Jai And The City

Moving on over!

2009-01-07T11:10:00.002-05:00

This blog is now dormant. Check out JaimeWoo.com instead!

Thanks

Jaime

but for today i am a boy

2008-05-09T14:08:00.001-04:00

There is little more dreadful for a parent than unintentionally hurting one's own child. There is little more traumatic for a child than having something they dearly want taken away from them. A Toronto psychologist is under fire for recommending controversial treatments which some believe cause just that.

A heartbreaking NPR documentary released this week tells the story of two families struggling with the gender identities of their children. "Bradley" is a young Toronto boy under the care of CAMH head psychologist Dr. Ken Zucker, while Jonah lives on the U.S. West Coast, and has been studied by Dr. Diane Ehrensaft. Both children were born biological males but are likely transgendered, yet the message being sent by the children's therapists couldn't be more different—Jonah is being allowed to live as a little girl in accordance with his wishes, whereas Bradley is being forced to reject everything even remotely feminine in an attempt to suppress his impulses.

Transgendered people have a gender conflict between brain and body—the characteristic "trapped in the body of another"—and some may even feel that their gender isn't a binary male or female, but falls on a continuum between the sexes. It's an oversimplification, but transmen and transwomen tend to feel much more comfortable when living a closer approximation to how they feel inside, even if it potentially subjects them to ignorance, ridicule, and violence from society at large. With transkids, who require adults to make decisions for them, questions arise of how to treat gender conflict at such an early age, or even if it requires treatment at all.

This is a great article by Marc. Read more at Torontoist...

sex and the city overload

2008-05-09T13:47:00.001-04:00

Carrie and friends are everywhere and anywhere, from magazines to the radio to on the side of buildings, all in anticipation of the new movie. I however will be staying home on Friday and Saturday while Sarah Jessica Parker thrills the people who just gotta be first! Not me.

Why? Find out here at Torontoist.

very cool cannes!

2008-04-30T09:34:00.001-04:00

From IMDB:

Cannes' Eyes Wide Open for 'Blindness'

For only the second time in the 61-year history of the Cannes Film Festival, a Canadian film has been selected as the opening-night film. Blindness, directed by Fernando Meirelles (City of God) will kick off the 12-day festival on May 14. The film features an international cast, including Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo and Danny Glover of the U.S.; Gael Garcia Bernal of Mexico; Sandra Oh of Canada; and Yusuke Iseya of Japan. It concerns an international epidemic that causes blindness in its victims. (Many of the actors wore contact lenses that blocked their vision.) The Toronto Star reported today (Tuesday) that the film will also compete for the festival's Palme d'Or prize, unusual for an opening-night movie. (It was not among those on the list of competition films released by the festival last week.) Blindness is the first Canadian film to open the prestigious festival since Fantastica, from Quebec director Gilles Carle, did so in 1980.

gen-y, get tough!

2008-04-29T13:07:00.003-04:00

I thought this video from CNN Money on the lack of confidence by Gen Y-ers made a lot of sense. I'm not sure if I'd go so far to think of Gen Y-ers as idiots, since it's too early and too generalized a statement. Isn't any generation entering the workforce going to be, by nature, struggling to adjust?

go ahead, slack off

2008-04-28T08:59:00.003-04:00

We're overworked, overstressed, over-everything (except paid, right?). So, give your brain some rest... to produce the best ideas, says this CNN article:

What scientists have only recently begun to realize is that people may do their best thinking when they are not concentrating on work at all. If you've ever had a great idea pop into your head while you were washing your car, walking your dog, or even napping, you already know what a team of Dutch psychologists revealed last month in the journal Science: The unconscious mind is a terrific solver of complex problems when the conscious mind is busy elsewhere or, perhaps better yet, not overtaxed at all.

And, off to the coffee room I go!

don't be a jerk, howard hampton

2008-04-26T15:23:00.002-04:00

Media-unsavvy NDP leader Howard Hampton shoots himself in the foot by distancing himself from the TTC strike situation. Torontonians were stranded downtown after the surprise midnight strike, eschewing public safety for union worker safety, which is pretty selfish. Hampton replied today by saying:

"There's still a good possibility here that there'll be a negotiated settlement"
"It would be terribly irresponsible for me to say that no matter what's in the legislation that we'll support it."
"This is not about power, this is about trying to achieve a good result, through a good process."
"Everybody would prefer that things unfold as planned, but as you know, things unfolded in ways you don't plan."

Brilliant, Hampton. Based on the selected quotes, there wasn't an ounce of compassion for stranded Torontonians. Good to see the NDP cares more for $27 per hour union workers than the public. He's so vague and fuzzy on everything he says when at this time we need decisive action.

What the hell does that last quote even mean? It could be applied to anything. Oops, we've sold out of Harry Potter books. What do you think, Howard Hampton?

"Everybody would prefer that things unfold as planned, but as you know, things unfolded in ways you don't plan."

It looks like it'll rain today and I wanted a picnic. Hampton?

"Everybody would prefer that things unfold as planned, but as you know, things unfolded in ways you don't plan."

Holy crap! We're being attacked by aliens! Howard???

"Everybody would prefer that things unfold as planned, but as you know, things unfolded in ways you don't plan."

Riiiight.

gas hurts

2008-04-25T13:59:00.002-04:00

With gas prices rising, Saverist at Torontoist, my money column, will look at how to put back some money back into your pocket. Watch for it Wednesday.

bell to internet users: whatever

2008-04-22T11:44:00.003-04:00

Bell continues to curb traffic. Basically, big telcos are putting in conditions to internet use that allow them to monetize it best. Remember when people thought the internet would allow more freedom. Uh-oh. Scratch that.

UPDATE: ISPs says the move defies "logic."

get more out of your home

2008-04-22T11:42:00.005-04:00

If you are insistent on home ownership, at least make the most of the value of it. Here's a CBC article on borrowing against your home, which is better than just paying down a mortgage.

sushi lovers rejoice

2008-04-21T15:12:00.003-04:00

We're consuming more seafood than the Earth can produced. Here, a new technology called aquaculture could help stave off fish underpopulation.

ttc striiiiiiiiike.

2008-04-17T14:53:00.002-04:00

Does any union have as much leverage in Toronto as the one the TTC workers are in? Set to put Torontonians in jeopardy again, Monday is the tentative day for the new strike. What would be nice is if the TTC workers could create a 10- or 15-year plan to negotiate from, so strikes didn't seem to come so frequently.

Aside from being stranded, I don't think the public was on their side to begin with, judging from the negative buzz the TTC gets.

yup, i still guess that big dies in the sex and the city movie

2008-04-17T14:49:00.003-04:00

So, via Perez, Cynthia Nixon admits that one of the characters from the film dies. Uh-huh.

That's what I said.

Unless this is some jumbo meta-mind-screw that the producers have hatched up, buh-bye Chris Noth.

time most influential a definite joke

2008-04-15T09:45:00.002-04:00

The problem with a rating system is that it's too easy to give a "0" and it pulls down the person's rank immensely. Hence, see Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both out of the top 30 (!) now. Obama sits at 40, with 48 "points," and Clinton sits at 172, with 30 "points." Won't it be egg on Time's face when the first viable female candidate for president doesn't even make their list?

Obviously, the list judges popularity, not influence. Influence can impact a person positively or negatively. For example, Fidel Castro had huge influence. Judging his influence versus his popularity are two entirely different things. Clinton may divide voters, but that refers to her popularity, not her influence.

I could go on and on about how this list is really silly and how Time should have more class than to put something like this up, but, who cares? What influence do I have?

review: olive and lemon leaves me sour

2008-04-08T11:28:00.004-04:00

Olive & Lemon
Recommendation: Sector Underperform.
Target: 0 - 1 times a year.

While the risottos were lovely and the fennel and walnut salad a treat, the abrupt and uneven service at Olive & Lemon makes this restaurant a dud.

Upon entry, the waitress let us know that she'd need the table back and that we would have a two hour limit. Although we had friends who were late for the RSVP, we let her know that we'd be starting without them. She then repeated four more times that she needed the table within two hours. (We finished the meal in 90 minutes; in addition to the risottos and salad, I had a polenta and mushroom appetizer that was ordinary and failed to please.)

We were a large table (11) and I think that made our waitress uncomfortable. However, why book a reservation if you're going to make the party feel unwelcome and, worse, ungrateful. Could we split the check to make it more manageable? No. How about splitting the bill amongst a few credit cards. Hesitation. The waitress told us it would take a while. (Thank God for a younger server who handled our desserts: she was a delight.)

Looking around, I think I understood the other problem. We were in our 20's, while everyone else in the restaurant were hitting their golden years. Perhaps, we didn't fit in: we weren't part of the older faux-hemian, Annex-y clientele management is clearly aiming for. Alas, nearby 93 Harbord, Messis, and Tati had no such problems serving a younger crowd.

So, farewell, Olive & Lemon. On a street where there are so many other options, it's obvious you'd like me to find others.

get tax tips online

2008-04-04T22:07:00.002-04:00

From Canada Revenue Agency. Doesn't it make you all warm and fuzzy inside?

time magazine top 100 most influential...

2008-04-04T20:34:00.002-04:00

Time Magazine is falling off its rocker with each year. First, they declared "You" person of the year a few years back because people put on clips of themselves online (snore). Now, they have people voting on the most influential people of 2007.

Number one? An Asian pop singer. Number two? A children's book writer. Over, say, an influential member of OPEC or a man who will revolutionize driving in India? Riiiiight.

Remember, one-for-one voting isn't influence, it's popularity. Who is the most popular people of 2007? Have a look over on the Time site. It's a groan-worthy time.

slow ontario driver gets pepper sprayed

2008-04-01T09:42:00.002-04:00

Driving becomes that much more hazardous. What happened to common courtesy?

I hate the way people justify their behaviour on slower drivers. Just because you can get behind a car and press on a pedal hard doesn't make hurting someone okay.

best movie title ever?

2008-04-01T09:41:00.001-04:00

Bruno: Delicious Journeys Through America for the Purpose of Making Heterosexual Males Visibly Uncomfortable in the Presence of a Gay Foreigner in a Mesh T-Shirt.

save yo money

2008-03-29T19:22:00.003-04:00

I'm launching a new series on Torontoist called "Saverist" that will give tips on how to put more money in your pocket. I've always been a fan of simple, practical advice with immediate results. Here are the progenitors to the column: a post on the new TFSA and one on income tax returns, which are due next month.

music blah blah blah

2008-03-29T19:16:00.002-04:00

One thing I hate is when people talk around a topic and never dive in get solutions. I feel this is how the music downloading situation is. Research is so slim on downloading habits, behaviour towards buying music, and reaction to the different suggested options that the only people not being heard are the one steadily downloading music. Yes, the internet has shifted the power to the people. And, yes, there still can be money made. But without understanding the audience, whatever decision is made—whether it be by the government or the recording industry—will fail, fail, fail.

Cast your vote at the poll on Torontoist asking how you want your music!

so you think you can next top idol runway canada?

2008-03-24T11:04:00.001-04:00

CTV launches a second American reality show spin-off (after Canadian Idol, of course) with So You Think You Can Dance. It'll be interesting to see if and how a Canadian aesthetic will be depicted on Dance. Unlike Idol, where there are definite difference between, say, East Coast and West Coast music, dance might not have such disparity. It might benefit then that Canadian talent, regardless of where the dancers originate from, will be on full force.

fashionista weak

2008-03-18T16:07:00.001-04:00

Four lovely ladies dressed to the eights towing bags and bags of
purchases sit at tim's talking about which colour of shoes is in.
Minutes before, a homeless man sat at that same table.

where my canadian comediennes at?

2008-03-11T11:09:00.002-04:00

So, Vanity Fair is running an article on funny women. Because women can't be funny, apparently. (Vanity Fair again...)

Blah, blah, blah. Humour is so subjective. I mean, I find sassy black women high-larious, but some don't. I think Russell Peters zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........

Anyway, where are my Canadian comediennes at? Besides the women on CBC and, like, Caroline Rhea, why do I not know them like I know Tina Fey, Amy Sedaris, and Margaret Cho? (Or Kathy Griffin, or Roseanne, or Betty White, or Bea Arthur, or Amy Poehler, or Maya Rudolph, or Kristen Wiig, or...)

(I know why, silly, it's rhetorical. Someone write something about Canadian funny women, stat!)

fashion week starts monday

2008-03-11T11:05:00.002-04:00

Fall 2008 line is coming out. Check out the schedule here. I'll be checking out Lucian Matis's show, for sure.

It's being held at Nathan Phillip Square, but do you know where it'd be even more awesome? The McLaughlin Planetarium...

how does wikipedia actually work?

2008-03-11T10:54:00.003-04:00

So, by chance, I stumbled onto Wikipedia where I found out my dream future View Canada panel member Tasha Kheiriddin has a page up now! This is excellent news as it increases her visibility... (Of course, hearing the drama over at the real View, I can't imagine actually wanting a Canadian version now...)

However, reading the entry, I found that it wasn't that much more different from the entry I tried to put out for her that had been rejected. How exactly does Wikipedia work? It sometimes seems like just a series of random bleeps and bloops that eventually work itself out...

haiku on the bus

2008-03-10T16:49:00.001-04:00

The man in front sits
unaware of his presence
bandage on his coat

cbc cans jpod, mvp, and intelligence

2008-03-09T20:44:00.004-04:00

Only The Border and Sophie survive the heavily promoted winter schedule, according to the Globe and Mail.

The Border has scored in ratings and clearly resonates with anxious Canadians, although the show itself is all issue and zero characters.

Sophie has survived, no doubt, in part due to being sold to American station ABC Family.

Being shown on an American station didn't save Intelligence, although the show would arrive re-made for Fox, rather than the original Canadian version. (Uh, ick?)

MVP (pictured above) tried really hard to flash lots of Canadian skin to attract viewers but I guess this was no Canadian Footballer Wive$. (It did, however, attract lots of young viewers, a producer for the show notes.)

And poor jPod. I know someone who hated the first 3 episodes and finally recommended the 6th and 7th episodes as watchable. And now? Ka-put. I guess the show should be retitled "jWalkman."

As well, note that the cancellations were all for hour-long shows, which cost more to produce. I assume a soap opera like MVP could justify the length (more booty shots), but I'm not really sure why jPod had to be an hour long, especially when 30 Rock and The Office manage to supercondense laughs into 30 minutes.

So, now that the CBC has failed with its Desperate Housewives and Office clones, it's back to more Little Mosque, right? (Look at Canadian films like Away From Her, Eastern Promises, and, fine, I'll include Juno, where are our great Canadian TV shows?)

since the south can't use the n-word, they switch to the c-word

2008-03-09T11:08:00.002-04:00

The C-word being "Canadian," of course. So, reports the National Post that finds bigots calling black people "Canadians" because they can't use the n-word anymore. White men can't jump, but they sure find new ways to sink low.

iphone versus blackberry

2008-03-08T14:32:00.003-05:00

Apple horndogs are salivating over the catfight with Research in Motion over business customers. Here's 5 reasons Apple may be in a tougher fight than it thinks that I've culled from around the net:

1. Apple's products stem a lot from style.
Although businesspeople aren't looking to be uncool, there's a reason why the uptake of Macs remain in the more creative industries. Businesses want it cheap and easy to maintain. Apple, er, is not that: how many people drown their iPods in plastic wrap to prevent a scratch or too?

2. Blackberries are on every carrier.
Apple is still with only AT&T (and, maybe, with Rogers.) That's a smaller pie to take a bite out it, Apple.

3. iPhones are all about media.
Will we see a drop in productivity when businesspeople have portable music and movie players in their pocket?

4. Keypads help.
Try typing on the iPhone all day. It's a hate it or love it experience. Apple has yet to introduce a laptop that uses only touch technology. Why? I'm guessing a tactile keyboard is cheaper and easier to produce.

5. Apple focuses on the gotta-have-it crowd.
Retail customers may pay a large premium to get an iPhone first, but how many small businesses will do the same? It's not to say that Apple won't get a chunk of corporate business; however, is there really the same pent-up desire for a business iPhone as there is for a retail one?

If I was Apple, I'd come out with a corporate version that makes the phone more relevant for businesspeople. But then, Apple kind of does whatever the hell it wants, so let the war begin!

awesome find! thanks, steffen

2008-03-08T14:19:00.001-05:00

the asian stereotype (thanks, rob ford)

2008-03-08T14:00:00.003-05:00

Oh, Rob Ford,

Let's be honest. Although your use of the word "Oriental" and characterization of Asians as "hard, hard workers" who are "taking over" have caused a fury across the media, it was obvious you didn't intend for any of us to take you seriously. I mean, it was like an episode of "All in the Family" where you use "Oriental," we laugh at how old-fashioned (re: outdated) you are, and then we reflect on the racism towards Asian-Canadians. Right?

Sadly, you take the Asian working conditions out of context to prove your point. It's true that the Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean populations work more hours per week than the global average. However, the work ethic you speak highly of has led to rates of depression and suicides also above the global average. In addition, the hectic work schedule prevents Asian parents from spending sufficient time with their children. I believe that Canadians cherish their mental and physical health and their quality family time. So, you know, more working hours, deep depression, it's all capitalism, no?

Even worse: although your implication of Asians "taking over" refers to overseas populations, your words will negatively impact the lives of Toronto immigrants and their children. The phrase "taking over" indirectly accuses immigrants of an ulterior motive: to usurp what is not theirs. This feeds into the racist sentiment that Canada needs to be protected from immigrants, notes Victoria Shen, co-president of the Toronto Chapter of the Chinese Canadian National Council: "The irrational fear and moral panic that a racial or other minority group is "taking over" has historically led to oppressive and even violent attempts to control such groups." Honestly, even having grown up with my share of people pulling back their eyes and nasty ching-chong insults, I have no idea how I'd feel being told to get out of this land because "we" are taking over. It brings new meaning to the song "This Land Is My Land."

I don't think you expected your comments to have such a great implication, but that's the thing about referencing other cultures: it's a fine line between racial and racist. It's a shame that as a public figure your words are neither progressive nor lend credibility to keeping stores open. (A better stance would have been to look at the West Coast, where store openings during holidays are accepted.) Anyhow, best to let the great Margaret Cho sum it all up. (Forwarded by the awesome Marc Lostracco.)

If you ever want someone to join you for bubble tea, hit me up, yo! You know that shizz is open 24/7.

Jaime

we oriental people give good work?

2008-03-07T11:42:00.003-05:00

Of course when councillor Rob Ford says:

"Those Oriental people work like dogs ... they sleep beside their machines,'' he said. "The Oriental people, they're slowly taking over ... they're hard, hard workers.''

Isn't he absolutely right?

If you ever need a calculator or a textbook on calculus, the rise in Orientals certainly helps.

If you get a stain on your shirt, what Oriental wouldn't clean that up at their laundromat?

If you need some romantic music, isn't there always an Oriental to play the piano or the violin?

Thank god for us Orientals, us easy to stereotype Orientals. Let's substitute the word "Oriental" for "Jew" or "blacks" and see what happens.

PS. No one uses "Oriental" anymore.

tina fey cuts down sexist arguments against clinton

2008-03-02T15:15:00.002-05:00

God, I've missed Tina Fey. Smart, funny, fearless. She dismantles the sexist arguments against Hillary Clinton wickedly in this SNL clip. I don't get Obama Madness. Honestly, I don't.

When is 30 Rock coming back?

food shortages endanger world

2008-03-02T14:29:00.007-05:00

There's a well-researched and -written article in Macleans by Charles Gillis on the factors that are setting up a global food shortage. An inopportune use of corn and grains for biofuel, global warming, and the increased consumption from China's citizens are all contributing to greater demand and dwindling supplies. The abroad result is depleting food reserves in Africa and other poor regions, while more locally, the prices of bread, cereals, and meat have risen sharply.

I would also add the overconsumption of North Americans as an issue, especially of meat. (It takes a large amount of water and grains to feed cattle and poultry. I've already reduced my meat content and this article spurns me to go even more carnivo-less.) There is a good argument here for scaling back on our food consumption. As well, choosing to eat locally would help because it reduces the transport costs of food: oil is at a record high and the costs are passed along.

What will it take for people to pull back on food and oil consumption?

obamaTM

2008-03-02T02:26:00.009-05:00

So, I'm looking at the websites for Obama and Clinton, when I notice something very weird. On the right side of his website, there is a tally of the race thus far, and what's there instead of "Obama?" Why, it's a rising sun along the American stripes against a blue background. If he's using this, can we please refrain from using his name and switch to the symbol exclusively? I'd be thrilled to see: "An interview with (SYMBOL) on CNN."

What a bunch of branding crock.

Remember, Team Obama, even Prince changed his name back.

gays and sex not welcome in canadian films, says conservative government

2008-02-29T22:15:00.003-05:00

Are you ready for some American-style censorship? A new Torontoist post looks at a new Conservative bill that could stop funding to "immoral" films. What's immoral, you ask? Of course, sex and homos. (Cancel that Queer as Folk film adaptation!) It's time to attract attention to this sneaky censorship attempt and shut it down. If for no other reason than to knock the smug look off of Charles McVety, who claims he influenced the bill's uptake.

Ew.

smell the coffee: country style piggybacks tim hortons

2008-02-28T15:51:00.004-05:00

Off Redflagdeals:

Here's a clever little freebie from Country Style, the Ontario coffee chain: March 3-9, bring in a losing Tim Horton's Roll Up The Rim cup and get a free medium coffee.

Now, finally, every cup of Tim Horton's will be a Roll Up The Rim Winner -- whether it's a winner at Tim Horton's or the Coffee Style down the street. (Here's a store locator for you, so you know where to turn in your cups.)

Now this is smart! I haven't had Country Style coffee in years, but I may just try it for this promotion!

ohmygodobamaislikethebesteverriiiiiiiight?

2008-02-25T11:49:00.004-05:00

Of course, if Canadian politicians had a fraction of his charisma, our impending election might be more interesting.

sex and the city: does big die?

2008-02-24T16:08:00.004-05:00

Having watched the trailer of the Sex and the City film (again and again)—and full well knowing that the producers have created some dream sequences or something to throw off audiences—I can't help but wonder if Big bites the big one?

All of Big's scenes are pre-wedding and, instead of Carrie getting jolted, maybe Big gets hurt—say, an accident involving his poor heart, maybe? The only post-wedding shot of Big in the trailer is when he's in the white closet holding the shoe: very dead-finance daydream, no?

I guess what also set my mind off was when Miranda and Carrie are shopping for Hallowe'en costumes, they're both in black. The ladies in the series almost never wear black altogether, except when Miranda's mother passed away. It may seem a leap for them to wear funeral gear at a costume shop, but in the SATC world, it's not impossible.

I'm not sure how much Chris Noth wanted to be involved in the film and having his character pass away would surely free up his time and give Carrie some conflict for the film. I definitely liked his character, but the more I think about it, the more it seems likely. Having Big cutting and running seems too easy.

Also, it's how Carrie is able to hire a personal assistant, played by Jennifer Hudson. Big bequeaths money to Carrie, which solves her financial problems, and she can get some extra help.

What do you think? Are you ready for the return of Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon (who looks incredible), Kristen Davis, and Kim Cattrall? Are you amazed that the women look as young as when the series ended? And, is the movie the end for Big?

UPDATE: See my new post on the Sex and the City film.

kinda cool vid

2008-02-23T15:35:00.001-05:00

Sounds like role-playing music, no?

full sex and the city trailer out!

2008-02-22T14:57:00.001-05:00

Click here to see it now. If the frenzy for it has dimmed at all, it'll rebound with this !

rep-stravaganza: revue, fox, cinematheque, bloor, oh my!

2008-02-21T11:34:00.004-05:00

My series of posts on rep cinemas is coming to an end. Today marks the 4th post and looks at how Cinematheque Ontario works and if that could work for rep cinemas. Tomorrow will be a post about the Bloor and a conclusion to the series. To read more about Toronto's rep theatres, head over to Torontoist.

UPDATE: The series, a whopping 3,300+ words, is done! Check it out!

obay ads confirmed: ontario colleges behind it

2008-02-21T11:29:00.002-05:00

Torontoist confirms that it is Ontario Colleges behind the ads. I'm interested to see how much of this attention will translate into awareness and action for Ontario Colleges.

Even better question: how much more biting the social commentary could have been if it had been a different organization? Because teens today are pretty zombified as it stands, Obay or not—and the drug of choice is, of course, Facebook (aside from real drugs).

MORE analysis here.

queen street on fire

2008-02-20T10:53:00.002-05:00

Duke's Cycle and Suspect Video are said to be gone; many of the businesses there were in historic buildings. Let's hope a condo doesn't go up. Boo.

Great pictures at Torontoist. More coverage here, here, and here.

bea and the city

2008-02-18T18:25:00.002-05:00

Oh, Bea Arthur. You make me pee in my pants in this "Sex and the City" parody.

who's behind the obay drug ads? torontoist looks into obay ads.

2008-02-16T15:01:00.005-05:00

Across the city, ads for Obay have appeared on buses, shelters, and radio. Tongue firmly in cheek, they purport to be for a drug that silences children's independently thinking and allows parents to instead shape their children's goals and beliefs to match their own.

Though not Cloverfield in size of hype, there is some buzz about the ads. (If you haven't seen the ads, click here to check out the Torontoist post.) Clearly, the ads are satirical, because they claim Obay is from the makers of "WhyBecauseIToldYouSo"-not to be confused with the bad Mandy Moore flick. It's a tip-off that this ad isn't anti-pharmaceutical. (If it was, the drug would have been brought to you by something like "ADDictedica.")

Instead, Torontoist writer Jonathan Goldsbie wonders if the ads are an effort by Ontario Colleges. If it's true, then it plays on the idea that college helps form our belief system through education and exposure to new ideas. (I always thought higher learner was just a pressure cooker to help prepare students for real-world working conditions. I probably did learn a thing or two too while I was there.) I'm not sure if this would be the angle I'd take if I were Ontario Colleges: pitting children against parents and getting wrapped up in the Big Pharma debate to boot. If anything, family gives us a background on where we come from and the traditions that inform our ancestry. Saying that one (higher learning) replaces the other (familial beliefs) rubs me as bad PR.

Also, let's give parents the benefit of the doubt. Don't most parents try to do what's best for their children, including instill the values they hold dear. The creators of the ads may not agree, but creating a connection between teaching your children and the use of pharmaceuticals is a big leap. Yes, some parents may use pharmaceuticals incorrectly to pacify their children (if that's what this ad is about.) But how does this ad further that argument in a meaningful way?

Now if the ads were about whacked out hockey dads, soccer moms, and pageant parents trying to live vicariously through their kids and how eduction will set you free from these loonie bins, well, it's still not the clearest key message, but at least it's funnier.

love online

2008-02-14T15:29:00.002-05:00

The Globe and Mail has a story on online dating. Basically, it's a cash cow.

Why? Because online dating requires little to no commitment (say "goodbye" with a single click) and provides great visibility of what's out there. Fugs can check out the hotties with little, if any, fear of rejection.

Online dating may make meeting people better. If only it could make the people themselves better.

cosmotv snore...

2008-02-14T07:52:00.008-05:00

CosmoTV starts today. From the ads, the channel seems to play "Sex and the City" and fav chick flicks like "Clueless" ad nauseum. Oh, and some reality show trying to find hot men. (Most likely inspired by the magazine. The website actually has a tab called "guy without his shirt" and "shirtless sweethearts." Uh-huh.) Wow, this channel is gayer than OUTtv.

Photo via the Cosmopolitan website.

will vitamin d kill you?

2008-02-14T07:33:00.002-05:00

The answer: maybe. Any supplement may help, may hurt. But the debate about the safe dosage of supplements is nicely examined in this CBC article. My doctor friend says a multivitamin is more than enough. Taking vitamin D, fish oils, zinc, and so on, are not really necessary, she says.

Of course, strong discussion is the key to sorting out a consensus: aren't toxicity levels where the harm outweighs the benefit? Read up here and here in the Boston Globe.

The biggest issue is the causality of vitamin D deficiency. Does disease cause a deficiency, or does the deficiency cause disease? Until this is definitively sorted out, taking vitamin D will be for most a matter of piece of mind.

inspirational quote of the day

2008-02-14T07:31:00.001-05:00

So, apparently, the Inglis sign recycles quotes. Eileen has seen some before. That makes me sad.

Today's:

Children have more need/of models than critics

posh spices up spamalot

2008-02-13T12:42:00.003-05:00

Via Defamer er... via Huffington Post:

Spamalot is changing the lyrics in a song ("Diva's Lament") to omit a reference to Britney, instead taking a jab at Posh Spice. It's a nice gesture considering Britney's current situation and also makes it more current.

Before:

"I am sick of my career

Always stuck in second gear

Up to here with frustration and with fears

I've no Grammy no rewards

I've no Tony Awards

I'm constantly replaced by Britney Spears

Britney Spears!"

Is now:

"My love life is a mess

I've got constant PMS

My career is about as hot as ice

They hate me there backstage

They say I'm too old for my age

They're trying to replace me with Posh Spice

With Posh Spice!!"

i missed you

2008-02-12T15:58:00.000-05:00

Found this off Mashable.com:

Kizmeet is all over the missed connections. Too bad it looks pretty neglected. I guess Craigslist and Now Toronto are top of the hill on this.

city looks outside, realizes ice is cheap

2008-02-11T11:29:00.000-05:00

The Star reports:

After a public uproar last week over proposed fee increases of more than 20 per cent, Toronto is now looking at a five per cent hike to rent the city's soccer, pools and ice rinks.

Thank god. Now I can keep on drinking Venti Choco-mocha-latta-gold-flake-encrusted lattes, driving my mondo SUV, picking up the 32Gb iPod Touch, while watching my 42" plasma with HD-DVD. (I know, I know, poor people rent facilities. But the "wants" of yesterday have become the "needs" of today, no?)

brr... it's cold in here

2008-02-11T11:25:00.001-05:00

Must be some Torontonians in the atmosphere? (Is a "Bring It On" reference way too old?)

like a bad dream: nortel over 7 years

2008-02-11T11:10:00.000-05:00

-96%! Yikes. Around the same time, the iPod came out. If you'd put $400 into Apple stock instead of having a clunky useless first-gen iPod, you'd have about 45 Apple shares... worth almost $9,000 at the end of 2007. Or, if you'd caught RIM, $400 US would have landed you 150 shares worth almost $18,000 (!) by the end of 2007.

haiku of the week

2008-02-09T12:55:00.001-05:00

Friends went to Circa
Danced with fierce drag queens all night
New path for Richmond?

Photo via Rollin and Scratchin.

inspirational quote of the day

2008-02-08T15:35:00.001-05:00

As always, via the Inglis billboard:

It's never the wrong time/ to do the right thing

Wait... does that mean that there's no time limit to rectify a situation by doing the right thing? Or is it saying "Don't be lazy/scared and procrastinate doing the right thing. You can do it!" Hmm...

queen's park punctuation spark

2008-02-08T12:30:00.001-05:00

The government wasting taxpayers' money. No f-r-e-a-k-i-n-g way! It's like snow in Toronto. (Whoa!)

W.h.y d.i.d t.h.i.s h.a.v.e t.o. g.o. t.o t.h.e m.e.d.i.a? Didn't the MPP have something better to do with his time?

walk and talk

2008-02-08T12:19:00.000-05:00

CBC reports that scientists at Simon Fraser University have led a team to the creation of a knee brace that can covert walking into electricity. The energy generated is enough to power small electronic devices like cell phones or iPods.

...in the immediate future, he sees it being used to help power medical devices such as prosthetic limbs or implants such as pacemakers or neurotransmitters. He says those devices in the future could be implanted alongside the energy harvester.

Prototypes for a vehicle using the same technology are being created. A first peek below:

weight loss challenge #3: new (chinese) year, no resolutions

2008-02-08T12:08:00.001-05:00

I've been fairly careful to not over-post on the weight loss challenge. Once a month isn't dangerous though, eh? Since starting, I've "lost" about 7 pounds (read why it isn't actually seven pounds) and that seems normal to me. I've started eating five small meals a day. I get out more. I'm probably also ditching the weight from holiday binging.

The trend line now has me reaching my goal by week 11. Nope, this won't happen. It doesn't really account for the logarithmic nature of weight loss. As the weeks go on, the values will keep minimizing. I expect to reach it by week 14 or 15. The trendline is amusing though: if it were true, then by week 18 I'd become one of those ridiculously androgynous skinny Asians. Yikes!

inspirational quote of the day

2008-02-07T21:32:00.000-05:00

From the Inglis billboard:

A successful person/is an ordinary person/focused

Ahh...

happy year of the rat!

2008-02-07T11:38:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! Find some helpful New Year tips at Torontoist!

inspirational quote of the day

2008-02-06T09:08:00.001-05:00

From the Inglis Billboard on the Gardiner:

The most wasted/ of all days is/ one without laughter.

savoury for you

2008-02-05T16:57:00.001-05:00

Preserved Snacks

Preserved snacks play a large role in Chinese junk food. Most Canadians are familiar with beef jerky, but less with preserved calamari and cuttlefish. Seafood is preserved either in a sweet peppery sauce (similar to jerky) or dried. Dried cuttlefish is chewy and a little spicy, but mostly tastes like MSG. Yum! While the seafood jerky can be sticky and messy to eat, the dried seafood can be eaten anywhere: it's even sold as a concession at the cinemas!

In addition to seafood, preserved plums and ginger are snacked on too. The preserved food comes in sweet, salty, spicy, or pickled varieties and is sold either prepackaged or, more traditionally, from large glass jars. The fruit and blossoms of a plum tree are culturally significant for their beauty and play into many of the Chinese myths and legends. Ginger, a mainstay in Chinese cuisine, is eaten not only for its spicy taste, but also for its medicinal purposes, such as reducing nausea and helping to combat colds and coughs.

Potato Chips

While the West loves condiments-inspired potato chips, like ketchup, sour cream, and salt and vinegar, the East prefers more carnal flavours such as shrimp, chicken, and, amazingly, gyoza (Japanese dumplings). The Chinese have traditionally made chips from rice flour rather than potatoes.

The most popular are shrimp chips (also known as prawn chips), served alone or with chicken during celebrations such as weddings and for the New Year. The chips, which can be coloured red, yellow, and green, start dehydrated, but expand when placed in hot oil. Shrimp chips are crunchier than potato chips and have an interesting crackling texture on the tongue, similar to Pop Rocks. The chips are best fresh and don't taste the same out of a bag. Instead, try shrimp crackers, which are less greasy, but as tasty as the original chips.

If only Canadian chip makers could follow this lead. Imagine flavours like fried chicken, maple and salmon, or deep-fried Mars Bar? We guess chili and garlic chips are a start.

hot joints to rock it to

2008-02-05T12:43:00.000-05:00

Missy knows how to knock your socks off.

Jay-Z knocks the rest off.

winner winner winner

2008-02-05T12:14:00.000-05:00

I've announced the winner for my Free Spice Girls Tickets Contest!

Congratulations!

two tongues

2008-02-04T17:21:00.000-05:00

Sitting in a café in Montreal, I don't understand most of what's being said. I already knew that would be the case, but it doesn't make it any less disappointing. Why isn't French mandatory until students are 18? Learning a second language has practical uses (aside from Quebec, it can be used in parts of Nova Scotia, Belgium, Switzerland and, of course, in France). In addition, learning a new language enables the brain as well.

Did we have two official languages as a compromise? How stronger would our work force be with an automatic bilingualism? We're not living in the 1900s anymore where learning a new language is seen as some infringement on our identities. If we want to be global, we have to communicate in more and in better ways. Businessmen are already learning Spanish and Chinese to compete in the new economy. With two languages under our belts, it'd be that much easier to say, "Pourquoi pas une autre?"

more pre-concert fun

2008-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

He really can't stand them. He's in hell. Me? Laughing like hell.

unamused security at spice girls

2008-01-31T23:58:00.000-05:00

To the right, a security man who clearly didn't need to hear the Spice Girls twice. To the left, girls who with enough beer thinks they're the Spice Girls.

8:15 no spice girls yet

2008-01-31T20:14:00.001-05:00

The security looks pretty tired of dealing with the girls here... Haha.

at the spice girls in montreal

2008-01-31T19:39:00.000-05:00

So far, it's girls and gays here. Oh, and the poor fathers dragged here by their daughters.

the more humane way to travel?

2008-01-31T12:22:00.001-05:00

On the train to Montreal and I just realized we're stopping 7 times before we arrive. Pas de probleme, I guess, since at least I'm not taking the bus. (The scenery is also nicer than if I were on the bus or plane.)

The train is half the price of flying and doesn't incur the same incidental costs like a taxi to and from the airport. We also arrive 20 minutes before to catch the train, whereas the plane would be at least an hour. As well, there will be no waiting for luggage at the carousel. We're on a slower train, but travelling by train could be as fast as four and a half hours. Including time to get to the aiport, security checks, and luggage time, I wonder how much quicker is flying from Pearson?

The train isn't perfect though. Seating should be assigned. Otherwise, double seats are taken over by just one single traveller, as if we're on the TTC. Also, electrical outlets would be appreciated. Five hours on a train goes by easier with laptop use or not having to worry about an iPod going dead. Finally, wi-fi is too pricey. Four bucks for fifteen minutes? Give me a break. Five bucks for the train ride, tops. I guarantee usage would go up. Then again, without outlets, I guess there's no use.

Everyone on the train do seem calmer though. No frantic pressure to keep you entertained, like on a plane. No canned fish freaking out, like on a bus. If it could drop to 100 for a round trip, I might take the train to Montreal once a month, just to get away now and then. I'd consider it therapy, and money well spent.

UPDATE: The return train had outlets against the train wall-covered by the brown paper throw up bags. It's still kinda cramped though to use.

victor's finds, part 4

2008-01-30T12:35:00.000-05:00

12:20 PM Victor: do you remember my proposition that all my intelligent female friends should bear at least 10 children?

this is why

12:21 PM me: we should invent the octo-womb

12:22 PM me: to allow smart women to have multiple babies on the go!

12:23 PM Victor: I am both vindicated and alarmed

help me spread the message!

12:24 PM me: yes, yes, it'll go up as Victor's Finds #4

If only God had found a way to combine pleasure and reproduction. Sigh.

social networking sites do not deepen friendships

2008-01-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

This article in the Guardian notes:

Social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace do not help you make more genuine close friends, according to a survey by researchers who studied how the websites are changing the nature of friendship networks.
Although social networking on the internet helps people to collect hundreds or even thousands of acquaintances, the researchers believe that face to face contact is nearly always necessary to form truly close friendships.

Duh.

weird google hits for jaime woo

2008-01-29T13:52:00.001-05:00

Googling yourself is a healthy pastime. It doesn't make you go blind... unless you stare at the screen too closely, I guess. But it can yield odd results.

Webcrawling bots from random fake websites will search the web, usually hunting for specific tags or keywords without rhyme or reason, for articles to automatically add to the site. It means something that I write for Torontoist will end up linked or copied all over the web and often make no sense.

For example, the post I wrote on quitting smoking was picked up by one of these sites, except the bot attributed my name to someone else's article. It's nice to see which genuine sites are picking up on Torontoist posts, but these fake websites are essentially Google Adsense pit holes, similar to the ones you see when you misspell a URL.

On a random note, did you know there's another Jaime Woo in BC? We're so awesome, we need Jaime Woos at each coast. Otherwise, a lot of hits end up people adding the phrase "wooooo!" after the name Jaime. Ick.

best wedding dance ever?

2008-01-29T13:08:00.001-05:00

Ah, the performance of a lifetime:

Don't you love when "real people" act? The half-smirking, "gee, what's going on here" looks are my guilty pleasure. It's like when I catch Chris and John to the Rescue.

PS. How did I scoop Victor on getting this video?

rohit's musical showcase, edition three: tokyo police club

2008-01-29T08:35:00.000-05:00

Rohit just sent me an email to check out uber-awesome band "Tokyo Police Club." TPC are four guys who hail from Newmarket and are acquiring a load of buzz. See CBC naming them a band to watch in 2008.

Watch on, with two videos off Youtube for "Nature of the Experiment" and "Your English is Good."

Nature of the Experiment:

Your English is Good:

cbc news doing a great job

2008-01-28T14:08:00.001-05:00

I know news outlets tend to circle around the same stories, but so many great stories that I see come from CBC News first. Then, days later, the Star will come out with a similar article.

Example: I plucked this article off CBC on gay men and organ donation from the 7th. The Star wrote about it two days later.

Then, I saw on CBC that Australians were being warned that Canada was dangerous from the 15th. The Globe wrote about it a week and a half later. So did CTV News.

Bravo to the CBC News team! I know as a blogger where to first look for issues that matter.

amazing but true

2008-01-28T13:05:00.000-05:00

Ahh... after weeks of non-confidence in our dollar, it's almost done its climbs towards parity. But the Canadian dollar has not always been consolidated. I found this off Wikipedia:

Newfoundland issued its own currency until joining Confederation in 1949, although the value of the Newfoundland dollar was adjusted in 1895 to make it equal to the Canadian dollar.

Reminding ourselves of how close the past really is is surreal. Sometimes, the idea of an independent Quebecois dollar is scoffed at, but, 60 years ago, Newfoundland used its own currency!

Photo by SqueakyMarmot

conserve your water, conserve your wallet

2008-01-28T09:32:00.001-05:00

The Star reports how municipalities are hurting in revenue because people are conserving on water use.

"Toronto alone is facing about $800 million worth of repair and replacement work, since half of the city's water mains and 30 per cent of its sewer pipes are more than 50 years old. But last year, total revenue was only $604 million."

However, consider this fact from a Maclean's article on bottled water: "Canadians spent $652.7 million on bottled water that year, consuming 1.9 billion litres, 60 litres per capita..."

Bottled water in PET bottles in the home makes no sense where there is perfectly good water running through the tap. If people gave up bottled water and went back to tap water, win-win, baby.

Photo by shrff14

gimme shelter

2008-01-28T09:05:00.001-05:00

Take your monthly income. Multiply it by 0.3. Now compare it to your monthly rental or mortgage payment. If it's higher than 30% of your monthly income, you are above the affordable range for the shelter cost-to-income ratio. Don't worry though, according to CBC, 3 in 10 Canadians are above this ratio. Sadly, the lack of affordable housing means many of the 3 in 10 Canadians are low income earners.

I have no idea if the ratio depends on pre- or post-tax income. However, I'm sure the remainder are middle-class folks who are living beyond their means, regardless of how it's calculated. Now, if only someone could make a handbag and shoes ratio for girls.

the free spice girls tickets contest begins!

2008-01-27T21:31:00.000-05:00

Alright, at the stroke of midnight, I'm opening up entries for the free Spice Girls tickets in NYC. (What? Did I really say I'm giving them away. YES SIR!) Full deets @ http://freespicegirlstickets.blogspot.com/

$400 beer, why not?

2008-01-25T14:07:00.001-05:00

Take that $20,000 coffee. Here's $400 beer. But you know what they say: after a couple of $400 beers, it all just tastes like water.

Speaking of which: next up, $7,000 bottled water (rumoured to be filtered from Steve Jobs's tears).

streetcar maps

2008-01-25T13:41:00.000-05:00

The TTC is terrible with information. For example, you can find bus times on the website, but you'll have no idea how long that bus ride will take you. It's such an easy piece of information to add, yet the TTC won't do it. (My dream is still to get displays of upcoming train and streetcar times, so I'll know whether to walk or wait 155 minutes for the next Carlton streetcar.)

At least there are lots of civilians willing to make things better. Spacing.ca has found two awesome subway maps that also incorporate streetcar routes--much, much, more informative.

Maybe, just, maybe, we'll soon get on Google Transit.

overheard at work

2008-01-25T13:40:00.001-05:00

"what happened? it was so weird. the rubber just wrapped around the shaft."

Cue me, hiding in my office, trying not to laugh.

science + writing?

2008-01-24T08:26:00.000-05:00

Off Script Medical (Give it a go!):

Dear Friends

January 24th is Hug-A-Writer Day!

This year, to celebrate Canada's newest annual holiday, SCRIPT is announcing a new writing award – The SCRIPT Award. This new annual writing prize for scientists and healthcare professionals offers $1,000 for the best 100-word "Mini Epic".

If you have a healthcare qualification or a postgraduate science degree (or are enrolled in a postgraduate science degree) you are eligible to enter. Remember, the prize is $1,000 for just 100 words. Give it a go! Closing date: April 30, 2008.

Please click here to learn more about The SCRIPT Award!: www.hugawriter.com/holidaygreeting-2008.html

Have a happy Hug-A-Writer Day!

With best regards,

Helen Leask, Nancy Lazar and the SCRIPT team

$20,000 cup of coffee?

2008-01-23T13:56:00.000-05:00

New York Times has an article on some high-end coffee. Called siphon coffee, the expensive java is a form of brewed coffee that tastes different than drip-based coffee or espresso.

“Siphon coffee is very delicate,” he said. “It’s sweeter and juicier, and the flavors change as the temperature changes. Sometimes it has a texture so light it’s almost moussey.”

It's also got some fancy equipment:

The cafe has the only halogen-powered model in the United States, and getting it here required years of elliptical discussions with its importer, Jay Egami of the Ueshima Coffee Company.

Can't you already hear the java snobs salivating?

no money mo problems

2008-01-21T14:22:00.000-05:00

In lieu of the stock market going to hell, I will have to find new sources of income. Besides being an assistant and a freelance writer, I will have to revive my hopes of becoming a one-hit wonder. Now, only if I could make the most derivative song ever. But it has to be slightly dirty, but not really. Hmm... And the title has to rhyme well. Well, not always.

Alright, here goes.

Every morning, I get up.
And I don't know how it'll be.
Will I face a terrible day?
Sad or happy?

Waking up, without you near,
It's no way to be, in fear.
Will I have a possible day?
Go or shoulda stay?

But then I reach up to my counter, and I start to feel your power, and the hand strikes the ninth hour...
I find my caffeine

CHORUS
You're hot in my mug
I'll never get enough
And without you it's so rough (so tough)
You warm me up inside
Each and every time
I'm so hooked
You're my caffeine!!!

You're the chemical
That gets me through the day
You're the stimulant
That makes me feel okay

Chorus out

Alright, alright. That's all I got. What are your bad one-hit wonder lyrics?

urbana coffee now, what's next?

2008-01-18T15:20:00.000-05:00

The excitement over Urbana Coffee (above) is definitely well-deserved. From a service and useability point-of-view, I don't think Urbana can be beat.

Even better is the fact that Toronto is filled with great coffee shops waiting to be discovered. I hear there are lots of places for people who love the creme de la creme of coffee. First, there's Manic on College, which was featured in Maclean's for selling a $15 cup of coffee (from an exclusive lot, no less). Second, there's Ezra's Pound on Dupont, which I hear good things about. Finally, I also hear amazing things about Balzac's Coffee in the Distillery.

There were a lot of coffee fanatics at Torontoist and I'd love to hear their opinions on these fine establishments. Coffee royale!

victor's finds, part 3

2008-01-18T14:45:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love "We Are The World?" It's cheesy, it's sentimental, and now... it's back for your enjoyment care of Victor. He is the world. Isn't he?

i heart tina fey long time

2008-01-18T12:49:00.000-05:00

And Amy Poehler, too, of course. Just watch the two in "Baby Mama," which looks smart, funny, and refreshingly free of the girly-princess-residue that stains everything since Sex and the City ended.

30 Rock just ended its season and I'm in Tina Fey withdrawal. I think I can watch "Mean Girls" again though as a fix since the loveliness of Rachel McAdams cancels out the mehness of Lindsay Lohan.

Dreamer time: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Rachel McAdams, and SJP... all in one movie. Oh, and add Amy Sedaris. (And maybe Sarah Silverman?)

bad, place, bad #2

2008-01-18T11:51:00.000-05:00

"Bad, Place, Bad" is a series on places I would not live in. Toronto is a renter's market and, at the moment, there are dozens of places opening up daily both good and bad. I like to keep the good ones to myself and share the bad ones.

Look out, bargain hunters! There is now the "least expensive room" available for just... $225!

The listing has the mysterious description of: "Special offer of a smaller room for exceptional students. Email for further details."

Now, the room is in North York, so we have to discount our expectations. However, $225 sounds like a closet space to me. Or at least, the small room with the water heater in it. Or maybe the room already has a person in it? My mind is spinning with ideas of what this room could look like...

Anyone else have any ideas?

little italy citizens complain about noise, crime

2008-01-18T11:06:00.000-05:00

Sample complaint:

PERSON 1: It's too loud!
PERSON 2: WHAT?
PERSON 1: I said, it's too loud!!!
PERSON 2: NOOOO, I live here.
PERSON 1: WHAT?
PERSON 2: WHAT?
PERSON 1: I said... ah, never mind.
PERSON 2: Sorry, it's too loud!
PERSON 3: Me like pouting!

less aid to aids?

2008-01-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

CBC is reporting that experts on AIDS are suggesting reducing the amount spent on combating the disease directly and instead focusing on external, indirect causes, such as cleaner water and better sanitation. AIDS activists counter by saying that progress will be lost.

Balance is the key in this issue. Money must go to prevention, education, treatment, and research of AIDS. However, if a large part could be solved by increasing the quality of life, then the money should go there--especially since an increased quality of life would also decrease other problems like malnutrition and the spread of malaria.

Alas, this argument works for any disease. If we all ate better, exercised more, drank more water, and controlled our stress levels, surely the cases of heart disease, stroke, and cancer would go down. But instead, we prefer to deal with a problem only when it's too late and funnel millions (billions?) of dollars in cures, when prevention would cost a fraction of that amount.

lazy and the city: the satc movie poster

2008-01-17T18:17:00.000-05:00

Via Perez Hilton: The poster is lazy.

The pun is lousy.

What's with the photoshopped picture of SJP? Especially the TERRIBLE shadow behind her.

Tell me this is a fake.

Remember the better DVD covers? Or the posters that came out with her with a big flower? Or this picture from the book? Or this cute pic of SJP?

What the hell is wrong with New Line? Do they assume that since people will come anyway, they might as well dole out shit?

post 18 up at toist

2008-01-17T14:10:00.001-05:00

Number 18 is on how to quit smoking. Who wants to buy me a drink at 20?

quick picks

2008-01-17T12:09:00.000-05:00

Quick restaurant reviews:

Izakaya
Recommendation: Sector Perform.
Target: 2 - 3 times a year.

Well-prepared, tasty Japanese food for those wanting a change from the all-you-can-eat sushi circuit. Friendly service and a convenient location (Front and Church) are worth noting. Lacks the variety and rowdiness of an authentic izakaya. $40 for dinner for two. (Pictured.)

Ginger
Recommendation: Sector Perform.
Target: 12 - 15 times a year.

Quick, light Vietnamese and Thai food at an affordable price. The menu is tastier than similar items at Spring Rolls and you won't wait nearly as long to get eating. Decor is utilitarian, but clean. Note: Church and Wellesley location. $15 for dinner for two.

Kokyo Sushi
Recommendation: Sector Perform.
Target: 1 - 2 times a year.

Set near a sushi clusterfuck (Yonge and Alexander), it takes a lot to stand out from the pack. Kokyo Sushi has the standard menu with strong value (dinner included soup, seaweed salad, rolls and sushi, and a tempura platter) and the food is comparable to nearby sushi joints. Tempura was heavy on batter and the eel and fish were tasteless: perhaps, intentioned more as a way to use up supplies than to provide variety. $30 for dinner for two.

initiating: restaurant reviews

2008-01-17T11:45:00.000-05:00

I eat a lot. Like a lot.

I love trying new restaurants and take pleasure in food. Again, a lot. (Think "When Harry Met Sally.") My reviews will be simple and to the point.

A brief gives a 25 word summary, including my rating and a target. (Targets refer to the times per year I'd go. Quality and popularity don't always go hand-in-hand.) And then, a longer review to expand on the dishes I tried and decor, service, and ambience of the restaurant. Finally, thoughts will provide a final take on the resto.

Here's a guide to the ratings:

SECTOR OUTPERFORM: Well-thought out and executed food, decor, service, and ambience. Must try.

SECTOR PERFORM: As expected food, decor, service, and ambience. Go if you're in the area.

SECTOR UNDERPERFORM: Poorly executed food, decor, service, and ambience. Avoid.

go, monkey, go!

2008-01-17T11:05:00.001-05:00

Monkeys in the States control robots in Japan with their minds. Being able to transmit neural signals into robotic movement is a huge development. It has surgical uses, prosthetic uses, and just plain cool ESP uses. (Screw "Clap on, clap off." Just think it. Ooooh. How smooth would it be to be on a date and have the lights dim and the music turn up just by thinking it?)

So that's what Cloverfield is about.