One Day
I wanted to like this film. It was an interesting concept. My sister loved it and felt the characters were refreshing and did an excellent job in portraying their parts. I was not as enamored with the adorable Jim Sturgess. He plays the part of Dexter.
We first meet Dexter on graduation day. It was July 15, 1988. He and Emma (Anne Hathaway) are still in their graduating robes. It is time to celebrate. They go home together and seem to have good verbal communication. Sex was not part of the activity. They just enjoyed snuggling and being together. In the morning they declare they want to be friends. Also, he announces he is going to India for an extended time.
For the next 20 years Dexter and Emma have contact on July 15. Sometimes it is by phone. Sometimes they meet. One year they even take a motor trip together. Each has developed differently. They have different ideals and goals.
Dexter was from a wealthy family and he develops into a heavy drinker and carouses with many women. He becomes an announcer on a sleazy TV show. He loses that job and can’t seem to find himself. Through it all there is a bond for Emma.
Emma works in a Mexican restaurant. She becomes friendly with a (pathetic) comedian. They even move in with each other. I did not find this part believable. He annoyed me and I knew that these two were not compatible. Emma knows it is not sufficiently satisfying.
Dexter marries and discovers his wife is cheating on him
Dexter and Emma meet 20 years later and begin a genuine meaningful relationship.
You can’t help but think Sturgess and Hathaway are adorable together. I found the fleeting years a little annoying. I would have liked a little more information during some of the years. It all seemed to rush by too quickly without giving me substance. I realize that 20 years is a long time and the movie had to be completed within an hour and a half.
There was an attempt to initially make Hathaway look bookish and plain. She had no makeup, wore plain unattractive clothes and glasses. Pretty hard to make Anne Hathaway look unattractive. By the end of the film she has become an author and blossomed into a beautiful woman.
It is interesting to watch character development and obviously over 20 years a lot does happen. At the same time a lot does not change. Bottom line; Dexter and Emma are meant for one another.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Omni Cafe
Omni Cafe 2793 Bathurst at Glencairn 416 783 2091
I like to think of myself as a positive person. I am flexible and forgiving. Unfortunately this visit doesn’t merit any positive praise.
My family (all 11) is slowly arriving from Israel. We are all heading to Chicago for the wedding of my grandson. It was meant to be a pleasant lunch to visit with those family members who had just arrived from Israel.
I phoned for a reservation because we were a large number. I was told they do not take reservations and they are busy on a Friday for lunch. I explained that that was the very reason I was requesting a table to be reserved for a large number. In a very rude voice I was told the table would not be saved so we had better be on time. You can imagine my surprise when I arrived (on time) and noticed a very large party enjoying a meal. You can bet they had reserved.
I also needed to order food from this establishment for an open house I am holding later in the week. My family only eats kosher food so I was restricted to possible venues. In the past I have enjoyed the food served here and have had no problem with any catered food.
I immediately told the server I also wanted to order some catered food for later in the week. He assured me someone would come to the table. It never did happen. I had to go to the front desk at the end of our meal to place the order.
The service was slow. The food was totally unacceptable. We didn’t complain but I was so embarrassed. An Omelet looked like a pancake. My Salad Nicoise was tasteless and I left most of it. One granddaughter ordered Pasta. I tasted it and found it to be so sweet I wouldn’t have eaten any of it. The Quesadillas were flat and looked most unappealing. We finally asked for bread and towards the end of the meal some pieces of bread did arrive. To be fair I have to state that one grandson enjoyed a Grilled Salmon Sandwich on their delicious homemade bread.
I know the place was busy but this was a totally bad experience.
Let’s hope the catered food later this week will make up for all my negativity. Let’s hope the visit with all the family is also a positive experience. One granddaughter and her husband are currently trapped in New York but by mid week the sun may shine and all of my negative experience will have evaporated. Just writing abut it I already feel better. Will I return here for another meal, not for a long time?
I like to think of myself as a positive person. I am flexible and forgiving. Unfortunately this visit doesn’t merit any positive praise.
My family (all 11) is slowly arriving from Israel. We are all heading to Chicago for the wedding of my grandson. It was meant to be a pleasant lunch to visit with those family members who had just arrived from Israel.
I phoned for a reservation because we were a large number. I was told they do not take reservations and they are busy on a Friday for lunch. I explained that that was the very reason I was requesting a table to be reserved for a large number. In a very rude voice I was told the table would not be saved so we had better be on time. You can imagine my surprise when I arrived (on time) and noticed a very large party enjoying a meal. You can bet they had reserved.
I also needed to order food from this establishment for an open house I am holding later in the week. My family only eats kosher food so I was restricted to possible venues. In the past I have enjoyed the food served here and have had no problem with any catered food.
I immediately told the server I also wanted to order some catered food for later in the week. He assured me someone would come to the table. It never did happen. I had to go to the front desk at the end of our meal to place the order.
The service was slow. The food was totally unacceptable. We didn’t complain but I was so embarrassed. An Omelet looked like a pancake. My Salad Nicoise was tasteless and I left most of it. One granddaughter ordered Pasta. I tasted it and found it to be so sweet I wouldn’t have eaten any of it. The Quesadillas were flat and looked most unappealing. We finally asked for bread and towards the end of the meal some pieces of bread did arrive. To be fair I have to state that one grandson enjoyed a Grilled Salmon Sandwich on their delicious homemade bread.
I know the place was busy but this was a totally bad experience.
Let’s hope the catered food later this week will make up for all my negativity. Let’s hope the visit with all the family is also a positive experience. One granddaughter and her husband are currently trapped in New York but by mid week the sun may shine and all of my negative experience will have evaporated. Just writing abut it I already feel better. Will I return here for another meal, not for a long time?
Chasing Madoff
Chasing Madoff
If I thought one penny from my ticket would have gone to Madoff I would have stayed at home. I thought I might learn something about the psychology behind Madoff’s actions.
The film begins by showing money floating to the ground and the sound of change rattling. Very effective!
The film was not mainly about Madoff, the person. It centered on a man, Harry Markopolos who spent years documenting the fraud and trying to get someone to listen. It was beyond reason and belief that the scandal didn’t break sooner. Harry recognized the fraud immediately. He was examining the numbers in Madoff’s company hoping to start his own company. His goal was to emulate Madoff’s success. After five minutes of delving into numbers he realized there was a serious fraud.
He tried everything to get agencies and government to listen. He sent 12 pages of documents to Forbes Magazine. He spoke with regulators. Everybody promised to do something and still nothing happened. People were afraid to challenge Madoff. He was so powerful. He actually was bigger in Europe than North America. At the end of the film it is stated that many people are still ‘at large’. There have been very few arrests and many people were involved.
Harry felt threatened for years and thought he would be assassinated. He carried a gun. He sent information to reliable sources. Many promised to investigate and nothing happened. Obviously there were people at the top who kept the Ponzy scandal afloat. I kept asking why it didn’t implode sooner.
Madoff kept robbing Peter to pay Paul. It was pathetic to see people interviewed who had lost everything they owned. Even friends and family trusted him and all thought he was providing the gravy train to financial rewards. New members were constantly recruited and that money went to pay the members who had previously invested. It was like a merry-go- round.
It was interesting to see pictures about Harry’s childhood. We meet his parents and see him growing up. At the end of the film he is honored as a hero. He states that he is no hero because Madoff was not stopped sooner.
I learned a lot about the Ponzy scheme. The film did a good job of showing the brilliant effort of Harry Markopolos. He put up such a valiant fight to get Madoff ‘off the street.’
Was over 100 years of a jail sentence and his son’s eventual suicide retributive justice? Probably not to those who lost their life savings.
If I thought one penny from my ticket would have gone to Madoff I would have stayed at home. I thought I might learn something about the psychology behind Madoff’s actions.
The film begins by showing money floating to the ground and the sound of change rattling. Very effective!
The film was not mainly about Madoff, the person. It centered on a man, Harry Markopolos who spent years documenting the fraud and trying to get someone to listen. It was beyond reason and belief that the scandal didn’t break sooner. Harry recognized the fraud immediately. He was examining the numbers in Madoff’s company hoping to start his own company. His goal was to emulate Madoff’s success. After five minutes of delving into numbers he realized there was a serious fraud.
He tried everything to get agencies and government to listen. He sent 12 pages of documents to Forbes Magazine. He spoke with regulators. Everybody promised to do something and still nothing happened. People were afraid to challenge Madoff. He was so powerful. He actually was bigger in Europe than North America. At the end of the film it is stated that many people are still ‘at large’. There have been very few arrests and many people were involved.
Harry felt threatened for years and thought he would be assassinated. He carried a gun. He sent information to reliable sources. Many promised to investigate and nothing happened. Obviously there were people at the top who kept the Ponzy scandal afloat. I kept asking why it didn’t implode sooner.
Madoff kept robbing Peter to pay Paul. It was pathetic to see people interviewed who had lost everything they owned. Even friends and family trusted him and all thought he was providing the gravy train to financial rewards. New members were constantly recruited and that money went to pay the members who had previously invested. It was like a merry-go- round.
It was interesting to see pictures about Harry’s childhood. We meet his parents and see him growing up. At the end of the film he is honored as a hero. He states that he is no hero because Madoff was not stopped sooner.
I learned a lot about the Ponzy scheme. The film did a good job of showing the brilliant effort of Harry Markopolos. He put up such a valiant fight to get Madoff ‘off the street.’
Was over 100 years of a jail sentence and his son’s eventual suicide retributive justice? Probably not to those who lost their life savings.
The Guard
The Guard
I was prepared to dislike a film about a cop chasing three men involved in a drug trade. I didn’t particularly find all the ‘crotch fixing’ to be aesthetic. However, I was amused and found the film got better as it proceeded.
Brendan Gleeson plays the part of Gerry Boyle, a very unusual cop in a small town in Ireland. He lives alone and is visited by ‘ladies’ from time to time. He is a devoted son and visits his mother who is dying from cancer. He says what he thinks and it often is crude. Sometimes I couldn’t even understand the Irish accent.
Wendell Everett played by Don Cheedle is an FBI agent who has been sent to this area to find the three drug sellers who are causing havoc in the area.
The drug dealers are so ‘over the top’ in character but they are deadly. It also is very funny to watch their performance.
Brendan hurls his insults to the new cop who has joined forces. He is also ruthless with FBI agent Wendell
The audience laughed throughout. It has to be seen to be believed. The antics are very funny. At the same time you are intrigued with the ‘cop story’ of trying to catch the bad guys.
I found the ending surprising and to the last minute I didn’t know how it would end.
You love Gerry Boyle but you might not want him to be your best friend. He is his own person and does things his way.
The film got better and better. At the end I realized I had seen a very special film.
I was prepared to dislike a film about a cop chasing three men involved in a drug trade. I didn’t particularly find all the ‘crotch fixing’ to be aesthetic. However, I was amused and found the film got better as it proceeded.
Brendan Gleeson plays the part of Gerry Boyle, a very unusual cop in a small town in Ireland. He lives alone and is visited by ‘ladies’ from time to time. He is a devoted son and visits his mother who is dying from cancer. He says what he thinks and it often is crude. Sometimes I couldn’t even understand the Irish accent.
Wendell Everett played by Don Cheedle is an FBI agent who has been sent to this area to find the three drug sellers who are causing havoc in the area.
The drug dealers are so ‘over the top’ in character but they are deadly. It also is very funny to watch their performance.
Brendan hurls his insults to the new cop who has joined forces. He is also ruthless with FBI agent Wendell
The audience laughed throughout. It has to be seen to be believed. The antics are very funny. At the same time you are intrigued with the ‘cop story’ of trying to catch the bad guys.
I found the ending surprising and to the last minute I didn’t know how it would end.
You love Gerry Boyle but you might not want him to be your best friend. He is his own person and does things his way.
The film got better and better. At the end I realized I had seen a very special film.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Ravenna Hill Bed and Breakfast
Ravenna Hill Bed And Breakfast 496083 Grey RD #2
Clarksburg, Ont. 519 599 6729
Gisla.rust@sypatico.ca
I was invited to a wedding near Collingwood. My family already had a cabin filled with guests. Ravenna Hill Bed & Breakfast is just down the road from my family and all the wedding festivities. What a great find! It is a short drive to Collingwood, Thornbury and Meaford.
Giselle and Juergen Rust are the proprietors. Giselle kept me interested for hours as she regaled me with stories about the history of this charming place. They first discovered this magnificent property on the top of a hill. It overlooks the Beaver Valley.
They first put up the barn with restored barn wood. They actually lived in the tack room of the barn for several years. It all helped that Juergen is an architect. The wood frame structure in the large manor house is functional and very aesthetic. The many pictures of horses and boats reflects their passion for horse riding and sailing.
The guest rooms are all on a different level from the private residence. Each room is beautifully furnished with Canadian pine furniture featuring a private ensuite. The large windows look out to the spiritual vista. A delicious breakfast including homemade bread and delicious jams is served in a charming dining room (also with a magnificent view.)
Giselle is even willing to prepare a dinner. I can’t think of anything more pleasant after a day of skiing at Blue Mountain, kayaking on the Beaver River or hiking the Bruce Trail.
Weekend Rates are $115.00 per night. During the week the rate is $105.00
It is quiet and charming. You are made to feel so welcome. The house is well designed and so comfortable. It is a great get away for a few days or longer.
Even the pouring rain seemed so pleasant in this warm atmosphere. I was grateful I found this exquisite spot. It is a long lane up to the top of the hill. When you arrive you will no doubt let out a gasp of delight. It is all so pleasant.
Clarksburg, Ont. 519 599 6729
Gisla.rust@sypatico.ca
I was invited to a wedding near Collingwood. My family already had a cabin filled with guests. Ravenna Hill Bed & Breakfast is just down the road from my family and all the wedding festivities. What a great find! It is a short drive to Collingwood, Thornbury and Meaford.
Giselle and Juergen Rust are the proprietors. Giselle kept me interested for hours as she regaled me with stories about the history of this charming place. They first discovered this magnificent property on the top of a hill. It overlooks the Beaver Valley.
They first put up the barn with restored barn wood. They actually lived in the tack room of the barn for several years. It all helped that Juergen is an architect. The wood frame structure in the large manor house is functional and very aesthetic. The many pictures of horses and boats reflects their passion for horse riding and sailing.
The guest rooms are all on a different level from the private residence. Each room is beautifully furnished with Canadian pine furniture featuring a private ensuite. The large windows look out to the spiritual vista. A delicious breakfast including homemade bread and delicious jams is served in a charming dining room (also with a magnificent view.)
Giselle is even willing to prepare a dinner. I can’t think of anything more pleasant after a day of skiing at Blue Mountain, kayaking on the Beaver River or hiking the Bruce Trail.
Weekend Rates are $115.00 per night. During the week the rate is $105.00
It is quiet and charming. You are made to feel so welcome. The house is well designed and so comfortable. It is a great get away for a few days or longer.
Even the pouring rain seemed so pleasant in this warm atmosphere. I was grateful I found this exquisite spot. It is a long lane up to the top of the hill. When you arrive you will no doubt let out a gasp of delight. It is all so pleasant.
The Little Traitor
The Little Traitor
I am embarrassed to state that I stopped to see this newly released film on my way up north to Collingwood for a wedding. I’m glad I did.
The time is 1947, just before the declaration of Israel as a state. The British Mandate was in control of Palestine. There were nightly curfews and the people hated the British intrusion.
12 year old Proffy Liebowtz is a precocious but loveable young Jewish resident. The name Proffy is short for professor because he is so smart. He lives in Jerusalem in a fine house with his parents. I loved the view of Jerusalem in those days.
His mother is loving and caring. His father is an editor and translator. He is cold and never has time for Proffy. He is very punitive and stern with Proffy.
Proffy spends his time playing with his toy soldier collection. He paints their hats red for the British soldiers. He talks with hatred to them and manufactures battles where he kills all of them. One soldier is seen hanging from his bed,
Proffy and his two best friends share a common interest. They form a bond to kill British soldiers. They plot to set off a home made bomb on the road.
One evening Proffy is late in getting home after the curfew. It has two ramifications. His father punishes him and is very angry.
On the road home Proffy is stopped by a British sergeant. He decides that he will not take him to jail and instead walks him to his house.
Proffy and the sergeant meet often in a café. They talk mainly about the bible. As time passes they become friends and Proffy feels secure to talk about his personal life. The sergeant also talks about his life. The British soldier breaks down the stereotypical presentation of the British soldiers.
There is humor and serious discussion. The two have a positive communication. Proffy had so much hated for the British soldiers. He discovered that this sergeant was a human being with very positive attributes.
The neibours tell on Proffy and he is charged with being a traitor. He is shunned by everyone and totally miserable.
His sergeant friend finishes his term and goes back home. Israel is declared to be a state. The celebrations were wonderful.
The film concludes when we meet Proffy again 20 years later. We realize that his childhood obviously affected his development as an adult. It was emotional and very satisfying. The film is based on a novel written by Amos Oz.
I am embarrassed to state that I stopped to see this newly released film on my way up north to Collingwood for a wedding. I’m glad I did.
The time is 1947, just before the declaration of Israel as a state. The British Mandate was in control of Palestine. There were nightly curfews and the people hated the British intrusion.
12 year old Proffy Liebowtz is a precocious but loveable young Jewish resident. The name Proffy is short for professor because he is so smart. He lives in Jerusalem in a fine house with his parents. I loved the view of Jerusalem in those days.
His mother is loving and caring. His father is an editor and translator. He is cold and never has time for Proffy. He is very punitive and stern with Proffy.
Proffy spends his time playing with his toy soldier collection. He paints their hats red for the British soldiers. He talks with hatred to them and manufactures battles where he kills all of them. One soldier is seen hanging from his bed,
Proffy and his two best friends share a common interest. They form a bond to kill British soldiers. They plot to set off a home made bomb on the road.
One evening Proffy is late in getting home after the curfew. It has two ramifications. His father punishes him and is very angry.
On the road home Proffy is stopped by a British sergeant. He decides that he will not take him to jail and instead walks him to his house.
Proffy and the sergeant meet often in a café. They talk mainly about the bible. As time passes they become friends and Proffy feels secure to talk about his personal life. The sergeant also talks about his life. The British soldier breaks down the stereotypical presentation of the British soldiers.
There is humor and serious discussion. The two have a positive communication. Proffy had so much hated for the British soldiers. He discovered that this sergeant was a human being with very positive attributes.
The neibours tell on Proffy and he is charged with being a traitor. He is shunned by everyone and totally miserable.
His sergeant friend finishes his term and goes back home. Israel is declared to be a state. The celebrations were wonderful.
The film concludes when we meet Proffy again 20 years later. We realize that his childhood obviously affected his development as an adult. It was emotional and very satisfying. The film is based on a novel written by Amos Oz.
Pizzeria Libretto
Pizzeria Libretto 221 Ossington Ave. 416 532 8000
The very best pizza! Usually I am making the suggestions when my grandson and I go out to eat. He is always cooperative to my choices. On this occasion he boldly stated that he would love a pizza at Pizzeria Libretto. In fact he likes it so much he had lunch and dinner there on the same day just a week ago.
As soon as I entered the place I knew it was a winner. The wooden tables, the tile floor and the myriad of artistic pictures on the wall called out to me. Notice the array of halogen lights and the restored brick wall. This is a great atmosphere to have lunch or dinner.
Nancy was our charming server and she also seemed to be looking after a lot of other tables. She always had a smile and was very attentive. She never appeared rushed and seemed delighted to answer all our questions.
Enoteca Sociale at 1288 Dundas St West (416 534 1200) is the same owner. Enoteca is one of the outstanding Italian restaurants in town. It can take 3 weeks to get a reservation. Call right now.
Pizzeria Libretto is Neapolitan style. I was amazed to learn that the chefs have to follow specific requirements and train to make this great pizza. It is like nothing I have ever tasted. The thin dough melts in your mouth.
I was surprised at the choice of a Lunch Prix Fixe for $15.00 .My grandson has an enormous appetite and loves great food. It is totally not fair as he is very thin. He demolished the whole basket of fine bread. His appetizer consisted of three fair size pieces of Bruschetta. It is rubbed with garlic and topped with the chef’s daily creations. He upgraded from the Margherita D.O.P Pizza to the Nduja Sausage Pizza with tomato garlic, oregano, basil mozzarella and stracciatella. His dessert was an Espresso- Cinnamon Gelato. All of that for $15.00? It was hard to believe the price and I couldn’t believe how much my grandson ate( exclaiming after every bite) He might have selected the Arugula Salad or Caprese Salad. He enjoyed those choices on his last visit and assured me that they were superb.
I decided to forgo the three courses as my waistline has been arguing with me lately. It obviously is of greater value to have the combination lunch. I enjoyed my pizza and ate it without guilt. I even had the opportunity to have a spelt crust.
I chose the Grilled Eggplant Pizza with tomato, basil, chili flakes and Ricotta Salata.($14.00) It was large but so flavorful. I enjoyed it all on the spot.
The Verdura offers seasonal local vegetables with goat cheese, black olives and mozzarella.($16.00)
There is a wide assortment of Salumi e Formaggi. All salumi is made in-house and the cheeses are from the Enoteca Cheese Cave.
Chef Rocco Agostino writes on the menu,” Libretto aims to be loyal to what real pizza is. VPN Pizza has a puffy, flame blackened crust with a slight crispness. Our pizza is cooked in less than 90 seconds, at 850 degrees which makes it soft, elastic & slightly wet in the centre.”
The management and the chef are experts at their profession. The place was completely filled at lunch. I am told there is always a long line for dinner. No wonder. It is a gourmet dining experience.
The very best pizza! Usually I am making the suggestions when my grandson and I go out to eat. He is always cooperative to my choices. On this occasion he boldly stated that he would love a pizza at Pizzeria Libretto. In fact he likes it so much he had lunch and dinner there on the same day just a week ago.
As soon as I entered the place I knew it was a winner. The wooden tables, the tile floor and the myriad of artistic pictures on the wall called out to me. Notice the array of halogen lights and the restored brick wall. This is a great atmosphere to have lunch or dinner.
Nancy was our charming server and she also seemed to be looking after a lot of other tables. She always had a smile and was very attentive. She never appeared rushed and seemed delighted to answer all our questions.
Enoteca Sociale at 1288 Dundas St West (416 534 1200) is the same owner. Enoteca is one of the outstanding Italian restaurants in town. It can take 3 weeks to get a reservation. Call right now.
Pizzeria Libretto is Neapolitan style. I was amazed to learn that the chefs have to follow specific requirements and train to make this great pizza. It is like nothing I have ever tasted. The thin dough melts in your mouth.
I was surprised at the choice of a Lunch Prix Fixe for $15.00 .My grandson has an enormous appetite and loves great food. It is totally not fair as he is very thin. He demolished the whole basket of fine bread. His appetizer consisted of three fair size pieces of Bruschetta. It is rubbed with garlic and topped with the chef’s daily creations. He upgraded from the Margherita D.O.P Pizza to the Nduja Sausage Pizza with tomato garlic, oregano, basil mozzarella and stracciatella. His dessert was an Espresso- Cinnamon Gelato. All of that for $15.00? It was hard to believe the price and I couldn’t believe how much my grandson ate( exclaiming after every bite) He might have selected the Arugula Salad or Caprese Salad. He enjoyed those choices on his last visit and assured me that they were superb.
I decided to forgo the three courses as my waistline has been arguing with me lately. It obviously is of greater value to have the combination lunch. I enjoyed my pizza and ate it without guilt. I even had the opportunity to have a spelt crust.
I chose the Grilled Eggplant Pizza with tomato, basil, chili flakes and Ricotta Salata.($14.00) It was large but so flavorful. I enjoyed it all on the spot.
The Verdura offers seasonal local vegetables with goat cheese, black olives and mozzarella.($16.00)
There is a wide assortment of Salumi e Formaggi. All salumi is made in-house and the cheeses are from the Enoteca Cheese Cave.
Chef Rocco Agostino writes on the menu,” Libretto aims to be loyal to what real pizza is. VPN Pizza has a puffy, flame blackened crust with a slight crispness. Our pizza is cooked in less than 90 seconds, at 850 degrees which makes it soft, elastic & slightly wet in the centre.”
The management and the chef are experts at their profession. The place was completely filled at lunch. I am told there is always a long line for dinner. No wonder. It is a gourmet dining experience.
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