It still kind of boggles my mind why I'm not nearly as interested in my country's own politics as I should be. With all the talk about the budget, I would've thought it'd get me involved in at least one side of the spectrum, but...nope. Nothing.
I'm more interested in the U.S. and their system. Sure, this could be because I'm anticipating what Obama will do for the country as far as attempting to solve the major issues plaguing them. But even when... *sigh* Bush was still in, I found their politics more engaging.
I think it's partly because of the emphasis Americans place on their political system. It's like some huge event that boils down to two major parties battling it out for the title of President. That where I think our system falters. There's too many people to pick from. Granted, it's good that all sides get a say, but how do you differentiate between who's going to do what they say and who won't? At least with two parties, you can go either or. Simple, yet effective.
But who knows. Maybe someday I'll be interested in our politics/politicians. But until that day comes, I'll be looking to our southern neighbor to get my taste of politics.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Winter blahs? I hate 'em.
No, I'm not taking about having S.A.D. or anything. I'm talking about the general laziness I get every time I come back to school from Christmas. I'm only now getting over that laziness, and it's already annoying me to no end.
Because of it, I've been working as fast as I can to finish projects by the deadline. It's a little stressful. Plus, lately I've had the tendency to forget/put off things to do other things, which makes...things worse.
But looking on the bright side, at least now I can force myself to get things done on time for the rest of the term, and hopefully get things done EARLY. Now, time to get back to those projects...
Because of it, I've been working as fast as I can to finish projects by the deadline. It's a little stressful. Plus, lately I've had the tendency to forget/put off things to do other things, which makes...things worse.
But looking on the bright side, at least now I can force myself to get things done on time for the rest of the term, and hopefully get things done EARLY. Now, time to get back to those projects...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
It's almost time for the shiny, gold men again...
Well, the Oscar nominations were just announced a few minutes ago. And from what I can tell, it looks like it's going to be a toss-up between "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "The Dark Knight." Not that the other flicks nominated won't garner wins, but these two appear to be the favorites in the running.
"Benjamin Button" has 13 nominations going for it. The Brad Pitt flick has had positive reviews and is sure to win at least some trophies, if not many or all. "Dark Knight" though...appears to have gotten a bit shafted. You have the obvious nomination for the late Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker, but other than that, the other seven nominations it received were for the technical side (editing, visual effects, cinematography, etc.). Why no nomination for Christian Bale, aka Batman? Or Aaron Eckhart, aka Two-Face? Heck, what about Maggie Gyllenhaal, aka Rachel Dawes? They all deserve at least SOME recognition, in my opinion. Even director Christopher Nolan should've gotten a nod.
Anyway, from the list of movies/actors/actresses nominated...I really don't think I'll be watching this year. None of them really peak my interest other than "Dark Knight," and even that's just to see if Ledger will get his much-deserved Oscar. I think I'll be sticking with the written results instead of spending three or so hours watching a somewhat boring ceremony.
"Benjamin Button" has 13 nominations going for it. The Brad Pitt flick has had positive reviews and is sure to win at least some trophies, if not many or all. "Dark Knight" though...appears to have gotten a bit shafted. You have the obvious nomination for the late Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker, but other than that, the other seven nominations it received were for the technical side (editing, visual effects, cinematography, etc.). Why no nomination for Christian Bale, aka Batman? Or Aaron Eckhart, aka Two-Face? Heck, what about Maggie Gyllenhaal, aka Rachel Dawes? They all deserve at least SOME recognition, in my opinion. Even director Christopher Nolan should've gotten a nod.
Anyway, from the list of movies/actors/actresses nominated...I really don't think I'll be watching this year. None of them really peak my interest other than "Dark Knight," and even that's just to see if Ledger will get his much-deserved Oscar. I think I'll be sticking with the written results instead of spending three or so hours watching a somewhat boring ceremony.
A thankful change
Well, Barack Obama is now the 44th President of the United States. Obviously, it's a historic occasion, but to me it marks something even better: No more George W. Bush.
Yes, the man who has been the butt of jokes for eight long years is finally going away. It seemed like every time I turned around, he was being lambasted on the news (real OR fake - gotta love The Daily Show/Colbert Report) for something he said and/or did. After a while, it started becoming less funny and just more pathetic. I kept wishing for the day to arrive when I could finally say, "No more George Bush jokes! No more hearing about not-so-smart things he's done! Hooray!"
And now, that day has finally come. I still couldn't be happier that Obama was inaugurated. He brings a fresh face to politics and a Democratic outlook on issues. It'll be interesting to see what he does with the current problems the States has to face, as well as future problems. Hopefully, he won't make too many mistakes. Otherwise, he too could become the butt of many, many jokes.
Yes, the man who has been the butt of jokes for eight long years is finally going away. It seemed like every time I turned around, he was being lambasted on the news (real OR fake - gotta love The Daily Show/Colbert Report) for something he said and/or did. After a while, it started becoming less funny and just more pathetic. I kept wishing for the day to arrive when I could finally say, "No more George Bush jokes! No more hearing about not-so-smart things he's done! Hooray!"
And now, that day has finally come. I still couldn't be happier that Obama was inaugurated. He brings a fresh face to politics and a Democratic outlook on issues. It'll be interesting to see what he does with the current problems the States has to face, as well as future problems. Hopefully, he won't make too many mistakes. Otherwise, he too could become the butt of many, many jokes.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Baby, it's cold outside
Ugh, gotta love the flu/winter season. I get over a stomach bug, only to catch a cold virus. Great...
Speaking of "colds," I was reading TheStar.com today and came across an article asking "Too cold for recess?" The article focused on the issue of whether to keep elementary students inside, most likely making them act out, or to let them play outside, most likely giving them frostbite.
Now, the principals interviewed for the article have varying opinions. Some kept kids inside for more than one day, while others let them outside for a shorter amount of time. Understandably, one parent who was interviewed weren't thrilled. He thought the overused excuse of keeping kids outside for "fresh air and exercise" was a bit of a stretch in this case.
I have to agree with him. After all, I figured the fresh air and exercise would help me beat my bug, but all it seemed to do was give me a whole other one entirely. Kids are even more susceptible because their immune systems are still developing. Sure, they might get cranky if they're stuck inside for a few cold days, but is it really worth the risk of them getting sick or having parents complain to the school? I think not.
That's why it kinda boggles my mind that principals would take such a risk. They KNOW they're gonna get complaints. I'm sure they're WELL aware of what can happen if you stay out in the cold too long. So, why? Why even bother? To follow school procedure? It just doesn't seem worth it to me. And if the parents dealing with this stuff are any indication, it doesn't seem worth it to them either.
Speaking of "colds," I was reading TheStar.com today and came across an article asking "Too cold for recess?" The article focused on the issue of whether to keep elementary students inside, most likely making them act out, or to let them play outside, most likely giving them frostbite.
Now, the principals interviewed for the article have varying opinions. Some kept kids inside for more than one day, while others let them outside for a shorter amount of time. Understandably, one parent who was interviewed weren't thrilled. He thought the overused excuse of keeping kids outside for "fresh air and exercise" was a bit of a stretch in this case.
I have to agree with him. After all, I figured the fresh air and exercise would help me beat my bug, but all it seemed to do was give me a whole other one entirely. Kids are even more susceptible because their immune systems are still developing. Sure, they might get cranky if they're stuck inside for a few cold days, but is it really worth the risk of them getting sick or having parents complain to the school? I think not.
That's why it kinda boggles my mind that principals would take such a risk. They KNOW they're gonna get complaints. I'm sure they're WELL aware of what can happen if you stay out in the cold too long. So, why? Why even bother? To follow school procedure? It just doesn't seem worth it to me. And if the parents dealing with this stuff are any indication, it doesn't seem worth it to them either.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
And the work begins...
Well, after a pretty easy first week back, it's time to get back to doing schoolwork. As it stands, I have something to do in each course just for January alone - a multimedia assignment for the end of the month, an article for next Tuesday and a documentary proposal for tomorrow.
It may not sound like a lot, because...well, when you boil it down, it's not. But it's a little daunting. Not just because everything's due so close to each other, but also because it's kinda hard to get back into it.
Now, I don't mean to say I'm lazy, because these projects WILL get done on time. It's just the whole thing of coming off of a relatively lazy Christmas break to do them that makes it hard. After all, when you've spent three weeks doing next to no work...
Anyway, all worries aside, this term promises to be busy, but it will no doubt fly by before any of us even realize it. Till then, it's time I fight off these lazy, post-Christmas feelings and get to work, haha.
It may not sound like a lot, because...well, when you boil it down, it's not. But it's a little daunting. Not just because everything's due so close to each other, but also because it's kinda hard to get back into it.
Now, I don't mean to say I'm lazy, because these projects WILL get done on time. It's just the whole thing of coming off of a relatively lazy Christmas break to do them that makes it hard. After all, when you've spent three weeks doing next to no work...
Anyway, all worries aside, this term promises to be busy, but it will no doubt fly by before any of us even realize it. Till then, it's time I fight off these lazy, post-Christmas feelings and get to work, haha.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Snowy days in Woodstock and shiny trophies at the PCA
Like everyone else, I was hoping for a snow day today. But what can you do? School is school... Although, sleeping in would've been nice, haha.
Anyway, as far as school goes, things have only just gotten underway. The real work should start next week. I'm looking forward to it, because I know this term promises to be fun (and quick!).
Now, as for actual news...
Well, make that entertainment news. The 2009 People's Choice Awards were on last night. Did I watch them? No. Why? Because I didn't feel like it. Awards shows can only hold my attention for so long, and I really have to be in the right mindset to even THINK about watching them.
But from what I've read, this year's ceremony was a slight improvement over last year's boring, pre-taped strike show. Most of the winners didn't surprise me much. You had Hugh Laurie winning for best drama ("House") and male TV star. That felt like a no brainer. "The Simpsons" won best animated comedy, "Heroes" for sci-fi/fantasy show and "The Dark Knight" took home FIVE trophies. Again, all of those felt like no brainers to me. On the music side, you had Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood and Kid Rock, to name a few. Not too much surprise there, since all three had hit songs in '08.
One award did catch me by surprise, though, and that was the award for fave online sensation. It appears to be a new category this year, and after looking through the list of nominees, I'm even more relieved that "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" was the winner. Proof that the people have good taste!
Well, that's all the news I've got for now. I'll be doing a mix of whatever news I feel like commenting on. Until then!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Back from the break!
It's the first day back from the Christmas break, and the start of second term in my second year of journalism.
It was a very relaxing break! Even though I had to work at my "fun" job at McDonald's, I at least made some extra cash. The rest of the time was spent with my family and friends. I got some baking done and have a delicious Christmas dinner on Christmas Day.
Got some cool presents too! My parents AND the couple I'm boarding with gave me some money. I also got a couple shirts, a game for my Nintendo DS, and my best present of them all: a brand new laptop computer! It's a Windows Vista, and it is just plain AWESOME! :)
Well, that's all for now. I'll probably be posting something more newsy later this week for my Internet Journalism course. For now, I'm just going to try and ignore how snowy and cold it is outside...
It was a very relaxing break! Even though I had to work at my "fun" job at McDonald's, I at least made some extra cash. The rest of the time was spent with my family and friends. I got some baking done and have a delicious Christmas dinner on Christmas Day.
Got some cool presents too! My parents AND the couple I'm boarding with gave me some money. I also got a couple shirts, a game for my Nintendo DS, and my best present of them all: a brand new laptop computer! It's a Windows Vista, and it is just plain AWESOME! :)
Well, that's all for now. I'll probably be posting something more newsy later this week for my Internet Journalism course. For now, I'm just going to try and ignore how snowy and cold it is outside...
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