It is sad that the police/city/society are starting to crack down on people. So much to the point that "indifference" as so many decry as the worst sin of all, is one's last remaining option for how to conduct him or herself in society.
New rules that prohibit people verbally insulting police officers:
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/577637
New rules re: sit-ins are illegal:
a friend of mine just got a call from a police officer this morning saying that a sit-in at city hall (to protest an ongoing strike) would be illegal.
And the list goes on. Seriously folks, one's gotta wonder what society is coming to. Freedom of Expression is gone. Perhaps we'll all have to migrate south one day to Obama land, where the Freedom of Expression and openness and accountability are real and not simply perceived. Harper may be a danger to our nation. I have word from a very reliable source that the federal government is moving on making biometrics (fingerprint scans, iris scans, etc.) MANDATORY for flying, entering government buildings, etc. Are we still individuals? Or will we simply become numbers and statistics in the next 10 years?
Ray Bradbury, if you can hear me, I'm scared.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Learning Mandarin
I have fallen in love with the Mandarin (chinese) language.
It is EASY too. Seriously. It's not so tough as people think. After just one 2 hour lesson (my first class) I can already pick out words from mandarin comments on message boards and from songs.
Of course, that is with pinyin. With pinyin, the Latin conversion of chinese characters, it is really quite simple. It's like when Turkish scholars translated (and simplified) Turkish from the Arabic script to a Latin script. It makes a languages SOOOOO easy to learn.
Mandarin has no tenses! Past, present, future. It's all the same. You just have to add a noun like "tomorrow" to differentiate.
Example: wo shi = I am
wo shi _____ = I was, or I will be. depending whether you add tomorrow, or yesterday. although I think it would be ______ wo shi in this case. noun before the verb in this sense.
To make a question a question it's the same as Turkish. You just add "ma" at the end.
To negate a sentence simply add a "bu". Either before or after the noun depending on the context.
Not too hard folks. There are probably close to 30 pinyin characters and then there are a few accents to add on. The direction of the accent indicates to the reader the tone of the letter.
example: in French, you could say, Je vais a Paris. That "a" would have an "accent grave" on it. Like a downward slope. In pinyin that character would be said: "ahh" with a downward tone. Like in the word: "Fall". easy eh?
some chinese music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQvy4yXjH4c
and a great chinese-english dictionary with pinyin:
http://www.mandarintools.com/worddict.html
It is EASY too. Seriously. It's not so tough as people think. After just one 2 hour lesson (my first class) I can already pick out words from mandarin comments on message boards and from songs.
Of course, that is with pinyin. With pinyin, the Latin conversion of chinese characters, it is really quite simple. It's like when Turkish scholars translated (and simplified) Turkish from the Arabic script to a Latin script. It makes a languages SOOOOO easy to learn.
Mandarin has no tenses! Past, present, future. It's all the same. You just have to add a noun like "tomorrow" to differentiate.
Example: wo shi = I am
wo shi _____ = I was, or I will be. depending whether you add tomorrow, or yesterday. although I think it would be ______ wo shi in this case. noun before the verb in this sense.
To make a question a question it's the same as Turkish. You just add "ma" at the end.
To negate a sentence simply add a "bu". Either before or after the noun depending on the context.
Not too hard folks. There are probably close to 30 pinyin characters and then there are a few accents to add on. The direction of the accent indicates to the reader the tone of the letter.
example: in French, you could say, Je vais a Paris. That "a" would have an "accent grave" on it. Like a downward slope. In pinyin that character would be said: "ahh" with a downward tone. Like in the word: "Fall". easy eh?
some chinese music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQvy4yXjH4c
and a great chinese-english dictionary with pinyin:
http://www.mandarintools.com/worddict.html
Friday, January 16, 2009
Parkour
I remember, back in the summer of 2007, a classmate making a presentation on PARKOUR. In Europe, and throughout California, this is a new craze among youth. And minus a few injuries (broken limbs, cracked ribs) what better way to get a good workout?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW3aCiWHSak&feature=related
Check out this video clip and more to see what Parkour has to offer. Most of those things I would not even begin to attempt and I know many of you reading this would not "try this at home" either. Which brings me to my next point.
Are there "special people" among us that can do such things and are they unique? For example, think of: Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa, Jet Li, and the guys in these videos. Perhaps they all carry a similar gene pattern that allows there body to work in such a Tarzan like fashion. How else can you explain some of the sheer strength it must take to perform such stunts? It really is extraordinary and I don't believe, that even with years of practice, I could attempt such things.
some good videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEeqHj3Nj2c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjQxIRWZu0c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qhgIdP3l3I&feature=related = AWESOME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW3aCiWHSak&feature=related
Check out this video clip and more to see what Parkour has to offer. Most of those things I would not even begin to attempt and I know many of you reading this would not "try this at home" either. Which brings me to my next point.
Are there "special people" among us that can do such things and are they unique? For example, think of: Jackie Chan, Tony Jaa, Jet Li, and the guys in these videos. Perhaps they all carry a similar gene pattern that allows there body to work in such a Tarzan like fashion. How else can you explain some of the sheer strength it must take to perform such stunts? It really is extraordinary and I don't believe, that even with years of practice, I could attempt such things.
some good videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEeqHj3Nj2c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjQxIRWZu0c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qhgIdP3l3I&feature=related = AWESOME
Amazing "Urban Ninja"!
Give credit where credit is due as they say. Check out this self-styled "urban ninja". Not bad for a kid who looks about 18.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kJZOfq7zk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2kJZOfq7zk&feature=related
Monday, January 12, 2009
Coyotes to Winnipeg?
Well the future looks bright for Canada's place in the NHL. The faltering economy, which I'm continuing to look away from, shutting my eyes and ears to the daily bombardment of doomsday news Canada's media outlets subject us to, has finally taken its toll on the NHL. And the first team to go? With any luck Phoenix. Sorry Phoenix fans but hockey is played on ice, not in a desert.
For too long we Canadians have been forced to endure the (forced) migration of our teams to south of the 49. Please, can someone enlighten me: why are there hockey teams in Tampa, Florida, and Phoenix? These cities have an average yearly temperature of 22 degrees! They have palm trees and sand dunes! Why, why, why do Winnipeg (Canada's coldest major city!) and Quebec City not have teams? Why! I'm pulling my hair out here.
How is it good business sense Mr. Bettman do have a team in Phoenix! Please. Does this make sense to anyone? I know that I am reviving an old debate here, one that was played out in 1996 when the Jets were given the boot. But seriously. The NHL is financially supporting the Coyotes! If the team was still in Winnipeg it wouldn't need that financial support. The MTS Centre would be packed to the roof every game! So what? It's too small? It only fits 15,000? Well dear critics, even though Jobing.com can fit 20,000 specatators, how many do they actually get per game? No more than 14,000. I've heard figures as low as 12,000 in fact.
What is wrong with this picture!? Why do (American) NHL governors insist on wrenching our beloved, historical! teams from us and stamping them into the US desert? We are Canadian! We love our hockey!
Buttman, sorry, Bettman, in trying to remap the National Hockey League by spreading the game to the far corners of the United States, has left Canadian hockey fans in the cold. Winnipeg fans only have the Moose to cheer for. Quebec fans only have the Laval Rouge et Or football team to cheer for.
In times of economic uncertainty award franchises to those cities that can support their own teams. If the NHL has to babysit a team then that city no longer deserves to have a team. Winnipeg and Quebec City always held their own. Give us back our teams!
For too long we Canadians have been forced to endure the (forced) migration of our teams to south of the 49. Please, can someone enlighten me: why are there hockey teams in Tampa, Florida, and Phoenix? These cities have an average yearly temperature of 22 degrees! They have palm trees and sand dunes! Why, why, why do Winnipeg (Canada's coldest major city!) and Quebec City not have teams? Why! I'm pulling my hair out here.
How is it good business sense Mr. Bettman do have a team in Phoenix! Please. Does this make sense to anyone? I know that I am reviving an old debate here, one that was played out in 1996 when the Jets were given the boot. But seriously. The NHL is financially supporting the Coyotes! If the team was still in Winnipeg it wouldn't need that financial support. The MTS Centre would be packed to the roof every game! So what? It's too small? It only fits 15,000? Well dear critics, even though Jobing.com can fit 20,000 specatators, how many do they actually get per game? No more than 14,000. I've heard figures as low as 12,000 in fact.
What is wrong with this picture!? Why do (American) NHL governors insist on wrenching our beloved, historical! teams from us and stamping them into the US desert? We are Canadian! We love our hockey!
Buttman, sorry, Bettman, in trying to remap the National Hockey League by spreading the game to the far corners of the United States, has left Canadian hockey fans in the cold. Winnipeg fans only have the Moose to cheer for. Quebec fans only have the Laval Rouge et Or football team to cheer for.
In times of economic uncertainty award franchises to those cities that can support their own teams. If the NHL has to babysit a team then that city no longer deserves to have a team. Winnipeg and Quebec City always held their own. Give us back our teams!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Diabetes and Depression
Just cleaning up the apartment today (after calling in to work "sick" as I am so tired after a crazy day yesterday...absolutely insanely busy day yesterday) and came across this newspaper article.
Many people don't give diabetics enough of a break. Us diabetics have a lot of mood swings and down times you know? There's a definite corelation between blood sugars/insulin levels and a diabetic person's mood.
(see newspaper article (image) at bottom)
Many people don't give diabetics enough of a break. Us diabetics have a lot of mood swings and down times you know? There's a definite corelation between blood sugars/insulin levels and a diabetic person's mood.
(see newspaper article (image) at bottom)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Bazi Turk Muzigi
Bazen zor bir zamanim var bazi turk sarkilari bulmak icin. Kendi kendime icin vurarim iste adresleri:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rny3BcGpLI0
Turkiye, herzaman sarki soylesin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rny3BcGpLI0
Turkiye, herzaman sarki soylesin.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Islamic Republic of Iran
I am thankful for the freedom of expression in Canada. I mean, we endure our own censorship in Canada (lack of funding / cuts to various projects, groups), but it is nothing like what it is in Iran.
I have never been there (nor do I wish to go quite frankly, until there is a change in government) but I have several friends and acquaintances from that once beautiful country.
Persia was once a place of wonder for us westerners. Of course, you'd have to go back three hundred years. But back then, Europeans raved about Persian rugs, marble/mosaic art (likely leftover from when the Ottoman Turks) and their gardens. Esfahan/Isfahan is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The country has seen the rise and fall of the Phrygian, the Persian, the Greek, and many other empires over the course of its long and ancient history.
However today, under the current Islamic regime, there are some despicable occurances happening there.
The execution of teenagers, the stoning of women, and the oppression of anyone who dares stand in the way of this government. I don't even want to write the names of those men in power. The president, in combination with the country's shah and religious authorities, have an iron grip on Iranian citizens. Crazily, some Iranian friends/acquaintances of mine still go back to visit. I could never step foot in that country after seeing a video like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVuclWLjwe8
Notice the brave soul at 0:40 and 4:12. I pray that there is a second revolution in this country. It will happen. The younger generation outnumbers the older one. The younger generation is progressive and forward thinking. Let 25 years pass, let these religious dictators die off, and then please, please, can Iran return to its once former glory and shake off the shackles of fundamentalist Islam.
I have never been there (nor do I wish to go quite frankly, until there is a change in government) but I have several friends and acquaintances from that once beautiful country.
Persia was once a place of wonder for us westerners. Of course, you'd have to go back three hundred years. But back then, Europeans raved about Persian rugs, marble/mosaic art (likely leftover from when the Ottoman Turks) and their gardens. Esfahan/Isfahan is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The country has seen the rise and fall of the Phrygian, the Persian, the Greek, and many other empires over the course of its long and ancient history.
However today, under the current Islamic regime, there are some despicable occurances happening there.
The execution of teenagers, the stoning of women, and the oppression of anyone who dares stand in the way of this government. I don't even want to write the names of those men in power. The president, in combination with the country's shah and religious authorities, have an iron grip on Iranian citizens. Crazily, some Iranian friends/acquaintances of mine still go back to visit. I could never step foot in that country after seeing a video like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVuclWLjwe8
Notice the brave soul at 0:40 and 4:12. I pray that there is a second revolution in this country. It will happen. The younger generation outnumbers the older one. The younger generation is progressive and forward thinking. Let 25 years pass, let these religious dictators die off, and then please, please, can Iran return to its once former glory and shake off the shackles of fundamentalist Islam.
Monday, January 5, 2009
rai nb fever
One of the greatest rai groups to come out of the middle east, rai nb fever is some pumpin' good s@%*.
http://tinyurl.com/96wxxy
http://tinyurl.com/a42t3x
http://tinyurl.com/9tgbsj
http://tinyurl.com/96wxxy
http://tinyurl.com/a42t3x
http://tinyurl.com/9tgbsj
Friday, January 2, 2009
Castle Wallpapers
Some nice castle wallpapers for all of you armchair travellers stuck in the office.
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wallpaperplanet.net/wallpapers/castle_8/Saumur%2520Castle,%2520Saumur,%2520France.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wallpaperplanet.net/wallpapers/castle8-wallpapers.shtml&usg=__qbMP8rNu4w_rnEs5OV_fYfbrHI0=&h=1200&w=1600&sz=355&hl=en&start=66&um=1&tbnid=k7ssgKR_8HDqNM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfrance%2Bcastle%26start%3D63%26ndsp%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wallpaperplanet.net/wallpapers/castle_8/Saumur%2520Castle,%2520Saumur,%2520France.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wallpaperplanet.net/wallpapers/castle8-wallpapers.shtml&usg=__qbMP8rNu4w_rnEs5OV_fYfbrHI0=&h=1200&w=1600&sz=355&hl=en&start=66&um=1&tbnid=k7ssgKR_8HDqNM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfrance%2Bcastle%26start%3D63%26ndsp%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
