Ring the Alarm

Observations on a Monday Morning

So there’s the Hatter. Laying in bed, looking panicked at his alarm clock that tells him that it’s 7:05 am. He knows he’s not supposed to still be asleep, but the problem is – he’s not sure where he’s supposed to be!

Don’t worry – it came to me. After grabbing what I needed for my screening today and running out the door in record time, I got to the Manulife Centre at 7:20 and discovered no line-up (score), and found that there were still tickets available for JUNO (double score), which I promised my brother I’d pick up for him today. Didn’t forget anything important at home, got what I needed at the box office, and didn’t even have to stand in line for breakfast at Tim Horton’s. This day was off to a good start!

It’s amazing how easily it is to become a hero to your linemates sometimes. Today it was as simple as directing some Ryerson freshmen to the nearest Tim Horton’s.

Speaking of linemates, I met the nicest couple last night while waiting for HERE IS WHAT IS. This is their first festival, and they couldn’t be more excited. They moved to Toronto from New Orleans two years ago, and are both super friendly, and really intelligent. I feel a tad lousy though – I saw them again at NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, and they both remember my name. Sadly, I can’t remember either of theirs. Hopefully, they will make it to LARS AND THE REAL GIRL tonight and I can make amends.

Looking Forward…

I have LARS AND THE REAL GIRL tonight at the Ryerson. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and BODY OF WAR are both on tap for tomorrow.

Hey, Isn’t That… Bill Maher, Larry Charles, Daniel Lanois, Garth Hudson, were all out in full splendor yesterday.

You Gotta Try This… It’s not exactly a big secret, but my favorite fest food on-the-go is a beef teriyaki from The Teriyaki Experience. There’s one location underground at College Park, another at the south end of The Eaton Centre, and a third one block north of Gerrard on the east side of Yonge.

Do I Need a Coat?… Mix of sun and clouds today, with a high of 22 deg. C/72F. Tonight might bring a few showers, with a low of 15C/59F.

Oh…One Last Thing… Five years ago tonight, I went to see a so-so film fest screening called TRY SEVENTEEN (it’s since been released on dvd as ALL I WANT). The film didn’t do much for me, but it’s a night I’ll never forget…because I met my fiancee at that screening when she and a friend cut in front of me in line at The Uptown. In the five years since that night she’s been the best thing that ever happened to me, and I just wanted to share that. Thanks for reading.