So yesterday I went with a friend because she wanted to take photos of me. We went to Cora's for lunch, and I was super late because the bus schedule changed, and I have the old schedule, and the buses I was waiting for no longer exist in that time frame. I stood waiting for an hour. It was great. We took photos around the town square, and a little museum that neither of us knew existed, on a corner where there was a bench, and in a graveyard. Now we were very respectful while in the graveyard. She asked me to bring my violin along, so I did. I set the case on the grass, not on a tombstone, and I did not lean on any either, there were gates, and what not so I used those. As we were taking photos a group of people showed up, we had noticed garbage, and such on the ground, and even graffiti on a grave, we both wished we had a bag to put the garbage in. Along comes this group of people to hang out in a graveyard with food, and what not, fine, but not really cause they were sitting on top of a flat tombstone, and I know they were going to leave their garbage behind. We moved to the other side of the graveyard, took a few more photos, and then left. I am severely disgusted by people like that, no respect what-so-ever.
As I was leaving for lessons my roommate who also just bought a camera took a few photos of me as I was leaving for my violin lessons that night.
The day also involved several people asking me for directions, to the university which I don't really know how to get to, and a Liqour Store. I am really bad at giving directions, and taking directions though, so I hope everyone found the place that they were looking for.
Violin lessons felt very fast, and that makes me a little sad. I have learned the theme of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star though. I am going to work very hard. I love this instrument.
I should probably mention after finishing my Foundation Visual Arts last year I decided to go into Textile Design. I enjoy the classes a lot so far. There is an Photoshop, and Illustrator class though Photoshop isn't too hard, it is going to be Illustrator that is hard. A class about colours, and patterns. A class that is divided into sections: Weaving, Machine Knitting, and Dye Methods, and that will continue next semester too, and involve more fun stuff. I am in Weaving, and then Machine Knitting, and then Dye Methods. Setting up the loom was pretty crazy, and I messed up several times but it was pretty awesome. I also had to pick a drawing elective so I picked Watercolour.
My poor Wacom Bamboo Fun Pen no longer works so I inquired on how much a new pen would be, and it is the same price as a new tablet so I replaced it with the Bamboo Splash which is in the newest set of the Bamboo Family. It works a lot faster than my old one. My Bamboo Fun had a good life, and it probably would have been better if I didn't drop it on the floor so much. My Bamboo Fun was white which I was excited for at the time because I still had my little white net-book, but I am glad to have a black tablet now, and even the work space is a little bigger.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
The Violin and Lessons
Ever since I was a child I have loved music.
In elementary school I was required to play the Recorder, and did that until middle school, and I loved it. I played the ukulele for a short time as well in middle school. When I entered high school I tried to play the trumpet, and the clarinet, both horrible decisions, and a failure.
I had been singing since I was in grade 2 with the choir, and joined my church choir when I was around 13. Later in high school after going through two or three music teachers I learned piano, and the basic theory I should have known (all be it 8 years in 2 weeks, and it was awesome).
I have actually been out of connection with anything taught for at least a year or two.
In recent my inspiration has been Lindsey Stirling (check out her YouTube here). I have also always loved the violin. I purchased mine second hand, as a birthday/college program graduation & GPA goal met present. I have waited all summer for lessons, and started last night. I am doing good so far, and it sounds like notes coming from my violin not screeching kittens. I slammed my right hand pinkie in between my lock, and something on the locker so holding the bow tonight was a little difficult. I am going to have to get used to the placement, and I am taking the more rewarding, and harder route of learning the fingerboard placement, so it I isn't marked. I am also going to have to get used to holding it better as well.
I am super excited to learn, and I am just getting started.
In elementary school I was required to play the Recorder, and did that until middle school, and I loved it. I played the ukulele for a short time as well in middle school. When I entered high school I tried to play the trumpet, and the clarinet, both horrible decisions, and a failure.
I had been singing since I was in grade 2 with the choir, and joined my church choir when I was around 13. Later in high school after going through two or three music teachers I learned piano, and the basic theory I should have known (all be it 8 years in 2 weeks, and it was awesome).
I have actually been out of connection with anything taught for at least a year or two.
In recent my inspiration has been Lindsey Stirling (check out her YouTube here). I have also always loved the violin. I purchased mine second hand, as a birthday/college program graduation & GPA goal met present. I have waited all summer for lessons, and started last night. I am doing good so far, and it sounds like notes coming from my violin not screeching kittens. I slammed my right hand pinkie in between my lock, and something on the locker so holding the bow tonight was a little difficult. I am going to have to get used to the placement, and I am taking the more rewarding, and harder route of learning the fingerboard placement, so it I isn't marked. I am also going to have to get used to holding it better as well.
I am super excited to learn, and I am just getting started.
I still have to name my violin, but this is me, and my baby.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Acadian Bus Lines Closure as of November 30th, 2012 [Updated]
The buses have been running since the middle of May after a six month Lock Out/Work Stoppage. As a reminder they threatened to go on strike, and in return the company locked the employees out. Months of negotiations went horribly wrong due to the negligence of both sides until a new Vice President stepped in, and the lock out ended.
A few days ago this notice appeared on the Acadian website upon entering it. Highlighted along the top is a closure date of November 30th. They company is in debt, more so then they would probably like to admit to the public. As of the work stoppage they lost out on Christmas, Easter, March Break, and the End of the School year regulars they would have received. Since they have returned their service the company has had to cut several routes, as well as schedules due to lack of employees. This is going to affect all of the Maritimes this time, including Nova Scotia which was lucky enough to have a different union during the lock out, and received raises unlike New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Around 120 employees will be losing their jobs as of the closure. Acadian Bus Lines Shutting Operations by November - Prince Edward Island - CBC News is a shorter article which entails most of the information from the notice on the site.
As the lock out occurred several companies tried to step in but the government would not allow it. Acadian was still around technically, and paying the government. With Acadian leaving completely there is more of a chance that a new company will step in. Trius a tour bus company is already planning to attempt that as noted in this article: Trius Bus Company Plans to Fill Void Left by Acadian - New Brunswick - CBC News.
N.S. Government, Union Open to talks with Acadian Lines - Prince Edward Island - CBC News This last article entails the fact that Acadian might have been able to stay afloat if the government would allow them to change some of the routes that are existing. There are times when there are only two, or three customers on the bus, and personally I have been in that situation before.
This announcement is the beginning of a lot of turmoil. Personally I am upset because that is how I get home for Christmas, and once again this year I will be fighting to get home. Now once again not to mention all the other students who depend upon a bus system. The VIA Rail does not go to every single city in Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and not to mention there no longer is a train to the Capital of New Brunswick, and there hasn't been for at least 20 years. Hopefully another bus system can step in, and everything will be okay.
--{UPDATE}--
There has been news of VIA Rail helping out a new bus company if we get another one in the Maritimes because VIA Rail has not been doing well financially either lately.
A few days ago this notice appeared on the Acadian website upon entering it. Highlighted along the top is a closure date of November 30th. They company is in debt, more so then they would probably like to admit to the public. As of the work stoppage they lost out on Christmas, Easter, March Break, and the End of the School year regulars they would have received. Since they have returned their service the company has had to cut several routes, as well as schedules due to lack of employees. This is going to affect all of the Maritimes this time, including Nova Scotia which was lucky enough to have a different union during the lock out, and received raises unlike New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Around 120 employees will be losing their jobs as of the closure. Acadian Bus Lines Shutting Operations by November - Prince Edward Island - CBC News is a shorter article which entails most of the information from the notice on the site.
As the lock out occurred several companies tried to step in but the government would not allow it. Acadian was still around technically, and paying the government. With Acadian leaving completely there is more of a chance that a new company will step in. Trius a tour bus company is already planning to attempt that as noted in this article: Trius Bus Company Plans to Fill Void Left by Acadian - New Brunswick - CBC News.
N.S. Government, Union Open to talks with Acadian Lines - Prince Edward Island - CBC News This last article entails the fact that Acadian might have been able to stay afloat if the government would allow them to change some of the routes that are existing. There are times when there are only two, or three customers on the bus, and personally I have been in that situation before.
This announcement is the beginning of a lot of turmoil. Personally I am upset because that is how I get home for Christmas, and once again this year I will be fighting to get home. Now once again not to mention all the other students who depend upon a bus system. The VIA Rail does not go to every single city in Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and not to mention there no longer is a train to the Capital of New Brunswick, and there hasn't been for at least 20 years. Hopefully another bus system can step in, and everything will be okay.
--{UPDATE}--
There has been news of VIA Rail helping out a new bus company if we get another one in the Maritimes because VIA Rail has not been doing well financially either lately.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Acadian Bus Lines May Be Back But the Service is Still Awful
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| Taken at the Terminal in Moncton, New Brunswick by me. |
The buses were packed since it was a long weekend due to Victoria Day. On my way from Fredericton we were half-an-hour ahead of schedule which is unheard of, there is a first for everything. I had no problem with this at all because usually the bus is about an hour late coming out of Quebec.
I was travelling back on the last day, and this is where the nightmare begin. We arrived in Moncton to transfer like we always do. They loaded the bus around 5:30, and myself, and about 10 others learned the bus was full. We were promised that another bus was coming. We waited until 7 o'clock to find out there was no other bus, and the other bus that was full left about an hour-and-a-half late from Moncton. We were all stranded in Moncton overnight. I got lucky because I have several friends, and my Aunt who live in Moncton. I felt bad for the others, everyone was freaking out, and crying, and I do not blame them.
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| The ticket I received. Photo taken by me. |
I am tired of this company, and all the problems they have been giving me for the last four, or so years. It is time they get it together, or just get out of the province. You would think the company would be trying to keep their customers happy after no service for six months but that would never happen. Acadian is suppose to be more stress free than asking a stranger on Kijiji, and it is still about the same. I do not want to travel for a while, and even if I have to I really do not want to take the buses. The only solution is to learn how to drive, and purchase a car.
They now have a promotion on until the end of the month for 50% off adult round trip tickets. They are going to have to do a lot more to bring back some of their customers I can imagine because people are creative, and can find other ways to travel other than the bus company that left us all stranded for six months.
I have sent them another email to the customer service side of the business, and I doubt i will hear anything back because I never heard anything back from the other five emails they sent in the past. Acadian is really good at frustrating their customers.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Acadian Bus Lines New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Work Stoppage Finished
Voting of the Amalgamated Transit Union 1229 occurred Sunday May 6th. Even before the voting Glenn Carr, president of the Union said his co-workers would probably accept it, and they did with 92% in favour.
After a "five month contract dispute" (They were locked out by the company after voting 98% to go on strike December 2nd, 2011, so more like 6 months) buses will be gradually running within ten days. They are giving time to get employees back as well as buses, because a lot of them were sent out of the province after the strike started.
It wasn't even money that was the problem to begin with it was the working conditions as well. I still did not see it fit to have a company over four provinces, and give raises, and better benefits to Nova Scotia, and Quebec, and not Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick.
A lot of people are still throwing the "I am never using your service again", and honestly they can throw that threat around, but the train is limited in schedule, and locations like mentioned in a previous entry. Some people do not like the idea of Ride shares too so they are stuck riding the bus. There are also others trying to get Greyhound into the province. With Acadian back we do not need another bus, I mean I have heard about Greyhound being amazing, but it would take time to move it out here, and it would probably be difficult. Common sense doesn't exist sometimes.
I am very excited to have the company working again in New Brunswick as it will be easier to travel. At the first of the strike I was infuriated, and sent the most ridiculous email saying I would never use their services again. I emailed them two months later with a more well written, and respectable email saying mostly what I have been in previous entries about the strike.
Great to have them back, now hopefully now that there is better work conditions coming for the employees the service will improve as well.
Older Posts About the Strike (Newest to Oldest):
Acadian Bus Lines Strike End in View
Acadian Bus Lines Negotiations Fail
Acadian Bus Lines Possible Arbitration
Acadian Bus Lines New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island Strike
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Acadian Bus Lines Strike End in View
Scheduled talks on April 29th, 30th, and May 1st extended into May 2nd with the help of a mediator at the table. This article: Acadian Lines Dispute May End Next Week, Says Union basically stated what has been know for a long time, the company is the problem at the moment, and not the Union who wants to get back to work. The company has a new Vice President who is from Atlantic Canada, which ultimately is going to help. This was the first light of hope we seen in a long time since the fallout in February: Talks Resume in Acadian Bus Dispute. Though information comes through faster on the Acadian FaceBook Page. You also get to read a lot of things of interest.
There was an attempt to a shuttle into the province but there were too problems; the reservation system, and the 15 seat-van. I read one comment that was completely unnecessary saying: "the woman of Northern New Brunswick need to get off their soap box about the whole thing", they lost their children in the Boy in Red 2008 accident with a similar vehicle. There was no need of a comment like that.... I did not like the idea of a shuttle myself, I looked up information, and found they were quite expensive, and the reservation system made it difficult.
On May 2nd the Facebook page announced that negotiations were continuing on that day which is something that has not occurred in the past. Before these negotiations it was said they wanted to reach an agreement. Today another status appeared on Acadian's FaceBook saying that late last night a decision had been made, and this article also appeared: Acadian Lines Union to Vote Deal on Sunday. The head of the Amalgamated Transit Union 1229 thinks that the others will accept the deal. If so the buses will be running again in about two weeks hopefully.
Personally I feel that the talks were scheduled late, but it is the company in control, and not the Union. Most Universities/Colleges are done in April, so anyone wanting to to go to PEI, NS, and NFLD would have difficulties, including travelers trying to get past, or through New Brunswick. VIA Rail is a great way to travel, do not get me wrong, and it is cheaper than the bus, but the scheduled times are horrible, and some cities do not even have train stations. It will be nice to have the bus back, and not have to rely on Kijiji Ride-shares, or hunt through friends to see who is traveling home. Hopefully there are no idiots who screw this up for everyone because there is always a few who will try.
Older Posts About the Strike (Newest to Oldest):
Acadian Bus Lines Negotiations Fail
Acadian Bus Lines Possible Arbitration
Acadian Bus Lines New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island Strike
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Quick Update
I do not post often anymore. I have been kind of busy. Mostly been on Tumblr, Gaming, or School, and Work.
Pottermore is finally open. <3 I am a Ravenclaw, and my wand is 10" Sycamore with Unicorn Hair Core.
I have been playing World of Warcraft, neutrally playing both my Horde, and Alliance Characters.
I was home for a few days over the Easter Break but I didn't plan anything because my plans always get screwed up by just about everything. I got to see the group I seen at Christmas plus a bunch of new people. It was crazy fun.
School is almost over, I am done next Friday. I have just my Media classes left, and my assessment in Drawing, and 3D. I am then back to work for Full-Time. I really have enjoyed my year at the college a lot more than I ever did at University. I cannot wait to go into Diploma Studies!!!!!
I will hopefully be publishing an official website this summer. <3 I have been working on it forever but I have my main ideas plotted out.
I cut my bangs myself the other day, and it did not turn out that bad. :)
Animaritime is coming up, and I shall be running the Lolita panel this year. I have a new wig coming in too, and an un-debuted dress in my closet. <3 I am cosplaying but right now I have no idea how that is gonna go.
Acadian is having another meeting at the end of the month, and hopefully they resolve everything...
Pottermore is finally open. <3 I am a Ravenclaw, and my wand is 10" Sycamore with Unicorn Hair Core.
I have been playing World of Warcraft, neutrally playing both my Horde, and Alliance Characters.
I was home for a few days over the Easter Break but I didn't plan anything because my plans always get screwed up by just about everything. I got to see the group I seen at Christmas plus a bunch of new people. It was crazy fun.
School is almost over, I am done next Friday. I have just my Media classes left, and my assessment in Drawing, and 3D. I am then back to work for Full-Time. I really have enjoyed my year at the college a lot more than I ever did at University. I cannot wait to go into Diploma Studies!!!!!
I will hopefully be publishing an official website this summer. <3 I have been working on it forever but I have my main ideas plotted out.
I cut my bangs myself the other day, and it did not turn out that bad. :)
Animaritime is coming up, and I shall be running the Lolita panel this year. I have a new wig coming in too, and an un-debuted dress in my closet. <3 I am cosplaying but right now I have no idea how that is gonna go.
Acadian is having another meeting at the end of the month, and hopefully they resolve everything...
Saturday, March 31, 2012
The Hunger Games Movie Review
I finally seen the Hunger Games today, I was suppose to a week ago but was sick from whatever was circulating around the college. I have been seeing things all over Tumblr for it. I have read the books so I partially knew what to expect minus the stupid changes they always make when translating the book into a movie. I am really sad they cut out a lot of the reaping, and Madge giving Katniss the Mockingjay Pin, and several scenes throughout the movie that I can't remember momentarily.
Josh Hutcherson, Peeta Mellark's actor looked familiar so I looked him up on IMDB, and found out he was the main character in Bridge to Terabithia. I love that movie, and he was a cute kid then, but not so much now.
People freaking about the black actors first of all in the books Rue, and Thresh were describred as dark skinned so that was a given, and Cinna, it doesn't matter because they didn't explain him in the books, and he still looks hot. I love Seneca Crane, especially that beard, but his facial expressions to. Haymitch was not what I expected but it was great all the same.
This movie is rated PG so they omitted a lot of the good things they could have put in the movie was rated higher.
Despite all the dislikes I had for the movie I do actually like it, but I will always love the book more.
I am excited for Catching Fire because they want to make it better than the first movie.
Josh Hutcherson, Peeta Mellark's actor looked familiar so I looked him up on IMDB, and found out he was the main character in Bridge to Terabithia. I love that movie, and he was a cute kid then, but not so much now.
People freaking about the black actors first of all in the books Rue, and Thresh were describred as dark skinned so that was a given, and Cinna, it doesn't matter because they didn't explain him in the books, and he still looks hot. I love Seneca Crane, especially that beard, but his facial expressions to. Haymitch was not what I expected but it was great all the same.
This movie is rated PG so they omitted a lot of the good things they could have put in the movie was rated higher.
Despite all the dislikes I had for the movie I do actually like it, but I will always love the book more.
I am excited for Catching Fire because they want to make it better than the first movie.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
The Weather is Warming Up
Photography is great, and I got to take some amazing pictures while I was home for March Break. Fashion we drafted a pattern which I was done in no time. I still remember how to do it apparently. We are making pants, and a project of our choice limited to the patterns for things like little bags, and such. I basically have the boring Fashion class. :( I am going to be going into Fashion Textiles next year hopefully. We are already back into a week after March Break but we have about 5 weeks left of classes. :O Scary.
I have made some new friends lately. One girl is a Lolita, and the other is another artist who is part of the administration at a new art school in the city. It is great. :) There is also another girl who I befriended because she is one of my friends friend's.
The weather is warming up, and I am very excited. I love spring so much because it is warm. I went to the Saturday Farmer`s Market, and had a lot of fun with my friends. I found fudge made with liqueurs, they boil it down so there is only the taste, and no actual liqueur. I bought maple butter for the first time as well, and I am super excited to try it. They also had a lot of apple cider which I got some. It is always fun to go, and get breakfast there, and just look around.
I played pool the evening before at a Dooly's I consider very fancy, and it was a lot of fun. I was on a team that we lost the three rounds, I sunk the 8-ball in the first round to soon. It was very enjoyable.
Played Luna Game 5, and the last part was too large to load on my computer. I have played all of them.
So apparently Acadian is going back for negotiations with the help of a mediator April 29th-May 1st. I really hope they resolve it because it would be nice to travel minus all the hassle of finding a way back to my hometown, and from there back to the city.
I have made some new friends lately. One girl is a Lolita, and the other is another artist who is part of the administration at a new art school in the city. It is great. :) There is also another girl who I befriended because she is one of my friends friend's.
The weather is warming up, and I am very excited. I love spring so much because it is warm. I went to the Saturday Farmer`s Market, and had a lot of fun with my friends. I found fudge made with liqueurs, they boil it down so there is only the taste, and no actual liqueur. I bought maple butter for the first time as well, and I am super excited to try it. They also had a lot of apple cider which I got some. It is always fun to go, and get breakfast there, and just look around.
I played pool the evening before at a Dooly's I consider very fancy, and it was a lot of fun. I was on a team that we lost the three rounds, I sunk the 8-ball in the first round to soon. It was very enjoyable.
Played Luna Game 5, and the last part was too large to load on my computer. I have played all of them.
So apparently Acadian is going back for negotiations with the help of a mediator April 29th-May 1st. I really hope they resolve it because it would be nice to travel minus all the hassle of finding a way back to my hometown, and from there back to the city.
Been listening to a lot of Taylor Swift lately, her, and LIGHTS are my favourite singers.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
March Break, and Life Updates
I finally finished watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, I really don't know why someone didn't tell me to read them in middle school, or why I didn't see the movies until now. They are great though, and I love them.
We are over halfway down second semester. I am in Fashion, and Photography, and I was just in Metal Arts, and Textiles. I really enjoyed Metals though I would never be able to do that as a profession. I really enjoyed textiles, and my favourite was the surface designing which I am hoping to go into next year. I am doing black, and white photography on an old analog film camera, and I cannot wait to be in the dark room. Foundation year fashion is so boring, and I had a sewing machine that kept screwing up on me. I used a Surger for the first time, and I floored it no matter how careful I tried to be with it. I need to get my portfolio done soon.
I went home for the March Break to do Income Tax with my Father, and see my friends, because I do not know when I will be around home next. Tuesday I went to Lunch with one of my friend's mother because my friend is in another province, and I brought my iPod Touch along so she could Skype with her mother. :) We wandered around town a bit, and I seen a few people I was hoping not to see. I seen my cousin the next day, and her psycho lovebird. It decided to fly around my room, and preen my hair after landing on my head. I went to lunch with a Manager from the McDonald's back home as well. I went out with my friends that I have been friends with since Elementary school, one of them has an adorable son, and one is expecting. We went to lunch, and then went to one of their houses, and we could not get in apparently because she had the wrong key.
I ordered new lucky star origami paper. :) I am super excited because I do not like the current ones that I own. I am also making jellyfish weather charm plushies from Kuragehime (Jellyfish Princess), and they are so cute.
I can't get my own father to come, and get me from the city to bring me home for a few days, but he will drive me back to the city to get rid of me....
I went back earlier than expected because I was needed at work, and I never get called in so why not.
I get really tired of people complaining about their jobs/employers on FaceBook, and such because nine times out of ten they have other co-workers, or their employers on their FaceBook. I do get a good laugh out of some of them though.
I found a musician that really interests me; her name is Lindsey Stirling. She plays an electric violin, and her music ranges from country to hip-hop. She has done covers on several songs including music from The Legend of Zelda, and has her original music out as well. She is amazing, and inspiring. Check her out here! And I left a video below for you to check out too.
We are over halfway down second semester. I am in Fashion, and Photography, and I was just in Metal Arts, and Textiles. I really enjoyed Metals though I would never be able to do that as a profession. I really enjoyed textiles, and my favourite was the surface designing which I am hoping to go into next year. I am doing black, and white photography on an old analog film camera, and I cannot wait to be in the dark room. Foundation year fashion is so boring, and I had a sewing machine that kept screwing up on me. I used a Surger for the first time, and I floored it no matter how careful I tried to be with it. I need to get my portfolio done soon.
I went home for the March Break to do Income Tax with my Father, and see my friends, because I do not know when I will be around home next. Tuesday I went to Lunch with one of my friend's mother because my friend is in another province, and I brought my iPod Touch along so she could Skype with her mother. :) We wandered around town a bit, and I seen a few people I was hoping not to see. I seen my cousin the next day, and her psycho lovebird. It decided to fly around my room, and preen my hair after landing on my head. I went to lunch with a Manager from the McDonald's back home as well. I went out with my friends that I have been friends with since Elementary school, one of them has an adorable son, and one is expecting. We went to lunch, and then went to one of their houses, and we could not get in apparently because she had the wrong key.
I ordered new lucky star origami paper. :) I am super excited because I do not like the current ones that I own. I am also making jellyfish weather charm plushies from Kuragehime (Jellyfish Princess), and they are so cute.
I can't get my own father to come, and get me from the city to bring me home for a few days, but he will drive me back to the city to get rid of me....
I went back earlier than expected because I was needed at work, and I never get called in so why not.
I get really tired of people complaining about their jobs/employers on FaceBook, and such because nine times out of ten they have other co-workers, or their employers on their FaceBook. I do get a good laugh out of some of them though.
I found a musician that really interests me; her name is Lindsey Stirling. She plays an electric violin, and her music ranges from country to hip-hop. She has done covers on several songs including music from The Legend of Zelda, and has her original music out as well. She is amazing, and inspiring. Check her out here! And I left a video below for you to check out too.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Acadian Bus Lines Negotiations Fail
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| Photo taken by me in Sackville, New Brunswick. |
Two days later on February 6th another article was released from the local newspaper on Prince Edward Island called "The Guardian." Bus Line and Locked Out Workers Going Back to the Negotiating Table (The Guardian - PEI) ATU 1229, and Acadian Lines Respresentatives went back to the table on February 11th with the help of a mediator, and negotiations lasted all day, and continued into Sunday. The workers, and Acadian have not spoken since November 25th, and the lockout and strike had lasted since December 2nd.
According to this article: Acadian Line Contract Negotiations Continue (PEI CBC News), Acadian lost around $2 million dollars running the intercity coaches in New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island in the last year. This is not surprising because there are so many routes that are unneeded, and unprofitable in the province of New Brunswick where as there are two daily trips to one stop on Prince Edward Island. But in the two plus months that there was no service in either province quite a bit of revenue was lost because it was one of the busiest time of year being the Christmas/New Year season. Acadian has probably received their share of angry emails, and even on FaceBook you can see people are angry, but a lot of stupid/amusing things are said. The workers did want to work this out from the beginning. The economy is horrible, and the price of living has increased, and honestly I do not think it is fair that the Nova Scotia, and Quebec workers received a raise while New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island were left high, and dry. The strike/lock out is always the worst way to deal with these types of problems though.
We are in the third month, and after the negotiations this weekend it failed horribly, and I quote "In fact we feel that there is a lack of seriousness, and willingness to resolve the issues on the part of the union. No dates are set to return to the table." The company was better run when Irving owned Acadian, and even when we had the Greyhound buses in the province. This is getting quite ridiculous, and I cannot believe they are still going to leave two provinces with an intercity bus system." To wake up to this this morning is ridiculous. Acadian Lines Talks Fail to Resolve Dispute (CBC News PEI)
During this strike shuttles are available so I peeked on the prices, and the bus is a lot cheaper, and so is the train if you are lucky enough to live in a town, or city with a train. The prices for a shuttle are ridiculous considering you had to book it, and share it with people but it is hard to find people who would be traveling to the same place. Also they are the 15 passenger vans that have been banned in New Brunswick after an incident in 2008 that killed seven school students, and the wife of the coach from Bathurst High. I won't go in any van bigger than a standard size myself after hearing about that incident. I was in high school myself at the time in grade eleven, and it was a horrible tragedy.
For previous information on the strike I have written two other blog articles:
Acadian Bus Lines New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island Strike
Acadian Bus Lines Possible Arbitration - Update
Sunday, February 12, 2012
School, Work, and Hobbies
Life has been rather slow as of recent sadly. It is only the beginning of the year too.I have mostly worked on my school work, gone to school, and work, and gotten sick once.
Work has been really slow, and I am not even working the Buy One Get One this week at all, which means I have the weekend off. A rare, but lovely occasion though I would rather be working sadly.
I have been just chugging through my reading list, and I am now upon a book that around a year ago I ended up rage quitting because I could just not bring myself to finish the book because at the time I felt it was slow. I am going to finish it this time though.
I am just in love with the Hunger Game Trilogy. It was such a great series, and I am very excited for the movie in March.
I have begun to watch Lord of the Rings for the first time ever, and it is the super extended version I have been watching. I really want to read the books, and read The Hobbit before it comes out in December so I have plenty of time.
One of my roommates, and I traded bookshelves, and it is two of the ones I had, and I still need another bookcase! It is insane, but the other one will have less on it so it can be used for more than books after I purchase it.
I have also been watching TrueBlood, and I love the series. It just gets weirder, and weirder but I still love it. I just finished Season 2.
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Saturday, February 4, 2012
Blog Name, and URL Change Again
This change is more for when I get my website up, and running, and I am working on a website.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
LIGHTS Concert with Nightbox Opening
LIGHTS with the opening act of Nightbox was in Fredericton January 19th, and Moncton January 21st.
I attended the standing concert in Fredericton which was held at the Boyce's Farmer's Market which is quite a large venue. The wait outside was very cold, and I could barely feel my feet when I got inside, and I also got two friends who were with me lost before hand (of course). I went with a group of five friends, and it was great. The venue unfortunately kicked everyone out before we could get autographs, or anything. I also had the problem of not being able to see so I sat on a booth to the side, and kept getting removed from it, and it was very frustrating as I am so short, and everyone else is so tall.
Moncton's performance was even better! I managed to score front row seats back in November for a friend, and myself. This time there was no cold wait outside, and we got in fairly early to be close to the front of the line. Nightbox was amazing there too, they did signings after their part but LIGHTS came on so I went back in. She asked us to stand, and we went forward to the stage. I pretty much freaked when she came on stage. She got us to sing "Drive My Soul" with her, and I had tears in my eyes. I did not get to high five her I was too short to reach her when she held her hand out. She did not stay for autographs at this one.
I hope she feels loved by the Maritimes because she has a lot of fans here.
I have never really heard of Nightbox before recently, and they are really good. I have know LIGHTS for quite a while though I can't remember when I first started liking her music. They were both superb performances, and if LIGHTS has another tour I hope she comes back to the Maritime provinces. (And of she does I hope she brings Owl City with her again.)
I now own all of LIGHTS CDs, and I bought Nightbox's music on iTunes. I also have the Tiger shirt.
I attended the standing concert in Fredericton which was held at the Boyce's Farmer's Market which is quite a large venue. The wait outside was very cold, and I could barely feel my feet when I got inside, and I also got two friends who were with me lost before hand (of course). I went with a group of five friends, and it was great. The venue unfortunately kicked everyone out before we could get autographs, or anything. I also had the problem of not being able to see so I sat on a booth to the side, and kept getting removed from it, and it was very frustrating as I am so short, and everyone else is so tall.
Moncton's performance was even better! I managed to score front row seats back in November for a friend, and myself. This time there was no cold wait outside, and we got in fairly early to be close to the front of the line. Nightbox was amazing there too, they did signings after their part but LIGHTS came on so I went back in. She asked us to stand, and we went forward to the stage. I pretty much freaked when she came on stage. She got us to sing "Drive My Soul" with her, and I had tears in my eyes. I did not get to high five her I was too short to reach her when she held her hand out. She did not stay for autographs at this one.
I hope she feels loved by the Maritimes because she has a lot of fans here.
I have never really heard of Nightbox before recently, and they are really good. I have know LIGHTS for quite a while though I can't remember when I first started liking her music. They were both superb performances, and if LIGHTS has another tour I hope she comes back to the Maritime provinces. (And of she does I hope she brings Owl City with her again.)
I now own all of LIGHTS CDs, and I bought Nightbox's music on iTunes. I also have the Tiger shirt.
Opening, and Encore from the Fredericton Show
Video Footage Filmed by: ThoughtsBySol
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Enterprise Fawcett (Updated)
The place has been through a lot in the last 20 years including a strike/lockout because most of the workers wanted a raise. In 2009 Mike Wheaton the owner passed away, and the company was passed onto his brother Darren. In 2011 the roof collapsed in two places (over the molding shop) due to heavy snowfall. A worker was in the building but no where near the collapses. It is one of the last foundries in Canada, and is a heritage site.
This evening the piece that collapsed the year previously "burst into flames." Sackville firefighters arrived but Amherst was also called in. There were two explosions from propane, and the flames were very angry looking. From what I have heard the flames are quite nasty, and it won't stop so the building will be gone by morning. After more is found I will be updating the situation of the fire. In the end the old molding shop previously destroyed, and the offices were taken out by the blaze. The fire started at 7:30, and went well into the night.
Photos by: Dannika Phinney
Personally I have had a few experiences with the foundry. Several of my family members work there, and one still currently does. I would go into the office as a child, and the boss would tease me, and I would see my Aunt. There was a few times I did get to go in the actually foundry including the molding shop. This was the only place I managed to get a bursary from when I graduated high school. The place remotely smells of soot, and ash, and was a smell I became familiar with because of my Father. Though this place scared me from time to time with my Father coming home with injuries, and ultimately angered me when fellow co-workers of the union during the strike made fun of him because he still worked despite the lockout, and the strike. My father still owns a stove by them, and my grandmother owns a wood stove from them as well. This is another heritage building in the city of Sackville, New Brunswick we have lost due to fire.
Photos by: Coldwar_Bonnet
Saturday, January 14, 2012
My 5 Current Favourite Songs
Taylor Swift - Enchanted
Taylor Swift - Long Live
Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly
Christina Perri - Arms
Toes - LIGHTS
Taylor Swift - Long Live
Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly
Christina Perri - Arms
Toes - LIGHTS
Friday, January 13, 2012
Semester Two On a Roll
The first week of semester two has ended.
I only have two of the same teachers, and I am in a different group from my friends. That is kind of good for me because now I am more focused again. A teacher I had last semester pointed this out for me.
The Creative Process course is where we work on our portfolios in the end, and a course where we learn how our own creative processes work. I bought a new sketchbook for this course (I love buying new sketchbooks). I drew something cute, and stuck it on the front.
For drawing I do not know if I am going to miss my drawing teacher from last semester because this semester I have someone to make me better without being a jerk. We started off with gesture drawings, which I did in high school at some point. The teacher reminds me of my high school art teacher.
I am going to miss my 2D Design teacher but I do like the new teacher I have for 3D Design. She is very passionate about design, and is very experienced in the field. She likes to ramble off topic. I am her spell checker, and she also has a time keeper, and a person who keeps her on topic.
History is history, and it is still with the same teacher. Reading the textbook, and then going to class makes it so boring!
Jewelry, and Metal Art I have been scared for but I really think I am going to enjoy it... Everything but the torches. We cut copper in patterns, and I did really good, and I did not break the saw blade which is incredibly thin, and tiny.
Textiles is going to be so much fun. I am making a silk, and felted scarf, and did the felting process today from wool. I am super excited to make scarves.
Textiles I am somewhat excited for.
I am going to miss having Mondays off but I do have Thursdays off, so I guess it is a nice break in the middle of the week.
I only have two of the same teachers, and I am in a different group from my friends. That is kind of good for me because now I am more focused again. A teacher I had last semester pointed this out for me.
The Creative Process course is where we work on our portfolios in the end, and a course where we learn how our own creative processes work. I bought a new sketchbook for this course (I love buying new sketchbooks). I drew something cute, and stuck it on the front.
I am going to miss my 2D Design teacher but I do like the new teacher I have for 3D Design. She is very passionate about design, and is very experienced in the field. She likes to ramble off topic. I am her spell checker, and she also has a time keeper, and a person who keeps her on topic.
History is history, and it is still with the same teacher. Reading the textbook, and then going to class makes it so boring!
Jewelry, and Metal Art I have been scared for but I really think I am going to enjoy it... Everything but the torches. We cut copper in patterns, and I did really good, and I did not break the saw blade which is incredibly thin, and tiny.
Textiles is going to be so much fun. I am making a silk, and felted scarf, and did the felting process today from wool. I am super excited to make scarves.
Textiles I am somewhat excited for.
I am going to miss having Mondays off but I do have Thursdays off, so I guess it is a nice break in the middle of the week.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Year's Resolutions
So the new year has begun~ I rang it in watching the Canada vs. USA hockey game at the pub with friends. Canada won~
2012 New Year's Resolutions
- Relearn French.
- Work Hard. (as always)
- Possibly get my full drivers. (since I never got it last year)
- No Pets.
- Measure twice, cut once. (Project boards, maybe they won't look like a drunk cut them)
2012 New Year's Resolutions
- Relearn French.
- Work Hard. (as always)
- Possibly get my full drivers. (since I never got it last year)
- No Pets.
- Measure twice, cut once. (Project boards, maybe they won't look like a drunk cut them)
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