Webshots came out with a new e-how-to-show called "Know How".
"The creators of Wink! have teamed up with the folks at Instructables to create a how-to show we know you'll enjoy! From easy to build projects to down-right insane concoctions, Know How will peak your inner-hobbyist and wet your appetite to get out there and make something!
Check out the first episode, where we make noise-isolating headphones for $20 in under 30 seconds!
We’ll have new episodes of Know How every Wednesday, so sign up for a dedicated email alert so you’ll never miss a show!
Want to show us things you've built? Upload your videos to Webshots and tag them "knowhow" then embed them on Instructables where you can post your complete instructions!"
Check it out:
http://www.webshots.com/is/spotlight/?tag=nl.e203
5.06.2007
5.05.2007
Become an M&M
This is a cute site that lets you design a custom M&M, kind of like a zwinky or an imvu character or a stardoll... except it's an M&M!!
Here's mine:
It's kinda dumb though 'cuz I can't figure out how to save my M&M to their website... LOL!
http://www.becomeanmm.com/
For more M&M fun check out their website:
http://us.mms.com/us/
**edit** Thankfully the M&Ms peopel fixed the site so when you click "save" there is actually an option to create an account and not just a "username","password" field. LOL
Here's mine:
It's kinda dumb though 'cuz I can't figure out how to save my M&M to their website... LOL!
http://www.becomeanmm.com/
For more M&M fun check out their website:
http://us.mms.com/us/
**edit** Thankfully the M&Ms peopel fixed the site so when you click "save" there is actually an option to create an account and not just a "username","password" field. LOL
5.04.2007
Blockbuster Total Access
Here's one for you American readers...
Blockbuster now has a program called Total Access wherein you can get your movies delivered (like Netflix) to your door via snail mail, but now upon completion of the movie you can either mail it back, or exchange it at a blockbuster store for another DVD. The great part is the DVD next on your list to be delivered my mail will still be delivered.
$17.99 will get you 3 DVDs out at a time in a month (which is about the same as rental charge).
I think this is a great idea, especially for people (like my parents) who rent 20+ DVDs a month! I can't wait for it to come to Canada.
Check it out:
http://www.blockbuster.com/
Blockbuster now has a program called Total Access wherein you can get your movies delivered (like Netflix) to your door via snail mail, but now upon completion of the movie you can either mail it back, or exchange it at a blockbuster store for another DVD. The great part is the DVD next on your list to be delivered my mail will still be delivered.
$17.99 will get you 3 DVDs out at a time in a month (which is about the same as rental charge).
I think this is a great idea, especially for people (like my parents) who rent 20+ DVDs a month! I can't wait for it to come to Canada.
Check it out:
http://www.blockbuster.com/
5.03.2007
Brother Love
Today's post is on a bit of a relic wrestler from 90's (maybe 80's?) known as "Brother Love". Brother Love was one of WWE's stock characters, a "typical" southern baptist preacher, out to preach the word of love.
He came up recently in conversation wherein a friend quoted his famous catch-phrase "I LOOOOOOVE YEWWW". It was quite hilarious but at least one in our group looked on in a blank-stare obviously oblivious to the catch-phrase's origin. I dedicate this wiki explanation to that friend who shall remain nameless... LOL
"Bruce Prichard (born March 7, 1963) is a producer for the World Wrestling Entertainment's WWE SmackDown! brand. He is the brother of professional wrestler Tom Prichard.
Bruce Prichard is best known to television audiences as Brother Love, a red-faced smarmy, overly-charismatic "preacher" who claimed to preach not the word of God, but "the word of love." He was best known for his cheesy catchphrase of "I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE YEWWWWWWWWWWW!"
"Brother Love hosted a segment on World Wrestling Federation's syndicated and cable television programs (called "The Brother Love Show"), in which he would interview wrestlers. The segment debuted June 19, 1988 on Wrestling Challenge, and would be "promoted" to the WWF's "A-show," Superstars of Wrestling, by early that fall.
The segment was patterned largely after the legendary "Piper's Pit," where Love — dressed in a white suit and tie with a red shirt — would berate face wrestlers (especially Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior) and openly support such heels as "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. In fact, DiBiase was Brother Love's main "benefactor." More than once, a wrestling feud was set up because of what occurred on "The Brother Love Show" (including the Earthquake-Hulk Hogan feud of 1990 and the Jake "The Snake" Roberts-Rick Martel feuds).
Brother Love also featured prominently in WrestleMania V in 1989 where Roddy Piper "de-skirted" Brother Love of his "kilt" after taking over Piper's Pit. A year later, Sgt. Slaughter bestowed a medal upon Brother Love during SummerSlam 1990 for being the "greatest American." Brother Love was thrilled. The character of Brother Love was controversial, since he was introduced around the time of the late 1980s scandals involving televangelists including Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart (upon both of whom Prichard's character was based). Several of his segments also bordered on the lines of taste; one particular segment involved Love playing the part of a charlatan "faith healer" (where he induced an actor, pretending to be blind and crippled, to "see" and "walk" on command). The actor would proclaim, "I can see!" and "I can walk!" after obeying Love's commands.
Prichard was released from the WWF shortly after the "I Can See!" segment aired (he was "offed" when the Ultimate Warrior attacked him and beat him nearly unconscious in March 1991), although his departure was due to personal problems Prichard was having at the time. Prichard eventually went to Dallas as a manager for the Global Wrestling Federation."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Prichard
He came up recently in conversation wherein a friend quoted his famous catch-phrase "I LOOOOOOVE YEWWW". It was quite hilarious but at least one in our group looked on in a blank-stare obviously oblivious to the catch-phrase's origin. I dedicate this wiki explanation to that friend who shall remain nameless... LOL
"Bruce Prichard (born March 7, 1963) is a producer for the World Wrestling Entertainment's WWE SmackDown! brand. He is the brother of professional wrestler Tom Prichard.
Bruce Prichard is best known to television audiences as Brother Love, a red-faced smarmy, overly-charismatic "preacher" who claimed to preach not the word of God, but "the word of love." He was best known for his cheesy catchphrase of "I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE YEWWWWWWWWWWW!"
"Brother Love hosted a segment on World Wrestling Federation's syndicated and cable television programs (called "The Brother Love Show"), in which he would interview wrestlers. The segment debuted June 19, 1988 on Wrestling Challenge, and would be "promoted" to the WWF's "A-show," Superstars of Wrestling, by early that fall.
The segment was patterned largely after the legendary "Piper's Pit," where Love — dressed in a white suit and tie with a red shirt — would berate face wrestlers (especially Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior) and openly support such heels as "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. In fact, DiBiase was Brother Love's main "benefactor." More than once, a wrestling feud was set up because of what occurred on "The Brother Love Show" (including the Earthquake-Hulk Hogan feud of 1990 and the Jake "The Snake" Roberts-Rick Martel feuds).
Brother Love also featured prominently in WrestleMania V in 1989 where Roddy Piper "de-skirted" Brother Love of his "kilt" after taking over Piper's Pit. A year later, Sgt. Slaughter bestowed a medal upon Brother Love during SummerSlam 1990 for being the "greatest American." Brother Love was thrilled. The character of Brother Love was controversial, since he was introduced around the time of the late 1980s scandals involving televangelists including Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart (upon both of whom Prichard's character was based). Several of his segments also bordered on the lines of taste; one particular segment involved Love playing the part of a charlatan "faith healer" (where he induced an actor, pretending to be blind and crippled, to "see" and "walk" on command). The actor would proclaim, "I can see!" and "I can walk!" after obeying Love's commands.
Prichard was released from the WWF shortly after the "I Can See!" segment aired (he was "offed" when the Ultimate Warrior attacked him and beat him nearly unconscious in March 1991), although his departure was due to personal problems Prichard was having at the time. Prichard eventually went to Dallas as a manager for the Global Wrestling Federation."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Prichard
5.02.2007
Snoop Dogg Denied
I was reading an article yesterday about Snoop Dogg the rapper. He did a concert a few months back in Lethbridge at the Enmax Centre (which our big concert venue) and he proceeded to "smoke up" on stage and encouraged members of the audience to do the same, which many of them did. Now whether the substance Snoop Dogg was inhaling was actually marijuanna is debateable but what many of the crowd members were smoking definately was.
Enmax Centre and the City of Lethbridge are now going to fine any artist for the use of or encouragement of illegal substances while on stage.
Although this is commendable, as the article points out, many artists will either choose not to come to Lethbridge because of the fees or pay them anyways as the money generated from concerts & merchandise sales would probably greatly out-weigh the cost of the fees, even if those fees were in the thousands of dollars.
I think it is very good of the Mayor to try to enforce morality while in Lethbridge, although his approach may be short-sighted and bad for tourism. I wonder though how Snoop Dogg was even able to get away with smoking the substance as last time I checked drugs were illegal and surely a few of Lethbridge's finest should have been on duty at the concert?
The article
"Lethbridge puts Snoop Dogg on short leash
Canadian Press
May 1, 2007 at 6:17 PM EDT
Lethbridge, Alta. — The onstage concert antics of rapper Snoop Dogg have prompted a southern Alberta city to put artists at future shows on a regulatory leash.
The phone lines at Lethbridge City Hall lit up with calls from angry concert-goers and parents after Snoop Dogg performed at the Enmax Centre last January.
“The entertainers were smoking marijuana on stage and encouraging the audience to do the same,” Mayor Bob Tarleck said Tuesday.
According to people at the concert, some audience members followed Snoop Dogg's lead and the air was soon thick with the smell of pot. Complaints were especially vocal because Lethbridge, a city of 79,000, had just passed a tough bylaw against smoking in any workplace.
Now the city and the arena managers have agreed to new rules that would hit entertainers in the wallet if they smoke, do drugs, drink or encourage illegal behaviour while on stage.
Artists such as Snoop Dogg could be forced to put up thousands of dollars before a concert as a guarantee of good behaviour, and could forfeit that money if they break the rules, said Ashley Matthews, general manager of Enmax Centre.
“It may affect Snoop Dogg from coming back into the community, so people may not be able to enjoy one of his concerts again. But it doesn't mean that rap music isn't allowed in our community,” he said.
Critics call the crackdown heavy-handed and and predict it won't prevent bad behaviour.
“Artists like Snoop Dogg or any other big name like that generates so much profit and revenue from concerts and touring, the amount of money they're going to request from him wont deter him from putting on the show he should put on,” said Jenn Prosser, 20, program director of CKXU, a community radio station at the University of Lethbridge.
Prosser said she believes in freedom of expression for all performers.
“When people go to concerts, they want to see artists as they portray themselves in their music, and that's what happened at the Snoop Dogg concert. I don't think the reaction is justified.”
Matthews, who attended the concert, wasn't surprised when Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, lit up what looked like a joint. While he's not so sure it was actually marijuana the artist was smoking, Matthews said there was no doubt that many in the audience were inhaling the real thing.
Tarleck says he thinks it's time to send a message to entertainers, athletes and models who routinely flout society's rules.
“As long as communities just accept that, it will go on,” the mayor said. “When communities take a stand on this, those entertainers will realize that their livelihoods are at stake and make the appropriate adjustments.”
Lethbridge, a mainly agricultural community about 300 kilometres south of Calgary, isn't the only place that's cracking down on Snoop Dogg.
Australia recently refused him entry to host the MTV Australia Video Music Awards because of a lengthy criminal record.
Last month, the rapper was sentenced to five years' probation and 800 hours of community service after he pleaded no contest to felony gun and drug charges in California.
During the 1990s, he pleaded guilty to drug and gun possession charges in exchange for three years' probation.
He was acquitted of murder in 1996 following the death of an alleged gang member who was killed by gunfire from a vehicle in which Snoop Dogg was travelling."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070501.wsnoop-dogg0501/BNStory/Entertainment/)
Enmax Centre and the City of Lethbridge are now going to fine any artist for the use of or encouragement of illegal substances while on stage.
Although this is commendable, as the article points out, many artists will either choose not to come to Lethbridge because of the fees or pay them anyways as the money generated from concerts & merchandise sales would probably greatly out-weigh the cost of the fees, even if those fees were in the thousands of dollars.
I think it is very good of the Mayor to try to enforce morality while in Lethbridge, although his approach may be short-sighted and bad for tourism. I wonder though how Snoop Dogg was even able to get away with smoking the substance as last time I checked drugs were illegal and surely a few of Lethbridge's finest should have been on duty at the concert?
The article
"Lethbridge puts Snoop Dogg on short leash
Canadian Press
May 1, 2007 at 6:17 PM EDT
Lethbridge, Alta. — The onstage concert antics of rapper Snoop Dogg have prompted a southern Alberta city to put artists at future shows on a regulatory leash.
The phone lines at Lethbridge City Hall lit up with calls from angry concert-goers and parents after Snoop Dogg performed at the Enmax Centre last January.
“The entertainers were smoking marijuana on stage and encouraging the audience to do the same,” Mayor Bob Tarleck said Tuesday.
According to people at the concert, some audience members followed Snoop Dogg's lead and the air was soon thick with the smell of pot. Complaints were especially vocal because Lethbridge, a city of 79,000, had just passed a tough bylaw against smoking in any workplace.
Now the city and the arena managers have agreed to new rules that would hit entertainers in the wallet if they smoke, do drugs, drink or encourage illegal behaviour while on stage.
Artists such as Snoop Dogg could be forced to put up thousands of dollars before a concert as a guarantee of good behaviour, and could forfeit that money if they break the rules, said Ashley Matthews, general manager of Enmax Centre.
“It may affect Snoop Dogg from coming back into the community, so people may not be able to enjoy one of his concerts again. But it doesn't mean that rap music isn't allowed in our community,” he said.
Critics call the crackdown heavy-handed and and predict it won't prevent bad behaviour.
“Artists like Snoop Dogg or any other big name like that generates so much profit and revenue from concerts and touring, the amount of money they're going to request from him wont deter him from putting on the show he should put on,” said Jenn Prosser, 20, program director of CKXU, a community radio station at the University of Lethbridge.
Prosser said she believes in freedom of expression for all performers.
“When people go to concerts, they want to see artists as they portray themselves in their music, and that's what happened at the Snoop Dogg concert. I don't think the reaction is justified.”
Matthews, who attended the concert, wasn't surprised when Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, lit up what looked like a joint. While he's not so sure it was actually marijuana the artist was smoking, Matthews said there was no doubt that many in the audience were inhaling the real thing.
Tarleck says he thinks it's time to send a message to entertainers, athletes and models who routinely flout society's rules.
“As long as communities just accept that, it will go on,” the mayor said. “When communities take a stand on this, those entertainers will realize that their livelihoods are at stake and make the appropriate adjustments.”
Lethbridge, a mainly agricultural community about 300 kilometres south of Calgary, isn't the only place that's cracking down on Snoop Dogg.
Australia recently refused him entry to host the MTV Australia Video Music Awards because of a lengthy criminal record.
Last month, the rapper was sentenced to five years' probation and 800 hours of community service after he pleaded no contest to felony gun and drug charges in California.
During the 1990s, he pleaded guilty to drug and gun possession charges in exchange for three years' probation.
He was acquitted of murder in 1996 following the death of an alleged gang member who was killed by gunfire from a vehicle in which Snoop Dogg was travelling."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070501.wsnoop-dogg0501/BNStory/Entertainment/)
5.01.2007
Girls' Only Blog Things
I found a "girl's only" section to blog things the other day, some interesting quizes on it.
"A Blogthing is a quiz, meme, or toy you can put in your blog or journal.
These Blogthings are especially for girls and women.
To get started, take one of the Blogthings below:
What's Your Signature Makeup Look?: Get a glam makeup look that's perfect for you
Are You Attractive?: Are you a total guy magnet? Or are you scaring guys away?
Are You Easy?: Do guys think you're a total tart? Or do you come off as a bit of a prude?"
http://ynr.blogthings.com/
"A Blogthing is a quiz, meme, or toy you can put in your blog or journal.
These Blogthings are especially for girls and women.
To get started, take one of the Blogthings below:
What's Your Signature Makeup Look?: Get a glam makeup look that's perfect for you
Are You Attractive?: Are you a total guy magnet? Or are you scaring guys away?
Are You Easy?: Do guys think you're a total tart? Or do you come off as a bit of a prude?"
http://ynr.blogthings.com/
4.30.2007
Song of the Week
"Milkshake" - Kelis
[Repeat x2]
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,
And their like
It's better than yours,
Damn right it's better than yours,
I can teach you,
But I have to charge
I know you want it,
The thing that makes me,
What the guys go crazy for.
They lose their minds,
The way I wind,
I think its time
[Chorus x2]
La la-la la la,
Warm it up.
Lala-lalala,
The boys are waiting
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,
And their like
It's better than yours,
Damn right it's better than yours,
I can teach you,
But I have to charge
I can see youre on it,
You want me to teach thee
Techniques that freaks these boys,
It can't be bought,
Just know, thieves get caught,
Watch if your smart,
[Chorus x2]
La la-la la la,
Warm it up,
La la-la la la,
The boys are waiting,
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,
And their like
It's better than yours,
Damn right it's better than yours,
I can teach you,
But I have to charge
Oh, once you get involved,
Everyone will look this way-so,
You must maintain your charm,
Same time maintain your halo,
Just get the perfect blend,
Plus what you have within,
Then next his eyes are squint,
Then he's picked up your scent,
[Chorus x2]
Lala-lalala,
Warm it up,
Lala-lalala,
The boys are waiting,
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,
And their like
It's better than yours,
Damn right it's better than yours,
I can teach you,
But I have to charge
[Repeat x2]
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,
And their like
It's better than yours,
Damn right it's better than yours,
I can teach you,
But I have to charge
I know you want it,
The thing that makes me,
What the guys go crazy for.
They lose their minds,
The way I wind,
I think its time
[Chorus x2]
La la-la la la,
Warm it up.
Lala-lalala,
The boys are waiting
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,
And their like
It's better than yours,
Damn right it's better than yours,
I can teach you,
But I have to charge
I can see youre on it,
You want me to teach thee
Techniques that freaks these boys,
It can't be bought,
Just know, thieves get caught,
Watch if your smart,
[Chorus x2]
La la-la la la,
Warm it up,
La la-la la la,
The boys are waiting,
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,
And their like
It's better than yours,
Damn right it's better than yours,
I can teach you,
But I have to charge
Oh, once you get involved,
Everyone will look this way-so,
You must maintain your charm,
Same time maintain your halo,
Just get the perfect blend,
Plus what you have within,
Then next his eyes are squint,
Then he's picked up your scent,
[Chorus x2]
Lala-lalala,
Warm it up,
Lala-lalala,
The boys are waiting,
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard,
And their like
It's better than yours,
Damn right it's better than yours,
I can teach you,
But I have to charge
4.29.2007
Everyone should join the social networking site facebook. I joined recently (in the past few months) and I have so much fun! I'm up to over 150 friends, all of whom I know or have known in real-life and many of whom are people I honestly never thought I would connect with again. I've found friends from my first elementary school, people I went to camp with, ex-boyfriends, long lost high-school chums, and junior high crushes!
You create an account on the site and then start searching for names once you've found someone you know you can add them as a friend and then see who they have as friends and add any of the people you know from their friends lists and so on. It's neat to see who knows who and how the world is inter-connected. I went to Bible College in Three Hills with a girl who dated a guy I work with now in Lethbridge. It's just bizzare some of the connections.
You can add photos, post notes, even set it up to get your blog fed directly to your profile. You can send gifts, add comments, poke friends, invite people, set up events, join groups & networks. Really the possiblities are endless, so join now! (and add me as your friend... ambeebear2@hotmail.com)
www.facebook.com
You create an account on the site and then start searching for names once you've found someone you know you can add them as a friend and then see who they have as friends and add any of the people you know from their friends lists and so on. It's neat to see who knows who and how the world is inter-connected. I went to Bible College in Three Hills with a girl who dated a guy I work with now in Lethbridge. It's just bizzare some of the connections.
You can add photos, post notes, even set it up to get your blog fed directly to your profile. You can send gifts, add comments, poke friends, invite people, set up events, join groups & networks. Really the possiblities are endless, so join now! (and add me as your friend... ambeebear2@hotmail.com)
www.facebook.com
4.28.2007
Word of the Day
(A sad but true assessment of the Internet-dependent generation... )
Urban Word of the Day
http://www.urbandictionary.com/
April 28, 2007: check your vitals
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=check+your+vitals&defid=2374385
To check your email, myspace, facebook, blog, and/or any daily essential websites.
Check your vitals.
Get off the computer, whore. I need to check my vitals.
Hey, wanna go get something to eat?
Sure, but lemme finish checkin' my vitals first.
Urban Word of the Day
http://www.urbandictionary.com/
April 28, 2007: check your vitals
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=check+your+vitals&defid=2374385
To check your email, myspace, facebook, blog, and/or any daily essential websites.
Check your vitals.
Get off the computer, whore. I need to check my vitals.
Hey, wanna go get something to eat?
Sure, but lemme finish checkin' my vitals first.
4.27.2007
Word of the Day
(the position I currently find myself in...)
Urban Word of the Day
www.urbandictionary.com
April 27, 2007: free-timer
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=free-timer&defid=2209102
like a part-timer or a full-timer, but one major difference, a free-timer has no job. they have a lot of free time, so they are therefore a free-timer.
kaatisu: so, what do you do during the week?
girl in club: oh, im a free-timer.
Urban Word of the Day
www.urbandictionary.com
April 27, 2007: free-timer
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=free-timer&defid=2209102
like a part-timer or a full-timer, but one major difference, a free-timer has no job. they have a lot of free time, so they are therefore a free-timer.
kaatisu: so, what do you do during the week?
girl in club: oh, im a free-timer.
Moving Day!
Hey all,
As many of you know, and some don't, I've had a rough time of it the past few months. I've had a hard-time making ends meet, working two jobs to try and compensate, have had trouble with friends & boyfriend and all in all not been too fortunate. At the start of March I had to take sick leave, at the doctor's request, from work to try to find new employment as my current job was too stressful and causing me "undue stress and anxiety that was having adverse medical reprocutions". So I searched and searched and my luck did not improve and after a month of searching I was no closer to having a job than I had been a month before. On the advice of my therapist and my doctor I stayed on leave, but due to insurance denying my medical claim for leave and E.I. not kicking in I ran out of money and finally had to give it up and find a plan B.
So on that note... today I move to Ontario and back to my parents' for awhile to clear my head, try to find some employment, get some cash in the bank and get my life all sorted out again!
If you are of the praying sort pray for me and if you are not then think warm thoughts for me.
We'll see y'all when I reach Ontario.
Love,
Amby
As many of you know, and some don't, I've had a rough time of it the past few months. I've had a hard-time making ends meet, working two jobs to try and compensate, have had trouble with friends & boyfriend and all in all not been too fortunate. At the start of March I had to take sick leave, at the doctor's request, from work to try to find new employment as my current job was too stressful and causing me "undue stress and anxiety that was having adverse medical reprocutions". So I searched and searched and my luck did not improve and after a month of searching I was no closer to having a job than I had been a month before. On the advice of my therapist and my doctor I stayed on leave, but due to insurance denying my medical claim for leave and E.I. not kicking in I ran out of money and finally had to give it up and find a plan B.
So on that note... today I move to Ontario and back to my parents' for awhile to clear my head, try to find some employment, get some cash in the bank and get my life all sorted out again!
If you are of the praying sort pray for me and if you are not then think warm thoughts for me.
We'll see y'all when I reach Ontario.
Love,
Amby
4.26.2007
25 Years on the Planet
Today marks the 25th anniversary of my mumby in a hospital room in labour with lil' ol' me.
This milestone is the first one to strike me as rather hard to hurdle. 18 was exciting what with being able to drink in Alberta (where I was moving to in September of that year). 19 marked drinking age in Ontario. 20 was a double-decade but not too terrible as I was at school and had a plan for the future. 21 of course marked drinking, gambling, smoking & all other forms or debauchery as legal all over the world! But now I find myself at 25.
25 is hard to swallow. I thought by this time I'd have more accomplished, probably something I should have been thinking about at all my other milestone birthdays, but as 25 seems so far away at 18 I wasn't concerned. I thought at 25 I'd be married have a baby or at least plans for one in the future, be graduated with a bachelor's degree and a job in my field, or at least a job that would lead to a career and own my own house, or at aleast rent one in a neighbourhood where I was happy.
Instead I find myself moving home to my parents, given I did get my degree I am far from married, no children (thank goodness due to the lack of marriage thing) and I certainly don't have anything close to a dream job, heck I don't even have a job at present! To top it off my stuff is all in a storage locker, not even in an ideal location.
I mean I know I have accomplished a lot that others at my age have not. I did graduate, I did move to another province for almost 7 years. I've been almost engaged at least twice. The problem now is getting back on track so that I don't find myself in this same situation at 30, which I know is going to be a dickens of a milestone for me if I'm not closer to accomplishments and goals than I am now.
This milestone is the first one to strike me as rather hard to hurdle. 18 was exciting what with being able to drink in Alberta (where I was moving to in September of that year). 19 marked drinking age in Ontario. 20 was a double-decade but not too terrible as I was at school and had a plan for the future. 21 of course marked drinking, gambling, smoking & all other forms or debauchery as legal all over the world! But now I find myself at 25.
25 is hard to swallow. I thought by this time I'd have more accomplished, probably something I should have been thinking about at all my other milestone birthdays, but as 25 seems so far away at 18 I wasn't concerned. I thought at 25 I'd be married have a baby or at least plans for one in the future, be graduated with a bachelor's degree and a job in my field, or at least a job that would lead to a career and own my own house, or at aleast rent one in a neighbourhood where I was happy.
Instead I find myself moving home to my parents, given I did get my degree I am far from married, no children (thank goodness due to the lack of marriage thing) and I certainly don't have anything close to a dream job, heck I don't even have a job at present! To top it off my stuff is all in a storage locker, not even in an ideal location.
I mean I know I have accomplished a lot that others at my age have not. I did graduate, I did move to another province for almost 7 years. I've been almost engaged at least twice. The problem now is getting back on track so that I don't find myself in this same situation at 30, which I know is going to be a dickens of a milestone for me if I'm not closer to accomplishments and goals than I am now.
4.25.2007
3 Minute Management Course
This is another fwd I got awhile ago and it's really quite poignant...
3 Minute Management course
Lesson 1
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbour. Before she says a word, Bob says, "I'll give you £800 to drop that towel." After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her £800 and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?" "It was Bob the next door neighbour," she replies. "Great!" the husband says, "did he say anything about the £800 he owes me?"
Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Lesson 2
A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said," Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest apologized "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak." Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."
Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
Lesson 3
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish." Me first! Me first!" says the admin clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world." Puff! She's gone. Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life." Puff! He's gone. "OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."
Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.
Lesson 4
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing?" The eagle answered: "Sure, why not." So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy." "Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients." The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
Moral of the story:
Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.
Lesson 6
A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird d singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
Morals of the story:
1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy
2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend
3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
This ends the 3-minute management course.
3 Minute Management course
Lesson 1
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next-door neighbour. Before she says a word, Bob says, "I'll give you £800 to drop that towel." After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her £800 and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?" "It was Bob the next door neighbour," she replies. "Great!" the husband says, "did he say anything about the £800 he owes me?"
Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
Lesson 2
A priest offered a Nun a lift. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said," Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest apologized "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak." Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."
Moral of the story:
If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
Lesson 3
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish." Me first! Me first!" says the admin clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world." Puff! She's gone. Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life." Puff! He's gone. "OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."
Moral of the story:
Always let your boss have the first say.
Lesson 4
An eagle was sitting on a tree resting, doing nothing. A small rabbit saw the eagle and asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing?" The eagle answered: "Sure, why not." So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the eagle and rested. All of a sudden, a fox appeared, jumped on the rabbit and ate it.
Moral of the story:
To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very, very high up.
Lesson 5
A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy." "Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. They're packed with nutrients." The turkey pecked at a lump of dung, and found it actually gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, the turkey was proudly perched at the top of the tree. He was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot him out of the tree.
Moral of the story:
Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.
Lesson 6
A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird d singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.
Morals of the story:
1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy
2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend
3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!
This ends the 3-minute management course.
4.24.2007
Neat Cell Phone Things
This is a fwd I got of some neat things cell phones can do, not sure if they work, but it'd be neat to try...
"Not sure if this is for Canada as well, but try it out and see...
This is worthwhile to read if you have a cellphone.
THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW YOUR CELL PHONE COULD DO.
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:
FIRST Subject: Emergency
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile; network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.
Try it out.
SECOND Subject: Have you locked your keys in the car?
Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
THIRD Subject: Hidden Battery Power
Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370# your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell next time.
FOURTH How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: * # 0 6 # A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
FIFTH
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800) FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.
This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends."
"Not sure if this is for Canada as well, but try it out and see...
This is worthwhile to read if you have a cellphone.
THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW YOUR CELL PHONE COULD DO.
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:
FIRST Subject: Emergency
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile; network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.
Try it out.
SECOND Subject: Have you locked your keys in the car?
Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).
THIRD Subject: Hidden Battery Power
Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370# your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell next time.
FOURTH How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: * # 0 6 # A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. When your phone gets stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.
FIFTH
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800) FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.
This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends."
4.23.2007
Song of the Week
"Sunshine And Summertime" - Faith Hill
We?ve got bare foot ladies
and tricked out Mercedes
People getting crazy on the boulevard
We?ve got classic colas
and ice cold corona?s
and big pool parties in the back yard
I said
?heyyyyy, that?s the way we do it?
new friends and blue skies that never end.
?Heyyyyy, that?s the way we like it?
Good times, sunshine and summertime.
You?ll see straw sombreros
and t-top camero?s
Stereo?s blasting in the parking lot.
You?ll see rock hard bodies
and bikini hotties
and everybody?s got it goin? on,
and showing what they got.
?Heyyyyy, that?s the way we do it.?
New friends and blue skies that never end.
?Heyyyyy that?s the way we like it?
Good times, sunshine and summertime.
I said ?Hey everybody, can?t you feel the rhythm??
?Now, hey everybody, don?t you want to party??
?Hey everybody, can?t you feel the rhythm now??
?Hey everybody, don?t you want to party??
?heyyyyy, that?s the way we do it?
new friends and blue skies that never end.
?Heyyyyyy that?s the way we like it?
Good times, sunshine and summertime.
?heyyyyy, that?s the way we do it?
new friends and blue skies that never end.
?Heyyyyyy that?s the way we like it?
Good times, sunshine and summertime.
Good times, sunshine and summertime
Good times, sunshine and summertime
We?ve got bare foot ladies
and tricked out Mercedes
People getting crazy on the boulevard
We?ve got classic colas
and ice cold corona?s
and big pool parties in the back yard
I said
?heyyyyy, that?s the way we do it?
new friends and blue skies that never end.
?Heyyyyy, that?s the way we like it?
Good times, sunshine and summertime.
You?ll see straw sombreros
and t-top camero?s
Stereo?s blasting in the parking lot.
You?ll see rock hard bodies
and bikini hotties
and everybody?s got it goin? on,
and showing what they got.
?Heyyyyy, that?s the way we do it.?
New friends and blue skies that never end.
?Heyyyyy that?s the way we like it?
Good times, sunshine and summertime.
I said ?Hey everybody, can?t you feel the rhythm??
?Now, hey everybody, don?t you want to party??
?Hey everybody, can?t you feel the rhythm now??
?Hey everybody, don?t you want to party??
?heyyyyy, that?s the way we do it?
new friends and blue skies that never end.
?Heyyyyyy that?s the way we like it?
Good times, sunshine and summertime.
?heyyyyy, that?s the way we do it?
new friends and blue skies that never end.
?Heyyyyyy that?s the way we like it?
Good times, sunshine and summertime.
Good times, sunshine and summertime
Good times, sunshine and summertime
4.22.2007
Word of the Day
(sad but true)
Urban Word of the Day
www.urbandictionary.com
April 22, 2007: globfrag
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=globfrag&defid=1281310
Coined word from [globalization] and [fragmentation]; as the world becomes more globalized with increasing technology and knowledge, more fragmentation occurs among individuals and societies.
You only need to look into a person's bedroom to realize the seriousness of globfrag. He is stuck on his computer 24/7 with instant knowledge from all over the globe at his fingertips, yet does not know what his family is up to.
Urban Word of the Day
www.urbandictionary.com
April 22, 2007: globfrag
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=globfrag&defid=1281310
Coined word from [globalization] and [fragmentation]; as the world becomes more globalized with increasing technology and knowledge, more fragmentation occurs among individuals and societies.
You only need to look into a person's bedroom to realize the seriousness of globfrag. He is stuck on his computer 24/7 with instant knowledge from all over the globe at his fingertips, yet does not know what his family is up to.
4.21.2007
Rate Your Doctor
This site allows you to rate your home doctor's performance as a MD. You can search by doctor's name or location and see what others have written about your doctor.
I found both my doctor here and my family doctor from Ontario, it's kind of neat to see what other's said and who feels the same way I do about the level of care received.
http://www.ratemds.com/canada/
I found both my doctor here and my family doctor from Ontario, it's kind of neat to see what other's said and who feels the same way I do about the level of care received.
http://www.ratemds.com/canada/
4.20.2007
4.19.2007
Posting to Windows Live Blog
An e-mail I got the other day of interest:
"Did you know you can post blog entries to your Windows Live™ Space without leaving your Hotmail® inbox? That means you can share the latest events in your life, your thoughts and dreams with everyone you care about without cluttering their inboxes.
To set it up so you can blog from your Hotmail inbox:
* Click the "Edit Your Space" link in the top right of your Windows Live Space.
* Enable e-mail publishing from your space by going to Options > E-mail Publishing.
* Enter up to three e-mail addresses you want to use to publish blog entries of photos to your space.
* Choose whether you want to save blog entries in draft form or to publish them to your Space immediately.
* Save your preferences.
To send a blog entry from your Hotmail inbox to your Windows Live Space:
* Create a new blog entry in an e-mail.
* Enter the title of the blog entry in the subject field.
* Type the content of your blog entry in the message area.
* Click Send to post or save the entry in your space.
And that's all it takes! Your blog entry will be published in the blog module of your Windows Live Space."
"Did you know you can post blog entries to your Windows Live™ Space without leaving your Hotmail® inbox? That means you can share the latest events in your life, your thoughts and dreams with everyone you care about without cluttering their inboxes.
To set it up so you can blog from your Hotmail inbox:
* Click the "Edit Your Space" link in the top right of your Windows Live Space.
* Enable e-mail publishing from your space by going to Options > E-mail Publishing.
* Enter up to three e-mail addresses you want to use to publish blog entries of photos to your space.
* Choose whether you want to save blog entries in draft form or to publish them to your Space immediately.
* Save your preferences.
To send a blog entry from your Hotmail inbox to your Windows Live Space:
* Create a new blog entry in an e-mail.
* Enter the title of the blog entry in the subject field.
* Type the content of your blog entry in the message area.
* Click Send to post or save the entry in your space.
And that's all it takes! Your blog entry will be published in the blog module of your Windows Live Space."
4.18.2007
Costco: the anti-walmart
This is an interesting article I found that compares Wal-Mart to Costco from the perspective primarily of investors and stockholders.
Some quotes of interest:
"The warehouse-club retailer 'has figured out the big, simple things': Hold down expenses and prices, treat employees well, make discount shopping fashionable and keep shareholders happy."
""Membership has its privileges." That slogan belongs to American Express, but it might better apply to Costco Wholesale, the leading warehouse-club operator in the U.S., whose determination to deliver value and innovative products to its 23 million members has made it one of the country's top retailers."
"By offering one-time specials like discounted Prada bags or Callaway golf clubs at individual outlets, Costco has created what it calls a "treasure-hunt" atmosphere in its stores."
"Costco is among a handful of retailers that has flourished despite Wal-Mart Stores' (WMT, news, msgs) onslaught; Wal-Mart's more downscale Sam's Club chain runs second to Costco. With its strong labor relations, low employee turnover and liberal benefits, Costco has been called the "anti-Wal-Mart." Its approach has paid dividends because Costco, based in Issaquah, Wash., hasn't encountered the same community resistance as Wal-Mart when it has sought to open stores."
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/CostcoTheAntiWalMart.aspx
Some quotes of interest:
"The warehouse-club retailer 'has figured out the big, simple things': Hold down expenses and prices, treat employees well, make discount shopping fashionable and keep shareholders happy."
""Membership has its privileges." That slogan belongs to American Express, but it might better apply to Costco Wholesale, the leading warehouse-club operator in the U.S., whose determination to deliver value and innovative products to its 23 million members has made it one of the country's top retailers."
"By offering one-time specials like discounted Prada bags or Callaway golf clubs at individual outlets, Costco has created what it calls a "treasure-hunt" atmosphere in its stores."
"Costco is among a handful of retailers that has flourished despite Wal-Mart Stores' (WMT, news, msgs) onslaught; Wal-Mart's more downscale Sam's Club chain runs second to Costco. With its strong labor relations, low employee turnover and liberal benefits, Costco has been called the "anti-Wal-Mart." Its approach has paid dividends because Costco, based in Issaquah, Wash., hasn't encountered the same community resistance as Wal-Mart when it has sought to open stores."
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/CostcoTheAntiWalMart.aspx
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