The NEXT Blog

[7.31.08]

TINSEL TOWN: I find nothing more glamorous than the golden days of Hollywood back in the 40s and 50s, so when I saw the beautiful charcoal and pigment screenshots drawn by Olexander Walesnko I was immediately smitten. His captivating film noir scenes are definitely showstoppers. Katy Sems, Flare Intern

[7.30.08]

FESTIVAL FEVER: Great TIFF news! Finally students will be able to see TIFF films at a discounted price. For only $19.29 (the regular price of a single ticket), students can see up to five films in a day. Get your tickets now by calling 416-968-FILM or online at www.tiff08.ca. Katy Sems, Flare Intern

[7.29.08]

REALITY BITES: Reality TV has hit an all time low with The Two Coreys. I can’t remember the last time I watched something so painful. Alexandra Breen

[7.28.08]

HOT SPOT: Last weekend I went to Nyood and fell in love with their Parisian Bistro meets NY loft décor and delicious white wine sangria cocktails. I’ll definitely be swinging by again sometime soon. Alexandra Breen

[7.25.08]

PERSONALIZED PAD I found these adorable monogrammed notepads online. They’re from Elizabeth Bauer Design in NY. Alexandra Breen

[7.24.08]

OPTICAL ILLUSIONS Last weekend I went to the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit and stopped in my tracks when I saw the breathtaking work of Dorion Scott. From afar I could not tell they were paintings: a life-sized dress on a hanger, an umbrella propped against the wall. So simple and so beautiful and even more intricate up close. Check out her collection online: www.dorionscott.com. Katy Sems, Flare Intern

[7.23.08]

WORD PLAY If you’re not a numbers person like me, you’ll appreciate these word-based locks by Wordlock. Alexandra Breen

[7.22.08]

OPERA IN ROME I’m heading to Italy for my honeymoon and someone told me that I have to checkout the open-air opera at the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. It sounds spectacular, I can’t wait! Alexandra Breen

[7.21.08]

FIRST LADY Carla Bruni is releasing her third album this week. I have an advanced copy that I’ve been listening to none stop. I absolutely love it! It’s just as whimsical and poetic as Quelqu’un m’a dit.
Alexandra Breen

[7.18.08]

GO TO MONTREAL NOW I took a road trip to Montreal and stayed at the amazing Place D’armes Hotel for three nights and got my last night off for half price plus a shopping gift certificate because I signed up at the tourism office for something called the "Sweet Deal". Totally worth it. Go to tourisme-montreal.org for more info. Elio Iannacci

[7.17.08]

ET IN ARCADIA EGO: My favourite playwright is re-releasing one of his greatest plays, Arcadia. Bouncing back and forth between the nineteenth and twentieth century, Tom Stoppard explores the differences between the Romantic and Classical temperament through wit, satire, mystery, and carnal embrace. Katy Sems, Flare Intern

[7.16.08]

RETURN OF THE DREAMGIRL Have you listened to Jennifer Hudson's new song "Spotlight"? Not only is the original version really good, the Quentin Harris remix of the track is phenomenal. She was cute in Sex In The City but I think her new disc (due this fall) is really going to make a lot of people do a double take. Elio Iannacci

[7.15.08]

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CELEBRITY DIGS The Kor Hotel Group, responsible for famed properties such as the Viceroy in Santa Monica and Avalon in Beverly Hills, is coming to Vancouver with the luxurious Loden Hotel. I can’t wait to check-in! Alexandra Breen

[7.14.08]

MOVIE MAGIC I am so excited for the The Dark Knight that I am buying advanced tickets (which are also going pretty fast). I know it doesn't hit theatres until July 18th but it's been receiving great reviews, it looks fantastically dark and warped, and you can bet I'll be in line for the midnight screening. Katy Sems, Flare Intern

[7.11.08]

BONNE FÊTE Robert Lepage has created a film, The Image Mill, for Quebec’s 400th anniversary. It is being projected onto grain silos in Quebec City every evening at 10pm until August 24. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s a visual masterpiece. Alexandra Breen

[7.10.08]

HUMAN NATURE Last week I checked out Encounters at the End of the World, the latest documentary by Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man). The film examines the lives of the scientists working in the Antarctic community of McMurdo Station. It’s sort of like an artsy version of Planet Earth with more of a focus on humans. My favorite shot is the one with the solo penguin heading into the abyss, but the underwater photography is equally breathtaking. Alexandra Breen

[7.9.08]

MAKE SOME WAVES Want to learn a few new tricks to dazzle your friends at the cottage? The world's largest wakeboarding festival, Wakestock, is taking over the Toronto Island July 24th – 27th. Don’t worry if you're not into watching the crazy stunts. Metric, Lights and Dragonette are among the acts that will be serenading the crowds and athletes! Katy Sems, Flare Intern

[7.8.08]

WHEN IN PARIS... David Cronenberg’s opera, The Fly (yes, it’s based on his film by the same name) is showing this week at the Chåtelet Theatre in Paris. Alexandra Breen

[7.4.08]

SATURDAY BRUNCH I’m looking forward to visiting the Brick Works Farmers’ Market this Saturday. It’s the perfect place to spend a morning and a great alternative to the traditional brunch experience. Alexandra Breen

[7.3.08]

PERSONALIZE YOUR TECH I stumbled upon this website and fell in love. www.colorwarepc.com allows you to customize the color of your favorite gadgets. Alexandra Breen

[7.2.08]

SUNDAY PICNIC Get ready everyone! On July 20th it's time for the annual Rogers Picnic and this year the acts are especially exciting. For only $50 see performances by City and Colour, Cat Power, Tokyo Police Club, Chromeo and more! I can't think of a better way to spend a sunny Sunday. Katy Sems, Flare Intern

[7.1.08]

STELLAR ESTELLE If you haven't heard of Estelle yet (or her hit with Kanye West, "American Boy"), you should get over to i-tunes and download her latest album, Shine as soon as possible. It is seriously delicious R&B a swift kick of pop. Elio Iannacci

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