A Blond Nod and Bobble to Lisa Simpson

On Sunday evening, I really enjoyed watching some of the politically incorrect animated television comedies with my teenagers. 

In the season 21 episode "To Surveil with Love", Lisa Simpson is faced with a personal dilemma after she attempts to defend her position in a school debate.  Her opponent used a shady attempt to belittle Lisa's argument and logic because she is... blond.  Whaaa?!

I guess it is acceptable that this subject was given sub-plot value to the civil liberties one.  It was in-didly-deed hilarious to hear tattle tale citizen Ned Flanders state in so many words that "instead of being like Big Brother, I was more like a Little Sister." 

When Lisa's blondness was centered out at a town hall meeting as she expressed concerns over public surveillance, I guffawed as the mayor's blond bimbo girlfriend attempted to provide support - although misguided.  Yes, there are some exceptions to the evolving blond thought theory...

Although I could not agree with Lisa's extreme decision to darken her hair color, I applauded her efforts to defend her position and point out the flaws of the debate judges, the audience (and maybe society) in their own responses to her appearance and assumed intelligence as a brunette.    I laughed aloud when Lisa revealed her blondness underneath the darkened locks and one of the horrified judges gasped "Roots!"

Kudos to the show writers for their creativity and wit.  The Simpsons' official web site:
http://www.thesimpsons.com/recaps/season21/

Please note:  Canadian English spelling of words were substituted by their U.S English cousins, to accommodate our neighbours to the south ;-^  

Go peacefully, openly and ... fair :-) 

T

Hoarding and Mini Storage Trends

While I was watching Law and Order on a U.S. station the other night, an advertisement came on for mini storage units to alleviate consumer citizens from their overcrowded drawers, closets and garages.  This confirmed the recent news that there is a trend in American citizens who rent these units to pack away their excess "stuff".  I am assUmIng the same applies to Canadians as well.

I can understand the need for short-term storage when you move to a smaller house or apartment -  or plan to travel for an extended period of time (you lucky buggers).   Another need would be to keep extra furniture and appliances that your offspring may need - once they move out on their own ;-^  Once they move out on their own...

With the exception of heirlooms and archives, I do not wish to get to the point of having to store "stuff" that neither my family nor I will need in the near future.  Thankfully, I didn't buy into the Beanie Baby craze or other collectibles such as "commemorative plates" or "ethnic dolls".  If anyone has actually benefited financially from these, I'd really like to hear about it! 

So, I continue my de-cluttering project by focussing on the bathroom cupboards and counters.

Related articles and links:

Time Magazine
Hoarding: How Collecting Stuff Can Destroy Your Life
By Kayla Webley Monday, Apr. 26, 2010
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1984444,00.html

The Story of Stuff  (fun, informative!)
http://www.storyofstuff.com/

City of Ottawa Spring Give Away Weekend - Saturday June 5 and Sunday June 6 2010
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/recycling_garbage/giveaway/
"One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. "  If you're nosy enough, it will be interesting to see what the neighbours are clearing out :-)


Go peacefully - and on a clear path :-)

What's in your backpack?

While on a business trip and staying in a Montreal hotel, I rented the movie "Up in the Air" (at $12.99 ! WTF?). I am not an air traveler. I have only flown twice in the past 12 years. I prefer trains. It was, I admit the fact that George Clooney was in this movie that I wanted to rent it. Hey, I was away from home, lonely and ... He did not disappoint me and.. the soundtrack was great.



There was a theme about "attachments" to things and people and making priorities for what to pack or what to unpack for your journey. The main character, Ryan Bingham was a frequent-flyer downsizing consultant and a motivational speaker who used the “What’s in your Backpack” line in his presentations. I really liked it and found it seemed "Buddhist" in a way. It was kind of sad that once he realized he wanted to have a relationship with a casual squeeze and fellow-traveler, that he was brought down to earth (pun intended) by the fact that she only saw him as an escape and was committed to staying with her family.



I think you can reduce the amount of material things along your journey and still live quite happily. Although there are some people that you may be tempted to remove from your “baggage”, I don’t think that’s as easy a task. As fellow travelers in this life, we each have something in common. Only as rare exceptions should someone be cast aside. You could perhaps put troublesome family and friends temporarily into a side pocket or roll them up in your dirty laundry bag for a while ;-) They will soon learn to be less of a burden and help lighten your load.

You've got (less) mail

I think it's good to have interests in a variety of subjects. One could get spread too thinly though with time and energy spent by being involved or catching up on issues.


In an attempt to reduce my electronic distractions - especially that of mailing lists - I have decided to review the ones to which I subscribe.


The groups and organizations that send frequent messages hold varying degrees of importance to me. My catlike curiosity makes me want to know what's going on in different corners of my world. My limited time and patience meter though take precedence in my choices. Besides newsworthy items, if it doesn't help with my skills development or earning power, it will have to wait until a later time in my life.


Spring is here and the walking areas are clear. Time to get out and move the body more. Then there's that novel I have been avoiding...


So far this week, I have unsubscribed to three mailing lists. There will be more...