Astrakhan Blog 84

I was watching two different tv shows today, one a hospital drama and the other one talking about the lives of several people who work as part of an air rescue team. The hospital drama was just absolutely excellent, with a super storyline, wonderful cinematography, and a director who obviously had the heart for it. Casting was also super, along with the intros, songs, etc. The other one? Completely opposite. Storyline was a terrible copy-and-paste from other film scripts, and there was nothing complex, nothing thought provoking. Actors who, aside from maybe two, don't know how to act. TERRIBLE TERRIBLE CGI. You know, I think even AD could do better. There were almost no special effects aside from CGI of helicopters crashing, etc. Even when a helicopter full of people crashes into the sea, we don't feel sympathetic at all. However, when a hospital director invites another doctor over, complicating already complex relationships even further, we are glued to the television screen. Although the air rescue one probably had a much much smaller budget, it was just dispicable. And it was meant as a comeback film for a former star. Sigh. I haven't heard of him since last year.

Esperance Multimedia Blog 83

Yarra River, Melbourne, Australia David Iliff

Sigh. I guess Canada will never be able to offer such world-class scenery and other cultural landmarks as other places around the world. Nevertheless, we do have some excellent natural landscapes. Still. Toronto really is the best Canada has to offer. And it doesn't have exactly a 'stunning' skyline, or 'breathtaking' architecture. Even our national libraries, museums, etc. in Ottawa aren't that great. Then again, Canada cannot be compared on a equal basis to Australia, Britain, or USA.

Abilene Blog 82

Hmmm....
I've been thinking a bit about how I was a bit to people at MACC. I've realized that I've not exactly been that fair to AnK and maybe even QC. Sigh.
Also, I generally think that the Japanese are overly Japanocentric. I think its because they're so...almost isolated from other peoples culturally that makes me think that they're way too spiffy. Well, that isn't the word, but I don't know which word I want to use. Anyways, I think its really their handling of WWII, versus how Germany has handled it, that made me think of them negatively. Too much patriotism isn't exactly that good to the world. I'm glad there aren't many overly patriotic Canadians. You could say that we don't have anything good to brag about. Either Norway or USA beat us in practically every category.
Oh, and I hate those cities who have a nickname saying that (in general) they are the 'best', 'centre' or 'hub' of the Universe. Unless if its New York. Then its okay, cause New York is arguably the 'hub', or 'centre' of Earth IN GENERAL.

Veracruz Blog 81

... I missed almost all of the Oscars. I actually forgot that there were Oscars. So far, I've missed every major American awards ceremony, except for a bit of the Golden Globes. Oh well.

Paramaribo Blog 80

I spent a lot of time today reading Wikipedia articles. Usually, the articles I read have to do with businesses or people, sometimes arts & literature. I usually don't read articles directly related to science. Even if I tried to read them, I would be very bored.

Wingham Blog 79

I

don't know what to say today.

I'm stuck for words.

Bamako Blog 78

So much for sleeping before 11:00.
However, for today, it wasn't because of the computer. It was mainly due to some of the stuff I had to do and because I had badminton today. Nevertheless, I could have been more prepared if I had the foresight to complete all my work yesterday, or at least some of it at lunch. However, I have realized that, unless if everybody is doing some homework, the environment at the lockers is not condusive to studying or working. The library is most likely a much better choice, and I should go there next time.

Asmara Blog 77

I wonder how many teachers don't actually take attendance? Sometimes I think that some of my teachers don't really take attendance. Apparently, my math teacher ACCIDENTALLY missed me today, and marked me abscnece. I came in just as she finished taking attendance, so she didn't notice me come in. Oh well. It was probably the first mistake she made so far in attendances.

Panipat Blog 76 Multimedia Blog-February 18-24

To Karen: Yeah, I did. Which Christmas gala were you refering to? I don't usually watch galas, but I do occasionally. The Chinese state television was, expectedly, the best. Oh, and this is this week's multimedia blog. The picture on the left is a picture of the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, Japan. Its pretty wonderful.

Tarabulus Blog 75

On Chinese TV right now, all they're broadcasting is Chinese New Year events and galas from Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Vancouver, and I think Toronto. They've been doing that for the last two days, and I think they'll still do it for the next couple of days.
I forgot completely about not using the internet. I probably used it for like 3 hours today. Then again, the TV was a big enough distraction. I might have to start pasting Post-It notes all over the computer and television reminding me to stay on task. Oh, and I still haven't done all the Go program things yes.
By the way, we're starting a new unit on flight. Right now, we're just making a couple of small general aviation aircrafts from the kits the teacher gave us. I'm not sure if they're modern or not, but I'd doubt it. There were four or five different aircraftts, and I just remembering the Piper Cub and the Cessna 180. I knew Cessna because of its products today, and piper cub from reading either Canadian Airline's or Air Canada's histories. Don't remember though.
However, I really don't know much about theory of flight, etc. I've read maybe one or two articles about it, but that's it.

Lunar New Year-Blog 3

A wonderful Chinese/Vietnamese/Lunar/(Any other variation) New Year has come! Congratulations to all.
I find it hard to stay awake on New Year's day. Its alwasy very hard, but its not for, say, december 31st-January 1st.
Well, this is my blog for today.
We still have a couple of hours before Honolulu and places like the American Samoa get the New Year. Then, its a new day for Aucklanders (sp).

Libé Blog 73

I was thinking a bit about which city I would like to live in. That is, excluding Vancouver. According to some test I took, it was New York or Milan. New York is great and all that, but its sort of...too big and too... American, for lack of a better word. Like, too...just not my taste. Milan, on the other hand, is European contemporary. Its pretty good, I think. But the language barrier is enough. Most likely, I'll want to live in Europe, and not America. Asia isn't my first choice either. Australia, well, maybe Melbourne or Sydney, but I don't REALLY want to live there either. Just because I don't like living in Australia. Africa, well, not up to my standards. In Europe, my first choices are probably London, Paris, Geneva, and, come to think of it, Milan, Rome, Dublin, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Warsaw, Zurich, and Oslo. That is, if there were no problem of immigration, language, living, expenses, etc. If I really had to live in USA, then its probably New York, Boston, San Francisco, or Seattle. I chose Seattle mainly because its close to Vancouver. A bit like the American form of Vancouver. But, I would choose Vancouver as my choice for now. Some European cities are pretty good too.
Huge procrastination today. Absolutely huge. Sigh. I don't know what to do. Block off Internet access? Restrict it to certain times of the day? Sigh. I have Chinese tomorrow, and I haven't done it yet. Sigh. Its been two weeks now.

Premier Go Extensions:Lesson 20

L E S S O N 2 0:Win-Win Agreements
HANDOUT

Win-Win Agreement Form

Date: February 15, 2007 Project/task: Social Studies Religion Project
Party 1: Me Party 2: JT

1. What are the desired results?
To complete the required assignments and be comfortable debating all topics on the list.
2. What are the available resources?
Various research sources, such as internet, print, and others.
3. What are the guidelines?
Must be completed before the deadline set by the teacher.
4. How will progress be seen? accountability?
Progress will be seen by how the team member utilizes his time in class. Also, we will occasionally provide an informal report to our team member of our progress.
5. What are the consequences/ benefits if completed or not?
Benefits will be a sense of self-fulfillment, and a reliable team member. Of course, marks are in the balance. Consequences will be guilt, and a possibility of not receiving acceptable marks for the project.

Lesson 18 Extensions

L E S S O N 1 8 : Win-Win Thinking
HANDOUT
Read the following situations and decide who wins and who loses.
1. Kevin and Terry are suspended for fighting in class.

Kevin: Lose Terry: Lose

2. Patti wants to take the car to pick up her friends for a game. Patti's mom needs the car to pick up groceries and the repaired TV set. Patti ends up taking the car.

Patti: Win Patti's mom: Lose


3. Brad wants to go watch a movie with Jill. Jill wants to hang out with Brad but wants to go for dinner. They decide to rent a movie and get take-out.

Brad: Win Jill: Win
4. Sylvesta, a junior, just won the Basketball MVP award for the year. Mikey, a senior, is ripped because he thought he was a shoo-in for the award. The next day Mikey starts a false rumor about Sylvesta's training methods.
Mikey: Lose Sylvesta: Lose
5. Jeremy sees Sonny is close to putting the final touches on his rebuilt carburetor in shop class. A minute later, Jeremy finds himself "accidentally pushed" into Sonny's work station. After apologizing and helping Sonny pick up the pieces, Jeremy goes back to his near-finished project.

Jeremy: Win Sonny: Lose

Ashgabat Blog 72

Luckily there is a pro-d day tomorrow. I will be working on my Go and piano. They are currently my first priorities. Although, in reality, I might be working on other work which is more urgent, rather than important. The Go program is important in helping me become an autonomous learner, but I find that I am not giving enough effort into it. I wll definetly 'try harder'. Saying that is quite useless, because it has lost its meaning. I have said something to that effect for so many times now. Sigh.

Abeche Blog 71

Hello! Have to sleep before 10:00 today. Very short blog. Bye!

Kasangani Blog 70

Yesterday I just couldn't find the time to write my blog, so I just left it until today.

Xaafun x2 Blog 68-69

I find that I have calmed down significantly.

That first sentence really tells you a lot, doens't it? My writing isn't poetic anymore, and now its just boring rhetoric. Sigh. I only ever manage to write nicely when I feel queer and abnormal. Not that its necessarily good or bad.

I was sick today, so I didn't go to school. I needed my rest, otherwise, it'll worsen. Despite my predictions, I slept at 12 something last night. It is a new record, though. The earliest I've ever slept the night before a big project was 12:45. Then again, there are some differences. This project is nowhere near the workload I had in the past two years. Those projects were just plain work and work. This was a bit of a curve, but even so, the workload wasn't that much. However, I don't know what happened to me yesterday and the day before. Luckily, I calmed down around 3 o'clock or sometime around there, and only then did I manage to work as effectively as possible.

____________________________________________________________________

This is yesterday's blog

I was doing a lot of science, so I did not allocate anytime for science. Oh, and there's a random picture.

On top. It was black and white because we only had black ink. That was before the printer broke down. Sigh.

Also, I believe my African political geography is really bad.

Sentimental x2 Blogs 66-67

I am sick. I have a science project due on Monday. I have a lot to do. I choose to do them. I have soft instrumental music playing. We will be moving.

I've just ran into a big obstacle in my science project. I am still thinking of how I should convey my results. I have an idea, but I 'm not sure its going to work. I only have one day left.

I was not able to write a blog yesterday, because I was quite sick and went to bed as soon as I got eveyrthing done. Then I woke up, and did some work, but only on the science project, because it is much more pressing and important than this.

The main reason I'm doing is because I'm sick and tired of the science project and I need a break. Luckily, the "aum" meditation that Ms. Chaqui taught us is actually helpful. I need food. I need rest. I want to get the science project done. There was another religion project problem today. Well, actually yesterday. The Buddhist temple called and also send a email that they can't do an interview because its Chinese New Year's and their busy. And also because I'm sick I'm not allowed to go to the temple apparently because its very windy and I would be even more sick. And my partner for the project has things to do of his own. I chose to miss Chinese school today because I did not feel that I was in a great condition to learn.

Ah. A very nice day. I was a bit sentimental about our living space today. We have a really big floor-to-ceiling window, and on most beautiful afternoons, the sun light flowing through the window is just spectacular. Especially when we have such a great view of the park and a majestic flowing tree right next to us. However, my brother reminded me of all the things we had to pay for it. All the cold days, all the wiping, and all the drafts, all of that. But still. When I saw that sunlight flowing through today, I felt that it was worth it. Sigh. We won't have any of that when we move. Then again, if I was not to be sentimental, I guess we should move. But still. In that moment, I really regret it. I have these kinds of feelings everytime we move. I remember when we still lived at 3985. It was a majestic three-stories high large house. It was very big, and there was also quite a lot of natural sunlight flowing into one area. Although the surrounding environment wasn't exactly as beautiful as it is now, it was much more luxurioius than what we have now. And then I remember when we lived at 7342. It was much smaller, but we had a really really really friendly neighbour. I was very young back then. A lot of people were living there, about 14 or 15 people regularly living in a five or six bedroom house. It was fun. Especially when you're the youngest in your extended family, with a lot of your cousins and aunts and uncles and your own family around. It's different today though. Not necessarily worse, you could say I grew out of it. But a person never grows out of happiness. Throughout all these years, I've seen many trends. And also seen them broken. They haven't taught me much, but maybe that's because I haven't studied them long enough. I remember I had many insights in how children operate that adults could never fathom. Sadly, I've never developed a penchant for writing, so now I've forgotten it all. Adults could and maybe will never be able to understand exactly what and how children think. Some children, when asked, can give really good insights. They're smarter in many ways than you think. And, most of all, they have that innocent happiness about them. At least for some of them.

I'm thinking about the science project now. I believe it would be best to take a break. And think. But, there's something nagging inside me, telling I should quit writing this blog and just work on the project. I ignore it.

Knitting apparently is supposed to be relaxing. Is it? I find it not so. I find it slightly stressful, and keeps you in the state you are in. It is something for the hands to do, but when you've discovered a mistake, you don't exactly feel happy. Yoga and meditation is supposed to help, but when is it that I can really find time to stop and do it? Quick, on the spot meditation helps a bit.

In my science project, it is very flawed. I have a lot of work todo. I need to be a bit more creative, I think. I have not exactly been an autonomous learner. Maybe better than some, maybe worse than some, but I don't care. I made many mistakes. I don't care. I'll learn, but I don't care. I am not apathetic, but I choose not to care, because I do not want to care. I do not see the point in caring.

As you can read, I am feeling a bit queer today. I dont' know what it is, although I have some guesses. But I won't say it. I don't see the point in doing so. This blog is mostly meant for me to express myself. Of course, its also for homework.

I feel like getting on to the next plane to either a luxurious holiday resort or to London. I guess I just want a small break, but something inside me tells me that I can't take a small break feeling relaxed until I get everything done. Well, luckily, spring break is coming up. Maybe if I do everything today, I can relax tomorrow. But that is wishful thinking, it is not realistic. It never is. When are homework goals realistic? They never are. But why? I know. Well, since you know, how can you get it done? I don't know. It's just like knowing what a problem is, but not what the solution is. Do I need more breaks? They never seem to help. Do I need more communication with others? I don't feel isolated, I feel like a part of society. Do I need to develope studying skills? Yes, I need to. But can I implement them? No. Something needs to be done, but I don't know what it is. Ah well. I've had lots of problems before. Seems that I got over them one way or another. By the way, is this project really that important? Oh, and the printer is not working. That's interesting. And, well, I dont' know, I just feel like I need something. But I know I don't need it. And then I start to feel that I don't need it. And then I move on. Whatever. I'm not making sense whatsoever. Even I don't understand it.

I don't know whether to stop this blog or not. It's not that long, when you compare it to some people, but I don't know. I've been typing for some time, but I still don't think that I've said enough. But what is enough? It's just a feeling, right? I feel sentimental. Don't care if its derogatory or not. Sort of ties into the personality tests I'm taking care of. I don't know, maybe I should just sleep. I hope this blog counts for two blogs, since I missed it yesterday. Oh well. This ist the start of the second blog.
___________________________________________________________________

Hello. This is the second blog. I feel suprisingly relaxed right now. Well, not exactly that relaxed, I'm still somewhat stresesed. I don't know whether i'll be able to finish this project or not. I guess not. Well, maybe yes. I guess I'm starting to lose a bit of my steam. This blog has served its purpose. But I still have another bowl of congee to go through. Hmm....

Swansea Blog 65

I am sleepy. I am tired. I am only slightly stressed, though I believe my stress levels will rise within the next two days. My science fair project is due in 4 days, and I have about 20 pages of graphs, diets, results, days to comprehend, draw conclusions from, and complete my lab. And complete my logbook. And complete probably the longest sources of errors in the class. Or at least in proportion to the rest of my project.

Oh, and I finally started taking badminton lessons again after a two year break. There seems to be a lot less people with the addition of a third lesson. Hm...

Anyways, I did not sleep before 11:00 yesterday. It's 10:58 now, so I don't think I'll do that today either.

Rosario Blog 64 Multimedia

Hello! I'm going to upload 4 photos to fulfill all my multimedia blog requirements I haven't done yet so far. I've got a LOT of homework that are overdue. And I need to get started on them, but not now. Top right is the International Terminal Building Departure Hall at Vancouver International Building, Bottom right is the Domestic Terminal Building departure hall, and bottom left is a British Airwas B744 at the ITB, presumably just arriving from London Heathrow. And top left is the Tokyo National Museum, which is actually quite interesting and heads and shoulders above all the other museums in Tokyo.

Monrovia Blog 63

I find that I'm still adjusting to the different expectations of every teacher. Before, it was very simple. One teacher, and a lot of assignments. You could just predict what that teacher wanted, but not now. Now, you have to think from the teacher's point of view, and that isn't easy. You don't know their schedules, you don't know how much time they're going to spend on your piece of work, you don't know what they understand, you don't know what they don't understand. And you may not be satisfied with the results. At least, that's what several of my classmates have told me. For now, I'm okay. Even though its 4 months already, I still haven't completely know what the teacher is thinking. Sometimes the teacher's responce completely suprises you. You don't know whether its your fault, or the teacher's fault. Although, usually it is the student's fault, because teacher's are hardly every wrong, right? Well, I think that teachers do mess up quite often (using my outrageously high standards that are impossible to meet), since they have a humongous work load, and they might just accidentally skip one or two details. Sometimes, though, it may be due to the inexperience of the teacher. Also, think about it, your teacher has what, 100-300 students? Plus other commitments, meetings, job responsibilities, etc. Your teacher must also know what you are thinking, as sometimes the student may not be able to express what he or she wants correctly and precisely. That's my novel view of it all. Feel free to correct me as always.


Goal: Slept yesterday at 11:20, but only managed to fall asleep at 12 something. Most likely due to afternoon nap. Right now, I'm listening to some slightly calming music (soft instrumental), hopefully offsetting the stress cause by homework before sleep.

Child Labour

Whoops, I forgot to write about child labour.

Child labour is a somewhat controversial topic, although most people in developed countries adamantly believe that it should not happen. However, in various developing countries, child labour may be a better alternative than other even worse fates, although child labour isn't that good either. We have it extremely easy, even it we are orphans and impovished, we are the wards of the state, so at least we are protected from exploitation (legally, at least) and the government supports us financially, I hope.

Haifa Blog 62

I spent some of my procrastinating time reading some articles on procrastination. It was very boring, and wasn't really that helpful after all. The only new thing that I learnt was to visualize yourself doing that task as vividly as possible. I tried. Helped somewhat, but not that much. Today, I didn't do a lot of work. I just slept for an hour, and but it took me another hour to wake up, so afternoon naps aren't working for me. However, that may be because I slept for only about 7 hours last night. From now on, I will sleep before 11:00. That is my goal, so I'll continue the small reflection I did at the end of every blog.

Kayes Blog 61

My self-discipline is becoming a very big issue. I was very distracted by various things today, and I only did about 1.5 hours of work the entire day. The Go Program is telling me what to do, but whether I can follow it is another problem. Hopefully, things will get better during the weekdays. Otherwise, I may need external help in the form of pressure. That's one of the few things I respond to.

Belo Horizonte Blog 60

Came back today at around 9:30, and after finishing everything, it was about 10:30 or something like that, so I didn't do much. I still haven't gone through all my Science project stuff yet. I have only 8 days left to do it. I will reinstate the timetable system tomorrow, since I must work on homework tomorrow.

Chemnitz Blog 59

Augh. It turns out that I forgot to publish yesterday's blog before I went to bed. Well, here we go.

I've been relaxing for yesterday and today. I've really only done the bare minimum of homework to get me past theses two days. Sigh. Now I have a lot to do over the weekend, though, I don't think I'll be able to do much tomorrow. However, I've been resting and relaxing and sleeping and watching TV during these two days. A nice break from work, though I know I can't continue this forever.

Hello CT! I remember you! Long time no talk. Which high school are you going to?

Khabarovsk Blog 58

I have now moved to this new blog. It's okay, I guess, and much more faster than Windows Live.
I didn't do a blog yesterday because I was just really really tired after debate, and plus, my brother was using the computer for homework, so I didn't bother. And, I guess, I was a bit of lazy too.

We toured another person's house today. The interior was quite nice, a significant improvement over our current one, although, there were several areas in which our current house was much better in. Anyways, I took a look at their bookcase, and I inadvertently saw several books on their bookcase about military aviation, and a book on SAS. Whenever I hear SAS, I think Scandinavian Airlines, but I knew it was probably something like Special Air Service or someother military organization. Sometimes you hear or read that "you can tell someone by looking at their bookcase", right? Well, I can't.