~ Across the Universe ~

Good Day Sunshine

2011-12-28T10:29:00.005-05:00

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."
~ Oprah Winfrey

There are only a few days left to 2011. It's hard to look back on a single year in isolation, on its events, beginnings, transitions and endings; the years really do blur together. The one event that REALLY stands out from the year is my big brother's wedding. That was one of the happiest days, and so memorable.

There are lots of exciting events coming (weddings, babies, Olympics, etc.), and lots of hopes that I carry for this fresh start. I wish everyone health, happiness and renewed energy for 2012. I love you all and hope to continue to keep in touch!

FILMS
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) ****
A Christmas Carol (2009) **

Yes It Is

2011-12-21T22:51:00.001-05:00

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
~ Normal Vincent Peale

There hasn't been much to blog about lately... But I wanted to take the opportunity (before it passed me by) to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, a wonderfully fun time ringing in 2012, and a safe and restful holiday for all.

With glittery love, wrapped in holly,

Meg :-)

FILMS
A Christmas Story (1983) *****
Pluto's Christmas Tree (1952) *****
Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983) *****
Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 (2011) ****
Hugo (2011) ****
Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010) ****
Super 8 (2011) ****
Legend of the Millenium Dragon (2011) ***
A Garfield Christmas Special (TV, 1987) ***
Puss in Boots (2011) ***
Bridesmaids (2011) ***
That Touch of Mink (1962) ***
The Brothers Solomon (2007) ***
Holiday Inn (1942) ***
Anastasia (1997) ***
Garfield's Halloween Adventure (TV, 1985) ***
The Adventures of Ichabod & Mr. Toad (1949) ***
The Late Show (1977) **

BOOKS
A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens, 1843) *****
Fantastic Mr. Fox (Roald Dahl, 1970) ****
Little Women (Louisa May Alcott, 1868) **

Love These Goon Shows!

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

"Pixie, kobold, elf, and sprite,
All are on their rounds tonight;
In the wan moon's silver ray,
Thrives their helter-skelter play."
~ Joel Benton

Happy Halloween!!

My sister's buck & doe was a huge amount of work, but I think it was fairly successful! There was lots of food, there were all sorts of games and contests, and a good number of familiar faces! I was thoroughly impressed with many of the costumes that I saw (some of my favourites were Spock from Star Trek and Leeloo from The Fifth Element!). Sammi was a pirate vixen, my dad was a scary skeleton, my sister was a dark pixie, my brother was a knight and my sister-in-law was an Amazon warrior.

Not only was my costume a success in not being skanky, it was a success in a costume contest! I dressed up as Link (from the Legend of Zelda video games, pictured above if you don't know him). I already had the Hylian Shield, which my big brother made me (yep, by hand!) a few Christmases ago, and the clothing was an eBay purchase from an independent seller in China.

Given more time I would have loved to make it myself or at least alter it. But overall I was SO pleased to wear it. I was able to be modest and silly, not self-consciously re-adjusting iffy hemlines every few minutes. AND I won a bucket of treats in the costume contest!! Next year I will get a better head-start. But what fun!

I hope that everyone has a safe and happy Halloween tonight. Be nice to trick-or-treaters, brush your teeth after yummy sweets and please don't blow up our new mailbox this year... I'm serious! It's a really nice one!

FILMS
The Shop Around the Corner (1940) ****
Stepbrothers (2008) ***

BOOKS
The Tale of Two Bad Mice (Beatrix Potter, 1904) *****
The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Beatrix Potter, 1902) ****
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck (Beatrix Potter, 1908) ***
The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher (Beatrix Potter, 1906) **

It's All Too Much

2011-10-23T15:57:00.000-04:00

"Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story."
~ Mason Cooley

Working my way through Little Women (by Louisa May Alcott), slowly but surely. Not actually enjoying it very much. I find the plotline very tedious (in the same way as with Jane Austen, all about social status and manners and parties), and the characters very uninteresting. It's so heavy on morality that I feel like I'm being lectured to by a nagging great-aunt or something... I'm going to finish it anyways, just to be able to say that I have (and, of course, to give the work as a whole a fair chance). But truthfully, reading this novel is kind of like pulling teeth. Here's hoping that next month's classic (The Scarlet Letter) is a better choice!

Besides my job (which some days is good and some days kicks my a$$), my time has been full of helping out at home, getting reading for my sister's buck & doe (this coming weekend!), trying to put together a Halloween costume (not going so great because I don't want to dress as a skank, sorry), and visiting friends & family. Thank goodness for friends and family!

Seriously, though, commercially-available costumes for women SUCK. Guys get to be monsters and superheroes and fun/crazy things... 90% of womens' costumes are skanky. Skanky monsters, skanky superheroes, skanky fairy-tale characters... Hello! Since when was Halloween sponsored by the Stag Shop?! Dressing up used to be fun, but now I feel like there is too much pressure for women to bare all. I'm really not into the adult-teasing look. I'm the kind of person who would want to dress like an ACTUAL ninja turtle (not this crap), or a normal Hogwarts student, (versus this getup), or a traditional Robin Hood (not this tasteful number).

Visiting 3+ costume shops was one of the most demeaning experiences of my life. I felt like I was trying on tacky stripper costumes. In future, I'm going to plan my costumes far ahead of time, and make them myself. For real. I refuse to spend hard-earned money (average $50-90 per basic costume -- no shoes, wigs or makeup included) on flimsy, slutty outfits that will rob me of my self-respect for one supposedly fun-filled night of the year. As for this year, I am hoping that an eBay purchase will come in time for the weekend, but otherwise I will use an old costume instead. What are you doing for Halloween this year, and how do you handle the costume situation?

FILMS
It Happened One Night (1934) *****
What's Up, Doc? (1972) ****
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) ***

BOOKS
The City of Ember (Jeanne DuPrau, 2003) ****
Madeline (Ludwig Bemelmans, 1939) ****
Madeline's Rescue (Ludwig Bemelmans, 1953) ****
Madeline in London (Ludwig Bemelmans, 1961) ***
Madeline and the Bad Hat (1956) ***

OLD-TIME RADIO SHOWS
Rebecca (CBS: Campbell Playhouse, 1938) ***
Wuthering Heights (NBC: Ford Theatre, 1949) ***
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Colonial Radio Theatre, 2005) ** [not "old", I know].

Love of the Loved

2011-10-02T11:40:00.000-04:00

"The oldest books are still only just out to those who have not read them. "

~ Samuel Butler

From my time in school, I was introduced to lots of what we could call “Classic”novels, films, short stories, and poems. Although I’m notalways 100% clear on what makes a Capital-C “Classic”, I can definitely appreciate the impact a well-known work can have on language, subsequent works, and popular culture.

When looking back at all the classic novels which I have read (not too shabby a bunch, I think!), I came up with quite a list of many which I have always wanted to explore, but have yet to read. Therefore, I have come up with a challenge. It is to read a selected group of 15 classic novels (which interest me, not just any old novels) before January 1, 2013. That averages to about a novel per month, and each month will have a designated novel (those with an asterisk are novels of which I have read at least part, but either never finished or can't remember):

2011

October: Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott (1868)
November: The Scarlet Letter, by Nathanial Hawthorne (1850)
December: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens (1843)

2012

January: *The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
February: The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck (1939)
March: The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas (1844)
April: *To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee (1960)
May: The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler (1939)
June: *Nineteen Eighty-Four, by George Orwell (1949)
July: Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brontë (1847)
August: On the Road, by Jack Kerouac (1957)
September: David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens (1850)
October: Stange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886)
November: Vanity Fair, by William Makepeace Thackeray (1848)
December: Three Men in a Boat, by Jerome K. Jerome (1889)

I don't plan on writing long reviews afterwards; indeed, they will only be included in the usual reviews sections at the end of posts. But I thought I would share about my efforts, and hopefully people will let me know if they've read any of these and what they thought of them!

FILMS
Scrooge (1951) *****
Funny Face (1957) **

Drive My Car

2011-09-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

"It's not true I had nothing on... I had the radio on."
~ Marilyn Monroe

I have to drive a lot for my job. I don't mind! At least road construction (my main source of delay or frustration) is better than the snow and ice with which I have yet to deal. HOWEVER, I really quickly grew tired of the radio. And even though I do enjoy music, my CD collection is modest at best (most would say sparse). So my next venture was into audiobooks. I listened to Brave New World, a novel I had studied in school, and started Ella Enchanted (I had not read that one, but had seen the movie some years ago).

BNW was really good, read by Michael York, but EE was kind of grating (read by a youngish girl). I also found both of them somewhat hard to follow, as I was (in university) formally diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (long story short, I can hear fine, but the information I hear gets jumbled up in my brain like gibberish so that I can't always understand or remember what I hear). I regularly lost track of what was going on, forgot what a character said, and had to backtrack several times to get back into the story. Then I re-discovered radio plays.

Old-Time Radio (OTR) plays! Have you heard them? They used to be the biggest thing, and I remember listening to a couple of them after taking a university course all about Orson Welles (War of the Worlds and A Christmas Carol were the ones I enjoyed). You can download them or stream them for free from lots of sites (try here, here, here or here). I have downloaded a few and burned them onto CDs, and BOY am I enjoying listening to them while I drive! They're fairly short (30-60 min each, on average), include a lot of fine acting and sound effects, so it's more like listening to a movie where they cleverly provide the "visuals" through the dialogue. I am probably going to listen to many more of these delightful shows, adding a new "review" section to the blog. Check them out! They are a cool compromise between audiobooks and movies. If you are sick of the radio but aren't into long narratives, you might be pleasantly surprised by what OTR has to offer.

Be forewarned, however, these plays ALWAYS include the old commercial breaks (generally a single 1-minute ad by the show's sponsor, like Campbell's Soup or Lux Soap or what-have-you). It's funny, even though they are shamelessly heavy-handed in their advertising scheme, getting the star of the show to tell you how soft their skin has become from using Lux Soap, etc., the ads themselves are a little blast from the past that I enjoy more than I like to admit.

All I want to watch/listen to now is stuff from the 1930s-50s! Love that stuff :-D

FILMS
Roman Holiday (1953) ****

OLD-TIME RADIO SHOWS
The Count of Monte Cristo (CBS: Mercury Theater on the Air, 1938) ****
Arsenic and Old Lace (NBC: Best Plays, 1946) ****
The Wizard of Oz (CBS: Lux Radio Theater, 1950) ***
Now Voyager (CBS: Encore Theater, 1946) ***
Dark Victory (CBS: Encore Theater, 1946) ***

The Honeymoon Song

2011-09-19T17:10:00.000-04:00

"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life."
~ Rita Rudner

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!!!

Congrats to my big brother and my new sister-in-law on their marriage! The wedding was on the weekend and it was BEAUTIFUL. Some of the best parts were the weather, the location, the simple ceremony, the food, the music, the guests, the speeches, the... Okay, so everything was perfect. That's all I can say: perfect wedding.

It was at the Cambridge Mill, a gorgeous location. The ceremony was in a little park across the street, overlooking the river, and all cobblestoned with tall trees. It was a sunny, breezy day. The ceremony itself was fairly short and more-or-less secular, and I got to do a short reading. I read "To Love is Not to Possess" by James Kavanaugh (read it on this page). Then there were pictures taken, and cocktails served... Dinner with speeches in-between the courses, then dancing... It was incredible.

For food, the dinner had an appetizer, a choice of 1 of 3 entrees (or something special for those like me with dietary restrictions), and a dessert. Then cupcakes. Then a chocolate fountain. Then a midnight snack platter... Holy sugar-hangover, Batman!

What an unbelievable weekend. I can't wait to see the professional photos! And in the meantime, there have been 2 new engagement announcements (both from cousins). Looking forward to an awful lot of special occasions! Phewf!

FILMS
Peter Pan (2003) ****
Garfield's Halloween Adventure (TV, 1985) ***
Garfield's Thanksgiving (TV, 1989) **

BOOKS
Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) *****

Any Time at All

2011-09-11T11:04:00.000-04:00

"Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."
~ Jane Howard

Time flies when you're having fun! Also when you're extremely busy.

Work is great! It's very busy and sometimes quiet stressful but good. I enjoy what I do, I just worry too much that I am not doing a good enough job. Perfectionism, ech! It ruins a "perfectly" good day sometimes.

Family life is I-N-S-A-N-E. 1 bachelorette, 1 bridal shower and 1 baby shower done. Upcoming: a wedding, 2 baby showers (same weekend), a buck & doe, a birthday, another bridal shower, then another baby shower, then another wedding. I kid you not. All this before the Christmas season gets underway. But even if I'm spending all my paycheques on baby blankets and crockpots and dresses, and complaining about having no free time, I do love having such a big family and so much good news being passed around. I complain with a smile because otherwise I'd brag and be even more annoying. So I'll keep it short: my family is HUMONGOUS, and they take up ALL my time and energy, and I love them ALL for it.

FILMS
Limitless (2011) ****
The Help (2011) ****
Captain America: First Avenger (2011) ***
Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010) ***
Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) ***
The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus (1985) ***
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) **
Mom and Dad Save the World (1992) *

BOOKS
The Help (Kathryn Stockett) ****
The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd) ***
Breakfast at Tiffany's (Truman Capote) ***

And Your Bird Can Sing

2011-08-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

"This was one of those perfect New England days in late summer where the spirit of autumn takes a first stealing flight, like a spy, through the ripening country-side, and, with feigned sympathy for those who droop with August heat, puts her cool cloak of bracing air about leaf and flower and human shoulders."
~ Sarah Orne Jewett

I've been working for a couple of weeks now, and starting to settle in a little bit. I figure it will probably take at least a month or two to really find a groove, but so far, so good. I really like my job :-)

Summer is starting to wind down... Not the plans (they've gone out of control), but the weather. Despite the craziness of family events and home projects, there are some quiet (beautiful!) mornings like this one when I feel the seasons starting to change.

So many signs! The nights and mornings have gotten cooler, daylight is shortnening, the afternoons are a little breezier, the birds are starting to gather in preparation to migrate, and the smell of corn and ripe or fermenting windfall apples is in the air. Grocery stores and farmer's markets are bursting at the seams with delicious fresh local produce (I'm obsessed with Ontario peaches and sweet corn lately), but there's a sense of things approaching an end.

I think people are starting to feel it too with our calendars, with the 'Back-to-School' sales underway, advertisements for the CNE (which I don't plan on attending this year) and other late-Summer-early-Autumn harvest festivals (the Paris Fair, the St. George Applefest, the Waterford Pumpkin Festival, the Niagara Wine Festival, etc.). Lots to do, lots of fun to be had!

It's exciting, but kind of sad at the same time. To me, August and September are very sentimental months. Autumn is actually my favourite season, but there's a part of it that makes me so wistful and nostalgic. I become lost in memories of all the Autumns past.

And so, ENJOY the rest of the summer, everybody! Go outside, walk/run/bike/hike/swim/garden, soak in the sunshine, shop local, and hopefully September will find us all happy and healthy and geared up for all the next season has to offer. *sniffle* :-)

FILMS
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II (2011) *****
Cowboys and Aliens (2011) ***
Rango (2011) ***
Sucker Punch (2011) **
Batman Forever (1995) **

Glad All Over

2011-07-29T03:11:00.000-04:00

"The will to do, the soul to dare."
~ Sir Walter Scott

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a one-year contract, and I start on Tuesday :-D

Thank you SO much to everyone who has supported me through this -- there were certainly some trying times and I will always appreciate the encouragement you all gave and the faith you put in me! Love you all!

FILMS
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II (2011) *****
I Heart Huckabees (2004) ****
Despicable Me (2010) ***

Sun King

2011-07-24T22:41:00.000-04:00

"Then followed that beautiful season... Summer...
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I love the summer. There are no "real" updates at the moment. I am still in limbo, waiting to hear about that job, and might apply to another posting in the meantime since I am starting to worry. So instead I will randomly list some of the most fantabulous parts of summer that make me smile! :-) ...In no particular order:

Lots of daylight and sunshine (yum, Vitamin D!)
Minimal clothing -- no bulky coats/mitts/boots/hats/&c.
Active critters on the farm: birds, bugs, raccoons, chipmunks, skunks, coyotes, deer, wild turkeys, snakes, &c.
Awesome weather: heat, rain, morning dew, cool breezes
Outdoor activities like swimming, camping, canoeing, hiking, and biking.
Free festivals and outdoor concerts.
Fresh local produce: peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, cherries, and corn (a vegetarian's dream come true)!
Summer blockbuster movies! (we're going to see Harry Potter on Wednesday)
Open windows and fresh air through the whole house.
Sleeping with just a light sheet on the bed.
Gardening, growing our own deliciousness!
BBQs, backyard get-togethers and meals on patios.
Running around in sandals and barefoot.
Shady, leafy green trees.
Cold drinks on hot days. Especially iced coffee (good golly, it brings me joy).

FILMS
The Adjustment Bureau (2011) ****
The NeverEnding Story (1984) ****
Pom Poko (1994) ***

Crying, Waiting, Hoping

2011-07-11T03:11:00.000-04:00

"Be like the flower, turn your face to the sun."
~ Kahlil Gibran

Placement. Is. OVER!! ...I'm kind of in shock at being finished. I've been a student for over 20 years -- it's what I answer when a stranger asks, "so, what do you do?" What do I say now? LOL

Still going through the job application process. In the meantime, I'm focusing on living it up during the Summer weather. Lots of swimming, gardening (planted spinach, chard, radishes, beets and lettuce today, watered the beans, tomatoes, eggplants and squash), and hopefully soon some canoeing on the Grand River :-) I miss being in a canoe SO bad.

Going to escape with my Dad to a boathouse/cottage, to get work out of my head for a few days. Hoping to get some good reading done, play some killer rounds of Scrabble, chase chipmunks with my camera and dip my feet in the rather icy Severn River. Hope everyone is having a good Summer so far!

FILMS
My Neighbor Totoro (1988) ****
X-Men 3: The Last Stand (2006) ***
Blast From the Past (1999) ***
Tales from Earthsea (2006) **

Helter Skelter

2011-06-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read and all the friends I want to see."
~ John Burroughs

It has been awhile. Life has been a little bit crazy (but good-crazy). No big topic today, just some updates for those I have trouble keeping in touch with (my friends abroad, especially!).

My school placement has been intense, but it has gotten better over time and now has only 2 weeks left. I have applied for a couple of jobs and did a first interview for one of them (the one I really want) last week. I think it went well, so now I am just waiting to hear about a second round. It's kind of weird to know that I am so close to the end of my school years. School is all I've known! But I think that having a career will be exciting, especially doing something that I love. I've been slowly allowing my wardrobe to "grow up" with me lately, letting go of old (and worn-out) graphic tee shirts (which I am still preparing to quilt together as a blanket of memories!), and buying office-worthy attire. It's not an easy transition for me, the perpetually-pajama-donned.

I tried for a few weeks to give up caffeine. Complete and utter failure. I think I drink more coffee now than before I tried weaning off of it. Starbucks is my crack. I can't believe how quickly I started going ino withdrawal (things like caffeine headaches, irritability, etc.)... Something to attempt in the future, when the situation is a bit less stressful.

Lots and lots and LOTS of family events. Birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, Father's Day, engagements, announcements of pregnancies... My Dad says that I'm just at "that age" (meaning that everyone I know is settling down and having kids, I suppose). Tonight I am going to my sister-to-be's bachelorette party. Oy vey. When the event includes a BBQ, a casino, a strip club (ecch) and multiple bars/clubs afterwards... It should be interesting (especially for a DD. Sigh).

...I love having such a tight-knit network of friends and family. Sometimes they drive me crazy, but I wouldn't trade them for all the gold and diamonds and chocolate in the world.

Bailey has pretty much completely recovered from his surgery, and life for him is basically back to normal. His fur is still growing back (and has a ways to go) so he still looks kind of funny, but I tell him every day that he is a handsome charmer. And I mean it! He has me wrapped around his little pinkie-claw.

The farm has been a busy place... The pool is open (but a bit chilly from all this rain), the garden is partially-planted (and I helped! ^_^), a bunch of straggly trees and rogue branches have been cut down, Mom's adopted horse will be coming home soon, and lots of contractors have been coming by to give estimates on various jobs on the barn, the house, etc. We will probably be getting some new windows and a new patio door this year as well, to replace the broken ones. A season of tackling that monstrous to-do list (and it's mostly my Dad doing this, poor retired fellow)!

A quick list of what's coming up: Bachelorette (tonight), Canada Day and Pride next weekend, a trip to the Toronto Zoo (I hope soon!!), a road trip with Dad to Ottawa and Quebec City, and probably lots more that I am forgetting.

That is all for now! Hopefully I will have more time to blog once placement finishes. I miss updating it, but my mind is too focused on just getting through the next couple of weeks that I haven't spent much time in real reflection. Oh, and...When you see the crazy list of movies below... Please bear in mind that those are from almost 2 months! I am not in front of the TV every day *blush*...

BOOKS
Water for Elephants (Sara Gruen) ****
The Winter Garden (Kristin Hannah) ****
The Tales of Beedle the Bard (J.K. Rowling) ***

FILMS
X-Men: First Class (2011) *****
X-Men (2000) *****
Zoolander (2001) *****
Galaxy Quest (1999) ****
Thor (2011) ****
Shrek 2 (2004) ****
Idiocracy (2006) ****
Bridesmaids (2011) ***
X2: X-Men United (2003) ***
Zombieland (2009) ***
Touch of Pink (2004) ***
Nina's Heavenly Delights (2006) ***
Black Swan (2010) ***
How to Train Your Dragon (2010) ***
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) **
Vampires Suck (2010) **
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (2009) *
The Jungle Book (1994) *

I Don't Want to Spoil the Party

2011-05-03T17:32:00.000-04:00

"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money."
~ Cree Indian Proverb

Experts from the U.N. project that the global human population is going to break 7 billion by the end of the year. 7,000,000,000 (yeah, 9 zeros). Think about that number. It took only 12 years since humans broke the 6-billion mark (in 1999) for another billion to be added. They predict we will break 10 billion (OR MORE) by the end of the century.

Does no-one else see the crisis in this? When they talk about it on the news, they either announce it as a piece of mildly-interesting trivia, or something to be excited about (as if this were some great achievement). This is shockingly revealing of how clueless the world is, as a whole, of the consequences of human action, the sheer mind-boggling scale of our destruction. This is not a case of a bored dog chewing up your favourite couch. I'm talking every disaster movie combined, times a thousand.

NEWS FLASH:

There's a global food crisis going on (though you'd never guess when walking through your local grocery store).
There's a global water crisis too. They come together as a set.
The cost of oil is going steadily up (around here gasoline prices have increased by over 30% since this time last year), and like it or not, will sooner or later run out entirely.
Current energy systems are barely able to meet the worldwide demand for electricity.
We've caused almost irreparable damage to the environment (climate change being only a symptom) through our consumption of resources and output of pollution.
Whole ecosystems have been destroyed, and tens of thousands of species of plant and animal have gone extinct (read this for a sobering look at the next 40 years). Extinct means forever. Do you want to be the one to tell your children or grandchildren that they will never see a live tiger or mountain gorilla, because of human recklessness and carelessness?

We are completely exhausting the planet's ability to sustain the current number of 6,916,153,099 ...And no shortage of babies on the way. And this is something we are supposed to smile at, and say, "WOW! We are REALLY good at procreating! We should all get trophies for being the most virus-like species!"

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but I'm personally horrified that there isn't more being done to halt and REVERSE (you heard me) this trend [...disclaimer: I'm not talking about cutting down the living population-- I'm not a monster! I'm talking about LESS BABIES so that the population can drop over the natural course of time...]. I lay awake at night in fear of what the future holds. Economic growth should NOT be the primary driving force in making more people. You won't worry about your bank stocks if your children are starving to death. Money in the bank but an empty fridge? No more trees? No more animals? No more fertile soil or drinkable water?

Where in hell have people's priorities gone? Or is everyone just moseying along with their hands clapped over their ears, humming "It's a Small World"? (It's smaller than you think.) You may walk by homeless people without noticing, or throw a coffee cup out the car window, or leave the TV on when you leave the room. These things have imperceptible consequences as they relate directly to you. But please, I beg of you, look at the big picture. See beyond your own home and your own existence.

We ALL need to take responsibility for all that has been lost.
We ALL must strive to preserve what remains.
We ALL should support and exhaust efforts to restore what can be restored.
We need a global awakening to this sleepwalking disaster. WAKE UP!!!

And for EARTH'S SAKE, STOP making so many BABIES!!!!

Sea of Time

2011-05-01T10:30:00.000-04:00

"I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour. I dropped it carelessly. Ah! I didn't know, I held opportunity!"
~ Hazel Lee

Making time for things that matter. A struggle for most people, it seems. Making time to cook proper meals, to read good books, to visit with friends and family, to take care of ourselves... Ours is a world full of distractions, and we are coached daily to shorten our collective attention span. I know that I regularly fight with myself to get the frack OFF the Internet and back to reality, where real life is patiently waiting.

Lately I have been putting serious effort into unplugging myself a little more. Not just avoiding the computer and the TV, but re-directing myself to real-life activities. Taking care of the pooch (who is recovering beautifully from his surgery), reading excellent books (see below), working hard at my placement (I would love to say "job" but don't feel allowed since I'm unpaid), growing a garden of veggies and flowers, and talking at length with important people in my life. I have also started working out daily (to a Jillian Michaels DVD) and trying harder to fit the good stuff into my packed lunches. Little baby steps.

It has been making an amazing difference. I have had a lot more energy, more time to do the things I like, and a better outlook. Has wasting my free time on the computer been directly killing my moods and my health? Not necessarily, but it certainly hasn't helped. The more I step away from the glowing screens and think "What can I do instead?" (much easier to consider now that milder temperatures are settling in), the longer my attention span is growing. Better focus, more energy and stamina in the day, more excitement at progress, the more I feel grounded and present.

And even though I value the interactions online -- since that is the only way I can keep in touch with some people -- spending time with my siblings and bestest friends has given me really substantial satisfaction. The four-course meal of conversation, versus the Facebook Happy Meal.

People used to always tell me how gardening, or sailing, or hiking (or whatever) make them alive in the present moment. And it's true! Physical, real-life activity and real-time face-to-face social interaction with the people who matter do more for my wellbeing than anything else out there. All I have to do now is keep it up, and resist the constant temptation of glowing-screen vegetative escape!

FILMS
The King's Speech (2010) *****
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) *****
Megamind (2010) ****
Touch of Pink (2004) ****

BOOKS
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (Fannie Flagg) *****
Room (Emma Donoghue) *****

I'm So Tired

2011-04-15T18:01:00.000-04:00

"Find a job you like and you add five days to every week."
~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Just a couple of quick updates... Placement is keeping me mighty busy. Lots of driving. No job prospects yet (that's a bit discouraging), but at least I'm getting good experience and having the opportunity to learn from lots of different people with various specializations. Very tiring but good. I'm glad I have some really cool people around to talk to!

Bailey is recovering well from his surgery. His mind is way ahead of his body and he wants to go running on a still-healing knee. Goofy mutt. Glad to see him at least feeling better, even though he won't really be "recovered" until mid-June or so. Just in time for the REALLY nice weather :-)

Upcoming... The CN Tower Climb tomorrow morning! I am excited. Hope I don't destroy my (only minimally-trained) legs. Raised over $200 for the World Wildlife Fund :-D I will also be stopping by the Green Show (by myself, it seems), since I had to miss it 2 years in a row. More gardening (our tomato seedlings are looking good! We're overdue to indoor-plant cucumbers & eggplants). Reading when I can keep my eyes open. Walking when it's warm.

...I have no time.

FILMS
Matilda (1996) ****
Hanna (2011) ***

BOOKS
The Book of Negroes (Lawrence Hill) ****
The Hundred and One Dalmatians (Dodie Smith) ***
James and the Giant Peach (Roald Dahl) **

Hippy Hippy Shake

2011-03-30T16:14:00.001-04:00

"My favourite Pokemon is Diglett, because he is still underground."
~ Hipster Cat

There are a lot of jokes nowadays about hipsters. It seems like the term originates in the 1930s (according to Wikipedia, the all-knowing lord of questionable trivia) but has come back in the 2000s, describing a type of middle-class urban subculture mainly interested in indie film, indie rock, and which fetishizes the concept of "authenticity".

I've heard a lot of hipster talk, both in jest and in sincerity, things like "that band was way better before they sold out. As soon as they get big, they bow down to the Man..." and "I got this shirt from a little boutique that nobody knows about. Handmade, one of a kind, real art," and "I don't watch TV, it just brainwashes you into loving mediocrity." Here are some examples of the tongue-in-cheek version of the popular hipster identity: Hipster Cat, Hipster Gandalf, and Hipster Superheroes.

I laughed at these jokes. And I knew the people. But then I thought back on my university years and had a chilling realization: I was well on my way to fitting the stereotype. Not so much in my study of English, but I was turning into a Film Hipster. Indie films were all the rage among my classmates, and we snickered at how glossy and fake the big commecial productions were. Many others wore ironic fashion statements, made their own clothes, touted the value of "post-rock" as the only worthwhile music, went vegan or freegan just to be different... Don't get me wrong, my peers were some brilliant people! Just eccentric, sometimes a little too intentionally.

I was very influenced by them, and I think I must have annoyed my family (and MANY friends) when I ripped apart "mainstream" movies for their formulaic plots and sticking to conventional camera styles, while yammering on about how so-and-so unknown director from the Czech Republic, working with this obscure American writer, created a work of art that would change your life.

*Shame* I was a hipster. I've since gone back to my mainstream movie, popular music, bestseller reading, mall-bought fashion ways, but the hipster streak will be with me forever. Guess I'll have to take it one day at a time. LOL

If you want to see more...
--> here is a serious article with more background
--> here is a bunch of pictures and videos if you just want to laugh at hipsters.

Revolution

2011-03-28T10:46:00.001-04:00

"If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone."
~ John Maxwell

Sometimes I wonder if I am expecting too much from people of the previous generation (the Baby-Boomers, more or less). In terms of human rights (women, gays, Blacks, etc.), "Western" society advanced by leaps and bounds due to the passionate efforts of the Boomers. It really was a social and cultural revolution, and I can only imagine how THEIR parents and grandparents felt about the new concepts they were forced to accept (if not only tolerate).

I can only imagine the inter-generational arguments that erupted at dinner time.

Well, a new generation has reached adulthood, and the tradition of dinnertime social debate lives on, alive and healthy. New adults with a fresh look at a changing world duke it out with the veterans of the previous revolution. As the causes of the 1960s-90s have been moving well along (not solved, but in progress at least), 21st-century causes move to the forefront: same-sex marriage, climate change, animal rights, transgender rights, war in the Middle-East, childhood obesity, cancer, etc. It's all the same fight, just new arenas.

Through high school, university and then college (jeepers, I have been in school for a long time...), I have been exposed to such a spectrum of life and creativity and identity. I have spent time sharing ideas and interests with people of many nationalities, religions, sexual and gender identities, vocations, fashion choices, music tastes, etc. etc. I have been blessed by years rich with growth and learning and deepening of perspective. Through this, I have become more able to adapt to new ideas, accept "foreign" (literally and figuratively) beliefs, and share experience with a much greater number of other people -- even if you'd think we couldn't possibly have anything in common.

This is where it gets thorny. I and many of my friends are accustomed to considering alternative possibilities and accepting that much in this world is relative, residing in a grey area, up for debate and possibly impossible to judge or settle. We've grown up in a much "smaller" world, aware of people in all corners. Many Boomers that I meet (not all, mind you), have gotten stuck in a rut of black-and-white when it comes to current issues. THIS is normal and THAT is weird. THIS is right and THAT is wrong. No in-between, no discussion, no consideration of other perspectives. THIS or THAT. Us or Them.

I find it so surprising (disappointing, actually) that so many adults who once marched for equal rights, screaming slogans and waving picket signs, could now look at the world through such a narrow scope and so easily write off what is being fought for by their children. Whole groups of people are "sick/disturbed" or "freaks". No knowledge of these groups. Never having met anyone belonging to these groups. Written off, just like that. Idiots fighting for a cause not worth supporting, but best ignored or criticized.

This makes me wonder at a larger question. As we age, do we lose our ability to digest new ideas? Will we put our effort into today's revolution, but wake up tomorrow and find it impossible to cope with the new one? Will the causes of the upcoming generation seem too extreme to us?

I can only hope that by continuing to meet new people, discussing new (even if sometimes uncomfortable) ideas, and keeping up with social change will we remain adpatable and open to the debates and passions and protests of our children. I truly believe that the more you try (from foods to philosophies), and learn, and ask, and question... The more you will be able to understand and appreciate, the more you will be able to relate to the rest of our species... The less you will able to write others off as "weird" and "crazy" and "Them".

FILMS
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010) ****
Shrek 2 (2004) ****
The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) ***
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) ***
Twilight (2008) **

Don't Pass Me By

2011-03-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

"You can avoid having ulcers by adapting to the situation: if you fall in the mud puddle, check your pockets for fish."
~ Unknown

Bailey is doing better! :-) Not a puppy again, but not lying on the floor in pain either. Better. *phew* Good thing, too, because we just got HAMMERED with a snowstorm, so we can't just pop out to see the veterinarian!!

Tying up loose ends, while I have this brief stretch of free time. Indoor-planting tomatoes, albumizing photos, filing papers and notes, and spring-cleaning through some clothes (realizing that only about 1/4 of my shirts are even presentable anymore)... Definitely time for a shopping trip. Advice? I am still in student-mode where jeans, t-shirts and hoodies are the uniform. Be gentle.

I have a whole bunch of old t-shirts (mostly from Threadless), lots of designs and a moderate variety of colours (mostly black, white, green, cream, and blue), and I plan on turning them into a jersey quilt, like the one on Twilight: Eclipse (here is something similar). They may not represent all the stops on a roadtrip, but there are still stories & memories attached to them. Will be learning as I go along!

Very nervous about starting Spring placement (even though my new supervisor sounds like a really sweet person). Nervous about finding a job. Just... Fretting in general. Part of the issue is that, compared to last year, I don't feel like I fit in AT ALL with my classmates. We are so different! I have really been feeling like a misfit this year... Working hard to keep my anxiety under control, even when faced with a whole bunch of "ifs" and question marks.

FILMS
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) ****
The Great Mouse Detective (1986) ***
Beastly (2011) ***

BOOKS
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (J.K. Rowling) *****
Matilda (Roald Dahl) *****

Keep Your Hands Off My Baby

2011-03-13T21:37:00.000-04:00

"Why is it drug addicts and computer aficionados are both called users?"
~ Clifford Stoll

You should be careful what you wish for...

I was just telling myself last night that I spend too much time online. Facebook, CollegeHumor and Lolcats (among others) eat up my leisure time like Kobayashi at a hot dog cart. I thought about the coming Spring, and my reading list, and the garden... I said, "I really should try to get away from the computer. I waste too much time. But when it's there, I can't resist."

Well, guess what? My computer (dear, dear Ruby) is in the midst of a nervous breakdown. And she's going to visit the nerd doctors for another lobotamy... Stupid Windows 7. So I guess I got my wish *sigh*! I will disappear for a little bit, and maybe draw it out as an exercise of self-restraint against internet addiction.

All you need to know for now is that things here are completely fine (no big news). Very worried about the people in Japan -- that earthquake/tsunami are terrifying -- but relieved that my great friend and ex-roomie (living in Tokyo) is alright. Realizing how safe and comfortable I am compared to several billion less fortunate beings (human and otherwise) on the Blue Marble, I really can't complain.

FILMS
Elena Undone (2010) ****
Jumper (2008) ***

It Won't Be Long

2011-03-06T13:12:00.000-05:00

"Spring is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn."
~ Lewis Grizzard

I got to try playing Goalball the other night with my classmates, what a riot! Basically it's a sport that was designed blind WWII veterans, but can be played by just about anyone so long as they are blindfolded. It's like a cross between bowling, soccer and reverse-dodgeball, played with a noise-making ball (size of a basketball, with bells inside). If you've never seen it played before, here is a video (once you see it, it makes perfect sense). Very interesting to try, though!

Our poor pooch is really hurtin' with arthritis right now, in his hip and knee. It has been a rough winter for him. Back to the vet again to find a stronger painkiller. I just about cry when I know how uncomfortable he is (won't go for a walk, gets "stuck" at stairs), and there is nothing that I can do about it. Hopefully the warmer weather will bring him some relief.

Another class finished, just 2 left to wrap up (one this week, one the week after). Can hardly wait to have a bit of a break from all the projects! And very excited about not driving to London anymore. No offense to my London buds, but that is a crappy drive.

In addition to my shared gardening ambitions (shared with my awesome parents), I am starting to feel a reading madness building up in my system. I have actually been reading a huge amount over the last months, but it has mainly been Animorphs books (re-visited from my tween and teen years, when I was OBSESSED with the series), so I haven't been saying "BOOKS: Animorphs #20-27"... However, I was thinking back on how much I was reading while in Thunder Bay, and I hope to find that time and concentration again when classes are finished! So time to start compiling a list of books to borrow from the library.

What are your recommendations for some good reads? So far I know that I need to read The Winter Garden (by Kristin Hannah) and The Book of Negroes (by Lawrence Hill) After that, I don't know! Currently re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows because I forget the entire second half. Want to be caught-up before the next (and final, SNIFF!) movie comes out this Summer.

Have a good week! :-)

FILMS
Back to the Future (1985) *****
Juno (2007) ***

Strawberry Fields Forever

2011-03-05T10:01:00.000-05:00

"One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides."
~ W.E. Johns

Birthday celebrations have been fun :-D Thanks everybody for all the sweet words and gestures!

Went seed shopping with Mom & Dad today! We went to William Dam Seeds in rural Dundas, and came home with a big bag of seed-starting soil and a paper bag FULL of goodness. Here is what we have so far:

VEGGIES / FRUIT
- red chard
- cucumbers
- green pole beans
- spinach
- eggplant
- summer squash (a mix)
- butternut squash
- beets
- snow peas
- lettuce mix
- tomatoes (beef & cherry)

HERBS
- parsley
- chamomile
- basil
- dill

FLOWERS
- Morning Glories
- Sunflowers (mix)

And we have some things that come back on their own every year... A whole bunch of perennial flowers (I'm not sure which), asparagus, rhubarb, raspberries and ever-bearing strawberries (there, now the post title makes sense ^_^). Fingers crossed for a good growing season this year!!

FILMS
Sherlock Holmes (2009) ****
Spider-Man 2 (2004) ***

Octopus's Garden

2011-02-28T15:12:00.000-05:00

"Plants cry their gratitude for the sun in green joy."
~ Astrid Alauda

Wow, end of February already! Tomorrow is my 27th birthday. 27 is not a very exciting-sounding age, but I enjoyed being 25 and 26 so I think it will be just fine. I am not afraid of age, and even though I never really plan anything for my bday (laziness? shyness? who knows?), I always feel a little extra special every March 1st. It's a good feeling.

The end of school is almost within reach. The courses this term are already started to wrap up (in week 9 out of 12). Projects and presentations are mostly behind me. Getting excited about bidding the student life (much as I love it) a satisfied "farewell".

The weather is starting to show little glimmers of Springtime around the corner (I love seeing the snow melt... GO FASTER!!). Thank goodness. Because the Southern Ontario's February winter (slush, mud, damp, freezing rain and sleet, low light, and biting wind) have been really wearing me down, and no amount of Vitamin D can keep from that kind of blues.

And on to the MAIN TOPIC of the day: Gardening!!
I have never really been a gardener before... Mom and Dad have always grown LOTS of things on our property -- we live in the country and have a couple of very large gardens. We've always had lots of delicious fresh produce (asparagus, tomatoes, strawberries, peas, sqash cucumbers...) and flowers (tulips, daffodils, roses, lilies...). In the past I have helped out here and there, and I made my own tiny flower bed where I grew a few easy flowers like cosmos and poppies. When I spent some time in Thunder Bay, I got to chat with a couple of wonderful green-thumbs and found myself inspired!!

This year, since I will actually be at home during my Spring placement for school, I really want to be more involved in the garden. This is my chance to experiment and learn from my parents, so that when someday Sam and I find a little house with a nice backyard (hopefully), I can work on growing delicious fresh organic produce and cheery flowers. It's a dream of mine, but I can't get there overnight without some grit under my fingernails (and an impressive collection of bug bites too, I bet). That is my unofficial Spring-Summer project.

To my green-thumb friends and family members... Any advice on how to start? Favourite veggies or flowers you would recommend? General comments? :-)

Sunny hugs to all! Have a great March!

That Means a Lot

2011-02-24T21:28:00.000-05:00

"The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you."
~ John E. Southard

I would like to send out some thanks. Like an Oscar speech but shorter.

First, I'd like to thank the guys who smashed our mailbox. I was tired of the old one anyways. Now the spare one is not taking up space in the garage.

Thank you, city people who dump your garbage on our property; it gets me out of the house and into the fresh air, picking up your crap (...you know that you don't have to pay to have it picked up from your curb, right? Just checking).

To the smokers who blow clouds of rank poison into my face, thank you so much. You make me really appreciate having almost no smoking friends or family members. You remind me to take care of my health.

Thanks to the driver who cut me off on the highway. You remind me to slow down, take my time, and just arrive safely instead of endangering everybody else to arrive home 5 minutes sooner (was it worth it?).

And finally, to my dear cat, thank you for barfing in the middle of the hallway carpet. It really added a nice nuance to the colour scheme. At least you picked an obvious place and not some hidden nook in the living room.

Ahhh... Glad I could pay the love forward. *hugs to the world of non-buttheads*

FILMS
I Am Number Four (2011) ****

Baby's in Black

2011-02-08T21:06:00.001-05:00

"Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity."
~ Voltaire

Am I ever looking forward to Spring... Another medium layer of snow on the ground, just when it was finally melting away! *sigh* I am finished my Braille class and I think it went fine. Ever since then, my motivation for schoolwork has taken kind of a nose-dive. But I'm plugging away because I'm SO close and even though there is a lot of B.S. to deal with (from the college, placement, etc.), it will be worth it when I can start a career that I believe in.

Had an interesting (thought not exactly pleasant) experience at Toronto's dining-in-the-dark restaurant, O. Noir. We went there for dinner for our Leisure Counselling class, as a group. The whole idea is to sit, eat, and talk in PURE darkness. I mean middle-of-a-mountain darkness. 10 feet underground darkness. Pitch black so deep that even after an hour, you can't see your hand in front of your face.

The way it works is (well first, you make reservations!) that you go into the main lobby area and peruse the menu (there are 3 potential courses -- you can choose all 3 or just 2 -- with 5-6 options for each, and surprise options as well). You order, then you're taken into the totally dark dining area by your server (all of whom are blind). They bring you to your chair so you can seat yourself, and over the next hour-and-a-half or so, your meals are brought in and plates are taken away, and you enjoy the experience in pitch blackness. When the meal is over, you're led from the room back into the lobby (where you now realize why the lights were kept so dim! *squint*). Now here's the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Good: The lobby was warm and classy. The servers are very kind and patient. The food was tasty. Even the dinner roll brought out to start seemed to have so much flavour. A simple salad became like a game of discovery (what's that? what's this? it tastes like...) The shapes, textures and flavours of each dish seemed surprising and interesting, either because of a creative chef or from having your senses rearranged in priority. The experience was very unique and "eye-opening" (okay, an unfortunate expression). This will give you a very good idea of how difficult something like dining out (which sighted people generally see as fun and relaxing) can be for someone without vision. An unexpected discovery, too, was how different my classmates behaved in the darkness; usually chatty people were calm and quiet, while normally easygoing ones became uncomfortable or fearful or awkward. It can bring out different sides in people. I became so quiet (see: The Ugly, below) that the girl next to me thought that I had left for half-an-hour!

The Bad: The servers are kept hopping, and it's very difficult to get any drinks after the first one; we never got refills of our water. Each spot has only one small napkin, and it's messy to eat without vision if you're not used to it -- there should have been at least a few available per person. Lastly, the food options were limited and quite expensive. To get a salad and pasta with vegetables (the only meat-free option... and one of the most run-of-the-mill veggie meals) for over $40 (tax and tip included) is outrageous.

The Ugly: The noise was unbelievably loud(there was music playing, I think, but I couldn't even hear it). People shouted to each other as though they were all hard-of-hearing, mostly just from excitement at the experience. The room was also very echoey, so I personally felt like I was trapped in an elevator with a horde of shrieking Banshees. Having an auditory issue that makes hearing through noise very challenging, I found that conversation was impossible, and I sat there wishing with every fibre of my being that I could leave and move to a quieter place. I couldn't even hear our server when he came out asking who ordered what. I found it very stressful for that reason.

Conclusion: If you're willing to pay the money, you eat meat, and you're not bothered by a lot of noise, it's a unique place you might want to try at least once. But I advise going on a quiet night. No Fridays or Saturdays. Otherwise... Just blindfold yourself at home.

FILMS
The Dark Crystal (1982) *****
The World of 'The Dark Crystal' (1983 TV) ****
Outsourced (2006) ****
Alice in Wonderland (2010) ***

Here, There and Everywhere

2011-02-08T10:21:00.001-05:00

"All television is educational television. The question is: what is it teaching?"
~ Nicholas Johnson

Last week, we had a snow day in our area. They had been predicting a HUGE blizzard (which some jokingly called "Snowpocalypse"), which was still was thankfully not as severe as expected. However, I haven't had a snow day in quite awhile, and I have fond memories as a kid of hearing school cancellations on the radio, then running down the basement rec room in my pajamas and throwing on the cartoons.

I tried to re-live that on the snow day morning. Of course, nowadays, none of the cartoons I remember are on the air (except on Teletoon Retro), but I figured I could simulate the experience. So I went on YouTube and RetroJunk and watched little clips of the shows I remember. Inspector Gadget, My Pet Monster, Muppet Babies, Ghostbusters... The list is endless, so I had a lot of options.

Then the strangest thing happened. It took only a very short time for my clips of TV shows to segue into clips of old TV commercials from the late-1980s and early-to-mid-1990s. Normally I would groan at commercials and find some way to skip them. But I responded to them EXACTLY as I did to the cartoon opening theme songs. Recognition, excitement, nostalgia...

I read somewhere that young TV viewers can't actually separate the shows they watch from the advertisements that break them up, that they can't prioritize the narratives and distinguish between the show theme and the product jingles. (There are groups fighting against commercials directed at kids, including Ads for Kids, and some European countries, like Sweden, have actually banned them!)

I just found my own personal proof that the ads work. I remember so many of those commercials, the tunes and catchphrases, almost verbatim (breakfast cereals, candy, board games, toys, restaurants, etc. etc.). I think I spent more time that morning re-visiting the old advertisements than I did the old cartoons.

...I'm kind of disturbed by how clearly brainwashed I have been from my childhood TV watching! I was not exactly a couch potato, but I soaked it in better than I ever would have thought. The fact that I SO MUCH enjoyed watching the old "After These Messages, we'll be right back!" bumpers is a little twisted and I sincerely hope that I was just a weird kid and everybody else was able to ignore it all. Advertising is so pervasive, I wonder how the new generation is handling it?

FILMS
Superman Returns (2006) *****
Look, Up in the Sky: The Amazing Story of Superman (2006) ****

Only a Northern Song

2011-02-05T21:56:00.000-05:00

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
~ Berthold Auerbach

I just saw Sarah Harmer in concert at the River Run Centre in Guelph, Ontario... She was amazing! I had a fabulous time with Sam at the show (the tickets were my Christmas present ^_^). Two and a half hours of some of my favourite music in the whole world. If you've never heard of her, I highly recommend!! She is considered pop/rock/alternative/modern-folk (a very eclectic mix, in other words). Her latest album Oh Little Fire is fantastic.

Happy Chinese New Year! Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit (Sam's year!). I hope that this year is a very lucky one, especially with so many major transitions and beginnings happening in 2011 -- Okay I'm not even 1% Chinese, but I think that it's fun to adopt cross-cultural celebrations... Why not? Christmas appears in many non-Christian cultures, so why not find a reason to be excited for the dullest part of the year? :-)

This has been a winter unlike any I can remember since my early childhood, with the amount of snow we've gotten. I know that it's nothing compared to other parts of Canada and the northern USA, but it's still set to be a memorable one. As we speak, we're getting another inch (I'm watching the whiteness out the window). The snow has been so deep (for this area, which normally gets very little) that even Bailey has not wanted to go out for walks! That's a first.

FILMS
Spirited Away (2001) *****
The Last Airbender (2010) ****
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) ****
Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) ****
Planet of the Apes (2001) ***

BOOKS
Wolves of the Beyond 2: Shadow Wolf (Kathryn Lasky) ****

Goodbye

2011-01-28T14:25:00.000-05:00

"But fate ordains that dearest friends must part."
~ Edward Young

Today I must bid a fond farewell to a group of some of my oldest friends. Once, we were close, encountering each other almost daily if not weekly. You joined me at school, at work, at family gatherings, and at home.

I used to think that we would always be together, that we would always get along. You all brought me so much joy (however short-lived), which I relished on my own but also shared with others. Now, though, I see that we have grown apart. Where there was harmony, there is now discord. Where you once gave me comfort, I'm sorry to admit that you now make me ill. There were good times, but those good times are over, and it is time that we part ways. I only ask that we do so amicably.

To my dear ones, Chocolate Bar, Whipped Cream, and Movie-Theatre Popcorn, farewell. My innocent Orange, goodbye. Adieu to my sweet Bubble Tea, and friendly Tempura. Lollipop, Gummi-Bear (and sibling Gummi-Worm) and precious Gummi-Coke-Bottle, I wish you only the best. Good luck in your future, Slushie, Dorito and Jujube. Send my love to the rest of the gang when you see them.

Believe me, this is for the best. At least we will always have our memories *weeps*.

Lend Me Your Comb

2011-01-28T04:00:00.000-05:00

"It is amazing how complete is the delusion that beauty is goodness."
~ Leo Tolstoy

There have always been standards of beauty, in every age, in every culture, in pretty much every species. Sometimes it's about colourful plumage, signs of health and fertility, or particular behaviours. This is something deeply embedded in our genes -- our gut reactions of attraction, indifference or revulsion will always be present, no matter how enlightened we become about superficiality and inner beauty. We're still animals, and we still have our instinctive sense that tells us, "Ooooh, I really want to get snuggly with that person".

Aside from those, however, are the social standards of desireable appearance. Often flying in the face of sane logic, styles of beauty have ranged from the Rubenesque (big beautiful people) to the Ravenous (skeletons with a paper-thin sheen of skin overtop). Long hair, then short hair. Beards, then 'staches, then clean-shaven. Dresses, pants, dresses, pants, skirts, pants... On and on. Style is interesting if only because it changes so often -- it is as transient as the weather.

When it dominates our visual culture, however, it seems monumental and enduring. It's easy to foget how impermanent are the current standards of beauty, and how little it all matters in the larger scheme.

As the current trends go, our social standards have gotten ridiculously high. According to advertisers, anyone worth talking to (and this refers to all genders) should be not only youthful, but either very thin or very muscular, hairless, tan (if you're not)/white (if you're not), with shining hair and sparkling teeth, perfectly poreless complexion, no ability to perspire... And all this achieved with little to no effort. And that's not considered a god-like pinnacle. That's just the norm, the standard.

For beautification of the naked human body alone (not even mentioning clothing), there's a multi-billion-dollar industry based in weight-loss, body shaping, cosmetic dentistry, hair removal, hair styling, plastic surgery, skin care, tanning, bleaching, colouring, painting, powdering, masking, etc. etc. etc... Do you really believe they invented all these procedures and products to give you greater self-esteem and self-love? Don't kid yourself.

We've been conditioned to judge the human body like a piece of meat, and there's a prevailing attitude that if people don't work towards the acceptable standards, they're "lazy", they've "let themselves go", and they've "given up on themselves"... It's a sad story when someone with such "potential" just doesn't "try"... Personally, I find that attitude disturbing.

People spend more time hating themselves and judging each other, and working themselves sick to be able to afford to "fix" their body (and maintain it at a completely unnatural state)... Only to have their photos laughed at 20 years later for being so out-of-style. It will happen. You will see. Spending thousands of dollars on your appearance, on what we consider "normal grooming" and I call "self-torturous futility" will NOT make you immune to retrospective mockery. And no-one except maybe you and those closest to you will remember everything you went through to feel merely "presentable".

Think about it. Looking back on "the good old days", will you be able to say how glad you are that you made all that effort to look marginally more like photo-shopped (NOT REAL!!) pictures of models and celebrities? Or will you look back on the time you spent being carefree, wholeheartedly enjoying lazy summer days with loved ones, and being daring in the face of conformity?

You are beautiful. Just as you are.

FILMS
Salt (2010) ****
Vampires Suck (2010) ***
Pokemon: Mewtwo Returns (2000) ***

Chains

2011-01-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

"Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like."
~ Will Rogers

When you pick up an item in a store, how do you decide whether or not the price tag is fair? What makes you think "Ooh, what a steal!" or "Hah! This crap is a dime a dozen"?

Cost and value are definitely related, but separate. Cost is all about money, how much it cost to make something or how much it will cost a buyer to get it from you; also, cost can change. Value is much more elusive and inseparable from our social unbringing in a capitalist-consumerist culture; it is also widely believed to be inherent and unchanging.

The most basic lesson on cost and value is looking at two brands of the same item (let's say, laundry detergent). One costs $5 and the other costs $8. You could automatically grab the cheaper one, because you want to save money, or you could get the pricier one, in the hopes of better quality. It's a value judgment. The whole "more bang-for-your-buck" idea. You'll often pay more if you know that it's more valuable.

The shopping world thrives on playing with our ideas of value. We may base it on how long something lasts, how well it's crafted, the grade of ingredients/materials involved, the authenticity, the rarity, etc. etc. That's the only reason that people will pay thousands of dollars for diamonds, when other real gems go for only hundreds: the strongly-reinforced belief in value.

But this judgment can be easily misled. Have you ever heard of the $12million Stuffed Shark? How about the can of Artist's Shit (Merda d'artista)? True story, that one:

Italian conceptual artist Piero Manzoni wanted to make an ironic point about people ascribing inflated value to what they consider "high art", even though it may be "worthless" (made without skill, or out of garbage, etc.). So he canned his own feces, put a label on that said "Artist's Shit, 30 gr net, freshly preserved, produced and tinned in May 1961", and felt that he'd made his statement. Much to his surprise, all 90 cans of shit sold, their cost equivalent to their weight in gold. Thousands and thousands of dollars apiece. Think about that one. Even better: over time, the value of these cans have gone up (the latest sale in Milan for £84,000). And how about this: When it was later revealed that the cans were filled with plaster (phewf) instead of real feces, hot debate exploded over whether the cans were now less valuable!! Really?! The debate is over the authenticity of the £84,000 shit-in-a-can?!?!

I agree with Manzoni, and not just about art. I see consumers shelling out hundreds of dollars for what they perceive to be more valuable commodities. Perfumes, jewelry, designer shoes and handbags, the latest tech devices... These items may not be cans of artist's shit -- they do have legitimate value in terms of functionality, quality construction and aesthetic pleasure. However, the difference is not one cheap-label handbag costing $30 and a designer-label one costing $45 (like the laundry detergents). We're talking about a difference of hundreds of dollars. And not based on anything inherent, merely perception. The idea that one is vastly superior to the other, will be better-used and better-enjoyed and will bring greater benefits: status, allure, and power over those who wish they could afford it.

All that I suggest is a re-thinking of value, on a more global scale. Factor more into your calculation than the price tag, the limited-time offer, and perceived value. Ask yourself, why do I want this? Who wants me to want this, and why? How much would I pay for this identical item if the label had a different name, and why does that matter? Mull it over.

Her Majesty

2011-01-24T19:13:00.000-05:00

"The true snob never rests; there is always a higher goal to attain, and there are, by the same token, always more and more people to look down upon."
~ Russell Lynes

I have friends who call themselves snobs. Sometimes the word "snob" is used with sheepishness (admitting to unusually high standards or pickiness), and other times with pride (asserting the possession of "good taste"). I have noticed that while the meaning of the word has become more subtle, there has been an ignorant re-claiming of it.

Briefly, a little historical context: the term as we know it became a part of the language in the mid-1800s. You need to understand that the whole "snob" concept was born in the Industrial Revolution, when social class became something you could change -- more flexible than in the time of Jane Austen, when acting outside of one's class was a new and controversial trend.

As the Oxford English Dictionary explains it -- paraphrased for length -- a "snob" is someone who imitates those in higher classes, and wants to be regarded as socially important, but also despises those that he/she considers to be inferior (in rank, attainment or taste).

...A double-whammy of wanting to seem rich and powerful, and hating anyone who isn't. Does that sound like an appealing personality to you?

Social class is neither as apparent nor as relevant today as it was in the early 1800s. True, there are still economic class divisions, for the sake of government taxing if nothing else. But there remains a powerful adherence to the idea of social class and social status, in our culture as well as most around the world, that has less to do with money and more to do with behaviour, appearance, and lifestyle. I will talk more about that another time...

For now, I just want to call a general cease-and-desist of the use of the word "snob" in any way but its true meaning. You may be choosy with your music, or exceedingly picky about the origin of your coffee beans. Call yourself picky or choosy. Don't forget that to be a snob is to mindlessly copy the elite -- the rich, powerful and famous -- and throw scathing insults at anyone who doesn't.

BOOKS
The Wolves of Beyond: Lone Wolf (Kathryn Lasky) ****
Animorphs #26 (K. A. Applegate) ***

FILMS
If These Walls Could Talk 2 (2000) *****

I Want to Tell You

2011-01-18T12:11:00.000-05:00

"Striving to be better, oft we mar what's well."
~ William Shakespeare

There are a lot of frustrating people out there. We are born with a certain disposition, and we mature into rather specific personality types. Unfortunately, personalities clash. Values clash. Habits clash. We can't all get along, and despite the songs of the Flower Children, we can't all necessarily live in peace and harmony. At least... Not in the same house.

It's human nature to try to change what we don't like. That may be fine with the art on the walls, but we often try to change people, too. And why not? When we see a friend or family member or peer that is struggling due to a personality "flaw", like a bad habit or poor judgment, how can we not intervene? When two friends fight, how can we not mediate? Wise benevolence compels us to point out the problems in a person's attitude or behaviour so that the issue can be resolved. I've done it. I'll bet you've done it too.

But who likes being told that they are flawed? That we crack our knuckles too often, that we talk too much about the same things, we are too shy or too loud or too fat or too nosy? Comments, even with the kindest of intentions, always end up being disrespectful or hurtful. And a certain amount of a person's behaviour (the larger portion) will likely never change.

So do we tell the coworker with OCD that they drive everyone to drink when they rearrange the copy room cupboards? Do we drop a hint to a cousin that they shouldn't be so abrasive at family reunions (can you imagine that conversation ending well?)? Or are we simply shouting at a turtle to stop being such a turtle?

Speaking from the giving end, I am sorry for judging others according to the standards I use for myself (which are, frankly, ridiculous). Speaking from the receiving end, I appreciate your care, but I'd rather just know that even if I'm a really turtle-y turtle, you still want me around. Maybe not in a race, but... The rest of the time :-)

BOOKS
Wild Spirits (Rosa Jordan, 2010) ***

FILMS
The Trotsky (2009) ***
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1949) *

Dear Prudence

2011-01-16T11:44:00.000-05:00

"Dear Prudence, open up your eyes
Dear Prudence, see the sunny skies
The wind is low, the birds will sing
That you are part of everything
Dear Prudence, won't you open up your eyes?
Look around..."
~ The Beatles ("Dear Prudence")

I am a firm believer in inter-connection.

I believe that all living things (animals, plants, ecosystems) exist as one giant organism, and when we kill or poison even one small part, every part (including ourselves) suffers. We flourish or starve together.

I believe in karma, that if you do a kindness, a kindness comes back to you (if not today, then another day. If not in the reaction of another, then simply in the peace of your own heart), and that the same goes for cruelty and hurt.

I believe that each decision that we make, no matter how small, impacts countless others around us, and so decisions are to be made carefully and consequences need to be considered.

Even in school, I learned that no film, painting or novel stands alone in the world (a principle called "Intertextuality"). The works we create echo our previous influences and experiences, and will go on the influence and inspire the works that will come after them.

...Why is there such a prevalent attitude (at least in Western society) that everything stands alone, remains separate, and has no bearing on the rest? Objects appear in stores and disappear in dump trucks. A harsh word said against a peer just vanishes at the end of a conversation. News happens and is later "old" and irrelevant. We are alone in our struggles. According to my experience (limited though it may be in only 26 years), none of these things are true. And believing them only leads to more damage across the millions of connections in this life.

Think of all the sadness caused by war, the continuing cycle of revenge. Think of how one person's alcoholism affects their family, friends and coworkers. What about the precariousness of global warming, as a result of careless pollution and deforestation? These are not issues that stand alone as simple consequences of simple actions; neither can they be treated with simple solutions. It's like the difference between looking at the symptoms of an illness versus the cause.

I believe that the sooner people realize that they are part of everything else, the sooner they will really feel and understand what it means to hurt or heal the whole being of our world -- our people, our cultures, our natural cycles, and our own minds... It may only be then that people truly understand why there are vegetarians and vegans. Pacifists. Animal rescuers. Environmentalists. Anti-consumerists. Volunteers. "...Won't you open up your eyes? Look around."

p.s. Here is my favourite version of the song, from the film Across the Universe.

BOOKS
The Diamond of Darkhold (Jeanne DuPrau) ****
Animorphs #21-23 (K. A. Applegate) ***

FILMS
Desert Hearts (1986) ****
Season of the Witch (2011) *

With a Little Help From My Friends

2011-01-11T13:33:00.000-05:00

"I think folks should carry bright umbrellas in the rain... to smile into the sullen sky and make it glad again."
~ Author Unknown

Q: How do you eat an elephant?
A: One bite at a time.

Once started perhaps as an only mildly funny riddle, it has become the basis for a whole movement of motivational lectures about taking on large problems or jobs or lists, one small step at a time. I even once attended a stress-management workshop on "How to Eat an Elephant" (no pachyderms were harmed in the process).

Climate change and many related factors and consequences (deforestation, desertification, animal extinction, pollution, famine, etc.) are one of the biggest "elephants" our species will ever face (making our wars seem petty in comparison). The more I learn about the damage our civilization has caused, and what it will take to rescue a planet in peril, the more I have to work at remaining hopeful and continuing to learn what I can do to help. It's easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged, apathetic. The only way to fight it is by taking action, no matter how small, and accepting that every bit of effort is another little step in the right direction.

My next planned "bite" from this planet-sized elephant is the 21st Annual Canada Life CN Tower Climb (for World Wildlife Fund Canada). I will do the climbing (144 flights of stairs, for a grand total of 1,776 stairs), and I will be asking friends, family and peers to help me by contributing small donations (click HERE to reach my donations page). My goal is modest... just $100. What matters to me more than the money is participating, taking action, raising awareness. I don't volunteer for much, but this is a great opportunity to DO something for what's important to me (and to the whole world).

Please spread the word, and help me climb to the top of the tallest freestanding structure in the Western hemisphere, while helping raise some money for the World Wildlife Fund!!

Bad to Me

2011-01-09T22:05:00.000-05:00

"It would be nice if the Food and Drug Administration stopped issuing warnings about toxic substances and just gave me the names of one or two things still safe to eat."
~ Robert Fuoss

I feel like at least once per month, I learn about a new "bad" ingredient found in most processed foods. At one point it was trans fat. Then it was a range of sweeteners. Now I start finding out about carcinogenic (read: cancer-causing) food dyes (articles HERE and HERE).

I had heard that some people are allergic to certain dyes, specifically one type of red and yellow. Now I find out that even more than those are known to be hazardous to your health? It's funny (and sad) that health and nutrition experts give the sound advice of choosing a colourful diet (which makes perfect sense if we're talking about blue=blueberries, red=tomatoes, yellow=peppers, etc.) ... And then makers of processed foods trick our senses (meaning both vision AND "common" sense) with poisonous synthetic dyes to sell beautiful sugar-and-cancer cupcakes with dazzling rainbow icing.

There's a theme. I get it. Most processed foods are not the better choice. Fresh fruits and veggies, dairy, eggs, meat (whatever you choose according to your ethics and habits)... Those are generally the wise options, especially compared to the endless shelves of junky items with a hundred ingredients you can't pronounce. Many articles and books talk about this, and I'm not about to try to out-argue them.

All I want to know is... HOW and WHY are these toxic ingredients (these and MANY more... Don't even get me started) still being used and sold to the general public!?!?! Doesn't this bother anyone??!?!!

BOOKS
The Prophet of Yonwood (Jeanne DuPrau) ***

FILMS
Hancock (2008) ***
Kung Fu Master (2010) **

Like Dreamers Do

2011-01-04T21:31:00.000-05:00

"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light."
~ Albert Schweitzer

I'll keep this one short and sweet. I just want to shout out to all those kindred spirits out there (family, friends and otherwise!).

Friendships start for any number of reasons (in grade 1, it was because you had a Ninja Turtle action figure and were willing to share ^_^), and I strive to maintain those even with my most contrasting friends. We all have very different things in common; with some, we share love of certain movies and TV shows and music; with others, deep values about life and the world; with some others, simple friendliness and cooperation.

To all I send out love and smiles, and remind you how much you each mean to me in my everyday life. I don't say it enough!

FILMS
Babies (2010) ****

The Inner Light

2011-01-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

"Possession of material riches, without inner peace, is like dying of thirst while bathing in a lake."
~ Paramahansa Yogananda

What do you think of when you hear the words "inner peace"? I always imagine a monk sitting on a mountaintop in meditation, with a smile of contentment. Some might envision lying on a massage bed in a spa, with hot stones laid along their spine. But would you imagine unloading a shopping bag? Standing in line at the cash register?

I find it interesting how so much advertising lately uses images associated with "inner peace" to sell products. Sometimes there is a connection, like selling yoga pants (and yoga can actually bring some deeper meditation, which could potentially bring one closer to inner peace); other times, products like scented candles, shower gels and flavoured teas are shown to make the home into a calming spa-like environment. Insurance plans are advertised not only promising peace of mind, but zen-like inner peace.

True, many of these things (and countless other purchases) may bring us reassurance, satisfaction, or temporary enjoyment... But inner peace from a perfumed candle? From stretchy pants? Clearly shopping and possessions are not going to give what the print and TV ads promise.

So I ask... What do you find really brings you your own "inner peace" (I'm not asking for Nirvana... Just what makes you deep-down-to-the-core content)? I ask you, readers, for a glimpse into what makes you truly calm and happy.

For me it is a collection of very very simple elements, and here's a sampling:

birds singing in the morning (heard through my bedroom window)
the smells of the ground thawing in Spring, and of warm rain
taking a May-June walk with a warm breeze and sunlight on my face
crawling into bed with freshly-washed flannel sheets
sitting by a small campfire, surrounded by singing frogs, crickets & cicadas

Have a great week, and see if you can't find a moment to rediscover and enjoy that inner calm every once in a while.

FILMS
Touch of Pink (2004) *****
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) *****
No Impact Man: The Documentary (2009) ****
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (TV 2008) ****
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) ****
Dirt! The Movie (2009) ***
The Buddha (2010) ***
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009) **

Hello Goodbye

2011-01-01T22:26:00.000-05:00

"I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me."
~ Cary Grant

Happy New Year!! It's been a crazy hectic holiday and I'm almost welcoming the return of routine... Despite my hopes, 2011 arrived with no miraculous epiphany about living life to the fullest. Apparently, not much has changed since December 31, 2010. Still, I have my quieter, more abstract goals for the year (stress less, slow down more, etc.), and my single measurable goal to work towards (stop swearing!!).

Thank you everyone for your love, friendship and support through 2010! I hope that our friendships only deepen over the new year!

MY RECENT REVIEWS

Reminder: My star ratings are about enjoyment, not necessarily quality!
*= didn't like it
**= so-so / neutral
***= liked it
****= really liked it
*****= loved it!!

BOOKS
City of Ember (Jeanne DuPrau) ****
People of Sparks (Jeanne DuPrau) ****
This Time of Darkness (H. M. Hoover) ***
Persepolis (Marjane Satrapi) **
The Guardians of Ga'Hoole #1: The Capture (Kathryn Lasky) **

FILMS
Bolt (2008) *****
Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (2010) *****
Muppet Family Christmas (TV 1987) *****
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) ****
Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010) ****
Inception (2010) ****
Twilight: Eclipse (2010) ****
Clash of the Titans (2010) ***

A Beginning

2010-12-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

"Every day is a fresh beginning,
Every morn in the world made new."
~Sarah Chauncey Woolsey

The year 2010 is soon drawing to a close, and I like to take the last week or two to reflect on everything that's passed since January 1st, to remember some of my hopes, predictions and worries for the year, to consider my old goals, and finally to look ahead to the new year ahead.

...I can't really remember what I had in mind for 2010, except simply to "hang in there" through the tough spots, and to "take time for myself" every day, both of which I'm happy to report I was successful in! It was a year of growth, new experiences, inner strengthening. An early Spring, a gorgeous hot Summer, major changes with siblings moving out and getting engaged, and my Dad retiring... 2010 was an exciting year.

Like many other, I like to look at the countdown to 2011 as a chance for a fresh new start, another opportunity to do things differently... I have a couple of bad habits I'd like to focus on correcting (don't we all?) and a few good habits I'd like to start.

The year can be whatever we make of it, so what do you want to make? Will it be the year you start volunteering for charity? The year you take photos every day? How about reading a new book every month, or joining a walking club? What are YOUR hopes for 2011?

Christmas Time is Here Again

2010-12-10T09:10:00.000-05:00

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusion of our childish days."
~ Charles Dickens

I wrote my last exam finally... This term was hard, and I'm mentally burned out! But I'm glad I made it through. That much closer to freedom and employment. So close!!

Our family is now getting in gear for the holidays. I've already started my "My Little Pony" advent calendar and sent out most holiday cards... We'll put up and decorate our tree tonight :-) Soon we'll do some baking (gingerbread cookies, shortbreads, chocolates), we'll play some music, and watch a few of our favourite movies and specials. My favourites are: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, and Muppet Family Christmas. I'll be spending tons of time visiting family and friends, especially since I'll have the chance to see some people who normally live out-of-province or even out-of-country.

If I don't blog before, I hope that everyone has happy holidays (whatever you celebrate), be safe (drive carefully, drink responsibly), and have LOTS of fun ringing in 2011! I love you all.

Have a Banana!

2010-12-06T20:36:00.000-05:00

"People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates."
~ Thomas Szasz

"You are what you eat" was the mantra of elementary school nutrition class. It's not too far from the truth: if you eat nutritious foods, your body will be healthy and feel good. If you eat garbage, you will look and feel like garbage. Too few nutrients and too many fats and sugars is a bad combination. From a physiological standpoint, the body "Self" is a pretty logical equation.

What I want to ask is this... If we discourage eating junk food because it provides toxic building blocks for a body constantly rebuilding itself, then why do so many people regularly gorge on emotional, spiritual and psychological "junk food"? The mind may not be in the same cycle of decay and renewal as the body in terms of measurable nutrients and calories... But is it not as malleable (and therefore vulnerable) as our bones and muscles to lack and excess?

Quick note-- When I refer to "junk food" I don't mean romance novels and silly comedies... They are relatively innocent and harmless (maybe not real "nutritious" but not "deep fried" either). I am referring to more harmful things like cruelty, violence, prejudice, greed, destruction, sadism, etc.

If you think of your mind as a friend of yours (or better yet, a beloved pet), imagine loading him/her up ALL day with french fries, milkshakes, hot dogs, jujubes, chips, pop, and other unhealthy choices -- a whole buffet being force-fed. Your friend will become bloated, uncomfortable, grouchy, sick, and eventually permanently damaged. Forcibly disabled. Would you do that to a friend? Would you want to inflict that kind of suffering?

Then why force-feed your mind with mental junk food? True, it may be exciting and indulgent at the time... A sexist joke here, a handful of gossip there, a slasher movie on the side... But thinking of these things as food for you inner self, and you're looking at a lot of little poisons adding up to much larger problems.

Just as the body learns physical memory of repeated movements (like typing on your computer or practiced dance moves), the brain will form wider, faster, stronger neural pathways that it sees being used more often. Enough mean jokes and the "cruel humour" footpath becomes a super-highway. It takes a lot less time and effort to "undo" a dirt path than 6 lanes of concrete. Strong habits are not easily undone, whether you bite your nails or mutter insults under your breath.

You may not be the person you want to be. You are what you say; you are what you do; you are what you think, and what you think is very much a direct result of what you "ingest" all day.

I'm not advocating a special diet (either literally or philosophically). I'm not telling anyone they should only watch movies rated "PG" or that they have to be a saint. I'm only encouraging awareness. Be aware of what you're feeding your mind and your Self, the building blocks shaping your identity -- how you act, how you feel, how you form relationships... Like anything in life, moderation is a good rule of thumb, but remember that you have only ONE mind. You have control of that as much as you can control what goes on your plate. So think healthy.

Mailman, Bring Me No More Blues

2010-12-01T18:38:00.000-05:00

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."
~ Albert Einstein

Everyone that I know loves getting personal mail. I know I do! A hand-written letter in the mailbox, sometimes adorned with stickers and doodles, or an interesting postcard from a traveling friend can brighten any day. I pride myself on sending out a fair amount of personal mail when I can find the time to write it.

And then a friend from college introduced me to PostCrossing. It is the neatest thing. Here is how it works...

You sign up, and give your mailing address. You can write a profile (here's mine) saying a few words about yourself, and any preferences you may have about your favourite kinds of postcards (e.g., I like cards with animals on them), or other requests (e.g., please tell me how to say "I love you" in your native language).
You request to send a postcard to someone else.
They give you a name and address, an ID number, and a link to the person's profile. It could be anyone, anywhere in the world (typically outside of your own country however).
You mail a postcard with the ID number on it, and wait.
When that person receives their postcard, they register it (via the ID) online.
Your name gets put next on the list for someone asking to send a card.
Usually within 1-2 weeks, you get a postcard from someone else in the world!

It is SO. MUCH. FUN. In the last 3 months, I have sent out about... oh... 20-something postcards. And I have received almost as many back (some are on the way to me, others of my own haven't arrived yet). I have shared little stories and greeting with people from Finland, Germany, Russia, England, Belarus, the Philippines, China, Japan, Ukraine, USA and Thailand (that's the short list).

I haven't exactly intended on keeping in touch with anybody, but being able to send little "hello"s and favourite quotes and hearing snippets of the lives of such distant strangers is just so interesting! Discussions on the backs of little postcards can't get very in-depth, but there is always the opportunity to keep in touch and deepen the interaction if so desired. In general, I have found people to be friendly, eager to share, happy to please (sending me many postcards with animals on them ^_^) and just plain interested in the other countries and cultures out there.

I recommend giving it a try, if you find receiving postcards or any other "surprise" mail fun. Even if you send just ONE card and see what happens.

P.S. I Love You

2010-11-29T11:33:00.000-05:00

"Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own."
~ William Hazlitt

What's happened? I am letting my reputation go... You know how I used to watch a movie every day?

Well... I hardly watch a movie a week now. I don't know when this changed. I still have a huge DVD collection (and a wishlist to add to it), and I love my movies, and I always talk about movies... But somehow I have switched to books. I am always reading these days. Often fluffy stuff...

Here are my most recent reads...
Animorphs (currently)
This Time of Darkness
The City of Ember
Glee: The Beginning (currently)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (currently)

But in terms of movies... In the last 2 weeks I think I've only seen 2 movies! Serendipity and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (in theatre).

I am losing myself!!! @_@

One and One Is Two

2010-11-23T15:52:00.000-05:00

"You learn something every day if you pay attention."
~ Ray LeBlond

You know how in school they talk about the "hidden curriculum" when kids are learning? So, in class they learn English, Math, Science, etc., but they ALSO learn things like co-operation, conformity, obedience to authority, etc.? I just wanted to share some of the odd, unexpected things I have learned through my college education (both random skills and life knowledge)...

EVERYONE (not just kids) LOVES to push buttons on toys and electronics. No matter what they do. We are like monkeys--we can't help it.
I can now hand-stitch seams and hems, and sew buttons.
Wear layers of clothes. Whether you're going to be inside or outside, you can never ever count on the temperature being anywhere near comfortable.
Chocolate always improves a lousy afternoon.
I can do basic math on an abacus. Who knew? (also, there are many types of abacus. I use a Japanese 1-4 "Soroban")
I now know how a microwave works. I thought I did before LOL!
The dollar store has EVERYthing.
Sitting in front of a book and watching YouTube is NOT the same as studying.

That is all.

All Together Now

2010-11-22T22:40:00.001-05:00

"Who, being loved, is poor?"
~ Oscar Wilde

Family news, another wedding on the way! And kind of a rush job... This Christmas. It's my cousin (she's just a few months older than me) for this one.

I guess I should get used to this. I have a LOT of cousins. *pauses to count*... About 22? dang, I actually thought there were more. But anyways... With that many cousins all around the same age (the oldest is 30, the youngest is... maybe 16), it shouldn't surprise me that people are starting to settle down with significant others. But nonetheless, I WAS surprised and happy for my cousin. She was always really nice to me and I'll be delighted to celebrate with her at her reception on Christmas Day. I haven't even seen her in years!! What a great excuse for a reunion.

Congrats to her, and many happy days ahead!!

Paperback Writer

2010-11-21T16:04:00.000-05:00

"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open."
~ John Barrymore

As a kid, I was often asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and I have changed my answer many, many times over the years. Here are some of the things I originally aimed for:

- artist
- nun (I blame Sister Act for that one)
- paleontologist
- zoologist
- novelist / script writer
- film director
- special effects makeup artist
- naturalist

I am just about at the point of really starting my first career and it is none of those things. And now that I have lived a little and learned a lot, I know deep down that I wouldn't be happy in most of those jobs. School has been a whirlwind since 2003ish and I haven't had a lot of real time to reflect on what I actually want to do in a career. Things just sort of happened.

Now I look around and find myself in a place I never even pondered 3 years ago... People ask me, "what do you do?" and I can actually say officially, "I'm an instructor for people who are blind and low-vision." The first couple of times that I answered the question, I felt like I was trying on a costume to see what it would be like to be this person. And because I'm not actually employed in my profession yet (crossing my fingers for this summer!), it still feels a little bit unreal. But the more I talk about my career, the more I realize how much I love it, and how much it suits me! I get to work one-on-one, I get to help people directly, I teach, I have chances to be creative... It really is the job for me! Amazing that I just stumbled upon it.

Nothing more to say about it, just that when I take a moment to look at where my life is going... I'm really happy! :-)

Tell Me Why

2010-11-16T20:47:00.000-05:00

"In violence, we forget who we are."
~ Mary McCarthy

Is there something wrong with me?

I can watch the most horribly violent movies, see people getting blown up onscreen, see them kick the crap out of each other, watch medieval war scenes with swords and arrows and spears...

But if a single non-human animal so much as cries out in pain or fear on-screen, I'm done. I'm bawling, walking out, I'll have nightmares. Movies where an animal is hurt or killed (or even just dies of natural causes) have me sobbing uncontrollably. Sam knows! There are some movies I just plain can't watch or I'll be inconsolable.

So why can I watch fellow human beings (whether the effects are convincing or not) suffering HORRIBLE pain and violence... And generally be okay? Am I just de-sensitized from watching SO many violent movies? Sam reacts to violent movies the way that I do with the ones containing animal suffering (well, maybe not the incessant blubbering, but the discomfort and sadness). Why don't I feel anything for onscreen violence against humans?

Please Please Me

2010-11-16T19:01:00.000-05:00

"He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away."
~ Raymond Hull

I try way too hard to keep the people around me happy. I don't like it when people fight, when they get mad or annoyed, or feel frustrated or disappointed in me. I don't like to let people down. I like to please, to impress, to be reliable and helpful! Unfortunately I've really been over-doing it lately and it made me surprisingly UNhappy.

There are wedding plans going on in our family... Both my siblings. And between discussing budgets, locations, guestlists and dates, it's caused a lot more conflict than usual in our little clan. I am trying really hard not to get mixed up in it all but I keep finding myself in the middle of it, struggling just to snap people out of their frustration long enough to eat supper.

In another part of my life, I'm dealing with a strong group of bullies that I cannot avoid. While I have no desire to "please" them the way I do with my family members, I have a certain professional obligation to stay on good terms with them. And that means bending, biting my tongue, stretching the truth... Anything to avoid conflict. It's starting to have a bad effect on me... I'm starting to sound like them (really sarcastic, superficial, UGHHH), I'm starting to agree with them when it goes against my principles...

I'm different. I don't fit in with them. That should be a good thing! But when I get pushed around so much that I can't even stand up for myself... Oy. Confrontation may be unpleasant, conflict may be stressful (just the idea has my anxiety prickling)... But the amount of time and energy I put towards keeping some people happy is probably a step backwards. I just wish I had the gumption to speak my mind (about feminism, homophobia, consumerism, ageism, ableism, racism, etc... Oh yes, all of the above), but every time I want to, the words get jammed in my throat.

I've stretched myself too thin and placed responsibility for the well-being of others (even those who are entirely not deserving) on my own shoulders. I've become exhausted and a little jaded. Time to step back and take care of myself? ...I think so.

Every Little Thing

2010-11-08T18:46:00.000-05:00

"A man who is "of sound mind" is one who keeps the inner madman under lock and key."
~ Paul Valéry

In the film Amelie (original title: Le fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulain), main characters are each introduced with a short description and a list of quirky likes and dislikes. This part of the movie never ceases to amuse me. For a couple of short examples, Amelie loves sinking her hand into sacks of grain, skipping stones, and cracking the caramelized top of creme brulee with a spoon. She dislikes in old movies when people in cars are talking and not watching the "road". Amelie's mother likes figure skaters' costumes and cleaning out her purse, and dislikes when her fingers get pruny in the bath.

Wouldn't it be interesting if these strange little lists were how we met people, or were introduced? What would your introduction be? Everyone has their little eccentricities, and sometimes they are the most endearing thing about a person (if they don't drive you crazy).

Meg likes...
- flipping the pages of a book quickly so it makes a breeze on her face
- running through the kitchen so she can slide down the hall on her sock-feet like a surfer
- opening a brand new jar of peanut butter and peeling away the foil seal

Meg doesn't like...
- getting sand under her fingernails
- when her bedsheets are tucked in tightly and smush her to the mattress

Can't Buy Me Love

2010-11-08T18:27:00.000-05:00

"We don't need to increase our goods nearly as much as we need to scale down our wants. Not wanting something is as good as possessing it."
~ Donald Horban

Christmas is coming up. Did you know? 46 days left! I get so excited about the holiday season... And I will talk more about that as we enter December.

But into November, our family already starts having casual little discussions about what we think so-and-so would like for Christmas. We try to coordinate our gift-giving sometimes, or help each other out when we're scraping the bottom of the barrel for ideas.

My maternal grandparents are lovely people. They have always been so good to us grandkids, and every single Christmas I try to think of a gift that I can give them as a token of gratitude. And every single year I come to the same conclusion: they have everything they need, and they don't seem to want anything more.

Their own kids (my mom, aunt and uncles) often chip in for something special (a major appliance, something practical that they need an upgrade for but wouldn't purchase on their own)... But what can I give? Some knick-knack to collect dust on the windowsill?

If you walked through their house, you would think they had nothing. A small music collection, a smaller movie collection (all of these acquired as gifts from others, of course), materials for sewing and cooking, a few books, and a TV. And some garden tools and fishing gear in the garage. That's all they have, and they're perfectly happy.

I am only in my mid-20s and I think I already have more stuff than both of them combined... And I have to admit, I'm a little envious of their simple life. They have friends, they volunteer, they go to church, they cook, sew, garden, fish, camp, and watch some TV in the evenings. They never seem to need or want anything! Maybe that is one of the benefits of having grown up in a generation where having nothing was the norm. I'm too corrupted by excess already... if I tried to live that same way, I would probably go ADHD-crazy and sneak out to play video games at a friend's house.

Take Good Care of my Baby

2010-11-07T19:22:00.000-05:00

"It is never too late to have a happy childhood."
~ Tom Robbins

An old friend once shared an interesting little pearl of wisdom which I've never forgotten:

"Every morning when I wake up, I clean myself up in the washroom and come back into my bedroom. Stuck in the corner of my mirror is a photo of myself from when I was 3 or 4 years old. I look into the face of little-me and ask sincerely, 'So what would my little girl like to do today?' And I imagine what her answer would be. And sometime over the day, I do that thing."

Think about it: the enjoyment of these things that made us happy when we were little never really went away, whether it be playing with play-doh, colouring, baking cookies, visiting animals in the pet store, or going on the swings at the park. But once we reach even adolescence, we don't allow ourselves to enjoy those things anymore because "they're for kids." Do you ever miss the simple pleasures of childhood?

Even though I don't have the same routine with the childhood photo in the mirror, I try to keep that idea in mind through the day. I ask little-me, 'what would my little girl like to do today?' and I hear my own answer from the back of my mind, and I make every effort to make it a special day for the little-me inside. Some days I colour, others I play games, others I blow bubbles, and in the winter I make snow-people and snow-angels. Whatever little-me is in the mood for. I find that when you acknowledge and take care of little-you, the rest of you benefits as well. We're not all that separate from our childhood selves. Sam and I often join in childhood fun, and we have found it to be very therapeutic. Why not give it a try?

Words of Love

2010-10-26T14:16:00.000-04:00

"You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist."
~ Golda Meir / Indira Gandhi

Recently I have had to put up with some real ignorance and prejudice from others around me. Though I have not shared my personal life (i.e. my superhero secret identity) with any of this group, I have heard so much homophobic/heterosexist language that it makes me sick to my stomach. I don't remember feeling so insecure since first-year university. It makes me realize how lucky I am to have friends and family around me who are educated, supportive and loving.

Through conversations and reflection, however, I have come to realize that this situation has created an ugly backlash in me.

A little background... I was raised Roman Catholic (Irish and Spanish roots on the one side). I went to French Catholic school from K-8, and went through all the main sacraments of childhood (baptism, first communion, first confession/reconciliation, and confirmation). I rejected the church when I learned to think critically, and haven't looked back ever since. There are a lot of hard feelings about it, because officially, the church's stance goes against everything I believe in (except maybe the whole "love thy neighbour" part, you know, the main one?).

Ever since my falling out with the Church (though I think according to records, I'm still Catholic), I have had strong, hard feelings against the Christian religion as a whole. Not its members, but its philosophies and practices. Don't get me wrong, I think that almost ALL Christian ideals are worthy and admirable. However, I have witnessed some of the most awful twisting of history and scripture to harm those around me, and even me personally. It's hard not to get defensive when under attack.

But all that said, I have no excuse for my own prejudice against Christianity. Lately I have heard myself speak words of sarcasm, criticism, mockery and disgust, and I remember some of my closest friends who might be hurt by this. We are all entitled to our beliefs, and I of all people should know the danger of speaking too loudly against what others hold personally dear. To any I've hurt or offended by my attitude, I give my heartfelt apology and ask forgiveness. I never again want to make others feel as small and vulnerable as the bigots around here have made ME feel. I'm sorry, and I will try to act and speak more lovingly.

September in the Rain

2010-09-27T18:50:00.000-04:00

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."
~ George Eliot

HOLY CRAP!! I haven't posted in a month. Sorry... Here's a quick personal update for now, until I can think of something more exciting to rant about hehehe...

The last 30 days have been busy. Mostly with school. I have been learning to instruct independent daily living skills to people with vision loss... Things like home management, cooking, and (my favourite) Braille! It's extremely time-consuming, although I can proudly say that this is the first year of postsecondary that I haven't been running myself ragged trying to keep up. A good pace for once.

Big news (if you didn't see it all over Facebook), now my brother and his girlfriend are engaged!! So both my older siblings are engaged at the same time. Big Bro is getting married next September. Big Sis is planning on the following June. Crazy! Nice opportunity for me to watch and learn however... *scribbling notes*.

The weather has rapidly shifted from Summer to Autumn. It's been cool, windy, rainy, and colourful. And just a couple of weeks (or so) until Thanksgiving! Already I have enjoyed celebrating with some of my personal autumnal traditions: baking a pumpkin pie (from scratch!), eating squash soup, watching "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" with Sam, and walking through crunchy leaves with Boo-Bear. Still to come is carving a pumpkin, roasting pumpkin seeds, going to the apple orchard, having a hot apple cider annnnnd... watching Hocus Pocus. Laugh if you will, but they are my traditions ^_^

Take care, everyone! I will try not to neglect my blog so much. However, just in case, have a lovely Thanksgiving and (I seriously hope it won't be this long til my next post), Happy Halloween!! *HUGS*

I'm Down

2010-08-27T20:39:00.000-04:00

"Do what we can, summer will have its flies."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Due to the early summer, and the heat of it this year, I am suffering one of the worst ragweed seasons in all my memory. I can't remember feeling this awful (24/7) since I first became allergic around age 5-6. I am a misery to be around.

So I've holed myself up in my room like a hermit crab, and am just reading and watching movies and wallowing. And it will be like this ALLLLLL September. Joyness. I should move to British Columbia between August and October.

What sucks is that I'm not just feeling lousy physically. But being so constantly uncomfortable has pretty much destroyed my summer mood. I just got the email from my school saying "Aren't you, like, SOO excited about orientation day?!?! You get to meet your TOTALLY awesome professors and make SCADS of new friends and it's, OMG, just so freakin' exciting!!!" (Okay, I may have exaggerated the emphasis there, but you get the picture). And I just went *GROAN* "Shut uuuuuppppp, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!".... (or something to that effect).

On the PLUS side, it's been an amazing summer.
And this is my L-A-S-T year of school.
And once the frost hits, I will feel amazing.
And I gave a presentation at my mom's office that went pretty well (about vision loss).
And... ummm... chocolate almond milk is delicious.

...I hate ragweed.

*******EDIT

DAMMIT! I could be fine if I were in almost ANY other province than Ontario (or Quebec). ARGH. Even the prairies are safe! *headdesk*

You Really Got A Hold On Me

2010-08-19T10:46:00.001-04:00

"Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted."
~ John Lennon

I have a small personal challenge on the go right now. I have disconnected myself from Facebook. Forever? I highly doubt it. But for awhile. I'm starting with the rest of August and going from there.

Result #1: I really miss people. I get a lot more social interaction from Facebook than I realized. At least twice daily I usually check up on personal updates, stories, photos and comment conversations on trips, parties, friends, pets and families.

Result #2: I feel disconnected from the news. While I still read the news on my own, many of my friends share news articles and interesting topics (usually centered around sociology) for debate.

Result #3: I don't want to be online as much. Call FB the gateway drug to internet addiction, but my overall browsing has gone WAY down. Admittedly, part of this is due to the beautiful weather, but I still have drastically reduced impulses to browse than when I was on FB.

...Is FB really a waste of time? I sometimes think so. Not because it's useless or pointless -- as I've said, it's social time, a sphere for intelligent discussion, a place to share art... But simply because it takes up SUCH a quantity of my time. I know that I'm not alone on this. How much time is acceptable? How much is too much? At what point is even all that good stuff (the debates, the news-sharing) taking away from "real" life (going for a walk, cooking, solitary reflection)??

I Remember You

2010-08-19T09:52:00.000-04:00

"Nostalgia is like a grammar lesson: you find the present tense, but the past perfect!"
~ Owens Lee Pomeroy

University was, at the time, a very exciting and stressful experience. I remember all-nighters of writing multiple essays, hours upon hours of research, reading thousands of pages of textbooks and novels, and nerve-wracking presentations. However, even at the time (with my nerves shot and my fridge empty), I had a feeling that my years at school would last in my memory as some of the best years of my life.

And it has happened. I graduated in the summer of 2008, and only 2 years later, I miss my university life more than I can say in words. I took Sammy on a walk through my campus, past the bookstore, around my frosh-year residence, along my old classrooms and lecture halls, even through some of my old hangouts (the park, the bubble tea shop, etc.). It killed me. I felt like I was walking through another life that's long gone and can never come back.

Ever since that day, I have been pining after my old life. I feel thirsty for the constant stream of knowledge that (at the time) seemed force-fed. Those discussions ranging from film theory to social justice to postmodern poetry were precious, but so short-lived and concentrated that I could only run to keep up, in the hopes of survival.

Now I flip through the vast Amazon.ca catalogue, looking at my old textbooks (The Cybercultures Reader, various Norton Anthologies, etc. etc.), wishing like crazy that I could go back. A masters degree now looks in my mind like a sparkling holy grail. But can I handle any more school? I have done 5 years in uni, and I'm going into my 2nd year of college. Good friends (we'll call them Beaker and Little Miss Fun) recommended that if the working world has its doors closed come next summer, a masters would be a good plan in the meantime (just 1-2 more years). I've got to say, even pushing aside my nostalgia for the academic life, it is painfully tempting.

Real Love

2010-08-03T08:52:00.000-04:00

"My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them."
~ Mitch Hedberg

People have strange ideas about authenticity. Authenticity is linked in our minds with value, honesty, and accuracy, while anything less is "fake", a lie, something worthless. What makes one thing "authentic" and another, almost identical thing "counterfeit"? Questions on authenticity quickly become overly broad and philosophical, but I am addressing film (movies) as a focus.

There is a bizarre obsession in the movie industry with authenticity. Although partly related to making a film convincing (and therefore an easy emotional escape for viewers), it goes beyond suspension of disbelief. People like to know that every single measure was taken to make the film "authentic", and therefore more legitimate, respectable and valuable.

In Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), many Japanese characters (including the protagonist) are performed by actors and actresses of non-Japanese origins (Gong Li - Chinese, Michelle Yeoh - Chinese-Malaysian, Ziyi Zhang - Chinese). This provoked outrage among many people of various nationalities; it was even banned in parts of China. Is this justified? Were the performances less authentic as a result of the actors' nationalities? How would people have reacted if the parts were played by Americans? Or Inuit? Or Columbians?

In the 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder, this idea is addressed humourously by the film-within-a-film Australian actor Kirk Lazarus (played by Robert Downey Jr.), who undergoes a "pigment augmentation" procedure to portray the African-American role. Using an old-school (now typically shunned) makeup tactic commonly known as "Blackface", the movie creators poke fun at over-the-top Method acting and assumptions about racial identity. While heavy-handed, the joke was successful. But can we say that Downey's performace was "authentic"? (Here's a behind-the-scenes clip?)

"Blackface" (also "Yellowface", "Redface", etc.) are widely acknowledged as forms of racism. What if I coined "Queerface", portrayals of highly exaggerated --often offensive-- gay characters? Is that more legitimate and less prejudicial than Blackface? What about what might be called "Fatface" (pardon the language), actors in fat suits for often humourous effect? Is there such a thing as "Wrinkleface", the application of aging makeup for a young actor to play a senior?

Are these portrayals straddling an line between illegitimacy and offensiveness? Would a REAL Black, Asian, Native, queer, overweight or aged actor be more acceptable, and erase any thoughts of discrimination? Did you know there was backlash when viewers found out that Abigail Breslin wore a fatsuit to play a chubby (and precious) girl in Little Miss Sunshine (2006), rather than actually gaining weight for the part a la Bridget Jones?

If actors all required corresponding identities and experiences to their characters, it wouldn't really be "acting", would it? Who decided where to draw the line between performance and "fakeness"?

There was once a film movement in Denmark, called Dogme '95 whose ultimate goal was authenticity (which the creators called "Chastity" -- this is ironic, considering that the Dogme 95 film The Idiots (1998) includes a group-sex scene, 100% real and hardcore). A manifesto outlined specific rules: Actors wore no makeup, sets were real locations with untouched lighting, no props were allowed, etc. I've seen a few of these films, and in my opinion they are terrible. Awful to look at, awful to hear (no sound editing or post-production music allowed), just plain painful to sit through. Authenticity to a fault. The typical audience would walk out of the theatre after 10 minutes and demand a refund.

Non-documentary films are, by definition, fictional -- yes, even if they are "based" on true events. So why the obsession with authenticity? Why do we love to point out that so-and-so movie is filmed in the REAL location it's set, or that the actors went through some sort of "boot camp" to be able to portray REAL experience, or that certain props were REAL items from the story's set time? These questions (and many more, but I don't want to bore you, dear readers) boggle my mind. Share your thoughts!

Slow Down

2010-07-29T11:50:00.000-04:00

"The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail."
~ Charles R. Swindoll

All around me I see carelessness, ignorance, rudeness, apathy, (figurative) blindness, recklessness... and I want to shake people and shout "WAKE UP! WAKE UP!", and give them the chance to truly open their eyes to see past their own footsteps. Some of us sleepwalk all day, never being truly present in the moment; our mind is elsewhere while we perform multiple tasks at once. Some of us move through life like a bull in a china shop, carelessly trampling everyone in our way and leaving behind a path of destruction. Is it truly so difficult for a person to stop and pay attention?

Pay attention to what you eat. Will it nourish your body and mind? Does it make you happy? Does it make you feel sick? Who made it? Does it bring back memories?

Pay attention to what you drink. Is it from a can, bottle, jar, box, jug, or tap? Does it refresh you? What kind of aftertaste does it leave? Do you like it for the flavour or how it makes you feel?

Pay attention to what you buy. Where does it come from? What is it made out of? How long is it meant to last? Can you repair it when it breaks? If not, whose backyard does it land in? 5 years from now, will you still like it?

Pay attention to what you say. Did you mean the words you spoke? How is it affecting those that hear you? If the whole world could hear what you said, would anyone be hurt by it?

Pay attention to what you believe. Why do you believe it? Did someone tell you to? Do you continue to examine it critically, or blindly accept it? Do you tell others to believe it too? Do you believe that only you know the truth, and everyone else is mistaken?

Pay attention to the world around you. The people around you. The trees and the windows. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the textures, the feelings. The passage of time and the interconnectedness of relationships. Opportunities to learn. Defining moments and critical decisions. Invitations to share. Warnings against danger. Words unspoken.

At least once a day, PLEASE, STOP and PAY ATTENTION.

CURRENT READS
The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard, 2010
The Color Purple by Alice Walker, 1982
The Bridge Over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle, 1952
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay, 1990

RECENT FILM VIEWS
Despicable Me (2010) ****
Chalk Garden (1964) ***
Battle for Terra (2007) **

Taxman

2010-07-19T22:31:00.000-04:00

"Never eat more than you can lift. "
~ Miss Piggy

Have you heard about the proposed "fat tax" on unhealthy (high in fat/sugar/salt) foods in the UK?

At first glance, it seems like a good, straightforward idea. Meant to discourage purchase & consumption of unhealthy foods, the so-called "fat tax" would rank with other "sin taxes" like those on tabacco and alcoholic products.

But wait... Who are the #1 consumers of processed, sodium-crammed foods? Typically, it's those with the lowest incomes. Processed (and usually less healthy) foods are the most inexpensive option, and those working longer shifts may not have time to prepare healthier meals. "A low income family would have to spend between 43 and 70 percent of its entire food budget to eat the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables." So how is slapping an extra tax (a 17.5% rise in prices!!) going to help these families to make healthy choices? If anything, it will only limit them to even cheaper and more unhealthy options.

Don't get me wrong -- I encourage everyone to shop smart, and learn to cook easy, healthy meals (if my grandma could do it with 8 kids on a budget of nothing, anyone can). But doesn't anyone else see a problem with this tax? Not only does it target a population already struggling with finance, but it misses the BIGGER PICTURE: the production and excessive advertising of unhealthy processed foods, and the comparatively high cost of nutritious fresh foods.

Unhealthy foods (like the swill you can get for under $2.00 at McD's) are only so cheap because their production is so heavily subsidized (think of corn and soy farming), and because of the massive scale of production -- not to mention paying their various levels of employees at minimum wage or worse. But farming fresh produce doesn't get a break, and so fruits and veggies (even local and in-season) are at prices considered prohibitive for some, and only going up.

The problem here is not just with consumer choices (even if that is a big part of it), but with government subsidies, advertising, and production standards. Despite the good intentions, this tax ends up being a discriminatory money grab.

RECENT FILM VIEWS - not keeping track these days, oops.
The Last Airbender (2010) ****
Toy Story 3 (2010) ****
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010) ***
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) ***
The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister (2010) ***
The Invention of Lying (2009) **

Yesterday

2010-07-16T00:29:00.000-04:00

"Bring the past only if you are going to build from it."
~ Doménico Cieri Estrada

Since my grandma's time, and my great-grandma's, there have been so many improvements in the quality of life. Human rights, health and medicine, and of course communications and technology. But although many of the methods of the 1910s-1930s have been left behind, they're only now being "re-discovered" as more low-tech, cost-effective and green than the methods more typical of our own time.

Just a few examples...

The "100 mile diet" encourages buying local food grown by local farmers, instead of products shipped thousands of miles. This is meant to both support farming in your own area (since it's a very difficult living for them), a reduce your carbon footprint by negating all of those shipping emissions. In Gramma's time, that was the norm. Getting an orange at Christmas in the middle of winter was a special treat, not part of the routine. And when produce was in season, it was collected and preserved to be enjoyed over the colder months (in preserves, jams, relishes, pickles, etc.).

Consumerism was nothing then like it is today. When an appliance or utensil or tool was purchased, it was meant to last a lifetime. Not to mention that objects were designed to be repaired. Today we are in the terrible midst of throwaway culture. Goods are built according to "planned obsolescence" (meaning: deliberately designing a product to break or become obselete after a set amount of time), and the concept of repairing is practically a thing of the past. Most companies now ask you to send in your warantee-covered faulty item, but instead of fixing it, they chuck it and send you a new one. Nowadays, many resourceful cooks are discovering that antique kitchen tools are the best -- they never break (many are made of cast metal and have only a few moving parts), they are simple and require no maintenance, and are no more difficult to operate than the modern, plastic, electrically-powered counterparts.

Everything from quilting old fabric scraps, to cooking with simple and fresh ingredients, to buying with money instead of credit, to hanging laundry outside demonstrates that many of the old approaches were actually the best, no matter how companies want us to believe that we have gotten past those "shabby", "old-fashioned" days. Maybe it's time to take a step backwards, talk to elders about those thriftier and more inventive times, and see what can be brought back. And we have better do this before those who remember those days are all gone.

****************EDIT************************

P.S. Here is a short article adding to my thoughts!

We Can Work It Out

2010-07-15T23:01:00.000-04:00

"If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian."
~ Paul McCartney

I have never before been in a protest. I am committed to a few different key causes (with minor ones on the side). I sign petitions, write letters, read updates, etc. etc. I'm an advocate in my own quiet way. I don't like to rock the boat and push people around. I like to think I'm more polite than that. But when fighting for global change, is being polite the same as being cowardly? Or lazy?

Here's a simple example... I am a vegetarian, for ethical reasons. I don't like sentient creatures being slaughtered for my meals, because it's unnecessary. But I am rather quiet about this, because I think that it is rude to impose my ethics on others; I'm not out to convince or convert, though sharing by example never hurts. And I don't like to be demanding, or seem like I expect to be catered to. This is where it gets sticky. I typically will not request a veggie option when visiting family or friends, and end up eating either nothing, side dishes, or actually eating meat just to be polite. I'm so worried about hurting someone's feelings.

Is it better to be quiet about my own lifestyle choices, and let generous family and friends go about things normally without causing a big fuss?

Am I actually being inconsiderate and rude by not actively letting people know? Would it upset them to know that I didn't tell them and they unknowingly offered me a meal that violates my ethics?

Is my silence completely negating my commitment to the causes of animal rights and environmentalism (raising livestock for meat is environmentally harmful, by the way!), by backing down at the point at which advocacy to others could advance those causes?

Tell Me What You See

2010-07-12T12:16:00.001-04:00

"Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it."
~ Stephen Butler Leacock

It hurts my heart (and my brain) when I am confronted by advertising designed to fleece the well-intentioned. The average person not living under a rock (oh, how I long for that rock) is well-versed in classic sales pitches for snack foods, weight-loss miracles and cleaning products. Buzz words ranging from "instant" to "revolutionary" promise you that your money will be well-spent.

My current pet peeve? Advertisers cashing in on the Green movement. And the organic food movement. And the animal rights movement. Heck, any social movement being taken advantage of to SELL CRAP just plain gets on my nerves. Ever heard of "Greenwashing"? It's everywhere. And I mean everywhere. All you have to do is slap a clip-art green leaf on your labeled bottle of floor polish, say "earth-friendly!" and you're off to the races.

Although not everyone is ready to live off the grid (I'm sure not there yet!), a huge number of consumers want to make easy but responsible choices with their purchases (especially since An Inconvenient Truth). People want to believe that even if they can't buy a hybrid, or solar-power their house, those little changes add up to a big difference. Companies want to take advantage of that, and oblivious shoppers are only happy to cooperate!

And so, a friendly warning! DO YOUR RESEARCH. Learn what the labels claim, and QUESTION THOSE CLAIMS. Sometimes a cleaning product has not changed at all in formula, but the fact that it is mostly water to begin with is enough to say "99% biodegradable"; it may still be a harmful substance. Just because your socks say "made from 100% bamboo" doesn't mean they're a Green choice.

Keep in mind that as many new materials and techniques are devised and brought to the mainstream, labeling laws are still catching up -- until they're settled and enforced, companies can literally say anything they want, even if there isn't one ounce of fact in it. And they'll say exactly what consumers want to hear. Even logos from official-looking certification bodies aren't always trustworthy -- who are these people, and who pays them?

So be suspicious, learn some tricks, think before you buy. Find out which responsible businesses are worth your hard-earned money and which are just robbing you in exchange for a little green clip-art leaf.

All Things Must Pass

2010-07-11T21:44:00.000-04:00

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another."
~ Anatole France

I come from a pretty big family, with a lot of cousins. And as far as the age bracket, I'm somewhere in the upper-middle of the age group. The oldest cousins have just hit the "settling down" age, and it's starting to show; it's like herd instinct has started a chain reaction. One cousin on Dad's side is married with one kid, and a second on the way; another cousin (my age) on Mom's side just had her first baby; my brother has his own house with his longtime girlfriend; and now my very own big sister is engaged!

I still remember when we were all losing teeth at the same time (within a few years of each other)... Celebrating First Communions (a whole pack of photos of little boys in suits and little girls in white dresses)... A bunch of graduations... And now is the start of weddings, houses, and babies. Dare I say, it's all a little scary. At the moment, there is never more than one toddler running around the dinner table. But soon, will it be like the family reunions I remember, with a herd of ankle-biters stampeding around the kitchen? Will they be looking up at me as the quiet cousin/aunt/unspecified grown-up who gives hugs and candy but never remembers how old they are, and misspells their names in birthday cards?

It seems like a new stage has officially begun in our larger family, and I admit to feeling strangely out of place in it all. I still feel like a kid, and even though these things are appealing in my imagination, I don't know if I'm really ready for any of it! At least I am not the oldest in the group, so I can observe others first and learn from them, and get lots of good advice (and maybe even some hand-me-downs)!

Think For Yourself

2010-07-08T12:48:00.000-04:00

"A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimension."
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

My professors trained me well. A little too well. The most important lesson that came from my university career? Critical thinking. Analysis. Observation. Noticing and questioning. At its best, this manifests as constant awareness of the world around me. At its worst, as a deeply suspicious paranoia about hidden agenda and deliberate brainwashing.

In both film and literature, I have been drilled to read between the lines, sniffing out signs of author bias, subtle symbolism, political propaganda and cultural influence. Makes my education seem like school for detectives. Pretty cool, right?

However, there's one small problem. That detective brain? It doesn't come with an off-switch. Anyone who's ever majored in Sociology (I'm thinking of 2 people in particular) knows what I mean. I used to be able to read or watch anything, and enjoy. Rambo, Disney and "Sailor Moon"? Loved, adored, devoured.

Now -- 2 years since completing my degree -- my detective brain still brings out the loudspeaker and shouts, "HEY!!! Don't you see the patriarchy there?? RIGHT there. PATRIARCHY!!!" and, "That scene was shot so all the non-Caucasian characters are blurred in the background. What's up with that?" and, "Holy homophobia, Batman!" There isn't much I can do, except mutter, "Shut up, brain, shut up!" (much to the worry of those sitting near me in movie theatres), and occasionally long for a minor lobotomy to save me from my own over-awareness.

This is a conversation I've had many times with many fellow scholars, and it always ends with a string of rhetorical questions...

1. Does "higher" education irreversibly ruin our enjoyment of popular culture, in exchange for our appreciation of "higher" culture? Is it worth seeing the problems in Beauty and the Beast (1991) and Twilight to be able to understand Adaptation (2002) and Mrs Dalloway?

2. Should we reject popular culture to remove ourselves from its influence, or should we keep in touch with it to remain aware of its evolution (thus further protecting ourselves from its workings)?

3. At what point are we alienating ourselves from friends, family, and society as a whole?

4. Are we developing a "gourmet" brain (versus a "fast-food" brain), or just stubbornly refusing to enjoy what makes so many thousands of others laugh, cry, and think?

Carry That Weight

2010-06-25T11:05:00.000-04:00

"Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it."
~ Jane Wagner

What is the recommended daily dose of reality?

In the last several months, I have gone through a few bouts of reality addiction. No, I don't mean reality-TV *gag*, but rather, documentaries. There are many different kinds, and they range in the "facts" they spotlight, from global warming (An Inconvenient Truth) to LGBT rights (The Times of Harvey Milk) to... well... penguins (March of the Penguins). Many local libraries have an extensive collection, though they may not have some of the latest ones, which deal with current events.

I once took a university course on documentary films (at the time toying with the idea of directing/filming them for a career). And do you know what I found? Besides learning that one should never trust any sort of "narrator" in these films -- because it invariably reveals the biases of the creators, however mild or unintentional -- I also discovered that these films have an incredible power over my emotions, and can disturb and upset me without hope of recovery. There are some documented moments which I can never un-see which still bring me to tears and stomach-knots when I recall them.

But nowadays, as we travel through a world saturated with propaganda and advertising, I feel that an occasional dose of reality is healthy, even necessary to maintain some awareness of the powers operating behind the scenes. We need to be able to make conscious and informed decisions. Lately I've seen: Food, Inc., Who Killed the Electric Car?, The U.S. vs John Lennon, Oceans, Addicted to Plastic (you can watch for free online here), and Religulous. And I am glad that I did, for the most part. Except that I have to be careful not to watch too much and find myself depressed and jaded about all the world's problems. Speaking from personal experience, I can only handle so much reality before I need to take a mental vacation with my good friend, Walt Disney.

I wonder... Would documentaries be more palatable to the general population if they could soften the blow a little, or would that defeat the whole spirit of revealing the facts? If there were a "softcore" documentary genre (see anything by DisneyNature, which is about as sugar-coated and uninformative an eye candy as you can get), would it be a way to make regular folk more aware of the world they live in (minus the emotional trauma)?

The Kindness of Strangers

2010-06-20T15:51:00.000-04:00

"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again."
~ William Penn

I like to think of myself as a pretty nice person. Maybe not the next Mother Teresa, mind you, but I try my best to be polite, friendly and helpful to strangers.

I was driving along the highway and saw a hitchhiker. He wasn't what I would normally label "sketchville", in fact he looked totally normal. Just a university kid going from one place to another with a duffel bag. Did I stop? Of course not. I'm not crazy! But... I wanted to. I want to be that kind of person that pulls over even when every other car goes flying by without a backwards glance. However, I'm not willing to compromise my safety.

It doesn't stop me from feeling bad, though! This is just one in a long list of moments where I had to say "Safe is more important than nice". Another time it was a cyclist whose bike chain was busted. Another time it was a car pulled over to the side. Every time, I could very well have been of some help, but the truth is that I was too scared to take the chance.

...If I were a big burly guy, would I have been more willing to risk it? Is saying "I'm small and female" just a lame excuse, or common sense? Have the days of hitchhiking died forever? Are the days of random acts of kindness next in line for the chopping block?

'No Scents is Good Sense'

2010-06-16T18:19:00.000-04:00

"Let the clean air blow the cobwebs from you body. Air is medicine."
~ Lillian Russell (1922)

Our home always smelled wonderful (to me, anyways), because it smelled like country air, delicious food, and sometimes flowers that Mom would bring in from the garden. Okay, truth be told, there was always a bit of dog-smell and dirt-smell and dust-smell (particularly in Winter), but as long as the temperature is over 15C, the windows are WIDE open and a breeze is clearing away scents for free.

It wasn't until having to share a space with a single woman here in Thunder Bay that I realized just how sensitive I am to synthetic perfumes. Not just those moments of holding my breath when walking by perfume counters at Sears and The Bay... But scented-oil diffusers in the bathroom, and candles, and cleaners, and hairspray, etc. etc. I have never had so many headaches, sleepless nights and nauseous mornings since I came into this house.

The average person listens to warnings on the news about days of poor air quality in the summer, and that's very important. But I don't think that people realize just how poor the air quality can be in their own homes! Between scented products, chemical cleaners, plastic and vinyl objects, paints and carpets which off-gas (that's where you hear about VOCs), indoor air quality averages 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. If you don't believe me, check out Care2's article, and another by The Lung Association (which has lots of good advice!!). These warnings are not just for those with asthma. You can boil questionable water, but there isn't much you can do about the air. Air purifiers -- I use one in the late summer to clear my bedroom of ragweed pollen -- have conflicting reviews and research, and many produce ozone, which is actually hazardous to your health.

So here is what I think: cut down on the perfumes. As long as you're clean and wearing deoderant, you probably smell wonderful anyways. Use unscented and less harmful cleaners (note! many "unscented" and "fragrance free" claims are FALSE!). Choose household items which do not off-gas (think natural materials versus plastics and vinyl). And please, please, please, be considerate of your fellow humans (whether diagnosed as scent-sensitive or not), dogs, cats, birds, plants...

...And oh yeah. The atmosphere. We kind of need it. Thanks.

Northwestern Ontario - The Newsless Wonder

2010-06-15T18:44:00.000-04:00

"Everything is being compressed into tiny tablets. You take a little pill of news every day - 23 minutes - and that's supposed to be enough."
~ Walter Cronkite

Connection to the people and events living (and dying) all around the globe is a relatively new phenomenon -- not to say that Canadians in the past were utterly oblivious to the happenings outside our shores and borders, but the immediacy of, and accessibility to, national and international news in the average Canadian home has become something incomparable in previous history.

But even in Ontario, the province which annually receives more immigrants than any other, there are communities which have access to world news, yet prefer to live in a tiny bubble of locally-minded ignorance (theoretically, bliss).

Walter Cronkite (above) felt disappointed that people would only accept 23 minutes of news. If he thinks that's bad, he should keep out of Northwestern Ontario. I choose to listen to CBC Radio for my news, because the popular local station in Thunder Bay, which 99% of cars can be heard playing in the morning, broadcasts 30... count 'em... 30 seconds of news. And guess what? They only report on events happening within the Northwest Region. 30 seconds of local news, and that's all, folks (in their defense, that same sneeze of information occurs every 15 minutes). If I were relying on them to tell me what's going on in the world, I would think that everything outside of this bubble (lovely though it is) had been swallowed in a colossal void.

People here are not only generally unaware of what's happening in the rest of province/country/continent/hemisphere/planet/universe... They typically don't care. World issues? That's the rest of the world's problem. Volcano? We don't have any. Earthquake? That's a shame, pass the sugar. Political revolution? We've got enough troubles here, let them deal with it themselves.

...Really? Maybe I've been permanently corrupted by life within an hour's drive of Toronto, and I feel some self-important duty to keep tabs on every single country that has sufficient technology to Twitter (or is the verb, to "tweet"?). Maybe. But I prefer to think that in some small way I am keeping up with events that affect the entire world, that I am acknowledging the struggles of others (no matter how distant and foreign they may seem as I sip my morning coffee in a quiet country kitchen), that I am participating in a global conversation.

...But that's just me.

Mean Humour

2010-06-13T10:57:00.000-04:00

"So many tangles in life are ultimately hopeless that we have no appropriate sword other than laughter."
~ Gordon W. Allport

I spend quite a significant amount of time on the internet. It gets worse in the winter, and when some assignment is due. My number one destination online? Humour. I love to laugh! Whether it be a video, picture, song or article, the internet is a treasure trove of things that make us smile.

However, the range of humour varies and we each tend to draw our own lines about what we find funny. I tend to reach for the innocent/silly (old Pluto cartoons), the memes (Charlie the Unicorn), the political (the Rick Mercer Report), and the nerdy (video game jokes).

I don't find it funny watching a reckless kid snap his arm in two while attempting to skateboard off a roof. I don't enjoy when drunken college students scream slurs at each other, where the punchline is the part where they puke on each other (ha-ha?). Finally, I am not one who appreciates "mean" humour. That's the type where the whole premise is to point and laugh at people. Perfect example, People of Walmart.

When sometimes-laughable "Fail" moments (most of which are not too bad) degrade into full-out discrimination, that's when I stop smiling. Hate speech... Not funny. And all things considered, dedicating that much time just to pointing and laughing at other people's appearance... In real life, wouldn't that normally be considered kind of a jerky thing to do??

Does it occur to anyone else that when the humour drops below a certain level, it actually over-develops our mocking and malicious judgment of others? Should we be more choosy with what we allow ourselves to laugh at, and share? Or have humour and "taste" become entirely separate entities, and "anything goes"?

A Fresh Start

2010-06-11T22:04:00.000-04:00

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."
~Seneca

My old blog, The Long and Winding Road... stretched long and windy enough. That road is at its end, and it's time to mark the start of a new journey. I plan to make a few changes in this blog:

I will be keeping out personal names & details. Code-names might come into play.
I want to keep it light, and as positive as possible. No emo allowed.
Gossip to a minimum (and only if I can make it funny).
I hope to take a little more time for opinion posts, or reflective posts.
If I can, I would like to start every post with a quotation :-)

Thank you for reading! And please do comment. I like to know who's still out there!