Lest we forget the dingbat drivers, who race around like they are on the Indi-500, despite what mother nature brings. This poky driver is not going one iota over the speed limit for love nor money, so for goodness sakes just pass me buddy!

I guess I'm getting a little stressed out. Perhaps, it's because there's a rumour flying around town that folks are stealing 1993 Ford Rangers. As a proud mama, that's my baby of choice at the moment, but I can't imagine why anyone would want to steal it? I'm not worried about it, as it probably wouldn't start for a prospective, smooth criminal. Didn't anyone tell them that crime doesn't pay?

Speaking of which, I had to drive the old truckster, balding tires and all in to a rehearsal for the play. I thought I knew my lines but apparently not, as I ventured half-hazardly into blank out land, and was left spinning my wheels. How does that saying go, "You think you know but you really don't." Well, I'm not ashamed to say at this critical juncture, that "I don't."

Anyhow, no worries because as I stated to another, usually encouraging cast member, "We still have 3 weeks until show time," to which he answered frightfully, "Only 3 weeks?" Yeah, at that point full fledged panic-mode set in, and I muttered somewhat jokingly, "Forget it, I'm so outta here!" No, just kidding, I'll get some stress therapy and stick it out, of course. I'm not opposed to making an absolute fool of myself. 

Mostly it's enjoyable, as it is a historical play set back in the early 1900's. One aspect about the fashion that I enjoy catapulting forward from back then, are the stylish hats. The long skirts and tightly buttoned up blouses and jackets are a bit cumbersome. Unfortunately, I am required to remove my wrist watch because there were no such things back then.

That brings me back to Christmas. Every other year or so, I wish for a new wrist watch, and not the dollar store type. It's always nice to have a quality, reliable watch, where there are no worries about the silver wearing off, leaving embarrassing stains on your arms. If that sort of quality costs, then so be it...

The legendary, award winning Danish design firm 'Jacob Jensen' has just introduced a new watch series, after a 15 year hiatus. It's worth the wait, as this uniquely designed watch is made from exclusive materials created for men and women in 3 different colour combinations. 
   
This world-renowned firm is no slouch, and since 1958 has created some iconic products. The watch line has been elegantly named 'Sapphire' and should be available in stores soon.

The exclusive watch is brand-spanking new, so for more information on where to purchase it and price point:

Visit http://www.jacobjensendesign.com or telephone 45 2857 6186
 

Up until two years ago I'd never even heard of pancreatic cancer. Now, I've lost 4 people I've known well to it, in that short time period. My Dad's best friend and neighbour for 70 odd years was diagnosed with it, and subsequently passed on 3 months later. Then there was my father in law in Denmark, who luckily enough caught it in time to get successful treatment, but otherwise the outlook would have been dire; his neighbour was not so lucky. Not long after that, my former employer of 9 years, back in Canada was diagnosed, and all too quickly lost the fight at the ripe young age of 54. Recently, my father succumbed to the deadly disease. The news that beloved actor, dancer, and artist extraordinaire, Patrick Swayze had pancreatic cancer brought international attention to the dreaded disease, but there is still a "long way to Tipperary."

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. of A, with a five year survival rate of only 5%. It's imperative that pancreatic cancer is caught in its earliest stages, as once it spreads, the prognosis and treatment becomes pretty discouraging. However, pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect in its early days because the symptoms mimic many other, less serious illnesses. Tiredness, weight loss, heartburn, dull aching in the back are just some of the signs. Heck, I experience these common symptoms on a daily basis!

For events, campaigns or ways to just get involved in Copenhagen or around the world contact your local cancer society. You can start by wearing something purple like a pancreatic cancer awareness wristband or "tie a purple ribbon around the old oak trees," on your yard or in the streets. I'm going to wear so much purple this month you'll mistake me for the singer-songwriter Prince, circa 1984. 

http://www.pancan.org/

http://www.tofightcancer.com/

http://www.cancer.dk/

http://www.pancreaticcancercanada.ca

Throughout her life, this classy lady carried herself with honour and dignity. That said, she will be buried at a graveyard reflecting these qualities. As far as resting places go, this is a beautiful, remote graveyard, hidden smack dab in the middle of nature, amongst the trees. Her final resting place is sure pretty this time of the year with the wonderful autumn colours, like the lovely crimson reds, oranges and yellows. 

Unfortunately, all this graveyard talk has reminded me of a story out of the States that was making the rounds a few months ago, where hundreds of bodies were dug up in a grave reselling scheme. Apparently, the con-artists thought they would turn a fast buck, in the most despicable way you could imagine. After the shysters dug up the grave-sites, they then resold the vacant ones for their own financial gain. After the fact, family members came around looking for the remains of their loved ones only to be told, "I don't know where your Uncle John Doe is." This story is pretty stomach churning wouldn't you agree?

I had a similar experience, although it was much more innocent. Not so long ago, my family and I had to take my dearly departed Dad's just completed tombstone to his grave-site. It is a pretty secluded graveyard deep in the woods much like the one I described earlier, and not far from the water. We hadn't visited the grave-site in a few months, and the site was not marked well, and had since overgrown with grass. We "thought'" we remembered where my father was buried.

Now, I don't know how appropriate this story is in retrospect, but I'm only telling it because my Dad would have laughed hysterically at it, if it had happened to anyone else. Anyhow, to make an already embarrassingly long story short, we placed my father's tombstone in the wrong spot!

24 hours later, when it was nearly dark, we all snuck back to the scene of the crime, when the cemetery manager informed us about the error of our ways. With our shovels, wheelbarrow and picks in tow, we dug the tombstone up again. Then wouldn't you know it, someone drove in while we were in the midst of this chaos. I prayed that it wasn't the people, who actually were the rightful owners of the erroneous site. It wasn't, thank goodness and we fixed things up so that no one would be the wiser.

Now, if you're in Copenhagen and looking for some "innocent" Halloween activities that don't include grave robbing, why not check out Halloween at Krogerup Avlsgård. The ecological firm Aarstiderne invites one and all to a scary evening in the dark, empty fields, which are usually used to grow ecological goods such as corn and other green veggies.

Jack-O-Lanterns, skeletons, ghosts and goblins will all be guests at this get together. You may cut out pumpkins and make amulets that will protect against the wicked spirits. Baked cake, coffee, soup and grilled sausages will be available for purchase.

Where: Krogerup Avlsgaard,
           Krogerup vej 3, 3050 Humlebæk

When: Saturday the 31st of October from 10:00 a.m. to 19:30 p.m. 

Cost: Free!

P.S. Humlebæk is just a half hour train ride north of Copenhagen. After that, it's just a 10 minute walk to the woods from Humlebæk Station. Just head north young man! Women and children are welcome too, of course. 

I just said that because I'm watching the song "Float On," by the Floaters on youtube. Let's watch Charlie - at (1:06)- who wants a girl who's quiet and carries herself like Miss Universe. Charles doesn't require much so, I guess that leaves me out. Belt it out Charles! "Take my hand, come with me baby to love-land. Let me show you how sweet it can be, sharing lovin' with me. I want you to.... float on." Oh dear, I can't hit those high notes, without the neighbors feeling some spine tingling, teeth clenching pain - kind of like running one's fingernails down a chalkboard.

Hold on, I have to master this dance move. Are you still with me? Let's see, snap our fingers, part the red sea with our hands, and do a perfect 360 degree spin, like we're floating on the clouds. Phew, feeling a little dizzy, needs a bit more practice, but overall that felt great.

Which reminds me, I still haven't scrounged up any tickets for the upcoming Temptations concert. Tickets anyone? "I must see them!" Hey, that's one of my lines from the play at the theatrrrrree. Do you like how I say theatre, so British, including the face like I just swallowed a lemon? Well, you can't see it, but that's how folks express themselves in the theatre world. No, I don't know what I'm talking about. I haven't really seen anyone do that, besides myself. 

Hmmm..How to get into see the Temptations? I guess I'll have to dress up in one of the fancy, dancy, pastel blue magician's outfits, complete with the bow-ties. I'll just take my cue from the Floaters in this 1970's music video, then the Temptations will think I'm one of their Motown own. If that doesn't work "I ain't too proud to beg."

By the way, I bought a CD called "Greetings from Philly," at of all places, a liquidation store. Even though, it only put me out a few dollars, I don't leave home with it. It includes hits from such diverse soul artists as the O'Jays, The Spinners, The Stylistics and Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes. 

Now, if you would like to see some Motown live, you can get your own decadent slice, in the form of a tribute to Motown band, known as "The Magic of Motown." Hits from the Four Tops, the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye and many more are included on their set list. Some songs on-board will be: Dancin' in the Street, Get Ready, Reach out, Stop in the Name of Love, My girl, Baby Love and many more. Direct from the US of A, comes this award winning show that has taken Europe by storm. The band has a 5-part male harmony section, 3 piece female vocal harmonies plus an 8 man Motown band.

The concert is being held just outside of Copenhagen in Greve, on the 28th of November 2009, starting at 20:00 p.m.

The Magic of Motown
Portalen
Portalen 1, Greve, Denmark, 2670

Ticket price is 295 Dkr and can be ordered from www.billetnet.dk.

P.S. Greve is about a half hour train ride from Copenhagen Central Station.

I just happened to catch the comedy "Yes Man," from 2008 starring funny-man Jim Carrey. Did you know Jim Carrey visited a friend in Copenhagen once, and Jim was spotted riding a bicycle around the streets of Copenhagen? There, now this blog is relevant, albeit not very informative.

Just in case you've missed this film, Jim's character Carl goes from a dude saying "no" to everything to an affable fellow who says "yes" to absolutely anything, including the unreasonable, mundane and ridiculous. I can so relate to this clip , especially the "Bonjour" with the French accent (this works great on telemarketers), and the "Darnit to heck" line (this conveys sincere, heartfelt disappointment).

Anyhow, once Carl starts opening himself to possibilities and starts saying "yes," good things start to happen for him. I thought this film was hilarious probably because I could see myself in most of it, especially at the beginning, where Carl is the "No way José" guy. I guess I have been behaving much like him because - how do I put this gently - up until recently I have been attracting every jerk, sociopath and idiot from here to Timbuktu. Yeah, just call me a creep magnet. So, since this string of dangerous encounters, I've been left with a once bitten, twice shy attitude, thus the overuse of the word "no."

I was speaking to my friend about this subject and he had been going through the very same thing, but as of late he had decided to make a concerted effort to weed out the manipulative snake charmers, and instead inject some genuinely good people into his life. He said, "Why is it that we are attracting idiots at every corner?" It makes you wanna say hmmmmmmm. I said to him, "These toxic relationships beg the question: What it is about ourselves that is attracting these bad news bears?" The possible answer to that is so scary that I don't even want to know, especially if the theory of "like attracts like" rings true!

Well, no matter what the reason is I've decided to start putting a tamer version of the "Yes" concept into practice. We'll see how it goes. That reminds me I've got to get back to studying my lines for my major-middle-minor role at the theatreeeeeee, that I happened to get promoted to because I said "yes." See it does work. Perhaps Johnny, Meryl or Viggo will be ringing me up next. Speaking of which, happy belated birthday to half Dane Viggo. Remember 51 is the new 21!

The secret among other things is a good economy, subsidized health care, free post-secondary education with pay, a reasonable work to free time ratio, 5-6 paid weeks vacation per year, a livable minimum wage at over 100 Dkr per hour (average is around $31 U.S. before taxes), a years paid maternity leave and access to reasonably priced and efficient public transportation.

Now granted, Danes don't run around with a crazy looking happy grin on their faces or wearing "Don't worry, be happy t-shirts." It's not like that at all, but they are content and I think that their sense of contentment stems from a feeling that they have control over their lives. They feel secure and know that for the most part the government is treating the masses fairly, while at the same time functioning efficiently with minimum corruption.

Everyone goes through good times and bad times. In Denmark, the society is structured in such a way so that when the tough times strike they aren't so painful. If a person is laid off there is no way they'll end up on the streets living in a box, unless they are into the cardboard box lifestyle. There is plenty of help available until work comes along.

The society is set up so that corporations don't rule the roost and employees have a good work place environment, with reasonable hours and a wage that they can actually live on. In other words, corporations won't be making record breaking profits while the employees barely can get by.

On the other hand, when the good times roll in again along with the money, that doesn't mean that one doesn't reap the benefits. It just doesn't necessarily mean that one will end up with 10 cars in the driveway and 5 mansions on the hill. In other words, the society is fair and studies have shown that societies that are equal- where there is not a huge discrepancy between the haves and have nots- thrive and just make people, well...happy!  

Another thing is, if a person finds themself in a job they don't enjoy, they aren't trapped. The option to go back to school is available without being a huge financial burden on the incumbent or his/her family. One wouldn't be too financially drained by making that choice. In other words, if little or big Johnny wants to be a Doctor but the family has limited financial means, it doesn't mean that he can't do it. The Danish society will pay for him to go to medical school for free. This only makes sense because we all need Doctors and why not train our own first before we look elsewhere. I'm sure a lot of talent is thrown by the wayside, simply because people can't afford to pursue their dreams. 

Some would argue that the taxes are too high in Denmark and that perhaps Danes are so happy because they just don't want much out of life. I don't agree with that. The taxes are high yes, but they are highest for the ones who can afford to pay it. I just think that for the most part, many Danes choose to prioritize their life differently. They live to live by enjoying travel, hobbies and spending time with their family, rather than gaging their successes by their material wealth.

Denmark and Danes are not perfect but they realize one important fact, and that is what's good for the goose is good for the gander, or in other words if we allow some people to sink in this society, then we will all eventually sink...

I've vowed to shorten them up, and besides that I'm actively involved in the theatre again, which means I shouldn't have a lot of spare time for long-winded writings. Like my friend said, "Congratulations with your theatre role, you've just sold your soul to the devil." No matter, I'm sure all the toil and torture that accompanies it, will be worth it in the end.

Actually, the inspiration for this theatre involvement came because I had read where my hero and future husband, actor extraordinaire Viggo Mortensen, has been working on a play in Spain. I thought gosh darnit, whatever Viggo does, I'll follow - monkey see, monkey do. Although I've never met Viggo, I feel we have so much in common. We both like to write and take photographs; we both speak Danish and have lived in Denmark. We've both been cut out of movies, albeit I've been deleted much more than him. He's had major roles in major films, I haven't. Unless, you count the blockbuster with the don't blink or you'll miss me faceless lady lurking in the shadows. Yes, it's me honestly. This scene was filmed over five freezing days and that's the result. Still, it's not as bad as the actor who lived on 2 hours sleep for weeks, only to be cut out of it completely. He didn't even end up as a shadowy figure!

By the way, I heard a rumour that Viggo will be visiting Denmark in October sometime. I'm not saying for certain because some of the rumours I hear don't hit the mark. If this particular tidbit doesn't come to fruition, I won't take offence to being called a sleazy tabloid reporter, although I'm not really. 

So, if you see a casually dressed version of someone you think might be a handsome star like him, wandering the streets of Copenhagen, then it probably is him. At least, that's what he looked like last year, at this time, when he was in town doing his photo exhibit. Hint, hint he likes to visit galleries.

I remember last year I took a 45 minute trip to his photo exhibit and book signing session. The lineups were so long for the latter that I just said forget it, and hightailed it on home. Besides that I didn't have any books or photos with me, nor did I take time to purchase anything. That didn't stop me from kicking back the glasses of free wine they offered waiting guests, no Sirree. Did you know that some people flew in from Japan and Australia just to get a glimpse of Mr. Mortensen? Now, that's fanatical with a capital "F."

Now, back to the theatre and wining and dining portion of the program. If you are in Copenhagen this week you might want to kill two birds with one stone, by sampling a unique theatre experience known as, "Madeleines Madteater: På barnsben. "Madeleines Madteater" a.k.a Madeleine's Meal Theatre, combines theatre and gastronomy. The performance takes in memories stemming from childhood, from mother's milk and grandma's face cream to the first school packed lunch. The play will include 8 scenes and 8 servings. (I'm assuming no mother's milk will be served because frankly, that's rather disgusting) 

When: The 12th of October to the 17th of October(Saturday) 19:00-22:30 p.m. 

Cost: Hurry, because the price goes up the longer you wait. It started at 495 Dkr on Monday and Saturday it will escalate to 995 Dkr. However, the proceeds from this performance will go to the Red Cross.

Madeleines Madteater
Drechselsgade 10
2300 Copenhagen South

Purchase tickets at http://www.billetnet.dk

P.S. Oops I did it again. This is way tooooo long...

Needless to say, it isn't any secret that I'm not well versed, nor do I care that much about cars. I barely know where the motor is, so I just trust that auto repair experts are telling me the truth. One thing I do know is, I despise visiting auto repair shops because like my friend says, "The bill either ends up being 100 Dollars or 1,000." There doesn't seem to be any middle ground.

When the truckster lets me down, I usually just wander blindly on into the nearest automechanic's shop and say deceitfully, "Yeah, that's exactly what I thought was wrong with it, let's get'r done." Anyhow, this time because it was nothing major, it meant that the bill ran into the low hundreds, rather than the thousands. For me, that's the difference between a vacation or not.

I think most people would prefer to purchase something that they really want, or go on a trip of a lifetime, rather than paying for bloody repairs on cars. Besides that, vehicles are a poor investment and some are designed to fall to pieces rather quickly, and that can leave one throwing cash at a new junk heap every few years. 

Like I've mentioned before, since I have lived in a culture where the "Car is Not necessarily King," and Denmark is such a small country, I really got used to bicycling, taking the train, bus or walking. For the most part, I didn't mind waiting a little bit for public transit because for me, it outweighed the irritation of taking the car. In Denmark and in a lot of European countries, they really make a concerted effort to ensure that the public transit is fast, efficient and available to everyone, because the public demands it, and the government wants fewer vehicles on the road.

I know it's good for the environment having this attitude, but I usually opt for public transit for my own selfish reasons, mostly. I like the idea of getting some exercise, using the money I've saved on other things (e.g. 2 or 3 trips a year), and not having the inconveniece of waking up, wondering if I'll have car troubles that day and if I do, waiting anxiously by the phone, wondering what's wrong with the jinxed, depreciating asset - a.k.a the car.

Since I've been over in Ontario for an extended period now, people look at me like I'm a social misfit, or that I'm from Mars when I voice the anti-vehicle/pro-public transit attitude. I get why people like the independence of their own wheels and one can preach the "save the environment sermon" 'til we're blue in the face. I think, in order to encourage people to use alternatives to cars, and to convince them to cheer-lead for better public transit - and for them to actually use it - they have to see what's in it for them.

I recently read an article at autoblog.com written by Jeremy Korzeniewski called, "Youth in Asia: Japanese sales plunge as young people abandon cars." He basically stated that in Japan the young people aren't buying cars like they used to, and are opting for public transit instead. The article goes on to say that, "Kids in Japan are much more interested in the latest electronic gadgetry than they are with cars, and many have no intention on 'ever' owning an automobile. Early predictions are that 4.86 million new cars will be sold in Japan in 2009, which would mark the first time in three decades that sales have sunk below five million." This is not good news for the car makers but great news for the environment, which finally brings me around to the topic of this blog.

The legendary boyband the Backstreet Boys will be performing for FREE in Denmark at a concert on the 6th of December. Remember the tune, "I want it that way?" I'll admit it, I like it and attempt to sing to it often. The concert is in conjunction with the EU commision's "Play to Stop" Campaign designed to encourage the young people to pay more attention to the climate problem, and take initiative to prevent any unnecessary damage to the environment.

There will be 900 FREE tickets available for the concert taking place at KB-Hallen. Tickets can be purchased via http://www.mtvplay4climate.eu from the 12th to the 31st of October. If you aren't one of the lucky 900, the Backstreet Boys will also be playing for free again the next day, on December 7th at Vega, Enghavevej 40, Copenhagen West.

So, that got me back watching the Oprah show again, and she had the legendary rock band Journey on her program, albeit without lead singer Steve Perry, but with another guy who was really good. Watching them got me hooked on their inspirational song, "Don't Stop Believin'.." It goes a little something like this, "Just a small town girl, living in lonely world, she took the midnight train going anywhere..." Speaking of which, I could use a train right now. 

The truckster has been giving me a hard time. I cringe whenever I turn it on for fear that it might leave me high and dry. I was on my way over to my friend's house and it could barely get up enough power to make it up over the bridge. The lineup of about 20 cars behind me weren't too impressed, so I decided to send it for a little tumble off of the cliff. Nah, I'm just kidding of course.

My friend actually had to pick me up and then drop me off at the theatre after because I was slated to help them out. As I said before, I just wanted to get back into the theatre stuff again, preferably on the sidelines.  I came a little bit late but took a seat at the back. I was supposed to be looking after the props and we had collected a few in the days prior.

I heard one of the actors saying that he didn't have a hat to take off and hang up during his scene. A guilty feeling came over me. That was my responsibility. The Director approached me and I said, "I'm Jennifer and I'm here to help with the props." She said, "I know, may I speak to you?" So, I said, "Yes." I thought I was in trouble for screwing up the props. Anyhow, she wants me to do something else in this play, so I've been kicked off of props. I won't say too much other than I'm nervous about it, but it will involve injecting my most practiced qualities, that being "whining" and "complaining."

Anyhoo, after all of this I spent the night at my brothers. I had a sleepless night, wondering if the truckster would get me to my next destination unscathed, the next day. I woke up, revved up the truckster and played "Dont stop believin'" for a little positive encouragement. (At least it has a CD player)

Well, I think that Steve Perry is a damn liar because the truck broke down and I had to get it towed. Well, that kind of sent me over the edge so now, I'm back to watching the craziness that is "the Secret Window," particularly Scene 7 at 7:40, because this is what will happen to the mechanic if he says a) the truck is beyond repair or b) I need a new transmission. You know I'm kidding right?

Let's go back 10 years ago - boy time flies. I was celebrating a milestone birthday, so a gal pal and myself decided to stay up in Toronto for the weekend. We had no fast plans other than shopping, lounging around the hotel, and visiting a particular restaurant in the vicinity of the SkyDome. After that, we were just going to wing it.

We ended up walking up street, when two guys standing in front of a nightclub asked us if we wanted to attend a private party, happening a little later in the evening. Being the naive, small town girls that "we were" at the time, we said, "Ya, sure why not?" We changed clothes at our hotel, returned and saw amongst the patrons of this party, some rather brawny looking guys. Turns out it was the Toronto Maple Leaf hockey team. Being not avid hockey fans, we didn't recognize any of them, except for one.

I only knew who it was because the male species in my family talked about him night and day, day and night. It was none other than Swedish Mats Sundin, captain of the Toronto Maple Leaf hockey team, at that time. He struck an intimidating presence, very tall, wearing a snappy blazer and smoking a cigar. He was accesorized by two scantily clad girls hanging off of him. They weren't doing anything really, just trying to talk to him, so no scandal there, sorry. Now, what the other people were doing at this party well, I'd rather forget - hear no evil, see no evil....

No, we didn't really talk to Mats, just a hello, if you were wondering. Besides the fact we knew zilch on hockey, my girl friend and myself were too shy, intimidated, scared of rejection or whatever you want to call it. Oh, and I forgot, last but not least, both in serious relationships. Flirting with hockey players would have gone over like a lead balloon.

Although these days, I understand a little more of the Swedish language and could probably ramble off a few lines, share Swedish meatball recipes or something innocent like that. Anyhow, my pal and myself just spent most of the night chatting with the manager of the nightclub and then left.

After this exciting girls weekend away, I came home and told my brothers and Dad this phenomenal little story, but they didn't really believe any of it. The few other people we mentioned it to, didn't believe it either. I'm still insisting to this day that it did happen. I guess the moral of the story is take pictures, get an autograph or ? Needless to say I got the same, "Ya sure" response when I dished my Tiger Woods story years later. 
 
Anyhow, this brings me around to a little rumour that is going around Copenhagen, at the moment. Rumour has it that the first lady Michelle Obama, yes president Barack Obama's wife, will be dining at Noma restaurant in Copenhagen at the end of this week.

Apparently, she will be in Copenhagen in regards to Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid. Of course, the management of the Michelin star Noma restaurant are neither confirming or denying the rumour. Don't worry, if you see her there and tell me about it I'll believe you, where others might not.

Noma Restaurant
Strandgade 93,
North Atlantic House Cultural Centre,
Copenhagen, 1401
Denmark