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