'Once Upon a Time' Steveston to Storybrooke

Snow White and Prince Charming had their passionate
reunion in front of the Marine Garage in season 1 finale

When I first moved to the Vancouver area, I lived near Steveston which is a small fishing village within a larger city of Richmond which is located near Vancouver. It reminded me a lot of the small village I came from in Ontario so that's probably why I instantly liked it...that and it was also featured as Steveston, Massachusetts in an episode of the 'X-Files' in its first season.

Steveston has been featured in many films and television shows, the latest being the big breakout hit of last season 'Once Upon a Time' where it is known as Storybrooke, Maine. 'Once' brings the classic Disney fairytales to life as the characters navigate the modern world. In the first season, only a few characters knew their origin, however, in the season finale magic was released and lifted the curse so now everyone remembers who they are...enter season 2. 'Once' is my favourite guilty pleasure, it is the perfect light fare to start the week. Season 2 debuts September 30.

Here are some of pictures I took this summer when visiting Steveston. You can also follow @Steveston on Twitter. Do visit Steveston when you have the opportunity, it has lots to offer...aside from some television magic.



Storybrooke Town Hall, aka Fort Langley

 

Sign in the toy store in Steveston





Granny's Diner

This is an actual functioning bakery
in Steveston aka Storybrooke

Rumpelstiltskin's hangout aka Mr. Gold






Mr. Gold's storefront 

'Homeland'

Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison and Damian Lewis
as Nick Brody in 'Homeland'

The 64th Emmy Awards air on Sunday, one of the television shows nominated this year, is 'Homeland'. It has been nearly one year since this show debuted and what a year it has been. There are only a handful of TV programs that I really truly adore and are must-see for me (in no particular order) these are 'Mad Men', 'The Newsroom', 'Boardwalk Empire', 'Justified' and 'Homeland'.

The premise for 'Homeland' revolves around a returning prisoner of war from Iraq, Nicholas Brody played by Damian Lewis, whose outward demeanor of a returning American war hero may not be all that he appears to be. Claire Danes plays a CIA agent, Carrie Mathison, who suspects Brody has something to hide...and is determined to find out what it is. It is rather surprising that this show was an almost immediate hit when it first aired on Showtime given the current political climate in the US.

The writing is superb, which is supported by a stellar cast which is rounded out by Mandy Patinkin and Morena Baccarin. Memorable episodes in season 1 for me were 'The Weekend' where Mathison and Brody spent a couple of days together finding out more about each other and themselves, amazing. The second standout episode for me is the first season finale 'Marine One', the interaction between Brody and his daughter which took place primarily by phone is intense, suspenseful and heart breaking.

Below is the trailer for season 2 which starts September 30. The choir heard in the trailer singing the Police's 'Ever Breath You Take' is Belgium's Scala & Kolacny Brothers.

Reports are that Claire Danes is the odds-on favourite to win the Best Actress Emmy and hopefully Damian will win Best Actor, they certainly deserve it.

Summer 2012 Reflections

Today is the first day of Fall, can't believe how quickly the summer has gone by. Here are some of my favourite photos I took this summer.


MacKenzie Beach, Tofino

Garibaldi Mountain, Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler

Little Qualicum Falls, Vancouver Island

Lighthouse at Wild Pacific Coast Trail, Ucluelet

Shannon Falls, Squamish

Howe Sound,  Sea to Sky Highway

Bridal Falls, Chilliwack

Orca topiary, Victoria

Yin and Yan

Near Little Qualicum Falls, Vancouver Island. Waiting for the train...reminds me of 'Stand by Me'.




Aaron Sorkin Talks 'The Newsroom' with Charlie Rose

As evidenced by previous posts, I am a big fan of Aaron Sorkin's writing. He discusses his writing process with Charlie Rose in the interview below. Jeff Daniels and Emily Mortimer discuss their roles as Will McAvoy and Mackenzie McHale (respectively) on HBO's "The Newsroom". If you like the process of creating a show, you will enjoy this discussion. Aaron is very passionate about his writing, so much so he broke his nose rehearsing some of the dialogue, ouch! Now that's suffering for your art. "The Newsroom" airs Sunday nights at 9:00pm (Pacific) on HBO.

Writers' Corner - The Emmys 2012 Round Table

From left to right: Glen Mazzara, Graham Yost, Alex Gansa,
Liz Meriwether and Vince Gilligan Source: LA Times

How often have you heard an actor say "It all starts with the writing"? Hopefully, if they care about the project, you will hear this a lot. For me, it's all about the writing first and foremost. Actors can only do so much to make the material interesting, intelligent and engaging if it's not already written that way. This past week, I saw a tweet with a link to the Los Angeles Times '2012 Emmys Round Table' panel discussions. Of particular interest to me, is the writers' panel featuring showrunners Graham Yost of "Justified," Glen Mazzara of "The Walking Dead," Elizabeth Meriwether of "New Girl," Alex Gansa of "Homeland" and Vince Gilligan of "Breaking Bad" and moderator Los Angeles Times' television editor Martin Miller. A very interesting discussion, especially if you watch these shows - I watch all but 'Breaking Bad'. I would love to be a fly on the wall in these writers' rooms.

The nominations for the 64th Emmys will be announced July 19.

Note: the panel discussion is broken into 5 videos, click on the grey headings underneath to see all.

Tall, Tall Trees - Cathedral Grove

On the way to Ucluelet-Tofino is MacMillan Provincial Park, also knows as 'Cathedral Grove' which is home to some of the most magnificent old growth forest in Canada and perhaps the world. Some of these trees (mostly Douglas Fir) are up to 800 years old, the youngest 300 years. They are some of tallest and largest trees I have ever seen. Signs cautioned visitors to exit the park in case of high winds and it is easy to see why, one would not want these giants to fall down. Spectacular and breathtaking, pictures really do not do them justice.

Ucluelet - Tofino Trip

Canada is a vast country, its provinces are no exception. They are huge expanses of land which holds many beautiful and wonderful adventures. I have lived in British Columbia for almost 18 years and have only seen a small portion of it, mostly driving through the interior to the Rockies over a decade ago.

One of the places that I have always wanted to visit is Ucluelet-Tofino, located on the westcoast of Vancouver Island. Two very small villages tucked away on some of the most beautiful beaches in BC and Canada. I read that Tofino is considered a 'must see' on many bucket lists. A gateway to Pacific Rim National Park and Clayoquot Sound, two of the most spectacular natural treasures in Canada and the world.

Last week, I spent a few days in Ucluelet-Tofino and it was everything that I had hoped for. Gorgeously rugged scenery, endless ocean and the soothing sound of the waves. It was well worth the wait. We stayed at the Best Western Tin Wis, which has a beautiful view of the ocean and is set right on Mackenzie Beach. Their staff is very helpful and the rooms are perfect. I would definitely stay there again. Hopefully, it won't take me another 18 years to make a return visit. Below are some of my favourite pictures.

Ucluelet - Amphitrite Point Lighthouse

Ucluelet - Wild Pacific Trail



At Incinerator Rock, Long Beach, Tofino

Surfer at Mackenzie Beach, Tofino



View from the hotel room at Mackenzie Beach, Tofino

"Twilight Breaking Dawn - Part 2" New Trailer

Today, is Edward Cullen's 111th birthday and to celebrate this fictional birthday, Summit Entertainment (Lionsgate) has released the new trailer for "Twilight Breaking Dawn - Part 2". It looks great, looking forward to Michael Sheen's return as Aro. Just 149 days til November 16!

"Touch" Goes for the Heart and Soul

Martin and Jake Bohm (Kiefer Sutherland and David Mazouz)

One of the more pleasant mid-season replacements this past television season was the show 'Touch' (Thursday's at 8pm). It airs on GlobalTV in Canada. 'Touch' is an amazing blend of great writing, acting and stories that are sometimes borrowed from real headlines and at times seem based on our own lives. It tells the story of Martin Bohm, played by Kiefer Sutherland, former reporter and widower. His wife died in the World Trade Centre on 9/11. His son, Jake, played by the very talented David Mazouz, is 11 and has chosen not to speak. He communicates via numbers and patterns, which lead them to various intrigues and adventures each week.

The premise is that everyone in the world is connected somehow, sometimes directly, through other people, situations, etc. All the world is a village and we are all participants in a beautiful play. Most episodes have two or three storylines that start independent of one another and by the end of the show, the threads come together to create a cohesive and wonderful story.

What impressed me most is that this quality show has found a home and audience on network television. I may be showing my bias here, usually this type of programming finds itself on cable networks. Actors are often shown speaking in their native language with subtitles, it lends a sense of authenticity. Even though we may know little of other cultures, we somehow do find common ground in the respective storylines. As the saying goes "the world really is small" and with the increase in use of handheld communication devices, etc. that is even more true now then before.

If you have not had an opportunity to check out "Touch", please do so, you will not be disappointed. You can follow "Touch" on Twitter and 'like' it on Facebook.

Roger Waters The Wall Live in Vancouver May 26

I have always wanted to see Pink Floyd live, the closest I will come was on Saturday, May 26, 2012 when I attended Roger Waters The Wall Live show at BC Place Stadium. A near sell-out crowd settled in for an exciting evening of great music and images projected on a 400 foot digital video screen. It was incredible!! A true once-in-a-lifetime experience which I will not soon forget!

Below are some pictures. Not the best quality but no flash photography was allowed.

Pre-show, the white wall will be completed during first half of show.
400 foot long digital video wall.

Roger Waters - at 68 years young, no signs of slowing down

Not another brick in the wall!

Pigs do fly!

Waiting for the worms - march of the hammers

Breaking Free - Peggy's Journey on "Mad Men"

Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) beginning her career as
copy writer at Sterling Cooper. Source: Google Images

For nearly five seasons we have followed the professional and personal journey of Peggy Olson, played by the much under-rated Elisabeth Moss, on "Mad Men".
Peggy started out as the fresh-faced young woman, straight from her parents' home in 1960 Brooklyn to the bright lights of Manhattan as secretary to Don Draper, ad executive at Sterling Cooper. A young woman, with a girl's wardrobe trying to fit in a male-dominated industry as well as navigating the straits and narrows of the secretarial pool. Wide-eyed and pony-tailed, ready to face the world, sort of.

Who can forget Peggy's first day at Sterling Cooper ("Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"), as she is being coached by the worldly Joan Holloway (now Harris) who informs her to "show a little leg" and arranges a doctor's appointment to obtain contraceptives. The slight boost in confidence Peggy achieves from just being in this new environment, leads her to presume what her role is to be at Sterling Cooper in relation to what Don would expect from her. She misguidedly puts her hand on Don's; he removes it and says "I'm your boss, not your boyfriend." Thus sets the tone for what would become a complex relationship between them, especially as she moved from being Don's secretary/copywriter in only 5 episodes.

At the beginning of season 2 (1962-1963), Peggy is now solely a copywriter and ready to show Don that she can play in his sandbox. People speculate as to how she rose through the ranks so quickly; we later learn in the episode "The New Girl" that Don visited her in the hospital when she had Pete Campbell's baby, who she gave up for adoption. Don told her to move forward and forget this ever happened. This is also the episode that she bails Don and his latest conquest out of jail after they are in an accident. By the end of season 2 ("The Mountain King"), she has moved into Freddy Rumsen's office, who was fired, as Roger Sterling said "You young women are very aggressive." I would say 'assertive'.

Peggy's coming into her own in season 3 (1964). She has moved to Manhattan, much to her mother's dismay, and is asserting herself more at work. In the episode "The Fog" she and Pete are wooed by Duck Phillips who wants to create his own ad agency. He tells Peggy "You're a freewheeling career gal with great ideas," Duck later tells Peggy. "This is your time." When she later meets with Don and asks for a raise, she is quickly rebuffed Peggy tells Don she wants a raise in pay equal to the men. “It's not going to happen,” Don says. He's fighting for paper clips these days. "I look at you and I think, 'I want what he has,'" Peggy replies. "You have everything and so much of it." Her request denied, Peggy departs, asking, "What if this is my time?" By the end of season 3 ("Shut the Door, Have a Seat") another exchange between Don orders Peggy to have work completed by Sunday, she says "You just assume I'll do whatever you say." "I'm not gonna beg you," Don says. "Beg me? You didn't even ask me," she says, declining the proposition. Don later visits her at her apartment and apologizes for regarding her as an extension of himself. "Will you help me?" he asks. Peggy suggests that should she refuse, Don will never speak to her again. "I will spend the rest of my life trying to hire you," he counters. He brought her with him to the new company Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce (SCDP).

Season 4 (1965) starts with the Sugarberry Ham publicity stunt, which somewhat backfires on Peggy and Pete, Don is not amused and lambastes Peggy, "all we want to do is please you" she retorts. By episode 6 "Waldorf Stories" Peggy pats herself on the back with her involvement with the Glo-Coat commercial and accurately predicts that it will win a Clio award. Don gives her no such affirmation, instead orders her to get along with the newly-hired male copywriter and sends them to a hotel room to work on the Vicks campaign.

"The Suitcase" is among my favourite episodes of "Mad Men". This episode is perfection. Much of the episode involves Don and Peggy working together on the Samsonite campaign. The episode is one of revelations; both Don and Peggy revealing inner secrets and creating an understanding between them. Don is dealing with the death of Anna Draper, his friend and who was the wife of his namesake whose identity he assumed after the Korean War. The tipping point is a rather harsh exchange of words between them: Peggy complains about receiving insufficient credit for her Glo-Coat contribution. She gave him "a kernel" that became a commercial, Don argues. "You never say thank you," says Peggy. "That's what the money is for!" he shouts. Peggy retreats to the bathroom crying. Don tries to make amends and asks Peggy to come back into his office under the guise of listening to one of Roger Sterling's memoir tapes.

They commisserate about both having lost their fathers at a young age over dinner; later over drinks Peggy tries to elicit whether Don finds her attactive - "like it's so funny because the possibility was so remote." It's not that she isn't attractive, Don explains, but he has to abide by rules at work. Peggy alludes to Allison (Don's most recent former conquest/secretary). "You don't want to start giving me morality lessons, do you?" he asks. Then he asks her if she knows who the father of her baby is - of course she does, she doesn't say who. Back at the office, Don has overindulged and runs to the bathroom; he later passes out on Peggy's lap in his office. He dreams of Anna and when he awakes makes the dreaded call to California which will confirm her passing. He dissolves into tears, Peggy comforting him as he cries he describes Anna as "the only person in the world who really knew me." Peggy rubs his back. "That's not true," she says. Later when she has had some rest, she returns to his office to check on him. Don holds Peggy's hand for a moment. "Go home, take a shower, and come back with ten tag lines," he says.

Peggy has a bolstered confidence going into the next episode "The Summer Man". She encounters sexual harassment towards Joan and brings it to the attention of Don. "You want some respect?" Don asks. "Go out there and get it for yourself." The perpetrator refuses to apologize and thusly fired by Peggy. In the following episode, Don asks Peggy to present the Playtex pitch "I'm counting on you". She makes a successful presentation safe for the lipstick on her teeth, which a male co-worker failed to bring to her attention. In "Blowing Smoke" Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce is in financial difficulties and Peggy offers Don a suggestion to help their bottom line recalling something he said in the past "if you don't like what they're saying, change the conversation." Don takes out a full page ad as an open letter denouncing big tobacco when they lose the Lucky Strike account. Peggy's response to Don asking her why she has not commented on the ad "I thought you didn't go in for those kinds of shenanigans" and smiles. He had admonished her PR stunt re Sugarberry Ham.

Season 4 ends with Peggy landing the Topaz Panti-hose account, the first new client since the agency lost Lucky Strike. Her news is upstaged by Don's news that he is engaged to his new secretary, Megan. Privately, Don tells Peggy that Megan has "the same spark" she does, and that Megan admires her "as much as I do." Peggy visits Joan in her office to complain. Joan tells her to not get all her satisfaction from work. Peggy thinks this is BS as they both laugh. Peggy has gained confidence in her work and also achieves some recognition by Don for a job well-done. Her questions in "The Suitcase" as to whether they will ever be anything but colleagues, is answered when he becomes engaged to Megan at the end of the season.

It is 1966, season 5, begins a few months after the previous season ends. Don is remarried. Peggy is pitching Heinz Baked Beans, she is finally working on major accounts. However, her pitch is nixed by the Heinz people and Don says they will come up with a new approach. Peggy complains that he didn't fight for her idea. So basically, the more things change; the more they stay the same. Don's new secretary, Dawn, is an African-American woman (big change); Peggy hires a new, talented male copywriter (again); Peggy complains to Dawn later that copywriting is tough, especially for women (same).

In episode 6 "Far Away Places" Don leaves on a business trip with Megan and leaves Peggy in charge of pitching the new Heinz campaign. “Home is Where the Heinz Is.” The client says the concept is too sentimental and asks if Don signed off on it. Peggy replies that yes, he has, and furthermore, that the client likes the idea but doesn’t realize it. “It’s young and it’s beautiful, and no one else is going to figure out how to say that about beans,” she declares. After the presentation, Pete informs Peggy that she’s off the account at the client’s request.

The following episode "At the Codfish Ball", Megan comes to Don with a concept for Heinz, a mom is serving beans to her son through the ages “Heinz beans, some things never change.” Heinz is pleased, Don credits Megan.  Peggy congratulates Megan and asks why she isn’t more celebratory. “I should be jealous, but I look at you and I feel like I’m getting to experience my first time again,” Peggy says. “This is as good as this job gets.”

It is clear in the episode "Lady Lazarus" that Megan, however, is not keen on the advertising world. She sneaks off to an audition without telling Don, who calls Peggy as to whether she knows Megan's whereabouts. Peggy follows Megan into the washroom and confronts her. Peggy encourages Megan to stick with advertising, but Megan says it might not be “what I’m supposed to be doing.” “There are people killing to get this job,” Peggy snaps. Earlier, Megan and Don had play-acted a skit for Cool Whip campaign, which went very well. Peggy was visibly irritated watching the two, she will now replace Megan as they present the pitch. In the Cool Whip test kitchen, Peggy botches the tagline during the “Mr. and Mrs. Draper” bit. Peggy and Don argue about Megan until Peggy proclaims, “You’re not mad at me. So shut up.”

This brings us to the most recent episode "The Other Woman", which for me ranks as a close number 2 to "The Suitcase" in genius. For the past few episodes, SCDP has been working on the much-coveted car client, Jaguar - with the exclusion of Peggy. As it is explained, car people don't want a woman working on the account. Don is stressed about landing the account and when Peggy asks him to sign off on another project, he snaps and tells her she is in charge until Jaguar business is over. To add insult to injury, she watches as the creative team is served a lobster lunch on silver trays.

Peggy fills in for Ginsberg on the Chevalier Blanc conference call meeting and saves the account by pitching a "Hard Day's Night" theme with Lady Godiva on a horse saving the hero from a horde of screaming women - changing the setting from London to Paris. Later, her triumph is brought to the attention of Don. Don says Ginsberg will take over once Jaguar is finished, prompting Peggy to snap, “I guess I’m not in charge of everything.” Don flings cash in her face and barks, “Here. Go to Paris.” Ken tries to comfort Peggy, saying that Don is just upset about Jaguar. “I don’t care,” she responds. I knew that this was the breaking point for her and had this feeling of dread as to what the outcome would be...can this relationship be saved? The next scene we see Peggy have lunch with former colleague Freddy Rumsen, he advises her to leave SCDP.

Peggy meets Ted Chaough, an ad exec. from a rival agency and Don's nemises, to discuss job opportunities and he praises her work. She writes her job requirements, “Copy Chief $18,000/year,” on a piece of paper and slides it across the table to him. Chaough crosses out $18,000 and writes $19,000 – “If this is your last meeting.”

Later, she asks to speak to Don. We all know what is coming but it is heartbreaking nonetheless. She tells Don that she will be forever grateful for the opportunity to work with him, her mentor. Don thinks she’s asking for a raise and attempts to negotiate salary, but Peggy tells him it’s not about money. She holds back tears as he kisses her hand - and he is holding back tears. Peggy walks out of the office and smiles as she waits for an elevator. HUGE CHANGE! Hopefully, we will see Peggy go toe-to-toe with Don in future episodes, now as his true equal and rival.

Peggy as she waits for the elevator after resigning from SCDP.
Source: Google Images

Aaron Sorkin's "The Newsroom"

It is no secret that I adore the writing of Aaron Sorkin (see my many posts on "The Social Network", which should have won Best Picture, but I digress). I have been a Sorkinite since his "West Wing" days. Sorkin's latest project is HBO's "The Newsroom" which debuts on June 24, 2012. It follows the goings-ons of a fictional newsroom with Jeff Daniels as the anchor Will McAvoy and Emily Mortimer as Mackenzie McHale the executive producer. Some have compared it to the film "Broadcast News", which I much enjoyed. I can't wait to see this show. See a brief behind-the-scenes look at what will no doubt be another award-winning program for HBO.

Stars on Ice, May 18, 2012

On May 18, I saw Stars on Ice, this was my second time. Last time it was just after the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, where Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue had just won ice dancing Gold. This time, they had just won the World Championship for the second time.

Kurt Browning directed this show and it was a great night of skating. A lot of practice, dedication and work goes into becoming these accomplished athletes. I had the privilege of meeting Kurt, Scott and Tessa at the opening of the Lindt Chocolate store on May 17, Lindt is one of the sponsors of the Stars on Ice tour. They were all very friendly, accommodating and provided us fans with an opportunity to tell them how much we enjoy their work.

Kurt Browning at opening of Lindt Chocolate store
at Queensborough, New Westminster, May 17, 2012.

Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue, Olympic Gold and
two-time World Champions in ice dancing.

Scott and Tessa

Taking a Vacation in Your Own Town

Vancouver and surrounding areas has a lot to offer. Even after nearly 18 years here, I still have not seen everything. Following are some of my favourite pictures taken over the past 2 weeks.

The Lions' mountains as seen from Queen Elizabeth Park,Vancouver

Bridal Veil Falls, near Chilliwack

White Rock boardwalk

Burnaby is known for its Rhododendrons, which is the city's official flower.
Taken at Deer Lake Park.

Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge a cheap alternative to that other bridge
(Capilano Suspension Bridge).
This one is free and you see the same water.

"First Breath" wood sculpture at Steveston wharf.
Created by 3 artists with chainsaws in a 24-hour period. Amazing detail.

"The Avengers"



Loki, half-brother of Thor, played by the awesome Tom Hiddleston
Source: boxofficemojo.com

"Avengers assemble!" And assemble they did, to the tune of $486,369,000 domestically since "The Avengers" opening on May 4, 2012. The movie is quickly becoming one of the highest grossing films to date, just over one billion dollars worldwide.

I saw it on opening weekend, people in the audience whooped, hollered and clapped several times at key scenes. It is a rollicking good time.

The screenplay was co-written by Joss Whedon who also directed the movie, if you are familiar with Joss' work such as the television version of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" you will know that his writing is witty, sarcastic and full of pop culture references - this movie is no exception. I have never had such a good time at an action flick since "Armageddon" where my friends and I hooted and hollered with laughter throughout but it wasn't supposed to be funny...I still don't know why we weren't kicked out of the theatre, one of the best movie-going memories ever!

I didn't expect to like "The Avengers" as much as I did, much of its success lies with Joss and the screenplay, like so many good/great movies, it all starts with the writing, and there is a lot of great writing. Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, delivers some of the most awesome one-liners. Tom Hiddleston is terrifically camp as Loki, half-brother of Thor. Truth be told, I have only seen the Iron Man movies so you do not need to be familiar with Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow, etc. to enjoy this movie.

For the next installment, and there most definitely will be, all I will ask is that it must include Tom Hiddleston's Loki. I have seen the movie twice so far and contemplating a third viewing, it is that good.

Supermoon - May 5, 2012

A "supermoon" is the largest full moon of the year. Where the moon actually passes the earth at it's closest point. These are some of the pictures I took, trying out my new tripod. My camera is a Canon PowerShot SX200 IS and these were taken using the night time setting; zoomed in at 48x.

Taken at 9:17pm on May 5, 2012

Taken at 9:35pm on May 5, 2012