Naked Eye

A few years back I was working at Mustang Alley in London, we sold clothing, food and most important to this story, magazines. Once the bosses skipped out at the end of the day and the students finished up day classes the store was DEAD. So we read and read and read. I'm pretty sure I knew everything about every celebrity, ever movie and song review and most important to my program I actually knew all the news...
This is where I came across Naked Eye, a Canadian entertainment based magazine. I immediately loved it. It is a quarterly magazine but the best part, only Canadian artisits/actors/famous figures get to appear on the front cover. My only issue with the magazine is that it seriously only 4 issues a year?! I had totally forgot about it this past year, until I saw Malin Akermans face was staring at me from across the grocery store, yes I screamed in excitement.

So, I think you should do you self a favour and read it. If you don't care to buy magazines, thats fine, but at least give it a chance by reading it here online. 

The Great Remembrance Day Debate

Today is 11/11/11 best known as Remembrance Day, a day to remember, mourn and give our silent thanks for those brave Canadians who fought for our freedom.

But the day has been over run with debate, should remembrance day be a civic holiday. I have heard debate after debate, but personally I believe Canadians should be at work.

I believe Matt Gurney a writer for the National Post sums it up well:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/guerson/5166856948/"For all Canadians who enjoy the freedoms and safety secured for us by the sacrifice of over 100,000 lives and the suffering of millions more who served and lived, Remembrance Day is a rare opportunity for a united, collective thank you. At most work places and in all schools, at 11 a.m., work pauses and people can reflect. It provides an opportunity for organized displays, the reading of poems, the recounting of veterans’ tales of courage and pain, and most importantly, the solemn education of the youngest Canadians in the facts of war and how much our prosperous and free society has truly cost. For one day a year, for only a few minutes at a time, we take the steps needed to ensure that for at least one more year, the sacrifices made on our behalf will not be forgotten.
Making Nov. 11 a day off would not only make it harder for Canadians to share this time of contemplation and sobriety, but would also fundamentally change the meaning of the day. Even the best-intentioned Canadian, one fully mindful and respectful of the costs of war, would soon have to fight the urge to look forward to Remembrance Day. A day off with the kids, a chance to sleep in or take the dog for a long walk, are things rightly relished, and it would be wrong to deliberately associate Nov. 11 with relaxation and pleasure."

Read more: http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2010/11/11/matt-gurney-remembrance-day-the-wrong-time-for-a-holiday/#ixzz150ISgoyX

Wear your poppy proudly, and when you see a war veteran make sure to tell them how much you appreciate all they have done for us.

Video of the Day

I've decided, well no i know, that one of my favourite things about the internet is the obscure pieces of gold in video form that are out there. While I do not as of this moment have any owned or featuring me I do know of many that features others and other creatures that are worthy of your viewing. So stop by each day for my video of the day.

First up. Something I am not sure if I ever want to see again.


I mean the only question remains. WHY IN A SPEEDO!? seriously, no SERIOUSLY.

Classic Americano

Park Avenue Jesus.

For the label whores of America I guess its true, and for those who live and die for American fashion he is the ultimate. No denying that.

New York Magazine features Michael Kors this month, and I love the article. They point out his perfectionism on Project Runway. One of the main reasons I watch is to hear the catch phrase critques he throws out.

I just wanted to have you all read about a kickass person.

And god im dying for this watch!

Through the Musical Motions

I go through the motions with music. When I say motions I'm betting on that it has to do with my emotions because I never really understand why one week i'm into house and techno and the next I can't get enough of head banging hard rock.
Right now I'm all for a mixture of music - a mixture of emotions?- hell that is never good.

These days I stick to listening to a current rock station out of Toronto while i am at work. And this song below well it has no meaning to me but I really always turn up the radio a bit too loud when it comes on. The best part is this rocking video showcasing that teen anarchy isn't as harmful as the people trying to stop it.

Worlds Away

Ads via Ads of the World 

Advertising in 1950. Times have changed.  While girls, quotes and slang dominate our tricky and clever advertising of the 2000s a quick trip back to the past reveals a much simple form of advertising. Where magnificent, splendid and striking adjectives dominate the copy, lets not even mention the horrifically corny cartoon base.

I find this not shocking but its something. As someone who has attended school for writing for more than 4 years I have always been told to write simply, remove that fancy adjective.

My favourite of the bunch? The skype ad.

Posters and Typogrpahy

Most of this week I have been developing some "movie" posters for the hallways of my work. While I am not a talented graphic artist like the one above, I have enjoyed paroosing the internet to find inspiration. One of my biggest hurdles if my lack of knowledge and creativity with type.

So I came across this little slice of beauty on a top typography website. Lyrics to Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol strategically placed in between the minds of two, I'm just throwing it out there, love birds.Great song, great image, great type. Like it or Love it?

Where Has She Been

I do not normally listen to mainstream dance/pop/yeah that stuff radio because frankly if I even start to hear the song "California Girls" I gag. And that is just not good for my system. But the past week I have been listening intently waiting for Ghost by Fefe Dobson to come on. I'm in lust with the song, until I get tired of it.

That's right my favourite Canadian "bad ass" is back and shes back with a vengeance. It has been 7 years!! 7 YEARS!!!! I mean the other day I was saying to myself, man its too bad about her career. Honestly, I am shocked. I can only imagine how hard it is to come back after any + years and hope that your fans who have all grown up still dig your music.

Congrats Fefe because my 17 year old self likes you just as much as me in my 20s, so far. 
Check out Fefes sporadic yet sassy dancing in the video to Ghost below.
P.S. - i am seeing costume influences from Rhianna no?

For the Love of an Accent

I have spent the past week in North Carolina, a new city, a new country and a new twang. There is one thing you should no about me… I am obsessed with Southern accents. So I had been dreaming for weeks of all the Southern accents I would be surrounded by.

My love for this twang developed when I first listened to and watched Albert Finney narrate and play the character of Edward Bloom in one of my favorite movies, Big Fish. His accent was slow, controlled, deep and in my opinion utterly amazing. I started practicing mine at that moment.

What is it about accents that amaze us? Why do we get so caught up in the sounds of words…its almost embarrassing… I found myself this past week adjusting some of the ways I say words to develop a New York accent on one hand, and a Southern on the other. Each of the people I was with were from different parts of the states, Florida, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, New York had these completely different accents which was so cool. Here I am stuck with a Canadian one with a boring “a” sound, must be why I took up their sounds.
Gotta favorite accent?

I'm Already Loving Fall 2010

The Gap Womens Collection 10'

So the Gap has come up with a great concept for their website and its got me all sorts of excited for fall shopping. Now I am bias because I generally LOVE the Gap, they are my go to jeans always. But this marketing strategy encourages shoppers to buy all facets of their clothing line by demonstrating how effortlessly their pieces go together. Its a great way to keep the shopper in your store, but also give them ideas on what fashion this fall looks like in a perfect little Gap world.

The fashionista who put these inspired looks together was none other than the Gaps own fashion director. Further showing that the people who work for the brand not only support the brand but emulate it in every day life.

I am officially going to own almost every piece you see above as soon as this work day is over. Viva Friday!

Bored at Work

Link via Diana Lomography

For you PR people out there a link

http://alumni.academyart.edu/search_portfolio.jsp

Some great online portfolio ideas from the graduated student of the Academy of Art University in California.

What is with the Animals

This is not photoshopped. Just a picture and an experience of a lifetime.

This Southern right whale cruised at the couple, who spotted it about 50 feet away, then sprang from the ocean seriously damaging their beautiful Intrepid.

According to NY Daily News "the whale thrashed around the deck and destroyed their mast, before finally slipping back into the water."

The couple is unharmed, the whale we will never no. Check out the damage this massive creature caused.

I cannot believe all the animal stories coming out lately. First the soaring donkey, then the man with 18 monkeys in his pants and now a whale who I swear must be blind (how can you not see a 32 foot yacht).

The Craziest Thing I've Seen in Awhile

Now this is just bad advertising. Say you wanted to attract tourists to a private beach for a day full of fun in the sun and parasailing, how do you do it? Well if your American you parade a bunch of skeezy girls around in Bikinis, if you are a Russian businessman you tie a DONKEY to a para sail and send it off over the beaches.

According to the BBC  "The donkey screamed and children cried,"... "The donkey landed in an atrocious manner: it was dragged several metres along the water, after which the animal was pulled out half-alive onto the shore."

Dude poor Eeyore was sailing 1000 ft above Russia. Can you imagine how scared this animal must have been, my dog has anxiety just because we leave him alone for an hour. He would probably die of a heart attack if we sent him flying.
 You no PETA will be all over this. I mean I cant believe people really are that cruel and stupid. 

But then again, have you ever seen a donkey fly before?

Mackenzie

Moving on from one of the nicest things I've seen, I bring you Mackenzie. I have been obsessed over this kid for awhile. That does not sound right. But this girl, is the devil. And shes has got attitude for a 4 year old. I just cant get over the fact that a four year old has this much balls.



There is a lot to be said, I mean the girl has never been told no in her life, and for fun she gets spray tanned and made up to be a barbie doll. Shes a spoiled kid, no doubt, but I have never seen anyone act this badly.

I cant wait for her to grow up, she is the next Lindsay Lohan.

The Nicest Thing I Have Seen in Awhile.

Hey I'm back to writing after a long hiatus- Just to busy - But after a week away I have been inpsired to start writing my blog again.

So I want to start by sharing the nicest thing that I have seen in awhile. And its a commercial for the upcoming Ipod 4g.



So are your eyes full of tears? Man that just hit me right in the heart. :) I'm pretty sure that is the first time that, that couple has ever been able to talk on the phone.

OMGEEE RollerCoasters

OH EM GEEE! my friends

Roller Coaster Tycoon was my life circa who the hell cares because the evil Perez Hilton just reminded me of the hours, the blood,the sweat and the tears I spent creating and developing the best amusement parks in the world.

HA! How could I have forgotten such a wonderful piece of gaming, I was good at it, I was dedicated to fostering a money making park.I wanted to give my guests the best entertainment food and bathrooms positioning of any other amusement park developer. Yes, I was a freak.

I WANT TO PLAY NOW!

This Blows My Mind

That face. That look. That man. Thats Mickey Rourke 20 years ago.

CAN YOU FREAKING BELIEVE IT. I was just watching inside the actors studio featuring Mickey Rourke and I had to google him. This image came up. I HAD NO IDEA that under all that plastic surgery was a good looking man. Below is the hagard face of a plastic surgery actic gone seriously wrong.

Well not really a close up. I have to say though that he is an awsome actor. The Wrestler was awsome I cant lie.And he was in Domino a few years back and you no what his face was still some what normal. Sorry I cant get off this face thing, its crazy. Now while I was watching Domino I was kind of distracted by the guy on Mickeys left - Choco

Seth Aaron....the King

When I become a fan of something I follow it faithfully. LOST - its been 5 years maybe 6 I've watched everyone relgiously. Guy Ritchie - when ever he has a movie, I always watch it - cant be more excited by anyone else. Janice Evanovich - the one author that makes me laugh out loud any day.

But my latest obsession- Project Runway. Slice TV plays it every weekend and i watch if religously , I have even memorized the times it airs - 3:00 on saturdays or 12:00 on sundays. Yep, I have issues. This year was a great season lots of exciting challenges and some really talent yet cocky designers. My favourite was Seth Aaron. He is rockeresque and thats what I love. Give me black, leather and structure and im game.

Just watched the finale and my Seath Aaron won! Seth Aaron you are king of that runway. Just wanted to give a shout out. I totally thought the ass Emilo was gonna win,so happy he didn't just because you think your the shit doesnt mean shit.  Now im just sad that its over. What am i gonna do at 3 or 12 on saturdays and sundays. Have a look at this collection.

INSANE

This coat is out of this world Fierce.

WOW. love.it

Note: I love when the person I like wins a reality tv. Right now ive got my favourites lined up for ANTM and Real World challenges. I like to think im always right!

Remember When I used to remember

Well, my good friend Oscar Wilde wrote

the best thing about the past is that it is in the past

While I only half agree with this quote it still resonates with me at least as far as this blog goes
Remembering the past is over, lets get back to the future. Focus on what really gets me going.

Like this ad campaign for Gucci from 2008. 

THAT BAG
will. be. mine.

Lets bring boho chic back to 2010. I don't care if its not in, its me, I want every article of clothing from this season. You should want it to.
See more magic below

You should get to know the models- its really a small world the same girls are used over and over again. In this campaign : the main model is Lily she has been Guccis #1 model for years.

Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin - Photographer

Lily Donaldson - Model
Shaun Haugh - Model
Kasia Struss - Model
Abbey Lee Kershaw - Model
Eniko Mihalik - Model
Olaf Szosnowski - Model
Jonathan Nee - Model

Remember the TV that was the 90s

Well, I have been putting off a post a) because I was not sure if I wanted continue to blog and b) because I could not find motivation.
And then it came! thanks to my friend Michael K over at Dlisted.
Ah yes the crazy TV shows of the 90s.
I will start with the one Michael so thankfully reminded me of.

Dinosaurs
This Walt Disney/ Jim Hensons production was a crazzzy show. Running from 1991 to 1994, the show featured a family of dinosaurs; the SINCLAIRS!. The show funny enough was based off of a oil company and its executives. All that I remember is Baby hitting Earl (the dad) over the head with a frying pan and laughing repeadedly. Comedic gold right there kids. And I remember Charlene the valley girl dino. As if.
Check out the Clip below and relive the memories. PS. this show was the original Family Guy, where the baby is smarter than everyone else.



The second show I want to mention is one I loved loved loved. And thats Doug! Another guy/ show that I got to see in Disney (well my second time).

Doug was the best show with Scooter, Patty Mayonaise and Smash Adams. Like didn't you wish you had that special of a name. I wonder who writes these shows how could you think, "lets give the main character one of the most boring names ever but give his best friends cool names". Doug also ran from 91' to 94' and was a cartoon. It was a pretty simple cartoon and was produced by Disney as well. It is hard for me to believe that these shows were last broadcast 16 years ago.


Till Next Time
Ciao

Alex Jordan.

Remember Your First Concert

Hey all, so my second post of the week, wooo. I am making up for the one I failed to post last week because I was soaking up the sun in Dominican and all.
So after a brainstorming session today in class focused on things to remember I came out with..NOTHING.

Then on my home an old song came on “The Real Slim Shady” but instead of singing the lyrics right I found myself rapping “I’m Sugar Baybee the real Sugar Baybee all you other Sugar Baybees are just imitating.” Horror, that voice popped in my head, then that concert popped in my head. Yes I saw Sugar Baybee in concert. Again, Horror. If you are not aware of “The Real Sugar Baby” she was a radio personality with a Fran Drescher voice but it was “cutsie.” AND I just found out she was the voice of “Wishbear” on Care bears and “Rini” on SaliorMoon. Heres the song. Check your ears at the door.

Remember your first concert? I obviously do. I attended the Wham Bam Thank You Jam way back in Summer of Grade 7 (2001) with a red headed soul sista some of you may know. Let me just tell you we travelled in style. V.I.P. baby. We were picked up by a limo and shipped off to Canada’s Wonderland for a day of Destiny’s Child, B4-4, Vitamin C and oh yeah Sugar Baybee.

We had first or third row tickets I can’t remember, but what I do remember we were dead centre, so yeah I saw Beyonce “work it out.” And I saw those hot (choke) B4-4 dudes up close.
It was a good day and at the time, we had fun.I thought I was a rocker although I admit I don’t think either of us were into any of the performers.But we were into Canadas Wonderland and the rides and the funnel cake yumm. I found a picture of that day then promptly ripped it up. Yeah what can I say, puberty.

So what was your first concert? Who did you see?

Until next time

Cheers

Remember Your First Vacation

Hey all, so I just returned from an island in the sun. Sigh. I should say I’m depressed but I must admit that returning to this sun makes me just as happy to be home.

I had been waiting to go on vacation FOREVER. I went to New York last year but I’m talking a relax and do nothing but soak up the sun and the rum kind of vacation. And let me tell you I soaked them up.

So where did I go, eh? Curious much? Well my friends I so luckily travelled to Punta Cana or as they called it Punta Can-ada! My first trip outside of Canada and the States and it was fantastic.

But it will never compare to my very first vacation. At the age of 5, the very best (an might I say cutest) grandmother in the world treated my mom, brother and I to a DISNEY VACATION :) . Every kid’s dream.

Oh yes, I remember my first trip, how could you ever forget a trip to Disney World? I had never seen anything like it, the farthest I had ever been was the cottage in Dorset.

What do I remember...

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! The Ninjas burst onto the street in their cool yellow van, hanging out the top and the sides with music blasting. Cowabunga dude. After a short performance my brother and I got to meet and take pictures with Raefael ... jealous much? Everyone was there even Shroter and April.

What else? I remember Honey I Shrunk the kids. What I would describe as a playground but I should correct myself a playground made of out huge blades of grass. It truly felt like we were in the movie, with large ants and lego and I think I remember some water squirting all over the place.

One of the most exciting things? Seeing Hulk Hogan. At the time the WWF was immensely popular and Hulk Hogan was still the king of wrestling. There was a strip in the park that held a gym that was shielded from the inside by not quite closed blinds and inside was the Hulk and he was working on his fitness. Even though we never met him it was great to see him and to see him doing what he did best.

I also remember Sea World and all the Manatees. They just amazed me.

Interestingly what I have discovered about going away last week was that if I really wanted to go away to relax I just needed a Canadian summer in the great Ontario North. Oh and you better throw in a cottage, a lake, a good book, good food, good drinks, good card games and good friends.

I will leave you with one of my favourites moments of my latest trip. Unfortunately we were stricken with some bad weather. We are talking 3 days of rain and clouds but we stuck it out and got our white bumbs to the beach to enjoy any moment we could. By the 2nd rainy day (our 5th day of the trip) our ipods were out of batteries and our books and magazines read from front to cover all we had left was conversation. But if any of you know me well I am only a couple minutes away from singing out loud. You would know that any one word can set me off on a singing tangent. So for about an 1hr my travel companion and I sang our hearts out. One song we were both surpised to remember from beginning to end helps me end my post how I started it. I should mention that the group down the beach yelled at us to "SHUT UP" you think we stopped?

Than you don't know me


So what was your first vacation? Or better yet what was your favourite? Until next time.

Cheers

Remember When...

I have so many ways that I wanted to start this post that I still cannot decide how. I can tell you that I am excited for these memories. I have to say this posts picture may be a little NSFW.

The post idea came to me with two signs. First Calvin Klein just released a new batch of mens underwear advertisements last week meant to bring us back to the days of Marky Mark Wahlbergs Calvin Klein domination. Sources say the executives of Calvin Klein want Kellan Lutz (of Twilight fame) along with one of my favourites Mechad Brooks (Eggs from True Blood) to remake Marky Mark's iconic underwear campaign from the 1990s. Yes ladies a new batch of men...but it just made me think of the original one.

Calvin Kleins Fashion Week front Row

The next sign happened yesterday as I was sitting in traffic at the border, my feet throbbing from driving standard. I was exhausted and miserable. My girl Mona was controlling the music and had her IPOD switching songs every two seconds. She was getting annoyed at my mood so she put on the one song she knew would be get me moving. My favourite go to party song. I can't help but dance, not just any kind of dancing, the fromage kind of dancing. Mona soon regretted the song choice as I start dancing and the car beside us started pointing and laughing. But I did not care, nothing gets between me and my Marky Mark.

Yes this post is about remembering the one and only young Mark Wahlberg. Well I have to tell you I remember him every day when my phone rings because you know that Good Vibrations is the best ringtone ever.
He was a young bad boy poet,

"Now the time has come for you to get up

The rest had you fed up but Yo, I won't let up

On the rhythm and rhyme that's designed to

Make your behind move to what I'm inclinced to

Pure Hip Hop," Good Vibrations - Marky Mark and the Funky Buch

Good Vibrations was Marks only number one song. Soon after his rise to the top of the music game Mark quit to become an actor. He maintains that he never tried to do bothm instead he concentrated on one art at a time.
Young Mark was a mixed up teen, the tough guy of the neighbour hood (perhaps why women are drawn to him) the tough guy "thing" has led to his success in music and in films (think Max Payne, Four Brothers and the Departed).
Details magazine did a feature on Mark a few years ago and recounted his rise to teen fame.

"Ah, his past. Running the streets of Dorchester in Boston, stealing cars, robbing people, slinging drugs, menacing whatever unlucky soul strayed too close to him and his crew—with a 45-day hitch in an adult prison, at age 16, to show for his efforts. (He was convicted of assault after beating two Vietnamese immigrants during one very bad night in 1988.) Emerging from prison with a pumped-up physique, Wahlberg embarked on a highly effective rehabilitation program: a rap career, cooked up with the help of brother Donnie. Which begat the Dropping of the Trou; the Calvin ad; the autobiography, dedicated to his dick, that he never bothered to read; and, of course, Hollywood."  Source: http://www.details.com/celebrities-entertainment/cover-stars/200504/actor-mark-wahlberg-talks-entourage-four-brothers-and-the-departed

Ladies and men  lets take a few moments to remember Mark Wahlberg. Appreciate everything the Young Mark has given us

Calvin Klein Underwear Ads

NSWF

The Funky Bunches - Good Vibrations

There were other things like that Boston accent, those abs and that smile.

More recently Mark has turned into a family man and has become an amazing entertainer. He acts as exectuive producer on the series Entourage, a show losely based on his life in Hollywood as a young Marky Mark. And in 2006 co-starred in the action packed, Boston based movie, The Departed. Where he plays a cop, a role that finally place him on the otherside of the law.

The Recent

Entourage
more importantly Ari and Loyd

The Departed

Mark I just want to say thank you. Is there any stars out there that you love remembering? I know there is more than Mark who I love I just had to post about him because he kept coming up.

Until next time,

Cheers

Remember When You Had Your First Olympic Moment

It's Canadas moment right now, the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010. Moments are just waiting to be made. Canadians are tuning in to get those chills from watching their fellow country men compete against the world to become the best in the world, to make their nation proud. And so far we should be proud not just of Alex Bilodeau and Maelle Ricker, although their wins may be the most triumphant, but all of our Canadian athletes. I can only dream to have the talent that they possess. Perhaps thats why we invest so much emotion into our athletes because they are able to do what most can not.
As for memorable moments this olympics I think that most of us are waiting and crossing our fingers for a Gold from our prized mens hockey team.

I bet many of you have an olympic moment that stands out in your mind. The one that you hope to relive when you watch every two years. I have one in particular that gave me chills, brought me to tears, and made me jump from my seat in anticipation. It was magical.

I am bringing you back 10 years to the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Canada, generally does not do well in the Summer Olympics but thats what makes it so much more special when we do win gold.

Meet Simon Whitfield the man to whom I owe my moment.

Triathalons have always been my favourite sport to watch. So much time and dedication goes into preparing for a race. My three favourite individual sports mixed into one long day of pain, endurance, determination and fun...hopefully,

Whitfield had been in a bike pileup early in the race, his olympics dreams seemingly over. Him and 24 triatheletes had crashed. But Simon he was determined and had his best sport in front of him... his run. The leaders coming into the run began to slow due to the heat of the Australlian sun, dehydration and fatigue set into their bodies. It was between 4 men, all the best in the world. But Whitfield had more determination than any. The four men fought for medal standing, pounding the pavement step by step challenging the outcome of the race. German Mouskavich lead heading into downtown Sidney but just as the runners reached the view of the Sindney Opera house with minutes to the finish line, Canadian Whitfield starts to challenge his lead. Mouskavich slows as Whitfield excels. At this point my mom JUMPS of the couch. GOOOOOO SIMON.... GOOOOOOOOOO SIMON and I join...my heart pounding ,my smile widening. The crowd in Sidney joins our cheers. People line the blue carpet waving their hands and flags. All the way to the end we were with him, crossing our fingers, screaming his name. Simon fist pumps over the finish line and my eyes are filed with tears, a final GO SIMON. Simon Whitfield has triumphed, he has won gold, he is Canadian. He is my hero.

Simons main goal for the Sydney Olympics: " I just want to hear the Canadian National Anthem". I cant help but smile even still for him. Did I mention it was the first time the triathalon was ever present at the Olympics.

If you ever come across a triathalon on TV specifically on NBC watch it. The Americans do a great job at finding inspiration in athletes (as much as I hate to admit).

You should watch Simons triumphant win here.

And I want to hear about your favourite Olympic moments.

Cheers and happy Olympic watching. GO CANADA!

Remember Those Songs

This week I thought it would only appropriate to do a Valentines dedicated post. Remember when we used to give everyone in our class Valentines. And then it happened to me, well to most of you who read this blog. (thanks Becky! )

So I am going with Remember Those Songs... I'm sure you have all been waiting for this week. I have decided that we must look into this backflash in two parts. One will be about those REALLY old songs that remind you of things like camp, singing circle and just plain innocense.

But then we HAVE to get into that embarassing stuff. You know the N'SYNC, the B4-4... Oh yes we will go there with my fav remembers of the 90s.

A few years ago I was working for the YMCA as a camp counsellor and all the young camper girls would hang out together and talk about the boys (not much has changed there) but also about their favourite popstars. At the time it was Hilary Duff, and I can only help but remember thinking WHAT ARE THESE GIRLS THINKING. How are their ears not bleeding? But then I remember what we used to listen to and who we used to obsess over.

The girls who lived down the street from me were about 2-4 years older and were obsessed with the Back Street Boys before I was even old enough to like boys. They used to think that my younger brother looked like Brian Litrell and would swoon over him... I'm talking a 12 yearold swooning over my 8 year old brother... It's funny the obsessions you have when you are young, now you look back and wonder what was I thinking.
So I thought I would make this post easy and give you two top 10 lists.

You may notice that most of the next songs come from my favourites.. Sharon Lois and Bram. If you are a Canadian kid I think you may be on the same page.

Top 10 Kid Songs.

1. SkinaMarink- Sharon, Lois, and Bram

2. Wheels on the Bus - who knows

3. There was a Moose - who knows

4. Cookie Jar - Sharon, Lois and Bram

5. Teddy Bear Picnic -Anne Murray

6. Won't you be my Neighbour? - Mr. Rogers

7. You got a friend in me - Randy Newman

8. Hakunamata - Timon and Pumba

9. Under the Sea - Sebastian and company :)

My mom was a sewer and in Grade 1 due to my obession with Ariel and the Little Mermaind she bought some Little Mermaind fabric and made me a little mermaid dress. I wore it every week more if she would let me. Therefore, I love this song even still.

10. Be Our Guest - Lumiere

Just saying its quite a production, this song.

Now that we are done the younger years lets move on to my discovery of popular music. Now some of these songs may still seem relevant but they are all either funny or at least a step in the direction of where my taste lies now.

Top 10 Rememberal Songs of the 90s

1. Oasis - Wonderwall

This is an obvious one, but it pulled me into the rock world which I cannot help but be thankful for.

2.Backstreets Back - Backstreet Boys

3. Tearin Up My Heart - N'SYNC

I throw in both of these because they just are here. I mean boybands ruled the 90s and I ate it up. Plus JT came out of it and he brought sexy back.

4. TLC - Waterfalls
my cool, popular babysitter who looked like Kelly Kapowski used to rock to this song. We would both dance to it, whenever she babysat me... I felt so cool, so old, so I have to thank Rebecca wherever you are for making me feel like the coolest 6 year old ever.

5. Only Wanna Be with You- Hootie and the Blow Fish

6. Saturday Night - Wigfield

Dance Mix 95 is full of classic 90s songs and as a dancer at that period this was the ONLY CD we danced to. I would post a picture of my costume for that years dance recital but I cannot for the life of me find it. Our costumes were neon green with a psychedelic patterin all over. The song? Total Eclipse of the Heart.

7.Sugar Ray - Fly

8. Blink 182 - All the Small Things

There video to opened my eyes to how LAME the pop stars of our generation were

9. I Want You - Savage Garden

I could literally sing the whole song... YES THAT FAST ... to be honest I could sing the whole album. Probably my number one obession that year.

10. Mambo Number 5 - Lou Bega / Blue - Eifel 65

had to throw these two in last because it wouldn't be a list without the two most catchy songs of the decade.

So now I want to hear about yours... Maybe I have forgotten some bigs ones. I know I have. So comment away

Cheers

Remember Being Picked For Teams

First off I want to apologize to any of you to whom this may bring back bad memories, I understand for some this was one of the worst parts of being a kid.

But I also want to thank one of my favourite sports reporters Cabbie for keeping it real and coming up with new and interesting things to ask players in the locker room, as he has inspired me to write this post.

So do you remember? It's recess, the school yard is buzzing and the grade 7 class including youself is getting ready to play the MOST IMPORTANT game of soccer EVER. Two captains have been called, you know the all-stars of the school yard. One after another they start picking off players from the line to be on their team. You wait, looking around, evaluating the decisions the captains are making, wishing upon everything you will end up on the right team... You wait and wait and wait ...bringing back memories? I won't go any further, I promise.

I have to say I never minded this cruel pick and chose game but I was athletic....

When were you picked? Were you that allstar, a middle man or were you the one at the very end?

Can you imagine doing that now in real life? Your on the job and a new project comes up, with two sides competing to have the best plan of action. Two executives start picking off the employees. You are really going to find out who values you and how much, that is for sure.

I really wanted to show you all the segment from Cabbie who asked NHL players but I cant find it. As you can probably guess they all were picked first... I will keep looking for it, until then


Cheers

Remember When We Used to Run Everywhere Just Because

Remember when there was a time in your life when you used to RUN everywhere just because you wanted to. Sometimes walking was just too slow or sometimes you were just bored. Maybe you just wanted to race your brother, sister, friend to you know, show off your amazing skills.

NOW-- the thought of even running from my car to school to avoid the rain is... well you would just never catch me doing it. Most of us would avoid anything not to run, except for you crazy runners. Upon a earlier life I was one of you, but my knees got the best of me.

Anyways when I was a youngin' I used to visit my Dads house on weekends. We (the kids) were always made (encouraged) to spend the better part of the day outside, being “active". You have to admit there are only so many games of basketball, play fighting, and house that you can handle until you get bored. So we ran.

I am not just talking about playing tag or kick the can (which is a whole other remember when in itself) you just ran for something to do. A few laps of the yard and bam you are having a laugh. How did running turn from something so fun to a workout that most of us don't look forward to?


The things that happen when kids get bored is unlimited. Check out this video these guys know the pure joy of running... like I used to...

Cheers

Remeber When

Remember when we were so bored that we decided to drive to London in a snowstorm?....Remember ALL of summer 2007?.... Remember when you would actually scream for the Backstreet Boys?...

How could you POSSIBLY forget. These are the moments that shaped me (okay well I probably want to forget the Backstreet Boys). Often times when I get together with my buddies the 'old times' always come up, and they are always good for a story but better for a laugh. You know I have had some amazing experiences, as I'm sure a lot of you have, so why not publicly remember them.

This blog is meant to be an outlet of past experiences. I can't promise that I can divulge all the ridiculous details (imagine what you would think of me)
I think this blog will concentrate on mostly general experiences that we all, I would like to think, share. I can guarentee there are some personal experiences that may be so ridiculous that they just have to be told.

Cheers