Ancient Arachnid?

Goliath Bird-eating Spider

Recently, I was watching a wildlife program where the tv presenter was getting rather over-excited by a spider.  Mind you, the spider was cool (it even had an incredibly cool name: the Goliath Bird-eating Spider.  Sounds impressive, no?).  However, what excited the presenter the most was how old this particular arachnid was.  "This spider is ANCIENT! It's at least 25-30 years old - ANCIENT!!!!!"

If that is what constitutes ancient then what hope is there for the rest of us???*

*Please note that this message was written by a greater than 30 year old and therefore may be *slightly* biased

Cultural Differences

For me, NI has many similarities to my home province in Canada. It's a fairly small place where everyone knows everyone (or at the very least, knows someone in common). However, there is one big cultural difference that I do not think I could ever adjust too.

Bombs.

This includes bomb threats, pipe bombs, car bombs and left-in-random-places bombs. They must happen at least once a week in Northern Ireland, and while most of the time it results in a hoax or the item being safely destroyed, occasionally it results in severe destruction or even death, as these links will tell you.

Bombing of Santander Bank, Derry


Car bomb under police officer, Ronan Kerr's, car

Canada Bound! (Fingers crossed anyway)

Today, I made the big announcement. I waited until everyone from work (well, everyone that was here and available, which totaled 5 people, 2 of which already knew) was gathered around our conference table for our "weekly" (read: once in a blue moon) staff meeting. I didn't want a fuss made, as I didn't feel it would be genuine, but I admit I did expect some sort of reaction. I laid my cards on the table by stating:

"It's my intention to return to university in September to pursue my teaching degree, so there will be some upcoming changes to the education department here"

The response. Silence. Seriously, no one even said congratulations or what uni are you going to or anything! My boss already knew, so I wasn't completely dropping the bomb on everyone at the table, but still people could pretend a little bit. I so can't wait to go back to people who are socially normal! Wee Northern Irish village - you have been a struggle (and a half!)

3 months to go and so much to do!

Canada Election 2011!

Oh, Canada! Another election, another disappointment. At least from my perspective. I completely understand that the highest number of Canadians who voted, voted for the Conservatives, resulting in a blue majority, but given what I have heard Harper has done in the past few years (and also what I know he's done while I was still in Canada) I can't help but feel let down. Saddened. And thoroughly gutted by the fact that this election resulted in only 61.4% of Canadians going out and voting, according to Elections Canada. Someone told me that this was the 3rd lowest voter turnout in Canada's history. I wonder why less than 2/3 of Canadians can be bothered to do anything? To voice an opinion? To stand up and be counted?

These days in the media, there are plenty of countries where their people are demonstrating and protesting. Why? To have more power and a say in their government instead of being ruled by dictators. In Canada, where we do have that precious freedom, over 1/3 of us appear to be apathetic. The concept of our right to vote is not seen as important enough for many to bother to get out and make their mark on the ballot paper. It's at times like these where I wonder if it would be best for Canada to adopt a system similar to Australia where if you do not vote you are fined. And the Australian government are good at finding people to pay their fines, as a friend of mine who lives in Britons can attest!

I am off to vote in the UK election on Thursday, including a referendum on electoral reform. Here's to hoping things improve here!