Vernal Equinox

Screw Winter!


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Creepiness in Advertising

Ok- Long overdue update.

But I felt this warranted sharing. Currently, I am convalescing from a very excellent bachelorette party. Paul is out this evening at the boy version. Since I recently busted my laptop, and blogging is nearly impossible on a tablet (this is basically also exhibit A in the case of why I haven't blogged all year), I am using Paul's computer.

I was also using earlier, to watch some videos on Youtube. As I was watching a few, I noticed a persistent pop up ad that kept coming back on each video I watched. It said "Is he cheating?" and proceeded to inform me of the personal background check service I could use to see if my husband was fixin' to cheat.

It occurred to me that creepy ass google ads probably noticed that I was going to websites this computer doesn't usually go to (AKA Disney Confessions Tumblr and Kimbra Music Videos). Could I be spying on my husband to see if he had those salacious secret website profiles the advertisement portends?

And this was no ordinary pop up either- I just noticed they're now doing this thing where the ad is more ghost like, more transparent, harder to notice right away.

Just the solid letters appear very visibly, in the corner of you vision, planting the seed. Is he cheating?

The future is crazy/creatively manipulative.

More Fitting

Today is Dr. Suess' posthumous 108th birthday. It is also the opening of the major hollywood production of "The Lorax", a film based on Seuss' environmentally conscious tale.

Even ignoring the less than stellar reviews (many written in an homage of rhyme), this movie has kind of rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe it was when a tactless car company hijacked the title character to sell their wares, in spite of the crux of the story be a caution about consumerism (Is a Mazda a-fine-something-that-all-people-need?).Or maybe I just never really saw Danny Devito as the one who would speak for the trees. I don't know. I just feel like this story in particular, that focuses so much on condemning greed, doesn't really make sense as a million dollar hollywood blockbuster.

To celebrate the anniversary of our local poets birth, I think this is a much more appropriate tribute:



It captures people of all ages, celebrating life in a colorful, imaginative way. Also, take getting the pants scared off you literally!

Going around in circles

Blogging has sort of taken a back seat lately to my enumerated new hobbies. Foremost amongst these is my endeavor for physical fitness!

What is my choice exertion of the moment?



(just imagine that I am the babe in the video)

Yes, I've taken up hooping. I've been doing it for about a month and a half- two months now and I really enjoy it still. I've learned a few tricks, and the process of learning more is a nice challenge.

What I love about hooping: It's a low-impact, fun aerobic exercise that really does make you break a sweat, without it feeling totally exhausting.

I'm looking forward to warmer weather, so I  can take my hoop outside to practice. Right now I'm down in the basement doing it (due to lack of space upstairs) and  it's fraught with peril. I'm always worried about smashing a pipe/lightbulb/ hot water heater if I make a misstep.

Here is the latest trick I'm practicing:

Super Music

Right this instant, I am super in to Dr. Dog! They are a relatively new music discovery for me, so I've got about 6 albums worth of listening to catch up on. But that's a-ok. I love their video for "Shadow People"-



I also love the singers voice- so interesting! They are playing in Boston on March 22. I would love to go, but it is on a Thursday....hmmmm!

Magical

On the recommendation of a great musician, Paul and I have been watching Workaholics on Netflix.

It's a pretty awesome show, that has undeniable appeal for the millennial workforce. 3 Ridiculous Slackers living like it's college, but working as telemarketers. Though almost every single premise of this show is unrealistic and farcical, it's actually kind of strangely easy to identify with main characters.

I'm so bummed that there was only 10 episodes! It led to us going online to dig up some of their old material This is one of the gems. Wizards. Rapping. It makes perfect sense.

'Hogs

Today is Groundhog day. I can always remember what day groundhog day is on because of the 1979 Rankin Bass TV Special "Jack Frost." Which is a pretty ok movie, I guess.



Specifically the song that starts at 6:30. I would actually recommend skipping right to that. After all, the movie is just pretty ok.

Plot: Jack Frost turns human, then turns back to a spirit, saves the day. The end. OOPS SORRY I FORGOT A SPOILER ALERT!

After this creepily mild winter, I wouldn't be surprised if the groundhog gave us spring today. The most popular 'hog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted it would be early spring last year, and we all remember how that turned out though.The snow didn't melt till April!

His record is a lot more varied than I realized. There's a nice chart going back the 1800's on the wiki. As a kid it always seemed like we were getting 6 more weeks of winter- but there was a fair amount of hopeful spring in there too.

All Consuming

Oh wow, where did the month of January go? Is it possible I blew through it obliviously, due to my newest obsession?

Paul and I have been playing a lot of Go this month. A LOT of go. Like almost everyday. To the point where it like starts seeping into your dreams.

What is Go? It's a strategy game that is mostly popular in Asia, where the object of the game is to outline the most territory for your color on the board. It;s been fun learning how to play better, but it's also been frustrating. Paul and I have actually gotten in some pretty heated discussions about playing style and the feeling of futility that often comes along (at least for me) while playing. It's kind of a love-hate relationship with a board game, where you want to like and want to be good, but it also irritates you sometimes to play. You know what I mean?

I guess a certain level of drama is inherent in the game though, especially if Hikaru No Go (2001)  is to be believed. Oh what's that? I forgot to mention that in addition to obsessively playing Go, we're also watching a cartoon about playing Go? Yes. Yes we are.

 

The show follows Hikaru, the boy with awful two-toned hair as he enters and excels in the world of competitive Go. What's his secret? He is possessed by the ghost of an ancient Go master (the girly purple haired guy), who escapes from a blood-spattered board and into his heart (aw). It's a show that takes the mundanity of playing a board game, and makes  it seem like a drama-filled epic adventure somehow. I still haven't quite figured it out. The show is really good though, and actually inspired a new trend of playing Go amongst young people across Japan, Korea, and the USA. 

So, in conclusion, play Go, watch this show about Go, and become a board game zombie like us. Jooooin usssssssssss!

Particle Man is from the Water Nation

I haven't been this excited about a video I stumbled across on the internet in awhile. This is so good!

Who knew that all the characters from "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and the relations between them could be summarized by the 1990 TMBG hit "Particle Man"?



OF COURSE - Aang is so Triangle Man. But my favorite part is Universe Man's watch.

Caturday XXXIX- Say "Meow!"

Most of my dear readers probably know that my wonderful husband got me a new camera for Christmas. It's a beautiful Olympus F1.8, and I'm enjoying taking pictures a lot more since I've gotten it.

Obviously, one of my most frequent subjects is our adorable/crazy fur monster, Kitty Roosevelt. Caturday seemed like as good an opportunity as any to share my latest shots of our shameless beast. Enjoy!

Snow Saureses

Can you believe it hasn't snowed, like, at all yet this year? It's kind of a relief. I would only like to see big piles of the white stuff on the condition that somebody makes me an amazing snow sculpture like these:

I would put on my snow pants and ride them! These Dinosaurs are from the Saporro Snow Festival in Japan. They are truly in the tradition of Calvin and Hobbes!

Late Arrival

1. Happy New Year! Ok, I'm a little behind...but I'm ready to commence a new year of blogtastic blogasms. In 2011 I wrote 178 posts- about one every other day. That's pretty good! I hope that I will endeavor to be as prolific in the new year. I've decided that my New Years resolution is to create more in the coming year, so there will be ample opportunity to post on the fruits of my crafty labor (I hope!). Thanks for your continued readership!

2. Here's another late arrival- This was intended as a stocking stuffer for Paul, but it turns out that it takes a really long time to ship things from Singapore.

It's a keychain featuring his favorite Bleach character: Urahara Kisuke AKA Hat and Clogs. The small girl with a big gun, Ururu is there too. Neat-O. Purchased Here!

Assorted Sorting

I hope that everybody had a wonderful holiday! I've been lucky enough to get some time off this week, which has been great for getting a chance to catch up on housework. This Christmas, I've given myself the gift of organization. Hooray for cleaned out drawers!

MOAR POLITICS

I know that it's not very festive of me to be talking so much about politics so close to the yuletide. My apologies. I AINT GONNA STOP NOW THOUGH!

I'm sure most of you have heard about the dangerous "Stop Online Piracy Act:" A proposal that would mandate that internet service providers protect us from ourselves on the internet. I'm absolutely uncomfortable with the idea that major media conglomerates, who control so much of what we see and hear already, would have the power to censor the internet, carte blanche.

If you're unfamiliar with what's at stake, perhaps a little rap will help clear things up. I'm in love with this anti-SOPA song by Dan Bull.



Preach.

I think what has upset me the most about this is the lack of care politicians have taken to actually consider this seriously. Refusing to hear from opposing experts, not paying attention during the hearing and then bragging about it (as if his constituents think this is cute??), and blatantly admitting they have no fucking clue what they're attempting to make a law: This is not democracy. It's amazing how blatant it is that the lawmakers are in the pockets of the MPAA and big pharma- "people" who have enough money to buy the power to censor us all. It's disgusting.

The hearings on this bill have been pushed to the new year, presumably with the hope that we'll forget about it over the holidays. UNLIKELY!

You can sign a petition urging Obama to veto this bill here. Use this tool to find out who your congressman is here and call them up (Calling is said to be 5 times more effective than e-mailing!) Don't open the door to censorship.If SOPA was passed, I could absolutely be sued for the stuff I posted on this blog.

This Festive Time of Year

Last night, I once again watched my favorite Christmas Classic- The 1951 version of "A Christmas Carol" starring Alistair Sims. I know I've written about my love of this film on my blog before. Re-watching it this year though, it struck me quite keenly how relevant the mindset of the pre-salvation Scrooge is to the current political discourse.

The vitriol against the poor- that they take advantage of the system, that they don't work hard enough bears a notable resemblance to the attitude of the literature's most famous Miser.


"At this festive season of the year, Mr Scrooge,'' said the gentleman, taking up a pen, ``it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir.''
"Are there no prisons?'' asked Scrooge.
"Plenty of prisons,'' said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.
"And the Union workhouses?'' demanded Scrooge. ``Are they still in operation?''
"They are. Still,'' returned the gentleman, `` I wish I could say they were not.''
"The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?'' said Scrooge.
"Both very busy, sir.''
"Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course,'' said Scrooge. ``I'm very glad to hear it.''
"Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,'' returned the gentleman, ``a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?''
"Nothing!'' Scrooge replied.
"You wish to be anonymous?''
"I wish to be left alone,'' said Scrooge. ``Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don't make merry myself at Christmas and I can't afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned: they cost enough: and those who are badly off must go there.''
"Many can't go there; and many would rather die.''
"If they would rather die,'' said Scrooge, ``they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population." - Dickens, A Christmas Carol, Stave 1

I'm handing you no blarney.

Did you have a favorite Christmas song when you were growing up? I did, and it's a little unusual...



I blame/thank it for single-handedly inspiring the obsession with Celtic music that I went through in Middle School.

I'm also only really partial to this version by Dennis Day, a second generation Irish immigrant (born Owen Patrick Eugene McNulty - talk about switching it up with your stage name!). The vocals are nice and casual and gentle, and the instrumentals are the best. Go ahead and shop around, I doubt you'll find a preferable Irish-inspired holiday tune!

Is this real life?

This morning I heard this story on NPR while I was driving in to work, about Evangelicals in Iowa and how they are divided on which candidate to back. Is it bad that I actually wanted to throw up listening to some of these men on the street?

I just find it very, very hard to imagine people taking any of these republican candidates seriously. I guess, more to the point, I find it hard to believe that infringing on other peoples personal lives (ie: anti-homosexuality and anti-reproductive choice) could be the sole motivator for political involvement, when there is so much more we could be accomplishing. Also that none of them see the irony of beating their bosoms over wanting small govt., while simultaneously picking candidates solely on the basis of "who will boss around people I don't care for the most."It also galls me the exorbitant amount of time and money utilized by churches trying to establish their moral compass as law.

I guess too that the escalating rhetoric leading into this primary season is really starting to get my goat, as a civic minded citizen and an American with no religious affiliation. All this pandering to the evangelical zealots has given candidates ground to demonize every group that doesn't take the bible as law.

“I am convinced that if we do not decisively win the struggle over the nature of America, by the time they’re my age they will be in a secular atheist country, potentially one dominated by radical Islamists and with no understanding of what it once meant to be an American.”

“Many on the left” and “in the scientific community, so to speak” are “afraid of discussion” about "God" "or a creator" in public school science classrooms. Santorum says that "science will only allow things in the classroom that are consistent with a non-creator idea of how we got here, as if somehow or another that's scientific.” 

I'm fed up with the fact that these bigots are being cheered for clearly valuing only the opinions of some- while villianizing (and convoluting *coughnewt*)  others with language clearly designed to divide America on religious and racial principals.  And I guess what really pisses me off is the fact that an entire powerful subset of America is down with that.

Anywho. I'm sick of feeling maligned by politicians because I am an atheist and value secular science. It's got nothing to do with the civic duty of the president, and it's none of their business anyways. Can't wait for this circus of tactless puppets to be done with, and hope to c'thulu that none of them end up in the white house.

Buckleberry Ferry- Follow Me.

Threadless is having an AMAZING sale right now- 9.99 t-shirts, with an additional 30% off with the code HAPPYFUZZY. Plus- Free shipping on orders over $75. Clearly, this was an opportunity to pick up some christmas gifts. To rack up enough dollar signs to get free shipping, I couldn't help but pick up something for myself.

My choice?

"The Brandywine"

What an awesome homage to J.R.R. Tolkien and also to booze. Can't wait to rock it!

70 years on...

It's definitely still infamous.

Attention Naughty Listees!

Tonight is the spooky celebration of Krampusnacht!

 That is, the night that Santa's evil demon companion terrorizes small children and punishes them for their various misdeeds. It's a tradition grown from alpine folk lore, where the castigation of bad kids takes equal air time with the reward of St. Nick's gift giving during the holidays.

This involves having a creepy cloven hoofed monster loitering nearby as children sit on Santa's knee, waiting to do the dirty work of scooping the naughty ones into his barrel backpack. Then comes the beating with birch swatches and rusty chains, and the dragging you away to hell business. Watch the F out! Krampus doesn't dick around.

More and more, Krampusnacht is also becoming a night for drunken revelry, as adults adopt the guise of the demonic holiday helper and boozily parade through the town at night; no doubt frightening all the children in their wake into good behavior and inspiring hope that Santa's the one coming down your chimney.

 Muahahaha...Enjoy all! I think I'll pick up some beer with a spooky label tonight to celebrate.