Sunny side up...

These past few days have been so sunny it doesn't even feel like Vancouver. I should probably not say this, otherwise I'll jinx it. Admittedly, the weather has been rather conducive to work. Two weeks ago I was super depressed because of the ugly clouds, snow, slushy roads and my tendency to fall every three steps. But this weekend and beginning of the week has been nothing but awesome. Still very cold, but I have been able to actually walk out looking fashionable. Nice jackets, nice scarves, nice shoes... ah, the old days of modeling :)

Writing like there's no tomorrow, still teaching, things are going well. I can't complain at all. Haven't been to the movies but I can inform the general audience of my blog that Empire 7 Granville Cinemas have decided to lower their prices to $ 6.50 any time of the day. Now there is an incentive to go!

And on the movies note, Mount Pleasant opened in theatres this week. I saw it when it showed at the Vancouver International Film Festival, but I wouldn't mind seeing it again. It is a Vancouver-centred movie, and it depicts my own neighborhood so I have many incentives to go see it again. Click here to read my movie review.

Hectic week and weekend half-booked but still looking forward to doing a lot of work. Academia, here I come!

Green Arrow - The new hero in town

Justin Hartley is a very well deserving Green Arrow. And whomever did this video deserves my kudos!

David Beckham is a class act.

Surprisingly for those of you who know my ethnic origins, I do not follow soccer (football). I rarely know who plays for whom. For some reasons (my connections to Madrid, particularly), I happen to be aware of the fact that David Beckham plays for Real Madrid, though apparently he'll be moving to the US soon to play for an American team.

Since I live in Canada, anything Canadian usually draws my attention. While reading Canadian news, I was touched, to say the least, when I read this newspaper article (the link directs you to The Toronto Star). The story describes how David Beckham took time out of his schedule to find out the phone number of an ill girl in Hamilton, Ontario. He called her himself. As in, he dialed her number so that he could talk to her. Moreover, he sent her an autographed jersey. What a great guy! Honestly, regardless of whether you're a soccer fan or not, his behavior could warm even the coldest heart. That was a touch of class. Kudos to you, David Beckham. You earned my respect.

Rocio Banquells - Dentro

I feel so old posting these awesome songs from, like, the 80s! Rocio Banquells was one of the top singers in Mexico.

Music review - Park Jam by Doctor M

Available on Julius Papp's awesome latest release, Montreal Departure, Park Jam is an absolute delight for those of us who happen to be lovers of deep soul. This is a tune that will not allow you to sit down and relax, this is music made for dancing. I hadn't listened to a tune that made me want to shake my body as much as Park Jam does. Doctor M should be congratulated ;)

Restaurant review - The 5 Point

Located near one of the landmarks of Mount Pleasant, and in the uber-hip neighbourhood of Main Street (which happens to be my stomping grounds) is The 5 Point. Basically on Main between 15th and 16th Avenues, you will find a hip bar/restaurant whose clientèle's usually mid-thirties, late-twenties, not-so-wealthy-but-definitely-working-class males and females. While noisy, I think the food is ok (I wasn't hungry after a burger and fries, and it was tasty but definitely smaller burgers than I expected). Specials to look for: Wednesdays - burger and booze for 10 bucks and Thursdays Martinis for 5.50 (you know I love martinis!). Bartender and waitresses, very friendly and good service. Good food. Loud music. You can watch hockey here, for sure. And get drunk.

Restaurant review - Sodas Diner

Located in the heart of Dunbar, in Vancouver's west side, Sodas Diner (or Sodas, as we all know it) is a no-frills, no-holds barred 50's diner. According to what we heard, it's been there for over a decade. I do indeed remember that, when I used to live in Kerrisdale, I would take the 7 Dunbar bus and would always pass by Sodas. It is located on Dunbar and I think between 26th and 27th Avenues.

Recently, one of my very good friends and I have taken to go there quite often (I think we've been there at least 3 times in the last two months!). Their burgers are quite big, their fries are to-die-for and overall, it's an inexpensive treat if you are feeling the blues. Dinner for two was well below $ 30 Canadian dollars. I go back to Sodas all the time, not only because I usually happen to go there with very close friends, but also because the food and service are amazing.

Furthermore, and as I am re-reading my posts [and editing], I should note that I rarely eat at chain restaurants. I prefer to support local business [hence the label!]

The Stone Roses - Fools Gold

I personally don't completely love The Stone Roses but learned to like this tune... surprisingly! Judge for yourself... is this tune my style?

Music Review - Sand in my Shoes - Dido

Sand In My Shoes - Dido



First time I listen to Dido sing something that isn't broody or depressing!

Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter

A beautiful song which makes me cry every time I hear it. Not for the faint of heart or anybody chronically depressed.

Of needles and threads

Today I had to sew two buttons back into two of my European jackets. Now, these are quite expensive jackets and thus I had no intention whatsoever of screwing up. So I kept the buttons and I purchased a portable sewing kit. I am still a mamma's boy in that most of my button-fixing was done by my Mom. Unfortunately, Mom lives in a different country than I do and thus I am left to my own devices. And I found out today that I can use a needle-threader. I had never used one, but I seemed to vaguely recall how my Grandma used it.

So, I figured it out, and in five minutes I did what could've taken me an hour (insert the thread into the needle's eye). I feel so proud of myself! Despite the fact that many people have done this and consider it a non-vital skill, trust me - when it comes do sewing your own buttons, it's handy to know how to do it!

Superheroines

Ok, much as this looks as though it is a foreign-made film, it is Mexican-made. It's a commercial for El Palacio de Hierro.

Michael Buble' - Moondance

Dealing with depression at all levels

For the first time in more than two decades, I felt depressed today. I hate cold weather, and Vancouver thermometers are marking -5 oC. I am sorry, that's just unfair. I can't leave my house without thermal underwear, a shirt, a sweater and two jackets, gloves and a toque. Thank God I don't live in Calgary or Montreal!

So, I discovered that in addition to the damn rain that Vancouver has, I also feel depressed whenever the weather is way too cold to do my normal routines. This is not exactly Seasonal Mood Disorder as understood by shrinks. The thing is, I rarely get depressed. For more than two decades, I never even considered the possibility.

Today, I was feeling down, bored, frozen, etc. But I used the best therapy of them all : retail therapy! Ah, the healing powers of a shopping trip. I feel so much better now!

Happy New Year 2007!!!

Still enjoying a wonderful vacation in Mexico, I just wanted to wish my two or three readers (not sure how many I got yet!) a great New Year!