WTF? I opened the Metro yesterday, and the first thing I saw was that they want to take Calculus out of the Ontario high school curriculum. As if our math curriculum wasn't enough of a joke already. I mean, the way it is now, kids get through "calculus" without ever taking an integral. It's not just ridiculous, it's downright offensive.

The people at Queen's Park are bitching about all the kids who are failing the grade 12 "functions" course and dropping out. Obviously, the only way to fix this is by making the course easier. Not surprising, seeing as how our government seems to think that most kids are retarded.

You know what? I'm tutoring a sixth-grader, and I have a far better idea for solving the problem of drop-outs: Stop treating kids like idiots, and stop wasting the most productive years of their lives on colouring! The grade six math textbook makes me want to vomit. Do you have any idea what kids in Europe and Asia are doing at that age level? Calculus, that's what! If kids, from the very beginning of school, have high standards and competent teachers, they'll have no trouble grasping complicated concepts in high school and in university.

If you want to bitch Dalton McGuinty out, here's his contact info. I, myself, as soon as I can bring myself to express what I'm feeling without using the words "Bitch out," will send him an e-mail.

You can read the article that was in The Star on this issue here.

Dalton.McGuinty@premier.gov.on.ca.

Dalton McGuinty, Premier
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1

Fax: (416) 325-3745

After attending U of T for some time, one comes to realize that no matter how unique one is, one could stand to be more so. Around here, having a charming personality just won't cut it. No, you are not unique enough until your entire existence can be summarized in a two-word description, like Cloak Girl, or Outback Engineer, or the Amish Albino (Yes, we have an Amish Albino).

Dehumanizing? Objectifying? Yes.
The dream of every Elf? Definitely.

Wah! I am in the process of resuming something resembling a normal life again. I am now officially done with everything to do with Elections Canada (at least until the twits in Parliament fuck up again...).

In the past few weeks, both Sean and I have successfully turned twenty-one. After boozing it up with those loose American women, we returned to Toronto to find that I had the clap, and Sean is pregnant. I suppose these things happen. I look forward to the birth of my first friend-niece or friend-nephew.

I have yet to receive any birthday gifts. ::: points at you :::

Election day came and went. I am not surprised by the overall results, but I am still somewhat shocked by what happened in Etobicoke-Lakeshore. I really expected the vote to be more divided, but instead Ignatieff won the seat with a very, very comfortable margin. I failed to consider the immigrant vote, which is almost always Liberal, and also the appeal of someone who is an academic. During the polls, I overheard people talking about how he must clearly be the best man for the job, being an acclaimed scholar, and so forth.

And Matt, sadly this does not mean there will be no scandals for a while. We are all waiting with baited breath to see if this Parliament will survive its first test: to pass a budget. If they don't, we'll be back at the polls in a few months. If they do... Well, it's still kind of up there. I think they have a good chance of making this Parliament work, simply because, unlike last time, there isn't going to by anybody trying so hard to rock the boat. Harper would not rest until he knocked the last government down - and he succeeded. I can't see anybody - Layton, Duceppe, or whoever the Grits choose as their new leader - as screaming out "Confidence Motion!" at the drop of a hat like Harper did.

Which reminds me: OH MY FUCKING GOD, I MET JACK LAYTON!!!
On Friday, Greg, Sean and I went to play pool at the Crooked Cue here on Bloor St., and who should be at the next table but the leader of the NDP himself! He was just spending time with his brothers, when we noticed him. We all shook hands with him and talked to him a bit. After that, we were all psyched out, and couldn't focus on our game any more, so we went home. We were as delighted as little school girls, and giggled endlessly.

My dad and I have been getting along fabulously since I got home. We seem to be bonding over the suckage of my love life (which truly does suck at the moment). He seems to pity my single ways, and wishes to make me feel better by giving me money and freedom. As you can imagine, I'm pleased with this.

And that is all. I'm going back to studying, and you should, too.