Thursday, May 31, 2007

Introduction to the Study of Law - Waddams

Picked this up for $1 at BMV. Good deal, but it was the 1977 edition, so
this was pre-Canada Act.

I understand that this book has become a sort of a standard book to
introduce the laws to potential law students.

Some of the ideas like, judicial reasoning and stare decisis is
different than what I thought it would be.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Fisher Space Pen

Now ready for blast off!
(I know, I know. I am geeking out, but thisb really is the perfect b-day
gift for myself.)

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Thursday, May 24, 2007

What Were You In A Past Life?

What Were You In A Past Life?



Performer
You were on stage! You were not always rich, but you were always full of passion and expression. You traveled from show to show, lugging stage equipment, acting ,singing and dancing your little heart out in order to make ends meet. Unlike in this life, performers were not celebrated nut rather considered the bottom of society. You always knew your value, and perceived society as simply behind the times...much like you believe now.
Take The Quiz Now!Quizzes by myYearbook.com

How Insensitive -- Russell Smith



I just finished How Insensitive by Russell Smith in one day, over about two solid sittings. Rather proud of myself; I haven't seen myself read like this in a long time. I bought it a few weeks back.

Smith is a Queen's grad. A copy of this book sat in a display case for "up-and-coming" Queen's writers in the middle of Mac-Corry Hall, just outside the Geography computer lab. The book had a section all on it's own along with a portrait of Smith as a "young punk" next to a pillar outside Stauffer. I remember I used to pass by it almost everyday to class; in half admiration, half curiosity. I finally read and was not disappointed. Not disappointed at all.

I liked the book a lot. I made a few jot notes about it:

1) Canadian novels are slow. The story was great but the pacing was a canter instead of a trot. It seems like editorial decision. I wonder if American editors just green more in general. I noticed that other Canadian writers had the same laconic but sensual style as well.

2) Some of the dialogs of the main character, Ted, was a bit over the top. I know he was a post-modernist but the ones I know don't really talk like that.

3) The artsy scene has changed all that much since 1994 in Toronto.

4) Smith got the "Southern Ontario University" guys down pat.

Those guys all dress like they're about to ... go camping. Then they get rich and they dress like they're fat.
- Mike


5) A pair of Toronto quotes I really liked...

"I had no idea the city was so vast," said Ted. "I guess we only know a tiny part of it. I guess I don't know the real city. This isn't anything like the part we know. I mean we hardly ever leave a few square blocks."
"I go to Yorkville sometimes," said John.


and also a little later,

"Massive city," he said. "So spread out. Miles and miles of ugly places we'll never go. People who never have to come downtown. It's like lots of little small towns joined up. Seriously, we live in a small town. We hardly ever travel outside."
"I go to Yorkville sometimes," said John.

Shit, I did two hours worth of blogthings quizzes

I got very distracted in class today and I just kept doing these quizzes and couldn't stop. I probably did 30-40 of them.

At least I found out that I am Paris Hilton's fashion twin!

What Mythological Creature Are You?

You Are a Chimera

You are very outgoing and well connected to many people.
Incredibly devoted to your family and friends, you find purpose in nurturing others.
You are rarely alone, and you do best in the company of others.
You are incredibly expressive, and people are sometimes overwhelmed by your strong emotions.

Would You Be a Cool Parent?

You Will Be a Cool Parent

You seem to naturally know a lot about parenting, and you know what kids need.
You can tell when it's time to let kids off the hook, and when it's time to lay down the law.
While your parenting is modern and hip, it's not over the top.
You know that there's nothing cool about a parent who acts like a teenager... or a drill sergeant!

What's Your Pimp Name?

Your Pimp Name Is...

White Chocolate Luv

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to good manners and elegance.

In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored.

You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as something you thirst for. You'll do anything for love, but you won't fall for it easily.

Who's Your Celebrity Style Sister?

Your Celebrity Style Twin is Paris Hilton

Sassy, sexy, and totally hot!

What's Your Personality Type?

You Are An ENTP

The Visionary

You are charming, outgoing, friendly. You make a good first impression.
You possess good negotiating skills and can convince anyone of anything.
Happy to be the center of attention, you love to tell stories and show off.
You're very clever, but not disciplined enough to do well in structured environments.

You would make a great entrpreneur, marketing executive, or actor.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Your Blog Should Be Yellow

You're a cheerful, upbeat blogger who tends to make everyone laugh.
You are a great storyteller, and the first to post the latest funny link.
You're also friendly and welcoming to everyone who comments on your blog.

What's Your 80s Theme Song?

Your 80s Theme Song Is:

Walk Like an Egyptian by the Bangles

What Is Your Love Number?

Your Love Number is 4

You are a creative and expressive lover - a true romantic at heart.
An introspective soul, you know exactly how your ideal relationship should be.
But if you don't get that ideal, you tend to get a bit pouty and dramatic.
You need someone who can roll with the punches, that's for sure!

What Season Are You?

You Belong in Summer

Energetic, creative, and very curious about the world...
You're not going to let anything hold you back, especially a cold day.
Whether you're chilling out at the beach or partying all night, you live for the warm weather.

What's Your Love Style?

Your Love Style is Ludus

You like to think of love as the ultimate game
And you love to play... even if it means lying a little
You're a bit afraid to be close, and you don't get too attached
A serial dater, you tend to date a few people at once
And it's all good, until one of your sweeties finds out!

What Is Your Seduction Style?




Your Seduction Style: The Coquette



You are a pro at playing the age old game of hard to get.

Your flirting style runs hot and cold, giving just enough to keep them chasing you.

Independent and self-sufficient, you don't need any one person to make you compelte.

And that independence is exactly what makes people pursue you.

What Sort of Artist Should You Be?

You Should Be a Poet

You have a way with words... and a talent for drawing the pure emotions out of experiences.
Your poetry has the potential to make people laugh and cry at the same time. You just need to write it!

What's Your Travel Personality?

Your Travel Personality Is: The Adventurer

For you, travel is how you learn about the world. And you like to learn the stuff that's not in guidebooks.
You truly have wanderlust. When you're not traveling, you're dreaming about where you'll go next.
And your travels are truly legendary - they leave you with stories you'll be telling for the rest of your life!

How Do People See You?

Slow and Steady

Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy.

They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder.

It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment.

They expect you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it.

What Language Should You Learn?

You Should Learn French

C'est super! You appreciate the finer things in life... wine, art, cheese, love affairs.
You are definitely a Parisian at heart. You just need your tongue to catch up...

How's Your Taste in Music?

Your Taste in Music:

90's Alternative: High Influence
90's R&B: High Influence
80's Alternative: Medium Influence
80's R&B: Medium Influence
Gangsta Rap: Medium Influence

What City Do You Belong In?

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern.
A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock.
A unique soul like you needs a city that offers everything.
No wonder you and London will get along so well.

Are You Masculine or Feminine?

You Are 76% Feminine, 24% Masculine

You are in touch with your feminine side.
Sensitive, intuitive, and caring are all words that describe you.
And you're just masculine enough to relate to both men and women.

Monday, May 21, 2007

I am having a hard time finishing my book. The weather is perfect. The
sun is warm and the wind brings just the right amount. The perfect
reading environment.

But I am near the end of the History of the Peloponnesian War. The
Athenian army is about to be destroyed in Sicily. This would be turning
point in the war as Athens finally over-stretch its resources to fight a
two-front war.

I knew it was going to happen, but I was kinda rooting for the Athenians
all the way. These guys were bold and so badass. They should've also won
the war -- even in retreat, they have 40,000 troops left. (By way of
comparison, the Americans have about 200,000 troops in Iraq today.) Very
sad. Their great fleet destroyed, most of their servants deserted, and
the whole army will soon be swallowed up.

But Athens wouldn't be the Athens we think of -- the birthplace of
Western culture -- without the Peloponnesian War. Such is the march of
history.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Jerry wants you! To learn English.

This assface is advertising is advertising all over the Chinese media in
Toronto how he can trach you English.

Speaking English will never be painful again!
Speak without an accent. Learn it fast.

Don't you want to learn English with Jerry as well?

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Isn't this the truth on a button?

Saw this on the TTC today on my way home.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

OCAD End-of-Year Show

Interesting but some are quite bland.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Mosoto -- Chat client for facebook



A new startup company is using Facebook's API to create a new instant messenger for Facebook.
It runs off the browser, so no additional software installation is needed.

It's still in Alpha right now and it doesn't seem to work. Probably due to their servers being overloaded by too many new users.

It should be pretty cool once it is in beta.

From Thucydides



When dealing with an enemy it is not only his actions but his intentions that have to be watched, since if one does not act first, one will suffer first.

- Athenagoras (VI, 38) History of the Peloponnesian War

Monday, May 07, 2007

Crashed bus

First it was a bus,
Then it was a wreck,
Now it is an intallation piece.
And that is that.

Friday, May 04, 2007

Fresh look, get outta the gloom

Since it is so nice outside,
I decided to change the template of my blog.

I was getting sick and tired of the black, dark, cluttered, claustrophobic, gloomy look.

It truely is HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!!

I am a beefcake again!

Just weight myself.
I am 138lbs, or 62.5kg.

I haven't weight this much since 3rd year.
I was still 125lbs last year.
Fuck. I am Beefcake!!

Hotbox Linux (and DOS too!)

Just saw this in the Seneca Library.
A giant dispenser box that will burn Ununtu or Koppix, free software,
and even FreeDOS.

It runs on a touchscreen, Really, Really cool.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007