Drama-rama Redux

Thus begins our tour of Toronto's numerous theatres -- as of last night, The Advocate and I are now officially stalking Ship Sharp like the eager fangirls we are. She's thrown herself into the wide world of auditions and is owning the stage like a feudal lord owns the world.

(Ah, archaic similes.)

So yes, another trek into the city calls for a point-form update:

• Reunited with The Advocate after her month abroad. Got to gossip about Team Canada's athletes and other delicious tidbits.
• I took the longest route to the subway. We arrived in Toronto to meet The Advocate's Boy at least.... one hour late? *Pulls collar* Eek. And oops. Our plan involved browsing through the Silver Snail (another comic book/manga-related store), however we were cutting it too close with the time. Ah, one day I will explore its crowded shelves like the nerd I am.
• Headed to The Black Bull Hotel and Tavern for a quick dinner. (I believe that's the name of the spot -- it's across the street from the Silver Snail in any case). The Advocate and I split a wicked plate of nachos. Mmm, classic. So fulfilling despite its poor health.
• Hopped a cab to The Alumnae Theatre to commence praise of Ship Sharp's stage skillz. March = The New Ideas Festival at the venue. Playwrights are encouraged to stage their new work/work-in-progress/experimental theatre for an audience. In addition, the festival is a juried affair, so I imagine the exposure for writers/actors/directors is an excellent CV credit. Our group arrived ten minutes after the show started. Alas. We had to wait for intermission before we could take seats -- luckily, Ship Sharp's play was in the second half, so we were still covered.
• Commence tension: An ex girlfriend and a one-date gal of The Advocate's Boy were cast members in the first play. Eek.
• Spent an hour lounging in the foyer nursing beers tasting of soy sauce. The Advocate's Boy read sections of Anne of Green Gables for our amusement. Voices: Christopher Walker, pleasant Scottish accent, creeper voice. Good times.
• Ship Sharp's play was the first featured in the second act. Ashes to Ashes -- Three siblings gather for their mother's wake, awaiting the arrival of her ashes. Dark hilarity with ample quirk ensues. Serious, it was a well-written piece. Sharp, quick-paced, brimming with humour, and supported by a strong, fun ensemble cast. And Ship Sharp played a character far removed from her usual roles which was wild to see. The cast was a solid one and it was obvious everyone appreciated each other's work.
• Last play: OH. NOES. Picture: an emotional/plot flatline, awkward stage (mis)direction, unnatural dialogue phrasing ("When I left, which was seventeen years ago, I...."). Painful, indeed. There was quite the circular logic with the play, too: "You left." "But, I wanted to be a rockstar--" "You left." "But, I couldn't support--" "You left." "I'm an alcoholic--" "You left." "Hey, long-lost Mom, I am angry at you--" "Grandson, you will RESPECT your mother, even though I made it evident throughout the play I will never forgive her for leaving us. P.S. worthless daughter, you can sleep over here in your old bedroom tonight."
• Congratulated Ship Sharp and took our group out to Betty's. Sleep-deprived shenanigans stalked our conversation. The Advocate tried to purchase a picture from their wall (a man and a woman riding a fish, Renaissance-style), but alas -- the staff would not budge. It's a nice location with a fantastic beer selection. And their menu was quite detailed despite their kitch appearance. You could order Pad Thai, nachos, or breakfast -- where else is this possible?
• I returned home at 2:00 AM after the subway and a car ride. On a Wednesday night. Ah, the life of the unemployed. Glamourous? Maybe?

It was a full evening with the nearest and dearest, I must admit. I like the sense of adventure there, the knowledge of great potential. We might have set plans for a night, but we know full well the course of the wind might change and take us in a new direction. Brilliant.

I spent most of this afternoon/evening with Ship Sharp and The Advocate. We sipped tea, ate a pile of junk food, and nourished our minds with the random fare of YouTube. It's astounding how addictive random videos can be. We were all subdued after our rambunctious night, but, hey -- that's how we should be at this age.

I feel I've had the weekend shuffled into the ol' schedule earlier than anticipated. It's weird to think tomorrow is Friday. Maybe it's a sign I should spend the next few days cleaning and completing writing projects. You know, get down to the grit of the grindstone.

We shall see.

Tunes for Tuesdays: Santigold

She is one part elegant electro and one part smooth swagger with an undercurrent of punk mixed in for good measure. Santi White, reborn for the stage as Santigold, garnered critical acclaim and blurred genres for a fresh, compelling solo effort since she launched in 2008. Post punk sensibilities mix with a New Wave current to make for a fantastic introduction geared to listeners of all backgrounds.

And now, she takes the spotlight on this edition of Tunes for Tuesdays.

I admit, when I first checked out Santigold's music, I assumed she was British. There's such a powerful, gritty edge to her album -- heck, even right down to her fashion choices. I pegged her as a Brit before I even heard her speak. Ah, how I was mistaken.

Santigold hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she found her initial success with the punk rock group, Stiffed. The group released two albums together including the Sex Sells EP (2003) and Burned Again (2005) before our lady was offered a chance at a solo career with Santogold (2008). I imagine she developed that quiet, unpredictable spark from her time at the helm of a punk quartet.

Her tracks are deceptive in their minimalism -- it's as if she's reining in an explosive, devastating fire just about to ignite. Perhaps the description's a tad melodramatic -- I have been accused of such writing in the past. Still, there's a complexity embedded in her work that's important to note. She coaxes listeners into her songs before rewarding them with a slick hook and the aural space to wander through.

And so, the first track for the evening: "I'm A Lady." Seems appropriate for a blog of this nature. I recommend cranking this tune to add a touch of cool, calculated class to the night. The ideal time for listening coincides with touching up the eyeliner and sipping on the first drink of the evening.

I'm inclined to dub this track the Official Femme Anthem for Cute, Queer, Canadian. I tend to hum this one while in the car or while walking through the streets of this suburb of mine. Makes you feel ten stories tall, no matter the season.

Track two is Santigold's break-out single, "L.E.S. Artistes." This is the track that funneled all that popular interest her way. Similar to "I'm A Lady," it's sleek, suggestive, and pure attitude. Yes, all favoured traits of this blogette right here. Do indulge:

Hmm, graphic/artistic simulated violence? I know, it's what all great videos need. Looks like an art house rendition of a zombie flick. Oooh, ~representation~ and ~active gore~ -- cherish it, children. Serious, though, it's a solid song and I am thankful to have stumbled across it.

So, one album in and she's found the right niche to take her indie sound to the masses. She's an artist to keep your eyes on, ladies, synth beats and all.

Gold, Guns, Girls: A Trip to the 2010 Oscars

So, the glitter's faded and another Oscars night has come and gone. I've been scouring the Internet for reactions and it seems the consensus is thus: *Yawn*

Despite the record number of viewers tuning in for the 2010 Academy Awards, the show failed to deliver for most. I hypothesized a bit on this and have come to an odd, though accurate, conclusion.

I think folks were pissed because the right people won.

Across the main categories for female and male actors, best director, and best picture, the people who deserved the award went home with it.

• Best Picture: The Hurt Locker
• Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)
• Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds)
• Best Actor in a Leading Role: Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart)
• Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Mo'Nique (Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire)

...I have one exception to this, of course. Best Actress in a Leading Role: Sandra Bullock? I hesitate for the sheer fact that The Blind Side is not one of her strongest performances. When faced with the likes of dramatic titans Meryl Streep and Dame Helen Mirren, or compelling up-and-comers Gabourey Sidibe and Carey Mulligan, well.... Sandra Bullock did not meet those four other performances. I get the impression Bullock won because Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren are such prominent, well-award actresses and because of the presumption that Gabourey Sidibe and Carey Mulligan are young and still need time to "prove themselves."

I agree that Bullock's speech was the right amount of self-deprecation, poignancy, and heartfelt emotion -- and really, she's America's sweetheart through and through. I know it's futile to argue against her award since the curtains have long-since closed (and I also do not have the authority to hand over said awards). Still, it ruffled my feathers a little and I wanted to make note of that.

NOW. On to the real purpose of this post:

GORGEOUS WOMEN IN EXPENSIVE DRESSES!!1!

Sandra Bullock, Winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role (The Blind Side)

I know, I just concluded a minor rant on her award, but... damn. She definitely earned the Best Actress in an Expensive Dress Award.

Anika Noni Rose

Disney fans know Ms. Rose best for her role as Tiana from The Princess and The Frog. Her pipes were featured on two songs nominated for Best Music (Original Song) - "Almost There" and "Down in New Orleans," both penned by Randy Newman.

Anna Kendrick, Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Up in the Air)

Ah, stunning -- I love how the Oscars encourage a return to classic Hollywood cuts when it comes to dresses. Dusty rose combined with dark locks = Lovely.

Carey Mulligan, Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role (An Education)

It's the little black dress injected with a nice bit of glitz. I dig the short, smart haircut as well. And, I will out myself as a nerd -- check it, Sally Sparrow from Doctor Who's "Blink" got nominated for an Oscar. *Snap, snap*

Charlize Theron

So, fashion experts are quite offended with Theron's so-called "cupcake-iced chest." Well, she's ten thousand times hotter than most of us will ever be, so, I can accept her dressed in anything. Hmm... and that icing idea is intriguing... *Devil horns*

Diane Kruger

Alright. I love Ms. Kruger, I will be upfront with it. But I think her dress had a few unresolved identity issues. Straight? Ruffled? Laced? I do not know. Regardless, I'm sure Charlize Theron would be kind enough to share some of her icing, perhaps.... *Impish glint*

Gabourey Sidibe, Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire)

Another graceful, elegant nod to the style of old Hollywood. Rich blue blends with delicate silver details to enhance Ms Sidibe's presence on the iconic red carpet. She might be young, but she's got a promising future after perfecting such a difficult role (and having received Queen Oprah's blessing as well).

Dame Helen Mirren, Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role (The Last Station)

I know she's old enough to be my grandmother, but... DAMN. Dame Mirren. I understand the British monarch's desire to elevate you beyond all other mortals. Radiant, as always.

Kate Winslet

She is glamourous to the core with this look. Even better, she radiated this remarkable confidence throughout the entire show (check that hand on the hip, the mysterious smile pressed against her lips). Another English Rose for us to swoon over, methinks.

Kathryn Bigelow, Winner for Best Director (The Hurt Locker)

She wears her historic achievement with ease, don't you think? She masters a sleek, toned elegance even while sweeping through the Oscars with The Hurt Locker. I am more than certain she's won the hearts of queer girls everywhere -- her fashion sense is an added bonus.

Meryl Streep, Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Julie & Julia)

Perfection. She is one of the few stars who never allows the clothes to wear her. I imagine it's the reason Sandra Bullock has made Streep her lover.

Penélope Cruz, Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Nine)

Since Nine, I have officially converted to Team Cruz. Serious. How did I let this woman slip under the radar for so long? I make amends. I repent!

Queen Latifah

I still marvel at her transformation from hardcore 90s rapper to ultimate starlet. She shimmers in this frosted pink, glitter-accented ensemble. She is grace, embodied -- hence the title.

Rachel McAdams

She represents for the Canadian kids with a whimsical, kaleidoscopic look. It's a modern take on the princess dress, tailored to McAdams' clean and sweet image. Twirly hearts abound, I assure you.

Zoe Saldana

The more I see her, the deeper I fall for her. Not pictured: the nightmarish ruffle marring the lower half of her dress. However, similar to Charlize Theron and Diane Kruger, her utter attractiveness overwhelms the unfortunate circumstances of her dress. Plus, she's a self-professed sci fi nerd, so, I am in love.

And last, but never EVER least:

Maggie Gyllenhaal, Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Crazy Heart)

FLOORED. I was, and continue to be, floored with Maggles. I know I am biased, but serious, she matched Sandra Bullock for Hottest Starlet of the Oscars. The colour is flawless on her and I love the minimalist approach with her jewellery. O'Neill can attest to my utter infatuation with Ms. Gyllenhaal -- I was on the phone with O'Neill throughout the first third of the show and I had to comment each time she appeared (which was often!) I "KYAAAAAAAA"d at every opportunity.

***

So, there we are -- the ladies of the 2010 Academy Awards. I know there were numerous women deserving a profile on this blog and it was difficult to whittle the list down to sixteen, let me tell you.

I turn to you, readers. Who won your attention on the red carpet? What captivated you about the lady (or ladies) in question? Most importantly, will you allow me to share her with you?

I know, I am too cheeky.

Team HAHT: Vancouver 2010

So, I figured out the science behind the unseasonably high temperatures, the pitiful snow, and the warped ice surfaces plaguing the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

In short:

HOT OLYMPIANS.

And when I say "hot," I mean, "ragingly HAHT." I mean, "mind-erasingly HAHT." I mean, "I need to invent a slew of distractingly, irritatingly ridiculous adverbs to convey the appropriate levels of HAHT."

Oh, so little time to profile them all.

Most of the following ladies were medal winners. I know, there's a certain amount of prejudice built into that -- there are stunning women who didn't take home a gold, silver, or bronze. I know this. However, the medal winners tend to garner more media attention and therefore produce more photos.

Also, I tended to tune in to events late and caught the last five competitors and the impromptu medal ceremonies.

Anyhow, too much rambling, not enough hot... photo..ing.

Women's Bobsleigh

L-R: Kaillie Humphries, Heather Moyse, Helen Upperton, Shelley-Ann Brown

Without a doubt, this gold and silver medal triumph for the ladies is one of the greatest moments from the 2010 Games. Pourquoi? Catch the official medal presentation for this event. Upperton and Brown bit each other's silvers and Humphries and Moyse had THE MOST ADORABLE victory dance while receiving their gold medals. *Sigh*

Skiing or Ski-Related Events

Ashleigh McIvor (Canada) - Gold, Women's Ski Cross

Aino-Kaisa Saarinen (Finland) - Bronze, Ladies Cross Country 30 KM Mass Start Classic

Li Nina (China) - Silver, Freestyle Skiing

Magdalena Neuner (Germany) - Gold, Mass Start Biathalon 12.5 KM

Figure Skating

Kim Yu-Na (South Korea) - Gold, Women's Figure Skating

Vanessa James (France) - 14th Overall, Pairs Figure Skating

(Too adorable. She resides in Canada, so there's some connection there, too!)

Speed Skating

Ireen Wust (Netherlands) - Gold, Ladies' 1500m Speed Skating

(She's also one of four out and proud Winter Olympians!)

Annette Gerritsen (Netherlands) - Silver, Ladies' 1000m Speed Skating)

Snowboarding

Maëlle Ricker (Canada) - Gold, Ladies' Snowboard Cross

Torah Bright (Australia) - Gold, Ladies' Halfpipe

Kimiko Zakreski (Canada) - 29th Overall, Ladies' Parallel Giant Slalom

Skeleton

Mellissa Hollingsworth (Canada) - 5th Overall, Women's Skeleton

I want to break out of the photos for a moment to defend Mellissa Hollingsworth. The Canadian media was cruel in their treatment of her following the finals. She was touted as one of the nation's "sure-fire golds" and the media went ballistic after she placed 5th. To place 5th in a world competition of this magnitude on home soil is something to celebrate, people. And no, she didn't disappoint spectators and she never let Canada down -- when folks are winning by 1/100th of a second, it's anyone's gold/silver/bronze. So enough with the media's undue harshness -- I dub her hot and therefore she is forever absolved.

Curling

CURLING. Who knew? I tend to gravitate toward the curling rink over the Winter Olympics, but DAMN. Who the heck knew the highest concentration of hotties were gathered here? It seemed to hold true for both the women's and the men's teams, too. Sure "hits the button," a heh, lame curling jokes.

Cheryl Bernard (Canada) - Silver

Carmen Schaefer (Switzerland) - 4th Overall

(I suggest a Google search on Ms. Schaefer... quite the sexy photos out there of this curler girl)

L-R: Kotomi Ishizaki, Mari Motohashi, Anna Ohmiya (Japan) - 8th Overall

***

I know the Winter Olympics ended on Sunday and all, but do I ever miss them. I know most kids gravitate toward the Summer Games since the eye-candy is more accessible, but there's quite a few winter athletes to get our hearts palpitating. I know this post is a mere sample of the athletes who dominated our televisions over the past few weeks, but, come on -- the winter's where it's at.

Is it 2014, yet?

Mental Jargon

Bench on Lake, windelbo

Hmm, reflective. Full of rich ponderings and other such mind jargon. Not sure what induced it. I've got a sinister case of unemployment-induced restlessness. I've also got the sense I'm morphing into a little island, dropped into a raging sea of anime and malnutrition (aka. Junk food maximum intake: Initiated).

Bleak. I escaped for two hours with a notebook in tow. Fled to the shores of Lake Ontario for a quiet stroll, carrying an impulse to write.

The more I avoid writing, the more anxious I get. Perhaps this is a sign.

This town is far too small for me now. I've known this for quite some time, but I still don't have the funds to escape. Turning this frustration on my room itself, cycling through rash decisions to purge items only to discover I need them later.

I've been dreaming of the west coast for months -- freedom. Those dreams were stoked once more after The Advocate traveled there for contract work. The U.K. is buried beneath immediate needs: more education, more cash in the bank, more direction. Ah, soon. Soon I'll cross the Atlantic for those shores.

Romantic notions seem crippling tonight.

Tunes for Tuesdays: Metric

Searing electro-synth tracks are seeping into the hallowed spaces of the indie kid's precious collection. For those in the know, their name is Metric.

I admit now, I used to be a denier. I used to think there was more hype than performance to this band.

Oh, how I was mistaken.

I blame the first impressions on the part-time job I carried throughout high school. I was an HMV music snob from 2002 to 2004 and was exposed to quite a range of music over the course of those eight-hour shifts. A new assistant manager transferred to our store, a woman obsessed with this new group called Metric.

IT WAS THE ONLY CD SHE PLAYED WHILE WE WORKED.

I never gave them a fair shot because of it. Ah, how misguided I was.

Despite my initial disbelief and general aggression toward them, Metric garnered critical acclaim with each new album and slid into the radio airwaves across Canada and around the world with ease. The stats are impressive:

• Old World Underground, Where Are You? (2003): Gold in Canada, earned a Juno nomination for Best Alternative Album
• Live It Out (2005): Platinum in Canada, nominated for the 2006 Polaris Music Prize for the Canadian Album of The Year, earned another Juno nomination for Best Alternative Album.
• Fantasies (2009): Platinum in Canada after its release on April 7th.

Intense. With a co-writer/lead singer as compelling as Emily Haines, it's no wonder the band's receiving such praise and success. Haines has performed with the epic powerhouse, Broken Social Scene, and appeared on albums by Stars, KC Accidental, The Stills, and Jason Collett to name a few. She released her own down-tempo, melancholic, piano-driven side project, Knives Don't Have Your Back (2006), with a collective known as Soft Skeleton (comprised of Sparklehorse's Scott Minor and members of Broken Social Scene and Metric).

Um, a driven, talented, innovative musician who's Canadian? And who is a compelling eye-pleaser to boot? Umm..... yes, please.

The first track for this edition of Tunes for Tuesdays is the latest release from Metric and also the track that converted me (albeit later than most) to the wonder that is this group. I invite readers to revel in the infectious, pop-rock-throttle of "Sick Muse" from Fantasies:

I suggest cranking this one while driving late at night down barren city streets. Fantastic and crisp, it is.

Now, one of the major reasons I wanted to profile Metric for Tunes for Tuesdays is based on an unusual and fascinating correlation I have uncovered. Since I started coming around to their music, I have noticed a large proportion of queer women tend to gravitate toward Metric.

I imagine Emily Haines and her sweet-meets-swagger attitude has a positive effect on lesbian and bi girls in the audience. I would also argue that their rock sensibilities combined with their synth edge tends to attract those lady-lovin'-ladies across Canada. Serious, it's intriguing. When a girl mentions they dig Metric, my gaydar starts pinging. If Tegan and Sara are mentioned in the next breath, it's a sure bet.

You read it here -- "Metric" is the new music codeword for "I LOVE ME THE LADIES."

On that note, I'll turn your attention to the latest single, "Gold Guns Girls," from Fantasies. It's been featured on the soundtracks for Gossip Girl, Zombieland (which I still need to see, FYI), Entourage and Grey's Anatomy, as well as the EA Sports soccer game, FIFA 10. Girl, I am slow on the uptake when it comes to Metric. Still, better late than never:

Us gay gals of the North are more than willing to export such a precious commodity to the queer ladies of the world. No need for greed when there's this kind of talent in our borders.

Even the U.S. is converting to the Metric system at this rate.

The National Hangover, Post-Olympics

What a night -- what a close to the 2010 Olympics Games in Vancouver. To state it simply: THANK GOD THE MEN'S HOCKEY TEAM WON GOLD.

Oh, to think of the consequences otherwise...

In all seriousness, the streets were alive with such a staggering energy last night. All it took was a well-placed shot by Sidney Crosby and the entire nation was on its feet. To see the live feeds of the crowds gathered in Vancouver, Whistler, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and all the other major urban centres in Canada after that "Golden Goal" -- even our little suburban neighbourhood was alight with car horns and rowdy fans. And to follow all that with the Closing Ceremonies?

You can understand why this morning is deemed the "National Hangover."

Yonge and Dundas, Toronto: Imagine this crush of people gathered for HOURS after the goal.

Now, before I get ahead of myself, there's still a broad collection of Canadian Olympians I need to celebrate for their achievements over these last few days of competition:

• Cheryl Bernard, Susan O'Connor, Carolyn Darbyshire, and Cori Bartel, Women's Curling (Silver, Feb. 26)
• Charles Hamelin, Short Track Speed Skating - Men's 500 m (Gold, Feb.
• François-Louis Tremblay, Short Track Speed Skating - Men's 500 m (Bronze, Feb. 26)
• Charles Hamelin, François Hamelin, Jean Olivier, François-Louis Tremblay, Short Track Speed Skating - Men's 5000 m Relay (Gold, Feb. 26)
• Denny Morrison, Lucas Makowsky, Mathieu Giroux, Speed Skating - Men's Team Pursuit (Gold, Feb. 27)
• Jasey Jay Anderson, Snowboard - Men's Parallel Giant Slalom (Gold, Feb. 27)
• Lascelles Brown, David Bissett, Lyndon Rush, Chris Le Bihan, Four-Man Bobsleigh (Bronze, Feb. 27)
• Kevin Martin, John Morris, Marc Kennedy, Ben Hebert, Adam Enright, Men's Curling (Gold, Feb. 27)
• Men's Ice Hockey (Gold, Feb. 28)

PHEW. It was an intense few days, let me tell you. So, lesson learned: Canadians throw themselves down hills well and can skate real quick around ice -- but we're even better at it when there's more than one of us involved. Team work, people.

Canada's Total Medal Count: 26

Total Gold Medal Count: 14

If you've been exposed to Canadian media over the last 24 hours, you will know that Canada is now A) The most awarded nation in Winter Olympics history (when it comes to gold medals) and B) The most awarded HOME nation in Winter Olympics history (when it comes to gold medals).

I've noticed the infamous "Own the Podium" slogan has been amended since the 14th gold medal was secured -- the media is now referring to it as "Own the [Gold] Podium." Whatever it's called, it still effin' rocks that Canadian Olympians laid it out there and were rewarded with medals or with personal top scores (or sometimes with both).

Now, if only the Closing Ceremonies had reflected our new-found confidence and talent...

***

WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT. THE CLOSING CEREMONIES. I MEAN -- WHAT? WHAT?

I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN STOP WITH THE CAPITALIZATION. I NEED TO COMMUNICATE THIS FRUSTRATION.

Highlights:

• Poking fun at the failed hydraulics from the Opening Ceremonies. I'm glad it was acknowledged and duly ridiculed.
• Katrina Lemay-Doan getting her rightful chance to light the indoor Olympic cauldron.
• NEIL YOUNG!! Such a surprise that he agreed to perform.
• William Shatner. Yep.
• Catherine O'Hara and her "HURRY HARD!!" entrance.
• Michael J. Fox and his utter fabulousness.

... And then, the musical nightmare started.

I tend to like Michael Bublé and his smarmy, snappy stage persona. I understand he was nodding to his Canadian predecessor, The Singing Mountie -- but then, it spiraled out of control.

I still don't understand the rationale behind the... full-blow, tacky spectacle. I know the Closing Ceremonies were supposed to be fun and supposed to showcase our self-deprecating brand of humour. But... we wheeled out every living Canadian stereotype to accomplish that? We just spent the last month attempting to showcase our diversity and our athleticism and our open nature and how we are more than those stereotypes. So, uh..... WHAT? I was cringing while I watched it. I actually felt embarrassed over it. I'm curious to know other reactions to this. Maybe others will think I'm overreacting, but... well....

The horror... the horror....

AND THEN THE MUSIC CHOICES?! No. Three billion times NO. I wanted to bash my head in when Nickelback took the stage, but then to follow it all with Avril Lavigne, Hedley, and friggin' Simple Plan?!

At least Alanis Morissette and k-os were there as buffers. I was glad to hear Marie-Mai, she seems like quite the Québécois dance princess which I am partial to. But serious, my brother and I sat there and listed at least 20 other bands more deserving of performances at those Closing Ceremonies, bands that would have been electric, eclectic, and way-the-eff better.

*Sigh*

I know this post is ending on a down note considering my general dissatisfaction with our Big Close, but still -- I can't deny the high that's still buzzing about the house from this past weekend.

Now, we gear up for the 2010 Paralympic Games starting March 12. We've still got tons of Podium to Own, Canada, so you best keep alert.