2006 DATING PREDICTIONS FOR NICK & JESSICA

As the end of the year draws near, I have the first of a few predictions for 2006. In 2005 I fondly began tuning into "The Newlyweds" - yes, I know - but soon after, there I stood in the Sonar Group kitchen convincing colleagues of the show's merits. So now that dear Nick and Jessica have parted ways, which celebrity beauties will next catch their eyes?

First Jessica - I predict that she goes a little bad boy. No doubt her label will continue to support her new tartier image, capitalizing on the sexy, single Simpson. It's also painfully clear that Jessica needs some taking care of, so an older established man is also an option. Don't be surprised if new year captions feature her with the likes of AJ (BSB), Tommy Lee or an older, generous gentleman with slick Southern charm. I can't think of one, but I'm sure she will.

As for Nick - he'll definitely start out playing the field. With a flailing career his ego is fragile. For a boost, he may hang with a B-list personality such as a dancer, cheerleader, etc. If his career gains some steam, he'll move onto a long-term relationship with another A-List celeb. But don't count on that happening too soon...his next role could be on the Surreal Life! Nick could also turn to an older woman, looking for a more mature partner, but the Demi-move will too be shortlived. Look for Nick to be tied to the a Hailey Duff or Kylie Monogue-type.

What do you think?

I'M 3-O IN T-O...3-DOT IN T-DOT...AS OLD AS THE CN TOWER!

Well, today's the day. I'm 30. Those who know me well, know I've felt I was 30 since 27 so needless to say, I've been looking forward to this landmark birthday for some time. I think my 30's will be characterized by the same energy and spirit I enjoyed for the past ten years, but with more practical decision-making and a better sense of my own destiny, capabilities, vision and strength. What a Capricorn thing to say!

I'm thankful to have celebrated the occasion with fabulous friends, family and champagne cocktails. To everyone who has already travelled this road, thank you for sharing your positive experiences with me. For those who are currently on the road to 30, I hope it is a joyous journey.

Happy Holidays!

"CELEB-REALITY" IS THE NEW SOAP OPERA

Long ago in the 80's, soap operas offered the ultimate TV escape - melodramatic tales of opulent lifestyles ridden with love, betrayal and scandal. Then in the 90's we began watching characters whose lives more closely mirrored our own...from 90210 and Melrose to the 'o.g.' reality shows like Donahue and Cops.

In an interesting twist, the pendulum has swung back as our 21st century hunger for the melodramatic is satisfied through tales of celebrity life - tales of opulent lifestyles ridden with love, betrayal and scandal. The media skillfully produces enticing stories starring Hollywood's noteworthy, conceiving plots, creating rivalries and planting salacious rumours that appeal to our voyeurism. We eagerly tune into entertainment shows for our daily fix.

Even conventional 'reality show' producers have replaced the average joe (no pun intended) and girl-next-door types with celebrities. i.e. Surreal Life, The Osbournes, Growing Up Gotti. So what's next in 'celeb-reality'? I predict at least two more seasons of celeb-reality in our future. And I wouldn't be surprised if the next hit starred a U.S. politician or British royalty type. Stay tuned!

HOMEGROWN ADVICE

Last night I attended the Toronto Homegrown Shortfilm Festival at the Regent Theatre. In addition to screening seven wonderfully entertaining, interesting and well-produced films from local filmmakers, I walked away with the screen-saver worthy advice from host Erica Ehm... "Leap and a net shall appear." I'm leaping. Let's all leap!

ISOLATION AGE

My older sister who sits at the opposite end of the gen x spectrum can often be heard raging against brand-name anything. Her latest subject - the ipod which she cleverly refers to as the 'isolation pod'. Are we slowly losing social contact as we retreat within ourselves while sauntering the streets with our shuffle or navigating the grocery aisles with our Nano?

Insightful as she is, Arlene's observations are not unique. The same
fears repeatedly arise with every budding invention. MP3 players have been the subject of countless discussions by school officials, law enforcement, journalists, bloggers, you name it, worldwide. Poor communications skills. Increased crime. Sociopathic behaviour. Are these the residual effects of the MP3 wave?

My sense is that those of us who came of age in the 80's and 90's are less likely to be victims of impending social atrophy. From albums to cassettes to CDs to MP3s, we've seen technology advance and whatever our personal acceptance rate, have incorporated it into our daily lives. I'm less confident about the kids raised on binary values. Will they soon represent a disproportionate number of sociopaths? Will they be ineffective at maintaining nurturing, affectionate relationships? Will the future lack for skilled oral communicators? But by this logic, perhaps we then have the Sony Walkman to blame for North America's brand-name sociopaths like Timothy McVeigh?! If McDonald's can be prosecuted for a growing obesity problem, could Apple one day be on the stand for societal problems gestated in the digital age?