Vampire Weekend : Contra Tour

All my efforts were exhausted when trying to get tickets to the Vampire Weekend show in Toronto at the Sound Academy, until a saviour came and put me on the guest list. Never having been to a concert at a club before or one by Vampire Weekend I had no idea what to expect. Arriving was exciting, seeing the long line up at the door, security, and the swarms of mature teenagers and young adults. It was a sea of indie kids, mostly with guys in plaid shirts and dark rimmed glasses, clones all over the place. So I waited patiently in line, anxious to get to the front. I walked past the VIP entrance, because there was no way that that is where I was supposed to be, but upon saying I was on the guest list that's where I was sent.

Convincing them that it was me who was supposed to be on the guest list and sent up stairs was a challenge due to a bitchy woman determined to make things difficult, but a reasonable man saw the flaws and fought for me. I eventually got a wrist band and worked my way upstairs, not knowing what was at the top.

My eyes were shocked when I entered the VIP section, for people who worked high up, their friends and for the press. It was a room above the main floor over looking the stage filled with white leather couches and ottomans, modern light fixtures and a stocked bar looking towards a massive screen which featured the stage. You could stand at the edge of the railing, not uncomfortable at all and see the stage with probably one of the best views of the house. I was so thankful for where I was, because if I was down with the ticket holders, I'd be in the back and miserable not being able to see.

The opening band was ok, nothing much to stick with me, except the main singer's silly feet that would turn towards eachother and he'd bend his legs and bounce :)

Then came Vampire Weekend, the main event.

All I can say is wow.

I've been to my fair share of shows, and this was(sorry Maroon 5) the best, for many reasons :

- Their music is impeccable, not one bad song, pointless line or annoying tune

- Their look was adorable, the main singer, Ezra Koenig knew exactly how to move and what to do when, nothing looked overly silly but just silly enough that you'd smile

- Ezra's voice was smooth and sounded just like on the record, if not better because it was live

- The whole band's use of instruments was varied and skilled

- The visuals were perfect and simple, their record cover in the back ground with chandeliers (one of their signatures) hanging from the ceiling. The lighting got a little bit annoying sometimes, when it would get in your eyes, but added alot of drama and accentuated many parts

- The venue was great, fun, small and intimate. We were all together in experiencing this amazing concert and it felt like that. (Downfall of venues like the ACC or Molson Amp.)

Over all, and amazing experience. With every listen of their song I'm taken back to dancing and singing over the railing, with no cares in the world.

Album Review - She & Him

One half Zooey Deschanel, go to girl for cute indie films and one half Matt Ward, rootsy guitarist makes up She & Him. She & Him have an instantly recognizable sound, a smooth, easy listening beach vibe. Apart they both have their successful careers, but as a collaborative band they have joined fates in their new album, Volume One. Ward creates melodies and arrangements that compliment Deschanel's timeless and empathetic voice perfectly. The album has its' wins and its' looses in my mind. Songs that take the beachy Hawaii vibe too far go against the album, like Change Is Hard/I Should Have Known Better. The ones that don't have too much of an old time vibe are really the gems in my opinion, like Sentimental Heart, Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? and I Thought I Saw Your Face Today. Those winners are smile makers which I can't picture Deschanel not making. The ones with a diner feel, like I Was Made For You, I could go without, but are still a nice listen. A beautiful voice draws you in and makes you feel comfortable in the melodies and notes of the songs, which soon become familiar and known to you. A must listen for Summer (pun intended for (500) days fans).

THREE AND A HALF LAMBS OUT OF FIVE POSSIBLE LAMBS

It's Time!

Earth Hour, which originally started in Australia in 2007 has exploded to include 50 million people and 35 countries participating. Not only do houses go dark, but world known landmarks like the CN tower and the Colosseum in Rome.

So guys, set a good example and join us as symbols of hope for an urgent problem that grows by the hour.

8:30-9:30.

You better hurt yourself on an ottoman or something because you can't see it because your house is dark!

The Day of Darkness

The stars, they move,

they all trickle down through the night

into my room in the darkness.

So darkness I became.

I've been left

stranded

in it.

When no way out is seen,

I follow the shadow of my heart.

I'm always in this twilight,

but the stars, they move.

Move towards me,

more towards me.

I tried to fight the sound

of the heartbeat.

But it became all enveloping.

I'm always in this twilight,

deafened by the heartbeat.

I can hear it, it never leaves me

even when the stars move, trickle

down through the night.

Into my room, and leave me in the dark.

Saturday Night Soundtrack

So this saturday night, it's chill music that wins.

So take a chance and give em' a download, let them wash over you.

Camilo - Said The Whale

Mowgli's Road - Marina and the Diamonds

Clap your hands - Sia

Bring Night - Sia

Big Girl Little Girl - Sia

I'm In Here- Sia

The Fight - Sia

You've Changed - Sia

Beat Drop - Simon Curtis

Cosmic Love - Florence And The Machine

*note, if you're emotional at the moment, I'd suggest not to listen to Cosmic Love, tears may take over! But SUCH an empowering song, really really beautiful.

Really?

Kat Von D., next time you make fun of someone for making a dumb mistake, don't tell them "it's not rocket surgery".

Really? Really Kat?

Medical Term of the Week

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome : The Carpal bone in your wrist is surrounded with nerves which can get compressed by repetitive work. When this happens Carpal Tunnel presents with tingling, pain, numbness, weakness, all in the wrist and hand. Surgery is used to correct this.

I was recently convinced that I had this, was freaking out, saw a girl on tv that texted alot and had carpal tunnel, but then I realized I went golfing. And I'm not a very good golfer so that explains the pain and numbness in my wrist!

The Bounty Hunter

So I saw the Bounty Hunter yesterday, with Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler. I wouldn't pay to go see it, and I didn't so I wasn't disapointed. But if I had spent 12$ on it, I would have been pretty upset! So friends, please don't see it. It's supposed to be a romantic comedy, it's not very romantic, or comedic. Skip it, for me.

New Moon

Ok, so all this hype about the world being obsessed with New Moon and EVERYTHING that goes along with it I get, if it's about the books. The books are amazing reads that have seem to of started the whole vampire thing that is sweeping every tv, theater and page in this wonderful nation, and many others. So when you love the books so much and know how good these stories can be, in my opinion the movie can only be a disappointment. I mean, SNOOZE!!, Kristen Stewart is sooo dull I can't stand it, and the movie is just a colourless blah. The eye candy in the form of Taylor Lautner (Body = AMAZING!) and Robert Pattinson is even pretty cute kept me looking at the tv, even though something in me didn't really want to. I'd tell my friends not to waste their time, to read the book, then google image Taylor Lautner shirtless :)

Saturday Night Soundtrack

So this Saturday night consisted of only a few songs, but great ones, real gems. Check out Said The Whale and Marina & The Diamonds.

Except for the Justin Bieber, I'm very embarrassed, so doesn't fit in, but hey, why not?

Or how to wait for a very long time - Fanfarlo

Somebody To Love - Justin Bieber

You've Got the Love - Florence and the Machine

Hollywood - Marina & The Diamonds

Mowgli's Road - Marina & The Diamonds

Camilo - Said The Whale

Curse of the Currents - Said The Whale

Beastly

An upcoming movie I'm really excited about is Beastly, a modern take on the classic Beauty and the Beast. Coming July 30 2010 it has some pretty good actors to boot including Mary Kate Olsen, Neil Patrick Harris (yesss!! :), Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens and Peter Krause. With some amazing stills that have recently come out I can't wait!

Fight Through the Fire

When the world

can face the army

instead of running away,

we will grow.

When friends unchain themselves

from being defined.

We can be independent.

When family can go

straight towards a fire,

not around it,

we will be strong.

The sooner we do this

the earlier we will

find happiness.

Jesse James, Very Bad.

Rumors report that Jesse James has been unfaithful to his wife, the stunning, talented and goodhearted Sandra Bullock. She moved out on Monday, this must be serious! He's quoted as saying, “It’s because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way. This has caused my wife and kids pain and embarrassment beyond comprehension and I am extremely saddened to have brought this on them. I am truly very sorry for the grief I have caused them. I hope one day they can find it in their hearts to forgive me.” Those don't sound like words of an innocent man! Gosh, if she can't keep a man, who can?

Medical Term of the Week

Anaphylactic Shock : An extremely dangerous allergic reaction where your body over reacts to a foreign allergen introduced to your system. Both the skin, respiratory system, gastro intestinal and cardiovascular systems can be affected in different degrees ranging from mild to begin with, then followed by life threatening complications.

Calvin Klein New Ads

So, I love my men in Calvin Klein but these new ads have just added a whole new comedy to it! A great way to catch your attention using hot men and clever lines. Check them out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEtmQIRTYlk

New Use of Lace

So my love of lace has just grown exponentially! Amanda Seyfried is the epitome of sexy in these new photos from esquire.

Alexander McQueen

Recently, I've felt an eerie feeling that something on my blog is missing. Searching through the internet looking for a fashion designer to feature this week I finally found what was missing, a place where I could honour Fashion Genius Alexander McQueen. A pattern making expert who can do anything from melodramatic 16th century to razor sharp tailoring which he has made his own, he truly made a mark in the fashion industry. Here such a short time designing the impact he's made has been unmeasurable and unrivaled by others. In his collections through the times there is a timeless element of juxtapositions: feminine and masculine, modern and traditional, simple and complex, light and dark, fluid and severe amongst many others. Here I'm showing some of my favourite pieces and moments from him of all time. I hope you enjoy.

Rest soundly Alexander McQueen, and keep creating even in your dreams.

New Lady Gaga Video!

She can even make fun of herself! "I told you she didn't have a dick!" "Too bad!"

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=047_1268356832

Abnormal Delay

On an Air Canada flight headed out of Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic Games, the airline had to delay it for something only Canadians would do. Passengers refused to board and ignored announcements so that they could watch the Canada vs. United States men's hockey final. Sometimes a business will have to take a back seat to Canada's favourite passtime.

The Hurt Locker Curse

Recent Oscar hit, The Hurt Locker apparently wasn't a breeze to film! Actor Jeremy Renner didn't like working on the movie during the sky high temperatures. To add to the discomfort he has this to say,

"It averaged about 120F. So yeah, that was hot. I got food bugs. Then I got food poisoning: Lost 15 pounds in three days. That was terrible. Then I fell downstairs... I couldn't see the stairs when I was walking down them and I just fell and cracked open my nose, bruised it up, it bled a bit, and twisted my ankle, which stopped us from filming because I couldn't walk... Will I go out in the desert again to shoot Hurt Locker II? Go fuck yourself. You couldn't pay me enough money. Even if I wanted to, I just couldn't, literally couldn't"

Finally, someone that didn't say that filming their movie was great!

Wonder if it was worth the Oscar?

New Video!

Lisztomania by Phoenix one of my favourite groups is now out on video! A journey for the eyes this is definitely worth a watch! Check it out! And if you like this music, their whole album is just as good if not better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhhzV5Xv9Tw

Medical Term of the Week

Pulmonary Hypertension : High blood pressure in the arteries around and going towards your lungs. Your heart has to work harder to get the blood to the lungs to get oxygenated so your heart quickly becomes weakened and over worked. Treated with medication, oxygen and even a lung transplant.

What progress, you ask, have I made? I have begun to be a friend to myself.
Hecato, Greek philosopher

Random Thoughts

So, Kate Gosselin is currently training for the tv show Dancing With the Stars. For the training she needs to stay in New York and trains a crazy amount of hours a week. So one question, what about the kids? Her whole thing was about putting them first, how is her doing a dancing show and being absent putting them first? I guess there's the money part of it, but I personally don't buy it.

Amazingly Attractive

So, men wearing glasses? Totally under-rated.

Cannot wait for season 2 of True Blood to come out on Dvd this spring, and Ryan Kwanten doesn't help the time go by faster!

Saturday Night Soundtrack

So tonight I'm leaning towards feel good songs and songs that make me smile. Feeling down? Download these!

Ottoman - Vampire Weekend

White Sky - Vampire Weekend

Run - Vampire Weekend

So Much Love - The Rocket Summer

Gotta Believe - The Rocket Summer

Showgirl & the Clown - Heartour

Us - Regina Spektor

You Make my Dreams - Hall & Oates

Here Comes Your Man - Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Showgirl and the Clown

Brand spankin' new video from Heartour. Totally fun, creative and original song and video. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNGeVD182iU

The Storm

For some the day will come

When the white clouds seduce

Entering your life with whistles and drums

and sadness is what they produce

They act like a friend

They're there when others are not

They promise they'll be with you to the end

You give them everything you've got

They tell you everything you're not

As time continues they are no longer white

They follow you around

and they block out the light

They become your life

But you have to put up a fight

And things will get better

Your life will be bright

Totally Tantalizing

The main event of the Olympics, Shaun White, isn't going anywhere soon. When you can do a double mctwist 1260 and rock american flag pants who can resist?

Tie Dye Tuesday

Alice + Olivia

Alice+Olivia, created by designer Stacey Bendet is a relatively new collection, being launched in 2002. In these short 8 years the line is worn by celebrities everywhere. Her Spring 2010 Collection is a great representation of contemporary women in North America. Every look is screaming youthful but with an understated sophistication. The designer is evident in the collection, showing her quirky sensibility. This collection is a mix of dark and light, feminine and strong, soft and hard. Using everything from feathers to fur to sequins to leather Stacey is not afraid to take risks, and for her these risks have paid off. Jackets with strong shoulders are a staple in this Fall 2010 RTW collection, as well as sequins dresses and tapered pants. Alice + Olivia definitely equals a winner.

Knitting Maniac

So after learning how to knit (it's easier than it looks!) I've pretty much become an old lady. Officially finished project #2, a simple headband, I am feeling quite good about my new hobby. My next project is the "Whitney headband". Wish me luck!

Medical Term of the Week

Laminectomy : A procedure where the surgeon removes a part of vertebra (lamina) to relieve back pain. When there is a compression, the disk, piece of bone, tumor or other structure is removed to relieve the pressure. The doctor makes a small incision over the targeted vertebra. When the spinal canal is reached after going though the fatty tissue, the bony arch and the ligamentum flavum, the cause of the compression will be visible and can be dealt with.