Mad Men dolls

Wow....where are the martinis and cigarettes I wonder? Too risque, je pense...for Mattel.

Doesn't Joan look like the 50's era Barbies? Methinks she needs to be a little more zaftig...

Maybe a Peggy doll, too - pre makeover she would look more like Skipper....

Thanks Diva D for the heads up....still need to catch up on Season 3!

Danjam Orchestra at Trane

 Here is the fabulous Danjam Orchestra...that's Dan Jamieson's conducting and soloing is Toronto's own Mike Ruby. Next to Mike is Mr. Mike Murley - one of Canada's finest saxophonists - playing baritone.

The band sounded incredible last night and I got to visit with Heather Segger, Justin Gray, Patrick Boyle, Jake Koffman and Ben Dietschi. Ben told me he is putting together a cross Canada tour with a new group of musicians he met at Banff - thanks to the federal government. They are also going to record. I love hearing exciting news from the "kids".

Select members from Dan's group are playing the Rex late show tomorrow night....his parents are hosting about 6 members from New York - from the Manhattan School of Music. I am so thrilled to hear the next generation....

Now off to Lush and Lavish for some indulgence...

Oscar recap and Danjam

Loved, loved this Marchesa gown on Best Supporting Actress nominee Vera Farmiga - she looked elegant and comfortable in it - a pop of colour and a wonderful confection.

Also lovely: Sandra Bullock, Penelope Cruz and J. Lo....did not like the bedsheet Sarah Jessica was wearing, ditto the doily around Barbra's neck....what, it was too much effort to make the effort and dress up? As for the opening number, I hope that was a really big joke as it was cringe inducing...

Much of the evening felt awkward - I was happy to see Kathryn Bigelow win though as well as "The Cove" for best documentary. Didn't see many of the films which is unlike me and particularly the foreign films...perhaps 10 films is too unwieldy, methinks - last time it was done was the year "Casablanca" won - enough said.

On to a more positive note - Danjam Orchestra tonight at 8 at Trane - featuring some great musicians including Mike Murley and a couple of "Jazzology" graduates - Heather Segger and Patrick Boyle.

Jazz Etiquette

This one always puzzles me and I haven't yet figured it out...if there are only a few people in the audience do you still applaud after solos? It feels a little weird - I certainly would love to acknowledge the musicians but perhaps I feel too self conscious applauding - heck I even feel self conscious at the end of the tune if I'm the only one applauding/paying atttention - this has happened in venues where there have been 15-20 people or so dining! Needless to say I always appreciate the musicians - even if it's just in my head!

Today going to hear Melissa Lauren at Gate 403 and then off to an Oscar party to watch awards and check out the dresses, natch. I am brining Alicia Silverstone's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups...

I'm on a French pop kick - listening to Madame Sarkozy/Carla Bruni and Francoise Hardy in rotation - if anyone can suggest any other singers I should check out I would appreciate it...loving the gentle nature and of course everything sounds more lovely en francais....

Can't wait to hear Dan Jamieson's Orchestra tomorrow night!!

I am also taking a tarot class again which should be fun and exciting - my card pick today is "The World" - a great card.

What's going on with me

Off to Azure again...then maybe Trane to see Julia Cleveland's group - there are apparently Japanese drummers!

Tomorrow it's Max Senitt Y Sus Amigos at Tequila Bookworm on Queen...

Here are Bruce Harvey and Dan Bodanis enjoying the treats I baked and brought them last night...

Fudgy and Hippy Dippy

Macaroon bars and crackers that is....left and right respectively. I have to say this is the first time I have tried making crackers and it was super easy.

Next time I will change it up add spices/herbs, different seeds...

Thanks again to "100 Best Vegan Baking Recipes" by Kris Holechek - best prize I have ever won. I can't wait to try making Devils' Food Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting - maybe closer to my birthday....

I am on a bit of a baking binge I confess - I was thinking of making a Lemon Poppyseed cake - but will save that for next week...

Today it is springlike, sunny and above zero. Got a haircut and colour at my fave salon Lush and Lavish on Ossington - by the wonderful Sarah. Using points next week for mani/pedi and facial....a goddess needs to be pampered.

Here is some interesting news from Sundar (apologies for being sucked into the Olympic vortex and not making it out to your gig at Chalkers - hope to see him soon).....

**Special Announcement**: Sundar's original composition Samsara has been picked as a finalist by judges that include McCoy Tyner, John Scofield, Steve Winwood, Tom Waits, John Mayer, Youssou N'Dour and many others in the Jazz Category of the International Songwriting Competition!! You can vote online once daily until Mar 31 for the Peoples' Choice award at:

http://go.madmimi.com/redirects/33b0b53364b68eeffba0db4d49df324c?pa=749090866

**Go online to listen to Samsara and if it so moves you, to vote for Sundar

How great is that? Congratulations Sundar!

New cozy coat

Not real fur so relax! Toasty made in Canada, purchased at Lorne's on Spadina...I was also eyeing cloth coats - but maybe next season. After all it is barely March in the Great White North and you never know...I have decided a hood is a good idea - due to wind and wet snow... Not black or brown but grey... as everyone I see on the streets has a black coat! Apparently next season..more colour. Saw a great production at Canstage "Intimate Apparel" - great cast and production - some 2 and half hours but time flew - Raven Dauda as the lead was superb! Jazzwise I will be down at Azure on Thursday, seeing Max Sennitt y Sus Amigos on Saturday and Dan Jamieson's Orchestra on Monday....next week is also the Live to Air for Jamie Cullum - be still my heart!