I don't know about this.....

I've ranted previously about my dismay over "Phantom of the Opera: The Musical Part 2." I don't think I've ever mentioned, but "Lord of the Rings: The Musical" was a disaster. Now I hear on the radio that they have "Spiderman: The Musical," apparently the most expensive musical to be produced. I'm sure the rights weren't cheap nor was hiring Bono of U2 to do the music.

Don't get me wrong. I love both off-beat and traditional musicals. Pop culture based musicals also have their place as I've thoroughly enjoyed "Cobra: The Musical," and "Evil Dead: The Musical." (I'm hoping to see "The Toxic Avenger: The Musical.") The genre is fun and can make even the most dismal and depressing of topics fun and up beat (Urinetown).

But Spiderman? Like Lord of the Rings, I think this is just another money grab off of something that is currently hip and already has a large fan base that enjoy spending money. And of course, I'm part of that demographic. Here you go, Stan Lee.

Slip of the Tongue

I recently went to an Equity Symposium to further enlighten and reinforce the good examples and interventions we need to be and make as educators. While there, I met a high school teacher. I asked her what she taught: "Design and technology. We plan, design and build things that the students are interested like a one bedroom home, a line of designer clothing, a landscape project or a new vehicle. Then the students present them to each other and even to other schools or universities." My reply, "This week, we're learning the letter F!"

Here's a short and empowering (and entertaining) video they presented:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQZwZVBDAHI

I was there first

I guess I'm not being very anonymous by showing this article, but it annoys me to the point of writing about it. Not so much that another baby has the same name as my daughter, or that it is very unique (less so now), but oh-my-goodness not named after David Bowie, no way. Both parts of her name after musical inspirations? Oh, no. Dad happens to be a DJ but, no. It simply could not be. So to those who don't know, my daughter IS named after David Bowie, and my son IS named after Jimi Hendrix.....and possibly the stationary company.

From Wiggles to Wu Shu

It's been crazy between work, the kids, and trying to have a life (and a clean house). So in the last 3 days, I've been at the cottage, at the Wiggles concert, and at the World Wu Shu competitions.
I think I'm slowly becoming a crazy Mommy-fan as I felt quite excited to see the four fellas live in concert. Oh, and btw: Anthony Wiggle...hotness confirmed. I love a man who is confident and who obviously enjoys making a fool of himself on stage. Apparently Anthony (and other characters) have been taking yoga and gymnastics. This performance was very Cirque Du Soleil - esque. My hot blue Wiggle did the splits, hand stands, rolls and floor routines in addition to singing "Fruit Salad." What really made me smile was when he shrank into his blueberry costume and rolled away singing "Age of Aquarius" just for fun.

So from Wiggles to Wu Shu...I've just returned from the competitions. Amazing. We managed to catch the Women's sword routines, the Men's routines, and some matches. And now, I'm spent.

Restaurant Review and Hot Men: Susur Lee

Damn you, Susur Lee! You have ruined so many of my meals out because nothing compares to you.
Recently, I went with good friends to "Farmers Night" at Cowbell. It featured local lamb and wine from a local producer. Very promising especially since the lamb fed on the grapes. Really fascinating discussions on production and pairing. Unfortunately, my expectations for fine food has been warped by the culinary skills of Susur Lee. Sadly, this God of Cookery has gone to New York to find new challenges and has left me pining for someone to impress me the same way. It certainly doesn't hurt that the man is a stoic beauty. Long black hair and a chiseled face that often wears a look of stern contemplation. The way he treats his food as an art and the way he respects the kitchen makes other "leading" Toronto chefs (i.e. Mark McEwan) look like line cooks.

There is promise though still far from the ability of Susur. A dinner at the Drake Hotel produced an unbelievably delicious "Sexy Beef Brisket." Looking like steak but cuts like butter, this super tender beef was so tasty I will definitely go back for more. Hubby's halibut was less stellar but still good.

Hubby-isms: Third Installment

We've had a dry spell either because his English has improved or he's wise to this blog. So here's a selection from today, some oldies from years back, and a few from guest contributors.

Discussion over dinner about some idea he had.

Hubby:...and so I was thinking and suddenly a light bulb started ringing in my head.



Science and Language...not my hubby's strong points

Hubby: You can't microwave water!

Me: Why not?

Hubby: Because of the neurons in the water!

Me: Neurons?

Hubby: I mean electrodes.


The sister on her wedding dress.

Sis: So what do you think?

Me: It's beautiful. Is it too long?

Sis: Yeah, I may have to edit it.


My daughter on a walk and she suddenly hugs a steel post.

Ohhhh!!!! My favourite tree!!!

Taking care of Business

I'm back to work after a long hiatus with two kids. Though I wanted to teach kindergarten when I returned, getting what you want doesn't always work out. If a blacklight were held up to me at the end of the day, I would look like a CSI crime scene. These are some of the personalities I've been working with:

The New Arrival: Not one word of English or any language you understand. You can't pronounce their name so they don't respond. It's pointless trying to tell them they can't eat paste.

The Neglected: Parents don't read anything you send home. They hang up on you. They send a babysitter or neighbour to pick them up. They don't send proper shoes or a snack unless two stalks of green onions still covered in dirt count (I'm serious).

The Crier: Can last 5 minutes to as much as 2 weeks. Can cry for a full 2.5 hours non-stop. Will cry during any transition. Will cry when others cry. Will start crying again when they realize they are having fun.

The Screamer: Similar to the Crier except for the incredible octaves they can achieve.

The Runner: Takes every opportunity to run for the door. Any door. Runners must be stopped by tackling and using moves similar to those found in UFC.

The Siamese Twins: Won't do anything without each other and will become Criers if told otherwise.

The O.D. Kid: Will give you a hell of a time if you ask them to do ANYTHING. Will refuse to do anything you request even if its something they want to do.

The Passive Aggressive Kid: Similar to the O.D. Kid, but instead of yelling, NO! they will give you cut eyes, the evil eye, or a blank stare that can last all class.

Little Miss Bossy: Exactly that. Knows everything. Does nothing.

The Baby: Was born in the end of December so qualifies to enter Kindergarten even though they are barely 3 years old.

The Giant: Often mistaken for a 3rd Grader, the Giant was born in January and is the Baby's direct opposite (and often, best friend).

The As-Yet-Undiagnosed: You know there's something wrong. You know that Mom knows something's wrong. A mountain of paper work will need to be done upon the entry of this kid.

The Diagnosed: This fully behavioural darling comes with paperwork already done. Drawbacks are the parents want them integrated into your class of New Arrivals, Neglected, Criers, Screamers, Runners, Twins, OD, Passive-Aggressive, Bossy, Baby, and Giant kids.