the shmoopdeck

canadian music is my fantasy boyfriend.

2009-03-10T21:38:00.002-04:00

I love CBC Radio 3 - and CBC Radio 3 loves you.

crush before wallowing

2009-02-25T15:48:00.001-05:00

crush before wallowing, originally uploaded by snailbooty.

Oh snailbooty. How I adore thee.

Jacobus: Video Blog from the 14th Century

2009-02-09T15:47:00.001-05:00

Ugh. Why can't Canadian politics be this sexy?

2009-01-30T11:07:00.002-05:00

"Let us be the generation that reshapes our economy to compete in the digital age. Let's set high standards for our schools and give them the resources they need to succeed. Let's recruit a new army of teachers, and give them better pay and more support in exchange for more accountability. Let's make college more affordable, and let's invest in scientific research, and let's lay down broadband lines through the heart of inner cities and rural towns all across America."

-- Barack Obama, Springfield, IL

February 10 ,2007

Here are some highlights of the Obama/Biden platform on technology:

Protect the Openness of the Internet: Support the principle of network neutrality to preserve the benefits of open competition on the Internet.
Bring Government into the 21st Century: Use technology to reform government and improve the exchange of information between the federal government and citizens while ensuring the security of our networks. Appoint the nation's first Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to ensure the safety of our networks and lead an interagency effort, working with chief technology and chief information officers of each of the federal agencies, to ensure that they use best-in-class technologies and share best practices.
Deploy Next-Generation Broadband: Work towards true broadband in every community in America through a combination of reform of the Universal Service Fund, better use of the nation's wireless spectrum, promotion of next-generation facilities, technologies and applications, and new tax and loan incentives. America should lead the world in broadband penetration and Internet access.
Invest in University-Based Research: Expand research initiatives at American colleges and universities. Provide new research grants to the most outstanding early-career researchers in the country.
Protect American Intellectual Property Abroad: Work to ensure intellectual property is protected in foreign markets, and promote greater cooperation on international standards that allow our technologies to compete everywhere.
Protect American Intellectual Property at Home: Update and reform our copyright and patent systems to promote civic discourse, innovation, and investment while ensuring that intellectual property owners are fairly treated.

a brief history of communication

2009-01-24T20:39:00.002-05:00

Examined Life

2009-01-22T01:13:00.004-05:00

OMGOMGOMG I want to see this!!!!!!!

OK. So I"m coming to the conclusion that philisophical debates fascinate me. Witness the brilliant, entertaining imp that is the mind Slavoj Zizek.

Plus I find his accent and lisp strangely charming.

This interview with Barry Nolan is CLASSIC! Especially the part where he tells Zizek he's like the Denis Leary of Slovenia.

Christmas Cookie Recipes!

2009-01-21T10:03:00.006-05:00

Here are recipes for all the cookies I made over the holidays (aka how I gained 10lbs over 4 weeks).

Homemade cookies are far superior to store bought. Since time is a luxury many people don't have, I suggest baking them ahead of time and pop them in your freezer for when you need (yes need) them. Or if you prefer freshly baked cookies, you can prep the dough into balls, freeze them and bake them whenever you want! Pillsbury be damned!

Enjoy!

These are the Ginger Snaps. Sorry I didn't take photos of all of them. Next time!

These are my absolute favourite chocolate chip cookies:

CRISPY COCONUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
from Great Canadian Cookies by Pamela Steel

1 cup (250 ml) soft butter
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp (5ml) vanilla
1 1/2 cups (375ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10ml) baking powder
1/4 tsp (1 ml) baking soda
1/4 tsp (1ml) salt
1 1/2 (375ml) rolled oats
1 cup (250ml) coconut or walnuts
1 cup (250ml) chocolate chips

* Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
* Beat in egg and vanilla.
* In separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
* Stir flour mixture into creamed mixture, a third at a time.
* In a food processor, process oats and coconut until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* Fold oat mixture and chocolate chips into dough.
* Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes
* Preheat oven to 350 °F.
* Form dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. (If the dough is too dry to work, add a splash of milk)
* Place the cookie sheet in the freezer to chill the dough balls until ready to be baked.
* Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
* Cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.
* Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

I made 4 batches of this biscotti recipe over the month of December, experimenting with different amounts of coffee, kinds of nuts and chocolate. This recipe recommends you double bake them, which isn't really necessary. If you like soft biscotti, just bake them once. Double baking them makes them harder, but it also means they won't go stale!

CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT BISCOTTI
From Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites by The Moosewood Collective

2 cups (500ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup (250ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5ml) baking powder
1/4 tsp (1ml) salt
2 whole eggs
2 egg whites
1 tbsp hot water
2 tsp (10ml) instant coffee
1/3 cup (75ml) chopped toasted hazelnuts

* Preheat oven to 350 °F.
* In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder and salt.
* Lightly beat the eggs and the egg whites and add to the flour mixure.
* Stir in the hot water and coffee granules and hazelnuts, mixing until the wet dough is smooth.
* Using a rubber spatula and floured hands, scoop half the dough out of the bowl and onto one side of the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.. Shape it into a 15-inch log.
* Make a second log on the other side of the sheet with the remaining dough.
* Space the logs about 6-inches apart.
* Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top of each log is firm.
* Remove them with a long spatula to a wire rack and cool for 10-15 minutes.
* Cut each log on a severe diagonal into about 20 1/2-inch-thick slices and place them, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Reduce oven temperature to 325 °F.
* Bake for 20 minutes.
* Remove the biscotti and transfer to cooling racks.
* Makes about 3 1/2 dozen.

Since I was giving these as gifts, I made these ginger snaps a bit smaller and uniformly round by rolling them into balls instead of just dropping them onto the cookie sheet. Even when these cookies get stale (which is rare since they get eaten so fast) they are delicious!

GINGER SNAPS
From Magnificent Cookies Cookbook by Kathryn L. Ramsay
1/2 cup (125ml) soft butter
1 cup (250ml) firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup (50ml) light molasses
2 cups (500ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp (7ml) baking soda
2 tsp (10ml) ground ginger
1/2 tsp (2ml) ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1ml) ground cloves
1/4 tsp (1ml) ground allspice

* Preheat oven to 325 °F.
* Electric Mixer Method: Cream butter. Add sugars and beat until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses and beat well. Combine flour, baking soda and spices in a large bowl. Add gradually to creamed mixture and beat until blended
* Food Processor Method: With metal blade, cream butter. Add sugars and process until light and fluffy. With processor running, add egg and molasses and process until blended. Combine flour, baking soda and spices in a large bowl. Add to workbowl one half at a time and process until mixture is completely blended.
* Drop generous teaspoons onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Place the cookie sheet in the freezer to chill the dough balls until ready to be baked.
* Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
* Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Because of the fresh apple in this recipe, they tend to go stale within a week, so eat'em up fast if you make'em!

FRESH APPLE COOKIES
from Magnificent Cookies Cookbook by Kathryn L. Ramsay

1/2 cup (125ml) soft butter
1/2 cup (125ml) soft shortening
1/2 cup (125ml) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (125ml) firmly packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
1/4 tsp (1ml) lemon extract
2 cups (500ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10ml) baking powder
1/2 tsp (2ml) baking soda
1/2 tsp (2ml) salt
2 cups (500ml) grated apple (about 2 medium apples)
topping: ground cinnamon

* Preheat oven to 350 °F.
* Electric Mixer Method: Cream butter and shortening together. Add sugars and beat until light and fluffy. Add egg and extracts and beat. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Add gradually to creamed mixture and beat until completely mixed. Add grated apple and beat well.
* Food Processor Method: With grating blade in place, grate apple. Remove from workbowl and set aside. With metal blade, cream butter and shortening. Add sugars and process until light and fluffy. With processor running, add egg and extracts and process to blend. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Add to workbowl one half at a time and process until mixture is completely blended. Add apple and pulse until it is evenly blended into batter.
* Drop generous teaspoons onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Place the cookie sheet in the freezer to chill the dough balls until ready to be baked.
* Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
* Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

home for the holidays 2008

2009-01-18T22:36:00.004-05:00

paintings!

2009-01-14T22:59:00.004-05:00

happy holidays!

2008-12-25T11:16:00.002-05:00

Slideshow from this past weekend's school bus trip to Pittsburgh, PA

2008-10-22T19:26:00.003-04:00

Cause I'm too busy to upload individual images. Anyway, we went to visit the 55th Carnegie International, which was ridiculously amazing. We also visited the Andy Warhol Museum, the Mattress Factory and Wood Street Galleries among others. I'm so frigging tired, but completely inspired. OMG that totally rhymes! (SIGH. that is how out of it I am right now.) I finally got some shots of recently submitted homework, so keep yer peepers peeled!

more proof of my lame-ness

2008-10-08T16:17:00.006-04:00

I totally bailed on Raymi's fantastic second art show last night at The Central.

I was all super excited to go, but I had class this morning at 8:30AM in which my first assignment was due. Because I spent the whole weekend recovering from Nuit Blahhhhhhh-nche, I ended up painting most of last night to make up for it.

Oh Raymi, I think the world of you and it is so important that you are pushing the notion that "to be an artist you have to go to art school" out on it's ass. GOOD ON YA.

holy crap it's frigging october!

2008-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Dear blog,

I've often thought about you longingly over the last couple of months, but, sadly, you keep jumping to the bottom of my list of things to do. Since my last post, not only have I started school, but I also started working 3 part-time jobs on campus.

Sigh. I know. Waaaaaah. Poor me, I have 1500 photos from the summer that I haven't gone through yet. Waaaaah. I'm basically working a 57-hour work week and paying for the privilege. Waahh. There's still a hole in my new home studio ceiling after 2 months of emails and phone calls to the builder. WAAAAAAAH!

Jeebus. All I can do right now is bitch and moan and it's so frigging boring that I almost fell asleep typing this out. With all the recent politicking and with the economy heading straight for the shitter, the last thing you need is to hear that junk.

So, until I get my shit together long enough to post again, please enjoy this little piece of Canadian heaven:

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

identity crisis hotline

2008-07-25T15:58:00.002-04:00

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Maybe it's just PMS but today I feel like junking this blog.

2008-07-09T16:12:00.006-04:00

hahaahhahahahahahahahahahahaaaaa

2008-06-17T19:05:00.006-04:00

Poopee: < stupid html removed > oops, i meant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b7zL_Jorr4

Raymi: blogging that!

Poopee: just did
sooooooo fucking hilarious
i've watched it 17 times

Raymi: haha

Poopee: instead of studying for my midterm
or cleaning
just read phil's post
craz-eeeeee

Raymi: yep

Poopee: i just wikipedia'd styes. ew. are you ok?

Raymi: NO MY LIFE SUCKS

Poopee: hug?

Raymi: YES

Poopee: HUG

Raymi: THANKS
http://haloscan.com/comments/raymisucks/6378575602140688300/#280074

Raymi: hahahha

Poopee: sigh
that's what i get for sharing

Raymi: ha

Poopee: ungrateful brat

Raymi: hah

Poopee: http://popsugar.com/1715061

Raymi: neither, the yhave fat faces

Poopee: don't they know that playing with dolls is gay?
hahaahha

Raymi: i think they ARE gay

Poopee: really?
they are THE gay
i wonder when that balloon movie is coming out
hahahhahaha

Raymi: i am holding my breath

Poopee: i have to go. in the meantime, enjoy http://ilikedirt.googlepages.com/dogswithwigs

Raymi: !!!!!!!

i love the way your tornado of power makes me feel

2008-06-17T18:21:00.001-04:00

So I spent the whole day outside today...

2008-06-08T17:40:00.003-04:00

I'm kind of kicking myself for not taking a camera along. Though I sometimes get tired of seeing and experiencing things through a lens or filter, rather than using my own eyes. I'm now doing a lot of reading, writing and sifting through a BAjillion pics and vids, which is taking forEVER. In the meantime, enjoy the work of Jim Stoten. Make sure you take a look at his sketchbook. Oh and I think I got a bit of sunstroke. Whee!

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i like to paint!

2008-05-31T12:35:00.002-04:00

malberga002, originally uploaded by poopee shmoopee.

2007
24"x36"
acrylic on canvas

Today is a ridiculously beautiful day, but my allergies are going HAYWIRE. I've taken pills and nose spray but I still have a headache and my eyes are seriously light sensitive. As much as I'd love to be down by the beach RIGHT NOW, with the amount of pollen, the wind and high humidity it's best I stay inside. Le sigh.

We took Oscar and Luna (our 14-year old cat) to the vet this morning. Oscar was happy until we got him up on the table. He took his shots like a real trooper. Luna on the other hand started growling loudly as soon as I opened the door to her carrier. Everyone in the waiting room heard her spitting and screaming at the vet and me. He had wanted to clip her nails, but she was so pissed off he couldn't. Actually she hasn't let us clip them since we got the dog - 5 YEARS AGO! He told me the only was would be to sedate her - which would cost me $250. Yeah, like that's going to happen.

Last night I ate the largest boneless chicken roti I have ever seen

2008-05-30T13:47:00.005-04:00

Seriously. I don't usually overeat but it was so good I just couldn't stop.

Usually we eat dinner before 8pm but it was 8:30 before we made it to Cool Runnings Carribean Restaurant and I was so hungry my stomach was hurting.

Dudes, I think that roti was actually bigger than my stomach, because about 20 minutes after eating it, my stomach started to hurt again. Bad news.

We walked home and for a moment there I actually considered purging it but realized how stupid that would be especially since it was in there by my own choice, and I remembered the last time I barfed. No thanks!

Anyway, the moral of the story is, when you're not hungry anymore, and there is still food on your plate...STOP.

i smell a duel...

2008-05-27T00:52:00.002-04:00

U.S. authors present divergent perspectives on Prehistoric Nuclear War

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Indoor Shed

2008-05-26T21:57:00.001-04:00

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2008-05-16T19:54:00.003-04:00

Hey ya'll! I know for the last while I've been a bit of a blogbot, however, dear internet, it's about all I've had to give, of late. I just got a new part-time job, working on campus and have applied for a couple more which will start in the Fall. I've started a couple of new paintings, and am still getting used to our new home.

I also just started a Intro to Communication Studies: Media Messages and the Cultural Landscape. The prof is David McIntosh and I really like him. He's upfront, interesting and engages us in the discussion instead of lecturing (well it helps there are only 20 people in the class). The only homework I have, besides exams, is to write a weekly entry about my experience with media (any method of communicating messages) in relation to whatever issues we explore in the previous class.

So guess what guys... pretentious art school writings = easy, blogtastic must reads! HAHA suckers! Ahem.

I also have a list of things I've been thinking about sharing with you all, my steadfastly loyal 20 readers, here at the blog. Where should I start?

cute pictures and/or videos of my pets
written school assignments
old notes my friends and I passed to one another in high school
my old teen angst-filled journals
slideshows/videos of my process in art making
more links!

me wantee

2008-05-11T10:18:00.002-04:00

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BBQ Sword Makes You the Swashbuckler of Sausages

2008-05-09T18:48:00.001-04:00

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funnyordie.com loves you

2008-05-05T09:39:00.000-04:00

Gary Taxali at Magic Pony May 8th

2008-05-04T09:14:00.000-04:00

www.magic-pony.com.

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i made this for you!

2008-05-03T02:15:00.001-04:00

http://poopeeshmoopee.muxtape.com

right after i spent half an hour enjoying fussy's http://eden.muxtape.com/

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2D Animals Inhabit Bookshelf

2008-05-03T00:20:00.001-04:00

Animal Index

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sigh. dreamy

2008-05-02T20:54:00.001-04:00

Dolan Geiman

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Sustainable work from University of Belgrade

2008-04-22T19:18:00.001-04:00

Harmonica by Aleksandar Stamenovic

Miesrolo by Uros Vitas

Cage by Emir Beciragic

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{{{so cute!}}} Koko

2008-04-22T19:16:00.001-04:00

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whoah!

2008-04-22T10:48:00.001-04:00

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nice!

2008-04-22T10:47:00.001-04:00

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Me Wantee: Living Wall Systems

2008-04-22T10:34:00.001-04:00

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Custom K3YB04RD

2008-04-22T10:24:00.001-04:00

From the MAKE Flickr photo pool

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Christiaan Postma clock

2008-04-22T10:21:00.001-04:00

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take that!

2008-04-21T00:50:00.001-04:00

TC Studio's Knife Hooks
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love, love, LOVE this.

2008-04-20T20:25:00.001-04:00

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whoah!

2008-04-20T20:22:00.001-04:00

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OMG. so pretty.

2008-04-20T12:57:00.001-04:00

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ummmmm....nice can.

2008-04-20T12:55:00.001-04:00

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via geekologie.com

2008-04-16T12:19:00.001-04:00

Kalashnikov Equipped Burglar Alarm [uberreview]

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Squarelawn Chair

2008-04-15T19:09:00.001-04:00

My new RSS reader is compelling me to share these nuggets of delight with all 16 of you out there.

So, ummm...anyone care to weigh in on this handcrafted wood chair art piece? you know! the one that looks like the shitty plastic chairs everyone and their gramma have rotting (actually they'll NEVEREVEREVER rot) in their yards, sheds, cottages, garages, carports, decks, patios, poolsides, landfills, or what have you.

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Knitted Interfaces for Technology!?!

2008-04-15T18:50:00.001-04:00

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boing boing!

2008-04-15T09:02:00.001-04:00

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i'm learning to love printmaking

2008-04-14T23:30:00.001-04:00

View on Canadian Art has a review of my printmaking professor's recent show on now at Craig Scott Gallery in Toronto.

Rudolph Bikkers is a living master ya'll. His prints involve dozens (sometimes upwards of 30) layers of colours and multiple printmaking processes. I've seen them in person. They are flawless and crazy and I love them! It's really been a great pleasure being in his class this past semester.

CSg artists, Rudolf Bikkers , Morphogenetic Fields IV

bikkers_morphogenetics_008.jpg (JPEG Image, 550x440 pixels)

CSg artists, Rudolf Bikkers , Morphogenetic Fields II

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OMG NO WAY!

2008-04-14T23:14:00.001-04:00

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More from Brendan George Ko

2008-04-14T22:52:00.001-04:00

I've posted about Brendan before. Gorgeous stuff.

I found out he has a blog, checkit: http://photo-ma-graphy.blogspot.com/

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mmmmm...pretty....

2008-04-14T21:50:00.002-04:00

See more on the amazing Kawasaki at www.audrey-kawasaki.com.

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2008-04-08T14:10:00.011-04:00

So the last month have been totally and unequivocally the busiest since last August, when Kirk and I decided to reno our condo in 3 weeks.

I moved out of my parents'house:

We moved into our new house:

My brother got married:

I was a bridesmaid:

I had a super rocking housewarming party complete with a fantastic DJ! This is one of the few pictures anyone took cause we were busy having TOO MUCH FUN. (i know this doesn't help you out right now, but next time i promise they'll be pictures):

I stayed up half the night working on a website (whose back end hosting is KILLING ME with it's lack of concern for what I WANT)and I just slept through the first 2-hours of my last 3-hr studio session for printmaking with a new edition of collagraphs due next week. Sigh. These are some of my experiments from last edition of monoprinting (oh and i also forgot to get pics of the ones i handed in):

OK. Must eat and get coffee now or I will never GET MY PAPER THAT IS DUE TOMORROW DONE. (sorry. didn't mean to yell. can you say panic? who am i kidding, i cant help myself. my dad is italian and my mom is french canadian. talking too loud is what what we do best, yo)

[Dumbass] Man gets high on meth, puts on a lacy negligee, fishnet stockings, a woman's miniskirt, a sheer white blouse and a long brown wig and heads over to girlfriend's house for some sex. Whoops - wrong apartment

2008-04-08T14:09:00.001-04:00

--courtesy of www.fark.com

(Some Guy)

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[Photoshop] Photoshop this high-flying snowboarder

2008-04-06T12:59:00.003-04:00

Oh fark.com, how I love thee.

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Army Worried by Rising Stress of Return Tours to Iraq

2008-04-06T12:53:00.001-04:00

Army leaders are expressing increased alarm about the mental health of soldiers who would be sent on multiple deployments to Iraq under current plans.

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Lil Jon Drinks to New Wine Label

2008-04-06T12:48:00.001-04:00

Lil Jon is popping his cork in Francis Ford Coppola territory.
Meaning, the Crunk Juice rapper is going into the California wine business...

"I'm not no 'drink wine every day' kind of dude," Jon said. "I'm not
like an expert, so don't ask me no questions…I just like the taste."

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New Texas-Style Yogurt To Feed Man-Size Hunger For Yogurt

2008-04-06T12:44:00.001-04:00

MINNEAPOLIS—"Open wide boys," Yoplait representatives announced. "Whether you're a tough guy, a badass, or a stone-cold sonofabitch, this is the yogurt for you."

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Anxious Rock Rolls into Pellicano Trial

2008-04-06T12:43:00.001-04:00

Forget The Longest Yard. This might have been the longest day of Chris Rock's life.
The funnyman appeared to be suffering from an unusual bout of stage fright as he turned up Friday at...

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my brother got married last weekend!

2008-04-03T11:43:00.002-04:00

i was a bridesmaid. sigh. i love my brother, my family, my new sister-in-law and her family, but if i ever get asked to be a bridesmaid ever again (especially when the wedding is planned for 3 weeks before the end of term), please shoot me. anyway, i'm having trouble uploading photos. here's a lovely video of the dessert table to tide you over.

obviously i have been on a blog hiatus. sorry! and now this!

2008-03-18T22:08:00.001-04:00

The Brothers McLeod - Pedro and Frankensheep

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funny or die makes me feel 99% less depressed

2008-02-19T11:18:00.002-05:00

2008-02-14T17:57:00.004-05:00

ok, so the worst part of february? THE SNOW and super rude people on public transit.

best part of february? my birthday (28th) and that when it's all over on march 1, we will be living in a home of our own!!!!!

i think i'm depressed people. it's valentine's day and i'd love to say that my husband and i are doing something romantic and lovely. my parents went out for dinner and i was hoping we'd have the house to ourselves for the night, but it turns out they'll probably be home before 9. on top of that loads of stress and shit going on (there is so much i want to write about, but am just the teeniest leery about publishing on the internet - sigh) that the most romantic thing we can manage is holing up in our room with a bottle of wine, cheese fondue and a movie.

Bottomless,-Untitled-#2

2008-02-11T21:42:00.001-05:00

Bottomless,-Untitled-#2, originally uploaded by BrendanGeorge.

Brendan is a photography student at my school. This is from a series he recently posted to blog.to

He also has a sweet flickr set of portraits

Jacquie XII, originally uploaded by BrendanGeorge.

BEHOLD! my recent printmaking homework!

2008-02-06T10:06:00.000-05:00

screenprint
acrylic ink on cougar coverstock
8"x10"

The assignment was to complete a screenprint with 3 separate screens and colours. Next assignment is etching! Anyway, here's the process (well most of it):

winterlicious at victoria's

2008-01-28T23:08:00.000-05:00

trish and lorne

double chin much? sigh.

Modern Caramelized Onion Bisque with Olorosos Sherry and Gruyère

Muscovy Duck Confit Salad on Crisp Winter Greens with a Clover Honey and Apple Cider Dressing

New York Striploin with a Sauté of Asparagus, Wild mushrooms and Fingerling Potatoes

Meyer Lemon Brulée Tart with Blueberry and a Cardamom Scented Compote

Nelly’s Flambé Brandied Peach Melba with Vanilla Ice Cream, and Toasted Almonds and Raspberries Coulis

is it wrong for me to wish this tv was going with us when we move in 3 weeks?

2008-01-26T16:23:00.000-05:00

Clitoral Economics By Barbara Ehrenreich

2008-01-23T09:26:00.000-05:00

With all the talk about how to stimulate it, you'd think that the economy is a giant clitoris. Ben Bernanke may not employ this imagery, but the immediate challenge--and the issue bound to replace Iraq and immigration in the presidential race--is how best to get the economy engorged and throbbing again.

via alternet.org, via Barbara's blog

art blogs, podcasts and netcasts, oh my!

2008-01-19T14:22:00.000-05:00

Audio blogs, videologs, podcasts, videocasts, netcasts, whatever you call them, there is an endless amount of visual arts-related content out there on the Internet. Anyone with a computer who is interested in art, artists, process, design, history, theory, writing, new media and technology, should be checking this stuff out.

Not sure where to start? Well, I browsed through the 5 pages of the iTunes free podcasts visual arts directory and came across the following ones I think are pretty interesting. Don't have iTunes? Not to worry, all of these can be viewed using just about any web browser.

Arts Now Podcast - BlogTO
The Arts Now is a weekly podcast all about the Toronto arts scene hosted by Ella Cooper & Amil Niazi.
Academic Aesthetic - Aaron "The Art Guy" Smith
Art. Education. Technology. - the purpose of this blog: for me to ramble on about art, education, technology, and any combination of those I can manage." OK, so his video podcast may not be interesting or relevant to all artists BUT the section on his website that IS, is his Blogging & Netcasting Workshop.
Art History Podcast - Learnoutloud.com
Each episode provides thoughtful analysis of the enduring artistic masterpieces that have become hallmarks of western culture.
Book Artists and Poets - Steve Miller
These Interviews with book artists and poets, are hosted by Steve Miller, coordinator of the MFA in the Book Arts Program at The University of Alabama. The lively conversations are about craft, inspiration, careers, and aspirations.
History of Photography - Jeff Courto
This podcast is recorded during class lectures for History of Photography, Photo 1105 at College of DuPage. The podcasts are intended as review for students in the class, but thousands of people around the world have found them useful to their education as photographers.
For Art's Sake - ON networks
Although most of us don't think of ourselves as artists, the fact is that we are surrounded and influenced by art all of our lives. For Art's Sake examines the lifestyle, inspiration, and work of many different types of artists and art enthusiasts. From comic book artists who love to cartoon to gallery owners with a passion that drives them to exhibit the work of others, there is something interesting and exciting for everyone in the world of art.
MOCA Audio and Podcasts
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is online with audio tours, art talks and podcasts going back to 2006.
MoMA, The Museum of Modern Art, New York
Audio podcasts of art talks going back to 2005.
Tate Events
This audio podcast presents highlights from Tate's wide-ranging programme of talks, symposia and live events at all four Tate galleries." The Tate also publishes over 300 hours of online learning video
TateShots
TateShots presents a selection of short videos each month, with a focus on modern and contemporary art at Tate. You can watch TateShots online or download the films to watch on your computer or portable device.
VernissageTV art tv
VernissageTV (VTV) takes you to opening receptions (vernissages) of exhibitions and events. Online, worldwide, on demand. VernissageTV provides insight to the social side of the art world. VernissageTV is based in Basel, Switzerland.
WSPS1: Art Talk
Art Radio WPS1 is the Internet radio station of P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center providing a 24-hour stream and on-demand archive of cultural programming. The station operates out of the historic Clocktower Building in lower Manhattan. Other WSPS1 podcasts include: DJ Sessions, Historic Audio and Sonic Adventures.

i'm feeling a little girly. can you tell?

2008-01-17T22:33:00.001-05:00

in an effort to stave off my raging desire to move into my new home and start making things pretty again, i redesigned the blog.

2008-01-17T21:54:00.000-05:00

sorry...tom who?

more of my assignments from last term

2008-01-16T21:25:00.000-05:00

mixed media on braced panel
20"x24"

acrylic on braced panel
24"x26"
-- i'm not totally happy with this but had to stop and hand it in anyway. i think the white eyes are a little much. will keep working on it and post updates when i get a chance

egg tempera on masonite panel
7"x10"

this is what i did new year's eve.

2008-01-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

2008-01-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

Yeah! So 2008 already, hunh? Yep. I've been mostly avoiding my usual EVERYTHING in order to eat, drink, and be lazy for 3 weeks. Anyway, I started a new semester at school today.

Class #1 :History of New Media Art

Course Description: This survey course offers a history of the relationship of art and media from the beginnings of photography and avant-garde cinema to contemporary digital and video art practices. The course examines technological developments that have affected and transformed perception and representation including time-motion studies, industrialization (Taylorism), mass culture, and global electronic networks (Internet). The influence of new media on various avant-garde movements including cubism, constructivism, surrealism, dada, and on the stylistic innovations of collage and montage will be explored. Selected writings on art and technology by key thinkers of the twentieth century will complement a visual and intellectual survey of artworks.

The first video we watched was of economist and communications smarty pants Herb Schiller. He's so cute I want to carry him around in my pocket all day.

And we finally bought a house. Closing date is mid-February and living with my parents is not as bad as I thought it would be, but still pretty meh.

we...don't...need to say goodbye. we....don't.....need to fight and cry. we....we could....hold each other tight...tonight.

2007-12-13T16:29:00.001-05:00

my life is in a bit of a shambles right now. we're living with my parents, school is done tomorrow and we're jumping through hoops on the purchase of a new house. i'll be back before long.

nablopomo - i suck

2007-11-25T19:26:00.000-05:00

well i lasted longer than i thought i would. 22 postings in 22 days. soooooo clooooooose. sigh.

i've been moving and unpacking some stuff over the last 3 days. that plus homework means i've been putting in about 14 hours a day working and i want to lie down and sleep for a week. unfortunately it's the last 3 weeks of the semester, so i actually have MORE work to do. plus we're still looking for a new home.

oh and on thursday i had the absolute WORST cramps of 2007. we drove up to the lawyers' to sign all the closing documents in advance of tuesday's closing. that was the first snowfall of winter and the roads were pretty shitty. the whole drive back i was experiencing motion sickness and had to get kirk to pull over cause i thought i was going to barf. i didn't but when i got home i had some gingerale and felt a bit better. then i had a serious craving for steak and made kirk go out and get me one from the pub, which i inhaled in about 3 seconds. if i could find my camera cable i'd show you what it really looked like. this is the closest thing i could find on the innernet. it was medium rare and extremely delicious.

because i was so out of it, kirk rented a movie - slither.

needless to say, half way through it i started sweating and feeling uncomfortable. within minutes i was in the bathroom ralphing my whole delicious steak and frites dinner. it felt like i was giving birth through my mouth. i even had bits of steak and parsley and fries in my nose. then i took a handful of advil and slept for 10 hours.

we spent all day saturday and today moving the rest of our stuff with the station wagon and my dad's truck. last week i tried to convince kirk to rent a cube van and do it all in one trip, but he's pretty stubborn, so it's taken us the whole 2 days to get the rest moved. NEVER AGAIN BABY, NEVER AGAIN. kirk just went back to the loft for one last trip and is dropping off the keys tomorrow. poor shmoopee.

this is what thanksgiving is really about

2007-11-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

it's all grist for the mill

2007-11-21T09:28:00.000-05:00

So, I'm kinda freaking out right about now.

I have less than a month left for school and have so much homework, that I'm a little worried about getting it all done. I've been so distracted 'cause for the last 4 weeks we've been looking at houses, bidding on houses, walking away from bidding deals gone wrong, then doing it all over again.

I'm also finishing packing for our move to my parents' place, which is happening this weekend. I mean, packing what was left after we moved stuff out in August. We're about 70% done.

I'm also kinda sad about leaving this place we've been in for the last 7 years. Walking everywhere, 100 restaurants within a 3-minute radius, being a 15 minute bike ride to school, lovely old victorian houses, sigh, I'll even miss some of the panhandlers and crackheads. OK, I won't rally miss them, but my point is that living here has been a rich, textured experience. This is the first home Kirk and I made together.

I know in the grand scheme of things, these are trivialities compared to the reality that many people in the world have to live with, but hey, they're not trivial to me.

Sigh.

Now I'm getting all defensive and weepy. It's prolly just the PMS or maybe it's the rain making my broken toe (yes broken) ache. I'm driving Kirk and others crazy with my emotional bi-polar-like outbursts over all this shit, but I can't help it.

11 artists that i like

2007-11-20T20:42:00.000-05:00

some of the last 48 hours...

2007-11-19T23:59:00.000-05:00

sorry. almost forgot about nanoblowmemo or whatever...

2007-11-18T11:58:00.000-05:00

sigh

2007-11-17T20:40:00.001-05:00

so that thing i did the other day was attend a gala reception for the toronto french theatre's 40 year anniversary. my mom needed a date, so i went. it was...interesting.

well, the most interesting part was trying to get a picture of the governer general who was there and being blocked by her security. oh that and the bottle of wine my mom paid for but didn't drink.

so. much. homework. right now. i tried reading the news but i just ended up being all depressed. sigh. i think i'm totally PMSsing.

this is what i did last night.

2007-11-16T23:50:00.000-05:00

Gala du 40ème anniversaire du Théâtre français de Toronto

finally! now i own a piece of raymi!

2007-11-15T16:00:00.000-05:00

hungover-raymi and i had coffee today. i really needed a batman t-shirt and she really needed to sell one, so it worked out great for both of us. read this and this if you want to know what happened.

PROOF!

current status of my panel painting. 75% done!

finally found something besides purses and accessories in H&M that doesn't make me feel like a big fat pig. ignore the socks. imagine opaque tights and cute shoes

when i was in 23 i used to have this recurring dream where i could sing like this. someday i will get over my singing in public issues. sigh.

least bloggable day ever. here, watch this...

2007-11-14T22:20:00.001-05:00

thanks to dougal for introducing me to the mighty boosh.

nanageddon - part 1

nanageddon - part 2

nanageddon - part 3

progress is being made.

2007-11-13T23:07:00.000-05:00

here is the current progress on the wood panel for my diptych project.

the best part of my day today was my visit with stefania.

i brought her some art nouveau/deco inspired source material and she tweaked it and is tattoing it on me!

this is the stencil we designed together.

this is phase 1 of 2.

this is oscar being bored.

i love john waters.

2007-11-12T21:26:00.001-05:00

there's a lot going on - and none of it meth lab-related, contrary to what yesterday's picture post might lead you to believe

2007-11-11T19:06:00.001-05:00

for the last 4 days i've been working on one of the panels for my contrast diptych using plaster to smooth it out. well i didn't sand enough of it away and tried painting on it. as soon as it dried, the paint just started peeling off. last night i spent an hour trying to hand-sand it off. because it had cured, it was so hard that i just plain gave up.

dejected, i ended up going over to a friends' place for dinner, then came home and watching Dnevnoy dozor, which was pretty good. i was supposed to go to a birthday party (sorry tina!!!), but we didn't end up eating until pretty late.

anyway, the film is the sequel to Nochnoy dozor and second in Timur Bekmambetov's trilogy. It is all over though in 2009 with the Fox produced Twilight Watch in 2009. i actually enjoy watching movies in their original languages with subtitles - it adds a little more flavour when you can hear the actor's real voice/words/intonations. this last one is being filmed in english. oh well.

today kirk and i rented a storage unit for all our stuff while we stay at my parents' place.

we also went by their house to pick up our palm sander. kirk was wonderful enough to volunteer to sand all the shit off of my panel.

so i could basically start from scratch.

sigh. seriously, you guys, i wanted to cry. he's so lovely.

anyway, here's where I am so far:

under construction....back to posting tomorrow.

2007-11-10T23:50:00.000-05:00

calgon take me away!

2007-11-09T23:10:00.000-05:00

honey honey

2007-11-08T19:15:00.000-05:00

This morning I was (unintentionally) standing on Oscar's blanket and he yanked on it (intentionally - but really just to play) and ZOWIE! I kicked a wooden chair and totally messed up my toe (not the pinky one but the one before it), and that part of your foot where your toe connects. I yelled so loud that Oscar immediately hit the ground, practically melting into the floor, giving me the "I'm so saaaaaahhhrreeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" look. Poor guy, I wasn't mad at him, but man, did that hurt (still does...muaaaaaahhhh!) The bruising is just starting, and will prolly be uglier tomorrow, so I'll be sure to get some photos of the carnage.

In the meantime, please enjoy more shamelssley borrowed images. This time it's the work of Alberto Cerriteno:

yes, my mouth is almost always open

2007-11-07T23:17:00.000-05:00

so here are the last 2 homework assignments i submitted for alternative media and techniques with shirley yanover.

tape transfers of old letters, acrylic paint and gel medium on braced panel
20x26

found papers, buttons, yarn, beads, acrylic paint and gel medium on gessoed canvas
16"x36", 20"x20"

i feel like they are both only about 75% done, but submitted them as time just ran out. I will continue to work on them and will post my progress.

any comments would be appreciated. seriously.

unless you want to tell me you hate it and that you'd change EVERYTHING.

in which case you can piss off.

now please enjoy some (shamelessly borrowed) images of the ridiculously beautiful work of mary o'malley:

an appointment with destiny

2007-11-06T20:13:00.000-05:00

ok so i was going to post some images of more homework but blogger won't let me...in fact blogger has crashed twice in the last 5 minutes... so, i'm not sure how much time i have so i'll just leave you with the song that i have been ocd-playing on my ipod and computer over the last 4 days.

Clinically Dead - Chad VanGaalen

Clinically he was dead
But the motor inside his head was still working
So they plugged him into a machine
And let his brain dream

But people cannot tell you
There's no way around it
People cannot tell you
There's no life without that

And it's another prank call
In the middle of the night
And it's a silver white moon
And it still shines bright
And it's another prank call
Why don't you put up a fight
And dream on
Dream on
Dream on

Clinically I was dead
But the modem inside my head was still working
So they put me into a machine
And let my brain dream

So people cannot tell you
There's no way around it
And people cannot tell you
That there's no life without that

And it's another prank call
In the middle of the night
And it's a silver white moon
And it still shines bright
And it's another prank call
Why don't you put up a fight
And dream on
Dream on
Dream on

day 5 - rollercoaster of love

2007-11-05T22:01:00.001-05:00

Here are some studies I did for my Materials and Process class, with Nicole Collins. The assignment was to experiment by tinting some gessoed and sized papers with pigments, then draw or paint on them with different media.

Here are the gessoed papers:

200lb watercolour paper primed with acrylic medium
dry rubbed with raw pigments
drawn with charcoal
painted in gouache

140lb watercolour paper primed with acrylic medium
washes of pigment, water and medium and scraped back with plastic knife in multiple layers painted inks

90lb watercolour paper primed with acrylic medium
dry rubbed with turmeric, saffron and cinnamon
penned and blown inks

The sized papers were sized with rabbit-skin glue (if you are a vegan, I'm fully aware of the ramifications, now go eat a bowl of jell-o and be quiet) are around here somewhere, will post photos of those as soon as I can find them.

day 4 - oh joy

2007-11-04T17:40:00.000-05:00

This is the view from my kitchen window:

From the way my week has gone, this blog is going to end up being a repository of whining and bitching. BO-RING!

Instead I'll tell you about my homework for Painting Studio. Here's the project description:

Contrast Diptych

Materials: compositional studies; 2 supports (any size) with gesso or other preparation; acrylics (or other media), mediums, equipment; mounting and hanging equipment.

Process: make preliminary studies demonstrating variations on your theme; select and execute, making changes and additions that suppport your subject as you work; hang the work in various relationships using mounting equipment.

Examples of Contrasts:

complexity/simplicity
organic/geometric
warm/cool
large/small
interior/exterior
transparency/opacity
painterly/graphic
boldness/subtlety
linear/curvilinear
depth/flatness
heavy/weightless
male/female
accent/neutrality
activeness/stasis
public/private
irrational/rational
representational/abstraction
romantic/classic
asymmetry/symmetry
textural/smooth
acculturated/primitive
blah/blah/blah/you get it

Artists to consider:

I also have to construct my own supports instead of buying them ready made like I've been doing so far. Sooooooo, I'm doing 1 support in door skin and pine and the other support in plexiglas.

I'm still working out the actual painted part.

is this art?

2007-11-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

nuit blanche toronto, sept 29 2007

and dear baby jesus in heaven, you MUST VOTE FOR RAYMI for best Canadian blog - she is committed to blogging like no one else i know. and i barely even know her. she is a hot, funny, contrary, sassy tornado of canadian blogging toughness. DO it. If that doesn't convince you, these recent photos (shamelessly) stolen from her blog just might:

the second day of the rest of my life

2007-11-02T13:18:00.000-04:00

i know this is kind of a cop out post, but i'm so busy today and all i want to do is sleep forever. i lost a night of sleep on tuesday night working on homework for my alternative media and techniques class. poor me.

anyway, i'll take a dave grohl and cee-lo sammich to go please.

also, please enjoy the intensely lovely floral scanner art of katinka matson.

the first day of the rest of my life

2007-11-01T19:58:00.000-04:00

Day 1 of NaBloPoMo...ahem...

Hai!!!

So anyway, the loft is sold! What a relief.

Except for fact that as of November 27th, we are moving in with my parents.

Sigh. I know.

I said I'd never do it. But we ARE doing it.

I mean, how hard could it be to find the perfect balance of price, size and location for a live/work space in the city? It's fucking impossible is what it is. At least, it's beginning to feel that way. The only real good house we've seen, and tried to bid on, sold for 70K over it's asking price. I guess that's why they call it a seller's market.

We're basically putting our stuff in storage and moving there until we can find a new place, buy it and move into it.

Anyway, let's forget about all that for a few moments. Let's contemplate some artwork completed for my 2nd-year painting studio course.

acrylic mediums and techniques study.
acrylic paint on canvas
4'x4'

collage study
7"x9"
old magazines, japanese papers and acrylic paint on canvas board

collage study
7"x9"
old magazines, japanese papers and acrylic paint on canvas board

collage study
7"x9"
old magazines, japanese papers and acrylic paint on canvas board

20"x26"
acrylic paint on braced wood panel

study in observation and transfer of a scaled up image onto a solid ground.

So....whatchu think?

nablopomo is coming...

2007-10-18T20:58:00.000-04:00

things are really crazy right now. so i know this blog sucks doney balls.

but that's about to change.

well. not just yet.

i'm doing nablopomo in november. that means as of november 1st, i will be posting every day in accordance with the National Blog Posting Month challenge!

for reals.

i know you're quivering with excitement.

now enjoy this.

and my loft is still for sale. i know you want it.

My Summer Vacation (when I wasn't doing homework or renovating my home)

2007-09-18T00:04:00.001-04:00

OK, so sometimes I still did homework.

yes. i have webbed toes.

i love princess superstar.

2007-09-17T23:55:00.001-04:00

OMG YOU GUYS!

2007-09-04T17:52:00.000-04:00

So school started today and I figured it's about damned time I make a little time to post something here. In the last 4 weeks, we moved out the last of our shit, did a cosmetic reno of our condo, put it on the market and now school.

Poor blogger, no deliciously boring content to process...for so many weeks, days, hours. Le sigh. I love you all my 4 loyal daily visitors.

I'm contemplating ditching the whole poopeeshmoopee shtick and just using my real name. but I can't decide.