This is great, here you can find 43 uses for WD-40 that you probably didn't know before.
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Jars of Clay (yes they are still around!) started a campaign called Blood: Water Mission, which is an organization that is working on building wells in areas of Africa affected with AIDS. The website here is really well designed and has a map and photos of completed wells, along with news articles about them helping. Their '2 Weeks of Sacrifice' is a great idea to raise some money without dipping into your savings account.
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The changing weather in our world has cheese makers worried. According to the cheese makers in this article, the taste of cheese is changing due to changes in weather and because of that, changes in plant life around the fields. This isn't the first product that has changed due to the weather, and i'm sure its just the start of a long list.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Finally a post!
Phew, its been while since i've had a chance to post on here! The past week has been a big up and down week, lots going on.
Saturday we had a great formal cocktail party at my friend Matt's house. He has an amazing back yard, which I plan on using as inspiration for mine next year. Then Sunday I shot dirtbike races in St.Thomas, which turned out really good even though it started with a dust storm which lead into a constant drizzle of rain. Here are a couple shots that I like:
More here
I also shot my first house working for OBEO Tours, which was a disaster. The house looked like an industrial building and some rooms were just too small to get good photos. Then it was raining while i was trying to shoot the outside, and part way through the inside the power went out. Great first gig. The people were really nice tho. Oh and I was stalked by a gang of white geese and a dog that I couldn't decide if it was going to be nice or going to kill me....made it interesting.
And then today Dani's car finally gave in while she was driving to work. Almost overheated and leaking coolant all over the place, so my morning was spent going to get it and taking it to a shop then home while trying to keep the engine cool. So now we're in the market for a new used car.
Sounds like a great week eh!
Saturday we had a great formal cocktail party at my friend Matt's house. He has an amazing back yard, which I plan on using as inspiration for mine next year. Then Sunday I shot dirtbike races in St.Thomas, which turned out really good even though it started with a dust storm which lead into a constant drizzle of rain. Here are a couple shots that I like:
More here
I also shot my first house working for OBEO Tours, which was a disaster. The house looked like an industrial building and some rooms were just too small to get good photos. Then it was raining while i was trying to shoot the outside, and part way through the inside the power went out. Great first gig. The people were really nice tho. Oh and I was stalked by a gang of white geese and a dog that I couldn't decide if it was going to be nice or going to kill me....made it interesting.
And then today Dani's car finally gave in while she was driving to work. Almost overheated and leaking coolant all over the place, so my morning was spent going to get it and taking it to a shop then home while trying to keep the engine cool. So now we're in the market for a new used car.
Sounds like a great week eh!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Gold from God?
While eating lunch yesterday at the Market after Presence, I was talking with some people about whether religious people believed in devine gifts, as in stories of 'a diamond falling from the sky' (literally), or 'gold dust falling from the ceiling of a room'. These are supposed stories from Christians who were "looking" for a gift from God. Which brings about the question, Would God really show himself in the form of riches to someone? If you pray hard enough does this mean a block of gold is going to appear infront of me so that I never have to worry about money again? If i say 'God, if you really exist, show me yourself', will He really just be like *POOF* and there it is? Why would He even think he needs to prove Himself to us? You'd think that if people looked around and actually saw, i dunno, THE WORLD, that would be proof enough?
Then there was a story about someone's tooth filling being suddenly turned to gold. I almost laughed at this one. I could see God doing this one tho. Its kinda like 'haha, you wanted a sign of wealth, good luck getting that sucker out!'
But why do some people think that stories like this are truth? I think it could be some higher people in the religion who think 'Ok, if we say that you'll get rich by coming to our church, we'll get the people in', so they start stories?
I dunno, just trying to understand.
Then there was a story about someone's tooth filling being suddenly turned to gold. I almost laughed at this one. I could see God doing this one tho. Its kinda like 'haha, you wanted a sign of wealth, good luck getting that sucker out!'
But why do some people think that stories like this are truth? I think it could be some higher people in the religion who think 'Ok, if we say that you'll get rich by coming to our church, we'll get the people in', so they start stories?
I dunno, just trying to understand.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
August 9 Links
Here is a great site about Branding. It includes articles about how to successfully brand your new company and more. There are also quotes about branding and links to watch commercials.
A good quote from the site:
"It is a pretty recognizable brand name. Originally it was "Jerry's Guide to the World Wide Web" but we settled on "Yahoo"." - Jerry Yang
http://www.historyofbranding.com
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So for one of the coolest sites I've ever seen, check this one out:
http://users.telenet.be/kixx/
You may need firefox for it...i dunno if it'll work for Explorer. I'd suggest going to this site and just watching in awe with nothing else going on until its done. I don't even know how they do this. Just wow.
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Heres a cool link for those people who are always comparing Bible verses in different versions, here is a new site that you'll love. It splits the screen with whatever two versions you want to compare, verse for verse.
http://onlineparallelbible.com
.
A good quote from the site:
"It is a pretty recognizable brand name. Originally it was "Jerry's Guide to the World Wide Web" but we settled on "Yahoo"." - Jerry Yang
http://www.historyofbranding.com
---------------------
So for one of the coolest sites I've ever seen, check this one out:
http://users.telenet.be/kixx/
You may need firefox for it...i dunno if it'll work for Explorer. I'd suggest going to this site and just watching in awe with nothing else going on until its done. I don't even know how they do this. Just wow.
---------------------
Heres a cool link for those people who are always comparing Bible verses in different versions, here is a new site that you'll love. It splits the screen with whatever two versions you want to compare, verse for verse.
http://onlineparallelbible.com
.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
What I learned From Ribfest
After being in the London Ribfest this weekend, being either scorched by the heat or dampened by the rain, there were a few things that I saw happening that really changed my mind about people in general. The weekend overall wasn't as big of a success for me that I had hoped. But now I am seeing why. Here are some things that I saw happening this weekend:
1. People would rather waste money on fortune tellers than on art (or anything else more essential). For the first 2 days we were set up beside a palm/tarot reader. This made for an interesting experience as we saw people pay upwards of $35 for a 'reading' done by a mother/daughter team (and sometimes the father jumped in as well, giving me the idea that ANYONE can do this). People actually were lining up for this. Besides totally blasting my opinion that people didn't overall believe that crap, I can't believe that someone would pay that much for 10 minutes of possible entertainment. Its totally absurd. I think next year I'm going to ditch the whole art thing and set up a fortune telling tent to bring in the cash. I mean from what I saw, anyone, no matter how uneducated you are, can 'read' palms and people will pay.
2. While sitting in my tent, just waiting around to chat with people, I got to hear how many people can do what I do. This is probably one of the most fun parts of the festivals for me. Now that digital cameras are the big thing, everyone EVERYONE is a professional photographer. It doesn't matter that I spent 2 years in school, the thousands of dollars I have in camera equipment and hours shooting to get the perfect shot. The people coming into my tent with their $300 camera most commonly exclaim "Oh I could take that shot" or "My 4 year old nephew has a photo better than that". Its taken a good deal of patience to not just jump up and yell at them. Fine, you think you can do better? Why aren't YOU here then??? I'm quite happy that these people don't buy anything since they have no concept of art.
3. I can't put a full post just complaining about people, so this is my compliment area. I think everyone should thank the volunteers who worked the festival, either picking up garbage or helping out crazy vendors. From being there all weekend, seeing the same people endlessly emptying garbage, i have to give them credit for sticking it out. They did an excellent job and I never saw garbage on the ground or a overfull garbage can. I also saw two boys helping out a crazy old vendor for at least 30 minutes while he yelled at them and ordered them around like they were his slaves, and yet they helped without complaining. Good job people.
4. Now lastly, on the topic of garbage, I'm going to say that Ribfest has got to be the most environmentally unfriendly festival in the city. Every rib vendor used styrofoam containers for their ribs, resulting in thousands of containers being used and thrown out right away. I am really appalled by the amount being thrown out. Maybe next year they can think of something else, like maybe using paper plates for the 90% of the people who stay and eat at the park. Paper breaks down faster than styrofoam and doesn't take up as much room in the garbage. Think hard about the environment that you're hurting for the future kids, Boys and Girls Club!!
1. People would rather waste money on fortune tellers than on art (or anything else more essential). For the first 2 days we were set up beside a palm/tarot reader. This made for an interesting experience as we saw people pay upwards of $35 for a 'reading' done by a mother/daughter team (and sometimes the father jumped in as well, giving me the idea that ANYONE can do this). People actually were lining up for this. Besides totally blasting my opinion that people didn't overall believe that crap, I can't believe that someone would pay that much for 10 minutes of possible entertainment. Its totally absurd. I think next year I'm going to ditch the whole art thing and set up a fortune telling tent to bring in the cash. I mean from what I saw, anyone, no matter how uneducated you are, can 'read' palms and people will pay.
2. While sitting in my tent, just waiting around to chat with people, I got to hear how many people can do what I do. This is probably one of the most fun parts of the festivals for me. Now that digital cameras are the big thing, everyone EVERYONE is a professional photographer. It doesn't matter that I spent 2 years in school, the thousands of dollars I have in camera equipment and hours shooting to get the perfect shot. The people coming into my tent with their $300 camera most commonly exclaim "Oh I could take that shot" or "My 4 year old nephew has a photo better than that". Its taken a good deal of patience to not just jump up and yell at them. Fine, you think you can do better? Why aren't YOU here then??? I'm quite happy that these people don't buy anything since they have no concept of art.
3. I can't put a full post just complaining about people, so this is my compliment area. I think everyone should thank the volunteers who worked the festival, either picking up garbage or helping out crazy vendors. From being there all weekend, seeing the same people endlessly emptying garbage, i have to give them credit for sticking it out. They did an excellent job and I never saw garbage on the ground or a overfull garbage can. I also saw two boys helping out a crazy old vendor for at least 30 minutes while he yelled at them and ordered them around like they were his slaves, and yet they helped without complaining. Good job people.
4. Now lastly, on the topic of garbage, I'm going to say that Ribfest has got to be the most environmentally unfriendly festival in the city. Every rib vendor used styrofoam containers for their ribs, resulting in thousands of containers being used and thrown out right away. I am really appalled by the amount being thrown out. Maybe next year they can think of something else, like maybe using paper plates for the 90% of the people who stay and eat at the park. Paper breaks down faster than styrofoam and doesn't take up as much room in the garbage. Think hard about the environment that you're hurting for the future kids, Boys and Girls Club!!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Today's Stuff
I am always browsing the internet for cool photos, either just to see them or to get ideas for new projects. Anyway I came accross these ones today, and they are a few years old, but still are pretty cool to see. This is from a sand storm in 2005 in Iraq:
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For those times when you're completely bored at work and you need something to spice up a good 15 minutes, check out http://readymech.com. All you need is a printer, some tape and a high level of boredom and you'll get these fun critters to play with!!
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The New Rules of Website Creation:
(taken from this site)
1. Build: Build and they will come. If they don't what have you lost? Lose quick. Lose cheap.
2. Listen To Users: They will tell you what they like, what they hate and what they want.
3. Don't Market: Don't spend money or time on expensive advertising.
4. Product Is All: Spend money and time on making your product/service as good as you can (this, of course, is marketing but let's not quibble).
5. Ignore The Business Plan: The goals of business plans (e.g. raising capital) are not your goals. Flexibility is much more important.
6. Be Aware Of Competition: Don't be totally insular. Obsess about your customers but don't forget to keep an eye on potential competitors and what they're doing better or worse than you.
7. Self-Publicise: You know more about your business than anyone else so you're the best (and cheapest) person to promote it. Take every opportunity to tell your world about what you're doing.
8. Utilise User Passion: If you show you're listening to them, they will willingly talk about you and promote you. For nothing. Faciliate this in every way you can.
9. Be Frugal: If you don't spend, you don't burn through your cash and therefore retain more of you business in the long run. Equally importantly, frugality makes you focus on the essence of the issues at hand.
10. Have Fun: If you don't love what you're doing, you won't exude passion for it and you're unlikely to do it remarkably well.
----------------------
For those times when you're completely bored at work and you need something to spice up a good 15 minutes, check out http://readymech.com. All you need is a printer, some tape and a high level of boredom and you'll get these fun critters to play with!!
----------------------
The New Rules of Website Creation:
(taken from this site)
1. Build: Build and they will come. If they don't what have you lost? Lose quick. Lose cheap.
2. Listen To Users: They will tell you what they like, what they hate and what they want.
3. Don't Market: Don't spend money or time on expensive advertising.
4. Product Is All: Spend money and time on making your product/service as good as you can (this, of course, is marketing but let's not quibble).
5. Ignore The Business Plan: The goals of business plans (e.g. raising capital) are not your goals. Flexibility is much more important.
6. Be Aware Of Competition: Don't be totally insular. Obsess about your customers but don't forget to keep an eye on potential competitors and what they're doing better or worse than you.
7. Self-Publicise: You know more about your business than anyone else so you're the best (and cheapest) person to promote it. Take every opportunity to tell your world about what you're doing.
8. Utilise User Passion: If you show you're listening to them, they will willingly talk about you and promote you. For nothing. Faciliate this in every way you can.
9. Be Frugal: If you don't spend, you don't burn through your cash and therefore retain more of you business in the long run. Equally importantly, frugality makes you focus on the essence of the issues at hand.
10. Have Fun: If you don't love what you're doing, you won't exude passion for it and you're unlikely to do it remarkably well.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Ribfest Update
Ok so in the rush of getting ready for Ribfest this weekend I put the wrong dates in the last blog. Its actually from Thursday til Monday 11am-8pm.
Sorry for the mistake!
Sorry for the mistake!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Today
One year! Can you believe it. Me and Dani have been married for one whole year as of yesterday. Its gone super fast it seems but I'm happy and its all good! We spent the day just hanging out, had a nice picknic in Springbank, got my butt kicked in a game of Scrabble and went for Brushetta with Feta at kelseys. Over all a good day!
So it is festival time for me again! I'm going to have a tent in the Ribfest in London to sell my art (or try to)! They have an 'Artist Alley' which i'm assuming is a couple artists put into one area of the park for the ribfest. I've never been in this before and have no idea what to expect. The Sunfest a few weeks ago is the largest festival in London for my kinda thing, so ribfest could be good or bad. Either way it'll be interesting. My lovely wife dani will be helping out for the week as well. So if you're in the area, come see me! I think its running Wed-Sunday, 11am-8pm.
This video is just gross if you don't like to see things decomposing. Yet its very informative. This guy took one of each main sandwiches from McD's plus a pack of fries and let them sit in jars for 10 weeks to see what happens. The results of the sandwiches are slightly normal, but the fries are just weird. It just shows you what they could do to your body.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh2bvL7YNts
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So it is festival time for me again! I'm going to have a tent in the Ribfest in London to sell my art (or try to)! They have an 'Artist Alley' which i'm assuming is a couple artists put into one area of the park for the ribfest. I've never been in this before and have no idea what to expect. The Sunfest a few weeks ago is the largest festival in London for my kinda thing, so ribfest could be good or bad. Either way it'll be interesting. My lovely wife dani will be helping out for the week as well. So if you're in the area, come see me! I think its running Wed-Sunday, 11am-8pm.
This video is just gross if you don't like to see things decomposing. Yet its very informative. This guy took one of each main sandwiches from McD's plus a pack of fries and let them sit in jars for 10 weeks to see what happens. The results of the sandwiches are slightly normal, but the fries are just weird. It just shows you what they could do to your body.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh2bvL7YNts
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Saturday, July 28, 2007
Back from the cottage!
Well we just got back from a week up north cottaging, and I'm proud to say that I'm about 5 shades darker (tanned). We had a great week of 24/7 relaxing (like i need it), but it gave me a chance to rest and read and think and plan (and also to fish! but not catch fist...i'm not good at that i found out...). I got some interesting ideas from reading Richard Branson's Autobiography 'Losing My Virginity'. Its a very interesting look into his life, how he came about to create one of the world's foremost companies. It is for sure a must read for anyone getting into business or interested in entrepreneurship.
So this week I've got a few things planned out, hopefully getting some work going with something. Its also my anniversary tomorrow!!! One year! Wow!
So this week I've got a few things planned out, hopefully getting some work going with something. Its also my anniversary tomorrow!!! One year! Wow!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Today's awesomeness
Now to selflessly promote a website. This has got to be the most awesome website i've seen in a while.
Its call Picnik.
Basically its a image editor online. You can edit contrast, colors, apply a vignette, add effects, crop and more! And the best part is that its hooked into facebook and flickr, so you can just take your own photos from there and edit them online!
Now i know this isn't as good as photoshop, but imagine that you can edit a photo from a internet cafe and have it available to see on flickr.
Its free for now, but they are going to start charging soon, so check it out while you can!!!
http://picnik.com
Its call Picnik.
Basically its a image editor online. You can edit contrast, colors, apply a vignette, add effects, crop and more! And the best part is that its hooked into facebook and flickr, so you can just take your own photos from there and edit them online!
Now i know this isn't as good as photoshop, but imagine that you can edit a photo from a internet cafe and have it available to see on flickr.
Its free for now, but they are going to start charging soon, so check it out while you can!!!
http://picnik.com
Christian shopping!
I may be stepping on some feet here but the topic of today's blog(rant) is 'Exclusive Christian marketing'. I just recieved a business guide in the mail that markets only Christian businesses. That means if you arn't a church-goer, then you don't get to be in the guide. Now i can see how some people could see this as good: "yahh now I can deal with only christian businesses and not have to worry about getting screwed over!" But i think the people behind the guide missed a certain few sunday school lessons. I personally thought that as christians we were NOT supposed to push others away, NOT think we were better than other people. John 13:34: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." Hmmm now does detaching the 'non-Christian' businesses from the Christian world sound like love? I don't think so.
Do people really think that advertising as a christian business is going to get them more business? Well i guess some shoppers would concider that business more righteous, but I personally wouldn't change my shopping plan because of that. As bad as it sounds I sometimes dont' even like dealing with other 'religious' business people and would rather go to someone who doesn't flaunt church in your face.
I remember once hearing a conversation between a business owner friend who was talking to a customer:
Customer: Hey Jack, with me and you both being christian, how about you give me a better deal on this $20 item??
Owner: Sure, for you, being christian and all, i can sell it for $25.
Customer: (confused) But that's more money!!??
Owner: Well yah, because now its a christian item!
haha
Do people really think that advertising as a christian business is going to get them more business? Well i guess some shoppers would concider that business more righteous, but I personally wouldn't change my shopping plan because of that. As bad as it sounds I sometimes dont' even like dealing with other 'religious' business people and would rather go to someone who doesn't flaunt church in your face.
I remember once hearing a conversation between a business owner friend who was talking to a customer:
Customer: Hey Jack, with me and you both being christian, how about you give me a better deal on this $20 item??
Owner: Sure, for you, being christian and all, i can sell it for $25.
Customer: (confused) But that's more money!!??
Owner: Well yah, because now its a christian item!
haha
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Smoke
I just got back from a nice drive over to UWO to shoot some inter-mural soccer, had the windows down enjoying the evening air when I had the joy of getting a face full of smoke. No it wasn't from my engine. It was from this car infront of me whos passengers were blowing cigar-smelling smoke out of their windows. I'd never imagined that I would get bombarded with secondhand smoke in my own truck.
Now i don't really care if these people are out to kill themselves with the smoke, but I myself don't want to breathe it in. I've never experienced this before. I mean i have seen lots of poeple smoking in their cars, looking all hip with their windows down an inch to let out the smoke (i guess they don't like the smoke themselves eh...), but the people tonight must of had a smoke machine or something. I'm talking clouds coming out of the windows while driving.
So it brings to mind the question, can something like this be allowed to happen? I mean you can't smoke in any buildings now, and i'm sure its going to happen to most public places (outdoors) as well, but can we stop people from smoking in cars? I know tonight was a weird situation, but it was like i couldn't breathe while behind this car.
And then, to make things worse, i watch the driver just toss his cigarette butt out the window. That just adds to the hate. But that is another rant for another time.
Now i don't really care if these people are out to kill themselves with the smoke, but I myself don't want to breathe it in. I've never experienced this before. I mean i have seen lots of poeple smoking in their cars, looking all hip with their windows down an inch to let out the smoke (i guess they don't like the smoke themselves eh...), but the people tonight must of had a smoke machine or something. I'm talking clouds coming out of the windows while driving.
So it brings to mind the question, can something like this be allowed to happen? I mean you can't smoke in any buildings now, and i'm sure its going to happen to most public places (outdoors) as well, but can we stop people from smoking in cars? I know tonight was a weird situation, but it was like i couldn't breathe while behind this car.
And then, to make things worse, i watch the driver just toss his cigarette butt out the window. That just adds to the hate. But that is another rant for another time.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
How to end world poverty :: Theory One
While in Europe last month we made sure we saw as many 'tourist' sights that we could. This included statues, old buildings and churches. It was during visits of the latter when I had this brilliant idea on how to end world hunger/poverty. You see, there are thousands of old catholic-based churches in europe. And by experience, I've come to two conclusions about catholics. 1.Their faith is so shallow that they must build and decorate elaborate churches to 'house' God, and 2.They are greedy. I know this doesn't extend to the worshipers there, its just church itself.
In almost every large church that we visited, there were countless historic paintings, gold idols...er...statues, relics and more. Now i know that it says in the bible that God loves the wealthy more than the poor...wait no it doesn't...yet these churches hoard these relics like there is no tomorrow.
So here is my proposition. I would bet anything that if the catholic church sold off even 50% of their treasure they could pretty much buy half of Africa and maybe bring a better life for those who need help.
Now i know you say giving money doesn't stop poverty, but I'm not suggesting that. What i mean is that the church could then fund enough programs of irrigation, drinking water, crop stabilization, etc to let those in poverty build themselves out.
So what if you can't worship or pray to the painting of mary on the wall of the church. Do you think that God would be hurt if you didn't have that statue of a naked cherub greeting everyone as they entered the church? I mean they can say that these are priceless peices of history and art, but really, is it seriously worth more than helping people live better?
Take another example that I saw: the Vatican. Biggest tourist trap ever. Come see where the pope lives! Yah!! As if the catholic church didn't make enough with collection plates, they charge you to get in to see the world's famous Bastilia. And I'm sure there are hundreds of people every day paying $75 for private tours. They even charged us just to walk to the top of the church. I really thought that God didn't like people using the church for profit. hmmm
So here is the challange Catholic Church! How about you realize that God doesn't care if the church looks rich and pretty. He doesn't care if it is a work of art. I'm sure whoever buys it will cherish it just the same. God wants you to care about others, his people, the poor who Jesus treasured above others. Does the vatican think they can bring that wealth when they die?
Ok enough ranting.
Send any death threats via comments.
Cheers.
In almost every large church that we visited, there were countless historic paintings, gold idols...er...statues, relics and more. Now i know that it says in the bible that God loves the wealthy more than the poor...wait no it doesn't...yet these churches hoard these relics like there is no tomorrow.
So here is my proposition. I would bet anything that if the catholic church sold off even 50% of their treasure they could pretty much buy half of Africa and maybe bring a better life for those who need help.
Now i know you say giving money doesn't stop poverty, but I'm not suggesting that. What i mean is that the church could then fund enough programs of irrigation, drinking water, crop stabilization, etc to let those in poverty build themselves out.
So what if you can't worship or pray to the painting of mary on the wall of the church. Do you think that God would be hurt if you didn't have that statue of a naked cherub greeting everyone as they entered the church? I mean they can say that these are priceless peices of history and art, but really, is it seriously worth more than helping people live better?
Take another example that I saw: the Vatican. Biggest tourist trap ever. Come see where the pope lives! Yah!! As if the catholic church didn't make enough with collection plates, they charge you to get in to see the world's famous Bastilia. And I'm sure there are hundreds of people every day paying $75 for private tours. They even charged us just to walk to the top of the church. I really thought that God didn't like people using the church for profit. hmmm
So here is the challange Catholic Church! How about you realize that God doesn't care if the church looks rich and pretty. He doesn't care if it is a work of art. I'm sure whoever buys it will cherish it just the same. God wants you to care about others, his people, the poor who Jesus treasured above others. Does the vatican think they can bring that wealth when they die?
Ok enough ranting.
Send any death threats via comments.
Cheers.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Stuff for today.
Something i just got hooked on is the iGoogle page. I've had a custom homepage with yahoo for a while, giving me updates on news stories, science, comics etc, but with the iGoogle it is just so much more advanced and user friendly its crazy. Check it out when you have time to spare:: http://igoogle.com
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Apparently according to the roman catholic church, if you're not catholic then you're not really a real church. Pope whatshisname issued a document stating that if you don't see him as your ruler than your church is 'defective':
I think this is the first step in the Pope's plan to take over the world. Seriously.
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Apparently according to the roman catholic church, if you're not catholic then you're not really a real church. Pope whatshisname issued a document stating that if you don't see him as your ruler than your church is 'defective':
"It follows that these separated churches and communities, though we believe they suffer from defects, are deprived neither of significance nor importance in the mystery of salvation," it said.
The document adds that Protestant denominations — called Christian Communities born out of the Reformation — are not true churches, but ecclesial communities.
I think this is the first step in the Pope's plan to take over the world. Seriously.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Sunfest
Currently in the middle of this year's Sunfest, I'm about as tired and sore as i was after a few weeks of backpacking. I've found that sandels give you zero support while standing all day, yet i keep wearing them because with the heat shoes suck.
Sunfest has been great so far being busier than the past few years already. I've met some interesting people, some who liked my art, one who educated me in an overall view of the middle easy conflicts and others that are artists as well. What i've noticed tho is that generally people are just not friendly. My Sunfest neighbour stated how much he hates londoners because they are the least friendly of any other festival he goes in. I've noticed that as well now, how poeple don't even want to talk to others, even when one of the said parties tries to be nice and friendly. are we so scared to open ourselves to the idea that someone wants to genuinely talk to you that we can't even try? i know that as a vendor i'm tagged as 'only wanting to sell my product', but do you have to be that rude that you'll ignore any attempt to strike a conversation.
Ok enough rant. Its from working for 14 hours today and not having enough sleep.
Good night.
Sunfest has been great so far being busier than the past few years already. I've met some interesting people, some who liked my art, one who educated me in an overall view of the middle easy conflicts and others that are artists as well. What i've noticed tho is that generally people are just not friendly. My Sunfest neighbour stated how much he hates londoners because they are the least friendly of any other festival he goes in. I've noticed that as well now, how poeple don't even want to talk to others, even when one of the said parties tries to be nice and friendly. are we so scared to open ourselves to the idea that someone wants to genuinely talk to you that we can't even try? i know that as a vendor i'm tagged as 'only wanting to sell my product', but do you have to be that rude that you'll ignore any attempt to strike a conversation.
Ok enough rant. Its from working for 14 hours today and not having enough sleep.
Good night.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Europe Day 31 - 32:: Edited July 1
Day 31.
Brugge. Trained from antwerp and bussed to the hostel which is in the old city area. The hostel is one of the more known ones in all of Belgium and was pretty big, even having its own bar and restaurant. We walked around town to check it out. It was pretty cold and no sun. Got some frenchfries from one of two "competeing" stands in the main square. I guess these are famous fry stands that get auctioned off every 7 years to a new company...no idea why. We shopped for a bit and found this random art exhibit with an amazing artist (probably one of my most favourite artists ever now), named Arthure. I love his type of paintings, really abstract yet brings feeling. We headed back to the hostel for supper and watched a belgium soccer game in the pub as i tried some belgium beers. They have this cherry beer that is really good.
Day 32.
We wandered around brugge today, walked to the top of the Belfry (big bell tower), which was about 300 stairs. It had a great view but sucked when the bells started ringing as we were beside them...very loud.
We found a candy store that actually stretched the candy infront of you, and was quite amazing to watch. Got some great kiwi candy there (that actually looks like slices of kiwi!) We then headed to this church that supposedly has a vial of Christ's blood that was brought over from the middle east by the crusading knights. People can actually pay to pray with the blood (which is watched over by two creepy looking women).
Brugge. Trained from antwerp and bussed to the hostel which is in the old city area. The hostel is one of the more known ones in all of Belgium and was pretty big, even having its own bar and restaurant. We walked around town to check it out. It was pretty cold and no sun. Got some frenchfries from one of two "competeing" stands in the main square. I guess these are famous fry stands that get auctioned off every 7 years to a new company...no idea why. We shopped for a bit and found this random art exhibit with an amazing artist (probably one of my most favourite artists ever now), named Arthure. I love his type of paintings, really abstract yet brings feeling. We headed back to the hostel for supper and watched a belgium soccer game in the pub as i tried some belgium beers. They have this cherry beer that is really good.
Day 32.
We wandered around brugge today, walked to the top of the Belfry (big bell tower), which was about 300 stairs. It had a great view but sucked when the bells started ringing as we were beside them...very loud.
We found a candy store that actually stretched the candy infront of you, and was quite amazing to watch. Got some great kiwi candy there (that actually looks like slices of kiwi!) We then headed to this church that supposedly has a vial of Christ's blood that was brought over from the middle east by the crusading knights. People can actually pay to pray with the blood (which is watched over by two creepy looking women).
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Europe Days 29- ::Edited June 30
Day 29
Antwerp. Caught an expensive train from Rouen to paris, then to brussels then to antwerp. Walked a decent distance to the hostel, but we had a map from a nice tourist office, so it went easily. Antwerp is the diamond capitol of europe and also has a good number of jewish communities. It must be a hair stylist's nightmare for sure since most of the guys seemed to have the same partly shaved head haircut. Fun to see anyway. We walked around town a bit, hit up some stores then went to bed. Our hostel is one of those 12 beds in a room ones, but we lucked out with having only a few people in there.
Since its belgium people smoke everywhere, and our hostel's kitchen and main room were just filled with smoke making us not want to stay down there. But the room was decent.
Day 30
Antwerp. Went to the zoo!! Saw Penguins!
Antwerp. Caught an expensive train from Rouen to paris, then to brussels then to antwerp. Walked a decent distance to the hostel, but we had a map from a nice tourist office, so it went easily. Antwerp is the diamond capitol of europe and also has a good number of jewish communities. It must be a hair stylist's nightmare for sure since most of the guys seemed to have the same partly shaved head haircut. Fun to see anyway. We walked around town a bit, hit up some stores then went to bed. Our hostel is one of those 12 beds in a room ones, but we lucked out with having only a few people in there.
Since its belgium people smoke everywhere, and our hostel's kitchen and main room were just filled with smoke making us not want to stay down there. But the room was decent.
Day 30
Antwerp. Went to the zoo!! Saw Penguins!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Europe Days 25 - 28 :: Edited June 29
Day 25
Paris. Woke up after the day of hell and switched hotels to our original hotel. We then metroed over to the catacombs, a really cool place, lots of bones (millions!). Definetly one of my favourite places. Then we walked over to the eiffel tower and up to the second level of it (700 steps!). We then walked to the Arc de Triumph, but wern't allowed to go up to it due to some armed guards and a memorial service. I also got to try my first BigMac (who knew i'd eat that), then we headed back to the hotel in the pouring rain.
Day 26
Paris again. Wandered around, saw NotreDame, ate crepes, hit up tourist shops. Went to the Louvre that evening to get in free (Free for students friday nights!), saw the mona lisa and other cool art. Then walked to the Eiffel tower, got some supper and at 11pm watched the Eiffel tower sparkle. really. sparkle.
Day 27.
Trained north to Rouen where we read that Joan of Arc was killed. Got out of the train station and were surrounded by bagpipe players. Quite confusing, but we found out that we happened to get there on the weekend that Joan of Arc was killed, so it was a huge festival in the entire town. So basically the main old-town areas were converted into festival areas with medevel costumes, cooking, blacksmiths, crafts and more. We bought this fresh fire oven bread that was still hot and tasted amazing. That night there were firebreathers, dancing and more. I got to hold the flaming torch as one firebreather blew, really cool.
Day 28.
Went to the 'Grand Picnic', got a plate of amazing stew that had 3 kinds of meat in it. Watched some sweet funk bands playing. We went to the memorial service for Joan that evening, which was kinda cool and weird. I mean shes been dead for so long...haha
Paris. Woke up after the day of hell and switched hotels to our original hotel. We then metroed over to the catacombs, a really cool place, lots of bones (millions!). Definetly one of my favourite places. Then we walked over to the eiffel tower and up to the second level of it (700 steps!). We then walked to the Arc de Triumph, but wern't allowed to go up to it due to some armed guards and a memorial service. I also got to try my first BigMac (who knew i'd eat that), then we headed back to the hotel in the pouring rain.
Day 26
Paris again. Wandered around, saw NotreDame, ate crepes, hit up tourist shops. Went to the Louvre that evening to get in free (Free for students friday nights!), saw the mona lisa and other cool art. Then walked to the Eiffel tower, got some supper and at 11pm watched the Eiffel tower sparkle. really. sparkle.
Day 27.
Trained north to Rouen where we read that Joan of Arc was killed. Got out of the train station and were surrounded by bagpipe players. Quite confusing, but we found out that we happened to get there on the weekend that Joan of Arc was killed, so it was a huge festival in the entire town. So basically the main old-town areas were converted into festival areas with medevel costumes, cooking, blacksmiths, crafts and more. We bought this fresh fire oven bread that was still hot and tasted amazing. That night there were firebreathers, dancing and more. I got to hold the flaming torch as one firebreather blew, really cool.
Day 28.
Went to the 'Grand Picnic', got a plate of amazing stew that had 3 kinds of meat in it. Watched some sweet funk bands playing. We went to the memorial service for Joan that evening, which was kinda cool and weird. I mean shes been dead for so long...haha
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Europe days 21-24 :: Updated June 29
Days 21-23
Barcelona. One of my favourite european towns. We got in around 12 and made our way to a hotel I stayed in before, which is located in a mall (fun!). Its a great cheap place right by the Rambla, the main walking road in the south of the city by the beach. We walked around the area, found a cool antique market, saw the harbor and got some dinner before heading to bed. Our second day was spend first touring around the city, saw the Sagrata Familia, the huge gaudi designed church, plus a few other cool landmarks and parks before heading to the beach to relax for the afternoon. The next day was the same, some touring of ancient runes and churches then heading to the beach for the afternoon. Went out to 'Sinatra's' for dinner of Tapas, our most expensive meal.
Day 24 (aka day of hell #1)
Trip to paris. We headed for the airport really early to catch our plane to paris. got to the airport, couldn't find the ryanair area and were told that we were at teh wrong airport. ok so not the happiest news, but we had 3 hours to make it to the other airport, so lots of time right? We find out that its a 1.5 hour drive to teh other airport. too bad we didn't have a car. so we took a train back into town, and tried to get a train out to the other airport, but the only train we could get would get us there 5 minutes before our flight. so that was bad news. we checked out how much a taxi would cost, and didn't think that 140 euros was worth making it a few minutes earlier. so after trying to call ryanair and getting nowhere, we accepted our fate and knew we would get there late. so we caught the train, which was painfully slow and finally got to the Girona train station hoping the airport was right there. turned out that it wasnt. go figure. it was an extra 20 minute taxi ride to get to the airport. on the plus side we found another guy who missed the flight as well, so we didn't feel so dumb. then going to the ryanair desk we tried to get a flight later that day and coudn't get one until 10pm and they charged us an extra 150 euros just to rebook it. not nice ryanair, not nice. after waiting 10 hours in the airport, we got into 'paris' only to find that it wasn't paris but an hour bus ride away from paris. so at 12am we are stuck on this bus for an hour getting to paris. we were then dropped off in paris where we had no idea where to go. we just followed people who seemed to know where the metro was, and made our way to the station closest to our hotel. after walking for at least 15 mins we finally found our hotel. after ringing the bell we finally got someone to come and although she didn't speak english we understood enough that she had already given our room away since we were late. so now we were homeless in paris at 1am and it was raining. we were not happy. it took us at elast 30 minutes more of wandering around the dark streets of paris before we found a really creepy hotel that was open and had rooms free. We FINALLY got to sleep at about 2-3am.
Barcelona. One of my favourite european towns. We got in around 12 and made our way to a hotel I stayed in before, which is located in a mall (fun!). Its a great cheap place right by the Rambla, the main walking road in the south of the city by the beach. We walked around the area, found a cool antique market, saw the harbor and got some dinner before heading to bed. Our second day was spend first touring around the city, saw the Sagrata Familia, the huge gaudi designed church, plus a few other cool landmarks and parks before heading to the beach to relax for the afternoon. The next day was the same, some touring of ancient runes and churches then heading to the beach for the afternoon. Went out to 'Sinatra's' for dinner of Tapas, our most expensive meal.
Day 24 (aka day of hell #1)
Trip to paris. We headed for the airport really early to catch our plane to paris. got to the airport, couldn't find the ryanair area and were told that we were at teh wrong airport. ok so not the happiest news, but we had 3 hours to make it to the other airport, so lots of time right? We find out that its a 1.5 hour drive to teh other airport. too bad we didn't have a car. so we took a train back into town, and tried to get a train out to the other airport, but the only train we could get would get us there 5 minutes before our flight. so that was bad news. we checked out how much a taxi would cost, and didn't think that 140 euros was worth making it a few minutes earlier. so after trying to call ryanair and getting nowhere, we accepted our fate and knew we would get there late. so we caught the train, which was painfully slow and finally got to the Girona train station hoping the airport was right there. turned out that it wasnt. go figure. it was an extra 20 minute taxi ride to get to the airport. on the plus side we found another guy who missed the flight as well, so we didn't feel so dumb. then going to the ryanair desk we tried to get a flight later that day and coudn't get one until 10pm and they charged us an extra 150 euros just to rebook it. not nice ryanair, not nice. after waiting 10 hours in the airport, we got into 'paris' only to find that it wasn't paris but an hour bus ride away from paris. so at 12am we are stuck on this bus for an hour getting to paris. we were then dropped off in paris where we had no idea where to go. we just followed people who seemed to know where the metro was, and made our way to the station closest to our hotel. after walking for at least 15 mins we finally found our hotel. after ringing the bell we finally got someone to come and although she didn't speak english we understood enough that she had already given our room away since we were late. so now we were homeless in paris at 1am and it was raining. we were not happy. it took us at elast 30 minutes more of wandering around the dark streets of paris before we found a really creepy hotel that was open and had rooms free. We FINALLY got to sleep at about 2-3am.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Europe days 16-20 :: Updated June 22
Day 16
Nice. (The city, not the exclamation.)
Left florence at about 8am to train to Nice, france. Got to Nice around 4pm and found our hostel. The hostel people seem pretty dence, but we got in a room with two girls from Guelph, so that was fun. We headed down to the beach/shopping area to get food and check out the town. Lots of really expensive cars around; fararis and such. Would be a fun place to live if you had money to throw away. A one bedroom apartment downtown is about 450 000 euros to buy.
Day 17
Hiked up the side of a small mountain to check out an archeology museum. Turns out that romans left some buildings there a long time ago. Who knew. We then hiked back down to the beach to relax. For a really expensive resort town, the beach sucks. No sand, just large pebbles. Not too comfy unless you can afford a beach chair. Walking along the beach later in the day to a point that jets into the water, we saw a huge school of dolphins swimming and jumping from one horizon to the other.
Day 18
Monaco. Headed from nice to monaco for the day. Its only a 20 min train ride and costs almost nothing. We also found out that the Monaco Grand Prix was on that week too which was cool, but it made the city busy and loud. We walked over to the palace which overlooks the whole area and gives you a good view of the racing as well. We also headed to the Oceanographic museum which is world renound. Had some sweet looking fish and old relecs. We also walked up right to the races but couldn't get in. Was a great walking day until my $7 walmart sandels decided to completely fall appart (shoulda known), but besides that it was great!
Day 19
Marseille. We trained to marseille and tried to find the hostel that we booked. After taking a metro and a bus, we started walking and walking and walking and finally found our hostel, which turned out to be this couple's house (awkward) and whats worse (and funny for me) is that we were sharing a room with two guys from holland who spent all night drinking and listening to the most random music, and then to make the stay more fun, the "free internet" turned out to be their own home computer in their living room, so when we tried to search for a room for the next day with 5 random people sitting in the room with us was most awkward. Anyway, we did get the chance to boat over to the Chateau d'If (the location for the Count of Monte Cristo), which was really cool. A nice old prison island. Had warning signs about seagulls who attack people...and one happened to divebomb Dani. Really fun! haha
Day 20
Beizers. Found this little town on the coast between marseille and Barcelona. Big mistake. We trained here and planned to get info about our hotel at the train station. Turned out that the station was too small for info...so going with my memory of the general direction of the hotel, we started hiking. After walking for a while, we founda bus stop with a map, which didn't help. We then had a gang of teens throw fruit at the bus stop and start following us while we walked. It was just pure luck when we finally stumbled upon a tourist info building with nice ladies who informed us that the hotel we wanted was not a good place and like 7km out of town. They then got us a hotel right next to the train station, where we spent the res of the day and night in because i'm pretty sure the town was run by gangs. Not happy day. We were glad to leave.
Nice. (The city, not the exclamation.)
Left florence at about 8am to train to Nice, france. Got to Nice around 4pm and found our hostel. The hostel people seem pretty dence, but we got in a room with two girls from Guelph, so that was fun. We headed down to the beach/shopping area to get food and check out the town. Lots of really expensive cars around; fararis and such. Would be a fun place to live if you had money to throw away. A one bedroom apartment downtown is about 450 000 euros to buy.
Day 17
Hiked up the side of a small mountain to check out an archeology museum. Turns out that romans left some buildings there a long time ago. Who knew. We then hiked back down to the beach to relax. For a really expensive resort town, the beach sucks. No sand, just large pebbles. Not too comfy unless you can afford a beach chair. Walking along the beach later in the day to a point that jets into the water, we saw a huge school of dolphins swimming and jumping from one horizon to the other.
Day 18
Monaco. Headed from nice to monaco for the day. Its only a 20 min train ride and costs almost nothing. We also found out that the Monaco Grand Prix was on that week too which was cool, but it made the city busy and loud. We walked over to the palace which overlooks the whole area and gives you a good view of the racing as well. We also headed to the Oceanographic museum which is world renound. Had some sweet looking fish and old relecs. We also walked up right to the races but couldn't get in. Was a great walking day until my $7 walmart sandels decided to completely fall appart (shoulda known), but besides that it was great!
Day 19
Marseille. We trained to marseille and tried to find the hostel that we booked. After taking a metro and a bus, we started walking and walking and walking and finally found our hostel, which turned out to be this couple's house (awkward) and whats worse (and funny for me) is that we were sharing a room with two guys from holland who spent all night drinking and listening to the most random music, and then to make the stay more fun, the "free internet" turned out to be their own home computer in their living room, so when we tried to search for a room for the next day with 5 random people sitting in the room with us was most awkward. Anyway, we did get the chance to boat over to the Chateau d'If (the location for the Count of Monte Cristo), which was really cool. A nice old prison island. Had warning signs about seagulls who attack people...and one happened to divebomb Dani. Really fun! haha
Day 20
Beizers. Found this little town on the coast between marseille and Barcelona. Big mistake. We trained here and planned to get info about our hotel at the train station. Turned out that the station was too small for info...so going with my memory of the general direction of the hotel, we started hiking. After walking for a while, we founda bus stop with a map, which didn't help. We then had a gang of teens throw fruit at the bus stop and start following us while we walked. It was just pure luck when we finally stumbled upon a tourist info building with nice ladies who informed us that the hotel we wanted was not a good place and like 7km out of town. They then got us a hotel right next to the train station, where we spent the res of the day and night in because i'm pretty sure the town was run by gangs. Not happy day. We were glad to leave.
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