January Events

Rain: The Beatles Experience
Now playing at the Sony Centre
With a heavy emphasis on the experience this is a show that will get even the most reserved Torontians on their feet and singing along. It was a love-in from start to finish with archival film footage and contemporary commercials to re-create the summer of love. The musicians are all top-notch and I gained a new appreciation for the important role drums played in the Beatles music. Give Peace a Chance!

U2 3D - IMAX ****!
Welcome to a new paradigm in entertainment. Remember how cool it was to lie back in the old McLaughlin Planeterium and rock to Laser U2 in the 80s? Or the excitement of the Rolling Stones on IMAX in the 90s? Well, add the depth of 3D and you are one with the cheering crowd as Vertigo kicks off the concert. The impulse to clap at the end of each song was unnerving and I'm sure I was singing aloud throughout, "I can't live...with or without you...oo, oo, oo,ooooooo" This is not The Last Waltz with behind the scenes interviews to get to know the musicians. This is a straight-up concert flick - it's all about the music.
Immerse yourself in the rhythm. Be thrilled.
Round 2 - OK, I saw this movie again in Feb. I rocked to the beat as Where the Streets Have No Name wound up the undulating crowd while flags of all nations dripped down on the giant screens behind the band. The tear in my eye lasted only second before I was laughing and singing along to the encouraging gestures of Bono. Man, it doesn't get any better than this for an old rocker!

January Retreat (or, how I spent my winter vacation) - Can you image a place where you don't have to lock your door or hear phones ringing for more than a week? Ah, the tranquility of it all. But this is also a place of serious work, where you'll need to practice sitting quietly and still for at least six hours each day. Welcome to Vipassana Meditation a technique handed down from the Buddha and taught in taped lectures that are viewed each evening. A peaceful, woodsy location, delicious vegetarian meals, Noble Silence (no chatter for 10 days!) and respect between participants all aid in the achievement of an environment that supports the work. Being there with a fresh blanket of snow and twinkling stars made it particularly magical. Discover who you really are and liberate your mind.

The Golden Compass - is one of those movies that deserves to be seen on the big screen. The first of three books about Lyra and her adventures, it's got magic, myth and mahem. Lyra overhears something she doesn't understand (where have we heard that before?) and is flung into a struggle between gobblers, gyptians and of course armored bears. Lyra is a brave girl - a wonderful role model for impressionable minds. She's also defiant, clever and successful - thanks to her mastery of the titular Golden Compass. I can't wait for next cinematic installment so will need to read the books to know what happens next.

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New Years day storm