Wait, wait wait....and they let people swim this summer?! This was the whole reason people were allowed to swim I thought. And it wasn't up to code? Nasty.
Halifax refuses keys to new sewage treatment plants
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 | 12:08 PM AT
CBC News
Halifax is refusing to take ownership of two new sewage treatment plants or pay the builder until "substantive" problems are fixed, Mayor Peter Kelly says.
The Halifax and Dartmouth plants are key to the Halifax Regional Municipality's $330-million harbour cleanup project. A third plant in Herring Cove is scheduled to open in spring 2009.
The plants are currently in the hands of the builder, D&D Water Solutions, a partnership between Bedford-based Dexter Construction Co. Ltd. and Degremont.
Kelly said the municipality wants to be assured the plants are problem-free before taking ownership.
"There is not a permanent solution yet," Kelly told CBC News on Tuesday.
The plant in Halifax, which was officially opened in February, has a number of deficiencies that have existed for months and have still not been fixed, according to a staff report prepared for council in August.
The report highlights a number of concerns, from odour problems to mechanical malfunctions that saw foam spewing up from underground pipes.
People in the area have complained repeatedly about bad smells coming from the plant on Lower Water Street.
The plant in Dartmouth is still in the testing phase.
Kelly said the municipality had been asked to take over the sewage treatment plants but refused this fall.
"Until these substantive issues are addressed, we're not taking ownership," he said.
Ownership of the plants was expected to be transferred shortly after the official opening in Halifax.
D&D Water Solutions is refusing to talk about the matter with CBC News. The company's contract with the municipality is about $140 million.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Advice- write to me.
Busy this week, the advice column is just shortened to: if you've been thinking of writing a letter for advice: do it. Ian_Mullan@hotmail.com
Monday, November 17, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Dance Party - Mylene Farmer
Mylene Farmer was introduced to me by my friend Adam touting her as France's Madonna. Her episodic music videos are beyond description--think Michael Jackson 'Thriller'. 'Desenchantee' tells the story of a tarted up coal-miner (Mylene) who acts as Oliver Twist figure to a group of working poor (like me!). Actually it's exactly like Oliver Twist only more bleak, more children smoking and more machine guns. Dicken's wishes he wrote it this kick-ass, and I wish working poor was this sexy.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Events - Parade of Lights
As stated yesterday I am getting excited for the holiday season. I've bought my candy canes, I have my apple cider and the Christmas decorations are itching to go out. It's the only thing that makes winter awesome.Tomorrow is a stepping stone to the big stepping stone that is Christmas. So sort of like a mini-stepping stone. A lilly-pad? Yes a Christmas lillypad. I am of course talking about: the parade of lights!
It starts at 6pm and will be going down Barrington and right onto Spring Garden. There is also a "warm-up on the waterfront" which seems counter-intuitive since the waterfront in my mind is the coldest place on earth but they will have hot-chocolate and entertainment starting at 4pm.
You should come!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
New - George the tortoise
There are a lot of people who are out there to deliver the hard hitting facts. Important stories that throw aside the hum-drum of a slow news days in the 1970s. But when came across a gem of an article ending with the following line I was intruiged:
"After trying almost everything from artificial insemination to having George watch younger males mate, his keepers had nearly lost hope. At 90 years old George is in his sexual prime and his low libido even raised tabloid-like rumours the 198 pounds creature preferred other males."
George is a turtle (perhaps a gay tortoise?) He is the last of his kind. He is a galapagos tortoise, the type that Darwin looked at--and he is awesome. Also it amuses me that turtles are "in their sexual prime" at the age of 90.
Found in Pinta in 1971 after his species had been hunted to near extintion because of their delicious meat and their habitat was eaten by goats (no, really check the article) George is a rarity. Scientists hope that a similar nearby species will be a close enough match to help continue his line. Poor guy, maybe he just wants some nooky with his own species and not just a similar one. I for one never want to do it with a monkey, no matter how much monkey on monkey action some scientists make me watch.
"After trying almost everything from artificial insemination to having George watch younger males mate, his keepers had nearly lost hope. At 90 years old George is in his sexual prime and his low libido even raised tabloid-like rumours the 198 pounds creature preferred other males."
George is a turtle (perhaps a gay tortoise?) He is the last of his kind. He is a galapagos tortoise, the type that Darwin looked at--and he is awesome. Also it amuses me that turtles are "in their sexual prime" at the age of 90.
Found in Pinta in 1971 after his species had been hunted to near extintion because of their delicious meat and their habitat was eaten by goats (no, really check the article) George is a rarity. Scientists hope that a similar nearby species will be a close enough match to help continue his line. Poor guy, maybe he just wants some nooky with his own species and not just a similar one. I for one never want to do it with a monkey, no matter how much monkey on monkey action some scientists make me watch.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Advice - Ian answers Claudia Dey's mail
You can see how she responded here...though it's not nearly as fun as my responses. You can write in for advice by emailing me at Ian_Mullan@hotmail.com.
W M from Canada writes: I've had a romantic relationship for a few months with a man i work with. He says he has little time to see me after work and we spend most of our time going for lunch or coffee breaks together or beers after work. Nothing is ever planned or set up in advance when we spend time together, it's always spur of the moment, even the rare time we'd spend a night together. His time he says is taken up with his kids because his ex wife won't take her fair share of the responsibilities. Am I getting used? And if so, how do I gain distance from him? I find it's hard to say 'no' since nothing's ever planned in advance.
Dear WM,
Pshh. This is the easiest solution ever: kill his kids. Problem solved. Though in the off chance you don't want to go all Medea on him then there is another option.
Look, his kids have to be his priority, they will always be his primary priority. If you want to be a part of his life you have to understand and respect his relationship with his children. He should make it very clear to them that by spending time with you he is not taking away time from them, that their bond will always be very special and separate the last thing you want to do is try to replace their mother, they have a mother and it will be traumatizing to them if you force yourself into that role. This means (if the relationship continues) he is the disciplinary figure, he is in charge of boundaries for the kids, and he is clear to them what place you have in their lives. If you stay, you need to think of yourself as a kind aunt.
Okay, after stating that piece of advice: YES you are being used. Set up a clear schedule, ask for defined dates. Is his divorce even finalized? Are you just being kept on the side because you are "the other woman" you need to take control set up a schedule and make him stick to it. Spontaneity should be a pleasant surprise, not the foundation of your relationship. If he can't do that say "goodbye and goodluck dickface" (saying 'dickface' is optional).
d g from Canada writes: Hi there, I'm a 45yr old divorced woman and I've been in a relationship with a 27yr old man for 2 years. We met by chance and we've had a great 2 years. We get along extremely well, rarely argue, many many common interests and genuinely enjoy each other...both of us have never felt so fulfilled. This relationship wasn't easy for me..in the beginning I fought it in some ways because I felt it couldn't possibly work but in the end it did. In June his BFF came back to live in Toronto and everything essentially unravelled. Although there were a couple of times before that he felt/talked about the 'age' issue, it now came to a head. This BFF doesn't like me and has drilled it into my boyfriends head that the age issue is impossible and foolishly optimistic and this BFF took over the relationship i.e. the daily talking about daily issues etc.. (an important part of a relationship) and left me basically with the sex. This BFF also uses my boyfriend as a wing-man...he's very unattractive and as my boyfriend has said in the past, can't keep a relationship with a woman for some reason; he has angry outbursts and doesn't really have an appealing personality. My boyfriend is very intelligent, attractive, charming and loving. There are cultural differences..he's turkish and his family would meltdown (so I've heard) and I'm italian/canadian. Before the BFF moved from Toronto, he and my boyfriend constantly were together, going out to bars etc. I've never asked or wanted marriage/children. What I've wanted is the same all along that he well knows, a LTR, someone to grow old with. We broke up 2 months ago and didn't see each other at all but now he's back, telling me that he loves me, misses me etc. I can't continue seeing him because I just want him more. Now the relationship is in limbo and I'm at a loss of what to do. We love each other, he tells me this all the time and how much he misses me however he thinks being together is foolishly optimistic. Help.
Dear Dg,
You will not grow old together. Sorry but it is true. If he's keeping this "unattractive" friend despite attacking the relationship he must agree in some way. If he says his family would never approve you can't possibly be a secret forever. You broke up for two months and he came back because he (probably) wasn't getting any? You are 45 years old, I am fine with intergenerational love but this relationship has more issues that just an age difference. People date close in age because they have similar interests, they have similar maturity. If you are an immature 45 year old, fine. But one day your 27 year old may grow to an age when he wants things like a marriage and family, things that you've said 'no' to already in life. It's not going to work.
J from Waterloo Canada writes: My wife & have been married for 25 years. Durng the last 6 months she has reconnected with her highschool/university boyfriend whom she hadn't seen or had contact in over 25 years. She had been open with me about her emailing him (he lives 2000 miles away), and seeing him during a trip she coincidentally made there in June. After another arranged meeting last month (which I was aware of), she dropped enough hints that I came out and asked her if she and him had had sex, yes, both during the June and September meetings. We have a good marriage I think by anyone's estimation, and we have never been unfaithful to one another since marriage until this occasion. She claims she is 'poly-amorous', and that her love for him is quite independent of her love for me. I don't consider myself a jealous type, but this news took me by surprise. In the last 3 weeks we have spent a great deal of time talking about this, we have never been angry with one another. It's clear that at age 48 she is embracing life and opening herself up to experiences that she wouldn't have as a younger woman, and she's clearly very happy and comfortable in her own skin. She recognizes that in one way, she has 'thrown our marriage away', but it really has reinvigorated it and brought us closer and made us more honest with one another than I think we have ever been. Partly because of all the intense time together, our sex life is simply fantastic now. We love each other and want what is best for each other to be happy. The shock and hole in my heart that opened up when I learned that she had sex with this other guy is fading, but to be honest it's still there a bit. We've talked about how it wasn't a big deal (for me) for her to be emotionally connecting with this guy again, but the sex is a big deal for me, and for her the sex is just a minor part of her having this guy in her life. So three weeks in I'm saying her affair has been a good thing for our marriage -- any advice on keeping it that way?
Daer J,
Deal goes both ways. Get some action on the side yourself and then what happens? Can you say no to a side patner with a veto? Can she? You have no power in this situation. She has two loves and you have one. Great, so if yours doesn't work she's set for the next one. And she lied to you (or kept the truth from you). The sex is better, but that doesn't mean the relationship is more solid. She didn't even offer a threesome! What kind of a wife is that?
Okay, okay. It's been 25 years, maybe you have kids. But she's really shaken the foundations. It doesn't look like she thinks she's done anything wrong and you've permitted it by not acting against it. If you can look past it I think that's just great but if you look into your heart and you can't, then be honest with yourself. If these aren't the terms of marriage you agreed to then maybe you need to back out gracefully.
F T from TO Canada writes: I have recently come out of a long term, 9 year relationship. The split was as amicable as it is possible, after so long a time. I am currently dating a younger woman, who's company I enjoy very much. Truthfully, it is because of both her enthusiasm for life and for her youthful beauty. However, I also enjoy the company of a particular woman who's closer to my age, especially since I respect her choices in life thus far. My main concern is to be truthful to myself, and those involved. Due to the recent past, I am not interested in a long term stable relationship, I think, although by all past indicators, I am a long term serial monogamist. How does one reconcile this type of situation? Is it possible to spend time with both women? I think I know the answer, but I'd still like to hear your opinions. Thanks for your time.
Dear FT,
NO! I especially feel bad for the younger woman, you don't want a LT relationship so you're assuming that's not what she's gunning for? If you're not telling her about the other woman I assume there is a huge web of lies you're weaving as well. Great, 9 years, I commend you. Did you learn nothing on how to treat people?
RT from ottawa Canada writes: Hello Ms. Dey, It has been almost a year now since the last time I was intimate with my first love, a relationship that ended in turmoil. The reason for our destruction was my lack of trust and faith. Now this trust issue stems from a history of divorced parents, lies, betrayal, and previous relationships. However, after speaking with a psychologist, and feeling quite confident in my ability to trust others, I still failed to trust this individual. In the last month I have spoken to her on a few occasions, the first since December 2007. We have both moved on, although in very different ways, she has another, and I chose self-reflection. Is there a purpose in letting her back into my life, even though the demise of our relationship was never truly solved? Should I continue with my life and forget the one women who once meant the world to me? I would appreciate your advice.
Dear philosophy major,
Move on. There are so many people out there. How can you even trust yourself if you can't make up your mind if you want to be with someone? The only person you can trust is you. If you commit, if you focus, if you make it clear your intention that is all you can do. Then you just gotta hope the person with you follows along. Problems with trust are internal, if you fear commitment then you will project it on others, that they are somehow making you fear taking the plunge. Be more self-aware and you'll know you've found love when you find it.
W M from Canada writes: I've had a romantic relationship for a few months with a man i work with. He says he has little time to see me after work and we spend most of our time going for lunch or coffee breaks together or beers after work. Nothing is ever planned or set up in advance when we spend time together, it's always spur of the moment, even the rare time we'd spend a night together. His time he says is taken up with his kids because his ex wife won't take her fair share of the responsibilities. Am I getting used? And if so, how do I gain distance from him? I find it's hard to say 'no' since nothing's ever planned in advance.
Dear WM,
Pshh. This is the easiest solution ever: kill his kids. Problem solved. Though in the off chance you don't want to go all Medea on him then there is another option.
Look, his kids have to be his priority, they will always be his primary priority. If you want to be a part of his life you have to understand and respect his relationship with his children. He should make it very clear to them that by spending time with you he is not taking away time from them, that their bond will always be very special and separate the last thing you want to do is try to replace their mother, they have a mother and it will be traumatizing to them if you force yourself into that role. This means (if the relationship continues) he is the disciplinary figure, he is in charge of boundaries for the kids, and he is clear to them what place you have in their lives. If you stay, you need to think of yourself as a kind aunt.
Okay, after stating that piece of advice: YES you are being used. Set up a clear schedule, ask for defined dates. Is his divorce even finalized? Are you just being kept on the side because you are "the other woman" you need to take control set up a schedule and make him stick to it. Spontaneity should be a pleasant surprise, not the foundation of your relationship. If he can't do that say "goodbye and goodluck dickface" (saying 'dickface' is optional).
d g from Canada writes: Hi there, I'm a 45yr old divorced woman and I've been in a relationship with a 27yr old man for 2 years. We met by chance and we've had a great 2 years. We get along extremely well, rarely argue, many many common interests and genuinely enjoy each other...both of us have never felt so fulfilled. This relationship wasn't easy for me..in the beginning I fought it in some ways because I felt it couldn't possibly work but in the end it did. In June his BFF came back to live in Toronto and everything essentially unravelled. Although there were a couple of times before that he felt/talked about the 'age' issue, it now came to a head. This BFF doesn't like me and has drilled it into my boyfriends head that the age issue is impossible and foolishly optimistic and this BFF took over the relationship i.e. the daily talking about daily issues etc.. (an important part of a relationship) and left me basically with the sex. This BFF also uses my boyfriend as a wing-man...he's very unattractive and as my boyfriend has said in the past, can't keep a relationship with a woman for some reason; he has angry outbursts and doesn't really have an appealing personality. My boyfriend is very intelligent, attractive, charming and loving. There are cultural differences..he's turkish and his family would meltdown (so I've heard) and I'm italian/canadian. Before the BFF moved from Toronto, he and my boyfriend constantly were together, going out to bars etc. I've never asked or wanted marriage/children. What I've wanted is the same all along that he well knows, a LTR, someone to grow old with. We broke up 2 months ago and didn't see each other at all but now he's back, telling me that he loves me, misses me etc. I can't continue seeing him because I just want him more. Now the relationship is in limbo and I'm at a loss of what to do. We love each other, he tells me this all the time and how much he misses me however he thinks being together is foolishly optimistic. Help.
Dear Dg,
You will not grow old together. Sorry but it is true. If he's keeping this "unattractive" friend despite attacking the relationship he must agree in some way. If he says his family would never approve you can't possibly be a secret forever. You broke up for two months and he came back because he (probably) wasn't getting any? You are 45 years old, I am fine with intergenerational love but this relationship has more issues that just an age difference. People date close in age because they have similar interests, they have similar maturity. If you are an immature 45 year old, fine. But one day your 27 year old may grow to an age when he wants things like a marriage and family, things that you've said 'no' to already in life. It's not going to work.
J from Waterloo Canada writes: My wife & have been married for 25 years. Durng the last 6 months she has reconnected with her highschool/university boyfriend whom she hadn't seen or had contact in over 25 years. She had been open with me about her emailing him (he lives 2000 miles away), and seeing him during a trip she coincidentally made there in June. After another arranged meeting last month (which I was aware of), she dropped enough hints that I came out and asked her if she and him had had sex, yes, both during the June and September meetings. We have a good marriage I think by anyone's estimation, and we have never been unfaithful to one another since marriage until this occasion. She claims she is 'poly-amorous', and that her love for him is quite independent of her love for me. I don't consider myself a jealous type, but this news took me by surprise. In the last 3 weeks we have spent a great deal of time talking about this, we have never been angry with one another. It's clear that at age 48 she is embracing life and opening herself up to experiences that she wouldn't have as a younger woman, and she's clearly very happy and comfortable in her own skin. She recognizes that in one way, she has 'thrown our marriage away', but it really has reinvigorated it and brought us closer and made us more honest with one another than I think we have ever been. Partly because of all the intense time together, our sex life is simply fantastic now. We love each other and want what is best for each other to be happy. The shock and hole in my heart that opened up when I learned that she had sex with this other guy is fading, but to be honest it's still there a bit. We've talked about how it wasn't a big deal (for me) for her to be emotionally connecting with this guy again, but the sex is a big deal for me, and for her the sex is just a minor part of her having this guy in her life. So three weeks in I'm saying her affair has been a good thing for our marriage -- any advice on keeping it that way?
Daer J,
Deal goes both ways. Get some action on the side yourself and then what happens? Can you say no to a side patner with a veto? Can she? You have no power in this situation. She has two loves and you have one. Great, so if yours doesn't work she's set for the next one. And she lied to you (or kept the truth from you). The sex is better, but that doesn't mean the relationship is more solid. She didn't even offer a threesome! What kind of a wife is that?
Okay, okay. It's been 25 years, maybe you have kids. But she's really shaken the foundations. It doesn't look like she thinks she's done anything wrong and you've permitted it by not acting against it. If you can look past it I think that's just great but if you look into your heart and you can't, then be honest with yourself. If these aren't the terms of marriage you agreed to then maybe you need to back out gracefully.
F T from TO Canada writes: I have recently come out of a long term, 9 year relationship. The split was as amicable as it is possible, after so long a time. I am currently dating a younger woman, who's company I enjoy very much. Truthfully, it is because of both her enthusiasm for life and for her youthful beauty. However, I also enjoy the company of a particular woman who's closer to my age, especially since I respect her choices in life thus far. My main concern is to be truthful to myself, and those involved. Due to the recent past, I am not interested in a long term stable relationship, I think, although by all past indicators, I am a long term serial monogamist. How does one reconcile this type of situation? Is it possible to spend time with both women? I think I know the answer, but I'd still like to hear your opinions. Thanks for your time.
Dear FT,
NO! I especially feel bad for the younger woman, you don't want a LT relationship so you're assuming that's not what she's gunning for? If you're not telling her about the other woman I assume there is a huge web of lies you're weaving as well. Great, 9 years, I commend you. Did you learn nothing on how to treat people?
RT from ottawa Canada writes: Hello Ms. Dey, It has been almost a year now since the last time I was intimate with my first love, a relationship that ended in turmoil. The reason for our destruction was my lack of trust and faith. Now this trust issue stems from a history of divorced parents, lies, betrayal, and previous relationships. However, after speaking with a psychologist, and feeling quite confident in my ability to trust others, I still failed to trust this individual. In the last month I have spoken to her on a few occasions, the first since December 2007. We have both moved on, although in very different ways, she has another, and I chose self-reflection. Is there a purpose in letting her back into my life, even though the demise of our relationship was never truly solved? Should I continue with my life and forget the one women who once meant the world to me? I would appreciate your advice.
Dear philosophy major,
Move on. There are so many people out there. How can you even trust yourself if you can't make up your mind if you want to be with someone? The only person you can trust is you. If you commit, if you focus, if you make it clear your intention that is all you can do. Then you just gotta hope the person with you follows along. Problems with trust are internal, if you fear commitment then you will project it on others, that they are somehow making you fear taking the plunge. Be more self-aware and you'll know you've found love when you find it.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Favorite things - Online 'Love'
Now I'm not going to say that I one-hundred support your attempt to find love online. I tried it, it sort of kind of works but there's a major issue. People who need to look for love online are creeps. Of course you aren't (yes you are) but there are creeps online you need to watch out for. 'Online predators' and the like--though if you're over the age of consent, I think it is more a quasi-predatory and you should have the sense not to meet them in a darkened alley.
I also like the fact that it gets people off the streets. No, literally. I am a fan of free-love hippie lifestyle sex for all blah blah. But I don't want to see people hooking up in alleys on my way home and if people want the 'thrills' (and diseases) of anonymity then online is probably the way to go...take home message: don't hook up in an alley (that's for cats).
Or you're looking for "love" and I'm and using it as a catch all term for everything from life-partner to raucous fucking, you have three options: 1) the free site http://www.plentyoffish.com/ 2) http://www.seekingarrangement.com/ or 3) One of the million naked adult personal sites there are (that's for if you just want nookie).
So I'm only going to discuss the first two, if you're looking for the third by all means Google it. I have some decency not to post a link. A 'shred' of decency--there's the possibility my mother reads this.
1) Plenty of fish - It's free, it seems to be all the rage, and you can connect with people in the place you live or a place you'd like to live. Warning though, meeting someone online is not like meeting the real them. The days of the foolish online dater are over (or should be) meet them in a public place early on in the "romancing" be very aware of their picture's "realness" and have an exit strategy. A friend stops by, a phone call comes in, an appointment you have to be at one hour after you meet. Maybe he/she will even be rich. Which is why you should really be checking out option two:
2) Seeking Arrangement - It's free, only here you get to set up your requirements of your allowance. You sometimes get to be a mistress (like in the movies) and it's a great way to get through school. It's basically like high-class prostitution. Which is a hard sell I know. But if you're going to be meeting people online anyway then why the hell not?
So have fun kids and play safe. We're in a modern age so stay out of the alleys and with option two, maybe you'll stay in a mansion!
I also like the fact that it gets people off the streets. No, literally. I am a fan of free-love hippie lifestyle sex for all blah blah. But I don't want to see people hooking up in alleys on my way home and if people want the 'thrills' (and diseases) of anonymity then online is probably the way to go...take home message: don't hook up in an alley (that's for cats).
Or you're looking for "love" and I'm and using it as a catch all term for everything from life-partner to raucous fucking, you have three options: 1) the free site http://www.plentyoffish.com/ 2) http://www.seekingarrangement.com/ or 3) One of the million naked adult personal sites there are (that's for if you just want nookie).
So I'm only going to discuss the first two, if you're looking for the third by all means Google it. I have some decency not to post a link. A 'shred' of decency--there's the possibility my mother reads this.
1) Plenty of fish - It's free, it seems to be all the rage, and you can connect with people in the place you live or a place you'd like to live. Warning though, meeting someone online is not like meeting the real them. The days of the foolish online dater are over (or should be) meet them in a public place early on in the "romancing" be very aware of their picture's "realness" and have an exit strategy. A friend stops by, a phone call comes in, an appointment you have to be at one hour after you meet. Maybe he/she will even be rich. Which is why you should really be checking out option two:
2) Seeking Arrangement - It's free, only here you get to set up your requirements of your allowance. You sometimes get to be a mistress (like in the movies) and it's a great way to get through school. It's basically like high-class prostitution. Which is a hard sell I know. But if you're going to be meeting people online anyway then why the hell not?
So have fun kids and play safe. We're in a modern age so stay out of the alleys and with option two, maybe you'll stay in a mansion!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Dance Party - Johnathan Coulton
Johnathan Coulton is a little bit my heart. After hearing him on The Sound of Young America with self-proclaimed America's radio sweetheart Jesse Thorn I can't get enough. His comedic lyrics, and upbeat stylings give me an incredible joy. I hope you agree and visit his site. Here be some examples he has up on his website:
Creepy Doll - Reminds me of a Stephen King novel. I am frightened, yet intrigued. The predictable horror genre is one that seems oddly comfortable. You will see what I mean. Also do I detect tones of Tim Burton and Edward Gorey?
Shop Vac - The sad thing about this song is how true it is. Sort of like Kevin Spacey in American Beauty only sadder? Because I actually feel like I know this person. Or at least he is three childhood friend's fathers...not literally (just his personality).
The Town Crotch - Hilarious, and reminds me so much of my home town. It makes me really nostalgic actually.
I Feel Fantastic - This is how I feel daily. Working three jobs, having to be "on" all the time dealing with people. I love it, no pills involved. But don't you sometimes wish that it was as easy as a pill?
Go to his site he seems awesome and you can listen to ALL his songs.
Creepy Doll - Reminds me of a Stephen King novel. I am frightened, yet intrigued. The predictable horror genre is one that seems oddly comfortable. You will see what I mean. Also do I detect tones of Tim Burton and Edward Gorey?
Shop Vac - The sad thing about this song is how true it is. Sort of like Kevin Spacey in American Beauty only sadder? Because I actually feel like I know this person. Or at least he is three childhood friend's fathers...not literally (just his personality).
The Town Crotch - Hilarious, and reminds me so much of my home town. It makes me really nostalgic actually.
I Feel Fantastic - This is how I feel daily. Working three jobs, having to be "on" all the time dealing with people. I love it, no pills involved. But don't you sometimes wish that it was as easy as a pill?
Go to his site he seems awesome and you can listen to ALL his songs.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Events - War plays
Not since War Games with Matthew Broderick has a place been so alight with one thing and one thing only: war. War is playing big on the minds of many and it is playing on the stage if you go to three different locals in the city this week.
You have the option of:
1) Masked - Playing in the Neptune theatre it gives you a notion of what it is like to be in the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Bloody, and butchery.
2) Frost/Nixon - Politics, war, politics, interviews, discussion of war during his time in office. War. Hilarious one liners. Less actual "war" but it's there.
3) Vimy - Self evident.
Maybe it's because of this. Hey you get the day off. Don't be a douche-- go and remember. It's an easy time to remember. So Remember.
You have the option of:
1) Masked - Playing in the Neptune theatre it gives you a notion of what it is like to be in the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Bloody, and butchery.
2) Frost/Nixon - Politics, war, politics, interviews, discussion of war during his time in office. War. Hilarious one liners. Less actual "war" but it's there.
3) Vimy - Self evident.
Maybe it's because of this. Hey you get the day off. Don't be a douche-- go and remember. It's an easy time to remember. So Remember.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Story Time - Best Books?
What have you read here? Post you answers! Inquiring minds (I) want to know.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
News - Obama!
Okay so if you follow the blog you know that I write my blog entries a day, sometimes days, in advance (live blogging has yet to catch on). So to be honest I don't know who has won the election. My prediction? No one has won the election yet. My prediction is that it was close and that currently there is recount after recount going on as you read this. But at the end of the day, I say with confidence that the winner is Barack Obama.
I will leave out my frustrations that people have cared more about this election than our own, I will leave out the fact that the American voter registration system is corrupt where Mickey mouse can register to vote and I will be a jerk by including them by saying I won't. Little tip I like to call "the John McCain shuffle."
So how does this affect you? Foreign policies, Canada-US relations, comedy TV, and as my boyfriend Tim pointed out: a Sarah Palin talkshow/Palin on The View kicking out Elizabeth(?) it's coming, and you know you'll watch. Also some awesome social reform and some mending broken fences.
Let the healing begin.
McCain is still kind of endearing. He gave it a good run, but it was time:
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Advice- Inconsiderate Meanies
Dear Ian,
I bought my first house (a duplex) in June. I have been enjoying it immensly, and have loved being a homeowner. In September however, my very quiet and friendly neighbour told me he was selling his part of the house and therefore I would be having a new neighbour. I met the new neighbours two weeks ago when they moved in and they seemed very nice. But, lately I have been hearing them (well mostly him) screaming about money, furniture etc. It seems like their voices carry over directly into my living room and bedroom. I understand moving is a stressful time, but I am worried this is going to continue on. I could even possibly deal with the nightly yelling, but it is full of f-bombs, and I am worried that when I have children or family over they will hear this. My sister said that I should knock on their door, ask to speak to the husband, and politely tell them my concerns, but I really don't want to make it a) worse for his poor wife; or b) start a neighbour feud. I know there is no right or wrong answer, but what would you do in this situation? I don't want/can't afford to move.
-Wanting a peaceful home.
Dear WAPhome,
Neighbour concerns are always an awkward one. What do you do with someone who you have to share a wall with? Unlike a family member, unlike a spouse, and unlike a child you can't just threaten to "cut them" -- they might go to the police, and then where would you be? In jail. So you need to approach it with caution.
This is where most advice columns would tell you to go over and talk about it man on man. Really flesh-out the problem and dig into the root cause. Luckily you are not a man, and without the option of running to your landlord to deal with it here is what I suggest:
Have loud sex. Incredibly loud sex. Or invite a friend over to simulate incredibly loud sex (or have it by yourself). If the walls are thin then guaranteed it goes both ways. If he doesn't like the waves of pleasure cascading through his walls then he'll probably bring up the topic of conversation, he'll be sort of embarrassed for you--you should act really embarrassed--and then say "ohh I guess we have paper thin walls" thus revealing (unless he is a total douche) that he needs to quiet the hells down.
Or just yell back to him when he is yelling that you can hear him.
Dear Ian,
I had a co-worker that I just can't stand - she's arrogant, stuck-up
and doesn't pull her weight. She's finished her employment term, but
I need her to sign the last of the paperwork, but she just won't do
it. - What should I do?
Dear here's what you should do,
Suck it up! You know what lazy people love? When things are important to them. It's usually used for animals but a reward-based system seems perfect for someone who won't do their final bit of work. Are any potential employers seeing this work? Is someone important to her seeing this work?
If she wants to make it all about her, then make it all about her. She's almost out of there anyways. Then wash your hands! Nothings worse than sour grapes though. If you're ever contacted as a reference (first of all never offer to be one in a moment of weakness) but if you're contacted say: "I cannot give her a reference other than to say we worked together one summer." When I say wash your hands, I mean also of any ill-feelings. Or one day when your spitting poison about how she treated you some will land right back on your face.
Get the paperwork, learn your lessons and walk away.
Thank you for the two people who wrote letters this week. I hope the trend continues. You can still write me at Ian_Mullan@hotmail.com. As long as it's received by Monday I will answer all letters the following day.
I bought my first house (a duplex) in June. I have been enjoying it immensly, and have loved being a homeowner. In September however, my very quiet and friendly neighbour told me he was selling his part of the house and therefore I would be having a new neighbour. I met the new neighbours two weeks ago when they moved in and they seemed very nice. But, lately I have been hearing them (well mostly him) screaming about money, furniture etc. It seems like their voices carry over directly into my living room and bedroom. I understand moving is a stressful time, but I am worried this is going to continue on. I could even possibly deal with the nightly yelling, but it is full of f-bombs, and I am worried that when I have children or family over they will hear this. My sister said that I should knock on their door, ask to speak to the husband, and politely tell them my concerns, but I really don't want to make it a) worse for his poor wife; or b) start a neighbour feud. I know there is no right or wrong answer, but what would you do in this situation? I don't want/can't afford to move.
-Wanting a peaceful home.
Dear WAPhome,
Neighbour concerns are always an awkward one. What do you do with someone who you have to share a wall with? Unlike a family member, unlike a spouse, and unlike a child you can't just threaten to "cut them" -- they might go to the police, and then where would you be? In jail. So you need to approach it with caution.
This is where most advice columns would tell you to go over and talk about it man on man. Really flesh-out the problem and dig into the root cause. Luckily you are not a man, and without the option of running to your landlord to deal with it here is what I suggest:
Have loud sex. Incredibly loud sex. Or invite a friend over to simulate incredibly loud sex (or have it by yourself). If the walls are thin then guaranteed it goes both ways. If he doesn't like the waves of pleasure cascading through his walls then he'll probably bring up the topic of conversation, he'll be sort of embarrassed for you--you should act really embarrassed--and then say "ohh I guess we have paper thin walls" thus revealing (unless he is a total douche) that he needs to quiet the hells down.
Or just yell back to him when he is yelling that you can hear him.
Dear Ian,
I had a co-worker that I just can't stand - she's arrogant, stuck-up
and doesn't pull her weight. She's finished her employment term, but
I need her to sign the last of the paperwork, but she just won't do
it. - What should I do?
Dear here's what you should do,
Suck it up! You know what lazy people love? When things are important to them. It's usually used for animals but a reward-based system seems perfect for someone who won't do their final bit of work. Are any potential employers seeing this work? Is someone important to her seeing this work?
If she wants to make it all about her, then make it all about her. She's almost out of there anyways. Then wash your hands! Nothings worse than sour grapes though. If you're ever contacted as a reference (first of all never offer to be one in a moment of weakness) but if you're contacted say: "I cannot give her a reference other than to say we worked together one summer." When I say wash your hands, I mean also of any ill-feelings. Or one day when your spitting poison about how she treated you some will land right back on your face.
Get the paperwork, learn your lessons and walk away.
Thank you for the two people who wrote letters this week. I hope the trend continues. You can still write me at Ian_Mullan@hotmail.com. As long as it's received by Monday I will answer all letters the following day.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Favorite things - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
They's awesome.
Come back tomorrow for some quality advice letters. That's right plural! Like Salt lake city marriages.
Come back tomorrow for some quality advice letters. That's right plural! Like Salt lake city marriages.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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