"Beckham's Toronto Welcome"

I had the pleasure of attending my first ever MLS (Major League Soccer) game this past Wednesday evening with some of my good friends. It was a wonderfully exciting evening. The game, TFC vs. LA Galaxy's, was a perfect match for my first ever game!

As I walked up to the gates of the Roger's Centre, which has been pointed out as a rather odd place for a game, instead of BMO field, all I saw was a parade of red and white TFC supporters. It was actually a magical sight. As a Toronto native, I was torn between cheering on my home team, the Toronto Football Club, or my personal preference David Beckham and the LA Galaxy's. Tough choice.

But it was hard not to support TFC once inside of the Stadium, which for the first time in my eyes had been transformed into a huge soccer field. The stadium was wall-to-wall red and by the chanting it was clear that TFC was the supported team at the venue. Over 47,000 spectators at the sold-out game!However, I still could not help myself but gush at even the slightest sight of the iconic 23 on the back of Beckham's jersey.

It may sound ridiculous, but it has always been a dream of mine to see him play, and him nearing 40 years of age, I am glad I got to while I had my chance. Playing soccer for over 17 years has had no affect on his good looks, if I may add!

Before the game started, we watched as Beckham warmed up with some young fans from the stands, even hi-fiving a young boy who held his hand in shock that he just help Beck's warm up! It was cute to say the least, and definitely made all of the women who were already drooling, gush with utter joy!

But besides the game itself, which I found quite intriguing as I tried to gain as much soccer knowledge from the friends I had with me, I was quite embarrassed at the "Greeting" that us Torontoians gave Beckham! David Beckham is nothing less than a Soccer Legend in my eyes, and as I watched Red and White streamers rain down on him every time he tried to corner-kick I couldn't help but feel bad for the guy.

But he pushed them off without complaint, even getting caught in some at one point. But it was the raining down of garbage: full beer cans, that really insulted him, as he picked up one of the cans and looked up at the "thrower" in disbelief. I was mortified at the thought that someone would have done that to anyone, let alone David Freaking Beckham!

But Beckham is a stand up guy. “Tonight was a great atmosphere,” he told Sportsnet as the players left the field, “The majority were here to enjoy the spectacle. It’s a shame some people spoiled it, but it was a great atmosphere.”

At least he seemed to have enjoyed his stay at the Roger's Centre, also stating that he loves playing to big stadiums such as this and was happy to see that Soccer, or rather football was finally catching on as a North American Sport. I know that I cannot wait to go to another game, and will never forget seeing his hot self play!

Here is some pictures from Wednesday's game! xx*courtney.

Roger's Centre Transformed!

Red & White all the way!

Even had fireworks!

Beck's getting caught in streamers!

Fab Friday: "I felt so powerless!"

Well, I am currently writing this at my favourite hang out spot downtown...obvi Starbucks at Bedford & Bloor. But unfortunately I failed to bring my laptop with me so I am updating on my iPhone. Forgive my mistakes for I am quite jittery and suffer from major "auto-correction"itis!

As I sit here, drinking a lovely upside-down grande caramel macchiato, surrounded by MacBooks, listening to the music that is playing, and sitting under a light source...all I can think of is how happy I am today.

But yesterday was a far different story. My Thursday, which can only be defined as if I was stuck in the past, plagued with a house full of unusable "future" appliances, was awful. That's right. I was without power all day.

And why was I at home all day on Thursday, since I have class from 9am until 4pm? Well, Having attended a TFC game the night prior, and drinking all afternoon, I woke up with a massive hangover. And with Logic class (defined by the University of Toronto as philosophical calculus) at 9 am Thursday mornings, I was in no condition to attend. And with a paper due in the near future, I thought a day off would serve me, and my headache, well.

About ten minutes after waking up, and nearly 5 minutes into what I can only imagine to be an amazing episode of Criminal Minds, the power goes out. At first I thought that I was simply without TV, and a little disappointed, I wandered over into the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. And I was in dire need of said cup of coffee! But a coffee maker requires power, and I was powerless, literally.

Realizing the multitude of the situation I was facing, I looked around my kitchen at a small room full of completely useless appliances and complete uneatable food. I was without a car, and in no state to be wandering to the closest restaurant, which would be Amazing Teds, to enjoy breakfast.

But I could survive the next hour without food or coffee, right? I could just start working on my paper, right? Yeah, that would be a good use of my time, right? Wrong. So Wrong. Not only did the power out last much, I mean MUCH, longer than an hour, but I had failed to plug in my laptop to charge the night prior.

And it hit me. I had no food. No coffee. No TV. No Internet. No computer. And as the temperature dramatically dropped outside, only to make this day worse, realization that I had no fan to circulate the heat throughout my house. "I felt so powerless!"

My only hope was my phone, which was at half battery. I tracked the outage on an interactive power grid online. The outage caused by a fire nearby, left me and many other people stranded in a world in need of electricity. It is funny. We grow up surrounded by these simple items that end up becoming so necessary. And you never plan a way to get around needing them, because they are so basic in the retrospect of our lives.



It was a rough day to say the least!

Things such as the News, which one would access via the Internet or TV, is simply out of our reach. And even appliances like a coffee maker become useless. What we would do if something occurred that actually changed the way that we needed to live? What would happen if we simply stopped making electricity.

Well, I certainly hope to never find out! As the world becomes more and more dependent on having power at all times, we are losing the ability to live without it, even for a few hours...or eight, EIGHT HOURS!

Is it a bad thing that we have become dependant on electricity? No, not in my eyes. As I look around the room full of people, I couldn't even imagine a time without it. This is the evolutionary path that Humanity has chosen to take. To invent electricity. And to make nearly everything reliant on it.

Well, anyways. I curled up on the couch with my Nano under a blanket and slept all day. I finally gave myself a day off. And at around 5pm when the power came back on, I had a big breakfast...and finally that cup of coffee!

xx*courtney.

America's Next Top Model: "British Invasion"

There are two things that I love in life: Television and British Accents.

This show has both of them. Combine fashion, drama, and "continental" competition and I am hooked. I have always been a sucker for ANTM, but this season seems especially good. First things first, a round of applause for Tyra Banks who has managed to pound out 18 seasons of the show, although not all of them very interesting or noteworthy, such as last seasons All-Stars. It left me under-whelmed and disappointed. But a new season, new girls (sort of, as we find out that all the Brits have been on Britain's Next Top Model), and a new twist: Brits vs. Yanks.

**I also wanted to mention a great new change, at least in my opinion, in the panel of Judges. Kelly Cutrone. I feel as though I have always had a love-hate-relationship with this women, from seeing her in her natural domain on TV shows like The Hills, & The City. Always the evil b*tch, her attitude angered me at times. However, I feel as though ANTM really needed a judge who, isnt just famous in the business, but someone who works in fashion, and doesn't take anyones bullsh*t. She has already called out some girls for things they have done and I LOVE it! Keep it up Kelly!

My favourite moment of the entire premier episode was when Ashley, the Scottish bombshell, says "I am totally gonna be subtitled", which she was!

Without leading too much into the show itself as I would like to avoid releasing spoilers for those people who are even more behind on TV due to university (or rather as they say in Britain "uni"), I am definitely on team Union Jack. (aka Brits!)

We have been told time and time again that models do not have to be pretty (and on this show "pretty" normally doesn't cut it!) But nonetheless, I have to argue that I don't want to look at pictures of models that aren't pretty and I certainly haven't seen unpretty models pictured in campaign ads. So, as a consumer, I can only imagine that others agree with me, thus the argument that "models don't need to be pretty" is actually not true...but whatever. The main point is that the Brits are GORGEOUS! So naturally they have my vote, and my green-eyed envy.

(Not that the Yanks aren't lookers themselves...but they simply are not British)

I am also obsessed...I mean OBSESSED...with people from the UK. Their accents and their forward thinking, classy fashion has always intrigued me. One reason that this particular season really spiked my attention was the dynamic between British girls and American Girls. (a lot of other bloggers have noted that there is little dynamic to work with, but I disagree!) Women from Britain carry themselves differently and dress better. I also think that the Brits have an arguably better set of hair styles!

But that's just my quick take on things. I think this season is going to be interesting, so watch it!

Also, a side note: Tyra has announced that Cycle 19 will be a College Season, although I am not sure how different that will be from what we normally watch. A lot of girls drop out of school to be on this show, and obviously the younger you are the better in the fashion industry. But I thought I would let y'all know.

Survivor: "The reign of Queen Colton"

After watching 24 seasons of Survivor I would say that I am a fan. It's the challenges that strike my interest, and the camp drama that sucks me in to patiently waiting every week for the next episode. And 24 seasons later...well here I am watching another one.

But this season is different. And I have to say that the main twist (That both tribes are living on one beach) has been completely over-shadowed by the Guys vs. Girls competition.

Being a girl, I was sure that the "girl-drama" that normally consumes the lives of female highschoolers would cause the all-female tribe, Salani, turmoil, while leaving the door open for the Manono tribe to win each competition. The strength of men combined with the potentially drama free environment seemed like a winner to me!

Wow was I wrong! Although the girls are plagued by innocent quarrelling, it is almost forgotten once compared to the catastrophe that is facing the all-male tribe, well all-male and a Colton.



Queen Colton!

I certainly do not think I am overstepping by suggesting that Colton Cumbie, self-proclaimed Queen of the Manono tribe, is the biggest villain in Survivor history. But unlike watching the evil manipulating ways of Russell, we are stuck watching a stuck-up, eye-rolling "Queen" bark orders while he sits on his lazy butt.

Can somebody please take away his Scepter and remind him that everything he says is being played on National Television?!



4 episodes in and I honestly think that Colton has insulted every group there is - from Black people to Little People, who Colton calls Oompa Loompas. He has openly spoken of his hatred of poor people, people who don't have real jobs, and basically anyone who doesn't live in a mansion.

But Colton is far from racist, informing his camp-mates that he does have African American's in his life...his housekeeper for one. And his hatred for Bill wasn't because of his skin colour, but rather because he was poor. Right, that is a way better reason Colton.

Personally, I am tired of hearing that little devil's voice. He is beyond rude and inconsiderate. I really hope that every word that comes out of his obnoxious mouth will bite him in the butt once he returns into the real world. My 12-year-old cousin is more mature than him. Colton's favourite expression is suggesting that people go "kill themselves" and uses the fact that he is gay as his excuse for not doing work around camp. More concerned with having a relaxing vacation, Colton was happy to lose his first immunity challenge proclaiming: "I'm so excited to vote someone out. I dislike so many of these people."

As a fan of Survivor I am insulted by the way that Colton is treating this game. And as a human being I am insulted by his behaviour. People like that should go... "Kill themselves".

But one thing that is worse than Colton thinking he is "running the game" is that his tribe mates are actually letting him do so. Really boys? What Colton wants, Colton gets. And it is pathetic watching his tribe do whatever he wants them to do. Please guys, realize that you can vote him out.

But what is keeping Colton in power? Arguably it is a combination of his (not so) hidden immunity and the stupidity of his tribe. I really hope that we are witnessing some creative editing and that these lads aren’t really that stupid.



Jay!

Unfortunately the Salani tribe isn't that special, which leaves me rooting for Jay, who is conceivably the only player worth praise. Although even HE is following Queen Colton. But perhaps his good looks and adorable accent make up for it.

All I hope is that somebody knocks Colton off his high horse, and soon, before true Survivor fans (and anyone with a sense of pride) change the channel.

My Weekly Addiction: Revlon Scented Nail Polish

This week's addiction is up a different ally: beauty supplies. I have (not to brag) really nice & long nails. And this year I have really tried to paint them a different colour each week.

A few things you should know about me:
(a) I have absolutely no skill whatsoever at putting on nail polish.
(b) I am severely impatient.

These two problems affect my nail polish choices immensely. I have tried many different brands...even Revlon, and hadn't found a brand I liked. So at the drugstore with my little sister one day, She saw that this brand would dry with a scent...and she begged and begged me for it.

I eventually broke down -- and I am sure glad I did. I borrowed it and fell in love.

This Week's Addiction: Revlon's Scented Nail Enamel

Here are some of the fantastic colours!

The entire idea of a "scented-when-dry" nail polish seemed weird to me at first, but I was wrong. The delicate aroma that comes off of the nails is not too strong, and just a nice reminder when you...smell your hands?

In addition to the nice smell, the colour is bright and vibrant, is quite chip-resilient and is fast drying!

There are 16 different shades ranging is colour, (some even metallic!) and scent!

Not-so-Blueberry
Bubble Gum
Mad About Mango
Raspberry Rapture
Peach Smoothie
Mon Cherry
Coconut Crush
Grape Icy
Gum Drop
Ocean Breeze
Pretty in Papaya
Beach --- (this one smells like suntan lotion; much better than sand!)
Sublime Strawberry
Cotton Candy
Passion Fruit
Orange Pop

My favourite is Raspberry Rapture. The smell is fruity and the colour is bright pink!
The smell is apparent even under a top coat, and (if you put on two coats) the bright colour lasts 7-10 days!

They are available in most drugs stores and are reasonably priced for their quality.

Enjoy, xx*courtney. 

My Weekly Addiction: The Pilot Tavern

This week my addiction is an awesome little tavern/bar/grill that me and my friends like to go to some weekends. It is called the Pilot, or the Pilot Tavern, and the place has quite the history.

This weeks addiction: The Pilot Tavern

The restaurant has been around the city streets of Toronto since it opened in 1944 at its original location on Yonge Street. It's catchy, clever name The Pilot, was a tribute to the heroic pilots that fought in World War II. After the war, it became a favourite hang-out for local artists, and the bar remain popular through Yorkville's transition to a hippie community. It was in 1972 that the Pilot moved to its present location at 22 Cumberland Street, in the heart of Yorkville. According to legend, some of the Pilot's regular customers carried the original bar to the new location.

In 1987, the current owners took possession of the popular spot, and have kept it true to its original charm. They introduced the the "Flight Deck", which is one of the largest rooftop patios that Toronto has to offer. They have also introduced the "Stealth Lounge", which is tailored as a more sophisticated party space, that can be rented out for parties ranging in size from 30 to 130 people. The Stealth Lounge offers is own bar, complete with comfy lounge seating.

The Flight Deck, Rooftop Patio!

Nice rooftop Bar!

The food selection is average, but the food itself is quite good. I have never personally had any problems with food or service. And for being in one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Toronto, it is very unpretentious, with a relaxed "jazzy" feeling. It is decked out in Stainless Steel (and looks more like the inside of ship than a plane -- but is still awesome!)

Highlights

- best jazz music in town

- The delicious Pilot Burger*

- large selection of Beer and Wine

- full Bar

- fast service (for a sit-down pub)

- has both bar seating and tables to enjoy food

- newly renovated bathrooms.. **clean!

The crowd tends to be of the "older" variety, however, as a ripe 19-year-old, I still enjoy myself. Its a great place to go out with friends or colleagues. I definitely recommend it! Which is why it is my Weekly Addiction!

22 Cumberland Street, Yorkville (Toronto)

Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2 am

Sat 12:30 pm - 2 am

Sun 2 pm - 2 am

thepilot.ca
Phone: (416) 923-5716
(Full Menu is posted online, as well as a list of upcoming events and MORE pictures!)

Till next time, xx*courtney.

*Trust me, I am the Burger queen. I have sampled burgers from all over the world, and this one is gooooodddd!

"Dare to hug a Bear?"

It is no surprise that the media plays a huge role in the education of children.

Every day we see TV shows that introduce youth to crime, propaganda, and violence. These are all bad, But arguably, the worst blunder that television has made in my life growing up - the biggest lie that I was told by writers that I trusted...was about Bears.

As children, we grow up watching lovable shows like Winnie the Pooh, the Berenstain Bears and Care Bears. And these shows taught us that bears are nice, friendly animals. They like to sing, and ride bikes, and eat honey. They come in a multitude of different colours. Some wear clothing and others have magical tummy tattoos.

They're kind and gentle (and are always surrounded by rainbows and happy things). And given what we were taught, it would make perfect sense to run up to a bear in the wild and hug it. Because honestly, who wouldn't want to hug a cute, yellow bear who has his hand in a honey pot (who is conceivably a civilized creature).

But in reality, even the innocentest physical interaction with a bear...would get you killed.

Bears are very dangerous animals. And the writers of these TV programs essentially skewed our perception of "wild" bears and have left us disappointed. From watching these cute bears on TV, we all grew up thinking that bears could sing and talk and dance. When in reality they can't do any of these things.

These writers have not only created a potentially dangerous situation for youth who live near forests, but they have also tainted our expectation of wildlife. Instead of seeing cute, lovable bears prancing around, we have ferocious beasts roaming our woodland areas. And I bet you will never see a purple bear or even a bear wearing the simplest of clothing.

Nevertheless, these writers have, through the use of incredibly cute bears, taught me some of the most valuable life lessons that I have ever learned. From sharing and helping others, to even how to stop biting my nails, these writers have inspired children for years.

The true message that we learned through these Bears should be remembered forever. And we should forget any hard feelings we may have towards them, (and the pain of getting an oversized replica of Tenderheart's tummy tattoo removed).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Regrettably, Janice Berestain, the co-creator of the beloved Berenstein Bears book has passed away at the age of 88. Along with her late husband Stan, the real-life Berestain's have written and illustrated over 300 books dedicated to teaching children and their families life lessons. I know that I was a huge fan growing up, and I am saddened by this news. My respects go out to her friends and family. Thank you for all your dedicated years.

xx*courtney.

Nepal: Home of the Tallest... and the Shortest

Sometimes the world throws a paradox our way, and this is no different.

The scenic country of Nepal, famous for being home to the tallest Mountain in the world, is now famous for another height related accomplishment, but this time, not so tall.

In addition to being the home of Mount Everest, (it is now recognized) that Nepal is home to the shortest man alive. Yesterday, the Guinness World Records team awarded the title to Chandra Bahadur Dangi, a 72-year-old native of the country. He measured in at 54.60 centimetres, (only about twice the height of the average coffee maker!).

And at age 72, he is also the oldest man to have received this title, earning him another record.

Originating from a small village, his diminutive size could be attributed to the lack of health care. But all we know is that this little man (arguably the last to know when it is raining) has big dreams, stating in an interview yesterday: "I want to travel the world and spread the name of my country".

Congratulations Chandra!
xx*courtney.

The worlds Shortest Man holding his two awards!

"Tips for being a Top-notch Reporter"

Today, it is easier than ever to be a top-notch Investigative News Reporter.
Here are some simple tips to follow that will help you be the best that you can be!**

Step One:
To begin, you have got to do some investigating. With the invention of the Internet, this task has become much easier. Simply sit down at a computer connected to the Internet (you typically want a fast connection) and type the following into your navigation bar: www.google.com. After navigating via the Internet to the town of Google, it is time to put on your game face and find yourself a story. You are very lucky because Google is a very interesting place, and it is full of potential topics for you to write about. I personally like to begin by typing in something along the lines of "Today's Top News", "Today's Headlines", or "Top Stories". This will lead you to a wealth of different headlines for you to choose from. Read through some, and pick your story. Once you have picked a topic that you feel comfortable with, we can move on to step two.

Step Two:
After have chosen a topic it is time to research it. Thank god we are still at the computer or this task could take you a long time. At this point you are going to want to find your way back to Google. Once there, type in your topic and push search. I normally like to stick to the top three search results because they are  normally the most accurate, and because I am lazy. It is important that you spend time researching your topic. You want to have a good understanding, so I would say that you should typically spend about five minutes reading over the material. Once you feel slightly more knowledgeable, it is time for step three.

Step Three:
Now it is time to report your findings. To begin, think of a clever title. Something short and catchy works well because it will draw in readers. For example: "Cat's are cool!". That title will bring in lots of interest because: (a) it is short and straight to the point, and (b) it is truthful. A good Investigative Reporter will only report the truth (and because Cats are the coolest of the animals, this title indicates that you are a great reporter!). After coming up with the title, you need to write the article. Think about everything you just read on the topic and type it up. You don't need to pay much attention to spelling or grammar because you have already got the support of your reader from your catchy, truthful title. It is also important that you use ridiculously long words in your article to make sure that it is obviously apparent that you did not plagiarize, because that is a serious writing offense.

And you're done. This three step method is proven to help you write a great article. And when you are done you can sit back with a martini and think about all the hard investigating and researching you did today. You deserve that martini, and a pat on the back. You really are a great reporter. And you did all that work without leaving your nice air conditioned apartment. Think about all the losers who spent their day outside in the fresh air. Not you. You are too smart for them, ha!

xx*courtney.

**WARNING: This method is proven to help you be the best you can be, not simply be the best. If you intend to follow any of the above instructions I can not promise you fame and fortune, but rather a martini at the end of the night, pale skin (cause you never leave your apartment) and an overgrown ego.

"Swimming in the Heat of Death"

I mean, who wouldn't want their children swimming in the heat given off by a crematorium?

In British news this afternoon, it was announced that Sir George Young, leader of the House of Commons, has decided to back the plan to heat a local pool in Worcestershire, England with the heat from a nearby crematorium.

The plan says that it will help cut back on energy costs.

The Minister even stated that "he would die a happier man" if this plan comes to life. Well, that's good news. At least you will be happy when the heat from your cremated body is heating the local pool.

Honestly, the entire idea freaks me out. Could you imagine swimming and thinking "ooh, this pool is nice and warm, I wonder who died today?"

Hey Minister, I have another idea to cut back on energy costs. Just pay a kid 5 bucks to pee in the pool. Problem solved.

xx*courtney.