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.

Gay Until Graduation

Although I haven't been following the controversy too closely, it seems that young Miss Perry has stirred up the gays, the chattering classes and even her parents. Since I first heard the song, I've had a love/hate relationship with it. I love the catchy tune, but I hate the incredibly stupid lyrics. It's the same old media stunt, perfected by Madonna and repeated endlessly ever since. Ultimately, as far as trenchant social commentary goes, "I Kissed a Girl" belongs to the same category as "Papa Don't Preach". Having seen the video, it becomes obvious that Perry is simply ticking all the white girl experimenting boxes. It was one tired cliche after another: soft porn, lipstick lesbian fantasies, pillow fights, and a yummy brother waiting in bed at home. This decade is turning out to be so fucking boring. The kind of sexuality that used to represent a sense of danger, of bravery, of difference, has now been assimilated and airbrushed by mainstream media. Crap like this makes celibacy look interesting.

Derek Alexander Must-Have

While shopping with my mom this weekend, I spotted this item from Derek Alexander. It's a double-sided credit card holder with snapping straps to keep everything in place. It's gorgeous in red, less so in the pictured combination. Hugely inventive and practical too.

Desperately Seeking Susan

It's Madonna's birthday, so the music channels are dedicating their programming to her madgesty. I'm watching her first major-release film and remembering all the reasons why I liked Madam M when I was younger. She was funny. The film itself was very good. I love the goofball comedy and girls-on-top conclusion. When I watched Roberta rescue Susan by smashing the bottle on the mob guy's head, I knew there was a different sensibility informing this film than any I had seen previously. Madonna brought me to an awareness of independent film. Not a bad thing, I suppose.

Asking for Flowers

Although it was released a few months ago, I haven't really had a chance to get into Kathleen Edwards new album. It is country-alt perfection, packed with biting lyrics and clever melodies. I especially like the title track. She's certainly matured as an artist but lost none of her wistfulness. Just more proof that Canada is not only the home of brilliant comedians but also talented singer-songwriters. Am hugely into Canadian music now, including the retro stuff. I loaded up a bunch of really earnest early Randy Bachman stuff. It's solid.

Space Bags

I've been watching too much cable and am hankering after all kinds of new inventions and time-saving devices. Making pasta on the stove is a lot of work! Yes, I would like to treat my acne in three easy steps. And, of course, I want to stop wasting money on paper towels. But more than anything, I would like to shrink my winter sweaters down into little plastic pancakes, so I have three times the storage space.

Life with My Sister Madonna

Have been looking forward to this book since its release but only managed to pick up a copy this weekend at Costco. Raced through the book at a sickening pace and discovered the following:

1. Sucessfuly couching one's prose exclusively in the present tense is v. difficult and should not be undertaken by amateurs or journo hacks.

2. Mr. Ciccone's journey toward self-actualization has yet to truly begin.

3. Ditto his therapeutic adventures.

4. Bish plz, you brought this on yourself! You know she's no good for you. Just walk away.

Harsh words aside, it was a good read and the author sounded like he was not only good fun but hugely talented as well.

Reviews: Guardian, Times, NY Post