Röyksopp

Röyksopp is a Norweigan electronic music duo. This is “Happy Up Here” by Röyksopp. They are now on my list of “favorite electronic music people”.

They have linked up with Robyn on a few songs:
The Girl & The Robot:

and None of Dem (looooove this one!)

My Exhausted Limbic Sytem. And entire cerebral cortex … and body … hell, even my soul is tired.

I saw the Backstreet Boys tonight! OMFG! I have never been so beyond flailing teenager-y since … well, never. I was never even that flail-y of a teen… (thanks to downer drugs & what not). Was some good times! This made up for all the times I missed out. Took advantage of every situation. And I’m so happy Brenden came with me :) Smiles all around.

The most awesome part: in between “sets” during every Backstreet Boys concert I’ve been to (we’re talking about #3 now) they’ve shown videos in the between-time. Soo, this time they had movie trailers. Very cool idea, actually. Howie: Fast & Furious; AJ: Fight Club (favorite movie, might watch it tonight actually… O.o); Brian: I have no idea – a childrens’ movie?? Princes and something … I’m sure I’ve seen that movie before; Nick: The Matrix (The Holy One). So, they had actual clips from the movie, but had themselves “imported” (there is no better word at 3 a.m., especially after thinking of The Matrix) into the scenes.

My account of the after party:

Well... it was at The Union. I went upstairs to be away from people, then I wanted to go downstairs. And the security guard was like "I can't let you go downstairs" and I was like "Huh?? Why??" He said "Because the Backstreet Boys are comin...g up." So I was like "oooohhhhhhh" Then after they came up, swarms (and I mean masses) of people followed them. All I wanted to do was get downstairs so I could get some freaking water!
So, I made it downstairs. And some guy proceeded to tell me I look smart & that I'm beautiful. He asked if he could buy me a drink, unless I buy my own drinks. I said "aww, you don't have to buy me a drink." Then he high-fived me ... and made the offer again about 15 minutes later. Then he started on about how no women like him. I was like "no! No therapy sessions tonight!!" So I walked away. Douche move, I know. But I couldn't do it, not when I was having fun. And avoiding too much alcohol :)

Sooo, then Nick did his thing. He does a lot of house music & I am so fucking sick of house music. I like me some dub step or trance!

So, yeah. He did his thing for like an hour. And it was good, just not my favorite type of techno.
And then I left, called a cab. While waiting for the cab I had a conversation with some guy whose name I can't remember (Eric?). He was trying to get to Sherwood Park. He was like "All I want to do is go home & sleep. I'm sick of life!" Which made me concerned, so he & I talked a bit before a cab came that I was able to take home. Still kinda concerned about him, and I hope he finds out how to be happy (minus inebriants).

Then I went home. And now I write. And now … Dubstep :D

(Lyrics that mean something)

(N.b. I did ctrl c + ctrl v this from a site. I figured "why type it myself when another person has typed it out already?" Hmm. Efficient. This is an up-beat song. The lyrics that grabbed me were "Forgive them, even if they are not sorry", from there I looked up the rest & it's a song full of meaning. Carpe diem, carpe nocte. Smile.)

11th Dimension - Julian Casablancas

I just nod, I've never been so good at shaking hands
I live on the frozen surface of a fireball
Where cities come together, to hate each other in the name of sport
America, nothing is ever just how you plan

I looked up to you but you thought I would look the other way

Even in our own country, we hate each other because of trivial things, such as sports and other such nonsense. The last line means that Americans usually don't notice these things, and even if they do, they usually don't care. They just look the other way.

And you hear, what you want to hear
And they take what they want to take
Don't be sad, won't ever happen like this anymore
So whens it coming? This life's new great movement that I can join
The warning here
Your faith has got to be greater than your fear

People only listen to the what they want to, to what benefits them and only them. The same thing goes with taking. He's asking us when we'll do something about it, when we'll change ourselves. He's trying to warn us that if we continue living the way we do, with so much hate and greed, everything will come crashing down .You can't just give in to the whims of society; don't be afraid to believe your own beliefs.

Forgive them even if they are not sorry
All the vultures, bootleggers at the door waiting
Your are looking for your own voice, but your nervous
While it leaves you trapped in another dimension

Don't be like the rest of us; don't continue to hate people because of past grudges or otherwise. You have to have the strength to rise above and forgive even those you wish not to. The second line are examples of the people who are part of the society of hate towards each other. He's saying to forgive even them. Believe what you want to believe, not what they all want you to believe. Replace the word "Dimension" with "Life". If you base your life off of the lives of everyone else, then you aren't in your own life, you're trapped in someone else's life.

Drop your guard, you don't have to be smart all of the time
I got a mind full of blanks
I need to go somewhere new fast
And don't be shy, oh no, at least deliberately
No one really cares or wanders why anymore
Oh I got music, coming outta my hands and feet and kisses
That is how it once was done
All the dreamers on the run

I'm not really sure of the first part, but from the fourth line on: Don't keep your own opinions and thoughts inside, especially not purposely so that you can be more like everyone else. Nobody thinks to themselves, "Why is the world like this?" anymore. We all just kind of deal with it. The third-to-last line I think means that his life is based around his music, and that he won't let the opinions of anyone else (or even everyone else) change the kind of music he writes (I think this line explains the change in style from The Strokes to this new album). The next lines, he is reminiscing on times when people who wanted to change something actually did something about it.

Were so quick to point out our own flaws in others
Complicated, man was on the wings of robots
If you believe in this world you're not inviting me
But don't think that yet, to the top, now know what to do

Julian points out how ironic it is that people insult others for flaws that even they themselves have. The second line makes no sense to me. The last line, I feel that Julian is saying that he doesn't think the the entire world will change; we've already become too full of hate. But he also recognizes that there will always be shining stars among the sea of hatred that is our society today. He knows that there will always be some people who will understand what's wrong with the world today.

The last two lines explain the title of the song: Getting the world to realize the true problems is like getting to the eleventh dimension - it's nearly impossible.

Technorati Tags: Julian Casablancas,11th Dimension,Lyrics that mean something

My attempt to live a healthy & frugal life

I’m broke. Really really broke. And I don’t enjoy eating unhealthy foods. Maintaining my health has been a balancing act and I’ve never really committed to any real lifestyle change. As much as friends & family have been supportive, it makes a huge difference when somebody else is joining you in the journey. My computer will be joining me. I have named Rod Rico. Anthropomorphizing “him” makes my computer seem a little more like a partner.

Why have I decided to do this at this point in my life? It’s not because I’m unhappy with how I look, I’m very secure with my looks. It’s because I’m unhappy with my energy level & I am concerned about my health in the future (have PCOS, family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, risk of diabetes, and heart problems, possibly more).

Things I have decided to do:

Eat at home. Derr. Whodathunk this would make a huge difference.

Make grocery lists & don’t shop while hungry.

Balance the food groups. I’m a omnivore, I will continue to eat meat. 

Drink more water, less sodas (this I started to do about a year ago. Not a tough transition). Though I do find it difficult to drink enough water. Typically I drink about one cup a day. Hmm. Drink less alcohol (note: I drink only about once or twice a month, usually in the summer, hardly ever in the winter).

Eat small meals more often, say 6 times a day. And eat breakfast.

Find a way to enjoy eggs. Ew.

Prepare & freeze meals so they can be thawed & eaten on the inevitable lazy days.

Read more books. Fiction & non-fiction.

Walk more. Get outside more often.

One word: Multivitamin.

 

Last night I had an epiphany: I have the right stuff for a smoothee! It’s a small step, but it’s a step.

1 Orange (in lieu of orange juice and for want of pulp)*

1 Kiwi

1 Apple

2 Banana

Yogurt (Cherry)

*Would have been just as tasty with two oranges.

And I made a soup in my slow cooker. Chicken soup.

Some kind of fresh herbs. I don’t know which ones. A bunch of them that seemed like they’d make my soup taste good(er)

Chicken broth

Chicken

Tomatoes (diced)

Carrots (full baby carrots)

Onion

Celery

I’ll be trying it in about 3 hours. Fingers crossed. Not that it’s difficult to mess up chicken soup…

Oh-my-gee!!

As I sit here at 3:40, watching an infomercial about the Magic Bullet (for the record, I wanted one before this moment in time). Nothing really exponentially amazing has happened lately. But life and happiness is all about the little events. Such as  this: I have tickets to see The Backstreet Boys. I don’t think my limbic system has been this stimulated since I was a teenager!

August 9, Rexall Place, 19:00, I will embrace and indulge my inner teenager. Again. And I’m forcing my boyfriend to come with me. Though I maintain the theory that he is secretly excited and would never admit it.
What else is new … I moved, which has been quite the rollercoaster ride. For a few reasons:

• I moved to north Edmonton… which is a huge deal only because I have lived on the south side since moving to Edmonton, eight years ago! I like this part of the city though… public transit is more accessible, making it easy to get to the south side should I feel the need for that comfort.
• I have a roommate for the first time since … pretty much ever. I lived with my brother for a year, followed by living alone for nearly five years. Which was followed by a year of living with a (now) ex-boyfriend. Which was followed by living alone for another year. This is the first time I’ve ever lived with a person with whom I didn’t have a developed relationship. It has been … a learning experience, to put it nicely. But nonetheless, I learned the lessons to be had. And I learned them quickly.

… I hadn’t found a job in the north end. I didn’t even try looking for one. Then the night before I was going to hand out resumes, my boss (from my old job) called me and offered me shifts for the next month. Yeah! It was very nice timing. Allowed for me to take my time to find another job, closer to home.

… I rediscovered a love for books. Right now I’m reading “A Nurses Story” by Tilda Shalof. It’s so good that I almost decided to be a nurse. I decided to not be a nurse for a good reason, so I’m sticking to my current career path (My mantra: must maintain focus!).

And I’m reading “Ancestor’s Tale: A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Life” by Richard Dawkins. A lot/most people are intimidated by the size of the book and instantly say “oh my god, that must be an intense book. I could never understand that.” To that statement I say “Bullshit!”, it’s not difficult to understand! Maybe it’s just that Dawkins explains it in a way I understand, but he explains himself well & the book is not a difficult read. Long, yes; difficult, no.

… I’ve finally decided to watch The Atheism Tapes. I have figured out the best way I can pay attention to the discussion is if I’m doing something else at the same time. So far I’ve watched four of the six conversations. I’ve been impressed by all of them, with the exception of the theologians argument for the existence of a god. Though, I can understand the point he is trying to make – he’s just no good at explaining himself. It seemed like he didn’t put in the effort, for whatever reason. Obviously he has arguments that maintain his belief in a superior being, but he didn’t explain those in a compelling, convincing way. The conversation I could understand, and whose viewpoint I could most understand, is Colin McGinn. He explained his perspective very well. Definitely worth checking out, I think you can watch it on YouTube.

I think I’m quite passionate about antitheism right now because of what is on TV: one of those televised Christian sermons. I do not want to feel guilty, thankyouverymuch. We are human, we have morality. Religious and non-religious people, at times, act immorally simply because we’re not perfect. We are capable of acting morally without religion. I know there are few, very simple points that every atheist person emphasizes and repeats. It is an act to de-villainize the meaning of the word “atheist”. There is nothing wrong with it.

With that, I say

Everybody love everybody!

Less than three.

“ I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way. ”

 

My favorite YouTube people

Jon Lajoie is a Canadian, which makes me like him most. He has done a ton of music videos and commercials. This is one of his commercially-skit type of videos. It’s sometimes crude humour. No, it’s all crude humour. But he’s funny. I think he is anyway.

 

SxePhil is a guy. He’s been making YouTube videos for a few years now. But he comments on … daily news. A lot of American politics, but he has the “Douchebag of the Day”, “BAMF [Bad Ass Mother F*cker”] of the day”, among other things. He involves his viewers by asking them for responses to random questions related to something that he commented about in his video. I love his sense of humour.

Random 5 Songs from my iTunes that I actually like.

Reach out of the Darkness – Friend & Lover (1968)
I think it's so groovy now
That people are finally getting together
I thinks it's so wonderful and how
That people are finally getting together
Reach out in the darkness
Reach out in the darkness
Reach out in the darkness
And you may find a friend

I knew a man that I did not care for
And then one day this man gave me a call
We sat and talked about things on our mind
And now this man he is a friend of mine

Don't be afraid of love
Don't be afraid, don't be afraid to love
Everybody needs a little love
Everybody needs somebody
That they can be thinking of

Human (Thin White Duke Dub remix) – The Killers (2008)
… it’s a remix. Here are the original lyrics:

I did my best to notice
When the call came down the line
Up to the platform of surrender
I was brought but I was kind
And sometimes I get nervous
When I see an open door
Close your eyes
Clear your heart...
Cut the cord

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we human?
Or are we dancer?

Pay my respects to grace and virtue
Send my condolences to good
Give my regards to soul and romance,
They always did the best they could
And so long to devotion
You taught me everything I know
Wave goodbye
Wish me well..
You've gotta let me go

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we human?
Or are we dancer?

Will your system be alright
When you dream of home tonight?
There is no message we're receiving
Let me know is your heart still beating

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
You've gotta let me know

Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
My sign is vital
My hands are cold
And I'm on my knees
Looking for the answer
Are we human
Or are we dancer?
Are we human?
Or are we dancer?
Are we human
Or are we dancer?
… and here is the music.

Going on – Gnarls Barkley (2009)

Going On
I’ve seen it with my own eyes
How we’re gettin’ otherwise
Without the luxury of leavin’
The touch and feeling of free is
Untangible technically
Something you’ve got to believe in
Connect the cause and effect
One foot in front of the next
This is the start of a journey.
And my mind is already gone
And though there are other unknowns
Somehow this doesn’t concern me.

And you can stand right there if you want
But I’m going on
And I’m prepared to go it alone
I’m going on
To a place in the sun that’s nice and warm
I’m going on

And I’m sure they’ll have a place for you too oohoohoo

Anyone that needs what they want, and doesn’t want what they need
I want nothing to do with
And to do what I want
And to do what I please
Is first of my to-do list
But every once in a while I think about her smile
One of the few things I do miss
But baby I‘ve to go
Baby I’ve got to know
Baby I’ve got to prove it

And I’ll see you when you get there
But I’m going on
And I’m prepared to go it alone
I’m going on
May my love lift you up to the place you belong
I’m going on
And I promise I’ll be waiting for you oohoohoo


Say Yes – Elliott Smith (1997)
I'm in love with the world through the eyes of a girl
Who's still around the morning after
We broke up a month ago, and I grew up - I didn't know
I'd be around the morning after
It's always been wait and see
A happy day and then you pay
and feel like shit the morning after
But now I feel changed around and instead of falling down
I'm standing up the morning after
Situations get fucked up and turned around sooner or later
I could be another fool or an exception to the rule
You tell me the morning after
Crooked spin can't come to rest
I'm damaged bad at best
She'll decide what she wants
I'll probably be the last to know
No-one says until it shows and you see how it is
They want you or they don't
Say yes
I'm in love with the world through the eyes of a girl
Who's still around the morning after




I Need You – Faith Hill with Tim McGraw (2007)

(Tim McGraw)
I wanna drink that shot of whiskey
I wanna smoke that cigarette
I wanna smell that sweet addiction on my breathe
I wanna ride across West Virginia in the back seat of a Cadillac
You know some cowboys like me go out like that
So I need you
Like a needle needs a vein
Like my uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs a rain
And I need you
Like a lighthouse on a coast
Like the father and the son need the Holy Ghost
I need you

(Faith Hill)
I wanna get lost in some corner booth, Cantina Mexico
I wanna dance to the static of an AM radio
I wanna wrap the moon around us, lay beside you skin on skin
Make love til the sun comes up, til the sun goes down again
Cause I need you
Like a needle needs a vein
Like my uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs a rain
I need you
Like a lighthouse on a coast
Like the father and the son need the Holy Ghost
I need you, OOH I need you

(Tim McGraw)
I wanna drink that shot of whiskey
I wanna smoke that cigarette
You know some cowboys like me go out like that
So I need you, wohh I need you
I need you I need you I need you, I nee-ed you

Exogenesis: Symphony

Exogenesis: Symphony, Part 2 by Muse

I like it, but you can decide what you think :)

Lyrics

Rise above the crowd,
And wade through toxic clouds,
Breach the outer sphere,
The edge of all our fears,
Rest with you,
We are counting on you,
It's up to you

Spread, our codes to the stars,
You can rescue us all,
Spread our codes to the stars,
You muse rescue us all,
Tell us, what is your final wish?
Now we know you can never return,
Tell us, what is your final wish?
We will tell it to the world

Axe Cop, so cute

This link was sent to me by a good friend. It's so. damn. cute!
Axe Cop is a comic. It's not just comic. It's written by a 5 year old, illustrated by his 29 year old brother.

Here is a video of Episode One:


And the writing process:


There are, as of today, 15 episodes. And an entire website. It's especially adorable to people who gush over the creativity of a child ... or anything kids do.

Consistency. And books.

I've decided I need consistency in my life. Therefore this will be my constant. Have I solved for x? Not in the least.

I'm reading a book right now (a few books, actually). But this one I've borrowed from Brenden. It's called "House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski [link to Wikipedia]. 'Tis quite a unique book. The way it's written. Not the style of writing, but the way the story is presented to you, visually. The style of writing, with all its intention errors, makes the book seem more like a real account of the story. I haven't read enough of it to say any more about it, but it has been strongly recommended.

Another one I just finished was "A Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley [link to Wiki]. Dear god, everybody has to read this book. I'm going through a dystopia phase. Not sure why, but I'm enjoying the dystopian horrors. However, the book I'm most eager to read is "The Island" also by Aldous Huxley. 

Why would I be so eager to read these books? Why should everybody find these books interesting? 

Because of the subjects that are described. See the comparison on the Wikipedia page of "The Island". Each society described in each of the books uses a similar method to satisfy the citizens. However, each society has a very different motive and use of the methods. For example, each book describes the drug use; each book describes the intent of the drug use in polar opposite lights. 

Since these two books are, in my opinion, a reflection of today's society, they are both reading. The potential of society & the possible effects of it (depending on perspective, of course). I could go into more depth, but those who know me well know my opinion on the topics that are compared. Hint: my opinion is closer to those described in "The Island", but I have yet to read it to confirm that I do or don't agree.

A completely different book now, "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War" by Max Brooks, zombie expert. (He also wrote The Zombie Survival Guide). Many hours of sleep were lost because of this book. Many hours were well-spent reading this book. The man's ability to make you think these characters exists makes you wonder if he has a few personas he portrays & has spend time acting as if he were these people. Well, maybe not to that extreme. Definitely not to that extreme. Whatever. It's a good book.

It's a collection of interviews of people who experienced & survived the Zombie War. Y'know, what I liked most about this is that you almost think there had been a Zombie War (that's the point I was trying to get across). And it flows well & all the gods know I like books that flow well. I'd write more about it but I'm tired. Read it, trust me, it's better than good. 

Now here are a few songs I can't listen to enough [links to YouTube]:   

• Thump, by Bertie Blackman
• And The Boys, by Angus & Julia Stone
• Fire, by Kasabian
• We Won't Run, Sara Blasko
• All I Want, Sara Blasko
• (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To, Weezer

And the Boys, Angus & Julia Stone

Yes.

It is 3:20(ish) and I am bored. And, no, sleeping hasn't been considered as a viable option. Therefore, I write.

I went to Chapters today. I can't go into that store and not buy something. But I bought something good (here is where I admit that I bought somethings). They were worth it: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, and Wuthering Heights. And a 2010 wall calendar & a 2010 desk [brain exercise] calendar.

I felt adequate while doing the brain exercise calendar activities. I did one perfectly, (stunned even myself). I was pretty effing proud of that and I [figuratively] gave myself a high five and [not figuratively] did a happy dance. Granted, it was considered "easy", but I figured it out with ease.

And I made myself supper tonight. After going to Starbucks and getting a cinnamon dolche latte. I impressed myself with even the supper: mashed potatoes mixed with cheese & ranch salad dressing and steamed asparagus seasoned with pepper.

OK. Now my day doesn't seem as exciting as it seemed at the time but I still felt compelled to write it down anyway. Whatever. It was a much needed day to relax! 

I have no funny anecdotes and it's kind of depressing. Maybe tomorrow! I will be interacting with humans tomorrow! There is hope. 


Smile.

Port in Patras, Greece.

And it's 2010!!

... I almost forgot ... !!

Enjoy 2010!

Life as I know it

Life has been chaotic lately. Well, not chaotic - nothing abnormal or strange has happened to force me to problem solve & adapt to any situation. It's been busy. Very, insanely busy. Since I work in retail (and after the Christmas gift shopping comes the Christmas gift returning) I have been working more hours than normal & my "me" time has been spent just relaxing. I have today off work. Good news is that I was initially hired as a temporary, seasonal employee but have been hired on as a permanent staff member (nothing has been made official but there has been strong indication). I do like this job, it just leaves very little time for regenerating/refueling my "dealing with people" & "socializing" quotas. 'Tis the life of an introvert, I s'pose. Being around people stirs up much nervous energy that becomes overwhelming & unbearable after a certain point; it's exhausting.

Since I've had very little time to myself, I have had to decide what to do with that time so I can be productive. So far I've been unproductive. But I have noticed little, seemingly insignificant thought patterns emerge. Stress has potential to prioritize your time. I guess it's not so much stress but more the passage of time that has potential to make a person realize what they really value, enjoy, find pleasure doing, et al. (which, consequently, can be stressful if you don't know much about yourself or if you reject/don't embrace those things for whatever reasons). What have I decided to do? Write, read, create & embrace life.

Oh, and I saw Avatar. I cried like a young child. I was happy living in my little Canadian world where I can ignore the selfish, ignorant things that I detest (until I saw Avatar and District 9). Note that I do what I can within my existence & my limited influence to improve the world around me. When customers come into the store and buy movies that have philosophical undertones (e.g. District 9), I try to strike up a conversation about it so they can recognize those undertones & see what I saw in that movie. For the record, I saw District 9 as a reflection of humanity: how humans treat any being that is different. I have only been able to talk to a few people about it since it's been pretty damn but I will be talking to more people about the undertones of movies such as the two that I have mentioned.

Back to Avatar. Yes, I cried. I cried & I shook like a child - similar to how you would have an emotional break down if you experienced something traumatic. The movie was ... amazing & clear. But apparently it wasn't clear to the entire audience. When we were leaving the theater, a young woman approached a young man & asked him what he thought of the movie. His answer: "It was OK. The graphics were OK and the story line was broken. But it was OK." I was stunned at this answer (mainly because it had an emotional impact on my mind). How could that person not have understood the same message that I had seen so loud & clear?! It blew my mind! How could he not have heard that the Na'vi tribe was referred to as "people" but the humans were never once (as far as I can recall) referred to as people. And, in my opinion, to be referred to as a person is a compliment: it means you're sentient, self aware, aware of your impact upon the world, etc..

... Or maybe I just saw too much in the movie ... Who knows! Only the writer knows what his intention was. But I definitely know what the effect was.