Super Bowl Commercials...A Response

Last weekend the New Orleans Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts in the one of the biggest sports events in the world- the Super Bowl.

Part of the popularity has been the emergence of the bizarre competition for the best (and most expensive) commercial. It's a curious thing when there is an audience for the Super Bowl just for the commercials.

The commercials are often filled with special effects, celebrities, sometimes animals (anyone remember the beer frogs or mustangs?) and hilarious (to some!) jokes.

This year there were a few commercials that were interesting. The first being a commercial with Tim Tebow, a Heisman Trophy winner (for those of you not in the know, this is given to the best college football player in the US). Tebow's commercial had his mom in it, which is not all that unusual for a Super Bowl commercial (remember those Chunky soup commercials with the good NFL mommies heating up soup?). But the odd piece of it was that it was a commercial for "Focus on the Family" the right wing family group. The message was not as explicit as we thought it was going to be, but the it was there. Had Tebow's mother had an abortion the world would have been deprived of his talents with the Gators. What was ignored was that Tebow was born in Manila, Philippines where Tebow's mom wouldn't have even had the option as safe, legal abortions are not, nor ever have been, offered in that country.

But one of the most ridiculous commercials came from Dodge. I'm not even going to post it...but the gist of it is a bunch of dead eyed guys staring into the camera as the voice over extols all of the 'oppressive' things men have to put up with from their partners. And the Dodge vehicle is his escape, so back off bitch.

This is a response to this commercial (youtube it if your curious to see the original), and it made me smile!

Do You Know How To Do These 50 Things?

I stumbled across a website (http://www.marcandangel.com/) that had a list of 50 things everyone should know how to do.

The list is no doubt created by a man (some of the references they use and reasons why they believe they should be learned are very patriarchal), but the list is useful.

So let's see how much of this I know how to do, feel free to keep score and see if I know more than you...it's quite possible.

1. Build a Fire – Yes! I have built fires...however whenever I think about my past experience building a fire I am reminded of the time I thought lighter fluid on a camp fire was a good idea.

2. Operate a Computer - I know that I'm not the worst and know my way around Windows...so yes. Another one for me.

3. Use Google Effectively – I think I've mastered Google...Google Chrome however frightens me.

4. Perform CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver – Heck yes I can! All I have to remember is the tune to 'Staying Alive' and I'm good as gold. And I'll have the paper proof when I re-certify in March.

5. Drive a Manual Transmission Vehicle – Of course. And I believe I'm the only Rodger daughter who does know this skill. I am SO ready for The Amazing Race.

6. Do Basic Cooking – Check! Thanks Mom!

7. Tell a Story that Captivates People’s Attention - Definitely. I'm the most captivating woman to listen to.

8. Win or Avoid a Fistfight – I'm so good at avoiding this...I truly believe my job made me better.

9. Deliver Bad News - I know how to do this, and I have had to many times...am I good at it? Jury's still out.

10. Change a Tire - Yes. I call my parents and they arrange for someone to change it. Easy-peasy.

11. Handle a Job Interview - I mastered this in Fall 2008. I believe I went on 15+ interviews between July and December 2008.

12. Manage Time - Still working on this, but things have a way of getting done.

13. Speed Read - Yeah, if by 'speed read' you mean 'lie about reading it'.

14. Remember Names - Never had a problem. For some reason my brain can retain names and plots of reality TV, but become a sieve when it comes to remembering what I need the moment I enter into the grocery store.

15. Relocate Living Spaces - Yes! Done twice, second time better than the first...dreading the third time.

16. Travel Light – This is one to work on for 2010.

17. Handle the Police - Handle? Almost! Pretty good at asserting my power.

18. Give Driving Directions – Depends on where you want to go! To my place downtown? Yeah! To my parents home in the mystical land of Oakridge? No. Anywhere in Elgin County? Try someone else, that place is like a black hole for me.

19. Perform Basic First Aid – YES!

20. Swim – I can do this...I'm better at treading water...

21. Parallel Park – Ugh. If I had the income I'd buy one of those cars that parallel park themselves.

22. Recognize Personal Alcohol Limits – Yes. Except at Oktoberfest.

23. Select Good Produce – Yes! Except oranges. I seem to pick the worst oranges.

24. Handle a Hammer, Axe or Handsaw – Hammer, check. Axe, no. Handsaw, how hard could that be?

25. Make a Simple Budget – Yes, I'm also good at making other people's budgets.

26. Speak at Least Two Common Languages – Bien sur! And thanks to the colonization record of France and Belgium I can converse with many people from West Africa.

27. Do Push-Ups and Sit-Ups Properly - No. Just no.

28. Give a Compliment – Hell yeah.

29. Negotiate - Getting there.

30. Listen Carefully to Others – I hope to high hell I can do this since it's a major part of my job.

31. Recite Basic Geography – Do you know where Timbuktu really is? Because I do.

32. Paint a Room – Yes! Painted a room blood red (that was the name of the colour!)...determined that it's messy, fun and never to ask Maggie to help unless you want your ceiling painted as well.

33. Make a Short, Informative Public Speech – Since this was my job for 18 months at WAYS, this would have to be a big yes!

34. Smile for the Camera – Yes! Still waiting to get my funeral picture. Hopefully I learn to 'smize' before it's taken. I fear what picture someone would use for my Facebook memorial group.

35. Flirt Without Looking Ridiculous – Most of the time I'm oblivious to flirting when it's happening, so perhaps no. The awkwardness really comes out.

36. Take Useful Notes – More is definitely the key for me.

37. Be a Respectful House Guest – Yes, just ask my grandma.

38. Make a Good First Impression – Yes!

39. Navigate with a Map and Compass – Map, yes. Compass? Just reminds me of orienteering.

40. Sew a Button onto Clothing – Heck yes!

41. Hook Up a Basic Home Theater System – This is why I have my Dad.

42. Type – The only good thing that came out of all those stupid keyboarding classes.

43. Protect Personal Identity Information – Hopefully, but I've heard some scary stories. Surely having a blog about my personal life doesn't put me at risk, right?

44. Implement Basic Computer Security Best Practices – Since I got a scary virus on my new laptop 30 minutes after purchase, I'll give this one a big no.

45. Detect a Lie – You would think because of my job, yes. But sadly I believe every word that comes out of your mouth. I want to believe the best. Sigh.

46. End a Date Politely Without Making Promises – I'm pretty good at getting out of uncomfortable situations.

47. Remove a Stain – Spray and Wash is my friend.

48. Keep a Clean House – Yes, maybe Mags could learn a thing or two.

49. Hold a Baby – Learned this on the job as getting babies shoved into my arms is not uncommon.

50. Jump Start a Car - See #10.

So I got 40/50, give or take.

How did you do?

Wardrobe Malfunctions!

Last week I celebrated my good friend Anna's birthday. After a long day of training for work I stopped by my parents' house to pick up the birthday cake (thanks Mom!) and went downtown to meet my peeps.

It was an exciting day because not only were we celebrating the day that Anna was born, but Dina our missing friend came out! Yea!

After a dinner at Waldo's at the Covent Garden Market we walked down to the Galleria (I refuse to call it by it's new corporate name!) to catch the flick "It's Complicated". Before the movie I visited the restroom, as usual. Unfortunately as I was leaving the restroom I was moving super fast...the movie was about to begin and I didn't want to miss anything.

But as I passed the door way I grazed the latch where the door closes, it caught on my pants and I heard a big "RIIIIPPPP!".

Yes, from hip to mid thigh my pants ripped. Luckily it was on the seam so my seamstress is tending to the ripped pants as we speak.

She knits for me, bakes my friend's birthday cakes, I am a lucky daughter!

Naturally I felt a little silly, especially when I walked home downtown with my pants split. So, when I spied this video I didn't laugh, but I did feel a connection with the bobsledder. Dear, I know how your feeling!

My 2009 in Review

A summary of 2009

Breaking down the year 2009 in 35 questions!

I've been living in 2010 for two weeks now, and I think I'm finally ready to start processing what a roller coaster ride 2009 was!

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

Became a counselor! Went to Newfoundland, got a flat tire.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

No resolutions made in 2009, I thought it was unnecessary. Little did I know.
For 2010, be more assertive (yes, surprisingly I am not as assertive as I should be in parts of my life, excluding this blog).

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, a fellow book clubber gave birth this fall, giving us another book reader!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes.

5. What countries did you visit?

Las Vegas! Best 21st birthday party EVER! And in case it counts, I visited Newfoundland which has only been a part of Canada for 51 years...

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

A rocking apartment all year long, more time with friends and bigger travel plans (Scotland here I come!).

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory and why?

December 24th and 25th, I didn't work and was so eternally grateful for the time off. July 1st, watching fireworks from my new balcony.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Making some amazing new friends, continuing traveling on my own, reaching my one year anniversary at the shelter.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Losing my patience one too many times with those who didn't deserve it. Not taking my chances!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No, thankfully.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Um, my ticket to Newfoundland!

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

Me, I freaking rocked the house this year on self reflection.

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

Abusers that I spoke with and heard about.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Traveling.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

My trip to Las Vegas with my family, my trip to Newfoundland to visit Shannon and Danny, my stay-cation at home in December.

16. What song will always remind of you 2009?

The entire Lady Gaga album. And Susan Boyle's rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream".

17. Compared to this time last year, are:

a) happier or sadder?

b) richer or poorer?

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Blogging!

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Stressing out.

20. Did you fall in love in 2009?

Many, many times.

21. What was your favourite TV program?

Glee, NCIS (courtesy of Dad), and Survivor.

22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Hate is quite a strong word, probably not.

23. What was the best book you read?

Part of War and Peace, Cunt, When You are Engulfed in Flames, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Water for Elephants, Trauma Stewardship, Engendered Lives...there are more that I can't remember!

24. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Glee!

25. What did you want and get?

A permanent job!

26. What did you want and not get?

A Wii, a new television, and a new couch.

27. What was your favourite film of this year?

Sherlock Holmes, New Moon...sigh.

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 27 and I had the worst menstrual cramps of my entire life.

29. How you would describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Becoming a bit more profesh.

30. What kept you sane?

Myself.

31. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Channing Tatum (*horrifyingly embarrassed).

32. Who did you miss?

Joelene, Leah, Shannon, Maggie...

33. Who was the best new person you met?

So many, can't count.

34. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

I am capable.

35. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Oh the lights still on, we're dancing
Yeah the floor is shaking
In this disco heaven

Going Gaga

Over the past year my perspective on all things has changed ever so slightly. I can't tell exactly when it all changed (or maybe the word is intensified). Some would say this intensification of my perspective of all things is a bad thing. But not me. Some would say that this intensification of my perspective is unhealthy. But not me. I, for one love this change, and am determined to embrace it fully, as everyone should.

Of course I'm talking about my ability to view almost anything through my feminist lens.

When you start thinking about things in terms of women, power, control and our socialization you begin to see some amazing things. Some of them make me crazy. But more often now, I'm smiling (trust me, big change!).

One of these observations of late is the very interesting figure of Lady Gaga. I'll admit when I first heard Lady Gaga, I enjoyed her music, but quickly I thought "Is this a gimmick? Is the arty stuff overpowering the music?". And then there was her hanging at the MTV video music awards. I'm always concerned when art depicts violence against women for some sort of inspiration.

But then I heard her new stuff on the new album. And then I started to read more and more articles where Gaga spoke about her immense talent ("I don't see myself as being like anyone else"...uhhh, yeah me neither, Stephani Germanotta) and ability to create monster hit song after song.

But then I kept reading and she starts to explain her above quotes, along with others and her answers started making me think...

"I find that men get away with saying a lot in this business, and that women get away with saying very little," she said. "In my opinion, women need and want someone to look up to that they feel has the full sense of who she is and says, 'I'm great.' "

Hm. Something to think about. Besides that her song "Bad Romance" talks about something that was my obsession during my fourth year of university, the commodification of women.

Enjoy.

7 Month Hiatus...What Can You Do In 210 Days?

Hello again...yes, it's me the absent blogger. After seven months I'm back, although I'm not too sure what my re-emergence may entail!

I left the blog for a while because of a very important reason. I was burnt out! There were many things that contributed to my stress (work, moving, work), but with a new year brings new strategies to deal with this stress.

And part of my way of dealing with stress was to begin journalling. However, writing in my little journal lost it's appeal about a minute after I started. It turns out I'm just narcissistic enough to rationalize my blog. There may be some pauses between blogs but I'm open to whatever happens!

I'll still be doing what I do best, complaining and ranting. But I will strive to include more exciting and/or positive spurts of energy. And, of course, the re-posting of some articles and interesting tidbits. If nothing else than just to irritate my dad.

To sum up my last seven months, I can do this in list formation of things that I found irritating, bizarre and blog-worthy, but never got around to;

1. Twilight saga
- Yes, the saga continues and it's second installment is just as horrifying as the first...look for my thoughts coming soon!

2. Olympics
- Definitely not on the pro side. This debate made me go a little bit on the aggressive side on Facebook (one of the indications to myself that blogging may be a more appropriate venue to vocalize my views). In short the Olympics are actually the exact opposite of everything they are espoused to be. Look for more to come as Vancouver 2010 approaches!

3. Justin Beiber
- I'm still not sure who this kid is, and I have strong suspicions that he is yet another manufactured pop icon, however his misogynistic lyrics are frightening when you see the adoration this 15 year old gets...

4. Glee!
- I'm not what you would call a "Glee-k" but I am a fan of anything that has a hint of a musical (and when you do a cover of a song from "Wicked" you are my new friend, immediately). I am a firm believer that the music is about 100 times better than then storyline, but I am loving the strong female characters.

5. Scotland
- Yes! Part of the Rodger clan is heading to our homeland this Spring! So expect planning posts to appear regularly.

Day 37: The Great Apartment Hunt

That big red dot! That's my place!

18th floor! Balcony over looking all of downtown!

Kitty corner from the JLC! 2 blocks from the Covent Garden Market!

Yea!

My Dream Come True!

Sadly, I recognized and guessed every Saved By The Bell reference in this 8 minute clip.

I heart A.C.