Thursday, June 24, 2010

The Trotsky


Jay Baruchel was exceptional in the film The Trotsky. Baruchel mastered the awkward but lovable teenager and acted it with conviction. He plays a young jewish boy in Montreal who firmly believes that because of the parallels in his life that he is the reincarnation of Leon Trotsky, a big player in the Russian Revolution. He played this so well, even the way he walked was changed but worked perfectly. This movie is filled with funny moments, cute characters and hilarious situations it definitely left me satisfied. He begins as staging a hunger strike at his Dad's factory and ends with trying to create a student union so the students can be listened to. A lovely, funny and endearing Canadian movie this is definitely worth seeing.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Jani Schofield


Featured on the Oprah show, Jani Schofield's story was something that instantly hit me. She is a 7 year old little girl that suffers with schizophrenia. It is extremely rare in children and she is one of the most severe cases. This little girl is haunted by animals with names like, Wednesday, 400 and 24 hours that live in a world called Calalini. It is heart breaking because they tell her that she needs to be violent and hurt the people she loves until they scratched and bit her until she did. These hallucinations have even lead her to suicide attempts. Her family is dedicated to her life and to making it the best that it can be. "The moment is really all that we have," says her father. This story reminded me of how serious and life threatening mental diseases can really be.
Watch the video where she explains her world, Calalini.
http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Oprah-Meets-a-Child-with-Schizophrenia-Video

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Arkells

I took a chance and went to The Arkells' show. Going into it I had just listened to their songs maybe once each, they were cool, I liked them. BUT, after the concert finished, I was a converted hardcore fan. Great energy was never lacking. A really cool local band from Hamilton, it's great to discover some people that actually love their music and love to perform. An awesome light rock band, their songs are filled with killer guitars. The only down fall is that each song is a little similar, there's not tons that seperate them but that may just be because of my new ears!
Download, Ballad of Hugo Chavez, John Lennon, Tragic Flaw

Friday, June 18, 2010

My New Favourite Animal


My favourite new animal, Turritopsis Nutricula(a type of jellyfish) can do the coolest thing I've ever heard. It's discovered how to live forever. When it starts to get old, it transforms back into polyp (baby) form then their maturing cycle starts again!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Brandon Flowers - Crossfire

Something I'm very excited about is Brandon Flowers' new solo project. Titled Flamingo this is the first single from the album. A great Killers sound but with a lighter and fresher sound. Check it out!

Brandon flowers-crossfire

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

FIFA World Cup


It's amazing. You can't drive down the street without seeing a car with a flag representing a different country competing in the FIFA World Cup. It's bringing people together in a whole different way, by having them root for different teams. Since Canada isn't competing, our beautiful country is split up between the 32 that are. Even if we hope our friends and family are disapointed if they pick a team different from ours, we share the hope, excitement and fun that can help us bond and bring us closer.
Choose a team, watch and enjoy!
I think I'm FINALLY settling on Brazil.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Beautiful Birds




"It's like Vogue for birds," says Erin Estell, a bird trainer of photographer Andrew Zuckerman's new book fittingly titled, Bird. Having seen this book I was blown away by the colour and intensity of the photos. I think birds are beautiful and majestic creatures that deserve to be shown in all their beauty.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Odd Brain Workout


It turns out, that if you want to keep your brain and ward off things like dementia and alzheimers sudokus and crosswords aren't the best way to do it. Physical activity actually gets more oxygen rich blood to your neural tissue which promotes chemical production that helps with attention, memory and problem solving. Here's a 7day "workout plan" (from prevention magazine) to keep your mind and body in peak form. I'm going to try it out! You should too!
Day 1 Take a Nature Walk.
The calming atmosphere does wonders for your brain, not like urban areas which put your mind into shambles. Leave the ipod at home and let your mind relax and recharge. Improves Focus.
Day 2 Tai Chi.
Tai Chi helps you pay attention to the small stuff and keep feeling in parts of your body. This improves attention and enables you to cherish moments. Practising Tai Chi like activities also prevents falls which can be deadly.
Day 3 Go Fast.
Quick running stimulates blood flow which triggers growth in the hippocampus responsible for memory and verbal learning.
Day 4 Challenge Your Balance
Balance work during toning workouts engages the brain and makes it work harder.
Day 5 Toss A Ball
Tossing a ball back and forth is proved to improve focus, concentration and attention.
Day 6 Socialize and Exercise
People who socialize regularly are 26% less likely to develope dementia because of the constant brain stimulation. Pair it with Day 3 and you've got a great workout for your body and your brain.
Day 7 Balance With Your Eyes Closed
Closing eyes your brain needs to make new pathways which makes it easier to learn new things and makes it simple to adapt to new situations.

I'm going to try it! You should too!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Thank You Lady Gaga


Thank you Lady Gaga for introducing me to a gun bra.
Nope, not just a hand gun bra.
A full on, long ass gun bra. (See below)
I get it, she needs to make a statement, but her new video for Alejandro couldn't help but make me feel a little uncomfortable. Pretty much sex with clothes on for half of it, and those clothes were just skin coloured bra and panties.
I still appreciate it for making us think about the war and its' effect on society.
So thanks Lady Gaga, can't wait to see what you come up with next!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Vampire Weekend - Holiday


A perfect video for Vampire Weekend's single Holiday. Cute, colourful and original. The members are hilarious in their Victorian outfits. Fun Fun Fun!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Saturday Night Soundtrack

There's some new albums I've downloaded but havn't had the chance to listen to yet, like Drake's and Travis McCoy's but here's the songs I like so far from them plus some new ones I've discovered!

Odessa - Caribou
After Midnight - Travis McCoy
Dr. Feel Good - Travis McCoy
Touchin On My - 3oh!3
Miss Me - Drake

Enjoy!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Julian Perretta

It's Finally Happening!
A cool video from Julian Perretta. Someone that deserves more credit in the music industry. Happy, feel good, let's dance music! :)

Oil Spill



Here's to hoping that the new effort of stopping the oil spill of putting a cap in the pipe will work. This disaster could have serious repercutions, from wildlife harm to economic destruction.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Sergey Ermakov


Amazing story of doing what you love.
If you're blind, what kind of jobs could you have? Driver? Designer? Architect?
I'd say no to all of those, but Sergey Ermakov has proved me wrong.
After loosing his vision (he only sees about 5% of what we see) he continued to do what he loved which is designing gowns. He creates gorgeous clothes that are accepted and loved. With two upcoming fashion shows he uses his touch, memory and expertise to create gorgeous dresses that make women look beautiful.

Listening Lamb

Check out http://www.listeninglamb.blogspot.com/ my new blog solely dedicated to music!