Guess what?



Which would also lead to the following conclusion:



Not actually good for someone with Goth sensibilities but what the hell.

If you are interested in knowing why, please go to this link.

Creativity

I was looking back at some comments today and was reminded that I should remove the shackles that I bind myself with and release my creativity. It is such a liberating thing to do...

Anyone care to join me?

The other day, while shopping at a low-end department store, I noticed that the pensioner couple in the queue ahead of me were purchasing a tube of KY lubricant. All I could think was how awesome it was that older people were still intimate on that level. I realized that life really does go on.

Isn't that great?

Does anyone else out there agree with what Maggie Gyllenhaal said about America's role in 9/11?

The Colour of Money.

You know, I really hate to criticize someone who is trying to do good in the world but I have to comment on a story about Bono of U2 criticising the Canadian Prime Minister for not boosting aid for developing nations. Don't get me wrong, I think that aiding people in need is a good thing but, let's face it, if Bono donated even one percent of his earnings over the years, he could single-handedly put his cause well on its way. The last concert I went to cost me about $90 CDN and I am guessing that U2 tickets are priced in the same range, if not higher. The average person can contribute only so much to aid, and let's face it, the money that would go to aid from any country comes out of the pockets of the taxpayer and not the guys at the top that make the decisions.

I am not making excuses, I just sometimes think that the people lobbying should put more money where their mouth is.

In another Bono story, it appears that when in Seattle, Bono bunks with Bill Gates. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this another guy that could use large sums of his money to help the rest of the world? I know that they both do, but if they are that passionate about it, could they not make a larger contribution?

Both of these individuals sell things to the rest of the materialistic world to make money. Of course there is nothing wrong with money but there is something wrong with encouraging people to overconsume. Both of them, are instruments that encourage us to consume. Maybe what they need to do is to discourage this so that the rest of the world wouldn't feel the need to do so.

We all have a personal responsibility to the rest of the world. We should stop overpopulating and destroying the planet and create a more peaceful place to live in. We should be educating ourselves and the others of the world in how to make this happen. Perhaps that would be a better way for us to solve the situations that we are now encouraged just to throw money at.

I apologize if I have offended anyone. I am too caffeinated and my true colours have been exposed.

I just finished reading an article in the Observer about David Sylvian and Japan. It certainly brought back memories.

My friend called me from her mobile yesterday to tell me that she was at the beach and that it was beautiful. A fine thing to share while I was stuck at my desk slaving away, all I could say was "Shut up!" Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day and I actually did get out and enjoy it a bit. I have actually been able to wear my sandals for three days in a row without actually getting "frostbite" on my toes!

On Sunday, I was walking along our city's walking/cycling trails and I was pleasantly surprised by the smell of wild primroses. I love that simple fragrance.

We are supposed to have lovely weather for the rest of the week. If you don't hear from me for a few days, it's probably because I will be out taking advantage of the weather. (And no, I will not forget the sunscreen)

Isn't life grand?

A while back, I posted a link to a guy in his room, lip-synching to a Europop-type song. The site eventually disappeared but a friend sent me a link to an animated version. Without further ado, please take a look at American Idle. (You will have to press play after it loads...)

I have been thinking about children lately but not for the reason that you might think. My thoughts are on why people have children if they don't really want to or know how to love them.

My thoughts started with this article about a teenager and his lover who abused and killed HER son. She was even involved in letting it happen because she didn't want to lose this lover and thought that he would "grow out" of the abuse of her son.

This got me thinking about some people I know. I have met several people, who are from other countries, that have been sent away to study because they had some learning disabilities and it would save the family any embarrasment. These children, many of who are now adults, have little contact with their families and never go back home. Some live very lonely existences and I am sure that they have received very little in the way of basic human love. It makes me wonder if perhaps part of the disability is due to the fact that these people have never received something so basic as a hug or emotional support from their families.

Now, before any of you say that it must be cultural because they are from another country, I want to say that this happens everywhere in the world. I read a couple of stories recently about teenagers that have been kept in cages for years devoid of love or that have been locked under the stairs for all of their childhood. And no, this is not a reference to Harry Potter. This happened in America. I am sure that it happens all over the world.

My question is "Why do people have children if they are not capable of loving them?" "Why aren't many people better parents?"

I become livid when I see adults pushing their children around in strollers and those same parents are puffing away on a cigarette. They are, in effect, handing their children a death sentence. That child has no choice but to breathe all of that crap in. And it will effect that child throughout their life.

My point is that no matter what the level of abuse, be it locking children up or smoking, that abuse will undoubtedly affect that young person for their entire life. Anyone can have a baby but not everyone can be a loving and responsible parent.

My answer to this problem is a bit extreme, in that I think that abusive parents should be stripped of their "right" to be a parent and to allow those children to flourish in an environment that is more loving and healthy. Or we could just sterilize those abusive people to ensure that they cannot ruin a life other than their own. This might offend some but sometimes I think humans need a slap in the face to address things.

Finally, I want to say this. Give your children a hug once in a while because the hug you give, you get back tenfold because that being loves you.

The "Disnification" of the World
(or, I will never forgive the Disney corporation for giving Winnie the Pooh such a large head...)

I was on the bus today and I overheard two grown men (and later, a grown woman joined them) who spent the entire time raving about Disney theme parks as one of them had just returned from California and had visited Disneyland on his journey. I became annoyed and I am not sure why really. Nevertheless, I was annoyed. They loved the place, said that the temperatures were lovely but failed to mention that you can rarely see the sky through the smog and that you could hardly breathe.

It made me think that world travel, for many people, is to go somewhere that is clean and beautiful and that has at least one of those evil American fast food outlets. These people don't want to experience anything different, they want to see something that is a little different and only if they can have all of the comforts of home. There is nothing wrong with comfort but one should not assume that this comfort will exist elsewhere in the world.

These corporations are like a virus. McDonalds, Starbucks, Disneylands are springing up all over the world and we have to stop it from spreading further...

A Japanese friend told me recently that young people in Japan grow up learning that life, and travel, is like a Disneyland. Safe and clean. I could tell that he was quite dismayed by this thought. His example was that Japanese tourist that went to Iraq and then was beheaded after he had been kidnapped. Had this young man not been so "brainwashed", he would never have believed that he would be safe there.

People just don't seem to be realistic about their boundaries when they travel somewhere new. Many believe that they can tolerate a great deal of some other culture and then when they get there, have a rude awakening. It's not as easy as it looks. We have to be more realistic about our own comfort zones.

I used to go to McDonalds quite often but now, like an reformed smoker, I abhor the place. I was lulled by the insulated and "happy" environment that they provide and avoided thinking about the "crap" food they serve. They market to children so that parents give in to the kids' whining when they don't get the "toys". This is a very harmful thing. Just look at the young people in North America. They are overweight, depressed and have no desire to get out there and do things.

A friend lent me the book Fast Food Nation and I have to say that it was an interesting, yet horrifying read. If you have a chance, you should give it a read. It may change your life.

Let's bring these corporations down! And let's get Winnie his original head back!

Wow. I thought that women in North America had it bad.

Today, I read this story about how many women in Japan have been living sexless lives even though they were married. Part of the article states that it is the husband that decides he doesn't want to have sex with his partner anymore as most of them were looking for substitute mothers and fail to acknowledge that their wives have needs.

The article then goes on to say that these women are now turning to sex volunteers to fill their needs.

I found the whole thing quite interesting. Who would have thought that men would turn down sex? That is a surprise to me. However, it is not a surprise that many men were looking for substitute mothers. I don't mean to offend any of my male readers but it is not uncommon to find men here that are looking for the same thing. I suppose the only difference is that they still find time for sex with their partners.

Well, it's official. Seven and a half years after the fiasco started, Kelly Ellard was found guilty of murdering Reena Virk. This is the third trial for this woman. It was a waste of time, energy and the taxpayers money to try her three times after she was initially found guilty in her first trial. While justice has finally been served, it appears that the Canadian justice system needs a serious overhaul when a out-of-control teen is allowed three trials for something that she bragged about doing.

I have heard from someone I know that this girl and her friends were bullies of the worst sort and actually have met one of the victims that was previous to the death of Reena Virk. This victim had to remove themself from this school because of the bullying. This person could have been Reena.

The trouble is, now that there is closure, you know that an appeal is likely. Highly likely. Just another big waste of time and money.

Kelly Ellard is a violent young woman and is also up on other charges of assault in a case just last year. Are we able to rehabilitate this kind of person? I'd like to believe that anyone can but know that this is probably not the case. For her to say "My life is over,'' she said, crying. "You got what you wanted. I'm going to be convicted.'' is unbelievable. Her life is over? What about the girl that she killed. Reena didn't have a chance. Kelly had a chance and she blew it. She should take responsibility for her actions. It will only be then that she realizes that she had a choice. One choice that Reena never got.

I know that the original story was long ago, but the way they worded the title of this article reminded me of a book written by Tama Janowitz entitled A Cannibal in Manhattan. (And just as a note, I do not agree with higa at all. This was a great read!)

In case you are wondering, I am not on holiday, I just haven't had much time to post. Am a bit time-challenged today as well but wanted to update you quickly. Went to see Sin City on the weekend, and also saw a free showing of a film called Dear Frankie (Thank you M for the tickets) on Monday evening. I enjoyed both although they are totally different genres.

Other than overloading on films (two really is a lot for me), I have been out walking a great deal now that the weather is better. I like this time of year because I can do something other than be lethargic.

Not much else is really new. Just thought I would say hello to everyone. I will post more later.

Throw Ms. Jones from the Train.

It appears that this past week, Grace Jones was removed from a Eurostar train for "bad" behaviour. Did she behave badly? Here is another version from Grace's perspective.

When I told a coworker today, his comment was "Did she pull up to the bumper?". In case you don't get that, check out these lyrics.

Over the past couple of weeks, my friends and I have been discussing who should be the next 007. We had a huge list of A-list celebrities we thought might be up for the role but couldn't decide. We did agree that it might have to be someone that wasn't a big name AND was British. And it turns out that they have made the choice and it will be a relative newcomer (as far as North American viewers are concerned). Here is an article on the next Bond. And I am guessing that he is a Brit although I could be wrong.

A while back, I was checking out Yummy Wakame and came across some absolutely amazing images. Olivia of that same wonderful blog fame, has passed the link for the photographer's portfolio which just blew me away. I thought that you might like to take a look.

There is some absolutely phenomenal work, so take a look at the website for Simon Roberts who is currently living in London and working for nbpictures. I am sure that you won't be disappointed.

Thank you Olivia for the link!

Oh, and by the way, if anyone out there happens to know how to contact the guys from Duran Duran, tell them I have some fantastic ideas for their next tour and would love to work with them on it. I was watching a live interview on the video music channel for adults the other day and was, once again, inspired. So, if you are out there reading this Simon, Nick, John, Andy or Roger, drop me a line!

It has been a day of inspiration and realizations for me and I am reminded, once again, that I have to pursue my goals on my own and thus, I will....

I was reading an article today, entitled The Toxic Workplace in MACLEAN'S magazine and wondered how many people out there work in that kind of environment. I must say that while the financial aspect is on most people's minds when they stay in a job that is so unhealthy, it seems that we have forgotten that no amount of money can make us healthy or happy and sometimes we just have to stand up for our ideals...

Do you want to know something that makes me laugh? One thing is the chinchilla. It's just such a wacky creature in that it is a rodent but also quite cute. I always giggle when I see one...

Just a note though, I am not so amused when they have been made into coats...

I was just reading Yummy Wakame and found this link. It appears that there is a scientific guide to flirting. The art is not dying after all!

Thank you to Olivia for sharing the link.

I don't know about you, but I hate losing that extra hour of sleep when we turn the clocks ahead. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, in the spring we turn our clocks ahead one hour in order to maximize the amount of daylight and in the fall we put them back. While it results in "longer" days, you also find that people are generally bitchy because they have "lost" that extra hour.

To top it all off, when I got home at 2 am (now 3 am) on Sunday morning, there was a huge mess of broken beer bottles all over the top of my driveway that had either fallen or been throw out the window of a moving car. I hate cleaning up people's messes when they have been so irresponsible. Karma will get them. It had to be done though because the car surely would have got a flat if it had been left.

I got my bicycle out yesterday. The tyres were a little soft so I walked to the petrol station to fill them up. After that I rode for about 30 minutes, then stopped to take a drink of water and the tube burst to let all of the air out. I walked, with my bike, to the local bike shop that had closed early for some reason and then had to push it home. I definitely got a pretty good work out.

Although I am glad that the weekend is over, I could really use another hour of sleep...

Welcome to the week everyone. Hope it's a good one!

Has anyone out there ever hated a cheerleader? If you have, or even if you are looking for a bit of "virtual" payback, you might want to check out Cheerleader Toss. While I do not advocate violence of any sort, I must say that I did find it kind of amusing. As well, you can apply the use of physics to this, all the while listening to the witty banter of the cheerleader.

Have a great weekend folks. I will talk with you all soon!

Happy April Fool's Day (in Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK and America), Captain Regents Day (San Marino), Cyprus National Day, Republic Day (Iran), and Youth Day (Benin)!