THE POLITICS OF COSPLAY

I look forward to the day where Cosplay is just Cosplay. I'm tired of seeing people claims that someone's hard work is labeled as "The Fat Version Of...." Or "The Black...." This needs to stop IMEDIATLY!

I hate the word Elitists when it comes to describing Cosplay snobs, it's too good of a word for people who go out of their way to tear down a person's skill when they themselves once started as a noob. Instead of looking down at other cosplayers and thinking they aren't good enough to be in your presence, provide them with Costructive Critisism or keep walkin or scrolling. Not everyone with a keyboard needs to use it to voice their opinions on how a person doesn't measure up to their standards, nor should anyone with a state of the art sewing machine, tell people that their costumes aren't up to a certain standard for being a cosplayer. NEWS FLASH! There is NO ACTUAL COSPLAY STANDARD! Please stop acting as if there is. Let everyone have their fun, because we aren't dressing for you. We dress in costumes because we love bringing a character to life, and it make others happy when they see their favorite characters brought to life by someone who enjoys the same fandom.

It's hard to have heroes in the cosplay world when even those we look up to aren't willing to give their fans the time of day. But let's not lose hope, there are lots of people willing to answere questions and help those who may feel overwhelmed with their costumes. There are many FaceBook groups that have been created around the COSPOSITIVE movement, one of which that has been created by myself and a close friend a year ago. You can find the page at this link, feel free to share your progress and pictures of your favorite cosplay here: https://www.facebook.com/becospositive/

THE UNTOLD LAWS OF COSPLAY

Comic Con is a place of many untapped talents, artists of all types come to showcase their work and possibly make money for the things they create. Cosplay and Costumers are a huge market now (wether we like it or not) and what forms we see any character in is only limited to the amount of work that the person wearing such costumes are willing to put into it. 

Sexualization of any character is a huge part of Halloween marketing and a huge joke in the eyes of the fans of the franchise that these companies, like Leg Avenue, Rubies, and Spirit Halloween, are taking the licence from. Payed cosplayers are now bringing in as much fans as a celebrity from a long running TV show to a convention, because of their exciting portrayal of our favourite characters. With that also comes the sexualization of the characters that we otherwise wouldn't see in the series, which can bring a positive and a negative response from public forums. 

There really is no law against being original in the creation of a costume, however some conventions are trying to ensure that there is a limit on how much skin one can show before it borders on indecent (that limit is pushed every year with new incarnations of characters). Wether you are a fan of the person's original take on the character or not, it is up to the person or persons who make the costumes to determine how often the costume is worn and to which event they wear the costume at (depending on the subject matter of the event). As an onlooker we can chose to like it or hate it, and voice our opinions on it if we so wish. Some may take that opinion to social media to maliciously attack a person's creativity by sharing (without proper permission) a picture of the cosplayer in their version of a costume they have created, and the comments the follow suit are just as horrendous. The same reaction may fall upon a fan of a series that just wants to share their work with other fans, comments such as "You're Fat" or "You do not look like the character, please stop dressing as my favourite character" often come up. The moment you try to defend yourself to the haters is when you get told you're butthurt and that you should just let them post their hateful words without getting defensive. Seriously?!? I've come into contact some funny trolls who think telling me I'm fat is going to be the ultimate insult that will make me stop dressing up as Jill Valentine. The moment I show them that being called fat isn't an insult is when their little minds explode and are incompetent to come up with better insults. For me, stating the obvious about someone's features is not an insult. I know I'm a chubby girl, I'm also well endowed in the chest department then most females, so any costume I do will have to be taken into consideration on how much cleavage I want to show off. I try to stay fairly conservative with my costumes, but I also like to be able to play up the sexiness as much as I can. Elvira was the most revealing costume I have ever set my sights on, plus I have an agreement with the hubby to only do the costume if he is around or a trusty handler (never know if people will get out of hand). For the most part convention goers in my city are well behaved, but I like to surround myself with a group of people just to be safe.

Cosplay bullying will inevitably be worse the more you try to put yourself out there for the world to see, I'm going to level with you, yea we want the attention. That is why we share our pictures, we love the input from our followers that suggest what costumes to do, we want to have fans. The fact that people are making money and being invited to conventions as a guest blows my mind, gives many of us a goal we can hopefully achieve to one day be as good at making costumes as a famous cosplayer. However there is a downside to the fame too, the hatred becomes greater, constantly being bombarded with messages from fans wanting to have sex with you, death threats because of your popularity is also a reality. I know a few people who refuse to turn on their private messages some days because of the amount of questionable behaviours that people seem to act out over the Internet. 

What it comes down to folks, is we have to start treating people online the same way we treat strangers that we see walking down the street or at a mall. You wouldn't go up to a good looking person and ask if you can see their tits or their penis would you? So why is this acceptable online? Anyone who dresses in costume are doing it for themselves, if you are lucky enough to be important in the life of a cosplayer, they may consider your suggestion and make a costume of that character. 

Instead of knocking people down, let's try to build confidence in people. Let's encourage people's creativity, and provide creative criticism instead of bashing the works of someone who is only trying to share their work with others who are of like mind. Let's change this hobby this year, LET'S BE COSPOSITIVE! 

MAKING A CREER OUT OF A DEAD END JOB

Starbucks has treated me very well, so its not fair to put blame on a company that gives full benefits, free drinks,and many other great things that makes it hard to hate. I've worked for this company for five years and five months, one question has been constantly popping up. Why aren't you shift or manager? GREAT QUESTION! why haven't I pushed myself to be at the top? I don't have a proper answer sadly, I go to work with the intention of having a good day, doing my work, and then coming home. Somewhere in between having a good day and doing my work I find myself questioning why am I doing all this work when it seems like others are more than content to do the bare minimum just to get by and are happy. I've tried to be more vocal to get things done in the store, but it has now resulted to a conflict with attitude. Complaints seem to be more frequent than praises, coworkers (I feel) are avoiding me, situations with customers come to light that I feel really aren't big deals but somehow become big problems and I get reprimanded for it TWICE (even tho the situation was dealt with and should have been left at that) The world is not against me, I don't like having that attitude. Maybe I'm missing something, I want to succeed in life but how can I when the same patterns start to arise? I should have this figured out by now, what am I not getting? Five years and my boss is telling me that I shouldn't have this behavior, but it's retail. There will be a moment where a customer won't be happy, a disagreement will arise, a drink will have to be remade. What ever the situation we aren't always going to deal with it the same way each time, it's called being human. And I hate being fake with people, I don't like when people are fake with me so why should I use that god awful sweet voice and huge fake smile? I am not going to be Ned Flanders, if I do any banter in my drive thru it's my way of being polite and trying to make people more comfortable. Sometimes I assess the tone of voice from the customer at the speaker, if they are quick witted and joke with you then I do my best to be that back, however not everyone is going to be happy. I won't push that person's buttons by putting on the cheese. I can't help but feel that is what my managers want from me, and I can't always be on like that NO ONE IS. We all have off days, we all have great days, sometimes I have in between days where I'd like to do my shit and not have to be someone I'm not. I think that is the issue from all the retail job I've had. I am expected to be something that I can't conform to, and then it becomes a personality clash. I'd like to have a bit more understanding, could be something that I'm just over thinking. Just tired of feeling like no matter how hard I try at my job I can never make anyone happy, that and I feel I have to constantly impress people. Not sure where my Starbucks career is going to be in the next five years (or where my life is going to be in five years) I just know Something has to change, but it shouldn't be me for people who don't appreciate what I do.

RETAIL 101

Working in retail can be frustrating and rewarding all at the same time. I've been working in the business of customer service for the better part of thirteen years, and there are some good things about each job I had. That being said, there are some bad things as well. I've often been told by my husband and many others during venting sessions "If you're that miserable, quit." Now I have a very weird work ethic, one that I allow myself to have an open availability because I don't have any kids and not much of a life (or money) to go do exciting things with. I also take the bus everywhere, but I don't think that stops me from working where there are jobs available. One of the most common things I've been told is that I am very reliable, often I am the most reliable person that they have at the store. I've struggled at all my jobs to get the appropriate hours so that I'm not struggling to make ends meet and my bills get paid. I have also a huge pride issue, I would rather scrub toilets at a restaurant then beg for money to eat. I grew up in fostercare and remembering the life of living on welfare before being taken into Child Family Service custody resonated with me. It's not that that lifestyle is below me, I just believe that I can create a much better life for myself and my future. I have been trying very hard to find that happy place for myself. But now I feel I'm in a constant loop of repeating the same scenario. I get told I'm a good worker and very reliable, hours get cut, and I'm stuck scratching my head on how to get more hours or even move up but never do, I get flustered and find a new job. Starbucks has been my home for five years (longest job I've had) I am very proud to work at my store and enjoy working with the staff. I love what the company stands for and I feel it is the best job I've had. Working in retail is not my dream, nor have I thought I'd be working in this field for this long. I've often daydreamed of being in the studio and either reading a script for a voice over or even writing a commercial. Hell I've entertained the thought of owning my own radio station. So what has stopped me? I wouldn't consider my dream has stopped, I just fell in love with Starbucks and wanted to peruse a possible career. Not much can be done in Winnipeg sadly for customer service. If I really want to have a nice cushy office job, I'd have to move to Toronto or Vancouver (NOT GOING TO HAPPEN) My fear right now is that I've been on a downward spiral and my chances of moving up is as likely as seeing a Unicorn shit rainbows. So what does this mean for my future with the store, perhaps I've overstayed my welcome and its time to either transfer or move on. I often wish that I could not care for my job as much as I do, often at the other jobs I've had management seemed only interested in doing the minimal work and making everyone else do it. But that just isn't how I work, and then one day I saw this and it all became clear.

MASS SHOOTINGS & MENTAL HEALTH

Once again a mass shooting happened and we are left scratching our heads trying to figure out how someone can be so sinister. What gets me is that since the Columbine shooting, the call for proper gun laws are still a debate. It seems now every year we are hearing about another person with mental health problems having access to guns plans out a horrific event. Why should it be the result of twenty kids dying before people realize what needs to be done. I know many people who have mental disabilities, and not ONE would ever consider opening fire on people let alone a school full of kids. I feel that once we accepted the mental disability story, the murderer becomes a pitied soul and everyone forgets the horrific event that had unfolded. Another reason for mass shooting I refuse to accept as an excuse, bullying and being abused. I am a product of both, severe bullying in school made me not want to go outside for recess, and the abuse I was getting at home made me never want to go home. I spent my whole childhood scared out of my mind of who to trust, I felt alone, and very vulnerable. Murder was far from my mind, I was too busy trying to survive the day. If I was a child that died in care, would there be a trial for the family that mistreated me? Or would the blame be put on my own mother who wasn't mentally fit to take care of her three daughters? Canada has had their fair share of mass shootings from 1902-2012, most recently was a gang related mass shooting at a party in Toronto. Earlier this year the Eaton Center mall also in Toronto was under attack, of which one survivor later had died in the Aurora Theater shooting. To me it doesn't matter where the shooting or mass murder happens, its still too close to home and we have to start looking for ways to prevent it. If people are going to purchase guns or weapons to protect themselves, then maybe have the police do an inspection once a month to make sure that those guns are in cases that are properly fitted with a tamper proof lock. If safes can be installed that are uncrackable, then whats to stop someone from installing a proper case for their guns and other weapons. When it comes to mental health, there are several places people can go for help. If family aren't being supportive then its up to you to make sure you get the help you need. Google is a great tool for finding places, even Facebook can help bring you to someone who is willing to take a few moments to chat. I won't let anyone of my friends down if they need to chat about how they feel. I'll also talk to complete strangers because all it takes is one person's compassion to change the mind of those who want to do harm to themselves or others. I just feel that the media, and even the judicial system have made the murders of such horrific events into a victim themselves. They will still be monsters to those who survived, the families of those who died, and to many of us as we see these stories unfold. I cant show remorse for those who feel the need to get attention by the media by shooting innocent people and children. And I'd also like to state that if I ever catch any member of the Westboro Baptist Church in my city, I will not hesitate giving them a good kick in the nuts or a punch in the face. Their statements about several of these tragedies are just as sick as the monsters who act out these violent crimes. I hope you all will stand up against them and make sure that the families have their time to mourn. Don't go down to their level by messaging them and starting a flame war on their sites, but if you happen to be in the same place where they try picketing, make sure you are louder and have better signs then them. Also protect those families by making a human wall around the funeral. Hope your Christmas is a great one, stay safe and you know who to talk with when you need a friend.

Anti-Bullying for Cosplayers.

Way to often I see and hear about people making rude comments to fellow cosplayers, I've even been attacked myself. This really needs to stop. I don't go around attacking those who chose to drink themselves silly at bars or at socials, and are overly obnoxious and can't stand on their own. Trust me the thought had crossed my mind to do so, but why bother if they won't remember it the next day. I enjoy costuming, even when its not Halloween. I love the creativeness of the many people who I have met over the last few years. But sadly, many of the people who are outside of our groups don't understand us. They have berated us, posted crude and disgusting things on our pages, and even sent us messages that we are too ashamed to even repeat. Back in October there was an article that was being passed around about a Fitness journalist from Men's Fitness that went to a convention only to make fun of those who he deemed "UNFIT TO WEAR COSTUMES" He took pictures and made many rude comments about the weight of many of those in costume. This is the type of behavior that is destroying many talented peoples confidence. When it comes to DiviantART, I still haven't made an account due to the amount of attacks that I've witnessed myself on peoples pages. Why do we do this people? have we not had enough of this crap in school? Do you not remember how scarring it was back when we were kids, do we need to continue this behavior into adulthood? And please don't tell me to grow up and stop dressing up as a superhero because really that is NON OF YOUR BUSINESS. If you don't like it, we aren't forcing you to look at it. A fellow BlogTV.com blogger had set up a facebook page and event for those who are against bullying to come together and make an Anti-Bullying video. I had jumped at this opportunity to try to get together fellow cosplayers and other costuming groups to do an Anti-Bullying video and photo shoot to raise awareness. Even tho some of these comments are said over the net, it still hurts us. If you are interested in joining us we encourage you to do so.

RAPID TRANSIT MY ASS!!!!

"Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies." —Groucho Marx

I could not have said it better. The way that our transit system is going, I don't see it getting any better. And what a surprise that when you Google Rapid Transit, it talks about subway systems. Winnipeg doesn't have Subways (except the sandwich shops)And I am all for making our bus service better for those who chose not to drive in our over populated city, but why make it look like we have an above ground subway system? Metal and glass doesn't fair well in -40 degree weather, and the amount of vandalism is just about to go up.

I have my license, but its only a learners. I have no problems taking the bus to work and everywhere I go. However, when you have to leave an hour to two hours before your scheduled appointment and the bus is still late, that is a piss off. Who do you hold accountable? 311; The number to call to complain about the bus service, is the same number people use to call for booking their golf games. How did that even become an important option for an automated service?

Its not easy being a bus driver, and the fact that the attacks on them have increase in the last year is unfortunate. However, the driving abilities still suck. Way to often they slam on the breaks for no reason, they have a tenancy to surge on the gas and the break making it rather difficult to hold steady while standing during busy times. The Buses are extremely packed in the after noons to the point where I have been tempted to sit on peoples laps just so I can avoid being pancaked by people.

Do we need more buses? Maybe, I say we could benefit by bringing back double dickers when it is rush hour. Hiring more bus drivers who can actually drive is a must. I'm tired of drivers not paying attention to the rules of the road, just because you are the biggest thing on the road doesn't make you entitled to run stop signs and not stop at cross walks. That can go for many drivers in the city too.

Adhering to schedules is something that is drilled in to our skulls from elementary school, why is it so difficult to have a bus show up on time? If a bathroom break must be made, fine but if your going to a donut shop for your double double and a crawler, at least have the decency to get one for the rest of us on the bus who you are inconveniently holding up for your fat ass.

I am not amused with what a complete waste of time it was for me to get from point A to point B this afternoon. Taking the 66 rout used to be so easy, walk to Polo Park and take it down Kenaston Blvd. to Grant Ave. Or if your Downtown; Walk to Donald Ave. and take it to Confusion Corner then to Grant Ave. There was nothing wrong with that, there was hardly any traffic unlike the 16 route where it takes you two hours to get home, if you don't give up half way during your trip through Osbourne Village and walk the rest of the way.

Transit had discontinued many stops to build corridors (mini bus station) around the city to free up traffic where it gets congested. That is great, but now people who have a difficult time getting around now have to go further to reach their bus. And not to mention confusing the hell out of those who now have to relearn the system because of the change of said discontinued stops. What they didn't take in to account is, people living and working around those discontinued stops. I guess you better get used to walking every where Winnipeg.

Once again i ask; Who is held responsible when this system is costing us taxpayers more money than we can afford? Mayor Sam Katz, we voted for him because he was the least likely candidate who will screw us over. Granted he has done a lot of good over the years. Managed to help us get back our Jets with the help of the great people from True North. Katz has given us a revitalization of our down town, which I still would like to see improve but it is a slow process. And the Forks, the introduction to the other eyesore of the city. Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which can't even keep the people who are building it employed. Once its done it will be a great addition to the giant metal penis that is the L'espinad Reil Bridge.

The long lost Update

Wow its been some time since I posted on my blog. A lot has happened in the last few months. I helped out at our comic convention; met William Shatner, Nana Visitor, and Johnathan Frakes. That was really cool. Ok it was freaken awesome, it was the best convention so far. Take that Wizard World :P

Hanging out with the Winnipeg Costume Syndicate just gets better and better. The amount of talent these people have with their costumes is like seeing a monster film come to life. I am in aww of what a little piece of wire, some fabric, and a lot of imagination can do in the hands of someone who can find the time in their busy schedule to make something look so awesome. Ever since we made our debut appearance on Shaw the WCS has been invited to many more events around the city.

I would like to thank the Zubaidah Tallab Foundation for inviting the WCS to entertain the kids every month. I am glad that my Cat in the Hat costume can bring so much happiness to the faces of 200 kids. And a special thanks to Hussain Guisti for taking great care of while we are there, your patience will definitely be rewarded. With out you I would not know how much fun chasing kids through three bouncy castles can be.

To the coordinators of Rockin'Richard's Record & CD Show n' Sale Alex & Richard, being able to dress up as rock stars and show the public that we are just as good at entertaining people as the entertainers that we impersonate was a blast. I can't wait to do it again in October if you will have The WCS back.

I have so many ideas for costumes that I hope my friends don't mind me constantly poking them and asking them where to get stuff. I also love how I am meeting more and more people at every event I go to, now their coming to me with ideas for shows.

I have to get my ass out to a few concerts this year, I don't want the local music scene to think that I'm ignoring you. I am actively searching for a laptop now, hopefully I will have one before summer. I want to do interviews so bad, I've been practicing in front of a mirror and asking my cats questions.

I do want to thank many of the bands for sending me your music to listen to and play on my show. I have been trying to revamp some things to find out what works. My blog show doesn't seem to be bringing in the viewers I would like. So I am gearing more towards a podcast that people can download, and putting more vids up on Youtube.

I need to also get a new editing program that works with iTunes, it looks like Apple and Microsoft are not compatible and Windows Movie maker won't allow me to use my footage from my video camera anymore. I have a back log of videos and I do want to put them, and I promise they will be up Eventually!

Winnipeg Has a Heart

I couldn't be prouder to live in this city. We have rallied for years to bring back the Jets, and finally after fifteen years we got our team back.

And just recently without a reason Wizard World cancelled The Central Canada Comic Convention, taking all the guests and hope and dreams of people meeting such talented people as Adam West, Burt Ward, Ray Park, and any other celebrity that Wizard World has promised.

Many people were and are still mad and outright disgusted that this has happened without so much as a warning. Feelings of anger and betrayal fill my heart as I stare at the blank page of the Wizard World C4 page that once listed the many guests that were supposed to show. All that it says now is: We are sorry, the requested page is no longer available. Like we are just supposed to forget that we spend months on making our costumes, preparing what we want to say to our idols, and making sure our skin isn't covered in zits, for it all to not happen at all. I'm sorry that just isn't acceptable.

As we plotted to go out in costume and take the streets with signs and anger and rally in front of the CTV building in order to get our voices heard, one man heard our cries and saved Comic Con.

Michael Paille of Raven Toys, Comics & Games flew in and saved the day, ensuring all of us panicking nerds that C4 will still happen. In less than 24 hours the Convention Center was booked, plans for a garage sale for fundraising was planned, and a new venue to rally has been put into place. With dozens of volunteers offering their support and tying up Mikes phone lines, its almost overwhelming to see the amount of support that our community is giving to ensure that there is a convention to go to in October. Mike even worked hard on creating a new website for The Central Canada Comic Con.

There is one celebrity I do have to thank as well, Jack O'Halloran, who is a retired boxer and has appeared in Superman 1 and 2 and several other movies since 1975. He has shown his support for our comic con and deserves to have a permanent spot on our celebrity panel.

No word as of yet from Wizard World about the reason why they have cancelled the convention. Several tweets, e-mails, and facebook posts have been made to find answers but none are to be had. There is supposed to be a press release in a few days, but I feel that they should have released one when they made the decision to cancel rather than leave us scrambling and confused. I feel that Wizard World might suffer the same fate as their once great magazine.

Wow its been a while since I've posted something here. I've been busy with life and work and friends....Ok I've been lazy and facebooking too much.

Alot has happened since Christmas. I've been helping out with an internet radio station called The Hot 100 Radio We play top 40 music, and it has been a blast. I've met some real interesting people, and got back into listening to pop music because of it. Before I mostly listened to Classic Rock and Country.

I'm still slaving away at Starbucks, trying hard to get full time but alas I am still part time. I am going to be sending out mass amounts of resumes out in the next while to get myself a broadcasting job(Even if its cleaning toilets at CBC)

I also have plans to see if i can get a part time job at MTS as a cellphone and accessory sales clerk, that should be fun and fill up the time that is needed for a full work week.

I finally signed up for twitter, so far its interesting. David Hasslehoff is my follower.... I found out he's a fellow nerd, he's awesome.

That's about it right now. I will be posting a blog later that is more serious, its about my life. Its taking a bit longer than I hoped it would, but part 1 should be up in the next few days.

have a good one peeps!!

FOSTER CARE AND COMICS

I once posted on my Facebook page "How does one know she's a sociopath? Is there a quiz or is that something a therapist is supposed to give you drugs for?"

I was not expecting to have such an amazing conversation with my fellow Facbookers. Through this conversation I learned a lot about one person in particular who inspired me to write this blog. Its only fair to give you all a look inside my own life and struggles.

I grew up in foster care, from the age of 5 till I was 19. My mom was an alcoholic who chose a path in life which meant her kids came second. I am the youngest, I have two sisters who seem more like acquaintances then siblings. We are nothing alike and have very little in common. I do blame how we were raised but at the same time I chose to go a different path then them. I had my sister (who I will call Echo Girl to protect her identity) who protected me all through elementary and a bit through junior high whenever she'd come visit me, and even at home from our Grandma and uncle, after our Grandfather died, who abused me because I was the weaker one and couldn't fight back.

Growing up was never easy, I've been the target of bullies all through school and even in my foster homes, I was pushed to the breaking point of my anger many times. I became a chronic liar because I was made to become one, no one would take my word as truth because for some reason they deemed me as a liar. So in order to survive I lied about everything. Guilt eventually got the best of me as i grew up and now I can't even be dishonest or I can get ill. (Enter Frasier reference here)




I remember reading alot as a kid, anything i could get my hands on. Archie Comics and Sonic were my favorites because it gave me characters I wish i could escape with. Even cartoons I watched were a way of escaping any turmoil in my life. I had a very wild imagination, I was able to become my favorite characters and communicate with other characters to make myself feel better. Even Video games were an escape from my reality. Mario, Zelda, Resident Evil became my ultimate favorite to portray and recreate stories for.


I am a very social person, but because of the way I grew up I was a forced "loner" I hated every moment of it. But I used my imagination to make myself feel like I wasn't alone. Some therapists might accuse me of being Schizophrenic because I'll admit, I did have conversations with myself, but I assure you I am perfectly normal. I had to over come a lot of my own fears by myself, and I have to hand it to the comics and cartoons I watched and read for saving my life.



The X-Men became part of my daily survival plan when 1995 hit. The cartoon let me to the comics, comics let me to learning as much as I could about each character, and even developing my own characters. I even used my Barbies as the X-men, acting out epic battles and amazing storylines with my foster sister.

I met my husband in high school and as we got to know each other I began to admire his skills and knowledge for old cars. Before my Grandfather died we would always wash his Cadillac and I learned how to baby a vehicle. I guess the old saying is true, a woman will marry a guy like her father, since I didn't know my father, my Grandpa became that father figure.

I warned my husband at the time that we started to date that I have quite a few comics, and I will always enjoy them, if you ask me to get rid of them I will show you the door. He told me he was a collector too plus he had a lot of his old toys from his childhood. We have been happy collecting toys and comics since.

I do not wish for people to feel sorry for me, nor do I want you to view me as a person who thinks that Child and Family Services owes me for the hell they put me through. I found my therapy, I'm not perfect and I may have a few issues that I have yet to work on. But I survived for 28 years with nothing more than a love for cartoons, few comics, and a vivid imagination to keep me company.

MY WAY OF HAVING A STRESS FREE HOLIDAY

The Holidays are upon us....AHHHHH STRESS. But have no fear, I am here to make things go more smoothly for next year.

Like many families I find money to be real tight during the month of December. I am one of those real bad procrastinators. I shop pretty well last minute. But there's a few things that you can do with your family to make it easier on the budget as well as making sure everyone gets exactly what they want.

1. PICK NAMES OUT OF A HAT: This is done in my family so that we don't go broke trying to find gifts for 20 people. I have two sets of family so we like to set an amount on how much to spend on each other.

2. HAVE A POTLUCK DINNER: Decide who will bring which food item, that way everyone contributes to the meal and the person who's hosting the event doesn't feel stressed about not having dinner done on time.

3. BUDGET:
This word is like a swear word for me, but it needs to be done especially during the holidays. Watch how much you spend, and make sure you have enough money for the bills. The cable and the Water Companys never sleep during the month of December.

4. DON'T BE A GRINCH
OR A SCROOGE:
Just because you don't feel the holiday cheer doesn't mean your family has to suffer. Put on a happy face and keep your grumpiness to yourself. So what if you found out Santa isn't real and your mom and dad have been eating the cookies and milk you left for him. Santa at one point was a real man who's name really was a Saint Nick....do your own research people, and please don't leave this out when raising your kids. They need to know the difference between the Coke-a-Cola Santa and the real one.

I hope that helps.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS PEEPS

Catfish Documentary

Yesterday I was offered a ticket to a pre-screening of a documentary about a photographer, Nev Shulman, who comes into contact with an eight year old painter, Abby and her family.

I was told at first that it was about two people who met on facebook and the documentary fallows the two in their daily routines of communication. Well I was expecting some very cheesy love story of how the two fell in love over the net. But that was clearly not the case as my friend and I sat intrigued in this roller coaster of plot twists and scandal.

I have met some pretty decent people over the net and am surprised later when I find out their real names aren't even what they say they are. and Yes even I have my aliases online. However I don't make an elaborate storyline of my life of how I'm a secret agent hit woman with super powers, and can suck the blood out of your heart using a device that looks like a handy vac. Although that would make for an awesome character in a comic book....hmmmmm....note to self start writing about said character.

Anyway back to the reason why I'm writing this blog. Nev Shulman's brother and best friend decide to document this strange relationship as it unfolds into complete dissaray and nothing is as it seems. I am surprised I didn't see this guy cry. The emotions that you go through watching this movie is almost like a woman with a hormonal imbalance. One moment your laughing, next your crying, then your angry, and then your happy again.

There were few things that did bug me about this documentary though.

1.The camera angles were frustrating. I know that cameras now have a function called zoom but that doesn't mean we want to see up the persons nose the whole time he's on screen.

2. I am thrilled to see that google maps and a GPS helped you track down this person, however, using it as a way to fill up minutes so there would be no holes in your story was just that a waist of time. I'm sure you have footage of your crazy car games that you played to keep each other from jumping out of the car of boredom.

3. Many shots were grainy, I know you wanted to see the story from all angles so you used all the cameras you had at your disposal. but it was a bit distracting to go from a great HD shot and then to a grainy digital shot of the same angle.

Now I am in no way a professional film maker, all my vids I do online I use to edit on Windows Movie Maker and I think I do a great job with editing my stuff together. But you guys have had your hands on expensive equipment why did it look like juveniles put it together?

Keep in mind I do not do alot of movie critiquing because I like to make sure that other people form their own opinions on what a movie is like. I hate movie critiques. All to often they will pick apart a real great movie and then say nothing bad about the crappy film.

"Catfish" is a great film and I do recommend going to see it. Nev Shulman and company, I wish you well in your endeavors. Please don't take my critiques to heart I work as a barista and I do have hopes to one day work in a radio station, so my experience on making films are from what I learned in Broadcasting school. Thanks for sharing this film to the world.

And as for the morons who are online messing with people and thinking that there is no harm in messing with someones head, I hope you will see this movie and think twice before you get too involved.

Have a good one peeps.

THE WEIGH IN

I have always felt uneasy about myself and felt like I was ugly. I have always been a busty woman and it has been hard to find proper fitting clothes for my body type without going to expensive high end stores.

Growing up I was made fun of a lot and targeted by bullies. As my 20's went by I started to feel better with myself and my confidence started to grow, and so did the weight. In the last few years I have stopped being active and more lazy. I am finding it hard to motivate myself to get out of the house and walk.

I have recently became a member of the YMCA and thought that my sister would be my motivation to get me in better shape. But she hasn't been the best motivator. I'm finding I've been going to the gym more on my own.

I love working out, I love the way I feel after going to the gym. No drug in the world can give you an adrenalin rush more than the hour or two you spend on toning and cardio. I love feeling like a super hero, and I hope by this time next year I will look like one.

Just recently my co-workers and I have decided to do a Biggest Loser contest. Now I am a very competitive person and I do enjoy the fact that there are other people who are interested in getting into shape, and losing weight. I am thinking that it would be awesome to have a personal trainer come into our store and talk to everyone about the safety of working out and the do's and do not's of losing weight. Just in case there are some of you planning on using any means necessary to lose the pounds.

I want to be healthy but I do not want to rely on drugs to get me there. I have had some serious health problems that came about this past year and it could be attributed to my weight gain and unhealthy eating habits. But I refuse to have doctors tell me I need to go on medication to calm the acid that has hindered me from enjoying Mexican and East Indian Food. At one time I could eat a Jalapeno with out flinching, now if I eat mild salsa my throat feels like it will start to erupt lava. I will lose this weight under my own power and I will once again have a taco salad with spicy cheese sauce.

I do not want to use diet pills either. I think the less chemicals we put into our body the better our immune system is. Why rely on drugs to do the things that our own body is capable of on its own.

My one weakness is a cheese burger, and where I work I have the heavenly Golden Arches taunting me on a daily basis. In fact I have always wanted to go around Winnipeg shoving burgers down all those skinny bitches throats that look like their bones are about the walk out of their skin. But now I know that Fast Food is Evil and a salad wouldn't kill you.

I used to weigh 140 lbs


but now I weigh 195 lbs


Thats not sexy anymore....even tho I like to pretend I am. Its time to rethink the greasy burger and fries and start eating better, exorcising more, and making sure that the remaining years of my 20's are not spent bed ridden and unhealthy.

I hope this has inspired you to make a change in your life. stay tuned for updates on how my rode to victory is going.

DEAR FACEBOOK

Dear Mark Zuckerberg (owner of Facebook)

WHY DO YOU SUCK?

There are so many problems with your site. It crashes computers, the privacy is non existent, and the list just goes on.

I have to admit that I joined Facebook after my Myspace friends weren't chatting anymore. I didn't like the fact of joining yet another social networking site to meet people. I am already a part of many online groups and I have probably well over five thousand friends if you put them all together. But the ones I actually talk to are maybe a hundred.

I have always liked Myspace better because People actually talked at one point. There were no invites to join stupid groups, add dumb applications, and the most ridiculous quizzes. Reality check people: Twilight sucks, I do not need to know what character I am more like because I am me. Until they make a movie about me, I will always be LIKE ME!!! (NO by the way i haven't seen Twilight and no i do not EVER wish to waist my time on dumb crap like that)

Facebook needs to stop fiddling with their privacy controls because you aren't the government, If I really want the whole world to know that I like dancing in pink frilly underwear I will make a Youtube video about it. And if you do work for the government then please let us know which party you represent so we don't vote for you next election.

You guys are like the annoying parent who takes out the FAMILY ALBUM around strangers and gives out way too much info about us. Like really I only mentioned Photobucket to a friend just casually. When did I agree for you to post my Photobucket link on to my page?

This is STRIKE 2 for you, I am not looking forward to STRIKE 3. And if your wondering what STRIKE 1 was. well remember when my group went missing because YOU deleted it on me. That was uncalled for and I do apreciate that you apologized for it and brought it back but when you didn't ask for my permission on allowing another website access my facebook page, that i feel was a breach in our contract.

So please in the future when trying to come up with new ideas to make your site more user friendly think of all those people who are in Witness Protection Agencies, you wouldn't want all your info accessible to murders, rapists and the government would you?

Thanks for your time

Facebook Addict

Willow Skylor

AVATAR AT THE IMAX ONE BIG HEADACHE!

Today I finally got a chance to see the very popular James Cameron's Avatar. I paid 30 bucks to go see it at the Imax in 3D.

I went into it not expecting very much because lately Hollywood has been bringing out crap and polishing up in pretty packages, and hiding the shitty acting with extravagant battle scenes and computer animation. I was pleasantly surprised how good it was all around. Good acting, great script, action was amazing. I even got my first glimps of a boob in 3D....lol I know that sounds extremely nerdy but any chance that a character in movies now a days flashing any sort of mammary or genital is a big deal to me.

Before watching the movie I asked a few of my customers at work what they thought about this film. Everyone said good things about it. One even said its like Pocahontas but with blue people. I have to agree there is an element of John Smith and Pocahontas, even the main character's name Jake Sully is eerily similar to the initials of John Smith. To me there were also other movies that have greatly influenced Avatar.

Ferngully:

an animated movie about a lumberjack that gets shrunk by a fairy who is a novice at magic. He lives among them, learns how they live, he is shown the beauty of the forest that he was contracted in to cutting down and falls in love with the fairy that has made him small. They fight against the humans that have plans on cutting down the forest and a sludge monster that wants to destroy all life.

The Matrix:

The Idea of jacking in, downloading yourself and info, and becoming a whole other person. There was even a reference from he Main character of saying that he wasn't sure what reality was true.

James Cameron even went as far as to rip off a beloved character from Marvel Comics for this extravagant movie.

Nightcrawler:


The 3D effects for this movie were cool but I was expecting a bit more than falling leaves, dust particles, and seizure induced flashing. And as I am writing this my head still hasn't fully recovered from the movie. My husband is on the couch sleeping off the pain which I should be doing myself but i chose to write this reveiw instead.

The 3D craze just leaves me feeling uneasy sore, and my eyes feel light sensitive. I have looked this up and I am not the only one who 3D movies have affected this way. If you have any eye problems, or suffer with migraines, and have seizures do not watch this movie in 3D or at the Imax.

This movie was fantastic and the marketing value for this can inspire many movies to come. I also see many sequels in the future and a possible cartoon and comic. The toys however are a bit freaky and wish they would stop being made. But because I'm a geek and love this movie I probably might buy one or two just for my growing collection of comic and movie memorabilia.

PATRIOTISM VS PLAGERISM

I've been noticing that the Media is skeptical of our pride as a nation during the Olympics. They are wondering if its going to last after everyone goes home and gets back to their lives.

I for one have always been proud of my country. I've been in several arguments with many arrogant people over the years because they view Canada as a pathetic country. I would love to have the Canadian flag fly 24 hours above my house so that when people gaze upon it the song OH CANADA would be sung.

Is it possible that the Maple Leaf could fade and crumble from many people once the Olympics are over, sure, but you mention to any one of us that our country sucks then you better have 911 on speed dial because your foot will become lodged in your mouth or your head will become part of your ass.

I have seen many proud Canadians wearing shirts, hats, tuques, and yes underwear baring either the words Canada, the maple Leaf, or even a beaver. That was before the Olympics and it will be worn after the Olympics.

If our Canada day celebrations get better after this is over then its about damn time. I want a proper celebration for Canada Day in my city because having the fireworks last for only 5 minutes is pathetic. Canada Day should be an all day celebration from eating Canadian food, drinking Canadian made beer, and playing Canadian made sports, while listening to good Canadian music.

The Olympics have made us believe in ourselves and gave us new heroes to look up to, You can not tell me no Canadian shed a tear the day Alexandre Bilodeau won the first gold on Canadian soil. If they didn't then they weren't watching the games or need to have their head examined.

I've been lucky enough to be home to watch three out of four of our Gold Wins, I was on the phone with a telemarketer taking a survey about radio stations when Maelle Ricker won and I had to Stop myself several times from screaming and cheering at the top of my lungs. And when Christine Nesbitt won I had just got home from work and turned on the TV, the announcer was screaming that we had won a gold and I immediately was glued to my television set and tears were going down my face. I was about to fall asleep but I am glad i stayed up long enough to see John Montgomery win, I cheered and cried alot my poor cats thought I was going insane. This week alone I cried more than I did on my own wedding (sorry honey)

Don't view me as a suck when it comes to me crying at the Olympics, this is who I am. I take my sports very seriously. I once cried at the Gray Cup a few years back when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers lost to Saskatchewan. I still Cry at that because we were SOOOOOO close.

So the next time you read in the papers or watch on the news that Canada's not going to show their pride for long just remember you live in a Country that has the nicest people, the best beer, the sexiest men and women, beautiful landscapes, amazing song writers, and the greatest athletes. I am very proud of all our athletes

GO CANADA GO!!!!!!

WHY BOYCOTT THE OLYMPICS? PART 2

Well peeps, its come to my attention how stupid this whole protest to the Olympics can get. Property destruction of a store that sells Olympic clothing. Dressing up in bizarre costumes and holding up very dumb signs that make absolutely no sense as to why your protesting at a world event.

There is a site that has a full listing of why they are protesting the Olympics: http://no2010.com/node/18 Honestly this is some of the most ridiculous reasons why anyone should protest. Fascism and Racism: This is every where, not just at the Olympics. Several of these examples that have been used were from the unfortunate times of where the world has been blinded by their own propaganda. The world has changed drastically from what we were like in the 30's and the 60's. And as far as the communist rule in China what can the Olympic committee do? They only set up the games, that is why there is the UN, If there is any form of unfairness in human rights here in Canada then we will hear about it on the news and the internet.

I am in no way a racist or fascist, I am very proud of where I am in my life as a woman. I have many friends who come from other countries. I love learning about different cultures and learning other languages. But when it comes to people claiming their human rights are being taken away because of the Olympics, show me more proof than referencing things that happened 50 - 80 years ago.

Canada has some of the best legislation when it comes to human rights. You better believe I'm pissed about this accusation. http://www.unac.org/rights/actguide/canada.html#provincial

Here is something I wrote on a facebook Olympic message board:

The governments are always looking for ways to gain money and YES there are people who profit from it and others that get the short end of the stick. However, those who claim that the human rights are being treated unfairly here in Canada is an argument that I can disagree with.

We aren't under any Communist rule, we don't enslave people from other countries, and as far as the Native population is concerned they need to realize that heir way of living isn't enough to sustain them as a healthy way of living in today's world. We aren't trying to take away their beliefs or spirituality we are simply trying to get them to be a sustainable Canadian citizen.

There are many cultures that come from other countries and Canada opens their arms to them, but yet many of them aren't happy and it seems like they always have some complaint of why their not happy here. But yet Canada has bent over backwards to bring them here, its the same for many our Native population. but yet when we give them their own land and give them money they show us with their lifestyle and complaints they can not sustain themselves properly on their own.

The government is at a stand still with them, It may not be prominent in such provinces as BC or Alberta, but here in Winnipeg there is a vast amount of Natives here who do not work and live on welfare and they spend their money on drugs and booze.

And when someone like me who works hard and is sober needed help while being unemployed for a few months, get declined by her own government its a bit of a piss off to see the work of the government be so backwards.

I gotta quit writing before I destroy my computer with how angry I am with those protesters.

WHY BOYCOTT THE OLYMPICS? PART 1

As Canadian I am truly proud to have the Olympics be hosted in my country. To me, it is the closest thing to having every country agree to put aside their bull crap and hatred toward one another and be peaceful.

Why we don't have a peace agreement signed at every Olympic Opening Ceremony is beyond me, but I think that's what should be done. Every two years we should have the leaders of each country gather around the Olympic flame and sign a "Peace Treaty" that for the next two years there shall not be any wars or any attempt of Warmongering. And If their promises do not up hold then they shall be hung over the cauldron as a reminder that PEACE COMES WITH A PRICE.

Alright don't get all edgy and think wow this woman really has some psychological problems. You grow up in foster care and tell me if your normal. I'm furious at the fact that every time I get excited for the Olympics there's people out there that try to ruin the closest thing to peace that we will ever get.

The reason why people protest the Olympics is as follows:

* Increasing homelessness, poverty, illegal evictions and rent increases,
* Union-busting and public services cutbacks with a $6 billion Olympic
budget,
* Threats to civil liberties and crackdowns on visible poverty,
* At least 15,000 police, soldiers, spies and security forces and public
video monitoring,
* Corporate sponsors engaged in arms manufacturing, human rights abuses,
and the environmentally destructive Alberta Tar Sands,
* Exploitation of unceded Indigenous land and resources,
* Major environmental damage to build the ‘Green Games,’ and more ...

Alright I have read some articles about the homeless increase in Vancouver. HOWEVER...It has been growing substantially BEFORE the bid for the Olympics. Granted the government could be doing many things different with this issue then just pushing them away. But for them its easier to pretend that the issue doesn't exist then actually spend taxpayers money on something useful.

I don't live in Vancouver but there is a huge population of homeless and poverty stricken people here in Winnipeg. And instead of making a great homeless shelter run by the government where they actually help the residents find jobs to do for rent at said shelter. Instead the lovely government of Winnipeg would rather put up small crappy bus shacks with no door, no heat and METAL benches where we freeze our asses off in winter and cook our bacon in the summer.

Lets face it the government are twisted jerks who's only main concern is to get richer. And when it comes to the Olympics being set up they don't think what kind of destruction they might be causing wile setting up a great tourist attraction.

As for the fight for the land of where the Olympics are being held...I really don't want to start off a huge debate over this but Its the Olympics, its where athletes come from all over the world to compete in events that I myself am chicken to even think about doing. I think we could put aside the

WHO STOLE OUR LAND

debate for a few weeks and let our athletes bring home the GOLD.

This fight drives many people crazy on both sides and I do agree that the Native population have been treated unfairly. However there has always been a race that has been deemed week and unworthy of the same rights as any other race. Unfortunately this has become a common

FAD

in today's society. Did you deserve to be pushed out of your homes, murdered for standing against the aggressor, and have you children taken away. Hell no, but the government is to much of a bully to hand out reparations to every culture that has been treated unfairly since the Europeans came to this country. Isn't it time you become part of our culture and live as a Canadian citizen instead of trying to fight against it and getting pissed off because your not getting anywhere.

DEAR INTERNET

I can’t help but feel a sense of regret for not being there for Conan when he took over the Tonight Show. Due to working dumb shifts and switching jobs, I’ve missed several episodes. I’ve been a huge fan of his for years. Many of the skits that I laughed hysterically at on SNL were written by him.
I am saddened by the decision that NBC made to not keep Conan at all, he worked hard for them and this is the way they repay him. And to cancel him on the eve of the five year anniversary of Johnny Carson’s death was in my mind killing him twice.

At first I was in total disbelief and thought that this was only a publicity stunt to get more viewers to watch, but after watching Conan’s last broadcast on the Tonight show made it clear….NBC screwed him royally. They tried to make it seem like they were the good guys by giving him a severance package and a ban on appearing on his own for seven months.

I keep hearing that Fox want to have him but with Fox’s track record of cancelling good shows before they have a chance to flourish, I can’t help but worry for our pale faced redhead. I think if he would go to Comedy Central and work with Colbert for a while until he gets himself settled in would be a better idea. Or hell how about working for Howard Stern for a year, That would encourage many people to get Satellite and forcing NBC to hide in their proverbial closets and suck their thumbs while their walls around them come crashing down.
Now I am seeing the support that the fans are giving through facebook and all over the net. CNN and other new groups are claiming that the support won’t last. But I disagree. We are a strong group, and Conan will continue to shine.

Conan has stated that we should not be cynical; however it is quite hard sometimes not to be. I see people trying to capitalize on the loss of Conan. Their making t-shirts, signs, and even wigs of Conan’s hair. I even saw on e-bay someone is selling what is supposed to be an actual Triumph the insulting dog.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Triumph-Insult-Comic-Dog-Conan-OBrien-Authentic-Puppet_W0QQitemZ220535254243QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3358ecece3

I just hope that Conan knows that he has the support he deserves from his fans. As a fellow nerd who laughed at all his jokes about nerds online and all his comic book references, I want to thank you for giving me the inspiration for going into broadcasting.

I hope the best for you COCO!!
It’s going to be a long seven months but I hope you take a nice long vacation to Ireland and kiss the Blarney stone for me!!
LOVE YOU ALWAYS! YOUR 1 BILLIONTH FAN.