Monday, September 25, 2006

Bullshit Bingo!

How to Stay Awake in Boring Classes

Do you keep falling asleep in class? What about those long and boring seminars and labs?

1. Before (or during) the next class prepare yourself by drawing a square. 5" x 5" is a good size. Divide the card into columns-five across and five down. That will give you 25 one-inch blocks.
2. Write one of the following words/phrases in each block: Synergy, environment, strategic fit, core competencies, best practice, bottom line, I won't go into detail, the truth is, 24/7, alternatively, benchmark, climate-change, maximize, value-added, proactive, win-win, think outside the box, fast track, result-driven, based on the data, at the end of the day, touch base, in fact, client focus, paradigm, game plan, leverage.
3. Now check off the appropriate block when you hear one of those words/phrases.
4. When you get five blocks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally stand up and shout "BULLSHIT!"

Real Testimonials from satisfied players:
"I had been in the class for only five minutes when I won."
"My attention span at meetings has improved dramatically."
"Class will never be the same for me after my first win."
"The atmosphere was tense in the last process meeting as 14 of us waited for the fifth box."
"The professor was stunned as eight of us screamed 'BULLSHIT!' for the third time in an hour. The Bullshit Bingo Championship will be played at the next class."

Batten down the hatches Becky

So I'm sitting in Dr. Bob's Human Geography class (2214.1 Environment and Livilihood), it was one of those discussion classes, and everyone was talking about whether or not all the countries of the world will become as developed as us. As developed as us? What does that mean? Is Canada a developed country? and if so, why? We still have poverty, levels of illiteracy, homelessness, environmental problems... Everyone characterized a developing nation as having technology, infrastructure, megacities with core downtowns and sprawling wealthy suburbs, trade, and trans-national corporations who rely on the 'developing' nations for cheap labour and natural resources. So, the question again is, will all countries become developed? Why do we think we are more developed than another country. Shouldn't a developed country be one that can act sustainable, have good social programs, and not exploit other countries?
Is there a difference between sustainable development and RESPONSIBLE development. As Westerners, we always feel we are superior to less-developed nations, and try to bring them up to our standards. Maybe they are happy just the way they are, and we should leave them alone, or help them in different ways than we are. Who says traditional ways of living, subsistence agriculture, lack of internet and other technology are bad. Last week, the Sudanese government rejected UN Peacekeepers because the didn't want western views in their country. I'm not saying we shouldn;t help those starving in Sudan, we need to do more. Why are we so dependent on commercialism? Get out to the country and breathe some fresh air!

Sunday, September 17, 2006

So far so good

The view from the top, finally. Back on 13, and it's a great view. It's not so bad, when you roll out of bed, and your view is of the Atlantic ocean, cruise ships and cargo ships, and sailboats. As much as I like being out in the woods, in touch with nature, nothing beats living in a highrise. If anybody needs to get a hold of me, my # is 491-8668 ext 3369.


RA camp was good. Even though I went right from my summer job to camp the next day, it still seamed like a good end to the summer, and a bit of a vacation from real work. Camp is the best, even though the weather was pretty wet the whole time. You never know what to expect when you do something twice, but the second time around was still good, the food was still good. Best things from camp:
-Darren's food
-good timing for cleanups
-swimming in the lake in Sept. when the air is colder than the water
-meeting all the newbies, reconnecting with the returners
-campfires and marshmellows!
-Cabin 8 skit
-Things in a box, hahaha, and finding out everyone's dirty sense of humour

The first few weeks back have been crazy. Frosh week went really well, my floor came out to alot of the events, which I'm not used to, it was awesome. All the events I went to were really fun, especially Casino night, and Sex with Sue, and the free food at the bbq and President's dinner. I felt bad for Pilate, who was the band and played fri night. Hardly anybody went at all. All my classes are good so far, a few of them are boring, but I will appreciate that later when it gets busier. All of the AIESEC recruitment kept me busy too, but it was really well planned (thanks to the kick ass team) and we're getting more notice on campus from everyone. I have a good feeling about this year. I hope to keep up with all the traditions, like Open Mic, and Split Crow, but study more, and keep in touch with old friends far away, and ones still here in the city.

Really really excited for the Rolling Stones this weekend!! and Joel Plaskett is coming back to Hali for Keith's Fest woooooo!