A Tragicomedy

Rant: Vive le stupide : What we say about first ladies and ANTM 's

2009-04-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

What do Michelle Obama, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and America's Next Top Model ladies have in common?
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Like anyone else, I too am interested in fashion and what looks nice. From time to time I criticize what others choose to wear as well (okay, okay more than from time to time). But I cannot look at two first ladies and think "Who won?" Do I really care what first lady was wearing what? Um, that was rhetorical.

I read about which first lady kicked the other fashionista's ass and so on but I really thought that was kinda well...stupid.

Michelle wore a J crew ensemble and apparently pissed off some designers. I guess the woman thought maybe, just maybe in this economic climate it is better to not be so ostentatious. I mean, remember Marie Antoinette and the whole "Vive la revolution!" thing....yeah.....moral of the story would be don't show off in front of the the poor---okay that is not the moral but still ;)

I saw so many facebook updates and comments on "news" sites so I took a look to see the pictures of the two being all buddy buddy. Yeah, Mrs. Obama and C. Bruni looked nice. That's about it. Sheesh. Because they are women I guess we should really care who pulled off her outfit right? Please. Well there is one thing to be thankful for: a lack of Sarah Palin, can you even imagine what the articles would be like if she was VP now.

Then in the comment sections of the pages there are loads of insults and praises hurled every which way. A well known singer/songwriter was interviewed in our class the other day and he said what most smart people will tell you, people who make negative comments need to get their own damn lives. Loser jealous people---and I paraphrase. :)

This brings me to anther brief rant that has been stewing for a while. America's Next Top Model. I know everyone and their grandma watches this show--but I loathe it! I cannot help it, I am well aware I am the minority but it makes me nauseous.

Either people like watching because of the so called glitz and glamor and terrifyingly skinny pretty things or because they LOVE/CRAVE the drama. You walk by people talking about it whether at school or work and they always have something to say about the chaos that happened or which girl was better and which one cried and was told to lose weight. Seriously, for depression era comedy-esque TV is this the best we can do?

One of the major problems I see with this is many girls see these tall, stick-like creatures who happen to also be incredibly photogenic as sub human and therefore okay to mock. Is the girl too skinny or too raw in her look-at-me poses that you feel it's okay to laugh at her sad, albeit sometimes dumb, tears when her "dreams" are dashed. Or when a girl is told she needs to wax-- but really it's not hair it's anorexic down!

I won't go on. I lose. You win. It is the one of the most watched and talked about shows. Be proud.

Oh, one more question: those of you focused on political wardrobes....did you happen to hear anything in the news about Sri Lanka or the G20 summit or Afghanistan. Yeah I don't blame you for wanting to focus on frivolous stuff. I only blame you when you forget it is frivolous.
LOVE YA ;)

Today in History: no time for Bandwagons, Buzkills or Bemusement

2009-01-20T18:07:00.001-08:00

In a theatre of over 850 people I sat and watched the inauguration of Barak Obama as 44^th president of the United States of America. I also watched the inauguration of the first African American president. What I also watched was America’s neighbour to the north react with a fervent.

This day was not just America’s. It is more than a “change” in American politics; it is historic, no matter where your views rest on the political spectrum that sadly polarizes us.

Some choose to look at Canada’s (especially Toronto’s) exuberant reaction to his presidency as another tragic element in Canada’s supposed inferiority complex. Why, they ask, are more Canadians seeming to care about what happens south of the border when we have our own political crisis’s to worry about? Why, when our own voter turn out was lower than it has been in longer than most can remember? And why, when a general malaise and apathy has caught half of our country—even during a controversial time in our parliament--does Canada care so much about this day?

I don’t pretend not to wonder about some of those things or regretfully look at the apathy here at home, but what I do see are reasons why Canada cares.

I spoke with two women at the Bloor Street Cinema while watching the inauguration. They were sisters from Barbados who are proud Canadian citizens, and yet this day was special for them. Not because of where they were born or live now, and not because they are happy to see a more “liberal” change in American politics. It was about an overwhelming joy they thought they would never have because they never thought such a day would come.

Although this day is not solely about race, it is something that can not and should not be ignored. Empathy for the tragedies that transpired years ago lead countless non African Americans, myself included, to feel a rush of emotions today.

It does not matter what one thinks of Obama’s politics, not at this moment. We will have more than enough time to critique and judge his ability to lead what is arguably the most powerful nation on earth.

I think today is for celebrating, not commenting on how Obama could be a “neoconservative” in Canadian political terms and comparing him to Stephen Harper in a derogatory way (as was done in a piece in the Toronto Star) or trying to figure out why we in Canada seem to have neglected much of what is happening here at home.

What happens to America does affect the world. But more importantly, what happens anywhere on the planet that shows us as a species getting even slightly closer to living as equals should be celebrated.

It was not until today that I realized what bothered me about the whole Obama mania worldwide, it was his devout and unwavering “groupies.” They seemed to lose sight of the fact that he is a human being and not infallible; not seeing how odd and unfair it is to place so much pressure on one man. Similarly his naysayers do not realize what kind of day today actually is and how it is not the time to complain—all of that can be done tomorrow. Tomorrow we can speak of all the rest: obligations, promises, troubles, beliefs, doubts. Today we can just watch history.

Here I am.....sort of

2008-11-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

Never fear....I will post again shortly. Yes, I am talking to you...all three of you (lol) or my many adoring fans (and rightly so)

It is just as of late I have been pondering things that are either too cliche or trivial to write down or I have thought of stuff to tenuous to post without sparking comment wars or debates--the likes of which I rather not see.

And other stuff that you can just categorize as PROCRASTINATION.

The Not-So-Great Debates

2008-10-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

If you watched TV tonight you know that the Canadian federal English debate was up against the vice presidential debate.

If you are Canadian and only watched the American one because you have an inferiority complex, are an Obama groupie, are curious about the Palin effect, you like McCain or wonder how boring Joe Bidon might be…well, that is not a good enough excuse. But that is for another rant. Let’s talk about both of them.

Well we have certainly not come a long way from the great debate of Nixon and JFK. Maybe make up or a tan is not going to make or break it like it seemed to in the days of old but not much more can be seen in terms of progress. Oh no, wait…there is youtube type questions. Hardly more than a way to put a human face to the questions they have to answer.

Canada

What I did see was a gang bang approach to questioning Harper. What I think the other party leaders may not have realized is that this tends to work to his advantage. He may be a jerk, he may want to take a crap on artists, he may love America too much, but he is not dumb in the W sense. He knows how to talk and keep composure. Plus he is the king of condescension and trying to make the other leaders look like overly emotional prats. His smirks are irritating and he seems to look at Elizabeth May like she is the scum beneath his shoes, but the shouts of “But you did this” coming form the other leaders is also quite irritating.

Layton was not an exception. Although he is a very intelligent man with some great views sporting the only stache, he also focussed on seeing Harper’s downfall…or at least seeing his not so great of a win. However, he did get the occasional dig into Dion i.e. when he mentioned the NDP historically being the most responsible—fiscally, and then there was a mention of Bob Rae and he looked to Dion and said, ‘well now he is with you’. And he did manage to possibly plug himself and speak in third person more than any other leader.

Elizabeth May was not as dumb as her newspapers photos made her look. Sure she repeated herself at nauseum when she did not want to answer a question, but that may just mean she has truly entered the political arena. (Mind you at times it seemed like politics 101 as she incessantly cited stats and sources using them as a crutch.) However, she did know full background on issues people assumed she could not carry her weight in and she has the most excellent memory.

Stephan Dion was not laughable. He did not butcher the English language as much as critics said he would. Although I wish I was fluent in French so I could hear him sound even more competent. But common Dion, you have to stay tough. Hold on to that big boys don’t cry attitude and don’t seem so emotionally wobbly. Please mention something other than the carbon tax and please oh please do not start every argument with “As the liberals…” as if they are a divine omniscient power. Overall though, he was not as bad as everyone makes him look.

Gilles Duceppe, what can I say, he is funny. His acknowledgement that he knew full well he would not be prime minster was hilarious; as was his glancing at the others and saying three of them knew they would not either but did not want to admit it. Okay, I would not want separatist to win, after all we would need passports to go to Newfoundland  But aside from that he was more chilled out than he was four years ago as I recall him being quite red faced then. And he seems to care about what he ays he cares about and remains rather solid in that.

On a whole it seemed not much will come from the debate in the way of a radical change. Tory win, hopeful minority, Harper handled it all well but really had nothing new to add at all! Layton was good, better than Dion maybe but there may not be a change in opposition leader. The bloc dude is still funny. Oh, this time there is a lady and she is green, and pretty darn tough. WITHOUT lip stick jokes huh. Will there be more to it? It would be cool if there was. They all did okay. That would be the simple way to say it.

Lines of the night: Layton's sweater comment to Harper Duceppe saying they know they cannot be PM

America

Well, we (or they rather) have a woman who many are apparently viewing as a accessories icon and sexy librarian type (which still confuses me) who smiles way to much and can see Russia from her house :P We also have an old guy who is kind of boring and who smiles too much when he is being insulted. Wow, who would have thought—Americans smile too damn much!

Anyways, I cannot fairly assess that debate as I was concentrating on the one in my own country. But I watched part of it since they are quite the characters and what happens to the good old U.S of A affects us all. (But it was only the VP’s)

Palin: too much soccer game analogy…enough cutesy down home-ness.

Biden: general rhetoric, no that unique. Loves the word fundamental.

Both: no personal attacks I saw, but more so a lot of “your boss sucks more!”

What I can say is how anticlimactic this debate also appeared to be. What happened to the old fashioned pointing, challenging questions, and passionately yet rude interruptions? When the first U.S TV debate occurred it engrossed so many people and directly affected the outcome of the election. (Oh, the power of TV.) Alright, this was not McCain and Obama, but it was a semi-big deal. So shouldn’t it have been enticing to watch with or without a glasses clad airplane huntress? From what I saw it was the same old speeches, same old quips, and same old defences. Pretty uneventful.

Lines of the night (from what I saw): Palin: "Can I call you Joe?"
I think I agree with what Steve Pakin said at the end of the Canadian debate, something to the affect of ours was more interesting, I’m sure of it. Well, still, not great enough.

I think I may edit this and add more later on. I wrote this rather quickly…in the last five minutes or so. But for now this is the unedited commentary on the not-so-great, but more so funny and mediocre debates.

---Image taken from BBC news website----

Random-Provoked

2008-09-10T14:31:00.001-07:00

One day this girl named Z met this girl named Y. They were both dressed very pretty in 1920's style costumes. They talked online, they commented on art and how many people suck, they went for coffee, they brought friends out to gather and have fun. Girl Y has a dog that messed up part of girl Z's family car, she nicknamed him Balls.

Z and Y are eerily alike and crazy. Girl Z is very happy to have met girl Y----crazy, artsy, pretentious at times, smart, complicated etc. All those things are okay because girl Z is all of them too.

There, did I make you happy now Anya?....You are in the blog, so now you can keep reading. :D

Focus lady, focus!

2008-09-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

Note I am in the process of looking back and editing my previous posts-but I am not uploading yet. This may not be CP style or what not, but for now read it and pretend. :) Lazy in this way I admit that I am.

I was in a class today and someone asked who in the room had a blog? I did not turn around but apparently less people than I had expected raised their hands to indicate yes. I got that idea after the person who had asked turned directly to me and said, "So what do you write about?"

Truth be told, I was not sure how to answer that, maybe I could say:general fluff-lifestyle, rants, relationships, music, entertainment, commentary on ridiculous or non ridiculous current events.

In all honesty I never bothered to find a complete focus for this blog. I wanted a place where I could write my thoughts rather than speak them since occasionally people may not want to hear them all. (I know, how dare!) This was also to be a place where I would be encouraged to keep writing. Not because of feedback or dare I say payment (we ain't there yet), but rather, I thought that by seeing dates I had last written I would be appalled by my laziness and would feel pressure to write.

Actually some of that is a lie. That is why I write now, HOWEVER, originally I had made it so people would read it and see my general criticism of how they were acting and such without me having to confront them yet again. (Refer to the very messy, rage-filled first entry from way back-which is still unedited, sigh)

Anyways, enough about me. Okay, almost.

I was thinking after being asked that question if maybe I should focus this blog thing-a-ma-jjg more. But then I wondered where I would ever get to put random things like insulting Sharon Stone, or reviewing Batman, or talking about random musical acts. I think that part of my charm (for me at least) is that I always want to talk about a variety of things (mind you I do keep this rather light, what with big issues and serious beliefs not typically featured here) I think that maybe soon, I will get another blog that will be more focussed. Maybe then I can write things that thus far I have been saving in my mind for potential freelance work. But as of now I shall keep this relatively random--unless a great idea strikes me.

Okay, I lied....this was about me today, but I am permitted to be self centered on this webpage at least.

P.S I am still trying to think of a name change....I have yet to love one enough to commit to it yet...ideas are welcome. (A blog name, not my real name obviously)

Not a desperate believer: finding the band.....again.

2008-08-26T16:36:00.000-07:00

"I feel so low, I feel so high....dododododo..."

Okay so I was feeling a little low and was perusing the net trying to just waste time when I came across a song by INXS, which in turn made me think of the new INXS with J.D. Fortune, which then made me want to hear one of their new songs....then, I tried to find a video on youtube for it but the song was only there played to a montage of Kalam Porter pictures (Canada's only good idol winner) and then I looked him up, and thought hmm great voice, but a face so gentle and pretty like a little innocent cherub, then that mad me think of petite pretty boys with awesome sexy voices and I thought of the good old days of Daniel Johns and Silverchair. Pheuf...there, all in one breath...that’s how I think.

So that is how I came upon Silverchair again. A while back I saw them with their 2007 new song Straight Lines, and I was like "NOOOOO" euw and quickly became apathetic to the band that I had so much adored in early high school years. Although that should have been a sure fire sign I would love it since I typically hate something or someone before I love it/them. But upon seeing them again I decided now that I love them again. How can I be so fickle you ask? Easy, I always am. :p

For one, like many of the albums (Young Modern) naysayers I thought of how incredibly different they were from their old angst ridden alt rock songs of old. But for all intents and purposes alt rock as we knew it back then is gone, so you cannot expect them to stay the same. Also how unattractive would it have been if these now 29 year olds continued to sing about parental abuse, anorexia, animal rights, suicide, and hating people, or sarcastic pseudo masochism, as they started doing at age 13. I admit, in the right mood, as I discovered while very pissed off yesterday, the old songs still work—despite what anyone says about maturity etc. Their new stuff if very different, but not worse. It is still the same trio and the same awesome voice of Daniel Johns—who does not want to seem pretty feminine anymore methinks, what with a bit more muscles, short hair, and the very odd facial hair the whole band is sporting. Good choice I think, aside from the style of face hair they chose, a general scruff would look better.

What I like about my rekindling of my love for this band is that I was not a "desperate believer" (pun on lyric intended) who wanted to be loyal to them for nostalgia's sake, I had to find my way back through new appreciation which means more I should think.

I like the new progressive, yet classic, cool, but creepy stuff that features some falsetto. I think it is a nice change and I think that I can now add them back to my facebook favourites--a true sign of real admiration and appreciation of course ;)

Boys (and Girls) of Summer

2008-08-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

I am not one to comment on the outward appearance of people, (ahem okay bad lie). At least, I try not to, not when there is not something good to say. And when there is something good, well I usually would only say it in girly regards to a 'hot' guy.

Unlike a certain columnist from a certain newspaper (not to name names-what if I need a job lol) I won't comment on the women. If I am not attracted to them (which I am not) I find it utterly pointless to pick 'favorites' based on beauty or whatever. This writer I speak of had a big piece today about the hotness of female Olympians. While there is nothing wrong with a heterosexual women acknowledging this sort of this, was it necessary for her to introduce her piece saying how totally heterosexual she is and how they don't get more straight then her. Pleeease-no one cares, and your not funny. Anyways back to my point or pseudo point.

I just find it completely useless for women to critique other women based upon their looks when they typically cannot stand men doing it. I mean you are allowed to have your own opinions and feel free to be a perv or bitch at home, but leave your comments away from public reading, or away from me hearing you talk. I knwo a few girls who have always been obsessed with saying which celebs they think are pretty and "oh my eeeeeeeee she's soo *insert any other sound they may make*. Personally I have always thought them to be somewhat....well.....irritating as all hell. I am not sure if t comes from secret lesbian thoughts they may have or a supreme inferior complex that makes then need to look up to other women for their looks alone, but either way, boring. I mean feel free to flatter your friend or tell someone "oh, you look beautiful" but otherwise. sigh.

And when they decide to point out the looks of athletes too, its even worse. At least most Hollywood bitches are seeking out that sort of objectification, but I read recently some bad reactions from athletes that are sad by being made internet jerk....um....anyways, you get it.

So aside from girls being annoying I have another thought that these Olympics has brought to mind. Why do we have to love someone just because they may get 1, or lets say 8, gold medals.

Michael Phelps may be a remarkable athlete with incomprehensible skill, but thats it. You cannot make me love him (I do not know him), you cannot make me want him to win anything at all (he is not Canadian), and you cannot make me care. I admit, they did their best when saying he walked his sister down the aisle, I guess I am a bit of softy there. But really, I will still vote for a Canadian over him any day-unless I know the guy and he is a complete douche obviously.

Attraction is subjective, as it should be, but I refuse to develop a crush on the guy cause he can swim, I mean that is like wanting someone because they are nice, or just god at I dunno, math. And I don't see that happening either. A crush needs to be a bit more than that, a bit more well, cliché- and shallow. lol. Don't worry I am half kidding. I admit I have seen a few 'better than nice' guys in the games, but whatever.

Either way I am sick of Phelps, sick of girls being stupid about other girls, and I although I may like the Olympics and sport and such, I miss Coronation Street CBC! So it is almost time for it to go. Although, they did make me want to be even more active, sans scary man muscles though.

:)

Random and not so random beauty

2008-08-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Just so you know I may convert this address to a theological commentary or something one day, the name just fits. I am still in the process of thinking of a new name for this one, where I will post all of these entries again (and the comments) and hopefully write even more often.

Since I have nothing to say right now that I care to write.....take a look at this, isn't it pretty. (That was rhetorical, because yes, it is.)

Why so serious? No, seriously Batman, why?

2008-07-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

I just saw The Dark Knight today and came away with a few thoughts. After some of the people I know had said it was too dark, and others hailing it as the best summer film I thought I’d say a little. I won’t really dapple into directing, it was good and so were the effects lets leave it at that for this entry, I am thinking more of the story, acting etc.

Maybe do not read it if you have not seen it in case I give something away…which I will…so SPOILERS ahead…

I very much enjoyed the film, yes, maybe it was very dark, but for me it was dark in a way I could understand. Maybe it is because I love Shakespeare so much, but it felt to me like one of his tragedies since I ended up connecting to the villains, and well for the obvious thing that happened to do-gooder Harvey Dent.

The Story:
I thought it was well written (except for the whole we shall have to blame Batman at the end, I mean really they could have put the blame on the Joker and his goons or something.) Aside from a few things it was pretty damn good, there was motive and reasoning for the most part and every character was sketched out in a way that allowed you to see beyond the exterior.

When the Joker started telling different lies about what had happened to him I found that brilliant. It was obvious to me that the first story about his father was fake (Why so serious?) but for those that cannot understand outright, it was subtlety given away as a lie when he spoke of his mean wife and her attack as another version of his life history and reason for scars.

The scars themselves were not deep enough to make his face masked beyond recognition but along with his put on accent and make up and what I would call brilliant acting, I forgot it was Ledger which for me was the point. After his death, watching any films he had been in was very sad (as it happened so recently), but with this portrayal of the infamous Joker I forgot to think about the fact he had died. His performance for me stole the show; it was so good it made me think of brilliant theatre. The character also was incredibly well written, having neither the desire for revenge nor the hankering for money to move him, he was merely, as he said ‘an agent of chaos,’ and Alfred’s anecdote about his own time in Burma was well placed in showing simple thinkers, like Batman at that moment, that some men cannot be moved. That is why, despite wanting to psychoanalyze and profile the Joker, we are left not knowing who he is or what was a part in making him A man who is not afraid of losing anything cannot be persuaded to give away anything, and I am glad they did not cheepify the character by doing so.

Bale and Batman on the other hand left me slightly disappointed. I am aware that the humour that was once in the Batman of old is no longer around, and that Nolon’s vision is realism (as much as movies permit) along with intense struggle on the edge of good and bad, closer than most think. The darkness is needed to convey the severity, but I need to like Batman, and I really am left feeling just sorry for him only. The character of Batman (Adam West aside) has always been grumbling and moody (bordering on emo, but for good reason) but he also possessed (or in my opinion was supposed to) a sort of charisma and charm. Okay he is no adorable Clark Kent, or quirky Spider-Man, but in the animated series he made Mr. Darcy-esque smirks and Keeton did a great job in showing Bruce’s human side. I know much of it is the writing and I know they wanted to write something very different from your average super hero movie sarcasm, but some of what the Joker had should have rubbed off on the Bat. The Joker’s lines were dark and menacing and very serious at times yet left the audience also smirking or going, seriously? (Great line. Batman: let her go! Joker: Ooh, very poor choice of words…) Bale, however, leaves me thinking ‘well good old chap thanks for the self sacrificing and all that….’ And that’s it. Bale’s few attempts at humour come off as just privileged white rich kid number 87 and frankly I felt way more for Harvey.

Harvey Dent, as played by Aaron Eckhart (who did a great job with his role though the hair a tad goofy) was very Dudley Do Right, but also gentle, sweet, and not even that jealous of Bruce or Batman. He was secure in his position as Rachel’s man and Gotham’s unmasked hero. Instead of making him the typical alpha preppy or jock who is “too” good that you cannot stand him, he was, for me, lovable and his ending was extremely heartbreaking.His over the phone scene with Rachel before she dies is shattering as is his switch to evil. Perhaps some of the most well written parts of this film focussed on foreshadowing the tragic demise of Harvey Two-Face Dent. The face (or half of) was creative in that it was not bright cartoony pink-purple with boils but it looked like an ‘injury’ that he could not have lived with for much longer anyways. (A little out there and gross nonetheless) Although supposedly he may not be dead afteral, producers have said it was 'ambiguous'. His line “You either die the hero or live long enough to see yourself the villain,” lost some of the effect after constant teaser trailers but was still chilling, as was his initial innocent coin toss.

Thank goodness Maggie Gyllenhaal replaced Katie Holmes, who Tom probably forbade from doing the sequel. She was a much better for the role of Rachel Dawes and did not make me hate her, so yay. I was not happy with her character poking fun at Harvey for the threats on him and acting like he should be tough, (then again once you dated Batman I guess you expect it) I mean if it is the man she wants to spend her life with then show a little more concern ahead of time lady. But all in all she did well, and it was time for her to go. Batman cannot have a ‘love of his life’ (or so he thinks) running around in every film, it just was not Bat-like to keep it going. I liked, well I would not say liked, but it was sad and yet touching how she devoted herself to Dent and how they both died within a very short time. Her note to Bruce, withheld by Alfred for Bruce’s sake, was not a nice one, but the movie was better for it as we get to remember Harvey as not being second fiddle, and it adequately parallels Batman’s choice to protect all of Gotham from a truth that would equally crush them, the demise of their hero Dent.

I do miss some of the old school comedic aspects of Batman. But looking back some of it was not as good as we may remember. Notwithstanding the 60’s campy serial for obvious reasons we look at TAS (the animated series) and the 90’s flicks.

-Batman (1989) directed by Tim Burton.

Burton is an oddball, and he made some good films, this one is consistent with his dark comedy pseudo grotesque tendency, but for me this one lacked something. First of all: Vicky Vale= yawn. WTF was she even doing there. Bassinger was boring and ditzy. The joker, as portrayed by Nicholson, was over the top. In my opinion he can be very overrated. I mean he pulled off many characters and I won’t deny he can act, but usually he plays a good asshole because he looks like one. There was noting in his story that made me wonder about him further at all. He was a mob boss who fell into a vat of goo—seems to me all old comic villains just were mob bosses or scientists who fell into some goo making them worse and uglier. In this version he killed Bruce’s parents years ago and he had a plastered on smile with many dorky ass minions. Keeton was a pleasant surprise as most thought this dorky guy would not be able to carry off the cape, but he did.

-Batman Returns (1992) another Burton one.

I enjoyed it a lot more than the first, it may be my fav or the movies. It was still weird and out there but it showed awesome banter between Batman and Catwoman (which girly me loves). The mentally unhinged Catwoman was well played by Michelle Pheiffer, who aptly showed Selina Kyle’s newly acquired insanity. The scene where she tic tac toes the face of a would-be rapist/mugger is awesome, as is her make out scene with Bruce when they unknowingly touch scars given to them by each others masked personas. Also there is the hideous penguin (Danny Devito) so gross and reminds me of a bitchy lady I once knew. And Christopher Walken as well...himself :)

-Batman Forever (1995) Directed by Joel Shumacher

There is a debate over who was worse as the caped crusader: Kilmer or Clooney. I would say Clooney, but that does not mean Kilmer did anything worthy of praise either. Stone faced and cold with Seal’s Kiss from a Rose playing to his love story thing with Nicole Kidman bored me to tears. Featured villains were the Ridler (Jim Carey, who was a pretty good choice at the time) and Two-Face (Tommy lee Jones) This two face, another fall into goop type scenario, was unworthy of pity and had bimbos run around his two sided condo or something. Oh, and Robin comes into play here too.

-Batman and Robin (1997) Shumacher again.

No, just no. Now they are introducing Batgirl….common. Alicia Silverstone is okay but this was not the Barbara Gordon I wanted there. Good thing they had her though, and Chris O’Donnell as Robin, since Clooney needed they to act off. Villains: Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman) and Mr. Freeze (good old governor Arnold *insert accent here*) I suppose his story was an attempt to acquire sympathy for a villain but too damn corny to work. I was young at the time so I thought it was okay.

-Batman Begins- we spoke of that already. Okay, Loved the parts with Liam Neison and training in the snow, but hated Katie Holmes.

-Batman- The Animated Series (sometime in the 90’s when my brother had all the toys)

Probably the best of all of them as we see a plethora of villains and get to spend more time knowing all of them. I still maintain although Ledger was amazing, no one scares me more than Mark Hamel’s voice as the Joker. Also Bruce was solemn and tough yet lovable.

-The Dark Knight, aka the only film not saying the word Batman in it.

Although there was no witty banter from anyone other than the Joker, the story was enough to hold me. Bale’s statue like delivery did not make me puke, it just made me miss how I envision the character to be. Ledger was amazing, Gyllenhaal good and a stronger woman presence than many others, Cain fun as always, as was Freeman and Oldman-who was lovable. I knew the death was fake…I mean he was not even called commission Gordon yet!

The movie was full of foreshadowing, and subtle hints at each characters future (including the Cat reference which makes me think Catwoman is next, shit they better not pick some ditz to play that!) Many of the most poignant moments (also fun for analysts) were made by utilizing these and showing the slippery slope between the right choice and the easy one, without being too preachy. (P.S high five to the big prisoner on the boat)

A hero is not to be happy, that is what most movies and comics tell us. They are, in essence, giant and overtly obvious messianic symbols that bring forms of salvation, self sacrifice, all the while suffering in silence. Batman is no different, he may not have fallen from another planet, he may not possess any powers, but his human side acting courageously selfless is what has endeared this character to people for years. The Dark Knight, good and bad points, at least still manages to uphold that.

If Madonna likes something, can I still like it?

2008-07-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

I pride myself on not caring about what I should like or fit into (which in itself can seem almost oxymoronic I know). For music: I like a lot of 'cliché' classic rock and some more unique, and some indie folksy stuff. I like all types of music though, blues, jazz, old school country, freaky world, 'ethnic', and yes, sometimes even pop. But I am not a cultural journalist by any means, and I sure as hell am not a music blogger/writer/whatever. I do not have the inclination to devout my time to analyzing much of one specific thing. Maybe it is some sort of listlessness on my part, or attention deficit thing, maybe it's that I love/hate and think about way too many things, but either way I do not need to be a specialist in the art of "food reviewing" to feel worthy enough to tell you the duck confit was shit, not the shit. An opinion is just an opinion, and some can be right and some are impossible to categorize. But I digress.

What brought this on was that I was watching The View (I am tired and up since 6am, so vegging--hey I do not have to justify myself to you!) Anyways Katie Perry was on singing I kissed a Girl the supposed song of the summer, or so the all encompassing omniscient "they" of the media say (you cannot hear me but there is a tone there). So this song, it's like an ear worm, which for most artists is awesome in terms of $$$, but it is also problematic for "too cool" individuals who do not want to like a song that all others like. I personally am neither so I am apathetic unless if is that damn 9 to 5 song or Copacabana...NOOOO! Ahem, I am not a huge fan of the Katie Perry song or anything but it is damn catchy and Perry's voice is really...good (for lack of a better word-see more of a newsy or ranter)

Anywho, so Elizabeth told Katie that Madonna said Your So Gay is her fav song this summer and they went woohoo etc from there. Upon hearing that I was like, ick, so should I not like her songs? I so do not care for M blahblahblah. Then I caught myself and was like. Screw that, I am not acting like a pretentious hipster with a bad haircut (I have an image in my head of someone I saw at Green Room) I mean if I like, or half like a song, I shall like or half like it dammit. Although I confess my prejudice does get the best of me at times: i.e the thought of the loser hoe girls dancing and loudly singing the song out of tune at clubs makes me gag and feel quite superior. (Thanks to Chandler's FB post for the imagery, lol). So I think for now, even if Madonna called and said she loved Sam Roberts and wanted to learn the Erhu I would say, well cool...even though you act like a tool I share your opinion, and you cannot take Sam or the Erhu away from me.

P.S I think I will have to write a whole new thing about one of Perry's songs, but it requires too much energy right now. :P ....stay tuned yadayada.

Random 1- Sing me Song

2008-07-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

I saw this article on BBC news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7525242.stm

and I thought is was quite funny in that it actually made me recall the days when movies had theme songs bellowing, and sometimes making you hate the movie.

I have yet to see the new Batman flick (I will soon and will no doubt write on it) but I can tell, even before critics tell me, how dark it is and how different from the older films form the 90’s it is, following suit of Batman Begins obviously. Anyways, point. I think it’s a very wise choice not to have an ‘anthem’ for such a film. I mean, if I see Armageddon on TV I am nauseous from just thinking of hearing that stupid Aerosmith song, although I also don’t care for the movie either, but still. And although many people know and secretly like Kiss from a Rose by Seal it did evoke a sense of romantic cheese date stamp on Batman Forever (which was not great to begin with.)

However, I would say that some movie themes are welcomed. After all, movies like 9 to 5 encourage campy tunes and ridiculous ear worms (get out of my head Parton!) and the Blue’s Brothers using I’m a Soul Man seems fitting for the type of movie its intended for. Comedy can be different I think, but it can also use the type of irritating songs that are then featured ten years down the road in car sales parodies or Yogurt commercials i.e. case in point Flashdance’s What a Feeling.

Other purposely cheesy films understandably partner up with musicians for themes, like James Bond 007’s Live and Let Die, but I personally don’t think of that original Wings song as for the movie, in fact I don’t think of it much at all, but at least its not the G and R rendition.

So movie themes, for many take seriously films, may have gone the way of the Dodo but I would like to say….bring back TV themes!

For a few shows, like Lost, I agree it would not fit the mood of the show to have, oh I don’t know, let’s say The Police’s Message in a Bottle play (haha can you imagine) or even any other originally composed score, rather the simple eerie noise and chilling score are much more agreeable. But, other shows are plain crap and cheese anyway so why not place a catchy tune in our heads that we can remember 10 years later and sing a long to a la The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and feel old. I mean, I never do that, ahem.

Even a dumb drunken sounding tune like the theme for How I Met Your Mother, makes me happy, so bring them back and stop just flashing you dumb title up in different fonts.

Although for some bands I am not sure it would be all that great, or rather for the song. Recall the theme from the O.C (who is that again?) and Remy Zero from Smalleville, I mean no one will ever hear that and not think of Tom Welling and teenage angst.

To me from me.

2008-07-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

There is that old saying: "If I knew then what I know now..." and it is so true. Unfortunately I tend to hear it echoing from older guys who look back and think 'hey, now that I know the game I could so have gotten that girl in high school.' etc. (Psst, no you could not.)

But for me it is something much different, though still a cliché. A friend of mine and I were talking about the music we used to listen to when we were younger, and I started thinking how I was a little darker (including clothes) and I tried to like this sort of metal shit--but never did. (I am glad I stuck to Zeppelin, the Beatles, and Sam Roberts) So we all change. I mean relatively. I was thinking about how little I have (and then I felt abnormal) I have been the same bossy, loyal, loving, loudmouth, princess, since I could talk. :P But I guess even I had some phases.

So I thought, IF I did know then what I know now, what would I say to young me?

Well, I would probably say: "Your taste is good and will stay so, so keep it. You can wear the dark clothes and funky boots if you want, and you should since after this artsy high school you will not get to again. You can also wear flip flops in the summer-really it is easier. Don't mind your dumb girlfriends who abandon your group of girls for some dumb guy....you think it will change but only slightly---they will still be dumb in the future too. Don't give too much advice to your friends that they are not ready to hear, I know you are scarily honest and cannot hold back, but these kids want to frak up their lives without you nagging them. They have the occasional input from their neglectful parents, p.s do not insult their parents' parenting skills to their face.

Also, do not think that guys get mature--okay well you are ahead of the game there since you do not. You know they are the same and then just get wrinkly one day but are still intimidated and dorky as all hell. Do not assume you know who your friends will be. The girl who did not talk is now your partner in crime, the other shy one is loud now but still always with you, no matter how much you guys drift in different directions. Some of the geeks you thought would not accept you if you were not geeky enough-love you too. (LOTR ALUM mwa) The people who look down on you actually are terrified and jealous of you-which is AWESOME. The people who like you and you trust now in high school etc are likely to also pull something that makes you yell the macaronic, 'Et tu, Brute?' Some of your great friends will be friends of friends, and forgiveness, my dear, goes a LONG way! Note that one.

Don't think you can plan your life out. Now you laugh at the 16 year olds who do that. It is good to try at times but leave room to account for delusions of grandeur and leave space open for new revelations that take you by surprise-i.e what you want to do for a living.

And stop acting so old when you talk back to your young self. You are starting to remind me of the damn Baz Suncreen song form the late 90's. And you never liked that."

Maybe that is some of what I would say.

What would you?

Quick Note 1-----Shiny.

2008-07-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

Oh how I have missed Joss Whedon's sense of humour! I was watching Doctor Horrible's Sing-a-long Blog, and it was bloody brilliant. If you did not like or get the Buffy musical, or you cannot handle the Ricky Gervais school of slow and lengthy awkward pauses, ironic parodies, or you do not appreciate how hilarious Doogie (Neil Patrick Harris) has turned out to be, then maybe it is not for you. And *gasp*....if you did not LOVE Firefly and its awesome Mal Reynolds (Fillion is one of my TV husbands--fore I have many) then go away.

This is a three part short for only online viewing. The protagonist is the lovable villain and the hero is a douche. The whole damn thing, almost, is singing, and it's funny. Enough said.

http://www.drhorrible.com/

From Sea, to sea, to sea, to...Anywhere

2008-07-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about the complete and utter lack of interest most people I know seem to have in Canadian politics. Although it is true the world of Canadian politics is a wasteland for personality, it does have its scandals: i.e Belinda and Ty Domi, some dude leaving documents in his ex’s house, and…. *insert sarcastic grumble here.*

Okay, maybe we are not having a full scale change the country election right now like the McCain-Obama throw down. Maybe our most wild thing is Layton’s moustache. Maybe our recognizable figures slither and grow horns like all others too. Maybe we are just having a slump.

Where are the days when Tommy Douglas changed history by giving all Canadians medicare (Imagine a Canadian NDP founder Christian minister who focuses on the most fundamental rights, yay!) Gone are the scandals and charisma that came alongside Trudeau (Barbara Streisand, the October Crisis, bilingualism, western ‘alienation’ feelings, and multiculturalism to name a few---Streisand at top just makes me chuckle)

Now what we have is Harper, Dion, Dalton and co. Well, at least the aforementioned ^ left behind Keifer Sutherland, and Justin and his French-Canadian entertainment reporter wife. J

There is a lot to say about the state of Canadian politics, or apathy, but there is also something to say about this country in general.

We are darn polite---at least that is what everyone says. We are loyal to our nation without scaring the world with our patriotism, we are completely self deprecating and have an annoying inferiority complex that is all the while lovable (at times!) and we…well, we just are.

This is not a proud Canadian entry, we have many faults too, too many to name. And as much as I or any Canadian insults the good old US of A, I like it there too. In a world where entire groups of women must hide their face, in a world where children work as slaves, in a world where racism is average and killing ordinary, in a world where one can be silenced for their controversial or just plain old pert opinions, I would say the bunch of us are more than lucky. In fact in makes no sense why being born on the other side of the world should make any difference, but it does.

While watching and reading about the atrocities that go on around our little fraking orb I thought to shopping errands I ran the other day.

Put it this way: In this country white trash (or any trash) can try on barely-fitting tube tops at Wal-mart in public with little underneath, and I applaud that!

Gross maybe…but if shutting our eyes to some (ahem) impropriety is what we have to deal with, then, to quote some geeks…..W00T.

I can more than deal with that. Despite my cynicism and critical nature (really I do try and work on it…sort of) I cheer for a country, or countries rather, that let people live as people without fear of…well it need not be said.

Quick Nonsense 1

2008-07-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

I have not had much to say lately on here..for many reasons. But while I wait for something worth it to catch my attention and spark a post I will rant on something trivial dumb and just plain stupid.

Scarlett and Obama.

I am not talking politics. I am talking pure and stupid gossip. Why, you may ask? Because I typically do all I can to avoid celebrity news but when casually reading about a presidential campaign you happen on Scarlett Johanson talking about her love for Obama several times, you eventually read it.

Most of it is old news. She joked with reporters in January that she was engaged to him and giggled about her love for him. Okay, no biggie. But then she allegedly said they had a "dialogue" with him which was "awesome" (or some other similar word). My first thought was "Um....what?" Could it be that a potential president, and not just any potential president, but a groundbreaking one (such as the first African American Commander-in-Chief who has gotten youth involved like has not been seen in ages), could he be stupid enough to talk to celebrities, young ones, by e-mail. I doubt it. Oprah I can see, maybe even a late night talk show host like Letterman or even a 'veteran' actor like *insert old guy here* but Scarlet....I doubt it.

So I kept skimming until I go to some 'quotes' (This one is linked from US Magazine-hardly what one would like to quote, but funny nonetheless)

'She told Politico: "You'd imagine that someone like the senator who is constantly traveling and constantly 'on' - how can he return these personal emails? But he does, and in his off-time I know he also calls people who have donated the minimum to thank them."

But Obama told reporters that "she sent one email to [my assistant] Reggie [Love], who forwarded it to me.
"I [wrote] saying, 'Thank you Scarlett for doing what you do,' and suddenly we have this email relationship," he explained.

So either he lied or she is just dumb.

My money, given her thoughts that she can actually sing, are on her just being a dumb kid.

Anyways....argh. Stop filling up cyber space with this crap when I am trying to skim politics whilst pretending I can pay attention this week. (Although it made me laugh so I guess that is fine)

P.S Have you heard her sing? I refuse to say too much on that but one thing....
She covered Tom Waits in her 'album'. I mean I thought only scorned young men loved Tom Waits that much. The kind of guys who go home and act like emo gone ivy league by listening to his deep drunken voice while pining over people they should not be. Ahhh. Sorry. Too many laughable memories there. Point is....Scarlet singing Waits!

I mean...ahhh. Listen for yourself.

We are Family..lalalalalalala

2008-06-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Everybody loves Raymond is on every day, 20 times a day-give or take. A show about family, well most sitcoms are in one way or another. Why do we all like to watch these shows, shows about dysfunctional yet sometimes lovable families?

The answer would seem obvious, but is it?

Although the 'family friendly all American' way of TV has just about gone the way of the Dodo, (see the May post called 'Them Kids and Me') we still are watching shows about family whether we want to admit it or not.

Sex, talk, and cosmos:
Sex and the City, no matter what you say about it is centered on a family. A group of four women that prove in life you can make your own family, and in the end they are at times the most precious people you've ever known.

The same is true of other HBO, TMN shows that you would not suspect due to their
sexual nature, cuss words, and parental advisories. But in truth, they are so amazing in that they show the love people can have for each other, a love that does not come out of obligation or tradition. And although I like to think I have a great family (most of it) I also acknowledge those cousins and relatives you know who could give two poops about you, whereas some people you met a few years back, or even 19 ;) care so much more for you.

SCI-FI:
I dare you to watch Firefly (arguably one of the cleverest and greatest shows written), Stargate (either one), or even *insert any space-y show here* and tell me you don't see that family thing still happening. How many sacrifices for each other and often the whole verse happen? How many times do friends like Sam and Frodo have to show what a family should be? (Geeks will know the other related Hobbits, Bilbo aside, were not so nice)

The 'Typical' Family:
Although a lot of my friends are not so lucky in this department, they have us (their friends) and I do not think that these regular nuclear family shows set out to dissuade unconventional ones from watching too. After all, we all know someone overbearing, someone dorky, someone nurturing, and someone crazy and loving-yet utterly self obsessed.

So in a way we all do relate to shows like Raymond, and The Cosby's, whether we are living our own Seinfeld, Will and Grace, or Friends

The Tree of Me (parts of it)

2008-06-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

I was watching some CBC show that follows pseudo celebrities on their path to look into their Canadian ancestry. And then I was like ‘meh, but I cannot do that.’ Well for one, I do not have much history in this country aside from my parents, anything and anyone further back is an immigrant, and tended to be a farmer, schoolteacher or something other. Yet although none of them were the Supreme Court justice, or a public figure I can hear recordings of (or enjoy the wealth of!) I do have a lot of quite extreme and interesting stories from Europe and these long past relatives. To name a few I can say how my great grandfather lived and worked in the U.S.A and Argentina for years before returning to his home country (Old Country as they say), a great uncle served multiple military agencies as a spy, another was a professor who knew many political leaders and spoke 7 languages, a great grandmother raised all 8 brothers and sisters essentially on her own, someone else was a merchant, another few restaurateurs, another few doctors, another a principle, and many saw unspeakable horrors in various wars and occupations.

I typically do not mention the specifics of my closer family, I.e. grandparents, it feels too close to home, they came here lived/and live good, and some saw some horrible things during the war(s).

So I cannot document a lot of this and look through an English historical library, but it is very fascinating. I do not know what their IQ’s were, some were obviously high and some not. Like every family. Some had it simple, most did not. Looking back through their pasts though I can say as a writer thank you: to the nice ones, the not so nice ones, the ones who had success, and the ones who lost it all. They all lived incredibly in some way and selfishly I can also say, gave me a lot of material for the future.

The weird part, as self obsessed as it sounds, is thinking that all these very different people are all part of me somehow. Kind of freaky methinks.

my comment to a comment.

2008-06-11T12:15:00.000-07:00

I do not usually respond to comments, especially in a separate post....but....here goes.

In response to Moe. Yes it was an unrefined rant. As are all these posts. They are my thoughts at the moment, and consequently they still are.

In regards to the celebrity shut the hell up thing. I am not saying people who are 'noteworthy' cannot speak their mind and try to draw in people to various causes. Although it probably sounded that way.

If Bono wants to tell me about poverty I can deal but he better realize he is not my savior for telling me. If Angelina wants to adopt a million babies thats fine, good for her. But I shall not be taking anything she says more to heart than someone not so 'popular'.

My point is simple. All too often we are forced to listen to the opinions of idiots who can be heard because half the world is dumb enough to listen.

In response to the point about children not committing any evils....no one is free from sin. I agree. But tell me how forced labor that is not environmentally friendly or some bullshit is at all their fault. They may not be HOLY or sinless but compared to the rest of us they deserved what they got the least! (btw they were at school...not mining anyways and even if they had been they have no choice, they want to survive, they want to live and if they could be uber-liberal Suzuki followers in this country and get to live regular lives and have the opportunity to over analyze and deconstruct they WOULD!
Although......the kids in China who died have nothing to do with that so I am not sure what you mean.
They are innocent, more than most. I maintain that.

Not sure if that answers most of the questions but yeah....that it. All I have to say.
People are free to speak as they wish...my saying shut up to them is merely me saying...F*ck you, you ignorant moron. :)
Thanks for listening.

It’s not karma, you’re just a tool.

2008-06-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

By now it is old news. Sharon Stone, the spread legs, ditzy, self proclaimed 150 IQ actress made a major faux pas. No, actually what she did was infer that China’s earthquake was karma for how they are treating Tibet. No. Actually she did not infer that, in fact, she outright said it.

Ok….WTF may suffice as a reaction.

One of my major pet peeves would have to be idiot celebrities vocalizing any of their thoughts. Any and all thoughts really, especially on matters such as these.

Yes, yes, there is free speech and all that but common please do us all a favour you borderline brain dead celebrities and just shut up. I know that there is poverty in Africa and even here—in fact I think I realize it more than you do, I also know that you are trying out Buddhism as a trendy religion, after dappling in some other ancient eastern belief that you think is brand new, and that you just rearranged your house a la Feng Shui or have finished reading ‘The Secret’ or whatever the new crazy Oprah book is, but please….shut up.

I doubt that Ms. Stone even fully understands what the political situation with China and Tibet is, nor is she likely to understand the sheer devastation that the ‘Karmic’ earthquake of hers caused.

To name a few: (these are approximations…)

- Approximately 70,000 people have died

- Thousands of which were children, many at school at the time

- Over 350,000 injured

- About 18.000 missing

- And more homeless than we can think of.

(Go to BBC news for updates and exact numbers)

Now shall we look at the definition of what Karma is:

Karma, from Sanskrit “act, action, performance” is the concept of “action” in Indic religions understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect. Essentially what goes around comes around.

This notion is not solely Buddhist or Hindu, the ‘Golden Rule’ of ‘do unto others as you want done unto you’ is found in many religions. The exact idea of Karma however, in the manner of which most people understand it, is that one is responsible for what happens to ones life based upon their own actions.

So, therefore it must not be the Chinese government doing many evils…according to Sharon Stone’s logic, it must have also been the children too.

I also heard on the news that many Chinese shop owners were hurt and even killed by Tibetan protestors….does that now mean we will see the Dali Lama and his people suffer in an earthquake or similar natural disaster? I think not.

For one if something is truly based on cause and effect than only the CAUSERS would suffer. But that is not what I see happening around the world.

If karma existed we would all be in trouble. Moreover, if Karma in the delusional celebrity and North American fad obsessed way existed we would all be royally screwed. Would you or I suffer for Stephen Harper or Mike Harris’ dumb decisions? Would the actions of parliament affect the kids in the local preschool? Aside from cuts to funding and such, no.

Ms. Stone apologized. Yeah I think she is smart enough to at least do that. But she is not the point. Idiots like her make similar large claims everyday. I.e. according to Pat Robertson and others New Orleans suffered Katrina from Mardi Gras and years of Voodoo. Hmm…funny, I did not know that tourist sluts taking their tops off meant countless Louisiana families would be stranded on their roofs and starving whilst a rich and idiotic government did nearly nothing. Also according to various American haters 9/11 followed a similar suit.

All terrorists, celebrities, fundamentalists just STOP talking. If there was justice in the way you see it your mouths would supernaturally be sewed shut.

The God I know does not work that way. But this is not me telling anyone what to believe. If Stone’s karma was real Washington D.C and nearly EVERY other capital in the whole freaking world would be a lot more scared. So do not misquote eastern philosophy, or the Old Testament and think you are saying anything we want to hear, or has not been said before.

A tragedy is exactly that—a tragedy. And we do not know why they happen. But maybe what we do know is that we know virtually nothing and all we can do is shut the hell up about why and get off our asses and help in some way.

Peace.

Mind Crush

2008-06-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Since I was little, before I knew all the things I wanted to be, (Yes, I said all) I heard of journalists getting killed around the world. Although, with my new found (well not so new found but rather getting closer to) desire to be a journalist I seem to be hearing it a lot more.

Although I plan on staying in Canada and living a fairly routine life in that sense how can I not get affected by the reporters around the world being silenced in such horrible ways. It does not matter that I do not want to be reporting from the front lines of a war zone, I would like to think I am enough of an empath that I do not only feel pain solely for people who remind me of me. As a mere human rather, I feel it for everyone.

Society has become so desensitized, it has in countless ways, but what I refuse to be okay with is the desensitization of how ones story is cut short—after all that is what a murder is, someone ending a story they have no right to.

The shortest line in the Bible is “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Why did He, both Man and God, who new the beginning and the end weep? The verse occurs in the narrative of the death of Lazarus, a friend of Jesus. After being shown where his friend was laid, Jesus wept in front the tomb, shortly before he ordered Lazarus back to life and out of the tomb.

If He can cry over death, it is something to cry about, isn’t it? (This is not a point for Christian reflection unless you want it to be, even unbelievers can see my point I should hope. It involves us all.)

But sadly to this progressively sociopathic world it does not seem to warrant the same lamenting. Instead, and aren’t we lucky, we have idiots like Sharon Stone ignoring the devastation and making light of it through sheer and utter stupidity. Picking and choosing what to see as a real tragedy. And .that is in itself almost forebodingly funny and unreservedly pathetic and naïve. (Stone is a whole other rant for later)

Back to the job of journalists.

No one HAS to do it. People want to, or have to out of an indescribable passion for exposing the truth etc. We want and need to see the wreckage in the Sichuan province so that we know it exists. Yet by seeing it we are conditioning ourselves to be able to ignore it at a moments notice for self preservation. We do not agree with (or do for some of you) the various wars around this small orb but we want to see the aftermath to prove us right or wrong, to show those of us lucky enough to just sit here and right about it what life is really like. We want to hear stories from far away places so that we can see how lucky we are (for the selfish) and also see there is more than our introspective, privileged bubble to this earth (for the rest).

So we watch, listen, and digest the miracles and horrors that others are showing us. I will not get into ethics and potential propaganda and distortion of reporting since that is another matter entirely. But truth, truth and our need to acquire it is what keeps these people in these locales, is what keeps them from shutting up when they probably should for their own sake.

I started thinking about this a lot lately as I began watching a National Geographic feature series entitled: Don’t Tell My Mother I’m In… This documentary features host and producer Diego Buñuel (grandson of surrealist filmmaker Luis) as he exposes the unusual and often unseen side of places like North Korea, Afghanistan, Gaza, Columbia, and the Congo. This show ends up showing us something we do not always see in the mainstream media.

What got me so intrigued was his undercover job in North Korea. He was all smiles and irony as he explored this Stalinesque country full of Orwellian hotel rooms and party members all the while being closely followed by two ;’escorts’ that seems out of a twisted comedy. It is hard to explain but his dry wit made me keep watching. I think I have a mind crush on him now. Something most writers I have known get at various intervals. J

I guess what my point is, although very poorly made, is that I am proud of these individuals even though I would forbid them to leave their home had they been my children.

Luckily I do not have to ask any of you not to tell my mother I am wherever because fortunately for her I want to do what I can from here and choose to watch such important topics play on my computer and TV.

Girls night out, Friends night in.

2008-05-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

The other night I watched Boston Legal, and a guy on it said: "Friendships are a little like backyard gardens, we plan to tend to them, we just always seem to put it off until next week." That is sadly all too true.

I was sitting here feeling quite pompous and confident in my 'friend skills', but then I realized...I cannot be.

I will not speak of any particular evils I may have committed (and in truth I do not have as many in this respect to speak of as many do, sorry for the arrogance but I feel it) Rather, here I will speak of more general things.

Most of my greatest and fulfilling friendships have been with other girls. So I shall tend to speak more towards that end. Boys, don't cry--you typically muff things up in the first few months with your hormones, ego, and/or just plane insanity (not all mind you--I know a few great ones)
Anyways...friends.

How many times has a friend really needed you and you were not there? You may not even know the answer to this? I don't. My friends sure as hell don't. Sometimes, most times really, this friend needs you in the simplest and subtlest of ways. This is not referring to the cases of her dogs death, a breakup, or God forbid worse. Let's talk about the everyday possible feelings of torture we humans like to call the humdrum of regular life.

I know from experience that someone whom you think you know quite well can be in sheer agony and loneliness and not say a thing. But as a friend, is it not our job to see past the often pathetic attempt at a happy facade? Maybe this friend wanted to hang out and you were not available, Fine, happens to all and cannot be helped. Maybe you did not feel like giving them a call back when you said you would. Okay, we all have, shit happens, life happens. But maybe that friend feels too lost in this guise of contentment and feels scared to seem clingy or whiney through showing her honesty.

I guess another thing that reminded me of this is the new, wait for it, Sex and the City movie. Countless twenty-something girls are flocking in heels or elegant flats to theaters before toasting cosmo's in the nearest lounge/bar. But I know many of these girls...and it is so far from the truth it almost makes me cry more instead of cynically laugh. (Or back cackle.)

I, myself, happen to have that awesome bond with some wonderful women. I will spare you who is the token 'Carrie' or 'Miranda'. Really, life is more complicated than a Darren Star novel adaptation, and really no one cares. These friends of mine are almost like characters out of a well crafted chick lit novel, in fact I doubt I could have written better ones, and I challenge even Helen Fielding of Sophie Kinsella to do so. They are, and it is cheesy and girly to say in this way, my life. Along with my immediate family who I am blessed to be close to, they keep me sane, here me out, like who I am more than I do, and love me--all the while driving me crazy. But that bond is not only something one can pick up from time to time like a sad attempt at fine tuning one's French or doing pilates. This bond HAS to be maintained like the aforementioned proverbial garden. So sadly, when I see many girls heading to the theatre in herds I think the condescending: "aw" that I so hate to hear. They are clinking their martini glasses and they are calling each 'hunny' and 'lady love' but really it tends to end there quite often.

This is not just a problem with girly girls who read cosmo or go shopping for therapy. This is the case for so many people. And then we all wonder on our off days why we are so lonely.

At least when I am being all emo and self indulgent I can objectively say. They annoyed me, they did or did not do this, but they are here for me in a way I wish everyone could have a chance to experience.

Please just realize that the expression 'life is short' does not just exist to encourage us to ask someone out or skydive. It exists to tell us that life although maybe short and often tragic, can be filled with amazing love. Don't wait for a Sex and the City Movie night to let your friends (whether old or new, best or buddy) know that you are here, there, and anywhere they may need you to be.

I realize I sounded as if I was bashing the above girliness and TV bonds, but I am not. Quite the contrary: what I see in that show and in Boston Legal today (Denny and Alan, after all, are the best bromance ever!) is the realization that "A friend", like Ralf Waldo Emerson said, "may well be reckoned a masterpiece of nature. "

Nothing to say?

2008-05-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have not written in a long time. Probably because I have been lazy. There are of course some things that have come up in my head and I thought, “Hey that may be something I want to write about.” But alas they are for other ‘blogs’ (how I loathe the phonetics in that word) One is in the Christian realm of thinking…although this web page title is more than fitting for Christianity---it being a comedy (an upward happy ending U) with many tragic elements and all. But I think I like to keep theology and less than C.S Lewis caliber ramblings separate from the page I rant about stupidity and nonsense on.

Also, I thought about TV. I always have so much to say after watching one of my MANY shows. I should be a TV columnist and get paid to watch it dammit! But really, I am still debating putting that sort of commentary on here as well.

Any thoughts?

So I guess for today’s rant or whatever I will talk about….um…..

A VERY special day....

2008-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

I think its okay to be a little self-indulgent on one's birthday. Right? I mean in our society we were raised to celebrate this day as ‘our’ day. What with parents running to toy stores since the very beginning, theme birthday parties and gift (or goody) bags for every kid we wanted or felt obligated to invite. Even cakes to suit our fav and very fickle obsessions of the time, or even (and more creepily) cakes adorned with our own picture were used to encourage us to see how very special we are. I remember having a ballet stage cake, a castle (my mom made on her own-which was awesome), the yummy cheesecakes my parents make for me every year now, and even last years cake from my bestest friends and family that featured an early years picture of Jason Priestly from 90210. It was an inside joke on age 22---erm…never mind.

In old country, as my Baba often says, it was customary to take other people out on ones birthday. My Korean students (more so: overseas businessmen in the process of learning English) tell me the same thing, that—and they like to get drunk on ‘their’ day. But I think I like the way we, over here, support the creation of pseudo-narcissists by having it truly be ‘their day’ Of course, that also leads many a children and even older people to scream out the cliché, ‘It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.’ And why not, after all, that also seems to be a part of ‘feeling special.’ With so much hype our birthdays are bound to disappoint us at some point—at an exponential rate the older we get, no doubt. Whether it is when an annoying little girl tattletales on you saying shut up to her while you are all bowling, or when your friends are late for the time they made the reservation, or just if the freaking weather gets all emo and rainy on you (like today!) it will happen.

So back to the self obsession aspect of this day. The very origins of these sorts of celebrations is said to date back to ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Persia—where they celebrated the anniversaries of the births of ‘gods,’ kings, and nobles. This in itself surmises the very essence of a “birthday.” We are making ourselves above others for at least one day a year; a day in which we are the nobles, the little princess, and the one who receives gifts, cake, and best regards. ATTENTION, essentially! A type of extreme attention that we are not accustomed to asking for in our world that is obsessed with a false sense of frenzied importance, phoney modesty, and fervent self deprecation.

So once a year, let’s be annoying and listen to songs like “She’s so high”, by Tal Bachman and pretend we are the center of at least the little part of the world we inhabit. I mean, not that I do, but if I did….it would not be my fault. Blame the ancients.

Happy Birthday to ME. :D

Them kids....and me.

2008-05-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

I am just ranting. Mostly so I can get used to not being in a summer slump and forgetting how to type.
There is little to no editing.
Meh.

I was sitting and listening to ‘Them kids’ by Sam Roberts and scrolled down on Youtube to read a few of the comments under the video. One said, “He’s comparing what life was like back in the day compared to know. The 'family' was wholesome - and now it’s like, the girl texts, the boy plays guitar hero instead of a guitar, just how life has kind of taken a nosedive.”

I think that is maybe part of it but it got me thinking—always dangerous yes I know. But what really has changed? It seems all a little arrogant to presume that I would have any idea what has changed considering I am merely on the verge of turning 23. Goodness knows that I hate when giddy first years try to tell me anything about life, the same way any ‘real’ grown up would hate to hear my views on relationships, family, work, and life in general. But in my own, thus far short, (and just getting started) life it seems that even I can point out some things that have gone by the way side.

I would like to start with cartoons and family friendly television. Oh sure, there is a lot of family channel and tree house programming out there, a hell of a lot more than when anyone of our underachieving generation was little. But it’s all changed. I was up late with my brother last night just talking and flicking channels when I came across Boy Meets World. Oh course, I ignored his initial protests and selected Family West for my viewing please. I do love getting all nostalgic after all. But as we watched and laughed at the no-drinking-after-school-special type message featuring a plethora of that nauseating soundtrack to the 90’s—you know that sound commonly heard on Full House; a set of strings and keys to signify a deep moment was occurring—it also hit me. So what? So what if there was some cheese…at least it was showing something..well, worth showing. For one the whole episode really focussed on Cory and Sean’s awesome friendship (if you are one of the douchebags who thinks that Frodo and Sam were homoerotic than you can piss off around here.) Basically the self deprecating, pseudo-orphan punk Sean was trying to take the blame for what was Cory’s (as he called him: Teenage America) fault. At one moment, while Cory was drunkenly bemoaning over his break up with Tapanga he professed how maybe Sean was the one he could not live without. Now again, shut up insecure males…they are just friends!

Now I will try to get to my point and not just summarize Boy Meets World…although I know you all find it riveting. My point, though not so eloquently articulated due to too shoddy to no punctuation, too much pasta, and not enough sunlight, is when have you seen a touching display of the bonds of friendship in today’s shows like Hannah Montana or one of those other scary pop start fetish shows that them kids are now watching. I admit I try to stay away from them like they carried the ebola virus, but even the few times I have come across them while babysitting all I have seen is a world forged by slapstick jokes (not exactly Buster Keaton calibre either), pop songs, too much make up, and little to NO substance.

And the cartoons…

Remember Recess, Hey Arnold, the forgotten PepperAnn, even the Weekenders. Yeah there was often a moral of the story, and sometimes just dumb humour but all that my little cousins and the like watch now are shows that incessantly try to dumb down the population. I know this is slightly less than revelatory—this ‘dumbing down of America, and consequently the world. But really it just too true to not mention form time to time. Treehouse. Argh. There should be a restriction on shows like Cailou and Dora the Explorer for kids over a certain age. I mean none of my friends in kindergarten EVER spoke in that now prevalent babyish and ear piercing voice.

We used to watch shows like that at two and then gradually move to older cartoons before being thrust into the adult mainstream. Although I watched 90210 at five, but then again this is not supposed to be a testament to how freaking special I am (though I may one day comment on that :P) However, now it is Dora and then carving up cadavers on CSI. And if these stunted kids from ages 8-14 are really lucky, they get into pop star idol worship in the form of Miley freaking Cyrus. The day the music died.

What fun children, what fun.

So maybe we think that kids should be taught not to drink and drive (google the name Jacqui Saborido for frack sakes) and maybe they should value being kids while still maintaining some living brain cells. Maybe, just maybe, they should know and see examples of devoted families and friends and not just sniff around rancid creepy fluff.

But I guess that is not the style. I guess that what was good for others no longer works. I guess I should not speak out in this cliché way and sound like an old lady. A ripe old lady at barely 23.

A finishing quote from the song that inspired my rant. “We're under pressure to reconcile our point of view with contemporary style.” I think that is true. But that actually relates more to what I wanted to say about politics….which is……..erm….maybe later.

Prelim

2007-06-05T15:32:00.001-07:00

I just have not had the time to write at all. Not between school, work, searching for work and TV. Okay the main factor is laziness.

But soon to come...

-

People, people who f*ck people (not in that way either)

2007-04-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this is my first entry. This is not a diary or a "oh my, learn about me I wish I were famous blog." It is more so a rantings, ravings and commentary about--life I guess. I would not want to limit myself to one thing.

First off.

People.

I will spare the pseudo-comedic Seinfeld "did you ever notice.." opener and go straight to the point. What has been bugging me as of late.

My issue at the moment is how pathetic some people make themselves. To start off the book "he is just not that into you" really should not have ever needed to be written. I was once a hater of it and laughed at the success of it. (But holy shit he is rich from common sense!) Point is that I thought it was pathetic. But after seeing more situations unfold in front of my unwilling eyes I realize such crap only exists because of all the crappy people. I mean seriously it should be deathly obvious when someone does not like you and if it isn't that it fine in some cases (a few people are truly ambiguous) but most of the time it is as clear as day.
Hypothetical Situation 1...okay maybe not.

Instead. I was thinking recently about friendship. It has because increasingly obvious that it is hard for a guy and a girl to be friends. (Yeah I know, wow, eureka, I made a breakthrough. Not.) But really it is hard. A friend of mine was recently told by her friend (who is literally like a brother to her--as she has known him since they were babies) that she would never have guy friends like him and the other guy they have also known forever. She argued that it was probably true but still possible. Okay I do not propose such concrete statements as this guy said and I would never say those relationships do not exist, merely that they are rare. As her friend said, "someone will f*ck it up." We are not talking coworker, classmate, acquaintances in groups etc, but more so close friends who talk a lot and just, I dunno, do 'friend' stuff. Many times someone will indeed "f*ck" it up but if there is an actual friendship based on more than games and romantic intent then these awkward moments can be overcome. If both parties put away their loser pride.

This issue in itself has not been irking me really rather, for me, it has been the willingness of women to throw other women under a metaphorical bus to get a guy. Especially a guy who is either not worth getting or not even a possibility.

Sisterhood is extremely rare too and I know I have done more then my fair share of bragging--I have 2 of the best girlfriends ever--but even if you do not yet, you might. I would just advise people that this life is so full of crap jobs and chaos that it becomes harder to meet and become close to people so when you think you have met a friend who could be one for life don't sacrifice her atop a temple of whores to get male attention.

This has happened to me as well as other g/f's on more than one occasion. And what I find really pathetic are the girls who are just now learning or worse--still doing this at 21 (and over). It is time to grow up. You will maybe, if you are lucky, find someone to spend your life with and when that happens do not let anyone take it from you. You will also, however, and only if you are lucky, find friends who will be there for you no matter what and who love you. And in this as well do not let others take it away--especially the aforementioned life mate. I think the worst part of this is that 99.99% of the time friendships are not thrown away over a potential "soul mate" (I apologize for using the word to some of you) but rather they are tossed aside like used toilet paper for jealousy and ignorance.

Ladies, sometimes when a g/f is looking out for you and telling you something you might not want to hear it is because she loves you so much that she needs to help and put her beliefs out there. And guys, same. When a friend warns you about someone maybe take a step back and way the options....see who have the PUREST intent.

Squabbles happen (did I say squabbles?) and at times both parties are in the wrong--learn to get over it.

But--

-for the times when you know you are being sacrificed like a virgin on a step pyramid run away. The girl doing this to you (and usually to get attention from anyone with a weenie) is not worth the time and energy.

Most of this probably did not make much sense as I am tired and too annoyed to write properly. But I will no doubt be writing on similar topics again soon.
Until then,
Blessings.