those who hear not the music, think the dancers mad.

And I Wish And Wish Again...

2012-01-27T21:36:00.000-05:00

I'm in Michigan. Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dutch, CRC mecca.

In honour of that, I've decided to make up a list of things off the top of my head, that I know about the state of Michigan.

There is some sort of touristy Dutch village in the town of Holland, Michigan.
It is pure - the billboards told me that.
The roads are craptastic.
Don't go to Flint.
Don't go to Detroit.
The traffic lights in Grand Rapids are weird.
There is a grocery store called Meijer here.
The Biermas live here. Well, most of them.
During the weekend that the Calvin Worship Symposium fall on, it is impossible to drive from Ontario to Michigan on dry roads.
The 911 lady is nice.
The state patrol gets their man.
There are a lot of Dutch people here.
Amway comes from Michigan.

Kick At The Bieber 'Til He Bleeds Rainbows

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Created by Oatmeal

Roomie

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've got a new roomie, he's young, hairy, affectionate, curious, soft, a little jumpy right now and sitting in my window. There'll be pictures to follow.

Getting Horny?

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking about joining a cult...

http://cultofunicorn.com/

Yeah, a fake unicorn cult made up by the good people at Archie McPhee. I think before I join I have to acquire one of their totally non-scary unicorn masks...

Yup, totally non-scary. Clearly something I need to own.

Anyone else want to join?

NSFW - Das Interwebs Blackoot

2012-01-18T04:18:00.002-05:00

Here's a little .gif I gleaned from theoatmeal.com - His response to SOPA..

Remembrance

2012-01-17T00:14:00.001-05:00

Somewhere in the late hours of the day or the wee hours of the night over January 16/17, 1997 a friend of mine accidentally overdosed. He was at a party. He took some drugs. He took some more drugs. He got sleepy and told his girlfriend to wake him up in the morning when their ride came. But he didn't wake up.

His name was Aaron and I learned some things from him:

Dutch guys can rap
bats can be kinda cute
guys who wear Gwar shirts and paint their nails black can get along quite well with artsy, jock girls
one person's influence can ripple through an entire community
I can take a man seriously when he's wearing an almost skin tight tiger costume (we had many drama classes together)

So every year since he died, I take a minute to think about him, to think about what might have been, how his family has been and what I can learn from his life to make mine better, 'cause I'm still here.

Burning Down the House

2012-01-17T00:04:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry this is another vid. But it makes me happy in my insides - Tom Jones and The Cardigans??!? Then there are the crazy silver dancing people. And the facial expressions of Nina and Tom. Enjoy peeps...

Don't Stop The Music

2012-01-15T22:00:00.000-05:00

Don't Stop The Music

This is an amazing cover of Rhianna's Please Don't Stop the Music as done by The Bird the Bee.

In Yer He-ad...

2010-11-19T10:53:00.000-05:00

My brain made up the following song while I was procrastinating from getting dressed this morning:

(to the tune of There's a Hole In My Bucket)

Oh, where are your pants,
Dear Laura, dear Laura?
Oh, where are your pants,
Dear Laura, your pants?

I hate them,
Dear Henry, dear Henry, dear Henry.
I hate them,
Dear Henry.
I hate my pants.

I Prefer Them Fresh

2010-11-04T22:02:00.002-04:00

see more funny videos

Hamilton Votes

2010-10-25T11:14:00.000-04:00

A great editorial cartoon about the race for mayor of Hamilton.

She's Ten Years Old

2010-10-22T13:30:00.002-04:00

I Always Thought It Was a Battle Between Snake and Pork

2010-10-18T13:51:00.002-04:00

www.nataliedee.com

Things That Make Me A Better Person

2010-10-11T01:26:00.000-04:00

I think I need about 17 of these:

Actually maybe everyone in the country should have one. Well, at least me. They can be procured here.

Not The Peaceful Night He Bargained For

2010-10-07T19:31:00.002-04:00

There was a spider in my blue kazoo. He got rocket launched across the room as I blew my blue kazoo.

Have You Ever?

2010-10-05T23:11:00.000-04:00

Have you ever put all the pants you like to wear in the same load of laundry shortly after waking up and then gone to change out of your pyjamas and realized that you just put every pair of pants you like to wear in the same load of laundry?

I may or may not have done that this morning.

Existential Terror

2010-10-04T09:24:00.002-04:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Medical Dramas

2010-10-02T20:10:00.000-04:00

Over the summer and early this fall I've watched a lot of Grey's Anatomy and House. I really like these medical dramas, a lot of people do. I was trying to remember if there were any Canadian medical dramas on when ER became popular. There may have been and obviously they were so fantastic that I can't remember them. So I wondered about a couple of new Canadian medical dramas...

CDD - Canadian Diagnostics Division - Basically a copy of House, but with two significant differences. 1) Canadian health insurance - so there is less drama about how to pay for blood tests and tonsillectomies. 2) Wait times - "Get him a cdc, ldh, pcp, and a ct scan." "Ok doctor. I'll have the results to you in 6-8 months."

Spiritual Services Squad - Highly dramatic writing with emergency prayers, conversions, religious conflict, personal faith crises, love affairs, cranky director, differences in ideologies and philosophies, races to give the last rights, existential battles over the existence of higher beings, so many possibilities!

All Your Problems Are Solved

2010-09-23T21:43:00.000-04:00

Christmas is around a very large corner. Last year I provided a boat load of fantastic gift ideas. I believe most of them were ignored. The exception being the delightful pedicures my lovely cousin Katherine and I had.

I am promising to do better this year. I believe I have solved all of your Christmas gift problems. No more will you sit around, scratching your head until it bleeds, wondering what to get your mother-in-law. Battles between couples that degrade into vase throwing and fire poker swinging over plasma televisions and stairmasters will dissolve into sixties-esque love-ins.

This glorious gift-o-rama is a website for a Hamilton, ON based business. You can get every gift you need for really, any season, all from this one website, all from the comfort of your own home.

This magical, magnificent website is: http://www.wigs4you.com/

Happy shopping!

Bacon Tree

2010-09-14T10:45:00.000-04:00

This joke comes by way of the beautiful Nikki Gerrits (who got it from her Mom):

(please forgive any racial stereotyping)

Two Mexicans are stuck in the desert after crossing into the United States , wandering aimlessly and starving. They are about to just lie down and wait for death, when all of a sudden Luis says.........

"Hey Pepe, do you smell what I smell. Ees bacon, I theenk."

"Si, Luis, eet sure smells like bacon. "

With renewed hope they struggle up the next sand dune, & there, in the distance, is a tree loaded with bacon.

There's raw bacon, there's fried bacon, back bacon, double smoked bacon ..... every imaginable kind of cured pork.

"Pepe, Pepe, we ees saved. Ees a bacon tree."

"Luis, maybe ees a meerage? We ees in the desert don't forget."

"Pepe, since when deed you ever hear of a meerage that smell like bacon...ees no meerage, ees a bacon tree."

And with that, Luis staggers towards the tree. He gets to within 5 metres, Pepe crawling close behind, when suddenly a machine gun opens up, and Luis drops like a wet sock. Mortally wounded, he warns Pepe with his dying breath,

"Pepe... go back man, you was right, ees not a bacon tree!"

"Luis, Luis mi amigo... what ees it? "

"Pepe.. ees not a bacon tree. Ees

Ees

Ees

Ees

Ees a ham bush...."

Things You Might Say To Your Computer or Significant Other

2010-09-06T09:03:00.000-04:00

What are you thinking about?
I think I gave you a virus.
Can't you load quicker?
After you recharge you'll feel better.
That's not what I asked you to do.
You're too loud.
Why aren't you working?
Why can't I turn you on?
Reboot this!
You've really slowed down over the years.

DSB

2010-09-03T07:51:00.001-04:00

Dear Secret Boyfriend,

I just learned that African Lion Safari has a baby giraffe. I love giraffes. Let's go see it.

Anticipatorily yours,

Laura

I Have Often Wondered About This

2010-08-11T12:20:00.002-04:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

This One Goes Out To All My Chicken Farmer Friends

2010-08-09T05:03:00.000-04:00

nataliedee.com

Get It...Spear-Mint...Bwaaa ha ha ha

2010-07-25T19:37:00.004-04:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Not Sweetest Of Ideas

2010-07-13T23:20:00.000-04:00

I have to get some blood work done as a part of my yearly physical. My doctor thought we should do the kind where I fast for 12 hours. I'm about to hit hour 4 of not eating, which is not exactly a feat worth heralding.

In an act of distraction I've been doing some "surfing" of the "world wide interweb" and without thinking ended up at a site about cake.

Cake as you may know is a food - a delicious, delectable food. I like to have cake in my hand, my mouth and my stomach. I like vanilla cake with lots of icing.

That last rant just made my stomach hurt. I'm going to stop looking at cakes on the internet and perhaps read the news instead. It'll be more stomach turning, which will help with my stomach's yearning.

Also - http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ is awesome, go there, now.

Important Thing To Know

2010-07-10T22:45:00.000-04:00

Created by Oatmeal

For All You Summer Yard Salers...

2010-07-07T09:21:00.002-04:00

2010-07-05T19:00:00.000-04:00

I saw my first zebra a week ago. Actually maybe it wasn't my first. I probably saw one at the Toronto Metro Zoo when I was a wee lass, so...uh... ok: I saw my first zebra in Bowmanville.

Here Is A Picture...Now Take Your Thousand Words

2010-06-23T06:43:00.000-04:00

A picture of me joining the CRC.

A picture of my little sister Rachel graduating from Redeemer

A picture of me before doing a sleep test/study

Watch Out

2010-06-21T07:28:00.000-04:00

Some good friends of mine (KD &; MPV) were telling me about a movie they saw late this spring. It is called "Birdemic - Shock and Terror". It involves an homage to Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" and birds with lasers. I watched the theatrical trailer and well, it seems to have "indie" written all over it. But I'm not an expert in these things. I'll give you the link to the movie's website, and you can have a gander here at the trailer and then you let me know your thoughts.

Oh, you should also know the film is being shown at the Bloor Cinema in Toronto on June 26.

Birdemic: Shock And Terror Official Theatrical Trailer from Severin Films on Vimeo.

Apologies

2010-06-16T21:14:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posting lately. Apparently it's bronchitis that's been making me so tired over the last few weeks. Also, typing with a sprained thumb hurts. I hope to resume the regular M,W,F schedule soon.

Here is a picture, just 'cause:

Things You Never Think You'll Do

2010-06-11T00:45:00.000-04:00

So there I am, playing good ol' Christian, co-ed, slo-pitch (we won, we're 2-1 now), and I'm about to bat. One of the other team's players comes to the plate and proceeds to tell the ump that a city worker has approached their bench and told them that they will be turning the lights off at 10:30pm. The game started at 9:30 and the diamond was booked until 11pm and it's minutes to 10:30pm.

We hadn't got enough innings in to make it a legal game, thusly, we had a problem. Suggestions were made to use feminine charms to coerce the man into letting us have our half hour, have the ump talk to him, etc. Then the member of the other team said, "I don't think those will work, I think he's a deaf, mute."

So guess who ended up pulling out her sign language alphabet to talk this guy into letting us finish the game... yup, you're right, me. We got our half an hour and finished our game. End of story, right...?

After the game, a couple of friends and I wandered across the park to Rolly Rocket's BBQ and I was relaying this story to the owner. As soon as I mentioned "deaf, mute" he responds with "oooooh, that's Joseph. He's not a city worker. He lives across the street, he's kind of a volunteer." I asked if he was the kind of volunteer who should be turning on the lights and Rolly juuuust wasn't sure. Crap.

The moral of the story is that sometimes you're trying to play hardcore Christian, co-ed, slo-pitch and end up a) being heckled by a drunk guy on a bench in the outfield b) straining your thumb c) making a pseudo diving catch and throwing someone out at 2nd from your belly, or d) spelling out words in sign language to convince a neighbourhood "volunteer" that he shouldn't turn lights off that he may not even have the ability to turn off.

Not Okay

2010-06-10T09:57:00.000-04:00

A friend's brother/roommate's soon to be brother-in-law was killed on Tuesday. She said that your youngest brother shouldn't be the first one to go in the family. I'm inclined to agree - that's not normative.

Details - http://thespec.com/article/784796, http://thespec.com/News/Local/article/785687

Isn't It Alarming

2010-06-09T00:38:00.000-04:00

Dear Boat Owner with the boat alarm,

You really need to change the settings on your boat alarm - it goes off... a lot... and for a long time. This annoys the whole neighbourhood. Please fix it.

Sincerely,

Lstew

Just In Case You Were Wondering...

2010-06-04T06:54:00.000-04:00

... the Charlton Chargers are 1-1.

Go Chargers!

Tough But Fair

2010-06-02T14:15:00.002-04:00

www.nataliedee.com

Mind Blowing

2010-06-01T21:44:00.002-04:00

Turn your speakers up a bit, then go here and smile. The link comes courtesy of my Dad.

Songs You Shouldn't Be Thinking of In May

2010-05-27T07:31:00.001-04:00

Excellent Paper Topic

2010-05-26T06:55:00.000-04:00

www.nataliedee.com

She Was A Great 'Ol Gal

2010-05-24T07:22:00.000-04:00

Thanks for fireworks and a day off!

End of the World

2010-05-17T07:37:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I became an official member of the CRC.

Things To Do In Hamilton For 10$ (Per Person)Or Under Vol. 1.2

2010-05-12T22:56:00.000-04:00

Choir concert - in honour of Redeemer University College outgoing president Dr. Justin Cooper.

Friday, May 14th, 2010 @ MacNab Presbyterian, Hamilton, ON

Pieces include: Byrd's Ave Verum Corpus; Lotti's Crucifixus; Halloran's Witness; select parts of Brahm's Liebeslieder Waltzer and much, much more.

There are real, paid soloists. I'm singing in it.

And you can come for the low, low cost of 10$. Tickets available by calling the RUC box office at 905 648 2131 ext 4211 or by going to ticketwindow.ca

You're Fine, You're Fine, You...You're Cut

2010-05-10T07:28:00.000-04:00

I was at my parents' this weekend and watched a lot of playoff hockey. While watching the Sharks and Red Wings on Saturday night, I initiated a line of conversation about the survival abilities of certain team mascots. I decided that hockey teams need to be named after things that could plausibly survive a northern winter.

Teams like the Avalanche, Canadiens, and Penguins are quite alright. Teams in the "eeee, you might freeze to death" category are the Panthers, Ducks and Coyotes. But Sharks, Hurricanes and Blue Jackets, you guys would die. You need to change your team names. My Dad and I suggest the following: Pelts, Snow Leopards, Huskies, Freezing Rain, Snow Birds, Economic Incentive Programs, and Shovels.

Putting A Spin On Things

2010-05-07T07:29:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it is hard to be single. Though I also know it can be hard to be a couple too. By not dating your Grandparent, I think you can find the goodness in whichever situation you find yourself. Example - "daaag I wish I had a boyfriend, oh well, things could be worse, I could be dating my Grandpa." Or "maaaan my significant other is annoying the stink outta me, oh well, things could be worse, i could be dating my Grandma and we could be paying a surrogate to have our child."

In case you're calling the hospital to have me committed, read this article first (then you can call).

The Ides of March, Men Bearing Gifts, Smiling Wolves

2010-05-05T07:34:00.001-04:00

You could beware all the things in the title. Or you heed these words: beware wigs.

Confused

2010-05-03T07:08:00.001-04:00

Did someone want to go ahead and let May know that it's not August? And while you're talking to months, ask what happened to April, 'cause really, let's be honest, May came in April.

Things To Do In Hamilton For 10$ Or Under Vol. 1.1

2010-04-30T07:22:00.001-04:00

Doors Open Hamilton is this weekend.

Uhhh what is Doors Open Hamilton? (from their website):
"The Doors Open program seeks to celebrate, educate and inform citizens and visitors of the importance of the architectural, cultural and historical sites in Hamilton by allowing visitors free access to properties that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Many locations organize guided tours, displays and activities to enrich the visitor experience."

Uhhh when exactly is this thing?
Saturday May 1 and Sunday May 2 (you have to read about individual sites to see exact hours - but an average is 11-4)

Where can I go, I'm too ~~lazy~~ busy to go to the website and read everything.
Here are a few featured sites to entice you:

Griffin House
733 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster
In 1834 this simple clapboard house on a hilltop just west of the Hermitage ruins became the homestead of Enerals Griffin believed to have entered Canada through the Underground Railway.
Carnegie Gallery
10 King Street West, Dundas
The Carnegie Library building was built in the Classic Revival style in c1910, on land donated by Dundas business man Col. Grafton. In 1980, The Dundas Art and Craft Association opened the gallery and shop, showcasing artists and craftsmen of the local region. Now owned by the association, it continues to be a cultural hub for the city of Hamilton.
The e-House
1820 Valens Road, Puslinch
This e-house (ecological, economic, efficient), completed in 2007, may be the most energy-efficient house in Canada. Designed by its owner, it combines advanced energy-efficient design and construction techniques with affordability, and generates its own electricity. It is often referred to as the “no furnace, off-the-grid house.”
School Sisters of Notre Dame
1921 Snake Road, Waterdown
Located on the Niagara Escarpment, the School Sisters of Notre Dame open the doors to their magnificent chapel with jewel-like stained glass windows by Yvonne Williams and sculptures by Dora de Pedery-Hunt. A rare opportunity to enjoy the quiet beauty and gracious hospitality of the Motherhouse.
Art Gallery of Hamilton
123 King Street West, Hamilton (at Summers Lane between Bay and MacNab Streets)
Founded in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is Ontario's third largest public art gallery and owns one of the finest collections in Canada. In 2010, the AGH is celebrating Vital Africa, a year-long celebration of African arts and culture and its influence on the world.
Lincoln Alexander Centre (former Odeon Theatre)
150 King Street East, Hamilton (at Catharine Street)
Thirty years ago the Odeon I and II cinemas on this site closed down, victims of the shift of business and entertainment from the core of the city. This year it reopened as Hamilton's finest upscale entertainment hall. Life has come full circle for the downtown block.
Ormond Green
56 Ferrie Street West, Hamilton East of Bay Street
This humble semi-detached worker's cottage has been transformed from a crowded layout of tiny rooms into an open concept living space. Original structural boards and scavenged wood have been re-worked into trim and wainscot. House exemplifies green design. External insulation allows for exposed brick
St. Mary's Pro Cathedral
146 Park Street North, Hamilton (1 block west of James N. at Sheaffe St.)
Built in 1859-60, St. Mary's retains its original pre-Confederation Gothic Revival character. The magnificent interior features an elaborately carved high altar, Bavarian stained glass and memorials to Hamilton's first bishops. The imposing red brick exterior is distinguished by a massive bell tower and stone trim. St. Mary's is Hamilton's original Roman Catholic cathedral, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2010.
The Studios at Hotel Hamilton
195 James Street North, Hamilton (at Mulberry Street)
Originally built in 1887 as a commercial building and expanded in 1905 to a hotel for soldiers. The building has been revitalized to include 19 studios, a ground floor café, gallery and more. Historical elements that still remain from its colourful past include the hand-laid terrazzo floor and custom plaster ceiling in the ground floor café, exposed brick walls, original fire doors, and high ceilings.
Stinson School Lofts
200 Stinson Street, Hamilton
Once upon a time schools were important-looking buildings, with baronial architecture, imposing stone walls, arched entrances and grand wooden interiors. Constructed in 1894, Hamilton's Stinson School is amongst the last of its kind. By good fortune the building has been designated historic and is now in the process of conversion into unique residential apartments.
Whitehern Historic House & Garden
41 Jackson Street, Hamilton (at MacNab Street South)
Prominently situated in a walled terraced garden, Whitehern is an outstanding example of a mid-19th century urban estate. The house has a multi-layered character that reflects the alterations made by three generations of the McQuesten family. Today Whitehern represents the year 1939. View the recently renovated 1850's stable.
Workers Arts and Heritage Centre
51 Stuart Street, Hamilton (near Bay and Barton)
Workers Arts and Heritage Centre is Canada's only national labour history museum and art gallery. Housed in Hamilton's Customs House, a national heritage building (1860), WAHC offers an entertaining and educational experience. Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the building and 15th anniversary of the centre with new special guided tours.
Gage Park & Tropical House
Gage Park, Lawrence Road, East of Gage Avenue
Gage Park is a 30ha park serving the downtown community and hosting city wide special events. Originally designed by H.B. Dunnington-Grubb Landscape Architects in the 1920s, the park contains perennial and rose gardens, tropical and production greenhouses, fountain, band shell, lawn bowling and tennis clubs, baseball fields, children's playground and the Hamilton Children's Museum.
St. Nicholas' Serbian Orthodox Church
1415 Barton Street East, Hamilton (at Division Street)
In the shadow of factories, amid the bustle of traffic, there is a place steeped in history, spirituality and beauty. Home of eastern Canada's oldest Serbian Orthodox Parish, the church's architecture celebrates the Serbo-Byzantine style. The interior features masterpieces of fresco iconography and traditional woodcarving in the Orthodox tradition.
Dundurn National Historic Site
610 York Boulevard, Hamilton (at Dundurn Street)
The former home of Sir Allan MacNab, lawyer, soldier, businessman and politician embodies the picturesque movement in Canada. Visit the re-created mid-Victorian kitchen garden and landscape. Tour the newly restored Dining Room with 1830's paint scheme. Also on site the 1835 Cockpit, the only known North American structure of this type.
McMaster Museum of Art
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton (at Sterling & Forsyth)
Opened in 1950, the Museum of Art is a hidden gem among Canadian galleries. A bequest in 1990 by Herman Levy added many key pieces to the collection, including Monet's Waterloo Bridge and Van Gogh's Still Life with Ginger Jar and Onions. It also boasts the world's largest collection of German Expressionist Art.
McMaster Nuclear Reactor
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton (at Sterling & Forsyth)
The McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) opened in 1959 as the first university-based research reactor in the British Commonwealth. Today, it is used for research by students, academics, small and international businesses, and in the production of medical isotopes used to treat prostate cancer.

So, go to www.doorsopenhamilton.ca and read more details. Figure out what you want to see, when those things are open and plan your routes. Many of these places charge admission during the rest of the year, or are simply not open to the public. Go see a fresco, go get a tour that gives you a rich history lesson and insite into the city you live in, go be inspired by a green/eco house, go see a Van Gogh, go see how life is being breathed back into Hamilton through the reinvention of historic buildings. Frescos, Van Gogh and the possibility of refreshments - all for a zero dollar admission price. You can't really go wrong here.

Protests and Explosions

2010-04-28T07:29:00.001-04:00

Last Friday night was an explosive night of civil unrest. Of course, by this I mean that there was a busker protest and a fireworks conference demonstration.

It seems some buskers got fined under some sort of panhandling by-law. Now totally ~~trying to avoid a PR nightmare or artistic riots~~ coincidentally the city of Hamilton started looking at putting a licensing system into place for buskers/street performers. Alors, the artistic community wished to say "up yours" to "the man" and approximately 40 buskers took to the (James) street (North) on Friday.

Some evidence:

The Canadian Fireworks Association held their annual convention in Hamilton this year. With the conference came 3 hours of commercial product demonstrations, competition fireworks, and a lovely display of pyrotechnics that one would need a license to purchase.

Some evidence:

You Can't Go Back To Constantinople, Or Work For Lakeport

2010-04-26T07:24:00.001-04:00

I'm not an expert on labour relations. But here is what I think is going down (there is ~~a lot~~ some bias towards the workers):

Labatts bought Lakeport a few years ago
Labatts called the workers in and told them 3 weeks from now y'all are out of a job, we're closing the plant
143 people lose their jobs
Labatts says the plant and its equipment are old and inefficient and it's moving the equipment to other plants
Labatts has the lease on the plant until next May and say they are open to someone else taking over the lease as long as it's not another brewer - much like someone holding a lease to a bowling alley, taking the pins and balls out and saying anyone can move in, just as long as you don't try and have a bowling alley going in there
3 different brewers have put in offers and have been rejected by Labbats

I stopped by a wee rally in support of the workers last week. Here are a few pics...

For The Visual Learner

2010-04-23T07:25:00.002-04:00

What Google Images has to say about "1500"

Let's Make It A Theme

2010-04-21T07:24:00.000-04:00

I googled 1500 in honour of Monday's 1500th post. Here are some of the results:

the year 1500 was a leap year and started on a Wednesday
a map of Europe in the year 1500
a lot of chatter about Kristina Groves winning the 1500m women's speed skating gold at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics
a well advertised Dodge Ram 1500
a February 2010 outbreak of mumps among Orthodox Jews in New York and New Jersey that surpassed 1500 cases

Aren't you glad I shared all of that?

Fifteen Hundred

2010-04-19T07:32:00.001-04:00

Well holy crap. This is my fifteen hundredth post. Can you believe what an unbelievable ~~waste of time~~ contribution to society fifteen hundred blog posts is? That is one thousand five hundred. Do you understand this? I'm not sure I can even comprehend this internet bytery.

Every once in a while I go back and read some of my earliest posts. They suck. Like suck haaaaaard. Though at times they are a long ad for the Pita Pit or injuring annoying people. Doing the second one would be a lucrative vocation if one could get beyond the law. I'm still working on it. But it didn't work for that one angel in Dogma, soooo I'm not working too hard.

This blog has gone through at least 3 different colour schemes, 3 different names. At times (usually when I was supposed to be writing papers) there were multiple times a day. Occaisionally I would take a few weeks off of entertaining and inspiring. Most of the time I can adhere to a self imposed Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule (how many brains just exploded when I said that - yup, there is a rhythm to my madness).

The blog has been an updater; a sharing vehicle; an outlet for my angst, rage, sorrow, humour, etc. I'll admit that the dawn of facebook has hit my numbers. Though it's not surprising that a blog that has no real point would struggle to survive.

I'll keep posting my brand of humour, biasedly pushing things I'm interested in, and sharing the ridiculous. Maybe I'll make it to 3000.

Peace.

Sometimes Spring Can Make You Smile

2010-04-16T07:29:00.000-04:00

Dark Nights, Bright Lights

2010-04-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

The First Robyn Of Spring Has Flown The Coup

2010-04-12T07:34:00.000-04:00

One of my roommates, Robyn is gone for the next month for a teaching placement. She is lovely. I (and the rest of the house) will miss her.

Baseball Is Lovely

2010-04-09T07:26:00.000-04:00

If you love the Jays, like the Leafs, they will tease your heart for a few months, then rip it out and poop on it. Just sayin'.
My brother is making his triumphant return to men's baseball this summer with the Howe Sound Cannons of the North Shore Men's Baseball Association.
I still miss the Expos.

Some People Are Still Suffering

2010-04-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

toothpastefordinner.com

More Great Parenting Advice

2010-04-02T07:36:00.002-04:00

www.toothpastefordinner.com

This Week In History

2010-03-31T07:36:00.001-04:00

I was thinking about Jesus last night. If I was him, I wouldn't have slept very well during this week of riots and madness. I think that may be one of the many reasons I'm not Jesus.

Happy Day After Your Birthday...

2010-03-29T10:22:00.000-04:00

Lady Gaga

(why yes she is meeting the queen in this shot)

DSB

2010-03-26T07:26:00.000-04:00

Dear Secret Boyfriend,

Just so you know, you are totally allowed to take me to Opera Hamilton's performance of:

(April 22 & 24 @ Hamilton Place)

Bucking The Trend

2010-03-24T09:54:00.000-04:00

Happy Thirty-First Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Postmodern Homer and His Pearls of Wisdom

2010-03-22T22:20:00.000-04:00

Here are 2 things that aren't secrets:

I really like The Simpsons.
Homer Simpson has pervaded Western culture.

I've collected a few Homer quotes here. I'm pretty sure you can live your life by them...

“It’s better to watch stuff than do stuff.”

“Good things don’t end in ‘eum’ (like museum) they end in ‘mania’ or ‘teria’ (like cafeteria).”

“Trying is the first step towards failure.”

“A boy can learn more in an airport than he can in any school.”

“If God didn’t want us to eat in church, he would have made gluttony a sin.”

“Ah, the tunnel of love – nothing gets a woman in your arms faster than scary robots and simulated privacy.”

I'm Sure I Don't Know This Girl

2010-03-17T07:15:00.001-04:00

She's wearing green, so this totally counts as a St. Paddy's post. Be safe if you're going out tonight. I'll be worrying about you...

www.nataliedee.com

Current Musical Obsession

2010-03-15T07:25:00.000-04:00

CMO: "Polite Dance Song" by The Bird and the Bee

I couldn't embed the official video so here is a link to it. I highly suggest you check it out. Highly.

I Can't Afford More Baby Showers

2010-03-14T07:50:00.001-04:00

Here's Hoping

2010-03-08T07:28:00.001-05:00

So I'm going to engage in a little project today that should improve this wee blog of mine. Either that or it will cause me to pull all of my hair out. Maybe both.

I Think I Met This Guy

2010-03-05T07:32:00.001-05:00

nataliedee.com

Licking Their Wounds

2010-03-03T07:36:00.002-05:00

This came courtesy of Twitter, via a blog:

A radio station in Buffalo, New York refused to play Canadian music Monday in response to Team Canada’s gold medal hockey win over the U.S. Sunday.

103.3 The Edge announced its plans on their website prior to canning Canadian content. American listeners joined in on the fun, by encouraging the station to continue to ban northern music permanently until the next Olympics.

“We hope you understand our passive-aggressiveness,” read part of the message on The Edge’s site.
The station said it’s nothing personal, but they needed to do something to make them feel superior to us, even if it was just for a day.

Recovering

2010-03-01T23:13:00.000-05:00

....recovering from the Olympics...regular posting will resume shortly.....yes i know my comments are down.....gold medal....what?.....he shoots he scores.....finally get to stop hearing the I Believe song.....sigh

So You're A Little Sick Of It

2010-02-24T07:37:00.000-05:00

Ok, you don't give two shakes about the Olympics. I can get that. I don't agree with it, but well, you just go ahead and live your empty, meaningless life.

Anyhoo, I thought I'd give you a link to a site that will give you some great advice and has nothing to do with sport.

7 Reasons To Keep Your Tyrannosaur Off Crack Cocaine

To Help Your Sense of (Groovin') National Pride

2010-02-22T07:43:00.001-05:00

I know sometimes it's hard to get excited about this country. Especially as you're shovelling your way out the front door or killing swarms of mosquitoes. Or when your hockey team loses, your fraternal skaters aren't triumphant, or your bobsled flips.

So here is a music video from Halifax's resident hip hop/rap magnate Classified. Be advised, this may not be work or children safe due to one partially muted f-bomb, a couple of d@mns, mentions of marijuana and a few people consuming alcohol.

Enjoy...

Things That Are Cool

2010-02-19T07:39:00.000-05:00

gold medals
being able to text your brother while he's at the sliding centre and say... tell him that the Italian bronze medal luger is a hottie and ask him to drop my name, or ask what the delay is with the women's skeleton start
Lloyd Robertson's cryogenic chamber

Not So Linear

2010-02-17T07:45:00.001-05:00

lent starts today
i have a crush on alex bilodeau
i have a crush on maelle ricker
why on earth did i think that giving up coke and bacon for lent was a good idea when lent starts during the olympics
i'm so dang proud of my brother right now
giraffes are nice
quatchi is nice

Celebrate Family Day With...

2010-02-15T07:36:00.000-05:00

Lady Gaga!
Ah hahahahahasnorthaha coughhahahachokehahaha.

But seriously, this acoustic live performance of Poker Face makes my socks shoot of my feet.

I Mean, I Wouldn't Know Anything About This

2010-02-12T07:20:00.000-05:00

www.nataliedee.com

Use your Heybabies to wave at the Canadian athletes as they march in tonight!

What Else Would This Be About?

2010-02-10T07:37:00.000-05:00

Straight from the good people at Monkey Goggles, we have the Bacon Eater's Manifesto Part 1...

This document is a recently discovered artifact of an organization that existed in America during the 1950s. The Society for Culinary Acceptance of Bacon competed for membership with the Masons and Oddfellows during the height of secret fraternal organizations. SCAB didn’t hide itself behind secrets and mystical ceremonies like most groups, it was just a bunch of guys that really liked bacon.

Still, they produced several important written documents, including this recently-uncovered Bacon Eater’s Manifesto. Although its language and some of its attitudes may appear outdated, we present a section of it because its central wisdom still holds true today.

The Bacon Eater’s Manifesto

Before beginning, we must acknowledge bacon as the most perfect food that has ever or will ever exist. It is the food which holds the perfect balance of fat and salt. The crispiness to withstand even the moistest sandwich and the heartiness to make even a salad edible. We sing the praises of bacon. We dance in its honor. We close our eyes and inhale deeply allowing its scent to enter our bodies and fill us with happiness as if we were human balloons and the bacon is God’s breath.

Bacon is also the universal food, for it is not elitist fancy-pants eating. It is enjoyed by everyone from the lowliest hobo to the wealthiest Wall Street tycoon. Even Mr. Rockefeller himself is known to partake in bacon during breaks from counting his large stacks of money. It is the chosen last meal of death row inmates and the first thing men ask for after being rescued from desert islands. After all, if you were stranded on an island, would you rather have a beautiful woman or endless bacon? The choice is clear.

We suggest renaming the pig to something more descriptive of its purpose. This animal should be renamed “living bacon” or “bacon with legs” so as not to hide that inner beauty it holds. The swine lives in filth, but just as plants grow from manure, so does the seed of bacon take hold in the swill of mud and garbage and grow into the redwood of meats. Bacon.

Now that we have paid proper homage to bacon, we name ourselves as eaters of bacon and set forth our purpose and pathway. These are the truths we live by and hold sacred.

1. There is nothing that cannot be improved by the addition of bacon.

Some might hold out sweets as being spoiled by adding bacon or a gourmet chef might say that the balance of a dish will be upset by the addition of bacon, but we state here and now that they are wrong. There is no food, or indeed no event, that cannot be improved with the addition of bacon. A single slice of bacon can act as a magnifying glass on the smallest amount of goodness or happiness in something, and magnify it to skyscraper size.

2. Bacon may shorten your life, but what is life without bacon?

Doctors, health nuts and vegetarians are constantly whispering in our ears that bacon poses some kind of health risk. That your life would be longer without it. But, we ask, what is your life without it? It’s a cupcake without frosting. A marriage without love. A summer without a sunny day. Quality of life must be taken into consideration when choosing your food. Do not waste time with green beans and squash; fill all the empty moments with the king of meat.

3. Bacon is the best thing at a breakfast buffet.

Loading up on toast or eggs is a tragedy. For they are simply buffer foods to distract you from bacon.

4. Bacon is so delicious, some people claim it wrote the works of Shakespeare.

We have our doubts that it did. For if bacon could write, why would it write something so boring and inscrutable to the common man?

5. The greatest odor in the world is the smell of cooking bacon.

If one were to truly and dutifully bottle its essence, even a woman plain as tap water could attract a square-jawed, Hollywood dreamboat. If it were promised that heaven smelled like bacon, surely men would do no evil from that moment forward.
—————————————————————————-

The document then goes on to describe the ceremonial eating and enjoyment of bacon as practiced by those that know it best. You can read the second part here.

- David Wahl

Making The Best Of It

2010-02-08T07:05:00.003-05:00

Two east of Toronto girls showing how it's done.

The hockey card shot.

Who needs a helmet when you have hair like Steve's?

Jacques Plante wannabe.

Who says you can't be cold and sexy?

One Week

2010-02-05T07:23:00.000-05:00

Another reason to be excited about the Olympics...

Brighton resident part of Olympic magic

BRIGHTON -- Like millions of people, John Stewart dreamed of Olympic stardom as a kid.

And, like millions of people, he didn't achieve those dreams, at least athletically.

But unlike the rest, Stewart found another way to live his Olympic dream. With the Vancouver Winter Olympics set for February, the Brighton native moved to Whistler, B.C., in 2007 with the hopes of finding a part to play in the Games. With no relevant experience, he applied for a job on the track crew at the Whistler Sliding Centre, where the bobsled, luge and skeleton events will be contested. Not only did he get the job, he was soon named foreman of one of the track crews, and has spent the last two years working to create "the fastest track in the world."

"Everything a Zamboni does, we do by hand," explained Stewart, of the work he and his crew must do to prepare the track for the Olympics.

But while the driver of an ice resurfacer has the benefit of working on a flat surface, the workers in Whistler must contend with a 1.5 kilometre stretch of ice that twists, turns and dives, with a vertical drop of 152 metres. Even when wearing special boots with spikes in the bottom, slips are hardly uncommon, and when they happen, it's a long ride down to the bottom.

"It's not a job for the faint of heart," he said, noting how workers are often covered in snow, ice and water throughout their long days.

But if you can handle the work, it's very rewarding.

"It's a job you can take pride in. It brings out the perfectionist in you," he said.

"Our job is to make the track as fast and safe as possible."

By all accounts, Stewart and his team have succeeded. The track has been studied and used by athletes, spectators, broadcasters, and officials, many of whom have shared their belief that it's the best slide in the world. That's a source of immense pride for Stewart.

"It's the first time I've put my hands on something that's considered the best in the world. It's a real good feeling. This is a special place," he said. "It's going to be a crown jewel of the Olympics, (and) it will continue to be the preeminent track in the world for years to come."

When Stewart isn't working, he and his girlfriend can be found snowboarding across Whistler's incredible slopes. He has even taken the opportunity to bobsled down the track himself, not just for fun, but to better understand the feedback the athletes give him.

The rush that goes along with it is just a bonus.

After two years of work, the big moment is less than a month away, and Stewart and his crew will be working hard to ensure the slide is in pristine condition as the world's top athletes go for gold.

"Ever since I was a little kid, I've been enthralled by the Olympics," he said. "It's going to be a big party, (and) I'll be there in the thick of it. It will be incredible. I can't wait."

(article from The Brighton Independent)

Britney Spears Took This Advice To Heart

2010-02-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

www.toothpastefordinner.com

Who Was That Guy?

2010-02-01T07:30:00.000-05:00

There are a number of things in Hamilton that are named after people. Mostly, I have little idea who these people are.

So courtesy of Google and Wikipedia, I'm going to introduce you to some of these peeps via facts that I think are neat.

Meet Sir Allan MacNab:

born in Niagara, ON in 1798
when he was 14 he fought in the war of 1812
was a lawyer in Hamilton
successfully defended some area Tories after they were charged for tarring and feathering a local reformer who was accused adultery
he was knighted for leading British militias against William Lyon Mackenzie's rebels
with another dude was responsible for the construction of the Great Western Railway
his house was Dundurn Castle
was the Prime Minister of the Province of Canada for a couple of years

Happy Birthday Dad

2010-01-29T07:38:00.000-05:00

A very happy birthday to the coolest guy ever!

Babies, Offspring, Spawn

2010-01-27T07:07:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to give a shout out to all of my friends who recently gave birth, or found out that they will be giving birth. Good luck with that parenting thing...

(photo courtesy of Awkward Family Photos)

How Many Times Have I Found Myself Saying This...

2010-01-25T07:28:00.000-05:00

www.marriedtothesea.com

Can We Talk About This Guy For A Minute?

2010-01-22T07:24:00.001-05:00

The shaggy guy on the left if Josh. Josh is romantically linked to that bronze beauty on the right (who happens to be one of my roommates). But we're talking about Josh right now. Josh is in a piano tuning, fixing, loving program right now. He learns how to help pianos be healthy.

Maybe last weekend he brought us big heavy, wooden gift. Maybe it looks a lot like this:

Josh gets 1,000,000 love points from our whole house for being awesome.

Can We Talk About This Girl For A Minute?

2010-01-20T07:21:00.001-05:00

This is Chelsea L.

This lady is originally from the United States of America. There are a few products that one can get in that country that one cannot easily obtain up here in the great, snowy, sled dog laiden north. While visiting a grocery store in her country of origin recently she remembered one of these products and checked to see if they had it.

She came back and presented me with this:

Chelsea L - you get 1,000 points and a large chunk of my love.

Inappropriate?

2010-01-18T08:48:00.001-05:00

Do you ever wake up hungry and craving something that you really shouldn't? I totally woke up this morning craving the biggest cheesiest pizza. Strange.

For All Those Lonely Dentists

2010-01-15T07:24:00.001-05:00

Exhibit A - Lady Gaga singing a song from her new album - "Teeth"

Exhibit B - Lady Gaga accidentaly bashing out the teeth of one of her dancers while in concert

Haiti

2010-01-13T09:29:00.001-05:00

Prayers are needed.

I Love This Man

2010-01-12T10:31:00.004-05:00

Some Things In Life Just Thrill You To Pieces

2010-01-08T01:25:00.002-05:00

In Case You Were Wondering

2010-01-06T07:15:00.000-05:00

There are only 37 days until the Olympic games start. Eeee!

I Loaf You Dough Much

2010-01-04T15:04:00.000-05:00

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Maybe You Were With This Guy On New Years Eve?

2010-01-01T21:34:00.000-05:00

marriedtothesea.com

Extra, Extra, Read Allllll About It!

2009-12-21T10:38:00.002-05:00

Just when you thought that you couldn't be famous for being crazy without being arrested, along comes me, the Olympic torch and the Hamilton Spectator.

Today's Spec features a wee blurb (by reporter Dana Brown) on the front page about how Olympic crazed I am, and a picture of my crazed Quatchi and Mukmuk loving self is on the second page.

You can go here to see them all together. Eeeeee!

It's My Torch To Bear/Bare

2009-12-21T07:04:00.000-05:00

If That's What You Want For Yourself

2009-12-18T07:03:00.000-05:00

www.marriedtothesea.com

You Better Not Cry, I'm Telling You Why - The Olympic Torch Is Coming To Toooown!

2009-12-16T07:26:00.001-05:00

Ok, ok, ok, ok, ok, ok....ok.

Let us just calmly talk about a beloved symbol of amature sport for a second - IT'S COMING TO HAMILTON TOMORROW AND THERE IS GOING TO BE A PARTY AND YOU CAN SEE THE TORCH AND QUATCHI AND YELL AND SING AND BE ENVIRONMENTAL AND LOVE AND JUNK!

Cough.

You may find out alllll of the helpful details here, but I'll also cut and paste some deets ici:

The public are encouraged to come early to Dundurn Castle and check out activities beginning at 4:00 pm provided by sponsors Coca-Cola and RBC. Dundurn Castle will offer free guided tours from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and free roaming tours from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm with interpreters stationed throughout the home.

12:00 pm-6:00 pm Free tours of Dundurn Castle

4:00 pm Activities begin at Dundurn National Historic Site

5:30 pm Celebration begins; entertainers include Tom Wilson, John Ellison, Jude Johnson, Hamilton Youth Steel Orchestra and more

6:30 pm Olympic Torch Relay enters Hamilton

3:30 pm-8:00 pm HSR special shuttle from the north side of King Street between Hughson and John to Dundurn Castle

Sooooo, you should probably come to the party, or at least see the torch go by. It may not be back for a good many years. You'll remember it. And if you come to the party you can come and take pictures of me stalking Quatchi.

Things I Like (In Memory of Mrs. Morgan's Old Blog)

2009-12-14T07:02:00.000-05:00