Migaloo Jr?

Whales are incredible, intelligent animals and they are absolutely amazing, I think. Many whales are gentle and just as curious about us as we are of them. One of my favourite kind of whale is the Humpback Whale. These huge animals were thought to live about 50 to 60 years but now studies are showing that they may live much longer (one type of baleen whale was age-tested at 211 years).

Humpback Whales were hunted to near extinction for years because of their size, slow speed, and the fact that they are a coastal species. However, efforts to protect the species and build population sizes up have been relatively successful and the species is back on its way.

The Humpback is migratory and people in areas throughout the world know when to start watching for their big friends to show up. However, on June 28th, 1991, people near Byron Bay in Australia sighted Migaloo for the first time and a whole new kind of search started. Legislations to protect Migaloo were instituted and the penalties are harsh. This is because Migaloo is very special. He is a hypo-pigmented humpback; basically he is pure white, all over. He was the only Humpback Whale recorded in history to be pure white...

Until this past September 2011, when another all white calf was video taped swimming around. He has been unofficially called Migaloo Junior but until DNA testing is done, there is no certainty about whether the calf is Migaloo's offspring.

Follow the migration of Migaloo online through his website, on Twitter @Migaloo1 or on many of the websites that track this Humpback's, as well as many others', migration. Spread the word and raise awareness for these gentle giants!

Long Weekend...

Alright folks! I am going to surprise my family back home this weekend and am flying out tonight. (Shhh! Don't tell anyone!) Having a break is going to feel amazing after over a month of intense homeworking and class-attending. Anyways, every time I fly somewhere, this song is stuck in my head for about two days beforehand. Can't help it!

Take advantage of this extra time to do things you love with the people you love. I hope all of you have a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend!

Grey's AND Doctor Who?!

SPOILER ALERT!!

Okay, so if you've read my post, Doctor Who?, you know that I'm kind of obsessed with the series. What you might not know is that I also love the television series Grey's Anatomy. And I am super lucky because three of my friends from my program invite me over to watch Grey's every week so I can keep up.

So last night, I head over to the girls' house and we all settle in to get our weekly fix of Grey's. The episode revolves around a comic convention which causes a human stampede. Well, you'll never guess what the cause of the stampede was...

Apparently Comic Conventions can be dangerous.
This was the Hobbit who found adventure and became a hero.
He and his friend also got a TARDIS.

DOCTOR WHO!! That's right! The stampede was caused by super-nerds (<3) trying to rush in to get their own collectible TARDIS. It was amazing. Everyone just turned and looked at me. And when I came home, my roommate started watching and all of a sudden, I heard her freaking out and yelling my name from her room.

Anyways, two amazing shows. Combined. For just an episode, but still. And I am proud to say that I got most of the fantasy novel/game/movie references. Super-nerds rule!

The Discovery of... SANDWICHES!!

Alright folks.

Sandwiches. How great are they?

I mean really. I hadn't had sandwiches for lunch since elementary school. And then this year I figured it was a quick fix, especially that I have been eating both meals away from home for the past month or so. They're quick and easy to make and there are so many different combinations.

I've experimented a bit and I think I've found my perfect sandwich. White bread, mayo, honey mustard, turkey, Yum-Yum pickles, and marble cheese. It is so good! Most of the time I finish my sandwich and find myself craving another. Here's what mine looks like today:

What's your perfect sandwich?

You know you're a teacher when...

You know you're a teacher when going out means:

You're heading out by 8:30.

You pick the place with the best deal.

No one drinks any alcohol.

You're home by 10:00.


But who cares! We have loads of fun anyways.

You and I

Music has been a huge part of my life; even before I was born, my dad was singing me songs accompanied by his guitar. I love music and find that I am generally a happier, better person when there is music around. Music has the power to evoke every emotion: happiness, sadness, nostalgia, excitement.

About three years ago, I discovered a wonderful singer. Ingrid Michaelson has been by my side through the good times and the bad. She has songs that make me cry and songs that make me hopeful and happy. Her song "You and I", without fail, always makes me smile and want to dance around my room (yes, I did that today). And come on, it is so cute! Who doesn't want a relationship like that?

So check it out, as well as her other songs. She is a fabulous artist and I don't think I've ever heard a song of hers that I didn't like. Enjoy!

Doctor Who?

I think there is a gaggle of girls throughout the world who feel this way. I know I do. Who could resist being swept off their feet by this amazing Doctor? My friend and I regularly have debates about which companion we are most like and which of us would be more likely to end up with the Doctor. After all, what girl doesn't dream of an attractive, mysterious, intelligent, witty, caring, courageous, and kind man?

For those of you who have never watched Dr. Who before, I have only one thing to say: START NOW!  Doctor Who is one of the longest running television series ever. It essentially follows a Time Lord on his adventures through time and space with the multiple companions he meets along the way. "How do they travel through time and space?", you might wonder. With his magical blue box, The TARDIS! And of course, things always go amuck due to the "wibbly wobbly, timey wimey" nature of the vortex.

The first episode aired in 1963 and the show continued until 1989, introducing us to a total of seven Doctors! In 1996, a TV movie introduced an eighth Doctor and in 2005, the television series started airing again with a ninth Doctor. This is where I jump in.

Most of the newer generation of Doctor Who fans have watched the series starting in 2005, with Christopher Eccleston playing the Doctor. And here is the thing: every time they change Doctors, you think you will never like the next one as much. But I am now caught up to the latest season of Doctor Who (Season 6) and I love Matt Smith, the eleventh Doctor. He does a great job and adds a quirky and wonderful sense of humour to the show. I still miss David Tennant, mind you. I don't think anyone will ever replace David Tennant - picture below - in my heart.

This show makes me laugh, cry, cheer, and scares me half to death at times. You come to know the characters, get attached, and wish that they were real and would just walk into your life. Every minute spent watching it is worth your while! Check it out folks! :)