Countdown Is On!!!!

It's time to sign up and get your cash in!!!!!!!!

We have less than two months until another trip to Georgia!!!!

You know who you are!!!

Yippee!!!

"How do you teach democracy through the barrel of a gun?"

~Fr. Roy Bourgeois

I Took It, Did You?

Thursday night was the annual "Take Back the Night" festivities at Peace Park here in London, Ontario.

There was a great turn out and a great speaker this year (as opposed to last year's speaker who was severely unmotivating) from the Sexual Assualt Centre.

The march went on successfully this year, many people watching were supportive and respectful (except for the couple of cars who tried to run us over).

As we passed the corner of Wellington St. and Dundas St. we were greeted by a group of men (as they aren't permitted to walk) with a sign that read "Men Against Violence Against Women", very heartwarming to see.

This year's festivities only highlighted by the fact that I didn't get burned by my vigil candle...namely because I didn't get one.

All in all, a successful evening!!

"Any woman whose I.Q. hovers above her body temperature must be a feminist."

~R.M. Brown

And Another Cycle Begins...

I swear, my next post won't be about reality television...but I feel the need to mention the beginning of "America's Next Top Model: Cycle 7"!

Yes, it's time for another 14 young women to move into the ANTM house and compete for the "fabulous prizes" that are bestowed upon the winner.

Yes, the show is hokey and Tyra Banks' feeble attempt to be the next Oprah is mildly irritating, but you can't deny how this show gets under your skin...and before you know it, you're as addicted like a supermodel to blow.

This season appears to be interesting...especially with the fact that it seems that almost every girl participating has a sob story (could that have been a requirement to audition?). We have the girl who beat cervical cancer, the girl who was in a plane crash, the girl who grew up in foster care then moved on to become *sniff* homecoming queen and the creepy twins.

Yes, there are twins on this cycle...very interesting...beyond that we have the regular stuff. Fighting, diva attitudes and tears already.

One the first episode we had the weeding out of the 60 girls down to 20...then the twenty girls went on to do their first shoot- a tasteful nude shoot...

A message from me: If you are going onto ANTM...you'd better be comfy taking off your clothes and doing a nude shoot. Nude shoots are inevitable on ANTM...get over it. Although we do get to get rid of the boring people (this was the point that the Republican women are kicked off).

From here we picked the 14...and move into the house, where the real drama happens. People fighting over beds, getting extremely messy and complaining about bossy people. Do they not get that they are put in a house together with no television, no Internet, no cell phones and cameras everywhere? Drama is helped along the way in this house.

At the first photo shoot was fairly interesting, although we did get to see some diva behaviour (interesting since the photoshoot was about model stereotypes...like diva behaviour).

At the first eliminations we again had lots of drama and tears. No test this week, I'm assuming because of the sheer number of them.

The sneak peak for next week was interesting. It seems that next week they will be having the ever important makeover show, where each girl gets a new look. This always includes haircutting which always leads to tears. And it looks like we won't be disappointed next Wednesday.

Very exciting.

"I can do anything you want me to do, so long as I don't have to speak."

~Linda Evangelista, supermodel

The Race is On

Alright, if you are afraid of reality TV (I'm not, by the way) you're sure to enjoy "The Amazing Race".

It started it's 10th race this past Sunday night and it is being praised as it's most diverse ever. Muslims, Indo-Americans, Mexican, people with different abilities and beauty queens. What more could you ask for?

And when you compare this diverse cast at "The Amazing Race" with the segregation going on at "Survivor: Cook Island" (where tribes are divided by race this season...ew) "The Amazing Race" looks better and better.

Sunday they travelled to The Forbidden City in China (trivia: This is the first time the first pit stop on "The Amazing Race" has been Asia...!).

Next week's episode looks good...

"Do Muslims worship Buddha?"

~Cheerleader team on "The Amazing Race"

An Answer...Finally

The age old question...finally a concrete answer.

Sculls and Cross-BONES

Yes, last night was another episode of "Bones". If you remember there was a sneak peek last week that eluded to the fact that this week's episode would be particularly sappy, refering to Dr. Brennan's troubled childhood and stint in foster care.

So I was particularly happy to see that last night did not include tears from any of the characters.

If you missed the actual case that was examined wasn't that exciting, definitely not one for the books. But the activity that happened surrounding the case...very interesting!

One particular event of note is that the feud between Cam and Brennan seems to have subsided. I can say I was a bit worried that we were going to be seeing the stereotypical, catty relationship between the two women (because two bright, intelligent women could never work together without incident!!). Happily, they came to middle ground.

But that wasn't even the most exciting part of last night's episode...!

The most intriguing part of last night's broadcast had to be the budding romance between Jack (pictured above) and Angela. For those of you unfamiliar, Jack is the resident bug/slime/goo expert at the Jeffersonian as well as the Jeffersonian's biggest and wealthiest donor, however this is a secret he wishes to keep from most of his co-workers. And Angela is the reconstruction artist, very wild, very excentric, and fun. Very exciting development. As long as Booth and Brennan don't try to fornicate, I will watch this program.

Sigh.

"I hate psychology."

~Dr. Temperance Brennan, Bones

Under An African Sky

YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE'S COMING BACK TO LONDON!!!!! YEA!!!!!!!

Yes, yes, it's true, Stephen Lewis (UN Special Envoy for AIDS in Africa) is coming to speak at the John Labatt Centre on December 9th, one day before the International Day for Human rights. Very exciting.

My folks have gotten my mom and I tickets to see the amazing Mr. Lewis on the 9th, and you can bet I'll be first in line to get into the JLC.

All proceeds are going to the Stephen Lewis Foundation (check out the link on the right hand side of the page) and are specifically going to help those living with AIDS in Swaziland. Currently the AIDS stats reveal that 43% of people in Swaziland are living with AIDS.

And don't worry, there are tickets still available for the evening!

"Unless there is recognition that women are most vulnerable...and you do something about social and cultural equality for women, you're never going to beat this pandemic."

~S. Lewis

Petrol-cide?

I just thought this was an interesting graphic.

Enjoy.

Times like these I tell myself I don't have a car because I don't want to contribute to the warming of the Earth.

But I think the real reason is because I have no money. Because let's face it, London Transit definitely leaves something to be desired.

Modern technology, owes ecology, an apology.

~Alan M. Eddison

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

Hello Again.

Thought I'd keep you updated. Nothing yet, but I'm still looking. And now that Nancy, Anna and Dina are back in town looking for work as well, the pool is getting smaller and smaller, thanks women. And oh yes, good luck.

I'll keep you posted as to what's going on.

Thinking positive.

Or at the very least, thinking.

The Bare Bones

Yes, yes another episode of "Bones" was aired tonight.

Did anyone catch it? It had an odd Lacey Peterson-esque feel to it, although the end was full of delightful twists.

In case you didn't see it, there was a disappointing element to tonight's episode; Boothe has a kid. No, this is not my normal dislike of kids, this is just my dislike of cheesy, weak plotlines to keep the boring people to watch Bones. My message to Fox Television: We're better off without those weak viewers.

Unfortunately, next week's episode looks like it includes a lot of "emotionality" from Brennan. Sigh.

Happily, though Hodges (a.k.a. Hodge-Podge) had a nice piece in this week's episode.

We'll just have to wait and see next week. And trust me, I'll be here.

P.S. Tonight was the premiere of the third season of Laguna Beach: The Real O.C. I was unimpressed. Mostly I wanted to vomit while watching selfish, immature teens with too much money and a sense of entitlement act pathetic. But yes, I still watched. I will admit that the main reason was so I can connect with Annie. Who has, since her move to University of Guelph, abandoned me (see previous post).

Mother: When you have children, you can't believe the feeling of attachment, love and commitment that is created. You have to have children to know it.

Bones: That's the release of the chemical seratone. It's chemistry, not a miracle.

Abandonment: Part Deux

Today we dropped off Annie at the University of Guelph. She had an amazing amount of stuff (the truck was filled to the brim!). And to our amazement she got one of the best rooms at the oldest residence at U of G.

She has a fireplace in her room. It doesn't work, but it looks fabulous.

And it must be said that I was always joking when I refered to University of Guelph as "Moo U". But it really is built on farmland. While driving through campus I saw horses. Horses.

I couldn't believe how laid back her school is, either. Definitely a good fit for Annie, I think she'll have an excellent time there!

However, Annie's departure leaves me. At home. Alone with my parents.

Good thing I like them.

Way to go Annie!

Q: "How many University of Guelph students does it take to screw in a lightbulb?"

A: "Seven. One to screw it in, six to figure out how to power it on manure."

Rien

No, I haven't abandoned my blog. Literally nothing is happening to me right now.

I'll deal with this just fine, don't worry. I'm sure I'll be incredibly busy very soon. It's the waiting that is driving me a bit crazy. Or at least annoyed.

I know I should enjoy it, but I feel strange not getting ready for school this September.

Annie leaves on Sunday for Guelph, very exciting. Remember that show "Boston Common"? That was when the little sister goes to college in Boston and her hick of a brother tags along. He doesn't enroll, but has all the fun of a college student. I'm tempted, but afraid Annie would kill me in my sleep.

"I like when good things happen to me. But I wait two weeks to tell anyone because I like using the word "fortnight"." ~Demetri Martin

She's Almost Back!

Alright, tonight was another great, late episode of Bones.

And I'm happy to say that Bones (at left) is almost back. I was a little disappointed at last week's premiere about Bones' weepy demeanor.

But this week she was on a comeback (she only cried twice).

And they got a new addition to the cast: Dr. Camille "Cam" Saroyan. The new head of the Jeffersonian. And she's a strong, confident woman! Yea! Three on one show, must be a Hollywood record. Please don't let them hate each other!

The only hitch is that it seems that Cam was once involved with Booth in some way or another. Hmmm...I only hope this is not inserted to make Bones jealous of this "relationship". I enjoy the fact that there's no romance between Bones and Booth. It's would be so cliched.

This week's storyline, very good. Besides that the "Bones' parents'" storyline progressed a bit. Seems Bones' father is alive and called out a hit on the man that killed his wife, he doesn't want his daughter to find him...interesting. Very nice to see this incoporated into the larger story.

And next week looks very good.

Need not post, I know I'm a loser for posting about Bones.

"But we're Hodge Podge and Zack-eroni!" ~Eric Millegan a.k.a. "Zack Addy"

Georgia: On My Mind

It's here! Today was the start of getting ready for the School of the Americas/WHINSEC Protest!

Woohoo!

We'll be leaving November 16th and return the following Monday, Novemeber 20th.

We're looking for cash, so if you've got an extra $150 lying around you could send a person down to Georgia!

Good times had by all, while being part of a larger movement! Yippee!

For those of you wondering, I decided not to attend the WHINSEC tour last year after my visit. For the past two years I've gone on the tour of the Fort Benning facilities. Being frisked, intimidated, lied and patronized to is exhausting.

However, I may have a change of heart when it comes time in November. And I have a military man to thank for my reconsideration.

When Gen. Romeo Dallaire was in London two weeks ago someone asked the question of what do you say to a student who is distraught and essentially cynical about a social justice issue they believe is pointless. Gen. Dallaire responded by explaining that people often become disheartened by not seeing change. And that this reaction is unnecessary.

"Why do we always expect there to be change after a few years? Come back after 10 years and then expect a change. Fundamental change takes time and hard work. Getting upset or cynical after a few attempts does nothing for the cause. Be patient, keep working, and don't loose sight of the goal."

True, it's bizarre to be taking advice on this subject from a person involved (and devoted) to the Armed Forces. But if I forget about that part, and just listen to his message, it gets less hazy.

So maybe I'll go and see our friend, Lee Riles (PR for SOA) in November. Even though he called us "agressive Canadians" last year. Either way, I promise myself that this year at the protest I will be more optimistic and driven to remember that closing the SOA is imperative, but that it requires immense work, from everyone.

"Shit or get off the pot." ~ R. Nixon

Abandonment: Part Un

Today, Maggie left to go back to Wolfville, Nova Scotia. She seemed rather excited.

When we got back in the car to drive back to from the airport no one said anything. Then Annie piped up, "Silence...ahh.".

She was so right. If you haven't met Maggie or haven't seen her in a while you might forget how loud she can be.

I blame it on birth order and a bizarre need for her to be noticed constantly. I wonder what she would be like if she wasn't majoring in Theatre *shudder*.

In all seriousness, I do miss Mags. She's the only person I know that can make me laugh one minute, and make me want to wring her neck the next. That's quite a skill.

I won't be seeing Maggie until December, when she comes back for Winter break, so I hope she enjoys herself and has a great final year.

I will be making my own trip to Wolfville in May for her convocation.

I want a good convocation speech from the honourary doctorate person. Apparently they always give the honourary doctorate to a member of the Irving family. That's crap. There must be another Canadian (not from the Irving Oil fortune) that is honourable enough to be recognized?

Maybe we should give our own suggestions for keynotes?

For a Theatre convocation we do have a ton of possibilities.

Ben Mulroney, anyone? Did you know that smarmy Ben has a law degree?

"Popularity is bad for you. I avoid it like the plague."
~Brian Mulroney

Why I Hate Spoons

Ok, I know my aversion to spoons might be a little odd. But it's true. I'm sure that you're all surprised to learn this important piece of information about me. It is incredible when you think about it.

I don't know when my hatred to spoons began. I wasn't attacked by a spoon, and I wasn't born with a silver one in my mouth. All I know is that I find them annoying. The only time a person should use a spoon is for soups or cold cereals. Not stews, not for oatmeal.

I will always choose a fork over a spoon. I'd rather eat anything with a fork and have a bit of a harder time than with a spoon.

I think part of it is the balancing you have to do with a spoon. Or maybe it's the stabbing motion with the fork that I like (that's a scary thought).

So please be advised that if I'm ever using spoon, it's against my own will.

It should also be noted that I not only hate spoons, but chopsticks annoy the hell out of me. But I think that's only because I have no idea how to use them (and, by the way, I don't want to).

Happy Birthday Dad!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

Yes, it's my dad's 51st birthday (OWN IT!), and he's having his desired quiet day at home. Starting with the Turkish Grand Prix at 7:30AM (we'll ignore the 91 years of genocide denial), followed by the red meat extravaganza (see previous post) with a brunch of steak and eggs. Something must be said for the combination of red meat and eggs. Protein overload, I may never recover.

Some of you know my dad, but if you don't I'll fill you in using the astrological information so you can get a better idea of who he is.

First, he was born on Saturday, August 27th at 6PM, 1955 (Year of the Goat). So this means he's:

51 years old
2,662 weeks old
447,086 hours old
OR...
1,609,511,257 seconds old

So, he's a Virgo. Which means he's practical (very), intellectual, diligent (almost annoyingly so), hates sloppy workers (this is VERY true), and modest.

The top song in 1955 was "Ain't That A Shame" by Fats Domino (how appropriate).

You can boil 5.94 ounces of water with the heat from 52 candles.

And...you share a birthday with Mother Theresa.

If you know my dad even a little, you'd know that this fits him to a T.

Although, if you do know my dad he would say that astrology is a bunch of horsecrap.

But that's why I love him. My big, nerdy dad.

Happy Birthday!

The Weekend of Red Meat

At the Rodger house when we have a birthday, this means red meat.

The birthday weekend at the Rodger homestead has barely finished and we are fully saturated with cow.

Fan-freakin'-Tastic

Alright, you'd all be proud of me. Tonight I got out of the house (yea!) and went to go and see a FABULOUS movie!

If you're in a position to do so, go and see "Little Miss Sunshine", you will not be disappointed.

I laughed, Maggie cried. It was beautiful. A gem of dark comedy. Not every dark comedy is able to be pulled off, but this one was perfect. A nice even keel of light and dark moments, and made me laugh out loud (it felt VERY good).

It had it all. Beauty pageants (a beautiful message in the end), a gay love triangle, a suicide attempt, and Proust & Nietzsche.

It takes a lot for me to like a movie, and this was outstanding. It even had a kid at the centre and I still enjoyed myself.

However, I do take exception to the 10 minutes worth of commercials I paid $9.95 to sit through. But that's another discussion for another day. I'll go to sleep contented that my sisters and I went to a movie we all enjoyed.

To show the bizarre happening of me going to a stellar film, the last piece of cinematic beauty that I saw was "Scary Movie 4".

~Duane: Life is one fuckin'beauty contest after another.

Right Down to My Bones

Alright, since I'm being abandoned (check my bitterness) I turn to my father's big screen.

Last night was the season's premiere of "Bones". For those of you who don't know, "Bones" is a FABULOUS show centred on the real-life of Kathy Reichs a forensic anthropologist.

The show follows Temperance "Bones" Brennan, the anthropologist. She's clinical, unaware of popular culture, and driven by facts (and reminds me of a very good friend of mine). Toss in David Boreanaz's FBI Agent Seeley Boothe (yes, he is Bones COMPLETE opposite- what are the odds?!). Then add a motley crue of scientists (a.k.a. Squints) and a quirky reconstruction artist and they make an amazing crime fighting team.

The second season's premiere was not exactly stellar. I enjoy seeing Bones act like the strong capable female, especially when most roles like this one are kept only for men. So imagine with my disappointment with Bones' continual sobbing in this episode.

But still a good one. We know have the added mystery of the disappearance of Bones' parents fifteen years earlier.

The ending of this episode ended in a cliffhanger. Turns out Bones' dad isn't dead!

But why do I love Bones? Mostly because this is yet another show I can watch with my old man; quick, funny and sometimes enlightening. Before "Bones" my dad and I were big fans of "Joan of Arcadia", the program about a girl who talked to God on a regular basis (lame, maybe, but definitely entertaining in a blasphemous kind of way).

And who doesn't like looking at David Boreanaz (aka Angel)?

~Boothe: We're like Scully and Mulder.
Bones: I don't know what that means.