seburnspot

Fatboy's Champion Sound

2006-09-30T21:20:00.000-05:00

Well, it'd certainly rip-up the dance floor in clubs more than the previous classic "That Old Pair of Jeans" from his recent Greatist Hits compilation, Why Try Harder. Unfortunately, the slew of remixes from Audio Bulleys to M Factor to Digital Dog have left me wondering why the catchy, folky rhythms have been replaced by typical, drab, club crap. Of course, anyone wanting his infectious "Praise You"-style track wouldn't have enjoyed much of his Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars LP either, even though I have to admit to some groovy picks here and there.

Overall, I'd say stick with a more Palookaville approach in future releases, Fatboy. No one else does them and you're the king there.

Welcome to My Space Place!

2006-09-14T20:40:00.000-05:00

So, we sold one of our monstrous IKEA lounges on eBay a few weeks ago, like I've wanted to for a year. There just wasn't enough space and so the living room felt so closed off. Now, having the extra space makes the place look huge by comparison.

Of course, with the hole left by the absence, we went down to CABAN during their closing sale and bought a wicked-ass chair. It's like the future. It's like we're in space. Well, except for the dk brown bamboo-ishness. So, it's fusion. Check it out:

BEFORE & AFTER:

Toronto International Film Fest - Part 1

2006-09-09T23:35:00.000-05:00

So it's September and the film festival is on again. I must say, it's one of the few times that living in Toronto is really cool (other times are for the plethora of shops and concerts). Yorkville turns into a constant buzz with people swooning over possible celeb sightings and gala events, neither of which I really partake in incidently.

On Thursday, Barenaked Ladies performed outside Roots near Bay/Bloor so the school went out to watch it. It was filmed for e-Talk TV so amid the songs they played to a pretty intimate group, the band cracked jokes and talked to the audience when "on commercial break". They played "Easy", "Brian Wilson" and a few others I'm not familiar with (at one point I screamed for them to do "Be My Yoko Ono" to deaf ears), but being filmed by a crew, I thought it might be my first chance to be on TV since being interviewed about the goodness of M's Truth or Dare back in 1991, but alas, it was not meant to be. A bunch of student's heads were in it though. Super.

Yesterday, Ian and I went to Ryerson's theatre to try and catch the Korean mega-blockbuster, "the Host". Since we didn't have tickets, we had to stand out in the rush line, hoping for to get let in on the chance that there were remaining places left in the theatre after all the smart people had gone in. Right before entering and after enduring a downpour for 2 hours, some guy came up to me and handed me two free tickets. I was stunned and skeptical of their validity that I completely forgot to thank him. SO THANK YOU KIND STRANGER! We got in right away and watched the movie with a cheerful crowd and even the director who offered his request that we not sleep during it. LOL.

It was good, nothing like I expected. The special effects were pretty good until the end the obligatory fiery destruction of the monster. Still, other than having all the aspects of a Hollywood film, I don't understand why it had broken box-office records in Korea. There are much better films from there. Anywho, it's worth a see.

So...what's next? Having saved the $40 to see this movie, maybe we'll try to catch another. Stay tuned.

Mash them all up!

2006-08-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

Ok, here are a few mashups from Confessions... i like most of them, especially the Blondie one with the little "i'm hung up"s. so cute and little.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N7HW960F

Feel Good Inc vs Hung Up
Get Together vs Sikk
Call Me vs Hung Up
Hung Up vs Blue Monday
Hung Up vs Deeper & Deeper
Hung Up vs The Drill
Isaac vs Ofra Haza
Jump vs West End Girls

Love me. That's right. Love me.

2006-08-05T17:39:00.000-05:00

Now for my favourite M track ever: JUSTIFY MY LOVE. I've included what's been called an alternate ending for the famous Orbit 12" mix and the generic mix that has shades of Milli Vanilli back in there somewhere. Oh, and it says FUCK a bunch of times. That's always good.

Justify My Love
Orbit Alternate Version
Ultimix

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0F0FPCYD

Music makes the people come together.... ya

2006-08-05T17:22:00.000-05:00

So, here are a couple of bootleg remixes of sorts. They aren't official or anything and I can't remember where or from whom I got them, so if it was you, give yourself credit. Still, I thought some of my friends would like to have this wide-variety of music style... hmmm, two are kinda acoustic though, so maybe they aren't that wide. Anyways.

MUSIC EP
Music (Disco Inferno Mix)
Music (Acoustic Mix)
Music (Downhome Country Mix)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0GOQI4RK

IMOGEN HEAP makes solo live music cool again!

2006-06-03T15:19:00.000-05:00

I saw IMOGEN HEAP last weekend at The Guvernment in Toronto and although I was feeling a bit uninterested in going as it approached, boy I'm glad I did. She redeems live music by showing that though without a band and only a Macintosh computer, keyboard and looping machine, singing solo can be an ultimately creative endeavour too, even without the hoopala.

She began with "Just For Now" in front of a mic, recording her impeccable vocals layer upon layer, adding new elements every 8 bars or so. The result was a fantasmagoric experience of rippling sensations. Of course, later came most tracks from her most recent solo album, Speak For Yourself and a few gems like the cover of "Hallelujia" from the O.C. With each song, came new backing sounds eminating from the Apple and beautified piano, all with their own energy. Even the anticipated and much requested, "Hide and Seek", kept largely close to the album version, was mesmerizing by splitting her voice into different keys using a shoulder-harnessed keyboard. To top it off was her approachable manner and even a burp in the middle of the above-mentioned single, which for anyone else would have destroyed the ambience, but a laugh and witty comment later, it provided humanism to what was very computerized.

The only complaint was the sound volume of her mic during the inbetween rambles, which were pretty much inaudible to anyone standing not in the closest section to the stage. Of course, when people shouted "Talk louder", she replied, "I'll talk more loudly, but in Japanese." Otherwise, an admirable A for this excellent performance!

More Clips from Toronto @ the Guvernment / Kool Haus
Headlock
Goodnight & Go
Speeding Cars
Let Go

Have a voice in radio programming

2006-02-06T20:17:00.000-05:00

Are you sick of what you hear on Top 40 radio? I know I am for the most part. Of course, CHUMfm 104.5 in Toronto does a pretty good job of playing a wide variety of music from pop, dance, rock and hip hop, most US radio is dominated by only the latter. Why do I care, you might ask. It's truly on principle. With a lack of variety, industry pulls towards only one style for production and artists like Goldfrapp, Depeche Mode, Imogen Heap and yes, Madonna, rarely get the exposure they deserve, even when making music that hits popularity elsewhere in the world. What happened to there being room for all?

Recently, I was told of an internet music rating website which relays respondents' choices to industry and forwarded onto radio programmers. When you join it, you take part in polls in your chosen genre, listen and rank songs that may become future hits. If you want to have your part in the decision-making progress, I strongly suggest you put in your two cents.

i love and hate smoking

2006-01-08T19:35:00.000-05:00

Almost everyday this past week, I've told myself that this will be my last pack of smokes. I'm gonna quit. I'm gonna do it. It's gonna happen. And almost everyday this past week, I've justified to myself that those statements will be just as true tomorrow as they would be today. Being so low on cash since Christmas, it seems really the most viable thing to do, quit. I've told myself that I'll take the money that I would spend on smokes and deposit it into the bank. I've told myself that I'll use that money to join a gym, save for vacation or just plain use to see my balance increase in increments of $8.

Then the time comes when I have none left. I note that it's not a great time being the middle of the day or the middle of the night or the morning, to quit. I go to work thinking that maybe I'll avoid break-time smokes and just work. But, I never do.

I love smoking at certain times and just don't want to live without the goodness of the first haul. I hate smoking because it's an incredible waste of money that I use to slowly drain myself of life. Why can I give up drinking alcohol and smoking pot, but this I find so difficult to? And as I contemplate lighting up as I type, I realize--clearly, this must be the heaviest drug.

The 2005 Super 7 Lists

2006-01-03T18:44:00.000-05:00

Good God, is it 2006 already?! Yep, guess so considering I found myself surrounded by Best Of lists throughout the internet, the newspapers, endless entertainment shows and industry magazines. So after plenty of listening to what now seems old, I've widdled my favourites down to just seven (who needs 10 anyways?) for a bunch of music lists below. And, although some of the appearances on my lists may have officially been released before 2005, they sustained power into the past year well enough to been included. If you wanna be that technical, go write a statistics manual... So, without further ado, please enjoy seburnspot's 2005 Super 7 Lists!

Seven Singles
So many fabulous singles to choose from this year made this list INCREDIBLY difficult to weed down to just seven, but here they are in all they're deserved glory.
7. Soulwax - NY Excuse
6. Vitalic - My Friend Dario
5. Kelly Clarkson - Since You've Been Gone
4. Rachel Stevens - Negotiate With Love
3. Goldfrapp - Number One
2. Datarock - I Used to Dance With My Daddy
1. Madonna - Hung Up

Seven Remixes
Soulwax certainly didn't cut it in the album department, but phew--they certain kick ass in the remix chart!
7. Gwen Stefani - Hollaback Girl (ZAX Word Up Radio Edit)
6. Fischerspooner - Never Win (Mirwais Alternate Mix)
5. Depeche Mode - A Pain That I'm Used To (Jacques Lu Cont Remix)
4. Beck - Bad Cartridge (E-Pro) (Remix by Paza of the X-Dump)
3. The Knife - Hearbeats (Rex the Dog Mix)
2. LCD Soundsystem - Daft Punk is Playing at My House (Soulwax Shibuya Mix)
1. Felix da Housecat - Rocket Ride (Soulwax Rock It Mix)

Seven Albums
Ok, so here we are at the ultimate list: albums! There were several more that really deserved a mention, but oh well.
7. The White Stripes - Get Behind Me Satan
6. Goldfrapp - Supernature
5. Beck - Guero
4. Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
3. Datarock - Datarock
2. Fischerspooner - Odyssey
1. Madonna - Confessions On a Dance Floor

MY RESPONSES to the votes

2005-12-20T19:47:00.000-05:00

*In voting for the Elephant Party, I think you may effectively be throwing your vote away. Since there's no chance that they'll win any power, your vote is allowing someone else's for the two main parties more weight.

*The only problem with voting for the Elephant Party is that by voting for a second choice, namely the Lion Party, it would save the country from the tyranny that is the Tiger Party for the next term. Of course, should the Tiger Party win power, they might fuck up so badly that everyone realizes that they weren't, in fact, the lesser of two evils.

*The fact that since it's a 99% chance the Elephant Party won't win major power, their promises, however much you agree with them, won't have a chance to be kept, at least by them. Realistically, they won't get supported enough this time around. If i were sure that the Tiger party weren't going to win, i'd likely vote for Elephant.

*This is what sucks about political systems like this. Democracy just isn't idiot-proof. I'm not sure since I haven't really heard much of a better alternative. They all have flaws, I guess. Much like the political parties, it's a matter of choosing which has the least. I did hear once that a lottery should be done using randomnly chosen candidates with applicable credentials, regardless of whether or not they want the position. This would eliminate idiots from voting without being properly informed and might eliminate political "agendas", at least at first.

VOTES for the election posted below

2005-12-20T19:39:00.000-05:00

Below are samples of what some respondents had to say:

VOTE 1
I would vote for the Lion party,but I don't agree with the legalization of marijuana.

VOTE 2
i voted for the monkey party. the fact that they've never had any power whatsoever makes them the most desireable. give em a chance and get rid of the crooks that are in power now.

VOTE 3
I'd go with the Elephant party, since it seems to share the same beliefs as mine (eg. gay rights, legalization of marijuana, personal privacy, etc) and since they didn't fucked up but have had experience in power, i think it's time for them to rule.

VOTE 4
A lot of voters would prefer the Elephant party but because they think it doesn't give anything to vote for them (we all know they don't have any chance to win) they will chose another party.

Of course, if all those voters voted for the Elephant party would not win but it would give a good idea to the winner, what kind of country we want to have. Also, i think that in politic, popularity has a lot to do. The more voters a party gets, the more credibility he has.

VOTE 5
The Elephants sound like good people.

VOTE 6
I think a point or reason why this election is going to start will probably let you know which party you should vote in.

The first three of them are pretty much similar, but The Lion and The Tiger have been co-worker for its histry. Even thought they have worked well, Lion made the big mistake, so that The Tiger also should have felt same apporozies though.

The Monky ain't appearing on the stage. I mean the reason why this election has been started is the big mistake by The Lion, but even though it's a big mistake, but thier view is still clear and right way, so there is no space for The Monky on the ground. please get back trees and thinking deeply in their small brain,eh.

Last but not least, there is only The Elephant. I guess they have done good job, but not recognized, so it's good time and people probably don't mind to give them a chance. At least I don't mind.this is the last chance, so I'm sure they will have been excellent work on the ground for citizens. Go folks, go vote! And I think Elephants have to be No.1 animals in the world, don't they?? (I'm kidding)

VOTE in this election

2005-12-19T20:16:00.000-05:00

They have animal names, after all...

In Canada, we'll have a new federal election in January. The situation below, however, is hypothetical.

Let's say that there are four political parties.

#1- The Lion Party: This party is known for its liberal views on most modern topics (eg. gay rights, legalization of marijuana, personal privacy, etc) and is the current party in power. Unfortunately, they were caught stealing money from taxpayers under the guise of scholarships for deserving students. this scandal is the main cause of a new election. Many citizens have lost confidence in them.

#2 - The Tiger Party: This party is known for its traditional views on most topics (eg. 50s family values, worker security, immigration to a necessary minimum, etc) and notes that they will reduce a federal tax, one which they put in place "temporarily" 20 years ago. Many citizens have remained loyal to this party despite its short-comings. They have alternated domination of power with the Lion Party for the majority of the country's political history.

#3 - The Elephant Party: This party had brief power long ago, but only recently has gained ground and respect on the above parties again. Their views resemble the Lion Party's and even go beyond in terms of human rights, hoping to gain further ground without really having to follow through since they aren't yet supported well enough to have a realistic chance at winning.

#4 - The Monkey Party: This party has never had any official governmental power whatsoever and only has a cult following due to its extremely left-wing positions on particular topics (environment, drugs, culture, etc).

All parties share similar views on health-care, education and other social concerns.

Which party would you vote for? And why?

I'm Not On a Dance Floor, But I Will Confess

2005-11-16T22:44:00.000-05:00

I preface this by stating that CONFESSIONS ON A DANCE FLOOR is definitely my current favourite album. Although I may criticize some aspects of certain songs, it’s merely a feeble attempt at finding flaws in an otherwise astounding album!

Hung Up - 9.5
We’re now all-too-familiar with this song, which could cause it to be overshadowed by the novelty of the others. But let’s not forget about the pounding bass at 0:45 that is led up to by the hint of ABBA to come OR the dark club quieting of the music at 3:49 with the two rolling bass-lines grinding against each other OR the Travolta-inspired dance routines that work so well here. Let’s not forget the performances that uncovered the sexy Madonna I never realized I missed. And although at first, the ABBA words came to mind during the sample, I now never think about them. It’s the catchiest bass, the best 80s-style rhythm and best dance floor anthem on the record.

Get Together - 9.5
This song always starts with that BUZZING alarm, but that irritation sinks away when the soothing, sensual vocals and bass join up. It’s dark and with heart-wrenching notes and lyrics like I really, I really want to be with you and If it’s bitter at the start, then it’s sweeter in the end, I’m filled with desire to be in love with someone new again. I feel some hope. Then at 3:38, the jolted synths drive me into the middle of a dance floor, dancing with that someone. Closely. Flirting.

Sorry - 9.0
It could be considered the most commercial song, next to “Hung Up”, boasting such an addictive strum of bass just after singing I don’t wanna know. I love the vocals in the bridge, not to mention good’n’spiteful lyrics like Don’t explain yourself ‘cause talk is cheap. There’s more important things than hearing you speak. Oooh, and there’s that cute li’l clap that comes in just around 3:09! Nice touch with the different languages too or so I’ve heard.

Future Lovers - 7.0
When I hear Give me evidence of its brilliance echo with bass, the beat envelops me in a smoky, drug-filled warehouse floor at 3am with lasers and lights fanned out in the air above my arms. It’s infectious, yet the almost-too-familiar Donna Summer-esque bass line just pushes the vision. Five, maybe even 10 years ago, I’d have loved this to death. Consequently, maybe I’m just a little past the point where I want to dance to a song like this while staring at the light show in hypnotic awe and pretending she and Stuart had designed the music for my drug-induced fervor.

I Love New York - 8.0
As a heavy dub version of a romp through world attitudes, I liked the more guitar-driven documentary version…seemed more melodic too. The hardcore sound on the album leaves out the fresh, cheerful sound with the guitars being surpassed by the bass. Sometimes, I just want to turn off the echo effect and add some screaming, just to amp up the energy. I also miss the lyric I don’t love you, but I love New York in the chorus. Well, maybe it was too hateful? Anywho, it sounds less like the anthem it could have been than a screamer for the clubs. Still, when it’s on, I can imagine the potential and love it.

Let It Will Be - 10
Formerly my favourite track (as was the case with almost every track), the vocals are absolute emotion during the verses. Good things come in abundance: There’s a warm and cozy bass; there are no annoying squeaks or sirens; there’s the violent voice on just watch me burn, especially at 3:17 when the beat pumps back in! It’s a weird twist on grammar, but cool nonetheless. Maybe she was like, “enough with the Beatles references”.

Forbidden Love - 10
It reminds me of my first homo-erotic experiences… naughty, yet hopeful. The melancholic tones cause a certain desolate effect, but contrasts with that naughtiness and hopefulness when title lyrics are sung. Musically, it reminds me of a less-acoustic, more electro “Intervention” for this album…BEAUTIFUL!

Jump - 9.0
Not a track that jumped out at me the first 50 listens. Ha ha. The deep key vocals coupled with a melody lacking in organization seems sonically too low in the opening verse to be remembered, but is easily made up for by those in the chorus. As higher-pitched synths and disco beats blast on about ¾ of the way through, a wave of needed excitement pulses through my chest as it segues into the next track.

How High - 10
In backwards fashion, the verse melody kicks the chorus’ butt. Her lyrics are straight-forward and honest, making them probably my favourite for insight on the album. It’s got a simple yet catchy three-tone bass and beat and always makes me think there’s something incredibly familiar about the opening minute, but in a good way. I love when she sings I did it in the first verse – sounds like a proud, slap in your face comment to everyone who said she doubted her success, but contrasts with the following unexpected, less proud “just about everything to see my name in lights”. Plus, you gotta love the thought put into the order of “Jump” and ”How High”.

Isaac - 7.0
It’s cool enough, but I’ve come to expect a song like this, since RAY OF LIGHT’s “Shanti Ashtangi” and MUSIC’s “Cyberaga”. It’s not that I don’t like or have any particular bone to pick with this style, but its novelty wears off quickly for me. Still, Madonna does sound good, doesn’t she? Her mmm’s have always been so sexy. And doesn’t it somewhat have a “Till Death Do Us Part” feeling—speed and sound-wise?

Push - 9.0
Wicked beat change! After being a dancing madman for the last 9 tracks, the feeling gets happier and light like I’m swaying in the air, holding hands with someone I love. With appreciative lyrics to a full-on, perfectly matching partner and a super-cheery chorus, both melodically and instrumentally, it’s hard not to overlook the R&B undertones. Luckily, there’s a digitized voice at 2:48 for a nice change. “Push” leads into the closer as a break from sweaty darkness.

Like It or Not - 10
I see Madonna with an Erotica-style whip scene. ‘Shut the fuck up and listen to what I have to say.’ Like that. All the key elements—piano, classical guitar, infectious beat, sensual vocals in her perfect range, jazzy instrumentals—to make this my favourite.
I’ll be the garden, you’ll be the snake.
All my fruit is yours to take.
This is who I am.
You can like it or not.
You can love me or leave me, cuz I’m never gonna stop.
These are going to go down in my Madonna quotes box. Classic.

Super Pop - 9.0
Easily my favourite title and some of my favourite lyrics. It’s a bubble gum surface trying to conceal wisdom. Definitely not the catchiest melody in the world and the true-to-era disco beat can be a bit repetitive. Still, Madonna can ooh, ya, ooh ya with the best of them. Plus, any song with a dog sample has got to be cool.

Could We Have Ever Doubted She Rules?! Pfffft, NO!

2005-11-03T00:26:00.000-05:00

Madonna's new CD Confessions on a Dance Floor kicks ass! I seriously cannot pick out which track is my favourite; they all have AMAZING melodies and instrumentals! it's so brilliant. first classic album in years! I mean, I loved AL, but COADF fuckin rocks the world!

Oh and if you legally stuck up companies care that people have the leaked album, you're out of your minds! Everyone is loving it completely and will buy it for sure. What's two weeks anyways? It's only adding to the anticipation. We love it! We love it!

Thank you for making music, Madonna! xox

Being Bullied by a Big Corporation Sucks

2005-09-13T22:54:00.000-05:00

I was contacted by Warner Bros via email, twice (since I didn't notice the first one), demanding in imperative and bluntly intimidating tone to take down two Hung Up clips that anyone who loves Madonna has or has had from the previous blog post today. I guess it worked as they're not there anymore.

Seriously though, what harm are two 20 second clips that are immensely available through any sort of sharing software going to do to a single that is available in better quality through the Motorola campaign? If I were to post a clip that I'd recorded in a club which has tested samples of HU, would I be "requested" to remove it too? Ridiculous.

Maybe the powers that be should get used to the fact that file-sharing will happen as long as freedom of speech is available online. My file-sharing was harmless. Less than 30 second long clips are available of a wide range of music through reputable sites like Yahoo and Lycos, neither of which damage potential sales of said record.

Besides, EVERYONE'S ALREADY HEARD THE CLIPS! IT'S NOT A SECRET ANYMORE. TRY NOT HAVING THE CLIPS IN A COMMERCIAL NEXT TIME.

Madonna's new ABBA song

2005-09-08T23:53:00.000-05:00

The Motorola clips of Madonna's new single, Hung Up show off a very ABBA sample which initially irritating, has grown on me the more I listen to it. It's commercial when I hoped for avante-garde. But, how can I really have expected different? She needs something top 40 this time around to sell well. Honestly, I couldn't care less about sales, but I'm sure in high quality and packed with other album tracks, it'll be a gem in my usually rose-coloured eyes.

*EDITED - See above post for why.

Incompetence is the worst!

2005-08-07T16:09:00.000-05:00

Incompetence really is the quality in others that I detest the most. When someone cannot do for themselves what I can do for myself, it bugs the hell out of me. Daily tasks, such as asking for directions, calling someone for help, learning the correct way to divide up the recycling, following instructions--these types of "unskills" (by which I mean that they aren't acquired after years and years of study) should be easily utilized by everyone.

As a further example, I create and maintain a Voting Elimination game online in the MadonnaMad community forum and each week I try very hard to make the rules more interesting than simply picking and voting. I thrive on keeping rounds exciting, unique and special. Of course, there are a few who just complain that it's hard, that it's incomprehensible; that it's pointless. Then, I'm asked for further instructions. God....just read the fucking instructions. Are you really this thick? Would you rather have a boring and simple game like all other games??

Blah... ok, I'm done venting now.

Lethargic Life - Part 1

2005-07-27T22:06:00.000-05:00

I am soul full of turmoil. I continuously torture myself. I live in a constant flux of frustrating irony. But let me rewind a little. Something or someone triggers my descent into this madness. I spend days, on and off, trying to figure out the answers to questions that I now assume can only be answered by action. My life goes in semi-patterns, sometimes repeating over great lengths of time, sometimes repeating in just months. And despite recognizing these patterns as I have since becoming what I like to call "self-aware" in my early 20s, they continue to repeat. I put myself into these frustrating yet obviously rewarding predicaments over and over. Am I a broken record? Am I just meant to be this way? Am I just a weak person when I think of myself as strong? I can't stop asking these questions.

My need for this turmoil and the benefits I receive through it clearly outweigh any desire to be fundamentally happy and to live with peace. Part of what causes this is my unending quest for explanations on why I am who I am and behave like I do. A second part is feeling that what I'm good at is not valuable enough in the grand scheme of things and therefore not worthy to pursue. A third, but not necessarily final part is surrounding myself with people who though in my life for some reason (of which is in conjunction with the first part) continuously leave.

...to be continued

Bye Bye Bedroom, Hello Multi-Purpose Room

2005-07-15T23:23:00.000-05:00

Months ago, when my relationship was a bit on the rocks, we moved into the living room to sleep. First, we didn't want to sleep together. Second, it was more comfortable in the living room what with the TV there and the brightness of the morning sun. Third, the air was always stuffy in the bedroom. For these reasons and since we'd at least be living out the remainder of our lease together, we decided to change the bedroom into another living room, sort of an office area, where we can go to be a part from each other and get some privacy. At this point, we put up an ad to sell the bed.

Since then, we've repaired our broken hearts (for the most part, anyways); we've gained air conditioning which only works in the bedroom and we now sleep there again. The question remained, what do we do now that the bed will be sold? Do we maintain it as a bedroom by buying a different bed? Or do we stick with the original plan?

I like the idea of having a second, usable room, as I'm planning to have a private practice of teaching English there in the fall. It can be a retreat from each other and a practical space for my career. As a result, with the bed gone, we've looked into yet another piece of furniture from IKEA (to add to our already catalogue-ish apartment furnished by this wonderful store), a sofabed that will fold up during the day and pull out at night.

I look forward to going there to read, to teach and to be alone. However, now begs the question: Should I put in a TV? :)

General Noise

2005-07-14T22:16:00.000-05:00

For the last few weeks, there's been an overlaod of students at my school which just proves that it is a business and not a school. The sheer amount of teenagers chatting away in their native languages, ignoring the "English Only" policy, coupled with just the general noise level is irritating. Like I felt in Seoul, with the crowded streets and slow-moving populace, my capacity for handling stress dimishes. I'm a rather easy-going individual usually, but sometimes I just want to rampage.

On top of this, the heat this week has made life nearly unbearable. Sure, the building is air conditioned, yet still it seems to affect everyone, especially teachers. Breaks outside are no longer comfortable and the option of remaining inside the school only to waste away the 10 minutes is not appealing.

Add to all this the idea of tutoring a nice, but frustratingly "old dog new tricks", makes for days to go long and tempers to approach explosion.

Of course, I did decide on a vacation today, which may have made my boss's existence more stressful; it decreased mine.

The Idea of a Makeover

2005-07-10T21:47:00.000-05:00

For most of the last year or so, I've been going for the slightly goth (pale skin, dark brown hair), slightly punk (dark t-shirts, angered look on the face), slightly hippie-esque (lack of producing anything worthwhile, long hair) aura. Maybe, it occurred to me, that in order to get my life on a different, more productive track, a change was due.

I've begun working on my first true novella - a science fiction love story involving philosophical debate, all gone horribly, horribly wrong. After two weeks of staring at the screen, I've managed to develop a whopping one chapter! So, loosely due to this lack of movement, I went for a change of looks.

No, the hair is still long, and perhaps the angered look on face will show through in static moments, but I'm feeling more beachy now. With the use of a combination of self-tanning and sunlight, I've achieved a pleasant glow...mix that with the brightening of my hair to almost dirty blonde, I look in the mirror with awe. Is this me? It's not who I've seen for such a long time. I can vaguely see a boyish version I looked at long ago.

Let's see how it all works out, shall we?

The Sorry State of Pop Music

2005-06-12T22:14:00.000-05:00

Where is good pop music?

Sure, I've been on the electronic kick for the last few years with a little rock on the side, but I'll always been a pop music lover at my roots. It seems a great lack of quality pop music graces the radio or charts (both of which I've decided to give up on). Billboard rankings suck and the UK charts have an animated frog as #1. What is there to go by?

Still, in these times of hip hop and eurotrash dominance, there are moments of glimmering hope - Vitalic, Felix da Housecat, Girls Aloud, Rachel Stevens and even some New Order or Gwen Stefani. Bringing me back to my point though, hopefully with the release of a new Madonna album this fall, pop music will make its much-needed comeback.

Newsflash: Not All Madonna Fans Care About Her Age

2005-05-08T18:44:00.000-05:00

...some still care about her music.

It's rather irritating when someone mentions Madonna's age (46) and interprets everything that is said after as a decline into uselessness and an emphasis on superficiality. Probably much of what is spread by fans on forums about Madonna is mistaken as negative, rather than mere sarcasm or realism.

Not all fans (especially to warrant sweeping generalizations like "Madonna fans fear her aging" or "Madonna fans think she should get a facelift") are concerned so much with her appearance degrading into wrinkles and saggy boobs as much as with her creating great music. I, for one, place much less value on her competing for youth and a place among hottie pop-princesses than I do in the style of music that produces. Make a killer clip without her appearing at all, if it suits the music. And if it is remarked that she looked terrible or that she acted stupid, it's because it's true in so-and-so's opinion, not to be perceived as causing an emotional breakdown or a horror in realizing she's no longer 20.

Furthermore, as has been suggested by some, it's stupid to suggest that she needs to fall gracefully into adult contemporary like ballads or Jack Johnson songs simply because she's nearing 50. So what? Madonna's always been about doing what people don't think suits her. Should she have been less upfront about women's power in sex because it wasn't common to do so? Should she have kept her bisexual experiences quiet because it wasn't a popular opinion to have? Should she have not had children because people thought she wouldn't be a good mother? Should she have not done children's books since it didn't suit a woman who had been so brazen earlier in her career? They all caused discussion, some good, some bad. I'm not suggesting she revisit these 'taboos' from the times they were considered so, though I wouldn't want to stop her if she did. Ridiculous as it may seem to some, producing electronic or rock pop at her age isn't a bad thing (nor are sappy love songs) if they are want she wants to do.

Personally, I've never been a fan of ballads or adult contemporary music in general, so I pull for another electronic-based dance album. I feel it's where her music is at its best; but I would never say that she should be restricted to one sort of music based on her age, her appearance or her history. How she appears and what society has drilled into our heads as being acceptable is evidently what some people seem to care about, but if you follow her lead, it shouldn't be foremost in a fan's mind. Her music and breaking the standard are what's more important.

Rejections, Retirements & Reactions

2005-05-02T21:10:00.000-05:00

Hmmm. A week in review seems in order, but what to mention of interest?

Part 1 - Retarded Rejections
John, a coworker I'm very fond of, talked several times of a job at George Brown College which would grant him 2 days of work a week, at $33/hr, essentially doing the same job I've been doing for 7 years. So, Shaista, another friend and coworker and I decided to apply as well, since we all shared an office at Cornerstone and like each other so much. Of course, the money was somewhat persuasive too.

So, we did. After several failed attempts at reaching the contact's email, I finally did and received a rejection letter, stating the following:

'Since it appears you do not have a TESOL certfication, a requirement for our faculty, we cannot consider your application for this position.'

What pisses me off is that this minor yet seemingly important certification is nothing compared to the years of experience, high qualifications and excellent evaluations I get in teaching, both from staff and students. It irks me that I don't even get the opportunity to show how valuable a teacher I am because of this ridiculous qualification.

Part 2 - Retirement & Reunion
Home to St. Thomas, Ian and I went on Saturday morning, on route to Bill's Retirement party from Ford that Mom, Kim and Julie had arranged. 37 years at one company! Hard to imagine. I'm already 30, so that's probably not in the cards for me. Really, it seems largely like loyalty of the past. He seemed happy to have everyone there and be the centre of attention for a few hours.

In the process, a reunion of sorts occurred with not only he and his family and old friends, but with Billy and I, who hadn't seen each other since Christmas. It was good to see him, but after his move to St. Catherine's, away from Toronto, our progressively close friendship has dwindled to nearly no communication at all. Of course, things remain pleasant, just not overly deep. I preferred it when he lived here and we could hang out and talk a lot...having a brother around was cool while it lasted.

But the more we seemed the same, the more we also seemed different. Apparently that hasn't changed.

Part 3 - Animation Domination Reaction
Simpsons, the Family Guy and American Dad debuted their "Fox's Sunday Night Animation Domination" yesterday to a rather mixed reception here. Simpsons was entertaining as always, with the fat Bart gag being the choice for the evening. Family Guy, with its hyped up return to prime-time, just didn't do it for me overall. Sure, there were some funny moments, like the beginning where Peter discusses why Fox had cancelled them years earlier due to other failed programs and Stewie's incessant rants, but something about the voices weren't perfectly on. It's like the characters Meg, Chris and Lois had been out of practice for too long and were just a smidgeon rusty. I'm sure it'll all come back within the next few weeks. Then there was "American Dad"... a show which was not funny at all back after the Superbowl in January and drawn too similarly to "the Family Guy" to the point where I just couldn't be stuffed even giving it a try. Maybe in the summer I'll give it another go, when they're the only new episodes running.

Hair Glorious Hair

2005-04-23T01:24:00.000-05:00

It seems as though from the time I was very small, I've had an interest in long hair and the progression toward it from short. A year and a half ago, in September 2003, I buzzed it all off (though it wasn't so long to begin with then), with the ideas of not cutting it until it became long again. I wanted to see just how long it would take to grow it out.

Since then, I've rarely cut it, just a trim here or there. Let's take a look at then and now.

September 9, 2003

The latest from my series of self-executed, narcissistic photoshoots
April 22, 2005

I like my hair.

April 16, 2005 - The First

2005-04-16T19:58:00.000-05:00

I've heard so much about these damned "blogs" that I thought it was high time I invested some time and effort becoming more 'with it'. So, here I am. To the few who may come across my life through this medium, grab a kleenex, start a movie or make sure there's something else that'll make you happy after, as it might come as a bore without some relationship to me. Then again, one person's garbage is another's treasure...