What is Life?

• Life is a fragile tree, its bare branches covered with snow, its crusted leaves brittle and brown. Winter winds bend it low and all but break its back. Yet, somehow, it stands again, staight and silent, waiting, hoping for spring.

• Life is a piece of bubble gum. It starts off fresh and juicy, with plenty of zip and gallons of give, and a million bubbles just waiting to be popped! But then, the taste goes sour and turns to glue. It sticks to your teeth and tightens your jaws. And the only thing to do is toss it in the trash.

• Life is a long winding road lined with barbed wire and poison ivy. It's filled with ruts and pits and potholes. The jagged stones cut through to your feet as you trudge along. And up ahead a tunnel, dark and mysterious... First you choke from the clouds of dust, then you're sloshing through mud, drenched to your bones. But behold! A light at the end!

How to Cast the Right Vote (Torontonian Mayoral Election)

A mayor of a big city like Toronto has loads of responsibilities. Therefore, as voters, it is always important to cast the right vote and do what is the best for Toronto.

First, consider and judge the truthfulness of the candidate's promises during his or her speech. Are the promises realistic and achievable? If so, will they have other potential negative impacts on other factors, for instance, the economy? Are the promises going to be accomplished within a long or short period of time? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself before trusting a candidate's promise.

Second, when the candidates recriminate each others' wrong-doings, do you believe in those accusations? Are they actually valid or just brought up for the sake of winning the election? Do not let the accusations mislead you in making the first impression of a candidate, because they can sometimes be made-up.

Last, observe the candidates' manners, for manners are everything. If one keeps interrupting his or her opponents' thoughts and sentences, and acts aggressively and impulsively throughout the debate, he or she will not make a good mayor even though brilliant promises may have been declared. Once again, manners are the most essential quality of an excellent mayor, just as cells are the fundamental unit of life.

There are a number of things that should be considered before casting a vote: the truthfulness of a candidate's promises and recrimination, and his or her manners. Make the right choice for Toronto!