Sunday, December 31, 2006

according to Val

I watched a movie today called 'Masked and Anonymous'. It came out three years ago and starred Bob Dylan alongside many popular actors. The movie in whole was terrible but there were some interesting points brought out by the characters. Here's a snippet from the movie.

Jack Fate (Bob Dylan): "Beautiful animals."

Animal Wrangler (Val Kilmer): "They don't have time to bother with the success of getting rich, don't have fantasies of glory, don't borrow money to buy things to decrease the value of while they own it, see, they are beautiful because they just are. They do what they do. Lion don't try to be a tiger; rabbit don't try to do an impression of a monkey. They don't try to be what they are not. Not like us, we human beings. The cheetah, the tiger, the snake, the monkey, the baboon, the muskrat, the bobcat, the pig that's fat, the hippo, the rhino, the dodo, the honey badger, the slithy toad, each one, each perfect in their own original form. Then man came in. Who created him, or for what purpose, is still a mystery. Why is he here? It's a mystery. We know he's trespassing, doesn't know his own place. Of course he doesn't know his own place, he doesn't have one. Man, the bear hunter, the fur trapper, the deer chaser, the baby seal clubber, the dolphin snagger, lowest form of existence, lowest form of existence... He goes around sticking his nose where it doesn't belong. The zoo, the aquarium, they are prisons for the animals, those animals can't learn anything from man, man don't have a thing to teach them. I don't even like looking at human beings, they disgust me so much with their atom bombs, their blow-dryers, their automobiles. They build hospitals as a shrine to the diseases they create. Human beings, along with their secrets, masked and anonymous... If I see a crack in the sidewalk, to me it's more beautiful than any human being. A crack in the mud at the bottom of a sun dried dead lake, I count that more beautiful than any human being. You know what I mean?"

Jack Fate: "Yeah, I know what you mean; it's kind of like a curse being born."


This movie is for Dylan fans only and even then it's confusing. Happy New Year!

the odd Communicator

I am back. My wife and I left for Nova Scotia a week ago yesterday. And it was one of those weeks in my life which surpassed my expectations. I reconnected with old friends and created new memories with my family. I saw who I needed to see and slept very little. The week was short but was even shorter due to all the fun we had. I never realized how great a family I had until I left home over seven months ago. Funny how that works. Advice to future home leavers: Love your parents and siblings and leave on good terms.

My first semester at Loyalist ended Dec. 15. and I passed all my courses which made my holidays a bit brighter! This next semester is supposed to be extremely challenging but highly rewarding. I don't know what to think really about that yet. I am nervously excited.

And now in Sean's spiritual life: God is good to me daily and I'm starting to realize it more. If you can, thank God for every crappy thing that happens to you in your day because He's only testing you out. It is an odd way of communication but at least He's talking to you. How sweet is that? I'll take a conversation in any shape or form with Him anytime.

Early in the morning it is. Off to bed I head.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

but this morning I do....

Mmmm..... drinking coffee.

Christmas holidays have been great.

Party today and visiting old workplace.

Bye!

Friday, December 22, 2006

more pictures I especially am fond of

What a beautiful bride! God must love me a lot to bless me with such a wondeful woman! Amen!

The Fab Six - Jason Premseler, Ryan Mc, Dylan Wells, Me Mc, Matthew Mc, Dylan Harris)

Dad, Mom and yours truly. Aren't we a dapper looking bunch?
What a good looking family! Well if you cut out Matthew that is... and maybe my face.



Thursday, December 21, 2006

my wedding pictures from July

Check out my sisters website to see some of the many pictures from that glorious occasion!

http://pic2.piczo.com/lindsaymcmullen/?g=20497908&cr=2

What is your mind on?

I can't seem to stay with one setting for long. I'm hooked on change. I am very grateful for the personal customization. It helps me design my page to my liking... so hopefully it will stay like this for a while.

In other news, well there is no other news. Wait, actually there is no snow in Belleville. How retarded is that? Snow, parties and family coming together is what defines our materialistic holidays sadly. There are few who care truly about the birth of Jesus, Christians and non-Christians alike. We are concerned about being with friends and family, exchanging gifts and eating delicious food. And we think that by stopping for an hour or two to remember the infant who saved the world is all we need to do. It's sad really.

Now remember, this is only my opinion, shaped from what I see and experience around me. I hope God forgives me for neglecting Him. Hmm, maybe I could buy Him a gift...

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Oh Luke, how we miss thee

This one makes me laugh everytime I see it. European is the worst adjective you could get. It only works if you're from Europe. Luke looks so confused!

I look like an bum who just got a free coffee from Luke. He's thinking, "Man, will this weirdo leave me alone now?"
Two very photogenic people. They are happy the scraggly bum is gone now. And Luke is subtlety giving the middle finger... How rude!

Sunday, December 17, 2006

A Politically Correct Christmas Story

I found this great poem on the net. Enjoy!

'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...
How to live in a world that's politically correct?
His workers no longer would answer to "Elves".
"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.
And labour conditions at the North Pole,
were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,
Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.
And equal employment had made it quite clear
That Santa had better not use just reindeer.
So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid
Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!

The runners had been removed from his sleigh;
The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.
And people had started to call for the cops
When they heard sled noises on their rooftops.
Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened.
His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened."

And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows,
Rudolf was suing over unauthorised use of his nose
And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation,
Demanding millions in over-due compensation.
So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,
Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,

Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz,
Demanding from now on her title was Ms.
And as for the gifts, why, he'd never had a notion
That making a choice could cause so much commotion.
Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,
Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.

Nothing that might be construed to pollute.
Nothing to aim, Nothing to shoot.
Nothing that clamoured or made lots of noise.
Nothing for just girls, or just for the boys.
Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.
Nothing that's warlike or non-pacifistic.

No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.
Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.
And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,
Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.
For they raised the hackles of those psychological
Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.

No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;
Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.
Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;
And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.
So Santa just stood there, dishevelled, perplexed;
He just could not figure out what to do next.

He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,
But you've got to be careful with that word today.
His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;
Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.
Something special was needed, a gift that he might
Give to all without angering the left or the right.

A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,
Each group of people, every religion;
Every ethnicity, every hue,
Everyone, everywhere...even you.
So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth...
May you and your loved ones, enjoy peace on Earth.

Author Unknown

Friday, December 15, 2006

a magnetewan morning

We've made it folks, safe and sound. We took a different route to come up here and it was supposed to shave off an hour of the trip...which it didn't. And for the record, I hate Orillia, the town with no clear signs pointing to where you need to go.

Anyway, we got in at 10:23 last night and it feels oh so good to be home, even if it's my wife's home because I love it too. Ruth, Matt (brother) and I watched 'Stealth,' an action/AI type of film. It was a good watch and it was better than I expected it to be. Even Jessica Biel's acting was good...

Word of advice: Never sleep in a room where a fire is going and all doors/windows are closed. It is dangerous not to mention it's incredibly hot in there and you'll sleep very uncomfortably.

Now my wife and I are up and about, hanging out with our sick nephew Steven. I put a wash on and drank some Buckley's in hopes of getting rid of my nagging cough.

Ta ta cyber readers. Seek out the pleasures of life.

Merry Christmas

Thursday, December 14, 2006

I just got a haircut...

I brought a picture along with me so the man could have a guide on how to cut. He cut it a little short in my opinion but I don't feel like I wasted $8 because in the past when I got my haircuts, it was only a trim, and it wasn't worth the $12 I paid for. So, this is my new look everyone.

quick little update

I passed my photography course!! 84 per cent yeah!

last day of school!

First and foremost, I thank God for helping me through this semester and getting things done.

To Ruth, thank you for the love and amazing loyalty you show to me every day. I couldn't do it without you.

I would like to thank my Mom and Dad for the encouragement they constantly give me.

I would like to thank my siblings for the lessons I've learned from them and the smiles they have brought to my face.

I would like to express gratitude to close friends for the fun we've shared to keep me going through this insanity.

And last but not least, I would like to thank Macintosh computers for helping me get my assignments done and for just being so darn quick.

.....I just realized I'm free!!!!!!!! Sweet and I'm going up North today. Life is good. God is good.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

point form

- Hey everyone. I am in class right now editing some pictures I took at the Ramada banquet this past Sunday evening.
- I am done my Reporting exam...whew! I am now awaiting my final mark
- I'm super hungry and I'm going to eat soon
- School is almost over and I'm looking forward to going up North this weekend
- The beard is coming back

Monday, December 11, 2006

I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die

Ok. So I'm listening to Johnny Cash and I really enjoy that morbid line for some odd reason.

This is my last week of school and I am heavily looking forward to the 3 week break. It's been so long since I've seen my friends and family in Nova Scotia. I am sad that I won't be there this year... Oh well, I'll see them soon I guess.

So I've been writing songs again. I went through a dry spell but I am now overwhelmed with songwriting moisture. It feels good. I'm practicing new finger picking styles and trying to create a new chord progression which I now realize is hopeless because there are many other schmoes like me trying the same thing.

I watched the DaVinci Code last night. There were more holes in that story than in a piece of Swiss cheese although I enjoyed Hank's performance because I like all Tom Hanks movies.

And now I must go
To where I do not know
But I should go soon or I'd be a liar
And fall into a ring of fire...

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Saturday, December 09, 2006

when you see a rainbow...


Sean McMullen

This is a picture I took last week.

Buried under it all

Even though I have finished this week, I feel somewhat unaccomplished. Good news though...my story I wrote is being considered for the paper next week. Always a good thing I suppose.

Time is running out. School is coming to a close and I'm heavily looking forward to the break. I need to cleanse myself of journalism for a bit and re-vamp my goals.

It is good to remind yourself that it is ok to fail. We can't excel at everything. Trust me, it is a good experience as much as I hate it. It is dangerous when humans excel in every aspect they set their mind to.

When I was young, I thought failure was the worst possible thing to happen to me. Looking back now, I take it in stride, so I can do better next time.

Ruth is at work till 4 today. I'm at home watching Fresh Prince Season 2 and listening to music. I feel like going somewhere fun today. I have this obsessive desire to constantly be doing something. I need to learn to relax.

Currently listening to - The Normals, "Best I Can". Here's some lyrics from the song that I enjoy.

"I sometimes hide behind my words
Sometimes I’m round the corner from these songs
But words are only words
Like days are only days"

I'm also reminded of a great quote that every Christian should read.

"The best thing that could possibly happen in your life, literally the best thing, is that your biggest, deepest darkest sin, the one you try the hardest to hide, would be exposed on the 5 o'clock news. That way you have nothing to cling to but Jesus, because He's all you've got anyway. Don't try to convince yourself that your sin isn't real, take joy in the fact that your Saviour is real."

- Derek Webb (House Show)

I love it when people get in my face about my faith.

Merry Christmas everyone. Don't work too hard today.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

A couple weeks ago...

I arrived early to the event. It was the African International Social put on by African Loyalist student. I went to the cafeteria and sat down, patienly waiting for the night to begin. I started taking my notepad and pen out of my bag to begin writing about the night. I took out my camera to get some photographs of the people setting up. I realized I shoud probably help them set up as opposed to being the creepy guy watching them with a camera. Always create trust with the people in your story.

Students slowly started piling in. I was concentrated on meeting with one man, William Reech, a broadcast journalism student. He is a refugee from Kenya and he came to Canada five years ago. I met with him and introduced myself as a journalist and how I would like to ask him a few questions. We chatted for about seven minutes, talking about his experience in the Sudan (that's where he was originally from) and how the country is complety ravaged by the war. He spoke about the process it takes to come here and how difficult it is. They sit you down and attack you with hard questions about why you want to go and what you'll do here. After we stopped talking, I was glad that he came here because he is a very friendly man. He seemed genuine.

The night continued on. Another man played the congos and sang. Photographers stood around and shot their pictures and so did I. But it was more enjoyable to listen to him play his music. There were little children happily dancing away to the beat of the drums. I think I tapped my foot. I'm not a dancer.

They served us various types of beans and rice which I chose not to eat. I had already eaten beforehand. But the food looked delicious.

Shortly after, four girls began to dance to African music. They were quite talented and danced better than any person I know! Then disaster struck. The man who had been playing the congos earlier started to play again so I went to take some better pictures. I turned on my camera and it said, "ERR 99". I lost all my pictures and my CF card was fried. I left the event early and drove back home, extremely depressed and sad.

And now to make a long story short, the card was replaced for free with a better one, and thanks to photo recovery software, I was able to salvage most of my photos.

I am now in the process of writing my second major assignment for my "Reporting and Newswriting" class. I'll need a lot of coffee to get me through this next couple days. I probably won't blog until then.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

friends come and go just like the snow

A good friend of ours, Luke Bruce, left for my home province of Nova Scotia on Monday. We spent the weekend together with our close friends Nicki Chapman and Jason Premseler.

We went to Starbucks, Chumleighs, and the mall. We jammed, played Star Wars Lego and stayed up super late every night. But with the extravagant night life comes the early morning sickness. My wife got the flu and I suffered from over-tiredness.

On another note, it snowed a lot last night in Belleville. And a word of advice: Always carry a snowbrush. It makes your time so much easier. By the way, this is a picture I took. I thought that snow on top of berries would make for a neat photograph.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

isn't it unoriginal to post lyrics to the song you love?

Derek Webb - Faith My Eyes

As I survey the ground for ants
Looking for a place to sit and read
I'm reminded of the streets of my hometown
How they're much like this concrete that's warm beneath my feet

And how I'm all wrapped up in my mother's face
With a touch of my father just up around the eyes
And the sound of my brother's laugh
But more wrapped up in what binds our ever distant lives

But if I must go
Things I trust will be better off without me
But I don't want to know
Life is better off a mystery

So keep'em coming these lines on the road
And keep me responsible be it a light or heavy load
And keep me guessing with these blessings in disguise
And I'll walk with grace my feet and faith my eyes

Hometown weather is on TV
I imagine the lives of the people living there
And I'm curious if they imagine me
Cause they just wanna leave; I wish that I could stay

And to visit places from my past
But only for an hour or so
Which is long enough to smell the air
To tell the tale and find the door

But I get turned around
I mistake some happiness for blessing
But I'm blessed as the poor
Still I judge success by how I'm dressing

So I'll sing a song of my hometown
I'll breathe the air and walk the streets
Maybe find a place to sit and read
And the ants are welcome company

And I'll walk with grace my feet and faith my eyes.

Friday, December 01, 2006

YouTube on your cellphone?

Missed last night’s episode of Conan O’Brian? Care to watch the Michael Richards incident at a comedy club? Want to relive those old episodes of Boy Meets World? If your life is frantic and you don’t have time to watch those videos on your computer via YouTube, you can now watch them on your cellphone.

Verizon Wireless struck a deal with YouTube making their consumers eligible to watch YouTube videos on their phones or upload videos directly to the website. The service will be launched December and will cost $15 a month. YouTube will be a feature through the Verizon’s V Cast service. It will be easy to navigate through the site, just as if you were on a computer.

Uploading the video will be the same as uploading a picture and sending to friends and family. And to send it toward YouTube, you need to enter a small numeric code so your video can be posted. The videos will go through a monitoring process, filtering out any questionable videos such as pornography or copyrighted material.

Verizon sees this as a huge draw to attract people towards purchasing their phones. Their reason for this is that things happen all the time and almost everyone today carries a cellphone. Thus, they realized it would be a good idea to combine the technologies. The world is now literally at your fingertips. With the touch of a few buttons, you can watch any clip you desire on YouTube, provided they carry it.

This is a remarkable plan. It really shows where technology is heading and this partnership is only the first step. YouTube is already a great vehicle for uploading almost anything you want. Now that it is combined with a cellphone, there’s no telling what people will post on the site. We could see footage of protest rallies in different parts of the world or see what it looks like from the top of a mountain.

Video cameras are no longer the only tool making it possible to record events in action. A cellphone is easier to carry around due to its size and shape. Now the industry hasn’t arrived in creating superior video quality for cellphone videos but in time, we’ll see it happen.

I wonder how this will change the face of journalism. There are only so many journalists and we can’t be everywhere at once to cover speeches or events. Any person with a Verizon cellphone can tape what he or she sees happening. Some people might be in the right place at the right time and expose a big secret! And in this day and age, people can post videos right onto their blog, provided it’s not copyrighted material.

The news does not come from newspapers or radio anymore. It is entering the hands of the everyday people. It doesn’t mean we should believe everything we watch because videos can be manipulated and twisted like a picture. We need to verify the information with trusted sources. We need to apply critical thinking to everything.