I'm Winning.

I'm Winning.
Originally uploaded by Michael Tyas

I played a lot of board games this Christmas holiday.

And then I said

Perhaps I'm being unfair. I was in my closet so long that I knew where everything was.

Amazing Enslavement: an essay

It was time to write my third essay in ARTS 1110, a writing course, and I wanted it to be something special. I had submitted two 90% essays previously and really wanted to break through the 90% ceiling. Renee told me that teachers never give more than a 90% to a first year student. The final 10% is reserved for those who come up with ideas that have never been though of before, she said. So I ponderd for something original and this idea came to me that Biblical Joseph (of Genesis) and genetic engineering science had a similarity: both have been tasked with saving a large group of people from a famine. I began to research the topics and within a day had a thesis to be excited about.




I nearly fell to the floor when I got back my submission. I got a 96% on it. My teacher said it was the best paper she's ever been handed, and that she's never read such a unique idea from a first year student. She asked me for permission if she could use parts of it in her curriculum to teach students how to write an essay. She then told me that WHEN I apply for my masters that I am to add her as a reference.

Talk about a confidence booster!

I'm putting the essay online, as well as including the short abstract below. Read it or not, but if you do than let me know what you thought!

Abstract

The story of Joseph is regarded by many as a tale of morality and good-will, with the hero Joseph saving the land of Egypt from a predicted famine. However, a part of the story which is often overlooked is of the taxable enfranchisement and relocation of an entire geographical area so desperate for food that they would sell anything to survive. Today, Earth is facing yet another famine, this time from overpopulation and overconsumption. There are similarities and differences that can be argued between the story of Joseph and the future. This paper finds that it is dangerous to rely on a monopoly for an essential service such as food, though this is exactly the situation the world might one day find itself in. It also concludes that the story of Joseph will not repeat in exactly the same way because of today's social climate and the uncertain severity of today's predicted famine. Monsanto is contrasted with the Joseph story since it mirrors many features of the Joseph administration. No conclusions are put for ward relating to the future of Monsanto, and it is used for illustrative purposes only.

Read the full essay here.

Flying Home

Click to play

I'm going back to Southern Ontario for Christmas.

Formats available: Microsoft Video (.avi), MPEG-4 Video (.m4v), Flash Video (.flv)

New Horizons

Horizons
Originally uploaded by Michael Tyas

I just love this photo! Amanda took it for me over the summer but I haven't been able to get a copy of it until now. I feel like it describes me: The razing of the old giving way to the possibilities of something new. The razing of the old, but I'm still here.

Update:

Check out this song by the Great Lake Swimmers, it will have you shimmying your shoulders before it's over.

Study Tips - Test Yourself!

I'm in the height of exam fever at school, but in the spirit of procrastination I feel I have to share my study tips with you.

Birthday of Catan

I had a great birthday party with my friends. We played Settlers of Catan, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite board games. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect party!

50 birthday wishes

50 birthday wishes
Originally uploaded by Michael Tyas

And then I said I was going to print off everyone's wall posts and spread them across my bed. Could you feel the love that night?

Broomball

Broomball. Never heard of it until Carolyn invited me to a wedding shower for Marc and Chars. At first I said that I wasn't going to play 'cause of my arthritis. But about 20 seconds into the game I realized that I was missing out on a world of fun! It wasn't that intensive as I imagined. I hurt today, but it was worth it.

You should all know that I did indeed play the game for about 45 minutes and then decided to film the remainder. I blocked approximately 4 goals. I have no idea how I ended up in net half the time. My team was no where to be found. There was also little by way of comparison between myself and the broom stick.

And then I said

This is Carolyn. Leave me a message.
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Hi Carolyn, I was chatting to Friesen on gtalk and he said that you and a bunch of people got sick from the restaurant yesterday! That's horrible, I feel so bad for you, especially with all the work you've got to do at the end of...

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Oh, Friesen just messaged me and says that you said you were so tired that you were just going to bed. No wonder it went to your answering machine. Well anyways, I hope you feel bet...

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...Friesen says I probably shouldn't call you.....erm....