Tuesday, December 11, 2007

there goes my life

hey,

almost done school now. weird to think a semester has passed by. life is decent lately. i'm really diggin' city and colour lately.

merry christmas everyone.

sean

Monday, November 26, 2007

communication!

With the age of the Internet ever so present and powerful, the way people communicate with each other has changed significantly.

MSN Messenger, Facebook, MySpace.

Each of these networking tools hold the ability to instantly communicate or relay a message with the desired person of your choice.

The numbers also lend credibility to these ‘organizations’. Facebook has over 55 million active members and over at MySpace, there are over 200 million accounts.

Frankly, I don’t understand why telephones exist anymore. With MSN Messenger, you can have your whole family on your friends list, passing along messages whenever you wish and not having to worry about long distance charges. While paying a small nominal fee for the Internet, the possibilities and features are endless, compared to the select few features on the phone.

Web sites, online newsletters and online bulletin boards can be updated at any second. All information and news can be posted in a second.

Yet, despite the age of the Internet, there are people who are not fully equipped with the knowledge to use it or people who do not want to change with the culture.

These people are in love with the tangible newspaper, the telephone and other material communication tools.

And that is understandable. People love what they can hold and touch.

But if they want to live in our ever-updating world, they will need to upgrade the way they communicate with others or they will be lost in translation.

The same thought carries over to newspapers. If they are unwilling to change with the times, they too will wither away and die.

--

Hey everyone, just thought I'd post something I've been thinking about. Hope you're doing well in whatever stage of life you breathe.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

afraid not scared

sitting on the couch with the glow of my macbook giving me a face tan. i love it.

umm... yeah, besides not getting the TPS reports, I've been lazy on the blog. i'll admit, it is not as important to me as it used to but hopefully, some day, it will.

bye!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

hello!

I'm not really here anymore and I apologize.

You see, I've been busy working for The Pioneer newspaper, so instead of filling you in on my past month, I'll give some quick updates.

- Passed e-test!
- Ruth and I played a show to which people called for an encore
- We will be recording a demo soon
- We're auditioning for an Open Mic night soon
- I'm generally pretty happy these days

That's it for now

Friday, October 05, 2007

die turkey

Early morning this morning.

I've got to make some breakfast so this will be quick. I thought I'd write a Thanksgiving poem.

Thanksgiving is where people eat turkey meat.
The turkey meat then makes them stink.
No one likes the smell.
Not even Aunt O'Dell.

Happy Thanksgiving friends and family!

Sean

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

not made of steel

Hey!

Well, I'm sitting in my computer chair. I'm listening to Our Lady Peace's Gravity album. Reminds me of grade 10. Oh how i hated those years.

I know I've been copping out on my blog lately by posting school material. The only reason I can think of to back me up is that I don't have anything original to post.

My beautiful wife and I are again making the northern trek to Magnetawho? for an old fashioned thanksgiving. I'm going to buy some pilgrim clothes.

I don't know who reads this blog anymore, I know I don't but I hope you're doing well.

sean

Saturday, September 29, 2007

For you blue

Obituary of John Lennon
*Editors comment: This is unfinished.

I read the news today. Oh boy.

It was Dec. 8, 1980. John Lennon, 40, and Yoko Ono were on their way back to their hotel from the recording studio where they were making Double Fantasy. It was to be Lennon’s comeback after retiring from music in 1975 to raise his son Sean.

As they were walking into the hotel lobby, a voice pierced the night air saying, “Mr. Lennon.” When Lennon turned around, the now infamous Mark David Chapman shot him five times. One bullet strayed and hit the hotel. Two others hit the left side of his back and two more struck his left shoulder. Lennon limped and crawled to the hotel steps where he collapsed. His last words were “I’ve been shot.” Lennon died later that evening from internal bleeding and a damaged aorta. The clearly deranged Chapman calmly walked to a nearby bench and sat down waiting for the police to arrest him. A hotel clerk ran out to him and shouted, “Do you know what you’ve done?” Chapman replied, “I just shot John Lennon.”

Lennon’s sudden death caused the world to shiver. One could compare the reaction to his demise to that of Martin Luther King Jr. or John F. Kennedy. The outburst of grief was phenomenal. At 2 p.m. on Dec. 14, countless fans around the world partook in a ten-minute silent ceremony for him.

Lennon was Lennon. Some might remember him before his days with The Beatles as a musician for his skiffle group The Quarrymen. The vast majority of the earth’s population knew him as the first half of what is still considered by many the peak of songwriting partnership: Lennon & McCartney.

The amount of words you could write are limitless but it should be known he was much more than a Beatle. He was an idealist. Politically radical. A peace activist. A father and friend. An ordinary man who achieved immortality the night he was shot and murdered.

Lennon was born in Liverpool, England on October 9, 1940. He received his first guitar when he was 16 from his mother. Sadly, two years later, his mother was struck by a car and killed. This devastated him. Lennon’s father left home when he was young, only to re-appear later on when he became famous with The Beatles. Consequently, most of Lennon’s songs deal with abandonment.

But he was more than just a songwriter; he had a natural knack for melody and rhythm. He played rhythm guitar for arguably the best band to ever have existed, and also brought realism into The Beatles which alienated them from the other pop bands at the time.

(Still need to fill this part in. If anyone has suggestions on how to do it, I'd appreciate them)

Lennon’s first solo album Plastic Ono Band was released in December 1970. A vicious departure from his signature sound with The Beatles, this record stunned Beatles fans. At the time, Lennon was undergoing primal scream therapy from Dr. Arthur Janov. Lennon had to emotionally confront his troubled past to complete the therapy. The majority of the songs on Plastic Ono Band grew out of the controversial therapy; songs like Mother where Lennon writes about his parents abandoning him. In God, he sings about not believing in The Beatles, an obvious attempt to destroy his past.

Later in his career, he adjusted his tune and fully embraced peace and love as themes for his personal life. It came out in songs like Give Peace a Chance and the powerfully heartrending Love.

Ironically, during Beatlemania, Lennon once said, “We'll either go in a plane crash or we'll be popped off by some loony."

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

February holiday needs to be thought of seriously

By Sean McMullen

If re-elected on Oct. 10, the provincial Liberal government vowed to create a statutory holiday on the third Monday in February dubbed Family Day, a day intended for Ontarian families to focus more on each other. Family Day would boost Ontario’s statutory holiday number to nine, making it even with Saskatchewan, British Colombia, Alberta and the Territories.

While the exciting promise of a day off in February is enticing, it is nothing more than a vote-garnering tactic for the Liberal party. This late in the election game, voters should not base their vote on one promise the Liberals may not even keep.
Finance Minister Greg Sorbara’s reasons for the potential holiday were because Ontarians work hard, their winters are lengthy and because they deserve it. Sorbara also said Ontario is economically viable enough to give the proletariat a day off with pay.

Broken promises to the Liberals are comparable to feeding a destructive crack-cocaine addiction: they just keep doing it, regardless of the consequences.

For instance, Dalton McGuinty promised in 2003 that he wouldn’t raise our taxes. In fact, personal income tax revenues have gone up by 32 per cent since they took power in 2003. But that’s only the tip of the dishonest iceberg, which ironically is the same iceberg the Liberals are now slipping off.

There is no doubt a long weekend in bitterly cold February is attractive so why didn’t the Liberal party promise this before they were elected in 2003 or at least enforce it while in power?

Family Day’s origins began 17 years ago in Alberta. Then-Premier Don Getty created the holiday in response to a family drug scandal involving his son. Getty told the public it was his son’s involvement with drugs that caused him re-evaluate his priorities and to focus more on his family.

Criticism of the new statutory holiday came from Alberta employers who felt the additional holiday was a monetary yoke and they weren’t willing to put it on their shoulders.

Most likely, critics of the holiday will be labeled anti-family, especially opposing political parties.

James Cowan, A National Post journalist asked Ingrid Thompson, a Conservative spokeswoman what her party’s stance was on the issue. She said, “It’s always nice to seem like you’re giving candy to the voter, but it needs to be considered and thought through in terms of what its impact might be before anything is firmly decided.”

The Liberals must also consider the effects a possible holiday might have on people without families or if their families are far away. How would they celebrate Family Day? Should they be considered to have the day off work? I mean, if they don’t have a family, why would they?

The Liberals are also backing Conservative MP John Tory into an unyielding corner if he doesn’t support their holiday plan. If Tory praises their idea (and how he could not), he will be supporting a party he directly opposes. On the other hand, if he doesn’t believe Ontario needs another long weekend, he could lose votes from his followers, provided they aren’t uneducated sheep and know when a candy promise is being made.

However, this wasn’t the first time Family Day was proposed for Ontario and it wasn’t from the Liberals.

Earlier this year, Conservative MPP John O’Toole attempted to introduce Family Day to Ontario and his reason was that family is “one of the great institutions of civilization.”

So it seems both parties are trying to boost their image as “family-orientated” by proposing this new holiday. Playing with the hearts and minds of voters through seemingly sincere promises has always been a prominent staple in politics.

The Ottawa Citizen reported two weeks ago that the Liberals party has already made over 71 promises, while the Conservatives have pledged 142 including the controversial religious school funding.

Hypothetically, if the Liberal party is re-elected and they don’t follow through on their promise (which will probably be the case), they will come under a lot of heat from people who voted based on that one promise. And another broken promise would be the final cannonball sized hole in the ship they’re sailing on, not to mention the already stormy sea of angry voters.

Judging from the time of the announcement, it was a smart move to promise a new holiday while on Labour Day. People would be at home enjoying their day off, sipping some lemonade on their deck, hear the news on their transistor radio and think, “Hey, I could use another day off just like this.

Perhaps the money-grabbing provincial landlords are geniuses after all. But they need to get one thing straight. Please don’t take away your proposed holiday in February because I really want to go visit my family that weekend, you know, to spend more time with them.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

J-E-L-L-O!

This is a backgrounder about the jiggly substance.

Long after the reptilian dinosaurs roamed the planet earth and before the emergence of the two world wars, there was a substance created that was so gooey, so tasty and so sugary; it would forever change the way people eat their dessert. And its name would be called Jell-O.

A good friend of mine, Webster, states that Jell-O is “a brand of dessert made from a mixture of gelatin, sugar, and fruit flavoring, dissolved in hot water and chilled until firm.”

Since Webster doesn’t explain the difference between the tasty treat and the trademark name, I feel it is important to distinguish the two.

Jell-O is a brand name, which belongs to the company Kraft Foods.

There. That’s it. But there’s so much more. The history behind it is fascinating.

In 1845, inventor Peter Cooper was able to secure the first patent for the wiggly dessert although it looks nothing like it does today. Cooper would boil calf's hoofs for hours, then add water to powder to create the gelatin, finally leaving it in a cool area to sit and take shape.

According to the Jell-O history at Kraft Foods website, Cooper packaged the gelatin in neat little boxes. The prepared gelatin had to be clarified by boiling with egg whites and shells, and then dripped through a jelly bag before being turned into shimmering molds. It was a longer process compared to ours today.

In 1897, the first Jell-O product became available in stores but it quickly needed an image attract people. The Kraft Foods website said, “The first Jell-O advertisement ran in Ladies’ Home Journal featuring smiling, fashionably coifed women in white aprons proclaiming Jell-O gelatin “America’s Most Famous Dessert”. At this time, Jell-O was always prepared in a tin mold.”

Originally, there were four flavors: orange, strawberry, lemon and raspberry. Today, there are currently 20 different gelatin dessert flavors which include: apricot, berry blue, cherry, cranberry, grape, lemon, lime, margarita, mixed fruit, orange, peach, pina colada, pineapple, raspberry, strawberry, strawberry-banana, strawberry daiquiri, strawberry-kiwi, watermelon and wild strawberry. What, no bubblegum?

The website also said in 1904, Jell-O’s first trademark the Jell-O Girl made her first appearance; a small child playing with Jell-O boxes in a nursery instead of her toys. Weird. Their catchphrase was “You can’t be a kid without it.”

It didn’t make its debut in Canada until 1905 in the small town of Bridgeburg. And in 1923, to appeal to a larger audience, the first sugar-free gelatin D-Zerta was introduced. There are to date 12 sugar-free giggly desserts.

Author Wendy Woloson wrote about how the advertising of Jell-O made it the popular treat it is today, mainly thanks to the help of famous celebrities.

“Jack Benny and Mary Livingston promoted it on radio, coming up with the catchy "J-E-L-L-O" tune. Kate Smith sang the praises of Jell-O in magazine advertisements during World War II. In the 1950s, such luminaries as Roy Rogers, Andy Griffith, and Ethel Barrymore became spokespeople. From the 1970s through the 1990s, beloved actor and comedian Bill Cosby was the chief spokesperson for Jell-O,” she wrote.

Before I finish this mesmerizing tale about the giggly jelly, I called the Jell-O company to learn how many packages are sold each year. I was surprised to learn that over one million pack of Jell-O are sold each day including 250 million sold in the United States every year. On a side note, the receptionist or whomever I was chatting with was reading the Kraft Foods website information on Jell-O to me after I had finished reading the entire thing and I told her this before the interview.

American traveling food writers Jane and Michael Stern have said that "More than any other food, Jell-O symbolizes how America really eats ... Jell-O is Americana in a mold."

In 2003, a writer from Chemical & Engineering News, Corinne A. Marasco, discovered “when Jell-O hooked up to an electroencephalograph machine (an instrument that records the electrical activity of the brain), Jell-O demonstrates movement virtually identical to the brain waves of a healthy adult man or woman.”

According to the Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America, gelatin contains 84-90 per cent protein, one to two per cent mineral salts and eight to 15 percent water. I guess if I need a brain implant, I can make my own.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Saturday, September 15, 2007

the seeker

i'm still around.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Friday, August 24, 2007

rocket to the moon and swing around for some more

As usual, I write the vast majority of these blogs in my boxers. Why?... A curious fellow might ask that very same question. The answer is not an easy one to cough up. Maybe it's the complete and absolute freedom I experience from being in this state. Come on internet junkies, you know this all to be true. OK, this blog rant is going nowhere.

In case there was a slight chance you were wondering what music I was listening to right now, I'll tell you... later.

For some reason in my blogs, I also like to mention the current weather conditions and I like to start with 'Man'. Man it is humid in Belleville tonight.

Sufjan Stevens music is becoming more constant in my life. Oh, and the Smashing Pumpkins. Billy's voice always puts me in state of drifting aimlessly, contemplating life in all it's greatness. Yeah. Neil Young's album Rust Never Sleeps is also a good one. Umm, Bleach as well circa Again for the first time.

I had a tooth pulled yesterday. A back molar. I thought I was going to scream as he was yanking it out but I didn't. I whimpered in the dentist's chair. Who's the man now? Not a pleasant experience.

I work tomorrow from 12-8.

I love my family and I think about them every day I'm alive.

The boxers are gray.

The beard is coming back.

That is all the random trivia I've got for now.

know that the sun will shine again

The movie 'Little Miss Sunshine' is superb. Especially if you're in the right mood to be entertained by the misfortune of other people.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

this is what happens when I write the thoughts in my head.

I'm charged. I'm alive. I am who you are. Deep down in the bottomless pit of woes, screaming silently. I'm turning the pages of your life fifty pages at a time. It's confusing so I don't blame you. Your excuses make me sick, yet I feel pity.

Now that I am old, life has turned on me. The life I tried living and lived decided to move onto someone younger. Bah. We all knew this would happen.

Shine. It's time.

Whoa.

This is what happens when you forget.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Friday, August 17, 2007

thinking about yesteryear

It's a tad cold in Belleville today which is a very wonderful break from the excessive heat this city possesses. I'm at home eating timbits because I'm too lazy to make a decent breakfast. Work starts in a few hours so I'm just relaxing. Ruth went off to get a haircut early this morning.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow because Ruth and I are going to go explore this neat river. We have masks so that we can search for treasures underwater which will most likely be beer bottles but hey, the underwater world can surprise you.

Year two of my program begins soon. I'm looking forward to my return to post-secondary edumacation. It's also weird to think I will have a real job after this is all done. And I'm turning 21 next month. I guess I'm still young.

Amen.

Friday, August 03, 2007

knocked down but not knocked out

These lyrics from Bleach's song 'Knocked Down' really hit home for me. They encapsulate how I've been feeling these past few days.

How did I get here all tied up
I'm all tied up
I never noticed or cared that much
Or cared that much
complacency has gotten the best of me
and the best of me is forgotten
beneath the sea of what I've become

and all that I've done I hope that it counts
I'd rather be knocked down
then to be knocked out
so I'll let go of what I know,
of what I've learned here in the past twenty years
my heart is frozen with meaningless motions
so I'll hold onto you
and all that I've done
I hope that it counts
I've been knocked down
but I'm not knocked out
and I'm at the bottom
can't get out
I've been knocked down

but not knocked out
not knocked out
and I will sing at the top of my lungs
I will dance even if I'm the only one
and i hope that we'll never be apart
and I will sing and I hope it heals my heart
yea I hope it heals my heart
how did I get here?
Save me from this.

-----------

Despite where I am in this life, I know I am not alone. Ever. And that is something worth holding on to.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

this made me laugh

http://www.loyalistc.on.ca/app/DocRepository/2/AwardsDirectory2007.web.pdf

I guess I'm one of the faces for Loyalist's bursary, scholarship thingamajiggy.

last published on june 19

Wow, I went a really long time without updating. Well if any of you stalk me on facebook, you would know I had four wisdom teeth out which has made for many painful days. Oh and my car broke down in Fredericton, NB on our way back from Halifax but we're going to get it tomorrow!

But I thought I'd share with you what I've been doing on my downtime. That's it.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

just a few more days...!

can't wait to go home!

Monday, June 11, 2007

can't think of a song title

It came to me last night. Mr. Song. I'm pretty happy about it. I thought I'd share it with you folks. I'll even put the chords and all. But don't think about making it your own! Also, I don't think I have ever blogged my own personal work. So don't laugh.

Capo 3, (Title unknown)

Verse 1 - When you're alone, I'm beside you (D, Em, G)
When you're alone, I'm here (D, Em, G)
And when you're feeling like all is gone D, Em, G)
Don't give up, have no fear (D, A, D)

Verse 2 - As you sit there by yourself (D, Em, G)
Don't forget who you are (D, Em, G)
And just when it seems that the world is lost (D, Em, G)
Remember that I still care (D, A, D)

Chorus - When you walked outside that door (F, C)
You took on the weight of the world (F, C)
It pushed you down but I picked you up (F, Am)
And now you finally see... (Bb, G)

Verse 3 - ...Just what it feels like to forget everything (D, Em, G)
Isn't that what you wanted? (D, Em, G)
Now I'm confused and traveling (D, Em, G)
Along this endless road I'm on (D, Em, G)

Bridge - And I just need some water and a place to rest (D, Em, G)
Please come and rescue me (D, A, D)

Chorus2 - Now I hear you coming down (F, C)
It sounds like a million trains (F, C)
I'm at the end of this rugged rope (F, Am)
And I'm the only one to blame (Bb, G)

Verse 4 - But you saved me, saved me (D, Em, G)
From the depths of my despair (D, Em, G)
Forever grateful, I am yours (D, Em, G)
I'll always be right here (D, A, D)

Thursday, June 07, 2007

the weight / bring the funk

To borrow the title from Conor Oberst's 2005 Bright Eyes album, "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning." And that is precisely how I am feeling at this present moment. My darling left for work half an hour ago. I began the morning by playing some guitar and listening to The Band's song, 'The Weight' which sounds remarkably like Caedmon's new song or is it the other way around...

I'm to begin work at 12 today so I'm just relaxing before the major grunt work but I don't mind. I'll be outside today which is a nice break from the duties at the store.

I thought I had more to say but I guess I don't. Except that. Except that. Except that.

Monday, June 04, 2007

feel like my life is being strummed with a hard pick

Having a job is a funny thing. Working to live is our punishment isn't it? So then I don't understand people who love their job... I don't think anyone can truly love their work because we are human and we stress out. Anyway, not sure where that thought was going. My job lately has been a blessing from God. He came through as always and I am trying to be grateful by not complaining while working. Oh, I work for a Christian bookstore in Belleville called New Vision, but really I'm helping the owner's husband at his house doing renovations and landscaping. We recently finished the first part of a deck and this week, we'll be fixing up his garage. Argh argh argh.

In my personal life, I've dove into a myriad of new bands. I'm willing to listen to anything except rap and country. No one likes that music anyway. I'm really diggin' the new Derek Webb record 'The Ringing Bell'. I'm still heavy into Muse and re-listening to the White Stripes all over again and falling in love with them!

Reading over what I just wrote makes me realize how dull my writing is! It makes me laugh. I guess I need to be practicing more.

Man, it's hot in Belleville but it's cool tonight.

Saturday, June 02, 2007

mark it on your calenders!

Ruth and I will be arriving in Halifax either June 23 or 24!

Bye!

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

ahem!

The past week and a half has simply been wonderful. My next-of-kin Ryan has been biding his time with us in Belleville, making for interesting and fun times. Ryan and I have usually been going on walks every day except for the days we don't. I like having him around. It makes for enjoyable company. We've been indulging in a lot of family guy, bagel sandwiches and discussing theories about Lost. I don't want him to leave on Friday.

So now that school is done, I've applied to companies in hopes they will hire me. Getting a job is a tough thing to do. Applying is easy.

I know I said in my last post I would be taking the blog in a new direction and I've appreciated seeing the comments. But that night, I was heavily influenced by early Dylan and wordy journalists, prompting to change my site.

Just curious - to my readers... Did you like the name "I Just Don't Want Coffee"? I kind of did. It looked familiar. I think I'm going to take it back again. Feels more homely, personal-like.

Now I best be jetting off. The night is young but I don't feel like it does.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Re-vamp 2007

I'm going to set out in a new direction with my blog for a little bit.

I'll update you on my plan. Perhaps people would like to help.

*Idea... commentary on The Walrus magazine.

Good Night

Monday, April 23, 2007

still alive admist the stressfull happenings

Life lately has been a bit challenging financially. Well, really it's only because we own a car that needed to be fixed. And now I need to get summer tires put on it which will cost a bit. I hate paying for things. Don't we all?

Anyway, if I keep worrying about money, it will ruin me. Money can't save me. Period. I don't even like when people say "It helps" because it really doesn't help. It takes your focus off God, who ultimately looks out for you. And so, with that conclusion, I will try to remember that today. Because I am broke. And I love it.

I've got an exam in about an hour, so I should go study for it.

That's all for now.

Monday, April 16, 2007

summer looks a lot like winter

OK. You got me. I haven't been updating, but quite frankly, I don't enjoy it. So get used to it bub. I will tell you that I am in the middle of a two day comprehensive exam which my friend, was straining (to say the utmost least). Life has a funny way of sucking.

So I've been rewatching Lost. And it's been weird because I know them all so well now, except that crazy Hurley.

School is almost over now and I'm on the hunt for work. It's a feisty animal waiting to be captured but I am confident I will prevail.

Words of random wisdom: Your TV is better than you are.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

yours truly, out in full force

It's a fine evening in Belleville. A little cold. A touch damp, but spirits are high tonight. At this very moment, I am listening not to music but the sound of Ruth's voice on the phone. I tell you friends and family, it is sweeter than fine wine. And this fellow has indulged in that fine liquor once before! Appropriately of course mom.

This is my second last week on The Pioneer and I'l admit, I can't wait. It's been challenging, heart-breaking and mind-numbingly exhausting. But I live. I breathe. I keep walking the treadmill of life.

For this Easter weekend, the lovely lady and I will again, be trekking up to Magnetewan. I am super-stoked. It will also be a new adventure. We are deciding to take another route which apparently shaves off an hour. I highly doubt this.

Now instead of posting lyrics to a song I've been listening to, I thought it'd be funny to post ones I made up, giving you reader, the opportunity to make up your own tune or jingle.

I walked along a street
I stepped on some feet
I saw the cartoon character Pete
And in case you didn't know, he's on Goof Troop

So I sit and I strum
But I don't try to hum
Because no one likes that
Especially not your mum

I'm illiterate, but that's just dandy
Because none of the ladies find that handy

(Chorus everyone!!!)

So I sit and I strum
But I don't try to hum
Because no one likes that
Especially not your mum

At the end of the road
Lies a dead chicken
who got run over by a toad
in a lambourgini

Saturday, March 31, 2007

I've been tagged...I guess I'm getting fat

Hmm... five things that people don't know about me. This could be hard because some people know me better than others, so I will try to make this as universal as possible.

1. I'm chronically indecisive by nature. Wait, no...

2. When I was a child, I rolled off my bed and hit the edge of the heater with my left eye, causing a scar to emerge.

3. I turn off the christian radio station in my car if I'm drivng non-christian friends around frankly because the music in Belleville is terrible. Why would I submit my friends to listen to music I wouldn't listen to myself? I used to feel guilty but not anymore. I'm pretty sure Jesus wouldn't like Zoegirl either.

4. I stood at the foot of the Abraham Lincoln statue in Washington D.C.

5. I used to look through people's trash for valuables. Not food garbage though.

Since I'm on the path to self-discovery, I want to continue and lets face it, who doesn't enjoy reading?

6. I am in love with cloudy, dark skies.

7. I attempted to jump over a river last week and didn't make it.

8. I scream like a girl when I'm frightened. Example time!: Ruth, Nicole and I were driving through Algonquin Park and we hit a partridge. Feathers went flying everywhere and I screamed like a girl.

9. I like saying "I want to start a band" but I never go through with it.

10. I have seen an eel face-to-face underwater. It was at least six feet long.

That's it. Hope you have been enlightened.

Monday, March 26, 2007

I drank too much water today

Hey.

I'm back on the Pioneer again. My last month of school before I head out into the job world. I'm photo editor this week, so it's been a little less stressful.

I'm looking forward to the summer, mainly to see my family!

That's it.

Sean

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

today, I sing for absolution

Back in the swing of things. We had a great weekend with Ruth's family as always.

This is my last week of classes before I go on the newspaper. I'm assuming it will be stressful but I'm actually looking forward to it.

I have a lot of issues swirling around in my head these days. Some of which I will share on this blog, some I will keep entrenched in the depths of my subversive mind.

Still on the search for a friend.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

glazed over eyes please

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening, depending on the time you read this blog. Another week of school has come and gone, and I have been published once again. Here's the link.

http://www.thepioneer.com/stories_Mar17-2007/_ca_mar17_cfs.html

Ok. Moving on. This weekend, Ruth and I are visiting her sister's family in Magnetewan. For those of you who don't know where that is, I will show you on a map. For those of you who do know, be interested regardless.



Useless trivia is a wonderful thing.

So...I have decided that I am 90 per cent sure I will be returning to Loyalist next year. I want that diploma. More on this as it develops.

Better go. Coffee is being made and or dinner is. Again, depending on the time.

And you, the one who reads this. A small suggesstion to make your day interesting. Just do the opposite of everything you know is right. (George's philosophy on Seinfeld)

I'm out.

Monday, March 12, 2007

the truth is never sexy

It's Monday evening and all is well. Ruth and I are listening to Derek Webb. We just finished watching a chick flick called 'Head Over Heels" starring oh so hot Freddie Prinze Jr.

I've been munching on Twizzler nibs today. Let me tell you that they are not pleasant on the stomach, especially in mass quantities. I think being a toilet would be the worst job in the world aside from being toilet paper.

Looking forward to the end of school and the start of summer. I'm pretty sure I will be returning for a second year at Loyalist. I feel God is calling me back.

The beard has been growing back. It's fairly bushy now. Hurrah for lumberjack looks.

Goodbye

Sunday, March 11, 2007

reporting from home

I had a great weekend. My Dad came to visit us. We had quite an enjoyable time. I took him to my school to do photoshoot which resulted in many funny pictures! We watched Babel on Friday night...stupid movie.

Umm...anyway, we really miss him but we're excited to have my brother hopefully come next month! It would be a rip-rortin' good time.

Better go, we're expecting company soon (Karen and Victoria)

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

it's probably around that time

Listening to: the chatter of the classroom

Hey! It's been a long time everyone! I've just finished my reading week which was enjoyable...mainly due to the fact that I watched every 'Heroes' episode. Oh and I inherited a nasty cold from my lovely wife which I'm still suffering from.

I finally received my loan from Nova Scotia. Yep.

Umm..something that's been on my heart lately: I'm missing the friendship of a guy. I don't have many close friends in Belleville. Ruth is awesome but you know, it's different. I really miss my friend Luke. It's too bad he left. Anyway, if anyone would pray for me that God would help me find a friend, it would be superb.

I've got photography in a couple hours. It should be good. We're studying studio photography today.

Thanks to those who check this blog on a regular basis. I'm sorry I've let you down each time you click the link to the site or type in the address.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Smith coverage exhausting

This is an editorial I wrote last week for www.thepioneer.com

One can only wonder why the recent death of Anna Nicole Smith gained such extensive media coverage, especially in the United States, a country at war. It must have been a shock for the troops who recently came home from Iraq to see what was important to America.

The U.S. media are vultures, waiting to swoop in from the sky on any scraps of titillating information. Remember the 2004 Superbowl when Janet Jackson's exposed breast quickly became the top news story in America? It must have been difficult for the troops coming home to see this taking over everyone's attention, while their buddies were dying to defend a country in love with Michael Jackson's sister's breast.

Smith was an American model, actress and celebrity who gained fame in 1993 as Playboy's Playmate of the Year and later as the wife of oil billionaire J. Howard Marshall, who was 63 years her senior. The public called her a gold digger. After Marshall died, Smith spent many years in a legal fight for the fortune.

Smith's movie career was mediocre, consisting of several low-budget films. She had her own television reality show in 2002, which focused on her celebrity lifestyle. When Smith died, prescription drugs were found in her room, but autopsies proved her stomach contained no drugs.

U.S. giant news conglomerate CNN gave the story full exposure on the top page of its website the day she died. Later that evening, CNN TV host Larry King spoke to people about the death of the former Playboy playmate. It must have been difficult to talk about nothing since even the cause of her death is still a mystery. Her death was no threat to the country. It did not jeopardize the safety of Americans.

Her untimely death seemed to knock all awareness of the war and other world news off the radar screen. The day she died, her picture was on the opening segment on most broadcast news stations in the United States. Smith became the media priority for a nation that has no lack of real news to report. They could have been reporting about the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, the race for the White House, or global warming.

Smith's death ironically became a breath of fresh news for the nation; CNN was obviously tired of showing war clips.

In contrast, in Canadian media, CTV relegated the tragedy to the entertainment section on its website. CBC put the story in its Arts/Media section. Canadians' perspective on what is important is different than our southern friends'. Canadians are concerned with issues that affect their lives, such as Stephen Harper's recent decision to give $350 million to Quebec to fight climate change or how our troops are coping with the war in Afghanistan.

In the U.S. it seems that Anna Nicole Smith's death is more important than Barak Obama's bid to become the first black U.S. president.

Yes, death is a tragic thing and people should be informed of it, but Smith's death was publicized to such an extent that it became overblown. The coverage was non-stop. Even if you didn't know who Anna Nicole Smith was before her death, it would be difficult not know afterwards. In one evening, CNN told the American public everything about who Smith was, including the facts of her death, and also that of her son, who died of a drug overdose, what her lawyer is doing now, and where her vast fortune is heading.

It must have been hard for the families of the three American soldiers who died in Iraq the same day she did, to be given less importance in the news of the day.

There have been comparisons drawn between Smith and the late Marilyn Monroe. Monroe was a famous American actress, singer and pop icon in the 1950s whose popularity increased because of her rumoured involvement with President John F. Kennedy. It was confirmed she overdosed on the sleeping pill Nembutal. Her death was ruled as accidental; however, some speculate itwas suicide or even murder.

There have been conspiracy theories surrounding both Smith's and Monroe's deaths. Their lives were glamorous and full of intrigue. They both died before they were 40. They were both involved with wealthy men, but the major difference between Marilyn Monroe and Anna Nicole Smith is how they rose to popularity.

Smith was a blow-up doll promoted by the American media. Monroe made a name for herself with her talent for acting and singing. Smith had her own reality show where she stumbled around and seemed spaced-out most of the time. Her talent was not apparent, and her death doesn't warrant this much attention.

Ideally, journalism is intended to inform and enlighten the public. The public has a right to know and journalists are the glue that holds the bridge of information together. In Smith's case, the American media held together a bridge to nowhere. The Canadian media relegated the story to a more appropriate place and informed the public about the basic facts of her death, then let it go.

The U.S. media need to rethink their role in society if they think Smith's death warrants the attention it was given in its recent coverage.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

still alive

I'm still here. A little more tired than last time. I've been working away at the paper, which has caused stress I've never felt before. At one point, my chest hurt.

I'll be back. Next week, I promise!

Sean

Sunday, February 11, 2007

This one goes out to my brothers who I hold dear to my heart (I love my sister too!)

Derek Webb - Can't Lose You

So you're gone but I know you're not so far away
You're a call on the phone or a ride on a plane
But that just isn't the same, yeah well

That's ok because I was never home anyway
So now everyone's evolving and I am just the same
As I was ten years ago, but I don't know
Maybe the simple life is more the way to go
But then again, I’m mostly all alone

'Cause I'm losing everyone
But I know I can't lose you
And maybe my time will come
But I know I can't lose you

The older I get well the more that life is making sense
And it's similar to traffic of being president
'Cause I’m not the one in control
You grab a hold
I'm just a hammer helping to nail the future down
But it's getting hard making my friends leave town

But maybe I missed the nose right on my face
For what's just past it
And maybe I have the gift that everyone speaks to highly of
Funny how nobody wants it

Number 34 and Number 27

I didn't like how long the post was. Watch the movie or read the book.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

does Sean still have a blog?

I'm here. Gone, probably forgotten but that's ok. I've been humming away at this newspaper job and life is a little hectic. Check out my work at www.thepioneer.com this friday for my stories!

I love you all. Even the ones I don't know, well not love but you know. I keep you in mind.

And Mom, I know you check this everyday. I love you too!

Saturday, February 03, 2007

sorry folks

My recent hiding has been in the facebook caves. I'll start to update more regularly.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

random


If I were a girl...this is what I'd look like


Ruth and Heather!


Our little bighead!


InvisiRuth!


I want to hold your hand!

Sunday, January 28, 2007

changing from the inside out

I'm very glad I went to church this morning. The message the pastor brought to the congregation brought me to tears...it really just broke me down. Here are the notes I jotted down this morning.

- Jesus Christ broke the power of sin over our lives when He died and rose again.
- To experience freedom from sin's power:
1. I must be fully committed to God and the process of changing and
2. Identify a specific area in need of drastic change.
3. Remember that you as a Christian are free from sin's power.

The question the pastor asked was this: "Is the truth of Jesus Christs death and resurrection piercing you? Does it mean anything at all to you?"

It was at this point I realized how desperate I am for Christ.

Scripture readings were:

Romans 6:8-10
1 Corinthians 10:13 (We have victory over temptation)
Romans 10:9
Romans 8:38-39 (We have victory over sin)
John 11:25-26 (We have victory over death)

I realized this morning for the first time ever in my life that I am never alone. Not once. God is constantly there whether I think it or not. Mindblowing stuff my friends. Mindblowing.

Jesus paid the high price for our lives. What are you and I willing to do for Him?

Saturday, January 27, 2007

eerie...

.....................................................Look Mom! No arms!......................................
...................................... So this is what it looks like to be a ghost............
.
(I did not use Photoshop, just my camera)

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Attention folks

TWO New Derek Webb Projects Coming January 30, 2007

Both are collections of song spanning Derek's solo career, with highlights from all three of his solo records (She Must And Shall Go Free, I See Things Upside Down, & Mockingbird). One Zero (acoustic) was recorded in September 2006 at Derek's home studio, and features new acoustic reinterpretations of some of his most provocative songs.

It will be available in stores January 30, but is currently selling as a pre-order from the webstore. Pre-order One Zero (acoustic) today and get it on or before the release day! One Zero (remix) is a collection of the same 10 songs that will appear on the acoustic version of the record but features the work of remix engineer Will Hunt, constructing remixes from the original recording sessions. This more experimental record will also be available January 30 exclusively online (iTunes, Rhapsody, Napster). You can hear samples of both records now at Derek's MySpace page. Check it out!

(taken from Derek's Webbsite) (intended pun)

concerning hobbits and sean

Listening to the soundtrack from Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. It wells me up everytime. It's not so much comfort music, but rather assurance that my life will be ok. I'm just having one of those days. They seem to be hitting me more often than usual.

But, I am alive and breathing, so I dare not complain. Someone will always have it worse than I do.

Those of you who read this, I'm in need of encouragement. Please give suggestions about things I could do to break out of this routine life I'm wallowing in.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

only hope

I've been putting this off since Sunday. It's funny...I feel somewhat obliged to write in this blog. Well here goes thoughts for the past three days.

Life is pretty mundane in Belleville, especially during the winter. When I'm not at school studying, I'm at home writing or trying to keep myself occupied. And on top of that, I have no real close friends in town, not like friends I used to hang out with back in Halifax. It seems life in Belleville is stale and I'm turning into mold. I'm convinced now that unhappiness stems from lack of Bible reading. If you don't water your roots, you wither away...well at least I know I am.

On the up and up, Ruth and I went to a small group Bible study in Stirling with some friendsd this past Sunday evening. I forgot how good it is to be in Christian company. God was stirring the calm pool of unwillingness that I was laying in and it felt good to be moved. I realized that night how little I really know and that I hide behind this small knowledge of the basics. Writing this makes me miss KLBC greatly.

The grand thing about all of this is that God is still waiting for me to give myself up so He can move in and start setting His plans for me in my heart. I think my problem truly lies within my mind. I don't trust Him as my only hope. My hope lies in how much cash I have or the education I receive, thinking those things will define me. I am so wrong. Incredibly wrong.

To conclude from this, I ask you the question I ask myself: Is God your only hope?

Sunday, January 21, 2007

First McMullen Church

Feeling convicted this morning. Maybe because it's Sunday and all good Christians should be at church. Since my wife took the car this morning to get to work, I am stranded in this hobbit-hole. I decided to have my own church here in my apartment and share thoughts. Here's how the bulletin looks at my church.

January 21, 2007
Meditation
"Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?" Matthew 16: 24-26
...
Praise and Worship
Rich Young Ruler
Wedding Dress
I Repent
...
Scripture Reading
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, the praetorium and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him." Matthew 27:27
...
Message
Searching For God Knows What
Donald Miller
...
Benediction
Take To The World
In Christ Alone
Sing His Love
...
We would ask that you stay seated for a few minutes
of silent reflection before you quietly exit the Sanctuary.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Gas Panic!

Noel Gallagher
What tongueless ghost of sin crept through my curtains?
Sailing on a sea of sweat on a stormy night
I think he don't got a name but I can't be certain
And in me, he starts to confide

That my family don't seem so familiar
And my enemies all know my name
And if you hear me tap on your window
Better get on your knees and pray, panic is on the way!

My pulse pumps out a beat to the ghost dancer
My eyes are dead and my throat's like a black hole
And if there's a God ,would he give another chancer
An hour to sing for his soul?


After an exhausting week, I am done. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Relaxing is fun. I did lose my mind a few times this week, panicked a little (reference to title a must) and enjoyed the absolute insanity of the world that I have immersed myself in.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Belleville is beautiful in the morning



An extremely early Merry Christmas.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Frustration 1 - Sean 0

I don't know how well I handle constructive critisism. I had my story evaluated today and I did ok minus the fact that my lead (opening sentence) would put an insomniac to sleep (according to my teacher. I was on cloud nine after that one...

The problem with the Pioneer is that they have too many editors who all have their own opinion. What's a reporter to do? Who is he to listen to? I live in an ungodly environment. Jesus is a joke to them. It hurts me every time he is ridiculed. I don't stand up enough for what I believe in. I feel ashamed and weak today.

I'm also questiong myself as a writer. Journalists are supposed to write objectively about a situation which by the way I think is impossible. No human can be objective. We are subjective people. I think my problem is that I become too involved with my story and become biased, which is frowned upon. I let people's words affect me too much. I need to learn how to build a shield but truth be told, I don't want one. I like being vulnerable. It lets people know I care.

a view outside my school today


I went for a little hike around Loyalist today to grab some weather feature pictures. It was mighty cold!


Well I should get going since I'm in class. Have a wonderful day and remember you're worth more than sparrows.

p.s. Jerry I did check my email, I'll let you know the scoop when I know my schedule. Peace.

p.s.s. Luke, thanks for the email. I miss you greatly.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Everybody knows this is nowhere

Weather in town today - The rain is freezing today. Belleville's a big slippery pond waiting for an accident.

I've been listening to ol' Neil Young these days. 'Southern Man' is a song about racism in the American South. It makes references to slavery and the Ku Klux Klan. Great jam song. Apparently he wrote the chord progression while sitting on the toilet.

Interesting song fact: Lynard Skynard wrote 'Sweet Home Alabama' after hearing this song and hoped it would convince Neil that the South isn't as bad as it looks.

In other news, I'm almost done my story on the rap concert. I'm still waiting for a security guard to call me back so I can get his perspective and a few quotes.

And now in the words of my esteemed Porky Pig...."Thhha thaaat's all folks!"

Saturday, January 13, 2007

definitly maybe

Listening to: Weezer - Burndt Jam

Today I am working on my story from the rap concert. I think this is what I'll hand in.

A guy rapped. Fat girls sandwiched. I cried.

Sean McMullen
January 13, 2007

Friday, January 12, 2007

my head's still pounding






Last night was rough. Kardinal didn't come out until 11:30 p.m. I had been waitng since 8 p.m. Talk about a waste of time. Everyone at the Shark Tank pub was either drunk or dance-grinding with another person. It is the first time in my life I saw three larger girls make a dance sandwich. I still have nightmares...

When he did come on, he was wearing a skeleton costume. For what reason, I don't know. I guess he was trying to make a statement: "Wear your bones on the outside."

Anywho, the night wasn't a total loss. I interviewed who I needed to and made a few friends along the way.

The one of me on the floor is exactly how I felt after the concert: Defeated by rap.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

my favorite Dylan song

I'm going to a rap concert tonight...woohoo...

Ahh.The joys of journalism. The rappers name is Kardinal Offishall. Yes that's right. Kardinal Offishall. He's a rapper/reggae artist from Toronto.

I'll let blog world know how it went soon.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Oh yeah!

afraid, not scared

I've been terribly uninspired lately to create longer blogs. I start out writing but ending up backspacing a whole lot. It's not that I don't want to share, it's that I don't know what to share. So today, I choose to post lyrics to a song that I enjoy. It's my way of copping out today.

Ryan Adams - Please, Do Not Let Me Go

If the walls in the room could talk
I wonder to myself would they lie
It's like some kind of jail
Fall from the curtains onto the bed
I'm all alone now, I can do as I please
I don't feel like doing much of anything

True love ain't that hard to find
Not that you will ever know
Would you lay here for awhile?
Please, do not let me go
Please, do not let me go
You were sweet enough to sing,
Oblivious to melody
Red suitcase full of clothes
Washed up on the shore of memory
I'm all alone now and I feel just find
I don't feel much like doing anything

True love ain't that hard to find
Not that either one of us will ever know
Would you lay here for awhile?
Please, do not let me go
Please, do not let me go

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Which superhero are you?

http://www.thesuperheroquiz.com/

I am the Green Lantern.

Monday, January 08, 2007

still a man in need of a Savior

Greetings and salutations to you, yes you the one who is reading this blog. Remember my dear friend that God always knows whats best for you. He certainly proved that today in our lives. God is good always.

Bless you.

Sunday, January 07, 2007

city rain, city streets

I am currently importing my Bleach album 'Astronomy' onto my iTunes. Bleach are sadly now broken up but in their rocking out era, they delivered some mega cool tunes. My favorite album is the one with the picture of the couch on the front.

I've been thinking about past friendships lately and how much I miss them, despite their length of existence. I remember one particular evening where some KLBC'ers hung out at Vaniers/Dents place. Todd and I were playing the guitar, jamming and singing about whatever and I regret not getting to know Todd better.

Same goes with Jerry B. While we could talk about similiar interests and share a little bit about ourselves and faith, I never took the opportunity to hang out with him outside of school. And for that I am sorry. I also know you read this blog Jerry so we should make time to hang out in Pbo. I'm only an hour and a half away!

Plans for today:
- Go for a walk because when will be the next time I can walk in this warm January?
- Upload more albums onto my iTunes.
- Read the Word and meditate on the beauty of it.
- Play guitar and maybe a bit of 'Age of Empires II'

Good day everyone. I am going to go deep fry potato slices. MmHmm.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

free until they cut me down

Listening to: Donovan Frankenreiter - All Around Us

It's been almost week since I've been back in blog land. Tsk tsk. Well school starts again Monday. I'm kind of dreading it but it's probably nervous nerves.

Listening to: Iron and Wine - Fever Dream

Now that I'm writing out my blog and trying to think what words I should type down, I feel somewhat depressed because what should I care to share? A blog is very impersonal for many people. Well it is for me. I wouldn't write down my deepest and most dark thoughts for everyone to read because I feel that would be a cheap way of gaining sympathy or empathy, which I don't want. It's a nice feeling to see someone commented on my blog because they took the time to at least half-read it. The comment box creates a feeling of being wanted or appreciation.

Listening t0: Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual

It's unsual that I'm listening to this man.

Listening to: Ben Harper - Strawberry Fields Forever

Is living easy with your eyes closed? Every time Ben sings that line, I think to myself, "The Beatles, while legendary, were cracked!" I know I'm not looking into what it really means but maybe that is the meaning. There is nothing to get hung about so I won't worry.

Good day all.