"Counting the stars all around."

"Do you know anyone?"

Things PF and I saw while wandering the streets with CW and SAD:

Geoffrey Rush! Ye olde pirate himself!

CW and I saw him first, coming towards us, sporting a small bandage on his forehead. Within seconds, before we could inquire or merely wonder about the head wound, he was posing for a photo with two young men who seemed to appear out of nowhere. Wow, the Film Festival! It's nuts. Anyway, GR soon ducked down the walkway beside The Cumberland, and that was the last we saw of him.

Later, PF and I walked by Monica Bellucci as she stepped out of a car. Wearing a lot of makeup and high-heeled suede boots, she stumbled on the pavement in front of the Lobby Bar (yet another interview location for this year's festival). Everyone -- the Lobby Bouncer, Bellucci's companions and handlers, even PF and I -- lurched toward MB like we were about to save her life. She didn't need us.

"Madonna!" she exclaimed, laughing.

"Madonna!" echoed one of her male friends, and suddenly they were gone.

TRACK LISTING: Bebel Gilberto, "All Around"

[NOTE: The image above was taken through an old View-Master; the still of Rowlf working the camera is from one of the Muppet Movie reels.]

"I picked you out, I shook you up, and turned you around."

"But don't forget
it's me who put you
where you are now."

Things I saw on a DVD this evening:

Further evidence that Los Angeles is more than happy to chew you up and spit you out.

Honestly, it's just as easy to shrug about a climber like Rodney Bingenheimer digging his own egotastic grave as it is to feel sorry that he's a mere boy-child warped by star-blinded, indifferent parents. Sure, music is his passion and he'd do anything for it, but he also intensely loves the celebrity and is equally fuelled by that.

Anyway, it's likely that deep down, as anyone else trying to make it in the crazy world of entertainment would (or should), Bingenheimer knows what he's up against. Heaven help the fools who not only dive into the depths of fame, but do so in the cesspools of L.A.! If they're lucky, the undertow will be slow. Unfortunately, they're still sinking.

Also, Kim Fowley is probably a psycho.

TRACK LISTING: The Human League, "Don't You Want Me"

"Send me a postcard."

"Tell me a story."

Things PF and I saw today, while wandering the streets of Montreal:

The Brazen woman herself, Rachel Rachna Dhawan, along with her lovely beau, Aaron, at the wonderful café Figaro. We eat deliciously buttery croissants topped with ham, gruyère, tomato and spinach, and drink fresh orange juice and espresso. It's amazing.

As we finish up, we notice Rufus Wainwright and Jimmy Fallon arriving on the patio at the same time. Whether they are arriving together, we cannot say. Rufus played in town the night before, and according to Rachel and Aaron (who were actually at the show), he is set to attend his sister's wedding this weekend. Perhaps Jimmy is in Montreal to film something? Rufus is surrounded by impeccably dressed gay hipsters; Jimmy is accompanied by a male friend. Rufus' table is right next to the sidewalk -- all the better to be seen in Outremont, we are told -- and Jimmy is seated at the table next to it. As we leave the restaurant, we see that Jimmy and his friend have their backs against the exterior wall as if they're joining the conversation at Rufus' table, even though their mouths are closed and they're staring straight ahead. Hmm.

***

Rachel has brought us to Cocoa Locale so we can finally meet Reema (see third photo above and video below). I am in awe of her brilliant skills, as evidenced by the bakery's perfect decor and, of course, its wonderful desserts. We pick up two of each available cupcake -- chocolate chai, coconut with pink frosting, and lemon -- then catch a cab to meet up with another gang as more of Reema's regulars stop by for their favourites.

***

With Liette and Nick acting as guides, CC, AGF and the most charming ADF join us as fellow tourists. We stroll around the city, stopping for hearty empanadas at La Chilenita before heading down to the Old Port. We spot the still-stunning Habitat 67 across the water and are happy that we ended up at such an obvious destination.

[AGF has some great photos from that outing here!]

***

While walking along St-Laurent, we are passed by a man in a hurry. Wearing billowy linen pants and a flowing white shirt, he screams into the BlackBerry pressed to his ear.

"Who the FUCK do you think you're talking to?" He shakes his head and barrels past the pedestrians in front of us.

"Who the FUCK do you think you're talking to?" As he storms into the distance, he raises his voice.

"No. NO! FUCK. YOU!"

***

After a brief rest at Liette and Nick's condo right across from Parc Jarry, we find ourselves feasting at Rugantino: warm bread dipped in fine olive oil; chick pea fries and breaded green olives; shrimps sautéed with lemon and garlic; bresaola with pecorino and truffled arugula; risotto with shrimp and taleggio; veal medallions; a bottle of Sangiovese; tiramisu; sponge cake iced with ricotta and chocolate; pistachio ice cream and field berry sorbet; cups of coffee and espresso; and a bowl of blueberry crème brulée. It is heaven. Pleasantly stuffed and marvelling at our luck, we head back to the hotel, ready to call it a night after an entirely satisfying day.

TRACK LISTING: Pony Up!, "The Truth About Cats and Dogs (Is That They Die)"

[NOTE: And where are Pony Up from? Montreal, of course! Note also that the lion's head door knocker in the second photo above is the same door knocker that I snapped thirteen years ago.]

"Radio! Radio! Radio! Radio!"

"Radio! Radio! Radio!"

Things I saw this afternoon, courtesy of Rob and Brendan WHO ARE TOTAL ENABLERS:

Innisfil's 400 Market, the second time around.

TRACK LISTING: Rancid, "Radio"

[NOTE: The radio in the photo above was, in fact, bought at the 400 Market's Outdoor Antique Mall today. (I picked up some jewellery as well, along with a couple of vintage postcards from the indoor mall.) I'm not sure if the unit is a Philco Transitone PT-39 or PT-41.]

"Best notify my next of kin!"

"This wheel shall explode!"

Things I saw, starting this afternoon:

Robbeeeeeeee! Bren-Bren! Doggieeeeeees!

Um, and yeah, of course, a lot of shops, darling, sweetie, shopping, darling.

TRACK LISTING: Julie Driscoll & Adrian Edmondson, "This Wheel's on Fire (Absolutely Fabulous Theme Song)"

"We go out in the world and take our chances."

"Why are we here?
Because we're here!"

Things I saw tonight at a lovely barbecue:

KDS!

Back from Yakage! Back in town! Back and he never missed a beat. 歓迎!*

TRACK LISTING: Rush, "Roll the Bones"

*Welcome!

"Don't stop! Don't stop the dance."

"No -- more music!
Don't stop the dance."

Things I saw on television tonight:

SAAA-BRA! SAAA-BRA!

It sounds totally lame to say "She's the one I wanted to win" because anyone can say that AFTER the results of a competition have been announced, but it's true! I LOVE Sabra. She's a great, deserving dancer, and in light of the previous winners, it was encouraging to think that a female -- a non-white female -- a short, non-white female (haha) -- could be the champion. Besides, it would have felt like something of a boring, easy cheat if a sibling of a previous winner or runner-up had taken the title of AMERICA'S FAVORITE DANCER^TM, no matter how awesome that sibling might be.

Seriously, though, so many of this year's crop was awesome. Ah! I loved them so. Jesús! Anya! Hok, so persevering! Sara, dear Sara! Hammy, hammy Dominic! Lauren, cute as a button! Pasha the gentleman (who shouldn't have placed such high value on shirtlessness -- have we learned nothing from Dmitry?)! Even you, The Dude (the Most Improved)! I will miss all of you as much as I will miss Sabra and Danny and Lacey. And oh! wait! There's more! Miss Cat (so lovely)! Wade Robson's kooky, herky-jerky routines! Guest judge Adam Shankman! Come back! Come back! I need an excuse to sit around doing nothing while eating ice cream.

Sigh. I think I need a moment.

TRACK LISTING: Bryan Ferry, "Don't Stop the Dance"

"Look behind you!"

"See what you've made!"

Things I saw online today:

Matt Damon is a safe bet!

Once upon a time, I liked MD (that Vanity Fair cover from 1997! The one with the bubble bath and the toothbrush! Seriously, it was kitten-levels of cuteness); shortly thereafter, I disliked MD; eventually, I settled into a mild sort of respect. I mean, at least he never rubbed on someone's (admittedly impressive) ass while lounging on a yacht in a music video, right?

These days, for some reason, my fondness for MD is slightly elevated; thus, when I see reports that he gives as good as he gets (financially, anyway), I cannot help but say, "Awww, good for you, kid!" There's not much logic behind it but hey, he was funny in The Departed! So there.

TRACK LISTING: Mastodon, "Workhorse"

[UPDATE 09-Aug-07: Ha! BRILLIANT. I'd like to think that MD has a hearty laugh every time he sees this poster (which is basically any time he enters or exits his building).]

[UPDATE 15-Aug-07: Now, see, episodes like this are why I miss cable. Thank goodness for internet replays (see below).]

"Annie told me, 'Get out of here! Head for the sea.'"

"The best things in the world
are free!"

Things I saw today:

Annie!

Since I can't make it out to her city as often as I used to, it's always a treat for me when she's able to make it out to mine.

Nice to see you, Ms Kuan! Hope to see you again very soon.

TRACK LISTING: Elastica, "Annie"

"People and places, said you were forgetting them all."

"Think of how lucky we are
for the things that we've had."

Things I saw on the VIA website this afternoon:

Tickets to Montreal!

Finally! My husband will FINALLY see Montreal (the New York to Toronto's Seattle, you know), not to mention the large Musée that he and I have been talking about for a while. Part of the deal is a three-night stay at the Queen Elizabeth, which means that this will be a good Labour Day weekend for me, too, haha.

Seriously, though, there is so much to see -- and so many people to see -- that I'm not exactly sure how we'll manage. Our tour guide will be excellent, we are sure, but she certainly has her work cut out for her.

Li! Rachel! Nick! Leila! Duffers! Lisa J and the Wills Sisters! Kimby! Kevin! Erika! JB! We are coming to your town and we are excited.

TRACK LISTING: Blue Rodeo, "Montreal"

[NOTE: The image above is a scanned page from a diary that I briefly kept in 1994. Back then I was much more interested in putting the focus on my photos rather than my words, so...plus ça change, I guess.]

[UPDATE 03-Sep-07: How could I have forgotten Baggy O and The Robot from CJLO on that list of Montrealers above? I am so stupid. Luckily, Omar and Alex are very forgiving. They begrudgingly agreed to meet us for brunch on the morning of Sunday, September 2, and even brought the lovely Emilie along with them. We are forever in their debt. CREDIT CARD?]

"Strangely familiar tracks are falling."

"I'm glad you're here!"

Things I saw after dinner this evening, while searching for dessert with CW, SAD and PF:

Lauren R (as shown)!

I met Lauren while she was working for CFRC; it was probably three years ago, give or take a few months, and it was probably at The Grad Club, though it could very well have been at Elixir that we were first acquainted. I always called her "The Laurens" because she worked with another Lauren, but also because I didn't know her last name until tonight. This was probably unfair of me. I mean, how hard is it to ask someone for their last name so you can come up with some distinguishing nickname? (See previous paragraph.)

I think the last time I saw Lauren R was at The Grad Club as well, though again, it could have been Elixir. It was definitely about a year ago, but it might have been two years ago. I was sure that I would find the last photo I took of her among the others, but impossibly, I cannot find a single picture of LR in there. It's strange, but it makes this photo of her all the more valuable.

TRACK LISTING: Saint Etienne, "Been So Long"

[NOTE: The photo above was taken at Moonbean, where I was surprised and slightly confused to see Lauren, as I'd only ever known her to reside in Kingston. We spoke at length; she used the word "groovy" a lot, which I liked, then rang up my vegan chocolate-almond cookie to go.]

"I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together!"

"Man, you should have seen them
kicking Edgar Allan Poe."

Things I saw today via Defamer:

I see what you mean!

A once-promising career derailed by drugs and alcohol can be salvaged! I mean, it's not as if LOLhan broke into her neighbour's house a month after her DUI arrest and passed out on a child's bed, or whatever. (Well, at least that hasn't happened yet. I guess there's still time for that intervention, "Mom"!)

SURELY there must be an Iron Man sequel of some sort for good girls who actually rehabilitate. She might have to practise Wing Chun, though.

TRACK LISTING: The Beatles, "I Am the Walrus"

[NOTE: The model in the photo above is my husband, wearing his Sonic Youth Goo t-shirt. The image is a negative screen of the album cover, as drawn by Raymond Pettibon, which itself is an interpretation of a paparazzi photo from 1966.]

"Oh no, oh no, I'll be your sister!"

"Oh no, oh no,
I'll be your brother!"

Things PF and I saw this evening, as cute and funny as always:

THE BEANERS!

They are so lovely.

TRACK LISTING: Midge Ure with Kate Bush, "Brother and Sister"

"Don't give up! Don't give up!"

"Do you remember,
once upon a time,
when there were open doors?"

Things I saw this morning on YouTube:

See above.

I was led to this ad by a funny and interesting article, to which I was led by another article; and in fact I was led to the previously mentioned article by this article, so, um, thank you Gawker?

Anyway, it seemed an appropriate theme to explore today, as PF and I are about to head north to the new, fabulously accessorized home of my super gay ex-roommates. These ex-roommates are both super gay and just plain super, and thus I am very much looking forward to spending the next two days with them. Also, I am obviously too lazy to find an original photo for this post. (Wow! Twice in one week! My slothy nature is really shining through, isn't it?)

Happy weekend, everybody! Go out and kiss somebody you adore.

TRACK LISTING: Erasure, "Chains of Love"

"Talking on the phone!"

"Gotta get your own!"

Things I saw this morning on Defamer:

The Crazy, Random "Chris Rock Thing"!

I don't care what the cranky also-rans on MetaFilter have written in response. I love this story! (I'm not really sure why Laura is doing so much work for her ex-boss, but perhaps he pays her for her chores services. I should probably read more of her blog as I have no problem with her writing style. It's, er, conversational!) Also, as Laura points out, Chris Rock isn't making fun of her for the mix-up or how she approached it. Well, I suppose he could work her into his stand-up routine in the future, and be mean about it, but thus far he seems very sweet and good-humoured. Ah, Chris Rock! This makes me like you even more.

For some reason, I am not surprised that Jerry Seinfeld is a dick.

TRACK LISTING: Timbaland featuring Kelly Price and Missy Elliott, "Talking on the Phone"

"Ooh-ooh ooh-ooh ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh ooh-ooh ooh-ooh, ooh ooh!"

"And that's a
pretty nice
haircut!"

Things I saw in the mirror this afternoon:

A lovely new do, once again by Fantastic Sam, once again in the comfort of JS&A. Yay!

TRACK LISTING: Pavement, "Cut Your Hair"

"You're a life saver, honey."

"I'm a lot braver, too."

Things I saw on my way to work this morning:

A woman I'd never met before, saving my life.

I wish I'd taken her picture! She seemed to be in a bit of a hurry, and I was still slightly dazed from the near-death experience, so all I could manage was a bunch of spaced-out "thank you"s. She was smiling and agreed that drivers so often, so recklessly, attempt to speed past streetcars that have stopped to let passengers on or off. This is not only stupid and thoughtless; it's dangerous. This is why streetcars have signs on the rear that advise the drivers following to stop along with the streetcar, instead of switching lanes and trying to beat the streetcar, so public transit passengers don't have to worry about being mowed down as they step into the road.

It's certainly frustrating to be a driver stuck behind a lumbering streetcar, having to stop on every block even when the lights are green; it's easy to forget courtesy and the rules of the road in that situation, especially if the driver is also in a rush to get somewhere. Unfortunately, that's the way things go if you have no choice but to drive along a streetcar route that doesn't have dedicated TTC lanes.

It's also a passenger's responsibility to make sure that his or her path is clear before stepping into the road, especially when disembarking. One has to wait until the streetcar doors actually open before one can peek out and check for oncoming traffic. I'm usually good with the peeking! I once peered out before getting off the streetcar, only to see a luxury automobile race past. That was the closest I'd come to being hit, which was pretty close, until today.

This morning, I was standing on the steps of the streetcar's back doors, completely occupied by the task of folding my headphones back up into their carrying case. In other words, I wasn't thinking. Like an idiot, as the streetcar pulled up to my stop, I began to step out. The woman beside me gasped and put her arm out to stop me, which was totally confusing until I looked out at the road and saw a car screeching to a halt in front of me. I looked back at the woman -- this lovely, careful, redheaded, middle-aged woman who had no reason other than absolute kindness to help me -- and breathed a sigh of relief. We disembarked with requisite dirty looks shot at the oncoming driver, who did look apologetic, as opposed to oblivious like the last driver who almost killed me. I thanked the woman repeatedly; she nodded and was joined by a friend; and I slipped into my office building with nothing to remember her by. Well, nothing except my life, of course.

TRACK LISTING: Chicago, "Life Saver"

[NOTE: The image above is a page detail from Book of Saints: Part 4, which I picked up (among other titles in this series) from a Dartmouth bookstore's closing sale in the spring of 2005.]

"And I feel real cool and I feel real good."

"And I'm happy in my prime."

Things I saw today:

The peace and quiet of our apartment as I am given another day to rest and recover from Wednesday's minor drama.

The morning sun beaming into the living room is so beautiful! This juice that I am drinking is delicious. I am very happy to eat a breakfast burrito for lunch! I am well pleased that I can stage an Arrested Development marathon while enjoying a few squares of rich, dark chocolate. I am looking forward to my husband coming home after work; I look forward to returning to my own job on Monday! I don't really want to look back anymore. Anyway, I wouldn't change a thing.

TRACK LISTING: Sinéad O'Connor, "Daddy I'm Fine"

"I think I'll go outside a while!"

"Ain't no sense in stayin' inside
if the weather's fine and
you got the time!"

Things I saw today:

Boys and girls selling strollers and dishes and VHS tapes for a quarter each! Seventy-five cent cupcakes!

Earlier in the day I walked to the grocery store, enjoying the sunshine and the feeling of getting things done before 10am. There will probably be occasions in the future when I roll out of bed at 11am, but probably only on the weekend, and probably not for a long time. I'm really enjoying waking up with the sun and experiencing the clean crispness of pre-noon air. The quality of light in the morning hours is often amazing, almost like magic.

TRACK LISTING: The Rascals, "A Beautiful Morning"

"Yeah, I want something new."

"Life's a bummer
when you're a hummer!"

Things I saw today on Metafilter:

Well, this is at least something, and it reminds me of this, which always makes me smile.

TRACK LISTING: The Smashing Pumpkins, "Hummer"