Last Call to truly be the last?

I was cruising around Trendhunter when I found this interesting trailer for Last Call, a horror movie from production company 13th Street which allows audience members to participate in the action.

Viewers must first send their numbers to a speed dial database, which can be found on a flyer sent out by 13th Street, and during the movie the database will randomly call an audience member and the fun begins.

Using voice recognition technology, the viewers can tell the character to go left, up, or down stairs. Viewers can coax the protagonist into a dark and dreary area, or work hard to get them to safety. All audience members can hear the protagonist's voice and exasperation over the phone.

This technology has its pros and cons. For pros, it's really fun. As a horror movie fanatic, I know I love screaming at the screen that "OH HELL NO, THIS BITCH GONNA DIE!" and "WHY WOULD YOU GO TO THE DARKEST PART OF THE HOUSE!?" Now, I'll actually feel like some good will be done in the movie.
As for cons, in a movie theatre, we all know we hate people who talk during the movie. I don't know how well this will blow out for people who don't agree with whoever the protagonist is talking with.

For example,
Audience member: Left!
Other audience member: She should've gone right, dickhead!
Audience member: Wanna say that to my face!?

Fight ensues.

Either way, I am still really excited for this. The trailer was released earlier this year but I haven't heard about it in Canada, so I hope this catches on.

Things I Hate: Uggs

They have been gracing the streets of Toronto for some odd years, and before it was a little bearable. Now, every time I see these sheepskin boots, I want to gouge my eyes out.
What is so appealing about these stupid shoes?

1) They are ridiculously expensive. The lowest price I found for the boots on their website was $120.
2) They are usually made of suede, which as you know, is perfect for salt and exposure to the elements. In case you can't tell I am being sarcastic.
3) What sort of shape is this? These shoes have no imagination. It is just a big clunky shoe and some lines on them. Maybe once in a while they'll throw in some fur, but that's about it.

I just don't understand. The typical outfit that I see girls wear now is this: black tights, a branded sweater (American Eagle, TNA, what have you), and of course, these wretched shoes from the depths of fashion hell.

You know what is even more sickening? Guys LOVE it. Every single day, my boyfriend says to me: Uggs are so nice! Why don't you get a pair?

BECAUSE THEY ARE DISGUSTING AND COMPLETELY UNREALISTIC IN HARSH CANADIAN WINTERS. If I'm going to pay up to $200 for something, it better last me years.
I do admit that I have tried on a pair of Uggs slippers, and they are indeed very warm. But it would probably not last very long when you count all the ice, salt, snow and slush Canadians must endure every winter.

As every Ugg-hater jokes: Uggs are straight up Uggly.

Mila Victoria: Makeup artist, photographer, human

Mila Victoria in a December 2007 issue of C'est La Vie magazine.
Photo from thisislavie.com

One look at Mila Victoria’s resume and some might assume the 26-year-old was some sort of rich Toronto socialite: she has travelled to Europe multiple times, boasts famous connections such as Ellen Pompeo from Grey’s Anatomy, and she maintains commitments to various charities.

            Victoria is actually just a freelance makeup artist and photographer trying to make ends meet by doing what she loves.

“The hardest and most exciting part about being freelance is that you don’t know what jobs are coming up. You just believe and have faith, and you just have to keep working.”

            Growing up with her mother in downtown Toronto, Victoria says she was anything but a model student during high school. She routinely skipped class without worry about her grades, and when Grade 11 came around, she had no idea what she wanted to do with her life.

            “I had really low self-esteem growing up and I always compared myself to other girls, so I used to wear a lot of make-up and nice clothes to hide myself,” Victoria says. “I would miss school because it was raining outside and I didn’t want to mess up my hair. It was that bad.”

            One day during one of her class, some of the girls were talking about things they hated about themselves.

            “I would tell them, 'No, you're gorgeous', and I would list all the features I loved about them. Then I would offer to do their makeup so that maybe they could see what I see,” says Victoria.

             From that day on, Victoria decided makeup was a passion she wanted to pursue for the rest of her life, and that she would try a hand at teaching herself photography. She hasn’t looked back.

            “I started going on this old website, Asian Avenue, with all my pictures and makeup work. I also had a Livejournal and people from all over the world would visit that. Then I started a Facebook group where I posted all my photo shoot pictures," She says. "The way I really got successful was through word of mouth. I just tried to meet new people and put myself out there because you can’t hide yourself under a rock.”

Justin Lowe, a close friend of Victoria’s since 2007, says her persona is the reason she is so successful.

“She has always been confident and fearless. She’s really good at networking and her outgoing personality makes it really easy for people to relate to her.”

            He says her zest for life and positive attitude separate her from other aspiring makeup artists.

            “I think she’s very driven, and her ability to connect with people helps her in her social life and her business relationships. She believes in helping everyone, whether you’re a friend, family, or stranger.”
           

        Victoria’s mother was skeptical about her career choice at first, but when Victoria landed her first makeup gig in Los Angeles, she realized her daughter's love of makeup wasn't just a hobby. Victoria went to L.A. for a talent and acting convention to do makeup for aspiring stars, it was “the kind of convention where celebrities get discovered,” she says.

            As Victoria built up her resume from internships she found around Toronto, she became involved with charities like the Remix Project, a program that disadvantaged teens who are interested in media arts, music and creative design gain experience with real professionals.

             “I’m one of the photographers that help in the fashion-directed workshops. I help them develop and understand the fashion industry and I give them support, because when you’re starting out you need support to not feel little.”

            Victoria is also involved with the Filipino Arts Community in Toronto, where she does the photo shoots for young women interested in art. As she says she believes in "the power of every girl", Victoria has hosted her own prom contest since 2006. All the girl have to do is join a Facebook group Mila Victoria sets up every year before prom and write the information on the group's wall. Eventually, one girl is selected to get a free photo shoot complete with hairstyling, makeup, and outfits.

Pictured above: Samantha Faye Dicion, winner of Victoria's 2010 Prom Contest. Photo courtesy of Milavictoria.com

            “It doesn’t matter how a girl looks, I started this prom contest because I think that every girl should have a chance to feel pretty. I still want to make (the contest) bigger.”

            One of Victoria’s happiest moments was winning a runway makeup competition in 2009 at the Toronto Makeup Show.

           “I really went over the top. I broke down everything from the nails to the hair, and it was more than just ‘I like sparkles’. It was a story. The judges were really impressed and when I won I wanted to throw up. I was really happy because I didn’t put myself out there before (the competition) and I worked really hard.”

            As for what point she wants to reach in her career until she decides she is happy, Victoria has no answer.

            “I’m always planning something. I’m planning to work in the United Kingdom and I want to work for Vogue. You can’t stay in a box and say ‘This is what I do’. You have to keep experiencing and being a people person.”

            Victoria’s job as a makeup artist has made her feel useful, and because she believes in constant positivity, she takes nothing for granted.

“I’m a human being before I’m a makeup artist. My biggest advice is to try not to compare yourself (to others), let it be an inspiration instead. Just learn the ropes, have a strong foundation and take it from there.”

Citizens holding their breath for Ford as mayor

This is an article I did last Tuesday, a day after Toronto's mayoral election. Like every other news outlet, we had to get the scoop on what people thought of Rob Ford winning the mayoral election. I did well on this assignment!

Yesterday, voters scrambled to their local polling stations in the hope that their voice would finally be heard. After only eight minutes, Ford won the election as Toronto's next mayor. The win has received mixed reactions from Toronto citizens, with some excited for change, and others simply hoping for the best.

A problem on some of their minds is spending in City Hall, which people hope will change with Ford in office.

"The money that goes into city hall, you don't know where it goes," says Alhamid Khoja, a verification officer for CIBC. "In an article I read in the Metro newspaper, they said one politician's cellphone bill was $23,000. Where does it come from? It's our money. Ford wants to freeze salaries of councillors and cut down on council size, so I think he's trying to take care of our money.

Other citizens are happy that the TTC and garbage as essential services are on Ford's list of priorities.

"He wants to chop off as lot of things, but I don't know if he'll get a lot of support," says Charlie Smith, a 46-year-old marketing firm employee. "I think it's good that he wants to make the TTC and garbage essential services, and infrastructure really has to be fixed."

Peter Gibbins agrees that it's time that the government put its focus on the TTC.

"A change  is going to come, especially the TTC and garbage," says the 53-year-old heavy equipment operator. "The TTC was supposed to be an essential service years ago. Many older people like me have lost faith in politics. Maybe he's going to make a change, but we'll have to see.

Some citizens, however, are skeptical.

"I think (his win) is a sign of very unhappy taxpayers," says Bertha Madott, a 62-year-old Toronto resident. "Ford promises to reform taxes and clean up the city. There will be change, but it may not necessarily be good change. There will be a turning against labour issues," says Madott, referring to Ford's plan to outsource garbage collecting to a private company.

"Workers' rights are in jeopardy, and I don't think that's the answer. He may find himself stymied by the bureaucracy."

Ford has said he wants to freeze spending for the arts, a decision that worries people like Ian Carleton, who works in cinematography.

"I'm kind of spooked because this affects me," says Carleton. "We'll have to see what happens."

Others are worried about how the mayor's policies will affect social services and welfare.

"He's not a community minded man," says Jillian Warner, a 37-year-old community services worker.

"Toronto has great services, and Ford says he wants to cut taxes, which is good. But once you cut these taxes, what money maintains the arts, libraries and recreation?"

Warner is surprised Ford got the majority vote despite some of his negative history. Ford stirred controversy in August, when he was accused of having racist views on immigration when he said, "We can't even deal with the 2.5 million people now...I think we have to say enough's enough."

"Toronto is a world-class city," says Warner. "But he hasn't proven to be a world-class man."

Dennis Reinsborough, a 65-year-old Ford supporter, begs to differ.

"I believe you can trust him. We're going to win back the city and he's going to make sure people are taken care of," says Reinsborough. "We're sick of politicians catering to privileged groups and their political friends instead of fixing the problems in the city. He's a man of action."

Reinsborough, who says he is not normally involved in politics, believes Ford is a genuine man of his word and will put an end to careless spending.

Despite the mixed responses, Ford's victory now leaves everyone anxious to see the promised changes in Toronto.

"One never knows," says Madott. "Being elected is not the same as being a good member of the government."

The struggle to get an interview

Any journalist can relate: to write a story is human, to get a solid interview, divine. I don't think I could learn that lesson any more than I can learn today.

In my JRN 120 class, we have an assignment where we have to interview ward candidates in our city. I decided to cover the mayoral race in Brampton. I got two of my candidates, Bruce Haines and Garnett Manning, who were very nice and helpful. They gave me as much information as possible and really seemed to take their time. I found no trouble at all getting these interviews.

Getting to Susan Fennell and Hargy Randhawa, however, is a totally different story.

I called both of them sometimes last week, although I admit I don't remember exactly what day. Receiving no answer, I decided to call on the weekend. Tough luck, Fennell's office was closed (I left a message with my name and contact number) and Randhawa's phone was off. These are two busy people, I thought, I'll just try calling on Monday.

I called Hargy at 11 a.m. Monday. After a couple of rings, I finally got an answer:

"Hello?"
"Hello, is this Hargy?" I asked.
"Yes, it is."

Score! "Hello Hargy, I'm a journalist student from Ryerson and I was wondering if I could interview you."

"Sorry, I'm at a conference, I'll call you back in a couple of minutes."
"Sorry about that! It's no problem, bye!"

I'm not sure if he heard me because the phone was quickly disconnected.

Understandable, I thought. How often are you running for mayor of a city in the GTA? He's just working hard and trying to get those votes. I didn't expect a call back, so I waited until 4 p.m. to call both Fennell and Randhawa.

Fennell's office phone went to voicemail, and Randhawa...his phone was off.

I sat there for a couple of moments, trying to take slow, stable breaths. It'll be okay, I told myself, it'll be okay.
Except that this assignment is due tomorrow at 6 p.m.

Every journalist can relate with this struggle: the creeping deadlines and the lack of co-operation from the sources you need. I e-mailed my professor about that situation, and I'm just hoping he understands. I'm not one who's used to failure, as I always try to fight against the odds. However, this is one situation that's really bogging me down.

An update on this situation later on, and I'll be sure to end up posting the final article as soon as it's done!

*Update: My prof emailed me and advised me to go to their offices and keep trying until about 5 p.m. tomorrow. He told me if anything, my story might have to be focused on what people say about the race and what has happened at candidate meetings. So grateful I have such an understanding prof!

Random outfit hype of the week

Facehunter, October 10 2010, Paris Fashion Week

My first thought when I saw this: WHAT the hell is this? I love it love it love it love it. Love this outfit. I want that jacket so bad seriously it blows my mind. I don't know if I'm just a newbie or something, but I've never seen a jacket like that before. I expect it to become popular.
Love the drapey outfit (not sure if it's a dress or pants...don't want to make assumptions!) she wears underneath the coat too, it's a nice flowy contrast to the form-fitting (amazing) trench, if you can call it that.

The outfit is the statement, not the shoes, so I'm glad she has a nice pair of strappy heels that let the clothes be the focus of attention instead of the shoes making a statement on their own.

www.younglifemagazine.blogspot.com

This is the link to my old blog; I got a new one because I wanted a new name and I wanted it to be more personal. However, most of the pieces on that blog are the ones I sent for my Ryerson portfolio :) When I have time I want to read it and see if my writing has improved!

An ode to a simple piece: my Zara skirt

(Ugh please don't mind my face.)

I picked up this skirt from Zara about a month ago for only 11 bucks, and I absolutely love it! It's really simple which is not usually in my wacky, experimental taste, but it caught my eye on the hanger. I think I love how nice it is in itself without having to draw attention with bright colours it patterns. Of course, I also love how it accentuates my curves! Big plus for me in finding clothes. It's very minimalistic, but it makes for a cute outfit when you don't feel like going all out, but still want to feel like you look good.

Wellesley St. E. tenants pessimistic about City’s efforts

It is a hectic scene at the Wellesley Community Centre, where many victims of Friday’s fire at 200 Wellesley St. E. are being given supplies like food, clothing, and accommodations by the City of Toronto.
                  Some tenants, however, are unhappy with the City's reaction.

“It seemed like the firefighters didn’t even care. It was like they were just spilling water all over the place,” says Mahamed Gedi, 30, who lives on the 28^th floor. “For me, it’s amazing that it took so long to get rid of a fire in one small part of the apartment.”

When Gedi first heard the fire alarm, he ignored it. "False alarms happen here all the time, I thought it was just a bunch of kids who thought it would be funny to pull the fire alarm.”

After he heard the commotion of emergency vehicles outside, he rushed downstairs to join a crowd in front of the building watching firefighters fight the blaze.

“The first day was so disorganized. We didn’t know who was in charge- the fire marshal, management, or police. All we could do was watch.”

For three days, he says, residents have stayed at shelters or a part of the University of Toronto.

                  The estimated number of tenants that were in the building at the time of the fire is said to be 1200, but the number of tenants affected by the fire is estimated to be around 1700.

                  Tenants are not yet allowed into the building, which is frustrating for people like Solanon Mahamed, a 36-year-old tenant who was leaving for the United States next week.

                  “This really changed my perspective,” says Mahamed, a 36-year-old resident. “I thought they were better equipped. They didn’t even have cranes to go up into the buildings and stop the fire. It took almost five or six hours and I think they made it more complicated.”

                  Mahamed is choosing to sleep with a friend instead of deal with the shelters.

                  “I don’t have my wallet, I don’t have anything. I can’t get into the apartment and all I can do is wait.”

                  Unimpressed by the reaction of firefights and City of Toronto workers, Mahamed says “I believe they neglected us.”

                  Any donations for victims are currently being accepted at the Wellesley Community Centre at 495 Sherbourne St., the University of Toronto exam building at 255 McCaul St., and the 519 Church St. Community Centre.