The weekend of parking absurdities

Saturday.
I had a morning appointment with a friend and like usual I was running late, so I drove. I parked on the street in trendy borough swimming with yuppies and upscale stores. For the most part, I don't venture here, and prefer not to drive in this area, particularly on the weekends, because there are too many people and parking is always expensive and a hassle.

Turns out, if you park on the street here, there is a 3 hour limit. I don't know if its just the neighborhood or this could be a city by-law, I don't know, but its a pain having to run back to the meter to feed another $2 a hour into the machine. When I arrived, I paid for the maximum time of 3 hours. When I returned, 3 hours and 5 minutes after I paid, I arrived to find a bright yellow ticket on my car. The ticket was issued exactly five minutes after my parking stub expired. Oh Crap.

Sunday.
I go to dinner in the same neighbourhood. You'd think I would have learned.
This time, I'm even that more deviant. I park 30 minutes past the meter. Daring, I know. Who would think that I would get 2 tickets in 2 days? Clearly, not me.

I am rewarded with another bright yellow ticket. Double Crap.

So here's the kicker....each of these tickets came with a $30 bill. Which when you do the math on each ticket, works out to 15 times what I paid for one hour of parking. Are you kidding me?

Am I the only one who thinks this is absurd?

A random note about lettuce.

Lettuce is one of those vegetables, I struggle to appreciate. I'm sure it has value, its green so that means its got nutrients.... right? didn't we learn about that in grade six science?

The thing with lettuce, is its sort of under the radar in terms of taste. There really is not alot of it. And then theres the texture. Its almost anti-climactic. It can be crunchy, but under the wrong conditions, it goes soggy. I don't like soggy vegetables. I know, its weird. Not to say I don't like cooked vegetables, but I don't like it when a vegetable is meant to remain crisp, becomes soggy and gross.

Let me explain.

Lettuce for example, is one of those vegetables that needs to be crisp. When heat is applied to it, it acquires this rather disgusting, slimy texture. It becomes limp and lazy, you can see through it. When you dare to bite into it, when it is in this undesirable state, its anti-climactic, it has no crunch, it sort of just slides out of whatever you are eating. Gross.

Nachos are the perfect example of a dish to avoid using lettuce. You take chips, cover them with cheese, and assorted other things, heat them up, and voila...crunchy food.... for the most part. Add lettuce to this mixture and you have these globs of green sliding all over the place. Just wrong.....(and as a side note...does anyone know why people use shredded lettuce on nachos? I don't get it, and its one of my biggest pet peeves....again, weird, I know.)

The ironic example, perhaps an exception to my rule, is lettuce and chicken in a salad. If the chicken is not too hot when you add it to the salad, it doesn't have the opportunity to change the crispness of the lettuce. For some reason it doesn't always go soggy. Maybe its the dressing that cools it down, who knows the physics of it, I was an arts major...... I just know it doesn't always go gross.

When I was travelling this fall, I tried a Cobb Salad. I eat a lot of salad but usually not with lettuce. It is a rare occassion when I try a lettuce salad with some sort of hot item in it, namely meat. But I tried this one and I liked it. For the uninitiated, a Cobb salad, has romaine lettuce, hard boiled eggs chopped up, pieces of bacon, pieces of chicken, avocado, tomato, chives, chunks of blue cheese, covered in a dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and dijon mustard. (I know this only because I looked it up after I got home, and have spent the last few months experimenting with my own versions of it.) I'm guessing this salad is not very good for you, given the amount of protein and fat, but its yummy just the same. And my discovery of this dish, has made me a hypocrite to my own code on lettuce. Celebrate my food hypocrisy and try this one, its really good.

What's Love Got to do with it?

Recently, I re-watched a movie I enjoy "Whats love got to do with it?", the Tina Turner story based on her autobiography "I, Tina". She has had an interesting journey in life, and shes a woman of resilience, strength and determination. The film is well acted and the way the story is constructed for the screen keeps a good pace for the viewer and incorporates a good number of performance scenes. The thing I find with a lot of bio pics about musical groups is the performance scenes are generally where the story sometimes falls apart. Integrating the performance scenes is a delicate balance I think. Some filmmakers splice partial performance scenes in with some of the dramatic events. It doesn't always come off effectively. In WLGTDWI, theres a balance of full performance scenes, and some scenes which are just a few moments of them performing clipped together to show the passage of time. The style works in the films favour.

Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne compliment each other in their performances. They have great chemistry and their strong acting skills bring you into the world of Tina & Ike. Incidentally both were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress, the year the film came out. Their acting partnership has continued over at least 2 other films - Boyz in the Hood (another great film), and Akeelah and the Bee. I love Tina's music, the stuff she did with Ike in the first part of her career, and much of the post-Ike creations. She is adaptable in her music styles, but beyond that she brings a unique sound, and a talent and enjoyment of performance.

In 2008, I went to see Tina perform. What an experience! She sold out three shows. She had no openers. Just her and the audience for three hours. She had an elaborate stage, but her show is a performance, not just her dancing to the music. She sets a scene, and tailors her acts to the music that she is singing. Her vocals are still great, and her voice hits you like this force of nature. Maybe it is the passion she sings with, but I am in awe.

Her more recent material has a new sound, but resonates those distinct vocals. I realize she has moved beyond her music with Ike, but it was an integral part of her early success and her time with him I think must have shaped some of who she is. One of my favourite Ike and Tina songs was Proud Mary. (In my opinion, still hands down a better version than the Creedence version, which is also solid). Maybe this song is hard for her to perform, as it was one of the ones she used to do with Ike, but she still does it. As one of her encores. she played this song. And wow......is she ever an incredible artist. She proved again she still has it. She is almost 70, she has legs of steel and she can still do her trademark dance for that song. Pretty awesome.

At the end of the show, we heard that it was her 50th year in music (she started in 1958). It's no suprise when you consider the way she conducts herself. This woman is a class act. I have been to hundreds of concerts - I have never seen a performer express gratitude like this woman. She literally thanked every person, by name, who contributed to the success of the evening. So many people who reach her level don't spend time acknowledging how others have shaped their success, I see this as one of her greatest strengths. She has lived a life with its fair share of challenges and found the strength, courage and resilience to not only survive, but to thrive and create these awesome pieces of music that she has shared with the world. Thank you Tina, you are still the Queen.

Spaceman Spencer....Check it out...

some friends have been contributing to some projects for kids. This video is one of their latest pieces. Its a fun music video about space. Who doesnt love stuff about space ? :)

Check it out and please share it on... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOAN81p5nHA

compromised democracy

The end of 2009, meant another prorogued government for Canadians. The second in just over a year, by the same minority government, and the first time ever in Canadian history that the same government has done it twice in its term. I am shocked, angered, frustrated and disappointed about this development. Although sadly, I am not very suprised.

As I understand it, proroguing the government, means that the Members of Parliament will not return to work until March 3rd. It also means that all of the 30 or so pieces of legislation that been scheduled to be voted on will be cancelled, and have to be resubmitted. Additionally, two other interesting things happen - the committee which was due to address concerns of abuse of Afghani prisoners will not continue to meet, and during the break, the Harper government has said that it will fill 5 more senate positions effectively making it easier for their party to pass legislation.

The statement issued by the PMO's office said that the proroguing would allow the government to prepare the budget. In an economic downturn there is no doubt that fiscal responsibility is important. But what about the other responsibilities? Did they really have to suspend all other work to ensure that the budget gets done? I don't think proroguing was the only way to allow more time for budget preparation. Using the budget as the reason and the motivation for the proroguing also implies that all the other work being done in the House and Senate, was not nearly as important as what Harper and the Conservatives wanted. What about discussion? What about collaborating with other house members to arrive at a solution that would not totally disregard legislation that was in progress, that would create alliances, instead of drawing lines?

And what about the budget anyway? If the budget becomes the main topic upon return in March, and it benefits Canadians economically, or appears to.... will people forgive? Will people even remember what happened? Will they still care? Will they think about the implications that proroguing has had and still be critical? I'm not so sure. I fear that social memory is very short. This year, I think it will be particularly short with the olympics as the primary focus through most of February. More than anything, this move stops discussion, of any kind. There is no debate, there is no movement, the country waits until March 3rd. Maybe I am an idealist, but I thought debate was the heart of democracy. Taking away the discussion on important topics like the Afghan detainee issue and legislation in progress means that opinions, as well as criticisms can not be given.

Perhaps the strategy Harper is using is one which he hopes will force an election. We really can't afford an election right now. Besides that, the other parties are not in a position to take the leadership. A coalition government would probably be a short run. I don't think any of the parties can push through a majority government right now. I think we need some new leadership, in all of the parties. It almost feels like we are in a leadership limbo as a country. It's been a long time since we have been infused with fresh thinking, new ideas and a leader with passion and charisma like Trudeau. We need some change.

As for the proroguing... I think we have to start to think about the things that are not being said. What are the possible reasons for this move by the government that are not being offered up. There is more to this than just the budget. What reasons are not being given? What other benefits might a suspended session offer the sitting government? Does this give Harper more latitude to do things during these two months without being noticed? And if so, what? Are there pieces of legislation on the table that the government did not want passed? How could a delay benefit the governments position on an issue? And what about the timing of the announcement? A few days after Christmas and before New Years. A time when people are on vacation, still in their sugar and turkey comas from the holidays. It feels like the timing was strategic. The government was probably counting on the fact that people were likely not paying attention.

As someone who participates in democracy, whose concerned about how our country works and what decisions our politicians make, I am frustrated. On one side, my frustration stems from watching the democratic process get continually compromised at the whims of a leader who seems to me to be playing political games as a means to give his party the upper hand. I know politics is about strategy. I would also hope it is about compromise, collaboration and making positive strides towards what is in the best public good. I have to ask whose agenda and whose benefit does proroguing ultimately serve? My answer would be the conservative government. The answer should be, the people.

The second point of my frustration is apathy. Why are more people not talking about this? Why are more people not upset? Are Canadians really this politically disengaged? But it is my hope that we are engaged. I hope we do care. As much as debate is at the core of democracy amongst politicians, our elected officials, I think its also integral among the people. If we cannot talk about these things, we cannot contribute our opinions, we cannot participate in the process. Participation is at the core of democracy. If we are are fortunate to live in a democratic country, where we have a voice that truly comes without fear of persecution, do we not also have an obligation to participate in that democracy? I feel we do.

Participation begins with understanding, taking an opinion, but it continues with how you use that knowledge. Each individual has power, the point is how we apply our influence. Your voice matters. Your opinion is important. Your ideas are valuable and you have a right to share them. You also have a right to question the things you do not understand. A good place to start might be with your local MP's office. They are all accessible, and it is there job to represent you. It is your job to tell them how.

If you know who your MP is, you can get their contact info here:
http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E

If you are not sure, you can check this site by entering your postal code. It will tell you who your local MP is: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC

Ok. I am jumping off the soapbox now.
If you made it this far into my rant, thanks for taking the time to hear me out.

My movie year in review

I know it seem slightly OCD to track all the movies one sees in a year. But meh, we all have our quirks. This year, I tracked all the movies I had seen for the first time. (This doesnt include all the movies I saw again, only the new ones.) I think I'm missing a couple, but here is my almost complete list, in almost chronological order. I wrote reviews for some of them, but I will save that commentary for another day.

What can I say about the list? There are some exceptionally creative artists who make films. There are some awesome directors whose films would be so much better if they had a good editor. There are some films that I wonder how they ever got made.... and this was good year for zombie movies...Overall though, 2009 gave us some real gems in film and a number of suprises.... Some of the discussions these movies inspired were very interesting.

without further adieu...here's my list:

1. Into the Wild (2008)
   
2. Come Early Morning
3. Midnight Express (1978)
4. The Visitor (2008)
5. Shattered Glass
6. Gran Torino (2008)
7. They Dying Gaul
8. After the Wedding (2006)
9. Alpha Dog (2007)
10. He's just not that into you (2009)
11. Slumdog Millionaire (2009)
12. Underworld (2009)
13. Let the Right one In (2008)
14. Benjamin Button (2008)
15. Coraline (2009)
16. Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008)
17. The Changeling (2008)
18. The Reader (2008)
19. Friday the 13th (2009)
20. Zack & Mira Make a Porno (2008)
21. How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (2008)
22. Pride and Glory (2008)
23. Taken (2008)
24. The Watchmen (2009)
25. Savage Grace (2008)
26. Australia (2008)
27. Take the Lead (2007)
28. Out of Africa (1985)
29. Choke
    
30. Milk (2008)
31. I Love you, Man (2009)
32. Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2008)
33. Role Models (2008)
34. The Rocker (2008)
35. Young People F*cking (2008)
36. Cadillac Records (2008)
37. Monsters Vs. Aliens (2009)
38. Wolverine (2009)
    
39. Star Trek (2009)
40. Not Easily Broken (2008)
41. Last Chance Harvey (2008)
42. Love & Other Disasters (2008)
43. Easy Virtue (2009)
44. Up (2009)
45. Faith Like Potatoes (2008)
46. Hound Dog
    
47. Something New
48. Personal Effects
49. Nights of Rodanthe
50. Away we go
51. Departures (2008)
52. The Hangover (2009)
53. The Proposal (2009)
54. One Week (2008)
    
55. Henry Poole is Here
56. Bride Wars
57. Orphan (2009)
58. Love in the Time of Cholera (2008)
59. Dead Snow (2009)
60. Julie and Julia (2009)
    
61. Nowhere in Africa (2002)
62. The World According to Monsanto (2008)
63. Atonement (2008)
64. Ramen Girl
    
65. House of Sand and Fog (2003)
    
66. Sicko (2008)
67. Amistad
68. In Bruges
69. Moolade (2004)
70. Inglorius Basterds (2009)
71. Two Lovers (2008)
72. 500 Days of Summer (2009)
73. Management (2008)
74. Sunshine Cleaning
75. Cairo Time (2009)
76. An Education (2009)
77. Zombieland (2009)
    
78. Time Traveller's Wife (2008)
79. My Sister's Keeper (2008)
    
80. A Christmas Carol (2009)
    
81. Prom Night in Mississippi (2009)
82. Love & Savagery (2009)
    
83. Precious (2009)
84. The Single Man (2009)
85. Boy Eats Girl
    
86. Avatar (2009)
87. Funny people (2009)
88. It's Complicated (2009)
89. Up in the Air (2009)
90. Sherlock Holmes (2009)
    

happy new year.

As the chaos of holiday celebrations is about to finish and as we are about to welcome in another year and begin a journey into a new decade, these are the things I hope. I hope you are full with love. I hope you find peace in yourself. I hope the next year fills you with joy and laughter. I hope you make many new memories and have many new adventures.

Wishing you and yours the best of love, health, and happiness in the coming year.

Try the yellow snow...just this once.

Now normally, I would never advocate for interaction with the yellow snow.

The yellow snow is the warning sign for where your neighbourhood animals have used the world as their urinal, largely a spot to avoid making snow angels, getting material for snow fights, and always, the last snow bank you want to be thrown in.

Recently, however, the brewing community has come out with another gem, called Yellow Snow IPA. This yellow snow, is awesome! Made by Rogue brewery out of Portland, Oregon, US, (http://www.rogue.com/beers/beers.php) this stuff is like a party in your mouth. If you like hoppy beers with lots of flavour, I recommend checking this one out.

social critique doesn't come with spellcheck

I came across this in my travels around town and I found it amusing, so I am sharing it here.

banana bread....

When I was in university, my mother would send my father with boxes of care packages. As my father would bring in the box, there would almost always be a collection of my friends hovering around to see what my mom had cooked for us. Its funny, when I lived at home, my mom barely cooked, but when I moved away, she sent food almost weekly, and not just for me, usually for a collection of 8-10 people who she "adopted" along the way. One of the treats she sent was her famous banana bread. This stuff was awesome. She would almost always send two loaves and it was usually gone within 5 minutes of the package being unwrapped.

Her banana bread recipe is still with me. Most of my moms recipes were neatly typed on index cards, filed in a little metal box that was always in the kitchen. The well used ones, are now yellow and stained. The banana bread recipe, the only one I have used consistently in all these years, sits on my spice rack. Usually during bouts of insomnia, often during the holidays, sometimes just when i buy too many bananas, or you know, even when I'm supposed to be packing for a month long trip, I find myself in the kitchen making banana bread.

I love the stuff. I love the memories and moments it connects me to of my mother. And I love that my banana bread is damn good. I'm not uber confident about too many things, but I will own this one. This stuff rocks. Here is footage from my most recent foray into the goodness bananas make. Incidentally, I made this one, as I was preparing for a 5am trip to the airport.
In case you are wondering, it makes great airplane food.

This my friend Lucky charms. I consider this my banana bread "awesomeness" testimonial :)