Runway delays and disappoints

Springing into action for a fun-filled week of fashion, LG Fashion Week has once again descended upon the streets of Toronto. For the next several days, designers such as Pink Tartan, David Dixon, Lucian Matis and Evan Biddel will showcase their unique designs for fashionistas and Project Runway wannabes.

Last night at Brant House, a very suave club in the heart of Toronto's fashion district, Betsey Johnson showcased a cute collection of dresses for her young adoring fans. Since I had never been to a runway show, i wasn’t sure what to expect. Of course, (despite being on the always pointless guestlist) I expected to stand outside in the line, but I was pretty disappointed that the runway show ran an hour behind schedule. Waiting around, trying to avoid stepping on everybody’s feet and watching people text friends on their precious blackberrys was not an ideal situation. Another sore point on the agenda, was the lack of professionalism shown by the Betsey Johnson models. Some strutted gracefully across the catwalk, will others skipped ungainly from one end to another, lacking any sense of poise. Of course, the clothes were gorgeous with big frills and big bows. There was no doubt in my mind that Betsey Johnson offered a great collection of fresh and colourful outfits.

However, the tardiness of the show coupled with the strange and ungainly struts of Betsey’s models made me think twice about going to another runway show this week.

Disney's latest disaster

Getting off to a rocky start with Mr. Dwayne Johnson (the Rock) , the 1975 remake of Witch Mountain was nothing that I imagined it to be. Firstly, I had no idea, what the original movie was about. And truth be told, it didn’t seem like the other five people in the theatre did either. Like me, they were probably wondering, why they didn’t go to the newly released horror movie with the huge line-up outside.

Anyways, in a nutshell, the latest Disney movie depicts the tale of aliens crashing on earth, looking for some life saving mechanism for their own planet, and narrowly escaping the clutches of paranoid security forces. What did I learn from this movie? Wrestlers like to drive taxi cabs rather than wrestle around in the ring. Secondly, we can throw out those stereotypical ideas about aliens being little green monsters. Sorry folks, but according to Disney, “aliens” have blonde hair and cute little innocent faces, just like the children you see prancing around Earth’s playgrounds. Thirdly, its better to shoot a Disney movie in Las Vegas with thuggish drug hustlers and weird alien expos, than in a sweet little meadow with Bambi or under the sea with Sebastian the crab.

Despite my scepticism, the movie did improve. Or, maybe it was the bright lights of Vegas casinos keeping me awake. Whatever it was, Johnson’s gallivanting across the desert for two alien kids with strange powers did offer viewers some laughs . And alas, with all Disney movies, everything is peachy keen. The bad guys lost, the good aliens won, and the planet earth was saved from evil forces.

So predictable. Come on Disney, let’s get with picture and stop wrestling around with the Rock.

Going Gold

Skipping the bronze and moving passed the silver; Starbucks has introduced a brand new GOLD card in their U.S. stores. How does it work? You can purchase the GOLD card for an annual membership fee of $25. Once purchased, you receive a free drink and 10 % off most purchases in participating stores. Additionally, once you register your GOLD card, you get a free drink on your birthday, discounts throughout the year, and free wi fi for up to 2 hours.

So, just when I was getting used to my shiny little RED card, Starbucks turns around and launches another gift card. Can you believe it? But, then again it is Starbucks. So you always expect more.

Watch out,there might be an OBAMA card on the horizon!!

Starbucks goes (RED)

The ever growing trend in many North American retail stores is for customers to purchase “gift cards” instead of buying real gifts. Although I have only bought one gift card, the trend has slowly seeped into my favourite place. Yes, Starbucks.

Next time you're in line ordering your latte, take a quick glance at the counter (instead of the frustrated barista scrambling to make your complicated over-the-top latte). Beside the delicious biscottis and crunchy nuts, you will see a neat little assortment (normally in three’s) of cute little gift cards waiting to be loaded with your precious dollars. For the most part, the same old cards sit their collecting dust while customers rush in and out before heading to work. However, last November, Starbucks launched a very eye catching new card that has been flying off the shelves faster than any muffin on the menu.

The Starbucks (RED) card, as it’s called, has emerged from a partnership between Starbucks and Bono and Bobby Shriver’s business model, (RED)*. According to the official (RED) website, (RED) raises awareness about the Global Fund to help eliminate HIV in Africa. With that in mind, Starbucks has developed the red card, offering customers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Global Fund and invest in HIV and AIDS programs in Africa. Everytime their customers buy a beverage or snack with the red card, five cents of their purchase goes directly towards the Global Fund.

So, in the bigger scheme of things, that means that Starbucks has added a shot of philanthropy to your daily latte diet. And...by simply swiping a card, you can be a Good Samaritan and pay it forward to those in need.

*Aside from working with Starbucks, (RED) has also partnered up with American Express, Apple, the Gap, Hallmark, Windows, Converse, Dell and Empiori Armani. Over the last two years, (RED) has generated more than 120 million for the Global Fund.

A wreck of a ride

No matter how cheap it is, don’t ever take a 13 hour train ride, anywhere. Given my recent experience travelling from Toronto to New York, I will definitely be taking the plane in the future. Although, I assumed the train ride would be smooth sailing, little did i know my journey would be plagued by disgusting bathrooms, unnecessary border stops, tasteless snacks and the occasional but obnoxious neighbour sitting close by. I won’t go in detail about the first scenario, but let’s just say, it wasn’t something Paris Hilton would dare step into (even her dogs would be denied entry).

Anyways, about 4 hours into the trip, we crossed the border into the U.S. Unfortunately, we needed to stop for an hour and half, so border control and the U.S. immigration officers could clear us. Of course, being very silly, I didn’t bring any food besides a nice granny smith apple. After checking my passport, the border control fella asked me if I was carrying any vegetables or fruits. Well, let’s just say (given my inability to lie) my apple got strip searched. Sadly, because it didn’t have that little sticker (stating where its grown) it was confiscated.

No wonder eating healthy is so difficult.

Anyways, with hunger pains striking my stomach i ventured into the train cafe in the next car. I picked up some salted almonds (yuck – there was no Maltesers) and tried not to think about the long haul ahead. But that became somewhat difficult when another passenger sitting across from me, started an extremely loud conversation on his blackberry. After learning about his job, the various people he is biased about and his incessant and repetitious replies, like “okay, let me tell you again....” i finally put on my ipod, hoping Britney Spears would drown out his obnoxious banter. It didn’t. But luckily he got off before New York.

With three hours to go and being extremely restless, i walked up and down the car looking for something to do. Half way up the car, I saw a lady giving her son a Disney movie to watch. Oh man! I was so jealous! I wanted to ask if she had any more movies, but i realized that would probably be weird. So i went back to reading Macleans, which proved to be very mind numbing.

Despite my complaining, the train eventually made it to New York, so I should be grateful. Unfortunately, I’m not. Being denied decent washrooms, my yummy apple, and peace and quiet, certainly makes me more grateful that airplanes offer a direct flight to the Big Apple.