My summer has been fairly uneventful thus far with my injury and the sudden disappearance of my friends. My close confidant Kendra has recently moved back to Toronto from studying in Leeds. I've missed her greatly - naturally, she's felt the same - and so we planned to see our all-time favourite bisexual celebrity in A Mighty Heart. I searched the internet for showtimes and we planned dinner before seeing the film. There was a show at 7h30. Perfect! [Kendra's still jetlagged and wanted to be home by 9h30... I know, we've gone from dancing on railings to home before sundown. We've truly turned into a wild pair.] When we got to the cinema, there was, however, no 7h30 show on the huge electronic sign hanging above the box office. Why's that? That's because A Mighty Heart, as we could soon learn from the ticket seller, was not playing at that cinema. WHAT?! I check the location and times on the internet. How could this be? All was not lost as I still had a lovely time at dinner and equally lovely - but awkward - time watching Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer with a room full of little kids and their parents.
It got me thinking... Of course, we all know that what is online is not always truth in the real world. But do we really? I'm not just talking about incorrect movie openings. You turn on your computer, click the icon for your internet browser, and then POW! You are taken to a virtual world full of everything that is known to man, something called "pixels" [whatever those are], and all lies and falsities you could ever imagine. Yay! Let's talk about MySpace, for instance, shall we? Yay! Almost everyone on MySpace has an innumerable number of friends who have found their way onto the ol' friends list but have never been or may never be met in-person. Despite my old tendency to judge this particular situation, I've come around and learned to appreciate the "online friend". I have people on my list who I've never met so this to me is fine. However, is it fine that most people's profiles do not portray the person they are in the real world? It is without a doubt in my mind that people write things online they would never say in person, turn from shy to overtly sexual for the sake of a thoroughly observed photo section, and, of course, exaggerate certain qualities to attract certain friends. My first thought is that I hate MySpace... but then I come to my senses. I realize MySpace isn't evil and that I'm probably just as bad as half of these people. We are lying to ourselves about ourselves for others. Later, this idea came to me: maybe who we see online are not lies but the true person that is inhibited in the real world? If we do something shocking online, we don't have deal with the consequences. We just click "block" then "delete" everyone and get new friends. Or do more subtle things... but I'm tad dramatic [in person and in my virtual self] so think up the subtle ways yourself. Hem. Regardless, I think we should all keep in mind that before and after this virtual insanity, we are the people who live and breathe in flesh and blood. We should be aiming to improve ourselves as real people not our profile photos. Oh, and by the way, just as a reality check to those kids who's online profiles scream "too cool for school!", you're not fooling anyone. I know you are actually just students with emo haircuts and bad taste in music so fuck off, k?
Any thoughts? (:
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
A few words on and from Julia Hare
Dr. Julia Hare is spokesperson for the black community who reminds us of things we'd rather not remember but need to.
She is an author on educational psychology, a social commentator, and, basically, amazing.
She is an author on educational psychology, a social commentator, and, basically, amazing.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
There's something special about Irvine
At one time, Kelly Clarkson not only represented the sole major success story of the Idol franchise but also a powerhouse in the music industry overall, pumping out hit single after hit single. Although “Never Again” has grown on me, I had begun to question the future of the 25-year-old Texan singer-songwriter after seeing her performance of “Never Again” on the season finale of Idol. Kinda terrible. In fact, I started to prefer Carrie Underwood's composure and lack of shouting out a song.
After my friend Lorraine linked me up to preview the yet-to-be-released My December, I feel as though I need to apologize for ever doubting Kelly. It is perhaps one of the most anticipated releases of the year and has already stirred up quite a bit of controversy with Clive Davis in opposition of its release, the firing of her long-time manager, and the cancellation of a summer tour due to disappointing ticket sales. The CD does have a few shitty tracks but some of the slower-tempo numbers are beyond anything Kelly’s recorded before. As Lorraine said, "It's not so radio friendly but still good music".
When I first heard the song “Irvine” I wanted to cry. Shut up, I know... haha I just feel something when I listen to this track. Maybe because it’s such an amazing song or maybe because I am struggling to strength my faith again. The song is, in essence, a heart-filled conservation between Kelly and God, in which she poses questions about God's relationship with her. The words have a lot of meaning but the music isn’t dull or depressing. Kelly's voice, full of perfect flaws, simply sings the lyrics over an acoustic guitar strumming away. To me, it paints a desaturated image of a clothes line in a yard drying white sheets that sway in the summer breeze. This is my new favourite, it’s the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. Tear.
Here’s my YES/NO opinion on each of the tracks:
1. "Never Again" = YES!
2. "One Minute" = NO
3. "Hole" = NO
4. "Sober" = YES!
5. "Don't Waste Your Time" = YES
6. "Judas" = YES
7. "Haunted" = YES
8. "Be Still" = YES
9. "Maybe" = YES!
10. "How I Feel" = NO
11. "Yeah" = NO
12. "Can I Have a Kiss" = NO
13. "Irvine" = YES!!
The album drops Tuesday 26 June in Canada and the US. Go out and purchase a copy. Oh! Look out for the hidden track “Chivas” after “Irvine”. Bad sex + Whisky = Hilarious…Another song I can relate to. haha!
After my friend Lorraine linked me up to preview the yet-to-be-released My December, I feel as though I need to apologize for ever doubting Kelly. It is perhaps one of the most anticipated releases of the year and has already stirred up quite a bit of controversy with Clive Davis in opposition of its release, the firing of her long-time manager, and the cancellation of a summer tour due to disappointing ticket sales. The CD does have a few shitty tracks but some of the slower-tempo numbers are beyond anything Kelly’s recorded before. As Lorraine said, "It's not so radio friendly but still good music".
When I first heard the song “Irvine” I wanted to cry. Shut up, I know... haha I just feel something when I listen to this track. Maybe because it’s such an amazing song or maybe because I am struggling to strength my faith again. The song is, in essence, a heart-filled conservation between Kelly and God, in which she poses questions about God's relationship with her. The words have a lot of meaning but the music isn’t dull or depressing. Kelly's voice, full of perfect flaws, simply sings the lyrics over an acoustic guitar strumming away. To me, it paints a desaturated image of a clothes line in a yard drying white sheets that sway in the summer breeze. This is my new favourite, it’s the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. Tear.
Here’s my YES/NO opinion on each of the tracks:
1. "Never Again" = YES!
2. "One Minute" = NO
3. "Hole" = NO
4. "Sober" = YES!
5. "Don't Waste Your Time" = YES
6. "Judas" = YES
7. "Haunted" = YES
8. "Be Still" = YES
9. "Maybe" = YES!
10. "How I Feel" = NO
11. "Yeah" = NO
12. "Can I Have a Kiss" = NO
13. "Irvine" = YES!!
The album drops Tuesday 26 June in Canada and the US. Go out and purchase a copy. Oh! Look out for the hidden track “Chivas” after “Irvine”. Bad sex + Whisky = Hilarious…Another song I can relate to. haha!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Dentists should really be titled Killers
I've gone to the same dentist for as long as I can remember and have never enjoyed the experience. Never having a cavity and never having to wear braces or a retainer, my pearly white smile has been the subject of many superficial compliments. Regardless, going to the dentist has always left me with a headache. I’m not sure if it’s the sound of the equipment, the taste and smell of the gritty paste they use, or my dentist’s judging eyes looking down at me but I always leave the office questioning whether I was punched in the face while blinking.
Thoughts of “I could be doing so many other more useful things with my Saturday” appeared as I sat in the waiting room of my dentist’s newly renovated office. My dentist is Dr. Choo-Campell. She’s good at what she does, apparently, and because of this she has become quite successful over the years. She now has an ever increasing number of employees, a continuously renovated office, and a perpetually flourishing pretentious attitude. Dr. Choo- Campell, nevertheless, has always been a fan of my teeth. After having a hissy-fit at one of her dental hygienists [seriously, it was almost Janice Dickinson worthy], she asked my sister a ridiculous amount of nosy questions involving business schools and why she is wanting to pursue the career in the field she wants to. She ended on a classy note saying, “My daughter would be jealous of you.” My poor sister. I would have bit the bitch. Or at least, I thought I would have. Though worse was to come and no cannibal acts were committed that afternoon. Maybe I'm all talk. Then again I'm not a dentist, I mean killer. Same thing, right? As the dentist pushed aside one of her many nameless employees, she insulted my hair and asked me if I wanted a haircut while she was at it. Lovely. She then put on her goggles and announced that my teeth are stained. Kindly, the dentist asked me "Do you brush your teeth?" while making a horrified expression. Great. "My going-to-the-dentist experience has officially become hell," I thought and then began to contemplating whether the woman’s weight loss had caused her to go insane. My teeth are almost unnaturally white. People ask me if I bleach them with those strips and stuff! I really don’t get how she could see any stains even with her fancy goggles. I insured her I brush my teeth multiple times a day. The dentist began to stab my gums and randomly scoffed, “I would ask you to floss as well as brush but there’s no point in asking the impossible of you.” I do floss! Thankfully, she got up and stormed out of the room as a timid older dental hygienist named Josie entered moments later. Josie complimented me on my white smile and was very kind but, unfortunately for me, very clumsy. She cut my lip, dropped the gritty paste in my eye, and some how managed to smear a bluish-green substance across my left cheek. This paste, as she warned me beforehand, was so incredibly sandy that both my sister and I could still taste it hours later after brushing and rinsing several times. I thought my experiences of going to the dentist would improve as the years went on. Although, I have diverged from my beliefs that the dentist was evil and going to remove my baby teeth with pliers, I am still gripping the arm rests…
Thoughts of “I could be doing so many other more useful things with my Saturday” appeared as I sat in the waiting room of my dentist’s newly renovated office. My dentist is Dr. Choo-Campell. She’s good at what she does, apparently, and because of this she has become quite successful over the years. She now has an ever increasing number of employees, a continuously renovated office, and a perpetually flourishing pretentious attitude. Dr. Choo- Campell, nevertheless, has always been a fan of my teeth. After having a hissy-fit at one of her dental hygienists [seriously, it was almost Janice Dickinson worthy], she asked my sister a ridiculous amount of nosy questions involving business schools and why she is wanting to pursue the career in the field she wants to. She ended on a classy note saying, “My daughter would be jealous of you.” My poor sister. I would have bit the bitch. Or at least, I thought I would have. Though worse was to come and no cannibal acts were committed that afternoon. Maybe I'm all talk. Then again I'm not a dentist, I mean killer. Same thing, right? As the dentist pushed aside one of her many nameless employees, she insulted my hair and asked me if I wanted a haircut while she was at it. Lovely. She then put on her goggles and announced that my teeth are stained. Kindly, the dentist asked me "Do you brush your teeth?" while making a horrified expression. Great. "My going-to-the-dentist experience has officially become hell," I thought and then began to contemplating whether the woman’s weight loss had caused her to go insane. My teeth are almost unnaturally white. People ask me if I bleach them with those strips and stuff! I really don’t get how she could see any stains even with her fancy goggles. I insured her I brush my teeth multiple times a day. The dentist began to stab my gums and randomly scoffed, “I would ask you to floss as well as brush but there’s no point in asking the impossible of you.” I do floss! Thankfully, she got up and stormed out of the room as a timid older dental hygienist named Josie entered moments later. Josie complimented me on my white smile and was very kind but, unfortunately for me, very clumsy. She cut my lip, dropped the gritty paste in my eye, and some how managed to smear a bluish-green substance across my left cheek. This paste, as she warned me beforehand, was so incredibly sandy that both my sister and I could still taste it hours later after brushing and rinsing several times. I thought my experiences of going to the dentist would improve as the years went on. Although, I have diverged from my beliefs that the dentist was evil and going to remove my baby teeth with pliers, I am still gripping the arm rests…
Friday, June 15, 2007
Rejoice that rhyming slang is no longer 'nang'
Accents are like spices. I find the basic English language to be fairly dull to listen to. Unlike Spanish or French, English has no free flow; there is little necessity for pitch variation like the Chinese and Indian languages have; and unlike some African languages, English has no strength or real umph. However, throw in an accent everything changes. Each syllable, each word, each phrase... syntax is spiced up.
I think slang can have the same effect; a certain amount of interest is brought to the spoken word when slang is introduced. I disagree with the argument that slang is not "proper" English. I'm not too sure why people are so against slang. Perhaps because slang usually originates from the lower socio-economic groups and works its way into the white suburban neighborhoods and before you know it middle aged men are admitting their co-workers they're phat [in this particular case perhaps they meant it with an f though...] while the elite snub their noses up only to jump on the bandwagon five minutes too late. New words are thought up, dictionaries grow, and languages change. But think about! The words that are commonplace for use now were at one time frowned upon. Different vocabulary is suitable in different situations. Sure, for now, speak "proper" English when you're going for a job interview at a major bank. But if you're in the hood for example, speaking "proper" English might not be the best way of communicating. Colloquial speech should not be looked down upon nor should speaking with an accent. Different doesn't equate to bad or inferior. Different is different.
Check out this article on changes in the Cockey dialect by Philip Hensher in The Independent:
http://comment.independent.co.uk/columnists_a_l/philip_hensher/article307658.ece
I think slang can have the same effect; a certain amount of interest is brought to the spoken word when slang is introduced. I disagree with the argument that slang is not "proper" English. I'm not too sure why people are so against slang. Perhaps because slang usually originates from the lower socio-economic groups and works its way into the white suburban neighborhoods and before you know it middle aged men are admitting their co-workers they're phat [in this particular case perhaps they meant it with an f though...] while the elite snub their noses up only to jump on the bandwagon five minutes too late. New words are thought up, dictionaries grow, and languages change. But think about! The words that are commonplace for use now were at one time frowned upon. Different vocabulary is suitable in different situations. Sure, for now, speak "proper" English when you're going for a job interview at a major bank. But if you're in the hood for example, speaking "proper" English might not be the best way of communicating. Colloquial speech should not be looked down upon nor should speaking with an accent. Different doesn't equate to bad or inferior. Different is different.
Check out this article on changes in the Cockey dialect by Philip Hensher in The Independent:
http://comment.independent.co.uk/columnists_a_l/philip_hensher/article307658.ece
Thursday, June 14, 2007
This is My Now...
...and I am breathing in the moment - Yes, I'm actually singing Jordin Spark's single "This is My Now". It's been stuck in my head all day and I like it! I just admitted this to my friend Lorraine. She didn't cast any stones though I felt the inner snicker with her trademark"eh". I know!! Gah, the song is so coming-of-age. God, what's wrong with me? Next, I'll be confessing that I like watching Joey, Pacey, and the rest of the Capeside crew. Oops!
To listen to this rather catchy song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vscyeW6Uq3E
To listen to this rather catchy song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vscyeW6Uq3E
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
A hopefully Wednesday evening
Good news has been sparingly offered to this lad recently; however, the past few days have taken a spin on the upside leaving me tonight with a hopefully smile. After spending several hours in the hospital this week, I was told that my foot is on its way to healing. Apparently there has been some nerve damage and unusual cuts along the nerves in other limbs but with time I should be back in fighting form. I was also told that I am fit to return to my days in retail. I decided to call up Club Monaco on Monday afternoon only to hear the voice of a perky new salesgirl. The assistant manager wasn’t in and so I was left with the harsh reality that I had been replaced. Or so I thought. I got in touch with the assistant manager who informs me that I still have my job despite major cutbacks in store employment. A new store manager has been hired and she wants meet me. So for now, I’m safe but for how long I’m not too sure. I was so excited that I had to make contact with another life form. I actually signed onto MSN messenger for the first time in who knows how long. Within less than twenty minutes I realized why I’m never on that thing anymore and that some of my friends are incredibly selfish. Okay, fine... I know both of these things before. But the feelings were reinforced during those twenty minutes. Luckily, my mood was not offset. I took a raincheck for dinner with my friend Damion as I was drained. I had a lovely Wednesday evening tuning in for CNTM, So You Think You Can Dance?, my new favourite show Traveler, and the nightly news with Lloyd Robertson. I really need to get some new books tomorrow… Well, staying on the bright side, at least I don't say "at all" like a`tall instead of at-all. My neurosurgerical nurse did it and, all thought I think she's a sweetheart, for fuck's sake don't say the words as if they're two totally different words with different meanings. I love accents. I think they bring flavour to the English language but saying a`tall is an attempt to be prim but it comes out sounding snobby and oh so WRONG. Hmm, like I was saying... I had a lovely evening!
Friday, June 8, 2007
Perez Hilton
American blogger Perez Hilton has become a household name in the world of celebrity gossip. Why? At the peak of Britney’s nosedive, Perezhilton.com served over 4.75 million unique visitors in a 24 hour period. Still, I’m not quite sure. See, I’ve never felt the need to check out his website. Not because I have no interest in celebrities but because I don't dig Perez's style. Today, I did check it out, however, for the purposes of limiting presumptions. My thoughts were confirmed. Perez Hilton is a wet blanket. He, like Paris Hilton, has attained fame by doing nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps this is why they are now friends and Perez’s supposedly unapologetic entries have favoured Paris by refusing to present any stories of the inmate in a negative light. Before you think I’m going to start dogging Paris, think again. I’d take the insanity of the fake-and-bake princess over the excessively dull celebrity wannabe any day, any night. That’s right! I think Perez simply wants to be a celeb. Oh, well…everyone deserves 5 minutes of fame I suppose – even if they are lame-gay-outing-overweight-perverted [I saw what he did to that male model on the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency during the Aussie Bum auditions]- Paris- Hilton- wannabes- with- blue- Kool- Aid- dyed- hair. Smile!
Monday, June 4, 2007
First Weekend in June
Friday
+ In complete contrast to these past few weeks, my weekend seemed like it was going to be totally busy.
– I had tons of schoolwork.
+ I managed to finish most of the work before Friday evening.
– She had it at a bar and so I couldn't go.
+ Instead, my Ma took me shopping and then we went out for dinner.
+ My new bed was delivered early the next morning.
– The bed is a lot higher than I expected because they used a different box spring in the showroom at the store.
+ I love my new bed.
+ My long-time family friend Lorraine was turning 21 and had her birthday party at her home.
– I felt really old and because there were so many people there, I didn't get to spend much time with Lorraine.
+ It was my first time out at social gathering in a while since my foot has been giving me problems.
+ I managed to get another appointment for a knee MRI this time.
– The appointment was at a hospital a half-hour away from my house and it was at 4 a.m.
+ I got a call saying they don't think there's a tumor in my knee.
+ I went to Guelph.
– I spent almost the entire time completing an ecological observation on Canada geese in a soccer field by the university's arboretum.
+ I got to spend the afternoon with Lyndsay, one of my favourite people at Guelph.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Where Ro seems to go, there will be a blow
Blow up that is, and this war of words did not fall short to the legacy. As we all know from having this story shoved in our faces, Rosie O'Donnell was upset that Elisabeth Hasselbeck did not defend her when being accused of calling U.S. troops "terrorists". EH kindly shrieked out, "You are an adult, and I'm not going to be the person for you to explain your thoughts. ... Defend your own insinuations."
I know this story has been everywhere and you might be sick of hearing about it. But I have a couple of things to say so just bear with me.
1. Why didn't they roll to commercials? After reading through Ro's blog, she did not leave "The View" because she couldn't stand three more weeks of pro-Republican bullshit but because she felt the producers of the show set her up for this confrontation. After co-host Joy Behar repeatedly tried to cool the situation down, a split screen appeared as if the two women were boxers facing off before a big match. Ridiculous! I'm asking the same question as Joy did at the end of the Hot Topics segment: "Who is directing the show?"
2. Why is Ro considered eccentric/controversial? I still don't understand this… I keep coming across those words as if being an intelligent liberal thinker is an odd thing. I can't even understand how someone could not see that Ro is a good-hearted person who's standing up for what's right. I wonder if more people would respect this woman if she weren't a fat dyke. Ro is right, damnit!!
3. Why was this all such a big deal? U.S. troops are terrorists. I'm sure they don't realize this for the most part. But they are. Now, please shut the fuck up and hear me out at least before you get all Republican on my ass and start leaving me curse-filled comments about how I should burn in hell for having brown-skin and therefore being a member of Al Qaeda. What is a terrorist? A terrorist is, according to dictionary.com, "a person, usually a member of a group, who uses or advocates terrorism." What is terrorism? Terrorism is "the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes." U.S. troops are terrorists.
In any case, "The View" will suffer in ratings after this incident. I've tried to tune in once or twice but the conversation has seemed to have fallen into dumbass banter. With Meredith Viera, Star Jones, and now Rosie gone, all the show is left with is the not-so-comical comedy of Joy Behar, the unforgettable… [I'm sorry, what's her name again? Elisabeth Hussyback?]…the unforgettable blonde bitch with backward opinions and an annoying voice [Okay, EH is pretty damn forgettable. I mean, she started off on "Survivor"… that says a lot.], and [speaking of annoying voices…] the legendary Baba Wawa. [Sorry, miss, I know you're 78-years-old but your idiosyncratic speech with its rounded "R" is as fucking irritating as a bad case of herpes or Donald Trump.]
I know this story has been everywhere and you might be sick of hearing about it. But I have a couple of things to say so just bear with me.
1. Why didn't they roll to commercials? After reading through Ro's blog, she did not leave "The View" because she couldn't stand three more weeks of pro-Republican bullshit but because she felt the producers of the show set her up for this confrontation. After co-host Joy Behar repeatedly tried to cool the situation down, a split screen appeared as if the two women were boxers facing off before a big match. Ridiculous! I'm asking the same question as Joy did at the end of the Hot Topics segment: "Who is directing the show?"
2. Why is Ro considered eccentric/controversial? I still don't understand this… I keep coming across those words as if being an intelligent liberal thinker is an odd thing. I can't even understand how someone could not see that Ro is a good-hearted person who's standing up for what's right. I wonder if more people would respect this woman if she weren't a fat dyke. Ro is right, damnit!!
3. Why was this all such a big deal? U.S. troops are terrorists. I'm sure they don't realize this for the most part. But they are. Now, please shut the fuck up and hear me out at least before you get all Republican on my ass and start leaving me curse-filled comments about how I should burn in hell for having brown-skin and therefore being a member of Al Qaeda. What is a terrorist? A terrorist is, according to dictionary.com, "a person, usually a member of a group, who uses or advocates terrorism." What is terrorism? Terrorism is "the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes." U.S. troops are terrorists.
In any case, "The View" will suffer in ratings after this incident. I've tried to tune in once or twice but the conversation has seemed to have fallen into dumbass banter. With Meredith Viera, Star Jones, and now Rosie gone, all the show is left with is the not-so-comical comedy of Joy Behar, the unforgettable… [I'm sorry, what's her name again? Elisabeth Hussyback?]…the unforgettable blonde bitch with backward opinions and an annoying voice [Okay, EH is pretty damn forgettable. I mean, she started off on "Survivor"… that says a lot.], and [speaking of annoying voices…] the legendary Baba Wawa. [Sorry, miss, I know you're 78-years-old but your idiosyncratic speech with its rounded "R" is as fucking irritating as a bad case of herpes or Donald Trump.]
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