Every day, I will share something that makes me think 'Wish You Were Here.'

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

July 31/13

I have no respect for wimps who will turn on principle just to preserve their position.  I'm talking about the asshole Democrats in the Florida state Senate. 

In 2005, Florida was the first state to pass a Stand Your Ground law, and at the time, Les Miller, the then-Senate Democratic leader and all of his Democratic colleagues voted to pass the bill, despite having raised significant concerns while the bill was in committee.

Today, he said he regretted that vote more than any other he took in the Senate, and didn’t understand the law at the time.  The confusion came from the fact that the bill did not specify that you couldn't stand your ground just any old place.  It specified you could do so at your home, your car, or your temporary lodging, but didn't say those were the only places, nor did it outright say you couldn't do it anywhere else. 

And now, people have died because of the spineless wimps who raised the issue, but did nothing to amend the bill. 

Florida, you just keep doing it all wrong.  All wrong.

Better lawyers...

...Wish you were here.












Tuesday, July 30, 2013

July 30/13

Today's moment is just to remember Eileen Brennan who passed away at age 80.

Whether she was your Capt. Lewis, your Mrs. White, your Zandra, or a host of other memorably characters, she was always the gutsy broad who could go from soft-voiced drawling to screeching shrew in no time at all.

Rest in Peace, Eileen...

...Wish you were here.


Monday, July 29, 2013

July 29/13

Oh those Russians.

On the same day that headlines around the world are screaming "Pope: Who Am I to Judge Gay People?" and Twitter is absolutely lit up with tweets about his comments, news out of Russia just gets more and more dismal for the LGBTQ community there, and it's all coming to a head.

First of all, the Pope's word should be encouraging, and they are, but if you read behind the headline, what he is talking about is allowing openly gay men to be priests in the Catholic Church.  While a step in the right direction, it's hardly a ringing endorsement of accepting the LGBTQ community, and the idea is that priests, gay or straight, are supposed to be abstaining from sex, and therefore it wouldn't matter if they were gay or straight, because it's not like they get to act on their sexual orientation.  But still, I'll take it as positive, I guess.

And I need positive, because it's been a maddening week, with Vladimir Putin signing into law a bill in Russia that criminalizes public expression of support for LGBTQ relationships.  Those fuckhead Russian lawmakers were eager to point out that the law doesn't criminalize homosexuality itself, just talking about it in front of kids, but then the news broke that now, the Russians are working on legislation that would remove children from the home if either the parent or the child is, or is even just suspected of being, LGBTQ.  So, again, it wouldn't outlaw homosexuality, it would just...what?  Punish it in one of the most inhumane ways possible by tearing apart a loving family for no good reason?  Yeah.  That.

It's unclear what impact all of this will have on the Sochi Olympics in 2014, but already, there are calls from the internet for boycotts, and a lot of questions about what the law means for LGBTQ athletes, coaches, friends, families and their supporters who will be in Sochi.  Unless something is worked out, this will be a monumental clusterfuck.

Acceptance...

...Wish you were here.












Sunday, July 28, 2013

July 28/13

The new apartment doesn't have a storage locker on the premises, so we are now faced with the large task of de-cluttering.  Today, I made up my mind to tackle the office closet, which serves as a storage closet for us presently.  My goal was to reduce its contents by about 1/3. 

There were some puzzling items among the clutter which were noteworthy:

For some reason, my mother sent me our baby shoes.  If they were just my baby shoes, that would be one thing, but they weren't.  Safely wrapped in a plastic bag were a pair of my shoes, a pair of Karyne's shoes, and a pair of Daryl's shoes.  I'm not sure what I was supposed to do with those, but I can't get rid of them, so back into the memory box they will go.

As I was pulling my high school grad photo out of a frame that belonged to my Gramma, I was thoroughly surprised to find a studio portrait of one of my aunts and two of her daughters.  I guess when my thrifty Gramma received the picture, she had just put it in the frame and left the other photo there.  We didn't know this when we took it from Gramma's apartment after she died.

Noticeably missing from the closet was my set of dishes that I thought were in there.  When Etienne and I moved in together, we had many items of overlap, and we decided to use his dishes because they were nicer.  But at the time, I wanted to keep my set of dishes up in the closet instead of down in the basement storage locker in case we had a lot of guests and needed extra dishes.  I guess as the move proceeds, I'll find them, unless I donated them at some point and totally forgot.

By the time I put everything back into the closet (round two will happen another day), I had come pretty close to my goal.  We ended up with two full black garbage bags of stuff to sell or donate, several pictures, and an enormous pile of recycling.  And that was just from the stuff that I managed to go through.  There are a couple of boxes that I need to get to, but otherwise, I've done a good first cull.

A walk down memory lane...

...Wish you were here.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

July 27/13

It's been quite a day for the little things!

Last night, we heard that our application for the apartment was approved, so we now have a lot to do in order to prepare for the move.  It wasn't a process without some complication, as our current property management company has a really stupid policy about not providing tenant references until they get a notice to vacate.  So yeah, instead of being able to ensure we have secured a place to live first, we're required to kick ourselves out and race against time to find a place to live.  It's a bit backwards, and no property manager I've ever rented from has had that policy in place.  Even the leasing agent at the new place was surprised by it and found it a bit ridiculous.

This morning, we were up really early to take Purrball to the vet for a check up, and we are pleased to report that she passed with flying colours!  It's a big deal because we're just not ready to deal with the heartbreak of another sick cat.  As usual, Purrball charmed the vet with her cuteness, and the staff just adores her unusual name (for the record, her full name is Princess Purrball of Vegreville), so everyone leaves Purrball appointments feeling jolly, except Purrball, who is so anxious and freaked out.

Right after the appointment, Etienne and I went to a record store and picked up a few choice selections.  Among the take was Boney M.'s Nightflight to Venus.  Originally purchased for its kitsch value, it surprised me for some really astute lyrics.  I mean, the disco genre isn't exactly known for its depth and intelligence, but sometimes one is surprised.  While most of the songs are fluff about love and dancing, there are some great songs about history (Rasputin, Waterloo), employment (Car Wash), leisure (Kung Fu Fighting), and advice to young men (Y.M.C.A.).  It's depth, even if somewhat shallow.

So we popped on the Boney M. and settled in with books.  Etienne is making his way through a very entertaining graphic novel of Miguel Cervantes' Don Quixote, while I'm digging into World War Z by Max Brooks.  Damn, it's a good book.  The snippets of stories leave me wanting to know more, and that's the sign of some excellent storytelling.

Happy Saturday...

...Wish you were here.

Friday, July 26, 2013

July 26/13

It's the simple life again!

We're not doing much tonight, so I had the chance to just enjoy something really simple and pleasing: a bean and rice burrito, covered with shredded cheddar cheese, and a nice, cold Stella.  It's a meal that lacks pretension, it offers no more than the simplicity of its ingredients: refried beans, rice, and a plain burrito shell.  There are just no expectations to be met.

In a frantic, complex world, something the best things are the easiest.

Burritos and Beer...

...Wish you were here.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

July 25/13

Today we dropped off our application for a new apartment in the market.  It's a nice, upscale place with a gym, a rooftop patio and a nice little private courtyard.

I have mixed feelings about this.  While I'm happy to be moving to a newer building with better amenities, it is bittersweet because it means I'm still trapped in Ottawa for another year.  After we dropped off the application and documents, Etienne mentioned to me that he had had some questions about whether this means we're staying in Ottawa, and it just made my heart drop down into my stomach.

No, it doesn't mean that at all.

It's not like we're buying property.  A lease is relatively easy to break if need be, and its lack of permanence provides me enough comfort of mind to keep hoping that something works out and we'll leave Ottawa for a place better suited to us.  I know Etienne doesn't mind Ottawa, but he is also willing to move on with me if the right opportunities present themselves.

Those right opportunities...

...Wish you were here.

















Wednesday, July 24, 2013

July 24/13

Today, Canadian Blood Services and its Quebec counterpart, Héma-Québec, announced it has completed its transition to new rules that permit men who have had sex with men to donate their blood so long as they have not had sex with any men in the five years prior to the donation date.

Wow, congratulations, CBS/HQ!  It only took you five years to update your policy in such a way that its still virtually useless!

If you didn't already know, I did my Master's Capstone project on increasing Organ Donation rates in Canada, and blood and tissue donations from the category of MSM was a peripheral topic that I briefly discussed.  This was three and a half years ago now, but even at that time the evidence indicated that proper and thorough screening techniques could almost completely nullify the need for an indefinite deferral period.  Indeed, as it was pointed out in media reporting today, several other countries such as UK, have already updated their policies in light of new research, and now allow gay men to donate after a 12 month deferral period.  The policy change by CBS/HQ is so mealy-mouthed, I'm ashamed for them for looking so parochial. 

Before you start talking to me about the tainted blood scandal of the 80's and early 90's, I have two things to say:

1) I have a pony in this race, so to speak.  In what turned out to be a truly heartbreaking day in mid-October 1994, as I was reeling from the death of two peers in Yellowknife, my mother informed me that her cousin's son had died.  He was a hemophiliac, and he became infected by tainted blood in the 80's after a blood transfusion.  His mother still grieves his death, and it was imprinted in my memory because it was the third death I had to grieve that day.  I advocate safety and control of the blood supply as strongly as the next guy, but I'm cognizant that the research bears out findings that a five-year deferral is just overzealous and, in policy terms, a real turkey.  The rate of increase in donors is ever so marginal that it begs the question of why even bothering.

2) CBS/HQ were created out of the scandal at the Canadian Red Cross, with a mandate to pursue thorough and comprehensive screening of the blood supplies, particularly in light of the significant gaps in knowledge about HIV and Hepatitis C at the time.  Their work is far more rigorous than the previous regime, and there have been enormous strides in both screening technologies and our knowledge about blood-borne infections like HIV and Hepatitis C.  It's a stronger system, and that should give us enough confidence to validate the findings in other countries with similarly high standards and quality controls.  This overly-conservative 5-year policy is hardly confidence-boosting.

There's still much work to be done...

...Wish you were here.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

July 23/13

Oh boy.  You'd think I would be used to it.

Quick geography refresher:

Yellowknife = Northwest Territories.
Whitehorse = Yukon Territory.
Yellowknife ≠ Yukon Territory.
Yellowknife ≠ Whitehorse.

At the same time as a woman I follow on Twitter was lamenting that people she was visiting down south asked her how she liked living in Whitehorse (she lives in Yellowknife, and I only wish I was exaggerating about the timing), a colleague on my new team at work was asking me if I couldn't just drive down to BC while I'm visiting Yellowknife, since it's right there.  I truly did my best not to come off as a snotty bitch as I informed him that was Whitehorse...I'm not sure I succeeded.

Not everyone is good at geography.  I know.  But this stuff is practically beaten into our childish minds in grade 3.  We can all remember the constant drilling until everyone in class could repeat the capital cities for each  of the 12 (now 13) provinces and territories, and point out each place on the blank maps handed out to us.  I guess when it comes to the North, things get a little slack in the memorization department.

There are already some hiccups in the relationship with this colleague, and I am working on ways to manage these issues to ensure a smoother working relationship for the team, but christ almighty, throw me a frickin' bone here, dude! 

Count to 13, Fancy...

...Wish you were here.

Monday, July 22, 2013

July 22/13

This is a Vanity alert: read no further if you don't want to hear me brag on my mad shopping skillz and the second most-challenging item for women to purchase: the bathing suit.

So, if you know me in real life, you know I tended to be on the rather thin side as I grew up.  Some of the less-kind remarks about my frame were "Bag of Bones" "So skinny you make me sick" "Anorexic Bitch" and a rather unflattering, humiliating remark about my chances at a future career in modelling at my Grad dinner (side note: about ten weeks later, I declined a modelling scout's offer...go figure.) for good measure.  Okay, I got the point, and I think you do too.

Anyway, as chance would have it, I ended up working in a swimwear store for several months, where I learned that, aside from bras, bathing suits are the second worst item for women to shop for, due to our brutal self-consciousness.  It was no less an awful experience for me too, when we'd have to try on the merchandise so we would know what selling points we could try out.  It was brutal, hearing those old awful remarks ringing in my ears.

But before this turns into an all-out boo-hoo, poor-pitiful-me post (too late?), working in the store sure taught me a thing or two about shopping for the right swimwear.

For instance, most women make the same mistake: in an effort to minimize the hips, they go for the low-cut leg when they should be looking for a higher-cut to lengthen the legs and draw attention to the vertical instead of the horizontal.  I know that it's instinct to go for the low-cut leg to hide more of the skin though, so I could only discuss the high-cut option and remind customers that what's best for them is what they feel most comfortable in.  I also know that tummy control can be a frigging lifesaver for some, while strategically-placed extra-padding can go a long way for others.  Let's face it, none of us will ever be entirely happy with our bodies, but there are little tricks to helping us feel more confident.

In the last few years, I've put on some weight, and while I'm good at hiding it, the abdominal area is a growing concern (pun alert).  I'm still thin, but now I've got some truly unflattering, flabby rolls.  You know those colourful, stackable Fisher Price plastic rings with the yellow pole that we all had as infants?  Yeah.  That.  It's not exactly the kind of body I want to show off in my bikinis, so tonight I decided to try some one-piece suits.  I'm 34, and while that's still quite young, it's also getting on time that I'm starting to feel ridiculous in cutesy little two piece suits.

Well, I grabbed a lot of suits, and quickly remembered how the wrong cut and detailing could flatten my chest right out!  I looked like a pear.  Rookie mistake, Fancy...forgetting your training.  Well, I gathered myself and all the offending suits, and headed back out on the floor to try again.  A new armload of suits later, I headed back into the torture chamber fitting room, and damn if my old tips and tricks for swimsuit shopping didn't yield the desired results, and I ran into the opposite problem of having too many options to choose from.

It's taken about 15 years, but I finally learned to rock the one-piece.

Where's the beach!?

Love yourself...

...Wish you were here.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

July 21/13

Today was just a lazy day.  I caught up on some things, did some reading, and did little that matters to anyone outside of the walls of our little home. 

Sometimes, you just need those days to let your batteries recharge.  I know I do, because there has been some goofy shit happening in the world lately, and it's necessary to disengage for a bit in order to preserve the sanity.

Sunday, my "I don't have to run" day...

...Wish you were here.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

July 20/13

I haz a Zombie Gnome.






Do you haz a Zombie Gnome?

I do.

You should see it...

...Wish you were here.

Friday, July 19, 2013

July 19/13

Planet Earth is capable of some pretty freaky shit.  If you've ever lived through the terrifying destruction of a hurricane, earthquake, tsunami, tornado, volcano eruption, landslide, or just about any other atmospheric or geologic event, you know that these events can be just...awesome in their fury.  Hell, even a good thunderstorm is enough to freak some people out.

This afternoon, Ottawa was under a tornado warning, and around 3 pm, the skies over Hull darkened quickly, and the wind and rain lashed about furiously.  At one point, the wind was actually blowing the rain up instead letting it fall down.

And just like that, it was over, at least where we were.

I looked at the sky around us, and I knew there wouldn't be a tornado around Hull or downtown Ottawa.  The sky didn't have that ghoulish greeny-black tinge to it that I've seen in Alberta whenever we were under a tornado watch or warning there.  Not that the sky absolutely has to look that way before a tornado strikes off in the distance, it's just a purely anecdotal observation that I've made over time when I lived in tornado alley. When I saw that sky, I knew a twister was likely in the vicinity.  Today, it was just...dark.

The wind and rain picked up periodically into the early evening, but just like that, the threats flashing red on the weather sites came and went with little to show for it. 

I'm going to sound awfully ghoulish myself, but I'm a sucker for a good storm.  I'm enthralled by the power of big storms and the reminder they serve us of just how inconsequential living things are in the face of the forces of nature.

I never want people or animals to be harmed by these events (unless they are fish.  I said it, so what.), but when it happens, it's a powerful reminder that we're so vulnerable, despite our advances.

Stay safe all...

...Wish you were here.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

July 18/13

Let's file this one under "why must ignorance run so rampant?"

I don't do Tumblr, in fact, I don't even know what it's about really, and I'm just as uniformed of Pinterest. Google+, and just about all other social media sites sweeping the internetz.  I'm generally okay with that, as it takes a lot of energy just to keep up with Facebook memes of kitties and my social-angst-driven Twitter feed, but I gathered today that I miss some things by not being more involved with other social media.

For instance, my friend Gail At Large found and tweeted this Tumblr of just monstrous ignorance on display.  A Hispanic artist with some crossover success and a strong following in the Caribbean countries that supply a large percentage of players to the modern ranks of the Major League Baseball, Marc Anthony was invited to sing God Bless America at yesterday's All-Star game.  Marc Anthony is New York born and raised to Puerto Rican parents.  Puerto Rico is an American Territory.  So he's pretty much got this whole being-Americanthing down pat.

The part my brain has the most trouble processing isn't the racism itself; it's ugly, incomprehensible and inexcusable in and of itself, and I don't think I need to beat that dead horse any more than I already have.  No, the part that I can't understand is this: how is it possible that, in the age of the internet, wi-fi capable smartphones, and Google or Bing or Yahoo, someone has the time to tweet his or her dislike of a person of Hispanic descent for not being 'Murican, and yet not have the time to Google the guy and find out that he is 100% American, just like them?  Really, internet?  Really?

So these people get a big old Gold Star for displays of ignorance, not once because of the hate-filled racist garbage they spewed, but TWICE because their displays of ignorance could have appeared "smarter" with just one wee-widdo, teeny-tiny search on the internet.

Folks, NOFX called it in 2003, and it's just as true today...Idiots are taking over.


A cure for stupidity...

...Wish you were here.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

July 17/13

Sometimes I'm lucky enough to experience those moments when I'm reminded of cultural considerations that are not my own.  I'm generally aware of the dangers of being ethnocentric and do my best to keep an open, objective mind (Marilyn and Stacy would be pleased to know I was paying attention!), but sometimes I'm rewarded for my diligence with a reminder to really think outside of the norms.

Today, I learned that a brand of personal lubricant was recently certified as Kosher!  And to be honest, while I'm aware of Kosher and the general idea of its significance, but I honestly and truly never once gave any thought to the need for a personal lubricant to be Kosher.  I have a Jewish director, so I am more alert to Kosher foods and beverages, but lube?  Now that's a new one for me.  And I gather that...well, there would be a need for it, given that these are products that...well, can certainly...pass the lips.

So thanks world, for reminding me that I'm sometimes a little too deep into my own bubble.

More reminders like this...

...Wish you were here.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

July 16/13

Okay, if you are a regular reader or know me in person, you know that I don't suffer assholes lightly.  So when I hear stories like this, it just baffles me how this stupid shit like this still happens...

A group of Deaf patrons are suing Starbucks after they were mocked and almost removed from a store in New York.  I don't actually blame Starbucks for the incident, these were clearly the actions of some really fucking dumb "partners" who need to learn a thing or two about treating people with courtesy and dignity.

The incident in question is that a group of about a dozen deaf patrons gathered at this Starbucks for a monthly meeting.  First the "partners in question mocked the patrons for their speech impediments, and then as if that weren't enough humiliation, the staff tried to call the police to remove the party.  The police responded and actually took the time to reprimand the staff for their utter stupidity.

Seriously, how the fuck does this kind of things still happen anymore?  How fucking ignorant do you have to be to pull this kind of shit?  And worse still, what kind of a cruel and vindictive person do you have to be to even consider doing this?  Because I'm thinking that's the case here...someone is very afraid of what he or she doesn't understand, and will lash out because it's easier to hate than it is to take the time to understand.

Respect for human dignity...

...Wish you were here.

Monday, July 15, 2013

July 15/13

I'm afraid I'm having a tough one today.  Between the heat, the stress at work, and the non-stop schedule over the last couple of weeks, I'm worn down and vulnerable.  So when Etienne put on Frankenweenie to watch, I had a sick feeling that I couldn't do it.  I know only the basic plot of a boy's dog dies and he brings it back to life, but I guess I'm still a little heartbroken from losing Max, so I'm afraid I just lost it when the dog dies. 

I quickly excused myself and took refuge in the air conditioned bedroom once more (I swear, I'm becoming a hermit in my little cave), and tried not to think about that horrible day when I said goodbye to my baby boy.

You might think me indulgent because I'm still mourning for a cat, but honestly, that cat has been my near constant companion for more than a decade, and he's been in my life for 16 years.  That's not something you just walk away from. 

Babyhead, I miss you so much...

...Wish you were here.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

July 14/13

It's the last day of Bluesfest 2013, and the major headliner was B.B. King.  And we tried.  We really tried.  We got to the grounds early enough to catch some of Alice in Chains, and I was just delighted to hear that it was a good show.  I feared it wouldn't be, as it often the case when one member of the band takes the name and the music and runs with it, but they rocked the fucking joint!  We had hoped to stay through Serena Ryder and catch Mr. King, but two things just defeated us in the end: the fact that we were melting (no hydration could save us), and the fact that I was just so tired, listless and cranky from the heat and humidity we've been struggling through. 

In the end, we didn't even make it two full songs into the Serena Ryder show before we bailed.  We went to the swag tent to buy an AIC t-shirt, Etienne bought some records from the record shack that had been set up throughout the festival, and we headed out.  On the way, we ran into my friend S. and her boyfriend, and we turned over our festival bracelets to them to get in and enjoy.  Hey, if we couldn't enjoy, someone might as well!

We went for dinner at Johnny Farina, and stumbled home, where I've taken refuge in the bedroom with the air conditioner and an ice bag.  Why society won't just let me roll up to the festival in a bikini if it's going to be that fucking hot, I don't know.

We had the best of intentions, Mr. King...

...Wish you were here.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

July 13/13

When entertaining out-of-town guests, it's important to wear good shoes.

This morning, we were up and at it early because we were meeting Sergio for brunch.  Sergio is a friend of Etienne's who is here in Canada for English classes.  He decided to pass through Ottawa, so we arranged to hang out and show him around.  This was tricky because Sergio's okay with doing pretty much anything.  If I knew someone was into art and history, I'd know what to plan.  Partying?  Yep.  Sports?  Yep.  Outdoor pursuits?  Here's a map f Gatieau Park, knock yourself out!  But if you are cool with just any old thing...well, then I worry that I'd be imposing my own interests on you.

After some back and forth, we got a plan together...sort of.  After brunch, we walked by the canal and through Major's Hill Park before crossing the river into Gatineau to see the Museum of Civilization in Hull.  I discussed a little about Canada's hostory and the lives and cultures of the Aboriginal groups in Canada while Etienne pushed any and all buttons available.  I swear, boys in museums are all the same!

After the Museum, we walked back into the Market for some cake, at which point I learned from Etienne that Sergio was constantly made fun of for ordering the girliest items on menus.  He ordered some kind of raspberry cream cake with a lemon lime Italian Soda, bypassing the more manly coffees and dark chocolate desserts.  As if to prove a point, we next went to the Black Thorn patio, where he ordered two very girlie drinks...something about a peach followed by a Pink Lemonade.  After that, we went for Mexican before coming back to our place to Etienne could show off the MLS, and more specifically, the Montreal Impact, while I took to hibernating in the air conditioned bedroom.  But it was still early when the game ended, so then what?

Back out into the streets once more, we headed to the Fox and Feather on Elgin to take drinks on the patio, but that wasn't especially exciting, so we went across the street to MacLaren's to play pool and have some laughs at our sad pool-playing skills.  And it was there that our night ended.

Now you see why I recommend good shoes!  In all, it was close to 12 hours of walking, eating and drinking, so needless to say, I'm quite tired, and ready for bed.

If you come rolling into town, we will do our best to show you a good time, with or without the girlie drinks and desserts!

Come on down...

...Wish you were here.

Friday, July 12, 2013

July 12/13

Okay people, earlier in the evening, Brent's girlfriend asked me what my favourite moment of Bluesfest was so far, and I was quick to answer that seeing Belle and Sebastian was the highlight.  You just leave their shows smiling and feeling upbeat.

After tonight's show, I tweeted to her a correction.

Balkan Beat Box.

This group is so awesome, and their music has this way of making everyone move.  Even Etienne.  Normally he doesn't move around a lot at a show, but even he was caught swaying his hips a little and jumping, because this music is so lively and infectious, you can't really stop yourself.  By the end of the show, I was dead tired and sore, but it was a fun experience, and I would see them again in concert in a stone cold second.

Of course what is my festival experience without a complaint about the crowd around me...or more specifically, the wine-drunk, annoying-ass, suburban, late-40's mom-whose-kids-have-flown-the-nest woman who managed to stumble her drunk ass in front of me (and I was quite close to the stage this time), and proceed to sway about, eyes closed, drunkenly "dancing" herself right back into me every 30 gawddamn seconds, and who didn't get the hint that I was there, constantly moving back to get away from her, as she just kept pitching backwards into me.  She was like a fucking magnet, I'd move, she'd find me and shove her low-hanging purse against my bare legs, leaving me with purse burn.  And she was wearing those soft foam rubber earplugs, so I have no idea how her drunk, plugged ears could even make any sense of the music.  I'm actually guessing that she didn't.  She just swayed and stepped like some zombie.

Still, the drunk nightmare aside, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience that just narrowly beat out how much fun I had watching Belle and Sebastian.

If you\ve never heard of BBB, they are an American-Israeli ensemble that does this chill, gypsy punk, electro music with a heavily Eastern European/Middle East flavour.  Very talented.



More BBB in our music programming...

...Wish you were here.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

July 11/13

Well, I'm sorry to report that today, it's all about bad moods...matching His and Hers.

Things have been quite intense at work this week, and I thought that today there would be resolution on a file, but instead, I was treated to a snarky upbraiding by a colleague due to a miscue that I was not directly involved in.  I don't work with this colleague often, but generally when I do, it's a good working relationship.  Well, after today, it's going to take a lot of effort on my part to not throw this colleague's behaviour right back at said individual's face when seeking my input or cooperation.  I'm a professional, so I would never do anything to stonewall or hold up the work, as Canadians rely on the work I do, but as far as my courteousness in future dealings, that depends on my strength of will and this person's ability to perform a mea culpa for the way I was treated.

Meanwhile, the sports world was shocked by the news that Ilya Kovalchuk's announcement that he was retiring from the NHL to go play in the KHL.  This would not be anything but a footnote in our lives if not for the fact that Etienne had performed a major trade in his NHL fantasy keeper league to get Kovalchuk not long ago, and now he's genuinely fucked out of a shot at the money this year, so by the time he came to get me at the end of the day, he was in quite a state.

I'm afraid neither of us was in any state to help the other, so we did what we do best, we went to the record store and the pub and spent our way into a better mood.  Or tried to, at any rate, because I'm not feeling better because I'm not in a position to be buying anything.

Tomorrow...

...Wish you were here.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

July 10/13

I'm exhausted and a little creeped out by all the identifiable bugs at the show tonight, but it's worth putting out there before I surrender to sleep's tight grip that Weezer is just so fucking awesome.

They headlined at Bluesfest tonight, and each time I see them in concert, I'm happier than the last.  So many good songs tonight, but I'll leave you with my favourite video, the Spike Jonze version of Island in the Sun.



Hip, Hip...

...Wish you were here

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

July 9/13

Sometimes, you just can't believe the absurdities of life.

On the bus ride home from work, I'm usually on my phone, checking the social media sites, and while I see a lot of mundane things and things that are easy to pass over, today, one post by my friend Chris caught my eye.  His post, a link to an article, was headlined by a comment: "So, I'm not allowed in Legoland because I don't have kids? But, but, I think their robotics stuff is awesome :( :("

What?  So naturally, I clicked in the link: Legoland dream dies for man, 63, over rule that adults must be accompanied by kids, which explained how a ridiculous policy by Legoland got in the way of the dreams of a poor, sick Lego enthusiast because he didn't bring a child.  His treatment by the staff at Vaughn Mills' Discovery Centre was heartbreaking, and quite frankly the response from the PR lady was a little patronizing and inconsiderate.  One adults-only night a month?  Get real.

What I don't get is why the fuck does this ridiculous rule about having a child even exist?  I don't buy that it's there to protect families and kids...protect them from what or who?  From the bitter, piteous presence of those of us who are childless, either by choice or by circumstance?  If you're going to argue that the rules are there to stop pedophiles and hebephiles, that's not going to cut it either, as most abusers are family members or friends of the family, so unless you're going to start conducting diagnostic phallometry testing on each male adult who enters the building, they sure aren't doing much in the way of protection for those families and kids.

If those psychos at Disney don't even implement this policy, I don't see why Legoland should.  If that kind of policy worked, I suspect visits to Disney parks, Universal Studios parks, zoos, aquariums, waterparks, and minigolf courses  would see a significant dent.

Get the fuck over yourself, Legoland...

...Wish you were here.

Monday, July 8, 2013

July 8/13

I'm breaking my embargo on talking about work-related things, but only to raise awareness about a valuable program to prevent layoffs in Alberta and Manitoba due to the flooding.

You may have noticed my silence on Alberta's floods and the situation there even though I have a handful of friends who were directly impacted (though thankfully all who were evacuated returned home to dry, unaffected homes), and that's because over the last two weeks, I was working furiously to get approvals to implement a disaster response from the Work-Sharing program.  Ever since the morning of June 21st when I watched the absolutely astounding flooding in Calgary, a city I know and like, I've been putting in long hours and commanding a lot of attention up the chain and as of Friday evening, I am happy to say our efforts were successful.

If you are in Alberta or Manitoba, your community was under a state of emergency, and your business has been affected by the flooding to the point that you are considering layoffs, please contact Service Canada to get information on whether you could qualify for a Work-Sharing agreement.  From the Government of Canada (I did not write this):

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1195461/harper-government-helps-local-businesses-and-employees-affected-by-floods-through-work-sharing

HIGH RIVER, AB, July 7, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Minister of State (Finance), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, announced that the Harper Government has approved the use of special measures under the Work-Sharing program to assist employers and workers temporarily affected by the flooding in Alberta and Manitoba. Over 1 700 workers at Cargill Limited will benefit from Work-Sharing as the company restarts operations following the unprecedented floods.

"Our Government remains committed to supporting hardworking Canadians and businesses alike," said Minister Menzies. "By easing access to the Work-Sharing program, we are helping avoid unnecessary layoffs and additional hardship for people already impacted by this catastrophe."

Work-Sharing is designed to help companies facing a temporary downturn in business avoid layoffs by offering Employment Insurance Part I income support to workers willing to work a reduced work week while their company recovers.

Employers like Cargill Limited that are located in communities where a state of emergency has been declared and that are experiencing a temporary shortage of work due to the flooding may benefit from these measures, which involve waiving certain program criteria to enter into an agreement. Eligible employers in affected areas have until September 27, 2013, to apply for an agreement involving these special measures.

For more information, please contact your local Service Canada Centre. Further information on Work-Sharing can be found at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/work_sharing/index.shtml.

SOURCE: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

For further information: This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Jan O'Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

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IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

Some peace of mind for those affected...

...Wish you were here. 

Sunday, July 7, 2013

July 7/13

Let's call this one "Fancy avoids a fight."

Tonight at Bluesfest, our major draw was the Wu-Tang Clan.  Evidently, it was a draw of some sort for a lot of people...lots of young people.  There weren't a lot of blue Alcohol ID bracelets in the crowd.  This year marks the 20th anniversary of WTC's first album, and no kidding, that album is older than about 40% of the crowd.  And it was a very, very white crowd...disturbingly suburban, pasty white crowd.  And while I expected an ass-load of pot in the crowd, what I didn't expect was the barely-legal foursome beside me snorting Meth before and during the show, and that made me really sad.  These kids looked like recreational users, but all I could think was "Well, this won't end well for you."

And it nearly didn't for one of the foursome, a tall, gangly, pasty-white man-child with sharp elbows and a shitty sense of space (even when sober).  That kid elbowed me so many times that by half way through the show, I was physically forcing myself not to open my mouth or else words to the effect of "If you hit me one more time, I'll fix your fucking face." would come out streaming out of my face in a profanity-laced tirade.  I try to go by the good old golden rule of human decency: treat others as you would want to be treated.  After the fifth or sixth hit, it was clear to me that this kid wanted to be treated like a punching bag.

Thankfully, at that point, he started to put space between us, and I was able to continue watching with only mild annoyance at all the twats who were pushing through the crowd to get closer for no good reason.  There were a couple of points when I started to verbally confront some of these jerks.

We had considered sticking around for the Tegan and Sara show later in the evening, but I knew my testosterone level was probably approaching critical, as was my temper, so we split instead and gave ourselves a break from the festival.

Concert crowds can be such assholes...

...Wish you were here.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

July 6/13

We were just spoiled by musical talent tonight, and it was really more indie than most of the other nights we had planned to come out.

We arrived in time to catch the end of Amadou & Mariam, a very popular Senegalese act, and they remind me how lazy I am when it comes to World Music.  I genuinely do like a lot of World Music, particularly from the Latin, Afro or Caribbean genres, but I don't buy any because I'm so ill-informed about what's good that I feel like I would just look like a poser or something.  I had some French hip hop that came via the collection of the Backpackers in Australia (c. 2010), but I got teased about it and told that one of the bands was not good at all, so despite liking it myself, I deleted those files.

We then moved on to catch some of Fitz and the Tantrums, who are just a fun group.  They have more of a streamlined pop kind of sound, but their enthusiasm is infectious, and you just like watching people who are so happy about what their do.  We didn't make our way over to the Neko Case show on the Bell stage because even though it's a big name, it's just not our cup of tea.  Besides, we had to stake out our spot for the next indie band we came to see, Belle and Sebastian! 

B&S are such a solid, talented group of performers and artists, and they genuinely love doing these upbeat, friendly shows.  Stuart Murdoch is a natural entertainer who charms the crowd so easily, and if you don't leave a B&S show grinning, there is something seriously out-of-sorts for you.  I know it's a little unexpected for an atheist like me to enjoy the unmistakeable religious undertones to some of the lyrics, but they are written in a way that isn't pushy or assuming...they offer an insight into the mind of someone who has faith but also questions and isn't entrenched.  What I like about it is that it's thoughtful.  Just brilliant!  If you haven't heard anything by them, I suggest you stop right now and head right over to YouTube so you can hear the delightful sounds of this band. 

After the upbeat show put on by B&S, we were a little late in catching Sharon Van Etten because she was on the River stage, a hike from the rest of the festival grounds, and we were fighting the enormous Dixie Chicks crowd all the way, but wow, what a change in gears!  Where B&S are upbeat and sweet, Sharon's talent is deep, soulful, and a bit hard-edged, which you might not expect from the sweet, adorable little mite on stage.  She was so grateful and kept apologizing and thanking us, you just wanted to run up there are hug her.  But when she played a song, it was a phenomenally different person--raw, talented, emotional and filled with hard guitar and haunting vocal backing tracks.  One of the last songs she played, she told us she had written for a guy who told her she couldn't write music, and it was...intense.  That girl can write music.  I would think that if you were to get inside her head while she writes, you would be awed and haunted by what goes on in there.

To the indie rockers!

...Wish you were here.

Friday, July 5, 2013

July 5/13

Tonight, it's She & Him.

'She' is the full-throated cutie Zooey Deschanel, and 'Him' is the talented M. Ward, and they are appearing in Ottawa for the first time ever!

I get that Ottawa's not exactly an exciting destination for some of the better-traveled bands in the world; at Bluesfest 2010, Metric played and looked quite bored and lackadaisical.  They still did a good show, but it showed that they weren't happy to be playing in the full heat and sun of a very hot Saturday evening in a city that is not as exciting as other tour stops.  That year, Etienne went to Osheaga music festival in Montreal, and he reported that Metric were considerably happier and more into the show, which is understandable because they were based out of Montreal for a time.

It kind of felt the same way for She & Him.  Again, good show, that group is very talented and have solid chops, but the back-up singers hopped around and clapped along with what appeared to be a dutiful manner rather than a genuinely happy one, and Zooey was somewhat disengaged from the large audience that came out to see her because she's so darn cute.  M. Ward looked somewhat indifferent unless he was actually playing the music, when he genuinely got into his craft.  At times, it was a bit awkward, but they still did a great set, and it was a real treat to hear 'You Really Got a Hold on Me' under the stars.

Come on back and see us again, She & Him...

...Wish you were here.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

July 4/13

We'll start with the pleasantries...if I have any American readers, I hope you've had a nice Independence Day.  Also, it's Ottawa Bluesfest for the next 10 days, so I apologize if many of the posts over that time are about musical acts or the festival experience, and you have no interest.

Tonight, it finally happened.

On my third try, I was finally, finally successful in seeing The Black Keys in concert.  They came to Bluesfest back in 2011, and we were ready to go, but before the show could begin, a thunderstorm blew in and after waiting more than an hour for it to be safe enough to go on (lightning and electrical concerns), we left, drenched, cold and tired.  They went on about 10 minutes after we left.  Then they embarked on a tour last year, and while Etienne went on an odyssey down to Cleveland with the boys for the BK show there, I wasn't able to get tickets to any of their Canadian shows, no matter where they were playing. 

When I saw they were coming back to Bluesfest this year, I decided come hell or high water, this was happening, and I wasn't let down.

Unfortunately, Lebreton Flats isn't the ideal ground for staging an outdoor show because the ground is indeed flat, there is no inclination to help the less tall among the crowd.  We staked out an okay spot in the middle, but then five self-absorbed teens butted in front of us, all but one taller than me, and the one shorter than me had enough hair to obstruct my view.  So I spent most of the concert hearing the show, but not seeing it.  Next time I do this properly...in an actual concert venue and sharp elbows to get at anyone who tries to butt in.

The other minor downside to tonight was that The Cat Empire was also playing in the time slot before the BK, but they were on a stage that required a hike away from the main festival grounds, so as much as I wanted to stay and watch their full show, we had to leave pretty early to walk over and stake out a decent spot for the BK show.  It's too bad because I really enjoy The Cat Empire.  They do a great blend of musical genres that always have you tapping your toe unless you are the grumpiest bastard ever.

It's a halfway decent line-up for this year's Bluesfest, so here's to hoping for more nights of good shows from great bands!

Bluesfest...

...Wish you were here.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

July 3/13

It's a bit of a running joke/established fact that people won't sit next to me on the bus.  For years in Edmonton, it would be the case that when the bus was packed to standing room only, the seat beside me would be empty.  I don't understand why...I smelled pleasant, I wasn't dangerous or scary-looking, and in fact, I was usually quite absorbed in my own thoughts, so I had no way of putting out "stay away" signals.

I thought when I moved to Vancouver that it would change, but that wasn't necessarily the case.  People would sit next to me more frequently, but still, often there was an empty seat beside me.  I noted that when someone did sit beside me, they would get up and move at their earliest convenience.  Maybe I was looking too aloof?  Does that make strangers on a bus uncomfortable?

When I moved to Ottawa, things again changed...the buses here sort of operate under the laws of the jungle...it's push, bump, screen, speed...whatever gets you (and your companion, if you have one) the most optimal position on the bus.  The thing is, I've rarely had to worry about the seat beside me because it was either filled with Etienne's cute little tush, or the bus wasn't filled to standing-room capacity, so it's not like I  can discern the same pattern here as I did in Edmonton or Vancouver.

But today, I had to leave work early for an appointment, and there was no Etienne to accompany me.  After the appointment, I walked down to Bay station to catch a bus to the mall.  One came, and I got on and selected a seat.  A guy followed and sat down beside me in the only empty seat in the back section of the bus, then promptly stood up and moved...to stand.  What the hell...?  I know I didn't stink!  I wasn't taking up too much space on the bench!  My expression was pretty neutral!  Why?!?!  I don't get it!

I really appreciate that there's usually an Etienne to sit beside me on the bus...

...Wish you were here.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

July 2/13

Happy Birfday to my littlest Baby Boy, AD!!

It's official...my babies are all growing up too fast.  He's the youngest of the niece and nephews, and it's with great joy and lament that I say I'm losing my last baby to teenage years soon.  He's far too old now to play the belly button game with me. or the "Where's A." edition of Hide and Seek.  Next time I see him, later this summer, he will be nearly as tall as me.

I hope he has a fantastic day.

Grow Big, Baby Boy!!

...Wish you were here.

Monday, July 1, 2013

July 1/13

Happy Canada Day!

Ouch...I said that too loud in my head.  A day long party the night before means only one thing the day after: Hang.  Over.  We're a couple of hurting turtles today.

We managed to get out for a couple of hours to preserve the tradition of Etienne's Ironic Canada Day t-shirt and for a stop at the pub for lunch, but after that, it was back to the safety of our home to recover.

It's the day off we need, even if it is one filled with headaches and rotgut.  We've both had very hectic, challenging weeks at work lately, which happens more frequently in the public service than most people think or believe.  For obvious reasons, I can't get into what is going on, but just know that it's keeping me on my toes this last week, and will likely do so in the coming week.

I need a nap.

Happy Canada Day...

...Wish you were here.