I got to teach English again today. Tomorrow, I teach French! haha, high school immersion, should be interesting. The vp was looking at who he needed for tomorrow when I went in this afternoon, and he's like, oh, no wait, I need someone Fench for that. I'm like, come on, I speak French. really? how well? I said, well enough to do it for a day. Probably not well enough to make a career out of it at this point. It saves him phone call too, so he went along with it. I'm not worried, we usually didn't actually speak French when possible when I was in FI in high school, so we'll see. I can do anything for a day.
That is, if there is school. It's quite messy out, freezing rain, quite a lot of flooding. The island at Centennial Park is submerged, only the trees remain, which is pretty neat. The footbridge is also in the water, just the highest part is above, and it's usually what like, 15' above water? Crazy. Pretty though, ice coated trees again. I raised the point that, at least this time there aren't as many trees left standing to knock over power lines. Always look on the bright side...
I thought it was spring, but it is the end of March, and it came in like a lamb, so...

working all weekend, sweet ass. I've deleted most of the pictures off of this address and put them on to my new one, but I think I've updated all the links so it should keep working for you guys. Let me know if I've missed some. I'm going to go check out a daycare today, they're hiring. I'm debating, I'm not sure if they're hiring for right now or the summer. I'd prefer summer, since I keep telling myself I have to keep my days free for supply teaching, but I think I'll go check it out and see. The ad was "tired of working nights? love kids?" I was like, yes, and yes! sweet. No night shifts for me this summer, I've decided. Half of me is considering just going on EI, but the other half of me is violently rejecting that idea.

ooh, I'm part of a webring, and I got comments back!
wooh!

yeah, maybe I'm obsessed with Ronco, but just check out some of the stuff this man sells! He's got everything!
Damn, I can save hundreds of dollars by making my own...fish jerky!
who the hell is spending hundreds of dollars on fish jerky?

well, it looks like I ran out of space on my server. luckily, I'm allowed to have like a zillion addresses. or like, 5, with 10M each, so that should do me until I can afford to buy my own space and server etc. I was cursing this damn thing up and down, and really, it was my own fault. ah well. does anyone know how to check how much stuff you've got on the server when using cuteFTP?

I just got $480 worth of parts and labour on my car for $229. Goddam dealerships eh? I'm sorry, labour must be what, like $100 an hour? Please. Asses. I even bought my own parts, at retail cost, and it was still less than half the price. Surely dealerships get parts cheaper than us regular folk? I'll stick to the independent garages from now on, thanks.
Also, I managed to pick up Holly McNarland's cd as well as Sam Roberts, for only $9.95 each. Steal of a deal, no? Granted, Sam only has about 6 songs on his cd, it's still a good deal. I'm happy. And yes, I will actually purchase a cd if it's like $10-12. But I'm not paying $20 for it, it's not worth it. I think that a lot of people feel the same way, so if record companies would accept that we're not idiots, stop whining about napster and lower their prices, they'd be much better off.

ok, and wait, is the FD5 like, the FDA wouldn't approve it, so they made their own Food and Drug corp to give it the OK?
"ah, yeah, Ron...it's not sanitary to make yogurt and jerky in the same machine..."
"screw you guys! I'll go the FD5!"
"the what?"
"SHUT UP!"

ok, I'm sorry, but this is just *really* funny. It's the "Ronco FD5 Food Dehydrator, Yogurt Maker and Beef Jerky Machine" (that's right, Ronco, of "set it...and forGET it!" fame). Does this thing do ALL of those things? "My yogurt tastes like beef..."

ah, I love when other people post on my blog. it makes it more fun for me anyway.
I taught today, kids who aren't allowed in their regular classes because of behaviour problems. Not in-school suspension, that's I think the step before this. Good times. The kids weren't actually that bad though, better once we got settled than most of the "regular" classes I teach. ironic, no? One of the kids even told the principal he should hire me full time. I agree. I'm not going to have my French upgraded by the fall, so that idea's gone out the window. I was told of a summer program at U de M, and thought that would be a great idea (if I could get the bursary, since it's $1600 otherwise) but it's at U de M alright, SHIPPEGAN campus. Honestly, no, I don't know where that is. It's not here, that's enough for me. Also sadly, I was not the only one to apply for the UNB job, so I can't hold my breath on that one either. Ah well. There's always Super7.

For the first time in a while now, I am able to watch the Price is Right at lunch time. Every day thus far it has been pre-empted by war coverage, which is really beginning to piss me off. Not just the Price is Right thing, but the idiocy with which the news is reported. The whole situation is tragic, but the question begging to be answered here is: "what the hell did you think was going to happen?" Oh, they may be going against the Geneva Convention? You invaded their country! You're bombing them, what the hell did you think was going to happen? You went against the UN, but *that* is ok. I'm not trying to reduce the severity of the situation here at all, but come on. You attack a country run by a lunatic because he doesn't follow the rules you've set out. Once more now, what the hell did you think was going to happen?

The News
by Jack Johnson

A billion people died on the news tonight
But not so many cried at the terrible sight
Well mama said
It's just make believe
You can't believe everything you see
So baby close your eyes to the lullabies
On the news tonight

Who's the one to decide that it would be alright
To put the music behind the news tonight
Well mama said
You can't believe everything you hear
The diagetic world is so unclear
So baby close your ears
On the news tonight
On the news tonight

The unobtrusive tones on the news tonight
And mama said
Mmm

Why don't the newscasters cry when they read about people who die
At least they could be decent enough to put just a tear in their eyes
Mama said
It's just make believe
You cant believe everything you see
So baby close your eyes to the lullabies
On the news tonight

I was up to Fredericton for the weekend, saw Emm Gryner and Holly McNarland, it was an awesome show. Go check them out. Started a bit late, but what do you expect for a show at the Nut. I also got a giant wad of blue gum stuck on my pants from under the table we were sitting at, which was really gross, but I did manage to get it all off with some ice and patience. Ended up with wet pants, but better that than a big wad of blue gum. Disgusting. I washed my hands 3 times, so I figure I'm ok.

I've applied for a job at UNB that I'm technically not qualified for but would do a kick-ass job at, so hopefully I get an interview at least, then I can *wow* them. Hehe. Have to take the car in this week to get the wheel bearing or whatever the hell is wrong with it fixed. I think that might be one reason it's noisy lately too, hopefully anyway. I don't really have any actual news. oh, but I do have some song lyrics I want to post. hang on.

BA ha, it worked! sweet ass. I would LOVE to get stuff like that in essays, it's great!

well, I kept trying to post a long-ish email I got, but it wouldn't work, and then it wouldn't let me back in for the rest of the day. Bastards! So here are the fun parts.

Actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays

His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

He spoke with wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.

Her vocabulary was as bad, as, like, whatever.

He was a tall as a six foot three inch tree.

From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7 PM instead of 7:30.

John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.

He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant and she was the east river.

The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.

It hurt the way your tongue hurts after you accidentally staple it to the wall.

yes, I concur wholeheartedly on the visiting of the aforementioned link.

I got to teach English this week, I feel all intellectual again. Shakespeare!

Seriously though, it's funny, and has lots of odd trivia that you can share at parties and whatnot. Go, already!

48 hours.

nothing is going to change in 48 hours.

I honestly do not think it would matter if anything did.

Arrest me if you will. George Bush is an asshole. Just because your daddy went to war, doesn't mean you have to. Maybe you should try to think of alternate solutions that will work for the whole world, rather than risking the whole world for your personal agenda. Why are you in the UN, if when it comes down to it you're just going to do whatever the hell you want to anyway?

From VOANews:
Saddam Hussein is warning that any "aggressor" should realize that the battle will be waged, in his words, "wherever there is sky, earth and water anywhere in the world."

The Iraqi president made his comments to senior aides. They were broadcast on Iraqi television Sunday. He asked who appointed America, what he called, the "unjust judge of the world?"

I have to say, he kind of has a point in that 2nd part.

just a note, my cable modem has been misbehaving, thus my internet access is sporadic at times, so I may not be here.

I generally give the warning and end up being here every day, but I feel bad just leaving you wondering. hehe.

Alias. her mom is...good.....evil evil....then good? comes to CIA....nope, planted bombs...evil.....nope, good, Jack planted the bombs......nope, evil, escaped and is in cohoots with Sloane....no...wait....maybe good? sending hopeful morse code messages to Syd?

I can't keep track!

Axis of Evil Wannabes
by John Cleese

Bitter after being snubbed for membership in the "Axis of Evil," Libya, China,and Syria today announced they had formed the "Axis of Just as Evil," which they said would be more evil than that stupid Iran-Iraq-North Korea axis President Bush warned of in his State of the Union address.

Axis of Evil members, however, immediately dismissed the new axis as having, for starters, a really dumb name. "Right. They are Just as Evil...in their dreams!" declared North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. "Everybody knows we're the best evils... best at being evil...we're the best."

Diplomats from Syria denied they were jealous over being excluded, although they conceded they did ask if they could join the Axis of Evil.

"They told us it was full," said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "An Axis can't have more than three countries," explained Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. "This is not my rule, it's tradition. In World War II you had Germany, Italy, and Japan in the evil Axis. So, you can only have three, and a secret handshake. Ours is wickedly cool."

International reaction to Bush's Axis of Evil declaration was swift, as within minutes, France surrendered. Elsewhere, peer-conscious nations rushed to gain triumvirate status in what became a game of geopolitical chairs.

Cuba, Sudan, and Serbia said they had formed the "Axis of Somewhat Evil," forcing Somalia to join with Uganda and Myanmar in the "Axis of Occasionally Evil," while
Bulgaria, Indonesia and Russia established the "Axis of Not So Much Evil Really As Just Generally Disagreeable."

With the criteria suddenly expanded and all the desirable clubs filling up...Sierra Leone, El Salvador, and Rwanda applied to be called the "Axis of Countries That Aren't the Worst But Certainly Won't Be Asked to Host the Olympics."

Canada, Mexico, and Australia formed the "Axis of Nations That Are Actually Quite Nice But Secretly Have Some Nasty Thoughts About America," while Scotland,
New Zealand and Spain established the "Axis of Countries That Be Allowed to Ask Sheep to Wear Lipstick." "That's not a threat, really, just something we like to do," said Scottish Executive First Minister Jack McConnell.

While wondering if the other nations of the world weren't perhaps making fun of him, a cautious Bush granted approval for most axis, although he rejected the establishment of the Axis of Countries Whose Names End in "Guay," accusing one of its members of filing a false application. Officials from Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chadguay denied the charges.

Israel, meanwhile, insisted it didn't want to join any Axis, but privately, leaders said that's only because no one asked them.

Had to take a little break after the rant there, sorry. I've heard since then that there IS actually a group wanting to send the Statue of Liberty back to France. I really just don't have anything to say about that.

I'm working all weekend, which is fun, but I only work 2 days next week, and am going up to Fredericton this weekend to see Holly MacNarland and Emm Gryner at...*shudder*...the Chestnut. Should be a good show regardless. I'm teaching 2 days so far, and just waiting to hear back about how I can go about improving my French enough to be able to teach it. I have a level (or had, in grade 12, 6 years ago) of Intermediate Plus, and need Superior, which is I think 3 levels higher. I'm at least as good I think as I was in HS, and I pick up language pretty easily, so I'm confident that if someone will just direct me as to what course(s) to take I can do it. Anyway, for now, I have to get ready for work, so au revoir and hasta la vista and ciao and latah.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The cafeteria menus in the three House office buildings changed the name of "french fries" to "freedom fries," in a culinary rebuke of France stemming from anger over the country's refusal to support the U.S. position on Iraq.

Ditto for "french toast," which will be known as "freedom toast."


ok. I don't really want to talk about it, but I have to. What the hell is wrong with the American government? Freedom fries? Are you retarded? Yes, France IS INDEED a bad country for not wanting WWIII. What *are* they thinking? The nerve. Hey, Bush! I'm in Canada, and I don't want a war either, so I guess you better start calling it Freedom bacon too. I bet there are some other countries who don't want a war, but just so long as France is willing to step up and voice their opinion nobody else really has to, do they? If you're going to rename or forsake everything with a French origin, you're going to be doing without a LOT of stuff, so you may want to rethink that idea. Hello, mayonnaise? bicycles, the barometer, pasturization, the sewing machine, velcro...do a search, it's actually quite surprising what you'll find. How about the Statue of Liberty, you ignorant pieces of crap.
Here is a link to a well-said and less angry sounding view on the matter.

Get a grip on yourselves, people.

yes, I'm NOT working tonight. But I did teach. math and science. I'm sure, honestly, that I could teach either of those, given a month to prepare for the year. I want a job. I'm serious here. I know people have had to supply for 7 years or whatever before getting a job, and it's not that I feel I'm better than them or anything, I just don't see the point of supplying for more than a year. You've put in some time, been humbled, gotten some classroom management skills, learned how horrible teaching can be...what more could you want?
anyway, I haven't had an evening off yet this week, so I'm going to go relax.

Crap, Trading Spaces is really old. Alex is hosting. she bothers me.

Since the days of Hannibal crossing the Alps with his elephants an exotic array of animals have been pressed into military action.

Perhaps the most bizarre plan was when the US launched Project X-Ray in World War II - an attempt to attack Japan with bats carrying tiny satchels bearing incendiary devices.

The plan backfired when on a practice run the bats attacked the wrong target, and set fire to a military airfield in New Mexico.

In the recent Afghan conflict troops were on alert for attacks by kamikaze camels strapped with explosives, a tactic the mujahideen used against Soviet troops.

And in the event of a US-led attack on Iraq the US army plans to ride chickens into battle in cages atop Humvees, used as early warning gas detectors.

The US Army calls the strategy Operation Kuwaiti Field Chicken - or KFC - but the plan has been put on hold after 41 of the 43 chickens deployed to the Gulf died within a week of arrival.


Where do you find these things? It's funny, but horrible at the same time.

That is funny.

Just a note to say I'm teaching every day this week (first time ever, YAY me!) and working most of it as well, so I won't be around much to chat with y'all. Tomorrow I get to do resource again, which is very exciting. I've started to ask what exactly I have to do to get a real job, I figure it can't hurt. I'm only supplying at 2 schools, and I think they like me or I probably wouldn't be there so much, so I'll see if they can help me at all. Again, happy thoughts in my direction are appreciated!

On a bright note, (ha ha), the digital camera I want is on sale for $999, down from $1079.
Steal of a deal.

The toilet training continues to be a success. A bit messy, there's litter everywhere, but that's alright. I'm just going to leave it like it is for a few days until they get used to it, then I'll start reducing the litter then putting in water.
I rented a really good movie last night with Jenn. It was called "Wild About Harry", it was Irish, and quite funny. Basically the guy's a total ass his whole life, but then lapses into a coma and wakes up not remembering the last 25 years. It's mainly funny but also touching in parts. I also rented "Diamond Men" which looks like it's going to be really funny. It's got Donnie Whalberg in it, so it must be good. haha... Both movies were previewed on "The Rules of Attraction", which was a bad movie, don't rent it. It's not funny AT ALL, dark or otherwise, and quite disturbing in parts.
so there's your movie reviewage for this weekend. I have to go get dressed etc, I have a hair appointment today. Oooh!

A whlie back I was trying to toilet train the cats, remember? Anyway, I finally got this thing called a "sitz bath" which I think is for bathing your nether regions while you sit on the toilet, but the cats don't need to know that. It's sturdy plastic and won't fall in to the toilet when the dumb cats stand in it. Anyway, I just set it up today cause the litter was due for a change, and Mort jumped right up and peed. Very exciting. They wouldn't fall for the tin pan full of litter I tried before, but this seems to work. So I'm pretty excited at the idea of toilet trained cats, I have to tell you. I'll keep you posted.

ok, I'm just gonna quote this whole thing right off Dyanna's blog, cause it's easier that way, and has a nice enough intro. This serves as a nice contrast to my last sort of, anti-US sounding last post. I'm going to say the same thing she did as well. It's not that I agree with everything he's saying, but he raises some very valid points. the stolen post starts.....now:


After hearing that the state of Florida changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver's license with her face covered this is an editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he?


IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others.

I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!

"In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.

If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.

ok. So my vote goes to impeach Bush and bring back the sex fiend. He may have done naughty things, but in the grand scheme of things, which is more serious an offence, getting some illicit love from a silly silly intern, or waging a war against the wishes of like, the WHOLE WORLD.

also, what the hell is going on with American television? while we here have quality stuff like Degrassi: TNG, they bombard us with crap like...I have to list here:
Hot or Not
Married by America (a big letdown, they're just going to get engaged and then live together for a while and THEN we'll see..)
Date My Mom
America's Most Talented Kid
All-American Girl
American Idol (why do we enjoy seeing people being crapped on?)
Survivor (I'm sorry, it's crap)
Joe Millionaire (yeah, I watched it, he's hot, but it's still crap)
The Bachelor
The Bachelorette
I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!
Celebrity Mole
The Family
Fear Factor
30 Seconds to Fame
Temptation Island 3
Mr. Personality (coming soon, click for details!)

stuff that isn't on right now, but has been and haunts me still:
The Mole
Big Brother


And the sad thing is, I'm sure I've missed some. But I'm tired now!

ok, I'm probably going to end up deleting this post later since it won't make sense if the page is working, but for right now it's NOT. It was, but now, somehow even though it has my new posts on it, it has reverted back to the old format with the old pop up window menus, even though that's not in the template that's been uploaded. *sigh* whatever. bigger fish to fry.

ah, new menus!
I just went to get an oil change, and agreed to a "peace of mind driving inspection", because my car does strange things and makes odd noises etc. It's almost completely fine, it is completely fine as far as the noises go..but alas needs a new tierod and something else, that with parts and labour will cost me $480. I am sad. I was just trying to decide how I should spend my income tax money, since though I'm not rich, I am in a position right now where I'd say it's safe to spend my tax refund, cause it's like found money. But now, that'll take a good chunk of my money. Grant has offered to chip in, but I feel bad making him pay for my shitty car. What do you think? With this, and the big money we sunk into it in the late fall, I just don't know if this is when I draw the line of "not worth investing any more money into it", or if I fix it and hope for the best in coming months.

Again from Tirésa, she sent me these a little while ago, but they're funny.

THE BEST [ACTUAL] HEADLINES OF 2002

1. Crack Found on Governor's Daughter.
2. Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says.
3. Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers.
4. Iraqi Head Seeks Arms.
5. Is There a Ring of Debris around Uranus?
6. Prostitutes Appeal to Pope.
7. Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over.
8. Teacher Strikes Idle Kids.
9. Miners Refuse to Work after Death.
10. Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant.
11. War Dims Hope for Peace.
12. If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile.
13. Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures.
14. Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide.
15. Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges.
16. Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead.
17. Man Struck By Lightning Faces Battery Charge.
18. New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group.
19. Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft.
20. Kids Make Nutritious Snacks.
21. Chef Throws His Heart into Helping Feed Needy.
22. Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half.
23. Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors.

Well, among many other great quotes that I've found, a few of which are posted on Tirésa's blog, this is the closest approximation to the one I'm looking for. It may be a word or 2 off, but the general feeling is there, and you can probably see why I was trying so hard to find it. Such a lovely thought.


Daniel the Tiger thought that he was a mistake because he was different from other tigers. do you feel like that sometimes?
All tigers are different, just like people. That's what makes you someone special. There is no person in this world who is a mistake, no matter how different they may seem. Everyone is fine.

I'm sick. Why am I sick? Because it's March Break. I usually get a cold this time of year, but not like, SICK sick. I'm not happy. Grant's being a sweetie though, offered to stay home from work and stuff. That wouldn't have been much fun though, me sleeping and barfing etc. Not much that can be done I'm afraid. Gravol sucks though, I'll pass that bit of wisdom along. That's about all I have energy for right now, I'm going to go watch Michael Moore on Oprah. He's a pretty cool guy, introduced to me by none other than the lovely Erin. What would I do without her? hehe..

I'm searching for one very specific quote that I just can't find, but I'll keep looking for a while. in the meantime, Tirésa and I have both been looking, and she found a page with this quote on it.

When asked what the greatest event in American history was, Fred Rogers responded, “I can’t say, however I suspect that like so many ‘great’ events, it was something very simple and very quiet with little or no fanfare (such as forgiving someone else for a deep hurt) which eventually changed the course of history. The really important “great” things are never the center stage of life’s drama. They’re always “in the wings.” That’s why it’s so essential for us to be mindful of the humble and the deep rather than the flashy and the superficial.”

lovely.

So as most of you probably know, Mr Rogers passed away this week. Now, this is sad in the generic way that any celebrity-type person's passing away is sad, but also on a bigger level than that. I was lucky enough to catch the end of a PBS special on him last night, and I have a whole new appreciation for him. I think he was really good for kids in a way that wasn't just about entertaining them or talking down to them in any way. As an example, here are the lyrics of one of his songs from the show which I, honestly, think would make a lovely wedding song with "love" instead of "like". Or even just the way it is.

It's You I Like
by Fred M. Rogers


It's you I like,
It's not the things you wear,
It's not the way you do your hair--
But it's you I like
The way you are right now,
The way down deep inside you--
Not the things that hide you,
Not your toys--
They're just beside you.

But it's you I like--
Every part of you,
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings
Whether old or new.
I hope that you'll remember
Even when you're feeling blue
That it's you I like,
It's you yourself,
It's you, it's you I like.