Someone came to this blog via this site and I had to confirm I was the author of this blog. I've done this several times on various different sites. I don't know why I do this. Maybe I want credit for my hard work. Or I have a huge ego that can only be satisfy through random acknowledgement of semi-secret blog.
[EDIT: Corrections are sometimes necessary]
Hope it doesn't rain. The municipal city workers strike has cancelled the local Canada Day celebrations but it hasn't stopped people's BBQ. And I don't have to work today! YAY!
I've been thinking about the politics of travel.
Aside from the environmental issues, there's the political implications of going on vacation. I don't know how I feel. I want to see the world but... how do you support an industry that doesn't fairly compensate the locals? How do I travel around in luxury when most of the people in the places I'd be visiting can't afford clean drinking water? I realize that by living and working in the modern world, enjoying the fruits of multi-national corporations' domination of the global economy I silently accept the unjust world order that keeps so many living in poverty and causes terrible violence.
[The places that have caused me to think are parts of Africa, like Algeria, Botswana, and Ghana]
My new glasses caused me similar concerns. They were 1/10 the cost of what I could buy retail and came directly from the People's Republic of China. I didn't support any local business and did entire transaction via my credit card and the web. Now, I don't make a lot of money and hundreds of dollars for new glasses wasn't within my means. The price I paid was very much within my means.
When I can afford to live by my politics I will. For now, I've got to exercise my political will in other, smaller ways. I'm not an idealist; I'm just trying to be practical. My best solution at the moment? To give a small donation to a non-profit organization. It's small, but it's a start. My financial situation makes my dreams of travelling just a dream.
Was thinking about going to the Toronto Gay Pride Parade today but it's raining, so I'm not. I want to be supportive but at the same time I don't want to get wet or catch a cold. I guess weather triumphs politics/solidarity. Instead, I'm going to watch Fired Up. That's pretty gay, right?
It's fucking hot. 18th floor without A/C. Nights have been killer. Being at camp last summer meant I didn't enjoy the apartment in the summer. Fuck. Damn...
I've got a problem with Google Maps and people's reliance on them instead of traditional maps/map books. While Google Maps can give me the exact location, I find their written directions to be a little confusing. I've gotten lost so many times with those directions it's not funny, especially with my new job which requires driving all around southern Ontario. If there's an accident or lots of traffic you can't easily detour because you don't know where you'll meet back up with written directions. I guess that's the same problem with directions your friends give but those also include statements like "right near the large hotel". I'd much rather look at a map and plan the route in my head. Maybe I'm old fashion (still don't understand Twitter). Who knows...
Today UFC and I walked down Queen Street West. We ran into the Much Music Video Awards. It's crazy and we got to see the Rise Against and Lady Gaga sound checks. Aside from that, we bought each other our anniversary presents and had a nice day.
Also, I got the glasses I ordered over the internet. They fit well and UFC really likes them, which is a plus. My co-worker said I looked like a stereotypical Asian comic book nerd. Fair enough.
