Guys w'iPhones

From a purely anthropological perspective, the site dedicated to self-portraits snapped by a cross-section of young men--everything from muscle marys to twinks--is fascinating. I love the intersection between the branded object and the self. It's long been accepted that brands, like apple et al, have positioned themselves as either extensions of the personality or proof of individuality. This phenomena takes it to another level.

Nic Cage

This past few weeks have been all about work, so I decided to take today off. I'vewatched three movies on cable so far, two of them featuring Nicholas Cage in the cast. what ever happened to him? He was so gorgeous to me when I was in my teens. The first movie I saw him in was Valley Girl. I loved his edginess. The cast for "Peggy Sue" is amazing--Joan Allen, Jim Carey, Helen Hunt--but then it was directed by Coppola. It must be so amazing to have been a part of one of his projects. Nepotism has mixed results: why does Coppola persist in his belief that his daughter can act? Even as a teen, she was wooden and unconvincing.Valley Girl was appalling. It's amazing the sorts of things that mange to get made. A quick look on IMDB of the various working titles suggest that the script underwent a number of different incarnations. What struck me is how the fashions--largely preppy--were so incredibly concealing. Everyone was dressed in layers of things that obscured their bodies. It's a sharp contrast to the crop tops and low cut jeans of the period that followed.

Jezebel Reveal

I wasn't surprised when Kiwi Jenna Sauers was revealed as the author of the v. good Tatiana the Anonymous Model posts on Jezebel. Perhaps I should rephrase that . . . I wasn't surprised when a relative outsider was the woman responsible for the trenchant commentary and observations. Kiwis, like Canucks and members of those countries who live their lives in the shadow of super power, develop a more critical sensibility as they are constantly bombarded by messages or media that need to be reinterpreted. Living in the shadow of the US means that I watch a lot of films and television developed for a very different cultural sensibility. I'm a lot more critical watching this stuff than I would be otherwise.

Green Tea v. Tea Tree

These ingredients have become as ubiquitous as jojoba oil was in the 80's. But I've noticed green tea and tea tree oil turning up in the most unlikely places. While searching for a life-friendly nail hardener, i.e. one that is formaldehyde-free, I found one with green tea extracts. And of course cosmetic companies have been pouring tea tree oil into everything from shampoo to face cream for ages now. Personally, I love it for healing spots and cuts, but the smell doesn't do anything for me. I was surprised to hear that some studies have linked the use of tea tree oil to an increased risk of infection and, somewhat alarmingly, gynecomastia in young boys.

Vodka: Fail

Is this possible a 2009 thing? I just can't tolerate vodka. It seems kinda 90s.

Does anyone read magazines any more?

Is it just me, or does anyone read magazines anymore? When I was teen, magazines were an important part of my daily diet. I read everything I could get my hands on, voraciously and indiscriminately. Obvs. new media has steadily encroached steadily on print media's territory, but I still see racks of magazines every time I go to the drug store or the market. However, I rarely see anyone purchasing them.

The closest I get to reading mags these days is either at the salon or on the web. Jezebel's deconstruction of the ladymags is especially fine.

Natural Toothpaste

It's been a few months since I made the switch to a more natural brand of toothpaste, and I must admit I'm a fan. I used Colgate for years, but now I am sickened by the sweetness of it. The stuff I'm using now is by Tom's of Maine. It contains silica, which tastes a bit like a sealant. I haven't tasted it before, but if you've smelled the sealer they use on windows, you know what I mean.

Come, Armageddon! Come!

Everyday is like Sunday with swine flu.

Cover Girl Lip Stain

Initially, I thought this product was brilliant but after a few weeks, I ended up tossing the tube in the trash. It dried my lips out and the colour was a bit odd. I have reverted to my two-step method: a MAC lip liner and some balm. PS: Just checked the colour match on the website, and it looks like I may have picked the wrong colour for my complexion. Oops

Billy Boob Thornton

God, this man was an ass. It was absolutely excruciating to listen to and made me briefly sympathize with his former love interests. I don't often have the occasion to pity Hollywood actresses, but today my heart went out to Jolie, Dern, et al. This man is a bully plain and simple. Take it from one who has been there. Men like this need to be placed in isolation where they are unable to inflict themselves on anyone. Bastards!

Oscar Fatigue

Am I the only one who doesn't care? I switched off the broadcast long before the big winners were announced last night and was utterly unimpressed with the wins. Except for Milk, of course. That deserved everything it got and more. It's really the only film that seems mildly relevant in this post-America era. It was nice to see Phoebe Cates out and about though.

Recessionista

The recession sucks to be frank. I have contemplated the following: baking, cooking, shopping my own closet, recycling, thrift store shopping, ebay, and even arts and crafts. To date, the only homemade project I've had a hand in is amateur porn, but I'm confident that with a little time and patience I'll be whipping up toilet roll covers in no time.

Oprah Cover

I know it's not the cover, but it shows Oprah lighter than she's been in an awfully long time. Personally, I am sick of the debate surrounding the subject and wish she'd just embrace the journey. 'What happened' isn't the question I would ask. More like 'shit happens' and you try again.

In Treatment

While flying south for the hols, I made an amazing discovery via the onboard entertainment service. In Treatment is every bit as compelling as the pundits proclaim. I watched three eps on the way down. It was very nearly the highlight of my holidays! Cannot wait until these are released on DVD, as I am either morally opposed to bootlegs or too inept to download them. It's 60/40.

Le Divorce

While it was neither unexpected or of any relevance to my daily existence, I was nevertheless saddened to hear of the divorce between M & R. I suppose we all have a never-ending parade of tabloid features, insider revelations and thoughtful analysis to look forward to. Plus the coverage of whomever they date next. Sigh.

Tina Fey Book Deal

While listening to CNN, I learnt that Tina Fey has been offered 5 mill for a 'humorous work of non-fiction'. Will this be the oughties' Seinlanguage or something altogether better? Only time will tell, when it is undoubtedly released just in time for the holidays. Apologies for the obvious gam shot stolen from the Bust shoot. But did you know, that body was built by Weight Watchers? Yes, it's true. You can take the girl out the suburbs, but you can't take the suburbs out of the girl.

SATC DVD Release

While chopping veg for din with the tv on, I saw the ad promoting the upcoming release of the SATC dvd and felt a sudden urge to: first, wildly overspend; and second, drink something pink. Quelle Pavlovian response, n'est ce pas?

Sham Marriages

Marriages of convenience abound both on and off the tabloid radar. Many people have their suspicions about the male halves of these unions; however, I wonder if it is only the boys who have something to hide. Wouldn't it be something if Jordan/Katie was the one with something to hide? Lately when I'm watching their reality show, I am keeping half an eye peeled for Ms Price's butch lover.

hot coffee

For reasons I have never fully understood or even explored, I prefer to drink coffee that's been made by someone else. Since I have been at the cabin for three days, I have, of course, been drinking my own brew. This is not to say that I don't know how to make a good cup or lack any of the necessary equipment or ingredients. The way I feel about drinking my own coffee is the way many people feel about self-stimulation: it's okay and it certainly gets the job done, but it's usually much nicer if you can get someone else involved.

Helen Cocaine Mirren

Whoever said wisdom comes with age didn't know Helen Mirren. She has the emotional depth and intellectual gravitas of a geriatric Paris Hilton. She is a complete narcissist. This article reminded me of exactly why I loathe her.