Is this your idea of a Canadian joke sir? or: Happy Canada Day!

In celebration of this amazing country I call home on a day for celebration (especially since it is pouring out) here is my

"Top ten things that make me well Canadian, eh!"

1. Canadian independent music - Some of my favourite artists ever are those who have quietly risen to modest fame in their communities simply because of great talent and love. Artists like Leonard Cohen, Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, Joel Plaskett, Julie Doiron, Glenn Gould, The Tragically Hip and many many others have influenced thousands of up and coming artists while maintaining their roots and giving back to their communities. Don't get me wrong, Canada has its share of rude, wanna be rock stars but I find with Canadian artists they are so appreciative of their art and their fans. Some of my new favorite Canadian music: Dan Mangan, The New Pornographers, The Coast, Endangered Ape, Hey Ocean, Chad Vangaleen, The Pack AD, Shotgun Jimmie, Azeda Booth...

2. The CBC - Growing up the CBC was a mainstay in my home and the homes of many of my friends. CBC Radio one and two was something I remember always being on and Stuart Mclean's Vinyl Cafe and CBC Radio One's Here's to You are programs I still listen too. CBC Radio three is my own personal mainstay and there are so many amazing programmers and producers I couldn't even begin to name them all.

3. Canadian Lit - Richler, Ferguson, Atwood, Lewis, Klein, Findley, and Cohen are only a few of my favourite Canadian authors. Maybe it is that I relate to the grand landscapes they paint, or their interpretations of historical events that makes Canadian writing so profound and engrossing but the vast amount of talent this country houses is astonishing. Although quieter and maybe more simple, Canadian literature is a voice of a people who are constantly questioning their own identity. Maybe this is why Canadian lit. is so important to me. It is how I hear our country's voice.

4. Roy Macgregor - If you want a bio, here it is. I single him out from the many other amazing writers and journalists simply because of his own apparent love of everything Canadian. What can I say, I believe patriotism is infectious. His book "Canadians: A portrait of a Country and its People" is a portrayal worthy of at least one good read, whether you're Canadian or not.

5. Degrassi Junior High - Best. Show. Ever. This featured every single after school special imaginable and made it cool. Teenage pregnancy, abortion rights, death, zits (or The Zit Remedy, am I right?!) , first love and sex. Who needed parental guidance with Degrassi around? (Just kidding mom and dad...)

6. Canadian Heritage Moments - Yep, those 1min long "A part of your heritage" commercials burned Canadian history into our young, impressionable minds. Thank God. Social 10 was pretty much a succession of those brief childhood memories. Here's a couple of my favourites are the Winnie the Poo, our invention of Basketball, The Underground Railroad, Sam Steele

7. The Canadian Landscape - There is nothing more breathtaking than driving through a summer evening when the prairies are lit up with the setting sun or the Rockies on a cold winter morning when the snow has settled from the night before, or Northern Ontario in the fall with its huge trees. Our identity is so often associated with our surroundings. The Maple Leaf, cold winter days, the rough west, eastern lakes and all three of the oceans our country touches. It is amazing the diversity of land this country holds and every time I get the chance to visit somewhere new I am always amazed at what it holds. A friend of mine and University of Lethbridge Alum, Kelly Kennedy, is biking across Canada to raise PSE awareness and I can only imagine what he is getting to see everyday. (Also, you should check out their blog).

8. Canadian Cities - Who ever settled this country understood where to build up that homestead. In a country with a climate as variable as ours is and the blockades of poor transportation, little infrastructure and little access to building materials in many parts its impressive that settlements still sprung up from coast to coast in the most spectacular places. Huge rivers running through, oasis' in the middle of prairies, hidden gems in the valleys of B.C. and the forests of Ontario. They really are amazing. Winnipeg, Calgary, Ottawa, Vancouver, Halifax, even Toronto all have a distinct voice and a very distinct people who call it home.

9. Canadian towns - Small Canadian towns are my favourite thing in the whole world. CTV's Corner Gas fully captures the idiosyncrasies of small Canadian towns and the inherent modesty and politeness within. Canadian small towns really do capture and intensify what we consider traditional Canadian values. Politeness, hard work, early store closing, tight neighbourhoods, Tim Horton line ups, and large family's. My own family is from a small town in Northern Ontario and every time I visit I cannot help but marvel at the way this town works. The only coffee shop's in town are the Tim's or the Robin's Donut (note the THE), Safeway is where you go to get the 'good' groceries, they have one radio station, every one you meet is either a family friend or just family and they have the single greatest small town bar to ever exist (that's right, a shout out to the PI...If you have been there you know, if not, you don't even understand). It is also the town that when my G.Grandfather passed away friends, relatives and neighbours brought enough food and phoned so many times there was only a constant busy single. Wakes are a celebration. Home made wine and great food from family recipes older than most of my cousins. This is what small town means to me. That is also what Canada means to me.

10. Canadian pride - This ones a little hard to describe but I really find that Canadians are really very proud to be Canadian. Canadians stand up and shout they are Canadian (save maybe Conrad Black, who came crawling back anyways). We wear our flag on our back pack's, we recognize our pop stars (even if we cringe every time we hear them..), we get upset over a couple million dollars of a federal budget of a few hundred billion dollars, we listen to CBC and we take off our hats and stand at attention at the first note of Oh, Canada. Maybe I'm just a patriotic sap but nothing gets me more that seeing a sea of people all standing at attention while our national anthem rises up around me. Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

Ugg boots and Lululemon pants...

In these last couple weeks of the traditional university semester, I have decided to kick back and let my grades fall where they will. I have already accepted the misguided nature of this plan however the benefit of this does indeed allow me to chill out in the feverous uproar that is this end of term madness. In inspiration of this I give out to you…

Top Ten ways you should know you take yourself too seriously:

1. You sit in class and write obscure and explicit poetry on variations of monarch butterflies.
2. You get a body high every time someone asks you to define/explain a term that you have actively worked to include in your daily vernacular.
3. You check your blog stats hourly to ensure your Digg and Reddit posts are not going unnoticed.
4. Your path to class (or anywhere….) ensures the passing of the maximum number of reflective surfaces.
5. You have a top ten list, and it takes you more than 10 min to compile.
6. You own a Blackberry.
7. Your MySpace/Facebook/Friendster/etc… profiles are 100% sincere.
8. Your Facebook et al. profile pic’s are comprised mostly of pictures taken by you in your bathroom using your mirror.
9. You feel 100% completely qualified to judge a battle of the bands.
10. You like to think you and your professor build on each other’s ideas in your 1000 lecture style class and that it is completely suitable to argue with them, especially when you have read an article about the topic on the MSN news feed in the past 24 hours.
    

Whats wrong with The Fax?

Top Ten Unconscious habits people have that they shouldn’t do in public:

1. Spitting – This is an incredibly gross habit that seems to have habituated itself in almost everyone. This habit is so offensive that several laws in almost every country have been created to minimize this all too public affair. Once a common action done by almost any person, the influenza epidemic soon put a stop to it.

2. Adjusting oneself: So, in all fairness, I am a lady and I am unaware of the annoyance of having a pair; however, I am fully aware of the annoyance of seeing men constantly adjust themselves in public. This is not just for men either. Ladies, it is totally unnecessary to adjust your under things, your clothes, or yourself in public. This is what bathrooms are for.

3. Wiping your mouths or hands on clothing – When I was a child, I was totally brainwashed to never ever wipe my hands or my mouth on my clothes. I am so glad. Have you ever seen someone wipe their poutine filled mouth on their sleeve? I do not recommend it.

4. Picking your nose – I really don’t think I need to explain this one. Beside the vast number of bacteria strains that is inside your nose and ergo in your mucus that then gets all over your hands, this is just a very disgusting and preventable habit. Tissues, handkerchiefs, pocket squares…all useful.

5. Eating/ talking with your mouth open – Yep, that is your lunch. Wow, it looks good. In fact, it looks good when it is on your plate….and I really have no need to see what it looks like after mastication. That game of “seafood” you played as a kid doesn’t need to be repeated as an adult.

6. Picking things out of your teeth – Floss is amazing. In fact, word on the street is bunches of dentist’s recommend it. Also - picking that ginger beef after your Hiroba lunch is not going to win you any friends….

7. Blowing your nose, then examining the tissue afterwards – Really, really unnecessary. Anywhere. Even when not in public. Its going to look gross and it is no longer in your body. We good?

8. Reading your newspaper slightly under your breathe but loud enough for people around you to hear – Especially if you are in a quiet area, like a library or classroom. Or anywhere, really. As far as I am concerned, if I wanted to read the paper, I would get the paper. A nasal and barley audible mumble does not substitute for Peter Mansbridge.

9. Not covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough – This is how the bubonic plague started.

10. Giving everyone the chance to listen to that new Rhianna album…but only through your own personal listening device and only in inappropriate places – Well, we have all been there. On the bus, enjoying the uncomfortable silence that happens when a group of strangers are thrown into a small confined place together and some punk kid coming on, with music audible enough to just make out the tune but nothing else. Really, really annoying. (disclaimer – nothing against punk kids, they’re usually pretty awesome, and don’t usually listen to Rhianna, I just like using the term punk kid)

I LOVE ROCK BAND!

The past couple weeks I have been spending pretty much all of my time either getting super pumped for the upcoming elections or playing rock band ( I am now fully proficient at analyzing Dante’s seven levels of Hell while kicking Areosmith’s bass playing ass!). In playing this awesome sauce of a game I contrived a kick ass battle of the bands set list, and what makes a battle of the bands more wicked than awesome sauce categories? Nothing. So……

Top Ten “If I made battle of the band categories, these are the ones I would make”:

1. Best band facial hair growth – Lots of my favorite band members sport some awesome facial hair (Peaches showed that even us ladies can get in the fun!). Points for band uniformity, creativity, difficulty of growth and/or design and general beard bad assness.

2. Best call and response love looks – I’m talking a la Fleetwood Mac, Stars, Mates of State……You know when you are watching a band with two singers and they are too in love for words. Yah. Extra points if someone in the audience actually swoons.

3. Most kick ass guitar kick - a classic standard from the epic guitar hero competitions cropping up around the nation. There is nothing more bad ass then a sweet high kick while rocking out. Warning - best stretch…wouldn’t want to pull any of those muscles.

4. Best use of historical references in songs – There is nothing that gets my geeky heart a-beatin’ than a properly used historical reference in music. I have been working on my Tommy Douglas rap for ever…. “Breaking down privatization faster than T to the Douglas…say what!” (I promise, that was a joke…)

5. Best song title – This is much trickier than first seems. A good song title should represent the song somewhat, whether abstract or literal, but should not be a line directly out of the song or a too direct explanation for the song. My favorite thus far is the now defunct The Buzzing Bees track “Sorry, I was to busy being awesome”. Extra points for wicked references, math equations that seem really complicated and shout-ability for your encore presentations.

6. Best bro-down – This is simple. Bro-down the best and you will win. Extra points for inspiring bro-down groupies to also bro-down, and getting the whole audience into bro’ing-down.

7. Best foot stomping set – A set that gets everyone super jazzed and just ready to throw down is pretty kick ass. Extra points if an actual ho-down starts, people get up to foot stomp and if you can no longer hear the drums and/or bass because the whole place is packed with crazy folk stompin’ their feet.

8. Best use of hand claps – Seriously, people underestimate the power of hand claps. Modest Mouse, Broken Social Scene, and Radiohead have shown what gold can be spun with nothing but two hands and a beat. Throw them into a song and you have sheer rock goodness. But please remember boys and girls, with great power comes great responsibility….

9. Best Tambourine use – We all saw what The Bangles could do with a tambourine and ABBA ripped it up hard with this little hand held percussion, so don’t be afraid! Get yourself a little tambourine and invite friends up on stage with you to jam out. Instant success.

10. Best literary reference in song/album/track titles – Literary references are a hard thing to pull off without sound straight up pretentious, but done right and to the right audience….Let’s just say I cannot be held responsible for the panty throwing madness that could ensue. (ok, maybe panty throwing is a bit much but I am sure you will probably at least get laid….maybe, if there are lots of English majors in the crowd)

The essentail Indie this to do:

Well....it has come that time in every music fan's year. The Top Ten of that year! Woot!

Like many others I have compiled a list of my personal fav. albums of 2007.

Some I just discovered and can't stop humming (Beirut....am I right!) and some I loved the moment they were released....

So, in no particular order because choosing just ten was hard enough:

1. Radiohead - InRainbows: One of the most talked about albums released this year, there is nothing I can say that hasn't been said. Brilliant. Inspiring. Musical Genius. This album blew me out of the water.
Favourite Track has to be Nude, hands down. This track isn't receiving as much popularity as some of the others on the album, but I do understand the difficulty in singing just one out. To choose a favourite on this album is almost like picking a favourite child. Everyone does it, it is just a little hard to justify. Highly recommend checking out the very cool Radiohead video released for New Years, Scotch Mist.

2. Jens Lekman - "Night Falls over Kortedala": A rather recent discovery but so amazing. A Swedish singer songwriter, his lyrics are so down to earth and so sugar sweet you feel a toothache coming on in the first three tracks.

3. Beirut - The Flying Club Cup: Another wicked Beirut album. I always feel that if music like this can be made then there is always some good in the world.

4. The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible: No surprise here, but with bumping tracks that actually mean something how could it not be on this list. Arcade Fire is boss, hands down and the only (very very small) detraction is that the "No Cars Go" recording on this album does pale slightly in comparison to the recording on their EP. However, the album is exceptional and their ability to follow up on of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2005 with an this masterpiece shows that this band has staying power and everyone betta recognize. Plus there just really really good.

5. New Pornographers - Challengers: Now, this album was not beloved by all New Pornographers fans but personally, I DIG. Its everything great about the Vancouver sound. Catchy, clever and downright great listening. Neko Case's voice sends shivers down my spine and although it is not as poppy as Twin Cinema (which I am not complaining about.....) I really think that they have found a solid sound which is a little more mature and lends itself a little better to the bands strengths.

6. Great Lake Swimmers - Ongaira: This album can break your heart faster then it takes to say "High School Sweetheart". "Passenger Song" is heart wrenching and Tony Dekker is just about the most love inspiring man to exist. A mellow album but don't let the slow pace fool into into think its simple or...gasp...borning. With lyrics like " Getting ready to perform/with bare feet and painted faces/ they took their places/on shivering legs beneath colorful gowns." the imagery portrayed is breathtaking.

7. Said the Whale - Taking Aba Lonia: A wicked new Vancouver band with a sweet upbeat, pop type sound. Fairly simple and this album is a little lo-fi (which I heart), the talent carries through. This is the quintessential summer-time-river-bed-hang-out-time album. Even in the dreary months of winter I can't help but bob my head along to "Fish and the Stars II". Plus hand claps galore! Also, they recently completed a CBC Radio 3 sponsored tour in a few cities in Western Canada. Lucky Lethbridge happened to be one of them!

8. Azeda Booth - Mysterious Body: A amazing Calgary band who also happens to feature the music director from CJSW. An amazing post-rock esque, minimalist album with a sound to make you sit back in Aw, which happens to feature the music director of CJSW. To see these guys live is an experience and a half so if you can, do it! Check out their MySpace.

9. Stars - In Our Bedroom After The War: Now, I would like to preface this by saying that this is hardly their best album. In fact, it may indeed by the one I like least, BUT, it is still a Stars album which means solid gold. Very poppy, super lyrical and tooth ache inducing. love it. Plus look how dreamy they are.

10. Caribou - Andorra: A new favourite band to add to my list with this album. "Melody Day" alone is worthy of high praise. There from Manitoba and sound west coast. Dreamy.

extra cred..

I am sitting in my brand spakin' new class....for the spring semester....

Sociology of Cyberspace....

I wonder if I get bonus points for blogging in class.

Speaking of blogging...this will be changing up a little bit. Top Ten lists mixed in with a brand new format. Coming soon to a computer near you.

tell me oh wise one....

I am in love.

This last little while technology and me are becoming fast friends.

I resisted, oh yes I did.

However between this brand spankin' new music blog application on Facebook and my new Blackberry pearl I hereby turn back on my previous "technology-is-killing-us-robots-will-take-over-the-world" stance.

Now I cry out to all you nay sayers, embrace!

The new Facebook application - "music blogs" is one must have for any music geek. Those favourite blogs you search out daily to get the dish on your favourite, or soon to be favourite bands, can be at your fingertips for all to enjoy. Your favourite blogs playlist, there, no downloading necessary. Plus there is a bevy to be found, some you may not have even known about.

Highly recommended.