As many of you may know (I'm of course assuming many of you read my blog), this week marked the start of the Toronto International Film Festival. I cannot / will not go to any screenings this year. Not for lack of choice of films (I think the selection is quite good) and not for general dislike of the festival as all my past experiences with TIFF have been fine. I will not go, however, because of the $16.75 ticket price. For the first time, one TIFF ticket actually costs more than a movie ticket normally costs in Toronto. How are the up and comers, the movie lovers, and the assorted artistic not so rich types supposed to attend? You want to go to 2 films? $33.50. 5 films? $83.75. Well, you get the idea.

I have a bunch of stuff to do and I'm not above procrastination where movies are involved, but this year I'm saying no to TIFF. I did, however say yes once more to Doc Soup. $95 for tickets to 17 fantastic docs - 10 of them your choice during the Hot Docs festival. One more reason why documentary kicks butt.

Finally, I offer one observation I had while in Yorkville this weekend: Tiny printed tank tops on 15 year old Paris Hilton clones are multiplying like a horrible fashion virus. Everywhere you looked it said "I'm with the Band", "Mrs. Timberlake", or "Spoiled Rotten". How clever can it be when EVERYONE is doing the exact same thing? ... Don't even get me started on the ruffled micro mini skirts.