Treehouse of Horrors

I have a thing for toys... and the Simpsons and all things bizarre. Kidrobot a line of Simpsons figures that I got hooked on, over the weekend while visiting Silver Snail. Fittingly, it's also close to Halloween and it's the Treehouse of Horrors series! After buying 3 random figures, I've decided enough guessing: I want to get the full set (minus the gremlin b/c he's a "rare").

Kidrobot: Simpsons Treehouse of Horror

If you've watched the Halloween editions of the Simpsons, you'll probably recognize each character above and chuckle a little bit to yourself. Well, I chuckled a bit when I got a response on a forum that a guy had some of the ones I was looking for but only after I bought from someone else. He called me "bro"... which reminds me again that this tends to be a guy's hobby.... *sigh*

A Review: Austenland

Let me start off by saying, wow. What a whirlwind read: I picked up Austenland because I have been avoiding Blindness for weeks; I started it and just couldn't get fixated enough to read it on my own. So, as Amb did too, I grabbed Austenland and away I went... 2 days ago. I finished reading this in 2 day, folks! I figured this would be one of those smutty "chick lit romances" that throws in this poor woe-is-me heroine who hasn't the foggiest idea of what to do with herself in terms of her love life and readers read as she awkwardly struggles to grow and mature as a character and then coincidentally finds love with a wonderful Darcy-esque man. *swoon*

I generally shun and abhor chick flicks/lit romances. Yuck. But, as Amb promised, I fell right into the rabbit hole on this one. I didn't have high hopes for the literary quality of the prose and I suppose that was the weakest point for me... the conversation style writing. It felt lazy and lacking a solid grasp of quality writing. However, I'm no writer and similar to my perspective on wine, if you like it, then that's good enough.

The story presents us our heroine, Jane Hayes. Similar to the target reader demographic, she is in her 30s and probably read Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and then was introduced to the impeccable BBC rendition of the same story, in 1995; and like many of Austen's modern female readers, fallen in love with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy a la Mr. Colin Firth.

(Note: most of you male readers might be completely confused about who this "Mr. Darrrcyyy" is and why us females swoon so much over him. It's ok, you'll never get it; it's a girl thing. We're all in love with Mr. Darcy in some way.)

Oh don't look at me like that, Mr. Darcy!

Jane is down and out on her love life and through a surprise inheritance from a great aunt, finds herself gifted a trip to Pembrooke Park--a fantasy place where the Regency era comes to life and the patrons participate in a staged farce of Regency romance and a life of leisure. The reader follows Jane's story from starting as an awkward, damaged and unsure heroine. She becomes the heroine that we all want her to be: strong, confident and comfortable with who she is and what she wants.

The book makes a great premise for a chick flick movie, and that's exactly what happened--though I have yet to watch the movie that came out earlier this year--but lacks real "meat" as a literary gem and could easily be defined as being a quick and easy read that fits the purpose of being a literary palette cleanser; a break from something heavier. It was fun and thrilling for a P&P fan like myself but it certainly doesn't make you think or react viscerally like The World According to Garp.

If you're looking for a guilty pleasure rush of excitement, girly thrills and a Mr. Darcy fantasy, then this is the perfect read for such a purpose!

Geothermal Bathing, the Last Stop

Our last destination while in Iceland is the famous Blue Lagoon. I would say that nearly all tourists manage to fit this visit into their schedule at some point. While it is wisest (both time-wise and budget-wise) to fit this visit into your arrival day or your departure day, it isn't always possible. But, one should note that the Blue Lagoon is located closer to the Keflavik Airport than the capital of Reykjavik.

The clinic/spa is well reputed for its skin healing properties for psoriasis and eczema. They do a fabulous job marketing the healing properties of the lagoon's waters and the fine while silica mud--which patrons spread over their faces and bodies with vigor. And while the walls and the backdrop of lava fields is primal and stunning simultaneously, it's almost unbelievable that this whole location is man-made and actually the run-off from the nearly geothermal heating station. You can even see the station while lounging in the lagoon.

Check out the geothermal plant in the background!

The water is a strange opaque white--probably from the silica sands and is very warm. Well, I suppose it would have to be, in order to beckon people to get into their swim trunks and go running out into a giant pool during the middle of the winter while temperatures are still below zero degrees centigrade. I live in Canada--the land of ice and snow--I would know. Despite this, people get ready and take the plunge.

You drive through rolling barren lava fields and arrive at what seems like a shack with a simple sign and a winding pathway into the lava fields. You get this almost magical feeling when you arrive; with the planked path itself winding into the lava field as if you're being transported to a fantastical place. Just when you think the path will never end, you arrive at the entrance to the Blue Lagoon and are greeted by attractive, well-groomed uniformed hosts who help you get settled about where to go and what to do.

Now, being a North American, I have no real concept of a bathing house and only have shame for my body and thoughts of chlorine odoured change rooms. They have many change rooms segregated for the genders and their locker system is efficient and quick. You are handed a plastic bracelet that is your key for your bill and your locker. There is no need for coins, wallets or any real money while you're there. You pick a locker after checking what's available (green) on a monitor and head over. Then you pretty much get naked and head to the communal showers with your towel in tow. It is mandatory to take a full washing shower and rub down all those grimy corners before getting into your bathing suit and heading out into the cold.

You're looking at the entrance/exit from the change rooms to the lagoon

The showers offer showering gel (doubles as shampoo) and conditioner. My advice for females especially: take a good wash and envelop your hair in conditioner because you will regret it if you don't. Though, it might not matter if you decide to take a float in the lagoon. Before exiting to the lagoon, it's advisable not to think and just take a deep breath and spot somewhere you'll hang/stuff your towel. Then, don't hesitate and KEEP GOING until you are submerged into the warm lagoon waters.

Once you're comfortable and have your bearings again, seek out the wood boxes which house the fine white silica sands that the lagoon is famed for. Grab a little and rub it over your face and your shoulders; now relax and revel in the fact that people pay nearly $100 CDN for a single tube of this stuff from the gift shop.

There are life guards dressed like they're going out for an Arctic Expedition

If you plan early and have the money, I would suggest to try one of their floating massages! I didn't get the chance to do that but if I return, I am certainly going to do so! Imagine lying down in the water and floating there while being massaged. It sounds heavenly and dreamy, to me. In which case, you should probably plan to spend a day here. Otherwise a few hours in the lagoon are sufficient to take in the experience.

I didn't mention that the water in this lagoon doesn't have any chemical additives like our pools back in Canada. The water is purely geothermal sea water that is being pumped up from the depths of the earth and is cycled out every 40 hours or so. That said, my hair doesn't smell like a public swimming pool but it sure does feel like it's turned to unmanageable straw.... even days later. The only remedy? loads and loads of conditioner for the next few days and not leaving it down for work.

REPOST: Love & Poutine: A Recipe

Where ever I travel, one of the things I make a point to doing is trying the local fare. Food is an essential part of our everyday lives and not only does it sustain us, but it often is a cause to bring people together or a way to celebrate. Some of the most memorable gastronomical experiences took place while traveling with ADW. Which is what Amber's recent post speaks to.... :)

Cookie Monster

My mom has been on this save-money-by-going-by-the-electricity-peaks-and-lows. That means she won't cook until at least 7pm on a week night and I won't eat until 7:30pm, at least. I get home at 6pm and am usually famished already. And, during times of weakness (like today), my alter ego took advantage of the situation...

+

My favourite Mr. Christie cookies are, by a mile, the Chips Ahoy Rainbow. And now I've eaten 1/3 of the bag. I'm afraid to look at the nutritional value chart on the side of the bag to see if I should even be eating dinner tonight...

Something Old Becomes New, Again

Since moving my lessons to Fridays, I feel like there's a big void during my week. It makes the work week seem even longer than it usually is. When I had lessons on Wednesdays, it was getting me through the week since I already look forward to Fridays (who doesn't?).

While I was browsing through my Netflix library, I saw the Star Trek: the Next Generation series. In May, I went to Calgary to check out the 25th anniversary for TNG. I've watched episodes upon episodes of TNG but never in order and always through the eyes of a youth. I felt compelled to check out the first episode and see why trekkies are so taken with TNG. Not to say I don't love watching TNG, but I've never held the same type of appreciation for the series as AW and GM.

Everyone knows that Sir Patrick is a stage actor first; and that stage actors are usually particularly intensely skilled actors. And it makes total sense since they only ever get 1 take at their lines. As I was watching the first episode where Sir Patrick embodies Captain Jean-Luc Picard, I understood how fans become so enamored with his acting prowess. He's powerful, inspiring and convincing when he speaks. It's impressive because he morphs into the character in every aspect. I think that I gained this appreciation after seeing him on stage with his comrades of TNG at Calgary. His real life persona appears very relaxed, easy going and full of life. Not that Jean-Luc was by any means not passionate about life, but the fact that Jean-Luc is more militant, commanding and formal because of his character's station, I wouldn't have believed that his real life persona is not similar to his on-screen character was a real wake-up.

Just watch some highlights from episode 1 (Encounter at Farpoint):

Enjoy!

VD OD

If you watch Vampire Diaries and have issues with being patient, you know that watching week to week is too much for the old ticker. This season, I decided to accumulate half a season's worth and sit down with Amber and just go through it all at once. I figure that if I OD on VD, I might be able to easily walk away from the show for a bit and not feel completely deprived.

Guess what? It's worked. I don't feel the slightest inclination to need to find out what's happened next. But between episodes on Saturday, we certainly were eager to jump to the next episode.

So, what's happened this time? Last season, we left off with Elena waking up... after drowning. Looks like this is going to be rather interesting. Without going into too much detail (because I'd otherwise cross into spoiler territory), I like the direction this season has done so far. There are some interesting liberites which they took but regardless of what's happened, they've been able to keep consistent with the characters and their individual growth.

Next VD OD? Some time in January 2013!

Information Download

I always remember the scene in The Matrix, where they literally download "programs" into the people. Keanu Reeves has all these martial arts downloaded into him and then he gets them to upload tonnes of information too. I found this concept fascinating. So, I try to read as much as I can and learn about all sorts of things, places, times and people. It's a slow (and sometimes inefficient) method to obtain information but at this point in time, it's the only one we've got.

While I like to read about real life and history, I have a spot for certain types of fiction.

Lately, I've gotten back into the series of books written by Carlos Ruiz Zafon--a Spanish writer who writes gothic/macabre type novels. I've read his first of the series called the Shadow of the Wind and literally could not put it down. Last night, I finished the second installment, The Angel's Game.

Just a great story that is well written and just opens my eyes to a different time, place, people and thoughts.

I've gotten some more VD

As predicted, it's VD day! I couldn't resist. And just in time for the other VD--Valentine's Day! Love is in the air tonight.

Last week's cliff hanger left us all wondering what would happen now that Esther has returned. We last saw Klaus shaking in his booties expecting his mother to kill him; but she forgave him.

I got the same kind of blank stare when I first watched it too!

This week continues on the storyline of Esther. Unfortunately, the closest we get to getting some Tyler injected into the show is his voice when he calls Caroline to console her on her father's death and tells her that he is fixing himself so that he could be with her. And (just in time for Valentine's Day!) he told her he loves her. *swoon*

When the series started out, Tyler was portrayed as the football jock who's a big bully and isn't that nice to anyone. But, with a face (and body) like that, who could resist for long? My apologies ladies for not posting a suitable photo for y'all to drool over. I'm trying to be proper, afterall! But, because I'm a sucker for a boy in glases, this one appealed the most.

Tyler is one of Klaus' hybrids (werewolf-vampire). But now he's got this sire bond that keeps him compelled to do whatever Klaus wants, even after he denies Klaus outright. Caroline's dad said that he would forbid Tyler to be with Caroline unless he resolves the "problem".

The primary love triangle--Elena, Damon and Stefan... blahblah. This episode had a real weak progression with that. Stefan keeps saying he doesn't feel or care. Damon on the other hand cares TOO much and is now becoming really controlling. I tire of both the Salvatore brothers.

Back to the Original Family!

**SPOILER ALERT**

Esther holds a huge evening ball (the ones you get all dolled up for and wear ball gowns. Not those skanky short dresses) in celebration of reuniting her family. I wonder when I can hold a ball....?

Right, back to the point. Esther invites Elena personally. Rebekah invites Matt. Klaus invites Caroline, complete with a beautiful evening gown. Caroline totally blows off Klaus--as she should! She's spoken for, afterall. But Klaus is taken with her and when she shows up in the dress (her excuse was she didn't have anything else to wear--but really, what can compare to that stunning dress?), he is instantly taken with her. *dreamy swoon*

He tries to relate to her and shows his interest in art, paintings and sketches. He's quite the artist! And as an old school gentleman (and with Joseph Morgan--the actor--being from Britain), he's got that old world charm about him; so much so that it's... hypnotizing. After Caroline puts him in his place (and I'm glad she does) by telling him that he just tries to buy/force people and never actually makes a connection, she leaves. When she returns home, there is a gift box on her bed. She's annoyed because she thinks it's another trinket but when she opens it in frustration, she unrolls a sketch that Klaus made of her and her favourite animal.

I know, this is a romance novel written all over it.

Anyways, rewind a bit and return to the ball. Elena goes to speak with Esther and discovers that Esther has been stuck on the "other side" for a millennium and has returned to.... kill her children.

Another totally unexpected, right! I thought she was turned into a vampire or something and Klaus kept that from everyone or that maybe she was going to do something more drastic. But now what? Isn't killing Klaus exactly what they all wanted, to begin with?

Did you catch VD last night? I did

Did I get your attention? I've been waiting to use that line the moment I realized that the acronym for Vampire Diaries also implies venerial disease--depending on how you say it. Though really, anytime you use those two letters subsequently in the same breath, your listener will probably think you got yourself some herpes.

So... Vampire Diaries. What is someone as intelligent, worldly and inquisitive like me (yea yea, keep your mouth shut!), doing by getting caught up in a teeny bopper vampire-werewolf fad? Well, lemme start by introducing you to the Salvatore brothers: Stefan and Damon...

Yes ladies, it’s not you—it just got hot in here. These two brothers are nothing like “Edward” or “Jacob” of Twilight. Though I have to admit that Stefan’s hair-do is reminiscent of your contemporary “vampire hair”. But that's ok! Why? Because this show just keeps getting more and more… beautiful! As if the regular cast wasn’t already some of the most beautiful people I’ve ever laid my eyes on; the lovely Nina Dobrev is a Canadian who played Mia on Degrassi (the newer series).

Anyways, as fun and fascinating as all this is, let’s get to the real ‘meat’ of what transpired last night… in this story, vampires are not demons. The concept of nature and balance of good, evil and supernatural is one that is woven throughout the series. Witches are stewards of this natural balance and vampires happen to be an unplanned freak accident and werewolves are natural creatures.

The Original Family who became vampires were human. They were early settlers to Mystic Falls (where the series takes place) who were looking for a new life. After a tragic death of one of the young children, their father insisted on protecting his family and asked his wife (a powerful witch) to achieve this invincible immortality. She changed them into vampires with super human powers and immortality. But she herself was not permitted to change because she is a witch. Note that Originals can't be killed in the same conventional ways as regular run-of-the-mill vampires.

The primary protagonist for the season, Niklaus Mikaelsen is the most feared and respected Original and it was he who set the myth of the vampire-werewolf curse in motion. To maintain nature's balance, the witches suppressed his werewolf side but he wanted to release that so that he could become the ultimate hybrid.

Well, he’s managed to achieve this and has created a super species. There’s a catch, he needs the blood of the Petrova Doppelganger (Nina Dobrev’s character, Elena) to complete the transformation of each of his hybrids. At some point, early in the story, he somehow murdered his mother and his siblings never forgive him for this act.

That is… until last night.

**SPOILER ALERT**

His siblings are awoken from their centuries of slumber, and confront him to make him pay for what he did to their mother… the door opens and they hear footsteps. They turn around and see their mother walk in, without having aged a day from her death. Though Niklaus fears that his mother is there to kill him (because he is “an abomination of nature”), she says she forgives him and she wants them to be a family again.

I know, right? Too much to take in. Now you’re thinking what I am… what’s going to happen?! And what about all the other story lines (which I didn’t mention)??? Stay tuned for what happens next week! If it’s as juicy as this was, expect me to post again ;)