I was in the US over the weekend, and while I enjoyed seeing my friends there, I must say that the exchange rate would definitely be a deterrent from going there too often. The Canadian Immigration official asked me twice about whether I purchased anything there (the second time he listed some things that I might have thought about buying) when I returned home. I wanted to ask if he was kidding considering the fact that I would basically have to add 50% of the US cost to know what the price in Canadian dollars would be. Petrol is US $2.04 per US gallon. It confirms that we are much better off in Canada...

One thing I felt was difficult to understand is the relationship between the racial groups there. Whites and African-Americans rarely mix and my friend tells me that there is even a phenomenon called "White Fright" which is sparked when Afro-Americans move into a neighbourhood. The whites get nervous and suddenly there is a mass exodus to move out of that neighbourhood and thus, blacks move in. It seems really alien for me. I just kept thinking how it is no wonder the African-American population is angry. This kind of racial crap angers me so, I can only begin to think how they would feel. I wonder why the stereotypical "black" image is perpetuated but it is no doubt difficult for a people when they are "held down" by those in power. Does it exist in Canada? I don't doubt that it does but I also don't think that we have the volatile history that has existed with these groups from the beginning. Is there any way to rectify the situation? In Canada, it seems that we have more problems in relation to the way that we deal with First-Nations people and Asians. It is attrocious that this still happens anywhere in the world!

Another thing that struck me as a definite difference was the money that is funnelled into sports on a school level. My friends have a house across the street from a well-known high school there and the sports facilities are better than what we have at a professional level. The running track and the sports field were astro-turf and it was immaculate. There were events all weekend. In fact, my friends were saying that they get free tickets to all of the events there so that they can rally support for the local team. This friend also said that the concept of second-place does not exist there. If you are not the top of the pile, you might as well not participate at all. It made me wonder at what age this thinking process starts to be taught there?

When I was younger, I had a friend who was a member of a high school marching band here. She went on an exchange and discovered that there was a whole lot of money available for marching bands there quite unlike here. There are so many American high school marching bands in our Victoria Day parade that are very impressive compared to what we have locally. However it is not too surprising, being that all bands seem to be vying for the opportunity to play at the Rose Bowl, that they have to look and sound great as well as attend as many parades to gain the points needed to get to that sporting event.

And as much as I dislike stereotypes, there still exists that train of thought (by those who are not American) that all Americans think that they are "Number One" in the world. This type of thing is what assists in perpetuating that stereotype. I think that to be second, third, fourth or even twentieth in the world is an achievement in itself. I did feel this is another of those things that differs in Canada and the US. It would be interesting to hear this from another perspective. Anyone care to take a stab?

I am definitely glad to be back in Canada. I do not want to give this message a negative spin but I think that sometimes it takes a different perspective to point out what is unique about our own culture. The US and Canada are neighbours but we differ on many levels. I would love to hear what you have to say about this!

Ciao!

Someone sent me this poem by Wislawa Szymborska this morning. We never learn, do we? Even though once a year we have a holiday to remember those who "died for our freedom", we still have war.

I have loads to say and not much time right now but I just realized that people from different countries might not "get" why someone would call me Gumby on my way to a yoga class. I think that it is necessary to add that Gumby is highly bendable and you can easily bend his legs up behind his head. You can see why he might be extremely capable of some yoga poses...

Went to yoga class last night... On my way there, someone called me Gumby...

It's a rainy day and I am travelling the world looking at blogs. Isn't virtual travelling great? Too bad it is so difficult to take photos...

I just remembered something else I was going to say that had me fuming yesterday...

I was watching a Global news story about the residents of Vancouver and the plebiscite on whether the Olympics is wanted in that city in 2010.

Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell is quoted as saying ""I've given you the chance, and there is this idea that somehow this [plebiscite] isn't fair... Well, everybody in this city that's a resident can vote, so get out there and vote." This angers me! Why? Please continue reading...

Last weekend, while I was visiting friends who hold permanent resident status in Vancouver, I called the Olympic Vote Info Line to ask on their behalf if they were eligible to vote. I was told that because they were not Canadian citizens, they were not eligible EVEN THOUGH they own property in the city AND they have children who were born in Canada and are Canadian by nationality. I found this absurd! It's just a bloody vote for the Olympics!

There are those out there who believe that all permanent residents SHOULD become Canadians after being in the country. However, there are things like, if they give up their citizenship in their country of origin, they will lose entitlement to any pensions from that country. I know of many people who are in this situation. America and Japan are just a couple of those countries that make it difficult to access pensions if one changes their citizenship. I know that I would have to think twice if I worked in my home country and would be in danger of earning the pension that I worked for.

What is more is that Larry Campbell, an elected official should say something that is so misleading! Not all residents can vote. Only the Canadian citizens can!

I don't know about you but I think that if you are a permanent resident, have been here for over a certain period of time, own property, have children and PAY TAXES, that you should have more rights than someone who is just visiting here. There are many wonderful people who have decided that Canada is a great place to live and they work hard to live here. I think that they should at least be given rights to vote on a municipal level. After all, they contribute to the tax base. Perhaps all permanent residents should stop paying taxes. How would Mr. Campbell like that?

I suppose that is enough ranting for now. It's time to call up the local media and get them stirred up now...

Wow! I just noticed my first referral from a search engine today. Woo Hoo!

We have a new custodian in our office building. He has got to be the happiest custodian that I have ever met. Don't get me wrong, I liked the last guy but the new one has such a great sense of humour. It's too bad that ever time I go in or out of the doors, he catches me pushing the door open by putting my hands on the glass part of the door. I don't do it intentionally to leave fingerprints all over the window, it's just that I am taller than average and my hands just naturally are at a higher level than where the door handle has been placed. I have become so self-conscious about it that I think I'm going to have to wear gloves.

My friend sent me a new link today. It's an article from the David Suzuki foundation newsletter. I hope that you find it interesting.

It is raining today so I am, for once, glad to be inside... even though I have to be working...

It was Buffy/Angel night last night! Thankfully, Buffy was not a repeat episode or I would have had a fit. Just when I thought that the whole thing was taking a more positive spin, Buffy saw what she and the others are truly facing. Here is a story about the reasons that we are interested in things that scare us. Angel was a repeat. What's with repeats anyway? (And it's pretty obvious that the actress that plays Cordelia is pregnant. You know when they show actresses from the shoulders up that it's a given.) I like that there is a new hidden evil in the Cordie character. She is a much better character on this show than she was on Buffy any day! I suppose that it won't be until March until we get new episodes of Angel. Right now, I am happy enough with new Buffy stuff!

Let's move on to a bit of reality...

My friend in the UK sent me this link today and I thought I would share it with you. Rooting Out Evil is one of those things that contributes to my "not giving up hope on the human race" feelings these days.

So, Bono has been nominated for a Nobel Prize, has he? While I admit he has done a lot for many causes, I find myself bothered by a comment he made saying something like It only takes seven cents a day to help ease poverty in the world and that Americans are "rich" enough to be able to afford that. While I am not American, I do have to say that if that is all it takes, I am sure that Mr. Bono could rid the world of poverty by simply using HIS net worth to end the plight of the poor. That would truly be humanitarian! Ever wonder what these celebrities' net worth is?

Have a great day!

Today's soundtrack is any and all recordings by Me'Shell NdegeOcello. It's a funky and frank day!

I was watching the Discovery Channel last night after work and there were these cool online images of Comet Neat. You have a choice of two different short image clips.

Stuff like this makes me think of how small we humans really are. It's too bad that we cannot unite together as inhabitants of this planet instead of waging war. Perhaps Agent Smith of the Matrix was correct. Perhaps humans are a virus... And perhaps our evolution is to destroy ourselves.

I just love this site! It's by a lighting designer in Japan. Putty.Co.

So, I couldn't sleep... Thought that I would pass this on!

Here is a link to a story about the Peace Rallies in Canada on February 15th. It appears that there were 20,000 marchers in Vancouver!

That's it for now!

I went to the anti-war peace rally on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery today. Many of the speakers were so moving in their convictions. Many of us braved the weather which downpoured at times. I am not sure how many people were there but will investigate it and let you know. Did anyone attend rallies in different cities? How many people were at yours? I know that around the world people rallied against the war in Iraq. I think it exciting that so many people are united against this war.

Tonight, I attended and took photos of a fashion show entitled "Silk Tag". It was inspiring! The designer made kimono with fabric designs that were modern and almost graffiti-like.

More on this later... It 's late and I should sleep soon.

Hiya! Just a quick addition! I noticed that this blog is now listed on the blogger webpage and I just wanted to comment that I am not totally sure that the name of this site is Coffin or Can you dig it? They go hand-in-hand so use whichever you like!

Okay. So the big day arrived and has almost passed with barely a thought in the back of my mind. Except when the Translink driver of the number Five Robson bus mentioned to me how much he hated Valentine's day. I am not sure why he told me this but it was the second thing out of his mouth after he enquired about whether I was out taking photos today. I suppose he would have figured it out as I was carrying a camera case and tripod along with my other assorted stuff with me.

Anyway, February 14 was a bust for me. Ended up going out to eat Dolsat Bibimbap and then went to see "The 25th Hour". The food was great and the movie was interesting but I would probably give it about three stars on a scale of five. As much as I love Edward Norton, this is one of those movies that doesn't really have to be on a big screen. It would be a good video rental.

While I was at the theatre, I notice a poster for the upcoming movie Willard. Correct me if I am wrong but wasn't this a horror movie in the 70's or 80's? Is this a remake? I think it must be as the huge poster has Crispin Glover and a rat. Isn't Mr. Glover worried about getting a reputation as a remake actor? Charlie's Angels and now this? I don't know about you but I won't be rushing out to see this one.

Speaking of horror movies, you are into them, you might want to check out Horror Diva. While I haven't had much time to look through the whole site, it looks great! I think that you will enjoy it!

I don't want to ramble on too much but I just wanted to say that the Eighties are still influencing me this week. I was thinking as I was walking back along Robson Street about all of the cars that were driving by with their loud stereos. There was a plethora of interesting tunes ranging from Aerosmith to Swollen Members. I must say that I was most amused with the girl in front of the Art Gallery who had "Dude looks like a Lady" cranked up. I had to look twice to see if it really was a "dude" or not!

And so another "Hallmark" day ends. I cannot wait to voice my disapproval of the next card-giving holiday!

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Hearts. Chocolate. Flowers. Cards. Perhaps just another attempt by candy stores, florists and Hallmark to get us to buy too much for our loved ones so that we don't feel inadequate. Or perhaps to make those who don't receive any "gifts of love" to feel that way...

I was thinking yesterday, after writing, what is an ex-goth doing raving about the sun? Aren't we all creatures of the night? Is being a goth something that one grows out of? I know that somewhere deep down, that person still exists. Sometimes you can catch "her" out of the corner of your eye. She just wears dark sunglasses when the sun shines... What does everyone else think? What's it like growing up and do you think you have changed?

Speaking of growing up, it is just another day, another thirty-five cents...after taxes, that is. I look out the window of my office, across the main office and then through the window of the office opposite me and can see that the sun is trying to shine. I feel a bit guilty about yesterday's entry as I just flitted off outside without taking the time to write anything. It's not like I have any time to do this today but here I am putting in an appearance.

I am in Week Two of listening to music from the 80's. Today, as was yesterday, I have been listening to INXS. I remember once they were supposed to play a live club here in Victoria sometime around 1986 or 1987 but cancelled at the last minute. We held our tickets in anticipation of meeting this cool band from Australia. They did eventually show up but it was impromptu and we ended up missing it. Now, it appears that they are touring again. Any thoughts about that? I, personally, have seen them live when Michael Hutchence was still alive. He had that sexy "rock star" image and the band just jelled! Now that they have replaced him, I am sure that it will not have that same energy.

I suppose it's time to get back to the grind. If you've got something you'd like to share, please do. That is what this site is for!

Lots to say but not much time. It's sunny today and I am going to go outside and take in some Vitamin D!

I have been influenced by injustice lately. In fact, angered by it... There have been two high profile news stories in BC this week about people who have committed crimes and have either gotten off scott free or had their original trials overturned by the courts.

The first was regarding two idiots who were driving way too fast for their abilities who ran down an elderly woman last year. People are all in a tizzy over the fact that "street racing" is on the increase, but in my mind, here were people who, with little regard for anyone but themselves driving irresponsibly and they killed someone! Their sentence, by the courts is a five-year suspension of their licenses and two years under house arrest, where they can go to work but all other times they have to be supervised. Street racing is the least of our problems. There are a great deal of people who think that their car is their domain and that everyone else who is on the road don't know how to drive. These people will drive too fast, too erratically and just generally do not pay attention to what their ability to be behind the wheel. Take for example all of those people who, during a huge downpour in our city last week, failed to slow down and drive with due caution. They say "Well, I was driving the posted speed limit"... Wake up people! Do you not remember from your written drivers' test that those limits are posted for ideal conditions? Like dry, well-lighted roads?

The second case is that of the teenage girl who was tried and found guilty of beating another teenage girl, breaking her limbs and then leaving her in a local waterway to drown. Her case was overturned this week because the prosecution asked her some questions "deemed inappropriately by the court". This infuriates me. Did the defense not catch this at the time of the trial and object to it? What kind of crap is this? Surely, a trained lawyer would have noticed inappropriate questioning when it happened! Why did they wait so long to bring this up? This girl also in on bail after serving only part of her sentence.

In both of these cases, people are free even though they committed a crime. Can someone tell me when society starting allowing people to shun their responsibilities? Since when has accountability been made redundant. These people killed someone. The first may have been unintentional but who out there doesn't know that a ton of metal that travels at high speeds is a dangerous weapon! And the second, well, a girl is dead because of a malicious human being who has no regard for life. She was so self-absorbed in her own pettiness and now she thinks that she deserves a break... some compassion as it might be. Where was her compassion when she held her victims' head under the water and drained the life out of her! And let's not forget our accountability in all of this. If we did not sit back and let the system make our decisions for us, we probably wouldn't be having discussions about this. Hopefully, it wouldn't have been happening.

Any thoughts on this? Please share them.

News Flash! My blog guru informed me that my comments thingy was replicating all of my comments so, in an attempt to fix it, it appears that I have rubbed them all out. Please, if you commented, take a few minutes to reenter your comments. I will be entering the domicile of my guru hopefully tomorrow and she will advise me. Until then, I am not entirely sure that this will hold. Thank you for your patience!

The universe is foggy and cool today. So much for the reports of warmer, sunnier weather. Today suits me fine as the fog rolls in and gives the city a mysterious feel. Like it would be fun to dress in dark clothing and steal through the streets, silently drifting.

I am in a new office today. I have a door that closes out the din of the common space I usually share with three or four others. The CD player here is definitely a cool and welcome addition. I am listening to a Luvafair compilation from the 80's with all sorts of stuff that would have been considered alternative at the time, like Depeche Mode, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, Nina Hagen, Blancmange and Romeo Void. I am in a time warp today.

Anyone remember any of the underground clubs (or unique, for that matter) in their regions during the middle of that decade? I would love to hear from you about them. The following come to mind: In Victoria, we had Club Hacienda, Max Headroom and Pals (all have disappeared). In Vancouver, there was Luvafair (that still exists), the Gandhi Dancer, Graceland and Eclipse. What about where you were during that time? Participate by filling out one of those little comment thingies at the end of this entry!

It's the weekend soon! Have fun! If you have some, go play in the fog! But, be safe and watch out for drivers!

This is an alternative universe. I trust you will enter it often.

I like to think of it like I would the universe... dark and full of mystery.

I am not sure where this site is going so please bear with me. Ideally, it will be an open forum on life so please feel free to comment. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Here is a site that I stumbled upon today . Now that the sun is out and thoughts of gardens fill the minds of many, I am reminded of my inability to keep the little green creatures alive. For those of you who share my "black thumb" abilities, perhaps we should stick to gardening for the darkness. Gothic Gardening is a good place to start!