Take that chemistry! You think you're so tough, what with your chemicals, and your acids, but in reality you've got nothing. You pale in comparison to the pure might of physics and math. You try to act cool by throwing in some math in your balancing of equations, but you are in reality, a hard science wannabe.
So I say, do your worst, give me the worst midterms, the worst exams, the hardest questions. I'll ace them all, just like I probably did this one. So I say again, I shall win over you. You will not be victorious. When all the dust settles, and only one emerges in a cloud of pride and knowledge, it will be me.
For all your initial trouble you gave me, you were really nothing.
Until next time...
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Pseudorandom Numbers
I have just engaged in a particularly pointless debate with one of my friends, on the relative randomness of varying small numbers, picked from the natural set. The debate primarily consisted of us attempting to determine what truly made a number more or less random.
Obviously, larger numbers seem more random, when taking into consideration the vastness of infinity, but in the end, when looking towards the end of infinity, one billion seems just as far away from it as one does. This is where my assertion comes in that some numbers 'seem' more random than other.
I maintain the following points:
This of course is a load of malarkey, as truly random numbers cannot be generated, due to humans having bias, and computers not being able to produce anything but pseudorandom numbers.
For those that do not believe that they cannot produce random numbers, I challenge you to do the following: Begin saying random digits; at some point a pattern will form, or you will favour certain digits. While of course those pseudorandom numbers are sufficient, they are not ideal.
Pseudorandom numbers usually have all the characteristics of a random number, but it still begs the question, of how one would truly acheive a random value.
Until next time...
Obviously, larger numbers seem more random, when taking into consideration the vastness of infinity, but in the end, when looking towards the end of infinity, one billion seems just as far away from it as one does. This is where my assertion comes in that some numbers 'seem' more random than other.
I maintain the following points:
- Odd numbers seem more random than even ones.
- Prime numbers seem more random than composite.
- There should not be an abundance of any particular digit.
- There should be a odd:even digit ratio of slightly over one.
- And finally, it should have that ring of just having been pulled out of thin air.
This of course is a load of malarkey, as truly random numbers cannot be generated, due to humans having bias, and computers not being able to produce anything but pseudorandom numbers.
For those that do not believe that they cannot produce random numbers, I challenge you to do the following: Begin saying random digits; at some point a pattern will form, or you will favour certain digits. While of course those pseudorandom numbers are sufficient, they are not ideal.
Pseudorandom numbers usually have all the characteristics of a random number, but it still begs the question, of how one would truly acheive a random value.
Until next time...
Saturday, May 05, 2007
End of Semester
I have come to the end of my second semester, and done fairly well, at least considering the one previous. I am proud of my marks, and while I feel that I may have been able to do better in physics, that my calculus mark truly represents my best work I could have done.
Calculus mark: A-
Physics mark: C+
As of current, my education mark is still a mystery, but it should be up sometime in summer school.
As for summer school, I will be taking Scientific Computing Tools, Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, and Calculus 2. I feel that I should do all right in all of these. I cannot wait until I finish this year altogether.
Until next time...
Calculus mark: A-
Physics mark: C+
As of current, my education mark is still a mystery, but it should be up sometime in summer school.
As for summer school, I will be taking Scientific Computing Tools, Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, and Calculus 2. I feel that I should do all right in all of these. I cannot wait until I finish this year altogether.
Until next time...
Monday, March 19, 2007
Physics
Alright, I am getting quite tired of muddling along in physics, attempting to do all of the work, yet falling further and further behind, simply because I cannot understand how to apply things. Every class, every lab, another five equations are added to the list of those I am expected to know, and memorize, and I am losing my mind.
I have come to the realization, that while I will be able to finish out the year in my course, that I have little to no hope of bringing this all together for another three years. I seem to be, day by day, gravitating towards computer science as an alternative major. It would afford me the same opportunities, while at the same time allowing me a field where I can learn from scratch, without the presumption that I know prior knowledge. It also occurs to me that it would afford me more practical knowledge in each class.
I will have to take some time and consider this, while it is still perfectly acceptable to be having such issues, before it is too late. If I switch now, the fallout will be minimal, and I will have no problem recovering, and obtaining the courses which I would need.
Perhaps I could keep physics as my minor, or I may go towards math, where I would not have too many issues either. I, as I said, will have to think about it.
Until next time...
I have come to the realization, that while I will be able to finish out the year in my course, that I have little to no hope of bringing this all together for another three years. I seem to be, day by day, gravitating towards computer science as an alternative major. It would afford me the same opportunities, while at the same time allowing me a field where I can learn from scratch, without the presumption that I know prior knowledge. It also occurs to me that it would afford me more practical knowledge in each class.
I will have to take some time and consider this, while it is still perfectly acceptable to be having such issues, before it is too late. If I switch now, the fallout will be minimal, and I will have no problem recovering, and obtaining the courses which I would need.
Perhaps I could keep physics as my minor, or I may go towards math, where I would not have too many issues either. I, as I said, will have to think about it.
Until next time...
Saturday, March 17, 2007
A Song that Made Me Think
Let us all face it, there is far too much apathy in the world.
This sort of apathy is dooming us, causing us to not be able to move forward. In the United States, only four days ago, a Toronto born child, and his Iranian parents were finally returned to Canada, after spending five weeks in a Texas prison, simply because the parents had been deported from Canada to begin with.
A child, a nine-year old child, born in Canada. Was forced to spend five weeks in an American prison, for trying to return to Canada, after their plane unexpectedly landed in the United States. In this jail made for immigrants that they were imprisoned in, the child was subdued to treatment that for an adult would be harsh, but for a child is simply inhumane.
They faced persecution, and threats of death if they were forced to return to the parent's native Iran, but this did not sway our government to accept their refugee claim. If I am not mistaken, these threats of persecution were for having some involvement with Salman Rushdie's book The Satanic Verses.
Currently they are temporarily in Canada, and I can only hope that their requests for asylum be granted, especially considering their ordeal, and the fact that Kevin Yourdkhani, the child, was born in Toronto.
Now I move on to this statement. Why was a Toronto born, nine-year old child, ever in an American, maximum security prison?
The American Civil Liberties Union, and Amnesty International both got involved in this case. A United States based organization, and a Britain based organization. Why is it that we, as Canadians, did not stand up and say that this was wrong?
Where was the public outrage, why did I never hear of this, save for a few scant mentions in a smattering of newspapers. Why did I not hear outrage at this? I thought multiple times about this issue, I should do something. Yet I did nothing. I did nothing to help, I signed no petition, I made no post about it, I did nothing. From no person did I hear that this was outrageous. This is what distresses me as well. This is why the video is being shown here.
In any case. The video, it made me think, just how powerful one person, or a group of committed people can be.
I believe Margaret Mead did in fact say it best:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Until next time...
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Family
Throughout the time we have in this life, often we walk upon its path, surrounded by our family and friends. Along the way, many of your friends may take different paths, leading away from your own, going different places. Others will converge into your's, leaving you with newfound people to share your life's journey with. Your family though, your family is there with you every moment.
Sometimes in life, you feel like you're alone, that nobody knows how you are feeling. That nobody understands what you're trying to say. That nobody looks at you, and is glad that they know you, and that you make people's lives better as a result of being a part of it. I'm not sure how egotistical or vain that seems. It's just how I feel sometimes...
I have learned something recently... That you are not alone, as long as you have your family, they will always stand by you, in some shape or form. You may not always like the way in which they show their support, or encouragement, but it is always there. They may not even know how to properly express it themselves, but it is there. Sometimes you just need to give them a chance, or the benefit of the doubt.
To those that read this, and you will know who you are, I am sorry. Thank you for your words of encouragement, they were truly touching; and that's not a phrase I use lightly.
Until next time...
Sometimes in life, you feel like you're alone, that nobody knows how you are feeling. That nobody understands what you're trying to say. That nobody looks at you, and is glad that they know you, and that you make people's lives better as a result of being a part of it. I'm not sure how egotistical or vain that seems. It's just how I feel sometimes...
I have learned something recently... That you are not alone, as long as you have your family, they will always stand by you, in some shape or form. You may not always like the way in which they show their support, or encouragement, but it is always there. They may not even know how to properly express it themselves, but it is there. Sometimes you just need to give them a chance, or the benefit of the doubt.
To those that read this, and you will know who you are, I am sorry. Thank you for your words of encouragement, they were truly touching; and that's not a phrase I use lightly.
Until next time...
Friday, February 23, 2007
Someone I knew
Someone got into a car accident last Friday, my family and I discussed how it could have happened, and dismissed it without too much thought. I tried to think of anyone who it could have been, from my time I worked at Panago, but I too quickly stopped thinking about it. Today I found out that I knew this person in high school. His name is Andrew Connolly
He was delivering pizzas apparently, speeding down Baldwin street, when an SUV tried to make a lane change, he quickly noticed Andrew and veered back into his original lane. Andrew then spun out of control and crashed into a pole. He was rushed to hospital, and subsequently transferred to intensive care in Toronto. Here is the article, for any who wish to read it.
From what I have been told, he suffered brain death as a result of the accident, and that furthermore, he will be having the plug pulled on him at some point today.
My condolences goes out to the family, I really don't know what to say... I just don't.
Until next time...
He was delivering pizzas apparently, speeding down Baldwin street, when an SUV tried to make a lane change, he quickly noticed Andrew and veered back into his original lane. Andrew then spun out of control and crashed into a pole. He was rushed to hospital, and subsequently transferred to intensive care in Toronto. Here is the article, for any who wish to read it.
From what I have been told, he suffered brain death as a result of the accident, and that furthermore, he will be having the plug pulled on him at some point today.
My condolences goes out to the family, I really don't know what to say... I just don't.
Until next time...
Friday, February 02, 2007
Cell Phones
Well, it would seem that school boards are mulling over the ban of cell phones in classrooms. Apparently, this is creating quite a problem, both amongst the students using the phones, and the parents who want to call their kids.
I have this to say, I went to high school in a school that had a complete ban on cell phones, both in class and out. I once saw a student suspended for having a cell phone at the bus stop, off school property. I do not support this sort of total, all-inclusive ban, it is ridiculous, it is petty and it is wrong in my opinion. I do not see, however, how any rational person can actually oppose a ban of cell phones in classrooms.
Let us all face it, cell phones do not belong in classrooms, they are distracting, they can be used to cheat on tests, and there is frankly no need for it. These phones should be left in the student's lockers, safely put in their backpacks. This way the students can phone who they need to after classes, or on their lunch breaks, without being blatantly disruptive.
I would make the following suggestion: A total ban on cell phones in classrooms be put into effect, enforced with a zero tolerance attitude. If a cell phone is found on a student because it goes off during a class, then that cell phone be confiscated, and returned at the end of the day, and some suitable punishment be enforced. Meanwhile, allow the phones to be used when the students are not in class, or are on a field trip. This way, the parents can contact their kids, they have no real business calling them in class anyways. If it is that important, they can call the office.
A total ban is ridiculous, and is not in the best interests of anyone, but allowing them in classrooms is out of the question as well in my opinion. Is it impossible for anyone to sense that there is some middle ground here? Why is it that everyone seems to jump on the "Ban cell phones outright" bandwagon, just because when they were kids they did not have them?
Times have changed, and as society changes as a result of our technology advancing, our reactions to things must change accordingly. We must take appropriate measures against new devices, and be careful to not let things get out of hand.
Until next time...
I have this to say, I went to high school in a school that had a complete ban on cell phones, both in class and out. I once saw a student suspended for having a cell phone at the bus stop, off school property. I do not support this sort of total, all-inclusive ban, it is ridiculous, it is petty and it is wrong in my opinion. I do not see, however, how any rational person can actually oppose a ban of cell phones in classrooms.
Let us all face it, cell phones do not belong in classrooms, they are distracting, they can be used to cheat on tests, and there is frankly no need for it. These phones should be left in the student's lockers, safely put in their backpacks. This way the students can phone who they need to after classes, or on their lunch breaks, without being blatantly disruptive.
I would make the following suggestion: A total ban on cell phones in classrooms be put into effect, enforced with a zero tolerance attitude. If a cell phone is found on a student because it goes off during a class, then that cell phone be confiscated, and returned at the end of the day, and some suitable punishment be enforced. Meanwhile, allow the phones to be used when the students are not in class, or are on a field trip. This way, the parents can contact their kids, they have no real business calling them in class anyways. If it is that important, they can call the office.
A total ban is ridiculous, and is not in the best interests of anyone, but allowing them in classrooms is out of the question as well in my opinion. Is it impossible for anyone to sense that there is some middle ground here? Why is it that everyone seems to jump on the "Ban cell phones outright" bandwagon, just because when they were kids they did not have them?
Times have changed, and as society changes as a result of our technology advancing, our reactions to things must change accordingly. We must take appropriate measures against new devices, and be careful to not let things get out of hand.
Until next time...
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
I Don't Know
I will level with everyone tonight, I don't really know what I am writing about here. I just felt the need to try and hammer something out.
It seems to me that no matter how hard I try to prod my brain into producing something intelligible, I am completely unable to come up with anything of substance. Meanwhile, the second I do come up with something, I'm in no situation whatsoever to either post or make note of it. It is really quite frustrating. I want to be able to get all of these thoughts out of my head, but it just feels like there is this nagging feeling that something isn't right, and it's distracting me.
Well, I guess instead of having an intelligent posting about my thoughts, or a well thought out but meaningless guide to chair leaning, I shall give you all the normal updates into my life.
Not much is happening on the social front, I have been going out less as of late, trying to keep up with the schoolwork. I'm hoping to do something next weekend, but time will tell, as it frequently seems to.
On the academic front, I'm keeping up. After a few minor blips in physics, I think I'm going to be alright, and with regards to calculus, I only wish I had paid attention the first time through.
On the home front, my uncle has returned from Vancouver, and is temporarily staying with us. I don't see the problem, but there seems to be an general feeling of tension in the air. I'm sure it's just normal family stuff, it is just that I am unaccustomed to having my uncle around this much, so it is more just the 'weird newness', to quote Corner Gas.
And on the western front, all seems quiet.
That's all I suppose.
Until next time...
It seems to me that no matter how hard I try to prod my brain into producing something intelligible, I am completely unable to come up with anything of substance. Meanwhile, the second I do come up with something, I'm in no situation whatsoever to either post or make note of it. It is really quite frustrating. I want to be able to get all of these thoughts out of my head, but it just feels like there is this nagging feeling that something isn't right, and it's distracting me.
Well, I guess instead of having an intelligent posting about my thoughts, or a well thought out but meaningless guide to chair leaning, I shall give you all the normal updates into my life.
Not much is happening on the social front, I have been going out less as of late, trying to keep up with the schoolwork. I'm hoping to do something next weekend, but time will tell, as it frequently seems to.
On the academic front, I'm keeping up. After a few minor blips in physics, I think I'm going to be alright, and with regards to calculus, I only wish I had paid attention the first time through.
On the home front, my uncle has returned from Vancouver, and is temporarily staying with us. I don't see the problem, but there seems to be an general feeling of tension in the air. I'm sure it's just normal family stuff, it is just that I am unaccustomed to having my uncle around this much, so it is more just the 'weird newness', to quote Corner Gas.
And on the western front, all seems quiet.
That's all I suppose.
Until next time...
Monday, January 22, 2007
Blogger Beta
Well, I have relented to Blogger's incessant nagging me to update my blog to the beta version, so here you all go, I have changed it. Over the next few days, I will be adding the appropriate labels to all of my posts, which I hope will have some sort of impact in the end. In all likelyhood, the following labels will be used primarily: Rants, Thoughts, School, Life, Creative Writing, Blogging and News.
I'm not completely sure how all the labeling works, so bear with me, I'm sure I will get the hang of it within a few tries.
In other news, I am going to try to go back to a slightly more active role in blogging. I have a post written out to this effect, and I shall post it sometime soon. Also I have something that would definitely qualify as news.
So what I am trying to say is to stay tuned. There will be some changes, and a glorious return to activity.
Until next time...
I'm not completely sure how all the labeling works, so bear with me, I'm sure I will get the hang of it within a few tries.
In other news, I am going to try to go back to a slightly more active role in blogging. I have a post written out to this effect, and I shall post it sometime soon. Also I have something that would definitely qualify as news.
So what I am trying to say is to stay tuned. There will be some changes, and a glorious return to activity.
Until next time...
Monday, December 04, 2006
Wisdom
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You’re out on your own, and you know what you know.
You are the one who’ll decide where to go.
This one life is yours. It is yours to be had.
You must find your way through the good and the bad.
So you see, you must see it through to the end.
Cause no one can know what is just 'round the bend.
Haven't written any creative type stuff in some time, so I thought I'd try my hand at something again, and here is what I came up with.
Until next time...
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You’re out on your own, and you know what you know.
You are the one who’ll decide where to go.
This one life is yours. It is yours to be had.
You must find your way through the good and the bad.
So you see, you must see it through to the end.
Cause no one can know what is just 'round the bend.
Haven't written any creative type stuff in some time, so I thought I'd try my hand at something again, and here is what I came up with.
Until next time...
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Semester One Recap
Well, as my first semester at UOIT draws to a close, I have learned a few very important lessons.
The first and most important thing that I have learned, is that you have to... HAVE TO take notes, regardless of whether or not the lecture notes are posted online. Writing down the stuff you are learning, allows you to learn it, rather than to be screwed when you are sitting in a midterm and realize that you are doomed.
The second thing is that you need to get sleep. This is also very important, as without sleep you are never going to be able to focus, as well as eating right. If you don't eat right, again you will not be able to concentrate on anything but the pain in your stomach.
Finally, the last lesson is to eat your meals at home if at all possible, meals at the university are really expensive, and add up quick. They drain your cash faster than you may think, and should be avoided if you are able to.
There is so much more that I could go on to say, but I do not see the point of turning this into one of my rants. So I shall close with this, Eat right, get some sleep, turn on some music and STUDY!
Until next time...
The first and most important thing that I have learned, is that you have to... HAVE TO take notes, regardless of whether or not the lecture notes are posted online. Writing down the stuff you are learning, allows you to learn it, rather than to be screwed when you are sitting in a midterm and realize that you are doomed.
The second thing is that you need to get sleep. This is also very important, as without sleep you are never going to be able to focus, as well as eating right. If you don't eat right, again you will not be able to concentrate on anything but the pain in your stomach.
Finally, the last lesson is to eat your meals at home if at all possible, meals at the university are really expensive, and add up quick. They drain your cash faster than you may think, and should be avoided if you are able to.
There is so much more that I could go on to say, but I do not see the point of turning this into one of my rants. So I shall close with this, Eat right, get some sleep, turn on some music and STUDY!
Until next time...
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The World is Making Less Sense than Usual Today
Hello, faithful bloggers and blog readers, today I will be referencing something that would appear to have no sense whatsoever.
Now, I have never claimed that the world is a rational, logical, or sane place to reside, but usually there will be some sort of cosmic explanation behind the weird crap that is thrown in our collective way. I will point out now, that I have been known to engage in some highly random behaviour, which includes searching for some highly random stuff.
Due to its nature, I love Wikipedia, highly editable, easy to learn its format, and for the most part, credible. Today however I take issue with its search function. I am currently using Mozilla Firefox, just because of its search function and tabbed browsing, as well as its heightened security, and I typed into the search bar at the top of my page "The ironing is delicious".
This was a reference to a conversation my friend and I were having at the time, and mostly done randomly. I wondered if it would pull up something on the Simpsons, or possibly an entire topic, possibly devoted to some sort of internet meme.
It pulled up as its first link, Marshmallow Alpha-Bits.
...
Yeah. At this point, I'm imagining that all of you have either seen that, and done the search yourself, or have just sat there thinking 'What the hell?'. Trust me, the feeling is mutual. It makes no sense whatsoever.
Just in case you are in doubt, here is a link for you all. What the hell is Wikipedia thinking?
Well there you go, if that is not proof that the world gets stranger by the day, I'm not sure what is.
Until next time...
Now, I have never claimed that the world is a rational, logical, or sane place to reside, but usually there will be some sort of cosmic explanation behind the weird crap that is thrown in our collective way. I will point out now, that I have been known to engage in some highly random behaviour, which includes searching for some highly random stuff.
Due to its nature, I love Wikipedia, highly editable, easy to learn its format, and for the most part, credible. Today however I take issue with its search function. I am currently using Mozilla Firefox, just because of its search function and tabbed browsing, as well as its heightened security, and I typed into the search bar at the top of my page "The ironing is delicious".
This was a reference to a conversation my friend and I were having at the time, and mostly done randomly. I wondered if it would pull up something on the Simpsons, or possibly an entire topic, possibly devoted to some sort of internet meme.
It pulled up as its first link, Marshmallow Alpha-Bits.
...
Yeah. At this point, I'm imagining that all of you have either seen that, and done the search yourself, or have just sat there thinking 'What the hell?'. Trust me, the feeling is mutual. It makes no sense whatsoever.
Just in case you are in doubt, here is a link for you all. What the hell is Wikipedia thinking?
Well there you go, if that is not proof that the world gets stranger by the day, I'm not sure what is.
Until next time...
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy Hallowe'en
It is that time of year again, time for candy and costumes, ghouls and goblins, witches and warlocks, and of course more candy.
I'm just not feeling it this year...
I mean don't get me wrong, I'm gonna celebrate it all of course from my doorstep handing out the treats, but to be perfectly honest, it just isn't feeling like Hallowe'en this year. I suppose it may have something to do with the fact that I am a little too young to go to Hallowe'en parties, but way too old to go trick or treating. It is a really sucky age range.
Next year I can do a little drinking.
In any case, Happy Hallowe'en all, and to those celebrating Samhain... Blessings of this sacred night be upon you and yours... and may the memory of those who lie beyond the veil fill your heart with gentle joy.
Until next time...
I'm just not feeling it this year...
I mean don't get me wrong, I'm gonna celebrate it all of course from my doorstep handing out the treats, but to be perfectly honest, it just isn't feeling like Hallowe'en this year. I suppose it may have something to do with the fact that I am a little too young to go to Hallowe'en parties, but way too old to go trick or treating. It is a really sucky age range.
Next year I can do a little drinking.
In any case, Happy Hallowe'en all, and to those celebrating Samhain... Blessings of this sacred night be upon you and yours... and may the memory of those who lie beyond the veil fill your heart with gentle joy.
Until next time...
Monday, October 30, 2006
One Year Anniversary
Wow... Just wow...
I was looking at my front page and I realized, I have hit the year marker. It was last week on the twenty-fourth.
I have written some poems, a short story, some guides on how to do things, and I don't know how many rants over this past year, and I look back at it all, and I must say, while I have said some things I may not agree with now, I am proud of it.
So what is in the future?
Lots of stuff. I am currently writing "1001 Ways to be an Asshole", and if all goes well, I'll get to 1001 someday, I'm currently in the early 100's. Also up, are some thoughts on university, and the craziness of the system, though to be honest, I am impressed so far. Finally, maybe if you guys are lucky, you will see some more creative work.
So keep watching guys, there is more to be had.
Until next time...
I was looking at my front page and I realized, I have hit the year marker. It was last week on the twenty-fourth.
I have written some poems, a short story, some guides on how to do things, and I don't know how many rants over this past year, and I look back at it all, and I must say, while I have said some things I may not agree with now, I am proud of it.
So what is in the future?
Lots of stuff. I am currently writing "1001 Ways to be an Asshole", and if all goes well, I'll get to 1001 someday, I'm currently in the early 100's. Also up, are some thoughts on university, and the craziness of the system, though to be honest, I am impressed so far. Finally, maybe if you guys are lucky, you will see some more creative work.
So keep watching guys, there is more to be had.
Until next time...
Live From the Principal Awards
I am currently sitting, watching the so-called 'Principal Awards' at the elementary school that I currently volunteer at.
This is a joke.
I am not asking for the school to live up to an adult's standard of what consitutes something worth rewarding, but how about a logical estimation for a child's standard. These are not achievements for the most part, and certainly not something worth calling a school assembly for.
An actual award given... "For writing in her agenda real fast". That was how they said it too, real fast. Not really fast, or very quickly. Real fast.
Oh look my brother's friend is going up and is receiving an award for "reviewing his math test and learning from his mistakes." Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that the point of school? Should an award not be given for somethign exceptional?
We are celebrating, not only mediocrity, but in fact, failure. There is a word for that... asinine.
Certificates celebrating making mistakes and learning from them, getting organized and making friends, MAYBE deserve a classroom award. To call an entire school assembly, seems wasteful to me.
Why are we celebrating achievements such as these, celebrating improved math skills at a time like this anyways. The class I was with, was in their math class when we got called down. It just seems ironic to me.
I guess it may be me, but I find this to be a little over the top. Why can the teacher not take a second out of their class, take the child of to the side and say something like "You have been doing a really good job lately, and I have noticed it. Keep up the good work."?
It seems to me, that it would feel more heartfelt, and a lot less patronizing.
Yet it all keeps going.
Until next time...
This is a joke.
I am not asking for the school to live up to an adult's standard of what consitutes something worth rewarding, but how about a logical estimation for a child's standard. These are not achievements for the most part, and certainly not something worth calling a school assembly for.
An actual award given... "For writing in her agenda real fast". That was how they said it too, real fast. Not really fast, or very quickly. Real fast.
Oh look my brother's friend is going up and is receiving an award for "reviewing his math test and learning from his mistakes." Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that the point of school? Should an award not be given for somethign exceptional?
We are celebrating, not only mediocrity, but in fact, failure. There is a word for that... asinine.
Certificates celebrating making mistakes and learning from them, getting organized and making friends, MAYBE deserve a classroom award. To call an entire school assembly, seems wasteful to me.
Why are we celebrating achievements such as these, celebrating improved math skills at a time like this anyways. The class I was with, was in their math class when we got called down. It just seems ironic to me.
I guess it may be me, but I find this to be a little over the top. Why can the teacher not take a second out of their class, take the child of to the side and say something like "You have been doing a really good job lately, and I have noticed it. Keep up the good work."?
It seems to me, that it would feel more heartfelt, and a lot less patronizing.
Yet it all keeps going.
Until next time...
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Welcome
A hearty hello as I report live from the world of Linux. Let me say this to you all... This operating system is horrible!
I hope that none of my computers ever have to have this on it again. I am currently running Linux from a program installed on my computer known as Fedora. This allows me to keep my sanity by keeping Windows, and not having to rely on Linux.
For those of you that do not know, Linux is an open source operating system. This means that you are able to program how your computer runs yourself. Sure this may sound good, but unless you are a programmer, you would be surprised at how very aggravating this can be. Imagine being able to disassemble your car. You would have your car's body, it's engine, disassembled out in front of the car. The battery, the cylinders, carburetor all lying out on your driveway.
This would look cool, I'm sure. Any person can take apart an engine, with the proper tools. This is what Linux is. This is also where you need a mechanic to put it all back together again. If one is lucky, or has an idea of what they are doing, they could get it back to how it was, but there is a potential to screw up, and you will have a difficult time doing so. You really need a mechanic to put it back together correctly.
You see though, it is not the idea of Linux to just take it apart and put it together unchanged... The idea is to improve upon it, and for that, you need to understand exactly how to use Linux's programming language.
Sure, Linux is more reliable, more stable, and free in most cases, but do you honestly feel like going through and design this thing to your own specifications? I think it would be prohibitively difficult.
Or not, and I'm just being lazy... One or the other, methinks.
Until next time...
I hope that none of my computers ever have to have this on it again. I am currently running Linux from a program installed on my computer known as Fedora. This allows me to keep my sanity by keeping Windows, and not having to rely on Linux.
For those of you that do not know, Linux is an open source operating system. This means that you are able to program how your computer runs yourself. Sure this may sound good, but unless you are a programmer, you would be surprised at how very aggravating this can be. Imagine being able to disassemble your car. You would have your car's body, it's engine, disassembled out in front of the car. The battery, the cylinders, carburetor all lying out on your driveway.
This would look cool, I'm sure. Any person can take apart an engine, with the proper tools. This is what Linux is. This is also where you need a mechanic to put it all back together again. If one is lucky, or has an idea of what they are doing, they could get it back to how it was, but there is a potential to screw up, and you will have a difficult time doing so. You really need a mechanic to put it back together correctly.
You see though, it is not the idea of Linux to just take it apart and put it together unchanged... The idea is to improve upon it, and for that, you need to understand exactly how to use Linux's programming language.
Sure, Linux is more reliable, more stable, and free in most cases, but do you honestly feel like going through and design this thing to your own specifications? I think it would be prohibitively difficult.
Or not, and I'm just being lazy... One or the other, methinks.
Until next time...
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Biology Lecture
Hello, I am now reporting from my biology lecture at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, located... in a giant tent.
They call it the university pavillion or UP1500 as it seems to be better known. Before class, I thought it was a portable-like structure just north of the library. I was annoyed enough about having to attend class in a portable, but this is simply ridiculous.
The tent I am currently sitting in looks from the outside like a giant igloo. From the inside, it is a concrete floor, with a small stage at the front for the professor. Above is a mess of metal beams, lights and an air conditioning system.
I would like to point out that this is completely unfair, as we are all paying a ridiculous amount of money. The university should build additional lecture halls, rather than spending our money laying down additional sod. There is an excellent spot just north of the UB building, where a permanent lecture building could be built, and this is just one solution.
My point is that it is ridiculous to stick students who are paying tens of thousands of dollars to go to school, in a tent outside. It is wrong, and it is robbing us of our right to proper resources, as we have paid for
This has been Robert Clark, reporting live, from UP1500.
Until next time...
They call it the university pavillion or UP1500 as it seems to be better known. Before class, I thought it was a portable-like structure just north of the library. I was annoyed enough about having to attend class in a portable, but this is simply ridiculous.
The tent I am currently sitting in looks from the outside like a giant igloo. From the inside, it is a concrete floor, with a small stage at the front for the professor. Above is a mess of metal beams, lights and an air conditioning system.
I would like to point out that this is completely unfair, as we are all paying a ridiculous amount of money. The university should build additional lecture halls, rather than spending our money laying down additional sod. There is an excellent spot just north of the UB building, where a permanent lecture building could be built, and this is just one solution.
My point is that it is ridiculous to stick students who are paying tens of thousands of dollars to go to school, in a tent outside. It is wrong, and it is robbing us of our right to proper resources, as we have paid for
This has been Robert Clark, reporting live, from UP1500.
Until next time...
Monday, September 11, 2006
Parking Hell
Well I had a hell of a day…
I am of the opinion that if you paid several hundred dollars for a parking pass that there should be parking spots available. Sadly this is not the case and I am forced to put up with the crap of the
Now I can understand that the university cannot be responsible for me being able to find a parking spot every day, but the university should at least make sure that those were not paying, should not be getting parking spots. I had to look for a half hour in order to find a parking spot across the road next to the athletic center rather than right next to the university buildings as I paid for.
This is wrong. This is quite simply in my opinion breach of a contract. I paid over four hundred dollars in order to guarantee me a parking pass. Therefore every single student at the university should have to pay the exact amount.
It’s patently ridiculous. It really is…
On another note, this is my first post dictated using speech recognition software. It works!
Until next time...
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Class the First
Well, my faithful readers, I now sit waiting for it all to begin. I have attended my orientation, I have my laptop, and I am now just waiting for my chemistry professor to open the door to my first class, so that I may start my learning. Wait, people are lining up, I shall return shortly. The doors have been opened!
...
Well, I return now, connected in the midst of all my classmates. Someone is setting up at the front, and is lowering a screen, so I assume that this is the professor of who we have all come to listen to, so I shall leave you all at this point. Enjoy all of your days, I hope I shall find this to be some sort of enriching experience. At the price we are all paying to be here, it damned well better be.
Until next time...
...
Well, I return now, connected in the midst of all my classmates. Someone is setting up at the front, and is lowering a screen, so I assume that this is the professor of who we have all come to listen to, so I shall leave you all at this point. Enjoy all of your days, I hope I shall find this to be some sort of enriching experience. At the price we are all paying to be here, it damned well better be.
Until next time...
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