I Hate Them

I believe I have made brief mention of it before, but I absolutely hate my neighbours. Worse yet, there aren't so much my neighbours as they are my house mates. In a typical Vancouver fashion, I live in a house with three separate suites. I'm in the sub-basement suite, while my annoying neighbours live in the the suite above me; thankfully, as of right now, the top suite is unoccupied.

Problem is, when the padding between our two floors is so thin, we can pretty hear most everything each other of us do. When they're supposedly walking up stairs, it sounds like fucking thunder.

Now, I would like to imagine that I'm a quieter of occupants in this house. Admittedly, I play music, but not at a volume which is to effect anyone. I like to listen to music at a human level - you know, not that stupid asshole teenager level.

Anyway, the problem with them is that they're inconsiderate and obnoxious. For starters, they like to leave their laundry in the dryer/washer hours after their stuff is done. Suffice to say, it's very annoying to have to wait for someone to take their stuff out. Furthermore, they are obnoxiously loud. And trust me, they never shut the fuck up. Blah, blah, blah. And as the hours pass, their volume of wine increases and and evidently, they become even more obnoxious.

Anyhoo, I just watched a film called "Enduring Love". Yet another excellent film - my favourite film list has been drastically modified in the last three days. A truly wonderful, but depressing film. Bravo to Daniel Craig who is an amazing actor. You think he was good in Casion Royale? Watch this.

Best Song Ever?

By this time, there shouldn't any surprise that I'm a mega Rush fan. I live, eat and breath all things Rush related. You could even say that I am a Rush fanboy per se; loving most everything this band has done. Yet despite all of that, I would never be as biased to label any song which Rush has composed as the best song ever. Don't get me wrong though, their song "Natural Science" is easily among the best songs ever made ;-) :-)

So then, which song do I think deserves the title of "best song ever"? Well, let me give you a few clues: It was written in 1972 by an rock English band; the entire song is 43 minutes in length and features every instrument from flutes, to synthesizers, moogs, manic drums, electric guitars and Martin acoustic guitars. It's a song which is represents oppression and goverment control and is full of political innuendos.

Any takers?

Clue #2: It sounds Celtic, Irish and even Medieval, but features the classic and brash rock sound of the 1970.

And the winner is... "Thick As A Brick" by no one other than Jethro Tull. As far as I'm concerned, this is musical genius as it's finest. This is as good as it gets. It's unparalled.

Have a listen for yourself, but do take note that this is shortened version (just 10 minutes).

"Interview" - Film

As I am honestly not in the mood to write a proper review for this film, I'll leave it at: watch it, because it's absolutely excellent!

Never seen a film like it... And oh my, what amazing acting performances by the two. Sienna Miller is so much more than a pretty face, she truly is a superb actress and Buscemi, well, his skills are just obvious aren't they? Buscemi's acting work looks even more impressive when you find out that he was the one who also directed and wrote the movie's screen play. Bravo Mr. Buscemi!

But be warned, If you want action, this is not the movie to watch. As it's a Sundance Film Festival film, it requires actual concentration and intelligence to enjoy it.

Once again, an excellent film and an instant favourite. 10/10.

The Fall, Vancouver, My Birthday, etc

Gosh darnit. As we head into September here in Vancouver, it's evident that Fall is upon us. The weather has drastically changed from much of August which was warm and sunny, to what is best described as a bitter cold and bone aching, yet sunny day. It's still pretty damn decent though.

And of course, the trees which have already turned orange and red, look pretty damn awesome. Yet despite that, I miss Calgary's Fall's. Admittedly, it's even colder, but it's somehow more magical. More enjoyable as you know the next step to the weather pattern is white snow, rather than gray skies with a bunch of awful and continuous rain. Come to think of it, Vancouver as a whole, has already worn me out.

It's quite a tiring city. Nice landscapes and what-not, but it's overly busy, loud and annoying. This false "we are laid back" attitude, is such bullshit. Furthermore, the city's garbage men have been on strike for a total of 6 weeks! And frankly, I'm sick of our garbage pilling up in the backyard. Should you be familiar with British Columbia, such a strike probably won't be a surprise as that's why it's citizens do best. They strike and they strike until they get the money they think the deserve, but of course, do not really deserve. I fucking hate unions and make no mistake, British Columbia is the union capital of Canada.

Not to mention, there is no parking anywhere. Those asshole developers have bought up most every piece of free land for overpriced condo's and apartments. If you planning on going somewhere it's best to plan out where you'll be parking and in 'Couver, that could mean parking three blocks away from you're intended destination. And if it's raining, considering you're day ruined.

Anymore complaints? Yeah, a bloody boat load, but I'll save them for a later time.

*** In other news ***

My Birthday is this Sunday. Anyone want to schedule a meeting (even if extremely brief in nature) with either Kate Beckinsale and/or Sophia Bush for me? I would cherish the chance to meet either of these women whom I very much admire and have the utmost respect for.

There I go dreaming again..

"The Good Night" - Film

Spectacular and Un-fucking-believably awesome

Those are the words that come to my mind when describing my thoughts about this movie. Recently had a chance to watch this film, originally created for the Sundance Film Festival, and come away as a new person. Perhaps that a bit melodramatic, but honestly, this is one of those films that reflected not only my life, but also many of my thoughts about life. And that happens, well, hardly ever. The last film to make such an impact on me was "The Constant Gardener".

"The Good Night" is just a spectacular film; a real piece of artwork; a masterpiece if you will.

Writing a decent review for such a film is especially hard as I feel compelled to give the whole story away and tell you what each and every scene meant to me.

Nevertheless, below is my attempt at giving you at balanced (and un-revealing) review.

The story starts off with Gary (played by the fabulous Martin Freeman) who was once a member of an English rock-band - which broke up long ago - and is currently directing music for television adverts with his best friend (and band mate), Paul (played by "Shawn of the Dead's" Simon Pegg). Experiencing what he believes to be a mid-life crisis, a lifeless and dead-end job and a personal relationship - with Dora (played by Gweneth Paltrow) - slowly crumbling apart, Gary looks towards to his dreams as the perfect escape. In his spectacular dreams, he's one who has everything - happiness, health and a girlfriend (played by Penelope Cruz) who cares as much about him as he does about her. Wanting to further experience his dreams and detachment from reality, Gary soon goes to see Mel (played by Danny Devito) to learn how to control his dreams.

Frankly, I cannot tell you anymore with the fear of ruining the story. One thing that I can tell you is that it's no fairy tale, particularly the ending. It's not happy, quite shocking and ironic. There is one particular scene which is just amazing and that's the one where Devito's character states the man who can find --BLANK-- sleep will forever be the happiest man in the world. It's a quote which by the time the movie ends, is spine-chilling and ultimately, upsetting.

Also worth mentioning is that aside from the well crafted, well directed and well-written story thanks to Jake Paltrow (Gweneth's brother) - the acting in this movie is on another level. Firstly, this is the first movie where I actually liked Danny Devito and that's saying something considering the guy usually bothers me like a wasp, but in this movie they could not have chosen anyone better. Mrs. Paltrow continues to show her versatility and talent at playing any part she's hired for; Simon Pegg continues to portray his cynical and hot-shot attitude he's most famous for and Penelope Cruz plays her part as one would expect (fabulously).

The acting performance from all of these actors is just fantastic, but you know what? None of them can touch Martin Freeman, he's an absolute master and surely one of the best actors anywhere. I first saw Martin Freeman as "Tim" in the original version of "The Office" and thought he was just spectacular, and then I saw him in "Breaking and Entering" and thought he was even more impressive. And now, after watching his spectacular (I've used that world a whole lot, haven't I?) performance in this movie, I'm even more convinced he's one of the best actors to ever grace the silver screen. Come to think of it, I'd say that he's currently my favourite actor.

His acting abilities are uncanny; his presence undeniable. He's born natural.

To this end, should you enjoy off beat films, you oughta see this one!

Verdict: Excellent off-beat film, with superb acting and an important message
10/10

The Day

As of late, many of my childhood experiences and memories (which have laid dormant for years) have been surfacing. I suppose having recently stabilized my life (for the moment at least), I can comfortably take a look at what has happened over the years.

The earliest memory of my childhood which has stayed with me through out the years is when my grandpa died. The reason as to why it has stayed with me through out the years is because I, just 8 (hm..) years old at the time, was the one who found him dead.

The day started like any other nice summer one, but ended in a fashion which I would never forget. On this particular starry night, me and my mother had gone to their house (grandpa and grandma's) for a casual visit and get-together.

Strangely enough, this particular night was one of the very few in which were not joined by my dad as he was away on business related trip in Northern Alberta.

As we got ready to leave their house, my grandma had been sitting in bed waiting for my grandpa to come upstairs. As we got prepared to leave we called his name a couple of times in hoping that he would come up and say goodbye, but he never did. As he had hearing troubles (from his enrolment in World War 2) and was in his power-saw workshop in the basement of all places, we had just assumed he couldn't hear us. So naturally, I told my mother and grandma that I'd go downstairs and get him.

As I got further down the stairs I continued to call his name, but there was no response. As I peaked into his workshop, I saw him laying face down on the floor with a pool of blood surrounding his head; I distinctly remember the red blood contrasting off the bleak 1950's blue coloured floor.

I yelled upstairs - "grandpa's not moving". My mother immediately ran down stairs and had realized we needed an ambulance. As my mother continued to panic, my grandma restricted to bed (as she need her respirator when walking around) sat in disbelief as we frantically charged around. She looked onwards with a straight look on her face and at that moment, I knew that she knew - I knew that she knew that he had passed on.

In a desperate act of panic, my mother ran to the neighbours (which had been good friends of my grandparents), and called 911. It turns out he died with from a stroke and likely died before his head hit the floor.

It's a night that I'll never forget. An image forever bleached into my mind. And after it happened, I refused to go into the basement alone. It scared me like nothing else.

Deserted Island Collection

Here's the situation:

You're being shipped to a deserted island paradise with nothing but a suitcase full of clothing, a boom box of some sort and 10 CD's of you're choice. Which 10 CD's do you bring along?

Hmm..

Rush - "Snakes & Arrows" (2007)
Jethro Tull - "Thick As a Brick" (1972)
Rush - "Signals" (1982)
Big Country - "The Collection" (2002)
Peter Gabriel - "Hit Compilation" (2003)

Tom Cochrane - "Mad Mad World" (1991)
Loreena McKennit - "The Book of Secrets" (1995)
Rush - "Moving Pictures" (1981)
U2 - "Unforgettable Fire" (1984)
The Fixx - "Greatest Hits: One Thing Leads to Another" (?)

No English Beat, no Dire Straits..fuck..

Weekend Video's (#24)

Peter Gabriel - "Big Time" (1986)



Billy Idol - "Shock to the System" (1993)



Thompson Twins - "Sister of Mercy" (1984)