About Irena

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  Are there any other cool albums like Metallica S & M?

  1 0 I second Black Beetles' recommendation of Apocalyptica. They're awesome -- check out their version of "Hall of the Mountain King": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf2aIVKp1OY Also, I know Gregorian chant isn't for everyone, but Gregorian's version of Ave Satani (the theme to The Omen) is really good. It's from their album The Dark Side: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxZMU-jV7s0 Irena answered in Music/Bands/Venues 2 months ago Answer, comment & read 4 more answers »

• Comment on Geni's answer…

  0 0 Yup, this. Irena commented 5 months ago

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  Songs about the Pacific Northwest?

  0 0 I've got one from a Canadian: Allen Dobb's "Bellingham Rain" Irena answered in Music/Bands/Venues 6 months ago Answer, comment & read 12 more answers »

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  Wedding ceremony locations in Victoria, BC

  0 0 Spring is really gorgeous here, and very wedding-worthy, although you might get a sprinkling of rain. I've never planned a wedding here, but you could check out this site for possible locations: http://weddingswest.com/Victoria/Ceremony_Locations/ If you want old buildings, St. Ann's Academy is beautiful. Do a Google Image search and check out this site: http://www.stannsacademy.com/Weddings.aspx I've been in the Swans Hotel wedding suite (top floor loft full of original art, plus rooftop deck) and it's great. You could definitely work out a brunch there, plus it's in Old Town, which is full of old buildings (some lovely, some falling apart but still kinda cool). Craigdarroch Castle is another possibility. But really, there are so many, and it all depends on your own taste. You should definitely pay a visit and check out a few places in person. Good luck! Irena answered in Whatever 6 months ago Answer, comment & read 2 more answers »

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  Best aphid-removal techniques for indoor plants?

  1 0 Bury a few cloves of garlic in the soil. This worked really well for our miniature rose -- no more aphids! Irena answered in Pest Control/Weeds 6 months ago Answer, comment & read 5 more answers »

• Comment on goth jenny's answer…

  3 0 How does Pride Week contributes to the derailment of homophobia? As one component of the larger struggle toward visibility, acceptance, and normalization. And that one component -- one week per year when the gay community celebrates publicly -- lets all of us know that gay people are here and proud and celebrating themselves with the affirmation of the larger, straight community. So in a way it's pragmatic (letting kids know they're not alone, stirring up new activist blood), but in another way it's symbolic; it symbolizes our acceptance, openness and humanity. That feels good. (It's about love, when it comes down to it.) It also symbolizes sexual freedom -- Pride is liberating for everyone. That makes homophobia look pretty boring and unattractive. There will always be people who are put off by Pride parades, but that's because they are put off by gays, or gay sexuality, or perhaps sexuality, period. For the rest of us, Pride affirms something very positive about who we are. One more thing: I think it's fine to not be into Pride. Honestly. It's fine to be put off by the overt sexuality, just as it's fine to be put off by overt sexuality in a painting or a Hollywood movie. If you don't like it, you don't have to go. But no, I don't think it's a hindrance. Maybe, for someone like that, an annoyance, at worst. Irena commented 7 months ago

• Comment on goth jenny's answer…

  1 0 Wait -- "comfort closeted homosexuals"? I see. This is like arguing that the women's rights movement was a hindrance to the cause of women's rights, because it made some traditional women uncomfortable. Or that civil rights activists were a hindrance to the cause of civil rights because "People tend to support what they can relate to" and "Most people can't relate to [a crowd of protesting black folks"]. Do you get what I'm saying? Irena commented 7 months ago

• Comment on goth jenny's answer…

  2 0 "I guess I just don’t understand how foisting sexual innuendo will somehow comfort closeted homosexuals or re-invigorate a sense of community." First of all, Pride Week isn't just about sex, which is what you're fixating on. But having pride in gay sexual expression is an important part of it, because that is exactly the thing homophobes think gays should be most ashamed of. Putting it out there is a way of saying, I'm not ashamed of this, I celebrate it, because it's part of me and damn it, I think it's beautiful. That message *does* draw people out of the closet, it *does* foster a sense of community -- whether you approve or not. And why should Pride Week be devoid of sexual expression when straight culture is dripping with it? Hollywood movies, music videos, fashion shows, billboards, art galleries... heterosexual desire is being celebrated all around us, all the time. Is that a problem for you, too, or is it just the once-a-year Pride Week that bothers you so much? Irena commented 7 months ago

• Comment on capicola's answer…

  0 0 capicola, a quick update: this advice was golden. Walking away didn't work (she wouldn't let me) but the restraint and the "I" messages did. I'm so glad to have learned this. Thank you! Irena commented 7 months ago

• Comment on Irena's answer…

  3 0 Good points, Basil. And I knew I'd get downvotes for this! But it is an option that some girls would be more comfortable using, especially if he's the type of guy who doesn't take an abrupt "no thanks" very well. I've definitely met guys who are not "totally fine with the rejection" (as you phrased it above), although clearly you're not one of them. And yeah, if he's part of your regular social circle (as she did state) this would likely backfire. I was imagining something more random than that. Irena commented 7 months ago

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