|
Yep, I've quoted this poem before -- but it's so good, it deserves a repeat showing.
Common Magic
Bronwen Wallace
Your best friend falls in love
and her brain turns to water.
You can watch her lips move,
making the customary sounds,
but you can see they're merely
words, flimsy as bubbles rising
from some golden sea where she
swims sleek and exotic as a mermaid.
It's always like that.
You stop for lunch in a crowded
restaurant and the waitress floats
toward you. You can tell she doesn't care
whether you have the baked or french-fried
and you wonder if your voice comes
in bubbles too.
It's not women either. Or love
for that matter. The old man
across from you on the bus holds
a young child on his knee; he is singing
to her and his voice is a small boy
turning somersaults in the green
country of his blood.
It's only when the driver calls his stop
that he emerges into this puzzle
of brick and tiny hedges. Only then
you notice his shaking hands, his need
of the child to guide him home.
All over the city
you move in your own seasons
through the seasons of others: old women faces
clawed by weather you can't feel
clack dry tongues at passersby
while adolescente seethe
in their glassy atmospheres of anger.
In parks, the children
are alien life-forms, rooted
in the galaxies they're grown through
to get here. Their games weave
the interface and their laughter
tickles that part of your brain where smells
are hidden and the nuzzling textures of things.
It's a wonder that anything gets done
at all: a mechanic flails
at the muffler of your car
through whatever storm he's trapped inside
and the mailman stares at numbers
from the haze of a distant summer.
Yet somehow letters arrive and buses
remember their routes. Banks balance.
Mangoes ripen on the supermarket shelves.
Everyone manages. You gulp the thin air
of this planet as if it were the only
one you knew. Even the earth you're
standing on seems solid enough.
It's always the chance word, unthinking
gesture that unlocks the face before you.
Reveals intricate countries
deep within the eyes. The hidden
lives, like sudden miracles,
that breathe there.
I love it.
|
|
|
|
|
Waaaaay too beautiful outside to do anything productive.
I'm playing hooky.
Any takers?
|
|
|
|
|
Mmmm, delicious irony.
Buy ME to buck brand loyalty and consumeristic
trends in society today. Wait a second...
Part of me thinks it's hilarious that Adbusters is hawking their own product for sale, the black spot sneaker.
Yeah, so it's partly done to thumb their noses at Nike and other sneaker companies -- but in the process, they've created their own brand and their own consumeristic following.
... and doesn't that defeat their whole purpose? Hmmm.
Anyway, TV Turnoff Week is April 19-25. Mark your calendars. (if I only watch Daily Show, will it still count? A grrrl has got to get her fake-news on, doesn't she?)
|
|
|
|
|
Fun song overheard whilst typing in the library.
|
|
|
|
|
Remember when this happened last year?
Well, the window that was replaced is now officially faulty. The siding on well, the side, came completely unglued -- making it nearly impossible to roll my window up/down.
I took it to the glass place today, wary that it would cost me money I don't have -- but it's still under warranty! Woohoo! You see, my luck with warranties usually is that I return to the place where I bought something... only to discover the warranty ran out yesterday. Not so today. The people at the glass place were very nice, and I'll have a new window installed tomorrow -- so I can enjoy rolling it down to feel the Spring wind on my face again.
Now to finish this lovely book review I can't wait to have behind me.
ttfn.
|
|
|
|
|
I love deadlines. I especially like the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by. (Douglas Adams)
Two items knocked off my list to the left. Well, technically only one of them is completely finished (the scholarship app). Ideally, the book review will be completed as of the end of class tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
|
Happy, happy. Joy, joy. (or, little things that made my day)
Tonight, it was eating pitas with two awesome grrrlfriends. The recipe to my heart: Chicken, lettuce, tomato, green pepper, extra hot peppers, cheddar cheese, and extra tzatziki. (just in case you're curious) Oh, and top that off with a cute pita-boy wrapping it -- YUM. Seriously, I could probably eat pitas every day of the week and not be upset.
I also inadvertently found a soccer club to join this summer. It's a girls team, called the Titans. According to a girl I work out with at my gym, the team is looking for new players for the summer season. I can't wait to start playing again. Now I just have to be patient enough until May, when the team starts its outside season. Between my jaunts to the gym and playing soccer this summer, here's to me shrinking further!
|
|
|
|
|
My Freehouse experience. Tonight we were supposed to be "creative" and explore our relationship with God via the unspoken word. Here's what I came up with:
Everything in my collage is taken from National Geographic magazines -- which felt sacrilegious enough, ripping beautiful pictures from an almost sacred anthropological source.
I'm not exactly sure how to explain what all is going on in my picture -- there's images or words of doubt, reassurance, memory, solitude, and comfort.
My favorite part of the collage is the picture of a rear-view mirror with the image of an old-timey church in the reflection. It reminds me that no matter where I go, or what path I choose in life, there's an aspect of my faith that will always follow me. Yep, there's a whole lotta bad associated with that image -- but tonight, through a long conversation with someone I respect, I realize there's some good in there too.
Unfortunately, it's after 2AM and I have a full day of school tomorrow. Musing to be continued.
|
|
|
|
|
[graduate student insecurity]
Am I losing my ability to sustain thought for extended periods of time? Today I stranded myself in my office, in order to finish reading Delwin Brown's Boundaries of Our Habitations: Tradition and Theological Construction. I did fairly well, nearly finishing it. I'm especially slow, due to the fact I'm a copious notetaker.
But I found that I could only go for about an hour or so at a time, before my eyes started to cross or I couldn't comprehend what my eyes ran across. At that point, I'd get up, check my email for the umpteenth time, grab a coffee, download a new ring tone for my phone (at present it's "Cruella De Vil"), or go listen to the end of the NASCAR race.
Somehow I remember a time when my attention span wasn't so short. Aren't I *supposed* to be getting better at this academic lifestyle? I feel like I'm slipping, and that's just not an option at this point in the term.
ugh.
|
|
|
|
|
Worship Freehouse tonight at 8PM, on campus at the College of Emmanuel St. Chad, right off College Drive.
Be there or be a parallelogram.
|
|
|
|
|
dang it, Natalie Merchant. Why are your lyrics so distracting? (and so good?!)
The Worst Thing
Natalie Merchant
So you're in love, that's so good for you.
Live it up girl 'cause it never lasts long.
It's heaven for now but not for long.
It's gonna hurt you, it's going to make you feel so bad.
Once I could love, I could trust, I could not doubt
But that was just about the worst thing that I could do.
It was just about the worst thing that I could do.
Maybe not now, but it won't take long
Before it's gonna hurt you and truly do you some harm.
Once I was open, could hope, I had no doubt
but that was the worst thing that I could do.
It was just about the worst thing that I could do.
Once I came close to that most elusive fire burning with hopeless love and desire
But it was just about the worst thing that I could do.
It was just about the worst thing that I could do.
En el pasado estuve ciega como tu.
Atrapada y perdida como tu.
Embelesada y suspendida en mi jaula de plata.
Esos recuerdos te acompanaran toda la vida.
(In the past I was blind as you
Trapped and lost like you with no escape
Suspended in my silver cage.
These memories will remain with you forever.)
|
|
|
|
|
Woah.
Noam Chomsky has his own blog. (via Jordon)
Okay, really sitting down to read now.
|
|
|
|
|
Today I played my first game of curling. I think that it's safe to say I was the anchor of the team -- especially if you mean anchor as the thing that sinks and brings things down with it.
But it was fun. My right knee is blue now, from learning how to throw rocks correctly -- but at least by the end of the afternoon, I could (somewhat) get my rocks where I wanted.
Oh, and I think I have met the very first native Saskatchewan person who has never curled in his life. In the two years I've lived up here, every native Saskatchewanite I've come across has curled at one point in his or her life. I can now say I've met an exception. I can also say that he kicked my ass when learning how to play.
I think I'll keep my sports to ones that are warm and non-slippery.
(more pictures from the experience on my photopage)
I also hung out with R and saw Jersey Girl. I think, for the first time in my life, I actually shushed someone in a theatre. They weren't too pleased -- but PLEASE. If you need to talk during a movie (especially during a quiet scene), wait til the freaking movie comes out on video. Don't disturb my viewing experience with your petty comments.
Yes, that sounds especially crabby, but I just don't excuse that type of behavior. Movies cost too much to go to nowadays to be ruined by someones else's rudeness. Then again, the people sitting in front of me thought enough of the film to bring their 8 and 9 year old kids to an adult movie with cussing and in-depth discussion of porn rentals. That should say something about their judgement.
Anyway, the film was okay, while disappointing when comparing it to other Kevin Smith movies. The kid was cute, and I really liked Liv Tyler's character -- she reminded me of me, often saying what comes to mind without thinking of its implications. I'd recommend the film for a matinee or cheap theatre price, but not a full price ticket.
And now I really should finish the book I'm supposed to be giving a book review of on Tuesday. Which is only 3 days away -- cutting it pretty close, even for a professional procrastinator like myself.
|
|
|
|
|
Pardon me whilst I toot my own horn.
So I'm finishing a scholarship application for Interdisciplinary Studies (cross your fingers that I'll get some financial aid for next year, will ya?) -- and I had to dig up a journal article I had published in 2002, in order to list it under my Research Contributions.
Yep, I've been published! My senior undergrad year I won a student writing competition and was published in the Fall 2002 High Plains Applied Anthropologist journal. The title of my paper was "Composition in the Age of the Dot-Com: How One Virtual Community Served as a Collaborative Learning Group in Response to the Events of September 11, 2001" Yeah, it's a long title -- I'm still in the process of learning the art of brevity.
I just finished reading through what I wrote. I think it's a bit of a treat to be away from your own writing, if only to revisit it months later. Reading through the article, I was reminded of the whole writing process I went through in composing it. I also realize now how destined I was to be a rhetorician -- pragmatic communication is inherent throughout the article! I could easily slip in theories of Burke or Brummett as support for some of the claims I make.
I wrote this article as my senior Honors project, two years ago. It's amazing how much has happened since then. Like my thesis work on Revolve, much of this paper was a cathartic experience -- I was writing about my own experience dealing with a national tragedy, within an online community I was a part of.
As I read through the 10 or so typed pages, I was reminiscing on all sorts of levels. Not only that, but I felt a twinge of pride, looking over at what I had written. Mini-ego boosts are nice (albeit rare) in grad school, so I think I'll file away these feelings away for later on in the month when I'm absolutely swamped with work and questioning my abilities.
|
|
|
|
|
She can kill with a smile
She can wound with her eyes
And she can ruin your faith with her casual lies
And she only reveals what she wants you to see
She hides like a child
But she's always a woman to me
She can lead you to love
She can take you or leave you
She can ask for the truth
But she'll never believe
And she'll take what you give her as long as it's free
Yeah, she steals like a thief but she's always a woman to me
Oh, she takes care of herself
She can wait if she wants
She's ahead of her time
Oh, and she never gives out
And she never gives in
She just changes her mind
And she'll promise you more
Than the Garden of Eden
Then she'll carelessly cut you
And laugh while you're bleedin'
But she'll bring out the best
And the worst you can be
Blame it all on yourself
Cause she's always a woman to me
Oh, she takes care of herself
She can wait if she wants
She's ahead of her time
Oh, and she never gives out
And she never gives in
She just changes her mind
She is frequently kind
And she's suddenly cruel
But she can do as she pleases
She's nobody's fool
And she can't be convicted
She's earned her degree
And the most she will do
Is throw shadows at you
But she's always a woman to me
Who knew Billy Joel had a song about me? Okay, maybe not. But I do love these lyrics.
It's frozen raining and snowing outside right now. I foresee a bath, a book, and an early bedtime in my near future. After last night (and early morning) and my spin/cardio class tonight, I'm wiped. out.
ttfn!
|
|
|
|
|
Three words: Internet. Geek. Heaven.
Tonight Mike and Matt Chapman, the creators of the infamous Homestar Runner came to the campus pub, Louis'. It's only the second show they've done, ever -- and they came to the University of Saskatchewan (!?!).
What a good show! A huge group of us got there early, so we were front-center of it all. And get this -- the Brothers Chaps are from Georgia! Fellow Georgia boys, yay!!
Me, Matt Chapman, Rilla, and Jeff
(props to Jeff for the handy photoshoppin')
The coolest thing about the Brothers Chaps are that they're so down to earth. For the two hours they showed clips and talked, it was like we were in their living room chilling out. Granted, Louis' was sold out and filled to capacity, but it didn't feel like that so much. Then again, we were in the very front, with amazing seats and view of everything that went on.
Me and Mike Chapman (do SO dig the glasses)
After it was all over, we snuck up on stage and talked to them for almost 10 minutes. They were definitely surprised to meet another Georgian this far north. But they were super nice.
Another thing I admire about 'em is the fact that they're not selling themselves out -- yeah, they have merchandise, but you won't be seeing them hawking Coke products on TV or movie screens anytime soon. And forget about seeing any type of banner-ad or pop-up on their site. They figure when people stop liking the comic, or it gets to be too much of a financial burden -- they'll quit. I don't think they'll be quitting any time soon, if tonight's any indication!
Anyway, the whole night was just hilarious. I think my ribs are going to be sore tomorrow from laughing so hard. Literally. I'm forever a groupie now.
This was *just* what I needed. Yay.
You know I had to do a photopage documenting this.
Ugh, now to sleep! Appointment with thesis supervisor in the morning. I'll sleep well, for sure.
btw, Jeff and I get bonus geek points for posting about this before sleep. A wiser person woulda waited until morning.
|
|
|
|
|
No fair.
|
|
|
|
|
irony: A condition of affairs or events of a character opposite to what was, or might naturally be, expected; a contradictory outcome of events as if in mockery of the promise and fitness of things.
Irony is looking outside at the snowstorm and wondering why you thought yesterday was Spring-like. Ah, Saskatchewan.
Irony is realizing yesterday you were complaining about mud. Now you're covered in snow.
Irony is having the power go out in the Engineering building, consequently cancelling your Rhetoric class this afternoon.
Irony is talking with someone with over $5000 to travel this summer, and then hearing he'd rather stay in Saskatchewan than go to South Africa.
Irony is me being overwhelmed with schoolwork and going home at 3:00 to watch Oprah and squeeze in a nap.
|
|
|
|
|
Do you ever get the feeling that your life is being broadcast somewhere, for someone else's enjoyment?
Am I part of some cosmic sitcom? Or worse yet -- am I some Sunday night Made-For-TV movie?!
I'm going to be wondering all day what actress will play me. There's a difference between who I'd want to play me, and who'd actually be assigned the part.
And with that, I'm officially late for my Thursday morning meeting.
|
|
|
|
|
I'm borrowing Adam's bitterness monkey.
Like me, don't let that cute exterior fool ya!
|
|
|
|
|
Chocolate. Mass quantities.
Send. now.
Why is it that I get these cravings at the absolute worst times of the day? There's not even anyone here that I can rationalize splitting a chocolate bar/cookie/something with. Le sigh.
Perhaps I'll console myself with Courtney Love's latest. Good mood music! Listening to this now reminds me of my angsty teenage years, secluding myself in my room and cranking up Hole -- much to my parents' delight.
|
|
|
|
|
Today felt like Spring! If I didn't have to be inside all day, I would have gone mud-puddle jumping all day. Well, if I didn't happen to be loving my jeans and shoes as well. Perhaps I'll haveta schedule a mud-outing in my future, Woodstock-esque. Saskatoon has no shortage of the stuff now, for sure.
There's nothing like the feeling of being able to walk out of the house with only 2 layers of clothing, rather than the usual cumbersome jacket. I can't wait until I can wear sandals again!
My CSSR presentation went well, while I breezed by it entirely too quickly. That was semi-purposeful, considering I wasn't going for actual presentation-style points, but for actual content. Everyone seemed fairly pleased with it -- which means that's one less burden off the school things to do list.
Tonight it looks to be a quiet night by myself, absorbing Survivor and then diving headfirst into more Delwin Brown.
Tomorrow night is the big Homestar Runner/Brothers Chaps presentation at Louis. This is a fairly huge deal, that they'd come out here to talk. Maybe I should do some more academic "research" to prepare myself. Definitely sounds more fun than studying constructive historicism.
I think I'm starting to see some light at the end of the metaphorical tunnel. I've had a pretty crummy past couple weeks -- but I've made a personal realization that I think will carry me through.
If not, well then don't be surprised if I pull a "Gulliver" and buy a couple horses and start talking to them, rather than the Yahoos in my life right now.
|
|
|
|
|
You are worth exactly: $1,592,870.00.
We hope you can find somebody who is wealthy enough to afford you.
As do I. At this rate the lucky individual better be ready to pay up in a whole bunch of areas.
How much are you worth?
|
|
|
|
|
Peep-a-boo
My very first roommate had an obsession with this candy, for some reason. It was one attribute in a long list that made you question her sanity.
 So in celebration of the upcoming candy-centered holiday that is Easter, I give you a Peep-minded post.
Now YOU can make your own inedible Easter candy: Marshmallow Peeps Candy Maker.
And while we're on the subject, here's some computer generated Peeps art.
Boing boing mentions an office prank that covered some fortunate soul's office space entirely in Peepy goodness. From ceiling to desk to the lamp, there's Peeps everywhere. Apparently they kept the Peep decor for a couple years.
A couple of old Peep favorite links:
Peep Research. It's an educational venture: Those resilient little birds... As we plunge into the 21st century, it is time we take a closer look at the technological wonders we create. Here, we try to discover just a little bit more about the world around us through the miracles of science, technology, and preservatives. This one is for all you scientifically minded people.
My personal favorite: Lord of the Peeps. A couple of these shots make awesome desktop wallpaper. I ask you, how can you go wrong, having marshmallow candy reenact a literary classic?
There's even a Peeps entry in Wikipedia!
Forget hamsters, watch some techno-loving dancing Peeps instead.
Okay, this is getting ridiculous: Peep Haiku.
Great moments in Rock and Roll history, as reenacted by Marshmallow Peeps. Who can forget Elvis Peepsley's gyrations and Sgt. Peeper's Lonely Hearts Club Band?
Yikes, how many Peeps links are there?
Recipe for Peep Waldorf Salad.
Peeps Karaoke: Nuke, nuke, nuke your peeps
With prejudice supreme
Pop them in your microwave
And listen to them scream.
And for the truly sadistic: For my Peeps -- watch a quicktime video of a Peep blowing up in the microwave. I *so* have to try this myself, it's bound to get me out of this funk.
|
|
|
|
|
As I'm working on my CSSR practice presentation for tomorrow, I'm being viciously distracted by good songs on WNRN.
There's Jem (not of the Holograms fame) and her song They:
Who made up all the rules
We follow them like fools
Believe them to be true
Don't Care to think them through
And I’m sorry so sorry
I’m sorry it’s like this
I’m sorry so sorry
I’m sorry we do this
Her album is only 7 bucks on Amazon. I may haveta invest in it after I get paid next week.
And of course, a song by Dave Matthews that just gives me tingles.
The world is blowing up
The world is caving in
The world has lost her way again
But you are here with me
But you are here with me
Makes it ok
[...]
I love you oh so well
Like a kid loves candy and fresh snow
I love you oh so well
Enough to fill up heaven overflow and fill hell
Love you oh so well
True, it's no TS Eliot or ee cummings -- but maybe I'm more sentimental when I'm overwhelmed and stressed, because I had to actually stop typing and just listen when this song played. It must be quite a sight to see someone get weepy while staring at a computer screen in a crowded school library.
EDIT: Another song of note, heard on the way home: Joseph Arthur's Honey and the Moon, particularly this line:
But right now / Everything you want is wrong, / And right now / All your dreams are waking up.
It's odd how much music can speak to you, and pointedly address whatever state of mind you're in.
|
|
|
|
|
I'm up before 7AM?
I must be coming down with something or something must be coming down with me.
(even when crabby I can still appreciate a chiasmus, albeit a bad one)
|
|
|
|
|
In this month's Adbusters:
From Tom Robbins' Half Asleep in Frog Pyjamas:
"The lie of progress. The lie of unlimited expansion. The lie of 'grow or perish.' Listen. We built ourselves a fine commercial bonfire, but then instead of basking in warmth, toasting marshmallows over it, and reading the classics by its light, we became obsessed with making it bigger and hotter, bigger and hotter, until, if the flames didn't leap higher from one quarter to the next, it was cause for great worry and dissatisfaction. Well any Bozo on the riverbank could have told us that if you keep feeding and feeding and feeding a bonfire, sooner or later you burn up all the fuel and the fire goes down cold; or else the fire gets too huge to manage and eventually engulfs the countryside and chars the inhabitants. Nature has always set limits on growth: limits on the physical size of individual species, limits on the size of populations. Did we really believe capitalism was exempt from the laws of nature? Did we really confuse endless consumption with endless progress?"
|
|
|
|
|
Here's a gem Sylvia shared in the comments:
"It was great fun; trashing the arguments of senior scholars who are making eighty times your annual stipend is one of the few compensations of grad-student serfdom."
-- Susan Wise Bauer, "The Well-Educated Mind"
Serf sounds about right. |
|
|
|
|
It's a vicious cycle.
So, instance #3 of me putting my foot inevitably in my mouth.
Rewind to last night. Before supper, I decide to treat myself to a brand new issue of Adbusters and some new Burt's Bees at McNally Robinson. Actually, I spent about 15 minutes debating between buy the latest Ms. and Adbusters, but decided on the latter -- mainly because I'm upset enough already without getting further enraged reading about the state of women in my country and around the world.
But, back to the part where I make an ass of myself, yet again.
So I'm in the line to check out, and there's a guy with a The Cheat tee shirt on, ringing people out. I'm next in line, and proceed to start talking to the guy about the Brothers Chaps coming in town this Thursday, asking him if he was going to go or not. We talked the entire time about 'em, I get my stuff, proceed out of the store.
That's not the funny part. That part is me going to Rilla's weblog and putting on her tag board that I flirted with a guy wearing a Cheat shirt about Thursday night. I put "flirted." And -- it turns out this guy is none other than Ril's best friend Carrie's hubby, Cory.
I'm such a dork. Is it considered flirting if you compliment a guy on his shirt and talk about Homestar Runner? Maybe I was just showing some Southern hospitality. Yeah, that's it!
Now taking bets on the next hugely embarrassing episode to be inspired by me opening my big mouth. The odds are decidely in that favor.
Maybe that vow of silence isn't that bad of an idea, after all...
|
|
|
|
|
[Warning: Largely introspective post ahead. Get out while you can.]
What am I?
When the guys in suits come around every 10 years or so, looking for me to fill out a Religion Census Survey, which box do I check?
I don't know anymore.
My whole life, until -- oh, say 3 years ago, I coulda checked the "Christian" box. But lots of things happened in my life that took me off that particular path. I don't regret not being classified as that anymore, really.
For a while I thought I'd flipflop over to the other extreme and consider myself Pagan. There's lots of attraction to that for me -- I love being outside, I love the openness of the religion, I love celebrating different festivals, I love the emphasis on the feminine as well as the masculine in life, etc. But now I'm not even sure I'd classify as that anymore, either.
I guess I'm in an areligious mode right now. I'm areligious, but I'd still consider myself spiritual. Make sense? It's just the details I need to work out.
For a long time I thought that identity was formed by figuring and listing the qualities of what you can claim about your self. Now I realize that your identity can be formed just as adequately by figuring out what characteristics you're not.
Part of Kenneth Burke's Definition of Human includes the assertion that we are the "inventors of the negative." This is where I should explain what I mean by inventor of the negative -- but I'm still trying to wrap my own head around it, so I doubt I'd get very far.
Here's is David Blakesley's explanation: Burke asserts that "language and the negative 'invented' man." Building upon Bergson, Burke is "here concerned with the fact that there are no negatives in nature, and that this ingenious addition to the universe is solely a product of human symbol systems." In nature, everything "simply is what it is and as it is" (9). For example, there is no such thing as a "not-tree" in nature. There is only the tree and other things surrounding it, such as flowers, grass, weeds, and so forth. It takes the human imagination, reason, and above all language to describe these other things as "not-tree."
[...]Beyond the moral and ethical dimensions of the human use of the negative, however, Burke notes that "There is an implied sense of negativity in the ability to use words at all. For to use them properly, we must know that they are not the things they stand for" (12). Here, Burke echoes Saussure's famous distinction between the signifier and the signified, the idea that the word is not the thing. As humans evolve greater and greater abstractions through language, we often forget this distinction, and we make the mistake of forgetting that "metaphor is not literal" (12). Thus in our various religious systems, for example, we forget that symbolic actions (such as the crucifixion and resurrection) are metaphors, and we get caught up in literal interpretations. We also forget that "religions are so often built antithetically to other persuasions" (12). Thus Christianity arises in opposition to paganism, Islam in opposition to Christianity, Protestantism in opposition to Catholicism, and so forth. We define our beliefs in contrast with other systems of belief, by asserting that "our" beliefs are not "theirs." This principle equally applies to non-religious systems of thought; for example, I am a Democrat (not a Republican); I believe in Evolution (not Creationism); I am a Jew (not an Arab); I am a Post-structuralist (not a New Critic) and so on. Each statement of a positive term necessarily implies its negative counter-statement.
After that quick Burke distraction, back to the task at hand. Things I know I'm not or aspects of faith I do not claim: I don't believe in any type of exclusivity in any type of religion. Just because I was fortunate enough to be born in a Western country that favors Christianity as its religion over Hinduism doesn't mean I have the right to look at devout Muslims and consider them less "right" than myself. That also means I don't have to worry about people being condemned to hell or some other unpleasant place because they don't believe in a particular tenant of my faith.
I also know that I'm not a horrible, condemned person. I'm not depraved, not verging on the cliffs of hell, waiting for someone to save me from damnnation. I remember reading these works of the Puritans in my American Lit class and being astounded at how awful they viewed themselves. It was like they were already condemned, just by virtue of being born. Who wants to live their lives under this type of shadow? Not me.
I do not believe that men are in an elevated position over women. Nor do I believe women are better than men (though sometimes it's tempting to think so!). Equality. Alongside (not behind) every good man is a good woman. Men do not have the spiritual upperhand and I should be able to hear and appreciate a woman preach from behind a pulpit as I can a man.
Which brings me to now. My spiritual limbo. I can't deny aspects of myself that have been ingrained with me. While I do have bitterness, much of that is directed more to the followers of Christ than to the religion or man himself. I don't have the time or energy to read up in order to pick up a new religious stream -- I have books and books just waiting to be read, and I never get very far.
So I guess I keep looking. And somehow I'll figure out what I should tell those guys in suits, next time they come around asking.
I do welcome comments on this -- as long as they're light on the proselytizing and you play nice.
|
|
|
|
|
How delightful.
Imood has a "misanthropic" option in its list of adjectives.
|
|
|
|
|
Grrrl Meets World is now the #1 Google result for "I'm living off of Tim Horton roll up the rims."
Considering I've won one free donut after about 25 double doubles, that would explain why I'm so freakin' broke.
|
|
|
|
|
... it's easy if you try. Or if you click here.
Both are definitely easier than a chance of world peace at this point, anyway.
Israeli Airstrike Kills Hamas Founder
Militants Raid Pakistani Camp Despite Truce
Attacks Kill Two GIs, Two Iraqi Civilians
Fun-Loving Madrid in Mourning for Attacks
U.S. Marines Shoot, Wound 2 Men in Haiti
This weekend marked the year-anniversary of the Iraq war part deux. Let us not forget the president's words regarding this anniversary:
"There have been disagreements in this matter, among old and valued friends. Those differences belong to the past. All of us can now agree that the fall of the Iraqi dictator has removed a source of violence, aggression, and instability in the Middle East. It's a good thing that the demands of the United Nations were enforced, not ignored with impunity. It is a good thing that years of illicit weapons development by the dictator have come to the end. It is a good thing that the Iraqi people are now receiving aid, instead of suffering under sanctions. And it is a good thing that the men and women across the Middle East, looking to Iraq, are getting a glimpse of what life in a free country can be like.
There are still violent thugs and murderers in Iraq, and we're dealing with them. But no one can argue that the Iraqi people would be better off with the thugs and murderers back in the palaces. Who would prefer that Saddam's torture chambers still be open? Who would wish that more mass graves were still being filled? Who would begrudge the Iraqi people their long-awaited liberation? On year after the armies of liberation arrived, every soldier who has fought, every aid worker who has served, every Iraqi who has joined in their country's defense can look with pride on a brave and historic achievement. They've served freedom's cause, and that is a privilege."
I wonder how "privileged" the families of the killed feel, after waging an unsubstantiated war? Sigh.
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin's currently in 8th place, I'm stuck at school reading, but now I'm taking a quick break to listen to the last 14 laps at Darlington.
It's been an interesting while very long week. I've had a couple of ups, but mainly a lot of downs. I wonder, looking back, if any of these cruddy things that happened could have been avoided.
Okay, so two of my mishaps this week occurred due to my big mouth speaking before I thought of any implications. The latter of these incidents turned into a funny story -- while the other one is still fairly frightening and not quite resolved yet.
Other things that brought me down this week -- disappointments from friends/people I know. Whether it was inadvertent or purposeful, I'm still reeling and held captive thinking and rethinking of what's happened. If anyone knows the cure of getting over being screwed/ignored/dismissed, let me know ASAP. I suppose one option is to just cut out people and relationships in general in my life, but alas -- I'm too much of people person to do that. Plus I don't do lonely well.
Then again, the appeal of a monastic life in an isolated tropical climate does seem quite appealing to me -- especially now.
Race over, real life beckons. ttfn.
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet.
Live, streaming Motor Racing Network. NASCAR here I come.
Beats not seeing/hearing about it at all. I just haveta insert my own "boogety, boogety, let's go racing boys!" myself, as there's no DW on MRN.
You probably have no idea what that means, unless you're a NASCAR geek.
|
|
|
|
|
Paying the Price
Lori McKenna
The thing I've never learned is how to give up
So it's my destiny to bear this fate.
They say that I'm still young, but I better hurry up
And they're talking 'bout change
And it's a little too late.
I'm really not just jumping to conclusions
it's all a matter of fact, clear of illusions
you'll never love me the way I love you
so I'm paying the price
All my life.
Just when I think I'm moving along
You come back, singing a different song
A song of love, a song of sweet regret
Full of promises, which are never met
And I'm paying the price
All my life.
I know I'll love you still when I have grown old
And you'll have taken all of my good years
And you'll have taken every chance away from me
My master for life
All my life.
Just when I think you'll let me be
I'll awake knowing you've been haunting me
All day long I'll hear you singing in my head
The voice I love, the voice I dread
And I'm paying the price
All my life.
Just when I think I'm finally free
I hear a voice gently calling me
Saying I'm just a little melody
What could be the harm in writing me?
And I'm paying the price
All my life.
And I'm paying the price
All my life.
|
|
|
|
|
No, I'm not usually this narcissistic, but
this is a result of a dare, plus you have
to see the picture that nearly got me
and Ang thrown out of a store.Mall Rats and the Joys (and Perils!) of Retail Therapy.
This afternoon me, Ang, and Todd hung out and caused all sorts of trouble at our downtown mall.
We started the afternoon by lunching at the yummy Greek pita place, absorbing way too much tzaziki sauce in the process. Well, at least I did, I am one tzazki fan.
From there we started our trek across the mass of consumer traps, looking at things we couldn't fit, couldn't afford, or a combination of both.
We ended up in a store called Smart Set. I was looking at clothes I know I couldn't afford, and decided to torture myself further by trying on a rather cute black tank top. As I'm trying to figure out how the funky neckline on the shirt works, Ang and Todd are plotting.
They decide to grab the most horrid looking outfits possible and make me try them on, with Ang snapping condemning pictures on her camera. As a professional glutton for punishment, I (of course) agree.
They proceed to find a horrible looking red velvet dress and a black mechanic's jumpsuit. The horrible red dress was exactly that -- horrible. Yet I didn't mind the black jumpsuit so much...
So I'm gawking for the camera for the world's best photographer, giggling all the while, when the sales lady walks up.
Cue the omnious music.
At first she was goodnatured about the whole ordeal, and then asked us what we were doing.
This is where I continue my streak of this week of saying the WRONG thing and offending a person I don't know --
I said, "Oh, well, they're finding me the ugliest clothes possible and I'm trying them on. The funny thing is, I actually like this!"
Yes, I said ugly and clothes in the same sentence to the retailer (and possibly manager) of the store. This is why I'm studying rhetoric and communication, so I can say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Well, needless to say, the salesclerk didn't like us too well after my brilliant comment, and proceeded to ask us to quit it and leave. Which we did. Without the black tank top I was going to buy before she got crabby with us. While I can't really blame her... what is with me and my mouth lately?!
So that's the story of the afternoon. We had several other exciting Mallrat adventures that amused me immensely, making me ever-so-thankful for friends I can be goofy with.
We ended our day by watching Charlie Kaufman's latest film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Good show! The title is from an Alexander Pope poem, "Eloisa to Abelard".
"How happy is the blameless vestal's lot!
The world forgetting, by the world forgot.
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!"
I'm still sorting out what I think about what I've seen -- I'll muse more about it in later post. I will say that this film is my favorite Kaufman by far. Even if it has Jim Carrey as its protagonist.
Best line: "I change my personality by [hair color] paste," by the multi-hued character Clementine.
I'm off to spend the rest of my evening thinking about ways to further stick my foot in my mouth, interacting with people I don't even know.
|
|
|
|
|
Success!
What a fun time. The crowd (of 450+) loved us -- they cheered, clapped, and even hooted at us.
It was the one time this week I liked being the center of attention.
More pictures of the experience (including ones of the actual dance!) over at my fotopage.
|
|
|
|
|
Hallelujah it's Friday. There was a nasty rumor that the weekend would never arrive -- yet here we are! Yay.
Tonight is my big Persian dance performance. We're performing for the Persian New Year, along with a host of other dancing troupes. The dance we're doing is called the Shirazian, performed with scarves, and lasts around 7 minutes or so. I'm fairly confident in remembering what I'm supposed to do -- the trick will be to smile instead of counting to myself.
Ang is going with us tonight, and she said she'll act as my "photo journalist" for the evening. The costume I'm wearing tonight is a trip, with so many layers that I'm hoping I won't literally fall onstage. Grace is one quality that I do not possess.
Also this weekend is Angelina's newest flick, Taking Lives. It looks to be a scary one, and full of Angelina goodness. Then again, I'm also sort of leaning to check out Charlie Kauffman's latest, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, despite its Jim Carrey factor. Regardless, Becky will have to settle for a matinee, as her check from last month is definitely dwindling.
Oh, and for you people who live in sub-Arctic climates like myself -- rumor has it that tomorrow is the first day of spring. Not that looking out your window confirms such a fact, but there's some useless knowledge for you to cling to. (yes, I'm bitter, I just want winter over. Now.)
ttfn!
|
|
|
|
|
Yet another scary article concerning the Bush administration (yes, there's MORE!):
Florida puts felons in God's big house
The swampy land between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla., used to be known only for alligators, truck stops and trailer parks. Now it has become the launch pad for America's newest institution: the faith-based penitentiary.
Governor Jeb Bush opened the first faith-based prison in the United States a few weeks ago with a characteristically spiritual proclamation to the gathered prisoners: "I can't think of a better place to reflect on the awesome love of our Lord Jesus than to be here at Lawtey Correctional. God bless you."
For the 791 inmates at Lawtey, the reference to Jesus was more than perfunctory. Unlike other wards of the state, they are also expected to be followers of God, in exchange for what most prisoners consider to be more peaceful surroundings and more lenient treatment.
Lawtey Correctional Institute is staffed by more than 500 volunteers from religious groups, most of them Protestant ministries, who provide daily worship services and prayer-based rehabilitation.
Civil-rights groups say it is offensive and unconstitutional to have explicitly religious groups delivering public services, even though the prisoners involved have volunteered. But it appears that Lawtey will be the model for other prisons across the country.
Yesterday, Nashville-based Corrections Corp. of America, the largest operator of privately run prisons in the United States, announced that it has teamed up with the Institute in Basic Life Principles, a Chicago-based church group, to bring full-time religious programs to eight prisons next year. There are plans to expand into all of CCA's 64 institutions.
"We hope to create a culture where inmates can reflect on their spiritual lives," Dennis Bradby, a CCA vice-president, said in a statement yesterday. "Inmates will experience 772 hours of faith-based activities after six months in the program."
CCA executives said they were inspired to launch their program by the Lawtey institution -- and by the $200-million (U.S.) in grants offered by the federal Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, which was created by Mr. Bush's brother, the President.
The prisons are only the most dramatic of the innovations introduced by the Florida Governor, whose state has gone farther than any other in bringing religion into government services.
At a prayer meeting in Tallahassee last month, Mr. Bush announced that he has set up a high-level advisory board to make sure that religious groups get "fair and equitable access to state government."
Every department of the Florida government is now required to have a "faith-based co-ordinator" who is expected to reach out to churches, synagogues and missionary groups and encourage them to make bids to offer government services in exchange for grants from Washington.
The boldest strides have been made in the Department of Children and Families, which administers many of the state's welfare programs. Two years ago, Mr. Bush fired the head of the agency and appointed Jerry Regier, an Oklahoma conservative activist with a master's degree in Bible studies who headed the Christian Family Research Council.
At his behest, Mr. Bush recently announced that $10-million a year will be spent on a "marriage initiative" in which church groups will help provide marriage counselling programs, based on prayer, to reduce the divorce rate.
He has also introduced a program called Character First!, in which government employees are coached in 49 key biblical qualities including deference, virtue, loyalty and meekness. It is modelled after a popular evangelical Christian program called the 49 Commands of Christ.
Florida is also looking at ways to put some state child-care programs into the hands of religious groups.
In fact, Mr. Regier has suggested that government should get out of the social-assistance business entirely and leave it to churches. "It's almost not appropriate for a government official to come and talk to you about need," he told a meeting of pastors in Tampa last month. "You've been the heart and soul of America's conscience for hundreds of years."
Although secular-minded voters and members of Florida's sizable Jewish community may be turned off by such ideas, Republicans believe it will be crucial to persuade as many evangelical Christians as possible to go to the state's polling stations on Nov. 2. Many Republicans believe Mr. Bush's 2000 election victory margin was as narrow as it was only because of poor turnout among Christian conservatives.
Since Florida is believed to be the largest recipient of Washington's faith-based funding, some have charged that the program is little more than a campaign fund.
Jeb Bush, whose religious beliefs are reported to be even more fundamentalist than those of his brother George, has faced fierce criticism from those Floridians who prefer not to have their government services delivered with a prayer. But he has turned these criticisms around, arguing that the U.S. news media are biased against religious groups and that such criticisms are offensive to the faithful.
"There are people who create these egregious stereotypes of people of faith, implying bad motives, not based on fact," he told reporters recently. "There are all sorts of programs where faith-based [organizations] should be at the table. They should not be excluded."
'Scuse the whole article, but I didn't want to cut any of it out. Whatta think? Sounds pretty scary to me -- especially when these "Faith Based Organizations" only support one particular strand of one said faith.
Thoughts?
|
|
|
|
|
i am beginning to think this week will never end and summer will never come.
|
|
|
|
|
Woohoo. Shiny moment of day: I finally won something by rolling up the rim.
Barring any long division on my skills question, free donut here I come!
|
|
|
|
|
Yeah, so it was a matter of time before I succumbed to another fledging Internet movement --
(the addicting) Friendster.
Look me up, if you're on the network. I'm curious how many of y'all I know through different degrees.
I already know Adam through 7 degrees of separation.
Oy, I should be sleeping or working on schoolwork. Is it the weekend yet?
|
|
|
|
|
Call me slow, but yikes -- have you heard about this?
US government faked Bush news reports
TV news reports in America that showed President George Bush getting a standing ovation from potential voters have been exposed as fake, it has emerged.
The US government admitted it paid actors to pose as journalists in video news releases sent to TV stations intending to convey support for new laws about health benefits.
Investigators are examining the film segments, in which actors pretending to be journalists praise the benefits of the new law passed last year by President Bush, to see if they could be construed as propaganda.
Two of the films are signed off by "Karen Ryan", who was an actor hired to read a script prepared by the government, according to production company Home Front Communications.
Another video, intended for Hispanic viewers, shows a government official being interviewed in Spanish by a actor posing as a reporter with the name "Alberto Garcia".
One segment shows a pharmacist telling an elderly customer the new law "helps you better afford your medications".
"It sounds like a good idea," the customer says, to which the pharmacist replies, "A very good idea."
And in some scenes President Bush is shown receiving a standing ovation from a crowd cheering him as he signed the Medicare law, which is designed to help elderly people with prescriptions.
The government also prepared scripts to be used by news anchors. "In December, President Bush signed into law the first-ever prescription drug benefit for people with Medicare," the script reads.
"Since then, there have been a lot of questions about how the law will help older Americans and people with disabilities. Reporter Karen Ryan helps sort through the details." The "reporter" then explains the benefits of the new law.
Lawyers from the investigative arm of Congress discovered the tapes as part of an investigation into federal money that was used to publicise the new law.
The Daily Show did a great piece on this tonight. As a real "fake news agency," they were appalled and worried that the White House may put them outta business.
Shouldn't there be more of an outrage over this? Talk about propaganda machines.
This man and his cronies need to be out of office, ASAP.
|
|
|
|
|
Tonight in my (frantic) efforts to avoid schoolwork, L and I watched the last half of Extreme Makeover, after first gorging on Survivor All-Stars. (Ethan, I shall miss thee and thy long curly hair!)
Why, yes, I've had some work done...
I don't watch Extreme Makeover all that often -- I've seen probably 3 or 4 episodes, total -- but I'm surprised (while appalled) at the appeal of such a show. You know the premise: ugly boy and girl get a "chance of a lifetime" to have their skin prodded, poked, stretched, lasered, and lacquered in efforts to make themselves "beautiful" and hence accepted more in society.
Usually they're "deserving" of such a transformation -- whether it's a full time mom, a person with a birth defect, all American citizen, etc. The participants are chosen and you voyeuristically watch as they are radically transformed. Cue the sappy music, the long-distance calls, and the before/after shots -- and voila! A show and cultural phenomenon is born.
It's entertaining, with often shocking results. But even as I type this, part of me is seriously disturbed that shows like these even exist.
What does it say about us (as a society) when we're willing to spend thousands of dollars stapling our stomachs in half -- rather than putting down the Snickers and getting our asses to the gym? Why do our teeth have to be glaringly white and our lips so Botoxed that you can't stop smiling?
If shows and attitudes like this exist now, then were do we go from here? What's next?
|
|
|
|
|
Differences between the US and Canada, part deux:
Because my last list was so popular (and still turns up a huge number of hits), and because I've been thinking about this some more -- I give you my second list of differences between life there and here.
A lot has changed since I put up my first list, September 2002. For one, I can no longer brag about how much further my dollar goes up here (thanks, George W.).
For another, I've completely changed my view on the animosities that exist between here and the States. Initially, I wanted to label the negativity "anti-American," and discredit it as some form of insecurity on the Canadians part. I don't feel that way anymore. I can see the reasons behind the dislike (and agree with most of them), and now I see it as more of my job to stop the stereotypical comments and convince people that not all Americans are gun-toting, ignorant individuals.
But onto the list:- I've mentioned this before, but it's funny the different contests and skills-testing questions that accompany them. I can't tell it's because Canadians like a challenge (as in rolling up impossible plastic rims) or are just difficult.
- There's more apathy up here, especially regarding the Canadian government. Granted, I think a lot of this is magnified with me living out West (whose voice is especially silenced in Canadian government), but I've gotten the sense from many Canadians that there isn't much you can do to change the situation over in Ottawa. It's a little different from the political mobilizing machines present in the States, at least.
- The operator's voice up here is so harsh! Literally, you make a wrong number and get a disconnected line, and you get yelled at. It's not nearly as pleasant of a "please hang up and try again" tone that's used back home
- Like the Japanese, every time you come inside, you take off your shoes. Yeah, times of the year like these require you to do so -- otherwise you'll get mud and slush all over your house. But even in the summertime we'll take off our shoes and leave them by the door.
- One thing I see here that we don't have at home -- the simultaneous juggling of two cultures. No matter what, Canadians have to contend with their own culture + the mass media influx of the States. It's everywhere here, from McDonalds to TV programs to stores in the mall. I think it's because of this exposure to two cultures, all the time, that it gives Canadians more cultural awareness and accountability. Back home, the only culture we're exposed to is our own -- we don't have to imagine what it's like to be fighting for our own cultural survival ... and then that makes it possible for our President to make blanket statements about our power and invade countries without just cause.
- The chewing gum up here is way more intense than back home. I think it's the attraction of menthol/eucalyptus/clearing your sinuses, but YIKES. Speaking of which, I never knew so many cough drop flavors existed until moving up here.
- There's a different type of patriotism up here than there is back home. Canadians are definitely proud of their country, but it's not with so much blind devotion that we have in the States. It's shown in different ways -- sewing a flag on your backpack, acknowledging that so-and-so is Canadian, etc. But what I like the most is the healthy distrust most have of the leaders in power -- they won't trust someone automatically just because he or she is in power ... and they definitely won't label you anti-Canadian if you disagree with their politics. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever heard "anti-Canadian" before.
- It's perfectly acceptable to go to university wearing sweatpants. I love that.
- I "mark" papers here, not "grade" them.
- The whole issue of Canadian identity is an interesting one to me. For many Canadians, if you ask them where they are from, they'll answer you with their distant home country's roots -- German, Dutch, Ukrainian, etc. rather than the province or simply referring to themselves as Canadian.
- Speaking of identity, much of Canadian identity is a description of what you AREN'T as of what you are. There's a huge movement to step away from associations with Americans, English, etc. Whereas back home, our identity is formed from a set of patriotic ideals and virtues, here in Canada it isn't as clear cut -- which is a good thing I think. Too often back home we take our cultural background and identity for granted.
So there's the list. This one is a little more self-reflective than the first. Did I forget anything?
|
|
|
|
|
"Free Uncle Grimacey from the Shackles of Corporate Imprisonment!"
It's that time of year again, a time when I actually want to go into a McDonald's and willingly purchase something . . .
A Shamrock Shake!
Unfortunately, I don't think they sell 'em up here. At least according to this Canadian website, Bring Back the Shamrock Shake, MickeyD's sees the shake as a regional item and won't market it north of the 49th parallel. Hmmm.
I suppose I'll haveta make my own batch, following the very complicated recipe.
If that's not enough, there's always the catchy Shamrock Shake Dance Step, for couples!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
|
|
|
|
|
(thanks grrrl for reminding me!)
|
|
|
|
|
Strong Bad's Discount Flashback Warehouse (or his 100th email) He says "grrrl" in it, yay. Almost a week until we see the Brother Chaps in person!
Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.
Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email.Email. E-mail. EEEEE-mail.
|
|
|
|
|
Talent is singlehandedly alienating and inadvertently pissing off one member of your thesis committee BEFORE your official first meeting.
That's me, baby!
And it's only Tuesday --
Now accepting offers to fly me as far away from Saskatoon as possible. I'd prefer some place tropical, but I'd settle for anywhere but here, right now.
|
|
|
|
|
Just in case you're at a loss of what Easter gift to buy that special man in your life:
 U.S. Bible-zine for boys set for Easter: 'Refuel' the male version of 'Revolve'
From article: The world's largest publisher of religious material is selling the sizzle along with the solemn in a line of "Bible-zines" -- repackaged Bibles aimed at hip Christian teenagers.
[...] So what will the boys' Refuel feature?
The splashy cover should attract any young guy interested in girls, hot-dogging on skis, girls, basketball, pop music ... and girls.
Refuel asks, "What should a guy do to impress a girl?" Answer: "Nothing. He should concentrate on being himself ..." A calendar contains reminders to perform good works such as "Talk to someone you usually ignore."
There is a blurb on "How to Wrestle an Alligator" (hop on its back, lock its jaws and clobber its nose) and a warning against using dietary supplements that can enlarge male breasts and shrink genitals.
There is also a list of the "Top Ten Ways to Honor Your Dad," which range from "Look him in the eye when he talks" to "Don't threaten to put him in a rest home."
Next, the publisher plans a Bible-zine for women, set for release in June. As of now, there is no Bible-zine in the works for men.
We all know how crucially important it is to know the proper ways of wrestling alligators, especially in regards to how it relates to Scripture.
I find this equally as curiously replusive as Revolve. I also find it ironic that the article states that there is "no advertising" in Revolve -- when I counted almost 20 different plugs for various products (ironically most published by Thomas Nelson).
I haven't even seen this "inspirational Bible product" yet, and I'm already disgusted by its cover. "Extras: Chicks, Cash, and Cars." Would Jesus call a girl a "chick?!" "Look Cool: Tips on Yourself." Yuck.
This isn't helping my already crabby mood.
(thanks Refuel boy Todd for the heads up!)
|
|
|
|
|
Surrounding us wordy animals there is the infinite wordless universe out of which we have been gradually carving out universes of discourse since the time when our primordial ancestors added to their sensations words for sensations. When you could duplicate the taste of an orange by saying "the taste of an orange," that's when STORY was born, since words tell about sensations. Whereas Nature can do no wrong (whatever it does is Nature) when STORY comes into the world there enters the true, false, honest, mistaken, the downright lie, the imaginative, the visionary, the sublime, the ridiculous, the eschatological (as with Hell, Purgatory, Heaven; the Transmigration of Souls; Foretellings of an Inevitable wind-up in a classless society), the satirical, every single detail of every single science or speculation, even every bit of gossip -- for although all animals in their way communicate, only our kind of animal can gossip. There was no story before we came, and when we're gone the universe will go on sans story.
Kenneth Burke, from "Dramatism and Logology."
|
|
|
|
|
The blogger's conundrum: How do you deal with things you want to get off your chest (by posting about them), but know that the people involved have access to your site and could read and therefore get upset about them?
What do you do when your outlet no longer really serves as one, especially when you find yourself acting as your own worst censor?
I suppose you could write about instances in very general or disguised terms, stick to pointless links and articles you come across in a day, or just avoid updating your space at all.
Sometimes I wish that I had thicker skin (in all metaphorical senses of the word). I wish that I could hear little snide comments aimed in my general direction and let them roll off my back, without a second thought.
I wish that all the catchy little comebacks I think of, long minutes after the actual situation has passed, would come to me AS it unfolds -- rather than minutes afterward.
I wish I wouldn't put my foot in my mouth.
I wish that temper tantrums at age 26 weren't so out of style.
[/drama queen]
|
|
|
|
|
Ah, so this helps to 'splain my day.
Not only is it a Monday --
It's also the Ides of March.
|
|
|
|
|
I haven't even started writing my thesis yet, and already I have committee issues.
Sigh.
p.s. Irony is misspelling several words on the board, especially when your supervising professor is observing your class that afternoon. (damn that subtle difference between affect and effect!)
|
|
|
|
|
Things to do this week:
- Teach Books I and II of Gulliver's Travels today -- and give students a big, bad reading quiz
- First thesis committee meeting (yikes)
- Short assignment analyzing the "United States Warranty" of these Air Zone generators (yikes for a completely different reason)
- Read Brown's Boundaries of Our Habitations and figure out direction for paper
- Read and prepare short presentation on "Epistemology and Ontology as Dialectical Modes in the Writings of Kenneth Burke" by James W. Chesebro for Thursday's class
- USSU's Indie Film Festival Thursday night
|
|
|
|
|
Ooooh, new band du jour: Rasputina.
Excerpts from their remake of the 1930's Sophia Tucker jazz classic,
If Your Kisses Can't Hold the Man You Love
Everytime that I hear a woman cry
'cause her man is looking flat,
I just feel like saying,
"don't be such a fool, you fool."
Better dry your eyes
can't you realize
you gain nothing by that.
Well that's no way to keep his heart warm, baby,
When his love grows cool
What's the use of sighing?
What's the use of crying?
If he's wandered off the track
If your kisses can't hold the man you love
Then your tears won't bring him back.
Second best part of the song: "Neglected grrrls shouldn't worry -- That's what God made sailors for!"
Listen to this song now. (give it a sec to start)
In the process of hunting down this song (which I originally heard on WNRN's Subculture Shock tonight), I've found yet another station to listen to online -- NYC's WFMU, another free-form, commercial-free station that puts the crappy Saskatoon stations FAR FAR behind.
|
|
|
|
|
For someone who is beginning to live for weekends, I'm finding that they fly by entirely too fast. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I realize my life is flying by fairly fast as well.
This weekend consisted of snow, gym, grrrl bonding time, a trip to Prince Albert to see a budding drama queen (in the best sense of the word) perform, supper with new friends, and now the daunting task of reading Book II of Gulliver's Travels so I can teach it tomorrow afternoon.
In a word, busy.
This week looks to be fairly hectic as well -- wasn't I saying the exact same thing, this time last week? (deja-vu, disturbance in the Matrix, recurrent life of a graduate student, take your pick...)
I'm looking forward to summer, at this point. Maybe then my life will slow down enough for me to breathe again.
ttfn.
|
|
|
|
|
I'm convinced that the sixth circle of hell is reserved for endless leg lunges.
Ow.
|
|
|
|
|
ARGH! They're now saying on the weather channel between 10-20 centimeters of snow in the next 2 days. Yuck.
|
|
|
|
|
Good news: Found money. Gathering some mail from my old place, I uncovered my Canadian tax refund from LAST year. Yay, money. It's not much, but it'll fund any weekend expenses.
Bad news: It's snowing. Again. I think this is Nature's way of toying with me -- she lets it be warm enough to melt all the snow and shows the grass JUST long enough to let it snow 10 more centimeters.
Grrrr.
[/disgruntled ex-Georgia grrrl]
|
|
|
|
|
Found through The Heresy:
 All new Plug'n'Pray religion kits. "Never has getting converted been so easy!"
Available in monothestic flavors: Christian, Jewish, and Muslim or in zesty Buddhist or Hinduist.
Why do you need this? According to the website:
Do you want to impress your new Jewish head manager? Has a new Taliban invasion been announced? Do you think your life as a good Christian is jeopardized? Would you like to become a Buddhist for a few hours to blend in at the trendy New Age dinner you are going to next week?
Changing your religion quickly and easily: choose a god and Plug'n'Pray allows you to pray through your PC. No more long and tedious conversion rituals.
Each box contains the software you need for a quick conversion. In the time of sudden changes, holy wars, and the making and breaking of new boundaries, Plug'n'Pray is the answer.
|
|
|
|
|
You are Optimus Prime!
Vast, red and ready to turn into a lorry at the slightest provocation, you are a robot to be reckoned with. Although sickeningly noble, you just can't resist a good interplanetary war, especially when Orson Welles is involved. You have friends who can shoot tapes from their chests. Tapes that turn into panthers. And other friends who are dinosaurs. Dinosaurs who jump out of planes. Will you have my children?
Tell the world you're an Autobot with the following non-heat-sensitive sticker:
Which Colossal Death Robot Are You?
Look, Ma! I'm "sickeningly noble."
|
|
|
|
|
Link clean-up. I've been so busy this week, I've ignored most of my RSS blogs/links/news distractions. Granted, some of them I visit every day regardless, geek that I am.
Here's some of the more interesting links to distract you:
Disney to make two Judy Blume books into movies. The hapless victims look to be Deenie and one of my favorites, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. ("we must...we must...increase our bust!") How long until Lindsey Lohan or Hillary Duff destroys (or worse, Disney-fies) one of these protagonists? Sigh.
Affleck interviews Kevin Smith. Jersey Grrrl to come out next weekend, yay! I still have *quite* the crush on Smith, self-admittedly. Warning, there is some J. Lo content in the interview, but thankfully it's at a minimum.
Why is the front section of your hair referred to as "bangs"? It's a Norse thing, apparently. I can already think of a couple questions of my own to send Ask Yahoo!
Speaking of Norse, my latest favorite myth -- The Valkyrie. Big warrior grrrls who determined which warriors lived or died on the battlefield. I can dig it.
The Corporation. The next movie I can't wait to come to Broadway.
The Exorcist in 30 Seconds, re-enacted by bunnies. Not nearly as scary as you'd think.
Ang and I both agree: complete crush. There's nothing like watching him rip into the Bush administration. Nothing.
Thou rank onion-eyed minnow! Get your own personalized Shakespearian insult here.
Looking for that gift for the hard-to-shop-for-person in your life? Might I suggest the Janet & Justin Super Bowl Halftime Show Barbies?
Reason #421 to eliminate red meat from your diet. Ewww.
|
|
|
|
|
I love that I can have lunch with a friend at a cafeteria which offers daily vegan choices (though I'd hardly classify myself as such), and then walk across campus to attend a funky art exhibit at the Kenderdine Art Gallery -- Tea and Gossip. Lovely!
It's also lovely that by the time I left campus this afternoon, it was much warmer than it was when I arrived this morning. It's lovely that I can see grass again, and step on puddles rather than sheets of ice.
It's (somewhat) lovely that I've decided on a topic for my religious studies paper/presentation that is due in a month. I would enlighten y'all, but it's still germinating in my head. In a nutshell (a very small nutshell), it's looking at the commonalities between the "emerging" fields and studies of rhetoric and religious studies. Emerging is definitely in quotes here, as both disciplines have ancient roots, but relatively recent pragmatic focuses. I'll leave it there for now, as I have to read Delwin Brown's Boundaries of Our Habitations: Tradition and Theological Construction for further clarification on where I'm heading.
And now, I'm ready to turn my mind off for an hour or so and watch the petty squabbling of Survivor All Stars.
ttfn.
|
|
|
|
|
"Thank You, Jack White (For The Fiber-Optic Jesus That You Gave Me)"
The Flaming Lips
Spoken- Let me tell ya a story about a very special gift I received from a, from a man that I didn’t know very well. But he brightened up the night and made it one of the great shining moments of our long tour.
Goes like this-
Backstage in Detroit
And the room is full of smoke and apprehension
We'd been playing shows
As the warm-up and the band for Beck Hanson
In walks Jack, says - "How'd ya do?" (Oh yeah)
Then he handed me this wonderful statue.
And I said, "Thank you Jack White
For the fiber-optic Jesus that you gave me."
It shined so bright
That I couldn't help believin' it would save me.
When I finally got it home
My whole neighborhood was aglow
And I said, "Thank you Jack White
For the fiber-optic Jesus that you gave me."
(Here comes the pick)
(Oh Yeah)
Jack and Meg are funny
They got a modern backwards-liberal family code
Brother and sister
Playing rock 'n' roll and doing it on the road
I bet that van begin to stink
But then I wonder - oh - what Christ would think.
I said, "Thank you Jack White
For the fiber-optic Jesus that you gave me."
It shined so bright
That I couldn't help believin' it would save me.
And when I finally got it home
My whole neighborhood was aglow
And I said, "Thank you Jack White
For the fiber-optic Jesus that you gave me."
(Nice one)
Happy Thursday, everyone!
|
|
|
|
|
Blog Potpourri
- Last night, after going to bed waaaaay past my bedtime, my night was filled with very strange dreams. Most of them centered around the Nokia Brier, for some reason. I have yet to find some (poor) soul to take me to this world-class curling event. Then again, I don't really care that much for curling, I'm more curious about the infamous "Brier Patch" than I am about the actual ice shuffleboarding event itself.
- One of these dreams concerns someone that I know for a fact hates me. There are very few people on this earth that I can count as despising me, but this person tops the list. Anyway, it was a very awkward dream, and a bit sad as well.
- Come to think of it, I've been having a lot of disturbing dreams lately -- I wonder what this is telling me about my subconscious.
- Walking to school this morning, in between slipping and sliding on the many ice patches, I was passed by a finely coiffured, highly flammable girl on her way to class. I'm amazed sometimes at the amount of effort people exert, just to go to class. Me, I'm lucky if I brush my hair and teeth in the morning before running out the door. If I'm really dressing up, I'll throw on some eyeliner. Some of these students put on quite the production, especially for a Thursday. Hmmm.
- The best thing about the Easter season, for a non-religious person such as myself? Hot Cross Buns, without a doubt. Yum. Not only that, but it reminds me of my early piano playing days, "one a penny, two a penny..."
- I will never win at Roll up the Rim. I think they know I'm American and deliberately give me the non-winning cups and then laugh while watching me struggle to see if I've won.
- I have a meeting with my Religious Studies prof in 20 minutes, and all I want to do is stay in the library, listening to this and thinking of more pointless things to say in this blog entry.
|
|
|
|
|
Life too busy right now to post.
Talk amongst yourselves -- I'll give you a topic ...
Becky, the graduate student, is not close to graduating NOR is she a very good student when it comes to managing her time with schoolwork.
Oy.
|
|
|
|
|
 Swinging Belleville rendezvous
Marathon dancing doop dee doo
Voudou cancan bal taboo
Au Belleville swinging rendezvous
Yep, I snuck off tonight to watch Triplets of Belleville.
Why, you ask? Especially when you have piles of work awaiting your return?
Well, I was in the mood for a surreal non-Disneyfied cartoon experience -- and I wasn't disappointed. It was quirky, creepy, catchy, and fun. Nice combinations, those.
Please leave all admonishments for my procrastination abilities in the comments below.
|
|
|
|
|
Guess who's coming to our campus pub on March 25th?
Matt & Mike Chapman, the creators of none other than Homestar Runner. There's all sorts of rumors flying over what they'll be talking about -- new projects, outtakes, etc.
I'm going, and I have a feeling that one of Saskatoon's newest bloggers will also be there.
Here's hoping it'll shiver with flavor!
|
|
|
|
|
As promised, pictures from our sushi adventure last night!
Wannabe sushi sous chef
Yum.
|
|
|
|
|
For some reason I found this comic hilarious.
It's part of a series of blog cards you can order -- though I don't think I've reached the level of geekiness that requires a business card with my blog's address. Yet.
|
|
|
|
|
Now here are some commercials that need to be shown about Bush. (requires Real Player)
This one is about our "#1 enemy in alphabetical order" and this one regards our "half full/half empty" glass foreign policy -- "George W. Bush says, 'It's my glass. Get your hands off my glass, or I'll break it and I'll cut you with the glass."
Rick Mercer. (enough said) :)
|
|
|
|
|
Okay, so L wrangled me away from my sociology readings in order to make sushi and watch the season premiere of the Sopranos. Hmmm, I'm realizing the amount of S's involved in that previous sentence -- sociology, sushi, season, Sopranos....
Anyway, it was time well spent, even though now I'll be up until ye wee hours of the morning reading (ugh). Tomorrow I'll have pictures to post of our california-roll-making-genius. So good, but now I'm so full. But, at least there's leftovers for tomorrow!
The Sopranos was good. I'm not quite sure why I like shows like these -- they're pretty brutal. Odd fascination, I guess.
Good procrastination devices ... like blogging when you should be finishing reading about Constructive Historicism.
ttfn.
|
|
|
|
|
A melancholy song for a Monday.
If I Were Brave
Shawn Colvin
All the happy couples on their way to New Orleans
Reminding me of when we got along
They're only renting time and space to fill up with their dreams
And dreams are what they'll have when they have gone
How could it be that I was born without a clue to carry on
And still it is the same now I am older
Armed with just a will and then this love for singing songs
And minding less and less if I am colder
But I have this funny ache and it's burning in my chest
And it spreads just like a fire inside my body
Is it something God left out in my spirit or my flesh
Would I be saved if I were brave and had a baby
It was never clear what would come next but that's the risk and that's the test
And you were the only one so far to follow
And no one talks about when one might stop and need to rest
Or how long you sit alone before you stop looking back
It's like you're waiting for Godot
And then you pick your sorry ass up off the street and
Go...
And what the hell is this? Who made this bloody mess?
And someone always answers like a martyr
Is it something you should know, did you never do your best
Would you be saved if you were brave and just tried harder
So now I ride the ought one thirtyfive to New Orleans
I float a mile above life's toil and trouble
A thousand lonely lifetimes I still wait and then go on
A clown to entertain the happy couples
|
|
|
|
|
Hello there,
It's with pleasure that I let you know that your paper has been
accepted for the 2004 CSSR conference May 30, 31 and June 1 here in
Winnipeg. I have done up a three-day schedule and am excited about the
range of papers I see there. For those of you who haven't attended a
CSSR conference before, it is an interdisciplinary, engaging, and lovely
group of people. I am also looking into arranging a boat ride on the
Assiniboine River for the CSSR social night --- I'll keep you posted.
I have recieved comments from the reviewers and will pass those along to
you later this week to help you revise and develop your paper. As for
the details of scheduling, I have sent the draft program to the CSSR
executive for their perusal and I will email that, too, over the next
couple of days once it has been approved.
Tracy
President, CSSR
EDIT: Looks like I'll be a part of the "Rhetoric of Non-Fiction" seminar on June 1st.
|
|
|
|
|
Warning: Crabby Grrrl Zone Ahead. (No Stopping)
Best part of the weekend: Hands down, Saturday night.
Worst part: Sunday night, around 8pm, with the realization that weekend is over and real life to begin again in 12 hours.
It's starting to be crunch time at university. Within the week I'll need to teach, finish marking papers, write an article review for Rhetoric, re-read complex sociology/religious studies articles, read Gulliver's Travels, pay my speeding ticket or figure out fine options, grocery shop, start my book review, and begin brainstorming my two papers/presentations that are looming.
After looking at that list, here's the option sounds the best to me, at this point: 
Think anyone would notice if I did that for a month? Probably.
|
|
|
|
|
So. sore.
I can't move any part of my body without feeling some type of muscle ache. Is it a bit sadistic of me to say that I enjoy that? Anyway, it reassures me that I'm heading down the right track.
That, plus after today's workout, my instructor complimented me on my form and said that she could really see a difference in my muscles. Woohoo!
This pile of student papers is calling out to me, but I don't want to respond. I tend to get a bit despondent about the quality of writing -- especially when a student refers to the author of Twelfth Night as Jonathan Crewe, who just so happens to be the editor of our version of the play. Shakespeare isn't mentioned ONCE in that entire paper. Sigh.
|
|
|
|
|
"Please Mister Postman, look and see
If there's a letter, a letter for me..."
Forget letters, lately I've been the recipient of packages! There's nothing like coming home to a big box to open. Tonight, after toiling at the gym, I came home to a box, complete with note from roomie:
"Becky . . . here is your 3rd fricken package this week!"
Heh. Today's package was from Mike, complete with a souvenir shirt from the 500, a #29 pin, a Nextel Cup series sticker, and a very smelly (in a good sense) Ginger Rejuvenating Body lotion. Yay, surprises!
This package is indeed my third one this week. The first one was from my aunt, which included a new Nascar fleece and Necco wafer egg candies and Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies. The second was my box from BUST.
Earlier this week I also received a certain aspiring filmmaker's second feature film dvd in the mail. I'm planning on screening that later this weekend.
|
|
|
|
|
Observation #211 from an American living in Canada: What is with Canadian contests?!
This week begins the annual Tim Horton's Roll up the Rim contest. Since I am admittedly addicted to their caffeinated beverages, this gives me several opportunities in a week to try my hand at winning.
For anyone else who's not in Canada and is not familiar with this contest, whenever you finish your hot beverage of choice from Tim's, you then have to roll up the tightly rolled rim of the cup to check and see if you won anything. Sounds like a cute idea, you think?
These rims are close to impossible to roll up. Why have this idea in the first place? Why not have a handy tear-off or something printed on the bottom of the cup?
True, there are more important things to be complaining about in the world right now, but I'm confused to why contests in Canada are such a pain to participate in.
So you've got your rolling up of hard paper/plastic to check to see if you've won -- and then you've got your flip-up-the-inner-label-inside-the-cap-of-your-Coke-bottle type of contests too. Back at home, you open your Coke, flip the cap upside down, and voila! It's printed right there to see if you won.
Here you have to dig your finger to release some type of insanely-difficult inner liner, flip that out, then read if you've won or not.
And the best thing of all, regarding Canadian contests -- the skills question you're forced to answer if you win. Hmmm, let me get this right -- in order for my to claim my free donut at Tim Horton's, I have to answer an addition, multiplication, and division question?
What's the point? Maybe it's a sneaky way of giving the public a standardized test... yeah, that's it.
[/end silly rant]
|
|
|
|
|
The quest for a summer job, continues. Today's application is for a Summer Camp Counselor for the Kid's Activities camps at the university this summer. The pay is fairly menial, I'm probably overqualified, but part of me really hopes I'll get this job. It would be fun to play outside all summer, and this time I wouldn't have to worry about running the whole stinkin' camp.
The other jobs I've applied for, at this point: Grounds Maintenance, along with half of the undergraduate population. I saw one of my students when dropping off the application, and he said "ooh, it would be really cool to work with you this summer!" I haven't heard anything back from this application, but again -- it would be a great job for the summer. Good money, working outside, good hours. We'll see how it pans out.
And I've applied for a position in the library, one of 15. Somehow this looks the most doubtful of all, but I've got to try to get what I can, since I can only work on-campus with my visa.
If all else fails, there's a shopping center off of campus that hires international students. I could always end up at Future Shop, Michael's, Canadian Tire, IGA, or [gasp] Burger King.
|
|
|
|
|
Oy. After a wonderful night out with one of my favorite people, a creme brulee and art house film, and also meeting yet another Saskatoon blogger (alexis, leave me your website address!) -- I come home to watch the latest propaganda advertising campaign from the Bush Adminstration.
Pop quiz, everyone . . . What one event in recent American history is our dear leader planning to exploit capitalize on? They know and aren't happy about it, either.
Unbelievable -- but then again, we all expected it, didn't we?
Cue the sappy music, the shots of ground zero, loads of uncontested terms ("freedom," "faith," "families," and "sacrifice"), violin music, a dutiful wife over his shoulder, and of course our American flag.
These commercials are just begging for rhetorical analysis. The sad thing is, I can only see these types of ploys increasing, the closer the election draws. After all, the Republicans should make the most out of their 2004 convention location ... while hoping that they can scare Americans enough to re-elect a certain Shrub.
I may be in Canada right now, but that doesn't mean my voice will be silenced or my vote not counted on November 2nd. This man needs to be stopped, especially before he drags us into any more preemptive, unsubstantiated wars.
|
|
|
|
|
Kenneth Burke, A Rhetoric of Motives
If, for instance, the church spire actually has been an image of aspirations "towards heaven," and if churchmen pay verbal tribute to the power of the supernatural, and if then on church property they erect business structures soaring far above their church, does not this combination of behaviouristic and imaginal tests require us to conclude that their true expression is not in their words, but in the conditions of steel and stone which are weightily there, to dwarf you as the church spire never dwarfed you, and to put you at the bottom of a deep, windswept gulch? Regardless of what they may say in their statements telegraphed worldwide by the news agencies, without gesture, without tonality, have they not, in their mixture of behaviour and image, really proclaimed that they live by a "post-Christian" order of motives?
If church spires mean anything, they must overtop the buildings that surround them. However, the opposition might point out: There are catacombs of religion, too. True, there is the underground.
In any case, we have again come upon an area where nonverbal things, in their capacity as "meanings," also take on the nature of words, and thus require the extension of dialectic into the nature of words, and thus require the extension of dialectic into the realm of the physical. Or, otherwise put, we come to the place where the dialectical realm of ideas is seen to permeate the positive realm of concepts. For if a church spire is a symbolic thing, then the business structure that overtowers it must participate in the same symbolic, however antithetically, as representing an alternate choice of action. Thus the ethical-dramatic-dialectical vocabulary so infuses the empirical-positive world of things that each scientific object becomes available for poetry.
|
|
|
|
|
In the Engineering building at school.
Know any candidates for lab rats? I can think of a couple...
|
|
|
|
|
Stupid
Sarah McLachlan
Night lift up the shades
let in the brilliant light of morning
but steady there now
for I am weak and starving for mercy
sleep has left me alone
to carry the weight of unravelling where we went wrong
it's all I can do to hang on
to keep me from falling
into old familiar shoes
how stupid could I be
a simpleton could see
that you're no good for me
but you're the only one I see
love has made me a fool
it set me on fire and watched as I floundered
unable to speak
except to cry out and wait for your answer
but you come around in your time
speaking of fabulous places
create an oasis
dries up as soon as you're gone
you leave me here burning
in this desert without you
how stupid could I be
a simpleton could see
that you're no good for me
but you're the only one I see
everything changes
everything falls apart
can't stop to feel myself losing control
but deep in my senses I know
|
|
|
|
|
Ever hear one line of a song that either makes your ears perk up or just sticks out in your mind? (either because it's catchy, meaningful, or silly?)
I'm collecting them. Here's my list so far:
"Everybody needs a bosom for a pillow,
mine's on the forty-five" [Brimful of Asha, Cornershop]
"Who got the love, who got the fresh-e-freshy
Who got the only sweetest thing in the world" [Hooch, Everything]
"This bed is on fire with passionate love
The neighbors complain about the noises above
But she only comes when she's on top" [Laid, James]
"I am smitten
I’ll do anything (I’ll do anything)
A kiss breath turpentine,
My crush with eyeliner" [Crush with Eyeliner, REM]
"I am extraordinary, if you'd ever get to know me
I am extraordinary, I am just your ordinary
Average every day sane psycho
Supergoddess" [Extraordinary, Liz Phair]
"Oh Celine Dion, you soft-rock my world." [Celine Dion Song, Arrogant Worms]
"Every Morning there's a halo hanging
from the corner of my girlfriends four-post bed" [Every Morning, Sugar Ray]
"Well, she was an American girl
Raised on promises
She couldn't help thinkin'
That there was a little more to life somewhere else" [American Girl, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers]
"But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'Cause nothing I have is truly mine" [Life for Rent, Dido]
"A public service announcement followed me home the other day,
I bade it nevermind, go away." [Bad Day, REM]
"Particle Man, Particle Man
Doing the things a particle can
What's he like, it's not important
Particle Man" [Particle Man, They Might Be Giants]
"Oh Jesse, paint you pictures, 'bout how it's gonna be.
By now I should know better, your dreams are never free.
But tell me all about, our little trailer by the sea.
Oh Jesse, you can always sell any dream to me." [Jesse, Joshua Kadison]
"Tell yourself you'll never be like the anorexic beauties in the magazines.
Like a bargain basement Barbie doll, no belle du jour, no femme fatale
Just tell yourself" [Tell Yourself, Natalie Merchant]
"The first cut is the deepest
Baby I know the first cut is the deepest
But when it comes to being lucky he's cursed
When it comes to loving me he's worst" [The First Cut is the Deepest, Cat Stevens]
And this one is for Angela, especially:
"Great West Wearhouse, Great West Wearhouse.
Great West Wearhouse, I love Great West Wearhouse." [very annoying local TV commercial]
Got any more to add to the list?
|
|
|
|
|
When I turned in my paper proposal for my Kenneth Burke class on Monday, I thought it was complete crap. I dreaded seeing my mark on it -- I knew I was heading down the wrong track. I'm finding that the more I read of Burke, the more I feel completely lost.
Sweet academic insecurity.
Anyway, I met with my professor today -- and was VERY surprised to learn she actually liked my proposal. In a class where I'm used to receiving rather mediocre marks (well, at least in my nerd-oriented mind), I made a 9 out of 10 on my proposal.
In case you're curious, here it is:
Identify the Critical Object:
Revolve: The Complete New Testament is the latest marketing venture from Thomas Nelson Inc., the self-proclaimed “largest publisher of Bibles and inspirational books in the English language.” Since its release in July 2003, the Bible-magazine has been a financial success and is already on its second printing. The editors of Revolve chose to surround the Biblical text with the framework of a fashion magazine, including special features ranging from beauty tips to advice columns to several segments entitled “Guys Speak Out.”
The implications of this format are worthy of rhetorical study – not only for the overt advertiser stance of its editors in pandering to their audience, but also for the disguised rhetoric embedded within its pages. I believe that Revolve borrows the rhetorical form of a teenage fashion magazine in order to express its message of religious consumerism. The excessive catering of audience appeal trivializes the sacred message of the Bible, and its implicit invitation to become the image of a “Revolve girl” make this discourse manipulative and rhetorically unbalanced.
State the Research Question:
As an artifact, Revolve is visibly rhetorical. A cursory glance at the text reveals
that there is more at work in the text than merely an updated translation of the Bible. The stated motives of the editors of “elevating” the Biblical text “to a new level of showing its relevance” are at odds with the actual text they have produced. Rather than reformatting the Bible into a more modern medium, the treatment of Biblical text in Revolve's pages is minimized through the use of the recurrent (and visually overwhelming) extra features.
Through my examination of Revolve, I hope to uncover some of the less obvious rhetorical strategies at work in the text. I want to take two of these recurrent extra features and do a close reading and cluster analysis of them to determine what message is being reflected, selected, and deflected to the reader. Doing a cluster analysis of these features will help to bring out not only the stated purposes of Revolve’s editors, but also the embedded purposes that are beneath the surface. There are several examples of enthymemes at work in the text; using a cluster analysis will help me to unearth how the text is functioning rhetorically.
Identify the Units of Analysis:
As I mentioned earlier, I plan to use a key terms and cluster analysis technique in order to get at the disguised rhetoric at work within Revolve. To uncover this rhetoric I’d like to examine in-depth at least two of the special features of the text. I am working on three of these features right now, and will write my paper on the two most productive; the three I’m in the process of analyzing are the "Beauty Secrets," the "Didja Know" statistics, and the "Guys Speak Out" segments. I believe that each of these features send a message to its audience, with the hopes of constructing the young girls into their vision of a “Revolve girl.”
I also want to examine how this text works in forming identification within its reader.
Kenneth Burke’s essay “The Rhetorical Situation” outlines three different forms of identification. I think that Revolve, at various levels, functions using these three “main heads” of identification. The deliberate deflection, selection, and reflection process of the text fuels this “religionizing” of consumerism, ultimately converting the reader not into a good Christian girl but rather a good consumer.
Suggest an Outcome:
Much of Revolve’s message centers around a message of conformity to an “ideal” of female behavior and attitude – yet instead of framing this ideal using Biblical principles, the editors construct their appeal around their own consumeristic and religious vision. In this paper I hope to show that the primary message in this discourse is one of consumption rather than spirituality. The editors work to carefully construct and instill a rhetorical vision of their own design within the readers of their Bible-magazine. By appealing to the human desire of identification, the editors of Revolve manipulate the appeal of the Biblical text for their own aims.
|
|
|
|
|
More fun flavors here.
|
|
|
|
|
L'Auberge Espagnole: "...where a year can change a lifetime."
Ang and I just got home from the Broadway. Tonight we watched the French/Spanish/English/Catalan/Danish/German film L'Auberge Espagnole (literally translated "euro pudding"). What a good show.
Broadway's description: L'Auberge Espagnole is the story of a young man who, through cosmopolitan adventures and comic tribulations, finds his own unexpected place in a mixed-up, multi-cultural modern world. Set in Barcelona, it follows 25-year-old economics student Xavier, who has journeyed there as part of an inter-European exchange program. Rising director Cedric Klapisch uses a kinetic high-definition digital camera that plays with time, rhythm, and space to reflect a year of wild parties, tumultuous love affairs, inspired friendships, sudden heartaches, and unexpected connections that add up to a new view of the future.
I went into the film expecting to enjoy it, but I didn't realize I would relate to it as much as I did. There's a scene when the main character turns away to board the plane to leave his home, and I could totally empathize with the feelings running through his head. That was me, a year and a half ago, leaving Savannah for the unknown wilds of Saskatoon.
It's an experience both terrifying and exhilarating.
Anyway, the film is a collage of sorts, melting together the lives of Xavier and his European roommates as they live and study in Spain for a year. There's more involved to the story than I could ever relate here -- and there were at least 2 separate parts in the movie where I almost stopped breathing I was laughing so hard.
The end of film, when Xavier returns home, is bittersweet. After living in Spain for a year, he returns "home" to Paris -- and then realizes he doesn't quite belong there as much as he once did. I guess this part rings true for me too -- because I realize that in about a year and a half, that's going to be me, returning back to the States. Except now, this is my home -- I'm not sure what I'll be returning to, once I'm through here.
But, that's another worry for another day. As Scarlett O'Hara says, "I'll worry about that tomorrow."
Hey, interesting tidbit from the film -- in the beginning of the movie, Xavier is naming off exotic names for him to learn to pronounce -- Massachusetts, Piccadilly, Xanadu ... and he actually says Saskatoon! It was funny, the whole movie audience gasped when we read our name in the subtitles.
I reacted the same way the first time I heard "Saskatchewan" said on the Sopranos. I'm a geek, for sure.
|
|
|
|
|
 Look what I've found to download! Does anyone else remember this show? I'm not sure if it's been classified yet as an official "cult favorite," but it is one in my book.
Here's one summary I found of the show, for those of you in the dark: Surreal comedy, reminiscent of NBC's Eerie, Indiana, in which a peaceful suburban neighborhood was a strange and skewed world as seen through the eyes of a preteen--in this case hyperactive "Little Pete" Wrigley. Strangeness abounded in the quiet town of Wellsville. For one thing Pete's teenage brother was also named Pete, for no particular reason. Don, his dad was a balding goofball obsessed by his lawn, and Joyce, his mom, had a plate in her head on which she could pick up police radio and other odd signals. Artie, the truly nutty neighbor, was a rubber-faced inventor who dressed in red tights and maybe really was a comic-book superhero. Certainly he was Little Pete's hero. Ellen was Big Pete's friend and Nonas the oddly perceptive little girl next door; only Big Pete, who narrated, was half normal. Nimbus was the family dog, and Petunia was Little Pete's bizarre tattoo. Parents, teachers, neighbors, school crossing guards, and others all acted illogically (as adults often do from a kid's point of view), but Little Pete's adventures usually worked out in the end.
I had *such* a crush on the older Pete. I remember loving this show, from its theme song to Artie the World's Strongest Man to the countless oddly named slushies (Orange Lazarus, anyone?).
So as I'm toiling away at school today, at home seasons 1 and 2 are diligently downloading. When they're finally done, I'll have yet another good reason to procrastinate.
|
|
|
|
|
Overkill
Colin Hay
I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know I'll be alright
Perhaps it's just imagination
Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day
Alone between the sheets
Only brings exasperation
It's time to walk the streets
Smell the desperation
At least there's pretty lights
And though there's little variation
It nullifies the night from overkill
Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day
I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications
Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know I'll be alright
It's just overkill
Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away
Ghosts appear and fade away....
Songs like this (and "Beautiful World") almost make me forget his Men at Work days. Well, almost.
|
|
|
|
|
More proposed Bush/Cheney stickers here.
Cool, in a geeky kinda way: Google mirror. "yckyL gnileeF m'I"
The "slightly condensed" Lord of the Rings. Now you can see all the reasons why it won 11 Oscars last night, in about a minute and a half.
Ooooh, interesting. Passion tickets bear 'mark of the beast'. ROME, Georgia (AP) -- Tickets at one movie theater screening Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" are being deemed decidedly unholy. The number 666, which many Christians recognize as the "mark of the beast," is appearing on movie tickets for Gibson's film at a Georgia theater, drawing complaints from some moviegoers.
The funny (ironic) thing about this is I've probably been to the theatre in question.
God Hates Shrimp. "Shrimp, crab, lobster, clams, mussels, all these are an abomination before the Lord, just as gays are an abomination. Why stop at protesting gay marriage? Bring all of God's law unto the heathens and the sodomites. We call upon all Christians to join the crusade against Long John Silver's and Red Lobster. Yea, even Popeye's shall be cleansed. The name of Bubba shall be anathema. We must stop the unbelievers from destroying the sanctity of our restaurants."
Mmmm, sacri-licious.
|
|
|
|
|
It's March already. 
I'm so behind in everything. EVERYTHING. (le sigh)
To distract me from my personal March Madness, here's a couple things experienced today that make me happy:
-- Movies: They're Not Worth It (Real Player required) Tonight's Monday Report was just what I needed after a "case of the Mondays." I *heart* Rick Mercer, truly. The link above goes to a spoof of the anti-piracy commercials of the MPAA. It's hilarious.
-- New Diet Coke with Lime. I had this with my supper tonight. It's not bad, and it takes a lot for me to like something diet, too. The girl at the Pita place said it reminded her of Bacardi and Pepsi, sans alcohol. It's not a bad taste, but it's pretty unbearable once it goes flat (as most sodas are).
-- Packages in the mail! Today I received these two shirts I ordered last week from bust.com. I rationalized my purchase as celebratory for getting my US income taxes refund -- but then again, they're so cute, who needs to rationalize?
-- I'm also expecting another package this week. I traversed Saskatoon in search of these McDonald's hockey trophies for my aunt in Chicago's boyfriend. Since I procured them all, he's sending me NASCAR goodies and a box of thin mints. Of course, I'll have to do a comparison study of Girl Scout thin mints versus Girl Guide mint cookies. That's my kind of science. :)
I'm planning on purposefully stranding myself in my office at school all week in order to catch up with everything. Here's hoping I get some headway.
|
|
|
|
|
|
