Monday, May 31, 2004

The 411

It's another slow, soggy Monday. I've applied for yet another job that I may never get. I'm still getting over the shock of finding out that I can't apply for any student jobs.

For those not in the know, here's a quick explanation.

I'm over 24. Fortunately....According to the Government of Canada's rules: Their "student" status goes up to the age of 30. (Yay!) And I'm going to school in the fall. However, I wasn't in school during the past school year. (Boo!) Therefore I'm not really a student. At least not for their purposes.

Last week a young lady at the local student employment center explained this to me. Somehow I didn't believe her. I went into the general employment center. The same fact was confirmed by a different person. And because the third time's the charm, just now I phoned the Government's information hotline.

I spoke to an employee who was very sympathetic. We even discussed The Assumption: The government usually assumes that folks who have been out of school have had the opportunity to bulk up their resumes. Hence no breaks for outsiders--those like me, who are trying to worm their way back into academia.

It doesn't help me to know that a lot of student summer jobs are dream jobs. Including a sweet teaching position that's within walking distance of my house. If anyone asks, I'm in a corner, licking my wounds...

Saturday, May 29, 2004

Soul Plane

I hate this movie and I haven't even seen it yet.

A home-grown review describes it as, "...a comedy that feeds this feverish conspiracy theory I have in the back of my brain, that the Klan has been fending off bankruptcy selling bits to black entertainers."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

What's wrong with everyone? The people who believe in stereotypes and think they're worth depicting onscreen, the actors who are desperate enough to play roles in films like these....The writers who come up with this sh--, the producers and directors...

And then there are the fools who will go see it.

I want to see all overtly stereotypical media--like Soul Plane--banned. There aren't any merits to these types of productions. I thought we had outgrown minstrel shows.

Ever striving to improve...

I just discovered a copy of George Orwell's Politics and the English Language. Sometimes my writing goes on forever and I can't help it. Other times it could use a good tightening. Nothing wrong with a little self control...

Thursday, May 27, 2004

My Fellow Canadians! (And *Others*)

Take heart, for I have not forsaken you.

Our Righteous Leader, Prime Minister Paul Martin, has called an election for June 28th. And though I know he'll win, it'll be fun watching others try to kick his...butt.

In case you're wondering what I think of the state of voting in this country, read this.

For those who aren't familiar with Canadian politics, I'm going to give you a run-down of the candidates. At least, as I know them. (Keep in mind that I know NOTHING about politics.)


Paul Martin of the Liberal Party.

(American Equivalent? Democrat.)

Involved by default in the Sponsorship Scandal, aka Sponsorgate(TM Some News Reporter). To summarize...A lot of taxpayers' cash was misspent. (And if you've never heard of it, "misspent" is just a nice way of saying "wasted".)

Somehow Paul wants us to believe he had nothing to do with it. Personally, I think he's being honest. There are people who could have acted without his knowledge. However his initial declarations of innocence seemed a bit dodgy: When the clandestine monetary dealings went down, he was our country's Finance Minister.

Odds? : Rick Mercer once did a comedic presentation called "Why the Liberals Will Rule Canada FOREVER". I couldn't help agreeing with him. (And I can't find it online, otherwise I'd have linked to it.) Sponsorgate aside, Paul Martin hasn't really done anything objectionable. At least, as far as I know. In a recent newscast, I heard that the Liberal Party has governed Canada for 68 out of 100 years. Plus, Paul's plan presents pleasant promises (hee!). He kicked things off with his plans for our nation's healthcare. I expect more goodies to come.


Stephen Harper of the Conservative Party.

(American match? Probably Republican.)

Stephen Harper Said, as set up by the Liberals, does not paint a favorable picture. Mr. Martin recently stated that "...Harper wants to do to Canada what Mike Harris did to [the Province of] Ontario".

Who, pray tell, is Mike Harris?

Lord have mercy.

*wincing at the memory*

For the Americans--and other readers--picture, if you will, a leader who did not seem to care a whit about the needs of his constituents. Someone who had a one-track minded approach to running your country, even if it meant that he was sending it straight down, into the fiery pits of--

What's that, Toto? So you do understand why Steven Harper could be bad, bad, bad for Canada.

Yes. *rubs hands together* Very bad indeed

*cue evil laughter*

Odds? : Canadians as a whole don't know a great deal about Mr. Harper. His party is very new, as is his leadership. And if you're going with the Tried 'n True School of Voting, sometimes the Devil You Know...Has more reliable horns.


Jack Layton of the NDP (New Democratic Party)

(American equivalent? Unknown.)

Jack is very dapper. He's very dedicated. He's always struck me as a very passionate leader. Olivia Chow is his intelligent, accomplished wife. She's also a politician. Sweet, sly Rick Mercer once said that Layton reminded him of a porn star from the 70s.

I...can't comment. I was a toddler in the 1970s. Porn for me back then would've involved Ken kissing Barbie.

Nevertheless, Jack seems intelligent and affable. He has ideas, but I don't know what most of them are. (My fault, not his.) The one thing I heard yesterday is that he plans to exempt our poorer citizens from paying income tax. The faith Mr. Layton has in his convictions seems infectious. Overall, I like Jack Layton. But I don't know him well enough to say he's a keeper.

Odds? : Jack Layton's an experienced leader with some excellent achievements. I think (hope!) people will vote for him before taking a chance on Harper.


Gilles Duceppe of the Bloc Quebecois (That's BLOk Keh-BECK-Kwa to you, Buster.)

(American Equivalent? None that I can think of.)

And here's where we get to play Imagine.

Pretend that there's a governor of one of the United States' states with a--Capital A--Agenda. S/he wants to preserve said state's heritage. Say...California, or Texas, or...New York. Let's suppose previous governors had strove to have that state's originality recognized and failed.

Well, not exactly.

The SpecialState has already been considered unique via the Nation's culture and history. SpecialState has its own language which All Americans MUST Learn--at least until they start high school. In public places in SpecialState, such as a store or a bar, you might get ignored--or be treated rudely--unless you speak SpecialStateLanguage (SSL). And even if you do...In some instances you may still be treated with disdain. After all. Just because you use the correct SSL grammar and syntax, that doesn't mean you actually speak with the voice of a Native Speaker.

Trust me. SpecialState's citizens can tell.

It's all in the accent.

And just because you're American, that doesn't make you good enough for SpecialState. Because there is, in case you couldn't guess, one thing that SpecialState has wanted but never gotten. The true hallmark of SpecialState's uniqueness. Independence. And believe me. SpecialState wants its independence. Since yesterday.

Welcome to the world of Quebec, as it relates to the rest of Canada. I will admit it. I have never been there. I've stated a few generalizations in my SpecialState example that need to be clarified. I should point out that I'm sure most Quebecers aren't linguistic snobs. Many of them don't want to separate from the rest of Canada. And I loved studying French. I took it for years after it was mandatory. And I miss it.

But over the years I’ve been exposed to various news items, Political Science text books, first hand accounts of attitudes in La Belle Province, and...I'm Canadian, born and raised. If you can make it here past the age of 25 without hearing the words October Crisis and knowing that there's a faction that still wants "Quebec for Quebecers" then...

Then take me to your planet. If even for just. one. day.

What's this got to do with an election? Gilles Duceppe still wants His Land for His People. That's certainly the impression I have. I couldn't find a single link in English on the Bloc's web site. And there are Anglophones in Quebec.

You never know. There could be an Anglo who supports the Francophone separatists' cause. Or at least would like to read about it.

Odds? : I don't know who will vote for the Bloc Quebecois aside from Quebec Sovereigntists. I haven't thought about what will happen if they obtain the requisite amount of seats to impact our Nation's Capital. I just want to learn French and eat poutine.

*ducks*

*Please don't hate me. I'm poor. And I'm just teasing.

That, in a nutshell is what I know about our current election's candidates. Writing this post just reminds me of how much I have to learn...

*hangs head*

Wednesday, May 26, 2004

This just in!

Diversity is one of my passions. I've already mentioned how I feel about the word "tolerance". Oddly enough, I was visiting Tolerance dot org when I came upon this article.

Once again, the media is afraid to reflect reality. They seem to have no trouble with depicting gratuitous sex or violence. But a family containing people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, a bi-racial couple--or even better--a bi-racial couple featuring people who don't fit the "favorite taboo" (black-white) mix?

Somehow it's too much for them.

Tuesday, May 25, 2004

I realize

What this is. (I'm talking about my job search neglect, etc.) A part of me still doesn't think enough of myself.

Your Life

Your life as you know it,
As you want it, will not happen without you Contributing
Taking a step, making your own song to sing
Reaching out, facing forward ready to feel
The Rhythm of Life that only Death can conceal.

What's up?

In case you read this thing to actually find out what's new in my world:

I'm still unemployed. Since last night I've been angry with myself for not fighting hard enough to get a job. I woke up, checked the computer today. I found one job online and applied. I decided to do write-ups for a set of jobs that a friend of mine had sent me via email. I became furious with myself when I realized that the deadline for applying to the positions I wanted had passed. WTF is wrong with me?

*Kicks own arse*


I'd cry if I wasn't so mad at myself.

Now you see it...

I know someone who's involved in various university experiments. He pointed me to some information re his area of research.

Notice the subtle changes in scenery and people. Cool, eh?

It seems it really does pay to be alert.

Fresh off my mind...

From one of my posts on a bulletin board. It's me, in semi-raw randomness. Some people have been complaining about having to learn "proper" English in the black community. I was an English major, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to read their comments. Someone used the "English is a bastardized language" excuse. Here's my very slightly edited reply.

English may be a bastardized language, but like it or not, it's reached a standard level that North Americans are expected to use.

And I know people were snarking when I mentioned language problems in other communities. [Why do people complain when you mention that their problems are shared by others? Is it "poor me" syndrome?] Nevertheless, I have a relevant example.

One of my ESL students used to give me a very hard time. One day, in her own broken way she asked me,"So, Ms. N, why do I have to learn English?" She wasn't naive. Rather, she was being her usual stubborn self. [Take it from me. If you'd seen her expression and heard her tone...] I politely explained to her why it was important for her to learn how to read, write, speak and understand the language. My reply was an edited version of what I thought inside: "Don't you want to be able to function properly in society? Don't you want to succeed? Don't you want to be able to get a job?"

I don't have any issues with how this woman communicated at home. In fact, I strongly support people being able to communicate in their mother tongues. I don't want people to be ashamed of their roots. And I don't believe English is a "superior" language. But complaining about having to learn "proper" English...It just seems like people are trying to get out of doing something purely because they don't feel like it.

My point?

You couldn't go to Quebec/France/Haiti, etc., and expect to get away with using your own brand of French. You'd have to use the version that was appropriate for the location. (I say "appropriate" knowing there are slight variations in French as it is used throughout the world.)

Or would you complain about having to communicate using "proper" French? [Sadly, I know there are people who would.]

I will never understand people who think that illiteracy is ok.

Monday, May 24, 2004

All Look Same?

Visit the site, and if you have time, take the test.

I was visiting a bulletin board last week where I posted a note regarding All Look Same's subject. Someone was talking about how in TV and films, Asian actors of different backgrounds are used interchangably. I couldn't help noticing this problem as well...Which is interesting...I'm not the best person when it comes to distinguishing visuallly between different Asian ethnicities.

Nevertheless, TPTB don't seem to care if they have a person of Korean descent playing a Chinese or Japanese person, etc. Their whole mindset seems to be "Who cares, they all look the same." While on one hand some may say it's good to be represented, and people need to be thankful...I think there's something to be said for a little authenticity.

This lazy attitude regarding Asian culture says a lot to me about how quickly some folks are to generalize others. In the media, it's certainly one of our most glaring examples.

I still know people who assume that every Asian person they see is Chinese.

Lest I forget

Bill Cosby made some comments (scroll down a bit) not too long ago regarding literacy in the Black Community. A follow-up article ensued. It seems people were afraid that his comments were misconstrued.

The second article, which strove to place Cosby's comments in "context" did nothing to soften their blow. At least not in my mind. And why should they? What's wrong with telling the truth? Why are people afraid to be honest? In order to fix a problem, it first has to be recognized and exposed. I don't believe people ought to be complacent, especially when it comes to education and literacy.

Sunday, May 23, 2004

Still holding my breath.

Last Friday I saw Waiting to Exhale. I'd borrowed it from the library, so it's not like I spent a fortune on it. Thank God.

I don't know. From the past media hype, I remember that WTE was supposed to be The. Best Black. Women's. Movie. EVER. But for me it was just...Meh.

Quality of the acting, writing, and directing aside...Everyone seemed to be stuck in a box that I couldn't relate to. Take Bernadine(?) played by Angela Bassett. That woman still has me rolling my eyes. What did she teach me? Let's see: Lest I forget, every white woman is a black woman's kryptonite. Also, if you see a black person who dresses conservatively and speaks proper English, he's not a gentleman. He's an "Uncle Tom". I could get started on wondering why Whitney Houston's character was suffering from Any-Man-Is-Better-Than-No-Man-At-All-EVEN-IF-He's-Clearly-WRONG-For-Me disease.

But I won't.

Perhaps the book explains the reasoning behind these women's stupidity. I know they redeemed themselves by film's end. But you know what? I don't really care.

When it comes to the break up of a black man and woman, why is it that the media and people in society cling to the old standby--the Angry Black Woman rejected by her Obligatory Black Male thanks to the Interloping White Woman? Can't people get taken advantage of the old fashioned way--as individuals, and not racial stereotypes?

Firstly, I'm amused that people still assume that every single time there's a friendship or relationship of any kind between people of different ethnicities, it didn't happen by legitimate means. Someone is always trying to take advantage of the other person. Why?

Why not? Friendships don't just happen, people!!Surely there must be evil forces at work behind the good.

I keep encountering folks who believe this crap in real life. I think it's pathetic.

Secondly, in case you can't tell, I have absolutely nothing against so-called interracial relationships. I tried to skirt around my opinion on a public bulletin board the other day, but quite frankly...I think people who have "problems" with interracial relationships need help. I'm thinking of something between counseling and a smack into this century.

In the first place, we are not different races. (I use terminology such as "race" and "interracial" purely because they're popular, not because I agree with them.) The color of the person who objects to these relationships makes no difference to me. Every time I hear a "reason" why interracial relationships are "wrong" it sounds to me like someone is trying to use humanity's past evils to prevent our present progress.

Enough bitterness for now.

Wednesday, May 19, 2004

More Proof

That the voting on American Idol is skewed.

Seriously. You'd think this was a vote for a politician instead of a pop star.

And then there's the disturbing racial angle that I've noticed. People in various bulletin boards accusing folks of being racist depending on who they do--or don't--vote for. The official American Idol boards are especially frightening.

Tuesday, May 18, 2004

From The House of Hoax

I bring you this site.

I can laugh now. But when I first saw it, I was scared.

Saturday, May 15, 2004

*Jessica's* Just Desserts?

I recently read that some of the parents of Jessica Simpson's fans aren't impressed with her edible beauty products. Apparently they believe that Dessert Beauty's delights will be used during bouts of tween sex play.

Ever the curious chica, I scooted over to the line's web site. I've been looking for an excuse to do so for a while. (I don't know about you. Quite honestly, I'm tired of lip gloss that tastes like an ill-conceived oil/wax hybrid.)

That's when I came upon this.

Maybe being a Singleton(TM Bridget Jones's Diary) has put me out of the loop. But isn't that the sort of thing you can buy at Good For Her?

Friday, May 14, 2004

I couldn't have said it better myself.

What is it about war that brings out the stupid in everyone?

Clever commentary.

I say stupid, because that's all I'm seeing. Powerful people committing evil acts. They've got the world at their mercy and don't seem to care.

This evening I was watching the news. One of Osama Bin-Laden's "friends" was commenting on why Canada was one of the countries on the Al-Quaeda's hit list. He even quoted Dubya's "You're either for us or against us" tripe.

I couldn't help thinking realistically. The terrorists are probably going to go after the big cities first.

And I'm heading to Toronto for teachers' college in September.

Niiiiice.

Thursday, May 13, 2004

That's just wrong.

I haven't posted any pics of myself online. Quite frankly I had trouble remembering why. I just figured I never bothered. But then this helped jog my memory.

Thanks to Tamala from the boards @ Nappturality. If you hadn't posted that link, I might not have managed to save myself.

Thank God

Traffic overload shuts beheading video website

It's sad to know that it took a traffic overload to shut down this site. But at least it's out of commission.

I would like to thank the TTC

For endangering my life.

I was in Toronto last week for an interview. I ran a few errands. Naturally, because I don't drive, I took the subway.

Then this morning I was listening to my trusty news-radio station. They were talking about a bomb threat that had been made last Tuesday.

What makes it all that much more wonderful is knowing that the Toronto Transit Commission's chair, Howard Moscoe, didn't think the threat was worth mentioning to passengers.

So thanks, guys, for endangering my life. Every time I go to Toronto my mom worries that I'll be in some kind of danger. I just brush it off and tell her not to worry. There's a part of me that believes she's exaggerating. I even tell her so. Little does she know that inside I'm praying like nobody's business...

But, yeah. Thank you for not telling me that I was in harm's way on May 4, 2004. I might've died, but what the hey.

Maybe my mom would've been able to give me the funeral I always wanted.

Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Yummy.

No. It's not another post about a guy.

This is about my other love. Food.

Specifically, seitan (SAY-tan). I made a batch today.

My first homemade fake meat!

I know it may seem odd, my being excited over a minor culinary achievement. However let me assure you that my glee is warranted. Seitan tastes delicious. Here's some info and a recipe.

Screw the Vote? Oh, the *irony*...

I recently visited Screw The Vote. At first glance, all I could say was "The hell...?" And then, "Oy vey."

I don't mean to sound too judgmental. I love the CBC. As for this Vote program, I missed the television special. Mind you, I didn't mean to. My favorite rock star, Sam Roberts, was in one of the promos. But somehow it slipped my mind. It never occurred to me to catch up on things until yesterday.

That said, I hope the television special was successful. I hope it did a better job than the show's web site. Because as it stands, the site has me concerned. As my beloved Sam said, "This is reverse psychology, isn't it?" Sam, honey, I know it's supposed to be, but...Don't get me wrong. I think Screw the Vote is a fantastic idea. And for the CBC's sake, I hope it pays off.

In theory, I understand what the CBC's trying to achieve. In fact, I applaud their efforts. They're hoping that young Canadians will see the wit, irony, and cynicism behind their Screw the Vote campaign. They want people to realize that if they don't step up, step out, and vote (dammit!), then they'll have no one to blame when they don't get the political outcomes that they desire. (I'm thinking of issues such as education, health care, etc. Hell, every aspect of our infrastructure.)

But what the CBC and others are toying with is this: In the eyes of many, not voting is a perfectly viable option. Sure, you're not subverting the system: You're not voting for the underdog--which could be seen as better than not voting at all. But the jaded attitude that some of us have, the apathy...I think it's grounded in a legitimate mindset. Sadly, although the CBC may have wanted young voters to "get the joke" with Screw the Vote ...In all likelihood, they may have found that many of us agree with their slacker sentiments.

The CBC might have tempted fate in their attempt to appeal to the other side. Because like it or not, the "other" side's got some teeth.

Too many politicians make campaign promises that they cannot keep. Sometimes they have good intentions. Most often, though, it seems as though said politicians are just talking tall in order to make it into office. There's plenty of corruption and dishonesty. (And I'm not naive. I know that no one can be an angel at all times.) Still...Consider our culture's political myths: Ideally, we're supposed to be able to look to our politicians as paragons--honest folks who have the public's best interest at heart. However, time and again, these ideals have been shattered. People have been looking for a model of political virtue that is not there. They're tired, and beyond fed up.

And if you're wondering, yes, I do vote. I voted in the last provincial election. But to this day, part of me questions my intentions. Overall, I have faith in our political system. Yet I have doubts about the whole electoral process. I still wonder whether or not I have realistic expectations.

I don't know about you. But in an argument, I like knowing that my opinion will at least be heard. I don't like supporting someone who doesn't seem to care about my wishes and may deceive me. And, ultimately, I don't like getting involved with anything that makes me wonder if I'm wasting my time. That, Dear CBC, is why (young) people don't vote. And quite frankly, I can't blame them.

Tuesday, May 11, 2004

In Memory Of

Mr. Nicholas Berg.

I read the headlines on the internet earlier today. I was tired of writing about me, me, me. I wanted to find something newsworthy to talk about. Still, I never imagined this. When I read about the circumstances of his death, I didn't want to believe the words.

I know there are people out there who simply don't care about others. But this...Mr. Berg's assassination...Has brought us to a new low.

What does this mean for Mr. Berg's family? Their son is gone. And to know that his life was ended so cruelly...

What does it mean for humanity?

My mind is reeling. This will be my last post for the day.

Tolerance, schmolerance.

Oh, how I hate that word.

Tolerance.

Why is it that the only time tolerance is supposed to have a positive meaning is when it refers to interaction between people of different colors and ethnic backgrounds?

Think about it.

"I don't have to tolerate that from you, young lady!"

Or when you encounter bad treatment or service: "I'm not gonna tolerate this..."

Yet somehow, when it's used to refer to the human race, everyone's all [insert warm, sappy accent],"Ooooooh....We must learn to tolerate each other." I know it's common for the word to be used this way. But every time I encounter it in this context, I cringe.

Just now I was watching a video snippet. It featured a media figure--someone I don't care to name. Suffice it to say that apart from this utterance, I respect him. Nevertheless. He was talking about the world, how it's in turmoil, etc. And then he mentioned how people need to learn tolerance...Or how we in North America are lucky to have a relatively tolerant society.

And I was just...Like...Honey? No.

I don't want people to learn to put up with me. I want to be respected as a human being. Or hated, if you wish--but because of my personality. Not my ethnicity. No more, no less. This idea that people in the "other" category--different race, opposite sex, etc--are on par with annoying nuisances is absurd.

I have nothing to say.

From CBC's web site: Bernardo author wins human rights award

Actually, I have plenty to say regarding this subject. But when I saw the headline, I was just...Stunned.

Once Again

Someone beat me to it. Thanks to the hella-cool people in the Fametracker forums for posting links regarding a disturbing trend.

Behold: The Trouble With Tarty Teens.

Can't a girl be a girl anymore? I swear. I fear for the future...For my younger female cousins...For the little girls who keep showing up in women's clothing stores, shopping for dresses that are so short, people can see their thoughts.

The Cutest. Smilies. Ever.

Can be found at Mazeguy Smilies. The adorable symbols on my menu are all from their site.

I wouldn't have found them if I hadn't been snooping on Ini's web site.

Duh.

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Monday, May 10, 2004

Just last night

I was thinking, "Know what? You need to get a hobby."

Then I came to my senses and realized that I've already got a ton. (Writing, teaching myself guitar, knitting, etc.) Somehow though, over the last while I've neglected them all. And for what? Apparently, nothing more than passion.

Nothing sexual, mind you. Rather, lately I find I've been simply consumed by my feelings...This notion that I need to be doing something more than the usual, everyday, pointless dance. I have a lot of ideas that are struggling to manifest themselves. Yet many of them seem to center around my current love. Teaching.

A few weeks ago I was in Toronto running errands. (I'm prepping for the coming school year, going to earn my Bachelor of Education, yadda, yadda, yadda. There are a couple of entries about my teachers' college angst somewhere.)

I went with a friend to the Bishop and Belcher for dinner. We were doing the usual...Getting reacquainted and so on.

And she said, "So, Ms. N, Why teaching...?" Not to insult me, or assault me. Rather, out of curiosity.

My response? "I need to do something real with my life before I'm 30."

Folks, don't let my pithy response fool you. Instead, let me pause for a minute. I need to sulk over The Futility That Was My 20s...

Sometimes I can't help being melancholy. Much of what's happened over the past few years has been a complete and utter waste. At least career-wise. I've made friends with some wonderful people. And believe me, you guys, if you're reading this, you should know that I wouldn't trade you for anything in the world.

But other than that...?

Fuggeddaboutit.

I joined a few organizations, networked at a few parties. Aside from that, I got absolutely nowhere.

I take that back. Two positive shifts took place.

I became a published author. Every now and then I write for marlo magazine.

Most significantly, in 2003, I took a TESL course. Thanks to my practicum sessions, I discovered that I actually do have something to contribute as an educator.

Don't get me wrong. I'm still interested in writing and music. And every now and then I smile when I get an idea for a film. But there's something about teaching. I figure if you're going to get a "real" job, you might as well enjoy it. And teaching is probably the most genuine, positive thing I could do with my otherwise aimless life.

I think I said it best in a rant I once wrote: Teaching is a profession that embraces both my intellect and ambition. It's fulfilling in more ways than I can count.

Thus in my current unemployed state, I have the feeling my next few entries are going to be extremely introspective. I'll probably yammer on endlessly about my current love.

Stay tuned...

Honestly

Is there anything decent for young people to read these days aside from the Harry Potter series? I mention Harry Potter as I don't keep up with what the young 'uns are reading these days. HP is the one I know best, at least by reputation.

But anyways...I'm starting to get concerned. I keep thinking about how worried I am, as a prospective English teacher...I remember observing kids squirming in their seats, whining and moaning...All becuase their teachers asked them to read for a few minutes. I swear, you'd have thought they'd ordered the kids to go scrub toilets.

I'm not nearly as well-read as I ought to be. (Which is shameful, considering my Lit Major background.) But I have known the pleasure of a good book.

Oh. My. God.

Saying that reminded me of watching a movie. Die Another Day??? Anyways. I could've sworn Bond mentioned having to have done without "the touch of a good woman." But I digress.

This generation that we're raising...They need something. They need a reason to read. Sure, there are plenty of books out there, but do they have any substance...?

Saturday, May 08, 2004

Talk About Spring Cleaning

I was looking up one of the subjects discussed in my blog, and I found it. In Google.

Suddenly I realized that I really am online for all the world to see. Instantly I felt guilty. All that salacious girly goofiness....Good grief.

I've edited some "language" used in one post...Lord knows if I'll change the content of others...

Friday, May 07, 2004

Friends Til the End

As everyone who watches TV knows, last night they aired the Friends series finale.

Am I the only one who was actually happy when it looked like Ross and Rachel had broken up for good?