Zippers

I was thinking about what to write today and I could have gone with something like Zelda (which I actually played at a friend's place when I was little on what N64 because we didn't have a game console at home), but I don't know much about the game and I'm not feeling particularly interested in gaming tonight. Instead, I think I'm going to talk about two things: The zipper and the creation that is the Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz (and its amazing creator).

So, zippers.. We use them everyday, don't we? I know for a fact I've worn 4 different zippering articles of clothing today: two pairs of pants (work pants and jeans), a jacket, and a hoodie. These awesome little toothed devices pull sides of fabric together, and I've always heard that they were invented by a Canadian. However, I've had a hard time finding evidence for this online, so I'm going to leave it as a question for anyone who may care to answer: Who actually invented the zipper as we now know it, and where are you finding this information? As an English person I feel like I should be able to find this stuff, but I just caaaaan't tonight. It may be the 8.5 hours of work and then hockey I just watched (Canucks lost. Again.), or I may just be dumb tonight, but I'm unable to find this stuff. Anyways, zippers...

They're wonderful! and we use them in a lot of different ways, including that stereotypical nerdy joke that we all hear in highschool Biology that helps us remember something from the course (if you don't know this joke, really? How've you not heard it). It was originally presented to me in 12th grade as a reallly horrible pick-up line, but I've heard a multitude of variations. Basically though, it's "Hi, I'm DNA helicase and I'd like to unzip your genes". But zippers aren't used only in these ways. Did you know that the first airtight zippers were created by NASA for pressure-suits, and were later adapted and used for space suits and (now) wet/dry suits in swimming?

Zippers are produced in the vast majority by the Japanese company YKK now, and with the 'double zip' (you know, the zipper that opens from the top and bottom that is often included in newer jackets and stuff) they're appearing all over the place. Disappearing are buckles and buttons, emerging are zippers. Actually, the zipper is probably the most widely used fastening device in the world today. Scary.

Anyways, I promised to talk about the Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz today too, and basically what I wanted to do was leave you with something fun. Being the English-y person that I am, I thought I'd leave you with a 'Z' that was fun and meant a bit to me, and because the Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz is a Seuss creation, it's always going to mean something to me. I was brought up on Seuss's books; some of the first books I ever read on my own were his, and Are You My Mother will always be a super cute favourite. I'd also, however, like to point out that though his books were fun and cute and educational, they weren't always over-the-top educational; they were a good way to teach children to read and write (remember, things that rhyme will stick in our minds for far more time, and a rhythm is always helpful too!), but they were definitely filled with impractical things, such as the Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz. He's not going to appear on a spelling test any day soon, but he sure is a good way to teach children to say and write out their 'z's. Education and fun-always a good thing to put hand-in-hand!

So yeah, this has been my month (minus Sundays) in blogs. I may do something like this again, we shall see. However, if I do maybe next time I'll do it with more of a theme in mind. I'm off to watch some Doctor Who and go to bed though now.. I've got to be up at 6:30 tomorrow morning to go to work *gags*. I won't say goodbye forever though, as I can pretty much guarantee that I'll be back at some point in time. Ciao, it has been a slice!

University

So, this topic was actually suggested to me; the first thing to my mind was umbrellas, and I have had bad experiences and luck with those, so I decided that that topic wasn't appropriate. When I asked my mother what to write about she suggested 'underwear' and I decided that could get a little too risqué; Ray-Ray suggested unicorns, and I was very sorely tempted. But you know, it's sad. I didn't even think to talk about Universities, and I'm AT University. Well, was. I've just finished off another term, and now I'm (as you really should know by now) on SUMMER VACATION! (which means I'm picking up as many hours as possible at work and applying for additional jobs). 

But hey, University - I love it. You know, it's actually not all that different from my high school as I expected it to be (probably because I went to a "self-directed high school" which is a nice way of saying that I could get away with skipping so long as I did my work. Basically. Not that I ever actually did this; check my attendance record :P *sweet smile*); I go to class, go do some work, hang out, and hand stuff in. Oh, and I have awesome, random discussions and meet incredible people!

Not that my high school friends aren't awesome, but the people I've met at University are awesome as well; I think it's a novelty thing, and the fact that I see them more than I see my friends from high school. However, my besties are high school friends :). I'm off track again though, aren't I? Yup. So, University and conversations, etc. Well, because of the upcoming election (Yay! I get to participate in democratic activities again.. Boo! We had to have ANOTHER election this quickly) I've had political debates at school, and have actually participated in political discussions and understood what was going on. This has never happened before, but it may have something to do with the fact that the first discussion I participated was prompted by this video. However, it's not just that; I've met people with similar interests to mine, spoken many words with other English majors, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of it. 

Now, as many of you know (or not), I started as a Biology major. BIG MISTAKE. I know some people really love it, but it turns out it just wasn't for me. Now, I'm nearly done my English major and I'm regretting those lost 2 years; I could have taken so many amazing classes! My University offers Latin and ASL and Greek and Roman Studies and Germanic Studies and.. I could go on, but you get the ideas: I didn't take the courses that now sound to absolutely thrilling, and I'm sad. Maybe I'll come back to University as a senior, I hear it's free... 

I know there are a lot of people out there who think that University is all about the social life, but with a schedule like mine, it can't be. I had the Breakfast Club (no, not the movie) and a few others that I hung out with, or members of the Breakfast Club at different times of day, and I had my friends from home and that was about it; that's all there was time for with 6 courses and a part-time job (not to mention commuting/napping, sleeping, eating, the gym, and occasionally cooking dinner and going to skating 2 times a week... holy carp, I sound like a drone >.<). 

However, I thoroughly love my University life. It's liberating and educational and honestly, even though I feel like I spend 90% of my time studying/working and 100% of my time sleep deprived, I love it. I love the people I know, I love my campus, I love my studies, and I even find myself loving some of the work. Heck, I picked up a couple late Victorian novels to read over the summer because I want to, not because I have to. That's how much I'm enjoying this stuff!

And so, before I go do something else (alright, I'll admit it: it has taken me almost an hour to write this much because of youtube, convos on MSN and bubbles, so really this has been the 'something else') I'd just like to encourage everyone to find something that they love to study, sign up for University, and meet amazing people. Because I have, and I certainly love them all (also, I'm going to miss them this summer and the years coming, for those that are leaving)! Tons of love all, I'm off to find some tea, think about what courses I want to take next September (Germanic Studies courses, English, maybe some Greek Mythology...), talk with Ray-Ray, and blow more bubbles in mah bedroom! :)

Ta!

Potter

Well, with a title like that I could be writing about several things, couldn't I? I could be talking about the potters you refer to when you're talking about the people that make pots (ceramics maybe?); I may be mentioning the wonderful creator of Peter Rabbit, Miss Beatrix Potter; or, I may simply be talking about the best book series out there: Harry Potter. Which I am.

Yupp, you've caught me: I'm a Harry Potter fan. I've read all of the books, seen all of the currently released movies, and also own Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which were rather enjoyable to read through. However, let's not go all crazy on this- Harry Potter is still only a book series and is not actually truth; but bloody hell, if it were real I'd certainly prefer to be a witch. I'm not going to give you a run-down on the books because if you haven't already read them you most certainly should. But I'll tell you a little big about my Harry Potter experiences, if you'd like (none of which are overtly thrilling, but I rather enjoy them!)

So the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was published in 1997 (so I was about 7 when it came out), and shortly after this I found it on the shelves of the school library. It took me a while to slog through, but after reading it I was hooked. When it came time in the 6th grade (years later) to do a book report on it, I was set. For the first time in school, people were actually seeking me out to be in their groups for work. This wasn't because I was popular but because I had read the book and knew the material; however, I was elated and will always fondly remember the first book and some of the things that came with it. Heck, I can still remember that it was raining most of the time I was reading the book (it rains a lot here)!

The second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, I don't have as many pleasant memories about, but I most certainly do remember when we went as a family to see the movie! My little sister doesn't like spiders and was about 9 when the movie hit theaters, but we went to see it anyways. We were sitting in a sold-out theater with my sister and I between my parents, Bug beside mom, and Aragog and co. became heartily present. Well, as soon as Aragog appeared on screen that was it! Bug shrieked and jumped, landing in mom's lap (this also happened later on when the Basilisk was introduced - she's a mite jumpy, but I love her!). I'm never going to forget how terrified she was, and though I feel bad for her, I can't help but think back on it an laugh.

Prisoner of Azkaban doesn't bring forward many memories about reading or seeing the movie that aren't related to the plot, but let me just say: I really liked this one, and the Dementors are freakin' gross. Goblet of Fire doesn't inspire too many memories either, except that at ten I read the entire thing in less than a week the first time, and about 3 or 5 days the second (I skimmed more the second time it would seem.). I also received GoF for my birthday, so that was awesome.

Order of the Phoenix took me about a week to read the first time as well, but I heartily enjoyed it; I spent a whole week out in the summer sunshine, hiding in the shade and languishing in the sun alternately, reading. Who wouldn't have enjoyed themselves?! Then out came Half Blood Prince, and that took about 2(?) days to read, and I enjoyed it. Deathly Hallows though is where my nerdiness comes out: I bought it at Costco while we were camping and it was pouring rain, and I read it in a night. Yeah. I stayed up all night reading Harry Potter on a family vacation, and I loved it.

Actually, I could have finished most of the later books in day if I hadn't had to be responsible and like, go to work the next day or something silly (or skating. I used to skate in the summer and have to be up early; I was cool, eh?); those were the days: books could be read for hours, and there was sunshine. Right now I'm sitting in my room after a day in which it was sunny, rained, and freakin' HAILED. The weather has been nuts, and I can't wait until summer. But, I'm off. Gunna finish off a Harry Potter Fanfic I've been reading, and head to bed. Work at noon shall be... Fun...

Goodnight, internet!