CITY BOY GEEKINESS

Hey everyone,

It must be that time of the year because I couldn`t resist updating the blog yet again. The former design, while great, didn`t feel right anymore and I wanted to try something that was much more visually appealing. The colour scheme is different, the main page slider is gone and a new background header has been included. What do you think?

There are still some tiny updates that I need to make but I`m basically done. I`m enjoying the new look. Plus, more features have been added to help with the search functionality and navigation. Let me know how things go!

Cheers,

Justin

Change can be a good thing.

It's only the third day in 2014 and I'm ready to update a few items online. For those of you who have followed this site in the last year, I love experimenting with the look and feel of this blog. New colours, adding in the main slider, new features and creating a TV humour Tumblr were just a few new things for 2013. 

Casually through the year, I've been toying around with a few ideas and thoughts for the site. I started this blog almost four years ago back in college when I wanted to improve my writing style and talk about life. My style has changed and the focus of this blog has shifted to hobbies instead (while still casually writing about life). The one thing that stayed the same was the name of this blog: The Unwritten Journal. What started as a temporary fix and placeholder in 2010 has stayed with me throughout the years, but I've always known that I wanted to change the name to be more attuned to the focus on the blog now. Suffice it to say, I've spent a little too much time thinking about this and I think I've come up with a name.

Throughout the next few days and weeks I'll be updating the site, fixing a few of the colours and adding the new name. This also means a new URL link to the website as I will be changing that as well. I will still be keeping the current URL but it will be focused elsewhere. The content of the website will not change - there will still be a focus on TV, movies, video games and other topics that I post about - only the name and colour scheme will be updated.

Sorry in advance if a few technical problems should arise; definitely let me know if anything comes up. In the meantime, I hope you're excited for new things as I am - it's going to be a great year!

Two years ago when I still in school, I volunteered for We Day as a Parking and Transportation volunteer. It still remains one of the funnest and most inspiring days I've had as a volunteer. This year, my friend Kemeny, who has worked with Free The Children and Me To We, invited me along to this year's event.

We Day is always such an inspiring moment. I received another book (which I really need to read the previous two) and come together to be the change.

Now I really want to start volunteering again!

Television shows are either a hit or miss with viewers. Sometimes a network can decide to cancel a hit show despite overwhelming fan reactions and campaigning. On today's post, I'm going to reveal the final network show that I believe should deserve a "last-chance" renewal. As mentioned in the previous post about NBC's Awake, I've picked one show from each of the five U.S. networks that I think deserves another shot to be saved from its cancellation.

The final show is the teen witch drama from The CW...

On today's post, I'm going to reveal the fourth show that I believe should deserve a "last-chance" renewal by its network (or any network). As mentioned in the previous post about CBS' Unforgettable, I'm going to pick one show from each of the five U.S. networks that I think could be improved if it was saved from its cancellation.

The fourth show is the reality-bending drama from NBC...

Show: Awake 

Original Network: NBC

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 13

Starring (select names): Jason Isaacs, Dylan Minnette and Laura Allen.

The Premise: After a devastating car crash, Detective Michael Britten (played by Jason Isaacs) returns to his life and discovers that every time he wakes up from a dream, he appears in a new alternate world where either his wife or his son has survived the same car crash. Making matters worse to the situation, depending on which reality Michael wakes up in, the other family member (wife or son) is mentioned to have died in the crash while the other survived. 

Reaction To Cancellation: Awake was the show this mid-season that sparked curiosity from fans and viewers. Many people wanted to discover the "truth" behind the show and determine if either the wife or the son was the true survivor. I had my own theories and watched two episodes but it didn't fully draw me in to follow the entire plot. Serial shows take dedication, especially when there is an overall arch to its storyline. Viewers who missed one episode (or even more) dropped off and couldn't follow the plot unless they backtracked. 

How It Could Be Saved: Awake might be a show that could have built on its initial potential. From reports I've seen about the season finale, a big twist was revealed and would have changed the entire landscape moving forward. If NBC (or any network particularly) wanted to renew the show, a fast-moving pace could help to keep viewers interested. While I don't think Awake will be picked up by another network, it's a concept that could have left fans satisfied for a few seasons to come.

Every year during April and May, some shows get renewed while others are cut before they're given a chance for a second season. As mentioned in the previous post about FOX's Terra Nova, I'm going to pick one show from each of the five U.S. networks that I think might deserve a renewal, even though the show has been cancelled.

The third show is the cop and crime drama from CBS...

Show: Unforgettable 

Original Network: CBS

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 22

Starring (select names): Poppy Montgomery, Michael Gastian, Dylan Walsh, Kevin Rankin and Jane Curtin. 

The Premise: Det. Carrie Wells (played by Poppy Montgomery) has a rare condition that allows her to visually remember everything in her life. After being asked to join the New York City's Police Department, she uses her ability to help solve homicide crimes while desperately searching to remember and help put to rest her sister's murder. 

Reaction To Cancellation: Unforgettable had a lot of potential in terms of cop dramas. While the television universe is filled with different shows about police officers, this program offered a new dynamic lead and an ability that has never really been touched upon. CBS unfortunately choose to cancel Unforgettable yet there has been discussions that other networks such as TNT and Lifetime have expressed interest in picking up and buying the show. 

How It Could Be Saved: If TNT or Lifetime chooses to buy the program then Unforgettable will be saved. In terms of other ways the show can be improved, the first season focused (moderately) on the murder of the main character's sister. Other shows have followed the same key mystery plotline (i.e. Twin Peaks and Veronica Mars) so I would recommend that if the show was "last-chance" saved that it would develop around the characters and a new mystery to follow. Leave the past behind and bring the series into new heights.

UPDATE: After this post was created, CBS choose to renew Unforgettable for a second season that is slated for Summer 2013.

On today's post, I'm going to be talking about the second show that could do well with a last-chance season renewal. As mentioned in the previous post about ABC's GCB, I'm going to pick one show from each of the five U.S. networks that I think could be improved and might deserve a reconsideration from its cancellation.

The second show is the prehistoric dinosaur adventure from FOX...

Show: Terra Nova 

Original Network: FOX

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 11

Starring (select names): Jason O'Mara, Shelley Conn, Landon Liboiron and Naomi Scott.

The Premise: Set in the distant future, the world has become plagued with overpopulation and dwindling resources. Scientists discover a wormhole that can help transport people into the past to live in a prehistoric time period. Terra Nova follows the adventures of the Shannon family and their plight in a world that is too different from the world they had originally came from. 

Reaction To Cancellation: I'm surprised but yet I completely understand the decision. Terra Nova was promoted as the "biggest show" to hit television screens this fall with its top-notch special effects and dinosaurs. The problem was that production costs were way too high and viewers were leaving the show. While it only ran for a mid-season fall run, news of the cancellation was revealed in May. 

How It Could Be Saved: Terra Nova is a television program that would have needed a serious rework. Many viewers and journalists criticized the show for its overtly "teen-storyline" focus and a lack of dinosaurs. I only watched the show for the first few episodes - dinosaurs aren't a big draw for me and I couldn't get into the show but there are thousands of loyal fans who would love to have Terra Nova back. Possibly a storyline that focused on the adults, an overarching nefarious organization and utilizing the "teen cast" could help. Plus, you know, throw in a dinosaur here and there.

The Fall/Spring television season is nearly over and U.S. networks have already revealed their line-ups for the new TV year. There are some familiar faces returning to the list, new freshman shows ready to prove their worth come this fall and some noticeable names that just didn't make the cut. For the next few posts on the blog, I'm going to pick one show from each of the five big U.S. networks that I believe (with some small tweaks) could be improved and do well with a last-chance renewal for the upcoming 2012-2013 season.

Show: GCB 

Original Network: ABC

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 10

Starring (select names): Leslie Bibb, Kristen Chenoweth, Jennifer Aspen, Marisol Nichols and Miriam Shor.

The Premise: Amanda (played by Leslie Bibb), former evil high school Homecoming Queen, returns to her home in Texas and back into the lives of big hair and southern charm. Amanda may have changed her evil high school ways, but her former victims (and now the most powerful women in Texas) will not let her forget the pain she put them through as teenagers.

Reaction To Cancellation: I was a little shocked to see that GCB wasn't picked up after its midseason run. ABC most likely had high hopes to make GCB their next Desperate Housewives, so much so, the network even "tested" the show in the coveted Sunday timeslot for a ratings review. While it didn't perform as high as they had hoped, GCB was earning a good following and a lot of people were hooked to its scandalous secrets and southern comedy charm. 

How It Could Be Saved: GCB is a cross between a light-hearted soap and comedy. If ABC gave it another a chance, a timeslot change would be needed or even a network switch could help. Since the show airs on the weekend, an idea could be to pair the show on a weeknight as a midseason run to see if it improves. Also, the pace of the show needs to be improved. I understand that GCB ran for a few episodes but it needed to set the pace and storyline for a dramatic first season. Viewers tune in for the outrageous drama and twists - what GCB was missing were shocking and scandalous storylines for viewers to stay tuned in. It was funny and cute (and I loved it!) but if a second season could have happened, there needed to be cheating and backstabbing moments.

Hey Bloggers!

I hope you've started to have a great summer and with summer comes more ideas to write about. Recently, I've been thinking about ways to update this site and keep it lively with articles and posts but that's why there's going to be some changes and redesigns in the future.

Originally, I was thinking of a URL and site name change to begin with but I've grown attached to the link and name so I may keep it around...for now. The content and focus of this site isn't going to change because I love writing reviews, lists and articles regarding a large variety of topics but I think we're going to expand to new areas as well. Plus, with new topics can come with new help from friends and contributors who can provide interesting pieces to the site. Speaking of...look out for some fresh new faces to provide some new pieces real soon.

I'm very optimistic for change so let's see where all these developments can lead and I hope you stay tuned and catch up. Maybe the next change will come really soon.

Yearbooks remind me of how different fashion styles were back in high school. Usually it takes about 10 to 15 years for people to utter the lines, "What the hell was I thinking?" Recently, I was moving some stuff around and looked through a couple of yearbooks. 

FIRST YEAR
Style: (1st Semester) Casual with a mix of relaxed Punk.
         (2nd Semester) Casual but improving style-wise.

Brands: Bluenotes, Aeropostale, Randy River, West49, Urban Behaviour, Le Chateau, Stitches, and H&M.

Unfavourable Pieces: Stripped Zip-Up Hoodie, Scuffed White K-Swiss shoes, unfitted white graphic tees.
Memorable Pieces: Dark jeans, black buttoned-up top, black vest.

Thoughts: "Thank God for second semester and some important advice."

In my first year of college, my friends now can admit that my fashion sense was lacking. I mostly wore graphic tees with blue jeans and tried to pass that off. For an unknown and idiotic notion on my part, the concept of size and fit did not matter because I ended up purchasing tops that were either one or two sizes too big. Skulls on polos was something I thought I could pull off and I'm so sorry Mel that you had to deal with that. After the new year and my first job, I had a steady income and started to take at least some interest to purchase some fashion-forward outfits like tops from Le Chateau, a vest from H&M, and jeans from Urban Behaviour. My biggest problem was still the size issue because I bought medium and larges when I was actually a small.

SECOND YEAR

Style: (3rd Semester) Casual meets Preppy and Club.

          (4th Semester) Preppy, Urban and Indie (in my wildest dreams for the last two).

Brands: Bluenotes, H&M, Le Chateau, Urban Behaviour, Gap, and Urban Planet.

Unfavourable Pieces: Black running shoes (passed them off as dress shoes), over-sized black polo, over-sized blazer/hoodie combination, and a selection of random pieces.

Memorable Pieces: Fitted clothes, Converse, Argyle sweaters, vests, black zip-up hoodie, sun glasses, and v-neck tees.

Thoughts: "Think a relaxed version of Dan from Gossip Girl yet affordable is where I wanted to be."

Second year really marked a turning point for individual style. I started working at Gap and things were much easier to distinguish where I wanted my style to lean towards. Pulling off skinny jeans is an accomplishment and my outfit pieces were becoming more fitted. The highlight was hearing Michelle say, "your shirt looks really good; it's better than your graphic tees." That joke really made me laugh but hey, I still wear t-shirts and some of the v-necks I got at Bluenotes I still have to this day. Fashion was something that I paid more attention to starting at this period to make me more professional instead of being too casual.

THIRD YEAR

Style: (5th Semester and Present) Preppy, Modern, and Hipster (Really Kemeny?!?!).
Brands: American Apparel, Gap, H&M, Mexx, Le Chateau, Forever 21, Burberry, Banana Republic, and Urban Behaviour.

Unfavourable Pieces: I don't really have any but if I had to choose it would polos. I've never really been able to pull them off and for a time I thought I could finally do it; end result: I can't.
Memorable Pieces: Black double-breasted wool coat, black dress shoes (I think I just heard my high school graduating class all cheering simultaneously), skinny tie, scarf, black fitted pants, and faux-leather jacket.
Thoughts:  "Trends come and go but personal style is all that matters"

I feel if there was a point that I could look at as the fashion style that was really me, it would have to be my style right now. It's professional/preppy yet casual, hipster yet modern-on-trend; it's me and people took notice.

If there was something I could tell myself (five years ago) and to anyone else is that your personal style and tastes will grow as you mature. The brands and outfits that you may have liked in the past will not be the same things you want to wear out of the house in the future. Skulls, white scuffed-up sneakers, and over-sized hoodies may be nice back then but remember to know that you're tastes will change and your personal style will grow. Look back with a smile, remember all the good times, and donate them to a worthy charity. Be confident and brace yourself to cringe when you look back and have your own WTHWIT moment.

It's been two days since the election took place right here in Toronto and things have already subsided. From the news reports and tweet blasts across twitter, you probably already know that Ford has been elected as the new Mayor of Toronto. I have constantly heard from those around me who were focused on the election that they had strong opinions about Ford, Smitherman, and Pantalone. Even right now, my class is discussing about their thoughts about what they thought about the election, some for and some against.

I really have no firm opinion about the subject because for this past election, I was incredibly busy with work, school, and volunteer to focus on the election...terrible I know but life intervened. I do know that the councillor for my district had been reelected and my friend's councillor, whom she helped with his election, had been reelected as well so congrats Emily on helping with a winning campaign.

Right now I hope that things will get back to normal and people will start taking the signs off of their lawns. The election was a big thing for the city; however, things constantly change for Torontonians so give it a week and we will all be focusing on a new issue or an event. Thats life, I guess.

I don't really have to say this because it is a pretty obvious fact: time management is important. Nobody likes to be stressed or have too much on their plate that they fall like a house of cards...or a very unstable tower of Jenga. When a teenager starts to shift into adult mood and prioritize what they WANT to do and what they NEED to do, then that shows the sign of growth.

On some days I want to take a breather, sit at home with my dog and play a game or watch a movie, but there are always responsibilites that need to be completed which I kinda love to do like volunteering and work. Never forget that besides the professional side of you that you have a personal side as well. When you have a break, go out and see a movie with friends, take some time to volunteer with a project you love, walk on a park, do a hobby...or do nothing if thats what you feel like doing.

A couple of weeks ago, my Public Relations internship class had a guest speaker who was lecturing about the basics of having a personal online brand. For those of you who are unsure what this means, you have probably already tried its simplest from: type your name into Google.

It only takes a couple of quick seconds and you can try it out to see what pops up.

Surprised?

Shocked?

Baffled?

The results that pop up are what is associated with your name when someone searches Google looking for you. Our guest speaker told us that many companies and organizations have HR representatives who do background checks on applicants to see their online contributions and see what they have been posting. This includes all social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, blogs, YouTube and every kind of site you can think of. Employers would love to know what kind of person they are going to hire for their organization.

Have you ever contemplated posting a picture but worried it isn't the best picture you want people to see? Or maybe it was when you wrote an inappropriate response on your Twitter thinking it would be funny or something off the top of your head? People will see and read it on your wall so becareful what you post because it will become public domain and associated with you. 

Here are some important quick kips about protecting your online brand:

There are many more tips in protecting your brand and a completely different story when you're trying to build up your online presence. Just remember to be careful and be cautious when you use a camera on a night out with your friends. You've heard the expression, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", well in this case...it might end up on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or anywhere else unless you do something about it.

Sorry that it's been a while since my last post but things have been really busy with me in the personal, work and volunteer life. Yesterday was the craziest day by far because I volunteered for Free The Children's annual event, We Day! Disappointingly, I forgot my camera at home so I wasn't able to take any photos at the event but I'll still tell you one of the most memorable and funnest days I've ever had.

Surprisingly, the other Parking and Transportation volunteers and I got to see a LARGE portion of the concert from the gondola suite areas above the Air Canada Centre. We heard Down with Webster playing, saw Grayson Chance perform, and saw a lot of inspiring guest speakers like Jacob Hoggard, Heather Reisman, Betty Williams, Michel Chikwanine, the guys from MTV's The Buried Life, and Alexandre Bilodeau to name a few. We didn't get to see Craig and Marc Kielburger's speech, but I heard it the day before before orientation with a few others so I already knew how inspiring it would be. We also got to see the cast of Degrassi and I laughed so hard seeing friends bicker over who saw and gets Zane (Shannon Kook-Chun) first.

After the concert was over and all the students were safely on buses, a bunch of new friends and I went to the MuchMusic We Day After Party to see some of the guests up close. The highlight was definitely having Marc Kielburger sign my book (I'm going to be keeping that forever) and seeing Kemeny cry after she thanked Marc Kielburger for everything and he hugged her! It was a great party and all the We Day volunteers really loved to do the We Dance that day.

Yesterday had to be one of the best experiences I've ever had and would definitely volunteer for We Day and Free The Children again after this whole experience. It was great to meet a lot of new friends and hopefully keep in touch with them after this. All thats left now is to start feeling and spreading the message of Be The Change.