I'm a big fan of wine. It all started as a childhood curiosity at special family dinners when everyone, except me, being the youngest, had a glass of wine. My sister started getting into wine a few years ago and treated me to Zinfandel, a light, cheap "beginners" wine from California. Since dating a guy whose family are, professionally, wine connoisseurs, I learned a fair bit about wine and gained an appreciation for the unique climate and soil that allows the Niagara region to be one of the only places in Canada where grapes can be grown for wine. The world of wine in Niagara has seen some setbacks recently, however.
The Niagara Wine Festival (or commonly known as the Grape and Wine Festival) is a fantastic shit show that many people look forward to every year. However, the state of the economy has made organizers scale back the event. Corporate sponsorship is down and the festival has to rely on a $100,000 line of credit from the city to keep the gears moving. There are hopes that the festival will receive a $200,000 grant from Industry Canada to support the festival, a prospect that is still unknown.
But I wonder if any festival goes have stopped to consider those "Green Belt Disaster" signs sprinkled across the region. Driving past, it's hard to get the gist of what the signs are implying. Even a simple google search failed to come up with answers. But dig a little deeper and you will find that industry insiders and wine connoisseurs are pissed that wineries are importing grapes from international producers to mix with local wines. Wine makers only have to use 30% local grapes to be considered "cellared in Canada," a label that is misleading to shoppers at the LCBO. The result is cheaper wine, which rattles me even more because I can't comprehend how shipping wine from outside the country is cheaper than growing grapes and producing and bottling wine in our own backyards. It doesn't really make sense.
Anyway, the implication is that lots and lots of grapes are being left on the vines to rot because there is no use for them. Farmers suffer because the wineries don't want their more expensive grapes. And yet, that 30% counts for something. If people were to boycott the "Cellared in Canada" wines the economic implications would make the situation worse, suspects Rick Vansickle who suggests the region should just get serious and plant more grapes, as mass production often leads to a cheaper product. Personally, I'm going to buy more VQA wine... at least Peelee Island makes $10 bottles.
By the way, Grape and Wine starts September 18th and ends of the 27th. Details here.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Truth About Everything
My opinion is, and this goes for most unfair things that happen in the world, is that many people who are privileged, who feel a sense of natural entitlement to their current comforts, and who do not feel any social, political, or physical discomfort (which is a LOT of people), do not feel the need to relinquish or share some of their comforts to better the lives of those who don’t have it as good. There is one solution but I doubt that it will ever be realized: we need to dramatically reduce our dependence on, well, everything. Go back to basics. Give up our comforts so that plants, animals, marginalized people, and future generations don’t have to suffer because we felt entitled.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I'm totally in love with Seth Rogen
Some of my friends have made fun of, or at least commented upon my unusual taste in guys. I'm fully aware that my favorite type of guy is the usually unconventionally attractive, beta-male dorky loser pothead. Seth Rogen is different from these guys: he is sexy as fuck.
I've seen all of Seth Rogen's movies. [Actually, according to IMDB, I haven't seen a few of them: Horton Hears a Who; has anyone heard of Spiderwick Chronicles and Fanboys?]. I went to see Monsters vs Aliens for Rogen's character B.O.B. I watch the first and only season of Freaks and Geeks constantly for two days and swooned occasionally (ok, lots). I've seen Superbad about 5 times. And while most of my friends lust after more conventional Hollywood heartthrobs like Justin Timberlake, Johnny Depp, and Gerard Butler, I'm becoming obsessed with Seth Rogen. I've YouTube'd interviews with him. I've wikipedia'd his life story as a way to get to know him, to get closer to him. It's so wrong but it's so right. I love Seth Rogen and I'm going to have his children.
I've seen all of Seth Rogen's movies. [Actually, according to IMDB, I haven't seen a few of them: Horton Hears a Who; has anyone heard of Spiderwick Chronicles and Fanboys?]. I went to see Monsters vs Aliens for Rogen's character B.O.B. I watch the first and only season of Freaks and Geeks constantly for two days and swooned occasionally (ok, lots). I've seen Superbad about 5 times. And while most of my friends lust after more conventional Hollywood heartthrobs like Justin Timberlake, Johnny Depp, and Gerard Butler, I'm becoming obsessed with Seth Rogen. I've YouTube'd interviews with him. I've wikipedia'd his life story as a way to get to know him, to get closer to him. It's so wrong but it's so right. I love Seth Rogen and I'm going to have his children.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
RIP John Hughes
You might not recognize the name but undoubtedly you've seen the movies. John Hughes wrote and directed some of the best movies of the 80s and early 90s and defined a generation through film. My favorite titles include The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and National Lampoon's Vacation. You may also be familiar with the Beethoven and Home Alone series. Huges died today at age 59.
Hughes also provided us with some dreamy male lead characters.
Judd Nelson played John Bender, quintessential bad boy with a heart of gold. Plus he brings the LOLs.
On the other side of the spectrum we have pretty boy Jake Ryan played by Michael Schoeffling for whom I swoon.
Hughes also provided us with some dreamy male lead characters.
Judd Nelson played John Bender, quintessential bad boy with a heart of gold. Plus he brings the LOLs.
On the other side of the spectrum we have pretty boy Jake Ryan played by Michael Schoeffling for whom I swoon.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
"There are no cash prizes and no eliminations; just a chance to answer the age old question: is love blind?"
Now that the latest season of The Bachelorette has come to a close (which I did not watch - I'm waiting for the next Bachelor) it's time for networks to fill the gap in between with yet another reality television show about dating and romance. In my opinion, nothing will ever top the awesome trashy salaciousness that was "Temptation Island," but this new show "Dating in the Dark" comes pretty close to being one of the most interesting dating/reality shows to date.
The concept is ingenious: three men and three women live in a house for ten days but are not allowed to interact with the opposite sex except inside a pitch black room where neither of them can see a thing. While in this room, each of them has to decide which member of opposite sex that they believe they have a connection with by dating them (in the dark!). At first glance, one would think that the show is promoting the adage "don't judge a book by it's cover," which is quite virtuous for a reality show. Indeed, participants make connections based on personality, and not looks.
UNTIL, after some one on one dates, including an awkward dinner in the dark (I can't wait for a spaghetti in the eye incident), participants reveal themselves to the person of their choice. Ok, first of all, it seemed very convenient that no one fought over anyone and no one said, "eh, nah, I don't like anyone here." It's not like any real person finds one in three people to be compatible with. ANYWAY, some how, participants pair up. Then they get to reveal themselves to each other, but only one at a time. Two of them are able to stand in the pitch black room together. Then, somehow, the light shines on only one of them while person who is under the light is unable to see the other person, who can see them. Then the other person is light up, while the other one is invisible under complete darkness... in the same room. So then, in an incredible plot twist, participants get to judge their partner by their appearance after all!
Granted, I've only seen the show once, but it seems as though the men came out on top. While the women were all content with the appearance of their potential suitor, the men picked apart some of their flaws. For example, one girl has an "unclear complexion" while another was "thick," which was problematic for her date who prefers "petite" girls (although his use of the word petite is wrong anyway). After the couples reveal themselves to each other separately, they may (or may not) see each other in complete light for the first time. The women wait on the balcony, while revealing their insecurities to the camera, and hope that their partner will come out, as a symbol of his interest in pursuing her further. I really hope that this in particular will change as the show continues and they switch up who is waiting like a damsel in distress on the balcony for his mate.
I know I'm beginning to sound harsh, especially since I just said that this show is great. And it is, mostly because encounters in pitch black darkness are incredibly hilarious. Also, because we get to see how shallow people are after getting to see their partner in the light for the first time.
I would recommend this show to anyone who enjoys some good trashy television, especially those of us who can't wait for the next season of The Bachelor to start. At the very worst, the patriarchal stereotypes will annoy you. At best, you'll get a hoot out of the awkward humor and take solace in the fact that you're better than the people on television (besides, that's what TV is for, right?).
The concept is ingenious: three men and three women live in a house for ten days but are not allowed to interact with the opposite sex except inside a pitch black room where neither of them can see a thing. While in this room, each of them has to decide which member of opposite sex that they believe they have a connection with by dating them (in the dark!). At first glance, one would think that the show is promoting the adage "don't judge a book by it's cover," which is quite virtuous for a reality show. Indeed, participants make connections based on personality, and not looks.
UNTIL, after some one on one dates, including an awkward dinner in the dark (I can't wait for a spaghetti in the eye incident), participants reveal themselves to the person of their choice. Ok, first of all, it seemed very convenient that no one fought over anyone and no one said, "eh, nah, I don't like anyone here." It's not like any real person finds one in three people to be compatible with. ANYWAY, some how, participants pair up. Then they get to reveal themselves to each other, but only one at a time. Two of them are able to stand in the pitch black room together. Then, somehow, the light shines on only one of them while person who is under the light is unable to see the other person, who can see them. Then the other person is light up, while the other one is invisible under complete darkness... in the same room. So then, in an incredible plot twist, participants get to judge their partner by their appearance after all!
Granted, I've only seen the show once, but it seems as though the men came out on top. While the women were all content with the appearance of their potential suitor, the men picked apart some of their flaws. For example, one girl has an "unclear complexion" while another was "thick," which was problematic for her date who prefers "petite" girls (although his use of the word petite is wrong anyway). After the couples reveal themselves to each other separately, they may (or may not) see each other in complete light for the first time. The women wait on the balcony, while revealing their insecurities to the camera, and hope that their partner will come out, as a symbol of his interest in pursuing her further. I really hope that this in particular will change as the show continues and they switch up who is waiting like a damsel in distress on the balcony for his mate.
I know I'm beginning to sound harsh, especially since I just said that this show is great. And it is, mostly because encounters in pitch black darkness are incredibly hilarious. Also, because we get to see how shallow people are after getting to see their partner in the light for the first time.
I would recommend this show to anyone who enjoys some good trashy television, especially those of us who can't wait for the next season of The Bachelor to start. At the very worst, the patriarchal stereotypes will annoy you. At best, you'll get a hoot out of the awkward humor and take solace in the fact that you're better than the people on television (besides, that's what TV is for, right?).
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
MOC Talk
The first time I entered Fourtriplefive in downtown Niagara Falls, it was a different place all together.
Many people who are not native to the Falls or Niagara region may be surprised at what they find if they venture only a kilometre or two from the light show and circus that is Clifton Hill. Like many other working class Southern Ontario cities, like St. Catharines or Hamilton, Niagara has some wonderful gems that are in heavy contrast to the cold, grey streets of downtown, coloured only by the eccentric anomalies of random small shops and sketchy characters lurking the streets. However, there is a hint of positivity, a suggestion of progress on the streets which are separate from the tourist gaze.
The first time I went to 4555, it was only a short while after it opened. The building once was a night club, part of the seedy greyness of downtown Niagara Falls. The interior showed signs of aesthetic decay. It was quirky, but less than appealing. But anyone could see the possibility of potential.
Fourtriplefive was opened with the intention of becoming mecca for local artists and musicians, or a "living arts space." Then and now, original paintings and photographs of various styles are hung from the walls. To the back, there is a stage with a large open space in front. To the right of the stage, a staircase leads to the "book nook," a fairly large used book emporium.
All these features remain today, over a year after Fourtriplefive opened in its current incarnation. However, the walls have been painted, creating a cozy and welcoming environment. Old furniture gives the space a lounge-like appeal. The stage has been refurbished with decorations from a local furniture store. But I believe that Fourtriplefive's saving grace, apart from its recent acquisition of a liquor licence, is "MOC Talk," a monthly feature similar to a late night talk show, taped live from 4555.
MOC is an acronym for "musicians online community," and as the name suggests, the show focuses mainly on local music. Last month, from front and center, I got to watch the magic unfold. While MOC Talk could be compared to the real life version of Waynes World, it's also serious business. Joe Stracuzzi and crew equipped the room with great sound equipment which is run and monitored from a station, with lots of intimidating equipment and multiple Macbooks, set up in the middle of the room. There are about five camera operators, a stage manager, a big screen showing awesome graphic designs and video during the live taping, and of course, a charismatic and slightly eccentric long-haired host.
Arriving about an hour early, I was curious about how many people would show up to this event. To tell the truth, I wasn't expecting much. There were several tables in front of the stage reserved for special guests as well as around 40 chairs and a few couches around the room. Virtually all the seats were full by the time the show was about to begin, which is proof of the fan base the independent production has built in just eight episodes.
The show consisted of back and forth banter between the host, Blenderhead and his newly acquired sidekick-on-keyboard, Joel. Blenderhead interviewed musical guests, such as Ginger St. James, a singer/songwriter and burlesque dancer. Ginger performed on acoustic guitar her sexually explicitly blend of rockabilly tunes accompanied by a lead guitarist. Ginger was followed by the comedic styling of Robert Browning and his (sometimes offensive) observations on life and love. Blenderhead then interviewed artist Anna Ripmeester, who painted live during the taping and whose works were featured throughout Fourtriplefive. The Roxwells were then interviewed and performed a couple of hard rocking songs. The show finished with the crowd rushing the stage and dancing up a storm. After the live taping people are encouraged to stick around as the musical guests perform until 2 and drinks are plentiful.
Check out past episodes of MOC talk at moctalk.ca. The episode I attended should be online very soon so check it out and look for me in the crowd. The next episode of MOC Talk is being taped at Four Triple Five on July 31st. More info can be found on the official facebook group.
Many people who are not native to the Falls or Niagara region may be surprised at what they find if they venture only a kilometre or two from the light show and circus that is Clifton Hill. Like many other working class Southern Ontario cities, like St. Catharines or Hamilton, Niagara has some wonderful gems that are in heavy contrast to the cold, grey streets of downtown, coloured only by the eccentric anomalies of random small shops and sketchy characters lurking the streets. However, there is a hint of positivity, a suggestion of progress on the streets which are separate from the tourist gaze.
The first time I went to 4555, it was only a short while after it opened. The building once was a night club, part of the seedy greyness of downtown Niagara Falls. The interior showed signs of aesthetic decay. It was quirky, but less than appealing. But anyone could see the possibility of potential.
Fourtriplefive was opened with the intention of becoming mecca for local artists and musicians, or a "living arts space." Then and now, original paintings and photographs of various styles are hung from the walls. To the back, there is a stage with a large open space in front. To the right of the stage, a staircase leads to the "book nook," a fairly large used book emporium.
All these features remain today, over a year after Fourtriplefive opened in its current incarnation. However, the walls have been painted, creating a cozy and welcoming environment. Old furniture gives the space a lounge-like appeal. The stage has been refurbished with decorations from a local furniture store. But I believe that Fourtriplefive's saving grace, apart from its recent acquisition of a liquor licence, is "MOC Talk," a monthly feature similar to a late night talk show, taped live from 4555.
MOC is an acronym for "musicians online community," and as the name suggests, the show focuses mainly on local music. Last month, from front and center, I got to watch the magic unfold. While MOC Talk could be compared to the real life version of Waynes World, it's also serious business. Joe Stracuzzi and crew equipped the room with great sound equipment which is run and monitored from a station, with lots of intimidating equipment and multiple Macbooks, set up in the middle of the room. There are about five camera operators, a stage manager, a big screen showing awesome graphic designs and video during the live taping, and of course, a charismatic and slightly eccentric long-haired host.
Arriving about an hour early, I was curious about how many people would show up to this event. To tell the truth, I wasn't expecting much. There were several tables in front of the stage reserved for special guests as well as around 40 chairs and a few couches around the room. Virtually all the seats were full by the time the show was about to begin, which is proof of the fan base the independent production has built in just eight episodes.
The show consisted of back and forth banter between the host, Blenderhead and his newly acquired sidekick-on-keyboard, Joel. Blenderhead interviewed musical guests, such as Ginger St. James, a singer/songwriter and burlesque dancer. Ginger performed on acoustic guitar her sexually explicitly blend of rockabilly tunes accompanied by a lead guitarist. Ginger was followed by the comedic styling of Robert Browning and his (sometimes offensive) observations on life and love. Blenderhead then interviewed artist Anna Ripmeester, who painted live during the taping and whose works were featured throughout Fourtriplefive. The Roxwells were then interviewed and performed a couple of hard rocking songs. The show finished with the crowd rushing the stage and dancing up a storm. After the live taping people are encouraged to stick around as the musical guests perform until 2 and drinks are plentiful.
Check out past episodes of MOC talk at moctalk.ca. The episode I attended should be online very soon so check it out and look for me in the crowd. The next episode of MOC Talk is being taped at Four Triple Five on July 31st. More info can be found on the official facebook group.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Worst Commercial Ever
On a road trip to Pittsburgh, my friends and I got coffee from McDonalds, from their new McCafe menu. I have to say, their cappuccino's aren't bad. It's no Starbucks, but what do these women in this commercial care? They're obviously too dumb to tell the difference.
The problem with this commercial is that it contributes to the trashy image that McDonalds has and promotes ignorance. Oh no, Not jazz music! What the fuck is Paraguay? Gossip magazines are way better than literature! I hate to pull the feminist card here, because this is totally open to interpretation but: perhaps this commercial is promoting an image of femininity that is passive, apathetic, and obviously ignorant. While these women upon first glance appear to be antithetical to the negative stereotypes of women frequently seen in the media, underneath it all they're much the same. So put on your heels, ladies, and head to McDonalds and be the object of the male gaze that the media wants you to be. God forbid you be able to carry on an intelligent conversation about music, literature, or geography.
On the other hand, it could be argued that McDonalds is promoting acceptance of the working class, which might be a good angle in these tough economic times. While cafes like Starbuck's provide a myriad of delicious caffeinated beverages, they come at a premium accompanied by an image which the upper middle class may relate to better. Thus, a working class person may feel the need to put up a front and pay a hefty price to consume good coffee. Still, to connect ignorance to the working class isn't a good selling point. It's never a good idea to make fun of your target market.
In my search for this commercial online I came across an advertisement for McCafe which I have never seen in Canada. It's along the same lines, but it's a little more tame and doesn't make the subjects of the commercials look dumb. Is it because the subjects are men?
Even if you don't agree with the feminist deconstruction of this advertisement, you've got to admit: it's pretty dumb.
The problem with this commercial is that it contributes to the trashy image that McDonalds has and promotes ignorance. Oh no, Not jazz music! What the fuck is Paraguay? Gossip magazines are way better than literature! I hate to pull the feminist card here, because this is totally open to interpretation but: perhaps this commercial is promoting an image of femininity that is passive, apathetic, and obviously ignorant. While these women upon first glance appear to be antithetical to the negative stereotypes of women frequently seen in the media, underneath it all they're much the same. So put on your heels, ladies, and head to McDonalds and be the object of the male gaze that the media wants you to be. God forbid you be able to carry on an intelligent conversation about music, literature, or geography.
On the other hand, it could be argued that McDonalds is promoting acceptance of the working class, which might be a good angle in these tough economic times. While cafes like Starbuck's provide a myriad of delicious caffeinated beverages, they come at a premium accompanied by an image which the upper middle class may relate to better. Thus, a working class person may feel the need to put up a front and pay a hefty price to consume good coffee. Still, to connect ignorance to the working class isn't a good selling point. It's never a good idea to make fun of your target market.
In my search for this commercial online I came across an advertisement for McCafe which I have never seen in Canada. It's along the same lines, but it's a little more tame and doesn't make the subjects of the commercials look dumb. Is it because the subjects are men?
Even if you don't agree with the feminist deconstruction of this advertisement, you've got to admit: it's pretty dumb.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
