She's Gonna Cry

She's so gonna cry. Hard.

Hmmm...

What is she doing?

I hope she never finds this page.

The Spirit of Christmas

A Gift...With Meat

This is the gift from me to my parents.

:-P

Pearl: Revisited

Getting Into The Holiday Spirit

There was just a report on Detroit news about a holiday event that happened at the Somerset Collection in Troy, Michigan.

For those you don't know about Somerset Collection it's a high end shopping mall that attracts the snobby, elitist and consumer happy, i.e. Anne-Marie.

Sometimes members of my family will make the trek to the good ole U.S. of A. to shop until they drop, either financially or physically.

Well, it seems that an incident occurred at Anne-Marie's shopping Mecca.

Or should I say outside Anne-Marie's shopping Mecca.

It seems that swiping a parking space is no longer just an annoying event during the busiest shopping season, it can be harmful to your health.

Here's the down low: a car is waiting for a primo spot. Another car swoops in and takes it instead. A heated exchange started, insults thrown. People get out of the car. Fists are thrown.

And in stereo-typical American fashion a HANDGUN is whipped out.

Definitely on the naughty list.

Just another example of consumerism rearing its ugly head.

Merry Xmas!

Why I Hate The Dove: Real Beauty Campaign

This is getting ridiculous.

I hate the Dove campaign for real beauty.

I don't disagree that we should be embracing a shapes, sizes, colours, heights, wrinkles, etc., etc.

But the point I've been making for years about this campaign is that it still is A MARKETING CAMPAIGN.

The company, Unilever that owns Dove is probably interested in breaking down stereotypes. But I think it's important to examine intent in this case. Why is Unilever so interested in making me feel as though I'm just as beautiful as the models they used to use in their campaigns? Why has Unilever taken such an interest in making me feel valued? Are they perhaps encouraging me to feel beautiful? I guess there's nothing wrong with that.

So what does it mean to be beautiful? I feel good about myself, I gain confidence...and perhaps I'll feel good enough that I'm afraid I won't feel this forever...therefore I'll want to keep staying beautiful...there for I'll buy Dove products? Hmmm...

Now, don't get all uppity. This is what corporations do. They want to sell there products, make a profit. But for some bizarre reason this thought leaves our heads. Dove wants us to feel happy, proud and excited about ourselves. Dove cares about us. Dove wants us to know that not only are we beautiful, but they acknowledge that we're beautiful.

Ok. So what? Dove is selling products by emotionally manipulating us. That's what commercials are all about. Advertising is an integral part of our lives. Deal with it. Move on and appreciate that Unilever actually does give a shit....

What was that?

Really? No shit, are you serious, Hilary?

Well, that certainly changes things.

Thanks for the heads up Hilary.

Sorry, my friend Hilary just let me know what other products Unilever owns and markets like it's going out of style.

The product?

AXE BODY SPRAY.

Yeah, put that in your self-esteem pipe and smoke it.

If you don't know what Axe Body Spray is, allow me to enlighten you.

Axe Body Spray is Canada's leading male deodorant.

Shall we investigate how Axe is marketed?

What are your thoughts? Since Unilever is so dedicated to enhancing women's self esteem, surely their campaign would transfer to their entire line, right? It would only make sense, really.

Let me just check their website...hm. Interesting.

You will never believe this. It appears that the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty isn't so all inclusive as we are led to believe.

Let me get this straight...Axe is for men. But all I see on their website are pictures of women. How empowering! Um. Except. None of them really look like the Real Beauty women. Wonder why that is.

Let's read some of the stuff about their line...

Ok, ahem, not really what I would expect from a corporation so dedicated to raising self esteem...it seems if you wear the Vice line you can turn nice girls naughty. And if you wear Kilo girls in bikinis will come and you can "...teach them how to rub things together to start a fire." Well, I guess if you're into survival camping that would be use- oh, I get it. Not very empowering there.

Let's keep looking, shall we?

"Axe Effect...internationally recognized name for increased attention Axe wearing males receive from eager and attractive female pursuers".

Eager and attractive? Wow.

And you know what...there's even a box where you can report a "Naughty Girl".

Ok, who makes this shit up?

I get that perhaps this was a failed attempt to make fun of the mating process. But since Axe is #1 in Canada there is cause for concern.

So allow me to enlighten you.

A. Women do not pull off clothing because men smell good.

B. You are living in a dream world if you believe that your armpit stick will induce lust filled antics

C. If you use Axe, you're an asshole.


So, Axe Body Spray and Dove Real Beauty. Kind of doesn't make sense. Even if the Axe marketing is just for fun, doesn't poking fun at women's inability to respect themselves because of shitty shower gel some loser uses because he thinks it will get him commitment free relationships counter act what they're doing?

I mean, the Real Beauty campaign isn't just a commercial. They have actual programs and talk to actual girls.

How does that go?

Girls, feel good in your own skin. You are beautiful. The media has an unattainable image when it comes to the perfect body.

Now boys. Here's your Axe. Spray on, stand back and wait for the onslaught of attractive and eager girls. And don't worry, they will definitely look like the women you drool over in Maxim magazine.

If none of this has stopped you from buying Dove, then maybe Unilever's track record on abusing animals and child labour will.

No? Then you may be interested that Unilever is encouraging women to feel good about their size and shape, but not so much the colour of their skin. In fact if you want to they can sell you a cream that will lighten your skin. It's called "Fair and Lovely".

And if you use it along with other Dove products, well then there are no bounds to your real beauty.

My Tacky Tree

Check. It. Out.

My tree, so so lovely.

The tinsel really adds the finishing touch.

Weekend Paper Reading Is About To Get Scary

Yes, you may have heard today that media tycoon and arrogant asshole, Rupert Murdoch purchased the The Wall Street Journal.

Great.

Now we know what this means. The right wing owner of Fox "News" now owns one of the most influential financial tomes in the land.

I wouldn't be surprised if all of a sudden the $1 million debt the US is accumulating every minute
is characterized as some sort of economic fake out.

My New Job!

I'm teaching at Fanshawe College starting next month!

Very exciting- I will be teaching two sections of Community Development in the Social Services Worker program (the one I graduated from!).

I am PUMPED!





*Sidenote: the above illustration is just a joke, I in no way encourage the acceptance of money in exchange for good grades. But I will tell people if their work blows.

**Just kidding.

Apartment Smell of the Day

Dog food.

HE'S GUILTY.

Robert Pickton was just found guilty on all charges.

6 women were represented during this trial.

He was only convicted of 2nd degree murder, but the point the man is G-U-I-L-T-Y.

He can suck it.

Jack ass.

Remembering Ecole Polytechnique and All Women Who Experience Of Gender Based Violence

Pros And Cons of Snow Fall and Apartment Living

Pro:

I don't have to shovel.

Con:

I don't have the authority to tell people to shovel, and how to shovel correctly. Thanks for the ridiculous attention to shoveling, Dad.



Pro:

I don't have to shovel.

Con:

The snow plow person chooses to plow at 11:30pm. I am transitioning to old life. I am in REM sleep usually by 10:37pm.

Pro:

I can openly laugh at people who have to shovel.

Con:

The snow plow sounds as if it's churning metal. Did I mention it's out there at 11:30pm?

Pro:

There's no dread in the morning about having to shovel to get out of the driveway. It's somebody else's problem. It's just a beautiful winter wonderland to me.

Con:

That metal churning noise? Yeah, kind of freaked me out the first time I heard it.

Pro:

No shoveling.

Con:

I don't have winter boots (kind of applies).

Pro:

Snow plow goes fast.

Con:

Snow plow goes too frigging fast near my car. Gives me the heart flutters as I watch it whiz by.

All in all, I think it evens out.

My Snowy Luck

How fair is this?

I come back to my folks place last night so Annie doesn't have to hang out here alone and Dec. 1st is the day the snow starts to fall.

The one good thing about not living in a house is that I don't have to shovel.

And now the first significant snow fall has me outside getting the shovel out.

Damn.

Radio DJs

The past couple of days I've been forced to listen to the descent of morning radio.

Firstly, what is with cars who don't have CD players?

This would have been avoided if I had access to a CD player.

Instead I had to listen to a plethora of radio DJs. I can only assume that they reach out to the most base audience.

Yes, you know this group of people.

They are the socially unaware (in the most irritating of fashion). These are the folks who don't vote, but feel the need to complain. These are the people who can't see the connection between lower their taxes and the lower of standards in hospital wait times. These are the idiots that run red lights. The morons who do mall walks with strollers, and hit the backs of your heels. The people who think that women who want power tools are some strange kind of breed of freak ("You're a woman, get your husband to hang that picture!"). The men think that the worst insult is to be called either: girly, sissy or feminine in some way. Thus they attempt to show their heterosexuality to the nth degree. These are the people who think that calling something "gay" is an insult.

I like to think that these people are in the minority. But since this minority is more vocal these DJs think they must emulate them.

This must stop. Immediately.

I cannot take one more reference to a "chick flick" or a female DJ talking about every single woman's desire for a giant diamond on her left hand.

I will not be held accountable for my road rage.

I have to take this care to Niagara Falls in one week- I can't stand to listen to this shit for that long.

And my passenger doesn't like CBC.

I can literally feel the brain cells evaporating.

He's Such A Din-Wid

Yes, I know a cheap shot.

But his name is Dinwiddie. How sucky is that?

In case you don't know this is the rookie who was the Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback during this past Grey Cup.

Whatever, I don't dig organized sports.

But I do dig this guy's eyes. They are freaking amazing.

They are this bizarre ice blue.

I don't know why he doesn't just take off his helmet and captivate his opponents on the football field with his gaze.

That probably would have won him the Cup, or at least stopped Johnson from catching 3 interceptions.

Ok, enough football speak. I'm good for the year.

P.S.

What's a Rough Rider? And is it a cowboy reference? Because I thought all the cowboys were in Alberta, not Saskatchewan. And does this have anything to do with the unofficial motto of Regina..."the city that rhymes with fun"? Just a thought.

Global Oh for Peace 2007: The Second Annual Synchronized Global Orgasm for Peace

WORLDWIDE - November 25 - In 2006, the first Global Orgasm for Peace focused on the escalation of tensions between the Govern-Men of the USA and Iran. One year later, some of those in power still want to declare war and Americans are waiting to be given another manufactured excuse to support it. So we are preparing to launch the Second Annual Synchronized GlobalOrgasm for Peace.

WHO? All Men and Women, you and everyone you know.

WHERE? Everywhere in the world, but especially in countries with weapons of mass destruction and places where violence is used in place of mediation.

WHEN? This year we are synchronizing on the actual moment of the Solstice (Winter in the northern hemisphere, Summer in the south) for maximum concentrated effect: Solstice Day - Saturday, December 22nd at 06:08 Universal Coordinated Time (GMT), which is 09:08 Baghdad time; 09:38 Tehran time; 01:08 Washington, DC time; 17:08 Sydney time; 14:08 Hong Kong time; 11:38, New Delhi time; 09:08 Moscow time; Friday, December 21st, at 22:08 San Francisco time.

WHY? To effect positive change in the energy field of the Earth through input of the largest possible instantaneous surge of human biological, mental and spiritual energy.

The Science

The Global Consciousness Project (http://noosphere.princeton.edu) in Princeton, NJ, runs a network of Random Event Generators around the world, which record changes in their randomness during global events. The results show that human consciousness can be measured to have a global effect on matter and energy during widely-watched events such as the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, large antiwar protests, natural catastrophes, acts of war and mass meditations. Concentrated consciousness has measurable effects.

Our minds influence Matter and Quantum Energy fields , so by concentrating our thoughts during and after The Big O on peace and partnership, the combination of high orgasmic energy combined with mindful intention for peace could reduce global levels of violence, hatred and fear.

The world is full of men with axes to grind and weapons to fire in displays of their superiority over others. It is time to spare the planet from Alpha Male concepts of 'progress', 'growth' and Manifest Destiny, which are endangering all of us. True partnership between the Masculine and Feminine that is within all women and men may enable our species to survive in relative harmony. The GlobalOrgasm for Peace is one attempt to begin that process.

See www.GlobalOrgasm.org

This Week's Apartment Smell.

Pot.

Tacky Christmas Tree Decorating Party!!

Alright...

Dec. 15th.

6PM-1AM

My pad...

RSVP if you can make it!

Bring a tacky, cheap and ugly ornament.

It is going to be 'off the hook'.

GAH!

Check. It. Out.

I met her.

However briefly, I met her.

Naomi Klein.

No dinner, no meet and greet. Just me and my plethora of Naomi Klein books.

She was even impressed I had her book on American business in Iraq.

I IMPRESSED NAOMI KLEIN.

But what was even more interesting was the fact that she had rider (like a rock star).

Above is a picture of her half eaten dinner.

As well is a picture of me eating one of Naomi Klein's cookies.

They were oatmeal raisin.

Sigh.

Odds and Ends

Things I've noticed.

Apartment smells. I never know what my nose will be assaulted with when I walk in the building. Sometimes it's really good, sometimes it's really bad. Really bad. And, for those of you who know me, I have an incredibly strong sense of smell. It's uncanny. Last week was cinnamon. Today? Paint.

Woodstock is not an easy town to negotiate. And besides that, can someone tell me when it became a thriving metropolis with Boston Pizza and Staples?

When did Naomi Klein become a diva? Isn't this kind of counter productive from her work as an anti-globalization specialist?

Don't drive around Ottawa on Remembrance Day. Trust me, it's a pain.

Academics are big babies.

The Imodium Quick Dissolve pills are brilliant.

That's all for now.

Saving Darfur

A whole week of talking about children in the sex trade.

Follow that up by a weekend of discussions on Darfur.

Sounds depressing, but it was rather uplifting to see everyone come together to talk about the genocide.

Don't know what's going on in Darfur? Don't be confused.

There are some myths about the genocide, allow me to enlighten you.

1. This is not a genocide of Arabs killing Christians. Everyone, both perpetrators and victims are Muslim.

2. The number of people killed is not 200,000 as most journalists report. As of August of 2007 over 400,000 people have been killed by the Janjaweed.

3. "This is a tribal issue." Despite what Brian Mulroney wants you to believe. This is a government assisted and supported genocide. Khartoum is in on it, completely.

4. "The genocide is ending." Not the case, it's picking up steam like you couldn't believe. Some of the leading experts this weekend also predict that Southern Sudan is on the path to genocide there, as well.

5. "It was unpreventable." Bullshit. This, like Rwanda, was totally preventable.

Want to do something about this?

Two things you can do:

A. Call 1-800-GENOCIDE

How the system works:
When callers in Canada dial in to 1-800-436-6243 (GENOCID) they will be connected to our direct advocacy phone system. They will be given the choice of the 6 MPs and will be offered the option of listening to select talking points for each MP. Following the talking points they will be connected directly to the MP's office. They will leave a message with a staffer or a voicemail expressing their concerns about the crisis in Darfur and what they think the Canadian Government's response should be. After they leave a message they will have the choice to re-enter the system to leave another message for another MP is they choose.

B. Divestment

I've got an appointment next week with my bank to examine which companies my RSP is investing with. There are some pretty heinous companies profiting off of genocide in Darfur. This companies shouldn't be supported with our investment. Check it out at www.sudandivestment.org. Needless to say the majority of the offending companies (and you have to be really horrible to get onto this list) are oil corporations.

Satisfied?

Hello There

Hello-

Yes, it's me. And yes, it has been a while.

Where have I been?

I don't have to justify myself to you people.

I'm a busy woman. Or just lazy.

Yes, it has been quite some time since I've ragged on anyone, but what can you do? It's not that I haven't had people annoy me.

No, no.

I've just been busy.

Sooooooooo....

Work's been crazy...between next week and the first week in February I will be speaking with over 2,400 kids in grade 6, 7 and 8. Yeah, I've been a little crazy lately.

What else?

Annie and I went to go see Dane Cook at the ACC. Interesting evening, lots of fun. Lots of popped collars, backwards baseball caps and smug reflections.

The videos are popping up on YouTube.com, so I'll upload a few.

What else?

I went to the Royal Winter Fair last week with my Dad and my grandparents. Fun times, that mostly had me in the middle. Literally. Most of the day had my dad going in one direction with his camera positioned at any thing that moo'ed, nay'ed or clucked. And then Papa went off in another direction. And grandma would follow Papa, so she wouldn't lose him.

About the Royal Winter Fair. I have some suggestions.

1. Lower prices. Come on. It was way too expensive, and when my dad pays my ticket I feel a slight indignity is being done to him. Slight.

2. Get rid of the stupid booths. Do you need a rhinestone pantsuit? Perhaps a crappy oil painting of a sheep dog? Or maybe you want the newest booklet on a Ford truck? No? Then maybe some figurines? No? Ok, some coupons? No? Just take the coupon. Seriously, it's good for a year. I DON'T WANT YOUR DAMN COUPONS I JUST WANT TO SEE A FREAKING HORSE.

3. Ban strollers, except if there's a child in it. And if you have a kid put them in the damn stroller. That's why you have a stroller. To confine your kid. Not walk slowly in front of me. That makes me want to punch you in the back of the head.

4. Maps. Could you make those available? Please. It was ridiculous.

5. Stop selling food by the piles of cow dung. The only thing that was more disgusting than that is the thought of eating fast food next to a pile of crap. Although I did chuckle when I saw the little girl petting the pig with one hand and eating the hotdog with the other. Hahahaha.

6. Move to damn butter sculptures to an easier location to find and put up signs. You people know that one of the only reasons I go. So I can see a dairy creation. When we asked 'Information' where there were they said we were '...like the 19th customer to ask'. Well, if there are so many people who don't know where it is...MAYBE THAT'S A CLUE, DUMB ASS.

All in all lots of fun.

Yea Royal!

What's My Name?

Meet the newest addition to the Foubister family.

It's a girl!

And she has no name.

Any suggestions?

I think Che is a good one, but Tracy doesn't like it.

18 DAYS TO GO!

When I was a kid, my mom gave me a code word.

She would say, "If someone tells you that mommy and daddy are in trouble, and they ask you to come with them, if they don't have the code you do not go with them! No code, no go!" And she would make up a little song, "No code, no go! No coooooode no go-o-o-o-o!"

Did any of you have a code word? (someone in the audience raises their hand) You really did? What was your code? (audience member says, "Apple Bottom") Apple bottom?

God forbid something should happen to your parents! Some guy would come up to you and say, "I'm sorry, you have to come with me. Your parents are dead. APPLE BOTTOM. I AM A GOOD MAN." My mom wasn't as smart her's was "Hey kid want some candy?"

Count down: 19 DAYS

EXCITING!!!

Friday, November 2nd, 2007.

7 PM.

The Air Canada Centre.

Section 107, Row 23, Seats 5 & 6.

Annie.

Me.

DANE COOK.

Pyramid of Hate

Something to think about...

:-)

I Would Have Killed This Baking Competition

At the Brigden Fair they have all sorts of baking competitions.

Including the carrot cake competition.

Look at this crap, though.

They judged the carrot cakes by taking a teeny tiny sliver.

Gah!

What's going on, people?

You can't try carrot cake with a tiny notch.

Whatev.

Grandma's would've kicked ass.

I'm Melting

Well, I usually don't like talking about my elders behind their backs, but today it seems that the man is giving me no choice.

Now that you know it's a man, people would assume that it's one of two people.

My father or Andrew Johnson. They generally are the two guys who drive me crazy most of the time.

They are bugging me, but for separate reasons (Dad for being irritating last night with the damn wooden wind chime, and Andrew for disregarding the sanctity of Turkey weekend).

But that's not my main annoyance.

No, no. That goes to the patriarch of the Rodgers, Tim Rodger.

The man is trying to smoke me out of his bungalow.

It started yesterday with my grandmother's wise, wise decision not to roast the turkey in the house seeing as how we are experiencing global warming at it's best with record temperatures.

So hot.

But temperatures inside rival those outside. Now my grandparents do have air conditioning. It's installed and it does work. I sensed my grandfather's resistance immediately when I politely suggested that he may think about turning the air up a touch seeing as we were about to be 11 in the house.

He didn't change it.

After several attempts to convince him that 75 degrees is unacceptable I found that I was losing. Badly.

Even my grandma was on my side, but the stubborn man refused to touch the thermostat.

And living with my father has only taught me that touching the thermostat is like committing murder.

In short, last night was hell.

Worst sleep ever.

Then I find out this morning that my grandfather closed the vent in the guest room I was staying in.

CLOSED THE VENT.

GAH!

He's lucky I love him, or else we'd have a really big problem.

Juno (Possibly the next Little Miss Sunshine?)

Well, I stumbled across this movie trailer and feel compelled to share it.

It's the story of a young girl who finds herself pregnant.

And the father?

Michael "Arrested Development/Superbad" Cera.

Sooo freaking hilarious.

Besides, Juno is played by the young woman who was in the last X-Men movies, whom I believe my sister, Maggie has a connection to.

Even more reason to check it out December 14th.

I'll even overlook that Jennifer "crappy films" Garner is in it.

Another Way To Explain It...

Ok,

So I don't think that the 12 reasons I posted about MMP grabbed everyone's attention...so check out this fun video explaining why ALL OF YOU SHOULD VOTE YES FOR MIXED MEMBER PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION.

I Hate These Things, But I'm Bored and Feelin' Poorly

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT??

The untimely ripping out of my eye brow ring. Painful.

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?

Absolutely nothing, it's waiting for paint.

3. WHAT DOES YOUR CELL PHONE LOOK LIKE?

Black with orange buttons.

4. WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?

Zap Mama (I'm obsessed), Xtina, Musicals (Wicked!), Ani DiFranco, Alanis, BNL, BEP, Feist, Regina Spektor, Hilary Duff (gorgeous), Peter Tosh, Sinead O'Connor

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?

Early, like 12am ish

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?

Feel good, I feel icky right now.

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?

My iron stomach.

8. CURRENT MOOD?

Sloth like

9. ARE YOU CRAVING ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?

Gravol

10. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE??

Yup

11. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?

Loaded question. Me?

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COLOGNE / PERFUME?

Prada's fragrance, men's cologne, Karma by Lush. And patchouli. I looove that.


14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?

As long as they're not blood shot, I'm cool.

15. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Really rich. Haha, just kidding.

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS?

Neither

17. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING(S)?

Fungi

18. IF YOU CAN EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Rolaids

19. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU MADE MAD?

Jonah

20. DO YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE??

Français.

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST GIFT SOMEONE EVER GAVE YOU?

My stubborn like behaviour, courtesy of my father.

22. DO YOU LIKE SOMEONE?

I like many people.

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?

Ew. No.

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?

I don't do brands.

25. WHAT'S YOUR DREAM CAR?

The one I have.

26. DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF ROMANTIC?

Serious?

27. DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF SWEET?

Sometimes.

28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?

That's the ONLY time.

29. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH HE OR SHE MEAN TO YOU?

Um, telling them? Life is short, I hate martyrs.

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED :

85

31. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?

I don't assign value based on hair colour.

32. WHAT IS THE ONE NUMBER YOU CALL OFTEN?

Parents :-)

33. WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST?

Jonah.

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE U.S.?

Considering I'm a Canadian, yes.

35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?

My flimsy ankles.

36. FIRST JOB?

Mary Brown's Fried Chicken.

37. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?

Rachel.

38.ever done a prank call?

Never!

39. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED OUT THIS?

Reading Augusten Burrows.

40. IF YOU COULD GET PLASTIC SURGERY WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Hair transplant, donating to my father.

41. WHY DID YOU FILL OUT THIS SURVEY?

Anna's an evil, evil woman.

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?

My hair...except it's usually "Good god, look at your hair!", is that a compliment?

43. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALCOHOL BECAME ILLEGAL?

Sedate my mother with Benedryl.

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?

Be in Aussie.

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?

0.

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

My great grandma, Jessie.

47. DO YOU WISH ON STARS?

Only falling ones.

48. WHICH FINGER[S] IS YOUR FAVORITE?

My swear finger.

49. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?

Sunday night.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?

Yep.

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

I hate that term, lunch meat. Cold cuts, deli meat, much better. Pork based products are mmmm good.

52. ANY BAD HABITS?

Umm, yeah.

53. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING CD ON THE SHELF?

CDs? Who has CDs anymore? Notre Dame De Paris Soundtrack? I looove that.

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

Probably not, I'm waay too intense. I'd just be a stalker instead.

55. HAVE YOU EVER TOLD A SECRET YOU SWORE NOT TO TELL?

Yep.

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?

Of course. Don't have to be 'beautiful', just interesting.

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE YOUR ANGER?

Talk about it. I tried my dad's method of putting it in a suitcase under the bed, but it backfired horribly with a crying phone call from a pay phone in Butt Munch, Georgia in 2004.

58. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME?

Soon to be in Oakridge.

59. DO YOU TRUST OTHERS EASILY?

Yep, but thankfully social services is curbing that very quickly.

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?

My sisters.

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONE?

Like 20?

62. FAVORITE TV COMMERCIAL?

I hate commercials.

63. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF IPODS AND WAL-MART?

I love my iPod like it's my child.

I hate Wal-Mart with a fiery passion. My time in Wal-Mart on Saturday has traumatized me.

64. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN A MOSH PIT?

Yep.

65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?

That they're not a complete idiot.

66. FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP?

I hate shopping, so whenever I do it, it's never a good experience.

67. WHAT DOES YOUR BACKPACK LOOK LIKE?

Mountain Equipment Co-Op design.

68. YOUR MOST MISSED MEMORY?

No missed memories, that would be a drag.

68. DO YOU UN-TIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?

Slip off.

69. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?

Does it really matter?

70......what is this? What was the question?

71. IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD YOU BE?

Back at the suite in Blue Mountain...without the workload.

72. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORS??

Orange and pink!

73. YOUR FAVORITE BAND?

See above.

74. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE?

None, I had them all removed...

75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?

Nooo.

76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Peter Mansbridge.

77. LAST THING YOU ATE?

Tylenol.

78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?

My mom.

79. WHATS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?

Nose and hairline.

80. FAVORITE THOUGHT PROVOKING SONG:

Put Him Out - Ms. Dynamite.

81. FAVORITE THING TO HATE:

Oprah and company.

82. FAVORITE DRINK:

Chai.

83. FAVORITE ZODIAC SIGN:

Well, I'm a Taurus, so it would be bizarre to say different.

84. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?

Debate.

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?

Brown, although my father says I'm a red head.

86. YOUR EYE COLOR?

Green.

87. DO YOU WEAR GLASSES?

Yes.

88. SIBLINGS?

Two little sisters.

89. FAVORITE MONTH?

May and November.

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?

Yep.

91. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?

Rick Mercer Report.

92. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR?

Thanksgiving (I know, I know).

93. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?

Sweats, since 5pm today.

94. SUMMER OR WINTER?

Winter.

95. KISSES OR HUGS?

From who? That really depends...

96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE-NIGHT STANDS?

Ons. Holla.

97. WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?

No one.

98. WHO IS THE LEAST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?

Everyone.

99. BIGGEST FEAR?

Too scary to type.

100. IS ANYONE IN LOVE WITH YOU?

Of course.

Shake Hands With The Devil Trailer

Hey folks,

The big day is here!

The major motion picture "Shake Hands With the Devil" is being released!

This is the film about Gen. R. Dallaire, based on his book.

Check it out, definitely something to see.

Gen. Dallaire once suggested that Danny DeVito play the part of Major Brent Beardsley, but it didn't look like Danny got the part.

12 Reasons to Vote for Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) Representation on Oct. 10!

You know that with an election coming up I would have to give you a bit of information on MMP...HAPPY VOTING!


1. One ballot, two votes

With the MMP voting system, you cast a vote for a local candidate AND for the political party of your choice. You can vote for the best local candidate, even if you don’t like that candidate’s party, because you now have a separate vote for your preferred party – a vote that elects at-large candidates from that party.

2. More power to voters: everyone matters

Even if you don’t elect someone in your riding (and most of us don’t), your party vote will still help elect at-large candidates – meaning that every party will compete for your vote no matter where you live.

3. More choice for voters

Voters will be able to consider the larger established parties, as usual, but also a number of smaller, newer, innovative parties. As long as your preferred party receives more than 3% of the party votes, you can help elect at-large candidates.

4. No more strategic or negative voting

Many voters are trapped in ridings dominated by a party they don’t support. In those cases, you often conclude the only course is to vote for a party you don’t like to stop another party you like even less. With MMP, you can always cast an effective vote to elect at-large candidates from your preferred party.

5. Fairer results in elections

Election results are always distorted by the current system. One party may get 40% of the votes and win 60% of the seats. Another party may get 20% of the votes and no seats. MMP produces fairer results, meaning parties get only the seats and power they deserve – no more, no less.

6. No more phony majorities

Under the current system, Ontarians are often governed by a majority government that the majority actually voted against. Under MMP, majority governments can only be formed by those who were elected by a majority of voters.

7. Stronger representation

Because voters will have both riding representatives and at-large representatives, every voter will be better represented and be able to call on more than one elected official in their region for assistance.

8. More diverse representation

Proportional systems provide a foundation for the nomination and election of a more diverse range of candidates – more women and visible minorities – because parties learn that diverse lists of at-large candidates usually attract more votes.

9. More accountability to voters

A politician cannot be accountable to voters who didn’t elect her or him. Under the current system, most voters do NOT elect their riding representative and most do NOT vote for the party forming government. Under MMP, every voter helps elect someone, which strengthens accountability, and majority governments can only be formed by those representing the majority.

10. Better government and less concentration of power

Because fairer results mean a single party will seldom be able to form a majority government, MMP forces parties to negotiate and compromise, usually by forming coalition governments. This means that cabinets will often include members from more than one party, and the premier and party leaders will have to negotiate and compromise rather than dictate.

11. Citizens’ Assembly recommended MMP

The proposed MMP system is not being recommended by government or the parties. The recommendation came from the independent Ontario Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform, a body composed of 103 regular voters who studied, consulted and deliberated for eight months on the best voting system for Ontario voters. It’s a system recommended by a group of well-informed voters who chose it because it helps empower voters.

12. Old guard doesn’t like it

The status quo is jealously protected by an old guard who enjoy the way the system marginalizes most voters and concentrates power. The MMP system empowers voters, give more choice, fairer results and stronger representation – not what the old boys club wants, but what all Ontarians deserve.

The Big Bang Theory

My favourite new show.

I love this show. There are a few shows that I'm into this Fall, but this sitcom is hilarious.

Seriously hilarious,

Now, it will be even better when the smarty is the woman...

Enjoy!

Dinner Anyone?

Our dining room...and behind that is the sliding door on to our patio. Yes, patio.

Kitchen

Our kitchen...check it.

Full kitchen.

What we had in our fridge:

Bottle of wine

6 pack of Stella

Chocolate

Damn.

Look at this damn suite.

It's sweet.

Blue Mountain!

Well, Shannon and I survived the week at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood...

It was a real hardship. It definitely was a bizarre week, it was very extreme.

So, check out the pictures...this is what I'm doing instead of unpacking.

David Letterman 1 Paris Hilton 0

BHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

David Letterman took only 8 minutes and 47 seconds to bring down the high and mighty Paris Hilton.

Probably the funniest thing I've ever seen.

Classic.

Which Do You Like?

Alright, I need to choose a colour for the walls...I want red, but I'm not sure what colour...

Red on the left or right?

And yes, they are different shades.

Tiniest Bathroom Ever.

Yeah, really tiny.

It's all mine...

Bed!

Here's the bed, the bedroom isn't exactly huge, but it works for me.

Dining Room

Here's my table.

And my Ikea chairs.

And in the back is the vacuum cleaner.

I like it.

My Place

Check it.

Here's my living room.

I like the table cloth on the window the best.

Sheldon Kennedy!!!!

W00T!

Yesterday was the big day!

Sheldon Kennedy came to town! It was amazing.

I'm still trying to process it all, but it was amazing to spend the day with him and Wayne McNeil, the other co-founder of Respect In Sport.

We didn't know what to expect when we met with the two of them, but they were definitely down to earth and very, very cool guys.

You had no misapprehension that Sheldon is a Prairie boy when you talked to him.

He said 'give'er' a lot.

Oh. And the best part?

This conversation:

Shannon (my RISE team member): So Sheldon, what did you think of Oprah?

*Sheldon has been on The Oprah Winfrey Show 3 times

Sheldon: (deadpan) She's a bitch.

GOOD GOD I LOVE HIM.

Sigh.

More pics to come.

After the Show!

Hilary (Cunningham) and me outside the JLC.

We were almost trampled by a pack of 10 year olds.

We walked from my apartment to the JLC. While we walked over we were walking along side a family and the 10 year old asked us, "Are you guys going to see Hilary?".

My response?

YOU KNOW IT.

Yeah, I think they thought we were a bit bizarre.

I don't care.

Losers.

These were the jokers that opened for Hilary.

The guy spun the tracks.

And the skinny blonde in the red shirt was just annoying.

"When I say Hilary you say Duff"
"Got some nice little dancers down here"
"Look at her go"

Ew. I wanted to punch him.

Sparkly Dress!

Sparkly dress. 'Nuff said.

Bendy Women

Now what is she pointing at?

What's She Pointing At?

Maybe the bright lights?

Or does she want to show off her rockin'motorcycle gloves?

Pictures of Hilary (Duff)!

Ohhh, Hilary.

With Love Love Love Love

Alright...here's another video of Hilary, performing one of the best songs from the album, With Love.

It's a little shaky at first, but ends well.

HILARY DUFF!!!

She killed it.

I love Hilary.

Here she is singing "Come Clean"...cue Laguna Beach.

Stop judging me...it's amazing.

Very Funny

Well, good news is I found the cables!!!

I'll be posting a beautiful video blog of the apartment...

But before that, I've got a couple YouTube.com videos that you must see:

First one is a commercial (I know) for Master Card that Mags showed me...



The second is a video of a kid on a roller coaster. It makes me cry it's so funny. My favourite part is when the mom won't stop laughing. At all.

Still Can't Find The Cables

I'm still not exactly sure where the cables are for my camera...so in the mean time I have an excellent link for you all.

Well, if you like The Hills, that is.

For those of you who don't know the walking wax figure, Audrina has recently been dating a greasy guy who The Hills folks affectionately call Justin-Bobby.

Justin-Bobby is an idiot.

So, if you're as obsessed as I am, check out www.justinbobby.com

You won't be disappointed.

Talk to you all soon.

p.s. I love it here.

I'M HERE!

YES!

I'm in my new place! Yippee!

I moved in Saturday with much, much help from my friends and family.

Shout out to Ari and Maggie who moved a butt load of stuff.

And I haven't totally unpacked yet because the folks are painting on Thursday...so this means my cables for the good old digital camera is buried in a suitcase, so new pictures of the place are coming.

And I will have a house warming...once I get everything straightened out...

But thanks for all the good wishes and help, it's MUCH appreciated!

COUNTDOWN! 7 DAYS TO GO!

Alright...

In SEVEN days I'll be moving...

Here's some info on the neighbourhood...

A Brief History of Old South London

Old South advanced as a suburb of London during the second half of the nineteenth century, integrating with the city in 1870. In spite of the rapid growth the city has experienced in recent decades, the area which spans from Wellington Road to Wharncliffe Road and from Commissioners Road to the Thames River is recognized as Old South; the section of Wortley Road near the corners of Craig and Bruce Streets as Wortley Village.

Prior to the residential settlement of the area, the land was covered with towering oak, birch, pine and maple trees, an immense natural forest teeming with wildlife. Old South was surveyed as early as 1810 : the first settlers beginning to inhabit the region the following year. At first the land was used for the cultivation of corn, wheat, potatoes, oats and peas; bees were raised, grapevines were cultivated, and fruit orchards were planted in the rich soil close to the river. However, with the increasing renown this modern community provided, soon the land was converted from agricultural use for the preparation of a residential village.

Early Development

Much of the early development of the area revolved around the Establishment, by many Londoners, of considerable estates and mansion along Wortley Road, Ridout Street, and later Grand and Elmwood Avenues. In the 1870's, the suburban neighbourhood along Wortley Road had formed a sufficiently sizeable and distinctive identity that it deserved its own post office, providing the community with a distinct identity. The postal district was labeled "Askin", however contemporary documents also refer to the area as "New Brighton" or "South London Village".

Wortley Village

Wortley Village has always been the traditional focal point of the Old South community. The unique village ambiance associated with Wortley Road is the result of a century of change and adaptation. Low building heights and the diversity in building styles have resulted in an attractive commercial setting, which has developed into a unique and specialized shopping area for antiques, collectibles and all other amenities. For those visiting the area for the first time, be sure to take some time to embark on a historical walk of this beautiful community.

Located in Wortley Village is the spacious Thames Park, a popular summertime hot spot which provides recreational activities including tennis, swimming, baseball, bird watching, playground equipment, picnic areas, and access to London's riverside bike paths, perfect for biking, inline skating and hiking. As the conventional heart of the Old South community, Wortley Village, truly a village within a city, offers any shopper, naturalist, historian or collector plenty of fun and interesting experience.

With buildings over 100 years old, over 80 small businesses and establishments, and with an abundance of inviting parks, Old South is the only region in London which offers an enticing blend of history, shopping and nature in a few square kilometers.

Should We Even Be Surprised?

Hey all. So last night they crowned another irrelevant beauty queen.

This video is making the rounds...Miss Teen South Carolina answering a question.

Did she even listen?!?

Check it out and have a good Saturday laugh.

Please Let This Be Ironic...

My father sent me this video.

He then encouraged me to send it to my Aunt Ellen.

Sigh.

I hope he thought this was ridiculous funny.

If not, he'll be sorry.

I posted it on Youtube.com...here it is. Please direct all angry emails to Thomas Rodger.

Hilary Haters

Ok, so I'm getting some heat for going to Hilary Duff's concert at the JLC on Sept. 10th...

I know people are thinking I'm going to see a former Disney clone jumping around singing "So Yesterday".

But her new album is so different. And to prove it, here's her video for "Stranger" off her Dignity album.

I love this song.

Don't hate, people. Or at least tell me who you are "Anonymous" poster!!!

Happy Blog-aversary!

Surprise! It's me!

Can you believe that today is my blog's birthday??!!

W00T!

It's a little shaky...I'm still getting the hang of things...

Test...

A video that Dad took at Rock the Park of George rocking out.

Comments Reminder

Just a reminder that I have enabled the comments.

You don't need to sign up to leave a message.

Sooo...

Please acknowledge me.

And don't be mean.

I reserve the right to bitch and moan however I please on my blog.

I Was Lost In Ikea

Yes, yesterday I went to Ikea with my aunt and grandma.

I don't think I went too crazy. Just crazy enough.

Seriously, that place is like crack for people who are moving into a new place.

But the point is I got kitchen chairs. So if you come over to my house for dinner, you can sit down. I know this is very important to some members of my family have a place to sit when they eat.

I like Ikea. I don't care if they have mass produced stuff. It's cheap and some of it's pretty cool.

The only thing that I could do without are the people. They seem to forget the part of their brain that includes not banging shopping carts and grabbiness when they walk through the doors.

That and the kids. So many kids.

Anyway, the packing has started tonight. I mostly packed the stuff I bought at Ikea, but I have high hopes for this week.

EVERYONE WELCOME!!

GAH!

RISE for Youth is bringing Sheldon Kennedy to London!!!

September 12th

7pm

Lamplighter Inn

Tickets are $10!!!

Things I'm Excited About

1. The new season of "The Hills"

The whole lot of women on this show irritate and drive me crazy, but I'm addicted to the melodrama of their lives. It's ridic. I heart this show. I love watching them mispronounce "Les Deux" (Les Doo, haha). Sigh. I hate everything about this show...fashion, materiality, Vogue, Spiedi, clubbing, Hummers, socialites, himbos...But the drama is SO GOOD.

2. Hilary Duff Concert

Monday, September 10th
John Labatt Centre
Section 3, Row 9 (on the floor)
Screaming 14 year olds
And me

3. Ikea

I'm going Saturday. I may go a bit crazy.

Car Dirty?

Hey All,

My friend Mojdeh and her cutie son, Darius are on their way to Ghana at the end of this month! Mojo's going to be teaching in a school and Darius will be attending!

In preparation she's having a fundraising car wash tomorrow at the Loblaws at Wonderland and Southdale between 10am and 3pm.

Minimum donations are $5.

I'll be there towards the end of the day, so take your dirty car to Mojo!

Your money is better spent with her than at a money grubbing gas bar.

I'm Craving Some Of That Raspberry Cordial

So, I was prepared for a nice cozy evening with my littlest sister only to be turfed out of the family room and exiled to my room. Currently, Annie is downstairs with her friends making lots of noise.

I can't wait until I have my place. (Speaking of which I spoke with my super Super, Igor, yesterday....things are moving quite nicely!).

I guess this is the thanks I get for letting her use my car.

If I can't hang out with that Anne, I was left to the other Anne.

This is a hilarious melding of two great things. Kelly Clarkson and Lucy Maud Montgomery.

In the 6th grade I made a marionette of Lucy Maud Montgomery and re-enacted the scene where Diana gets shit-faced on current wine.

Screw this, I'm going out tomorrow.

Good News Mom!

Well, there appears to be a scientific research done to support the notion that older women who drink 3 or more cups of coffee a day actually increase their memory.

I'd like to introduce those French researchers to my mother.

The women who discredits all of their research, single handedly.

Sigh.

I went to the Simpsons Movie website and loaded in a picture of me.

This is what was spit out.

I know certain people don't see the cultural necessity of The Simpsons....but I think it's pretty good.