It's been a while since I've done this, so I'm going to post my current Top Ten Most Played Songs from my iPod (Note: In the move to the new computer, I had to reset my playcount, so this is actaully a very current record of the last month):

10) The Verve - "This Time" from the album Urban Hymns
9) Ryan Adams - "Oh My Sweet Carolina" from the album Heartbreaker
8) The Arcade Fire - "Rebellion (Lies)" from the album Funeral
7) U2 - "Bad" from the album The Unforgettable Fire
6) Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx - "Gold Digger" from the album Late Registration
5) New Order - "Ceremony" from the album Substance
4) Stars - "Calendar Girl" from the album Set Yourself On Fire
3) Kanye West - "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" from the album Late Registration
2) Natasha Bedingfield - "These Words (I Love You, I Love You) from the album Unwritten
1) New Order - "Bizzare Love Triangle" from the album Substance

A song that's not on the list but will probably be soon is from Ryan Adams newest album, Jacksonvile City Nights, "Dear John" which is a duet with Norah Jones and is just amazing.

How can you tell I'm trying to avoid the huge piles of reading and work that are beginning to build up (besides blogging)? My movie watching is back on track.

My friend Meghann had never seen a James Bond movie! I was shocked, so I made sure her first exposure was a good one with the only real Bond: Sean Connery. We watched From Russia With Love, which was the second film in the Bond series - to put it in perspective, the most recent film (Die Another Day) is number twenty. In this case, the plot involves an elaborate ruse by S.P.E.C.T.R.E. to gain a decoding machine, Lektor, from the Russians by involving 007 and a female Russian agent, Tatiana Romanova. Bond engages in plenty of womanizing in this one, including a pair of catfighting gypsies. Robert Shaw (Jaws, A Man For All Seasons) plays the deadly S.P.E.C.T.R.E. agent who's trained to elmininate Bond. Shaw is a great film actor, and it's great to see him in this early role. What's most engaging about this film, however, is Connery's performance. He owns this movie portraying Bond as he was meant to be. Witty, strikingly debonair and yet rough enough that one believes he can hold his own in a fight. Connery embodies Bond in a way that none of his forebearers have been able to do. Hence, over 40 years later he still owns the character in a way few actors have done.

Here's looking forward to the upcoming From Russia With Love video game, for which Sean Connery voiced new dialogue and lent his (young) likeness to the on screen character. Ever since Goldeneye (N64) - which I credit for making me a 007 fan - none of the other Bond games have even come close. Here's hoping that Russia changes that.

Tim Burton's Corpse Bride marks a return to what he does best, which is creating imaginative and wondrous worlds. Which is why, despite my disappointments sometimes at Burton's storytelling, I keep coming back to his films. Corpse Bride is no exception to this, and pushes the stylistic envelope further than Burton has since Sleepy Hollow. Burton's own Nightmare Before Christmas showed how well Burton's gothically-styled imagination worked so well in animated form (specifically stop-motion animation; however, see Luke's blog for a more detailed, insider look at how incredible this style is. Now, over a decade later, Burton returns to animation, and the result is possibly the best Burton film since.



Corpse Bride concerns the story of Victor (Johnny Depp) the shy son of a rich fish merchant, who is promised in marriage to the daughter of a penniless aristocrat. As the characters themselves note, this merging of "old blood with nouveau riche" marks the setting of the film as well, a indeterminate 19th Century, Dickensian world of drab stone streets and skeletal forests. Upon meeting his bride, Victoria (Emily Watson), the two realize they could be happy together, but Victor has difficulties in remembering his vows. Out in the woods, while practicing his vows, Victor accidentally slips the ring onto the finger of the murdered corpse bride (Helena Bonham-Carter AKA Mrs. Burton). With this simple act, Victor is plunged into her world: the world of the dead.



In this film the world of the dead is less frightening and more visually dazzling. Contrasted against the cold whites and dark stone of the living world, the world of the dead is awash in bright greens, reds and blues. The corpses and skeletons who inhabit this world are charming in their own ghoulish ways, and engage in lively song and dance numbers written and sung by Danny Elfman as Mr. Bonejangles. There's something about dancing skeletons that seems so fun, recalling classic Disney and the work of Ray Harryhausen (watch for his name in the film). The sequences of charming skeletons, bright colours and Elfman's music reminded me several times of a fantastic video game for Playstation called MediEvil II and how much fun it was to play that game. The world of the dead is more fun than the world of the living in Burton's film.

Of course, Victor cannot remain in the land of the dead with his corpse bride. In the meantime Victoria has her own complications with an aggressive (and mysterious) suitor, Lord Barkis. If there's a fault to be found in the film, it's the abrupt ending and non-existent denouement that leaves the film feeling a little bit short (probably a result of the extreme labour that mere minutes of this form of animation requires). However, the film is focused enough, and the story (lifted from a Russian folktale) charming enough that one is likely to forgive it.

Burton should stick to doing films like this, drawing on his own imagination, rather than trying things that are either beyond his storytelling abilities (Big Fish) or odd mergers of creative styles (Charlie and the chocolate Factory). He assembles an outstanding cast here, including Albert Finney and Christopher Lee in standout roles, yet never allows even his biggest star, Johnny Depp, to draw us out of the animated reality (the way recent "stunt" casting in animated films often does). For that, and for making the best Halloween film since his own Sleepy Hollow, I'm willing to forgive any recent disappointments.

A couple of news items:

1) I'm going to Seattle next weekend to see Franz Ferdinand play at the Paramount Theatre. It is confirmed now. It should be very exciting as their new album debuts Tuesday, October 4, and their new single, "Do You Want To," is currently heating up. This should be an amazing show. If I had the resources and time, it would be nice to Sigur Rós on Wednesday night a well, but gotta work with what I have. This area is so ripe with great shows and concerts, it would be a shame not to take advantage of some of them. I think Franz Ferdinand is a good choice.

2) One of the most intriguing films I've read of on Peter Chattaway's blog, is the currently in production film written by Mike White (School of Rock), directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) and starring Jack Black, about the supposedly true story of a Mexican priest who moonlighted as a masked wrestler in order to save an orphanage from closure. It's been titled Nacho Libre, and is due out next year. Sounds fascinating, goofy and uplifting. Here's hoping that they pull it off.

What a busy week: lots of reading, a presentation and keeping busy in the Writing Centre. I also started my tennis intramural league! What I'm really trying to do here is justify why I haven't posted in two days.

Anyway, since I'm going to use the blog to rave about things I like to see, listen to or read here's another comic book you should be reading. Eric Powell's The Goon is one of the most fun, most pure and most uncouth comics out there. It is HI-larious. It is one of the few comics where I burst out laughing regularly (and it's supposed to be funny, not accidental like in some of the crappy X-men titles lately). It's pure in that it's written and drawn by one guy, and while it has a large and varied cast and mythology, issues are self-contained and don't carry on forever. So if you're tired of Bendis-dialogue that goes on for issues without any action, get yer ass reading The Goon. Most issues involve the Goon kicking the crap outta some kind of zombie monster. This is pulp entertainment at it's best. Did I mention that it's funny?

Ok, this is just too great! I have to share it.

IMOSCAR.COM

ROTFLMAO!

Over at Ain't It Cool News they're reporting that Paul Bettany (Master and Commander, Wimbledon) is one of two actors reading for the role of Joker in the sequel to Batman Begins. While I never thought of it before, this is brilliant casting, especiallly taking into consideration what Anton told me of Bettany's performance in Gangster No. 1. Knowing Nolan is also a Brit and considering how many talented Brit actors are already in this series, count on Bettany being the Joker. Gotta finally watch Gangster No. 1 now.

If they don't go with Bettany, they should really consider Tim Roth (reunited with Gary Oldman) for the role. I just have this feeling that he would be brilliant as Joker. Also, Nolan should consider his good friend Guy Pearce for the role of Harvey Dent.

Anyone who knows me knows that this makes me happy. I told 'em, but did they listen? Noooo...

Just watched the season premiere of Arrested Development on FOX. I love this show, and I'm so glad it got renewed for a third season.

SPOILERS

I love the new revelations of this episode. Who would have guessed that Steve Holt ("Steve Holt!") would end up being Gob's son? And the IMOSCAR.COM gag was great too. The continuing storyline is one of the things that sets this show apart - as well as being damn hilarious!

I'm lucky. I got to see my first Fellini film in theatres. It was La Dolce Vita and it was playing at the Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon. I went into the theatre not realizing that it would be a 3 hour series of vignettes on the emptiness of pursuing "the sweet life." But I also left, not realizing how long it was until I looked at the time. That's how good the film was. While not a whole lot may happen in the film, it's done in such a way that I was entranced.

Federico Fellini's 8½ (1963) is another brilliant film that works as almost a kind of continuation of some of the themes in the earlier film. Marcello Mastroianni, who Ewan has dubbed one of the coolest guys of all time (and I'm beginning to agree), stars in the film as Guido, a film director, and obvious stand in Fellini himself, who is having a problem getting his latest film off the ground. The film explores both the loss of creative and inner vision in classic Fellini style. Some sequences are surrealist, some are real, but the every part is fascinating. Whether it's Guido's opening nightmare(?) of suffocation and isolation as he drifts away from the traffic jam, or the problems of all the various women in his life as Guido juggles his wife, mistress, actresses and dream woman, the film presents us with an amazing mix of music, and amazing visuals.

This is a film that people who are interested in filmmaking need to see. It's a film that explores it's ideas in a primarily visual manner. As Roger Ebert points out in his review of the film for his "Great Films" series, Fellini understood that the language of cinema is primarily images. The beauty is that Fellini has both ideas and images, and never subjugates his visuals to the high-concepts of his film. Even in a sequence with two characters talking, Fellini uses the camera in such a unique way that it's a wonder to watch. In case anyone can't tell, I'm fast becoming a Fellini fan (my visit to Rome this past spring didn't hurt at all either). I'm looking forward to exploring more of his films in the near future.

Yesterday I decided that I didn't want to sit in my apartment and read all afternoon, and that instead I should enjoy this city that I live in. I got on a bus and took it all the way to the Oak Bay Marina, thinking I would walk around a bit there and look at the boats and such. I ended up wandering along Beach Dr. and looking at the beautiful homes on the waterfront that clearly cost millions each. Before I knew it I had walked half way across the south coast of the city and in classic Luke fashion I kept wandering for 2 hours all the way along the beautiful beaches on the south of the city, past Beacon Hill Park and all the way back downtown. It was wonderful weather: sunny and clear. The wind from the ocean smelled great and the park was full of people walking dogs. Also, some people were "para-surfing", which looks like lots of fun.


This is the beach along Dallas Road, Ross Bay

The pictures were taken by my dad and Anton, so it's not exactly what I saw, but it gives you an idea of what it was like. If anything, yesterday was even more beautiful withe late-autumn sun on the water, lending everything a golden glow. As I walked, I listened to The Thrills, So Much For The City, which suited my surroundings and my attitude just fine. It was wonderful afternoon to be in Victoria.


This is approximately around Crescent Road, Gonzales Bay

Note: I had posted some of these photos yesterday, but then Blogger decided to be stupid and I wasn't able to edit or post anything more. That is why there was no proper post yesterday.

I've talked in the past about how much I enjoy The Arcade Fire. Here's a clip of them at a recent concert playing "Wake Up" with none other than David Bowie! Apparently he's a huge Arcade Fire fan. Check it out!

Today I didn't have class in the morning (as the English 502 class is bi-weekly). I woke up my normal time (7:30 ugh!) and peeked out my window only to see it was raining pretty heavy. I suppose I'll have to get used to the rain (I actually do like it), but instead of get up and brave it, I decided to roll over and go back to sleep. The day didn't really get much better in the afternoon. I went to the bank to pay a credit card bill, and they gave me this run around about it not being with their company (MC v. VISA) and that I could only pay it at my home branch without the statement itself (sitting safely on the counter back home in Saskatoon). What a run around. And it started to rain again as I was carrying some papers for my Renaissance London class across the street to the copiers. Let's just say I was getting frusterated at that point.

Fortunately I made up for the bad day by going for an early supper of fish and chips at Haultain Fish & Chips, which is only five blocks away. I went in and was treated to fluffy, melt in your mouth batter over fresh halibut and wonderfully fresh chips. And when I came back outside the sun had come out. I walked home in fresh post-rain air and sun in my face. Let me say that I feel much better.

I'm now feeling in an Oasis mood. So I'm listening to Be Here Now. I know a lot of people talk about how they find it to be a weak album. Sure it's not as good as Definitely Maybe or (What's the Story) Morning Glory, but few albums are. It's still good. And there are few bands in the world that I like more than Oasis.

Are you secretly or publicly a Harry Potter fan? Then start your weekend with a smile and check out the new trailer for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder has become the most amazing collaboration in comics, perhaps since Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Hyperbole? Possibly, but after today's issue #2, I know I'm enjoying it like no other comic right now. Frank Miller and Jim Lee are probably my favourite writer and artist, respectively, of all time. Miller's Batman: Year One and The Dark Knight Returns are perhaps my two favourite comics of all time. This All Star series by Miller seems almost a sequel to Year One, as a young Batman trains Dick Grayson. It's gritty, extreme, and his Batman is crazy enough that one can see how he becomes Miller's aged Batman in Dark Knight Returns.




Miller's Batman is a tortured and driven character, who will stop at nothing in his war on crime. Even if it means putting a child in danger. In the first two issues Miller asks what kind of character would put a 12 year old child into harm's way? The answer: a crazy one.



And Jim Lee is at his peak here with the pencils in this series. The lower panel is just an example of the atmospheric, iconic look that Lee has captured here.

If you're at all interested in Batman or comics, you should be reading this series.

I had to post this link because people need to know that next summer...

"The world's greatest hero returns."


I'm still not one hundred percent behind this film, the way I was with Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins (far and away the best Batman ever seen on film). But this trailer gives me a little more hope than I had originally had. It's a good teaser and I look forward to seeing it on the big screen. However, I'm a little concerned with the way that Bryan Singer is tying his film to the previous Christopher Reeve Superman films. One of the best things about Nolan's Batman, was that it jetisoned all the previous material, and was able to stand on its own. Singer is purposefully, and respectfully, inviting comparson to Donner's 1978 film, but I'm not convinced that this will work.

But that music still sends chills of excitement up my spine.

NOTE: It has come to my attention that this NOT the official teaser trailer that will play with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This is a fan trailer. But I think it's a damn good fan trailer.

I realize that I never did post any pictures of my apartment and where I live. While my apartment is now set up and no longer a war zone, this gives you an idea of my living conditions.


Hard at work


Looking east


Looking west


The "stoop" (for Aren).

I'm on the bus this evening, coming home from a long day of meetings and library work, and as I listen to my current favourite song, "Bizzare Love Triangle" by New Order, I think about how happy my iPod makes me. Even though it gets dark in this city by 6:30 and I have to ride the bus home through darkened, unfamiliar streets, I can listen to my music. It's comforting.

This morning as I stood at the bus stop the truck for the Thrifty's grocery store passed by on the street. On the side, the slogan says "The smile's in the bag!" I scoff. "Yeah, right. Some 'corporation' is going to make me happy. That's stupid." But is it really? I just said that my iPod (a corporate creation) is something that makes me happy. Still sitting on the bus, I pass by a Blockbuster and think about how even though the dark streets are unfamiliar, the Blockbuster feels comfortable. If I was feeling alone, it would make me feel a lot more comforted to go inside, and to see all my favourite movies.

It can't be healthy to feel this way, right? Corporations are out there to destroy our souls (aka take our money), not make me feel better. But still, these corporate, material things actually do make me feel more comfortable in this strange city. Does it really matter that their motivations might not be pure, or is it possible that something they do in their business might actually make me have a better day? I'm reminded of the passage in the Bible where Paul writes, "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. Phil. 1:18" Perhaps it's true, that the good that comes from their actions, whether their motives are "false" or "true" is what matters.

Now I'm reminded of a scene in The Matrix. Cypher is sitting and eating the steak and he says "You know, I know this steak doesn't exist. I know that when I put it in my mouth, the Matrix is telling my brain that it is juicy and delicious. After nine years, you know what I realize? [Takes a bite of steak] Ignorance is bliss." Does the "truth" really matter if the result is "good"? Is Paul (and Cypher) saying that the ends justify the means?

Or maybe the day has been far too long, Blockbuster is still evil, and I can enjoy my iPod without making it a deep philosophical argument.

The first week of school in a new town. You don't know very many people at all, so if some fellow graduate students invite you to go out with them it's a welcome opportunity. The girls wanted to go dancing, and not being a stranger to the dance floor I agreed that I would go.

So we went out and headed downtown trying to find something fun to do. First we went by the Strathcona Hotel across from the harbour, which houses no less than four clubs and bars (The Sticky Wicket, Legends, Clubhouse and Big Bad Johns). However, these places were overcrowded and popular as made evident by the block long lineup to get into Legends. So we remembered what Lesley Matheson (my fellow Saskatonian here at UVic) had said that there was a really cool place down on Yates called Lucky.


The signage outside of Lucky in downtown Victoria (courtesy their website at www.luckybar.ca)

Anton, my dad and I had walked by the place early one evening while looking for a restaurant. It looked pretty cool to us, being a Mod bar specializing in British and Indie music. But I didn't think much of it again until last night. We walked up to the door and there was now a small line of people going in and New Order's seminal club classic "Blue Monday" was coming from inside. As a New Order fan I was enthused. We all agreed that it seemed like a happening place. Inside it was fairly small, but the crowd was actually into the music and the atmosphere was charged. The DJ looked like he knew what he was doing and when the second song came on and was "Hate To Say I Told You So" by the Hives I was even more excited. Imagine a bar that actually plays bands I like! The idea of this in Saskatoon was beyond comprehension. After that they played "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand and I was hooked. I knew I was in a place that was made for people with my tastes. People who like rock, electronic, Brit Pop, and New Wave and like to dress in suit jackets and drink import beer.



A shot of the bar from the leftside of the dance floor.

The next few songs included "Last Nite" by the Strokes, "Atomic" by Sleeper, "Lust For Life" by Iggy Pop, "Mr. Brightside" by the Killers and more Brit Pop and 80s classics. "Such Great Heights" by The Postal Service closed it out for me and my crew (and made Meghann very, very happy). Those of you who know me know that I'm not one to rave about clubs or spend tonnes of time in bars, but Lucky was a cool place that I hope to have a chance to go to again. My only regret was that I knew how much Anton and my friends at home would enjoy the place and I wish I could share it with them.

It's a lazy Saturday morning. For the first time in the last three days, I didn't have to be up before 8 AM to catch a bus. What am I going to do with all that time?

I slept in and now I'm just kicking around the apartment and watching the US Open. Agassi beat Ginepri in a five-set match this morning, so he'll face either Lleyton Hewitt or Roger Federer in the final tomorrow. Agassi is one of those atheletes who is actually a gentlemen. He always conducts himself gracefully in loss and in victory and is humble and polite in interviews. I've been impressed with him as an ambassador for the sport.

Anyway, later today I'm going to go to the University and grab my textbooks. One thing that seems to be standard at any campus is that the lines at the bookstore the first week are insane. I have a habit of waiting until the first week is over to buy my books, so this afternoon seems like a good time to do it.

Don't listen to "Something I Can Never Have" by Nine Inch Nails by yourself on a near empty bus at midnight.

The reading list this year is going to be heavy. But since I'm not working close to the number of hours I have been the past few years (7 a week as opposed to upwards of 20) this shouldn't be unmanagable. My Literary Computing should be the most challenging, even though it involves a "New Media" project which can include " interactive narrative-oriented computer gaming" as a part of it. Does this mean that World of Warcraft could be considered "homework?" Of course there was no doubt that I would enjoy the Representations of Early Modern London class, as two of the main texts are Measure for Measure and Bartholomew Fair. Even better since I've taken a lot of Early Modern Drama, I don't have to buy textbooks. I already own most of them. Thus far I think that Chaucer and the Middle Scots Poets is going to be the most surprisingly enjoyable class of the bunch. I'm actually looking forward to it, plus it's an excuse to buy The Riverside Chaucer.

In the movie watching department, last night I rented Crash from Canadian filmmaker Paul Haggis (Due South - producer, Million Dollar Baby - screenwriter). I was most impressed with it. I know Luke and Danny both thought it was good, but they weren't raving and some of the other reviews made it sound really contrieved and pedantic. I thought it was rather good. A really solid ensemble cast including Brenden Fraser, Matt Dillon, Thandie Newton, Ryan Phillipe and more. Most surprising was Ludacris in a really solid performance as a racially conscious carjacker. Perhaps it was just the mood I was in, but the film really affected me, as a film about the interconnected world we live in and the sometimes random connections that occur when we "crash". Haggis does an excellent job on his first big screen directing gig. As a Canadian, Haggis brings an interesting perspective to race relations in Los Angeles. I expect more big things from him.

Agassi wins in a nailbiter! Down to a tiebreaker set! One of the best matches I've ever seen. But keep your eye on Blake. He's going to be one to watch in the future.

"Tennis anyone?"

You know who that quote is originally attributed to? Yep, it's true. The popular phrase was coined by Humphrey Bogart, who was apparently a little bit of a tennis enthusiast. I'm becoming a bit of a tennis enthusiast myself. Today I signed up for the tennis intramural league at UVic. Hopefully I don't totally make a fool of myself on the courts come Sept. 20.

Right now I'm also watching the U.S. Open on TV. Andre Agassi vs. James Blake. Blake leads 2 sets to 1, but Agassi is staging a comeback here. It's a fast paced exciting game that reminds me of what's great about sport.

Speaking of which, only a month until the NHL returns. Am I the only one who is excited?

Another thing I've been doing a lot of is watching movies.

One nice thing is that the movie theatres are short bus rides or close enough to walk. On Saturday I caught The Constant Gardener, the newest film from City of God director, Fernando Meirelles. Here's another artist who's follow up to his promising debut delivers. Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz both give outstanding peformances as a diplomat and his new wife who become embroiled in a conspiracy in Africa. That's a really shallow description of a film that is much deeper and fascinating, both on a political and personal level. This is a film, much like City of God, that demands we take notice of the suffering of others. But at the same time the film is never polemic or preachy. The characters are realistic and complex. The screenplay aks us to consider the mystery of the characters relationships as much as the conspiracy and politics. It's a rare film that is both artistic and entertaining; political and personal. Definitely one of the best of the year.

I think the people at the local Roger's Video are also going to get to know me pretty well. I rented movies two nights in a row this week. On Sunday I rented the British gangster flick Layer Cake and it was really good. It's directed by Matthew Vaughn who worked as producer on both and Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Daniel Craig is excellent as the unnamed protagonist who is a "businessman", not a "gangster". It just so happens his business is drugs. Of course in a film like this everything goes wrong and there are double crosses and surprises galore. And it costars excellent actors like Michael Gambon, Colm Meaney and the radient Sienna Miller. The next night I then rented another film starring Ms. Miller. That being the Jude Law remake of Alfie. I actually had kind of wanted to see it for a while, and since no one else was telling me what they wanted to rent I was free to do so. And it wasn't half bad. I'd definitely give it a thumbs up. There are some good performance here from Law (as Sean Penn reminded us, he's actually a good actor in case you don't know), Marisa Tomei, Miller and Nia Long (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). What the film did make me want to see is the Michael Caine original.

I'm sure I'll be seeing more movies this fall. I gotta keep up with the boys back home.

I should mention that since I am by myself for much of the day (on buses, in hallways, in supermarkets, at home) my iPod has infact become my best friend.

Some things that I'm currently listening to:

"These Words (I Love You, I Love You)" Natasha Bedingfield - a catchy song that I downloaded with my free iTunes card from The Gap. Just a solid pop song that is apparently a big hit in the UK and climbing the charts here. "Read some Byron, Shelley and Keats/Recited it over hip-hop beats."

"Diamonds From Sierra Leone" Kanye West - Anton picked up Kanye's 2004 album The College Dropout and I finally realized what all the hype was about. Last week I picked up Kanye's new album Late Registration and it does it one better. This is a contender right now for my favourite album of the year. "Diamonds" samples the theme from Diamonds Are Forever and just has killer production. On top of that there are so many good tracks on this album including "Gold Digger", "Hey Mama" and "Celebration." The "Louis Vuitton Don" is the real deal.

Well, life certainly is busy. Suffice to say moving into a new city was a lot of work. And rather than leave a long drawn out account of my first week here, I'll just answer a few of the questions I'm sure are bound to be asked.

Do you miss home?

Yes. I do. It's a fact of moving. I miss more specifically the people that I left behind, but I will survive and I'm already feeling better. Victoria is extremely beautiful, but Saskatoon has its charms too - can you believe I'm actually saying that? I must be delirious. Or maybe my memory of the city is coloured by the superb people who live there.

Is Victoria beautiful?

It's amazingly beautiful and clean. And I feel safe everywhere. And so far only one morning of rain. Did I mention the Pacific Ocean? Yeah. It's beautiful, but what did one expect?

Why did you start a new blog?

Because I didn't like the URL on the old one (but I want to preserve those posts). Also, I went through a dry spell in the summer where I didn't feel like sitting infront of a computer when I could just go out and talk to people. Finally, it's a new chapter in my life, so why not start a "fresh sheet of paper"?