both sad and nauseating. The most interesting (and balanced) item I found was from the Markulla Center For Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, who considered the question "Is It Ethical to Shop at Wal-Mart?" and concluded: It is unethical to shop at Wal-Mart? However, refusing to shop at Wal-Mart is an insufficient response to its gross effects on the values of shared prosperity. You could do more, such as: AC/DC joins has-beens John Mellencamp, James Taylor, and The Eagles in the "Wal-Mart only" new release sales brigade. No further comment should be necessary, apart from noting that Bon Scott must be whirling in his grave. Rumour has it that AC/DC is in Vancouver at the moment, putting finishing touches on this release. Anyone want to track them down and call them out on this? If so, I'm in. |