A series of randomness

No, I'm sorry. I'm legally forbidden from dating you.

2007-06-14T15:35:00.000-06:00

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/06/14/canada.ban.ap/index.html

Apparently, the Canadian court can now stop my Ex from being happy! Kick ass. How do I get this court order slapped onto my ex-boyfriends???

But seriously now. Since when can a court dictate when you have romantic relationships?? Does a one night stand count? What about a coffee with a friend who happens to be of the gender you prefer? Do you have to tell the courts if you come out of the closet, and thus you could be 'dating' someone that before you wouldn't have been before? WTF.

I also like that this was reported on an american site, but not Canadian...

My Rapping Abilities

2007-06-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

Ok.. I realize that I haven't posted in awhile. I'm not going to lie - I forgot my password. It has taken me this long to admit to myself that I cannot for the life of me remember what my password is and reset it. So, here I am! I don't really have any pressing political commentary to make right now. I've been a little disconnected from the provincial scene, completely being engulfed in my own selfish endevours.

What I do want to comment on tonight is: my amazing rapping abilities. On Friday there was a little party for the departing Gavin Gardiner, who is moving up North. Where did this take place? Where else! The Colonial, the best/amazingest kareokee bar in Saskatoon. And what did I do here? I rapped. I rapped "Work it" by Missy Elliot, and it was nothing short of brilliant. I also sang "Its Not Unusual" by Mr. Tom Jones, and "Liquid Dreams" by O-Town (oh how I miss them...), but they were nothing in comparison to "work it".

What is the moral of this story you ask? Well there are two.. A) Everyone needs to go to the Colonial. B) I need a record deal.. Preferrably with Death Row Records... Gotta follow in Tupac's footsteps right?

I am so white...

My Take on Borat

2007-04-08T02:08:00.000-06:00

I was so excited to see Borat. I wanted to go in the theatres so badly, but everyone had already seemed to have seen it.

Josie = extremely disappointed.

But, I finally rented it and watched it yesterday! I was so excited. I've watched almost every Borat clip on youtube. I loved Borat.

I was extremely disappointed again. But this time it was because the movie did not live up my expectations! There were so many better Borat clips from the Ali G Show... The movie could have been made a million times better in my view.. *sigh* oh well.. I guess it's over

Also, sorry for the lack of substantial posts lately. I have one of the crappiest exam schedules, and I've been spending 7-8 hours at the school every day by myself (sad.. i know) studying Aboriginal policy and American government. Anywho, I swear, after the 16th I'll be back!!

Update in the Life of Josie

2007-03-31T17:02:00.000-06:00

I apologize for the lack of posts lately. It's been a tad crazy with homework lately considering I haven't done any homework for a few weeks during the campaign and whatnot... It's safe to say that I have a lot to do in the net week or so!

But onto more important things. Just got home from Decepticon 2007, which is the annual spring conference for the Board of College Presidents and various incoming position on the respective student councils. It was pretty awesome seeing a whole wack-load of student leaders in one room like that. It definately is a pump-upper for the next year! I got to address the group, which was a little awkward becuase I wasn't sure before hand exactly what we were supposed to do there, and the exec hasn't actually met yet formally! We just got together to take our kick ass group shot that can be seen in this week's Sheaf! I suggest you all check it out (and by 'you all' i mean the 8 people who read my blog, although through the election I was gettin upwards of 25 hits a day! Go me. I'm so popular.)

I'm getting extremely excited to take office in May. It's a great bunch that got elected, and I'm super pumped to work with them, and the USSU permanent staff in the upcoming year. I think its going to be a good year :)

jos

Sask Budget

2007-03-23T12:06:00.000-06:00

So the budgets here... We were told that 'students would be happy'. Is this the case?

In it students are basically given two things:
1. The freeze is continued - yay I suppose. Not that freezes are the answer to a system that is severly underfunded... But I suppose they help a little bit, and more or less they allow students to make a point about the funding of post-secondary education. What they've been advocating is tuition reductions, but that concept kind of makes me nervous I have to say. As the new VP Academic Affairs one of the things I'm really going to be focusing on is the quality of our university education. Cost is obviously an issue as our institutions are incredibly underfunded, and that is being put on the backs of our students which is ridiculous... But, I don't want to be a student at a school that is cheap for me to attend, and get a degree that is not respected by the national and international community. Quality SHOULD be our number one concern as students, for thats why we're at University. We're here to get an education to expand our minds, and hopefully get a job somewhere along the lines. Maybe drink a little on the way. There are not enough professors at our universities. The professors that are here are overworked and not allowed to do the research that they need to do to remain qualified and up to date in their fields. THIS is my major concern. So I'd like to see increased investment in our post-secondary by our Federal AND Provincial governments so that we are able to maintain a proper number of professors along with a reasonable cost for the education we receive from them.

2. The first $10,000 we make after we get our degree is income tax free. Awesome. This is really good FOR the government to attempt to solve the problem of young people leaving the province. Personally, I like this but I can't see a huge advantage for students here and now. Students have issues with money now, and two, three, four years down the road will not really effect what happens to them now. So, good intiative in the end, but it doesn't really do anything for students now.

So in the end my opinion of the budget for students is this: meh. It's ok.. Not amazing, but ok. I'd like to work next year for more with the new VP External Affairs to lobby for increased funding along with tuition fee issues.

USSU Election Results

2007-03-23T11:44:00.000-06:00

Well, it is finally over.

The last few weeks has been full of stress, excitement, nerves, and sleep-less nights. But, it is now all over. I am happy to announce that I was elected to be the Vice President of Academic Affairs for the University of Saskatchewan Student's Union. I'm excited for this next year to work with some wonderful people and hopefully change people's opinions of the USSU. Recently, student's have become extremely upset with the Union. I hope to change that, and give student's something to believe in.

Thank you to everyone who supported me and helped me through these past few weeks. This was definately a group effort, and I would not have been able to do it alone. The support that I've gotten from people who love me has been overwhelming. The support I've received from people I just met has been absolutly amazing as well. People had faith in me, and I'm esctatic that I've been able to live up to their beliefs. So, THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!! I REALLY couldn't have done this without you :).

jos

http://www.ussu.ca for total election results

babies EVERYWHERE!!!!

2007-03-17T03:08:00.000-06:00

Ok. Srsly. Funniest thing. That woman's expression at the end is my lifegoal to attain.

Budget

2007-03-17T02:41:00.000-06:00

Well the USSU budget is out. USC got it Thursday night, and after a four hour long meeting, we have gotten nowhere because we haven't read it yet! If you want to read it, go to http://www.ussu.ca, and I'm told that theres going to be a link to it. Sometime this weekend I have to make time to go through it, because we only have a week, and even though its one of the busiest times for us students (most of us are taking full loads), AND the elections are on, the vote can't be delayed a week because it came out too late. *sigh*... fun weekend ahead...

Scandal

2007-03-14T21:04:00.001-06:00

Just check out http://www.thesheaf.com

USSU General Elections - find the dirt here

2007-03-13T02:14:00.000-06:00

Campaiging is now two hours old (and I got my posters up in an hour, why? because my friends rock. GO TEAM JOSIE!)

http://www.ussu.ca/elections/index.shtml

I don't know exactly what I can say on here because of official election policy, so I won't say anything. Just read my platform. It's the schiznit. If you have any questions, give me a shout! I'm always eager to talk to concerned students - you don't get many of them!

jos

Note to Self: Don't drive with your window down when the streets are swimming pools

2007-03-11T16:04:00.000-06:00

That 'note to self' is good for everyone.. Being splashed with dirty street water as you are driving is never fun. *shudders* ewww

Has it arrived?

2007-03-09T01:16:00.000-06:00

Today is officially the first AWESOME DAY!!!! I had to walk around puddles because so much snow had melted that the puddles were too deep for me to walk around :) YAY!!!!!!

thats all for now. Stay tuned for USSU election posts...

But really.. Who IS Drew Dwernychuk?

2007-03-03T00:57:00.000-06:00

This.. This is Drew Dwernychuk. He just loves having his picture taken and posted online without his consent. Ain't he cute??
Obviously not as cute as I am, but comeon! Give him a break.. He's frail.

PS. If you click on the picture it gets bigger. So you can look at the wonderfulness of Drew in extra large! I know he'll appreciate you alllll doing that.

Ok Drew now stop your bloody whining.

2007-03-03T00:45:00.000-06:00

Drew, this ones for you. And feel special, because you, my friend, got my 50th post.

What can be said about Drew Dwernychuk? He's a boy.. A boy who was ASSU (search that!) President for two years, and soon will be gone. A boy who continued and improved a great organization, and has been a substaintial reason for my excellent year. But, he is not all roses and lolly pops (speaking of which, I saw your lolly pop store today Jade in the Circle mall.. I thought of you!).... Drew has an mean, shall I say evil streak to him. Many do not know about this in him, but I do.. I do.. Many a times I've had to burn him (quite well I may add) to keep the boy in line. But, I shan't say more.. For I don't want to tarnish the false reputation that Drew has built up, because it is all that is keeping that frail boy's self-esteem intact... All I have to say is Drew, the shed is waiting... AND I AM NOT MATT LEISLE

Facebook Queen

2007-03-02T01:30:00.000-06:00

Ok, I just had to say it. I hit 100 friends on Facebook yesterday and I feel like the COOLEST person ever. I mean, everyone loves me! That's why I have so many Facebook friends! *sigh* if only EVERYONE could be as cool as me.

Facebook is the new schiznit

2007-03-01T01:07:00.000-06:00

all you need to know is MAKE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT. http://www.facebook.com

srsly its the best thing ever.

Summer where art thou...

2007-03-01T00:50:00.000-06:00

Well, it is officially March, and it is still snowing outside... I know usually I use this blog as a forum for my political grievances, but right now all I can think of is sitting in my backyard around a roaring fire sipping a beer.. or sitting in my frontyard in a paddling pool drinking a beer and eating a hot dog...

Don't get me wrong. I don't ACTUALLY mind winter. I mean, when its -40 and I'm walking to school it sucks hardcore, but all in all I don't overly mind it. But comeon! This is getting silly.. I know it's only February, but we've had snow for so bloody long. October, November, December, January, February, and now March. That is half of the year my friend.. half of the year. When will it all just go away, and allow me to walk on the sidewalk vs the middle of the road? *sigh*.. perhaps I'm just asking for too much.

For the past few months me and the roomie (whom I like to refer to as my non-sexual plutonic life partner) have been planning our amazing summer together. There shall be plenty of evenings relaxing in the back yard, which we plan to make b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. Tomatoes, carrots, lettuce.. Oh it will be wonderful... Now, just to get this dammed snow to melt away.. soon josie.. soon...

USSU has won again

2007-01-29T00:56:00.000-06:00

I bet a few people are out there right now wondering if I'm going to say anything about recent activities at the U of S... And by a few, I mean Jade, maybe. But I haven't decided yet if I will or not. So, stay tuned for a possible alcohol-induced rant about political happenings at the U of S.

I'm alive! No thanks to these bloody young people...

2007-01-29T00:38:00.000-06:00

So I've discovered I haven't really been blogging all that much lately... Truthfully, I've been on facebook. I know, sad.. But it really gets addictive! As for now, I could blog about annoying 15-17 year olds at the Billy Talent concert who are trying so incredibly hard to be unique, but end up looking just like everyboyd else, or I could blog about annoying 15-17 year olds who like to pretend to be politically active and scream when their favorite band yells "FUCK BUSH" like they know what the hell they're talking about but then when the Make Poverty History table is set up at the friggen concert they just walk by because they don't actually care or know anything about politics. Because, they don't actually KNOW why they hate Bush.. They just hate him because its the 'thing to do' and they're anti-establishement and shit, even though they couldn't tell you why they are anti-establishment or even what that really means. Anarchy forever, as long as mommy and daddy still buy me enough green hair dye to make it look like someone puked on my head..

Ok ok.. I had blue hair at one point, I will admit it. But I swear I did it BEFORE it got cool. It's actually quite an interesting story, which I won't tell at this time.

I guess this blog/rant is just mainly about youth of today. Why are they so fucking dumb? Like, 'lets dress up like 12-year old whores and go drinking when our brains are fully developed yet! Better yet, lets go have tons of sex before the age of 14 because its the cool thing to do!' When I was 12 you seriously could not get me out of sweat pants. Noone cared about fashion at that time! You were 12! All you cared about was if that boy looked at you (hasn't changed), or what mom was making for supper (now its what my roommate is making for supper). Noone cared about coordinating outfits and whether or not these two shirts layer well (haha ok honestly I still don't care, and I can't see myself EVER caring. Bunnyhugs are my friends :) ) Blah. Seriously when did I become so bloody cynical? When did I start saying 'bloody' in everyday normal language?

So thats that. I could also blog about my experiences last week in Victoria at my Canadian political science students assoc conference.. Leave it to me to go to a conference for the first time, and come back with 2 new exec positions, one of them being VP Communications, second in command. But I think i'll leave my drunken stories and evictions for another day.. if ever..

Boardgames are the Schiznit

2007-01-03T01:59:00.000-06:00

During my last lazy afternoon of the Holiday season (after buying my friggen AWESOME textbooks that I am waaaay too excited to read) I decided that I wanted to have a boardgame night. I haven't played boardgames, besides the Settlers of Catan (go Mennonite games!), in years. The conclusion: BEST IDEA EVER. Get 8 people who barely know each other together, put them in front of Catch Phrase with some great 90s pop hits playing in the background (remember 5ive, O-Town, and S Club 7!!) and the hours will just fly by! I honestly have not had as much fun as I did playing boardgames tonight in an incredibly long time, possibly since the Greatest Party of All Times. Also I found that I am the intellectual superior to my roommate muahaha! Screw her and her Archeology! The fact that I was able to get my friends to say the words 'Old Grits' My saying 'opposite of young and another word for a Liberal' proves that I. Am. Amazing. End of story.

He's Dead!

2007-01-01T15:28:00.000-06:00

Saddam Hussein is finally gone. But why do I then still have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach? I think its the idea that as I slept that night, a man was killed in the name of justice. Saddam was arguably one of the evilest men on the planet. He killed a lot of people and led an evil regime. But, what gives the state the right to kill someone? Is it not still murder? Personally, I would have loved to see him rot in jail for the rest of his life, cut off completely from the outside world. Death was an easy out for him. Perhaps later I'll have more thoughts on this issue...

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-25T16:54:00.000-06:00

For fear of offending my non-Christian readers, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! I like the all-encompassing phrase! This is my holiday shout-out from the wonderful city of Victoria. Went for an amazing walk by the ocean this morning, passing the green lawns and trees with leaves on them! It is definately a big change from the knee deep snow that is in toon town! So, eat too much turkey, drink too much wine, take your presents for granted, and fill up on chocolate! Tis the season for commercialism, over-eating, and consumer consumption! Isn't it grrrrrrreat?? I sure think it is! I can hear Tina now.. BAD NDPER!!!! :) whatever. It's Christmas!

Saskatchewan Youth Summit

2006-12-11T13:02:00.000-06:00

Saskatchewan rocks. There. I said it. I love Saskatchewan. I plan on being here for an extremely long time. I'm a lifer. And you all should considering making Saskatchewan your future. Why do you ask? I believe that there are tons of opportunities for young people here. People continually complain that there are no jobs in Saskatchewan but that is simply not true. We don't have jobs compared to Alberta, who is TEEMING with them - and suffering the consequences of high wages and a labour shortage. Saskatchewan is basically in the perfect spot right now. We have low-living costs, and high opportunity! This is not to mention how awesome Saskatchewan is. There are tons of people who visit (or drive through...) this great province and have just amazing stories about the people who live here. I heard one man talk about how he moved here from NFLD and has lived all over the world and all over Canada. He views Saskatchewan as the best place to live out of all of them. He was only planning on staying here for six months, but I believe he moved here in 2002, so that was awhile ago!

So why am I all of a sudden a massive supporter of the awesomeness that is Saskatchewan? Well, my friend, it is because of the Saskatchewan Youth Summit that our government has decided to call! Where can I get information you ask? right here: http://www.saskyouthsummit.ca/

I really encourage everyone to sign up for this. Saskatchewan's population is aging, and our youth really is our future. The future of this province will only be as good as we can make it, and the government sure needs our help! Most of those MLAs in the Legislature down in Regina are in their 50s. What do they know about young people in Saskatchewan?? Not much! So they desperately need our help. Therefore, you have an obligation to sign up for the Saskatchewan Youth Summit. Hopefully (hoping I get accepted and you all apply and get accepted as well) see you there!

"I'll Be Back"

2006-12-11T00:38:00.000-06:00

So as the lame quote from the governator indicates, yes I will be back soon to continue blogging. But as I am in the middle of my finals and have a wonderful (PLEASE note the sarcasm) final tomorrow about the wonderfulness of Christianity, blogging has sort of taken a backseat :). Especially since Council has been quite busy lately and has required a tad bit of extra time, my free time is spent sleeping and playing Donkey Kong. But Wednesday it will be done, and I encourage everyone who reads this to come to Louis' around 5ish to drink with me! It will have been a whole week since I've drank, so by then I'll definately be in withdrawl. So come on out! Buy me a drink! I'll never say no to a free drink! But enough of the procrastination... I should go back to learning about the arguments betwee Pelagius and Augustine and how they compare to the ideas of Martin Luther! SHOOT ME!

Interesting tidbit: I defiantely got an email from the 'Christian bloggers' asking me to join their bloglist whos "prayer and intent is to bring Christians closer together, and make a positive contribution to the Internet community." HA. I have no idea where they got that idea. Perhaps from my bitch blog about that asshole who fired that woman from teaching in the church because she's a woman and an obscure passage in the Bible states that women can't teach. Screw you Paul. What do you know?? I would provide a link to that blog, but in all honesty I don't know how to... Blame my technologically retarded parents for raising a technologically retarded daughter. But in good news: GOT ME A NEW COMPUTER! Haven't broken it yet so here's hoping for a positive result with this one!! But yes. back to this bs.

SuperJack!!

2006-12-02T14:05:00.000-06:00

Ok. So my secret santa, the wonderful kunz, is the most AMAZING secret santa ever. He made me a Jack Layton superhero figurine!!! I HAVE SUPERJACK!!! and SuperJack is amazing. Amazing is really the only word to describe the awesomeness that is SuperJack. He even has an orange tie! What attention to detail! I just thought that I would share this with everyone becuase it really is the most amazing thing ever

Canadian Idiot!!

2006-11-23T14:07:00.000-06:00

This song by the genius that is Weird Al has seemed to create a lot of controversy. A lot of people see it as anti-Canadian being extremely offensive to the Canadian culture. I don't know about ya'll, but I find it funny! As an extremely patriotic Canadian, I think what sets us apart from other nations is the ability to not take ourselves too seriously. EH?! I remember back in the day (grade 12.. which I guess was only two and a half years ago.. HA to all you oldies), when I was in Washington for Presidential Classroom, we had to do presentations on our countries. Other countries had been told this before hand and actually had cultural dances, songs, dress, etc prepared. Well us Canadians were like wtf. We have no mono-culture (i totally just made that word up and i LOVE it.). So what did we do?? We got up there on the stage infront of 400 other young people from across the world and MADE FUN OF CANADA. 'Tim Hortons is God' and other slogans such as that I think make Canadians what we are. We're able to take stabs at the stereotypes of Canadians and run with them! That is a main reason of why I'm proud to be Canadian :).

The only thing I have to say about this song is that, Weird Al, it's pronounced SaskatchewIn not SaskatchewAn. Jeesh. I can always tell when people aren't from Saskatchewan because they pronounce it SaskatchewAn vs. SaskatchewIn.

SYND Convention

2006-11-20T22:54:00.000-06:00

So this will be my only shout out to the NDP... I'm not in it so it's not TOO terribly interesting.

Never give me technology and expect it to work after

2006-11-20T21:13:00.000-06:00

I have decided that technology not only hates me, but it is afraid of me. I have broken my digital camera, ipod, numerous printers, my moms old desktop, and now I crashed Windows XP (not to mention I'm on my fourth motherboard for this laptop, second power cord, and I've had pixels burnt out basically since I've gotten it)! I've also had to flirt with a few of the Dell computer guys to get them to send me new disks for my computer because I always seem to lose them. But I'm good enough at manipulation that it seems to work out in the end.

I honestly believe that I simply was not meant to touch any type of technology. As my computer friend, Owen, says 'Josie, we computer people have heard myths about you people, but I never believed your kind existed until I met you.' Safe to say if he wasn't around, the people at Dell would its me simply by my voice. Kind of like how the people at Viet Thai know my friend Kyall's order when they pick up the phone...

But yes. I have decided also that I need to marry a man who knows a thing or two about computers. So if there are any normal (and man do I stress NORMAL. I've come across too many weirdos, about 7, in the last... 2 months. *shudders*) computer literate men out there, give me a shout! God knows my computer needs it....

My Excuse

2006-11-16T14:42:00.000-06:00

This is my excuse for being ugly :)

Blackberries are also good with honey

2006-11-16T13:50:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I blogged about the Blackberry issue on the U of S campus. Some things have been made more clear, and here is my update to the issue!

Yes Blackberries are a good idea, but along with the hardware comes the contract. Who is on the hook for the $60 a month to use the Blackberry? This is my problem. Last week at USC the issue of paying for the Blackberry contract came to a vote. One of their main arguments was that the exec should not be left out in the cold to pay for something that was not their idea in the first place. Granted, that is a little unfair. It was not their idea to buy the Blackberries, but the bottom line is that they did. And I do understand that the actual hardware did not have to be approved by anyone, but then why use the argument that they should not have to pay the contracts themselves because they themselves did not come up with the idea? They KNEW that when they bought them, there would be a one year contract tied to them that was unbreakable. Who did they think was going to pay for that contract? Obviously they did not think that they would be paying for it (because they are here now asking for the USSU to pay for it), so when they bought the blackberries they were, intentionally or not, putting the USSU on the hook for a $2000 bill for the contracts. Students are now paying for their executive to use something that they never agreed to.

It is important to realize that this was not a malicious act by the executive. They did not sit down one day and think to themselves, ‘how can I screw the students out of $2000?’ This was not their idea to begin with, but there is a slight air of entitlement when it came to the paying of the contracts. We, as the USC, were being asked to pay for something that we never approved in the first place.

So what was the outcome? Did USC end up approving the money to pay for the Blackberry contracts? Yes and no. $60 a month was approved until a policy has been created before the second USC meeting in January (there simply aren’t enough USC meetings before then to pass anything). What I would like to see happen, and what I will be bringing to USC, is that the USSU executive members who have Blackberries submit a report as to why their portfolios need a blackberry. We have looked into what other schools are doing in terms of Blackberries and there is a wide difference. Some schools pay for them 100% for every executive member. Other schools pay for a cell phone; others do not pay for anything at all. The option that interested me is that some schools paid for certain members of their executive to have a Blackberry. Perhaps our VP External can justify having a Blackberry, but perhaps other members can’t. This is why I would like to see reports submitted by the executive members justifying the USSU paying for their Blackberries. What’s wrong with that? Yea, more work, but hey! We as the USC are here to keep the USSU exec accountable are we not? This is just us doing our job :).

Funniest. Video. Ever.

2006-11-13T13:19:00.000-06:00

I'm not one to post videos usually, but when I saw this I was literally doubling over laughing. My abs definately get a workout every time I watch it. So, after much help from my computer literate friends, here is it :).

Down with the man!!!

2006-11-11T21:08:00.000-06:00

I am not a person to hate authority simply because it's authority. I generally find myself defending people in positions of authority, claiming that the people complaining about them know little about the situation. But ever since I've had to deal with, and friends of mine have had to deal with, the university administration my rose coloured glasses have come off.

I myself have had my run-ins with the university administration, from appointments with people to trying to get an answer about taking correspondence classes in the summer time. I've seen my sister attempt to deal with them in her quest for her degrees. I've even heard of them charging a friend of mine $5.00 for 59 cents of late tuition fees. But I would think that these people are reasonable, mature human beings, who realize that the only reason that they have jobs is because us students decide to come to this institution for our educational needs. Ever since I've become a MSC, and have had to deal with (either directly or indirectly) various people in the university administration and I am struck with discust. I cannot, CANNOT, believe how incredibly immature these people are. From attempting to kick people out of residence for no good reason (except holding a bowling night.. hmm.. I guess that merits eviction with 24 hours notice. Funny how they actually have the power to do that. Assholes.), to not allowing student organizations put up posters for events or meetings, this administration has been nothing but childish and uncompromising. Now I realize that I can't group everyone together and say this, but I would think it would be difficult to find a student at the university that has been satisfied with service and treatment from the university.

I found myself in a conversation with a professor the other day about university administration. He had worked in the Dean's office (arts and science) years ago, so he understand very well how things work. He was shocked to hear the stories I had to tell him. The administration at the University of Saskatchewan takes advantage of the students. Even when student leaders go to the administrtion to try and have a conversation about policy that the department has to try and reach a compromise, they throw insults around. It has even gone far enough to dicredit the election that the person was elected in because of the voter turnout. But wait.. Who elected the administration? NOONE. I'm sick and tired of being taken advantage of as a student. We need to start fighting for our rights. We need to start demanding respect from the people who's salaries that we pay. They need to start listening. This is our university. I don't pay $4,500 in tuition fees every year to get insulted by an administration who has noone to be accountable to. We deserve respect.

Slowly she turns...

2006-11-02T16:23:00.000-06:00

It's happening. I said at the beginning of the year that by the end of April, my roommate would have an NDP membership. She's not against the NDP, but she is pretty much the most a-political person out there. It is my mission to politicize her, and to get that card in her pocket. I'm starting to see results.

Last night she had a dream... Super sexy Alex from Grey's Anatomy was a lifeguard.. ohh yaaaa... But onto the important stuff. The main part of the dream encompassed her running away from the private healthcare advocates in suits who drugges her vs the Public ones who were discuised as lifeguards (i guess SAVING people vs. drugging them?) YES!!!! It has begun :) She is slowly turning into a socialist. Excellent.

Trick or Eat!

2006-10-31T21:19:00.000-06:00

As I sit here with my warm, soft, fuzzy socks under a blanket I reflect of my participation in Trick or Eat. All in all, it was a great experience. We got lots of food to replenish the food bank shelves, and I got lots o' candy! But I still can't shake an angry feeling (if you haven't noticed I'm angry a lot). The neighbourhood that we were in was uber rich. The houses were massive, almost every house had a two story fireplace, stone floors, etc. These were people who had money. A lot were giving out full sized chocolate bars and whatnot. And the majority of them gave a grand total of *drum roll please* or two cans of soup. Ok ok. They still gave things to the food bank, but comeON people. You have so much money and all you can give is one or two cans of soup?? My favorite was when Shrek gave me a couple of cans of tomato soup that were so dented I don't know if a can opener would open them. Jesus people. My friend who is a university student and basically living in poverty gave more then most everyone else. Don't get me wrong, there were one or two houses that were generous, but by far they were in the minority. I just don't understand why when a person has sooo much money they can't give more than 2 cans of soup to a young person going around on Halloween to collect money for a food bank. I could have been out drinking people! I hate rich people. And this, I guess, is why I'm a socialist haha...

Election Time!

2006-10-30T02:33:00.000-06:00

I know that noone really reads my blog (or so I think! prove me wrong people, prove me wrong), but I thought that I'd attempt to broadcast the current by-election that is going on in Arts and Science. We're electing a new MSC (Member of Student Council) to replace Ryan Allan who is now Mr.President. Voting is on Monday and Tuesday, so get your arses in gear and VOTE VOTE VOTE!! Candidate profiles can be seen at http://www.assu-usask.com/elections.html. I'm super excited to have a fellow MSC with me at meetings :). It's so great to see so many people running in the second by-election of the year (I, of course, won the first! I rule. Ha. Right. Except I got less votes in the by-election then I got in the general election when I got fifth.). Maybe apathy is declining? Lets hope so... lets hope

personatalie

2006-10-29T23:50:00.000-06:00

ok. This blog really has no point except for the fact that my roommate just made the best (or worst.. it probably won't be funny in 30 minutes) joke ever. the context doesn't even matter, but her name is natalie, and she combine personality with her name to make personatalie!! it's brilliant. extremely brilliant. Ok. Back to monasticism.

Update
Yup. It is now about 4 hours later, and it's definately not funny anymore. I apologize for wasting your time... And I'm still on monasticism.

Various Rants.

2006-10-28T13:31:00.000-06:00

There are so many things spinning through my head right now. I thought that instead of writing separate, short, crappy blogs on each I'll just amalgamate them all into one.

-> people who blog anon. Usually this wouldn't piss me off, but lately there have been some blogging anonymously to throw insults at people. How cowardly! It really takes me back to last February and the whole Sheaf scandle... Now THAT was a coward. A coward not even a student at the school... So comeon people. If you're going to have the guts to say those things about others, have the balls to say who you are.

-> The Pat and the Scuz. I haven't been as angry as I was last night in a long time. Not that the ASSU pubcrawl didn't turn out well, or that people didn't have fun, but I was pissed. Those damn bus drivers tooks us to all the wrong bars (and the stankiest bars in town I may add) and then left us at the Scuz where we couldn't get in because it was over-capacity. Firstly, I thought that when you have a pubcrawl scheduled to come to you bar, you are supposed to make sure that they can get in. Secondly, the bus drivers left, so everyone had to wait in the cold for them to come back (I took a cab back to the Pat...). AND when we got back to the Pat, they made us pay the $3 cover, even though we had our wristbands on. UGH. Not impressed. Not impressed one bit. I hope that we try to get our money back from that Pat for THAT pubcrawl. *grumble*

-> People who continue to criticize the USSU exec. They're lazy, they're corrupted, they waste the students money, etc etc etc. These are just a sample of the things that I have heard about the USSU exec in the past few weeks. Comeon people. Firstly, I can't speak personally about the exec as a whole, but those I can speak about are not lazy. Working 10-12 hour days is not lazy in my books. So how about we not group them all together and say they're lazy, because that is hugely unfair to various people. Secondly, does a person seriously think that they're intentionally being unethical or corrupted? Good God people. I sure bet that those 4 or 5 people in that office are just sitting around thinking of the next way they can screw the students out of money. Lets be realisitic people. Now in NO way am I saying that they have been making the best decisions in the last few weeks/months, but they are not intentionally trying to piss people off or screw students over. They are generally good people who are trying to do the best that they can. So lay off a bit on the personal attacks here.

-> Girls who use Halloween as an excuse to wear barely anything to the bar. There is a difference between sexah (which was me, WITH the mustache. Wow. No wonder I didn't get any last night) and SKANK ALERT!!!! I definately saw one girl last night wearing a bra and spanky shorts with a little cotton ball on the back to make the outfit into a bunny so that it was justafiable. I just about puked. But I didn't, I left that up to my roommate. She should never drink again. Also, I didn't know that the bus drivers would drive you home at 9 pm for $10! Go Nat! You are my Goddess.

That is all for now. I'm sure I'll think of more things that annoy me later on in the day.

Update:
->people who wear actual uniforms to the bar. I see waaaay too many people wearing Scout uniforms at the bar. It is just disrespectful!!!! Perhaps I put too much value into the uniform itself, but I think that that uniform is a sign of respect and tradition. This may be the only time that I put value on tradition. When I see people wearing the Scout (notice I'm not calling it BOY Scouts? because it's not.) uniform at the bar, I have an almost irrepressible urge to go over there and smack them. These are the same uniforms that little boys and girls wear when they're getting presigious awards and when they are bettering themselves! They're not supposed to be at the bar! *sigh*. Perhaps I just need to start smacking every person I see wearing one.

-> men.

Reruns of AI

2006-10-27T01:47:00.000-06:00

AI = American Idol

I must say that the recent reruns of auditions from AI have been extremely awesome! Now I can quench my Idol thirst until the next one comes on.. I'm waiting American Idol!!! And boy am I excited :). And yes. The socialist enjoys immensely a complete fabrication of an artist for pure corporate motives. Excellent. And no. I don't buy the CDs or vote. I just enjoy watching and criticizing.

One little thing

2006-10-26T17:05:00.000-06:00

One thing that I would like to be made clear is that in my posts (which also noone can prove who is posting these! ahh being anonomous on the internet!) I am in no way saying that the executive is bad, evil, intentionally unethical or any other negative adjective. These are very good people. This I think is just an instance where some wires have been crossed, some people misinformed, and generally a lack of communication. But it is also important to realize that I am going to hold their feet to the fire (as good ol' Swystun is going to as well :) ). It is critical to hold the exec accountable for their actions and that is what I'm doing. I'm just a little freaked out that within 2 hours of me posting my last post I've had links to it, comments (which I have almost never had before!) posted and whatnot. So there! Josie Steeves can in no way be held accountable for anything that is posted on this blog, because noone can ever prove that it was her who typed it!

Blackberries are good with cream

2006-10-26T14:44:00.000-06:00

I find it very hard somtimes to talk about the USSU exec because I count some members as my friends. But I find it very hard to keep quiet about this subject - blackberries. I am in a weird situation. Here, I am agreeing with (other people call him this not me!!) my nemesis. As I understand the situation, the USSU exec gets a gift at the end of the year for their work. This itself is a great idea! These are people that work super hard for low wages to represent our students. Some people would be very negative (as those same people would likely be to all forms of government...) and disagree with me on that, but with the personal and working relationships I have with those in the USSU I see just how hard they work. They deserve a thank-you. Thank-you (doubtful any of them will actually read this! Unlike Brad, I have no faithful readers... I cry sometimes at night because of it... but then I have a glass of wine and its all better. actually, i might have a glass right now!).

So fastforward to a few months ago. Some people in the USSU not on the exec suggested that instead of getting their present at the end of the year, why don't they spend it on something that they can actually use in the job! Excellent idea! So the idea was Blackberries. Fine. As long as they don't go over the budgeted price. My problem with this whole thing starts here. I've been trying to find out exactly how much is budgeted for the exec at the end of the year, and I've gotten 3 different numbers. $100, $200, and $300. I'm pretty sure it's not $300, so it is either $100 or $200. But it shouldn't be that difficult to get a straight answer out of the exec. If they approved this, they should then know exactly how much they are going over or under budget on it. So I start to wonder about the process. Some people are concerned that they didn't get this money approved, but if they in fact didn't go over budget, no they didn't need to get it approved by anyone. It was already in the budget, and they were simply using that money that was budgeted to them. Even if it stopped here I would be 90% OK with it. But yesterday as I was reading the minutes from the exec meeting, I see that they approved $60 a month per executive for spending on their blackberries.

WHOAH. Wait a min. $60 a month?? Are you serious??? Firstly, I can't believe they actually approved it! This whole Blackberry issue has been getting a TON of attention from USC and other students, and they just approved MORE funding? One would think that politically they would not do this. But they did! Secondly, this is a lot of money!! Say 4 blackberries a month (assuming Ryan Allan is going to get once since they DID approve more spending on blackberries, and it was explained that that was for Ryan) at 60 bucks. That's $240 a month. So even if you don't count the 6 months already into the term, there are 6 months left. So there is $240 with 6 months left. That equates to $1440. HOLY CRAP. That seems like quite a bit of money to be approving without anyones approval! This didn't go through ANYONE. Not the Ops Fin board, not the USC, not anyone! So how can the executive unilaterally approve $1440 in funding for their own personal use? I have no idea! Please, someone. If you understand how they can actually do this, explain it to me! Because from what I understand, they can't. It's not only unconstitutional, but it's unethical! It would be like the Premier authorizing himself a new car without asking cabinet or legislative approval! That just wouldn't happen. Why? BECAUSE ITS WRONG. We have the students, many who live way below the poverty line, paying for their executive's blackberries AND the monthly bills? Comeon USSU exec (minus Brad)! Look at it from the student's perspective... You wouldn't be happy about this if you were the student subsidizing the exec's cell phone. So yes. That, my friend, is my blackberry rant. I'm sorry if I angered anyone specifically invested in the blackberry issue, but as a MSC, I feel it is my duty to hold the exec accountable for their actions, and to express the concerns of my college. This is something the exec needs to be held accountable for, and it needs to be explained thouroughly to everyone. Let's keep a transparent organization shall we?

Another round with CFS?

2006-10-15T20:44:00.000-06:00

I was enjoying a quiet Friday afternoon checking my email in the tunnel when a friend of mine ran up to me and looked as if he was about to be sick. The USSU had lost the lawsuit over CFS. When I found that out I could understand his sickness - for he is the organizer in Saskatchewan for CFS. I myself was in shock! Everyone (well... everyone that mattered! haha. jk. maybe.) thought that the USSU/CFS would win. But no. Thousands of dollars of students money has been wasted on this lawsuit over the referendum. That in of itself makes me feel a little ill. Now it is either going to have to be appealed, in which more money is going to be spent, or another referendum is going to be had, which is annoying and expensive. I will have more on this after council on Thursday and after I actually read the decision... If people are interested in this I would suggest coming to council. I'm sure it is going to be an interesting one!

I must admit that part of the reason I wrote this post is because Jade had a link to my blog and the latest entry was bitching about the Globe and Mail posting the Canadian Idol results before I saw the end. I mean, I love Canadian Idol, but I thought it might be a good idea to update it with something sort of relavent to the topic matter that had people directed to my blog. So there! Long live Canadian Idol, and check back often! I will update when I find out more...

DAMN YOU GLOBE AND MAIL!!!

2006-09-18T21:03:00.000-06:00

As I sit here in my living room watching Corner Gas, covered in other people's used pop (no.. no accident.. Cub bottle drive tonight), I begin to think about my blog. This is probably the third time that I've started a blog, never to finish. I don't have anything particular to talk about today. Well wait. I do. I HATE the Globe and Mail right now.

As a person can tell by my previous posts, I am a little bit obsessed with Canadian Idol. It is my guilty pleasure. Over the summer, I have spent many long hours on the Canadian Idol forums yelling at small girls for being in love with Craig and Brandon. Yesterday was the finale for CI, so you can imagine that I was pretty dammed excited. So here I am. 30 minutes into the show and a commercial comes on. I hate commercials, so I went on my computer to do some surfing (which in my life is reading the news websites). What do I find on the Globe and Mail website?? THE RESULTS! So here I am, with an hour left in the show, and I already know that EVA WON (which, by the way, was the right choice. Screw all you Newfies who think there was some sort of conspiracy against Craig! He was crap compared to Eva. Plus, Eva is super hott. Yes, hott with 2 't's.). I was furious. I had waited for 4 months to see the results of Canadian Idol, and Globe and Mail ruined it. And trust me, they got a nasty letter from me. Bastards.

Another year...

2006-09-06T20:37:00.000-06:00

I figured that since it had been a week since my last blog, I should enter another entry. I don't really have anything particular to talk about today. My mind has been focused on moving (FINALLY done) to getting my drunk roommate to work. This past week has definately garnered some interesting stories (just ask my about my Friday.. moving day.. good lord. may I never drink like that again!) and I gather that there will be many more in the future. This is my first year living with non-family. Why does that hold such great importance? I'm finally able to let loose and have fun! Hopefully this good weather holds out for a bit longer so that my kickass backyard can be utilized for some drunken fires, and everyone who reads my blog (all 3 of you) are invited. So there! That's that. I'm out.

Craig over CHAD?!?

2006-08-30T08:53:00.000-06:00

Canada has hit a new low. Chad, my new favorite Canadian Idol, has been voted off. Why is this a new low? Chad has an incredibly unique voice. He has great control, his pitch is sometimes a little off, but throughout the competition he has gotten so much better. AND he writes his own music. This guy is seriously talented. Then we have Craig. I honestly think that Craig has no soul and is dead inside. He has 0 emotion when he sings, can't dance (look at his 2nd performance on Monday night - ugh!), and is routinely off key. But Chad was the one to go? Comeon Canada. Even Tyler would have been a better choice to go! I know he is a fellow Saskatchewanian, but i'm not for regional voting. He was by far the weakest singer on Monday, but he did get to ride his invisible horse - very slowly. He's entertaining to watch just because of that. Haha.. ohh such an embarassment for the province. That, and he doesn't know how to spell Sascatchewan. Wonderful boy he is. Oh well, at least he accomplished paying off his car, which is his biggest accomplishment to date. What a great representative of this province.

On a more positive note, I predict that Chad will go on to do great things. His CD is probably the one that I will be most likely to buy, and I think that he wil have success with indie rock that will rival Jacob's success with pop punk (ohhh Jacob.. how I love thee). So this is not the last we will see of Chad! I'm just angry at Canada for not voting for him! Shame on you!!! I hope that Canada votes Eva to win, or else something has gone horribly horribly wrong...

My Dislike of Cabbies

2006-08-28T10:47:00.000-06:00

Now I know that this is a stereotype. Not all cabbies are mean scary people. But the one that we got on Friday night was. After an awesome party thrown for the Summer Students of the building, me and some friends called a cab. At this point it was past 2 am and I simply wanted to go home, possibly because I had been partially passing out since 12:30. After half an hour, we called the cab company again. Then after another 20 minutes we simply called another cab company who got there in 10 minutes. BUT the other cab came as the same time. So we went with the 2nd company who came within the time frame they gave us. One would think that this cabbie would be pleased, because we had 4 people to drop off, and one lived out in the boonies. But no. He yelled at us for not cancelling the other cab. I'm sorry, but when I request services of a company, I expect them to either tell me its going to be a 50 minute wait, or be FASTER. So no. I don't feel bad for making that cabbie come all the way to the house and then ditching him. It was 3:20 am before I got home, I was tired, cranky, and had 2 extremely drunk people to take care of who kept trying to hit each other. I was in no mood to be lectured by a cabbie. And this is generally the experiences that I've had with cabbies. This is why I almost always find some way home with someone else (no.. not like that..). I extremely dislike cabs.

Bon Cop Bad Cop

2006-08-24T08:56:00.000-06:00

Lately I have been becoming more and more interested in home grown entertainment. From my well known obsession with Canadian Idol (srsly.. Craig needs to go NOW) to my new favorite show Whistler (more people need to watch this show! it's amazing! watch it online at CTV.ca video on demand!). Recently I was out with some lady friends, and after a fruitful trip to the mall (i HAD to buy the new Red Hot Chili Peppers. I AM going to the concert after all... they wouldn't let me buy the Canadian Idol CD :( ) we decided to go see Bon Cop Bad Cop. With the plot based on a hockey fan who has taken it one step too far, this is a truly Canadian movie. Part in English, part in French (with subtitles), it was a comedic, adventure, and love filled story about an unlikely partnership. Also, there are cheap shots on Jean Chretien, and a scene where the two cops accidentally (yes, actually accidentally) get extremely high and can't keep their composure while the Chief is chewing them out - what could be better???

I didn't know what I was going to think going into it... A movie made in Quebec?? How good could it be. Amazing, apparently. What made this movie so inticing to me (besides the hottness of Patrick Huard) was the protrayal of the Quebec-English Canadian relationship. With the light banter and jokes made at the others expense, a person can see the conflict of Quebec and the rest of Canada but can also see past the differences and just simply enjoy the movie. This is not a movie that would do well in the States simply because they would not understand most of the jokes. I suggest that everyone who claims to be Canadian see this movie, for it is the best 'made in Canada' movie I have ever seen. PLUS.. Rick Mercer is in it! Albeit for a very short time, but he's there! And what self-respecting Canadian doesn't like Rick Mercer? So please! Help make this movie a hit!! Go see it today!

My Problem with Religion

2006-08-21T09:46:00.000-06:00

I am not an overly religious person by any means. Actually, that is an overstatement. I am not a religious person. I wish that I could have that kind of faith, but I simply do not. But this is not the point of my post today. Although I am not religious, I find religion to be fascinating. This is why as of now I am doing a double honours in political studies and religious studies. I am taking a class in the fall which has required me to (yes I've already read the textbook) read the major stories in the Bible. So I like to think that I have a fairly good grasp on what is included in the Bible.

Today I was doing some surfing and came across this story on CNN.com:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/21/menonly.sundayschool.ap/index.html

And this, this is my problem with religion - specifically Christianity. I have no problem with people following their religion and having various morals and beliefs because of it. But this guy, he takes one verse out of the Bible, takes it 100% literally, and fires someone because of it! I don't think I can express my anger any better then the email that I sent him (his email address is readily available on the internet - I will post all 3, yes 3, at the end of the post):

Hello
I just wanted to say how great it is to see someone actually take the Bible and use it literally to run their church! Who needs that woman! I mean, women, such as myself, should not be able to teach in the Church. I trust that in addition to this you will start following other aspects of the Bible, such as banning the wearing of garments made of two different kinds of thread. I mean that is just an abomination! Noone should be able to walk around wearing clothing like that and get away with it. Also, I was wondering if you were going to start teaching Leviticus 18:19 again, in which it states "Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness." People having sex during the period of menstral impurity (which everyone should know not only is the time DURING menustration, but 10 days after as well) is an abomination! I believe the Bible views that as the same abomination as homosexuality, for it suggests the same punishment. People these days just do not understand how important it is to follow the Bible word for word.

But wait! I see by your picture on your website that you actually don't follow the Bible word for word!! Shame on you!!! For you have cut the hair which grows on your temples! I trust that you will stop cutting that hair and let it grow out like the Good Book states. God Bless You, and may the Bible be taken 100% literally. Even if it is outdated, and the majority isn't followed by even the most religious Christian. Orthodox Jews follow more of the Bible then you do. Hope you don't play football (Leviticus 11:6-8) or eat crab (Leviticus 21:20) because if you do I guess you're going to hell. Wake up and join the real world. Ephesians 2:1-10 makes it clear that it is not deeds which enters someone into a relationship with God (and thus salvation) but faith. Remember that the next time you place such emphasis on extremely specific verses in the Bible. I don't think that God cares too much if one of His teachers has a vagina or a penis. As long as his Disciples are still spreading His word (as Jesus told them to do in Matthew 28:16-20) I think that God will be pleased. So take that stick out of your ass (which I believe is also against Biblical law) and treat everyone as equals.. That is what one of Jesus' main message is.
Josie

So there! That's what I think. Noone can claim to follow the Bible 100%, because there are SO MANY laws in it which are just not considered to be required anymore. You cannot take the Bible 100% literally!! You just can't!!! It's impossible!! Orthodox Jews TRY (well.. the Old Testament at least)! So I urge you all to email this asshole! Tell him how absolutly ridiculous he is being. Bastard.

tklabouf@msn.com, fbcwatertown@yahoo.com, TLaBouf@watertown-ny.gov (yes. He is a city councilman... sad isn't it?)

2006-08-17T09:10:00.000-06:00

After everyone had forgotten about it, it has happened. The man supposedly responsible for JonBenet's murder has been found - in Thailand. As I sit here this morning, eating my fruit, I start to think about this particular story. Parents get blamed, oldest son gets blamed, all found innocent. Then everyone starts to forget about the tragic story of a little girl whos life was cut short. But, Mrs.Ramsey dies of cancer, and they are in the limelight once more.. Is it just coincidence, or bad luck, that the killer was found only two months after the mom died? No more is the story in the tabloids, but on front page newspapers.

So, I started to read the stories. This guy is a sicko. Like... beyond sick. And yes, that is my educated opinion of him - sicko. He claims that it was an accident. But how can you accidentally strangle someone with a rope, using a paintbrush handle to tighten it? oops! I fell, the rope went around her neck, and a paintbrush somehow got in there, and I turned it until she didn't breath anymore! Yup.. complelty 100% plausable. sicko. Now that's not even mentioning the OTHER charge on him... Sexual assault on a child. I hope he goes to jail and they throw away the key. People like that do not deserve to be walking the streets. Rehab is not an option...

UPDATE
So apparently this sicko DIDN'T kill her. He just wanted attention. Who does that?? The mother has died now thinking that her daughter's killer was almost caught! But it's horribly horribly wrong!! I hope that they send him back to Thailand and he gets his ass thrown into jail for years. And I can only imagine what a year in a Thai jail would be like... But that's what you get when you're a sicko like him!

Goodbye my Rob... I will miss you

2006-08-11T09:15:00.000-06:00

Well, it has finally happened. And yes, it happened a few days ago, but I've been too grief striken to talk about it. Rob, MY Rob, from Canadian Idol has been.. voted.. out.. No longer will I be able to tune in Monday and Tuesdays to catch a glimpse of my future husband. I must say, though, there is a ray of happyness in this dark dark hour.. Brandon got booted before my wonderful Rob. And also, Rob is now free to write and produce his own music. But I am still terribly terribly sad that I cannot see him every week for an hour. I don't know if I can continue watching the show - oh who am I kidding?? I'm going to watch religiously like I do every week. I just won't be as happy about. But one day, very soon, Rob will put out a cd, and I will buy said CD and cruise down 8th street with it blaring, singing the lyrics at the top of my lungs and I will not be ashamed! Because, my friend, I LOVE ROB!!!

Now, I am forced to support (but not vote.. because I, strangely enough, don't really ever vote... Never have) Eva and Chad. This support will be bittersweet because they will never, I repeat NEVER, be my idol. Rob will continue to live on in spirit at Canadian Idol. LONG LIVE MY MCJAMES!!

Zebras and Elephants

2006-08-08T10:01:00.000-06:00

More and more lately I've been thinking about political stripes. Can a zebra morally fraternize with an elephant (we'll not say whos who)? Or should zebras stick with zebras, and elephants with elephants? As many will know, during the last 2 years my involvement with partisan politics has been on the rise. And I'm not complaining about that at all. My involvement has given me opportunities that I would have never gotten otherwise. I wouldn't have any of the friends I currently do if I hadn't gotten invovled. I wouldn't know nearly as much about politics if I hadn't gotten involved, and thus my marks wouldn't be as good as they are. But during the last 6 months, I've started to expand my interests, and as a result my friend base. No longer are my friends strictly partisan as they have been for the last year and a half. I've met people from all political strips, and I found that I actually like them! Well. As long as we don't get into conversations about certain issues I like them. But there are still so many people out there who don't believe a zebra should associate with an elephant. They think that all the elephant is after is peanuts to make themselves fat. It goes to the extreme where they don't even consider the elephants to be decent. I believe the quote went something like, 'the elephants are not decent, some may be actual animals, but they're not decent animals.'

This has really started to push my buttons. What kind of country do we live in where people cannot work together, regardless of party membership, for the betterment of the lives for the people they serve? You will not get anywhere bickering about whos an elephant and whos a zebra. It will only serve to further divide society, which is not needed. At this point of my life, the NWT's system is starting to look better and better. Let's abolish parties and try to work together people! Yes we have different ideals, we have different values, but in the end we are working towards one goal: happiness. And this goal cannot be reached when all the parties involve continually bicker!!! Yes there are opposition parties, but they still represent a big portion of the people. They deserve a say in how things are run. Being in government shouldn't be a lease to do whatever the fuck you want (ahem HARPER). People need to learn how to critisize themselves, and their own party. Being a member of a party doesn't mean that you 100% believe everything that is passed at a policy convention - or else there wouldn't BE conventions. The leader would simply write the policy book and demand that the membership comply. I guess this is why I'm not the most popular person with some zebras. My mind is too much my own.

The LG Is Here

2006-08-01T16:41:00.000-06:00

I just got back to my office from the Installation of the Lieutenant Governor. I must say, I felt some pride when I saw His Honour (aka Barnhart!) walk into the Chambers. He is going to make an excellent LG. The only downside of his appointment that I can see is that many students at the U of S are not going to have the opportunity to experience Professor Barnhart. He was, and most likely will ever be, the best, and most inspiring professor that I had. Oh yes. And the fact that I can't use him as a reference on my resume anymore. That as well sucks bigtime.

For all of you Canadian government students out there, I have some good news! As I was congradulating His Honour (that's so weird to say), he informed me that there are going to be some new Canadian government scholarships in the future! If you are like me, you have been concerned with the recent downturn in Canadian courses being offered at the U of S. So perhaps this marks a renewal of worth placed on educating our society on Canadian government.. Lets hope...

Canadian Idol Rant of the Week (yes.. weekly..)

2006-08-01T11:12:00.000-06:00

As I was taking a break from my busy day at work, I decided to cruise the Canadian Idol forum page. To understand why I decided to go here, I refer you back to my post "An Explanation of my Canadian Idol Obsession". In between my posts of praise for the wonderful Rob James (just look for flamingcarrots! I am in the Relentless Junkie Rob James fan club!), I checked out Brandon's forum. The last post on there was from this girl (presumably under the age of 14) complaining about how people criticize Brandon, even when he does a 'great' job (her words.. definately not mine). And this, people, is what is wrong with the music industry today. Not the total capitalist ways of Canadian Idol, but the pure superficial nature of artists succeeding who can't sing. Brandon. is. not. a. good. singer. BUT he has never been in the bottom three (for all of you Canadian Idol virgins, during the results show, the three with the least number of votes get named and they're the 'bottom three' for that week.. and then the person with the least votes total gets booted). Explanation? Little girls across the country have bought his fake 'hip-hop' ways (more on fake hip-hoppers, aka 'wiggers' most likely in a future post) and think he's uber cute. But he's not! And I don't even think that this is a matter of taste. He is just generally not an overly good-looking guy! Not that he's ugly, but Chad Doucette is much more attractive, and only a year older then Brandon! So for some reason, little girls love Brandon.. The unattractive, untalented, little boy from Nova Scotia. And the worst part, I bet he's going to be in the top 3... OH Brandon. I hope your conscience kicks in and you realize that you don't belong where you are. You just happen to have the fan base that has time to vote 600 times for you. If I didn't have to work at 7:45 AM the next morning, I would vote straight for 2 hours until midnight too! But I can't! And neither can all the other people in this country who happen to be fans of other people. I completly support a limit on voting.. It would make the process a lot more fair.

And yes. I do see the weirdness that I just posted a blog about refugees from Israel a couple days ago, and now I'm complaining about Canadian Idol. Like the name of the blog says, A series of randomness!!

Move to Alberta Where You'll Be Homeless!

2006-07-31T10:22:00.000-06:00

Westfair Foods, which operates Superstore and OK Economy has, decided to piss off local residents. One day at work I was going around my business (which involved an INCREDIBLY interesting Harry Potter book - more on that later) when my boss walked up to my desk. She needed to vent. Now, I love my boss. She is absolutly amazing, and I'm ok with her using me to blow off some steam. So, she began. The story she relayed to me began with her getting off of work and heading to the grocery store to get some much needed provisions. Her shopping cart was filled to the brim with bread, milk, tomatoes, and other wonderous things. As she got to the check-out and pulled out her credit card, something caught her eye. It was a phamplet. This was no ordinary phamplet. This was the phamphlet of evil (I must also say that I'm having difficulties spelling out phamplet so many times... I hate spelling. I always failed). On it (now I don't have the -!!- phamplet infront of me so bear with the paraphrasing) were the words, 'Make the Right Choice! Move to Alberta!'. It seems that Superstores in Alberta were having a difficult time keeping staff... I wonder why! I must say that it is definately MY dream to move to Alberta and work in a grocery store, paying 800/mo in rent PLUS insanely high car insurance and a health care premium, not to mention giving up the lowest utilities package in CANADA! Oh ya man! That's MY future. I think they would have to pay the stock boys 20 bucks an hour just for them to break even... And honestly, I can't see a grocery store paying someone 20 bucks an hour to put ketchup on the shelf.

But back to her story... It is important to note that this is a unionized store that she was shopping in (ahh solidarity... actually more like convenience and low prices). She was so angry that she almost left her groceries there without paying and go home. But, in our society of laziness (myself included!) she paid for the groceries and marched up to the Customer Service desk. Here she discovered something... The people working there were embarassed to have these -!!- phamplets sitting at the cash register! So this is where my brain explodes with confusion. We have a public (she was not the first to complain..) pissed off, UNIONIZED employees unhappy (another victory for unions.. *cough* sarcasm *cough*), and steam coming out of the Premier's ears, but still the campaign continues. They hosted a 'career fair' (because I GUESS working in a grocery store is considered a career now?) to try and lure people to Alberta, and basically noone expressed any interest. They're having another in Saskatoon which I bet the same outcome will ensue. So why are they continuing this? But more importantly, why are they continuing a campaign which is costing them money when absolutly noone is interested? Oh you silly people at Westfair.. You crack me up.

Fake Planners

2006-07-28T13:20:00.000-06:00

Today, while I was personalizing my work space (with only a month left of work..) I started to think about the phenomenon that is fake planners. What is a fake planner you ask? It is a term that I have developed over the summer which refers to people who continually make 'plans' but have no intent on actually participating. There is one person I know who shall remain nameless, that is the best fake planner I have met. So many after-work activities, so many lunch plans, so many parties talked about that have never happened. I have come across this before, but never as intensely as I have this summer. I don't understand it either... why all the fake plans? Why suggest something with no intent of going through with it? Is it that the person just doesn't want to spend time with the other person? Do they see them as 'uncool'? What is it! Why do people have such a difficult time with just saying 'no' to events and plans? Don't say you will do something when you have no intent of actually doing it! So that my friend, is the fake planner.

35 cents for jam??

2006-07-27T15:28:00.000-06:00

I normally wouldn't post things on here complaining about any aspect of my job, because frankly, I love my job. But there is one thing that just irritates me to no end. One thing that I think is absolutly ridiculous in this building. One thing that really makes my blood boil! And that is how cheap the cafeteria is. And no I'm not meaning cheap as in, 'wow! 50 cents for a can of pop??' I'm talking cheap as in, 'what? for an extra jam with my breakfast it costs me 35 cents??'. I just about lost it this morning as I opened my breakfast. It seemed like one of those mornings that I just HAD to have bacon and eggs. I woke up late, was not in the greatest moods, so bacon and eggs was needed. I go down, pay my extra 35 cents for another packet of jam (they only give you one for 2 pieces of toast), and take my breakfast up to my desk where I could happily eat. What do I find when I open my breakfast? There were 2 eggs, some hashbrowns, and 3 of the tinyest, smallest, itty-bitty pieces of bacon on the planet. They had actually cut a regular slice of bacon in half, and tried to pass it off as a regular slice! So in reality, there was only a piece and a half of bacon my breakfast! I totally got ripped off on my bacon intake. Not impressed. Not impressed one bit. Five dollars, and I didn't get my bacon.. It just hasn't been a good day since.

Harper's in bed with Israel

2006-07-27T10:32:00.000-06:00

The first thing to talk about in this complaint is Harper giving Canada's support to Israel in this war. Where did Canada's diplomatic history go? Same place Harper is putting the rest of Canada's values - right down the toilet. Canada has a rich history of not choosing sides on conflicts and trying to diplomatically trying to solve the problem. But nope! Harper has decided to become Bush Jr. In his attempt to 'improve US-Canada relations' he has simply destroyed the Canadian identity. Soon, Canada's flag will not be on backpacks roaming around Europe anymore...

What drove me to write this blog was the latest debacle in Lebanon - and that of course is Israel's bombing of UN Peacekeepers. It wasn't even the bombing itself which angered me, even though it is 100% ridiculous, but it was Harper's response to it. Did he denounce the bombings? no. Did he demand an apology from Israel? no. Did he even BLAME Israel? no. What did he do?? Blamed the UN. Because, I mean comeon, why would you blame the country who actually did the bombing? That's just insane. To top it off, Israel did not even apologize. They offered their “regret” over what was called the “unintentional killing” of the UN observers. Even Finland (!!) has expressed huge anger over the bombings! But Canada, the home to the founder of UN Peacekeepers, has little to say over it. This just doesn't seem right... It makes me scared as to what Harper has up his sleave in the next year or 2....

Another crack in the pavement

2006-07-26T14:39:00.000-06:00

One of the hot topics of this last session (and sure to be another in the upcoming session) was the conditions of the roads in Saskatchewan. The Sask Party has continued to hound this subject (perhaps for lack of other material?) with the launch of their highways campaign. And everybody around the province seems to enjoy bitching about these conditions, including my hairdresser last week while my colour was processing. I completly agree. The condition of the roads here are atrocious (fyi I don't give a shit about spelling). In the last 15 years, they have gotten absolutly horrible. I mean, 15 years ago (I hear.. Since I was only 5 15 years ago) the roads were wonderous! I wonder what has changed?? OHHH yes. We discovered how much debt we were in and decided that roads weren't as important as a few other things such as health care, education, and not going bankrupt. So when people complain about the state of the roads in Saskatchewan and blame it on the government, I like to ask them, "Do you want to pay higher taxes? Do you want to give up health care? Do you want to give up ANYTHING?" and most often the answer is no. This is a microcosym of a great problem in all democracies around the world. People always want more, for less. A Pharmacare plan for the country, but lower taxes. More money to health care! But don't you increase my income tax. Beef up the military!! What??? You're not going to lower the GST?? People really need to crawl out of the box that they live it, give their heads a shake to release them from their drug induced stupidness, and look at the world for what it really is. EXPENSIVE!!!! Priorities have to be set, and the roads which serve the most people will be fixed first. Doesn't that sound to be the correct path? Like fixing the highway between Milestone and Regina (which is a major truck route from the US to Regina) instead of highway 35 from Ongre to Archerwill, or 318 from Alida to Carnduff? Priorities people, priorities.

Gender-neutral Scouts

2006-07-26T10:58:00.000-06:00

For those of you who are my friends, you are aware of my Scouting background. For those of you who simply know who I am and that I'm obsessed with politics, you might be surprised to know that I have been involved in Scouting for over 10 years. And no. I'm not talking about Girl Guides, although I'm sure its a very worthwhile organization for young girls to be involved in. Every girl needs to know how to properly set a table, wrap a present, and make endless amounts of crafts to trade between Girl Guides so that they can stick in on their hats. No. I'm talking Scouts. As in the organization-formerly-known-as Boy Scouts. I fell into this organization the same way many others do - all my friends were doing it. Here I got to do all the wicked sweet things that I didn't get to do in Brownies (during my short tenure there...). I got to camp, make fires, tie cool knots, make bird houses, use a compass, etc. For the majority of my time, I was not the only girl involved. There were only 3 years that I went solo (and may I add routinely beat out the boys in camping skills... Winter camping anyone?). And interestingly enough, the last I heard there were more girls in Scouts back in Estevan then there were boys.

Why do I bring this part of my life up do you ask? I was reading the next to latest Hill Times where a quote caught my eye. (now I don't have the actual newspaper infront of me, but you'll get the point) "Federal government looks to earn their Boy Scout badges on environmental track". Now I could go off about Harper and the environment (*cough* Kyoto *cough*) but the thing that really got my blood boiling was the outdated use of the phrase Boy Scouts. I hear this all the time... But one would think that the Hill Times would be able to get it right. There are no longer Boy Scouts in Canada. There has not been Boy Scouts in Canada for well over 10 years. So why, WHY, does everyone insist on using the term "Boy Scouts" to still describe the organization. COME ON PEOPLE. Get with the times. I do not enjoy being referred to as a man for being involved in this organization. Girls have been contributing immensely to the success of Scouting in Canada, and deserve some recognition! There are even girls on the packaging of Trails End Popcorn (the main fundraiser for Scouts)!!! So please, in the future, it is SCOUTS not BOY SCOUTS.

A Cow or gound beef?

2006-07-25T09:48:00.000-06:00

With the whole debacle in Lebanon, the Canadian government has been evacuating Canadian citizens from the war torn country. One would think that these Canadian citizens, some who have lived in Canada only long enough to get their citizenships much less paid lots in taxes, would be extremely grateful to be saved from very possible death and taken back to Canada. But no. All you hear from evacuees is that they were herded like cattle, left in the sun for hours, not given ample food, etc. I don't know, but it if was me, I would take a sunburn and an empty tummy over being blown to pieces by an Israeli bomb any day! This is an EVACUATION people, not a hawaiian cruise. What is to be expected of such a large operation that had to be planned in little more then a week? I don't know what can be done for people anymore with someone complaining. Nothing is ever good enough. You'd think they would be bitching about their homes being destroyed back in good ol' Lebanon, but I guess they'd rather complain about the country which is whisking them to safety. Good thinking! Lets bite the hand who feeds us.. Dumbasses.

My Canadian Idol Obsession

2006-07-25T09:23:00.000-06:00

Ok firstly, I must point out that everybody has at least one guilty pleasure! Mine just happens to be in the form of a reality TV that only little tween girls and moms like... We can blame that on my sister! So yes. My name is Josie Steeves and I have an unhealthy obsession with Canadian Idol. Now I know that the end product is just some fabricated singer who will never succeed in the Canadian music business, I know that. I also have never bought an album of an 'artist' (i use that term loosely) who got their start on Canadian Idol or American Idol. And, I also rarely vote. BUT... I watch the show religiously, and god help you if you're watching it with me and talk. I will SMITE you. I actually threw someone out of my house one time for talking on a cell phone while my wonderful Canadian Idol was on. So there! It's out in the open. I watch Canadian Idol. I love Canadian Idol. I REALLY love it when Ben Mulroney says, 'and now it's time for the honey nut cheerios recap'. And yes... I do have an account on CTV for the forums, where I routinely yell at little girls for supporting Brandon and bashing my dearest Rob... But I'm ok with that! I have an obsession, and now the world knows (well.. the two people who will actually read this blog will know. And they are probably some good friends of mine who are aware of my , or perhaps the person I threw out of my house for talking no her cell phone during Canadian Idol..).

And here we go...

2006-07-25T09:01:00.000-06:00

This being my first attempt at a blog, please don't be too critical. Lately, I've been reading many different kinds of blogs, and I thought that it was time to start my own. There are always random thoughts running through my head that might (stress might) be interesting to other people. So sit back, please try to enjoy, and please post controversial comments. That's what I love!