Spammymonkey

Switching over

2012-02-11T16:58:00.001-05:00

I'm a little tired with the software on Blogger but I'm not sick of you guys.

If you want to keep in touch, feel free to follow my Tumblr, which is where I will be posting more frequently now.

TUMBLR

Or you can visit my more other site, where I post movie reviews and articles.

JOURNALISM WORK

School is my worst enemy now.

2012-02-07T23:08:00.003-05:00

School is totally getting on my nerves. And I'm really worried about this semester.

Here I thought having two days would be a lot easier for me to get work done and get a job. But nooo, I still don't have a job and I'm still buried in homework. In addition to this, the prospects of my marks this year don't look so great.

So now I guess there is only one way to improve from my silly mistakes. Today I had a french dictee which I don't think I did well on. To top that off, online journalism, which should be an easy course, is completely screwing with me. Making silly grammar mistakes are costing me a good mark!

Stop procrastinating. Stop going on the computer. Take classes more seriously (even though they are a bit of a joke) and work work work.

Clearly, I have no life. I must score amazingly well on this week's news quiz and my Storify assignment!

Appreciating the work. Not the person.

2012-02-05T18:40:00.007-05:00

My friends and I were having a discussion yesterday about film director Woody Allen.

For those of you who might not know this about him, he is infamous for marrying his step-daughter (well, adopted daughter of his ex-wife Mia Farrow).

This obviously leaves a creep factor for Allen, but I can't really deny his talent.

As scandalous as it is, I can see why people refuse to watch his films just because of this fact. But why can't people just see a piece of work for what it is? Allen is getting nominated/recognized for his work, not his personal life!

It's understandable not to pay for a film. But it is a bit silly to dislike something just because of the person behind it. ENJOY the piece of art! Not the person!!

Does this make sense?

So my point is: even though I am weirded out by Woody Allen, I think he is an extraordinarily talented writer/director.

And for that, I actually thank him for making a film that has solidified itself onto my top 20 list (if not top 10).

Thoughts. Thoughts. Thoughts

2012-02-05T00:43:00.006-05:00

I realize that I manage WAY too many blogs and am planning to cancel a few of them.

I was thinking about quitting Tumblr…but then I realized how much of an impact some opinions can have that they end up going viral.

I also enjoy following blogs such as The Daily What and the National Post to get weird tidbits about the world.

I guess what I’m saying here is that Tumblr can influence people to think differently. But first we gotta stop spamming people with the same memes…

I was thinking: should I close my Blogspot? I mean, personal blogging just seems so…vapid (only some of them). But then again, it is nice to write something that’s a bit more personal, informal and generate a discussion.

On another note, I was thinking of making short little film. By short, I mean two-five minutes long. I don't really know what it will be about...but I hope it can turn out awesome!

And of course, I would have to focus on homework first...(HAH, what is SCHOOL?!)

In addition this this, I am also planning to get more broadcast experience. Sadly, I live in Toronto. And even though opportunities seem endless, there are also a lot of people seeking the same types of jobs. Nonetheless, I am willing to freelance. So if you got some projects, hit me up!! My number is...416...(nah, just kidding!).

I realize this is getting really pointless. But if you like these stream of consciousness type of posts, I hope you may be loyal enough to stick around!

And as I leave, here is a video of an awesome kid with a lot of swag.

Case of the Annoying Fans

2012-01-29T15:58:00.003-05:00

On Friday my friend Bethany and I woke up extra early to catch Daniel Radcliffe on The Morning Show.

Since it was raining heavily, snowing and still relatively dark outside, I figured there wouldn't be as many people outside seeing that he already made a lot of promotional rounds the day before (he was in town promoting his new flick The Women in Black).

But when we arrived, there were three young girls waiting eagerly outside, talking very loudly and just being pretty obnoxious.

(FYI, this is not a post dedicated on hating the younger generation as I know many teens and pre-teens who are very well-behaved. It was just a matter of how these particular people were behaving)

I don't mind "fangirling", as I embarrassingly admit that I do some of it myself (see: here and here). But when you start to disturb the camera people, talk show hosts and journalists inside, then it becomes a problem.

To be a respectful fan is to watch from outside without disturbing the people working inside. Taking photos (as long as the flash is not too disruptive is even fine). But when you start banging and yelling outside for the star to look at you, then that's just asking the person you're there to see not want to go out and meet you.

And that, is precisely why I feel Daniel Radcliffe's PR made him leave without greeting us properly (He did wave, which I thought was really cute!)

So the *~moral*~ question of this post is, what good is there really to fangirling/fanboying/whatever it's called nowadays? It's awesome to see your favourite actors/actress, singers, bands, philanthropists, journalists, etc...but I think it is going a bit far when people start scoping out license plate numbers, hotel rooms and follow the celeb's every single step on their schedule.

Getting a little bit of interaction is great, and I can see how all of the above could be a form of flattery, but celebrities have lives.

Don't mob them.........

On another note, while Dan wasn't able to interact with the fans, I was still very pleased to have seen him anyways. Here was the boy who became the face of my favourite series' main character. And now, he's branching out to new and better roles. I wish Daniel the best of luck!!!!

His waving was super dorky. Loved it!!

Two Oscar snubs I can't get over...

2012-01-26T23:01:00.003-05:00

As the Academy Award nominations came out on Tuesday, I couldn't help but feel a little upset for the movies and actors that got snubbed.

I'll admit that I haven't seen every film nominated, but there was really no way some of the nominations were as deserving as those that didn't get nominated.

Let me start off with the actor that I was almost 100 per cent sure to get a nod, if not a win: Michael Fassbender.

I know Shame is not a film for everyone due to its 18A rating, full-frontal nude scenes, and heavy sex but if Fassy did not give one hell of a performance, I don't know what the Academy's standards are. Yes, I agree with the nominations given to George Clooney, Gary Oldman, and I suppose Jean Dujardin (for his amazing expressions during a silent film) but to forget about Fassy after all he had to go through to play a sex-addict? You guys are whacked out of your minds.

I'm sorry if this isn't the greatest, "journalistically" speaking blog post, but seriously, I don't know what the Academy sees.

I suppose they're a more conservative bunch that doesn't really appreciate artsy, r-rated films...but if they could only see how well he played his role...they're crazy. Fassy was brilliant and he portrayed his pain and suffering so brilliantly.

________________________

Another person I was hoping to get nominated was none other than Ryan Gosling for his roles in The Ides of March or Drive. I know both films were not heavily favoured around the awards circuit, but given his performance in both, I'd say it should have been nominated for something.

I can see how Drive was not nominated as it is a more "arthouse" style of film but I thought Gosling was amazing in The Ides of March. Though not his best role, I thought he was one of the better actors this year...and I'm not saying this because I find him attractive.

To be honest, I feel that Ryan Gosling is an actor who isn't really recognized for what he has done. While he definitely has the popularity to make him successful, I really think people overlook his talent for his looks.

Okay, so maybe The Ides of March and Drive didn't really make him an Oscar-worthy contender, but why hasn't he been nominated for something from his earlier films? I know he was nominated for an Academy Award for Half Nelson, but I didn't really think that was his best role either.

For me, his best roles were in Lars and the Real Girl and in Blue Valentine. Both characters he played were so heartbreaking for different reasons...I really don't know why The Academy didn't consider him Oscar worthy earlier...

But perhaps, time will tell.

Both Fassy and Gosling are fairly young and have more years ahead of them to snatch a nod and possibly a win.

To next year and better choices!

Officially 20.

2012-01-19T00:41:00.000-05:00

So, I'm 20. And even if that does not make me legal in every country, I still feel quite old.

To wish myself a happy birthday, here is a video of Josh Groban greeting me. Because I kind of asked him to...

At least he was nice!!!

Why I hate the blogging game.

2012-01-16T23:26:00.003-05:00

I've had a long time to ponder over a post like this. And while I have difficulty expressing my thoughts on blogging, this was all I could come up with:

Blogging sucks.

Lately, I have been finding the world of blogging incredibly superficial. Bloggers who I've liked have started to sell out with their corporate sponsorships, giveaways, free gifts and lack of intelligent writing. And I'm not saying this because I'm jealous of all the free swag they get.

I'm saying this because I feel blogging has lost all of its integrity.

Blogging in my eyes should share inspirational stories, quirky tidbits, advice, news and speak out about interesting topics that will draw readers in. As I am sure there are several blogs out there who fit into these categories, all I am seeing is an overwhelming amount of bloggers doing the exact opposite.

From posts that were once unique, interesting and insightful came mediocre posts that seemed like its writers were blogging for the sake of blogging. That means, posting for the sake of keeping readers, and updating to maintain the sponsorships and connections they've gained.

I've always been very iffy about the whole "blogging as a career" thing. Look, there's nothing wrong with gaining money from your blog if you offer interesting content. But when it becomes something shallow like seeking advertisements for the sake of spending five minutes writing a blurb about a whole outfit given to you by a company, what point is there to read or follow your blog?!

As I am sure there are many amazing blogs somewhere in the world, I've found that I have been surrounded by bloggers who just want to get famous. And the ones I've liked, are selling out because they write a post dedicated to advertise a company who's gifted him/her an item.

It's this complete superficiality and shallowness that makes me want to completely stop blogging.

But perhaps I can be a different type of blogger.

From now on, I pledge to myself that I will blog when I want and what I want. No more blogging for the sake of blogging. No more blogging because "like OMIGOD...I can get famous!!"

Because let's face it. Getting famous takes a lot more work.

Hiatus

2011-12-21T21:08:00.005-05:00

I'm currently thinking about going on a little hiatus. A reason for this is to re-evaluate the way I think and write.

I've really lost a sense of what my writing should really be, so I shall be taking a minor break from personal blogging.

In addition to this, I have decided to change the URL of my blog to Spammymonkey. Spammymonkey is just an old nickname, as the blog I originally started was a place to keep in touch with friends. For those who decided to join me along the way, thanks for coming!!

I will be back. I'm just a bit tired of blogging for a while.

If you still want to read what I have to say, you can switch over to some of my journalism work at my online portfolio.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

SHAME.

2011-12-20T22:33:00.005-05:00

So...I did something shameful this weekend. And it was something I loathed others for doing...which makes me really hypocritical.

I decided to link a blog post discussing the same topic on a website that specifically hated on bloggers. BOOM. Hate ensued. I'm quite ashamed about this, but I'm slowly learning to move on. I'm glad people came to tell me this, instead of those mocking me over the internet. Well, I guess I've gained some hate followers haven't I?

Oh well. That's not to say I condone most of the hate people say about other bloggers on the site anyways...If it were constructive criticism, it would be okay. But some of the comments criticizing someone for their appearances don't quite solve anything or lead to any improvements.

That being said, yes I am a douche. Come and hate follow me!!! :)

In somewhat related news, I caught the film Shame the other day. And boy, it was really not a film to go see with friends. It displayed full-frontal nudity and of course, lots and lots of sex. I mean, what's a movie about a sex-addict supposed to be if it wasn't raunchy?

But if that isn't enough to turn you off, I come with more warnings. Shame is not a film for everyone as it is probably the unsexiest movie about sex anyone will ever see. Let's just say there is too much of it that you will leave the theatre wanting to take a long shower or wanting to watch a happy, children's flick.

What I do have to say is, the movie struck a chord with me. Just like any addiction, Michael Fassbender's sex-crazed Brandon was in a terrible state and needed help badly. I just wish he could have helped himself much sooner instead of making the audience go through so much pain watching him suffer. Though on the flip side, at least he had a nice body. That made the film more bearable to watch.

If Michael Fassbender does not at least get a nomination for his acting, I'm not sure I can take the Academy seriously anymore. But then again, they put in ten nominees into the Best Picture category...which completely takes out the whole competitive nature of the awards.

This isn't a film I would recommend, per say. But if you're still interested, I've left you with a teaser. Watch this beautifully crafted scene scored by Hans Zimmer as Fassbender's Brandon tries to chase after a woman he isn't able to completely lure.

I do have to say, if Fassy wasn't so attractive, this scene wouldn't be as easy to joke about. If this happened to me in real life, I would have ran far, far away!!!!

Honesty is the best policy.

2011-12-16T19:52:00.001-05:00

I'll admit that I am not SUPER big on fashion blogging because I find a lot of it vapid and just another way to make me feel poor for not having "nice" clothing.

But when the Man Repeller started to get popular a little over a year ago, I became an avid reader because Leandra Medine has a humourous outlook on fashion, dresses for herself and didn't give a damn about being single if she could dress the way she wanted with harem pants and furry shoes included.

But when she announced earlier this week that she was engaged in a (now deleted but good thing there's CACHE) post, many readers were supportive. But others blew up and were angry. A part of me doesn't know how to feel. I'll keep reading her blog because I find it entertaining a lot of times, but like many, I feel a bit cheated.

I believe honesty is always the best policy when it comes to writing even if it is just a blog. But for the past 18 months or so, Leandra has been pulling off this whole schtick about being perpetually single because she dresses weirdly. I understand the whole point of her blog being solely a fashion blog with the perspective of attracting females who appreciate "fashion that men hate". But to suddenly drop a bomb and reveal something personal like being ENGAGED after 18 or so months of coming off as a single girl who couldn't score a date because of your odd outfits is kind of wrong to me.

Reading this thread, I gathered a lot of opinions from readers and GOMI, the poster. I agree.

All writers (whether you blog or not), need to be honest with their readers and by doing so, they must pick one specific lane and stick with it. If you're going to be a fashion blogger talking about weird fashions men dislike, then stick to that and be subtle about your personal life or not mention it at all!! You can't pretend to be single for a year and a half while acting like you're best friends with devoted readers and fans when you say you want "your private life private". If you want to go with the whole "man-repelling" theme, then be consistent with it. If the whole purpose of your blog is to show women that being single is okay and to dress the way you want, then there shouldn't be a need to be too personal and get attached. Because then, people will feel betrayed and lied to.

I'll still continue to read her blog. But this definitely changes my perspective on her. Don't be personal if you're going to not share something with your readers. Pick one theme and stick with it.

Even though my blog doesn't have a specific theme, I know for a fact that this blog is a way to express issues that matter to me.

In Defense of Patrick Chan

2011-12-13T23:00:00.007-05:00

I know I haven't been posting lately because I have been in hibernation mode for my exams. But during the time away, a lot of of news has happened. Christie Blatchford, a columnist for the National Post, decided to post an extremely sexist article on little boys hugging (I shall get to that in a later post). In addition to that, a super drunk couple was caught having sex on the TTC.

Yeah, big deal huh? Well since including all of that would mean an incredibly long and dreadful post, I have decided to write about something, rather someone, who is dear to my heart in terms of Canadian sports.

Patrick Chan, whom we all know I love, was announced today as the recipient of 2011's Lou Marsh Award which makes him Canada's Athlete of the Year.

Kind of controversial after a few of his comments came under fire after a Reuters article popped up last week with quotes stating how he wished he could represent both China and Canada in figure skating.

If you're too lazy to read the article here are the quotes Patrick said.

"If you look at all the sports in China, the government is extremely involved and they are extremely proud of their athletes. People understand better what we do as skaters," Chan told Reuters in a telephone interview ahead of this week's Grand Prix Final in Quebec.

"Sometimes I feel we are not appreciated for how much work we put in. If my parents hadn't emigrated from China and say I had skated for China, things would have been very different. My parents wouldn't have had to make as much sacrifices as they have and there would be a lot more respect for what we do as figure skaters.

"I'm extremely well recognised in Korea just because of what I do on the ice and there is a lack of that in Canada because hockey is our sport and it will be for eternity. Figure skating has lost the draw and the attention (it used to have before)."

"Several years ago I felt more Canadian but I'm slowly feeling more Chinese and feel I should be more proud of being Chinese and appreciate where I've come from. (This is because) of the support I get from the Chinese community in Canada," Chan, who is fluent in English, French and Cantonese, said as he took a break from his intensive training schedule.

"I do (wish I could have represented both China and Canada when I compete). That would be the ideal situation... in a perfect world."

I'll admit here that I am going to be biased about this because it's Patrick Chan. But if it were any other athlete saying similar comments, I would probably feel the same way.

As a Chinese-Canadian of parents who immigrated here from Hong Kong (much like Patrick's parents), I am able to relate to Patrick because culture is important to me while Canada is where I'm actually from. I once traveled to China myself, and I definitely felt the roots to my culture and therefore felt more Chinese. So yes, I definitely can see where Patrick is coming from with his quotes. But that doesn't mean he doesn't want to stop competing for Canada!! He said so himself, he would not stop competing for Canada.

As a student journalist, I have been able to learn how to judge articles for the way they are presented and written. There is always a some sort of framing involved to show an angle of of the story. Unfortunately for Patrick, Reuters decided to angle his quotes in an unfavourable way. In this piece, he sounds pompous and is made to seem somewhat "unproud" of his Canadian heritage. But who's to say that's how he actually sounded during the interview? It's only in print...so people can make up their own assumptions of the tone of voice he's using.

But even though I am on Patrick's side of the game I do have criticisms for his comments. He mentions how the Chinese have incredible support for their athletes, but I don't think he quite understands what he is saying because he isn't a citizen of China. HE IS CANADIAN, AFTER ALL.

Heck, I don't know what goes on there either but I have heard and seen news pieces about young Chinese children going into training at an incredibly young age to become elite Olympic athletes. They have to watch their diets and sometimes, they are the hope of their families to get some wealth. So to hear Patrick say something like this-- where he is so privileged living in a country with good education, wonderful coaches and freedom of choice--was a little bit upsetting to me. I don't quite think he has a complete grasp of the world or how lucky he is to have so much support from his own country.

But other than that, Patrick does have a point about figure skaters (and amateur athletes) being under-appreciated in Canada. In this culture of hockey and professional sports, why can't we show some more love to amateur athletes who train just as hard but are paid less and publicized much less than those athletes who are shown on TV every night?! And to say amateur sports doesn't matter is just plain ignorant. Those athletes have been putting as much effort into their sports as much as any other elite player.

So this is why I think Patrick Chan is deserving of the Lou Marsh Award despite his comments and his inability to keep his incredibly honest thoughts to himself. Yes, he "failed" at the Olympics by coming in fifth...but he has since learned to improve his skills by adding a quad to his repertoire. Since then, he has won two Grand Prix Finals, his fourth Canadian Championship, a World Champion Crown, and set three Guinness World Records.

Yes, I know people think he is overscored but perhaps people don't really understand the whole figure skating judging system. And besides, it's not him who determines the scores!! To say he hasn't accomplished a lot in the past year would be a lie.

But that's not to say the other athletes nominated weren't just as deserving. If it were up to me (even though I wanted Patrick to win), it would have been between Dylan Armstrong, Milos Raonic and Eric Lamaze with Hickstead. Dylan Armstrong is the #1 ranked shot putter in the world, but he only won silver at worlds. Milos Raonic climbed way up in the ATP rankings this year, but injury has plagued him from competing. Eric Lamaze and Hickstead did wonderful things as an equestrian team. To honour them both for the award would have been an honour of the champion horse's death.

However, I truly believe 2011 was Patrick's year. Nothing really went wrong with him in terms of competitions.

So congratulations Mr. Chan, you truly deserve it. I hope you realize how much we Canadians actually love and support you.

As for interviews, from a young journalist to a young athlete, I advise some media training to help you censor your comments.

But enjoy the crown Patrick. And remember, Canada does love you.

It's not LIU. It's LUI.

2011-12-03T23:12:00.001-05:00

I have lived almost 20 years of my life and people have been pronouncing my last name wrong since birth. It is seriously not that hard. And since I have been frustrated lately by the amount of butchering, I have decided to clarify it through a video.

As a journalist, I seriously hope this video helps people with my name. There's nothing worse than hearing your name being butchered on live television!!

You're welcome everybody.

Downtown was once a very mystical place

2011-11-23T17:07:00.002-05:00

When I was little, I used to think downtown Toronto was a very mystical place. I lived in Scarborough. And while that is still considered Toronto, there was never much of a reason to go downtown.

But when I did go, it was always so magical. Especially during the Christmas season. I loved going to the Eaton Centre to look at the huge diamond Christmas tree and I always loved looking at the beautiful Christmas lights. Once a year, I would go down to watch a Ross Petty production at the Elgin and Winter Theatre.

But the real treat was always the Santa Claus Parade. There is only one or two other times I remember attending. Maybe I attended when I was a little baby, but I don't recall any of it. However, I got to relive that magic this weekend. Seeing all the floats and Christmas cheer was amazing. Even if it was cold, it was nice seeing everyone's face light up when Santa's float came sliding by.

I'm not going to lie though. I thought the wait was quite long, especially since the temperatures were steadily dropping and getting colder. I really could have used a nice hot drink at the moment. But overall, I quite enjoyed myself. It reminded me of old memories and the floats were quite nice!!

Besides, the buy one get one free holiday drinks at Starbucks afterwards was a treat!! Because I had no one to share with, I ended up stocking up on caffeine. WHOOPZ.

Even if I'm familiar with downtown Toronto now, it will still somewhat be that magical place I once thought it was.

But perhaps, London, England is that place for me now.

Toronto Rock, our city's lacrosse team.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford throwing candy canes. I didn't get any by the way.

Creepy looking monkeys

Extremely small-waisted Barbies.

Mrs. Claus!!! Her first time at the parade!!!

SANTA!!!!!!!!

Can you spot us??

Taking part in the 2011 YouTube Survey

2011-11-17T17:34:00.001-05:00

Because I haven't video blogged in a while, I have decided to take part in the YouTube 2011 survey my friend Laura took because I needed more ideas...

Here, I will answer some questions that will hopefully let you know more about me!! (Only if you want...)

Hopefully I don't bore you too much with my answers!!!

Living Vicariously through Tumblr...

2011-11-13T23:57:00.001-05:00

A recent quote from hometown boy Drake really resonated with me:

"I'm really scared for my generation, you know. The thing that scares me most is Tumblr. I hate what Tumblr has become. Because it like, it reminds me of those clique-y girls in high school that used to make fun of everyone and define what was cool, but in five years, when you all graduate, that shit doesn't matter. No one gives a fuck about that shit. Instead of kids going out and making their own moments, they're just taking these images and living vicariously through other people's moments. It just kills me. Then you'll meet them and they're just the biggest turkey in the world. They don't actually embody any of those things. They just emulate. It's scary man, simulation life that we're living. It scares me."

As a Tumblr user, I started to think about why I actually had an account. Sure the things posted there are hilarious as hell. But when I see some memes of why people are "single", "forever alone", and how "no one will ever appreciate my quirkiness or find it endearing!!", I start feeling miserable because I begin to think it's true.

Now I don't want to sound like this is a pity post. Because after reading Drake's quote up there, I started to wonder: "Why?!" Why do I spend my time on Tumblr looking at funny pictures and feeling sorry for myself? Why do I have to watch such cute things on the internet and wish my life was different when it could very well be?!

Why do I have to live through other people's moments and pity myself when I could just go out and DO MORE to make myself proud. Do more to go and get what I want instead of following it on the internet?

I want to be more than just a copy cat. More than just an emulator on the internet. More than just a sad sack wishing reality was better.

I know I'm more than just a nobody on the internet. And for that, I am going to go out and get what I want instead of wishing my life was better.

(I know this post sounds lame, but Drake, thank you for saying something I actually agree with.)

REVAMP

2011-11-08T22:37:00.001-05:00

By the end of this horrendous week of video editing and essay writing, I will be attempting to revamp this blog.

It will be edgier, a bit more colourful...and contain more pictures!!

Be excited.

Because I demand you to.

Honestly, just see how excited I am!!!

Being Jealous Gets You Nowhere. Nor Does Being Pretentious

2011-11-06T17:27:00.001-05:00

I'm sorry if I don't make any sense here on this blog post. But if you enjoy my rants, here goes:

A couple of nights ago, I went out with some friends and started talking about a few people that grind my gears for the way the act or behave towards others.

Gossip is never a good thing, but at that point in time, I felt like I needed to address it.

And now I regret it.

No one's ever perfect, but the truth came out and will come out again (without specific names).

I cannot stand some of the pretentious d-bags in my program who constantly ask you whether or not you got published in the school paper or WILL get published in the near future. It's great that you get published, but no need to rub it in my face that you're more successful than me.

I will admit that I get a tiny bit jealous. But getting jealous will not get me anywhere. Nor does complaining to your friends. But that night, I felt like I needed to address it because I cannot stand people who shove their articles in my face.

I'll admit that I have enthusiastically shown my articles to people only because it was something I was proud of. But never do I do it for every single article I get a byline on. There's nothing wrong with having pride in your work, I will say that. But when you decide to act like you're better than everyone else and decide to communicate with a certain number of people, then there's a problem.

Being jealous and a pretentious keener can get you places but can also become a hindrance. Being jealous can give you more drive to get published and accomplish other things. Being a pretentious keener can allow you to stand by your work and get to your goal.

But being jealous and not doing anything about it will get you nowhere. And by being a pretentious keener and acting like you're better than everyone else will leave you with little or no friends at all.

So why people? Why can't we all just be nice and be friends? Do I really have to tell people they're being annoying and irritating?

Okay, I for one, will admit that I am annoying. There's no secret about that.

But I really don't mean to say bad things about people...most of the time.

But perhaps, that's something I just need to work on. Some things are just better left unsaid.

November = Time to be busy month

2011-11-03T15:47:00.000-04:00

November will be the month where I will get even fewer hours of sleep than I already get. That's because I have an essay, midterm, critical analysis and feature due!!! To add to that, I also have broadcast assignments!! Whoopee!!

But nonetheless, I am thoroughly enjoying school particularly because I finally feel as if I'm getting used to the whole university groove without having to make first year mistakes. But perhaps I'm talking too soon. I don't really want to jinx anything. But definitely, I feel like I'm actually accomplishing things that will help me get to my long-term goal: becoming a journalist.

Wow, that sounds really corny. Anyway...let me tell you about my Halloween.

I originally wanted to go as a Sim character from the game The Sims. It's a cheap and low-budget costume but it did work quite well.

However, no one knew what I was...so I decided to make more of an effort and go the typical route of being a pirate. But changing costume ideas meant I had to spend more money on my costume. Not wanting to spend more than five dollars, I headed to the dollar store to buy a head piece and make-up. That cost a total of $2.26. What a big spender I am. As for the rest of the costume, I just wore clothes I had in my closet.

The end result:

Photo creds: Amber Hickson

And then it was party time!! Headed over to my friend's apartment and ate pasta and drank some wine. So very classy... And if you're all wondering why I decided to pose with a wine bottle, it was because I didn't have a proper pirate prop (alliteration hehe). Therefore, I pretended to be an alcoholic pirate. Is this even appropriate to post on this blog? I really don't know. Don't worry I was not crazy at all.

Just normal. :)

My First News Stand-up

2011-11-03T01:06:00.001-04:00

Check it out peeps.

This is my first news piece with a voiceover and stand-up.

I'm particularly proud of this piece after the fiasco I went through with my last one. This time around, my group got along just fine.

This particular story is about the radio referendum taking place at my university. With the shut down of CKLN last year due to lack of diversity and student-operated shows, production ceased in April. But with heavy campaigning, students in related programs such as Radio and Television Arts and Journalism have been campaigning to bring in a new station.

So...that's really the gist of it!! Watch it!!

I also showed it to my parents today and instead of praising me (I'm so vain...), they offered me critiques such as: "You talk a bit too fast", "You only interviewed guys."

Well, they were the only ones that offered articulate enough answers that were relevant!!!

Anyways, my reporting teacher and class seemed really content with the piece, so I'm hoping I did a good job this time around!!

Flaws in Toronto's Shark Fin Ban

2011-10-25T20:54:00.005-04:00

The banning of shark fin today in Toronto has been met with mixed reviews. Toronto city council has voted to ban the sale of shark fin on a proposal that passed by 38 to 4.

If some of you are unaware of the delicacy of shark fins, they are often used in a thick, gooey soup often served at Chinese weddings. If you don't live in the Greater Toronto Area or was just unaware of the issue, the banning of shark fins have been an ongoing debate between Torontonians because while the soup is a traditional dish, supporters of the ban say sharks are killed inhumanely and often thrown into the ocean alive after their fins are cut off.

As a Chinese Canadian, I would first of all like to say that I am not a big fan of shark meat. I've tried shark fin soup a couple of times at weddings and celebrations, but it is honestly nothing special to me. In fact, I have choosen to refuse the soup at risk of supporting the way sharks are slaughtered in the process.

While I do not support the inhumane killing of sharks, I see some flaws in this new ban. According to news sources such as CBC, Toronto Star and Globe & Mail, they all clearly state that shark fin is banned.

However, there is no word on shark meat being banned. So does this mean eating shark is still allowed?

On another note, I'd like to make it clear that only Toronto's city council voted for a ban on shark fins. What about other parts of the GTA?

As a resident living on the border of Scarborough and Markham, it's no secret that that area is filled with Chinese immigrants. If not Richmond Hill (which is also in the GTA), Markham probably has the biggest population of Chinese people in Ontario.

Considering this fact, it won't make a HUGE difference to Chinese people living in Toronto as they'll just flock to Markham and Richmond Hill for shark fin anyway.

So, what's the point now?

Now I know it may sound contradictory for saying that I am happy the ban is officially passed in my city, I still feel there should be clearer guidelines with this law.

Here's the way I see it. If such a ban is proposed, there should probably be a ban on shark meat as a whole to prevent people from killing sharks.

And in terms of accessibility, people are still going to find ways to eat shark fin soup. If there's only a ban in Toronto and not other regions in the GTA, why not make this a provincial or national issue?

What do you think? Are there flaws in this issue or not? Discuss.

Images taken from: here, and here.

Things through my mind at the moment.

2011-10-24T17:40:00.000-04:00

1. Decent mark on my broadcast assignment. We stayed at school until 11:30 pm...because we are boss. Nonetheless, I honestly and sincerely thought it was horrible. But my teacher thought the edited version was not the issue despite the piece being flawed. I would post an example right on this post, but I figured it would be embarrassment to my two other members. Unless...they think otherwise...

2. Frustrated with the fact at how immersed in commercialism I have become ever since going to university. I feel that I will divulge on this topic a little more in a later post but lately, I have found myself lamenting more over clothes than boys. Never homework though. The geek in me will cry if I ever fail.

3. Currently wondering who I like better. Ryan Gosling or Patrick Chan. RIGHT? I KNOW RIGHT? Never have I thought I would have to decide between this because I am equally unqualified for both of them. Sigh...Awkward Girl Problems...

I remember last year was all about PChiddy. And while I still love PChiddy, there's something about Ryan Gosling that I makes me love him so!!! Maybe it's because Ryan dresses so much like what I envision my ideal man to dress like. You see this?! All this shallowness!!! I dunno. The way he just carries himself! UGH. I really cannot handle myself. But it's not just that!! Ryan is so charming and funny in person and in interviews that I just want to know him!! Be friends. Have tea together. Hang out together. He can even drive me in the Chevy he drives in his new movie Drive!!

LOOK AT THIS! FLAWLESS HUMAN BEING.

Okay, getting carried away. I promise to update more.

Yay for stupid blog posts. 4evah!!

PLAID. HOMEWORK. BRAIDED HAIR. AND...A&C WORLD

2011-10-16T18:33:00.003-04:00

While I wait for my news video to encode, I resorted to my Gr. 9 days and decided to take pictures of myself on my horrible webcam and do a terrible photoshopping job.

Thus, it the above picture is the result. I really have no idea why I'm even posting this...but I guess you could say I like my new plaid shirt and my braided hair. MY HAIR IS LONG ENOUGH TO BRAID!!!!

Wow. SO irrelevant.

On another note, I went to A & C World yesterday for a Super Smash Brothers Melee tournament so I could complete interviews for my place profile. I felt like I was experiencing high school again or something because I ran into at least three people I recognized from school. It was kind of an odd experience, but hey...it's nice to catch up.

The world is honestly so small.

Anyways, I ended up shadowing a player named Kyle...who goes by the name Idea when he plays Super Smash Brothers. His main character is Jigglypuff, a round, pink pokemon with massive eyes you can swim in. At first, I laughed...because I thought Jigglypuff was the most annoying character on Super Smash. But it turns out that Kyle is an excellent player!!

That's Jigglypuff...

I'm really glad I chose to follow him around. He was extremely nice and he didn't think I was annoying for tagging behind him all the time!! I guess he thought it was pretty cool to be part of an article.

Overall, the whole tournament experience was interesting yet exhausting. I don't know if I'll ever be competing in a video game tournie, but I can see why people keep coming. The gaming community is incredibly tight and welcoming...and everyone in the room yesterday made me feel like one of them. Gamers and self-proclaimed nerds....I LOVE YOU!!!!!!

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School = Stress.

2011-10-14T12:43:00.001-04:00

I am currently typing this while I wait for an interview.

School has been incredibly stressful with midterms and assignments that I have neglected this blog once again. And of course, there really is nothing interesting going on in my life.

Somehow, I get the feeling I say something like this in every blog post, so you might as well just skip on through to the bottom.

Anyways, I'm currently working on a news segment about midterm exams and I am put into a group with two other people. My job for this week, is the editor. Now I don't have a problem with that, but things have not gone accordingly because of terrible camera shots, and last minute interviews. Therefore, I am skipping class as we speak just so I can wait for an interview and edit this piece.

I dislike ranting about boring things, but this project has been incredibly stressful for me.

On another note, I ended up getting new glasses! And it's about time I got a pair too! My old ones lasted me six years. If anyone's counting, that's since Grade 8.

So...that's really about it! Here is a picture of my new glasses.

Movie Review: Drive

2011-10-01T16:56:00.005-04:00

And while I spent so much time volunteering and hanging around TIFF, I even wrote a movie review published on andPOP!

CLICKIE...only if you want to...

Rating: 4.5/5

If you’re looking for another heartthrob-worthy performance from Ryan Gosling, you won’t be getting much of that in Drive.

But nevertheless, you won’t be able to keep your eyes off him.

In Drive, Gosling is mysterious and riveting and the only name available for his character is Driver.

A Hollywood stunt driver and mechanic by day, Driver serves as a wheelman for night time heists.

In early scenes of the movie, he’s helped by his boss and mentor Shannon (played by Malcolm in the Middle’s Bryan Cranston) who gives him a Chevy Impala to drive his clientele around to do their dirty deeds.

All goes well until he gets involved with his neighbour Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her young son Benicio. When her husband Standard (Oscar Isaac) is released from prison, Irene and Benicio’s safety is at risk.

Gosling’s ‘Driver’ tries to save the situation by helping Standard steal money from a pawn shop. But when the heist goes awry, it’s up to ‘Driver’ to take things in his own hands.

Fresh from Nicolas Winding Refn’s Best Director win at the Cannes Film Festival, Drive is an excellent action-drama thriller packed with violence and exciting car chases. Much like the style of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Pulp Fiction, the film is filled with blood and gore. Though the movie lacks dialogue, Refn somehow makes it work through the film’s characters’ actions and expressions.

While Gosling is supported by a talented cast that includes the likes of Christina Hendricks, Albert Brooks, Mulligan and Cranston, he holds his own playing the violent and badass Driver. And while there isn’t much that can be learned about the Driver, you’ll somehow still be swooning over him as he tries to save the day in order to protect the girl he’s fallen for.

Drive may not be for everyone due to its violence and gore, but it’s definitely a film worth watching. With a retro ’80s-inspired score and beautiful shots of the Los Angeles streets and skylines, it will keep the audience jumping in their seats from all the adrenaline and tension that arises from the film.

(Photo courtesy of andPOP)

Late Update: TIFF

2011-10-01T16:51:00.005-04:00

Holy moley. It's probably been three weeks since I last posted on this thing?

Well, apologies x 1 million! School has been really busy...and I never expected it to be this stressful!!!

First of all, I would like to say that after seeing Drive at TIFF, I ended up seeing three more movies for free
From what I saw, my recommendations would be From the Sky Down, Damsels in Distress (surprisingly!), and Where do We Go Now?

DO NOT, I TELL YOU, waste your time watching Wuthering Heights.

The film was boring, lacked dialogue, was too long, and the acting was horrible. Maybe I'm just being overly-dramatic and critical, but what I did know was that I should have watched something else with my volunteer voucher. I guess you could say the good that came out of the film was taking someone's second-hand popcorn they left (probably because the movie was a hot mess) and joking with my friend Beth.

By the way, when I mean second hand popcorn, it technically was not taking someone's trash and eating it when they left more than half of their box full of popcorn...but make your judgments.

On the other hand, the People's Choice movie, Where do We Go Now?, was a pleasant surprise. Directed by Lebanese actor/writer and director Nadine Labaki, the film touches on the sensitive issue of religious conflicts while adding in a little heart and humour.

Overall, TIFF was an incredible experience. I am definitely going to rush line films again! Rushing is probably the most exhausting and best part of TIFF. Not to mention, seeing the beautiful face of Ryan Gosling here and there.

Alas, I will end off with a couple of pictures I shot from the red carpet of 50/50. Which of course, I need to see!!

P.S. I was a little bit disappointed when Joseph Gordon-Levitt didn't stop by for photos or autographs. I'd just like to say that half the people waiting were there just for him. He made a lot of people angry that day. But on another note, Seth Rogen signed my poster!

Goes to show Canadians keep it classy.

JGL why you lookin'so smug?!

High fives all around with Seth Rogen!

"AHUHEHEHE."That's how he laughs.

Keepin it classy Rogen. Keepin' it classy.

TIFF 2011: Waiting in Line for Drive.

2011-09-13T00:23:00.003-04:00

As you all know, the Toronto International Film Festival is in town...and I get to be part of it!

I am of course, a volunteer this year. As a result, I get to see a ton of movies and also some celebrities!!

While I was off duty on Saturday, I lined up for Drive, which of course stars the gorgeous and immaculate Ryan Gosling. I was at Roy Thomson Hall the day before to try and catch a glimpse of him and George Clooney...which failed quite miserably. People kept pushing...and to make things even better, a 6 foot dude decided to stand in front of me...blocking my view.

I did however, catch Clooney's face and Ryan Gosling's hair that day. Since I was disappointed about not seeing Ryan Gosling, I felt the need to rush Drive the next day. Apart from that, I really wanted to see the film anyways.

So, after my early morning shift, my cousin and I headed down to the Ryerson Theatre to line up extra early. You would think we were crazy (okay, maybe a little) but we ended up getting free tix! (I'll get to that later)

The first red carpet gala I caught was for Melancholia starring Kiefer Sutherland, Kirsten Dunst and Alex Skarsgard. I heard the film was quite amazing, and now I am determined to watch it!!

Here are some shots I caught while stuck in the scrum of madness (AKA the people asking for autographs just so they could sell them on eBay.)

Not super amazing, but close enough. Kiefer Sutherland walks the red carpet.

Alex Skarsgard signing autographs for fans

Striking a pose on the red carpet.

Kirsten Dunst signing for some fans.

I LOVE HER OUTFIT!!!!!

So after than fun, it was time for some more waiting!! These girls tried asking to get in front of me which I immediately declined. I was already in the front of the line. There was NO WAY I was letting them butt in. I was there waiting for three hours already!! Honestly, I really don't know how or what compelled these people to ask such a ridiculous question.

And of course, when 5:30 rolled by, the cast of Drive was starting to arrive!! I really could not contain my excitement to finally see Ryan Gosling! I'm so sorry Patrick Chan. I still love you but Ryan Gosling has captured my heart as well...(wow that sounds really creepy).

Seriously, would you look at that face?!

It was hard to take pictures, but I was soon delighted to find out some really good news! Me, along with my cousin and two other friends, won reserved seats courtesy of Diet Coke because we were in the front of the rush line!!

See, sometimes it pays to line up for six hours!!

HAHA. And while I thoroughly enjoyed Drive, nothing beat seeing Ryan Gosling in the flesh and on stage being all sexy and such. (Okay, I really have to stop...)

As for a more detailed review of Drive, that will come later!!

So now, I will just leave you with two pictures of Ryan Gosling.

Sorry if it's dark!!!!

A New Year's Resolution that Came in Early.

2011-09-09T00:48:00.000-04:00

A thought came to me after my trip to Europe.

While I took a lot of worthwhile pictures, I realized I probably haven't taken enough. While I know I will be returning to Europe, especially London, England, I realized that I haven't made the best of my abilities in capturing some worthwhile things that didn't occur to me at the time while I was there!!

For example, being in Covent Garden for the four days, I could have probably taken 20 more interesting shots. Being at Camden Market once, I should have taken a picture at more of the little trinkets from the vendors. But of course, I probably would have gotten into trouble.

The point is, being a blogger and budding journalist, I should really become more of a visual person. Writing is not the only thing that is important anymore. Nor is watching a broadcast on TV.
Photography has never been my forte. I have always preferred video. However, I guess this year will be when I will improve.

Pictures are doing more of the talking nowadays. And for that, I need to exercise this a lot more.

The Piercing Issue.

2011-08-14T23:14:00.006-04:00

As seen from my last post, I have mentioned that I got a helix piercing.

To me and everyone else, this is not a big deal at all. In fact, it's nothing at all. In the western world, a helix piercing is simply just another hole, another piece of jewelery in your ear.

But in the Asian world, it means the following things: low-life, rebel, bad influence, gangster, criminal...I think you get the gist of it.

If that's the case, I really wonder what a tattoo represents.

Anyways, as I wear my hair up to keep it out of the way, I have already gotten two shocked and most likely disapproving reactions from my aunts.

One said that if I was applying for a job, she would not hire me BECAUSE I have a helix piercing. But because she retaliated by saying my parents were more modern than her, I didn't mind her reaction at all. However, the comment still irked me.

But when I mentioned to my other aunt that I had limited cash because I had used it on a piercing, she reacted with such surprise that just irked me even more.

Her reaction was literally a really loud, "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!"

And after having to shush her from yelling so loudly and making her disapproval so obvious, she shook her head and clicked her tongue in disbelief because my mother had left me pierce my own ear even though I am legal enough to sign my own waiver form.

And then, she went on to tell me how piercing it would shatter my cartilage. However, I know that was not her concern. She was obviously already thinking that I looked like some rude, rebel bitch on my way to a terrible future with no set goals.

Which leads me to why I'm ranting about this on a blog.

First of all, I'm thankful my parents are open and cool about it. Second of all, it's none of your business what I do with my own body.

How in the hell is piercing a hole in your body and putting jewelery through it such a terrible thing?

Who's stupid idea was it to determine that body jewelry apart from the ear lobes was abnormal?

Who's bright idea was it to decide that anyone with piercings apart from the ear lobes would be a rebel, bad influence, low-life or a rude-ass biatch?

Did some sort of Asian congregation gather in court and propose to the judge that those with piercings would immediately be looked down upon?!

"AHEM. I PROPOSE THAT THOSE WITH PIERCINGS APART FROM THE LOBES WILL BE MADE SECOND CHOICE FOR A JOB EVEN THOUGH HE/SHE IS FULLY QUALIFIED."

"I ALSO PROPOSE THAT PEOPLE WITH SUCH PIERCINGS WILL BE FROM NOW ON LOOKED DOWN ON. THEY WILL BE DEEMED BAD INFLUENCES, LOW LIFES, AND TERRIBLE EXAMPLES TO FOLLOW. HIDE YO' KIDS. HIDE YO' WIFE."

Seriously. I have never heard such nonsense. Piercings do not define a person especially in their knowledge, thoughts and abilities.

Rather, piercings should be seen as a form of self-expression. My body is my temple. I should do whatever the hell I please with it. And besides, my piercing is absolutely nothing at all.

Hell, I should try coming home with my nose pierced. Or even better, a tattoo.

The only reason I'm telling you what I'm doing is out of respect. Otherwise, I could just go in and sign my own waiver form since I'm of age.

Seriously.

We're living in the 21st Century. If a simple piercing prevents me from getting somewhere in life, then I believe there are some changes to be made.

Eat, Sleep, Run, Read, TV and Repeat.

2011-08-05T00:08:00.001-04:00

Hello my fellow blog readers!

For the past month, I have been working at my high school's summer school for big time procrastinators and slackers. And seriously, I'm not lying about that...because the amount of work students had left, I felt no sympathy for them what so ever. (With the exception of Grade 12 students summer schooling Calculus because that shiz is hard and I would have never survived.)

Though from a full time job in the month of July, I am now unemployed once again for the month of August. I'm not complaining though. My cousins from the UK are coming next week!!! I also have a (LONG OVERDUE) feature to write, and I will be heading to Europe for 10 days!!! (Yes, I know 10 days is not a long time for a Europe trip but I have school and tickets were cheap...and my cousins live there so why the heck not?!)

Anyways, I got my helix pierced!! It's not very special...and I actually got it a month ago...but here's a picture of it!

You can't see it very much...but it's there. I blame the glare of the sunlight and the poor quality of my webcam. Oh wells.

Anyways, I'm currently looking for a sweetheart strapless tube top to wear under sheer clothing. I am having no luck so I am turning to the internet to help me out. I would like a cheap basic...under $20 please would be preferable. I'm looking for a bustier shape...but something more practical and comfortable.

For example, this is what I'm looking for.

Please help a sister out!!!

Toronto Track and Field Meet

2011-07-29T23:23:00.002-04:00

Okay. So...I've been totally slacking on this blog but I have a legitimate excuse!! The past month has been incredibly busy. I was working full time and was doing a lot of family stuff. Therefore, I haven't had the time to update the blog very often.

So you know...this is like three weeks late.

Anyone who knows me knows that track is a sport I love and am passionate about. On July 13, 2011, I got to volunteer at the Toronto International Track and Field Meet at Varsity Stadium. Competitors included the likes of hurdlers Perdita Felicien, Phylicia George (a Mary Ward alumni!), sprinter Walter Dix, Shot putter Dylan Armstrong and several other talented runners from the United States, Kenya, and Jamaica.

At the meet, my duty was to hand out results to the reporters. Being a journalism student, I made this my opportunity to be a part of the media scrum so I could see how it would be like to work at big sporting events as a journalist. I even did a little networking with a recent Rye Journalism grad!!

And boy, did I run a lot that day!! However, I felt the meet took in too many volunteers. So many slackers GEEZ.

Nonetheless, it was a good experience. I even got to meet last year's World No. 1 hurdler Priscilla Lopes-Schliep!! She didn't compete that day because she's pregnant. She's super nice!!

Fun fact: I ran my first and only OFSAA at this stadium!! *bittersweet*

All the boys here have the same outfit!! SO CUTE!!!! :')

Harry Potter ends: A Part of My Childhood is Over.

2011-07-19T23:06:00.003-04:00

Watching the final installment of the Harry Potter saga on Sunday has left me in a nostalgic yet depressed mood.

I'm no longer embarrassed to say this but Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, the Weasleys, Draco Malfoy, Voldemort, Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore, etc have been a great part of my literary adventures when I was a child and an adolescent.

Some boys used to tease me at school because I loved reading...but you know what?! I'm not ASHAMED ANYMORE. (Okay, I was never ashamed...but offended when they called me a nerd). And with that, I am admitting on this very blog post that I am depressed that the series is no longer continuing.

Thank you J.K Rowling for writing such an amazing saga with so much detail and developing your characters as if they were real human beings, just like us. I feel so connected to Harry, Ron and Hermione...almost as if I could be one of their friends whenever I pop open a Harry Potter novel.

Thank you J.K Rowling for writing it in a way, that made me completely and 100 per cent content. The only thing I would comment on was that it was too short!! I really am curious as to what happened after the Second Wizarding War. How did Harry and Ginny heal together? How did Ron and Hermione's relationship develop??

Particularly, I am interested especially in Ron and Hermione. I have always had a hunch since the second book that they would end up together. But since the Goblet of Fire, I solidly became a HUGE Ron/Hermione shipper. That's the beauty of books I think. They offer an escape to reality and just gives you such a nice feeling of nostalgia. (AND if anyone who doesn't ship Ron/Hermione...I will happily debate over this in the comment sections ;] )

Okay, so now that I have finished gushing over the series in my confusing little word vomit up above...let me talk about the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2. (THERE MAY BE SPOILERS SO PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS)

Part 1 was amazing, simply put. Like Daniel Radcliffe said in an interview with Tribute Magazine, it was a "slow-burning drama", which I really, really enjoyed. I loved the adrenaline involved when they were being chased by the Snatchers, the tension between the friends as they look for Horcruxes and for the romantic in me, the development of Ron and Hermione's ever-growing feelings for each other.

I mean really? Didn't you just melt at the way he looks at her?!

The way they bicker??

OR THAT LOVELY SPEECH HE GIVES WHEN HE RETURNS??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFcwZH0MpYE

Ron has always been my favourite. He's such a dork. And I love dorks. He's so funny and sarcastic...and UGHH I love HIM. AND RUPERT GRINT. I want my very own Ron Weasley. Or Rupert Grint. I don't mind. I want THEM BOTH!! (Must. Watch. All. His. Other. Stuff.)

And on to Part 2...the thing I was most looking forward to was Neville Longbottom and of course the kiss by Ron and Hermione. I won't say much...but I wish they shot it better. But yest, they did do it justice and I am happy enough.

But Neville!! (AKA Matthew Lewis). My..have you grown into a handsome man. UGH. Another big fangirl crush on you. I MEAN LOOK AT THIS. LOOK AT THIS.

WHAT A BABE. SERIOUSLY.

AHHH. The series was just too perfect. The movies, a bit less than perfect...but of course books are better than the movies. Go and watch Harry Potter!! And for those who haven't read all the books, it's never too late to start ;)

P.S. This makes me laugh on a daily basis.

P.P.S Thank you again, J.K Rowling. for these books. Stories like these make me love reading.

Things I will never Understand: Part 1

2011-07-11T12:32:00.000-04:00

I don't understand why people get all sensitive over personal and touchy questions when they are clearly open to it when they make a Formspring account.

Honestly, how can you get SO offended when someone asks you a question you don't like anonymously when you are clearly putting yourself out there for that to happen?

The whole point of Formspring is the allow people to ask you a question they wouldn't normally ask in public because they were too scared, shy or simply thinking about it in their heads but didn't have the chance to ask you.

Taking the syntactical message of a question and misinterpreting it by blowing it completely out of proportion is such a redundant thing to do when you are clearly subject to criticism and potential offensive questions when you decide to make an account where people can ask you "ANYTHING" they want.

And besides that, why does it even matter if you get an offensive question? You can either choose to reply in a humourous way, reply honestly, or just delete it in general as it is none of their business. You don't have to act immaturely and shoot back calling someone a terrible name or to cuss them out. Honestly, did you seriously expect less when you signed up for a Formspring account?

I'm beginning to sound extremely repetitive here so I'm hoping y' all get the gist of what I'm trying to convey here. Just to make it more clear...whenever I get a hater comment, I don't reply back at all or I try to reply with the least minimal amount of effort. Because honestly, shooting back will only cause more drama and will not prove anyone wrong.

That being said, I actually disabled my Formspring account. Not because I was getting a lot of insulting questions, but because I felt that I had better things to do than to badger people to ask me questions. In fact, I wish there was a way to permanently disable my Formspring just so I can keep things to myself. And if anyone needs to ask, then just ask me in person.

Stupid things I do: Episode 1

2011-07-08T23:50:00.002-04:00

We're only human. I get it.

But sometimes, I do things that I really question about. Stupid things I should have known if I had thought two seconds about.

But nooo...I don't.

The other day, I was shopping at the local Goodwill.

(For those of you who think it's gross...yeah...it is actually sometimes really gross. But I like to think that once you wash it once or twice, it will be good as new!!)

I like a good thrift store find. But when it's something that is used and priced over 10 bucks, I'm not going to buy it unless it is extremely special.

So while I was at the Goodwill for its 50% off sale, I found this beautiful sheer oversized navy blue blouse selling for six bucks (regular $12). Even though I knew similar blouses were selling for 60 bucks, this would be a steal right?

Apparently I didn't think so at the time. I wanted to get it even more discounted because I noticed some loose strings. But DOOOYY. Of course there would be loose strings. It's a freakin' thrift store!!

So this was me after lining up for 10 minutes.

ME: Is it possible to get a discount because there are some loose strings?

Cashier: (sighs) Ma'am. This is a thrift store so of course there will be loose strings. We don't do quality check.

ME: Uh..okay.. (red face)

BAM. And just like that, I was embarrassed in front of a crowd of people lining up. (IDIOTIC ME)

But honestly. Who else is like me and wants the very best deal at all times? Okay, so maybe I shouldn't have bargained for a six dollar shirt that was already discounted AND for charity...but I guess I just couldn't help myself.

Unfortunately, I don't think this really draws people away from the stereotype that Asians are cheap.

Humidity Sucks.

2011-07-06T23:50:00.001-04:00

You know what's been bothering me lately?

The weather.

The hot, humid and sticky weather in all of it's summertime glory.

I'm a fan of the summer season, but not when it becomes muggy outside.
In fact, call me crazy but, I sometimes hate the sun when it's shining too much. Does that even make any sense?

Probably doesn't, but let me tell you why I hate the current weather Torontonians are currently experiencing.

The thing is, I'm a runner. Not an amazing runner, but I enjoy running recreationally. Currently, I am trying to get my 5km time down from 22-23 minutes to 20 minutes or less. Is that so much to ask for?

But NOOOO, it has to be disgustingly humid and hot outside. It makes it hard for me to breathe.

The other day, it was 29 degrees (Celsius by the way because I am Canadian) outside. My friend wanted to go for a 10 km run and I honestly think he's crazy. There's no way running a 10km in weather like that is healthy.

Honestly, I don't even know why I agreed to it in the first place. I had to stop less than halfway into the run! And then, I felt extremely weak and lazy for not finishing. I felt sluggish and slow.

You see what this is doing to me?! I need my daily run!! Or else, I will never be fit again nor will I reach my goal!!!!

So weather, please go back to normal. PRETTY PLEASE??

Love,
Samantha

P.S: I don't think this post makes a lot of sense because I'm tired but wanted to update this blog.

P.P.S. I blame global warming.

Cooking with Sam!

2011-06-28T00:34:00.001-04:00

To think that unemployment and vegging out on the couch would give me an excuse to blog more often, I have been doing a terrible job of keeping you guys updated.

Geez, even the busiest of bloggers who have school, work, events and photoshoots still have time to update their readers by writing a post in five minutes!!

But what's the use in updating your blog with just a couple of photos and a few words??

I believe in quality over quantity! But since a lot of people have small attention spans these days in staying interested, I have decided to keep this short and sweet and provide a little "cooking" video that I did.

I am by no means an excellent cook. And this banana-avocado smoothie I tried was really just an experiment. I wanted to see if avocado tasted good in a smoothie!!

So here it is...enjoy!!

Sorry about the hiatus..

2011-06-22T18:18:00.007-04:00

So it has been a while since I last posted.

My apologies...I really hope you haven't missed me too much!

(By the way, that was to the four dedicated readers I have...)

But I have a legitimate reason! I swear!!

In a previous post, I have mentioned that I was interning at Canculture as a student reporter. Although my tasks involved mostly one day assignments and 400 word articles, I was asked to write a feature on Ontario Place. Being the rookie reporter, I obviously took the chance and took on the task.

But wow, did I not realize it would take so much work.

I've written features before...but never were they as thorough as this one. Most of them were pretty much written in a span of two to three days. Interviews would probably take about two weeks to be completed.

But for this feature, by golly! Not only did I have to make multiple phone calls to the same people, I had to do a lot more work in terms of getting facts, history and statistics. Not only that, it took three drafts and nine hours to edit with my editor! It was absolutely exhausting.

But now, I am delighted to announce that it finally got published onto the web at approximately 1:22 a.m eastern time. I am proud to say my hard work is finally online (not to mention with the help of my editor Andrew), even though I am aware that there are many quotes in the article.

For next time, I will try and make it flow better. If there are more critiques, please let me know.

Read the article here. WHEW. I'm finished!!!

Asian Girl Can't Dance.

2011-06-11T00:31:00.008-04:00

Yesterday I watched Billy Elliot: The Musical and I absolutely LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT.

But as much as I enjoyed watching the play and oogling at how cute and little Marcus Pei (the boy who played Billy at the time) was, one thing kept recurring in my mind.

Man! I sure wish I could dance!

What? You might say. "Anyone can dance."

Of course...anyone CAN dance. But to DANCE WELL? Nope. Sorry. I'm not the girl you're looking for.

Hell, I can't even pass the Very Easy level on Dance Dance Revolution let alone dance in a decent way.

Let's face it. I'm probably one of the most ungraceful human beings on the planet.

I trip walking UP the stairs. I stumble on uneven grassy fields. I ROLL my ankle from a simple jogging exercise.

So seeing all the risk that I go through, how can you expect me to do something like dancing?!

Sure, I have rhythm. I have played music for a good seven years. But do I use that musicality effectively in my dance moves? No. Instead, I'll probably be flailing around with my arms in the air with no sex appeal at all.

Maybe that's why guys rarely (if ever) ask me to dance.

But now that I've covered my lack of dancing ability, I can't help but wonder how dance has evolved (or lack of) through the years.

What I saw yesterday during Billy Elliot, that is what I would call dancing. What I see at the clubs and at school dances...that is what I would call...sex on the dancefloor.

Because seriously, how the hell is that dancing? When I see my peers grinding up on the dance floor (if you don't know what grinding is just think of two people rubbing against each other really closely), all I can think about is...WOW. MAYBE YOU SHOULD DO THAT IN PRIVACY. NO ONE WANTS TO SEE THAT.

But maybe that's just me. I've never been a big fan of grinding in the first place. Partly because I'll feel self-conscious doing it (GAWSH AM I DO THIS RIGHT?!) and partly because I don't even think it's dancing!

What ever happened to those dances from the 70s and 80s? Haven't you seen that dance sequence from Grease where everyone was doing the Hand Jive? Why can't we do dances like that anymore? Those dances were simple, choreographed and included everyone.

Today. PFFT. None of that. People like me will have no one to dance with because we can't "grind".

So you know what? Fine. I don't need a dance partner. I'm just going to flail my arms in the air unstrategically and move my body around unsexily just for the sake of it the next time I go clubbing.

If you're a "bad dancer" like me, feel free to join.

P.S. If you live under a rock and don't know what the hand jive is..YOU'RE WELCOME.

P.P.S(But seriously...I am willing to offer cookies for anyone who can teach me how to dance...)

There Are People Out There Routing For You!

2011-05-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I met a nice man who attended Columbia University's Master of Journalism program back in the 80s. Columbia, being the first journalism school and one of the world's most renown, I was amazed to find out he was the only Canadian accepted at the time.

Being a journalism student who just finished my first-year in university, I quickly took the opportunity to ask him a lot of questions about his career.

Turns out, he's been everywhere.

He's written for the Toronto Star, the National Post and the Globe and Mail--mainly as a business reporter. Not only that, he was a producer at CBC and an on-air broadcaster for CBC Radio One. Listening to his experiences and his credentials...I was in awe.

Here was someone, who had actually WENT to Columbia Journalism School offering his own advice to me: a complete stranger and rookie reporter.

And that was when I realized something. There really are people out there routing for me to achieve my dreams.

When I first got accepted into Ryerson's School of Journalism, I was both ecstatic and scared. Ecstatic because I was one of 150 applicants who made it out of the apparent 1000 who applied. Scared, because I honestly thought that it was going to be so competitive and many would be uptight, cocky, pretentious and rude. (I guess my glass was really half-empty at the time...)

Competitive yes. But uptight, cocky, pretentious, etc..?
Not the case at all.

At J-school, everyone was so nice and supportive. If we needed help with our articles, we got it. When we needed advice from a mentor, we got it. And when our idols came to visit for a conference to share their experiences, we most definitely fed off and benefited off of them.

So as I go back to my encounter with this Columbia grad, I can't help but feel thankful to know that a complete stranger has faith that I can be successful in my career.

With journalism being a cut-throat industry, I was relieved to see someone tell me that I had a chance in making it big. I apparently reminded him of Terilyn Joe, because I was Asian. (It really is funny how Asian reporters stand out nowadays....) But nonetheless, he said that if I really wanted to be a broadcaster, I should just keep asking and going for it.

And as I shook his hand at the end of our talk, he asked for my name.

When I told him, he said something along the lines of: "Samantha. I'll look for you one day reporting the news on TV. Best of luck!"

And realizing that there are people out there routing for me, I couldn't be more ecstatic.

Now, all I have to do is learn how to believe in myself.

Living Life in the City.

2011-05-26T11:30:00.003-04:00

After months complaining about waking up early, inconvenient TTC buses and long rides dry-humping complete strangers on the subway, my parents decided it was finally time to invest in an apartment downtown.

Needless to say, getting an apartment for school has a lot of benefits for me.

Yes, a pricey investment, but perhaps worth it in the end as the opportunities are endless. We live around Yonge and Bloor-just steps away from the luxurious Yorkville area where designer clothes and accessories, celebrities and fancy cars are not uncommon.

Not that I can afford anything from Yorkville, living in the area has proved to be not only convenient for all of us, but also quite an adventure. And with that, I cannot thank my parents enough. I am truly blessed.

While I love outdoor adventures like climbing, biking and jogging, I am a city girl at heart. I love the rush Toronto brings and all the good things it has to offer.

But that is not to say that I can't imagine myself not living in the suburbs. Growing up in a suburban Scarborough neighbourhood, that's all I really knew. While downtown is a great area to live, I still can't imagine myself not being part of a suburb with a nice house, backyard, park, car, friends and family nearby.

Though at the end of the day, journalism and the city do make a great match.

But that is the future. And the future is quite a long time from now.

For now, I should just live for the moment.

Taking the streets of Downtown Toronto.

2011-05-25T13:30:00.002-04:00

These photos are a couple weeks late, but I finally got a hold of them from my good friend Nicole Caguiat, a budding marketing student who wants to start her own blog!! (By the way you better get on that because I need to add you to my blog roll!!)

We toured around Yorkville and various locations downtown for a few nice photos...mainly because Nicole wanted to take some photos for her blog. And knowing me and my dream of becoming famous (HAHAHA...), I couldn't help but model for a few pics as well!

But to say the least, I am unfortunately not the most photogenic person on the planet. If I don't smile, I end up having this "chronic bitchface" look that makes me want to bite everyone's head off!!

But I am nothing like that!! I am a kind-hearted human being with lots of love to share!!

Exhibit A...on the right --------->

I guess a smile really is a girl's best accessory!!

And here is Nicole in a lovely dress!

Nicole looking modeltastic!! Do you think she could pass off as a model??! I mean, a guy did hit on her while we were walking out of Starbucks!!!

And here is me...with my Chronic bitchface

AND here is me...Without the Chronic bitchface!!

Okay but seriously, here is a pic I am proud to say is a good one.

But what is this really all about?

2011-05-24T18:49:00.000-04:00

I often wonder how people can gain so many followers so quickly on their blogs.

This isn't particularly important to me, but I have realized that posting frequently (and more than just once or twice a week) is the way to go.

Personally, I have a problem with this. My blog lacks a purpose/category.

People tend to have a set focus as to what their blogs entail. The majority that I read deal with fashion, photography, and are often very-light hearted and fluffy in terms of what went on during their day.

This isn't particularly a bad thing...but sometimes, I wish people could go beyond and share something else worth reading. I browse a lot of blogs during my spare time, but only leave comments on those that peak my interest. To say the least, I guess you could say that blog posts with just a picture of yourself in a cute outfit and where you got your clothes from really doesn't mean anything. It's fine to have a fashion blog, but wouldn't it at least make the reader more interested if you wrote what inspired your outfit, or the story of how you made it??...OR SOMETHING ELSE MEANINGFUL?

Because otherwise, the comments and reception you're going to receive will probably go along the lines of..."Great photos!", "You look gorgeous!", "I love your outfit", etc.

While it is nice to receive such praise from your internet supporters, wouldn't it be nice to actually get a few comments that actually show that people read your blog?

Eh, but maybe that's me.

I've had this blog for almost a year now and I have about 16 known followers (or so they say...) who read what I have to say. That is not a lot compared to someone like Tavi, who gained over a hundred followers in a year. But she's a child genius, so what can I say?

I guess the reason why I lack followers is the fact that I don't have a set focus on this blog. And, I'm fine with that. This blog is about whatever I want it to be and I'm happy it ranges from journalism, quirky tidbits, experiences, rants and opinions. I like things sporadic...because personally, those are my favourite types of blogs.

But to say the least, I don't think there are many blogs like this one. Well, maybe there are, but I guess I'm just not looking in the right places. But whenever I find a blog that is somewhat representative to mine (personal, full of tidbits, etc), I feel like I'm intruding into someone's privacy.

So people, I have a question.

Does anyone actually read what I have to say? And why do you like (or hate) it?

And for a picture's sake...here is a llama worm.

Track and a lack of motivation

2011-05-23T00:09:00.000-04:00

WARNING: This is not a pity post. It is just a blog about the pent up feelings I have been having for the past three years. Finally, I feel the need to release them.

Many of you probably know that I ran track in high school.

Simply put, I was not the fastest nor did I have the fairytale of seasons throughout those three years.

While it took me a long time to accept the fact that I would never be the best, I finally accepted this after a couple of years. Before, it was always about proving myself to someone. I was always out proving that I could run in the fast heat, train with the sprinters, or even qualify for OFSAA on my own. Because I felt that everyone else on my team was better than me, I felt that I had to prove to my coach and my teammates that I was just as good.

But this is probably what I would say is one of my biggest insecurities. Whenever I am given the chance to make it big somewhere, I choke. I end up performing badly and the results become devastating.

In Grade 9, I decided not to run track because I was told it was too difficult. Knowing me, I choked and played flag football instead. While flag football had its fun moments, I was a bench warmer for many games because I was inexperienced and in Grade 9. I didn't like that at all, so I decided to look at Track as a option for next year.

As Grade 10 rolled around, cross country season came and finished. It was a disappointing season for me and I felt that I needed to redeem myself from my disappointments. So then, I decided to join the track team. (Okay, well to be honest, I also joined the track team to get closer with a boy...but I guess that is another story...)

Again, simply put, I was not the fastest nor did anyone really know what kind of runner I was. While everyone else was either sprinting or doing super long distance workouts, I ended up running both.

First, I trained with the sprinters during the indoor season. While I kept up for while, it was clear that they were too talented and too fast for me. And I'm not saying this because I have no faith in myself. I was training with runners who went on to win the 4x100m relay title at the OFSAA championships that year.

When outdoor season rolled around, I ended up running distance workouts in hopes to develop me into something other than a sprinter.

(By the end of the season, I ended up running 60m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m. You tell me if that's confusing for a runner...)

(Grade 10 me running my best 400m race that season)

Being switched back and forth and not knowing what type of runner I was, I felt frustrated. I felt untalented, under-appreciated, and eventually, I wanted to quit the team because I felt useless. Never did I come Top 10 in my races ever. Never did I really get that much closer to the boy I liked... And to make it even better, never did I ever get the relay exchanges right. It was crappy, to say the least.

During my first high school track season, I spent a lot of time feeling sorry and frustrated with myself. I know it's just a sport, but seeing everyone else excel, I wanted to too. During the season, my sister and the other sprinters were off in Pennsylvania for the Penn Relays. Being me, I was both angry and jealous for not being fast enough or good enough to get such a privilege. Instead, I was stuck in Toronto, wallowing in units and being entered in my first 1500m race for the following weekend...something I was not too excited about at all. I would say at this point, this was my lowest point that season.

As embarrassing as this is, I remember bursting into tears as I told Ms. Masterson how scared I was of running the race. I felt slow, and there was NO WAY I was able to keep up with everyone. Not only that, the TDCAA's were three weeks away and there was no way I was ready to make this huge turnaround.

But when race day came, I actually ended up doing pretty good! Thinking that I would come in dead last, I didn't. Instead, I ended up running 10 seconds faster than my seed with more energy to spare. To be honest, I even feel like I should have ran in the fast heat.

(Winning a slow heat in Grade 10. Also known as my worst time EVER!)

Soon after the race, I ended up having a conversation with my coach where he told me that I was best being a middle distance runner. For the next meet, he wanted me to try the 800m.

Little did I know, that race soon became my best event. Not only did I beat my seed time by a lot that day, I also ran the relay with my team...and won. (Yay for not screwing up!!)

But as the TDCAA's rolled around (Metro meet qualifier that qualifies us for OFSAA), I was a sub in the relay because I was not fast enough. As disappointing as that was for me, I decided to focus on my individual races. Again, I thought I would do terribly. If you know me by now, you can probably tell that I have confidence issues.

But again, I surprised myself. Not only did I qualify for all my races, I ended up winning my first individual medal in the 800m with a new school record! (Not a lot of people know that I broke this record, but to me, it is a personal victory.)

But when Metros,came around, to keep this story short, I didn't qualify for OFSAA. To be exact, I actually missed it by one spot in the 800m. Not only that, I was put in the slow heats, and I didn't personal best at all. Getting so far in what I would call a tumultuous season, I was devastated. After that night of the Athletic Banquet, I remember crying for an hour, because I didn't achieve my goals.

So the next day, I started new. I started running and running every day. Not track workouts. Just running and cross-training distances at 3km-5km. I felt that if I wanted to make OFSAA, I would have to at least do something.

And by Grade 11, I started to see the improvements. I didn't make it to OFSAA for Cross Country, but I ended up coming in Top 20...something I've never done before. And by the time it was track season, I was pumped to redeem myself.

School and track ended up being my life in Grade 11. With the exception of a table tennis tournament because I wanted to go to meet a boy (I'd like to say that I did a lot of stupid, stupid things for boys in high school...), track and school was all I did in Grade 11.

Sure, I got behind in school, but the results were worth it. From 66s in my 400m (I know that is slow...), I was running 62s, 61s. In the 800m, I was hitting the high 2:20s area. Everything was beginning to look up.

I PB'ed in every race I entered. At TDs, I medaled in every race, and with that, I was qualified to run four races at the Metro Championships (the city final). To say the least, I was thinking that I actually had a shot at making it to OFSAA. And out of everyone on the team, I felt that I had improved the most.

But knowing me and the Metro championships, we are not good friends. I failed to do well in every race I was qualified for. I choked once again..and, yes, you guessed it. I was devastated. I missed OFSAA again by one-two spots.

(4x400m relay in Grade 11)

But a week later, there was a light in the tunnel!! The 4x400m relay qualified for OFSAA because of a disqualification! And so, I was off to my first and only OFSAA championship and I was delighted. (To be honest, I don't really count this as making it to OFSAA, because I didn't qualify on my own...but hey, at least I got to run!)

But seeing how the track season ended on a happy note, I was actually kind of anticipating a MOST IMPROVED AWARD that year at the Athletic Banquet. And again, I was left disappointed because I didn't get it. Inside, I felt mortified and angry at myself because I knew that if I tried THAT much harder, I would have probably made it to OFSAA on my own. And as happy I was for my friends who won awards, I found the banquet very hard to enjoy.

I remember the look Johnny gave me before the coach was going to announce the award winners, hinting that I probably would get something. And as much as people are going to tease me about believing anything Johnny says, I believed him because I thought it was true.

But it was not and I felt like a failure.

And so again, I decided that Grade 12 was going to be my year. But of course, it didn't end up that way. I was so concerned about getting into Journalism school that I skipped so many practices honing my portfolio and getting 90s in all my assignments.

For the most part, practices were decent. But at the meets, I didn't PB at all. In fact, I ran so much slower than the previous year. I swear Grade 12 burnt me out and track wasn't a priority anymore. To this day, I regret the many times I skipped practice for school...even though I knew it was right.

Nonetheless, I did qualify for Metros. But again, I messed up in my individual race and missed OFSAA by two spots for the 4x400m relay. This time, I don't really blame my lack of confidence. Instead, I blamed fatigue gathered from long nights of ISPs and assignments from the whole year.

While I was glad track was over so I could finish school and graduate, it was bittersweet for me. Being able to run my best time of the season (on par from my Grade 11 times) for my last race, I felt both satisfied and sad. Satisfied because I knew I could run that time, and sad because I never really achieved my goal in making it to OFSAA.

So here I am now. Reflecting back on what could have been and how far I've come. There are still times that I feel under-appreciated and disappointed for my efforts and my goals, but as life moves on...there are other talents to be discovered.

The reason I wrote all of this was to get all my thoughts and feelings out in the open, so I can move on and do other things. While I don't regret many things from high school, I would love to redo my track seasons and compete as a smarter person.

As well, I miss my team, coach, family and all the friends I made at those track meets. How I miss the laughs and the support system we had for each other. It only made the tough workouts much better.

And thus, I want to regain the motivation I once had.

Being in university has made me feel so inactive and I want to get involved in sports once again. Though this time, I have accepted that I am not here to prove anything to anyone other than myself.

By proving that I can do the unthinkable, I am signing up for a road race by the end of the summer. Maybe two, if I'm lucky. I want to try running a half-marathon to prove that I am physically fit enough to run the distance.

But as for now, talk is cheap. I will update you later on my progress and improvements.

Thanks for reading.

(Us and our convict track suits)

Meeting my love...Mr. Patrick Chan

2011-05-15T19:00:00.000-04:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love Patrick Chan. And if you don't know who he is, he is a Canadian figure skater who represented Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

For the record, to all the haters out there who don't like him...I'd just like to say that he is now the World Figure Skating Champion, Quad Master, and World Record holder x 3!!

SO HA! Suck it haters! (By the way Bethany, if you're reading this I'm totally talking to you.....)

For the record, I'm not a creep.

I may get over excited by PChiddy, but do not think that I will line up longer than 24 hours just to see him. He's local...so there will most likely be other chances. Second of all, I actually know people who are friends with him (or are friends of friends of his...).

So yes, there are ways to meet him.

But in terms of meeting celebrities, I’ve heard many stories about crazy fans stalking famous people. Last week, I read a story about a man who was on a court trial for breaching a restraining order from Shania Twain. Also from last week, I read that a woman lined up 32 hours just to get her book signed by Shania in Toronto.

I’m sorry, but some people are a bit crazy.

Yes, it will be disappointing not to meet your idol, celebrity crush, favourite singer/actor…but so what?

There will probably be other chances. Famous people are normal people as well. And as talented and wonderful they are, do you seriously need to go great lengths just to meet them?

I mean, the only way they will probably remember you is if you attend every single show and signing they're at (which is hardcore and borderline obsessive), interview them (so you can get to know them at a more personal level), become famous yourself (then you would have the connections), or if you stalk them...(which we all know in this case, never ends well).

And that my friends, is probably a perk about being a journalist. I tried to get an interview with Patrick, but unfortunately time constraints didn't allow me to. However, my contact info has been sent to his people...so possibly...I could get to speak with him at a later date. I really doubt this will be made possible, but I can keep hoping right? The media person thought my blog was fantastic...which cured my disappointment a bit.

Nonetheless, I still got to meet Patrick.

It was McHappy Day on Wednesday and I found out on Twitter that Patrick was going to be there. It was quite early in the morning, but I asked my friend Arti to come along. God bless her, she woke up early to accompany me!!!! (me luv u long time gurl!!)

When we got to McDonalds, I was very happy not a lot of people were there. After donating to the Ronald McDonald House and having a conversation with the creepy Ronald McDonald...I looked up and saw Patrick and a bunch of people!!

It just so happened that he was coming my way, so I kind of stood there staring for a bit. A bit stunned because I couldn't believe it was real life.......

If you would like a reenactment of my reactions, please watch the video below:

I know Patrick probably gets a lot of fan mail, but I decided to give him something witty and (cute?!?!). I am nowhere near an artist, but I made him a little masterpiece.

It's incredibly corny, but at least he laughed at it. I felt so bad because I accidentally said his score at Worlds was almost 200 (which is really bad in figure skating...) but I was quick enough to correct myself and said almost 300! I did however, remember that his overall score at Worlds was 280...something...but the Ronald McDonald added that the exact score was 280.95. (But really, it was 280.98 because I just fact-checked on the internet)...

Therefore, I embarrassed myself in front of Patrick. (Sometimes I hate my life...)

And does it also make me embarrassing and shameless to ask for a hug? I guess it really doesn't matter because PChiddy totally did hug me! Lastly, I also told him I was a journalist hoping to go to the Olympics. He said he'd remember me!! (That made my day and everything was wonderful and nothing hurt....)

And so before I stop gushing about Patrick Chan, which I know you're all probably bored or annoyed about right now...I will leave you with the letter I wrote him. Again, it's embarrassing...but personal. I thought something personal would have a better chance of him keeping it...

LETTER:

P.S. The bottom says:

P.S. Sorry if I acted all ~* fan-girl*~, awkward, shy, etc when meeting you. I'm honestly a bit besotted by you, but I'm sure you get that a lot.

P.P.S. I still find it so cute and funny how he's wearing an apron!!!!!

My summer with a couple of shameless plugs

2011-05-10T00:21:00.000-04:00

So it's about week two of my summer vacation and the last week before my job begins. It isn't anything exciting, but at least it's flexible. Next week, I will be working as a file clerk/receptionist at a law office. Hopefully in July, I will be working at my former high school as a teacher assistant.

I'm thankful I found something to keep me busy for the four month break I have. Finding work has been a challenge because I don't have any retail experience. In this case, I don't really think I'll ever find a job in retail...sigh.

I won't delve too much on this topic, but if you must, watch the video above and ALL WILL BE CLEAR.

On another note, I am currently interning and contributing for Canculture, a new online magazine focusing on local arts and culture. And even though it was by created "rival" Carleton journalists, it's all love when it comes to getting the stories and covering events. So far, I have written two reviews for HotDocs, a film festival for international documentaries. (You can check them out here and here)

Other than that, nothing much as been taking place...other than meeting UFC fighters Ryan Bader and Jon Fitch!!

Unfortunately, I could never be intense enough to pass off as a UFC fighter....

At least I tried.

But with more exciting news, I also met the legendary figure skater Kurt Browning!! Other figure skaters there were Jeff Buttle, Shawn Sawyer, Jamie Sale, David Pelletier and 2010 Olympic bronze medalist Joannie Rochette. It was so awesome to meet Joannie after watching what she went through last year at the Vancouver Olympics. Truly, what an inspiration and role model for Canadians! What a gorgeous performance!

However, meeting Kurt Browning was probably the bigger highlight. He is a four time Figure Skating World Champion and his skating style is simply just exquisite!

Embarrassingly enough, I was star-struck. Just a bit. I told him I wanted to report at the Olympics as a broadcaster and started to gush about Patrick Chan right after. If you don't know already, Patrick Chan is another figure skater whom I love and (hopefully one day will marry....).

Of course, I'm only half joking...but a girl can always dream...

And amongst all the Royal Wedding hoopla, my friend Bethany and I also met the Royals...well, their cut-outs anyways.

Unlike most people, I was not into the hype about the Royal Wedding. Kate and William are a beautiful couple, but all the attention from the cake, the dress, the fascinators, the flowers, the guests, the honeymoon, etc. was blown way out of proportion! They are normal people!!!

But nonetheless, this photo was fun!

Stay tuned for more as I will posting more frequently in the summer! Cheers!

First Year...Done. Finito.

2011-05-01T15:46:00.000-04:00

A couple days late, but I officially finished my first year of university last Wednesday.

Thoughts on how first year went?
Amazing...though school was not what I thought it would be.

The people in my program are awesome and I love them all (well most of them anyways). I love my journalism class and professor as I feel we've somewhat became a family after being stuck in the same room every Tuesday for both semesters.

Work wise, it was difficult. Coming into university with 80s to 90s (I'm not trying to brag...I SWEAR!!!!!!) I was hoping my marks would stay roughly the same if not just a bit lower.

How wrong was I. There I was, plummeting from high 80s and 90s to 70s and even 60s. Nonetheless, it was eyeopening. It pushed me to try harder than my hardest and not take my education for granted.

But if it's one thing I learned, university is way better than high school. The professors actually treat you like mature adults and don't look at us like naive children. As for the people, thank goodness there were no petty, little dramas.

And with going to school downtown, it's awesome. Never have I been on so many adventures. Never would I have thought that I would interview a local politician, a Paralympic gold medalist, a cute cafe barista, a Toronto rapper, my journalist idol(s), or affected residents from the Wellesley St. fire.

But as fun as I had with all these assignments, it didn't mean I behaved like the perfect journalist. I have been yelled at for being disrespectful, given dirty looks by onlookers, and rejected a countless number of times by people who wouldn't give me two minutes of their time.

Yes, I was stupid. But, I'm still learning. First year was amazing, and I hope the next three will be the same, if not better!! You're all amazing!!

It's ONLY hair...

2011-04-24T23:10:00.000-04:00

I was never a fan of haircuts. I have always wanted to have long hair.

Unfortunately, I don't think that will ever happen because I'm always trimming it to get a desirable shape in order for it to grow a certain way.

In February, I got a trim. It was nice.

Yesterday I asked for the same thing. Instead, I got three inches chopped off and my head looks like a bowl.

Please tell me how I went from this:

TO THIS:

Please prepare yourself...close your eyes...

Are you sure you still want to move on???

.....

Okay, I know it's not THAT bad. BUT IT'S SO SHORT!!! When I asked for a trim I didn't mean to cut off enough hair to make a toupee!!

Not that I'm against contributing hair to make a wig, because I've always wanted to donate my hair. But how can I do that when something like this keeps happening??!! Since when do trims become HAIR-CUTS.?!

Sigh, I guess the hairdressers I get taken to will never understand...

It is a true fact that I have always hated getting my hair cut. Ever since I was a child, I would dread going to the salon. When I got my hair cut, I would cry.

How can I blame my little self?? My mom would always ask the hair dresser to hack off half of the hair I was so diligently trying to grow!!!

I know... obsessing over my hair is a bit selfish. There are so many people in the world who have it WAY worse. Some people have no hair at all, while others have bigger worries such as no home, no food, or even clothes to wear. Why am I so unhappy about something so little when people have it much worse than me and are still content with their lives?

Tis' why I'm so spoiled...living in Canada...

I actually thought about going into hiding because of this new haircut, but that would make me extremely stupid and cowardly.

It's a good thing I can still put my hair up...for the most part.

In the end, I guess it is only hair and it'll grow back and look decent within one-two weeks.

But a few mental notes for my next haircut (GOD FORBID!!)

1. Take a picture of my hair at a desirable length/style and show it to hairdresser.
2. DO NOT LISTEN TO MY MOTHER. OR, I should not even take her into the hair dresser.
3. ...JUST DON'T CUT IT OKAY?!?!!

My Phone is Posessed.

2011-04-16T00:52:00.000-04:00

At the beginning of the school year, I noticed everyone had either a Blackberry or an iPhone while I was stuck with an outdated Nokia phone.

Mind you, it was still under my father's name. This means that every time I would call, it would say Stanley Lui. As a result, car dealerships would call me to update the oil in my car (non-existent) or I would have my aunt call me a countless number of times because she would NEVER learn that my dad had a new phone (a Blackberry FYI).

At first I felt a bit poor and out of the loop. But then, I realized that having a smartphone would only make me succumb to the norm. (Really Sam?! You want to stand out with your outdated cellphone?)

Whatever, I thought. I won't let a phone or any material things define who I am as a person!! I can survive without Facebook, email, or Twitter on my phone. Whatever!! I'll get a new and better phone come Christmas time (contract expired then).

So come December, I was ready to pick my new phone. While shopping for phone plans, I remained loyal to Fido, as my thrifty self decided that $25 a month was the way to go. But with good phone plans came a poor selection of phones. The best phone out there was the Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro and I honestly thought it was the answer to my quest to have a awesome phone and "BE COOL" AT THE SAME TIME WITHOUT BEING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.

I mean what's not to like? HD camera, Wi-Fi, personal ringtones, 5.1 megapixel camera....
Phone. Of. My. Dreams.

Or so I thought.

When I got the phone, a bunch of petty little problems came my way. First, the pocket-dialing. Because my phone is a touch-screen, I pocket-dialed my mother several times and left messages at her work phone...YES, that means she heard my conversations....SHE COULD HAVE HEARD MY SECRETS.

But thank goodness she didn't. I would have died.

And the next problem is something I call the "ghost finger". Every time I would text message someone, the screen would always pop up and ask me to add a picture, sound clip, or audio message. Of course I don't want that! I would be charged extra money!!

And then there comes the mystery texting where my phone would text my friend Aaron 20 times and call him 10 times a few seconds later. Then there were times where I was charged unfairly by Fido because my phone would pocket dial 411...which charges with each phone call.

So guys, do you ever have these problems with your touch-screen cell phones? Moreover, do you have a Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro? If so,would you like to help a troubled soul?

A new goal for myself.

2011-04-10T00:45:00.000-04:00

Guys, I feel fat.

People really don't lie when they say first-years gain the Freshman 15 and I have decided that I can't stand it anymore! From all the sitting, typing, annoying people for interviews, writing, and studying, I no longer have any time to do anything active anymore!!!

So I've had a realization. I am going to go for a run every day or two days if it's possible. When the summer starts, I will run every day.

It's not that this is an impossible goal because I did run competitively for the last three years. I won't say that I'm the fastest runner, but I certainly remember working my butt off two to three times a week running around in circles at different distances that had to be under a certain time.

500m breakdowns, 300mx6, 200x6, 300x150x150 x 2, 200m x 12, and so on and so on. The track was my pretty much my third home.

I know those just look like numbers to you, but trust me...they were quite killer. I remember going to the track scared because I didn't know whether the workout was going to be tough or "easy". But whatever the workout was, I did it anyways. I got through it with the help from my teammates, coach and that stupid voice at the back of my head telling me I would regret it if I gave up.

But with working out also came with competing and I miss the meets and the thrill of competing the most. Yes, I never came in first on my own, but I do remember winning a a couple of medals, t-shirts and ribbons from the good races I had. I miss the teamwork that comes with relay races and the encouragement from my teammates while I ran my leg of the 4x400m race.

Really, I should have cherished those memories more. Because now that I'm here in university, I feel like a fat...lack of a better word...bum all the time!

Thus, I have decided to run a road race or at least try to enter one. By doing so, I will force myself to work out and run to gain back the body I used to have.

P.S. It's not that I'm fat. It's just that I feel fat.

And just to amuse you all, here are some pictures of me running back in the day.

Running faces are never attractive FYI.

I stole the picture, if you haven't noticed.

What I want as a journalist.

2011-04-05T22:30:00.000-04:00

So as you might have known from previous posts or through my Twitter, that I have expressed thorough concern about finding an internship for the summer or even finding a job in the future.

I was lucky enough to find a trial internship with an independent entertainment site writing short articles about celebrity news. Many would say that this is an awesome opportunity, but I'm not sure if this is something I see myself doing for the long run. The thing is, many of my fellow classmates want to break out into the entertainment biz and I find that it's a fairly competitive field among other branches of journalism.

It is true that I am interested in music, film, television and the occasional movie star, but I'm not sure if writing about entertainment is well suited for me. I understand that it's an incredibly popular subject in the media, but I can't see myself making a difference in the world through reporting on gossip and making allegations that might not even be true. In addition, as awesome as it is to review films and CDs, it would probably take all the enjoyment out of experiencing them because I would have to analyze them...kind of like an English Essay.

For the most part, the thing I am most interested about in terms of reporting on the entertainment industry is probably speaking to celebrities and seeing what kind of views they have of the world. But just like any other human beings, they can also say some incoherent and boring things...which wouldn't be worth my time at all.

The thing is, journalism is all about seeing the kind of views people have in the world, so why should I only focus on people who are celebrities?

What I really dream about is reporting at the Olympics and at other amateur sporting events. I want to focus on the athletes who perform well on the down-low, rather than focus on all the hoopla that comes with professional sports. I want to focus on their life stories, to see their inspirations and to see all the dedication it takes to even make it to the Olympics.

But other than sports, I also see myself reporting in different countries. I want to attend a couple of protests, visit a site of a natural disaster (God forbids that happens) and even report at a community level focusing on people who should be appreciated for their good work.

So basically, the point of this rant is...I'm not sure if reporting for entertainment is for me. It just doesn't seem fulfilling enough.
But who really knows what the future has in store for me. Only time will tell.

Like athletes, I dream of Olympic rings. Though this time, I want to see if all happen.

JUNO FanFare

2011-03-31T00:27:00.000-04:00

School has been superbly hectic.
With my first year of university drawing to a close, I have been rushing to finish assignments so I haven't been able to update very often.

But, don't fret! I am back with oodles of good stuff. For one thing, last week was the 40th Annual Juno Awards. This year it took place in my hometown of Toronto with T.dot's own Drake!!

For those of you who don't know what the JUNOs are, think the Grammy's but, the Canadian version.

Unfortunately I couldn't attend the event because of homework and student budgets. However, I did get a chance to attend some of the free events. If you look at the post below, you may have already browsed some of the pictures I took at the JUNO Cup.

I did attend the JUNO FanFare the next day...unfortunately by myself like a loser. I only wanted to meet Down With Webster, which I did. I even managed to get some pictures with them! Actually now that I think about it, I feel like a big dork!!

So as for autograph signings, I think this may be the last one in a while before someone is willing to go with me. I've decided that I'm not a big fan of meet and greets because celebs probably won't even remember me anyways. I mean lining up for two hours to speak with a star for two minutes? They better be well worth the wait!

This is why I hope to use my future career as a journalist as a chance to speak with interesting individuals. Not just celebrities, but people who are inspiring, who have brilliant ideas and amazing lives!

Then maybe... they will have a better chance at knowing who I am. Just maybe.

Anyways, enjoy the pictures!! I would make a video blog out of this, but I didn't get a lot of footage and the two girls in front of me were giving me super strange looks. Oh well, they didn't know I was trying to get a story out of the event...fail.

Marty and Kyle!

Bucky Buck!!

Faber Drive

Danny Fernandes!

These Kids Wear Crowns

Jacob Hoggard of Hedley

Me and Cam!

Taking a picture with Bucky Buck!

With Pat and Dave!

And with one of my favourite former VJs from Much, who also currently holds my dream job as a CP24 correspondent...Devon Soltendieck!!

JUNO CUP

2011-03-26T20:14:00.000-04:00

Hello all.

What an eventful week it has been! Toronto is hosting the annual Juno Awards this year, and Drake is hosting! Unfortunately, I don't have the money to afford tickets but I attended two of the Juno Events which were both free for me. Yesterday I attended the JUNO Cup with Stephanie, Jan and Iriss because Steph was lucky to have won tickets! It was such a mission to get there because we weren't paying attention the first time and went on the wrong streetcar. Turns out we ended up at ChinaTown. The second time, we got onto the right streetcar, but it was going to the garage!! So, we had to be dropped off and we ended up walking to the Ricoh Coliseum...

Nevertheless, we finally arrived and thus the game started!! What a great way to bring hockey and music together! So Canadian!

Some of the artists who attended include Tyler Armes from Down With Webster, Sarah Harmer, Kathleen Edwards and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo. These "Rockers" faced the "Alumni" team, which consisted of former and current NHL players such as Gary Roberts, Brad Dalgarno, and Gary Leeman.

I don't usually watch hockey...which is a bit of a shame...because I don't know which team to follow!! I only watch the World Championships. Everything amateur sports is what I will watch :)

I was cheering for the Rockers the whole time. Unfortunately, they lost 10-13. But from what I've heard, they haven't won in a while!

Too bad we weren't able to meet some of the artists or players. But, it was a good thing I ended up going to the JUNO FanFare!!

But, that will be left for another post because I have a ton of pictures from there as well.

But on another note, remember the interview I had with Paralympian Paul Rosen?? Well it's published for The Ryersonian now and you can read it here.

I've also written an opinion piece about how 1/4 women don't enjoy their wedding proposals. According to a comment from a girl, it is "condescending" and "poor journalism." I wouldn't call it journalism per say, but if the editors thought it was okay to publish, then it would be appropriate right? First of all, I would never lie about my statistics. If you were really curious about it, there are plenty of articles published on the matter that can be found on Google.

Either way, I never meant it to be condescending, because I do not feel highly about myself. I did however, mean to sound a bit harsh as to give these women a reality check. It is true that 75% of women are content with their proposals but to know that the other 25% aren't happy with their proposals...? That's unfortunate. Being proposed to is a tough task on its own. What I'm saying is, women should just stop playing these fantasies in their heads to save themselves from a future letdown...But hey, if 13 people liked the article, then at least some would agree with me!

But since I do not want to end on a sour note, tonight is Earth Hour so turn off your lights! Stay tuned for more on the JUNO FanFare!!

A few words with Paralympian Paul Rosen

2011-03-20T22:21:00.000-04:00

While everyone was out celebrating St. Patty's day, I took my chance to interview three time Paralympic sledge-hockey player Paul Rosen.

It was an awesome experience, and it was a bit of a shame that not a lot of people came to the event. Listening to his experiences, seeing his Olympic souvenirs, and being able to touch his gold medal from Torino was something I would have never imagined I would be able to do. Had I not looked at the Ryerson Today Events, I would have probably spent my time at home wallowing in piles of homework and unproductiveness.

As for the people who DID attend Rosen's talk, he kept them interested and was very inspiring with his words. I had an the pleasure to have a few words with the Paralympian and I even got to wear his medal!

Hopefully by this week, an article will be published for the Ryersonian...hopefully.

Samantha: So why are you here today?

Paul Rosen: For me it’s really important to get my message out to as many people as possible and especially as many kids as possible. The university setting is one of the best settings to show people that anything is possible and that you can achieve greatness at any level and at any age. We’re a year out of the Olympics, probably the greatest Olympics and Paralympics of all time in our country, and I just want to thank people for coming out and supporting us for what was a great games.

Samantha: So how long have you been competing for Canada?

Paul Rosen: I competed since 2000. Three Olympics. In 2002 in Salt Lake, 2006, in Torino and 2010 in Vancouver.

Samantha: So how was it competing at home?

Paul Rosen: It was the ultimate. Unfortunately we didn’t win. That would have made it incredible. But to have family and friends, and to have (all of that) support. You know you play in Torino, you play in different parts of Europe, at the rink everybody loves you. On the street you get a hello. But in Vancouver, we were rock stars everywhere we went. It didn’t matter where it was. Everybody knew us, everybody screamed for us.

Samantha: So how did you get introduced to sledge-hockey?

Paul Rosen: I lost my (right) leg in 1999 due to infection. I met a 12-year-old boy who showed me the game. He was missing three of the four limbs, and he introduced me to the incredible athletes we have in this country who are disabled. And that, I started playing and made the team at the age of 40.

Samantha : So what are the differences between sledge-hockey and regular hockey?

Paul Rosen: Sledge-hockey is an incredible game. The only difference from able-body hockey is we’re playing on sleds, not skates. We skate with our arms. Other than that, it’s pretty much the same game. It’s an incredible game and a high-paced, dangerous game. It’s what I loved about it. It gives somebody whose disabled an opportunity to play something they love at the highest level.

Samantha: So what was the best moment in your career?

Paul Rosen: 2006 in Torino. We won the gold medal. It was the greatest thrill because we went into the games with no chance to win. Everybody gave us the silver pretty well before the gold medal game. We pulled together as a team and as a family to win the gold medal (against Norway, who was slated to win). (There were) 75,000 people at Closing Ceremonies (and) knowing that everybody there wanted to grab you or shake your hand…it was something I’ll never forget.

Samantha: The Olympics seem to get more attention than the Paralympics do. How do you feel about that?

Paul Rosen: It doesn’t bother me because the Olympics have been going on since the 30s and the Paralympics since the 60s. Sledgehockey started in ’94. If you look at where sledge-hockey is now in 2011 compared to where it was in 94, its massive. You come back in 2018, it will be a game played all over the world, will have tons of teams in Canada, might even have a professional league. So you gotta crawl, then you walk and then you run. That’s how it works. SO the Paralympics are incredible right now compared to when they started. How many people knew about the Paralympics now? When I lost my leg in '99 I had no clue! Thirty-nine years I was able-bodied. Twelve years I’ve been disabled.

Samantha: So what message do you want to get across through your speeches?

Paul Rosen: The biggest thing I want anybody who is disabled is to realize and to see the ability in disability. I don’t want them to see the fact that they’re disabled. I want them to see that they’re able-bodied. Just because you’re disabled, doesn’t mean you’re dead. Doesn’t mean your life ends. My life began when I became disabled. I want the able-bodied community to look at somebody who’s disabled and look at them for what they can do, not what they can’t do.

Age of the Pre-teen Popstars??

2011-03-19T01:33:00.000-04:00

So all anyone has been able to talk about this week was Rebecca Black and her single "Friday".

I recently wrote a post about her new-found popularity for the Prince Arthur Herald. You can check it out here.

Horrified by the lyrics and corny music video that went along with Black's single, I was surprised to find out that there are more pre-teen popstars "on the rise".

Jenna Rose ft. Baby Triggy: My Jeans

"HAHAHAHA Jack my swag."

Catered to the Disney demographic comes a supremely materialistic and shallow song about jeans. First of all, I'm quite sure she's not wearing jeans in the song at all...and why should pre-teens be caring so much about wearing " Hannah Montana's jeans" ? And really, how is it possible for 12-year-olds to drive?

Alana Lee: Butterflies

So another single from the Ark Music Factory is Alana Lee's "Butterflies". Although the song is equally auto-tuned with an equally corny music video, somehow...this song catchier than Friday?? I mean if these girls can really sing, why should there be auto-tune added in?

So having seen these...all I could think about was how I could have gotten a single out at the age of 12. I mean if Rebecca Black got viral with corny lyrics and auto-tune...why couldn't I?

And then I found out something. Most of these singers are with the Ark Music Factory, a record label based in LA that caters to "independant artists." With further research, I found out that Rebecca's mom actually paid the label to have her daughter sing their music...

(PROOF)

Yes, I know this is a Wiki page, but the sources seem notable!!!

So, how do you feel about all these new singers who hope to be the "next Justin Bieber?"

Who knew being Critical had its Merits?

2011-03-15T23:09:00.000-04:00

Being critical has its merits, because that can lead to columns and columns can lead to getting published and read by many...

The awkwardness of that sentence was not very professional on my part...

Anyways...

A small update, I have recently joined the Prince Arthur Herald, a news source based out of McGill University in hopes of getting some published work. The site is mainly just student opinions on the news ranging from culture, sports, politics, and world news. You don't have to be in journalism to join, in fact you can email the editors and write about anything as long as it's appropriate.

My first post is about the Olympic mascots for Sochi 2014, which you can read here.

What do you think of the new mascots? Love em' or hate em'?

And for the Paralympics...

Devastation in another nation.

2011-03-15T00:18:00.000-04:00

The news updates about the state of Japan is heartbreaking and leaves me feeling a sense of hopelessness. I'm not saying I'm feeling hopeless for Japan, because I really do wish for the state of the country to be stable again.

What I'm saying is, I feel hopeless for myself.

Hopeless that I can't even do anything to help make their problems a little less smaller. Sure I can donate, but it sure doesn't feel like enough. And also, where? I don't just want to text Redcross, I want to hand deliver my money...as it is easier for me as a student on a budget. And also, tossing in some money can only do so much.

What I want to do is to do something different, and to actually get people to join me along the way. A joint-fundraiser? Donating supplies?...

What are the chances that an 8.9 earthquake, a tsunami and nuclear plant explosions would happen in one country? Why is there so much injustice? I just don't understand...

And then amid all this tragedy comes hearing news of Justin Bieber's shoes or the Royal wedding. Why yes, these may be important updates for some, but I'd just like to say that there are better things in the world.

It's frightening how a city was just swept up by a wave of water.

Published!

2011-03-09T21:10:00.000-05:00

After weeks of trying to find some opportunities to get published, I was finally published in Futureale, an online magazine dedicated to arts and culture.

You can read the magazine here.

I have print-screened my article, though I erased the last paragraph because it didn't flow and I believe it to be a common mistake from an editor. The paragraph which I think belongs to the editor, said the only issue with my piece was the formatting in which I didn't add more description...(..I believe was supposed to be left out from the magazine??)

Of course I don't mind the criticism, but I would have preferred to be told through an email to add that detail! But as I believe this to be a mistake, there are no hard feelings what so ever.

It's a surprise I even managed to get this through, because I literally rushed to meet this deadline. Remember young ones, don't procrastinate!!

Enjoy!

Conquering Writer's Block

2011-03-07T20:50:00.000-05:00

I haven't been posting lately due to the fact that I have been trying hard to fight writer's block. I wanted to come up with something witty and funny, but clearly that didn't work out so well. So therefore, I came up with some tips on how to help all of you fight your writing battles!!

Of note: I have no idea why my camera is always so dark! I tried different lighting techniques and also tried brightening it up on Adobe Premiere...didn't work out so great.

And forgive my aunt's accent...she is from a different...part of...China..

Terrible Things I did as a Terrible Child.

2011-03-06T22:53:00.000-05:00

I'd like to think that I was a relatively nice and pleasant child. I tried to be nice to everyone and I almost always shared my snacks and pencil crayons.

So what's the big deal, right?

See, that's where I was wrong.

These nice gestures weren't enough.

There were some times when I was actually a terrible, dreadful brat. Now I was never an outright bully, but in efforts to stick with the crowd, I was always a bully in the background.

I moved schools in Grade 3 and I was the "new kid". Sure, everyone was nice to me, but there were some times when I was called names such as "stupid", "idiot" and "nerd". Which of course, doesn't make any sense because in order for me to be a "nerd", I wouldn't actually be "stupid" or an "idiot".

But this didn't register inside my Grade Three brain, so therefore, I tried to fit in with the "popular" crowd.

My elementary school was fairly small, but I call these group of girls "popular" because they were the prettiest in our grade and every boy had a crush on them. Wanting to be liked, I befriended them. To this day, I am still friends with these girls, because they're actually not so bad at all, but I am not proud of some of the things we did.

There was this girl, who shall be unnamed, who everyone in our grade decided to hate. I don't understand why, but like every elementary school, we made her the token loser. We called her names, laughed at everything she said, and when we finally did include her into our games, we made her play the undesired roles of "Evil Witch" or "Monster".

In Grade 4, two other girls and I decided to bury her hat in the snow as a joke. At the time, we thought it was funny. But when I think about it now, all I can feel is pure guilt.

In Grade Six, the whole class thought it would be funny to call her an orangutan. Now at this point, I started to come to my senses. I never did call her that, but I remember joining in on the laughter...which isn't any better either way.

But seriously, it was really funny when she told my friends and I that she could control the wind...

From Grades Seven to Eight, nothing really happened, but I kept my distance...the dislike already engraved in me.

But as I grew older, I realized she wasn't so bad after all. Sure, I understood why nobody liked her due to some of her eccentricities...but she isn't half bad! She has good intentions and she was always nice to me. So why was I so cruel to her?

Why of course, to fit in.

The times in elementary school can make you do some terrible things. And being able to remember all of this just makes me feel so guilty. So if you're reading this, all I want to say is: I'm sorry. I was a coward for not saying this to you earlier and you probably would like to forget all of these terrible memories that might have scarred you for life.

So again, I'm sorry.

An update on life.

2011-03-03T20:14:00.000-05:00

Sorry that I haven't been able to update very frequently. School has been hard...and stressful. To think first semester would teach me something, it clearly hasn't taught me enough. I'm still working hard to boost up the GPA to something I'm more accustomed to. Who knows...maybe I'm just freaking out. But now I know I have to study and review my notes every week.......sounds really basic, but trust me, it's hard to stay concentrated.

Anyways, I'm currently working hard to getting published as well as freelancing. Clearly, Ryerson's papers aren't very keen on giving stories to me, so I have joined Global Voices, a citizen journalism section associated with Free the Children and the Toronto Star. Of course I can't write to the fullest ability as the stories are only 350 words each. But I'll still be published right?

I have also created a blog called The Random Life Blog but the name is kind of lame...(I know). So if anyone has suggestions on a new name, please send them out? The blog will basically allow anyone who wants to write contribute whether if they're reviews, opinions, or articles...about anything. Think of it as an online paper.

But enough writing, I will update you with a couple of pictures!!

These were at H&M and I took a picture because I know how much my cousin Rachel hates moccasins!

Cute heart-shaped hot chocolate at Snakes and Lattes!

Cupcake sale at Ryerson!!

Bethany and I found a vintage pram at Honest Ed's!

Questionable quote on an apron found at Kitchen Stuff Plus!

Boo yah!! Dancing shadow!!

Day in a Life of a Board Game Guru

2011-02-16T12:31:00.001-05:00

Joseph Brosnan fixes himself a coffee and greets customers with a nod and a charismatic grin.

He takes orders and makes suggestions, waiting patiently for overwhelmed customers to make up their minds.

But people aren’t having difficulty choosing coffee.

Instead, they’re struggling to find a game to play, scanning the shelves filled with board games ranging from classics such as Uno and Sorry! to newer ones like Taboo and Cranium.

Brosnan is not your average café barista. He is a board game guru at Snakes and Lattes, at 600 Bloor St. W.

The board game café was created by Parisian couple Ben Castanie and Aurelia Peynet who were inspired by toy-lending libraries back in France.

After two years of scrounging garage sales and thrift stores, the couple collected more than 1,000 games. The café’s collection continues to grow.

Brosnan, 22, has been working here since the café opened in September.

When he isn’t cooking and serving guests, the avid gamer spends his shifts wandering around the café teaching games and playing with customers.

Growing up, Brosnan was always interested in board games.

“During the holiday season, [my family] would always get together and play these wild, intense games of Monopoly,” he says.

When he got older, he entered tournaments and got “super-involved” playing Pokémon and Magic cards.

But the idea of teaching games for a living was something Brosnan would have never imagined.

He first heard of Snakes and Lattes when his roommate was searching through Craigslist and found a job listing for people who could teach board games to the public.

After working for five months, Brosnan is a board game expert.

“Now it’s the height of my addiction,” he says.

After being trained in theatre at the University of Windsor, the Brampton native moved to Toronto to pursue an acting career.

Despite some work in TV, film and theatre, Brosnan says the work “soured up” and moved back in with his parents.

“My parents were furious with me because I was playing board games all summer. They were like ‘Get a job!’ ” he says.

But when the opportunity came up, he knew it was perfect for him.

“It was pure luck. Pure luck,” he says as he prepares a latté for a customer.

He notices two women having difficulty picking a game, and runs to the shelves to offer his assistance.

“Were you interested in a particular game?” he asks.

“Well, something that’s not too complicated,” says a woman in a black toque. “I don’t want to spend the whole time sitting there trying to figure out the whole game!”

“In terms of two-player games, I was thinking that you guys can play 30 minute games. A favourite I can suggest is Wasabi, where you’re competing to be master sushi chefs!” Brosnan says with excitement.

While he waits for their final decision, he pulls his hands out of his pockets with a look of amusement. In his hand, lies a circular token.

He chuckles. “You know you work in a board game café when you have little board game pieces in your pocket.”

The two women finally decide on Monopoly Deal, a card game version much shorter than the original.

He plays a match with the two women, watching intently and offering tips and strategies.

Brosnan reassures his opponents by reading the instruction card: “Start playing and it will become clear…we promise!”

After a game of Monopoly Deal, he checks the front counter and returns to help a couple with their orders.

They’re new to the place, so Brosnan gives them a run-down of the café.

“Go ahead and play the games. You can play as many as you’d like and we can teach and suggest them to you.”

Brosnan gives his suggestions and the couple finally settles on Hive, a strategy game where the purpose is to surround the opponent's bee queen with tiles.

He briefly watches the couple play, but is soon back with the two women to teach Dracula, another strategy game.

After offering instructions, he is interrupted to fulfil other duties: cinnamon rolls for the café’s main attraction that night-a tournament for a game called Dominion, the first ever hosted at Snakes and Lattes.

“That’s how this place goes. You play games but you have these goals,” he says as he runs to the kitchen to start baking.

“These are vegan cinnamon rolls,” he says as he gathers the ingredients and pours them into a bowl. “I’m working on gluten-free, so everybody can eat them.”

While he mixes, he mentions how he prefers board games to video games due to the social aspect.

“Board games nowadays, there’s so much more them. Human interaction is so much better than swearing at someone over a headset,” he says.

By 5:30 p.m., the café starts to get busy as gamers pile in for the Dominion tournament.

As Brosnan lets the dough rise, he goes down to the basement to facilitate matches at the tournament.

After viewing a few games, he’s back upstairs to check on his baking.

While he sprinkles cinnamon and makes the icing, he talks about how people have come into the café to help out, donating kitchen utensils or bringing in games.

“It’s developed so much. It has been popular since the very beginning and it hasn’t died down yet,” he says of the café, but knocks on the wooden counter for luck.

“I may be superstitious but I don’t want anything bad to happen to this place. This is such a distinct, original point of happiness. I’ve always wondered when I was kid what places a kid can go to. Yeah, there’s a pool hall here and there and the movie theatre. But what else is there?”

While Brosnan loves his job, he plans to continue acting.

“I need to put myself back into improv,” he says.

On his days off, he watches comedy shows and wishes he were onstage doing what he enjoys most.

“So jealous,” he says about watching the actors perform. “It’s like my first love.”

A Cynic's Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T23:03:00.000-05:00

I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day. I never really was, and I'm not sure if I ever will be.

Sure, it was fun in elementary school when I received Valentines and chocolates from my classmates. But as I got older, I realized the holiday was just another commercial gimmick.

Roses, chocolates, cards and other gifts are nice...but I personally think that there shouldn't be ANY DAY AT ALL during the year to feel obliged to buy something for someone or tell someone how you feel about them.

The thing is, I've grown up receiving mixed messages about love. I thought love was supposed to be simple.

But instead, I was easily influenced to believe in the commercialism and the stupid media for giving me false hope that Prince Charming was near.

How naive...

But now that I'm older, I refuse to be sucked in any longer.

Love is all around, and love is universal. Love should never feel like an obligation.

Valentine's Day shouldn't be about getting something for your loved ones. No need for gifts, a fancy dinner out, or a bouquet of flowers. Instead, it should be just purely a day about love, and sharing it with others with a sincere "I Love You" or just a meaningful gesture.

Better yet, can we just please take away Valentine's Day in general?
There shouldn't be a day dedicated to love.
That can be everyday.

P.S. please check out http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/. Freaky, but superbly awesome...considering that Arcade Fire sings the background music. Canadian pride for the win! Shout-out these Canadians for winning Record of the Year at the Grammys!

Going to work: A Chinese Holiday Ritual

2011-02-12T14:48:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been over a week since Chinese New Year started, and I honestly don't quite know when it ends. I would like to say it probably ended already, but seeing that the festivities are going into the weekend, I guess it really lasts for two weeks?

Either way, I'm not too serious about it. Unlike other cultures who may celebrate Christmas on a different day, have a special Easter, or have their own New Year's holidays...Chinese people will never give themselves a break.

Never in elementary school or high school have I ever skipped school for the New Year. And why should I? It's just one of those holidays when you REALLY celebrate during the weekend.

I don't even know if I'm making sense here, but the point of this post is: Chinese people are always working too hard!

During Christmas while every western store, mall, library and restaurant were closed...the Chinese ones remained open. I live a three minute drive away from Pacific Mall, notably Toronto's most well-known Asian mall...and when we drove by on Christmas day, the parking lot was almost as crowded as the DVP during rush hour.

And having been inside during several random weekends, I didn't even want to know what it would be like inside.

But since it's Chinese New Year, one WOULD think that Chinese people would close down their stores for once and take a breather.

But they don't.

Instead, they're in their stores and restaurants, working harder than ever, happier than ever...AND LOUDER THAN EVER.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about working too hard. Chinese people strive for success and look out for ways to be honoured. I mean who doesn't? I guess it's just that Chinese people are extra-determined.

I've got to admit though, many of these traits are instilled in me. I have always been a very driven individual, and I rarely let anything stop me from reaching those goals. Some may call it being stubborn, but in the end, I always do end up getting what I want...in some way or another (even if it's not the ideal way...)

WOW, I realize I sounded really snobby and spoiled over there, but all I meant was that sheer determination will always get me where I want to be.

And that's what I think most Chinese people think as well.

But really, when isn't Pacific Mall crowded?

And since I can't find a picture of me in Chinese attire, here's an old gem from Grade 9.

Stop the Meter Rally (meeting Jack Layton!)

2011-02-05T00:34:00.000-05:00

Today I attended the Stop the Meter Rally that took place at Yonge and Dundas Square. The protest was organized because Internet Service Providers are planning to add more to online billing costs by charging per byte. Protesters are now trying to get the CRTC to reconsider their plans.

I interviewed some of the protesters on why this cause is so important to them. Watch the video below!

I also got the chance to speak with NDP leader Jack Layton. For those of you who don't live in Canada, Jack Layton is a federal political leader, well known all around the country.

Technical glitches later, my whole interview was not recorded. I was lucky enough to encounter two men who happened to film some of it. So, thank you very much. I appreciate it a lot!!

Better than nothing right?

For more information on Stop the Meter, please visit: http://openmedia.ca/meter

Just another Canadian Winter...

2011-02-02T22:11:00.000-05:00

I'll probably get a lot of comments for speaking about this matter for the umpteenth time, but I DID NOT feel that today was a snow day.

Perhaps it was a lot worse uptown in Scarborough, but downtown Toronto did not seem to have a lot of snow. Everywhere I turned, snowplows, salt-throwers and shovelers were at hand to keep the sidewalks and roads clear for drivers and walkers to travel safely and efficiently.

So my question is: if this was possible for many downtown university students, why couldn't uptown students do the same...considering that there isn't much of a difference distance-wise?

Yes we were expected to receive around 20 cm of snow, but there were years where many of us have endured worse. I remember around two to three years ago, my high school was still open despite the super, heavy blizzard taking place outside. Not to mention, I actually braved that storm to make it to school. (Well, I actually lived across the street from my high school...so it doesn't give me an excuse...) But today, both the TCDSB AND the TDSB were closed? I couldn't believe it. To me, it didn't SEEM that bad...

But really, I'm only complaining because I wanted a snow day. I really shouldn't because there are several homeless people outside braving the snow without shelter, food...or even a blanket. Why can't we just stop complaining...or stop rejoicing about this said "snow storm" and think about all the people outside who are freezing?!

How's that for ya'?

On another note about snow...I seem to attract a lot of people who want ME to take their photos. I don't know if it was the snow or Downtown Toronto, but a couple and two friends asked me to take photos of them. Nevertheless, I helped them.

In return, I asked the couple to take a photo for me! I'm not sure if I like the photos, but I appreciate the effort!

They had very funny dialogue.

Man: My picture is better because you can SEE EVERYTHINGG.
Woman: NOO. Look at my picture! It's better, because you are the center of attention!!

I don't know... :P

By the way, my winter boots broke, and I'm looking for new ones! Suggestions??

Josh Groban...please come back to Toronto...

2011-01-27T19:24:00.000-05:00

I got to meet Josh Groban two weeks ago at the First Canadian Place. This is so late, but I finally had the time to comment on my fun experience! Absolutely worth it!! And if you are patient enough to watch the video, you will get to see a beautiful Josh Groban speak to me toward the camera!!!

TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!

And here are a couple of pictures my cousin helped take for me.

What a sweet guy!

Speaking to me!!!

LUCKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come back to Toronto Josh!

Large Outpouring of Support for Fallen Officer

2011-01-25T22:49:00.000-05:00

To family, colleagues, friends and people who didn’t even know him, Toronto Sgt. Ryan Russell will always be remembered for the sacrifice he made as a police officer.

From as far as the United States to the province of Ontario, officers, members of the RCMP, emergency service employees and civilians filled the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to attend Russell’s funeral in a hall that seated 10,000 people.

Russell, 35, was killed last Wednesday trying to stop a stolen snowplow while he was on duty in the Avenue Road and Dupont Street area.

In tributes delivered by Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, Supt. Hugh Ferguson and Russell’s wife Christine, the 11-year veteran was praised for being a great role model and friend to his colleagues and family members.

“Ryan always put himself before anyone else,” Russell said. “On January 12, this cost him his life.”

Fighting back tears, she thanked her husband’s father Glenn, a former officer in the Toronto police office, for being Russell’s hero and inspiration.

Blair said that while the day was a sad one for the police service, it was also a day of celebration to remember a fallen hero.

“Ryan Russell was truly a hero not because of the tragic circumstances that took him from us, but because of the decision that he made to answer the call of duty. He was determined to make a difference in his community. He chose to dedicate himself to the service of others,” Blair said.

Supt. Hugh Ferguson, recognized Russell for not only his loyalty to his job, but described him as a dedicated family man.

“Ryan showed he was a great leader. He was a proud father, loving husband and a very proud police officer,” Ferguson said. “Rest in peace, my friend. You are truly a hero in life, not death.”

Seeing the outpour of support for Russell’s family, Sgt. Darcy Moore is grateful for the number of officers from the police community and the number of regular citizens who have showed up to pay their respects.

“I’d like to thank not only the community but all the officers across the province and throughout Canada [for their support]. These times are very difficult times for our service and especially for the family.”

Reta Salin, who immigrated to Toronto from Iraq in 1983, said she attended the service because she greatly depends on the Toronto Police Service to keep her safe.

“His death is painful because he helped those in need. It is a blessing to have police people to take the initiative knowing that [people’s] lives are on their shoulders.”

Ted Wieclawek, an assistant deputy fire marshal with Toronto’s Fire Protection Services, was there to show his support for the Russell family and the Toronto Police Service.

Wieclawek, who has worked with the Fire Protection Services for 20 years, said he was amazed at the number of people who gathered to remember the fallen officer.

“As a member of the broader emergency services, I think it’s a phenomenal and genuine outpouring of support for Ryan Russell and as well, for the family and members of the Toronto Police Service,” he said.

Iris Macdonald was in attendance because she recognizes that police officers take many risks in order to shield citizens from harm.

“Being a policeman can be a very dangerous job,” said Macdonald, 75. “You never know when you’re going out in the morning that you will come back at night.”

Knowing that police officers risk their lives every day to protect the community, Wieclawek is appreciative.

“We rely on them to keep our community safe and it’s a tremendously important function faced with a lot of dangers and I’m just grateful that we have a phenomenal police force in the province of Ontario,” he said.

Officers march and fill the streets of Downtown Toronto commemorating Sgt. Ryan Russell, who was murdered on the line of duty. (Photo from the Ottawa Citizen)

Funeral: A celebration of life.

2011-01-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

Today I attended my first funeral since Grade One. Perhaps I was too young at the time, but I remember being absolutely terrified when the casket came in.

It was my friend's father's funeral. God bless her and her family, but I'm sorry if I was disrespectful in any way. Maybe it was a lack of knowledge and understanding, but knowing that there was a body laying inside gave my six-year-old self the skeevies.

But today, I attended the funeral of fallen Toronto officer Sgt. Ryan Russell, who was killed in the line of duty from a stolen snowplow.

Covering a solemn and serious event such as this gave me new found respect and understanding of the purpose of funerals. Coming from as far as the United States, officers, RCMP members, public service members and citizens gathered in the Metro Convention Centre, which seated 10,000 people.

Although I didn't know the man, my heart went out to all of Russell's family, friends and colleagues. Hearing the tributes given by Vaughn MP Julian Fantino, Police Chief Bill Blair and Russell's wife Christine opened a little bit of who Sgt. Ryan Russell was as not only a police officer, but as a human being.

Seeing the amount of support from people all over North America, I realized that they had all come together not just to mourn the loss of an officer, but to celebrate his life.

Now that I'm 18 (soon to be 19) I finally understand that. I hope we all cherish our loved ones, because one will never know what will happen.

Unpopular Opinion: Overrated athletes..or not?

2011-01-13T22:55:00.000-05:00

Is there something wrong about thinking that Sidney Crosby is overrated?

There is no denying that he is very talented and works very hard to perfect his hockey techniques and skills. He boasts success such as being a two-time Lou Marsh recipient, he is the 2010 Canadian Press Athlete of the year, and he won the Stanley Cup and the Olympic gold medal in the same year. That is amazing for someone as young as him but I sometimes wish that people would stop boosting his success due to the fact that there are many other athletes who have many achievements as well.

Now I don't want to sound like I'm being ignorant to professional hockey but I just feel that there are so many amateur athletes out there who are just as deserving as Crosby.

Amateur athletes train just as hard as professional athletes, yet they don't get the amount of media exposure. And by exposure, I don't mean the endorsement and commercial side of things. By lack of media attention, I mean that amateur sports competitions aren't being shown as often as professional sports on TV.

It is obvious that the case here is money. Professional sports have become a business where millions of dollars is invested towards professional sports and pro athletes with sponsorship deals, jerseys, and other sorts of memorabilia. People are also more willing to invest their money and time in buying tickets for pro sports games.

But this doesn't mean that amateur athletes should go unnoticed. Of course there isn't the same budget, as amateur athletes are often funded by the government. However, I think just a little more exposure or footage of these sports should be shown, whether it is on TV, or even being written up in the newspaper.

Of course, they are not completely under the radar, but I do think that professional athletes often overshadow amateur athletes, who are just as talented in their own sports. I mean really, the only time I heard about the gold medalists from the Olympic games were only a few MONTHS before the Olympic games when CTV started doing a lot of promotion.

Never have I heard of Alex Bilodeau prior to the McDonalds' ads or after seeing his picture on cereal boxes. Never have I heard of Jon Montgomery, Ashleigh McIvor, or Maëlle Ricker. I have known of many of the other medalists, but that was only because they are seasoned veterans or had an article written about them in the newspaper.

And let's not forget other athletes that performed well even though it wasn't the summer Olympics. Priscilla Lopes- Schliep, had posted the world leading time of 2010. Not only that, she won the Diamond League, which is the equivalence to the Grand Prix of Figure Skating...(oh yeah, I bet you didn't even know about that!)

Even then, I was always itching to know more about these athletes. The only time I ever read sports articles was when there was one written about amateur sports. Rarely, do I ever read anything about professional sports because the results are never a surprise to me. Every year in the NBA, it's always down to same couple of teams such as the Lakers, the Celtics, Miami Heat, and so on. For hockey, the Leafs haven't made it far in recent years...so why should I continue watching? Call me bitter, but is there a reason why I should have hope? I don't want to jinx them.

So instead, I turn to amateur sports, where it's far more interesting for me. Besides, I was never a fan of team sports to begin with, so maybe this is why I don't enjoy watching most professional sports.

I'm sure you all have a different opinion...so please, share them. I love a healthy debate.

For the record, I don't hate Sidney Crosby. I think he is indeed very talented, quite grounded...and very attractive. I just don't enjoy people and reporters boosting his talents. No athlete enjoys being overshadowed. I know how it feels, though I know I was not the best athlete in high school.

New Semester, Life Downtown.

2011-01-10T23:09:00.000-05:00

I haven't yet started school because I have Mondays off. Yet, I am already excited to start off the semester because I got the latest from Josh Groban!

Aside from my love of figure skater Patrick Chan (Toronto representttt), those of you following me on Twitter may have also noticed that I have a growing fascination (obsession would only sound creepy) with Josh Groban, the man with the wonderful voice and lovely sense of humour.

See here, if you haven't.

I've liked Josh Groban since Grade Eight, aside from my embarrassing "poseurr rock, punk girl" faze. (Did you know that my idol used to be Benji Madden of Good Charlotte??)

AND, I had the hots for Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day? (Even though he's 20 years older than me?)

But as we all do, we have moved on.

But this is getting unrelated.

The point is, the week is starting off quite smoothly, as I not only got Josh's new CD, I also got a pass to meet Josh and get his autograph!! Awesome or what? I'm so excited because he has a beautiful voice, and he is just so damn cute! *FANGIRL CRUSHHH.*

I will update more on Josh Groban's Toronto appearance (he will be at the First Canadian Place this Wednesday!). And other than that, I will speak more about his album Illuminations, which is amazing.

I feel a video blog coming soon!

Alas, I will leave you with this photo of me looking extremely excited.

Happy (belated) New Year!

2011-01-06T21:01:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!!! I'm so sorry about not posting very often because my schedule has either been really hectic, or there was nothing to blog about. I'm sorry fellow readers!! (If I have any...)

But to be honest, I have nothing much to enlighten you all with. I'm sure all of you guys had a much more eventful break than I did.

Though, some cool things I got this Christmas was this lovely scarf that makes me look like a babuska. Thanks Mommy!

And then, I also got a sewing machine, which is totally awesome! Thanks Auntie Eva and cousin Rachel and Bernie!!

But enough with the chitchat. To say that I'm sorry for not posting very often, I will finish off this post with a new video blog featuring one of my new years resolutions.

For the record, I don't think I will be following it very often, seeing my progress.

But one thing is for sure! I will try to post more videos on YouTube this year! Please remind me to if you like them!!

What are some of your new years resolutions, if you have any?

Empowering Youth One Tour at a Time

2010-12-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

Attending a largely white populated Ottawa high school was not easy, as Dawit recalls being the centre of discrimination.

Dawit, who is of Ethiopian, Ukrainian and Scottish descent, remembers being compared to children in developing countries who were being sponsored by Plan Canada.

Seeing that her peers misunderstood her background and had the wrong ideas about her culture, Dawit started a black history club with her principal when she was in Grade 11.

“We started doing the programming in high school because there were problems that we were noticing in the school system,” says Dawit. “I was one of two or three black students and I experienced a lot of discrimination and racism when I was in high school.”

After having graduated and pursued her post-secondary education at the Harris Institute for the Arts in Toronto, Dawit, 30, never thought the small club she started in high school would come back to life, let alone become her full-time job.

But it did, when it revived in 2004.

“I realized that there were a lot of other social justice issues. Not just looking at racism and equity issues, but in terms of human rights, children’s rights, and women’s rights. [Many] organizations wanted to communicate to young people about [these issues], but the organizations weren’t able to do it in a palatable or interesting format,” she says.

Joining forces with Anita Wong and Patrick McCormack, the club became 411 Initiative for a Change, a non-profit organization that uses arts and culture for young people to educate themselves on social justice issues.

“We look at and treat issues that affect young Canadians. It could be something like HIV/AIDs, violence against women, we look at children’s rights, and the stories of young people around the world who are also living in Canada,” Dawit says.

All three founding members have a background in the arts, allowing them to collaborate their skills to create arts programming, which Dawit says appeals more to students.

Dawit and Wong have worked together in international development as well as the music industry, while McCormack is an artist who has also worked in sound engineering and production.

“We were able to revive 411 because our formats use music, pop culture, and dance, which are much more interesting for young people.”

Six years later, 411 Initiative for a Change has reached over 300,000 students across Canada and focuses on other issues such as safe sex, gender equality and children’s rights.

Touring with professional musicians and artists, 411 Initiative for a Change works with students who are imprisoned or in inner city schools to give them a chance to express their ideas through their arts-creation programming that use different forms of art which include visual art, drama, and poetry.

The organization has also collaborated with other organizations such as Alicia Keys’ Keep a Child Alive, which provides AIDS care for families in developing countries, the AIDS Committee of Toronto and worked with music channel MTV to film documentaries surrounding youths living in Sudan, Colombia and Haiti.

Although, 411 Initiative for a Change has reached millions of people since it first started when Dawit was in high school, the main focus of her organization remains the same: to get students to speak out and raise awareness on social issues.

“We’re not an organization that asks you to join up with us or start a club. It’s more about encouraging discussion. So for the schools who bring us in, we’re an opportunity to get discussion started around topics that students may not have wanted to talk to their teachers about,” Dawit says.

Remembering her own experiences of sitting through school assemblies, Masia One, a Toronto-based rapper and producer, says she never felt connected to special presentations about global issues because she felt they were boring and out of touch with young people.

But after doing presentations and tours with 411 Initiative for a Change, Masia One, whose real name is Maysian Lim, is touched knowing that she has made an impact on students to make a difference.

“After tours, I’ve had kids come up to me crying. Even now and maybe six months after the last tour we did, I [still] have kids emailing me and telling me it was the best thing they’ve ever learned in school,” she says.

Having pursued an architecture degree with a minor in economics from the University of Toronto, Masia One thinks an organization like 411 Initiative for a Change is great, as it helps artists like her encourage students to go to school.

“I’m a rapper. This is my full-time job. There are a lot of kids that I meet that want to get into the music industry and want my record label to sign them, but at the end of the day, I try to put upon them that I also have an architecture degree. I have that option in case I want to go into it.”

Having had the opportunity to travel to World AIDS conferences in Sweden and Mexico as well as Ethiopia to meet and work with young children, Dawit plans to continue focusing on issues such as HIV/AIDS as well as introduce new issues such as bullying and raising self-esteem in young women.

“One of the things we are working on this fall is producing a program on girls. We’ll be looking at self-esteem, we’re looking at bullying, and especially online bullying. This is something that [many schools] have been having a lot of difficulty with.”
But on a grassroots level, Dawit also wants to focus on anti-racism, the topic that started 411 Initiative for a Change in the first place.

“It’s something we haven’t treated in the last five years and we’re going back and producing a program with MTV looking at racism in Canada and how young people experience it, where they experience it, and what you do if you experience racism.”

Masia One says that students should understand the importance of making a difference, noting that Dawit started this program at a young age.

“She took the effort to do something about [racism] and educate people instead of getting angry or becoming reclusive. I think that it’s very inspiring for these high school kids to learn and understand that Tamara started 411 in high school and now it’s a tour that goes across Canada. I think it’s one of the best arts education programs in Canada.”

Picture From: Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation

HELP?!?!?! How do I take these in??

2010-12-19T14:17:00.000-05:00

I still haven't quite finished my Christmas shopping, but I wanted to avoid the mall at all costs due to a crazy rampage of shoppers. I told my parents that I would buy them whatever they wanted when we go to our next road trip to the States...just so it would make all of our lives easier. At least I have made some progress. I DID buy my sister her gift already.

So in avoidance of the mall, what better way is it than to go spend my Saturday afternoon at the Salvation Army? It's been too long since I've been there. There were these beautiful witchy like boots, but unfortunately they were a size too small!! That makes me sad.

I wish I could have found more treasures, but I at least came out with something nice...I think. I found these beautiful tie dye silk pleated shorts from Rachel Roy!

Unfortunately, they are a few sizes too big. But how could I resist such a buy? They were ONLY $4 and the texture was sooo soft and smooth! And besides, the design, is just wild enough for me.

So my question here is, how do I take these in to make them slimmer? Any tips? I know I could easily go to a tailor, but wouldn't it be cheaper and thriftier to do it on my own? Certainly wouldn't be too hard. If anyone knows any good tutorials and tips, please share them with me!

I have a habit of buying clothes that are too big for me. Blame my mother who used to tell me that I'll eventually "grow into it". Tutorials would truly be helpful!!

On another note, I beat QWOP!!!! I'm a national hero!!! It is honestly one of the hardest games. But I found a way to conquer it!! Always a track athlete =D

Let's Back Up to my China Days.

2010-12-18T00:23:00.000-05:00

It always excites me at the prospect of being able to go on vacation. Though as terrible as it seems, I was never a big fan of trips with my direct family. Of course I love and care about them, but being in a foreign place with no one but your family to turn to can be quite annoying. Not only that, there really isn't anyone your age to associate with or to make friends with!

A year ago, in the summer of Grade 11 (this sounds ages ago!), I was given the opportunity to travel to China with a group of students...with no parents! Well of course there were teacher supervisors, but to know how easy it was to sneak out of the hotel...is honestly a joke.

To think that didn't want to go in the beginning with fears of being the oldest student, is something I deeply regret. China was...to say the least...the single most amazing experience I have ever had in my life thus far. I went in thinking that I was one of the oldest, and that I wouldn't make any friends. I have no idea why I do this all the time, but I always have my self-doubts.

When I found out that a friend I knew since Grade 9 was going on the trip as well, some of the weight came off of my shoulders. I was finally able to relax, take a chill pill and just enjoy! And besides, I ended up making many friends, for which I am grateful to have met.

However, this is not a post about making friends. Although it does have a big part in this, this post is really about taking chances to travel alone without your family to gain more experiences.

During my two week trip to China, I not only saw several tourist attractions such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Bird's Nest, the WaterCube, and Tienanmen Square. What came with that were fun times and inside jokes (AWWWW CORNY) and several useful lessons such as how to properly cross a street full of crazy drivers, how to bargain with the locals, how McDonalds in China is so much better than the ones in Canada, how Wal-Mart in China is amazing, and of course how to take care of myself (*CUE MORE AWWWS*)

And the food...the food was amazing. I wish I had taken more photos of the food. I sincerely regret that. However, the taste will always remain in my memories (hehe).

Nevertheless, I have learned my lesson. Never pass by a traveling opportunity. I believe that everyone must take a pilgrimage to their home country at least once in their life.

More awesome in real life I tell you! Just wish I was there a year back when Usain Bolt beat the world record!

Carson and I chilling with the Olympic Mascots. I wish I brought one home!!

I assure you, I didn't eat any of that! Only in China...

Why can't Canada have such goodness?

Friends!!!! I think we should get together soon!! ? YES?

This was when I conquered the Great Wall!! Well there is one thing for sure, I didn't like wearing these green shirts. We stood out like Christmas lights!!!

So you want to be a journalist?

2010-12-14T19:16:00.000-05:00

Today my fellow journalism friend sent me a funny video making fun of the career of an aspiring journalist.

Now of course this was a bit of an exaggeration, but I couldn't help but wonder a little bit about my career.

I have always known that many, many journalists struggle with finding jobs after graduating from post-secondary education. However, I always thought that if I tried really, really hard, I would be able to get by.

Now of course that would be the case for every single career but I always fear that my voice wouldn't be heard. That I, would not be able to make a difference in the world.

And then there's the money factor which worries me a teeny bit about not being able to afford my own home and enough money to raise a family. I mean, I don't want to be 30 and living at home with my parents.

It would not be ideal for me to live the hermit life behind the computer screen in my parents' basement. Already, living at home and not being to get into residence is making me feel this way.

But maybe I should stop worrying, because I'm only 18 and there is much to come in my future. Instead, I should really study for French, and prepare for this presentation I have to do in front of high school students tomorrow.

And besides,perhaps if I can't get by with what I'm doing, maybe I can just marry a rich man. I mean, I'm charming right??

Just kidding.
Though one thing is for sure, I will try not to fit into the above stereotype of the poor little piggie who wants to be a journalist.

Tis the Season to go Shopping...shopping...shopping...

2010-12-07T18:50:00.000-05:00

You know what I love about Christmas?

The act of giving...giving presents to my loved ones that is.

However, my Christmas shopping progress hasn't been doing so great. I only bought one gift. The rest, were presents for me.

Going to school downtown has seriously affected the way I spend my time and money. Not a week goes by where I don't end up buying a little 'somethin somethin' for me. It certainly doesn't help the fact that I there are so many sales taking place this time of the year. Most especially, at H&M.

There's this crazy bonanza at the accessories section where many things are priced at $2, $5, $10, $15 and $20. Knowing what a thrifty Asian I am, I rushed towards the $2 section...hehehehe.

I usually don't feel guilty for buying things on sale, but knowing that I have been spending a bit too much, the guilt started to kick in.

So the question I have here today is: What's the use in Christmas shopping when I only buy things for myself?

I wonder if this is a tactic to lure us Christmas shoppers to SPEND SPEND SPEND! Probably. Or perhaps they're making Christmas shoppers buy more things by spending MORE money.

My GOSH, H&M is such a marketing GENIUS...they're getting richer...while I get poorer...

But I couldn't help it. I look too cute with my new hair accessories. (VANITY)

Honestly, how can anyone resist a flower that makes her (or him) look like an Asian princess???

EAT YOUR HEART OUT KATE MIDDLETON!! There's a new princess in town. STEP ASIDE, I'm going to be the next MULAN!!!!!!

I'm totally joking.....I look like a complete idiot...but a cool one, I hope.

Seriously. This is what I call the face of a winner.

P.S. I went to H&M yesterday and saw that beautiful ruffle and lace shirts were selling for $7!! I was going to buy one, but I decided to resist myself. NO MORE SHOPPING UNTIL I AM DONE EXAMS!!!!

Note to self: STEP FAR FAR AWAY FROM H&M.

Tumblr's down= OMG MY LIFE IS RUINED.

2010-12-06T23:11:00.000-05:00

For those of you on Tumblr, the following image must be quite familiar to you.

For the past 24 hours, Tumblr was unavailable due to a maintenance issue that took down a critical database cluster (whatever that means...), thus bringing down the entire network.

Now as a Tumblr user, this posed as a small irritant when I wanted to procrastinate from studying. To others, the effect of Tumblr's "black-out" was much more dramatic.

All over my Facebook and Twitter feeds, I saw status updates complaining about the site's downfall.

"TUMBLR, Y U NO WORK?"
"TUMBLR'S down. Means life is down."
"I've been refreshing Tumblr for three hours now!!!"
"R.I.P. TUMBLR....."

I think you get the point.

But the bigger question I have is: Why is Tumblr being down such a big inconvenience?

To me, Tumblr is just a place to reblog and re-post pictures, quotes, and funny memes. It becomes excessive spamming and nobody cares at all what original content you decide to put onto your blog To me, Tumblr's just a bit of a distraction (although it is fun at times!)

From observing everyone's frustrations to Tumblr's service fail to the happiness and "Hurrahs!" of the site being back up again, it really makes me wonder what kind of impact Tumblr has had in all of our lives. Barely anything posted is original, you see things that have been posted five times already, and things are reblogged so often that it's gotten to the point where you don't know what the hell you've put onto your blog.

I realize I sound like some bitter fool over here, but I just want to ask if all this was really necessary.

Not to rain on anyone's parade...but there IS a world (GASP) that exists outside of Tumblr (YES, a world with life that is more than looking at memes, pretty pictures, GIFS, and blogs).

Perhaps, we might need to reevaluate the ways we spend our time.

Though enough with the ranting. The resurrection of Tumblr has brought many humourous memes and quotes that I would like to share with all of y'all.

"I survived the Tumblr blackout of 2010."

Your life is sad. I'm sorry.

LOVE the Spongebob reference.

And my absolute personal favourite...

I honestly have no words to describe this.

Phonics.

2010-12-02T22:32:00.000-05:00

Does it ever bother you when someone tells you that you've pronounced a word wrong?

It kind of bothers me.

No, actually it bothers me a lot. Especially, when it's on video for everyone to see.

Human mistake...

Maybe I need a phonics lesson. Who knows? I did always find phonics fun in elementary school....

Anyways, I pronounced a word wrong in this corny video, and I will give you 10 points if you guess the word!!

This video is a reflection of the Big Question feature I was stressing over all last week!

TOO ASIAN? HOW ABOUT TOO RACIST?

2010-11-26T22:58:00.000-05:00

I realize I'm a bit late, but I was very disappointed with Macleans after having read an article about Canadian universities being too Asian. In my mind, the reporting done was absolutely terrible as I found that the writer made race an issue, which is funny, coming out of a Canadian magazine.

Click here for the article.

As an Asian-Canadian, I was incredibly offended.

From what I got from this article, I got a sense that the writer felt that Asians were being forced into school. Perhaps, even into certain programs.

First of all, I'm Asian. Second, I was never forced into a program that I had no interest in.
In fact, I'm studying Journalism, a fairly small program with not many Asians at all.

The article starts off with a girl named Alexandra, who chose to go to Western because schools such as UofT were "Too Asian."

"“Too Asian” is not about racism, say students like Alexandra: many white students simply believe that competing with Asians—both Asian Canadians and international students—requires a sacrifice of time and freedom they’re not willing to make. They complain that they can’t compete for spots in the best schools and can’t party as much as they’d like (too bad for them, most will say)."

Well if I ever meet this Alexandra girl, I would like to say my fair share of equally offensive things towards her. But of course, I won't. Causing more racism would not solve anything!!

I find it ironic how she says the issue isn't about race, because the whole article being spoken about deals with race!

Living in a country as diverse as Canada, students of all races should not feel resentment from choosing the university of their choice. And also, why is it a bad thing that Asians choose to work hard and get to go to a good school/program? Perhaps, students who weren't accepted aren't trying hard enough and want blame other people for their problems.

That's like saying: "I'M JUST GOING TO BLAME THAT ASIAN OVER THERE FOR TAKING MY SPOT BECAUSE I DECIDED TO SLACK OFF."

And the answer to why all Asians choose to stick together in groups? One will never know....

That’s not to say Asian students form any sort of monolithic presence on Canadian campuses. “The mainland China group tends to stick together,” says Anthony Wong, 19, a Waterloo software engineering student. “We can talk to them,” says Jonathan Ing, also 19 and in Waterloo’s software engineering program, “but we don’t mingle.” Complains Waterloo student Simon Wang, a Chinese national who is frustrated by the segregation at Waterloo: “Why bother to come to Canada and pay five times as much to speak Chinese?”

Although, I can take a crack at that answer:
Seeing the way people think of them, I'd stick to my people too!

You see, if there weren't more ethnic people going to school in Canada, people would not be complaining about universities being "too white."

And besides, race shouldn't be an issue, as it doesn't completely make a person who he/she is.

It is also terrible to say that Asians are taking away spots from people in university. I think that people have to take into consideration the work-ethic of people in general, and not people of a certain race. Of course, many Asians are hard-working, but just like every other human being, there are slackers as well. (YES, THERE ARE ASIANS WHO DON'T GO TO SCHOOL AND HAVE A CRAP JOB TOO! JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!!)

And from what I know from my other Asian friends, they tried REALLY hard to get into competitive programs.

So what's the big deal? It's a problem for them to work hard so they can set out a good future for themselves and their families?

OH YES. WHAT A TERRIBLE THING FOR SOCIETY. *GASP*

It is clear that racism exists in Canada with the many stereotypes made of people of colour such as African-Americans, Latinos, Indians, etc. (forgive me if this sounds offensive).

However, Canadians also need to realize that East Asians are also victims of racism.
As Canadians, we need to fully reevaluate the way we see people in our society. People are going to keep coming into the country for a better future. Hardly anything can change that. So please, just accept it.

Now having said that, I have decided that I need to refrain from being such an "overachieving Asian" and stop writing this blog post.

I think maybe I'll just go play some hockey and eat some poutine. I hope that's Canadian enough for you.

People also get the notion that Asians like to pose like this. I like to keep that stereotype alive.

P.S. I'd also like to think that Miley secretly want to be as awesome as us ASIANS. SORRY, NO CAN DO!!!

Me a Year Ago...

2010-11-17T20:36:00.000-05:00

One year ago, I made a self-portrait for my film class. It's pretty self-explanatory, but it's really nice to see how things have changed since then.

I know I still look the same and act sort of the same, but I feel so much wiser and mature from that point in my life.

Though this time around, I am no longer wearing uniform and I am attending school downtown! Not to mention, I'm actually ALWAYS at the mall! High school seems like such a long time ago. Yes, I do miss it, but I'm glad to be studying a program I really love! Mind you, I can do without the mandatory English course though...and perhaps the marks I have been getting...

It's nice to look back at things like these. I hope I can make an update soon! Stay tuned!!

What makes a SuperDog?

2010-11-17T00:29:00.000-05:00

All it takes to make a SuperDog is motivation and a lot of cookies.

At least, that’s how Sue Trout’s Rottweiler Slinger learns.

Slinger, who’s three, twisted, hopped, and danced in front of a roaring crowd Tuesday afternoon.

Trout, along with her dog, is in Toronto for the 88th annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to perform at the SuperDogs competition.

An owner of two Rottweilers, Trout, 58, prefers to train almost every day.

“I’m kind of a train-a-holic. I just enjoy spending the time with my dogs and seeing what I can come up with and what I can teach them.”

Having performed with her dogs in the SuperDogs show for 22 years, Trout says the best way to train a dog is to be very motivational, instead of getting frustrated and angry with them.

Alluding to shows such as The Dog Whisperer which uses choke chains to train dogs, Trout thinks the methods used are not the correct ways to help a dog learn.

“To anybody, who will take a dog and hang it till his breath has gone out of him and then put it on the ground and say ‘Look, I have control’, that’s not training. That’s abuse,” she said.

Instead, Trout advises dog owners to go to a proper dog training school.

She thinks that people abuse dogs because they don’t realize that dogs have to be taught to behave and learn from their mistakes.

“People expect that dogs just drop out of the womb knowing how to heel. Well they don’t. You have to teach them. So take a cookie, shove it in their nose and walk them up the driveway for three weeks saying, "This is where I want you to heel.”

For Trout, she prefers to spend time with each of her two dogs to give them the attention they need.

“I don’t want my dogs suppressed. I want them keen to be able to make a mistake and go: ‘I’m not going to get a reward for that,’ rather than being punished.”

Nicky Snook, a personal dog trainer, also says that a dog’s behaviour can be traced from how the owner acts.

“I believe what energy used and portrayed are what the dogs are going to feel. So if you’re scared, the animal is going to feel it. So you just need to be very calm, and be relaxed about it. They do better that way. They feel that you’re confident as well. That’s what I find with every dog I’ve worked with that have fear problems or aggression problems. You can’t get anxious. It just doesn’t work for them. Praise, telling them “Good Dog”, petting them at the right time, feeding them at the right time, you can get them over those obstacles.”

Snook, 38, says a lot of people are in too much of a hurry to train their dogs. She suggests taking small steps to show the dog to not be afraid and to learn.

“It’s taking the time to work with the dog. Taking the time to build that dog’s confidence. I want to help the people who want to help the dogs, and enjoy the dogs."

Sue Trout and her Rottweiler Slinger.

THIS IS HOW YOU BECOME A GOOD PHOTOJOURNALIST

2010-11-13T01:08:00.000-05:00

Last week, we had to go around downtown taking pictures for this pointless class I have to take. I don't know much about taking photos, but I felt the photos I took were pretty decent.

HOWEVER, all of my optimistic thoughts and dreams of being a GREAT (emphasize GREAT) photojournalist were shattered. Today, the whole class (ALL 30 of us, yes) spent 21/2(or more, I don't know) looking at all our pictures and listening to critiques.

I have heard "You need people in it," at least 20 times.
THEREFORE, this is what I have learned from the class today:

NO PEOPLE= BAD PHOTO.
SO HERE ARE WHY THESE PHOTOS ARE GOOD AND BAD ACCORDING TO THESE RULES.

This photo would make a great feature: COLD AND ANGRY STUDENTS WALKING IN THE RAIN AT THE RYERSON CAMPUS BEING FORCED TO TAKE PICTURES AROUND DOWNTOWN TORONTO.

Hmm...what would make this a bad photo? Oh, there are people in this photo!! ONE POINT. HOWEVER, there's no action. NEGATIVE 10 points...I'm sorry... THIS WOULD NOT BE PUBLISHED.

WHY THIS PHOTO IS GREAT:

1. There's action

2. There's people

3. Shows the sign "Fighing hunger"

However, won't be published because it's not zoomed in enough, and you can't see what people are doing. OH YEAH, RULE OF THIRDS. AND YOU DIDN'T GET DOWN ON YOUR KNEES AND DO DIFFERENT ANGLES AND STUFF.GET A CLOSE-UP OF A PERSON.

YOU KNOW WHAT, THIS PHOTO IS BAD BECAUSE THERE ARE NO PEOPLE IN IT. END OF STORY. NO ARGUMENTS.

AHA! PEOPLE!!!!! A LOT OF PEOPLE!!! GOOD PHOTO APPLAUSE! BUT A SIGN WOULD BE NICE YES? WHY ARE THEY LINING UP!?!?!

EUREKA! Two people in a picture!! But they're posing...so maybe it's not such a great photo. THEY NEED TO BE CANDID I TELL YOU!!!

I think this photo and this veteran are great! HOWEVER THIS IS NO ACTION, THEREFORE IT WON'T BE PUBLISHED. PLUS YOU NEED MORE PEOPLE IN THIS SHOT.

(Don't be hatin' on this veteran though! He was the best, and he was so sweet! He was such a charmer!!)

NO SAMANTHA. IT WOULD BE BETTER IF THERE WERE PEOPLE IN THIS SHOT.

END OF STORY.

I'm sorry. I still think film is so much better.

How Twitter Changed my Life.

2010-11-11T23:31:00.000-05:00

I used to hate Twitter. It was lame, stupid, pointless, and kind of stalkerish.

NOW, it's awesome! Want to know why?

It's because it's extremely helpful for a journalist to have one! Not only that, the love of my life also known as Patrick Chan retweeted me. OKAY, I'm not that creepy! I PROMISE!

Too bad he doesn't know who I am. OH WELL. Take it in though, his "Shirtless Patrick Chan!" video is linked to this one!!