Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Truro: Nova Scotia's London


Well, here we go.

It seems as though the mayor of Truro, Nova Scotia refused to vote in favour of raising the rainbow flag.

He 'rationalized' that if the council were in favour to raise the GLTB flag, then what was stopping pedophiles from asking to raise a flag.

Yep. He compared homosexuals with sexual deviants.

Here is an open letter to Mayor Bill Mills:

Dear Your Worship,

Hi. You don't know me, I'm from a town called London, Ontario in the Southwestern part of the province.

I recently saw your ruling over at CBC about your refusal to raise the rainbow flag in Truro.

I know I'm not a resident of Truro, but here in London we went through the same predicament with the gay community.

Our mayor, Diane Haskett felt the same way as you. She refused to vote for the flag to fly because of the same reason...religious beliefs and a fear of pedophiles.

And let me tell you...Mayor Haskett did pretty well for herself after that whole debacle. She went on to win another term in office and became know far and wide.

Now, yes the City of London became the first Canadian municipality to be brought before a human rights tribunal AND found guilty, but she did go on to a career in provincial politics...only to come in third behind the Green Party.

And it only cost the City a whopping $25,000 to fix her self-righteous and bigoted decree. That homeless shelter didn't need to be built immediately.

But I will have to ask you one thing. You said that if you granted permission to the gay community to fly their flag, you might be asked by the pedophilia community to do the same.

Ok, two things.

First, hasn't the insinuation of the GLTB community being sexual deviants been done? No one really takes it seriously anymore. How many more peer reviewed journals do you need before you get the facts? It's kind of annoying. And, frankly outdated. Get with the times. It's been done, over and over and over again. No one with an ounce of brain power really believes this anymore. And those who do are usually the same ones who believe every damn thing that Leviticus says (including the piece on wearing corrective lenses).

Second, are you some kind of bizarre freak who would actually consider declaring "Pedophile Day" in Truro? What kind of sick fuck are you? Anyone with a backbone or an ounce of common sense wouldn't do this. For Cripes sake. You're disgusting.

So, if I'm right London will be losing it's title of the only municipality who has been brought before a human rights tribunal and found guilty. But trust me, that's a title we're willing to give up.

Sincerely,

JR

Monday, August 06, 2007

Has Any One Heard This Song???

I was sitting in my car and listening to CBC Radio and they were talking about controversial songs.

The usual songs were there, Madonna's 'Like A Prayer' and Pearl Jam's 'Jeremy'...but then they started talking about a song called:

The Pill by Loretta Lynn.

Why haven't I heard this song before?? It kicks.

I found a copy on YouTube, but it's set to clips of women on 'General Hospital' in states of pregnancy, labour, pregnant troubles, etc.

But the song is amazing.



Here are the lyrics:

You wined me and dined me
When I was your girl
Promised if I'd be your wife
You'd show me the world
But all I've seen of this old world
Is a bed and a doctor bill
I'm tearin' down your brooder house
'Cause now I've got the pill
All these years I've stayed at home
While you had all your fun
And every year thats gone by
Another babys come
There's a gonna be some changes made
Right here on nursery hill
You've set this chicken your last time
'Cause now I've got the pill
This old maternity dress I've got
Is goin' in the garbage
The clothes I'm wearin' from now on
Won't take up so much yardage
Miniskirts, hot pants and a few little fancy frills
Yeah I'm makin' up for all those years
Since I've got the pill
I'm tired of all your crowin'
How you and your hens play
While holdin' a couple in my arms
Another's on the way
This chicken's done tore up her nest
And I'm ready to make a deal
And ya can't afford to turn it down
'Cause you know I've got the pill
This incubator is overused
Because you've kept it filled
The feelin' good comes easy now
Since I've got the pill
It's gettin' dark it's roostin' time
Tonight's too good to be real
Oh but daddy don't you worry none
'Cause mama's got the pill
Oh daddy don't you worry none
'Cause mama's got the pill


Loretta Lynn The Pill lyrics

P.S. Didn't Loretta have about 36 kids before she was 21?

An Experiment





Maggie at Rock the Park.
If I don't post in 24 hours, please send a seach party for me.

George Thoroughgood


The parents went to the event of the summer (for those who can stand classic rock) a couple of weeks ago, Rock The Park.
My camera was hijacked and taken to the park.
You'd think with my dad's skills he'd be able to take a better picture of George Thoroughgood.
But maybe it had more to do with the drunk youth who was humping him and Maggie from behind.

Fluffy


Don't you just want to jump on that?
<--

Dream Job







Balloon Holder.




This guy was being dragged so far by this ballon you could see sparks from the dead grass on his heals.

Dad's A Published Photog!


Recognize this photo? If you read the Sunday edition of the London Free Press, you should!
This photo was in the London Free Press, with an article about the woman's (a Freeps reporters) ride up in the balloon.
I'm not mentioning her name, because she neglected to give my dad props in the paper.
Saturday morning Dad dragged Annie, Papa and myself to Harris Park at 5:30AM to watch the balloons take off.
Once Annie had harrassed the Tim Horton's Staff...
Counter Help (to me): Would you like anything in your coffee?
Annie: I WOULD LIKE TIMBITS.
Jessie: Hehe. Milk, please.
Counter Help (to me): Would you like a straw for your juice?
Annie: I WANT CHOCOLATE, HONEY DIP AND SOUR CREAM GLAZED.
Jessie: Umm...no, we're good. Keep the change.
We were off to the park.
We stood around for a while and the first 2 balloons to be filled were a Canadian flag and maple leaf, and as always Dad was armed with his camera.
I'm guessing this woman picked the person with the flashiest camera, but she asked Dad to take a few snaps. I'm not sure if what she defined as a "few" meshed with Dad's interpretation. In any case, he sent her about 150 photos.
And, come Sunday morning, here's the result!
So, now he can officially call himself freelance, even though he didn't get paid or any credit.
Oh, well. He's enjoying cold margaritas in Monterrey, California, so I find it difficult to sympathize.

Friday, August 03, 2007

Where The Hell Have I Been?



Hello Again.

I've been away, and I can't really tell you why.

Well, I could, but that would mean you would know what my cycle is and I've been told by my sister that nobody needs to know that.

I disagree. I don't think my cycle should be a dirty secret.

I have been up to a few things, and I'll be able to share them momentarily...

In the mean time, enjoy the Darwin fish. I think of it everytime I see a Jesus fish.

I don't hate the Jesus fish, I just think that intelligent design is anything but.

Friday, July 27, 2007

For Andrea and Pascal...




In honour of Andrea and Pascal and The Simpsons moving coming out today...


What's the forecast for Brazil?


The temperature in Rio is....HOT HOT HOT with a 100% chance of PASSION.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

"Pretty" People Falling Down



Ok, so I love model shows. America's Next Top Model, Canada's Next Top Model...very, very funny.

I think the reason I love these shows is the curing of hubris that assaults the "beautiful" girls...their self-doubt and shaky self esteem that they discover for the first time ever, on camera.

I know it's cruel, but it's reassuring since they always look so fucking sure of themselves. It's good to bring them down a few pegs.

As well, I think it's a bit retarded that we reward people for being genetic freaks. The one major reason I keep watching ANTM is because their models have yet to actual become top models...just a bunch of cute girls who get to watch their dreams disappear.

Ohhh, and "8th and Ocean". If you ever see that on TV, you must catch it. It's a show about a bunch of manic, low self esteem, young, stupid models living in an apartment complex together in Miami that constantly whine, "But in Idaho I was the prettiest girl in school!". Hahaha.

It's every average looking person's revenge. Nothing destroys their self esteem more than meeting another pretty person.

So enjoy this clip from Fashion Television. It's a little hard to take when you hear Jeanne Beker talk about how "...it's not so easy being a model."

Bullshit. It really is JUST walking.

Do you have to use your brain during modeling? No matter how much I love Tyra, she's not going to convince me it takes a lot of grey matter to "negotiate" the catwalk. If wisdom equals better modelling then 35 year old models would be the norm.

Anyway, to be honest I'm tired of the unfriendly model. I don't want you grinning like an idiot, just crack a smile now and then. That's the best part of the fall, when they actually morph from moving coat rack to actual human being.

Miss Me?

I know you did!

I've been away for a few days in Toronto, but I'm back now!

Hope you're ready for my updates!

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Eek! The City of London Is All Gay-ified!


Well, if you haven't heard by now that the City of London has decided to make an official proclaimation for Gay Pride Week along with flying the rainbow flag at City Hall then I guess the homophobes haven't gotten to you yet.
After an over decade long ban on all proclaimations the City of London decided to do what it wouldn't in 1995, declare Pride in London.
For those you who don't remember, Diane "Parachute" Haskett refused to declare Gay Pride many moons ago because of personal religious beliefs. She (along with the City of London) were brought before a Human Rights Tribunal and found guilty. Since then the response of City Hall is to not declare ANYTHING. That's nice, isn't it?
Anyway, they decided that this year would be the year that they final start acknowledging that London does indeed have an active gay community. It's hard to ignore this community when the hatred towards them is as pronounced as it is in the city.
Well, as soon as they decided they were going to declare Pride the homophobes and homo-prejudice started coming out of the wood work.
And with them they brought along their tired-ass excuses.
Seriously, if I hear ONE MORE TIME the excuse of "Well, I'm just waiting for the day they declare Heterosexual Week" heads are going to roll.
Ok, here it is...I want everyone to listen.
EVERY WEEK IS HETEROSEXUAL WEEK.
The day that straight couples get beat with baseball bats and lead pipes in front of Jim Bob Ray's Bar while being called "breeders" is the day I'll ask for a Heterosexual Week.
I don't think it's too much to ask to give the gay community a week in which they can celebrate being themselves. Especially when the other 51 weeks out of the year it's fairly dangerous to do so, especially in London.
And I'm really sick and tired of people complaining about the blatant sexuality that is present during Pride, most notably during the Pride Parade.
Again, let's get our thinking caps on, shall we?
If you were told for pretty much your entire life that you were not allowed to hold hands with your partner, kiss, cuddle, throw an arm around or generally be affectionate in public would you maybe over compensate during the one week when it's not so taboo?
And really people, I think we're all just stick in the muds when it comes to sexuality. Calm yourselves, it's only glitter and spandex.
I see more disgusting displays at Masonville Mall in front of SilverCity. And those are the little 12 and 13 year olds...maybe we should be talking about our over sexualizing little girls? Nooooo, having underwire in a training bra is perfectly normal!
I will love, Love, LOVE the day when this city starts getting riled up about things that actually matter rather than spew homo-prejudice bullshit.

Friday, July 20, 2007

A New Classic Fairy Tale


My dad sent this to me, he thought I would appreciate it.
Maybe this one will turn into a bed time classic?
I'm serious. It really should.
This is the fairy tale that should have been read to you when you were little:
Once upon a time in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issue on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a verdant meadow near her castle.
The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said:
"Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince, until an evil witch cast a spell upon me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the dapper, young prince that I am and then, my sweet, we can marry and set up housekeeping in your castle with my mother, where you can prepare my meals, clean my clothes, bear my children, and forever feel grateful and happy doing so. "
That night, as the princess dined sumptuously on lightly sauteed frog legs seasoned in a white wine and onion cream sauce, she chuckled and thought to herself:
I don't fuckin think so.

The Most Hi Tech Tool You'll Ever Need.


Guess this got MacGyver out of some sticky situations.

Faith Hill is HUGE!


Faith Hill is going to be on the cover of Redbook...and the cover shot was taken from a photo shot done for a Jezabel Fashions (I don't even know what that is).
The kicker?
They totally photoshopped Faith.
Good thing, she's such fattie.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Big, Huge, AMAZING NEWS!



Mark your calendars.

November 19th, 2007 A.D.

This is the day that Jessie gets to hang out with one of her heroes...Naomi Klein.

Yes, you read that right. Naomi Klein.

Alan Leschied will be playing host to Naomi Klein when she comes to UWO for a book thing for her latest work, "The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism".

By now, I may have lost some readers...so let's back up.

Who exactly is Naomi Klein?

In short, she's a brillant woman. She's a journalist, writer, film maker, and intellectual.

And I get to have dinner with her.

She wrote a book called "No Logo: Taking Aim At Brand Bullies" in 2000. It was published shortly after the WTO summit in Seattle and was met with great excitement from those in the activist community. You say "No Logo" in a crowd and people instantly know what you're talking about. This is a book that changed MY life.

I was but a budding activist when the book dropped into my lap. At the time I wasn't exactly sure what was going to happen come fall of 2001, when I started my first year of university. Naomi Klein's book opened my eyes about some stuff I had never really thought about. If you haven't read this book, or even heard about it, you must go out RIGHT now and find out about it. If you don't get yourself a copy at least visit the website: www.nologo.org. I might even credit her book (partially) to the reason I majored in globalization (being the anti variety, not the pro).

It's a thought provoking piece on the branding that drives capitalism.

Sweet bliss.

Besides Naomi Klein's own accomplishments (and there are a lot) she's surrounded by amazing people.

She's married to Avi Lewis, who hosted "counterSpin" on CBC for a while, after a stint as the political analyst at MuchMusic (love him). And her mother-in-law is Michele Landsberg, an amazing feminist journalist (Toronto Star, Globe and Mail). And her father-in-law is STEPHEN LEWIS.

Maybe she can adopt me.

So, I get to hang out with her, have dinner with her and pelt her with my questions.

I'm so frigging excited.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Another Fantastic Cancelled TV Show

Here's another of my favourite shows.

Why is it that all my favourite shows are the cancelled ones?

"Arrested Development" was another show that was too smart for its time. And incredibly funny. You can find a whole bunch of its three seasons on YouTube.com - it's hilarious.

For those of you who don't know about this show it follows the story of an extremely hilarious family. There's no other word for them.

You can catch reruns on CBC at 5:00pm (I believe).

And even my Mom would like it. Even though one of the characters is an aspiring (yet horrible) magician.

I think I'm drawn to cancelled TV shows because I have a fear of commitment.

And here's a tribute to Season 2...because it's just damn funny.

And I need funny after today.

I was in Sarnia today, at the Bayside Mall. When did that place turn into such a hole? I remember going there as a young girl. Granted, it wasn't much then but it was at least a decent place to hang out. I wouldn't let my grandma hang out there now. It's filled with social services (way to marginalize all the poor in Sarnia Ministry of Social Services!) and crappy stores filled with useless shit that belongs in a landfill...but I guess the Bayside Mall is close enough.

Exciting!

Come back soon because I just may have some of the most exciting news ever.

Seriously.

It's gonna blow your MINDS.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Do You Have One?



Alright, so I've begun the process of gathering everything I ned for the big move.

And I'm in need of a couple of items...

If you have one of them and want to give it to me...that would be fabulous...

1. Pots and Pans (not old grubby ones)

2. Vacuum Cleaner (one that really sucks)

3. Kitchen Chairs

4. Futon Mattress

Soooo...if you have these items, I'd be happy to take them off your hands. For free, please.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Boycotting Chapters/Indigo/SmithBooks/Coles...Geez, How Many Book Stores Does One Company Own?




Alright, so you all know I love a good protest, even a literary one.

A few years ago I boycotted Chapters after they continually placed feminist magazines like Bitch, Ms. and Girlfriends in the "Mens" section of their magazine area. This happened after I spent a good 20 minutes searching for my favourite magazine and found it beside the Sport Illustated "Swim Suit Edition".


Yes, feminist response to pop culture and the most maturbated to magazine really do belong side by side. If only for the pure irony of it all. Argh.


So began my boycott of Chapters. I wrote letters, informed staff that this was disgusting as well as offensive and took my business elsewhere.


A few months later I was informed that the feminist magazines had moved and found themselves in the "Womens" section. Right next to Cosmo and Glamour. Small steps, people, small steps.


Well, it seems that there is another reason to start boycotting Chapters and all the boook stores owned by its conglomerate....


A few weeks ago the first boycott happened at the Chapters on Wellington Rd. in London, and a couple of weeks later they brought the protest to the Chapters in Masonville.


If anything this whole movement is interesting, especially now that Rabble.ca has joined the boycott.


The gist of the protest is that the major shareholders of this coporation have created a not for profit organization that helps Israeli soldiers get educated...and seeing as how Israel's occupation is a teensy bit brutal folks don't like spending money when the profit go to mowing down houses and killing.


Check out the below article explaining why they're boycotting Chapters/Indigo/SmithBooks/Coles/Etc...


If you're into the Middle East situation it's interesting enough...and really the last thing that Isreal needs is another Western force donating money or power to further any hostilities. That being said, it's not a one sided argument in the least.


But I will say that we can get into a lot of trouble if we bring conflict from the Middle East to Canada (Londoners will remember the "The Wall" incident at UWO a few years ago).


My suggestion is that we start talking about what's going on without coming to blows over a situation that's physically so far away.


But I will say that protest is the matrix for change, and that living in such an apathetic area such as SW Ontario makes me want to ruin some people's lawns and smash their stupid lawn gnomes. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR PEOPLE TO START THINKING ABOUT THE BIGGER PICTURE WHEN IT COMES TO CONSUMPTION?


Sigh.


Maybe the Chapters protests won't work, but sitting around certainly won't help.



The book lounge joins boycott of Chapters/Indigo
Bound but not gagged


We at rabble have decided to join with Palestinian solidarity activists in their boycott of the Chapters/Indigo family of companies. As a result, we will no longer be publicizing events taking place at Chapters, Indigo, The World’s Biggest Bookstore, Coles, Smithbooks, and The Book Company.

The boycott aims to pressure Heather Reisman and Gerry Schwartz — the owners of the Chapters/Indigo group — to halt their financial backing of the HESEG Foundation for Lone Soldiers. Founded by Reisman and Schwartz in 2005, HESEG provides scholarships to former “lone soldiers” of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) who are pursuing post-secondary education. It has been commended by Israel’s former Minister of Defence, Shaul Mofaz, for “directly supporting the morale of the IDF.”

As their title suggests “lone soldiers” are non-Israeli individuals who volunteer to serve in the IDF. As IDF soldiers, they support an army that systematically oppresses Palestinian citizens by operating checkpoints, restricting Palestinian freedom of movement and enforcing the occupation of Palestinian land. The IDF has been found responsible by human-rights groups and Israeli courts for countless rights violations in the West Bank and Gaza including the unlawful killing, arbitrary detention, torture and assault of hundreds of Palestinians.

This boycott is being spearheaded by the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid, the Coalition for Justice and Peace in Palestine, Palestinian and Jewish Unity and the Jewish Alliance Against the Occupation. The boycott is part of the larger International Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Campaign, which is endorsed by 170 Palestinian Civil Society Organizations. —rabble book lounge staff