Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Joe Knee

Ever since Aoki's less than stellar performance in late November, I've been taking a break from the electro. I haven't quit cold turkey, but I'm easing up on it for a bit.

What am I jamming to instead? Well, Kid Sister and Amanda Blank are still on heavy rotation, but on a TOTALLY different note, I'm rocking some Sugar&Gravy classic tunes, which are songs by...

JONI MITCHELL.




Isn't she perfect? Her songs are just perfect holiday music. I've been going through her entire discography for a couple of weeks now, and it's just divine.

Favourites = "Carey", "Both Hands", "River", "A Case of You", "The Magdalene Laundries"...

The list goes on.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Too Much Hype

I love Hype Machine! I really don't pay attention to the individual blogs that have their posts aggregated on the site, but now I think I'll pay attention to one of them: Salacious Sound.

I read an amazing post on it today that responds to another blog entry posted on November 18th. You've gotta check them both out. Very definitive 2009.

Friday, December 4, 2009

The Contemporary Chicken & Egg

I was just thinking about this post I wrote a little while ago. Here's what I'm wondering:

What comes first? The drugs, or the music?

The reason I ask is that in that entry, I made a comment on people being more into harder drugs as of late because of a movement toward harder (electro) music. However, obviously music and drugs have had a partnership for ages. Pink Floyd + Weed, The Beatles + Acid, and vice versa... The question is, do the drugs determine the music, or does the music determine the drugs?

Food for thought.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I just took my garbage out, and what did I see?

S-N-O-W.

What does that mean?

OUT COME THE UGGS!

Yes, I wear Uggs. No, I don't care that you think they're the boiling point of materialism. I like the way they look, they're warm, and I love them.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Kid Sistaaaaaaaaa

I'm a little post-crazy today, I know, but whateva.

Second album on today is: Kid Sister's new alby "Ultraviolet". It's sick so far, and so is K.S. herself.

Check it:

http://www.karmaloop.com/tv/?ep=52314448001

Amanda What?

OMG!

You know when you hear a new album (like, the full album) and you just feel the groove immediately? I'm not talking about downloading one song from an album, or listening to previews of the tracks on iTunes... I'm talking old-school full album listening. Well I'm having that experience right now.


Amanda-effing-Blank. This album ("I Love You") is absolutely FEROCIOUS. I'm on track 9 (of 11) and I'm LOVING it!!!

Dim the Lights; Take a Breather

Alrighty! It's early, I've got the day (mostly) off, I'm feeling chipper, so stuff has got to be done. Starting with some posting action!

My jam right now = "I'd Rather Dance With You (Redlight Remix)" by Kings of Convenience. I used to listen to K.O.C. in '06 and it's awesome to hear them with an electro take. It's a great track!

Speaking of electro, I saw Aoki on Thursday - as you all know. I was TOTALLY pumped for the night, and I had a great time, but when it comes to Aoki, I've seen better. He just didn't seem that into it. I was with an AMAZING group of people, the energy at the club was pretty good, and I was having a fun time, but Aoki... he just left something to be desired.

I don't blame the guy though. I mean, he's been touring non-stop this year. I've seen him 3 times this year, so he's obvious getting around. I think it'd be in his best interest to take a breather. NBD though - it was a sick night!!!

I guess that's it for now, except one more thing: you've gotta see this video. It's SO cute!!!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Pop Torture!

I'm doing some research for a discussion group I'm running tonight on Torture, and the problematic nature of its portrayal on television. My prof showed us a really neat video about this topic. Check it out!



Also check out their website: http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/us_law/etn/primetime/index.asp.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Interior Crocodile Alligator

I watched "Say Anything" for the first time today. I liked it! Nothing spectacular, but it was a great flick to watch while eating breakfast.

It's funny how pop culture works. It was my first time seeing that movie, but I obviously already knew the scene with the boombox. How? It's so weird how we know that stuff already...

Speaking of which, here's a jokes remix/remake of that scene:



Also - here's a couple funny sites to check out:
http://yourscenesucks.com/
http://www.maxim.com/humor/stupid-fun/83547/hipster-douchebag-soundboard.html

ENJOY!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Chiddy - Pretty Much Amazing

I haven't mentioned Chiddy Bang yet, have I?

Well this is me mentioning him.

Check him out.

I Know What My Peers Like

My bestie has got this stuck in my head.



The styles in this vid are so ultimately fierce, and how about the design of the video itself? Like at 2:03 when her face is animated and slides across the screen behind the saxophonist? BRILLIANT.

It makes me think about styles and architecture and design and fashion and music and art through the ages and decades. I remember finding it fascinating in music history that in the Classical period, the architecture was very symmetrical and simple - clean lines and very straightforward... and so was the music! A piece like Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart - totally symmetrical, clean lines, etc. Isn't that cool? Obviously the Classical period isn't alone... Baroque had the same thing with architecture mirroring music mirroring lifestyles too, I suppose! Except with Baroque, everything was big and luxurious and elaborated and flowery... at least I think I've got these periods right. I'm really talking about this off the top of my head.

Anyway, it reminds me of a convo my bestie (who got me stuck on The Waitresses) and I had. He asked me, "Why do you think we've seen a change in our friends in terms of drug use?" What he was referring to was seeing some friends/peers move to some harder drugs as opposed to the classic choice of weed. I replied, "There's been a change in popular music," and he was thinking the same thing.

It's true! Look at the Black Eyed Peas' most recent album: "The E.N.D." A variety of songs seem to really be influenced by the electro genre. The electro genre is still primarily underground, but it's moving closer to the mainstream, and its influence is obvious. With more people listening to remixes, mash-ups, and electro - whether it be Girl Talk, Steve Aoki, MSTRKRFT, Passion Pit, MGMT, or B.E.P. - there has been a change in lifestyle/party style/drug choice.

I'm convinced they're correlated!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Aoki Aoki Aoki

I keep thinking about him. I've spent like a good chunk of the day on his blog watching interviews and stuff. I can't help it!

Steve Aoki Visuals from Urban Visuals on Vimeo.



Dim Mak has a lot of Canadian artists, btw. Autoerotique, Felix Cartal, and MSTRKRFT are all Canadian. BAM!

Aok-3

Guess what?

I'm seeing effing Steve Aoki again!!!

3 times in 1 year, baby! I am soooo pumped! I love that he comes to KW. Like, Toronto I'd understand, but KW? Either this city is getting cooler or Aoki is the coolest!

I think it's the latter!

BRAP!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Remember

I saw a beautiful thing happen this morning.

I was on the bus coming home and I got off at my stop as usual, but I noticed the bus hadn't pulled away from the stop yet. So I turned around and watched as the bus driver got off the bus, stood in front of it, took off his hat, and put his hand on his heart. I looked at my phone and it was 11:00am. He stood there for a good 3-4 minutes, so I stood too.

I don't know if he was asked to do that by his boss.
I don't know if he has/had a family member who fought in the war.
I don't know.

It was beautiful.

I remember my grandpa today.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

BBM

This is ridiculous! Now people aren't even texting as much! It's all about BBM - Blackberry Messenger. Unfortunately I won't be buying a Blackberry till at least after graduation, so I'm not BBMing yet.

Here's the thing though: I think it's brilliant. I mean, talk about turning people with Blackberries into an even more exclusive group than they already were! Now you can cheaply communicate with other BB-users instantly! I love it... and I'm jealous.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Entourage-Withdrawal

I just finished the last episode of 6th season of "Entourage" and I'm already in withdrawal. It is just SO good. I cried during it and now I'm just aching for a new season. When will it come out?

I'm also following "Glee" (which I've already mentioned) and I love it!!! What else should I watch? I've got a bunch of my "To Watch" list, but any suggestions?

I think I might watch some "Alias" today. That used to be a favourite of mine! Plus, it's got some great torture scenes, which I want to analyze for one of my classes.

Ugh. This is a boring entry!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Compassion Awake

Some hot eats & cool treats to get things started!

Hot Eats = Best I Ever Had (Matamatics Remix) & Kids feat. MGMT by Chiddy Bang

Cool Treats = Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cover) by Greg Laswell, Use Somebody (DJ Slink Mix), and Ghosts N Stuff (Deadmau5 Cover) by Tits & Clits.

Next (and last) on the agenda -- charity, activism, and human rights.

I'm taking a course this term that is really getting under my skin & in my head... in a good way. Hell, in a GREAT way! It's about human rights and the representation of them in various forms of media. I think that's a pretty good way of explaining the course, at least. Anyway, we're reading some mind-blowing articles and books, watching some interesting docs, and generally immersing ourselves in the study of human rights and the violations of them - throughout history and NOW.

I'm getting pretty energized by this course. I wanna make changes, do my part, and not fall into "compassion fatigue".

I'm afraid that after this term ends and this course is over, that I won't continue to be energized by these issues...

...but being afraid is stupid, because if I truly want to make a difference, if I truly want to stay energized, and I don't want to become desensitized to human rights issues, then that is my choice.

I'll keep you posted on how I'm getting involved... because I will get involved.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Today's Gravy Boat

Alright, here's what I got going on today.
  1. My show of choice right now? "Entourage". Holy shit, this show is GREAT! I'm addicted. Now don't go on spoiling anything for me, 'cause I'm only half-way through season 4. I can't wait to get caught up. I hear the season 6 finale is a doozy!
  2. I wish I had a video game console because DJ Hero looks INSANE! My gf sent me a link to the site today and I spent a while checking out tutorial videos. My God, it looks like a blast. I wonder if you can be Steve Aoki. He is my DJ Hero, no doubt. I think they're doing an awesome job marketing the product, too. They've got DJ Tiesto as a European ambassador for the game (I believe), and Jay-Z and Eminem supporting the project in the US. Unreal.
  3. Today is a Sugar&Gravy day (at least for the next couple of hours). I have the whole day off, a bunch of things to cross off my to do list, and the energy to do it.
PEACE!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

[The Lytics] Hansel

I hope that this is a crew we can all look back on and say, "Sugar&Gravy said it first!" Just kidding, my ego isn't that big... or is it?

Anyway, not the point...

I've been listening to the 2 songs I could find by a group from Winnipeg called The Lytics. Today I found out they have more tracks on their MySpace, which is great, but I need them on my 'Pod. Anyway - check them out! The Lytics... so hot right now, The Lytics.

http://www.myspace.com/lytics

http://twitter.com/thelytics

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Social Media + Marketing = Mind-Blowing

Before I say anything else, check this out: This is the official YouTube blog. I checked it out for the first time today and yesterday they posted a great entry. It segues pretty well into my topic today:

Social Media and the concept of "Accidental Spokespeople".

I'm reading this great book right now that my boss lent me. It's called *Personality Not Included and it's written by Rohit Bhargava. I haven't read many (if any) marketing books, and I'm feeling like this book is a great intro. I'm only 60 or so pages into it, but here's what I figure it's about - "why brands need personality in this day and age to be successful". Bhargava talks about social media and the birth of the "accidental spokesperson". This person is someone inside or outside of a company that discusses the company just because they want to, and presumably are enthusiastic and passionate about it. Examples he uses are Intel employees who keep blogs about research, updates, and news regarding the company, Jared from Subway, and this guy named Armand who LOVES Moleskine notebooks. In fact, Armand loves the notebooks SO much that he keeps a blog called Moleskinerie where he discusses all the great things you can do with a Moleskine. Just a sidenote: I have a Moleskine notebook, too. They are the best.

Anyway, what Bhargava is saying is that all these people keeping blogs are amazing assets to the companies they belong to or are enthusiastic about. In this day and age, we rarely look to TV ads (if we even watch TV), newspaper ads, or flyers when we're thinking about buying a product, WE LOOK TO PEOPLE. We ask our friends, we check comment boards online, we ask a Yahoo! question and get a Yahoo! answer... We make it our status on Facebook, we tweet about it to our tweeple... You get what I (and everybody else) am saying. The world is changing, and these bloggers/tweeple/Facebookers are now our authorities.

How cool is that? We have so much power. If I write that I love Diet Pepsi SO MUCH (which I do... I was just drinking it while reading this book), and you read my blog and have never tried it but figure if I love it SO MUCH that maybe you will too, then maybe you'll drink it. I'm not saying you will for sure, but my blog might actually inspire that action. It's a really cool thing.

Social media is something I'm really starting to get into. Not in the sense that I'm registering for all the sites (because I mostly have already... at least all the popular ones), but I'm starting to reflect on its power more than ever. These aren't just sites that we waste our time on anymore. They are legitimate and powerful tools that we utilize to learn, help make our decisions, and keep in touch.

My mind is officially blown. Is yours?

Friday, October 9, 2009

While we're on the topic...

OMG. After finding those sexy commercials, I thought I'd try and find my favourite commercial of all time.



It came out in 2002, which means I was 15 at the time. Don't ask me why, but I always LOVED that Pringles commercial. Random, I know, but it has stuck with me since.

I love YouTube.

Commercials with S-E-X

Commercials are usually pretty annoying, but every once in a while you see a few that make you laugh, cry, or perhaps feel a bit aroused?





Friday, October 2, 2009

So sweet and so cold.

I've never had a favourite poet, but if I were to choose, I'd pick William Carlos Williams.



P.S. I think it's REALLY jokes that "All the Things She Said" by TATU is playing in the background.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

O-M-Glee

Have you seen it yet? "Glee"? Oh holy crap it is GOOD! I just finished episode 4 and I cannot wait for the next one! The music is amazing, the acting is pretty great, the talent is brilliant, and the writing is unparalleled. I've been waiting for a show like this for my entire life and I didn't even know it.

My favourite characters are Rachel Berry (played by Lea Michele) and Sue Sylvester (played by the incredible Jane Lynch)! When Rachel sings "Don't Stop Believing" in episode 1? I get shivers all over!

Here's a clip that sums it all up for me! (Excuse the terrible quality. I had a GREAT version of this clip before, but naturally FOX took it down.)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Go Go!








Although I firmly believe I was meant to be born in 1987 and that I am a child of the 1990s/2000s, I think I could've really rocked the 80s. It was SO choice.














Sunday, September 20, 2009

FEROSH.

WTF?!?!

Like... who came up with the story for this one?! I wouldn't be surprised if it was Lady Gaga herself. She is COMPLETELY outrageous and I'm going to say absolutely FIERCE. Not sure if I love her, but it's safe to say that there's nobody else like her out there! WHAMMY!!!



Did you see her at the VMAs?! What a total freak!!!




I love it!!!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Blown FAR away!

I had to at least say SOMETHING right after the Regina Spektor concert. It was tonight in Toronto at the Sound Academy and I went with my GF and it was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC.

I'm exhausted, but here are some highlights...
  • She sang "Bobbing for Apples" which has one of my most favourite lyrics ever: "Someone next door's fucking to one of my songs".
  • She practically (if not completely) sang the entirety of her new album, "Far". It may have even been in order for the most part.
  • Her encore was "Samson", "Us", "Fidelity", "Hotel Song", and a country-ish one that I may or may not have recognized. Regardless, she KILLED the encore with some (relative) oldies.
  • She played "Poor Little Rich Boy", which was one of the first 3 Regina songs I ever heard ("Samson" and "Carbon Monoxide" were the other two).
The night was a TOTAL blast, but Sound Academy is not my fave venue. It's crowded, narrow, and I've heard better acoustics. Furthermore, it's in the middle of nowhere! I'd much prefer Kool Haus or, as the GF suggested, a solid venue like Massey Hall. I saw Adele there and it was a way better experience when you're seeing a singer/songwriter with such pipes, you know?

ANYWAY - bed time!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Hype!

Awesome Vampire Weekend cover!

If you haven't heard of it, check out www.hypem.com!

It's an awesome site that keeps track of what music bloggers write about. They handpick a set of kickass music blogs and then present what they discuss for easy analysis, consumption and discovery. This way, your odds of stumbling into awesome music or awesome blogs are high. (Paraphrased from their site.)

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Lovely Bones

I'm re-reading The Lovely Bones in anticipation of the movie.

It looks unreal.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Evolution of Rap

I'm lovin' Jay-Z's new album so I watched this video.



Then I started thinking: rappers are looking different these days.

Therefore, let's look back at the Evolution of Rap.
(The year next to the rapper's name is the year they became active as an artist).

The Sugarhill Gang - 1975

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five - 1978

Public Enemy - 1982

Run DMC - 1983

KRS-One - 1985

N.W.A. - 1986

Jay-Z - 1986

Tupac Shakur - 1989

Snoop Dogg - 1992

The Notorious B.I.G. - 1992

Kanye West - 1998

Drake - 2006

Kid Cudi - 2007



Friday, September 11, 2009

Vampires: Hot or Not?

Two posts in a day. BRAP!

What are your thoughts on vampires? I've never been a fan, I'll be honest. I connect vampires with geeky/weird high school students or even weirder university students. Needless to say, they've never really been my thing. To each their own though, right? I mean, vampires have a HUGE fan base. Twilight, Buffy, and now Vampire Diaries, I hear...

However, I've made an exception to the rule: True Blood.

If Alan Ball likes vampires, then I'm in!

G.R.A.V.Y.

Fave Joints Right Now
I'm in the House feat. [[[Zuper Blahq]]] - Steve Aoki
Little Secrets - Passion Pit
Jerk It - Thunderheist

Saw MSTRKRFT Wednesday night. They were sick, but it was the whole experience that made the night so fun! Obviously MSTRKRFT were AWESOME, but it was more about being with amazing people! That being said, I flipped when they played their "D.A.N.C.E." remix. I love that track!

In looking for a video with the "D.A.N.C.E." remix, I found out that this song is dedicated to Michael Jackson. I effing love Justice.

Then I found THIS! D.A.N.C.E. and its many reincarnations are my JAMS today!

One more thing: Just found out that a store in Waterloo, Ontario called Unit 5 carries Dim Mak apparel. That's INSANE! Only two cities in Ontario have stores that carry Dim Mak stuff. Toronto (my hometown) and Waterloo (where I live right now). I LOVE my cities!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Masters of the Kraft


Who are those people? Well if you seriously don't know by now, that's Jesse F. Keeler on the left and Steve Aoki on the right. JFK is one-half of MSTRKRFT, a Toronto-born electro DJ duo. Aoki is a Japanese-American club DJ, record producer, and founder of Dim Mak Records. In short, these dudes are serious in the electro/DJ world. I have had the great fortune of seeing Steve Aoki twice and MSTRKRFT once, and now...

I'm seeing MSTRKRFT again!!! WOOT!

I cannot wait. MSTRKRFT is playing at Elements Night Club in Kitchener next Wednesday, September 9th, and I'm gonna be there. Brap! Check these boys out. They're wicked.

Happy long weekend! PAYCE!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Toronto Respekt

I'm in hometown T.O. this weekend plus. It's a weekend plus because I'm done my full-time summer work, so I had Friday off AND today as well. In fact, I have most of the week off, so I'm feeling awfully chill... It's really not awful at all though.

It has been INCREDIBLY chill this weekend. Full of family dinners, playing with nephews, reading, watching movies, sleeping, having saunas (2 so far), walking around the neighbourhood, chillin with the GF & BFF, etc. No complaints. Straight up.

Moving on...

Having a bit of a Regina hit this morning. "Far" is SO f-ing good. Seriously. I really hope I get to see her mid-Sept. Regina live? I saw her in 2007 and it was basically a religious experience. It'd be amazing to have that again. NBD.

On that note:

Monday, August 24, 2009

Sugar & Gravy & Life & Style

I bought a celebrity news magazine today for the first time in a while: "Life & Style". It was the first time in a while just because - not because I have any particular opposition to celeb gossip. I don't exactly frequent the hot celeb blogs (especially Perez Hilton's site, because I find him to be a total bugger - mainly because of http://twitter.com/PerezHilton), but I find the gossip interesting enough.

Anyway, I bought the mag, and here are some of my thoughts on its content.

#1: Jon & Kate Plus Drama
Whoa. I didn't see this coming. When I started watching the TLC show on occasion I thought it was cute and entertaining - especially the sextuplet with the glasses. Aaden? Adorable. Then all of a sudden these TLC parents are CELEBS?!? Gracing pretty much EVERY celeb mag cover with their presence?!? Seriously. Man, we are really scraping the bottom of the barrel for celebrities these days. The article was talking about how Jon is a dirtbag and a womanizer. Seriously? That tubby, earring-ed, receding hairline-d father of 8?!? What is the world coming to?


#2: Who wears it best?
This particular issue of "Life & Style" had one of those "Who wears it best?" sections - you know the one, Kristin Cavallari & Ciara are both wearing a Charley 5.0 mini and 56% of readers think Laguna's sweetheart wears it best. Legit. Here's the jokes part: one of the duos wearing the same outfit are Courtney Cox & GAYLE F**KING KING! Are you serious?!? Gayle King? Oprah's lover. Hysterical. Once again - what is the world coming to?!? Thankfully 89% think Monica wore it best. Who were the 11%?!?

#3: Ed Westwick & Jessica Szohr are a couple.
I didn't know. I am jealous of both of them.


That's all for now.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Still can't believe it...

Apparently it's the Year of the Ox.

I dunno, I'd say it's the Year of the Drizzy. Drake is still the number 1 MC on my mind. His rhymes are SO fresh and he has WAY more coming. It's crazy to me that this Degrassi graduate actually has street cred, but he DOES! I love him. It's jokes because being a former Degrassi student can be absolute murder to a career. Once a Degrassi student, always a Degrassi student...

Right Joey Jeremiah? Archie "Snake" Simpson? Caitlin Ryan? Christine "Spike" Nelson? And, of course, Mr. Raditch?


Right, Gravy (pardon the bad res on that photo, but you get the picture).

Anyway, what's even more jokes is that I've been in the same room as Drake before! I used to work at a toy store and he came in with his Mom once to buy a present. I remember seeing him and snickering because he was just NOT a celeb (just like the time I snickered when I saw Bram of Sharon, Lois, and Bram)!

Now he's this huge rapper who's apparently doing legendary things and changing the face of history... or at least the face of Rap/Hip-Hop/R&B history.

Regardless of all that - he's got some AMAZING tracks, and I'm proud of this native Torontonian. A Forest Hill-resident with street cred? I never thought I'd see the day...

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

FAR

I know I've mentioned the album before, but OMG - Regina Spektor's newest record "Far" is absolute magic. I'm at the point in my listening where I've listened to all of the songs more than once (I've listened to "Eet" probably 30 times), so I know their general tune and can usually pop in with a few lyrics every once in a while, which is a nice stage to be at. I look forward to the end of this month where I'll likely know ALL the lyrics and will get to see Regina IN CONCERT!!! Mid-September in TO. Unreal. There's nothing quite like being in the presence of a great like Regina - the music, the brilliance, the beauty, the love, and the girl. Could Sugar&Gravy ask for anything more? Nope!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

S&G is Back / U.A.E. Travels

SO... I'm home! Back to reality, back to my apartment, back to work, and back to getting excited for what looks like an INCREDIBLE 5th year at uni.

Before I get to all that (if I get to all that), here are 10 things I learned during my stint in the U.A.E. (which occurred after my two weeks in Turkey):

(1) It was such a fun experience seeing where one of my besties is from. I love you, Wally.
(2) Us Canadians/North Americans may have breakfast ALL wrong.
(3) You KNOW you are a fierce diva when you park your Hummer wherever you want - parking spots are for punks.
(4) Dubai is insane.
(5) Mitsubishi Lancers are matchboxes on wheels - don't rent them. They go from 0-60 in 1 hour.
(6) If you're of the fair-skinned persuasion, lather up with the sunscreen before going to Wild Wadi (even if it's overcast).
(7) Ride the Jumeirah Sceirah at Wild Wadi - you'll go down that slide faster than a Mitsubishi Lancer.
(8) Try a chocolate covered date. I've been thinking about the one I ate for about a week now.
(9) There is absolutely nothing wrong with staying in all day - even on vacation. Especially when it means watching "Titanic" with your sister.
(10) Home is where the heart is.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

S&G Turkish Travels

I'm nearing the end of my two-week stint in Turkey.

10 things I've learned (for now):

(1) Turkish carpet salesman should teach MBA courses - they know their shit.
(2) It's ok to say no to baklava.
(3) When a shoe shiner drops his shoe brush, don't pick it up.
(4) Istanbul is insane.
(5) Ankara is kinda boring unless you have a cool cousin who lives there.
(6) Cappadocia is out of this world... literally.
(7) 15-hour days outside in Izmir are tiring, but satisfying.
(8) Eat lots of lamb.
(9) It's hard to say/remember Turkish words, except for acik cay (light tea).
(10) Home is where the heart is.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Is Tan Bowl?

Heading off to "The Big Gobble" as Papa Gravy has been calling it.

a.k.a. Turkey.

Flight from TO to Istanbul today. Insane.

I'll be in touch.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Pried

My mom's picking me up from KW in an hour to take me back to my home sweet home: Toronto, ON. I love Waterloo, and have definitely made a home for myself here. In fact, these past 2 months - working, partying, chilling - have been unreal. That being said though, T.O. is just such a sick city - I love the house that I grew up in, the neighbourhood I lived in, and my close proximity to downtown. It'll be good to rage there tonight.

It's also PRIDE Weekend, so I've gotta rep it. Let me let you in on a little secret though: I hate Pride. Perhaps hate is too strong a word, but I don't really care. I strongly dislike Pride. An introvert like me (believe it or not) has a tough time navigating Pride. So many people, so many possibilities, but worst of all - SO. MUCH. HYPE. ...and you know how I hate hype. And so many people come into the city to celebrate, which is awesome, don't get me wrong, but suddenly they all think they own the city. It's lame. Too many landespedes.

I do enjoy the celebration of being proud to be who you are though. I just celebrate my pride every day, so there being a weekend for it just seems a little redundant... but I know not everyone feels that way. I mean, it's a pretty spectacular week with a lot of cool events and all.

I'm not a pessimist either, it's just...

It's not my scene.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Jacko!

Not that I'm any famous blogger or anything, but I feel the need to blog about Michael Jackson. I refuse to reference it in my Twitter (https://twitter.com/maevaflave) or Facebook statuses because it's all been done, and plus - it's hard (for me) to say anything heartfelt in less than 140 characters.

Sidenote: I am NOT a Facebook/Twitter hater. I love new technology, and I'm completely self-obsessed, so I figure that everyone loves my statuses.

Anyway, back to Jack.

Firstly, an unreal pic is in order:


I don't know if I've mentioned it, but I love The Beatles, so seeing Sir Paul & MJ together, lookin' all stylish and musical genius-y makes me really happy.

MJ changed the face of music and its performance, let's be real. The music he made was new, fresh, and fierce. His dancing was the same, and he did it all SO. WELL.

I know he's done some crazy things, but you know what? Personal lives and professional lives are tied together far too much these days with celebrities. It used to be about the music back when MJ was doing his thang, so why can't it still be about that? I'm glad to see (so far) that people are celebrating his musical legacy, as opposed to harping on his mistakes, etc. I don't know what he did or didn't do in terms of all that, but I know that he changed our cultural world, and hope that we all focus on that.

RIP.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Abuhhhh

I just HAD to post again to include this. I've seen it before but had COMPLETELY forgotten. It's epic.

Inspekt this!

I'm sitting here in my underwear doing my whole morning ritual - breakfast (Cheerios), coffee, "The O.C.", and Facebook/Twitter - and it's now time to turn on some music. What'll it be? Do we go with Regina Spektor's new album? It's mellow and beautiful, as per usual with ReSpekt. I don't know how mellow I'm feeling though. I'm thinking it's better to take your coffee with some Dim Mak - especially their latest mix tape. Oh mama, it's good.

Pretty sure the decision has been made. If I was a celebrity, I would FOR SURE be friends with the likes of Steve Aoki... and Sam Ronson. Forreal.

I'm also really into Lykke Li. She's SO hot, and her music is unreal.

Alright that's all for now - even though Spektro Gel (as my bestie calls her) is too mellow for me today, I still want you to enjoy the first video for her new album.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

iSugar

I am making an effort to blog, I swear.

Lots of different stuff on my iPod lately, but two artists are standing out: Drake and Lily Allen.

Remember when I talked about Degrassi? Well, what I didn't mention was that a while after the original Degrassi (which started in 1987) ended, they started "Degrassi: The Next Generation" in 2001. I think it barely compares to the original, BUT it certainly is entertaining, and maintains a lot of the things I love about the original - raw-ness, real-ness, edginess, etc. Anyway, there's a character named Jimmy played by a certain Aubrey Drake Graham, a.k.a. Drizzy Drake, a HUGE up-and-coming Rap/R&B artist. I have his album (mixtape? I don't know) entitled "So Far Gone" and it's pretty unreal. My fave song is "Little Bit (feat. Lykke Li)". Check it out!!

Then Lily Allen. She needs no introduction, but she's getting serious play with me lately... on iTunes.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Ch-ch-checking in!!!

I know. It's been a while. I will never let Sugar and Gravy go completely though.

Today's news? A new unreal song, obv.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koh8vyfCEe8

You're in my mind, you're in my heart,
I wish I knew, right from the start,
All my friends say, you'd break my heart,
A heartbreaker, right from the start.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Tweetin'

I am chagrinned. I have neglected this blog. I feel like it's my old toy car and I got a really cool remote control one and have been dedicating so much attention to the new, cool, shiny one, and completely ignoring my old, beaten-up racecar... or really any such analogy...

In other news, racecar is a palindrome, and so is the phrase: "Never odd or even". Coooool.

So yeah - time to reboot Sugar and Gravy a bit, eh? Get some new entries in and try to be a little more consistent? You betcha, I will.

I'm getting adjusted by a chiropractor this morning. It's kinda hilarious because this chiropractor adds me to Twitter and sees (palindrome!) that my birthday is coming up (tomorrow) and offers me a free adjustment. I've never been adjusted before... I wonder what it will consist of. Will it be painful? Whatever... it's one of those things that just comes out of nowhere and you've gotta pounce on the opportunity, I think. I never used to do shit like this, but like my best friend W. and I realized yesterday, or rather, acknowledged, I'm a totally different person than I was 6 months ago. Or not totally different, but vastly different, I think.

Anyway, gotta get dressed and ready to be adjusted.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

BI ALERT!

I know... I haven't posted in forever.

In truth, I got a new blog. It's anonymous and will stay that way, but needless to say I've gotten a little preoccupied with it. That said, I don't intend to abandon my most lovely Sugar and Gravy, just bear with me.

Anyway, today's news is:
Sia (singer of "Breathe Me" - one of the most beautiful songs ever, and also the last song ever played on "Six Feet Under") is bisexual and is dating JD Samson of Le Tigre.

Tell me, does it get any better?

Monday, February 16, 2009

A little V-Day love

This is something I find strange: when a task makes a person anxious, they are likely not to want to perform the task. However, if they really have no choice in the matter and must do the task, upon completing the task, they are likely to feel really satisfied and accomplished. These kinds of anxiety-causing tasks come up often, yet each time (despite knowing the satisfaction we will feel) we are still hesitant to perform them. Another life mystery, I suppose.

I am on reading break from university and am spending the majority of the week in my hometown of Toronto, Ontario. My reading weeks have always been supreme relaxation time, and I don't see this year's as being any different. Among my plans are: sleeping, having a sauna (or two... or three...) at some point, having a bath, eating well, getting some schoolwork and extracurricular work done, and preparing myself mentally and emotionally to get back to the grind next Monday.


Anyway, on to more interesting things...
In honour of Valentine's Day having just happened, the following is a list of things that I love:

(searching for) new music, fierce fashion (especially when it includes really bright colours), really lazy mornings complete with coffee and music, having a personality/vibe that makes people feel really comfortable talking to me about things, therapy, organizing my iTunes library, massages, getting things done...

There are more things obviously, but that's all I can think of for now!

This has been a bit of a boring post, but I can't seem to concentrate on it any longer, so you'll have to forgive me!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

All at the DQ.

Hot Eats
Big Booty Hoes - The Notorious B.I.G.
Electric Feel (Justice Remix) - MGMT
D.A.N.C.E. - Justice
Grip Like A Vice - The Go! Team

Cool Treats
Lazy Eye - Silversun Pickups
Heaven - Lamb
Waiting - The Devlins
Love Story - Taylor Swift
Warwick Avenue - Duffy

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

FINNISH-ED

Hello diligent readers. Do I even have any? Who cares? [That being said, if I do have some, reply to this post!]

Anyway, it's been a while since I wrote last. Thankfully I've been having far too much fun to be bothered to blog, which is a wonderful thing! My good friend (http://johnniknows.blogspot.com/) has spent quite a bit of time in Helsinki, Finland, and so his friend from there came to Ontario to visit for just under a month. We wanted to show her a killer time while she was here, so in doing that we had a killer time ourselves. I mean, seriously. We partied, we drank, we danced, we smoked, we listened to some INSANE music, we had some roadtrips, and we laughed A LOT. It was probably some of the best times of my life. I will miss that Finnish girl.

She left a few days ago and since she departed I've become insanely sick. All that partying and not enough sleep has left me coughing, sneezing, stuffy nosed, sore throat-ed, and a whole bunch of other shit on top of that. It was worth it, but it still sucks to be sick. I'm taking the day off though, so hopefully lots of liquid, meds, and sleep will kick the shit out of this cold.

Aside from that, I've got some crazy tunes to share with you. Here's a few:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHHi90p9DQ8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL54R4bJCEs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJyH-iQAG94

Who's visiting?