The Snake…
January 31, 2014 § Leave a comment
“There’s A Snake In My Boot!”
~Sheriff Woody, Toy Story
As the Chinese Year of the Snake 2013 slithers into hiding for another 12 years, I find myself elated. Not because this dastardly creature is cowering its fearsome head; trust me, after the brutal year the snake has given many of us, I don’t blame anyone for celebrating its demise. Rather, I am exalted at the fact that I may shed my skin and try something different on for size. Cue the Wood Horse! But the sultry snake is still in command of the celestial realm, and I must give it its fair due. In this Snake Year, I learned so much about myself. I learned to wait, and learned to strike. I became accustomed to mystery and understood the importance of paitence. Although I did not become one with the unpredictable twisting & turning of the Snake years moods, I surrender my grand plans, only to go with this divine creatures flow.
Thank you Snakes, near & far, poisonous & benevolent, for all you have taught me. And most importantly, how long I have yearned for the majesty & upright power of the Horse to guide me.
Good night, Snake Year 2013! Here’s some tunes to remember me by, while you await your striking moment 12 glorious years from now.
The Peddlers > On A Clear Day You Can See Tomorrow
Ella Fitzgerald & Duke Ellington > Lush Life
Miss Dionne Warwick > Don’t Make Me Over
Breakfast At Tiffany’s > Moon River
STRFKR > Fortune’s Fool
King Krule > Easy Easy
M.I.A. > Only 1 U
Sleighbells > Come Back Kid
Capricorn Rising: The Trailblazers
January 16, 2014 § Leave a comment
In honor Dian Fossey’s Birthday, here’s Capricorn Rising: The Trailblazers!
“I am learning all the time. My tombstone will be my diploma.” —Eartha Kitt 1/17/1927
As the Sun drifts seemlessly out of Capricorn and onto new horizons, I have mere hours to regale my Happy Howlers with a dedication to la creme de la creme of my fellow horned beasties.
Born under this mysterious & unrelenting sign, I have the honor of being in the company of other wild Capricorns who air on the side of adventure while simultaneously upholding our salt of the Earth status. Stubborn & determined, every goal is attainable; ‘Can’t’ is the dirtiest of all words. Before the sun sets on Capricorn for another year, a hommage must be payed to my astrological kindred spirits who are trailblazers & literal inventors, changing the face of music, fashion, gender, culture and our collective concsiousness.
Who better to kick off this zodiac ode than the King himself. Elvis…
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Capricorn Rising: The Beauties
January 15, 2014 § Leave a comment
I am at heart a gentleman” — Marlene Dietrich 12/27/1901
Even the salt of earth can be fickle at times. Capricious Caps, such as myself, love parading their moods on their sleeves, literally. A notable clothes horse, the garments I wear are badges of self expression. Catching the Capricorn eye can be difficult; we focused goats need you to wow us in order for notice to be taken. Please don’t be offended, climbing mountains takes concentration. Preening is important to us as we feel it is our God given right to make an excellent impression. From dashing silver-screen gents to the models of today, these Capricorns have both brains & beauty.
Marianne Faithful
Once Mick Jagger’s main squeeze, this gorgeous songbird shrugged off the ‘mars bar’ accusation like it ain’t no thing. So confident was she, that during that drug bust she proudly wore just a rug while the coppers framed busted the Stones. Of noble Vieneese birth and half British Army brat, she battled addiction and came out clean on the other side
Francoise Hardy
The epitome of easy, effortless French chic, Francoise is and always will be my fave of the all the Yeah Yeahs. She even had Tom Jones tongue tied. This dusky beauty & motorcycle babe wasn’t a diva or show off a la Bardot. Francoise possess a mysterious, yet soulful charm. I’m not the only one who considers her a French Fox, Mick Jagger called her, the ‘ideal woman’.
Cary Grant
The silver tongued devil himself! Hitchcook adored him and with good reason. No one can look that good whilst being shot at by an airplane in a cornfield. Archie Leech, a.k.a Cary Grant, came from England alone at 13, sloughed off his cockney tones and became an American Silverscreen Icon; textbook example of a tenacious Capricorn.
Joan Baez
A true Native beauty, the muse of Dylan, an avid activist and my Dad’s crush. Joan truly hasn’t gotten the credit she deserves; she’s an incredible artist in her own right with the heart of a Lion. Wes Anderson is a fan too and I love that he incorporates her in many of his whimsical soundtracks
Denzel Washington
Tall, dark & handsome…
Smooth as silk, who doesn’t love or least respect this monumental actor. Brave and brilliant, Denzel can make you tremble with his dark and flashing eyes. Can you believe he’s 58 years old?! He can make an entire film his stage, with his commanding presence and glorious smile; he is a true American artist . King Kong ain’t got nothing on him…
Other Notable Capricorn Beauties…
Faye Dunnaway
Whenever I look at Faye, I’m hypnotized by the bewitching prescence of this feline-featured actress. Clyde said it best,
“You’re a knock out.”
Marlene Dietrich
Diane Keaton
Annie Hall can do no wrong
Clark Gable
Another tall drink of water. Beneath that finely, tailored gentleman lies a badassssss
Eartha Kitt
A glorious Woman of Colour, she was feline perfection as cat woman. A total sexpot, but its that voice that gets me everytime
Jude Law
Let’s be real…Jude’s pretty…like Peter O’Toole pretty…
Love or hate him, he’s an exquisite actor who’s got the chops
Ralph Fiennes
He is the man that simply smoulders on screen. With an intense gaze and gentleman’s growl he was able to convince everyone to pronouce Ralph, as Rafe
Kate Moss
No matter the scandal and intrigue that surrounds her, whenever I see Kate’s face, I literally *sigh*. They don’t call her The Sphinx for nothing; sculptures have been made in her honour! To Johnny, Pete & thousands of men, she’s a total heartbreaker. A bodacious babe whose still killing it in the fashion world at 40, I hardly doubt that she ‘don’t know what to do with herself…
Georgia May Jagger
Helena Christensen
I don’t know why, but there are a lot of Capricorn models? Perhaps its the brutal work ethic we enforce upon ourselves, or our picky perfectionism that allows to be such harsh task masters; our own worst enemy. I can see these girls being very real about their imagined flaws, but they always get that money baby…
The Death of Peter O’Toole
December 19, 2013 § Leave a comment
“I will not be a common man. I will stir the smooth sands of monotony.”
Peter O’Toole died 5 days ago…and I’m gutted…
He of “golden voice that lifts, gilds and animates ordinary words, and the light in his eyes as if he’d swallowed the pale blue moon” left this mortal coil at the age of 81.
With those burning blue eyes, no one smouldered on the silver screen like Peter. Even for his time he was considered an edgy antihero who could charm the pants off of Lucifer himself. That voice, that laugh, that quicksilver wit; I fear we shall never see the likes of him again…*sigh*…
When I recall that ‘gilded voice’, I also can hear the echo of his growl, and see the ferocious beast that lurked behind those pale peepers. He was a bad boy after all. A lifelong battle with the drink, best friend to the Burton’s and that devious smile was always a welcomed contrast to his Aryan angelic features.
Upon deciding who should take the role as King Henry II and Thomas Becket, both Peter & Richard Burton holed themselves in a hotel room, went on a bender and then appeared from the shadows knowing who would be who. Peter played King Henry again in the bitingly savage, The Lion in Winter, alongside the radiant, yet aged Katherine Hepburn as Eleanor of Aquitaine; their vicious banter is the stuff of Virginia Wolf’s wet dreams. Y Peter was denied the Golden statuette, but as the saying goes...”Even King’s don’t get second chances”.
Peter O’Toole possessed a duality and depth of character which made him so desirable and irresistable. He was a silver tongued devil that lashed out insults like a cracking whip, seduce you with the recitation of a Shakespearean sonnet, or tickle your ears awaiting to hear a loud appreciative laugh. The man could be a gentleman, comedian & bastard all at once. And I loved him for it…
It was his breakout role in Lawrence of Arabia that cemented my fandom; David Lean’s epic set upon the desert suns-capes captured my heart.
We’ve all heard the quote, but it begs repeating, “if you had been any prettier, the film would have been called Florence of Arabia”.
It was this film that started a fire within me that propelled me to pursue film school; the vibrant and saturated hues of Arabia breathed life into celluloid and I wanted to do the same. My imagination was alight with adventure.
The scene below is one my favourites; it was unscripted, unrehearsed and absolutely perfect. In that gorgeous white fabric with only a blade to admire oneself, I would have done the exact same thing…
Peter O’Toole was a gem, whose genius was not always recognized in his time, but will be admired by generations to come. He will always be at the pinnacle of acting and remain my #1 in regards to authenticity. He remained as sharp as a bloody tack until his death and always possessed an air of mischief & dignity. Dear Peter, I shall miss you terribly, but will comfort myself in knowing you are free from suffering and will remain immortal.
Rest in Peace: 1932 t0 2013
Blammo! It’s Shazamo; Razor’s Edge Edition
June 15, 2013 § Leave a comment
Hypnotized…
Ok, I’m going to be real…like for real, for real.
It’s seriously my own, personal Vietnam up in this piece and the only thing that gets me through is the music. When I hear Lou Johnson sing, I am simply and assuredly transported to a place far, far away. There is Always Something There to Remind Me…
Ene Negn Bay Manesh, I am Ethiopian, watching the moon set over the inky water, swaying to the groove of the ocean. The twilight sparkles over this dancehall while its rhythms wash over me like a blessing.
And it is upon this gilded floor that synchronized movements soon remind me of my mortal woes. In floor length satin gowns, synchronized in movements, no one sings the blues better than Fiona…Hunger Hurts, but Starving Works…ain’t that the truth
.
The sea…my one true love. The waves beat themselves upon sandy Pacific isles, as does my want, my longing for an escape. And who better than Shindo San to entrance my imagination; liberating me beyond the horizon until my eyes can no longer see
But its Grizzly Bear, methodically, hypnotically, chanting for me to return home, when logic dictates no less….
Once this oscillating s**t storm relents in ferocity, I shall return, with…
TALES FROM THE EASTEND!
Goodnight, my darling Howlers. Summer is coming…
xo
Nicky & Chief
April 13, 2013 § Leave a comment
It’s Nicky’s Birthday! To celebrate here’s a reblogging of “Nicky & Chief”. Happy Birthday, Mum!!! I love you so xoxo
These are my parents.
Well, not yet, they will be. This is before all of that. This is when they were young, and far from home. The self-proclaimed bohemians.
There is no way I could do this blog without some mention of them. They’ve been the foundation of my life, a staple of my own universe for so long, that it’s easy to forget that there was a time before me.
They partied, they travelled, and lived in a groovy apartment with mirrors for walls. Strangers to Toronto, they embraced it, all the while staying true to those fabrics of comfort and vibrant colours of the East. You would think a blinding white landscape of snow would be the ideal canvas for saturated hues of every colour parka, toque, & scarf. Afraid not. The winter city can be a rather dreary place. But did that stop them? No, not at…
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Blammo! It’s Shazamo! Ides of March Edition
March 15, 2013 § Leave a comment
Beware the Ides of March, Bitches…
If only Caesre had heeded that warning. But as the old saying goes, Et tu, Brutae.
Brutus you bastard.
Hey now, March can’t be that bad. I know many of us are feeling those blaaaaaaaahs of March. But isn’t it delicious when the sun does shine? Mother Nature’s getting us hooked, one sunny day at a time, keeping the rhythm inconsistent to make us hungry for it.
Spring is Around the Corner, My Friends!
And with those golden afternoons how can you not have a song singing in your heart? The word joy comes to mind…!
Simon & Garfunkel You Can Tell the World
“I left my love in San Francisco”“That’s ok, I was born anyway”
Foxygen – San Francisco
Stompin Tom Connors – TTC Skidaddler
Ty Segall. You never cease to amaze. Your February show in Toronto was killer. I have been listening to Melted non stop thanks to Jasmine picking up your LP.
Spring gets us all twitterpated. So go on, get yerself a girlfriend.
Ty Segall – Girlfriend
March came in like a lamb……its going out like a Lion!
Soundgarden
– Outshined
2013: And The Winner Is…
February 27, 2013 § 2 Comments
Argo
Not a total shocker, but come on, Argo? Throw me off the Hollywood Hills if you must, but this was not a strong year for films. We had three, pardon me, ‘America F**k Yeah!” films, an exhausting, overdone musical, a glorified rom com, which left us with only 4 decent films worthy of the title. Argo had incredible pace, that was thrilling until its final act, but it was a perfect example of the Academy’s love for the underdog pulling through. By snubbing Ben in the Best Director category, he & Georgie boy took home the gold baldie for Best Picture. Whatever, its all so mastabatory anyway…
Just for the record, Seth MacFarlane has made it resounding clear that he will not be hosting next year. In all fairness, unlike the snarky, shocking snipes from the trigger happy Ricky Gervais, Seth set the tone from the get go that he was going to cut fast & deep. I appreciated that the comedy writing was certainly in his voice, unlike other puppet hosts of the past (ahem, Hathaway). The whole Captain Kirk bit was tapped from his comedic veins and allowed him to take shots at himself. I’ve had “I Saw Your Boobs” rattling around in my melon for days now.
SNUBS
Listen, I saw all the Best Pic noms, & then some, and I can honesty say that The Master being snubbed was a terrible oversight. P.T. Anderson keeps those masterpieces coming and trust me, The Masters rich symbolism will be analzyed and agonized in film schools for years. The performances were incredible! Amy’s heavily pregnant, Lady MacBethes-que, Peggy Dodd was the stuff of legend. Same goes for Joaquin who underwent an incredible prosthetic-free transformation into a character that was more animal than man; but he tried so hard to have the ego rule the id.
Although Amour won Best Foreign Film, Emmanuelle Riva’s stroke victim was unbelievably good and truly earned the French actress the golden statuette. Her stutters and steely gaze behind a paralyzed face was chillingly remarkable. Even Naomi’s tsunami survivor was astounding; I was in tears before the 20 minute mark. But alas, as much as I love JLaw this win was premature; a classic Oscar mea culpa for previously snubbing her groundbreaking performance in Winters Bone. Even though he didn’t win for Best Picture, I’m elated that Ang received the win for Best Director. The Ayatollah ain’t got nothing on directing a novice actor (carrying an entire film on his shoulders, mind you), kids, animals, water, multiple locations, continents & languages. And Ang made it look effortless.
“Xie Xie & Namaste”.
The Dresses; The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Alright, I’ll stop my film school diatribe to give you want you really want; the dirt on who stunned and who was shunned. This was a year of Big Time Bling! Metallic Maidens galore who put on the glitz & glam in La La Land
Emmanuelle, our French Grand Dame was effortless elegance in Lanvin
Jennifer Lawrence was chided for her bridal gown look, but with her youthful vibrancy she pulled of this white Dior Haute Couture gown and I adored the subtle sparkle of the Chopard chain flowing down her back
Halle Berry, do you never age? My God, did she stun everyone stupid in this long-sleeve, stripped Versace gown. I’ve not seen anything like it & loved how the plunge in the front matched that of the back.
Jessica Chastain was an absolute vision. As a red head, I can imagine that it would be difficult to find an airy tone that didn’t wash her out, but this Art Deco-inspired, gold gown by Armani Privé was perfection. That juicy shade of red lipstick paired with her jewelry by Harry Winston made her shine like a Glamour Goddesses of the Silver Screen era.
Catherine Zeta, I ask you the same question I posited to Halle; how do you keep it so tight, woman? This dress was metallic sexiness and she reminded me of a Gustav Klimt painting. I know she’s made it on almost every worst dressed list but I think she looked incredible in this gown; the work on the bodice is exquisite and to die for.
Naomi’s snub aside, she was the High Fashion forward belle in this futuristic metallic Armani Privé column gown. It was a risk that paid off and made her stand out from the crowd. Grace Jones eat your heart out…
Jane Fonda, is one of my absolute favorite actresses, and its not because she’s smoking hot at age 75 {yes, that’s right, 75 years old}. A former bulimic and anorexic, Jane was able to love herself and now spends her time as a motivational speaker, telling her story so that future generations of woman hopefully won’t suffer like she did. She sang in this canary-yellow corseted Versace gown with strong shoulders and sequin details; she is woman, hear her Roar!
Oh hello Amanda. I loved this Alexander McQueen gown lace, and totally thought she outshone her Les Mis costars. But I don’t think it loved her; the way she held herself seemed like her corset/spanx were crushing this bird. She honestly looked like she was suffering on the red carpet, but it worked for the paps snaps. I also loved loved loved the red gown she wore in that ensemble musical number. This was a rooky mistake, but with her acting chops, I know she’ll be back.
This woman is supposedly a wrestler. What?! Stacy Keibler obviously had no problems locking Georgie’s arms in taking her down the red carpet in this Naeem Khan killer dress.
*Sigh*…Charlize, the only woman who can pull off peplum with such fierce elegance. But let’s be real, she could wear a potato sack and stop traffic with a 10 car pile up
The Bad & Urmmmm Ugly
I don’t mean to be horrible, I really don’t, but this is all a lesson for next time, right? For the record, I don’t think any of these ladies are ugly, but uhmm, their choices, well let’s just say require more imagination than I can muster at the moment…
Except for Anne…
She knows better…And not only that, she has an army of stylists and has designers literally throwing gowns at her. I think she is a fab actress, but I don’t know…my spidey senses are tingling and I find her terribly insincere. When I saw this rosy gown with the perky boob seaming, the image of Audrey Hepburn winning her first Oscar flashed in my mind.
Never will you ever be as grand or iconic as Audrey; sorry.
I’m onto you Hathaway, & no amount of side boob can help you…
Kristen, you ‘Trampire” {Will Ferrell’s words, not mine}. I don’t think she looks bad, she clearly doesn’t give a f**k.
Melissa McCarthy unfortunately matched the grey curtains she was presenting in front of; a definite Oscar no-no & you’re people should have been on this. But her make up and hair were dynamite
Norah had a great performance but terrible red carpet dress; its ill fitting. Poor thing, she should have stuck with the Supremes Sunshine yellow; she nailed that look.
Helena, I love you, you saucy spazz. And like KStew, you also do not give two flying f**ks.
I have no idea why this mess has topped many Best Dressed Lists, but from the waist up, those appliques and that belt are ridiculous. I don’t know what Zoe was thinking. The tail is beautifully crafted, but the colours are a drab bore on this dusky beauty.
This is a frumpy, ill fitting, blight in blue. Reese constantly had to announce her pregnancy as if to say it wasn’t her fault that as a huge Hollywood star she wore a dress that looks likes it about to slip off. Just don’t go shopping with Kim Kardashian, ok?
Tsk, tsk, tsk…Kelly Rowland this is a disaster. From that bustier that looks like a 2nd graders attempt at origami to that awkward and unflattering slit, I’m just in shock. This is a beautiful woman, one of Destiny’s Children, who has clearly lost her damn mind.
Well that’s all my Happy Howlers! Another Oscars has come & gone; the rest is history now & theres no point crying over spilt Moet!
Because I’m cruel & hate to suffer alone, I leave you with…
Capricorn Rising: The Trailblazers
January 19, 2013 § 1 Comment
“I am learning all the time. My tombstone will be my diploma.” —Eartha Kitt 1/17/1927
As the Sun drifts seemlessly out of Capricorn and onto new horizons, I have mere hours to regale my Happy Howlers with a dedication to la creme de la creme of my fellow horned beasties.
Born under this mysterious & unrelenting sign, I have the honor of being in the company of other wild Capricorns who air on the side of adventure while simultaneously upholding our salt of the Earth status. Stubborn & determined, every goal is attainable; ‘Can’t’ is the dirtiest of all words. Before the sun sets on Capricorn for another year, a hommage must be payed to my astrological kindred spirits who are trailblazers & literal inventors, changing the face of music, fashion, gender, culture and our collective concsiousness.
Who better to kick off this zodiac ode than the King himself. Elvis Presley; many have imitated him, but none shall ever come to close to capturing his magnetism. He awoke the world to a new sound, rattling the establishment with a flexible pelvis and curled upper lip. Hide your daughters; Elvis is absolutely swoon worthy! Those eyes, that glossy black hair, what a fox! I particularly loved his jumpsuit phase; only he could pull off rhinestones & capes with the chicks screaming for more! But nothing beats that black leather suit he wore during his 1968 Comeback Special Concert. He’s smoking & I’m melting…
That’s why they called him the ‘King’, baby…
Steeped in controversy, I ask you not to remember him as a tv shooting, pill popping, Nixon loving, toilet dying celebrity, but rather as the swaggering, Tura Sultana loving, ultimate entertainer, fried peanut butter n’banana sandwich eating, good to his Mama, King of Rock & Roll
A queen in my eyes, our next ferocious Cap is none other than Patti Smith. The Godmother of Punk, Patti pushed the boundaries of sexuality, music, poetry and photography. When the biz told women they had to show tits & ass to be respected as an artist, Patti Smith said, fuck that noise! {I’m paraphrasing, but come on, you could totally imagine her saying that}. A total babe, Patti’s tumultuous affair with the enigmatic Robert Mapplethorpe, allowed them to explore sexuality & poverty on the explicit surface of 35mm black & white film. Patti’s raw and dynamic stage presence in ties and mens clothing played with the masculine/feminine aspects of the self with complete sincerity. How many ‘punk’ tweeny boppers have copied Patti’s style without any flavours of grittiness, true androgyny or unbridled passion. The Answer; None! I can count on my hand the women who’ve shaped punk music & Patti’s influence are still seen today. Don’t believe me? Watch the video below and call me in the morning. If this rendition of GLORIA revs your motor, the AGO is doing a retrospective of her work, so keep your peepers peeled.
Today marks the birth of an infamous Capricorn lady who continues to mesmerize us post humously. Janis Joplin was an icon. She represented the incredibly free and wild style of the 60s; her clothes are to die for…An unfortunate member of the 27 Club, this brash Texan was taken from us too soon. Her voice was ground shaking; no one song soul like Janis did. She was the epitome of hippy chic, replete with rose coloured glasses, thick Kashmiri embroidered blouses, feather boas and strands upon strands of necklaces & frizzy hair. Dick Cavett adored her and the nation mourned her when it all ended in that motel room.
Sadly, our mysterious nature can lead us to some very shadowy places. Climbing great heights, looking behind us, we can sometimes become hypnotized by the dark chasm; its very easy to slip backwards into the darkness. Today would have been her 69th Birthday. Where ever you are sweet girl, I truly hope you found the unconditional love you so deserved & which was denied you in this lifetime.
Other Notable Trailblazing Capricorns…
Martin Luther King Jr.
Dian Fossey
Andy Kaufman
Muhammad Ali
Frida!
January 15, 2013 § Leave a comment
La Vida Loca
Frida is still in town & if you snowblink, she’ll vanish. After what was a nourishing, awakening sort of day, my love for Ms. Kahlo has swelled to epic proportions and I’m gushing. As for the accident that could paint, Diego’s work will shake your foundation and having you applauding. The man is a master, and relinquish all your feelings regarding what a bastard he was to Frida at the door, because his work, actualized before you is breathtaking. The Bull Fighter will captivate you… But straight up, this is a Frida lovefest.
Thank you for painting the flowers so they won’t die.
I just adore this image. Frida, at Casa Azul, smoking, wearing fabulous flowers & finery, accompanied by a hawk. Not just a hawk, but her hawk. Masi {my incredible aunt} & I, both realized that hawks are our power animals; we never knew we felt the same way about these majestic birds of prey. Masi is also the person who introduced me to Frida Kahlo’s work; she also said that a life well lived was a passionate one. She had huge, framed, posters of Diego’s masterpieces; golden brown hands clutching & gathering calla lilies. One summer Masi took me & Jasmine to the McMichael to see a precious selection of Frida’s sketches. I was captivated. I sent this image as a gift to Masi for her birthday.
Adios Mariquita Linda
“La Real Frida Kahlo”
Imagine these home movies projected upon a large wall. Moved beyond words, I marvelled as the image of these two giants of Mexican painting looking longingly at one another. Diego was her great accident; but just like with the bus, the injuries and the pain, she fought back. Complex as she was, Frida was an indomitable spirit. She painted when everyone thought she was Diego’s new chica. She painted when everyone thought she was awful. She painted when people thought she was a genius. And most importantly, she painted while in a full body cast, in a wheel chair and in hospitals. The imagery and colours flowed from her with an unstoppable prowess. It is no wonder why so many people the world over adore her. People like her, those who are on fire, we can’t help but watch them, mesmerized.
“I hope the exit is joyful – and I hope never to return – Frida.”
Go Go Go to the AGO!
http://www.ago.net/frida-diego-passion-politics-and-painting
Ribbon Around A Bomb Image courtesty of : 
Howling Antiquity Vintage 