There is a good article (click on the title for link) up on ExpressNews today about the Fest for Knowledge.
If any Albertan taxpayers are reading this (besides the usual cast of characters who read my blog)I hope to compel you to demand that the Province reinvest.
If you haven't already done so fill out the It's Your Future Survey. The government wants to know:
"What more needs to be done to make sure Alberta has an outstanding, leading edge education system?"
Thursday, September 30, 2004
"I can't imagine the design guys and U2 thinking that an image of the four of them sitting on their arses is a good idea. In other words ... I'm suspicious." ~M2 from @U2.com, wonders if this is the *real* album cover or not....
"I heard the word party - obviously got the wrong idea." ~Bono, Labour Party conference speech
New U2 single is out!! I just heard it...but I haven't heard it on the radio yet. I don't really listen to the radio these days...too preoccupied with my Garden State Soundtrack. And my 80's mix.
U2 has apparently decided to call their new album (Set for release on November 22nd) "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb". With songs like "Love and Peace or Else" this one sounds fierce. Some U2 fans think the new song sounds a little like The Hives. I can't wait to hear the rest of the new album. The song 'Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own' Bono sang at his Father's funeral. I have wanted to hear it for over 2 years.
Today Bono was also addressing the UK Labour Party:
He went on to say "This is not about charity, this is about justice."
You can read the rest of that speech at U2.com if you like, I think it is brilliant (Bien Sûr). He talks about some of the hard truths behind the crisis in Africa...
Sometimes I feel like nothing will ever be done about Africa because we are living in a world that is made up of too many self-interested parties. Is it naive to think that one day the West won't be so focused on power politics? Sometimes I berate myself for being too idealistic, but I also have learned that without dreaming big you stand still. The pendulum is swinging, I see it, the debt is dropping, the aid is coming, but man is it slow! And what about the people who are losing hope? What of them?
The other day, sort of off the cuff, I spoke of Missile Defence (space-based weapons technology) with a gentleman, who shall remain nameless, and I said, "think of what could be done if all that money was spent in Africa, helping the poorest of the poor, and not on putting weapons in space."
He replied, "too unrealistic. There are too many of them to help."
I laughed incredulously. Apparently saving Africans is unrealistic but putting weapons in space somehow makes sense. What scares me the most is that powerful people might actually believe that.
All I can do is believe that one day that won't be the case and I hope I can have a hand in changing things. I don't really know how, but I know I can do my best.
Song Du Jour: Vertigo ~ U2
"...your eyes are widened though your soul, it can't be bought, your mind can wander...you give me something I can feel..."
(Edit: For Heather I have to mention that McCartney=myocardium)
U2 has apparently decided to call their new album (Set for release on November 22nd) "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb". With songs like "Love and Peace or Else" this one sounds fierce. Some U2 fans think the new song sounds a little like The Hives. I can't wait to hear the rest of the new album. The song 'Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own' Bono sang at his Father's funeral. I have wanted to hear it for over 2 years.
Today Bono was also addressing the UK Labour Party:
"he described Tony Blair and Gordon Brown as the John Lennon and Paul McCartney of the global development stage.
'I'm fond of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. They are kind of the John and Paul of the global development stage, in my opinion. But the point is, Lennon and McCartney changed my interior world, Blair and Brown can change the real world.'"
He went on to say "This is not about charity, this is about justice."
You can read the rest of that speech at U2.com if you like, I think it is brilliant (Bien Sûr). He talks about some of the hard truths behind the crisis in Africa...
"justice is a tougher standard. Africa makes a fool of our idea of justice; it makes a farce of our idea of equality. It mocks our pieties, it doubts our concern, it questions our commitment.
Because there's no way we can look at Africa- a continent bursting into flames -and if we're honest conclude that it would ever be allowed to happen anywhere else.
Anywhere else.
Certainly not here.
In Europe.
Or America.
Or Australia, or Canada.
There's just no chance.
You see, deep down, if we really accepted that Africans were equal to us, we would all do more to put the fire out. We've got watering cans; when what we really need are the fire brigades."
Sometimes I feel like nothing will ever be done about Africa because we are living in a world that is made up of too many self-interested parties. Is it naive to think that one day the West won't be so focused on power politics? Sometimes I berate myself for being too idealistic, but I also have learned that without dreaming big you stand still. The pendulum is swinging, I see it, the debt is dropping, the aid is coming, but man is it slow! And what about the people who are losing hope? What of them?
The other day, sort of off the cuff, I spoke of Missile Defence (space-based weapons technology) with a gentleman, who shall remain nameless, and I said, "think of what could be done if all that money was spent in Africa, helping the poorest of the poor, and not on putting weapons in space."
He replied, "too unrealistic. There are too many of them to help."
I laughed incredulously. Apparently saving Africans is unrealistic but putting weapons in space somehow makes sense. What scares me the most is that powerful people might actually believe that.
All I can do is believe that one day that won't be the case and I hope I can have a hand in changing things. I don't really know how, but I know I can do my best.
Song Du Jour: Vertigo ~ U2
"...your eyes are widened though your soul, it can't be bought, your mind can wander...you give me something I can feel..."
(Edit: For Heather I have to mention that McCartney=myocardium)
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
"Democracy: The substitution of election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few." ~George Bernard Shaw
In Poli Sci 324 we were defining Democracy today. You'd think this would be simple, but it isn't. I love this class...it asks the tough questions and demands you think about the things you take for granted. The more I learn in school the more complicated words like democracy and freedom become. I think we live in *more* of a democracy today than we did 50 years ago...but I still argue that a capitalist democracy isn't really a democracy at all...it is a plutocracy. Discuss.
Yesterday I heard this loud hissing noise outside my apartment window...I stepped over to see what was making the noise and it was a Medigas truck filling up what looked to be like a large portable oxygen tank. This is nothing new at the Commune, but what scared the beejeesus out of me was when I noticed that the fucking idiot filling the tank thought it would be best to kill time by taking his smoke break. At one point he actually leaned on the truck right next to the bright yellow explosion warning sign and took a nice, long drag. He was never more than 8-10 feet away from the tank...by the time I got my camera he'd finished his smoke.
Maybe one day he will win a Darwin Award. (The Darwin Awards honor those who improve our gene pool... by removing themselves from it. Of necessity, this honor is bestowed posthumously.)
Song Du Jour: Sleeping In ~ Postal Service
Yesterday I heard this loud hissing noise outside my apartment window...I stepped over to see what was making the noise and it was a Medigas truck filling up what looked to be like a large portable oxygen tank. This is nothing new at the Commune, but what scared the beejeesus out of me was when I noticed that the fucking idiot filling the tank thought it would be best to kill time by taking his smoke break. At one point he actually leaned on the truck right next to the bright yellow explosion warning sign and took a nice, long drag. He was never more than 8-10 feet away from the tank...by the time I got my camera he'd finished his smoke.
Maybe one day he will win a Darwin Award. (The Darwin Awards honor those who improve our gene pool... by removing themselves from it. Of necessity, this honor is bestowed posthumously.)
Song Du Jour: Sleeping In ~ Postal Service
"Ottawa has cancelled $9 million of debt owed by three African countries."
Paul Martin addressed the UN last week...this cancellation was announced the same day and I found myself clapping and cheering at the TV. Yes, I am a nerd....But I am also writing a letter, filled with accolades, to both the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister. That's a first for me, so I felt inclined to also add on a request for more money to combat the AIDS pandemic in Africa. They must love me over there...my letters are always saying, "good job Dudes, now if you can you just put more money over here and there....pretty please?"
Here is more on the debt cancellation:
The following is a news item posted on CBC NEWS ONLINE
at http://www.cbc.ca/news
____________________________________________________
OTTAWA FORGIVES DEBT OF 3 AFRICAN COUNTRIES
WebPosted Wed Sep 22 11:47:49 2004
Ottawa---Ottawa has cancelled $9 million of debt owed by three African countries.
Finance Minister Ralph Goodale announced on Wednesday that the government will forgive the debt owed by Senegal, Ghana and Ethiopia.
"Excessive debt is one of the heaviest burdens to economic growth for
African nations," Goodale said in a news release. "The relief provided today will enable these countries to spend more on priorities such as health and education, rather than debt payments."
Canada has previously forgiven the debts of Benin, Guyana and Bolivia.
In 2000, then-finance minister Paul Martin announced Canada would stop collecting debt payments from heavily indebted poor countries if they committed to reducing poverty, spending on social priorities such as health care and education, and protecting human rights.
Canada plans to forgive more than $1.1 billion in debts.
Copyright (C) 2004 CBC. All rights reserved.
Here is more on the debt cancellation:
The following is a news item posted on CBC NEWS ONLINE
at http://www.cbc.ca/news
____________________________________________________
OTTAWA FORGIVES DEBT OF 3 AFRICAN COUNTRIES
WebPosted Wed Sep 22 11:47:49 2004
Ottawa---Ottawa has cancelled $9 million of debt owed by three African countries.
Finance Minister Ralph Goodale announced on Wednesday that the government will forgive the debt owed by Senegal, Ghana and Ethiopia.
"Excessive debt is one of the heaviest burdens to economic growth for
African nations," Goodale said in a news release. "The relief provided today will enable these countries to spend more on priorities such as health and education, rather than debt payments."
Canada has previously forgiven the debts of Benin, Guyana and Bolivia.
In 2000, then-finance minister Paul Martin announced Canada would stop collecting debt payments from heavily indebted poor countries if they committed to reducing poverty, spending on social priorities such as health care and education, and protecting human rights.
Canada plans to forgive more than $1.1 billion in debts.
Copyright (C) 2004 CBC. All rights reserved.
Friday, September 24, 2004
"A schlimazel's toast always falls butter-side down. A schlemiel always butters his toast on both sides."
Every day I get an email from wsmith@wordsmith.org...no relation to the infamous 'Stalbert Smiths' we all know and love. Today's 'WAD' I must share...
The word of the day is actually 2 words...try to use them in a sentence...it will make for more interesting blogging. Yay Yiddish!
Song Du Jour: "Making our Dreams Come True" ~Theme song from Laverne and Shirley
The word of the day is actually 2 words...try to use them in a sentence...it will make for more interesting blogging. Yay Yiddish!
"schlimazel or shlimazel (SHLI-mah-zuhl) noun
Someone prone to having extremely bad luck.
[From Yiddish, from shlim (bad, wrong) + mazl (luck). A related
term is Hebrew mazel tov (congratulations or best wishes).]
A schlimazel can be concisely described as a born loser. No discussion of schlimazel could be complete without mentioning his counterpart: schlemiel, a habitual bungler. They go together:
A schlemiel is one who always spills his soup, schlimazel is the one on whom it always lands.
A schlimazel's toast always falls butter-side down. A schlemiel always butters his toast on both sides.
"No one would deny (Virginia Governor Mark) Warner took office under lousy conditions -facing an opposition-party legislature during a recession -which qualifies him as a schlimazel."
A. Barton Hinkle; So, is the Governor a Schlemiel or a Schlimazel?; Richmond Times-Dispatch (Virginia); Jan 28, 2003.
"He (Uncle Danny) ticked off the names on the Pirates' roster. 'Abrams,Gordon, Kravitz, Levy - what are we running, a shlimazel farm?'"
Clarke Blaise; Sitting Shivah With Cousin Benny; Salmagundi (Saratoga Springs, New York); Fall 1999.
This week's theme: words borrowed from other languages."
Song Du Jour: "Making our Dreams Come True" ~Theme song from Laverne and Shirley
Monday, September 20, 2004
"After fifteen minutes I wanted to marry her, and after half an hour I completely gave up the idea of stealing her purse." ~ Virgil Starkwell
Woody Allen is just plain silly. Roman and I watched the mockumentary "Take the Money and Run" and I laughed and laughed. But if you don't like silly movies then this isn't for you. Woody Allen plays a sad and pathetic criminal...My favorite part was when he was in a marching band in his youth...playing a cello...yup...a cello in marching band...top notch hilarity.
I spent the weekend studying, making 80's CD's and going to varsity games. The Bears football team had a slow start but pulled out a pretty decent game, and a 3 point victory over UBC. My Cousin Danielle and her Pandas had a series of exhibition games this weekend. Friday they tied 1-1, Saturday they bitch-slapped GMCC 14-1, and Sunday they lost 1-0. Yup..a loss. Brutal.
So this, my 88th post, is dedicated to Danny and her final year as a Panda!
Go Pandas!
I also got a job working for the Pandas WOO HOO! I start Friday, which happens to be another exhibition game against The Calgary X-Treme from the NWHL. If you come to only one Panda game this year it better be the one on Friday...you can see Hayley Wickenheiser, Cassie Campbell and of course my cousin Danielle, Delaney and The Pandas take it to them.
Song Du Jour: Tainted Love ~ The Clash
I spent the weekend studying, making 80's CD's and going to varsity games. The Bears football team had a slow start but pulled out a pretty decent game, and a 3 point victory over UBC. My Cousin Danielle and her Pandas had a series of exhibition games this weekend. Friday they tied 1-1, Saturday they bitch-slapped GMCC 14-1, and Sunday they lost 1-0. Yup..a loss. Brutal.
So this, my 88th post, is dedicated to Danny and her final year as a Panda!
Go Pandas!
I also got a job working for the Pandas WOO HOO! I start Friday, which happens to be another exhibition game against The Calgary X-Treme from the NWHL. If you come to only one Panda game this year it better be the one on Friday...you can see Hayley Wickenheiser, Cassie Campbell and of course my cousin Danielle, Delaney and The Pandas take it to them.
Song Du Jour: Tainted Love ~ The Clash
Friday, September 17, 2004
The sea it swells like a sore head, and the night, it is aching ~ 'Electric Coaster' by U2
The ladies are finally having success getting off the island!!(click on the title to see more pictures of the damage) Leighanne gets home today and Stina is set to get a plane today to Miami. She waited all day yesterday, outside the airport, tickets in hand under the scorching sun, just to find out that she couldn't get a plane out. What a nightmare. It is huge relief to know that they are making their way home.
The Canadian and British Governments stepped up and in a pretty amazing way...I am rather impressed. Yay The State!
In other amazing news...*I* fixed my computer! For those of who know me..that is a bloody miracle! I can finally publish from my home computer!
7 more days until the new U2 single is out!!
Song Du Jour: Electrical Storm ~ U2
"Well if the sky can crack
There must be some way back
To love and only love"
The Canadian and British Governments stepped up and in a pretty amazing way...I am rather impressed. Yay The State!
In other amazing news...*I* fixed my computer! For those of who know me..that is a bloody miracle! I can finally publish from my home computer!
7 more days until the new U2 single is out!!
Song Du Jour: Electrical Storm ~ U2
"Well if the sky can crack
There must be some way back
To love and only love"
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning to sail my ship ~Louisa May Alcott
Well here it is my last day at my jobity-job. The ladies are a buzzing and they seem to be very sad that I am leaving. I am not sad so I feel kind of weird around them and I have these weird butterflies in my tummy. I can't help but wonder if giving up this job is the right thing to do, as I will miss the paycheque...that is for sure. I *might* be making a huge mistake, but I have to take that chance. A chance for something better, a chance for happiness and a challenge. I've weathered bigger storms than this...and in some ways I feel like that legless dude, Lt. Dan, from The Movie Forrest Gump who climbs up to the top of the ship's mast and shouts like a madman into the storm...This could be an interesting ride and oddly enough I am really looking forward to it to see what lies ahead...
Turning from metaphors to actual storms...News from The Caymans is not pretty. The ladies came through the storm, although news is that Stina is lucky to be alive because she did not go to a shelter, but the island took a beating. They are unsure of how long clean up might take, jobs are on the line...the hurricane changed everything. They are frightened and just want to come home. Water and food shortages are a problem but they are coping and we are waiting to hear word of what their next steps will be. The coverage on the news has been brutal and that has been frustrating.
"Armageddon" has come to Japan according to Colt. "Within 2 weeks, Japan had about 6 earthquakes (which caused tidal waves), 2 typhoons, lots of flooding (due to heavy rainfall during the typhoons), and a volcano eruption."
Frick...and we bitch about snow in September...
I have been "under the weather" (oh how clever...yet another reference to weather) having contracted a blasted cold...I blame the beers and the debauchery...it was bound to happen. I couldn't sleep and found myself watching late night TV. The only interesting thing I learned was that if you are in the Scrabble world championships on ESPN you can't use all the words in the scrabble dictionary...
You can't use 'Lez' for example...or the word "Redskins"....I laughed at that...you can't spell the word Redskins on ESPN...I wonder if Nick 'Scrabble Man' Tam has heard about that? Of course he has...
And Tears For Fears was on Jay Leno last night...Tears for Fears! (everybody air keyboard!)
I also have to comment that Martha Stewart has decided to suck it up and go to jail. This move actually made me respect her again...(except for the bit about how she will miss her dogs...*rolls eyes*) She is taking responsibility for her actions and I respect that. See ya in March, Lady...
Song Du Jour: Shout~ Tears for Fears
Turning from metaphors to actual storms...News from The Caymans is not pretty. The ladies came through the storm, although news is that Stina is lucky to be alive because she did not go to a shelter, but the island took a beating. They are unsure of how long clean up might take, jobs are on the line...the hurricane changed everything. They are frightened and just want to come home. Water and food shortages are a problem but they are coping and we are waiting to hear word of what their next steps will be. The coverage on the news has been brutal and that has been frustrating.
"Armageddon" has come to Japan according to Colt. "Within 2 weeks, Japan had about 6 earthquakes (which caused tidal waves), 2 typhoons, lots of flooding (due to heavy rainfall during the typhoons), and a volcano eruption."
Frick...and we bitch about snow in September...
I have been "under the weather" (oh how clever...yet another reference to weather) having contracted a blasted cold...I blame the beers and the debauchery...it was bound to happen. I couldn't sleep and found myself watching late night TV. The only interesting thing I learned was that if you are in the Scrabble world championships on ESPN you can't use all the words in the scrabble dictionary...
You can't use 'Lez' for example...or the word "Redskins"....I laughed at that...you can't spell the word Redskins on ESPN...I wonder if Nick 'Scrabble Man' Tam has heard about that? Of course he has...
And Tears For Fears was on Jay Leno last night...Tears for Fears! (everybody air keyboard!)
I also have to comment that Martha Stewart has decided to suck it up and go to jail. This move actually made me respect her again...(except for the bit about how she will miss her dogs...*rolls eyes*) She is taking responsibility for her actions and I respect that. See ya in March, Lady...
Song Du Jour: Shout~ Tears for Fears
Sunday, September 12, 2004
"You do it to yourself, you do..and that's what really hurts" ~Just
It was 2 a.m. and there were 6 pitchers of piss...errr I mean Strath Beer on the table and I started to go pirate. The Dude looks over and says...why do we have 4 new pitchers? I look at the table and even with one eye closed I count 6.
"It's six Dude..."
The Dude, "holy fuck..."
Yes, holy fuck indeed. The Bouncer asked us to "move to the front" so we all grabbed a pitcher and our wee glasses and headed to the south end of the Strath.
Sammers, or as the boys renamed her "Hammers" did her part and chugged straight from the pitcher. This is the bit where "I'm not drinking" turned to "she gess vey, vey drunk azza bar." She lived up to that new moniker too...I love you Hammers. D'Ondion bought off sales and there was a rumour we were going to Lancaster's for yet more beer but, somewhere between The Strath and 99 street we lost our way. Marcel promised he knew the way, he ran ahead to check, but we just wandered about for an hour or so...
At some point the fact that I had to work at 9 a.m. should have slowed me down, but no. It isn't often I get to hang out with such a motley crew...The old friends meeting the new...in a word, last night was sawesome. Thanks to all those who showed up, even for a bit...Allie, Genevers, The Rev and Dezbion, Boggy, Rotten Ronnie...who is probably hurting just like me this morning...
Seriously...what is in that "beer" at the Strath?
Now I just need to figure out a way to do my job without moving.
Stupid brown bottle flu....Is it true that Extra Strength Midol cures hangovers?
Song Du Jour: Just ~ Radiohead
"It's six Dude..."
The Dude, "holy fuck..."
Yes, holy fuck indeed. The Bouncer asked us to "move to the front" so we all grabbed a pitcher and our wee glasses and headed to the south end of the Strath.
Sammers, or as the boys renamed her "Hammers" did her part and chugged straight from the pitcher. This is the bit where "I'm not drinking" turned to "she gess vey, vey drunk azza bar." She lived up to that new moniker too...I love you Hammers. D'Ondion bought off sales and there was a rumour we were going to Lancaster's for yet more beer but, somewhere between The Strath and 99 street we lost our way. Marcel promised he knew the way, he ran ahead to check, but we just wandered about for an hour or so...
At some point the fact that I had to work at 9 a.m. should have slowed me down, but no. It isn't often I get to hang out with such a motley crew...The old friends meeting the new...in a word, last night was sawesome. Thanks to all those who showed up, even for a bit...Allie, Genevers, The Rev and Dezbion, Boggy, Rotten Ronnie...who is probably hurting just like me this morning...
Seriously...what is in that "beer" at the Strath?
Now I just need to figure out a way to do my job without moving.
Stupid brown bottle flu....Is it true that Extra Strength Midol cures hangovers?
Song Du Jour: Just ~ Radiohead
Saturday, September 11, 2004
"All right, brain, I don't like you and you don't like me - so let's just do this and I'll get back to killing you with beer" ~ Homer Simpson
This week has been stressful. I have been avoiding talking about it here on my blog but to sum up for when I am 80 years old and reading back over this:
3 more shifts and I am no longer "The Bus Lady"...yup that is right...time to focus on my studies and give up this "slave to the wage" city job. Don't get me wrong, this job helped me pursue my higher education but the fact that it is slowly killing me can't be ignored any longer. So I saved and saved this summer, and with the help of student loans I can focus on my studies this semester. It's is a luxury this *just* being a student. I have never been just a student before.
My classes rock, and I am glad to be back on campus, seeing friends back from summer adventures, but it is a totally different year than last year. Totally different. No more SU for this girl because I feel I am unwelcome there. I've never encountered anything like it before. The SU was such a big, nay HUGE, part of my day to day activity last year so it is a bit of an adjustment. But hell, that is life and fuck it, I can volunteer my time where I am wanted and needed. Altruism has its place but clearly that is not at the SU this year. It makes me sad. I am not angry, nor do I wonder why...I know why...it just makes me sad that this is what it has come to. Bah, I say...bah! There are plenty of other ways for me to serve students...
I'm excited for the other opportunities already popping up!
There is a hurricane bearing down on my friends who live in the Cayman Islands. It has me worried...I don't know what is worse...them being there or me being here unable to know what is happening to them. 20 hours and the eye should make land fall...this could be the longest 48 hours, filled with worry.
So I find I am drowning my sorrows and worries with libations this week. Last night I actually had to take a day off because I am "saving myself" for tonight's stomp down Whyte. I can't drink as much as I used to. Moreover, my hangovers have become unreasonable. So last night at the Football game, sans beers, I had a great time whilst we walloped Calgary 44-12. We were sitting near some fans from Calgary, but it actually didn't end in bloodshed, yet we managed to antagonize them just enough to keep them quiet. I had a great time. I hope Sylvain had a great Birthday.
Another plus this week, beside seeing Sarah M, was to be a part of the first class of what will eventually be Political Science 399 (it is now Pol s 324). This is a class that I actually had a hand in creating. Instead of having classes that tell us how the systems of our governance work (most Poli sci classes) this class focuses on how to engage that system as a citizen in a democracy. How to get involved, and how to make change. It felt amazing to sit there in that class and realize that it actually came to fruition...I felt very proud.
So there you have it a paradoxical week...a roller coaster of emotions. How is it possible to feel two completely opposite ways at exactly the same time?? My brain hurts.
Mmmmm...beeeeers....(tee hee)
Song Du Jour: Mysterious Ways (Solar Plexus Magic Hour Remix)~U2
3 more shifts and I am no longer "The Bus Lady"...yup that is right...time to focus on my studies and give up this "slave to the wage" city job. Don't get me wrong, this job helped me pursue my higher education but the fact that it is slowly killing me can't be ignored any longer. So I saved and saved this summer, and with the help of student loans I can focus on my studies this semester. It's is a luxury this *just* being a student. I have never been just a student before.
My classes rock, and I am glad to be back on campus, seeing friends back from summer adventures, but it is a totally different year than last year. Totally different. No more SU for this girl because I feel I am unwelcome there. I've never encountered anything like it before. The SU was such a big, nay HUGE, part of my day to day activity last year so it is a bit of an adjustment. But hell, that is life and fuck it, I can volunteer my time where I am wanted and needed. Altruism has its place but clearly that is not at the SU this year. It makes me sad. I am not angry, nor do I wonder why...I know why...it just makes me sad that this is what it has come to. Bah, I say...bah! There are plenty of other ways for me to serve students...
I'm excited for the other opportunities already popping up!
There is a hurricane bearing down on my friends who live in the Cayman Islands. It has me worried...I don't know what is worse...them being there or me being here unable to know what is happening to them. 20 hours and the eye should make land fall...this could be the longest 48 hours, filled with worry.
So I find I am drowning my sorrows and worries with libations this week. Last night I actually had to take a day off because I am "saving myself" for tonight's stomp down Whyte. I can't drink as much as I used to. Moreover, my hangovers have become unreasonable. So last night at the Football game, sans beers, I had a great time whilst we walloped Calgary 44-12. We were sitting near some fans from Calgary, but it actually didn't end in bloodshed, yet we managed to antagonize them just enough to keep them quiet. I had a great time. I hope Sylvain had a great Birthday.
Another plus this week, beside seeing Sarah M, was to be a part of the first class of what will eventually be Political Science 399 (it is now Pol s 324). This is a class that I actually had a hand in creating. Instead of having classes that tell us how the systems of our governance work (most Poli sci classes) this class focuses on how to engage that system as a citizen in a democracy. How to get involved, and how to make change. It felt amazing to sit there in that class and realize that it actually came to fruition...I felt very proud.
So there you have it a paradoxical week...a roller coaster of emotions. How is it possible to feel two completely opposite ways at exactly the same time?? My brain hurts.
Mmmmm...beeeeers....(tee hee)
Song Du Jour: Mysterious Ways (Solar Plexus Magic Hour Remix)~U2
Thursday, September 09, 2004
"Welcome to Kiddy Litter 389" ~ Prof. Sanders
I am taking Children's Literature 389 with a professor who oddly resembles Winnie The Pooh. I kid you not. He uses words like "jolly good" and "Cheerio" and "Oh Bother". His physical attributes also resemble Pooh, the cheeks, the pot belly....But who better to take "Kiddy Litter" from than Pooh incarnate?
He has also kindly explained to me that deferrals on exams are out of the question. Seeing as I have two exams on December 18th as well as the wedding (in Calgary) of one of my best friends this was not good news. It is a strange coincidence and I wonder why the hell life has to hand me these ridiculous problems. I never, not in a million years, would have expected to be writing exams on a Saturday. The exam is at 9 a.m. so now all I need to find is someone else going to Calgary after 11 a.m.
Oh...and also defer the 1 p.m. exam I have that same afternoon, let's hope Dr. Patten is a little more receptive that Professor Pooh.
He has also kindly explained to me that deferrals on exams are out of the question. Seeing as I have two exams on December 18th as well as the wedding (in Calgary) of one of my best friends this was not good news. It is a strange coincidence and I wonder why the hell life has to hand me these ridiculous problems. I never, not in a million years, would have expected to be writing exams on a Saturday. The exam is at 9 a.m. so now all I need to find is someone else going to Calgary after 11 a.m.
Oh...and also defer the 1 p.m. exam I have that same afternoon, let's hope Dr. Patten is a little more receptive that Professor Pooh.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
"Spend all your time waiting for that second chance for a break that would make it okay there's always one reason to feel not good enough..." ~Sarah
Aren't concerts great? I just saw one of my favorite singers and she was amazing. With each song she took me back to moments in my life that I had set aside or forgotten. "Angel" hits home everytime and takes me back to the death of my ex-boyfriend's Mother...The way I felt that day...the emotions...
It is hard to explain, perhaps because all those emotions are summed up in the lyrics. That song always reminds me of her struggle with drugs and addiction and how she just needed to escape just one more time...just to find some release from her tumultuous life.
That is why I love the emotional roller coaster of concerts. When I see U2 in concert I feel that way too.
There is nothing like it.
Also I got to hang out with Paul Welke...and what could beat that?
Each day it seems like a new song marks that particular moment in my life...I think the soundtrack of my life would be pretty wicked.
At one point in the concert Sarah stopped and said that "Angel" and "Answer" were the type of songs that a songwriter loves, they just came to her, she said that she wondered sometimes where they came from and that perhaps it was more than just her at work in those lyrics. She likes the songs that "come fast"...The way she put it was rather funny and the audience caught the double entedre and we had a good laugh. When she started to sing, my laughter turned to tears...what an amazing power.
Answer
I will be the answer at the end of the line
I will be there for you while you take the time
In the burning of uncertainty I will be your solid ground
I will hold the balance if you cant look down
If it takes my whole life I wont break I wont bend
Itll all be worth it worth it in the end
Cause I can only tell you what I know
that I need you in my life
When the stars have all gone out
you'll still be burning so bright
Cast me gently into morning
For the night has been unkind
Take me to a place so holy
That I can wash this from my mind
The memory of choosing not to fight
If it takes a whole life I wont break I wont bend
It'll all be worth it worth it in the end
Cause I can only tell you what I know
That I need you in my life
And when the stars have all burned out
you'll still be burning so bright
Cast me gently into morning for the night has been unkind
Thanks Sarah for letting me release all the tension of a bad day...School starts tomorrow and I am so super excited I can't sleep.
All of a sudden the name of my blog takes on a literal meaning....
It is hard to explain, perhaps because all those emotions are summed up in the lyrics. That song always reminds me of her struggle with drugs and addiction and how she just needed to escape just one more time...just to find some release from her tumultuous life.
That is why I love the emotional roller coaster of concerts. When I see U2 in concert I feel that way too.
There is nothing like it.
Also I got to hang out with Paul Welke...and what could beat that?
Each day it seems like a new song marks that particular moment in my life...I think the soundtrack of my life would be pretty wicked.
At one point in the concert Sarah stopped and said that "Angel" and "Answer" were the type of songs that a songwriter loves, they just came to her, she said that she wondered sometimes where they came from and that perhaps it was more than just her at work in those lyrics. She likes the songs that "come fast"...The way she put it was rather funny and the audience caught the double entedre and we had a good laugh. When she started to sing, my laughter turned to tears...what an amazing power.
Answer
I will be the answer at the end of the line
I will be there for you while you take the time
In the burning of uncertainty I will be your solid ground
I will hold the balance if you cant look down
If it takes my whole life I wont break I wont bend
Itll all be worth it worth it in the end
Cause I can only tell you what I know
that I need you in my life
When the stars have all gone out
you'll still be burning so bright
Cast me gently into morning
For the night has been unkind
Take me to a place so holy
That I can wash this from my mind
The memory of choosing not to fight
If it takes a whole life I wont break I wont bend
It'll all be worth it worth it in the end
Cause I can only tell you what I know
That I need you in my life
And when the stars have all burned out
you'll still be burning so bright
Cast me gently into morning for the night has been unkind
Thanks Sarah for letting me release all the tension of a bad day...School starts tomorrow and I am so super excited I can't sleep.
All of a sudden the name of my blog takes on a literal meaning....
Monday, September 06, 2004
"Laughter is the closest distance between two people" ~Victor Borge
Last night International House Alberta opened and I volunteered to work the reception at the Timms Centre, the toilet bowl lookalike. I met students from around the world and was kind of caught up in the auspicious moment. Nancy gave a brilliant speech filled with touching anecdotes about the experiences from other International Houses around the globe. It made me think about all the people who have come into my life and those who have faded from it. I am pretty lucky to have such a wide range of friends and loved ones.
I spent my whole weekend hanging out with friends, old and new, and I realize now that I have surrounded myself with some pretty amazing individuals.
Sammers and I went to see Garden State on Friday night and I thought it was a very intelligent movie. It is about a young man who is numb and going through life without feeling a thing. Zach Braff (that dude from Scrubs) is a very talented young man, he wrote and directed the movie. I'm going to go and check out the soundtrack as well, it sounds like it would kick ass.
Saturday I went out for dinner with my ladies, Leighanne and Carol. We had some great conversation which was frank, as always, and perhaps not appropriate and we got a few weird glances from the table next to us. C'mon, what is wrong with talking, in depth, about sex in a 'classy' restaurant? I love my ladies and the relationships we have built, so honest and open. After dinner Carol went home and Leighanne and I embarked on an adventure. We hooked up with The Frenchies and went for beers at O'Byrneys. That was fun. Leighanne had never really met the Frenchies before and they made sure to speak English to her so she wasn't feeling left out. Jimmy et Christian are so very kind, what amazing guys. Then we were off to the Westend to check out a new bar called "Escape"....and that is exactly what I wanted to do from the moment we got in...escape. Very aptly named indeed. We should have know when Todd had to "assume the position" to be frisked and was patted down. It was kinda scary. We had to show our I.D. four separate times...*just* to get in the doors to the coat check. The bar is very "L.A.esque". Not that I have ever been to a bar in L.A. but I imagine this is what one might look like. We walked amongst the gang members towards the bar to get a drink. For old times sake Leighanne got a Fuzzy Navel and I got a monkeys Lunch...which the bartender made with Amaretto..ugh.
There was a huge dance floor and I dragged Leighanne out there and we danced with the 15 year old sluts and wondered how they made it past the four ID check points.
It had a very 'chachi' type atmosphere and after being leered at we decided to head down to The Roost where we could dance to better music and hook up with Mel and Cory.
The Roost was good times. Lots of dancing, lots of good friends, and only one big blowout on the dance floor when one girl was hitting on another girls' girlfriend. Yikes, I thought we'd have a bigass fight on our hands, but it was all good. I met a really cool dude who is taking Engineering Physics at the U of A. We danced the night away....and left *early" at 2:30. What a great night!
I am lucky to have such a diverse group of friends. Friends from high school, friends from French Camp, friends from the SU, friends old and new.
Last night after the I-House reception I hung out with The Dude, Allie and Bog and whilst sitting there many familiar faces from classes and council came over to say hi. Everybody is back, fresh from summer holidays and getting ready to party it up this week. Is there anything better than WOW week? I saw Duncan Taylor and he is so excited for this week, his enthusiasm is contagious!! This week should be a blur...lots of fun, little sleep, and drunken debauchery with the best friends I could ask for.
The best part is that Gt is coming up from Cowtown next weekend so we'll be rockin it old school. Woohoo!
Song Du Jour: New Slang ~ The Shins
Blog Du Jour: Zach Braff
I spent my whole weekend hanging out with friends, old and new, and I realize now that I have surrounded myself with some pretty amazing individuals.
Sammers and I went to see Garden State on Friday night and I thought it was a very intelligent movie. It is about a young man who is numb and going through life without feeling a thing. Zach Braff (that dude from Scrubs) is a very talented young man, he wrote and directed the movie. I'm going to go and check out the soundtrack as well, it sounds like it would kick ass.
Saturday I went out for dinner with my ladies, Leighanne and Carol. We had some great conversation which was frank, as always, and perhaps not appropriate and we got a few weird glances from the table next to us. C'mon, what is wrong with talking, in depth, about sex in a 'classy' restaurant? I love my ladies and the relationships we have built, so honest and open. After dinner Carol went home and Leighanne and I embarked on an adventure. We hooked up with The Frenchies and went for beers at O'Byrneys. That was fun. Leighanne had never really met the Frenchies before and they made sure to speak English to her so she wasn't feeling left out. Jimmy et Christian are so very kind, what amazing guys. Then we were off to the Westend to check out a new bar called "Escape"....and that is exactly what I wanted to do from the moment we got in...escape. Very aptly named indeed. We should have know when Todd had to "assume the position" to be frisked and was patted down. It was kinda scary. We had to show our I.D. four separate times...*just* to get in the doors to the coat check. The bar is very "L.A.esque". Not that I have ever been to a bar in L.A. but I imagine this is what one might look like. We walked amongst the gang members towards the bar to get a drink. For old times sake Leighanne got a Fuzzy Navel and I got a monkeys Lunch...which the bartender made with Amaretto..ugh.
There was a huge dance floor and I dragged Leighanne out there and we danced with the 15 year old sluts and wondered how they made it past the four ID check points.
It had a very 'chachi' type atmosphere and after being leered at we decided to head down to The Roost where we could dance to better music and hook up with Mel and Cory.
The Roost was good times. Lots of dancing, lots of good friends, and only one big blowout on the dance floor when one girl was hitting on another girls' girlfriend. Yikes, I thought we'd have a bigass fight on our hands, but it was all good. I met a really cool dude who is taking Engineering Physics at the U of A. We danced the night away....and left *early" at 2:30. What a great night!
I am lucky to have such a diverse group of friends. Friends from high school, friends from French Camp, friends from the SU, friends old and new.
Last night after the I-House reception I hung out with The Dude, Allie and Bog and whilst sitting there many familiar faces from classes and council came over to say hi. Everybody is back, fresh from summer holidays and getting ready to party it up this week. Is there anything better than WOW week? I saw Duncan Taylor and he is so excited for this week, his enthusiasm is contagious!! This week should be a blur...lots of fun, little sleep, and drunken debauchery with the best friends I could ask for.
The best part is that Gt is coming up from Cowtown next weekend so we'll be rockin it old school. Woohoo!
Song Du Jour: New Slang ~ The Shins
Blog Du Jour: Zach Braff
Saturday, September 04, 2004
"So you mean, in countries like Argentina, or…Rand McNally, the toilets flush backwards?" ~Bart Simpson
These pictures below are of a public bathroom in Sweden.
Made with one-way glass....Would you use it?
Made with one-way glass....Would you use it?
Thursday, September 02, 2004
"Is it getting better..." ~ 'One' lyrics by U2
Raise your hand if you love The Economist. I'm thinking about asking Santa for a one year subscription.
The other day Mustafa posted a link to a report by the CBC about peace spreading around the world. It keeps coming up in my mind over and over. Perhaps it was just bad timing but, over the last week it seems whenever I read about *another* account of terrorism, (from last week's coordinated airplane bombings, this week's subway bombings and the current hostage crisis in a Russian school in North Ossetia) I keep thinking back to that article.
Is it getting better? Is peace really spreading? Sure doesn't seem like it and this week it seems like all the forces in the world are trying to prove those think-tanks wrong.
(Incidentally the Russians have just called upon the security council to legitimate their response to these attacks, they are going so far as to compare it to Sept. 11th and the Afghan invasion)
Back on the soapbox about The Sudan, Jesse Jackson has weighed in.
He's got harsh words for Bush:
The whole idea that Bush is not a "do-gooder" should not be lost on this man. I wonder why we continue to be surprised by the fact that the US foreign policy is not more altruistic. They have proven their preference for working unilaterally so why are we so surprised?
I am just tired of that ridiculous argument...
Bah!
In other news it only took me a total of 18 minutes to get my student loan signed today!!! Usually this is a long, drawn out process involving 2-3 hours of standing and waiting in the Butterdome. Kudos to those fine individuals at Administration and SFAIC for your hard work, you guys made my day.
Song Du Jour: Amsterdam ~Guster
The other day Mustafa posted a link to a report by the CBC about peace spreading around the world. It keeps coming up in my mind over and over. Perhaps it was just bad timing but, over the last week it seems whenever I read about *another* account of terrorism, (from last week's coordinated airplane bombings, this week's subway bombings and the current hostage crisis in a Russian school in North Ossetia) I keep thinking back to that article.
Is it getting better? Is peace really spreading? Sure doesn't seem like it and this week it seems like all the forces in the world are trying to prove those think-tanks wrong.
(Incidentally the Russians have just called upon the security council to legitimate their response to these attacks, they are going so far as to compare it to Sept. 11th and the Afghan invasion)
Back on the soapbox about The Sudan, Jesse Jackson has weighed in.
He's got harsh words for Bush:
"Bush seems simply oblivious to all this. We're killing terrorists in Iraq, he claims, never acknowledging that we are creating many more fanatical enemies than we are slaying. And the victims aren't simply the U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians. The victims include the beleaguered children of Darfur whose lives might be saved were the United States free to do good and not shackled to the self-destructive debacle in Iraq."
The whole idea that Bush is not a "do-gooder" should not be lost on this man. I wonder why we continue to be surprised by the fact that the US foreign policy is not more altruistic. They have proven their preference for working unilaterally so why are we so surprised?
I am just tired of that ridiculous argument...
Bah!
In other news it only took me a total of 18 minutes to get my student loan signed today!!! Usually this is a long, drawn out process involving 2-3 hours of standing and waiting in the Butterdome. Kudos to those fine individuals at Administration and SFAIC for your hard work, you guys made my day.
Song Du Jour: Amsterdam ~Guster
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
"...some of that is our fault...We bribed killers so they wouldn't become commies." ~Bill O'Reilly
Ooooohhh...funtimes Bono and O'Reilly at it again!!! Wish I had Fox, just to see this. Did anybody catch it?
U2 lead singer and DATA co-founder Bono will be appearing on The O’Reilly Factor at the Republican National Convention on FOX News Channel tonight at 8pm! This will be Bono’s follow-up interview after appearing on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 show a month ago at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
Bono and Bill O’Reilly will engage in a spirited discussion on the issues of global AIDS and poverty and how Americans are making a difference through the ONE campaign.
"If the UN has any shred of credibility left, it must act immediately, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1556" ~ Dr. W. Andy Knight
In today's paper there is an opinion piece by one of my Prof's and it highlights the need for urgency from the member states of the UN to stop the genocide in Sudan. It is a very good article and if you can't access it through that link above, please just send me an email and I will forward it on to you.
They said "never again" and they are failing to live up to that promise. From the article:
We need political will to enforce Chapter VII and that means we need to pressure our governments to act. Not an easy task but if you are so inclined (and I beg you) please write a letter to your political leaders. Perhaps we can get some response from the so-called 'international community' by applying a little pressure from below.
I have sent a letter today asking Paul Martin to support this resolution, and then I laughed because I know our military is in such a state that I doubt we would be able to offer any assistance anyway. Cripes!
Can the UN survive through another genocide without crumbling? What is the alternative?
Does anybody give a rat's ass?
Song Du Jour: Sunday Bloody Sunday~ U2
"How long must we sing this song?
How long? How long...
...And it's true we are immune
When fact is fiction and TV reality
And today the millions cry
We eat and drink while tomorrow they die"
They said "never again" and they are failing to live up to that promise. From the article:
"The Council set a firm deadline of August 30, 2004, for the government to comply, making it absolutely clear that by that date the government must fulfill commitments made to the UN with respect to disarming the Janjaweed militia and apprehending those within the various militias who carried out human rights abuses and violated international humanitarian law.
....The international community has a responsibility to protect innocent people in countries where the government has failed to protect their own population. Therefore, the UN could assembly a peace enforcement force to enter Sudan and restore order. However, since the UN doesn't have a military contingent of its own, it has to rely on its member states to contribute personnel and equipment to such a force. Countries in the African Union should be the first to supply contingents for such a force. But countries like Canada should also be on standby to help."
We need political will to enforce Chapter VII and that means we need to pressure our governments to act. Not an easy task but if you are so inclined (and I beg you) please write a letter to your political leaders. Perhaps we can get some response from the so-called 'international community' by applying a little pressure from below.
I have sent a letter today asking Paul Martin to support this resolution, and then I laughed because I know our military is in such a state that I doubt we would be able to offer any assistance anyway. Cripes!
Can the UN survive through another genocide without crumbling? What is the alternative?
Does anybody give a rat's ass?
Song Du Jour: Sunday Bloody Sunday~ U2
"How long must we sing this song?
How long? How long...
...And it's true we are immune
When fact is fiction and TV reality
And today the millions cry
We eat and drink while tomorrow they die"
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