Nothing, and I mean nothing, raises my ire like huge, fibreglass animals. I'm still recovering from the bear fiasco of several summers ago, and just as I feel my equilibrium returning I'm confronted with life-sized kitsch in the shape of a "majestic" bald eagle.
I get it, it's for charity, but seriously, I'm much more inclined to give money when it doesn't involve some kind of ridiculous metaphorical interpretation of "the Bald Eagle soaring through the skies of the West Coast". The Lions website promises me that this ill-conceived effort is a trilogy, and I can only hope that they mean it and these eagles will be the last time the city is overrun with multi-coloured beasts.
My sensibilities were so offended I couldn't even muster the energy to take a picture to share with the group.
Crap. Pretty sure we'll have more on this awful art blight on our city as it develops. Remember the Spirit Bears Rant of 2006? (and here) My mind is still being blown by the Trevor Linden eagle.
If I had $2.3 million lying around I'd be damn sure buying this rad house from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Technically that sad sack Cameron lived here, but the house was amazing - not as amazing as Ferris Bueller's leather jacket and sweater vest, but cool nevertheless. Actually makes me interested in real estate for a change - could be that it is just because it doesn't look like a Yaletown box apartment.
And remember, "A: You can never go too far. B: If I'm gonna get busted, it is *not* gonna be by a guy like *that*."
I SO want to be about a 6-pack in on this stuff right about now. Steven Seagal is such a genius. When is Tarantino going to turn this guy's career around? It's like seeing the future redemption of Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler all over again. If Travolta can be redeemed after Look Who's Talking anything is possible. (via Graham)
Kind of maybe, sort of, wish I was in this commercial rather than back from vacation today. Although the temperature is much more my style. Bravo Vancouver. You win.
Must. Have. One. Of. These. Now. This also introduces a concept: That there may be other well designed pieces of tech without an Apple or Wii sticker on them. SHOCK. "It's a crazy, unexpected piece of hardware, so thin and light that the press photos don't really do it justice." (Via Gizmodo)
This phrase almost doesn't compute. Bad ass french gangsters. This Mesrine movie, the second part actually, based on true events looks like a French Godfather. Coming to our shores this summer.
That Magritte reminded me how much I enjoy seeing the 1999 version of The Thomas Crown Affair - and especially the opening few scenes. Such a fun movie.
Steve McQueen and Peggy Moffitt giving cheers before they get into the car and be more fabulous. This is the dictionary definition of the word cool. That is all.
Diane Kruger is stunning. Absolutely stunning, even if Quentin Tarantino and his foot fetish is being all creepy and she is dating Pacey Whitter. Enjoyed her along for the ride in the National Treasure movies and can't wait to see her in Inglorious Basterds.
It's really too bad magazines are going out of business all the time these days, and maybe that is because they aren't doing covers like this anymore. Stunning. (via Butdoesitfloat)
Speaking of Amy Adams here she is again in the upcoming Julie & Julia. Another movie, to add to State of Play, that features blogging. If anyone wants to make a movie, call me. Julia Child was all around amazing, so might be worth checking out. (via Kottke)
Enough said? Maybe not. But Grace Kelly is what glamor and movie stars are really all about. I could watch her in Rear Window and High Society a million times. Eat your heart out Julia Roberts. Bonus Mika for the playlist.
Hopefully about now I've had about three liters of banana gelato - the good kind, that's all awful and grey looking but tastes so good you almost die. It's been over 15 years some I've had some in Rome. Anyway, Why did Rome fall? Here are 210 reasons from Der Fall Roms (1984)
I remember these as a kid. They are wicked old buildings.
"BC Hydro in Vancouver, Canada, owns a couple of truly spectacular (almost gothic) abandoned hydroelectric power stations, with decorations more befitting a 5-star hotel than an industrial complex. Built in 1903 at a staggering cost of $1,300,000 (quite a lot of money back then) and operated until 1964, they stand guard on the river - still very elegant, with a whiff of haunted electricity inside." (via Dark Roasted Blend)
Can you even believe that this was a thing? Max Headroom selling Coke. Still don't really get what sort of weird futuredom this was supposed to live up to. Either way, a bizarre cultural artifact from the 1980s.
Kind of wish it was going to have Shatner and look like the above, but the new JJ Abrams Star Trek looks awesome! While we are at, and in the spirit, you have to watch this amazing Star Trek IV scene where original Scotty hacks his way into a sweet old Mac (PS: Deforrest Kelly was the bomb in this movie - look at that outfit. Also Star Trek IV is 23 years old. OMG). Oh, and how about Shatner singing Pulp's Common People all to the visuals of the animated series. So good.
I seriously doubt that my flight will be as awesome as this one would have been. But lets face it, at least I flew KLM and not Air Canada. As Indiana Jones would say, "I hate those guys". FTW.
But seriously, really hoping the trip is a lot like a Steve Zissou adventure, directed by Wes Anderson, minus the sharks and pirates and stuff. (via Dunechaser)
"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go on an overnight drunk, and in 10 days I'm going to set out to find the shark that ate my friend and destroy it. Anyone who wants to tag along is more than welcome."
Graham reports that this "band is gonna blow up." After hearing the song a few times, I can't disagree that We Were Promised Jet Packs are gonna be big after watching this.
New Bacardi ad is pretty cool trip through the past, because as the ads states, since 1862 the best Mojitos are made with Bacardi. Not sure that is true, but the spot is nice.
How could this not be a winning strategy? God I love BC. This is the new face of communism in BC. They are loveable Commies. Without beards! Here's leader George Gidora articulating his party (read two candidates) vision:
"We stand for public ownership of resources to create jobs and build environmentally sustainable industries. As unemployment skyrockets, British Columbians need a provincial government that will demand changes to the federal Employment Insurance system by extending higher benefits to all jobless workers. We call for a $15 minimum wage and full Labour Code protection for all workers; massive improvements in public transit and a one-dollar fare for the Vancouver region; reversal of Liberal tax breaks for the rich; adequate funding for education and health; strict rent controls and construction of 5,000 new low income housing units annually; a ban on raw log exports; an end to moves to privatize B.C. Hydro and our rivers; full public oversight of police forces; recognition of aboriginal title to unceded territories; and full social equality and human rights for all who live in our province."
Suicide Blonde finds this bit of amazing: "‘Passive Aggressive Anger Release Machine’ is an interactive sculpture by Yarisal and Kublitz. Experience the most satisfying feeling when a piece of china breaks into million pieces."
I could use one of these around the home and office.
Tomorrow starts 2009 Election early voting. The only question is who to vote for. Actually, not really much of a question for me, but why do the candidates in my riding have to dress exactly the same. It's creepy. And it's the 2nd time these bitches are going head-to-head. It's the doctor versus the account manager in a gloves off street fight. Lets get ready to rumble. (via Moar Internetz)
Last time, in the 2008 by-election, Jenn McGinn (at right) took home 46% while Margaret MacDiarmid (at left) followed up with 40%. Distant third was Green leader Jane Sterk (she's running elsewhere this time. Back in 2005 Gregor "Juice" Robertson got 46% FTW. And back in 2001 Gary Farrell-Collins won this one big time with 55% (he also won it in 1996). Before that the riding was NDP. So Vancouver-Fairview has a little history of being, well, all over the place. How a place votes for both Gregor Robertson and Gary Farrell-Collins is beyond me - pick a side you sickos. Ah, typical BC politics. Glorious isn't it? It's like student council with more money and worse outfits.
Can't wait to be riding the train in Italy later this week. I know, smug right? Anyways, this song is awesome, and reminds me both how awesome the 1998 classic Whit Stillman film The Last Days of Disco was. It cemented Kate Beckinsale as an object of our affection, and featured this 1973 song by the O'Jays. And OMG, Stillman is actually directing his first movie since this with Little Green Men. His first film in 11 years. The man's a genius.
"What the country needs from the opposition is an intellectually serious attempt to rein in unnecessary waste and spending. But the Republicans pissed away their credibility on fiscal conservatism over the past eight years and then monstrously compounded matters this year by leaning on their shovels and generally half-assing their way through the budget debate, saving a few bullets they had left for a fucking estate-tax exemption. Way to take your jobs seriously, you assholes. And you wonder why you lost the White House." - Matt Tiabbi, Rolling Stone.
Enough. Do you have to make everyone on Breakfast Television wear Canucks jersey's this morning? I sort of get the two idiot hosts who aren't shaving either - they clearly don't know any better. But do you have to put the weather girl and traffic girl in them too? Hockey jersey's make girls look awful. No one needs to see that. Poor Dawn Chubai. Honestly if Mark Docherty has one on, I'm going come down there and protest.
Swine flu? What swine flu? We're eating bacon! Jim Gaffigan starts bt talking about about his love of bacon. And we are looking forward to our first "Bacone" of the season.
Pretty awesome McDonald's coffee outdoor advertising stunt from last week. This was at 6th and Yukon and was part of last week's free McDonalds coffee promotion. No wonder Starbuck's is struggling. This was done by some nice folks at Cossette West. Neat. (via MediainCanada)
Ah the Germans. Aren't they awesome. This new billboard ad featuring German chancellor Angela Merkel in her underwear is exactly what Carole James needs to do to push her over the top of Gordon Campbell. Sex it up Carole! The fact that the ad is some sort of dirty underwear exchange program is just, well, gross. (via Ad Freak)
I'm not sure what they put in this Korean Banana Milk, but it must be somethning rad, because it makes a dude pop like he's on So You Think You Can Dance. So good for a Monday.
If there is a place for the most banal and worst sports commentary in the world it must be Twitter. And like a Green party leadership candidate dressed like a hippy and Carole James makeup, I cannot look away:
5. grafinator: @ThatKevinSmith everyone knows the Canucks are going all the way this year. Reach out with the Force and you will feel it.
4. All hope is lost if Joan Rivers is a solution. NucksBandwagon: "Watching Celebrity Apprentice (not sure why). #Canucks should look to Joan Rivers for inspiration. She's a tough and nasty veteran."
3. Already using the game as a way to describe epic failure. jnadiger: "I am the Game 2 Canucks of scriptwriting tonight."
2. Loss triggers long lost Arsenio Hall speculation for no reason whatsoever. benbisset: "is back from Vancouver, disappointed with the canucks and wondering what arsenio hall is doing right now."
1. Sign of future doom/apocolypse. alvinsingh: "Here's hoping the Canucks play more like Carole James on Tuesday and just blow away the competition!" Um, er, awkward.
I'm not exactly sure what debate people we're watching to give James a narrow victory, because all I could think was who did her make up. [Vancouver Sun]
5. It's the economy stupid. Campbell will probably win if this line sticks in people's minds: ""When you're talking about the economy, I think it's fair to ask the question: Why is there not one major employer group in British Columbia - in mining, in tourism, in forestry - that actually supports the New Democrats' policies."
4. The irrelevance of the Green Party and leader Jane Sterk was exposed - as was the leader who looked like an old hippy. Who elected her leader? No wonder they completely ignored her.
3. The set. Who designed that thing? It was a ridiculous set that made city council TV look respectable, kind of like 1960s original Star Trek. Although the countdown graphics were completely awesome.
2. When Gordon Campbell backhanded James on crime and credentials, "Ms. James, you should understand — this is a big job and it is hard to get a handle on it." Say what you will about the man, but this kind of ahole/dick move is kinda awesome.
1. Carole James' make up artist should be working on big-budget Hollywood movies. Did they do Iron Man? This was the political equivalent of Homer Simpson's Make Up Gun, set on the whore setting of course.
"The B.C. Centre for Disease Control yesterday confirmed seven new cases of human swine flu raising the provincial total to 29. The latest group, five under the care of Fraser Health Authority and two living on Vancouver Island, range in age from the teens to mid-50s, and are exhibiting mild symptoms without the need for hospitalization." [24 Hours]
But don't worry, its winding down in a declining phase. Phew, that was close.
Nice to know that in this difficult time of an economic downturn, Nickleback front man Chad Kroeger is still a complete douchebag. He's being sued for allegedly beating a man up outside of the Roxy. Bravo sir. No word yet on whether or not Kroeger will be sued for his criminally awful hair cut as well. [Vancouver Sun]
I was inspired after winning this little guy, Roswell, during a music bingo game Friday. Inspired to hit Main Street and do a little shopping at Voltage. It's such a fun store. And one of the girls working there today was ironically looking like a more punk version of Veronica Mars (which as it turns out comes close to the girl working the front desk at Jack this morning who was pretending to read The Watchman graphic novel when i got my haircut.)
Can someone explain to me why recycling seems to be so difficult for some people?
It's not like I'm an environmentalist wacko or anything, but come on, every time I go to the brutal cement bunker my building has the recycling in, I'm floored by just how, well, awful people are. I think if dumping out your garbage is a more enjoyable experience and less hassle than recycling it that's what people will do. And they do.
Is it so hard to put your plastics together, glass together, and tins together. I mean if I can do it and all. Oh, and all that paper that is all mixed up, that's for paper. Neat huh? But I go in there an it's like people just take the closest bin and drop everything in there. On the other hand, I seriously wonder why can we just do that, just sort everything later - and just dump all recycling together. I'd bet more people would do it. I'd bet you'd triple the amount of recycling. More likely, and like anything if the experience was better, people might actually do it.
If a ticket could inspire your life, would you buy one? Ticket sales for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games open this Wednesday, May 6 at www.vancouver2010.com; prices start at $10 for groups
On the upside, tickets! To inspire your pathetic worthless lives.
If there is a place for the most banal and worst sports commentary in the world it must be Twitter. And like a car wreck and Lindsay Lohan, I cannot look away:
5. Christine Milloy: "woke up with towel arm." That's what she said. "had an awesome time at the #Canucks Game GO VANCOUVER!"
4. Chad Pilkington takes time out from stalking young liberal fresh meat to tweet: "Canucks won Very exciting! I am at Friday at the Convention looking for young Liberals meeting and breakfast, very little time to eat #van09"
3. Mayor Gregor is betting a case of Molsons. MOLSONS? Are you serious juice boy? Richard Loat: "RT @molsonmoffat: Vancouver Mayor betting a case of Molsons. that #Canucks beat B'hawks in 2nd rd of the playoffs."
2. As the Canucks barely slipped through this game, Tim P thanks the heavens, "#Canucks win again! No riots to date." To date! LOL.
1. And my favorite use of Twitter after the game is From Tracy, "Just to spite all the fucking morons still honking and shouting out on the streets- I hope the #Canucks LOSE!"
I have absolutely no interest in eating something called a nut cluster, and certainly not the Crunchy nut cluster variety. Thanks Kelloggs. As Adrants notes, "There's just something wrong with food that resembles left over KFC chicken breading that's congealed to the point where it's nothing more than a fat-laden ball of over-cooked floor scraps."
Laughter is contagious. And so to are websites from films that opened 10 years ago. 1999. Bill Clinton was president, the Euro was brand new, America was bombing Kosovo, Napster just debuted, MSN was just released, and Robin Williams was on top of the world. Patch Adams opened with a charming little "web page" that like Voyager probing the deepest reaches of our solar system is still going on long past it's shelf life.
The rollover states of the "links" are now legendary in the web design field - they're rainbows! And the media section had this great little things called "thumbnails" and "pop up video clips". This was web marketing for a film at the end of the 20th century. It was awesome. For those born after 1980, this was what the world was like pre-You-tube. Note the curious absence of Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Digg. What? No social media? How did this movie make $26 million on its opening weekend without social media? I'm confused. (via Graham)
File this one in the "things not to do during a campaign during an economic downturn". This is like being against the Canucks as a candidate for office during the playoffs - it's just plain bad campaign strategery. So Carole "Susan Boyle" James is getting in hot water for a commitment to raise wholesale prices to private liquor stores.
She's in hot water because she claims that this won't mean higher booze prices. Like a true leader she responds, "It’s up to them as businesses whether they pass that cost on." [Vancouver Sun]
I went to McDonald's last night in solidarity over this story of a failed robbing attempt at a McDonald's in Surrey:
"Shortly after 11:30 p.m., a man walked up to the drive-thru at a McDonald's restaurant in suburban Surrey, with part of his shirt pulled up over his face. He brandished a knife at the attendant and demanded cash.
As the suspect reached through the window to grab money from the cash drawer, another staffer threw a litre of boiling oil into the man's face." [The Province]
I can only hope the hero pulled a total David Caruso, "That's why I call deep fried" kind of a comment.
Swine Flu. Economic meltdown. Rome burning. But never fear Vancouver, your appointed senator Mobina Jaffer is on the job ensuring that the Richmond Olympic Speed Skating Oval is also named in French. I get the kind of dropped ball on having no French inside the building but I've never gotten why you have to translate names of buildings. Whatever it's apparently VANOC's fault. I just want to know why we have to pay Mobina Jaffer $130,40 to do this. Honesty. [Richmond News]
