Fall is for Film Fest

If you have an hour to spare and you enjoy indie rock, and I mean ROCK, please check out this video by local filmmaker Murray Siple.
Even though I'd seen it mentioned around here and there, it was finally my mother who recommended it to me. She enjoys things all Canadiana, and was quite impressed by the film for the most part.






I watched it one afternoon and enjoyed it immensely. It's so very BC.
The music is all local and by local I mean as in just down the street or what have you.
It's a great slice of life for anyone interested in how things really are sometimes out here in Lotus land.
Making the most of what we have. Living an illusion sometimes.

The best place on Earth™

In da 'hood

I received this in my email today.


"I received a crime prevention bulletin from a Blockwatch Captain who wanted to share these interesting thoughts.

I realize these ideas are a little beyond Blockwatch but still worthy of consideration! Some Blockwatch members do a lot of travelling or work and park in some isolated areas.

1. If being attacked, use your elbows, heel of the hand or knees (hardest and toughest parts of your body) to hit with and go for eyes, throat or groin; all the soft spots of the human body. If you do strike a vulnerable body part and the suspect hits the ground and is slow to get up, start to RUN! Unless you are a UFC fighter, I suggest you beat a hasty retreat to a safe area! Be thankful you got a lucky punch or kick . You do not want to continue fighting.


2. If you are getting robbed for your purse or wallet, remove it from your possession and empty the contents and/or throw the wallet/purse away from you. Do not stand there and let the crook search the purse and ask them if they want more! Drop the purse/wallet and start to run IMMEDIATELY! THE CHANCES ARE GREAT THEY ARE MORE INTERESTED IN YOUR PROPERTY THAN CHASING YOU! RUN TO A PUBLIC PLACE!


3. If you are ever taken hostage and thrown in the trunk, try to remove the rear signal lights and put your hand out and get attention.


4. If you are ever taken hostage as a driver or passenger in a car, TRY TO GET HOLD OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND CRASH THE CAR! TRY TO CRASH THE CAR IN A PUBLIC AREA WHERE THERE ARE PEOPLE! The chances are good the airbags will deploy and save you. Get out of the car immediately and run. I do not think the bad guys will be trying to chase you down after this car crash with witnesses about. Try not to hit any innocent people. AIM FOR A BUILDING OR TELEPHONE POLE.


5. Regarding Rule 4. It is better to fight for your life in a public area than be taken hostage and taken to a private area where the chances of a successful escape are going to lessen. When in a difficult situation where your freedom is at stake, be prepared to run! Your adrenaline will give you an added boost. DO NOT BE A WILLING HOSTAGE! I have read many Vancouver Police Reports and newspaper stories where adults have tried to abduct children or teenagers and these people have fought back and WON! If children and teens can fight off an adult male, SO CAN YOU!


6. DO NOT PARK BESIDE A VAN. The cargo doors could be opened quite easily by persons hidden within the van and you could be quickly grabbed if caught off guard.


7. DO NOT PARK BESIDE A VAN WITH A MAN SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SAME THING! It’s easier to grab you!


8. It is probably safer to take the elevator than the stairs. Stairwells are isolated and probably not well travelled when compared to elevators. Elevators also have alarm buttons that can be activated for ANY reason!


9. When facing an opponent with a GUN, if you can run away, THEN RUN! I can speak from 25 years of police handgun shooting at the range. IT’S TOUGH ENOUGH TO HIT A STATIONARY TARGET WITH A HANDGUN! HITTING A MOVING TARGET THAT IS ZIGZAGGING IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. ONLY A LUCKY SHOT WILL HIT YOU. DROP THE WALLET AND PURSE AND RUN.


10. Some criminals have pretended to use a cane or a crutch to lure their victims into a false sense of security or get you to help them open their car doors etc. Some criminals have used a fake cast to feign a broken arm. It is normal to offer assistance to physically challenged people. But, be warned. Perhaps asking for a shopping attendant to assist the both of you would be a suitable alternative? NOT EVERYTHING IS AS IT APPEARS TO BE.


11. If you hear noises at night time outside your house and you decide to go INVESTIGATE? Take your cell phone with you. These noises may be purposely made to get you outside your house. TAKE YOUR CELL PHONE WITH YOU!


12. Last but not least, make sure that you have an emergency action plan involving YOUR FAMILY. Does your family know what to do in the case of a house fire? How about an earth quake? If separated from your family for whatever reason, can they contact family members? Can you all meet at another location? MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS KNOW WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.


13. Develop a PLAN B and PLAN C for your family in any emergencies."



Let's rumble?

Yarnbombing and the knit graffiti saga continues

Yesterday I happened to be home from work by accident and heard an interview with Leanne and Mandy on CBC talking about their upcoming book, Yarnbombing.
It was cool to hear, and has got me started on making yet another branch of this original blaaaahg.

Please, do check out the Yarnbombing site, and the newest member of my blog family, Strathcozies.

get yer craft on people!!!!!

we interrupt this blog to talk about skincare....

I'm not just talking regular skincare, but delicious, wonderfully organic skincare products that you deserve and will want if "quality" is what you are looking for.The company is called Bioéthique, the products are made in Provence, and they are having a boxing day sale now, so it is a perfect oppourtunity for you to check out their wares.

We all have skin, and we need to take care of it.
I used to be a strictly "soap and water" girl. I couldn't stand the feeling of anything on my face after I had washed it, and because I rarely wear any sort of makeup....this is something that I have always adhered to.
If I'm cleaning my face, I don't need any greasy, waxy, so called moisturizing products smeared or caked on my face. Bioéthique, is one of the first lines that has left me feeling clean and moisturized without that ugh waxy feel that is usually left behind.

One of the first things you will notice about these products is their very different texture and consistency. Compared to many main stream products which are artificially thickened, these products are quite thin or light by comparison. It certainly doesn't diminish their performance ability, and in my opinion, enhances it. There is no excess to absorb and it all disappears into the porous sponge that is your skin.
Their unique texture does require a mental shift when you are extracting them from their containers however, as I have lost great globs of shampoo by simply spacing out and not paying attention. Be aware!! These are quality products that need to be used sparingly, and with great relish.

Another consideration for making the switch to organic products like Bioéthique is the use of animal products in many 'brand name'products. If you wish to avoid these potentially harmful and generally disgusting animal products and other toxins you might want to think about it.
Longevity is key. So the time to start looking after your skin is now.

These products are delicious smelling, with subtle fragrances of orange, and rose and other essential plant oils. They are fresh, and work best that way. They leave my skin feeling great, and my body smelling delicious.Of course, only time will tell, but if I'm smiling because my skin feels so good, then how can this be a bad thing?

I strongly encourage you to check them out.
Their sale runs until January 1'st. You will be as hooked as I am. Guaranteed!

my favourites include:

the cleansing milk
the exfoliating scrub
the eye cream
the wonderful anti-oxidant serum
the delicious smelling body moisturizer
the day cream-nice and light
the moisture mask....because I work outdoors and need a little extra tlc sometimes

Stop the Violence

Lately there has been a great deal of violence in my neighbourhood.
It's been a hot spot for awhile what with the rapid gentrification and housing market the way it is. It's been written on sidewalks, poles and on the sides of homes. Class Warfare!!!!




It has been particularly hard on the house at 708 Hawkes Ave, which has been the victim of shocking violence and destruction. Too much really.
It started when the house was sold. A huge, gorgeous communal place that had seen it's share of inhabitants over the years. Called the fish bowl for a reason, the preferred name for me was the "dirty fish bowl". Maybe it was the flip tone of, "hey, wanna buy a house?" that was posted in the window of the place, but whatever it was, it set off the vandals in a big way.
I guess the anger is mostly directed at the guy who bought and gutted the place for re-sale.
Everybody hates a flipper, but a guy has to make a living somehow. Is he any worse than a person who makes their living owning apartment buildings ahd renting out suites?

I have always had empathy for inanimate objects. I feel badly at the amount of damage that's occurred to this house, especially considering what kind vibes it's had throughout the years.

I've heard the rumours circulating of who it might be. Ranging from the ridiculous to the probable, including the rumour that a soccer ball was found inside, and I can't say that I know for sure who it is, but I do know that they're misdirecting their anger in a lame, adolescent way.
Like the night I had far too many drinks at the Anza club and upon leaving decided to act out some reckless, destructive rage on the antennae of some poor bastards car. I didn't choose the most expensive car on the block, to make it some 'credible' act against the man a la "eat the rich", oh no...
I chose some poor bugger, who was probably at the same show, and it was either a crappy Escort, or a Civic, or whatever from the 80's. Whatever it was, my behaviour was stupid, and juvenile, and didn't accomplish anything of value.
Sorry buddy.

I hope the senseless shit in the hood stops soon.
Take the anger to the big developers, or Gordon Campbell's house, or wherever.
Let the house return to it's good vibe self. It's already been gutted and eviscerated for all to see. I feel poorly for the house....and the new owner who is in the process of purchasing and is no doubt nervous about moving in there.It is sad.

Save the Heatley Block from Demolition

Save the Heatley Block

Honesty at what cost?

Yesterday, the ladies went downtown to do some shopping.
Springtime means a new lipgloss, you know, girl stuff.
We had lunch out and got on the bus with our parcels.

The bus stop at Abbott and Hastings was particularly grim, as per usual. I saw a guy buy dope and then his scabby girl came up and promptly punched him in the arm and started arguing with the dealer. These were 2 people dressed like any other 20 somethings, except they were covered in scabs, emaciated, and without much control of their muscles, jerking back and forth etc. It was tough to take.

Of course my 4 year old asks, "why is that person punching that other person"?
What can I say except, "those are crazy people honey".

I fear for the future. I wonder how Vancouver will clean up this heinous mess by the Olympics. Maybe finally things will change. I also worry about how desensitized we have all become.
These are human beings.

Damn!!

OK, so I've still got the damn pink eye.

What the hell?!
Why am I the only one in the family with this damn annoying goopy eye business?
I'm thinking it's because I touched a donkey at the Christmas Train night and then promptly stuck my finger in my eye?!

Whatever.....I just don't take too kindly to foreign bacteria invading my body.
Gonna break down and go to the doctor later.

EXXXXXXXXPLEEEEEEEEEEEEETIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVE!!!!!!!

In Celebration of Mark Szabo

*Disclaimer: I'm not a record reviewer.

Recently, some people I know made an album celebrating the songwriting talents of local curmudgeon and hair farmer Mark Szabo. He's probably one of Vancouver's best kept under wraps songwriter. Did that come out right? And though I hardly ever see him anymore, I still enjoy the odd exchange on the streets of Vancouver.

Speaking musically, I came in around the time of Good Horsey. They were a great 3 piece that continues to inhabit my mind in the form of musical phrases.
Max Lee on drums is always a good thing.

Capozzi Park was next, with "Chocolate Covered Bad Things" and "The Record of Capozzi Park" . I think there were some tapes floating around too. Maybe there still are. It's laid back, and diverse, and cynical, and hopeful, and at this point, I'm looking back in nostalgia......so I'm drifting off...
Mark has a great way of capturing life: snapshots, snatches of conversation that transport you to a poignant place in your own history. It's urbane and emotionally universal. Or at least it seems that way to me.

Here's a version of Daytime Emmy with both Mark and Marcie on vocals. This would be ....I dunno when....almost 10 years ago? d'OH!
I'm glad that I've retrieved them from the back of my dusty CD collection which is stored away and unusable.

So all these years later, a project called Heartbreak Scene was started. Their CD is called The Szabo Songbook. I was stoked to see the number of noteworthy folks contributing: Mike Ledwidge(Zumpano), Pete Bourne(where do I start...), Mark Kleiner(Jungle), Dan Bejar(Destroyer...et al) to name a few, but not all that appear throughout.
Yes!! I know!!

There were only a couple of tracks that I didn't know, most absorbed through osmosis during blurry, happy times at Ms T's and the Anza club. Back in the salad days of indie rock......there I go again.
The Anza has always been one of my favourite places to quietly, or not so quietly get drunk and observe the mating ritual, or glasses grabbing fist fight, whatever was written into the evening by Fate.
Some day I will know who that was.
So it's no surprise that all this reflection of late has certainly made me stop and take note of the talent that is Mark. Just thought I'd say that.

One of the songs that I didn't recognize on the album is (Some Kind of)Watershed. It can hold it's own in any Pitchfork review I'd say. Don't you agree?
For $10 and with the Canadian Dollar so strong, you really should pick this up!
Franklin Bruno writes a fantastic opener that pretty much sums it all up.
That alone speaks volumes.
Do It!!!!!

Strange...

I received an email from someone that I've known a long time asking why my blog had stopped. It was hilarious, because I didn't think that anyone was reading at all. Especially not a friend from University that is living in Ottawa. Big Ups Yerself Sandra!!

Mostly I treat this as some kind of ranting therapy about my crazy neighbourhood, but I got bored, so I stopped.
Or I guess you could say that I got busy....real busy, with another life form.

If there are any Built to Spill fans out there, and there must be...as they just played here in Vancouver, I have uploaded something for you. Strange. It's not exactly the real thing, but Boise Cover Band, a side project of Doug Martsh.

We are enjoying some of that here when we're taking a break from the ska/dub.

I had something funny happen with my Flickr™ account. As is customary, I had posted a pic of some people smoking crack and carrying on in front of my house. Someone on Flickr™ identified the person by name and made some comment about how their girlfriend wouldn't be happy to see such a thing. Her boyfriend smoking crack on the street I suppose.

I decided to remove the post as I didn't feel that it was appropriate to have someone outing him by name on the internets and volunteering his personal information. After doing this, I received a self righteous angry email from the person determined to "tell his story" on my photo sharing site.

Um, no.
I don't feel too cool about creating a place for others to tell other people's stories.

This person was pissed, and said "I thought that at least one of your subjects would have the oppourtunity to have the truth told about them".
Um, wrong.
Yes, everyone has a story, but no, you cannot tell it for them. Sorry to take away your chance to tell all, but it would be better for him to do the revealing, and not some third person account of his 'truth'.

Oh the controversy!
I guess these things are to be expected.

Chain Gang. Another good cover from one of the crabbiest ladies in Rock 'N Roll. Boise Cover Band does it good!!

Strathcona Residents Association Meeting

These things can get pretty raucous!!

Great video...and they're faces aren't obscured by weird beards as per usual.
S.T.R.E.E.T.S. rock!!!!



I love my neighbourhood!