I can't believe that I have a thing for posting actual factual good dance music videos and never even thought of this gem until today.
Quite possibly the best music video ever (IMHO): Romeo by Basement Jaxxx. Why? Bollywood parody, duh.
And I never noticed, until this very moment, that the car chase scene shows stores with Telegu (I think?) letters. No wonder it looks so south Indian, hahahaha.
Dec 11, 2008
Dec 3, 2008
I Did It For The Lulz
To the tune of Hey There Delilah
(By: Smitha)
Hey Stephen Harper,
You've been so un-parliamentary,
Passing these aggressive motions when the
Opposition's so pissed off with you.
What did you think that they would do?
You shoulda knew.
Hey Stephen Harper,
You have been a big ole bully.
Telling us to go and vote for you was
Just a waste of money
In my eyes.
Your government is full of lies,
It's no surprise.
Ohhhh look at those MPs. (x4)
Hey Stephen Harper,
Soon you're going to lose your power,
Cause the Liberals, Greens and New Democrats
Kinda need that dollar ninety five.
Their coalition's come alive,
It has arrived.
Hey Stephen Harper,
Won't you stop with all the slander?
You're badmouthing the Bloc Quebecois,
But you said you would band with them before.
Yeah, back in two thousand and four...
Denial galore.
Ohhhh look at those MPs. (x4)
You think the people want you there
And clamour that this is unfair,
But constitutionally it's all legit.
I know you probably like your job
But let me tell you, as I sob,
That economic downturns are a bitch.
Prime Minister I promise you
That we will all try to undo
The problems Canada has in your name.
Oh god the shame!
Hey Stephen Harper,
Michaelle Jean heading home
And when that smart and awesome lady
Finally gives you the heave-ho,
I'll do a dance.
I'll be so happy in my pants.
I'm very firm upon this stance.
Hey Harper you just lost your chance,
You lost your chance.
Ohhhh look at those MPs. (x4)
download the mp3
The Government Is Trying To Eat Itself!
Yeah, shit be going down in Canada, son.
A friend of mine linked me to an easy to read explanation of how Canadian government generally works and what exactly our current clusterfuck is all about. Yarn Harlot seems left-leaning to me, so I rather liked her take on it.
I can't wait to see what Michaelle Jean does. *crosses fingers*
A friend of mine linked me to an easy to read explanation of how Canadian government generally works and what exactly our current clusterfuck is all about. Yarn Harlot seems left-leaning to me, so I rather liked her take on it.
I can't wait to see what Michaelle Jean does. *crosses fingers*
I Still Have Hope
NaNo is over but that doesn't mean I've stopped writing. Thus far I have completed three full chapters and am on to the fourth.
Title: The Last Breath
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 18,041
Title: The Last Breath
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 18,041
Dec 1, 2008
Giving Gifts Is Fun!
*points at Flash fun at the top of her blog*
Go nuts! The crazier the gift, the better. ;D
Go nuts! The crazier the gift, the better. ;D
Nov 25, 2008
Sometimes Dance Music Videos Aren't Just Good...
... They're brilliant.
I've loved this song (Say Hello by Deep Dish) for a couple years now but I only recently saw the video. And I was pleasantly surprised! No gyrating females, no fast cars, no slick clubs. Just a quiet story about childhood love and adult estrangement. Watch it!
The ending is what makes the video so awesome. Did it surprise anyone? I know I didn't see it coming.
I've loved this song (Say Hello by Deep Dish) for a couple years now but I only recently saw the video. And I was pleasantly surprised! No gyrating females, no fast cars, no slick clubs. Just a quiet story about childhood love and adult estrangement. Watch it!
The ending is what makes the video so awesome. Did it surprise anyone? I know I didn't see it coming.
Nov 21, 2008
Nov 15, 2008
Familiar Grounds
Not gonna turn this into a big explanation; I have given up on the idea of winning NaNo.
I haven't written anything since November 12th and I'm just fine with that. I'll keep working on it, but I don't intend on keeping up with the other NaNoers.
Title: The Last Breath
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 17,218
I haven't written anything since November 12th and I'm just fine with that. I'll keep working on it, but I don't intend on keeping up with the other NaNoers.
Title: The Last Breath
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 17,218
Nov 10, 2008
NaNo Progress Report
I had no laptop on the weekend, so I am disastrously behind. To keep on track, I need to write a total of 16,670 words by the end of today. At the NaNo boards, Chris is urging everyone to at least crack 15,000. I don't think I'll have any problem breaking that milestone, but I'm almost at the part of the story where things slow down and get angsty and... I'm not sure how things will turn out. We'll see.
Title: The Last Breath
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 14,770
Title: The Last Breath
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 14,770
Nov 5, 2008
O This Brave New World We Live In
Good work, America. We didn't think you had it in you. :D
After the presidency was called by CNN, I went down to Dundas Square for the 'Welcome Back America' rally for fun. I arrived with a bunch of people after Obama had done his speech, so the party was beginning to disperse but it was still astounding how many people were cheering and chanting and shouting and honking the horns of their cars. We talked about how Canadian politics is so comparatively stale, and how we are all waiting for Justin Trudeau to get more experience. ;)
Waking up this morning, however, I am surprised to find that in some states gay marriage has been banned and gay couples are banned from adopting children. As overjoyed as I am that Obama was elected, I am still happy that I'm in Canada.
(Reactions to the props/initiatives passed.)
Nov 4, 2008
Chapter 1, Scene 1
Advika smiled mischieviously and took the offensive, swinging her curved sword at Mrityu's midsection. Her aim was slightly off and her momentum was slow, but he jumped backwards anyway, just to be safe.
"What do you think you're doing?" He growled, pointing his sword towards Advika's throat, noting that she did not back away. That same mischevious smile was alight on her face. Her gaze was direct, her hand on her hip defiantly, sword pointed at his chest. Mrityu was once again reminded why his sister drove his family insane. She is not like other Rajput women. For better or for worse.
"You are far too easy on me, dear older brother. Are you afraid a woman would challenge your skills with the sword?" Advika said, mixing respect with a taunt as she spoke. "I am simply trying to push my training to a more strenuous level."
Mrityu observed her silently, watching her as she watched him. He lowered his sword from her throat and a bright look crossed her face, happy to know Mrityu had acquised to her wishes. But then, without warning, Mrityu sidestepped and in one smooth movement both disarmed Advika and knocked her feet out from underneath her. She fell to the hard stones quietly, not even crying out with surprise or pain. The surprising move had caught her off guard.
"May god forgive me for striking a woman." Mrityu said calmly, sheathing Advika's sword back in the sling and offering her his hand.
NaNo is kicking my ass today. I haven't had any time to write thanks to an interview and the election. I'll just have to redouble my efforts tomorrow. *game face*
Nov 1, 2008
NaNo Progress
Wow the NaNo boards are absolutely fucked right now. Pages keep timing out and you can't enter your word count. Boooo. I want a fancy widget! Oh well, I guess this will have to do for now.
Title: The Last Breath
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 1,685
Title: The Last Breath
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 1,685
Oct 31, 2008
Psyching Myself Up
The key to success in NaNo, I think, is to say "fuck you" to every single doubt that runs through your head, to every instance of imperfection that crosses your eyes.
Of course it's going to be crap. But that's what editing is for, going through the details with a fine toothed comb, bouncing ideas off of people you trust, people who understand the material you're dealing with.
I'm going to do this, I swear. There's a goddamn market for it, after all. I will live the dream.
Of course it's going to be crap. But that's what editing is for, going through the details with a fine toothed comb, bouncing ideas off of people you trust, people who understand the material you're dealing with.
I'm going to do this, I swear. There's a goddamn market for it, after all. I will live the dream.
Oct 21, 2008
And So It Begins
OMFG THERE ARE FLURRIES OUTSIDE MY WINDOW.
NUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
This is... really deterring me from taking out the trash and heading out for some grocery shopping.
NUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
This is... really deterring me from taking out the trash and heading out for some grocery shopping.
It's Too Early For This!
-1 degree Celcius tonight? Really??
God, autumn in Canada sure is depressing sometimes.
(Oh god, apparently it's snowing downtown right now. Nooooooo.)
God, autumn in Canada sure is depressing sometimes.
(Oh god, apparently it's snowing downtown right now. Nooooooo.)
Oct 20, 2008
Misadventures In Cooking
Or would that technically be "Misadventures in Baking"? Ah well, it was a misadventure in any case. ;P
Here's the story. A few weeks ago I was watching the Food Network and I saw someone do the following:
- melt a saucepan full of sugar
- add red wine and let it boil off a little
- add some kind of herb
- add olive oil and butter
- cook leeks the resulting mixture
I thought it was an interesting concept and wanted to mold it to my own preferences today. I would melt the sugar, add the red wine, add in some ground cardamom, add the olive oil andbutter margarine, and cook sliced pears in the resulting mixture. No problem, right?
BUZZT! WRONG. Hahahahaha.
I guess when I added the red wine to the sugar, the sugar hadn't completely melted yet, and the red wine was room temperature and caused the sugar to solidify. To my saucepan. Also, the sugar had been gradually melting at an even keel but when the red wine hit the pan it started bubbling in a rather violent way. So I had to take the whole thing off the heat to prevent the red wine from going crazy. But that meant I was stuck with big chunks of solid, slightly caramelized sugar sitting in the pan. In the end, some vigorous stirring at low heat kept the red wine happy and the sugar eventually melted. Eventually. After eons of stirring.
Adding the olive oil and margarine made the concoction easier to deal with, but I realized I had put a tad too much red wine into the concoction; I wanted to sear the pears, not poach them. But it was too late to change that, unfortunately. Also, by this point I was stressing a wee bit and did not have the patience to grind down some cardamom, so I went a different route: imitation vanilla. After adding the vanilla I just let the damn thing simmer for long time. In the end, it didn't taste too bad. The combination of red wine and vanilla was great. But the pears were indeed poached and not seared; I didn't get that touch of caramelization I was looking for. Next time, I will probably start with a smaller amount of the wine (a white one so that the pears don't look weirdly coloured) and add in less sugar as the wine heats up, cause damn that liquid was insanely sweet. And I'll use both cardamom and vanilla to flavour.
Here's to hoping my next attempt won't be so hilariously chaotic.
Here's the story. A few weeks ago I was watching the Food Network and I saw someone do the following:
- melt a saucepan full of sugar
- add red wine and let it boil off a little
- add some kind of herb
- add olive oil and butter
- cook leeks the resulting mixture
I thought it was an interesting concept and wanted to mold it to my own preferences today. I would melt the sugar, add the red wine, add in some ground cardamom, add the olive oil and
BUZZT! WRONG. Hahahahaha.
I guess when I added the red wine to the sugar, the sugar hadn't completely melted yet, and the red wine was room temperature and caused the sugar to solidify. To my saucepan. Also, the sugar had been gradually melting at an even keel but when the red wine hit the pan it started bubbling in a rather violent way. So I had to take the whole thing off the heat to prevent the red wine from going crazy. But that meant I was stuck with big chunks of solid, slightly caramelized sugar sitting in the pan. In the end, some vigorous stirring at low heat kept the red wine happy and the sugar eventually melted. Eventually. After eons of stirring.
Adding the olive oil and margarine made the concoction easier to deal with, but I realized I had put a tad too much red wine into the concoction; I wanted to sear the pears, not poach them. But it was too late to change that, unfortunately. Also, by this point I was stressing a wee bit and did not have the patience to grind down some cardamom, so I went a different route: imitation vanilla. After adding the vanilla I just let the damn thing simmer for long time. In the end, it didn't taste too bad. The combination of red wine and vanilla was great. But the pears were indeed poached and not seared; I didn't get that touch of caramelization I was looking for. Next time, I will probably start with a smaller amount of the wine (a white one so that the pears don't look weirdly coloured) and add in less sugar as the wine heats up, cause damn that liquid was insanely sweet. And I'll use both cardamom and vanilla to flavour.
Here's to hoping my next attempt won't be so hilariously chaotic.
Oct 14, 2008
Sample Novel Structure
1. 5,000 words: Teaser and exposition. Introduce the protagonist and why they are as they are.
2. 2,000 words: Catalyst event. Introduce the second protagonist.
3. 9,000 words: Exploration of the story world; new characters and nuggets of information. Things are still going well, but introduce the villain(s).
4. 18,000 words: Things fall apart! The story becomes bigger than the characters. Things happen, they get saved, things get worse, repeat, repeat, repeat.
5. 6,000 words: Reveal bigger quest.
6. 6,000 words: Challenges are defeated. Things are learned. Characters change.
7. 6,000 words: Resolve any leftover issues. Epilogue.
2. 2,000 words: Catalyst event. Introduce the second protagonist.
3. 9,000 words: Exploration of the story world; new characters and nuggets of information. Things are still going well, but introduce the villain(s).
4. 18,000 words: Things fall apart! The story becomes bigger than the characters. Things happen, they get saved, things get worse, repeat, repeat, repeat.
5. 6,000 words: Reveal bigger quest.
6. 6,000 words: Challenges are defeated. Things are learned. Characters change.
7. 6,000 words: Resolve any leftover issues. Epilogue.
How To Succeed At NaNo
Straight from the forum itself. I need to save this for posterity...
1. Buy yourself 6 treats, one for the start and one for each 10,000 word mark!
2. Join the Newbies forum. People go there and give them all kinds of encouragement and tips.
3. Plan to be in the word wars game with others who will competitively inspire you to do your best and keep striving for the win. Find the crew that is motivating and return there each day or every other day to talk with others who want to make it to the end as well.
4. Buy yourself a poster and let yourself be rewarded for every 500 mark you cross. Get some stars or stickers or a stamp and give it to yourself as you cross those mini-marks. Perhaps you work off an immediate reward system so approach it that way.
5. Make sure you have a story you like and characters you like. Plan them out to the fullest extent possible. Or if you were fully planned out all the other times, maybe now is the time to try flying by the seat of your pants and just writing off the top of your head.
6. Understand that there may be points at which you hate your story. But don't worry about that. Keep writing because chances are, you just might change your mind and like it in the end. Press for the mark. Keep your daily word goals despite the fact that you think it might not be working. Remember that the only way to reach 50 K is to write 50 K. And the only way to edit what you've written is to first write it! So, make a commitment to yourself to finish come hell or high water!!!
Oct 7, 2008
Running Out Of Steam
Haven't really been planning much for my novel in the past week or so. I've been distracted by other creative outlets.
There's a section in my planned novel that's kind of... elastic. In the sense that... if I finish the novel and I haven't met my quota of 50,000 words, this is the place where I can pad the story with additional events and dialogue and drama.
I've also promised my sister that I would include a talking laddoo in the story somewhere. Don't ask, it's a Simpsons thing. Anyway, the only way a talking laddoo would fit into the story is through some sort of dream or hallucination. I'm currently leaning towards hallucination. But I still have no idea where to fit such a ridiculous element into the story, especially in historical fiction. LOL, what have I gotten myself into?!
There's a section in my planned novel that's kind of... elastic. In the sense that... if I finish the novel and I haven't met my quota of 50,000 words, this is the place where I can pad the story with additional events and dialogue and drama.
I've also promised my sister that I would include a talking laddoo in the story somewhere. Don't ask, it's a Simpsons thing. Anyway, the only way a talking laddoo would fit into the story is through some sort of dream or hallucination. I'm currently leaning towards hallucination. But I still have no idea where to fit such a ridiculous element into the story, especially in historical fiction. LOL, what have I gotten myself into?!
Oct 6, 2008
Quick Link
What's the Matter With Canada? - How the world's nicest country turned mean. A take on our country's politics by an outsider.
Oct 1, 2008
Third Time's A Charm
I've decided to do NaNoWriMo this year. I tried back in 2005 and 2006, failed both times. In 2005 I tried a fantasy plot that basically went "a young couple falls in love... insert angry deity". Didn't get very far with it; I wrote very seat-of-my-pants and didn't even know how the story was supposed to end.
In 2006 I switched to urban sci-fi. It was about a woman living in the near-distant future where government sponsored super-soldiers had revolted against their handlers and planned on enslaving regular people. And the super-soldier that was leading the attack was the woman's younger sister. I got a lot further with that story than the previous year (almost 10,000 words) but again I had no idea how the story was going to end. Mostly though... I was bored of my story. Bored of writing it, bored of the characters, bored of the setting, bored of it all. My patience for writing one piece over an extended period of time is very limited, you see. It's my fatal flaw.
After my two miserable failures I decided that NaNo was not for me and abstained in 2007. I have no idea why I've changed my mind this year. Maybe because I'm not currently working and the thought of having so much extra time is increasing my confidence.
I figured that I ought to do something different this year so I'm outlining my entire story, chapter by chapter, scene by scene. Hopefully it will help. At least I'll have a plan and I'll know how the story ends. And thus far it looks like I'll be able to surpass the required 50,000 if things work out properly. My story this year will be historical fiction, taking place in 14th century India. I know I'll eventually get bored so I'm trying to figure out beforehand how I can alleviate that. I really want to win for once.
In 2006 I switched to urban sci-fi. It was about a woman living in the near-distant future where government sponsored super-soldiers had revolted against their handlers and planned on enslaving regular people. And the super-soldier that was leading the attack was the woman's younger sister. I got a lot further with that story than the previous year (almost 10,000 words) but again I had no idea how the story was going to end. Mostly though... I was bored of my story. Bored of writing it, bored of the characters, bored of the setting, bored of it all. My patience for writing one piece over an extended period of time is very limited, you see. It's my fatal flaw.
After my two miserable failures I decided that NaNo was not for me and abstained in 2007. I have no idea why I've changed my mind this year. Maybe because I'm not currently working and the thought of having so much extra time is increasing my confidence.
I figured that I ought to do something different this year so I'm outlining my entire story, chapter by chapter, scene by scene. Hopefully it will help. At least I'll have a plan and I'll know how the story ends. And thus far it looks like I'll be able to surpass the required 50,000 if things work out properly. My story this year will be historical fiction, taking place in 14th century India. I know I'll eventually get bored so I'm trying to figure out beforehand how I can alleviate that. I really want to win for once.
Sep 28, 2008
Identity Angst
I'm not sure where this idea came from, but I was thinking how interesting it would be to write a story about a girl who doesn't know if she's really who she is. Why? Okay, here's the scoop. She and her twin sister were caught in a house fire when they were young. Both of them were badly burned, trapped under collapsed debris. One of the girls died as a result of her injuries. The other survives. But because the burns destroyed her fingerprints, because a blow to the head gave her retrograde amnesia, because the trauma of the event has altered her personality, no one's quite sure which twin she is. There's no way to definitively/scientifically prove who she is, the girl herself has no idea about who she was in the past, and her friends and family can't tell which girl she is because she doesn't act like either of the girls pre-accident.
It's all very soap opera-ish, however. And aside from psychological angst, there's no real plot or conflict in the story. It's a good premise, but nothing more. :(
It's all very soap opera-ish, however. And aside from psychological angst, there's no real plot or conflict in the story. It's a good premise, but nothing more. :(
Sep 25, 2008
Time For A Change
I finally decided to switch up the layout of this journal. It was really great before, but I couldn't stand the way Youtube videos wouldn't fit the main column width. It drove me insane! Hence the change. I'm still trying to figure out a way to link a preview to my website on the sidebar, but I don't think that add-on exists. Anyway, I'm going to keep fooling around with the settings until I achieve perfection. ;)
Sep 21, 2008
Dance Until Your Feet Are On Fire
More new music of the dance variety!
First in line is the song 5ive star by a Japanese electro group called Capsule. There's something very catchy about this song, very happy too. The style of this song is quite similar to Perfume, which is probably why I like it so much. Also, the video is adorable and, I have to admit, far too short for my liking. I want more!
Second on the list is a MSTRKRFT remix of the song Green Light by John Legend & Andre 3000. This tune is the epitome of electro (or as some like to call it... Robo Music, hahaha!) and very great to dance to. There's no real video but I am linking to the song in all its greatness.
Third and last on the docket is Move For Me by Kaskade & Deadmau5, two DJs who came together to create this awesome track. It's house music at its best; again, no video but the song is here in all it's glory.
I just realized that there's a fair amount of Canadian content in this post: both MSTRKRFT and Deadmau5 are from Toronto. We've got some amazing DJs down here.
First in line is the song 5ive star by a Japanese electro group called Capsule. There's something very catchy about this song, very happy too. The style of this song is quite similar to Perfume, which is probably why I like it so much. Also, the video is adorable and, I have to admit, far too short for my liking. I want more!
Second on the list is a MSTRKRFT remix of the song Green Light by John Legend & Andre 3000. This tune is the epitome of electro (or as some like to call it... Robo Music, hahaha!) and very great to dance to. There's no real video but I am linking to the song in all its greatness.
Third and last on the docket is Move For Me by Kaskade & Deadmau5, two DJs who came together to create this awesome track. It's house music at its best; again, no video but the song is here in all it's glory.
I just realized that there's a fair amount of Canadian content in this post: both MSTRKRFT and Deadmau5 are from Toronto. We've got some amazing DJs down here.
Sep 7, 2008
Unfinished And Untitled
Brehan found her by the water.
It was early in the day, the perfect time to hunt, and the sun was beginning to rise in the sky, bursting through the sparse clouds that dotted the blue sky. Not even April and the temperatures were already soaring, the sticky humidity wrapping around him like an unwanted blanket. It was near impossible to stay on the trail of the deer without taking a break, and so he did, veering off course towards the mighty river that ran through the valley. He could catch up with the deer later in the day.
Tucking his bow back into its sling, Brehan bounded down the sloping hills towards the dark river. Zaphura, they called it, an amalgamated name of the two tribes that claimed each side. His peoples' side, the Zamin, were of a water tribe speciality, while the Phuranya were the fire tribe brothers that had settled on the other side of the banks. Zaphura's waters were always on the warmer side, owing to the bond of brotherhood that tied both his water tribe and the fire tribe on the other side. Despite this fact, he knew that dipping in the waters was just the sort of solution to the steaming temperatures of the day. But as he cleared the treeline and made his way to the shore, a figure caught his eye.
She was sitting on top of a small outcropping of rocks next to the waters side. He had never seen someone like her before. The women of the surrounding regions were all similar in particular ways: tanned olive skin, straight black hair. But this woman had creamy pale skin, dotted with light freckles on her cheeks. Her hair was bunched in loose curls at her neck, somewhere between brown and red, shining like a subtle fire in the light of the climbing sun. Added with the largest, bluest eyes he had ever seen, and soft cherry lips, Brehan felt as if he were laying eyes upon a goddess fallen to the earth. Except a goddess would have selected better clothing, not the coarse grey robe that hung from her slender form like a dead man's skin.
What was this woman doing here, looking etherially out of place?
Walking quietly, Brehan came towards her at an angle, as if she were a lion cub that he didn't want to startle or scare. She heard his footsteps almost immediately, those blue eyes fixing upon him with a strange look of confusion. He continued to approach her slowly, finally kneeling down before her as he came to her side.
"Fair lady," he spoke reverently, as if there were no other alternative, "You do not look as if you come from these parts. Have you been separated from your people?"
The confused look on her face heightened even further, a frown furrowing across her brow. Then she began to speak in a sharp, crisp language that he had never heard of before. It was a jarring surprise, hearing her frustrated tones in an alien tongue. But her voice was rich and powerful, without a hint of fear, and Brehan found himself suddenly smitten by the mysterious woman. She stopped talking when she realized that he didn't understand what she was saying, sighing and crossing her arms with disappointment. Her gaze went back to the river, as if her answers were lying amidst the glistening waters.
"If you come with me, back to my village, perhaps I can help you." Brehan asked, even though he knew she didn't understand him. He spoke kindly and gently, hoping that the tone of his voice would help her comprehend what he was trying to say. He shifted on his haunches so that he was kneeling in front of her, directly in her line of sight. "I want to help you. Do you understand?" Tentatively, Brehan reached for her hand, relieved when she didn't flinch or pull it out of his grasp. Holding it between both of his own, he eyed her hopefully.
She considered him for a moment, then gracefully rose from her seat on the rocks. She was much taller than he had realized, almost as tall as himself, her fair legs peeking out from the bottom of the robe as she looked at him expectantly. Still holding her by the hand, Brehan retraced his steps back to the village. The deer would be safe for another day.
As per usual, it's based on a dream I had. I'm 100% sure I wrote a couple more chapters but for the life of me I have no idea where they are. I guess I'll just have to keep looking for it. I have a feeling I may have deleted it in a fit of embarrassment.
Anyway, this particular passage reminds me how unrefined my writing skills are. I mean... ugh. I sound like Stephanie Meyer or something.
Aug 12, 2008
Reaching Around The World For New Music
Conservative blogger: *in an ominous tone* "Children [these days] do not feel that they depend on the will of God but on the will of their mother." (regarding their existence)
Me: "Hell, I hope so."
But let's put that aside. I have something much more pleasant to share with y'all. I have discovered, quite randomly, the existence of a three member techno-pop girl group called Perfume. Their music sounds like Kylie Minogue's music with intense influence from Daft Punk, all with that good ole Japanese flavour. Their songs are so ridiculously catchy and I must say their videos are tres fun to watch. Perfume's USP (Unique Selling Point, for those who don't know) has got to be their dancing, which the girls have down to a tee. The video below demonstrates this point, as well as showing that, no, you don't have to dress a girl group up in skimpy clothes for people to take them seriously.
I kinda wish Bollywood videos would copy something like this; they're into shamelessly stealing from other cultures, after all. ;P
Me: "Hell, I hope so."
But let's put that aside. I have something much more pleasant to share with y'all. I have discovered, quite randomly, the existence of a three member techno-pop girl group called Perfume. Their music sounds like Kylie Minogue's music with intense influence from Daft Punk, all with that good ole Japanese flavour. Their songs are so ridiculously catchy and I must say their videos are tres fun to watch. Perfume's USP (Unique Selling Point, for those who don't know) has got to be their dancing, which the girls have down to a tee. The video below demonstrates this point, as well as showing that, no, you don't have to dress a girl group up in skimpy clothes for people to take them seriously.
I kinda wish Bollywood videos would copy something like this; they're into shamelessly stealing from other cultures, after all. ;P
Aug 1, 2008
The Conservatives Are Freaking Me Out
A certain article was brought to my attention and it scared and angered me.
These are real quotes from real people, expressing eliminationism against liberals, which is "a desire or a demand for extermination, removal, or infliction of harm; identification of opponents with national enemies; identification of opponents as a target for retaliation or incarceration; expressing a desire for or approval of genocide or murder; identification with vermin or disease." It’s all America-related quotes, but we all know Canada, for all its socialist predilections, harbors people who feel exactly the same way.
Excerpts:
Lee Rogers: “[T]he day will come when unpleasant things are going to happen to a bunch of stupid liberals and it’s going to be very amusing to watch.”
Rush Limbaugh: “I tell people don’t kill all the liberals. Leave enough so we can have two on every campus—living fossils—so we will never forget what these people stood for.”
RedState contributor “Thomas Crown”: I repeat: Should the entire American Left fall over dead tomorrow, I would rejoice, and order pizza to celebrate. They are not my countrymen; they are animals who happen to walk upright and make noises that approximate speech. They are below human. I look forward to seeing each and every one in Hell.
Rabbi Daniel Lapin: There were, and are, “two incompatible moral visions for this country. We had to settle it then. We’re going to have to settle it now. I hope not with blood, not with guns, but we’re going to have to settle it nonetheless. The good news is that I think our side is finally ready to settle it. Roll up its sleeves, take off its jacket, and get a little bloody. Spill a little blood. We’ll settle it. And we’ll win. And then there’s no holding us back.
Ann Coulter: ”We need to execute people like John Walker in order to physically intimidate liberals, by making them realize that they can be killed too.”
Joe M. Richardson, letter to Editor and Publisher: I say start executing the leftists in our country, soon.
Rep. Peter King: And Joe Wilson has no right to complain. And I think people like Tim Russert and the others, who gave this guy such a free ride and all the media, they’re the ones to be shot, not Karl Rove.
“Sock" Sokolowski, to Stephanie Miller: As with Cindy Sheehan the best thing that could happen to you would be seeing some WONDERFUL activist sticking an AK-47 up your Glory Holes and sending you into eternity… I would gather my 1st amendment rights permit me to HOPE (!) and PRAY (!) that someone decides you’re better off as statistics. Honestly, should I hear of either you leaving this earth prematurely I would initiate a personal celebration that would make Animal House appear to be just another quiet Sunday in church.
Melanie Morgan: “We’ve got a bull’s-eye painted on [Nancy Pelosi’s] big, wide laughing eyes.”
Kathleen Parker: Here’s a note I got recently from a friend and former Delta Force member, who has been observing American politics from the trenches: “These bastards like Clark and Kerry and that incipient ass, Dean, and Gephardt and Kucinich and that absolute mental midget Sharpton, race baiter, should all be lined up and shot.”
John Shelley: All verminous, hate-America, liberal-socialist-commie filth should be contained and selectively eliminated.
Paul Cameron: “Unless we get medically lucky, in three or four years, one of the options discussed will be the extermination of homosexuals.”
All this makes me scared because these people are spewing hate against me, not just my beliefs. And then I saw the quote that says Kucinich should be shot and I got really pissed off. Anyone who badmouths Kucinich is not in his/her right mind. :P
*sigh* It’s times like this I wish I had a friend who was a leftist feminist to discuss issues with.
These are real quotes from real people, expressing eliminationism against liberals, which is "a desire or a demand for extermination, removal, or infliction of harm; identification of opponents with national enemies; identification of opponents as a target for retaliation or incarceration; expressing a desire for or approval of genocide or murder; identification with vermin or disease." It’s all America-related quotes, but we all know Canada, for all its socialist predilections, harbors people who feel exactly the same way.
Excerpts:
Lee Rogers: “[T]he day will come when unpleasant things are going to happen to a bunch of stupid liberals and it’s going to be very amusing to watch.”
Rush Limbaugh: “I tell people don’t kill all the liberals. Leave enough so we can have two on every campus—living fossils—so we will never forget what these people stood for.”
RedState contributor “Thomas Crown”: I repeat: Should the entire American Left fall over dead tomorrow, I would rejoice, and order pizza to celebrate. They are not my countrymen; they are animals who happen to walk upright and make noises that approximate speech. They are below human. I look forward to seeing each and every one in Hell.
Rabbi Daniel Lapin: There were, and are, “two incompatible moral visions for this country. We had to settle it then. We’re going to have to settle it now. I hope not with blood, not with guns, but we’re going to have to settle it nonetheless. The good news is that I think our side is finally ready to settle it. Roll up its sleeves, take off its jacket, and get a little bloody. Spill a little blood. We’ll settle it. And we’ll win. And then there’s no holding us back.
Ann Coulter: ”We need to execute people like John Walker in order to physically intimidate liberals, by making them realize that they can be killed too.”
Joe M. Richardson, letter to Editor and Publisher: I say start executing the leftists in our country, soon.
Rep. Peter King: And Joe Wilson has no right to complain. And I think people like Tim Russert and the others, who gave this guy such a free ride and all the media, they’re the ones to be shot, not Karl Rove.
“Sock" Sokolowski, to Stephanie Miller: As with Cindy Sheehan the best thing that could happen to you would be seeing some WONDERFUL activist sticking an AK-47 up your Glory Holes and sending you into eternity… I would gather my 1st amendment rights permit me to HOPE (!) and PRAY (!) that someone decides you’re better off as statistics. Honestly, should I hear of either you leaving this earth prematurely I would initiate a personal celebration that would make Animal House appear to be just another quiet Sunday in church.
Melanie Morgan: “We’ve got a bull’s-eye painted on [Nancy Pelosi’s] big, wide laughing eyes.”
Kathleen Parker: Here’s a note I got recently from a friend and former Delta Force member, who has been observing American politics from the trenches: “These bastards like Clark and Kerry and that incipient ass, Dean, and Gephardt and Kucinich and that absolute mental midget Sharpton, race baiter, should all be lined up and shot.”
John Shelley: All verminous, hate-America, liberal-socialist-commie filth should be contained and selectively eliminated.
Paul Cameron: “Unless we get medically lucky, in three or four years, one of the options discussed will be the extermination of homosexuals.”
All this makes me scared because these people are spewing hate against me, not just my beliefs. And then I saw the quote that says Kucinich should be shot and I got really pissed off. Anyone who badmouths Kucinich is not in his/her right mind. :P
*sigh* It’s times like this I wish I had a friend who was a leftist feminist to discuss issues with.
Jul 31, 2008
Can't Wait For Strawberry Swing
Coldplay tonight yaaaaa! I can’t believe I’ll be seeing those four awesome dudes again. Maybe this time I’ll actually understand what the hell Chris Martin is saying. ;) It’s funny… last time I had weird seats, couldn’t really see the stage but I was practically staring down on him from above. This time I will be straight across from the stage but much further than I was the first time. It’s bittersweet in a way.
Jul 28, 2008
A Cultural Message
From Heartless Bitches International: Socialized Stupidity - There IS a cure!
Excerpt:
I don't agree with all of it, and the extreme examples they use don't really apply to most women, but it's still a damn fine editorial. Rock on, ladies.
Excerpt:
They don't need to make laws that keep women down and prevent equality. They just have to keep us preoccupied with ludicrous activities that distract us and keep us from learning, improving our brains, developing our physical strength, and asserting our right to equality by simply being there in equal numbers.
- How can a woman with outrageously long fingernails do ANYTHING sensible (or compete on an equal level with a man) when she is constantly worried about breaking a nail?
- How can a woman run or defend herself if she is wearing 4-inch heels?
- How can a woman focus on improving her brain when she has to spend 3 hours a day on her appearance?
- How can a woman THINK when she is eating so few calories and carbohydrates each day that her brain can't function normally?
I don't agree with all of it, and the extreme examples they use don't really apply to most women, but it's still a damn fine editorial. Rock on, ladies.
Jul 22, 2008
Happy Summertime Music
Today's post is all about cheerful dance videos for a change. Hurrah!
First off we have Ian Oliver's Bucovina. The song itself is light and Spanish flavoured and very danceable. The video is the cutest thing ever; a bunch of dudes are, like, throwing down b-boy moves while they skip and double dutch to the song, and a chick who watches them trains her ass off so that she can join in on the fun. Adorable, check it out.
And just for good measure, let's throw in Heater by Samim. The song is distinctively French sounding with the major use of an accordion. The video is a simple concept; people around the world dancing to the same song. :D
First off we have Ian Oliver's Bucovina. The song itself is light and Spanish flavoured and very danceable. The video is the cutest thing ever; a bunch of dudes are, like, throwing down b-boy moves while they skip and double dutch to the song, and a chick who watches them trains her ass off so that she can join in on the fun. Adorable, check it out.
And just for good measure, let's throw in Heater by Samim. The song is distinctively French sounding with the major use of an accordion. The video is a simple concept; people around the world dancing to the same song. :D
Jul 17, 2008
A Little Scared, A Little Sad
What the fuck is wrong with America?!
Bush wants to make any form of birth control equal to abortion. A man who raped an 11 year old girl gets a couple years in jail because girl “knew what she was doing” when she was gang-raped by 20 men. There are over 1 million individuals on their terrorist watch list.
Goddammit guys, I remember when America used to be awesome. Don’t you? Back when we were kids, and America was the Promised Land, land of opportunity, where you were free from persecution, where you could find your greatest potential. America was a breath of fresh air, revolutionary, creative, cutting-edge, as bountiful as it was complex. A place where people around the world came together to fulfill their dreams.
Now look at it. It’s shameful what the country is slowly sliding towards. Stifled, backwards, stale, shallow, oppressive, close-minded. And I’m very, very afraid of what effect this will have on Canada. Canada depends on America so much; I fear that we will try to emulate them in order to stay in their good books. I have terrible visions of Canada following the America Junior mindset. Or I have terrible visions of us sticking to our socialism, at which point America declares war and bombs us to hell. The Handmaid’s Tale was right; they’re headed towards a Christian fundamentalist theocracy. :(
*sigh* Okay, I’m going to stop being so down and concentrate on the fact that I will be seeing the Rogers Cup finals soon. And Coldplay. Woohoo!
Bush wants to make any form of birth control equal to abortion. A man who raped an 11 year old girl gets a couple years in jail because girl “knew what she was doing” when she was gang-raped by 20 men. There are over 1 million individuals on their terrorist watch list.
Goddammit guys, I remember when America used to be awesome. Don’t you? Back when we were kids, and America was the Promised Land, land of opportunity, where you were free from persecution, where you could find your greatest potential. America was a breath of fresh air, revolutionary, creative, cutting-edge, as bountiful as it was complex. A place where people around the world came together to fulfill their dreams.
Now look at it. It’s shameful what the country is slowly sliding towards. Stifled, backwards, stale, shallow, oppressive, close-minded. And I’m very, very afraid of what effect this will have on Canada. Canada depends on America so much; I fear that we will try to emulate them in order to stay in their good books. I have terrible visions of Canada following the America Junior mindset. Or I have terrible visions of us sticking to our socialism, at which point America declares war and bombs us to hell. The Handmaid’s Tale was right; they’re headed towards a Christian fundamentalist theocracy. :(
*sigh* Okay, I’m going to stop being so down and concentrate on the fact that I will be seeing the Rogers Cup finals soon. And Coldplay. Woohoo!
Jun 18, 2008
I Was Supposed To Post This A Month Ago. Whoops.
Today's headline - My God, Stop Everything: Huckabee Shows Signs of Being Reasonable.
You know when the Huckster is the one making sense, things aren't looking so good for the Repubs.
Since I'm blogging about American politics, check out this doozie: Muslim wearing head scarf denied seat at Obama rally. The reason given for not having her sitting in the audience behind him? "A sensitive political climate" in the words of a volunteer. This all boils down to the fact that Dems talk the talk but don't walk the walk because they are, let's face it, scared. Scared of alienating the unwashed masses, scared of losing those votes and the support of people sitting on the fence, who paranoidly think Muslims are terrorists. Dems talk about unity across cultures and tolerance but in the end, running a campaign is like running a business and they can't ruin their carefully constructed image.
Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee warned members of his party that any attempt to undermine presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama by "demonizing" him would backfire.
"The Republicans will make a fundamental, if not fatal mistake, if they seek to win the election by demonizing Barrack Obama," Huckabee told reporters in Tokyo. "Don't underestimate the extraordinary, substantive moment that Barack Obama's nomination represents in our country."
You know when the Huckster is the one making sense, things aren't looking so good for the Repubs.
Since I'm blogging about American politics, check out this doozie: Muslim wearing head scarf denied seat at Obama rally. The reason given for not having her sitting in the audience behind him? "A sensitive political climate" in the words of a volunteer. This all boils down to the fact that Dems talk the talk but don't walk the walk because they are, let's face it, scared. Scared of alienating the unwashed masses, scared of losing those votes and the support of people sitting on the fence, who paranoidly think Muslims are terrorists. Dems talk about unity across cultures and tolerance but in the end, running a campaign is like running a business and they can't ruin their carefully constructed image.
Jun 6, 2008
Great Music + Grace and Strength = Yay!
I have spontaneously developed a massive love for So You Think You Can Dance. No doubt, it’s going to be my TV obsession for the summer.
When the Canadian version starts, I’m gonna be so hardcore about voting.
When the Canadian version starts, I’m gonna be so hardcore about voting.
May 30, 2008
My Faith In Dance Music Videos Is Restored (A Little)
Just downloaded a whole pile of dance tunes and though many of the videos suck in the usual sucky way, there were some surprising victories that I discovered. Let's start at the worst and work our way towards the best.
First up, 'White Lies' by Paul Van Dyk. Wonderfully catchy song, horrendous video in that typical "woman as nothing more than a stripper/peep show fodder" way. But out of all the songs in this post, it's my tied for my favourite.
Second song is 'Like This Like That' by Se:sa. Again, the women featured are nothing more than sexual objects. Double negative points for how, near the beginning with the guy-girl couple, he pantomimes a move that looks like beating her in the face. NO, BAD. At least the moral of the video is: "What Would Asians Do? KICK YOUR ASS." ;P
Third on the docket we have 'Toca's Miracle' by Fragma. This song originally came out in 2000 with this video. The girls are dressed a little silly but at least they are playing sports! But the song has been remastered and re-released for 2008, and the new video (the After Dark version) looks thusly All I want to know is WHY ARE THOSE WOMEN SO THIN? :(
Anyway, I'm ending with the video (and song!) I really like, cause it features a woman but the whole point is not her hotness but her desire to break free from corporate slavery. Sweeeeet. The song is 'Delirious' by David Guetta and it's very cute and fun. Enjoy!
First up, 'White Lies' by Paul Van Dyk. Wonderfully catchy song, horrendous video in that typical "woman as nothing more than a stripper/peep show fodder" way. But out of all the songs in this post, it's my tied for my favourite.
Second song is 'Like This Like That' by Se:sa. Again, the women featured are nothing more than sexual objects. Double negative points for how, near the beginning with the guy-girl couple, he pantomimes a move that looks like beating her in the face. NO, BAD. At least the moral of the video is: "What Would Asians Do? KICK YOUR ASS." ;P
Third on the docket we have 'Toca's Miracle' by Fragma. This song originally came out in 2000 with this video. The girls are dressed a little silly but at least they are playing sports! But the song has been remastered and re-released for 2008, and the new video (the After Dark version) looks thusly All I want to know is WHY ARE THOSE WOMEN SO THIN? :(
Anyway, I'm ending with the video (and song!) I really like, cause it features a woman but the whole point is not her hotness but her desire to break free from corporate slavery. Sweeeeet. The song is 'Delirious' by David Guetta and it's very cute and fun. Enjoy!
May 28, 2008
Maybe It's The Crazy Poses That Are Evil
Here's something bizarre that was brought to my attention: Christian backlash against yoga. O RLY? YA RLY! And to think, I always thought yoga was one of those things that the western world happily co-opted from the motherland. ;P
No, I'm serious here; there are actual denouncements against yoga. Firstly, a British exorcist has claimed that yoga could put people in danger of being possessed by evil spirits. Also, a children’s yoga class has been banned from two church halls because vicars say yoga is a sham and un-Christian.
I'm sorry, I can't do much more than laugh at these people. I needed a good laugh.
No, I'm serious here; there are actual denouncements against yoga. Firstly, a British exorcist has claimed that yoga could put people in danger of being possessed by evil spirits. Also, a children’s yoga class has been banned from two church halls because vicars say yoga is a sham and un-Christian.
I'm sorry, I can't do much more than laugh at these people. I needed a good laugh.
May 14, 2008
Eurodance is Great But the Videos Suck: Volume Eleventy Billion
Today's banality is brought to you by Olav Basoski from Amsterdam. The song is called Waterman and features the lyrical stylings of Michie One. To be honest this video is not as bad as some of the other ones I've linked to, but it's so startlingly similar to the Calabria 2007 video that I had to share. Scantily clad ladies shake their booties, as usual. But at least the booties are not anorexic looking, and the booties are more than just sexual objects. There are some kick ass dancers here, thank you very much.
Also, I love this song. So I'm a little bit of a hypocrite ;)
Also, I love this song. So I'm a little bit of a hypocrite ;)
May 6, 2008
Numbered Musings For A Monday
1. Canadian military looking for Iron Man-type suits for overburdened soldiers. I know this isn't the same thing, but an army of Robert Downey Jr. look-alikes sounds like a fine plan to me. ;) But more importantly, this brings us one step closer to our army of Gundams, hee.
2. Snagged from a comment in Shakesville, the best current Lost theory yet (spoilers): "I think Sayid gets back to the island, picks up the six (or maybe eight?), and takes off again, intending to get another load after dropping the first off. Then... boop. The island moves. Now they can't find it, and the other losties are lost yet again." Oh Lost, I love you despite your mindfuckery. ;)
3. Any lamebrain who says that women and men are equal in today’s world should read up on Carolyn Jessop, the woman who escaped from the FLDS in 2003 and wrote a book on her harrowing journey. Last night I was reading all kinds of articles about her and even watched a video of her doing a reading of one of the chapters of her book. I find her tale fascinating in a very sad way. She often emphasizes how she is an anomaly amongst the other women in that community; she had family on the outside, only 8 children (only!), and most importantly a college education. The most heartbreaking part of the entire thing is that her oldest daughter was so indoctrinated that she went back to the FLDS once she turned 18. Plural wives, subordination of women, incest, child rape, blood atonement... it almost boggles the mind that a community like this exists in North America.
There’s an FLDS community in British Columbia, sadly. And the BC government is in the process of answering the age old question of whether (I shit thee not) Canada's laws against polygamy are constitutionally valid. Um, hasn’t it already been established that polygamy is wrong, an archaic practice where women are valued less than men? Or am I just using earth logic again? :P
2. Snagged from a comment in Shakesville, the best current Lost theory yet (spoilers): "I think Sayid gets back to the island, picks up the six (or maybe eight?), and takes off again, intending to get another load after dropping the first off. Then... boop. The island moves. Now they can't find it, and the other losties are lost yet again." Oh Lost, I love you despite your mindfuckery. ;)
3. Any lamebrain who says that women and men are equal in today’s world should read up on Carolyn Jessop, the woman who escaped from the FLDS in 2003 and wrote a book on her harrowing journey. Last night I was reading all kinds of articles about her and even watched a video of her doing a reading of one of the chapters of her book. I find her tale fascinating in a very sad way. She often emphasizes how she is an anomaly amongst the other women in that community; she had family on the outside, only 8 children (only!), and most importantly a college education. The most heartbreaking part of the entire thing is that her oldest daughter was so indoctrinated that she went back to the FLDS once she turned 18. Plural wives, subordination of women, incest, child rape, blood atonement... it almost boggles the mind that a community like this exists in North America.
There’s an FLDS community in British Columbia, sadly. And the BC government is in the process of answering the age old question of whether (I shit thee not) Canada's laws against polygamy are constitutionally valid. Um, hasn’t it already been established that polygamy is wrong, an archaic practice where women are valued less than men? Or am I just using earth logic again? :P
Apr 28, 2008
Canadian Government Thwarts Women Yet Again
Stephen Harper is Bad News.
Why? I'll tell ya why! In 2007, Harper's federal government changed the objectives and funding for the Status of Women Canada (SWC) program. Notably, the word "equality" was removed from the SWC's mandate, and the SWC's budget was slashed by $5 million. As a result, associations such as NAWL (National Association of Women and the Law) faced some huge setbacks. The NAC (National Action Committee) condemned this move and blasted the government for its actions.
I bring this up because of the recent noise surrounding Proposed Bill C-484, called the "Unborn Victims of Crime Act". Basically, it's an amendment to the Criminal Code which would grant personhood to the fetus. So if a man shot and murdered woman who was carrying an unborn child, he would be arrested on two murder charges instead of one. On the surface, this may seem dandy (well, not to me).
People are unimpressed. And for good reason. If passed, this bill would be an unconstitutional infringement on women’s rights, and would result in harm against pregnant women. It's a step towards re-criminalizing abortion, plus the bill could also criminalize pregnant women for behaviours perceived to cause harm to their fetuses.
Hmm, I may have to write a letter to my MP or something.
ETA: Here is a sample letter you can send to your MP and you can go here to find your MP. Cheers y'all.
Why? I'll tell ya why! In 2007, Harper's federal government changed the objectives and funding for the Status of Women Canada (SWC) program. Notably, the word "equality" was removed from the SWC's mandate, and the SWC's budget was slashed by $5 million. As a result, associations such as NAWL (National Association of Women and the Law) faced some huge setbacks. The NAC (National Action Committee) condemned this move and blasted the government for its actions.
I bring this up because of the recent noise surrounding Proposed Bill C-484, called the "Unborn Victims of Crime Act". Basically, it's an amendment to the Criminal Code which would grant personhood to the fetus. So if a man shot and murdered woman who was carrying an unborn child, he would be arrested on two murder charges instead of one. On the surface, this may seem dandy (well, not to me).
People are unimpressed. And for good reason. If passed, this bill would be an unconstitutional infringement on women’s rights, and would result in harm against pregnant women. It's a step towards re-criminalizing abortion, plus the bill could also criminalize pregnant women for behaviours perceived to cause harm to their fetuses.
Hmm, I may have to write a letter to my MP or something.
ETA: Here is a sample letter you can send to your MP and you can go here to find your MP. Cheers y'all.
Apr 23, 2008
The Wonderful Future...
You know how when a decade nears its end you get a glimpse what the next one will be dominated by? Because, obviously, there's no clear-cut divide between one decade to another, it's just a general transition. So what will the 2010's be like? From what I'm seeing lately, it will be as divisive as it will be revolutionary. There will be a lot of backlash in many different arenas of life. But most noticeably, we will "go green" in a lot of ways.
Apr 21, 2008
Gonna Make It Out Of This One Way Town
My weekend in Ottawa was lovely. The drive up was back-breaking and went late into the night, but when I got to my friend Rachel’s house we immediately hit up the patio. She had beer and wings, I had nachos and a cocktail… good times.
The next day we had brunch at a quaint diner down the street, walked off our greasy food by heading to the market (passing Parliament on the way). After the market we walked back to her place along the Rideau Canal (where, to her amazement, we saw an otter swimming through the shallow murk). After chilling for a bit we headed to the Glebe, which is a neighbourhood with a stupid name and probably should be called Yuppieville instead. ;) We checked out some of the stores and then went to an amazing Italian restaurant for dinner.
After dinner we went back to her place to make copious amounts of mixed drinks in martini glasses. I made some pretty amazing concoctions on the fly, my favourite being the one with melon and peach liquor, vodka, and orange juice, shaken with ice and strained. Then we were off to Elgin Street to meet with some of Rachel’s friends, maybe, and go to a club. We met up with her friends but they ended up going to a different club than us. The club we ended up going to was nice, with decent music and really cool laser/smoke/light effects. Also, we were both underdressed compared to the other chicks in the club with their three inch heels and tiny dresses, with our jeans and t-shirts, so dem boys totally left us alone. Hurrah. We left the club around 3 AM and proceeded to drink lots of water and eat some amazing leftover veggie lasagna before crashing for the night.
The next day I was feeling lazy so we stayed in and watched Firefly all morning. Then I headed back home. On the way I took a little side trip through Kingston. The first thing I wanted to do was drive past our old place, but it didn’t elicit much of a reaction out of me. Driving by Stauffer, however, gave me a huge wave of nostalgia. As much as things have changed there, so much has stayed the same.
The next day we had brunch at a quaint diner down the street, walked off our greasy food by heading to the market (passing Parliament on the way). After the market we walked back to her place along the Rideau Canal (where, to her amazement, we saw an otter swimming through the shallow murk). After chilling for a bit we headed to the Glebe, which is a neighbourhood with a stupid name and probably should be called Yuppieville instead. ;) We checked out some of the stores and then went to an amazing Italian restaurant for dinner.
After dinner we went back to her place to make copious amounts of mixed drinks in martini glasses. I made some pretty amazing concoctions on the fly, my favourite being the one with melon and peach liquor, vodka, and orange juice, shaken with ice and strained. Then we were off to Elgin Street to meet with some of Rachel’s friends, maybe, and go to a club. We met up with her friends but they ended up going to a different club than us. The club we ended up going to was nice, with decent music and really cool laser/smoke/light effects. Also, we were both underdressed compared to the other chicks in the club with their three inch heels and tiny dresses, with our jeans and t-shirts, so dem boys totally left us alone. Hurrah. We left the club around 3 AM and proceeded to drink lots of water and eat some amazing leftover veggie lasagna before crashing for the night.
The next day I was feeling lazy so we stayed in and watched Firefly all morning. Then I headed back home. On the way I took a little side trip through Kingston. The first thing I wanted to do was drive past our old place, but it didn’t elicit much of a reaction out of me. Driving by Stauffer, however, gave me a huge wave of nostalgia. As much as things have changed there, so much has stayed the same.
Apr 15, 2008
Hooray For Entertainment
You know you're a Final Fantasy fan when you're eating sunflower seeds and you read the container then flip out because sunflower in French = tournesol. Ahahaha.
I've downloaded some fun music since last night:
1. Samim - Heater
2. Dave Armstrong - Love Is Gone
3. Ne-Yo - Closer
4. Janet Jackson ft. Ciara - Feedback
As an aside, the video for #2 makes me roll my eyes. It's one more in a long line of useless dance videos that feature gratuitously sexualized women, a la Calabria, Let Me Think About It, and Call On Me. Great songs, pathetic videos. Alas.
I've downloaded some fun music since last night:
1. Samim - Heater
2. Dave Armstrong - Love Is Gone
3. Ne-Yo - Closer
4. Janet Jackson ft. Ciara - Feedback
As an aside, the video for #2 makes me roll my eyes. It's one more in a long line of useless dance videos that feature gratuitously sexualized women, a la Calabria, Let Me Think About It, and Call On Me. Great songs, pathetic videos. Alas.
Apr 14, 2008
The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
I discovered a most excellent food item last week. Lately I’ve been craving buttered popcorn at night, but I know that shit is so very unhealthy. But when I was doing my weekly grocery shopping, I came across the following: buttered popcorn flavoured rice cakes. Wow. Nutritional information showed that it was low in sodium and fat yet had a good dose of vitamins A and C. I thought, "This will either taste horrific or amazing. I MUST KNOW WHICH ONE IT IS!" I bought it and opened it up when I got home... it tastes exactly like buttered popcorn. But healthy! It’s my new favourite thing. :)
Here's another fantastic quote that's been wasting away on my computer. I think it was said by blogger Bitchy Jones.
Heh, damn skippy.
Here's another fantastic quote that's been wasting away on my computer. I think it was said by blogger Bitchy Jones.
... just shut up about how women are so lucky as if having more wardrobe options in some way makes up for, you know, all the other oppression. Cause having to fight for the right to, you know, like sex without being a dirty evil whore is such a full time job I don’t really spend a lot of time marveling that I can wear trousers *or* a skirt to do it in.
Heh, damn skippy.
Apr 7, 2008
Current State Of Affairs
List of things I need to do:
- Buy TP and juice boxes
- Send in a bunch of clothes for dry-cleaning
- Bring back my spring shoes from home
I'm having one of those moments where I wish I was making more money. Six figures would be so nice. Excessive for just me, but nice nevertheless. One of these days...
Isn't it interesting how we force ourselves to drink foul substances just because of their effect on us, and because of their socially acceptable nature? Or is that just me? I'm talking about alcohol and coffee of course. BLRAGH, this French Vanilla concoction is disgusting.
- Buy TP and juice boxes
- Send in a bunch of clothes for dry-cleaning
- Bring back my spring shoes from home
I'm having one of those moments where I wish I was making more money. Six figures would be so nice. Excessive for just me, but nice nevertheless. One of these days...
Isn't it interesting how we force ourselves to drink foul substances just because of their effect on us, and because of their socially acceptable nature? Or is that just me? I'm talking about alcohol and coffee of course. BLRAGH, this French Vanilla concoction is disgusting.
Apr 4, 2008
Chain Of Logic
Last night in the shower I was thinking about stuff and ending up mixing math with feminism. Like, there's an equation that links power, respect and femininity together. Seriously...
Respect directed towards a woman = (Amount of socialized femininity she practices) - (Power she possess due to other privileges i.e. race, education, class, etc.)
This means that the more power a woman has due to various reasons factors, the more she is encouraged to embraced the traditional trappings of femininity: high heels, perfectly coiffed hair, manicured nails, andan eating disorder a slim, bikini-worthy figure. This is why, in my mind, Hilary Clinton gets so much flack. She doesn't dress in a typically feminine manner, but she is a powerful woman, and it irks everyone to high hell. It's almost as if with a woman with a good deal of power, her potential must be negated by practices that serve to remind her that she is a woman above all, not just a person.
(Yes, yes, I realize there's a crapload of faulty logic here. :P)
Respect directed towards a woman = (Amount of socialized femininity she practices) - (Power she possess due to other privileges i.e. race, education, class, etc.)
This means that the more power a woman has due to various reasons factors, the more she is encouraged to embraced the traditional trappings of femininity: high heels, perfectly coiffed hair, manicured nails, and
(Yes, yes, I realize there's a crapload of faulty logic here. :P)
Apr 1, 2008
Some People Say Awesome Things
(Courtesy of Twisty)
Femininity, in fact, can’t even be practiced without stuff (which is one way of debunking the argument that it is an inherited sex trait). It is simply not possible for a woman without makeup and deodorant and lingerie and kitten heels and diet pills and clothes without pockets and anti-wrinkle cream that promises “glowing skin” and self-help books explaining the best ways to suck up to men and jewelry and razors and tweezers and lemon-scented cleaning products and boxes of Lean Cuisine in the freezer — all stuff that must be bought — to be fully feminine.
Femininity — selling it, doing it, approving of it, pinking it, drinking it — is antifeminist, fool.
Mar 30, 2008
A Green Hour Or So
I decided to check out Nathan Phillips Square yesterday, where the Earth Hour concert with Nelly Furtado headlining was gonna be. I saw Anwar Knight and tried my best to get in the background of his spot on a solar car. ;) Then I headed towards the main stage.
-- Video : people gathering before the event started.
I was two hours too early for the concert, so I contemplated going home instead of waiting around in the cold. But then I called my sister and she said she would beat me if I didn't stay and watch Nelly Furtado, hahahahaha. My mom also encouraged me to stay, so I did. I stood around listening to the DJ test out his music and random local acts warming up the stage.
Finally, the people promoting the event (David Miller, CEOs of Toronto Star and Virgin Mobile, Susan Hays) turned the damn lights out and the concert began. First up was Jon Levine, the pianist from the Philosopher Kings. He did a couple solo songs. Then out came Nelly Furtado, who the crowd was clamoring for. Appropriately enough, she sang Turn Off The Lights. ;) After her one song, the Philosopher Kings came on and did three songs, the last of which was Cry. Then, Fefe Dobson! She sang two new songs and then sang Everything.
-- Video : Fefe Dobson singing Everything.
After Fefe Dobson finished, Nelly Furtado came back on. She sang Say It Right and I'm Like A Bird. It should be noted that she did all her songs with only the accompaniment of a guitar and a thousand screaming fans. ;)
-- Video : Nelly Furtado singing Say It Right.
When Nelly Furtado finished I started moving away from my prime spot cause I figured it would be a good idea to head out and beat the crowd. But as I moved away from the stage, the Philosopher Kings came back on and starting singing Hurts To Love You, my favourite song by them! I just had to stay. Sorry about the quality of this video; I was surrounded by a bunch of enthusiastic fans who were dancing around happily to the music. ;)
-- Video : Philosopher Kings singing Hurts To Love You.
All in all, fun times. I'm glad it wasn't just Nelly Furtado I got to see; I love Philosopher Kings and Fefe too. :) As for the whole Earth Hour thing, as much as there was talk about conserving energy, a lot of it was about increasing awareness.
-- Video : people gathering before the event started.
I was two hours too early for the concert, so I contemplated going home instead of waiting around in the cold. But then I called my sister and she said she would beat me if I didn't stay and watch Nelly Furtado, hahahahaha. My mom also encouraged me to stay, so I did. I stood around listening to the DJ test out his music and random local acts warming up the stage.
Finally, the people promoting the event (David Miller, CEOs of Toronto Star and Virgin Mobile, Susan Hays) turned the damn lights out and the concert began. First up was Jon Levine, the pianist from the Philosopher Kings. He did a couple solo songs. Then out came Nelly Furtado, who the crowd was clamoring for. Appropriately enough, she sang Turn Off The Lights. ;) After her one song, the Philosopher Kings came on and did three songs, the last of which was Cry. Then, Fefe Dobson! She sang two new songs and then sang Everything.
-- Video : Fefe Dobson singing Everything.
After Fefe Dobson finished, Nelly Furtado came back on. She sang Say It Right and I'm Like A Bird. It should be noted that she did all her songs with only the accompaniment of a guitar and a thousand screaming fans. ;)
-- Video : Nelly Furtado singing Say It Right.
When Nelly Furtado finished I started moving away from my prime spot cause I figured it would be a good idea to head out and beat the crowd. But as I moved away from the stage, the Philosopher Kings came back on and starting singing Hurts To Love You, my favourite song by them! I just had to stay. Sorry about the quality of this video; I was surrounded by a bunch of enthusiastic fans who were dancing around happily to the music. ;)
-- Video : Philosopher Kings singing Hurts To Love You.
All in all, fun times. I'm glad it wasn't just Nelly Furtado I got to see; I love Philosopher Kings and Fefe too. :) As for the whole Earth Hour thing, as much as there was talk about conserving energy, a lot of it was about increasing awareness.
Mar 27, 2008
Revisiting Old Haunts
Six days to Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z!
I ended up back in Whitby today. Turns out one of our clients is the Oshawa Center, and I got there early for a morning training session so I popped by my old house for kicks. It was... odd. There was a massive black pick-up truck in the driveway. And don't get me started on the Oshawa Center! WTF Dynamite. They want to be the new Abercrombie & Fitch or something. Espirit is gone. Blacks and Ben Moss are suddenly there. And the side near Sears, where I didn't go, looked pretty unrecognizable. *shakes head* I was actually amazed at how run down Whitby looked. Seems like everyone is packing up and heading north. You know, like where the "new" Wal-Mart is, on... Taunton, right? Yeah, everyone and everything (and therefore all the money) is heading up north. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it. *nods*
Wow, 10 PM and I'm already exhausted. LAMESAUCE.
I ended up back in Whitby today. Turns out one of our clients is the Oshawa Center, and I got there early for a morning training session so I popped by my old house for kicks. It was... odd. There was a massive black pick-up truck in the driveway. And don't get me started on the Oshawa Center! WTF Dynamite. They want to be the new Abercrombie & Fitch or something. Espirit is gone. Blacks and Ben Moss are suddenly there. And the side near Sears, where I didn't go, looked pretty unrecognizable. *shakes head* I was actually amazed at how run down Whitby looked. Seems like everyone is packing up and heading north. You know, like where the "new" Wal-Mart is, on... Taunton, right? Yeah, everyone and everything (and therefore all the money) is heading up north. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it. *nods*
Wow, 10 PM and I'm already exhausted. LAMESAUCE.
Mar 25, 2008
I Can Be A Superstar
So I started a my new job last week, after a couple months of intense searching. So far so good. It's the attitude of my the new office that pleases me the most, lots of cool, humourous people my age. One of the girls in HR, we had this crazy conversation that consisted of a series of sucessive "ohmigod"s as we realized how much we had in common. :)
So needless to say, life has been good over the past few days. It's taken a while for it to sink in that this is my new employer, but I'm slowly accepting this new shift in my life.
So needless to say, life has been good over the past few days. It's taken a while for it to sink in that this is my new employer, but I'm slowly accepting this new shift in my life.
Mar 4, 2008
Not Gonna Talk About Eating Issues Though...
The post-Second Wave feminism dilemma:
After Second Wave feminism, women had so many more opportunities than ever. The only problem was that now, women were expected to do it all: raise the kids, keep a clean house, look fashionable and thin, excel in the workplace, and be a sex-kitten in the bedroom. Not only that, but they had to do it with effortless perfection in order to be taken seriously by their male peers.
Someone explained it better over here. The post topic is about the issues women have with food and thinness, but it's what got me thinking about this.
In other news, I am so ready for winter to be over.
After Second Wave feminism, women had so many more opportunities than ever. The only problem was that now, women were expected to do it all: raise the kids, keep a clean house, look fashionable and thin, excel in the workplace, and be a sex-kitten in the bedroom. Not only that, but they had to do it with effortless perfection in order to be taken seriously by their male peers.
Someone explained it better over here. The post topic is about the issues women have with food and thinness, but it's what got me thinking about this.
In other news, I am so ready for winter to be over.
Feb 29, 2008
I Reject Your Reality And Substitute My Own!
Decision: I am never shopping at Sephora again. Every time I go in there, I feel so shallow. And yet I stroll through every aisle whenever I'm feeling like I want a meaningless little something something to boost my mood.
I'm done with meaningless trinkets. NEVAR AGAIN. If I want to treat myself to make-up, I'll just pick something up from Shoppers Drugmart. :P
... preoccupation with a media-imposed artificially-high and artificially-maintained standard of beauty keeps women preoccupied with things that are irrelevant to their jobs, skills, education, hard work, etc.
I'm done with meaningless trinkets. NEVAR AGAIN. If I want to treat myself to make-up, I'll just pick something up from Shoppers Drugmart. :P
... preoccupation with a media-imposed artificially-high and artificially-maintained standard of beauty keeps women preoccupied with things that are irrelevant to their jobs, skills, education, hard work, etc.
Feb 10, 2008
The Battle Continues
I had never realized just how un-democratic the election process was in America. Why? Superdelegates. It's like: "All people are equal... but some are more equal than others." *facepalm* And I thought things were complicated here in Canada. I was wrong.
Speaking of the election process, I hear Harper is pushing for a spring election. Woohoo... *unenthusiastic* What a choice us Canucks get: Harper or Dion. Blech. It's mighty disappointing, especially when we're inundated with the energy of the democratic Hilary Vs. Obama race.
Speaking of the lovely democratic candidates, here's a video that kinda tipped me over in favour of Obama, as much as I enjoy Hilary. It's Obama's speech in Virginia after he swept Nebraska, Washington State, and Louisiana.
Speaking of the election process, I hear Harper is pushing for a spring election. Woohoo... *unenthusiastic* What a choice us Canucks get: Harper or Dion. Blech. It's mighty disappointing, especially when we're inundated with the energy of the democratic Hilary Vs. Obama race.
Speaking of the lovely democratic candidates, here's a video that kinda tipped me over in favour of Obama, as much as I enjoy Hilary. It's Obama's speech in Virginia after he swept Nebraska, Washington State, and Louisiana.
Feb 7, 2008
I Wish My Last Post Hadn't Been So Timely
Romney bowing out of Republican presidential race. Just goes to show you that throwing a lot of money around won't always get you what you want. Also, that Huckabee guy better not be named as McCain's running mate. Seriously.
Can't Sleep, Fundies Will Eat Me...
It may be American politics, but I'm still following the election news in the wake of Super (Fat) Tuesday. As I was flitting about the internet I came across an interesting terrifying suggestion: McCain would choose Huckabee as his VP running-mate once the Republican race was settled. This would make old Huckster one step away from being President. I don't think it will happen (DEAR GOD, please let it not happen) but then again the American people elected Bush (twice wtf). Plus, Huckabee did scarily well on Super Tuesday. In any case, this situation would be a bad thing. Why? Oh I'll show you why:
From Perrspectives (here, here, and here)
Top 30 Moments in Mike Huckabee's Extremism
1. Huckabee Calls for the Quarantine of AIDS Victims
2. Huckabee Enables the Politically-Motivated Parole of Repeat Rapist/Murderer
3. Huckabee Offers Faith-Based Pardons
4. Huckabee Undermines the Teaching of Evolution
5. Huckabee Speaks for God
6. Huckabee Speaks to God
7. Huckabee Claims God Behind His Rise in the Polls
8. Huckabee Proclaims His Theology Degree a Unique Qualification to Fight Terrorism
9. Huckabee Flip-Flops, Calls for Federal Abortion Ban
10. Huckabee Calls for Consumption Tax, Abolition of the IRS
11. Huckabee Vows to Take Nation Back for Christ
12. Huckabee Declares Culture War in 1998 Book
13. Huckabee Declares Women Should Graciously Submit to Their Husbands
14. Huckabee Predicts Victory over Islam at the End of Times
15. Huckabee Boasts About Theology Degree He Doesn't Have
16. Huckabee Destroys His State Computer Records - and Church Sermons
17. Huckabee Offers State Appointments in Exchange for Gifts
18. Huckabee Uses Wedding Registries to Furnish New Home
19. Huckabee Offers Clemency to Repeat DWI Offender (and GOP Donor)
20. Huckabee Intervenes to Save Dog-Killing Son from Legal Jeopardy
21. Huckabee Encourages Televangelist to Defy Senate Investigation
22. Huckabee Wants Americans to be "Soldiers for Christ" in "God's Army"
23. Huckabee Calls for a Faith-Based Constitution
24. Huckabee Wants to Crimalize Abortion Providers
25. Huckabee Vows to Deport All Illegal Aliens
26. Huckabee Equates Homosexuality with Bestiality
27. Huckabee Says the Lord Gave Him Wisdom During GOP Debates
28. Huckabee Gets Scatalogical in Defense of the Confederate Flag
29. Huckabee Compares Search for Iraq WMD to Easter Egg Hunt
30. Huckabee Calls for Taxes on Pimps, Prostitutes and Drug Dealers
I know, I know... it's a long fucking list. No wonder 15% of Canadians (as reported by the CBC) would give up their vote if they could participate in the US elections. *waves dual Clinton and Obama flags*
From Perrspectives (here, here, and here)
Top 30 Moments in Mike Huckabee's Extremism
1. Huckabee Calls for the Quarantine of AIDS Victims
2. Huckabee Enables the Politically-Motivated Parole of Repeat Rapist/Murderer
3. Huckabee Offers Faith-Based Pardons
4. Huckabee Undermines the Teaching of Evolution
5. Huckabee Speaks for God
6. Huckabee Speaks to God
7. Huckabee Claims God Behind His Rise in the Polls
8. Huckabee Proclaims His Theology Degree a Unique Qualification to Fight Terrorism
9. Huckabee Flip-Flops, Calls for Federal Abortion Ban
10. Huckabee Calls for Consumption Tax, Abolition of the IRS
11. Huckabee Vows to Take Nation Back for Christ
12. Huckabee Declares Culture War in 1998 Book
13. Huckabee Declares Women Should Graciously Submit to Their Husbands
14. Huckabee Predicts Victory over Islam at the End of Times
15. Huckabee Boasts About Theology Degree He Doesn't Have
16. Huckabee Destroys His State Computer Records - and Church Sermons
17. Huckabee Offers State Appointments in Exchange for Gifts
18. Huckabee Uses Wedding Registries to Furnish New Home
19. Huckabee Offers Clemency to Repeat DWI Offender (and GOP Donor)
20. Huckabee Intervenes to Save Dog-Killing Son from Legal Jeopardy
21. Huckabee Encourages Televangelist to Defy Senate Investigation
22. Huckabee Wants Americans to be "Soldiers for Christ" in "God's Army"
23. Huckabee Calls for a Faith-Based Constitution
24. Huckabee Wants to Crimalize Abortion Providers
25. Huckabee Vows to Deport All Illegal Aliens
26. Huckabee Equates Homosexuality with Bestiality
27. Huckabee Says the Lord Gave Him Wisdom During GOP Debates
28. Huckabee Gets Scatalogical in Defense of the Confederate Flag
29. Huckabee Compares Search for Iraq WMD to Easter Egg Hunt
30. Huckabee Calls for Taxes on Pimps, Prostitutes and Drug Dealers
I know, I know... it's a long fucking list. No wonder 15% of Canadians (as reported by the CBC) would give up their vote if they could participate in the US elections. *waves dual Clinton and Obama flags*
Jan 15, 2008
I Got It From My Momma
Newsflash: When I went out to dinner with my family for my birthday over a week ago, I ordered a mango daiquiri. And the waitress asked me if I was of age. She was honest to god questioning if I was 19 years old.
I just turned 27. I am going to age SO WELL. ;D
I just turned 27. I am going to age SO WELL. ;D
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