Ten Words You Need to Stop Misspelling

Tweet

I just came across this through one of the trending topics on twitter currently and i found that it lay out the differences quite clearly in phrases that are most often used incorrectly, whether it is a word spelled incorrectly or used in the wrong context.

Where i'm editing essays or papers for my little cousins or friends, i noticed some of the mistakes listed below many times over.

The ten that the website lists are:

1. Lose (opposite of win) vs. loose (not tight).
2. Weird (e before i), not wierd. 
3. Their (implies a possession, owning something) vs. they're (a contraction for 'they are') vs. there (refers to a place or an idea; or something abstract).
4. Your (possessive, the idea that you own something) vs. you're (a contraction for 'you are').
5. It's (a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has') vs. its (indicates possession).
6. Definitely (without an 'a').
7. Effect (a noun; to cause) vs. affect (a verb; have an influence on).
8. Weather vs. whether.
9. A lot, not alot (no such word). The site i linked to above humorously (and correctly) notes that 'you don't write alittle, abunch, acantaloupe... so don't write alot'.
10. Then (used for time) vs. than (used for comparison).

Games - the Old Fashioned Way

Tweet

I don't know about you, but i LOVE playing old board games with family and friends. Tonight, my little cousin Imran stayed over after a really long time and we (my brothers, Imran, and I) played a game of monopoly (that took over four hours!) the old fashioned way (after a few years) - and it got me thinking.

We used to play so many board games (like chess, checkers, chinese checkers, mastermind just to name a few) when we were little... and it reminded me of that time today. I wish we still played as much as we used to, but honestly no one does anymore. Like i was telling some of my family members some time ago, no one takes the time to play board games or actively play games outside and things like that anymore. Now, 'playing' a game means playing something on the computer or a gaming system like the Wii or X-box. By the way, i can pretty much guarantee my brothers will argue me on this.

Even the newest edition of monopoly now is computerized with a 'credit card' like system to take away the mathematical portion of the game. Don't get me wrong - it's a neat aspect, but part of the fun of the game was the old fashioned way to play it. Sure, the game runs much faster now... but that was half the fun.

I am still relatively young, but i can remember clearly that we used to go outside and play regularly after school and whatnot when we were younger. Nowadays, you don't see that too much. Of course there are changes with each generation, but don't you think some things should always remain the same?

Not only is playing actively outside or a board game with others healthy, but it is great for your social skills. People nowadays, especially little kids, lack basic social skills that are necessary to be able to communicate with others. I can't count the number of times I've noticed people (of all ages) not being to communicate with other people face to face.

Technology is great, by all means - I'm not arguing that. But sometimes, it inhibits people. Nowadays, people 'communicate' primarily though email, texting, or instant messaging (or just Facebook). While all of these have made communicating with people much easier, it should not mean that you are no longer able to talk to people face to face at all.

The next few times you are talking to people from various age groups, take note of it - you'll be surprised at how many people can't even make eye contact when they are speaking to people!

Trending Tweets in Review: 2009

Tweet

As the year 2009 quickly comes to an end, in ten short days, there have been articles everywhere online about "2009 in review" - just like there are every year. This year, however, i came across a new list - one that hasn't been so widely available in the past, and which i found quite interesting. I feel like it captures all the other sources and information all into one.

It's called "Top Twitter Trends of 2009".

In essence it's everything everyone was talking about and discussing throughout the year. It's what we, as a collective groups of people from across the world, found most important and worthy of attention.

Do you agree with this assessment? What would you rate to be the the 'top three' in each category? The ones you found most important. Did any one of the aforementioned surprise you? Or, are there any other you would have included?

Snow Storm '09

Tweet

I just started taking pictures from my phone to show you guys how rapidly the weather changed:

this picture was from around 1:50 PM  (my brother took this first picture to comment on the lack of snow, and it started snowing continuously as soon as he took this picture):

this picture is from 1:59 P.M:

this picture is from 2:02 PM

2:20 P.M:

i'll update as the day progresses if there is a significant difference.

4:05 PM:

4:53 PM:

6:43 PM (the following pictures are all from my camera, unless otherwise noted, since it is now too dark to take pictures from my phone):

the next two pictures are from 9:03 PM:

the next two pictures are from 11:08 PM (tires half way covered = decent amount of snow!):

1:03 AM (sunday):

and one last picture from around 11 AM this (sunday) morning (from my phone)... unless it snows more:

Better than nothing, I suppose?

Snow Complaints

Tweet

Every time i get excited about snow, there's always like ten people ready to tell me they hate snow because the only thing it means to them is that they have to shovel. Well how often does it even snow in our area? like once or twice, if that. Everyone has to rake the leaves in the fall every year ALL season long, and most people don't think that's a big deal. Snow, on the other hand, happens very infrequently... yet it's just seen as a big annoyance. Take the time to enjoy it people!

And for those people who complain they are stuck at home and can't do anything or get anywhere - how many times do we actually have excuses to do nothing and just relax at home? Most of the time, we're in "go" mode and are constantly worrying/thinking about what else we have to do. Snow days give us an opportunity to take a short break for the everyday stuff and rejuvenate... something that is MUCH needed for the most of us.

Like i say for mostly everything, it is what you make of the situation.

So far today, it has literally only snowed for like 5 minutes (around 8 or 9 AM), so i was of course disappointed with the lack of snow when i woke up, but we'll see if this 'blizzard' turns into anything. It has definitely snowed a lot in other parts of the east coast, and even in a lot of places in New Jersey... just not in our area. Oh, well.

P.S. - no lie, it just started SNOWING! It's really light, but i'll take it. :)

Snow Storm Forecasted

Tweet

I don't know about you, but i LOVE snow! Actually, i think that is the biggest understatement ever haha (and anyone who knows me can attest to that). Since i woke up this morning and read/heard that we were expecting a snow storm, i've been anxiously looking forward to it (and hoping it won't dissapoint). My brother, Ayaz, was just teasing me some time ago that we'll probably just end up getting an inch or two of snow (or less), but i hope not! All i ask for is one big snow storm a year... is that really too much to ask? ;)

I just LOVE snow as it's falling, and the white blanket of snow on the ground with a storm/blizzard.... until it gets dirty and slushy. then, it's not so cool. I could do without the incredibly cold temperature that comes with it though haha. I guess part of the reason i love it so much has to do with me growing up in Canada, but i don't know about that since the rest of my family isn't too fond of it (or most of extended family in Canada).

The forecast has changed from 12 inches, to 1 or 2 inches, to currently being at 8-14 inches in the span of less than 12 hours... so we'll see how that plays out. Currently, it is forecasted that the snow will start around 1 or 2 A.M. and get heavier around tomorrow evening, and end by Sunday 6 AM. We'll see how that changes and progresses. It's already started snowing in Virginia and the surrounding areas (even though it was forecasted to start tomorrow sometime), so the snow is definitely coming... just not sure how much of it!

anyhow... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

On a side note, things i'm looking forward to in the next few days: 1) tomorrow is the bowl game for the Rutgers football team (the last RU football game i'll watch as a RU student); 2) monday is my last final for this semester (i hope the snow doesn't mess with the exams schedule on monday since it is supposed to snow until sunday morning); and 3) which means winter break starts monday evening and i'm off from classes until jan 19, 2010 when classes resume (which will be my last semester for my undergraduate degree! :/ ). Not quite sure how i feel about that just yet - i'm excited about being done, but have mixed emotions about it as well... so we'll see.

Movies

Tweet

Late this afternoon, i went to see the 'Princess and the Frog' with a bunch of my cousins (it's my cousin Samia's 18th birthday on tuesday, so we went out for a lunch and a movie for an early celebration).

The movie was pretty good and funny (it was a children's movie, but we still had a great time). It was also the first time Disney has featured a 'black' women as a princess in one of their movies ever, so that was a big deal. When i started writing this blog post, my main point was going to be on discussing this, but it quickly changed when i realized how few movies i watch (partly because i really should be studying and paper writing and this would be quicker for now).

It's pretty funny because usually i see one or two movies (if that) per year in theaters (and only a couple of them outside of theaters), and now this is the second movie I have seen in a few weeks (i saw Blind Side around thanksgiving time), and i plan on seeing Invictus soon as well. I don't know if there's been a string of good movies out (that actually interest me) or what, but in all honesty - i can't think of what other movie i've seen in theaters all year.

So just for the sake of it, i searched up a list of all movies that came out this year to see which ones i've seen and here's what i came up with:

(name of movie, release date, where i saw it)

Bride Wars - January 9, cousin's house a few weeks ago (saw it Nov. 21).
State of Play - April 17th, theaters (saw it Apr. 27)

Angels and Demons - May 15, theaters (saw it May 22)

Blindside - November 20, theaters (saw it Nov. 25)

Princess and the Frog - November 25, theaters (saw it Dec. 13)
Avatar - December 18, theaters** UPDATED DEC. 26, 2009 (saw it Dec. 25)

I can't believe i've only seen five movies all year long - in theaters and out combined! i know i don't watch tv much, but i didn't realize how little! I don't know if i should be annoyed about that or happy that i don't waste my time watching tv too much.

in my winter break in a few weeks, i want to see (don't know if it will end up happening):

Up - released May 29

The Proposal - June 19

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - September 18

and two movies that are either in theaters or coming out soon:

Invictus - December 11

Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squeakuel - December 23

ha, according to my history - i'm more likely to watch the movies in the theaters.

have you guys seen any of these movies? what did you think of them? or do you have any other recommendations? most of all, i think it'll cool to see what (and how many) movies you guys have seen this year. and perhaps, even harder to recall - movies you have seen this year that were released in the past.

Now back to the reality of studying for exams and paper writing...

Bloggers Unite: Human Rights Day

Tweet

Tomorrow -- December 10, 2009 -- is "Human Rights Day".

Most people don't realize how many people around the nation -- not just around the world - are denied their basic rights. some of these are constant court battles in the U.S., so at least they are being addressed... but what about people around the world? Privileges that we take for granted on a daily basis are something that many people yearn for their whole life in other parts of the world.

To name just one of the many issues i am concerned with, don't you think medical care should be a right that everyone has? to think of how many people in the U.S. alone are not able to receive medical care because they can't afford it or health care insurance and then to think about those across the world who lack the technology, the science, and enough educated doctors to be able to provide medical care is beyond devastating.

Blogger's Unite lays out the Objective of "Human Rights Day" as to "celebrate Human Rights Day and stand up with people all over the world who want to make human rights a reality for everyone".

For a little more background information:
Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted on December 10, 1948 that set down the basic principles at the very heart of the human rights movement. The UDHR has enabled remarkable progress in human rights, inspiring international human rights standards, laws and institutions that have improved the lives of many around the world.

Click here for more information on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

I came across "Guidelines to Live by" on here earlier, quite randomly, and thought i would share it since it's the same subject matter:

You are human.

In that, you are the same as everyone else; no more and no less.

You have a right to be here. You have a right to the necessities of life, 
including food, shelter, warmth and companionship.

You have a right to stand tall. Accept your individuality. 
Be honest about it, for your individuality is who you are.

You have a right to be respected. No matter what you look like, 
what your beliefs may be, or where you come from, you have a right to 
be free from persecution.

You have a right to strive for what you value.

You have a right to be happy.

In your interactions with others, remember that every one has the same rights as you. 
Respect one and all. Before all else, do no harm – and let no 
harm be done due to your own inaction.

Seek not to impose your beliefs on others. People are not ignorant. 
They have their own beliefs, equally precious as yours.

Do not judge others by your own standards, for those standards will always be biased. 
Judge instead, if you really must, on whether their intentions are good.

When conflict comes – which it will, given the diversity we live in – listen. 
Seek common ground. Strive to act in ways to limit the conflict, not compound it.

Remember that when you are gone, 
others – many yet to be born – will inherit the things you leave behind.

They too have their rights. Therefore, seek ways to leave them peace. 
Seek ways to leave them prosperity.

Seek ways to leave them with the resources and knowledge they need
 to build their lives as they see fit.

Snow, Classes, RU Football

Tweet

It FINALLY snowed today for the first time this season! When i read in the newspaper a couple of days ago about the forecast for snow for today, i'll admit i got super excited for it - but i didn't really think it would end up snowing... or that if it did, it wouldn't snow a lot and definitely not stick (considering it was almost seventy degrees two days ago).

the rain this morning, however, quickly turned into wet snow... and then snow that stuck... so we have a nice blanket of snow outside! I LOVE snow as it is falling and the blanket of white snow on the ground, until it starts getting dirty. it was only an inch or two of snow, but it was great nonetheless. I hate the cold temperature that comes with the snow, but LOVE snow - i guess because i grew up in Canada (actually i don't know about that reasoning since the rest of my family is not so fond of snow).

On a different note, this coming week is my last week of classes - just days more days of classes! I also have two of my exams on thursday, and i will be done with exams and all on december 21st. As the semester draws closer to an end and the fact that i had my senior photos yesterday, the realization that i have only one semester left at Rutgers as an undergraduate is finally hitting me. I can't believe how fast the past three and a half years have gone by, and i'm sure my last semester will go by just as fast.

Ttoday was also the last rutgers football game of the regular season ( the bowl game happens in a few weeks). i didn't get to go to today's game even though it was a home game, but it was a great game.  it would have definitely been nice to have gone, considering it was my last game as a student, but oh well. it may be just as well considering the weather and the temperature - risking getting sick right before finals would not have been too great. anyhow, we played against west virginia university (who has beat us every year since 1994, unfortunately). we didn't win, but the game was close with the final score being WVU - 24, RU - 21.

Tiger Woods' Fifteen Minutes of Negative Fame

Tweet

Normally, I do not take the time to write about an athlete and his (wrong)doings... but for a week now, all i keep hearing about are the million variations in the story and it's driving me crazy.

1. first i hear that Tiger Woods has been involved in a "serious" car accident (near/outside his home).
2. then i hear that Tiger Woods' wife used golf clubs to break the rear windows of Tiger's car to get him out of the car after the car accident.
3. then i hear that Elin (Tiger Wood's wife) was actually hitting Tiger's car (aiming for Tiger) with the golf clubs after the two had been fighting about Tiger's possible infidelity- and was not trying to get Tiger our of the car after his accident as earlier reported. news surface of Tiger's affairs with two other females.
4. at this point, Tiger has refused to speak to the police i think like three times. Suspicious? sure.
5. more rumors continue to spread.
6. then, five days later, today - Tiger Woods issues another statement saying he has let his family down, and regrets the "transgressions" among other things, but does not admit to an affair or offer any other information. 

Let me get this out - i do not think athletes/celebrities/politics, etc. owe us (the public) anything about their private lives. If Tiger Woods had done something in his athletic field or something that would directly effect athletics (like steroids), by all i means i would be pressing for more information or an explanation. However, it is not.

Famous or not, your actions have consequences for not only you, but for your family members too unfortunately. While it saddens me that yet another person has not only let their own family down but embarrassed them publicly, i still do not think it is the right of the media nor anyone else to press on this matter for the sake of his family.

If Tiger Woods is indeed guilty of what is claimed, you can not honestly tell me that Tiger did not know he would be caught. Politicians, athletes, celebrities are hounded every minute and every thing they do is released to the public (from what they are wearing and eating to anything extraordinary), so it was only a matter of time before such news would come out. nonetheless, it is hard to fathom why people do the things they do. I'm sure this is what Woods will be remembered for (unless he does something worse in the future), so i don't understand why he would risk all of his success.

And another point, I don't know why he denied the claim/lied (only to later confirm it). Like we weren't going to find out ? Come on people, in this day and age of technology, we find out things the instant it happens in so many cases.... so lying is only making it that much worse. Like i said, they owe us nothing... and they don't have to say anything or release statements to the public, but lying to the public on their free will... is ridiculous.

The bottom line is - What politicians, athletes, celebrities, etc. do in their private sphere should be their own business. Until it effects or comes into their public sphere, it should be left alone. And no, i am not naive - i don't think this will ever happen... but it is wishful thinking.

I do not know the complete truth of what Tiger did or did not do, but i'm sure i'll find out soon - simply by opening a newspaper or reading the news online. Why such things are "breaking news", i will never understand.

Oh well, happy Wednesday everybody! Until another (and more intriguing) story breaks...

How to Automatically Include Signatures in Blog Posts

Tweet

It took about two years (i started blogging end of December '07), but i FINALLY figured out (by accident) how to have new blog posts automatically include my customized signature in blogger.

I have been searching online periodically but never found the answer, and then tonight i was just playing around with settings and stumbled upon how to do it. I know i've been trying to figure it out for a long time, so chances are that some other people are too. I'll share the steps here:

1. from your dashboard, click on "settings".
2. click on the "formatting" tab near the top

3. scroll all the way to the bottom, to where it says "post template". type in the html code for your signature and click on "save settings". In this space, you can enter whatever you want to be automatically included in each of your new posts, and not just a signature.

Hope this helps!