Hello everyone. It's been a while, but I'm finally updating this blog with my personal details, once again... and it's been an interesting few weeks since I last updated this blog with my personal life occurrences.
When I last updated my blog with my personal life details, I was writing final exams and it was about over. I wrote my last final exam on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. During that same week, the last Steve Carrell episode of The Office aired on NBC. Then, on April 29, 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton finally got married in London, ending weeks of media coverage for the royal couple. The next round of major media coverage for them will be in June and July, when they visit Canada. My friend, Reverend Nathan, has put an evil idea into my head for the time they will be spending in Ottawa on July 1, 2011. He has since "moved" to Montréal for the "summer."
Over the weekend of April 30, 2011 (Saturday), Prime Minister Stephen Harper turned 52 years old. Obviously, he's getting old. Matt Baumfeld turned... a year older on that day. I mailed him something mysterious in the mail a few days prior. And earlier in the day, I saw an old man chasing after a Saskatoon Transit bus, only to see the transit operator drive away from him.
May 1, 2011 was what would have been Jeff Meville's 23rd birthday. But it was also significant, as it was revealed by the U.S. government that Osama bin Laden had been killed.
May 2, 2011 was Election Day in Canada, and it was obviously an historic election. Earlier, I had listed my own concerns and views before the election. But overall, I was quite happy. What's important, however, is that John Baird got re-elected and that Mark Holland (I despised him) got defeated. And of course, this specific election proved that you don't need to win many seats in Québec to form a majority government. Meanwhile, my evil cousin Tony turned seven years old on May 2, 2011. Anyway, I worked for Elections Canada on May 2, 2011, and I was a Deputy Returning Officer. Once people were done voting for the day, I was required to count the votes. Based on my own poll, Conservative candidate Kelly Block received about 36 votes. NDP candidate Nettie Wiebe received 64 votes. Meanwhile, the Liberal candidate Lee Reaney received five votes. As for the Green Party of Canada's candidate, she received one vote.
Over the weekend of April 30/May 1, I saw a goofy commercial for products that I am quite sceptical of. To check them out, visit www.drhonow.com.
May 8 was of course, Mother's Day, which is an ultra-important day. I also downloaded the first five seasons of How I Met Your Mother in torrent form. Season 4 was probably the better season, and the episode titled "The Stinsons" is probably the best one I've seen thus far. As for season 6, the current season, it came to an end on May 16, 2011. As for the Barney Stinson character, I find him entertaining... but I like the fact that he believes relationships are for suckers.
May 9 was an important date, as the City of Saskatoon voted to scrap the idea of putting fluoride into the city's tap water permanently.
At some point, I requested a flag that has flown on Parliament Hill. There is a waiting list of either 20 years or 32 years, depending on where the flag was originally flown. To request your flag, click here.
For the most part of the week of May 8 to 14, 2011, I watched many episodes of How I Met Your Mother. On May 13, 2011, I tethered my Android phone to my laptop for the first time. I also paid a visit to an annual garage sale in the Montgomery Place area.
On Monday, May 16, 2011, it was announced that Parliament would finally resume on June 2, 2011. It's about time! With the NDP as the Official Opposition, I look forward to question period in the near future! This makes me glad that the Liberal Party of Canada failed to win, as they were planning on reforming question period (something I'm totally against).
As for last week (May 15-21), most of the week was uneventful. I watched every episode of How I Met Your Mother, so far. On Saturday, I went to Sears early in the morning and got myself a free $5 Petro-Canada gift card. I got one just for being there, as the first 100 customers at the store got one that morning.
Well, that should cover my "boring" and uneventful life.
Now, for some pictures of things I saw recently. Here are some interesting pictures I took in recent weeks (in no particular order):
Now, it's time to complain about society in my own unique way...
As you know or may not know (depending on who you are and how ignorant you can be), teachers in Saskatchewan took job action and walked off the job on May 5, 2011, for the first time in Saskatchewan's history over pay disputes. They plan on doing so again this upcoming Wednesday and Thursday, after serving at least 48 hours' notice. The Government of Saskatchewan is offering a 5.5% increase in pay over three years, while the teachers' union is demanding about 11.5% over three years. I do believe that teachers deserve a raise, but just how much of a raise is something I'm pondering. However, I do believe teachers deserve a raise. They are the ones teaching young people (at least they try their hardest) to become the next generation of people in the real world. The fact that they have to spend time with children and annoyingly-rude teenagers is proof that school is kind of like a daycare that's almost free. In fact, there's probably a reason as to why Clifford Huxtable (The Cosby Show) celebrates every time his kids leave his house (or go to school).
The next subject of my complaining is Nettie Wiebe. Nettie Wiebe was the NDP candidate in several federal elections representing Saskatchewan. In 2004, she ran as the party's candidate in the riding of Saskatoon-Humboldt. She lost to Brad Trost. In the 2006, 2008 and 2011 (this year) federal elections, she ran in the riding of Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, losing to the Conservative candidate Kelly Block and Carol Skelton in 2006. After several tries to become a Member of Parliament, I am hoping that she will give up for once. Besides, when you vote for a candidate that represents a riding that will likely end up in opposition, they aren't going to serve much of a purpose, besides complaining about what the government does in Parliament. What's complaining going to do? But as for the NDP itself, they managed to get a bunch of university students elected in Québec. It's great that "youths" are representing people in Parliament, but they are representing the wrong party, and are therefore useless. And yes, the NDP is and shall remain completely irrelevant to Canadians.
Meanwhile, it finally became apparent to me recently that former Liberal Party of Canada leader Michael Ignatieff never paid a visit to Saskatoon. I wonder if it has anything to do with a letter I wrote to him in early 2009 shortly after the coalition issue of 2008.
Now, as you know, the Sun News Network has been on TV for a while (it launched in April). However, as much as I enjoy the show, there is one host and particular TV show that I cannot stand, and it is Theo Caldwell, who hosts The Caldwell Account. I don't really know why... but I do find him to be an obnoxious person that acts like a child, and I find it somewhat annoying that he gets to host a two-hour show.
As you know by now, residents of Slave Lake, Alberta have been devastated as a huge portion of the town has been destroyed by wildfires. I am quite saddened by the fact that a huge chunk of the town has been destroyed, but am thankful that there have been no deaths reported. Hopefully, residents will be able to return to the town, soon.
Recently, City Councilapproved bus route changes to some Saskatoon Transit routes. Those changes will come into effect as of July 3, 2011. For complete information on the changes, you may click here. So far, it looks like none of the route changes will affect me, unless I move. However, it could affect others. As a result, I encourage you to check out the link I've provided, as the changes may affect you, especially if you still use Saskatoon Transit as a form of getting to and from school.
On Wednesday (May 18), Prime Minister Stephen Harper made changes to the Canadian Ministry, or made a "cabinet shuffle." I was happy to see that Bev Oda kept her current job as Minister of International Cooperation. I was slightly surprised to see John Baird named as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, but I am quite happy about that appointment nonetheless. Tony Clement is now the President of the Treasury Board. Vic Toews, who was quite entertaining, kept the job of Minister of Public Safety. Even Maxime Bernier came back to cabinet, as Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism). These "changes" were pretty exciting, and I'm glad that Mr. Baird is now the Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing Lawrence Cannon, who unfortunately got defeated.
Recently, people in Britain were part of a referendum as to whether or not they'd want to switch to a new voting system called "alternative vote" from the existing first-past-the-post system. In the first-past-the-post system, candidates with the most votes would simply win. But in the alternative vote system promoted by the Liberal Democrats, candidates would be ranked in preference (Prime Minister David Cameron had to agree to the referendum in exchange for support in a coalition with Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg). Well, as it turns out, people in Britain voted for... the same. So, alternative vote is dead, and I couldn't be happier. There are many reasons to fear alternative vote. For instance, what if you wanted to run for political office? In the alternative vote world, you could gain the most votes, but still end up being a loser, while someone who had fewer votes that you originally, could be voted in. Besides, in the alternative vote system, it would be harder to throw out unpopular governments. In fact, I like what British Prime Minister David Cameron said about the alternative vote system: "With First Past the Post, everyone gets one vote, and that vote is counted once. That’s fair. But under AV, supporters of extremist or fringe parties can get their votes counted again and again and again. That's unfair. It's simply not right that the fifth vote of a Monster Raving Looney supporter counts as much as your first vote." The New Democratic Party of Canada, or NDP, for years, has been advocating the use of proportional representation. Well, I wonder if they've changed their position, since the existing first-past-the-post system is the same system that propelled them to Official Opposition status, beating the Liberals to second place, which more than tripled their seat count from the 40th Parliament.
Recently, for many months and/or years, there once stood a house that was oddly out of place near the University Bridge here in Saskatoon. Arrangements were eventually made to sell the land, so that a company could build condos on the site. Instead of demolishing the house, the developers allowed the previous owner of the home to move the house off the site. Eventually, the house got demolished, and I couldn't be happier. I was worried about what may happen to innocent traffic signals during the process of moving the house. The previous owner wanted to move the house to 107th Street in Sutherland, but that request was denied. The City of Saskatoon eventually approved a request to move the house of the city... but in the end, the house was demolished, because the owner couldn't get his act together.
As you know, the Liberal Party of Canada suffered its worst defeat in Canadian history on May 2, 2011. At this point, the party believes it can rebuild itself if they choose not to name a new permanent leader until the fall of 2012. Well, that may be true. But in the meantime, they must choose an interim leader. I just hope it's not Bob Rae. However, it looks as if he may win the interim leadership position after all. I'd like to know who will become their permanent leader, but we'll have to wait until late 2012.
Last night on the season finale of The Simpsons, Ned Flanders and Edna Krabappel began dating. However, after some concerns with Edna's past, Ned Flanders was questioning his relationship with her. In the end, he decided that their relationship should be decided upon by "higher powers." This is where you come in. If you still watch the show (or not), you are encouraged to vote on whether or not the couple should continue their relationship. To vote, please head over to www.thesimpsons.com/nedna to cast your vote. As a citizen of the Internet and television, you are obligated to vote! I for one am in favour of the relationship, as it will likely add twists to the show. As for twists, the season 4 finale of The Big Bang Theory contained a huge twist involving Raj and Penny!
Canada Post is having a contest called the "My Canada Photo Contest." I have uploaded a photo that I took last year and have entered it as my own contest entry. You must "like" the page via Facebook, or I'll be forced to do something nonsensical!
It has been reported that the owner of the Atlanta Thrashers hockey team is in talks with True North Sports to sell the team to True North, which would like to move the team to Winnipeg. I hope it's true. It just makes no damn sense to have hockey teams in the southern United States, especially if they suck. NHL hockey teams, no matter how lame, belong in Canada. Besides, Atlanta is a "serious dump," according to Reverend Nathan, and I doubt that anyone would notice if they lost their crappy NHL team (yes, I know this is a wildly-inaccurate assumption).
Recently, as you may or may not know, a band named Living With Lions, a Vancouver-area punk band, came under fire from American media following the release of its cheesy-looking album, "Holy Shit." Now, I doubt that most media outlets would care (especially with Canadian musicians/bands), but it came to the attention of the media, because the group of lame musicians was funded by... the Government of Canada. The album's packaging is designed to look like the Bible with faded pages... and Jesus is portrayed as a piece of excrement. I am not Catholic or Christian myself, but I do find this to be an absolute disgrace, but mainly because their album was funded by the Government of Canada, and that fact was printed on the back part of the album cover. It is outrageous that this band is being funded by the government, and I hope that the government pulls their funding for all future projects. This is what happens when you fund the arts... people get offended. It's better to pull funding for all types of arts, whether it be musicians, actors, plays and anything in the form of entertainment. If these "artists" want money, they should beg for it like the bums that they are. If they insist on spending taxpayers' money, they should be respectful to people of all religious beliefs, races, sexual preferences or whatever may apply in this type of situation. Of course, they should also make their content/artwork/productions promote the well-being of the Conservative Party of Canada. However, we all know that's never going to happen, especially since they love the useless CBC. So, unless they are willing to promote the well-being of the Conservative Party of Canada, these bums ("artists") should not be funded by taxpayers. If they insist on spreading music that is lame (and also offensive), they should find ways to get that "free" money themselves. This is why running a government is difficult. If you try to be fair to everyone in your decisions, you end up getting screwed in the long run. This is exactly why the current Conservative government should be even more partisan than they have been during the last five years. That way, you only alienate the correct (the left) group of people.
This past weekend (part of the current long weekend), I read this specific article that summarizes what the Conservative government will do within 100 days of returning to Parliament (if they won a majority government, in which they did). They promised to pass all their crime bills in one mega omnibus bill. It will be easy, since our party has taken over Parliament and the Senate (and you thought the Senate was useless). What I'm most excited about is the Penalties for Organized Crime Act, which imposes minimum sentences for drug crimes. Anyone caught growing as few as five plants will be given a minimum of six months in prison. Being soft on crime is for suckers. Treating criminals like the hardened criminals that they are is where it's at. The bill would also impose a minimum sentence of one year for those who are trafficking marijuana, while the maximum prison sentence will rise to 14 years from seven years.
Meanwhile, the Ending House Arrest for Property and Other Serious Crimes by Serious and Violent Offenders Act (I really like the long name) will end house arrest for those who cause bodily harm, used a weapon, or were involved in the import/export/trafficking/production of drugs. However, what's most important is the Protecting Children from Sexual Predators Act, would amend the Criminal Code of Canada to create new offences and impose increased or new mandatory minimum penalties for certain sexual offences against children. This is important, as anyone who commits a sexual offence against an innocent child will face at least 90 days in jail, which is up from the current minimum of 14 days. Meanwhile, anyone who commits a more serious sexual offence against a child will face at least six months in jail, rather than the current 45 days. In addition, anyone who commits bestiality in the presence of someone less than 16 years old will face a new minimum penalty of imprisonment for at least one month. With all that the current Conservative government will soon be doing, it boggles my mind that anyone would support the opposition parties' positions on these important crime bills. The Liberal Party of Canada once said that some of these bills went "too far." Well, they've been pushed to third place... for a reason.
Well, that's all for my complaining-about-society. Since my last blog update, a lot of interesting things have occurred in the world. Here is a list of some interesting news (in no particular order):
Well, that is all for now. Now, here are some forward-looking statements...
The month of May is almost coming to an end. And as of May 21, I have returned to working 40 hours a week. For the next four weeks (including this one), I will be working 40 hours a week while getting Wednesdays and Thursdays off from work. I don't have any special events planned for this month, but a lot of cool things will be happening in June and at least part of July (for the foreseeable future). On June 2, my street will finally be swept (yes, this is exciting) and Parliament will resume! And since it's a Thursday, I will have the day off! That's already a good start to the month! Then, the Conservative Convention will occur on June 9, June 10 and June 11. Meanwhile, June 11 will be "Family Fun Day" at work, where I will get to bug my superiors in person, rather than through webcam/online meetings or conference calls. On June 23, 2011, my cousin Tho's grade 8 class will have its farewell party/ceremony. By June 30, 2011, he will have completed grade 8, and will be ready to move on to the hollow halls of high school in September. I can't believe how fast kids grow these days... it seems like just yesterday that the evil Tho was in kindergarten. But more importantly, on June 28, 2011, I will be leaving Saskatoon to head on a nine-day trip to Ottawa, Montréal and possibly Québec City. On July 1, Canada Day, Prince William and Kate Middleton (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) are supposedly going to be in Ottawa. I plan on being in Ottawa on that day as well, and I plan to "ask Kate Middleton to marry me," as "encouraged" by Reverend Nathan (given the opportunity to speak to her). A preliminary list of places I must visit include Reverend Nathan's lame temporary apartment, St. Joseph's Oratory, the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and much more. Another list will be provided, soon. In addition, I plan on sending many nonsensical postcards to my closest friends.
Well, that's all for now! Thank you for taking the time to read my extremely-long blog update, and I hope to update this blog again soon! Good day! Oh yeah, scan the QR barcode! By the way, it is just me or has there been a lot of strike activity lately? There are the teachers... then there are the health workers and now a potential postal strike? Damn labour unions...
Hello everyone. It's been a while, but I'm finally updating this blog with my personal details, once again... and it's been an interesting few weeks since I last updated this blog with my personal life occurrences.
