pFollowing a weekend of packing, sorting, and working off those extra holiday pounds at the gym I can finally focus on the job hunt. In fact some of the people reading this article may be *potential employers*. If you are looking for an online copy of my resume, I try to keep one around at a href=http://www.kurtismccartney.com/resume title=http://www.kurtismccartney.com/resumehttp://www.kurtismccartney.com/resume/a or a href=http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd2k6trb_224gmq5bkhghere/a. Otherwise I will continue this post as usual, by commenting in the public Internet about my experiences and plans./p p The job hunt is going well and keeping me busy. This is good, since over the weekend I published that a href=http://www.kurtismccartney.com/failfail comic/a. Maybe I should hold off until I get some character designs and a good topic, otherwise it was a great way to relax over the weekend. Relaxing on the weekend may be the actual problem, most new job postings appear on weekdays and maybe it's superstition, I like being among the early applicants rather than crossing my fingers when the position may already be filled./p p Money, which I have had so little during my university career suddenly seems much more important. Getting by through kind gestures and little bits of work here and there to eat well and stay where I live are harder to come by. My bicycle isn't taking me all of the places it used to, and public transportation is failing pretty hard this winter. Too many buses out of commission will do that. So I have been looking for work ANYWHERE, including New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and even overseas. I'd rather find a community to settle in, but if the travelling circus is in the cards for me, then who am I to reject Teach English in Djibouti or Something in Australia, No the awful part. /p p My family isn't happy to hear these options, but they know as well as I do that my University Degree does nothing here in Welland unless I want to get into entrepreneurship. New business has been failing too, so that may not be the wisest course. Though my family isn't going to pay down my student debt and buy a house for me to start another family. Though my grandmother sounds pretty close to it, so long as she gets absolute control - also not a good idea./p p Back to the job hunt, before I lose track of the new listings./p

pimg src=http://www.kurtismccartney.com/sites/default/files/webcomic/0001km010509.png alt=Fail train comic #1 //p

pDo you ever get the feeling that you've seen the Internet, that there is no longer any new content that piques your interest. After pretty much demolishing the Random buttons on Wikipedia and Encyclopedia Dramatica there was an awkward moment. In that moment I realized that more Wikipedia was not the answer, I needed more content that was enjoyable. Some of the best humour comes from a couple of my favourite comics online, and it doesn't take an hour to finish a new clip of that./p pLooking at XKCD, Real Life Comics, Two Lumps, Questionable Content, Explosm, and Shortpacked I saw a formula. That formula was pretty much the key to spreading new humour. Take something obvious, question it, give it super powers, then blow it up. That may not be exactly what the other do, but it was my best crack at the genre. So for now I've got to find an artist or decent software to get the preliminary sketches of the main characters done. /p pThere will be more about this later./p

pEver since adding the official Welland Tribune RSS feed to the aggregator section there has been a number of people jumping back and forth between my site and theirs. I've got some news about news (which does not divide by zero). The Welland Tribune articles with the greatest crossover to KurtisMcCartney.com happen to be those of my former classmate Maryanne Firth./p pimg src=http://www.kurtismccartney.com/sites/default/files/maryanne_firth.png align=right hspace=5px vspace=5px alt=Maryanne Firth border=7px /It does seem strange, since the two of us were probably the most responsible for the better sections of the Eagle Flyer a short lived news journal printed at Eastdale Secondary School. I'm not going to joke, it sucked and every article except those of Maryanne, Dave Walmsley, and mine had typos. That was due in most part to the lack of editorial review./p pI wasn't even supposed to be a writer, I was just the tech guy brought in to take care of the layout. Most of the other articles were submitted by a Grade 9 English teacher, to encourage her students to develop an interest in writing. I'm not sure it caught, many of them were made fun of after release./p pMaryanne was probably the only one outside of the school staff taking it seriously. Even I thought it was going to fail, which it did, one of the many stops on the fail-train. And even when we came back the next year to write for Rob's Eastdale newspaper, that serious attitude was back. That year, the newspaper failed again./p pWhen called about that experience Maryanne responded Stop calling here, there is no Mary-anne here. Damn, it's one in the morning - I'm calling the cops.. Which also proves my claim that Mary-anne is a secret ninja - the people in her house don't even know she's there./p pGood luck Maryanne, even if your articles do make more money than mine./p

pThe New Years Eve party this year took on a life of its own as contributions from guests surpassed the needs of guests as a whole. Among the food consumed there was:/p ol li / An Oriental Party Pak from a href=http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/view?uname=kurtismccartneyamp;subjectids=LeVg5UwWPRaS3sLE7N1PYFPIPlX2-ZFbCZEzUJPHO1I#Alie Balan/abr / /lili / A Sushi Building Event commanded by a href=http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/view?uname=kurtismccartneyamp;subjectids=LeVg5UwWPRaS3sLE7N1PYOepy8TST0Cl_zdHHKbxMvk#Beth Reading/a ul li / Salmon, Cucumber, Avocado, Crab, Green Onion, Peppers, Shrimpbr / /lili / All on top of a Rice and Nori (seaweed) Base /li/ul /lili / A Collossal Pot of Tea managed by a href=http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/view?uname=kurtismccartneyamp;subjectids=LeVg5UwWPRaS3sLE7N1PYFVKfHhDiv0TzG24ArASJeM#Steve Tkachuk/abr / /lili / Mochi, Pocky, Chocolate and Win - Contributed by All.br / /lili / Chocolate Fondue, with Banana, Strawberry, Brownies and Fail /li/ol pIt was definitely one of those events to remember among both the KPF and Anime leaders. Some of the games were routine, although they were a welcome refrain from the dangerous ones/p pEarly in the evening we played a couple of rounds of TV Game Show King on the Nintendo Wii. After winning the first round I retired my game show career early. It was good fun and definitely made Alie happy to try playing with more people on multi-player./p pAlie recommended the Snow-Fight, which was brisk and exciting. The number of people and the abundance of natural shielding made it more of an exercise of making balls and ducking fast. Until we entered level two, with nowhere to hide the chance of being hit went up and it continued like this for a while. Didn't get to see the end myself as I slipped and spent some close personal time with the ground./p pDuring the recovery we were able to watch a couple of episodes of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. It was a great way to cap off the night and get people relaxed before going to sleep. Steve and Beth stayed the night, whereas a href=http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/view?uname=kurtismccartneyamp;subjectids=LeVg5UwWPRaS3sLE7N1PYH3qDemxLP4EwUUYBsGX-8Y#Carleen LeBlanc/a and a href=http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/view?uname=kurtismccartneyamp;subjectids=LeVg5UwWPRaS3sLE7N1PYN6-q_NMzBPlLAtmWXce5Io#Ken Denommee/a were able to get home easily as they are local residents./p pHappy New Year Everyone./p

pLooking into 2009, past all of the doom and gloom, is the opportunity to explore and learn. Among the new technologies that have piqued my interest are unobtrusive hydrokinetic electrical generation, image projection and unlit displays, solid-state replacement technologies (incl. mobility), and a special focus on the human body./p pExploring the human body, among all of the potential jokes, is actually very important. I'm not about to accept anything like homeopathy or many of the other oddball quick-fix schemes, but understanding our nerve system and the use of energy within the body may be key to eliminating years worth of sorrow, pain, and hunger for myself and the people I will know. This will be an important part of my ongoing Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger Challenge./p pSolid state technologies, found in the form of transistors, LEDs, photovoltaic collectors, flash memory, and numerous other gadgets found in most Canadian homes, represents my prefered use of harnessed electrical energy. Without wear and tear the users of solid state technologies can enjoy the use of their devices for years longer without wasting energy on spinning and heating when they do not have to. I might as well declare another challenge, the Solid State Challenge. An ongoing simplification of our modern commodities./p pThe transmission of knowledge in the late twentieth century was dominated by video screens, predominantly CRT technologies. In this decade we have seen the progressive conversion to photochemical (Plasma) and solid state (LCD) display technologies although these are slow and incomplete. Incomplete. They are replacements for a poor technology, time to blank the slate. With solid state projection a user can carry a device the size of a cell phone to enjoy the traditional glow of a lighted display, and the 3M MPro-110 is an excellent start for this idea. The other solid state image technology is the E-Ink display, as it is unlit and monochrome for the time being it has a mixed response from the consumer market. I am confident that the efficiency of the E-Ink display for static content and the Projection technology for video content will improve efficiency and the user experience. Photos never glowed before, and they shouldn't anymore./p pThen that other thing... hydrokinetic. Yea, not exactly solid state. I've got a feeling its going to be huge in Niagara though. I enjoy being involved with a strong project and if anyone knows about any plans for new HK projects please contact me./p pUntil next year, stay safe and power up!/p

pimg src=http://www.kurtismccartney.com/sites/default/files/buddhist_Santa.jpg alt=Buddhist Santa align=right / Happy Holidays, Chrismahanukwanzukah, Yupyup Xenu Day, or whatever it is that you celebrate I hope you have the best of it. (Add.: Best Wishes to my non-celebratory Witness friends too, no I'm not looking for a copy.)/p pThis time of year usually means running around to all of the different celebrations to make sure that my cheerful, albeit tired, presence is felt by all. In 2008 I have and will be attending the celebrations of the McCartney (23), Gray (24), Balan (25), Aubin (25), and Gratton (26) families across four days. Each one is distinct and cheerful. Each one promises food and presents. /p pThe McCartney and Gray celebrations are smaller and usually offer the largest share of food. Ususally followed by sleep, and lots of it due to the turkey./p pThe Balan celebrations are new, chaotic, and different. There are very few of the traditions of the other families at the Balan event. Although there are two distinct elements; Christmas snappers and prayer. Very different./p pThe Aubin Family Christmas is the largest event with more than twenty people in attendance it dwarfs even the Balan family (Balans had five children, Aubins had seven, and averages 1.7 grandchildren to each of those seven.) Some traditions existed and passed before the time I celebrated Christmas with the Aubin clan; remembering all those things is a part of the current event. Also, the Aubin family is collectively the most technically advanced. Family members have a professional background in photography, videography, construction, heating, plumbing, electrical, digital art, hairdressing (and removal), computer science, and some other interesting skills that add to the fun around the giftgiving season. They still expess sadness at the loss of their patriarch, colloquially known as Papere, and resident party animal Maurice Mugsy Aubin both of which passed away. However Mugsy lives on in us and his son Troy Neabel, father of the first great-grandchild in the family./p pThe last event of the season is the Gratton family luncheon on Boxing day. This celebration is very refreshing, a refreshing break from turkey and potatoes for a bit of soup and chili while catching up. Just as much a part of Welland's francophone community as the Aubin family they represent a quieter and reserved side of the culture. Since the passing of Grandma Adrienne and Grandpa Leo the family comes together under the direction of one of the aunts or uncles. Special recognition should be given to Madeline Garant, sister of Adrienne Gratton, who has been acting as family elder and laughing all the way through it. /p

pAt this point I see the valid reasons for people to buy more in the face of tough economic times. The other part that people need to see is how to shop responsibly./p pShopping for products that are stronger, and better is taken for granted in most situations but before you think that big screen LCD is helping take a look at some of these choices while you shop through the depression:/p ul h2Basic foodstuffs/h2 p - buy some flour and experiment with food to both save money and help ease supply overflows closer to the product source. It may have the effect of reducing prices of bread in the long run for both you and the producer. h2Fabric/h2 /pp - Before you stop reading, this part is actually about NEW commodities. All of the innovation that went into those 200$ pants at the mall can be found for much cheaper at a good shop. I've seen people integrate carbon fibre and kevlar into new clothing and building materials. Finding the right fabric locally may be difficult in some areas - I would recommend pooling resources with other local crafters and buying online. h2Entertainment/h2 /pp - Diverse entertainment, meaning other than just television, is an excellent way to save some money while setting aside your troubles. Even if live theatre or a dance performance aren't acceptable or affordable yet many simple options remain. Visit a park, host a dinner party or event centred around a shared interest (ex. Anime, Cosplay, Crafting, Cycling, Fetishes, or even Sports). /p/ul pThe most important part is to just do something, anything other than sitting there accumulating. If necessity is the mother of invention, then get out there and be busy enough that you become riddled with need. The need to feed, is everpresent. The need to procreate (or trick your body into believing it has fulfilled this genetic imperative, for my homosexual peers), is a good go-to for the urban peasant. And remember that fabric part for the next time you want to make things interesting in bed -- because everybody needs to sleep and it is a form of entertainment to utilize your sense of touch with sheets of silk, or bamboo fabric./p pHumans have needs, fulfill them carefully./p

pVisitors to my website on December 19th 2008 may have noticed a cryptic 'takeover' notice. That post was part of the Drupal training for Julia Kerr, the new OPIRG Volunteer Co-ordinator. She is also an Ubuntu user and open-source fanatic, which could be good for the bottom line at OPIRG./p pThe training was a huge success, even though it was supposed to be for OPIRGBrock.org. The real problem is the unacceptable and continued downtime on their hosts' servers. SLHost has given OPIRGBrock.org six complete downtime situations between August 2008 and December 2008. These aren't the kind of gifts that I would want for my operations./p pI have recommended a change of hosts to the Brock branch of OPIRG, possibly even self-hosting if they can secure an energy efficient server. With the network support of Brock University OPIRG could have a liberated, green, effective web presence without skipping a beat. That's the kind of change I'd believe in./p pBe sure to stop by the OPIRG office in the new year to greet Julia. She will be taking over for Jen Coorsh so that Jen can *troll 4chan lololololol, zergrush*. Goodnight sweet prince./p

pimg src=http://www.kurtismccartney.com/sites/default/files/aboutpic2.jpg align=right alt=I dont know what it is / here am i, sitting in the opirg office, learning the ropes of drupal with kurtis.br / here am i, sitting in the opirg office, learning the ropes of drupal with kurtis.br / here am i, sitting in the opirg office, learning the ropes of drupal with kurtis.br / here am i, sitting in the opirg office, learning the ropes of drupal with kurtis.br / here am i, sitting in the opirg office, learning the ropes of drupal with kurtis.br / 'br / here am i, sitting in the opirg office, learning the ropes of drupal with kurtis.br / here am i, sitting in the opirg office, learning the ropes of drupal with kurtis.br / here am i, sitting in the opirg office, learning the ropes of drupal with kurtis.br / here am i, sitting in the opirg office, learning the ropes of drupal with kurtis.br / here am i, sitting in the opirg office, learning the ropes of drupal with kurtis./p h1Tasks/h1 ul li / drupalbr / /lili / nodes /li/ul

pAfter hearing about all of the planned production slowdowns and temporary production closures in the auto industry there is a new idea getting around. Rather than closing for a month, how about implementing a three day weekend./p pThe three day weekend reminds me of efforts to standardize the 40 hour work week (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday). It's a simple idea that can help businesses reduce the costs associated with labour wages and in exchange gives those people more time to spend with their family./p pLooking at it, if the 40 hour work week was developed in an era of single income nuclear family (Two parents, 2.5 children) then a planned reduction in production might be a good opportunity for those same families./p pI understand the existing drive for some people to work twelve hour shifts for six days a week, but for healthy families the demands for involvement outside of the workplace have been increasing. Extracurricular services continue to be put farther from some neighborhoods as a cost cutting measure for school boards, making it a necessity for parental involvement. Three day weekends, for families, and for the economy./p pFamilies consume, which is supposed to be good for the economy. Families produce, as a means to support themselves. Families welcome quality of life taxes, that make the world a better place. Increased production and consumption relate to increased tax revenues, even with lower tax rates. So maybe it's time to ask your peers at work if the three day weekend is good for them in this recession./p

pI'm trained, I'm ambitious, I'm low-maintenance, and unfortunately I am unemployed in Niagara. Discovered I could support myself and Alie on 14$ per hour for 32 hours a week - still unemployed. Looked for work, went for interviews, still unemployed. My University experience kept me out of the local call centre (fear of unions, looking for stable employees that wont leave). My lack of understanding about preparing meat kicked me out of fast food. No matter how cheerful, fat guys have a hard time getting hired at clothing retail, especially womens clothing. /p pI still haven't turned to Tim Hortons or Variety Stores due to the inappropriately low entry wages. Also haven't applied to a ton of locations that I am obviously not qualified to work at, including hair removal, hairstyling, child-care facilities, and a couple others./p pI have worked doing things that are obviously not safe - including unlicensed electrical work and plumbing. This was all before I realized there were restrictions and that they exist to protect me, the owners of the property I was working on, and the livelihood of all the people that trained and excelled in a feild different than my own./p pI do not physically have my degree yet, and that bothers me. What bothers me more is all of the people that I know that never went into post-secondary education looking for jobs to and what I would do this January without a degree./p pIf you are reading this and have a stable job offer in the Niagara region for a Political Scientist (Specializing in Public Admin, Political Theory, and Comparative Politics), with additional PROVEN skills related to green energy, open-source technologies and software, and a practicing minimalist - please send me an email and I will walk, ride, or slide in for duty in top condition. Simply contact a href=mailto:career@kurtismccartney.comcareer@kurtismccartney.com/a - checked daily./p

pIt happened again, the thing I do when I am not assigned a specific task. I tinker when I am bored, and unfortunately since everything else is working just fine mechanically there was a new focus. So, looking at what isn't working in my life physically or mentally isn't new, it just happened with greater frequency and documentation this year./p pI took a look my tiny slice and asked myself What could I do without? all over again. This time the analysis took less than two hours and the result placed added interest in reducing the size of my wardrobe./p pAs anyone that knew my high-school persona would likely remember my personal uniform of a white, collared, short sleeved cotton button up and a pair of simple black slacks. Sorting out much of the unnecessary t-shirt collection (this would be the third sweep of that, one more and I'd be left without any) I have finally started looking at the idea of a new uniform, nothing like Kim-Jong Il's gray outfit./p pNo money for that now, but the OFCP (Ontario Federation pour Cerebral Palsy) will be collecting a heavy bag next week as I continue marching toward the three bags. One for clothes, one for bedding, and one for everything else. As I've joked, my 'disappear from society' set. Everything I own could be on a plane to Australia, or Korea, or Kyrgyzstan tomorrow and it would literally be everything except the bicycle and furniture. Haha, or it could all fit in the back of a hatchback to take me to Saskatchewan (which is -26 as a high today, eww)./p

p It is important to remember this time of year that Winter can be very depressing, and playing into all of the doom and gloom will only serve to bring down spirits. It is the time to come together with family and find the time to be happy. If you are happy, then spreading cheer will come easily. If you are not content, things have gone wrong for far too long, it could just be you./p p I'm not going to lie about it, this is a tough time. I've seen many friends lose themselves. All of the people that died or killed themselves in high school. All of the people that joined the armed forces here in Canada and have had a chunk of their humanity stripped away by war. The unemployed masses, begging, bargaining, and betrayed. Misguided youth raised by the internet and the internet hate machine that are watching without learning. It is enough to drive yourself bonkers./p p I have found my inspiration, it is everything that I have mentioned - except set a century ago. Without many of the modern advancements in quality of life, people persevere. With thousands of deaths in the Great War, people persevere. Without ANY access to knowledge libraries, people persevere. Though we may be entering an era of great failure I find myself thinking of these hardships, then the little piece of myself that the Internet created kicks in./p p 'Schadenfreude' is the best way to describe how I overcome the sadness. And I look at the Great war, because with free and shared knowledge it could have been avoided. I look at people looking to become 'an hero', turns out social darwinism has a filter too. I think about every instance of book burning and propaganda sharing, and appreciate what it has done to increase the value of the truth and human insight. It makes me laugh, and for a moment I forget about how bad it can be today by realizing that anything can be overcome with patience and the basics of living. It is a lot of laughing. LOL/p p With warm shelter and good food humans can do anything. Without those things they can persevere. This doesn't mean they will pay attention, or share, or listen - because when nobody listens and nobody cares all of the help you need may not come. All of the freedom you have can be taken away. When it is all over there will come another generation, ambivalent to your pain, unaware of your sacrifices and when you proclaim victory they will laugh at you. You will have a choice, then as you do now. Will you set aside your hardship, your past misery, handle the truth and join them?/p

p I try to be a role model in as many ways as possible, however the reality of the economic crisis has hit my family. My mother, an employee of Henniges Automotive (General Tire, GenCorp, GDX Automotive) for the last 32 years, and my dad, an employee of John Deere for nearly 29 years have now both encountered layoffs in the form of plant closures. /p p Without these jobs and without any significant job opportunities available to myself it is clear that we will lose our home. The timeline of that failure is flexible albeit inevitable. Being so far away from retirement age and with significant debt related to the string of misfortunes in this decade and the last. Automobiles that died, major foundation problems on our 'fixer-upper' house, and the payments on an American timeshare that skyrocketed in the nineties. All of these debts complicate out ability to retain our assets and our home./p p Having one head of household lose their job is bad, but losing another is absolutely devastating. I cannot follow the road of so many others that try to get away from their families, my family old and young need my assistance. This may come in the form of familial transfer payments or hard work and perseverance, either way this is going to suck./p p I have started generating electricity, it is far from supplementing our entire household needs. Environmental education and off-grid living strategies offer some hope, but taxes and utilities cost money and are not optional./p p Completion of my degree has been a focus and may or may not be complete by the end of this year. Although, as I cannot afford any more courses if it is not done now it will have to be abandoned indefinitely./p p My loan repayment for the courses I have taken begins February, and if job opportunities near AND far dry up I may be left in an even greater fail scenario./p p I'm not looking for a personal bailout, or welfare, or assistance. I am looking for work. The kind of work that produces a commodity or food for anybody. Getting down to what people need - warm shelter and nutritious meals. Not fast food for people that get their heat shut off. We all need to start looking at what is important. I have the foresight to see what is ahead, and while knowing it is unavoidable I will harden myself to fight the good fight when I get there./p p Remember this story when you and your family enjoy in their decadence this Christmas that the threat is real and even if it doesn't hurt you it may hurt someone that you know. Think positive, think local, build character and stamina./p pEOL/p

pThis is something that I have waited a long time to share. Brock University has a secret society, based in part off of the old Water Buffalo society from the early nineties at Brock this organization known only as Dreifelds Siloviki consists of individuals interested in service in the national intelligence programs of countries on the European and American (North and South) continents./p pTo the unaware observer it would seem that this organization has a focus on alcohol and women, although those are kept as a front for meticulous information gathering. Three main philosophies are taught by members of the society during the initiation process./p ol li / Never behave as expected: By appearing aloof or uninvolved a member of the Siloviki carries the ability to ease people into sharing protected information as well as coming across very nonchalant.br / /lili / Being unknown is the easiest way to remain unconquerable: Even for the extrovert it is easy to blend in. Adopt a stereotype for yourself, stick to your role, and know that can get you anywhere.br / /lili / Bring money: Better put, don't bring gold watches, or sports cars, or anything that would reveal your wealth. Bring money, as an opener (invitation to coffee, bar, etc.) or as an escape plan in the case you fail. /li/ol pThe initiation process may be as simple as finding like minded individuals and testing their ability to process specific situations. How they respond to threats (personal or organizational), insults, humiliation, victory, and love - all can provide useful information about how free an individual believes they are. There is no reason to escalate any situation as macroscopic conclusions can be formed from microscopic research./p pGiven this information, you may already know somebody at the university indirectly involved in the Dreifelds Siloviki. You may even e the only person in your group that was not approached with this opportunity./p pI am not a member of the DS, in early 2008 I adopted a personal philosophy of monogamy and anti-alcoholism - which doesn't mesh so well with the organizational objectives to feed, fornicate, and be festive without limit. Ok, that may be taking their goal to an extreme but it seems to be the most accurate way to summarize what happens./p pKeep this bit of history in mind the next time you hear somebody say that Brock is devoid of culture. There is more beneath the surface at Brock University./p piI will not be taking inquiries about this post./i/p

pimg src=http://www.kurtismccartney.com/sites/default/files/around-the-heated-table.jpg align=right alt=Kotatsu from Minami-ke width=255px height=143px /strongWho: By Invite Onlybr / When: New Years Eve, 2008-2009br / Where: McCartney Residence, Welland/strongbr / (More information upon RSVP)/p p On New Years Eve join myself, iAlie Balan/i (My Girlfriend), and iBeth Reading/i (President of Brock Anime 2007-2009) in celebrating the coming new year in a new way. /p p On this night a festivity of food will be met with warmth that only a Kotatsu can provide. Brock University Anime club is not arranging this event, as the Kotatsu and foods are provided to a select group. The Kotatsu is seen in Anime as a way to keep warm in cold weather, especially without adequate insulation. This Kotatsu, though ceremonial is also functional and spacious at 2 meters diameter.br / img src=http://www.kurtismccartney.com/sites/default/files/kotatsu.jpeg alt=Kotatsu Gamer align=left height=130px width=160px /br / The food will be a selection of Japanese and Canadian morsels, which attendees are free to mix and match according to their preferences. Vegetarian, Pescitarian, and Vegan options will be present./p p strongA CHALLENGER APPEARS!!/strong - A guest performer will arrive later in the evening. Be sure to dress for the occasion and if needed bring your own chopsticks. See you there./p pIf you are involved and have not received an invitation but are interested in attending, please contact me via e-mail. ianime @ KurtisMcCartney.com/i/p

pThis may be pleasant news to Anime Club members, the annual Pacific Mall trip comes early. I have been working with Beth Reading, the President of Brock Anime, to get this trip going. We will leave Niagara at 10am and return after dark. /p pPacific Mall is a wonderland of tech shops, snack shops, and toy stores. Almost all of which are unique and serve a unique service or product. Many of the stores specialize in Asian cultural commodities. Be there./p

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

pHaving finally finished the month long project on municipal financing, which I believe all of the nit-picking and effort has produced a meaningful last addition to my set of essays, I feel it is safe to believe that the marks needed from 3P11 to finish my degree have been attained. Though the real marks come out later this month, when I will presumably be organizing for the crazy career search, everyone seems to be congratulatory. It does seem eerie to finally be done, and all of the volunteer and leadership groups will be disappointed to see my hasty mid-year departure. Disappointed, not disabled, as I have made it a priority to document the experience both online and through official documents of at least a couple of the groups./p pThis shift will mean my final and complete departure from BUSU/BUSAC, Brock Senate, Computer Science Club, OPIRG-Brock, Brock Anime, JP Culture Club, Residence Council, Welland Students Alliance, and likely a couple from the beginning that I can hardly remember. Though many opportunities were lost along the way, including most notably my election to the BUSU presidency, my pledge to Sigma Chi (Which only exists in Windsor, not at Brock), The BUSH (Brock University Students' of History) Royal Ontario Museum 2007 trip, and all of the women that tried. Sometimes it is better that some things never happened, that way we don't forget about the truly important parts of life./p pWarm Shelter, Good Food, and Love Abound for 2009 - otherwise I'm going to have to tell you a story about a cold, hungry person who tends to get... bleh. Bring money./p