Why I Heart Chris Matthews

September 11: Kanye vs Fiddy

Tuesday September 11, I walked into an HMV outlet at the Regent Mall in Fredericton, Canada to pick up a copy of Kanye West's Graduation. Little did I know, I was in for a treat.

The poster on the door, which had the covers of Kanye's Graduation and 50 Cent's Curtis read, "Buy one, get the other free," and I was like "Amen!" $12.99 for rap's hottest releases!

It was hilarious to think of. What would Fiddy or Kanye say if they heard about this?

I was never going to buy Curtis anyway, so this was a bonus for me. I've listened to both, over and over again, and there's no doubt that Curtis was worth the giveaway. It's just not in the same class with Graduation.

If I were a movie... or a leader

Okay, I really don't know how to take this... :S

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Apparently, I'm Hitler and The Godfather

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Michael Moore, Politics, & More Propaganda

It’s quite worrying to observe a trend in today’s current affairs. Almost everything is driven by politics and propaganda.

Many Democrats have capitalized on the failures of the Iraq war, and indeed the Bush administration in general. I’m not suggesting that there’s no genuine dissatisfaction with Bush’s many shenanigans, but his opponents have used his letdowns as a means of forwarding their own personal agendas, and this is just wrong.

Michael Moore perfectly timed the release of his latest eruption Sicko, a movie in which he does nothing but jab the American health system and of course, the Bush administration. Everyone knows the American health system is hugely flawed, and credit to him for exposing certain facts. However, the question here is – what are Moore’s true motives for Sicko?

It’s easy to say that he’s exercising journalistic freedom, or perhaps he’s driven by a deep passion for Americans and their struggle to obtain health care. It would be great if this was the case, but it’s not. Micheal Moore is not a hero.

Will the concerts have any impact on global warming?

Al Gore’s global warming initiatives reached a high with the Live Earth concerts over the past weekend. With billions of viewers all around the world, and a line-up of music’s biggest stars, it was a huge success; well, from a music point of view.


His motives have been questioned, and even criticized by the likes of Sir Bob Geldof, and particularly the American conservative media.

I really enjoyed some of the performances. The likes of Madonna, Sting, Kanye West, Metallica, John Mayer, and The Pussycat Dolls were at their best on stage, and it was an awesome gig. However, the question that needs to be asked is how the concerts, which were held in seven different cities, will impact people’s attitude towards global warming.

I doubt whether the people who attended the concerts, or watched it on television, have sold their cars and bought bicycles instead.

Al Gore travels in a private jet, by the way.

This casts a big question mark on Live Earth’s relevance and achievement. It also makes me wonder if the goals of global warming initiatives are realistic, in terms of combating climate change. It’s a shame that we're slowly losing grip of our own planet, and with more technological advancements (like the iPhone, for example) I think we’re reaching a point of no return.

Read: theswirls.vox.com

Graduation | Heroes & Thieves

I’m eagerly anticipating two CDs coming out right at the end of summer. Kanye West’s third album, Graduation, and Vanessa Carlton’s third album Heroes & Thieves.

West’s Graduation includes collaborations with John Mayer, Daft Punk, Coldplay, and John Legend, to name a few. I just listened to the album version of “Bittersweet,” the single with John Mayer, and it’s an amazing song.

Kanye West originally wrote it as a poem, and it was recorded when John Mayer paid him a visit in 2006. "Stronger" (with Daft Punk) is already the summer's dance club favourite.

However, I do have mixed feelings about Vanessa Carlton’s Heroes & Thieves. After her sophomore album, Harmonium failed to break into the charts (blame it on “White Houses”), she got dumped by her record company, and is now signed to Irv Gotti’s Murder Inc. Records. Weird combination eh?

Vanessa Carlton is hugely talented, and although Harmonium was a commercial disaster, it’s still one of the best albums I’ve heard in years; great lyrics, and piano play that just blows your mind away.

Girls, Guys, and Dating (Part II)

A few days ago, I read an interesting article which claimed that most girls’ biggest fear is being single in their ‘golden years’. Golden years, being the mid-twenties, post-college age. This is interesting.

Why do girls have this fear? First of all, many girls are insecure, especially about the future. I think it’s just human nature.

On the other hand, most guys hardly think about this. For the most part, guys just take things as they come, and apply caution where necessary.

As a result of this fear, when they ‘fall in love’ with a guy, girls often want to ‘hold on tight’ to him, whether it’s an actual relationship, or just a simple crush. This holding-on sometimes does a little damage. Careful, I only said sometimes.

It’s almost an unfair balance, because girls have a harder time meeting the ‘right person’, than guys do. The first unfairness is that (ideally) girls are the ones who have to be found.

The second, which girls often don’t realize, is that it’s very hard for guys to find exceptional girls. Most guys, at least, the worthwhile ones, meet a lot of girls, and almost subconsciously try to determine if she is an ‘exceptional’ one. When this is the case, he shows interest, as the case may be. However, if it’s not the case, he just moves on, and the ‘others’ come into play.

So who are these ‘exceptional girls’? These are the ones who have options, and do the same thing that the guys (stated above) do. They know other guys, and when it doesn’t work, they move on, and the ‘others’ come into play. Guys actually find this very attractive.

Person of the Week: STEPHEN

Stephen, the random holidaymaker who knocked-out one of the Glasgow airport terrorists with a punch in the face, as the terrorist was trying to pour fuel in the flaming SUV that was used to carry out the attack.

Personally, if I were Stephen, I would have punched him in the face, kicked him in the nuts, and then thrown him BACK into the flaming SUV.

Read my full view on the issue: http://theswirls.vox.com/

Liberals are lunatics. Conservatives are hypocrites.

Read my new political blog: http://theswirls.vox.com/ It's tasty!

Feelings: June 25

Time slowly ticks away
All you can really do is wait

Suddenly the alarm goes off
And you discover that... you're late.

- Me

Guys, Girls, and Dating

When you look at dating & relationships from a long distance, it’s funny that the so-called complexities are actually just frivolous things that one could easily pass-up.

So it goes like this…

Two people meet; they have a thing for each other, and kick it off, knowing when the time is right. Just like the movies. But what happens when this isn’t the case?

Sometimes, one person isn’t interested and tries to back-away, but there could be a problem with this. How to communicate this to the ‘dreamer’.

As a matter of fact, communication isn’t even the big problem. There are other barriers ahead of this minor dilemma. Why does this person suddenly want to back-away?

One reason for ‘backing-away’ is a common personal issue. Many people struggle with a thing called insecurity. Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s that very same insecurity.

Over-thinking situations, and excessive worry, compounded with a phobia for taking chances eclipses their view, and hinders them from experiences that could, to a certain extent, be decisive; the very same decisiveness in which their life and thinking is based upon.

What other reasons could there be for ‘backing-away’? Very often, a person has someone else whom he or she is interested in, or a person from the past whom he or she is still interested in. Like myself, for example, I’ve had a thing for Renée Zellweger (yes, say whatever, I don’t care) since Jerry Maguire back in the 90’s.

And I have to say, it has been a hindrance to my progress in the ‘girl’ field because you think she's just not good enough, or "not Renée" as I like to say. But if I’m never able to get Renée, I might someday get someone close enough.

Attraction, they say, is not a choice. It is true indeed. I believe the true things that trigger attraction are the things we refuse to admit. Everyone has a picture of their ‘perfect soul mate.’

You know what I’m talking about: the tall dark-haired beauty with a soft voice, perfect smile, killing body shape, funny, shiny white teeth, and all that crap we think about.

The thing is we’re never going to meet that person. Did I just say never? Okay, maybe not never, but there’s a very remote chance of you meeting that person; not that such a person doesn’t exist.

How about the person who you ‘think’ you like? That person who makes you laugh, whom you really enjoy talking to, share common interests with, and knows how to make your day. Naturally, as humans, chances are we might not be ‘that’ attracted to such a person. It’s just the way we are: illogical.

However, what we do find attractive is the mysterious or even the impossible. But should that be the case? Personally, I believe that most people, if they take their chances, will eventually end up with someone who’s just good enough for them.

I like good enough.

Sometimes, we have experiences with the wrong people; but these experiences are good for us because we learn more about “that person” whom we haven’t met yet. According to John Mayer, we’re just learning what to contrast “that person” against, just as someone somewhere is doing the same to us.

This is an area where I’m straight-up caught; being over-careful, and as a result, possibly missing out on a few of these potential ‘Renées.’

Drifting away from the philosophical talk, guys and girls have different attitudes towards their other-sex relationships. Most guys are laid back, (apart from special cases, including when he has a crush and starts acting like a total jerk) and girls often read meaning into EVERY situation.

So while guys often miss it, girls think it. Girls worry about whether they appeared to be cool, or interesting, or about that thing he said (Wait, what could it have meant?) or the way he was looking at her.

Girls often jump into conclusions, even wild ones, as to how a guy (presumably) feels about them, based on what they SEE. The problem here is that most guys have a hard time SHOWING these things that girls tend to see.

So you wonder, where did at all come from? In the same vein, guys and girls alike often feel this way about themselves. In the form of the old “it’s done, I screwed it up” feeling.

Well, maybe you did, but your comeback is not moaning about how pathetic you were; it’s really about how you pathetically didn’t put yourself together.

In these types of situations, people need to stop caring about what they’re doing, and instead worry about what they’re NOT doing. As a good start, look in the mirror and ask yourself what needs to be done next.

Feelings: June 14

I've been using my Flickr a lot. Flickr is awesome. I've also been editing some of the photos with my new Photoshop CS2.

So this is how I feel today...

(Picture originally from Danielle's Flickr page)

Ironic

Life is so full of irony. It's funny that I'm writing this just after the last post, but it's true.
Most things in life don't make sense.

The right things happen to the wrong people, and wrong things happen to the right (well, wrong) people.

Life sometimes doesn't make any sense at all. Irony is what ends up making sense. So how ironic, that me, of all people is writing about how ironic life is.

Thinking

Sometimes I wish...

I could tell what people think.

I could tell why people think those things.

I could make people understand the way I think.

I could make people think the way I think.

I could think like other people.

I could think like other people think, about me.

- Me

When a shower comes to an end

When a shower comes to an end
Sometimes you just have to pretend
When you don’t trust someone you love
Times you look up, and there’s nothing above.

When the rains pour down without ceasing
And you can’t make friends without pleasing
Just like the alarm gets you out of bed
And when you don’t stop until something hits you in the head.

When your favourite song stops playing
And the doctor says you’re staying
When you turn the lights off
Times you want to talk, but all you do is cough.

When a shower comes to an end
Almost like the past that we try to amend
Truthfully, life faces one direction
And it’s your decision, I better mention.

May 16, 2007. One of the days inspiration payed a visit.
The first verse came while I was in the shower, and I spat the rest out in due time.

Untitled

A poem I just completed. Not sure what to title it. It could also do with some more proofreading.

Untitled

Driving down, it’s almost midnight
And overhead, I see a bright light
Not sure where it’s from, or why its there
But I do know for sure, that it’s surreal in sight

Now it’s blinking, it’s got me thinking
And I’m finding it hard to concentrate on what I’m doing
I could choose to ignore it, but I simply can’t
Only makes it all the more alluring

As I drift closer, it’s still in the horizon
The nearer I seem to be, the farther it appears
Now its even more fascinating, than the sun rising
In the morning, and speaking of, it’s now early morning

I have to find the source of the light, although it could be nothing really
But I still have a strong urge, and I shouldn’t be judged
I start to travel northeast, in search of this light
In spite of the fact that I’m having a bit of fright

As I drive northeast, the bright light appears closer
I try not to keep my hopes too high, ‘til it’s all over
And lo, I look in front of me… and there’s a tall bright figure
Standing, and with a feminine physique, it’s trying to tell me something

It says nothing, but points its long hands in the opposite bearing
I follow its hands’ motion, but cannot see anything
I try to speak; my mouth moves, but my voice mutes
Stiffness from head to toe, as it slowly turns towards me

Looking onward, I try to re-start my Dodge, but it won’t budge
It slowly tilts in my direction
I look at its face, and what I see…
I feel a severe chill across my body

To be continued…

Halifax for a day

I usually don’t enjoy traveling (especially by road), but I’m actually enjoying this one. Not just because I’ve been listening to Hillsong (it’s so good) on my laptop, or because I have two seats to myself, but also because it’s a short trip to and from Halifax. For most of my life, I’ve become accustomed to long trips, and as a result, an inevitable detestation for traveling gradually developed.

Traveling to Halifax, we passed a few towns in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and I’ve had a bit of inner fun knowing that I have friends from there. We’re actually just leaving Sackville, and I thought of Kehinde, who attends MTA in Sackville. In fact, when the bus stopped at the Irving (oh, how I hate saying ‘the Irving,’ it just sounds so razz). I poked my head out hoping that by some chance, Kehinde could just, just happen to be there, and I’ll give her the surprise scare of her life. Burrr. She wasn’t just going to randomly appear at the Irving because I wished so.

Halifax is a really nice city. I think I’ll like to live there sometime, because it’s a big city, but not too crazy, if you know what I mean.

Anyways, I found this really neat map of NB online. It came in handy during the trip. However, that doesn’t mean you can copy and paste it without my permission. Try it. I’ll sue you. Yesterday, I also wrote a poem, a shortstory, and part of the screenplay for an upcoming movie. Suffice to say, it’s been quite a productive trip.

Donald Trump Needs a Good Spanking

Donald Trump. What an asshole! Yes, I just said that. His recent feud with Rosie O’Donnell just shows how shallow-minded people can be, even with billions of dollars in the bank.

His description of O’Donnell as ‘fat’, ‘unattractive’, and ‘repulsive’ among others was hilarious in itself, just seeing the seriousness on his face.

Responding to satirical humour with personal attacks is nothing but immature and self-reflective of insecurity and inflated self-esteem. If the last sentence makes any sense, it certainly sums up my view on his scathing insults on Rosie.

Donald Trump is a self-made celebrity. His desperation to constantly be in the limelight is quite disgusting to say the least; from the TV shows, to the many publicity stunts he’s pulled off.

How many times have we seen Bill Gates or Robert Kiyosaki on Entertainment Weekly? Did I just say Bill Gates? My apologies, Bill. Holy meatballs, they aren’t even in the same league. Gates’ estate is worth about 40 times Trump’s and he doesn’t need to brag about it.

I don’t have a problem with arrogance. I actually admire arrogance to a certain extent. Kanye West, Theirry Henry, and Kobe Bryant are all arrogant millionaires, who have often been on the receiving end of criticism for this reason; but Trump’s arrogance is all too forceful for my liking. Forbes Weekly also revealed that Trump exaggerates his worth, and he’s denied that as well.

He does a terrible job trying to be condescending, and putting on the cool “James Bond” face at the same time. Please see the video where he gave Miss America a second chance.

Mr. Trump, if you have nothing better to do with your money, give to charity and make a difference in someone’s life, as there are many people out there who have nothing.

His show, The Apprentice is one of many reality shows that I don’t watch, because they play so much on people’s emotions in real life situations, and I’m just not a big fan of all that.

Donald Trump needs to look around at other self-made billionaires. They enjoy their money, and stay away from trouble. I think he needs to do the same, before it’s too late.

"A Type of Bird That Sounds Like 'Square' "

Christmas Day = Awesome.

We went for service at a church downtown, and then headed home for lunch. As I speak, no gifts have been opened yet; we are all procrastinating. Some of my extended family were coming in from Detroit, and Lord, I last saw them almost ten years ago.

So we had lunch, and the family gathering started. My uncle's friend brought his spacious SUV from Markham, because none of us knew the way there. The Detroit folks arrived, and everyone headed to Markham (just outside of Toronto) for the big family Christmas dinner. I thought it would be awkward meeting my American cousins whom I haven’t seen since Christmas 1996 or so; but it turned out okay.

We all warmly welcomed each other, watched the Miami Heat vs Lakers game, which of course, my Heat won ;) Then we had dinner, which I won’t go into, because the turkey was all over the place really. I have no idea how many turkeys got into the oven that afternoon, because it was just ridiculously plenty, even for an extended family event. Anyways, yeah, I ate a lot. (surprise!)

After dinner, we played a game of Catch Phrase, which was so hilarious, as it exposed people’s stupidity, overreaction, and senses of humor as well. The highlight of the evening, which kept me laughing loud for over half an hour: My cousin Elo had the word “Squirrel” and was to describe it to her team.

She said, “A type of bird that sounds like square,” and after nobody could guess it, she told the answer. There was utter shock and disbelief, and then the laughs burst out. So much for wearing her McGill hoodie with pride eh. That’s just a statement that will remain in the family for the longest time, I would imagine. Squirrel, a bird? Unbelievable.

Bond, Casino Royale, and MacGuffins

I just went to Mississauga to see the latest Bond 007 movie: Casino Royale. It was such a good movie, inside out. Now, this isn’t like me saying “Oh, Passion of the Christ was very good, or Mission Impossible was freaking good!” Casino Royale is a cinematic masterpiece, anyway you look at it.

What makes a good movie? Unpredictability, suspense, attention, humour, rationale, and good acting are what I look for in a movie, and this one scored them all. In the first scene Bond (played by the remarkable Daniel Craig) goes on a wild chase of a target in Madagascar, after the MacGuffin is thrown off.

The MacGuffin was well executed in this one, and it didn’t take me until the end of the movie to realize what had happened. The African guy receives a text message with the word “ELLIPSIS.” That was the MacGuffin. A MacGuffin is an object of a story that throws the plot into action; often, it is extremely subtle and somewhat detached from the actual movie itself.

After Bond’s colleague fails to discreetly capture the African and his cell phone, hell breaks loose, and Bond embarks on a pursuit of the guy, jumping across fifty feet-high structures, blowing up an oil-rig, and shooting-up an embassy. I cannot remember a movie with a more intense start than this one.

Apart from the MacGuffin, which came into play much later in the movie, the script was well-prepared, and Bond’s lines were as sleek and witty as ever. There were some good laughs, and it just had a bit of everything. I apologise for questioning the choice of Daniel Craig for 007, because he did an excellent job that really couldn’t have been done better. I look at my Swatch 007 watch, and smile with satisfaction. I’m a proud Bond fan.

The Trip

The plan was to start writing this post on the bus from Fredericton, but I ended up watching “Snakes on a Plane” on Tolu’s laptop, as mine wasn’t working well. It was a good movie, in my opinion. It had some pretty nasty reviews, but I think it’s a good movie because it served its purpose, without being overly offensive or off-plot.

Anyways, skip skip, I was in Montreal for two hours before leaving for Toronto. It took us about 6 hours, although we’ve done 4 hours in the Ford Focus before. So anyways, I’m in Toronto now, hanging out with the family here. I ate so much last night, just because I haven’t eaten ‘real’ food in such a long time.

Well, that’s all this guy has to say. Also, I miss Fredericton, although I still prefer it here in Toronto, but I’m just getting so used to life in Freddy, and my awesome friends and all that. What am I going to get for Christmas? No clue. I really am not big on the Christmas present thing. I prefer to give people than to make them feel obligated to give me. So I better stop now before this gets too long. Peace out.

Huh?

I just googled my last name into Blogger to see what would come up. And then I find out that my cousin Gerald has left Microsoft! Shocking news. He didn't even tell me: itdreamsNews

Merry Christmas?

So Christmas is here again. The malls are flooded with shoppers looking to cash-out on gifts and goodies for the 'holiday season'. Santa Claus epitomizes Christmas more than anything else.

Christmas season is certainly heaven for the economy. It falls right at the end of the year, and gives people good reason to celebrate and make merry. Unfortunately, it comes with a bittersweet after-taste.

For the past two years, members of the American congress have suggested changing the name from Christmas to 'something more neutral', and this development has made develop an almost hatred for these individuals.

I think that anyone who is offended by the fact that Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth should jump off a bridge, and quickly too. It's just plain stupid that some people care so much about the meaning and feel it should no longer be recognized as a Christian festivity.

Christian or not Christian, folks should see Christmas as a time of love and sharing. A time of peace and joy. A time of warmth and giving. Not just a time where Wal-Mart looks like the Titanic sinking. A friend of mine was telling me about how he got Xbox 360 for his birthday in November, and is expecting a Nintendo Wii for Christmas. I was plain disgusted, to say the least.

Greed is slowly eating up the essence of Christmas. All we do is want, and want more. There are people who will starve to death on Christmas day. Oh yes. We'll all have giant suppers, and gifts to open. How much do we think about people who won't receive the biggest gift of all. People who will be alone in suffering, with no love or comfort.

Post-Exams & Reminiscing A Good Year

There's so much to say, and so much not to say. Well, I'm glad exams are over, and I've rested for a couple of days now. The christmas concert at Sunset Church was awesome too.

Friday night, we had a welcome christmas party at Karen's. It was a good time, and we were all glad to see each other again after a busy anti-social school year. There were lots of jokes; myself, Karen and Sandy were on top of things in that department.

I'm just looking back at the past year, and it has been such a wonderful year. I got more than I asked for, and I met so many awesome awesome people, it's been unbelievable. Although words can't fully express how the year has been, I can only look forward to the new year and hope for another good year.

I feel like I'm so special. Like He has blessed me more than others. My heart is full of nothing but thanks to Him. Through the laughs, tears, cheers, heartbreaks, good times, disasters, sweats and successes, there was always someone watching over me. What a soothing feeling it is.

Nigerians & Brunswickers : Happiest People?

Nigeria is the world's happiest country. New Brunswick is Canada's happiest province. So, what does that make a Nigerian in New Brunswick? Yes, a freaking happy head. I got excerpts of this article from the star. It's fair, but personally, I think Nigerians are happy because when we wake up every morning, yesterday's troubles are history. Gone. We put on some music, and move on.

Published on Monday, December 29, 2003 by the Toronto Star

Nigeria: Happiest Nation on Earth?

by Jonathan Powe

The World Values Survey, an inter-university study, recently reported that Nigerians are the happiest people in the world. The survey ranks only some 20 of 62 countries surveyed. Canada's ranking isn't listed but it's above the United States (16th) and Britain (24th) while Russians are ranked the unhappiest. The survey, which has studied happiness since 1945, finds it has not increased in Europe and North America even though the societies have become wealthier. The desire for material goods, it concludes, is "a happiness suppressant. Buy why Nigeria? .....

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Business/BusinessMonday/2006/12/04/2620928-sun.html
http://thehappinessshow.com/HappiestCountries.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/scriptfiles/views03/1229-09.htm

Ahhh!!!

Marty sent me this pic last week. I was being silly on a boring Saturday morning back in the summer. After seeing the pic, moderate self-reflection ensued . My stomach is bulging out; I really need to go to the gym. Maybe tomorrow night, with Perley.

Why Java why?

I'm on the brink of failing a uni course for the first time. Never saw it coming, but McAllister killed us in CS Java programming. That was retarded! Well, failure is a good motivation, and rude awakening to complacency, especially when the lowest grade I've ever had is a B.

Well, I might just pass the course anyway. That'll be a relief.

Snooty & Snoopy

Just came back from the ECSES Executive '06 dinner at the Snooty Fox. Was my first time at the Fox, and I think I'll be back there in the near future. I had the most amazing ribs and wings, and I'm so full right now. Wait, I still have a quarter rib in my fridge - nice!!!

But how am I going to study after eating so much food? Coffee... here I come, buddy.

Peter said Snoop Dogg & Ice Cube are playing live @ the Aitken Centre in January, but I don't believe at all. We'll see about that. A real crip in Fredericton, I don't think so... Crips don't come here.

Same old, same old...

Monday was a great day actually. Last day o'classes, and first "exam" took place. We finally finished & submitted the ENGG Design Project; all that's left is to hand-in the logbooks tomorrow, and the online part on Wednesday. My tummy thing is getting worse. Why did I inherit mum' s sensitive stomach??? It reacts badly to everything I eat. Even raisins??!!

For the past two nights, I've actually dreamed, which is a good thing. And what's funny is that I've dreamed about the same person in both dreams -- the second, I don't even remember being in at all.

So, classes are over, and its time to focus on exams, to ensure that all the hard work is capped-off with good grades. Fruits are good too!!!

"Anyways, I'm out," like Dave Chappelle.

He's Gone...

The day started okay. Slept in, did some work, and went to campus for a project meeting. While I was still unsure about whether I was going to church or not, I got some really terrible news.

Mina George, one of the ELP students this past summer died in a car accident this past week. Mina was an awesome guy, so funny, very down-to-earth, and always had such a good time whatever he was doing. He took the program very seriously, and was always willing to improve his English.

I remember how he came to me on the last day, telling me about how he was hoping to transfer to a university in Canada, after he gets his English certification completed next year. He had dreams, but they're all but gone now.

After I saw the email announcing his death, I was totally shocked, and called Karen, who was very close to him. After recovering from the initial shock, I lay on my bed, and cried into my pillow for a few minutes. It's the suddenness that's so shocking.

Mina only turned 20 this summer, and I can still clearly picture him all over the place. He was such a friendly guy; always smiling and talking to everyone. It's so sad to think that we never know what's next. We never know when our turn's going to come.

My greatest fear isn't death itself. I came very close to death last year, but I don't seem to have learned from the experience. I hate to sound dark, but we just aren't sure if we'll be alive tomorrow, or next week, or even an hour from now. That's the irony of life; as abundant as it may seem, it could all be over in a second.

We just have to live every moment like it'll be our last. My friend Carlos came close a couple of weeks ago, but it wasn't meant to be. How many people are even ready for death? That's the sad question I ask myself, fighting tears right now.

I really have to call my dad this week.

" Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" --- Matthew 11:25-30

Rest in peace, Mina.

RE:

I just made a big deal out of nothing. Everything's ok now. Ah there! Cheers to random mood swings. Hahahaha.

Lost

Sometimes, I feel like I'm lost. Lost in the sense of searching for something that I don't even know. Yeah, that's confusing, I don't even understand it myself. But yeah, that's just what I think...

I was thinking about calling my dad today; We haven't spoken in a long time. I think I'll just skip this one.

And I've been trying to put a picture on my blog, but I can't remember how to do it, and I can't ask anyone.
I suck :( haha

Market, Mum, and The Call

Went to the market with Laura this morning; was good times. We bought yummy samosas and fresh orange juice. It was semi-snowing, and there were tons of people as usual. We looked around for a bit, and went to Kings Place to fix my keys and do some window-shopping.

I got back home, and guess what? A surprise email from Casey. She just hollered at me, to see how I was doing, and if I wanted to hangout soon, before I leave for Montreal. It was totally unexpected, and although we weren't on bad terms, we just never talked again since like April, 'cause of the rather sad and awkward end of the whole thing. How time flies... we'll see how that goes...

I have a bad habit. It's called overdoing. I find that it puts most people off (not towards me, but in general). Sometimes I just overdo little things, make a big deal out of nothing; over-react or over-answer questions. I'll have to be wary of that.

I sent mum a text message to call me, and she did almost immediately. We talked as usual, and I was happy to talk to her about how things are going here. Uncle Dan in New York lost his brother (whom I don't know), so everyone's back home for the funeral. That's kinda sad.

Blurb

So this is my new-look blog. I think it's ok, although I'm bad at making choices. In support of the many victims and supporters, I also have a link to the Blogger AIDS campaign. Obviously, I'm a good person. lol.

I'm good now, the self-esteem issue is now a thing of the past. Just remembering the love from above is enough to dispel any superficial worries that we tend to have. The problem I have is coping with disappointment. Thats one of my weaknesses; although the same can be said for most people. Also, I have reason not to think like 'other people' so I have to learn to wait for answers, however hard it may be sometimes.

I read more about the poisoned Russian spy. I think it's terrible that the Russian Government can get away with such a terrible thing (Ooh, is Bush firing any missiles?) Well, don't mean to diss Bush, he's actually my homie - for those of you who were wondering. Anyways, I'm no longer considering my dream of becoming a secret agent or a super spy. I love my life.

'Kramer' appeared on TV with Rev. Jesse Jackson and some other black people. So he's not a racist. Or he's no longer or racist. Whatever. Hmm... why do they call black people black? I never thought of that. I look brown; at least I think I do. Haven't really seen a black person. Well, there are a few who are really dark, but I think we're brown for the most part. haha isn't that kinda funny.

Larsson: The Newest Red in Town

Henrik Larsson is now a Man United player. It's so awesome. Anyone who loves ManU as much as I do knows that Larsson is what we need to wrap up a good season. CLASSY. Five letters to describe the prolific Swede.
I found these hilarious pictures online. I just think they're funny. haha

Belief

I like to be original, but I really thought I had to
post some of the lyrics of John Mayer's "Belief."
It is a powerful song, and the words just hit me whenever it's playing.

“ Is there anyone who
Ever remembers changing their mind from
The paint on a sign?
Is there anyone who really recalls
Ever breaking rank at all
For something someone yelled real loud one time

Everyone believes
In how they think it ought to be
Everyone believes
And they're not going easily

Belief is a beautiful armor
But makes for the heaviest sword
Like punching under water
You never can hit who you're trying for

Some need the exhibition
And some have to know they tried
It's the chemical weapon
For the war that's raging on inside

Everyone believes
From emptiness to everything
Everyone believes
And no ones going quietly ... ”

My Personality?

Global Personality Test Results

Stability (70%) high which suggests you are very relaxed, calm, secure, and optimistic.. Orderliness (70%) high which suggests you are overly organized, reliable, neat, and hard working at the expense too often of flexibility, efficiency, spontaneity, and fun. Extraversion (56%) moderately high which suggests you are, at times, overly talkative, outgoing, sociable and interacting at the expense of developing your own individual interests and internally based identity.

Take Free Global Personality Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Personally, I'm not a big fan of these, but Greg sent me one and I thought I'd fill it anyways. I think it's sketchy 'cause I got 56% for Extraversion; which pretty much defines me as a person, although sometimes I am the exact opposite. It all depends on where I am and who I'm with.

This week was super quick, and I'll post the blurb later. Peace out.

Reflections

It's been ok so far. I really have to put my old blogs here; but I'm freakin' busy with work.

Last Friday (forgot to put in the blog) I did a campus tour for a man and his daughter from L.A. Now, not Lagos (my hometown, we call it L.A. haha) but Los Angeles, California. They were an amazing couple, and it was the best time I've had in a long time.

Cassie was disabled, and looking to enter university after 12th Grade next year. Her dad, Bill, very nice, down-to-earth guy, and we talked about so many things on the way. I'll write more on this later. Anyways two hours later, at the end of the tour, I had to say goodbye to them, and it was a sad moment. They were such good people, and I really hope to see them again in the future, however unlikely it may be.

I walked back to class in a sombre mood; thinking about my life, and how much I take for granted. How much we all take for granted. I spent the weekend studying, preparing my project, listening to Death Cab for Cutie (thanks, Kara) and Tracy Chapman. It was a good weekend, much better than jumping around drunk and getting into trouble.

My friend Carlos left for Montreal on Wednesday. He never made it there. I was wondering why he wasnt on msn or anything, but had no clue. Well, he showed up at my place Saturday evening and told me about his car crash. he walked out of the van's ruins without any injury. So, Wednesay afternoon could easily have been the last time I would have ever seen him. That's how life is.

You have to enjoy every moment, and live it like it's your last. Even a boring lecture could be your last moment, so don't throw it away. Enjoy your friends, and family, and the random you met at the crosswalk, 'cause they could be the last people you set your eyes on while you're still here. Cherish every minute, and love everyone like they were your brother or sister. I wish people could see things this way - won't the world be a much better place?

Closing Remarks

The end of another exciting week has come. Started good, ended good; what more could one ask for? On Monday, we pulled off one of the greatest free shows UNB has witnessed in recent times. The projector screwed us over, and the picture was pretty dark, but BORAT was hilarious.
Personally, it felt good standing in front of a packed Dineen Auditorium and calling the shots. From another point of view, it was fulfilling that we made so many people have a good time - for free - even the popcorn was free. Tuesday, meh!

Wednesday was intense as ever, I woke up at 7am, started doing homework, and was pretty much in class 'til 5.30. And guess what? Philosophy 7-10pm wooo! Oh dear, such a terrible class. Well, me and Laura spent half the time eating candy, drawing Prof. Rahmanian, and chuckling to some people's annoyance.

Thursday, was the last day of alpha. My computer broke, which i wasn't too impressed about. I was actually angry, a rare occurrence, and told someone off at FutureShop (that was fun). I went for Alpha, because it was the last one. I was kind of sad, because I'm always sad on the "last day" of anything, except school. Well, I remember holding back tears on the last day of last semester, when we were all moving out of residence.

Anyways, alpha was okay, the food once again upset my stomach, which growled continuously from then 'til I went to bed that night. I've met some awesome people at alpha, and I think this one might be my last. People like Steve, Megan, Laura, and Scott are just good people who you hardly come across, and I met them all at alpha.

After that, I went to Leigh's for Erin's birthday pre-party. I bought her a card, which she really liked, and we exchanged the biggest hug ever, you can imagine. She's a dear friend to me, one of those people who put a smile on my face even during the worst of times. I left early because I was the only person who wasn't drinking, and I also had work to do.

Tonight, Friday night, I'm here studying, and writing in my blog. I really thank God for a great week, and for everything he's done for me. Also, for all the (good) friends I've made in Fredericton.

My favourite lines from BORAT

"We make a sexy time" <>

"I talked to original chocolate man, no make-up!!!" <>

"Not!!!" <>

"Very nice" <>

"My neighbour is very asshole man." <>

"Notsomuch!" <>

I'm going to post the stuff from my old blog soon. I'm lazy.

Intro

So I'm back into the whole blogging thing again. When I'm less busy, I'll transfer the stuff from my old blog to this one.

My first new blog here is on Micheal Jackson and O.J Simpson's respective bold returns to the public scene last week.

Second, will be on the poster I saw at Greg's the other day. It read "A woman who is still single is like a fish without a bicycle." And the picture of the fish riding the bike... I nearly passed out laughing. Again, I laugh at anything.

The next piece is on a few minutes of madness from "Kramer."

I'll finish them later; now I have to work on my Discrete Structures.