I am getting my first non-spam comments from people I do not know. This means that my opinion is actually being heard by people. This is a great day for Muddled Mind, as it means that my opinion officially matters to others.
What is even better though, is that the commenter returned and made another comment. I subsequently visited their blog and realized that truly this person is not just out to spam.
I feel very good right now; my opinions, my beliefs and my daily complaints and ponderings are being heard, not just by members of my family, but by the whole world. Or at least one person with another blog.
In any case I feel good.
Until next time...
Monday, April 17, 2006
I Have Learned Something...
This Easter, I learned something very important. The lesson that I learned was simple... Do not go to sleep at 7:30 in the evening, when you have only been awake since about 10 in the morning. I woke up this morning at 3:45.
Now, since that is a full eight hours, I cannot get back to sleep. Now what am I supposed to do? It is 4:15 in the morning, there is nothing good on TV.
I will have to find some way to entertain myself for the next three or four hours while I wait for my family members to wake up... Damn.
Oh well... On a more positive note, I got Easter chocolate yesterday... Yep, a nice chocolate Bart Simpson. I love The Simpsons, I love chocolate. It was a great Easter after all...
Anyways, I will have to go put the chocolate in the fridge as it is losing its structural integrity, so a happy Easter Monday to all.
Until next time...
Now, since that is a full eight hours, I cannot get back to sleep. Now what am I supposed to do? It is 4:15 in the morning, there is nothing good on TV.
I will have to find some way to entertain myself for the next three or four hours while I wait for my family members to wake up... Damn.
Oh well... On a more positive note, I got Easter chocolate yesterday... Yep, a nice chocolate Bart Simpson. I love The Simpsons, I love chocolate. It was a great Easter after all...
Anyways, I will have to go put the chocolate in the fridge as it is losing its structural integrity, so a happy Easter Monday to all.
Until next time...
Friday, April 14, 2006
Weird Stuff
I'm fairly bored just sitting here, so I have an open question to anyone who cares to answer.
I have just been looking up at my bedroom ceiling and I was thinking... "What is up with the stucco?" I have no idea what this stuff is supposed to do, it doesnt seem to make sense. To me it just seems like a waste of material.
So if anyone has an answer to this, please tell me. I can't think of a possible reason for it.
See... this is the kind of useless crap that I think of. Had I written this post down beforehand, I can guarantee you it would have never made it to the internet. I may go watch the news, then I can at least gripe about some topical material.
Until next time...
I have just been looking up at my bedroom ceiling and I was thinking... "What is up with the stucco?" I have no idea what this stuff is supposed to do, it doesnt seem to make sense. To me it just seems like a waste of material.
So if anyone has an answer to this, please tell me. I can't think of a possible reason for it.
See... this is the kind of useless crap that I think of. Had I written this post down beforehand, I can guarantee you it would have never made it to the internet. I may go watch the news, then I can at least gripe about some topical material.
Until next time...
Thursday, April 13, 2006
A Question of Human Nature
My question today goes to why groups of friends cannot handle power.
Why is it that in a group of friends, who respect and like each other, power always ruins things?Why is it that the power can not be shared amongst the group of friends? Why must it always corrupt the group?
I am getting awfully sick of being the one person with no desire for power. This is not because I have a secret desire to take power, but because I am the one everyone else turns to talk to when they start fighting. I am tired of dealing with all the crap.
Why can friends not get along? Why can a hierarchical structure not exist without serious problems arising? I dont understand it, especially when we agreed upon the structure to begin with.
Oh well, I shall disinvolve myself with the crap.
Until next time...
Why is it that in a group of friends, who respect and like each other, power always ruins things?Why is it that the power can not be shared amongst the group of friends? Why must it always corrupt the group?
I am getting awfully sick of being the one person with no desire for power. This is not because I have a secret desire to take power, but because I am the one everyone else turns to talk to when they start fighting. I am tired of dealing with all the crap.
Why can friends not get along? Why can a hierarchical structure not exist without serious problems arising? I dont understand it, especially when we agreed upon the structure to begin with.
Oh well, I shall disinvolve myself with the crap.
Until next time...
Sunday, April 09, 2006
My Latest Post
The post directly below this one sucks. This is my official opinion of that poem...
I posted it about 45 minutes before I had to work, and so was not too thrilled, considering the nice day it is.
I do feel that I do not my job, though it of course does not "fill me with depression" and I seem to have exaggerated quite a bit throughout it. So please do not take this poem as it is. I simply do not like my job. I don't find it to be quite as bad as I make it out to be.
As for the last few bits of it, the change that is coming is of course... University. So things will change quite soon
Until next time...
I posted it about 45 minutes before I had to work, and so was not too thrilled, considering the nice day it is.
I do feel that I do not my job, though it of course does not "fill me with depression" and I seem to have exaggerated quite a bit throughout it. So please do not take this poem as it is. I simply do not like my job. I don't find it to be quite as bad as I make it out to be.
As for the last few bits of it, the change that is coming is of course... University. So things will change quite soon
Until next time...
Time for Work
A time for work, the hated place
The location of my oppression.
It takes me from the things I like,
And leaves me with depression.
I hate thee work, I hate ye so.
I wish that thou wouldst die.
But you will not, and so I must
Continue to work and sigh.
The end is in sight, I must declare
The hated time shall end.
I shall move on, I must confess,
The time is just around the bend.
And so I wait
For this special time
When my life can start moving on.
I can move on up and take charge of my life,
Instead of being a pawn.
Until next time...
The location of my oppression.
It takes me from the things I like,
And leaves me with depression.
I hate thee work, I hate ye so.
I wish that thou wouldst die.
But you will not, and so I must
Continue to work and sigh.
The end is in sight, I must declare
The hated time shall end.
I shall move on, I must confess,
The time is just around the bend.
And so I wait
For this special time
When my life can start moving on.
I can move on up and take charge of my life,
Instead of being a pawn.
Until next time...
How to Cook Bacon and Eggs
You will need the following things...
3 eggs
1/2 cup of brick cheese
3 strips of bacon (ripped into non-identical chunks)
A small bit of margarine
2 slices of bread
1 frying pan
1 cheese grater
A wooden spoon
A toaster
So, put the bacon into the frying pan with the margarine... Cook until it is no longer frozen all the way through. While it is cooking, grate the cheese and beat the eggs.
Next pour one third of the cheese into the eggs, along with all the bacon. Leave the margarine in the pan. Beat the eggs, bacon and cheese together and pour it in the pan. Constantly stir.
As it is cooking, pop in some bread into the toaster. Add cheese as you stir the eggs. Continue stirring the whole time.
The eggs can be declared done when they are no longer liquid, and seem to hold their form... I have tried, and they will not easily turn golden brown, so do not try. A good indicator is just scoop the eggs out of the pan once they look ready after the toast pops up... If you do it right, that should happen at about the same time.
Put on a plate, butter the toast, cut the toast in half and enjoy... You now have my favorite breakfast all ready to eat.
Have fun...
Until next time...
3 eggs
1/2 cup of brick cheese
3 strips of bacon (ripped into non-identical chunks)
A small bit of margarine
2 slices of bread
1 frying pan
1 cheese grater
A wooden spoon
A toaster
So, put the bacon into the frying pan with the margarine... Cook until it is no longer frozen all the way through. While it is cooking, grate the cheese and beat the eggs.
Next pour one third of the cheese into the eggs, along with all the bacon. Leave the margarine in the pan. Beat the eggs, bacon and cheese together and pour it in the pan. Constantly stir.
As it is cooking, pop in some bread into the toaster. Add cheese as you stir the eggs. Continue stirring the whole time.
The eggs can be declared done when they are no longer liquid, and seem to hold their form... I have tried, and they will not easily turn golden brown, so do not try. A good indicator is just scoop the eggs out of the pan once they look ready after the toast pops up... If you do it right, that should happen at about the same time.
Put on a plate, butter the toast, cut the toast in half and enjoy... You now have my favorite breakfast all ready to eat.
Have fun...
Until next time...
My Return to the World of Blogging
Well, here I am, back to writing out my blog posts before I post them. I finally found that free time I was looking for, so here I am.
As I write this, I am sitting in a work room with a student who is writing a social studies test. I write not with my mechanical pencil, or in my notebook from my writing bag, but with a primary pencil and an exercise book I found in the adjoining room.
I have come to realize that I have missed writing my blog. My ability to let other people know what I have been thinking... And while I have posted a few times in the past month or so, they have all been spur of the moment posts, and even then they have been few and far between. Also I have missed writing my more creative posts, such as they are.
So here it is, my glorious return to blogging. I resolve to write more, and to actually post when I do. I resolve to get back to writing creatively, and I resolve to make time for my blog; to seek out the chances for writing that I need.
I have finally figured out what kind of free time I need... The free time I need, is time I should be spending working... ie. Accounting class or when I am supposed to be closely watching a student...
So there you have it... My pledge to return from my semi-hiatus. Let us see if I can keep my promise...
Until next time...
As I write this, I am sitting in a work room with a student who is writing a social studies test. I write not with my mechanical pencil, or in my notebook from my writing bag, but with a primary pencil and an exercise book I found in the adjoining room.
I have come to realize that I have missed writing my blog. My ability to let other people know what I have been thinking... And while I have posted a few times in the past month or so, they have all been spur of the moment posts, and even then they have been few and far between. Also I have missed writing my more creative posts, such as they are.
So here it is, my glorious return to blogging. I resolve to write more, and to actually post when I do. I resolve to get back to writing creatively, and I resolve to make time for my blog; to seek out the chances for writing that I need.
I have finally figured out what kind of free time I need... The free time I need, is time I should be spending working... ie. Accounting class or when I am supposed to be closely watching a student...
So there you have it... My pledge to return from my semi-hiatus. Let us see if I can keep my promise...
Until next time...
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Those Romans were on to Something...
Carpe Diem... Sieze the day. Live every moment to its fullest, and never let time pass through your fingers, because it is precious and finite. Some day you will look back on your life, and wish you had done more, so don't waste it.
Dum Spiro, Spero... While I breathe I hope. I hope for the world with every breath. I hope that some day we may all be able to live together without the hate and intolerance that exists today. I hope that some day children will not have to go hungry. I hope there will someday be no need for guns.
Gutta cavat lapidem, non vi sed saepe cadendo... The drop hollows the stone, not by force but by falling on it often. What better message is there than this? That it is not brute force that gets the job done, but patience and persistance. That given enough time, and enough determination, that we can truly accomplish anything.
Malum est consilium quod mutari non potest... A plan that cannot be changed is bad. This just speaks to the need for flexibility in ones plans. Things will always come up to block your plans, and if you cannot roll with the punches, than you are doomed.
Diligentia maximum etiam mediocris ingeni subsidium... Diligence is a very great help even to a person of mediocre intelligence. Basically, if you are careful in what you do, even if you are a bit of a fool, then you will do well in life. If you think through your actions, then you will usually look intelligent, regardless of your intellect.
Dum inter homines sumus, colamus humanitatem... As long as we are among humans, let us be humane. So true, so very true... We could all do well to listen to that one.
Qui beneficium dedit, taceat; narret qui accepit... Let he who have given a favor be silent; may he who have accepted it speak of it. A good piece of advice. If you talk about the favors you have given, you look like you are throwing it in people's faces. If you talk about how someone did you a favor, you look good because you look grateful, and the other person looks good because they look kind. Everyone wins...
Qui statuit aliquid parte inaudita altera, aequum licet statuerit... One who passes sentence on something without having heard the other part is not just, even if the sentence is just. No matter what happens, you must always hear both sides of any story before you judge someone. Otherwise even if you are right, you still have not been fair, and therefore your judgement is invalid.
Tamdiu discendum est, quamdiu vivas... You live, you learn. You learn from the mistakes you make in your life as well as from the successes. Just accept that you will make those mistakes, and learn from them. To not learn from one's mistake is the biggest mistake one can make.
So in conclusion I say, Rident stolidi verba Latina... Fools laugh at the Latin language.
Until next time...
Dum Spiro, Spero... While I breathe I hope. I hope for the world with every breath. I hope that some day we may all be able to live together without the hate and intolerance that exists today. I hope that some day children will not have to go hungry. I hope there will someday be no need for guns.
Gutta cavat lapidem, non vi sed saepe cadendo... The drop hollows the stone, not by force but by falling on it often. What better message is there than this? That it is not brute force that gets the job done, but patience and persistance. That given enough time, and enough determination, that we can truly accomplish anything.
Malum est consilium quod mutari non potest... A plan that cannot be changed is bad. This just speaks to the need for flexibility in ones plans. Things will always come up to block your plans, and if you cannot roll with the punches, than you are doomed.
Diligentia maximum etiam mediocris ingeni subsidium... Diligence is a very great help even to a person of mediocre intelligence. Basically, if you are careful in what you do, even if you are a bit of a fool, then you will do well in life. If you think through your actions, then you will usually look intelligent, regardless of your intellect.
Dum inter homines sumus, colamus humanitatem... As long as we are among humans, let us be humane. So true, so very true... We could all do well to listen to that one.
Qui beneficium dedit, taceat; narret qui accepit... Let he who have given a favor be silent; may he who have accepted it speak of it. A good piece of advice. If you talk about the favors you have given, you look like you are throwing it in people's faces. If you talk about how someone did you a favor, you look good because you look grateful, and the other person looks good because they look kind. Everyone wins...
Qui statuit aliquid parte inaudita altera, aequum licet statuerit... One who passes sentence on something without having heard the other part is not just, even if the sentence is just. No matter what happens, you must always hear both sides of any story before you judge someone. Otherwise even if you are right, you still have not been fair, and therefore your judgement is invalid.
Tamdiu discendum est, quamdiu vivas... You live, you learn. You learn from the mistakes you make in your life as well as from the successes. Just accept that you will make those mistakes, and learn from them. To not learn from one's mistake is the biggest mistake one can make.
So in conclusion I say, Rident stolidi verba Latina... Fools laugh at the Latin language.
Until next time...
Friday, March 31, 2006
Trent
I have been accepted to Trent University. I have decided that if UOIT does not accept me, I shall be going there. So I shall have fun in Peterborough this coming year.
I shall be majoring in math likely, and minoring in history, so it will be fun.
Until next time...
I shall be majoring in math likely, and minoring in history, so it will be fun.
Until next time...
Thursday, March 23, 2006
University Acceptances
I have officially been accepted by the University of Nippissing. This was my first choice for universities, and I will never forget the feeling I got when I read the acceptance letter.
I'm going to university, and I feel great.
One step closer to my dream of being a teacher.
Until next time...
I'm going to university, and I feel great.
One step closer to my dream of being a teacher.
Until next time...
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Elections Ontario
As boring as it was working in the federal election, I have signed up to work for Elections Ontario in the coming by-election. I shall be a poll clerk. Let the voting begin!
In all seriousness, I must have lost my mind to do this again. I know how boring it is, why am I putting myself through it. I could just pick up extra shifts at my job... Oh well.
I shall be there on March 30... crossing names off a list. How exciting. Expect another fascinating post, in the fashion of "Tales of Elections Canada"
Until next time...
In all seriousness, I must have lost my mind to do this again. I know how boring it is, why am I putting myself through it. I could just pick up extra shifts at my job... Oh well.
I shall be there on March 30... crossing names off a list. How exciting. Expect another fascinating post, in the fashion of "Tales of Elections Canada"
Until next time...
Comment Spammers
It has been a nice four months I have had without comment spamming. I opened up to the world, I showed everyone what I was thinking, and I broke new ground in my creative writing. Ironically it was my "Where has my Inspiration Gone?" post that got not one, but two spam comments.
Now I am not one to go off the deep end at these people, the comments are easy enough to delete. It is what they were spamming that bugged me. It was the blatantly adult nature of the stuff they posted that offended me. Where in my blog do I make any kind of reference to that kind of stuff? Why pick my little corner of obscurity to spray your cyber-grafitti on?
The first spam comment was a seemingly innocuous one, it was the classic "Oh, I like your blog. I will bookmark it. Here is my blog". These don't bother me in the slightest. It is the second comment that bugged me... It was a list of links to all kind of extremely adult websites, of which I can only assume would have swamped your computer with all kinds of horrible spyware.
I will say this... These people need to go and get a clue. Go harass a forum of some sort, or troll some large chat room. The fact of the matter is that while you are good at being annoying, you are not being very efficient about it. My blog does not have a large readership so you are not actually getting very far with your spam.
I can not get over why my blog was targeted over some chat room or forum. I moderate my blog just as well as your average forum does, if not better. Why not harass them... you may actually get some hits. Also, and this more a statement to the second commenter; you may want to consider a less obvious approach. Perhaps trick people into going, rather than enticing idiots into clicking into an obvious trap. None of my readers are idiots... not a single one, other than you I suppose.
Anyways... In a way I guess I am grateful. You sparked a rant, which is not something I have had sparked in me for a few weeks now.
Until next time...
Now I am not one to go off the deep end at these people, the comments are easy enough to delete. It is what they were spamming that bugged me. It was the blatantly adult nature of the stuff they posted that offended me. Where in my blog do I make any kind of reference to that kind of stuff? Why pick my little corner of obscurity to spray your cyber-grafitti on?
The first spam comment was a seemingly innocuous one, it was the classic "Oh, I like your blog. I will bookmark it. Here is my blog". These don't bother me in the slightest. It is the second comment that bugged me... It was a list of links to all kind of extremely adult websites, of which I can only assume would have swamped your computer with all kinds of horrible spyware.
I will say this... These people need to go and get a clue. Go harass a forum of some sort, or troll some large chat room. The fact of the matter is that while you are good at being annoying, you are not being very efficient about it. My blog does not have a large readership so you are not actually getting very far with your spam.
I can not get over why my blog was targeted over some chat room or forum. I moderate my blog just as well as your average forum does, if not better. Why not harass them... you may actually get some hits. Also, and this more a statement to the second commenter; you may want to consider a less obvious approach. Perhaps trick people into going, rather than enticing idiots into clicking into an obvious trap. None of my readers are idiots... not a single one, other than you I suppose.
Anyways... In a way I guess I am grateful. You sparked a rant, which is not something I have had sparked in me for a few weeks now.
Until next time...
Monday, March 13, 2006
Camping
Oh, I have an idea! Let's go camping.
I suggest that the next time a friend invites you to go camping in the middle of march, when it is due to rain, that you call this person a moron and walk away.
March rain at three in the morning is freezing cold. The ground is hard and the fire won't warm up anything. You will get no sleep at all.
That is just my suggestion though.
Also, if you do end up going, do not let your friend talk you out of getting stuff to make smores. Smores are delicious, no matter what anyone says.
Until next time...
I suggest that the next time a friend invites you to go camping in the middle of march, when it is due to rain, that you call this person a moron and walk away.
March rain at three in the morning is freezing cold. The ground is hard and the fire won't warm up anything. You will get no sleep at all.
That is just my suggestion though.
Also, if you do end up going, do not let your friend talk you out of getting stuff to make smores. Smores are delicious, no matter what anyone says.
Until next time...
Monday, March 06, 2006
Where has my Inspiration Gone?
I don't know why I cannot seem to put anything together lately. I just haven't had the spark that I usually do.
I think it may have something to do with not being in normal classes. If this is the case, then I may have a creative spark on Wednesday when I go in for an in-school day.
I can only hope.
Until next time...
I think it may have something to do with not being in normal classes. If this is the case, then I may have a creative spark on Wednesday when I go in for an in-school day.
I can only hope.
Until next time...
Monday, February 27, 2006
Sides of Ourselves
The way I figure it, there are at least three sides to every person.
One is the public face that we put up for everyone to see. This is the side of ourselves that we let everyone see; the part of ourselves that we are most comfortable showing to the world.
Next is the side of ourselves that we reveal only to those who know us well. We may reveal different things to different people, but it is all our choice as to what is revealed. As time passes we may let some things reach the public side of ourselves as we become more comfortable with them.
Lastly is our private side; the part of ourselves that we do not let anyone else see. These are the things about ourselves that we may be ashamed of, or they may be things we think others will disapprove of, or they may just be things we are not comfortable telling anyone about. In any case, as we grow to accept these things, or grow to trust those around us these things may be revealed to those we care about.
That is the way I see it. We have a public side, a more personal side, and a deeply personal side. It is each of our decisions as to what is revealed and when, but I will say this. Embrace your strangeness; your hopes, your beliefs, your dreams. Never deny who you truly are and remember: people are a lot more accepting than you give them credit for.
Until next time...
One is the public face that we put up for everyone to see. This is the side of ourselves that we let everyone see; the part of ourselves that we are most comfortable showing to the world.
Next is the side of ourselves that we reveal only to those who know us well. We may reveal different things to different people, but it is all our choice as to what is revealed. As time passes we may let some things reach the public side of ourselves as we become more comfortable with them.
Lastly is our private side; the part of ourselves that we do not let anyone else see. These are the things about ourselves that we may be ashamed of, or they may be things we think others will disapprove of, or they may just be things we are not comfortable telling anyone about. In any case, as we grow to accept these things, or grow to trust those around us these things may be revealed to those we care about.
That is the way I see it. We have a public side, a more personal side, and a deeply personal side. It is each of our decisions as to what is revealed and when, but I will say this. Embrace your strangeness; your hopes, your beliefs, your dreams. Never deny who you truly are and remember: people are a lot more accepting than you give them credit for.
Until next time...
Sunday, February 19, 2006
How to Lean Back in a Chair
I want to start off by saying that I do not think you should lean back in a chair. It is unsafe, and while I do lean back in them I do it of my own choice, knowing the risks involved. If you choose to lean back in a chair it is your choice and any injuries suffered while following of my instructions are not my fault... they are your own. This is my disclaimer and thanks to it, you cannot sue me... So there.
Start by finding a sturdy chair and a steady table.
Next, push back slightly, allowing your knees to clear the edge when you lean back.
Now, shifting your weight backwards, either push down and into the table with your hands, or with both feet flat on the ground press with your toes down and forward into the floor. With both cases Newton's third law will tip you backwards.
Now I suggest you either have a table that is bolted down or one that is heavy enough not to move. It is also beneficial to have a sturdy leg that you can put some weight on, because that just makes things easier. I can not stress how important it is to have a steady table, if you do not have one, do not lean back. This goes for your chair too, do not lean back in a wobby chair... You will just hurt yourself.
As you lean back rest your leg on the leg, or if the table will support your weight, then lean forward until your lower leg is supporting you on the edge of the table. It is important to keep one foot hooked around a leg to pull yourself forward quickly in the case of an emergency. Also, one should keep one's weight forward of their centre of gravity so that one does not fall backwards.
So you want to lean further back? Alright, shift your weight behind your centre of gravity and hold on to the table with your feet. Do not do this without a steady table AND a fair amount of experience in basic leaning.
How to get back down? If you are fully leaned back, then press your foot up and towards you to pull yourself back. Gently shift your weight forward to bring you back down at a reasonable pace. If you are just leaning on the table, just keep your weight forward, drop your knees and drop forward.
Now you may be asking: Robert, what if we don't have a table?
No problem... Just locate a wall, they are everywhere and you shouldn't have any problem finding one.
The procedure for leaning back is the same. Push off with your feet as I explained, and guide yourself back so that your chair sits on the wall. Next push your back flat against the wall so that you have control over the leaning. I advise against keeping the weight too much on the chair as this can be dangerous if you need to quickly get down.
If there is some sort of windowsill, then simply guide yourself gently onto the sill, leaving your back against the windowsill and not your chair. Windowsills are even easier to get off of than a normal wall, though the method is the same.
To get down, simply press your shoulders against the windowsill or wall and push hard. You then guide yourself back down to the ground.
To lean forward in a chair simply slide forward in a chair and shift your weight forward of your centre of gravity. This will tip the chair up. Be careful doing this, as you can easily go to far, causing the chair to shoot out behind your. This hurts and can cause in much embarassment.
So there you have it. A guide to leaning back in your chair. Good luck in all your chair leaning adventures.
Until next time...
Start by finding a sturdy chair and a steady table.
Next, push back slightly, allowing your knees to clear the edge when you lean back.
Now, shifting your weight backwards, either push down and into the table with your hands, or with both feet flat on the ground press with your toes down and forward into the floor. With both cases Newton's third law will tip you backwards.
Now I suggest you either have a table that is bolted down or one that is heavy enough not to move. It is also beneficial to have a sturdy leg that you can put some weight on, because that just makes things easier. I can not stress how important it is to have a steady table, if you do not have one, do not lean back. This goes for your chair too, do not lean back in a wobby chair... You will just hurt yourself.
As you lean back rest your leg on the leg, or if the table will support your weight, then lean forward until your lower leg is supporting you on the edge of the table. It is important to keep one foot hooked around a leg to pull yourself forward quickly in the case of an emergency. Also, one should keep one's weight forward of their centre of gravity so that one does not fall backwards.
So you want to lean further back? Alright, shift your weight behind your centre of gravity and hold on to the table with your feet. Do not do this without a steady table AND a fair amount of experience in basic leaning.
How to get back down? If you are fully leaned back, then press your foot up and towards you to pull yourself back. Gently shift your weight forward to bring you back down at a reasonable pace. If you are just leaning on the table, just keep your weight forward, drop your knees and drop forward.
Now you may be asking: Robert, what if we don't have a table?
No problem... Just locate a wall, they are everywhere and you shouldn't have any problem finding one.
The procedure for leaning back is the same. Push off with your feet as I explained, and guide yourself back so that your chair sits on the wall. Next push your back flat against the wall so that you have control over the leaning. I advise against keeping the weight too much on the chair as this can be dangerous if you need to quickly get down.
If there is some sort of windowsill, then simply guide yourself gently onto the sill, leaving your back against the windowsill and not your chair. Windowsills are even easier to get off of than a normal wall, though the method is the same.
To get down, simply press your shoulders against the windowsill or wall and push hard. You then guide yourself back down to the ground.
To lean forward in a chair simply slide forward in a chair and shift your weight forward of your centre of gravity. This will tip the chair up. Be careful doing this, as you can easily go to far, causing the chair to shoot out behind your. This hurts and can cause in much embarassment.
So there you have it. A guide to leaning back in your chair. Good luck in all your chair leaning adventures.
Until next time...
Friday, February 17, 2006
Can't We All Just Get Along?
I ask this question to everyone. Why can we not just work together and not attack eachother? Why can we not help eachother, covering eachother where we may have problems? Why do we feel the need to nitpick, rather than to support one another?
I say to everyone, that we should help eachother, rather than make life more difficult. Don't cause problems if you don't have to. Why must we make things harder for eachother? We are all capable of making life easier for all of those around us, yet we don't. We force others to try and handle the problems that we should be able to take care of ourselves.
I am ticked off now... Screw trying to work it out calmly. I say let the screaming match begin. Fight it out all you want without care to the happiness of others. I will sit back and watch the carnage.
Let the games begin...
Until next time...
I say to everyone, that we should help eachother, rather than make life more difficult. Don't cause problems if you don't have to. Why must we make things harder for eachother? We are all capable of making life easier for all of those around us, yet we don't. We force others to try and handle the problems that we should be able to take care of ourselves.
I am ticked off now... Screw trying to work it out calmly. I say let the screaming match begin. Fight it out all you want without care to the happiness of others. I will sit back and watch the carnage.
Let the games begin...
Until next time...
Monday, February 13, 2006
Webcomic of the Week
In this installment of Webcomic of the Week I will be showcasing the new webcomic Neko Madness. It is drawn by my brother Matthew Clark (Tom Clarkson), and is written by Neal Nearing. I will be doing things slightly different, as I have with me, the artist, Matthew Clark.
This will be the first interview to be on my blog, and I hope it goes well.
R: So what is this webcomic about?
M: Neko Madness is mainly about a group of fourteen year olds going into grade nine. The main plot of the story has nothing to do with school though. Let me explain to you some of the backstory. About fifty years ago cats started evolving, and developed human-like characteristics. At first, this new species was discriminated against, and were not considered to be 'sentient'.
R: So then what happened?
M: What happened then, was that the Nekos (what they called themselves) created their own government, and their own country. Humans eventually recognized the Nekos as being sentient, though they continued to experience intense discrimination. Some of the Nekos moved into human communities, though this was slow in coming.
R: And this is what lead up to the comic?
M: Yes. The comic starts about ten years after all of what I have described.
R: So do you have a plot all worked out?
M: Yes, I do have a main plot, it has a few holes in it at this point though, so the creative team is hard at work plugging those holes.
R: When do you expect the comic to fully start?
M: Within a month or two.
R: What can we expect to see in this comic?
M: War, humour, some romance and general insanity. They are cat people... what do you think?
R: What inspired you to start a webcomic?
M: Around September of last year, I started reading webcomics. From there, I started reading about ten others, and I eventually got the idea to start my own.
R: Where do you get your inspiration from?
M: I got a few of my ideas from the webcomic New World, drawn by Scott Clements and Robert Maupin. I like the character development that exists in that comic, as well as the variety of emotions that they can convey.
R: What is your favorite webcomic?
M: EGS... obviously. El Goonish Shive is quite simply the best webcomic that I read.
(The link for EGS can be found on the right hand side of the page for Blogspot viewers, and at the bottom for MSN Spaces viewers.)
R: Any closing thoughts?
M: Neko Madness is still in development. The art itself may change as the comic goes along, but this is to be expected with any new webcomic. Also, I hope you will all vote for Neko Madness at Top Webcomics; the link is on the front page of the site.
R: Thank-you for your time Matthew, and I hope that you do very well with your webcomic.
M: Thanks for having me Robert. Here is the link: Neko Madness.
R: And there you have it, my interview with Matthew Clark, artist of Neko Madness. I suggest to all of you that you read it once it gets going.
Until next time...
This will be the first interview to be on my blog, and I hope it goes well.
R: So what is this webcomic about?
M: Neko Madness is mainly about a group of fourteen year olds going into grade nine. The main plot of the story has nothing to do with school though. Let me explain to you some of the backstory. About fifty years ago cats started evolving, and developed human-like characteristics. At first, this new species was discriminated against, and were not considered to be 'sentient'.
R: So then what happened?
M: What happened then, was that the Nekos (what they called themselves) created their own government, and their own country. Humans eventually recognized the Nekos as being sentient, though they continued to experience intense discrimination. Some of the Nekos moved into human communities, though this was slow in coming.
R: And this is what lead up to the comic?
M: Yes. The comic starts about ten years after all of what I have described.
R: So do you have a plot all worked out?
M: Yes, I do have a main plot, it has a few holes in it at this point though, so the creative team is hard at work plugging those holes.
R: When do you expect the comic to fully start?
M: Within a month or two.
R: What can we expect to see in this comic?
M: War, humour, some romance and general insanity. They are cat people... what do you think?
R: What inspired you to start a webcomic?
M: Around September of last year, I started reading webcomics. From there, I started reading about ten others, and I eventually got the idea to start my own.
R: Where do you get your inspiration from?
M: I got a few of my ideas from the webcomic New World, drawn by Scott Clements and Robert Maupin. I like the character development that exists in that comic, as well as the variety of emotions that they can convey.
R: What is your favorite webcomic?
M: EGS... obviously. El Goonish Shive is quite simply the best webcomic that I read.
(The link for EGS can be found on the right hand side of the page for Blogspot viewers, and at the bottom for MSN Spaces viewers.)
R: Any closing thoughts?
M: Neko Madness is still in development. The art itself may change as the comic goes along, but this is to be expected with any new webcomic. Also, I hope you will all vote for Neko Madness at Top Webcomics; the link is on the front page of the site.
R: Thank-you for your time Matthew, and I hope that you do very well with your webcomic.
M: Thanks for having me Robert. Here is the link: Neko Madness.
R: And there you have it, my interview with Matthew Clark, artist of Neko Madness. I suggest to all of you that you read it once it gets going.
Until next time...
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Tales of Elections Canada
As I wrote this, I sat at the Information Officer’s (IO) desk at my appointed polling station. Life there was not quite as boring as you might have though, but I will let you be the judge. So in the interest of keeping a record of my day, here is my story.
8:45 – Arrived at my polling station and began to set up.
8:55 – Found out that the Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) for one of the polling stations was missing. Much a-worrying was caused by this as the Central Poll Supervisor (CPS) ran out with the poll listing to go call her.
9:20 – My CPS returned with my poll list. As I write this, we still do not have enough listings for all the people that need it. The stations are now set up and I have determined how to correctly do my job.
9:25 – No sign of the missing DRO yet. People are arriving outside, and the Conservative scrutineers have arrived, and are setting up.
9:30 – The polls open. So officially begins my twelve hour day. I now help my first few voters and after a few early stumbles I get to understanding what I am doing.
9:43 – My first lost voter. He came to the wrong station, and with the help of my CPS we direct him to the correct place.
9:44 – After much explaining as to why we cannot help them, I notice that the poll with the missing DRO is running. The Poll Clerk (PC) is acting as the DRO and the Registration Officer (RO) is now acting as the PC.
9:50 – The official DRO replacement shows up. The RO and PC return to their normal duties.
9:53 – First major lull in voter traffic.
10:00 – The first lull ends. This occurs when the voters from the poll with the missing DRO that were originally sent to the riding headquarters return. They now vote, a little angry with us for the mix-up. Understandable.
10:07 – I start writing this journal.
10:15 – My first lost voters. He went to the wrong poll again, so we call headquarters to get him some help.
10:19 – I talk to a scrutineer that works for Flaherty and I ask him what happens if he wins, as he is the MPP for this riding. I am told if he wins, his MPP spot will be vacant and their will be a provincial by-election.
10:21 – I realize that if Judi Longfield doesn’t win, I will at least get more money by working for Elections Ontario at the by-election.
10:27 – Caught up with my journal. There may be gaps now in the journal. Oh well…
10:34 – I break into my skittles and my first ginger-ale. Stupid cold froze the skittles, so they are not as chewy as I would have liked. I found some tape to close them back up when I tired of them. So this is boring… sue me. It isn’t as bad as my parents made it out to be though.
10:41 – A guy comes in with a paper that is apparently his wife’s power of attorney. Apparently this is acceptable and he votes for his wife.
10:44 – I steal my CPS’s polling station map. This will allow me to help voters better, as is my job.
10:46 – I tell my CPS that I took it. She seems fine with this. I also discover that my skittles pack has 50 % of my recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Random.
11:13 – Broke into the first half of my pizza sub. I also finished my ginger-ale. Both were delicious, and I plan on eating the other half of the sub within the next twenty minutes.
11:51 – Had a conversation with the replacement DRO on the topic of the computer age. I realized that none of my friends are in this polling distract.
11:53 – Read a bit of The Silver Chair. I am still bored.
12:25 – Helped a guy in a wheelchair. I also finished my second ginger-ale.
12:45 – Started writing my Webcomic of the Week post.
1:08 – Finished writing Webcomic of the Week. I started on an apology letter. It is a bit slow right now.
1:21 – Finished apology letter and moved on to doodling.
1:25 – Someone is trying to vote more than once… Shame on him… He voted at an advance poll and is now trying to vote here. We are getting scammed.
1:54 – The boredom has fully set in. I am pacing around the polling station. I broke into my carrots a while back and have now moved back to my skittles. I am saddened though; no one thinks I should be working here. Everyone thinks I am too young… Oh well…
2:27 – I’m not allowed to discuss my political beliefs while I’m here. I’m supposed to be non-partisan. I wish I could say something to the people. I cannot though, even when I agree with them.
2:33 – I finished my Fruitopia. I only have 1 pop left. I must conserve it. Heh… I am rationing…
2:50 – Some nice woman came around with some tea. She then brought me some, just how I like it, and a cookie. I set up a table near mine for all the cups once people are done with them.
2:55 – Only the Conservatives seem to have sent us any scrutineers today. It is disappointing. I wanted to see more of my favorite parties, or any other party for that matter.
2:58 – Saw the first person I actually know. Kind of. I saw the father of someone I know from Sinclair. I hope to see more people that I know.
3:22 – I set my watch after finishing my tea. I now have a timer going. Only 6:07 left to vote. Hurry!
3:35 – Had a conversation with a PC on the safety of leaning back in my chair. I have finished all of my carrots and skittles.
3:54 – Listened to another person explain rejected ballots and spoiled ballots to a voter. My word this is boring…
4:04 – Started reading silver chair again. Ate a cookie my CPS gave me.
4:19 – One of the DROs gave me a candy. That was nice of her.
4:25 – Voter comes in, angry at the Conservatives. They were campaigning on Election Day, which I don’t think is allowed. I hope they get in trouble.
4:27 – Saw a friend from the wine store at my work. Got her name wrong the first time. Dang…
4:35 – Saw someone from school. He just turned eighteen, and was voting. Who says my generation doesn’t vote?
4:38 – Got my name added to the conservative complaint. I will get an e-mail with the results. Again, I hope for some kind of fine. It’s not like they don’t know better.
4:46 – The Conservatives get off. They can campaign today, as long as they are at least three hundred feet away from any polling station. One football field. Two things are wrong with that; the first is that three hundred feet is not nearly enough; they should not be able to campaign at all on Election Day. The second thing is, why is that measurement in feet? It should be measured as one hundred metres. Why is it in the imperial measurement system?
4:55 – Mom dropped in with Timothy. Brought me Swiss Chalet, and it is delicious. I’m making my CPS jealous. Got to love having a great Mom.
5:22 – Finished dinner. Absolutely delicious. The bag I left in the trash smells of Swiss Chalet sauce and is making the replacement DRO hungry. It was really good. Now I have a coke that my Mom brought me. I should be good until 9:30.
5:31 – Four hours to go. Then I will see election coverage until morning.
5:37 – A couple came into the polling station. They had their voter ID cards, and still managed to come to the wrong station. How do you manage to come to the wrong place, when your destination is printed on the card in your hand? It makes no sense.
5:45 – Another one… For crying out loud people… Look at your card!
6:00 – And yet again, I’m getting sick of this. This guy couldn’t even take simple directions.
6:08 – Oh I’m getting tired of this. Suffice it to say some people are freaking morons. Now I have someone from another city trying to vote.
6:10 – They let her vote here. She doesn’t live here but she can vote here because someone mailed her voter ID card to her daughter’s address. Some days the system disgusts me.
6:19 – Same situation again, though it is not worth arguing about when I already know the answer to my complaint. I am not bothering to write anymore about this… It is getting tiresome.
6:45 – That was a busy twenty minutes, I hope it stays this steady.
6:57 – Libertarian scrutineers showed up. My friend is the candidate for this riding, and it is about time he showed. Now for some of my friend’s brand of “right-wingedness”. Various amounts of that in store for Elections Canada.
7:45 – Liberal scrutineers finally show up.
8:00 – Libertarian scrutineers successfully remove Liberal scrutineers from the DRO tables.
8:13 – A lull, finally. I get to sit down.
8:30 – The replacement DROs transfer papers come in after twelve hours of waiting. He can now vote.
8:38 – Libertarian candidate invites me to a Conservative drinking party. I decline.
8:43 – Read through the guidelines for candidate’s representatives.
8:44 – Heard disgusting stories from Libertarian candidate.
8:46 – Dad shows up… No real reason, he is forty-five minutes early. It is nice to talk to someone for a few minutes though.
9:10 – Discussed plans with Libertarian candidate to take over our town council. Talk of jailing political enemies, building statues of ourselves and the shooting of pigeons attempting to crap on them. Would electrify statues to discourage the pigeons from roosting.
9:13 – I have noticed a decline in the quality of my performance since the Libertarian candidate arrived.
9:29 – I get invited to act as a Libertarian scrutineers after the polls close. I decline. I get ready to go home.
9:30 – The polls close and I go home.
So was my day, boring at times. Though not as bad as I was lead to believe.
Until next time…
8:45 – Arrived at my polling station and began to set up.
8:55 – Found out that the Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) for one of the polling stations was missing. Much a-worrying was caused by this as the Central Poll Supervisor (CPS) ran out with the poll listing to go call her.
9:20 – My CPS returned with my poll list. As I write this, we still do not have enough listings for all the people that need it. The stations are now set up and I have determined how to correctly do my job.
9:25 – No sign of the missing DRO yet. People are arriving outside, and the Conservative scrutineers have arrived, and are setting up.
9:30 – The polls open. So officially begins my twelve hour day. I now help my first few voters and after a few early stumbles I get to understanding what I am doing.
9:43 – My first lost voter. He came to the wrong station, and with the help of my CPS we direct him to the correct place.
9:44 – After much explaining as to why we cannot help them, I notice that the poll with the missing DRO is running. The Poll Clerk (PC) is acting as the DRO and the Registration Officer (RO) is now acting as the PC.
9:50 – The official DRO replacement shows up. The RO and PC return to their normal duties.
9:53 – First major lull in voter traffic.
10:00 – The first lull ends. This occurs when the voters from the poll with the missing DRO that were originally sent to the riding headquarters return. They now vote, a little angry with us for the mix-up. Understandable.
10:07 – I start writing this journal.
10:15 – My first lost voters. He went to the wrong poll again, so we call headquarters to get him some help.
10:19 – I talk to a scrutineer that works for Flaherty and I ask him what happens if he wins, as he is the MPP for this riding. I am told if he wins, his MPP spot will be vacant and their will be a provincial by-election.
10:21 – I realize that if Judi Longfield doesn’t win, I will at least get more money by working for Elections Ontario at the by-election.
10:27 – Caught up with my journal. There may be gaps now in the journal. Oh well…
10:34 – I break into my skittles and my first ginger-ale. Stupid cold froze the skittles, so they are not as chewy as I would have liked. I found some tape to close them back up when I tired of them. So this is boring… sue me. It isn’t as bad as my parents made it out to be though.
10:41 – A guy comes in with a paper that is apparently his wife’s power of attorney. Apparently this is acceptable and he votes for his wife.
10:44 – I steal my CPS’s polling station map. This will allow me to help voters better, as is my job.
10:46 – I tell my CPS that I took it. She seems fine with this. I also discover that my skittles pack has 50 % of my recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Random.
11:13 – Broke into the first half of my pizza sub. I also finished my ginger-ale. Both were delicious, and I plan on eating the other half of the sub within the next twenty minutes.
11:51 – Had a conversation with the replacement DRO on the topic of the computer age. I realized that none of my friends are in this polling distract.
11:53 – Read a bit of The Silver Chair. I am still bored.
12:25 – Helped a guy in a wheelchair. I also finished my second ginger-ale.
12:45 – Started writing my Webcomic of the Week post.
1:08 – Finished writing Webcomic of the Week. I started on an apology letter. It is a bit slow right now.
1:21 – Finished apology letter and moved on to doodling.
1:25 – Someone is trying to vote more than once… Shame on him… He voted at an advance poll and is now trying to vote here. We are getting scammed.
1:54 – The boredom has fully set in. I am pacing around the polling station. I broke into my carrots a while back and have now moved back to my skittles. I am saddened though; no one thinks I should be working here. Everyone thinks I am too young… Oh well…
2:27 – I’m not allowed to discuss my political beliefs while I’m here. I’m supposed to be non-partisan. I wish I could say something to the people. I cannot though, even when I agree with them.
2:33 – I finished my Fruitopia. I only have 1 pop left. I must conserve it. Heh… I am rationing…
2:50 – Some nice woman came around with some tea. She then brought me some, just how I like it, and a cookie. I set up a table near mine for all the cups once people are done with them.
2:55 – Only the Conservatives seem to have sent us any scrutineers today. It is disappointing. I wanted to see more of my favorite parties, or any other party for that matter.
2:58 – Saw the first person I actually know. Kind of. I saw the father of someone I know from Sinclair. I hope to see more people that I know.
3:22 – I set my watch after finishing my tea. I now have a timer going. Only 6:07 left to vote. Hurry!
3:35 – Had a conversation with a PC on the safety of leaning back in my chair. I have finished all of my carrots and skittles.
3:54 – Listened to another person explain rejected ballots and spoiled ballots to a voter. My word this is boring…
4:04 – Started reading silver chair again. Ate a cookie my CPS gave me.
4:19 – One of the DROs gave me a candy. That was nice of her.
4:25 – Voter comes in, angry at the Conservatives. They were campaigning on Election Day, which I don’t think is allowed. I hope they get in trouble.
4:27 – Saw a friend from the wine store at my work. Got her name wrong the first time. Dang…
4:35 – Saw someone from school. He just turned eighteen, and was voting. Who says my generation doesn’t vote?
4:38 – Got my name added to the conservative complaint. I will get an e-mail with the results. Again, I hope for some kind of fine. It’s not like they don’t know better.
4:46 – The Conservatives get off. They can campaign today, as long as they are at least three hundred feet away from any polling station. One football field. Two things are wrong with that; the first is that three hundred feet is not nearly enough; they should not be able to campaign at all on Election Day. The second thing is, why is that measurement in feet? It should be measured as one hundred metres. Why is it in the imperial measurement system?
4:55 – Mom dropped in with Timothy. Brought me Swiss Chalet, and it is delicious. I’m making my CPS jealous. Got to love having a great Mom.
5:22 – Finished dinner. Absolutely delicious. The bag I left in the trash smells of Swiss Chalet sauce and is making the replacement DRO hungry. It was really good. Now I have a coke that my Mom brought me. I should be good until 9:30.
5:31 – Four hours to go. Then I will see election coverage until morning.
5:37 – A couple came into the polling station. They had their voter ID cards, and still managed to come to the wrong station. How do you manage to come to the wrong place, when your destination is printed on the card in your hand? It makes no sense.
5:45 – Another one… For crying out loud people… Look at your card!
6:00 – And yet again, I’m getting sick of this. This guy couldn’t even take simple directions.
6:08 – Oh I’m getting tired of this. Suffice it to say some people are freaking morons. Now I have someone from another city trying to vote.
6:10 – They let her vote here. She doesn’t live here but she can vote here because someone mailed her voter ID card to her daughter’s address. Some days the system disgusts me.
6:19 – Same situation again, though it is not worth arguing about when I already know the answer to my complaint. I am not bothering to write anymore about this… It is getting tiresome.
6:45 – That was a busy twenty minutes, I hope it stays this steady.
6:57 – Libertarian scrutineers showed up. My friend is the candidate for this riding, and it is about time he showed. Now for some of my friend’s brand of “right-wingedness”. Various amounts of that in store for Elections Canada.
7:45 – Liberal scrutineers finally show up.
8:00 – Libertarian scrutineers successfully remove Liberal scrutineers from the DRO tables.
8:13 – A lull, finally. I get to sit down.
8:30 – The replacement DROs transfer papers come in after twelve hours of waiting. He can now vote.
8:38 – Libertarian candidate invites me to a Conservative drinking party. I decline.
8:43 – Read through the guidelines for candidate’s representatives.
8:44 – Heard disgusting stories from Libertarian candidate.
8:46 – Dad shows up… No real reason, he is forty-five minutes early. It is nice to talk to someone for a few minutes though.
9:10 – Discussed plans with Libertarian candidate to take over our town council. Talk of jailing political enemies, building statues of ourselves and the shooting of pigeons attempting to crap on them. Would electrify statues to discourage the pigeons from roosting.
9:13 – I have noticed a decline in the quality of my performance since the Libertarian candidate arrived.
9:29 – I get invited to act as a Libertarian scrutineers after the polls close. I decline. I get ready to go home.
9:30 – The polls close and I go home.
So was my day, boring at times. Though not as bad as I was lead to believe.
Until next time…
Blog Content
When I started this blog I had no idea of what I was doing. I was going to use it as a vent for all of my frustrations, be they about my life or the world in general. In time the blog grew to be an expression of who I am; my feelings, my beliefs, my complaints and my hopes and dreams. I originally thought that I would post everything I wrote.
I have lost a few posts because I forgot to post them, or they lost their relevance in the time it took to post them. There were also a small number of posts that I actually lost the original copies of.
I think my first conscious decision not to post something came with a stream of consciousness piece I did a few months ago. It revealed a lot about me, but I was not comfortable showing some of the things that it showed to the world.
Lately there have been instances where I have been censoring myself. This may be to avoid my blog looking silly, or to keep certain things personal, or to not offend others. I have become acutely aware of the danger of offending others in the past few weeks.
I do not blog to offend others, but it seems that I have, especially some of those among my friends and family. For that, I am truly sorry. Anything that I have written was not meant to offend, but rather to vent. As such I will no longer be posting about my friends and family until they tell me it is alright to do so.
Due to this fact, I may be posting less often now. I will continue to write about politics, my blog in general, webcomics, some of my thoughts, and I will continue to post most of my creative work. I will however not be posting many of my rants, some of my complaints, and the tales of my life. This is not an attack on anyone, but it is rather my attempt to apologize to those that I have hurt with my posts, and to make up for them.
There are three people that I am not apologizing to in this post. They are the people featured in the posts: “Slander… It’s a Horrible Thing” and “Revenge upon the Child of Evil”. Those three people owe me an apology.
In conclusion, I am sorry. I sincerely apologize to all of those that I owe an apology to due to my rudeness and lack of consideration.
Until next time…
I have lost a few posts because I forgot to post them, or they lost their relevance in the time it took to post them. There were also a small number of posts that I actually lost the original copies of.
I think my first conscious decision not to post something came with a stream of consciousness piece I did a few months ago. It revealed a lot about me, but I was not comfortable showing some of the things that it showed to the world.
Lately there have been instances where I have been censoring myself. This may be to avoid my blog looking silly, or to keep certain things personal, or to not offend others. I have become acutely aware of the danger of offending others in the past few weeks.
I do not blog to offend others, but it seems that I have, especially some of those among my friends and family. For that, I am truly sorry. Anything that I have written was not meant to offend, but rather to vent. As such I will no longer be posting about my friends and family until they tell me it is alright to do so.
Due to this fact, I may be posting less often now. I will continue to write about politics, my blog in general, webcomics, some of my thoughts, and I will continue to post most of my creative work. I will however not be posting many of my rants, some of my complaints, and the tales of my life. This is not an attack on anyone, but it is rather my attempt to apologize to those that I have hurt with my posts, and to make up for them.
There are three people that I am not apologizing to in this post. They are the people featured in the posts: “Slander… It’s a Horrible Thing” and “Revenge upon the Child of Evil”. Those three people owe me an apology.
In conclusion, I am sorry. I sincerely apologize to all of those that I owe an apology to due to my rudeness and lack of consideration.
Until next time…
Snow
The snowflake dances up and down,
dancing in the wind.
It floats in place, and I blink
as the wind takes it out of sight again.
The sky is full of the dancing snowflakes,
my eyes move quickly, trying to follow them all.
I cannot see where each one goes,
they dance too fast, falling on the snow
The snow covers the ground like a blanket,
an even white layer, covering the earth.
I close my eyes and listen
to the silence that comes with it.
The falling snow dampens the normal noise,
the cars, the street, the loud conversation.
All that is left is the rustling of the trees
and the snow crunching beneath my feet.
Until next time...
dancing in the wind.
It floats in place, and I blink
as the wind takes it out of sight again.
The sky is full of the dancing snowflakes,
my eyes move quickly, trying to follow them all.
I cannot see where each one goes,
they dance too fast, falling on the snow
The snow covers the ground like a blanket,
an even white layer, covering the earth.
I close my eyes and listen
to the silence that comes with it.
The falling snow dampens the normal noise,
the cars, the street, the loud conversation.
All that is left is the rustling of the trees
and the snow crunching beneath my feet.
Until next time...
Expect the Cold
I am getting sick of hearing people complain about the cold, especially when I turn around to find these people not even wearing a sweater. I just want to turn around to these people and shout “You are living in Canada; you should expect that it will be cold. Put on a coat!”
I like the cold, I like the snow, and I expect it in early February. I have been disappointed up until now by the lack of snow on the ground, and this snowfall is a welcome change in weather.
I like the snow a lot better than the rain, and I prefer the cold to the heat. It is easy to warm up, but hard to cool down. It is nice to see a layer of snow on the ground, but it is depressing to see nothing but rain falling on a cold and dreary landscape. The fact is, that I like winter.
My favorite season is the autumn. It is cold, it has a nice feel to it and it is not an overly wet season. My least favorite season, by far, is the spring. It is always raining, the snow is melting and it is generally an uncomfortable season.
My point is that I like winter and its related weather, and that people who constantly complain about the cold, should simply put on a sweater.
Until next time…
I like the cold, I like the snow, and I expect it in early February. I have been disappointed up until now by the lack of snow on the ground, and this snowfall is a welcome change in weather.
I like the snow a lot better than the rain, and I prefer the cold to the heat. It is easy to warm up, but hard to cool down. It is nice to see a layer of snow on the ground, but it is depressing to see nothing but rain falling on a cold and dreary landscape. The fact is, that I like winter.
My favorite season is the autumn. It is cold, it has a nice feel to it and it is not an overly wet season. My least favorite season, by far, is the spring. It is always raining, the snow is melting and it is generally an uncomfortable season.
My point is that I like winter and its related weather, and that people who constantly complain about the cold, should simply put on a sweater.
Until next time…
The Value of My Time
My question is… How much of my time must be wasted before I am declared educated?
I am not talking about boring classes or when I am not paying attention because the subject material does not interest me. I am talking about true wastes of time; things that are done just to give me some quantifiable mark, things that are given out as busywork to kill time during the period. I am talking about teachers who tell me the same useless anecdotes over and over, or give us post-its to colour on. This is a waste of my time.
I am referring to my Co-op class. They started the first day by having us write our name on a post-it note, along with a picture of our favorite hobby, our favorite place to visit, and the names of our favorite movie and song. We then ignored the post-its and never did anything with them. How very beneficial to my education that was.
This kind of thing continued throughout the next week and a half, be it in a letter addressed to future me, or a handy mind-map to show me how to properly get injured at my placement.
I feel that I have had perfectly good time out of my life wasted. I want it explained to me how my time was not wasted, how this time would not have been better spent at my placement. I want to know how the post-it note had educational value.
I want the time I spend in school to have some meaning.
Until next time…
I am not talking about boring classes or when I am not paying attention because the subject material does not interest me. I am talking about true wastes of time; things that are done just to give me some quantifiable mark, things that are given out as busywork to kill time during the period. I am talking about teachers who tell me the same useless anecdotes over and over, or give us post-its to colour on. This is a waste of my time.
I am referring to my Co-op class. They started the first day by having us write our name on a post-it note, along with a picture of our favorite hobby, our favorite place to visit, and the names of our favorite movie and song. We then ignored the post-its and never did anything with them. How very beneficial to my education that was.
This kind of thing continued throughout the next week and a half, be it in a letter addressed to future me, or a handy mind-map to show me how to properly get injured at my placement.
I feel that I have had perfectly good time out of my life wasted. I want it explained to me how my time was not wasted, how this time would not have been better spent at my placement. I want to know how the post-it note had educational value.
I want the time I spend in school to have some meaning.
Until next time…
An Unfit Parent
When I wrote this, I was sitting in my co-op class, one day after I saw what could be the most negligent thing that I had ever seen.
Yesterday at a local pet store I saw a man get out of his car and leave his one-year old in the car with a video on. He then proceeded to go into the store for fifteen minutes, leaving his child to ‘fend for himself’.
How negligent is that? Is that not a crime? What if something had happened to that child? He would have been charged with criminal negligence then.
People like that do not deserve kids, especially when there are so many who cannot have children, who would actually take care of their kids. Negligent people like that are dangers to their own children. I should have phoned the police and reported the guy.
To top it all off, when he came back out and my family confronted him; he acted innocently, thinking that he had not done a thing wrong. He thought that he had acted responsibility. He did not think that he had acted negligently.
This person simply sickens me… I hope that he gets what is coming to him.
Until next time…
Yesterday at a local pet store I saw a man get out of his car and leave his one-year old in the car with a video on. He then proceeded to go into the store for fifteen minutes, leaving his child to ‘fend for himself’.
How negligent is that? Is that not a crime? What if something had happened to that child? He would have been charged with criminal negligence then.
People like that do not deserve kids, especially when there are so many who cannot have children, who would actually take care of their kids. Negligent people like that are dangers to their own children. I should have phoned the police and reported the guy.
To top it all off, when he came back out and my family confronted him; he acted innocently, thinking that he had not done a thing wrong. He thought that he had acted responsibility. He did not think that he had acted negligently.
This person simply sickens me… I hope that he gets what is coming to him.
Until next time…
Monday, February 06, 2006
Webcomic of the Week
Welcome to another installment of Webcomic of the Week. This week I will be going in a slightly different direction, and will be suggesting Lynn Johnston's For Better or For Worse to everyone. I realize that this is not a webcomic, but it is my favorite comic strip of all, even inching out El Goonish Shive, so I will bend the rules for it.
The thing about For Better or For Worse that sets it apart from every other comic I have ever read is the characters. They seem like real people, they grow over time and you can truly identify with them. The characters also age, which I find to be important, it makes them more real.
The comic is centred around the Pattersons, a family that lives in Milborough, Ontario, which is fictional community near Toronto. I had a short statement about all the main characters, but it did not do them justice, so I will direct you to the character page of Lynn's website for that. Read through if you want to get a quick look at the Patterson clan. Characters Guide
There is also a large number of secondary characters that also have backstories and personalities and grow over time. You can identify with some of these people as well, their lives, their stories and their choices that they have to make. The comic also deals with realistic problems, and is not afraid to deal with subjects that normally do not get dealt with in a syndicated comic strip, such as death of a character, extramarital affairs, aging characters and the challenges that creates, and in one recent example, someone trying to rape Elizabeth Patterson.
Like I said, it is an excellent comic that is full of real characters and issues, and you grow to like the characters and you can see where they are coming from. The comic has been going strong for over twenty-five years, and still shows no sign of stopping. You can read the past few years of comics at Lynn's official website, though I would suggest you go to your local library and read the old strips in book form to truly understand the characters. You will be glad you did.
So there you go, read the comic. You will not be disappointed.
Until next time...
The thing about For Better or For Worse that sets it apart from every other comic I have ever read is the characters. They seem like real people, they grow over time and you can truly identify with them. The characters also age, which I find to be important, it makes them more real.
The comic is centred around the Pattersons, a family that lives in Milborough, Ontario, which is fictional community near Toronto. I had a short statement about all the main characters, but it did not do them justice, so I will direct you to the character page of Lynn's website for that. Read through if you want to get a quick look at the Patterson clan. Characters Guide
There is also a large number of secondary characters that also have backstories and personalities and grow over time. You can identify with some of these people as well, their lives, their stories and their choices that they have to make. The comic also deals with realistic problems, and is not afraid to deal with subjects that normally do not get dealt with in a syndicated comic strip, such as death of a character, extramarital affairs, aging characters and the challenges that creates, and in one recent example, someone trying to rape Elizabeth Patterson.
Like I said, it is an excellent comic that is full of real characters and issues, and you grow to like the characters and you can see where they are coming from. The comic has been going strong for over twenty-five years, and still shows no sign of stopping. You can read the past few years of comics at Lynn's official website, though I would suggest you go to your local library and read the old strips in book form to truly understand the characters. You will be glad you did.
So there you go, read the comic. You will not be disappointed.
Until next time...
A Light in a Dark Room
A light goes on in a darkened room,
a pool of light falls upon the floor.
One cannot be sure what lies outside the light,
the shadows concealing that which the light cant reach.
The light comes from a lone bulb, hanging from its cord.
It sways back and forth, pushed by an unknown force.
As the light moves the pool it casts moves too,
illuminating slightly, the shadows in the dark.
One can only catch quick glimpses
of the figures in the moving light.
One cannot be sure of what one sees,
at the edges of their vision, almost out of sight.
The unknown force that moves the bulb
chooses what will be seen by those who watch,
as the pool of light moves across the floor,
the lightbulb's swinging arc changing as it goes.
Most will be content to sit inside the light,
watching as a few small shadows are revealed.
The truth will be shown to those who go,
and venture into the void.
It will be those that search in the dark, that will truly see the light.
Until next time...
a pool of light falls upon the floor.
One cannot be sure what lies outside the light,
the shadows concealing that which the light cant reach.
The light comes from a lone bulb, hanging from its cord.
It sways back and forth, pushed by an unknown force.
As the light moves the pool it casts moves too,
illuminating slightly, the shadows in the dark.
One can only catch quick glimpses
of the figures in the moving light.
One cannot be sure of what one sees,
at the edges of their vision, almost out of sight.
The unknown force that moves the bulb
chooses what will be seen by those who watch,
as the pool of light moves across the floor,
the lightbulb's swinging arc changing as it goes.
Most will be content to sit inside the light,
watching as a few small shadows are revealed.
The truth will be shown to those who go,
and venture into the void.
It will be those that search in the dark, that will truly see the light.
Until next time...
Thursday, February 02, 2006
The Watcher
An outsider sits on the fringe of the room.
He is secluded, detached and alone.
He sits there waiting for some day, some distant day, when he will join the crowd.
He sits there waiting, as life passes him by.
The outsider sits, observing the crowd.
He wonders how to join in.
He sits, waiting for the perfect moment, his time to shine,
Not realizing that by time that moment comes, it will already be too late.
The crowds shuffle back and forth, they change over time.
The outsider has long since accepted the life he lives.
The solitary life, the life of idle distraction.
For now, this is just the way life is.
So the outsider continues to watch the crowds, they change over time.
He sits, waiting for when he will seize the day.
The world around him is not as hard as he thinks.
But he sits there waiting, as life passes him by.
Until next time...
He is secluded, detached and alone.
He sits there waiting for some day, some distant day, when he will join the crowd.
He sits there waiting, as life passes him by.
The outsider sits, observing the crowd.
He wonders how to join in.
He sits, waiting for the perfect moment, his time to shine,
Not realizing that by time that moment comes, it will already be too late.
The crowds shuffle back and forth, they change over time.
The outsider has long since accepted the life he lives.
The solitary life, the life of idle distraction.
For now, this is just the way life is.
So the outsider continues to watch the crowds, they change over time.
He sits, waiting for when he will seize the day.
The world around him is not as hard as he thinks.
But he sits there waiting, as life passes him by.
Until next time...
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Strategic Voting
The NDP and the Liberals are a lot closer in how they see the issues than either are with the Conservatives. This is a fact.
I believe in an alliance against the right wing. Let me explain to you why this works. I will use my riding as an example, but first I must explain some things. Every vote for a party that receives two percent of the national popular vote gives that party $1.75 a year for every year that the government lasts.
In my riding, the Conservatives won by somewhere between 800 and 1400 votes. The Liberals were a close second. The NDP were a very distant third getting a little less than 2500 votes (The Conservatives got 15000). If the NDP had withdrawn and told their voters to vote Liberal, then the Liberals would have won and the true will of the people would be heard.
The NDP get $17500 from my riding if the government lasts 4 years. In the long run, that is really not much. An extra Liberal seat could have changed the balance of power. This occurred in ridings across the country, and it of course works in reverse. The Liberals should support the NDP when it is a toss-up between the NDP and the Conservatives, like in the riding just to the west of me.
We could have the government we actually want.
It does not make any difference now though. Oh well...
Until next time...
I believe in an alliance against the right wing. Let me explain to you why this works. I will use my riding as an example, but first I must explain some things. Every vote for a party that receives two percent of the national popular vote gives that party $1.75 a year for every year that the government lasts.
In my riding, the Conservatives won by somewhere between 800 and 1400 votes. The Liberals were a close second. The NDP were a very distant third getting a little less than 2500 votes (The Conservatives got 15000). If the NDP had withdrawn and told their voters to vote Liberal, then the Liberals would have won and the true will of the people would be heard.
The NDP get $17500 from my riding if the government lasts 4 years. In the long run, that is really not much. An extra Liberal seat could have changed the balance of power. This occurred in ridings across the country, and it of course works in reverse. The Liberals should support the NDP when it is a toss-up between the NDP and the Conservatives, like in the riding just to the west of me.
We could have the government we actually want.
It does not make any difference now though. Oh well...
Until next time...
Monday, January 30, 2006
Webcomic of the Week
In my third installment of "Webcomic of the Week", I will point out another of my favorite webcomics.
The Wotch is written by two people; Anne Onnymous and Robin Ericson. The authors of the webcomic have also chosen to name their main characters Robin and Anne. I will try to keep this simple by referring to the characters by their first names only, and the authors by their full names.
The wotch is centred around Anne. Anne is "The Wotch", which in essence, is a kind of very powerful witch. Anne has two main friends in her adventures, these people being Robin and Jason. Robin has a thing for Anne, and does his best in the continuing fight against evil, with a combination of magically imbued powers (by Anne) and his martial arts training. Jason is the redhead loving sarcastic one of the group. He is usually the first one to count on for pointing out what should have been obvious.
The three live in Tandy Gardens, and go to Tandy Gardens High School, where all sorts of funny and exciting stuff happens, whether that be a cursed genie, or a mythical virus. Tandy Gardens is a really strange place.
Before I finish, I also have to mention Scott. He is not a main or secondary character in The Wotch, but he is Canadian, so I felt I should mention him. Go Canada!
With the random ka-girling, the rampant magic, and the great Buffy the Vampire Slayer references, it is a hillarious comic that takes right from the Buffy Action-Comedy-Drama style. So read the wotch. It is funny, and the story will suck you right in.
Until next time...
The Wotch is written by two people; Anne Onnymous and Robin Ericson. The authors of the webcomic have also chosen to name their main characters Robin and Anne. I will try to keep this simple by referring to the characters by their first names only, and the authors by their full names.
The wotch is centred around Anne. Anne is "The Wotch", which in essence, is a kind of very powerful witch. Anne has two main friends in her adventures, these people being Robin and Jason. Robin has a thing for Anne, and does his best in the continuing fight against evil, with a combination of magically imbued powers (by Anne) and his martial arts training. Jason is the redhead loving sarcastic one of the group. He is usually the first one to count on for pointing out what should have been obvious.
The three live in Tandy Gardens, and go to Tandy Gardens High School, where all sorts of funny and exciting stuff happens, whether that be a cursed genie, or a mythical virus. Tandy Gardens is a really strange place.
Before I finish, I also have to mention Scott. He is not a main or secondary character in The Wotch, but he is Canadian, so I felt I should mention him. Go Canada!
With the random ka-girling, the rampant magic, and the great Buffy the Vampire Slayer references, it is a hillarious comic that takes right from the Buffy Action-Comedy-Drama style. So read the wotch. It is funny, and the story will suck you right in.
Until next time...
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Walls
I am trying to break down walls that have been in place since I have been in grade 3. I put them to protect myself from certain people who were hurting me, both emotionally and physically. Those walls gradually grew to block out the whole world. The problem is, as one of my friends pointed out, the walls we put up to protect us don't know the difference between happiness and sadness.
What makes the job harder is when people then yell at me about it.
I do not understand why people cannot seem to grasp the idea that it is hard. It is incredibly hard. The reason it is so hard, is that to break down these walls, I need the support of my friends and family, and to yell at me while I am trying to fix it, really doesn't count as support.
I want to be able to talk openly and honestly to people, and it doesn't help that every time I talk to people, they seem to change the rules. When I am in an argument, I should be able to talk at the same level as the people I am arguing with. I should be able to talk like an adult to them, as I am one.
These people do not seem to realize that as an adult, I should have some freedoms that I didn't before. I should be able to go out without getting the third degree. I should be able to put a lock on my door. I shouldn't be attacked every time people are angry about small messes.
These people, who know me better than anyone else, should also realize that I am prone to say stupid things. This is what I cannot seem to understand. They know I am impulsive, they know I can be an idiot, and they know this can happen on or off of my Ritalin. The Ritalin only helps my impulsive nature, it is not a cure-all drug.
For all of these reasons, and more, I say to these people. Lay off... I get it, I know I have some problems, and yelling at me about them is not helping me in the slightest. For the most part, they are things that I have to work out. I will figure out how to work them out, and I will work them out on my own schedule.
I have a lot of problems with my family. I will defend myself for no reason sometimes. This is a remnant from my days when all I knew from most people was ridicule and hurt. I learned a lot of defensive responses that have haunted me to this day. I am bad at distinguishing people making fun of me from them just kidding around, stop telling me to lighten up... I am trying.
That is my point here. I am trying to change. It will take a while, I will need to learn the rules of how to talk to people. I am trying to break down the walls that have "protected" me from the world. It might help if people didn't make me feel like I need to protect and defend myself.
Until next time...
What makes the job harder is when people then yell at me about it.
I do not understand why people cannot seem to grasp the idea that it is hard. It is incredibly hard. The reason it is so hard, is that to break down these walls, I need the support of my friends and family, and to yell at me while I am trying to fix it, really doesn't count as support.
I want to be able to talk openly and honestly to people, and it doesn't help that every time I talk to people, they seem to change the rules. When I am in an argument, I should be able to talk at the same level as the people I am arguing with. I should be able to talk like an adult to them, as I am one.
These people do not seem to realize that as an adult, I should have some freedoms that I didn't before. I should be able to go out without getting the third degree. I should be able to put a lock on my door. I shouldn't be attacked every time people are angry about small messes.
These people, who know me better than anyone else, should also realize that I am prone to say stupid things. This is what I cannot seem to understand. They know I am impulsive, they know I can be an idiot, and they know this can happen on or off of my Ritalin. The Ritalin only helps my impulsive nature, it is not a cure-all drug.
For all of these reasons, and more, I say to these people. Lay off... I get it, I know I have some problems, and yelling at me about them is not helping me in the slightest. For the most part, they are things that I have to work out. I will figure out how to work them out, and I will work them out on my own schedule.
I have a lot of problems with my family. I will defend myself for no reason sometimes. This is a remnant from my days when all I knew from most people was ridicule and hurt. I learned a lot of defensive responses that have haunted me to this day. I am bad at distinguishing people making fun of me from them just kidding around, stop telling me to lighten up... I am trying.
That is my point here. I am trying to change. It will take a while, I will need to learn the rules of how to talk to people. I am trying to break down the walls that have "protected" me from the world. It might help if people didn't make me feel like I need to protect and defend myself.
Until next time...
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Exams
I am pleased to say that I am now finished my exams for this semester. I just have one more in Chemistry next semester and that is it for me.
I cannot wait until it is all over and I can go to university.
A bonus for me is that I get 2 days off now while the rest of the exams finish up, so I am home until Wednesday, which is alright by me.
Until next time...
I cannot wait until it is all over and I can go to university.
A bonus for me is that I get 2 days off now while the rest of the exams finish up, so I am home until Wednesday, which is alright by me.
Until next time...
Thursday, January 26, 2006
El Goonish Shive: The Book at Last
I have been after both volumes of EGS for about six months. Today, they came in the mail. They are entitled: El Goonish Shive: Read it or the Owl will Eat You, and El Goonish Shive: The piece that does not fit. Both volumes are filled to the brim with great strips.
The pictures of the books themselves are now posted on the MSN Spaces site, and for anyone who actually knows me (ie. in real life) feel free to ask to see them, I will be more than happy to lend them to you to read.
For those of you who are keeping track, I had to try Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Chapters, Indigo, World's Biggest Bookstore, Coles and Walmart before I got them right from the source, this being Keenspot.
One final note, Webcomic of the week is on hiatus until Monday... sorry for missing a week.
Until next time...
The pictures of the books themselves are now posted on the MSN Spaces site, and for anyone who actually knows me (ie. in real life) feel free to ask to see them, I will be more than happy to lend them to you to read.
For those of you who are keeping track, I had to try Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Chapters, Indigo, World's Biggest Bookstore, Coles and Walmart before I got them right from the source, this being Keenspot.
One final note, Webcomic of the week is on hiatus until Monday... sorry for missing a week.
Until next time...
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Skipping the Rocks
The rock sailed through the air, skipping as it hit the water. One... two... three... four... five... plop...
The boy picked up another rock, feeling the weight in his hands, and in a smooth motion cast it out into the water, the rock skipping as it went, one... two... three... four... five... six... plop.
The boy stood there and looked out at the water. How many more rocks were to be casted out, how many more must he throw.
He looked to where the rocks skipped, and the ripples that moved out from the centre, how the ripples came together from where it skipped
He looked forward to where the rocks sunk, no ripples came from these spots, they just sunk to the bottom, waiting to be washed up shore again.
The boy picked up a handful of rocks, and in a quick motion flung them down the beach. He watched as some hit the water and skipped tiny bits, leaving small ripples radiating outwards... He saw many more of those rocks never skip, but sink straight to the bottom, just sinking, waiting for a day when they would come back to shore, waiting for a day the boy would follow through.
The boy looked to the sand. He saw where many of the stones had left craters in the sand. He saw the impressions they left and how the sand had now buried them slightly.
He looked out upon the waters and saw the ripples continuing out from every spot a stone had skipped. He saw the earliest ripples now hitting the sand, taking a bit of it away, eroding back the line between the sand and the water. It was a slow process, but it was happening
The boy thought back to days when he stood on a small patch of sand, and the water stretched in all directions as far as the eye could see. There were few stones, for they were all skipping off to infinity. Now all that was behind him was a seemingly unscalable mountain, a sheer rock face, one that seemed as if it could last for all time. To his left and right there was only sand, with pebbles and rocks of different sizes strwn about. Only to the front of him was there water.
The mountain had raised up out of the sea some time ago, he did not remember how. At some point after that the sand then raced forward, leaving a desert, with just a small pond. For a long time the boy had thrown no tocks of stones or pebbles, the ripples had all but stopped.
It took a long time after the desert had taken over before the boy cast a pebble into the pond again. When he did, he saw the ripple go throughout the pond, and erode some of the sand. The boy had forgotten why he threw the stones. He slowly stood up to the barren desert, and began to again cast the stones into the pond.
The pond is now a sea again, the ripples pushed back the desert. Yet the mountain remains. Perhaps one day after all the stones are gone and are skipping off to infinity once again, maybe then, the mountain will sink back into the sea.
The boy thought back again. How had the mountain come to rise from the sea? How had the desert covered his world? The exact moment the mountain began to rise did not seem to come to the boys mind. What the boy could recall was a wave, higher than the sky itself roaring towards him, wiping out everything he had, the continuing off forever behind him.
That was it... the boy remembered everything. He has built that mountain from the stones that were on the sand. It had not risen out of the sea, as he had like to think, it was his own doing. Then without the stones, the water receded, leaving other stones.
The boy threw another stone into the water, watching skip once, twice, then sink. He had forgotten in his years in the desert how to skip the stones as far as he wanted.
The boy wondered if things could ever be how they used to. Regardless if they could or not, nothing is ever solved by doing nothing.
The boy walked up to the mountain and looked closely. He saw the individual stones that made up the mountain, and pried one out, then another, and so on, until he had a handful.
The boy walked back to the water, skipping the rocks, one by one, as far as he could, watching the ripples combining and strengthening. He went back for more rocks from the mountain.
The strange thing was, that as the boy continued to do this for some time, the ripples in the sea moved outward faster, and changed how the shoreline ran. As the mountain came down, the boy's world changed.
The mountain is still there today, though smaller now. The boy, now a man, continues his work. His methodical skipping of the rocks, they skip further and further now, the retrieval of rocks from the mountain, and back to skipping them. The cycle will continue until the mountain is gone and he can see what lies on the other side.
Until next time...
The boy picked up another rock, feeling the weight in his hands, and in a smooth motion cast it out into the water, the rock skipping as it went, one... two... three... four... five... six... plop.
The boy stood there and looked out at the water. How many more rocks were to be casted out, how many more must he throw.
He looked to where the rocks skipped, and the ripples that moved out from the centre, how the ripples came together from where it skipped
He looked forward to where the rocks sunk, no ripples came from these spots, they just sunk to the bottom, waiting to be washed up shore again.
The boy picked up a handful of rocks, and in a quick motion flung them down the beach. He watched as some hit the water and skipped tiny bits, leaving small ripples radiating outwards... He saw many more of those rocks never skip, but sink straight to the bottom, just sinking, waiting for a day when they would come back to shore, waiting for a day the boy would follow through.
The boy looked to the sand. He saw where many of the stones had left craters in the sand. He saw the impressions they left and how the sand had now buried them slightly.
He looked out upon the waters and saw the ripples continuing out from every spot a stone had skipped. He saw the earliest ripples now hitting the sand, taking a bit of it away, eroding back the line between the sand and the water. It was a slow process, but it was happening
The boy thought back to days when he stood on a small patch of sand, and the water stretched in all directions as far as the eye could see. There were few stones, for they were all skipping off to infinity. Now all that was behind him was a seemingly unscalable mountain, a sheer rock face, one that seemed as if it could last for all time. To his left and right there was only sand, with pebbles and rocks of different sizes strwn about. Only to the front of him was there water.
The mountain had raised up out of the sea some time ago, he did not remember how. At some point after that the sand then raced forward, leaving a desert, with just a small pond. For a long time the boy had thrown no tocks of stones or pebbles, the ripples had all but stopped.
It took a long time after the desert had taken over before the boy cast a pebble into the pond again. When he did, he saw the ripple go throughout the pond, and erode some of the sand. The boy had forgotten why he threw the stones. He slowly stood up to the barren desert, and began to again cast the stones into the pond.
The pond is now a sea again, the ripples pushed back the desert. Yet the mountain remains. Perhaps one day after all the stones are gone and are skipping off to infinity once again, maybe then, the mountain will sink back into the sea.
The boy thought back again. How had the mountain come to rise from the sea? How had the desert covered his world? The exact moment the mountain began to rise did not seem to come to the boys mind. What the boy could recall was a wave, higher than the sky itself roaring towards him, wiping out everything he had, the continuing off forever behind him.
That was it... the boy remembered everything. He has built that mountain from the stones that were on the sand. It had not risen out of the sea, as he had like to think, it was his own doing. Then without the stones, the water receded, leaving other stones.
The boy threw another stone into the water, watching skip once, twice, then sink. He had forgotten in his years in the desert how to skip the stones as far as he wanted.
The boy wondered if things could ever be how they used to. Regardless if they could or not, nothing is ever solved by doing nothing.
The boy walked up to the mountain and looked closely. He saw the individual stones that made up the mountain, and pried one out, then another, and so on, until he had a handful.
The boy walked back to the water, skipping the rocks, one by one, as far as he could, watching the ripples combining and strengthening. He went back for more rocks from the mountain.
The strange thing was, that as the boy continued to do this for some time, the ripples in the sea moved outward faster, and changed how the shoreline ran. As the mountain came down, the boy's world changed.
The mountain is still there today, though smaller now. The boy, now a man, continues his work. His methodical skipping of the rocks, they skip further and further now, the retrieval of rocks from the mountain, and back to skipping them. The cycle will continue until the mountain is gone and he can see what lies on the other side.
Until next time...
Blog Stuff Continued
I will get webcomic of the week up on the site either today or tomorrow. Tales from Elections Canada will take about a week, but I do have a short story for you all that I will be updating shortly.
Sorry all.
Until next time...
Sorry all.
Until next time...
Monday, January 23, 2006
Blog Stuff
I will be doing Webcomic of the week tomorrow...
I will also present to you a special feature. Tales of Elections Canada... It is a journal of my day today at a polling station.
Until next time...
I will also present to you a special feature. Tales of Elections Canada... It is a journal of my day today at a polling station.
Until next time...
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Conversations Continued...
How could I have said that?
I was told something that should have brought a "congratulations... good for you" and I instead told them their accomplishment was worthless... How would I go about apologizing for this one. I don't think I can. I think, personally, that I have lost a friend due to my own idiocy.
I hope that the person who this is directed at will forgive me eventually, but sadly that is rarely how my life turns out. I don't get to have good friends... I have a bunch that are as callous as I am, some who I haven't yet driven away... then the large number that I have driven away through either not paying attention, being a jerk, not being a good friend generally, or saying something really stupid... as is the case here.
If anyone who ever reads this has any ideas on how to deal with this... Please comment... I could use some help.
If the person who I have offended reads this... I am really sorry. I really don't know what else to do...
The text seems so cold here... doesnt it? You can't hear me. You have no idea what I'm feeling. I don't what I'm doing... posting this here... whether it is just my way of trying to get the feelings out, or whether it is some last ditch effort to talk this out.
The problem is, I have never been able to figure out how to solve these things... These kinds of problems just seem to spiral downwards. I hope... I don't know what I hope for... I just hope. While I breathe, I hope.
Dum Spiro, Spero...
Until next time...
I was told something that should have brought a "congratulations... good for you" and I instead told them their accomplishment was worthless... How would I go about apologizing for this one. I don't think I can. I think, personally, that I have lost a friend due to my own idiocy.
I hope that the person who this is directed at will forgive me eventually, but sadly that is rarely how my life turns out. I don't get to have good friends... I have a bunch that are as callous as I am, some who I haven't yet driven away... then the large number that I have driven away through either not paying attention, being a jerk, not being a good friend generally, or saying something really stupid... as is the case here.
If anyone who ever reads this has any ideas on how to deal with this... Please comment... I could use some help.
If the person who I have offended reads this... I am really sorry. I really don't know what else to do...
The text seems so cold here... doesnt it? You can't hear me. You have no idea what I'm feeling. I don't what I'm doing... posting this here... whether it is just my way of trying to get the feelings out, or whether it is some last ditch effort to talk this out.
The problem is, I have never been able to figure out how to solve these things... These kinds of problems just seem to spiral downwards. I hope... I don't know what I hope for... I just hope. While I breathe, I hope.
Dum Spiro, Spero...
Until next time...
My Stream of Consciousness
Can you wander the internet, in an endless haze... Unsure of where you are going... just hoping you end up somewhere with meaning? Have you ever found yourself just going into your bookmarks while you do... just looking for something... anything to do?
That pretty much is how I feel right now... I'm wandering back and forth, from blog to blog, from meaningless game, to webcomics that I don't care about right now...
I don't think I know what I'm doing lately. I've been in a haze for the past few days... I really need something to pull me out of it... I need to go out, do something... anything... I miss talking to people face to face... I have been taking the bus... so I haven't gotten the regular human contact that I never realized I had grown accustomed to... I never realized how much I need it... I miss it.
Now all my avenues of social contact are disappearing... I have been a fool, and I hurt a good friend... I cannot go out as I want, so there is another street closed... I have not seem some of my other friends in months, most since graduation... I hope they are doing well...
Damn, I sound depressed... maybe I am a little... I could really use a change of pace... I think school, combined with the stresses of my life right now, adding the fact that my family hasnt been out of the house together in a while... I think it is starting to get to me... I can't get drives to where I want to go right now...
I think I need a change... I'm not sure what to though.
Until next time...
That pretty much is how I feel right now... I'm wandering back and forth, from blog to blog, from meaningless game, to webcomics that I don't care about right now...
I don't think I know what I'm doing lately. I've been in a haze for the past few days... I really need something to pull me out of it... I need to go out, do something... anything... I miss talking to people face to face... I have been taking the bus... so I haven't gotten the regular human contact that I never realized I had grown accustomed to... I never realized how much I need it... I miss it.
Now all my avenues of social contact are disappearing... I have been a fool, and I hurt a good friend... I cannot go out as I want, so there is another street closed... I have not seem some of my other friends in months, most since graduation... I hope they are doing well...
Damn, I sound depressed... maybe I am a little... I could really use a change of pace... I think school, combined with the stresses of my life right now, adding the fact that my family hasnt been out of the house together in a while... I think it is starting to get to me... I can't get drives to where I want to go right now...
I think I need a change... I'm not sure what to though.
Until next time...
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Conversations
Have you ever been talking to someone and you said something stupid? Something hurtful and mean? Have you ever been in a situation where something came out horribly wrong? Or was taken the wrong way? Have you ever realized that you are a dumbass for ever even saying it?
I have.
I cannot talk on messenger the way I can in real life. In real life my sarcasm, and my constant jokes can be told from my voice. On messenger, all of this is filtered out, and I come off as a jackass. The problem is that I don't realize what I sound like until I read it back later... and obviously it is too late by then.
So to who this post is meant for. I am sorry. I really am sorry, I'm a jerk and I didn't mean it that way. I was trying to joke around, and it not only came out badly, it shouldn't have been said at all. I really hope you arent too mad... though I understand why you probably are.
Again, I'm really sorry...
Until next time...
I have.
I cannot talk on messenger the way I can in real life. In real life my sarcasm, and my constant jokes can be told from my voice. On messenger, all of this is filtered out, and I come off as a jackass. The problem is that I don't realize what I sound like until I read it back later... and obviously it is too late by then.
So to who this post is meant for. I am sorry. I really am sorry, I'm a jerk and I didn't mean it that way. I was trying to joke around, and it not only came out badly, it shouldn't have been said at all. I really hope you arent too mad... though I understand why you probably are.
Again, I'm really sorry...
Until next time...
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Who am I?
I live my life according to what I value. I don't apologize for these values, nor will I be convinced to live my life according to someone elses values. I also will tell people what my values are. I will explain to them how I think life should be.
The problem is that I have two kinds of values. Those that I have personally, and those that I think society should be run by. These values will often clash, as they are often based on how a perfect world would be. For example: I don't like smoking, and on a personal level I support the smoking bans. I think they are a good idea generally, and for the most part I completely support them. On the other hand though, I think that there are businesses, such as bars, who should be able to allow their patrons to smoke if they so choose. There are a few other cases like this where my personal views clash with my societal views, but for the most part I try not to apply my values to how the country should be run.
As a result of these contradictions, and the fact that depending on the situation, I may argue either side of an argument, people often have a hard time knowing what I truly believe.
So the point is that noone really knows who I am or what I truly believe. The point is that noone really knows me.
For your average person, this doesn't bother me, and for almost everyone else I am still not too concerned. It is my family and close friends that I care about. These are the people who I should be honest with and be able to trust.
Even among my family there are things not known about me. Whether this be because of my fear of disapproval, my fear of my family being angry , or my fear of being backstabbed if I told someone, I still do have secrets. I feel bad for this, because I should be honest. I just wished I could, without fear of anger, being judged or made fun of.
So what has been brought to light by this post? By my count three things have. The first thing is that my personal beliefs are not necessarily reflected in what I do or say. The second is that I actually support both sides of some opposing issues, and finally, the fact that nobody really knows me completely, and that it is noone's fault but my own.
Don't take this the wrong way though. I am not depressed or overly saddened by these facts... They don't bug me too much. Also don't take this post to mean that I will change my ways, or that if asked about these kinds of things that I would lie. This post is just me recognizing the fact that this is how things are.
Or at least how I see things...
Until next time...
The problem is that I have two kinds of values. Those that I have personally, and those that I think society should be run by. These values will often clash, as they are often based on how a perfect world would be. For example: I don't like smoking, and on a personal level I support the smoking bans. I think they are a good idea generally, and for the most part I completely support them. On the other hand though, I think that there are businesses, such as bars, who should be able to allow their patrons to smoke if they so choose. There are a few other cases like this where my personal views clash with my societal views, but for the most part I try not to apply my values to how the country should be run.
As a result of these contradictions, and the fact that depending on the situation, I may argue either side of an argument, people often have a hard time knowing what I truly believe.
So the point is that noone really knows who I am or what I truly believe. The point is that noone really knows me.
For your average person, this doesn't bother me, and for almost everyone else I am still not too concerned. It is my family and close friends that I care about. These are the people who I should be honest with and be able to trust.
Even among my family there are things not known about me. Whether this be because of my fear of disapproval, my fear of my family being angry , or my fear of being backstabbed if I told someone, I still do have secrets. I feel bad for this, because I should be honest. I just wished I could, without fear of anger, being judged or made fun of.
So what has been brought to light by this post? By my count three things have. The first thing is that my personal beliefs are not necessarily reflected in what I do or say. The second is that I actually support both sides of some opposing issues, and finally, the fact that nobody really knows me completely, and that it is noone's fault but my own.
Don't take this the wrong way though. I am not depressed or overly saddened by these facts... They don't bug me too much. Also don't take this post to mean that I will change my ways, or that if asked about these kinds of things that I would lie. This post is just me recognizing the fact that this is how things are.
Or at least how I see things...
Until next time...
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Comic of the Week
Welcome to the second installment of "Comic of the Week". This week's comic is El Goonish Shive, which is the best webcomic ever.
This comic is the best I have ever seen. It is funny, it is well drawn and it is well written. You all should read it, as it is also the comic that inspired Anne Onnymous to write The Wotch.
El Goonish Shive is the story of a group of friends and their life. Currently they are at Grace's birthday party, and everyone is getting transformed. Oh, did I forget to mention that? Yes, the story includes transformation into furry characters, transformation of gender, species, size, you name it Dan draws it.
The author of this webcomic is Dan Shive, a very talented artist who I have nothing but respect for.
Oh and by the way, my copy of EGS Volume 1 and 2 is on the way to my house. Hurrah!
Until next time...
This comic is the best I have ever seen. It is funny, it is well drawn and it is well written. You all should read it, as it is also the comic that inspired Anne Onnymous to write The Wotch.
El Goonish Shive is the story of a group of friends and their life. Currently they are at Grace's birthday party, and everyone is getting transformed. Oh, did I forget to mention that? Yes, the story includes transformation into furry characters, transformation of gender, species, size, you name it Dan draws it.
The author of this webcomic is Dan Shive, a very talented artist who I have nothing but respect for.
Oh and by the way, my copy of EGS Volume 1 and 2 is on the way to my house. Hurrah!
Until next time...
Thursday, January 12, 2006
My Blog
I am now posting this blog on MSN Spaces as well as here.
I am posting the same posts on both, and I will continue to do so for some time as it is no real trouble to do so. I like the posting style here, because I am used to it and the fact is that people know this address better. I post on MSN Spaces because it has easy photo uploads, I get lots of comments and my links are easier to put up.
So here we go into a new era of my blogging.
Visit the mirror at Muddled Mind.
Until next time...
I am posting the same posts on both, and I will continue to do so for some time as it is no real trouble to do so. I like the posting style here, because I am used to it and the fact is that people know this address better. I post on MSN Spaces because it has easy photo uploads, I get lots of comments and my links are easier to put up.
So here we go into a new era of my blogging.
Visit the mirror at Muddled Mind.
Until next time...
I Have Voted... Will You?
I did my civic duty today and voted. I voted Liberal, I like their social policies, and the race in my riding is too close to justify voting for the NDP.
In my opinion it is the duty of every informed person to vote. Similarly, it is the duty of every non-informed person not to vote. If you don't know the issues or vote randomly, then your vote is cancelling out an informed one, and that is not good.
So on January 23, if you know the issues, head on down to your local polling station and cast your ballot for the candidate you agree with, and you think will do the best job. I already did, though my vote was a bit of a strategic vote. I might see you at the polls, I will be an information officer at one of my riding's polling stations.
So here is my realistic hope for this election: a Liberal minority, NDP being the official opposition (I know it wont happen), and if they cant be official opposition, for them to hold the balance of power.
Until next time...
In my opinion it is the duty of every informed person to vote. Similarly, it is the duty of every non-informed person not to vote. If you don't know the issues or vote randomly, then your vote is cancelling out an informed one, and that is not good.
So on January 23, if you know the issues, head on down to your local polling station and cast your ballot for the candidate you agree with, and you think will do the best job. I already did, though my vote was a bit of a strategic vote. I might see you at the polls, I will be an information officer at one of my riding's polling stations.
So here is my realistic hope for this election: a Liberal minority, NDP being the official opposition (I know it wont happen), and if they cant be official opposition, for them to hold the balance of power.
Until next time...
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
The Trails Ahead
A path lay out before me
A path loops back behind
Which trail should I take?
I can't make up my mind.
The path ahead is foggy
The view is not quite clear
It could be good, it could be bad
The unknown gives me fear.
The looping path is sunny...
Easygoing and free of strife.
I would just end up back here though,
Later in my life.
I chose to take the simple path
I looped back round again
I chose the easier way to go,
Thinking I would gain.
I now approach the fork again,
My choice now is quite clear.
I shall tread new ground, and set new paths
I have nothing to fear.
I look down the now clear path
And see the trials ahead
I can face them now, I could have then
The dangers were in my head.
My fears stopped me, they held me back
This thought makes me irate
I set off running forward now,
This is going to be great...
Until next time...
A path loops back behind
Which trail should I take?
I can't make up my mind.
The path ahead is foggy
The view is not quite clear
It could be good, it could be bad
The unknown gives me fear.
The looping path is sunny...
Easygoing and free of strife.
I would just end up back here though,
Later in my life.
I chose to take the simple path
I looped back round again
I chose the easier way to go,
Thinking I would gain.
I now approach the fork again,
My choice now is quite clear.
I shall tread new ground, and set new paths
I have nothing to fear.
I look down the now clear path
And see the trials ahead
I can face them now, I could have then
The dangers were in my head.
My fears stopped me, they held me back
This thought makes me irate
I set off running forward now,
This is going to be great...
Until next time...
Monday, January 09, 2006
Comic of the Week
This is a new feature in my blog... Every week on Monday I will plug a webcomic that I read. Eventually people will learn about me by reading what I like to read...
This week's webcomic is... Count your sheep
This comic is hilarious, it can be heartwarming and it is more than just cute and heartwarming... At times it can also be somewhat sad in it's own way... There are a good number of lessons that one can learn by reading it through.
Count Your Sheep features the life of Katie, her mother Laurie, and their imaginary friend Ship. I highly suggest this comic to all of you... It is a great read with a fairly large archive, so it should keep you occupied until next week.
Have a great time reading...
Until next time...
This week's webcomic is... Count your sheep
This comic is hilarious, it can be heartwarming and it is more than just cute and heartwarming... At times it can also be somewhat sad in it's own way... There are a good number of lessons that one can learn by reading it through.
Count Your Sheep features the life of Katie, her mother Laurie, and their imaginary friend Ship. I highly suggest this comic to all of you... It is a great read with a fairly large archive, so it should keep you occupied until next week.
Have a great time reading...
Until next time...
Who to Vote For?
As some of you may already know, I am pretty liberal in my ideologies, but due to the corruption and waste at the hands of the liberal, I may be voting NDP...
My big thing is that I don't like right-wingedness, also known as the Conservative Party of Canada. The following is a quote from a conservative handout to young voters...
Forget Pedro
Vote for Us!
"Who are you going to vote for?"
"Whoever I feel like; GOSH!"
...
This message was Authorized by the Official Agent for the Jim Flaherty Campaign
Wow... just wow...
That is so wrong. No mention of the issues, but just pandering to the lowest common denominator. The first four lines of the flyer sicken me. They just do, they are condescending towards young voters, the first line rips off the movie Napoleon Dynamite, and they offend me as a young voter.
After those first four lines, it gets a lot better, but it is still fairly poor quality. One statement that bothers me is "If you believe in less government and more freedom then join your Conservative campus club today!" With no government, we would be living under the power of the strongest. That is not freedom... That is feudalism...
It says that the message was authorized by the official agent for Flaherty's campaign. What idiot authorized that message. He should be fired.
The thought of anyone voting conservative makes me worry about our future.
The thought of anyone voting conservative because of that flyer makes me sick.
Until next time...
My big thing is that I don't like right-wingedness, also known as the Conservative Party of Canada. The following is a quote from a conservative handout to young voters...
Forget Pedro
Vote for Us!
"Who are you going to vote for?"
"Whoever I feel like; GOSH!"
...
This message was Authorized by the Official Agent for the Jim Flaherty Campaign
Wow... just wow...
That is so wrong. No mention of the issues, but just pandering to the lowest common denominator. The first four lines of the flyer sicken me. They just do, they are condescending towards young voters, the first line rips off the movie Napoleon Dynamite, and they offend me as a young voter.
After those first four lines, it gets a lot better, but it is still fairly poor quality. One statement that bothers me is "If you believe in less government and more freedom then join your Conservative campus club today!" With no government, we would be living under the power of the strongest. That is not freedom... That is feudalism...
It says that the message was authorized by the official agent for Flaherty's campaign. What idiot authorized that message. He should be fired.
The thought of anyone voting conservative makes me worry about our future.
The thought of anyone voting conservative because of that flyer makes me sick.
Until next time...
Privacy
My stuff is not respected in my house. It is sad, but it is true.
I have a collection of over 300 Archie Comic Digest Magazines, which I have been forced to hide in a garbage bag in my closet. This is because my brother Timothy refuses to not take them in the bathroom, which ruins them.
Today I found my comics back in the bathroom, and the bag ripped open. I am sick of the lack of respect for my stuff.
I want a lock on my door. That is all I have to say about that. A locking door, key and all.
Until next time...
I have a collection of over 300 Archie Comic Digest Magazines, which I have been forced to hide in a garbage bag in my closet. This is because my brother Timothy refuses to not take them in the bathroom, which ruins them.
Today I found my comics back in the bathroom, and the bag ripped open. I am sick of the lack of respect for my stuff.
I want a lock on my door. That is all I have to say about that. A locking door, key and all.
Until next time...
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Comments
I love getting comments, especially from those people who I don't know... It makes me feel good to know that someone is at least listening to what I have to say.
For those of you that are reading my blog, feel free to comment on any post. Feel free to agree with my opinions, disagree, whatever. Feel free to tell me off if you don't like what I have said (Don't swear at me, keep it civil), or argue with other commenters. It makes having a blog fun for me when people leave comments.
I hope anyone who reads this will leave a comment. I will be watching...
Until next time...
For those of you that are reading my blog, feel free to comment on any post. Feel free to agree with my opinions, disagree, whatever. Feel free to tell me off if you don't like what I have said (Don't swear at me, keep it civil), or argue with other commenters. It makes having a blog fun for me when people leave comments.
I hope anyone who reads this will leave a comment. I will be watching...
Until next time...
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Respect
Now, I am not saying that I should yell at my parents, or that I should be rude to them. Obviously I should be respectful and polite to them. I should respect and be polite to all of my family members. Sadly it does not pan out that way.
I really do try to be respectful, but when you have people screaming at you, shouting at you, being rude to you, it is not easy to keep my cool. All I want, is the same treatment that is expected out of me. I would like for there not to be a double standard when it comes to how we all behave. I do not see that as too much to ask.
I will admit my faults. I am lazy, I procrastinate, I am not motivated, I can be a slob, I can be hyper, have no attention span some days, I don't always keep my cool, I am forgetful sometimes, I can be clumsy, I am not creative... the list goes on and on...
I don't get overly stressed about things that are not in my control... that in my opinion is a strong point for me... It helps me work under pressure, it helps me see arguments rationally as long as they do not get too heated and it helps me to not lose my mind when things go wrong...
I respect that others are stressed though, and I understand, I have to use a number of stress reducing tactics to keep my cool. I read webcomics, I write this blog, I play Puzzle Pirates, I read, I do whatever it takes to stay at a comfortable level of stress.
When I get stressed, I don't think clearly, and I make stupid mistakes, both in arguments, and generally. I say things that only make my situation worse, I fail to stay calm, I yell...
And that is how I fall into vicious cycles of argument. These cycles don't end easily either... It involves an epiphany that never seems to stick, life being tense for a while and me feeling bad about myself...
I just want to not have to stress out over this kind of stuff...
Oh well...
Until next time...
I really do try to be respectful, but when you have people screaming at you, shouting at you, being rude to you, it is not easy to keep my cool. All I want, is the same treatment that is expected out of me. I would like for there not to be a double standard when it comes to how we all behave. I do not see that as too much to ask.
I will admit my faults. I am lazy, I procrastinate, I am not motivated, I can be a slob, I can be hyper, have no attention span some days, I don't always keep my cool, I am forgetful sometimes, I can be clumsy, I am not creative... the list goes on and on...
I don't get overly stressed about things that are not in my control... that in my opinion is a strong point for me... It helps me work under pressure, it helps me see arguments rationally as long as they do not get too heated and it helps me to not lose my mind when things go wrong...
I respect that others are stressed though, and I understand, I have to use a number of stress reducing tactics to keep my cool. I read webcomics, I write this blog, I play Puzzle Pirates, I read, I do whatever it takes to stay at a comfortable level of stress.
When I get stressed, I don't think clearly, and I make stupid mistakes, both in arguments, and generally. I say things that only make my situation worse, I fail to stay calm, I yell...
And that is how I fall into vicious cycles of argument. These cycles don't end easily either... It involves an epiphany that never seems to stick, life being tense for a while and me feeling bad about myself...
I just want to not have to stress out over this kind of stuff...
Oh well...
Until next time...
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Stop Shouting at Me!
My God, it is constant right now...
ROB! ROB! Are you ready for work! Get Ready! ROB! ROB! oh this is unacceptable ROB! ROB! *random loud TV sounds* ROB! Get Ready For Work Now! Why Don't You Clean Up! ROB!
Now imagine 20 minutes of that. And on top of it all, I am ready for work, and have been for the last half hour. Why will they not leave me alone. All I want to do is play a little on the computer before I leave for work.
Then to top it all off, I thought I heard my brother screaming get ready, so I screamed "shut up!" back at him, and it turned out to be my mother screaming at me again... There was an argument I would have been happier without...
Some days, I simply cannot wait until I move out on my own...
Until next time...
ROB! ROB! Are you ready for work! Get Ready! ROB! ROB! oh this is unacceptable ROB! ROB! *random loud TV sounds* ROB! Get Ready For Work Now! Why Don't You Clean Up! ROB!
Now imagine 20 minutes of that. And on top of it all, I am ready for work, and have been for the last half hour. Why will they not leave me alone. All I want to do is play a little on the computer before I leave for work.
Then to top it all off, I thought I heard my brother screaming get ready, so I screamed "shut up!" back at him, and it turned out to be my mother screaming at me again... There was an argument I would have been happier without...
Some days, I simply cannot wait until I move out on my own...
Until next time...
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Have We Learned Anything?
Nope...
Toronto rang in the New Year with it's first gun death. What a way to start the year. One day, one death. So far they are one for one.
Have fun Toronto...
Until next time...
Toronto rang in the New Year with it's first gun death. What a way to start the year. One day, one death. So far they are one for one.
Have fun Toronto...
Until next time...
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Ultimate Political Correctness
I have a question for everyone...
Instead of saying Season's Greetings, or Happy Holidays, would it not be more politically correct to not acknowledge the holidays at all. To simply say have a nice day. It would be less festive, but heaven forbid we give up our precious hypocrisy.
Yes, to claim political correctness, then say Happy Holidays is hypocritical. You can't forget about the atheists.
I still prefer being politically incorrect... It is more fun that way.
Until next time...
Instead of saying Season's Greetings, or Happy Holidays, would it not be more politically correct to not acknowledge the holidays at all. To simply say have a nice day. It would be less festive, but heaven forbid we give up our precious hypocrisy.
Yes, to claim political correctness, then say Happy Holidays is hypocritical. You can't forget about the atheists.
I still prefer being politically incorrect... It is more fun that way.
Until next time...
Another Year Over...
Yes, it is New Year's Eve yet again... What have we learned over the past year.
I learned that while the Liberals are corrupt, the next best thing are not the Conservatives. I learned many things concerning politics, including the fact that I am a very left-winged liberal.
I learned that Waterworld is the worst movie in all of creation. I learned that having a blog helps me relax a bit more, and lastly I learned that I just might get into university after all, contrary to my parent's beliefs.
I learned all of this. What did you learn? What have we as a society learned?
Will we ever learn?
Until next time...
I learned that while the Liberals are corrupt, the next best thing are not the Conservatives. I learned many things concerning politics, including the fact that I am a very left-winged liberal.
I learned that Waterworld is the worst movie in all of creation. I learned that having a blog helps me relax a bit more, and lastly I learned that I just might get into university after all, contrary to my parent's beliefs.
I learned all of this. What did you learn? What have we as a society learned?
Will we ever learn?
Until next time...
Thursday, December 29, 2005
I Need a Break from Life
What I need, is a break from everything... No nagging worries about money, or work, or school in the background... Just generally a complete holiday from reality.
I am so sick of worrying whether or not I will have money for University... I am so sick of constant money woes in my house. I am tired of having to worry about whether or not I will have a ride up to school come February for my Co-op... It is driving me around the bend.
On top of it all now, my one portal into relaxation... my one escape, has been taken from me, as I have no way to top up my Puzzle Pirates account until I can get a credit card. My family cant seem to understand that Puzzle Pirates is just a way for me to unwind from the constant stress, because reading just has not been working lately...
I am tired... both emotionally and physically. I'm just tired...
Until next time...
I am so sick of worrying whether or not I will have money for University... I am so sick of constant money woes in my house. I am tired of having to worry about whether or not I will have a ride up to school come February for my Co-op... It is driving me around the bend.
On top of it all now, my one portal into relaxation... my one escape, has been taken from me, as I have no way to top up my Puzzle Pirates account until I can get a credit card. My family cant seem to understand that Puzzle Pirates is just a way for me to unwind from the constant stress, because reading just has not been working lately...
I am tired... both emotionally and physically. I'm just tired...
Until next time...
Saturday, December 24, 2005
I Wish You a Merry Christmas
Yes, that is right... I said Christmas.
Not Happy Holidays, not Seasons Greetings... Merry Christmas.
I fail to see how saying Merry Christmas is even all that offensive. All I am doing is wishing good will upon you, what is the problem with that? Why do I need to filter out my religious beliefs to soften the blow of my good will towards mankind?
If a person said Happy Hanukkah to me, I would not be offended... I would be happy, then wish them a Merry Christmas. I might then wish them a Happy Hannukah right back. It isn't that I'm insensitive, it is just that I think that if you eliminate all of our differences, and blend us together, you get a pretty boring world.
My biggest complaint is things like the "Holiday Tree" in Toronto. Who are they kidding? Noone thinks of it as anything but a Christmas tree. People who celebrate Hannukah don't put up a Hannukah tree, nor do people who celebrate Kwanzaa, or any other holiday around this time of year. It is a Christmas tradition to put up a tree. Either they should not put up a tree, or call it a Christmas tree and stop patronizing everyone involved. It is not right, it helps noone, and it ticks me off.
I am happy to report that I have not been wished a happy holiday this year. I have been wished a Merry Christmas every time. I say to those who get offended easily... Get over it, and lighten up. I'm not trying to be offensive, I'm just trying to enjoy the best holiday of the year.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Until next time...
Not Happy Holidays, not Seasons Greetings... Merry Christmas.
I fail to see how saying Merry Christmas is even all that offensive. All I am doing is wishing good will upon you, what is the problem with that? Why do I need to filter out my religious beliefs to soften the blow of my good will towards mankind?
If a person said Happy Hanukkah to me, I would not be offended... I would be happy, then wish them a Merry Christmas. I might then wish them a Happy Hannukah right back. It isn't that I'm insensitive, it is just that I think that if you eliminate all of our differences, and blend us together, you get a pretty boring world.
My biggest complaint is things like the "Holiday Tree" in Toronto. Who are they kidding? Noone thinks of it as anything but a Christmas tree. People who celebrate Hannukah don't put up a Hannukah tree, nor do people who celebrate Kwanzaa, or any other holiday around this time of year. It is a Christmas tradition to put up a tree. Either they should not put up a tree, or call it a Christmas tree and stop patronizing everyone involved. It is not right, it helps noone, and it ticks me off.
I am happy to report that I have not been wished a happy holiday this year. I have been wished a Merry Christmas every time. I say to those who get offended easily... Get over it, and lighten up. I'm not trying to be offensive, I'm just trying to enjoy the best holiday of the year.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Until next time...
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Im Going to be Sick...
It is all breaking up around me.
My family is falling apart.
Stress and worry have gripped us,
I feel it in my heart.
When will it get better?
Noone seems to know...
Could this all be my fault?
For we reap what we sow.
I feel sick to my stomach.
There is a pounding in my brain.
I seem to have no energy...
It's all gone down the drain.
I suppose I can only hope,
That things could get better still.
I just don't know...
If they ever will...
Until next time...
My family is falling apart.
Stress and worry have gripped us,
I feel it in my heart.
When will it get better?
Noone seems to know...
Could this all be my fault?
For we reap what we sow.
I feel sick to my stomach.
There is a pounding in my brain.
I seem to have no energy...
It's all gone down the drain.
I suppose I can only hope,
That things could get better still.
I just don't know...
If they ever will...
Until next time...
Monday, December 19, 2005
Weekend from Hell Itself
On Friday, things were looking up. I was home from school due to a snow day... It was one week till Christmas, and all was well in the Clark household.
Then... disaster struck. My mother, while exiting her place of work, slipped and fell on some ice that had not been taken care of. She broke her leg in three seperate places. If you were to look at a normal leg bone, it splits into two sections as you go down, leaving a hole in the middle until the bones rejoin eachother. My mother broke both halves, essentially snapping the bone in half. She also broke her ankle.
My mother is currently lying on our couch downstairs, waiting for her Perkocet prescription to come in. Workers compensation could take a month, then there is the matter of her second job, where she is not eligible for workers comp. So there has been talk of a lawsuit.
That itself is pretty bad, but it doesnt stop there.
Yesterday, my grandmother collapsed; doubled over in pain. She is currently resting at my local hospital. The doctors still do not know what is wrong. I hope to God that she is okay, but my relationship with God could use a little work. Maybe it would be better if I had been in a church since mid-September 2001, when I attended my cousin's wedding.
So yes... my weekend has been a hellish one. I can only hope my week will be better.
I can only hope...
Until next time...
Then... disaster struck. My mother, while exiting her place of work, slipped and fell on some ice that had not been taken care of. She broke her leg in three seperate places. If you were to look at a normal leg bone, it splits into two sections as you go down, leaving a hole in the middle until the bones rejoin eachother. My mother broke both halves, essentially snapping the bone in half. She also broke her ankle.
My mother is currently lying on our couch downstairs, waiting for her Perkocet prescription to come in. Workers compensation could take a month, then there is the matter of her second job, where she is not eligible for workers comp. So there has been talk of a lawsuit.
That itself is pretty bad, but it doesnt stop there.
Yesterday, my grandmother collapsed; doubled over in pain. She is currently resting at my local hospital. The doctors still do not know what is wrong. I hope to God that she is okay, but my relationship with God could use a little work. Maybe it would be better if I had been in a church since mid-September 2001, when I attended my cousin's wedding.
So yes... my weekend has been a hellish one. I can only hope my week will be better.
I can only hope...
Until next time...
Saturday, December 17, 2005
University
I head off to whatever university will allow me to attend, this coming September. My top choices are Nipissing, Trent, Trent at UOIT, and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, in that order.
Nipissing is in North Bay, several hours from my home. I like the look of campus life at Nipissing, and something about North Bay appeals to me. I like to live in smaller towns, they seem more personal, and are generally quieter.
Trent is my second choice. Trent is in Peterborough, and is about an hour from home. The campus life at Trent is excellent, and it is easiest for me to get into, in terms of marks. Peterborough is a reasonable sized town, and I can live up there, and still come home fairly often. The downside is that residence at Trent seems to be prohibitively expensive for me.
Trent also offers courses through UOIT, which is about the same distance away from my home as is my high school. Trent at UOIT does not offer all the courses I want though, but the tradeoff is that I would not have to pay residence fees, as I would be living at home.
Lastly UOIT. It is close to home, it is cheap, and it is fairly small. There are no residence charges, because again, I would live at home, and lastly my parents would put my car on the road (It is broken down as of right now). UOIT does not offer the social sciences I want though, so I will probably will not be attending UOIT.
I want to go to Nipissing, my parents want me to live at home, but they will consider Trent. What is a student to do.
Until next time...
Nipissing is in North Bay, several hours from my home. I like the look of campus life at Nipissing, and something about North Bay appeals to me. I like to live in smaller towns, they seem more personal, and are generally quieter.
Trent is my second choice. Trent is in Peterborough, and is about an hour from home. The campus life at Trent is excellent, and it is easiest for me to get into, in terms of marks. Peterborough is a reasonable sized town, and I can live up there, and still come home fairly often. The downside is that residence at Trent seems to be prohibitively expensive for me.
Trent also offers courses through UOIT, which is about the same distance away from my home as is my high school. Trent at UOIT does not offer all the courses I want though, but the tradeoff is that I would not have to pay residence fees, as I would be living at home.
Lastly UOIT. It is close to home, it is cheap, and it is fairly small. There are no residence charges, because again, I would live at home, and lastly my parents would put my car on the road (It is broken down as of right now). UOIT does not offer the social sciences I want though, so I will probably will not be attending UOIT.
I want to go to Nipissing, my parents want me to live at home, but they will consider Trent. What is a student to do.
Until next time...
Thursday, December 15, 2005
All (Do not) Hail the Aligned Heavens
I retract my earlier post saying to hail them. In fact, you should shun them.
Hail the Twisted Fate
Until next time...
Hail the Twisted Fate
Until next time...
Why are we afraid to talk?
Everyone is so afraid to talk to one another. Do we fear the scorn of others? Do we fear that others will mock us? Or not approve of something about us? I'm not saying they wont, but to do so... ever; creates an environment in which one is disinclined to talk to others about their problems.
It only takes a few moments of scorn at a younger age to make a person wary of ever letting their true self show, to make a person not want to talk, and to not want to be around others. The more mockery there is, the more the person may withdraw. I know what that is like...
People, especially families, need to have an atmosphere of absolute honesty, without personal attacks, without scorn, and without fear of mockery or disapproval. Then open discussion can take place, trust can develop, and that may lead to a happier, more honest world. People will be less closed off, and perhaps they will be happier.
That is how I see it anyways...
Until next time...
It only takes a few moments of scorn at a younger age to make a person wary of ever letting their true self show, to make a person not want to talk, and to not want to be around others. The more mockery there is, the more the person may withdraw. I know what that is like...
People, especially families, need to have an atmosphere of absolute honesty, without personal attacks, without scorn, and without fear of mockery or disapproval. Then open discussion can take place, trust can develop, and that may lead to a happier, more honest world. People will be less closed off, and perhaps they will be happier.
That is how I see it anyways...
Until next time...
Slander... It is a Horrible thing
You know what I don't appreciate? Having my good name slandered. Having baseless attacks randomly hurled at me. It is wrong, and it should not be allowed.
Allowing people to go around spreading lies about others, regardless of their age, or anything about the person lying, is wrong. It is wrong regardless of what they are saying, whether it be a joke or not. It must be stopped.
Freedom of expression does not allow for this kind of crap, because it damages my reputation, and has an effeect on my life. Especially when you consider my chosen career path, and the lie told in the case I refer to.
So... lets call him Rick. If you are reading this... Leave me alone. It is slander no matter how you slice it. Also, this is not libel, for two good reasons. One, that what I have said is the truth; and two, I gave you a fake name. Which protects you quite nicely; which is more than you deserve, you jackass.
Still not libel.
Until next time...
Allowing people to go around spreading lies about others, regardless of their age, or anything about the person lying, is wrong. It is wrong regardless of what they are saying, whether it be a joke or not. It must be stopped.
Freedom of expression does not allow for this kind of crap, because it damages my reputation, and has an effeect on my life. Especially when you consider my chosen career path, and the lie told in the case I refer to.
So... lets call him Rick. If you are reading this... Leave me alone. It is slander no matter how you slice it. Also, this is not libel, for two good reasons. One, that what I have said is the truth; and two, I gave you a fake name. Which protects you quite nicely; which is more than you deserve, you jackass.
Still not libel.
Until next time...
Monday, December 12, 2005
Where is the line?
At what point does one act towards his own wants, rather than another's needs? Is this action right? Is it moral? Is it wrong to have more than one television while so many do not have a roof over their head?
Where are inherited talents in a society where survival of the fittest no longer applies? What is the point of them in a capitalist society? Or even more so in a communist society? Where is the evolution?
Inherited traits, if no longer important, are then no longer a factor in procreation. In a society where natural immunity is no longer a factor for humans, due to medical science, how are we supposed to advance biologically. The short answer is that in all likelyhood, we will not.
Survival of the fittest is dead... Natural selection; even more so... Humans base decisions now on emotion, especially in the area of having children. From a social standpoint this is fine... desirable even, but we are completely screwing with evolution.
We will, in all likelyhood, never evolve beyond where we are now, not naturally anyways. Which is fine, we dont really need to... at least as far as I can see. We will have to go the way of social evolution, in that we change our behaviour, we advance our technology, we advance our culture and our way of life.
Unfortunately, there are factors stopping this as well. Standing in the way of science, is those who let religion impede scientific progress, be that in the form of attacks on the theory of evolution, or continued opposition to cloning. Standing in the way of advancement for our culture is ignorance. People opposed to legislation that will advance civil rights, and is usually the will of the majority. People who attack those who are different. It all goes towards slowing societal progress to a standstill.
How will we advance and make ourselves better if both natural selection and societal evolution cannot exist. The answer is quite simply that we cannot. Fear, ignorance, hate. greed and general stupidity stand in the way of our advancement.
We fear the unknown, because we don't understand it. As a result, we don't learn about it, causing ignorance. This ignorance is easily twisted into hate, and hate completely goes against the common good of our society. Greed takes away from the needy needlessly, and while many of my friends would disagree with me, noone needs forty billion dollars. Finally; general stupidity... It is one of the many things in our world that could be stopped with some education. It is the force that advance fear, to ignorance, to hate. It is such a shame that it still exists.
So where does this leave me in regards to my original question? It is an indirect link I suppose. That we can help them, by sharing what we can, not to directly help them necessarily; though that may be an option, but to support advancements that work for sustainable sustainable development.
For instance, the Lifestraw... this straw can filter contaminated enough groundwater for one person for an entire year.The cost is just five dollars, and it could save millions from suffering from disease needlessly. This is an advancement that will help, and supporting this kind of thing seems to be the least that we can do.
Until next time...
Where are inherited talents in a society where survival of the fittest no longer applies? What is the point of them in a capitalist society? Or even more so in a communist society? Where is the evolution?
Inherited traits, if no longer important, are then no longer a factor in procreation. In a society where natural immunity is no longer a factor for humans, due to medical science, how are we supposed to advance biologically. The short answer is that in all likelyhood, we will not.
Survival of the fittest is dead... Natural selection; even more so... Humans base decisions now on emotion, especially in the area of having children. From a social standpoint this is fine... desirable even, but we are completely screwing with evolution.
We will, in all likelyhood, never evolve beyond where we are now, not naturally anyways. Which is fine, we dont really need to... at least as far as I can see. We will have to go the way of social evolution, in that we change our behaviour, we advance our technology, we advance our culture and our way of life.
Unfortunately, there are factors stopping this as well. Standing in the way of science, is those who let religion impede scientific progress, be that in the form of attacks on the theory of evolution, or continued opposition to cloning. Standing in the way of advancement for our culture is ignorance. People opposed to legislation that will advance civil rights, and is usually the will of the majority. People who attack those who are different. It all goes towards slowing societal progress to a standstill.
How will we advance and make ourselves better if both natural selection and societal evolution cannot exist. The answer is quite simply that we cannot. Fear, ignorance, hate. greed and general stupidity stand in the way of our advancement.
We fear the unknown, because we don't understand it. As a result, we don't learn about it, causing ignorance. This ignorance is easily twisted into hate, and hate completely goes against the common good of our society. Greed takes away from the needy needlessly, and while many of my friends would disagree with me, noone needs forty billion dollars. Finally; general stupidity... It is one of the many things in our world that could be stopped with some education. It is the force that advance fear, to ignorance, to hate. It is such a shame that it still exists.
So where does this leave me in regards to my original question? It is an indirect link I suppose. That we can help them, by sharing what we can, not to directly help them necessarily; though that may be an option, but to support advancements that work for sustainable sustainable development.
For instance, the Lifestraw... this straw can filter contaminated enough groundwater for one person for an entire year.The cost is just five dollars, and it could save millions from suffering from disease needlessly. This is an advancement that will help, and supporting this kind of thing seems to be the least that we can do.
Until next time...
Adulthood... Thy Name is Tomorrow
I turn eighteen tomorrow. Precisely at nine-o-clock in the morning, eastern standard time, to be exact. At that moment, adulthood and all of its rights and privileges will be mine. I will be able to vote, to get a credit card and to drink alcohol in certain provinces. I will be able to do so much, yet the day feels muted somehow.
I just expected more... perhaps some feeling of accomplishment, I suppose. I guess it doesnt help that the gift I really wanted will never come (See: A Pox Upon the Amazons). That continues to tick me off.
Oh well... what is a person to do...
Until next time...
I just expected more... perhaps some feeling of accomplishment, I suppose. I guess it doesnt help that the gift I really wanted will never come (See: A Pox Upon the Amazons). That continues to tick me off.
Oh well... what is a person to do...
Until next time...
Glory to the Shadow Walkers
This is my newly founded crew on Puzzle Pirates. It is on the Midnight ocean, and we are quickly growing. I invite all of my readers to download the game, and join my crew. There is a great opportunity for advancement, and with more crewmates, I can pillage more often.
So I invite you all. I am Shadowlost in-game, come and track me down. Fair seas to you all.
Until next time...
So I invite you all. I am Shadowlost in-game, come and track me down. Fair seas to you all.
Until next time...
Sunday, December 11, 2005
The Problem with Democracy
My friend is running as the Libertarian Party Candidate for my riding. I'm not sure which scares me more. The fact that there is a chance he could win, or the fact that the system I am forced to trust in will allow someone who has been investigated over a shotgun he owns to run for the hallowed position of Member of Parliament.
I thank the democracy gods that he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell. I plan on voting NDP. Margaret Sadem-Thomson, all the way. I would vote for the liberal party, but they are too corrupt, and the conservatives scare me with their policies.
Hurrah for uncorrupted liberalism.
Damn the corrupted ones to hell.
Until next time...
I thank the democracy gods that he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell. I plan on voting NDP. Margaret Sadem-Thomson, all the way. I would vote for the liberal party, but they are too corrupt, and the conservatives scare me with their policies.
Hurrah for uncorrupted liberalism.
Damn the corrupted ones to hell.
Until next time...
Saturday, December 10, 2005
It's not Easy with ADD
It just isnt. I have to take Concerta (Ritalin) every day... even on weekends. I have been taking it for 10 years, and it is really getting it hard when I forget to take it.
When I forget... I am tired, I am groggy, and not only am I not attentive, but it can be hard to focus my eyes at times. It is like a Ritalin hangover... it is hard.
I point out that it is easier when I do take it. I dont mean easier than the withdrawl effects (I think it is withdrawl), I mean easier than dealing with my natural inattentive self. I like myself on the Ritalin.
When I dont take my Ritalin, my eyes unfocus on their own... my mind wanders, and I space out easily... kind of like being high I suppose... which is why I probably wont be taking drugs any time soon.
This post was written late at night on a day when I didn't take my Ritalin. It is easier, mainly because when I am tired, the reverse to normal is true. When I am tired, i need my mind to be able to make quick decisions to be able to make any at all. Ritalin would just slow my brain down way too much. In the day, I am alert enough to be able to afford myself that time.
With me on the school trivia team, it makes me wonder which is better, quick reflexes or quick mind. Should I be able to hit the buzzer fast, or get more answers?... I need a happy medium.
Oh well.
Until next time...
When I forget... I am tired, I am groggy, and not only am I not attentive, but it can be hard to focus my eyes at times. It is like a Ritalin hangover... it is hard.
I point out that it is easier when I do take it. I dont mean easier than the withdrawl effects (I think it is withdrawl), I mean easier than dealing with my natural inattentive self. I like myself on the Ritalin.
When I dont take my Ritalin, my eyes unfocus on their own... my mind wanders, and I space out easily... kind of like being high I suppose... which is why I probably wont be taking drugs any time soon.
This post was written late at night on a day when I didn't take my Ritalin. It is easier, mainly because when I am tired, the reverse to normal is true. When I am tired, i need my mind to be able to make quick decisions to be able to make any at all. Ritalin would just slow my brain down way too much. In the day, I am alert enough to be able to afford myself that time.
With me on the school trivia team, it makes me wonder which is better, quick reflexes or quick mind. Should I be able to hit the buzzer fast, or get more answers?... I need a happy medium.
Oh well.
Until next time...
Monday, December 05, 2005
What do I support?
I support two things.
Open-mindedness and Logic. These are two things that are sorely lacking in our world.
There is enough hate in the world that I do not need to add more. People who are not hurting you with their choice of lifestyle, should be left alone at best, and not harassed too much at worst. If you feel that you must say something, keep it tasteful, and do not resort to personal attacks. It is your right to say your piece, but you should respect the other person's right to carry on their life as they wish to.
Also, I support other people to live the way they want. I would want them to not bother me, I will not bother them. It is the golden rule. Treat others as you would like to be treated. No matter your choice of lifestyle, as long as it does not hurt anyone, go for it. It is not my business what you do with your life... so have fun with it.
Logic is also important. If you must argue anything, you should do it while keeping a firm base in logic. You should argue logically, without attacking the person, but rather the issues at hand, and their evidence in a scientific debate.
That is my point... Open-mindedness and logic.
Until next time...
Open-mindedness and Logic. These are two things that are sorely lacking in our world.
There is enough hate in the world that I do not need to add more. People who are not hurting you with their choice of lifestyle, should be left alone at best, and not harassed too much at worst. If you feel that you must say something, keep it tasteful, and do not resort to personal attacks. It is your right to say your piece, but you should respect the other person's right to carry on their life as they wish to.
Also, I support other people to live the way they want. I would want them to not bother me, I will not bother them. It is the golden rule. Treat others as you would like to be treated. No matter your choice of lifestyle, as long as it does not hurt anyone, go for it. It is not my business what you do with your life... so have fun with it.
Logic is also important. If you must argue anything, you should do it while keeping a firm base in logic. You should argue logically, without attacking the person, but rather the issues at hand, and their evidence in a scientific debate.
That is my point... Open-mindedness and logic.
Until next time...
Sunday, December 04, 2005
To Vote or Not to Vote?
That is the question...
It is my opinion that it is every informed citizens civic duty to vote. Anyone who knows anything substantial about the issues should be voting.
It is also my opinion that every citizen who is not informed, has a civic duty... to not vote. Throwing in an uninformed vote is a waste. It is selfish and counter-productive to the electoral process.
In the boat of the uninformed, I also lump in those citizens who would vote based on a personal grudge against a candidate, those who randomly vote, those who base their vote on who they think looks the best, or whose lifestyles they approve of.
Vote based on the issues, and what you believe in... Vote for who you think will do the best job... Vote for who you think will make a positive difference.
I personally support Liberal policies... but I can't support them right now... it is not good for the country to have millions in taxpayer dollars wasted. That could be given to the poor, for instance... or maybe... Me.
I will be voting NDP, because the Conservatives go against everything that I stand for... The NDP would at least enact some social programs.
So good luck NDP, and good luck Liberals if the NDP cant win.
Until next time...
It is my opinion that it is every informed citizens civic duty to vote. Anyone who knows anything substantial about the issues should be voting.
It is also my opinion that every citizen who is not informed, has a civic duty... to not vote. Throwing in an uninformed vote is a waste. It is selfish and counter-productive to the electoral process.
In the boat of the uninformed, I also lump in those citizens who would vote based on a personal grudge against a candidate, those who randomly vote, those who base their vote on who they think looks the best, or whose lifestyles they approve of.
Vote based on the issues, and what you believe in... Vote for who you think will do the best job... Vote for who you think will make a positive difference.
I personally support Liberal policies... but I can't support them right now... it is not good for the country to have millions in taxpayer dollars wasted. That could be given to the poor, for instance... or maybe... Me.
I will be voting NDP, because the Conservatives go against everything that I stand for... The NDP would at least enact some social programs.
So good luck NDP, and good luck Liberals if the NDP cant win.
Until next time...
The Deadline Looms Ahead
The deadline for my Accounting ISU looms ahead. I think I will be okay, but who knows. I worry greatly about the written portion. If it fails to get done, I will be having serious doubts about whether or not I can get into University.
The presentation should pose no real problem... I can whip up a bullshitted presentation overnight without any trouble... especially with the help of PowerPoint.
After that, my History ISU is looming a week away, and beyond that my... History ISU again... hmm... too many ISUs for History there.
Im not even sure when my Physics ISU is due... I am worried... it could be any day now.
Until next time...
The presentation should pose no real problem... I can whip up a bullshitted presentation overnight without any trouble... especially with the help of PowerPoint.
After that, my History ISU is looming a week away, and beyond that my... History ISU again... hmm... too many ISUs for History there.
Im not even sure when my Physics ISU is due... I am worried... it could be any day now.
Until next time...
I Hath Survived the Blood Clinic of the Damned
Last Monday, I gave blood at my school's annual blood clinic. On average it takes me one hour to donate at Westminster United Church. I expected to miss one class. In reality it did not take me one hour, but two and a half! I missed not only History, but also homeroom and my entire lunch, which after giving blood, is a very bad thing to miss.
People were dropping left and right at that blood clinic. They were fainting outright, at the finger-prick to test for iron, they were getting queasy and taking up beds for 45 minutes at a time. It was chaos... absolute chaos.
I put the blame for this not on the nurses that were there that day, nor do I place it on the would-be donators that fainted or got queasy. I place the blame squarely on the shoulders of Canadian Blood Services. It was known from the beginning by Canadian Blood Services, that this clinic, as a school clinic, was a hotspot for first time donators, whom all of those who fainted and got queasy were. Instead of a greater number of nurses, which should have been the case, the clinic was understaffed.
Some blame also goes to those who aggressively pressured some of the would-be donators into donating, myself included, though none of the people I pressured actually donated... To pressure a person into donating goes against the rules of donating. You are not supposed to give blood if you feel as if you have been pressured into doing it.
So fine... I am ticked, and still a little am, a week later. There is a lesson in this... never give blood at school, it will be absolute hell...
But... Do give blood... it is important to.
Until next time...
People were dropping left and right at that blood clinic. They were fainting outright, at the finger-prick to test for iron, they were getting queasy and taking up beds for 45 minutes at a time. It was chaos... absolute chaos.
I put the blame for this not on the nurses that were there that day, nor do I place it on the would-be donators that fainted or got queasy. I place the blame squarely on the shoulders of Canadian Blood Services. It was known from the beginning by Canadian Blood Services, that this clinic, as a school clinic, was a hotspot for first time donators, whom all of those who fainted and got queasy were. Instead of a greater number of nurses, which should have been the case, the clinic was understaffed.
Some blame also goes to those who aggressively pressured some of the would-be donators into donating, myself included, though none of the people I pressured actually donated... To pressure a person into donating goes against the rules of donating. You are not supposed to give blood if you feel as if you have been pressured into doing it.
So fine... I am ticked, and still a little am, a week later. There is a lesson in this... never give blood at school, it will be absolute hell...
But... Do give blood... it is important to.
Until next time...
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Smoking... What do I Think?
I think that anyone who takes up smoking these days is a moron. I do not care what you think of me for saying this. It is true. There is no reason to start now... the information against it is just too public for you to be able to claim ignorance.
If you started smoking more than ten years ago, then fine... keep smoking, though you shouldn't. I wont bother you about it. I wont even bother those who smoke now. Though if you are just starting, it is open season for taking shots at you.
Do not start smoking, is what I am trying to say here. You may as well light a ten dollar bill on fire, let it burn in your hand, and just stand there letting it burn. You will waste time, money and you will burn your hand.
At least you wont be hurting other people.
Until next time...
If you started smoking more than ten years ago, then fine... keep smoking, though you shouldn't. I wont bother you about it. I wont even bother those who smoke now. Though if you are just starting, it is open season for taking shots at you.
Do not start smoking, is what I am trying to say here. You may as well light a ten dollar bill on fire, let it burn in your hand, and just stand there letting it burn. You will waste time, money and you will burn your hand.
At least you wont be hurting other people.
Until next time...
A Pox Upon the Amazons
I had the first volume of El Goonish Shive on order from Amazon.ca. It was for my birthday... Happy Birthday to ME.
Then Murphy's Law kicked in... the order is delayed... possibly indefinitely. They were supposed to be able to have it for me by the 13th. They likely never will. Damn I wanted that book... I really did.
So now I take my challenge to the world... E-mail Amazon.com. Demand better service... I hope that every person slighted by Amazon, or for that matter, any of these sites, such as Ebay, will e-mail them, will complain, and will spread the word, that these sites are not champions of service.
I hope also that someone will get me that book.
Until next time...
Saturday, November 26, 2005
A New Comic to Add to the List
All I can say is... Ozy and Millie.
http://www.ozyandmillie.org/2000/om20000821.html
As a sufferer of ADHD, I completely support this comic. It is true, and those who dont think it is funny, completely do not understand what having ADD/ADHD is like.
The comic has everything... Reverse Aging Pirates, Gypsy hair curses, A dragon, and so much zen goodness, that it has given me an outlook on life that is helping me deal with a number of people in my life that in the past have bothered me.
Generally I would say that it is in the class of El Goonish Shive. And anyone who has read my blog will know, that El Goonish Shive is at the top.
Until next time...
http://www.ozyandmillie.org/2000/om20000821.html
As a sufferer of ADHD, I completely support this comic. It is true, and those who dont think it is funny, completely do not understand what having ADD/ADHD is like.
The comic has everything... Reverse Aging Pirates, Gypsy hair curses, A dragon, and so much zen goodness, that it has given me an outlook on life that is helping me deal with a number of people in my life that in the past have bothered me.
Generally I would say that it is in the class of El Goonish Shive. And anyone who has read my blog will know, that El Goonish Shive is at the top.
Until next time...
Thursday, November 24, 2005
A Million Moments of Boredom
This post was originally posted at http://millionmomentsofboredom.blogspot.com/. I typed it for Tom Clarkson. They are my opinions as well, as I certainly wouldnt have typed them out if they were not. Sorry for not originally posting this fact.
For every hour there is a minute... For every minute, there is a second.... For every second, there is a MILLION MOMENTS OF BOREDOM. At least that's how I feel.
Math, you feel like its the most pointless thing in the world, but apparently its not... at least thats what they tell us. Its like 10 years down the road we will scream "Crap I wish I knew how to find the surface area of a sphere. Now my life is ruined! Gah!" Like that's going to happen.
In reality the most pointless thing in the world? Greek History. Sure it can be a little fun... for the first three minutes. After that, it is a swirling vortex of time and boredom... for which I now refer you back to my title.
I now close by saying that most of my classes are pointless, useless and boring as watching a pencil sit on a desk, which is how I have spent my last three history classes. Damn history. Gotta hate history.
One moment down...
Until next time...
For every hour there is a minute... For every minute, there is a second.... For every second, there is a MILLION MOMENTS OF BOREDOM. At least that's how I feel.
Math, you feel like its the most pointless thing in the world, but apparently its not... at least thats what they tell us. Its like 10 years down the road we will scream "Crap I wish I knew how to find the surface area of a sphere. Now my life is ruined! Gah!" Like that's going to happen.
In reality the most pointless thing in the world? Greek History. Sure it can be a little fun... for the first three minutes. After that, it is a swirling vortex of time and boredom... for which I now refer you back to my title.
I now close by saying that most of my classes are pointless, useless and boring as watching a pencil sit on a desk, which is how I have spent my last three history classes. Damn history. Gotta hate history.
One moment down...
Until next time...
So cold, so very... very cold.
Im in a quandary. On the one hand, I got today off due to overly icy roads, but on the other hand, I am fricking FREEZING.
I still continue to love winter, and Canadian winters in particular. They can be so cold, and so fun if you are prepared. But winter can be a harsh, harsh mistress. Dress warm.
At this point in the post I would like to say to all of those who say I havent updated in a while, "These are not the droids you are looking for". Yah, thats right, I quoted Obi Wan Kenobi. Don't mess with me. But really, I apologize for having nothing to gripe about.
School worries me, and my upcoming project worries me more. What will I do... WHAT WILL I DO.... I figure I'll be fine though.
On a final note, I got the EGS book coming to me for my birthday on the 13th, All hail Me!
Until next time...
I still continue to love winter, and Canadian winters in particular. They can be so cold, and so fun if you are prepared. But winter can be a harsh, harsh mistress. Dress warm.
At this point in the post I would like to say to all of those who say I havent updated in a while, "These are not the droids you are looking for". Yah, thats right, I quoted Obi Wan Kenobi. Don't mess with me. But really, I apologize for having nothing to gripe about.
School worries me, and my upcoming project worries me more. What will I do... WHAT WILL I DO.... I figure I'll be fine though.
On a final note, I got the EGS book coming to me for my birthday on the 13th, All hail Me!
Until next time...
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Graduation, Thy name is tomorrow
Yah, I graduate from high school tomorrow, and I am just thinking about how my life will change, in how I look at it at least.
Any comments are more than welcome, and I would be glad to hear your thoughts on this great time of my life.
Graduation being tomorrow, adulthood simply a month down the road, out on my own in 10 months, things are looking up for me
Until next time...
Any comments are more than welcome, and I would be glad to hear your thoughts on this great time of my life.
Graduation being tomorrow, adulthood simply a month down the road, out on my own in 10 months, things are looking up for me
Until next time...
Friday, November 04, 2005
Well...
I feel like I should say something, as I havent updated in a while.
So I will say again, to take a look at El Goonish Shive.
If you do, I will be very happy, Dan Shive will be happy, and the bunnies shalt rejoice.
So I will say again, to take a look at El Goonish Shive.
If you do, I will be very happy, Dan Shive will be happy, and the bunnies shalt rejoice.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Are we dooming our future?
The Ontario Liberals have noticed a disturbing trend. Kids are having trouble in school. Oh my! What news!
They have noticed that students have been having trouble in Calculus, grade 10 science (dynamics unit) and Geometry & Discrete Math.
What oh what shall they do...
They are seriously considering pulling Calculus from the curriculum. Dynamics is on the chopping block too. Finally Geometry and Discrete math is already being dropped as a prerequsite for engineering at universities.
What kind of world are we setting ourselves up for, where we have unsafe drivers everywhere.
We are doomed...
Until next time...
They have noticed that students have been having trouble in Calculus, grade 10 science (dynamics unit) and Geometry & Discrete Math.
What oh what shall they do...
They are seriously considering pulling Calculus from the curriculum. Dynamics is on the chopping block too. Finally Geometry and Discrete math is already being dropped as a prerequsite for engineering at universities.
What kind of world are we setting ourselves up for, where we have unsafe drivers everywhere.
We are doomed...
Until next time...
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