Bitesizedd

In Your Face Advertising

2011-11-02T13:29:00.002-04:00

You couldn't miss this ad if you tried. I am always intrigued by this form of in-your-face advertising. What better way of make itself known, than creating a street-level obstacle. Vibrant colour and sheer size make this ad an entertaining eye sore.

When I passed by this ad the following day, a small group of teenage girls waiting for the bus were snapping shots of themselves with the oversized mascara bottle, sure to make its way to Facebook, Twitter etc. Perfect.

The Dynamics of Persuasion

2011-03-01T23:40:00.015-05:00

My trip to China (Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai) inspired thoughts of outlandish essay topics fit for just about any MIT class you could dream of. The Chinese conduct themselves with such grace and I commend them for living in such close quarters (though it is all they know). It became apparent after approximately 45 minutes in the country (still in Beijing airport) that modern-day Chinese smoke like truckers, spit like sailor and drive like maniacs, but there is something so beautiful, profound and mysterious about the history and their culture.

Let me explain the photos I have posted, because I know they are not blatantly advertising.
Everyone smokes in China. OK, that's not true. A lot of people smoke in China. Let me start by saying, unlike Canada, cigarettes are visible, accessible and inexpensive just about anywhere you go. Statistics tell me smoking in China has drastically increased in the last 30 years, ultimately leading to the death of about 2,000 people per day. By 2050, they expect this number could rise to 8,000 a day- some 3 million people a year. Click for the full article

Personally, I no longer soberly enjoy the ease of sucking approx. 42 thousands toxic chemicals into my peachy lungs. My conscious is simply too loud, and my gag reflex is too strong. However, the appeal still remains. I still somehow understand it.

These are images of a vibrant light show on a sky scraper outside of our hotel in Shanghai. I regret not recording it, but I assure you, the movement up and down, from white to golden was like the burning of a cigarette. Slowly the white disappeared towards the golden yellow filter and then was replaced by a new white line- as if to promote chain smoking. This idea taunted me for 3 nights while I was repeatedly told it was all in my head. Did it make my want a cigarette? Kind of. I told our tour guide it was subliminal messaging. She quickly dismissed me with little more than a giggle. This is a typical response from Chinese women when they do not want to hurt your feelings by declaring that they think you're wrong. Perhaps MIT ingrained in me the idea that everything I have ever been told is a dirty, fabricated, ideology infused, economically motivated lie...

China seems a bit disillusioned with respect to what is perceived to be real and what is fake, or replicated. No, just flat out fake. 15 percent real and 85 percent perception, I say. They are living breathing people, who make decisions, work, love, communicate, spit like sailors (I still can`t get over that). Yes. But they live in a fabricated, highly populated, highly polluted bubble. I realize this as our tour guide pulls out her "Gucci" wallet and explains that this mornings "fog" is due to the massive amount of fireworks lit 3 nights ago. I begin to wonder if the 200 foot cylindrical structure flying past my window is really a "fog"stack...

No, Thank You MAC

2011-02-05T23:18:00.011-05:00

It has been ages since I have purchased anything from MAC. Were talking, probably 2 years. Not because I don't use their products anymore, but (for a product-whore like myself) it simply takes a few years to get through everything I accumulate.

I am very aware of the fact that MAC obtained my personal information upon my very first visit. This reality was refreshed last year when my Aunt purchased her first piece of MAC makeup (a clear lip gloss, because colour or sparkle may actually kill her). When asked for her information, she basically told them to stuff it, and considered not purchasing at all. The idea of coughing up personal information along with the 20 bucks for a tiny gloss was too much for her to swallow. Interesting

Perhaps that is the difference between her decade and mine, though I do believe the younger generation is becoming leery of exposing themselves to a lifelong sentence of junk-mail in exchange for free bunny ears with the purchase of 10 frilly panties (real life promotion).

SO, I purchased an incredible lipstick (light pink glaze: HUE) around Christmas time. I was asked my name at the check out, I assume they access my account. There is likely a log of the purchases I have made within the last year, or so.

Fast forward to yesterday. I received a sealed white envelope with my name on it from MAC. I pulled out a solid black postcard. Classic, sleek, edgy. Large white letters "thank" me for my purchase and ask me to "visit them again soon!". What a pleasant and completely unexpected, not to mention unnecessary surprise. Excellent marketing. I will "return soon".

Top marks for simple and personal.

10/10

Jackson Triggs

2011-01-10T23:37:00.010-05:00

Jackson Triggs Savignoin Blanc was once my go-to wine. Inexpensive, white, easy drinking; good combo for a university student. I have since developed an acquired taste for expensive Merlot (I graduated in October; it didn't take me long :) out with the white, and in with the red!
J.T's collection of whites and reds have always been memorable to me. Good label, easy enough.
Day 2 of a winter cottage mission last weekend left my family and I out of wine and into town. The local LCBO (let me provide a visual: a trailer on cinder block supports with a well aged fluorescent LCBO sign glowing above it.) Needless to say, the vintage section was bare, so back to the inexpensive, easy drinking go-to wine I went. J.T Unity Merlot.

The new Jackson-Triggs labels (as of 2010) provides clarity, when selecting a VQA wine from the non-VQA wines (apparently a very important distinction). The new line-up includes three tiers plus the non-VQA tier. Due to an immense amount of consumer loyalty uncovered by research studies, the Jackson Triggs name remains on all of the four tiers.

The non-VQA wines, once called "Proprietors’ Selection", are now titled:"Unity" (one of the many bottles enjoyed at my cottage). That happens to be a brand name Vincor once used for a selection of wines blended from Ontario and British Columbia grapes. That concept didn't fly so Vincor recycled the brand, perhaps a reflection of their level of creativity? No, I would argue it has a little to do with the difficulty in finding names free of corporate branding.

The Unity wines show fairly well with their crisp white labels. The name of the varietal is displayed in a coloured panel at the bottom. Directly under the variety is a tag line announcing the wine as a blend of “international and Canadian wine.”

I'm delighted to see their use of the 2D smart phone scancode. A clever introduction that brand manager, Casey Howe says is "making the back label work a lot harder". This barcode in particular links the consumer to a wine descriptor, pairing ideas, recipes and special offers. I dig it.

Now, my favourite new addition: the cork. Everyone loves a freebie, so here it is: the cork acts as an invitation for the consumer to bring it back to the winery for a complimentary tasting. Not only does it make the consumer realize there is a winery, but because JT is known to be Canadian, it is likely close by. Once spring hits, I can tell you where I will be heading.

7.5

Adsessed

2010-12-14T14:11:00.007-05:00

I am a bit "ADsessed", as my second year advertising and communication prof so lovingly dubbed me. I am amused, shocked, disgusted and bored half to death on a daily basis- with the ads that cross me. Underground, above ground, at the gym, in the office. Hit or miss, I eat them up. So here's what I think.

For the next few weeks, I will feature a series of ads I consider to be "good" (effective, witty, wise, interesting, well placed), and ads I consider to be "poor" (boring, lame, ineffective, poorly placed)

Feel free to comment- agree or disagree, I appreciate all feedback and conversation.

Lancome Hologram Ad

2010-11-02T13:46:00.014-04:00

My initial thoughts upon flipping this hefty page in Elle Canada’s magazine were: excessive, eye catching, enthusiastic, futuristic, bizarre. I pull the card from the page, play with the clear tack adhesive, flip the card over and realize it does serve some sort of wild purpose. It is in fact, a ticket. A ticket that invites you, the magazine purchaser, to an event you will not likely attend. An event that will likely be over by the time you find said magazine on a rack at your local gym, under a seat on a subway, or sitting on a glass table in your dentist’s waiting room.

The ticket ad is a structured hologram that flashes messages “Never so Simple”, and then “Never Messy”. I can only assume the relevance of the hologram is to represent their claim to provide a "pixel precise complexion". I’m fairly certain the ad itself could double as a weapon. Sharp, sturdy edges that could inflict a paper cut worthy of stitches. The actual device (a small soft cushion that vibrates the powder foundation on) looks neat. Personally, I try to avoid powder foundation and new vibrating products at all costs, but this ad almost makes me consider checking it out.
I saw Lancome's ad for the first time about a month ago. The fact that I remember it is a good sign. That being said, I have never personally used the product. But this lovely lady has: CLICK for product review

I dig it, but still:

6.9

2010-10-13T16:59:00.007-04:00

I must apologize in advance for the terrible photo quality. 90% of the pictures I plan on posting were taken about 24 minutes into my daily (yeah right) elliptical routine. All of them taken by my trusty Iphone, and all of them mid-stride.

I know what I like in an ad. I know it instantly. Though it’s much harder to explain what I don’t like. Bear with me.

Victim number one:

Effectively displays the vehicle, yes- Epic paragraph and all.
Effectively generates instant *yawn*, yes – that too.
However, I think the common looking content is slightly overridden by the charming play-on-words heading, “Guzzles people, not gas”. Clever, right?
Perhaps it is my interest in the environment that keeps attention (because a 4 door family-friendly SUV sure doesn’t.)

I give you a 6.5

Anti-aspartame

2010-08-04T15:30:00.007-04:00

While I'm more than positive the aspartame filled life I lead will eventually catch up to me in one way or another- I simply cannot stop. Sure I have toned down the daily Silhouette 0% fat, 0% sugar, 100% bliss yogurts and substituted diet coke for soda water as a mix but surely that is not enough. Anything that sounds too good to be true, simply is.

I recently came across an ad I absolutely adore. It hits home with those aspartame-addicts like myself.

Skokes

2010-07-06T13:08:00.001-04:00

b, a bug, that zooms and stings
e, a commonly used letterrrrr
a, a commonly used woooorddd
u, a name that refers to youuuuuu
tiful, the endd of the word beautifulllll
annnddd that brings us back to b.

Think About It

2010-06-23T18:49:00.008-04:00

I have always believed that writing advertisments must be the second most profitable form of writing. The first, of course, is likely to be ransom notes...right?

The US Federal Trade Commission has introduced a video game to enduce the education of children about the harmful qualms of advertising. The goal: to assist them in making informed decisions.

Players are able to confront advertisements at every turn—bus stops, in magazines, and on TV. Whenever an ad appears, the player is encouraged to ask three questions: who is responsible for the ad, what is the ad actually saying, and what does the ad want me to do? Besides children, this multi-media campaign also involves parents and teachers by way of a curriculum, which includes sample ads and teacher training videos, to be used in classrooms and at homes.

I say, good start!

Icebag Queen

2010-06-11T08:14:00.005-04:00

Not exactly your ideal Thursday morning, or any morning for that matter. Rise and shine at 5:30, and off to the hospital for some good old teeth extracting fun. Luckily I had a rock solid support team, and minimal fear of needles, otherwise I may have passed out or thrown up with that doozie of a jab-fest. Large needle + "tiny veins" = multiple stab wounds to the hand.

This medical team (anesthesiologist and understudy) were far too attractive for my liking, considering my state: no makeup, jewlery or anything good smelling. Not to mention the sexy hospital get-up they forced me into. 3 oversized articals of cottony goodness. Enough to make any self respecting woman protest.

I couldn't help but notice, everyone in the gowns looked near death. Depressed, crying, pale... and here I am, taking pictures of my "sexy back" and sending them to said support team.

Down with wisdom teeth. Up with recovery, green jello, and apple sauce.

Monochromatic

2010-05-28T14:04:00.010-04:00

In the process of transforming my delightfully Easter egg colored, high school-esq, yellow and violet bedroom, into a chic white-with-silver and crystal accent-creation. I figure, if I am going to get over the post-university slump Ive flung myself into, I might as well do it in style.

Step one- consult and expert. Thank you Ms Mackay: Check

Step two- purchase paint. - Two cans of "cloud white" left over from a design show, so I had them readjusted to a creamier "Dove White" as suggested by my consultant. 100$ saved: Check

Step three- Pay a visit to Homesense for lamps (2), pillows (never enough), and chandelier: No check

Step four - Move the endless amounts of stuff into the center of the room: Defiantly no check

Step five- Set up tape, and drapes, and PAINT: No check, no check, no check..any volunteers?

Mist Connection

2010-05-27T15:45:00.007-04:00

My perfume bottles runneth over. Hopelessly devoted (like Sandy?), we wear it in misted layers, its silent voice is our loudest statement. Each liquid bouquet winds along our neural wires, triggering lifelong memories and chronicling new ones. Whimsical key notes of vanilla, lavender, sandal wood, lay sheer against our bodies. An excess of cut crystal scattered over my vanity.

What I'm trying to say is, I have TOO MUCH PERFUME

I think I'm obsessed.

Banksy Hunting

2010-05-17T16:16:00.007-04:00

Best Sunday yet. Scoped out some blogs and went on a treasure-style hunt. Treasure= Banksy graffiti art. We were incredibly successful, and ridiculously blissful on this sunny Toronto day.

What a treat.

Check it out, you won`t be disappointed: http://www.banksy.co.uk/

Confessions of an Advertising Woman

2010-05-14T13:35:00.003-04:00

Hello, online-summer-Advertising course

My name is Rebecca.

As a private person, I have a passion for landscape, and I have never seen one improved by a billboard. Where ever prospect pleases, man is at his vilest when he erects a billboard. When I retire from Madison Avenue, I am going to start a secret society of masked vigilantes who will travel around the world on silent motor bicycles, chopping down posters at the dark of the moon.

How many juries will convict us when we are caught in these acts of beneficent citizenship?

Oh, my darling Mr. Ogilvy.

For the Love of Playing

2010-05-13T15:31:00.008-04:00

From the walls of KW into the life of RM.

For the love of playing.

Tag is a complex game involving many complexities. Someone must first be it. Once that is decided this temporary pariah tries to tag someone else, using stealth, speed, resourcefulness and predatory instincts to transfer his or her “it-ness” to the other person. You can only tag someone with your hand. So if someone who is “it” tags you (with his or her hand) then you become “it” and they are no longer “it”.

They are free of “it” and can return to normalcy. You cannot immediately transfer your “it-ness” back to the person who was just “it” because there are no “tag-backs” in Tag. The only way to lose is if you`re one of the last two people in earth and are tagged by the other person. (Remember, no “tag-backs”). However, it is conceivavle to procreate with this person and tag the offspring.

Play.

You're so cool, you're so cool, you're so cool

2010-04-09T11:25:00.003-04:00

bammmmm

HGTV WANTS YOU

2009-10-29T14:19:00.005-04:00

Do you love design? Think you could handle being on camera?

WestWind Pictures, producer of hit design series Designer Guys, The Style Dept., and Home to Flip has joined forces with HGTV to find Canada’s next big design star. We’re looking for talented designers that have what it takes. You must be outgoing, energetic, fun, and of course, supremely talented. Male or female. Singles or duos. Even a whole design studio. It doesn’t matter. Show us what you’ve got!

Here’s how it works…

Create a video that displays your design savvy. It must be no longer than 2 minutes. First up, tell us who you are: name, where you live, and a bit about your experience. Then dazzle us! Maybe a quick DIY project. Or match fabric to paint swatches. Show us design on a budget. Or build a piece of furniture. We’re not looking for any specific format. Just 2 minutes…and no more.

Shoot the video yourself, compress it down to a few megabytes, and email it to us. You must also include in your email a signed and scanned copy of the release form.

Feel free to comment with your questions or concerns.

Good Luck!

Ghetto-Fab vs Trendy-Trendster

2009-10-07T10:23:00.010-04:00

I recently made the transition from a (monster-ghetto-fabulous-unbreakable)Blackberry, to the oh-so fragile, but oh-so trendy IPhone. If you know me well, you know there are a few things I should not be permitted to do. These things might include: crossing busy streets alone, baking (with the intent of feeding someone), and while I am tech savvy, the number one thing

I should not be allowed to do is own expensive technology. I have successfully destroyed every piece of technology I touch (with the exception of my bedazzled ipod, which should be dead considering the amount of times I have left it in a dewy bush/grass/field/dock ).

I have had this "iFin" for less than a month at this point. Within this small time period, I have cracked the screen, the apps have gone haywire, and I've had Fido call me 3 times describing an unexplainable bill I have racked up. I have 6 gigs, unlimited text, and 2000 minutes of talk time to burn. How can there possibly be overage? If I used all of that, surely I would have a brain tumor, and some sort of texting addiction that requires rehab. I call my roommates, and my dad. My air time has significantly decreased since the summer. wtf.

I must warn you. If you ever encounter a man at Fido by the name of Jock (yes Jock... spelt like a plastic crotch protector, which, ironically I could compare him to) please, save yourself the time and energy, and promptly disconnect.

I want my ghetto-fab baby back in my life.

I wish I knew

2009-07-28T11:27:00.001-04:00

Bake Sale

2009-07-23T09:40:00.005-04:00

If you are, by chance, on the hunt for the most divine chocolate cake out there... Look no further than The Bake Sale on Bloor.

The left overs from yesterdays birthday treat for our camera man are currently taunting me from the next room. Yes it is 9:50 am but it is never too early for this kind of divinity. Trust me.

The Way I See It

2009-07-02T14:56:00.003-04:00

Everywhere, unthinking mobs of “independent thinkers” wield tired clichés like cudgels, pummeling those who dare question “enlightened” dogma. If “violence never solved anything,” cops wouldn’t have guns and slaves may never have been freed. If it’s better that 10 guilty men go free to spare one innocent, why not free 100 or 1,000,000? Clichés begin arguments, they don’t settle them...

Strikes Suck: I MISS MY GYM

2009-06-29T16:30:00.012-04:00

I did the whole, jacked-beautiful people style "Extreme Fitness" gym. I am over it. I'm over its granite counter tops, its tanning bed in the change room, its smokin' hot trainers.

I decided to move on to a smaller, more modest and more importantly a, closer, city gym.

I got into this excellent routine: work, home, gym. Loved it.

Now, thanks to the strike, my perfect little jogging/ iron pumping nook is plastered with hate mail from desperate parents eager to either drop their snot nosed kids off at the day care, or work off that baby flab. Poor things.

I am so far from impressed. Wii Fit, anyone?

Sidenote

2009-06-23T14:03:00.005-04:00

A second side note:

"Sex, Drugs and Cocopuffs" is a terribly embarrassing "lost item" to be asking for at the Union Station lost and found.

Wheres your book Beck?

I just don't know Chuck...

Sex Drugs and Cocopuffs

2009-06-21T17:43:00.008-04:00

I have to vent my deep passionate love for a brilliant man after my own MIT soaked heart.

Chuck Klosterman.

Any man who can begin a book by relating (and justifying) the story of how he burned the exact same CD for two different women, then segue into a serious discussion of the lamentable sitcom Saved By Bell deserves my respect. It is this gift that makes his book Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs my perfect summer read.

Klosterman, a senior writer for Spin, (among other reputable things) has a gift for taking seemingly disposable culture (Billy Joel albums, The Real World, The Sims, and Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee sex tape) and giving them a cultural heft and importance.

In fact, reading, Klosterman’s meditations on such topics as how the creation of cereal was a Victorian attempt to cool sexual urges, or how the failed relationships of today’s twenty-and-thirty-somethings can be blamed either on John Cusack (uhh..no thanks) or Nora Ephron are so insightful and enlightening, it seems baffling that no one has written on these topics before (has anyone?).

Of course, he also manages to be absolutely hilarious. Klosterman is one of the select few writers (and men) who can make me laugh out loud in public (generally GO train, or subway) without thought of embarrassment. Take this nugget, from an essay deconstructing the Star Wars trilogy: “I once knew a girl who claimed to have a recurring dream about a polar bear that mauled Ewoks; it made me love her.”

As previously discussed at the office last week, my production manager, and I, came to the conclusion that all women desire nerds. Not exactly a full fledged dork. Just someone who is passionate about something, anything, in a terribly geeky way.

Klosterman has his hilarious analysis of life as compared to pop culture.

Underneath all the glib remarks and seemingly bizarre claims, Klosterman has a genuine appreciation of popular culture. Though he makes clear that he doesn’t always love it, he never seems to doubt its power, or its ability to reflect a society or our ability to reflect it (The Real World). His clearest message seems to be that just because a movie or a television show or a piece of music isn’t art, that doesn’t mean it isn't influential or meaningful. It may, in fact, matter more than something artful. It’s a compelling idea, executed by Klosterman with a fabulous mind for witty humor.

I pinkie swear you will love it.

Side note: If you happened to have found said book on the Lakshore Train...Please return it. I miss it dearly.

Dear Toronto Transit Commission: suck it

2009-06-20T12:15:00.007-04:00

A stern god-like voice comes over the intercom. He was so far from impressed. We are informed that we must walk to the next block for our punishment. Eff that. We purchase tokens and try again. No dice. I decide that I can charm the stern TTC employee I pleaded with him and pouted to the looming camera. Again, no dice. (Not the first time I have been scorned by TTC staff)

Get off your high horse, sir.

The night progressed we bounced from 1 King West, to C-Lounge. I cannot express to you how board I am of these places. The same scene, the same crowd, the same bottles. HOWEVER, this night was a little different.

Let me set the scene: It was about 9:10pm, a balmy 20 degrees as myself, O, and the fabulous M entered the Spadina subway. With no attendants in sight, we decided to exploit M`s TTC Pass and fit us all through the revolving doors in one shot. Slightly inebriated, O and M took the first attempt. The doors jammed. We tried again. Doors jammed. Another patron tries his luck. He gets through. We try.. Jammed. Bizarre.

On our adventures to 1 King West, we happened upon 2 fabulous females who, like us, knew no one there. In this hotel room stocked with booze, midget girls in huge heels, and dbag-manorexic fellows, we were each others best option.

For the first time in my life, bottles were popped (champagne) by girls for girls. These little lady's treated us to non-stop entertainment, and non-stop bottles. There was no dealing with shady soliciting Ibanking males, just the fabulous company. What a perfect combination.

Top Quarter of the Credits.

2009-06-08T00:40:00.006-04:00

This pitiful amount of blogging is killing me

I have so much to tell! I feel like I NEVER use computers anymore. Thats not true. I just never use my own computer anymore. And after asking my friendly tech support man Sal for help at work, I realized that not only can he watch my ever move live, but can go back and archive my every click from the day I began. I now regret the last 2 weeks of poor YouTube music selections. I feel like I am under constant survallience. Not cool.

My brand-new-mega-fabulous job starts tomorrow.

Production Assistant on a new show for HGTV

Keep you posted.

Peachy Keen

2009-05-19T11:59:00.004-04:00

Boy have I been sucking in the blog department.

I have written about 5 posts that simply end up being saved--edit pending. Life really just gets in the way, and unfortunately for you, those posts will probably never show their pretty faces on this page.

So, I suppose I will sum up my summer and those posts thus far.
I have been a very fortunate girl, and have been virtually work-free until my starting date on the 25th! Fabulous? Yes-ish. I am not use to this amount of time off, and I really cannnnnot wait to get into the early morning work routine. Not to mention, get those pay checks rollin' in.

SO my plan for my next few days of work-freedom?
1. Get all of the little ideas I have stuck in my head out on canvas. Think red paint.
2. Blow a large portion of my remaining cash flow on a new "office wardrobe" (do open toe heals and fabulous pencil skirts count?)
3. Brush up on some computer skills
4. Work out like mad
5. Go to Cora's for breakkie. (Any takers?)
6. Learn and grow to LOVE Dave Matthews before the concert.
7. Book my very first open water scuba dive!!!
8. Anddddd relax in the sun. Give me sweet sweet sun. (I have some crazy "Spanish" competition here)

Désireux

2009-05-05T22:26:00.006-04:00

Because if you can’t love someone irrationally and openly when there is nothing to lose, when can you?

-Morgan Chapman

Birthday Wishes

2009-05-04T14:44:00.002-04:00

From Toronto to Barcelona with LOVE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH GILLLLL

LOST and FOUND

2009-05-04T13:00:00.008-04:00

I really can't say positive thinking helped me get this baby back. I was positive it was gone.

You may, or may not recall a post way back, pleading for the safe return of my favourite ring.

It was promptly returned to me following its recovery from under the bed of the one-and-only Peter-Charles Bastedo

Turns out my memory failed me? It was certianly not in or around any sinks.

Did I promise a reward? I think I did...

http://bitesizedd.blogspot.com/2009/03/missing.html
(OLD Post)

Thanks Petey. :)

Painfully packing precious pieces in paper.

2009-05-01T16:17:00.006-04:00

Thoughts for the day:

Apparently I blog more when I should be studying.

I'm done! It feels pretty darn fabulous (sorry L). It also feels like I should be packing.

I don't.. wannnnna pack up (insert whiney voice). I am not ready to leave yet. I think I know why...

Holy god I have a lot of STUFF. I need to adapt some sort of minimalist lifestyle.

Couch crushing garbage trucks are SO badass.

WHY is my gym membership expired? Terrible

I am so, so, so painfully hungover.

CUBE.. Vote Please :)

2009-04-26T22:11:00.007-04:00

Hey All,

So I am sure many of you have heard about this contest to win a new Nissan CUBE. Fabulously futuristic. Tres neat.
Well, my friend Chris has a very sweet poster (one of the best, in my opinion) that I am asking you ALL to vote on. He would really appreciate it. :)

OKAY, here is what you have to do: Go to the site, sign up in the top right hand corner (Petey, I know it's confusing) and then click VOTE.

WAIT.. there is more! You can vote everyday, once a day (Its good for you, trust me)

Right now his ranking is 134, and he needs to get up to #50 at least.. We've got to hook it up.

Thank you! You're the best. (Only if you voted)

Click Hurrrr:

http://www.hypercube.ca/en/Canvas.aspx?id=75a7d705-bc98-40f5-96e6-7593459ba96a&lang=en

Quotable

2009-04-25T14:13:00.003-04:00

Some..helpful.. quotes:

Study without desire spoils the memory, and it retains nothing that it takes in.
- Leonardo da Vinci

Thank you Leo, but right now, I am leaning towards this one:

Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.
- James M. Barrie

I would rather be on the beach. This is work.

Come Onnnnn

2009-04-25T09:35:00.002-04:00

Won`t SOMEONE do my `Inside the Actors Studio`quiz????

COME ON! Entertain me.

Pleaseeeeeeeeee

Skrew Earth Day

2009-04-22T23:12:00.008-04:00

Hey Greenies,

Did I catch your attention? Treating the earth the same way society objectifies women? I smell an MIT essay topic.
Ok, don`t ''Skrew'' Earth Day... Just don`t make it the only day of the year you decide to do something kind for sweet, sweet mother earth. :)

I agree (at least in principle) with the idea that our collective responsibility is a 24/7/365 commitment, not just a day. Same goes for Earth Hour, which, although impressive with respect to its results, in my mind can engender the idea that it’s enough to do it just for an hour, rather than making a permanent practice of reducing our energy consumption. The neo-eco movement can feel at times like a form of cultural greenwashing, what with all the new dubiously “green” products and marketing campaigns that seem to be cropping up everywhere one turns these days.

Cynical? Perhaps... (sounds like someone describing any relationship advice I have to offer). But why Rebecca, SOMETHING is far better than NOTHING. And I agree. For me, in the end it all comes back to personal responsibility. Am I an eco-perfectionist? Hellz no. But I also believe that we can all put in a little more effort, it will make a great difference.

Oh Page...

2009-04-21T12:21:00.005-04:00

This blurring of the typical dichotomies gives this poem...gives my life...a layered depth, a metaphysical aura.

Catch my "drift?"

Bring on the storm

2009-04-20T12:08:00.002-04:00

Looks like I got what I asked for...

Hi, I'm Emo

2009-04-19T13:05:00.001-04:00

I like, a lot.

Inside the Actors Studio--My steeze

2009-04-19T12:14:00.005-04:00

I have found the most perfect little distraction. Rather, the most perfect break to work towards. I am currently quite obsessed with Inside the Actors Studio. Conveniently found on YouTube, James Lipton interviews a ton of the greatest celebrities.

This show has seen the likes of Johnny Depp, Ben Affleck, Angelina Jolie (my favourtie one), Halle Berry, Daniel Radcliff to name a few.

It is currently taped at the Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Pace University's New York City campus, and it is the shiz.

At the end of each interview, James Lipton reads out the same short questionnaire for each celebrity before he hands them off to audience questions.

Because I will be famous some day, I figure, why not fill that bad boy out myself. Practice round, you know? :

What is/are your favourite word(s): Insatiable, Verbose

What is/are your least favourite word(s): Masticate, pregnant

What turns you on: Confidence, motivation

What turns you off: Arrogance –there is a fine line

What sound or noise do you love: Fire crackling –on the beach at my cottage

What sound or noise do you hate: Sirens –especially when I’m driving

What is your favourite curse word: Fuck –it's just so darn versatile

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt: Film Production, Law

What profession would you not like to attempt: Pearl Diving

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates: You look great in white, honey.

I think you should fill out your own in the comment box...

Start here, and get addicted with me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5llPy1ZS8Vs

Zamming

2009-04-17T20:01:00.013-04:00

I am in the zone. I have a particularly uninteresting exam time routine going on.

Itenerary:

Wake up: 8:00

Library: 10:00

Gym: 4:30

Home: 6:00

Kings Lib: 8:00- 12:00 (I have trouble studying during daylight hours)

This is quite possibly the only time of year I pray for bad weather. In order to get in my study groove, I need full on

depressing weather; I'm talking blizzards, hail storms, monsoons--which is becoming less and less

likely.

I am so full of shit.. my life is not this boring.

Baywatch Scuba Queen: Giving Water a Chance

2009-04-13T20:46:00.011-04:00

There are so many reasons to loathe public pools that I hardly know where to begin. For starters, everyone knows they're an unhygienic, watery mishmash of loose Band-Aids and body hairs of every length and color, swirling around like a giant vat of people soup. Sound appealing? Not even a little bit.

Public pool swimmers have long accepted the reality that the water flowing past someone else's bikini line, will end up in their face. To me, children in pools spells out one fine equation that I am simply not interested in: 2 parts pee, one part chlorine.

I have something against water as a whole: lakes, oceans, ponds, all freak me out. I am that kid who LOVED tubing, but if I fell off, I was dragging YOU in with me.

I had one close call with drowning a few years back. Huge crashing waves + swimming from sand bar to sand bar had taken its tole on this beach babe, and I went under for good. Luckily I had a fit crew of Baywatch bitties (whom I still love) with me that literally saved my life.

SO, my experience with water is less than glamorous. BUT I have decided to face my fear, stir the pot, and enrol in a scuba diving course.

One weekend of tests and in-pool dives + 4 real open water dives. Pretty legit, pretty effing' scary.

When is the last time you've done something you're scared of?

Wish me luck, and check er' out: http://www.thediveshopcanada.com/openwater.htm

Helping a Brother Out

2009-04-12T19:07:00.005-04:00

To Vanessa and Emily, most mysterious renaissance daughters, whose secret friend pined lately for an unlit cigarette;
To Tara, the sweet and courageous, beauty in appearance and word, who taught me how they dance in Latin America;
To Zeynab the queen, whose true strength is unveiled in her smile and dance;
The Jennifer, sweet and generous, whose sympathy and curiosity would humble any gentle man;
To the unknown friend and lover, empress of despair and depth, who take offence at my words of true concern (I apologize, dear lady);
And to the men who privileged me with their fresh company: Gentle Eric, brave Steven, quiet Ian, and the dancing icon;

In fond intention, respect and love, it was my pleasure getting to know you each,

And shall return to dance and share again.

Yours sincerely,

Soul.

The Jig is Up

2009-04-10T13:24:00.006-04:00

I suppose I don’t have to keep up this blog anymore. No more class deadlines. No pressure to post 5 times a week. But as ridiculous and self absorbed as I once thought they were, I have come to realize that blogs are pretty neat.

I enjoy this outlet of expression. I enjoy the anonymity of its readers. I really enjoyed the promotion of my friend Mike's blog "What’s on Richmond"--for which he received incredible feedback.

I hope I will keep it up, not likely as often, but I don't see why I shouldn't.

Now that this blog is officially no longer for a class, I will break one rule that I so willingly abided by throughout this process. I will curse. My daily language, while not laden with foul words, does incorporate them, so here I go:

Shooooooot.

Glad I got that out.

Have a fabulous sunny day, and ALWAYS feel free to comment.

Free Food

2009-04-07T10:36:00.006-04:00

I happened upon an exhibit, I suppose a final project for an MIT course, in North Campus Building. While they were all very neat, one in particular struck my fancy.

Freeganism. Free-gan-wha?

Freeganism: is an anti-consumerist lifestyle whereby people employ alternative living strategies based on limited participation in the conventional economy and minimal consumption of resources. Freegans choose to embrace community, generosity, social concern, freedom, cooperation, and sharing in opposition to a society based on materialism, moral apathy, competition, conformity, and greed.

This lifestyle involves salvaging discarded, unspoiled food from supermarket dumpsters, known as dumpster diving. Freegans salvage the food as a political statement, rather than out of need.

Apparently, these students conducted a dumpster dive of their own at a Whole Foods, and uncovered a ridiculous amount of perfectly edible food . What a waste.

A truly interesting video you MUST check out:

CupCaKE

2009-04-06T17:40:00.004-04:00

A symbol of North American nourishment, indulgence. Tempting, charming, cunning, decorated, delicious, lavish, initially satisfying, supported by a foundation of connotations, ideologies and clever, seething marketing. Initially satisfying, and ultimately regrettable. When you pierce through all of that...

What is that cupcake, ultimately? What are its contributions, and how does it assist you? Is it a true friend, or a charming and poorly influential superficial party hound, ready to bring you down with a smile on her face and a tequila shot in his palm?

Illusions make the world an intricate place. Like a sheer diamond faceted with sharp claws, truth is found amongst layers of distraction. Eat the cupcake, shoot the shot, Enjoy your life and its beautiful Illusions and fabricated foundations, but don't be "Punk'd".

Evil speaks with trickery, and it wins when you're naive and dazzled, awestruck at its paradoxical beauty, and left a diseased fool. Consciousness of both sides of the coin, and nothing can touch you. Have your cake, and eat it.

Blogworthy Meat?

2009-04-04T13:27:00.008-04:00

So I am currently doing a project that involves advertisement analysis. Looking critically at ads relying on the method of semotics to uncover methods of signification —on my search, I happened upon a little ditty by Oscar Meyer. An ad that announces their meats as “Blogworthy”

My first reaction was—half a year ago, I hardly understood what blogging consisted of. My spell check doesn’t even detect “blog” as an English word. Who is their target market? Is the mainstream media ready for web 2.0 term dropping just yet?

Personally, I don’t think they are, but I have a bit of a soft spot for this ad. Perhaps because I am that target market. Announcing blogging, as a form of expressing emotion—obviously delight at this supposedly delicious meat? Delicious, and meat are not words that often leave this vegetarians mouth.

I did a little O.Meyer Google search and discovered that they actually have a pretty interesting “Hotdogger” blog of their own. Impressive.

The blog is written by the guys and gals who drive the Wienermobile, criss-crossing the country, looking for bridges that are high enough to drive under (so they don’t get stuck). They provide a little insight into travelling experiences in the Wienermobile –Hence, the blog.

Check er’ out. http://hotdoggerblog.com/index.php

I need, I want, I neeeed, but really I just want.

2009-04-01T11:36:00.009-04:00

I want a sun-kissed glow, I need to do well on this test tonight, I need to finish this 25 page monster (no longer referred to as an essay) without popping a vein, I need to get better at citing (I've only written 1500 papers, its about time.)

I want to be running around in cut off shorts at my cottage. I need to be certain I have a j-o-b. I want a new play list and a really sweet pair of shades. Wait, sunglasses are essential. My eyes are precious.

I need a really sweet pair of shades.

Dear Rebecca, and others like her: Take charge, be proactive, don't sweat the small stuff, and look forward to the summer sun.

Just write me

2009-03-30T13:41:00.005-04:00

“I want to write twelve, seven, five even three first-rate poems. I want a hundred things with varying intensity but that is what I want, first and last, passionately”

-Anne Wilkinson

Believe it.

2009-03-28T17:39:00.001-04:00

Without a doubt, the only thing that makes mans life on earth essential and necessary is love

- Allen De Botton

Twit-mance: MrsKutcher and Aplusk edition

2009-03-27T10:25:00.006-04:00

Ok, so I recently posted some information about Twitter. Because there has been SO much hype about it, and because I am desperately searching for distractions from the reality of this truckload of work, I had to give it a shot.

Dii and I discovered Ashton and Demi, or as they call themselves “MrsKutcher” and “Apulsk”

It is like an amusing and legally stalker-ish game of decoding. They send cute messages back and forth--post stupidly adorable and slightly inappropriate pictures from their Iphone’s, and profess their love about every other post.

I don’t care how much work that little lady has had done. She is divine.

I also joined Britney Spears... but she is less than interesting.

Demi and Ashton have got it going on... on Twitter.

UWO: In response

2009-03-25T17:33:00.011-04:00

In this ever-changing world of tech-savvy individuals, it may appear as though we have reached the end of conventional media as we knew it. Are we losing good ol' fashioned forms of television, radio, and print, and is it welcomed? Bit Torrentz and downloading, to some, are stealing from those who produced it, but it is so much more. The consumer is changing at a rapid pace. We are provided the ability to customize our viewing options. Regular people are developing and evolving into media critics and now, more than ever, have an incredible amount of outlets to do so. Today there are entirely new sets of opportunities, new places to safely state your opinion, your view, AND BE HEARD.

With new and frequently emerging trends, many have been predicting the fall of traditional communication. We have to wonder what our increasingly wired, (or wireless), world will look like in this age of "instant information gratification?". The CBC's pop culture specialist Jian Ghomeshi explores the fate of mass media questioning whether we are nearing a world without television, radio or print in "THE END", a three-part series on CBC Newsworld.

This is not a fad--Today we leave our homes with our wallet, Ipod, and cell phone. Rarely do we leave home with our TV. Information and entertainment are avalible wirelessly. Books can be downloaded rather than carried around, information can be retrieved when and where we want it. While it is perhaps the end of what we see as conventional watching, reading, or listening. It it not the end. It is the beginning of SOMETHING ELSE, something NEW.

Personally, I cannot fathom a world where user created content displaces traditional media, now or ever. Bloggers and podcasters provide us with their take on the media. But no matter how far we progress, we still crave professionally presented media-- We still need a starting point.

Check em`out : http://www.cbc.ca/theend/

Bad day? Or just a big whiner?

2009-03-23T16:57:00.007-04:00

It is not a bad idea to get in the habit of writing down one's thoughts. It saves one having to bother anyone else with them.
- Isabel Colegate

I am having one of those days...
For me, the one way to really vent my pent up emotion or thought ( or over-thinking, which I do all too often) is to write. Open a little MS Word and put... pen to paper...No...put fingers to keys? Today is one of those days. I literally woke up on the wrong side of the bed, with NONE of my 18.. ok.. 8 pillows. Travesty I tell you. I got out of bed, got ready for the day, had my tea, watched a little Kelly and Regis, went to throw my lappy in the bag and POW... The next thing I knew I was back under the sheets wishing someone would shut my light off and tuck me back in. Wishing I had never woken up at the Ivey scheduled 7 am alarm. Wishing something ridiculous would happen to lighten my unusually terrible mood. I wanted ridiculous? I got it. Open my files, (in bed, of course) to begin a little research for a (25 PAGE) history essay and... here comes the ridiculous part... My MS WORD IS CORRUPTED. Fabulous. Just stellar. Want to know what I'm writing this blog post in? WORDPAD. Yep. WordPad. While I did have some lovely offers of help, I unfortunately, and fortunately (at the same time) do not have a MS 95 operating system (Thanks anyway B).
I will now vent in point form:
Forgot water bottle. (may not seem like a big deal, but I get parched easily :( )
Negative bus pass, negative gym pass :( Library fines :(
The book I need is only at Huron. UHH :(
I didn't win my roll-up-the-rim.. (Ok, I'll let that slide. I have never won)
During my work out, I managed to rub mascara ALL over my face. ( Beauty queen, I am. No wonder guys were checking me out.)
I am dreading my exam mark, and have only now, mustered up the attention span to start this dreadful beast of a paper.

AND.. ITS ONLY 4:30
There are a few other things I could whine about, but I will refrain... BECAUSE in reality, my life is pretty darn fabulous, incredible, amazing, and mega blessed. Despite the lack of roll up the rim winning, I am lucky lucky.

WHY TWITTER?

2009-03-23T08:44:00.003-04:00

Do you ask yourself the same question?

This past week the tech world was abuzz with news of Twitter incorporating search functionality Twitter is a Google killer while others argue that Twitter isn’t a search engine at all. into its site. What this means is that you can now easily obtain trending data for popular keywords, takAe a deeper look at the topics people are talking about in real time, and find answers to pressing questions that others have already written about. So is this really significant? It depends on who you ask. Some think that

Regardless of which side of the fence you stand, there’s no doubt that Twitter has a bright future with its eyes set on the search market. In fact, Twitter continues to receive millions in funding and recently turned down a $500 million offer from Facebook because of its planned business model of Q&A features and search ads. Who knew status updates could be so valuable? Meanwhile, Facebook has been adding Twitter-like features to try and keep up…

So really, what’s the big deal about Twitter? Isn’t it just a social media site used to socialize with friends? Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, goes as far as to call it the “poor man’s email system”. But the people who really get it understand the huge potential that lies within Twitter. Not only is it a way to connect and interact with others, but it also represent a huge pool of information based on everyday human life that’s ready to be mined to extract real value. Adding search functionality is just the first step in this process.

Not to mention that Twitter already has an impressive track record with various uses. For example, it helped President Barack Obama with his presidential campaign, got a student out of an Egyptian jail, documented plane crashes in real time, and made Dell a million dollars. Twitter has a huge cultish following and is promoted through a grassroots movement that we haven’t seen since…well, the beginning of Google.

Despite all of the hype, Twitter is still in its infancy and it’ll be years, maybe even a decade, before it develops the technology to accurately display search results and put a dent in Google’s market share. But regardless of all that, the point I want to make in this article is that Twitter has what it takes to get there. In other words, Twitter represents the future of search. Still not convinced? Let me explain…

6 Reasons Why Twitter is the Future of Search

1. Takes social to a whole new level
2. Combats information overload
3. Real-time content
4. Represents the masses
5. More trustworthy results
6. Better targeted for location

I don't want to overload this page with information, so go check out http://www.winningtheweb.com/twitter-future-search-google.php for an indepth description of each of the 6 reasons! Go! Do it!!

Whats ON Richmond?

2009-03-22T21:38:00.004-04:00

I have a fun little assignment for all of you Western-ers. If you have any interest what-so-ever in the down town London scene, I highly recommend my buddy Mike's blog http://whatsonrichmond.blogspot.com/.

His love for the night life keeps him updating regularly, and keeps YOU on top of your bar-star game.

Enjoy.

Animal Crackers

2009-03-19T11:18:00.001-04:00

St. Patty`s Remorse

2009-03-18T16:39:00.004-04:00

WHY did my friends let me wear a stupid bandana around my head ALL DAY
That is the question of the day.

Yesterday was a fabulous sunny, messy, but always friendly day. The night ended a little differently than usual. Because I would like to remain a respectable lady in your eyes I will only provide fair warning for next years festivities.

1. Never provide a drunk male with a marker
2. Tequila should never be green, it provides it a happy persona, that I simply do not need.
3. Never wear something wrapped around your head. It cuts off the circulation, resulting in bad decisions.
4. Never get in the middle of a fight, you WILL get hurt.
5. Never place temporary tattoos that resemble leprechauns or... really anything for that matter--they are simply not temporary enough.
6. Never recite a school speech a to a flipcup table
7. Never talk smack in a bathroom with a 10 person line waiting
8. Never order Jacks nachos
9. Kicking tables can only result in bad things
10. Never publicly announce that you know jujitsu, someone will challenge you.

Slante!!!!

2009-03-17T11:09:00.007-04:00

HAPPY ST PATTYS!

Today, I blog with a beer in my hand. Well, I suppose I wouldn`t be able to type with an actual beer in my hand. So, today I blog with sipping intervals.
Rickards White, introduced to me by Diii, is quite possibly the greatest beer out there. Light and deeelish.
I was dissapointed to see SOO many people off the streets and in my class. Not only were they in class at 10:30, but hardly any were wearing green. Really guys. It doesn`t kill you to get a little festive. Commmon. Needless to say, that buzz-kill-greenless group resulted in me excusing myself early.

On to the all day shannigans I go.
Keep you posted

A Meal To Die For

2009-03-16T14:24:00.008-04:00

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4632991n

Disclaimer:
I advise you refrain from eating during, or before watching this video.

Here, my friends, is your dose of disgusting for the day. A not-so-bitesizedd tidbit of American culture all stacked up in messy lard covered buns and 5 pound burgers. If you have read Fast Food Nation, or seen Supersize Me, and still follow the anti-hangover ritual McDicks meal (which I, myself do not) or the odd fast food treat, well, after watching this, you really won’t feel so badly. The concept is disgusting, yet cleverly pieced together, and quite hilarious. With a menu that includes Single, Double, Triple and Quadruple bypass burger, Flatline fries, non-filtered smokes, and Jolt Cola, the Heart Attack Diner is quite the deadly delight. But heck, at least their honest. This fat factory comes well equipped with phoney, scantily clad nurses, medical supplies, and a wheelchair to wheel you out after successfully completing a meal worth a mere 5 days of caloric intake. What a perk! The nurses are hot, the Coke is cold and the people are...on the verge of death. Without further adue, the All American Heart Attack Diner.
Bon appétit!!!!!

Counting Down the Days

2009-03-15T15:10:00.002-04:00

OMGGGGG I cannot wait to be out of study hell and into some sweet green gear