I'm a Goddess and I Know It!

Aren't I really my name: Cleta (Cleopatra)?

Written on The Body

Poem of 2003

I have previously posted this poem (wow, look at the alliteration there!), but here it is with its illustration. I believe it is far more impressive this way. Judge for yourself though.

Addendum: I realize that the scanned version of this poem is rather small, please refer to the post from December 12, 2004 for the poem itself.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!

What do you see?

Deception

An obscene gesture of a wounded heart.
That a simple word can cause.
Love destroys the faith
Created in a fantasy realm
Of dragons and knights
A hero rescuing his princess.

One drop of blood – red
Two drops – swoon
Three drops – lust
For an unattainable love.

This soul is torn
This body burned
To ashes.
Remove oneself from the forbidden place,
Escape into a forgotten space,
This day of reckoning
Replays again.
This damnèd soul wonders
When its suffering
Will finally cease.

A shining knight (dark deceit)
This true hero (disguised devilry)

This is the end; never again
Will this weak heart fall in
Love = Hate
To relive that cruel game.

Justification

The void, has it been filled?
Or is it just a simple fool’s wish?
I love you, overtly clichéd, yet symbolic?
Who has the ability
To teach this damnèd soul
How to soar again?

Breathe once – oxygen
Breathe twice – life
Breathe thrice – heaven
In the arms of an angel.

One more chance to be hurt
One more chance to bleed
To die.
This poor soul wonders,
Does it get another chance,
For Happiness or Hurt
Caged emotion,
A guarded heart, waiting
Wanting and yearning for
Someone to release it.

A jagged gouge (crimson beauty)
Tender kisses (impure intentions)

Two damnèd souls; a third chance
Desperate to know if
Trust = Love
Or is it a replay of the deception game?

Testimonial

Insecurities of a tortured mind,
Suffering of the body dissipated,
A damnèd soul blurred the line.
Where the shadows of darkness,
And the purity of light,
Used to clash.

Blink once – last breath
Blink twice – heart stilled
Blink thrice – frail mortality
Final simplicity

The body gasps, one more chance
For the bleakness of the world
Tell a tale:
Starve this feeble body,
Suffocate emotion,
Mutilate its memory
Grant it freedom from its pain
Hate, the better half, divided by
The Line Between;
Love, a fool’s desire.

A moan for pleasure (blackest hell)
Silence for hurt (crystalline white)

The blurrèd line now defined
Ingrained in stone
Love = Hate
Unless an incongruity can be justified?

Monday, Monday

Another Monday means another week at school, and another week closer to my reading week. I don't know if I'm anticipating this, or dreading it more. Reading week is supposed to herald a week of hard work and commitment on my part, but I know that never really happens. Of course, I start out with the grand plans and ambitions that I will be productive, but of course, that never actually reaches fruition. This coming reading week, which will begin on the 14th, will pose some time for me to reflect and meditate on the rest of the school year, and also get to doing something that I haven't had time to do lately: reading for fun.

Some people will think this out of character for me, because those who know me, know that over the years I've always been seen with a book in hand. Perhaps these days I'm getting too caught up in the whirlwind of life to realize what I'm missing. I used to enjoy reading some years ago, but lately I have been far too stressed out with some of the finer details in my life. It's time to hit the books again, I have about 20 or so on the backburner, which should come out of hiding and be read. The first book I plan to tackle is: The DaVinci Code. Now, I know you are aware that I don't usually read mainstream books, but this one is just pissing me off these days. Everywhere I go, people are talking about it. I cannot say that this surprises me, the status quo seems fixated on books like this. Leave it to people like Oprah to make classics such as Anna Karenina a mainstream best-seller. I don't know what my real opinion about this is, but I wonder sometimes, what would happen if someone other than a celebrity endorsed books? Would they still sell like hotcakes? Probably not, but maybe people would learn a few things.

The Rules

Thanks to one of my friends a few years ago, a birthday gift that he felt appropriate for me. I henceforth present: THE RULES.

The FEMALE always makes the Rules.

The Rules are subject to chage at any time without prior notification.

No MALE can possibly know all The Rules.

If the FEMALE suspects the MALE knows all the Rules she must immediately change some or all The Rules.

The FEMALE is never wrong.

If the FEMALE is wrong, it is due to a misunderstanding which was a direct result of something the MALE did or said wrong.

The MALE must apologize immediately for causing said misunderstanding.

The FEMALE may change her mind at any time.

The MALE must remain calm at all times unless the FEMALE wants him to be angry and/or upset.

The FEMALE must under no circumstances let the MALE know whether or not she wants him to be angry and/or upset.

The MALE is expected to mind read at all times.

The FEMALE is ready when she is ready.

The MALE must be ready at all times.

Any attempt to document The Rules could result in bodily harm.

Just A Little Late...

Happy Birthday to my mother!

On the Wings of An Eagle...

A drawing from my highschool years.

What Flavour of Ice Cream Are You?

Alright everyone, judging by the title I'm sure you think I've been spending my time doing more of those inane surveys. However, I intend to prove you all wrong. Actually, this little mention is derived from an article I read in the newspaper today.

Essentially, here's the story: We are what we eat. Okay, I realize that's trite and cliche, but hear me out. The brief article explains that surveys were done on people who had lost their sense of smell due to accidental head trauma. The researchers discovered that there was a direct correlation between those people's choice of food after the accident.

In the little Q & A set up by the columnist, here are the results. Out of a list of: Vanilla, double chocolate chunk, strawberries and cream, banana cream pie, chocolate chip or butter pecan, which do you prefer?
The columnist chose the classic Vanilla, which according to the study denotes that: "People who like vanilla are lively, energetic, the life of the party! Anything but bland." Go figure. I would have chosen the double chocolate chunk myself.

Luckily, the columnist notes the result of my favourite as well. Double chocolate chunk lovers "tend to be more extroverts who enjoy life and are most romantically inclined to like people who like strawberries and cream. And they tend to be irritable, cranky pessimists." Well, well, I guess they were right about me. Of course the full results are not listed in this brief article, but what flavour ice cream are you?

Can We Really Feel Sorry for Shylock?

Today while perusing the Sunday Star, I came across something I had never seen before. Apparently there is now a new segment called "Ideas" which promotes itself to have 'No Commerical Interruptions'. Now, I don't actually read a physical newspaper every day for the news, rather I check in on my comic strips and crossword. However, this section caught my attention, so I began reading.

The first article, "A man beyond salvation" written by a theatre critic was an appraisal of the new film version of The Merchant of Venice by Michael Radford. Many people have praised this film, which features Al Pacino as Shylock. The article goes into detail to uncover the reasons why a modern audience has trouble accepting the character of Shylock. As we are all aware, last Thursday the 27th of January, marked the 60th anniversary of the liberation at Auschwitz and the other Nazi death camps. This is perhaps the reason why modern audiences have great difficulty in accepting Shylock. He is written as a classic villain, on the same line with Iago. The main sticking point is that he is a Jew, therefore bringing to mind the centuries of anti-Semitic commentary. People have attempted to cast Shylock in a positive light, but somehow, this has never been accomplished effectively. People feel sympathy for the character because he is Jewish, but how many people felt the same way about Iago, when he was denied the highest honour by Othello? My bets are on Shylock.

I read through the article, hoping against hope that I would not see the one dreaded name: Stephen Greenblatt. But, there his name appeared, towards the close of the article. This review, as I understood it, was not about the movie at all, but rather a critique on the notion of anti-Semitism. I hoped when beginning this article that I was to be enlightened about a fascinating character, but of course, was hit in the face once again with the post-colonial reading of Shylock. Alas, the poor Bard is probably writhing in his grave: look what modern society has done to his masterpiece!

My Lips are Sealed

January 28, 2005

Today's third installment. I can't say any more than that...

Friday's Jem

January 28, 2005

The second sketch of today.

Keeping An Eye on Things...

January 28, 2005

Today's the day of a few sketches appearing on the blog. Perhaps there will be more later....

Thursday's Child...

Thursday has been a day of sleeplessness and some concern, but all in all, things are alright. After going to sleep at 5am and waking up at 10am, I regretted being upset at Dave last night for his paper on The Book of the Duchess. I shouldn't have gotten upset so quickly, and I do hope the revisions I helped him with will earn him the A+ that he deserves. That's all for now, perhaps I'll post something later after I complete my readings.

Wednesday Night

Today dawned with the arrival of more snow and being rudely awoken by someone at 12am. Other than that, it wasn't all that bad of a day.

My only real problems with today were the amount of snow on the ground and that lecture this afternoon. First of all, more snow means more slippery conditions. This I hate. Furthermore, it was quite cold today, and of course, it was the day I had to wait for a bus to get home. It took over an hour to accomplish this feat.

Secondly, lecture was disjointed and we did not cover all the material that we were supposed to. However, this didn't surprise me, as Professor Broadhurst often finds himself sidetracked and goes off on various tangents. Occasionally there is something relevant in the tangents, but often they are just a waste of time, when we should be covering the week's materials.

On to my final little rant for tonight. American Idol has returned for season 4. I was never a fan of these "reality shows", but this show is more of a comedy sketch than a talent show. This year the spin is to showcase some of the most horrible and (allegedly) talented people. I don't watch too much television on weeknights, but this is one of the few shows I watch. Some of the people that are on the show, should definitely NEVER quit their day jobs. I'm watching the show this evening again, just for some laughs and to see the occasionally really talented people who make it to the next round of tryouts.

Toonie Tuesday

Here we are on Tuesday, and I neglected to update this blog yesterday. Apparently I'm some sort of expert on Chaucer now (at least according to Dave), but I don't really believe that. Maybe its a knack for symbolism and underlying meanings?

Anyhow, to the events of today. Just last night Dave was saying that he really wanted to have a chat with Jeremy about his problems writing his paper on The Book of the Duchess. Well, lo and behold, guess who we run into on campus today. Well, either Lady Fortune has played us a good hand today or 'speak of the devil and he appears' applies to Jeremy's fortuitous appearance on campus this morning. To make a long story short, I think Dave is finally on his way with this paper (or else I'll have to strangle him), and I hope to see something to edit by tonight.

It was nice to see you Jeremy, let us know when you plan to make an appearance at York again (although I know that won't be soon).

Yet another Sunday

Here is another Sunday again. It always amazes me how fast a week can pass when you are swamped with commitments and assignments. The only positive thing I have to say is that I'm finally feeling almost 100%. This is good news, as three weeks of sickness have not been the most fun.

Today was a day of cleaning. I dread actually starting any form of cleaning, but once I get into it, I think I do far more than I should at once. Today I organized two shelves and cleaned out my bedroom closet. This doesn't sound like a lot of work, that is, if these were tidy before. 4 hours and 2 garbage bags later, I finished the task, and I am quite proud of myself. Although all that dust that I inhaled is probably not the best for me. Oh well, at least the dirty work is done.

As for reading today, I have done nothing yet, so this means it will be a long evening of reading for me to get back up to speed with all the material I have to cover.

At least in my area we have electricity, because a large sector of downtown Toronto was shut down early this morning because of a water leak in the downtown core.

In other news, Johnny Carson, formerly of the Tonight Show died early this morning in his sleep. He was 79 years old. I found it quite amusing when my father asked if I knew who Johnny Carson was. That actually surprised me because I've seen many older episodes of the Tonight Show, when he was host. I know I'm not that old yet, but I'm old enough to remember a prominent person of the entertainment industry.

Who Killed Jesus?

Here I am trapped inside during the blizzard of Saturday January 22nd. I can't say that I really want to be outside today, because I don't particularly like all this snow.

So, I've sat down today to read Who Killed Jesus? for my Founders of Christianity class. I have a book review on this book due in a few weeks' time, but I figured I would start a bit ahead of time. Thus far, this book is more interesting than An Introduction to the Study of Paul, the book for review during first term. The author, Crossan, of the current read has written a book which is a critical commentary of a rival author. These types of books I always find quite amusing because it always seems to be an all-out-war of book bashing, cleverly disguised as literary discourse. I'm only a few pages into reading, and this fact is already becoming quite apparent. I'll just see what develops as I read further.

Playing the Trump Card

Well, the man of the hour looks to be Donald Trump once again. What an appropriate name for a man who will be having a spectacular wedding. I really feel sorry for him, that he couldn't have his fireworks show (boo-hoo-hoo) for his new bride. I mean, it really takes the cake that her dress will not be outdone by the $5000-$26 000 dresses of the attendees of their wedding.

I really think that it is a tragedy that people like this are concerned about having their wedding televised. It's not as if Trump hasn't been married twice before....

Friday Night

It was a dark and stormy night, no, correction, dark yes, stormy, not yet. This week has seemed longer than most others for me, perhaps it is due to all the medications, or the realization that I'm nearly 3 weeks behind on most of my readings.

I know I shouldn't have let it get this far, but all I can do now is catch up, and do that at a fast rate. I figure I will just do the upcoming week's reading and then catch up with the other stuff as I have time (knowing me, that will occur somewhere around the exam period).

Tonight I should be reading, but of course, Friday night is reserved for my watching of Royal Canadian Air Farce and other humour-filled shows. However, when I do start my reading tonight, I will be reading the book of Mark (for Founders of Christianity) and also Who Killed Jesus?. I'm starting to wonder if the world is on drugs, or if it is just me... My professor for my tutorial today was constantly referring to the sport of figure skating, somehow suggesting that he wanted to be trained by Elvis Stojko... I was puzzled and thought that I was missing out on some joke, but I guess I wasn't, as my classmates all appeared as befuddled as me. Perhaps my professor was being a buffoon?

Anyhow, on to note that York U was in the news yesterday with the anti-Bush-inauguration demonstration. I was in class at the time, so I missed the action, but apparently some students were pushed around due to some altercations with Security and the police. Ah well, good old York, those who aren't here any longer aren't missing anything new...

Wednesday-Jack Thursday-Kerouac

Welcome again to my wide world of sickness. In the last two weeks, I have to imagine that my pharmacist is starting to recognize me (or at least like me spending $120 on meds). Yes, this is the grand total to date of my medications.

To update, I went to the doctor on Tuesday morning around 11:30am, and two hours later after x-rays and waiting time, I emerged diagnosed: seasonal bronchitis, this time drug of choice, 2 puffers. I can barely contain how happy I am! (Most people can probably hear the sarcasm dripping off that comment.)

Anyhow, tonight's reading of choice, The Subterraneans by Kerouac. I must admit that reading Kerouac is fascinating, I really admire the flow of the whole text. Then again, my evaluation of the book is rather floundering tonight, as I've put ibuprofen, steroid puffer, bronchodialator puffer, 2 cups of coffee and a can of Coca-Cola into my system in the last 6 hours or so. Hence the confused state of mind. Perfect appetizer I believe for reading this literature! Professor Powe, just wait and see what the sketch to exemplify Thursday's class will look like...

Anyhow, I want to wish Dave a happy birthday. He's finally made it to 22. Another year of commitments and fun, until 23 comes along. All the best in the coming year!

Since my thoughts are not so cohesive tonight, I'll go and complete my reading, contemplate that today is Thursday, and somewhere in the back of my brain remember that Georgie Dubyah is being inaugurated today. Joy and rapture for 4 more years!

I know Mondays are usually bad, but this one couldn't get much worse

Well, here I am again typing to expunge some of the misery that my body is putting me through. Apparently my body just does not like the drugs I'm on, and I feel worse now than when I started the drugs. Last night I used TeleHealth Ontario, a service developed by the Ontario Government, which actually works properly. I spent about a half hour on the phone, speaking to a registered nurse and then a pharmacist. The people I talked to were very nice, helpful, and very thorough. Even though I know the Ontario Government usually falls through on many of the programs that they start, this one is definitely a success.

Secondly, I'm doing my readings for two classes tonight, one particularly being my Caribbean History class and the other my Founders of Christianity course. It seems as though these two topics are getting me muddled and more upset, so as usual, the books go on the back burner while I rest. I guess the most important thing I can say is that I had a very insightful lecture today by Professor Broadhurst, on the Synoptic problem, and the issues with "Q". For those who are not aware of the "Q" factor, it basically states that the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke, in particular) are at times sourcing another document which has been lost to our modern times. Then again, it is all just a theory, but a fascinating one at that.

On that note, I'm heading off to an early bedtime tonight, hopefully with sleep this time. Seems to be that I go to bed early, then can't sleep, and head off to watch T.V. (until 3am last night). Oh well, I'll be done these drugs tomorrow, but with how I still feel, round two of doctor visiting might be happening soon. Happy reading all...

Sunday's Choice

Le Dejeuner sur L'Herbe (Luncheon on the Grass)

1863, Edouard Manet

Well, I haven't had a chance to post anything on my blog since Friday, so I will update and continue with my musings of the day. Yesterday, Saturday, was a church day for me. I was supposed to be attending a group event with the Youth Group of my church, but due to spasmodic fits of coughing, I decided not to go after all. Instead, I came home and had some rather interesting conversations with some people. I truly wish I could understand some people's life motivations because I am puzzled by bizarre behaviour.

Anyhow, on a more literary note, I'm still working my way through Naked Lunch, and finding it an intriguing read. For the people who are familiar with Burroughs, I'm sure this will be no surprise to you. I would also like to note that this text has triggered other elements of my background knowledge. According to the quiz that I did, I am a person who visualizes what I learn, and translates knowledge into pictures in my brain.

One of my musings, I think triggered by the title, was the similarity to a Manet painting entitled Le Dejeuner sure L'Herbe (Luncheon on the Grass). I know that in the era (Impressionism) when that painting was released, it had many negative criticisms, and was banned from being shown. I was wondering if that painting and this title have anything in common? Perhaps it is just musing on my part, but if there is anyone who might know the answer to this, please comment.

Yet another one of those surveys

Your Dominant Intelligence is Spatial Intelligence

You've got a good sense of space and how the world around you looks. You can close your eyes and "see" images. You have innate artistic talent. An eye for color and shapes, you're also a natural designer. Since you think in pictures, visual aids and demonstartions help you learn best. You would make a good navigator, sculptor, visual artist, inventor, architect, interior designer, or engineer.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Here are my results of my intelligence test!

Song of 2004

Naughty Girl by Beyonce

"Tonight I'll be your naughty girl I'm callin all my girls We're gonna turn this party out I know you want my body" 2004 was your year! You felt sexy as hell - and it showed.

What 2004 Hit Song Are You?

Surprise, surprise. I'm sure that no one will be entirely shocked by these quiz results. After these quizzes I've been doing, I'm starting to notice a trend...

La Tour Eiffel

View from La Tour Eiffel

This picture was taken from the main observation level on the Eiffel Tower. During our 5 day stay in Paris, I definitely think the wait to go up into the Tower was worth it. The view was incredible, and we were really fortunate that the weather was good that particular day. As for what is in this view, I don't honestly know, I just know that this is the main entrance and roadway leading to the Tower area. If anyone actually knows the name of the area in this view, please comment?

Drawing the time away

In a fit of Consciousness: Behold the wonder!

I suppose everyone will wonder if this drawing comes from a drug induced mind. However, I assure you, I was in no way, shape or form drugged at the time this little masterpiece came into being. It was inspired by sitting through my two Thursday classes in October of last year. The courses by the way; Modern Drama and Postmodernism, which probably explain a lot. :)

Naked Lunch

Last night I bravely plunged into one of the most lyrically-explicit books of all time; Naked Lunch, by William Burroughs. I found it profound and enlightening, not at all shocking. Perhaps that's because in my drugged state, books like this are starting to make some sense. Then again, maybe the material is not sinking into my consciousness as it should. I don't know if I should be worried or have some sort of euphoria as a result of my revelations. Perhaps the true answer will come to me after I'm off these meds. Jer, if you're reading this, I'm somewhat better, but think I'm relapsing a bit (as I forgot to bring my meds with me to school today). I suppose getting soaked in the rain this evening wasn't exactly the best thing either. *sigh* Now I proceed to do some studying for Founders of Christianity as I have the major section of my exam tomorrow afternoon. I hope all goes well. Happy reading everyone!

Later that night

Well, today's exam was easier than I originally thought it would be. I finished it in 15 minutes, which is probably too fast to finish an exam, but it was only the short answer question section; meaning either you know your material, or you're going to fail. I was quite sure of most of the answers I gave, and only uncertain about 3-4 questions. Overall, I think it went well, but I'm hoping that the next part of the exam, that I'll be doing on Friday will go well also. That is the demanding portion of the exam, 2 hours writing about sight passages from either the Jewish Study Bible (TANAKH) or the other one. *Sigh* more studying for me and co-ordinating for my Stage Manager role for a scene from Caryl Churchill's Cloud Nine. I guess I'll just see how it all goes.

Good Afternoon All

In my drugged stupor last night, I came to some conclusions about my life as a whole thus far. I realize I haven't done anything to "save the world," except for participating the 30 hour famine some years ago.
I wonder sometimes if self-sacrifice for someone you love is really worth it at all. I've come to the conclusion that sometimes, but rarely is it effective. In the last few years I've discovered that giving up individuality to suit someone else is not altogether worth it. Don't get me wrong though, sometimes tweaking one's life just a bit is helpful, but drastic change is a whole other story.
I don't know if my revelations can be considered useful, I'm on Naproxen and Clarithromycin right now, as well as some cough syrup. These are just thoughts, not meant to target any one in particular, just musings of a drugged brain.
Who knows, perhaps these drugs will help me do well on that Founders of Christianity Exam I have to write today.

Autoshow 2005

Autoshow 2004

Another year, another autoshow to attend. Many more cave-mannish leering opportunities. Are my body guards going to be around again? http://www.autoshow.ca/2005/default.asp

A Little Something I Found

This reminded me of my infamous prize upon graduating high school. Isn't it rather amusing?


You are an Exotic Dancer. You are the sexy lady in
the group, you love to play with people's
minds, you never show your true intents to
anyone, you like to have a lot of friends so
you don't get bored and this goes the same with
men, you don't like the strict guy who gives
you orders like he owns you, nobody does, cuz
you were born free and nothing would change
that.


What kind of dancers are you? (Girls only)
brought to you by Quizilla

Bavaria; don't forget the beer!

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

Here's another picture from my travels in Europe. For the last section of our touring in Europe, we visited Munich, Germany. Munich is located in the southern part of the country, otherwise known as the Bavarian region. On the day that this particular picture was taken, we were taking a tour of 3 castles of King Ludwig II (the crazy king) who never finished this particular castle, slept in his master bedroom once (later was found mysteriously drowned in a lake) and managed to spend exorbitatnt amounts of his country's money on his palaces. He had built: Neuschwanstein, Herrenchiemsee (modeled after Versailles), and Linderhof. There is much to be found on this famous (and crazy king) on the web. Neuschwanstein (New Swan's Stone) was particualarly built for his favourite composer, Wagner, but alas, was never completed. Furthermore, if you ever find yourself in Germany, be sure to go on a tour to see these castles, it will be a trip you will never forget.

Blogs are Educational Tools

Lately I've been reading quite a few articles on the validity of students' blogs up on the internet. Apparently my infamous university has now caught on that they are useful. Here is the link to that article: http://www.yorku.ca/mediar/archive/Release.asp?Release=775

Who would have guessed that York U would have figured out the usefulness of weblogging? Anyhow, I'm looking for any further comments on this topic. I was inspired to start my own blog just last month, and I find it one of the most useful tools. It is my personal space: diary, commentary, exploration, and otherwise. Plus, people can add their own opinions to mine.

Travels in Europe

The Hungarian Parliament, as viewed from the Fisherman's Bastion

As promised earlier in my blog entries, this is a picture from my travels in Europe during the summer of 2004. This particular picture may look familiar to anyone who has been to England, as the Hungarian Parliament building is modeled after the British Parliament, but is apparently a few feet longer overall. The Crown of St. Istvan (Steven) is on display in the Parliament building as well. For those who need a bit of historical background, he was the first Christian king of Hungary in the 11th century. There is also a piece of his mummified hand on display in the Bascilica.

This picture, from the Fisherman's Bastion is taken from the Buda side of the capital. This side is substantially higher as it is the Buda Hills where it draws its name from. The Parliament is located on the south side of Danube River, the Pest section of the capital. Budapest is joined by a series of bridges that span the Danube River.

Anyhow, that's all for now, more pictures will follow.

Picturing the Holidays

Here's our episode of Karaoke on Christmas Day 2004

One of the pictures from our Christmas get-together at my aunt's house.

Finding (Founders) of Christianity

Since beginning medicated life today, things have been alright, hoping that my body will not take long to adjust to the poisons that allegedly will make me feel better.
At any rate, tonight's commentary focuses on my Founders of Christianity Exam, of which I will be writing part one this Wednesday. For those non-Yorkies out there who might read this, there was a bomb threat one day during the exam period back in December, hence, my writing of this exam now.
As I peruse 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, Philippian, Philemon etc., it comes to mind that this course has become somewhat of a struggle for me. Come to think of it, I'm starting to like the Bard more than the Bible. Perhaps this is a response in part to Dr. J's blog today about various Shakespearian information floating out on the web. Some of the things discussed are downright scary, mainly because people have a tendency to take them for fact.
At any rate, I digress, back to my studies. I've been having some difficulty with this course, not the material per se. The material is familiar footing for me, being raised in a Christian household. However, the perspective is not so familiar. I should have been aware when I took this course that it wouldn't always be easy going. I think I'm having the most difficulty with being the "outsider" as this is not a theological course, rather a Humanities study. My professors are well learned in the topic, but I struggle to keep up with their "scholarly accepted" approaches. We'll see as this term progresses what will happen. :)

Updates

Hello everyone, as promised, here are the updates on my condition. I went in for an 11:30am appointment this morning, and of course didn't see my doctor until 12:00pm, which is actually better than usual. In the meanwhile I was occupied with watching some Bollywood movie in the waiting area. After seeing the doctor for a whole 5 minutes, I was sent on my way with three different medications and a diagnosis of bronchitis, as I predicted. Oh well, I guess I'm going to be a drug fiend for the next little while.
On another note, here's something I picked up from Dr. J's site, and decided to try the quiz for myself.

Well...your alter poet is Sexton...not nearly as
bad as Plath...but still...CHEER UP, JEEEEEZ!


Who is Your Alter Poet?
brought to you by Quizilla

Perhaps my fate is not all that bad...but then again I'm sick, so who really knows anyhow. I'm probably delusional anyhow.

An older picture, any comments?

"Tim Hortons is the Canadian Starbucks"

This blog entry is partially in response to my trip to Casino Rama this past Friday night to see the Wayne Brady Show. Apparently these non-Canadians are not aware of Tim Hortons, and how legendary he is (especially to caffeine addicted Canadians). After a man in the audience dubbed Tim Hortons "The Canadian Starbucks", Wayne and his fellows were almost booed off the stage. Furthermore, one actor called it "Tom Hortons" ensuing with more booing. *Sigh* these poor Americans. Is that why they are so concerned with stealing the fresh water from our lakes? Is it to brew their pathetic Starbucks coffee? Anyhow, I can't say that I really won any money, since my gambling funds were actually donated to me, but I had a good time nonetheless.
My commentary tonight I think will focus on the strange habits of the male species. Apparently any man who sees a woman in a short skirt feels that it is his duty to ogle incessantly. Or perhaps not, but it seems to me that this is the case 9 times out of 10. Sometimes I wonder when this occurs, has that particular male never seen a female before?
I don't really know if this is funny, or a sign of perversion, but at any rate, the cave-mannish ogle and drool seems to be the modus operandi of many of the males in society today.
Furthermore, I cannot stand a certain male who has decided that he will consistenly bother me about his male "problem" even though I am sick. But that is a long story that I'm not willing to divulge here and now.
I suppose that's all I have to say tonight, other than I'm suffering from what I think may be bronchitis (going to a doctor for a professional opinion tomorrow), as I continue to hack up my lungs with every cough. I will post something tomorrow in event of actual diagnosis.

HOWLing away the night

Well, here's my first crack at this being somewhat of a literary blog site (although I can't promise that everything up here will be that). I'm in a rather good mood, considering its almost midnight and I'm already done my essay for my post-modernism course.
I am rather intriguied by this course, and of course, I love the reading list. The current reading, for tonight is Howl by Allen Ginsberg. I have heard a lot about it before, but of course, never really had the time to pick it up on my own. (Perhaps this is why I take courses like this, to get an excuse to read some more provocative texts?) Ah well, back to my reflections. I'm about halfway through and somewhat mystified by what I'm reading. I don't find it any stranger than the things we've read, after Rimbaud, this is child's play. However, I have to say, Ginsberg reminds me of Rimbaud, or perhaps I just need some more sleep.
I've come across the word Moloch, and it seemed to be a familiar term, so I looked it up to refresh my memory. As I figured, it comes from the Bible, and refers to a cult that sacrificed children as part of its ceremonies. Ginsberg spends almost two pages bemoaning the curse of Moloch. Here are some excerpts to pique your interest...

What sphinx of cement and aluminum bashed open
their skulls and ate up their brains and imagi-
nation?

Moloch! Solitude! Filth! Ugliness! Ashcans and unob-
tainable dollars! Children screaming under the
stairways! Boys sobbing in armies! Old men
weeping in the parks!

I don't know what you'll think of this, perhaps if you've read it, you'll have some commentary, but I personally found it all rather fascinating. If you haven't read this piece of literary genius, I suggest that you do as soon as possible, although I suggest Rimbaud's A Season in Hell as a preliminary reading to get a feel for this style.

To the New Year

Although today is already the third of January, I would like to note that the world situation in this new is a rather sober one. People fortunate enough to live in North and South America, as well as Europe have been spared physically from the devastation. However, that does not mean that we are all not affected. Many people here, even some people I know have family and friends in that area of the world. I would hope that the disaster has not affected anyone close to me, and for those that it has, my prayers are with you all.

Good Morning Canada!

As per request, I am adding more of a commentary to this rather interesting photo. This is what happens on New Year's Day, in the pre-coffee mode. Who would've thought that New Year's could be so much fun? Apparently this individual had (perhaps) a little too much fun for his own good. :)