Saturday, February 28, 2004

Sibling Harmony...




Yes they love each other. Yes we are lucky they are so close, so calm together. But they can get loud. Louder as they get older, even. I used to tell myself it was all going to get better, you know, as they matured.

It's like a form of denial - parenting - it's the only way to get through each stage, by the time you realise you are denying it, a new stage is about to begin.

But yes sometimes, I think it would be easier to negotiate with a terrorist, or nail jello to a tree. But all in all, they are great kids, and we are a happy family (shock therapy or not). You have to take the blessings as they come!

Downloading?

In Canada the copyright laws make it legal to copy files for private use onto your computer. However, it is illegal to share your files with other users (uploading from your computer).

"If you are only downloading, I think the authority is that you are home free…because we have a private copy exemption," said Andy Kaplan-Myrth, a second-year technology law student at the University of Ottawa.

So, the Canadian Recording Industry Association has begun a lawsuit against 29 Canadians (yet unnamed, pending their ISP's providing their personal information) that is currently before the Federal Court of Canada.

Wondering about the laws and your rights? Check out the the Canadian File-sharing Legal Information Network. It's a good resource.

Friday, February 27, 2004

If it looks like the draft, and smells like the draft...

According to the Dictionary, the following definition can be found for Draft:

Compulsory enrollment in the armed forces

So, last month, when President Bush authorized the mandatory extention of 40, 000 soldiers military service for two more years, he was essentially drafting them.

"Can the US president with the signature of a pen indenture tens of thousands of US citizens? That is the question we are now investigating," said Luke Hiken, a lawyer in San Francisco. "This is a tremendous militarisation of civilian families."

Interestingly enough, the same article refers to a certain american Private Jeremy Hinzman, who filed legal papers to become the first US soldier objecting to the Iraq war to be granted refugee status in Canada.

"I signed up to defend my country, not carry out acts of aggression."

Did you know that almost 250 american's apply for refugee status in Canada, every year?

Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Sex and mixed blessings

No need to speculate who might have added our links to the different Adult Sites, we have a pretty good idea even without contacting the site's webmasters.

But no one cares anyway, especially since it seems to have been more beneficial than anything else! With this increased readership and referrer's I am quickly approaching my coveted 10,000 visitor mark (trembling with excitement).

Besides, I might not post pictures about sex, but I am not above talking about it. Sex is great. Everyone should be enjoying it to the fullest. It's almost what being alive is about.

And while you are here, enjoy your stay. Your welcome to come back! Your even welcome to request a topic. Go ahead, you know you want to!

Monday, February 23, 2004

Rules are meant to be broken!

I fought the law...

"We're still going to download music free from the internet."

Via: James

My amazing disappearing adventures

I must have done something wrong in a previous life because I have bad “gamers” karma.

I enjoy gaming. I’m meticulously thorough when playing through my beloved adventure games. I like to find everything, discover every little secret and get the most out of my game experience. Consequently, I tend to invest a massive amount of my time in each game that I play.

It seems though, that I may be cursed. My well meaning fiancé has the habit of inadvertently saving over my game files. This first happened when he wanted to play the level I was on in Eternal Darkness, right near the end. Then my character in Knights of the Old Republic was the next victim.

And proving that the curse extends beyond just my household, one of the people Duncan works with recently borrowed and lost our Metroid Fusion GBA Cartridge. With my almost finished gave file on it. No kidding. Samus was right on the verge of victory… but now it is gone. To be fair, he did replace it, but, the problem is that I have spent so much time already playing my games, that the thought of starting all over again from the beginning is not exactly tantalizing. I tend to be a very busy person, and I guard my spare time jealously. The thought of spending my “available” time in the pursuit of rebuilding a game is nothing less than disheartening.

But I do miss my games. And if I have learned one thing in this life then it is that starting over is not always as bad as it first seems.

Sunday, February 22, 2004

Calgary Varsity PC Friendraiser



We had little golf bags made up as part of the raffle - they were sold with the raffle tickets in them, and besides being cute, hold two cans of beer! Actually, the reality is that this picture is about my funky pink nails. Check it out. I am such a girl!



Here's a picture of Duncan and Quynn. Yes, I tried to get him to turn around, but he was too busy with the politics of the evening!



And last, but not least, the glorious MLA Murray Smith, Minister of Energy. Look at how divinely inspired the light emanating from behind him makes him appear! It is a sign, I tell you...

Anyways, the fundraiser was Murray's fourth diner, and was a golf theme, called Murrays Diner FORE. It went very well. I mini golfed for the first time ever (and was pretty good), had funky nails, and got to watch Minister of Health and MLA Gary Mar's daughter (Mackenzie) beat everyone at Table Hockey.



Friday, February 20, 2004

Jesus, please save me from your followers...

Regarding Gibson's Passion... I have some news for interested Christians out there.

The Jews did not Kill Jesus.

In the words of Dr John Crossan, one of my favourite professors in the study of the historical Jesus, the gospel narratives are largely "prophecy historicized" rather than "history remembered."

Also, this "Passion" story as told (and believed) in the gospels has lead to the worst Anti-Semitism our world has ever seen.

Since the Historical Jesus is one of my academic areas of research, expect a few more posts on the topic when I finally see the film...

Thursday, February 19, 2004

My evening unfolds...

My ADBUSTERS came today! Don't bug me, I'm reading!

Who owns a life?

Very central to my politically formative years, a debate raged in my home province of BC about the right to die. Specifically, Sue Rodriguez, dying from ALS, wanted the high courts to legalize Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia in Canada. Her un-successful petition was characterized by simple, yet powerful four word statements like, "Whose body is this?" and "Who owns my life?" that I will always remember. Her words had a huge impact on me.

Debate raged in BC, and across Canada, about ethics and the legal exemptions that Rodriguez sought, and the possible implications of them - everything from Nazi death camps and mercy killings to mandatory death ages were flung about. The arguments were political and emotional, and it seemed everyone was involved.

I was against it myself, even angry at her request, and as an outspoken young politically aware adult, I said as much. If she wanted to die I had no reason to deny her suicide (a decriminalized act), but I didn't want to see the law changed. I felt that there was a security within the law that could be offered dying people who might otherwise be overwhelmed, or worse feel an expectation from society to end their lives in order not to be a burden to family or healthcare in general. Large parts of me still feel this way, but I have been tempered by the experience of reality over the years. Views and feelings evolve.

Now, a more mature Allie can recognize that Sue Rodriguez's plea was to be in control of her own death, to have the right to choose the time of her passing, and to die on her own terms. Facilitating one's own death is as integral to a person as planning other milestones in life, and further it could be considered the birth right of everyone. I respect the courage with which she faced her end, even if I disagreed with her approach.

Sue Rodriguez committed suicide in the presence of Svend Robinson and an anonymous doctor on Feb. 12, 1994, ten years ago. I was at peace with her suicide. I just wasn't able to reconcile it with the potential impact her death could have had on the people of Canada had her petition met with success. I still can't, but I sense this will not be last time Canadian's have a chance to debate this question, and as with all politics, I welcome its return.

Wednesday, February 18, 2004

TA DA!

Happy Blogiversary to Summer's Daydreams and Phendrana Drifts!

What do you think? Do you like the new layout?

Prisoner Assaulted in Holding Cell

Am I surprised that something like this happened in a West Edmonton Mall Security Holding Cell?

Tuesday, February 17, 2004

WILL SOMEBODY EMPTY MY GARBAGE!?!

Geez. I know budget cuts are the norm at Canadian Universities but my garbage has not been emptied for three weeks now. There is only so much more I can stuff it down with my foot before it becomes a solid mass. If I knew where the dumpster was, I would resort to dealing with it myself, although I suspect someone is actually paid to do it...

Powers of Observation...

1. On a standard traffic light, is the green on the top or bottom?
2. How many states are there? (Don't laugh, some people don't know)
3. In which hand is the Statue of Liberty's torch?
4. What six colours are on the classic Campbell's soup label?
5. What two numbers on the telephone dial don't have letters by them?
6. When you walk does your left arm swing with your right or left leg?
7. How many matches are in a standard pack?
8. On the United States flag is the top stripe red or white?
9. What is the lowest number on the FM dial?
10. Which way does water go down the drain, counter or clockwise?
11. Which way does a "no smoking" sign's slash run?
12. How many channels on a VHF TV dial?
13. On which side of a women's blouse are the buttons?
14. Which way do fans rotate?
15. What is on the back of a Canadian dime?
16. How many sides does a stop sign have?
17. Do books have even-numbered pages on the right or left side?
18. How many lug nuts are on a standard car wheel?
19. How many sides are there on a standard pencil?
20. Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Doc. Who's missing?
21. How many hot dog buns are in a standard package?
22. On which playing card is the card maker's trademark?
23. On which side of a Venetian blind is the cord that adjusts the opening between the slats?
24. On the back of a Canadian $1 coin, what is in the centre?
25. There are 12 buttons on a touch tone phone. What 2 symbols bear no digits?
26. How many curves are there in the standard paper clip?
27. Does a merry-go-round turn counter or clockwise?

Answers in comments...

Sunday, February 15, 2004

How the Mighty will fall...



Zoe's new favourite naptime habit is to perch precariously on the top of the monitor. It really is only a matter of time before the inevitable occurs...

Saturday, February 14, 2004

Blog me tender...



Happy Valentines Day Sweetheart. You rock my world!

Friday, February 13, 2004

Life is Plastic... It's Fantastic!

Sad news (please note the sarcasm) via Trite Remarks:

On the eve of the most romantic day of the year, Barbie dumps Ken (who, explained Mattel, was commitment phobic, leading to the break up of the 43 year relationship).

Let this be a warning to all you men out there. 43 years is too long not to get married.

Valentines come from the Heart

I believe that Valentines Day is a wonderful opportunity to shower your cherished one with attention, affection and romance...

Although I don't think you have to spend alot of money (actually I prefer the more romantic, creative and thoughtful approach), Valentines Day is most certainly one of those times that the thought really does count, and let me assure you if there is no thought at all, it will count more than you can imagine!

Here are some tips for the romance challenged:

* Don't tell your partner about that perfect present you almost bought
* Don't forget to wear clean underwear
* Don't wipe your nose on your sleeve
* Always hold the door open for her
* Household appliances are not Valentine's Day gifts
* Compliments are free!
* Chocolate always works
* Candle light is romantic
* Sentimental moments create memories that last a lifetime
* If going out for a meal don't forget your wallet

A little bit of attention goes a long way on this day, so imagine how far a lot of attention will get you!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Wednesday, February 11, 2004

I think I must already be crazy!

Found this gem in my work email...

> This is so amazing, but true...and it's going to drive you crazy!
>
> While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make
> clockwise circles. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air
> with your right hand. Your foot will change direction and there's nothing
> you can do about it!

We've had a blast watching everyone in the office try this - everyone tries it three or so times, just to make sure I imagine. Except it doesn't work on me, so I had to do it more just to prove it. I am no brain expert but I am guessing it must have something to do with my ambidexterity - I would hate to leave one side of my brain out of a situation!

Monday, February 09, 2004

Russian Democracy has it's own flavour...

Politics is a strange and wondorous game. Often people make the mistake of thinking Politics is their life. But people's lives should never become Politics...

Challenger to Putin for Russian Presidency Is "Missing"

They always say half of politics is just showing up. So I guess it's hard to get elected if you "disappear." So much for democracy.

Hat Tip: Trite Remarks

Update: So they found the guy... he is alive... obviously taking a break with his girlfriend or something...

Sunday, February 08, 2004

It is Sunday... right?

The weirdest thing just happened. Our alarm went off. At 0630 am, Classical music. Haunting Classic Music. At the same time, two rooms away, Wesley's alarm is going off. Wesley's alarm doesn't go off until 0700am on weekdays - thats what it is set at, when it is set.

The really weird thing is, on Sundays we have a strict ban on alarms (except for when needed by hockey). I sure as hell didn't set my alarm, and even if it was by accident, it's always set on buzz.

Cue Twilight Zone Music...

So, feeling a little "off put" and "weirded out" (and wondering "who" might want us awake) I come downstairs to the computer to make sure everything is alright with the world so I can go back to bed. But my computer date, for whatever reason, says it is Saturday.

Oh Well. Time is fairly relevant only to the situation at hand. I am fairly convinced it is Sunday morning, so I am going back to bed!




I'm too tired!

Couldn't sleep so I snuck out of bed after Duncan fell asleep to update Yahoo Pictures, my Home Page and think of a new Blog Template (in honor of my upcoming blogiversary).

But... there is only so much Photoshopping one can do before their eyes give up. I'm tired and am going to go crawl back into bed with the beau!

Friday, February 06, 2004

On the News Wire

My most recent news article (Student's march on the Leg) was picked up by CUP. People read it all across Canada!

Wednesday, February 04, 2004

What the hell?

This story tickles the part of me who studies how people respond religiously.

7 year old Brandy tells one of her classmates that he would go to hell if he said "swear to god." Her school suspended her for swearing... in her defence, her father says she didn't use the word in a profane manner. "She's under the assumption that good people go to heaven and ... bad people go to hell," he told TBO News.

While I am shaking my head in the wonder of it all, I am reminded of the scene in the Simpson's Homer VS Lisa And The 8th Commandment, where Bart says:

"I sure as hell can't tell you we learned about hell unless I say hell can I ?"

Day of Action my Butt

So I am supposed to be covering this story about a student group here planning some events around a Day of Protest (thats today). To me it actually seems to be a small group of three people or so ("Last Years" has beens) who are insistent on grabbing as much media attention as possible for their "cause".

I emailed one of these people today with some interview questions and a suggestion we meet after the protest today. But he says he is too busy to answer my email and won't be staying that long at the protest. He wants me to go and find him so he can have an interview. Ha. Way to impress the media, bud.

Their sorry little press release calls their tenting protest at the Leg an "Occupation". Yesterday I went to cover said "Occupation" and eventually, after freezing my butt off, I found three empty tents set up beside the ledge in a parking lot. Yeah, some occupation. Pathetic. I was a little bitter on wasting my time

Anyways, I write, it's what I do, I will find a story in this somewhere. It's just not likely to be what they want it to be.

Tuesday, February 03, 2004

Google Bomb!

Via: ROOKS RANT

He's not incompetent, He's the anti-christ.

Of course, for a Google Bomb to be effective, others also need to post he's the anti-christ. It's a team sport.

No need for complacency

The UN held a special meeting in Rome today about the avian virus, H5N1.

"The real question is how are humans going to react to this in large numbers, if it gets transmitted from human-to-human. And yes, it would be a serious concern."

No panic, no paranoia, no complacency. "Serious concern" calls for educated consideration on the potential of this virus so we can best learn how to protect ourselves and survive. I'll be watching carefully.

Know your Partner

... as you would like to be known by them. Know everything about them.

"Bottom line: the more you know about what turns your partner on, the hotter your sex life will be. In this case, knowledge is an aphrodisiac."

Thought of the day: 90% of all foreplay occurs outside of the bedroom.

Via: Lou Paget

Monday, February 02, 2004

True Love Triumphs in any fight!

From my experience, it sometimes takes patience, quiet faith, intimate trust, unconditional love, internal drive/determination and an open, honest awareness of the situation at hand - but the power of love does triumph in the end.

Duncan and I have been reading 365 Days of Sensational Sex together on the bus ride to work every morning. Always enlightening (you can never know enough can you?); today some of Paget's words touched a familiar chord within me. When something is worth fighting for, you do, just because it is.

In Her words:

"There is a bravery and a spirit in fighting for what you want and that spirit often wins the 'war' for Great Lovers. As Marlo Thomas said, "You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you." Great Lovers know the world won't always be great, but they have an indomitable spirit and courage and will fight for their hearts and their relationships."

Sometimes, the fight just wins itself - given time, space, emotional intelligence and a lot of heart. That is the power of a true and trusting love. And it is beautiful, living thing.

Sunday, February 01, 2004

Everything About Sex Show 2004



So the short of the story is that we had a lot of fun. We spent hours at the show and it didn't even feel like it. Lots of products to see, loads of samples to take home and tonnes of ideas to spur the imagination. We tried out a sex swing (and was cheered by the crowd), got our faces painted (see pic below), watched exotic dancing (boys and girls) and I volunteered Duncan to go up on stage to get instruction on stripping from an ex-stripper (yes there are pics - scroll down!!!!).

The whole thing was an awesome experience, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be around sexually liberated people for a change while exploring your own liberation!

Face Painting

Peel and Play Workshopping our way to our Inner Stripper!

Mary Taylor did a short "Peel and Play Workshop" at the Everything About Sex Show, and when she asked for male volunteers I gleefully volunteered Duncan as one (how could I not benefit in the long run from this???). She gave instruction on the art of Strip Tease, and the crowd cheered them on as they they did it!





This is Duncan trying out the techniques on his partner "Mandy." Everyone was a tad bit self concious, but it was all good fun!






Mandy's turn, and then, Ex Stripper "Mary Taylor" gets in on the act! She was definatley alot more experienced!




Stripper Mary shows us all how it's done! I think Duncan enjoyed this part the most!

As for me, I think I liked the girls cheering for Duncan as he did his little thing on the Catwalk. He's so sexy! They let me go up on the stage too so I could take pictures as Duncan discovered his inner stripper! I think we got the most of this show as possible!!!