Sunday, September 26, 2010

Don't mess with the girl with the megaphone


Today I was working with CTV. I decided to take ONE last shift before I leave tomorrow for my travels...why not...money is money, work is work, experience is experience. Today's lesson? I WORK for the money I have (this fact will come in handy later).

So we are trying to promote CTV's open house where we have free activities inside the CTV building and everyone gets a free tour of the studio. I'm working outside and I am handed a megaphone because everyone else backed off from talking into it. Me? I don't mind so much... I like things that make loud noises. So I'm barking things all day "Come on over to CTV! We have lots of fun and free things for you to do today!... etc etc". At one point, I am told to go over toward Robson and Granville to draw more of a crowd. So me, solo and all, walked in that direction. I sure looked like a crazy woman, megaphone in hand, strolling and talking into a megaphone... (i'm getting paid to yell into a megaphone? SURE. No complaints!).

I make sure that the megaphone is pointed toward the traffic so I don't accidentally yell into someone's ear. I point it upwards to make the least amount of painful noise as possible. When I get to the corner of the street and say one line into the megaphone, the hobo sitting on the corner of the street looks at me and in a snide manner says: "umm, can you NOT do that RIGHT next to me? I'm hungry and trying to get breakfast". Did you hear that? He's "trying to get breakfast," like there's a technique in begging? Come ON.

I was immediately enraged. I responded to the Hobo, made a circular motion with my fingers around my body and said, "you see "this"? "THIS" is ALL public property. I can stand here if i want and talk into this megaphone all day if I want to."

The Hobo says something under his breathe and goes "i was JUST asking" and then mutters something rude again to me. I walk closer to the hobo and go, "Excuse ME?... what did you say?". First off, why would you start a verbal brawl with a chick that's willing to scream at the public with a megaphone? Thats just ASKING for trouble. Anyway, upon realizing that I was deeply angered, he eventually backed down...and I just walked away.

Now, I want to mention, I am not the usual kind to get into arguments with Hobos. Actually, I generally tend to feel bad for them and want to give them food. In retrospect, I was so enraged by this man because I think of ALL the times a hobo has made me feel awkward; Head down, begging for money, making me feel like utter crap when I say "No, sorry". To think of how many people's days are ruined when they have to awkwardly respond, "No...I don't have any change..." or even worse, when you are glared at by a hobo and feel an awful pressure to give them money- not because you want to, but because you were guilted into it. That is the absolute worst.

But, lets be honest here people. When we DO walk away successfully from a hobo, we aren't actually that sorry. We WORKED hard for that money. For instance, I'm a broke- just-out-of-school twenty something, working for every penny I have in my bank account. The key word is I WORKED for it. For ALL the times I have felt MY space intruded by a homeless man, I ignore it and let it be. I walk away. However, the one time I am apparently "intruding" on a homeless man's "space", he berates me?

I DON'T think so.

What really bothers me was that this hobo was literally doing NOTHING all day and, "trying to get breakfast," while I, on the other hand, am actually employed and was only doing my job- trying to make my OWN money so I can pay for my OWN breakfast.

The moral of the story? Don't feel so entitled if you are a hobo. You are taking people's hard earned cash that they worked exhaustingly for. And most of all, DO NOT mess with a girl holding a megaphone in one hand. There will be consequences and no verbal hold back.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Evil-est Job in the world

Today i went to yoga. I was all calm, sauna-ed and namaste-d out when I walked outside and saw that my car was TOWED. I parked during rush hour parking on the street. I was tricked because when I parked twenty other cars were parked along where I was. I even had money left in the METER. Yes, i didn't properly read the sign but IT WAS ONLY 45 MINUTES over the time I wasn't allowed there. Geeeeez.

I wanted to cry. My friend picked me up and releasing it from towing cost 94 flipping dollars. NINETY FOUR DOLLARS. and that wasn't even the TICKET. the ticket cost $50. What assholes. I could have fed a family in a 3rd world for a month with that money.

When I was standing in line waiting to retrieve my baby in the tow yard I said "this is the unhappiest, angriest place on earth. If I worked here I would be suicidal because everyone HATES YOU and wants to HURT YOU for touching their damn car". Its true. Their job is to make people's lives a LIVING HELL and as INCONVENIENT as possible. Another thing thats annoying? They always have the tow yard in the middle of NOWHERE-VILLE.

On another note:
Hahaha

If Facebook Existed Centuries Ago

My friend showed me this from the lions den... amazing. Well...dorky, but embrace it for what it is.



True Love

Donkey saves Goat





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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Friday, September 10, 2010

Oh Children.

These kids got it spot on.

After being in media studies for so long, I look at what Lady Gaga is doing and it's just hilarious. She knows how to work the pop world... it's like she is coming up with the most insane antics and the audience is just applauding like zombies. Actually, I imagine the audience as seals making a bunch of seal noises when she comes on stage. I can totally see Lady Gaga backstage going, "haha, what idiots". I saw a clip once where she is entering in the airport in Japan and all the paparazzi are going "Ga ga, ga ga! Ga ga!" They sounded like a bunch of babies calling for their mother lord.

But she's smart. What ever gets the money in the bank.

Watch these kids as they re-enact the ridiculousness that is Hollywood and the stupidity that actually makes these stars outrageously rich.



The Hills


Kardashians

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Vince Vaccaro

Catch a Fire. What a feel good song. I love my Vancouver musicians.

Vince Vaccaro - Catch A Fire - Peak Performance Project 2010 from Vince Vaccaro on Vimeo.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

50 cent translator

This is my new favorite passtime. Someone is hilariously translating 50 cents incoherent tweets. BRILLIANT.

50cent: Soulja and fab kicked it they cool now aint no more beef you cock suckers have a nice day lol

English50cent: Soulja and Fab have reconciled their differences, but have run out of meat. Warm regards to my homosexual followers. *laughs*



50cent: I'm starving I been fuckin with yal all day I aint even eat I want some mr chows ima have my driver run and get it

English50cent: My internet activity has led me to forgoe food. I will send my driver to fetch me some Chinese.

Good Dancing, Good Health?

My Petpeeve is when a random guy grinds up behind you and starts humping you from behind. This shows a lack of confidence...why? He is coming from behind in fear you will reject him when you see his face... So if you are a boy, DON'T DO IT. Why can't we dance like in the 50s? Like when people use to ask each other if they can dance with you?

BBC NEWS is saying that Men who dance well shows a sign of good health. Hahahahaha. Who woulda thunk it.

The power of Satellite

SO COOL.
1) the power of satellite
2) the power of the internet
3) the power of music

Click HERE NOW for an interactive MUSIC experience. Amazing.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Flashback

I didn't really like Alanis Morrisette when I was younger...but now, in my twenties, I get her music more than ever. She's actually quite amazing. I was listening to "One Hand in My Pocket" and realized how much this song relates to me this exact point in my life. It probably relates to most 20 somethings out there trying to figure their own shit out. What a great song.

I'm broke but I'm happy
I'm poor but I'm kind
I'm short but I'm healthy, yeah
I'm high but I'm grounded
I'm sane but I'm overwhelmed
I'm lost but I'm hopeful baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five

I feel drunk but I'm sober
I'm young and I'm underpaid
I'm tired but I'm working, yeah
I care but I'm restless
I'm here but I'm really gone
I'm wrong and I'm sorry baby

What it all comes down to
Is that everything's gonna be quite alright
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette

And what it all comes down to
Is that I haven't got it all figured out just yet
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign

I'm free but I'm focused
I'm green but I'm wise
I'm hard but I'm friendly baby
I'm sad but I'm laughing
I'm brave but I'm chickenshit
I'm sick but I'm pretty baby

And what it all boils down to
Is that no one's really got it figured out just yet
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing the piano

And what it all comes down to my friends
Is that everything's just fine fine fine
'cause I've got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab

There's this place...

For the last two weeks i've been driving through the infamous east hastings street with CTV. Every time we drive by there's always something rediculous going on. Actually, it would be an amazing place for a professional photographer to go to and capture some bizzare moments on camera. One time we were driving by, we saw a man in a yellow afro wig sitting in a dumpster while police was arresting some other person accross the street.


Another time, we were stopped at a light. I was staring at a woman who seemed completely out of place- she was wearing nice heels, a Burberry scarf and holding a red umbrella. She looked really uncomfortable. I look to her left and there was this dazed man in a dirty white shirt standing near her. Suddenly he just vomited onto the street. I'm not talking about a pathetic vomit...it was like a scene from a movie. Almost like in "I love you man" when the main character is playing a drinking game and projectile vomits all over the other guy kind of vomit. Just as all of us were in the car going "eeeeeew, i'm going to barf from seeing that"... it happens AGAIN. The funny part was when he finished, he just went about his day as if NOTHING had happened.

I remember driving by and seeing a homeless man with a viking hat and wearing mardi gras beads. After I pointed him out, my friend goes "I remember him. I've been driving by here so much that I am starting to recognize homeless people".

Anyway, there's this store we always drive by...its called "Save On Meats". It's rather creepy looking...especially at night time when its sign is glowing all florescent-like. In fact, whatever this place might be, reminds me of a scene in a horror movie. Kind of like the eeriness you feel when you see an image of a fluorescent flickering motel sign in the middle of a deserted highway. I mean, the image of a flying, smiling pig holding a plate of meat is just creepy in itself. It's like a human holding a plate of human meat going "come on in!".


In the day time, "Save on Meats" is ALWAYS empty...but at night, there is always a massive line outside of it. We have come to the conclusion it is an underground night club for homeless people. A place for druggy grooving and other promiscuous things. My friend goes: "Well, homeless people need to party too, they are probably the best dancers". haha.

OK, OK, I know making fun of the druggy homeless isn't funny. It's just absolutely rediculous on East Hastings. You have to be there to really experience it in all its craziness. All you really can do is observe, contemplate and sometimes make a little fun of the obscene things that you witness there.

Whisky and Smoking

I was talking to my friend today about guys with nice, raspy, sexy voices when they sing. Another friend started telling me how it's actually the destructive act of smoking which tares the oesophagus, which is how the sexy rasp comes about. Hmmmm...how can something that kills you make your voice sound so heavenly?

Anyway, this convo lead to us talking about about the wonderful, chocolate, honey, everything sweet and smooth that is James Morrison's voice... :

...But then I remembered...there was a time when I was obsessed with a certain Scottish someone whom also had a very rasp-ilicious voice. After digging back into my memory, I remembered it was Paolo Nutini. Actually, I bought his CD because I found the video below on youtube. The lyrics especially won me over:

"Back off Loneliness and hello tenderness, i've been waiting for your call for so long. And it must have been hard to follow your soul and stick to the road that your heart wants to go

and as you slide through the door with your morals on your sleeve, I think It's time for all those morals to leave, so lets get down and freaky baby, lets get restless baby, common get crazy with me..."



There was a period of time when I just listened to Paolo and James. Ask my friends. I mean, who wouldn't want to listen to two white boys with soul? Their voices are delicious.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

What A Summer

This summer I have had an eclectic range of jobs. Let's recap...

When i came home in May, I had just moved back home from good ol' London, Ontario and decided to take a comfortable 3 weeks off of working or even finding a job. I went to Sasquatch music festival despite my lack of money, but it was well worth it...probably one of the main highlights of my summer.



Anyway, I had ONE goal this summer: Make enough money to go away traveling for the year. After Sasquatch I knew it was time to kick my own butt to make some cash.

I got a job with a restaurant staffing/ banquet serving company. They first placed me at a Fairmont Hotel restaurant and random serving gigs at the Vancouver convention centre/ Vancouver club serving at some pretty cool events. I served at the BC Liberals bash and my favourite of all... a pig doctor convention with over 700 PIG DOCTORS. Not creepy at all. At one event, I got painted like a tiger for a jungle themed party. My friend, Heather, was painted like a snake, but instead, her face turned out like Rihanna...

Wait... it's even worse from afar:

(I Love you Heather, and that is why I know you will forgive me for posting these)

Just as I thought my summer was going to be all gross and grimy, smelling like half eaten food and crabby restaurant/ party goers who tend to ignore you, I got a call from a special needs camp that I had applied to almost 3 months prior. It was a delightful surprise seeing that I didn't think the job was happening anymore.

I had previous experience working with kids with special needs and I really, really liked it. Prior to my interview I prayed to the god I sometimes forget exists:

"Dear god, I know we don't talk much but... PLEASE, I really want this job! I NEED this job! I am going to be so unhappy this summer if I don't get this job! I don't want to smell like half eaten food anymore. I really don't ask you for much but this... I beg of you...this is the only thing I will ask of you this summer... and umm I will go to church more often!"

Low and behold...
I went for my interview and a couple hours after, I got a phone call saying I got the job. I WAS ECSTATIC. My summer was no longer going to be serving but it was going to be playing with kids and touring my own city doing things I have not done since I was in grade seven. And the pay? It just happened to be fantastic.

I remember biking to work, going to the Aquarium with the amazing kids, biking to the gym and then biking back home past the lovely honey-suckle and sweet-pine-smelling community gardens along the railway tracks. I had the BIGGEST, HAPPIEST, endorphin-filled SMILE on my face thinking "this is what summer should be all about". I felt pretty lucky.

I learned many things from the campers... like 90s music is an absolute drug to children of all generations...especially Spice Girls and "Life is a Highway," which we often played on repeat for the kids. I learned from a camper named Tommy, that HE, in fact, killed Justin Bieber. I was also informed by Tommy that Justin Bieber is not a boy but a GIRL. I learned that puzzles are actually really hard and that the campers are way better at them than me. I also learned not to be so self-conscious when I dance because when these kids dance... its like no one is watching, and that is the way it should be.

On another note, I taught the kids a thing or two as well! My highlight is teaching camper Michelle the phrase "Don't go there girlfriend! Don't even think about it"... which I then heard on instant replay almost everyday, but that's ok. I don't mind.

Here's some pictures with some campers I worked with this summer. They were simply the happiest part of my summer.









Camp ended about two weeks ago and now I am working with CTV with their promotions team. I worked with them last summer and during the Olympics so it's nice to have a consistent job with them. I really enjoy the people at CTV and the things we get to experience on a daily basis. I get to chill by Coleen Christi, Pamela Martin and Bill Good while they broadcast news and get a live version of the news at five and again at six. I also get to hang out with the weather man and his crew while they wait for their gig on the news. Pretty cool to see the recipe for a successful news broadcast-

1 tablespoon of serious music
1 cup of a comforting and wise voice
1/4 cup of make-up and hairspray
2 cups of interesting local and international stories
1/2 teaspoon of light conversation and laughter between anchors
3 pinches of weather, traffic and sports

Whisk lightly together, bake with some commercials and kaboom...you got the NEWS. I love it.

so...

Fairmont--> pig doctor convention-->jungle parties-->camp with special needs-->CTV.

what. a. summer.

Now? Onto my travels! Hellloooooo white, sandy beaches, tuk tuk rides, elephants and floating bungalows. I can't wait!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Legend Has It...

Legend has it that my house use to have a little child ghost wandering around through it. I have been the only family member to not experience this...thank god.

If this happened to me I would be so freaked out...but because I know its fake, it's just absolutely hilarious.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Bette and those eyes

The hotness that is brandon flowers covering Bette Davis Eyes.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

oh gosh It's Happening... real life.

My friends are so talented. In fact, they set the bar REALLY, REALLY high and I'll need to step up in order to catch up to them...but I don't mind because they motivate me to be the best of the best. I am so proud of ALL of them.

First off, we all made it through college which was inevitable for my group of friends.

One of my best friends is working at Google in San Francisco next year and graduated as valedictorian. Another is finishing her masters at Yale and will do magnificent things in this world. Another is shadowing and working for a producer in Los Angeles and doing pretty exciting "entourage" like things. Jealous, I know. Another just moved into her residence at Columbia to do her masters in Architecture. Another is jumping around the world from London to New York starting her Medical School adventure. My pretty little roommate is going to be the hottest accountant at Price Water House Coopers and all three of my guy roomies from uni are investment banking in Toronto. Not so shabby right?

So "Your friends shape who you are"? Well then I shouldn't come out too shabby myself, right?


I sure hope so.

Bullying my Dog

I use to have an American Bulldog. His name was Captain because he had a black patch of hair over one eye. Very creative, i know. He looked like "Chase" from the movie Homeward Bound. My parents bought him mainly as a guard dog... he was a REALLY good guard dog. So good in fact all my friends were scared to death of him and it was not until he died did we have a real break and enter (My present dog actually hid under the bed as the real robbery was going down). The only way to scare him was running towards him with a chair... yes that was his weakness... a pathetic chair. He also hated... HATED the batman theme song... don't ask... I have nooo idea why. He would howl in agony as a annoyingly hummed the theme song in his floppy ear. Oh, I miss him so.

Anyway, this silly video reminded me of him. There really are no words.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

I love band of horses. i've been listening to this song on repeat all summer.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Red Velvet



I'm watching Cake Boss right now... I LOVE THIS SHOW. So many temptations. Anyway, they are making a red velvet cake. Have you ever had red velvet? Its the most delicious thing in the world! If you never have had red velvet, I highly recommend Sprinkles red velvet cupcakes. Every bite is seriously mind blowing and heavenly.

go
eat
it
now

or, if you are feeling up for it...you can always make it !









i'm drooling.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Decisions, Decisions

In late September I leave for an adventure of a lifetime. My dream of four years is finally coming true. Yes, drum roll please... I am going to SOUTH EAST ASIA. I wanted to go so bad in second year and had already missed the deadline for arranging an exchange with Western that I started arranging a study abroad for myself... why? because I'm like that and what Jules wants, Jules needs to at least attempt to get (yes, I just referred to myself in third person).

I called Chulalongkorn University in Thailand on my cellphone while in London, Ontario. You can imagine the conversation:
me: "Hello, do you speak English?"
Thailand: "...uhhh, yeees, how can help yew?"
me: "I would like to go on exchange at your university"
Thailand: "uuhh..."
me: "I woooouuld liiikke tooo go on exchaaange at your uniiversity"
Thailand: "ohh, payment? yew like to make pay to university?"
Me: "uuuuuugh." followed by a hanging up of the telephone.

well. I tried.

September I leave for Hong Kong and will be joined by my friend Selina who I met at Western in our lovely Seminar class on the Politics of Media Production or... whatever it was called. Sooo glad we met! We will fly to Thailand in October and join a group of adventurous travellers with the company "Beach Travellers". We are so stoked. Following a month of travel riding on elephants, hopping from paradise beach to beach and buying 2 dollar buckets of booze (so i hear), we will head on over to Laos. Here we will probably take part in the Gibbon experience where we zipline tree house to tree house and sleep for a couple days in the middle of the Rainforest (that's if we don't chicken out of course). Following, we will head to Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and end our travels in Indonesia (Bali, Java...the works). We head home mid December, just in time for cold weather, Santa Clause, Christmas Carols and, of course, Christmas presents.

I already know its going to be an adventure of a lifetime.

However, I'm still deciding what to do in Late January/ Early February. My friend Alia- who I also met at Western is down to come traveling. We hope to live either in Spain or South America for a good three months then travel and explore for a bit after- that's if we have not run out of money! - ohh and if you are thinking "what a spoiled brat, her parents are probably paying for it" YOU BETTER SHUT YOUR MOUTH, because i've been saving for two years now.

so where should I go? Spain or South America?

oohhh to be a baby in my twenties... DECISIONS, DECISIONS.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Thanks Boys


I just wanted to say...

Thank you shirtless, toned, ab-wondrous boys that run all handsomely around the seawall. I don't think you understand how much it makes my day when I see you jogging by me... my heart smiles just a little. Sooo, keep doing what you're doing because whatever you're doing is working... and one day one of us ladies will muster enough courage to chase you down.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

All Summer

All summer... drinking water.
My friend Alexis (who tends to be mistaken for Katy Perry ;) ) played this song for me the otherday while lounging poolside... and I can't get it out of my heaaaaaad.

Random group of musicians but ohhhh sooooo goooood. Its three completely different sounds coming together to make pure genius. Good job converse...good ear.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Bungee Jumping or Crocodile Bait?

So my friend tried to get me to go bungee jumping with her the other day...and I was all gung ho... until my dad told me about this video:


Safety regulations in Australia should include scanning the water for dangerous animals before jump... including CROCODILES. holy craayup!

update: soooo apparently this clip was taken from a commercial... phew.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Mila's Daydreams

My friend sent me the link to "Mila's Daydreams". What a great idea... watch out future baby... i'm totally going to do the same to you. Take a look below:












Click HERE for the link

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Preach those words bayybee!

This kid might be the next best influential speaker...

or Hitler?

Sunday, July 18, 2010

We all have them.

We all have them...
friends we can only take in small doses at a time. Wouldn't it suck if that was you? Someone please tell me if I am one of those... thanks! Now for your dancing enjoyment: Pretty Lights

The Temper Trap

New Summer Love.

This band is from Aussi Aussi Land (Melbourn to be exact)... sooo good. For all you Torontonians... they will be performing on October 5th at Phoenix Concert Theater. I suggest you go. I wish they were coming to Vancouver.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Keep laughing

This video just makes my day. I can't stop laughing for some reason... does that make me a bad person?

Thursday, June 3, 2010

I love my life

When I grow up I hope to be as positive as this kid. We can all learn a little something from her.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Take Me Back NOW.


I just returned from Sasquatch and...
wow.

take me back. Imagine sitting on a hill, watching the sun go down slowly behind water and hilly terrain and your favorite band's music echoing throughout the canyon. I remember turning to my friend Liz and saying, "I feel like i'm looking at a screensaver...". The view was seriously like a dream.

My favorite performances were Passion Pit, The XX, Kid Cudi and MGMT.
Speaking of MGMT...did you know the lead singer, Andrew VanWyngarden, was so dreaaammyyy?? EVERY girl in the crowd was going "holy crap he is sexy...". Take a looksies


I can't even imagine the adrenalin rush the bands must get while looking out into the sea of hippies covering every inch of the hill and dancing like free spirits to their music (and in "free spirits" i mean most people were most likely high or drunk). Every band on the main stage had a moment where they paused, looked out at the crowd and just smiled. They probably were thinking to themselves... "wow, how did I make it here...this is surreal". It was surreal for them, but it was absolutely surreal for me.

Camping was also crucial for the full sasquatch/ music festival experience. Dirty, drunken, shower never and party always group of youth having one massive sleep over- You can see how messy that can get. Everyone is open to make friends with anyone... no exclusions. The porta-potties were pretty nasty but at least they were named something quite endearing: 'Honey Buckets". How cute.

Despite being very last minute, our trip went very smooth... hardly any bumps... at least before Mandie lost her car keys (aka our ride home) while crowd surfing... but that's another story all together.

If you have never been to Sasquatch... GO. You will not regret a single thing.