Disco Baronettes

testing

2012-01-13T16:11:00.000-05:00

Recipes

2011-03-13T12:08:00.001-04:00

I really enjoy reading the comments left on online recipes. I like having these random insights into the lives of strangers, who like me, have a craving for curry and access to a computer.

I just cooked this and im only 20 and this was the first time I tried cooking something that didnt involve a microwave, a jar or a packet and I must say it was one of the best currys I've ever ate. Just a shame I had a fight with my dad since he tried taking over and was putting in too much ginger, so he went to bed and refused to eat any.

This was not good. The onion was too much, and the peas were pushing it. My child rejected it after 2 bites, and my husband only ate it out of courtesy. The dog liked it though. I went to bed with a stomachache.

2011-02-05T18:17:00.003-05:00

I desire the following products

2011-02-05T12:03:00.006-05:00

Coinage!

2011-01-09T09:52:00.004-05:00

Great news: there's a hot new word coming your way. Get your vocabulary to do some stretches, because it is about to expand.

is

heightmare.

A horrifying dream! Perhaps your spine has collapsed and you've lost several inches. Suddenly you are reduced to a pathetic specimen who needs help getting tupperware down from the top shelf (this is my waking nightmare, sigh). Or maybe you've shot up, and now have to stoop to get through doorways. Or maybe you are a retired San Francisco detective, dangerously obsessed with Kim Novak. Of course the damn woman leads you to terrifying heights. Aieee!

To her dismay!

2010-11-17T18:25:00.006-05:00

From wikipedia:
On May 21, 2009 Judge Morrison England, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California dismissed a complaint filed by serial litigant Janine Sugawara who said she had purchased "Cap'n Crunch with Crunchberries" because she believed "crunchberries" were real fruit. Sugawara alleged that after four years of purchasing the product she had only recently discovered to her dismay that said "berries" were in fact simply brightly-colored cereal balls. The judge commented "In this case,... it is simply impossible for Plaintiff to file an amended complaint stating a claim based upon these facts. The survival of the instant claim would require this Court to ignore all concepts of personal responsibility and common sense. The Court has no intention of allowing that to happen."

Serial litigant, or cereal litigant? Hohoho, this paragraph has brought me such joy.

Sexy Break-Out Performance in The Social Network

2010-11-03T02:00:00.003-04:00

I just viewed The Social Network at a cinema, and was totally captivated by a stunning silver screen debut.

MY TEA CUP! One of my favourites! On a fancy-important-elitist Harvard desk!

I discovered it at Valuable Village, and now it has hit the big time. I hope it remembers me in the Oscar acceptance speech.

Coinage!

2010-10-30T12:13:00.005-04:00

I made the mistake of googling today's new word I made up, and of course found that some jerk on urban dictionary already defined it. 642 people have given this inconsiderate individual their thumbs up of approval, but they are misguided. Anyway, to the word.

It

is

douché

Now the criminally insane pervert who posted it on urban dictionary thinks that the word is "the acknowledgement of an accusation, or a point made by someone you consider to be a douchebag."

NO! Douché is the acknowledgement of a good point, but point itself is a douchey point to make. As the defeated individual, you might not think the victor is a douchebag at all. Example:

Leper: I think nose rings are awful and would never, ever get one myself.

Mother Teresa: Well, of course you never will, because your tragic disease has caused your nose to collapse.

Leper: Douché, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. Douché.

Atonement

2010-10-25T21:31:00.005-04:00

After much freaking and spazzing out, I killed one of these today. I was pretty sure it was an evil demon or a time traveller from the Cretaceous period .

Now I feel very bad, because I've learned that House Centipedes feed on spiders, bedbugs, termites, cockroaches, silverfish and ants.

CURSE MY IGNORANCE!

Never again.

conversations with Tom

2010-09-27T20:03:00.006-04:00

Earlier today I had a conversation over the internet with my late cat Tom. Lies. I had a conversation with my cousin Tom who happens to have the same name. He lives in Durham, United Kingdom and is about 20 years old. Check out his blog.

I am posting this conversation because I think it was an begins to tease out both our of our world views and may perhaps lead to further insights, questions, and comments. Obviously we are not infallible and please take into consideration intended meaning as I know we both did.

ps. Tom if you have any objections to how you were portrayed please make them clear so I can make the appropriate changes.

Me: Why aren't you a feminist?

Tom: To be honest, I wont be able to argue this well, not having debated this before, but I'll try...

Tom: It's a biological fact that men and women are different, not only in body, but in mind too....while I wholly disagree with the notion that women are worse off because of this (quite the contrary)...in a capitalist society, where aggression and corporate ruthlessness benefit the economy and are encouraged...

Me: I don't think feminism says that woman are worse off because of this, they are worse off due to patriarchy, basically you just argued the feminist argument

Tom: oh lol, but I think men are better at being ruthless and aggressive...and therefore better suited for high management jobs.

Me: that since society makes the world aggressive and more difficult for woman it is the business of people to fight against those powers

Tom: oh I see

Me: Basically to make space for the disenfranchised

Tom: ok, I see the argument, I'd have to think about whether I'd agree with changing the structure of businesses to correct this would be beneficial for the economy,...

Me: economy?!? why does money matter more than people and fairness and no one is arguing necessarily for a drastic change immediately, it is up to you how that change should happen, but just to work to make room where you see a group being excluded.

Tom: it doesn't matter more. But if you wanted to extrapolate that argument to the extreme, communism would be the way forward, and since that has failed in every implementation, capitalism is the only way forward, where jobs are given based on ability and nothing else...and the way to control such a system is with money...

Me: I think that is a slippery slope. There are other options. Maybe you and I aren't able to come up with them, but a system that clearly benefits specific groups without question is never something one should work to keep, a system that is modeled on aggression

Tom: true. i will agree that there are potentially better systems. But until somebody comes up with one, we should stick to capitalism...

Me: why does someone have to come up with it? Why can't we just move in that direction by everyone working to make this one better. As legislation changes and proves to be more effective we will be making that system

Tom: well that is what's happening now. And either society will develop into a fairer one, or business will be too restricted by rules and bureaucracy and the economy will suffer...

Me: Its not what is happening now

Tom: But as I said, this is the first argument I've had about this, I haven't really read or thought a great deal about it...

Me: it is what some hope to have done, feminist and others. This is why i believe everyone should work in some way to make things fairer instead of accepting them as they are.

Tom: well it's hard to make people fight to make things fairer, if their quality of life would suffer...

Me: I'm not asking for a fight, and that is up to the interpretation of each feminist. I am asking for baby steps, just an ongoing effort

Tom: I suppose that is the most successful strategy...baby steps.

Me: This is why I am a feminist, and why I ask people why they are not,
because I want to know why other people don't want the world to be better, or themselves and for others, and why they don't put small amounts of effort into finding space for them to make change, only where they feel comfortable.

Tom: The problem is, I can't imagine a world without inequality and suffering....as a scientist I can't fathom a societal structure that would allow for this...

Me: it won't be the fastest change, or maybe the most effective, but it is better than accepting the world as it is existing within in and dieing. I can't imagine it either, but why should that stop me from working toward it? I don't see why the limitations of my brain to imagine should make me or anyone else give up. but now we are arguing for the part of feminism that means action, I assume you believe that all humans are equal.

Tom: I believe all humans should be given equal rights...but i don't believe all humans are equal. The nature of good and bad alleles in genetics proves we are not all equal, but it should be the job of the more fortunate to help those less fortunate

Me: that is very middle class and patronizing.

Tom: haha...oh

Me: sorry i should have said... "I believe...." I was super patronizing there.

Tom: ha, don't worry, we are having a discussion, in my mind I add " I believe" onto each sentence anyway

Me: good, I often need that, I can be a dick, one of the criticisms of second wave feminism is it holds the belief, second wave activism too, alliances quickly show that all groups have something to offer, power does not equal knowledge,

Tom: no, it does not, in all my arguments, i try to go back to a fundamental knowledge of science and logic and work up from there, I'd fight for a society ruled solely by science...

Me: science is flawed, it is based on domination, not understanding, now here is where i get radical, hahaha

Tom: I would argue that science is not flawed. That science, where it can be proven correct by the laws of mathematics, is the only thing we can truly rely on.
Tom: fundamental philosophies where something cannot be proven by mathematics are examples of where it can't be used... but I would like to hear why science is based on domination...

Me: It was created by men to dominate nature, to change it from what it is, not to learn and communicate with it. They believe that humans are superior and can not benefit from learning the perspective of what it studies but only how what it studies can work for it.

Tom: but science is by definition the study of the word around us! it was created to try and explain the world around us, not to control it.

Me: science does not exist in a vacuum

Tom: well actually it does

Me: it is determined by funding, motivations.

Tom: nooooo, untrue. Science is available to anyone. Gregor Mendel, the founder of genetics, had no funding, just a desire to understand... if one was able to zoom in close enough on space in a vacuum, even more detail would come to light. A quantum soup of spontaneous creations and destruction, particles appearing out of nowhere, only to disappear again...

Me: I am not equipped to argue this further but you have not convinced me. I love science, but I am annoyed that people worship it as blindly as they did Jesus 100 years ago.

Tom: I agree. and a lot of pseudo science is preached as actual science today, hence why I limited my statement to "science that can be proved my mathematics"

Me: well I disagree with that because math is just another tool and it discounts social science and anthropology

Tom: well, those still have to prove their ideas with statistics, a branch of mathematics, I agree that for example, neurology is extremely difficult to prove mathematically, that is where the scientific method helps, by testing, evidence can be amassed that can be used in statistics to help prove something, but in those cases the true proof is limited to the experiment...

Me: I guess we are on the same page mostly, yet I am very suspicious of method and motive, and you are suspicious of change in the system.

Tom: haha, typical human I guess. scared of change

Me: ahha, I'm super glad we had this conversation, I often just get frustrated and never complete this conversation. I either believe the other person is too stubborn, too stupid, or too ill informed to actually discuss these fundamental questions. The reality is probably I do not have all the tools to argue my case.

Tom: likewise for me, we have different knowledge bases, so naturally will have different opinions, I do genuinely try to understand your argument before making a judgment...

Tom: If i ever come to Canada, I shall bring plenty of English tea, my thinking head and we shall have long discussions face to face....

Me: I hope so! I love tea, I am making some right now!

Black Cat

2010-08-18T21:26:00.005-04:00

I've faced a series of misfortunes and unpleasant occurrences in the last few months, so when I was strolling down the street last night and spotted a small black cat on the edge of the sidewalk ahead of me, I was just not having it. No sir, that cat shall not cross my path. I've already been witness to a recent mirror-breaking, I've recklessly opened umbrellas indoors, and I shudder to think of how many pavement cracks I've thoughtlessly stepped on. CAT! YOU SHALL NOT PASS!

I don't know if the cat was thinking of passing or not, but I decided to be proactive and pick up my pace to get beyond it quickly. I guess I must have startled the cat though, or maybe it was inspired by my speed to get in a bit of exercise itself, because the cat started sauntering alongside me. I sped up more, and the cat followed suite. Pretty soon, I was racing a goddamn cat down the street.

If anyone witnessed this event, I very much hope they interpreted it as an epic struggle between an anguished yet bravely persevering woman and a malevolent omen of cruel fate determined to destroy her! Not just as a lunatic racing a cat.

I won the race, so I'm pretty excited about the all the good luck which is now undoubtedly heading my way. Hurray!

Coinage!

2010-07-01T19:45:00.004-04:00

Today celebrates the birth of a nation and a new, exciting, inspiring, yet absolutely horrible word.

IT

IS

SHOPTIONS.

Shopping options. You could title a map of a mall "shoptions."

"Where are you going to buy new jeans, David?"

"I don't know... What are my shoptions?"

Sigh.

2010-06-13T23:49:00.000-04:00

My dad was never a really strict disciplinarian, but this is still an exchange I never expected to happen in my lifetime.

2 year-old niece: Grandpa, I want more tomatoes!

Dad: Not until you finish your cake.

Me: There's cake? I want cake!

Dad: Finish your beer.

Coinage!

2010-06-13T21:32:00.003-04:00

So far this blog has gotten the scoop on two great words I've coined (schemebags and laundramatic). I'm feeling less confident about this new addition to my lexicon, but here we go.

It

is

ORONIC.

Allow me to explain. Organic + Ironic. I'm thinking foodstuffs. I'm thinking all-natural, pesticide-free, but totes ridic, you know? Like an organic jello salad or fondue. Vegan pigs-in-a-blanket?

2010-05-27T06:51:00.000-04:00

In light of the success of garfield minus garfield, I am proud to present

Dilbert Minus All The Characters in Dilbert

Attn: Steve Jobs

2010-05-04T00:27:00.004-04:00

I'm as impressed by all the latest techno gadgets as the next person.

iPhones have KILLER APPS!
iPads are saving the publishing industry
iPods play music and shit

And yet... I long for more.

I long for:

The iBall

A computer shaped like a crystal ball! Imagine sitting in coffee shop surrounded by dorks with lame "traditional" computers, while you summon all world knowledge with a glowing electronic orb, like some sort of elven princess or wicked witch?
That would be totally wicked.

Looking up the weather forecast would be immensely more enjoyable. And that is already pretty enjoyable as it is!

Imagine Skyping with an iBall. Magic!

I am so excited for this product to go on the market. A google search tells me that I am not the first to think of it, which kind of pisses me off. But imagine how much greater and more dramatic my anger would have been if I'd found out that bad news through my iBall! I could have screeched with rage and summoned some flying monkeys to attack my enemies.

http://tv.adobe.com/show/learn-indesign-cs4/

Victorians!

2010-04-27T22:21:00.006-04:00

I recently went for a quick jaunt to New York City. Normally I try to pack as much as I possibly can into short trips to great cities, but this time I was forced to relax and accept a slower pace, since I was visiting family.

I did manage to spend a few quality hours in the Metropolitan Museum of Art though.

We meet at last.

What a place. Obviously, I only saw a tiny fraction of their collection. And being me, I focused on the 19th century paintings and raced through the European paintings. HIGHLY SATISFYING.

I was very excited to stumble into a exhibition called Playing with Pictures: The Art of Victorian Photocollage.

Friends, this is so in my wheelhouse.

Victorian!

Photo!

COLLAAAAAGE!

God, I love this stuff. It's so whimsical and creepy. I love the idea of these wealthy, leisured women taking the stern photos of their important relatives and acquaintances and sticking them on ridiculous drawings.

Terry Gilliam practically had all his work done for him.

Where are you from?

2010-03-21T22:54:00.001-04:00

I have a friend who lives in Vancouver, She is of Jamaican decent. She was born and educated in Toronto.
My friend has been living in Vancouver for a few of years now, her and I have discussed the fact that only a small number of Black people living in Vancouver.

During the Vancouver Olympics my friend told me that she had a large number of people "Welcome her to Canada".
She pointed out that, she had identified most of these people as migrants, people with accents.

My friend was very much offended and felt that she had more of a right to be considered Canadian than any of them.
In fact it is her birthright.

I think there are a number of things going on here.
First Vancouver is a tourist city, and during the Olympics the number of tourist was huge. A lot of these tourists were from the United States. It is well known that there is a large number of black Americans in the U.S.

I also think that these people who were welcoming my friend were doing this perhaps as to assert their own right to Canadian status. I would guess many of them feel marginalize, and often excluded from what it is to be 'Canadian'. Perhaps they are proud to be Canadian and desired others to know this.

Despite their rationale, this 'welcoming' upset and frustrated my friend.

I told this story to one of my professors, this story was of little surprise since she has experienced this same familiar phenomenon over and over again.

My professor’s daughter was once at the band and was being asked for her 'landed immigrant card'. She was asked by a Chinese woman who spoke with an accent. My professor described this accent as “so deep, it was difficult to understand her when she spoke”. My professor’s daughter informed her that she was born in Toronto and offered to show her birth certificate. It was an awkward moment. My professor was present and asked "Why did you ask her for an immigration card? Does she look like an immigrant?".

Like my friend my professor was annoyed at the assumption coming from someone who had clearly not lived in Canada as long.
I think one has an emotional response to any incident that implies lack of entitlement to being Canadian.

Why do people assume that black people are immigrants?
Black people have been in Canada since 1796.

My friend and many other black people I know hate being singled out in a group of non-black people and being asked, "where are you from?". Even within groups of white people, my friend is usually the only one who was actually born in Canada. Most of the people who have asked were born in Europe or the US. Both Europe and the US have longer histories of black migration, yet these questions are just as common. Some sources say more common.

This is discrimination.

Coinage!

2010-03-21T22:32:00.008-04:00

Git your dictionaries out ya'll. GIT!

I've coined yet another another momentous and useful word that you will soon be using in your daily life.

It

is

LAUNDRAMATIC.

Take a moment to change your pants, for you have just soiled yourself in excitement.

Laundry is the cause of so much drama. Do you realize that the laundry room in my apartment building is flooded with water practically every time I go in there? That sends me into a rage. Also, once some jerk took my stuff out 10-15 minutes before my dryer cycle finished and STOLE MY PRECIOUS DRYER TIME for their towels. I positively flipped out. It was a LAUNDRAMATIC scene.

I have googled this fine word and got 787 results. This is easily explained. The internet is filled with time travelers who read my blog post in the future.

O Canada

2010-03-04T23:06:00.003-05:00

So, the guvnamint wants to change the lyrics of O Canada to be more gender neutral.

No more true patriot love in all thy sons command. I say GO FOR IT. The CBC radio man who told me about this mentioned substituting it with the original lyrics: "in all thou dost command."

Sweet. We'll all sound like Shakespeare.

LouReedbook

2010-01-14T00:20:00.012-05:00

Rachel just told me about a facebook application called catbook, the purpose of which is to post pictures of your cat. We joined in lamenting our mutual lack of cats to photograph. Then I struck upon the momentous idea of simply drawing cats and posting those pictures. But I didn't feel like drawing cats. What were we to do?

Rachel reached for her sketchbook for inspiration. How about GirlSittingOnABusInGuelphbook? ADinosaurThatKindOfLooksLikeADuckbook? No. Horrible, disgusting ideas.

And then we found her drawing of Lou Reed with a Really Small Hand.

And LouReedbook is born! Right here! Dear Reader, cut the umbilical cord and be the godparent, won't you?

Call For Artists: Residency in Vancouver for 8 weeks!

2010-01-13T23:05:00.002-05:00

CALL FOR ARTISTS

the Full Circle Artist Residency Applications Due: January 22, 2010.

I just got a message on Facebook about this great oportunity. I hope artist make the best of it.

This project will take place in the city of Vancouver, British Columbia.
It will span the entire 8 weeks of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This is an opportunity to be an unofficial Olympic artist residence.

The Full Circle Artist Residency will provide room and board, and solo exhibition space. The trip to Vancouver includes 46 day stay in furnished residence, access to gallery bathrooms and communal meals included, Art budget of $500 - $1000 (receipts required). Doesn't this sound fun!

Cost: Gropp’s Gallery charges a 15% commission on all works sold during the opening of the Blood & Culture exhibition on February 12th, 2010, and a legacy donation of one piece of art (chosen by the artist) is to be donated to the Rare Earth Society’s permanent collection.

Artist will hold 100% ownership (accept donated piece) of all works created and sold during their residency. The chosen artist is required to hold open studios minimum 4 hours a day 5 days a week.

Apply yourself or tell your friends about it.

Late Night In The Bedroom

2010-01-13T12:15:00.002-05:00

I think this might be my favorite Late Night Show.
I'm not really a late night talk show or a comedy gal like my co-blogger Cailin. But I am most certainly an interested in Music and Art girl. Late Night In The Bedroom is a web blog out of Toronto. check it out!

Proroguies

2010-01-11T22:55:00.003-05:00

Wow I can't believe the direct contradiction to the Obama Administration and their desire to listen and help the American People versus the Canadian Federal Government.

If you are American or have an American address tell Obama what you think about this current agendas.

After learning about Tony Clement's Comments about those who oppose the proroguing of government Cailin and I co-wrote this letter and sent it to him. We all should since Clement claims Canadian's don't care and he hasn't only received a few dozen messages. Well not after today. Look here at what other people have said, then contact him yourself.

Dear Mr. Clement,

I am writing in response to your comments that those opposed to the proroguing of parliament are "elite." You stated that you are "not here to govern on behalf of the chattering classes." I didn't realize it was appropriate for our elected officials to discriminate on the basis of class. I also didn't realize that engaging in public debate makes ordinary citizens apt targets for our elected officials' scorn and disrespect.

I was under the impression the government represented everyone. Including those who are informed on politics and are not afraid to speak their mind on issues.

This latest move is a betrayal of our democracy, and your comments are a disgrace to the office you hold and the public you are supposed to serve.

Rachel and Cailin

As we wrote our message we eat proroguies, I mean perogies.

YEW NEAR

2010-01-09T21:13:00.005-05:00

It has been nine days since all of us have made our New Years resolutions.
I wonder how many of us have already given up.

Cailin and I wrote out new years Resolutions a few days late. Here are mine.

1. Improved Punctuality
2. Read 52 books
3. Cook at home 4 times a week
4. Be a better penpal
5. Improve oral and hygiene and oral hygiene

It has been five days or so since we established them and here is an update.

1. I was 11 minutes late for work on Friday.
2. I read 1 book and haven't read anything since. 40pages a day is more than I bargained for.
3. Cailin made lasagna Thursday, I made pasta on Friday. 2/9 days.
4. I wrote three people!
5. Only special friends will get to know the answer to the first part of this resolution. And well the rest of you can check for yourself if I stink or my teeth are whiter.

I wanted to Wish you all a Happy New Year!

CELEB

2010-01-09T17:39:00.005-05:00

I just saw Fiddler on the Roof. As the sign outside the theatre announced, the role of Teyve was played by Harvey Feirstein. Since I know next to nothing about Broadway and its stars, this meant nothing to me.

Until the man spoke and I realized it was KARL, HOMER'S EXECUTIVE SECRETARY.

HOLY MOLY!

The Reverse Geocache Puzzle

2010-01-06T15:43:00.004-05:00

I just read about a cool project called the Reverse Geocache Puzzle. This man assembled a gift box which is locked from the inside and can't be opened until it is taken to a certain location.

Who knew what fun people would have with GPS...

Anyway, I stumbled upon this story through the writings of a man who plans to put a ring in his own puzzle box, and use it to propose to his girlfriend in a special location.

As it says in the follow up to the original story, "it’s the perfect combination of mystery, software, romance, and mechatronics."

Awwww. Nerds in love are the best.

Sick of reruns.

2010-01-05T10:59:00.007-05:00

Found this amusing photo while browsing the Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament facebook group (which is at 29, 250 members so far.)

How can I express my disgust at Stephen Harper's latest betrayal of our democracy? Should I just copy and paste my rant from the last time Harper decided that Canadians don't need to be represented in Parliament when he doesn't feel like it?

In December 2008, when I stood outside in the freezing cold at a sad little protest rally and endured watching hippies INTERPRETIVE DANCE to show my support for democracy, I seriously thought it was a crazy, one-time event in Canadian history. I cannot believe this shit is happening again.

So, it looks like Harper is ruining my birthday, yet again (he was voted in on January 23rd 2006). I'll be spending at least part of Saturday January 23rd 2010 attending another ice cold rally. Rallies are being planned across the country.
If there is more awful, embarrassing dancing, I may cry. Canada, if you would just pay attention and stand up for your right to be represented, the hippies wouldn't feel the need to dance! You can stop the madness!

This damn Prime Minister... Doesn't even have the consideration to outrage me during a temperate month.

have any lights to donate?

2009-11-18T22:09:00.003-05:00

Don't you love it when crack addicts give you advice to watch out for crack addicts?

Outside the AGO this evening, and a man drove up on his bike with a plastic basin of lights attached to the front of the bike.
The basin was glowing with multiple colours of flashing lights.
"have any lights to donate?" the man said,
I realized I was just about to get on my own bike but hadn't put my bike lights on.
"no, sorry, but thanks for reminding me"
"don't leave your bike lights on, you wouldn't leave your bike unlocked, you never know when a crack addict is going to come across it and think 'there's twenty bucks'... how about some blues" and the man started playing the accordion, he was rather good and started snapping along.
"thank you"
"do you have any money?, take me to dinner?"
"no, sorry i don't have any money"
"take me to dinner?"
I giggled "sure" I don't know what I expected his response to be but...
"seriously? I'll give you my number, if you are worried"
"oh...um.. I was... joking? thank you, have a great day" at this point there was a constant stream of pedestrians hollering to get past our two bikes.
"oh, I wasn't, you know there is no such thing as a bad day, just bad moments, when someone says 'have a great day' they, there is no such thing as a bad day, all days are great, only moments are bad, and people with bad attitudes hold on to those moments for the entire day."
"wow, that is really insightful"
"it's true there are no bad days, so when people say have a great day..." people continue to try to get past our two bike muttering or yelling "excuse me"
"thank you very much, have a good night"
"thank you"

As I road home I thought about how many great things came out of that conversation. I wish i had had the courage to sit and talk with him longer.

Father of A Boy Named Sue

2009-11-18T13:55:00.004-05:00

OMG
so Cailin asked me who wrote the Johnny Cash song A Boy Named Sue.
Despite the fact that I am a Cash nut, I didn't know the answer.
We looked it up and found out Shel Silverstein who wrote where the sidewalk ends (1974) wrote it. AND he wrote a follow up. It is the perspective of the Father of the Boy named Sue.

Here it is sung my Shel Silverstein.

I found it rather disturbing but laughed rather hard. I Wish Johnny Cash had recorded it.

2009-11-18T00:49:00.001-05:00

Chick-lit

2009-11-13T15:53:00.004-05:00

From an article defending chick-lit:

"The truth is, women happily read books (and watch films and TV) aimed primarily at men. That's because women buy more and read more, full stop. They read thrillers, travel books, biographies – and yet the majority of these books are marketed for men. Women know they'll like it and give it a go. They'll happily pick up a copy of Porno, with a plastic female sex doll on the front. But men rarely try women's fiction, because they've been conditioned to think they can't pick up a book with a pink cover."

Everyone seems to have an opinion on chick-lit (or "commercial women's fiction," as the author of that piece calls it), but I wonder how many men actually have read any of those books. Interesting question.

P.S. I have most of the Shopaholic series, if anyone wants to loan a copy. Tempted, gentlemen?

A rant in honour of Rachel's Birthday

2009-11-06T12:08:00.005-05:00

Nothing can get me into a rage quite like a visit to the hardware store.

God almighty, do I ever hate old hardware store men. I believe they are the most condescending and patronizing men in the world.

Hello, I am a young woman. I am looking for a tool/a home improvement item of some sort. I am not looking for a god damn lecture about the intricacies of drain pipe circumferences, thank you very much.

Happy Birthday Rachel, you Radical Vegan Feminist Terrorist!

Baker Street Irregular

2009-10-30T15:59:00.001-04:00

Look at what I made! (I've decided to be Sherlock Holmes for Hallowe'en. A day before the 31st! This is a new record in my hallowe'en costume planning. I've never had so much forethought.)

Anyway, I made this badge and chuckled for about 10 minutes straight. Holmes loves Watson, don't tell me any different. I think I should make a "Dear Cocaine" badge as well.

Birds

2009-10-26T13:26:00.007-04:00

The other day Rachel and I were talking about the local sports teams, as us gals are wont to do.

I said, "Beauchemin's arrival in Toronto is not yet working out as well as his splashdown in Anaheim, but his play is getting better along with the other big free-agent signing on defence, Mike Komisarek."

And she said, "Yes, but among the forwards, only the lesser lights such as Wayne Primeau, Colton Orr and Jay Rosehill have done their jobs."

Typical.

Okay, what actually happened was that I accidentally referred to the Toronto Blue Jays (or are they just 'Jays' now?) as The Maple Budgies.

Is this a new low in sports ignorance? Probably.

But, in my defense, I've had budgies on my mind lately. I just want to go on record as a bird supporter. I'm sick of people these days and their birdie trash talking.
"They are stupid"
"They are loud"
"They freak me out when they fly"

No. YOU are stupid. YOU are loud. YOU can't fly and YOU are jealous.

Birds are awesome.

(This post is dedicated to the memories of Merlin, Monty, Anakin, the one I found in the backyard and who never got a name that stuck, and bitchy Sky who died a year ago. RIP Budgie Pals! You are shredding God's wallpaper now.)

Walking in Toronto

2009-10-25T23:46:00.008-04:00

Two eventful things happened to me on the way home today. My paper bag busted open and I had to gather my belonging and rearrange them in the remaining bags. As I was doing this in the middle of the sidewalk on Dundas street an elderly Chinese (or at least I think Chinese) woman asked me if I was taking the streetcar.
elderly Chinese woman: "do you have token?"
me: "no,"
I cared on and she stood there looking at me, shuffling her bags from one arm to the next.
elderly Chinese woman: "do you have money?"
me: "yes, I have money" I figured out that she wanted to exchange my change for her token. Her English was really basic.
elderly Chinese woman: "I neet money... money for token"
me: "okay," and I started getting the money out of my pocket "two dollars" I said
"NO!" she exclaimed, I was startled, "NO! TWO SEVENTY FIVE"
I shock my head,
me: "but that is how much a token costs", perhaps I showed a little to much attitude and knowledge of the city, I think she might have assumed I was a visitor with all my bags.
elderly Chinese woman "NO! when you get on is two seventy fie,"
I shock my head, "but it only cost you two dollars"
"NO! NO!" she exclaimed again.
I don't know why she didn't offer two fifty, if she really needed the money, she is making a profit and I am saving money. I don't know why I resisted so much, since the price would have been even for me. We both stood there for a few moments once I finished with my bags, than I decided I would just walk home.

The second thing that happened was this.

Two's Company: Recipes for Intimate Entertaining

2009-10-24T15:59:00.009-04:00

I found this book in a box by the side of the road. I probably should have left it there, because it looks like it will be almost entirely useless to me. Ten pages devoted to veal!

My favourite recipe:

Cantaloupe with port

1 fresh cantaloupe
4 tbsp. port

1) Halve cantaloupe and remove seeds.
2) Pour port into the centre of each half and refrigerate until serving time

Translation:
POUR BOOZE IN A MELON.
SERVE.

That's some intimate entertaining for you! Very classy.

I THINK I JUST COINED A WORD

2009-10-20T00:40:00.004-04:00

Schemebags!

As in, those Tories are a bunch of dirty lying schemebags!

babies

2009-10-15T12:37:00.003-04:00

It recently came to my attention that this blog is the number two search result on google when searching "where do babies come out of in the mom"
initially i was confused "are really little kids using google? It took a few minutes for it to occur to me that people maybe searching for advice on how to approach the issue with their children.
As someone with no credentials and no children on her own here is my advice.
babies come from a stork. and thanks god for that because I would hate to have to really give birth or have stretch marks. I was so relieved when I found out that was a myth.

VIDEO BLOG

2009-10-14T22:45:00.009-04:00

Alex asked us to start a podcast, but Cailin doesn't want to.

Cailin and I have been discussing which names qualify for our future husbands. We think they should have the same name, to make life amusingly confusing. twin names! Here is part of the process!

(EDITED BY CAILIN TO ADD: If we get desperate, these unknown gentlemen might have to change their names... That's how committed we are to this future conversation;

RACHEL or CAILIN: I have bad news.

CAILIN or RACHEL: Oh no! What's wrong?

RACHEL or CAILIN: Andrew is having an affair.

CAILIN or RACHEL: Oh my god! I'm so sorry. Are you okay?

RACHEL or CAILIN: No, dear.. YOUR Andrew.

And then we will laugh and laugh and laugh. And then one of us might get divorced, but at least we'll have enjoyed a good joke.)

Tuesday Oddity

2009-10-07T15:02:00.004-04:00

This was the view from my kitchen window yesterday. For a moment I looked at the wires jutting out of the woman's hair and thought that man was reprogramming his robot-wife.

A thing to blog about

2009-10-06T00:06:00.004-04:00

RACHEL the maven of fashion and retail has informed me of one the greatest secrets you will ever hear.

People with small to regular sized feet can simply purchase their socks in the children's department and enjoy HUGE SAVINGS!!!!!!

HUGE SAVINGS!!!!!

HUGE SAVINGS!

And they fit your feet. Also, there is only ONE TAX on children's garments. I can't wait to get me some Jo-Bro socks.

DRIVING A BIKE!

2009-10-01T00:07:00.003-04:00

So it is settled, I am driving my bike.
Cailin and I discussed how often people tell me that I can't "drive a bike" well we looked up the definition of 'driving' and discovered that yes it is only called driving when involving a motor-vehicle, key word being motor. But what is the definition of motor is "anything that imparts motion". YES! from the Canadian Oxford Dictionary!
I figure, I'm on the road, beside other motor-vehicles, therefore I am driving.
discussion! To be honest I don't care much about this discussion, but it is another thing I always get wrong.

BLOGGING

2009-09-30T14:17:00.006-04:00

There are far too many pictures of Rachel on this blog.
I'm going to fix that now.

This is a portrait of a woman who has to Pee Real Bad Right Now, but doesn't want to move.

Two Good Sisters

2009-09-29T19:05:00.005-04:00

I am taking a contemporary art class this semester. Everyone else in the class are artists accept me. We haven't passed Impressionism, and I am getting frustrated, I want to understand Duchamp and Man Ray and I plan on spending every Wednesday evening at the AGO studding.
Perhaps my favourite contemporary artist from Toronto is Katie Pretti. The subject of her mainly abstract work is sexuality and coming of age. Will Kucey writes "Pretti’s
work filters and mirrors the sensations and discomforts of emotional and physical experience." She playes with light and dark. I have been playing with the idea of investing in one of her pieces for a while.

Currently she has an exhibition at Le Gallery on Dundas street. Who wants to check it out with me before October 5th.

"There's a strong fiscally conservative argument for supporting the arts"

2009-09-29T18:34:00.004-04:00

So many times have I listened to strong arguments explaining that supporting the arts should be part of even a conservative economic plan. But I have never heard a conservative say it. Something changed today!

this close to death

2009-09-29T18:02:00.010-04:00

Hey everyone!
It is a shame that we rarely use this blog in recent months, and I hope that will soon no longer be the case!
Both bloggers are now living together in a modest apartment in Kensington market down town Toronto! Here is a short update on the housing process. We are trying to keep at 1970s found object vibe to the apartment. Almost everything we have was either found, thrift, or a gift.
Today we went to a local Portuguese shop that has lots of old house wear. I bought 4, Canadian coat of arms coasters, cera 1930s, there once! Today keeping with my obsession with Canadian paraphernalia I bought a plate.

Unfortunately after bringing the plate home I read "NOT FOR USE FOR SERVING FOOD". I would not have bought a purely decorative plate. I was planning on eating off it. I was concerned that perhaps the issues is that the plate may be poisons. I looked on the internet but unfortunately I can't find any information about the specific company Barton of Canada LTD. I did read that the colors used for the creation of decorative plates can contain heavy metals, which can easily pass into food and then into the body. There have been poisoning cases reported after people consumed food from decorative plates. Regular dishware presents no such risks.

In future I am going to have to remember to read the back of all plates I buy.

Rachel

DISCO BARONETTES IN THE T-DOT

2009-09-21T23:43:00.002-04:00

GET READY TO READ TORONTO THINGS!

Nicorette statt Zigarette

2009-08-25T00:01:00.004-04:00

I just did a google search and found that there are only 3,760 results for "nicorette inhaler tampon." So here I am, doing my part to raise that number. I'd like the world to be free of the scourge of cigarettes someday, so here's hoping that Nicorette takes this design flaw into account.

No one wants to look like a pervert sucking on a feminine hygiene product. As one blogger wrote "I'd rather die of lung cancer than have someone ask me; "Are you smoking a tampon?"

Advice to tv people

2009-07-17T17:19:00.003-04:00

Peter Keleghan should be in all sitcoms.

Everybody Song

2009-07-16T03:27:00.001-04:00

Nasty Dan

2009-07-15T03:13:00.001-04:00

I love the jargon Oscar uses in this video, it anchors the video in a time and place.

2009-07-14T21:23:00.003-04:00

This news has made me very sad.

God damn it. This one is going to hurt.

2009-07-14T03:09:00.001-04:00

2009-07-13T03:05:00.001-04:00

2009-07-12T02:54:00.002-04:00

Breakfst at Sulimay's

2009-07-11T01:02:00.004-04:00

I bet most people reading this (if anyone still reads this blog) have heard of Breakfast at Sulimay's, perhaps from Radio (CBC Radio 1 on Q) or with their own adventures on the internet.
I find it fun to try to predict how they will feel about each song. But I don't put much weight on their opinions. Perhaps I just don't want to legitimize them, since I often disagree, but i would like to believe their is a history, and relevance to music that perhaps these there individuals don't always get. Also I think sometimes the projection should be taken into greater consideration.

I am falling in love with Joe.

Who wants to give me $5000 US?

2009-07-06T14:43:00.005-04:00

I want to take a flight on the zero g plane. I really want to. Really, really, really.

http://www.gozerog.com/

It would make suffering through parabola lessons in high school well worth it.

2009-06-27T08:45:00.002-04:00

If you're feeling depressed about Michael Jackson's death, at least you can take comfort in the fact that I've derived a little bit of good from all the attention it has been getting in the last few days.

Finally, FINALLY I have resolved something that has confused me since I was three years old.

Why, I wondered, have I got this strange memory of Michael Jackson and C-3pO giving me a personal tour of the EPCOT Center?

My family went to Disney World when I was three, and I now realize that what actually happened was that we saw this short film there. Somehow that mess of a production got mixed up in my little brain, causing me to leave with the impression that MJ and 3PO were working as Disney docents. You can't really blame me. I think that film would be confusing to adults. And the Star Wars rip-offs are hilariously blatant (Can I call them rip-offs if it was produced by George Lucas?)

I feel a little sad to have my amusing misconception cleared up. Kind of like the day I realized that the water tower near my house actually isn't an awesome, exclusive Dairy Queen in the sky.
Maybe this isn't actually a little bit of good like I said earlier. Maybe poor old Michael Jackson's just taking another piece of my childhood to the grave with him.

Oh wow, now I've depressed myself.

Ahhh. That's better.

Zack 16

2009-06-24T04:17:00.003-04:00

Molly shared with me this great show that hilariously combines coming of age and puberty in a way both men and women can relate. check it out! Personally my favorite part may be the notes underneath each video so check out the website, zack16.com.

The Bpa ft. Dizzee Rascal & David Byrne

2009-06-15T01:48:00.001-04:00

Bedtime routine

2009-06-15T00:13:00.002-04:00

I feel slightly ashamed for sharing the following mundane information, but this thing happens to me so often that I'm hoping that making a record of it will help me to change my behaviour. This is blogging as self-help.

As I get ready to go to bed, I unthinkingly go through the regular routine of face washing, teeth brushing and flossing. I wash my hands, take out my contact lenses, and then I'm pretty much ready to be unconscious for a few hours.

Except, sometimes I forget that one crucial step of washing my hands after flossing. And the floss is coated with minty flavour for some reason. As soon as I stick my finger on to my eye, I realize my mistake because I suddenly feel like I've ground a box of tic-tacs into paste and smeared it across my eyeball.

Menthol on your eyeballs may sound refreshing, but it is actually a surprisingly poor bedtime soothing technique.

I know I should be more careful, or rearrange the routine, or get different floss, but I am stupid. And forgetful. But at least no one can accuse me of having smelly eyeballs.

Good night.

June is now National Aboriginal History Month

2009-06-13T23:34:00.001-04:00

New Democrat Crowder’s motion passes unanimously after two year struggle. Two provinces, Saskatchewan and Alberta, already celebrate June as Aboriginal History Month. I am rather disappointed in the other Provinces and Territories. if Alberta is considered the Texas of Canada, what is it doing being more progressive than everyone else?

Queerly Canadain

2009-06-11T23:38:00.005-04:00

This is an article from This Magazine, on how Canadian's (and others) have blinders on when it comes to Transgendered people. Not my favorite article ever, but gets one thinking about how we can readdress the issue of transgendered people in pop culture.
Transgendered people seem to be in the public eye a lot as of late. Another example i came across is Chastity Bono, the offspring of Duo Sonny and Cher, who has announced that formally she, now he, will be transitioning from a woman to a man.

We have Band

2009-06-11T21:45:00.002-04:00

why we love and cheat!

2009-06-11T01:18:00.001-04:00

10 things you didn't know

2009-06-11T01:03:00.002-04:00

Yet another thing on the internet I enjoyed

2009-06-03T10:53:00.001-04:00

Michael Showalter Showalter

Michael Showalter interviews some comedy men. Jack McBrayer, Micheal Ian Black, David Cross, Mike Birbiglia, Andy Samberg, David Wain, Zach Galifianakis, Paul Rudd, and Michael Cera.

International Beauty Contest

2009-05-26T09:34:00.001-04:00

I was brushing up on my world leader knowledge when I decided the endeavor was far too serious for my shallow brain. Instead of learning about important leaders and their issues and histories, why not just pick out the best looking ones and put them in a list! Yeah!

Here are the most attractive Presidents, Prime Ministers, Governors and Kings, as determined by me. This is based entirely on appearance, and has nothing to do with what kind of leader they may be.

MOZAMBIQUE
Prime Minister
Luisa Dias Diogo

NORWAY
Prime Minister
Jens Stoltenberg

ARGENTINA
President
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner

SWAZILAND
King
Mswati III

MACEDONIA
Prime Minister
Nikola Gruevski

MONACO
Prince
Albert II

BURUNDI
President
Pierre Nkurunziza

ECUADOR
President
Rafael Correa Delgado

United States of America
President
Barack Obama

KIRIBATI
President
Anote Tong

CANADA
Governor General
Michaëlle Jean

BUTAN
Dragon King
Jigme Khesar
Namgyel Wangchuck

PHILLIPINES
President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

UKRAINE
Prime Minister
Yuliya Tymoshenko

There you go. That was stupid. And FUN!

Comparison

2009-05-24T08:41:00.002-04:00

Who could ever guess that the impossibly pretty boy pictured above is Woody Allen's biological son?

Mia Farrow has the most powerful genes in the world.

2009-05-23T01:12:00.005-04:00

I just started reading The Audacity of Hope. I'm enjoying it so far. At one point Obama describes a trip he took with an aide to southern Illinois:

On the drive down, we stopped at a TGI Friday's and I ordered a cheeseburger. When the waitress brought the food I asked her if she had any Dijon mustard. Dan shook his head.

"He doesn't want Dijon," he insisted, waving the waitress off. "Here"—he shoved a yellow bottle of French's mustard in my direction—"here's some mustard right here."

The waitress looked confused. "We got Dijon if you want it," she said to me.

I smiled. "That would be great, thanks." As the waitress walked away, I leaned over to Dan and whispered that I didn't think there were any photographers around.

MY GOD! This man is completely obsessed with his spicy mustard! It's a running theme through his political/gastronomical career.

At least he's consistent with his condiment loyalties. That's how you know you can trust him.

Ha, ha, ha. Yes, I see. Very droll.

2009-05-12T16:14:00.012-04:00

I realize that the complaint I am about to share is not original. I realize that many, many, people have said this before me. An episode of Seinfeld was even devoted to it. But I'm going to go ahead and throw this thought into the universe yet again. Because I can. And because evil must be pointed out over and over again if we hope to ever defeat it.

The New Yorker cartoons (often) make no sense, are not funny, and are designed to drive you INSANE.

Those bastards suck you in with their fantastic articles, and then give you this:

I always expect that some day they will reveal that their cartoon selection is a cruel sociological experiment designed to shortcircuit pretentious minds, but it seems that they actually choose them based on some sort of legitimate criteria that doesn't include their ability to send me into a fit of rage.

I heard an interview with the cartoon editor Robert Mankoff. Apparently this is his criteria:

1) He wants cartoons that communicate some idea through the medium of humour
2) He wants them to make a point
3) He wants them to have an enduring nature
4) He wants them to strike a chord
5) He wants them to have a distinctive voice

Those are noble goals! I can see why they get such satisfying results.

I shall never forget the meaning of that.

Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre!!

2009-05-01T21:28:00.004-04:00

THIS IS MY NEW FAVOURITE THING ON THE INTERNET

Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre

Beautifully combining several of my favourite things: silhouettes, old-timey stuff, and jokes!

Citizenship Rant

2009-04-28T17:47:00.011-04:00

Conservatives order rewrite of 'insipid' citizenship guidebook

Canada's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Jason Kenney, sounds like a bit of an ass in this article.

The current guidebook for Canadian newcomers includes two pages on environmental stewardship and barely a mention of the Canadian military - and that has Jason Kenney hopping mad [...] As Kenney acerbically characterizes it, the booklet includes two pages "on recycling" - but "not one single sentence on Canadian military history."

I've been a Canadian citizen since 1993, and while I agree that the citizenship stuff I read at the time and in the years since could be described as somewhat "insipid," I take offense at the idea that focusing on things like the environment is "ridiculous," while lecturing about past wars is supposed to be a better way to introduce people to their new country.

It isn't that 1990's Liberal Canadian values are more "insipid" than 2000's Conservative Canadian values. It just that Canadian attempts to describe Canada are pretty much always gag-worthy in some way. The government, no matter who is in control, is always the most clichéd in this endeavour (except perhaps the CBC).* Insulting environmental stewardship in order to celebrate soldiers isn't going to change that. It's just exchanging one ideological emphasis for another, and if you ask me, the one that boasts of environmental responsibility and peacefulness is more valuable than the one that salutes military achievement.

I'm not saying that knowledge of military history isn't important, it's just not as important for the future of Canada as the topic the Minister singles out for derision. I believe that Canadians should know about Canadian history, including the good and the bad. I doubt, however, that along with the story of Vimy Ridge immigrants will learn about Japanese internment camps. I doubt that in addition to the importance of the poppy as a symbol, the new booklet will mention much about the residential school system. Unless I'm proven wrong and they somehow don't pick and choose the version of Canada they want to convey, I say give me a break, Minister! The changes you are planning are almost certainly going to be "a small-c conservative, partisan [and] ideological project." Don't pretend otherwise. Your version of Canada will be just as "insipid" as the old one, just in a conservative way.

And I don't see how this will "foster greater integration of immigrants" and improve "social cohesion."

In fact, I can feel my immigrant self dis-integrating as I write this! Thanks a bunch, Conservatives! You are ruining my cohesion, socially speaking.

*Don't get me wrong, I really like the CBC. I just can't stand to hear them talk about 'what it means to be Canadian' and stuff like that. It is just too self-congratulatory for me to stomach.

Rights

2009-04-23T13:09:00.003-04:00

I am so angry with the new laws in Afghanistan. Women are not allowed to refuse their husband sex. Women have been protesting the new laws, but were met with violence.

Inspiration

2009-04-20T10:08:00.002-04:00

Good Lord!

I recently posted a link to one of my favourite dooce stories here. I've been reading dooce for about four years now, after I accidentally got sucked into a few mommy blogs when one writer I enjoyed had a kid. I've always felt a bit odd about this, being in my late teens/early twenties and (thankfully) having no children. But they are amusing. And interesting. And their kids are cute. So whatever. Stop judging me.

In case you are not as familiar with this genre as I am, dooce is their queen. She started blogging as a young single woman in L.A, got fired from her job for writing things about co-workers, got married, had a kid, had postpartum depression and became extremely popular along the way.

I knew her site got a huge amount of traffic and that its ads paid enough for her husband to quit his job. Even so, when I once read somebody's garbled rant about how much she sucks and that she makes millions of dollars I mentally rolled my eyes. There is no way she earns that much, I thought. This angry internet person has no concept of reality/finance.

And then Oprah/CNN goes and tells me that dooce.com brings in 40 000 advertising dollars a month! A MONTH!

I repeat, Good Lord!

In conclusion, expect either Rachel or I to suddenly have babies and dramatically improve our writing. Also, I am off to join a wacky religion now, so that I can later abandon it and mock it in an amusing fashion. Right now I've only got second-hand Salvation Army jokes, and I don't think they measure up to the Mormon goldmine.

Good

2009-04-17T01:06:00.003-04:00

The Deadly Nightshades had his on their blog, I wanted to share.

National High Five Day

2009-04-16T20:59:00.003-04:00

Happy National High Five Day!

HIGHFIVE!

attack adds

2009-04-14T13:25:00.001-04:00

Elizabeth May explained today that attack adds work, because they reduce voter turnout. don't let them get you, stay informed even outside of election times and remember to always take advantage of your place in democracy.

lululemon

2009-04-14T01:25:00.001-04:00

what we missed.

Post of Sound - Ronettes, Spector, Crystals

2009-04-12T09:45:00.002-04:00

I just learned that Estelle Bennett (on the right side of picture) of the Ronettes died a couple months ago.
Her life was shitty after the group split, but at least she had memories like this:

Since thinking about The Ronettes leads me to thinking about Phil Spector, I want to recommend The Sound of Young America interview with Mick Brown, a Spector biographer. It's an interesting interview, especially if you don't know much about his crazy life story.

Lastly, here is one of the weirdest pop songs I've heard, He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss):

It was written as a protest against abuse, but it's very odd to hear coming from the same women who sang the fluffy "Da doo ron ron."

EDIT: Wow, I made a timely blog post without even realizing it! Phil Spector found guilty of murder today.

STI

2009-04-11T01:41:00.006-04:00

Did you know:

-Half of all sexually active people will have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by age 25?
- One new STD infection occurs every two or three seconds in the U.S.?
- Many STIs have no symptoms, so most new infections go undiagnosed?

There are many ways for you to participate. First (and most important): GYT! STI testing is easy and quick (promise!). You can ask your regular doctor for STI testing or make an appointment at your local Planned Parenthood health center.

And for more information on ST!s, check out plannedparenthood.org, or use The Check, the awesome new interactive risk assessment tool.

STIs are a total drag, but the only thing worse than having one is having one and not knowing it. Getting tested not only allows you to have piece of mind and/or identify an existing infection so it can be treated, but it's also a great opportunity to talk with your health care provider and learn more about ST!s and ways to lower your risk. Make an appointment to Get Yourself Tested today! Trust me: safer sex is better sex!

Buddha's Birthday!

2009-04-08T16:57:00.001-04:00

Today is Buddha's Birthday!
Happy Birthday Siddhattha Gotama!

don't block my facebook.

2009-04-08T15:44:00.002-04:00

I just read (yes read) an article on Why goofing off boosts productivity.

another great way to break up your work day.

Embrace

2009-04-08T00:28:00.004-04:00

Is this becoming a horribly predictable music blog? I sincerely hope so. Today I share with you Embrace ft. Ladyhawke

No House Work Day

2009-04-07T16:51:00.003-04:00

Today is no house work day!

Last week I saw a movie that relates to this topic,

Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles.

made in 1975.
The film is often compared to late Hitchcock films, it is also an early feminist film. A real-time chronicle of this woman’s highly ordered day-to-day routine, the mundane details of housework. This housework is the primary subject of the horror show. Thought the film may be difficult to sit through I recommend it, especially right to the very end.

In honor of No house work day, let us not do any house work, perhaps watch Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, and not do any house work.

Drowsy Driving Awareness Day

2009-04-06T16:52:00.002-04:00

Happy Drowsy Driving Awareness Day.

SUN

2009-04-06T16:02:00.005-04:00

loved the U2- Get On your Boots (Justice Remix)! (totally stole this from Roger)

at Mola Super Poco

love Paul Rudd as much as you?

Kurt Vile

2009-04-05T13:05:00.004-04:00

My friend Jesse sent me this link, I am so excited that he thought of me when sharing such an exciting find. He explained that in this son Vile uses old lyrics of his that never made it into other songs. Those of you who read stereogum.com might find this redundant, but its a great song.

sxsw preview :: kurt vile at Gorilla Vs. Bear

2009-04-04T00:14:00.001-04:00

I tried to make latkes yesterday, and it was not a success. Some good came of the attempt though, because it reminded me of a little book I'd flipped through while Christmas shopping. I chuckled to myself as I scraped those crumbly potato pancakes into the garbage.

Alcohol-free weekend.

2009-04-03T16:49:00.003-04:00

This weekend is Alcohol-free weekend.
who will be celebrating?

This is particular a good idea if you have any interest in participating in 'social behavior' and not crime. BBC

Mysteries of the Universe

2009-04-02T23:22:00.004-04:00

Why is it that when other people quote The Simpsons it is irritating, but when I do it is totally fresh and amusing?

"Keep watching the skiiiiiis!"

See what I mean? You really enjoyed that!

April is Deaf History Month

2009-04-01T16:47:00.003-04:00

RACHEL - HAPPY DEAF HISTORY MONTH!

ps. this is not an April fools joke.

CAILIN - My English Great Grandfather and Irish Great Grandmother were both deaf. His father beat him to deaf* after he hit a policeman in the head with a snowball, and I believe she was born without hearing. They met at a school for the deaf in South Africa, and raised four boys. I sometimes wonder what that must have been like... I imagine it was difficult. But I can't confirm that because they are all long dead. Lost to Deaf History.

* That is an awful joke. Sorry. And yet not sorry enough to delete it...

beaton

2009-03-31T17:20:00.004-04:00

Does someone want to get me the Kate Beaton Book? Okay she is still in the process of making them, but keep it in mind. In the mean time I would still be interested in other swag. Maybe i will visit the Maritime Museum of BC in honor of Beaton instead.

Daily Holidays

2009-03-30T21:41:00.002-04:00

This was part of Smart Pretty Awkward. She recommended that if you want to text someone, but have nothing to say to them, text them a random holiday. Apparently today is Doctor's Day. But since I am not too Impressed with that lets try for something else, checkout daily holidays.

Avaaz

2009-03-30T13:47:00.000-04:00

remember the other day when I linked to Avaaz.org? Well at some point, I donated a ridiculous sum of money to an organization I know nothing about. Turns out they appear to be an interesting and positive organization so YEAH! This is the problem with never reading anything. can you imagine, I spend my days avoiding reading, attempting to understand without reading. Specific words and numbers jump out at me and I attempt to put them together to create meaning. Bigger and and more distinct words jump put. I think this also explains why I add random capitals, I am attempting to make a less visually distinctive word stand out. I ignore the other words and pay little to no attention to sentences or sentence structure. It is rather embarrassing. When reading, reading, I must mentally say, now read the words in order. I guess it is similar to having to tell someone to breath. This may explain the spastic nature of my entries.

Blog recommendations

2009-03-29T21:35:00.002-04:00

RACHEL: Molly shared with me this great easy to read blog Smart Pretty and Awkward. I makes me want to improve my life using Emilie's handy-dandy tips! Check it out!

CAILIN: I think this post, "A Story About Someone Else's Ass", by the very popular blogger Heather Armstrong, is the funniest poop-related thing I've ever read. A milestone in the history of Poop-Lit.

Where the wild things are.

2009-03-28T21:21:00.003-04:00

I always get angry when a great book is being turned into a movie. I understand the appeal, but i hate the idea of running the reputation of the book, and applying a new vision on an already good thing. I was therefore a little disappointed when I heard, many moons ago about the Where the wild things are movie. But the fact that Spike Jonze was directing it seemed promising. Rumor has it that Jonze and the studio had some problems. The Trailer looks great, and i hope the movie is as good.

SAVE THE CBC

2009-03-27T15:03:00.009-04:00

For those of you who don't know... I AM A CBC FIEND. This means that I have been on the verge of tears over the CBC layoffs.
Well I was informed that there is a way for concerned Canadians to make a small difference. Let us SAVE THE CBC, and sign this petition!

Today at 10am, did anyone listen to CBC radio 1, Q with Jian? Well if you did you would have heard a show in front of an audience. Guess who was in that audience?!? ME! and some awesome friends. We are all recent Toronto to Vancouver transplants, and felt a huge tension with all the Toronto vs Vancouver discussions. But two of us live in the West end, with Torquil Campbell (congratulations) and that MLA Spencer Herbert (what a cutie). After the show two of my friends went up and talked to Jian, I was not interested in lining up to talk to the man I hope to marry.
New Goal: run into Jian some time during JUNO weekend.

Pearson

2009-03-26T12:29:00.005-04:00

I'm reading a Lester B. Pearson bio right now, and am soon going to be spouting off random Pearson facts for the pleasure and edification of everyone I know.

Since this blog is listed on a couple of Guelph feeds, I'll treat you to a tidbit of local history. After returning from WWI and finishing his B.A at U of T, Pearson joined the Guelph Maple Leafs baseball team as an infielder.
I guess that team morphed into the Guelph Royals at some point. Their wikipedia page is difficult to understand. But I did find this amusing fact there: "In the summer of 1873, the Boston Red Stockings, the defending National Association champs, paid a visit to Guelph and whipped the Maple Leafs 27-8."

The Guelph Maple Leafs v. The Boston Red Stockings!