When I was in Japan, I became a self-proclaimed member of the English police. I constantly found signed with incredibly obvious spelling errors such as "flied rice" or "parms" (perms).

Today, I read about this woman who appears to be taking my work one step further. She has become a punctuation vigilante. Good for her!

I sat in shock, watching the 2004 World Figure Skating Championships the other night for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because the Canadian Champion Emanuel Sandhu dropped from the top echelons to 11th and then back to eighth place, but because Michael Weiss had the audacity to skate to some entirely inappropriate American patriotic hymns in an international event.

At a time when the world, for the most part, is protesting the US foreign policy and the lying and warmongering of that countries president, I feel that this kind of blatant American "propaganda"-like action is a slap in the face for those who think that the US needs to back off. I cannot believe that this was an unintentional action. Mr. Weiss should have known better that to wave the American flag so strongly. He should have had more of a sensitivity.

I have recovered from the shock now. Now, I we can go on wondering about if Emanuel, who is an extremely strong skater, can ever acheive his potential?

I was reading this article about Tony Blair & Muammar Gaddafi vowing to fight Al Qaeda together online this morning. Interesting, innit?

Wasn't Gaddafi deemed evil by the US in the 1980's? It makes me think that perhaps none of these "evil" people were actually that bad. Perhaps it's the US government that should be considered evil. I mean, they tell untruths to get what they want and they seem to have a covert agenda. Hmmmm. Does this mean that Al Qaeda is not evil? Or Bin Laden? I think that it will be interesting to see if the position changes. After all, Gaddafi has been hailed by the UN and Saddam was once a "friend of America.

I suppose that all we can really count on in life is that there is always change...

And look, someone apologized for not doing enough to prevent the September 11 tragedy. I don't think this guy is going to be too popular with the White House.

Congratulations to Yoanna for becoming America's next top model. Although I was hoping that Shandi would come out on top, Yoanna is a classic beauty and I am glad that she won because she wanted it so badly. Let's hope that all three girls will come out of this with a modelling contract!

I saw Moby at the mall today.

At least, it looked like him. He had a little kid with him. (and, no, it wasn't Eminem in a clever disguise...).

It was just plain weird... I mean, I went to the mall for lunch, and looked down to the queue in front of that evil American fast food place and there he was. Moby. Waiting to buy some sort of food that isn't the slightest bit healthy from a big evil company. And in Victoria, British Columbia, CANADA...

My friend Carla now thinks that I am even more weird than before. Good thing I didn't run down the mall and ask for the guy's autograph or something.

Actually, I knew it wasn't really him. However, this individual looked so much like him and if he hadn't been standing in a queue to buy a hamburger (as well as actually being in a mall in this city) I might have been more convinced. However, I must have been giddy from lack of food today and it just made it all the more funny.

If any of you happen to run into the real Moby, say hello from me.

And if you think that I am heading more towards insanity than normal, bear in mind that I had this weird dream about aliens last night. I cannot recall the details too clearly but they weren't all that scary.

Following yesterday's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Baha'i celebration of Naw Ruz & Baha, the Iranian holiday of Now Ruz and the start of Bikarami Samvat 2061, today is World Water Day 2004.

Did any one out there celebrate these? In Canada, we have a big campaign called Racism. Stop it! to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. However, we heard more about the Stop the War Campaign on all forms of news. And it made me think.

Yes, many of us know that the war in Iraq was wrong and that we were lied to so that the war mongers could get the public behind them (now tell the truth, did anyone out there believe them?) but racism still exists in the world and that can't be good either. Why are war protests getting better press than anti-racism events?

I just had a thought. Do you think that George Bush planned the invasions close to this date so that he could get better press? His ego may have said, let's get people all worked up about war and we can still be rascists and no one will think about stamping it out. What do you think?

Who knew people could move like this?

And for those of you who thought that Ozzy Osbourne was an alien, maybe you'd agree with countless others who think he would be the best choice for ambassador if aliens actually landed on the planet? Funny. Who'd have thought that they would even have to think about it.

Went to see Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind yesterday. Although Jim Carrey repulses me usually, I found this film both thought-provoking and quite charming. Needless to say, that the lead could have been played by anyone so it wasn't a vehicle for Carrey, which I hate. If you enjoyed Being John Malkovich and the other films by Charlie Kaufman, you will most likely enjoy this one. Check it out.

It's Monday, so let's all get back to work...

I was reminded today of one of my pet peeves. Disposable contact lenses...

Has anyone ever thought about the numbers of these lenses that are making their way to landfills? How many people use these? And how many do they use? What are they made of? Is this good for the environment?

And are they really cheaper? Not according to this:

Avoid disposable items if possible. They are wasteful and expensive. For example. if you use regular contact lenses for one year, it will cost around 24 dollars. A year set disposable pairs will cost around 240 dollars.

They should be banned...

So, the moment I have been waiting for for weeks now has happened. April's gone!

For those of you who aren't familiar with it, yesterday's episode of America's Next Top Model showed the remaining four girls' continuing their adventures in Milan. Scandal erupted and there was another interesting photo shoot. (Unfortunately, the photos aren't up on the site yet). And best of all, April got judged off.

Don't get me wrong. April is exotic and can be beautiful when styled properly but she is also just in it for the competition aspect. She has to be best at whatever she does. To tell the truth, I don't think she wanted to be the next top model as much as she said she was. She just wanted to win at something. (She spent a lot of time trying to convince herself of this, it seems). In other words, I don't think she deserved it because it didn't matter if it were this competition or whether it was becoming a top executive. Personally, (although I haven't seen it) she would be more suited to a show like, dare I say it, The Apprentice. She could certainly give Trump a run for his money.

So far, my favourite on the Top Model show is still in the running. Who is your favourite and who do you think is going to win?

Here is one of those stories that reaffirms my feeling that one does not have to have a lot of money or fame to make positive change. Here is the story of one man that made a difference all on his own.

Thanks to Olivia at Yummy Wakame!

It appears that I have consumed too much caffeine this weekend. I always get sleepy and irritable after not weaning myself off the stuff and I suppose that last week was no exception. (Please see last entry)

I spent most of the weekend hanging out in the Chinese restaurant that is exhibiting my photos because the owners are going to Hong Kong and it'll be two weeks before I am able to eat there again. So, I had to make up for the "withdrawal" by eating all that I could there. Needless to say, I am still pretty full.

I spent a lot of time, as well, thinking about what I had been feeling last week. I suppose that I have to do something about it. I have decided against school. I am not one that can learn by studying theory and I am a more hands on type of learner. I also have to stop the "everyone else has the same problems, so quit thinking that you are someone special" thing that has been happening and realize that my feelings are no less valid than the next person. We just handle things in different ways.

Now that I've come to that realization, I am making some plans.

I plan on keeping those "dreams" to myself and then when they come to fruition, I can give myself a pat on the back.

Speaking of dreams, I had a weird one on the weekend. I was in the process of making gyoza, in this dream, and had just gotten everything organized. There were a group of pre-teen boys that were going to assist me and while I was planning and mixing the filling for them, these boys decided to start in their own manner. When I returned, I found that they had all but destroyed the thin pastry-like outsides. I remember feeling really frustrated. And then, I woke up. It was 6:13 a.m. and it was Sunday! No sleep for the wicked, I suppose...

Here's a couple new blogs I have stumbled upon. Take a look at Where's my cookie jar and Mr. happysad.

Ciao!

Have you ever wondered why we have allowed ourselves to believe that our worth can only be measured by the level of education one has or that our job dictates our success? Why is it that those of us without some sort of university degree are destined to be office workers or checkout clerks at supermarkets for the rest of our lives? And finally, how is it that we get stuck in these ruts?

I ask because this week it seems that people believe that one has to have an education to get somewhere in life. I have always believed that everyone has the potential for greatness and that this did not require a couple of letters (and that coveted "piece of paper") behind their names to acheive this. This week has challenged that ideal for me. It drove me to think that I would have to "play the game" and pursue higher learning just to have people and society give me more credit than they have been until now...

However, it just irks me that I would have to do that.

People are so judgmental and they look at the surface only. We no longer take the time to get to know each other and thus never really learn how interesting, unique and intelligent people are despite our judgments on their "success" in life. When did this happen? And why are we so afraid to get to know each other?

I could go on rambling about this forever today. I am feeling defiant about the education thing and plan to continue on just learning from life. This is my way. And be damned those who think they are better than me because they stuck to sitting in a classroom and allowed themselves to be moulded by an institution.

My mind is free.

And, in case you didn't know, that doesn't mean that it is inferior.

Have a great weekend all.

Today, a friend sent to me by email an article from the Guardian that I would like to share with you. I found it interesting but was reminded of a something I have been struggling with for a while.

The topic is about how digital imaging is causing photography, in it's true sense, to become a dying art form. As I have been known to take a few photos in my time, I find this troubling. I have avoided the switch to digital because I feel that it makes things too easy. Anyone can get a digital camera and within a few hours create a flawless piece of work that could grace anyone's walls. It makes it so easy for a so-so photo to become something extraordinary. And where is the skill in that?

Yes, some will argue that you can do the same with traditional photography but the truth is, if you have a poor negative, there is usually not much you can do to improve it. The skill comes in producing a negative that makes a great photo. If you do not develop that skill, then there is nothing you can do to save it usually.

Don't get me wrong. Digital does have its advantages. It is more environmentally sound and creates less clutter. Unfortunately, that does not outweigh the feeling that I get that digital imaging just creates one more excuse not to have a specialized skill. In a way, it just feel common.

Perhaps I just have a desire to feel like I have done something special with tools that allow only my best to become my best and not that everything I do can be a fabulous piece of work. I like the challenge.

Anyway, happy shooting (with a camera) in whatever form it takes!

Apparently, one of my favourite movies is the one that I belong in...


Fight Club!


What movie Do you Belong in?(many different outcomes!)
brought to you by Quizilla

Just in case any of you out there were fooled into thinking they were eating more healthy by consuming salad at that evil North American fast food outlet, think again. It turns out that they salads may contain more fat than their burgers...

And Ms. Jones sang...

Pull Up To The Bumper

Driving down those city streets,
Waiting to get down,
Won't you get your big machine,
Somewhere in this town?

Now in the parking lot garage,
You'll find the proper place,
Just follow all the written rules,
You'll fit into the space.

Pull up to my bumper baby,
In your long black limosine,
Pull up to my bumper baby,
And drive it in between.

Pull up, to it, don't drive, through it,
Back it, up twice, now that, fit's nice.

Operate around the clock,
Why don't you come in?
I've got lot's of space for everyone,
Why don't you my friend?

(Lines are short),
I'll pick you up so won't you please come on,
Shiny sleek machine believe,
It I've got to blow your horn.

Pull up to my bumper baby,
In your long black limosine,
Pull up to my bumper baby,
And drive it in between.

Pull up to it, don't drive through it,
Back it, up twice, now that fits nice,
Race it, straighten it, let me luricate,
Pull up to my bumper baby. (to end

(Sorry everyone, I just couldn't help myself. Grace Jones is so cool!)

I finally made it. I survived the "opening" of my small show of photographs AND managed to belt out a couple of songs on the karaoke machine without having the restaurant owner kicking me and my friends out. And, I managed not to fall OR knock out any of my teeth. So, it's official. My photos are up and people really do look at them... (Haven't had any calls though)

On telly last night, I watched a repeat performance of Fashion Rocks, a benefit for the Prince's Trust. The designs were not as spectacular as I had hoped however, it was worth it to see Bjork, Duran Duran, Jamiroquai, and the queen of the 80's, Grace Jones perform. All this and for a good cause...

Speaking of music, I was wondering if anyone else thought it really amusing how in the movie Mars Attacks, the one thing that saved the earth from invasion was the tunes of Slim Whitman? When I was young, my grandmother used to listen to Slim incessantly and at the time, I was convinced that if I listened to it for too long my head would explode. Seems to me, when I saw that it had the same effect on the aliens, I just knew I was right...

What have you been listening to lately? (Me? I have been listening to Duran Duran remixes since last Friday...)

Isn't this funny? This REUTERS story is entitled:

NATIONWIDE EASTER BUNNY COUNT**********

BERLIN (Reuters) - Eight hundred volunteer wildlife watchers will be deployed throughout Germany in March in a giant rabbit count aimed at giving the clearest picture yet of the nation's endangered bunny population.

Coordinated by leading scientific institutes, volunteers will count the rabbits one hour after nightfall when they come out to feed, said Armin Winter, animal conservation expert from the German Hunting Protection League.

In contrast to countries like Australia, where rabbits have multiplied at an explosive rate and have long been viewed as pests, the fluffy creatures are on the list of endangered species in Germany. Industrialization and intensive farming has depleted their natural habitat.

"Watchers will each cover a planned route with powerful spotlights to seek out the rabbits. The light reflects off their eyes, making them easily identifiable," Winter said.

The 100,000 euro ($122,000) project is expected to show a rise in the rabbit population because a mild climate in 2003 helped more baby rabbits to survive.

****************************************

I have some news for them. They simply have to get to either the University of Victoria campus or the Victoria General Hospital grounds and they can export them...

****************************************
LATE ADDITION! Perhaps the Germans need to look towards Mars for their bunny problem... (Thanks to Olivia for her informative post...)

I found this site via a post by Olivia of Yummy Wakame fame. While I was too late to participate in the Ecotonoha Tree itself, I was able to find information on what the project was about. It appears that this wonderful site was created as well as contributions to planting trees and restoring the environment.

What a wonderful idea!

Well, the American government are really going to think we like to harbour terrorists here. Read about a program broadcast in Canada recently that depicts Osama Bin Laden as a regular guy with the same troubles in life that everyone else has. And I figured he was a monster. (I'm waiting for the US military to storm Canada to weed out all of the terrorists that are apparently living here. This kind of story could only help that happen.)

So, what do you think, is Bin Laden the evil person they make him out to be or just someone who challenges dictatorial authority?

Speaking of monsters, I just read about the serial rapist that just got sentenced to life in the UK. If you ask me, this guy is evil incarnate.

Even more evil is that fast food chain that poisons the population of the world. Just ask the filmmaker of a film entitled "Super Size Me: A Film of Epic Portions." It's about obesity in America sounds like a "must see".

Lastly, are girls (or boys, for that matter) not allowed to have fun anymore? Apparently, it is considered healthy to masterbate but taboo to insinuate that it is done. What do you think?

Happy St. David's Day to all of my Welsh friends. Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus!