Sparkle Time

still laughing my ass off

2007-01-19T19:19:45Z

For those of you who missed it, Papa Bear Bill O'Reily appeared on his satirist Stephen Colbert's show last night. My brother and I couldn't stop laughing. You must watch this; when Colbert holds up O'Reily's book I promise you will laugh so hard you won't be able to breathe: http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_colbert_report/index.jhtml

basil_expo @ 2006-11-27T22:05:00

2006-11-28T06:05:30Z

Power = back on
Water = safe to drink

Things are finally back to normal. I just can't wait for what happens next (I think aliens will attack personally).

basil_expo @ 2006-11-05T12:33:00

2006-11-05T20:33:05Z

"Saddam Hussein Guilty, Sentenced to Hang"

Great! Now when do the trials for Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld start?

sunshine and icecles

2006-10-12T03:22:48Z

What's with the weather? Sure it's not raining, but it's still annoying. If you wear a t-shirt you are too cold; if you wear a sweater you are too hot! Can't the weather make up it's mind and decide if it's summer or fall, this in-between stuff is annoying. Grr.

basil_expo @ 2006-09-24T23:37:00

2006-09-25T06:37:41Z

"The Ubyssey Website Is Under Construction"

Jewkes!!!!!

where the goats rule...

2006-07-07T19:40:53Z

Oh Jon, sometimes you make me laugh.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_woodward/20060707.html

basil_expo @ 2006-07-03T23:27:00

2006-07-04T06:39:01Z

Today I finished clearing out the last of my stuff from the basement suite on 41st and drove it all over to my parents place... where it looks like I'll be living for the next two years. Oh well, as much fun as it was to move out on my own, without a high paying (cough) newspaper job it was going to be next to impossible to keep. Don't worry though, we can still have bitchin' parties here too, with jello shooters and people stuffing themselves in fridges :P

In other news, Jesse's Canada day get together was fun, especially when we went down to beach along with half of Vancouver waiting for fireworks that never came.

grrr

2006-06-28T06:47:47Z

Please stop the insanity. If I go to my friends page tomorrow and see ten entries that begin with "Leave your name and..." I will go officially insane.

basil_expo @ 2006-06-17T12:28:00

2006-06-17T19:32:26Z

I had the strangest thing happen last night. I went to sleep wearing a red t-shirt. I woke up this morning and found the shirt folded on my chair. I don't recall getting up at all so it's kind of weird. I don't think I sleepwalked when I was kid or anything so this is rather alarming seeing as how I can get up and fold a shirt without even waking up.

In other news, party at my place tonight! It's gonna be lots of fun and everyone is welcome. If you haven't gotten an invite yet, just email me and I'll give you directions to my house.

invasion

2006-05-09T08:04:17Z

My house has just been invaded by three very drunk Britons; one of them is very insistent on only speaking French to me for some reason. This is a very bizzare situation that my flatmate will definitely owe me for putting up with.

Peanuts pies and kids that cry

2006-02-21T03:16:00Z

I like chiclets yes I do. Especially ones for me and you. Also I look cool in this picture. Far cooler than you ever could. Cheese and Macoroni is a nutricious snack. Mmmmmmm. The power of curry. And Kraft. Curry Kraft. Together finally. Also Starbucks has it's own liquor (not available at Starbucks stores).

ok I must go.

Straight shooters

2006-02-18T02:03:22Z

Interesting little piece in the Georgia Straight featuring a student by the name of Matt Hayles.

http://www.straight.com/content.cfm?id=16009

When I was trying to get a hard copy today I accidentally picked up the "George is Straight" put out by the folks at the underground. Some laughs in that one too.

Oh those Americans

2006-01-25T21:58:00Z

I think the Daily Show probably had the best reaction to how our election turned out. I'm going on memory so it might not be an exact quote but the point comes accross.

Jon Stewart: "Well I think the question on every American's mind is, can we still wear Canadian flags on our backpacks when we travel to Europe? The answer is yes, but they have to be smaller."

Reality is slowly settling back in

2006-01-24T23:59:17Z

Well, contrary to my expectations, the sun did rise this morning to usher in a new chapter in Canadian politics - one I can't say I'm looking forward to.

I suppose one of my gravest concerns for the future is what will happen to Canada's place in the world, an issue that was tragically overlooked in the debates and the campaign in general. I wonder if our role as a middle power in the world and our lead-by-ideas approach will be lost as the rest of the world throws us in with Australia (who also elected a conservative pro-Bush government). I suppose now documents like "The Responsibility to Protect" will have to make way for missile defence blueprints.

Anyway, before I went to bed last night I said a little prayer for Canada. Although I don't think any of the parties would be able to realise my dream of what this country could be, I really hope our new government doesn't depart from the progress we have made thus far.

On a personal note, I would have to say that yesterday was probably the most hectic production night I've ever had the pleasure of enduring at my time at the paper... that damned election supplement better be worth all the time and effort it's cost us.

A few random ramblings

2006-01-03T10:21:12Z

Well it's been more than a week since my return from Israel and upon reflection I can easily say that it was the best trip of my life (and if you know me, you know that means something because I've been on a lot of trips). I've got lots of observations and impressions to share but I am finding it hard to figure out an appropriate way of incorporating them into writings for the Ubyssey. Carolynne and I were thinking some sort of travel log for a while but I think we may have to come up with a new plan. Our experiences were quite profound, however, so expect to see something in the paper or, failing that, a very long winded LJ post.

Anyway, this last week has afforded me a much needed rest (although jet lag made it difficult to catch up on sleep). I was a able to see a number of interesting films, including Munich, Walk the Line, and Cruel Intentions. The last one was surprisingly enjoyable, the Johnny Cash one was pretty much what I expected and Munich was certainly very interesting having just returned from the Middle East. I just can't help wonder what point Spielberg was making when he finished the movie with a pan out shot of New York in the 1970s (with the Twin Towers in full view).

New years was much better than last year (which ranked high on the 'worst night ever' list) although we managed to miss the countdown and arrived seconds late. Oh well, it was still a fun night.

That's it for me.

p.s. Does anyone know if the Israeli postal service takes Hanukkah off? If those postcards don't arrive soon, I'm going to go postal! (sorry)

p.p.s Saw another one of those damned conservative ads. Politics aside, God those are annoying. These recent ones are, however, slightly better than the ones in early December (which doesn't say much though).

The holy land awaits

2005-12-13T09:11:20Z

Exam = done. Preparations for Israel trip = no where near done.

With my plane leaving in exactly 54 hours, I must admit that I'm becoming a little concerned as to whether I'll be able to pack, buy christmas presents and do a bunch of other miscellaneous errands before my departure.

I'm also a little bit down tonight over the execution of Tookie Williams that was just carried out. I'm not sure if it's the absurdity of the death penalty or the fact that it is applied so unevenly with respect to race and wealth that gets at me the most, but this whole thing just makes me want to vomit. I can only hope that he is found to be innocent so that the 70% per cent of Californians who support capital punishment can learn, with blood on their hands, about one of its largest flaws.

Anyway, enough on politics (I think the other LJ posts are doing a pretty good job of commenting on the federal election).

Also, if you would like a postcard from Israel just email me (prevans@interchange.ubc.ca) your mailing address and I'll be sure to send you one.

Wardrobe malfunction

2005-11-25T07:49:56Z

I am seriously concerned about my costume for the Ubyssey & CiTR beer garden! The theme is "Night Aquatic." I have a baby blue T-shirt that would work, or even a light blue sweater - but I haven't been able to find a red toque! Damn those guys looked cool in that film. I have a feeling I won't be able to look quite as cool as them.

Trump this Fiddy

2005-11-18T08:31:42Z

The thing about looking like Donald Trump is that I can get all the ladies I want. Hot ladies. The type you can find in a drugstore. oh yeah. That be what I'm talking about.

basil_expo @ 2005-11-10T18:20:00

2005-11-11T02:21:07Z

Enjoy. Hope I didn't offend/embarass anyone

Click here.
Take the quiz.
Post your results.
1) If louist were hanging off a cliff, what would midnightlounger do? Laugh
2) Would louist be a better ninja or pirate? Pirate
3) What would opal_chicken think of stormshelter? That he's like Lewis Black
4) What is stormshelter's favorite color? Blue
5) Does midnightlounger smoke? Possibly
6) Would potemkinblog go out with socialistvoice? Without hesitation
7) bk_runner's eye color? Brown
8) What do you agree with missycarolynne about? That it would be cool to have an ethnicity
9) What animal should potemkinblog be combined with? Lynx
10) Could you see monkeybutlers and stormshelter together? For a week or two tops
11) Would you make out with a_broe_fan? lol
12) What is michellette's favorite food? Cayenne pepper-infused lemonade
13) What flavor of jello would louist be? vanilla swirl
14) Would you ever date opal_chicken? she's a little old for me
15) If midnightlounger and creatif_effie were spliced together, what would it be like? They're friends so I imagine fine
16) Are socialistvoice and a_broe_fan going steady? Uh, that would be a funny couple
17) Does opal_chicken have a crush on midnightlounger? She wants to marry him
18) How tall is smileyj? 5'3"?
19) What color should midnightlounger dye their hair? Green
20) smileyj's hair color? Brown
21) Would you set up a_broe_fan and socialistvoice? I think it might be a futile effort
22) What is michellette's favorite movie? I'd have to ask her
23) Is rice_chex introverted or extroverted? intro
24) Do you have a crush on opal_chicken? Nope
25) How long have you known potemkinblog? A few months
26) What word best describes socialistvoice? It ain't socialist
27) What would monkeybutlers do differently in your shoes? Write more stories about fecal incidents
28) Is ero_c a high school student? I'm gonna say no
29) Which president would rice_chex be likely to idolize? Bill Clinton
30) What planet should rice_chex be from? Pluto (Nucliar winter)
31) Has a_broe_fan been to your house/dorm? negative - although she'd better show up tomorrow
32) Has missycarolynne dyed their hair? I think she has highlights... could be wrong though
33) Does smileyj go to your school? Yep
34) What languages does ero_c speak? portugese and latin
35) Do stormshelter and smileyj go to the same school? yep
36) Is bk_runner in a relationship? Yes, but no kissyface
37) Is a_broe_fan a nerd? Indeed
38) Does midnightlounger travel a lot? I don't think so
39) Does potemkinblog drink? Not that I've noticed - he's the DD often anyway
40) What is rice_chex's shoe size? 6?

Edit: Actually I think Gavin should be combined with a cheetah. It would be more interesting.

Decisions

2005-11-11T01:06:20Z

It's the time of the year when you have to start thinking about next year. Right now I'm looking at the various options (I think I'll need to figure out a way to make money and get a degree - thank God for summer classes). I'm pretty good at avoiding decisions, so I'll try and do that until the last possible minute.

What else? Oh, earlier this week I was accepted to go on a trip to Israel in December for a week; to and fro and one week's accomiation for $500, not too shabby. It sounds like it will be tons of fun and great learning experience. I won't get back until late on the 23rd, right in time for Christmas (and last minute shopping on the 24th, aka, all my shopping on the 24th).

That's what's new with me.

Mother FUSsers... what would Fiddy do?

2005-11-02T01:08:56Z

I know I've been talking (bitching) about this a lot lately, and my apologies to the people who have to hear me out again, but dammit the Forestry Undergraduate Society is getting on my nerves.

It seems like they just can't accept that I wrote an article that was bad press for them. Instead they insist on saying they were misrepresented and that I didn't make an effort to look for any facts, neither of which are actually grounded. But I suppose the thing that is annoying me the most is the fact that I included everything in the article that they accused me of omitting, like the fact that most forestry students are involved in conservation efforts and not logging. I sometimes wonder if this Sam Coggins fellow, the author of a letter in today's paper, actually read my article.

I've talked with a number of forestry students and professors since and my impression is that they are more upset with the van (and the people who lower the reputation of forestry in the eye's of other students) than the actual article. Even when I spoke with someone from the Forestry Undergrad Society it basically boiled down to the fact that they didn't like that people didn't get the joke. But when an entire club (that has several forestry students in it) is telling me that they are appalled by the van I can't just ignore it.

I'll stop now, and maybe take some pride in the fact that I this is my first personal attack in a letter (I don't think I'll break the Dan McRoberts record at this rate though) of what will hopefully become many as the year wears on. I just hope that in the future that people actually take the time to fully read the article they are so pissed off about (cause then I'd know that at least someone did). Oh yeah, and I hear that they have decided to hang the article up on the wall at the FUS office - so at least I've got one fan club.

Anyway, the letter is on stands (online soon) and the article is at:

www.ubyssey.bc.ca/20051021/article.shtml?%3C!--1--%3ENews/3omar.html

Oh and one last funny thing, I heard the author's email is...
choptrees@hotmail.com (no joke)... they just don't learn.

Lucky number Fiddy

2005-10-26T23:28:52Z

This morning at 8:30am - stupid Pacific time - came the big break of my journalism career. I managed to land a spot in a group interview with none other than Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. In this interview I was able to ask one question, which I did (I have the tape if you want to listen to it). Highlights of the interview inlcuded a fight with a reporter from Harvard's newspaper about misogyny and advice from Fiddy on how to cope with thugs in your neighborhood (no joke). I figure this interview will be the first thing I tell people about myself for the next few years... so be warned.

Oh and if anyone's interested in catching his latest movie, Get Rich or Die Tryin', I'll probably get tickets to an advanced screening so let me know. Fiddy said he was proud of the movie... I'm sure that means it will be good.

On passports and orwell

2005-10-18T23:35:47Z

I was browsing around the Canadian government's website and learned that you can in fact apply for a passport online. This was very exciting news to me, as I am looking to renew my passport - but I was both shocked and appalled to learn that the feature is currently unavailable for maintenance reasons.

In other news, I enjoyed the only letter we had this week, about our dear ol' AMS. It wasn't very factually accurate, but the way it was written was quite humorous - the guy has obviously mastered the art of packing five insults into one orwell referencing sentence. (According to his letter, the Pit now sells "Victory Burgers"... I can only hope freedom fries will come soon).

Anyway, if you want to read it: www.ubyssey.bc.ca - it made me laugh.

Losing my LJ virginity

2005-10-12T08:42:04Z

Well I've decided to give this livejournal thing a shot. To those of you I told that I'd never become a livejournal whore, my sincerest apologies. I don't know exactly what I want to post or how often, but rest assured that when I do write something, it will be gold.