Finale: All Good Things (Come to an End) - S2E25

Yes, it's the song from Nelly Furtado. I know some people will think that Nelly Furtado is a sellout and etc. I don't care if she is a sellout! I like this song but more to the message, this entry is considered as a "season finale" because it's the final day of classes. Actually, Tuesday is the last day. I am writing this entry as a sort of conclusion for my time being at Carleton University.
In retrospect, I enjoyed my final year at Carleton University. I wasn't sure what kind of reception when taking the Canadian Studies classes. It really surprised me when the people in the classes were nice and outgoing. I really enjoyed the two 4th year classes that were taught by Peter Hodgins. I am also enjoying the other class with Peter Hodgins as well. If anyone reads this entry, all I can say to you for one last time, "you all ROCK!"
One unique thing about the people in Canadians Studies (grad students included) is that half seem to be from Toronto and some from Northern Ontario. Some people live in the East end (aka Gloucester and Orleans) and none from the West end. It kind of felt depressing that there was no one "representing" the West end of Ottawa.
The thing I will miss is being at the seminar room in the Canadian Studies department @ Dunton Tower because it was safety hazard. People will know how clumsy I am, but it was pretty hilarious having to do insane things in the room. Another joke is that I "live" in Canadian Studies lounge. Since the Fall, I kept being at the lounge due to the fact that I got wireless Internet. It was just luck having to get it.
What I miss was the Fall term classes. I found it more interesting than the Winter term. I find that Winter makes everyone lazy and not having the energy. I miss the excitement from the Fall term.
I kind of miss having class on Fridays. Call me crazy, I enjoyed the Friday afternoon class back in the Fall term.
An ironic thing during my time at Carleton was being at unusual classrooms. Whether it is the 9th floor of Loeb to 4499 Mackenzie Building to Leeds residences, it has been a funny experience being in different places where I never expected.

Why I chose "All Good Things (Come to an End) by Nelly Furtado? As the title says it, I think I had a fun time taking some of the classes this year and meet interesting people, but all things come to an end and it's time to move on.
Certain parts like "Flames to dust, lovers to friends, why do all things come to an end" bring an important message of moving on in life. Another part in the song which is edited off from radio is "and the sun was wondering if it should stay away for a day til the feeling went away, and the sky was falling on the clouds were dropping, and the rain forgot how to bring salvation." This part is near the end and I find it beautiful.
I also feel that people I know will be leaving to other pastures and will have to move on without them. I am realizing that friends are getting married, moving else or having a career change, it is like the past has become a distant memory.

As I end this entry for the second season, I like to thank this person for keeping in touch for so long. It was fun having to message you during your program and making me laugh when you mentioned things on-air.





Update - April 19, 2007. In the light of the shooting at Virgina Tech, here is an image for the 32 people who lost their lives. I am just privileged to live in a safe place, but there should be justice to stop individuals who post a threat to society.

Remembering Leslie Cheung Again - S2E24

Here is a bit of reprint from my original post last year with a bit of updating. I know April 1st is on Sunday, it's in case I forget to write it on the day.

It's been 4 years since Leslie Cheung left fans throughout Hong Kong and all over the world on April 1st. Everytime I listen to his song, I would feel sad because he is no longer around. I still remember that morning where I was woken up by my brother and I thought it was a joke, but I later realized it was true. I grew up watching Leslie Cheung in movies and on award shows and I never knew Hong Kong actors had impacts on my life. When I started listening to Cantopop in late 1999, it was his songs that brought me back to Hong Kong culture.

For the first time in awhile, I won't be listening to CRHK because their online streaming has been down since December 2006. I will be listening to RTHK to listen if they will play Leslie Cheung songs.
Here are two images that I want to put up.

Sites to look up are http://www.lesliecheung.cc/
Leslie Cheung Profile on IMDB.com.

Tuesday Update - S2E23

So far, I got one essay done and it was for Canadian Public Policy. Again, I writing this entry in the Canadian Studies Lounge over at Dunton Tower.
It's the second last Tuesday of having to wake up early and going for 8.30am class.
I am happy I got the Airport Extreme with 802.11n draft. I could say that my MacBook Pro has gotten a bit faster. I am still unsure about the speed for 802.11n.
Adobe Creative Suite 3 is released, but the pricing is outrageously insane. It would be cool to get it.
What I thought about the Quebec election from last night? I think it was surprising and funny that Jean Charest almost lost his seat during the election. The province of Quebec would of been in chaos. The funny thing as well was that I watched the results on the Internet via CBC.ca.

Countdown to the End: 4 Left and Live @ Carleton - S2E22

It is Monday, March 26, 2007.
As I am at the Canadian Studies Lounge over at Dunton Tower trying to write up my essay. This is probably the second last Monday to be at the lounge. I reflect back to having a Monday class. Last term, I only had a night class for Monday at 6pm. It seemed odd and not great because I miss out on Monday primetime television.
Now, I have an afternoon class this term with Peter Hodgins and it has been fun and enjoyable. It was fun to know people from last term and from the lounge.

#25 will be the end of S2

I am trying to aim at least 4 more posts since the school year is ending. I will end "season 2" of my blog.

O' Captain, My Captain - S2E21

It's been in the media since Wednesday and I am pretty surprised about the attention it is getting. What do I think about Captain America being killed? Pretty good, but why couldn't it be done in the #7 of Civil War? There has been some negative response to how Civil War ended. In my opinion, I am not very disappointed, nor excited with the outcome of it. My overall position to Civil War has been neutral. I didn't care who side to choose, I just wanted to read a good story. I was disappointed with the lateness, but I accept the reason that the artist had health problems. Lateness is common in comics nowadays.
The thing is, people shouldn't be too worked up with Captain America being dead. I mean, no one shouldn't get too upset because it is just a comic and it's just a fantasy. It's not the thrust of life.
Even though, I am Canadian, something about Captain America being cool and amazing sticks as a favorite hero. I just like his shield because of the materials.
It's great to serve a good memory to where was I when it happened? Well, I was at the comic store and I informed the employees about it. That could be a "memorable" day.
Kudos to a friend who got it. I hope you enjoyed it.

Sort of Understanding Islam and the Frigid Weather - S2E20

I was planning to write up something for the blog, but it kept being held back due to a sense of writer’s block. But yea, I have wanted to write about the way that Islam has been portrayed in the media lately. Don’t get me wrong, I am not becoming a Muslim or what not. It’s just that I understand the faith and culture of it. It has been close to a decade because of friends and people in high school who were practicing Islam. What surprised me was my mom was Muslim when she was young in Hong Kong. I went back in Summer of 2000 and went to the cemetery to find out there were Arabic writing on the tombstone. OK, enough of my inner ramblings, this leads me to “Little Mosque on the Prairie” on CBC. I really enjoyed the show because it is funny and I seem to understand the Muslim culture in some form. I did take the intro to Religion class several years ago and went to a Mosque for the fieldwork assignment.
I just wish I can joke to fans of "24" by mistakenly call Morris, Yasir because the actor (Carlo Rota) is on both shows and I prefer him in comedy over the suspenseful action.

The weather, oh gosh, I barely survived having to go out in the frigid cold. -40 degrees is amazingly brutal. The worse thing for me was taking the express bus (and no! I am not going to tell you bus number because it’s self-explanatory :P) to get to Carleton. What I didn’t know was that the O-Train was not running. I took a long bus ride from west to east. Not very pleasant as well, but at least I didn't arrive late to Carleton.
Another bad thing was my scarf gave the smell of Vanilla Breeze from the Glade air freshener. Not pleasant when I was covering my face from the winds. I haven't used my "trusty" scarf for a year.
I am happy that I haven't got sick and I broke free of the Chinese New Year curse. I had been cursed for 2 years when I got sick during or prior to Chinese New Year. I felt safer this year!

A cheapless plug to put “Peter Hodgins” again on my blog entry and then searched on Google. I enjoy the Globally Wired Canada: Cultural Issues class and I really enjoy the people in the class. No matter how Facebook is mentioned and being “haunted” by political philosophers like Hobbes, Aristotle, and etc. I’d go bonkers having to hear those things.

Post Reading Week - S2E19

I was suppose to write this on Monday, but due to a major headache, I am writing this on Tuesday. What I did for Reading Week was..... nothing! I did not do much but I was recovering from my week of craziness. I had to endure 2 papers, a midterm and several lion dance performances. Doing nothing for reading week was a way to "recover" from the hectic week.
Oh yea, even though it was my final Reading Week, it was also the last time my birthday was held during Reading Week.
The question I would get is how old I am? Well, I don't feel like 27 and I don't seem to feel old. The funny thing on Monday was someone guessing my age would be 23. I do look young.
Since "The Departed" won for Best Picture at The Oscars, I did get The Departed on DVD and I did not like it. Why? Because it's a remake from Infernal Affairs, the Hong Kong movie. It was laughable in my opinion because they rehashed the scenes from the Hong Kong version. I also thought that Martin Scorsese just sat in the director's sat and did not do much. It felt like he put his stamp on the movie. During Reading Week, I had to rewatch Infernal Affairs(I and III) in order to erase my experience from watching The Departed. I didn't watch IA II because it is a prequel of sorts.
That's all I have to write.

Hitting the Big 27 - S2E18

Oh man, what a way to hit 27 today since it is my birthday. What kind of plans I will have? Not very. Tomorrow will be the day after and will meet with friends to check out the new Vietnamese Restaurant.
It is the final time my birthday is held during Reading Week.

19 Days After the New Year - S2E17

Finally, I am writing a new entry. I was suppose to write something on New Year's Day, but I was bogged down and I couldn't think what to write about.
It's 2007 and so far, it has been odd. Since December, there was no snow and it was a soggy green Christmas. Also, I couldn't get a Nintendo Wii. Briefly fast forward to January, which is now and things have been smooth. I was surprised I did well in Peter Hodgins' Canadian Studies classes. Another slight change in January, I was suppose to have Peter 4 times overall, but I changed around my schedule around and I have Peter two times in the Winter term. Therefore, for the Fall and Winter/Spring term, I have him 5 times.
What does 2007 bring? I am not sure, but I will be happy to finish my courses at Carleton soon.
Looking back on the final 4 months of 2006, I was pleased to meet new people in the Canadian Studies class. It brought on new challenges and plus that I had problems with people in Political Science. My experiences several years ago weren't as good because I seem to have find people not approachable and mostly snobbish.

To a *wink wink, nudge nudge* to someone who might read this and *hint hint* - I think you are tagged on your Facebook. I hope you like my entry :D

Oh yea! Last thing, I finally got a Nintendo Wii.

Welcome Snow and "The End" For Now - S2E16

What a Friday makes when wet snow gets dumped on. I wasn't ready for the snow yet.
Before my presentation, I had to make some errands. I had to go to Chinatown to buy food. Took a long time getting there due to the freezing rain/snow/sleet. When I got back to Carleton, I walked by the 4th Floor Unicentre to Tory and remembered about the "Hugs For Aids" since December 1 is World Aids Day. I saw a friend and gave him a hug. A handshake would of been nice, but I was carrying a lot of things. Too bad I didn't get a red ribbon.
I enjoyed my energetic presentation in Peter Hodgins' CDNS4400 class - Cultural Landscapes and Cultural Identity in Canada. It was in the "kindness" of my heart to provide food for the people in class. It was linked to my landscape project, which is Chinatown in Ottawa.
It was a nice way to end off the Canadian Studies classes. It was an unusual way to get hurt again in the classroom. I bumped over the chair and I slipped and fell, along with the chair. It was not pleasant. It's been a hazard for me.
After class, I went down to Rideau Centre and went to Roots and got a toque. It's a yearly tradition for me to get toques, I try to get zany kinds of toques. I dunno if it will be my final time to get a Roots toque because I always go for time, but they no longer make any apparel for the Canadian Olympic team.
Then, I also dropped by to the BS and chatted with someone.

This is the last "episodic" entry of 2006 since it will be exam time and Christmas season. I will blog a bit after exams as a "special", but it won't be part of the season number and "episodic" entries.
Part 2 of season two will return in January. The only problem being that I got a reduced schedule since I will be taking 3 classes. One more with Peter Hodgins.

The End...for now

Some Loose Ends to Say Before The Fall Terms Finishes - S2E15

This is not the end yet, I just wanted to say that it has been a fun term taking three of Peter Hogdins' classes. Although, I am not sure how I will do after the exams. It has been a blast.
Some loose ends. I've been bombarded with questions by people within Canadian Studies asking me if I "live" in the Canadian Studies Lounge and "why are you always there?" The answer is no. Here's my reason, I did not expect the 12th floor of Dunton Tower to have wireless Internet access around the 2nd or 3rd week of September. I usually hang out at the tunnels or the library, if there is space. It's ridiculous finding a place to sit. Also, the readings for Peter's 4th year classes are in the lounge so I can read them through. Another thing is that I can never live without the Internet.
The funny thing is that I made it 5 days to going to the lounge. As usual, I only have class 4 days a week because I don't have class on Wednesdays. All I can say it was good timing that I saw someone and showed him my comics.

To people from CDNS2210, CDNS4200 and CDNS4400, I gotta say that you all are great and I will probably miss you since I won't be seeing anyone in the Winter term.
Even though, I ended up getting hurt on occasion for Thursday's class.

Since it is this time of year when music artists come out with their greatest hits album.
Here it is, U218 Singles. I got it on iTunes and I can't stop listening to it on my iPod. The Deluxe version on iTunes includes live tracks from the 2005 Milan concert.

Back to Back Entry - S2E14

Don't ask why, but "someone" told me to make another entry for my blog. I know entering my blog has been sporadic at times due to my unusual scheduling at Carleton. I made an entry on Thursday, so this is a rarity of sorts. So yeah, this person wanted to give a "shout out" and we were messaging while I was in class, the Friday morning class. Also, mentioned about Target's Choxie.
Whoever I tagged (A Facebook.com "exclusive"), you will find out who tagged or not :D

Onto the other class (the Friday afternoon class). Peter Hodgins' Cultural Landscape and Cultural in Canada. It was an interesting and fun today because before class, Peter opened up some food from another floor in Dunton Tower. Somehow, there was a conference and the people over-ordered food. It was nice to have wraps and fruits. It's been the second time(not in a row) that there happens to be "free" food in the Canadian Studies department. It seems that Peter is synonymous with his laughter and "love" with food.
Now, with class. I dunno why, but I was the "savior" because my Apple laptop(Macbook pro) worked on the projector. Sorry to PC fans, I know you are not a fan of Apple Computers.
Also, I can't stop laughing with the songs I played from my iPod and iTunes. A grad student was singing along and it was funny.
Here's the playlist;
The Saints Are Coming (Live from New Orleans) - U2 & Green Day. "Someone" did not know what song I was playing. I hope this helps, LOL
A bit of "Maneater" by Nelly Furtado. A small way to hype up her performance at the Grey Cup.
Jump - Madonna
Hungry Like The Wolf - Duran Duran
West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys
Don't Look Back in Anger - Oasis
My Girl - The Temptations

I also hope no one was curious about the album art screen saver. I don't mind it, but I am embarrassed if anyone was wondering about the Chinese ones. :)

A step back from Thursday night, I am wondering if the Canadian TV group recovered from drinking too much beer. :)

Rain Rain, Thursday - S2E13

I am not liking this weather lately. What's with the rain? This ain't Vancouver. I had been wearing a different shoe and it made me look tacky. Blue shoes and for the long time, I decided to wear a shoe that is not adidas.
Well, enjoyed a nice presentation on Canadian Television in CDNS4200 aka Canadian Popular Culture. I hope I am not sucking up. I couldn't stop laughing with the Kids in the Hall clips. Though, I really wanted to see the "Street Legal" opening. :) "Post" presentation, I decided to go to Mike's Place and chill out with the presentation and with Peter. Plus some "guest cameos". Originally, I was suppose to take the bus to downtown and take the express bus, but I decided to go to Mike's Place instead. Supposedly, I was planning to stick around for a bit, but decided to stay longer because it was interesting to hear about what people are talking about.
It was entertaining and fun having to show a Youtube video of Diet Coke & Mentos. Geez, I don't even bother watching "gross out" videos. I watch "vintage" music videos from Hong Kong.
It was funny to hear some good stories from the prof, Peter Hodgins (I have to put his full name on this entry for Google purposes) and from the gang in the class.
Though, I still haven't got over the other Hodgins class from last Friday. It was just bizarre.

Comic picks. Finally, Civil War #5 came out and I was partially surprised to see a Marvel character make a "truimph" return to the Marvel Universe. Lately, that "person" hasn't been in the mainstream Marvel Universe.
Another favorite comic is Astonishing X-Men #18. The conclusion to "Torn." Gotta hand it to Joss (Buffy, The Vampire Slayer) Whedon and John (Planetary) Cassaday for an "astonishing" story.
Other picks are 100 Bullets #78 and New Avengers #25.

Last point, I am still enjoying my Macbook Pro. :D
I also never expected someone to be using Bluetooth during CDNS4200 class and "try to steal" songs on my laptop. Well, you can't use my songs because it's protected. It's from the iTunes Store. Too bad, so sad. :D

What a Weird Friday - S2E12

I don't know how to explain it, but in Peter Hodgins' CDNS4400 class, it became strange because the one presentation was a one man show and somehow the partner for the presentation showed up late and then left like 15 mins later.
It was a bizarre time in class because of it. I looked at Peter and he was clueless and I acting puzzled myself. I looked at others if there were looking surprised as well. It was just downright bizarre on Friday.
As usual for myself, Friday is always my brutal day because of waking up early and going for early morning class and then the afternoon. I know it's depressing to have a Friday afternoon class.
After the short class, a few of us, including the prof. went to Mike's Place and it was enjoyable and nice to hear "interesting" stories.

Last thing, this entry will be Googled if you type "Peter Hodgins" :)

Comic picks from this past Wednesday.
Batman #658. All I will say that I was pretty disappointed with it. The final part of Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert's first run on the Cape Crusader ended on a flat note.
Two other comics I picked weren't from this week, they were from October. The Authority #1 (Another Grant Morrison comic) and Civil War: Choosing Sides.

Macbook Pro and Presentation - S2E11

Well, I am happy and partially relieved that I got my Macbook Pro and did the CDNS4200 presentation.
It couldn't come at a right time with the new laptop. It arrived on Wednesday and I was just happy to getting it. I still need to get used to the two finger scrolling and etc.

I don't know what to say, I am pretty sore from the tumble I had before class started. I thought I wasn't in any pain but after leaving Dunton Tower, I was feeling sore on my left leg.
All in all, I guess the presentation went well. Humourous or not, it was enjoyful using the remote control to use the presentation slides.

Now, it's time to try writing essays soon. It is crunch time.

Comic picks for this week. Criminal #2, Justice League of America #3 and American Virgin #8. Action Comics #844, which I picked up, but was released last week.

Here's a photo that I took on the bus using Photo Booth.

What a Week and I Can't Wait For Something. Plus TV Shows Chat - S2E10

This hasn't been a great week for me because the house has no heat, furnace is broken and we need a new one. I haven't had a good sleep for the past few days.
No classes with Peter Hodgins until next Thursday. Except Tuesday where it will be a TA teaching.
Lucky or not, I still had to go to Carleton on Thursday to talk to meet up with my Canadian Humour group. I really wanted to stay home, but had to for the sake of the group.
Oh doh, if I write Peter Hodgins on my entries, my blog will be linked on Google if you type "Peter Hodgins".

I don't know what I have been concentrating on. The midterm for Canadian Provincial Politics for Monday, the group presentation for CDNS4200 - Canadian Popular Culture or trying to plan out the essays as soon as possible.
I am a bit nervous on the presentation next week. Whoever I tagged on Facebook, you know who I am talking. :D
Though, I got a "secret weapon" to showing it. Though, it's not Powerpoint. I don't know if you guys will like the effects.

What I am waiting for is the Macbook Pro with Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Though, I am not sure when it will be delivered. Oh, the one I picked is 2.16GHz, 1GB RAM, 120GB hard drive, 15 inch screen, and iWork '06 preinstalled. No glossy screen. I hope to get Aperture in the future and fiddle around with digital photos.
Too bad I won't be able to use it for the presentation next week. The iBook G4 will do for now.
It will be nice to use it on November 24 when I have a presentation for CDNS4400.

As for comics this week(to whoever got tagged on Facebook, you know who I am talking to :D), my picks are Seven Soldiers #1, Jack of Fables #4, New Avengers #24 and Planetary #26.
A new graphic novel released this week that I picked up is American Virgin Vol. 1: Head. I already have the first four issues in comic form, but the "extras" got me hooked, so I had to pick it up.

TV Chat: I had a chance to watch Torchwood via BT and I putted it on my iPod. All in all, the Doctor Who spin-off is excellent. It is edgy and more for grown-ups. I like the linking to the events that happened in Doctor Who. I don't know what time CBC will air Torchwood at. It is nice to see CBC getting credit on BBC television.
Another show that I also found on BT is Season 4 of Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. I haven't had a chance to find Vol. 2 on DVD and I haven't watched any of Season 3 because I don't know if Teletoon aired further eps of it. I am a bit lost on the series because I haven't watched further than Season 1.

Welcome SPEAKEASY and Class Today - S2E9

Well, I guess it's "plug" time. I just want to give a "shoutout" to my cousin's blog. It's on Links section called "SPEAKEASY"
I hope you will like it. I don't know what kind of input I will bring to the other blog.

CDNS4200 - Canadian Popular Culture summary hijinks. The funny thing happened in class when one person could not talk due to some project/assignment/whatever. It was funny Peter Hodgins made fun of that person (you know who you are if you are reading this). What's more embarrassing for me is that I don't watch The Family Guy, The Jon Stewart Show and The Colbert Report. It's not that I don't care about the shows, I just don't have the interest. Oh yeah, same goes for Prison Break. Actually, I got class on Monday night, so it's not a big deal.
Glocalization. Oh man, that word just haunted me because I have Peter from another class and he explained about it.

Oh yes, comic pick ups from Wednesday.
I picked up Wildcats #1, Runaways #21, 100 Bullets #77 and my PICK of the WEEK is Fables: 1,001 Nights of Snowfall HC.
Two other comics I picked were Criminal #1 and Fables #1 Special Edition(for 25 cents US, 35 cents here). Those two comics were out on previous weeks. I did not go to the comic store for 2 weeks.

My Life Is Funny - S2E8.5

It is still Tuesday, so it's somewhat entry #8 or 8.5. Plus, I really need to write about myself being funny because it has been in my head for so long and I hadn't got a chance to blog it out.

Lately, I've been thinking that my life has been funny because in certain classes, there's been so much linking up from other classes. Oh wait! It's Peter Hodgins' classes in Canadian Studies.
Funny thing today was I bumped into someone and he said the word, "Renfew", then in class today, I hear the word Renfrew again from the prof, but he was making jokes about it. I don't know how things are coincidental. Life is just silly now.
What was intimidating on Monday was going to St. Pats building at Carleton. I don't know why, something about it scared me. It felt I didn't feel welcomed being in the building. But I walked by and saw this prof, Christopher Waddell in the building. He was in his office. I somehow watch him on CBC Newsworld talking about politics or what not. He uses a Mac, LOL
It's been tiring for the past 2 days so far. I need more sleep.
Why do I keep thinking about gang from CDNS4200 and CDNS4400? Because you guys rock :D

Live@Carleton, Finally A Relaxing Week - S2E8

Man, I almost went through a brutal 2 weeks lately. Right now, I am somehow relieved with all the mayhem. I still need to do some readings and also plan on some essays. At least, it won't be a stressful time. I still haven't had a chance to update this blog. It is just that I am always at the 12th floor of Dunton Tower at Carleton University, which I am at. At least I get wireless internet.
Tomorrow, I can't wait for Fables: 1,001 Nights of Snowfall hardcover. It has been 2 weeks that I haven't gone to the comic store.