A new year, a new term

Warning! LOOOOOONG BLOG!

Now, don't say I didn't warn you.

Feels like forever since I've posted, I guess theres nothing really post-worthy lately. So 3 weeks into the school year, 4 weeks approximately until reading week, I find myself already behind. Nothing special, typical start to a school year for me. The day I don't fall behind is the day I'm not me. Do I try to stay on top of things? I don't think so. Should I try? Probably, but the desire is not there. It appears I do better under pressure, which translates into the mentality of working at the last minute. Maybe the sample size isn't big enough to judge, but there is an apparent correlation in marks received and when work is done. I guess it boils down to whether or not it is necessary anymore. In previous terms, my midterms have always been spread out, workload was never really a concern, but its different this term. 4 essays and 2 midterms within a week in Feb, another 3 essays and 2 midterms in early March, I think it has become necessary for me to buckle down and get on top of things.

A few things have been on my mind lately. First is my education. I am enjoying what I'm learning, but am I learning enough, or more specifically, will the piece of paper I get when I finish be enough to take me where I need to go? I've considered the possibility of switching to a school where a BComm is offered, and that is certainly a possibility. Also, as someone who has never really excelled in school, is studying beyond an undergrad a possibility? In a market place where it is almost vital to separate yourself from others, it certainly appears as some sort of piece of paper and extra letters is deemed necessary especially in the direction I'm heading. Will I achieve what is necessary for me to get those few extra letters?

Something that ties into my first point, is what to do with my summer? The whole idea of summer job and job searching has been on my mind, but is that what I really want to do this summer? Will it be a better idea to start working towards a few extra letters? Studying and taking courses towards a designation requires a certain amount of coins, and without a summer job, while being in school 8 months a year, extra coins don't come by easily. More considerations...

On the topic of summer, what is it that I'm seeking? In my mind a decision has been made, but like many decisions I've made in the past, I'm questioning myself "Is it the right one?". While it appears in my mind that my decision should be clear, my experiences in the past has told me what I think is the right thing to do, might not be necessarily the right thing to do.

With all that said, lets move on to topics that are slightly more on the happy end of the scale (to me at least). Been taking a course with the title "History of Modern North American Sport". I'm absolutely loving this course with obvious reasons. The course is still in the stage of covering topics up to the early 1900s, but the topics that are covered are definitely interesting. It raises questions and ideas about sports that generally will not come up in everyday conversations. It is one course this term where I have been able to stay on top of the material, sometimes even reading ahead. Definitely looking forward to completing this course, hopefully with a decent mark while I'm at it.

A positive note about this upcoming term is my involvement with extracurricular activities. I have taken steps backwards since university in terms of my involvement with clubs and teams. I have been able to turn that around this term, as a result of my class schedule. I have all morning classes, with the exception of a Thursday night lecture, therefore opening up the afternoon/evening for other activities. In the past I have been reluctant to commit myself, makin gvarious excuses, but this term, steps have been taken to ensure I remain committed to the CCF and various intramural teams that I am now part of. Having classes in the morning also will help correct the sleeping habit. The days are over where 3am add/drop was normal. By being on campus daily, and finishing classes by lunch time, I am able to go to the gym, and hopefully positive impact my play in a particular sport.

Recently, I've read a blog from a particular "celebrity" whom I admired a great deal. I've always respected Danie Negreanu for his playing abilities, but his recent blog entry regarding his relationship with God certainly caused me to respect him as a person just that much more. Having met Daniel a couple of times, he is certainly someone who is very contagious with his outgoing and easy-going attitude. He is someone who is not afraid to speak his mind, something that is becoming rare with people who are in constant spotlight. While there have been Conservatives whom have speak out openly against Daniel, more importantly his career and proclaiming himself as a Christian. Personally, a poker player to me is similar to any regular job. Poker is a game, which requires skills and luck, and requires money to be wagered in order to gain money in return. How is a poker player different from an stock market investor, or a day trader? How are those profession respected by various religious organizations, but a poker player is not? Day traders, like poker players, make their decisions based on the information they receive. The information they received will never be complete, and is not reliable 100% of the time. They must based their decisions on their own judgment; with lucky playing a part in their success. Daniel, unlike other poker players, do not engage in gambling activities like other poker players, where luck could potentially be the entire part of the game. He does not shoot craps, nor play baccarat. What made his post stand out, is that he speaks of his personal relationship with Christ. In a day and age where any religious content could be sensitive, Daniel was not afraid to speak about his personal relationship with Christ. His blog certainly echoes many of the issues that is present in our society. So many people focus on themselves, or even focus on finding things that fill the voids within oneself, yet it comes back to his personal relationship with Christ. If anyone is interested, his blog can be found here: Without God I'm useless. With that said, moving on.

Referring back to my post on October 4th, my prediction stands with Buffalo and Anaheim atop their respective conference. I am also correct about another season of Leafs mediocrity, as well as the many fans over various forums and radio stations jumping on and off the band wagon. Raycroft could be the hero one night, and quickly be the goat another...Live of an NHL player playing in Toronto. Crosby is living up to his hype, and silencing his critics by leading the league in points. He could potentially be the first NHL player to win the scoring title before he hits 20...he is my age! Gross.

With spring training beginning in approximately a month, the future of the Jays doesn't appear to be quite as optimistic as last season with the fans. While many were commenting, or bashing, the high price signing of AJ Burnett and BJ Ryan last season, those moves appears to be genius after the crazy winter months this year. AJ and BJ's contract are comparable to those signed by Gil Meche and Ted Lilly this past winter, and if there is anyone out there that suggests Meche and Lilly is on par with AJ and BJ, I would like to ask you to stop reading, because we have nothing in common. The Jays were shutout this off-season without any significant addition, but the extension signed by Vernon Wells will look like a bargain next season when players such as Andruw Jones and Tori Hunter become free agents. The main weakness for the blue birds this year will be their starting rotation, as well as their middle relieve. The lost of Ted Lilly, a decent third starter, as well as the lost of Speier, will hurt the Jays chances at a playoff race. In addition, the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees have done their part in solidifying their shot at playing in October by acquiring a few pieces. The addition of Matsuzaka as a third starter, as well as Jonathan Papelbon into the starting rotation allows the Red Sox to have arguably the best starting rotation in the game. In the same token, th Yankees did not make any major splash into the free agent market, but they have made moves to increase their chances to make it into the playoffs. The addition of Andy Pettitte, and Kei Igawa, should improve their rotation in comparison to the 2006 season. With Andy Pettitte in pinstripes, it also increases the chance of the Rocket once again taking off in Houston and landing with the Bronx Bombers. Should that happen, the Yankees will rival the Red Sox with both teams having one of the best rotations in the league. A major leak in the Yankees, will be their bullpen. It has always been a concern for the Yankees in their middle relieve, and with an aging closer, there is questions marks rather or not the bullpen can win close games. That concern is legitimate, but base on the high firepower of the lineup of the Bronx Bombers, their offence will be their key to victory.

Lastly, cannot forget the NFL playoffs. I was correct in 3 of my 4 predictions last week with all games being decided by a field goal or less. This week, as much as I want New Orleans to win, the Bears' home field advantage could prove too much for the high power Saints offence to overcome. With another Indy-New England matchup, again, the home field advantage could rinally allow the Colts to take a win over the Pats. Look for both games to be low scoring and close.
Chicago 20 - 17 New Orleans
Indy 20 - 14 New England

On the TV front, 24 has been amazing so far. Heroes and Prison Break season premier next week, Amazing Race starting again at the end of the month. Need to catch up on Apprentice, but with the show going downhill since the first season, I will reserve my judgment until I've had a chance to watch the first few episodes. Interesting twist in the new season of Survivor that will begin sometime next month, this is going to keep me busy.

This blog is ALOT longer then I expected it to be. Oh wellz.

TTOW!