The Dingo Way

The Dingo has returned...

2005-12-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

THE DINGO HAS RETURNED !!

My Lost Vacation

2005-03-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I walk in the door from work on Wednesday night and the phone rings. It's this guy from Ramada Plaza Resorts saying I won a 9 day trip to Florida (incl a 3 day cruise down to Nassau, Bahamas - my birth place!) and that I won it by entering a contest at the Auto Show. So now, I entered A LOT of things at the Auto Show (by the by, someone from Suzuki, please call and let me know I won the two cars!! PLEASE !!)... A LOT of things. And I know I entered to win a couple vacations... so I'm getting really excited ! He tells me what I'll be doing while down there and everything and I'm so hyped. Then the catch... I have to give my VISA # over the phone to pay for these taxes and shite. At this point, I was like ... whoa there fella ! I'll send you a chq when I Have the tickets in my hand. And he was like no no no... so I was like "NO no no no..." and ended up saying "Thanks, but I'm not risking it." So it was probably legit but I gave it up. I also gave up the trips to Antigua and Las Vegas that I won with it. I'm very sad. Thankfully, my trip to CUBA is still on !! ONLY 4 WEEKS TO GO !! I CANNOT WAIT !! De-stressing, here I come !!!

2005-03-14T19:19:00.000-07:00

"The Emancipation of Mimi" is in stores on April 12th, 2005. Be prepared EVERYONE... 'The Voice' is back...

THE IT LIST

2005-03-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

What you need to be checking out RIGHT THIS INSTANT !

Music: John Legend "Get Lifted" - though apparantley he's already a huge star, I had no idea who he was. I heard his CD at a listening booth at HMV and bought it. Loved it. Promote it! It's just a very authentic CD with some sensational songs on it. Check out "Stay With You", "I Can Change", "Let's Get Lifted" and of course, "Ordinary People".

Movies: Being Juila - Just bought it on DVD and it's just as good as I remembered. It's a period piece, so beware! But with Annette Bening in control, it's funny - entertaining (especially the last 15 minutes or so) and the final frame (dining alone) is just sensational! I wish Jeremy Irons was my uncle.

Television: CSI - With all the copy cat shows (and spin offs), it'd be easy to get lost in the shuffle. But CSI remains the Best Show on TV. If you're not watching, you're missing out. In the relm of comedy, if I haven't said it before - get watching Arrested Development. Funniest show ever created.

Cars: Lexus GS300 - Though I've always been fond of the GS - with the newly restyled sports luxury sedan, I am now in love. It's sleek, sensual and sexy. I cannot wait for the new IS to come out for it appears Lexus is taking their division in a whole new direction... a direction (when I have money) I am going to be following.

News: Great White Shark Kills Tanks Mates: My first question is: what the hell is a Great White Shark doing in captivity. My second question is: what the hell is it doing with tank mates? It'd be like dropping Cher in to a tank of 21 year old males... even if the males do nothing to provoke her, she will bite.

The Dingo ponders The New Youth

2005-03-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Sup y'all ! Long time no see.

I seem to have been neglecting my Blog. Since the Oscars are over, my life is so empty.

I have been up to nothing, really. Occassionally leaving the confines of my room to see what life is like beyond my door. What I see, I don't enjoy. People are morons! I don't like 'em. Well, some of them are okay... but for the most part they're all total, pure, complete, top-to-bottom, inside-and-out morons. If I ran the world, I think it'd be so fun! Chocolate would become our currency... Animals, not humans, would run congress... and Martha Stewart would be vindicated.

(brb! need to check dictionary.com to make sure vindicated is the word I wanted to use. Yes, it is. now back to my entry...)

I have been up to nothing. I see occasional friends occasionally. I visit with my cousins frequently to get caught up on what's hip and cool and what's not. I'm so out of touch with today's youth... have times changed THAT much since I was that age? I feel so old. I'm 22 ! And I feel old. The youth of today doesn't watch TV (I stay at home and watch American Idol... The Simple Life & Survivor). The youth of today parties ALL THE TIME (I stay at home and watch American Idol... The Simple Life & Survivor). The youth of today rebels against athourity and cusses A LOT (I stay at home and watch American Idol... The Simple Life & Survivor - BUT I do cuss). When I went to high school, the girls were in to sports, had distinct personalities and were likeable. Now, all I see are irritating, whiny, Britney Spears wanna-be's whose clothes are too small - and they all look the same. I beg of you... go to any movie theatre on a Friday night and show me 2 girls who don't look/sound/act the same and I'll treat you to dinner.

I don't get it. It's hard enough to fit in and belong with your own generation - now it's getting harder to fit in, belong with and understand those that follow us. My grandmother always says "I have no idea who is who anymore or what's what." I never used to know what she was talking about (always assumed it was the senility)... but now I find myself agreeing with her at the dinner table. But there's a difference between at 79 year old not understanding the youth of today and a 22 year old not understanding the youth of today. I thought I was a youth !

Meh, whatever. I may not understand youth anymore... or what the hell they're doing... but so long as I've got my American Idol, Simple Life & Survivor... I guess I'll be able to cope.

The End of Oscar (for this year)

2005-02-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I got 18/24 on my predictions (75%). I predicted all major categories spot on, but messed up on the technical categories and the documetnaries. What I got wrong?

Documentary Feature
Documentary Short
Film Editing
Music (song)
Short Film (Live Action)
Sound Mixing

Overall, I thought the show was boring, safe & predictable. I want Steve Martin back... he's funny and self-depreciating (which I like). And who'd have thought Jeremy Irons could be so funny !!

Until next year folks...

(NOTE - this now means my BLOG returns to being about ME!)

The final predictions...

2005-02-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

I reserve the right to alter these up until 8:00pm on Sunday night. But as of now, these are how I think it'll turn out. I'm actually hoping I'm wrong. If I'm right, then this year will be as predictable and dull as last year was. I think there are a lot of close races, but in the end... this is probably ABOUT how it'll turn out... but I hope I'm wrong. Here you go folks... (note, the Spoiler picks won't count towards my final %).

BEST PICTURE
Will Win: Million Dollar Baby
Spoiler Pick: The Aviator or even more likely, Sideways !

BEST ACTOR
Will Win: Jamie Foxx
Spoiler Pick: Clint Eastwood

BEST ACTRESS
Will Win: Hilary Swank
Spoiler Pick: Imelda Staunton or even more shockingly, Kate Winslet !

BEST SUPPORTING ACTORWill Win: Morgan Freeman
Spoiler Pick: Clive Owen

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Will Win: Cate Blanchett
Spoiler Pick: Natalie Portman

BEST DIRECTOR
Will Win: Clint Eastwood
Spoiler Pick: Martin Scorsese (sadly...)

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Will Win: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Spoiler Pick: The Incredibles or Vera Drake

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Will Win: Sideways
Spoiler Pick: None.

BEST ANIMATED FILM
Will Win: The Incredibles
Spoiler Pick: None.

The less important categories...

ART DIRECTION
Will Win: The Aviator
Spoiler Pick: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Will Win: The Aviator
Spoiler Pick: House of Flying Daggers

COSTUME DESIGN
Will Win: The Aviator
Spoiler Pick: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Will Win: Super Size Me
Spoiler Pick: Born into Brothels

DOCUMENTARY SHORT (total guess here folks!)
Will Win: Austism Is A World

FILM EDITING
Will Win: Million Dollar Baby
Spoiler: Collateral

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Will Win: The Sea Inside
Spoiler Pick: The Chorus

MAKEUP
Will Win: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Spoiler: Passion of the Christ

MUSIC (SCORE)
Will Win: Finding Neverland
Spoiler Pick: Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events

MUSIC (SONG)
Will Win: Believe (The Polar Express)
Spoiler Pick: Learn To Be Lonely (Phantom)

SHORT FILM (Animated) (another wild guess...)
Will Win: Ryan (ahhaha... truly! it's a nominee!)
Spoiler: None. Ryan should win.

SHORT FILM (Live Action) (what do you know! A Random guess..)
Will Win: Everything In This Coutry Must
Spoiler: Little Terrorist

SOUND EDITING
Will Win: The IncrediblesSpoiler: Spider Man

SOUND MIXING
Will Win: The Aviator
Spoiler: Ray

VISUAL EFFECTS:
Will Win: Spider Man 2
Spoiler: I, Robot

Oscars - Bizarro

2005-02-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have this dream the other night where I'm at the Oscars. It was really low key and Sean Penn is presenting the award for best actress and he opens the envelope before reading the names and the card is very transparent and I see (from the front row) that it's "Hillarry Swank" who won and so I start yelling and booing... and then before he announces the winner, he realises he has to read the nominees - so Sean Penn reads the nominees and he says Annette Bening (they show a funny clip that makes me laugh), Hilary Swank (and I start to boo and hiss) and then Kate Winslet (and I scream and hoot and holler and clap) - of course, I'm the only one making any noise so everyone is looking at me. SOOOO Swank wins, but she doesn't come out! Instead, BRANDY comes out and performs a song to me !! It was weird. So they stop handing out awards and I'm like "wait! what! I dont' know who won though!" So I'm mighty pissed cuz I wanted to know who won... so I storm through the audience looking for nominees who are holding statues... and I find Virginia Madsen (who I want to win) and she doesn't have one and I'm like "Aww, sorry..." and then I see Natalie Portman and she's got one !! So I said "Congrats" or something... and then I saw Morgan Freeman with one and said the same thing. BUT I didn't see any of the Best Actors with one - BUT ! Eastwood was not there... so I'm thinking, maybe he stole it. huh ?! Like it's symbolic ! Cuz Jamie Foxx is predicted to be the winner, he's actually going to lose to Eastwood - THUS - Eastwood steals his award !! And then I woke up. So I'm posting my predicitions based on who WILL WIN... who I think SHOULD WIN and who my DREAM PREDICTS will win. Neat, eh?!

Ryan's Academy Awards

2005-02-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

This BLOG seems to have been dominated by Oscar issues... which is fine by me ! Since it is Oscar time. No worries, folks... after I rant and rave and get angry on the 28th (the day after Swank wins), it should all be over. But until then... it's time for me to share my BEST of the BEST...

Best Picture
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Honourable Mention: Hotel Rwanda, The Door In The Floor, Closer, Finding Neverland & Vera Drake

Best Actor
Jeff Bridges in The Door In The Floor
Honourable Mention: Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine, Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda, Paul Giamatti in Sideways & Leonardo Dicaprio in The Aviator
Best Actress
Annette Bening in Being Julia
Honourable Mention: Imelda Staunton in Very Drake, Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine, Julia Roberts in Closer & Kim Basinger in The Door In The Floor, Uma Thurman in Kill Bill Vol. 2

Best Supporting Actor
Clive Owen in Closer
Honourable Mention: Freddy Highmore in Finding Neverland, Mark Wahlberg in I Heart Huckabees & Thomas Hayden Church in Sideways

Best Supporting Actress
Virginia Madsen in Sideways
Honourable Mention: Natalie Portman in Closer, Kirsten Dunst in Eternal Sunshine, Cate Blanchett in The Aviator, Sophie Okenedo in Hotel Rwanda & Lily Tomlin in I Heart Huckabees

Best Director
Michel Gondry for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Honourable Mention: Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby, Martin Scorsese for The Aviator, Alexander Payne for Sideways & Mike Leigh for Vera Drake

Me & My Muppets

2005-02-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else find the Muppets to be hugely entertaining ?? I ordered my new cheques and they have pictures of Fozzie, Gonzo, Kermit and Miss Piggy on them and they make me laugh. Also, I was remembering Muppets Treasure Island and how hard I laughed through the whole thing. THough I've never officially been a "fan" of the Muppets, more - someone who simply doesn't mind them... I think it's time to reform. The Muppets Rule !!

And the Muppet Babies - now I used to be obsessed with that cartoon "When you feel what's of weird and you wish that you were there... Just close your eyes and make believe and you can be anywhere !! Muppet ... Muppet ... Muppet !! Bay - bay - bay - BAYBIES !!" ... Is it still on ? I'd LOVE to watch it. In the meantime, if anyone has any of the Muppet movies on DVD, this "fan" would LOVE to borrow 'em and catch up on everything I've missed.

FOZZIE FOREVER !

Swank will win Oscar

2005-02-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

It's official. After she won the SAG Award over Winslet, Staunton and Bening last night, Swank is destined to win the Oscar too. It's a good performance and all, but definetly not the year's best. In fact, Julia Roberts' performance in Closer - I found to be even superior. And it just doesn't make sense at all to me that Swank will have two Oscars after 2 nominations while Bening and Winslet will have ZERO after a combined 7 nominations. It also doesn't make sense that Swank will have 2 oscars - the same # of oscars that Meryl Streep has.

I'm so angry!!

Best Actress

2005-02-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I have now seen all the films of the nominees for the Best Actress Oscar and have to say it is a tough race. I think it is great that Catalina Catalino Moreno got nominated for Maria Full of Grace - it's a well deserved nomination, but there are three ladies in this category that are simply sensational. And no, none of them are Hilary Swank. She too is worthy of the nomination, but not the win. I feel that Imelda Staunton of Vera Drake, Kate Winslet of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Annette Bening of Being Julia are three of the most captivating performances I've seen in a while. All three roles are incredibly challenging, yet these actresses make it seem so effortless. Winslet takes an outrageous, unbelievable, almost unloveable character - and makes her genuine, believable and makes you somehow fall in love with her. Staunton will break your heart as a woman who breaks the law by doing what she feels right. Without saying a word, the emotions that her Vera Drake feels hit you and deeply affect you - even long after the credits roll. And Annette takes a huge risk by playing a middle aged, seemingly washed up stage actress, but makes it one of the most entertaining performance of the year. For me, it's a three way race and it's hard to pick a winner... BUT at this point, it's Bening with the slightest of leads over Staunton who holds the slightest of edges over Winslet. If you're someone who enjoys flawless performances that make you laugh, break your heart and are entirely unforgettable... check out these three performances. What movies are all about !!

2005-01-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

For those of you who aren't watching the funniest show on TV (Arrested Development), this is Buster! My new Idol. Funniest guy alive. He's my new hero ! Get to know him and you'll be a better person for it.

A Whole New Me !

2005-01-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

So... I'm thinking about legally changing my name. I'm someone who loves change (for the most part). I mean, my bedroom has been yellow, orange, grey, blue, copper and black in a span of 10 years. And I'm bored with my name and whole image right now. I've looked the same for too long. And Ryan T. Barrowman is just so um, what do you say, uninteresting? Yeah... uninteresting. You don't see that name in bright lights or standing out on any kind of list. So I was thinking, maybe some kind of piercing to spruce up the image... a new hair style/colour as well... maybe some new, bizarre clothes (like leather, is it true leather is back in?). And to top it all off, a new name!

Most of you roll your eyes cuz I'm tried the whole name change before and though everyone around me could call me Troy, I just couldn't get used to not responding to Ryan. Besides, I don't know what name I'd like to have. I really like Don Cheadle, and though Don is faily bland, I think Cheadle is cool. And Johnny Depp is awesome... what about Johnny Cheadle ?! Or... even Depp as my first name ! And I call everyone Sebastian all the time, why not use that. Depp Sebastian? Or... somethine else I always thought was cool was to have a name like THE HULK or THE ROCK or something... But I don't know if The would be my first name and or if the whole thing would be. Maybe I could be The Dingo! That'd be swell. Or maybe after a car... like Aston. Or any combination... what do you think? how can the Dingo change his image?

I think I'll go for Depp Aston.

Oscar Noms are in !

2005-01-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, of the major categories I got 25/30 (or 83.33%) on my predictions. Not bad, but still should've been smarter. Most notably - Ray as best picture (as I figured) and in Best Director (Though nobody saw Mike Leigh making the final cut). I had a feeling Eastwood would make it in as Best Actor, but didn't have the guts to predict it. But good for me - getting 5/5 for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. Just saw "Being Julia" and think that Bening deserves it. Winslet is a close second, but Bening is just phenominal... I'm seeing Vera Drake tomorrow so unless Staunton is pitch perfect, Bening deserves to win. You'll hear all my predictions and who should win as the big ceremony approaches.

Peace for now!

2005-01-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

The amazing Johnny Carson, 1925-2005. An American Treasure who will be sorely missed, but remembered forever. Thanks for the laughs!

Ryan's Oscar Picks

2005-01-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Well, only 2 days away from knowing who is going to be battling it out at the Oscars this year ... AND as always, I'll toss up my predictions of who that might be. I won't bore you with EVERY category... I'll just bore you with the major ones. Let the fun begin!

Best Picture
The Aviator
Sideways
Finding Neverland
Million Dollar Baby
Hotel Rwanda

The first four are locks, but the fifth slot is a toss up between three movies. Ray, Hotel Rwanda & Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Though Sunshine would be my pick, it may be too quirky and too old to register with voters. Ray is more likely to make the final five, but I'm hoping and feeling that if the academy is gonna pass over Eternal, that it's the powerful Hotel Rwanda that sneaks in. Surprise Nominee? Farenheit 9/11

Best Actor
Jamie Foxx in Ray
Leonardo DiCaprio in The Aviator
Johnny Depp in Finding Neverland
Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda
Javier Bardhem in The Sean Inside

Again, I feel the first four are locks (though Johnny Depp is most likely to be the surprise snub). Fighting it out for the last spot are Javier Bardhem, Paul Giamatti in Sideways and Liam Neeson in Kinsey. Kinsey seems to have lost a lot of steam and Giamatti seems destined for another snub (after last years American Splendor) which leaves the door open for Bardhem. Surprise nominee? Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby.

Best Actress
Annette Bening in Being Julia
Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby
Imelda Staunton in Vera Drake
Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Catalina Sandino Moreno in Maria Full of Grace

YET AGAIN, I think the first four are locks, but the fifth slot is a fight between Uma Thurman in Kill Bill and newcomer Cataline Sandino Moreno from Maria Full of Grace. I fear that if Uma was ignored for part one, they'll likely pass her over again. Besides, there has to be a 'shocker' nomination, and Catalina would provide that. Surprise nominee? Kim Basinger for The Door In The Floor.

Best Supporting Actor
Clive Owen in Closer
Morgan Freeman in Million Dollar Baby
Thomas Hayden Church in Sideways
Freddie Highmore in Finding Neverland
Jamie Foxx in Collateral

This is a tough category. Though the first three are locks for nominations, the final two spots depend on whether or not the academy is going to want to double nominate Foxx or spread the wealth. David Carridine as Bill in Kill Bill is more than deserving and is the veteran, but newcomer Freddie Highmore steals the show in Finding Neverland. I think in the end, Highmore will sneak in and Foxx will edge out Carridine (sadly).

Best Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett in The Aviator
Natalie Portman in Closer
Virginia Madsen in Sideways
Laura Linney in Kinsey
Sohpie Okonedo in Hotel Rwanda

The first three are a given for nominations and are the three most likley to duke it out for the win, but Linney and Okonedo are vulnerable. I think Okonedo will make the final cut as a "surprise nominee" and Linney could be bumped in a "surprise snub" for Kate Winslet's heartbreaking performance in Finding Neverland. In the end, I think Winslet will be edged out by Linney and Okonedo will deservingly make the final cut. Surprise nominee? Meryl Streep.

Best Director
Clint Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby
Martin Scorsese for The Aviator
Alexander Payne for Sideways
Marc Forster for Finding Neverland
Zhang Yimou for House of Flying Daggers

My heart is hoping the academy will nominate Michel Gondry's amazing directing of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, but it seems unlikely at this point. The first four nominees are a given, but the fifth slot is usually reserved for a "shocker" nominee, which would be suitable for Yimou. On the off chance the academy is going to be totally predictable, I think Mike Niichols will make it in for Closer. Surprise nominee? Michael Moore.

2005-01-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

She's got the Globe... now give her the Oscar!

Me, me, me, me, me, me

2005-01-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

So an update ! Well, things are going better at work ... I'm not AS miserable as I was. I think it's mostly because I've stopped caring. I know how to handle the people and I spend a lot of time in the filing room just sitting on the ladder. It's hard to get in trouble when you're hiding! So it's still not the most entertaining or fun job in the world, but I'm not miserable and coming home crying like a baby anymore. So yey!

Annette Bening won the Globe. So yey!

People always ask me "What's new?" and I always say "Absolutley nothing." and they yell at me like I'm full of shit. But as I try and write an update on myself, I realise I really am not. My life is as dull as they come. My goal right now are to see all the films nominated for the awards so I can give honest predictions. Last year I saw them all (except for the foreign and short form awards) and I plan to do the same this year - so if you wanna see anything, call me !! If it comes down to it, I'll just start seeing them alone at this theatre on my way home. Does that make me the biggest loser ever? I remember a rumour that a friend of mine started a while ago ... I had wanted to see First Wives Club really bad and nobody would see it with me so I said I'd see it alone. WELL next thing I know EVERYONE thinks I saw First Wives Club alone. Now, I'll admit I've watched it on City TV or Toronto 1 a few times alone - but never in the theatres. That I can remember anyways.

Other rumours that people spread about me ? That I get pedicures on a weekly basis. HA! I liked that one. That made it's way around Northview 2 years after I left.

Oh! Something else to tell you ... as some of you know, I've been working out and trying to get in shape as I'm going to Cuba in a few months for my cousins wedding. Well, I tell you. All these beautiful people around the world deserve all the credit and kudos in the world. It's so damn hard! I kill myself to try and look and feel good, and I'm still fat and I feel like crap! Everyone said "oh after the first few times at the gym you'll become addicted." I tell you now, there is NOTHING addictive about it. Sweating and grunting and moaning with complete strangers. Yuck! Then the whole showering and changing process? Disgusting. Why is it ALWAYS the fattest/ugliest people who are the most confident with their appearance who insist on showin us all their danglies and wobblies ?!?! No thank you. I walk in to walls as I run out of there with my eyes closed. It's sick! And you know that there is one person who is gonna be peeping and prying to see whose got what and I don't want nobody lookin at me while I'm in my birthday suit. I'll tell you this... Seinfeld is right, the Male body is just gross. I don't know how there aren't more lesbians and less gays... but hey! Whatever.

Meryl Streep makes me laugh.

I'm going to eat dinner now. I think I'm having Kraft Dinner, which means I better be withing running distance of a toilet afterwards. There's just something about that stuff that my body does not agree with. Take Care everyone !! And remember, dying is easy - it's living that scares me to death.

Peace!

(Note, I don't re read or edit these posts - so sorry for grammar and spelking)

My Globe Predictions

2005-01-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

How'd I do ? Well ... I don't think very good ...

I got 5 / 8 for movies ...

and 4 / 8 for tv ...

damn ... that's weak ! Oh well, my "who will get nominated for oscar" predictions will be soon !! YEY !!

Award Shows and my unhealthy obsession ...

2005-01-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that I may have a sick and unhealthy obsession... Awards Shows. Now, there are those shows which I don't care for (like the People's Choice) - but for the most part, I love 'em. I'm addicted. I try and predict not only who wins, but who is going to be nominated. I get bent out of shape over who gets snubbed and who gets into the final nominations. I also hold bitter grudges over people who undeservingly win (Hello Halle Berry, I'm talkin to you!). With the Golden Globes coming up and the Oscar nominations about to be announced - I find myself becoming increasingly stressed over the thought of Annette Bening and Kate Winslet being snubbed again. But to make matters worse, everyone (including myself) is predicting that it will again be Hilary Swank who takes the gold. Now, you reading this is like "uh huh, whatever" or "what? who is hilary swank?" - and that's HEALTHY ! That's not SICK! Me? I lose sleep over these thoughts. My hair falls out. I eat bad foods! I pace. I get angry. I stress. This is not healthy! Why do I become so involved?! Why do these stupid statues and who they go to mean so much to me!? Why do I wake up early every year to see who gets nominated live on Star!- then race to the computer vent on who was snubbed !! I think my only way to cure this is to create the Ryan Awards. Make 'em an annual thing and convince myself that they are the only awards that matter. Then, I will never be disappointed !! So get ready for the Ryan Awards... COMING SOON TO THE DINGO WAY ...

kELie's New Sound

2005-01-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know ... kELie is my car. In the last few weeks, she became ill - I blew her front, right speaker. SOOOO... today I went to this little store to get her "fixed". They installed new speakers and charged me $95 and the sound is totally different !! What the hell ?! I liked my car the way she was. I liked to be able to feel the vibrations throughout my whole car. NOW ?! NOW ?! It's tin-like and vibration-less ... on the plus side, you can play it very loud and the voices don't get distorted. I played Celine's "ALL BY MYSELF" full blast down Yonge Street with my windows open. It was like minus 15 degrees and I froze my nards off, but it was worth it to hear her hit that high B. Wow! Oh well, that's all.

(PS - Brad & Jen - get back together and have babies for me! Please?)

(PPS - Request the new Mariah song at all radio stations now!)

2005-01-08T22:52:00.000-07:00

The way it was ...

R.I.P. Brad & Jen...

2005-01-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

Well, for some of us... today is a sad day. It was announced that superstars Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston have separated. There has been no talk of divorce *yet*, so I'm holding out for the reconcile... but deep inside I know it's over. why! Why! WHY! I thought this one would last... First Demi and Bruce... then Nicole and Tom... and now Brad and Jen ! What is this world coming to ?!

I'm sorry to say, but it appears that Nick and Jessica are my last hope... and I don't know, something tells me I shouldn't be holding my breath.

Anyways, R.I.P. Brad & Jen ... I cherish the memories that you have given us all ...

She's baaaack !

2005-01-08T05:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been waiting for this moment for some time... but guess who is back. Yep! MARIAH ! The new song is "It's Like That" featuring Fatman Scoop and Jermaine Dupri hit the airwaves this week and is getting rave reviews !! Personally, I'll be honest... it's a great song ! I still like her "Always Be My Baby" and "Fantasy" a bit better, but Mariah can do no wrong. She's awesome!! Anywho... You must check her out y'all ! You might like it too !! The album The Emancipation of Mimi is due in stores at the end of March. YEY ! SHE'S BACK !

Golden Globe Awards

2005-01-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, knows my addiction to awards shows. You know how pumped I get for the shows, then how mad and angry I get when my favourites don't win. I never change. The Globes are coming up and I thought I'd share with you my picks and who I think will win/shoul win. If you want the whole nominees, go find 'em yourself. I'm just posting who I think will win !

MOVIES
Best Picture (Drama)
Will Win: The Aviator
Should Win: Finding Neverland
Best Picture (Musical Comedy)
Will Win: Sideways
Should Win: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Best Actor (Musical/Comedy)
Will Win: Jamie Foxx
Should Win: Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Best Actor (Drama)
Will Win: Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda
Should Win: Don Cheadle in Hotel Rwanda
Best Actress (Musica/Comedy)
Will Win: Annette Bening in Being Julia or Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Should Win: Annette Bening in Being Julia or Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Best Actress (Drama)
Will Win: Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby
Should Win: Imelda Staunton in Vera Drake
Best Supporting Actor
Will Win: Thomas Hayden Church in Sideways
Should Win: Clive Owen in Closer
Best Supporting Actress
Will Win: Virginia Madsen in Sideways
Should Win: Virginia Madsen in Sideways

TV
Best Drama
Will Win: The Sopranos
Should Win: Lost
Best Comedy
Will Win: Arrested Development (or Desperate Housewives)
Should Win: Arrested Development
Best Actor (Drama)
Will Win: James Spader in Boston Legal
Should Win: Denis Leary in Rescue Me
Best Actress (Drama)
Will Win: Mariska Hargitay in Law & Order SVU
Should Win: Mariska Hargitay in Law & Order SVU
Best Actor (Comedy)
Will Win: Jason Bateman in Arrested Development
Should Win: Jason Batemane in Arrested Development
Best Actress (Comedy)
Will Win: Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex & The City
Should Win: None of 'em. Jane Kaczmarek from Malcolm in the Middle should win - but she's not nominated (you bastards!)
Best Supporting Actor (on any TV medium)
Will Win: William Shatner in Boston Legal
Should Win: Oliver Platt in Huff
Best Supporting Actress (on any TV medium)
Will Win: Drea De Matteo in The Sopranos
Should Win: Drea De Matteo in The Sopranos

Ryan's Picks

2005-01-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

Because what I like is all that matters, I'm going to tell you the things you need to be listening to, reading and/or watching...

Music
Katie Melua Call Off The Search
Anita Baker My Everything
Seal Best of 1991 - 2004 (Two Disc Special Edition)
Dido Life For Rent
Norah Jones Feels Like Home
Diana Krall The Girl In The Other Room

Movies
Current ...
Finding Neverland
Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Maria Full of Grace
Older ...
Adaptation
Lost in Translation
Saving Grace
A Bug's Life

Television
Lost (ABC)
Arrested Development (Fox)
The Amazing Race (CBS)
X-Files (Re-runs)
Friends (Re-runs)
Seinfeld (Re-runs)

Books
"Yeah, I Said It" Wanda Sykes
"Tracey Takes On" Tracey Ullman

2005 !

2005-01-01T01:17:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's already 2005. It's now, 2:21am on January 1st, 2004. It doesn't really feel like 2005 to me... there wasn't any build up to it - at all ! Sort of a let down ... and with Dick Clarke in the hospital, I mean - what's the point ! But with the new year comes the new years resolutions. Mine are usually the same... but what the heck! Here are my 10 new years resolutions:

1. Get in good, physical shape. Like Lester Burnham says in American Beauty "I wanna look good naked!"

2. Pay off my car. I love my kELie, but shit she's costly. It's time to get some weight off my cheque book. By this time next year, the bank will own 0% of her !!

3. Be less judgmental. Though I find my sarcastic, rude, insulting comments about fat, ugly, nerdy, lazy, useless people to be funny - others don't. And since my family and friends mean so much to me... I'll stop judging them. I will reserve my comments to total strangers only.

4. Get a Chinchilla or a Ferrett and name him/her Dingo, after his/her daddy (me).

5. Read more. People tell me that comics and cereal boxes apparantley do NOT count as "reading" ... thus, I will make it a goal to read a book. People rave of this Davinci's Code or something, but I think I'll start off with Wanda Syke's "Yeah, I Said It."

6. Donate money to the Toronto Humane Society. Every Sunday morning I come across those sad tv shows with washed up canadian actors like Alan Thicke or that Alex Trebeck guy - or the delightful Betty White telling stories of abused dogs and cats ... the one about Honey the poor three legged Rotweiler absolutely broke my heart... and I always say "I have to give money to help out dogs like Honey!" but I never do. This year will be the year that I help Honey out.

7. Get in touch with old friends. I have lost touch with so many great people - and though most of them probably have totally forgotten me or never knew me to begin with, I would love to get in touch with them somehow and just say "hey! what's up!".

8. Continue to support Mariah. Hey, if I continued to support her through Glitter, there's no way I'm leavin her side now. She's my girl!

9. Why I feel I need 10 resolutions, I don't know. They're getting pretty weak... but uh... how about... hmmm... oh! Be more responsible with my money. In 2002 my money went to movies, DVDs, CDs and fast foods. Since then I have totally cut out fast food, with the exception to the occassional Swiss Chalet's "TAKE OUT", which hardly counts. I refuse to pay to see movies like Cabin Fever or Dreamcatcher (though The Grudge sucked ass and I paid for that), instead I pay for only good ones like "Enternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" or "Finding Neverland" ONLY! My spending on DVDs and CDs has dropped considerably, but must continue to do so. My spending habbits will be under control in '05.

10. Love life. Enjoy life. Be happy. Be grateful. And to not change one damn thing about myself!

2004-12-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

This is me opening SEAL: BEST OF 1991-2004 on Christmas with Santa Clause. Please ignore the chins! Although, it is better to have 'em and not need 'em, than it is to need 'em and not have 'em. Also, it's more comfortable to play the violin !!

I like to talk about me

2004-12-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and I wish everyone a wicked New Year !! Myself? I can't complain too much. Santa did forget that 53" big screen tv that I had asked for, but like my mom says, it probably couldn't fit in the sleigh. Maybe next year ... I did get Arrested Development: The Complete First Season on DVD and I have to say - this is, without question, the FUNNIEST show ever created. If you haven't seen it yet, come on over and I'll get you hooked. I also got the Best of SEAL 1991-2004 and this guy is so underrated it makes me sick. He's awesome! I don't like male singers, but this guy rocks my world. From "Don't Cry" to "Love's Divine", the guy just cannot make a bad song. I also got the most comfortable slippers on the face of this planet. They are American Eagle and the fact that I like 'em says a lot, cuz I hate things on my feet. Socks, shoes, sandles, slippers, hair, warts - you name it, I hate it. Go barefoot whenever I can. Always have, always will... but these slippers rule! Other than those gifts which jump out at me, it was socks and underwear as usual.

I got 3 days off from work over the holidays, and I wish it was more. I'm back workin and it sucks royally. ROYALLY ! Is this what I have to look forward to for another 40 years ? If so, shoot me now.

Is it ruder to NOT shake someone's hand when you've been picking your nose, or is it ruder to say "I'm sorry, I'd shake your hand, but I was just picking my nose." - cuz I think it's ruder to shake their hand. I wouldn't want someone to shake my hand if I knew there might be dry nose boogies on 'em.

Ahh... in the time that I last posted on my blog, I turned 22 years old. I can honestly say that this is the first birthday I have had where I remember waking up feeling older. It was like it hit me like a brick. I feel old! It sucks. My biggest concerns are the amount of hair that is falling out of my head and the new wrinkles that are appearing. It's like that ad says: "I love my father... I'm just in no hurry to look like him." I don't want to be 25 and bald with wrinkles. Any suggestions on how to stop the aging process dead in its tracks?

I'll end with this... my music pick of the week! No, it's not a Mariah CD - why? cuz you all know that you should have every album by her by now anyways... but no, the person I am picking is a relative unknown - but I hope to change all that. The album is "Call of the Search" and the artist is Katie Melua. She's incredible. Only 20 years old or so with a voice that is just stunning. I highly reccommend you try and hear it ... once you do, you'll be hooked like I am !

Happy New Year Y'All !

Welcome back!

2004-12-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

Oopsy! I sort of kind of forgot about my blog! Don't know when I last posted, but know it was not in the past month. Oh well, I'm back now to keep you up to date on things. First things first...

I would like to send my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of all those affected by the horrific tsunami's that have taken so many innocent lives. I pray that with the help of the international community that the recovery and rebuilding processes are as fast as humanly possible so that you may begin to heal.

Secondly, I would like to send my condolences to the family, friends and fans of actor Jerry Orbach. I am a huge fan of Law & Order and absolutely loved him. Though he lost a courageous battle agaisnt cancer, the memories he has given us all will live on forever. We'll miss ya!

What else I have to say is much less significant than the above, so I feel it should be in a separate entry...

Vivid Dreamin'

2004-11-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a night! Woke up this morning truly not knowing what day it was or exactly what the hell happened the night before. I realise now that I had a night of vivid dreamin'! Let me tell you how it began...

A bunch of us were eating dinner when Kristiina says "Ryan, are you going out with Greg tonight?" to which I replied... "No, I wasn't invited. Besides, I'm going raptor hunting up north... I can't make it." So we finished eating our cake and the next thing I know I'm in this dense forest with this old man who is in really good shape for his age, and we're wearing these orange goggles that allow us to see Raptors somehow... but mine are broken and keep fogging up. Suddenly we're attacked by two raptors (the dinosaur, not the basketball players) and so we run up a tree and the raptors are right behind us, but I notice that these raptors appear to have baleen and not razor sharp teeth... so as they climb the tree, I push myself up by shoving their faces! These Raptors, I realise, are helping me up the tree !!

So anyways, I think the old man died... I'm not sure where he went but at the top of the tree was a mountain! On top of the mountain was a massive old cottage. The raptors have decended the tree and I'm all alone now. That is until I walk on to a back porch of this cottage and see my aunt out the back reading a book and my uncle shaving! There was a really heavy fog too, which made it really creepy. So my uncle stops to tell me that my tires aren't quite ready and I didn't seem to care as I walked right past them both to the front of the cottage. And in my head I'm like "wow, this place would be great if it had a huge floating dock" and BAM! one appears. So I walk on, trip and fall - and the dock detaches from the land and starts skimming across the water! So I'm out in the middle of this lake now and I'm looking back at the cottage and I see my family is spread out all over the land - and my father parked his Intrigue in the lake!!! I was like "DAD! DAD! It'll rust!" and he didn't hear me, so he left it there. And then my Uncle Jeff, aka Uncle Fuff, was down at the dock and he was wearing cranks (his shorts were up over his boobies) and he dives in the water and his suit comes off! Then I see all my cousins on the porch laughing pointing at my uncles white ass !! I then start thinking "wow, I can't believe it's Sunday and my weekend is over already..." and that's why when I woke up I thought it was Monday!

If anyone knows what this dream might mean, I'd appreciate an answer! THANKS!

BTW... raptors with baleen aren't scary at all. They're quite cute!

A Multitude of Topics

2004-11-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

It appears it has been two years since my last entry. Not really, but Jim Carrey rules.

It has been a while since my last entry; mostly because my time is consumed by working, sleeping and more sleeping. A lot has happened in since my last entry and I won't bother addressing it all; but I will speak on a few serious issues.

1. George Bush back as president. I have always been one of those people that thought of Canada and America as brothers - sure we fight and argue sometimes, but the love and bond is there no matter what. I love the States and respect its citizens, but I have to ask: what the hell are you thinking? Okay, so I'm not exactly an expert when it comes to politics. In fact, I know nothing about the subject. Literally. I mean, I know a few terms like Congress and House of Commons and President, but that's about it. Yet still, I have never heard a country complain as much about their leader as I have the USA and yet they still re-elect him. I can't wait till Oprah Winfrey runs for President; ain't no way she'd lose!

2. American Idol. Yes, I'm obsessed with this show and am thankful November is here. Every week in November some American Idol contestant is releasing an album. BUT I have to ask, where is La Toya London. Anyone who knows music knows this girl can sang. That's right, sang. She should've won hands down, even over Fantasia. Yet I haven't heard about her even signing a record contract. I love Kelly Clarkson, like Fantasia and even don't mind Diana DeGarmo, but La Toya is where it's at. Someone sign her to a label and get out an album so I can spend more money!

3. Lost. If you're not watching, you're missing out. As many of you know I've been in mourning since Melrose Place left the air. My life hasn't been the same without Amanda, Billy, Sidney or Kimberley. But alas, ABC brings me LOST: hands down the most retarded show on earth where polar bears and monsters live on a beautiful, lush island in the tropics with plane crash survivors who don't lose weight or mess their makeup up no matter how long they've been there. Yet, the show is truly addictive. It's no Melrose Place, no show ever will be, but it's as addictive as TV is gonna get. Also, my other addiction, The O.C. returns in less than a week!

4. Mariah Carey. You knew it was coming. I've had a blogger for how long and she hasn't been mentioned at all. Well, it seems the new album and single have been delayed. So while all those haters out there can breathe easy - for now, I must sit and cry and listen to those classic oldies. "And then a hero comes along..."

5. Finally, Work. If this is what "the working world" is all about, I ain't game. It's 7 hours (at least) a day of feeling like a useless boob. It is working endlessly to feel you've accomplished nothing! It is getting yelled at for other people's mistakes. It is being afraid to go poo in public toilets forcing you drive 29 minutes all the way home to use your own toilet. But then again, every other Friday (PAY DAY!) makes all that seem a little worth while...

Ten Years Time

2004-10-30T11:29:00.000-06:00

Here are the lyrics to my new favourite song. It's called "Ten Years Time" by Gabrielle.

Do you have a vision?
Do you have a goal?
I'm watching you shrugging your shoulders
Telling me you just don't know
Do you get emotional?
Is there something you're passionate about?
I can tell that you're still searching
Still trying to work it all out
It takes time
Take your time
You will know when it feels right

Where you gonna be in ten years time?
And will you be happy with the way
You've been living your life
Will you be alright?
Cos when you're looking back to now on the
years gone by
Will there be something that you say that
You should've done right in your life?

What would you fight for?
For what do you stand?
How would you go about it?
And do you have a master plan?
What are your demons?
And how much for your soul?
Or have you found religion and gone down that road?
I guess we all need something to believe,
Times haven't changed
That's how it's gotta be

Where you gonna be in ten years time?
And will you be happy with the way
you've been living your life
Will you be alright?
Cos when you're looking back to now on the
years gone by
Will there be something that you say that
You should've done right in your life?

Are you a dreamer?
Tell me all your dreams
Can you say honestly what you want to be?
What would you do when your back's against the wall?
Could you stand on your two feet?
Would you admit defeat?
These are the times we need to be strong
Don't you know, Don't you know that it's hard
But we learn, we find a way
We gotta find a way to carry on

Emma Thompson is my cure.

2004-10-29T17:47:00.000-06:00

Have you ever seen a movie where a performance just stays with you ? Days, weeks, months even years after you've seen it - it's still in your mind. Well, I have such a performance... it's from the movie LOVE ACTUALLY and it's Emma Thompson's peformance as the supportive wife who gets burned by her husband (played by Alan Rickman (a man I wish was my father, if I didn't have a father I'm perfectly happy with having)). If you haven't seen this movie, it's worth it just for Emma Thompson! I watch it all the time - just her scenes... when I'm happy, sad - whatever! She brings me back to earth again.

I would love to know if any of you have performances that just stick with you. Recent performances that have stuck with me are Mark Wahlberg in I (heart) Huckabees, Kirsten Dunst in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Sissy Spacek & Tom Wilkinson in In The Bedroom, Shorheh Agdashloo in House of Sand and Fog and Bill Murray in Lost in Translation.

On TV, people that I relate to most are Pheobe Buffay on Friends, Karen Walker on Will & Grace, Gil Grissom on CSI, and of course Fox Mulder from X-Files. I can watch all these people endlessly. But why! I wanna know what it is about all these characters that intrigues me so much... Oh well, so long as they're in my life, I'm a happy guy !

2004-10-29T17:43:00.000-06:00

On of my favourite pics. I've edited it, but that's me and Tiki. Loves it!

A Bad Day

2004-10-28T17:19:00.000-06:00

It was all going so well ! Woke up after a pretty sound sleep and went to go pee pee. Most of it made it in the bowl - that's pretty good for a 6:43am pee pee. Go out to see mommy has bought me Frosted Flakes! A day with Tony the Tiger is a day like no other in my books. Hopped in the shower and sang along to some good ol' Carly Simon hits - and got ALL the words right to "You're So Vain". It was exciting! Got dressed and felt good - didn't feel bloated or groggly; was walking shoulders back, head high and a smile on my face. Drove to work without encountering the slightest of a**holes; but it was all a sham! Just a big sham...
Days like this just suck the life right out of you. Make you ask yourself a lot of questions, most of which you have no answer to. It was the kind of day where being allowed to tell people to "GET THE F**K AWAY FROM ME!" would feel unbelievably good (a la Clementine to Patrick in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). It's hard to put in to words the kind of day I had - mostly because if ever a boss or fellow employee came on and read what I had to say, I know pretty soon my desk would packed (not like there's much to pack anyways - some breath mints and a mirror). Days like today make me question why I ever entered the industry I'm in - automotive, for those who don't know. Are we all crooks? Is being dishonest and unfair the only way to be successful? Anyone who knows me knows I'm passionate about cars; but lately the passion is beginning to fade. "The Customer is always right" is what I was taught, but in this industry there are many exceptions... mainly "The customer is always right, unless it costs us money or inconvenience." I am constantly hounded and chewed out by people because of the mistakes that they make and rarely hear a "Thank you" - and if I do, it's not genuine.
When you're having a bad day, it only makes it all worse when your own mind wanders and you cause a major "F**K UP". It's one of those things that as soon as you've done it - whether you've just hit the enter key on the computer to process something or hung up the phone without getting a name or number or saying something you shouldn't to someone you shouldn't say something to: that one moment when in your head you say "OH.HOLy.S**T!!" - but it's too late. Gawd I hate those moments. Today, I had to have it as I was leaving. As I was anxiously looking to put the bad day behind me and drive home to a little Diana Krall... when I had to make a bad day even worse. Of course, driving home - not Diana, not Norah, not Gloria Estefan or Deborah Cox could console me. Not even Mariah Carey could perk my spirits. And it was as if on the way home the driving gods decided to put every son-of-a-bit**, as*hole driver RIGHT in my path. The ones who have no clue what an indicator is or what the 100km/h signs at the side of the highway mean.
(This is a long entry, I know, but I had a bad friggin day!)
Anywho, at this point my mind is telling me 100 different things. " Quit! Stay! Call in sick! Get out of the auto industry! Stay in the auto industry! Cry! Laugh! Run! Hide! Stand tall! Be Strong!" Emotionally, I'm spent... physically, I'm sore... mentally, I'm gone... But I realise that today was a bad day in a string of bad days. This one particularly bad, but a string of bad days nonetheless. I am making money working - but I'm also taking an emotional and mental sh*t kicking. Is it worth my sanity to suck it up and stick around? Could it get better? How long do I give it? Is it just the bad day making things appear worse than they are? What? What what what !!

Once I got home and had my little fix of Emma Thompson in 'Love Actually', I seemed somewhat human again. But still, I really really hate having bad days.

Easy Things - Am I a Moron ?

2004-10-28T04:42:00.000-06:00

One thing I really hate are "easy" things. Whether it be an "easy way to get to work" or an "easy crossword puzzle"; I hate it when people label things as easy. Have you ever had someone put something in front of you and said "Don't worry, it's easy to do." and you sit there just staring at it with that "What the f**k?" expression on your face. All you can think about are those two damn words the person said: "It's easy." They repeat over and over in your head and you feel like the biggest moron on the planet. If it's so damn easy then why the hell has it taken me 20 minutes to even begin to try to do it !! Or the "easy question" ... if there is an easy question, the answer should be easy to, no? I say, if you have an easy question - you yourself should know the answer. Don't make me feel like a complete tool by adding the "easy" in there. Just say "a question". Just say "a crossword". Just say anything, but do NOT add the "easy" in there!!

The Dingo.

The First Entry ...

2004-10-26T15:55:00.000-06:00

So it's my first entry at "The Dingo Way". This has to be good. It sets the whole mood for my 'blogger'. First impressions are everything. I guess I should start by explaining why I created this blog. My friend Michael B. sent me this site so I can rant and rave and carry on about everything I love and everything I hate; things I'm passionate about and things that astound me; things that make me happy and things that piss me off. If any of you have ever read one of my long, non-sensical e-mails, you'll know that I like to rant.

If you're ever curious as to what's happening in my life or in the lives of people around me - visit here and you'll here my take on it all. I'm very opinionated and am very open to discussions and debates ... please feel free to write whatever you feel in response to my rants.

Sincerely,

The Dingo (aka Ryan Troy)