Immortal Technique~The Poverty of Philosophy

Immortal Technique ~ Poverty of Philosophy
This is my favourite Immortal Technique song...although it is spoken word. It is one of the most intense and compelling pieces that I have ever heard. Educate yourself, listen and learn.
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Most of my Latino and black people who are struggling to get food, clothes and shelter in the hood are so concerned with that, that philosophising about freedom and socialist democracy is usually unfortunately beyond their rationale. They don't realize that America can't exist without separating them from their identity, because if we had some sense of who we really are, there's no way in hell we'd allow this country to push it's genocidal consensus on our homelands. This ignorance exists, but it can be destroyed.Nigga talk about change and working within the system to achieve that. The problem with always being a conformist is that when you try to change the system from within, it's not you who changes the system; it's the system that will eventually change you. There is usually nothing wrong with compromise in a situation, but compromising yourself in a situation is another story completely, and I have seen this happen long enough in the few years that I've been alive to know that it's a serious problem. Latino America is a huge colony of countries whose presidents are cowards in the face of economic imperialism. You see, third world countries are rich places, abundant in resources, and many of these countries have the capacity to feed their starving people and the children we always see digging for food in trash on commercials. But plutocracies, in other words a government run by the rich such as this one and traditionally oppressive European states, force the third world into buying overpriced, unnecessary goods while exporting huge portions of their natural resources.I'm quite sure that people will look upon my attitude and sentiments and look for hypocrisy and hatred in my words. My revolution is born out of love for my people, not hatred for others.You see, most of Latinos are here because of the great inflation that was caused by American companies in Latin America. Aside from that, many are seeking a life away from the puppet democracies that were funded by the United States; places like El Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, Columbia, Nicaragua, Ecuador and Republica Dominicana, and not just Spanish-speaking countries either, but Haiti and Jamaica as well.As different as we have been taught to look at each other by colonial society, we are in the same struggle and until we realize that, we'll be fighting for scraps from the table of a system that has kept us subservient instead of being self-determined. And that's why we have no control over when the embargo will stop in Cuba, or when the bombs will stop dropping in Vieques.But you see, here in America the attitude that is fed to us is that outside of America there live lesser people. "Fuck them, let them fend for themselves." No, Fuck you, they are you. No matter how much you want to dye your hair blonde and put fake eyes in, or follow an anorexic standard of beauty, or no matter how many diamonds you buy from people who exploit your own brutally to get them, no matter what kind of car you drive or what kind of fancy clothes you put on, you will never be them. They're always gonna look at you as nothing but a little monkey. I'd rather be proud of what I am, rather than desperately trying to be something I'm really not, just to fit in. And whether we want to accept it or not, that's what this culture or lack of culture is feeding us.I want a better life for my family and for my children, but it doesn't have to be at the expense of millions of lives in my homeland. We're given the idea that if we didn't have these people to exploit then America wouldn't be rich enough to let us have these little petty material things in our lives and basic standards of living. No, that's wrong. It's the business giants and the government officials who make all the real money. We have whatever they kick down to us. My enemy is not the average white man, it's not the kid down the block or the kids I see on the street; my enemy is the white man I don't see: the people in the white house, the corporate monopoly owners, fake liberal politicians those are my enemies. The generals of the armies that are mostly conservatives those are the real Mother-Fuckers that I need to bring it to, not the poor, broke country-ass soldier that's too stupid to know shit about the way things are set up.In fact, I have more in common with most working and middle-class white people than I do with most rich black and Latino people. As much as racism bleeds America, we need to understand that classism is the real issue. Many of us are in the same boat and it's sinking, while these bougie Mother-Fuckers ride on a luxury liner, and as long as we keep fighting over kicking people out of the little boat we're all in, we're gonna miss an opportunity to gain a better standard of living as a whole.In other words, I don't want to escape the plantation I want to come back, free all my people, hang the Mother-Fucker that kept me there and burn the house to the god damn ground. I want to take over the encomienda and give it back to the people who work the land.You cannot change the past but you can make the future, and anyone who tells you different is a Fucking lethargic devil. I don't look at a few token Latinos and black people in the public eye as some type of achievement for my people as a whole. Most of those successful individuals are sell-outs and house Negros.But, I don't consider brothers a sell-out if they move out of the ghetto. Poverty has nothing to do with our people. It's not in our culture to be poor. That's only been the last 500 years of our history; look at the last 2000 years of our existence and what we brought to the world in terms of science, mathematics, agriculture and forms of government. You know the idea of a confederation of provinces where one federal government controls the states? The Europeans who came to this country stole that idea from the Iroquois lead. The idea of impeaching a ruler comes from an Aztec tradition. That's why Montezuma was stoned to death by his own people 'cause he represented the agenda of white Spaniards once he was captured, not the Aztec people who would become Mexicans.So in conclusion, I'm not gonna vote for anybody just 'cause they black or Latino they have to truly represent the community and represent what's good for all of us proletariat.Viva la revolution!

Happy Halloween

Saturday night's alright! Went to the Halloween Dance. Dressed up as Foxy Disco Diva! Yes, that is a blonde afro...for those of you who don't know me as well as you should, I considered getting my natural hair done like that but for fear that my hair guru might actually kill me, I decided on the wig. *smiles* It was a super great time. If you are interested in seeing more photos...

www.flickr.com/photos/vivaglam

We had a great time. I had a bit too much to drink but thank the heavens, no hangover yesterday for work. Tired yes, but no headache...happy day. The costumes were great. Valemount isn't as bad as I always thought. This was a dance where I knew everyone and had a blast.

Friday Night I was a chaperone for the High School Halloween Dance. Talk about feeling ancient. And I got a huge eye-opening. See, I always got drunk before the dances in high school, just like everyone else I went to school with. Upon walking into the gym on Friday I realized just how retarded I was to think that no one noticed. How could you not??? *laughing* The kids thought, like I once did, that they were being so smooth and hiding it so well. They definately were not. *laugh* And while I didn't have to get anyon in trouble, I did have to get in the middle of a girl fight. It is unbelieveable the things that teenage girls find to fight about. *laughing* Stop the insanity!

As for Halloween day...I'm sitting around in my casual clothes, making a CD, contemplating life and getting stoked to ride the firetruck tonight! *laughing* Here in the Valley we have fireworks at night on Halloween and the firemen just happen to be my best friends so I get to ride in the firetruck! Yea, and have hot chocolate, yes I'm only 6. *laughing* Gotta run, it is shower time.

Kayne West for President

I've been doing alot of soul searching lately. It seems that when I'm listening to music I always identify with the lyrics. I've been listening to alot of Kanye lately. Specifically "Jesus Walks." This song is so incredible for so many reasons. He says exactly how I've been feeling lately. "I wanna talk to God but I'm afraid because we haven't spoken in so long." Thats me. I really am desperate to find my faith. I want to be able to have a personal relationship with something bigger than myself, something undefinable, something wise and all-seeing. I sound a bit like an infomercial. THere was a time when I read the bible everyday, not alot as I was very very young and didn't understand, but I felt that "God" was the only entity out there who understood me. I'm faced with the same feeling right now. I want to find my faith but I'm afriad because of all that I have seen and done in the past years. I went from Sunday School good girl, to atheist bad girl, to Wiccan-ritual doing, spritual magic doer, to lost in the forest of religion. I have a few close friends who are devote Catholics, they've been extreamly kind to me, and very very helpful in the faith-seeking nature of mine. I have other friends who are Christian and pretty much keep to themselves about religion. I am tired of hearing the pulpit being used as a political soap box. I am also sick of those who are so into being "God's children" but so self riteous that they lose sight of what is really important and don't even get me started on the wannbe's. I don't think that religion is something that makes you cool or uncool, it is a personal thing but it isn't something to be used for the wrong reasons. Kayne West talks about what is wrong the world and how only Jesus can save us. Maybe he is right, maybe he isn't but I think he is getting the message right. He has his mind in the right place. What appeals most to be as far as Kayne's faith is that he doesn't expect a person to be perfect. He talks about wanting the wrong things from the music business. He talks about smoking pot and having one night stands. He talks about putting himself out there trying to do what he feels is right and getting thrown off course because of his human nature. What is important is that he tries to stay true to himself. If Kanye ran for President, I'd vote yes any day!

My Ode to Sweatshop Union

My Ode to Sweatshop Union (taken from my Myspace blog.)

So October 18th came. I was beside myself with excitement. It felt like Christmas eve. I was finally going to be able to see my favourite lyricists in person: live show. Sweatshop Union was making a stop in Jasper and I had gotten the days off to go see the show. I worked that morning, hardly able to concentrate, so curious and excited about the night before me. We all got together and got ready, got in the van and drove to Jasper. When we first got to the club I was dismayed to see that there was no one inside...my first thought was that perhaps they had cancelled, but DJ Rob said that the show was going to be a late one so I didn't worry too much more. We walked outside, the girls started going a bit insane and waving and pointing, turns out that our group was staying in the hotel room right above the club, so we waved and went along our merry way to get some pre-show drinks. After a couple of gin and tonics later we were ready. We headed back to the B and got our tables...the boys had more drinking inmind and quickly the excitment and bodies in the club grew. My favourite Kyprios song came on so Nicki and I went and danced, and I was just feeling good and having a great time when I looked over to Rob the DJ and noticed him talking to Kyprios. I almost fell down. *laugh* I am such the drama queen and I was so unsure what to do. The guys from the group were all standing there, less than five feet from us but I didn't want to be that girl who runs over and gushes all over them, but then I also knew that they knew that I knew who they were so I should probably do something. In perfect big sister form I sent over baby sister to say hello. She was alot more intoxicated than I and had no quams going over to the boys and saying hello. I kept dancing and just getting more and more stoked for the show. Pretty soon they were announcing the Sweatshop Union. The night flew by after this, what was two hours seemed like 2 minutes. They were much better than I had expected. When I worked as a talent scount for Trans Continental Talent in LA, I saw hundreds of hip hop shows, and usually either the show was good and the CD wasn't or vice versa. Because I had heard only Sweatshop's CD's and Kyprios live I wasn't too sure what to expect. Rapping on stage in front of a live crowd is a tough task, the breathing has to be just right, flow, and music has to perfect. They were AWESOME! I was beyond impressed really. I was spellbound. Although they were missing one member (Get well soon) they rocked my socks right off! I want to praise each member individually but I feel a bit ridiculous calling them by their "handles" I feel like such a groupie although after reading the above, obviously I am...*laugh* To begin with, Marmalade...looks like a regular cutie. White boy can spit! He was solid during the entire show, has a smile that I'm sure melts many hearts and a range with his voice that keeps lyrical fans totally enthralled. Impressive. Metty. Has this odd sex appeal. I'm not usually a fan of the skater guy but he has this stage personality that makes him irresistable. He raps like he was born doing it. He was the only one I didn't get to say thanks for the show too, so thanks! Dusty...the dreds are great! The dancing was even better. This guy is unreal. Speaks so fast that his voice makes its own music. Not to mention his happy and genuine smiles! DJ Itchy Ron...I love New York too! Great work on the tables...being a DJ is super hard work but Ron makes it look so easy. He has this shy smile, sings with the hooks and scratches his way through the sets...he makes everything work together...a live DJ to spin, every MC should be so lucky. Mos...where do I begin. Okay, so I have a soft spot for those black/brown eyes. He was fantastic. The lyrics and ryhmes that he raps, you can tell come from his soul. He puts alot of passion into the stage show and makes eye contact with the crowd. He was so mesmerizing it was hard to take your eyes off him. Kyprios. My old friend from last summer. Incredible yet again. He really has an integral place within this group although solo he is awesome too. Kyprios has a presence on the stage that only adds to aura of the Union. Kyprios has a way of speaking that goes beyond rapping...he is truly the master of the spoken word. Live he is almost possessed by his hip hop soul. The way that he moves, the way that he plays around, the way that the words leap from his mouth and into your mind...it is truly something to see. Thank you Sweatshop Union! SO yea, I guess you can say that I loved the show. I will definately be seeking them out to see again and again and I will also help to educate the world of the greatness of Sweatshop Union. They're here to show the the world how strong CANADA IS!

The Weight Debate

So I finally, four months after getting the email, looked at the gastric bypass page. I'm so scared. I am scared that I will go ahead with this surgery and ruin my life. I am also scared not to do this surgery and live my life unhealthy and unattracitve. Although it isn't about looks for me, I know that I'm fine now. I am not really sure how to feel about this. I realize that my weight is getting out of control but shouldn't I really deeply want to change it? Because I don't feel that way everyday. Some days, I'm all gung-ho, and other days, I'm totally against it. Do I have more than one personality? Perhaps. I don't know. If anyone reading this has any information that they'd like to pass on, please do!

In totally unrelated news, Hootie and the Blowfish have a new song out. Just the sound of his voice brings me back to grade eight. Hanging around the arcade, being silly but trying to be so mature. Life is funny. When I was that age I thought that by 20 my life would be planned and running smoothly. I kinda always knew I would move to the US...but I didn't think it would be like this. In all honestly, as far as George is concerned, my life is better than I had hoped at 13, but career wise I am a total failure to my youth. I had planned to graduate law school by 23. Here I am 24 years old and no law degree...no real job...not even living with my husband. I also thought that I would definately have kids by 25. I am so not ready yet although my biological clock is thundering inside me. Everytime I see a baby, I am almost in tears and I just look at my friends who have children around me and how together their lives seem. Maybe that's what I'm missing, just having my life together. I am such a mess. I don't know what I want to do with my life. I love doing makeup, and would love to be a makeup artist but when it comes down to it, I don't think it would be good enough for me to feel satisfied. That being said, I don't want an office job. I want a job that I love, that is always changing and that helps people. I really want to go into politics. I am good at public speaking. I have good ideas and strong ideals. I just don't know where to start. Blah blah blah. I am feeling that I am in a crossroads right now, I feel that I need to start making a choice. Even though I've been in a holding pattern for over a year due to this immigration nightmare...at least I think we're on the downward slope now. Or so I hope. Well I need to run off and do my laundry.

Move over Eros

The New Happiest Place on Earth

**can you believe this? who needs Disneyworld???**

LONDON (AP) -
Developers announced plans Friday to open a multimillion dollar sexual "theme park" near London's Piccadilly Circus, home to the much-photographed statue of the Greek god of love. Backers say the London Academy of Sex and Relationships, due to open next spring, will not be a sleazy sex museum, but an educational multimedia attraction that will teach visitors to become better lovers and provide valuable information about disease and sexual problems.
Located within the Trocadero entertainment centre - just around the corner from Soho, London's red-light district - the $8.3 million US project will feature unspecified "high tech and interactive exhibits."
Alex Rayner, a spokesman for the project, said it was "committed to avoiding the sleazy image that the sex industry usually conjures."
"Titillation is not the goal," he said. "It's meant to be educational. It's meant to be informative."
The privately funded project has support from sexual health organizations including the Sexual Dysfunction Association and AIDS charity The Terrence Higgins Trust.
"It is long overdue that the U.K. faces up to its responsibilities in the sexual arena - we cannot simply avoid mankind's leading preoccupation and the issues that go with it," said the academy's director of exhibits, Dr. Sarah Brewer. "The academy is the perfect vehicle by which to address these important matters in an exciting, amusing and yet educational way."
Several cities around the world - including New York, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Paris - are home to erotic museums. Typically, they exhibit everything from pornography to high-minded paintings exploring local sexual attitudes and culture.

Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Schepens!

So this weekend I was blessed to attend the wedding of two of my favourite people. Shane and Carrie, if you are reading this, your wedding was incredible. You two are an inspiration to all who know you. I love you guys! For those of you who don't know Shane and Carrie, they are the world newly married super couple. Carrie is this sweet, adorable, strong and motivated woman who is also my sorority sister (we were initated as sisters, we stay as sisters.) Carrie and I met at UNBC in 1999. She was a bright rainbow. Carrie doesn't have a favourite colour, she says her favourite is the rainbow, which is exactly like her. A carebear. *smiles* She gives the greatest hugs (sorry George.) She can always pick you up when you're down, and she makes me laugh constantly. She is going to make the world's best teacher. Obviously her love for children will make her the most sought after Montessori (sorry if I spelled it wrong) teacher on the planet.

Shane and I met through Student Success Week. I believe that we had met before then actually but we became friends through that two week session. Shane was my saving grace at 7 am with a hot pot of coffee and a quick smile. I quickly fell in love with Shane. Not romantically but on a purely friendship level. Shane and I have alot in common actually. Not only are we smart but we're also so cute. *laugh* Okay, maybe Shane is alot more smart than I and perhaps a bit cuter! *smile* Shane and I then started working at NUGSS (Northern Undergraduate Student Society.) I was Vice President Director of Internal Affairs and Shane was Vice President Director of Finance. Shane was unreal. He had the numbers down to a science, and any question I possibly had about anything UNBC he knew it. Shane also has a huge heart. When I was having troubles in NUGSS due to 23 of my available 24 hours a day devoted to the office and student society stuff, I had little time for class and Shane helped to bring me back to reality of why I was at UNBC. Shane also was always available to offer a huge hug and a quick smile whenever I was feeling less than stellar. Now you might be thinking that is it. Shane and I also shared another passion, politics. Between him and the other boys on our board of directors, I learned anything and everything that I know from them. Shane taught me how to use the facts, to always put your heart and soul into it and to always always always do what is right no matter what it might cost. Shane is awesome.

So upon reading this you are definately thinking, of course, how much better can two people be for each other. You'd be right. They are perfect. Shane and Carrie met after Shane and I did Student Success Week. I'd like to believe that I set them up, however, it was fate and God that brought them together. These two have been meant to be together since birth. Their wedding was just yet another chapter of their wonderful life together. I can't wait to see the babies! I will also post pictures ASAP.

I also have a bunch of stuff to write about Sarah and Curt, Suzy and Mark, Amanda and Nate, Mr. Moe, Saleema, Bailey and everyone else that I saw this weekend that I missed so much! So keep tuned in.