Monday, January 31, 2005
Saturday, January 29, 2005
I never finish anything I start
He might this time! From a poll on canoe.ca:
Should a suicidal man who authorities say caused the deadly chain-reaction train derailment in California face the death penalty?
Be careful what you wish for.
Should a suicidal man who authorities say caused the deadly chain-reaction train derailment in California face the death penalty?
Be careful what you wish for.
Pick a name already!
I originally created this blog for my wife and I to write in. Well, since its inception in April, she has produced one post...and she's a communication specialist so she 'soposably writes good! I mentioned to her that she was not pulling her weight in this area and that since all the postings were mine, except her one lonely insight about a photography blog she read, perhaps she should create her own blog and use it. No offense was taken, thankfully, and we created a blog just for her ... Toasty Tea! Or maybe, she just said I want my own blog? I can't remember now ... po-tay-to, po-tah-to ... it all worked out in the wash.
The residual of having a blog each is that I can now use cuss words and drug references and it won't be a poor reflection on her! No, no, no ... I'm kidding ... kinda. The real by-product is that I have to re-name my blog because "From Us To You" doesn't really work anymore. I put my "brain" to work and tried to come up with a name that brands me (not literally, not like in Angels & Demons ... ouch ... I digress), one that when people read they think this suits that joker perfectly!
After two failed attempts (WYSIWYG and Burger & Fries ... yawn), I have decided to use this name, One large cold pint. Mmmmm! Not much in life is better than one large, cold pint. I can stop fretting and concentrate on writing these poignant pieces which, in my humble opinion, make the world go 'round.
Update
I just noticed how many of these "..." I used in this post. That's gotta be close to some sort of "..." usage record, no?
Update to Update
If I have this much trouble naming a blog, not taking away anything from the importance of a blog, how the hec am I going to make a decision when it comes to, if we're lucky enough, naming a child? Breathe man! No bridge in sight, nothing to cross yet.
The residual of having a blog each is that I can now use cuss words and drug references and it won't be a poor reflection on her! No, no, no ... I'm kidding ... kinda. The real by-product is that I have to re-name my blog because "From Us To You" doesn't really work anymore. I put my "brain" to work and tried to come up with a name that brands me (not literally, not like in Angels & Demons ... ouch ... I digress), one that when people read they think this suits that joker perfectly!
After two failed attempts (WYSIWYG and Burger & Fries ... yawn), I have decided to use this name, One large cold pint. Mmmmm! Not much in life is better than one large, cold pint. I can stop fretting and concentrate on writing these poignant pieces which, in my humble opinion, make the world go 'round.
Update
I just noticed how many of these "..." I used in this post. That's gotta be close to some sort of "..." usage record, no?
Update to Update
If I have this much trouble naming a blog, not taking away anything from the importance of a blog, how the hec am I going to make a decision when it comes to, if we're lucky enough, naming a child? Breathe man! No bridge in sight, nothing to cross yet.
Friday, January 28, 2005
What happened to evolution?
If my buddy Chuck Darwin was correct, weren't we were supposed to develop into more intelligent creatures over time?
A judge just awarded a couple $3 million in damages after they were attacked by tigers at African Lion Safari in 1996. The couple say they had their windows cracked open at first but had them completely up after an ostrich poked its beak into the vehicle. Sure. How did the tigers get at them? The jugde, and I use the word loosely, said that a tiger must have nudged the car, causing the guys arm, or some part of his body, to come into contact with the window switches inadvertently. Ummm, okay. Now, I've never been attacked by a tiger but has anyone, ever, accidently been nudged so that they accidentally opened their window? They must be sharing their windfall with this court jester?
He is getting $1.7 million in compensation. Apparently he is disfigured and can't work anymore. She is getting more than $800,000 in damages due to injury and for money she would have made as a stripper. She was just starting out in the field. Here's the judge again ... "She had all the necessary physical attributes to do this job — she was young, pretty, large-breasted, not overweight and had long hair." What the hell?!?!
My conclusion...it pays to be dumb. Having your windows opened while driving through the tiger "exhibit"; spilling hot coffee on your lap and getting paid handsomely for it; suing fast food establishments for making you fat; suing tobacco companies for making you ill.
I have done some dumb things in my life, as I'm sure we all have, (and if you haven't then you must be my parents) but nothing so stupid that I would get paid for it!
A judge just awarded a couple $3 million in damages after they were attacked by tigers at African Lion Safari in 1996. The couple say they had their windows cracked open at first but had them completely up after an ostrich poked its beak into the vehicle. Sure. How did the tigers get at them? The jugde, and I use the word loosely, said that a tiger must have nudged the car, causing the guys arm, or some part of his body, to come into contact with the window switches inadvertently. Ummm, okay. Now, I've never been attacked by a tiger but has anyone, ever, accidently been nudged so that they accidentally opened their window? They must be sharing their windfall with this court jester?
He is getting $1.7 million in compensation. Apparently he is disfigured and can't work anymore. She is getting more than $800,000 in damages due to injury and for money she would have made as a stripper. She was just starting out in the field. Here's the judge again ... "She had all the necessary physical attributes to do this job — she was young, pretty, large-breasted, not overweight and had long hair." What the hell?!?!
My conclusion...it pays to be dumb. Having your windows opened while driving through the tiger "exhibit"; spilling hot coffee on your lap and getting paid handsomely for it; suing fast food establishments for making you fat; suing tobacco companies for making you ill.
I have done some dumb things in my life, as I'm sure we all have, (and if you haven't then you must be my parents) but nothing so stupid that I would get paid for it!
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
I'll have a "B to the E" please!
Beermaker Anheuser-Busch is launching a new "brew" to go head-to-head with classic mixed drinks – traditional suds spiked with caffeine, fruit flavoring, herbal guarana and ginseng.
The world's largest brewer's nationwide rollout this week of B-to-the-E -– the "B" standing for beer, the "E" for something "extra" and shown as an exponent of B.
It's slightly sweet but tart and comes in the aromas of blackberry, raspberry and cherry. Each can of B-to-the-E packs 17 grams of carbohydrates, along with 4.5 percent alcohol by volume, 54 milligrams of caffeine and 145 calories.
What the hec...I'll give it a try!
The world's largest brewer's nationwide rollout this week of B-to-the-E -– the "B" standing for beer, the "E" for something "extra" and shown as an exponent of B.
It's slightly sweet but tart and comes in the aromas of blackberry, raspberry and cherry. Each can of B-to-the-E packs 17 grams of carbohydrates, along with 4.5 percent alcohol by volume, 54 milligrams of caffeine and 145 calories.
What the hec...I'll give it a try!
Happy Birthday Eddie!
Happy Birthday to Eddie Van Halen who turns 50 today. Cheers dude!
What is your favourite Van Halen tune? Add your song, and view what others think, on my discussion board. Click here to get there.
What is your favourite Van Halen tune? Add your song, and view what others think, on my discussion board. Click here to get there.
Famous Players drops ticket prices
I was just informed that Famous Players cinemas, effective this Friday, will be dropping their ticket prices by $4 in the GTA. Adults and students will now pay $9.95 to see a flick. The cheaper Tuesday prices will no longer exist. No word yet on whether they will drop the price of a $57 bottled water!
Will you see more movies now that the tickets are cheaper?
Will you see more movies now that the tickets are cheaper?
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Global warming...is anyone listening?
The announcement that global warming is approaching the point of no return doesn't seem to faze anyone. I just participated in a poll on www.canoe.ca that asked "How seriously do you take this warning?" The results are as follows:
Very seriously - 53.2%
Somewhat seriously - 18.8%
Not at all - 28.0%.
The percentages are based on the 1015 responses so far.
I can't believe that just over half of us think that this is a serious situation! Do the others think that at any moment scientists will have a big conference and tell the world, "Gotcha! We're only kidding! We can't believe you fell for it! Please...continue to pollute and destroy your children's world without thinking about the consequences."
Hail the almighty dollar!!
Very seriously - 53.2%
Somewhat seriously - 18.8%
Not at all - 28.0%.
The percentages are based on the 1015 responses so far.
I can't believe that just over half of us think that this is a serious situation! Do the others think that at any moment scientists will have a big conference and tell the world, "Gotcha! We're only kidding! We can't believe you fell for it! Please...continue to pollute and destroy your children's world without thinking about the consequences."
Hail the almighty dollar!!
Solar Flare
Scientists said the largest emission of radiation by the sun in 15 years could disrupt mobile telephone communications as well as television and radio reception. The effects of the solar flares were seen at different points on earth, including brilliant auroras over parts of Britain on Friday night.
"Flares can affect short-wave communications and satellites in the earth's orbit which could mean problems for phones, television and radio signals," said Peter Bond, spokesman for the Royal Astronomical Society.
Can you comprehend how much heat and energy this flare produced to affect communications on Earth nearly 150 million kilometers away?
"Flares can affect short-wave communications and satellites in the earth's orbit which could mean problems for phones, television and radio signals," said Peter Bond, spokesman for the Royal Astronomical Society.
Can you comprehend how much heat and energy this flare produced to affect communications on Earth nearly 150 million kilometers away?
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Late-night king passes on
Johnny Carson, the host of The Tonight Show for 30 years, has died of emphysema. His comedy, style and personality will never be replaced on television. I believe David Letterman says it best...
"It's a sad day for his family and his country." All of us who came after are pretenders. We will not see the likes of him again . . . He was the best, a star and a gentleman."
"It's a sad day for his family and his country." All of us who came after are pretenders. We will not see the likes of him again . . . He was the best, a star and a gentleman."
Friday, January 21, 2005
Dude...get a job!
National Post – Jan 20, 2005
NAIROBI - The world's oldest grade-school student, an octogenarian great-grandfather, is facing expulsion from an elementary school in Kenya after parents complained he was a disruptive influence in the classroom. Penniless and illiterate, Kimani Maruge, who is aged about 84, turned up last year at the Kapkenduiywo Primary School near Eldoret, Western Kenya, and demanded to be enrolled in first grade.
Mr. Maruge said he had not been able to attend school as a boy because he had to look after the cattle, and could do so only after the government abolished elementary school fees in 2003.
Cutting off the bottoms of his only pants and splurging on a pair of grey, knee-length socks to meet the dress code, Mr. Maruge lined up with more than 100 six-year-olds to be registered.
When he began his second year this month, some parents protested. Mr. Maruge was a "smart Alec," prone to histrionics, one said. "Our children don't concentrate," the parent said. "They are too busy wondering what he is going to do next. He tries to dominate the class."
"If I am expelled, I will surely die," Mr. Maruge said. He is also planning to sue the British government for alleged abuse during the 1950s Mau Mau rebellion. "I am learning how to add and subtract so I can count my money," he said.
I guess you're never too old to learn. Or to be the class clown.
NAIROBI - The world's oldest grade-school student, an octogenarian great-grandfather, is facing expulsion from an elementary school in Kenya after parents complained he was a disruptive influence in the classroom. Penniless and illiterate, Kimani Maruge, who is aged about 84, turned up last year at the Kapkenduiywo Primary School near Eldoret, Western Kenya, and demanded to be enrolled in first grade.
Mr. Maruge said he had not been able to attend school as a boy because he had to look after the cattle, and could do so only after the government abolished elementary school fees in 2003.
Cutting off the bottoms of his only pants and splurging on a pair of grey, knee-length socks to meet the dress code, Mr. Maruge lined up with more than 100 six-year-olds to be registered.
When he began his second year this month, some parents protested. Mr. Maruge was a "smart Alec," prone to histrionics, one said. "Our children don't concentrate," the parent said. "They are too busy wondering what he is going to do next. He tries to dominate the class."
"If I am expelled, I will surely die," Mr. Maruge said. He is also planning to sue the British government for alleged abuse during the 1950s Mau Mau rebellion. "I am learning how to add and subtract so I can count my money," he said.
I guess you're never too old to learn. Or to be the class clown.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Thank God for C-sections!
Francisca Ramos dos Santos, 38, gave birth to this whopper of a baby named Ademilton on Tuesday in Brazil. He weighed 16.7 pounds! (Does one exclamation point do that sentence justice?)
"Obviously the baby was born by Caesarean section," hospital director Rita Leal said. "Both mother and baby are doing just fine."
Caesarean section...no really? A Blue whale would wince birthing this tyke. She's going to need a third breast to feed this man-baby.
Update
The mother is diabetic, a condition which can commonly cause women to give birth to larger babies.
"Obviously the baby was born by Caesarean section," hospital director Rita Leal said. "Both mother and baby are doing just fine."
Caesarean section...no really? A Blue whale would wince birthing this tyke. She's going to need a third breast to feed this man-baby.
Update
The mother is diabetic, a condition which can commonly cause women to give birth to larger babies.
Ladies and gentlemen...stop your engines!
Here's part of an article on why it's unnecessary to idle your vehicle's engine. It's a bit of a read but worth it. This is my new motto: "Save the planet, damn it!"
Idling away doesn't pay
By: David L. Flewelling, CA
President, Canadian Automobile Association
Canadians unnecessarily idle their vehicles an average of five to 10 minutes per day. The result: increased greenhouse gas emissions, urban smog, acid rain, and wasted fuel.
Nobody that I know likes to waste money. Yet many of us abandon our common-sense approach when it comes to idling our vehicles; we continue to run our automobile engines even when we are stopped for minutes at a time at a store, school, car wash and the like. Research shows that idling a vehicle for 10 minutes a day uses an average of 100 litres of gasoline a year. At 70 cents a litre, you would save $70 per year just by turning off your engine when you stop your car for more than 10 seconds.
Need another reason beyond saving money? We read or hear about vehicle exhaust emissions, greenhouse gases and climate change on a daily or weekly basis. Believe it or not, by not idling your car for just five minutes a day, you could help prevent more than 4,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide (C02) from entering the atmosphere, save 1.9 million litres of fuel and more than $1.3 million in fuel costs every day, according to Natural Resources Canada.
How about the damage to your car's engine? Despite what you may have heard, idling is not the proper way in which to warm up your vehicle's engine, even in the winter. In fact, you do not need to idle your vehicle for more than 30 seconds before driving away, even on the coldest of days.Excessive idling can actually harm your engine. Because an idling engine is not operating at its peak temperature, fuel combustion is incomplete. As a result, fuel residues can condense on cylinder walls, where they can contaminate oil and damage engine components. Idling can also generate water condensation in your vehicle's exhaust. This can lead to corrosion and can reduce the life of your exhaust system.
Some believe that turning off and restarting your vehicle harms your engine. In reality, frequent restarting barely affects your engine's components. If you idle your vehicle for more than 10 seconds, you are using more fuel than if you restarted your engine.
Idling away doesn't pay
By: David L. Flewelling, CA
President, Canadian Automobile Association
Canadians unnecessarily idle their vehicles an average of five to 10 minutes per day. The result: increased greenhouse gas emissions, urban smog, acid rain, and wasted fuel.
Nobody that I know likes to waste money. Yet many of us abandon our common-sense approach when it comes to idling our vehicles; we continue to run our automobile engines even when we are stopped for minutes at a time at a store, school, car wash and the like. Research shows that idling a vehicle for 10 minutes a day uses an average of 100 litres of gasoline a year. At 70 cents a litre, you would save $70 per year just by turning off your engine when you stop your car for more than 10 seconds.
Need another reason beyond saving money? We read or hear about vehicle exhaust emissions, greenhouse gases and climate change on a daily or weekly basis. Believe it or not, by not idling your car for just five minutes a day, you could help prevent more than 4,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide (C02) from entering the atmosphere, save 1.9 million litres of fuel and more than $1.3 million in fuel costs every day, according to Natural Resources Canada.
How about the damage to your car's engine? Despite what you may have heard, idling is not the proper way in which to warm up your vehicle's engine, even in the winter. In fact, you do not need to idle your vehicle for more than 30 seconds before driving away, even on the coldest of days.Excessive idling can actually harm your engine. Because an idling engine is not operating at its peak temperature, fuel combustion is incomplete. As a result, fuel residues can condense on cylinder walls, where they can contaminate oil and damage engine components. Idling can also generate water condensation in your vehicle's exhaust. This can lead to corrosion and can reduce the life of your exhaust system.
Some believe that turning off and restarting your vehicle harms your engine. In reality, frequent restarting barely affects your engine's components. If you idle your vehicle for more than 10 seconds, you are using more fuel than if you restarted your engine.
Philadelphia Freedom
Philadelphia is putting the finishing touches on a plan to offer a mix of free and low-cost wireless Internet access by the summer of 2006 that will help bridge the "digital divide" that separates rich from poor. Chief Information Officer Dianah Neff provided the outlines of what would be the nation's largest publicly available Wi-Fi hotspot, covering all of the city's 217 square kilometres.
The service will be offered for free in public parks and at a steeply discounted rate to low-income residents. Businesses and other residents will pay more for the service but still get broadband speeds at dial-up rates.
Let's hope the citizens use this opportunity to better educate themselves and not spend their time surfing for porn.
The service will be offered for free in public parks and at a steeply discounted rate to low-income residents. Businesses and other residents will pay more for the service but still get broadband speeds at dial-up rates.
Let's hope the citizens use this opportunity to better educate themselves and not spend their time surfing for porn.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Clip Smith passes away
I just heard on Q107 that Clip Smith was killed in a car accident recently. The "Clipper" was the sports anchor for WKBW-channel 7 newscasts in the 80s. Rest in peace Clip.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
2006 Jetta
Volkswagen of Canada has announced pricing for its latest Jetta sedan, which was introduced to Canadian audiences at the 2005 Montreal Auto Show. The Jetta is the biggest-selling German engineered model in Canada.
Read more...
Read more...
Monday, January 17, 2005
Wipers up or down?
Is it best to keep your wipers up off the windshield during snowfall/freezing rain so the wipers don't ice-up on you...or...it doesn't matter what you do as ice will form on them regardless? I see cars in parking lots with the wipers up and wonder if these people know something I don't.
Beatallica
This is hilarious! This "band" is a hybrid of The Beatles and Metallica. Their website, www.beatallica.com has tunes you can listen to. I have also placed their link under my "Just for Kicks" area, on the right side of this page, in case you want to visit them again. Enjoy!
97.7 HTZ fm
This is the radio station I listen to most of the time, especially at work over the web.
http://www.htzfm.com
The weird thing is that all the women DJs sound like men...they have really deep voices. Not that there's anything wrong with that; I find them funny, especially Kristy Knight, and they play great tunes. But to have all of them sound like Barry White is a bit odd, no?
http://www.htzfm.com
The weird thing is that all the women DJs sound like men...they have really deep voices. Not that there's anything wrong with that; I find them funny, especially Kristy Knight, and they play great tunes. But to have all of them sound like Barry White is a bit odd, no?
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Prince Harry sorry for Nazi gaffe
The 20-year-old grandson of Queen Elizabeth has apologized for wearing a swastika armband and an army shirt with Nazi regalia at a costume party on Saturday.
Wouldn't you love to know what was going through his "brain" as he was getting dressed? "This will be hilarious...bloody hell! Grandma will love it."
Is this guy for real? Does he crave so much attention that he'd stoop to levels this low to get it? What if someone wore an armband that had an image of Diana dead in the car? Sorry Harry, wasn't thinking, I apologize, no hard feelings?
Wouldn't you love to know what was going through his "brain" as he was getting dressed? "This will be hilarious...bloody hell! Grandma will love it."
Is this guy for real? Does he crave so much attention that he'd stoop to levels this low to get it? What if someone wore an armband that had an image of Diana dead in the car? Sorry Harry, wasn't thinking, I apologize, no hard feelings?
Golf anyone?
Now this is what I call Winter! The temperature is supposed to soar to 12 degrees Celsius today. I suggest you take a walk during your lunch to feel the warmth on your face. Yes, I used the word warmth when talking about the weather in January. Halleluiah! You won't be able to wear your shorts for too long as the temps will dip back to -12 for the weekend. Enjoy your day!
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Winter Sucks...Reason #5875
Freezing rain! As I've mentioned before in a previous posting, winter is as useful to me as jock itch! Icy roads made commuting to work this morning quite treacherous. You not only have to worry about getting your buns to work safely, you also hope your friends and family are okay.
In Canada, we have the "privilege" of experiencing four seasons. I'm pretty sure I could survive with three. If you know of any reasons why winter is good, I'd sure like to hear them.
In Canada, we have the "privilege" of experiencing four seasons. I'm pretty sure I could survive with three. If you know of any reasons why winter is good, I'd sure like to hear them.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Russell Peters
A bunch of us went to Yuk Yuks on Saturday night to see Russell Peters perform. This lad is funny. His humour is based on mocking all the cultures in and around Toronto. He gets us to laugh at each culture's stereotypes. If you get a chance to see him, I highly recommend it. He's on the tube all the time, usually on The Comedy Network.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Ridiculous Statement
"This is equivalent to stealing a Monet painting from the Louvre."
Sports marketing expert Brian Ehrenworth on the disappearance of Sidney Crosby's game-worn, red jersey.
Sports marketing expert Brian Ehrenworth on the disappearance of Sidney Crosby's game-worn, red jersey.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
My lonely guitar
Those of you who know me are aware that I'm a drummer. My lovely wife gave me an acoustic guitar for my birthday a few years ago and I've been trying to learn how to play ever since. I've been in a bit of a blog rut lately in that I have no idea what to write. I had every intention of writing something meaningful when I looked over and saw the guitar...I swear it was looking at me. I could hear it say, "Dude, come over and play me. Just for a few minutes. C'mon!"
I'm out of here.
I'm out of here.
Tsunami in Asia
I was thinking of writing something about the devastation this natural disaster has caused but I'm sure you've heard everything already. I think I'll leave it be.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Baby on Board
What is with this sign in people's cars? What's the point? Are people assuming that if they stick this sign to the back windshield of their vehicle, they'll be safe and sound?
Here I am, driving around the streets of Toronto, obeying all the rules of the road. But wait, I'm going to throw caution to the wind, lose my mind for a few minutes, drive recklessly and crash into that black Honda! Ha-ha-ha! Hold on, I can't, it has a "Baby on Board" sign on the back windshield. I better drive extra-careful around this vehicle. These people are much more important than those teenagers I just passed.
People of Earth...remove these signs from your car. They are stupid!
I've wanted to get this off my chest for a long time now. I feel much better. Thanks for listening.
Here I am, driving around the streets of Toronto, obeying all the rules of the road. But wait, I'm going to throw caution to the wind, lose my mind for a few minutes, drive recklessly and crash into that black Honda! Ha-ha-ha! Hold on, I can't, it has a "Baby on Board" sign on the back windshield. I better drive extra-careful around this vehicle. These people are much more important than those teenagers I just passed.
People of Earth...remove these signs from your car. They are stupid!
I've wanted to get this off my chest for a long time now. I feel much better. Thanks for listening.
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