Reasons I Love Being Canadian; pt.1

Canadian Vampire in London

Oh... Canada - Classified

Canadian Please

Waving Flag - Young Artists For Haiti

Home For a Rest - Spirit of the West

Whose Game They're Playing - Coke Commercial

I am Canadian

Beer! Did you know: In most nations, the labelled alcohol percentage is either the average or maximum percentage allowed. However, most Canadian provinces require the minimum alcohol percentage to be labelled rather than the average... this means while other countries put a max or average (meaning that there could be, or probably is less alcohol than that in the beer), here in canada when we say 5% we mean AT LEAST 5%. I think I'm going to enjoy my beer extra tonight because of that!

For all of the nerdy like to read stuff people: Culture in Canada
It's part of a series which also talks about history, national identity and more.

What other people have to say about Canada:

Pierre Berton, a Canadian journalist and novelist, said: "A Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe without tipping it."

British novelist Douglas Adams said each country was like a particular type of person, and "Canada is like an intelligent 35 year old woman".

Andrew Cohen believes that there is a value to considering what foreigners have to say: "Looking at Canadians through the eyes of foreigners, we get a sense of how they see us. They say so much about us: that we are nice, hospitable, modest, blind to our achievements. That we are obedient, conservative, deferential, colonial and complex, particularly so. That we are fractious, envious, geographically impossible and politically improbable."

In defining a Canadian identity, five key distinctive characteristics have been emphasized.

• First, special emphasis is placed upon the bicultural nature of Canada and the important ways in which English-French relations since the 1760s have shaped the Canadian experience.
• Second, Canada had quite a different historical experience in resisting revolution and republicanism compared to the U.S., leading to less individualism and more support for government activism, such as wheat pools and the health care system.[7]
• Third, British parliamentary system and the British legal system, augmented by the conservatism associated with the Loyalists and the pre-1960 French Canadians, have given Canada its ongoing collective obsession with "peace, order and good government".[8]
• Fourth is the social structure of multiple ethnic groups that kept their identities and produced a mosaic rather than a melting pot.[9]
• Fifth, the influence of geophysical factors (vast area, coldness, northness; St. Lawrence spine) together with the proximity of the United States have produced in the collective Canadian psyche what Northrop Frye has called the garrison mind or siege mentality, and what novelist Margaret Atwood has argued is the Canadian preoccupation with survival.[10] For Herschel Hardin, because of the remarkable hold of the siege mentality and the concern with survival, Canada in its essentials is "a public enterprise country." According to Hardin, the "fundamental mode of Canadian life" has always been, "the un-American mechanism of redistribution as opposed to the mystic American mechanism of market rule." Most Canadians, in other words, whether on the right or left in politics, expect their governments to be actively involved in the economic and social life of the nation.[11]

Will the Hot Fire Fighters Come?

Beyonce - Ring the Alarm

This is not a new release video, but it's the current "song of the moment", so deal with it.

I like this song/video cuz it features B getting all ghetto and angry. It's that Number One Diva side mixed with a solid dose of homegirl. Nice. The video itself isn't anything specially. Pretty solid music video material, but nothing spectacular. I kinda enjoy the whole interrogation angle and her getting all up in the grill of some sort of police. I also love the knit long sleeve crop top... reminds me of her circa Destiny's Child. I also like the contrast between her glamoured and sexied up and her with minimal makeup crying. She looks so beautiful, no denying that.
She also gets to try out a nice range of looks throughout the video. This is pretty standard beyonce though. Some are hits and some are misses.

The video is average, but the song makes me feel empowered and gives me a hot swagger when I'm listening to my headphones.

Oh, the name of this post is in reference to the title of the song "ring the alarm" and also there are references to fires and smoke and flames... no hot fire fighters in the video, sad, I know. But I live close to a fire station... so maybe I'll walk past it listening to this song and wearing an awesome outfit later. (by later I mean not today, I'm tired and have to work late)

Insomnia: Gift or Curse?

I've posted a couple things lately that involve some well thought out scenarios involving fame, fortune, famous friends, etc.
I think the reason these things are on my mind is because I don't sleep... okay, so I'm not really that good at sleeping ever, so why right now? I think because I'm working a lot and in an attempt to not sit up and think about work and be stressed all night, I choose to think about fun things. My imagination has a way of filling in details and being very percise. Having a blog has become my way of expressing some of my crazy. I think a lot, about everything. I imagine possibilities, relationships, successes, failures, excitement, apathy... How my brain does this much BLOWS MY MIND. Litterly. Mind is so busy that sometimes I feel like my head might explode.
I just thought I'd explain my crazy a little.

The thing with insomnia is... it's not really that awesome. As a general rule it's not really the most healthy option, but, it does allow me the time I need to live my crazy lives... write crazy blogs that only I really care about... think through impossible situations... the usual.

Fame + Me = Meryl Streep + Lady Gaga

Okay, we're going to start with Math. As much as I dislike the Maths, this equation doesn't have numbers. Just awesomeness.
Fame + Me = Meryl Streep + Lady Gaga
It's science. Fact.

It's no secret that, while I love my day job, I have ambitions of pursuing a career in the field where my degree lies... I want to be an actress! (the last part is best said melodramatically)

But I don't just want fame, I want a Career! I want to work because I love acting and I want to make movies that don't just get tweens in a frenzy. No, I want to make people think. I want my work to have an impact on those who watch it. I want to win an Oscar.

I was talking to my friend Laura about all this. I told her that I wanted to be famous and she said that I would be awesome and super cool like Lady Gaga. I was stoked. That was a total compliment. She told me I would be super focused on my art like her, and able to rock a wicked style. Nice! As we continued talking we both realized that I couldn't be just like Gaga... not that I would want to copy her or anything, but in terms of awesomeness. So we came up with Lady Gaga mixed with Meryl Streep... omg, that is my dream combo of life! Have a hint of that Natalie Portman, went to university and got a degree, mixed in there. Not in tabloids all the time. Somehow mixing the badassness of Gaga and that ability to stand out always and be a true artist, with the respect and talent and hard work that Meryl has for her amazing acting career.
Laura was like "I can totally picture you as that. If you were famous you'd be awesome... and then I'd tell people that I know you." It'd be basically me now, but uber famous with sweet movies and the best closet ever. I'd also totally dip my toes in the music world... not in a 'I want to make a CD' way, but in a 'I want to collaborate and do a song or two with several different awesome artists' (DWW, Drake, Justin Beiber and Drake (cuz that would just be ridiculous) timbaland (everyone does it), Gaga?, basically any Canadian band that I think is awesome and wants to work with me, and then others who also live up to the awesome standards)... I've totally thought this through...

insomnia, gift or curse?

Winning at Life; Reasons why DWW and I should be friends

I have decided that I want to be friends with Down With Webster. Not in a creepy obsessed fan way, but in a they seem like cool guys and I think we'd have awesome times hanging out and winning at life.

Now, I'm used to people being like "sure Stevie, you're insane", but I've totally thought this through. Also, I've often come back to those people after achieving more than they thought I could and being like "no big, this is how I roll." While it may be true that I have an exceedingly overactive imagination, I'm also ambitions and driven and hardworking and believe that these things can get me anything I want... within some sort of reason. I mean, I don't think that if I work hard enough I will be the next president of 'merica. 1, I wasn't born there and 2, well, I don't really want to be president, so that's not the best example. Whatever. The point is I can't think of anything I want out of life that is impossible to achieve with a little hard work and persistence.

So, back to this whole notion, reasons I should make friends with DWW:
They hang out, make sweet music that I enjoy about things like drinking beers and being awesome. Two things that I am exceptionally good at.
Also, hanging out with Seven guys who are total guys is my idea of a good time. Hell, May Long weekend (or May 24) is boys weekend and I'm going camping with 7 boys where we will cook meat over a fire, drink a lot of beers and other alcoholic substances, and be generally awesome.
I rock a keg-stand.
They go do awesome street theatre esq antics which I approve of. Having a theatre degree and often indulging in such behavior for a number of reasons, I think I would definitely enjoy being ridiculous (ridiculously awesome that is) on the streets with these boys.
I find them attractive. While I'm in no way "omg I want to have your babies"... gross, no thanks! I do enjoy the company of attractive people... especially male attractive people. At this point I'm more interested in friends than anything more... I don't know them well enough to make that call.
I love music. I really like their sounds and appreciate a live show with lots of energy. I could totally rock out with them at a show.
They're Canadian.
I'm Canadian.
The two above statements don't really need to be explained, but I'm going to because this is MY blog, and I do what I want. As you may or may not know, I have a soft spot for Canadian celebrities, bands, boys, people... It's just this intrinsic connection based on the unique cultural things that make us from the true north a little different. We can bond over our increased heart rates during playoff games (Hockey... obviously... like I said, Canadian). Drink awesome Canadian beer and indulge in other things that are associated with Canada, especially my home province. Be polite to strangers. Have the type of sense of humour where we all think we're funny (we are, btw) and we're okay with our nationality being the butt of a joke. Bond over the cold temperatures and small towns we have all endured. Not worry about going to the doctor when we're sick and high five about our health care. Accept people of all backgrounds. Drink more beer... I love my country!

A friend told me I can make this happen with my awesome networking skills. I liked her vote of confidence, so I've brainstormed a couple possibilities to make this happen.
So, either:

• My ambition of a kick ass acting career pans out and I get my people to call their people and we hang out.
• I get a job coordinating some sort of music festival (let's be honest, I'd be awesome at it and this is probably one of the more plausible scenarios).
• Through the magic of twitter or facebook, it just happens.
  They read this blog... I might have a better chance at fame, but who knows!
• I put my magic skills to work and somehow know someone who knows someone who knows my awesomeness and BAM! Friends.
• Randomness. Picking up some Starbucks or something on a non significant and it's like "hey. you seem exceedingly awesome." "Thanks, you seem like DWW... wanna be friends?" "For Sure!"
• I write them a letter that goes something like this "Dear Down With Webster, My name is Stevie. You seem like pretty cool guys. We should be friends. Let me know when you want to go get a beer and hang out. xo Stevie" (I think this is an excellent method)
• Something else happens...

So, I'm not sure if any of this makes sense, or if you're on the "you're crazy" train. Either way, I'm just saying, we'd make awesome friends, and it's not impossible.

How To: Be good at construction workers

I'm good at construction workers. Fact.

Let me explain.

So, with work we were planting a bunch of new plants to make the residence at UofS look nicer. We start digging holes in the flower beds, only to find the top soil is only about 3 inches deep. Not a good thing.
But! Nearby they are completely re landscaping one of the fields. There is piles of dirt everywhere. One of the staff gets asked to go ask them for some dirt, and I get nominated to go with her. Because of my position title and my blondness. At this point I don't really know what the mission is, all I know is:
"Stevie, come ask the construction workers with me."
"Okay, I'm good at construction workers... for what?"

For a backhoe scoop of dirt of course! So, I take a minute, think through how I'm going to approach this. Professional but attractive and in need of assistance.

We get to the construction workers. They're closer to my father's age than my own, but I don't mind... it just means I won't be leaving with a phone number, but that's not the goal of this mission.
A formal introduction, a sweet smile, big blue eyes and please and thank you and they'll bring down dirt in just a minute. I get winked at and give a coy smile in return.
A couple minutes later a large scoop of dirt is brought right to us and they want to know if that's enough. Do we need more? We're good, and we thank them and tell them we'll bring them coffee. They seem pretty pleased with themselves for helping us out. Really, I'm not getting a favour, I'm doing one.

So, the following day the staff member and I return to the construction site with a tray of coffee from Tim Hortons. They seem surprised; I don't think that promise was ever expected to be followed through on. But I'm good at this game. And I'm thoughtful and like being nice to people.
Smiles, thank yous, and coffee handed over, we leave, very aware that if we want anything from these construction workers over the next month, all we have to do is smile and say please and it's ours. You see, while we didn't need to bring them coffee, it solidified their love of us. And that is more than work the time and effort to bring them warm beverages. Win.

Musings on Domestication

Since I keep posting music videos and then talking about them, I've decided to make it a thing. My best friend told me that I should be a critic, so, in my own way I suppose, that's what I'm doing.

Today: Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed

Today's victim... featured video... thingy...

So, first things first. I'm not a Miley fan. I'm not anti her. I don't wish ill on her or anything, I'm just not that into her. I think that's fair. Fact being, she's 17 and worked for Disney; I'm older than that, work for a University, have a contemporary art degree, love heavy metal... we have different tastes.
On that note, she's 17. I have a hard time with her being sexy in this video. Not in a "she's a minor and that's wrong", but rather in a "she look sexy sure, but has the awkwardness inherent to her youth that kills the video." Yes, she's under 18, so some people might have appropriate issues, but, to be honest, I don't find this scandalous, it's "sexy", but it ain't got nothing on the last 2 videos I posted. I'll reserve my judgements on her in general in terms on scandalizing and appropriateness for another time and place. It's not the issue at hand.
The issue at hand is this video. Let's start from the beginning... The intro. That's really the thing to do right now. It seems like all the cool kids are doing it. That's fine. I think it can be an excellent story telling device. This intro in particular is a little long I thought. And the snarling sound affects when Miley first looks up. Kinda terrifying. No lies.
Once the song gets started, I'm actually fairly fond of it. I really like the aesthetics of this video. The darkness. The Gothic look, the wings. It's pleasing to me. The fact that our Miley isn't wearing heels makes her lack of pants way less signalized. Good call on her part there... or the stylist... or her Dad said no heels, or whatever. My biggest problem with the costuming is the feathers on her hands. Holy crap they annoy me. They're just so... heinous. Bare hands would've been better all around. Really, they irritated me so much it almost ruined the who look for me. I even liked her make up. The hair was a little trashy, but it worked with the whole look... but feather hands. There are some things I'm not okay with.
There was two looks in the video, which was nice and simple... or at least simpler. I liked the contrast from the darker look to the more fresh and colourful peacock look. My issue with the peacock was that she was so obviously not allowed to move, combined with her teenage-ness, it was a bit awkward to watch her lay there. There was a little with the chest touching... but with those crazy claws and the not being able to move cuz of the bed of feathers, it look more like a "where do I put my hand" as opposed to a "look at my breasts" move. I liked her make up, fresher, sweeter, mixed it up. The scaly dress was even pretty okay. But the entire package falls short for me there.
Let's get to the dancing. Miles... not a trained dancer. But the group dances are still cool. The overall costuming and the other dancers, they all make it better. I must say, I love the "sexy orgy dance" bits. Very Britney. But also because of Miley's face. She looks so pissed. I'm not sure if she was going for angry of fierce and sexy, but the naughty sex appeal that that type of dance could evoke was totally nullified by the "I'm going to cut a bitch" facial expressions. This actually pleases me to no end.
Finally, the ending. I actually really like to closing image. It was powerful and appropriate. I know right? This is positively glowing really.
As for the song itself, nothing special, catchy, some over usage of auto tune.

But, for a not fan, I rather liked it all in all.

In the end though, my sentence for Ms.Cyrus: Either stick with catchy pop tune and movies for a tween audience, or, take a break. put on some pants. Finish highschool. Go to University (not college), learn some stuff about the world. Live in a dorm. Get an education. And, after that, maybe you will be ready to be taken seriously and to seriously work. I think you have the potential. Just need some figuring out life not in the spotlight time...
Also, if, in two weeks I want to stab myself every time this video come on much music (I don't sleep and know all the infomercials... much at 2 am it is!) I'm going to re sentence you.

The Day UofS Stopped Loving Me

So, no big deal, but I'm kinda a big deal. Someone got told they could be "the next Stevie". How awesome do I feel. I'm also the posterchild. Like I said, not a big deal. But, today was a less than loved by the world of UofS day. Sigh.

Also, as prementioned, UofS stands for University of Stevie. As opposed to sharing my true location... (those of you who are clever will figure it out, and then UofS is even more clever on my part. I refuse to explain)

Let's do this in an organized way. There are three main things:

1. Phone book
2. position appointment form
3. convocation speaker

1. First thing first. I was looking up some people I needed to contact in the SFU online phonebook. Handy Dandy document. And for funsies I decided to look up myself (who has never googled themselves?). And what do I find? Well!
"Steve LASTNAME" and I still work in DEPARTMENTIHAVEN'TWORKEDININAYEAR and have a totally random phone number. No one will be able to contact me, but, on the brightside, my alter ego is a super handsom man who works with student leaders and puts on awesome programs for a living. So, that story has a bright side. I mean, I totally made up the alter ego, and plan on expanding that further...

2. So, I know I kinda have a boys name... except for the i, but people... anyway, my boss gave me a copy of my forms saying that I offically am getting paid for this new job I started doing, anyway, I look, and it says Stephanie (Stevie). I was like "hell no". I mean, Stephanie is a lovely name. I have a really good friend named Stephanie, it's just not my name. There is a story there, but I was still like "bitch please. UofS, I thought we talked about this".
Apparently not.

3. I really wanted to be convocation speaker. I got nominated a bunch. They didn't pick me. I actually felt sad (which is a big deal, I don't like feeling feelings, cuz I think they're gross).

And thus the day that UofS decided that we were no longer soulmates came and went.
Sigh.

So Uninspired (I didnt even title this at first, that uninspired)

I am so uninspired.

There is nothing in my life that I am doing right now that I am truly passionate about.

How sad is that?

I'm feeling like it's all just a series of let downs... so how's this for something with meat following two "check out these music videos with scantly clad women"? In the words of the lovely Tori Amos "what's so amazing about really deep thoughts?"

I'm not sure I know what I want to make of this blog. I think I just need to share my thoughts with the world, even if no one is reading them.

I'm having a "what's the point" mental break at the moment. I was feeling really good about things yesterday... maybe just being tired and being rejected (more details in my upcoming post entitled The Day UofS* Stopped Loving Me) and being hungry. I'm craving sugar. Balls.

I am enjoying this whole "blogging" thing. I don't know if I'm any good at it, or if ANYONE reads this. But whatevs.

Also, it's a new day, and I'm way less bitter today. I drank lots of coffee.

Also, this is tagged as a Rant... it's more light Rant Light. No Vampire Rant level ranting... but more than just some thoughts.

*UofS is University of Stevie... what if I get super famous from my awesome blog and people want to stalk me?

Why Don't You Love Me?

So, more on the fun videos being released. Beyonce takes fierceness and sexiness to a whole new level:

I like her choice in this video. The last two videos she's done have been very digitally produced songs with Lady Gaga (don't get me wrong, love the Gaga), but it was a nice contrast to see the grainy, aged quality to this video. I also really enjoy the simplicity and the fact that it was just Beyonce. Following up Telephone needed to be something totally different. The story line, the characters, the style of costumes, everything is Telephone, while epic, could have easily gotten old quick if B didn't mix things up.
Going for the 50's pin-up / housewife in lingerie look was also a sexy, in a totally different way, choice. Even her voice and the style of the song was reminiscent of Dianna Ross and The Supremes. The details were all there. Even the scenes of her in the hotel room, drinking a martini, smoking and crying are some how just such an iconic sex symbol of the past. She's got the strong but needed - innocent, but definately not - vibe going on. And she's working it.

I think she's a babe, and often comes off as a total Diva, and this video holds true to form. But she's also a talented lady, and I adore the aethetics of this video and think she made some clever choices.

And I want the wardrobe... especially all of those shoes...

Don't worry B, I love your pin-up glamour in this video and the way you always keep it sexy and mix it up. Enjoy boys and girls.

Beyonce - Why Don't You Love Me