Yes possums, it’s true, we’re in a recession...as if I had to remind you. Thanks to a plethora of economic wizards around the world, we are reminded each and every day that the world’s financial climate is officially in the shitter. I don’t know about you, but I'm a smidgen sick of the statistics, the daily layoff tallies, and staring at a somber Pamela Martin regurgitate the same news night after night. She should seriously reconsider her hair style by the way, but I digress. Two thumbs down I say!
Instead of monitoring your financial statements, might i suggest you step out of reality for a moment to engage in some fiscally responsible activities sure to help you break free from budgeting while having a well-deserved belly laugh. With that, allow me to share with you the...
Urban Cowgirl’s Top Economic Exertions
1) A dear friend of mine passed along this little jewel - completely bizarre, but something about it makes me want to crank it on my ipod and beat someone with my ‘rhythm stick’.
2) Apologies go out to my cat-loving loyalists, but I find this rather amusing. Silly kitty.
3) Go straight to your nearest skytrain station and wait for a busy train to unload. When the passengers make their dash to the exit, stop someone and pretend that you know them. Make a scene! Accost them with an enthusiastic embrace if you will, then sit back and watch in delight while they walk away bewildered by your brazen attack of affection. Call it economic love.
4) Catch a comedy show featuring some homegrown talent, like lovable local comic Darcy Micheal. I use the term ‘lovable’ loosely as he will affectionately abuse you should you situate yourself in the front row, however this politically-charged pot head is a must-see.
5) Pop down to Denman Street for Beard Papa’s fresh ‘n natural cream puffs. They are neither a beard, nor a papa. Just a cream puff. Puzzling yet pretty tasty.
I felt a little Jerry Maguire-esque with this post. Like I had to come up a mission statement to save my possums from full-on financial misery. Instead, I choose Youtube...and Beard Papas.
In recent weeks it has donned on me that a flurry of ex-boyfriends are getting hitched in this town. I say this only because a collection of my closest girlfriends - all at once it would seem - have come to me with the news that an ex has recently popped the question. No big deal right? Simply not so possums.
These said girlfriends have since moved on to other relationships, in some cases many times over, yet somehow the news of an ex-boyfriend’s pending nuptials still gets under a gals skin. Why do women feel an inkling of jealousy when news like this is brought to our attention? If we’re over these boys as we say, what gives?
The fact is, women tend to indulge themselves in the fantasy of what the future might look like with each and every boy we date. It’s just how we’re built. Deny it if you will ladies, but you know what I’m talking about. We can’t help ourselves, it’s something to do with the make-up of our inner psyche. One of the many woes of being a girl I suppose.
Men, on the other hand, do not give this kind of thing another thought. They couldn’t give a shit, dare I say. Nor do they fantasize about their wedding tux, where they might honeymoon, or maintain a shortlist of names for their first born child. It just doesn’t happen people. For men, planning ahead might be as extensive as ironing ones shirt for work the next day. Perhaps determining which UFC fight to PVR or what football game to bet on might sum up a man’s most prominent thoughts more accurately. You don’t often overhear a man say “She did it! She went and got engaged! Can you believe that bitch?” Not likely.
Why do we gals take this so personally? I too have an ex-boyfriend who was recently engaged and I can honestly say I’m thrilled for the little nugget. Do I expect an invite to the wedding? I suspect hell might freeze over before that happens. I will admit, however, a small part of me (the not-so-nice part) might in some way hope his bride-to-be trips whilst strutting down the aisle. Harsh? Maybe. My feminine psyche made me say it.
Last week a dear friend of mine rang me to rant about a particular neighborhood in our fair city with a bit of a shitty habit (pun intended). I’m a big fan of the furry four-legged members of our community, however the people in which they belong to need to clean up their act - literally.
Nothing puts a damper on ones day like discovering that you’ve traipsed through some dog doodie while strutting down the street. Picture it possums; you’re en route to dinner with friends sporting some hot new heels and ‘splat’...you’re amidst a mound of ca-ca. Or worse, imagine you’re late for a blind date and have to duck into an alley to ditch the dog doodie from beneath your Burberry ballerinas. Sacrelig.
It just so happens that I’m in the midst of relocating to this part of town and felt the need to post a plea to these people who fail to pick up after fido. Passing by a pile of poop in this part of town, or any other for that matter, is simply unacceptable. Pack some baggies next time you walk your pooch people. Surely there’s a bylaw in place for this...
With that, I’ll leave you with this fabulous doggy ezine I discovered. Dog lovers subscribe here!
Happy New Year possums! I hope we’re all keeping up with our new years resolutions. I for one have broken each and every one of mine...well, really only one which is drink less wine. Dammit. So many yummy varietals. Kudos to those of you that are on track, however.
Let’s talk film, shall we? This time of year sends me into a rather psychotic tail spin as I become desperate to see every film ‘predicted’ to earn an Academy Award nomination. I find the Golden Globes are a useful tool for planning my film viewing game plan as their nominee list is a fantastic guideline. It is absolutely imperative that I am one step ahead of the Oscar nominee announcements. Obsessed you say? Perhaps. Just roll with it possums, my intention is to ensure you enjoy the best cinematic experience possible...ahem...let’s get started...
The Urban Cowgirl’s Holiday Film Review
Milk - inspiring, eye-opening and devastating all in one. Sean Penn delivers one of his best performances in this historical flick based on the true life story of Harvey Milk; gay rights activist and the first openly gay man to be elected into public office in the U.S. Also starring Josh Brolin and Emile Hirsch, it's a very important film and a triumphant story!
5 Cowboys out of 5 - giddy up!
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - a heart warming escape into the life of a boy with a condition that sees him born with the physical condition of an 80 year old, yet he improves with age, seemingly aging backwards. The historical references, elements of sincere human kindness and the love story between Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett’s characters are simply stunning. 4 Cowboys out of 5
Slumdog Millionaire - based in India, it’s the story of two orphaned brothers (Salim and Jamal) struggle to survive on their own while hustling their way around India until they separate because of their differing values. Jamal’s kind heart and love for a childhood friend leads him to becoming a contestant on the Indian version of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’, which is how the film is cleverly narrated. Great storytelling; a must see!
4 Cowboys out of 5
Seven Pounds - I balled my bloody eyes out possums. Will Smith hits it out of the park with this selfless tale of a man tormented by a fatal mistake that leaves him yearning to end his life, but not before he changes the lives of 7 others in a dramatically positive way. Rosario Dawson was incredible in this film and deserves a nom for Best Supporting Actress (if it were up to me that is).
5 Cowboys out of 5 - yeehaw! Burn After Reading - the Cohen brothers are true to form in this quirky yet hilarious tale surrounding a secret file that is found by ‘Hardbodies’ staff members (Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt) which unfolds several intertwining story lines resulting in a ridiculous yet fitting conclusion. Cohen brothers sweetheart McDormand manages to deliver her usual awkward yet endearing performance while George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and John Malkovich hold their own in this film.
3 Cowboys out of 5
The Urban Cowgirl’s Must See List The Reader - starring Kate Winslet, David Cross and Ralph Fiennes, it’s the story of an affair between a teenage boy (Cross) and a Nazi German (Winslet) who is later on trial for war crimes only to have her teenage fling participating as a member of the jury trying her 10 years later. Winslet sure likes to get naked and get busy in her films. We likey. Revolutionary Road - Kate Winslet reunites with Leo DiCaprio while Winslet’s husband Sam Mendes directs in this emotional drama. They say it’s an American classic...already. I just want to check out those steamy love scenes between Winslet and DiCaprio...they’ve come a long way from a censored shag on a boat.
Frost/Nixon - a Ron Howard directed film, starring Frank Langella as Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen as David Frost, a British journalist famous for his persistent interview tactics surrounding Nixon’s Watergate scandal. Sheen gave an excellent performance as Tony Blair in The Queen so I’m curious to catch him in this flick. The Wrestler - Mickey Rourke makes a critically acclaimed comeback in this drama documenting the life of a professional wrestler. Also starring Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood. I’m not a Rourke fan, but the reviews are off the hook. Doubt - based on the popular Broadway play and starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams, this film depicts a controversial scandal which takes place in a Catholic school in the Bronx, New York. The onscreen dynamic between Streep and Hoffman seems intense!
Grab some popcorn and your plus 1 and catch a few flicks this month. I’ll have more next week on the outcome of the Globes and who was wearing the most garish get up.
Until then my fellow movie revelers, I'll leave you with the trailer for Milk... UC xx
Yes possums, it’s true, we’re in a recession...as if I had to remind you. Thanks to a plethora of economic wizards around the world, we are reminded each and every day that the world’s financial climate is officially in the shitter. I don’t know about you, but I'm a smidgen sick of the statistics, the daily layoff tallies, and staring at a somber Pamela Martin regurgitate the same news night after night. She should seriously reconsider her hair style by the way, but I digress. Two thumbs down I say!
passengers make their dash to the exit, stop someone and pretend that you know them. Make a scene! Accost them with an enthusiastic embrace if you will, then sit back and watch in delight while they walk away bewildered by your brazen attack of affection. Call it economic love.
I felt a little Jerry Maguire-esque with this post. Like I had to come up a mission statement to save my possums from full-on financial misery. Instead, I choose Youtube...and Beard Papas.
