October 31, 2010
October 29, 2010
Pride & Prejudice... and Zombies
This is one of those moments when I’m kicking myself for not coming up with a fantastic idea first. It’s like the pool noodle attachments that were so popular when I was growing up. My friends and I were using duct tape to connect pool noodles together for years, but we never thought it was something that could be marketed.
To end zombie week on my blog, I want to pay homage to a hilarious novel that is worth purchasing. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies infuses a classic narrative and a modern fad to create a strangely appealing final product. Both Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith are credited as the authors. The original novel was published in 1813, and the modern, “adjusted” version was released in 2009. The plot of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is more or less the same, except that various zombie and ninja elements have been added.
For some reason, my brother and I have had a thing for zombies since we were kids. Maybe it’s the whole “undead” superiority thing. Or, maybe we just needed a break from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Either way, learning about zombie culture is something we have done since we were young. I can’t express our excitement level when this novel came out, and I was not disappointed after I read it the first time. I recommend it to everyone, even if you aren’t a zombie fanatic like me. It’s truly an entertaining read.
The new cover. See what I mean? It's just great...
Here’s a piece of advice if you actually purchase the novel: Buy the original and the zombie edition. Get a group of people together, and take turns reading paragraphs from each novel aloud. It’s so much fun, and you can actually see where changes were made.
*All images taken from Google.
P.S... Do you think it should be "zombified" or "zombiefied?" I can't decide which way to go...
Here's one of the not-so-zombified book covers. Not very scary, right?
To end zombie week on my blog, I want to pay homage to a hilarious novel that is worth purchasing. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies infuses a classic narrative and a modern fad to create a strangely appealing final product. Both Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith are credited as the authors. The original novel was published in 1813, and the modern, “adjusted” version was released in 2009. The plot of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is more or less the same, except that various zombie and ninja elements have been added.
For some reason, my brother and I have had a thing for zombies since we were kids. Maybe it’s the whole “undead” superiority thing. Or, maybe we just needed a break from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Either way, learning about zombie culture is something we have done since we were young. I can’t express our excitement level when this novel came out, and I was not disappointed after I read it the first time. I recommend it to everyone, even if you aren’t a zombie fanatic like me. It’s truly an entertaining read.
The new cover. See what I mean? It's just great...Here’s a piece of advice if you actually purchase the novel: Buy the original and the zombie edition. Get a group of people together, and take turns reading paragraphs from each novel aloud. It’s so much fun, and you can actually see where changes were made.
*All images taken from Google.
P.S... Do you think it should be "zombified" or "zombiefied?" I can't decide which way to go...
October 27, 2010
How to Survive a Zombie Outbreak
DISCLAIMER: The events in the following essay have not yet happened. This was an assignment for one of my classes, so do not be alarmed when you read the part about everyone you love being dead. This following is a How-To essay designed to teach the public what to do WHEN a zombie outbreak occurs. Print it out, put it in your wallet or purse, and ensure you can refer to it quickly in the event of an emergency. You will be glad you did. Good luck to us all...
The world, as we know it, has ended. Either a massive flu virus has broken out, or a deadly, unknown disease has escaped from a high security facility. Regardless, the majority of humans are now deceased. Unfortunately, those who died have not remained dead, and instead have begun to roam the planet in search of living people on which to feed. Simply stated, you are now being hunted by creatures commonly referred to as zombies. And depending on the virus or disease that infected them, you are either being hunted by slow, stupid, awkward zombies, or fast, screaming, infected-with-rage zombies. But do not panic. The following is a guide of three easy steps that must be understood in order to survive a zombie outbreak. Do not refer to books such as “The Zombie Survival Guide,” or “World War Z," because that information is not up-to-date. Following this three-step system is paramount, and complying with the information might just save you from becoming someone’s dinner.
The first step to surviving a zombie outbreak is acceptance of the situation. This is much easier said than done, as most people will have a difficult time when they realize everyone they have ever cared about is most likely dead. A variety of emotions will occur as you struggle to make sense of what has happened. Crying or hysteria will occur almost immediately; shock and fear will follow soon after. Next, rage will take over, and this is the emotion that can be the most problematic. Many people will want to grab the first available weapon-like object and destroy every zombie around as a way to avenge the deaths of loved ones. It is paramount that you fight this urge. Angry weapon wielding usually results in a zombie-inflicted injury, leaving you in the same position as those you lost. Find some way to stay occupied, and allow anger to pass like the previous emotions. If you successfully work through the rage phase without getting yourself killed, feelings of acceptance and calmness will take over. This is good, as it means you are now ready to move forward.
The second, and most important step to zombie survival, is preparation. If a zombie outbreak were ever to actually occur, the government would set up a recovery plan. This means help will arrive, sooner or later, and all you need to do is stay alive until you are found. To do this, preparation is necessary. First, find the nearest police station or military base, and stock up on the following: guns, ammunition, swords, machetes, various explosives, blow torches, and a bow and arrow. Next, locate the nearest department store, and collect canned food, bottled water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, and rope. Load everything into a dependable, working vehicle. Hopefully, you will be far away before the zombies are attracted by the noise of the car engine. Fill up at the nearest gas station, and fill as many portable gas cans as humanly possible. Finally, begin driving to the nearest body of water where large boats are moored.
It is a known fact that zombies are unable to swim. They will attempt to follow you into the water, but will gradually drown. This is precisely why in step three it is necessary to find both a sailboat and lots of water. Technically, any type of boat would do in a desperate situation, but a sailboat eliminates the problem of running out of gas. Pack the boat with the supplies you have collected, and set sail through your chosen body of water. Do not follow an approach similar to that highlighted in the movie Dawn of the Dead, where survivors hide in a local mall. This is short-term solution, as zombies will gradually surround your hideout and make escape impossible. Help will arrive eventually, and waiting on the water where zombies cannot reach you will increase the chance of survival. It is important, however, to be on the lookout at all times. Do not assume you are safe simply because you are on the water.
Attempting to live through a zombie outbreak can be a trying and terrifying experience for anyone. This is why it is extremely important to fully understand and implement the three easy steps that make survival possible. Allotting adequate time for acceptance, preparation, and escape will separate you from those who do not have a serious will to live. The well-organized steps and industrious methods you exhibit may even impress the rescue teams, resulting in a high-ranking political position in the post-zombie world. Following the zombie outbreak how-to guide will not only save your life, it will steer you towards a more powerful future. Just remember to choose your survival partners carefully, and when killing zombies, aim for the head.
*All images taken from Google. All ideas compiled from years of zombie-related research.
The world, as we know it, has ended. Either a massive flu virus has broken out, or a deadly, unknown disease has escaped from a high security facility. Regardless, the majority of humans are now deceased. Unfortunately, those who died have not remained dead, and instead have begun to roam the planet in search of living people on which to feed. Simply stated, you are now being hunted by creatures commonly referred to as zombies. And depending on the virus or disease that infected them, you are either being hunted by slow, stupid, awkward zombies, or fast, screaming, infected-with-rage zombies. But do not panic. The following is a guide of three easy steps that must be understood in order to survive a zombie outbreak. Do not refer to books such as “The Zombie Survival Guide,” or “World War Z," because that information is not up-to-date. Following this three-step system is paramount, and complying with the information might just save you from becoming someone’s dinner.
The first step to surviving a zombie outbreak is acceptance of the situation. This is much easier said than done, as most people will have a difficult time when they realize everyone they have ever cared about is most likely dead. A variety of emotions will occur as you struggle to make sense of what has happened. Crying or hysteria will occur almost immediately; shock and fear will follow soon after. Next, rage will take over, and this is the emotion that can be the most problematic. Many people will want to grab the first available weapon-like object and destroy every zombie around as a way to avenge the deaths of loved ones. It is paramount that you fight this urge. Angry weapon wielding usually results in a zombie-inflicted injury, leaving you in the same position as those you lost. Find some way to stay occupied, and allow anger to pass like the previous emotions. If you successfully work through the rage phase without getting yourself killed, feelings of acceptance and calmness will take over. This is good, as it means you are now ready to move forward.The second, and most important step to zombie survival, is preparation. If a zombie outbreak were ever to actually occur, the government would set up a recovery plan. This means help will arrive, sooner or later, and all you need to do is stay alive until you are found. To do this, preparation is necessary. First, find the nearest police station or military base, and stock up on the following: guns, ammunition, swords, machetes, various explosives, blow torches, and a bow and arrow. Next, locate the nearest department store, and collect canned food, bottled water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, and rope. Load everything into a dependable, working vehicle. Hopefully, you will be far away before the zombies are attracted by the noise of the car engine. Fill up at the nearest gas station, and fill as many portable gas cans as humanly possible. Finally, begin driving to the nearest body of water where large boats are moored.
It is a known fact that zombies are unable to swim. They will attempt to follow you into the water, but will gradually drown. This is precisely why in step three it is necessary to find both a sailboat and lots of water. Technically, any type of boat would do in a desperate situation, but a sailboat eliminates the problem of running out of gas. Pack the boat with the supplies you have collected, and set sail through your chosen body of water. Do not follow an approach similar to that highlighted in the movie Dawn of the Dead, where survivors hide in a local mall. This is short-term solution, as zombies will gradually surround your hideout and make escape impossible. Help will arrive eventually, and waiting on the water where zombies cannot reach you will increase the chance of survival. It is important, however, to be on the lookout at all times. Do not assume you are safe simply because you are on the water. Attempting to live through a zombie outbreak can be a trying and terrifying experience for anyone. This is why it is extremely important to fully understand and implement the three easy steps that make survival possible. Allotting adequate time for acceptance, preparation, and escape will separate you from those who do not have a serious will to live. The well-organized steps and industrious methods you exhibit may even impress the rescue teams, resulting in a high-ranking political position in the post-zombie world. Following the zombie outbreak how-to guide will not only save your life, it will steer you towards a more powerful future. Just remember to choose your survival partners carefully, and when killing zombies, aim for the head.
*All images taken from Google. All ideas compiled from years of zombie-related research.
October 24, 2010
A zombie flash mob extravaganza
Ever since I saw the YouTube video of people randomly dancing to The Sound of Music soundtrack in a train station, I have been hooked on the concept of flash mobs.There is something about a group of people getting together and performing for strangers that I find fantastic. I also have the same attitude towards bridal parties that break into dance at various times during their wedding-day activities. My love of flash mobs is so serious that I even included one as part of a recent PR proposal for Winnipeg Harvest. But despite my obsession with random acts of dancing, I haven’t personally taken part in a flash mob until I joined hundreds of other Winnipeggers on the Zombie Walk this past Saturday evening.
Now, it isn’t technically a real flash mob, but I’m pretty sure “flash mob” is a loose definition. There don’t seem to be a lot of rules when it comes to spontaneously breaking into dance, song, or other activity.
We all gathered in an alleyway behind The Royal Albert at around 8 p.m. on October 23, and listened as a group of people gave speeches and pumped us up from a series of fire escapes snaking up the side of one of the buildings. The most popular chant was “brains” by far, although I prefer “uuurrrggghhh” myself. There were death-related signs everywhere, and a live band was playing in the back.
In our group of three, I had the least interesting costume. Deciding at the last minute to purchase a trench coat from Value Village – because for some reason I felt that would make me look “scarier” – I think I was a goth/vampire who was having an identity crisis by thinking she was a zombie. My boyfriend – the ever-industrious costume creator – went as a zombie cow (or mad cow, whichever you prefer). Tiffany, in true Star Trek blogger style, went as a zombie Vulcan complete with utility belt, communicator, and phaser. Both their costumes were so fantastic that everyone wanted pictures of them. Thus, I became popular by association.
(P.S. When I just wrote “Vulcan” in Microsoft Word, spell check automatically capitalized the word. That’s how far the reach of Star Trek has gone. “Vulcan” is officially a proper name.)
Walking down Portage Avenue with a massive line of people “in character” as zombies is an experience I will never forget. My mind flashed back to psychology class in first-year university, and for some reason the definition of “groupthink” popped into my head:
Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that can occur in groups of people. Rather than critically evaluating information, the group members begin to form quick opinions that match the group consensus. Groupthink is sometimes positive but is more often seen in a negative light. Mass hysteria can be seen as an extreme example of groupthink.
Winnipeg Police were directing traffic and shutting down side streets as we walked, and I found out later that this wasn’t initially planned. They thought we were having a rally behind The Albert, and didn’t actually know the Zombie Walk was taking place until our line of people stretched from the starting point to the MTS Centre. I felt bad because we were cutting off cars and walking through green lights, but most people stuck in traffic seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Overall, the Zombie Walk was fantastic. I will attend again next year, and I am so excited that my first flash mob experience was with hundreds of other Winnipeggers who understand the importance of zombie culture.
If you want to read the Winnipeg Free Press article about the walk, click here.
Die long and prosper... Happy Halloween.
Quirky billboards provide inspiration
I'm currently working on a billboard for a proposal assignment in radio class. It's safe to say that when it come to artistic design, I have no skills.
Last year, I had to painfully force myself through Desktop Publishing class. It's interesting learning how to use Photoshop and InDesign, but for some reason I just can't come up with my own creative ideas.
I've come to the conclusion that I can write... but I can't design. Therefore, I needed to search online for popular billboards in order to draw some inspiration. Below are a few of my favourites.
Last year, I had to painfully force myself through Desktop Publishing class. It's interesting learning how to use Photoshop and InDesign, but for some reason I just can't come up with my own creative ideas.
I've come to the conclusion that I can write... but I can't design. Therefore, I needed to search online for popular billboards in order to draw some inspiration. Below are a few of my favourites.
I never considered using the actual billboard light for effect, but it's definitely working here...
This one got a lot of attention, and I can see why...
It's the perfect way to describe an iPod.
And I think this one is just fun.
If I were braver, I would post my billboard on here too, and see if you can figure out which one is mine. You could (it's not that great), but I can say that I feel I am slowly learning what works and what doesn't. I'll never have amazing design skills, or create an award-winning layout or advertisement, but I think I'm content being the person who writes the eloquently-phrased news releases in the background.
*All images taken from Google.
October 22, 2010
Market research at the mall
I have never been one of those people who like to spend an extended period of time at the mall. Also, there is absolutely no way that I would ever be at a mall on a Monday morning unless it was for a school assignment. Therefore, I was shocked to see how many people were at Polo Park Shopping Centre (Polo Park) at 10:30 a.m. on October 18, 2010.
There were an eclectic variety of people from many different backgrounds at Polo Park this past Monday. The majority of mall patrons were senior citizens, and they were usually in groups of two or three. They didn’t seem to have a specific purchasing goal in mind, and appeared to be using the outing as a social experience. There were also a number of parents – specifically mothers – walking around with young children. In addition, I noticed a few groups of teenagers (who looked like they were skipping school), some well-off, non-working women, and a number of business professionals.
When watching each of the different types of mall patrons shop, I noticed that most people could be placed in two different categories. First, there were the “committed purchasers.” They were the people who were at the mall with a list of specific items to buy, and they moved purposefully from store to store. People in this category were primarily business professionals and parents with children, however, there were a few senior citizens and teens that seemed like they were on a mission as well.
Committed purchasers made decisions in record time, and one woman was in and out of Sephora in seven minutes with perfume, lipstick, and eye shadow. It appeared that she had already previously decided what she wanted, and was simply coming to the mall to pick it all up. I noticed no common patterns in what committed purchasers were selecting, and the only similar thread was the fact that they all seemed rushed, slightly impatient, and eager to move on to the next store.
Second, there were a number of “random browsers.” These were the people who obviously had nowhere to be and nothing specific to do. They seemed to be simply enjoying the fact that they could peruse the array of clothing, shoes, and accessories the mall sells undisturbed and unmolested by crowds. People in this category were primarily senior citizens and truant teenagers. I couldn’t determine much about their purchasing decisions or patterns because I didn’t actually see a random browser buy anything. I even went as far as to follow one elderly lady into three separate stores, but she left the mall disappointingly empty-handed.
I attempted to speak to a sales associate in Lululemon, and I was unceremoniously shut down. She told me that employees aren’t allowed to speak to customers about shopping trends, and I should contact the public relations department with my inquiry. This answer seemed strange, so I talked to a sales associate in GUESS as well. She was much more helpful, and actually wanted to answer my questions. I asked about discounts, and she stated that a customer would usually be interested in a sale if there were a savings over 10 per cent. Twenty per cent and up were the most favourable sales, she explained, but Winnipeggers will pretty much get out of bed for anything, including free garbage.
My favourite store to shop at was Lululemon. The organization was simple, it was easy to find what I was looking for, and it wasn’t too crowded. I like the fact that the clothing is organized by item. The pants were in the pants section, the shirts were in the shirt section, and sweatshirts and jackets were at the front. GUESS was also organized well, and it was easy for me to find both casual clothing and dress clothing because they were each in their own section. Also, the service at both stores was very friendly, and this made me enjoy the experience even more.
No matter where I go, or what I do, my favourite store will always be Swarovski. When I was in Europe last summer I visited the headquarters in Austria and absolutely fell in love with the brand. Everything is so shiny, so regal, and so gorgeous. I spent 20 minutes inside the store at Polo Park, and it was great. In addition to having a beautifully laid out selection of items, the sales associates were incredibly friendly. They kept mentioning that I should be having fun as I’m shopping, and that it’s fine to try things on without purchase because Swarovski jewellery is meant to be experienced. I think that was a very effective sales tactic, and I would have bought something if I wasn’t a starving student with no money.
In Sephora, I actually purchased a $24 tube of lip-gloss. It was an impulse buy that I can’t really afford, but I was mesmerized by the Parisian Moulin Rouge display that accompanied the line of beauty products. After returning to school, I eagerly pulled out my purchase to show it to a few classmates. Imagine my surprise when the item I pulled out of the box was NOT my beloved lip-gloss, but a completely different and thoroughly ugly tube of lip plumper. It had apparently been labeled incorrectly, and I was furious. As mentioned at the beginning of this report, I’m really not a mall person. Now, I have to get on a bus and go all the way back to Polo Park to return the item and – hopefully – get the correct one. That isn’t how I envisioned ending this assignment, and I definitely won’t be purchasing anything from Sephora again as a result.
Overall opinion: People shopping at a mall on a Monday morning largely don’t have anywhere else they need to be. While this is slightly depressing, it is also a huge advertising opportunity, and holding sales and promotions during this time would drastically increase traffic.
There were an eclectic variety of people from many different backgrounds at Polo Park this past Monday. The majority of mall patrons were senior citizens, and they were usually in groups of two or three. They didn’t seem to have a specific purchasing goal in mind, and appeared to be using the outing as a social experience. There were also a number of parents – specifically mothers – walking around with young children. In addition, I noticed a few groups of teenagers (who looked like they were skipping school), some well-off, non-working women, and a number of business professionals.
When watching each of the different types of mall patrons shop, I noticed that most people could be placed in two different categories. First, there were the “committed purchasers.” They were the people who were at the mall with a list of specific items to buy, and they moved purposefully from store to store. People in this category were primarily business professionals and parents with children, however, there were a few senior citizens and teens that seemed like they were on a mission as well.
Committed purchasers made decisions in record time, and one woman was in and out of Sephora in seven minutes with perfume, lipstick, and eye shadow. It appeared that she had already previously decided what she wanted, and was simply coming to the mall to pick it all up. I noticed no common patterns in what committed purchasers were selecting, and the only similar thread was the fact that they all seemed rushed, slightly impatient, and eager to move on to the next store.
Second, there were a number of “random browsers.” These were the people who obviously had nowhere to be and nothing specific to do. They seemed to be simply enjoying the fact that they could peruse the array of clothing, shoes, and accessories the mall sells undisturbed and unmolested by crowds. People in this category were primarily senior citizens and truant teenagers. I couldn’t determine much about their purchasing decisions or patterns because I didn’t actually see a random browser buy anything. I even went as far as to follow one elderly lady into three separate stores, but she left the mall disappointingly empty-handed.
I attempted to speak to a sales associate in Lululemon, and I was unceremoniously shut down. She told me that employees aren’t allowed to speak to customers about shopping trends, and I should contact the public relations department with my inquiry. This answer seemed strange, so I talked to a sales associate in GUESS as well. She was much more helpful, and actually wanted to answer my questions. I asked about discounts, and she stated that a customer would usually be interested in a sale if there were a savings over 10 per cent. Twenty per cent and up were the most favourable sales, she explained, but Winnipeggers will pretty much get out of bed for anything, including free garbage.
My favourite store to shop at was Lululemon. The organization was simple, it was easy to find what I was looking for, and it wasn’t too crowded. I like the fact that the clothing is organized by item. The pants were in the pants section, the shirts were in the shirt section, and sweatshirts and jackets were at the front. GUESS was also organized well, and it was easy for me to find both casual clothing and dress clothing because they were each in their own section. Also, the service at both stores was very friendly, and this made me enjoy the experience even more.
No matter where I go, or what I do, my favourite store will always be Swarovski. When I was in Europe last summer I visited the headquarters in Austria and absolutely fell in love with the brand. Everything is so shiny, so regal, and so gorgeous. I spent 20 minutes inside the store at Polo Park, and it was great. In addition to having a beautifully laid out selection of items, the sales associates were incredibly friendly. They kept mentioning that I should be having fun as I’m shopping, and that it’s fine to try things on without purchase because Swarovski jewellery is meant to be experienced. I think that was a very effective sales tactic, and I would have bought something if I wasn’t a starving student with no money.
In Sephora, I actually purchased a $24 tube of lip-gloss. It was an impulse buy that I can’t really afford, but I was mesmerized by the Parisian Moulin Rouge display that accompanied the line of beauty products. After returning to school, I eagerly pulled out my purchase to show it to a few classmates. Imagine my surprise when the item I pulled out of the box was NOT my beloved lip-gloss, but a completely different and thoroughly ugly tube of lip plumper. It had apparently been labeled incorrectly, and I was furious. As mentioned at the beginning of this report, I’m really not a mall person. Now, I have to get on a bus and go all the way back to Polo Park to return the item and – hopefully – get the correct one. That isn’t how I envisioned ending this assignment, and I definitely won’t be purchasing anything from Sephora again as a result.
Overall opinion: People shopping at a mall on a Monday morning largely don’t have anywhere else they need to be. While this is slightly depressing, it is also a huge advertising opportunity, and holding sales and promotions during this time would drastically increase traffic.
October 20, 2010
I am a ghost hunter
My IPP is very independent, and I don't really have much anyone can help me with. This is unfortunate, because I loved listening to CreComm's thank each other for their help at the IPP Presentations last year.
In an effort to infuse my presence in other CreComm's projects, I have started helping out everyone and anyone who needs something. I want to leave my mark on as many projects as possible, and my most recent endeavour has been ghost hunting with my good friend Jenn.
Miss Jenn Twardowski is filming a documentary about haunted locations around Manitoba. So far, she has visited three different places that are known to experience paranormal activity. I have accompanied her to each of these locations, and some of the things we've seen are pretty creepy.
Follow Jenn's progress on her blog, and come to the presentations in March to hear her talk all about what scary things happened to her -- and us -- as she put her documentary together. There are so many interesting IPP's this year, but Jenn's is one of my favourites.
In an effort to infuse my presence in other CreComm's projects, I have started helping out everyone and anyone who needs something. I want to leave my mark on as many projects as possible, and my most recent endeavour has been ghost hunting with my good friend Jenn.
Miss Jenn Twardowski is filming a documentary about haunted locations around Manitoba. So far, she has visited three different places that are known to experience paranormal activity. I have accompanied her to each of these locations, and some of the things we've seen are pretty creepy.
Follow Jenn's progress on her blog, and come to the presentations in March to hear her talk all about what scary things happened to her -- and us -- as she put her documentary together. There are so many interesting IPP's this year, but Jenn's is one of my favourites.
October 17, 2010
The Social Network
Last night, I finally saw The Social Network. I had been dying to watch it ever since I heard a movie was being made about the creation of Facebook, and I was not disappointed. Not only was the acting superb, but the story was fascinating. For those of you who have yet to see the movie, be advised, there might be spoilers in this post.
The real Mark Zuckerberg is currently a 26-year-old billionaire. He launched Facebook – initially called TheFacebook – in February of 2004. Today, there are over 500 million users spread over 26 countries. I use it. Nearly everyone I know uses it, and I don’t even want to think about the things I would miss without it. Facebook has become a part of everyday life for most people under the age of 40, and even people’s grandparents are wondering what all the fuss is about.
In The Social Network, Jesse Eisenberg plays Zuckerberg. I feel that he truly made the movie a success with his solid performance. Eisenberg kind of reminds me of an early Michael Cera, except he looks a bit older, a bit wiser, and a bit cuter. His off-kilter attitude and dry sense of humour are exactly what I love to watch, and he definitely played the part-good-guy part-bad-guy role well. Andrew Garfield plays Eduardo Saverin, Zuckerberg’s ex-best friend who initially financed Facebook, and I recognized him from his performance as Francis Weston in The Other Boleyn Girl. He did a great job as well, and I really felt bad for his character by the end of the movie.
The musical score for The Social Network was created by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (both from Nine Inch Nails), and seriously, it’s fantastic. They created dark, industrial-sounding music that will resonate through your body, and the movie wouldn’t have been the same without their contribution. I plan to purchase the soundtrack as soon as possible, and I can see myself listening to it while running, heading to school, or trying to find inspiration to write, read, or think. Buy it. Trust me.
Overall, the movie was one of the best I have seen this year. The story behind Facebook is interesting, the acting is great, and it’s definitely an entertaining movie. I recommend it to everyone – Facebook user or not – because it’s a great story about how anyone can come up with an idea that will make them rich, famous, hated, and loved all at the same time.
October 15, 2010
Dissecting my IPP one piece at a time
The time to begin editing my book has finally arrived. I have been waiting for this moment for five months, and thank God it's finally here. Reaching the editing stage means I have finished the writing stage, and can now focus on finalizing sentences and correcting grammar.
The downside to the editing stage is that I must begin the long and painful process of deciding what won't be included in my final draft. After meeting with my advisor, it was decided that the first thing to go will be the prologue. It is unnecessary (in my case), and provides information to the reader that really isn't needed.
So, my prologue got the axe. Oh well. Life goes on. But, of course, I've posted it here for anyone who is dying to know what I wrote...
I sat quietly on the floor and mentally willed my great-aunt Rose to continue speaking.
A moment earlier, we had been looking through a pile of old, black-and-white photographs from her childhood. She hadn’t taken them out in a long time, but sensed my eagerness to handle relics from the past. Even though she considered the pictures to be boring and uneventful, she flipped through the stack slowly while pointing to the faces of people she remembered.It wasn’t long before Rose started taking about her life. This was the moment I had been waiting for, and I nonchalantly slipped the notebook out of its hiding place under the rug and onto my lap.
It was August of 2007, and Rose was 91 years old. Her husband was long gone, she never had children, and her one remaining sibling died six months previously. She considered my family to be her closest relatives, which was one of the reasons why my mother and I decided to leave Manitoba and visit her in Armstrong, BC, that summer.
I also had an ulterior motive, and Rose quickly learned what it was. As the historian of the family, I have always made it my business to know as much about everything as humanly possible. Nothing was off limits, especially the lives of relatives. Initially, Rose only intended to tell me one, simple story. She ended up talking for hours, over three days, and I hung onto every word.
It was last spring, in 2010, that I decided to turn my notes into a story. Rose lived a long, interesting life that was – unfortunately – filled with more unhappiness than she deserved. For some reason, I felt that it was my duty to take her words and turn them into something she would be proud of. I fell in love with Rose during my visit. There were parts of her that I could see in myself, and for the first time I began to understand where I had inherited certain personality traits, such as my stubbornness, outspokenness, and sarcastic sense of humour.
The book is a collection of stories. I didn’t want to create a biography, so I’ve focused on the important aspects that I feel an audience can relate to. My goal was to re-create Rose as she was, and not censor or sugar-coat the things that happened to her. Her story is beautiful, it’s heart-breaking, but above all, it’s real. It’s the story of a woman who lived a hard life and came out victorious at the end.
With that being said, this is a work of fiction. It’s as historically accurate as it can be, but naturally there are things that I couldn’t possibly know. The dialogue has been loosely reconstructed from my notes, and I had to take liberties on more than one occasion. The story is set in Winnipeg, but in reality, Rose and her family grew up in British Columbia. This switch was intentional, and it allowed me to create a specific setting for the backdrop of my story. I have changed the name of a few characters – because I couldn’t find them to ask for permission – and have invented others. Rose didn’t have enough time to tell me about every single person in her life, so my imagination has served me well.
But even though the book is fiction, Rose is real. Her thoughts, her feelings, her actions, and her struggles are presented in as honest and straightforward a manner as possible. Writing an account of her life wasn’t easy, and I never imagined it would be so heartbreaking to relive the struggles of her life through her eyes. I hope you fall in love with Rose just as I did, because I have never met a braver woman in my entire life.
The downside to the editing stage is that I must begin the long and painful process of deciding what won't be included in my final draft. After meeting with my advisor, it was decided that the first thing to go will be the prologue. It is unnecessary (in my case), and provides information to the reader that really isn't needed.
So, my prologue got the axe. Oh well. Life goes on. But, of course, I've posted it here for anyone who is dying to know what I wrote...
Prologue: The woman behind the story
I sat quietly on the floor and mentally willed my great-aunt Rose to continue speaking.
A moment earlier, we had been looking through a pile of old, black-and-white photographs from her childhood. She hadn’t taken them out in a long time, but sensed my eagerness to handle relics from the past. Even though she considered the pictures to be boring and uneventful, she flipped through the stack slowly while pointing to the faces of people she remembered.It wasn’t long before Rose started taking about her life. This was the moment I had been waiting for, and I nonchalantly slipped the notebook out of its hiding place under the rug and onto my lap.
It was August of 2007, and Rose was 91 years old. Her husband was long gone, she never had children, and her one remaining sibling died six months previously. She considered my family to be her closest relatives, which was one of the reasons why my mother and I decided to leave Manitoba and visit her in Armstrong, BC, that summer.
I also had an ulterior motive, and Rose quickly learned what it was. As the historian of the family, I have always made it my business to know as much about everything as humanly possible. Nothing was off limits, especially the lives of relatives. Initially, Rose only intended to tell me one, simple story. She ended up talking for hours, over three days, and I hung onto every word.
It was last spring, in 2010, that I decided to turn my notes into a story. Rose lived a long, interesting life that was – unfortunately – filled with more unhappiness than she deserved. For some reason, I felt that it was my duty to take her words and turn them into something she would be proud of. I fell in love with Rose during my visit. There were parts of her that I could see in myself, and for the first time I began to understand where I had inherited certain personality traits, such as my stubbornness, outspokenness, and sarcastic sense of humour.
The book is a collection of stories. I didn’t want to create a biography, so I’ve focused on the important aspects that I feel an audience can relate to. My goal was to re-create Rose as she was, and not censor or sugar-coat the things that happened to her. Her story is beautiful, it’s heart-breaking, but above all, it’s real. It’s the story of a woman who lived a hard life and came out victorious at the end.
With that being said, this is a work of fiction. It’s as historically accurate as it can be, but naturally there are things that I couldn’t possibly know. The dialogue has been loosely reconstructed from my notes, and I had to take liberties on more than one occasion. The story is set in Winnipeg, but in reality, Rose and her family grew up in British Columbia. This switch was intentional, and it allowed me to create a specific setting for the backdrop of my story. I have changed the name of a few characters – because I couldn’t find them to ask for permission – and have invented others. Rose didn’t have enough time to tell me about every single person in her life, so my imagination has served me well.
But even though the book is fiction, Rose is real. Her thoughts, her feelings, her actions, and her struggles are presented in as honest and straightforward a manner as possible. Writing an account of her life wasn’t easy, and I never imagined it would be so heartbreaking to relive the struggles of her life through her eyes. I hope you fall in love with Rose just as I did, because I have never met a braver woman in my entire life.
October 12, 2010
Writing about "Canadian Idiot" for school... oh, yes.
A few weeks ago, we were instructed to write an essay about a poem or song that undermines the Grand Canadian Narrative.
For anyone who is actually curious, the Grand Canadian Narrative basically refers to everything and anything positive that Canada stands for. For some reason, I felt the need to analyze the song "Canadian Idiot" by Weird Al Yankovic.
I thought that I would fail the assignment for lack of imagination, but my instructor actually liked my arguments enough to give me an A. And, since this is my blog, I'm subjecting my readers to what I believe is a fantastic spin on a popular song. Also, my aunt lives in Arizona - but was born in Canada - and I think she'll get a kick out of reading it. Here goes...
Undermining the Canadian Grand Narrative in “Canadian Idiot”
A song doesn’t have to be a classic written by a famous musician for it to confront the Canadian grand narrative. American popular culture satirist, Al Yankovic, wrote “Canadian Idiot,” a parody of the hit song “American Idiot.” It focuses on various aspects of Canadian culture. Even though most of the aspects of Canadian culture mentioned are more or less true, the song ultimately undermines the Canadian grand narrative. It is filled with stereotypes, and any stereotype – whether it is portrayed as being positive or negative –simplifies the complexity of a culture, and Yankovic’s lyrics are unable to capture the multifaceted essence of Canada.
There are many generic stereotypes about Canada mentioned throughout the song. Our reputation of being over-indulging, beer-drinking hockey nuts is brought up in the second line. The third line uses the phrase “frostbitten hose-heads,” which is making reference to Bob and Doug McKenzie, a pair of fictional Canadian brothers who hosted “The Great White North” comedy sketch in the 1980s. It was a show that became incredibly popular in both Canada and the United States, and many of the stereotypes it depicted are still believed by Americans today. References are also made to Tim Hortons, Canadian accents, curling, Celine Dion, and the fact that Canadians are overly polite. These are all stereotypes, and even though they aren’t particularly harmful, they undermine all of the important things that Canada stands for.
Throughout the song there are also a number of references regarding deeper, more important issues about Canada. In the second verse the fact that Canadians don’t carry firearms is mentioned, but no effort is taken to dive deeper into the issue. In the fourth verse, it is stated that Canada has “national health care, cheaper meds, low crime rates and clean air.” But, the song doesn’t offer an explanation as to why this is possible. One who doesn’t know better could assume that Canada is a perfectly clean and safe place to live with free health care, but this isn’t necessarily true.
After thoroughly dissecting the lyrics, it’s obvious that research about Canada was conducted before the song was written. The song, however, is chalked full of stereotypes that distract and influence the listener. It isn’t clear what type of country Canada really is, and nothing important is discussed in any great detail. Overall, “Canadian Idiot” definitely undermines the Canadian grand narrative, although that is likely exactly what Yankovic intended to do.
For anyone who is actually curious, the Grand Canadian Narrative basically refers to everything and anything positive that Canada stands for. For some reason, I felt the need to analyze the song "Canadian Idiot" by Weird Al Yankovic.
I thought that I would fail the assignment for lack of imagination, but my instructor actually liked my arguments enough to give me an A. And, since this is my blog, I'm subjecting my readers to what I believe is a fantastic spin on a popular song. Also, my aunt lives in Arizona - but was born in Canada - and I think she'll get a kick out of reading it. Here goes...
Undermining the Canadian Grand Narrative in “Canadian Idiot”
A song doesn’t have to be a classic written by a famous musician for it to confront the Canadian grand narrative. American popular culture satirist, Al Yankovic, wrote “Canadian Idiot,” a parody of the hit song “American Idiot.” It focuses on various aspects of Canadian culture. Even though most of the aspects of Canadian culture mentioned are more or less true, the song ultimately undermines the Canadian grand narrative. It is filled with stereotypes, and any stereotype – whether it is portrayed as being positive or negative –simplifies the complexity of a culture, and Yankovic’s lyrics are unable to capture the multifaceted essence of Canada.
There are many generic stereotypes about Canada mentioned throughout the song. Our reputation of being over-indulging, beer-drinking hockey nuts is brought up in the second line. The third line uses the phrase “frostbitten hose-heads,” which is making reference to Bob and Doug McKenzie, a pair of fictional Canadian brothers who hosted “The Great White North” comedy sketch in the 1980s. It was a show that became incredibly popular in both Canada and the United States, and many of the stereotypes it depicted are still believed by Americans today. References are also made to Tim Hortons, Canadian accents, curling, Celine Dion, and the fact that Canadians are overly polite. These are all stereotypes, and even though they aren’t particularly harmful, they undermine all of the important things that Canada stands for.
Throughout the song there are also a number of references regarding deeper, more important issues about Canada. In the second verse the fact that Canadians don’t carry firearms is mentioned, but no effort is taken to dive deeper into the issue. In the fourth verse, it is stated that Canada has “national health care, cheaper meds, low crime rates and clean air.” But, the song doesn’t offer an explanation as to why this is possible. One who doesn’t know better could assume that Canada is a perfectly clean and safe place to live with free health care, but this isn’t necessarily true.
After thoroughly dissecting the lyrics, it’s obvious that research about Canada was conducted before the song was written. The song, however, is chalked full of stereotypes that distract and influence the listener. It isn’t clear what type of country Canada really is, and nothing important is discussed in any great detail. Overall, “Canadian Idiot” definitely undermines the Canadian grand narrative, although that is likely exactly what Yankovic intended to do.
- 30 -
Just in case you're curious, here's the video, with lyrics:
October 11, 2010
Just another day at the office
The last week has been utterly insane.
I’ve attended five separate meetings, one of which was two hours long and halfway across the city. I’ve written 45,000 words for assignments, filmed two movies for television class, edited both, written and posted three blogs about Greece, and compiled information for a presentation that I’m sure my classmates found long and painful.
I’ve also run around the Exchange District on two separate occasions, taking pictures of old buildings and fire escapes for another assignment. I have re-discovered my hatred for InDesign, and learned some fascinating tricks in Photoshop. Overall, it’s been a very involved week, and I am shocked that I’m still alive.
But, just as things get a little too crazy, I’m reminded of why I signed up for CreComm in the first place.
... with my friends, whom I love...
... and spend hours sitting in a little room editing it together. (Although, spending hours editing isn't always the most fun way to spend a Friday afternoon, but you make the best of it when they company is desirable).
I signed up for CreComm for the education, but I could never, ever leave because of the people. You all are wonderful, and thanks for being there when I need you.
I’ve attended five separate meetings, one of which was two hours long and halfway across the city. I’ve written 45,000 words for assignments, filmed two movies for television class, edited both, written and posted three blogs about Greece, and compiled information for a presentation that I’m sure my classmates found long and painful.
I’ve also run around the Exchange District on two separate occasions, taking pictures of old buildings and fire escapes for another assignment. I have re-discovered my hatred for InDesign, and learned some fascinating tricks in Photoshop. Overall, it’s been a very involved week, and I am shocked that I’m still alive.
But, just as things get a little too crazy, I’m reminded of why I signed up for CreComm in the first place.
What other program would allow me to run around downtown, take pictures of things I find interesting, and use them later in a project that I create all by myself?
And where else could I film a short movie...
... with my friends, whom I love...
... and spend hours sitting in a little room editing it together. (Although, spending hours editing isn't always the most fun way to spend a Friday afternoon, but you make the best of it when they company is desirable).
Last week was brutal. I can't pretend it wasn't. But even though I was stressed out, frustrated, and ready to quit, I kept going. I vented to my friends, had lunch at the King's Head, and reminded myself that everyone else is just as stressed out as I am.
I signed up for CreComm for the education, but I could never, ever leave because of the people. You all are wonderful, and thanks for being there when I need you.
October 9, 2010
Roman Polanski from a PR perspective
I just finished watching The Ghost Writer with Ewan McGregor and Kim Cattrall. I hate to admit it, but as far as Polanski films go, it wasn’t his best work. The film did, however, get me thinking about Polanski the man. He has lived a fascinating and tumultuous life, and the historian in me has always wanted to write about him.
Roman Polanski. Image taken from Google.
Roman Polanski was born in Paris, France, in 1933. Two years before the Second World War broke out in 1945, Polanski’s parents relocated the family to their native Poland. This proved to be disastrous, and both of his parents were sent to concentration camps. Polanski’s mother later died in Auschwitz, but his father survived. Father and son were reunited after the war, which rarely happens and is incredibly lucky.
Polanski decided to become a director, and began studying at the Lodz Film School. He moved to Hollywood, and made his US debut with Rosemary’s Baby in 1968. The following year, in 1969, Polanski’s pregnant wife – Sharon Tate – was one of the victims murdered by infamous Mason Family. He fled to Europe to deal with his grief, and re-appeared with the release of Chinatown (starring Jack Nicholson) in 1974.
And here is where this fascinating account loses me...
On March 11, 1977, Polanski was arrested for the sexual assault of 13-year-old Samantha Geimer that occurred the day before at the residence of Jack Nicholson. On February 1, 1978, Polanski fled to France to avoid being sentenced. As a French citizen, he is protected from extradition treaties with the United States. Until recently, Polanski has been living and working as a director in countries that won’t extradite him.
On September 26, 2009, Polanski was taken into custody at the Zurich Airport in Switzerland. He was held under house arrest, until a California Superior Court Judge ruled he must return to the United States to be sentenced for his 1977 crime.
On January 22, 2010, it was reported that Samantha Geimer’s lawyer – Lawrence Silver – has asked a California appeals court to drop the case against Polanski. In April of 2010, a California appeals court denied Geimer's request to dismiss the charges. The court ruled that Geimer "has no right or authority to dictate the outcome of a criminal case."
Samantha Geimer, then and now.
So, what happened?
On July 12, 2010, Swiss authorities announced they WOULDN’T extradite Polanski to the United States. The reasoning was that U.S. officials didn’t provide them with necessary records (which were required to determine if a 42-day court-ordered psychiatric evaluation Polanski underwent back in 1977 constituted his entire sentence. This was apparently the understanding in Switzerland, and the judge who originally dealt with the case is now deceased).
In an interview in August, 2010, Samantha Geimer spoke on Larry King Live about how she has forgiven Polanski and wants the case to be dropped. She also talked about the fact that she is happy the Swiss authorities decided not to force him to return the United States. To read the article and watch the video clip, click here.
Currently, Polanski still can’t return to the United States. If he does, he will be convicted. The incident took place 32 years ago, but it is likely that Polanski won’t be allowed back ever again. He has won a number of Oscar’s – including Best Director for The Pianist in 2003 – but was unable to enter the United States to collect his prizes.
What do I think?
Polanski initially received horrible PR when the incident occurred. When his second wife – Sharon Tate – was murdered in 1969, sympathy was on his side. Then, when he was charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl, the media turned on him. He was painted as a sleazy, Hollywood rapist, and many actors, directors, and producers were glad he took off for France.
Now, years later, I don’t know if I believe he should still be prosecuted. On the one hand, he did commit a crime. Polanski pled guilty to the charge of “unlawful sexual intercourse,” so had he stayed in the United States, he would have gone to jail. And, does it really matter how much time passes between the crime and the punishment?
But, on the other hand, his victim wants the charges to be dropped. Samantha Geimer has spoken about her desire to see Polanski left alone. It is the California appeals court who refuses to forget the matter. Shouldn’t the victim have the right to stop the proceedings? Especially over a decade later?
Geimer is definitely receiving positive PR in this situation. She is being gracious and understanding, and every news article I have read about her has only said good things. And, through his association with her, I believe Polanski is receiving positive PR as well. He can’t be such a bad guy if his victim wants to see him free. Can he?
I have been thinking about this issue ever since I heard Polanski was taken into custody in Switzerland in 2009. Now, over a year later, I still can’t make up my mind about how I really feel. The law is the law, and if someone commits a crime, they deserve to be prosecuted. The fact that Polanski fled instead of facing the music makes me angry. The fact that he went on to become an even more famous director than he already was is also frustrating. But, it has been a long time, and I think everyone is ready to move on.
October 6, 2010
Saying goodbye to my dirty little secret
I hate to admit it, but the first time I tried a cigarette, I was in junior high. Eighth grade to be exact, and I thought I was the coolest kid on the playground. Casual puffs from shared smokes gradually escalated into the constant weight of a pack in my pocket, and before I knew it, I was hooked.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve tried quitting many times. Some attempts were half-heartedly faked to please those around me. Others were legitimate endeavours. But for whatever reason, I always turned back to the horrible habit that has been my dirty little secret for far too long.
Of course, the fact that I’m a smoker is hardly a secret at all. Friends are well aware that I always need to stop outside and have a smoke before entering a building. My parents pretend not to be furious with my poor health choices when I “pop out back to check the structural integrity of the deck.” Even my instructors at school have made kind-hearted – yet half-serious – comments about staging an intervention because it appears that I’m always glued to the same section of pavement outside RRC’s south doors.
No, everyone knows I am a smoker, and that collective knowledge is one of the reasons I’m actually serious about giving up smoking once and for all.
Before my time, smoking was actually cool. Everyone did it, and it was an accepted part of life. Now, there is so much information available about what smoking does to people that I feel like a complete moron every time I throw $13 away on a pack of cigarettes. Smokers don’t tell people they’re smokers anymore. They hide around the corner at lunch, praying no one will catch them polluting their bodies. In today’s society, it’s not cool to smoke.
And, I seriously want to be cool.
No matter where I go or what I do throughout my life, I’ll always be a smoker. An ex-smoker, sure, but still a smoker nonetheless. I can’t go back in time and erase the decade of damage I’ve subjected my lungs to; nor can I forget the amazing taste of a freshly-lit cigarette with my morning coffee. Some things can’t be changed; therefore I must move forward and make smart decisions for my future.
I wish someone would have told me at 14 - when I picked up my first cigarette - that I was making a lifelong commitment that would affect everything in my life.
Oh, wait. Someone did. I was just too stubborn to listen, like most other teenagers. Well, my parents, teachers, family, and friends were all right, and I shouldn’t have been so determined to rebel.
It has been 15 days, 16 hours, and 10 minutes since my last cigarette. I know, it’s barely a beginning, but this is a monumental milestone for me. Two of my classmates – who were supposed to be my quitting partners – have already turned back to smoking, which makes me even more determined to succeed.
I’m sure that I will post quite a few more quitting posts throughout my struggle, but writing about what I’m going through will hopefully eliminate some of the pressure. One way or another, I’m going to do this, because I’m truly sick of lying about my dirty little secret.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve tried quitting many times. Some attempts were half-heartedly faked to please those around me. Others were legitimate endeavours. But for whatever reason, I always turned back to the horrible habit that has been my dirty little secret for far too long.
Of course, the fact that I’m a smoker is hardly a secret at all. Friends are well aware that I always need to stop outside and have a smoke before entering a building. My parents pretend not to be furious with my poor health choices when I “pop out back to check the structural integrity of the deck.” Even my instructors at school have made kind-hearted – yet half-serious – comments about staging an intervention because it appears that I’m always glued to the same section of pavement outside RRC’s south doors.
No, everyone knows I am a smoker, and that collective knowledge is one of the reasons I’m actually serious about giving up smoking once and for all.
Before my time, smoking was actually cool. Everyone did it, and it was an accepted part of life. Now, there is so much information available about what smoking does to people that I feel like a complete moron every time I throw $13 away on a pack of cigarettes. Smokers don’t tell people they’re smokers anymore. They hide around the corner at lunch, praying no one will catch them polluting their bodies. In today’s society, it’s not cool to smoke.
And, I seriously want to be cool.
No matter where I go or what I do throughout my life, I’ll always be a smoker. An ex-smoker, sure, but still a smoker nonetheless. I can’t go back in time and erase the decade of damage I’ve subjected my lungs to; nor can I forget the amazing taste of a freshly-lit cigarette with my morning coffee. Some things can’t be changed; therefore I must move forward and make smart decisions for my future.
I wish someone would have told me at 14 - when I picked up my first cigarette - that I was making a lifelong commitment that would affect everything in my life.
Oh, wait. Someone did. I was just too stubborn to listen, like most other teenagers. Well, my parents, teachers, family, and friends were all right, and I shouldn’t have been so determined to rebel.
It has been 15 days, 16 hours, and 10 minutes since my last cigarette. I know, it’s barely a beginning, but this is a monumental milestone for me. Two of my classmates – who were supposed to be my quitting partners – have already turned back to smoking, which makes me even more determined to succeed.
I’m sure that I will post quite a few more quitting posts throughout my struggle, but writing about what I’m going through will hopefully eliminate some of the pressure. One way or another, I’m going to do this, because I’m truly sick of lying about my dirty little secret.
October 3, 2010
It’s a concrete jungle, baby
I could have spent weeks wandering around the island of Santorini, but on the fourth day, mom and I took a ferry back to Athens. We arrived in the wee hours of the morning, and had one day to see everything the historic city has to offer. For us, there were two places we wanted to visit, and the first of which was the Acropolis.
The Parthenon. It's simply magnificent.The maître’d at our hotel gave us an important piece of advice that I must pass on. He advised us to either visit the Acropolis early in the morning or late in the day. Especially during August, Greece’s hottest month of the year. We accepted his advice gratefully, and left the hotel as early as possible. But, we arrived at the Acropolis at about 11 a.m., and I could already feel the sun beginning to burn a hole into the back of my shirt. I believe it was about 43 degrees that day, and I started to wilt early in the afternoon.
The term acropolis means upper city. It is a large mountain in the middle of the city on which a number of historical buildings are situated.The Parthenon, naturally, is the most famous landmark. It is also the structure that is lit up and visible around Athens at night. The Erecthion is also located on the top of the mountain - adjacent to the Parthenon – on the site where Poseidon and Athena had their contest to decide who would be the Patron of the city. Athena touched the ground with a spear, and an olive tree grew. She was declared the victor, and the city was named after her.
The Erectheon
From the top of the mountain, you can see a number of additional historic sites below. The Plaka, Olympic Stadium, the Thission, and the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus are by far the most popular.
Just so you know, there are multiple entrances to the Acropolis. The Propylaea is the main entrance, and unfortunately, it was located on the opposite side from where we entered. This made it quite difficult to find our way to the top. I would suggest carefully consulting a map of the area before embarking up the mountain. It gets very, very hot, and wasting energy by going in the wrong direction is quite disheartening.
View from the top of the Acropolis, looking down on Athens.
It is located in Monastiraki, the most visited area of the city. It is also directly in front of the back entrance to the Acropolis, so there is quite a number of tourists milling about at all times.
A view down one of the many, winding streets of the Flea Market.
We wanted to visit the flea market because we had heard that it was quite an experience. The most memorable moment for me was when we turned a corner and found a young boy selling old WWII Nazi paraphernalia. Yes, I know this will alarm most people, but the historian inside me was instantly fascinated. There were medals, eagle pendants, and a swastika arm band. The items were too expensive to purchase, but at least I was able to touch them and take a few photos.
An armband, a medal of valour, and something that was probably on a building.
Concrete jungle: Athens had 4.5 million residents. Most of them live in high rise apartments. As we drove through the city in a taxi, I looked around in awe. The entire city looked like a huge apartment complex. Building after building made of the same, colourless cement spanned as far as the eye could see.
Bootlegged merchandise: Occasionally, mom and I would see a young man carrying a huge bed sheet filled with merchandise running from the police. We didn’t understand what was happening until we received a live demonstration. Men will sell purses, belts, and sunglasses illegally to tourists throughout the city. They have all of the items arranged strategically on a bed sheet or trifold. If they are caught by police, they pick up the sheet/trifold in one, quick swoop, and take off running to avoid being arrested.
To-stay and to-go food prices: When you purchase food from a street vendor, decide if you want to sit down or not ahead of time. We learned this the hard way. You must pay more if you wish to sit and eat. Crazy, but true.
Athens meat market: Mom wanted to walk through it, and I agreed to come along. Bad decision. Picture row after row of giant pieces of meat being butchered by men covered in blood and wielding giant cleavers. After a few moments, I turned to mom and told her I would meet her outside. I half walked, half ran for the exit while not to throw up. Ugh. It was awful.
The Meat Market. It's huge. If you're squeamish - like me - stay away!
The Parthenon. This is actually smoke in the background. At first, we thought it was just pollution. We were very wrong.
I have one Greece post left, and I promise it will be good...
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