I'll keep today's post short and sweet, as there's so much to be done on All Hallow's Eve. First and foremost, I'd like to wish both my papa and uncle a happy birthday. That's right. They're father and son Halloween babies. I was so close to sharing my birthday with them, but it wasn't meant to be. Oh well.
Second, I'd like to remind everyone who's going out tonight, to be safe. If you're privy to sidewalks, use them (I don't have that luxury where I am).
Third, don't forget to dress up! Remember, this is the one time a year where you get to go all out, and try to out-do the person next to you. I'll be dressed-up too, don't you worry.
Last but not least, watch a classic Halloween flick or two! I recommend The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and another personal favourite, Phantasm. Both are ridiculous, messed-up, and are cult classics. Of course, classics like Frankenstein or Dracula work too!
Happy Halloween, everyone! Have a spookerific night!
Monday, 31 October 2011
Sunday, 30 October 2011
A Few of My Favourite Things: Martin's Edition
My mum and I originally had a candy run to do this morning (what can I say? My friends and I ate all the candy on Friday during my birthday film fest), but we decided to hit up Martin's as well. After all, come 5 o'clock tomorrow (Oct. 31), Martin's will be closed for the season, and it won't open up again until the strawberries are ready in June.
We went with the intention of getting apples. That was it, but such wasn't the case when we arrived. You see, they had a sign outside of the store that said, "SALE! GROUND BEEF! $2/ POUND!" Interest peaked? I think so, especially since we ran out of the beef from my cousins a while ago!
Once inside, we found the apples we had come for, along with a few other goodies that we would have otherwise missed out on. What sort of goodies, you ask? Red potatoes, which we won't see again until next year, and are always so beautiful tasting, particularly with their skins on. I was ecstatic to find cider! I had purchased a jug back at the end of September/ beginning of October, but it came from the grocery store, and was a chain brand. This cider, my friends, was straight from the farm! Oh baby! I looked on the whiteboard behind the counter, and I noticed that they also had roasts. While the girl went in the back to get our ground beef, mum cracked open the freezer out front, and found the last beef blade roast.
'Tis a good thing we went to Martin's. Had we not, we would have missed out on cider, my favourite autumn drink, roast beef, one of my favourite cold-weather dinners, and real ground beef. Goodness Me tried to convince me earlier in the week that their beef was organic... It was about as fake-tasting as you could get. This meat from a local farm is anything but. And as we speak, I'm enjoying a glass of beautiful, cold apple cider (though I'll drink it hot too). It is everything I hoped it would be.
This concludes "A Few of My Favourite Things: Martin's Edition."
Post script: If you ever want to hit up Martin's, it's located on Highway #56, between Golf Club Rd and Guyatt. I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed. And if you are, there's either something seriously wrong with you, or it was a bad season, plain and simple.
We went with the intention of getting apples. That was it, but such wasn't the case when we arrived. You see, they had a sign outside of the store that said, "SALE! GROUND BEEF! $2/ POUND!" Interest peaked? I think so, especially since we ran out of the beef from my cousins a while ago!
Once inside, we found the apples we had come for, along with a few other goodies that we would have otherwise missed out on. What sort of goodies, you ask? Red potatoes, which we won't see again until next year, and are always so beautiful tasting, particularly with their skins on. I was ecstatic to find cider! I had purchased a jug back at the end of September/ beginning of October, but it came from the grocery store, and was a chain brand. This cider, my friends, was straight from the farm! Oh baby! I looked on the whiteboard behind the counter, and I noticed that they also had roasts. While the girl went in the back to get our ground beef, mum cracked open the freezer out front, and found the last beef blade roast.
'Tis a good thing we went to Martin's. Had we not, we would have missed out on cider, my favourite autumn drink, roast beef, one of my favourite cold-weather dinners, and real ground beef. Goodness Me tried to convince me earlier in the week that their beef was organic... It was about as fake-tasting as you could get. This meat from a local farm is anything but. And as we speak, I'm enjoying a glass of beautiful, cold apple cider (though I'll drink it hot too). It is everything I hoped it would be.
This concludes "A Few of My Favourite Things: Martin's Edition."
Post script: If you ever want to hit up Martin's, it's located on Highway #56, between Golf Club Rd and Guyatt. I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed. And if you are, there's either something seriously wrong with you, or it was a bad season, plain and simple.
Saturday, 29 October 2011
This Day in History: Black Tuesday, and Sir Winston S. Churchill
Two very important things happened on this day in history, not counting that it's the day I was born. At least one of these two historical events is always covered in high school history class. The other, I came across by happenstance while doing research for an essay.
This day, October 29, 1929, became known as Black Tuesday. The Wall Street Stock Market crashed, and what is known as the Great Depression began. Black Tuesday was the greatest stock market crash in all America's history, and the depression it caused lasted for twelve years. Only when the U.S became involved with the Second World War did they finally start to climb out of their depression. And you know, I have occasionally joked about my birthday landing on a terrible anniversary. At least now, the date isn't so depressing.
Another piece of historical significance occurred on this day in 1941. On this day, October 29, 1941, Sir Winston S. Churchill gave his "Never Give In!" speech at Harrow School, where he once attended. That speech really is a masterpiece:
"Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never- in nothing, great or small, large or petty- never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." -Winston Churchill, 1941
If I could speak like anyone, I'd want to speak like this man.
And there you have it, your brief lesson in history for the day. Please notice below that I have included a link to the Churchill Centre and Museum website, which has a copy of Churchill's "Never Give In!" speech.
http://www.winstonchurchill.org/learn/speeches/speeches-of-winston-churchill/103-never-give-in
This day, October 29, 1929, became known as Black Tuesday. The Wall Street Stock Market crashed, and what is known as the Great Depression began. Black Tuesday was the greatest stock market crash in all America's history, and the depression it caused lasted for twelve years. Only when the U.S became involved with the Second World War did they finally start to climb out of their depression. And you know, I have occasionally joked about my birthday landing on a terrible anniversary. At least now, the date isn't so depressing.
Another piece of historical significance occurred on this day in 1941. On this day, October 29, 1941, Sir Winston S. Churchill gave his "Never Give In!" speech at Harrow School, where he once attended. That speech really is a masterpiece:
"Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never- in nothing, great or small, large or petty- never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy." -Winston Churchill, 1941
If I could speak like anyone, I'd want to speak like this man.
And there you have it, your brief lesson in history for the day. Please notice below that I have included a link to the Churchill Centre and Museum website, which has a copy of Churchill's "Never Give In!" speech.
http://www.winstonchurchill.org/learn/speeches/speeches-of-winston-churchill/103-never-give-in
Friday, 28 October 2011
A Few of My Favourite Things: Halloween Edition
Yes, I realize that Halloween is still a few days away, but I was feeling impatient. Besides, tonight I'll be hosting my Annual Film Fest, and what a better way to break in the fest than to share a few of my favourite things that come with Halloween. Staring with a few of my favourite memories.
When I was little and went trick or treating, we never went to many houses. Instead, we went and hit up friends of ours for candy. I remember going to my aunt's, way back when my uncle was still alive, and being given a full-size bag of Cheetos Puff Cheezies. We also went to see one of our neighbours down the road, and she once gave me a can of A&W root beer. Then there was the time me cousin decided to make good on the trick option instead of treat. He had a basket filled with full-size candy bars. Two words: Mother Load! He went to my sister first, and gave her a treat, which she was very excited about. As for me, my cousin decided to take advantage of the "trick" option. You see, on top of that basket of candy was an apple. He looked at me, said how great my costume was, and instead of giving me a treat, he gave me the apple. Not a candy apple, a Plain Jane ordinary apple, and since my mother had always taught me to say thank you for whatever I was given, I had no choice but to thank him. Then he felt guilty, and gave me the candy bar. At the time, the apple instead of a treat was cruel. Now, it's bloody hilarious!
Back when I was in elementary school, my community had the mother of all Halloween parties. They stopped once I hit high school, which was quite upsetting, because they were just pure awesome. Besides the fair, the Annual Halloween Party was the one thing that everyone at school was excited for. You'd dress up, there was always a ton of candy, prizes were given out for best costumes, and my cousins taught me how to make swamp water. I remember winning best costume once. My mum had made it for me. I went dressed up as Maid Marian from Robin Hood. That, my friends, was an awesome costume. Oh, we can't forget the music either! There were certain songs that were played every year at that party, and to this day, my October isn't complete until I've listened to them. We always did the Monster Mash...
You can't have Halloween without ghosts...
We also had our favourite kooky family...
There were always thrills...
We warped through time itself...
And even though we never went through Hell, we always saw paradise by the dashboard light...
These spook-tacular songs always bring back Halloween party memories. I still make sure I listen to them every year.
We have a creation, compliments of my papa, that we once used at the Community Halloween Party, that my mother and I put to foolish use a few years ago. This is something that my cousin, who's 6'7", put to use to scare small children, and even adults. My mum had an even better idea for it once we kept it for ourselves.
My papa, who's a very creative person, made a creepy guy on a bike a few years ago. I'm talking spawn of Satan and the Wicked With of the West scary. Seriously! Just look at this thing!
If you think he's scary-looking in the daylight, just look at him at night!
I like to think that I had every right to be scared. Now, picture this creepy creation pulling what mum and I kept from the old Halloween party...
Yes, that would be a coffin. My cousin used to hide in it, and then scare people when they'd walk into the party. When my sister was still in high school, mum had the awesome idea to make the creepy guy on the bike a grave robber. I think my sister was embarrassed by this. Everyone else we knew was amused. I had some fun with it myself:
Notice how he's riding off into the night with his casket...
...and that I'm unlucky enough to be going with him!
Of course, all of this was fun, but nothing says Halloween like carving pumpkins. This is my 2011 creation:
I tried to find my Wolfman Jack pumpkin, but it appears to be missing in action, which makes me sad, because I thought it was awesome. It was one of my better carve jobs. Oh well. If I find that blasted photo, I'll post it separately. Picture the Wolfman. Picture him in pumpkin form. Now name him Jack. There you go.
Besides dressing up for a party (here's one from last night when mum and I crashed a geriatric convention at the retirement centre where my great gram now resides)...
...the one thing that I look forward to hosting every year, and that my friends eagerly anticipate, is my Annual Birthday Film Fest. This is a tradition that I've had for more years than I can remember. My Film Fest celebrates the absolute worst in horror, sci-fi, thriller, and occasionally fantasy. These are films that are so bad that even the Razzies would be too embarrassed to embrace them. A certain personality is required for such shenanigans, and my friends all qualify. We've watched Plan 9 From Outer Space, which I believe was dubbed one of the worst movies of all time (the UFO is an old hubcap from a Cadillac), the original House on Haunted Hill, starring Vincent Price, but the best of the worst were definitely the Thumb movies. I'm talking Thumb Wars,
Thumbtanic
Even Bat Thumb!
There's also Frankenthumb, The Blair Thumb Project, and the Godthumb. There might be more, but I'm not sure. They're so terrible, they're amazing.
These are just a few of my favourite Halloween things. Perhaps they've given you ideas for your own Halloween parties. If you're looking for more good, dark party music, I recommend "Dragula" by Rob Zombie, particularly the Hot Rod Herman Remix,
The "Phantom of the Opera" trance remix,
Golden Earring, "Twilight Zone,"
and for some reason, I'm partial to "Rasputin" by Boney M.
So break out the tunes, bust out the bad movies, and get dressed up! I'm celebrating my favourite things tonight. What are yours?
Videos compliments of Youtube. The pictures, however, are all me.
When I was little and went trick or treating, we never went to many houses. Instead, we went and hit up friends of ours for candy. I remember going to my aunt's, way back when my uncle was still alive, and being given a full-size bag of Cheetos Puff Cheezies. We also went to see one of our neighbours down the road, and she once gave me a can of A&W root beer. Then there was the time me cousin decided to make good on the trick option instead of treat. He had a basket filled with full-size candy bars. Two words: Mother Load! He went to my sister first, and gave her a treat, which she was very excited about. As for me, my cousin decided to take advantage of the "trick" option. You see, on top of that basket of candy was an apple. He looked at me, said how great my costume was, and instead of giving me a treat, he gave me the apple. Not a candy apple, a Plain Jane ordinary apple, and since my mother had always taught me to say thank you for whatever I was given, I had no choice but to thank him. Then he felt guilty, and gave me the candy bar. At the time, the apple instead of a treat was cruel. Now, it's bloody hilarious!
Back when I was in elementary school, my community had the mother of all Halloween parties. They stopped once I hit high school, which was quite upsetting, because they were just pure awesome. Besides the fair, the Annual Halloween Party was the one thing that everyone at school was excited for. You'd dress up, there was always a ton of candy, prizes were given out for best costumes, and my cousins taught me how to make swamp water. I remember winning best costume once. My mum had made it for me. I went dressed up as Maid Marian from Robin Hood. That, my friends, was an awesome costume. Oh, we can't forget the music either! There were certain songs that were played every year at that party, and to this day, my October isn't complete until I've listened to them. We always did the Monster Mash...
You can't have Halloween without ghosts...
We also had our favourite kooky family...
There were always thrills...
We warped through time itself...
And even though we never went through Hell, we always saw paradise by the dashboard light...
These spook-tacular songs always bring back Halloween party memories. I still make sure I listen to them every year.
We have a creation, compliments of my papa, that we once used at the Community Halloween Party, that my mother and I put to foolish use a few years ago. This is something that my cousin, who's 6'7", put to use to scare small children, and even adults. My mum had an even better idea for it once we kept it for ourselves.
My papa, who's a very creative person, made a creepy guy on a bike a few years ago. I'm talking spawn of Satan and the Wicked With of the West scary. Seriously! Just look at this thing!
If you think he's scary-looking in the daylight, just look at him at night!
I like to think that I had every right to be scared. Now, picture this creepy creation pulling what mum and I kept from the old Halloween party...
Yes, that would be a coffin. My cousin used to hide in it, and then scare people when they'd walk into the party. When my sister was still in high school, mum had the awesome idea to make the creepy guy on the bike a grave robber. I think my sister was embarrassed by this. Everyone else we knew was amused. I had some fun with it myself:
Notice how he's riding off into the night with his casket...
...and that I'm unlucky enough to be going with him!
Of course, all of this was fun, but nothing says Halloween like carving pumpkins. This is my 2011 creation:
Besides dressing up for a party (here's one from last night when mum and I crashed a geriatric convention at the retirement centre where my great gram now resides)...
...the one thing that I look forward to hosting every year, and that my friends eagerly anticipate, is my Annual Birthday Film Fest. This is a tradition that I've had for more years than I can remember. My Film Fest celebrates the absolute worst in horror, sci-fi, thriller, and occasionally fantasy. These are films that are so bad that even the Razzies would be too embarrassed to embrace them. A certain personality is required for such shenanigans, and my friends all qualify. We've watched Plan 9 From Outer Space, which I believe was dubbed one of the worst movies of all time (the UFO is an old hubcap from a Cadillac), the original House on Haunted Hill, starring Vincent Price, but the best of the worst were definitely the Thumb movies. I'm talking Thumb Wars,
Thumbtanic
Even Bat Thumb!
There's also Frankenthumb, The Blair Thumb Project, and the Godthumb. There might be more, but I'm not sure. They're so terrible, they're amazing.
These are just a few of my favourite Halloween things. Perhaps they've given you ideas for your own Halloween parties. If you're looking for more good, dark party music, I recommend "Dragula" by Rob Zombie, particularly the Hot Rod Herman Remix,
The "Phantom of the Opera" trance remix,
Golden Earring, "Twilight Zone,"
and for some reason, I'm partial to "Rasputin" by Boney M.
So break out the tunes, bust out the bad movies, and get dressed up! I'm celebrating my favourite things tonight. What are yours?
Videos compliments of Youtube. The pictures, however, are all me.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Kismet and Karma
Those who are familiar with me know that I'm a strong believer in kismet, karma, and that everything happens for a reason. The reasons may not automatically appear, but in time, they do reveal themselves. After all, sometimes we need to mull over why something may have occured. Today was once again proof that there is a reason for everything.
One of my friends had needed a favour from me. He was going visiting in Mississauga, and since his car was demolished in an accident a few weeks ago, could I please be a temporary taxi service. Of course, that's not a problem. So on Tuesday, I dropped him off at the GO station, and today, I went back out to pick him up. I was 15-20 minutes early, so I went inside, and had a seat with my book. A few minutes later, I just casually looked up, to see what there was to see, and don't I see looking in my direction one of my friends who I went to school with in Thunder Bay! I hadn't seen him in about four years! Needless to say, catching up was awesome. The friend I was chaufeurring came up the escalator, and Binbrook and Thunder Bay met (technically, he's from Mississauga himself, if I remember correctly, but I knew this person in the bay).
Now I know why I needed to play taxi. If I didn't need to go to the train station, I never would have seen an old friend. Kyle, if you're reading this, I'm so glad we ran into each other and had those few minutes to catch up! All the best with what you're doing now. Perhaps our paths will cross again.
And that, ladies and gents, is the power of kismet.
One of my friends had needed a favour from me. He was going visiting in Mississauga, and since his car was demolished in an accident a few weeks ago, could I please be a temporary taxi service. Of course, that's not a problem. So on Tuesday, I dropped him off at the GO station, and today, I went back out to pick him up. I was 15-20 minutes early, so I went inside, and had a seat with my book. A few minutes later, I just casually looked up, to see what there was to see, and don't I see looking in my direction one of my friends who I went to school with in Thunder Bay! I hadn't seen him in about four years! Needless to say, catching up was awesome. The friend I was chaufeurring came up the escalator, and Binbrook and Thunder Bay met (technically, he's from Mississauga himself, if I remember correctly, but I knew this person in the bay).
Now I know why I needed to play taxi. If I didn't need to go to the train station, I never would have seen an old friend. Kyle, if you're reading this, I'm so glad we ran into each other and had those few minutes to catch up! All the best with what you're doing now. Perhaps our paths will cross again.
And that, ladies and gents, is the power of kismet.
In the Words of Rick Mercer
I'm a huge fan of Rick Mercer. He's hilarious, he's intelligent, and he's not afraid to speak his mind. He says what others are afraid to say, and he dares to speak about the taboo subjects. With his latest rant, he not only speaks with his mind, but I'd dare to say straight from the deepest depths of his very soul. He not only speaks out against homophobia, but raises the important issue of role models. As he's a gay man himself, he more than realizes the importance of having someone to look up to.
I know I've written a few posts already regarding the importance of speaking out against homophobia, but you must understand that my family and I have friends who are members of the LGBT community. We'd be devastated if anything happened to them, or any of their friends, and with all these suicides lately, I just want people to remember how important it is to try to put an end to all the hatred.
So, here's what Mercer had to say. I admire this man. I really, really do.
For more on this subject, refer to my posts, "Purple Rain," "Why So Homophobic?," and "Why So Homophobic? Part 2."
I know I've written a few posts already regarding the importance of speaking out against homophobia, but you must understand that my family and I have friends who are members of the LGBT community. We'd be devastated if anything happened to them, or any of their friends, and with all these suicides lately, I just want people to remember how important it is to try to put an end to all the hatred.
So, here's what Mercer had to say. I admire this man. I really, really do.
For more on this subject, refer to my posts, "Purple Rain," "Why So Homophobic?," and "Why So Homophobic? Part 2."
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Review: The Rite
Two words: Anthony Hopkins. That was all I needed to hear to make me want to watch The Rite, which I borrowed from the library yesterday, and watched in the dead of last night. Of course, such a film was only appropriate as we're so close to Halloween.
I have a passion for frightening films. Some people don't take too well to fear, however, I love the controlled rush of adrenaline. The Rite didn't disappoint me in either of these aspects. In fact, I'd give it a solid 8/10 for fear. I took off points because I laughed at one point (it was a very dead pan, borderline sarcastic line that caused me to chuckle), I never screamed, and I didn't have a single nightmare as a result. However, the demonic babble, contortions, and elements of surprise did cause me to jump on more than one occasion. As well, for me, Anthony Hopkins is one of the best fear-inducing actors to ever live, and that talent more than speaks for itself (picture Hannibal Lecter. Now imagine Hannibal Lecter being possessed by the devil. I rest my case).
The film starts off with Michael (played by Colin O'Donoghue) deciding to attend seminary school, instead of carrying on with the family business, which is a funeral parlor of sorts. The kicker, though, is that Michael isn't sure what he believes in, especially God, which makes his decision to become a priest more interesting. He tells a friend that the people in his family only have two vocations: caring for the dead, or belonging to the priesthood. At the request of one of his seminary teachers, Michael travels to Rome to study exorcisms. As Michael still has doubts, he is sent to Father Lucas, a rather unorthodox exorcist, who tests the boundaries of beliefs, and fights personal demons himself. Does the student still doubt, and think that there's a scientific explanation, or does he begin to believe? Some of the questions presented, I found I was also asking myself.
We all have our demons. Are they as elaborate as the ones in the film? I suppose the answer to that is all a matter of faith, but I can confidently say that I was left with my fingers on my chin in thought whenever Father Lucas questioned young Michael.
If you enjoy controlled fear, and are a fan of Anthony Hopkins, I am more than certain that you will enjoy The Rite. This film did not disappoint.
If you've not heard of this movie, here's the trailer, compliments of Youtube.
I have a passion for frightening films. Some people don't take too well to fear, however, I love the controlled rush of adrenaline. The Rite didn't disappoint me in either of these aspects. In fact, I'd give it a solid 8/10 for fear. I took off points because I laughed at one point (it was a very dead pan, borderline sarcastic line that caused me to chuckle), I never screamed, and I didn't have a single nightmare as a result. However, the demonic babble, contortions, and elements of surprise did cause me to jump on more than one occasion. As well, for me, Anthony Hopkins is one of the best fear-inducing actors to ever live, and that talent more than speaks for itself (picture Hannibal Lecter. Now imagine Hannibal Lecter being possessed by the devil. I rest my case).
The film starts off with Michael (played by Colin O'Donoghue) deciding to attend seminary school, instead of carrying on with the family business, which is a funeral parlor of sorts. The kicker, though, is that Michael isn't sure what he believes in, especially God, which makes his decision to become a priest more interesting. He tells a friend that the people in his family only have two vocations: caring for the dead, or belonging to the priesthood. At the request of one of his seminary teachers, Michael travels to Rome to study exorcisms. As Michael still has doubts, he is sent to Father Lucas, a rather unorthodox exorcist, who tests the boundaries of beliefs, and fights personal demons himself. Does the student still doubt, and think that there's a scientific explanation, or does he begin to believe? Some of the questions presented, I found I was also asking myself.
We all have our demons. Are they as elaborate as the ones in the film? I suppose the answer to that is all a matter of faith, but I can confidently say that I was left with my fingers on my chin in thought whenever Father Lucas questioned young Michael.
If you enjoy controlled fear, and are a fan of Anthony Hopkins, I am more than certain that you will enjoy The Rite. This film did not disappoint.
If you've not heard of this movie, here's the trailer, compliments of Youtube.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Why So Homophobic? Part 2
I must pass some of the credit for this off to my mother. She was messing around on Youtube, and found the perfect song. It's called "Be As" by Prozzak, and says everything in musical form that I'm trying to pass on with my posts "Purple Rain" and "Why So Homophobic?"
To quote the song:
"Be as white as you want to, be as black as you want to, be as brown as you want to, don't let anybody stop you. Be as straight as you want to, be as gay as you want to, you can wait if you want to, we all need something to hold on to."
Video taken from Youtube.
To quote the song:
"Be as white as you want to, be as black as you want to, be as brown as you want to, don't let anybody stop you. Be as straight as you want to, be as gay as you want to, you can wait if you want to, we all need something to hold on to."
Video taken from Youtube.
Why So Homophobic?
Yesterday, I was informed that a close friend of the family was being harassed at school because she has a girlfriend. Yes. A girlfriend. She's lesbian, proud of it, and most importantly, happy.
I will never cease to be amazed at how narrow-minded people can be. So a girl prefers to have a relationship with someone of the same gender. What's the big whoop? Is she doing anything illegal or unlawful? No. Is she doing anything immoral? Not in the least! So why are people hell-bent on having problems with members of the LGBT community? I suppose there's always the whole religious aspect as to why it's supposedly "wrong". I'm not about to preach what others should believe, only what I believe myself.
I cannot justify religion. As I'm agnostic, I have no problem stating this fact. My original reasons were because I was baptized under the United Church, while one of my best friends was raised in a Muslim household (that being said, he's athiest, but that's besides the point). Who am I to say that Christian beliefs are better, or more right, than my friend's family's faith? Now, I also have a hard time justifying religion because of this homophobic bullshit, and that's exactly what it is. Religious nuts pray for those who are gay to, "find God," and turn straight. I have only three things to say to this:
1) You can't just swap sexualities. Sexual preferences cannot be sold, or traded, in pawn shops, so you'd better get that idea that you can, "turn straight" out of your head, because it's NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! And for the record, I'm a heterosexual who's against homophobia, before anyone gets anymore hair-brained, narrow-minded ideas, or perceptions.
2) Doesn't your Almighty Bible, your Almighty God, say to love everyone EQUALLY? Since when does equality come with a catch?
"Oh, sure, I'll love thy brother, but only if he isn't attracted to other brothers, if you know what I mean..."
And what about that whole, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you?" Does this mean that when you start to harass homosexual people for being happy with who they are, that they get to treat you like trash in return? If you homophobic zealots were harassed, and treated like garbage, by ANYONE, you'd ensure that person's ass was grass, yet you can treat those who are LGBT the same way? Have you heard of irony, because that's exactly what such lunacy is. As well, you're quite oxymoronic, heavy on the "moronic" part.
"I'll do what I want to whom I want, but if anyone tries to return such a favour, they will regret it!"
Yes, because you know THAT makes sense...
3) Being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual are not choices, contrary to popular belief. As well, contrary to the belief of someone I know, childhood trauma is not a homosexual prerequisite. Something did not happen in that person's past to make those who are gay think that they must be such. Now bear in mind that this person thinks his daughter is a lesbian. If he truly believes his own theory, he must have done something pretty shitty to her when she was young. Of course, he also believes that nothing went on in his daughter's youth that could be considered traumatic, and he would never do anything to any of his kids that would leave a negative impact. Am I the only one who sees the flaw in this theory? No? Good to know. As well, did I just hear the sounds of umpteen gasps of shock and denial? Probably, and such wouldn't surprise me in the least.
For those of you who are straight, and in denial, I ask you this:
To the males- Did you choose to be attracted to girls, or did your life just happen that way?
To the ladies- Did you decide to like men, or did it just happen naturally?
For those who say that it was a choice, a decision, to be attracted to the opposite gender, I'm calling your bluff. You know damn well that your life naturally happened that way. Did you ever think that this is the case for everyone? Newsflash: It is. You don't decide who you're attracted to. It's called nature. If it wasn't meant to happen, it never would. What do you think about that? To those who suffer from headupassitis, get over yourselves. You're not being viewed as special, so stop behaving as if you are. Would you like to know how I perceive you? I see you as a narrow-minded, headupass morons. I also believe that a bunch of you are LGBT yourselves, and are in denial about your sexuality, so you choose to treat those who are homosexual as crap to try to get such a thought out of your head. Accept it already. Once you realize your own truths, you will not only feel better about yourself, but you'll likely feel more free. Sure, you might get hit with slander, but stand tall. There are still many people in this world who will stand beside you.
I know I can't change everyone's perspectives, and I know I won't change everyone's views, but at the very least, I can try. So if a member of the LGBT community approaches you, and tells you how they feel, instead of being disgusted, remember, even those of us who are heterosexual have a hard time approaching a person, and doing the same thing. It's even harder for those who are aren't. Instead of being insulted or embarrassed, change your mindset. Clearly, that person saw something special in you. Even if you don't feel anything in return, take the compliment for what it is. Feel good about it instead of filthy. Positive outlooks always fare better than negativity.
Please help put an end to this stupidity called homophobia. Only then will people have better treatment towards others, such as that friend in our family. After all, I would do the same for you.
For more on this subject, refer to my October post, "Purple Rain".
I will never cease to be amazed at how narrow-minded people can be. So a girl prefers to have a relationship with someone of the same gender. What's the big whoop? Is she doing anything illegal or unlawful? No. Is she doing anything immoral? Not in the least! So why are people hell-bent on having problems with members of the LGBT community? I suppose there's always the whole religious aspect as to why it's supposedly "wrong". I'm not about to preach what others should believe, only what I believe myself.
I cannot justify religion. As I'm agnostic, I have no problem stating this fact. My original reasons were because I was baptized under the United Church, while one of my best friends was raised in a Muslim household (that being said, he's athiest, but that's besides the point). Who am I to say that Christian beliefs are better, or more right, than my friend's family's faith? Now, I also have a hard time justifying religion because of this homophobic bullshit, and that's exactly what it is. Religious nuts pray for those who are gay to, "find God," and turn straight. I have only three things to say to this:
1) You can't just swap sexualities. Sexual preferences cannot be sold, or traded, in pawn shops, so you'd better get that idea that you can, "turn straight" out of your head, because it's NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! And for the record, I'm a heterosexual who's against homophobia, before anyone gets anymore hair-brained, narrow-minded ideas, or perceptions.
2) Doesn't your Almighty Bible, your Almighty God, say to love everyone EQUALLY? Since when does equality come with a catch?
"Oh, sure, I'll love thy brother, but only if he isn't attracted to other brothers, if you know what I mean..."
And what about that whole, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you?" Does this mean that when you start to harass homosexual people for being happy with who they are, that they get to treat you like trash in return? If you homophobic zealots were harassed, and treated like garbage, by ANYONE, you'd ensure that person's ass was grass, yet you can treat those who are LGBT the same way? Have you heard of irony, because that's exactly what such lunacy is. As well, you're quite oxymoronic, heavy on the "moronic" part.
"I'll do what I want to whom I want, but if anyone tries to return such a favour, they will regret it!"
Yes, because you know THAT makes sense...
3) Being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual are not choices, contrary to popular belief. As well, contrary to the belief of someone I know, childhood trauma is not a homosexual prerequisite. Something did not happen in that person's past to make those who are gay think that they must be such. Now bear in mind that this person thinks his daughter is a lesbian. If he truly believes his own theory, he must have done something pretty shitty to her when she was young. Of course, he also believes that nothing went on in his daughter's youth that could be considered traumatic, and he would never do anything to any of his kids that would leave a negative impact. Am I the only one who sees the flaw in this theory? No? Good to know. As well, did I just hear the sounds of umpteen gasps of shock and denial? Probably, and such wouldn't surprise me in the least.
For those of you who are straight, and in denial, I ask you this:
To the males- Did you choose to be attracted to girls, or did your life just happen that way?
To the ladies- Did you decide to like men, or did it just happen naturally?
For those who say that it was a choice, a decision, to be attracted to the opposite gender, I'm calling your bluff. You know damn well that your life naturally happened that way. Did you ever think that this is the case for everyone? Newsflash: It is. You don't decide who you're attracted to. It's called nature. If it wasn't meant to happen, it never would. What do you think about that? To those who suffer from headupassitis, get over yourselves. You're not being viewed as special, so stop behaving as if you are. Would you like to know how I perceive you? I see you as a narrow-minded, headupass morons. I also believe that a bunch of you are LGBT yourselves, and are in denial about your sexuality, so you choose to treat those who are homosexual as crap to try to get such a thought out of your head. Accept it already. Once you realize your own truths, you will not only feel better about yourself, but you'll likely feel more free. Sure, you might get hit with slander, but stand tall. There are still many people in this world who will stand beside you.
I know I can't change everyone's perspectives, and I know I won't change everyone's views, but at the very least, I can try. So if a member of the LGBT community approaches you, and tells you how they feel, instead of being disgusted, remember, even those of us who are heterosexual have a hard time approaching a person, and doing the same thing. It's even harder for those who are aren't. Instead of being insulted or embarrassed, change your mindset. Clearly, that person saw something special in you. Even if you don't feel anything in return, take the compliment for what it is. Feel good about it instead of filthy. Positive outlooks always fare better than negativity.
Please help put an end to this stupidity called homophobia. Only then will people have better treatment towards others, such as that friend in our family. After all, I would do the same for you.
For more on this subject, refer to my October post, "Purple Rain".
Friday, 21 October 2011
Jelly Tots
I know I really shouldn't be this excited over candy, but for me, it's pretty much a wish come true! As a child, Jelly Tots were my favourite candy. When I'd go to the Corner Store in the village, I'd be asked what I'd like, and I'd always say Jelly Tots. And then, when I was still in elementary school, they disappeared. I know. Tragic. Ever since, I've been wondering what happened to my all-time favourite candy, however, about the only time I'd be really upset that they were gone was when I'd start to get cravings for them.
Sometimes, but not often, I'd go to the Bulk Barn. They have candy that's similar to Jelly Tots, but it's just not the same. The drops were too big, the colours were too few, and they were too chewy, but when a hankering arose, they would suffice. Little did I know that roughly two weeks ago, my luck would change.
As you might know, if you read my post titled "Cherry Coke," after many years of no such luck, I finally found Cherry Coke in Canada at a convenience store in the plaza where I go for career workshops, and networking group. Cherry Coke is my all-time favourite drink, and I had said at the end of my post that I had the beverage taken care of, and that all I had to find were Jelly Tots. As of this evening, I now have.
Walmart in Elfrida, thank you so much for stocking up on British candy (even though I had no idea that Jelly Tots are English). The packaging may be more modern, but the taste, texture, and everything else about them are still the same. My favourite candy is exactly how I remembered it. Thanks for allowing me to relive my childhood. Cherry Coke, and Jelly Tots are back in Canada. All is right in my world again.
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This would be my all-time favourite candy. This is what I've been missing for a very long time.
Sometimes, but not often, I'd go to the Bulk Barn. They have candy that's similar to Jelly Tots, but it's just not the same. The drops were too big, the colours were too few, and they were too chewy, but when a hankering arose, they would suffice. Little did I know that roughly two weeks ago, my luck would change.
As you might know, if you read my post titled "Cherry Coke," after many years of no such luck, I finally found Cherry Coke in Canada at a convenience store in the plaza where I go for career workshops, and networking group. Cherry Coke is my all-time favourite drink, and I had said at the end of my post that I had the beverage taken care of, and that all I had to find were Jelly Tots. As of this evening, I now have.
Walmart in Elfrida, thank you so much for stocking up on British candy (even though I had no idea that Jelly Tots are English). The packaging may be more modern, but the taste, texture, and everything else about them are still the same. My favourite candy is exactly how I remembered it. Thanks for allowing me to relive my childhood. Cherry Coke, and Jelly Tots are back in Canada. All is right in my world again.
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This would be my all-time favourite candy. This is what I've been missing for a very long time.
Review: 50/50
My mother and I just returned home a few minutes ago after seeing the movie 50/50, which stars Joseph Gordon Levitt, and Seth Rogen.
For those who might not be familiar with the film, Joseph Gordon Levitt plays a 27 year-old, named Adam, who has just found out that he has a rare form of spinal cancer, and that his chances of survival are 50/50. Seth Rogen plays Kyle, a close friend of Adam's who tries to find the lighter side of the disease. Together, they go through the ups and downs, whether that's dealing with chemo, the passing of one of Adam's chemo group friends, or trying to find Adam a girl who isn't going to cheat on him because the disease is too much to handle.
My mum and I wanted to see this movie not only for the fact that it looked worth while (which it was), but also because my 8 year-old cousin has leukemia. Rogen's character in the movie did what so many people who are affected by cancer have difficulty doing: finding the funny. Why cry when you can find something positive to laugh about? That being said, the point of the film wasn't to make cancer humourous, and make a joke of it, or at least not to me. It was to take some of the stress of the disease away, and for anyone who might not know much about it, give a bit of an education, even if it was minor.
Overall, 50/50 was a good film. Yes, it showed the serious side of the disease, but it also lightened it up for those who might be in the depths of dispair about cancer. Kyle said to Adam, "if you were a casino game, you'd have the best odds." The odds might not always be our favour, but for this film, they certainly were.
Related post: "Child Cancer Sucks!" can be found under September.
For those who might not be familiar with the film, Joseph Gordon Levitt plays a 27 year-old, named Adam, who has just found out that he has a rare form of spinal cancer, and that his chances of survival are 50/50. Seth Rogen plays Kyle, a close friend of Adam's who tries to find the lighter side of the disease. Together, they go through the ups and downs, whether that's dealing with chemo, the passing of one of Adam's chemo group friends, or trying to find Adam a girl who isn't going to cheat on him because the disease is too much to handle.
My mum and I wanted to see this movie not only for the fact that it looked worth while (which it was), but also because my 8 year-old cousin has leukemia. Rogen's character in the movie did what so many people who are affected by cancer have difficulty doing: finding the funny. Why cry when you can find something positive to laugh about? That being said, the point of the film wasn't to make cancer humourous, and make a joke of it, or at least not to me. It was to take some of the stress of the disease away, and for anyone who might not know much about it, give a bit of an education, even if it was minor.
Overall, 50/50 was a good film. Yes, it showed the serious side of the disease, but it also lightened it up for those who might be in the depths of dispair about cancer. Kyle said to Adam, "if you were a casino game, you'd have the best odds." The odds might not always be our favour, but for this film, they certainly were.
Related post: "Child Cancer Sucks!" can be found under September.
Review: Cold Vengeance
Cold Vengeance, which is co-authored by Doglas Preston and Lincoln Child, is the latest novel in my favourite series, featuring FBI Special Agent Aloysius X.L Pendergast, and the second in the Helen Esterhazy Trilogy.
In the first novel of the trilogy (Fever Dream), the reader learns how Pendergast's wife, Helen Esterhazy, died twelve years earlier: she was murdered by a man-eating lion on a big-game hunting excursion, and her brother, Judson, had something to do with it. In the Cold Vengeance installment, the reader learns that Helen is supposedly still alive, and that her death was all a ploy. As to why, the reader is only given information that it has to do with "the Covenent," a top-secret society that even the brilliant Pendergast has very little knowledge of.
Cold Vengeance takes the reader through the moorlands of Scotland, to New Orleans (Pendergast's city of origin), along with the streets of New York City. As always, Pendergast shows up at the most inconvenient of times, with his own agenda. As well, his cat-like grace, along with mellifluous voice, adds to the annoyance of those he's pissing off. Actually, his tendancies to be a royal pain in the ass brings me as much enjoyment as the fast, never-boring pace of the story itself. When Pendergast confronts a rather excitable character, who refers to the FBI Special Agent as a bastard, Pendergast can't help but reply, in his honeyed tone, "I'm not a bastard. But I am an exceedingly desperate man who will do anything to get what he wants." The story keeps true with this statement, barely slowing down long enough to catch half a breath.
This novel isn't my favourite in the Pendergast series (that title belongs to The Cabinet of Curiosities), however, that by no means makes it a poor story. It kept my attention, unintentionally left me reading late into the night, and it also harbours a small side story that has yet to be told in full involving Pendergast's Ward, Constance Green. She's supposedly an insane, down-to-earth murderess who killed her infant child, the son of Pendergast's long-deceased brother Diogenes, by throwing him over the side of a ship. However, the reader learns that the child's alive, and that having her locked up in a mental institution for the criminally insane is all part of a bigger, possibly more sinister, plan. Whether or not such a plan is sinister, I do not know, but I wouldn't put such an idea past the FBI agent.
The fate of Helen Esterhazy is to be outlined in the next novel, the final installement of the trilogy, Two Graves, which has yet to be published, and that I'm impatiently waiting for. Hopefully, in the third part of the Esterhazy miniseries, we'll not only learn of Helen's fate, and whether or not one of my favourite characters is really dead, but what this greater scheme involving Constance boils down to.
If you enjoy fast-paced action with a healthy dose of sarcasm, I highly recommend reading the Pendergast novels. You won't be disappointed.
Pendergast novels (in order)
Relic
Reliquary
The Cabinet of Curiosities
Still Life With Crows
Brimstone
Dance of Death
The Book of the Dead
The Wheel of Darkness
Cemetery Dance
Fever Dream
Cold Vengeance
Still to come:
Two Graves
In the first novel of the trilogy (Fever Dream), the reader learns how Pendergast's wife, Helen Esterhazy, died twelve years earlier: she was murdered by a man-eating lion on a big-game hunting excursion, and her brother, Judson, had something to do with it. In the Cold Vengeance installment, the reader learns that Helen is supposedly still alive, and that her death was all a ploy. As to why, the reader is only given information that it has to do with "the Covenent," a top-secret society that even the brilliant Pendergast has very little knowledge of.
Cold Vengeance takes the reader through the moorlands of Scotland, to New Orleans (Pendergast's city of origin), along with the streets of New York City. As always, Pendergast shows up at the most inconvenient of times, with his own agenda. As well, his cat-like grace, along with mellifluous voice, adds to the annoyance of those he's pissing off. Actually, his tendancies to be a royal pain in the ass brings me as much enjoyment as the fast, never-boring pace of the story itself. When Pendergast confronts a rather excitable character, who refers to the FBI Special Agent as a bastard, Pendergast can't help but reply, in his honeyed tone, "I'm not a bastard. But I am an exceedingly desperate man who will do anything to get what he wants." The story keeps true with this statement, barely slowing down long enough to catch half a breath.
This novel isn't my favourite in the Pendergast series (that title belongs to The Cabinet of Curiosities), however, that by no means makes it a poor story. It kept my attention, unintentionally left me reading late into the night, and it also harbours a small side story that has yet to be told in full involving Pendergast's Ward, Constance Green. She's supposedly an insane, down-to-earth murderess who killed her infant child, the son of Pendergast's long-deceased brother Diogenes, by throwing him over the side of a ship. However, the reader learns that the child's alive, and that having her locked up in a mental institution for the criminally insane is all part of a bigger, possibly more sinister, plan. Whether or not such a plan is sinister, I do not know, but I wouldn't put such an idea past the FBI agent.
The fate of Helen Esterhazy is to be outlined in the next novel, the final installement of the trilogy, Two Graves, which has yet to be published, and that I'm impatiently waiting for. Hopefully, in the third part of the Esterhazy miniseries, we'll not only learn of Helen's fate, and whether or not one of my favourite characters is really dead, but what this greater scheme involving Constance boils down to.
If you enjoy fast-paced action with a healthy dose of sarcasm, I highly recommend reading the Pendergast novels. You won't be disappointed.
Pendergast novels (in order)
Relic
Reliquary
The Cabinet of Curiosities
Still Life With Crows
Brimstone
Dance of Death
The Book of the Dead
The Wheel of Darkness
Cemetery Dance
Fever Dream
Cold Vengeance
Still to come:
Two Graves
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Purple Rain
Yes, I realize I used the name of a Prince song for my title, but today, it truly is fitting, especially when you factor in that we had rain for much of today.
I had completely forgot that today was the day to wear purple as a means of raising awareness about bullying, particularly with regards to homophobia. Even though the thought had escaped my mind, I still subconsciously donned a purple hoodie. Some people might call that a coincidence. I say it's kismet.
Bullying isn't something to be taken lightly. According to an article I read on MacLean's online*, Lady Gaga and a couple of politicians are trying to make bullying a criminal offense. That makes sense to me. After all, bullying is a form of harassment, and sometimes abuse or assault. Unfortunately, though, much of the younger crowd rarely refers to bullying as such. They refer to it as drama ("Why must you be so dramatic?" "Why must you cause so much drama?"). I figure I can safely presume that trying to get something that's generally associated with the theatre made into a criminal term and offense would be far from simple, and might even raise a few eyebrows.
As you have likely read, or even heard on the news, there have been far too many suicides with young people as the result of bullying. At the beginning of September, an 11-year-old boy with a physical disability killed himself because he couldn't take anymore torture, and the thought of testifying against his attacker in court terrified him. I hope the tormentor lives a rotten life that's filled with guilt for what he did. No one deserves that crap. As well, you've also more than likely caught wind that far too many homosexual teens are ending their lives because they can't take the homophobic bullying any longer. The worst I've ever had was bullying by association in high school, and that ended when the guy got suspended, but in comparison to what these other young folk are going through? It doesn't even cut the mustard.
I don't know if this helps or not (I'm not a therapist or councellor by any means), but if you know anyone who's between the ages of twelve and nineteen who wants something that they can confidently belong in where such crap isn't tolerated, I can vouch for joining the Air Cadet program. I was one myself for seven years, and I promise you, there's zero tolerance for b*llsh*t, and if such nonsense began, it was nipped in the bud immediately. Bear in mind, I'm not saying everyone should become a cadet, because such a program isn't for everyone. What I am trying to say is join an extra-curricular organization that allows you to be the best you can be, strive to your fullest potential, and feel like you belong even if it appears that the rest of the world feels otherwise.
Wear your purple. We might not be able to stop bullying in its entirety, but we can make people more aware. At the very least, we can remind those who have been affected that there are people in this world who do care about them, that we're here to lend an ear, and that we'll dare to stand up to the cruel members of this earth who choose to feel otherwise.
*Attached is the link to MacLean's "Bullying 2.0 is More Like a Drama Class"
http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/10/11/bullying-2-0-is-more-like-a-drama-class/
I had completely forgot that today was the day to wear purple as a means of raising awareness about bullying, particularly with regards to homophobia. Even though the thought had escaped my mind, I still subconsciously donned a purple hoodie. Some people might call that a coincidence. I say it's kismet.
Bullying isn't something to be taken lightly. According to an article I read on MacLean's online*, Lady Gaga and a couple of politicians are trying to make bullying a criminal offense. That makes sense to me. After all, bullying is a form of harassment, and sometimes abuse or assault. Unfortunately, though, much of the younger crowd rarely refers to bullying as such. They refer to it as drama ("Why must you be so dramatic?" "Why must you cause so much drama?"). I figure I can safely presume that trying to get something that's generally associated with the theatre made into a criminal term and offense would be far from simple, and might even raise a few eyebrows.
As you have likely read, or even heard on the news, there have been far too many suicides with young people as the result of bullying. At the beginning of September, an 11-year-old boy with a physical disability killed himself because he couldn't take anymore torture, and the thought of testifying against his attacker in court terrified him. I hope the tormentor lives a rotten life that's filled with guilt for what he did. No one deserves that crap. As well, you've also more than likely caught wind that far too many homosexual teens are ending their lives because they can't take the homophobic bullying any longer. The worst I've ever had was bullying by association in high school, and that ended when the guy got suspended, but in comparison to what these other young folk are going through? It doesn't even cut the mustard.
I don't know if this helps or not (I'm not a therapist or councellor by any means), but if you know anyone who's between the ages of twelve and nineteen who wants something that they can confidently belong in where such crap isn't tolerated, I can vouch for joining the Air Cadet program. I was one myself for seven years, and I promise you, there's zero tolerance for b*llsh*t, and if such nonsense began, it was nipped in the bud immediately. Bear in mind, I'm not saying everyone should become a cadet, because such a program isn't for everyone. What I am trying to say is join an extra-curricular organization that allows you to be the best you can be, strive to your fullest potential, and feel like you belong even if it appears that the rest of the world feels otherwise.
Wear your purple. We might not be able to stop bullying in its entirety, but we can make people more aware. At the very least, we can remind those who have been affected that there are people in this world who do care about them, that we're here to lend an ear, and that we'll dare to stand up to the cruel members of this earth who choose to feel otherwise.
*Attached is the link to MacLean's "Bullying 2.0 is More Like a Drama Class"
http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/10/11/bullying-2-0-is-more-like-a-drama-class/
One Good Deed
Those who know me, or who have at the very least read the About Me, understand that I am a firm believer in karma. This belief was tested a few days ago when I went to study and do some homework at Tim Horton's, a haven for students who want minimal distractions.
I arrived, set down my stuff in my favourite seat (yes, I'm a dork with a fave place to sit), and went up to the counter to place my order. Now, please bear in mind that the place was bustling, and the poor girl behind the counter was likely wearing down (I try to think assertively as opposed to making assumptions). So, she called me over, and I placed my order: two muffins and a large french vanilla. My total came to $4.57, so I gave her $4.60. Instead of giving me three cents, she rummaged around in the till, and handed me back a mittful of change. Because my soul is worth more than a few pennies, I informed her of her error. After some slight confusion and a blank stare, everything was figured out and dealt with. As I was taking my stuff, and preparing to leave, she thanked me for being honest.
Sometimes, the simplest act of good comes from a little honesty. Other times, it's surprising someone with flowers, or offering to help take a piece of writing from good to great. To do a single good deed takes no time at all. Take a moment, and do something positive, whether it's for a friend, family memeber, or a complete unknown. It'll do your soul a world of good, and the karma will work in your favour.
I arrived, set down my stuff in my favourite seat (yes, I'm a dork with a fave place to sit), and went up to the counter to place my order. Now, please bear in mind that the place was bustling, and the poor girl behind the counter was likely wearing down (I try to think assertively as opposed to making assumptions). So, she called me over, and I placed my order: two muffins and a large french vanilla. My total came to $4.57, so I gave her $4.60. Instead of giving me three cents, she rummaged around in the till, and handed me back a mittful of change. Because my soul is worth more than a few pennies, I informed her of her error. After some slight confusion and a blank stare, everything was figured out and dealt with. As I was taking my stuff, and preparing to leave, she thanked me for being honest.
Sometimes, the simplest act of good comes from a little honesty. Other times, it's surprising someone with flowers, or offering to help take a piece of writing from good to great. To do a single good deed takes no time at all. Take a moment, and do something positive, whether it's for a friend, family memeber, or a complete unknown. It'll do your soul a world of good, and the karma will work in your favour.
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Thunder in the Grand
My mother and I went to Caledonia today to pay my great gram a visit. After about an hour, we decided to leave, and as the day was still fairly warm and sunny, we decided to hit up the drive-thru at the local DQ.
After we were given our cones, mum parked us along a side street so we could safely eat. While we were finishing up, mum says to me, "there's a gallery near here that I've been wanting to check out. If you can walk and eat, do you want to wander over?" We meandered on over, and wandered in, hoping that it was still open, to see what there was to see. It's quite an interesting little gallery. If you don't know what one I'm talking about, it's the Grand River Gallery on Argyle Street. It's about the size of our living room and kitchen put together, and it both showcases local artists, as well as sells art.
Mum and I wandered to the back left corner, where there's a wall showing about 20-30 pieces of art, with a sign that reads "Genuine Fakes". The owner, having recieved the proper permission (I don't know the technical terms, as I'm not an artist), reproduces quality prints of the Group of Seven's work, but instead of being very two-dimensional, and on your typical photo paper, something more along the lines of canvas is used, making them look more like the paintings they are. There was one in particular that caught my eye. It's by J.E.H MacDonald, and it's called "Layton's Lake". Though the lake is actually in New Jersey (thank goodness for Google), the picture itself reminded me of Thunder Bay.
When I went to school in Thunder Bay, I lived in the residence, which had a river running along behind it, along with a path for walking and biking. I used to walk the path along the river into the city, and on the way back, to go with the river view, I'd see Mount Mackay in the background. MacDonald's "Layton's Lake" is very similar to the view I had in Thunder Bay.
I'm not speaking on behalf of everyone who's ever been to the Bay, but for those who have, they might just see the resemblance as well.
Lately, I've been pining for Thunder Bay. No, I don't miss the cold, but I do miss its beauty. Thanks to the Grand River Gallery, I have something similar to keep me from missing Thunder Bay so much. Now if I can only get my hands on a copy of "October on the North Shore, Lake Superior" by Arthur Lismer...
After we were given our cones, mum parked us along a side street so we could safely eat. While we were finishing up, mum says to me, "there's a gallery near here that I've been wanting to check out. If you can walk and eat, do you want to wander over?" We meandered on over, and wandered in, hoping that it was still open, to see what there was to see. It's quite an interesting little gallery. If you don't know what one I'm talking about, it's the Grand River Gallery on Argyle Street. It's about the size of our living room and kitchen put together, and it both showcases local artists, as well as sells art.
Mum and I wandered to the back left corner, where there's a wall showing about 20-30 pieces of art, with a sign that reads "Genuine Fakes". The owner, having recieved the proper permission (I don't know the technical terms, as I'm not an artist), reproduces quality prints of the Group of Seven's work, but instead of being very two-dimensional, and on your typical photo paper, something more along the lines of canvas is used, making them look more like the paintings they are. There was one in particular that caught my eye. It's by J.E.H MacDonald, and it's called "Layton's Lake". Though the lake is actually in New Jersey (thank goodness for Google), the picture itself reminded me of Thunder Bay.
When I went to school in Thunder Bay, I lived in the residence, which had a river running along behind it, along with a path for walking and biking. I used to walk the path along the river into the city, and on the way back, to go with the river view, I'd see Mount Mackay in the background. MacDonald's "Layton's Lake" is very similar to the view I had in Thunder Bay.
Lately, I've been pining for Thunder Bay. No, I don't miss the cold, but I do miss its beauty. Thanks to the Grand River Gallery, I have something similar to keep me from missing Thunder Bay so much. Now if I can only get my hands on a copy of "October on the North Shore, Lake Superior" by Arthur Lismer...
Monday, 17 October 2011
Off the Cuff
Today, as per my weekly standard, I attended Networking Group, which is where a bunch of us who are on the employment prowl gather to discuss who's looking for what, and what someone might have heard of elsewhere. In short, your typical style of networking. We didn't have a session last week since it was Thanksgiving, but we did have group the week before, and as always, I shared whatever it was I had to say. At that group, there was one guy whose son was working at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, where I previously worked as a casual, whose contract was coming due. So I said what I had to say about the mill, where the son has the best odds of being hired full time, what he could expect at whatever point he was with his contract, and so forth. Not only did I work as a casual at Dofasco, and do time as a student, but I was the third generation in my family to be employed there, so I know a few more things than the average Joe. We all went on our ways, and I thought nothing of it, that is until this morning when another group member made mention how he was out doing his thing within the last couple of weeks, and someone he came across had a kid as a casual who was facing the same contract issue that I had talked about at the last networking meeting. This member remembered the off the cuff comment I had made at the previous session, and was able to confidently talk about what I had said. The person with the contract problem was left impressed, the networking member felt quite proud and pleased that he was able to discuss something that he previously had no knowledge of, and I'm thinking it's pretty cool that something I said was put to good use, and able to assist someone else. So to those who used what I said during the last networking meeting, I'm glad I could be of service, and please, feel free to call upon me again. Being useful like that, even in the smallest way, is kind of awesome.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Review: Killer Elite
One of my friends and I went to see Killer Elite this evening, which stars Jason Stathom, Clive Owen, and Robert DeNero. My verdict? Freaking. Awesome. Movie! From start to finish, it was jam packed. Something was always happening. Yes, the movie was long, and I could tell it was long, however, I never once felt bored, but that's because there was so much going on. There were a few plot twists, and things that I wasn't anticipating, and the stuff that I thought was going to happen never occurred at all. Don't worry, it's not a bad thing. For instance, I thought one character was baiting another, but such was not the case as he was actually unsuspecting of what was about to happen. Naturally, it was an action-packed movie loaded with car chases, seriously kick-ass fight scenes, and a shoot-out or two, but it also came loaded with some epic comedy. The best line was between Stathom and one of his crew:
"Want a lollipop?" -Other Guy
"Yeah." -Stathom
"What flavour? Strawberry or f*ck you?" -Other Guy
That kept me laughing for a good two minutes after the line was said. Fabulous.
As the movie was set in the '80s, there were plenty of old school cars to tickle the viewer fancy. There was an Aston Marton, a Rolls (help me out here if I was wrong with this one), and an old Ford muscle car that was actually kick-ass. The movie was also loaded with Mercedes-Benz', which my friend hates with a passion. That being said, he cheered and applauded every single time one was either blown up, or shot to pieces.
Overall, Killer Elite was awesome. I'd go see it again, and I'd even buy it when it comes out on DVD. If you're a fan of action movies, you must see this. I promise you will not be disappointed. Start to finish, this was one solid film. It was killer.
"Want a lollipop?" -Other Guy
"Yeah." -Stathom
"What flavour? Strawberry or f*ck you?" -Other Guy
That kept me laughing for a good two minutes after the line was said. Fabulous.
As the movie was set in the '80s, there were plenty of old school cars to tickle the viewer fancy. There was an Aston Marton, a Rolls (help me out here if I was wrong with this one), and an old Ford muscle car that was actually kick-ass. The movie was also loaded with Mercedes-Benz', which my friend hates with a passion. That being said, he cheered and applauded every single time one was either blown up, or shot to pieces.
Overall, Killer Elite was awesome. I'd go see it again, and I'd even buy it when it comes out on DVD. If you're a fan of action movies, you must see this. I promise you will not be disappointed. Start to finish, this was one solid film. It was killer.
Antifemme Fable
I was out at Tim Horton's yesterday doing some homework for my Literature for Children course. The unit I was working on was The Folktale. The most famous of these tales were brought forth by two German brothers, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. To say that the tales are like their name would be an understatement. Sure, such tales have often left me thinking to myself, "my god, those brothers belong in an asylum," however, that's not exactly what this post is about. Well, not in its entirety anyway. I'll get there in a moment.
Of course, homework comes with questions, and the one that really got my mental muscle flexing was as follows:
Discuss the issues of violence and antifeminism in traditional or folk literature, giving specific examples of each and taking a stand on whether or not these issues "contaminate" folk literature and render it inappropriate for children.
If you've ever read a folk tale a la the Brothers Grimm, then you would know why violence in children's lit would be questioned. For example, I'll use Snow White. The fluffy Disney version that most people are familiar with has the evil stepmother falling off the edge of a cliff in the midst of a thunderstorm. Snow White and her prince live happily ever after. The story ends. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm's version? Well, the evil stepmother doesn't fall off the edge of a cliff to her doom. Instead, she's invited to Snow White's wedding. Upon the evil stepmother's arrival, she's sentenced to dance to her death in red hot iron slippers. Yeah. I know. Messed up. And that's just a mild tale. If you want something that has a more violent ending, try reading The Goose-Girl:
http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/grimm089.html
However, believe it or not, the issue of violence in children's lit didn't get me going quite as much as the antifeminism part. Perhaps it's because we see so much violence in everything else, like on television and the movies that I didn't feel as phased. Also, as many might likely agree, violence in a story kicks the interest level up a few notches. As for how much a child ought to be exposed to, well, that's best left to the discretion of the parents, or at least until the child understands the difference between right and wrong, and is mature enough to handle such tales.
With regards to the antifeminism, I hate how the majority of folk and fairy tales have the girls being all woe-is-me, helpless, and in dire need of Prince Charming to come along and make everything better. We're all familiar with Cinderella, or at least the really annoying Disney version (ok, so maybe Disney irks me by catering to the pathetic-female whims). Instead of standing up to her stepmother and stepsisters, she allows herself to be trampled upon, used as a slave, and have her self-esteem wiped-out. So, of course, she naturally thinks, "I hope Prince Charming will pick me. Then my life will be perfect." What a bunch of crap. These morals are teaching the readers the wrong lesson, especially to young girls. If you know me, you can probably sense a rant coming on.
I was raised with the mantra, "I don't need no stinkin' man," so when I read about females who require one to be happy? Oh hell no! From a very young age, I was brought up to think for myself, speak my mind, and that there's more to life than having a guy in it. Don't get me wrong. Having one would be fantastic, however, I've managed to do quite well as a single lady. I'm able to function day to day, and feel secure with myself. Also, I have a very broad set of shoulders, a strong spine, and if you're familiar with my best friend, you'll have heard him say that I have bigger metaphorical balls than most men. Why can't the ladies in these stories be the same. Granted, there are a few exceptions, but not many ("Molly Whuppie" would be one of the few. Yes, she still still marries her prince, but at least she's clever and crafty).
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/eng/eft/eft23.htm
Yes, I know I need to remember not only the context, but the time in which they were written, but still. There had to be a Joan of Arc of sorts in there somewhere (and no, you don't need to remind me how tale ended).
Yes, I suppose I could be considered a feminist of sorts, however, I prefer to think of myself as a realistic one. At least I won't be the one in the stories who's unable to function while waiting for my prince to come.
Of course, homework comes with questions, and the one that really got my mental muscle flexing was as follows:
Discuss the issues of violence and antifeminism in traditional or folk literature, giving specific examples of each and taking a stand on whether or not these issues "contaminate" folk literature and render it inappropriate for children.
If you've ever read a folk tale a la the Brothers Grimm, then you would know why violence in children's lit would be questioned. For example, I'll use Snow White. The fluffy Disney version that most people are familiar with has the evil stepmother falling off the edge of a cliff in the midst of a thunderstorm. Snow White and her prince live happily ever after. The story ends. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm's version? Well, the evil stepmother doesn't fall off the edge of a cliff to her doom. Instead, she's invited to Snow White's wedding. Upon the evil stepmother's arrival, she's sentenced to dance to her death in red hot iron slippers. Yeah. I know. Messed up. And that's just a mild tale. If you want something that has a more violent ending, try reading The Goose-Girl:
http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/grimm089.html
However, believe it or not, the issue of violence in children's lit didn't get me going quite as much as the antifeminism part. Perhaps it's because we see so much violence in everything else, like on television and the movies that I didn't feel as phased. Also, as many might likely agree, violence in a story kicks the interest level up a few notches. As for how much a child ought to be exposed to, well, that's best left to the discretion of the parents, or at least until the child understands the difference between right and wrong, and is mature enough to handle such tales.
With regards to the antifeminism, I hate how the majority of folk and fairy tales have the girls being all woe-is-me, helpless, and in dire need of Prince Charming to come along and make everything better. We're all familiar with Cinderella, or at least the really annoying Disney version (ok, so maybe Disney irks me by catering to the pathetic-female whims). Instead of standing up to her stepmother and stepsisters, she allows herself to be trampled upon, used as a slave, and have her self-esteem wiped-out. So, of course, she naturally thinks, "I hope Prince Charming will pick me. Then my life will be perfect." What a bunch of crap. These morals are teaching the readers the wrong lesson, especially to young girls. If you know me, you can probably sense a rant coming on.
I was raised with the mantra, "I don't need no stinkin' man," so when I read about females who require one to be happy? Oh hell no! From a very young age, I was brought up to think for myself, speak my mind, and that there's more to life than having a guy in it. Don't get me wrong. Having one would be fantastic, however, I've managed to do quite well as a single lady. I'm able to function day to day, and feel secure with myself. Also, I have a very broad set of shoulders, a strong spine, and if you're familiar with my best friend, you'll have heard him say that I have bigger metaphorical balls than most men. Why can't the ladies in these stories be the same. Granted, there are a few exceptions, but not many ("Molly Whuppie" would be one of the few. Yes, she still still marries her prince, but at least she's clever and crafty).
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/eng/eft/eft23.htm
Yes, I know I need to remember not only the context, but the time in which they were written, but still. There had to be a Joan of Arc of sorts in there somewhere (and no, you don't need to remind me how tale ended).
Yes, I suppose I could be considered a feminist of sorts, however, I prefer to think of myself as a realistic one. At least I won't be the one in the stories who's unable to function while waiting for my prince to come.
Friday, 14 October 2011
Redlight King
I keep meaning to write about this musician, the Redlight King. From what I've been told, he's originally from my hometown, and his musician name is pretty much a homage to his father.
Neil Young has a song called "Old Man". He also apparently has a thing about people wanting to use his music. The Redlight King managed to get permission from Mr. Young to do his own cover of "Old Man", which would become his breakout song. It's gritty, brilliant, and from what I've been told, the scene of the young man looking at his trophies with the car pictures in the background, the white one on the right hand side is the Redlight Bandit. Rumour has it that those who know this man's father, and know the car, often wondered what happened to that photograph. Never in a million years would they guess that it would cameo in a music video. See for yourself.
Certainly, that's rather cool, having local lore make an appearance in this video.
For the longest time, I didn't hear anything else of his. I was hoping he wouldn't become a one hit wonder because, quite frankly, I think his B-brook ties are rather awesome. Okay, so he states that he's originally from the Hamilton area, but that's beside the point. A couple of days ago, I saw another video of his. Now, can you guess what I find awesome about it?
If you guessed the World War Two aircraft, you'd be correct. Now here's the additional trivia that you might not realize. Anyone who lives around here, who isn't sheltered, knows that this video was filmed at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. How would I know that? Fact that I recognize all the aircraft aside, I've been to Warplane Heritage more times than I can count. And... I live only minutes away. I know. Pure awesome.
Now, there's one more video of his that I've seen, and I'm not sure if that's all he has or not, however, these are surely a start. Once again, it was filmed locally. How many parts of the Hammer do you recognize?
What can I say? When the artist is local, I just have to share. I'm certain you would be tempted to do the same.
Neil Young has a song called "Old Man". He also apparently has a thing about people wanting to use his music. The Redlight King managed to get permission from Mr. Young to do his own cover of "Old Man", which would become his breakout song. It's gritty, brilliant, and from what I've been told, the scene of the young man looking at his trophies with the car pictures in the background, the white one on the right hand side is the Redlight Bandit. Rumour has it that those who know this man's father, and know the car, often wondered what happened to that photograph. Never in a million years would they guess that it would cameo in a music video. See for yourself.
Certainly, that's rather cool, having local lore make an appearance in this video.
For the longest time, I didn't hear anything else of his. I was hoping he wouldn't become a one hit wonder because, quite frankly, I think his B-brook ties are rather awesome. Okay, so he states that he's originally from the Hamilton area, but that's beside the point. A couple of days ago, I saw another video of his. Now, can you guess what I find awesome about it?
If you guessed the World War Two aircraft, you'd be correct. Now here's the additional trivia that you might not realize. Anyone who lives around here, who isn't sheltered, knows that this video was filmed at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. How would I know that? Fact that I recognize all the aircraft aside, I've been to Warplane Heritage more times than I can count. And... I live only minutes away. I know. Pure awesome.
Now, there's one more video of his that I've seen, and I'm not sure if that's all he has or not, however, these are surely a start. Once again, it was filmed locally. How many parts of the Hammer do you recognize?
What can I say? When the artist is local, I just have to share. I'm certain you would be tempted to do the same.
Sweet Strombo & Awesome Atwood
I'm a long-time fan of George Stroumboulopoulos (I hope I spelled that correctly. Strombo, if you ever read this, I apologize if I misspelled your name). I've been watching his show for years, well, whenever I get the chance to catch it, and I always love how he starts off with, "I'm your boyfriend...". That's right. For the duration of his show, I'm not a single lady. Strombo as my boyfriend? Score!
Moving on...
Last night, I was flipping through the channel guide, and low and behold, his show was on. So I read the info on it, and his guest for the evening was none other than one of this country's literary giants, Margaret Atwood. You bet I was going to watch that episode! Strombo plus Atwood? Talk about a Canadian power duo! I must confess, I've never read any of Atwood's novels (I know, I know, shame on me), however, I have read some of her poetry and essays. Strombo has always been a fabulous interviewer, and Atwood proved that she's a fantastic interviewee.
Miss. Atwood is a most interesting person. The pictures of her that I've seen give off the impression of a somewhat scary-looking woman. Not Wicked Witch of the West kind of scary, a Do Not Get On My Bad Side Or I Will Become Your Worst Nightmare kind of scary. The woman who was being interviewed last night was softer-looking, and had a much quieter voice (in terms of volume) than I would have expected. But don't let that quiet voice fool you. She wouldn't be the powerhouse she is if she wasn't heard. For instance, she didn't mean to cause a ruckus when she tweeted her opinion about Doug Ford wanting to close libraries, she just happens to have a large Twitter following who share similar feelings, and decided to become rather vocal.
Of course, if anyone can tap into the brilliance of an interviewee, Strombo knows how to do it. According to Atwood, the sci-fi genre can be broken down into three sub-genres: The science fiction that we're most familiar with (think Isaac Asimov and H.G Wells), speculative fiction (think George Orwell's 1984), and sword & scorcery fiction/ science fantasy (I believe Tolkien falls into this category). Speaking of Tolkein, according to Atwood, if she could place Canada/ Canadians as any Lord of the Rings character(s), we would be the Hobbits in the Shire. We're fun-loving, kind, like to party, and we have the "One Ring to Rule Them All" in a manner of speaking. Translated, we have a good many resources that the world requires and would love to get their hands on. Leave it to a literary giant to compare this country to LOTR. She'd probably be Gandalf, particularly at the end of the first movie, when he takes his staff, slams it down, and starts bellowing, "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"
And that big mother of a monster would be Doug Ford backing down for fear of getting his ass kicked by Margaret Atwood, only she'd likely be hollering, "LIBRARIES SHALL NOT CLOSE" instead.
Last night, Strombo decided to do his one series of crazy, random questions thing. At Atwood's insistence, Strombo asked her which Wizard of Oz she best portrays. Not surprisingly, though she has her Glinda days, she has no problem being the Wicked Witch of the West. As well, Margaret Atwood seems to have a love of comic books, particularly Batman. Who knew?
Methinks I'm going to have to start reading some of Margaret Atwood's novels. I get the feeling that they would be most fascinating.
Below is the link to the video of George Stroumboulopoulos' interview with Margaret Atwood from his page on the CBC website:
http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/videos.html?id=2153620696
Enjoy!
Moving on...
Last night, I was flipping through the channel guide, and low and behold, his show was on. So I read the info on it, and his guest for the evening was none other than one of this country's literary giants, Margaret Atwood. You bet I was going to watch that episode! Strombo plus Atwood? Talk about a Canadian power duo! I must confess, I've never read any of Atwood's novels (I know, I know, shame on me), however, I have read some of her poetry and essays. Strombo has always been a fabulous interviewer, and Atwood proved that she's a fantastic interviewee.
Miss. Atwood is a most interesting person. The pictures of her that I've seen give off the impression of a somewhat scary-looking woman. Not Wicked Witch of the West kind of scary, a Do Not Get On My Bad Side Or I Will Become Your Worst Nightmare kind of scary. The woman who was being interviewed last night was softer-looking, and had a much quieter voice (in terms of volume) than I would have expected. But don't let that quiet voice fool you. She wouldn't be the powerhouse she is if she wasn't heard. For instance, she didn't mean to cause a ruckus when she tweeted her opinion about Doug Ford wanting to close libraries, she just happens to have a large Twitter following who share similar feelings, and decided to become rather vocal.
Of course, if anyone can tap into the brilliance of an interviewee, Strombo knows how to do it. According to Atwood, the sci-fi genre can be broken down into three sub-genres: The science fiction that we're most familiar with (think Isaac Asimov and H.G Wells), speculative fiction (think George Orwell's 1984), and sword & scorcery fiction/ science fantasy (I believe Tolkien falls into this category). Speaking of Tolkein, according to Atwood, if she could place Canada/ Canadians as any Lord of the Rings character(s), we would be the Hobbits in the Shire. We're fun-loving, kind, like to party, and we have the "One Ring to Rule Them All" in a manner of speaking. Translated, we have a good many resources that the world requires and would love to get their hands on. Leave it to a literary giant to compare this country to LOTR. She'd probably be Gandalf, particularly at the end of the first movie, when he takes his staff, slams it down, and starts bellowing, "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"
And that big mother of a monster would be Doug Ford backing down for fear of getting his ass kicked by Margaret Atwood, only she'd likely be hollering, "LIBRARIES SHALL NOT CLOSE" instead.
Last night, Strombo decided to do his one series of crazy, random questions thing. At Atwood's insistence, Strombo asked her which Wizard of Oz she best portrays. Not surprisingly, though she has her Glinda days, she has no problem being the Wicked Witch of the West. As well, Margaret Atwood seems to have a love of comic books, particularly Batman. Who knew?
Methinks I'm going to have to start reading some of Margaret Atwood's novels. I get the feeling that they would be most fascinating.
Below is the link to the video of George Stroumboulopoulos' interview with Margaret Atwood from his page on the CBC website:
http://www.cbc.ca/strombo/videos.html?id=2153620696
Enjoy!
Geekdom's Glory
I have a confession to make. I am not-so-slowly becoming addicted to The Big Bang Theory. Not the theory itself, but the television show. After all, they're a bunch of geneii who are devoted to the ways of Star Wars and Star Trek, to which I can realate. Well, at least with the sci-fi. I don't have a Ph.D by any means.
Anyways...
I've seen more episodes than I care to count now, and so far, a couple of things for me are for certain. I'm totally jealous of Howard's lightsabre display above his bed (remember, this is coming from the girl who went to Star Wars: In Concert dressed up as Princess Leia), Raj sort of reminds me of my best friend (why watch something loaded with testosterone when you can watch a chick flick instead? Yes, I'm referring to a certain someone's love of Pride and Prejudice the way Raj loves Bridget Jones), and I don't blame Sheldon and Leonard for thinking that Enterprise Captains (William Shatner and Patrick Stewart) are worthy conteders of the Sexiest Man Alive title, though I would have chosen Chris Pine for that one. The other certainty? You can bet I was in geek overload when last night's episode had not one, but TWO TNG actors in it. I must admit, even though I did enjoy the original Star Trek series (Shatner, Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, of course it'd be awesome), I was always a bigger fan of The Next Generation, though both rock my socks regardless. Sure, I've seen Wil Wheaton, better known as that pain in the arse crybaby Wesley Crusher on TNG, in a couple of episodes, but what really put me into geek overload was when Brent Spiner, who played Data, one of the coolest characters ever, cameoed in last night's episode as well. What really amused me was how Brent was portrayed as being a somewhat egotistical bugger as opposed to a loveable android. Who knew Data was a head-in-the-gutter dinktwit? Bloody brilliant! Anyone who's a super dorky geek like myself will surely understand how that was totally awesome.
So the Big Bang gang have already played with Star Trek... The only way they could overdose on geeky awesomeness would be if they incorporated any of the Star Wars cast. My votes are for James Earl Jones (Darth Vader, for the win), Anthony Daniels (C-3P0 versus Sheldon Cooper would be most entertaining), and Mark Hammill (Luke Skywalker. Duh.). Any questions?
Anyways...
I've seen more episodes than I care to count now, and so far, a couple of things for me are for certain. I'm totally jealous of Howard's lightsabre display above his bed (remember, this is coming from the girl who went to Star Wars: In Concert dressed up as Princess Leia), Raj sort of reminds me of my best friend (why watch something loaded with testosterone when you can watch a chick flick instead? Yes, I'm referring to a certain someone's love of Pride and Prejudice the way Raj loves Bridget Jones), and I don't blame Sheldon and Leonard for thinking that Enterprise Captains (William Shatner and Patrick Stewart) are worthy conteders of the Sexiest Man Alive title, though I would have chosen Chris Pine for that one. The other certainty? You can bet I was in geek overload when last night's episode had not one, but TWO TNG actors in it. I must admit, even though I did enjoy the original Star Trek series (Shatner, Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, of course it'd be awesome), I was always a bigger fan of The Next Generation, though both rock my socks regardless. Sure, I've seen Wil Wheaton, better known as that pain in the arse crybaby Wesley Crusher on TNG, in a couple of episodes, but what really put me into geek overload was when Brent Spiner, who played Data, one of the coolest characters ever, cameoed in last night's episode as well. What really amused me was how Brent was portrayed as being a somewhat egotistical bugger as opposed to a loveable android. Who knew Data was a head-in-the-gutter dinktwit? Bloody brilliant! Anyone who's a super dorky geek like myself will surely understand how that was totally awesome.
So the Big Bang gang have already played with Star Trek... The only way they could overdose on geeky awesomeness would be if they incorporated any of the Star Wars cast. My votes are for James Earl Jones (Darth Vader, for the win), Anthony Daniels (C-3P0 versus Sheldon Cooper would be most entertaining), and Mark Hammill (Luke Skywalker. Duh.). Any questions?
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Cookies or Pie?
I know, I know, a childish title, and an even more childlike question, but I can't help but as it. As you likely know, provided you read my Thanksgiving post, I managed to acquire a pain in the arse cold that is really starting to royally irk me. My mother, who seriously is the best mommy ever, loved me once, and loved me twice, for she made me chicken soup with rice, which she posted on her facebook, along with a remark about her still waiting for her Mommy of the Year statue. Of course, this prompted my sister to behave like the younger sister she is, and basically say, "oh yeah? Well, she made cookies for me!" And so, in true sisterly fashion, we are now comparing who got what, and which is better. Yes, I do love cookies, especially homemade ones. Who wouldn't? However, my sister recieved her cookies when she came home from uni for the weekend. As for me when I was in post-secondary, my mother mailed me pie... twice! I don't mean a cutesy little pie in a box from the store to a place an hour away, I'm talking baked from scratch, and mailed to Thunder Bay. That's right! Through the mail to Northwestern Ontario! So of course I think that my special school treat was way more awesome. Mailing pie twice to Thunder Bay totally trumps cookies to hold on your lap in terms of awesomeness. So there! What would you choose?
Monday, 10 October 2011
Happy Thanksgiving 2011
Hey all!
To those who celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving, Happy Turkey Day! To those who don't, Happy Whatever-Else-You-Might-Decide-To-Celebrate instead!
Our household hosted dinner this year for our family and friends, but yesterday, our host-day of choice, we changed things up a bit. Usually, we'd have turkey for our dinner, but this year, we decided on ham and scalloped potatoes instead. Truth is, my mother had microfracture knee surgery back in the summer, and those itty bitty fractures are still in the process of healing, which limits her to how much weight she's permitted to lift. Seeing how she's been restricted to ten pounds, and we usually have a twenty-five pound bird, for her, doing up a turkey was out of the question. I'd offered to cook up the bird instead, but between my lack of experience (I've only ever cooked a turkey once, and that was about 5 or 6 years ago), and her visions of Mr. Bean with his head stuck up inside the turkey, mum decided that a ham was a less-risky idea. And seeing how I've managed to catch a cold, our dinner guests were probably thankful that I didn't cook the meal either, which brings me to what I'm thankful for this year.
1) To the friends of our who were sick last week, I'm thankful that I only caught a cold from you, and not the full-blown flu!
2) I'm thankful that my mother keeps a hefty supply of tea bags and soup on hand at all times, so this cold really doesn't stand a chance.
3) I'm also thankful that this cold held off on Saturday night because I had a wedding to attend, and if I was feeling the way I am now on Saturday, I would have missed one hell of a party!
4) Though I'm disappointed that we had to cancel Thanksgiving plans with some of our other family (the one with my cousin who has a love of electricty, Star Wars, and happens to have leukemia), I'm thankful that I won't be making him any more sick. And I'm also thankful that the opportunistic virus that decided to have a field day and cause him great pain is coming under control, and that he's starting to feel better himself.
5) I'd best shout out to my awesome peeps, or else they might become terribly upset with me. So thanks for being in my life. You're all fabulous!
A strange list of things to be thankful for perhaps, but right now, those things work for me. And now, I'm going to be thankful that I have a kleenex box within arms reach. Hey, at least I'm still in good spirits, and maintaining my awful sense of humour...
What are you thankful for?
To those who celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving, Happy Turkey Day! To those who don't, Happy Whatever-Else-You-Might-Decide-To-Celebrate instead!
Our household hosted dinner this year for our family and friends, but yesterday, our host-day of choice, we changed things up a bit. Usually, we'd have turkey for our dinner, but this year, we decided on ham and scalloped potatoes instead. Truth is, my mother had microfracture knee surgery back in the summer, and those itty bitty fractures are still in the process of healing, which limits her to how much weight she's permitted to lift. Seeing how she's been restricted to ten pounds, and we usually have a twenty-five pound bird, for her, doing up a turkey was out of the question. I'd offered to cook up the bird instead, but between my lack of experience (I've only ever cooked a turkey once, and that was about 5 or 6 years ago), and her visions of Mr. Bean with his head stuck up inside the turkey, mum decided that a ham was a less-risky idea. And seeing how I've managed to catch a cold, our dinner guests were probably thankful that I didn't cook the meal either, which brings me to what I'm thankful for this year.
1) To the friends of our who were sick last week, I'm thankful that I only caught a cold from you, and not the full-blown flu!
2) I'm thankful that my mother keeps a hefty supply of tea bags and soup on hand at all times, so this cold really doesn't stand a chance.
3) I'm also thankful that this cold held off on Saturday night because I had a wedding to attend, and if I was feeling the way I am now on Saturday, I would have missed one hell of a party!
4) Though I'm disappointed that we had to cancel Thanksgiving plans with some of our other family (the one with my cousin who has a love of electricty, Star Wars, and happens to have leukemia), I'm thankful that I won't be making him any more sick. And I'm also thankful that the opportunistic virus that decided to have a field day and cause him great pain is coming under control, and that he's starting to feel better himself.
5) I'd best shout out to my awesome peeps, or else they might become terribly upset with me. So thanks for being in my life. You're all fabulous!
A strange list of things to be thankful for perhaps, but right now, those things work for me. And now, I'm going to be thankful that I have a kleenex box within arms reach. Hey, at least I'm still in good spirits, and maintaining my awful sense of humour...
What are you thankful for?
Derby Deeds
First and foremost, please pardon me for not posting the last two days, but it is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada after all, so the last few days have been crazy busy. So, to start you off, I'll take you back to Friday night when one of my friends and I went to the Rockton Fair.
One of my friends and I have an annual tradition of hitting up the Rockton Fair, particularly the derby, as he runs in the derby every year in my community's fair (Binbrook Fair, wink, wink, hint, hint, come on out to it next year). We go with the hope that whoever smoked him in the Binbrook derby gets his come-uppance in Rockton. This year, we decided to go out a few hours earlier so we could wander through the buildings, and perhaps swipe an idea or two for Binbrook's fair next year. After we'd parked, we went to the gate to pay our entry fee, and I'd noticed that there were a couple of army trucks on the outskirts of the parking lot. Strange, perhaps, though very exciting, until we paid our dues, entered the grounds, and found the Army's interactive display. An information board giving details about howitzers caught my attention when the corporal running the show asked me if I wanted to try on some gear.
Clearly, I was against the idea, given my excited expression. Of course I wanted to throw on some gear! According to the friend I was with, for people who know me, my appreciation and the extent of my excitement was to be expected. For those who don't, such an attitude could be poercieved as strange. What can I say? I spent seven years as an air cadet, so when the military does something awesome, I start to reminice.
Anyways, the corporal who was running the show decided to load me up. The gear was heavy, but not quite as weighted-down as it was supposed to be. However, I think I still wore it well regardless. What do you think?
We were also allowed to explore their truck, and of course, I pounced upon the opportunity.
When I was finished playing around with the awesome gear, we wandered around the fair a bit more. Naturally, a country fair isn't complete without a tractor display. My Uncle Ivan, who has since passed on, used to have a love of Fords. He was known to have stated that he'd rather push a Ford than drive a Chevy. From what I've been told, he never owned a Ford tractor, but I still couldn't help but think of him when I saw one.
When we were finished with the tractors, we went and found our seats for the derby. After the dog display, you know, the one where a bunch of dogs run through an obstacle course, there was a brief hitching-horse display, and then it was time. The pre-derby show, which always builds up excitement, began. All of the cars that were competing for the best decorated title lined up, waiting for those of us in the crowd to determine the winner. The one I was cheering for didn't win the competition, but it won in my books. Then again, if you're a country mouse too, you would completely understand why.
Also the fact that our farm was home to cattle once upon a time made me love this car a little bit more, even if it was painted after the wrong breed of bovine. Tragically, it didn't fair too well in the derby.
Finally, the derby began, starting with the ladies' straight stock. One of my sister's friends was in that particular heat.
Her car looked this way when she started, and ended in similar condition as her car decided to quit on her within a few minutes. Better luck next year.
Overall, the derby was filled with excitement. One car even managed to back itself up onto the one behind it. We all screamed with excitement when that car managed to get itself back down, and put in another hit before its time was up. The pit was loaded with car parts, crunched metal, and plenty of ruts from where the derby cars spun in their spot. Some people may find this strange. Others, such as my friend and I, consider this annual ritual to be a thing of beauty.
Derby night might not be for everyone, but when you're country born and bred, it's your idea of a good time on a Friday night. It was also a fantastic way to start the Thanksgiving weekend. We look forward to doing it all again next year.
Army get-up photos compliments of my friend Aaron.
One of my friends and I have an annual tradition of hitting up the Rockton Fair, particularly the derby, as he runs in the derby every year in my community's fair (Binbrook Fair, wink, wink, hint, hint, come on out to it next year). We go with the hope that whoever smoked him in the Binbrook derby gets his come-uppance in Rockton. This year, we decided to go out a few hours earlier so we could wander through the buildings, and perhaps swipe an idea or two for Binbrook's fair next year. After we'd parked, we went to the gate to pay our entry fee, and I'd noticed that there were a couple of army trucks on the outskirts of the parking lot. Strange, perhaps, though very exciting, until we paid our dues, entered the grounds, and found the Army's interactive display. An information board giving details about howitzers caught my attention when the corporal running the show asked me if I wanted to try on some gear.
Clearly, I was against the idea, given my excited expression. Of course I wanted to throw on some gear! According to the friend I was with, for people who know me, my appreciation and the extent of my excitement was to be expected. For those who don't, such an attitude could be poercieved as strange. What can I say? I spent seven years as an air cadet, so when the military does something awesome, I start to reminice.
Anyways, the corporal who was running the show decided to load me up. The gear was heavy, but not quite as weighted-down as it was supposed to be. However, I think I still wore it well regardless. What do you think?
We were also allowed to explore their truck, and of course, I pounced upon the opportunity.
When I was finished playing around with the awesome gear, we wandered around the fair a bit more. Naturally, a country fair isn't complete without a tractor display. My Uncle Ivan, who has since passed on, used to have a love of Fords. He was known to have stated that he'd rather push a Ford than drive a Chevy. From what I've been told, he never owned a Ford tractor, but I still couldn't help but think of him when I saw one.
When we were finished with the tractors, we went and found our seats for the derby. After the dog display, you know, the one where a bunch of dogs run through an obstacle course, there was a brief hitching-horse display, and then it was time. The pre-derby show, which always builds up excitement, began. All of the cars that were competing for the best decorated title lined up, waiting for those of us in the crowd to determine the winner. The one I was cheering for didn't win the competition, but it won in my books. Then again, if you're a country mouse too, you would completely understand why.
Also the fact that our farm was home to cattle once upon a time made me love this car a little bit more, even if it was painted after the wrong breed of bovine. Tragically, it didn't fair too well in the derby.
Finally, the derby began, starting with the ladies' straight stock. One of my sister's friends was in that particular heat.
Her car looked this way when she started, and ended in similar condition as her car decided to quit on her within a few minutes. Better luck next year.
Overall, the derby was filled with excitement. One car even managed to back itself up onto the one behind it. We all screamed with excitement when that car managed to get itself back down, and put in another hit before its time was up. The pit was loaded with car parts, crunched metal, and plenty of ruts from where the derby cars spun in their spot. Some people may find this strange. Others, such as my friend and I, consider this annual ritual to be a thing of beauty.
Derby night might not be for everyone, but when you're country born and bred, it's your idea of a good time on a Friday night. It was also a fantastic way to start the Thanksgiving weekend. We look forward to doing it all again next year.
Army get-up photos compliments of my friend Aaron.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Ontario Has Spoken!
After debates, smear ads, and a long campaign trail, Ontario has decided on its leader. Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty gets to maintain his position as the Premiere of Ontario. As much as it pains me to say it, and truth be told, I'd rather not, congratuations Mr. McGuinty on your third consecutive win. Though there are many who don't support you, Ontario seems to still like you, so good job.
Though the Premiere isn't who I wanted it to be, I'm glad that my riding chose well, so I suppose I can't complain too much. Wait a minute! Yes, I could if I wanted to! I can voice my opinion because I voted! However, I'll stay positive for the moment, and be content with the small victories.
To those of you who voted, Ontario heard you loud and clear, and for that, I applaud you. Did you relish that feeling of power, knowing that your "x" determined the fate of our province? Awesome, isn't it? Keep it up! Don't ever silence your paper voices.
For those of you who didn't, you still frustrate me. Not exactly the best choice, but yours none the less. In the words of Sir Winston Churchill, "I'll have no truce or parlay with you". There's no use preaching to a deaf choir. Just make sure you do it next time. No excuses!
Good luck, Premiere McGuinty.
...
Please don't mess up my province.
Though the Premiere isn't who I wanted it to be, I'm glad that my riding chose well, so I suppose I can't complain too much. Wait a minute! Yes, I could if I wanted to! I can voice my opinion because I voted! However, I'll stay positive for the moment, and be content with the small victories.
To those of you who voted, Ontario heard you loud and clear, and for that, I applaud you. Did you relish that feeling of power, knowing that your "x" determined the fate of our province? Awesome, isn't it? Keep it up! Don't ever silence your paper voices.
For those of you who didn't, you still frustrate me. Not exactly the best choice, but yours none the less. In the words of Sir Winston Churchill, "I'll have no truce or parlay with you". There's no use preaching to a deaf choir. Just make sure you do it next time. No excuses!
Good luck, Premiere McGuinty.
...
Please don't mess up my province.
Election Day in Ontario
Okay, Ontario, election day is here. If you haven't already done so with the advance polls, get out there and vote! Don't forget to take your voter card, and a piece of I.D. I believe the polling stations close at 9, so there's plenty of time to get it done.
Remember, the fate of this province is in our hands. Take full advantage. Certainly, the Premiere will lead Ontario, but we're the ones with the power to choose who. I love it!
May the candidate who I voted for win! And before anyone asks, no, I will not say who I voted for as I keep that information between me, myself and the ballot!
For more on my views about voting, I recommend reading my September post "Your Paper Voice", and my October post "The Young Voters' Debacle".
Remember, the fate of this province is in our hands. Take full advantage. Certainly, the Premiere will lead Ontario, but we're the ones with the power to choose who. I love it!
May the candidate who I voted for win! And before anyone asks, no, I will not say who I voted for as I keep that information between me, myself and the ballot!
For more on my views about voting, I recommend reading my September post "Your Paper Voice", and my October post "The Young Voters' Debacle".
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
A Silly Tilly Tale
I read something earlier today that I found last night whilst I was rummaging through my room in an attempt to find either my old flash drive, or an essay that I wrote a few years ago when I was still living in Thunder Bay. I didn't find the essay, nor did I find my flash, but looking through some boxes that I keep in a cherry wood bench that my grampa made for me many moons ago, I found something that I had almost forgotten about. No, it wasn't the array of old lesson plans that I wrote while I was still a cadet for survival weekends that filled me with all sorts of happy, oh no. I found something that was much sillier, and I couldn't have found it at a more perfect time. I found a book. I can hear the lack of excitement in your voice when I say I found a book. That's not kind. No, this book is special. Why? Because it's Silly Tilly's Thanksgiving Dinner by Lillian Hoban, starring Silly Tilly Mole. As the back of the book says, "it's Thanksgiving, and Silly Tilly Mole is planning to make dinner for all her friends. But where did she put the invitations? What happened to her recipes? And why is her house so full of fog? Thanksgiving is going to be a disaster. If only she could remember everything she forgot!" I'd forgotten all about how much fun this silly book is. If you're able to read it, you just might agree. For those who don't know me, such a childlike book suits me perfectly. For those who do, they'd likely agree. Happy Thanksgiving a little bit early, everyone! Keep your dinners just a little bit silly. ;)
One Week In
I can't believe it's already been a week since I started A Paper Voice. Part of me feels like I've been doing this since the dawn of time. The other part knows that I'm still fairly new at this, and that I'm still figuring out how to tweak this site to better benefit everyone. For example, I thought anyone and everyone could leave comments on here (where to leave comments is found at the bottom of every post), until I discovered that the settings were automatically set as such that only certain people could leave their input. Who knew? If I've changed the settings correctly, you should all now be capable of leaving me your input, which I would love to have. Anything that could help me improve, or to instill more thoughts with the other readers would be fantastic. I was also messing around with the stats as I was curious to see not only how many people have read my posts thus far, but from where. What can I say? It's pure newbie curiosity. Naturally, the majority of hits coming from Canada was to be expected, but what I thought was really something special was to see that I've managed to connect with the States, Germany, and Russia (the U.S and Germany make sense as I know people in both of those countries, but I'm still trying to figure out who found me in Russia. Whoever you are, you are way beyond awesome. Don't worry people everywhere else. You're pretty fantastic too.). So to those of you who have followed thus far, thank you. I hope you've been enjoying the experience as much as I have. :)
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Cherry Coke
Have you ever had something that you love beyond belief, only to have it disappear on you? I'm fairly certain that the answer would be yes. This has happened to all of us at some point, whether we want to admit it or not. For me, the two food-related things that I love and have missed dearly are Cherry Coke, and Jelly Tots... Until now! Well, sort of.
As I stated in the previous post, I spent my morning at yet another career workshop (don't judge me! They're free, and are really quite useful!). Break arrived, and I was feeling parched, so I wandered next door to the convenience store to grab a drink. I was about to grab a Grape Crush when I saw it: Cherry Coke! I wouldn't be the least bit shocked if the heavens opened up, and a bright beam of light landed upon the beverage while angels sang in the background. For the record, I was in such a state of shock and awe that I really wouldn't have noticed. Now, you need to realize that I had experienced this wonderful taste sensation for the first time when I visited England as a child. Cherry Coke came in these adorable, little cans that were the perfect size for kids, and had a wild, crazy pattern all over them. After that, I had seen it here at home in Canada, and then many years ago, it just seemed to disappear off Canadian shelves. Yes, this made me sad. It's not only my favourite pop, but in my mind, it's the best drink in the universe! Yes, I know this likely makes me worthy of mockery, but that doesn't phase me by any means. I hadn't had this wonderful product for a very long time until last year. My dad was coming home from a Geek Convention in the States, and he brought me home a case for my birthday. So to find it in that little convenience store today at break, well, it was like it was my birthday all over again. And before you ask, yes, I'm pretty sure I squealed with excitement, and maybe did the anxious little kid happy dance on the spot.
As for Jelly Tots, the Bulk Barn sells a similar candy, but it's just not the same. The candies are too big, there aren't enough colours, and they're too soft (unless I'm some weirdo who remembers Jelly Tots being much harder, and maybe borderline stale, than they actually were). But, when I have a hankering, they suffice, even though I'd rather have the real thing. Curse the Corner Store in my village for no longer stocking them, even though it's been more years than I can count since the store last sold any!
Sometimes, the smallest, most insignificant things in life can make us the most happy. The cashier laughed and smiled at me, as she was happy that I was happy to have found my long-lost favourite beverage. If you have something small, like Cherry Coke, that fills you with the same kind of content, you will know exactly what I mean. Now, if I could only find Jelly Tots...
As I stated in the previous post, I spent my morning at yet another career workshop (don't judge me! They're free, and are really quite useful!). Break arrived, and I was feeling parched, so I wandered next door to the convenience store to grab a drink. I was about to grab a Grape Crush when I saw it: Cherry Coke! I wouldn't be the least bit shocked if the heavens opened up, and a bright beam of light landed upon the beverage while angels sang in the background. For the record, I was in such a state of shock and awe that I really wouldn't have noticed. Now, you need to realize that I had experienced this wonderful taste sensation for the first time when I visited England as a child. Cherry Coke came in these adorable, little cans that were the perfect size for kids, and had a wild, crazy pattern all over them. After that, I had seen it here at home in Canada, and then many years ago, it just seemed to disappear off Canadian shelves. Yes, this made me sad. It's not only my favourite pop, but in my mind, it's the best drink in the universe! Yes, I know this likely makes me worthy of mockery, but that doesn't phase me by any means. I hadn't had this wonderful product for a very long time until last year. My dad was coming home from a Geek Convention in the States, and he brought me home a case for my birthday. So to find it in that little convenience store today at break, well, it was like it was my birthday all over again. And before you ask, yes, I'm pretty sure I squealed with excitement, and maybe did the anxious little kid happy dance on the spot.
As for Jelly Tots, the Bulk Barn sells a similar candy, but it's just not the same. The candies are too big, there aren't enough colours, and they're too soft (unless I'm some weirdo who remembers Jelly Tots being much harder, and maybe borderline stale, than they actually were). But, when I have a hankering, they suffice, even though I'd rather have the real thing. Curse the Corner Store in my village for no longer stocking them, even though it's been more years than I can count since the store last sold any!
Sometimes, the smallest, most insignificant things in life can make us the most happy. The cashier laughed and smiled at me, as she was happy that I was happy to have found my long-lost favourite beverage. If you have something small, like Cherry Coke, that fills you with the same kind of content, you will know exactly what I mean. Now, if I could only find Jelly Tots...
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