A View From The Drive http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com Most recent posts at A View From The Drive posterous.com Mon, 03 Jan 2011 01:46:41 -0800 Lars The Relic http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/lars-the-relic http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/lars-the-relic
Media_httpmacgurrlfil_myeoc
This car has been around since the 70's.  The owner of the car is a tenant in my apartment block.  As you can see the car has seen better days, I guess you can say this old Volvo has been a road warrior.  The tenant's father gave him the car, and he just cant seem to part with it, he even gave the car a name.  He likes to call it "Lars".  For now Lars, sits around more, than goes anywhere.  I guess, his get  up and go has got up and gone.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Sun, 12 Dec 2010 20:28:43 -0800 The Bullied http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-bullied http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-bullied

Media_httpmacgurrlfil_hbzwb
Ever since the suicide death of Tyler Cleminti there has been broad attention given to the subject of "Bullying and Bullies". What his roommate Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei did by broadcastig a video of Tyler with another young man, was inplurable and should of never happened. What is more shocking is that the perpetrators are both of a minority group, which in turn would make me believe that sometime in their young lives, they would of experienced prejudice and possibly suffered from verbal abuse.

This brings me to my own saga. I was never a bully, but one of the bullied. I know that times have changed with cyberspace and weapons in schools, but in my day (the 60's and 70's) it was the verbal and the physical bullying that could scar a person for life, and scar it did. I still carry some of this baggage around with me to this day, it never totally vanishes.

I was teased verbally and beaten down physically in school because I was taller than the other kids and extremely shy. Numerous individuals in the past voiced, "that shy people should learn to defend themselves". I disagree; the bullies need to learn tolerance and that being different or eccentric doesn't give you the right to ridicule and assault someone.

Later in life when I came into my own self, somehow I was able to gain a bit of self esteem and confidence (I did it through music and guitar), and turn a negative into a positive. What I do now if I see a bully mistreating someone is step in and make sure that the situation is halted. I also make sure to tell the bully that they should look at themselves before they judge others. It seems that you are either too fat, short, tall, skinny, stupid, smart or the wrong color or sexual orientation. If you just standby and watch you are just as the guilty as the bullies.

I am sure that as long as there are teenagers there will be bullies, I don't think it will ever end. It is the job of educators, parents (this is where it begins) and us as a society to reach out, nurture and educate those menacing teenagers before they become bullies and destroy someone's life.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Sat, 28 Aug 2010 19:46:26 -0700 A Whole Lot Of Rosie http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/a-whole-lot-of-rosie http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/a-whole-lot-of-rosie
Media_httpmacgurrlfil_zbwbd
Rosie is my four-legged canine friend. She lives in the same building as I do with her "Pack Leader" Doug. In her eight years, she has been to hell and back. She had two previous owners who broke her legs. Where they were broken the fur doesn’t quite grow properly. To know her and see her now you would never know that she was once an abused and fearful dog. Just yesterday Doug said that Rosie was once just like one of those dogs on the “The Dog Whisperer”. It took Doug’s niece a whole year of rehabilitation to get Rosie to the dog she is today. She was very fearful of people, and you can’t exactly blame her. Now she loves people! Before she goes for a walk she runs to me and has to give me a kiss or two and then she goes on her way. Perhaps, that makes her day, but it most definitely makes mine.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:40:24 -0700 10 Things About Me That May Surprise You! http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/10-things-about-me-that-may-surprise-you http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/10-things-about-me-that-may-surprise-you

Media_httpmacgurrlfil_gmthf

Lately, I have been using online prompts to help me blog. Being without my muse Lefty, or inspiration, they are a great help. The two I have been using are "Plinky" and "Day Dreaming On Paper." Today's prompt is "List 10 things that people are always surprised to find out about you". Some people will not be surprised, the ones that have known me most of my life, and you know who you are. I guess, telling people all of these things is a little revealing, and some of them might even be considered secrets.

1. I am bipolar (and have been most of my life)

2. I am of Russian decent

3. I own a Mac & a Windows PC

4. I used to run a open mic night

5. I can cook (and I don't mean heating up frozen dinners)

6. I used to smoke

7. I have a cat named "Smokey" who owns me

8. I can fix most PC problems (just ask my family & friends)

9. I don't drink alcohol

10. I used to sing, play guitar and mandolin

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:34:09 -0700 Lefty Snoozing http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/lefty-snoozing http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/lefty-snoozing

Media_httpmacgurrlfil_kagey
If anyone read my recent post you would of read that my "dog-son" Lefty has left the building. I found this picture while looking for pictures of Jack Russell's. I can only imagine this is what he would look like if he slept in a bed. Sweet Dreams Lefty wherever you may rest your head tonight.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Tue, 17 Aug 2010 03:54:27 -0700 Setting the Scene: In My Neigborhood http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/setting-the-scene-in-my-neigborhood http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/setting-the-scene-in-my-neigborhood

Media_https3amazonaws_fczfy

Very quickly you notice the neighborhood din. The cars, buses, bikes, dogs, children, people chattering, coffee cups clinking as the locals sit in the outdoor cafes, cajoling loudly with each other. Just a block away are quiet tree lined streets, with beautifully painted houses. Don’t look for any high-rises here, because you won’t find them.

The people are as diverse as the entertainment, cuisine and shops. It’s the kind of place, that the shopkeeper knows you by name. You can usually hear the elderly men outside on “The Drive” arguing about soccer teams or the price of eggplant. They all live together in harmony, no matter what their ethnicity. You can savor the aroma that permeates and wafts through the air. Keep strolling along and you can relish in everything from poutine to paella to chicken curry, there is something for everyone’s palate.

This is where I live and the hood I call home, and there isn’t a place that I would rather be, on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,

 

Media_httpwwwplinkyco_jrhlf

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Fri, 13 Aug 2010 05:42:38 -0700 The One Who Got Away http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-one-who-got-away http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-one-who-got-away

Media_https3amazonaws_hzhoz
It has been quite some time, or so it seems since I have seen my beloved. No matter how down or depressed I was, he would always bring a smile to my face. We were always so glad to see each other, we were inseparable. I could always tell how much he loved me, it was in his eyes (eyes never lie) When he was near me he would smother me with kisses, it would be difficult for him to stop. I know now there will never be another one like him. I miss him so much, and look at his picture daily to remember all the fond memories. I don't think, I will ever forget him as long as I live. I know no one else will ever compare. His name is Lefty and he is a wire-haired Jack Russell canine.

He used to come and visit me every Friday. I would look forward to his visits, but now due to some unseen circumstances, he can no longer come to the apartment block that I live in. It breaks my heart........

 

Media_httpwwwplinkyco_lidjl

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Tue, 03 Aug 2010 07:38:36 -0700 The Movie That Moved Me http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-movie-that-moved-me http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-movie-that-moved-me

This movie moved me because it took me back to my youth. When I was a teenager, 'The Runaways" were the same age as myself and my friends. I wanted nothing more than to have my own all girl Rock n Roll band. I tried really hard at it, but could never find girls as dedicated as myself. When watching the movie, I think maybe I should have tried a little harder.

The Runaways were pioneers for female musicians and singers to come. Without them there would be no Bif Naked, Hole or Pink. If Rock n Roll interests you and you want to see the history of women in rock, go rent the movie.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:40:36 -0700 My Neighbor Simone http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/my-neighbor-simone http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/my-neighbor-simone
Media_httpfarm3static_pxvku
Drunk guy takes a nap I have a neighbor named Simone Who isn’t very mentally grown When he drinks cheap beer His talk comes out the rear Most days he looks dead drunk And has the odor of a skunk He acts mad and crude Slithering in the halls; nude He keeps looking for a lay But it seems he has to pay

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Sat, 31 Jul 2010 05:40:10 -0700 My Prophetic Dream http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/my-prophetic-dream http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/my-prophetic-dream
Media_httpfarm5static_jhmcs
Quiet please! Sleeping geeks. The prophetic dream that I had was very frightening in nature. It happened a long time ago, so I can't quite remember all the details. All I remember is that there was a avalanche somewhere here in British Columbia and several people had been killed. The next day I turned on the news and my dream had come to life. It was kind of creepy when it happened, but as time went on I just thought it was coincidence and nothing more.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:07:44 -0700 The No-Fail Way to Make Me Roll My Eyes http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-no-fail-way-to-make-merollmyeyes http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-no-fail-way-to-make-merollmyeyes

Media_https3amazonaws_ygjeg

What makes my eyes roll are lazy people. You know the ones who just sit there and actually twiddle their fingers while everyone else around them does all the work. Where I live there are a lot of them. I want the apartment building to be run like a coop and there are very few that actually want to help or show any insinuative. When you see a piece of paper in the courtyard, don't just walk over it, pick it up. Even though you don't own your apartment, you should act and feel like you do.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Sat, 22 May 2010 21:31:36 -0700 Why Can't Women Cook & Fix A Computer? http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/why-cant-women-cook-fix-a-computer http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/why-cant-women-cook-fix-a-computer
Media_httpmacgurrlfil_gfnmp
I have run into this problem since I was quite young. Back then it was as simple as my friend Judi and I walking into a music store in Vancouver. We would stroll around the store being totally ignored by the salesmen. We used to joke about how easy it would be for us to just walk out the door with a guitar or two, and not even be noticed. We would observe that as long as you were male you get the attention and service you wanted. What if I had a few thousand dollars hanging around to spend on guitars, they would just assume and take it for granted that we were women, and that we couldn’t possibly want a guitar or amp. The salesmen probably thought that we took a wrong turn and meant to go to Ming Wo for cooking utensils. This brings me to 2010, and how much has really changed? It seems that men are happy if we are in the kitchen beating those pots and pans and preparing a gourmet meal for them, or washing their clothes, or tending to their children, but god forbid that we try to repair their PCs. Whoever said we couldn’t change a hard drive or rid the computer of a virus. They don’t like the fact that some of us are brighter than them and that we might know a thing or two more than them. Even if one of their male friends knows less then you, they just assume that a man automatically knows more, and has more credibility. They will pay their man friend to fix their computer, but when you go and do the same job or better, they dismiss it and don’t think it is worthy of any domination. I once heard one of my friends say, “You want what! for twirling a couple of buttons.” If you think spinning a few buttons is so easy, then why don’t you do it? How about if next time, I fix your computer and you prepare me the gourmand meal! I think when that happens all of women kind will be elated.
Media_httpmacgurrlfil_ftdiq

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:57:07 -0700 The Runaways http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-runaways http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-runaways
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMDn6V7ZLhE]
The Runaways bring back a lot of memories for me, some great, some are melancholy. They were my inspiration for picking up an electric guitar. Before them, I was only playing acoustic guitar. There is great scene in the movie, where Joan's guitar teacher, tells her, girls don't play electric guitar, gotta love it, but then, those were the times. Once I saw them in a magazine and heard them, I was as they say god struck. I wanted a girl band of my own. What made them so awesome for me was that they were female and they were the same age as me and that they could actually play instruments. My problem was that I could never find girls that were as dedicated to the music as I was. I found the girls, but they would rather be with their boyfriends or doing drugs with their fathers. I was willing to practice and do whatever it took to get the band off the ground. When I saw the movie, I could relate to Joan Jett, because for her it was always about the music, which it should be.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:05:50 -0700 Microsoft Versus Microsoft http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/microsoftversusmicrosoft http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/microsoftversusmicrosoft This is being toted as the competition for all the Apple ads. It only took over 2 years to come up with this one. When I watch it, I actually feel embarrassed for Microsoft, and whoever came up with the idea for this campaign, I especially feel bad for Jerry Seinfeld. Come on Jerry, its' time you came back to TV. This ad doesn't make you want to switch back to Windows, it only makes you wish you didn't have a TV or a computer. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIjNJZpRtj8&hl=en&fs=1]

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:07:59 -0700 YouTube - Go Rest High On That Mountain http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/youtube-go-rest-high-on-that-mountain http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/youtube-go-rest-high-on-that-mountain [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up2BPA-_Bvc&hl=en&fs=1]Let The Music Speak For Itself

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:17:52 -0800 Tom Cruise and Simon Cowell http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/tom-cruise-and-simon-cowell http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/tom-cruise-and-simon-cowell Here's the follow-up to the Tom Cruise Scientology video and what Simon Cowell would say to him given the chance.  Before you watch this, and can understand it, you will need to watch the video below. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5xzq800uN4&rel=1]

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:21:38 -0800 Tom Cruise...Just Too Creepy http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/tom-cruisejust-too-creepy http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/tom-cruisejust-too-creepy This video has been around the Internet for a couple weeks, but I find it to be just too bizarre and creepy to not post.  The Scientologists wanted it to be removed from every source known to mankind, but once it hits the Internet, it basically becomes common knowledge.   [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFBZ_uAbxS0&rel=1]

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:10:06 -0800 Windows Vista On A Mac... http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/windows-vista-on-a-mac http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/windows-vista-on-a-mac
Media_httpmacgurrlfil_rgkec
This past weekend I installed Windows on my new shiny imac. Once installed I thought, this is so unattractive compared to Apple's OS X. Then I had this vision, of trying to defend my poor mac, from all of the virus's that are sent around the world trying to attack and destroy the evil empires OS. I thought I can't have such a vile OS on my mac, so I uninstalled it. Which brings me to something I read on the net today at a forum. "Installing Windows Vista on your mac is like stripping all the paint off you car, just so you can paint it grey"...I say why bother.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Sat, 19 Jan 2008 20:47:59 -0800 Nobody Remains A Virgin http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/nobody-remains-a-virgin http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/nobody-remains-a-virgin
Media_httpmacgurrlfil_jbraf
Need I say more.....

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl
Sun, 13 Jan 2008 06:57:49 -0800 The Writing On The Wall http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-writing-on-the-wall http://aviewfromthedrive.posterous.com/the-writing-on-the-wall
Media_httpmacgurrlfil_axaeq
Found some crazy writing on the wall of my apartment laundry room.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]>
http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1088914/198461_10150107123351493_651696492_6743788_5898678_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKyjw6waJdJU macgurrl macgurrl macgurrl