Thursday, 25 February 2010
Inner Girl
"Being a girl is so powerful that we've had to train everyone not to be that" - Eve Ensler
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Prisencolinensinainciusol
Do you ever wonder what English sounds like to a non-native speaker?
Prisencolinensinainciusol a word made up by Adriano Celentano meaning 'universal love'. It is also the name of this jazzerific song:
This is a gibberish song, intended to sound like English as heard by a non-native speaker. Very interesting, I think. I've had a look at several other videos around, and from what I can gather, we're veyr similar to Dutch in our accents and language. Smoke and a pancake?
It seems like a silly question - we know what we sound like! But it's the difference between seeing yourself in the mirror and seeing yourself through someone else's eyes. For some reason, this is something which I find really interesting.
Prisencolinensinainciusol a word made up by Adriano Celentano meaning 'universal love'. It is also the name of this jazzerific song:
This is a gibberish song, intended to sound like English as heard by a non-native speaker. Very interesting, I think. I've had a look at several other videos around, and from what I can gather, we're veyr similar to Dutch in our accents and language. Smoke and a pancake?
It seems like a silly question - we know what we sound like! But it's the difference between seeing yourself in the mirror and seeing yourself through someone else's eyes. For some reason, this is something which I find really interesting.
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Overhear #27
Drunk Guy's Friend #1: "You should go ask that girl for her number, go on, get her attention..."
Drunk Guy: "BOOBIES!"
Drunk Guy: "BOOBIES!"
Friday, 19 February 2010
Femineineminist
I consider myself a feminist - of course I do. I think any modern woman (and the majority of men) would be wrong if they said that they weren’t. I’m proud to say that I’m a feminist – and you should be too. However…
I knit and sew. I love to cook and bake. I have been known to do the odd cross-stitch. I am in love with Laura Ashley and Cath Kidson. I squeal with joy when I see a kitten, puppy, or baby of any kind. I wear a lot of bows, rarely leave the house without makeup on, and see myself as very maternal.
The question I’m asking is: Can a feminist be feminine? A true feminist? It seems a ridiculous question. It almost seems logical to say that yes, of course a feminist should be feminine, surely that’s a prerequisite? You have to be what you are supporting. Really? A florist isn't floral. Ok, bad example.
I think this naturally depends on your definition of feminism. Obviously not wanting to go all 'sociology' on you, there's a spectrum of feminism. This ranges from the concept of women-only societies, to the more liberal, modern feminism that most of us think of."Feminism is the radical idea that women are people" just doesn't go far enough. Personally, I like to keep it simple and say that feminism is complete equality between the genders. Anything a man can do, a woman can do - and vice versa. This means is both terms of the law, language, (which affects...) cultural expectations and perceptions, etc.
Yes, I know, there are things that men and women are physically incapable of doing due to physiology. That's why I said 'gender', not 'sex', smart-arse. Holy ovaries! I know men aren't about to go popping out babies anytime soon. Bastards.
I like cooking and knitting, etc. and I'm good at it. Generally speaking, we enjoy doing things that we are good at. So the cycle of reinforcing feminine actions goes on, and on. But I don't mind, as long as it's an option. If I liked playing football, or hitting people, or watching South Park or whatever testosterone spurs you to do, then I'd feel free to do that.
If I were at any point to become a housewife, then I wouldn't see that as a surrender to patriarchy or whatever you want to call it. It's only a pathetic position to be in if there's no choice or escape. I have been provided a life so far which means that I am capable of doing whatever job I want to (within reason - more on this later, by the way) regardless of my gender. If someone chooses a traditional, household-based job then that's their choice, but they could equally be a physicist, an aerobics instructor, a grave-digger, etc. I'm all for househusbands too by the way, if that's your bag. I would like to change the title to 'housespouse' however, as it is non-gender specific, and is a lot more fun to say.
Even if I am overtly feminine, and make feminine choices, the very fact that I am making the choices is what makes me a feminist. I am, and will be, what I want to be, not what I feel I should be. I have the right to a choice. That's what feminism is; the choice to be whatever you want... and if that includes a trip to Laura Ashley to buy a floral apron, well then, why the fuck not?
I knit and sew. I love to cook and bake. I have been known to do the odd cross-stitch. I am in love with Laura Ashley and Cath Kidson. I squeal with joy when I see a kitten, puppy, or baby of any kind. I wear a lot of bows, rarely leave the house without makeup on, and see myself as very maternal.
The question I’m asking is: Can a feminist be feminine? A true feminist? It seems a ridiculous question. It almost seems logical to say that yes, of course a feminist should be feminine, surely that’s a prerequisite? You have to be what you are supporting. Really? A florist isn't floral. Ok, bad example.
I think this naturally depends on your definition of feminism. Obviously not wanting to go all 'sociology' on you, there's a spectrum of feminism. This ranges from the concept of women-only societies, to the more liberal, modern feminism that most of us think of."Feminism is the radical idea that women are people" just doesn't go far enough. Personally, I like to keep it simple and say that feminism is complete equality between the genders. Anything a man can do, a woman can do - and vice versa. This means is both terms of the law, language, (which affects...) cultural expectations and perceptions, etc.
Yes, I know, there are things that men and women are physically incapable of doing due to physiology. That's why I said 'gender', not 'sex', smart-arse. Holy ovaries! I know men aren't about to go popping out babies anytime soon. Bastards.
I like cooking and knitting, etc. and I'm good at it. Generally speaking, we enjoy doing things that we are good at. So the cycle of reinforcing feminine actions goes on, and on. But I don't mind, as long as it's an option. If I liked playing football, or hitting people, or watching South Park or whatever testosterone spurs you to do, then I'd feel free to do that.
If I were at any point to become a housewife, then I wouldn't see that as a surrender to patriarchy or whatever you want to call it. It's only a pathetic position to be in if there's no choice or escape. I have been provided a life so far which means that I am capable of doing whatever job I want to (within reason - more on this later, by the way) regardless of my gender. If someone chooses a traditional, household-based job then that's their choice, but they could equally be a physicist, an aerobics instructor, a grave-digger, etc. I'm all for househusbands too by the way, if that's your bag. I would like to change the title to 'housespouse' however, as it is non-gender specific, and is a lot more fun to say.
Even if I am overtly feminine, and make feminine choices, the very fact that I am making the choices is what makes me a feminist. I am, and will be, what I want to be, not what I feel I should be. I have the right to a choice. That's what feminism is; the choice to be whatever you want... and if that includes a trip to Laura Ashley to buy a floral apron, well then, why the fuck not?
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
25 Years
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. What we did was wrong. But we think you’re crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us… In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain and an athlete and a basket case…a princess… and a criminal. Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours,
The Breakfast Club
Sincerely yours,
The Breakfast Club
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
For Nigella
4 Things Nigella Lawson Has Taught Me
- Some people are simply blessed with sickeningly good genes
- How to make an easy and ridiculously strong appletini
- Putting a knife through a baked potato when you bake it means it will cook more evenly
- How to be a lazy whore
Monday, 15 February 2010
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Stalkingtines
These are pretty much my plans for the evening, except obviously Ringo Starr will be in Elton's place. No one fancies Elton John.
Everyone look at his amazing poofy sleeves!!
Everyone look at his amazing poofy sleeves!!
Valentines
Happy Valentine's Tacky Love Parading Day!
You know my views on Valentine's Day. I hope everyone has a nice day, except creeps, of course.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Coco Avant Chanel
Saw this film today. It was really good, lots of lovely dresses etc. for those interested!
However, on the DVD box it says, "The most stylish film since Sex and the City" - what the hell? I think Coco Chanel would find that offensive, because I certainly do. The women in Sex and the City are not stylish, they're fashionable. Their clothes are not simple and they are far from elegant. This is a complete contradiction of one of Coco Chanel's most famous quotes and mantras: "Fashion passes, style remains".
Monday, 8 February 2010
To A Mouse
Wee, sleekit, cowran, tim'rous beastie,
O, what panic's in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi' bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee,
Wi' murd'ring pattle!
I'm truly sorry Man's dominion
Has broken Nature's social union,
An' justifies that ill opinion,
Which makes thee startle,
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
An' fellow-mortal!
I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen-icker in a thrave 'S a sma' request:
I'll get a blessin wi' the lave,
An' never miss't!
Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!
It's silly wa's the win's are strewin!
An' naething, now, to big a new ane,
O' foggage green!
An' bleak December's winds ensuin,
Baith snell an' keen!
Thou saw the fields laid bare an' wast,
An' weary Winter comin fast,
An' cozie here, beneath the blast,
Thou thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel coulter past
Out thro' thy cell.
That wee-bit heap o' leaves an' stibble,
Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!
Now thou's turn'd out, for a' thy trouble,
But house or hald.
To thole the Winter's sleety dribble,
An' cranreuch cauld!
But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!
Still, thou art blest, compar'd wi' me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e'e,
On prospects drear!
An' forward, tho' I canna see,
I guess an' fear!
-- Rabbie Burns, awesome poet and very Scottish.
O, what panic's in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi' bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee,
Wi' murd'ring pattle!
I'm truly sorry Man's dominion
Has broken Nature's social union,
An' justifies that ill opinion,
Which makes thee startle,
At me, thy poor, earth-born companion,
An' fellow-mortal!
I doubt na, whyles, but thou may thieve;
What then? poor beastie, thou maun live!
A daimen-icker in a thrave 'S a sma' request:
I'll get a blessin wi' the lave,
An' never miss't!
Thy wee-bit housie, too, in ruin!
It's silly wa's the win's are strewin!
An' naething, now, to big a new ane,
O' foggage green!
An' bleak December's winds ensuin,
Baith snell an' keen!
Thou saw the fields laid bare an' wast,
An' weary Winter comin fast,
An' cozie here, beneath the blast,
Thou thought to dwell,
Till crash! the cruel coulter past
Out thro' thy cell.
That wee-bit heap o' leaves an' stibble,
Has cost thee monie a weary nibble!
Now thou's turn'd out, for a' thy trouble,
But house or hald.
To thole the Winter's sleety dribble,
An' cranreuch cauld!
But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!
Still, thou art blest, compar'd wi' me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e'e,
On prospects drear!
An' forward, tho' I canna see,
I guess an' fear!
-- Rabbie Burns, awesome poet and very Scottish.
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Mosaic Maker Meme
Rules:
a) Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search (http://www.flickr.com/).
b) Using ONLY the first page, pick an image.
c) Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Mosaic Maker. (Change rows to 3 and columns to 3.) (http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php)
d) Save the image and post it!
The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favourite food?
3. What is your favourite colour?
4. Favourite band?
5. Dream vacation?
6. Favourite hobby?
7. What you want to be when you grow up?
8. What do you love?
9. One word to describe you.
a) Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search (http://www.flickr.com/).
b) Using ONLY the first page, pick an image.
c) Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Mosaic Maker. (Change rows to 3 and columns to 3.) (http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php)
d) Save the image and post it!
The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favourite food?
3. What is your favourite colour?
4. Favourite band?
5. Dream vacation?
6. Favourite hobby?
7. What you want to be when you grow up?
8. What do you love?
9. One word to describe you.
Friday, 5 February 2010
Jimmy
“His type is as normally average as the hot dog and pop at Coney Island. He is good looking without being handsome, quiet without being a bore, ambitious without taking either himself or his job too seriously and unassuming without being dull. Stewart’s growing appeal has sometimes been difficult to peg. He’s no Gable and certainly has none of the qualities of a Valentino. A sixteen-year-old fan seems to have hit it when she wrote to him, ‘I like you because you’re like the boy next door.”
-- 1938 MGM biography of James Stewart
But really, we all know he's just indescribably awesome in every single way.
-- 1938 MGM biography of James Stewart
But really, we all know he's just indescribably awesome in every single way.
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Snifter
Why don't you...
Have a snifter of gin?
... or alternatively, start referring to measurements of alcohol as 'snifters'.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Nostalgia
We all love a nice bit of nostalgia.
Wikipedia says:
The term nostalgia describes a yearning for the past, often in idealized form. The word is a learned formation of a Greek compound, consisting of νόστος, nóstos, "returning home", a Homeric word, and ἄλγος, álgos, "pain" or "ache". It was described as a medical condition, a form of melancholy, in the Early Modern period, and came to be an important topic in Romanticism.
In the ‘60s the hippies were all about nostalgia, believing that it was possible to regress into a simpler and more peaceful time. Nowadays we’re incredibly nostalgic about the hippies, despite the fact that in reality they would all be on jobseekers, several different drugs and stink. People died at Woodstock! They don’t mention that so much now, do they!
As long as you don’t think you’re achieving anything by it, it’s fine. Looking back over their shoulders never got Mike & The Mechanics anywhere past that one single, and it’s not going to get you anywhere either, some might say.
I think Wikipedia, as usual, is talking a load of wikicrap. Nostalgia is not as much of a bad thing as these modern folks would have you believe. We learn from our mistakes, after all. Look behind you – there’s a bear! No, not really, I was just demonstrating how looking back is a good thing sometimes. Especially if you've sat infront of a bear before, you should really have learnt your lesson.
Nostalgia isn’t the bad aspect; it’s the aspirations of regression which will cause the harm. We should progress, we seem to be quite good at it. The future is in reality no better or worse than the past or present day. The only thing that’s guaranteed is that we will always think that today is the shittest, and that's because tomorrow has optimism and yesterday has nostalgia. In short - we will never have that ruddy jam! When it comes down to it, it’s a case of choosing your weapon: optimism or nostalgia? Or a cheeky mix of both? Forget about the jam.
It’s all very well for me, I live in 1973. I send my blog posts to Sandra Bullock’s house and she posts them for me in the future.
Wikipedia says:
The term nostalgia describes a yearning for the past, often in idealized form. The word is a learned formation of a Greek compound, consisting of νόστος, nóstos, "returning home", a Homeric word, and ἄλγος, álgos, "pain" or "ache". It was described as a medical condition, a form of melancholy, in the Early Modern period, and came to be an important topic in Romanticism.
In the ‘60s the hippies were all about nostalgia, believing that it was possible to regress into a simpler and more peaceful time. Nowadays we’re incredibly nostalgic about the hippies, despite the fact that in reality they would all be on jobseekers, several different drugs and stink. People died at Woodstock! They don’t mention that so much now, do they!
As long as you don’t think you’re achieving anything by it, it’s fine. Looking back over their shoulders never got Mike & The Mechanics anywhere past that one single, and it’s not going to get you anywhere either, some might say.
I think Wikipedia, as usual, is talking a load of wikicrap. Nostalgia is not as much of a bad thing as these modern folks would have you believe. We learn from our mistakes, after all. Look behind you – there’s a bear! No, not really, I was just demonstrating how looking back is a good thing sometimes. Especially if you've sat infront of a bear before, you should really have learnt your lesson.
Nostalgia isn’t the bad aspect; it’s the aspirations of regression which will cause the harm. We should progress, we seem to be quite good at it. The future is in reality no better or worse than the past or present day. The only thing that’s guaranteed is that we will always think that today is the shittest, and that's because tomorrow has optimism and yesterday has nostalgia. In short - we will never have that ruddy jam! When it comes down to it, it’s a case of choosing your weapon: optimism or nostalgia? Or a cheeky mix of both? Forget about the jam.
It’s all very well for me, I live in 1973. I send my blog posts to Sandra Bullock’s house and she posts them for me in the future.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
The Pinkles
The Beatles on Pinky and the Brain: a bizarre combination. You can't make this stuff up, but apparently someone did...
Monday, 1 February 2010
Memey Meme
I'm sure you've seen a lot of those 'Keep Calm and Carry On' posters around recently, and their variations. I thought this was funny. My favourite alterations of the phrase are:
- KEEP CLAM
- KEEP CALM and ROCK ON
- KEEP CALM and CARRY RUM
- KEEP CALM and DON'T SNEEZE
- KEEP CALM and WEAR A THONG
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