George Bush Globally Shunned...

I had to post this video... it's SO SAD.... but it's more of a damnrightyoufuckingdeservethatshit kind of sad! The most hated man in the civilized world: George Bush

And here's my proof:

Stories From The Gym - "In Mourning..."

Today was a sad day at the gym... our friend and sometimes adversary, Nox, was fired this afternoon and I'm feeling the need to mourn his permanent removal from my life at the gym.

Things like this happen all of the time--people get fired. The economy is tanking and the fitness industry is simply an unstable place... but in some instances, when certain people are terminated it's questionable.

Nox's pink-slip was quite unexpected by all. In fact, I was in the middle of training one of my favorite clients when he came over to say "goodbye". It was all very dramatic. It just so happened that Relative and Portugal were hitting the weights, in the same area, when he came back to announce his shortcomings.

We were all (EVERYONE) pretty shocked and some were a bit angered. Usually, when someone is let go most people expect it. For example, a trainer was let go just last week, but it never made headlines because, well we all expected it. But today, as Nox let us know, in his shaky voice--holding back tears in his eyes--it just seemed wrong.

I think the wrongness of the situation stems from the fact that he worked hard, he wasn't a slacker, and he was liked by most. Apparently his team was behind in sales and the General Manager--Slouch--didn't exactly like him. Although, the fact remains, whenever any of us needed a manager to help us out, he was always there. He seemed like he liked his job--and he was real on the days when he didn't.

In short, it makes one wonder about their own personal longevity in a place that does't seem to care about much other than bringing in revenue.

So, in short, I'm feeling bad about what happened to poor Nox and I'm thinking, it's definitely time to discontinue my relationship with corporations...

Thoughts?

The Life and Times of a Cyclist.

I am freezing, cranky and bruised while I type this, as tonight happens to be the first time I cycled home from work in the snow.

I am a cyclist--well, by default actually. My partner is a passionate environmentalist who insisted we sell our vehicle and instead, cycle everywhere in order to "do our part". And while I was all for it (April through October)--November is turning out to be an entirely different story.

This evening, as I left work, I decided to check my breaks. It was the smart thing to do right? Make sure they work well in the snow. So I rode for about ten feet and then pressed the breaks. Bad idea. As soon as I squeezed my hands I was flying towards the ground. It was dark, I was lying in the middle of the road, and I banged the crap out of my leg. Whenever something like this happens to me--something like falling--whether it's on a sports field or off of my bike, I often have the urge to just lie there for a moment...I'm not sure why. Tonight however, the speed with which I jumped up from the pavement was fast enough to make any witness question if I had even fallen in the first place. I'm not sure if it was because I was cold or because I was terrified of being run over. From that moment on, I decided that breaking hard was probably not what a genius might do and I rode slowly--breaking lightly while dragging my toe along the ground.

Halfway through my ride was when it got scary. There were more cars--driving REALLY fast--and the bike lane was filled with snow. I could have rode in the street but I was afraid of getting hit by a car--drivers don't pay too much attention these days no matter how many flashing lights you have strapped to you. While riding in the snowy bike lane I fell again, but thankfully this time I fell away from traffic.

After falling twice and being scared out of my wits tonight I am not so sure how committed I am to this riding through the winter deal. I could take the TTC, but I know that it will take 3 times as long, so I don't know what to do. I guess I'll keep whining on my blog, pray to stay upright, ride really slow, affix additional lights to my body, and HOPE with all of my might that winter ends a hell of a lot sooner than usual... If Hope worked for Barack Obama, it can work for me!

Stories From The Gym - "Don't Go In There"

OK. First an update: I should let you know that since the "Stability Ball Incident", I have not seen "Ms. H". However, some other characters have rolled through our double doors it seems...

It's no secret that there are some seriously interesting individuals who use our gym. Realistically speaking, anytime you have a large community of people, there are bound to be a couple of us who are interesting right?

Currently the room where trainers usually throw/stuff/pile their things is under construction--which is a BIG, HUGE deal (things literally take 6-9 months to get done when working within a corporate setting). Back to it--now that our closet-sized room, where approx. 16 people store their things is being renovated, we are condemned to using the women's and men's locker rooms. Now... don't get me wrong here--many believe that it's a privilege to be able to put our lowly things there--but I say I'd rather have my renovated closet. Here's why:

The locker room, though clean, large, and nicely decorated, is a strange an awkward place filled with lots of naked people conducting many, very common, naked-rituals. These rituals include, but are not limited to: blow drying or flat ironing hair when naked, air drying ones genitals with the use of a swinging towel--while naked, make-up application while naked, etc. These are things that one simply gets used to. And if one does not enjoy or feel comfortable being around these rituals... well one puts their head down, grabs their bag as quickly as possible and then makes a bee-line for the door. But here is my question: what does one do when someone falls far beyond the norm?

Today Portugal informed me that such an occurance happened two nights ago and I was AGAST with utter shock! hah a haha ...wait for it... Portugal told me that one of his clients, after a long and sweaty training session, innocently entered the locker room expecting the norm--lots of older women fanning their crotches with towels--but was completely taken aback when she looked over to observe a women CHANGING HER TAMPON in the middle of the change room amidst rush hour traffic...

please pause to think about this... I did.

During my pause I wondered, was she simply inserting a new tampon? After I paused, I asked outloud, but to my fear, the woman was indeed employed in the public removal and insertion of tampons.

Who the HECK does that?

Excuse my American... but honestly! I am a woman. I get it. But that is sick! What if it splattered, what if it got on her hand and then on the locker? what if... you get where I'm going with this right?

I wish I would have been there--I would have DEFINITELY... DEFINITELY, in the politest way possible--using absolutely no American langu whatsoever, told that woman exactly where to go; the washroom.


Until next time.

Jon LaJoie COMING TO TORONTO - December 10th!

I thought I'd let you know, Jon LaJoie is coming to Toronto to perform. He is a HILARIOUS comedian! I mean, have you ever seen "Everyday Normal Guy"? If not, here it is:



If you want to come see him LIVE... you totally should. He'll be here on December 10th at the Horseshoe Tavern

...the process now begins...

After EXACTLY 2 years and 1 day--the Canadian government is finally beginning it's long awaited deportation process. My partner and I arrived here 2 years ago and since then have been working extremely hard digging, digging, digging....and digging more roots. Today I received a letter from the Canadian government kindly asking me to pick up my paperwork (which I must file through my lawyer) to prepare for a possible deportation in the near future.

Whether or not I will get to remain in Canada, live peacefully with my partner, continue to work and live amongst my friends is still quite undecided...

I'll keep you posted as the process now begins.

Ricky Gervais--American Social Commentary Through Comedy

I'm not sure if you listen to Ricky Gervais, but he's HILARIOUS!

This article was on NPR.ORG ... check it out!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97002854 <-- Video Link of Ricky Gervais

Day to Day, November 14, 2008 · British comedian Ricky Gervais has made his name playing losers. He wrote and starred in the original British version of The Office, where he played the dunderheaded boss, David Brent. In his next series, Extras, he played the slightly more with-it Andy Millman.

It took coming to the United States to really find his stride, however, he tells NPR's Madeleine Brand. This Saturday, Gervais makes his American TV stand-up debut on HBO with Ricky Gervais: Out of England, which was recorded in New York's Madison Square Garden.

It's his best work yet, he says. There was something about performing for a bunch of Americans that left the famed funny man feeling wild and free.

"I don't know whether I am under more scrutiny in my own country, but I ad-libbed 10 times more than I usually do. I just went off," Gervais says of his performance stateside. "I just enjoyed myself more than I ever did before, and I want to keep that feeling now. It's like I hit the ball perfectly for the first time, I felt that racket. Now I know where to hit the ball every time, and I can't wait to do my next show."

Gervais has long been a fan of American comedy. He cites Laurel and Hardy, Groucho Marx and Woody Allen as major influences for his brand of what he calls "the comedy of embarrassment."

"America is my mecca for entertainment. Everything I have ever loved has come out of America," Gervais says. Those comics "taught me that you have to be at the bottom rung of the ladder. No one wants to see unfeasibly handsome, clever people doing things brilliantly; they want to see a putz struggling and falling over, and the important thing is getting back up again."

Gervais insists there is no place for a peacock in comedy. He says it's all about being the everyman and maintaining a fallible persona that people can relate to. "There should be no machismo in a comedian because comedy is about empathy," he says. "I think the audience doesn't need to be told that your life is better than theirs."

In Out of England, Gervais comes onstage with a king's crown and a rock star's pomp, accompanied by fireworks and Queen's "One World, One Vision." His ostentatious entrance is a tongue-in-cheek jab at production values and the idea of celebrity.

"Soon you find out that all my anecdotes of fame are about me being the underdog, me being embarrassed socially, depressed, everyone getting the better of me," he says.

Gervais says returning to stand-up has allowed him to discover the importance of physical comedy. He realized "what people liked was me acting out a scenario as opposed to just telling jokes," he says. "Because comedy is empathy, most of the things we identify with are probably nonverbal. Body language and the way that you feel things are are more important than what you hear."

His routine touches upon kids with cancer, Nelson Mandela and a dialogue between Nietzsche and Hitler, but Gervais says there are no real victims in his show. "What a satirist does is make fictional superheroes and villains so we can laugh guilt-free," he says.

Gervais' stand-up persona gets everything slightly wrong, a trait he says is important for his brand of the comedy. "When you live in a world where your firstborn isn't dying of terrible diseases and you're not being shot at, the worst thing that happens to us is we do embarrass ourselves."

...it may have sounded mean--but i was being honest.

It was brought to my attention that my previous blog was offensive. And though I don't wish to offend people--opinions seem to have that effect sometimes--and I happen to have many opinions!

To be fair, my workplace is filled with many great people--those who are courteous, friendly, hard working, respectful of the space and the property they are borrowing...and in the same breath, as I inhale from saying that sentence, I must follow it up immediately with the fact that it is also filled with many who are ignorant--people who lie, cheat, steal, are apathetic, are grossly insecure, are rude and self-centered. And as I lament about the "brainlessness" of it--I am not making commentary on any particular individual--but rather an overall workplace-culture where everyone must fend for themselves (kind of like capitalism), rarely help one another out, and constantly feel belittled by a company that sees them as nothing more than a cash-cow.

Don't get me wrong and please don't misunderstand--personal training and coaching different strength disciplines can be an art when you know what you're doing. Having the opportunity and ability to work with individuals one-on-one; bringing them to a place of heightened fitness is extremely rewarding. But just like in EVERY workplace, there are always those individuals who don't fit in--unfortunately for me, at this particular workplace, I'm one of those people.

Plain and simply...I don't like working for a corporation. I don't want to be another cog in the wheel--it's not who I am. While I continue at my post, making a lot of money for a little bit of people, I will continue to blog about it--as honestly as always. I will try my best to articulate my opinions so that they're specific and eloquent... I always hope not to offend, but rather to elicit thought.

So stay tuned for more Stories From The Gym!

A new blog thread for you: STORIES FROM THE GYM!

Lately I've been on a (CRAZY) political tangent. And though I am very passionate about politics, the fact of the matter is I'm an athlete first and foremost. I'm all about The Greater Good, but I'm an athlete at the core. That said, I've decided to start a new thread called: "Stories From the Gym"... I figured you all would benefit from the drama, the hilarity, and the ridiculousness that encompass The Gym--my daily workplace.

I'm a strength coach. And I work in a gym. Most days I can't stand where I work--the lighting, the brainlessness of it all, the fixation on asthetics, and of course working for a corporation (UGH!). If I were to fairly describe myself at work--I'm the girl that is stronger, faster, and WAY more agile than the average. I train athletes and non athletes while talking about politics during their breaks. In a nutshell--that's me. I'd like to say that I get along with everyone, but that's just a pipedream.

Relavent Tangent: During university I often worked in restaurants to make some extra cash to survive (and naturally, to afford to party). After years of this type of work, I finally decided that I would NEVER work in a restaurant--EVER again. The pay was terrible, and at the risk of sounding elitist, I can do better than that--I'm a smart woman. Little did I know that working in a gym would be just as bad... if not worse (actually it's worse). Honestly, I have never worked in an environment that is more unprofessional in my life. Sometimes my workplace is a scene straight out of an MTV reality show--if you're not cool enough, fit enough, successful enough--pack your bags because you're going to get voted off!

To be fair, I have a couple of friends there (4 to be exact)--people that I truly respect and like... but for the most part, I feel as though I am in a reality television show without a confessional to turn to (but then again, that's where you come in!).

That said... here is my "Story From the Gym" of the day. I shall call it "BEASTERIOD"--out of hilarity

There is a group of us that hang out around this one table. We're actually confined to it because we just got a new general manager and her main goal (and this is a quote--obtained through hearsay of course) is "to make sure trainers are no longer sitting around".

In case you are unaware of this fact, trainers are slaves to their clients. If we cannot find a client to fill a time slot, we are either eating, working out, or sitting around-- and there are only so many times that you can eat or work out. Though our managers would love to have us prospecting (gaining more clients=making the corp more $) during this time, the fact of the matter is, they don't pay us to prospect... so we don't if we don't need to.

Back to our table; I digress... So today, our little group--there are 7 of us who regularly converse and are in my opinion the 'tightest knit' group at The Gym: Me, 'the Relative', 'the Footballer', 'Portugal', 'the Fighter', 'Greece' and sometimes 'the Newfie'. Today we (Relative, Portugal, and Footballer) were sitting around and talking about some of the newer members at our particular location. New members are like a new classroom for teachers--they change on a regular basis and you never know what you're going to get...

Today we were discussing a new member who is particularly built for a female. Not that it is a good or bad thing, but in her first week as a new member, she has garnered quite the reputation for herself. Last week Greece had a run-in with her when he mistakenly used one of her machines during her workout. According to his personal description of the story, she started yelling and cursing and speaking in another language when she realized he had been using her machine. For a group of people who spend about 4 hours a day sitting around, this was interesting news. We laughed about this and were a bit scared of having similar run-ins with her in the future.

ENTER ENID: seriously... it's just my luck....

Today I had a business meeting and I was dressed up when I got to The Gym. My hair was done, I was wearing jewelry (which never happens otherwise) and I was wearing make-up. I didn't have many clients, but the few time-slots that I did have happened to be when the yelling--cursing lady was working out. We shall call her Ms. H.

When I describe this woman to you, I want you to visualize the following: petite, about 5'3", very long, dark hair, and a very defined and built physique (think HYPERTROPHY). In my opinion, she may not have gained this strength by natural means. (And not to be a jerk, but she has a very low voice to prove my previous claim--see my earlier post about the steroids documentary)

During one of my training sessions--which I was successfully accomplishing without disturbing anyone else--Ms. Hypertrophy herself, in person, decides to come up to be and ask:

"ARE YOU USING DIS BALL" (be sure to say with a low voice--envision a voice that drinks whiskey in the morning DAILY and smokes ten cigarettes a day... then add a European accent).

I kindly answered: "Yes. We are still using this ball. But we'd be glad to share". (referring to the stability/swiss ball we were using)

She says: "I don like to share (cue eye-roll, then eye-lock and 3 second stare). I vill get my own" (don't forget the whiskey and the cigarette voice-rasp)

My poor client was like 'what the hell is going on'. It was honestly the most awkward/unecessary moment--everyone seemed to be locked into our small and insignificant discussion. Naturally, it wouldn't be a true moment from The Gym if there weren't about 2 or 3 trainers/co-workers in the vicinity to share in the experience. As soon as she walked away, another trainer said (outloud) "Watch out E... don't mess with her" and yet another one said: "don't worry, I've got your back"... it was surreal--sometimes I feel the need to look for the cameras. After our little 3 sentence conversation, she went back to the mirror where she stared at herself and danced (with herself) to the music. It was positively amazing.

In any case, it was just another day on the job. And while it's quite hilarious, I wonder why Ms. H (or as my co-workers lovingly refer to her "Beasteroid"--I'm shaking my head as I type the name) came up to me in the first place. Honestly, there were 3 other Stability Balls, in our immediate vicinity, that were not being used.

Something tells me this won't be our last run-in. We'll see what happens next. Maybe she'll challenge me to a tricep-pushup test... who knows? In any case, there is no telling what could happen at The Gym... tune in for updates.

Until next time...on "Stories From The Gym"...

Will Ms. H ask me on a date? Or will she curse me out for kicking her out of the "Trainer's Only Section"... we shall see!

...READ THIS... it's for the greater good!

Recently, I have been wondering about the United States and its seemingly incestuous relationship with Israel. I use the word incestuous because, well... it kind of feels that way--everyone knows about their strong alliance, but people seem afraid to talk about it... and more importantly, the realities of it = lot's of bombs, missles, and war!

With Barrack Obama's first cabinet appointment being Rahm Emmanuel--a prominent politician with strong Israeli ties--I have become increasingly interested in this topic, particularly in the reason for its sensitivity. And I am determined to get to the bottom of it, so naturally, I have been asking around. I get the history of the relationship--how they met, the long strolls on the beach, the backseat of the car, etc. etc. But, I can't seem to figure out who is telling which what to do--is Israel calling the shots when it comes to the US's actions in the middle east? Or is it the other way around?

While most people I know listen to music and watch the hills, I'm usually at home cracking-out, Amy-Winehouse-Style (ouch!) to CBC and NPR--I can't even help myself!

Today, as I was cooking, I was listening to the CBC and coincidentally a former Israeli soldier was speaking about his experience in the military. And to my 'shock-and-awe', he was speaking out against it. Literally, I was shocked. I even turned off the water so that I could listen!

I learned that he has started an organization called "Breaking the Silence". It is the first organization where soldiers are speaking out about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict--calling it an occupation and discussing the ways in which it is immoral and wrong.

WAIT A MINUTE... ARE HUMAN BEINGS EVOLVING BEFORE OUR EYES OR WHAT!!!??

Anyway, I found this extremely interesting and a bit AWESOME. As some of you may or may not know, I am quite supportive of those of us who openly and loudly question the wrong-doings of our governments, our politicians, our CEOs and our militaries--in my opinion it is our duty to question those who have an abundance of power; as those of us who follow blindly are simply unpatriotic (and a bit ignorant).

Below is an excerpt from the organizations' home page--check it out.

LISTEN: This may not be your cup of tea or something you particularly care about--but it's SUPER important. Think about it this way: If you want the world to be a better place, then it is up to you to recognize and support those who are brave enough to go out of their way and put their lives in danger to speak out against the wrongdoings of those who have power. In the very least...it's the very least you can do.


"Breaking the Silence is an organization of veteran Israeli soldiers that collects testimonies of soldiers who served in the Occupied Territories during the Second Intifadah. Soldiers who serve in the Territories are witness to, and participate in military actions which change them immensely. Cases of abuse towards Palestinians, looting, and destruction of property have been the norm for years, but are still excused as military necessities, or explained as extreme and unique cases. Our testimonies portray a different and grim picture of questionable orders in many areas regarding Palestinian civilians. These demonstrate the depth of corruption which is spreading in the Israeli military."

Very Cool Discovery - Sia

Maybe you've heard of her...
Her name is Sia. Her music is fantastic, her videos are eccentric, and her voice is delicious!

If you haven't heard of her before, I strongly suggest you start listening. I first saw her video called buttons and I bought her CD. It is fantastic! I'm desperately hoping she comes to Toronto!

So, here is my Very Cool Discovery of the week: SIA - The girl you lost to cocaine

Can you be whoever you want?

Imagine if cultural norms were non-existent. I don't mean values or morals. I'm talking about pointless judgments. Imagine if there were no geeks, no nerds, no ugly people (whatever that means), no eccentrics. Imagine if you could wear whatever you wanted and no one said it was UNFASHIONABLE, or OUT OF DATE, or UGLY... just imagine if you could be whatever you wanted. Well here is an example of that. I think it is amazing!



Think about it. Then comment.

I'd really like to hear your thoughts.

Progressives know what is right... but do 'we' know how to play the game?

Listen, I don't even know if I can necessarily label myself a "Progressive". The reason being is that most progressives I know, whose blogs I read, whose podcasts I download, whose meetings I attend; are simply some of the most brilliant individuals I have ever met. Individuals who are passionate about changing the world and who have an unwavering command of both language and history. I've definitely got the passion part covered, but I guess we all need to start somewhere right?

That said, as an American ex-pat--with a unique experience--I can't understand why Progressives cannot appreciate Barack Obama. Before he has even started, many are talking, blogging, and podcasting away about him in a negative light. The reasons? He's pro-war, pro-capitalism, pro-death penalty, pro-Israeli lobbying machine (Rahm Emanuel anyone?) and anti-gay marriage (I'm sure there is more to add to the list).

Even though these are all reasons I completely agree with (aside from the Israeli issue--as I am still studying this issue). I disagree with the tone of the very progressives I look up to. The fact of the matter is this: I am a strong advocate for Human Rights--a true egalitarianist. I believe that all people should be treated equally--regardless of race, heritage, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, illness, etc. I am (now) anti-war and I am anti-death penalty. But here's the thing, when it comes to Barack Obama, the fact of the matter is that he IS American. And I am not exactly sure everyone really knows what that means.

What does it mean? If you are well versed in American culture, you'll know that Americans are indoctrinated with "Americanism" at a very young age. Americanism is something I would describe as a sense of immense pride, entitlement, and arrogance having to do with nothing other than the fact that you were born in a particular place--which happens to be called the United States of America. It doesn't matter if you're white, black, hispanic, poor, rich, educated, or a drop out. Most all Americans wear their sense of pride on their arm like a tattoo--no matter what the government has done or failed to do for you. Americans are simply very proud to hold that title, because they are taught to be proud of it.

It's something we were taught in kindergarten as we stood EACH AND EVERY DAY to say the pledge of alligence, for 13 years until we finished high school. It's the way that Americans were only taught about American history and never about the history of the world--but through only very brief fly-bys. It's the way parts were left out--like the way the government spent decades oppressing Black Americans, or the way Japanese Americans were placed in quazi-concentration camps, or even the parts that talk about the slaughtering of Native Americans, or the fact that the US dropped more than a couple of atom bombs on innocent people in Japan--nah, we didn't focus on that. We learned about the victories, the great accomplishments of our fore fathers, the amazing American inventors, the millionaires, and the innovators. We learned about the amazing non-violent activists like Martin Luther King and Ghandi--we never learned about Malcolm X. Somehow we managed to skip over that stuff.

Every year we celebrated--in a big, elaborate fashion--the 4th of July; Independance day, everyone had that day off. We even celebrated the guy who founded the United States by complete accident--Christopher Columbus. Living in the United States, no matter how abused you actually were, was sold as a priviledge. We were a melting pot and we understood that people from all over the world, who had it much worse, risked their lives to live there, to be around us, and we were proud of that. 20-plus years of indoctrination is really hard to wash off... believe me.

Naturally, there are many who were lucky enough to learn a different way of thinking--a more progressive world view. This difference in thinking was likely due to a role model, or an awakening of some sort that they were fortunate enough to encounter. For many it was war that changed them, or it was the civil rights struggle, or the struggle of being a Gay American--those who weren't giddy with Americanism had likely experienced oppression and they sought to fight against it. However, for the most part, most Americans never got there. And many are still nowhere near.

To be honest, for most of my life, I was a completely different person than I am today. It took a blantent and painful swipe of human & civil rights, by the United States government, for me to truly "awaken". But the truth remains, for the longest time I was just like most Americans. I was like the American that thought war is a normal "American" activity--as our history teachers so proudly highlighted. The American that thought capitalism is the tool that will set the world free (laugh out loud). I even believed, for twently some odd years, that I was actually free...most Americans still believe this. Now, when I look back, it is painfully obvious to me I was indoctrinated--with no hope of realizing any different reality because there was no reason for me to question it.

If you take what I've said into consideration and apply it accordingly to Americans in general and to Barack Obama who is also American, how can you not look at him through respectful eyes--when he is clearly of good intent? After experiencing the contrary for 8 years, how can we as progressives openly complain about things that are beyond the comprehension of many Americans? The truth is most Americans think war is justifyable. Most Americans also think capitalism is fine and dandy--most can't even consider an alternative, as they were never truly taught any. Think about it. If being American means you've been indoctrinated with Americanism for your entire life, how does one expect the American public to elect someone like Ralph Nader; who presents solutions that are alien to the way most Americans think--even if those solutions are the right ones?

And in conclusion, consider this: Barack Obama is a man of color. A man who was in close acquaintance with a person like Jeremiah Wright (J.W. is not who the media says he is, you should read about him). A man who has been to Kenya to visit siblings that live in shacks. A man who is from a background which deviates drastically from that of the average American President. Honestly...What makes you think he's not just playing the game? What makes you think he's so middle of the road? Clearly he's brilliant--just use the campaign he just ran as proof...Even if he's playing no game at all, and he's just an American who has good intentions...he's still American. See what I'm saying?

Voting for a candidate like Ralph Nader and then complaining about why no else is voting for him gets us nowhere. Recognizing why no one votes for candidates like Ralph Nader and then figuring out how to educate a nation of people who think like Americans makes more sense and is equally as futile. But I'm no Pulitzer Prize Winner so what the eff do I know right?

So I ask this: Even though Progressives know what is right... do we know how to play the game?

...I had to sit still... so I could take it all in...here is the re-cap.

Apologies for the giant blog-pause that I took this week.

To be honest, I am still recovering from Obama's win this past Tuesday. And while we're on an honesty kick, I should let you know that I really did not think he was going to be elected. Somewhere, at the very front and center of my consciousness, I truly did not believe the media was being truthful in its polling or its reporting. Instead, I listened faithfully to the progressive media outlets--who were faithfully reporting cases of voter purging, voter caging, brigades of soldiers on-call for the upcoming riots, fields of fema coffins...ALL very TRUE, yet fear inducing enough to stress me out for a decade!

Call me cynical, pessimistic, skeptical, distrustful, contemptuous--your choice really--the truth is after two stolen elections, eight years of Bush, a war for the sake of capitalism, torture of innocent individuals, the slaughtering of THOUSANDS of innocent Iraqi's and Afghanis, not to mention my own personal exodus from my homeland (due solely to many of the political reasons stated above)... how could anyone really expect me, of all people, to believe America would make a good choice

So, in the end...I was wrong. THANK GOD!

I spent Tuesday night with some of the best and most brilliant people I know; as I decided to make an event of the evening (Aparrently politics = party in my book). We all huddled together in a pub and many of my friends experienced the part of my life that I usually reserve for my blog and for the like-minded (politically charged) people in my life. In any case, it turned out to be one of the most incredible and memorable nights of my life... here's why:

1) If your friends like you enough, they'll party with you over politics

My friends, who don't exactly follow politics with the same fervor, came out--on a Tuesday night--to watch the American election...in Canada. I was very appreciative of their in-person-support. And I love them for it.

2) 10th Grade Logic Question: Barack Obama won AND Barack Obama is a bi-racial American. Why does that matter if and only if Barack Obama is a bi-racial American? (remember that shit? I hated logic!)

Here's why: in 1954, the United States government passed legislation to end segregation. However, in 1964, ten years later, people were still killing one another over race related issues. In addition to being shot with fire hoses and attacked with dogs for protesting, many black Americans were still unable to vote at that time--they had little to no civil rights and it was because of a government that failed to treat black Americans like Americans. That was only 44 years ago. In less than half of a lifetime, Americans, by an overwhelming majority, have elected a black president. This is a BEAUTIFUL reality! (I had originally said it was incredible, but it is actually beautiful. Think about it.)

As someone who personally grew up in an ethnic household with two parents that both personally experienced racism and discrimination--this means the world to me. It means that America is finally growing up. In my opinion, when a nation recognizes all of its citizens and the people of its land as HUMAN BEINGS, it is STEP ONE towards becoming a true nation. (Considering this as the first step, is actually an over statement on my part due to the current treatment of Mexicans and homosexuals in the US---but it's a baby step and definitely a step in the right direction). I am happy beyond belief that for once the true character of an individual is what people are basing their votes upon as opposed to the color of one's skin or the descent of their ancestors.

It also meant a lot to me because, plain and simply, the better guy beat the bad guy! Here's the thing about Obama, he's not exactly a liberal. He's liberal when you compare him to American politicians and you take into consideration how far right America has crept... but in the grand scheme of reality--he's still pro-war, pro-patriot act, anti gay marriage, and pro-capitalism--all things liberals disagree with. Many progressives think he is not much different than anyone else... I beg to differ and think he's a big step up from the alternative. The fact of the matter is when you compare the choices, he was hands down the best choice. And to the Progressives of the world: When you're talking about the United States... think baby steps! I'm from there, and even I know that baby steps are a big deal!

...back to the recap:

When they announced that Obama won, I still couldn't believe it--I kept saying: "it's only a projection"... however I soon received a text from a friend, whose father is an editor at The New York Times. The text said that the paper had just sent to print the issue declaring Obama's as the winner. I guess that sealed the deal. We were all jumping up and down, cheering, hugging... it was fantastic!

3) It was like my favorite team just won the Stanley Cup and I don't even like hockey!!!

After the announcement, we all headed down to Dundas Square. The rumor was they were going to show Obama's speech on a big screen in the square... Unfortunately, that was a rumor. Instead, when we arrived, we joined into a great celebration of people dancing and singing and hugging and cheering... my partner and I just kept looking at one another in awe... It was like nothing we'd ever seen before. In the states, people only cheer like that when sports teams win. It made my little, hippie, heart melt!

4) And the grand finale--Typsy Tears of Joy!

We headed to the Imperial Pub to watch the new "President Elect" give his speech. I didn't know what to expect, but I certainly didn't expect the 1992 television set with volume lower than the iPod blasting out of a meathead's ears at the gym! About 150 people where watching with their necks strained forward, shushing the few drunkards in the room who were being rowdy. I was surprised and reassured by the business-like tone of his speech and I was touched by the restored hope that seemed to be pouring from the public. I think I even shed a couple of tears when I looked into the eyes of a fellow New Yorker who happened to be in the vicinity... but I am sure that was due, in part, to my good old friends: Guinness, Maudite, and Keiths...
It was a good night for so many reasons, well four reasons actually.

So here's the question everyone is asking:

Will Barack Obama CHANGE anything? It's a fantasy of mine that he's a hell of a lot more liberal than he lead us to believe--and, once in office, he actually becomes a liberal! In my opinion, that would be an excellent deception... it would be exactly like G-Dub, except the reciprocal!

The reality is he likely won't change much... we'll all just have to wait and see. I'm truly hoping to see what he'll do about green technologies... We NEED to start focusing on the environment, and if that is all we get out of him, I know for sure that is far better than what the alternative would have been.

So here's to change...
cheers.

...to those of you who are my friends...

...to those of you who are my friends...

I cannot describe to you the feeling of happiness I am currently feeling--it is something bigger than me; bigger than you. I want you to know that I am extremely happy with the election as I am more and more certain Obama will win!

--not only did Obama win, but Americans may have finally grasped the difference between people's character and their race. It's quite amazing really.

The idea that humans might begin to regard each other as "humans" is the most incredible news I could imagine; or have heard in years.

...got hope?

A friend today said: "have faith woman!", as yet again I began to babble about a stolen election, riots, maybe even martial law come Wednesday.

Am I hopelessly pessimistic? Why can't I seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel? Why aren't I drunk with Blue-State Giddiness knowing that Obama is ahead in the polls? Well it could be one of two things: because I'm currently listening to Deathcab for Cutie... or, because I've been hoping for a long time now that people would wake-up and take it to the streets. Impeach a couple of neocons, fight to end the war(s), make sure our government is doing the right thing, wake up from the consumerist-coma we've been in for the past 10 years...

We haven't awoken yet.

I hope with all of my heart that I am wrong. Dead wrong. I hope Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States. That he fights for human rights, peace, equality--all of the great things he has been promising for the past year that he's been campaigning...

On Tuesday night, I will watch, with hopeful-faithfulness (a Bushism I think), as the USA elects its next president.

So, here's to having a little bit of faith...and a nice, cold beer while I'm at it!

If you too are having trouble staying hopeful, Check this out...

Cheers,
E