Mar. 18, 2008 - Lessons for all of us.

video.google.com/videoplay

Link to Randy Pausch speech as seen on Oprah

Enjoy!

Shirley

Feb. 10, 2008 - Juno

A great story about a 16 year old who becomes pregnant the FIRST time she becomes sexually active! (with a platonic friend out of boredom). Ellen Page who plays the wisecracking Juno MacGuff is brilliant in this role and it was fun to see Jason Bateman and Michael Cera (both of Arrested Development fame) again. The comedy is intelligent, subtle and hilarious. Example;

When she calls the clinic to "take care of it" she says "I'm just calling to procure a hasty abortion," When she decides to go the adoption route tells friend Leah they should give the baby to "a woman with a bum ovary, or a couple of nice lesbos." Allison Janney (West Wing) and J.K. Simmons (Law & Order Dr. Skoda) as parents are wonderful. The comments after Juno informs them of her pregnancy-=priceless!

The end was bitter sweet however seeing Jennifer Garner with her new baby (after the grown-up baby she was married to left her to live in a loft) was heartwarming and a great big feel good moment.

Nov. 26, 2006 - The Queen

Mar. 6, 2006 - Goodnight and Good Luck

I had the pleasure of seeing this movie on Friday night before the Oscars. The theatre was full and seating was scarce. I had heard of Edward R. Murrow however I was unaware of the groundbreaking impact he had on broadcast journalism. This movie chronicles how Murrow and his team expose Senator Joe McCarthy (the 'junior' senator from Wisconsin) and his terrorization of the American public. The mixing in of actual historical footage allowed McCarthy to play himself which really allowed the film to come alive. Murrow was a deeply principled man who saw injustice and exposed it, risking alienation of CBS sponsors and defamation of his own character (manufactured by the McCarthy group). Filmed in black and white the realism of the 1950's was well if not expertly crafted. Historic film footage of the hearings and the proliferation of cigarette smoking took you back to 1954. Great film.

Feb. 24, 2006 - A Whole New Mind

Feb. 17, 2006 - Sagano

Years ago the first Japanese restaurant I ever had the pleasure of dinning at was the one on the top floor of the hotel situated at Kennedy Rd. and the 401 (after several name changes now branded as Delta). Recently by chance the opportunity arose to dine there again and what a pleasant surprise. The decor has changed considerably and the food is focused primarily on sushi rather the the former teppanyaki format. The staff is beautify attired in colourful Kimono and service is attentive and friendly. All dishes ordered were fresh and pleasing and the top floor window seat view is as elegant as any in the city. Surely not a destination but when in the area (perhaps trying to avoid rush hour 401 backups) a great choice

Feb. 3, 2006 - Centro - Rebirth?

I hadn't been to Centro in quite some time so fiqured why not give it a shot. The new look is great and the downstairs still has live music (on the weekend at least) They have expanded the dance floor and band was great for this venue. The menu downstairs has changed to sushi and tapas only (cheese and deserts as well) and even though the food was good (cheeses were the most interesting course) I would have liked more choice. All in all a 3 out of 5.

Feb. 3, 2006 - Feb. 2, 2006 - Capote

Posted by Joanne

This film is riveting. One of those films where I sat stunned at the end of it. It is that powerful. Wonderful performances and a story that deeply impacted me. I have read In Cold Blood and have seen the film. To see this movie about the writing/research of the book and the profound effect it had on Truman Capote .

Jan. 16, 2006 - Water

Jan. 16, 2006 - Movies

Posted by Anonymous

Water - what a journey this was. This is the film that opened the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival. It is by Candadian Director Deeptah Meta and centres the story of the plight of "widows in India. The story is largely about a 7 year old widow (yes 7) who is taken to a home for widows where she is expected to live out her days. Although set in 1939 the low status of widows in this society continues today. A difficult movie to watch as it has such impact - but worth seeing Joanne

Jan. 12, 2006 - The Camel Club

Just finished reading this book by David Baldacci. I have read some of his other books and really enjoyed them, especially Absolute Power. This one follows the typical formula for thrillers although it doesn't deliver until close to the end. Would make a great movie though.

Jan. 8, 2006 - Brokeback Mountain

Great movie! Post your thoughts and comment below.

An epic love story set against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas, Brokeback Mountain tells the story of two young men - a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy - who meet in the summer of 1963, and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love.

This story is not about 2 gay men. Who among us has not experienced the power of forbidden love? Why don't we follow our hearts? What happens when we don't?

Jan. 5, 2006 - Motto for the year 2006

As we enter the new year many people adopt 'New Years Resolutions' and attempt to change something in their lives. Most times these resolutions are vigorously pursued and acted upon however the good intentions seem to fall by the wayside rather quickly.  My dear friend Joanne has motivated me in past few years to embrace the idea of a 'New Years Motto'. The motto is a softer more subtle approach to change and it easier to sustain long term. I have some ides for this years motto and would enjoy hearing ideas from others.