girl_on_a_road

German Victims in WWII

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:31:10 GMT

On the Current right now, there is a really touching interview with a German mother who came to Canada after the end of World War II with her children, one of whom was conceived as a result of rape by a Russian soldier. I should clarify -- raped while her two sons watched. Some of the women who had to go outside to get water at night or early in the morning were frequent targets. Some would disguise their faces with dirt or other make-up, to seem older, or walk as if they were crippled. The daughter said the saying "if the end is good, all is good" and her and the mother agreed it's good that this secret is out in their family and that others are there to listen. The mother is now 91 years old.

Here's a link to a recent film about this:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,585779,00.html

Vag Mono Quiz!

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:09:26 GMT

You Scored as The Sprightly Elfin Femme

Cute and irresistible, you inspire and foster the little kid in everyone. Also, you make the best cookies and cutest knit hats.

The Sprightly Elfin Femme

45%

The Student Dyke

35%

The Stud

30%

The Surprise! Dyke

30%

The Quasi-Gothic Femme

20%

The Granola Dyke

15%

The Femme Fatale

15%

The Pretty-Boi Dyke

10%

The Bohemian Dyke

10%

The Hipster Dyke

The Magic Earring Ken Dyke

The Vaginal-Reference-Making Dyke

The Little-Boy Dyke

grandpa's gone

Sat, 23 May 2009 19:04:48 GMT

well, my racist, homophobic, alcoholic, sexist, womanizing grandpa died on friday night (heart failure and complications from pneumonia). my mom's a complete mess. i do have some good memories of him but they are really overshadowed by the nasty things he put my family through.

he gives me my doukhabor russian roots. he loved and respected nature and had little good to say about organized religion. he could cook a mean steak. he was socialist to the core. he was my last living grandparent.

as heard this morning on CBC

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:54:00 GMT

the hans brinker budget hotel in amsterdam makes the euphemia hotel, where we stayed, look like a hilton. their ad campaign is based on being the worst hotel in the world and it's been a huge success!

from the UVic Career Development Office...

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:04:23 GMT

Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin of the Supreme Court of Canada had difficulty locating an articling job immediately after law school, and look where she is now.

*This fills me with hope as I keep writing those letters and getting my packages together*

hmph

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:47:34 GMT

the doctor says i have osteoarthritis. i kinda knew this was going to be the diagnosis - the localized pain in my right knee, the swelling, etc. it still came as a bit of a surprise to hear the words and realize that i will need to be proactive and deal with it.

perchance to dream...

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:18:46 GMT

it's been over one year that i've been taking something to sleep - regularly, without fail. sleep issues started in university and worsened over time, reaching that point. i would sleep soundly and deeply, sometimes with very odd dreams.

last night was the first night in over one year that i did not take something. it wasn't as deep a sleep, a bit light especially compared to what i was getting before. and it took about an hour to fall asleep. but, sleep arrived without having to leave the bed and make haste for the couch.

it's a bit frightening to think about sleeping on my body's own power. i'm trying to just embrace it and give myself a chance.

what can you get these days for $690

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 04:41:33 GMT

well, in vancouver you can get:

one black leather purse (made by a local designer)

one giant quatchi plush toy.

you probably cannot get these for $690 total because you need to add the GST and PST.

she's gone...

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:36:03 GMT

http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/blossomdearie

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:31:40 GMT

now bring us some figgy pudding...

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 17:54:40 GMT

i can't get that song out of my head. maybe sharing a random recipe for figgy pudding would help. i wish you all many plates of figgy pudding this season.

Diana's Figgy Pudding Recipe (ala her hubby Ken)
Source: DianasDesserts.com
Date: November 9, 2006

1 pound (453g) fresh black Mission figs
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1/2 cup (1 stick/4 oz./113g) butter, melted
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
1 tbsp. orange zest, fresh (or 1 tsp. dried)

Serve with (optional):
Custard sauce (see recipe below) or sweetened whipped cream

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Generously butter a 2-quart (2 litre/8 cup) pudding mold.

In a medium saucepan, warm milk over low heat, add figs, cover and let simmer for 10 minutes. (DO NOT LET MIXTURE COME TO A BOIL).

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt.

In a large bowl, mix together the eggs and melted butter until frothy. Slowly add bread crumbs, and orange zest. Add the milk and fig mixture and using a wire whisk gradually add flour mixture, until just blended.

Spoon pudding batter into prepared pudding mold. Cover and place mold in a large roasting pan or casserole dish. Pour enough hot water into the bottom of the roasting pan or casserole dish to cover the bottom 1/3 of the mold. This "water bath" will help the pudding cook evenly and keep it from scorching. Cook the pudding in preheated oven for 2 to 1/2 hours. You may insert into the center of pudding a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, then the pudding is done. Allow pudding to cool for 15 minutes before inverting and unmolding onto a serving plate. If desired, dust with confectioners' sugar or for a very festive look, pour the warm custard sauce over the pudding and place a holly sprig (real or artificial) on top. Serve with custard sauce or sweetened whipped cream.

Makes 8 servings.

Custard Sauce

Ingredients:
2 cups milk
1 large egg
3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, scald milk and allow to cool.

Mix together remaining ingredients, except for butter. Add to cooled milk. Cook over low heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter, mixing well.

Serve pudding warm with custard sauce or sweetened whipped cream. Store unused portions in refrigerator.

laid off

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:23:07 GMT

never really thought this day would come, but i've been laid off. bad US economy, blah blah blah, go apply for EI, blah blah blah. i must say, i felt it coming but it doesn't make it any easier, especially six days before the christmas party. and this after being sick for two days (make that three if you count today's tummy ache and sniffles).

ah well, hopefully this will be an opportunity for change in a good direction and a reminder not to spend money (too much that is) over the holidays.

send positive vibes my way... good thoughts on finding new work...

this is too good...

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:37:06 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyQ_IKkAM9I&eurl=http://babyfatty.wordpress.com/2008/06/&feature=player_embedded

i guess i've been living under a rock lately...

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:57:26 GMT

i was listening to the cbc and they were discussing natalie dylan - who is auctioning off her virginity using the bunny ranch in nevada (so she can afford to go to grad school and become a marriage counsellor). there are so many layers to this.

the most disturbing for me is the price our society is willing to place on virginity - it's great that our sexual bodies can be traded for money and that the price can go right on up there into the millions. i don't care that she wants to do this or even that she can make money from her body - it's the talk concerning the price of virginity that's truly upsetting, especially for all the little girls out there. in fact, girls who are brought into the sex trade also trade higher if they are virgins. hmmm....

__________________________________________________

Article from:
The Daily Telegraph

September 10, 2008 12:00am

The 22-year-old brunette, who is using the pseudonym of Natalie Dylan for 'safety reasons', said the money will pay for her college tuition.

The San Diego brunette was introduced to the DJ by the owner of a legal Nevada brothel, where her sister already works.

But Stern has already denied claims of the auction taking place.

The infamous satellite radio host admitted he has invited the girl in question onto his show, but she's the one selling off her innocence online - not him.

But Natalie has told the UK's Daily Mail: "I don't have a moral dilemma with it. We live in a capitalist society."
related links

Related Coverage

"Why shouldn't I be allowed to capitalise on my virginity? I want someone with chemistry. We'll take bids until I find a suitor I'm happy with.'

The winner of the auction will get to sleep with her at the brothel, the New York Daily News reports.

And Natalie says she is willing to undergo a lie detector test and a gynaecological exam to prove she really is a virgin.

VOTE BELOW: SHOULD PEOPLE BE ABLE TO AUCTION THEIR VIRGINITY FOR PROFIT?

Natalie says her mother, who is a primary school teacher, doesn't approve of the auction but 'supports' her.

And she says she knows she will be attacked for the stunt.

She added: "I understand some people may condemn me. But I think this is empowering. I'm using what I have to better myself."

Natalie, who already has a bachelor's degree in women's studies at Sacramento State university, wants to study for a master's in marriage and family therapy.

Dylan was introduced to Stren by Dennis Hof, who owns the Moonlite Bunny Ranch, made famous by the HBO television show, Cathouse.

Hof said: "I think it's a tremendous idea. Why lose it to some guy in the backseat of a Toyota when you can pay for your education?"

The auction will be launched on Stern's Sirius radio and conducted on the brothel's website.

She says she got the idea after reading about a Peruvian woman who needed to pay for her mother's medical bills.

the sax in my closet

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:06:15 GMT

so, about that sax in my closet...

the Los Primos Project (see www.losprimos.ca) provides used instruments to Cuba - for both musicians and students. what an amazing journey for my little alto (in high school, he was named Elmo).

if you know of any used instruments just gathering dust, you too can make someone far away very happy. send it to the following address and it will get to someone who can toot, strum, or thump away on it:

Los Primos Project
45 White St.,
Dartmouth, NS, B2X 2P6
(902) 401-2104

quite authentic

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:49:15 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1cRP7KTM6k

thanx random astrology website :)

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:29:15 GMT

CANCER FORECAST FOR JULY!

Summary

A sparkling birthday month awaits you, and it's the kind of month that could put back your faith in miracles and fairy tales. The excitement starts the moment the month begins, on the new moon in Cancer, July 2. That new moon will open doors for you, so be sure to voice your dearest desires to friends and colleagues, as others will certainly be listening and willing to do all they can to help you. Birthday month is always great for seeing one's aims come true, as the Sun is back in the place it occupied at birth. Venus will glide in Cancer too, giving you an extra fill up of social fun.

Venus will be in Cancer until July 12 so you might want to make it a point to go shopping during the first twelve days of July. You'll find madly flattering wardrobe pieces that will bring you more compliments than you've seen in ages.

Your partner will bring exciting news for you, too. Watch the full moon July 18 for news (plus or minus four days). You may exchange vows, promises, plans, or goals dear to your heart at this time.

You may also discover that you'll be traveling alone or with your partner near July 14 or 22, quite unexpectedly. If you have children and can't quite leave town, you'll have other opportunities to travel closer to home over the weekend of July 26. (And guess what? It's still great fun!)

Romantically, if attached, you'll have an enviable advantage. The tender full moon July 18 will be wildly romantic and rival your favorite moments of the silver screen. This full moon is for you! If you're attached, you may get engaged for your birthday over that weekend, or, if you are already part of an established relationship, your other half will be so darling, you'll fall in love all over again.

Single Cancers will do well too, for Venus will glide in your sign from July 1 to 11. If you hope to meet someone new, consider taking a short trip to a nearby seaside resort, for settings by the sea will relax and rejuvenate you. Besides, those settings will also engender feelings of love. The weekend of July 4-6 should be extra special.

You may also meet someone while doing an assignment at the office, whether a co-worker, supplier, client, or person you call on. Look your best!

Time to launch goals with a big push: July 2, plus two weeks

A relationship reaches an exciting culmination: Full moon, July 18

Change a contract: July 18, sign on July 25 or 26

Travel to nearby towns: all month

Mash Game: Predict Your Future at eSPIN-the-Bottle

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:36:52 GMT



		I will marry Tilda Swinton.
		After a wild honeymoon, We will settle down in Berlin in our fabulous Mansion.
		We will have 4 kid(s) together.
		Our family will zoom around in a Yellow Ford Pinto.
		I will spend my days as a Cat Sitter, and live happily ever after.

my upcoming grad (June) will also feature...

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 23:20:17 GMT

Honorary Degree: William Gibson, noted science fiction writer whose 1984 award-winning novel Neuromancer helped introduce the concept of cyberspace to the world.

at the close of march 18th, i am thinking...

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:57:34 GMT

tomorrow is the birthday of a guy i work with. all i can think of is how grand it would be if tomorrow were my birthday and i could curl up at home with a keg of heinneken and watch muppet movies and eat hot dogs and kraft dinner.

but tomorrow is only march 19th.

i too procrastinate

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 03:48:16 GMT

Which L Word Character Are You?

Tina

Inner struggles haunt your thoughts and daily life. You want many things and are capable of achieving them. You have conventional values and cherish your femininity. Nurturing those around you comes naturally but you are quite capable of exercising tough love. Generally, you fall somewhere between the leaders and the followers. Your place in the middle provides security and flexibility. You have patience and exercise it often. This keeps you balanced and prepared. You are definitely a special woman.

<img alt='Personality Test Results' border=0 src='http://www.youthink.com/quiz_ima

i'm a defending machine

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:42:21 GMT

so today was the big presentation and Q&A for my thesis. all went well and nobody started crying, which rocks. no revisions- so it really is the end of the end of the schooling. snort. i'm all edumacated. and stuff.

thanks for the well wishes and the interest. and hey, when i get this beast bound you can take a boo. or put your drink on it. whichever.

trying to write my abstract, so i'm searching abstracts... when...

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:39:41 GMT

AMICUS No. 32341147

NAME(S): *Krawczyk, Marian, 1969-
TITLE(S): She kicks ass...in heels [microform] :
negotiating representations of
femininity in Buffy the vampire slayer
PUBLISHER: Ottawa : Library and Archives Canada =
Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, [2006]
DESCRIPTION: 3 microfiches.

SERIES: Canadian theses = Thèses canadiennes.
NOTES: Thesis (M.A.)--Simon Fraser University,
2004.
Includes bibliographical references.

STUDENT ABSTRACT: Much research in audience studies still
tends to reinforce the traditional
dichotomy of popular culture as false
consciousness versus popular culture as
radically, at least potentially,
subversive of the status quo. These
polarized arguments are particularly
apparent when examining current
representations of femininity in prime
time programming. Many feminists argue
that these representations are negative,
while others argue for their radical
potential. Rather than focus on this
either/or dualism, I argue that it is a
case of both/and: televisual
constructions of femininity 'both'
reinscribe normative ideologies and
offer a potentially subversive space
within which to play with these
constructed ideologies. I undertake both
a textual and contextual analysis of the
popular television program 'Buffy the
Vampire Slayer' (BtVS). Using
qualitative interviews, I explore the
participants' own understanding of how
they pleasurably generate both textual
(within the program) and contextual
(their everyday lives) meanings of
femininity, as well as how constructing
these meanings may provide a relative
sense of power. These ambivalent, and at
times contradictory, meanings are
discussed both within the program itself
and in terms of how they inform, and are
informed by, larger social concerns of
gender. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

NUMBERS: Canadiana: 20062080008
ISBN: 049403470X
COPIES: NL Stacks - Mic.F. TK- 03470
NL Stacks - Mic.F. TK- 03470 - Copy 2

i guess gay couples won't qualify for the prizes?

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:13:44 GMT

http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Oddities/070911/K091106AU.html

charting the progress

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:44:58 GMT

on the job front, it looks like i'm not going to be the worlds greatest bath bomb shaper. that's ok. i'm setting my short-term sights on becoming the worlds most accurate data entry-ist. and then taking some govt tests in sept, which might open some more jobs. and then there's a possible research job once i've completed more of this thesis.

on the thesis front, what i really hoped was a final draft 2 (from one super) turns out to be another ongoing editing project. or so the email goes. which means my great hope of a fall defense might actually be the pain of losing $1100 and a winter defense. this really stinks. i guess there's nothing i can do but write it out and try to up my performance. i wish there were peformance bonuses or some such thing. not because i'm greedy but i'd like a little encouragement to write something that's going to be gathering dust until it gets recycled.

on all other fronts, things are ok. i'm gearing up for fall-winter. it's not all that bad. i like it when it's not raining, not snowing, not hot sunshine, but crisp out. crisp and clear. those days are pretty nice. and there's degrassi high coming out on dvd in oct... which means 80's night!

and sperm idol is coming up. it's been a strange and wonderful process of purposive genetic selection. i can't help but think if we'd ever meet the guy, we might not feel attracted to him at all and even more repulsed by the thought of sleeping with him. yet, science is miraculous enough to help us have his child. all that genetic goodness without the bother of emotional involvement. we're living in strange and wonderful times indeed.