Bullying. Bully. Those words conjure up images of the tough kid at school shaking down the ‘nerd’ for his lunch money or stuffing him into a locker, to the delight of his ‘accomplices’.
This type of behavior still exists, but with the advent of the internet and the media, the type of bullying has become increasingly cruel and apparently more widespread.
Social media allows bullies to hide behind their computer screen and spread their vicious venom to hundreds if not thousands of people. Teasing someone because they are skinny, fat, gay, disabled, talented, smart etc. is a form of bullying that has unfortunately become more acceptable.
ITS NOT
Bullying is not just about inflicting physical abuse onto someone. There is more and more emotional and psychological bullying, and this type of bullying is what is causing young teenagers with brilliant futures, to take their lives.
Spreading lies and rumors about someone falls under the heading of psychological bullying. Teasing someone for a particular characteristic is emotional bullying.
I honestly believe that many eating disorders among girls are sparked by some form of emotional bullying. “Oh, So and So? She’s not cool and I don’t want to hang around her because she is fat!”. “ So and So” could be 5’5” and weigh 90 pounds soaking wet!!! But the media portrays perfection as someone who is flawless and skinny. We are judged on out outer appearance. If one doesn’t fall under the umbrella of perfection that is dictated to us by the magazines and television, that person is shunned and ridiculed by his or her peers.
This generation is being brought up and raised with the ‘moral’ code of what is on the television. Pick any night on TV and there is a show that has kids disrespecting adults and authority at some level.
How are teenagers supposed to respect themselves or their peers? Where is the moral compass that teaches people to respect themselves and others around them?
There is a wonderful group called Dare to Care, that goes out in the schools to give kids the tools to deal with bullying.
I despise bullying and do not accept that type of behavior from anyone.
TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED!
Wednesday, November 23
Sunday, November 6
It's Been A While...Again
I have been very busy lately and my blog has suffered. When I do have time to sit and write, I suffer from the proverbial writer's block. Obviously no the best thing to happen to someone who blogs.
What to write about? Forget about the financial crisis in Greece, or the Occupy movement. Yesterday's news. And to be honest do I really need to rehash what has been rehashed and warmed over by other journalists? What insight could i possibly give that could show another angle or side of the story. Shit shows are pretty one dimensional.
There is,however, one story I feel compelled to write about even though it has been all over the gossip sites since Halloween. In case you have been living under a rock, the 'scandale du jour' is the slap in the face of the institution of marriage. I refer to the 72 day joke called the marriage of Kim Kardashian.
Here is a woman who shot to fame because of a sex video that somehow got leaked to the press about 5 years ago. Unknown to the majority of mankind, Miss Kardashian has parlayed this 'scandal' into a TV show, handbags, a shop in Manhattan and paid appearances at many parties across the world. Together with her momzilla manager, Kris Jenner, they are planning on taking over the world.
Seriously? What has Kim Kardashian done to help the world to be a better place? Well, in her quest for fame and fortune and profitting off of absolutely everything in her path, she has 'helped' one thing.
Her joke of a marriage will hopefully wake up some congressmen and law makers to finally legalize marriage between same sex partners. Opponents of same sex marriage cry, "Same sex marriage is a travesty!". Uh, no it isn't. Doing what Kardashian did is much more of a travesty against the institution of marriage than any gay marriage could do. People who really want to get married can't, while this fame hungry two bit whore can, and then ridiculize it by filing for divorce 72 days later.
As Rex Murphy said' Occupy Kim Kardashian'....
What to write about? Forget about the financial crisis in Greece, or the Occupy movement. Yesterday's news. And to be honest do I really need to rehash what has been rehashed and warmed over by other journalists? What insight could i possibly give that could show another angle or side of the story. Shit shows are pretty one dimensional.
There is,however, one story I feel compelled to write about even though it has been all over the gossip sites since Halloween. In case you have been living under a rock, the 'scandale du jour' is the slap in the face of the institution of marriage. I refer to the 72 day joke called the marriage of Kim Kardashian.
Here is a woman who shot to fame because of a sex video that somehow got leaked to the press about 5 years ago. Unknown to the majority of mankind, Miss Kardashian has parlayed this 'scandal' into a TV show, handbags, a shop in Manhattan and paid appearances at many parties across the world. Together with her momzilla manager, Kris Jenner, they are planning on taking over the world.
Seriously? What has Kim Kardashian done to help the world to be a better place? Well, in her quest for fame and fortune and profitting off of absolutely everything in her path, she has 'helped' one thing.
Her joke of a marriage will hopefully wake up some congressmen and law makers to finally legalize marriage between same sex partners. Opponents of same sex marriage cry, "Same sex marriage is a travesty!". Uh, no it isn't. Doing what Kardashian did is much more of a travesty against the institution of marriage than any gay marriage could do. People who really want to get married can't, while this fame hungry two bit whore can, and then ridiculize it by filing for divorce 72 days later.
As Rex Murphy said' Occupy Kim Kardashian'....
Monday, June 20
Friday, June 17
Thursday, June 2
Jean Paul Gaultier in Montreal
Just in, straight from a very reliable source in Paris, Jean Paul Gaultier will be in Montreal very soon for the vernissage of his fashion restrospective. This exhibition will run from June 17th to October 2 2011 at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.
So for any fashionistas and simple admirers of amasing creativity who are in Montreal, keep your eyes open for this man!!!
Wednesday, May 25
Brilliant Brazilian Designers
When fashion is discussed, the major cities that come to mind are New York, Paris, Milan and London. This is where the big designers and haute couture houses are located. Twice a year, the fashion gang descends upon these cities on a whirlwind tour to show the ready to wear collections.
Over the years though, other countries are creating their own fashion weeks. One of the best fashion weeks outside of the Fab Four cities happens in the bustling metropolis of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Home to almost 11 million people, it is the New York of South America. So it is only fitting that a city of that magnitude should have its own fashion week, Sao Paulo Fashion Week, SPFW.
SPFW showcases some of the most amazing designers and new talents in the fashion business. Fashion didn't come to mind when talking about Brazil, but that is changing. With the invasion of the Brazilian glamazons (Gisele, Ana Beatriz Barros, Adriana LIma, Alessandra Ambrosio, Cintia Decker et al)to the international catwalks mixed together with what I call *"The Brasilian Saudade Syndrome", designers in Brazil were able to get top international Brazilian models to walk their runway. This brought international press and the likes of Micheal Roberts and Robert Forrest to Brazil.
Some of the great talents coming out of Brazil are:
Alexandre Herscovitch
Amir Slama for Rosa Cha
Carlos Miele (M. Officer)
Tufi Duek for Forum
Cris Barros LOVE!!!!!
Carmen Steffens
Both Rosa Cha and Carlos Miele are available at Holt Renfrew.
* Brazilians that live overseas always find ways of going home for a visit because they suffer from saudade- yearning and missing the homeland.
Over the years though, other countries are creating their own fashion weeks. One of the best fashion weeks outside of the Fab Four cities happens in the bustling metropolis of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Home to almost 11 million people, it is the New York of South America. So it is only fitting that a city of that magnitude should have its own fashion week, Sao Paulo Fashion Week, SPFW.
SPFW showcases some of the most amazing designers and new talents in the fashion business. Fashion didn't come to mind when talking about Brazil, but that is changing. With the invasion of the Brazilian glamazons (Gisele, Ana Beatriz Barros, Adriana LIma, Alessandra Ambrosio, Cintia Decker et al)to the international catwalks mixed together with what I call *"The Brasilian Saudade Syndrome", designers in Brazil were able to get top international Brazilian models to walk their runway. This brought international press and the likes of Micheal Roberts and Robert Forrest to Brazil.
Some of the great talents coming out of Brazil are:
Alexandre Herscovitch
Amir Slama for Rosa Cha
Carlos Miele (M. Officer)
Tufi Duek for Forum
Cris Barros LOVE!!!!!
Carmen Steffens
Both Rosa Cha and Carlos Miele are available at Holt Renfrew.
* Brazilians that live overseas always find ways of going home for a visit because they suffer from saudade- yearning and missing the homeland.
Friday, May 13
Uniforms at School. Why They Are A Good Idea
I think that children in the public and Catholic school systems in Calgary should wear uniforms.
I am a mother of two boys. Luckily in the fashion department, they haven’t succumbed to the
‘Label’ madness of their peers. Apparently the cool labels these days are Hollister, H&M, American Eagle and Lacoste. The teenagers these days look eerily like we did back in the 80’s. You are either ‘preppy’, or “Goth’(which includes the sub group known as Emos). It was preps and punks at my high school. Don’t get me started on the low riding jeans and the short baby t shirts that kids wear these days.
I digress. The point of this post is to promote the idea of school uniforms. This would offset the costs of school fees. My kids went to private school when we lived in Brazil and the cost of their uniforms for the whole year cost me less than $250…for the two of them! Granted, things are a bit cheaper in Brazil, but their uniforms consisted of a shirt, shorts, hoodie and trousers. Made my life so much easier! No fashion dramas in the morning, laundry was MUCH less and in the end of the day, their clothing budget was slashed by almost 60%. One set was being worn, one set washed, one set ready to go! How about that for a green initiative? And the clothes can be passed on to a younger sibling!
When I bring up this topic to other parents, their first reaction is, “It will be so expensive!!”. Actually it’s a lot cheaper than buying clothes that kids want (labels and designers). I also get the reaction of “ It will quash their individuality and creativity.”. If anyone has seen how private school uniforms are somehow transformed by the kids wearing them, creativity is NOT being quashed. Do we not have a dress code at work? Are there not some jobs that require uniforms? Well then, we are just preparing our kids for the future.
Wearing a uniform evens the playing field. The kids whose parents can’t afford designer clothes will be able to afford the uniforms and the ostracizing on the playground because Madison’s parents can’t afford to buy Lululemon will cease!
It’s a win win situation for everyone. Anyone else on board with this idea?
I am a mother of two boys. Luckily in the fashion department, they haven’t succumbed to the
‘Label’ madness of their peers. Apparently the cool labels these days are Hollister, H&M, American Eagle and Lacoste. The teenagers these days look eerily like we did back in the 80’s. You are either ‘preppy’, or “Goth’(which includes the sub group known as Emos). It was preps and punks at my high school. Don’t get me started on the low riding jeans and the short baby t shirts that kids wear these days.
I digress. The point of this post is to promote the idea of school uniforms. This would offset the costs of school fees. My kids went to private school when we lived in Brazil and the cost of their uniforms for the whole year cost me less than $250…for the two of them! Granted, things are a bit cheaper in Brazil, but their uniforms consisted of a shirt, shorts, hoodie and trousers. Made my life so much easier! No fashion dramas in the morning, laundry was MUCH less and in the end of the day, their clothing budget was slashed by almost 60%. One set was being worn, one set washed, one set ready to go! How about that for a green initiative? And the clothes can be passed on to a younger sibling!
When I bring up this topic to other parents, their first reaction is, “It will be so expensive!!”. Actually it’s a lot cheaper than buying clothes that kids want (labels and designers). I also get the reaction of “ It will quash their individuality and creativity.”. If anyone has seen how private school uniforms are somehow transformed by the kids wearing them, creativity is NOT being quashed. Do we not have a dress code at work? Are there not some jobs that require uniforms? Well then, we are just preparing our kids for the future.
Wearing a uniform evens the playing field. The kids whose parents can’t afford designer clothes will be able to afford the uniforms and the ostracizing on the playground because Madison’s parents can’t afford to buy Lululemon will cease!
It’s a win win situation for everyone. Anyone else on board with this idea?
Friday, May 6
Calgary Needs Wayne Scot Lukas
Over the past few weeks, I have been working in the downtown core of Calgary. It has been a lot of fun and I have been able to get my dose of people watching. Lunchtime is the best and now that the weather is getting better, it is even more interesting to see what people are dragging out of their closets.
These are my top picks and peeve's for the fashionable set in Calgary.
1. Flip flops. Great when on a holiday, at the beach or at the gym while taking a shower. Not great when you are working at an office downtown. I don't care how awesome your $40 pedicure looks, flip flops at work are a major flop.
2. Men's pants that are too short. The chances of a flood happening in Calgary are quite slim, so gentlemen, please get your pants properly hemmed! Mens pants should be hemmed so that the front of the pant 'breaks' on the instep of the foot. The back of the trouser should not fall below the line of the shoe where the sole begins.
3. Bad hair. Calgary is a dry city, so trying to get your hair curly without resorting to a perm is next to impossible. Embrace the elements and blow out your hair. No bumps a la Snooki, though. A smidge of back combing at the roots to give a slight lift is ok, but please, no bumps!
4. Super white French manicures. Women here love to get their nails done, but they tend to look really fake because A. they go to cheap nails salons that use cheap products and therefore the nails look cheap. B. They use ultra white on the tips of their nails and they cover half of the nail bed. Tack tacky tacky.
5. Poorly fitted clothing. Blame the vanity sizing. If you were an 8 in the 80's, if you are the same weight now (highly unlikely if you have had kids)you would be a 2 or a 4 now. I hate this vanity sizing. bring back the old school sizing. Wear clothes that fit and don't look like tents. If you are hiding your figure, you are not doing yourself any favours.We all come in different shapes and sizes. The guru of styling for everyone is Wayne Scot Lukas. Check out what he does here.
These are my top picks and peeve's for the fashionable set in Calgary.
1. Flip flops. Great when on a holiday, at the beach or at the gym while taking a shower. Not great when you are working at an office downtown. I don't care how awesome your $40 pedicure looks, flip flops at work are a major flop.
2. Men's pants that are too short. The chances of a flood happening in Calgary are quite slim, so gentlemen, please get your pants properly hemmed! Mens pants should be hemmed so that the front of the pant 'breaks' on the instep of the foot. The back of the trouser should not fall below the line of the shoe where the sole begins.
3. Bad hair. Calgary is a dry city, so trying to get your hair curly without resorting to a perm is next to impossible. Embrace the elements and blow out your hair. No bumps a la Snooki, though. A smidge of back combing at the roots to give a slight lift is ok, but please, no bumps!
4. Super white French manicures. Women here love to get their nails done, but they tend to look really fake because A. they go to cheap nails salons that use cheap products and therefore the nails look cheap. B. They use ultra white on the tips of their nails and they cover half of the nail bed. Tack tacky tacky.
5. Poorly fitted clothing. Blame the vanity sizing. If you were an 8 in the 80's, if you are the same weight now (highly unlikely if you have had kids)you would be a 2 or a 4 now. I hate this vanity sizing. bring back the old school sizing. Wear clothes that fit and don't look like tents. If you are hiding your figure, you are not doing yourself any favours.We all come in different shapes and sizes. The guru of styling for everyone is Wayne Scot Lukas. Check out what he does here.
Wednesday, April 27
Why I Don't Put my Handbag on the Floor
You will never see a Brazilian woman put her handbag on the floor. They say its bad luck and your money will disappear. I never put my handbag on the floor for that reason and more so for the following reasons:
Have you ever noticed girls who set their handbags on public toilet floors, then go directly to their dining tables and set it on the table?
Happens a lot! It's not always the 'restaurant food' that causes stomach distress. Sometimes 'what you don't know will hurt you'!
Read on.............
I always get upset when guests came in the door and plopped their handbags down on the counter where I am cooking or setting up food. I have always said that handbags are really dirty, because of where they have been.
It's something just about every woman carries with them. While we may know what's inside our handbags, do you have any idea what's on the outside? Women carry handbags everywhere; from the office to public toilets to the floor of the car. Most women won't be caught without their handbags, but did you ever stop to think about where your handbag goes during the day.
'I drive a school bus, so my handbag has been on the floor of the bus a lot,' says one woman. 'On the floor of my car, and in toilets.'
'I put my handbag in grocery shopping carts and on the floor of the toilet,' says another woman 'and of course in my home which should be clean.'
Most women have told me that they didn't stop to think about what was on the bottom of their handbag. Most said at home they usually set their handbags on top of kitchen tables and counters where food is prepared.
Most of the ladies I talked to told me they wouldn't be surprised if their handbags were at least a little bit dirty..
It turns out handbags are so surprisingly dirty, even a microbiologist who has tested them was shocked.
Microbiologist Amy Karen of Nelson Labs says nearly all of the handbags tested were not only high in bacteria, but high in harmful kinds of bacteria. Pseudomonas can cause eye infections, staphylococcus aurous can cause serious skin infections, and salmonella and e-coli found on the handbags could make people very sick.
In one sampling, four out of five handbags tested positive for salmonella, and that's not the worst of it. 'There is faecal contamination on the handbags' says Amy. Leather or vinyl handbags tended to be cleaner than cloth handbags, and lifestyle seemed to play a role. People with kids tended to have dirtier handbags than those without, with one exception.
The handbag of one single woman who frequented nightclubs had one of the worst contaminations of all. 'Some type of faeces, or possibly vomit' says Amy.
So the moral of this story is that your handbag won't kill you, but it does have the potential to make you very sick if you keep it on places where you eat. Use hooks to hang your handbag at home and in toilets, and don't put it on your desk, a restaurant table, or on your kitchen countertop.
Experts say you should think of your handbag the same way you would a pair of shoes. 'If you think about putting a pair of shoes on your countertops, that's the same thing you're doing when you put your handbag on the countertops.'
Your handbag has gone where individuals before you have walked, sat, sneezed, coughed, spat, urinated, emptied bowels, etc! Do you really want to bring that home with you?
The microbiologists at Nelson also said cleaning a handbag will help. Wash cloth handbags and use leather cleaner to clean the bottom of leather handbags.
Or do what I do, use a purse hook.
Have you ever noticed girls who set their handbags on public toilet floors, then go directly to their dining tables and set it on the table?
Happens a lot! It's not always the 'restaurant food' that causes stomach distress. Sometimes 'what you don't know will hurt you'!
Read on.............
I always get upset when guests came in the door and plopped their handbags down on the counter where I am cooking or setting up food. I have always said that handbags are really dirty, because of where they have been.
It's something just about every woman carries with them. While we may know what's inside our handbags, do you have any idea what's on the outside? Women carry handbags everywhere; from the office to public toilets to the floor of the car. Most women won't be caught without their handbags, but did you ever stop to think about where your handbag goes during the day.
'I drive a school bus, so my handbag has been on the floor of the bus a lot,' says one woman. 'On the floor of my car, and in toilets.'
'I put my handbag in grocery shopping carts and on the floor of the toilet,' says another woman 'and of course in my home which should be clean.'
Most women have told me that they didn't stop to think about what was on the bottom of their handbag. Most said at home they usually set their handbags on top of kitchen tables and counters where food is prepared.
Most of the ladies I talked to told me they wouldn't be surprised if their handbags were at least a little bit dirty..
It turns out handbags are so surprisingly dirty, even a microbiologist who has tested them was shocked.
Microbiologist Amy Karen of Nelson Labs says nearly all of the handbags tested were not only high in bacteria, but high in harmful kinds of bacteria. Pseudomonas can cause eye infections, staphylococcus aurous can cause serious skin infections, and salmonella and e-coli found on the handbags could make people very sick.
In one sampling, four out of five handbags tested positive for salmonella, and that's not the worst of it. 'There is faecal contamination on the handbags' says Amy. Leather or vinyl handbags tended to be cleaner than cloth handbags, and lifestyle seemed to play a role. People with kids tended to have dirtier handbags than those without, with one exception.
The handbag of one single woman who frequented nightclubs had one of the worst contaminations of all. 'Some type of faeces, or possibly vomit' says Amy.
So the moral of this story is that your handbag won't kill you, but it does have the potential to make you very sick if you keep it on places where you eat. Use hooks to hang your handbag at home and in toilets, and don't put it on your desk, a restaurant table, or on your kitchen countertop.
Experts say you should think of your handbag the same way you would a pair of shoes. 'If you think about putting a pair of shoes on your countertops, that's the same thing you're doing when you put your handbag on the countertops.'
Your handbag has gone where individuals before you have walked, sat, sneezed, coughed, spat, urinated, emptied bowels, etc! Do you really want to bring that home with you?
The microbiologists at Nelson also said cleaning a handbag will help. Wash cloth handbags and use leather cleaner to clean the bottom of leather handbags.
Or do what I do, use a purse hook.
Food and Aggression..Is there a link?
I saw a video on Youtube the other day of two girls beating up a transgender male at a McDonald’s in Baltimore. I was shocked by what I saw. Young girls are becoming increasingly violent and aggressive. What shocked me the most is how nobody got involved to break up the attack. It was only after they beat the pulp out of this poor person that an elderly lady stepped in to stop it. remember, this was being filmed and the cinematographer was more interested in getting the best shot rather than helping the person who was in distress.
Bullying is rampant at schools and at the workplace. There is no distinction between being assertive and being aggressive. Bullying behavior is learned. My two sons have been bullied in the past and my one son even had a boy pick a fight with him and tried to turn it around to make it look like my son was the bully. This kid was simply jealous of my son’s popularity at school and tried to make himself out to be the victim. Total set up on his part.
Where is the moral compass in all of this? What gives people the right to attack others? Is their self esteem so low that they have to resort to being bullies themselves? Why did these two girls attack the person in the McDonalds? Why are people going ballistic in fast food restaurants? I think that maybe, just maybe, it is what is in our food. Preservatives and hormones in our food could be one of the causes of this aggression that has become so rampant lately. It is definitely causing obesity. Could that be the link?
Bullying is rampant at schools and at the workplace. There is no distinction between being assertive and being aggressive. Bullying behavior is learned. My two sons have been bullied in the past and my one son even had a boy pick a fight with him and tried to turn it around to make it look like my son was the bully. This kid was simply jealous of my son’s popularity at school and tried to make himself out to be the victim. Total set up on his part.
Where is the moral compass in all of this? What gives people the right to attack others? Is their self esteem so low that they have to resort to being bullies themselves? Why did these two girls attack the person in the McDonalds? Why are people going ballistic in fast food restaurants? I think that maybe, just maybe, it is what is in our food. Preservatives and hormones in our food could be one of the causes of this aggression that has become so rampant lately. It is definitely causing obesity. Could that be the link?
Monday, April 18
Does The Shoe Fit?
Like any red blooded woman who has a pulse, I am a shoe fanatic. I love my shoes and am always on the look out for neat shoes. I am not a Carrie Bradshaw as I would never be able to afford the Choo's, Laboutin's or Manolo's that lined her closet.
I love shoes from Brazil. I really believe that Brazil is the final frontier of handcrafted shoes. Italy and France are two other countries that are known for their great shoes but even that is being slowly phased out as the 'artisans' are retiring and there is no younger generation being groomed to fill their shoes.(I know, bad pun)
Then of course, there is the biggest threat to the shoe industry, the counterfeit shoes coming out of China.$800 shoes being sold for $100 on Canal Street in NYC.
Instead of chasing down the bad guys, Laboutin is attacking YSL and Carmen Steffans, because they happened to put red on the sole of the shoe! PLEASE!! Here is an article that shows how ridiculous this is. Are they going to patent tan leather too?
I love shoes from Brazil. I really believe that Brazil is the final frontier of handcrafted shoes. Italy and France are two other countries that are known for their great shoes but even that is being slowly phased out as the 'artisans' are retiring and there is no younger generation being groomed to fill their shoes.(I know, bad pun)
Then of course, there is the biggest threat to the shoe industry, the counterfeit shoes coming out of China.$800 shoes being sold for $100 on Canal Street in NYC.
Instead of chasing down the bad guys, Laboutin is attacking YSL and Carmen Steffans, because they happened to put red on the sole of the shoe! PLEASE!! Here is an article that shows how ridiculous this is. Are they going to patent tan leather too?
Sunday, March 20
Fashionata...You've Come A Long Way Baby...
Boy has Calgary come along way! I went to the Fashionata Fashion Show at Holt Renfrew the other evening. It was a charity fashion show benefitting the Safe Haven Foundation.
What a beautiful event! Instead of a runway, they used the escalators that are in the center atrium of the new Holt Renfrew in the CORE. The clothes were beautiful and being the fashionista that I am, I want the Blumarine dress that opened the show.The production was comparable to any show of the international Fashion Weeks.Years ago, this would never have happened.....
When I left Calgary to be a model back in the 80's, I was literally on my own and escaping a fashion wasteland also known as Calgary in the early 80's after the National Energy program destroyed the economy and mortgage rates were 18% +!! There was no modelling agency behind me to help me navigate the crazy world of foreign models while I was fending off my sleazy French agent. I can truly say that I made my own career and that yes, I am Calgary's Original Supermodel and the first Calgarian to ever grace the cover of Vogue. Too bad I have never received the recognition here in my hometown. I was scoffed at by kids at school when I was discovered at the age of 15 by no other that John Casablancas, owner of Elite. I was never part of the 'pretty and popular' girls. I played sports and was a swimmer and diver. I never did the Miss Calgary or pageant scene.
Now Calgary has become a model scout mecca for finding the next 'It' girl. With all of our cultural diversity, Canada is rich in potential models. In my day it was Linda and Shalom, now its Daria Werbowy and Coco Rocha...
Calgary has also become a very strong fashion centre. The oil patch has recovered and money abounds here. This was very evident at Fashionata with women dressed in head to toe designer outfits. Some looked amazing, others need the help of my stylist friend Wayne Scot Lukas.
I have semi retired from the model world, but will be back with a vengeance very soon. I am bringing together all of my experiences together to make Calgary even bigger and better in the fashion world. We are starting to see more and more designers setting up shop here. The Brazilian shoe designer Carmen Steffens has a great shop downtown that sells beautiful shoe designs that are just as amazing as any Laboutin or Blahnik.
Women here are in need of celebrating their beauty. That is my goal this year. To bring beauty and glamour back to women in Calgary. Stay tuned!
What a beautiful event! Instead of a runway, they used the escalators that are in the center atrium of the new Holt Renfrew in the CORE. The clothes were beautiful and being the fashionista that I am, I want the Blumarine dress that opened the show.The production was comparable to any show of the international Fashion Weeks.Years ago, this would never have happened.....
When I left Calgary to be a model back in the 80's, I was literally on my own and escaping a fashion wasteland also known as Calgary in the early 80's after the National Energy program destroyed the economy and mortgage rates were 18% +!! There was no modelling agency behind me to help me navigate the crazy world of foreign models while I was fending off my sleazy French agent. I can truly say that I made my own career and that yes, I am Calgary's Original Supermodel and the first Calgarian to ever grace the cover of Vogue. Too bad I have never received the recognition here in my hometown. I was scoffed at by kids at school when I was discovered at the age of 15 by no other that John Casablancas, owner of Elite. I was never part of the 'pretty and popular' girls. I played sports and was a swimmer and diver. I never did the Miss Calgary or pageant scene.
Now Calgary has become a model scout mecca for finding the next 'It' girl. With all of our cultural diversity, Canada is rich in potential models. In my day it was Linda and Shalom, now its Daria Werbowy and Coco Rocha...
Calgary has also become a very strong fashion centre. The oil patch has recovered and money abounds here. This was very evident at Fashionata with women dressed in head to toe designer outfits. Some looked amazing, others need the help of my stylist friend Wayne Scot Lukas.
I have semi retired from the model world, but will be back with a vengeance very soon. I am bringing together all of my experiences together to make Calgary even bigger and better in the fashion world. We are starting to see more and more designers setting up shop here. The Brazilian shoe designer Carmen Steffens has a great shop downtown that sells beautiful shoe designs that are just as amazing as any Laboutin or Blahnik.
Women here are in need of celebrating their beauty. That is my goal this year. To bring beauty and glamour back to women in Calgary. Stay tuned!
Sunday, March 13
Another Fashion/Sports Parallel
In my last post, I spoke about the escalating violence in the NHL, and how it is only getting worse, not better. The Pacciorety incident was the straw that broke the camel's back (and by a miracle, didn't break Pacciorety's back). It has outraged many sports fans and has brought the issue of safety for the players to the forefront. Lets hope that this unfortunate incident will bring changes that will ensure a safer game for the players.
In the world of fashion, the debate about the health and weight of models has been raging ever since the early 90's. That was when the grunge look took over the magazines and models such as Kate Moss were replacing the Glamazons of the era: Elle McPherson, Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer. It is no longer in fashion to be curvy and healthy looking. The more you look like a 14 year old boy, the more success you will have as a model.
Over the past two decades, the look of models has become increasingly skinnier and skinnier. This type of look has been enabled by the fashion elite (they know who they are) Once in a while there will be a huge outcry and the fashion establishment will promise that they will only hire girls with BMI of over 18 for the fashion shows. The promise lasts as long as a shoe at a 90% off sale at Jimmy Choos. How far will models go to fit into the image of perfection foisted upon them by a small group of 'fashionistas' and model agents? A few years ago, two models actually died from complications arising from suffering from anorexia nervosa. The straw that broke the camel's back in the fashion world was quickly hush hushed and the debate was yet again put into hibernation. This season during London Fashion Week, one of the models looked like she escaped from a concentration camp. See for yourself!
My point? The NHL and the fashion business are both sending the wrong messages to young kids.
" If you hit someone hard enough to cause major damage, don't worry, you will get away with it and not get suspended!!! It's part of being tough hockey player!!"
" If you get really skinny, you too will be the next Kate Moss and you will be loved and admired by thousands! that's what being a model is all about!!"
So wrong on so many levels..It's just wrong.
In the world of fashion, the debate about the health and weight of models has been raging ever since the early 90's. That was when the grunge look took over the magazines and models such as Kate Moss were replacing the Glamazons of the era: Elle McPherson, Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer. It is no longer in fashion to be curvy and healthy looking. The more you look like a 14 year old boy, the more success you will have as a model.
Over the past two decades, the look of models has become increasingly skinnier and skinnier. This type of look has been enabled by the fashion elite (they know who they are) Once in a while there will be a huge outcry and the fashion establishment will promise that they will only hire girls with BMI of over 18 for the fashion shows. The promise lasts as long as a shoe at a 90% off sale at Jimmy Choos. How far will models go to fit into the image of perfection foisted upon them by a small group of 'fashionistas' and model agents? A few years ago, two models actually died from complications arising from suffering from anorexia nervosa. The straw that broke the camel's back in the fashion world was quickly hush hushed and the debate was yet again put into hibernation. This season during London Fashion Week, one of the models looked like she escaped from a concentration camp. See for yourself!
My point? The NHL and the fashion business are both sending the wrong messages to young kids.
" If you hit someone hard enough to cause major damage, don't worry, you will get away with it and not get suspended!!! It's part of being tough hockey player!!"
" If you get really skinny, you too will be the next Kate Moss and you will be loved and admired by thousands! that's what being a model is all about!!"
So wrong on so many levels..It's just wrong.
Thursday, March 10
An Open Letter to the NHL
Gentlemen,
I use that salutation hesitantly. The game of hockey is no longer a gentlemen's game. It was a game played on frozen ponds in sub freezing temperatures by young boys dreaming of being the next Rocket Richard, Bobby Orr or Wayne Gretzky. The love and passion for the game has been replaced by a band of thugs and criminals validated enabled and enticed by the likes of Gary Bettman and Don Cherry.
The violence of the game has gotten out of control. What should be a show of speed and skill, hockey has become the modern version of Roman Gladiators. The players have become bigger and stronger and the dirty hits are now causing severe concussions and possible paralysis. The c NHL should be held responsible for allowing this sort of behaviour to happen, and not ensuring a safe work environment for the employees of the NHL (the players).
The cheap hit that was given to Max Pacciorety literally made me sick to my stomach. I was watching the game with my boyfriend, who is a lifelong Habs fan. It was against the Boston Bruins. Before the game, the Bruins players were already trash talking in the press about how they were going to destroy the players from the Canadiens. The last time the Bruins played the Habs, the Bruins were on the warpath to maim PK Subban. Their actions were premeditated.
Max Pacciorety is in a Montreal hospital with a severe concussion, a fractured C4 vertebrae and there are people out there continuing to trash talk him and the Canadiens. The player who clocked him onto the pole didn't even get a game suspension or a fine. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Luckily, the Montreal police is opening up an inquiry into the incident and charges may be laid.
Just because they are playing in a rink, this doesn't exonerate them from personal responsibility.
The NHL needs to stop the madness. This is Canada's game and as a Canadian I am disgusted by what hockey has become. It has morphed into a blood bath to appease American audiences.
I am not a lawyer but any intelligent person will agree with me on the following:
1. The NHL should be fined for breaking labour laws by not ensuring a safe workplace.
2. Players involved in cheap shots and hits should serve the time equivalent to the time the injured player is out of action. In the case of Pacciorety, the hitter, Chara, should be suspended until Pacciorety is able to play again.
3. Commentators must stop enticing and promoting violence in the NHL.
Clean up the game once and for all!!!! Bring back the game of speed and skill that is hockey!
I use that salutation hesitantly. The game of hockey is no longer a gentlemen's game. It was a game played on frozen ponds in sub freezing temperatures by young boys dreaming of being the next Rocket Richard, Bobby Orr or Wayne Gretzky. The love and passion for the game has been replaced by a band of thugs and criminals validated enabled and enticed by the likes of Gary Bettman and Don Cherry.
The violence of the game has gotten out of control. What should be a show of speed and skill, hockey has become the modern version of Roman Gladiators. The players have become bigger and stronger and the dirty hits are now causing severe concussions and possible paralysis. The c NHL should be held responsible for allowing this sort of behaviour to happen, and not ensuring a safe work environment for the employees of the NHL (the players).
The cheap hit that was given to Max Pacciorety literally made me sick to my stomach. I was watching the game with my boyfriend, who is a lifelong Habs fan. It was against the Boston Bruins. Before the game, the Bruins players were already trash talking in the press about how they were going to destroy the players from the Canadiens. The last time the Bruins played the Habs, the Bruins were on the warpath to maim PK Subban. Their actions were premeditated.
Max Pacciorety is in a Montreal hospital with a severe concussion, a fractured C4 vertebrae and there are people out there continuing to trash talk him and the Canadiens. The player who clocked him onto the pole didn't even get a game suspension or a fine. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Luckily, the Montreal police is opening up an inquiry into the incident and charges may be laid.
Just because they are playing in a rink, this doesn't exonerate them from personal responsibility.
The NHL needs to stop the madness. This is Canada's game and as a Canadian I am disgusted by what hockey has become. It has morphed into a blood bath to appease American audiences.
I am not a lawyer but any intelligent person will agree with me on the following:
1. The NHL should be fined for breaking labour laws by not ensuring a safe workplace.
2. Players involved in cheap shots and hits should serve the time equivalent to the time the injured player is out of action. In the case of Pacciorety, the hitter, Chara, should be suspended until Pacciorety is able to play again.
3. Commentators must stop enticing and promoting violence in the NHL.
Clean up the game once and for all!!!! Bring back the game of speed and skill that is hockey!
Wednesday, March 9
It's Been A While...
Blogging is a funny thing. We become so inundated with information from the news outlets that to sift through everything becomes a task into itself. I envy bloggers that seem to write with such ease and grace I love to write, but do we really need another story on the Charlie Sheen public meltdown?
My boyfriend joked that we are now in Megalomaniac March. By looking at the newspapers and the television over the past week, i have to agree.
Besides the aforementioned Charlie Sheen meltdown, the month of March has seen Gadafi in Libya telling reporters that his people love him and that these riots are all being caused by Al Quaeda, then promptly bombs the $%^&* out of the country, killing the people that he professes that love him. This is a man who was proven to be behind the Lockerbie bombing, yet has been forgiven by the West. The country that he has dictated over for the past 41 years is a big oil producer. Canadian companies have drilling interests there. Since the riots began, the price of crude oil has risen to over $105 a barrel. But the West still continues to put up with him, because he has oil. Canada has much more oil, but because its in the oilsands, it is costlier and does pollute more than drilling in the Middle East. Murderous dictator vs. Global warming....
My solution? tell Gadafi to stuff it, and start exploring more of the oilsands in Canada,and clean up the tailing ponds. Oh wait! The Chinese have been buying up many interests in the Canadian oilsands! And we allow it!? Have we all gone mad? It is a natural resource from Canada. The Chinese have also been questioning Canada's sovereignity in the Arctic. Uhhh NO!
Then there is the drama behind the demise of John Galliano. Brilliant designer who unfortunately was coddled and allowed to run wild for years. One evening he tore into a woman and her companion at a bar in Paris ranting anti Semetic remarks. First off, the fashion business is full of Jewish people so Galliano was shooting himself in the foot. In this day and age, those types of comments don't fly. As any public person should know, whatever you do, you are at risk of being shown on Facebook or YouTube. You are no longer a private person and your life is there for all to see, good or bad. Apparently Riccardo Tisci from Givenchy will be taking over from Galliano at Christan Dior.
My take on this? They are all kakaputzy and should have gone to therapy long ago. Or even better, a good swift kick in the butt. Until someone puts their foot down and says 'STOP', these megalomaniacal characters will continue to flourish. We have seen it for years with Naomi Campbell and her temper, Kate Moss and her drug habit, countless other 'artistes' that just have no clue to what real life is...
My boyfriend joked that we are now in Megalomaniac March. By looking at the newspapers and the television over the past week, i have to agree.
Besides the aforementioned Charlie Sheen meltdown, the month of March has seen Gadafi in Libya telling reporters that his people love him and that these riots are all being caused by Al Quaeda, then promptly bombs the $%^&* out of the country, killing the people that he professes that love him. This is a man who was proven to be behind the Lockerbie bombing, yet has been forgiven by the West. The country that he has dictated over for the past 41 years is a big oil producer. Canadian companies have drilling interests there. Since the riots began, the price of crude oil has risen to over $105 a barrel. But the West still continues to put up with him, because he has oil. Canada has much more oil, but because its in the oilsands, it is costlier and does pollute more than drilling in the Middle East. Murderous dictator vs. Global warming....
My solution? tell Gadafi to stuff it, and start exploring more of the oilsands in Canada,and clean up the tailing ponds. Oh wait! The Chinese have been buying up many interests in the Canadian oilsands! And we allow it!? Have we all gone mad? It is a natural resource from Canada. The Chinese have also been questioning Canada's sovereignity in the Arctic. Uhhh NO!
Then there is the drama behind the demise of John Galliano. Brilliant designer who unfortunately was coddled and allowed to run wild for years. One evening he tore into a woman and her companion at a bar in Paris ranting anti Semetic remarks. First off, the fashion business is full of Jewish people so Galliano was shooting himself in the foot. In this day and age, those types of comments don't fly. As any public person should know, whatever you do, you are at risk of being shown on Facebook or YouTube. You are no longer a private person and your life is there for all to see, good or bad. Apparently Riccardo Tisci from Givenchy will be taking over from Galliano at Christan Dior.
My take on this? They are all kakaputzy and should have gone to therapy long ago. Or even better, a good swift kick in the butt. Until someone puts their foot down and says 'STOP', these megalomaniacal characters will continue to flourish. We have seen it for years with Naomi Campbell and her temper, Kate Moss and her drug habit, countless other 'artistes' that just have no clue to what real life is...
Saturday, February 5
Is Rio de Janeiro Safe?
The number one question I receive about Brazil is " How safe is Rio de Janeiro?". My answer is simple." It depends on who you want to believe."
According to statistic reports, the murder rate is the lowest rate it has been in 20 years. Only 4500 people were murdered in Rio de Janeiro last year. I am not sure if this number is for the city of Rio de Janeiro or the state of Rio de Janeiro. Either way, 4500 people is a lot of people!!! The murder rate in Canada is 1.9 per 100,000 people. in 2006 the murder rate in Rio de Janeiro city was 38.7 per 100,000.
These numbers need to be investigated further. In the Zona Sul of Rio de Janeiro, the standard of living rivals those of European countries. Drive 20 minutes from the Zona Sul and you can find areas poorer than parts of Africa.
Violent crimes are more prevalent in the shantytowns due to the drug wars between rival gangs. This has diminished lately due to the pacification process implemented by the state government.
The chances of being murdered in Ipanema are low.
That said, there are events known as 'arrastaos' which are when a large group of thieves go to a crowded beach and literally sweep the beach of anything and everything. They were 'in fashion' a few years back, but lately haven't happened.
Crime comes in waves in Rio. Sometimes it seems like a civil war is happening, other times its peaceful.
How to protect yourself?
1. Be discreet. Try to look like a local, start by buying a pair of Havaianas. Avoid speaking English loudly in crowded places as that will attract 'curiousity'.
2. Look like you know where you are going. If you are lost, pop into a store, restaurant or a bank to ask directions. Avoid approaching strangers.
3. Leave your valuables at home. If going to the beach, take some money and a sarong to sit on, that's all you need.
4. Take taxis at night.
5. Don't be curious to know what the shantytowns look like. I know there are 'favela' tours that are considered safe, but I don't agree with the 'zoological' aspect of these tours. Would you like people snooping around your neighbourhood in the name of tourism? I think it's exploitive.
6. Let people know where you are going and when you are expected back.
i have friends that are ex pats and some of the security measures they take are a bit paranoid in my opinion. But its the companies that set the rules...
According to statistic reports, the murder rate is the lowest rate it has been in 20 years. Only 4500 people were murdered in Rio de Janeiro last year. I am not sure if this number is for the city of Rio de Janeiro or the state of Rio de Janeiro. Either way, 4500 people is a lot of people!!! The murder rate in Canada is 1.9 per 100,000 people. in 2006 the murder rate in Rio de Janeiro city was 38.7 per 100,000.
These numbers need to be investigated further. In the Zona Sul of Rio de Janeiro, the standard of living rivals those of European countries. Drive 20 minutes from the Zona Sul and you can find areas poorer than parts of Africa.
Violent crimes are more prevalent in the shantytowns due to the drug wars between rival gangs. This has diminished lately due to the pacification process implemented by the state government.
The chances of being murdered in Ipanema are low.
That said, there are events known as 'arrastaos' which are when a large group of thieves go to a crowded beach and literally sweep the beach of anything and everything. They were 'in fashion' a few years back, but lately haven't happened.
Crime comes in waves in Rio. Sometimes it seems like a civil war is happening, other times its peaceful.
How to protect yourself?
1. Be discreet. Try to look like a local, start by buying a pair of Havaianas. Avoid speaking English loudly in crowded places as that will attract 'curiousity'.
2. Look like you know where you are going. If you are lost, pop into a store, restaurant or a bank to ask directions. Avoid approaching strangers.
3. Leave your valuables at home. If going to the beach, take some money and a sarong to sit on, that's all you need.
4. Take taxis at night.
5. Don't be curious to know what the shantytowns look like. I know there are 'favela' tours that are considered safe, but I don't agree with the 'zoological' aspect of these tours. Would you like people snooping around your neighbourhood in the name of tourism? I think it's exploitive.
6. Let people know where you are going and when you are expected back.
i have friends that are ex pats and some of the security measures they take are a bit paranoid in my opinion. But its the companies that set the rules...
Thursday, January 27
Back Home
I have been back to Canada for a week now and I have just now gotten over my trip. The Rio-Calgary flight in itself is quite a good flight and the layover in Houston is painless. I did have to go through one of those TSA machines that everyone was up in arms about. I have nothing to hide so bring it on!
As per usual, the press has moved on and stories of the terrible floods in Brazil are no longer front page worthy, here in Canada or in Brazil. The devastation will take years o clean up and cost millions of dollars. Donations can still me made through the Red Cross. One of the areas affected manufactures machinery for car parts for Brazil and is also a big centre for textiles. Even more reason to buy things from Brazil. Lives were lost, lets not let the livelihood of the people be lost....
The weather here has been warm as we are in the midst of a major Chinook (my poor boyfriend suffers from migraines when the Chinook roars through here) and of course the weather in Rio has gotten hotter and sunnier since we came home. 40+C is not fun and nobody can enjoy that heat, so they are i side their air conditioned homes. Here people are stuck inside when it is -30C, so really what is the difference?
I am glad to be back in Canada. Dont get me wrong, I love Brasil, but to live day to day and work, Canada is much better. Brazil is a great place to visit, but to live and work there, it is an exercise in patience and bureaucracy.
I would love to work for a company that is based in Calgary, yet has offices in Rio that I would need to go to once in a while to work. I am job hunting right now!
As per usual, the press has moved on and stories of the terrible floods in Brazil are no longer front page worthy, here in Canada or in Brazil. The devastation will take years o clean up and cost millions of dollars. Donations can still me made through the Red Cross. One of the areas affected manufactures machinery for car parts for Brazil and is also a big centre for textiles. Even more reason to buy things from Brazil. Lives were lost, lets not let the livelihood of the people be lost....
The weather here has been warm as we are in the midst of a major Chinook (my poor boyfriend suffers from migraines when the Chinook roars through here) and of course the weather in Rio has gotten hotter and sunnier since we came home. 40+C is not fun and nobody can enjoy that heat, so they are i side their air conditioned homes. Here people are stuck inside when it is -30C, so really what is the difference?
I am glad to be back in Canada. Dont get me wrong, I love Brasil, but to live day to day and work, Canada is much better. Brazil is a great place to visit, but to live and work there, it is an exercise in patience and bureaucracy.
I would love to work for a company that is based in Calgary, yet has offices in Rio that I would need to go to once in a while to work. I am job hunting right now!
Saturday, January 15
Floods in Brazil....
With a heavy heart I write this post. Heavy rains have caused major destruction in the mountains outside of Rio de Janeiro. I was just in this area a few weeks ago(see Tropical Alps post)and that same highway has been washed away.
The rain caused the headwaters of the rivers to swell to capacity and mixed with the urban sprawl, caused whole mountainsides to come crashing down. The worst towns affected are Nova Friburgo and Teresopolis.
For those of you in Brazil, the Pao de Acucar supermarket is accepting donations of clothes and bed linens. Also there is an urgent call for blood donations.
For my foreign readers, I ask that you contact your local Red Cross to find out how you can help with donations.
Here is a report from CNN
The rain caused the headwaters of the rivers to swell to capacity and mixed with the urban sprawl, caused whole mountainsides to come crashing down. The worst towns affected are Nova Friburgo and Teresopolis.
For those of you in Brazil, the Pao de Acucar supermarket is accepting donations of clothes and bed linens. Also there is an urgent call for blood donations.
For my foreign readers, I ask that you contact your local Red Cross to find out how you can help with donations.
Here is a report from CNN
Wednesday, January 12
Sunday, January 9
My Love/Hate Relationship with Brazil
Before I begin, I want to be clear that I am not anti-Brazil, I just want to share the good and the bad in an honest way.
What I love about Brazil:
The weather. Its warm and warmer(at least in Rio de Janeiro)
The fresh fruit and juice. There is nothing more glorious than a truly ripe mango or papaya. The juice bars scattered around the city serving up such delicious juices such as acai, fruta de conde, pineapple juice with mint leaves...the list goes on!!
The warmth of the people. Brazilians are known to be very friendly and hospitable. I will even go as far as to say extremely generous, especially the people who are not rolling in dough. They are also very baby friendly as I witnessed on my outing with Mrs DRL and the Canadoca the other day
The nature. Rio is home to more than 400 climbing routes and Jeep tours drive tourists through the Tijuca National Forest, the largest urban national park in the world. Hangliding from the mountains in San Conrado is a must and should be part of any itinerary in Rio. The beaches are wonderful(if you avoid the weekend crowds). You can sit on your beach chair and have beer and caipirinhas brought right to you, can't do that in Canada!!
The music. I just found out that the best music store in Rio, Modern Sound, has closed its doors, but there are great musicians from Brazil such as Seu Jorge, Rita Ribeiro and Zeca Baleiro who play all over the country.
What I hate about Brazil.
Corruption. I know corruption exists everywhere, but in Brazil it is so in your face. It starts with the police officer trying to shake you down for a 'çase of beer', to the rich kids that literally get away with murder because daddy is buddies with a judge. I hate to see the crooked politicians talking about what they are going to do to change the lifestyle for the people and in the end they have their hands in the pockets of the developers and do nothing for the people. Also the fact that people with a criminal record can run for office!!!. With the World Cup and the Olympics coming soon, I believe that there will be a lot of pocket lining. But when I talk to my Brazilian friends, they are so complacent about this reality. "What can we do?", they say. Uhhh!! Hello!!??? This is a democracy and your taxes are paying their exorbitant salaries, so its your right to see the books!! Seriously!
Food prices. Bananas are more expensive in Rio than they are in Calgary. Explain that one to me please!! Yogurt, cheese, milk..All more expensive than in Canada. Last time I checked, they raise dairy cows here! Restaurants have become insanely expensive!!!
Litter on the streets. This makes me crazy when I am driving and people throw trash out the windows of the bus and their Mercedes Benz! Every summer when it rains, the gutters get clogged with plastic bottles, which cause the streets to flood. There are garbage cans on every corner! The beaches look like a war zone on Sunday evenings after everyone has left and left their garbage on the beach! Oh yes one more thing. If you have a dog, pick up after it and don't take it to the beach. But Carioca's still take their pit bulls and Labradors to the busy beaches, knowing that it is illegal..
The music. Love samba! Hate the funk coming out of the favelas. The lyrics(if you want to call it that) are absolutely degrading to women, calling them dogs etc. and the music is not music, its cause for Motrin Extra strength!! It glorifies violence and gangs and is just an ear sore!!And yes I call a slum a favela, even though it is considered politically incorrect nowadays. It is supposed to be called a ' çommunity in need'.
I hate that my electric bill is through the roof to 'subsidize'the electricity that the 'çommunities in need' use to power their air conditioners 24/7. Also known as 'gatos', electricity is stolen from the electric company.
I hate that there is such a disparity between the haves and the have nots.
Brazilian Soap operas. They helped me learn the language in the beginning when I first moved here, but the messages they send to the general population are wrong. Maids and thieves always seem to be portrayed by black or mullatto actors. They don't show healthy relationships between people. Way too much drama.
Tom Jobim said it best, "New York is great, but it is shitty. Rio de Janeiro is shitty, but its great."
What I love about Brazil:
The weather. Its warm and warmer(at least in Rio de Janeiro)
The fresh fruit and juice. There is nothing more glorious than a truly ripe mango or papaya. The juice bars scattered around the city serving up such delicious juices such as acai, fruta de conde, pineapple juice with mint leaves...the list goes on!!
The warmth of the people. Brazilians are known to be very friendly and hospitable. I will even go as far as to say extremely generous, especially the people who are not rolling in dough. They are also very baby friendly as I witnessed on my outing with Mrs DRL and the Canadoca the other day
The nature. Rio is home to more than 400 climbing routes and Jeep tours drive tourists through the Tijuca National Forest, the largest urban national park in the world. Hangliding from the mountains in San Conrado is a must and should be part of any itinerary in Rio. The beaches are wonderful(if you avoid the weekend crowds). You can sit on your beach chair and have beer and caipirinhas brought right to you, can't do that in Canada!!
The music. I just found out that the best music store in Rio, Modern Sound, has closed its doors, but there are great musicians from Brazil such as Seu Jorge, Rita Ribeiro and Zeca Baleiro who play all over the country.
What I hate about Brazil.
Corruption. I know corruption exists everywhere, but in Brazil it is so in your face. It starts with the police officer trying to shake you down for a 'çase of beer', to the rich kids that literally get away with murder because daddy is buddies with a judge. I hate to see the crooked politicians talking about what they are going to do to change the lifestyle for the people and in the end they have their hands in the pockets of the developers and do nothing for the people. Also the fact that people with a criminal record can run for office!!!. With the World Cup and the Olympics coming soon, I believe that there will be a lot of pocket lining. But when I talk to my Brazilian friends, they are so complacent about this reality. "What can we do?", they say. Uhhh!! Hello!!??? This is a democracy and your taxes are paying their exorbitant salaries, so its your right to see the books!! Seriously!
Food prices. Bananas are more expensive in Rio than they are in Calgary. Explain that one to me please!! Yogurt, cheese, milk..All more expensive than in Canada. Last time I checked, they raise dairy cows here! Restaurants have become insanely expensive!!!
Litter on the streets. This makes me crazy when I am driving and people throw trash out the windows of the bus and their Mercedes Benz! Every summer when it rains, the gutters get clogged with plastic bottles, which cause the streets to flood. There are garbage cans on every corner! The beaches look like a war zone on Sunday evenings after everyone has left and left their garbage on the beach! Oh yes one more thing. If you have a dog, pick up after it and don't take it to the beach. But Carioca's still take their pit bulls and Labradors to the busy beaches, knowing that it is illegal..
The music. Love samba! Hate the funk coming out of the favelas. The lyrics(if you want to call it that) are absolutely degrading to women, calling them dogs etc. and the music is not music, its cause for Motrin Extra strength!! It glorifies violence and gangs and is just an ear sore!!And yes I call a slum a favela, even though it is considered politically incorrect nowadays. It is supposed to be called a ' çommunity in need'.
I hate that my electric bill is through the roof to 'subsidize'the electricity that the 'çommunities in need' use to power their air conditioners 24/7. Also known as 'gatos', electricity is stolen from the electric company.
I hate that there is such a disparity between the haves and the have nots.
Brazilian Soap operas. They helped me learn the language in the beginning when I first moved here, but the messages they send to the general population are wrong. Maids and thieves always seem to be portrayed by black or mullatto actors. They don't show healthy relationships between people. Way too much drama.
Tom Jobim said it best, "New York is great, but it is shitty. Rio de Janeiro is shitty, but its great."
Sunday, January 2
Happy New Year!!
It's been a while since I last posted. Being without an internet connection does make things a bit difficult. Blogging on an iPhone is no fun either..
Well its Day 2 of 2011! Have you made any resolutions for the New Year?
New Year's Eve was wonderful and Saint Peter kept the rain away. It always seems to threaten to rain on New Year's Eve in Rio, but miraculously it didn't.
I went to the beach in Barra and saw the beautiful fireworks that were being shot from the roof of the Windsor Hotel. The show outlasted all of the other fireworks spectacles on that beach. It also helped that we had a space set out for us on the beach with food and champagne. People were in white, which is a tradition in Brazil for New Year's as it symbolizes peace and purity. Lately, people have added silver, gold(to represent money), red(passion) and so on and so on. My maxi dress had all of the above colours so hopefully I will receive lots of money and passion this year.
I would love to have posted some photos but I don't have the USB cable that is specific for my camera...(Grrrrr!!!!)
I was to spend New Year's in Buzios but the weather wasn't cooperating and the town was getting insanely crowded by mid week. If I was staying at Casas Brancas, then yes, the weather would not have been an issue.
Note to all of my followers, AVOID Buzios during Brazilian holidays and long weekends. Two hour traffic jams to get to the centre from Geriba beach, beaches so crowded that you can barely move. Sorry, but this princess is out!!
Rio de Janeiro is actually pleasant for New Year's as everyone has left town. Traffic jams are inexistent. Maybe next year I will do NYE on Copacabana Beach, but this princess needs her infrastructure!!
HAPPY 2011 FOR ALL!!
Well its Day 2 of 2011! Have you made any resolutions for the New Year?
New Year's Eve was wonderful and Saint Peter kept the rain away. It always seems to threaten to rain on New Year's Eve in Rio, but miraculously it didn't.
I went to the beach in Barra and saw the beautiful fireworks that were being shot from the roof of the Windsor Hotel. The show outlasted all of the other fireworks spectacles on that beach. It also helped that we had a space set out for us on the beach with food and champagne. People were in white, which is a tradition in Brazil for New Year's as it symbolizes peace and purity. Lately, people have added silver, gold(to represent money), red(passion) and so on and so on. My maxi dress had all of the above colours so hopefully I will receive lots of money and passion this year.
I would love to have posted some photos but I don't have the USB cable that is specific for my camera...(Grrrrr!!!!)
I was to spend New Year's in Buzios but the weather wasn't cooperating and the town was getting insanely crowded by mid week. If I was staying at Casas Brancas, then yes, the weather would not have been an issue.
Note to all of my followers, AVOID Buzios during Brazilian holidays and long weekends. Two hour traffic jams to get to the centre from Geriba beach, beaches so crowded that you can barely move. Sorry, but this princess is out!!
Rio de Janeiro is actually pleasant for New Year's as everyone has left town. Traffic jams are inexistent. Maybe next year I will do NYE on Copacabana Beach, but this princess needs her infrastructure!!
HAPPY 2011 FOR ALL!!
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