Blogs, Blogs, Blogs.

Throughout this whole year we’ve all written around 18 blogs. Crazy right? That’s around 72 paragraphs that we have all been forced to write. At the beginning of the year, I was actually kind of excited to be writing something on the Internet… later to find out that is was going to be a huge hassle. Week after week, not only did you have to come up with a good topic, but you also wanted to get a good mark (well… for most of us), so you had to put some amount of time into making them decent, something that we didn’t want to put in. Some of the blogs were amazing (Emily V, Olivia, Emily M, etc.) and some others were just plain funny (like how Emilie’s name means chicken). Either way, we had to write them whether we liked it or not.

Now looking back at it, it’s not as bad it is sounds. Maybe I’m just saying this because this is my last blog till school ends, but I really think that it forced me to think out side the box when I’m writing. What I know for sure is that I’m a better writer than I was last year, and for that reason only, I’m more ready to take on grade 9 English. Thanks Ms. Weldon.

Overall, I think that like all things in school, practice makes you better, and in this case it was my writing. I really shouldn’t have been complaining that much about them earlier because it’s just like any other homework that teachers assign us. Maybe, just maybe, they were even better.

-alex Garcia

Hurdles

You have now put countless hours of practice into the qualifier that gets you to regionals. On your mark…GO! You sprint as quickly as you can to the first hurdle. You jump, and then dart as swiftly as your feet can go to the next obstacle.

You’re almost finished the race when you think, “I have to surpass an obstacle. Oh no, an obstacle.”

An Obstacle |äbstəkəl|

(noun)

a thing that blocks one's way, prevents or hinders progress

The way I look at it, is that obstacles don’t have to be there, if what you see, doesn’t take your eyes off the prize.

Always in your life, you are going to find someone or something that interferers with your plans but don’t let that stop you. They are going to be there, no matter what, so imagine they’re not even there. Chances are that if you really try, just like a hurdle jumper, you can make it to the finish line without nockin' down a hurdle.

Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal. So don’t let them intimidate you, or drive you way from your confidence that you will always have within yourself. Stay strong and erase those weak hurdles from your mind because we’re all mentally able.

i commented on Fiona's blog- Tims Vs. Starbucks

iTunes & LimeWire

“Hey mom, can you put on the radio?”

You just heard the hottest new tune this morning while driving to school, and you can’t wait to download it. However, you have to decide.

Should I use iTunes or LimeWire?

Lets start with LimeWire.

This peer-to-peer file sharing system allows you to download any song for FREE. Bonus…right? Sure, the song might be free, but there are downsides that come with that.

To begin, LimeWire could accidentally configure the software to allow access to any file on your computer, including documents with personal information. Such networks can lead to identity theft and lawsuits.

The ability of LimeWire to distribute viruses has also been a concern. Luckily, the much more improved versions of LimeWire have reduced that issue. Despite that, there are still chances of your computer getting infected.

Lastly, I know that it’s not fair to the artists. They work real hard producing songs and music videos that their fans will appreciate, and in a sense, we are getting their art for free. That’s selfish and dishonorable.

Lets move in to iTunes.

Well…what can I say? iTunes is the complete opposite of LimeWire. You have to buy the song (kind of the down side), but there are no chances of you getting viruses or getting your identity stolen. The list goes on, this time, if you buy from iTunes, you are being fair the artists. Plus the sound quality is better. You may not hear it with regular speakers, but with real good ones, you can tell the difference.

What it all comes down to is the price. If you’re willing to pay $0.99 for a song, pay it. That is off-course unless you want to put yourself at risk of identity theft or being called into Best Buy for a new computer.

In my opinion, iTunes is way better than LimeWire because it has a lot more to offer.

*I commented on Emily Vines’ blog- Chewing Gum

A Crazy Society

While gainers are busy eating 12 000 calories a day, people are dying from starvation. Is this right? Off course not! Donna Simpson, a gainer, is trying to become that fattest woman on earth. To do so, she has a site to collect money for her $750/week eating coast. Now that is just absurd and preposterous. But even crazier, people actually give money.

“It feels right to be fat”, is what Donna feels. It’s her life, and she can do anything with it, even if it means putting her life a risk, however, the $3 000 that’s she’s raising per month could go to a greater cause.

Those $3 000, can help the 15 million children that die of hunger per year.

Below are some more reasons why society should give money to help decrease starvation rather than paying to watch gainers eat.

1. 1 Did you know that in Asian, African and Latin American countries, over 500 million people are living in what the World Bank has called "absolute poverty”?

2. 2. Nearly one in four people, 1.3 billion - a majority of humanity - live on less than $1 per day. This equals starvation.

3. 3. One out of every eight children under the age of twelve in the U.S. goes to bed hungry every night.

4. 4. Malnutrition is implicated in more than half of all child deaths worldwide - a proportion unmatched by any infectious disease.

5. 5. About 183 million children weigh less than they should for their age

6. 6. To satisfy the world's sanitation and food requirements would cost only $13 billion-what the people of the US and the European Union spend on perfume each year.

Every 3.6 seconds someone dies of hunger, so why are people reading articles on gainers instead of growing awareness about poverty? Next time, help out the needy.

I commented on Fab's blog- Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber Vs. Michael Jackson

Is Justin Bieber actually being compared to Michael Jackson? Wow. I have nothing against Justin Bieber, or anything for Michael Jackson, however, that’s a big comparison that people are making.

For starters, Justin Bieber is a newcomer. He is talented, and therefore has accomplished many things for his age (Ex. He performed for President Barack Obama). Nonetheless, he’s not as gifted or experienced as Michael Jackson.

To make my point even more clear, below are a few comparisons of their accomplishments.

Justin Bieber

Michael Jackson

Video: One Time FAVOURITE INTERNATIONAL VIDEO Myx Music Awards Sang for President Barack Obama Bieber was a presenter at the 52nd Grammy Awards on January 31, 2010. He was invited to be a vocalist for the remake of We are the World for its 25th anniversary to benefit Haiti.

Michael has been inducted twelve times in the Music Hall of Fame, more than any other act He’s in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice Other Achievements include thirteen Guinness World Records (more than any other artist) 15 Grammy awards (including the Living Legend Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award) 26 AMerican Music awards (more than any other artist) 17 number one singles in the US He also has estimated global sales of over 780 million records, making him one of the best-selling recording artist ever

As you can see, Michael Jackson has broken more marvelous records and accomplishments than Bieber. However, you have to take note that MJ is now died and Beiber only just turned 16. Either way, I personally believe that some day, someone will surpass MJ’s accomplishments, but it’s not Justin Beiber. He hasn’t done enough in his short career to earn the title, King of Pop.

I commented on Cassie's Blog- Justin Bieber

First Impressions

It’s your first day of school, and your trying to make a profound impact on your new teachers.

You got the job, your hired, but your haven’t met your boss yet. You want him to appreciate you.

To your teachers, you want to seem like a confident, strong, individual student. Further, you want your boss to see the obedience, passion and respect in you. However, in order to make them have a good perception of you, your first impressions count the most.

They matter so much because they’re what people base you on. In addition, they can give you great opportunities.

For the future, don’t be late for a meeting or a lazy couch potato. Don’t be negative Nelly, be positive Polly. Above all, don’t question yourself.

You don’t want to be known as a timid or eccentric person, so have right judgment and reverence. Those characteristics can give people great long lasting effects.

For next time, remember that first impressions count!

I commented on Emilie Pollard's Blog- Uniforms

How i Became the Golfer I am Today

by: Alexandra Garcia

I was going to start this blog by giving you the dictionary’s definition of the words passion and ambition, but somehow that didn’t seem…well, that ambitious. So, I’m telling you my story- how I became part of the Elite team of Glen Abby.

I few months ago, my friend Jenna and I received a letter in correspondence to the Elite team that we were applying for. Unbelievably and remarkably, we both got in. However, it was harder than we both thought.

First, it took us passion.

Golf gave us a craving of victory. Just to see that ball go in the hole, or having that felling of triumph put a smile on our face, so we went all the way.

Next stop, ambition.

They say that opportunity knocks, but ambition pounds the doornail. So personally, I worked out twice a week. Trained with my coaches for 3 hours, and played and practiced. In addition, I did Heart Math. On average, I spend around 5 days of my week doing things that were golf related.

Even when I just felt like being a couch potato, I had to wake up at 6:30 on weekends to be in time for my workout. Sometimes I just wished that I could have just gone back to bed, but I would have been sponsored by Adidas and Tailor Made if I had.

I guess that if I did look up the word ambition, it would have defined it as a desire for fame and fortune. What it wouldn’t of said is that this desire isn’t driven be our want to get ahead, but rather by the fear if saying exactly where we are.

So there you have it in so many words. I became the golfer I am today with PASSION and AMBITION!

*I commented on Lauren's blog

IMAGINING THE UNIMAGINABLE

I was very anxious to get to the mall. I even came extra early in anticipation for one thing and one thing only. As the mall doors suddenly opened, I rushed up to the lottery stand where they were posting the winning numbers for the unimaginable. I tried not to get too edgy and antsy, after all there was a better chance of me getting truck by lightning 2 times than me winning the lottery. Off course, the lottery stand was still not available to the public. As I was waiting there patiently for them to slowly open, I dreamed what I could do with 40 million dollars. My thoughts were endless…

To begin with, I’d give 10% to charities (4 million dollars). People in Haiti and foundation similar to Red Cross need generous donators like me. That is if win the 40 million. They needed it much more than I do, and I’m not a person to hold back. In addition, I would prefer to remain anonymous.

By this time, the stand was still not open, and I was immensely and abundantly impatient. So I keep dreaming…

Immediately, I knew that I was going to spend 25% on gold, 25% on uranium, and 25% in real state. I know, I know, you probable think that you would spend the money in a private jet, or a boat. However, I bag to differ. The problem with buying a private jet is that it’s and expense, and does not give you value. It also doesn’t appreciate over time, and that means that you’re going to lose money. I’m going to invest in gold and uranium because the demand is greater than the supply. For real state, well… it’s just cheap at the moment and the value can only increase.

Wow! I already used up 85% of my money. That went by quick!! For the remaining 15%, I would keep it sat in the bank, in Canadian dollars. This would insure me money to try new opportunities for the foreseeable future, while gaining interest.

With the money that I will gain from my smart investments, I would make enough profit to buy a new house, and give money to my fellow family members and special friends.

“Hello Miss, can I assist you with anything?” the sales clerk said to me steadily.

I replied by walking over to the lottery numbers rapidly. For I had been waiting for a while.

And there I stood, jaw open, and nearly about to faint.

I won 40 million dollars!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The INCREDIBLE iPad

Offering a range of exciting features, the Apple iPad has become the latest hot buzz among the tech generation.

Though many people refer to it as the updated version of the iPhone, the iPad is the mix of the iPhone, the iTouch and a full notebook or laptop. This tablet has a touch screen and can be used for browsing the net, listening to music, watching movies and playing games.

The lasting impact and energy on the company’s much anticipated tablet was static and incredible. The last time there was this much excitement about a tablet, it had some commandments written on it. The iPad represents the latest tool in Apple’s on going, and increasingly success.

So how did Apple continue to grow its spider web?

The iPad.

Haiti

One hour before dark, the earth starts to vibrate. You and many others don’t know what to do. You try to escape the building before it crumbles down on you. You are one of the few that succeed. Unfortunately, your mom is trapped under the cold brick, heavy concrete, and stiff metal. She died.

On the twelfth of January, the largest earthquake recorded hit. It destroyed almost every part of Haiti. The quake had a magnitude of eight, and the heavy shocks following were gargantuan. Communication facilities were stopped and complete information has been bounded. The first news report told that 1000s of buildings had been destroyed, resulting of undiscovered citizens that were trapped. Tens of 1000s of citizens became homeless, hopeless and helpless. They have nothing to eat, wear, or to sleep on.

Approximately forty-five thousand US citizens reside in Haiti, and the Embassy has been required to assist. Depicting circumstances in this land are unthinkable. Many people have been doing their best to make the world contribute in every way to help the people suffering from Haiti’s earthquake disaster.

Imagine that you lived in a world that wanted to be free from disaster, but is incapable. Please help the people of Haiti, and make a donation to a charity like Red Cross. Assist the people whose family members died.

Apple vs. Microsoft Website

The two giants that pride themselves for producing cutting edge products are Apple and Microsoft. They are leading developers in software and hardware, but what about their websites? How do they both compare, and more important, which one is better and more usable? 
Well, in this blog, I’ll take a look at both websites for closer examination from a usability point of view.


Apple knows the importance of getting the customer’s attention. They know that a clean site really helps. One other thing to note is the lack of content. You’re not distracted by sidebars or extra navigation items. This helps you make the decision of where to go next easier.

Now lets look at Microsoft. It’s certainly good at finding what you’re looking for and getting the results wanted. However, the look and feel of their pages are different. It almost looks like you’re browsing at a different website.

So which site is the winner? If you’re looking at usability alone, Apple comes out ahead. They have a better designed homepage that offers less choice, which means the user needs to think less. 
They also have consistent navigation across all of their pages. The Apple site is generally more user friendly and offers a much better experience to consumers. 
Having said this, the Apple website is much smaller than Microsoft’s site. Unlike Apple, Microsoft hosts many different sites and sections under the Microsoft.com brand. The biggest problem for Microsoft is consistency.
 Every section looks and feels different. There is no global navigation and there are not many visual clues that tell the user that this is a Microsoft site. For these reasons, I think Apple is the clear winner here.



What do you think? Have I got it right?

Please post your comments.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the top ten in-demand jobs in 2010 did not exist in 2004! How would you feel if the job you've been doing for most of your life just moved offshore without any warning? What if you just spent several years getting an education for what you thought would be a very hot job but later turned out to be a very bad choice? I’ll gladly tell you that I would feel frustrated and very annoyed.

Just a while back, people have been very disappointed with the unanticipated, and instantaneous change of hot and coming jobs. It shows us that in our society, anything can happen and we have to keep our options open. Students studying in high schools and universities now have to be very carful in the career they are planning to pursue because of all the new technology. Before Apple and Google, where all the employees working? Most recently, there was a new job title involving software engineering. Again, very tech oriented.

For all the viewers out there I don’t want you to be facing questions like: “Why did I get myself into this?” and “Can I go back in time and change my career?”

Call to mind that there are many opportunities and one decision can change your life, so make it a good one.

-Alexandra Garcia