some McAvoy respect

It is pretty clear to me now – acting talent in the UK, and Scotland in particular, is just better. They’re better at action, with accents, with charm… I really think they are just better actors. And recently, Atonement confirmed my hunch. Atonement was breathtaking and heartbreaking. Saoirse Ronan is amazing in her role, as are Kiera Knightley (what a dress!!) and James McAvoy.

Aside from Wanted (a terrible film, although he got publicity and props for kissing Angelina Jolie), James McAvoy has been in excellent movies and nominated for awards in several of them. I didn’t recognize his comedic annoying role in Wimbledon was played by the same man as his principled passionate role in Becoming Jane.

He is talented, no question; a compelling cameleon with accents, nuanced feeling, looks and gravitas. And should he be cast as Kurt Cobain, I think he would do an amazing job.

Really, I think he has talent on par with Leonardo DiCaprio (Basketball Diaries), Russel Crowe (3:10 to Yuma) and the late Heath Ledger (Dark Knight).

And beyond these strong men of action and drama, I believe McAvoy has a gift for comedy as well. In fact, I would love to see him paired with Emily Blunt in a quirky romance – it could even be titled ‘Esquire’ … imagine the possibilities.

 

shave your legs straight

Shave your legs straight.
Shaving your legs with a straight razor is hardcore and feminine. It is also surprisingly easy, affordable and promotes a self-care ritual that encourages you to know and love your body.

I initially tried shaving my legs with a straight razor because of my boyfriend. He became a zealot for straigth razor shaving around the same time that I was increasingly annoyed at the price (and packaging) of ‘dispoable’ razors. Even the Venus and Mach 3 which I’ve used don’t seem to last. (Yes, I’m guilty of leaving them in the shower, but whatever.) I kept getting knicks, cuts and irritated skin on my legs and ankles – partly because I would shave in haste and use razors past their prime, but also because with a safety razor I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing. So one day, I just decided to give it a try.
The next day I was poking around the web and came across a post where a woman joked that her husband loves his straight razor and “if only it works on my legs!” Why not? Because I’ll tell you, it does. It works wonderfully on ladies’ legs (or at least on mine, and I presume by extension, yours).

The feminine side of straight razors.
It sounds all manly, kind of wild even, for someone to shave with a straight razor. Initially I thought of Crocodile Dundee, or The Man With No Name, or some old-timey barber reading the paper in his chair waiting for a clientel that no longer exists. But it turns out, having done it myself, that shaving with a straight razor is actually very feminine and sensual.

The razor itself is a thing of beauty and can be an expression of your personality. An accessory more intimate than shoes and as classy as fountain pens, your straight razor can be quite delicate and elegant. Several antique razors are stunning, and reminiscent of fans and opera glasses.

They can also be really playful and kitschy. For example, the Americana razors are like novelty glasses, while the nudes invoke the classic pin-up girl. Rather than demeaning to women, I think these have a lot of character. In fact, you kind of feel like that pin up girl when you shave – pert, flirty, like maybe you’ve been airbrushed or painted in pastels. Smooth and saucy all at once.


And there’s always corn.

My own razor (below) was custom made using exotic hardwood – pink ivory – and a vintage blade. It is petite, especially compared to some of the ‘meat cleaver’ style razors, and is simply elegant.

The shaving accessories are also delightfully girly. ClassicShaving.com offers mug shaving soap in 15 fragrances, including Vanilla, Violet, Lilac, Rose, Lavender, and Jasmine. I guess a colonial Victorian gentleman was about as feminine as a modern day woman – moreso even. There are also a range of fragrant oils, toners, creams, and balms which can be used after you shave to calm the skin, clean nicks, and moisturize.

The accessories, beyond products, include a soap dish (mug or bowl) and brush. Even if you decide not to use a straight razor, I strongly recommend using a brush and shaving soap to lather on your legs. With the brush, the soap becomes slick and frothy. It is surprisingly light yet stays in place on your skin. You’ll also want a hand towel (terry cloth, cotton, linen, etc) nearby to wipe your razor, and to wrap your legs in (when the towel is wet with hot water).

Also, for the how- to side of things, the best advice is go slow and trust yourself. The angle of the blade should be roughly 30 degrees; too sharp and you’ll feel it scrape the leg, too shallow and you’ll not get a close shave. Another good suggestion is to hold the skin taut with your free hand. There are plenty of forums and videos online which describe and demonstrate technique for holding and caring for your razor. Enjoy!!

 

good on ya

Apparently trash tv big wigs read my stagnant blog. That, or some clever market researcher does, and has a direct line to the ear of CW decision makers. For instance, I am pleased that the good folks at trash tv decided to inject some sex and comedy into Supernatural, as per my suggestion, and tone down the brother-love. It saved the show for me, so much that I found Carry On My Wayward Son to be successfully campy.

Gilmore Girls bid farewell to the world in classic angst and I was struck with the realization that after seven seasons (or whatever) of the show, absolutely nothing has happened. And not in a good way, like with Seinfeld or my life, but in a flat soda water taste kind of way. Lorelai and Luke’s relationship is exactly as it was in the first episode, Rory still has a rabbit’s foot up her butt, and the rest of the episode was a rambling curtain call for the cast of characters who still exist on a one-dimensional plane. (Dammit, planes have two dimensions.)

Oh, you won’t believe but I swear it snowed the day they announced that Veronica Mars was canceled. The only shame in that is that it cut short PizOnica, which was fab.

Oh, and that Ryan Hansen will not be easily consumed eye-candy anymore. Admittedly, when the show first got going Dick was a sideliner for me… but the scruffy hair is just so cotton candy I think he would melt in my mouth. The man is whipped sugar crystals all fanciful colour and empty calories.

… wait a minute… Piz (aka Chris Lowell) has similarly disheveled hair. And is also delectable.

Maybe I have a weakness for scruffy haired boys.

And bad hard-bodies. Like Jason Statham: and Jensen Ackles: and Christian Bale:

… ok, this blog entry just got lame. I might as well have done a top ten list.

 

Robin of Locksley

*eeep* I am such a girl. I happened across something new that I like – but first will explain why this is such a big deal: namely, things I have liked are starting to suck.

Lately my trash tv has been a little dull. Lackluster. Bland. It just doesn’t get the butterlies flipping and gossip mill humming. Nope. I have completely given up on Gilmore Girls – like 2 seasons ago – and lately find Veronica Mars, well, just about her.

And really, who wants to watch a show about a selfish know-it-all whose morals are as questionable as those of the people she lambasts. And they seem set on the new character death quota per episode.

(psst – I’ll tell you a secret. Developing characters is more interesting than watching them kick it.)

Even, even my soft spot for Jensen is starting to harden and turn cold. Supernatural is supposed to have thrilling episodes of adventure, daring, and sexy shots of J.A. being naughty or noble. But no – that too has become barren: a site of boy-angst brother love, which frankly doesn’t do it for a girl…

Especially when whiney ‘Dean’ from aforementioned Gilmore Girls is the bullheaded pouty wet-blanket who drags down half the show. I mean, really – they should write him more “serious” scenes… it is just so comical to see buddy scowl as though he means it. Ugh.

Which brings me to something I do like: Robin Hood. (pitter patter, pitter patter)

An oldie but a goodie. The story of Robin Hood is good ole’ fun. Recently redone by the BBC – who is not afraid of undertaking a miniseries and tends not to cancel shows at whim (take notes, Fox.) The retold ballads of Robin Hood are really fun – a delight to watch.

Charming, chivalrous, childish… all the admirable ‘chs’ in one sniper shot, sexy smirked package. Played by Jonas Armstrong – who actually has an education in theatre and acting (novel, I know) – Robin Hood is, well, look at him.

You smiled. I know. He’s adorable. Scampering through the woods, scheming against corrupt power, feeding the downtrodden. He probably picks up litter too, and might be a champion for the crisis of the Maldives. And during his absence – off fighting the good fight at the King’s side – Nottingham has gone foul. (oh no!) The Sheriff is such a bad guy! (and compelling character – I love a good bad guy.) All the while Marian, Robin’s beloved, is wooed by the skeezy power-hungry yesman Guy of Gisborne. Oh the hi jinks and intrigue!

This, I like.

In the spirit of good thievery, check it out at on Veoh.