roryborealis

2003-02-06T23:26:00.000-08:00

Word Festerings.
I'm employed again. Well, at least for the next 2 months, 2 days a week. My 6 week holiday has been productive to say the least -- full of painting and sewing and home decorating programs. Just in time too. I think Cacomixl was starting to fear for our home and his bank account.BUT with 5 other days left in the week, there's still plenty time to keep me busy with "my projects". Let's hope that Veer raise kicks in soon.

2003-02-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

Delinquent.

All true statements:
E-mail reply delinquent, Voicemail return delinquent, letters... forget it.
Bills, loans, credit card, etc must all be on pre-approved debit.
Job of my dreams ? No where in sight.
Been on time lately ? Not likely.
Married, kids, savings, property ? No.
Turning 30 in the next few years ? Yes.
Off Jane's "Not My Blog" list. YES!

YES?! Ouch! The neglection of this blog certainly reflects that I do not have my shite together in any area of my life, even what I do for fun, but to get a wake-up call from someone who is a self-proclaimed "lazy friend" -- that hurts. AND just maybe, it'll work.

2002-07-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Membership has its Priviledges.

Beck currently has 3 previews online at http://www.beck.com/preview/. Check it out. His new (still untitled) record is coming out in September.

Beck has always been a favorite of mine, ever since Mellow Gold came out when I was 18. Odelay is and always will be on my list of top 10 "Desert Island" records. It's a classic. I think at one point in my life it is safe to say I was obsessed with him. I have all his records, the majority of his b-sides (some on vinyl), CDs of him being interviewed, I drove to Banff especially to see his Fluxusist exhibit with Al Hanson (His grandfather), I practically got trampled seeing him play live in Vancouver, I have stickers, patches, t-shirts and I even have a signed plague-mount that says "To Rory, Best Wishes - Love Beck Hanson" (He knows who I am too). All the true signs of a completist fan. His last effort was disheartening for fans to say the least, but still I didn't mind it. (He was exploring new avenues.) So I'm super pysched about this new album and its mellow updated alt-country stylings. Sounds more like the "Acoustic Beck" we all know and love with an electric twist to keep things experiemental. It'll be interesting to see how mainstream audiences will receive it.

All this Beck talk has me thinking about something I heard last week. I was listening to the radio last Monday and heard "Pay No MInd" on Radio Free Nowhere. The DJ, Sean Marchetto, another Beck fan, was asking people 22 years and under if Beck was the voice of their generation or if they didn't really care about him and his work at all. It seems like the latter would probably be most true. Sean's off by about 5 or 6 years, Beck speaks to those of us who enjoyed the grunge/indie record/Seattle-Geffen explosion in their late teens. For me, it was an exciting time. It solidified my search for compelling and interesting music, beyond what was most easily accessible. It's why I'm such a music freak today and why I LOVE that my boyfriend is too. I guess I could say Beck is a nostalgic reminder of my own "coming-of-age". Beck definitely taught me Where It's At.

2002-07-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

Me?

Yesterday the teller at my bank said to me, "Wow, you have great skin!" That's the best compliment I have ever received. EVER. Well... at least yesterday it felt that way. I was buzzin all day: being super productive at work, kicking ass on the tennis court during my lesson, making friends with the ever so sweet Kanika. All this despite my sore throat and hoarse voice. Today... I slept the majority of the day away sick in bed. Is this what is referred to as balance?

2002-06-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Christine Hall is my Biggest Fan!

Yes, Ms Hall from Traffic Magnet loves me. It's true, she e-mails me all the time. In fact, she's she's such a big fan that she has offered to increase my Blog profile among 3000 search engines. Isn't she great? Aren't I special? Who's she kidding?! Hey Christine... piss off. Quit filling my mailbox with bad design and crappy e-marketing. I don't want to be your friend. You're not fun.

2002-06-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

Congrats All Around!

Congratulations to my Sweetie and the crew at Veer.com. The catalogue looks great! And the website... well I just hope I don't lose my eyesite navigating it. Veer has a sense of familarity that will bring lovers of eyewire over to its new and sophisticated brand. Yes, it looks like eyewire has grown up. Great work! And check out the "Ideas" page which just wreaks of my Sweetie and his undeniable coolness... if only we could just get his hair to follow suit. Now where's my damn bag so I can brag to anyone who will listen about this great new company they should buy from?!

Congratulations are also in order to Steve Bandola (aka the Beagle Ranch) who performed this morning on A-Channel's Big Breakfast. Looking good Steve! For all those who aren't in the know and would like a free sample, check out www.beagleranch.com to download an mp3 of Calgary's very own latest and greatest.

2002-05-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

They cut me off... What a surprise.

Just like all organizations, companies, etc that I'm no longer priviledged to use their services because I've neglected my obligations to them, Blogger has cut me off. (those who know me well, know how true this is) However, instead of paying over ridiculous sums of overdue fines, all I must do to make good with Blooger is... blog. So here it goes.

Since my last entry I have finished my school term, shown my art in a group exhibition in a real gallery for the first time, gotten a fulltime job that's actually in my field, jetsetted off to NYC for 5 fabulous days, dismantled my exhibition, planted real flowers in our planters, painted our bathroom and now I'm currently planning a party for my Joxoxoxon. Four lines of news. Yes, my life is that exciting.

Regardless, I'm back. I will try to do better in the future.

2002-04-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

By Request...

Ginger Squash Carrot Soup
(serves 6 or 2 with leftovers)

Ingredients:

1 Squash of your choice

5 - 7 Carrots

2 pieces of Celery

4 Potatoes

1/2 Sweet Potato (optional)

1 Onion

3 - 4 cloves of Garlic

2 Apples (peeled and chopped)

3 - 4 cups of Vegetable stock

2 Tbs minced raw ginger

1/2 can of Coconut Milk

Cumin, tumeric, curry powder, some cayenne pepper, and salt to taste.

Instructions:
Cook onions and garlic until soft (in a pot), then add veg stock, carrots (sliced), celery (chopped), potatoes, squash and let simmer until veggies are soft (ie:cooked).Once ready, then add spices. Give 'er a stir and pour all ingredients into a blender of food processor. Puree the soup. Return ingredients to pot and add the coconut milk. Then take peeled and chopped apples, puree them in a blender or food processor and add to soup. Congratulations, you're done. Give the soup 5 mins for flavors to marry and serve.

2002-04-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

Ex Nihilo 2002: The catalogue has officially gone to print and I survived.

It was a long process, I learned many things and I'm so, so glad it's finally over.

Here's what the final product will look like:

This is a layout of the box that will hold the artist cards

This is what the artist cards will look like. Recognize the fonts? Century Gothic and Skia. Nice, heh? Pulled right from Windows 98.

These were the designs I submitted that instigated much controversy among the Grad Class of 2002.

Design A: Comments included generic, boring and the font was too trendy.

Box . (the gray was to be printed in charcoal metallic ink)

Artist Card - vertical option

Design B: Comment: Brit-Pop, 1960's Retro Kitsch. No one liked the pink.

Box (the gray was to be printed in bright silver metallic ink)

Artist Card - horizontal option

Now I ask you were my submissions awful? Was a 1992 David Carson rip-off justified to replace them? Regardless... all's said and done now. If you're interested in seeing my vision, please come to the opening reception of my graduating exhibition.

Ex Nihilo

April 19, 2002.

4:30pm - 6:30pm

Nickle Museum (U of C)

I'd love if you would come.

2002-04-02T21:06:00.000-08:00

You Weren't Supposed To See It Yet.

Yes, I've been nagged by some people and others have inquired on my well being, but I just haven't been ready to blog (I guess for fear of what I'm about to write). But from what I hear it's been announced and people are checking, so I'd best be blogging.

It's true. I haven't been very well lately. I think I've been on the verge of a breakdown for a while now, those who know me best know the hectic lifestyle I push myself through Ð with very little sleep. I've been doing it for years but... a few things occured over the holidays that made me realize I couldn't keep up with how I had been operating. Both physically and mentally, my body has been shutting down and I just can't ignore it any longer. For the past year or so I have had major anxiety, we're talking heart palpitations and panic attacks, over very basic everyday things like: going to school/ work/ parties/ whatever. This coupled with depression, an irritable bowel (plus other lovely side effects) and some fairly serious paranoia made for a pretty paralyzing existence. Now I've never been one to play the victim, so when I almost flunked out last semester and didn't want to get out of bed or leave the house, it was time to get some help. My doctor says that it is quite common for women in their late(r) twenties, who have suffered a traumatic event in their youth, to experience a breakdown Ð often triggered by stress. My prescription: take a break, eliminate any obligations or disctractions that caused me anxiety and go easy on myself Ð that and some medication. So I'm trying to relax, I've been reading a lot, I'm not doing radio, I do my work from home and go to school when I feel up to it. Some days are great and others not so much, but overall I think the medication is helping. I'm slowly starting to deal with some long neglected issues, I'm less paranoid, less emotional and I'm even going out a little. I guess I didn't want to blog because I was afraid of embarassing myself by writing down some crazy ass melodramatic shit. No one needs to be subjected to that. I know what I'm going through isn't unique and it doesn't make me special but... it hasn't been very much fun and the last thing I've wanted to do is blog. So for those of you who asked, thanks for your concern and those of you who want me to blog... be patient, I will. I promise.

2001-12-21T02:44:00.000-08:00

Sweet Sixteen Yesterday, my cousin turned 16 years old. That's the same age my aunt Tracey (her mother) was when I first met her. My uncle Terry brought her home to Grandma and Grandpa's and I thought she was the greatest - still do. They eventually married and spawned two amazing girls. Britt is their eldest. Happy Birthday Brittany Noel. You've turned into a really great young lady. I can't believe you're sixteen! When I was your age the future was so exciting to me, heck just growing older was exciting to me. I couldn't wait to grow up. I thought the whole world was at my reach and I hope you do too. Be open to what lies ahead, the world is about to reveal itself to you. And get your damn ass into driver's ed, you'll never know true independence and self-reliance until you do. Plus... then maybe your parents will buy you a car. (hint hint.)

2001-12-20T02:45:00.000-08:00

Nature's Perfect Food Yeah, perfect for keeping you up all night with an upset tummy. Ouch-ie, hurt-ie. This weekend I was at a friend's for dinner. After the meal, we ran out of wine and I was graciously served a few gigantic Paralyzers, made mostly of milk (which I happily accepted). I haven't had milk for years but I've always refused to be a slave to my diet. When in Rome, I do as the Romans. I think being vegetarian is stressful enough for a meat-eating host without adding even more restrictions to their menu planning. But halfway through my second glass, I realized the mistake I had made. Yikes. The pain went on through the night and left my tummy feeling very sensitive the next day. Lesson learned. It's official, I have special "dietary requirements". And that means this Christmas I'm not holding back for the sake of politeness. I'm going prepared and my family will just have to deal with the soymilk, the veggie Wifesaver, the miso gravy, and the quintessential tofurkey. It helps that I'm bringing my partner in crime along to back me up against all the heckling. For whatever reason, my dietary "insanity" is legitimized when people find out we both participate and then it's referred to as our "lifestyle".

2001-12-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas Comes Early I received exciting news this week... Me and my Sweetie are going to Las Vegas for New Year's. I keep checking the weather there in hopes of some sort of heatwave, so I can sit by the pool and take in the sun. How I miss it. All this chinooking weather has resulted in a lot of cloudy days, and I would know, I 've been zone testing since October.

Gingerbread Masterpieces Tonight we're having some special guests over to build and decorate gingerbread houses. To be truthful, they're more like cottages due to their modest size. I'm trying to scale down and not impose my ambitiousness on young children. Next year we'll make a village and a castle and...

Last night we baked the first batch of the architecture and used the scrapes to make animals and people.

These are the people. Nice generic sort.

This is Jon's dog. I'm told it's a Shar-pei.
Only purebreeds for the Parkers.

File Under: Why Didn't I Think of This First? Brillant, with the exception of Madonna's involvement. I hate that she's associated with a credible art scene, even before her days with Basquiat in '83. Last summer she purchased and donated all of Cindy Sherman's B/W Film Stills to MOMA for their archives. Grrr... that just rubs me the wrong way.

2001-12-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

I'm Munch's The Scream.
Totally out of control, crazy and paranoid.
How bad does that make me feel?

2001-12-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

Correction
The Open House is actually at 3pm on Thursday not Noon.

2001-12-05T02:51:00.000-08:00

Open House

The U of C Art Dept. is having an open house on Thursday, Dec 6/01. If anyone is interested in seeing some of my work, along with others who actually have talent, please come. My studio will be open for viewing starting at noon and I should actually have something on the walls for viewing. I'm in the crappy Photography Studio (read: no windows), my cubicle is the one in the back with the lime green desk beside the sink. Photography has a reputation for having great food, so maybe that will entice you.

2001-12-03T22:09:00.000-08:00

2 more days. 6 images down, 46 to go. It's never going to happen.

2001-12-03T05:26:00.000-08:00

On Hiatus If you can't already tell, I'm in the middle of pre-portfolio madness. That means: no blogging, no sleeping. I do this every fucking year but I can honestly say, this year is the worst ever. 52 images due in three days, plus a final and 2 papers. Why, why, why do I do this to myself? It's not about the challenge of the deadline, it's just plain stupidity. So... I'll be back at the end of the week. I have so much to tell.

Wish me luck. I'm trying to graduate.

2001-11-30T01:30:00.000-08:00

God bless you and thank you. You've left a legacy few can attest to.

George Harrison died today at the age of 58 (of course it was cancer).
Whatever I was going to write about today seems trite in comparison, I can wait until tomorrow.
So until then...

Here comes the sun (du du du du)
Here comes the sun
And I say
It's alright

Well... since we're talking music, I have a comment. The future is not streaming, the elite are. They say only 51% of the US population have computer access with internet in their homes, so you can imagine how low that percentage is world wide. Radio is alive and well my friend. It is the only free public information access medium in the world and it doesn't require a password or a $40.00/month cable modem. Feel free to rebut.

2001-11-21T00:33:00.000-08:00

Just a friendly reminder: 12pm - 2pm (90.9 FM or www.cjsw.com)

Come join me for lunch.

2001-11-21T00:08:00.000-08:00

This weeks's event: Waking Life. I've heard mixed reviews about this one but I want to see it before everyone does and talks it to death in front of me, sorta like Memento. If anything, I'm fascinated with the aesthetics and that alone is worth the $6.00. Truly beautiful, I dream of dreaming like this.

oh... and I know this isn't an art exhibit or live performance, so we're not exactly supporting the local scene but we are supporting a local rep theater, so it kinda counts.

2001-11-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

And speaking of shopping. All this x-mas talk got me surfing for ideas and I came across this gift set. Am I crazy or is a man in a creme turtleneck sweater not the sexiest thing ever? Guess what somebody's getting this year?

2001-11-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to feel a lot like.... this time of year is very complicated. I got an e-mail from my Dad telling me he's starting his christmas shopping and was writing to ask me where he should send the gifts. That's right folks, he doesn't even know where I live. We're real close. Horrific images of christmas presents past come flooding back. My father has no idea what I like (not that he would ask) and he's certain I'm a size 16 (or alternately Size L), so he buys me whatever he's into at the given time - in gigantic proportions. Last year I got a really nice running vest that came down to my knees. Of course, when I told him I liked it but asked if I could exchange it for a Size S/P, he told me I couldn't because he bought it on sale. Who buys gifts on sale, especially clothes? So for the ??th year in a row, I gave my present away (this year it raised $200.00 with a CD accompaniment for CJSW). Heh Dad, I have an idea... how about instead of gifts, you make some time for me when you come through town in two weeks? Maybe I could join you for a drink or two after a day on the slopes? It won't cost you a thing and I promise it'll fit.

2001-11-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

Eric Cameron

Danish Pastry, 1979
5040 half coats of gesso
21.5 x 33.0 cm

Sorry, what was your question? I attended a book launch "English Roots" by Eric Cameron on Saturday at the Triangle Gallery. I was one of 10-15 people there. Sad really. One of Canada's foremost artist living and working here in Calgary and no one cares. He had the first solo exhibit of the National Gallery of Canada among countless others around the world over the past 25 years but he can't generate enough clout in his own town for a decent showing. Your loss, he is steeped in so much theoretical, philosophical and historical knowledge of art, which he shared with us on Saturday - over and above talking about his own work. I feel fortunate to be able to take in these kind of experiences now, his Parkinson's appears to becoming increasingly worse. He's now a two hand holder of hot beverages.

2001-11-17T01:37:00.000-08:00

Successful Dinner Party Woo Hoo! I always feel as if I've accomplished a major feat after hosting a successful dinner party. Successful, meaning everyone thought the food was edible and they even actually liked it. It only takes one poor dinner party to spoil any novice chef's confidance. Just one attempt at making the Blueberry, Banana, Kiwi Fettucine a la Barbary Coast, (an entree they have since replaced) from memory. That's it. One single incident can damage a host's sense of adventure forever. You see I thought, "How hard can it be?" "It's fettucine alfredo with fruit and it's wonderful." No, my friends it is not. Alfredo sauce has garlic in it and that does not marry well with fruit, especially when you don't have blueberries or a kiwi and think bananas, apples and pine nuts would probably work just as well. But then you discover that it's awful. It really is. So how can you fix it? Cinnamon is an apple's natural companion and maybe that will save the dish, but it doesn't so you add brown sugar and well... you sprinkle and mix and add until you can't really decipher what's good and what isn't anymore, so... you serve the dish feeling very haute cuisine and experimental, only to have the entire table take one bite and declare with tremendous enthusiasm how absolutely revolting your entree is. So, you have to order chinese in lieu and vow never to cook another meal without a recipe in hand. Following a recipe may be like sight-reading but when you compose as poorly as I do, it takes many live performances before you can start improvising free-form cooking. God Bless Moosewood. What would we do without you? And thank-you to Catherine and Jonas for being such a great audience. And thank-you to Jon for knocking over the plant in front of our guests and then blowing up the vaccuum while trying to clean it up; you were thoroughly entertaining Sweetie. Anyone want to come over and watch us plug up our toilets? I promise I won't make fettucine.

2001-11-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

2001-11-15T12:35:00.000-08:00

Reminder: Regineau Stitchie tonight. 9:15pm. Uptown Stage and Screen.
Come see low budget shorts from around the world.

2001-11-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

Eeeek! New Belle & Sebastian single CD just out. "I'm Waking Up To Us" available in 7"/12"/CDEP (Matador/OLE511) Three new tracks not on the upcoming album, Storytelling (Soundtrack). Sources say it's wonderful. [Hint: if you buy it through Amazon you can get them both for $19.95US] Exciting stuff. Thought you'd like to be the first to know.

2001-11-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

I look like that? You know how you have a certain mental perception of what you look like? Maybe this image is based on fantasy but it helps you get up and face the world everyday. Personally, I think I have a sort of cute yet stylish and sexy look about myself. Not thin but respectably curvaceous. A pin-up with a brain and a sense of adventure. So... when someone sends you an image of how they perceive you, it can be a little deflating.

Just for the record: I do not have a barfy fushia handbag with matching shoes.

2001-11-13T23:19:00.000-08:00

This week's event: $100 Film Festival. Nov 15. Uptown Stage & Screen
Feature: "Regineau Stitchy: An Epic Tail of Love and Betrayal."
Directed by Calgarians: Mark Hamilton & Shawna Harper.
If you have a strange fascination with sock monkeys or just don't have anything better to do on a Thursday night at 9:15pm, GO SEE experimental film! What fun... oh boy... can't wait.
Support the local scene and say you were there.
See local listings for times and prices of the festival's events.

...And the cat pillow is still suprisingly disappointing.

2001-11-13T23:03:00.000-08:00

Today I renewed a bunch of library books on time, for the first time in 5 years.
There's hope for me yet.

2001-11-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today I need to get a grip.

2001-11-11T22:55:00.000-08:00

Arrrgh It is becoming increasingly alarming to me the growing lack of responsibility people are accepting for their own behaviour. If you make a mistake or misunderstand a rule (dumbass or otherwise) - accept it. Don't complain and force an administrative policy change on a bunch of people, who are only there to accomodate your needs in the first place, because you were unconvenienced due to your own negligence. I don't care how much money you have or what position you used to hold. Grow up. Your ignorance is not my fault.

And... What the hell is the name of this show? It's driving me crazy!!!

2001-11-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

Visiting Artist Lecture Series. Every second Friday morning I attend this lecture series. For about an hour to two hours, various artists come to the Nickle and talk about themselves and their work. They show slides, tell stories and make jokes. It's a great way to end a week. What I find most fascinating is the process most of these people disclose about how their work comes to be and it makes me realize, it's not much different from my own process. It always surprises me when I discover people are all relatively the same. We all have fears and insecurites about what we're doing. Sometimes I feel like I'm faking my way through art school and that one day someone is going to expose me for the impostor that I am. Going to these lectures brings to focus a certain reality of how we're all struggling to survive and still stay true to our ideals. Definitely the most depressing aspect of these talks is that none of these artists have been able to support themselves by their art alone. None of them. They all had "day jobs" and some still do. Most of them are now teaching in some post-secondary institution. Teaching art. That makes me think why am I studying to teach art when it is so clearly a compromise from what most would rather do. Maybe you have to do both, so by studying curriculum design and teaching methods, in addition to a major studio discipline, I'm preparing for the inevitable. I don't know, it makes me wonder why I've chosen this path. It, clearly, will never support the lifestyle I grew up with and yet it's the only thing I'm happy doing. I need to be making things, not just now but for the rest of my life. I really related to Kelly Mark, an installation artist from NSCAD, her work reinforces my own efforts. She's currently showing at the Stride Gallery, if you have time - check it out. If you don't, have a look at this.

2001-11-08T22:44:00.000-08:00

He who hestitates is lost. Turns out they did play "Been Waiting" but because we were all too cool to stand around and wait for the show and opted to wait downstairs while enjoying a few beverages instead - we missed it! We missed two bloody songs, of course one of them had to be the only song I was dying to hear. Story of my life.

2001-11-08T00:59:00.000-08:00

Kids carry germs. In the past five weeks I've had two colds. TWO. Until this recent outbreak I hadn't had a cold in six years. My motto has alway been: "I don't get sick. I don't have time to. I have mental toughness and that prevents me from getting sick." The only thing that has changed in my daily routine has been my heightened exposure to small children. I better build up an immunity fast or those little fuckers are going to kill me.

The Flashing Lights are on! Review of this week's event in one word: Wow! What a show; even though they didn't play "Been Waiting" (Such an injustice). It was great to see Gaven - he did not disappoint sporting winter white cords, a white jean jacket and royal blue scarf to finish the ensemble (all very retro). He's got a style all his own and the reddest lips I've ever seen on a man. Sloan were less enthusiastic (The Chris Murphy High Kicks rated low on the KA POW meter.) but they finished strong with an all-star jam of Money City Maniacs turned Jumping Jack Flash, sharing the stage with the Lights. Can't knock Sloan's design sense though, beautiful visuals accompanied each song and they even showed the infamous "Spin The Bottle" movie made back in 1991 when Chris Murphy, Matt Murphy and Andrew Scott went to NSCAD. Of course, Jon and I played pseudo-groupies letting Gaven lead us backstage for a couple gin and tonics while watching the tail end of Sloan from restricted quarters. Fun night, and my voice is getting better, thanks to Gaven and the various remedies he pumped me with. It's so nice when Rockstars care, isn't it?

2001-11-06T02:50:00.000-08:00

Calgary breeds new generation of Shut-ins
I thought maybe the reason most events around town (ie: art openings, performances, live concerts, pro-sports) are poorly attended is because people simply don't have the disposable income they used to. A few weeks ago I attended an art event featuring a very bad "recycled entertainment" collective (read: sappy lounge cover band) at the Art Gallery of Calgary. The design of the ad for the event was fantastic. We decided the campaign would probably reflect the event and we had to go. The tickets were $20.00 a piece (promo for us), a few drinks were purchased and parking alone was $5.00. We ended the night short (thankfully) due to our expired time in ??? parking lot. Still feeling a little restless, we hit a small cafe for a nightcap and were home in bed by 12:30pm. Not a typical Thursday evening for us, increasingly domesticated cats, but it felt great to be out - taking in the city's offerings. Needless to say the event's attendance was embarrassingly low. And I can understand why; if we had paid for the tickets it would have been a $70.00 night for us. It's not difficult to comprehend that if it takes close to $100.00 to go out, people will pick and choose more discriminately what they attend. More often than not, most choose to stay home, surf the web, rent a video, etc. I can admit I'm guilty of it too. It's funny, every week I go on air and tell people to support the local scene. It's the only way to generate the enthusiasm required to bring in worthwhile entertainment. Yet even when big acts (big acts in my mind) come to town they lose their shirts! This, this, and this all lost money - and so did CJSW during their funding drive. It's no wonder you have to go to Vancouver to see a decent show. I know, some of us are a little tired seeing Hot Little Rocket headline at the Night Gallery every second week, but come on. Get out there! Bring your family. Go see cheap stuff, free stuff, whatever. That night, Jon and I made a pact that we would make more of an effort to get out once a week to see an art show or some sort of live performance. (So far so good but...I'll keep you posted).

I don't know where and when this "shut-in" mindset developed and how long it will continue, but it doesn't only pertain to paying events. When someone kindly invites you to their place, is a friend/ friendly acquaintance and has offered to have your favorite whatever on ice waiting for you - you go. Got it? Like Dave Eggers says," Saying NO isn't fun." It just isn't. Thank you to all who have invited us to their various events over the past couple of Saturday nights (and Sunday nights, come to think of it). You got us out of house, dressed up, and a few much needed drinks into Jon. Thanks, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

This week's event: the Flashing Lights!! (Wednesday Nov 7, 8pm - MacEwan Hall) ***** Highly recommended. Certainly an "At Least They Tried" candidate. And heh, maybe Gaven'll wear his white pants. Now if that isn't incentive, what is?

2001-11-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

Two parties in one night.
Oh boy. oh boy, oh boy.
Congratulations Sean!
Happy Birthday Laura!
We'll see you later.

2001-11-02T22:54:00.000-08:00

Y'all Get Scared Now, Ya Hear.
More tasty treats from friends of Belle & Sebastian. Mmmm.

2001-11-02T01:45:00.000-08:00

For a pretty talkative and gregarious gal, who rarely has an unexpressed though (or so I'm told), it's amazing how difficult it is for me to get a 10 page essay completed. And this is an essay on art, AND I picked the topic. Yet, as soon as I know I have to sit down and write the damn thing, I have nothing to say. Oh, it's such a painful process. If I had to do this for a living, I'd slit my wrists.

2001-11-02T00:21:00.000-08:00

Yay! I got my car back tonight. Cacomixl saved the day again. Sure wasn't easy though, between waiting for Campus Security to write out a receipt in Interview Room #1 (25 minutes!! It's like writing a cheque, how long does that take? Really.), then waiting for another set of Campus Security officers at the compound that's located 2 minutes away from their office (20 mins) and then having to boost my car TWICE (15 mins. Okay, sometimes I have monkey brains), can you believe the whole process took an hour? There wasn't even a line-up. See what I mean about PR problems?! They'd never last in the private sector. Even the city compound is faster and they deal with a zillion forms and people every day, and I'd know, I've been there a couple of times too. Ah well, my little cabriolet is now home safe and sound, and for the bargain price of $60.00. Now... I've just got to figure out how to elude Parking Services while attending class, since I've lost my privilege to park on campus. And what a privilege it is.... those Nazis.

2001-11-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

I finally heard from the Constellation boys: " hello rory. we'll get to your questions as soon as we can." Thanks, the paper's due TODAY.

2001-10-31T21:18:00.000-08:00

Please don't take offense Jane. The copy on those CrimeStoppers ads was the best part of the campaign, my muddled recollections "over the air" simply didn't give you the credit you deserve. My problem was with the marginalization of the featured models, not the copy. Maybe next time you can hire some really suspicious looking typography.

2001-10-31T20:47:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat. My car was towed today AGAIN. I swear over the course of my four years at the U of C, I've had my car towed at least 6 or 7 times. At $140.00 a crack, I'd say I was due at least one free class or perhaps even the removal of a W or two from my transcripts. In these "Customer Service" oriented times Parking Services could really use some help in their PR dept. Hell, I'd just settle for an actual place to park. So... Happy Halloween you Parking Nazis! You really made my day.

2001-10-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hello world, pleased to meet ya.

Three things:
1. The cat pillow is no where near where I thought it would be by now.
2. I still haven't heard from the Constellation boys. Don't they know my poor planning is their emergency?! Sheesh.
3. A visit from the past can really put the present in perspective. I love my boy.