Friday, April 13, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
green magazines
Grist recently had an article on all the magazines out there with "green"issues. And I have some issues with that. Not Grist, the magazines. Consumption is not "green", for one, it is only less or more harmful. Buying so-called green good will not save the planet any more than buying pink goods will cure breast cancer. But what really makes me run for my soapbox is that many of the articles or products they promote are not remotely environmentally friendly, natural, organic, etc.
Case in point is the April issue of Good Housekeeping (hey, I work in a hospital, so these things are just laying around). I was so irritated by their "green goods" section that I was prompted to write this:
Dear GH,
In response to your "Super. Natural." article in the April 2007 edition, just because products look like something from nature, doesn't make them in any way enironmentally friendly, organic, or natural. For example, the "place mats that resemble rain forest leaves" that you label eco-friendly, are made from vinyl. Polyvinyl chloride, in its manufacture, use, and disposal, involves dioxin, phthalates, lead, and other chemicals that are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, endometriosis, birth defects, respiratory problems, and immune system damage. Your article misleads readers into thinking that this product is not harmful to human health or the environment.
Regards,
Concerned Citizen
Grrrr, I say.
Case in point is the April issue of Good Housekeeping (hey, I work in a hospital, so these things are just laying around). I was so irritated by their "green goods" section that I was prompted to write this:
Dear GH,
In response to your "Super. Natural." article in the April 2007 edition, just because products look like something from nature, doesn't make them in any way enironmentally friendly, organic, or natural. For example, the "place mats that resemble rain forest leaves" that you label eco-friendly, are made from vinyl. Polyvinyl chloride, in its manufacture, use, and disposal, involves dioxin, phthalates, lead, and other chemicals that are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, endometriosis, birth defects, respiratory problems, and immune system damage. Your article misleads readers into thinking that this product is not harmful to human health or the environment.
Regards,
Concerned Citizen
Grrrr, I say.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
winter, then spring...
Since Elliot is blogging about kissing, and my basement is full of water, I'm guessing it's spring. Heard the whistle of a priarie dog on my way home yesterday, so that clinches it. 
Meant to post these garden pictures, taken a mere three weeks ago (sorry they aren't better, but we've had a lot of grey days). Never got around to it. See all that snow? Ya, me and my unbelievably kind sister spent last Saturday shovelling it to the back of the house in order to save my basement. Which ultimatly didn't work, since it poured rain instead. In any case, spring is here, and I'm happy about it. 16 more days and I can actually get out there and enjoy it!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Four posts in one
One
Just flipping through my roommate’s copy of Affluenza. Chapter 5 has a section on time famine, which talks about how we thought technology would free us up and give us more leisure time, but instead, our world is getting increasingly complex and we are working even more. Instead of working 14 to 22 hours per week by the year 2000, as was estimated by a US Senate subcommittee in 1965, we’ve become swamped. As I pondered this in light of my current crazy schedule (working a 9-5, Monday to Friday job while attending university and stupidly volunteering to be on a conference committee), I realized that I could only think of one day in months that I had actually been on time for work. I average 8-12 minutes of lateness every day, a little less once the snow is gone and I ride my bike. Thankfully my boss just shrugs at my unconscious and clearly desperate attempt to find some balance in my life.
Two
An Angus-Reid poll was released a couple of days ago that found that Canadians in general believe that global warming is happening. More, apparently, is to be released in the coming weeks. To quote Pee Wee Herman, “everybody I know has a big but…” I’m guessing that the “big but” in this case will be that, ya, we believe it’s happening, but we don’t actually want to change anything about the way we live in order to make a difference. Maybe switch to compact fluorescents. Maybe.
Three
On the topic of making a difference, for some reason I really dig the latest Sierra Club campaign. Pretty much, I’m doing everything on the list, plus some. But I feel like I could convince people to do some of this stuff.
Four
Or maybe not. Overheard in the hospital gift shop yesterday (where I was buying a stamp, thankyouverymuch), a conversation about Beanie Babies. “Isn’t is amazing? Only $6. It’s incredible to think they can make them that cheap and ship them all the way over here and still only charge $6. Wow.” I said, “How much is a stamp?” Yep, I did nothing. Perhaps it was the memory of the last impromptu information session I conducted at work that made me hesitate (Random person at the opening of the new 911 call centre: “it smells so new!”. Me: “that’s the carpet offgassing.” My boss: head shake, snicker. Random person: blank stare, moving away.) or perhaps it’s the head cold. Or perhaps I’m just overwhelmed by the fact that my home province has the lowest levels of belief in global warming and, from what I can tell, fairly low levels of concern about the environment in general. So what to do? Dust off the ol’ soapbox? Bury head in the loamy prairie soil? Read cartoons? Read cartoons it is…
Just flipping through my roommate’s copy of Affluenza. Chapter 5 has a section on time famine, which talks about how we thought technology would free us up and give us more leisure time, but instead, our world is getting increasingly complex and we are working even more. Instead of working 14 to 22 hours per week by the year 2000, as was estimated by a US Senate subcommittee in 1965, we’ve become swamped. As I pondered this in light of my current crazy schedule (working a 9-5, Monday to Friday job while attending university and stupidly volunteering to be on a conference committee), I realized that I could only think of one day in months that I had actually been on time for work. I average 8-12 minutes of lateness every day, a little less once the snow is gone and I ride my bike. Thankfully my boss just shrugs at my unconscious and clearly desperate attempt to find some balance in my life.
Two
An Angus-Reid poll was released a couple of days ago that found that Canadians in general believe that global warming is happening. More, apparently, is to be released in the coming weeks. To quote Pee Wee Herman, “everybody I know has a big but…” I’m guessing that the “big but” in this case will be that, ya, we believe it’s happening, but we don’t actually want to change anything about the way we live in order to make a difference. Maybe switch to compact fluorescents. Maybe.
Three
On the topic of making a difference, for some reason I really dig the latest Sierra Club campaign. Pretty much, I’m doing everything on the list, plus some. But I feel like I could convince people to do some of this stuff.
Four
Or maybe not. Overheard in the hospital gift shop yesterday (where I was buying a stamp, thankyouverymuch), a conversation about Beanie Babies. “Isn’t is amazing? Only $6. It’s incredible to think they can make them that cheap and ship them all the way over here and still only charge $6. Wow.” I said, “How much is a stamp?” Yep, I did nothing. Perhaps it was the memory of the last impromptu information session I conducted at work that made me hesitate (Random person at the opening of the new 911 call centre: “it smells so new!”. Me: “that’s the carpet offgassing.” My boss: head shake, snicker. Random person: blank stare, moving away.) or perhaps it’s the head cold. Or perhaps I’m just overwhelmed by the fact that my home province has the lowest levels of belief in global warming and, from what I can tell, fairly low levels of concern about the environment in general. So what to do? Dust off the ol’ soapbox? Bury head in the loamy prairie soil? Read cartoons? Read cartoons it is…
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
tagged
Mama D tagged me with a music meme, so here we go. Figured it would be a good way to let y'all know that I'm alive and kicking (though that isn't on the list).
Seven songs I'm really into right now, hey? Well that's kind of hard because all my evenings have been spent transcribing interviews, which means no music playing. But I do listen to CBC at work sometimes and while I'm not a huge fan of Freestyle, they have been playing some great music. So here are seven songs, some of which I'm going to get into once I have a life again. In no particular order...
1. Grace Kelly by Mika
2. Judy by Hunter Valentine (CD to be released April 3)
3. Intervention by Arcade Fire
4. Lived in Bars by Cat Power (maybe I just like her hair)
5. Dani California by Red Hot Chili Peppers (Hearing this about 10 times a day when my co-worker Tanya is in because she likes to listen to the rawk station. Will likely be sick of it by the time I have a life again.)
6. This River is Wild by the Killers (Sam's Town has been my staple on the 12 minute walk to and from work for months now. Liking this song best at the moment.)
7. Every single song by The Police (Thank you Karen for Message in a Box... getting myself primed for May 28th!)
And now, who to tag?
Elliot (of course, my main music man)
Melissa (wife of Elliot, who may actually have musical taste of her own. Shocking!)
Tracy ('cause I'm always interested)
Seven songs I'm really into right now, hey? Well that's kind of hard because all my evenings have been spent transcribing interviews, which means no music playing. But I do listen to CBC at work sometimes and while I'm not a huge fan of Freestyle, they have been playing some great music. So here are seven songs, some of which I'm going to get into once I have a life again. In no particular order...
1. Grace Kelly by Mika
2. Judy by Hunter Valentine (CD to be released April 3)
3. Intervention by Arcade Fire
4. Lived in Bars by Cat Power (maybe I just like her hair)
5. Dani California by Red Hot Chili Peppers (Hearing this about 10 times a day when my co-worker Tanya is in because she likes to listen to the rawk station. Will likely be sick of it by the time I have a life again.)
6. This River is Wild by the Killers (Sam's Town has been my staple on the 12 minute walk to and from work for months now. Liking this song best at the moment.)
7. Every single song by The Police (Thank you Karen for Message in a Box... getting myself primed for May 28th!)
And now, who to tag?
Elliot (of course, my main music man)
Melissa (wife of Elliot, who may actually have musical taste of her own. Shocking!)
Tracy ('cause I'm always interested)
crawling out from under my rock
Just noticed that MinusCar Project linked to me, so I thought I'd better post something. Been suffering with a miserable cold for over a week and have not been able to clear my head long enough to formulate a single thought. So how about a question instead?
I own a car, though I haven't driven it since November, when inspired by a local environmental contest, I voided my license. I have since found out that my car has some serious problems. Heater core has gone (heat in pretty important where I live), rear struts need to be replaced, breaks are on their way out... Probably looking at $3000+ to fix it. Given that it is a 1991 Golf and that I only paid $2600 for it, this doesn't seem like a reasonable option. So the question is, what are my options? What can I do with an old car besides sell it "as is"? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I own a car, though I haven't driven it since November, when inspired by a local environmental contest, I voided my license. I have since found out that my car has some serious problems. Heater core has gone (heat in pretty important where I live), rear struts need to be replaced, breaks are on their way out... Probably looking at $3000+ to fix it. Given that it is a 1991 Golf and that I only paid $2600 for it, this doesn't seem like a reasonable option. So the question is, what are my options? What can I do with an old car besides sell it "as is"? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Monday, March 12, 2007
nothing to say
Basically, I'm so swamped with school that I have nothing else on my mind. And I have a cold. So, I'll just leave it at that for now. Don't expect any inspiring posts until mid-April, but will put something up once in a while so you know I'm still around.
holy, monday
I'm swamped with work, I've got a cold, and the switch to daylight savings time has totally thrown me off. But rather than complain, may I direct you to the new link on my "Other Bloggers" list. My dearest friend, along with 10 other crafty women she's met online, have started a new blog called Sew Green. Check it out!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
I've been a walker all my life, not specifically for environmental or health reasons, but because I lived close to school or work. It was only on the coldest days that we were ever driven to school as kids. And even when I've had a car, my vehicle spent much of it's time parked in a garage.
I continue to make the daily trek to and from work. Days and weeks, but rarely months, go by without incident. And then, there will be a near miss. I'm guessing that the drivers just are not paying attention, and it is only through luck, my quick reaction and the fact that I was paying attention that I haven't been hit.
In the steel-toed days of my youth, I would try to kick their car while flipping them the bird. I figued the visual, coupled with a dented quarter panel would make them look out for pedestrians a bit more. I only even actually connected twice, and I have no idea if I did any damage, though I hope I did. This was almost 20 years ago, before I'd ever heard the words "road rage". Now, I take a calmer approach, though the anger is still inside.
Today I heard something on the news that shocked and horrified me. A man out for a morning run in Winnipeg, a city that I've spent half my life in and still visit regularly, was purposely run down. I listened to another jogger on the radio this afternoon. This is how she described what happened:
She was out for a run with a group at 6am. They were running facing traffic when a car coming towards them accelerated and drove at them. They jumped out of the way and kept jogging, thinking it was another asshole like the one who had swerved at them the previous morning. This time, though, the driver turned around and drove at them again. And again. And again. Another car witnessed the fourth attempt and pulled over. He offered his cell phone and the joggers called the police. They continued with their run but didn't get very far before they came upon a pool of blood. They stopped. They couldn't see anyone. They speculated that an animal had been hit. When they saw another person coming towards them, they went to warn him that there was some crazy person driving around. As they approached him, they realized that he was bleeding from a bad head wound. The man, the jogger who had been hit, was in bad shape. The police arrived, and he was taken to hospital where he remains.
In all the times I've nearly been smacked, I never assumed it was on purpose. I can't imagine what could bring someone to do such a thing. Was (s)he high? Does (s)he have a mental illness? The car was stolen, so was this just for kicks? To alleviate boredom or get friends to think you're bad and cool? I can't fathom it. My walk home today was somber. My heart goes out to this man and his family, whose lives have been so terribly affected.
I continue to make the daily trek to and from work. Days and weeks, but rarely months, go by without incident. And then, there will be a near miss. I'm guessing that the drivers just are not paying attention, and it is only through luck, my quick reaction and the fact that I was paying attention that I haven't been hit.
In the steel-toed days of my youth, I would try to kick their car while flipping them the bird. I figued the visual, coupled with a dented quarter panel would make them look out for pedestrians a bit more. I only even actually connected twice, and I have no idea if I did any damage, though I hope I did. This was almost 20 years ago, before I'd ever heard the words "road rage". Now, I take a calmer approach, though the anger is still inside.
Today I heard something on the news that shocked and horrified me. A man out for a morning run in Winnipeg, a city that I've spent half my life in and still visit regularly, was purposely run down. I listened to another jogger on the radio this afternoon. This is how she described what happened:
She was out for a run with a group at 6am. They were running facing traffic when a car coming towards them accelerated and drove at them. They jumped out of the way and kept jogging, thinking it was another asshole like the one who had swerved at them the previous morning. This time, though, the driver turned around and drove at them again. And again. And again. Another car witnessed the fourth attempt and pulled over. He offered his cell phone and the joggers called the police. They continued with their run but didn't get very far before they came upon a pool of blood. They stopped. They couldn't see anyone. They speculated that an animal had been hit. When they saw another person coming towards them, they went to warn him that there was some crazy person driving around. As they approached him, they realized that he was bleeding from a bad head wound. The man, the jogger who had been hit, was in bad shape. The police arrived, and he was taken to hospital where he remains.
In all the times I've nearly been smacked, I never assumed it was on purpose. I can't imagine what could bring someone to do such a thing. Was (s)he high? Does (s)he have a mental illness? The car was stolen, so was this just for kicks? To alleviate boredom or get friends to think you're bad and cool? I can't fathom it. My walk home today was somber. My heart goes out to this man and his family, whose lives have been so terribly affected.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
quickie
Took an impromptu break from blogging, work and life last week when I got hit with some virus that I picked up at the staff appreciation lunch. 100+ people off sick with it, but honestly, knowing that I wasn't alone in my misery did not help one bit.
Now I'm feeling better (though still tired), and was planning to do a proper post, but yoga is cancelled so I'm just going to run home. Have a foster pug from Funds for Furry Friends and I'm guessing that he'd like to go outside. He's supposed to be going to his new home soon, but I've taken some pictures and will post them on the weekend. He's so darned cute, but puppies are chaos and I'll be glad when he's gone. Give me a dog over a puppy any day. At least this little guy is house broken!
Ta.
Now I'm feeling better (though still tired), and was planning to do a proper post, but yoga is cancelled so I'm just going to run home. Have a foster pug from Funds for Furry Friends and I'm guessing that he'd like to go outside. He's supposed to be going to his new home soon, but I've taken some pictures and will post them on the weekend. He's so darned cute, but puppies are chaos and I'll be glad when he's gone. Give me a dog over a puppy any day. At least this little guy is house broken!
Ta.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
breaking the fast
Buy Nothing January lasted until today, when it came to a crashing halt, much like a freight train skipping the tracks and slamming into the side of a mountain.
Okay, it wasn't that bad. Not as bad as it could have been, certainly.
Got tickets to The Police concert in Vancouver on May 28th. (Un)fortunately, not the premium seats at $225 a pop, but still decent seats. This will be a serious bonding experience with my bestest friend of 25 years and it is the fulfillment of the only teen girl fantasy I've hung on to. Gave up on marrying Chip Balch ages ago.
Not feeling bad about racking up the ol' credit card. Sting is well known for being a do-gooder, so...
"A portion of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to WaterAid, an international NGO founded in 1981 and dedicated to reducing poverty by improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene education. Working in 17 of the world's poorest countries, WaterAid and its partners have already helped over 10 million people gain access to water and sanitation and is committed to helping to reduce by half the proportion of people living without these basic necessities of life by 2015. "
I will have to fly to Vancouver to catch this show as there's just no sustainable transportation way to get there and back in three days (the amount of time I can weasle out of work), so will be looking into ways to offset my flight.
And I will be continuing not buying anything, because I've just barely started feeling like my finances are a-okay and I've gone and broken the bank.
Okay, it wasn't that bad. Not as bad as it could have been, certainly.
Got tickets to The Police concert in Vancouver on May 28th. (Un)fortunately, not the premium seats at $225 a pop, but still decent seats. This will be a serious bonding experience with my bestest friend of 25 years and it is the fulfillment of the only teen girl fantasy I've hung on to. Gave up on marrying Chip Balch ages ago.
Not feeling bad about racking up the ol' credit card. Sting is well known for being a do-gooder, so...
"A portion of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to WaterAid, an international NGO founded in 1981 and dedicated to reducing poverty by improving access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene education. Working in 17 of the world's poorest countries, WaterAid and its partners have already helped over 10 million people gain access to water and sanitation and is committed to helping to reduce by half the proportion of people living without these basic necessities of life by 2015. "
I will have to fly to Vancouver to catch this show as there's just no sustainable transportation way to get there and back in three days (the amount of time I can weasle out of work), so will be looking into ways to offset my flight.
And I will be continuing not buying anything, because I've just barely started feeling like my finances are a-okay and I've gone and broken the bank.
Monday, February 12, 2007
teenage fantasy
Looking back, the 80s were so embarrassing, which makes me thankful for two things. First, after a disastrous perm in junior high, I vowed never to get another one and was therefore unable to achieve the incredible heights that defined 80s hair. Okay, ya, I sported an asymmetrical bob, but that's another story. Besides, they're back in right now.
Second, while I indulged in listening to my share of terrible music, the band that I loved in the way that only teenage girls can was The Police. And they have not only held up, they've announced a reunion tour.
I am so there!
Seriously giddy like you wouldn't believe. A plan is in place. Karen, myself, and our significant others will all try to get tickets. The best seats are the ones we use, the others get sold. As Karen said, she feels like she's in grade 8 again, except with money. And no parents telling us we can't take the bus into Winnipeg (since we were too young to drive) to see a concert at the Arena on our own. Hurray! Though looking back, mom, I can see why you said no.
Convocation in on May 26th. The Police play in Vancouver on May 28th. Anyone planning to get me a grad gift (no pressure), let me just say that the best gift of all will be celebrating like it's 1983, and I'm not afraid to break the bank to do it. Please address all donations to the charitable foundation I'll be setting up. Details to follow. :]
Monday, February 05, 2007
knock knock ginger
Current favorite song is Love Renee by Knock Knock Ginger. Also really appreciate that they have provided four of their songs in full, rather than as little teasers. Link and enjoy!
And speaking of enjoyment, my friend Kai suggested on the phone last night (after I told her how crazy my next two months are going to be) that I do one nice thing for myself every week. Have been thinking about this, and I can't come up with anything. Trying to be frugal, so buying treats won't work. A long hot bath sounds delish, except my skin is uber dry as it is and that only makes it worse. Ideas, anyone?
And speaking of enjoyment, my friend Kai suggested on the phone last night (after I told her how crazy my next two months are going to be) that I do one nice thing for myself every week. Have been thinking about this, and I can't come up with anything. Trying to be frugal, so buying treats won't work. A long hot bath sounds delish, except my skin is uber dry as it is and that only makes it worse. Ideas, anyone?
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Resolutions – Final Report
1. Stop driving. Done and done.
2. Clean out the cupboards. Still working on this one. Food wise, I can check this off. Product wise… well, lets just say I still own four deodorants, and I’m not that smelly. Will continue using stuff up before I buy new stuff.
3. Have no fun. I actually had more fun than I was planning on. Besides Rocky Horror Show and the Funkraiser, I caught three films (Children of Men, Last King of Scotland, Pan’s Labyrinth) in the theatre and a couple of short plays at Stoppard Fest. Not the greatest for the bank account (except that I got treated a couple of times, and one was a cheapie matinee). Probably should have done more work on the ol’ thesis, but the panic should set in any day now and then I’ll really start cooking on it.
4. Buy Nothing. This went really well. Better than I expected, actually. Did not cave, except on the aforementioned junk food. Bought no goods. I did pay soccer and yoga fees, but I’m not counting that as stuff. And I bought two bus tickets into the big city to visit the love of my life, but since I’ve taken my car off the road, it’s either buy bus tickets or be sad and lonely. And nothing was created (in terms of pollution) that wasn’t being created anyway. That bus was running with or without me. The only new item to come into my possession was a fair trade t-shirt that my mother-in-law equivalent gave me as a gift. So how’s that for not too bad?!? Going to keep going with this buying nothing thing for as long as I can.
And now, in that fine bloggie tradition, I tag Melissa. Well, not really. She's already decided on her own to have a Buy Nothing February. I happen to know that she likes to shop, though in her defence, I also know that she is a serious thrifter. She's a little scared about the whole thing, but I promise, it doesn't hurt, and your bank account will thank you. The planet might too, though the planet is a little pre-occupied right now.
2. Clean out the cupboards. Still working on this one. Food wise, I can check this off. Product wise… well, lets just say I still own four deodorants, and I’m not that smelly. Will continue using stuff up before I buy new stuff.
3. Have no fun. I actually had more fun than I was planning on. Besides Rocky Horror Show and the Funkraiser, I caught three films (Children of Men, Last King of Scotland, Pan’s Labyrinth) in the theatre and a couple of short plays at Stoppard Fest. Not the greatest for the bank account (except that I got treated a couple of times, and one was a cheapie matinee). Probably should have done more work on the ol’ thesis, but the panic should set in any day now and then I’ll really start cooking on it.
4. Buy Nothing. This went really well. Better than I expected, actually. Did not cave, except on the aforementioned junk food. Bought no goods. I did pay soccer and yoga fees, but I’m not counting that as stuff. And I bought two bus tickets into the big city to visit the love of my life, but since I’ve taken my car off the road, it’s either buy bus tickets or be sad and lonely. And nothing was created (in terms of pollution) that wasn’t being created anyway. That bus was running with or without me. The only new item to come into my possession was a fair trade t-shirt that my mother-in-law equivalent gave me as a gift. So how’s that for not too bad?!? Going to keep going with this buying nothing thing for as long as I can.
And now, in that fine bloggie tradition, I tag Melissa. Well, not really. She's already decided on her own to have a Buy Nothing February. I happen to know that she likes to shop, though in her defence, I also know that she is a serious thrifter. She's a little scared about the whole thing, but I promise, it doesn't hurt, and your bank account will thank you. The planet might too, though the planet is a little pre-occupied right now.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
my weekend
Spent most of the weekend sitting in the dark, surrounded by strangers. In three evenings and two days, we managed to catch three movies and two plays. The plays were not my cup of tea… two shorties as part of Stoppard Fest. Stoppard is not the problem. Both these were written for tv, so they were choppy and hard to stage. The acting in the second play was pretty poor as well, and neither of them were helped by the rattling sound the heat vent was making. Given the choice between heat and silence, I’d pick heat, and with a more absorbing performance, I probably wouldn’t have found it so distracting.
The three films were all variations on a theme. Saw Children of Men on Friday, and Last King of Scotland and Pan’s Labyrinth on Sunday. All very grim, all set in societies that were falling apart, all featuring terrible atrocities against minority groups. And there are many other interesting parallels. Children featured one scene with Picasso’s Guernica hanging prominently on the wall, while Pan’s was set during the Spanish Civil War. Two similar looking redheads, namely Julianne Moore and Gillian Anderson, had small but critical roles. James McEvoy, the Scotish doctor in Last, played a faun in a previous film, while Pan’s (of course) features a faun. All of them had action centered around a pregnant women in peril. And all of them made me want to know more.
In my opinion, Last was the weakest. Forest Whitaker deserves the accolades he is receiving, most definitely. He was amazing, as was James McEvoy. But I found some of the plot details a little hard to swallow. I didn’t understand the connection between the two men, and I found the doctors motivations for his irresponsible actions, make that his practically suicidal actions, to be inadequate. And though the movie was far less graphic than it could have been, given the atrocities committed by Amin, I though the other two films had a steadier hand when it came to the level violence. Not that I watched those bits. Eyes quickly shut on many occasions. Thank goodness for O’s shoulder and my scarf.
Pan’s Labyrinth… hmmm. I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll simply say that I would highly recommend that everyone see it. And I’m very glad that I didn’t read anything about it before I went. I had no expectations, except that I’ve liked del Torro’s previous films and thought I’d probably like this one too. But it apparently isn’t for everyone. As the credits rolled, the young woman behind us said, and I quote, “That was the longest piece of junk I’ve ever sat through.” She then went on to complain about having to read the subtitles. Which makes me wonder what she thought she was getting into.
The three films were all variations on a theme. Saw Children of Men on Friday, and Last King of Scotland and Pan’s Labyrinth on Sunday. All very grim, all set in societies that were falling apart, all featuring terrible atrocities against minority groups. And there are many other interesting parallels. Children featured one scene with Picasso’s Guernica hanging prominently on the wall, while Pan’s was set during the Spanish Civil War. Two similar looking redheads, namely Julianne Moore and Gillian Anderson, had small but critical roles. James McEvoy, the Scotish doctor in Last, played a faun in a previous film, while Pan’s (of course) features a faun. All of them had action centered around a pregnant women in peril. And all of them made me want to know more.
In my opinion, Last was the weakest. Forest Whitaker deserves the accolades he is receiving, most definitely. He was amazing, as was James McEvoy. But I found some of the plot details a little hard to swallow. I didn’t understand the connection between the two men, and I found the doctors motivations for his irresponsible actions, make that his practically suicidal actions, to be inadequate. And though the movie was far less graphic than it could have been, given the atrocities committed by Amin, I though the other two films had a steadier hand when it came to the level violence. Not that I watched those bits. Eyes quickly shut on many occasions. Thank goodness for O’s shoulder and my scarf.
Pan’s Labyrinth… hmmm. I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll simply say that I would highly recommend that everyone see it. And I’m very glad that I didn’t read anything about it before I went. I had no expectations, except that I’ve liked del Torro’s previous films and thought I’d probably like this one too. But it apparently isn’t for everyone. As the credits rolled, the young woman behind us said, and I quote, “That was the longest piece of junk I’ve ever sat through.” She then went on to complain about having to read the subtitles. Which makes me wonder what she thought she was getting into.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
update #3
Things are back on track since I remembered the stash of leftover Christmas baking. Still munching away, but not buying any treats. I've been avoiding stores and magazines. I find that I "need" much less when I'm not constantly being told what to buy. I don't have television, which helps. I do have a tv and dvd player, but no chanels.
Watched "The Island" on Sunday, borrowed from my sister. Couldn't help but notice the tons of product placement. There was so much of it and it was so blatant. Because the movie is set in the future. I kept thinking, ya, right, you wish Nokia. Think you'll be around in 2019? Remember Atari?
Product placement is very much on my mind these days as I am slogging away at an undergrad thesis on the commericalization of breast cancer. Reading everything, including marketing magazines. As if I wasn't jaded enough, now I know why those Ford ads are aimed at women in their mid-30s, such as myself. I thought I knew a lot about this stuff already, but this project has been an eye-opener. Want to be jaded too? Check out Think Before You Pink.
Positive side effect: all this jadedness has put me in the right frame of mind for not buying anything. Negative side effect: I feel grumpy.
Watched "The Island" on Sunday, borrowed from my sister. Couldn't help but notice the tons of product placement. There was so much of it and it was so blatant. Because the movie is set in the future. I kept thinking, ya, right, you wish Nokia. Think you'll be around in 2019? Remember Atari?
Product placement is very much on my mind these days as I am slogging away at an undergrad thesis on the commericalization of breast cancer. Reading everything, including marketing magazines. As if I wasn't jaded enough, now I know why those Ford ads are aimed at women in their mid-30s, such as myself. I thought I knew a lot about this stuff already, but this project has been an eye-opener. Want to be jaded too? Check out Think Before You Pink.
Positive side effect: all this jadedness has put me in the right frame of mind for not buying anything. Negative side effect: I feel grumpy.
Monday, January 22, 2007
saturday night...
...was so good that it deserves two posts. Mama D did one. I'm doing the other.
Ya. So. We all went out dancing. To really great music. Easy enough to do in a bigger center, but seriously tough here in Brandon. Unless you want country mixed with AC/DC mixed with the latest dance hit. Which generally speaking, I do not. Thank goodness for Marquis Project and their awesome Funkraiser. Music provided by DJ Hunnicutt and Mama Cutsworth.
And when I say we all went dancing, I actually mean, we all went out and some of us danced. Mama D's husband and my sister's husband chose to stay in their seats. But my darling O, after a 13 year hiatus from the dance floor, got up there and boogied. He asked me for a critique afterwards, and all I have to say is this... I know when you are dancing silly, you don't need to explain! Being a drummer, he of course has rhythm. Thankfully, he also has style! So I don't have to try and look like I'm dancing with someone else. :]
And speaking of style... and getting back to Mama D... she is a devil on the dance floor. That girl seriously has all the moves. I was humbled and inspired. Maybe she'll invite me over to practice in her living room before the next party.
My Sunday was spent in my jammies, watching movies, ordering pizza and feeling totally flat. I used up all my energy reserves the night before. And to echo Mama D, it was totally worth it.
Ya. So. We all went out dancing. To really great music. Easy enough to do in a bigger center, but seriously tough here in Brandon. Unless you want country mixed with AC/DC mixed with the latest dance hit. Which generally speaking, I do not. Thank goodness for Marquis Project and their awesome Funkraiser. Music provided by DJ Hunnicutt and Mama Cutsworth.
And when I say we all went dancing, I actually mean, we all went out and some of us danced. Mama D's husband and my sister's husband chose to stay in their seats. But my darling O, after a 13 year hiatus from the dance floor, got up there and boogied. He asked me for a critique afterwards, and all I have to say is this... I know when you are dancing silly, you don't need to explain! Being a drummer, he of course has rhythm. Thankfully, he also has style! So I don't have to try and look like I'm dancing with someone else. :]
And speaking of style... and getting back to Mama D... she is a devil on the dance floor. That girl seriously has all the moves. I was humbled and inspired. Maybe she'll invite me over to practice in her living room before the next party.
My Sunday was spent in my jammies, watching movies, ordering pizza and feeling totally flat. I used up all my energy reserves the night before. And to echo Mama D, it was totally worth it.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
update #2
This not buying stuff is harder than it seemed at first. I haven’t bought anything but food since January first, but some of the food I’m buying has been pretty unnecessary. Like chips. And M&Ms. That stupid things like this should be my downfall kinda bummed me out, so I gave myself a talking to and now (I’m trying) I have stopped making purchases out of vending machines.
So on the health side, and the eco side of things, I’m not doing as well as I’d like. Overachiever that I am.
On the money side, however, things are brighter. Have $246 in the bank, and it is only two days until payday. Have set myself a goal of having $500 in the bank by the end of February and cutting my Visa bill in half. Totally do-able, as long as Buy Nothing January extends into Buy Nothing February. I’d really like a little breathing room. In case my furnace goes, like poor Mama D’s.
Elliott linked to an article about a woman who is living on $12,000 per year. I’ve been trying to feel inspired by her, but I honestly don’t quite believe the story could be true. It is so far beyond my ability that it seems impossible. I did note that she had to give up school in order to live on so little, which I’m not willing to do.
I lived below the poverty line for a number of years, from 1989 to 1992. Then I mooched off my mom for a year (while recovering from illness, so not really mooching). Then I was below the poverty line from 1995 to 1997 while I was in college. I ended up in all kinds of precarious living situations during those times, and while I obviously survived, it was so stressful. I remember running into the mother of an ex-boyfriend and when she asked how I was doing, being nearly in tears as I told her I had nothing to eat and no money. The next morning I woke up to a litre of vegetarian chilli and a block of cheese hanging on my doorknob. It got me through the week and her absolute kindness still makes me want to weep.
No voluntary simplicity then. Forced simplicity. Voluntary simplicity is for those who have money.
I would now count myself as someone who has money. Despite being broke and complaining about it. I have the option to choose simplicity. I have the luxury to choose not to buy anything. Which, it turns out, is harder than it seems.
So on the health side, and the eco side of things, I’m not doing as well as I’d like. Overachiever that I am.
On the money side, however, things are brighter. Have $246 in the bank, and it is only two days until payday. Have set myself a goal of having $500 in the bank by the end of February and cutting my Visa bill in half. Totally do-able, as long as Buy Nothing January extends into Buy Nothing February. I’d really like a little breathing room. In case my furnace goes, like poor Mama D’s.
Elliott linked to an article about a woman who is living on $12,000 per year. I’ve been trying to feel inspired by her, but I honestly don’t quite believe the story could be true. It is so far beyond my ability that it seems impossible. I did note that she had to give up school in order to live on so little, which I’m not willing to do.
I lived below the poverty line for a number of years, from 1989 to 1992. Then I mooched off my mom for a year (while recovering from illness, so not really mooching). Then I was below the poverty line from 1995 to 1997 while I was in college. I ended up in all kinds of precarious living situations during those times, and while I obviously survived, it was so stressful. I remember running into the mother of an ex-boyfriend and when she asked how I was doing, being nearly in tears as I told her I had nothing to eat and no money. The next morning I woke up to a litre of vegetarian chilli and a block of cheese hanging on my doorknob. It got me through the week and her absolute kindness still makes me want to weep.
No voluntary simplicity then. Forced simplicity. Voluntary simplicity is for those who have money.
I would now count myself as someone who has money. Despite being broke and complaining about it. I have the option to choose simplicity. I have the luxury to choose not to buy anything. Which, it turns out, is harder than it seems.
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