pimg src=http://www.kurtismccartney.com/sites/default/files/minimalism2008.png align=right alt=Minimalism Fail Train /Over the year a lot has changed, some of it has been documented as a success (Academic), and some of it has been seen as a failure (Time Management). Though after nearly a year worth of change toward a minimalist lifestyle I have shed much of the frustration and failure that existed in years prior./p pThe 100 Things Challenge Is nearly complete. I have donated clothing en masse to multiple different charity organizations throughout the year as I came to realize ssome truths. Truths - that 60 T-shirts were too many - an encyclopedia set is too heavy to keep while never using - appliances serve a purpose, but not all of them have to operate electrically - anything your government can do, you can too (and if you can't then they shouldn't)./p pAnti-Alcoholism, my most challenging fight of the year has been against the idea that one has to consume alcohol once they are of drinking age. In 2007 I was indulgent and didn't pass up an opportunity to celebrate, usually alcohol was involved. I have not drank in an exceptionally long time, and I do not plan to until the time comes. When? Whenever I say so. It's a choice, and anybody can make it - like smoking, eating meat, killing seals. Millions of people say no every day and I hope that millions more can consider the health risks associated with this substance./p pMy minimalism has also had a focus on my ecological footprint, it is about more than carbon. Eating less food, with greater flavour and nutrition has been very fulfilling. As well, my experiences with physically creating the meals has been changed for the better by allowing myself more time every day to enjoy the experience rather than rushing through. /p pI invested in the environment in 2008 by putting together a low-cost solar energy system using a simple battery and photovoltaic collector panel. It powers my personal computer (ASUS EEE) and lighting systems (LED-Based) at home. Making efficient use of electricity with solid state devices is the first step to my concept of modern freedom. Free from debts without going Amish./p

With the winter season creeping into Niagara, members of the Brock community are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Inclement Weather Policy. br / The policys purpose is to coordinate information gathering, decision-making and action when the policy is enacted, and to communicate effectively and in a timely manner to the campus community and to the broader community when circumstances threaten to interrupt the normal operations of the university.

On Dec. 6, 1989, Marc Lepine stormed into Montreacute;als Eacute;cole Polytechnique, opened fire and killed 14 female engineering students with the cry, Jhas les feacute;ministes [I hate feminists].br / From that tragic moment, the day has gone down in Canadian history as the Montreal Massacre.

As the holiday season is fast approaching, everyone is starting to penny pinch in order to buy for their loved ones (especially students). br / Enduring these economic times, everyone - not just students - are a little strapped for cash. So this holiday season is the year of the big box stores.

A few weeks ago, the McGuinty Government of Ontario proposed tough new driving legislation with the intention of making the provinces roads safer for Ontario drivers.br / The proposed changes announced to Ontarios Graduated Licensing System would create a wait time of up to 36 months, from the beginning to the end of the process, for new drivers to obtain a drivers license.

It would be one of the most anticipated events of the season; the lineup started to form approximately two hours before. br / Restless children all awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus were jumping and dancing from excitement, the atmosphere could bring a smile to even the most cynical Scrooge.

Middle Eastbr / br / Deadly terrorist attack in Indiabr / br / In Mumbai, Indias most popular tourist destination, a group of terrorists took control of two luxury hotels, a hospital, and a Jewish centre for over 60 hours.br / The group took hostages in both of the hotels, and according to Indian television, targeting Westerners.

Apple has declared its latest MacBooks have been redesigned to become the greenest family of notebooks ever made. br / A new Web site launched by Apple, accompanied by a 30-second television commercial, says the newest MacBooks, which were unveiled in October, use Mercury-free LED technology and arsenic-free glass.

Barack Obama wants his BlackBerry back. And rightfully so.br / At 47, Barack Obama has, to an extent much larger than any of his predecessors, grown accustomed to using technology. Anyone who has ever browsed through a gallery of photos of the President-elect has likely come across a few of the incoming president lost in his BlackBerry, which he uses to stay in contact with everyone from family to advisors.

Judge Awards $873M Fine for Spamming Facebookbr / br / A Canadian citizen was slapped with an $873 million fine Friday for sending approximately four million spam e-mail messages to Facebook users - the largest judgment ever handed down for a violation of the federal CAN-SPAM Act.

Merry Christmas. br / There, I said it. br / Its that time of the year again and an increasing quantity of confusion and uncertainty continues to revolve around the very words I opened with. br / Christmas has a long tradition in Canadian soceity and as such, has been categorized as an official holiday to be recognized once a year by all of those who reside in our nation, coast to coast.

Recently at my work, a new associate was hired that was born in 1993. Being born in 1986, I quickly realized that a large generational gap exists between us, despite the relatively short time period. A lot has happened in that gap. br / Someone born in 1993 wasnt alive while Tim Burton was at the head of the Batman franchise.

Facebook tells me Im fat almost everyday. Or at least that is how it makes me feel. br / Call it lack of self-confidence or a distorted body image, but being constantly bombarded with advertising for Oprahs Miracle Akai diet or ways to cut down the flab on my middle section, I cant help but feel like there is something I need to improve, and as a result, spend time scrutinizing myself in the mirror.

As we enter into exams and the most stressful time of year, become everyone of your friends saving grace with a small treat of sugarless heart cookies. Wrap them up and deliver them when they are the most stressed out. They will be thankful for the treat, but also thankful that you took the time to make the healthy choice.

Coco Model Management, a Toronto-based company, is working hard to combat trends in the modern modeling world.br / The companys mission is to represent real people for commercial work. As commercial companies begin to recognize a change in the modern market, the modeling world will no longer be able to rely on rail-thin models.

A question often posed to bands and their members usually revolves around where and how they got started; for Opus Road it started right here at Brock University. br / Back in 2002, a pair (Jeff Mahoney and J.P. Nadeau) of the now five-piece band, met in residence and began playing for friends before nights out on the town, in coffee houses and various talent shows.

Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said this weekend that he will present a comprehensive budget on Jan. 27, 2009. With this in mind, its time that someone took a closer look at what Harpers proposed arts cuts will mean.br / The City of Ottawa announced in early November a proposed cut of over $4 million in its Heritage funding, which represents a 54 per cent cut of its arts budget.

So, youve just paid about $30 bucks for two tickets (I usually go with my mom to the movies), and snacks to go see this brand new flick. Youre sitting there, thinking this should be good. I mean, a movie has to be developed from writers, then approved by a production company, have a vision with a director and ultimately, get funding.

Sixteen years ago, Susan Franklin embarked on a journey to Cuba to find new and exciting cultural arts. br / I met many wonderful people, including artists and cultural promoters. The people from the Sierra Maestra region revealed that isolation is not an obstacle to creative production, said Franklin.

The Essential Collective Theatre presents Possible Worldsbr / br / Dec. 4 - 14, 8 p.m.br / Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatrebr / br / Possible Worlds by John Mighton Directed by Peter Feldman will premier in Niagara Dec. 4th to the 14th at the Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre; Tuesday to Sunday at 8pm.