2009 RoundUp: Favourite Movies.

Like the year before, in 2009 I attempted to watch 100 movies I had never seen before. Unfortunately, I did much much worse this time around, only watching 53.
However, I did have the pleasure of seeing some amazing films.

My favourite movies that I saw this year (in no particular order):
Star Trek (2009)
(500) Days of Summer (2009)
District 9 (2009)
Dogma (1999)
Zombieland (2009)

Honourable Mentions:
The Hangover (2009)
Best in Show (2000)


I saw my share of stinkers as well:
Ghost Town (2008)
My Best Friend's Girl (2008)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Evil Remains (2004)

The absolute worst being:
S. Darko (2009)

Let's see if in 2010 I can make it to 100.

Music Monday: The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl

On this last Monday before Christmas I bring you my absolute favourite holiday tune.
LOVE it.

Music Tuesday: David Bowie and Bing Crosby

I really cannot believe that there are only 2 1/2 weeks til Christmas.
I'm late starting my shopping this year and yesterday should have been my first Christmas themed Music Monday and I am late for that as well!

The Little Drummer Boy duet between Bing Crosby and David Bowie is a favourite at our house, and we affectionately refer to it as "Bing and Bulge" (Sorry David, but those costumes in Labyrinth are hard to forget.)

World AIDS Day: 5 Easy Ways to Help Fight AIDS All Year

There are an estimated 33.4 million people living with HIV.
It is not a disease of the past. It is happening now.
In 2007 AIDS killed 2.1 million people, including 330,000 children.
AIDS doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care if you're male or female, rich or poor, gay or straight.
AIDS doesn't care how many or how few people you've had sex with.
There is no vaccine and there is no cure.

But there is always hope.

Every year World AIDS Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness, but the fight against AIDS doesn't take 24 hours.
There are simple ways to join the fight all year long.

5. Get tested.
For the sake of protecting others as well as yourself, if you may have been exposed to HIV get tested as soon as possible. The sooner you know, the sooner you can get the help you need.

4. Donate.
There are many amazing charities doing some amazing things to fight AIDS. Some of my favourites are: The Mercury Phoenix Trust, CANFAR and The Global Fund.

3. Buy things.
Want to donate but kind of want something in return? It's okay, I won't tell. There are lots of companies who are donating money for the sale of certain items. Check out Aldo, MAC, and all the awesome companies that take part in the (Red) campaign (including Starbucks, Gap, Apple, Dell and Hallmark.) Chances are, there is something you already need to purchase that can be bought from a company supporting an AIDS charity.

2. Wear a ribbon.
Wear a ribbon on your shirt. Post one on Twitter or Facebook. Just talking about HIV and AIDS can do a world of good in helping end the stigma.

1. Wear a condom.
Remember, HIV is asymptomatic so your partner may not even know they are infected. As my mother likes to say "Some gifts are meant to stay wrapped."

AIDS Awareness Week: What You Wearing Wednesday

I am in love with this shade of lipstick. It doesn't come off nearly as well in a webcam photo. It is truly the most flattering shade of red I have ever seen, and it works on so many people!
Want to know what makes this lipstick even better? It is from M·A·C's Viva Glam collection.
When you buy a Viva Glam product EVERY CENT is donated to the M·A·C Aids Fund. How cool is that?


What else am I wearing today? Well my wristband from the Mercury Phoenix Trust (which I spoke about in yesterday's post) came in the mail today! It has the words 'Let Me Live' inscribed on it, referring to the song of the same name from the album Made In Heaven, and inside the band is the url for the Trust's website.

To join 'What You Wearing Wednesdays' visit Fi at her blog.

AIDS Awareness Week: Remembering Freddie

On this day 18 years, the world lost one of the most amazing voices it has ever known. Though I was only 5 years old when he passed away, Freddie Mercury holds the spot as my favourite musical artist of all time.

I remember learning Queen songs when I took piano lessons in elementary school and listening to Greatest Hits II on my Fisher Price tape recorder.

I remember singing We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions along with the rest of my baseball team during games.

Bohemian Rhapsody had a special place in my high school career. I remember the performance piece 3 friends and I did with that song for our 10th grade drama class, and reprised for the Arts Banquet that year.

It is nearly impossible to come up with my favourite Queen song. However, without a doubt my favourite Queen music video (and probably my favourite music video period) is for I Want to Break Free.

November 24, 1991 Freddie Mercury died of bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS, just one day after publicly announcing he had the disease in the following statement to the press:

Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors, and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very special to me and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue.

The last music video filmed with Freddie was for the song These Are The Days of Our Lives. The words "I still love you" at the end of the video were Freddie's last words ever recorded on camera.

After his death, the remaining members of Queen, along with their manager Jim Beach, launched The Mercury Phoenix Trust with The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness. The concert was held April 20, 1992 at Wembley Stadium.

The Mercury Phoenix Trust has been active ever since, raising millions of dollars for AIDS related charities all over the world.

RIP Freddie Mercury
September 5, 1946 - November 24, 1991

Music Monday: Doctor Who Edition

46 years ago today, the Doctor had his first adventure and the rest is history.
Or the future.
Time Lords are confusing like that.

In honour of the 46 years, 57 companions and 10 doctors of Doctor Who, this Music Monday is featuring my favourite rendition of the Who theme tune.

I bring you the amazingly geektastic Twin Tesla Coil cover of the Doctor Who theme!

Happy TARDIS Day!

Music Monday: The Cure

So last night I dreamt about being attacked by a load of stray cats.
It was actually a substantial part of a much longer really creepy and very bizarre dream.

It may have something to do with the fact that I listen to this song daily (and probably fell asleep to it).

What You Wearing Wednesday: Halloween Roundup

Okay, so I am cheating a bit. I'm not wearing these today, but I just wanted to share this year's Halloween costumes!

Here I am, looking a little disheveled as the Queen of Hearts:


And here's my scaryiest costume yet!
A crazed Twilight Fan!
I STILL CAN'T GET ALL THE GLITTER OFF!!

To join 'What You Wearing Wednesdays' visit Fi at her blog.

Music Monday: Gossip

Holy crap!
How is it November already?
I did not get one lousy blog post in at all last month.
Shameful!

In better news, I cannot stop listening to Gossip's new album Music for Men. It is super.
So today's Music Monday post is my favourite from that album.
And how freaking fantastic does Beth Ditto look?
Love her and I want all her clothes. And makeup. And voice.