I am sitting here reading the news before we go out to celebrate the coming of a New Year. So many stories about the tsunami, it is a terrible tragedy, one that is underlying most of the festivities around the world this year. I cannot imagine the horrible conditions people are facing in South East Asia, but looking at the images of people crowding to grab food packets, and the mess of bodies tangled in mud and debris is a good indication. I am thankful that we have the funds and support in place in Canada so we can help even a little at this time.

What shakes me is the similarity in the images of the tsunami aftermath and the images of the aftermath of war in Iraq. The similarity in the focus of the news coverage, the need for aid. What is different? One is a force of nature, the other a force of man. It is almost like I can't grasp the depth of the tragedy, because it is blurred by the memory of intentional violence. How can people cause such suffering to others when the world and its natural chaos serves up enough? It is almost like Mother Earth, the Universe, All That Is, is telling us something, is showing us how deeply wrong we are when we war. But it is almost as if these tragedies would be more painful, if we were a peaceful planet, that we need to desensitize ourselves against this by creating our own havoc ...

With that, I sign off for this year. Much love to this world, and all that pass within it.

"When there's nothing left to burn, you have to set yourself on fire ..."

Your Ex-lover is Dead, Set Yourself on Fire, Stars

Noted one of the top albums of 2004. Reminds me of all the early 90's jams, stuff I'd hear over at Anthony's house, we in our plaid and leggings and boots, angsting angsting angsting ...

may I never complain of nothing to read again.

Guardian's Books of the year 2004

The Aesthetics of Failure(Kim Cascone pdf)

Most Sinful and Delicious Thing To Eat Ever:

Chicken Karaage dipped in Japanese Mayo.

Gyoza King for the king of kings!

Subject: canadians.
Date: Dec 30 2004 12:46:46 PM
Author: j.

fuck all of you. Everything decent about America is distilled, brought north, and made fucking awesome by talking about it next to a fire with your fucking beautiful French-Canadian, or Indian-Dutch, or Italian-Armenian girlfriend, who is such a beautiful mongrel that you just want to die.

Plus, you've got about six months out of the year where you spend half of your time staying indoors and thinking "wouldn't it be hot if we did THIS..", or being fucking awesome and going outside to ski.

Fuck you America. Fucking pussies. Twenty below? Yah. Ri. Ght. That's fucking CELSIUS, and who cares? When it hits -25 we can go back inside.

Even the Vice folk are Canadian. How about that.

....

Found here.

December 29, 2004

Dear xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx,

Thank you for your recent inquiry.

Immediately following the arrival of natural disasters, the parent company of Evian Natural Spring Water mobilizes Disaster Relief Procedures to donate bottled water to the American Red Cross. During natural disasters and emergencies, Evian brings lifesaving water to those in need. During disasters, when access to safe drinking water is limited or cut off Evian becomes particularly meaningful, and the Evian fulfills its obligation to those in need. Evian also coordinates product donation to America's Second Harvest, an international food donation network.

Again, thank you for your inquiry and we hope you continue to enjoy Evian Natural Spring Water from the French Alps.

Should you have further questions and would like to speak to us directly, please feel free to contact 1-800-563-8426 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm ET). Thank you for your interest in Evian Natural Spring Water.

Sincerely,
XXXX XXXXX
Consumer Response Representative
Ref#:644002

Danone Consumer Affairs

My, it has been a lovely holiday so far. The trip to Big White was perfect, it snowed on Christmas Eve, and we had two powderific days of skiing. All my skills came back, and it was great fun. The extra bonus was teaching the lil ones how to ski - they are all naturals, whipping down the mountain. And don't get me started ont he blueberry pancakes ... nothing like an hour or two of skiing, then a warm plate of sweet yummy goodness.

So why is it that the gifts we give ourselves are the most gratifying? I do try to get things for other people that they will enjoy, but I can never stop myself from personal spoiling:

Yummy new lounging pj's in red and cream
Noisette loose black tea in a lovely tin
Feast by Nigella Lawson

All to be enjoyed simulateously. Hurrah!