Black Friday

“Too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption. Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns.”

As quoted, by President Carter’s in his Crisis Of Confidence speech made on July 15, 1979, in Michael Moore's film Capitalism: A Love Story.

Matthew Good's review on Michael Moore's film.

I was wondering how Black Friday unfolded in the United States. Black Friday is typically the first Friday after American Thanksgiving that kicks off the Christmas shopping season. Corporations and economists debate whether or not it reflects how the economy is going and how high is consumer confidence.



Overall, it was general mayhem. There were no deaths, injuries and significant property damage, but there was a lot of fighting and disrespectful behaviour.



In Labour News, Walmart was forced to pay former employees in Massachusetts $40 million in back wages in a class-action lawsuit. The suit was filed eight years ago and claimed the mega-corporation owes the employees fourteen years worth of unpaid overtime, missed breaks, and other uncompensated work.

Listening to: Trooper - The Boys In the Bright White Sports Cars

 

Wal-Mart: The American Dream

I recently read on the Consumerist a story about a couple printing photos for the wife's father's funeral at Wal-Mart. The photo lab wouldn't give her several of her photos because the employee believed the photos may be copyrighted. The woman held back tears as she watched her deceased father's photos be shredded.

The article started whirling my brain to several other media stories I have read that cast a dark shadow on Wal-Mart's polices and practices. I do not shop at Wal-Mart because of all the employee labour laws it violates and all the pending class-action lawsuits.

However, even when Wal-Mart looses a class-action lawsuit for paying women less than men, or paying illegal immigrants less than minimum wage, it can pay the judgment easily because it makes $20,000 profit every minute, and a annual profit of $12 billion.



Articles:

Mother Charged by Police Courtesy of Wal-Mart for Child Pornography

Walmart To Pay $7,000 OSHA Fine In Worker Death

11 Things Banned By Walmart

 

Listening to: Crosby, Stills & Nash - American Dream

 

Meet Kami

Kami is a new 5 year old HIV-positive girl Muppet on Sesame Street South Africa. She also an orphan and is teaching her neighbours and friends some harsh realities of life. She is the new role model for 28,000 HIV-positive children and 1.4 million orphans in Africa.



Kami talks with President Clinton.

 

Colbert Report with Woody Harrelson.

I love Stephen Colbert's mock-journalism news show. Colbert is delightfully hilarious.

He recently started fundraising for the U.S. Speed Skating Team. His campaign raised over $40k. When the site crashed from overwhelming response, he blamed it on Canadian hackers.

 

Rick Mercer Report

Rick Mercer and Rick Hansen Bungee Jump



Listening to Trooper - Here For A Good Time

 

Happy 40th Sesame Street

Happy 40th Birthday Sesame Street! I was a huge fan of Sesame Street when I was a young kid.


Adam Sandler sings about Elmo




Feist sings 1, 2, 3, 4




Neil Patrick Harris




The Mad T Party




Yip Yip Martians




Pinball Number 4



 

A La Pink

Well, I have been going every weekend since the beginning of summer and I have finally hit the wall. What I mean to say is I have been socially engaged butterfly almost every weekend for four months straight. I am officially tired. Just in time for winter too. Tis the season for puzzles, good books, movies, board games and sheer lazy weekends.

About a month or so ago, I went to Victoria for the Slacktoria Family Reunion. We enjoyed reuniting over brunch and photographs of how we spent our summer vacation.

A few weekends, I went to the Pink Party. This party was also a Bon Voyage to Benj. I never would have thought that pink would be such a great theme for a party. The vibe was so juicy energetic, but serene.

The previous weekend, I went to Victoria for Halloween. I spent about a day helping decorate the house and had a blast staying up until dawn. Some really fantastic costumes. The house was way too crowded, deafening beats and blitzkrieg. I'm definitely not 20-something anymore. Unfortunately, most ghouls and witches only posted their photos on FaceCrack.


I just created a new Rain-themed playlist. I will add it to the sidebar.

Listening to: Bruce Hornsby & The Range - Mandolin Rain

 

Animals Are Amazing

Husky says "I Love You"




Thanks for JD for reminding me the cat zen of relaxing Maru style.




Silly Cats Video

Ideas For Change

William Kamkwamba’s Malawian parents couldn’t afford the $80 yearly tuition for their son’s school. He sneaked into classes anyway until he got caught. He continued his education by teaching himself through books from the school library. He found a Grade 5 Science textbook titled Using Energy. William harnessed the power of the wind by creating his own windmill from discarded items and scraps. His life changed forever.

My friend Dave is biking from Vancouver to Tijuana. He quit his job and sold almost all of his possessions. After two weeks, he has biked down through Washington, Oregon and is now in Northern California.

Everything Is Going to Be Alright

Apparently, artist Martin Creed's work is on display in Vancouver. Friends have mentioned seeing it over the rooftops from Chinatown.

Saturday is Earth Dance. Previously, it was at Stanley Park, but this year it is at Spannish Banks. The event usually features a lot of DJs, dancing, hugging and good vibes. I am hoping to attend, weather permitting.


I am still reeling in awe from an incredible Burn. One of my favourite art structures from the event is Holding Flame. I have been meaning to post about my Burn, but I had to think of all the things I did on my trip to the desert. It was chalk full of extraordinary fun.



Last weekend, I did nothing but relax. My sweetie dropped by my work last Friday with a surprise rose and mini cheesecake. We spent most of the weekend relaxing and watching movies, such as Get Smart. The movie was funny and entertaining, more so than I thought it would be.

On Sunday, we went over to Yv's for waffles and bacon. There was a lovely group of people gathered and we chilled over mimosas and great conversation. JD's dog Chester was there, so I got some doggy lovin'.


I spent most of this week nursing a mild cold and headaches. I think I have turned the corner though. I am not looking forward to flu season and all this chatter about H1N1.


I am loving the autumn season though. It finally feels like a good autumn with warm and cool weather, and changing leaves.

Listening to: Kevin Rudolf - Let It Rock

 

Canadian, Please

 

Goodbye Patrick Swayze

I heard this afternoon Patrick Swayze passed away at age 57 after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. It was a little eerie for me when I found out. I thought he had beat cancer and was on the road to recovery.

My mum passed away from pancreatic cancer at age 57.

I think of Robin, who is participating in a 3-day Breast Cancer Walk this weekend. She is 17 years cancer free. She walks for those who fought, survived and those who will battle cancer in the years to come.

Listening to: Patrick Swayze - She's Like the Wind

 

Cats Slice and Dice

From the Oatmeal, 8 Ways to Prepare Your Pets for War. I *love* the samurai kittens!

Today, I am off to the PNE with friends to watch the Superdogs, the Logging Show, eat mini donuts, maybe a corndog for JD, and see the Beatles Tribute show.

I made bacon, eggs and toast for my sweetie and I while I listened to the Across the Universe soundtrack.

I am still hooked on Miss Bunny Ruffles iced Angel Tea, from Silk Road in Victoria, with Santa Cruz Lemonade. The Angel Tea leaves have spearmint, lavender, rose petals and clove. It's so refreshing.

I sewed and cut a bunch of costumes for Burning Man: pink and purple star bra, panels for a skirt (still need to make arm bands); blue sequin bra, panels for a skirt; white fun fur boot covers, and Siberian Tiger boot covers (need to still sew a bra).

I still have to make a bunch of cyberlox hair pieces, but hopefully and orange and blue one with foams and ribbons, and a cotton candy pink and white one with foams and ribbons.



One week to go before departure!

Listening to: 311 - Love Song

 

The Cat's Meow

 

Best Friends Forever

I think the term BFF is so pop-cultured, but it's cute in this instance. I came across this photo album of a Corgi and Macaw who are BFFs. It just goes to show you that friendship is blind to size, colour and species.

Listening to: Earth, Wind & Fire - September

 

Photogenic Squirrel

It all started so innocently when an aspiring young ground squirrel stepped into the family photo of Melissa Brandts in Alberta, Canada’s Banff National Park, seeking fame and fortune. After showing up on National Geographic’s web site it was picked up by The Interwebs, and the rest, as they say, is internet history.



Top 10 Crasher Squirrel Pictures.

 

Countdown

In a few weeks, I will be heading to the desert with my sweetie.



My sweetie of 6 weeks. I met him at Otherworld. He rocks my world. I am still in awe I have a boyfriend. He's everything I have been looking for in my equal.

 

A Day In Vancouver

 

Wolfie

A video of Wolfman Shaun Ellis teaching a wee lil’ baby wolf how to howl.



 

E-Wasteland

Artist Sophie Gerrard has featured the growing E-wasteland problem in Indian in her new collection. Currently, the waste is approximately 20 to 50 million tonnes.



In western nations, a computer, cell phone or electronic equipment is thrown away every 2 years. Some major cities have recycling depots for E-waste, but most people dispose of it in landfills.

E-waste is highly toxic. It contains lead, cadmium, mercury, tin, gold, copper, PVC and brominated, chlorinated and phosphorus based flame retardants. Many of these heavy metals and contaminants are extremely harmful to humans as well as to animals and plants.

Listening to: Indio - Hard Sun

 

White Trash Party, Playland and B/IAS

A few weekends ago, I went to Disaster Area's White Trash Party. I did not think the crew could top last year's epic Family Reunion, but they did. Will It Smash and the Redneck Olympics triumphed last year's shenanigans.

Almost a month ago, some friends, my niece and I went to Playland. It was somewhat gray and rainy that day, but we still had lots of fun. It was my niece's first trip to the fair. She was very brave and rode most of the high, scary rides while my feet stayed firmly planted on the ground.



In April, while I was in Seattle, some friends and I visited the B/IAS Burien/Interim Arts Space. Ignition Northwest consisting of Seattle Regional Burners and lots of hard work by volunteers brought a stunning art installation from Burning Man.

Listening to: Underworld - Two Months Off

 

Dance Revolution

100 days, 100 songs, 100 locations, 100 dances.

This guy rox.

 

Wicked and I'm Lazy

Animation with Led Zeppelin's Kashmir by Steve Scott.



 

Bureau of Communication's Declaration of Romantic Intent:



Listening to: Gerard McMann - Cry Little Sister

 

We're Screwed

Screwed I tell you. Not in a good way either. According to Michael Geist's explanation to the Canadian Senate, our Internet network is ranked 28 out of 30 OECD countries. The ranking is based on pricing, service, infrastructure and bit caps. We rank near the bottom in all four categories. Japan, Korea and France out rank us in all categories.

One has to wonder if this known fact of our Internet over last 15 or so years has also inhibited our consumer rights, business development, research and development, or academia.

It's the same with other urban issues: regulations, collective consciousness, transportation, consumer pricing, and cell phone plans. We pay more because we have no choice.

 

The US Congress is now promoting a Buy American rule in the US. The Congress is urging Americans to buy only products made with American resources or made only in America.



Many Canadians already support this mandate buy shopping at big American chains or corporations. Americans are very patriotic and will probably spend more to support their fellow Americans. Canadians will not and will typically choose the cheaper American brand (China-made) option. Who doesn't love Wal-Mart over Zellers, or Home-Depot over Rona?

Over 80% of our resource exports are to the US. This US movement could cripple our economy. Moreover, I could not see American corporations would pay higher costs for resources. They would not longer remain competitive in the market at higher prices. During a recession, I do not see the masses paying higher costs for disposable products.

List of Canadian companies on the TSE.

The whole ideal reminds me of the early 2000s when companies hung signs and banners of "Canadian Proud", even though they were American corporations.

Listening to: " target="new">REM - Loosing My Religion

 

Pogo Schtick

I am addicted to Pogo. I love card and board games. Since no one really plays them anymore in real life, Pogo is the next best thing. My character is kawaii.



Listening to: Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

 

Summertime

Well, yesterday was a high of 30C and today looks just as good. After months of cool, rainy and cloudy weather, it finally feels like spring... or summer? Mind you, June is famous for doing a 180 back to autumn-like weather.

 

Improv Everywhere Gives Newly Married Couple A Surprise Wedding Reception



Listening to: Billy Idol - Cradle of Love

 

Deluxe Hugs, Ukrainian Dinner & Monck

Deluxe Hugs Prank



 

Two weekends ago, on Friday I went to St. Mary's Church Ukrainian dinner. For $10.50, I scored a delicious plate of perogies, meatballs and gravy, and apple crumble. It was fantastic and service was excellent.

I also went to the opening of Kitsilano Pool with my niece. I had not been there since I was a teenager volunteering for the Boys' & Girls' Club. We also went to Playland. It was my niece's first visit to the fair and she went on all the scary rides while my feet were firmly planted on the ground.



Last weekend, a bunch of Amerikan GFYers visited Vancouver for Memorial Weekend. We all went to the White & Glitter Party Vegas-style. We also hung out at Kitsilano Beach and had brunch at the Reagle Beagle.

Last night, I skipped out of yoga (bad me) to go to Memphis Blues with my cousin and our friend. Meat coma galore! We shared a Memphis Platter and it was pure omnivore heaven. I love their potato salad and cornbread. After, we went for a walk along Jericho Beach.

Tomorrow, I am headed to Monck Provincial Park on Nicola Lake near Merritt. I have never been there before, but pictures of the lake and campground look wonderful. I am going with a bunch of friends and I have been looking forward to this weekend all month.




Listening to: Chilliwack - My Girl

 

Cat Videos Make Me Laugh

Cat In A Suitcase



 

Remembering Our First Crushes

My First Crush



 

Apparently

Apparently, I am "Daunting".



daunting - 2 dictionary results

daunt [dawnt, dahnt]

–verb (used with object)

1. to overcome with fear; intimidate: to daunt one's adversaries.

2. to lessen the courage of; dishearten: Don't be daunted by the amount of work still to be done.

Origin:

1250–1300; ME da(u)nten < AF da(u)nter, OF danter, alter. of donter (prob. by influence of dangier power, authority; see danger ) < L domitāre to tame, deriv. of domitus, ptp. of domāre to tame

Related forms:
daunt-ing⋅ly, adverb
daunt-ing⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. overawe, subdue, dismay, frighten. 2. discourage, dispirit.

Antonyms:
2. encourage.

Listening Rihanna - Disturbia

 

A to Zed

I borrowed this A to Z that is going around on FaceCrack Donna. I ain't no FaceCracker, but I like the insight it provides about the writer.

A - Age: 34.9

B - Bed size: Queen: Simmons Orthopedic with pillow-top mattress and mattress pad, 300+ count sheets. It's like sleeping on a cloud.

C - Chore you hate: Washing the tub and mopping the floors. Best to outsource.

D - Dog’s name: Cat's name is Choco.

E - Essential start your day item: Warm chai and soy or strawberry black tea.

F - Favorite color: Aquamarine, turquoise or teal.

G - Gold or Silver: Platinum.

H - Height: 5′3.5″

I - Instruments you play(ed): Flute (not at band camp).

J - Job title: Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director and Board of a non-profit organization that manages extended-care facilities.

K - Kids: Not yet. I am a parental-figure to a Siamese cat and an Aunt to an 8 year old.

L - Living arrangements: 750 sq ft one-bedroom apartment one block from Kitsilano Beach.

M - Mom’s name: Sadie

N - Nicknames: Stace, Sinja

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: None that I know of.

P - Pet Peeve: People who waste, don't move to the back of the bus, bad drivers.

Q - Quote from a movie: "Would you like me to seduce you?", "Nobody puts 'Baby' in a corner.", "I'll have what she's having."

R - Right or left handed: Mostly right.

S - Siblings: Aaron

T - Time you wake up: 6:20 really is hell on earth.

U- Underwear: Affirmative.

V - Vegetable you dislike: I never met a vegetable I didn't like.

W - Ways you run late: Surfing the 'net, cat naps, or missed the bus.

X - X-rays you’ve had: Dental

Y - Yummy food you make: Scrambled eggs with sauteed veggies and Havarti.

Z - Zoo favorite: Portland Oregon Zoo (Love 'em all!)

 

Listening to: Engima - Sadness

 

Dating Advice

How to Date Someone Dumber Than You



 

Audrey Tautou in the Chanel No 5 Commercial



 

Cherry Blossoms

After I came out of the Burlesque show at 1:30 am on Sunday, I walked two blocks to my car to Parker Street near Commercial Drive. The whole street was covered in cherry blossoms. I wish I had my camera because someone drew a heart on my windshield (not my car below). It was such a lovely gift.



Listening to: Oliver Shanti - Spring Tea Ceremony

 

A La Weekends

These past few weekends have been fantastic. A few weekends ago, I went down to Seattle for Bunarchy. A bunch of us participated in a bunny bar-hop in Georgetown. It was a lot of fun. We started at the Georgetown Liquor Company, headed to Calamity Janes, Jules Maes and finished at the 9lb Hammer. The 9lb was a very funky bar because there were board games everywhere. I loved seeing Jenga, Trivial Pursuit and Rock'em Sock'em Robots. The evening creme de la creme was the Taco Truck that pulled up to serve fresh tacos at 2 am.



I spent the rest of the weekend at the Csto NW Regional Conference participating in a series to team-building workshops with my Csto campmates from Burning Man. It was great to see old Csto mates from as far away as Victoria and California.


Last weekend, I went to SinCity with a paddy wagon full of Recompression Cops. We wrote citations, performed illegal searches and confiscated concealed weapons. I am still a rookie in training, but I am learning a lot in the ways to becoming a good oscipher.


On Friday, I went to see The Secret World of Og at the Carousel Theatre in Granville Island with Kel, Omid and Erin. I had never read the children's book before, but the adaption was incredible. The screenplay was fantastic, the characters were adorable, the acting was great, and the set design was magical. It is a story about five children that discover their toys are being taken to a secret underground world. After the play, we went for dinner at the Cat's Social House (formerly Cat's Meow). More dark decor swanky, mind you, the service and food were good even though there was not enough staff on hand.

On Saturday, I went with Claire, Dorothy and Delilah to The Reef on Commercial Drive for some Jamaican food and drinks. I love their raspberry rum mojitas. After filling our palates, we went to see By the Seat of Our Panties: A Burlesque Musical at the Vancouver Burlesque Festival. The show was incredible! We laughed non-stop. The musical had so many great numbers performed by a talented cast. I loved the song about Day Jobs. The show was delightfully roaring.

This afternoon, I am going over to Leanne and Louie's for the Annual Brupper. I used to live next door to Leanne in our old apartment building and every year she would host an annual pancake brupper. Guests would bring an ingredient to be the added feature in a batch of pancakes. Previously pancakes have included Oreo chunks, gummie bears, baked apples, bananas and jelly beans. This year, I am bringing butterscotch chips.

I cannot believe it is already May! Spring sprung rather late and I feel sorry for all the hayfever sniffling sufferers. My rent went up again $35 the second year in a row. I am considering moving before it reaches $1,000. A bit much for a one-bedroom apartment, but the rents elsewhere are just as high. *sigh* I could purchase, but I would be paying through the nose as a single-incomer. I am not quite ready for the hippie commune just yet.

Listening to: Corey Hart - Never Surrender

 

Recompression IX

I just returned from my 7th Burning Man Vancouver Recompression on the Sunshine Coast.



I had so much fun and made so many new friends. I camped my second year with Arabian Nights and hung out with the Cops.

The theme for the weekend was Alice In Wonderland. The Moose Lodge decorations were fantastic, as was the chill space. I enjoyed all the performances of the talent show, propane poofers, fireballs and bunny cannons by Disaster Area, the Legion of Flying Monkeys Karaoke Puppet Show, the Rally Car Race, the fire show choreographed by Mystress Fire, and the Man burn.

I also helped Yonderboy with his photo booth for 3 hours Saturday evening.

Not too mention, the food was fantastic!

The ferry ride home was rather awesome.

Listening to: Opus III - Dreaming of Now

 

I Wish Dolphins Were My Friends

Dolphin Bubbles: An Amazing Behaviour



 

Kyoto Loves Me

Well, after taking a bus to the Gion district that consists of traditional Japan with temples, shrines and Geisha, we walked around for the better part of an hour looking for a Love Hotel. Rooms were either $50 per hour or $130 for overnight. But check-in was at 10 pm, and we did not know if we could go in and out of the hotel. The sun was setting, we were starting to get cranky and hungry. We ended up back on Higashioji Street just down from the Yasaka Pagoda staring into a diner. We were hungry, so we set our weary parts down at a table.

We did not have high expectations. While we were waiting for the only woman took cook our food, we contemplated sleeping at the train station, trying a hostel, or taking the train to another city and leaving Kyoto. The latter made me very sad because I really wanted to see Kyoto. We almost skipped the city all-together. We had not made a hotel reservation and every room from a hostel to a hotel was booked. It is the beginning of the cherry blossom season.

Our dinner was good and fufilling. We we were paying our bill, the restaurant owner took pitty on us. She called her husband to assist us. He came by the restaurant and phoned an aquaintance and left a voicemail. We sat a waited hoping for even a spare room in some random building.

After a few minutes, the husband came over and informed us he managed to arrange a place for us to stay. He even came out to explain the directions to the taxi driver. Most streets and buildings in Japan do not have signs or numbers.

The taxi driver had no idea where this guest house was, but he managed to find it. A fellow met us at a gate. We followed him down a walkway. When he opened the door, we were in complete awe inside the Gojo Machiya Guest House. It is a two-level Japanese style house with lots of browns and whites with a kitchen, shower and bathroom, heated-seat toliet, laundry and tv. The best part is the guest house is only $150 per night with a $100 deposit. Most of the hotels started at $250 to $300 per night.

I am currently sitting on a Thai-triangle pillow with a fuzzy blanket in a tatami room listening to classical opera playing on a cd player hanging on the wall.

Life in Kyoto is *so* rough.

Also, I saw my first Geisha. We were standing outside the restaurant and there were two Geisha standing on the street. A few people were photographing them, and they turned their backs to avoid being photographed. Both Geisha were stunning.

 

Kyoto

We just showed up in Kyoto and all the hotels are full.

Osaka was amazing. We stayed at the Flex Hotel near the train station. Lots of little bars, Izakaya and boutiques. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.

We went to see the Osaka Castle. It was originally built in the 1500s, but it was burned down during a war in the 1600s. It was rebuilt and struck by lighting and burned again. Air raids during WWII also destroyed a lot of the castle walls and turrets.

We also went to the aquarium. The aquarium has eight floors with exhibits from Japan`s Forests, Alaska, Antarctica, Cook Islands, Aleutenin, Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The latter tank has 5400 tonnes of water and is loaded with fish, sharks and manta rays. I also saw gigantic spider crabs, octopuses and jelly fish. The acrylic glass of the tank is 30 cm thick.

We also saw a gigantic ferris wheel on the harbour front.

The food in Osaka was also amazing. We had incredible bento boxes for lunch at a tiny place with beautiful decor. For dinner, we had good sushi at Jean-ni (sp?). After dinner, I had a nap for a few hours. At 2 am, I decided to go for a walk. I walked north to see a organic building, temple and shrine. Then I walked south towards the Osaka Theatre. Eventhough it was 3 and 4 in the morning, I felt completely safe. I walked through the Shinsabashi Shopping district. At night, it looks like Times Square or Las Vegas.

I love Osaka city!

We went back to Nariyama for one more night. We went to another Onsen Hanna bath house. Not as fancy as the first one. It had three pools and two saunas. Because it was after 7 pm, it only cost $5.

Now, we are sitting in the foreign tourist office located on the 9th Floor in the Seto department store searching the Internet for love hotels to stay at. I snuck a quick peak the the Kimono fabric section of the department store. Kimonos start at a few thousand dollars in price.

Our plan was to stay two nights in Kyoto, but we may have to leave if there is no accommodation. *sigh*

 

Konnichwa

Greetings from Hiroshima. This is the first time I have had an opportunity to us a comptuer. After every word, I have to hit the enter key. I was only in Tokyo for a day and a half. We stayed with a friend of a friend`s in Yutenji. She shares a penthouse apartment with 4 other roommates.

In Tokyo, I went to Akihibara, the electronics district. I saw cute girls advertising maid cafes. I also went to Asukusa and saw the ancient temple. I tried some octopus donut holes (not my favourite.　In the evening, we went to the club in Babel called Womb. Crazy. It had four floors and played a lot of hosue and trance. A 21 year old University student tried to pick me up. He was really sweet and said my outfit was very cute.

Then we went south to Nariyama for three days to visit Mike`s sister`s family. We stayed in a Japanese house with sliding doors and tatami mat rooms. The housing here has no central heating. She cooked amazing traditional food and served amazing green teas. We also went to an Onsen (public bath). It was like a luxury spa. It had 10 baths, including cold, hot, bubbling and hot spring. There were also 3 saunas, a cafeteria, massage, movie room, library and computers. Lunch was amazing and I paid $3 to be barried in sand up to my neck.

The toliets here are amazing: trickle rinses, dryers and always warm to sit on. Some even play music.

In Naoshima, we stayed in Yurt by the beach. We went on a walking tour of 20 different types of art structures. We also toured the Benesse Museum, Chichu Museum and Art House Project (restored houses with art).

Now I am in Hiroshima. Today, we visited the Memorial Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. The museum was emotional and horrifying. The atomic bomb dropped by the United States on Hiroshima blasted everything within a 600 metre radius and radiated everything around 2 km. Over 140,000 people died, 70,000 of which were never identified.

Tomorrow, we are off to Kyoto and then Osaka.

My basic Japanese is becoming better and better each day. Japanese culture is very interesting: people wear masks when sick, wave thanks during driving, say please and thank you a LOT, and bow.

All the food I have eaten has been amazing and cheap. It is cheaper to eat quality restaurant and a-la-carte food then in Canada. I love Kirin lemon tea and milk tea (strawberry too!).

I rode a bullet train that went 285 kms per hour!

I have seen lots of stray cats lying around temples and in parks. They are not very friendly to strangers.

Lots of love from Japan!

Cho Segoi (very awesome)!

 

Vacation: All I Ever Wanted

I saw Jimmy Kimmel's Unnecessary Censorship of Sesame Street recently and could not stop laughing.

Also of a laughing nature is Prop 8: The Musical. I know this was going around a few months ago, but I finally decided to watch it.

Tomorrow, I will be flying to Tokyo on a 10-hour JAL flight. I managed to arrange a cat herder at the last minute when my previous person fell through. Thank you Claire for offering to watch Choco Cat for me.



I recently read the story of Hachiko, Japan's most Faithful Dog. Hachiko was the loyal companion of Professor Uyeno in 1923. He always accompanied his owner to the train station and waited for him to returned and walk back home with him. He did this for two years. One day, the professor died at work and did not return home. The Akita dog continued to go to the train station and wait for him for 10 years until his death (the same spot he last saw his owner alive). There is a statue in Shibuya to honour Hachiko.

I am really looking forward to 18C warmer weather in Tokyo. However, I hear it can be quite windy at times. I miss my scarf.

Listening to: Jim Sturges - Across the Universe

 

Heard It Was A Full Moon

Here is a link to Validation the movie.


Flight of the Conchords' Ladies of the World




Flight of the Conchords' songs were the anthems of my weekend in Victoria. The weekend in Victoria was great. We had brunch at Floyd's, Pho at Pho Vy, and partied Carnivale-style at a Firehall in Sannich.


After work, I ran around downtown crossing off errands. I tried to find another scarf to replace the one that was stolen from the Waldorf party two weeks ago--no luck. That was my favourite scarf. *grr* I bought my Japan rail pass with 20 minutes before closing to spare. One week from now, I will be on my JAL flight with a Cheshire grin and worshiping JAL flight attendants. Arigato gozaimasu!



I also went to MAC to buy some face products, including the lipstick and lipliner I had to replace that were stolen in my wool coat. I also picked up a beaver skiing snowglobe for Mike's sister's mother-in-law in Japan. I also bought his s-n-l a bunch of cute dollar-store stickers (she is a teacher) and a shwack of chocolate (she's craving Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Balls). I also bought some cute Vancouver fridge magnets to give away. A cute bear ornament I bought broke on the way home. I am going to see if the Maintenance guy at work can help me fix it.

Man, this Imperial Earl Gray tea from T is good, especially with Tim Tam's. I learned about Tim Tam's in Australia. You bite off one end of the biscuit, then the other and suck the tea through and eat it. I recently found Tim Tam's at London Drugs.

I forgot I have to do my taxes, or beg my cousin too. She did them last year... by hand. I usually buy Quicktax and split the cost with others. Last year, I bribed her with steak and lobster dinner at The Boathouse at English Bay. You may say QB is cheaper than surf & turf for two, but she's really good company.

Tea sips... yum. I just have to finalize my packing list and actually start packing. I also bought used Mary Lawson's Crow Lake to read on the flight. My massage therapist recommended Lawson to me.

I bought some yuppie black Pumas today. I wanted black sneakers to wear at work and in Japan. I have tried on so many black sleek sneakers to no avail. So I broke down at bought them at Brown's in The Bay. I also bought a pair of Ed Hardy's with a funky koi pattern.

Oh yeah, I have yet another cold. Third one of the year thus far. Thank goodness it is a mild one. It should be gone by the weekend. I guess I shouldn't have been... yadda yadda... this past weekend.

Listening to: The Fixx - Saved By Zero

 

Love Like Blah

Like: Did You Know?



 

Ain't What I Used To Be

Well, let me tell you 4 hours sleep doesn't feel the same as when you were 21 years old. I went to a fundraiser for Yvonne's Mad Hatter Party last night at the Canvas Lounge. I had never been there before, but I know it is the former Babylon Studios space. I think they raised a lot of money for her cause and I was proud to participate.

Prior to the party, I went to Hastings Steam & Sauna for some Eucalyptus steam with F&C and D. When I got home, I just wanted to lie down on my comfy bed. But it was good to go to the party and connect with people. There were some really great hats.



Tonight, I am going to Carnivàle Party in Victoria with Yonderboy and Squishelle. I am excited for my first Victoria Burner Party. Yonderboy has offered to do a photo shoot for Bunny Ruffles and I. I packed a shwack load of clothes and three pairs of shoes. I am hoping to squeeze in some cat naps along the way to Victoria in the car and on the ferry. I just have to make it through my work day.

 

FlipText

˙ɯɟʞɔɐɾ uo ǝnƃɐǝl ƃıq s,ǝuɐɹɥɔoɔ ɯoʇ oʇ ƃuıuǝʇsıl ɯɐ ı ʍou ʇɥƃıɹ

˙ɹǝɥɔɐǝʇ ɐ sı ǝɥs ˙ɥʇıʍ ƃuıʎɐʇs ǝɹɐ ǝʍ uɐɯoʍ ǝɥʇ ɹoɟ sɹǝʞɔıʇs ǝʇnɔ ǝɯos puıɟ oʇ ǝʌɐɥ ı ˙uɐdɐɾ ǝɹoɟǝq op oʇ uoıʇɐɹɐdǝɹd ɟo ʇıq ɐ ǝʌɐɥ llıʇs ı

˙ʞɹoʍ ɹǝʇɟɐ ʇuǝɯʇuıoddɐ ǝƃɐssɐɯ ʎlɹɐǝ uɐ oʇ oƃ oʇ ʎɐpoʇ ʎlɹɐǝ dn ʇǝƃ oʇ pɐɥ ı

¡unɟ sı ɟɟnʇs ʇxǝʇdılɟ sıɥʇ

 

Canon Memory Card Error

So, my 5 year old trusty Canon S400 was giving me a Cannot Read Memory Card Error. After replacing the battery, I still received the error. I took it to VanCam Service to have it assessed. The technician informed me Canon was issuing a recall that may fix my problem for free. He also said my canon has a very good lens and is sturdy because it is thick. He further stated the new slim cameras are not as sturdy when dropped and the lenses are not as good.

In Japan, D&M and I are booked at the Tsutsuji-so Lodge in Naoshima.



I purchased a lovely Curious George sticker and colouring book from KidsBooks today. The shop even gift-wrapped it.

Currently watching the L-Word. Love the show. I love seeing the Vancouver shoot locations in the show. There is a post-production trunk sale this weekend for the L-Word. I wish I was going to be in town to see the sale.

Listening to: Rammstein - Du Hast

 

Where's the Beef?

Ok, if you did not know the title give props to an old 80s commercial--you are too young or way too old.

It's one of those weeks. You know, where as soon as you get home you want a nice chunk of dark chocolate. Better yet, a grilled steak, medium-rare, with a glass of shiraz served to you in a hot tub by a hunky delish man. (Save room for dessert...)

I settled for organic multigrain soya-mozza grilled cheese with Simply Organics ketchup and a strawberry black tea. No, really, it *was* satisfying.


So funny, Flight of the Conchords' Too Many Dicks on the Dance Floor



I cannot stop listening to Michael Mind's remix of Christopher Cross' Ride Like the Wind. I noticed it in BToxic's Electrograde mix (electro-house remixes of retro songs).

Listening to: Michael Mind - Ride Like the Wind (Klaas Remix)

 

Turning Japanese

Well, it's official. I am traveling to Japan mid-March for two weeks. I am flying into Tokyo to meet Dani & Mike. They are currently in Thailand and will meet me in Japan. The flight only cost $1,100. In 2003, I purchased a ticket on JAL through Tokyo to Australia during SARS for only $1400. I *love* Japan Airlines. Best airline on earth. Amazing service, comfy seats, video insets, lots of hot towels, pocky, green tea and delicious meals.



We are meeting at Tokyo airport and staying in Tokyo for a few days. Then we are taking the train north, south and back to Tokyo. Needless to stay I am ecstatic. I cannot wait to be in completely awe of Japan's art, culture, history, cuisine and customs.

In one week, I have learned how to count to 10, say yes, no, thanks, no thanks, good morning and good afternoon.

I am currently watching Lost In Translation for research.

 

Illuminate Yaletown

I went to Yaletown's first annual Illuminate Festival on Saturday. There were about 25 art installations including an ice living room, ice bonfire, light spheres, wall projections, shadow theatre, and light panels.



The highlight of the festival was Radiant Heat's fire performance shows. Radiant Heat performed three shows with a grand finale in front of EQ3.

I was surprised the event was not car-free. Pedestrians were everywhere with children and toy dogs. It was one giant car park. I thought it was strange the Roundhouse Community Centre did not have an open house for the event either. Apparently, the festival was such a hit, it will be back next year for the Olympics.

Listening to: Oscar the Grouch - I'm Sad Because I'm Happy

 

Ecofriend and Fabulous!

Imagine fulfilling your consumeristic desires guilt-free. Well, not completely guilt-free, but pretty darn close.

The Green Depot has opened its doors in Brooklyn. It is a green hybrid of Ikea and Home Depot full of organic and sustainable products for your home.



Also nifty, is the new West Elm store in Emeryville, CA that has a green and solar power roof, not too mention reclaimed hard-wood floor and low-VOC painted walls.



Listening to: Michael Mind - Ride Like the Wind

 

Love Like Blah

Like this Rat. I am not a huge fan of rats, but this is one cute bugger. Apparently, she chatters when she's content and snuggles stuffed animals. Cute. Bugger.

If you are a big g33k, you'll enjoy the History of Video Games. Reminds me of a few weeks ago when my niece and I were playing Pac-Man and Dig-Dug.



My cousin K sent me this music video for Fatboy Slim's The Joker. Bizarre. I love seeing the cat herders' hands in the camera shots.

I am not sure I want an iPhone enough to pay $60 a month on top of my cell phone plan. My unlimited Fido plan is grandfathered. I do not have digital cable because it costs $60 per month. I doubt plan prices will be going down any time soon.

Listening to: Beck - Timebomb

 

Laughter Is Always Good

I love British humour. BBC's Women Know Your Limits is very funny.

The Onion has its own YouTube Channel.



Hotmail stopped working on Mozilla today. Argh. I have to use IE to use it.

To iPhone or not to iPhone. Simple consumeristic, technologic whorish luxuries.

Listening to: The Pretenders - Don't Get Me Wrong

 

One of Those Days

It is one of those days. You know... the ones where you just want to put on lounge wear when you get home, eat some dark chocolate and drink some vanilla earl gray tea.

I started a profile on Urban Spoon. I saw that there is a Urban Spoon iPhone application, so I decided to check the web site out. It is actually very well organized and reviewer driven. Funny, I had this idea several years ago. But, Urban Spoon truly delivers. I have reviewed over 114 restaurants and voted on 218 in Vancouver, Victoria and Seattle. I definitely like to eat out.

Now I am thinking about a bubble or salts bath. Another action-packed weekend starting with Friday at work. I am looking forward to catching up with a friend visiting from San Francisco, whom I have not seen since end of summer. I am excited to play host to a tourist.

It is the official one-year countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It is even more controversial than ever.



Thrifty Foods is promoting Romance In the Aisles, where you can shop and mingle with other singles. Make a date over spending a buck or two.

Listening to: Holly McNarland - Numb

 

Trader Joe's Song

The fabulous Trader Joe's song. When is Trader Joe's coming to Canada?



I love Trader Joe's. Natural amazing fusion and International foods: dried fruits, trail mixes, teriyaki beef jerky, wasabi peas, healthier chips, mango and peach salsa, $2 wine, strawberry juice, garlic linguine, real soaps, and the list goes on. Most of it is chemical and additive free.

I also love Talking Rain sparkling water. It consists of natural water with only 100% natural fruit essences. The flavour kiwi-strawberry is amazing. Now there is pomegranate-lime? I am thinking about a Costco card just to purchase flats in Washington.

I am debating purchasing an iPhone for the cool applications. I am such a geek. Not really interested it as a phone because the Rogers plan in Canada is the second highest priced in the world (behind Italy). But the applications to organize my daily life, podcasts, games and gallery are cool. I already picked out colorware colours in blue, orange and chartreuse to change it from black.



I want to sing "I Wanna Be iPhone-sturbated" to the Ramones' I Wanna Be Sedated.

Listening to: Coldplay - Clocks

 

Back Burner

Well, I was chatting with my boss the other day about Earned Days Off (EDOs). I thought that you worked over time to bank up an EDO. So, this year I worked an extra 4 hours so far. Usually, I would just adjust my time when I wanted and work less on a day(s) to reduce the extra hours earned.



Apparently, this is incorrect. I am suppose to work extra as needed, but I get an automatic extra 5 EDOs off (regardless if I work less or more). So, last year I did not take these extra 5 EDOs. In fact, during the Xmas holidays, I took three Leave of Absence (LOAs) with NO PAY. Argh.

I am still awaiting my 6 month and annual performance review and a potential raise.


Oh, and 30 year old Frat Boys are dumb.

Listening to: Madonna - Sorry

 

Damn Skippy

A newly born baby lemur clutches a teddy bear as if it was its mother.



I recently read the article about Governors Island Envisioned as an Eco-Park on inhabitat.



Lately, I have been hearing Kermit's Rainbow Connection in my mind. But the duet with Debbie Harry and Kermit the Frog is lovely.



More banjo please.

 

Laundry Lifted

Weird. Someone stole my graphite 300-count queen-size fitted and flat bed linens from the laundry room.



I hope this person returns them. I kind of liked them.

Listening to: Enigma - Age of Loneliness

 

Gorgeous Chicken No Less

I went to a new hair salon to faithfully follow my hair stylist. He now works at Essensuals on Richards near Robson. Great salon and fantastic staff. I went to Rainbow Flowers on Main Street to pick up some flowers and stopped by work. At work, Saturdays are Pub Day. I visited with some clients, requested Johnny Cash from the band, and drank ginger ale with the ladies.

I went to Shiro for sushi on Cambie Street with D&M. No short of awesome. The place is owned and staffed by wonderful Japanese people.

We started discussing traveling to Asia. They want to travel through Asia for a few months. I started thinking about going to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

D&M showed me the Gorgeous Tiny Chicken Machine Show.



Apparently, I passed some kind of test.


We also watched a Japanese aerobic English Learning instructional video.

 

Love Like Blah

Love this polar bar drain stopper.



Like all things bacon--including but not limited to this bacon scarf, bacon bra, bacon diet coke, bacon band-aids, and mall art.

Like that I just signed up for an account at LastFM. You can listen to your favourite artists and recommended similar artists. I like it so far, but easily become bored of stations. I like how you can skip artists and songs you dislike.

Listening to: Planet Funk - Rosa Blue

 

Kodak Gallery Review

Blah. Well, I ordered some calendars as gifts for Xmas and I made one for myself. The binding coil that holds the pages together comes out all the time. I have to constantly rebuild it every time I turn a month page. Argh.

I also printed a batch of photos at their sale price of $0.15. Great deal. On the second batch, someone noticed my friends print their name or logo on the bottom. So, Kodak Gallery refused to print this batch unless I had signed waivers from every photographer.

I canceled my order and decided to buy a Costco card. Costco lets you print photos at the regular price of $0.15.

I think January is officially off the calendar.

Community Is Everything

This past weekend, I went up to Whistler with 21 other people to celebrate a friend's 40th birthday. We rented two 4-bedroom townhomes at the top of a winding road. We soaked in hot tubs, dined on french toast, bacon, ebelskivers, Indian curries and rice, and prime roast, danced, laughed, and sang. It was a great, relaxing weekend amongst some really great people. I think I am finally out of my winter fog. I have the sparkle back in my eyes.




In Burien, the Seattle burners and Ignition Northwest have created a public art space featuring The Passage from Burning Man. B/IAS (Burien Interim Art Space) was officially opened and celebrated this past weekend in South Seattle. The art structure will be open to the public for one year.

Listening to: Eurythmics - Miracle of Love

 

Foggy Dew

There has been a lot of fog hovering over Vancouver for the past few weeks.




Last week, I watched BBC's Blue Planet first disc Ocean World and Frozen Seas. It was immensely good to watch while doing yoga.

I also watched an Lebanese film Caramel, and a fantastic British dramedy Death At A Funeral.

I started watching Weeds. I was hooked after the first episode. Mary Louise Parker is incredible as a Suburban widow trying to support her family as a pot dealer.

My Canon S400 bit the dust after five years. It keeps giving a Memory card error. I replaced the battery thinking it would fix the problem. But it hasn't. I guess it is time to buy a new digital camera.

I got a funky new Tokidoki Messenger Bag designed by Italian artist Simone Legno. My pattern is way cooler. Ha! If my camera worked, I could take a picture of it. Pft.

Listening to: Don Henley - Boys of Summer

 

The Woman

A Softer World




Listening to: Electric Six - Infected Girls

 

Hello Goodbye

Long week, although I was sick at the beginning of it. I feel exhausted and I am not even taking a class this semester. I am eating leftover cold organic steak and thinking about steamed edamame. My new favourite thing is Tetley Summerberry & Rosehip tea with Chilliwack River Wildflower Honey.

We went for a nice walk at lunch to Main & 26th Avenue with JD. We went to Sawasdee Thai for lunch for yummy Phad Thai. This is my favourite Thai restaurant hands-down. Great lunch specials and service that is authentic.

Most of the snow in Kitsilano has melted, but there still are grayish peaks all along mid-Main Street.




I finished reading Prozac Nation. I thought it would be more hipster-contemporary. It was more like reading a young woman's journal while she copes with manic-depression. Not an enthralling book.

I really enjoyed Christopher Moore's You Suck. A tragedy with sarcastic under tones about two young vampires in San Francisco. The book was hilarious and I could not put it down.

I tried to find some used second-year Psychology texts to read for fun. Knowledge is Queen you know. No such luck. I could not sell my old text books either (even at half price).

Not sure what to do this weekend. I usually have to teeter-totter between chores and homework. What ever will I do? Sushi and The Spirit anyone?

Listening to: Frou Frou - Breath In

Happy End of the Year

Well, welcome to 2009. I spent New Year's with a small group of good friends to ring in the new year. We gathered at a friend's place, made dinner, and then joined the Skytrain Party. We just missed the train by two minutes, so we had to rendezvous with the party train in Burnaby.

The party filled up two joined Millennium Train cars. The Carnival Band played as we danced and sang. We sang Morning Train, counted down from 10 and yelled Happy New Year at each stop, and finished our finale at Waterfront Station.

We returned to the house to continue the festivities. It was great to connect with everyone, some of which I had not seen since the end of summer.

I would like to wish everyone good health, prosperity and happiness for 2009!