Monday, June 29, 2009

White Trash Party, Playland and B/IAS

A few weekends ago, I went to Disaster Area's White Trash Party. I did not think the crew could top last year's epic Family Reunion, but they did. Will It Smash and the Redneck Olympics triumphed last year's shenanigans.

Almost a month ago, some friends, my niece and I went to Playland. It was somewhat gray and rainy that day, but we still had lots of fun. It was my niece's first trip to the fair. She was very brave and rode most of the high, scary rides while my feet stayed firmly planted on the ground.



In April, while I was in Seattle, some friends and I visited the B/IAS Burien/Interim Arts Space. Ignition Northwest consisting of Seattle Regional Burners and lots of hard work by volunteers brought a stunning art installation from Burning Man.

Listening to: Underworld - Two Months Off

 

Friday, June 19, 2009

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Wicked and I'm Lazy

Animation with Led Zeppelin's Kashmir by Steve Scott.



 

Bureau of Communication's Declaration of Romantic Intent:



Listening to: Gerard McMann - Cry Little Sister

 

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

We're Screwed

Screwed I tell you. Not in a good way either. According to Michael Geist's explanation to the Canadian Senate, our Internet network is ranked 28 out of 30 OECD countries. The ranking is based on pricing, service, infrastructure and bit caps. We rank near the bottom in all four categories. Japan, Korea and France out rank us in all categories.

One has to wonder if this known fact of our Internet over last 15 or so years has also inhibited our consumer rights, business development, research and development, or academia.

It's the same with other urban issues: regulations, collective consciousness, transportation, consumer pricing, and cell phone plans. We pay more because we have no choice.

 

The US Congress is now promoting a Buy American rule in the US. The Congress is urging Americans to buy only products made with American resources or made only in America.



Many Canadians already support this mandate buy shopping at big American chains or corporations. Americans are very patriotic and will probably spend more to support their fellow Americans. Canadians will not and will typically choose the cheaper American brand (China-made) option. Who doesn't love Wal-Mart over Zellers, or Home-Depot over Rona?

Over 80% of our resource exports are to the US. This US movement could cripple our economy. Moreover, I could not see American corporations would pay higher costs for resources. They would not longer remain competitive in the market at higher prices. During a recession, I do not see the masses paying higher costs for disposable products.

List of Canadian companies on the TSE.

The whole ideal reminds me of the early 2000s when companies hung signs and banners of "Canadian Proud", even though they were American corporations.

Listening to: " target="new">REM - Loosing My Religion

 

Friday, June 05, 2009

Pogo Schtick

I am addicted to Pogo. I love card and board games. Since no one really plays them anymore in real life, Pogo is the next best thing. My character is kawaii.



Listening to: Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

 

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Summertime

Well, yesterday was a high of 30C and today looks just as good. After months of cool, rainy and cloudy weather, it finally feels like spring... or summer? Mind you, June is famous for doing a 180 back to autumn-like weather.

 

Improv Everywhere Gives Newly Married Couple A Surprise Wedding Reception



Listening to: Billy Idol - Cradle of Love