Rockband 2 will save me from not-blogging

Looks like I'll be taking a 4 day break from using my computer.

My parent's 25th anniversary is this Saturday, and we've got relavtives coming to stay with us for about 4 days. Which means I have to give up my room and my computer. For 4 days.

Ahh well. I came prepared, having bought Rock Band 2 for the PS2. So I'm not too worried about not blogging for 4 days.

Today's articles that caught my attention:

Rockets coming from Lebanon struck a Israeli retirement home (quite possibly renewing the feud between Hezbollah and Israeli militants).

A man must continue paying child support after his ex-wife asked for increased payments and for him to spend less time with their twin children. And get this. The twins aren't even his. I'm sorry, but that's FAIL.

Aaand last but not least, York University bumped up their offer of 9.25% wage increase to 10.7%! Yaaay! Let's go back to school!

Or... Not. Apparently CUPE leaders think the increase is a step back.

Oh, The Toronto Star. How you amuse me so much.

Anyway, see you all in 4 days.


Signed,
Rio

*Just a side note, I've started listening to MGMT. So far they sound pretty awesome.

The Hunt continues...

Or does it?

CUPE 3903 seems to be losing momentum in their efforts against York University.

With Jewish community leaders condemning CUPE president Sid Ryan (see Jewish Leaders blast CUPE, http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/562803) and general public support dying, I wonder if my efforts for job hunting are in vain.

I picked up an application for McDonald's, and I'm looking into sending my resume for No Frills. Both are easy to commute and some of my friends have been working there for a long time.

Maybe I'll look into part-time?

I'm thinking just in case York decides to pull a close one and suddenly start classes again.

I've heard rumours that the year might be canceled, and a full refund might be in effect...

...Meh, at least I got 3 months of University education for free!

My goal for today? I'm going to submit my resume/application to No Frills (if not McDonald's, since I have a feeling I lost their application).


Signed,
Rio

Defending themselves by Death

I've been reading the news lately. The David VS Goliath war between Palestine and Israel is depressing.

2009 shouldn't begin with a country listing statistics about the number of casualities and injuries that they've sustained.

Many argue that Israel should be condemned on the basis of disproportionality for invading Gaza and being responsible for the deaths of over 500 people.

And what does Israel have to say?

'We are defending ourselves.'

With the continued rocket assault from the Hamas, Israeli forces do have a right to defend themselves, but I sincerely doubt that their defence includes a casualty count of over 500.

You would think that Palestine militants would discontinue their efforts after so much death and destruction. I mean, firing random rockets against Israel isn't going to stop them from continuing to slaughter your people.

The international circle is only beginning to realize the impact of this war. This isn't some natural disaster that you can fail to expect.

So what do you do?

...I know! Let's opt for a cease-fire!

Obviously a cease-fire won't do anything besides give both nations a chance to rearm and regroup.

But it's a step forward to resolving conflict at this point in time, and to many international voices, it's the most immediate step to save lives.

The Hamas? Put down the rockets and open your eyes. There won't be a country or its pride to protect if you continue your efforts.

Signed,

Rio

(image taken from http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dd38d99e-da94-11dd-8c28-000077b07658.html)