This Twilight/Buffy remix is awesome and super interesting, as Katie from Pixiepalace points out in her astute write-up.

I haven't actually seen the movie Twilight (the three girls who would have gone to see it with me all went and saw it long before I got around to it) and although I enjoyed the book for its moody, moony adolescent angst-y qualities, I admit that Bella did not strike me as the type of protagonist whom one would actually want to root for. What is Bella? As her name suggests, she only exists as an object of beauty, of desire, and a murderous desire at that. She doesn't seem to have any skills or strengths or, for that matter, interests (does she like baseball? knitting? romance novels? who knows!?!) She's just...beautiful. Like a princess in a fairytale. Why does the hero fall in love with her? She's beautiful, what other reason does he need?

Not like my dear Buffy. I am a rabid superfan of the ass-kicking ex-cheerleader, because she shows surprising depth of character and complexity under her perky blond exterior. It's clear from the way the character is written that her creator, Joss Whedon, is a feminist, by which I mean not that he necessarily subscribes to some dogma or other, but that he believes women are fundamentally equal to men, and as deserving of interesting actions and personalities in a TV show setting.

This remix video is playfully done, but it showcases the essential difference between the two approaches to the female characters. While Buffy also has a romance with a vampire (ok, with TWO vampires!), she can also hold her own, and she is as in control of the progression of that tragic romance as is her lover. She is, essentially, an equal -- different, to be sure, but a match for her supernatural boyfriend. Poor little Bella is utterly swept away by forces far beyond her control, bending to Edward's will when he, the devouring alpha male, demands. She is resolutely not his equal, and in fact, the book relishes their inequality -- it becomes the very foundation of their romance.

So happy to hear that Fez has found a home!

Congratulations, Phil and Jason! Let's party!

I'll admit that last year, I didn't even know there *was* a Canada day; but as my social circle increasingly includes "out" Canadians, I'm learning more about who's Canadian (William Shatner! Peter Jennings! NEIL YOUNG), Canadian alcohol (Crown Royal, Seagram's), and days commemorating great events in Canadian history, such as ... Canada Day.

My close association with several Canadians qualifies me to be your interpreter, American reader, and your guide to Canadian culture. Below follow some important facts about Canada.

Did you know...

...that a Bloody Mary is called a Bloody Caesar? And comes with Clamato juice and a celery salt rim? (Of course some recipes for Bloody Marys suggest Clamato)?

...that Canada Day was originally called "Dominion Day"? and that in Quebec it coincides with "Moving Day"?

...that the "Maple Leaf" national flag was adopted on February 15th, 1965, a day that is now commemorated as National Flag Day?

...that Canadians (except those from Quebec) look and, in many cases, sound almost exactly like Americans?

In any case, remember to buy your favorite Canadian a refreshing beer this evening in honor of Canada Day. If you're not sure which of your friends is secretly Canadian, try this simple test: Announce, "I'm going to Tim's, want anything?"

If they reply, "Who's Tim?" they are American.

But if they say "Oh, get me a donut," they are TOTALLY CANADIAN. You're welcome.

O Canada! Happy Birthday to you!