Wednesday, 6 April 2011

Beginning, Middle, and I'm Stuck

   Writers block, the thing that all students fear. For some it seems almost impossible to get a writing piece started. Others just can't seem to pad the middle of their essays to make them long enough or put too much information in. Sometimes the hardest thing is the conclusion. You want to leave the reader with something catchy, but sometimes what you put doesn't sound conclusive enough. Today I'm going to help you through the difficulty of writers block.
   Starting an essay can be the hardest part. To start off think of a catchy thesis statement. Your first sentence should be a general statement, but lead into your main point. If you are having trouble thinking of something try re-reading the assignment, or doing something else for a while. After your thesis statement you should mention what will be said in the different paragraphs in your essay, preferably in order. Take a quick peek at my introduction after reading this post. I'm sure you'll find all of my main points were mentioned briefly in my introduction.
    The middle or body of your writing piece is not as important as the beginning and end, and it is usually much easier to write. If it helps, try to make an outline of what you are going to talk about in each paragraph to get started. The main problem students have with the middle of an essay is getting the proper length. If you are having problems lengthening your essay try adding quotes to prove your point. Another option that should be avoided is adding repetitive sentences, editing margins, and separating complex sentences into two different sentences to use more words. If your essay is too long read through it and delete your worst point.
    When ending an essay you should reiterate all of your main points mentioned in your essay. A conclusion should look fairly similar to an introduction, only instead of putting a thesis statement at the beginning of the paragraph you put it at the end. Do not reuse your actual thesis statement for your last sentence. The last sentence should stay in the readers mind. You want to leave your reader with something that makes them want to read more pieces written by you.
     All writing pieces must have a beginning, middle and, an end. It can be hard to get ideas. All you can do is learn the basics of essay writing and try your best. Catch the readers attention and leave them wanting more. Keep on writing eventually you may write something truly inspiring.

Business
Recently I have been noticing that people outside Canada have started reading this blog. I would just like to say thanks for reading to the people from U.S.A, Singapore and Denmark. I am seven blogs behind.

Doctor Who Quote
A quote from the very first Doctor.
The Doctor: What do you think of that, now, eh? A Viking helmet.
Steven Taylor: Maybe.
The Doctor: What do you mean, "maybe"? What do you think it is, a space helmet for a cow?

Tuesday, 5 April 2011

Zombies and You

   Maybe it's just me, but everything seems more entertaining with zombies. In all honesty I had no intention of reading Pride and Prejudice, until Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies came out. Zombie jokes can cheer up almost any ones day, unless they are scared of zombies that is. Although zombies are hilarious sometimes you can't help but wonder, would I survive a zombie apocalypse. Sometimes I also wonder, "Can I fit in that dryer", but that's for another day. Today I will be giving you some zombie survival tips, and a brief zombie edicut lesson.
   Before using the wonderful world of zombies for whatever you're using them for there are a couple guidelines you should consider. Firstly, try to refrain from zombie usage, and reference around the young, elderly, and queasy. Secondly, like any joke, even zombie jokes can get old, try not to overuse them. Lastly, when faced with an intelligent zombie try using the term undead, I'm sure they will appreciate the sensitivity.
    The first step to any good zombie avoidance plan is to first realise there is a danger. In the movie Shaun of the Dead the main character has this to say upon seeing his first zombie, "Oh my god..... She's soo drunk". Not quite there Shaun. Zombies can be identified for their grayish, occasionally peeling skin, moaning sounds, and lack of coordination. Some zombies are unrecognisable, and are disguised as humans. According to my heart rate test in gym I'm one of them. For some reason the machine either refused to register my heartbeat or told me my pulse was 225 (it should be 170 during a workout). I knew having two hearts (it's a timelord thing) would mess up the reading.
    Now that you have recognized the problem it is time to asses the severity of the situation. If the number of zombies are not too high, simply move out into the country until the problem dies down. If you are being swarmed by zombies, which implies you took a while at step one, you are going to need to set up a fort. Country side homes are preferable, but if you insist on staying in a city, try to find a group of people. Once you find a group of survivors clear out a mall from all zombie inhabitants. In a mall you would have food, weapons, tons of room, and assuming the electricity is still working a surveillance system.
     You have a place to stay, the defenses are up, food has been acquired, so what now? Get into a routine. Either get used to the zombies, or figure out how to wipe them out for good. Send groups of people out to scout surrounding areas. You have two options at this point. You can stay safe and wait for the military or you can take matters into your own hands. It could be because I'm a wimp, but personally I would play it safe and wait for the military.
     At last you can enjoy zombie jokes without worrying about whether you would survive or not. I am just joking around and do not believe in zombies by any means, but if you by chance do and are terrified try reading, The Zombie Survival Guide By: Max Brooks he writes his book like it could actually happen. If you are scared and just need something to get your mind of zombies then do me a favour and tell me, can you fit in that dryer?

Business
On my post To Eat or Not to Eat a certain gingery friend of mine left a comment. When I said you should still eat if you are sick I specified with a curable disease, seeing as eating will make you better in the long run. I know for a fact that what ails you will not get much better or worse by eating, and so I will not get on your case for any eating habits you may have. I am still seven blogs behind.

Doctor Who Quote
Jack: Oh, and can you switch off your cellphone? No, seriously. It interferes with my instruments.Rose: You know, no one ever believes that.
Jack: Thank you. Much better.
Rose: Oh yeah, that's real load off, that is. I'm hanging in the sky in the middle of a German air raid with a Union Jack across my chest, but hey! My mobile phone's off!

Monday, 4 April 2011

To Eat or Not To Eat

  Most of us can guiltily admit to having a bad eating habit during at least one time in our life. The main difference between bad eating habits is why did they start? Was it a medical reason, lack of confidence, or laziness? The reasoning behind the eating habit makes all the difference.
   Sometimes when people feel sick food doesn't stay down. I don't know about you, but when I know the food is just going to come back up, I don't usually feel inclined to eat it. When people are sick I try not to get on their case for not eating properly. However, when people feel sick all the time they should still eat. If it's a curable disease do you seriously think starving yourself is going to make you feel better? Eat some food already!
   Some people skip meals because they 'don't have the time'. Pardon my language, but that's B.S. You may not have time to make a meal or even pick one up, but I'm sure you had at least one free minute yesterday. If you have a hectic day planned tomorrow, just shove a granola bar in the pocket of the jacket you are probably going to wear tomorrow. If you have a full ten minutes, pack a meal. Seriously it doesn't take that long, especially if you're a decisive person.
    I'm guilty of not eating, because of laziness and forgetfulness. Sometimes I get to school, look in my bag, and then realise there is no lunch. My house is a 10 minute walk from my school, and I don't like buying lunch, so I put myself in a dilema. Instead of making the stupid mistake of just not eating, like some people, I mooch food off my friends. I'm so lucky to have friends who will literally throw a granola bar at me when I say, "Guess who forgot a lunch again today". I don't even get to the asking. Sometimes they guess ahead of time and say, "I packed some extra food, did you forget your luch again?" I love you guys.
   Both over-eating and under-eating can be caused by low self esteem. These people are hoping to look better and become noticed. What they don't realise is that confidence is attractive not twig-like features. Whatever you look someone will find you attractive eventually. All you have to do is believe in yourself, and don't try to hard to change what you look like. I eat whatever I want, and am an average weight.
    There is almost no excuse for not eating. Healthy, unhealthy, something is better than nothing. It's still better to eat healthy, but by all means eat that second pudding. Like Wierd Al said once, "Just eat it"!

Business
I have recieved my first challenge and hope to be realsing the post on Sunday. I am still currently 7 blogs behind, but I am a student and therefore to have schoolwork to deal with. Also my spellcheck was not working so please disregard any spelling mistakes.

Doctor Who Quote 
The Doctor knows how to eat right.
The Doctor: Go now! Don't drop the banana!
Jack: Why Not?
The Doctor: Good source of potassium!

Saturday, 2 April 2011

Who's Who of Doctor Who

   Somewhat recently my favourite doctor of all time on Doctor Who died. Well, he didn't really die, but there is a new actor now. Now the question I'm asking is, who's the best? Taking a look on the favourite doctors of the past and present I'm hoping to find a definitive answer to that very question.
   William Hartnell started the series off as the first Doctor. He was an amazing actor, but due to old age and health problems he had difficulty delivering his lines. Some claim this was due to memory loss, others claim he could not pronounce the words. Either way he could not always deliver his lines properly, and had extreme difficulty saying the word space. When trying to say the word space it ended up sounding like the word Spain. I'm sorry to say, even though he is the original, Hartnell will not be moving on to the finals of the best of Doctor Who.
   Replacing, and recommended by Hartnell, Patrick Troughton became the second Doctor. Patrick started introducing a more childish Doctor. Playing his recorder at the oddest times, his childish nature knew no bounds. The 'cosmic hobo', Patrick loved to joke around, but when his serious side showed there was no doubt who he was. His style inspired Matt Smith, while deciding on a costume. Many of his episodes were lost, so I could not acquire too much information, but from what I gathered he was a Doctor to remember.
   Jon Pertwee,  became the first Doctor who seemed to care about his appearance. He focused a little too much on seeming intelligent, and forgot about having the charming childish nature. Personally I find that his Doctor was barely even the Doctor anymore. He was defiantly timelord, but he was too different from the other Doctors. To be a proper Doctor you have to have no fashion sense and he was actually getting close to having a fashion sense. He just didn't seem right for the part.
   The fourth Doctor, and the only one I currently have an action figure of, was Tom Baker. From his amazing scarf, and fro, to his odd obsession with jelly babies(like gummy bears) Tom Baker caught the watchers attention almost instantly. He was defiantly the most eccentric, and most popular according to Doctor Who Magazine. In Doctor Who Magazine he lost best Doctor only three times, two of which were to David Tennent. His quirky childish nature somehow made him seem even more intelligent, and therefore helped him fit his role better. No matter how long this series runs I think he will always be remembered as one of the best Doctors.
   After Tom Baker, Peter Davison seemed like just a disappointment. The only interesting thing about Davison was that he constantly had a stick of celery in his pocket. He was an okay Doctor, but he was too average. Not horrible, but not good enough to write about. Just can't find anything extraordinary about him.
   Colin Baker, no relation to Tom Baker,was one of the Doctors with the shortest career. The only way I can think to describe him is narcissistic. He had some good moments and managed to bring the standard up slightly after Davison. Obviously he wasn't considered anything special, because he was fired and his season was cut short. No chance for him making it into the finals.
   After Colin, the seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy seemed absolutely brilliant. His portrayal of the Doctor was completely original. McCoy Gave the Doctor a dark, more manipulative side, while still keeping the cheeky responses. He used his slight Scottish accent to his advantage by rolling his R's. The best part of his Doctor was his habit of changing classic proverbs into new sayings. His original twist on this old role inspired future actors to explore the Doctor's dark side. He revolutionized the role of the Doctor.
   Paul McGann was the last Doctor before the nine year break in which no Doctor Who episodes were made. While he did not appear in any real episodes, he appeared as the eighth Doctor in the Doctor Who Movie. The series was scheduled to continue after the movie, but due to low ratings for the movie the series was cancelled. I now personally blame Paul for this long break, and therefore put him in last place.
   The series came back in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston. The humour that the fans came to love was still there, but the Doctor was still a manipulative bad boy. The Doctor softens up a bit after getting together with Rose, but the bad boy mentality does not completely go away until Matt Smith. I thought he did a good job of bringing the Doctor back. Well done, but compared to the masters of the past and the two brilliant actors that succeeded him, he doesn't quite cut it for the finals. I would like to mention, he's not the worst looking Doctor, he's kind of cute.
   The tenth Doctor, David Tennant, was my favourite for quite a while.The thing that I loved most about David Tennant (other than being Scottish) was that he was the fighting doctor. Despite his strong hate for war, and always running away, his sword fight on Christmas defiantly solidified his role as a fighter. He was quirky, intelligent, and let's face it, the best looking doctor to date. Continuing what Eccleston started, Tennant gave the Doctor a little bad boy charm, while staying cheeky and quirky. Tennant helped more recent Doctor Who fans warm up to the Doctor when he told some childhood Gallifreyian tales. Unless they found a real Gallifreyian to play the Doctor who could beat David?
  Somehow Matt Smith reminds me of the fourth Doctor, Tom Baker, and because of this he is not out of the running yet. As a person, I have to admit I prefer Matt Smith, but as the doctor it's a toss up. While Tennant was the fighting doctor, Smith is a more quirky doctor. I think the best description of his Doctor is when Matt Smith says I'm "a madman with a box". His intelligence mixed with a childlike nature, makes him charming. There doesn't seem to be a lot of bad boy left, but that doesn't seem to be a horrible choice.
   Now that the descriptions have been made, the finalists are, Patrick Troughton, Tom Baker, Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant, and Matt Smith. Due to the longest screen time as Doctor and most voted for in Doctor Who Magazine, first place is awarded to Tom Baker. Second place is awarded to Matt Smith, for reviving the Tom Baker childish nature, while taking inspiration from Patrick Troughton and that amazing bow tie and fez. Third place is awarded to David Tennant, because although he was an amazing and popular actor, the slight bad boy charm makes me question his Doctor role. I did consider him for second place because of his experience in Shakespearean plays, but sometimes experience isn't enough. Fourth place goes to Sylvester McCoy, who would have been higher up the list if not for his manipulative nature. His version of the Doctor was unique, but seemed more like the Master to me than the Doctor. Finally in fifth place, Patrick Troughton who started the whole childish mentality I know and love. It was a tough choice, and I know there are many people who will argue my decision, and all I can say to that is, leave a comment if your so annoyed. In all seriousness feel free to say who you think should win in comments. If I get enough similar votes I may even change the results.

Business
I am now seven blogs behind. I counted this one as two seeing as it's about three times as big as most of my other blogs.

Doctor Who Quote
In celebration of Tom Baker being number one, here is his main catchphrase.
Doctor: Would you like a jellybaby?

Smile and Nod

  Smile and nod, a tactic no one should live without. It can avoid many conflicts and is fairly simple to use. Recently I have found simply smiling and nodding harder to accomplish than usual. Sometimes you feel the need to say something, but when you are a child it is easier said than done.
  Now, as I mention in my life as a timelord (link at the top of the page) I have had to disguise myself as a regular teen, and you know what, it sucks sometimes. As far as rank goes, I'm at the bottom. There are so many times that I want to say something, but simply can't, because it is a grown up situation that I have no business being a part of. Instead of saying the many things I long to say I find myself having to smile and nod.
  No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to master talking about my feelings towards a certain adult without sounding snippy. Part of me doesn't want to be civil, and it would seem that part controls my tone of voice. To be completely not modest, I'm smart for my age. Sometimes I want to converse with adults like an adult, regardless of my age. I know I shouldn't, but I still think about it occasionally.
   I see adults behaving poorly and I find myself thinking, "If you were my age I would say, 'Hey you're being a bit rude'". Being disguised as a teenager, these are words I simply can't say. When adults are rude to my mom, I feel especially flippant. I love my mother with all my heart and can't stand when people act like jerks to her. I want to stand up for her, because she has always stood up for me, but I can't. It drives me nuts. I am a person who generally cares for a wide range of people, but it would seem if they're not my age, I can't help them.
    Adults, I think sometimes you forget what kind of thoughts run through a teenage mind. It's not just hormones and stress bouncing around inside our brains. We are thoughtful people, who love our parents to bits, even though some of us have trouble showing it. Don't underestimate us. You have no idea how much we feel we have to use the smile and nod on you adults. Besides, you never know how many of us are actually timelords in disguise.

Business
I will be nine blogs behind after this is published. Out of the double digits, Yay!

Doctor Who Quote
Captain Jack won't take no for an answer. Thought it kind of went with what I wrote today.
Worker:You're not allowed in there. Archive Six is out-of-bounds.
Captain Jack (pulls out a gun): Do I look like an out-of-bounds sort of guy?

Vampire Crushes

  For some reason there has been a recent fad for vampires. Ever since Twilight was made, teenage girls, and who knows maybe guys too, have been drooling over Edward Cullen. Today I am going to attempt to delve into the minds of these people. Today I will learn what makes a vampire a good crush, and offer alternate options.
  My first, and best guess is that their super strength is what makes them attractive. Being strong they could sweep you off your feet literally. Also they can protect you and keep you safe your whole life. You know who else can do that, Superman. The best part is Superman doesn't have to kill people for their blood. Just pointing out your other options.
  My second thought is maybe 200 is the new 16. Well have I got a man for you. His name is the doctor. The best part is, he is currently in his 900's. Not only do you get the immortal you want, but you also have someone who loves life. That's right vampires a non-emo immortal has arrived. Also he can protect you just as good as superman can. It may not be with super powers, but his mind is just as great. Intimidated yet vampires?
  Contrary to my previous paragraph, it could be that these girls are attracted to boys who hate life. Guess what, there are other guys out there who have the same opinion. I'm sure you can find someone who is human. Maybe it's just me, but I kind of want to find a boyfriend who is the same species as me.
   My last thought, given to me by my mother, is being young forever. You both get to look young together, therefore he can't look for some new young thing. As my mother pointed out, he won't need to look for someone who looks younger, but he could still look for someone new. I hate to be jaded, but the relationship could still end. You'll find out his secret love of blaming you or how he says the f word every two seconds, then you'll wish you are not going to be together forever with him.
  Here's a list of all the bad things about being a vampire.
1) Girls, no chocolate, only blood. Can you really stand that for eternity?
2) Your stuck with him forever, no matter what you find out about him. It's a lot harder to divorce a vampire, than a human.
3) You have to live through everyone you know dying, or if you decide to stay human you have to let him watch you age while he remains young.
4) Biting of any sort hurts, and I'm guessing vampire bites hurt even more than normal ones.
5) You aren't the same species. You wouldn't date a monkey, so why a vampire?
6) There are so many other fictional options who are cuter, sweeter, and just better.
   Sure vampires have their assets, I won't deny it, but they aren't the best option. Date a timelord or Scott Pilgrim, just stop the vampire crushing. Vampires aren't even worth wasting time on in your fantasies. Instead of thinking of vampires ponder the ultimate question. I'll give you a hint, the answer is 42.

Business
My original goal when starting this blog was to publish one blog everyday except Sunday. After this blog is published I will be 10 blogs behind. I am attempting to catch up, but it will be difficult. I may try to make deals to reduce the 10 behind in the near future.

Doctor Who Quote
I want to join the innuendo squad. It seems like a fun job.
Mickey: That old lady's staring.Jack: Probably wondering what four people could do inside a small wooden box.
Mickey: What are you captain of? The innuendo squad?

Smart is Dumb, and Dumb is Smart

 Most incredibly intelligent people have no common sense and therefore get into stupid situations. On the other hand, people most would consider dumb can make the most interesting observations. Smart people can be outcasts, so some dumb themselves down, while other people strive for intelligence to fit in. It would seem that smart is dumb and dumb is smart.
  People with high intellect get into silly situations so often that there are many websites dedicated to listing these many situations. Seeing as you can find a website on almost anything, this may not seem like solid evidence, but when you look at the sheer number of these websites you realise that this must be a recurring thing. This is due to a lack of common sense, as I mentioned before in Doctor No Sense. Their brains are filled with knowledge so much that it seems common sense does not compute.
  Those with lower IQs can make amazing observations, and analogies about the world. Their creative side allows them to observe and make something out of what some would consider nothing. No two people think alike, but groups of people can think similar. Both smart and not so smart people can make odd connections between ideas that others who do not think similar cannot see. We need both mindsets for a normal and balanced world.
   Although, it is evident that everyone is important, most people strive to be someone or something else. If smart people exceed average intelligence they can quickly become social outcasts due to jealousy. Surprisingly I have found that this is more applicable to elementary and middle school. Once in high school it is a lot easier to fit in, unless you go to a small school. Hang in there smart kids and do not camouflage your intelligence, be the best that you can be. Strive for goals applicable to you, and try not to listen when others say it's not possible. It just may not be possible for them, but it could be within your reach.
   Now onto the not so smart people (from now on referred to the NSS). No one is truly dumb. Everyone has some kind of talent that they are good at. NSS people, find what your good at and pursue it. You may not get the good grades or become rich, but your creativity could inspire. All changes start with an inspiration, so keep at it. One day you'll make a difference.
   Everyone has their differences, and it is our job, as humans to accept them. Everyone has a moment they regret and a moment they are proud of, so who has the right to judge? All in all everyone is important, so let's live together accepting each others good and bad qualities.
 
Business
This section will be written so that you, the readers, can have a say on what you are reading. Today I am giving you the opportunity to challenge me. Give me a topic, tell me a word or letter I can't use, or suggest a new page. Whatever it may be, you now have a say. Leave a comment or question, and I will acknowledge, or answer the question by next week in the business section.

Doctor Who Quote
Here's another Jack quote.
Jack: What's the Defabricator? Okay. Defabricator. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Am I naked in front of millions of viewers?
Android: Absolutely!
Jack: Ladies, your viewing figures just went up.