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The Success of a Shopaholic

Published on October 16, 2011October 16, 2011 by briecroteau2 Comments

The Success of a Shopaholic

Brianne Croteau

Everyone has dreams and aspirations. Some dream to thrive in their personal lives, while others aspire to do well academically. Regardless, a defined set of skills is required in order to face challenges on the way to success. I have acquired the skills necessary for my success through shopping. Being a regular consumer has developed my multi-tasking, creativity, and motivation.

Multi-tasking while shopping has promoted my success. Shopping can be extremely time-consuming, not leaving much room for homework or the gym. Making transactions helps me build my budgeting skills for accounting class, leading to my academic success. Shopping has also lead to my physical achievements. Parking far away from the door and taking the stairs enables me to fit in a brief cardiovascular workout while at the mall. Not to mention, trying on clothes can also work up a sweat. Since it is equally important to perform strength exercises, I am sure not to delegate the dreadful task of carrying heavy shopping bags. If you are like me, you purposely buy several pairs of shoes to add up to a significant weight. Hence, multi-tasking while shopping has resulted in my academic and physical success.

Shopping has built my creativity, helping me to succeed. I have been relentlessly told that I can be anything I want to be, and shopping allows me to truly feel that way. Trying on the perfect blazer transforms me into a prime businesswoman, and the right pair of stilettos dares me to feel like a celebrity. This creativity leads to my success, as I am able to imagine scenarios that are often outside of my comfort zone. Though, choosing outfits is hardly the only way my imagination is provoked when shopping. Most shopaholics would agree that their closet is one of their greatest companions. After a trip to the mall I am forced to find innovative ways to store purchases in a closet whose size is less than satisfactory. Being able to creatively solve problems easily transfers into everyday situations. Therefore, the creativity developed through my shopping endeavors enables me to think outside the box and problem-solve to help me succeed.

Shopping drives my motivation to be successful. Knowing a shopping spree awaits me, I am determined to achieve my goals at work and school alike. At my part-time job, I am continuously accepting extra shifts and taking on additional responsibilities. This work ethic is rewarded with more scheduled hours, promotions, and the title of employee of the month. These are all opportunities that provide me with more spending money. This extra cash flow, used for shopping, inspires me to be an outstanding employee at all times. Likewise, at school I am motivated to achieve a high level of academic standards to secure a promising future. This future will consist of employment that comes with a hefty paycheck to finance my constant need to shop. My motivation of shopping allows me to succeed at work, school, and ultimately at life.

Evidently, the skills I have obtained through shopping are crucial for my success. Multi-tasking, creativity, and motivation are skills not only necessary for a bright future, but for everyday occurrences as well. Bearing all the strengths I have developed through shopping in mind, my name is Brianne Croteau and I am proud to be a shopaholic.

Education to End Teen Suicide

Published on October 13, 2011 by natashaahammond2 Comments

24%. That’s the death rate of youth aged 15-24 that die from result of suicide. 90%. That’s the amount of young adults within this age group that are suffering from a mood disorder at the time of their suicide. And finally, 0. That is the initiative which seems to be shown in schools to reduce the “third leading cause of death among teenagers” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The solution to this extreme and growing issue lies within the education system. By targeting teenagers attending high school through speakers and assemblies as well as directed curriculum in regards to this issue, teenage suicide rates will certainly decrease. High schools should have more education techniques and strategies in place to inform students of depression and it’s symptoms in order to minimize teen suicide.

To reduce the high rates of suicide at such a young age, high schools could utilize speakers and assemblies in order to inform teenagers of this important issue and symptoms which can be recognized prior to a person committing such a final act of depression. There are many signs that someone is suffering from a mood disorder, and high school students should be taught how to notice symptoms and therefore seek help for a friend or classmate before the situation worsens. These assemblies could also target students dealing with depression and mood disorders themselves, by encouraging these individuals to seek help and informing them on how and where to find such. Relatable and sympathetic speakers whom teenagers can look up to would be key speakers to use, so that teenagers can look up to these examples and respect and listen to them and therefore further gain information on the subject of teenagers who believe suicide is their only option.

Another effective method to limit teenage suicides could be to incorporate the symptoms, rates, and effects into the education system. This idea would prove most effective if this information was added into a course which is mandatory so that every student will be informed. In grade nine, physical education is already a compulsory credit, therefore if teen suicide and the effects and warning signs of depression and mood disorders were further explored within this curriculum all teenagers would be aware of this information at a young age and therefore could carry it with them throughout the rest of their years as a young adult.

The high suicide rates, more specifically among teenagers and young adults between the ages 15 and 24 must be targeted and minimized by informing the people affected through the use of the education system within high schools. Teaching students of the effects and essential facts regarding depression and mood disorders could be accomplished through speakers and assemblies as well as being integrated into the curriculum as a mandatory credit. Through the years suicide among youth has become more and more common, and the effects on the rest of society are devastating. When someone takes their own life, they are not only affecting their future, but the future of those who love them such as family and friends. Suicide is not a final solution to deal with a temporary problem, and maybe if more people were aided in this realization, such an extreme, horrific and upsetting act could be better avoided.

Works Cited

“About Teen Suicide .”KidsHealth – the Web’s most visited site about children’s health. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2011. <http://kidshealth.org/parent/e

Program. “CDC – Injruy – Youth Suicide.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2011. <http://www.cdc.gov/violencepreve

statistics, learning about, suicide rates, and teen suicide.. “Suicide Facts and FAQs.” Sympathy words, gifts and resources to comfort the grieving.. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2011. <http://www.comfortyourheart.com/suicide-facts.html>.

Not Just a Sport, a Passion

Published on October 8, 2011October 18, 2011 by nlabesh2 Comments

Numerous people find passion in playing sports. My passion lies in the sport of soccer. According to Dictionary.com, soccer is defined as a ‘form of football played between two teams of 11 players, in which the ball may be advanced by kicking or by bouncing it off any part of the body, but the arms and hands, except in the case of the goalkeepers, who may use their hands to catch, carry, throw, or stop the ball.’[1] Soccer is played around the world. It is ranked the number one played sport in the world. There are many aspects to the game of soccer. As many other sports do, soccer takes skill and perseverance. Soccer is about the challenge and accomplishments. The competition, exercise and friendship are what makes me strive for the thrill of the game.

In soccer the competition is strong; of two teams one must win. The competition is what I enjoy the most. I feel the rush of adrenalin shoot through me as I carry the ball down the field, manoeuvring back and forth, trying to make my way to the net. The challenges of the opposing players I approach throughout the game are what motivates me to become better. The pressure is on every step along the way.

Exercise is a benefit gained from soccer, as I am constantly running up and down the field. Not only do I enjoy the sport but I’m getting a great workout along the way as an added bonus. In the game of soccer I never stop moving. It’s a game of endurance. I am either sprinting to beat another player to the ball or jogging to catch up to the play. Therefore, not only do I get a great cardiovascular workout, but I am also increasing my speed, agility and flexibility. Soccer does not only give me a physical workout but a mental workout as well. It is constantly a mental challenge to be prepared for the next move. I don’t know what the player approaching me will be thinking; I must be physically and mentally prepared for any action.

Another thing that makes me passionate about soccer is the friendships I make. Throughout the soccer season I grow with my team, not only the players, but the coaches as well. Over the years my teammates may become my opponents on the field, but off the field your friendships blossom. I not only play soccer with my teammates but I begin to bond with friends who are like an extended family.

Bobby Charlton, a key member of England’s 1966 World Cup team said, “Some people tell me that we professional players are soccer slaves. Well, if this is slavery, give me a life sentence.”[2] Passion is key. Why do I find passion in soccer? The competition is what drives me, the exercise is what takes me one step farther in every game and the friendships are what encourages me to play to win. To me soccer is not just another sport, it’s my passion.

[2] “Bobby Charlton quotes.” Find the famous quotes you need, ThinkExist.com Quotations.. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2011. <http://thinkexist.com/quotes/bobby_charlton/>

The Finer Points of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Published on October 7, 2011 by gbarkwell1 Comment

The Finer Points of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever — A Toller happily retrieving

Gordon Barkwell

What is the ideal dog? This is a question many potential dog owners will find themselves asking as they search for the perfect dog to bring into their lives. Usually, the question gives rise to another – what characteristics do you want in a pet? Differing lifestyles mean some types of dog behaviour are more desirable than others. An elderly couple may consider a calm “laze about” dog ideal, while an active family may consider a high energy dog a perfect fit. Certain things, however, are nearly always on the list; the dog needs to be friendly, intelligent, trainable, and obedient. Does anybody want an antisocial, aggressive dog? Having considered the question regarding what traits are desirable, another question will likely arise. What breeds possess these characteristics? To this question, my answer is that no dog possesses more desirable characteristics than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or the “Toller”.

The beautiful red and white Toller is one of three remaining truly Canadian dogs, the other two being the Newfoundland, and the Canadian Eskimo Dog. The Toller is the smallest of the retrievers, and the provincial dog of Nova Scotia. As the name suggests, the dog originated in Nova Scotia where it was used for a form of duck hunting known as tolling, in which the dog lures in game, rather than seeking it out. Foxes have historically used this technique for hunting, and the Toller was bred with a similar appearance to a fox, and to have an affinity for the kind of behaviour that causes the game to curiously come closer.

But what makes the Toller such a good pet, when it was originally bred for hunting?

Tollers are highly intelligent, patient and extremely obedient. They need these characteristics to work successfully tolling and retrieving. When tolling, the dog needs to be indifferent to the ducks which come closer and closer to it until cued by the hunter to retrieve the downed birds. It is amazing to see this self-control in such a lively dog. As a result of this capacity, a well-trained Toller is very patient. This makes them an excellent fit in virtually any family, especially one with young children.

The Toller is also very affectionate and devoted to its family. They love to be around people and are always very friendly, and have been known to be successful therapy dogs. A Toller will also get along with other family pets. The dog is gentle, playful, and high energy; a perfect match for a family with like-minded children!

The Toller needs a job to do, making them extremely trainable for nearly any activity or task. They are fantastic jogging companions, will happily go on family walks, hikes, or camping trips, and absolutely love the water. Although they are high energy and need exercise, the Toller is not hyperactive and will always gladly settle down with the family at the end of a busy day, turning into a contented couch potato.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is nothing short of a fantastic dog, and absolutely possesses nearly every trait new dog owners want. This versatile, friendly, peppy dog would be the perfect companion for nearly any new owner, adding a lively new dimension to family life.

Answer my call

Published on October 6, 2011November 7, 2011 by connorgreenwoodLeave a comment

          ONE                                                              

          Three teenagers asleep in a basement. Bean bag chairs,
          couches and guitars make up the floor. Empty chip bags and
          used bottles strewn precariously atop available surfaces. A
          lone bong in the middle of the chaos. Pan over the scene
          then focus and close up on the phone right before it
          rings.  The phone rings. The teenagers begin to wake.            

                              JOHN
                    "Yo wake up guys was that the phone
                    ringing?                                               

          There is no answer, the other two do not stir.                   

                              JOHN
                    "Aha what a night... seriously
                    guy’s get up you gotta split before
                    my mum get’s home it’s already 11."                    

          The other two begin to push themselves up and roll off the
          couch.                                                           

                              SAM
                    "Mmm shut up man I don’t get up on
                    saturday’s before 12.                                  

                              JOHN
                    "Seriously get up I gotta clean and
                    unless you   wanna stick around and
                    help..."                                               

                              SAM
                    "Alright alright we’re going."                         

                              BEN
                    "Yeah I don’t want to be here when
                    your mum comes round she hates me."                    

                              JOHN
                    "Yeah well I always get in trouble
                    while you’re around for some
                    reason."                                               

                              BEN
                    "Yeah weird coincidence bro, Come
                    on Samuel let’s go."                                   

          Sam and Ben begin to gather up their clothes and bags.           

                              SAM
                    "Shut up dude only my dad calls me
                    that and even then it puts me in a
                    tizzy."                                                

                                                           (CONTINUED)     

          CONTINUED:                                              2.       

                              JOHN
                    "Haha grumpy in the mornings aren’t
                    we? See you boys, school monday and
                    such. Can I copy some english from
                    you Ben?"                                              

                              BEN
                    Yeah I’ll have to do it first
                    though aha... Peace man.                               

          With this Ben and Sam leave.                                     

          TWO                                                              

          Enter: Sam’s house. It is morning before school. It is a
          nice house. He is alone his parents already gone. He puts on
          a sweater. Writes a note for his dad then leaves.                

          Enter: Ben’s house. It is grungy and run down inside. A man
          is passed out in the armchair before the T.V. Which Ben
          turns on. Ben comes over and places a blanket over top of
          the man. He then shrugs into a jacket and exits the house.
          As he exits the camera pans to a shot of the t.v. with the
          reporter talking about an escaped mental patient.                

          Enter: John’s house. It is simple and nice enough. His mum
          and him are at the table. He is eating breakfast quickly.        

                              JOHN’S MUM
                    "Honey you’re rushing slow down and
                    chew your food!"                                       

                              JOHN
                    "Sorry mum gotta run they’re
                    waiting for me."                                       

          John get’s up from the table and grabs his jacket off the
          stand. He grabs a piece of toast and sticks it in is mouth
          then heads for the door.                                         

                              JOHN’S MUM
                    "Honey be home right after school
                    for dinner."                                           

                              JOHN
                    "Alright"                                              

                              JOHN’S MUM
                    "Don’t be late! Speaking of late go
                    now or you won’t make it to school
                    on time. I love you!                                   

                                                           (CONTINUED)     

          CONTINUED:                                              3.       

          John’s response is a mumble jumble with the food in his
          mouth.                                                           

                              JOHN
                    "Mmmgooloyutoiithh."                                   

                              JOHN’S MUM
                    "And honey be careful!"                                

          John is already out the door which closes with a slam.           

          THREE                                                            

          School hallway. Between classes with people filing out and
          through the hallways. Ben, Sam and John are gathered around
          their lockers getting books.                                     

                              BEN
                    "Killer science class boys, I never
                    understand what he’s talking
                    about."                                                

                              JOHN
                    "That’s cause you never listen ya
                    blockhead."                                            

          Ben grins and shuts his locker.                                  

                              BEN
                    "So we all hanging out later or
                    what?"                                                 

                              SAM
                    "Dude it’s monday..."                                  

                              BEN
                    "What’s your point?"                                   

                              SAM
                    "Nothing, I was hoping that that
                    would be enough to discourage you."                    

          John laughs and Ben punches Sam good-naturedly in the arm.       

                              SAM
                    "Plus I should probably try to do
                    some homework,the old man’s been
                    riding me about getting my grade’s
                    up for college in a couple years."                     

                                                           (CONTINUED)     

          CONTINUED:                                              4.       

                              BEN
                    "Alright suit yourself...John?"                        

          John sighs.                                                      

                              JOHN
                    "I usually eat dinner with my mum
                    on monday’s but I guess I could get
                    away early."                                           

                              BEN
                    "Naw dude right after school let’s
                    all hang out, it’s a hike to where
                    we’re going."                                          

                              JOHN
                    "Where exactly did you have in
                    mind?"                                                 

          John grins again but does not answer he just walks away. But
          calls out over his shoulder.                                     

                              JOHN
                    "Just meet me at my locker right
                    after last period!"                                    

          John turns to Ben.                                               

                              JOHN
                    "You gonna come?"                                      

                              SAM
                    "Let’s face it my dad works until
                    12 and I’ll never be able to focus
                    on homework knowing you guys are
                    out having a blast."                                   

                              JOHN
                    "A blast seems an appropriate word
                    knowing Ben he’ll probably get us
                    all killed."                                           

          The bell rings and they both walk off laughing.                  

          FOUR                                                             

          Shot of Ben waiting by his locker. John and Sam approach and
          walk up to him.                                                  

                              JOHN
                    "Jesus dude it looks cold out."                        

                                                           (CONTINUED)     

          CONTINUED:                                              5.       

                              BEN
                    "Haha man up and let’s go."                            

                              SAM
                    "Go where? You haven’t told us a
                    thing."                                                

                              BEN
                    "You’re missing the point Sammy boy
                    it doesn’t matter where we’re
                    going..."                                              

          His sentence trails off and he just stares at them. They
          begin walking out of the school and onto the road.               

                              BEN
                    "And now we walk."                                     

                              SAM
                    "This is stupid we aren’t even
                    doing anything."                                       

                              BEN
                    "Stop ruining the adventure, you’re
                    never any fun."                                        

          The boys continue walking. Shots of them getting on a bus
          and walking while it steadily get’s darker.                      

          SHOT OF THE THREE HOUSES AGAIN. SAM’S HOUSE IS QUIET AND A
          STILL SHOT INSIDE THE KITCHEN. NO ONE IS AROUND. BEN’S HOUSE
          SHOWS THE MAN STILL PASSED OUT IN FRONT OF THE TV BLARING IN
          THE DARK. JOHNS HOUSE SHOWS A SHOT OF JOHNS MUM SETTING THE
          TABLE. NOW BACK TO A SHOT OF THE BOYS WALKING ALONG A PATH
          IN THE DARKESS. BEN HAS BEEN DRINKING FROM A BOTTLE IN HIS
          JACKET POCKET.                                                   

                              JOHN
                    Alright Ben we’ve followed you all
                    this way I’m turning back if you
                    don’t tell us where we’re going. It
                    get’s sketchy out here at night.
                    Aren’t we up near the mental
                    hospital?"                                             

                              BEN
                    "Look...."                                             

          Ben is pointing to a for sale sign on a piece  of land up
          ahead. He pulls the bottle from his jacket pocket and takes
          another swig.                                                    

                                                           (CONTINUED)     

          CONTINUED:                                              6.       

                              BEN
                    "Soon as I get out of high school
                    I’m gonna get a job and buy that
                    land. Build a house out here and
                    get away from all the b.s in the
                    world."                                                

                              JOHN
                    "Man is that booze? Why are you
                    drinking right now it’s a school
                    night!"                                                

                              BEN
                    "What ever... I... don’t even
                    really ...care."                                       

                              SAM
                    "You should man you’re smart you
                    don’t need to get some lame as job
                    out of high school you can go to
                    university or something."                              

                              BEN
                    "Ah shut up rich boy I’m never
                    going anywhere I don’t have money I
                    will never be able to pay for
                    college."                                              

          John grabs Ben and shakes him a bit.                             

                              JOHN
                    "Man calm down stop being a dipwad
                    come on let’s go back to my place
                    or something you’re just drunk..."                     

                              BEN
                    "Hey gettoff you’re no better then
                    he is."                                                

          Ben shakes John off and saunters off. He cuts off to the
          side of the pathway and runs into the field of land. John
          and Sam follow. There is silence in the dark and you can
          hear the sound of the wind. Ben continues to speed up and
          both John and Sam call out to him as they struggle to keep
          up. Suddenly Ben stops and jumps backwards as though
          shocked. He starts running back and is quickly beside John
          and Sam.                                                         

                              BEN
                    "Guys I think there’s smeone out
                    here!"                                                 

                                                           (CONTINUED)     

          CONTINUED:                                              7.       

                              SAM
                    What are you talking about?"                           

                              BEN
                    "Rgith there man in the field some
                    guy is just standing there!"                           

                              JOHN
                    "You’re just trippy there’s nothing
                    there."                                                

          John squints and cranes his ead trying to see if there is
          something. Suddenly he sees a figure moving towards them. It
          is unmistakably a human approaching faster and faster. Sam
          sees it too.                                                     

                              SAM
                    "Yo I don’t know what that guy is
                    selling but I’m betting it’s not
                    good... run!"                                          

          The boys take off but the mysterious figure is gaining and
          quickly overtakes them. He tackles Sam onto the round. john
          and Ben stop and look back. The man appears to be muttering
          to himself and screaming random sentences.                       

                              BEN
                    "WHat the hell is going on!"                           

          Ben runs at the man on top of Sam and tackles him off
          getting his grasp off Sam. Sam lies still on the grass as
          Ben and the man struggle. The man overpowers Ben and get’s
          on top of him and begins to choke him. The mans hands are
          locked around Ben’s neck as Ben fights for air. John runs
          over and atttempts to pull the man off but he is too strong.
          John continues to try and knock the man off unsucessfully
          and desprately as Ben’s face becomes distorted and his body
          begins to go limp. John frnatically looks around and notices
          a rock. He lunges for it grabs it and smashes the man over
          the head with it. The man is knocked off of Ben and
          instantly goes limp. John runs over to sam who is dazed but
          coming too. They both crawl voer to where Ben lays. He does
          not appaear to be breathing.                                     

                              JOHN
                    "Help! Somebody help... please!"                       

          FADE TO BLACK. NOW SHOT OF SAM’S HOUSE WHERE IT IS STILL
          EMPTY. NOW WHILE SAMS HOUSE IS STILL ON SCREEN A SHOT OF
          JOHN’S HOUSE WHERE HIS MOTHER IS PACING AROUND LOOOKING AT
          THE CLOCK FRANTICALLY. NOW THIRD SHOT ON SCREEN OF BEN’S
          HOUSE. THE SAME MAN PASSED OUT ON THE COUCH ONLY THIS TIME
          THE CAMERA PANS SO THAT YOU CAN SEE WHAT IS ON THE SCREEN. A     

                                                           (CONTINUED)     

          CONTINUED:                                              8.       

          REPORTER IS ON THE SCREEN TALKING ABOUT HOW THREE BOYS WERE
          ATTACKED BY A MENTAL PATIENT WHO HAD ESCAPED. THE REPORT
          SAYS ONE BOY IS DEAD AND THE OTHER TWO SERIOUSLY TRAUMATIZED
          WHILE THE MENTAL PATIENT IS IN CUSTODY WITH A HEAD INJURY.       

          NOW IN ALL THREE SHOTS OF THE HOUSES THE CAMERA BEGINS TO
          SLOWLY ZOOM IN ON THE THREE PHONES IN THE HOUSES. ONCE A
          CLOSE UP OF THE PHONES THEY ALL BEGIN TO RING. RING. RING.
          THEN CUT TO BLACK.