Sims 3 Coming 2009

The Sims is my favourite game. I am excited about the 3rd version (even though my laptop cannot possibly hold any more Sims games). Anyway, here is a trailer to give you an idea of what the game is about.

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What is Boxing Day?

Does anyone know what Boxing Day really is? A website I found discusses the origins and meanings of Boxing Day (snopes.com).

Wikipedia has a similar describtion of the holiday:
"Boxing Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong and countries in the Commonwealth of Nations with a mainly Christian population. In South Africa, this public holiday is now known as the Day of Goodwill. It is based on the tradition of giving gifts to the less fortunate members of society. Contemporary Boxing Day in many countries is now a "shopping holiday" associated with after-Christmas sales."



I didn't know that the United States doesn't have Boxing Day. And I also learned that it originated from the UK.

So those websites are worth checking out if you want to know what Boxing Day is really about.

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Tis the Season to Give

I had mentioned in an earlier post that a good gift idea is a donation in someone's name (see Christmas Gifts Under $10). It's a good gift for people that are hard to buy for or the person that has everything. The website Canadahelps is the perfect resource to do this. It provides access to make donations to over 80,000 Canadian charities. For a small transaction fee paid to Canadahelps, you can donate any amount you want, any way you want to.

You can do it online and the best part is you can get a Charity Gift Card. You choose an amount for the gift card and send it to the recipient. The recipient can then use the gift card to donate to the charity of their choice. I think this is a pretty neat idea.

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Nothing says Christmas like a Twisted Santa

An interesting and creepy article from the Globe and Mail.

Nothing says Christmas like a twisted Santa
JENNIE PUNTER
From Friday's Globe and Mail
December 19, 2008 at 3:54 AM EST

"Not everyone appreciates the Christmas season's candy-cane smiles and chocolate ho-ho-hos. Which is why a rare screening of Christmas Evil - originally titled the more appropriately sinister You Better Watch Out - should appeal to those who prefer naughty over nice during the holidays.

The obscure 1980 slasher film - which by today's standards plays more like a low-budget psychological drama - has become something of a cult classic in recent years. A 2006 special edition DVD includes audio commentary by none other than singular "bad taste" filmmaker John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray) who deems Christmas Evil "the best seasonal film of all time," adding, "I wish I had kids. I'd make them watch it every year and if they didn't like it they'd be punished!"

Only one 35 mm print of the film is known to exist and it travels with director Lewis Jackson, who brings his road show to a screening in Toronto next Tuesday (9:30 p.m., Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., $13 for non-members, $10 for members). Lewis will also present a reel of deleted 35 mm scenes from the film and participate in an onstage discussion with critic Richard Crouse. And for last-minute gift needs, Jackson promises a satchel full of Christmas Evil merchandise.

The film opens on Christmas Eve, 1947, in suburban New Jersey as young Harry, his brother and mother quietly watch Santa Claus quaff some snacks, deliver gifts then disappear up the chimney again. Later that night, unable to sleep, Harry hears a creature stirring; but it's no mouse - it's Santa (actually his dad still in costume) on his knees groping his mother's garters. A stunned Harry goes to the attic where he smashes a snow globe and deliberately cuts his hand. Creepy music lets us know this kid's screwed for life." Read more

Discussion: I like movies but I have never heard of this one and it doesn’t sound like one I would like to watch. Does anyone else know about it?

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Christmas Movie Times

This is a listing of a few Christmas movies that will be on in the next few days.

1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
December 21
@ 8:00pm on CBC

2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2
December 20
@ 8:30pm on YTV

3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 21
@ 7:30pm on CBC
December 23
@ 8:00pm on ABC

4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
December 20
@ 2:00pm Tree
@ 6:00pm YTV
@ 10:00pm Tree
December 21
@ 6:00pm on Tree
December 23
@ 12:30pm on Tree
@ 7:00pm on YTV
@ 8:00pm on Tree

5. A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 17
@ 7:00pm on YTV

See more Christmas Movie Listings at TVGuide.ca

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Christmas Q&A

This is just a fun Christmas Post.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both, gift bags for awkward shapes and sizes and wrapping paper for others
2. Real tree or Artificial? I used to be against artificial trees for Christmas but now I prefer them, less mess, cheaper in the long run.
3. When do you put up the tree? 3-2 weeks before Christmas
4. When do you take the tree down? Less than a week after Christmas
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Can’t remember
7. Hardest person to buy for? My mom
8. Easiest person to buy for? My fiancee
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, or given in person
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Do not want to say
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Rudolph, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In December
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Don’t think so
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Clementines
16. Lights on the tree? Yes
17. Favorite Christmas song? I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? Stay at home Christmas morning then go to relatives for dinner
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Only three: Donner, Blitzen . . . are Dasher or Cupid names?
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning for my family, eve for my finance’s family
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The awful Chipmunk songs
23. What theme or color are you using? No themes
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Not much

Discussion: Answer these questions on your own blog and provide a link in a comment to this post.

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How to Enjoy Christmas 101

Between finishing up the semester and all of the Christmas shopping in the crazy busy malls, sometimes we forget to enjoy the great things that Christmas brings.
Here's what I like to do around Christmas to get into the Christmas spirit. This is something I always leave too late and it seems like Christmas goes by so fast. So if you would like to be in the "Holiday mood" these are the things I would recommend.

Watch Christmas Movies
A Christmas Story
The Grinch
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Listen/Sing Christmas Songs
Silver Bells
I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas
Silent Night
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Jingle Bells

Relax with Pleasant Christmas Scents
Turkey dinner
Orange peels
Cinnamon
Baking

Engorge on

Christmas Foods
Turkey dinner
Clementine
Gingerbread Cookies
Candy Canes

Engage in Christmas Activities
Holiday crafts
Decorating the Christmas tree/house
Looking at Christmas lights
Baking and cooking

Surround Yourself with Christmas Gifts
Planning a shopping list
Making your own Christmas list
Christmas shopping
Wrapping gifts

Take The Time to Relax
One of my favourite things to do on a cold December day is to dress into comfortable clothes and warm socks, wrap myself in a blanket, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while reading a good book.

Happy Holidays Everyone

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Christmas Gifts Under $10

Simple Solutions: This is a list of gifts I think would be nice if you were planning on spending $10 or less:
Handmade craft
Cookie/Brownie/Soup mix in a jar
Donation
Gift Card
Journal and fancy pen
Plant in a pot
Coffees/Teas in a mug
Tin with homemade baked goods
Coupon booklet
Picture frame with family photos
Hairbrush, hair elastics, and hair clips
Nail Polish, nail file, and nail clippers
Basket with assorted fruits
Basket with assorted chocolates
Lottery ticket/Scratch tickets
Fancy candle and candle holder
Framed pressed flowers
Mini booze candies
Box of chocolates
Bag of almonds, pistachios, cashews, or an assortment
Stationary Set
Charm necklace/bracelet
Earrings
Lotions
Tin of cookies
A book
DVD
Poster
Makeup
Deck of cards and book about card games

Make it Fancy: These gifts can be decorated with nice wrapping to make them look nicer and more expensive. For example, you can buy a fancy $10 chocolate bar and then wrap it with shiny paper, tie ribbons around it, and add a homemade name tag. Here are some other ideas:
- use ribbon
- add bows
- use nice, or shiny, wrapping paper
- wrap jars and baskets in cellophane
- put gift in a box with tissue paper
- make Christmas card/label
- buy baskets/tins from dollar store to put gifts in
- add family photos for a personal touch

Remember: Keep an eye out for sales and bargains. You can often find really nice gifts at a much lower price. And whatever your budget, remember that people will understand that you’re a college student and you may not have a lot of extra cash. If you are not seeing certain people for a Christmas get-together, simply sending a card will do.

Resources: Here is a list of resources that havemore ideas for Christmas shopping on a budget.
Better Budgeting: 63 Gift Ideas for Under $10
XTreme Geek: Gifts Under $10
Gooseberry Patch: Christmas Gift Ideas
ezinearticles: Homemade Christmas Gifts and Decorations for Under $10

Discussion: What is your favourite gift to give, under $10?

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Grocery Saving Tips

Don't let rising grocery prices get you down. There are several ways you can reduce your food bills; it just takes a little more effort.

Tips
1. Clip Coupons
2. Look for Sales
3. Compare Prices and Sales
4. Buy Cheaper Brands (i.e. President's Choice, No Name)
5. Cook Your Meals rather than Buying Frozen Premade Meals
6. Don't Eat Out
7. Make Your Own Coffee
8. Bring Lunches to Work/School
9. Don't Waste Food (save leftovers)
10. Write a Complete Grocery List and Stick to It (do not impulse buy)

These steps will require you to sacrifice conveinence and time for savings. But it may be worth it since our economy is currently facing a recession.

Resources
Visit these (Canadian) websites for more useful saving tips:

1. Free Grocery Saving Tips - saving tips, coupon tips, flyers from hundreds of stores, frugal recipes
2. Grocery Savings - create a grocery list and compare flyer prices
3. Simple Debt Free Living - not a Canadian site yet still very helpful
4. Frugal Shopper - finds coupons in your area

Health Check
Do not sacrifice your health for savings. Often junk food and frozen dinners can be cheaper than fresh foods. Your a college student, it's okay to eat a frozen dinner every now and then. Just keep in mind that you need to get your proper servings and nutrition for the day. Keeping a healthy diet will help you to ward of winter viruses and keep you focused on school work.

Discussion: Are clipping coupons really worth it?

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Grocery Prices are Going to Increase

I found an interesting article from cbc.com that says grocery prices, in Canada, are going to go way up in the near future. Higher grocery costs will surely be a problem for college students living away from home. While we probably will not cut back on the amount of food we are buying, we may find ourselves cutting back on munchies.

"Brace yourself, Canada, for higher grocery bills

Thursday, June 12, 2008, CBC News, Tom McFeat

Any outsider looking at Canada's most recent consumer price index would be forgiven for concluding that we have somehow managed to dodge the food inflation bullet currently ricocheting around the world.

People in most countries are struggling with unprecedented price hikes in the most widely used foods. But a recent look at the cost of living in this country finds that the typical Canadian food basket in April 2008 was just 1.2 per cent more expensive than it was a year earlier.

A little more than one per cent in a whole year! Well done, Canada, we're apparently immune from the laws of supply and demand that dictate food prices everywhere else.
Well, it's time to put away the streamers, the experts say. The warning bells are already sounding. Analysts, farmers and grocery chains all agree that those checkout bills are about to get noticeably bigger.

A look inside the monthly price data from Statistics Canada quickly reveals some of the reasons why. Beneath the broad-stroke appearance of benign food prices lie some important anomalies."

READ MORE

Now it is more important than ever to compare prices, use coupons and generally be a smart shopper. My next posting will offer some tips and resources about saving money at the grocery store.

Discussion: What are your thoughts about the article? Was it interesting or informative?

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Don’t Wait to Write Study Notes

Complicated Exam Schedule: This semester I had an unusual exam schedule. I had an exam on Thursday from 2pm to 5pm and another than night from 6pm to 9pm. The next morning I had an exam at 8am to 11am. Because the exams were so close together, and my work schedule wasn’t too flexible, I had only two days to study for all three exams.

Study Recommendations:

* I recommend at least 8 hours of studying per class for final exams.
* Focus on areas that the professor had highlighted during lectures/review and omit material that is not included on the exam. When you can, do self-test questions via the Web, your text book, past tests and assignments.
* I find it helpful to write study notes that highlight areas of difficulty. Or if it is a complex class, I will write summary notes on every chapter/lecture.

The Challenge: I did not have enough time to study as I would have liked.

The Solution: I prepared for this challenge by writing most of my notes near the end of the semester (before exams began). I am going to follow this tactic next year by writing study notes each week to avoid the panic and distress of trying to scramble down notes. This will also result in better quality notes because they are written as the material is learned and more time is available to write them. At the end of semester you can go over the notes and make changes (ie crossing out unnecessary info, or adding more detail).

Discussion: Do you recommend any quick study tips?

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8 Exam Preparation Tips

EXAMS ARE HERE! I hate this time of year. But there are some ways to reduce the stress. These tips/hints are some strategies that I use when preparing for college exams.

Conflicts: As soon as you know your exam schedule make sure there are no conflicts (i.e. exams overlapping or more than two in one day). Do not panic if this happens to you. It is usually very easy to change an exam date due to conflict. Contact either your professors or program coordinator immediately.

Create a Study Schedule: I find this to be the most crucial part. It is important, especially during high stress times, to have a structured plan of attack. Determine how many hours of studying you will need each day until the exam. And for every day write down specific study goals.

Example: Monday December 3rd: 2 hrs to finish writing notes for Organizational Behaviour, 4 hrs studying for Organizational Behaviour – Chapters 1- 7

Try to leave some flexibility in your schedule in case you underestimated your needed study time or something unexpected comes up. I try to leave one day a week open for an opportunity to catch up if necessary.

Writing Study Notes: It is always helpful to write concise study notes for each class. They can be really short (fitting the whole course on one page). You may only need to write keywords or phrases so you can go over as a refresher or to test yourself. But it is also a good idea to write a little more detail about things you have trouble remembering.

Remove Distractions: This is very important. While studying, do not listen to music, watch TV, play games, talk to friends, or think about anything but studying.

Study Groups: This is something I do not usually do because I prefer to study alone. But you may find it very effective to test one another after you have done some studying, or swap study notes.

Other Responsibilities: Don’t neglect your other responsibilities like your job or cleaning your apartment/dorm. Plan your study schedule around these duties.

Take a Break: Be aware of info overload. Studying for too long of a time can make your brain become numb so that you cannot possibly pack any more knowledge into your head. Plan to give yourself short, interval, and frequent breaks so you can refresh your mind.

Personalize: Use the study strategies and techniques that work for you. Everyone studies differently and that’s okay as long as your idea of studying isn’t drinking beer and gambling online.

Making a plan will allow you to put your studying needs in perspective so you will reduce the likelihood of running into problems. These techniques should help you to study without the panic attacks or pulling out your hair.

Good Luck on Your Exams!

Discussion: What studying tips do you recommend?

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Tuition Increases to Help Canada Out of Recession

The financial crisis in the US economy is inevitably affecting us here in Canada. McGuinty wants to increase tuition fees for Canadian students to create more funds for the government. But according to an article from Canadian Business Online this is not the best way to help the economy. This article outlines some of the challenges we (the students) arefacing because of the recession.

McGuinty tuition fee increases no way to pull province out of recession and into knowledge economy

Nov 5, 2008 - 14:25 EST
TORONTO, Nov. 5 /CNW Telbec/

By allowing university tuition fee hikes of 4 to 8 per cent every year, the McGuinty Liberals are going in the wrong direction to pull the province out of recession, says the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario. Instead, the province needs to graduate more students in order to build a strong, knowledge-based economy that will take it out of its new "have-not" status within Canada, according to CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer Fred Hahn.

"Every year that this government raises tuition fees means that less and less young people are entering the workforce with the skills needed to fuel the success of knowledge-based industries," Hahn told thousands of students gathered at Queen's Park today to stop tuition fee increases. "And with every tuition fee increase, more working families lose the opportunity to send their kids to university."
The McGuinty government . . . read more

Discussion: What do you think? Should tuition fees increase to better serve the economy in a time of crisis? Or is it more important to educate future graduates?

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