Wildly Globose Thought

Wednesday, January 28

Something else that Pisses me Off....

I'm already sick of hearing the public outcry about The Passion of the Christ. There are roomfuls of little old priests and cardinals condemning the movie, and rabbis angry that the movie might depict 'the Jews as the murderers of Christ'. It's not a new idea, is it? We've all heard the damn story before!

There are so many movies that depict an askew view of history (Pearl Harbour comes to mind). This story is well documented, and I think overdue. Christianity has suffered thanks to those little priests and cardinals. Perhaps this movie will give the general public a chance to renew their faith.

I just think it's pointless to have different religious groups get all worked up over an artistic interpretation. There are movies on Moses, the Dalai Lama, and Ghandi. Why not on Christ?!

Religion is supposed to be a faith, not a schism. Can't we just recognize this movie interpretation as a recognition of a great man in a time where we could definitely use the guidance of one?

The worst of atrocities are done in the name of God or religion. And that scares me more than a movie produced by Mel Gibson. Shouldn't our eyes be upon the discord between the Middle-east and the West? No. No.

Let's just keep bitching about gay marriage, and promoting priests convicted of child-abuse. These are OBVIOUSLY more important!!!

The whole thing pisses me off.


Go see The Passion of the Christ

I am.

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 3:27 PM

Tuesday, January 27

The Oscar Nominations
I'm kicking myself for not putting down my predictions for the Golden Globes. I was right about all of the movie winners (I didn't guess well at the T.V. winners. There are many I don't know, and they're usually hard to guess at anyway.) I will be making predictions on the Oscars, for my own sad little enjoyment! Well, off to work!


Best Picture

LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING (New Line Cinema)
LOST IN TRANSLATION (Focus Features)
MASTER & COMMANDER (20th Century Fox)
MYSTIC RIVER (Warner Bros.)
SEA BISCUIT (Universal Pictures)


Achievement in Directing

Fernando Meirelles for CITY OF GOD (Miramax)
Peter Jackson for THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (New Line Cinema)
Peter Weir for MASTER & COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD (20th Century Fox)
Sofia Coppola for LOST IN TRANSLATION (Focus Features)
Clint Eastwood for MYSTIC RIVER (Warner Bros.)


Best Actor in a Leading Role

Johnny Depp in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (20th Century Fox)
Ben Kingsley in HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG (DreamWorks Pictures)
Jude Law in COLD MOUNTAIN (Miramax)
Bill Murray in LOST IN TRANSLATION (Focus Features)
Sean Penn in MYSTIC RIVER (Warner Bros.)



Best Supporting Actor

Alec Baldwin in THE COOLER (Lions Gate Films)
Benicio Del Toro in 21 GRAMS (Focus Features)
Djimon Hounsou in IN AMERICA (Focus Features)
Tim Robbins in MYSTIC RIVER (Warner Bros.)
Ken Watanabe in LAST SAMURAI (Warner Bros.)



Best Actress in a Leading Role

Keisha Castle-Hughes in WHALE RIDER (Newmarket Films )
Diane Keaton in SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE (Columbia Pictures )
Samantha Morton in IN AMERICA (Focus Features)
Charlize Theron in MONSTER (Newmarket Films )
Naomi Watts in 21 GRAMS (Focus Features)



Best Supporting Actress

Shohreh Aghdashloo in HOUSE OF SAND & FOG (DreamWorks Pictures)
Patricia Clarkson in PIECES OF APRIL (United Arists)
Marcia Gay Harden in MYSTIC RIVER (Warner Bros.)
Holly Hunter in THIRTEEN (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
Renee Zellwegger in COLD MOUNTAIN (Miramax)



Best Original Screenplay

THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS (Miramax) by Denys Arcand
DIRTY PRETTY THINGS (Miramax) by Steven Knight
FINDING NEMO (Walt Disney Pixar) by Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, David Reynolds
IN AMERICA (Focus Features) Written by Jim Sheridan, Naomi Sheridan and Kirsten Sheridan
LOST IN TRANSLATION (Focus Features) by Sofia Coppola



Best Adapted Screenplay

AMERICAN SPLENDOR by Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman
CITY OF GOD by Braulio Mantovani
LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING by Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson
MYSTIC RIVER by Brian Helgeland
SEABISCUIT by Gary Ross



Best Foreign-Language Film

THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS - Canada
EVIL - Sweden
THE TWILIGHT SAMURI - Japan
TWIN SISTERS - The Netherlands
ZELARY - The Czech Republic


Best Animated Feature Film

BROTHER BEAR - Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker
FINDING NEMO - Andrew Stanton
THE TRIPLETES OF BELLEVILLE- Sylvain Chomet


Achievement in Art Direction

GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
THE LAST SAMURAI
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
SEABISCUIT


Achievement in Cinematography

CITY OF GOD
COLD MOUNTAIN
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
SEABISCUIT


Achievement in Costume Design

GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
THE LAST SAMURAI
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
SEABISCUIT


Best Documentary Feature

BALSEROS
CAPTURING THE FRIEDMANS
THE FOG OF WAR
MY ARCHITECT
THE WEATHER UNDERGROUND


Best Documentary Short

ASYLUM
CHERNOBYL HEART
FERRY TALES

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 11:45 AM

Monday, January 26

Here's to your wonderful day. Wish I could be with you to celebrate, but raise my glass from here!
Love you, Jods!!!!!

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 3:31 PM

Saturday, January 24

I'm a wee bit cranky today because...


1. I have cramps good enough to squeeze the last drop out of a damp towel.

2. Dad's two day tirade about having to buy a 40 dollar cord to accompany our new all in one printer. (Total cost was just over 100 bucks with the cord!)

3. The asshole in our parking lot with the malfunctioning alarm. It's gone off 7 times in the last hour and a half.... And we've had to listen to it off and on since last weekend. Fix it, for fuck's sake!!!! This is yet another topic for Dad to rant about. It's hard to find a peaceful state of mind (I've been working on it) when you got someone cursing and swearing sitting across the room. I'm a bit stressed!

4. Dry skin. My legs are killing me, regardless of how much I grease them up!

[spoken with a full body sigh] all right. I'm going to try to pick myself up from this rotten mood, and head out for a fun night with friends. We're going to Pogue Fado to have a nice dinner and see Rant perform. Hopefully a pint of Guinness will wash my woes away!




Search Me Sundays (one day early)

"gothica penelope cruz synopsis"

"amedei chocolate silver fortune"

"Globose"

"Shaun Majumder, Arnold Schwarzenegger"

"Scott Speedman GAP ad pictures"

"Scott Bairstow mugshot (yet again!)"

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 2:01 PM

Friday, January 23

Just a Quick Note....
I am now an official member of the NSGEU...
Yep... a government employee, and part of a union.
My CA position has been approved which means;

a) I'm going to see a dentist soon (I haven't been covered by dental insurance for YEARS!)
and
b)I get a two dollar raise... that is... when my paperwork is finally filed, and I get the OTHER 5 bucks an hour I'm due! My next paycheck is going to be sawed in half thanks to the friggin government. You really can't win!!!!


Friday Five

At this moment, what is your favorite...

1. ...song? Sunsets by Powderfinger

2. ...food? Cottage cheese with fresh tomatoes (no, really, it is)

3. ...tv show? Dinner for Five

4. ...scent? Satsuma from the Bodyshop

5. ...quote? "Life is a series of moments. In each, you are either awake or you are asleep - fully alive, or relatively dead". (from The Way of the Peaceful Warrior)



In Loving Memory of...

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 3:00 PM

Thursday, January 22

Though tigers and monkeys don't tend to get along (I'm a tiger), I'm hoping this will be a good year for me! It is now the year of the green monkey. (If you want to read your horoscope for the 4701st year please visit this site!)

I'm excited about the New Year, but even more so thanks to Mingyur Rinpoche. I was lucky enough to listen to his talk last night on loving kindness (he's in Halifax for his first visit). His aura, his intellegence, his words made me sit up, and want to follow his lead. His presence alone inspires you to be a better person. I'm so thankful I kicked myself back into searching out spirituality. It made me a little less Korea-sick being with the Shambhala Center last night.



I loved late January while living in Asia; I've always quite loathed it here in Nova Scotia.
In Seoul I loved going to the temples and seeing all the beautiful lanterns shining overhead.....it was so awesome(in the proper sense of the word). We usually had a good 5 or so days off of work as well. One year we went to Guam for a swim! But that's another daydream. Let's stick to my mopy point!



I wish I was celebrating with my friends in Korea! I wish I could transport myself for just a few days!
But all I can do is say...

새해 복 많이 받으세요!
("sayhae bok mannie padeusay yo!")

May the monkey bring you luck!

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 6:43 PM

Wednesday, January 21

An Ode to the F word

Kevin Smith once stated that "One man's frankness is another man's vulgarity."
My Dad hates the F-word. I cannot speak it in his presence, and he becomes agitated if he hears it on television (Mom too, but to a smaller degree. She's always cursed more than Dad!)
The word 'fuck' is not a profanity, not to me. It's just another word we've created and forced into some pre-conceived shape. It's a very old word -at least by 600 years, and given some small change in history the f-word could have been fork....it's close...or food...or fart. I don't have a problem with the word. It's useful, really.
It can be a verb, adverb, adjective, subject, object, precipitating participle, or noun. I know, because while working in Korea several of us spent hours working out it's uses.
Really. Hours....
It's such an amazing word, you can even place it in the middle of another word to add emphasis. Fanfuckingtastic. Today is my Salut to the word that offends my Father so much! It is here to stay. 600 years. Just think about it.
The word fuck can be used in many situations:

Greetings: "How the fuck are ya?"
Fraud: "I got fucked by the car dealer."
Resignation: "Oh, fuck it!"
Trouble: "I guess I'm fucked now." or just "Fuck"
Aggression: "FUCK YOU!"
Disgust: "Oh, Fuck me."
Confusion: "What the fuck.......?"
Difficulty: "I don't understand this fucking piece of shit!"
Despair: "Damn....Fucked again..."
Pleasure: "I couldn't be fucking happier." or "Yippee Cay yeah, Motherfucker!"
Displeasure: "What the fuck is going on here?" or "You don't know what the fuck your doing!"
Lost: "Where the fuck are we?" or "Give me the fucking map!"
Disbelief : "UNFUCKINGBELIEVABLE!" or "Shut the fuck up!" or "How the fuck did you do that?" or "No fucking way!"
Retaliation: "Up your fucking ass!" or "Fuck you!"(with the finger)
Denial: "I didn't fucking do it." or "It's not my fucking problem!"
Perplexity: "I know fuck about it."
Apathy: "Who really gives a fuck, anyhow?"
Suspicion: "Who the fuck are you?"
Panic: "Let's get the fuck out of here."
Directions: "Fuck off."
Curiosity:"How the fuck did that happen?"
Miscalculation: "Damn, I fucked it up!"
Indifference: "Ask me if I give a fuck?"
Submission: "Fuck it, it won't work."
Disorder: "It's all fucked up."
Agreement: "Fucking right!"

God! There's tons more, but I've given a good cross-section, I believe!

10 Times in History when using the "F" word was Appropriate

10) "What the fuck was that?" - Mayor of Hiroshima

9) "Where did all these fucking Indians come from?" - Custer

8) "Any fucking idiot could understand that." - Einstein

7) "It does SO fucking look like her!" - Picasso

6) "How the fuck did you work that out?" - Pythagoras

5) "You want WHAT on the fucking ceiling?" - Michelangelo

4) "I don't suppose it's gonna fucking rain." - Joan of Arc

3) "Scattered fucking showers, my ass!" - Noah

2) "Where the fuck is all this water coming from?" - Captain of the Titanic

1) "Aw, c'mon, who the fuck is gonna find out?" - Bill Clinton


Something to Consider:
In certain trying circumstances, urgent circumstances, desperate circumstances, profanity furnishes a relief denied even to prayer.
(Mark Twain)

[Thank you Jods for the idea!]

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 2:28 PM

Tuesday, January 20

Broken Roots


I've finally applied for a full-time CA position with my work. Believe me, I know it was long overdue... but it was hard to succumb/commit/comply/surrender to such a resolution of immobility. But there you have it. I've begun the first step.
I could cry... a two buck raise just ain't worth it!

Not much more to report.
Well, I'm sure there is, but I haven't the energy to blow up my thoughts into a huge, round, fat entity all its own.

So, I'll consult the Meme List....



Daily Dirt
Smell Like Teen Spirit...

1. Scent on you... I wear AdeG by Armani, or Aveda.

2. Scent you your significant other... He doesn't smell. He's imaginary.

3. Scent that can work up your appetite... Garlic, vanilla, cinnamon.

4. Scent that turns you off... Polo for men. Boys in school used to swim in it!

5. Scent that reminds you of sweet/bad memories...
Sweet memories: Wild roses, the ocean, cucumbers, and others...
Bad memories: Gin (as Jods said), a cologne I don't know the name of...but despise when I smell it!



I went to Herman's Island for camp every summer while growing up. To this day the smell of wild roses gets my heart racing quickly and I'm 10 years old again. Herman's Island is just outside of Mahone Bay.

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 3:06 PM

Sunday, January 18

.....and a second rambling for today........



Just on quick note!
I've added some links to the right side. These sites donate sponsor earnings.
Therefore, just by clicking on the link button, you are helping that given charity.
I make a point of clicking on each of them whenever I log-on.

The Breast Cancer site has had problems maintaining enough hits to satisfy sponsors.
Please take a moment to CLICK!

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 7:57 PM

Ahh...
A Canadian Winter


The temperature has gone up, thank God. Fingers crossed it stays away from those achingly difficult -30s. It's amazing that I'm dreaming of +1, but after this last week, that would be balmy!!!!

Unconscious Mutterings

I say ... and you think ... ?
1. Berry:: Summer
2. Fiendish:: Evil
3. Bar:: Beer
4. Frank:: Ann
5. Bend:: Yewy
6. Fanatic:: Scary
7. Belch:: Pop
8. Flagrant:: Ignorant/cocky
9. Burden:: Donkey
10. Flimsy:: Weak



Sunday Brunch
THIS AND THAT

1. What is your favorite kind of sandwich?
I love a great deli sub with Turkish bread, turkey, beetroot, and sprouts. Yum!

2. Can you play any musical instruments?
I've got a guitar that I've 'played around' with, but no, not really!

3. How often do you get your hair cut?
Not often enough. I've gone at least a year without a haircut, but I did have one about 5 months ago (?).

4. Where is your favorite place to shop?
Malls and grocery stores freak me out. I think living overseas; shopping in little markets and the like, have put me off the big wallco/supersobey stores. They are a bit overwhelming. I like shopping in quaint little shops along a stretch of pedway. Which doesn't really exist in Halifax. I guess downtown is the closest to what I like.

5. What did you do this weekend?
I worked 12 hours on Saturday, and 6 on Friday. Today my Nanny's coming over for a Turkey dinner. Tonight I plan on watching the remainder of Angels in America. Scandalous, isn't it?


From Canadian Winter to
Shopping in Seoul

This is Insadong, a section of Seoul. It is my favorite shopping place for gifts and crafts.




And this is Itaewon, near the American base in Seoul. It's my favorite shopping place for clothes and the best place to go out for western food in Korea. It gets REALLY busy on weekends. It about 7 full blocks of shops and restaurants.
Anyway....enough reminiscing!


Something to Consider:
Catch not at the shadow, and lose the substance.
(Korean Proverb)

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 12:15 PM

Saturday, January 17

Yummy!


For lunch yesterday Dad had a Cheezwhiz and mustard sandwich.
The day before? A cheese slice with hot sauce.
Sounds yummy, doesn't it?

What are you having for lunch?


Dad's =




Words of Wisdom
from
Jack Black

"I think Jesus would be a big letdown ... He might be a really boring hang ...You'd want to know the answer to everything, and he'd say, 'How should I know? I'm just Jesus.' Plus you don't know how to speak the ancient Aramaic. I say, Let's go back to see someone who for sure kicked ass. Let's go f---in' chat it up with Plato."

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 9:52 AM

Thursday, January 15

Far-away Friends

This week has been good for news from afar; all in Oz. I got a nice long e-mail from my friend Julie in Queensland. We became good friends while I worked at the temple in Eudlo with her. We have so much in common, sometimes it's scary. Example? We both asked for espresso makers for Christmas, and are in the process of reading the same book. It's great to hear things are well for her in the Glasshouse Mountains (as per the top photo). That's where Steve Irwin lives, by crickey!

I also got a Christmas card from the couple I lived with while WWOOFing in Traveston. You can check out the web site of Banyandah Farm here. On the site you can see the farm and pictures of my favorite alpacas! (Vegemite and Hamish) Dawn and Ted have put the farm up on the market which made me really sad to hear. They've decided to move into smaller, more central housing with fewer alpacas nearby. I'm glad they're relatively well, but wish them the best for 2004. It was a great experience for me.



On top of that, I got a lovely letter from Dallas in Perth. She sounds happy to be married, living in her new house in the sunshine and warmth of an Aussie summer (bitch!). I haven't heard from her very often over the last 2 years(and I take half the responsibility), but when I do hear from her it brightens, at least, my week. I can't imagine my Australian adventure without her. I can't wait to visit Perth (as per bottom picture)! And get back to Queensland, and Glebe, and Melbourne, and Cairns.....
I know all this talk of Australia isn't good for me. I loved living there so much! It's like Canada, but with beaches, koalas, and hot weather! I guess I better hurry up and get my fortune. Then I can go for nice extended visits whenever I want!
Who wouldn't?!



Thursday Threesome

Onesome- I hear and I forget. What's the one thing you've had explained to you over and over, but it still goes in one ear and out the other?
Anything math-related. I have an inability to injest anything with fractions. I think I can't bake simply because of this deficit in myself. I barely made it through my highschool classes. I'm just lucky I had the same forgetful, unaware teacher all three years. We won't mention names!

Twosome- I see and I remember. Is there anything you've learned how to do just by watching someone else do it first?
While living overseas I found myself caught in these situations almost on a daily basis. I hate 'not knowing', so rather than ask for help, I would watch the people next to me, and follow suit. This is how I ended up learning alot.
However.
It also got me in trouble a couple of times.
(Especially when weird food was involved!)

Threesome- I do and I understand. Is there anything you excel at that you taught yourself to do?
I would say at writing poetry. I went throught the hole stupid rhyme phase,
---(I love him like a flower,
It gives me happy power!)---
you know the kind!
Then I forced myself into sonnets and the like. I believe I've done well for training myself!

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 3:57 PM

Wednesday, January 14

Two Indie Movies:

Trick

Trick is a sweet chronicle of a day in the life of two New York boys looking to score, but instead spend the course of the day finding each other.
I love the two main characters, Christian Campbell and J.P. Pitoc (who I could swear I've seen before!). Christian played a great self-concious, awkward guy, and J.P. easily pulled off the hunky easy-going stud.
There is one HUGE downfall however.
Tori Spelling as the annoying 'faghag' best friend.
However.
Not even she could ruin this movie for me in the end. I enjoyed it.


Cosi

This movie was awesome, but I'm not at all surprised. The cast included Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths, Ben Mendelsohn(from Mullet), and David Wenham! We've previously established my love for David (in LOTRS, Moulin Rouge, and Seachange[as Diver Dan!]).
I like the black humor in a lot of the Aussie and Kiwi comedies. This one, though corny at times, kept me laughing. I really enjoyed David's pyro character, and Paul Chubb's cute, naive Henry.
Sure, the movie's old (1996), but there's just so many movies (and so much crap), and too little time!



Off to Temple
Melissa and I are going to temple this evening. There is an open-house at the Shambhala Center down on Tower Road.
I'm a bit disappointed that there isn't a branch of Zen here in the city (well, there's one, but it's a Vietnamese form, which I don't know).
The Tibetan form is great in it's philosophy, and I will just take what I need.
I truly believe I need this in my life right now. Tonight will be great!



Wednesday Whatevers...one day late
Would you rather:

1. always taste bacon everytime you burp OR have your farts smell like roses? Fart roses, naturally!

2. be known to the people in your neighborhood as "the peeping tom" OR "the dumpster diver"? The "dumpster diver", I suppose. But would I have to dive in dumpsters for the title?!

3. suddenly be attracted to the sex opposite what you are currently attracted to now OR suddenly want to be the sex opposite what you currently are? Sex change? Huh? No thanks!

4. kill a puppy with your bare hands and win $100,000 OR pay somebody else $75,000 to kill the puppy and you only win $25,000? Out of the question, neither. I couldn't/wouldn't be involved in any form. Money is not that important to me!





Something to Consider:
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
(Buddha)

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 2:38 PM

Tuesday, January 13

Survivor Allstars!

Colby and Rupert, hold the John. Should be an awesome show. I was so excited to hear Colby would be there. He is my all-time favorite, with Rupert a close second. Imagine my happiness in finding out (Thank God!) that there will be no Lil or John.
YEAH!
Here is the full list, set up in three tribes:

CHAPERA (Red):

Amber Brkich, Survivor: The Australian Outback
Tom Buchanan, Survivor: Africa
Alicia Calaway, Survivor: The Australian Outback
Rob Cesternino, Survivor: The Amazon
Sue Hawk, Survivor: Pulau Tiga
Rob Mariano, Survivor: Marquesas

SABOGA (Yellow):

Rudy Boesch Survivor: Pulau Tiga
Rupert Boneham Survivor: Pearl Islands
Jenna Lewis, Survivor: Pulau Tiga
Jerri Manthey, Survivor: The Australian Outback
Tina Wesson, Survivor: The Australian Outback
Ethan Zohn, Survivor: Africa

MOGO MOGO (Green):

Colby Donaldson, Survivor: The Australian Outback
Richard Hatch, Survivor: Pulau Tiga
Shii Ann Huang, Survivor: Thailand
Jenna Morasca, Survivor: The Amazon
Lex van den Berghe, Survivor: Africa
Kathy Vavrick-O'Brien, Survivor: Marquesas

I didn't watch the African or Marquesas seasons, due to my traveling at the time. But I'm happy with the contestants I know!
I don't know why they decided to set this one in Panama as well, but regardless. Me and a few friends are thinking of making it a weekly date. Sad? Perhaps. But I don't give a shit!
I am a voyeur!



Continuing with the TV Obsession...
I watched a rerun of Will and Grace last night. Jack rattled off his email address a couple of times in the show; www.justjack.com. Out of curiosity I plugged it in and was rerouted to the official Will and Grace website. I'm not sure what's worse. Me watching reruns of Will and Grace, or doing stupid internet searches.

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 1:13 PM

Monday, January 12

The Results for the People's Choice Awards
(actual winner with a star, my mostly written in choices in red!)

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 6:50 PM

Sunday, January 11

Social Butternut Fly
Last night I hung out with Mel and Sherona. We had a good gab-fest that almost didn't happen.
See, the three of us are in that same stage of social paralysis.
We are all well traveled, and burnt out in our own little ways. We discussed our aversion to social scenes (i.e. the bars or smug-married parties). Quite often it's just SO much easier to stay home. Treading water. Doing the limbo.
And we all agreed perhaps it's time to move. Do. Change. Embrace.
Carpe Diem.
Newton's First Law of motion is
"An object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force."

I am that unbalance force.

So what measures shall be taken? Two big ones are a must:
1. Spirituality. I am going to the Shambhala open house on Wednesday night. I need to embrace my existential beliefs again. They always give me peace and constancy.

2. Weight loss. Self-explanatory really. It will make me gain some confidence I've lost over the last year or so. It is also important that I slim up to wear shorts in Florida, and a beautiful dress for Vegas. I already envision the dress I want to wear.

Something similar to this...
So, there is work to be done!


Something to Consider:
"There's nothing worse than a wasted indulgence"
(Mel in conversation with Sherona and I)

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 2:22 PM

Saturday, January 10

Movie Review: "You Can Count on Me"

I Watched this movie because of one of the stars, Mark Ruffalo. And it was worth it.
I liked the characters. I found them simplistic and real; easy to relate to.
I liked the relationship development between the the principle cast (especially the ones between Mark Ruffalo and Rory Culkin and that of Laura Linney and Matthew Broderick).
The story/writing was good, but not spectacular.
Great acting, Mark Ruffalo and Josh Lucas.
SOLD!




New Web Searches that Yielded Me!

1. "Shaun Majumder Halifax"
2. "Scott Bairstow's mugshot" (several more times)
3. "Poe mystery"
4. "i use squeeze my aunt's boobs " (No. Really. How f#%cked up is that?!)


Tha Tha Tha Tha Thong!

Meet Anthony. Cute kid, eh?
He's got a bit of a fetish though.
He's in jail for stealing 854 thongs.
And, no. I don't mean flipflops.

Read more about Anthony at The Smokinggun!



Did you Know....
The size of panties needed for the Statue of Liberty's 35 foot waist is a size 360?

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 12:52 PM

Friday, January 9

Movie Review: Cold Mountain

Cold Mountain was a pleasant surprise.
I wasn't too keen on seeing it to be honest, but I am quite glad I did.
Minghella is a master at showcasing the beauty of any given moment. He's a painter.
A good example was the blood running in the mud.
I found the movie Hemingwayesque. I think Minghella had In Our Time in mind while filming this movie.

I was also excited by the stellar supporting cast. I loved Renee in this; I loved her sense of humor.
I was surprised to see Giovanni Ribisi (did Tawny mention that?), Donald Sutherland, Ethan Suplee, Natalie Portman, Philip Seymour Hoffman (who was awesome!), Jena Malone and Brendan Gleeson.
I had no idea any of them were in it. What an amazing cast!

So, yes. The movie is definitely not a comedy, but regardless I found it affecting and passionate without being excessively sentimental or overbearing.

As I see it, anyway.





My Favorite Show
I've always really enjoyed Jon Favreau's movies. I love his wry rambling writing style and his choice of character. (Swingers and Made, of course!) So, it's no surprise that I totally dig this program of his.
What a simple concept for a program!
I loved Peter Berg(another great writer/director) on it this week. I would change my 'Eyecandy' to cutie Pete, but feel like Orlando deserves a couple more days.

If I could create my own little Dinner for Five, as of today, it would look like this:

Jon Favreau(duh!)
Me(double duh!)
Peter Berg
Colin Ferrell
Robin Williams

I tried to think of a girl that I would prefer, but I honestly couldn't think of one.
I love it, I love it, I love it! (which reminds me, Molly Shannon was great on it too!)
I can't wait to see episode 17 (with Vince Vaughn, Cole Hauser, Rory Cochrane, and Brian Cox).
Alright...enough gushing...Geezus!



Something to Consider:
(with Vegas on my mind....)

"You're a big winner.
I'm gonna ask you a simple question and I want you to listen to me: who's the big winner here tonight at the casino? Huh?
Mikey, that's who.
Mikey's the big winner.
Mikey wins. "

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 2:02 PM

Thursday, January 8

Ah, a Canadian Bluenose Winter!

Two days ago the temperature was about 10 degrees. I went out for a walk in just a sweater, lapping up the sunshine, enjoying the fresh air that smelled of dogshit spring.
But that was two days ago.

Today it is -30 with the windchill factor (a term of critical importance throughout Canada). It's nasty, cold, windy, crappy, overly unpleasant. I hate it.
But.
Again.
If you don't like the weather....what a minute.
The weather flunkies forecasters are saying the temperature should be up to 8ish on the weekend.

Mind you, I should note.
I am commenting on behalf of those here in Nova Scotia...well, mainland Nova Scotia... okay, Halifax. The weather is quite different throughout the province, little alone, throughout the whole of this massive country.

I nearly froze my nipples off in Edmonton last year, and I can't imagine dealing with the wind on the Cape or the Rock.
I hated the snow in upper Ontario when I was a kid.
Well, I loved digging out bombshelters in the snowbanks, but it sucked having to go to school when snow was up to the second story window.
I also really hate shovelling driveways, like in the valley. I guess the weather in Vancouver would be okay, but I do hate the rain. I sure as shit wouldn't want to be up in Nain, or Yellowknife. Geezus.

Nevermind.

Let's start from the beginning.

It's friggin cold, man! I hope the weekend is warmer.
But it could be worse.
We're pretty lucky here in Halifax.
Sure, it's grey, and I hate the salt....




No Shop-Talk
With my job I had to sign a confidentiality agreement, and wouldn't talk anyway. But it makes it difficult to say much about work on my blog. I'm unable to relate funny stories, or bitch.
It's someone else's house and private life.
When I'm talking to people, or writing here, there is so much of my day that must be omitted.
I'm cool with that.
As you can see,
I'm quite good at talking about nothing but the weather!



How to Express Yourself- 101
Tawny's asking me to walk her down the aisle has got me discombobulated.
It's just such a beautiful, touching gesture typical of her.

She would always give me these beautiful birthday cards with beautifully written poems.
I would give her some stupid funny one.

She's always gotten the short end of the stick in our relationship.

My life has been a circus at times, and Tawny has consistently reached out to support me (whether it be by bus, plane or verbal). No details; let's not go there!
I just know that I'm not nearly square.
But, in my defense, she's been much better at keeping her life austere. There has been a lot less opportunity for me to reciprocate. I would if could, but I'm glad there isn't the need. (Does that make sense?)

I just want to be there for her in this for such selfish reasons.
I want to walk my dearest friend down the aisle to the happiness she so deserves.
I want to stand there and watch her eyes illuminate the love and kindness that she is.
I want to wave from the Vegas strip as her and Taylor drive off into the light.
I want to get drunk and wake up married to a guy named Bubba.

C'mon!
My sarcastic buffoonery can only handle so much sentiment.
My levity is my lifeline, you know!



Vegas Plans
I've been enjoying the travel-surf for my trip in April. I've been studying the layout of the strip, and searching out concerts and shows for that period of time.
Elton John is playing in April, but we'll just miss him.
As of now the only show booked is Vickie Laurence as Mama.
Don't wanna see that.
Then there's Celine or Fig Wayne Newton.
Definitely not.
I've got my fingers crossed that someone else good will book something up.




Something to Consider:

Friendship is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words.
(George Eliot)

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 2:44 PM

Tuesday, January 6

"I love to travel, But hate to arrive"
(Albert Einstein)

A travel plan.
I love sitting at a computer figuring out what route, airline, and timeline will lead me on my way.
Why?

Because I love the simple art of travelling.
I love that limbo you're in; sitting in your little seat, eating your single serving meal looking down at the clouds.
I get a strange sense of peace at moments like this.
That stage of not being anywhere.
That nothingness, nihility, eclipse is pleasant to me.
My own little nirvana.
Einstein understood!

It's a comfort to those of us dependent on travel. I'm my own little tumbleweed, I suppose. I need this trip!

And I have an even bigger reason for this excitement brewing up through me.
I get to watch my oldest friend marry her best friend.
In Vegas, baby, yeah!

I've begun the planning of my own itinerary on Tawny's tentative dates. I plan on heading down to Florida to visit Debs, and then swing on over to Nevada from there, perhaps a stop in Dallas to visit a friend, and then home. So far cost seems to be pretty affordable for me. Fingers crossed the prices stay as I see them now!

Goddamn Lovely.
Could I BE anymore excited?



My Memeless Month!
Not sure why I've fallen off the Memes, but I've decided to do a couple.
Hey, Tawny. Have you seen the site for Daily Dirt? I bet you love it!

DAILY DIRT!
So gross...
1. The grossest person you've ever met: On first impression that would probably be Craig, but I learned to love his odd, freakish sense of humor. Now he's one of the funniest people I've met. Some of the men that have approached me in bars would definitely be high on this list. Gross!
2. The grossest site you've visited: Smellypoop.com is really gross. There was another one my friend Gerry showed me, but I don't remember the name! (and I don't want to either!)
3. The grossest moment of your life: My job has given me a ton of gross moments that I will not, and can not talk about. Helping an alpaca give birth in Australia was pretty gross, too, though. It was a hot sunny day, and the smell and stickiness was disgusting!
4. The grossest hairdo you've ever had: That would definitely have to be the Princess Di cut circa 1988. Yech!
5. The grossest question you've ever been asked: Not even going to go there! This would also be courtesy of some of the men that have approached me in bars.


Unconscious Mutterings
I say ... and you think ... ?

Vintage:: Classic
Longing:: want
Specimen:: biology
Mock:: turtleneck (yuck)
Shit:: jerk- as in 'what a shit!'
Friday:: Work
Cruel:: blackhearted
Insufficient:: not enough/lack
Pessimistic:: harsh
Grin:: devilish smirk



Something To Consider:

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.
(Augustine)

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 2:52 PM

Monday, January 5

My Favorite Kinda Day
Today has been a wonderful day. I awoke at 10:30, had some breakfast, made myself a capucinno and watched some crap T.V. and a couple of movies. I also talked to Tawny this A.M. which always brightens my day anyway.
I'm now happily perched in our leather desk chair converting my mental blabber into words for you loyal readers!
My only gripe is about the phone calls.

It's 2pm and work has called me 5 times already for more shifts.
It's unbelievable.
I refuse to consider work today, so I'm just saying "no" without really listening to what they say. Enough already. I've worked every holiday over the last month. I've worked 95 hours in just the last two weeks.
LEAVE ME ALONE!


Movie Reviews

(the new) Peter Pan:

It sticks to the story we all know with better special effects. It's beautifully bright and imaginative in look, and Jeremy Sumpter made an adorable Peter Pan. It's a bit scary for young kids I think, but definitely something families could add to their video libraries!

Freaky Friday:
Liked it. Definitely a renter for a lazy day at home. Jamie Lee Curtis is funny. Nuff said, I suppose. Nothing new here!

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl:

Yes, finally. And it was definitely worth the wait.
I'm all about Orlando Bloom right now. He is high on any list I might compile.
Love him!

And Johnny Depp.
How great is he?
Who would have thought a pirate played like Keith Richards could be so great?
The man's a genius (Johnny I mean, of course!).
What a beautifully rich (pardon the pun) character he created.

Keith says, "Johnny Depp rocks, man!"

"Are you looking at me? Are you looking at me?!"
(Of course this is said in my best Robert Deniro impersonation)
Someone did an internet search for 'Dawn McLaughlin', and landed on my site.
It's got me really curious.
Could it have been someone I know? A friend from the past? A foe?
Could it have been a doppleganger living down in Oklahoma?
Hello?
Can you hear me?
Who the hell are you?




What an Idiot-Tit She is...
Do I even need to mention this girl's name?
One part publicity stunt,
one part drunk and brain dead,
and one part, 'Look at me! Look at me!"
What does that spell?
Idiot-Tit.
(won't say the name, but info can be found at The Smoking Gun.)


Something To Consider...
It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful
(Anton Szandor LaVey)

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 2:57 PM

Friday, January 2

Feeling Better, but Still Cranky!

I think my mood can be attributed to the crowds at the mall. I should be over-joyed, buying stuff for me and all, but the lines just drive me around the bend. I'm not sure how I became SO impatient.
I never used to be this bad.
Anyway, moving on.
Here's what I've added to my personal inventory:

I bought an awesome coffee grinder and some good espresso beans.

I bought 10 pairs of panties, as well as a black velour tank and pant set a la

at La Senza. Perhaps I'll wear it for my NCD!
Yes! I think I will!

I also bought
Lost by Joy Fielding (autographed)
the five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom
Hearts in Atlantis by Steven King
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Cane River by Lalita Tademy
and
Back Roads by Tawni O'Dell

Books on sale make me so happy. I was shaking so much I dropped my debit card at the counter. I'm not really sure where these books will fit. What I really need is a new bookshelf.
Okay.
Talking about my books and panties have put me in a much better mood!



About the LOTRs

Loved the movie, definitely. It was larger than life, beautiful, awesome.
But...
What the hell were they thinking with those last 10 minutes?!
Three hours and 20 minutes flew by like nothing.
And then I spent 10 lllllllllooooooooonggggggggg minutes wondering,
'What the Hell?'

As a side-note, Stacey is an awesome movie-pal!
Can't wait till Cold Mountain this week.
I'm so happy there are 4 McDonald sisters. What would I do without them?!

Treed Murray

I watched Treed Murray today.
I hadn't heard anything about it, and was pleasantly surprised.
The characters are beautifully formed. I found them three dimensional, which is rare, I think.
Great dialogue and acting as well.
A good Canadian Movie!

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 6:52 PM

Thursday, January 1

My Tentative New Year's Resolutions List

1. Stop bitching about Metro Transit.... I can't change it.
2. Start exercising and lose some weight. (It's a yearly tradition)
3. NEVER work so much that you're not getting enough sleep!
4. Try to be more vigilant with correspondence (phone or paper)
5. Avoid blowing the blood vessels around my eyes.

I'm sure there's more but I'm too tired to think of anything else for now.
I will try tomorrow.
I'm scared I might be getting ill.
Fingers crossed that this is just me overworked!

© dawn mclaughlin bullshat at: 4:55 PM