Wasting Your Time

Smores Pie... jeez

2009-12-03T10:13:00.002-06:00

I broke down and had my semi-monthly visit to the Great golden Arches....
this time for an Egg McMufin, which, as it always fortunately does, left me dissatisfied. So I doubt I'll be going back anytime soon (likely in a couple of weeks when I've rushed in to the office).

Anyway... When I was in line I spotted a poster for... 'McDonald S'Mores' pie.
I'm trying to figure out if this is the first sign of the apocalypse or not.

I've gone camping and done the whole ' smores by the campfire' thing - and yeah it's kinda nice n' all; but I respect it because it's a tradition. But McDonalds now offers that taste (or their rendition of it) in a handy, handheld pie for a buck? I dunno - seems to me if you can't build a fire and buy the ingredients yourself you likely shouldn't be able to enjoy the Smores experience.

BIG Regina Road trip this weekend!!!!

2009-03-19T14:33:00.001-05:00

Who's jealous?

Off to Regina to play frisbee with a bunch of folks, leaving Friday night at 8, should be back by Sunday afternoon...

How Debt Drives the Economy

2008-09-22T13:20:00.002-05:00

Click on the title of this post and check out the video. It really cleared up my confusion on how debt is really driving our economc growth, and confirmed my personal concerns about how our economy thrives on consumerism.

I'm curious to know, after seeing this video and reading the follow up post;
- Who wants to run out and protest, or become an anarchist, or rebel?
- Who'd like to become a lender?
- Who's overwhelmed and isn't sure what to do about it?

Must learn to keep it together

2008-06-25T18:06:00.003-05:00

So, I work in an office. My immediate colleagues are all guys - so while it could be an 'old boys club', truth is we just, on occasion pull stupid little antics now and then...

"Oh!, he left the drawer unlocked and took the day off... fill it with packing peanuts."
"Hey, I saw something you missed, but took care of it..... bno big deal, but I'll refer to you as 'Idiot' for the next couple of days :)"

typically little things to keep us on our toes, not get too comfortable, blah blah blha.

SOmetimes - it's just too comfortable, and I gotta get it together.
Like when someone enters our workspace and says, or does something silly..... I MUST NOT LAUGH OUT LOUD!!!!!

I'm gonna be working on that... especially when the people are standing right in front of me.

... oh - If you need to know.
I did the 'poorly acted, fake cough' thing... so I KINDA got through it.

Is any innuendo really unintentional?

2008-06-24T12:59:00.002-05:00

This is too friggin funny to be ignored.
Look at this guys grin.... he's a hero!

Bored in Montreal... Really?

2006-08-01T20:39:00.000-05:00

The summer has kept me rather busy.
The new job seems to be picking up steam this summer, which is really frustrating since people should be relaxing come summer. but instead they seem to have this philosophy to have me do all this work as they try aking their holidays, and long weekends. So the weather is gorgeous.. people are heading home a few minutes early each day.... sneaking out of the office around 3 or so on Friday to get a good seat at the patio and I'm unable to book more than 2 days of vacation at a time and am rushing to get to any thing I have planned on a weeknight on time.

I'm pausing so you wipe that tear from your eye.

So besides work I'm playing another season of frisbeewhich has me at practice twice a week, playing games every Monday and then travelling to tourney's nearly every other weekend. This August I have only 1 weekend without frisbee. Strange habit / hobby / addiction.

I'm also seeing someone. She happens to be a teacher who's reslishing her time off this summer. I got her a hammock for her birthday (this will have a be another blog topic.... "gift buying during that early relationship limbo") and sometimes find myself tempted to bolt from the office and steal it from under her instead of sitting at my desk staring at my monitor.

Anyway, back to my original inspiration for this post. I'm bored in Montreal!.

I flew here for work the 3rd time in 4 weeks. I can summarize the first two trips like this:

arrive

go to clients office

see that certain tasks can't be done because either a, b, c or d hasn't happened

do what I can

return to the airport

get home

Day starts at the Winnipeg Airport at 5 AM (5:30 flight) and finishes at Wwinnipeg Airport a bit before 23:00 (YES, I use the 24 hour clock.... FAR more efficient)

Anyway - I'm currently in Montreal for my second night. It's a touch slower pace since my tasks I'm here for have been split up, though tomorrow wil mean me cramming in a bunch of work before I leave for home tomorrow night.

I must be getting old (hitting 30 in a few weeks), but after going for a walk, doing a bit of shopping (bought new soes), eating dinner alone, I find I'm just looking to kill time before going to bed. Thus, my first blog post in a while. If I had more than 3 or 4 days notice before making this trip I'd try bringing someone else along. Let them go about whatever they want and then have something to look forward to. Even if I couldn't bring along a travel partner, I'd at least look at what shows or concerts I could see. At the end of this month there's a cool looking ChineseAcrobatics / dance at Place des Arts.

Anyway, a friend has just logged on to MSN Messenger. Haven't seen her in a while. We'll see how the rest of the night goes.

Come & Critique

2006-06-12T03:17:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone, just wanted to give an informal invite for you to please critique the website.
Revamped the site to showcase new work with a cleaner look.
www.rodrigopradel.com
I've been learning this thing myslef so any tips would help, get at me if you want to be on the email list for future events, hope all is well and everyone's healthy.

Rodrigo

Tearing up...

2006-05-01T21:03:00.000-05:00

When a grown man cries, it can mean many different things:

If he's at a funeral, it's likely because he's lost someone he cares for.
If he's with a woman, she may have just broken his heart.
If he's at a sporting event, he may have witnessed a triumph of the human spirit played out.

I do not claim to be comfortable with crying, or even seeing other men cry... but it is natural and I respect it. It just seems to me, like all expressions of emotion, has a place and time.

The time and place to cry is NOT in the elevator at the office.

I was the one in tears today.

I'm in the elevator, checking my blackberry (yes, I'm one of those people) and something made my eyes begin to well up uncontrollably.. and my nose run.

The WORLDS WORST APPLICATION OF PERFUME!!!!!!

For the love of all that is good - If you enter an elevator and notice everyone shuts up, sniffles.. or even hold their breath... IT'S BECAUSE YOU ARE DOING SOMETHNG WRONG!!!

To the lady in the elevator today:

Please, please please - do not be offended when upon seing you enter the elevator I exit it right away. Why do you feel that unless the plants around you go brown and wilty at the edge of their leaves that you aren't wearing enough "Strawberry Shortcake Eau de Toilet".

And for Pete's sakes... Roseanne was the only one around to wear her hair the way you do. And when you stand a touch over 5 feet, and wear it up - the crown of your do happens to reach the tip of my nose which sits 5 feet and 7 inches from the floor.

Please - don't make me cry again.. the guys in the office look at me funny when I walk to my desk wiping the tears from my eyes.

Is this really news?..... I think it might just be real news...US NEWS!!!

2006-04-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

So I was checking the headlines on my home page and saw that Condleeza Rice had a tough interview on CBS "Face the Nation" this morning. So I check out CBS.com and found the above clip.

I am shocked. A reporter, actually challenged their guest on a couple of points. Granted, if this was 1 year ago when Bush's approval was something more than what it is today (something in the 30% + range I think) would Schieffer have had the "you know what" to challenge her comment about the Iraqi army 'melting' away.

It is unfortunate that next to no one will have seen this program - I'm no better, I just caught the 2 mins you may have just watched.

This reminds me of when I found a BBC report online about the state of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The video reporter actually made the effort to follow a police SWAT unit as they had a gun fight in some housing project where armed looters had based themselves. They showed an actual gunfight, in the streets of New Orleans!!! And I don't recall any of the US networks even mentioning it.

I hope we can expect more from the news than just regurgitate what they're allowed to say. We'll see.

Anyway - off to enjoy some more of the weekend.

Peep Show, who wants to come???

2006-04-20T21:57:00.000-05:00

First of all i want to say hello to everyone, been a little while, got a little busy.
But I finally got one of these blogs up, check it out with these other related sites.

Our next show "PEEP SHOW" , is coming up soon. check the link for details.

hope to hear from ya.

Rodrigo

Pradel's Blog
Pradel's other site
The Albert Hub Gallery

Do as you are told... just be choosy about who you listen to.

2006-04-19T11:59:00.000-05:00

Well - I suppose I should say I've been too busy to blog, but the fact is I was just having a couple crappy weeks and figured y'all (shout out to Lawrence Kansas!) would rather not read my frustrations with things that truly don't matter much.

So what's got me back here today?
Taking a lunch break at my desk - and this keeps me from working during my 'relaxing' time.
I didn't bring a lunch today, so I decided to make the 5 - 8 minute walk to Quizno's at the MTS Centre.
I'm not much of a fan vendors at the arena since they have limited menus - but I decided today "I will do what the bus told me to do."
Yes.

I decided that because a bus driving past showed the Quizno's Black Angus Beef sub along it's side, that I will do as the City of Winnipeg tells me. Why not? The traffic lights are run by the ctiy, the stop signs are maintained by the city; and we all pay attention to those... so why not eat the sandwich that is plastered along a city run bus?

Anyway - In this case, the city has done very well. This is a good sandwich. I think I shall email the bus driving people's organization, BOW (Bus Operators of Winnipeg)... yes I made that up and thank them for the suggestion.

And I'm open to other suggestions. What else should the city be advertising on?
How about an electronic sign at each traffic light? When the light is red it shows a 30 second ad for the take out restaurant on that block? hmmmm - I'm possibly on to something here.

Anyway - I'll leave you pondering now. I still have to adjust to the fact there is a monthly "advertisement magazine" called 'Shoe - Aholic" that people seem to really look forward to.

When a man has a cold

2006-03-29T20:51:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting here, at chuckling at myself as I think back on the pity train I rode thorought the past week.

Amazing things popped in to my head.
"God, I can't believe I'm at work."
"Geez my bones feel like they're going to creak.."
"I'm so stiff all over I'm afraid I'll snap a limb if i move it."
"My coworkers must be jerks.. can't they tell I'm sick? Why are they expecting me to work?"

In case you haven't guessed it - I had a cold.

And being a typical guy, I spent the week moping... weeping for myself in my weakened state. I know we men behave like the world owes us something because we are the only people in world to ever be sick. I mean, really... did you read the definition for a common cold?

"an acute contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract that ...."

Now of course after I read this I relax in the knowledge of what's happening to my body....
"OH MY GOD! I'M DYING!!!!! This is ACUTE.... What the hell does ACUTE mean?! I deserve a telethon or something."

Well I decided, after finishing a coughing fit (awwwhhhhh) to read on when I see this other definition:

"a mild viral infection involving the nose and respiratory "

"Oh... OK. .. I suppose that puts it in to perspective.... Ummm.. I ghuess I"ve been over reacting a bit. OK - I'll just have a nap."

My only question after being under the weather for a wek is this:
Why would I, who lives alone, mope around my apartment.. dragging my pathetic ass from my bedroom, to the bathroom and back to bed all day Saturday even bother gong through the theatrics when there's no one to witness it?

I really gotta work on my tactics.

bonk bonk bonk

2006-03-23T17:40:00.000-06:00

I was getting a coffee today and as I was waiting in line, I heard this bonk bonk bonk sound from behind the corner.
This drew my attention towards the two guys working the counter. I followed their eyes and saw the two guys were watching a pretty good looking chick walking up the stairs. This made me smile.

Now I'm at the counter and as I'm waiting for my coffee I hear the bonk bonk bonk. This time I see it's one of the guys gently kicking a cupboard door to get his colleagues attention. I turn to look behind me and see possibly the most horribly dressed eccentric lady I have ever noticed. Picture Cruella Deville meets this guy.
I'm ashamed to admit that after my shock I had a slight chuckle... or smirk.... or maybe a muffled guffaw? No, it was definitely a chuckle.

I then thought to myself:
'These guys must see all types of people. One hottie, one poor soul oblivious to what they are wearing. I suppose I'd keep an eye out for anyone who's cute or strange in some way."

Anyway, I paid for my coffee and as I took three steps away... bonk bonk bonk.

????

In Keeping with a theme of US Government

2006-03-22T20:06:00.000-06:00

I was going to see who to phone at this magazine after realizing I was billed for my subscription but have yet to receive a copy yet... then I got sidetracked by this, which lead me to the original article (see title link).

Just read snippets and heading out the door - I'll check out the rest later, and stew, and gripe...;)

My obnoxious rant on the world 'situation'

2006-03-21T21:58:00.000-06:00

Below is what I originally going to post as a reply / comment to a posting on Rawbeans blog. It's regarding the war in Iraq and people's frustration with GW, and the war in Iraq, etc. I decided to post here since, I figure a huge long winded comment on someone else's' blog would be against blog etiquette.

*********************************

WOW!Pardon my candor, but many of these comments actually kinda pissed me off in one way or another.

Afghanistan - Sorry, but though I think most Canadians like to assume Canadian soldiers only ever go places wearing the UN's powder blue, Canada originally went to Afghanistan as an invasion force. We were willing participants in an invasion to oust the Taliban who was sheltering Al-Qaida and Bin Laden. Canadian troops captured Afghani's and even handed them over to the U.S. to be shipped to Guantanamo. The reason it's in the news now is because of effective attacks against our troops (which I feel has to do with the fact too few resources are there).
I've had a couple people tell me Canada is currently in Afghanistan as a peacekeeping force. But neither this UN page nor this Cdn Dept of Defense page (note: updated in 2003) indicate any current peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. This CBC article and this timeline from CTV seem to sum up Canada's involvement pretty well. I found 1 article on the CTV site refer to Canadian troops in a 'peacekeeping role', but the multinational force (ISAF) referred to in the article is NATO led, not UN led. I do believe that makes a difference, especially there aren't any Mid-East nations in NATO.

Ousting dictators - Big Ben, getting rid of despots and protecting the innocent of the world is a fine and noble goal (it really is, not kidding here), but one can't bully the world in to doing it with you. This especially since the U.S. and FRANCE (how about them Freedom Fries?), along with 3 other world powers on the U.N. Security Council couldn't figure out any means of saving lives in Rwanda?
Maybe U.S. opposition to Rwanda had to do with the fact Ewen MacGregor, or Josh Hartnett had such a tough go in Somalia?
So to answer your question about civilized nations allowing dictators to rule? I suppose it depends on many considerations.. and in this case, the fact THIS dictator and abuser of human rights happens to sit on an oil barrel means NOW is the time to be a humanitarian. YES - Saddam is evil and wrong - but is marching in to a country swinging around your tanks guns the best way to handle ALL situations? CAN the civilized world suppress ALL dictators? Are there THAT MANY soldiers in the world?Sending people with the possibility of a good life back home, to the homeland of a ppl who've seen war and endured it first hand (Iraq has seen the Iran / Iraq war, and the first U.S. invasion as well) may not work out as well as you may first hope.
The U.N. is as flawed as any other organization, but the U.S. is just as guilty as the rest of the council for the U.N. being in it's current state, instead of just riding off and doing as it pleases.

WMD's - I'm torn on whether Saddam having WMD's or the UN inspectors being competent is really relevant. Why be part of an organization, wait for it's blessing after it hears a report on WMD's , and then decide "I don't like your answer.... I'm gonna invade anyway."?
the U.S. demonstrated to the U.N. that the USSR was setting up nuclear weapons on Cuba back in 1962. Is Saddam that much smarter than the UN, the US, the CIA, than Castro? I figure Saddam, had or even has bad stuff. Likely even stuff he promised not to have, but it's all relative. and if the U.N. decides there's not enough there to warrant an invasion.. you may want to try playing by the rules the rest of the world has agreed to.

Trib - sounds like you served (or still do). Good on you. I was going to join the reserves up here, but backed out after realizing swearing meant I promised to do what I was told to do by a bunch of politicians. I still haven't decided if I regret that decision or not. I feel like I should be 'earning' my citizenship and my right to vote. I suppose there should be a different means / place of doing that. Either way - seems like you found your way of doing it, for your vote, and good on you.

Sorry all for being pompous and heavy handed in my opinions on things, but I was feeling frustrated as I read what seems like opinions based on news 'snippets' and 20 second sound bites. I don't feel I know everything in the world... but hey - finding the above links reminded me Canada has troops in Haiti as well Afghanistan. there's a bunch of other stuff going on in the world and hopefully if we all try finding different sources, our leaders may start looking at those other issues as well. Hell - Maybe GW would have to crack google maps to see what else there is in the world?

Spring MELEE Show

2006-03-19T04:30:00.000-06:00

hello everyone, just wanted to post our next show. It's our spring MELEE show, a '30 man' show, there will be about a piece or two from various artists of all talents. It's not an Albert Hub show, but the artists from the hub are running it. This will be our appetizer to our later Erotic show at the Empire. Yeah I know, these aren't the usual artist venues but were going to give a try anyways. We want to have a younger crowd exposed to the work. Please check back with the hub site often as it will revamp soon, my site will be revamped as well - i'll keep you guys in check for that.

Rodrigo

www.rodrigopradel.com
www.thealberthub.com

Me? A nerd?.. Well,I ain't denying it....

2006-03-18T19:17:00.000-06:00

Well folks.. lets all put March 23rd on our calendars... ..

Why?! Because that's the estimated delivery date for my new computer.

I work as a computer tech by day, and my personal home computer has been around for nearly 10 years. In those 10 years she's repaired, coaxed, and cajoled in to providing me more than I could have asked. She's entitled to retirement, and I'm entitled to have to listen to a 'jet engine' cooling system whine in to life as I check my email..

So my solution comes from Dell.ca. I spent more $$$ than I really should have... but hey, I'll only live once.

Sorry to do this to you but... here's the machine I'm getting.

Dimension 9150
Pentium® D Processor 830 with Dual Core Technology (3GHz, 800FSB)

Operating System
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 (English)

Memory
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz- 4DIMMs

Keyboard
Dell Wireless Keyboard and Optical Mouse

Monitors
20 inch UltraSharp™ 2005FPW Widescreen Digital Flat Panel

Video Cards
256MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon X600 SE HyperMemory

Hard Drives
320GB Performance RAID 0 (2 x 160GB SATA HDDs)

Floppy Drive and Media Reader
13 in 1 Media Card Reader

Mouse
Mouse included in Dell Wireless Package

Network Interface
Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet

Modem
56K PCI Telephony Modem

CD or DVD Drive
Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + 16x DVD+/-RW w/dbl layer write capability

Sound Card
Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy® ADVANCED HD Audio

Speakers
Dell A215 Speakers

IEEE 1394 Adapter

Dual Monitor Support
DVI-VGA Adapter to connect 2 CRT Monitors to dual capable Video Card

Media Center Enhancements
Single TV Tuner with Remote Control

If you're wondering what the link from my title is - that's the Purolator tracking of my computer. One will be my monitor.. and the other will be my computer.

Chaimail

2006-03-18T13:38:00.000-06:00

Well, we've all got a friend (or friends) that dutifully forwards any email to 10 other people for various reasons:

For good luck
To share God's love
To make a dying child's wish come true
For 20 years of good health
many, many other

I never forward these emails. They're usually all hoaxes and fill up your mailboxes when you've got other things to find and read.

Well, I received one of those emails today, and decided to read this one, mostly since I hadn't received one from Guffaw before. Well, it's one of those Disneyesque heartwarmers, and I figure it's kind of a nice story to share. But I will not email it.

---------------------------------------------

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw
a kid from my class was walking home from school.

His name was Kyle.

It looked like he was carrying all of his books.

I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all
his books on a Friday?

He must really be a nerd."

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football
game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders
and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running
toward him.

They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his
arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the
grass about ten feet from him.

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his
eyes my heart went out to him.
So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around
looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are
jerks.

They really should get lives.

" He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!"

There was a big smile on his face.

It was one of those smiles that showed real
gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where
he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him
why I had never seen him before.

He said he had gone to private school before now.

I would have never hung out with a private school kid
before.

We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his
books.

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football
with my friends.

He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know
Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge
stack of books again.

I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really
build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!"

He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best
friends.

When we were seniors, we began to think about
college.

Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke.

I knew that we would always be friends, that the
miles would never be a problem.

He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for
business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.

I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation.
I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and
speak

Graduation day, I saw Kyle.

He looked great.

He was one of those guys that really found himself
during high school.

He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.

He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved
him.

Boy, sometimes I was jealous.

Today was one of those days

I could see that he was nervous about his speech.

So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big
guy, you'll be great!"

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really
grateful one) and smiled.

"Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and
began

"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you
make it through those tough years.

Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a
coach... but mostly your friends...

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to
someone is the best gift you can give them.

I am going to tell you a story."

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told
the story of the first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his
Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

"Thankfully, I was saved.

My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this
handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that
same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions.

With one small gesture you can change a person's life

For better or for worse.

God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one
another in some way.

Look for God in others.
-----------------------------------

Well, that's the story, and I kept to my rule of not forwarding chainmail.
Do me a favour though, if this story got to you in some way, forward my blog to 10 of your friends and you may enjoy 10 years of good fortune.. Boowoohahahahahaaaaaa!

Not Bitter-Sweet... Just not 'As Sweet'

2006-03-10T02:45:00.000-06:00

If you're reading this you likely saw my post from Tuesday about our big game against Trogdor.

For me, the excitement was finally, after 4 or 5 years of playing this game, I'm on a league team that is winning, AND has the chance to move in to the 'A' division.
I also have played with and against several of the members of Trogdor, and wanted to use them as a measuring stick for how well we've improved.

The result of tonight's match:
Johnny Chimpo 15
Trogdor 10.

Now why this isn't as sweet a victory as I had hoped.
Firstly, Trogdor is probably the nicest bunch of folks around. For a team named after a peasant stomping dragon, they sure are a good bunch. Regardless which team you're on, a good play was congratulated. There were jokes being shared on the field, and everyone was very spirited about foul and line calls (i.e. no arguments or rolled eyes when a foul was called).
Normally I find I have a somewhat guilty pleasure in enjoying a bit of 'poop disturbance' on the field. I never want to see an argument, or unfair play - but when there's a bit of tension because of frustration (on either team), I find the game seems more important to win, cuz you want to 'stick it to the other guy...' I know this isn't a healthy sense of competition, but it's true... AND I do make fair calls and play.

So all in all, playing a good bunch of folks (who are good at the game too) feels good just to play. And that's what was most fun tonight. As for the sweet taste of victory... It's actually kind of unfortunate we played the division crossover game against Trogdor and not some team of jerks, who treated us like vermin underdogs.

The other thing that makes me consider this slightly 'less sweet' than it normally would. I think they outplayed us a good 50 - 60% of the game. I'm thinking back and wondering how exactly we out-scored them by 5? I thought on a few occasions they were running us down with their handling (though we must have had decent coverage because they spent A LOT of time swinging the disc. Our offense was really quite brutal. At times our cutters (receivers) seemed like statues, and our handler (thrower) would be forced to make a hail mary pass that would sometimes work out in our favour. Mind you, I'm always hard on myself and my team. Maybe our win was more deserved than I feel.

so all in all, how do I feel about tonight?
A hard fought 'Disney-esque' win against a team of jerks and cheaters would have me beaming (and likely even gloating) for a couple days. As it is now - I'm glad we've moved up a division, as it was a goal for us.

For those dying to know my concern of the day "should I always offer?" - I'll finish that tomorrow.

Should you ALWAYS offer ?

2006-03-09T13:47:00.000-06:00

Tonight's blog will cover the following:

I'm about to eat some choclat. I turn to my coworker and ask if she'd like a piece. She replies by saying "No thank you I'm trying to watch what I eat. Though I would love some."

Should I recind my offer out of respect for her goal or better nutrition?

I'll return to this and add more detail tonight.

Clash of the Bloggers

2006-03-08T00:15:00.000-06:00

I've mentioned a couple of times that I play ultimate frisbee. Currently my team Johnny Chimpo is readying to play to move up from 'B' division to 'A' division in our local indoor league. this is pretty nice, considering most of us formed originally last summer on a 'D' divison team that struggled to score a single point.

So why am I rambling on about ultimate frisbee and my indoor team? It just so happens our upcoming game is against a fellow blogger; Druski and his team Trogdor the Burninator. Druski made mention of it in his blog, and I felt compelled to also comment on the upcoming match up here.

Johnny Chimpo and their mixed squad of vetran players and rookies take on Trogdor.

Johnny Chimpo, whose crime of innocence was the transport of 'Freedom Grass' has worked it's way from an 0-5 record in 'B/C' division to now boast a 4-0-1 record to earn the right to challenge Trogdor for the final spot in 'A' divison.

Trogdor thrives on peasant stomping, village burninating and other such gruesome tasks. Trogdor has been able to cling to their position in 'A' division, but they have yet to meet the sly little chimp whose worked his way up from the basement.

Will Trogdor be able to stomp yet another up and comer in to submission?

Will Johnny Chimpo defeat Trogdor and force his burninating ways to go up in smoke?

Stay tuned...

Do you measure up? I think so.

2006-03-07T01:01:00.000-06:00

I'm walking around the corner at a clients today, and look to see the top off the head of Twin*.
Yes, she was sitting at her chair, but even seated, I was surprised to notice top of her monitor sits higher than the top of her head.
This didn't upset me or anything... it's just one of those things you don't really notice the first 50 times you see the person, like when your wife or girlfriend gets a haircut.
So I ask Twin if her chair might be too low. she replied no, that when seated her knees are at a right angle.

"You know I'm only 5'3"!"
This statement is what caught my attention.
"You are 5'3", not only 5'3"; is how I replied.

She gave a polite smile, and laughed off the predicatble short joke I made later in the day via email. But I got thinking. Nearly all the women I know have told me how tall they are. Don't thinrk I remember every one's height - but I'm pretty certain most have told me how tall they are. I know how tall some of the guys I know are, but that usually comes up in the context of sports.
"I'll kick you butt in the high jump, I'm 6'2" and you're only 5'11". Don't wast your time you worthless sack of excrement." My friends and I can be a little competitive.

So, what is this pre-occupation women seem to have with their height? I could not by any means suggest how much any woman weighs. I have absolutely no point of reference, since to my recollection, NOT ONE woman has volunteered to tell me her weight.

Reasons I can think of to tell people precisely how tall you are.

You're telling the story of why you couldn't be a barber because you were too short at the 'International Barber College NBA Campus'.
You're 4 yrs old and want to ride the Tea Cups.
You're dealing with an architect to build your own 100% customized dream home. (Imagine being 5'3" and some moron installs a 5'2" door frame?)
You're phoning the police to clarify their 'Wanted Dead or Alive' posters are wrong. "Why yes I'm am medium build, armed and dangerous, but I'm actuall 4 inches taller than you think!"

Anyway - I just thought I'd ask the question. I suppose this ties in to the whole need for 4 inch stiletto heels while grocery shopping at Super Store (see previous post).

I also thought I'd share the above link and this bit of information. Some of the 'shorter than average' celebs are FREAKING HOT!

BTW - Didn't Soleil Moon Frye play Winnie Cooper? If so, then just how short is Fred Savage. What a short little LOSER! j/k

* denotes Twin sister of 'Talks with her Hands'. Though they both claim to be unrelated, they are identical twins... there's a happy milkman out there somewhere.

Wow - Almost 2 weeks?!

2006-03-01T00:26:00.000-06:00

Hey All!
I dunno what's happened since last post.... I haven't been thinking too much about things I suppose... kind of in a dze, etc.

Here' a cheesy recap of things popping in to my head right now. Perhaps I'll look back and use some of these for future posts.

People shold start reading Druski's stuff. Yeah, he can be a touch long winded at times but there be some gold in dat dare blog. - Hey Druski, how about a post on odd and obscure observer rulings in ultimate? :)
Is it wrong and childish to snicker when a woman turns to you and says "I'm engrossed in my Harry Potter." (btw - yes she was describing her love for one of the books)
My blog readership seems kinda low. I think I'll start randomly adding words to make it appear more often in search engine results. (horny)
Did you know Vin Diesel was in Saving Private Ryan> How would Vin Diesel look with a full head of hair? - Rawbean, I thik your artisitc talents are up to the challenge.
My dirty cap? Should I clean it? (XXX Cheerleaders.com)
I'm watching Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. If I was holed up in Helms Deep and saw that army approaching... that'd kinda suck.
Wouldn't it be cool if you take jousting a phys-ed unit in high school?

And here's a quick little story:
After our game Sunday (we won our closest game yet) I was aching to go for a post-game beer and pizza. There's a Boston Pizza nearby, so I figure I'll suggest wew go. There are only 4 of us interested in going, as everyone else is heading home for the night. I'm the only guy in this group of four. Fortunately the Golf Dome (where we play ultimate indoors) has in house microphones, and I obtained a transcript of our conversation:

HUMA: Hey! Let's hit BP (Boston Pizza)!

BETTY: Casper wanted us to call him at 'Bar-I'.

PUNKY B: I dunno, I don't feel like going to 'Bar-I'.

TALKS WITH HER HANDS: I'm going to walk over and talk to those other people (gestures wildly with her hands towards a couple tossing around the disc, I had to duck to avoid being struck by said gesture)

BETYY: (oblivious to my near miss, and the departure of TALKS WITH HER HANDS)Gee, I can't think of anywhere else to go.

HUMA: How about BP? I could use some 'zaa right now.

PUNKY B: Hey! Is Chimpo (our ultimate team) forming a team for this summer?

HUMA (team captain): I'm planning on it. I'm just figuring out what nights people are available to play.

BETTY: I don't know. I guess it depends on what night of the week each of us can play.

HUMA: (pinches his own arm to make sure he's not a ghost or something)

PUNKY B: Good, because I'd like to play.

TALKS WITH HER HANDS: Hey! Let's get out of here. How about Boston Pizza? (she gestures 'pizza' by making a cricular motion with hands)

BETTY: Sounds good. Let's go.

PUNKY B: Sure, I'm in. Huma, you coming.

HUMA: (looks up from his self inspection and sees all three ladies looking at him expectantly for an answer) Uhhh - sure. BP sounds good.

The lesson: Just wait for the ladies to get things planned at their own pace.

Dry British Wit

2006-02-17T23:18:00.001-06:00

Friday... bored.... but this is funny (well I think it is).

if You Can't Run for the Bus

2006-02-15T19:22:00.000-06:00

Ladies, please consider this as a requisite when deciding on what your outdoor footwear will be;
"Can I run for the bus in these shoes (or boots)?"
If the answe is 'no', then please something else on.

Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy and appreciate how a modest heel on a shoe can shape a womans' leg and perhaps even add a bit of swivel to her walk.... But if you feel that's worth the cost of being unable to get around without needing help, stumbling on the slightest irregularity on the floor, or needing completely smooth and cobble free pavement everywhere you walk; then I think you are mistaken.

i'm not suggesting you need to be capable of running the a steeplechase in your everyday footwear... but running to catch a bus is something you may need to do, and is a good standard to meet.
If you can run for the bus, then you should also be able to:

walk somewhat cofidently on an icy sidewalk

step over a curb

walk over cracks in the floor

walk over a grate

Each of these items is something any able bodied person should be able to do as they walk on the street. Why hobble yourselves with 'fashionable' shoes?
Please.. if fashionable footwear is that important, please carry yourself a pair of shoes for when you arrive to work, but when you're on the way to somewhere, or out for a walk... please be certain you can at least walk.

Why be productive?

2006-02-14T22:46:00.000-06:00

How I wasted away my evening...

got home from work

had a nap (approx 2 hours)

Read a couple articles in Harpes Magazine (just started reading it to look smart)

If you deal with language everyday... awesome

The world is COMPLETELY messed.

Homes with Roller Coasters in them Network?

Only if you enjoy ulti vids

Research for a comment on another blog

Sooo.. then.. AM I cool or not?

I check each day.. HOPING he'll add something else

They have a weekly news review as well as a good 'poser' magazine

I'll likely have to see this at cinematheque.. but it looks good

Interesting

Bringing freedom to the world.. how about clean water to its own population?

Similar story north of the 49th

I'mnow about to email a thank you to Music Huma for getting me my huma T-shirts (fashion file Post is yet to come).

mmmm... naps

2006-02-13T22:35:00.000-06:00

Can you think of anything more selfish and fulfilling as a nap?
Call it what you like; quick snooze, a wink, siester, and light slimber... whatever.

Get home... leave the laundry in the hamper.. .leave the answering machine unchecked, the mail unopened.. and nap.
If the nap is good there seems to be no regrets.

BTW - I KNOW that those of you with children are reading this and thinking something like "You childless SOB... rub it in why don't you!"

MUWOOOOHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Part of the Problem

2006-02-09T01:11:00.000-06:00

The Scene

Walking home from work.. in a hurry to make it in time to meet some folks at Rumors for a slo-pitch fundraiser.

Moving along Portage Ave near a major downtown hotel.

Two very 'messed up' fellows are staggering against the wall. As I'm at the intersection waiting for traffic to clear so I can cross to the sidewalk they are on one of them swings a haymaker and knocks the other one down... hard. The punch recipient smacked his head on the hard ground and lays there for about 15 seconds.

The Choice

Stop and see if I can help (though I likely couldn't anything besides call an ambulance and wait)
OR

walk on past and think of it as just one other poor soul on the streets of Winnipeg that'll have to fend for themselves because "Hey! How much will it really help if I spend 30 minutes waiting for an ambulance to take this guy to a hospital who'll likely discharge him so he can go out and damage himself again in a few hours?"

The Decision
I walked past as I saw his friend was beginning to pick him up. I also noticed many other people looking at the scene and pausing briefly before walking on, as I did.

The Result
I feel guilty. Not because I forgot about this the moment I got home and had to plan my evening. Not even because I walked past this person needing help.
I feel guilty because after I got 3 steps past him, I pretty much forgot completely about him.

I dismissed another human being.
Do I deserve any better if I find myself in an unfortunate state?

Busted!

2006-02-06T22:37:00.000-06:00

Well, really I wasn't 'busted' in the sense of doing anything wrong... I was caught simply by allowing my face to show my true feelings... I expressed myself.

The Situation
I'm the elevator at the office. It's just before lunch time so the elevator is busy.
There are two other people on the elevator, one behind me, and another to my right. The door opens and two others board and occupy the space previously occupied by the other lady. I look over (I decided against saying that I look 'down' at the new passenger, but I am probably a good 9 inches taller than her) and hear a slight 'gasp' of the "Well I never" variety behind and to the right. You see, one of the passengers was quite upset by the disgusted look I let slip on to my face. The reason she was obviously upset with me... The lady now standing directly beside me is physically challenged and using a pair of crutches to get around.

But PLEASE!!! Believe me when I say I never even noticed this. What I was disgusted by was the new co-passenger who arrived and is two spaces over... And the BUCKET OF PERFUME she was wearing!!!! I was almost in tears. DEAR GAWD!

My Solution (to this very difficult social 'faux pas')
I pretended to stifle a sneeze.
I'm a shitty actor.

The Result
The lady with the crutches gave me a confused "Bless you."
I could see from the reflection in the door my 1 person audience was obviously unimpressed with my performance.
The Perfume Factory was still giving off vapors like Pepe Le Pew from Looney Tunes .

The Lesson
Don't express yourself in public.
Daily botox if you're like me and are unable to hide your feelings behind a cool exterior and bitch about it later on your blog.
Take the stairs.

Just got home

2006-02-05T21:24:00.000-06:00

from a weekend trip to St Cloud for an ultimate tourney. I had a pretty good time.

Since it's an out of season tourney, I was able to get some pointers from a couple of the more experienced players, which is nice. I surprised myself with a couple of decent passes and my D - well, is getting better... and my overall confidence is climbing. so a good trip overall.

Of note - this was my first time on a school campus in quite a while.

I've taken p/t evening classes at the local tech college, with other adults..... but this was first time in the middle of a university campus in probably 5 yrs...

Well I'm 29, single, healthy, and on a trip with a bunch of guys... and yes I'm going to notice attractive women.
But this weekend I realised something.... I'm 29!, and they're possibly under 20!!!!!
When the hell did a twenty year old becom sooo freaking young!?
Man! I have begun looking for wedding / engagement rings when I'm talking to someone attractive, but when did a twenty year old become "just twenty years old"?

I've got some adjustments to make, I think... though what do I really need to adjust? As soon as I realise I'm noticing someone well younger than me, I don't even really think about it, or them.

Anyway - enough about me being a creepy old man.... though I suppose if I WAS a creepy old man, I would even be worried; would I?

Tough Lesson Today

2006-01-31T23:38:00.000-06:00

Thanks to BTP for suggesting this assignment.

Sadly, I did receive an assignment and not a reminder.

My assignment: Tell three people today what I admire about them.. This is something I should be reminded to do... but it wound up being an assignment.

BTP and I came upon eachother on msn last night... we chatted a bit about her jewelry making and such..
As we were chatting I offhandedly make a crack about doing nothing. BTP replied: "I'm just here waiting." (or something like
that).

Huma: "Waiting for what?"
BTP: "Waiting for the world to be a better place."
Huma: Well, how can I help with that?
BTP: "What?"
Huma:"Challenge me. Something tangible. That I can do without quitting my job or moving away."
a couple minutes of idle chit chat about ultimate and candles and jewelry ensue (candles and jewelry... I need to eat some red meat fast)
BTP: "OK - tomorrow, tell 3 people what you admire about them."
Huma: "I suppoose you want it to be someon I wouldn't normally say that to... that'ss the point of the exercise, right?"
BTP: "Precisely.. you'll improve their day, because people do need to hear that more often."
Huma: "Shit.. that'll be tough at work."
this whole "quote" thing (picture me making the two finger international sign for quotations) here is quite paraphrased... but I do have the spirit of the conversation right on

Now here's how my day went:

got to work - decided than on a day I'm reviewing a contract with my new employer, I shouldn't do the rounds here. Althoug I've been around these folks for over a year I haven't much in common with any of them and don't really know them.

emailed a former coworker / lady in my building during my lunch - she and I talk nearly everyday... she's a nice person in a different place in life (hubby, 2.4 kids, place in the burbs, etc), but I find chatting with her nice.. kind of a gateway to a different life and perspective.

emailed one of the girls on my team from home - now, I do admire / respect guts. While she is demanding of herself and others (should those others claim to be capable, or "talking the talk"), she is sincere in her appreciation of the efforts of others. She can turn the tough off and on.

Phoned Martina in Vancouver this evening. I couldn't get her either at home or on her cell, so I left her a voice message telling her why I admire her - I admire her passion and sincere love for what she does (tennis) and how she genuinely enjoys teaching others (her students) learn and improve.

The Tough Lesson:

Why is this so tough to do?
Because the moment you express an honest appreciation for a peron, you're actually making yourself feel vulnerable.
What would I expect from these people? I did msn chat with Guts afterwards and she was appreciative. "You think I'm nice? Thanks." is likely the most interesting response I'll probably get.
Part of the hesitation is having my "display" (can't think of anyt better word) rejected or laughed off. This is probaly why I chose the people I did. I trust each of them to not just shrug it off.
The other part of today's lesson - Looking around, thinking of people I know made me realise.. I don't really 'admire' many of the people I know. I respect and appreciate different things in people, but admire? does this make me something of a jackass?

I have always refused to 'aspire to be' like someone else. "I will not try being like Wayne Gretzky, though his backhand is worth watching so I can get a better backhand" is a way I've always wanted to learn.
"I'm no more or less capable of achieving what you have, so I won't look up to you." Is another phrase that comes to mind.
Growing up, this way of thinking helped me out while living what I found to be a difficult home life. But as an adult (which I never care to call myself :), zhould I be changing my approach to people?
YES.
I found today that I think I jump having a negative of people without getting to know them. I'm rather condescending in my thoughts of people... and I'm not happy about this.

Anyway - had a quick MSN with BTP (yes - spent most of my evening on near my msn messenger... sigh), who's given me another assignment for tomorrow: "Don't be so hard on myself."

I wish I got a far easier assignment.
I wish this was a reminder, and not an assignment.

Am I Theme Song Worthy?

2006-01-30T22:43:00.000-06:00

Had company over the other night and some of us were discussing the better blog topics we’ve seen.

One of my favourites was by Rawbean last summer, when I just started my blog.

Now, the mention of cool blog topics and the fact I have found another Huma (‘Music Huma’ as I like to call them) got me thinking:
“What would people pick as a ‘theme song for my blog?”
So I ask that you folks give the HUMA songs a listen and let me know if you think any of them suit me or my blog. Why would said song suit my blog or I? Should I have a different song than my blog (yes, you’d have to know me personally to answer this, but odds are you do…)?

Anyway – have a listen here or here you can listen to other stuff if you like as well – and even suggest it.

I did receive an email from Huma - the band where he even made the suggestion of composing a tune... This is an honour I cannot pass up.... so maybe you'd like to post a comment to provide the band insight into the the blog or the the blogger. Perhaps this will inspire great things from Huma-the band. (who knows?)

NOTE: Don’t think I’ll embed this music on this blog – do you really think I have those skills? Sorry, but not embedding audio media here (I don't if blogspot even supports that).

I've been tagged

2006-01-30T18:34:00.000-06:00

Well Well Well...

Those chain emails where you answer 10 questions and forward them all to your friends to help a child in Peru get the medical treatment he needs to survive cancer and then work in a pet rescue shelter have evolved to the world of blogging.

Well cool by me.. cuz if you're actually coming to my site - you're looking to waste some time and I'm not polluting you ibox with my answers :).

4 Jobs I've Had
1. Stall mucker (shovelling horse poop)
2. Midnight Shift Banquet Porter (cleaning up after weddings and parties on Saturday nights)
3. Sandwich Artist (but I had to give the shirt back when I quit... sigh)
4. Tree Nursery / landscaping
I intentionally listed jobs from earlier in life because when you write them down they seem to reflect something about me, and they seem more interesting than what I do now

4 Movies I can watch over and over
1. Willow
2. Zulu (w/ Michael Cain)
3. Princess Bride ("Rodents of unusual size? I don't believe they exist.")
4. Robotech series on DVD (if DVD box sets don't count then I'll say The Newton Boys)

4 Places I've Lived
1. Winnipeg, Manitoba
2. Beausejour, Manitoba
3. that's about it
4. not too exciting, eh?

4 Places I've Vacationed
1. Vancouver, BC
2. Montreal, PQ
3. Calgary, AB
4. St Petersburg, FLA (though may not count, as I was visited the snowbird grandparents while I was in high school)

4 Of My Favorite Dishes
1. MY whole wheat, lead in your gut, oatbran, flax seed, oat bran .... you can only eat 1 at a sitting PANCAKES
2. Agedashi Tofu (from Asahi)
3. MY Reuben (no 1000 island dressing here... "get outta here with that"!)
4. Szechuan Beef from Grand Garden Dim Sum

4 Non-Blogger Sites I visit daily
1. UltiVillage.com - Clip of the day
2. Wimp.com (careful what you click on)
3. cbc.ca
4. BBC World News (not everyday, but a few times a week)

4 Places I'd Like to Visit
1. Santiago, Chile
2. Madagascar (cuz I'm pretty certain tehre are rain forests there, and gotta prove Milo wrong)
3. Belarus (or any of the former Soviet Baltic states)
4. Mongolia (just to visit a place that's hopefully untouched by Coke, IBM, Protctor and Gamble, etc)

4 People I'm Tagging for this Meme (What's a Meme?...and the people I tag, if it's not your thing, no worries...)
1. Blondie
2. Druski
3. Boney M(she hasn't posted to a blog yet... but I think she might now)
4. Rodrigo (cuz I haven't worked a shift with him in a while, and wonder if he's alive?)

Spooky Stuff

2006-01-29T22:06:00.000-06:00

Check out the last few paragraphs of this article.

US forces should be able to "disrupt or destroy the full spectrum of globally emerging communications systems, sensors, and weapons systems dependent on the electromagnetic spectrum".

If you're too lazy to read the article, this is from a document obtained in the US via the Rreedom of Info Act. A document regarding US obejective in electronic warfare.
So we have a Superpower looking to have the ability to shut down all "globaly emerging communications systems". Sorry, but I'm not that comfortable thinking that a government wants the ability to shut down anything that may be considered a threat to their security. From the nation that brought the world the Monroe doctrine, Iran-contra, the Taliban, Pinnochet, Noriega all in the past 40 years; how much faith should we have they won't abuse this new tatic?

Anyway, just wanted to spread a touch of fear throughout the blogging world. sorry about that...but this is kinda crappy... a little Orwellian if you ask me.

Sals on the bridge

2006-01-27T01:01:00.000-06:00

A friend and I visited the Sals on the Provencher bridge (aka Esplanade Riel) today for lunch.

To me, Salisbury House has always been a place to order reasonable greasy food, enjoy yourself as you study, or drown your hangover and people watch. I've heard how this Sal's is nicer; nicer decor, table service, etc.

So we made the trek... a pleasant except for the wind. We got there and waited, let's say 10 - 15 minutes to be seated. The restaurant was busy, but really... shoudn't they have more than 3 staff on the floor for a restaurant nearly 3/4 full? I'm not one to complain about these types of thinjgs, BUT, we both only have the hour for lunch.....

Anyway... we sit down, and get our menus; normal Salisbury fare. There are all day breakfasts, nips, sandwiches, etc. I had the THREE CHEESE BURGER while Boney M (name changed to respect privacy had the normal cheeseburger... and they were typical, standard , lacklustre burgers.. kinda what I like at Sals.

My overall review / impression. I Will go back. I can't imagine anything better than having a greasy breakfaast, with typical easy going, relaxed service Sals style; the morning of a hangover, while looking out on the river, but in too much pain to appreciate it.

Folks... unless you have somewhere to be - I SAY GO. River dining Sals style... what's more winnipeg than that? It's like the North end Esatern European is treading on the turf of the Franco-Manitobain.... Truly Canadian.

Whatever happened to Aqua?

2006-01-22T13:49:00.000-06:00

You ever sit back and wonder about those 1 hit wonders? Or those bands you secretly enjoyed but would not admit to enjoying?

What about a group like AH-HA? Anyone curious to know about Kriss-Kross... yeah - the kids with the pants on backwards. Playing high school basketball in rural Manitoba we'd have our pre-game warm up compilation would go something like:

Jump Jump - Kriss Kross

Jump Jump - Cypress Hill (maybe that's not the name of the tune, but it's all they ever said)

Kickstart My Heart - Motley Crue (hey, RURAL Manitoba)

Welcome to the Jungle - Guns n' Roses (booo yahhhh) this would REALLY intimidate the other teams as they walked in to this BLARING and the throngs of fans screaming (note: in small town MB, a 'throng' is defined as anything more than half of the participants on the court, filed or rink).

Do you think Kriss Kross may make a comeback? - they'd be what 25 yrs old? Pants on backwards...hats on sideways... I know I'd wear THAT to the office so I could show my allegiance with the KK. I'd likely have to start calling everyone a 'punk' or something OR BETTER YET I'd call people the REVERSE of an insult... (get it? pants on backwards.... compliments that are insults?)

How about the Spice Girls? I found Wannabe in my MP3 collection (not sure how it got there). What if they made a comeback?

Could you imagine this line up at the greatest music festival of ALL TIME:

Kriss Kross

Aqua

Spice Girls

Boney M

your pick here

Who would you add?
Who sang the song 'Boom Boom Boom (let's go back to my room)'?
Maybe this post can bring Sunfest back!

Self Googling

2006-01-20T01:47:00.000-06:00

I googled myself, curious to what I'd find of interest and here we are:

One indie band cutting their first album - I emailed them to get the skinny on their rendition of the name Huma..... we'll see if they reply.

A religious web site dedicated to Islam - cool

Aparrently I'm a legend! :)

A shopping mall in Austria? - can anyone figure out what language this is?

some artist in Germany? - anyone else have a better guess?

Anywho - I thought finding the band was neat. Check them out, they have free MP3 downloads...

Should a man accessorize?

2006-01-19T19:17:00.000-06:00

Had lunch with Gazoo today... and he had a 'BURNING QUESTION'.

First off, Gazoo and I get along pretty well. He's all in to the "I want to live a good life in the burbs... big BBQ, nice car, deck, GQ / IKEA lifestyle."

While I on the other hand am more of the, "Why have nice things? You worry about them breaking? why live in the burbs if you spend your time commuting? Why waste time dressing up when I'm too obnoxious for women to spend time with me even if they might consider me attractive?"

Gazoo -> Nice shoes
Huma -> comfy runners / hiking shoes....

ANWAY!!!

We're at lunch and Mr. 'Irons his shirts' tells me about how he and his girlfriend (lets call her.......'The touch' not becuz she's a massage therapist, but because she's on eof the few people that can make me actually shut up now and then:)...... sidetracked.

K - Gazoo and Touch are shopping for scarves at Danier (that's right, a couple who's night out is freaking SCARF SHOPPING) and as they're each trying on scarves, the female clerk comments:
"Oh! A man wearing a scarf, that's different."

This apparently is distressing Gazoo. He asks me if there's anything 'odd' about a guy wearing a scarf.
Huma: "No. If you need to keep warm, you keep warm." what wisdom, eh?
Now Gazoo mentions that he is perhaps more particular about the scarf he's looking for. It needs to go with his new black jacket.
Huma: "You mean your scarf is part of an 'outfit'? Like you're 'accessorizing'?" then I bite in to my cheeseburger (which sucked) as he's got a 'chicken wrap' in fron t of him
Gazoo: "Uhhh yeah.. it is accessorizing. Is that bad? Do YOU have an opinion about that?"
Huma: "Opinion, not really. But I suppose you taking the time to find the 'right' scarf to go with your jacket is likely why the clerk thought it odd. Half this city either is, or is related to a farmer or rail worker; I doubt the clerks at Danier see many guys taking the time to find the right cough cough accessory to go with their jacket."
Gazoo: What wrong with accessorizing? Jewelerry is an accessory. You think it's weird you wear....he notices I have on a watch, no other jewellery jewellery.
Huma:"I wouldn't 'accessorize' ever. Jewellery is either a symbol (i.e. wedding ring) or something sentimental.... but most guys don't wear stuff to be 'pretty'"

ANYWHO FOLKS?
AM I WRONG?

My cards were read...

2006-01-18T23:52:00.000-06:00

K - Well... My original introduction to card reading....

This past September my amazing friend bought me a birthday present ticket to Green Day in Vancouver. Yes, I turned 29, she's uhhhhh... I forget (she's either going to roll her eyes at me being 'stupid' or going to get angry and the whole 'How could you?!' including a slight jump / slump she does so well)..... where the $#!%$# was I ... green day, Vancouver , fabulous frien... go it!!!!!

In spite of being next to a pile of 14 - 17 year olds, the concert was great and it's ALL because she's the BEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD! (hehehe, now she CAN'T be angry... cuz anyone else reading this will think her mean for being all eye rolling with me :)

I call this amazing friend Martina because she an AWESOME tennise player and MArtina is the best lady tennis player in the world

Now your next question is: "So you played cards with Green Day? Get to the point!"
My answer: "Don't RUSH ME!!!!!"

Cards (and a confession):
Green Day has NOTHING to do with these cards.

One of Martina's Vancouver friends (all of whom are really great people) NOTE: Not kissing butt this time, Martina wastes no time with losers ... does card reading (like fortunes).... K - well, so far as I could tell, she dealt cards into a funky pile and madeup stuff about them possibly as an excuse to ask me a bunch of personal questions.... If I recall correctly it went like:
Poker Face (the name I give her, after realising she seems to smile and laugh at everything... including a comedian pulling a torn ace of spades from him butt?????): I see the Queen of diamonds... do you have a girl back home?
Huma: uhhhhh.. no.
Poker Face: Well the 5 of clubs indicates wealth and it's touching a Jack of *whatever* (remember, I think she made this all up) which means a rich guy named Jack is going to steal your money....

And so on...... What did I get from it? In my words:

There's a woman you're going to buy something for: TRUE - I'll ply a woman with as much liquor as neccessary for her to tolerate my garbage :)

there's money in your life: TRUE - I work in Financial services.. it's everyone elses $$$$

a bunch of others I've forgotten since September

NOW - to be fair, what she read / interepreted did make me think about self fulfilling prophecies.

Soooooooo.........

A couple months go by.... and Martina is visiting Winnipeg for the holidays.
I visit her folks place, and her mom and auntie offer to read my cards.... everyone else scatters as I sit.... they all crawl back to the table the way zebra return to the watering hole once they feel the pride of tigers is satisfied with their recent prize.
Auntie begins dealing the cards in thesmae pile / fashion as did Poker Face, but pauses part way through, looks at Mommy Martina, who consults a dog-eared page of a library book title something like "How to read the cards of some guy you have cornered in your kitchen."

Well anyway, after much consultation of the book and the cards, they read to me what seemed like every conceivable combination of what this pile of cards should mean.
MY FAVOURITE PART OF THE READING:
auntie This card (imagine voice muffled because her face is inches from the book) is about money... and it's touching this card, which means...
Mommy Martina I thinnk it means lots. He'll have lots of $$$$
Auntie Really? I looks here like he'll have very little.
an akward silence as Mommy and Auntie look at eachother.. I can read their thoughts....
Auntie I have no idea what this means - I thought it meant loss
MommyI'm stumped too.... I thought it meant 'lots'. We need to tell him something otherwise he'll know we're amateurs
They look at me at the same time:
Mommy and Auntie: This means you will have either very much $$$ or very little $$$$.

****************************************

Well - it so happens I had my NEW DIGITAL CAMERA (oooohhhhh) with me, and figured I should get a second opinion.

Poker Face, please have a look here and let me know what my fortune/future beholds.

Poker face... PLEASE HELP! Should I store money? throw it away on frivilous things? Lie? Cheat? Steal? Please, I need your second opinion.

Big Brother is concerned

2006-01-18T17:58:00.000-06:00

Mostly about the fact many folks are only checking out this blog on Monday's.
Yes, I have a stat counter. I can see how often people return to this site, though I don't know who is returning or precisely how often (I'd have to pay for that).

After me dropping this bombshell, you must be wondering "Why is he looking at a stat counter?".

The answer is simple... Vanity. It's kinda neat seeing how many different folks enjoy coming back to see what's on my mind. It's also a real ego stroke.... "Gee, my thoughts and opinions must be pretty deep, interesting, intriguing, etc."
It's weird though, how having a look at the 'stats' can sometimes cause some 'performance anxiety'....
"There's a bunch of people checking my blog... my next post better be good... they're counting on me!" - Right, like you're riveted at the prospect at looking to see what Huma has in store for you today..."

It's also neat to see what posts genereate interest.

Apparently Gazooisms drew some attention... I'm sure it's mostly folks who feel sorry for the illiterate little guy. (btw - remind me to post of 'metrosexuality' and how it's apparently 'ok').
Another one was My Pain about typical computer support stuff I deal with for a living.
Now, I find these two had a few hits, though no one really left many comments. as for 'My Pain' - I suspect people may have gone to the linked site, and not returned... which is fine... cuz who really cares about the nerd in the computer closet? Right?

Well - I'm about to sort through some of my moving pics and will hopefully have some up later (that'd be a two'fer - OR EVEN A THREE'FER if you count the post from 2:45 AM as today and not last night!)

But anyway... let's get some comments here.

What makes a good post?
Why have the last 3 buses I've ridden smelled of urine?
Why did I order 18 wings last night and then have cake after I got home?
Is it really OK to call yourself a 'metro-sexual' and turn down a liquid lunch because you're spending lunch at "Linen n' Things"?
When will these DUMB questions end?! THIS I can answer.

Where have I been?

2006-01-14T14:49:00.000-06:00

Hey folks!
It's been 9 days since I posted? Geez. And I've had some good ideas too, but strange thing is... I've had TOO MUCH free time. Not really sitting at home on the computer.

Anyway, I'm hosting my housewarming in a couple weeks, so hopefully I'll have some furniture for people instead of making them sit on my floor.

I'm loading my camera software now, so I'll have some more pics of my old place vs new place later this weekend.

Went to Smitty's after a game Sunday... Its was pretty good - though unfortunately they had WWE wrestling on.. and even more disappointing.... I sat their staring up at the screen nearly the entire time. That stuff is mind numbing and embarassingly addictive. Granted, the wrestling isn't why I was there, I was there for beer, wings and company (all three of which were great)... and then the owners seemed to say. "Hey! Have you ever tried crack?" and then turned ALL the TV's to wrestling. Anyway. I have to admit, there is amazing athleticism, and of course they've got tons of chicks trapsing around with their breasts pushed up against their chins - so it is a pretty stereotypical guy thing to be drawn in to.

But have you ever wondered why most of these guys, are running around in speedos? I understand the preference for tight or 'fitted' clothing, but what the hell? Even funnier - all these Nascar-esque fans who I'd presume would insist anyone in a speedo should move to a democrat run state, are screaming and can't get enough of it? Weird, sad and pathetically addicting.

Anyway, gonna see if the Bay has any furniture on cheap. Have a good Saturday.

Another reason being a guy is soooo fun

2006-01-05T16:45:00.000-06:00

Click on the link (in my title)
Press Play.
You see my reason.

WOOHOO!!

2006-01-03T19:00:00.000-06:00

I'm back and my internet connection is up and running.
Still tidying up the new place, taking my time doing it... but you'll see the pics here soon.

Hope NY's treated everyone well.

Check out Blondie's blog and leave an encouraging post. She's a touch nervous about having good enough content.... but hey - look at the blonk I'm spewing (yeah, Blonk - that's right, I made it up... how about that for all you gazoo lovers out there!), she shouldn't worry.

Are WE really innocent in this?

2005-12-28T00:49:00.000-06:00

Taking a break from packing - pics to come...

Found this on Wimp.com and though it's obviously a 1 sided argument it does point out many of the foreign policy 'blunders', mind you I think a blunder wouldn't happen if you left well enough alone.
Why interfere with democratically elected governments when you consider yourself the world "example" of democracy?

How about 'US'? And by US I mean Canadians who enjoy a 'subtle snobbery' towards Americans in general. It's on TV, in coffee shops and yes, we north of the 49th enjoy cracking jokes and hurling 'innocent barbs' at our neighbour. BUT, what are we EVER doing about it? Paul Martin is bitching and moaning about US not meeting Kyoto standards, but we're doing worse in Canada.
Sure, we didn't go to Iraq, after France lipped off and took most of the bad press.
Sure we got a raw deal on trade disputes (softwood lumber and beef ban), but do you see Canada sucking it up for a few years and finding new markets?

Seems to me if Canadians want the right to play the 'innocent little brother' to the bigger, meaner older brother, we should look at shaking some of these ties. Stop selling natural resources, start developing infrastructure, and sell actual products... not just cheap labour and natural resources. YES, it'll be a HUGE change needing to actually calculate mathematics to graduate high school and get in to university, but if Germany and Japan can turn COMPLETELY around in 40 years or so.. we should be able to leverage our existing use of natural resources to develop infrastructure (tech, manufacturing (including food), industrial goods) so we can let the big brother stand on his own and not legitimize him by being so dependant on him.

Question now is..... do we care enough?

Crap! I have too much Crap!

2005-12-27T02:32:00.000-06:00

Well - I'm moving to a larger apartment down the hall in a couple days. Not too far, not too much stuff to move.. I figure it shouldn't take too long.

2 things I didn't count on...
1 - I have more crap than I thought.
2 - You really have to pack nearly everything everything even if you're only moving 13 steps (yes, I counted them just now) down the hall.

Anyway.. I figure since I have my camera now - I'll give everyone a look at before and after pics of my little move.

Here is the current state of my apartment as of 2:30 this AM.

Here's my Kitchen - you can barely make it out, but there is my table in there.

Here's my Living Room - this is all the junk from my closet spread out on the floor. Hopefully most of this will go to garbage, Sally Anne, etc before tomorrow is done.

So the plan from here.
I work everyday this week, and tomorrow night I'll be sorting and boxing this all up. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to start moving in Wednedsay and do a good cleaning of this apartment Thursday for my buddy to move in to a clean place Friday.

Fingers are crossed. On top of this headache I need to find a party for New Year's, nail down some work stuff / employment stuff for the New Year, and get my orthotics fitted properly. I'll keep y'all up to date on the move though, simply cuz I'm certain many (or most) will be entertained by images of my piece of bachelor paradise being turned upside down.

Enjoy.

How can......

2005-12-22T00:48:00.000-06:00

you become governor of California after starring in 'Jingle All the Way'?

an elected school board believe they have the right to alter science curricilum based on creationism theory?

I still be intrigued by the same Beachcombers remake each Christmas?

anyone waste their time watching the 'Apprentice: Martha Stewart'?

you have Christmas decorations without having a Nativity Scene, or some other reference to the birth of Christ?

you expect people to buy computers, cars, or other major purchases based on the info shown in television commercials?

you possibly explain to your boss why you're reading this at work?

you incorporate the game of Context into an office setting where no one else knows you're playing? (fear not, I am working on this)

I can find nothing better on tv than 'Jingle All the Way'?... sigh

anyone not consider Willow a movie classic?

can I finish this post and leave you with a smile? look over your shoulder beofre clicking

Introducing... 'Context'

2005-12-20T01:30:00.000-06:00

You can play with your friends... with your family... anyone!
It's called 'Context'.

No board, no dice... depending on the level of play, perhaps some physical violence, it has everything.
you can play anywhere, anytime. Introduce as many people to the game.

This game proves you are quick thinking, are a good listener.

The game is best explained in a scenario:

The scene: You and a couple of buds are enjoying your burgers and clotting your arteries over the lunch hour.
The characters: Huma, Gazoo and introducing Specs.

Huma: Man this burger is good.
Gazoo: Yeah, I'm finding mine pretty tasty.
Specs: My kids eat way too much.. putting in to the poor house.
Huma: Hey! You didn't get a Whopper! What is that?
Gazoo: Pretty good. (chew chew chew.. swallow). I just finished an egg nog latte before lunch. I wonder how this is going to 'turn out'?
Huma: CONTEXT! Describe a scene or situation and repeat what you just said.
Gazoo: Why the hell would I? Is this going on that stupid blog? Eat your food.
Huma:Specs, shouldn't he play?
Specs: Yes he should, now let me eat.. I'm not sure this'll ever happen again... having food in front of me.
Gazoo: Fine.. Ok.... Uhhhh. An artist is in a studio about to start painting agin after having a latte. "I just finished an egg nog latte before lunch. I wonder how this is going to turn out?"

In this case - point Gazoo. He gave a context in which his phrase made sense.
If however he couldn't come up with one, or started chuckling, then point to me.

I'm kinda beat right now, and need to nap and get up in a bit to check on a work thing. I'll update this blog with more rules, and strategies to 'Context'.

My photography career is now underway...

2005-12-15T03:25:00.000-06:00

Well, as some of you may have read.. I now have a digital camera, and the memory stick to go with it.
Tonight I played ultimate with my rec team, and here are some pics. Yes, I will pretend as though you really care; humour me.
And though I am in only one of these photos, you'll easily spot me... I'm friggin hot! :)

click on the pics for a better look

needless to say - still learning some of the features of this camera... and yes, she usually stands around in this 'Betty Boop' pose

here's the team capatain, Gazoo.. in his uber-masculin power stance... watching the disc he just threw "soar"...... into the ground. But hey! With this pose you'd think he just finished wrestling a grizzly or something.

here's about the only action shot that worked out.. and since I'm the one holding the disc, I'm wondering who the photographer is? Notice the girl with the pony tail sticking out, her hair is like that even when she isn't running... how much hairspray dose that take?

Thanks!
If you care to check out some real photo's, here are the Canadian Nationals from this summer in Winnipeg

Ths is MY pain

2005-12-14T09:23:00.000-06:00

I try being a well rounded person and not spend my free time droning on about the frustrations at work, etc. I think I'm a good person, have decent interesting thoughts and opinions worth sharing, and if you're still reading this far, I suppose you must agree (at least agree a little bit anyway).

I got the linked article emailed to me from a propellerhead colleague of mine.... and after reading items 1 - 3 ... I knew I was sharing this with all of you.

I hope you enjoy it. If you don't enjoy it, I hope you at least gain some insight as to why I may be in a foul mood and have little faith in people my mid-week.

I just want to add my two cents to this (yes Gazoo, I 'm sharing an opinion): Although most of my training in this field is specific to computer products and supporting them (i.e. computer hardware, using software, supporting software), I think nearly 50% of the time, I fall back on the psych courses I took at U of Winnipeg.

Sorry for this weak post folks... but it's gotta be done.

My reordering of the peeves (from most to least irritating):

1 - HUGE!!!! DRIVES ME NUTS.... Makes me want to ask, well if you know what the PROBLEM is, how about you show me how to fix it?!

3 - Deny, Deny, Deny... trust me, by mid-day I'm pretty burnt out and already suspect something stupid happened... and YES, I could have caused the problem... but if you KNOW you did something unusual, please save me and the company some time and let me know I'm off the hook.

7 - I LIKE helping people. I LIKE people. But it does get to be an overdose, especially when you treat your home computer problems likeitems 1 and 3

2 - If you can learn what happened, you can learn to avoid the problem.. but yeah, it takes me sometimes more than 8.6 seconds to find teh cause of the problem and pardon my ego if I suggest it's best to let me, the guy who does this for a living, deal with it and then turn around and explain what I found.... and if you aren't clear on my explanation, PLEASE, don't replace the terms you're uncertain about with buzz words you recall from a Futureshop commercial

10 - Depending on the size and scope of the company, IT suport is an after-thought that someone has to manage.

6 - Annoying because people hoarde emails on our little, old, mail server we aren't yet able to replace. Sorry, but the mailbox limit is there for a reason, and please stop phoning for help with a large email thatt's a picture of your childs soccer team... should the company be paying for you to store and edit personal photos?

9 - Well - not much of an issue - so long as after arriving 2 minutes after the and waiting 30 minutes to help I'm not hauled on to the carpet for taking 33 minutes to fix the problem

8 - Frankly I think most people complaining are just too lazy to read what's in front of them, even if they do have the time

5 - Purchasing screw ups don't really happen to me personally

4 - I don't mind this one at all... I do it to people and expect to go through the same 'step 1, 2,3' approach to troubleshooting if I'm calling you for help. If I'm needing your help, who the hell am I to complain about how you go about providing it

Art Show / Eviction party

2005-12-12T05:55:00.000-06:00

Well, it finally happened. Another business swallowed yet another floor of artists in the exchange.
The Exchange is for yuppies..not artists (as it seems, not bitter though.)
Regardless, things happen for a reason so The Albert Hub Gallery will be having its last show for this year & last show at this venue. We will be looking for a new venue for the new year. Any suggestions?
Here are the details for the show:
December 15th. early bird viewing at 5pm and WILL go until the alcohol consumes us all.
Theres no cover and its located on the 2nd floor.
We will be showcasing brand new work from Ameer Kashmiri, Shouresh Jalili, Patricia Nieto, Andres Nieto, Chris Procaylo & me. We hope you can come down, party, check out the work, oh and bring your wallet...you have to buy something.

no cover , come as you are, bring your friends .. i mean c' mon, what else are you doing on a thursday.

see you guys there, and if you want to be on the email list, leave me yours.
can't believe i did this but i did put some work up for sale on ebay & artbyus.com. check it out.just do a search for my name.

Rodrigo

Bad music at company xmas party

2005-12-11T00:23:00.000-06:00

On a break at my p/t job waiting tables. Just typing this up since the conversation in here is kinda weak and I figure you may want to know...... One of the DJ's for a smaller function is playing 'Do you believe' by Cher...... Of course, only drunken middle-aged cougars staggering around and having a good time and the just as drunk creepy old men are standing around the bar admiring them..... Ughhhh.....

Picked up from where we left off....

2005-12-09T13:11:00.000-06:00

You have any of those friends or acquaintances you can meet up with after a few months, and pick up from your last conversation as though it was yesterday? It's great, isn't it?
No worrying about getting caught up on everything that happened over the past year.... just sit down, relax, enjoy a couple drinks, get in a couple digs and laugh.

I got the call near the end of my day at work yesterday, met See-Saw and his buddy at Elephant & Castle, had a burger, a couple drinks and then he buggered off to Aerosmith. A nice way to wind down the week (BTW - burning my last vacation day today).

What I like about meeting See-Saw as opposed to others, is he just relaxes... we try spiking eachothers food with whatever is handy, and he LOVES reliving the story of the most heinous office prank ever exacted.

Long story short... This SOB spiked my lunch (chicken wings from the previous night at Smitty's) with this Uberspicy paste called Da-Bomb.... So I'm eating my lunch, bite in to the wing he spiked and flames burst forth from my mouth! EVERY fluid in my body came flushing out my nose and eyes... I scoured the lunch room for ANYTHING to soothe, and stole someone's yogurt from the fridge.

Anyway, that's about it... I suppose the fun of See-Saw is that he and I enjoy the story so much while everyone else just sits and stares... Then they try changing the conversation, fail and then sit quietly as our laughter and loud banter subsides......

Time Well Wasted...

2005-12-05T23:55:00.000-06:00

Thinking of music to add to Rawbeans Mix CD, and wasting away a vacation day... I discovered this outlet for my creative energies (KINDA LOUD, SO DON'T CLICK IF YOU NEED QUIET!!!). I'm not a very good composer... (and yes, to those of you reading this at work, I know you're dying to knowing what is beyond that link... booowoohahahaha).

How else did I waste the day?
Well....
Went to physio for an 8 AM appt to have my foot cast for custom orthotics.
Went to the mall for a bit to get inspired for gift shopping.. didn't happen, so instead I hit the diner at Grant Park Zellers for the breakfast special. It was seniors day, I was the only customer under the age 65.

Went home, checked out status of my digital camera order on Futureshop.ca - it's ready for pick up... but then my cold hit me.
So I had a nap, followed by a super hot shower, followed by a hot cup of ginger-honey drink I picked up at Youngs' Trading a couple weeks ago (pretty good).
Watched some vids on wimp.com (that's a real time suck), did some flash cards / practice exams for a certification exam I WAS planning to challenge next week (I AM SOOOOO NOT READY YET).

Make a note - I didn't leave home after I got in from my appt.

Then I had another quick nap.
I watched Disc 3 of the Family guy volume 3. Read a bit more of Vanity Fair (there's an upcoming post on this), saw that MODS put out the rest of the schedule for the next round of games, read some more Dogs of War by Frederick Forsythe, then I had another nap as I did the whole bleary eyed, read 4 pages and not remember them.

I have woken up again, my buddy picked up a set of rollers I'm not using.

By now I've realised that because I've slept a whole load of the day away, I can't sleep. And thus my blog posting at midnite, which is when I usually go to bed.

A neat thing though is this article I found when I googled Forsythe and Dogs of War. Now I have something kinda neat to search the web for, though the time I spend following up on this article may not be as well spent as this this.

'Gazooisms'

2005-12-01T13:21:00.000-06:00

I just had lunch with Gazoo. Gazoo's eyesight is quite piss poor. He was telling me how glad he is since he's getting 2 week at a time contact lenses.

Gazoo:"I couldn't more happier than to be able to read the clock when I wake up first thing in the morning."
Huma:"MORE HAPPIER!?.. You soooooo made my blog."
Gazoo:"Oh man, I read the one about that guy on the news.... what did he put IRR in front of?"
Huma:"He said Ir-regardless, that's not a word... and adding 'more' to 'happier' is redundant. Didn't you go to school? Didn't they make you read something before handing you a diploma?!"
Gazoo:"Ha Ha Ha.... What, you don't like the way I talk? It's not good enough for you?"
Huma:"No I don't! Hey Look! They just put a fat kid on the lane... They're going to bowl around him!"

The pub we went to for lunch had bowling on TV; they were doing trick shots. The conversation I was having with Gazoo was interrupted by the sight of a large teenager on a chair, in the middle of the lane.... By the way, they bowled a strike by curling the ball around him.

To finish, these are other Gazooisms (yes I created this word, and you will see it used with greater frequency as I hear others spew this verbal diarrhea they call english) I recall cringing upon hearng:

"Tazuhniki sauce please." Tzatziki

"I'll documentate that and get it out to you." I'll create a document and get it to you.

"You'll need to get orientated..." oriented

Family Guy volume 3!!!

2005-12-01T02:23:00.000-06:00

My order was shipped Tuesday.
But darn it - Canada Post Tracking hasn't been updated.... Life is sooooooo rough!

Hhmmmmm - what will I do this wknd if it arrives in time?
Kinda sad, ain't I?

Satisfied my brother is 'Terrified' - is this wrong?

2005-11-29T21:41:00.000-06:00

My younger brother (whom I've yet to mention here) has a new baby girl.
Both baby and mother are healthy.

Being the older brother, I usually dismiss Jacob* as something of a boob (to say the least). Part of my harsh assesment is earned, and the rest is freely given away.

What satisfaction did I get tonight?
Well amongst the joy, nervousness and awe at Denises'* birth, I detected something Jacob is often able to hide well enough to frustrate me.... fear.
For a brief moment I'm sure I saw a serious expression where he betrayed his fear at the propsect of being responsilbe for a helpless human being. That brief moment has given me a bit of peace ; knowing this goofball has finally recognized just what a monumental impact Denise has on his life. Til now, I thought him far too relaxed about it... I'm glad he's afraid.... not because I want him afraid, but because I think he's finally realized what's needed of him.

* not their real names

I'm not sure what to think about this....

2005-11-28T17:29:00.000-06:00

Does anyone have an opinion on this?
My internal debate is between:
"live and let live", who am I to say how people should live?
vs
"What the hell? Isn't this the year 2005? How many different things here are ethically wrong?"

I'd like to see if anyone can chip in with their two cents.

Welcome to my friend Arteest

2005-11-27T10:25:00.000-06:00

Fellow Bloggers and Blog Voyeurs,

It pleases me to introduce Mr. Pradel, known here henceforth as 'Arteest'.
Arteest was first introduced a few weeks ago when I mentioned his upcoming show, and since then I've come to realise he's something of a dry wit, and should enjoy the opportunity to post to a blog himself.
I approached him while at Shannon's Pub this past Friday.... he gave me this whole speech about being honoured, but had to turn me down because he wouldn't know what to write... then he spent over an hour babbling non-stop about his gallery while had a pleasant chat with his girlfriend (who by the way is working her way to becoming a speech therapist), and she might her own interesting stories.. such as "Why does Arteest leave his dirty socks all over the apartment?"

Anyway, Arteest will post here occasionally, he's a good guy, puts up with my stupid jokes; like pretending to not understand him because of the 'accent' he doesn't have. Junk like that you can only pull on a guy who can laugh off the small stuff.

Enjoy his occasional ramblings, enjoy any art he puts up, check out his show on the 15th, and have a pleasant Sunday.

Bored....

2005-11-25T17:39:00.000-06:00

Sorry, but I'm waiting 4 my food at the food court and have decided to bore you.

Beside me is a couple, late 40's or early 50's. They appear to be enjoying their Skinner's hotdogs - can't tell if it's a foot long or not.
A lady (est she's over 60) is staring at me as I type on my blackberry. She just did 4 - 6 laps of her lips with her lipstick. Probably concentrating on what I'm doing.

Not much else - my food is ready. 30 min b4 I start my shift waiting tables.

Later!

Irrrrrrr........ I can't take it anymore!!!!

2005-11-22T18:51:00.000-06:00

AAAAUGHHHH!!!!

I've heard it all day today, and then I get home, turn on the news and hear someone interviewed spew it from their mouths..... IRRRRR-REGARDLESS.
That's not a word... if it's a word, what the %$%@# does REGARDLESS mean?!

Do people think you can just IR in front of anything and it's correct?

Here's a thought. A fun game might be to drop IR in front of some other word and use in conversation with people. Let's see how tolerant people are when I make up words. So far I can come up with irrapidly... any help will be appreciated.

'Common' Sense? ..... yeah, right

2005-11-21T15:12:00.001-06:00

Click on the title and you'll see something that really distresses me. Dictionary.com refers to "good sense" and "common Sense" as synonyms; I beg to differ.

Now, I surrender to the point 'Dictionary.com is by no means an authority on the english language', but that's not what's important. Good sense is used to address issues, problems, or events you may not be familiar with, but just need to 'figure out', or 'get through te day'. Now that being said, good sense is by no means 'common', and this is why I think 'common sense' should be removed from the dictionary. I refer you to my previous post from long ago Can People Outgrow Stupid?, although I don't go in to much detail, I feel I make a pretty good case that dumb people are too dumb to smarten up. I suppose I could suggest this is also why 'Common Sense' is so uncommon, but I don't think it is.

People don't use good sense because they are lazy. Using sound judgment in a matter you don't know much about seems like a bit of work. You have to analyze what you're looking at, what you need or want, try to understand or apply a few basic principles, and then act acordingly. Is it just me, or do people just have a tendency to throw their hands up in the air and say "I don't know, I can't do this" the moment they approach something that either takes 3 minutes of effort to address, or isn't done for them instantly. And this day in age we have services for everything, people feel it's their right to have things done for them.

I really don't think you need to be smart to at least attempt doing something for yourself.
EXAMPLE
Have you ever changed a car tire? If no, please give this a quick read. It's not rocket science... yes it is a bit of work, but if you do approach it logically, each step makes sense, and if you use good sense, you should be able to at least make it to the dealership. and wouldn't that be more satisfying than standing 'helplessly' on the side of the road waiting for a kind, capable passerby?

If you didn't try using judgemnet or good sense to figure things out, how will you ever become more capable, or even more intelligent?

My first afternoon at the fights...

2005-11-19T19:18:00.000-06:00

First off, Congrats to Aaron! *

He had his first fight today. I'm happy for him, especially since I know he's been working really hard to get to his first match.

While at the fights I was wondering why someone would go in to a competition where you place yourself in harms way. Simply put; boxing to me is about knocking the other person senseless while protecting yourself as they try doing the same to you. This seems like a good time to mention I don't really agree with Aaron boxing.

Any sport or activity contains risk. I play ultimate frisbee and I know full well the more I play the more likely I am going to damage my knees or feet or ankles. I used to be a competitive road cyclist, where a crash in a race or training could likely mean a broken collarbone or maybe a rib.
I've been knocked unconscious playing basketball and hockey while in high school. So if you're assuming my problem with boxing is the violence or the risk to your health, you're wrong.

I don't think boxing is wrong. No more than hitting a guy with his head down in hockey, or a basketball player getting charged really hard as they set a pick (if you don't like it, keep your head up or don't set a pick). In boxing, both participants enter the ring knowing and understanding the risks, and agree to compete... just like any sport. My concern with Aaron boxing, (and perhaps with many of the younger kids there today), is the fact I don't believe he's really respecting or appreciating the risks involved.

Throughout the past few months as Aaron's training has taken on more sparring, I've noticed him showing up afterwards being what I consider punch drunk or 'in a fog'. He'd have noticeable difficulty focusing in conversations, would stutter a bit more than usual, and generally just not all be there. Now, if he were to say "Yeah, I'm not all here right now, but it's a price I'm willing to pay because I don't want to give it up.", but he doesn't. Aaron tends to say things such as The brain is hidden behind your forehead and when the front of your head is struck your brain slides back and doesn't suffer the blow.This concept I understand, however this doesn't eliminate the potential of suffering serious permanent head injury.

Really, I'm wanting to get across that if you choose to step into a ring, onto a court, on a rink, and both understand and accept the potential consequences, then go for it. Who am I to judge what's important to you. If you're in Aaron's shoes, and understand that you have a slight slur and stammer a bit after a sparring workout; and know that long term exposure to being struck in the head can harm the most important organ in your body then enjoy. I respect the fact you'd be facing against not just the other boxer, but also against your own instincts to flee or step away from harm. I am also a bit envious you are entering one of the few places left that encourages "old school 'manly' behaviour".
But, having been knocked out before, and meeting a few people who've suffered different types of head injuries (and yes, a couple boxers who didn't know when to quit), I think I'll stick to ultimate. While it is possible that playing ultimate may chronic knee or ligament injuries, I'll opt to play a sport not as likely to inflict short term memory loss or 'mind fogs'.

Aaron, if you're reading this, congratulations, I really mean it. You climbed in to ring and faced an opponent. Very few people can say they've done that.

* not his real name

Antiques Road Show

2005-11-17T20:18:00.000-06:00

Do any of you watch this?

I typically change the channel when it comes on. But a few times I catch myself drawn in by the story of what's being appraised.

Some of the items are really neat and tell a good story. I caught an episode where an old british merchant navy uniform was found by a couple moving in to a Victorian era home they inherited. They found some paperwork with it including a document listing all the ports of call of some old ship form the mid 1800's.

Apparently this guy is orphaned in England at something like 12 yrs old, joins the merchant fleet, sails around Africa, India, SOuth America, etc. Get's to Canada before Dominion and gets discharged (apparently that's where he'd get this paper... to prove he was a legit sailor). He's 20 something and the people go on to talk about how he become a Great Lakes sailor/officer, he may have helped smuggle Confederate soldiers/sympathizers back and forth to and from the US during the civil war, but apoparently ran cargo around.
He marries a lady in Toronto, has a kid, and dies of some complicatin of a fever he had while a younger man. Died at something like 30 or 40.

BTW - I just got home and turned on the TV - Antiques Roadshow is on - this is how it got on my mind. But this sailor stuff was from a while ago.

But isn't that just a cool story? Imagine... This guy, 200 years ago, saw amazing parts of the world, while they were still TRULY different and all the while, he's likely just working his ass off trying to keep out of trouble and keep from getting sick, etc. Do you think this person would have known just what he was experiencing? That 200+ years later people might possibly be looking at his old uniform and ship's "list of ports of call" (there must be a correct term for that) as something of value.

CRAZY!!!!

Anyway - I'm sorting my summer clothes to storage and pulling out the winter and came across my old pair of track spikes. What will be going on with them in 200 years if I hold on to them?
Too much work - I'm tossing them.

Life in my own little world...

2005-11-16T18:06:00.000-06:00

Well... Here's my 2nd post in a row that starts off with the snow we just got here in Winnipeg.

The past couple of days, I've had my own stuff going on. Work, my foot's bother me a bit, stuff like that. But the weather has had relatively little impact on me.

I live and work right in downtown Winnipeg. I wake up, leave my apartment, walk 7 or 8 blocks to work, do my job, and walk 7 or 8 blocks home. Sure there's snow on the ground and my shoes are a little wet, but that'ws nothing.
Now I'm home and I can whatever I feel like doing. My commute lasts around 15 minutes each way... from door to door. and traffic on the sidewalk doesn't bother me much at all. I have no children to get home to, no pets to rush home to feed.

Today I was talking with people who had to deal with getting their kids to and from school, shovelling their driveways to get to work, get home on time for the kids and pets, etc. Whle they would tell me of these things I was thinking "I'm feeling pretty tired, I think I'll have a nap after work so I can play ultimate (no, I'm not a frisbee chasing dog) tonight. It's a good life.

I can choose to be lazy if I want. If I want to work at something I have the resources I need, mostly time. If I want to goof off and have fun... I can!

I find simplicity is what's good. I did have a car, but parked it and signed it over to my bro. I was using it once every week or so, it would need repairs now and then, vandalized a couple of times... just a hassle. If I need to get somewhere I usually do the following; walk, or bike (don't bike in the winter), transit (it's not bad), taxi and/or friends with cars. Granted, most of my friends, being the awesome people they are, tend to go too far out of their way to ensure I can get a ride to wherever. Really ice of them, but sometimes I feel like a parasite just bumming rides.... but then again it means they get more time with me (those lucky bums :). So no - I can't EASILY hop in the car and drive across the city to do whatever, but I don't feel I'm missing too much.

I'm living downtown to help keep things simple. I work a few blocks away. There are stores nearby. Buses are nearby. There's nothing much more that I need. I even have groceries delivered once a week so I don't need to plan or worry about getting to the store.

Now, as I was thinking about the other folks around me and driving kids to lessons, getting home to the dog, taking care of the spouse, etc... I did the whole "Am I shallow?"
Am I missing out on the satisfaction of seeing 'my' child grow?
Do I miss not having a beloved dog greet me at the door?
Am I sad I don't have a wife / significant other to listen to or talk to each evening?

I suppose that yeah - I kind of do miss those things now and then. So am I growing up or something? In a way I hope so... but on the other hand I really hope not. I enjoy this lifestyle... few worries, very selfish, but I don't consider myself childish either.

I think in some ways I'm quite self-aware. I don't think I currently have the patience to deal with a person who soils themselves, so I probably shouldn't have kids.
I'd like having a dog around, but then I'd have to wake up and take it for walks, and really I'd be ticked off I couldn't sleep in until the last minute.
Having a spouse / significant other? I'm a good enough person, I suppose it'll happen when my time is right and I find the right person. I'm not stressing the issue. I'd rather be alone than be stuck in some relationship out of 'habit'. When both I and 'she' are both at a place where we're willing to put up with each other's crap, I suppose then I'll be fulfilled.
For now - I feel like reading a bit and having a nap :).

I wonder why I'm being so introspective all of a sudden? I have started working out a bit.. maybe I'm taking a closer look at myself now that I'm that much better looking?

Thoughts, opinions anyone?! Let' er rip.

P.S. the delivered groceries are awesome. I just leave my little bin at my door and they leave me my stuff. Worth a look.

News Coverage...

2005-11-15T18:02:00.000-06:00

For those of us not aware of the weather in Winnipeg, we got a pretty good dump of snow over the past 24 hours or so. According to the news I'm watching now, between 20 to 30 cm, but if you ask most people around here, we got something along the lines of 600 metres.
I don't mean it isn't a mjor impact, it is. Buses were stuck, cars all over the place, flights cancelled.

What I can't get over is the news coverage of this.

1st off - Why is it the weather coverage has to be done from the outdoors?
I'm watching the local news and for some reason, they find it necessary for a reporter to stnd on the street to introduce the weather coverage... and by the way - they only showed her face and the street lights behind her.

2nd - Are all TV viewers DUMB! They have a reporter, standing outside in the snow, giving advice of "What you need to do."
"If you have a child in school, check with your childs school to see they are open tomorrow."
"If you plan on flying, check with the airline before going to the airport." THIS AFTER THEY JUST INTERVIEWED PEOPLE STRANDED AT THE AIRPORT... News is to report what is happening. Not how to think for yourself. If they were reporting an announcement by schools or airport officials.. but they wee just puking up 'good sense'. (remind me to fill you in on the difference between good sense and common sense another time).

3rd - They introduce a report on cross border water stewardship with a shot of some dude running across the street and hurdling snow banks. "While Winnipegger's are battling winter weather, another political battle is brewing.." OOOHHHHH... the Drama... I'm Soooo riveted. Good thing they showed snow on the TV, otherwise they wouldn't have gotten my attention...

4th - Another newscast just had their weatherman tell people to wipe snow from the hood of their car before they start driving! And of course - he's standing outside and doing a 'practical demonstration' of how to wipe said snow from said car. Why are newscasts pandering to morons!!!!!

I don't currently have cable, but I remember having BBC news to watch when I did. It was awesome. They covered the whole world, far less audience pandering... except some of their correspondants adding their little bit of 'heart-string tugging'..... "and so as most people in London gather about the local pubs to dine, visit and remember friends lost in the tragic bombings... this child in Darfur is hoping to hide a small amount of food from the roving bands of bandits.." - That CAN really hit home. It DOES hit home, but I can also draw the conclusion myself.

We've got this awesome freedom of the press in this country (BTW - I'm in Canada), why do we wait for the news to entertain us before we pay attention? Pardon me if you consider this last remark cheesy, but I fear if we keep allowing our standards to slip, we'll soon be looking to Fox News, and People magazine as our 'trusted sources'

Log Drivers Waltz???

2005-11-13T13:35:00.000-06:00

Ever notice how people can find nostalgic value in the oddest things?

After a few bev's last night at Bar Italia, a few folks wound up at an apartment nearby and after reviewing the titles of the adult only section of MTS Digital TV (I think the fav title was "Horny Asian Nympho's") we began surfing the Free Stuff Section.

At one point a couple of the ladies we happy to see the Log Drivers Waltz... it's a cartoon vignette from the NFB. So the cartoon begins and all of a sudden the ladies in the room start singing along in their own version of the opera voice. And I realise just what an impact this canadian television filler had on these two.

It reminds me of Rocket Robin Hood and how that seems to have impacted people other than myself. Seeing Dana's post I felt much better about myself. Until then, I used to think I was the only person who ever watched this cartoon or had fond memories of it. It's amazing me how others share my fond memories of an obscure, choppy cartoon. Granted, I think the absolute BEST part of RRH (Rocket Robin Hood, in case you aren't on the 'in') was the opening theme song... the chorus "Band of Brothers marching together"... and seeing RRH and his crew marching along (strngely without moving their arms or legs) was mesmerizing, it still is in a way.

What obscure, low budget memory do you have? Doesn't have to be a cartoon, but feel free to share.. perhaps others will surprise you and admit to the same fond feelings.

I can solve the worlds disputes....

2005-11-08T22:07:00.000-06:00

One Word... SHENANNIGANS!

Origins
I have, while swapping stories with friends or discussing matters of importance found it necessary to point out when a friend is completely in the wrong or completely full of crap. At said point in the conversation I'll declare Shennanigans. Why Shenannigans? Funny word. Innocent word. Yet the sound of it implies horsplay, or wrong doing. Once declared, I'm obliged to explain what has been said that I feel is crap. I never used to say Shenannigans, I used to say something witty like "You're full of crap!" And occasionallywould get a punch in the face.
Being a peaceloving wuss, and fearful for my good looks, I developped the Shenannigan protocol.

Rules and Etiquette

Once Shennanigans has been declared, it must be resolved as it is a matter of honour. To be accused of a Shennanigans and not defend yourself will result in a severe blight on your reputation.

Once declared, neither the Shenanniganner (accuser) nor the Shenannigannee (defendant) are allowed to consume any alcohol (strangely Sehnannigans are rarely declared without alcohol present) until the matter is resolved.

Shennanigans must be declared on the spot unless it compromises a friends alibi in front of his girlfrien /boyfriend, signifigant other, or prospect. (i.e. don't blow their 'good thing' or chance at a 'good thing' by blowing their lie or cover story)

Once the matter is resolved, the loser shall provide one beverage, to the victor.

If the Shennanigans can't be settled in a timely manner, then bystanders (likely because they're sick of listening to this BS being hashed and re-hashed) may declare a Ro-Sham-Bo (yes, from South Park). Why something so serious as a Ro-Sham-Bo? It is a TRUE test of convictions. The man willing to enter a Ro-Sham-Bo TRULY believes in the cause.

Should Ro-Sham-Bo be declared, the bystander declaring Ro-Sham-Bo shall decide which party that shall receive the first kick. Remember, the participant(s) of the Ro-Sham-Bo may also call Shenannigans aginst the bystander turned Ro-Sham-Bo official, making them potentially a Ro-Sham-Bo participant AND preventing their beverage consumption until this new Shenannigans is settled

How it Works
Here's a typical application of Shennanigan's in a usual setting. You're having a couple drinks with a few friends... let's just say it's a BBQ.
Fool: "... so long story short, that's how I inventerd the beanie babies. But the original concept was called Booger Babies"
Huma: "I declare Shennanigans. You invented no such thing!"
both parties place their partially consumed drinks on the table
Fool: "What the hell are you on?! You know this is true. You were there!"
Huma: "I don't think so! I've never been to a day spa... and who in their right mind would come up with the idea called Booger Babies!?"
Fool: "All right... maybe I didn't really say that. Here's your beer."

Variations of the Ro-Sham-Bo
I would like to suggest that if need be, a Ro-Sham-Bo-esque event may take place depending on the surroundings and the context of the relationship.
For example, if both patries involved play a sport together.. Ro-Sham-Bo may replace kicks to a test of accuracy throwing or kicking a ball at the target.

Anyway... imagine how quickly our Softwood lumber trade dispute would be settled if we set up Paul Martin vs George W. Bush to meet over the matter, and then have Paul yell out "Shenannigans!" as Bush was speaking.

Anyway - Let me know if you think this may work. What disputes have you had where you wish this tool was available. Have you ever thought someone needed to be shut up? Could this have helped?

I have an Artist Friend....

2005-11-01T19:02:00.000-06:00

Look! Look! I know an artist!.
Feel free to check out the other artists as well. But Rod's the guy I know.
I like his stuff, it's kinda different... well let's be honest... It's not some prairie landscape which seems like the only thing you can ever see in a waiting room, or office, or anywhere you seem to turn in this city.
Another cool thing, when I say something like, "I like that one, it's got some cool colours." He doesn't feed me some artsy line about motivation, spirirt of the subject and blah blah blah. Maybe he believes in that, but he knows I have a pretty short attention span and tune him out... In fact, if I ever caught describing how 'emotional' his painting is for him to anyone other than a chick, I'd likely never talk to him again....

Anywho, shameless plug for Rod's work, I know.... just kinda hoping any chicks reading this are impressed by the fact I have an 'artist' friend ;).

He's got a show this week if you care to check it out.

How about this for a Winnipeg night out?

Check out a show at the Improv Fest

check out some of Rod's show

Grab a coffee or dessert at the Fyxx or something (the Exchange one, not the Broadway one..)

Anyway - I told you what to do Thursday... and truth is I'm all talk.
I'll likely be working late Thursday... Might check out the gallery on the way home.. but will likely just live as the recluse I really am. insert sad 'pity music' here

And YES, I have just cracked open the depths of my HTML knowledge to accomplish the hyperlinks.... I hope they prove worthwhile...

Winnipeg Breakfast spots....

2005-10-30T10:39:00.000-06:00

I just called a buddy of mine to see about grabbing some Sunday grease.... He's already meeting folks at Bar Italia and I'm going along. I'll come back to let you know how it is.

Do you know of a good breakfast somewhere? Why do you think it's good? Is it tasty? Or inexpensive? Or you enjoy the sense of coomfort there? Waht makes a good breakfast.

I had to post this, I had no idea Bar Italia served breakfast... and frankly I doubt they really do... but we'll see :)

Thoughts....

2005-10-25T19:20:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I'll come across a phrase or line or quote... usually in obscure places because, to be honest, I'm not very well read. Anyway, these are things I consider thought provoking. Or funny... or at least an ice breaker..

"The opposite of fear is love." from a Stephen Pressfield novel

"How can you be both proud of, and oblivious to the fact you're an idiot?" overheard by a fellow helpdesk staffer after a phone call

"It's tough, but I try not staring at a woman's breasts while I'm talking to her.... I mean, I doubt I could handle anyone staring at my crotch for an entire conversation......" My buddy, as he and I were 4 beers in to a many many beer conversation.

"It's shitty too much beer gets you drunk... But then who'd waste their time drinking non-alcoholic beer?"As last call approached at Shannon's Pub a few weeks go.

"You ever notice the Special Olympians are always smiling? What do they know that I don't?"Having a couple drinks after a game

"The problem with democracy is too many stupid people thinking only about themselves."not sure who or when, but we were talking about whether introducing democracy to ethnically divided countries is wise

"Why don't they have a reality TV show following foreign people around North America? Oh yeah, because they'd be foreign."while watching the amazing race... the only 'reality tv' I'll admit to watching

"I like the news on Fox... it let's me know what's important ."overheard at lunch..... a few weeks ago

"Someone told me the British News was talking about a war in Sri Lanka.... I didn't even know that was a place..."same restaurant... same lunch... I had to pretend my fish and chips were funny

"You know, I'm actually a good looking guy. Too bad I'm a jerk, otherwise I'd probably have a girlfriend.... and the regular sex that goes with it."a coworker is becoming self aware

Been a while...

2005-10-23T23:53:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Haven't had much to say here, so I never said anything at all.

I had a good holiday in late September and I've pretty much been working since.

Nothing much that I've noticed or seen as worthy for the blog, except just a wierd little thing.

I was picking up a few groceries the other night, just before closing. a few minutes before closing a staff person came on to the intercom and announced... "blah blah blah... we close in ten minutes, please get your freaking butt's to the checkout so I can leave... blah blah..."

The odd thing was when they announced ".. we'll reopen tomorrow morning at 9 for your shopping pleasure."

"Oh thank goodness! Now I know exactly how long I have to wait until I can buy some more canned tuna!"
Who needs to know when the store opens? What's important is that they're closing... isn't it? Do they feel I'm so distraught at the thoughtof them closing for the night they feel a need to offer me something in return? In this case they offer the hope of a new opportunity to purchase more mustard in a mere 12 hours?

Well, my point... it's a bit of a stretch, but why must we always be offered 'something' in exchange for the 'bad news'? Sad truth is someone probably does care to be told when the store reopens. That someone had likely complained they should or 'deserved' to be told when the store opens.... instead of reading the damn sign on the door when they leave.

Anyway - just a blurb... this is sadly the most interesting thought I've had the past few days. Maybe I'll have something else pop in the old cranium the next couple of days.

Sincerity in email

2005-09-12T22:08:00.000-05:00

I exchange many emails throughout the day in my job.

When all you want to do is get a simple message across, it's a fabulous medium. If you take the time to compose a 'letter' and send it via email, it's also a great thing.

Where email is completely misused is when people use it to conversations. I'm not against using shorthand style of writing, but unless both parties understand this style, misunderstanding and frustration will develop. That confusion, along with the fact there are many stupid people in the world, makes for a very long day.

ANYWAYYYY.... What's this got to do with 'sincerity in email'? Let me give you a piece of advice:
Your Auto-Signature should include your name, title, and contact info, period. Few things make you look sillier than using a 'sign off' in your email. Most are harmless... "Thank you", "Respectfully", and so on. But some sign-offs are just plain silly. The sign-off that irks me most is "Sincerely". Just how sincere are you being when EVERY SINGLE ONE of you emails is signed-off with "Sincere"? What a hypocritical thing to do.
A sincere gesture is buying a friend lunch when they're having a bad day. Telling someone a joke to lighten a mood. Being sure to tell someone thank you after they've helped you is also a kind, sincere act. Having the word "Sincerely" automatically added to everyone one of your emails in NOT very sincere.
Why not sign-off every email with "Will you marry me?", or "Lovingly yours"? Perhaps instead of being recognised to the world as a hypocrite, you can find love with someone who's blind to the fact you've professed your love and proposed to every person you've ever exchanged emails with.
I think I'll try signing off every email with "When do you plan on paying me back that $5.00 you owe me?" Who knows, maybe I'll be a little richer by the end of the day.

Can People Outgrow Stupid?

2005-09-06T16:06:00.000-05:00

Having something of a long day today.... nothing major, just 'one of those days'.

Ever notice that unintelligent people never become smarter? Is stupidity something you can never outgrow? When I was a much younger fellow, I used to be a bed wetter; but I outgrew bed wetting with time and effort (i.e. limiting water consumption before bed). Some people are physically unfit, but then decide to change that and after much effort and discipline they do become fit.

I suppose if you want to 'improve' something about yourself, you first need to identify your shortcoming; and sadly, most stupid people likely don't realise they are.

Pavlov and the water jug....

2005-09-04T03:28:00.000-05:00

Just got home from my part time gig. I work as a waiter / bartender in the banquet department of a downtown hotel.

It was an ok evening; a wedding, which means most people are relaxed and not too demanding. And some are actually interested in having fun and joking around :).

This was my first shift in a while, so a couple things I've already noticed, really stood out tonight.

1st - It seems that when people notice I've got my hands full, they feel a need to offer me just one more thing to carry. Why is this? Don't people realize that if my hands are full with four dirty plates that I likely can't manage a fifth? Are they afraid that if I walk away then I will never come back?

2nd - As soon as people see me coming by with a jug of water they feel a need to chug back as much water as they can. I understand why people do this, I often can't come by when your glass happens to be empty, so you figure you'd may as well get it filled up while I'm there. That makes sense, but it is pretty funny to see from the my perspective. I walk in carrying a jug of water, and instinctively people start drinking water.

This 2nd observation could be the makings of quite an interesting psychological case study or experiment. What else can we, the waiters of the world, condition people to do when we carry jugs of water near their table?
If we brougt 8 people in to a room, sat them at the same table and let them observe all other tables get there water re-filled after they've exhibited some unique behaviour, how long until the 8 subjects begin mimicking said behaviour?
What behaviour would you like to see?

How about if people climb off their chairs and sit on the table, facing outwards with their feet on their seats? The moment they observe me walking by with with a jug of water, the stop all chewing or conversation get up, turn around, sit on the table, feet on their chair, and stare blindly ahead. I'd then walk up and fill their glass with water, at which moment they come back to life, sit back down and carry on as though everything is fine. Perhaps a little Monty Pythonesque, but still something different

How about you? Anything you'd like to see people do before their water glasses were re-filled? How about other pavlovian responses you'd like to see people conditioned to give?

Red Wine before bed?

2005-08-31T17:39:00.000-05:00

To start, you need to know something... I often enjoy a glass of red wine to finish off the day. I have a box of wine (cheaper than bottles, usually just as good) and usually have a glass or two of wine to settle down and mellow out for bed.

The situation; a good friend of mine, well really he's THAT FRIEND... You know; if I was married the friend my wife wouldn't really be happy I spent a bunch of time with. We do the typical bachelor things.... see 'exotic dancers', play hockey, farting contests... typical things a couple guys would do.

Anyway, my bud is moving in to my 1 bedroom apt for a week or so because he's suddenly between living arrangements. No big deal, he gets the couch or floor, I keep my room and he'll b gone in a week or two. It's likely we won't even see each other until very late, he works evenings and I work days, so on and so forth.

How does this tie in with red wine? Well Jeff (not his real name) was over last night getting the keys as I was having my glass of wine... we chatted about typical stuff and where he could put his junk, etc. We were on the couch (only seat I have in the living room), in my 1 bedroom apt, in downtown (near the legislature in Winnipeg), I've got classical music playing (just because I enjoy classical music now and then), and I'm drinking my red wine.... He and I realised then; if you walked in right now we'd resemble a same sex couple...... A mild case of homophobia develops, I chug my wine, and decide Jeff will pay his share of the rent in beer.

I think I've described the scene adequately enough. Question is: Do any of you out there think my short term red wine boycott is unreasonable?

Very hungry..

2005-08-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

Ever notice how you can all of a sudden feel hungry?
I'm working right now in a semi-controlled are (i..e. no food allowed) and
am starving.....

I've eaten plenty today though.

I contributed to alleged deforestation (don't want to get sued here) by
having 2 egg mcmuffins for breaky - then 2 ham n' cheese sandwiches and a
pete's tofu dessert thingy...

That's what I've eaten since 9:00
I was feeling satisfied until I sat down here and started some work and
can't leave.

Now why is this? Is my body trying to tease me? Just like when you're the DD
and you go some place that has all your favourite imported beer on for
$2.25?

I am trying to eat healthy these days... More veggies and less fast food.
And I'm noticing my apetite is growing. but geez - I'm only a block away
from VJ's (greatest burgers in Winnipeg) and couldn't even break down if I
wanted!

Aughhh!

Can DVD commentary steal more of my life?

2005-08-24T23:33:00.000-05:00

Can the DVD extras make a bad movie worth watching again?
I confess to buying a Jean Claude Van Damme movie from Safeway last night. I paid $4.99 for it and don't really regret it. It's a bad move as I expected... just a stupid, brainless JCVD movie with some cheesy machismo and violence. Pretty depending on your mood.

Now my dilemma.. up til recently there wouldn't have been one. If we were still in the days of VHS I would watch this movie once in a while (a long while really) and then shelve it for another long time until the mood for a crappy movie struck again. But now in the age of DVD, I have the opportunity to watch this again and hear the director/ producers commentary...... I may be sucked in yet again I fear.
Now really, why would I? The movie IS A BAD MOVIE. The case points out the fact the same director as RAMBO III - that should say it all there..... but..... My morbid curiosity is making me want to know just what this man may have to say about his film....

Will he actually apologise in his commentary?

Can he offer reasons why things are as crappy as they are? "I would have used real actors, however the screen actors guild boycotted my production, forcing me to hire housekeeping staff from the hotel I stayed at to play the role of the enemy marauders..."

I can't stand it..... what can someone say about their part in this farce of the movie industry? I will succumb... I know... sigh

Ahhh Sundays.....

2005-08-21T23:03:00.000-05:00

Sighh..... My Sunday is coming to a close. Monday approaching.
I think I'll just share my day with y'all - but mostly so I can look back at it from my desk at work when I feel like remembering something good :)

Today, I went for a run, not a very good run though, but a run to get the day going. I did a few loads of laundry (yet to be folded / put away), then went and did a bit of shopping.
I bought myself a few of those 'bulk' essentials; oversized box of Bran flakes, 3L bottles of V8 and Grape juice, and a pair of tear away warm up pants (so I can pull them off without removing my cleats this fall).

My team had a BBQ / wind-up... I had a couple more beers than the rest of the group.. We had WAAAAYYYYY too much food and relaxed a bit. I found out one of my teammates is getting married next year and enjoyed the sun.

Then I joined a couple of the guys under a bridge where we tried teaching me how to rock / wall climb and how to rappel. It was pretty fun.

So all in all, a good Sunday.

How was everyone else's?

Wrong Song, Wrong Time

2005-08-19T16:17:00.000-05:00

Friday afternoon. Nice weather. Everyone in my local office is told to go home early. My manager works in a different city. Calls me up. Tells me he's scheduling a meeting with me for 17:30 my time.....

Not worst thing in the world really, I have work to do, etc. Easier to get work done when office is empty. Look on the bright side, right?

Anyway, people are almost all gone... I'm taping away at my keyboard, doing my best to ignore all the 'weekend planning emails' my friends are sending each other... finding it difficult to focus.

I pull on my headphones and playing is REM, Everybody Hurts.... I almost feel like crying....

Nothing happening is all that horrible... work is work and all that... but you combine me working, an empty office, emails reminding me of how nice it is outside.. and then 'EVERYBODY HURTS'? I feel like an 8 yr old who figured out Bambi's mom was blown to pieces by hunters! I tell you, music can reflect your mood, change your mood... but it also really can reinforce/magnify (there's a better word out there than reinforce... anyone?) your mood.

Anyway - have a good weekend. I'm outta here in a couple hours, so I'll look back at this and laugh. :)

Lots of Crap on Television

2005-08-15T16:31:00.000-05:00

So I made it home from work on time today. This doesn't happen all that often.
I usually make it home around 17:30 and turn on the television to catch the last of either Jeopardy or Just for Laughs Gags before the news.
Today I got home, turned on the TV (and this reflexive like habit is an issue I may bring up another time), and what is there>

CBC is showing some cartoon about dragons who race around a track.

CTV has Oprah talking to some prisoner over the phone while she 'with the assistance of some quack PHD' fire off pop psychology to an audience of lemmings hoping the great Oprah will teach them what to think.

global has the WORLDS WORST ACTING SHOWCASE... some stupid soap opera

CITY TV has an Indy Jone knockoff, except Harrison ford is replaced by some hot looking number wearing tight clothes and able to outrun anyone in the jungle while wearing hgh heels.

I'd may as well stay at work. I figure the most offensive of these 4 is the Oprah show. It seems to be assuming it's moral authority is a foregone conclusion and doesn't seem to allow for any different points of view. Right now they're talking about women falsely claiming to be war widows and how troubled these women are to be acting so despicably. How can they fill 60 mins with this tripe? How dangerous is it to have a 'PHD' and the worlds greatest know it all present only their points of view on issues that really should be kept private, before the masses of North Americans tunng in mostly because they need the following accomplished in 60 minutes:

issue presented

cause identified

cause analysed

actions taken

harm caused by these actions

what the correct actions / answers should be

reassurance that if you faced this issue, you now know how to handle it

People are sheep and for some reason today it's just really frustrating me.

Tired, yet do not wish to sleep....

2005-08-11T22:47:00.000-05:00

My brother tells his 3 year old it's time for bed. She whines... "I don't wanna.." And the ritual we all have experienced, if not from the perspective of the parent, at least from the perspective of the child.

Why "don't I wanna go to bed"? I recall when I was younger that I was afraid of missing out on things.
On missing out on what, I never really knew... but I was pretty certain something good was about to happen as soon as I went to sleep.

Anyway.... it's nearly 23:00 (yes, I prefer 'military time'... far more efficient) and I am fighting to stay awake.
I'm tired, sore, achy, etc. Need rest, have a big day tomorrow.. yet here I am, typing this blog.
Why?
I'm 28 yrs old.. I should not be afraid of missing out on things. I shouldn't really care if I update this blog. I shouldn't be concerned of satying up in case a 'good' rerun gets played on TV. But yet I am awake.

Am I the only one lacking in judgement like this? Do you ever find yourself staying awake for no good reason?
Maybe you've stayed up late debating whether or not you REALLY NEED TO BUY THE BEEF JERKEY MAKER. Or whatever.

I'm curious.

Have a good night :)

Stupid 'Schticks'

2005-08-08T23:32:00.000-05:00

I have this to say..... when Nick Hill would come on the TV or radio, I would change the channel. Can't stand stupid concepts being successful simply because ppl remember just how dumb the idea is. I may not hate the idea, but spite the fact it works.

Why did this pop in to my head?
That freaking Peak of the Market commercial with Larry holding a carrot as a microphone. Dumb, just plain dumb. EVERYONE has stood in front of a mirror lipsynching to something holding on to a 'pseudo-mic' (likely to synching to your 'secret song'). Why should we see some fellow try and pull that silly bathroom crap on public airwaves?

Questions:
1 - Peak of the Market. Please (a) Keep, (b) Dump, or (c) whatever those commercials.
2 - Other ideas Peak of the Market could use.
3 - anyone ever get 'busted' doing the dumb lip-synch?

Adding 'Mc' to insult

2005-08-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

Like everyone else, I come across people I consider unintelligent, tiresome, and all other forms of irritating.
I'm not a prick or anything like that, but when you think about it, it a matter of numbers.
If you come across 100 people throughout your day, what are the odds all 100 are good people you find interesting... I don't know what the ratio of good vs 'not good' is, but I think I've made my point. Not everyone is of a pleasant or likeable character.
Anyway, back to Adding 'Mc' to insult....

If I called someone a 'dumbass' what are you likely to think? You likely would suspect that said dumbass lacks in intelligence, but also that I'm a rather rude individual for having refered to someone as a dumbass.

But!! If I called that person something like 'Dougie McDumbass' - you still get the picture, not take it as seriously, and go on with life.

So is there a question here... I don't know.
I suppse I'm curious to know if you consider adding 'Mc' to insult does have the desired effect, or if I'm potentially causing a rift between myself and our Scottish community.

Waiting for the Elevator

2005-08-05T08:29:00.000-05:00

Through the miracle of wireless technology I'm writing this post while waiting for an elevator.
Bored out of my skull.
Any suggestions out there as to what I can do to pass the time?
I've already done the polite chit chat with the security desk, done the ppl watching thing (which I put a stop to, for fear of being 'that creepy guy staring at everyone').

Why is this called an 'elevator'? Not that it's really a bad name. It's just you don't hear ppl say "I must elevate myself 3 floors". Really, this should be called a 'go upper' - "I need to go up three floors."

Soooo.... there are two questions here:
1. What can one do to pass the time waiting for the elevator?
2. Do you have a better name for the elevator?

Everyone's 'Secret' Song

2005-08-04T21:38:00.000-05:00

I was away on a road trip this past weekend. Typical stuff on the car ride happened... Stupid 'how do you rate in bed' magazine quizzes (BTW, I'm a 21 ;), attempts at deep philosophical discussion, counting train cars, etc.
Most interestingly though, was perusing everyone's CD's.
I think, when it comes to music, guys have it tough.... The ladies are allowed to enjoy pretty much any and all music: Top 40, heavy metal, country, hip hop and yadda yadda yadda.. But guys are not allowed ALL of those same choices...
Back to the car ride... I'm going through one of the fellow's Cd's and throw in his CD 'Doug's Mix' (Doug not really his name). The music was pretty standard for a mx made a few years ago... some timeless Gun's N' Roses, some Eminem (we all listened to that for a while), a couple rock ballads, some Bob Dylan and so on... but in the middle of his selections.. 'Caribbean Queen' by BILLY OCEAN!!!

Now I feel for Doug... I was smart enough to leave my 'Secret' songs at home and EVERY guy has one or two... Maybe even a secret band. Doug's only mistake was to leave his CD in the car when others were going on a long car ride with him... Of course we were going to go through all his stuff... That's just something you do on a road trip.

Anway, the question is this: What's your secret song? (or band). Everyone has one. That embarrassing tune you listen to to wake you out of a bummer of a day. Maybe if you hear played at the mall, you catch yourself tapping your foot to it... Maybe you even get caught on the security camera mouthing the lyrics as you're waiting for the elevator.

We ALL have one. What's yours? Let's make sure Doug knows he isn't alone.

'Slutty' Food?

2005-07-27T18:07:00.000-05:00

Went for lunch with a friend of mine to a cafe / coffe house. As we ate our lunch I noticed the menu on the wall had an assortment of teas. The menu was brken up into two categories: "Bagged Teas" and "Loose Teas".
So of course I think of these poor tired teas, all bagged and waiting to be served up to some parasite consumer. Which of course leads me to reason that "Loose Teas" are the slutty teas of the world.
So basically now I'm eating my lunch and thinking... "If I can catch an illness from eating a sick cow, doesn't it stand to reason I can contract permiscuous tendencies if I drink a loose tea?"How about food? Miss Piggy looks to be a pretty sure thing. "What happens if I eat some slutty pork?"

This makes dining out pretty risque.... It used to be that consuming too much alcohol would make you regret your behaviour the following morning. With this information, I now wonder what else to expect...
If I'm out on a date and hoping for a little 'nudge-nudge wink-wink', should I be recommending a certain cut of pork or beef? Maybe chickens in general are pretty fast and loose? Who knows? Now I'm preoccupied with the question, "Which farmed animal is easier than the rest?" This is becoming quite disconcerting to me. Are pig pens by day actually "swine swapping sex parties" by night?

Are there loveless marriages created by the arrival of a love-child who otherwise wouldn't exist if it weren't for the combination of a pork roast combined by a glass of red wine and 'sex in a pan' for dessert?

Anyway...... Now I'm babbling when I should be getting ready to go Fringing. Perhaps I'll find an attractive woman standing in line eating some sort of pork sish-ka-bob (Sidenote: Why the heck is a meal on a stick called a 'shish-ka-bob? Is there some chef out there named Bob Shish-ka?). If so, I'll be able to test my 'food makes you easy' theory...... We'll see.

Pillow Forts

2005-07-27T00:07:00.000-05:00

So I'm watching Family Guy Episode on Volume 1, and Peter Griffin climbed into a pillow / seat cushion fort.

My question is this... How old is too old for a pillow fort?
Unfortunately, I have only 1 couch with three cushions, not enough for an adequate fort.... but if I had more cushions, I assure you I would set up a small fort.
Why not?

You're likely asking why... here are some reasons, not practical ones, but reasons none the less:

prevent distractions
I personally find it difficult to concentrate on things I dislike. Especially work I'm taking home, etc. BUT, in a pillow fort, I can concentrate on only what I should be reading / doing.

Daydreaming
Yes, very different from concentrating, but then again not really. Letting the mind 'wander' is very difficult for those of us who prescribe to the pursuit of the mundane ritual of dragging ourselves toour respective jobs and schools to be told what to do, when to do it, etc. Being able to close your eyes and imagine things can be a fantastic mental break / vacation. But with everything around us, especially our "responsibilities", it's nearly impossible for most people to daydream (I don't have that problem really) and a pillow fort would likely be the best thing.

Well, those are about the only 2 reasons I can think of...... I honestly thought I'd have a longer list. Oh well

This blogging is kinda fun...