Kick-Ass Lives Up To Its Name

If the thought of seeing a foul-mouthed 11-year-old girl who is a merciless assassin, trained be to as lethal with ninja stars and knives as she is with guns interests you, then Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass based on the graphic comic of the same name, easily checks all these boxes.

Kick-Ass is something different. I went into this movie not completely understanding what to expect. What I got was the excitement of seeing Mindy Moretz, aka Hit-Girl killing 30 guys in 30 seconds.

Superhero films have been all the rage. So, let me fill in the blanks for Kick-Ass -  Action-packed, uber-violent, extremely self-aware affair.

The story centres on Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), a geeky New York teenager. After getting mugged for his lunch money, and noticing that a nearby resident did nothing, Dave asks why there aren’t superheroes in real life. Then he decides to do it – become a real life superhero – an ordinary one. He dons a cheap green-and-yellow internet-bought wetsuit, dubs himself Kick-Ass and sets forth to battle baddies. At first it seemed a little hard to empathize with him, but as the story progresses you will. The character is over done and a bit cliché but the addition of the wannabe superhero angle is what makes it work.

There’s only caveat. Kick-Ass is not the one doing most of the ass kicking.

At the same time we are introduced to the subplot of this movie: the existence of another masked duo – Big Daddy and Hit-Girl, with a humorous scene of the father, Damon Macready (Nicolas Cage) teaching his daughter, Mindy (Chloe Grace Moretz) what it feels like to be shot.

The father-daughter team have been slowly but surely taking down the criminal empire of local Mafioso, Frank D’Amico. And, as Kick-Ass gets drawn into their no-holds-barred world of bullets and bloodletting with Frank’s son, Chris (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), now reborn as Kick-Ass’s arch-nemesis, Red Mist – the stage is set for a final showdown between the forces of good and evil.

Kick-Ass is a rare breed of awesome. When Hit-Girl introduces herself by spitting out arguably the most cursed word in the English language and proceeds to slice and dice grown men twice her size while her dad watches and critiques, it becomes clear that Kick-Ass will put its foot through any previously conceived notion of what a juvenile can or cannot do or say on film.

The argument could be raised that Hit-Girl’s presence and behavior is merely for shock value, but there is a reason behind her malicious portrayal. This girl was not raised under what could be considered “normal circumstances”. She is her father’s daughter, for better or worse.

Much to my delight, Nicolas Cage really stepped up his game as Big Daddy best described as Batman with a shotgun. Chloe Moretz stole the show in every sense of the word as Hit-Girl. Nicolas Cage is a great talent who has done a lot of really bad movies, so seeing him as a vigilante father who with the help of his young daughter brings crime to its knee’s was the definition of refreshing.

Chloe Moretz’s portrayal of Hit-Girl can be summed up with, she has a huge future. I can imagine that she now has a lot of pre-teen girls and boys swooning over her.

The movie takes a lot of chances and throws the typical superhero movie on its head. The language is inappropriate, the violence is extreme and the comedy is tight. It’s the kind of superhero movie that appeals to the mature comic book film fans who are frankly tired of the direction that Spiderman has gone and are waiting impatiently for a Dark Knight sequel.

Where Iron Man is feel good ass kicking good times, Kick-Ass is feel good gruesome ass kicking with limbs flying off, blood on the floor and teeth in the sink, enough carnage and enough 11-year-old ass kicking courtesy of Hit-Girl.

Inserting an adolescent with a sailor’s mouth and assassin’s touch into the mix is what jolts Kick-Ass into another gear and separates it from every previous superhero movie. You may have seen Peter Parker trade in his glasses for red and blue tights, but you have never seen a pair of teenage boys cruising the street while dressed in superhero garb and smoking a joint.

Sound funny? Then Kick-Ass is calling your name.

My take from an entertainment point of view, 4.5 out 5 stars. Torontonians will get a kick out of seeing Yonge and Richmond Street West in the film. This movie will have you laughing out loud at certain times and also cheering for the heroes, especially Hit-Girl and the way she delivers justice to the evil doers in the city.

Kick-Ass (2010) is Directed by Stardust’s Matthew Vaughn.

In theatres Friday,  April 16.

Alice in Wonderland – Lacking in Muchness

Let me warn you upfront, Tim Burton fanatics, you probably won’t want to read this.

Reasons being, you’d see any of his films regardless of the plot or cast. And second, I’m not going to give it a dazzling review.

I read Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ growing up as a child. Next to the over-praised Harry Potter books, many would say Alice is hands-down the greatest children’s story ever written. Add to the equation the dark and quirky-minded Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway and leading lady, Aussie ‘It’ Girl, Mia Wasikowska, it should go without saying then that this film is an irresistible invitation to pass up.

Tim Burton tries to create something the audience can care about in his 3-D extravaganza. However, his newest movie is more spectacle than story.

A young Alice lays in bed as her father leans in to tell her a secret. She’s been having odd dreams about a rabbit in a waistcoat, and questions if she’s losing her mind. He responds by telling her that crazy people are the most fun.

Now approaching 20 years of age, Alice faces the decisions of marrying someone she does not love in order to respect the traditions and customs of the time. In an effort to stall, she chases the White Rabbit and ends up falling down the hole we all know from the books.

Underworld is now ruled by the wicked Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) and it’s up to Alice to fulfill prophecy and restore the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) back to power, bringing fairness and justice to the land.

Synopsis aside, where the film excels is the production design and acting performances. The world of Underland is vivid and surreal, filled with exotic plants, fascinating architecture and bizarre creatures. The costumes and sets are adapted very well from the original drawings, and with the added touch of 3-D seem to take the audience very realistically through the rabbit hole along with Alice.

Burton casts familiar faces in key roles. Johnny Depp, teaming with the director for the seventh time, plays the Mad Hatter, and Helena Bonham Carter is the Red Queen. Carter nearly steals the show here; her huge, heart-shaped head sits atop a tiny body as she shouts “off with her head” like a bad tick. Red Queen is deliciously egomaniacal. Combined with the CGI work to increase the size of her head, the acting tends to dominate any scene she’s in.

Alice infiltrates Red Queen’s castle in order to retrieve a sword that controls the kingdom, and put it into the benevolent hands of Red’s sister the White Queen (Anne Hathaway). Thus, Alice becomes a Joan of Arc heroine, and this story is ultimately about her finding her own gumption, aka her “muchness”.

Where the film misses its own “muchness,” is perhaps in the collaboration of Burton and Disney. The film is a little too dark for Disney. Instead, the film we get builds up to a battle climax that takes a page from Lord of the Rings. It’s still entertaining, but to me, the treasure to be found in Wonderland is its characters.

What audiences will come away with is that ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is a visually impressive film, filled with odd and fun characters. The experience as a whole though feels incomplete and lacking. Anyone thinking that seeing this in IMAX 3-D and spending that extra $5 is a good thing will be disappointed. My advice, watch the 2-D version and spend that extra bit on popcorn and candy.

My final verdict: Average. I give Burton’s newest film 3 out of 5 stars over a cup of tea. It’s a fun trip mind you, but be prepared to be somewhat disappointed, as it doesn’t live up to its generated buzz.

Alice in Wonderland (2010) is Directed by Edward Scissorhands’ Tim Burton.

In theatres Friday,  March 5.

Valentine’s Day – Review

Love stinks, Cupid’s fat and roses eventually die.

So, how does one who is anti-Valentine celebrate the most romantic and popular cultural holiday of the year?

By joining single girlfriends to see the new Garry Marshall directed film, ‘Valentine’s Day’, which evidently can make you feel as though you are suffocating in bubble wrap made from bubble gum.

Headlining an all-star ensemble including Jessica Alba, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher and Julia Roberts just to name a few,  the cast comes together and follows the intertwining story lines of a diverse group for a spin around L.A. on Valentine’s Day.

There are a handful of stories within the story and at first makes you feel like you are watching several mini movies at once. Keep up, because it’s a bit confusing as it pulls you in different directions and just when you think you have it figured out, it makes a turn you didn’t see coming. In the end you realize the joy was in the entire journey as it splendidly captures every nuance of break-ups and make-ups based on the pressures and expectations of Valentine’s Day.

The most prominent actor in this star cast is undoubtedly Ashton Kutcher. Kutcher, a floral shop owner, proposes to his uninterested girlfriend (Alba), and in the meantime discovers that his best friend’s (Garner) boyfriend (Dempsey) is actually married. He faces a love crisis, but we can barely take in his feelings because Marshall is so busy loading his candy box with other lovers, wannabes, lonely-hearts, a kid infatuated by his teacher, lingerie and puppies.

In another story, a phone-sex operator (Hathaway) is scared to let her boyfriend (Grace) know what kind of job she holds. Then there’s a romance-hating publicist (Biel) who is helping her client (Dane) manage a media storm. It also shows a story of two total strangers (Roberts and Cooper) beginning a conversation on a trans-Atlantic flight.

And for all the werewolf and country music loving teens, the movie also includes a bunch of up-and-coming stars (Swift, Lautner, Roberts and Jenkins) who are dealing with issues related to sex.

Katherine Fugate writes a witty, puzzle of a script. She weaves the players in and out of the story line and never lingers too long, which helps the film move at a quick pace. The only thing I question is the arc of Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift as high school sweethearts. Each of their scenes plays more like an SNL skit and could have easily been left out.

By far, my favourite story is The Hathaway-Grace relationship. Hathaway will surprise you in this unexpected character she plays, and yes, nails. Add to the fact Hathaway also takes the best dressed award; living up to her memorable “The Devil Wears Prada” performance. While on their Valentine’s Day dinner date, Hathaway show stops in a classy royal blue, back-belted mini dress. So, so stunning. I’m still in fashion-awe.

The overall performances of the other actors are good. It’s a cute, predictable love story, but a good watch. If ever there was the perfect date movie for this red holiday, “Valentine’s Day” is it. I give it 3 out of 5 stars, plus a kiss on the cheek. It’s destined to join your Love Actually, The Holiday, He’s Just Not That Into You collection.

Valentine’s Day (2010) is Directed by Pretty Woman’s Garry Marshall.

In theatres Friday,  February 12.

3 ‘P’ Principle

I‘m not an expert when it comes to figuring life out.

Instead I like to think of myself as an example of how hard work can put life in the right direction.

Be it the first day of a new year to get some perspective.

It’s been four months since I finished my undergrad, and not to sound cliche, but these past few months has honestly felt like an emotional roller coaster. From the joys of receiving my Communications degree to the “joys” of piecing countless job applications together, loving being lazy to hating being lazy, it’s troubling how the aspects of no longer being a student nor employed can damage one’s self-confidence.

What’s saddening about this is how many newly grads are finding themselves in this position or are currently being underemployed. When I get news about degree-holders who are being trained to ask customers if they’d like whip cream on their hot beverages, the scholar in me screams.

I’ll admit it. I have had my fair share of low moments, but there’s a place and time for flipping off the world and yes, screaming.

When you’re out in public or publicizing a message, you are representing yourself. You are a brand. And though it may appear on paper that you are unemployed, you are actually serving as your own agent.

It’s easy to think nothing is working out the way you planned and slip into the wrong head-space.

For those who fit the out-of-school and looking for work description, my advice is apply the 3 P’s:

1. Persistence – Far from creepy, I’m talking about being determined to do and or achieve something. A firmness of purpose. Tenacity, folks. Never give up. I’m a strong believer in goal-setting and having some sort of push towards an end result. Wanting something is the first step in pursuit. Stay up-to-date, follow and continually update yourself with the industry of interest’s material. When proved that you’re on top of the trends, are knowledgeable, and can contribute with refreshing input, others will take interest in your material. So, find that fire and make like moth.

2. Have Patience – You know the saying, “Good things come to those who wait.” The reality is, the corporate employment process is a lengthy one. I once worked for Human Resources and Social Development Canada for a co-op term over in Gatineau, PQ. One time I asked a recruiter how many resumes she receives on average for a position. She responded by pointing over to a monstrous,  mountain of a pile of papers. “And that doesn’t even include the electronic CVs”, she added. Good things will come if you simply allow them to come in their own time. Think about it: Eventually, the Heinz ketchup will pour out onto your burger.

3. Stay Positive – Sure, you’re at a plateau. As much as you feel like you’re sinking, you’re not. Enter family and friends. The people who love and support you are there to do just that. They are metaphorically speaking, life jackets and are always there to see you through the storm. I cannot stress how important it is to have good company around you. The right people will promote the right attitude. Whatever makes you happy. Whether it be movie-making, baking or even dance hall shaking. No employer will hire a sad panda. Just remember, a smile truly goes a long way.

I wouldn’t be advocating these 3 P’s if they didn’t deliver to some degree. 2009 was a tough year. The key is to move forward with an open mind. And that’s what I did. Checked out of my darkest hour, stopped feeling sorry, and began networking. The dream job doesn’t come to you. You have to go to the dream job. Take it from me, if I can land an opportunity of a lifetime at the CBC, so can you!

Apply the 3 P’s and more importantly, apply yourself!

You can really have it all, after all. Go figure.

Pictures Talk

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

So, how about 26?

Make that 26 photographs taken by children along the western shores of Indonesia, whose lives have been changed forever.

This upcoming December 26th will mark the 5-year anniversary of the Boxing Day Tsunami that shook and devastated nine countries. Recorded at a magnitude between 9.1 to 9.3, among countries and regions affected: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand were areas hit hardest, in what is recorded in history as one of the deadliest natural disasters.

With over 200,000 lives claimed, injuries upon missing people and many displaced, the quake not only waved through coastal communities, it also made humanitarian waves worldwide and prompted widespread response.

Here in Canada, Canadian Red Cross was quick to aid and partnered with international and local communities in effort to clear debris, establish clean water and sanitation systems, and rebuild homes and hospitals. With a commitment to continue their rebuilding efforts in the years to come, just last year in 2008, the Canadian Red Cross launched Pictures Talk – a project to find out and capture what life looks like after the earthquake for Indonesian children.

Disposable cameras were distributed to children aged eight to sixteen, and they were asked to photograph their friends, families, homes, villages and schools. Of the hundreds of photos taken, 26 photographs were selected for the touring-exhibition, with the overall goal to showcase the road to recovery.

This past Tuesday, the photo collection made its grand opening night at the Red Eye Studio Gallery in the Distillery District. Organized by Tanya Elliott, Director of Communications at Red Cross Canada; Jen Mayville, Communications Coordinator for Canadian Red Cross; Evelyn So, President of Noesium Consulting Inc., and Karen Snider, a Public Relations and Social Media professional, this event utilized Twtvite and exclusively welcomed Twitter users.

To heighten the element of social media and how it can bring people together, Twitter-style name tags were given to attendees upon arriving to the event. In fact many were addressed by their @user-names throughout the evening.

Check out my amazing name tag:

Pretty twerrific, huh?

Aside from the success of using micro-blogging to pool people for a good cause, the real success was raising awareness.

It was moving to see the photos displayed at the gallery. The descriptions that accompanied the photos alone, depicted a real sense of innocence and it was just heart-wrenching to think about the trauma endured.

Underneath the surface of the photos, a clear message emerged.

Hope.

Being optimistic, finding beauty in the beastliest of situations, and moving forward.

Heroes such as the Canadian Red Cross organization who offers a hand in need, reminds us just how fortunate we are and more importantly, that there are folks who can help.

By reaching out to those vulnerable, Red Cross serves as an example that we can all help and be heroes of our own simply by giving. Whether it be money, food, or even just your time.

I want to thank the organizers for all their hard work and efforts towards putting on a fantastic event! I had such a great time meeting lovely locals and being a part of such a honourary cause.

For a complete look at the Pictures Talk exhibition, you can access the virtual gallery here.

The exhibition is open until this Sunday, December 13.

Hope to see you all at the next Tweetup!

Cavalcade of Lights ’09

Whether it’s the sight of snow, receiving presents and or the boxes of Ferrero Rocher, one thing’s for certain – you cannot ring in the holidays without admiring the beautiful displays of Christmas lights throughout the city.

Combine brilliant lighting creations, fireworks and an outdoor ice rink, and you’ve got the spirit of the season.

For the 43^rd year, Torontonians kicked off the holiday season at none other than the Cavalcade of Lights. Presented by the good people at Scotiabank who also brought us Nuit Blanche, the event returned to Nathan Phillips Square and was stuffed like a stocking by those ready to celebrate Christmas.

The event opened up with a lovely Christmas medley before Mayor David Miller took the stage. His audience reaction can be summed up as a jar of  mixed nuts. Some booed him as if he was Vince Carter, but generally most people cheered. Sure, he dropped the ball during last Summer’s City Strike, but when he first entered office, he did accomplish quite a number of projects. Plus, he’s announced this resignation, so how about we just give him a break?

Must. Refrain. From. Politics, May…

All politics aside, Miller led the countdown and Toronto’s official Christmas tree was lit up within the 7 o’clock hour. At 60-feet, the glittering evergreen stunned the crowd. This year’s tree was decorated by designer Brian Gluckstein in partnership with The Bay. The theme for the tree is “All That Glitters” and features decorations in traditional red, white and silver colours. It took a crew of four people and three days to decorate tree; all of which was well worth it, even Santa’s elves would be proud.

Last Saturday night, City TV’s Meteorologist Michael Kuss and CHUM 104.5 radio personality Maie Pauts co-hosted the event with a musical line-up filled with Canada’s most talented musicians. Performances by Steven Page, former front man for the Barenaked Ladies, and now solo artist, performed a Chanukah song. Canadian “Crooner” Matt Dusk, Juno-Award winning pop singer Keshia Chante, and electro-pop rockers Fritz Helder and the Phantoms (whose band members remind me an awful lot of the Black Eyed Peas) all performed their own hits and Christmas favourites.

The weather itself couldn’t have been any better. In fact Toronto is about to set a new record. We’re approaching a snow-free November, and the last time the GTA was ever so was blessed, dates back to 1937. That was the year Walt Disney released Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, just to give you some historical perspective.

“If you can’t see it, you can’t track it.” How’s that for a little Michael Kuss?

The opening ceremony wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display above city hall. In all honesty, it was probably one of the best fireworks shows I’ve ever seen in the city. If you missed it, boy did you miss out.

Fortunately, I thought of those who couldn’t make it out and captured it all. Here’s how the night played out, with of course my commentary. If you like fireworks, you’re in for a sure treat starting at 3:58 into the clip.

A big thank you to Robin who accompanied me to the event and more so, for being my camerawoman! You are a gem!

It didn’t end there. The night was topped with a skating party with background tunes provided by DJ Tony Sutherland, who did a stellar job getting those on the ice bumping and side-liners jumping. The famous outdoor skating rink was also decked out by the illuminating Freedom Arches. A must-see galore of lights.

If you do not have a pair of skates, you are able to rent. In exchange for the rental however, you must provide some form of photo identification. So, be sure to bring along your driver’s license or health card if renting is your only option. An indoor change room is also available to visitors. In case you’re wondering, the rink itself is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day.

Now, not to worry if you missed out on Saturday’s party, because the Cavalcade of Lights festivities continue for the next three Saturdays. All of which will have concerts by other Canadian musical acts beginning at 7:00 p.m., and skating parties to dance tunes by popular Toronto DJ’s to follow.

For more information, visit the City of Toronto‘s web site for a list of the fireworks, free concerts and skating parties to come.

I’ll see you on the ice, Ice Ice Baby!

Party of Five

I know, I know. I’ve been totally slacking on the blogging front. In all fairness, I have been writing. Well, ghostwriting.

You see since I have been out of school, the only place I find myself comfortable and useful in, is back in the classroom. No, I haven’t started my post-grad career yet. That’s all in due time, folks. Rather my ‘Missing in Action’ status really translates to productivity being geared elsewhere.

So where, who, and what the heck has May been up to lately, is the popular question.

The answers my friends and readers, is in front of the classroom. For the past month and half, I’ve been actively volunteering at my old high school – L’Amoreaux Collegiate Institute and teaching English. I am a Ms.! Yup, that’s what the students (no more than six years younger than me) are addressing me as.

More on teaching to come, but let’s move onto today’s topic.

If you caught the opening plural to my ‘legitimate reasons’, you would have seen this coming. Bravo if you fit that profile. Gold star for exercising your English skills.

Aside from teaching, I’m also working at the family flower shop every day. I always seem to forget how much I know about flowers…

Of course as well, there’s my daily workouts that consumes the evening hours. Don’t roll your eyes. I can’t help it. It’s either bust my ass or surgically cut my ass. The second of which requires serious funds; that of which I am short of these days.

Wait, did I mention I’m also looking for work? Feel the load. I’ve taken on a number of side projects and am busy buzzing around town, that I have almost forgotten how much I need to be looking for “a real-person’s” job. Not to discount spending time at the school or shop, but I’ve got an interest-accumulating University of Waterloo-size student loan to pay off.

I have managed to put together at least one high-quality application for the companies I’d like to join each day. For those familiar with the application process over the web, the system is generally quite standard. Upload a résumé, write a targeting cover letter, and answer a few questions.

Interestingly, in one application I came across, I was posed with a very different set of questions. Upon reading I thought to myself, how on earth does this have any relevance to the position I am applying for? Take for example this short answer question: “Name 5 Guests You Would Invite to a Dinner Party”.

Are you serious?

Then it hit me. Professor Richard Ennis’ Personnel Selection course. (As an aside, Richard Ennis is one of the best Psychology professors at Waterloo, if not the best). All those silly character-based questions came pouring back in. “If you were a snack, what kind of snack would you be?” or “What flavour pie do you consider yourself to be?” or “Are you a Mac or PC?”

Maybe being unemployed brought this notion forward and helped me to finally grasp the concept without laughing. Simple responses to questions such as the above can denote what we value and what our personality type is like. Examine the people, foods, and writing styles we select and attach ourselves to. All these preferences outline implicitly what we consider to be important and can ultimately predict (workplace) behaviours. Ever hear the saying, “Birds of a feather”? Well, if your answers coincide with how employers would respond or are looking for, that would create a match. And bingo, a Person-Job Fit or Person-Organization Fit. Otherwise signalling to employers that you would by logic, excel in their corporate environment respectively.

Consider your friends, music preference(s), and clothes/brands you exhibit. Everything associated with you, can actually serve to decode you. It’s quite common in fact for Human Resources to apply this evaluating technique to their hiring process. Here is Dr. Charles Handler on the science behind the “fit” in his article entitled, “The Value of Person-Organization Fit”.

Want to give it a try? See if you can decode and decipher my values. I should state this list was tailored towards the media/entertainment industry. So who would I invite to my dinner party?

I’ll keep my list short and simple because this blog entry has dragged on. I know you were thinking it. Be nice. I’ve been MIA for a month and haven’t had the opportunity to jot down my thoughts. Anyways, my perfect party of five would include the following and here’s (the condensed) why:

Beyonce – A Southern girl knows good food and I’m certain Queen B is no stranger to giving recommendations on what a real meal consists of.

Lady GaGa – Kermit’s lady would show up in something out of this world and add a little controversy to the mix. Secretly, I would enjoy that.

Image Credit: Regis Philbin Tickets

LeBron James – No star-studded dinner would be complete without a professional athlete. After dinner, we could shoot hoops to burn the calories off. Win, win.

Andy Samberg – You know, for comic relief and something cute-to-look-at purposes. Cool Beans?

Regis Philbin – He’s a true conversationalist and one of this generation’s greatest entertainers. It’d be like dinner and a show. And that’s my final answer.

There you have it. What does my list tell you?

Who would you invite to your dinner party?

More importantly, are we a “match”? If so, let’s dine.

Nuit Blanche ’09

Need a reason to pull an all-nighter? What better way to stay up from dusk to dawn than by celebrating contemporary art at Scotiabank’s Nuit Blanche. Otherwise known to me as, The Greatest Night Out.

Last Saturday, October 3, Torontonians and tourists filled the downtown core for the fourth annual event. Featured for 12 hours, free art, music and live performances in 130 projects pooled together the community and artists from around the world.

Art-lovers braced a quick down pour early in the evening, but that did not dampen our spirits. In fact the weather cooperated well into sunrise and I stayed toasty warm in just tights and cotton hoody topped with a light pea coat, neck-wrapped by a cashmere scarf.

So what did I see? Well, you can watch how my evening unfolded in this clip:

Many thanks to Robin, Kawin and Nhu Nhat who helped with the camera-work.

Overall, it was a respectable and fun year. Commendably, the event was more audience-friendly than the years prior. Aside from the awesome new Night Navigator applications for iPhone and BlackBerry users, activities allowed audience members to be a part of the art. Streets were filled with dozens of vendors offering free food and “Mercy” blankets were handed out to keep to the nocturnal warm.

Though the success of the event attracts more visitors each year and is a major contributing source of revenue, The Toronto Sun reports, “Given the economic downturn and with arts-friendly Mayor David Miller not running for a third term, events like Nuit Blanche could be put on the chopping block in the next municipal election as candidates try to outdo each other with promises of restraint.”

Removing Nuit Blanche from the line up of Toronto events would be a huge mistake. Nuit Blanche has become a favoured evening for many to look forward to. It’s a time to showcase the significance of art and re-fuel the interest of culture that we so evidently see less of in today’s generation. What other city event transforms Toronto into a stage?

I will be very disappointed should Nuit Blanche not return in 2010. Very.

Don’t take White Night away from us. It is the only event that has the ability to open eyes to the beauty that is the heart of the city.

D. A. Therrien’s “Beautiful Light: 4 Letter Word Machine” at Toronto City Hall, which consisted of four light machines suspended in the air between the two towers.

Something For Y’all This Fall – Part II

Yesterday I shared my top three Fall city events with you and today we’re talking Raptors basketball in this second instalment. If you know me, you would know how much I adore my city’s team. To give you an idea of loyalty, last season alone, I went to thirteen games. In fact I use to watch The Raptors play in The SkyDome. Yeah, that’s how serious I am.  

And yes if you must know, games to watch in person are being selected for the 2009-10 season as we speak. Heck, home opener on Wednesday, October 28 is already in the bank. Can’t wait to see BronBron throw it down. It’s a brother-sister tradition to go to the first game together. Surely, you can’t break tradition. I know what you’re thinking. I go overboard. But for those who attend games regularly, you’re well aware of the hook I’m referring to. Aside from the men in shorts, it’s the atmosphere.

If you’ve never gone to a Raptors game, do yourself a favour and go. At minimum spend $12 for Sprite Zone tickets. That’s where the real fans sit anyways. It’ll change your entertainment lifestyle. Forever.

Why should you go?

Well Air Canada, we have take off. This upcoming NBA season has Raptors fans fantasy-leaguing and playoffs-anticipating. With nine new faces to the line up, there’s much discussion surrounding positive changes to our nation’s team and much disappointment to endure with Chris Bosh’s free agent status inching closer to a reality.

Breifly, these new to The Raptors gentlemen will be adding value to The Raptors Roster and here’s why:

Reggie Evans - Known for grabbing Chris Kaman (Read this ESPN article to find out what exactly was grabbed), will address much needed frontcourt toughness and bring a rather Charles Oakley type of physicality to The Raptors. Let’s hope he’ll grab more boards than private parts.  

Hedo Turkoglu - “The Michael Jordan of Turkey” made his move to T.O. after his wife swayed his decision towards a more multicultural city. Tuckoglu’s performance with the Magic in helping Orlando to the NBA Finals last season speaks for itself. He’ll make up those 3-pointers Kapono couldn’t live up to in a red and white jersey.

DeMar DeRozan - This kid is already gaining Rookie of the Year momentum and has been compared to Vince “Vincess” Carter. He’s young, eager, and is looking to make his mark in the league. Look for him at the rim because DeRozan is athletic, quick and has the ability to score. I like him, and not just because he responded to me on Twitter after I welcomed him to the city.

Every year I say it’s going to be a good Raptors season, but this year I really mean it. Though the first ten games are against more difficult teams, November should shape up with some big wins. If we can stay away from injuries and remain healthy, The Raptors should be able to make it well pass the .500 mark.

If you’re not following Raptors basketball already, this is the season to start following them.

A note to Air Canada Centre’s Master of Ceremony — Lara, If you haven’t grown out your hair and loss your baby weight by now, I’m coming for your job.

Tomorrow, we end the “Something For Y’all This Fall” series and talk Fall Fashion!
 

Something For Y’all This Fall – Part I

As sad as it is to say goodbye to Summer, it’s time to move forward and embrace what’s new in the air. Undeniably, Fall is a busy time. Aside from the Back-to-School buzz, City Events, Raptors Basketball and Fall Fashion put purpose in conceivably shorter days and act as conversational pieces.

So, what’s to talk about?

In this 3-part series, I’ll be shedding my two cents on what’s to look forward to this Fall in the city. First up: Toronto To Do’s

There is so much to do and see this time of the year. If you like being outdoors and downtown after sunset, then pencil these events in and grab a scarf.  

I. Nuit Blanche  – Saturday, October 3 from 6:55 p.m. to sunrise

Scotiabank’s annual “free all-night contemporary art thing” returns for a fourth year, and this year promises to be the best yet. Improvements include: Three Zones to explore and easily navigate through, Interactive Night Navigator Tools for your BlackBerry/iPhone, and The Scotiabank Nuit Blanche TTC Day Pass to get around the city’s core with extended night services.  

Plan ahead and take note of the exhibitions you want to see. With 130 projects to be showcased and artists offering involvement activities (Yes, that’s me painting away in the photo above), you do not want to miss your must-sees. Word of advice, go during the graveyard shift hours. From 7-10 p.m., the zones are literally packed and you’ll feel like you’re in a can of sardines. After midnight, waiting time in lines are shorter and there is more walking room available for you to enjoy your art-filled evening.

II. Chilean Wine Festival - Wednesday, October 7 from 7-9:30 p.m.

We already know how diverse Toronto is, but did you know how diverse Chilean wines are? The fifth annual wine festival is returning to the city and The Distillery District is inviting attendees to come out and spend a low cost of $65 for an exclusive taste of 31 Chilean wines. Live music and culinary demonstrations are all a part of the fiesta as wine lovers educate themselves in an authentic Chilean setting. The event is for members only. So register early for an invitation before it’s too late to cork.

III. The Cavalcade of Lights - Saturday, November 28

There is no other way to ring in the holidays than by attending The Cavalcade of Lights First Lighting Celebration at The Nathan Phillips Square. For the last 42 years, this month-long display, lights up the Old City Hall building and entertains Torontonians and tourists with fireworks, free concerts and skating parties. The opening ceremony is not to be missed as the large Christmas tree in the Square and other Xmas lights are officially switched on for the first time. Bright lights, hot cocoa, and holiday spirit delivered to you with a bow on it. 

Is there any other way to make the most of the city?

Something For Y’all This Fall - Part II continues. Check back in tomorrow for Raptors ball talk.