The Power Of Positive Thinking

There are times when life f**king sucks, and times when life is bloody brilliant. But what can you do during those times when life sucks?
I consider myself to be spiritual, yet logical and realistic. A tough mix some days. While the power of positive thinking is a big part of my healing process, it's certainly not all I do.
the power of positive thinking is the first step, whenever I go through rough times, it takes a lot of dedication, because when you're down on yourself, positive thinking is tough. If you're anything like me, you're constantly finding flaws about yourself, but neglecting the positives. It takes a lot of self discipline to be able to look in a mirror and say "Damn I look good today". Or to say "I'm going to rock the sh*t out of whatever I have to do today."
But ultimately, saying, and believing these things helps so much. Of course you actually have to go into whatever you're doing and know your stuff, as well. You can't go into a job interview, for example, and be nervous as hell, and know your stuff, and you can't go in confident as hell and have no idea what you're talking about. You have to find a healthy balance between the two. Enough confidence as to not be cocky, but you also have to go in there and show that you're confident in your abilities.
With that being said, if you're suffering from a bout of low self esteem, or just feeling sh*tty about yourself. I have a challenge for you. Go look in a mirror, and list 5 things that you LIKE about yourself, if can be as simple as "Damn I look hot today" or something like "I love my eyes". It's up to you. Do this for 7 (yes seven) consecutive days. So 5 things you love about you, for 7 days, while staring at yourself in the mirror. Ignore the flaws you see, tell them to go f**k themselves, because you are beautiful, and I hate to quote Lady Gaga, but she said it brilliantly, you're on the right track baby, you were born this way. Also, find a few self love songs, like Lady Gaga's Born This Way, and play them. Don't play the heartbreak songs, play the upbeat encouraging songs.
So, what the hell are you waiting for, let me know how it goes.

The Art of Fire Spinning

Fire Spinning - Also known as Fire Twirling, Fire Dancing, Fire Performance, or Fire Manipulation - is a performance art which involves the manipulation of things on fire. Usually the objects have one or more wicks which are soaked in fuel and set alight.
There are various types of equiptment used in fire spinning, ranging from the tools used to dance with, or those with a martial arts feel to them, including, but not limited to - poi, staff, fans, rope dart, swords, hoops - and so much more. The limits of this equipment is up to the spinners imagination.
The most common material the wicks are constructed of is kevlar, and poi (one of the more common fire performer tools) is made by putting a wick on the end of two chains, with finger loops, and Staves (another common one) are made from a long aluminum tube, usually, with a wick attached at either end. A couple different fuels are used, in the UK kerosene/pariffin is used and in America/North America Camp Fuel (Colemans gas) or a 50/50 mix of kerosene and Camp fuel is used.

Just remember though, play with fire, and you will get burned.

Home of Poi - For all of your fire spinning needs

Roller Derby

In the past year or so, I've noticed quite the spike in Roller Derby. Previously a sport played way back in the day, Roller Derby has made quite the comeback, with numerous teams being formed across Canada and the States.
Roller Derby is a contact sport, based on 2 teams of 5 (4 blockers ((Defence)) and 1 jammer ((scorer)) of which contains a pivot who is a blocker who can become a jammer later in the jam.) There are 2 start lines marked, a pivot line, and 30 feet behind that, a jammer line. The pivots may stand on or behind the pivot line, the blockers all line up behind the pivot line and the pivots in any chosen order. The blockers and pivots are known as 'the pack'. The 2 jammers line up on the jammer line behnd the pack.
The referee starts the pack jam formation with a whistle, during the jam formation the pack moves around the course, when the last person in the pack has passed the pivot line, a second whistle is blown and the jammers are off, trying to lap the blockers. Jammers score one point for each blocker they lap. Roller derby is a game played with offense and defense played simultaneously.
There are numerous derby teams out there, one I reccommend supporting is the Deathbridge Derby Dames, but that's just my opinion!

Canadian Women's Roller Derby Association
Deathbridge Derby Dames

Gidgets and Gadgets

So, as I was surfing around the internets today, I came across one of my old favourite websites - thinkgeek (Link at bottom).
This caused me to create a list of the top 10 gadgets and things I want from think geek. What's your think geek top ten list? Let me know!
So from 10-1, here we go!

10. JuiceBar Portable Solar Charger

Now, I like my electronics, at most times I have my Ipod, my DSi, my blackberry and various other portable electronic devices stashed on my person. I get mad when my batteries die, especially on my Ipod, that thing is my life line. So, this would be extremely useful
See it here

9. Bacon and Cupcake Toothpastes

I like bacon, and I like cupcakes, I'm also very keen on oral health. Put simply, what's not to like?
See it here

8. SurvivalStraps Survival Bracelet

Okay, so the chances of me actually using this for survival, as opposed to tying someone up are pretty slim. But, hey, I MIGHT need it for survival, and if I have to use it, I get a free replacement!
See it here

7. TV-B-Gone

Okay, so I'd have way too much fun screwing with people with this. So I had to add it to the list!
See it here

6. AlcoHawk Digital Alcohol Detector

I've always been curious as to what my blood alcohol levels are when I drink, previously the only way I ever found out, was if I ended up in the drunk tank for being drunk in public. It's happened more times than I care to admit. But with this nifty device, I don't need a cop to tell me I'm drunk!
See it here

5. OverBoard Waterproof Gadget Cases

I'd want this for my camera. Taking pictures underwater, yes please. These could be real useful.
See it here

4. 20 Sided Fuzzy Dice Danglers

Okay, I admit it, I'm a D&D nerd. I don't even have a car yet, but I still want these. They'll hang in my window, until I get a car, then, they'll hang proudly from my rear view mirror.
See it here

3. Astronaut Ice Cream

I love this stuff, and I would probably eat it in lieu of regular ice cream. It's THAT good.
See it here

2. Magic D20 of Destiny

Again my nerd makes an appearance. It's a D20 Magic 8 Ball...Who wouldn't want one?
See it here

1. U-FIZZ Drink Carbonation Kit

So who wouldn't want to make boring old juice fizzy? Not much more to say on this one, aside from I want it.
See it here

And just for luck, one more:
Desktop Carnivorous Plant Set

Watching plants eat bugs is always fun. Take that caterpillar, that's for eating my tree!
See it here

Think Geek Website

Pirates

For years and years pirates have been romanticized, by movies like 'Pirates Of The Caribbean', various books, and numerous other sources. The fact of the matter is, if you run into pirates, you're certainly not going to run into Captain Jack Sparrow, as much as I'm sure you'd love too (I know I would)!
And as tame as movies and books make pirates seem, they aren't completely false. Pirates such as Blackbeard actually existed. Also, similar to 'Pirates of The Caribbean', a pirate code existed:

• Article One
  Every man shall obey civil command; the captain shall have on full share and a half in all prizes. the Master, Carpenter, Boatswain, and Gunner shall have one share and quarter.
• Article Two
  If any man shall offer to run away, or keep any secret from the Company, he shall be marroon'd with one bottle of powder, one bottle of Water, one small Arm, and shot.
• Article Three
  If any Man shall steal any Thing in the Company, or game, to the value of a piece of Eight, he shall be Marroon'd or shot.
• Article Four
  If at any Time we should meet at another Marrooner (that is, Pyrate) that man shall sign his Articles without Consent of our Company, shall suffer such Punishment as the Captain and Company shall think fit.
• Article Five
  That man that shall strike another, whilst these Articles are in force, shall receive Moses's Law (that is 40 Stripes lacking one) on the bare Back.
• Article Six
  That Man that shall snap his Arms, or smoak Tobacco in the Hold, without cap to his Pipe, or carry a candle lighted without lanthorn, shall suffer the same Punishment as in the former Article.
• Article Seven
  That Man that shall not keep his Arms clean, fit for an Engagement, or neglect his Business, shall be cut off from his Share, and suffer such other Punishment as the Captain and Company shall think fit.
• Article Eight
  If any man shall lose a joint in time of Engagement, shall have 400 Pieces of Eight: if a limb, 800.
• Article Nine
  If at any time you meet with a prudent Woman, that Man that offers to meddle with her, without her Consent, shall suffer Death.

Blackbeard is possibly the most famous of pirates in history. Blackbeard and his crew reigned terror on the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean from 1716-1718. Two years of hell for sailors sailing these seas.
More often than not, pirates would determine the nationality of a ship, and raise a flag from that nation to appear friendly, then at last minute they would raise Blackbeards flag. Crews often surrendered without a fight when they saw Blackbeards flag. If they didn't surrender after warning, the pirates moved in, heading for the sailor at the ships wheel first. The pirates would then snare the ship with hooks, pull it close, and hop aboard. Once the attack was over, pirates would take the passengers and crew hostage and ransack the rooms and cabins looking for gold, silver or jewellry. This was a scene repeated multiple times by Blackbeard and his crew.
The majority of merchant ships didn't carry much in the way of treasure, mostly grain, molasses and kegs of rum, they also carried ropes, tools and ammunition. The stolen goods were divided up amongst the pirates with the captains and certain officers recieving a larger share.
Blackbeards throat was slashed by a navy seaman during an attack from the Royal Navy of Ocracoke, sent out by Alexander Spotswood to rid the oceans of Blackbeard.
Blackbeards was beheaded and his head suspended from the bow of a sloop as a warning to other pirates. Blackbeards treasure was hunted for, but never found, the secret of his treasure died with him, if it even existed.
Pirates are still thriving in the 21st century, and doing rather well. The more successful, known as the Somali Pirates, hold more than a dozen hijacked ships.
While cruise ships have been hijacked by pirates in the past, it's unlikely that a cruise ship is in danger. They usually steer clear of pirate infested waters, and the sheer size and amount of passengers is a lot for one pirate crew to attempt to hijack. They usually head for smaller ships, or yachts.
So pirates are still at large, only now-a-days, they have weaponry that's a match for the military.

12 Ways We Discount Sexual Assault

With Denim Day fast approaching I figured this would be a good topic. Denim Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness to all forms of sexual assault.
I personally think the name Denim Day is far more appropriate than 'The slut walk' which happened recently in Toronto. Even though I completely agree with all of the messages portrayed by the slut walk.

#1 SHE WAS WEARING TIGHT JEANS:

In 1999, the Italian High Court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans at the time of the assault. The justices stated that the victim must have helped her attacker remove her jeans, from which they inferred consent. People all around the world were outraged. Wearing jeans on this anniversary became an international symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual violence.

#2 SHE WAS ASKING FOR IT:

It is often believed that sexy or suggestive clothing invites wanted male attention, positive or negative. Regardless, wearing revealing clothing does not invite sexual assault. In fact, women and girls have been raped in everything from jeans to business suits to pajamas. This belief reinforces the myth that women and girls invite assault by their clothing choices and shifts the blame for the crime to the victim and away from the perpetrator, where it belongs.

#3 SHE WAS FLIRTING ONLINE:

Teenagers and children have increasingly become targets for predators both online and via mobile devices. Predators today will use social networking sites to contact youth and convince them that the "stranger" is a "friend."This connection increases the child / teen's trust in them and interest in sexual relations. Learning about the dangers of internet use and speaking about them openly can help minimize the risks from those who wish to abuse.

#4 SHE WAS HIS STEADY GIRLFRIEND:

One of the most common misconceptions is that most rapes are committed by strangers. In reality, more than 75% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knew and trusted—such as a teacher, co-worker, relative, friend, or even their steady girlfriend or boyfriend. Just because someone has consented to a sexual act in the past does not give someone the right to assume consent and force or coerce sexual contact.

#5 SHE WAS DRUNK AND PARTYING:

It is commonly believed that because a woman is drinking she somehow invites rape. In most states, it is against the law to have sex with someone who is unable to give legal consent. Coercing or forcing sex without consent is considered rape/sexual violence. If convicted of this crime, a perpetrator would likely have to register as a sex offender.

#6 HE HAD IT COMING:

Male anger and violence is afflicted upon other men and not just women. Rape is a violent act of power and control that damages the victim—male or female. The socialization of men creates immense challenges for them to disclose any type of sexual victimization.

#7 SHE WAS HIS WIFE:

Spousal rape or marital rape is often unreported and overlooked.There is a widely held view that a woman surrenders consent at the time of marriage, and is responsible for satisfying all her husband's needs and desires in order to be a good wife. The law has been slow to criminalize marital rape, but it is now recognized as a crime in all 50 states.

#8 I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING FOR HER:

Sexual assault is a function of power and control. Frail older persons are often dependent on others for care and can be extremely vulnerable to sexual mistreatment. 96% of sexual abuse of elder persons is committed by a family member or a caretaker. 86% of elder sexual assault victims are women.

#9 THE INTENSITY GOT TO HIM:

Today, there are more women serving in the military than ever before.  However, women soldiers who signed up to defend their countries have instead had to defend themselves from assault and rape by their own fellow soldiers and in some cases their commanding officers. The phenomena is not only unique to women, but inclusive of men as well. Military sexual violence has occurred during training, times of peace, and times of war.

#10 SHE HAS SEX FOR MONEY:

Because a sex worker exchanges a sex act for money does not mean that they cannot be raped or deserve to be sexually violated. Someone's choices in profession, lifestyle, and appearance do not give anyone the right to rape, assault, or otherwise hurt them.

#11 SHE CANNOT HEAR, TALK, OR REPORT:

According to a survey by the U.S. Department of Justice, rates of rape and sexual assault among persons who are deaf or disabled are more than twice that of the general population. Persons who are deaf or have a disibility are also more likely to experience repeated sexual assaults throughout their lifetimes. The perception of vulnerability or inability to report does not give someone the right to force or coerce sexual contact.

#12 RAPE IS NOT PART OF THE SENTENCE:

Every year, more than 100,000 U.S. male and female inmates are sexually abused by other inmates or correctional staff. More often than not, the perpetrators are correctional staff, whose very job it is to keep prisoners safe. When the government removes someone's liberty, it takes on an absolute responsibility to protect that person's safety. Rape is not part of the penalty. In the aftermath, most prisoner rape survivors are forced to suffer in silence, too fearful of retaliation and further abuse ever to file a formal report. Rape is an abomination, whether it occurs in jail or in the community.

 The Sexist

RIP Worlds Oldest Man

Walter Breuning passed away on April 14th 2011, at the tender age of 114, only 26 days younger than the worlds oldest person - Besse Cooper.
Walter had been residing in a nursing home since 1980. 30 years in a nursing home? That's insane, I don't know if I could do that.
Sources say the cause of death was natural (he was getting up there!)
Walter claimed his trick to a long life was eating only 2 meals a day, and working for as long as he could. Obviously he did something right, he survived until age 114, which is pretty impressive.
He became something of a sage in his old age, offering wisdom to those who sought it. Last October, he said this is an interview for the Associated Press:

"We're going to die. Some people are scared of dying. Never be afraid to die. Because you're born to die."

My condolences go out to Walters friends and family.
RIP Walter Breuning.

Adult (not college) Jell-o Shots!

We've all enjoyed the insanity a few too many jell-o shots can bring, those little shooter dixie cups, slamming them back a little too quickly. However, as I've grown up, so has my need for presentation. So jell-o shooters in little dixie cups are no longer pretty enough for me.
So I found this recipe, and all of my problems were solved.

Although, I warn you against using pineapples.

Jell-O Preparation
One large packet (6 ounces) of Jell-O (pick flavor for color)
16 ounces boiling water
6 ounces cold water
10 ounces vodka

Simply pour Jell-O packet into large bowl and add boiling water. Once the mixture is completely dissolved, proceed with cold water and then vodka. Then I usually set it aside while I prep the fruit.

Pick a fruit a supportive rind, example, orange NOT apple.
Now, remove the flesh of the fruit, don't poke a hole in the skin/rind though, or you may spring a leak. Actually, you will spring a leak!
I found the easiest way to gut the fruit, is just as you would a pumpkin. Slice the top off, and scoop out the flesh & seeds.

Now that you have Jell-O mix and a gutted fruit, just fill them up. I recommend having them already placed in a walled dish so you don’t slosh them around. Once filled, place in the fridge for four hours. Alcohol can make the firming process of gelatin take longer.

Once the jell-o has set, slice your fruit into fruit slices, and serve, carefully of course!

And enjoy! Just remember, jell-o shots hide the flavour of alcohol really, really well, so don't over-do it. I don't want to hear of anyone in the hospital with alcohol poisoning.

Malice In Lalaland

So while checking my email today, I came across an email from Bizarre Magazine, which is an email list I subscribe too. I did my usual, skimmed through the contents of the e-zine, and the headline "crazy Alice in Wonderland-themed grot flick starring Sasha Grey" caught my eye. Now I like Sasha Grey, and I adore Alice in Wonderland, so I had to check this out.
I clicked that link and read the article on the Bizarre site (you'll be able to find the links at the end of this post). There was a video posted, and I have to say, this porno flick looks like a mix between hot chicks, Ron Jeremy, and furries. Definitely a flick for the furry lovers from what I can tell.
I eventually clicked on the link to the site, to check it out, and after a bit of reading, I saw that Ron Jeremy only has a one-line-cameo as himself, and no action! He might be having difficulties getting it up, because, well, he's getting up there!
There's not a lot on the site, a few pictures, the youtube-safe trailer, a list of the actors/actresses, the story line. The basics really.
It's filmed in 35mm film, and apparently has high end special effects and amazing post production. As quoted from the site "The story has all the ingredients one could possibly want; a well thought-of adventure, great sex scenes and rock n roll."
Guess I'll have to give it a watch, and give you an update when I've seen it!

Now for those promised links:
Bizarre Mag Review
Malice In Lalaland site