Major bands and singers who are most popular to Canadians usually flock from Canada and the U.S. The availability of international records is limited to the most popular bands. Music stores won't necessarily cater to the needs of people who enjoy the less amiable international bands. I'm sure you're prodding me with tales of 'The Internet' and 'Napster.' But, the question remains: Why aren't these discs available? Why can't we go to our local music store and be able to buy one off the shelf without the nail biting, hair-colour changing, inevitable consequences? Must we depend on the internet to feed us with the not-so-favourable bands? Please help me solve this dilemma because I was just informed by an imbecile radio personality with a shoddy off-handed comment that one of my favourite bands may not have a Canadian release date!!! Pull my heart out while you're at it!!! This is truly depressing news. *sniffle*
Quite Surly
For some, Friday the 13th can be a day to dread. This number, 13, is unlucky on its own, and the level of unluckiness is doubled when the 13th of the month falls on a Friday. Since today is Friday the 13th, I thought it appropriate to inform you about some other superstitions.
Superstition #1: When driving by a cemetery, for each minute you hold your breath, another second is added on to your life.
Superstition #2: It's bad luck to have your feet placed on the bottom of an automobile when it crosses a railroad. If, however, you forget to lift your feet, you can avoid bad luck by keeping your feet up until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Superstition #3: If you fall from a high height, it's bad luck.
Superstition #4: Rabbit feet are considered to be good luck... unless you are the rabbit.
Superstition #5: Breaking a mirror means seven years of bad luck.
Superstition #6: Whacking a squirrel is considered to be bad luck.
Superstition #7: If a black cat crosses your path, it's bad luck.
Superstition #8: Walking under a ladder is bad luck.
Superstition #9: "Step on a crack, break your mother's back."
Superstition #10: To keep the evil tree spirits from listening to what you say, and causing the worst possible outcome, knock on wood.
Superstition #11: Being late for school is bad luck.
Superstition #12: Three editors is good luck.
Superstition #13: For high marks, carry an issue of MacNews in your pocket at all times!
Smutton (with assistance)
I am a Harry Potter fan. There! I have admitted it and I got it into the open. If you haven't heard of the famous wizard yet, then where have you been?
Once, even I was a skeptic, wondering what all the hype was about. All this attention over a book? Has the world gone mad, and the librarians taken over the media? Oh yes! Those were the days. The days before I was about to head out for a long road trip. I packed the essentials - Discman, tons of snacks, magazines, cards, ...and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
(eds. note: The Canadian/British version is entitled Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In mediœval times, alchemists believed that the Philosopher's Stone would bring eternal life and gold.)
It was addictive! I couldn't put it down for the duration of the long drive. I just kept reading it and taking the occasional washroom breaks. I sense your skepticism. Just like me, you're wondering what could be so great about a children's book.
First of all, it's not for children! It is meant for all! J.K. Rowling creates a new world in your mind, so vivid and funny that you can't help falling in love with the characters. If you're the kind of person who doesn't like fantasy, it is so much more than that. It is a combination of comedy, mystery, suspense, action, and yes, in the later books, even romance.
Do yourself a favour. Go and get the book, unless you're scared that one day, you too will be adherent to it.
Spirit
What's New:
As some of you may have heard over the announcements, applications are available for the Shad Valley summer programme. Known jokingly as "Canada's best kept secret", Shad Valley is not something many people know about. However, it is also one of the best summer programmes available in the country.
Held at ten universities (nine in Canada and one in Scotland) this year, Shad Valley is an intensive, academic programme focussing mainly on science, technology, and entrepreneurship. At Shad, you will stay in residence at one university for four weeks in July, working and learning with about fifty other people.
During this month, you will have the opportunity not only to learn, but to apply your knowledge almost immediately. You will be split into smaller groups, where you will find a business opportunity, develop the idea, and present your business plan to a panel of venture capitalists. Seminars and lectures along the way will help you flesh out your plan, and make it a truly feasible project.
Apart from the major project, there are also many other activities at Shad. Many fun and interesting seminars are available. These can range from robotics to geology to philosophy. During the weekends, camping trips, hikes, R&R at a park, or bus tours around the area are all possibilities. Recreational activities are a part of every day's schedule. These activities include some traditional sports, but also may include kick-boxing, Scottish dancing, or even yoga!
After you leave Shad, the programme still isn't finished! Some of you will be working for a corporate sponsor who helped pay your tuition. This work term will introduce you to work in the real world, and is also a good opportunity to earn back the rest of your tuition. Also, the winning business project from your campus will be put to the test against nine other competitors. The month of August will give you time to improve your plan, and get it ready for the Shad Entrepreneurial Cup competition.
Two summers ago, I went to Shad Valley at Acadia University, and it changed my life. If you want to share this experience, see Ms. MacGillvary for an application, or visit http://www.shad.ca/ for more information.
Nony LaSouris
Hello there. Understanding that not all of you may remember me, my name is Arseni Kritchever (also known as AK-47 from those of you who read MacNews last year) and I graduated last year. I'm currently attending the University of Ottawa, and have some tips of my own for you. So here are a few words of advice (as if you are going to read them).
Tip 1: GO TO FROSH WEEK! It's terrific fun -- a whole week of nothing but fun -- and (you are not going to believe it but it's true) more fun on top! There is good clean fun involving various physical activities, getting to know people, and the usual fun stuff. Then there is the not-so-clean fun (I have a feeling this is going to be edited): p*b cr*wls, b**r, h*ng*vers, and getting to know people who are dr*nk. Seriously though, Frosh Week is a good way to start your first year (which is going to be the hardest) and getting to know many people (so you won't be feeling like a complete stranger on campus).
Tip 2: Don't be afraid of dropping courses. If you take a course and find that you don't like it, then drop it! All universities have a deadline for dropping courses, which gives you plenty of time to decide if you don't like the course. One of the keys to doing well in university is studying the courses that you like (or at least can tolerate).
Tip 3: Plan your time. The first time you look at your schedule, you are going to say, "Holy! I have plenty of free time!" The problem is: NO YOU DON'T! Not unless you plan when to do your reading, your shopping, your dr*nk*ng (ooops! I meant studying with your friends), your laundry (For all the males reading this: clean clothes do not appear magically in your wardrobe!) and a thousand other things you have to do.
That's pretty much the most important ones. Oh, one other thing: HAVE FUN! Clean wholesome fun, or the other kind, or even having fun studying. Just try and have it. That's what life is all about. Good luck and have a great year.
Arseni Kritchever (aka AK-47)
Random thought #1:
I don't think teachers should make political comments in class about Mike Harris or the strike. If they want to share their opinions, they should make a commercial (paid by their friends) or write an article to MacNews.
Random thought #2:
Re: Starving Actors
Members of the Screen Actors Guild are striking. Their actions have caused many to scoff at the rich "artists". However, people should realize that besides the so-called wealthy actors, there are many more who would lose their houses if their salaries are cut. In fact, many famous actors are actually financially supporting the strike.
Random thought #3:
The 31 on the Baskin Robbins sign means 31 flavours.
Random thought #4:
?????????
Peculiar Display