This evening I was doing a Flickr search using the term “Bollwitt” to try and locate a cute shot of John and me. Sorting the results by most recent I came across the Flickr account of a website called w00tpwnage, which compares everything from Tiger vs Alligator, Wolf vs Wolverine, Astro Boy vs Mighty Mouse, and now Wired’s Sexy Geeks against each other in a head-to-head poll.

Rebecca Bollwitt vs Zadi Diaz

Of course like a sucker I check out the website, which is rather amusing, and also notice Lisa Bettany (aka Mostly Lisa) is up against Larissa Meek and that Amber MacArthur is vs Morgan Webb.

Photo credit: Megan Cole

Frankly, there are so many sites out there comparing one person to another it’s enough to make your head spin off a crash down on your keyboard. I just have to say that it’s been a privilege to meet some great geeky women out there who don’t need to post photos of themselves in their underwear to gain readership (but if they do that doesn’t mean they’re any less real, credible or intelligent… in most cases anyway).

Sometimes it’s easy to get wrapped up in stats, ratings or who can code better PHP (even though that is kind of hot). I’d actually prefer it if you didn’t check out the “w00tpwnage” site and cast a vote for anyone… except maybe in the case of Mighty Mouse and Astro Boy. This whole online world should be about content (for a refresher see F*ck Stats, Make Art). From what I gathered when I met Amber and Lisa, is that it’s also for women who have a good head on their shoulders; what happens to fall into place beneath is actually pretty moot.

Linkage:

First off, if you haven’t yet subscribed to the Lipgloss and Laptops podcast, stop being silly and check it out. Second, happy belated birthday to co-host (and my teammate on victorious Team Blogger), Kerry Anne.

She and Airdrie have been podcasting for over two years now and they’re almost at the #100 episode mark (and I really think they should have some type of party to celebrate cause I think that would be fun *cough*). Most recently they were also responsible for all the MAC gift bags and swag at the Northern Voice dinner.

They’ve pretty much perfected the art of intelligent and insightful banter, spiced with product reviews, cosmetic tips and the occasional reference to a burlesque show or the Number 5 Orange (as you’ll see in their latest episode).

Just walking to work this morning I learned about the application of fake eyelashes, self-tanners, and vibrating pore scrubbers. They also play amusing renditions of “shag, marry, kill,” listing off a couple men of note - all in good fun of course - and in episode #95 they have a geek theme including the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Paul Allen. They close out the podcast with a “reality check” regarding to one of my posts, and I have to say it means a lot to know these women, whom I hold in such high esteem, appreciate my content and share some of my same views.

You can listen online at LipglossAndLaptops.com or subscribe to their feed in iTunes.

It’s pretty clear that in blogging males dominate the sports coverage however I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with and reading several hockey blogs run by women in Vancouver and around the province. Heading into the Canucks‘ fourth game of the season here are some of my recommendations for hockey reads, by female bloggers.

First up, I have to give a shout out to Alanah, who is my all-time fave Canucks blogger (JJ is a close second but this post is about the ladies). Aside from being a part of the empire, Alanah covers Canucks-centric information, video, amusing photos, and news with a slice of whole league news on the side. She definitely knows how to get a discussion going through the comments and isn’t afraid to just say what she means. “Chapter 1 of 82: The Story of My Progressive Heart Failure”, “…much of the rest of that night sucked like a hoover “, “Classy stuff, Boulerice. Enjoy your suspension”. (Read more on Canucks and Beyond)

A blog I found through JJ and Alanah is Stick in Rink by Isabella. I thoroughly enjoyed her coverage of the Philly game. “HAHAHAHAHA I’M DRUNK. p.s. Philly sucks damn dirty cheap shotters wtf” (Read more on Stick in Rink)

There’s also Canucks Fangirl who summed up this week’s blowup in a slightly more optimistic manner: “There must have been a reason I paid $13 to watch this game on PPV. There must have been a reason why I PVRed this game. Why??? IT’S BECAUSE THIS WILL BE THE ONLY TIME YOU WILL EVER SEE THE CANUCKS SUCKING THIS SEASON, YOU HAD TO PAY TO SEE IT. YOU HAD TO RECORD IT.” (Read more on Canucks Fangirl)

Local writer/blogger Meg doesn’t have a hockey-specific blog but is truly a fan. Her post about “five things NHL players and women have in common” is pretty amusing: 1. We understand the importance of strategic padding. 2. We’re pretty relieved when any period ends. (Read more on MegFowler.com)

I also need to mention Loxy who writes on Hot Oil. She’s an Oilers blogger but is local, so I can include her here because I think Oilers fans have already suffered enough. Although we do meet the Oilers tonight and tomorrow and I’m in no position (as a Canucks fan) to get cocky. Over on Hot Oil they have an extremely popular feature called a “hot-off“, pitting Oilers players against each other in “hot or not” fashion. Archives are all on the sidebar and well, this seriously makes me consider something like this for the Canucks although I think we all know who I’d pick this year…

All joking aside, as it’s obvious these women all have a sense of humour, these bloggers all have an excellent knowledge of the sport and a passion for hockey - and hockey blogging. That’s it for now - go update your feeds and blogrolls and stay tuned for the rest of the season.

I have the place to myself today for the first time in… oh about 18 months. John’s working a gig today, which I’m sure he’ll blog about later so I won’t ruin it here. We both woke up at 5 am on a Saturday, I made him some toast and sent him on his way. Over the last year he’s been the one to wake up with me before work and prepare my meal or coffee, it’s the least I could do.

I decided to take a little walk around the West End, unfortunately the Robson Market wasn’t open yet so I couldn’t browse around. Instead I got a coffee, enjoyed the fresh “it rained last night” smell and the warm morning sun. Then I did something I’ve been told every girl should do at least once; I bought myself flowers. I don’t know if it was the crisp spring air, the flip flops on my feet or the Grande dark roast in my hand but for a minute I felt a little odd. As though I should also have a snack dog in my purse, then I would be complete. That soon passed and I practically skipped home with my flowers in hand.

They’re pretty simple, I mean I’m not going to waste too much money on myself, what kind of girl do you think I am? But they’re a great addition to the dining room. All the laundry is downstairs dancing away and I can sit back, for about 45 minutes, enjoy my coffee, the sunshine, the flowers and actually feel pretty nice even after the devastating loss last night. I’m starting to think my husband should go to work every day.

Something for the ladies. I try to clean out my makeup collection as need be, although I’m sure you’re supposed to switch things up a lot more often e.g. there’s a max amount of time you should be using one tube of mascara. I have never been a big make up person. I actually didn’t wear any til I was 18 and then it was just mascara. I’ve become more of a “girl” since I suppose… but I thought I would pose this question: do you have any makeup in your collection that you just NEVER wear but won’t throw away?

I don’t mean that brand new eyeliner pencil that you just haven’t sharpened yet for use. I’m talking about those gaudy colours and shades that you wouldn’t be caught dead in but for some reason you have a full untouched supply in your makeup bag. I currently have such a pallet.

After dinner, and after some wine, I went into the bathroom tonight and found my ’stash’ of eyeshadow. I got this one multi-coloured kit from my mom for Christmas and I only use the burgundy shade although this has about 16 other colours that I’ve never touched. Tonight, I decided to give them a test drive.

Turquoise on the lid, light azure below the brow line and some nice fuchsia for the lips - yeah I forgot this kit actually has a little pocket on the side that holds lipstick (which it came with as well). I’m not going to throw it away because I do use some of the shades, but a dozen of them will never see my face - at least not when I’m planning on leaving the house. It’s fun for a laugh on a night like tonight but I’m afraid my husband doesn’t want to touch me - he’s afraid I’ll stain his face

I don’t hang out with my female friends as much as I should. We went to the Fogg for the game tonight and my sister and Tanya (who might as well be my other sister) hung out as well for what proved to be a really freakin’ great time.

It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these. Seems like everyone kinda went in a blog slump during the holidays and we’re all emerging like the sun from the fog over the North Shore mountains. I know, how lovely and picturesque:

Netchick takes a simple idea, turns it into a social bloggy game, and the comments start a flowin’. We also find out that her favourite hockey team is the Canucks, proving herself to be very wise.

Running 22.5 kms (at least) a week, Wyn contines to be a running (and ballroom dancing machine) making me feel really bad about considering my 20 minute walk to work ‘exercise’.

Speaking of running, Degan is looking for donations while training for the Joints in Motion marathon/half marathon to benefit Arthritis research.

Loxy describes the high and low, low points of going through a Sportsnet broadcasting seminar and the challenges of being a girl trying to make it in the manly realm of sportscasting.

Finally, Rilah Rumbles writes an open letter to a disrespectful woman who wants to mother all the children of the world because she thinks she can do better. New mothers always love getting unsolicited advice from strangers, especially when it’s completely irrational.

Update: The Downtown Vancouver location will open its doors in the spring of 2008, in the old Holt Renfrew location of Pacific Centre (along Granville between Georgia and Dunsmuir)

Update: H&M Coquitlam Opens THIS THURSDAY, August 23rd, 2007.

It’s called the Ikea of fashion and BC is getting its first one at Coquitlam Centre. H&M opens Thursday at 12pm with a ribbon cutting ceremony, big discounts for the first customers and a stylish gift with every purchase. [News1130] - [Google Map for Coquitlam Centre]

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Update: Buzz captures the excitement of the first few shoppers Wednesday night at a super secret, private, privileged preview and scores some great deals as well [Blog According to Buzz]

H&M is a cheap, comfy, cute, fashionable, under and outerwear clothing store for men and women. There’s been a buzz on the West Coast ever since shoppers have traveled or come from elsewhere and discovered the wonders of H&M. Whether it be in Pittsburgh, London or Boston, there are numerous stores worldwide (and over 10 in Ontario alone). The chain embraced Canada a few years back leaving every Vancouverite wondering when they would be so lucky.

Photo credit: DressingWindows

It’s been talked about on several blogs [wyn][mbv][br] and there’s even a petition to get one on the West coast. Someone came across the recent Monster job posting for managers and sales staff, which caused a stir and it seems like the store rustles up this kind of hype everywhere it goes. [mbLA]

Well it’s true, Hennes & Mauritz is coming to the Lower Mainland, but not to Vancouver. The store (according to all sources I can find with my Googling powers) will be added to the vast expanse that is Coquitlam Centre [wiki].

Today there are 26 stores in the Canadian division, all located within the provinces of Ontario (19 stores) and Quebec (7 stores). Expansion into Western Canada will start in 2007 with two stores in Alberta at West Edmonton Mall and Calgary’s Market Mall. The first store in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia is planned for Coquitlam Centre and is expected to open in Fall 2007. [wiki]

Not only would it take a non-car driving Vancouverite like myself about 1.5 hours to get out there on a bus, but does that mall need to be any bigger? Metrotown is already the big evil shopping behemoth in the region, but tucked away in what used to be lush forest, the retail hub of the Tri-Cities is growing rapidly and we’re none the wiser. It’s a beast, and no measure of mid-mall leather couches and ‘pit stop’ TV watching areas can save you.

I suppose moving the pseudo box store out to the burbs will spare the complications of trying to nail down a Robson Street address. I despise malls, I rarely have enough money to spend to ease the pain of long lines, walk rage and the stress of just getting in and getting out. Will an H&M in the Tri-Cities be worth trip? It’ll be a bit of a hassle no doubt, but it’ll beat going all the way to East coast to get another $10 bikini or pretty $15 button-up shirt for work. The less we all have to travel to Toronto, the better.