DIVA :: This past weekend, I celebrated mine and my best friend Jason Yantha’s birthday at a place called Vogue Supperclub (of course). It was a huge celebration that we had been planning for weeks and, being the narcissistic asshole that I am, I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted balloons and a big cake with our faces on it, and a private venue, and circus acts, and nude male servers, and gold-leaf paper invitations. Yes, I seriously wanted all of those things, but I don’t know any circus people and my stripper friends were busy (this was a Saturday, afterall). My parents got the big cake that I wanted, but not the balloons.

Who has a party without balloons? So, of course, I took out my anger on my mother who, from experience, knew that helium balloons pop easily in the cold and didn’t want to risk all of them popping between Mississauga and Toronto.

RELATED :: Philip Tetro takes his birthday really bloody seriously.

That excuse didn’t fly with me. It was my fucking birthday. So, right away, I was in a bad mood. Over balloons.

Cut to less than an hour later and my friends showing up with balloons. Elmo and Thomas the Tank Engine balloons, but balloons no less. I couldn’t have been more thrilled and more apologetic to my mother. Mind you, by that point, I was ten tequila shots in and don’t remember much else from the night.

It just goes to show that if you once you let go of a “problem,” it solves itself. Lesson learned. All else I can recall are visions dancing, taking shots, drinking, laughing, crying, eating cake, crying, drinking, and crying. It was one of the best nights of my life. The best gift that I got was the surprise return of my roommate and friend Chris who came from Montreal just for Jason and me. I was wondering why my friends (who were hiding him from us) were acting weird all day. It was all so worth it, and I couldn’t be happier.

Like Madonna says, birthdays are a time to reflect and be grateful for everything you have. She’s right. If only half of the good things that happened to me at 22 years happen while I’m 23, I could not be happier. But I know that I will only be blessed with having a million more reasons to be even more grateful and appreciative this year. I’m a lucky girl!

Anyone know where they sell gold-leaf paper invitations?

Philip Tetro is not only a GGT blogger, but our resident Madonnaologist. He’s created a religion-based lifestyle, worshipping everything she’s ever done. Read his countdown to the new Madonna album here. Read more Philip Tetro here. You can also catch him as a regular panelist on MTV Canada’s 1 girl 5 gays.

She’s the granddaughter of a bank robber, wears whatever jeans her tranny friend tells her to and has a hard time keeping her mouth shut when appropriate. Betti Forde is our Woman of the Hour and takes our TMI Questionnaire:

JUST THE FACTS

I’m a: A mofo’ Aries.
I’m: 36 years old.
I was born: in Grace Women’s Hospital in Winnipeg.
I: am a DJ, an MC, an academic, and dog lover.
My fave colour: Blue.
Passion: Music.
Inspiration: Music, nature, people.
My Canadian icon is: Leonard Cohen.
Fantasy entourage: Nina Simone, Grace Jones, Lady Miss Kier, Divine and Miles Davis.
Fictional best friend: Kate Bush.
Turn-ons: Music, dancing, political, social and cultural revolutions.
Irresistible in a mate: Great wit and a good dancer.
I’m currently crushing on: My dog.
Phrase I most overuse: “Oh, shit.”
Most people would be surprised to know I: am the granddaughter of a bankrobber and professional boxer.
Talent I wish I had: keeping my mouth shut when appropriate.
The celebrity I most closely resemble is: My partner says I’m a cross between Brigitte Bardot and Mr. Magoo.
The one word my best friend would use to describe me is: I just asked her, and she said “vivacious”.
My parents wanted me to be this when I grew up: A writer and not a breeder.
When I order a cocktail I ask for: Vodka soda, which my pals and I call  a “vodsauge”. Don’t ask.

GUILTY PLEASURES

TV: Jiz and the Mamograms.
Song: “Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover” by Sophie B. Hawkins.
Greatest extravagance:
 Betsey Johnson from the sale rack. I’m not that extravagant.
Candy: Dark chocolate.
Last impulse-purchase: Belts.

WEAR APPARENT

Jeans: Whatever my tranny friend Lexi lends me.
Footwear: Combat boots.
Underwear: Whatever’s on sale at Winner’s?
Watch: Betsey Johnson.
Eyewear: Ray-Bans.
Casual/Formal: Betsey Johnson.
Perfume: Chanel No. 5 & Coco Chanel.

BEAUTY DUTY

Shampoo: Kiss My Face.
Face wash: Ditto.
Moisturizer: Ditto.
Body Lotion: White musk from The Body Shop.
Make-Up Line: MAC, Sephora.
Indulgence: Monthly eyebrow and lash tinting.

GOTTA GETTA GADGET

Gadgets I covet: Turntables and a mixer.
On my music player now: Mixes from Dani Deahl, Roxy Cottontail and Sam le Mans.
I always PVR: I don’t know what that is. Seriously.
Best app ever: The one that destroys patriarchy at 10 paces.

CULTURE VULTURE

Last book read: Hot Stuff: Disco and The Remaking of American Culture by Alice Echols.
Last movie seen: The Shining (watched on Halloween of course).
Last concert: Lauryn Hill et al at Rock the Bells.
Last play:
 Ruined at the Nightwood Theatre.
Last song sung in the shower: “Bye Bye, Mon Cowboy” by Mitsou.

OBSESSIONS

Current obsession: Music.
Past obsession: Music.
Future obsession: Um, let me see…Maybe music?

CRYSTAL BALL

The next big thing will be: Anti-Colonialist Feminist Revolution.
I see myself in this place in ten years: In Europe, causing shit.

AND FINALLY …

Words of wisdom: “Have a good time, all the time.” – Viv Savage, keyboardist for Spinal Tap.

You can catch Betti Forde spinning on November 11th at Slacks for haute | cocktail style salon . For tickets, click here!

Well hello dears. It’s started and Philip Sparks was the kick off. Last night, Monday, Sparks brought his new Fall/Winter vision to warm men’s and women’s cockles this fall. The collection made up of plaid patterns, different length coats including some trimmed with fleece, a gorgeous tuxedo, sweaters and an interesting all plaid suit. The suit, worn on a model of colour, I call the “Obama” suit as you can totally see President Obama wearing this for a casual weekend away. However when you interpreted his look, Sparks produced a wearable, fall/winter 11 collection that will keep Jack Frost at bay stylishly.

You want to own from Philip Sparks: the Ontario blank scarf. This huge black and white scarf elegant enough to work but cool enough to go clubbing.

For more information: philipsparks

For an exclusive shot from StyleGuy Max MacDonald, not seen above, head to our Facebook page!

For Shaun Proulx’s take on Philip Spark’s show last night, visit HIMBO!

I read a great blog form the Lowry Agency in Nashville, TN about how to approach professionals within the entertainment industry. I found it so great I tweeted it, Facebooked it and did my best to spread the word. Yet I still found I was receiving the continuous streams of emails, Facebook messages and tweets from DJs demanding I listen to their music links, hit their latest gigs, how I should review their latest track and/or visit their site.

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Our Man of the Hour is one of the most recognized faces in the Toronto party scene. Check out Matt Sims’ TMI Questionnaire below and if you attend one of his fab parties, tell him we sent you.

JUST THE FACTS

I’m a Cancer Leo cusp.

I’m 23.

I was born: Kingston, ON

I am an Event Producer.

My fave colour: Red

Passion: The idea of creating a shared experience through multi-media art forms.

Fantasy entourage: ME ME ME!

Turn-ons: guys who are independent, who have dark features & guys who are expressive and look like real life anime characters

Irresistible in a mate: someone who fucking gets me and who isn’t diluted by the crazy party life and image.

Phrase I most overuse: Dope!

Most people would be surprised to know I: have a musical background – For my whole teens and childhood I played piano, the violin, studied classical composition & I was in the choir.

Fictional best friend:  Ziggy Stardust

Talent I wish I had: the ability to approach guys

When I order a cocktail I ask for: cocktail? I ask for 2 shots of tequila!

GUILTY PLEASURES

TV: Skins and Keeping Up With the Kardashians

Song: Inside Out by Britney Spears

Greatest extravagance: going to the Opera

WEAR APPARENT

Jeans: Cheap Mondays or Diesel

Footwear: Anything that I can kick somebody with.

Watch: My iPhone

Eyewear: Well pretend that I still have my 3 pairs of missing Ray Bands.

Casual: black skinny jeans and a T-Shirt, silver neclace

Formal: bow-tie

Perfume / Cologne: Dsquared Wood

BEAUTY DUTY

Shampoo: any purple shampoo for Blondes

Face wash: Clinique

Moisturizer: Clinique

Body Lotion: St. Ives

Indulgence: Teeth Whitening

GOTTA GETTA GADGET

Gadgets:  iPhone & my Mac

On my music player now:  Britney Spears’ new album on repeat and video game music

I always PVR: Celebrity Rehab & Skins

CULTURE VULTURE

Last book read: If You’re Gonna Cry Go Outside by: Kelly Cutrone

Last movie seen: Battle of Los Angeles

Last concert: Die Antwoord

Last play: We had a Christmas Pageant at the office

OBSESSIONS

Current obsession: Hey Rebel!

Past obsession: Hey Rebel!

Future obsession: Hey Rebel!

CRYSTAL BALL

The next big thing will be: I think for the next couple of years viral videos will drive pop-culture itself and musically I think Dupstep will become much more mainstream. After that we will have a new, more electronic incarnation of rock music which will become really popular like it did in the 90s.

AND FINALLY …

Words of wisdom: Don’t be a drag just be a queen!

Tonight is the largest party brand I’ve ever created called Hey Rebel. It’s an all ages mega party geared towards alternative youth. It’s the only party of its kind in all of Canada and tonight is our March Break edition at Lot 332. You can find more details, the full flyer and ticket info @ heyrebel.com.

Get your undies in a bunch! Priape Toronto’s new manager is our Man of the Hour this week! Sexy! Check out Michael Schelt’s TMI Questionnaire!

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We have entered the last sign, Pisces. It’s interesting how Pisces, a water sign which is also represented by the fish, occurs during one of the wettest times of the year (February 19-March 20). Aquarius, the Water Bearer, has done its job of pouring water onto the parched world below. On top of that, with the promise of the arrival of spring; more snow and rain, Pisces is going to do what it does best: swim! As the oldest sign, Pisces is known for having “its head in the clouds and its tail downstream”. Sometimes, people born under the astrological sign of Pisces seem to float their way through life…

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This is the last entry in my experiences at The Rock Store. Have you ever wondered what an crystal healing session would be like? Do you know anything about reiki, or are curious to how energy healing and energy transmittion works?

After my crystal card reading was done, I was asked to lie down on a raised table covered in warm, comfortable blankets. After I was relaxed, Samantha placed the sacred crystals on each of my seven chakras (and I held some in my open palms, as well). The experience was very relaxing. Essentially, Samantha traveled around my body and transmitted healing energy into me. At certain times, she would touch parts of my body – and the touch was very soothing and supportive. For me, the experience was so amazing because the method of touch and the places where the energy exchange took place were places you don’t ordinarily get touched with such care (for example, the back of your neck or the top of your head). During the experience, I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and relaxation.

After the crystal healing, I felt much cleaner (energy wise). I stood up straighter, and I could feel a difference in my physical body – especially with my breath.  It was almost as if my energy, or my chakras, had been “cleaned out”. After the therapy session, Samantha also told me things that she had received during my reading – which are a little personal – but were absolutely correct. Of course, I wasn’t surprised…

If you are interested in a crystal reading or healing session, visit The Rock Store for more information. For me, it was definitely worth it. I encourage anyone who is even the least bit curious to give it a try. You definitely feel a physical difference after the therapy session, and if you are wondering what crystals and rocks work best with you, a crystal card reading would be a good way to connect with what crystals want to work with you.

I have been MIA from public life for a while. I went through every emotion under the sun in the lead up to surgery and I was ridiculously busy. The surgeries have begun and I have been in various states of drowsiness, pain and internal reflection since then. Although there are many more surgeries ahead than behind me, I feel I’ve already come a very long way. Most of the remaining one will be less invasive than the first.
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Aquarius by Josephine Wall

You know the old song The Age of Aquarius by The 5^th Dimension? I think that Raquel Welch did a cover of the song, too. Well those born under the Sun sign of Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) are perfect representatives for this age. They have the social conscience needed to carry us into the new millennium because of their humanitarian and philanthropic ways. Aquarians are visionaries. Some may say they are a tad unusual, but hey – there’s nothing wrong with that! Aquarians are air sings, and they like to think outside the box. C’mon, we just stepped out of Capricorn who is King of following the rules so Aquarius wants to mix things up.

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