saturday

alright, so no one has really responded yet...not surprisingly, but still!
When I say lunch, I'm not going to specify a time as such because it doesn't matter for me, it's up to you guys. Otherwise i will just arbitrarily set a time like i did the date. Also location I'd like to leave up to a calgary person who might have an idea. personally i was aiming for something like outback steakhouse (where i will get a discount) and it's relatively cheaper for a huge meal...although that's moredinner so it would be like late afternoon get together that ended up at a restaurant or whatever it is. No one has mentioned any conflicts on this day...nor any ideas on the karaoke bar...can't really set anything unless i know what u guys are interested in doing.

Next week we should try to plan a day to go to the club. Those who are working should post their schedules ahead of time...same goes for people with a lot of dinner parties that have to be scheduled around.

I think it's too hard to do boxing day unless someone calls and says they're interested, so I'll drop that.

ooh so christmas is lke...a few hours away...better get to bed!
Night night

B-day Plans

Hiya,

Are you guys free on the 29th? I asked last time we met, but I figure a written confirmation is better. I'm planning a birthday party that day, which will most likely be held at my place. There'll be cake and whatever games and activities we can think up before then. I'll try to see if the microphones at my place works, if so, then there'll be karaoke. And if that doesn't work out, I'll find some activities for us to do, like T-shirt painting or baking. XD

My pet idea right now is a series of games based on survival in the wilderness. Competitions on building 'shelter' with popsicle sticks and glue guns, 'foraging' with candy and plastic spoons, making clothes via T-shirt painting, 'hunting' with straw blowdarts and stuff like that. It'll be a bit of work, but if people are interested, we'll see how it works out.

So...

Date: Dec. 29th, Monday
Time: 12:00pm-10:00pm

weekend plans

alright, so let's get together this weekend...why don'twe randomly select saturdaylunch somewhere. i hear that kris isn't even in calgary right now so we can go out clubbingnext week...whether he's here or not, but we do need a designated driver! There's nothing happening around crowfoot...maybe we should just go meet jamie in kensington. After that i don't know...any ideas? Do you guys like karaoke? Maybe we can do that....there must be a karaoke bar around there!
Oh, anyone interested in boxing day sales? I don't wanna buy anything but i should probably get my dorito ass off the couch.

(em and danni...argh u both left stuff at my place...grumbles.)
ttyl
Oshi

Second Shortest Wishlist Ever

- Cash (I'm still serious. I love money.)
- The Office season 4 DVD
- Batman LEGO sets (preferably something with Mr. Freeze if it's not too expensive?)
- Safeway gift cards
- Disco ball Christmas tree ornaments or just disco balls in general


Please don't buy The Dark Knight on DVD for me. I am waiting for the gift set (with the Batpod?).

Final Details for Pseudo-Christmas 2008!!!

Fellow Dukes and Duchesses, gods and goddess, I bring with me good tidings of great joy at this time of year from Higherton Shire.

I am very, very, very pleased to announce the finalized details for Pseduo-Christmas 2008, the most important holiday in the Mutualese calendar! You are all cordially invited whether or not you are participating in the gift exchange.

And now, the details:

Logistics
Date: Monday, December 22, 2008
Time: Arrive anytime after 2:00PM, and stay until whenever Queen Emiline Starwing kicks us out.
Location: the Shrine of the Woodlands, thanks to Queen Emiline Starwing's graciousness

Queen Emiline has requested that you are to bring, if possible: board games and other entertainment, snacks, beverages, and other consumables.

I would be more than happy to make the rounds and pick-up people as necessary, but what will end up happening is I will disappear for a few hours (work at the restaurant) and then come back if the party's still going. If there are a lot of people for me to pick-up, is anyone willing to be an extra chariot driver? And is anyone willing to drive people home if need be?

Present Exchange
I will be sending out an email right after this one from the Elfster website, and it will have the person that you will have to buy for. As for the joke gift auction, I haven't heard much feedback about it, either for or against, so, any last thoughts about it? If the silence on the issue continues, can we assume that we will not pursue it this year, but will consider it mayhaps in another year?

And as a courtesy to your secret santa, receivers, please post your wishlists on the blog ASAP. Because you're only buying for one person, it can be shorter than previous lists. Remember that $30.00 is the maximum! No more! N'est pas?

Conclusions
I'm excited. 'Nuff said. Special thanks goes out to:
-Twillfor getting the whole process started.
-Natrix and Scorpio for keeping me on my toes.
-Krisfor actually checking and responding to an email!
-Desudesu for extending an offer to host once again
-Starwingfor being the first to extend the invitation.
-The rest of you (Nyx, Obsidian, Melody) for keeping the process moving along.

I hope to see you all monday at the Shrine of the Woodlands!

~Duk Ruba

PC Xmas list

Well, it's 1 day after the last day of school!! So I'm pretty recovered.

Hate to pepper this place with lists, but I keep getting pressed. :P You know, with this Secret Santa thing...that's fantastic, because I have a really, really short list! And now people can't pester me for a longer one, because it need only concern one person. Yay!

Well then, here we go.

Books
The Bone Doll's Twin (and its series, by Lynn Flewelling)
I actually dunno who she is, but anyone who knows anything of what I read, see this. If you know what's significant to me there on that cover, then you know why I'm super curious to see what it's all about. :)

Outliers: The Story of Success (by Malcolm Gladwell, who is pure genius)

CDs
Radio Retaliation (by Thievery Corporation)
A Midwinter Night’s Dream (by Loreena McKennitt)

DVDs
Pushing Daisies Season 1

That's more than sufficient, I imagine. I'd encourage the remainder who have put up a list to please do so for the upcoming Secret Santa.

Pseudo Christmas 2008 Details!

Hey everyone, It seems like we're all uber-busy with life, school, work, and exams. But, I hope that the end is nigh for you all. NIGH, I SAY!

Indeed, this time of stress in the year also marks the return of a time honoured tradition: PSEUDO-CHRISTMAS!!!

This year, we are going to do things a little differently... we're going to do a Secret Santa and Auction.

Secret Santa
You will be getting an email from the website Elfster soon, which will invite you to participate. The subject is: "Jason invites you to participate in a gift exchange", so watch your junk folders. Once everyone has confirmed/de-confirmed, I will start drawing names, and you will receive another email telling you who your secret santa gift receiver is.

Auction
This is Jamie's awesome idea. In addition to buying a gift for your secret santa gift receiver, you should buy two smaller joke gifts. These gifts will be auctioned off using monopoly money, with the gifts going to the highest bidder. Simple, no? Use your creative skills/funny bones for these!

PC 2008 Logistics
Ah logistics..... I suggest Monday, December 22 for a date. As for a time, how about 2:00PM to start? As for location, well... any takers? Thanks to Emily to making her place available, but this is after her mom's back. So any one else up for hosting? Also thanks to Erin for making her place available. The host/ess can feel free to tweak anything about the time and format.

Conclusions
I know this email may not express it, but I am EXCITED to see everyone again. I hope all goes well in these latter days of exams and papers and work, and I hope to hear from you all very soon!

~Ruba

Trying to squish the wonders of xmas i nyc in 1 week

well i'll be home next fridayand I can't wait to see everyone.
I am remotely amused that this blog is solely used to post gift lists...I won't be getting anyone something from their lists, jus' so y'all know. My family doesn't have any plans so any day works for me. You guys can still call me at the 286- phone number. see everyone soon.
If you guys are gonna bug me to say something that i want, then maybe a new wallet would be good to replace the one that was stolen....*&%&%#%$ #%&^ %*%*%!!!!....or a light scarf like from urban outfitters where they were on sale for like 5$!!! maybe just here, though.
lots of love. Bundles of warmth from a city still without snow.
--Scorpio

Apologies

People have prompted me for a PC X-mas list. Like most years, I don't know what I really want until I sit down and actually think about it.

Well, I know I've said it before, but this is unprecedented in its severity--I am busy. So very, very busy I don't know if I'll finish my work. As a class, we have never felt so close to just giving up and calling it quits. It's pretty bad.

I mean when I say I can't spare one moment. Sorry! :(

X-mas + research in Africa

X-mas! I can't wait to see everyone.

Yeah, my mom won't be back from her trip to Taiwan and Cambodia for nearly a month. We should totally spend a few days at my place if everyone's free because, you know, the house is too big for two people. And I do have a lot of game consoles. And games. I haven't gotten presents for anyone yet *shrieks* ><

I'm going to Ghana in Africa for about a month this summer with one of my professors. I don't think I believe it yet. ^^ It won't be a vacation by any means because we'll be undergoing intense research training and stuff with all sorts of stuff there. It'll be hot with fixed rations and a lot of local kids and mosquitoes. But I'm SO giddy about it.


Hm... Gifts list...

Books
-Anything by Robin Hobb except Forest Mage and Shaman's Crossing (because I already have those)
-Larissa Lai's When Fox is a Thousand (might not be easy to find)
-Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow (I'm graduating this into the 'keep' section)
-West of January by Dave Duncan
-"How to Draw Manga" series (I have volume 4 already)

DVDs and Games (probably need to split costs)
-The Dark Knight
-Spore (PC game - teehee, I just want to make bug creatures)
-Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (DS game that's not actually out in NA - I do need the English version - yet, but if anyone wants to get a present much later... ^^')

Others
-More warm blankets with designs (I swear I get colder every year despite global warming)
-too-large sweaters
-Good (large) binoculars (probably need to split costs)
-Chapter's Gift Card

I'll put up more if I think of them. :P

Rubin's Pseudo Christmas Wish List 2008

Glepts to my Secret Santa!

These are the things that I would die for this year:

Books

Atwood, Margaret. Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth. Toronto: House of Anasi Press, 2008.

Huffman, Felicity. A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend: For Every Guy Who Wants to Be One - For Every Girl Who Wants to Build One. New York: Hyperion, 2007.


Music
- Anything by Sophie Ellis-Bextor
- Anything by Hed Kandi except Summer of Love 2007, and Taste of Winter 2008.


Games
The Sims 2 Stuff Packs (Any of the following)
-Mansion and Garden
-H&M Fashion

The Sims 2 Expansion Packs (Any of the following)
- Free Time
- Pets


The Honoured Gift Certificates and Gift Cards!
- Banana Republic
- Mexx
- LuLuLemon
- Amazon.ca
- Chapters


Other (and perhaps the most desired)
- One cute guy: 6' or higher, thin/lean body a must, brunette strongly preferred, shaggy hair optional but preferred, blue eyes STRONGLY preferred but optional. Must look good in a suit. Needless to say, must also look good shirtless/pantless/stark naked.

Christmas is A-comin'

Edit The Second!

I actually can't host PC as much as I would want to... Bed in the living room kind of means no room for us. 'Cause, you know, it's small.

Also, so far, have heard that people are interested in Secret Santa, others aren't, and the auction seems interesting. What do you think, people who have no said anything? o_o

Edit

I just wanted to add in here that instead of the usual Pseudo-Christmas thing, we could always go in a bit of a different direction. For example, Secret Santa or we could buy random mysterious presents and then aution them off with fake money, or even a combo of the two (one real secret santa gift and one 'gag' gift for the auction). Nyx also mentioned maybe doing something personal for everyone, like a hand-crafted item or something like that. There's plenty we could do. If you have any ideas, or any preference, throw it in the comments. Me? I'm good with just about anything :)

End Edit

Hey everybody!

First of all, Happy Belated Birthday to the November gals :D

Second, it's getting to that time of year again where we argue over schedules and locations, ponder over presents, and then finally collide at a fun and crazy Pseudo-Christmas bash. But in order to get there, we need to get hoppin' on plans and present ideas, so I thought I'd get the ball rolling.

I believe my mom's apartment in Kensington would be free to host something, though I'd need to confirm for a date. For me, something on the 22nd, 23rd or 24th works best, or I suppose squeezing it in between real Christmas and New Years. I might have more availability but I'm not 100% what my job requires of me for winter break so I'll get back to you.

As for presents, well, have a list :D

TWILL'S WISHLIST

DVDs
Ben 10 seasons 1 and 4
Speed Racer
Iron Man
The Dark Knight

COMICs
DC
Countdown to Final Crisis volumes 1-4 (in order, of course)
JLA: Crisis of Conscience
Amazons Attack
Showcase Presents: The Flash

BOOKs
Bearing an Hourglass by Piers Anthony
Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson

WII
This kind of stuff is expensive so I'll leave it as 'If interested, ask'

MISC
- giftcards for Safeway
- amazon.ca gift certificates
- gift certificates to Another Dimension comics

I would ask, too, that you keep a receipt as some of these items will be told to family for Christmas ideas, some of whom are in other provinces. Also, if you could stick to the list only deviating if there's something you know I'd like, like something superhero-y. Knicknacks of this kind are okay, as are plushies, but that's about it.

:D

Birthday recap

uuuuuuugh I'm so nauseous right now. Luckily I have places to crash in manhattan or I would be a hot mess getting back to new jersey.
My mom came over a couple of weeks ago and we went to atlantic city fort the casinos and then spent the week with her friends. Her friend, for lack of anything better to do or anyone to talk to, game me some really nice pieces of jewelry and a frickin huge laptop. ummmm then my mom got some designer bags and jewelry....i felt like sick cuz i'm not used to al of this.

went out with school friends for dinner and drinks the other day and then LAST NIGHT i finally went to a club....fuck, that was the shit. Atleast now i know i can dance. Too many white girls there though....sorry guys...they were ruining the atmosphere. Anyways....we now must officially go out when i get there....yeeeeeeeeeees. I'm not a frickn club virgin anymore...i feel sick g2g

HAPPPY GOTHIC FESTIVAL OF THE LIGHTS AND MYSTERIOUS!!!!

Gletps all,

Twill is unfortunetly direly busy this Gothic Festival of the Ligths and Mysterious (aka: "Halloween") because she has work, and considering how it's a night of drunken partying throughout Merry Ol' Lister, she's definetly going to be uber-busy.

So, on her behalf, and mine:

HAPPY GOTHIC FESTIVAL OF THE LIGHTS AND THE MYSTERIOUS!

I'm not sloshed as I'm writing this, because my friends cancelled on me at the last minute, leaving me all dressed and no place to go....

No fret though... I'm going to dive into the bath soon, with a bottle of wine, and I'm going to watch Clue, the only thing I have that resembles horror in my DVD collection.

Have a good one, everyone!

~Rubin

Turkey Turkey Gobble

Here's an account of how my Thanksgiving went a week ago. It was glorious!
I took the bus to Toronto visit my friend of the musical name, and we did pretty much nothing but gorge ourselves silly with food. So much food! We only went out to a restaurant once, for greasy yummy Chinese food, and the rest, we made ourselves! Fresh Pizza, Fresh Dumplings!

I mean, I've never tried to make my own dumplings without the aid of parents before, and it is hard, when you don't remember to follow the steps accordingly. But all the hard work paid off, and I ate so much I think I broke my record.

There's just a lot more things to do in Toronto, of which, I didn't really get to do because of time constraints. But I did get to go to a pretty graveyard, have a glorious photoshoot, and stuff myself senseless.

Even though I couldn't come home for Thanksgiving, it was still lots of hearty good fun. A lesson I learned only on the last night of sleeping on the floor, is that a couple of yoga mats go a long way to easing backpain.

How was everybody's Thanksgiving?

Edmonton, and early wishlist

I'll be up in Edmonton from the 7th to the 11th, just as a heads up for those of you up there, except Jamie who already knows. As such, maybe a little mini-get together? Coffee or something? But not at the Starbucks in WEM? XD

Also some further advanced warning for any plans for PS that may start happening soon. I'll be away from Jan 1st until the end of vacation, not that PS ever really happens later than that.

Anyway, here's also a wishlist, since my birthday is mid-November, and because Christmas isn't actually all that far off again, and because why the heck not? It's just an everyone list, so if anyone decides to do a birthday thing, if you could also add becker@minkhollow.ca and jparker@ucalgary.ca to your list if you send out a 'What I Got' email, that would be awesome, because they are also in posession of an identical list. =D

-Bose in-ear headphones
-Good Photoshop technique book geared for artists rather than photographers.
*-I already have Creative Photoshop by Derek Lea but it's the sort of thing I had in mind =D
-Photoshop Studio Techniques by Ben Wilmore
-A poseable wooden hand for artists. Sounds funny, but they exist.
-Fun stuff to put in/decorate my car. For now, if you go for this, go for neutral coloured things like black or white or silver, since I still don't know what colour my car will be XD
-Book: Dune: House _____ box set by Brain Herbert and the other guy.
-Book: Physics of the Impossible by Michio Kaku
-Book: The Reign of Starscream (well, graphic novel, really)
-Book: The Paper Soldier by Hugh Laurie
-DVD: Transformers original cartoon series and the the 1980s animated movie.
-The Jim Henson Hour series (not the Storyteller, I've got that already). There aren't DVDs and it might be hard to find a download.
-...Optimus Prime? But not the Transformers: Animated nonsense.
-Also, things with Autobot/Decepticon symbols
-SD cards, preferably 2gb or more (tip: Duracell sells some really cheap)
-Erin needs a Fields Op Rodney McKay action figure.
-Something you think I'd like that you know I couldn't get for myself, or something only you could get me. If you want to paint me a picture or something like that, I'm sure Jamie wouldn't mind you differing to her Erinxpertise.

And I think that's it.

EDIT: I've removed the items I got for my birthday.

miss u guys

i've managed to put together the sluttiset out fit ever to go get a job at a restaurant today...cash only man!
wish me luck...but my new boots will be more handy

I'm over the homesickness but what are you guys up to? like, how do you keep busy?
I'm gonna try to get into a bar today and hopefully they won't care that I'm not 21...but i can't be a hremit forever and I'll never meet anyone at this rate so i better to do it the old fashioned way...drunk out of my mind dates.

If you have better suggestions...email me

Who is using facebook? I never see anything on the feed anymore....might as well take you all off my top friends! AAHAHAHA. no...but check out the video i posted at least

love always

Edmonton-bound

I will likely soon have cause to be up in Edmonton shortly! The details are cloudy for the moment, but I'm trying for Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

Of course, I would love to drop by for a visit to the U A'ers! I don't know if I'll be able to find my way to you guys, or just be hopelessly lost in an unfamiliar city, but that's a worry for later. It is unlikely I will be able to stay for a long period of time, however. But lunch, maybe? Cookies? Coffee? A chat at least.

Hoping to see the Edmontonians soon!

Laptops Laptops Galore

What have I learned in the first few days of coming back to Kingston?
that laptops are being stolen left/right, and you should carry it like your unborn child or chain it to your back like the extra hump from Hunchback of Notre Dame?

Also, to always close your windows and lock your doors, not because the barbarians are coming, but because ppl will cut through the window screen and crawl through your ridiculously small window to steal you/your housemate's laptops.

Also, to not ever leave your laptop unattended in the library, because it will also get stolen.

I normally wouldn't care, because my old laptop was a piece of junk, but I recently got a new one, and like my other friend said, he would rather part with his girlfriend than his laptop...

p.s. Fringe looks promising, if only because crazy Denethor/sarcastic Pacey is in it.

One Last Hurrah!

Hey everyone!

I'll be returning to residence on Sunday, August 24th, and I would like to see as many people as possible one last time before I go. So, I was wondering if you would be interested in going out for dinner one night between August 17th-21st. We could pick somewhere in Crowfoot, or Dalhousie, or Brentwood. Or, if we want to try something new, there are some neat restaurants in Kensington - Muse, Broken Plate - that we could try.

So! If interested and available, please comment with your preferred date and restaurant/area to eat in, and we can see if something will work out. Hopefully Starwing and Kris will be back in time to join in!

Toodles for now :D

Made In China, Part II

The plaque says: Dolce&Gabbana Woman Leather Collection.
...What are the chances that it's an authentic? ;-;


Off to Grandma's house apartment.


My Chinese is so bad. I can't read the signs.





Some seals that live in the lake.


A calligraphy master writing with his homemade brush, using lake water as ink. Feels like a lost art.


拔丝地瓜. Yum.



The mascots...they're everywhere!




Prayer wheels galore.


Gift shop. Had no money to buy things. :(


Sadly, not a mime.


Foreigners getting a guided tour of the Olympic grounds. We kind of mooched off of their tour. Shhhhh.


Lots of volunteers are on the streets (presumably going from one orientation to the next). Only 4 more days!

...I'm going to go get some Hello Kitty ice cream (it's basically teeny tiny Drumsticks).

China Syndrome, Part I

This is approximately week 2 of my vacation. Dad's got a really bad cold/flu thing and I have the sniffles, so we're all going to rest for the next couple of days. I want to take a day just to wander the streets and take pictures of the vendors and stores (and of course, all the bad Engrish signs).

Where to start...First, Air Canada is awesome (when did that happen?!). They have mini-TVs built in to every airplane seat, and you can watch all the latest movies/TV shows, so an 11-hour flight isn't quite as unbearable anymore (they have Pushing Daisies and Ugly Betty episodes! <3). The food was way better this time, too--we even got served Cups O' Noodles as a snack. xD

The new Beijing airport is ridiculously huge. Marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, giant ferns everywhere...it's so extravagant. We had to take a C-train just to go from Customs to Baggage Pickup.

As expected, the weather is really warm. Every day is around 34 degrees Celsius. After the first day, though, you get used to the heat. Everything has changed! They have big LCD screens on the sides of buildings, and sometimes they play the latest Coldplay or The Killers single! ;o We stayed in Beijing for a couple of days and went to visit the Bird's Nest/Water Cube. The air quality is so bad, it's like there's this perpetual fog hanging over the city. Except the fog can kill you 'cause it's all pollution. Unfortunately, that day, all the main gates were closed and there were barbed wire fences surrounding everything, so all we could do was poke our cameras through the fence holes to get a picture.




There's lots of hype and propaganda for the upcoming Games, and we met this guy on the street (he then proceeded to yell Olympic cheers at us xD).


We went to different parks and such, the most notable one being the Chinese Ethnic Culture Park/China Nationalities Museum. We must've wandered around for 5 hours, but we only covered about 30% of the entire park. My parents participated in this party game thing and ended up winning!



After those days, we all headed down to Jinan in Shandong province (my birthplace!) to visit family and hit up all the major landmarks. The air is much better here, I can actually see the blue(-ish) sky!

Now, there are two things I am deathly afraid of doing here:
1) Crossing the road (I've been nearly run over twice--the little green "You can cross now" man LIES), and
2) Lake/water-related activities (I had a traumatic experience with a paddle boat the last time I was here)

So naturally, on my second day here we went to Baotu Spring Park and Da Ming Hu (rough translation: Giant Lake) and rented a boat to explore the waters. It wasn't a paddle boat this time (thank God) and my Dad had great fun as ship's captain, ensuring that we would not die in a watery grave (I really can't steer a boat). :D




Family is all good and well. Everyone's busy with their own lives now so I don't see everybody every day anymore (which is ironic, because I used to dislike big gatherings, but now I miss it). But, as Twill would say, every day is an ADVENTURE!

Anyway, I'll stop here today. There are lots more stories and pictures, but I'm saving the juicy stuff for your postcards. I'll do a picspam later-ish.

P.S. I hate the secret Internet filters here. >.< I can't visit your blog, Kris! T_T

i realised how poor my french was when i was gonna title this "bon vonyage"

well i won't have internet access or any remote access to the "world" for the next month. I'll be in touch when i get back to nyc in september. Everyone who is abroad right now...i hope u enjoyed your trips, and everyone else...do enjoy Calgary's weather because it is remarkably better than Toronto right now with the non-stop rains. Again, it was great to see everyone again. Have a safe trip back to your respective schools and make your last undergrad year unforgettable. We deserve to go to our grads in another limo...the really fancy ones....cuz that's how awesome we are...lol. g2g.
lots of love....keep in touch
OW

Wanna come to my place Aug 3? (EDITED)

Huh? Huh?!

For social game afternoon / evening! RSVP!!! I'll be phoning!

It'd be maybe 1pm or 2pm. POTLUCK DINNER. Optionally, bring also a casual, party sorta game. :)

DIRECTIONS (transit):
-Dalhousie
-Take the 154 or 429.
-Get off after the Tom Baines junior high stop.
-I can come retrieve you on foot.

or, I can just come retrieve people from Dalhousie.
or, if you just cannot go by transit, I suppose I could pick people up!

Blast...I still haven't seen Sex and the City and refuse to move on until then

Batman iiiis my favorite and gotham iiiis the ultimate city.
aah...i feel so educated with superhero knowledge now.
ex. Fantastic Five, Green Lamp post, Captain underpants

Who here knows when starwing gets back? I muchly need a cat sitter.

Anyways, my hip is messed up and I can't walk...send me some emails cuz the pain killers are too weak to keep my mind off the pain! damn it! they should make serious over-the-counter drugs for wretches like me, not this 200mg crap.

Hey Nyx, when do you leave?

I'd like to know for planning that aforementioned thing I was interested in hosting, please. :)

Dark Knight

What? No buzz among us to see the movie? Or have you already all gone? :|

Neil Patrick Harris & Nathan Fillion!

And some girl. I'm sorry, I don't watch BTVS.

http://www.drhorrible.com/

The good part starts at around 4 mins (for Act One). NPH can sing. Really good. o_o Nathan Fillion is awesome as always.

Upcoming plan

Hey guys,

I have in the works a social game night that I'll be hosting. We'll come, STAY FOR A GOODLY AMOUNT OF TIME, play a bunch of party games (I HOPE to abstain from video games, but that is a possibility), eat...and play some more things! With mostly party games in mind, I hope it'll be full of hilarity, light-hearted teasing, and much talking. :)

I'll post more details as the details and date become clearer to me (and some games arrive), but it must be before Nyx leaves for China, hopefully.

BTW...whoever got Dirty Minds as a gift that night--you know, that one--I would much encourage that game being brought. And wasn't there some other game given/received that night? I recall some psychology/ink blots kinda thing too...am I missing anything else? Well in any case, they may be great material for such an event, so whoever owns the games, do bring it please.

Hey Twill

I just talked to you and forgot that the real reason that i called was to say happy Birthday! "Happy Birthday"!!
Yeah so it's too bad that work takes up so much time. We'll have a good time this weekend, though. It'll be nice to see you again.
I'm gonna go search up marvel comics now...damned if I schould lose because of a bunch of little comic characters!! Blast!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TWILL!!!

Ah dearest Twill,

On the happiest of days, I wish thee the most joyous and festivous (yes, fesitvous) of tidings as you sail onwards into the glorious, yet uncharted, waters of International Legality.

All the best to you in this, and many, many years, and my the tidings from Clearwater and beyond bequeath you with all the fortune and happiness in the Land.

Tidings from Higherton Shire,
~Ruba

Presents :3

CHECK YOUR EMAILS! :D

DVDs
- Disco Pigs
- Speed Racer (if it's out)
- Ben 10 seasons 1+2+3 (starting with season 3 and working backwards, preferably)
- Justice League: A New Frontier (not the extended edition)

COMICS

DC
- Infinite Crisis**
- 52 vol. 1-3
- Amazons Attack
- Greatest Stories Ever Told: Batman 1&2
- Justice League: A New Frontier (by Darwin Cooke)
- The Flash: Secret of Barry Allen
- Batman: The Killing Joke
- Justice League: Countdown to Final Crisis Vol. 1*
- Justice League: Crisis of Conscience*
- Superman Vs. The Flash
- Justice League: The Nail
- Justice League: The Lightning Saga Vol. 1

MARVEL
- House of M
- Marvel Zombies

BOOKS (by author)

Scott Adams
- Stick to Drawing Comics, Monkey Brain! (Cartoonist Ignores Helpful Advice)

Piers Anthony
- On a Pale Horse

Rick Riordan (found in the young readers/kids section)
- The Battle of Labyrinth

OTHER
- gift card to Safeway
- gift card to BestBuy
- blank DVD +RW
- gift certificate to Another Dimension Comics in Kensington
- Super Munchkin

Future Movie Sequels

( Because Hollywood is desperate. )

LULZ @ CARS 2 & WAR OF THE WORLDS 2.

I WANT DARK KNIGHT NAO. D:

George R R Martin in Calgary!

End of October to early November at some convention here!!!

Just for the interested to know....yeah, I know it's ages away, haha. Still, I'll have to make it a point to go. Starwing may be interested as well! :D By then I imagine he'd be done the next one, so hopefully there'll be a reading?...

WHO WANTS TO INDULGE IN MY GUILTY PLEASURE???

Four words: Sex and the City....

WHO WANTS TO SEE IT WITH ME???? It's a secret, guilty pleasure of mine.... but yes, I do want to see it sooner or later....

Kris, I know that you will be on board, at least.

Summertime Schedules

Hey everbody!

I'm sorry I missed out on the picnic but alas prior plans and things just didn't work out to get me there. Glad to hear it was fun, though. Maybe something like this will happen again ;)? Obsidian suggested swimming, and there are other fun summertime things out there. Perhaps even Calaway Park one day? :p

Anyway, I wanted to ask what everyone's schedules are like for June and the early part of July. Since there's a certain something coming up that I'm planning for ;) I'm interested in knowing any free days or definitely not free days that might be coming up. Weekdays free are especially valuable, too.

And I guess that's it. Lemme know :)

EDIT: So far I think I'm looking at something after June 25th and before July 15th. Please let me know what your schedules are like during this period, or at least let me know what times work best. I want to get as many people together as I can :)

Things That Make Me Extremely Happy

1. The Office (Japanese version)


2. Robert Downey Jr. on American Idol. YES PLZ. He is so hawt.


3. Flushed Away is a mediocre movie at best. But halfway through you're introduced to a new character named "Le Frog" (OMG) who has his own army of French frog ninja minions (DOUBLE OMG) and the pièce de résistance...






Le Frog: We leave immediately!
Henchfrog: What about dinner?
Le Frog: We leave... in five hours!

Hawt Frenchness.

A Group-Based LSAT Logic Question

With six of us down at Bowness park the other day for some summer time picnic goodness, we encountered a little conundrum that for some reason I found highly, highly amusing, and conveiently could be framed like one of those infamous logic questions that you see on the LSATs and such:

Natrix, Obisidian, Kris, Melody, Starwing, and Rubin are interested in renting some boats for some summer time picnic goodness and fun at Bowness Park. The following conditions apply:

- A kayak can only seat one person
- A canoe can seat up to three people
- A paddle boat must seat two people
- Natrix prefers to be in a kayak, but can also be in a canoe; He refuses to be in a paddleboat
- Kris can be in a canoe or a paddleboat.
- Kris cannot be with Obsidian (his shins are at risk)
- Melody can be in any boat; she refuses to be alone with Kris
- Obsidian must be paired with Starwing or Natrix
- Rubin can be in a canoe or a paddle boat, but if he is in a canoe, he must be with someone who has experience with a canoe

If the Group rents one kayak, one canoe, and one paddleboat, who will be in each boat?

Go Speed Racer Go!

I'm just wondering...

Is there anyone who is interested in seeing the Speed Racer movie? Anyone at all?

New Coldplay (Five Thumbs Up) / Olympic Mascot Weirdness

Starting today, and for this week only, you can download the first single off of Coldplay's new album from their site. This is the album that's going to have a Hispanic influence, and at first I was wary about the whole thing but the song sounds awesome. I can totally see it in a soundtrack for a new badass (yet angsty) Western/shoot-'em-up film. It's nice to see artists finally realizing the benefits of viral marketing and offering free music. Coldplay can do no wrong. <3
Was a long and dark December
When the banks became cathedrals
And the fog
Became God
------------------------------------
I was browsing the 2008 Olympic store and I came upon some freaky mascot badges. I can't think of a 'cutesy' way to show the shooting events, but somebody had to have realized the irony of a panda happily holding a gun. I'm glad Beibei has all the water sports--no controversy there. ;)

The Perfect Song For Summer

= The Maynards commercial song by Canadian band Major Maker. It's light, poppy, fun and cheesy. Enjoi.

Hey girl

I can't say I wish dry-anything upon you for your birthday, but have a great week. Buy yourself a pinnata or something pretty! Lots of love.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OBSIDIAN!!!

Ah dearest Obsidian, Mistress Nia of the House of Obscurity,

All the best to you on this, the most joyous of days. The weather maybe sucky and cold and windy and blowy and wintery, but then again, this is the day of your patron goddess, the goddess of Mars, the undead and, all destruction, so that is quite appropriate.....

Drink lots and be merry, for you are in the realm of international legality with.... four of us... and THE REST WILL JOIN US SOON!!!!

I hope you get your driver's license, and I hope you get copious amounts of dry humping by smexy, disease-free brunettes.

Much love from Higherton Shire and me! Duke Rubin, your beloved Facebook husband!

A BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU KRIS!!!

Ah mighty Duke Daft,

I was surprised that no one made a post yesterday, considering it was your birthday. In any case, I'm pretty sure I called you to wish a happy birthday.... I vaugely remember doing so admist the wine..... indeed...

A BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! You're not old, but do start stocking up on the botox...

Rule and be happy, Duke Daft of Dukeborough!!!!

As for me, my head's really hurting... wine is like a very bad date; it's nice to you the evening of the date, then it turns evil in bed overnight and the morning after --_--.

No one sticking around in Edmonton this year?

Is everyone going to be back for the summer this year?

Or are there going to be one or two taking summer classes again?

Just curious. :) Would like to see you all--break's coming up soon!!

If anyone IS up in Edmonton through May...there'll be a set of ads running in The Edmonton Journal on Saturdays from yours truly and a friend! :D We're developing them now as a freelance commission, and it's pretty much confirmed, they've signed off on the contract, so 2 ads are due before May for them. With 4 Saturdays in the month, they'll just be alternating, probably.

So excited! Actually, I'd prefer if everyone came back--I can always see the newspaper at a...*gag* LIBRARY. I wonder if I can secretly clip it? Or clip it the day after, on Sunday? Because what do libraries do with them anyway after the day is up?

I should ask the library obsessive. I bet she'd give me a complete process on what happens...

Somebody Slap Me

I've never liked Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana or her weird YouTube channel, and I don't particularly like Madonna's new song 4 minutes, but somehow when those things are mixed together, they don't form a hideous, runny pile of puke/crap.



Maybe the accounting has finally gone to my head and I'm delirious, but the choreography/dancing is actually...cool. o_o

Somebody slap me. -_o -Goes back to studying-

ZOMG, IT'S SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR!!!

So because I'm usually a few time zones behind in the music world, I just stumbled upon an artist that I've recently fallen in love with that some of you may already know.

Her name's Sophie Ellis-Bextor and besides the fact that she sings with an English-accent AND has a hypenated last name, she has a very unique face shape... I think there's a name for it, but if she wasn't singing, she wouldn't be out of place on a fashion runway some where for a big name designer. Her music style is pretty cool.... apparently her musical inspiration is electronica, 1980s and disco, and to me, she kinda has a dash of Madonna mixed in with a dash of Kylie Minogue.

Besides that, she features a number of second-cups in her videos :-D.

Here's a sample of some her work:

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=k6UpEgx-bms&feature=related
(This is where some of you may have seen/heard of her.... this is where she's running around Venice in a red dress)

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Nsi05HkXw
(Second cup #1.... I'm in love with the guy she's dancing with...... Also her quirkiest song/video, in my opinion.)

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=2GEBF1w-ZJ8
(Second cup #2..... Also in love with the guy she's speed dating with... HE HAS SUCH A NICE SMILE!!! Also a sample of how beautiful she looks regardless of hair colour.)

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=sL0ppUq8ch8&feature=related
(This is the one that convinced me that she could be a haute couture fashion model..... I believe the actual song is a remix of one of Cher's songs.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=PLSFE6O9YgQ
(I think this is my favourite video thus far.... a lot of energy in this one.)

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=dccuaIN-dtc&feature=related
(Correction.... this one is my favourite video thus far.... very cool, especially the beginning.)

Hope you enjoy! I know I am!!! SOPHIE!!!! *DIES*

You won't believe your eyes

Watch, beginning from 0:16. Hilarious doesn't begin to describe it...

Take a look at my ad portfolio

Heya,

I've been redonkulously busy these past few weeks, and a lot of it went towards a portfolio site for my advertising work. Well, it was officially completed early this morning, very very quickly from inception, thanks to the great help of two friends. One provided a practically functioning site for me a few hours after he got my message (because while I can now set up a reasonably adequate site with divs and CSS Styles thanks to Web Design I last semester, it takes me ages to get it right--and he did it free! Owe him tons there...), which I spent a long time tweaking to exactly what I needed. And then another hosted my site for free, too. Sometimes, the generosity of friends is so amazing, especially in the light of bad weeks...

Anyhow, take a look! I hope you enjoy it! :)

Advertising Portfolio

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUBIN!

..because I figured you wouldn't post it for yourself!

You'll have to fill in all the wonderful titles, though...

Hope you have a great one full of fun, friends, Starbucks, and "Second Cups!" ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NYX!!!!

My dearest Nyx, Duchess Mei-Li of the Forest of Flamboyancy,

A THOUSAND blessing unto you, on this most joyous of days! May your kingdom be strong and vibrant for a thousand years and your reign last that long as well! Indeed!

Happy birthday to you, my dear! I hope you'll have yet another chance to celebrate your entrance into the world on international legality!

SALUTE!!!!

~Rubin

May your patron goddess, the goddess of coffee procrastination and cynicism keep you!

Happy Birthday Natrix!

Felicitations! Bonne fete!

Once again the year has turned a page and passed along a bit of age and wisdom. Who's up to get the first dose but our beloved Natrix, some kind of Duke that Rubin will fill us all in on later (because I don't want to dig out that email :P).

I hope you found something to make the day a little special, a little less ordinary than all the rest (major holidays excepting?), and that your various homeworks did not eat you alive.

Happy Birthday, and may you continue to age gracefully.

P.S. - "Procrastination harms the man prepared for action!"

My first Frenchman encounter

At the risk of putting off French-ophiles, I thought I'd share...

Myself and a party of others had the...distinct experience (not pleasure) of getting waited on by a Frenchman at a restaurant Saturday evening (for a birthday party), the Red Door Bistro or something. A fancy place, right beside the Amsterdam Rhino Lounge, conjoined and both establishments working closely together. It was an odd dichotomy, actually; eat fine, super overpriced food, and then hop on over to your average club venue? Anyway...

The guy was a dick. To put it simply. We were all feeling it, and when he left, I shared my theory with everyone: "He's a dick because he's French." ^^;

He was mysteriously flustered by our table, despite being the largest and thereby best paying table. We were not behaving badly. Two people just visiting were pretty much forced out because he insisted that everyone absolutely must order. He told us in no uncertain terms to either all leave for the club immediately, or stay, order, and pay cover at the club later. Or, if staying, we could avoid paying cover if our orders were "significant enough." Gosh.

His service sucked as well, not polite at all, and he'd randomly appear behind people and without a word of warning, thrust dishes into place or snatch things away. We all grumbled that this guy's getting no tip...

And then the bill comes, with an 18% gratuity already factored in. Left a bitter taste in our mouths, for sure, with a total that was about $250.

Now, the question remains on whether he was French-Canadian, or truly French, as in European. I'm not nuanced enough to tell, but it was clear he was generically French.

The French are famed for their inhospitality. Is it a similar situation in Quebec? Anyway, I was greatly unimpressed. :(

Corteo NOTE

...because I wasn't sure an Edit to the original would be noticed....

Okay, I may be wrong about the restriction for weekday shows only--the wording is throwing me and some others off, and to be safe (there are no refunds--either the tickets will be invalid, or we'll be made to pay the difference for a regular ticket, yikes!), we've sent questions to Cirque, who says we'll hear back within 48 hours.

Anyway, their note--"Student and senior discounts on regular tickets are available for weekday performances only (Tuesday to Thursday, and Friday at 4:00 p.m.)"--may not apply after all. At the link provided, there is "Buy $34 tickets" and "Buy Regular Tickets." The student and senior discount at the latter is like $54.

That appears to me like that it is referring to that. This promo thing sent to us may be an entirely different offer, that is not restricted to weekday performances. For flexibility of planning, this could be the thing that does it.

So, sit tight if you're of the mind to be better safe than sorry. I'll post their reply as soon as I get it.

THE ANSWER: it counts as a student discount, so this offer is only valid during any weekday showing, excepting Friday (only at 4 pm).

Cirque du Soleil's Corteo in Calgary

Guys,

I thought you would all like to know about a special offer that was passed along to us through ACAD's mailing system that should apply to all students interested...

Unfortunately, lemme just say right off the bat that should y'all be interested, I won't be joining you--I'm already part of a block group of ACADians going, since it reached us first. However, don't let that stop you!

Anyhow, one of Cirque du Soleil's new(er) shows, Corteo, is coming to Calgary, starting late July to mid-August. The special promotion is for student tickets--what's required is a "valid student ID at entrance." Obviously, all eligible, right?

Anyhow, the tickets are only $34! Believe me, that is a GREAT deal. Granted, it only applies to their lowest grade of seats (4 sections of tier 3 to choose from, I think), but unless you want a better ticket at near or even exceeding $100.... Note that "Student and senior discounts on regular tickets are available for weekday performances only (Tuesday to Thursday, and Friday at 4:00 p.m.)."

Don't let that worry you. Having went to Alegria when it came here with my siblings, it was quite expensive for average seats (not on purpose--the tickets were all snatched up really quickly). Was it still amazing? Yes. I'm not sure anything could much diminish Cirque--it's a treat even to be there!

Max number of tickets per purchase is 19, seats fill first come first serve. Again, they go fast, so if anyone is at all interested, get the group rounded up quick! The show takes place again at the Currie Barracks area, and there are usually afternoon and evening showings.

Check it out: Corteo

E-L-E-C-T-I-O-N

Election time in Alberta ppl! Sadly, I was too slow to request my own special ballot so i will be sitting this one out, but that doesn't mean you ppl who live in Alberta shouldn't vote! Participate even if you are jaded/realistic about the outcome of the election. Feel the rush of checking off or marking the X of your choice. VOTE VOTE VOTE!

on another note, I found out my last day of exams which is on the 18th, so I will be returning shortly thereafter. Rejoice!

HARK! Hear the Church bells and clear your schedules!!

To the Dearest Members of the Group:

SOUND THE CHURCH BELLS! PREPARE THE 100 TABLE BANQUET FEAST! CALL OUT THE RING BEARERS, FLOWER GIRLS, BRIDESMAIDS AND GROOMSMEN! CALL THE A-LIST GUESTS! CALL THE PRIEST/RABBI/REVEREND/FATHER/OTHER RELIGIOUS FIGURE! PREPARE THE CHAMPAGNE! GET OUT THE WEDDING CAKE! PREPARE THE BEAUTIFUL ALTAR MADE FROM PURE WHITE MARBLE! SPRINKLE THE FLOWERS OF A 1000 COLOURS! GET OUT THE CUSTOM-MADE SATIN WHITE GOWN! GET THE $5000 DESIGNER HUGO BOSS/ARMANI SUIT OUT! CALL THE ORGANIST/STRING QUARTET!

Obsidian and Rubin are HAVING A FACEBOOK WEDDING OF GINORMOROUS PROPORTIONS! *SNIFF* WE'RE GOING TO BE SO BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER!!! BEAUTIFUL!!! LIKE A 1000 RADIANT HOT MEN!!!! A THOUSAND!

That's right... as of twenty minutes ago, Obsidian and I have been united in Facebook matrimony! I wish to thank my Best Woman Twill and Obsidian's Gentleman of Honour Natrix for being constant sources of support and for also helping to prod Obsidian into accepting.... *sniff* you can of course, forward gifts to our addresses and when we come back in a few months, we shall be known as a beautiful, raunchy couple!

Many thanks to Rubina, god of the earth, humanity and all creation for creating this union!
May Obsidian, goddess of mars, the undead and all destruction turn her anger and her raging unead hoardes away from us!
May Twill, goddess of dreams, magic and all knowledge bless us with knowledge to keep this union strong!
May Kris, god of time, space and healing keep us verile and youthful!
May Nyx, goddess of coffee, procrastination and cynicism turn her cynicism away from us!
May Natrix, god of voodoo, charisma and righteousness see this union as righteous and guard this union from evil!
May Starwing, goddess of movement, awareness and creative expression keep the passion of this union ignited and in full flame!
May Scorpio, goddess of art, utensils and preparedness grant us strength to face all the challenges that lie ahead!
May Desu, goddess of volume, beauty and lack of definition keep us and this union beautiful for all time!
May Melody, goddess of pain, anger and violence turn her rage from us and instead turn it upon all those who oppose this union!
May the demi-gods and goddess bless this union!
May the mighty Manizons of the god Rubina guard this most blessed of unions!
May the good fairies of Masculinty, Femininity, Fertilty, Dignity, Chivalry, Beauty, Industry, Divinity, Dexterity and Justice shower their joyous blessings upon this union!
May the mighty hound Hideous hunt down the enemies of this union!

May all the mighty deities of the Altar celebrate in jubiltion and grant us unity and strength forever!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

As Obsidian said, HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

Since certain members of our group don't have Facebook, here's what I've been posting in mad wall-posting rampage. I wish you all:

新年快樂! 萬事如意! 心想事成! 如意吉祥! 學業進步!

(Happy New Year! May Ten Thousand of Your Endevaours Go Well! May All Your Wishes Come True! May Peace and Longevity be With You! And May All Your Academics Go Well!)

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

Happy Chinese New Year Everybody!
Doesn't matter if you don't celebrate it, but rejoice anyway! Eat lots of food senselessly, just remember to wear expandable pants! It's going to be the year of the Rat, and then in 2 years, it'll be the year of the rabbit, and we'll be old!!!!!!!!!!!

celebrations galore for everyone. midterms be damned.

pseudo pics

guys, still waiting for my mom to figure out how to send the photos to me so i can post them. She's not so great with emails, but if all else fails, I'll get a CD burned

BRRRRRRR

I really feel for the ppl back in Alberta right now, apparently it's -38, but it feels like -50? Stay warm and remember to wear lots and lots of sweaters!!!!!!! I expect to come back and see a full complement of fingers/toes. If I were you, I wouldn't even go to class.

A Royal Edict from the Grand Court of Duke Rubin

So, after some awesome day dreaming in class, I, Duke Rubin, has competently decided to issue this Edict:

Let it be hereby declared before the Wrought Iron Bench of Meeting that the letter "x" is now abolished from the Shirelese alphabet!

Yes, I have decided to abolish the letter "x" because I have determined that it is the most useless letter in the alphabet (after "c", which has also been abolished from the Shirelese alphabet)... I have determined that most words that use "x" can be replaced with either "z" or "ks"... For example:

"xylophone" is now "zylophone"
"six" is now "siks"
"sixth" is now "siksth"

Indeed, I have discovered that "Natrix" will have to change as well.... and seeing that, Natrix, I hope you are OK with your noble name being spelt as "Natriks" in Shirelese....

But yes..... this is the second letter to be abolished from the Shirelese alphabet! Take that horribe letter! You are now condemed to hall of shame, just like "c" and the prefix "ph"! BAH!

A little late, but ...

Nyx told me about this during Christmas break, and I told her I had to hear it to believe it.... and I finally have... and it's glorious! Enjoy the "Yo Yo Yo Kids" everyone!

2008

Well it's kinda late to say Happy New Year, but I'll say it anyway. Good luck to everyone in the their second semester of doing stuff. Be wary of the ice, because I learned the hard way, and there was poor old me collapsing on the sidewalk because stupid students are too lazy to salt their stupid sidewalks. Keep in touch and revel the good movies that are coming out this year!