The whole coin incident that happened in the NHL playoffs has reminded me about another quirk that happens at some sporting events in the US when a team from a Canadian city plays a team in an American city. This only seems to happen for Canada’s national sports (hockey and lacrosse) but that may be because the lone Canadian team in both the NBA and MLB haven’t been involved in any post season play recently. This quirk is the chanting of U-S-A near the end of the game when the American team is in the lead.
The first complaint about this is that these games are not between teams representing the two countries. Just because a team is based in a city of one country does not mean it represents the entire country. The team can only be seen to represent the City it’s based from. There is likely several hockey “fans” in Toronto right now cheering for Carolina to win the Stanley Cup. And can you blame them since Bettman, the commissioner, is even cheering for Carolina, but that’s another story. The hatred Torontonians have for the rest of the country is no going to be put aside because of a game.
The second complaint about the U-S-A chant is that the American based teams, at least in hockey and lacrosse, are still comprised primarily of Canadians. In fact, if you look at the actual numbers, American born players are still the minority on most teams. For example, the NLL Champions (Colorado Mammoth) had 8 Americans and 17 Canadians while the losing side of the championship game (Buffalo Bandits) shows 1 American and 25 Canadians (using the rosters on NLL.com). As for the NHL, only 7 of the 25 Carolina Hurricanes are American while 11 are Canadians (including team captain and one assistant captain) and there are 5 Americans and 20 Canadians on the 32 man roster of the Oilers (according to the respective team websites). There is likely a similar mix to most other teams for the most part, some may even have more “foreign-born” players but the Americans will still be the minority.
As proven here, the players on hockey and lacrosse teams based in American cities mostly consist of none-Americans. Given this fact it is improbable that the players represent anything more than the City where they are employed. The fact that a team plays their home games on American soil does not mean anything more then that and the fans of those teams shouldn’t try to make more out of it then that. If one wants to start a chant that splits the ears of all others in the arena and hopefully give the home team some advantage or more incentive to win, then please use the team’s name. The City’s name would do just fine too but whatever you do, do not chant for your country as no one playing a professional sport in North American is playing for their country.
Friday, June 16, 2006
What's in a Name?
Are you tired of getting home from work, all excited to be with anyone but those annoying co-workers, ready to sit down to a nice home cooked meal only to find out dinner is the same old meat and potatoes? Well I have a solution for you. Give your food a name. Now I bet you’re saying to yourself, what? Name your food? This guy has finally lost it! But alas, it really helps make boring food more exciting.
For instance, one day last winter I was working on making dinner for my wife and me. We usually just have meat and potatoes but for some reason, maybe the wind was blowing just right, maybe there was a full moon, I don’t know, I wanted a salad. Being creative as I am sometimes with food, I decided to cut the lettuce into wedges and top it with the vegetables I had. Even with the salad dinner was still looking pretty sad. But wait, the salad looks like the peak of a mountain and once the white potatoes are spotted with some caramelized onions, they will look like dirty snow. That night we had a “Mountain Peak” salad followed by tender pork chops with “Dirty Snow” potatoes.
That meal was a lot more exciting than it would have been without the name. To this day I am still being asked about my dirty snow potatoes. Not only does naming food make dinner interesting but it makes people remember the food, even those people who don’t eat it. If you can’t be creative with your cooking then at least be creative with the name of your food and see what kind of reaction you’ll get. I’m willing to bet you will add some excitement to your food and people will actually want to eat it.
For instance, one day last winter I was working on making dinner for my wife and me. We usually just have meat and potatoes but for some reason, maybe the wind was blowing just right, maybe there was a full moon, I don’t know, I wanted a salad. Being creative as I am sometimes with food, I decided to cut the lettuce into wedges and top it with the vegetables I had. Even with the salad dinner was still looking pretty sad. But wait, the salad looks like the peak of a mountain and once the white potatoes are spotted with some caramelized onions, they will look like dirty snow. That night we had a “Mountain Peak” salad followed by tender pork chops with “Dirty Snow” potatoes.
That meal was a lot more exciting than it would have been without the name. To this day I am still being asked about my dirty snow potatoes. Not only does naming food make dinner interesting but it makes people remember the food, even those people who don’t eat it. If you can’t be creative with your cooking then at least be creative with the name of your food and see what kind of reaction you’ll get. I’m willing to bet you will add some excitement to your food and people will actually want to eat it.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Air Pollution
If you were expecting a long winded rant on the damage being done by the tall grey towers of concrete that pierces the tranquil sky, I’m sorry to disappoint. The air pollution I’m referring to is the use, or rather the misuse of perfumes and colognes employed by so many people. From this point forward when I say perfume I am including cologne too, it makes for a tough read if I keep writing perfume/cologne. And I need to include the guys too as they are just as guilty of polluting the air as women are.
Perfume should be used as a light fragrance to enhance one’s aroma, not as a warning that can be smelled from miles away. Seriously now people. Do you want to be remembered as that stinky person who likes to shower in their perfume or do you want to turn heads with a surprisingly light fragrant aroma that floats in the air when passing by? I doubt anyone would choose the first reaction so why do so many people abuse their perfume.
Is it really that difficult to apply perfume? Most, if not all, bottles of perfume have the little spray pump nozzle do they not? One squirt is all you need. If that is too much then by all means don’t press the nozzle all the way down. It’s not rocket science (well, maybe developing the high tech bottle was). The next time you want to shower yourself in the stink of highly concentrated chemicals, please stop and recall my message and you too can reduce the pollution in the air.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
The Packing Continues
Everyday I come home from work and see that there are more boxes packed and I think 'great, the packing is almost done', then I look further and see another pile of boxes yet to be packed. Will this madness ever end???
But today I looked at the big stack of filled boxes and had a laugh. I remember seeing boxes stacked in just such a manner before but they weren't the ugly brown of discarded fry boxes, oh no, they were the multi-coloured boxes that my fellow house mates and I were proud of. Every student (at least every male student) knows what I am talking about, the ever popular wall of empty beer cases, otherwise known as "The Beer Wall".
But today I looked at the big stack of filled boxes and had a laugh. I remember seeing boxes stacked in just such a manner before but they weren't the ugly brown of discarded fry boxes, oh no, they were the multi-coloured boxes that my fellow house mates and I were proud of. Every student (at least every male student) knows what I am talking about, the ever popular wall of empty beer cases, otherwise known as "The Beer Wall".
Ah yes, the good ol' days, where it was cool to show off to everyone how much beer the house could consume in one school year. And that beer wall of ours provided us with quite the party at the end of each year as it always paid for at least 2 fresh cases of the student version of champagne.
It's just too bad this memory doesn't take away from the reality of things, we still have a ton of crap to pack and eventually move.
It's just too bad this memory doesn't take away from the reality of things, we still have a ton of crap to pack and eventually move.
Friday, June 09, 2006
I am The Invisible Man
Another day at work, lost in the confusion of cubicles filled with computers and other technological marvels, ergonomically correct chairs, and people too busy to smile. Five days a week my life is spent like this, only to be broken by what seems to be two very short days of sitting at home doing nothing. Ah yes, what an exciting life I lead. Living an “existence” that consists of drifting through the abyss we call life, with no real purpose or objective, just simply occupying space.
Ah yes, I do have some friends to share the joys of life with but once another person enters the room I am but a memory, a shape that blends into the wall as if I was a painter’s design. Could it be that I wear such neutral colours that I am discernable from the drab wallpaper or paint that adorn the walls? Most days this theory could be true but even on those rare days when I do wear brighter colours I still seem to fade away when in a group.
Now that I am expecting a child the little acknowledgement I do get will be reduced even further by a small being no bigger than my head. In another month or so my transformation into the invisible man will be complete. Be warned that if you are bumped by an unseen force, or you walk into a large soft mass of nothingness, please apologize, step to the side and continue on your way for it was just me that you walked into, The Invisible Man.
Ah yes, I do have some friends to share the joys of life with but once another person enters the room I am but a memory, a shape that blends into the wall as if I was a painter’s design. Could it be that I wear such neutral colours that I am discernable from the drab wallpaper or paint that adorn the walls? Most days this theory could be true but even on those rare days when I do wear brighter colours I still seem to fade away when in a group.
Now that I am expecting a child the little acknowledgement I do get will be reduced even further by a small being no bigger than my head. In another month or so my transformation into the invisible man will be complete. Be warned that if you are bumped by an unseen force, or you walk into a large soft mass of nothingness, please apologize, step to the side and continue on your way for it was just me that you walked into, The Invisible Man.
Safety on the Streets?!?!
One of these days I don't think I am going to make it to work, or even worse home. The driving habits of people are horrendous. Whether I am actually driving or just walking I feel like my next step or kilometer might be my last. Being cut off when driving; nearly run over while walking the 1 kilometre between the train station and my home.
A quick driving lesson for those who don't seem to understand the lost art of driving, but then when they get their license from a cracker jack box can we expect them to know even the basic principles of driving?! The most important rule that seems to elude everyone, PEDESTRIANS GET THE RIGHT OF WAY! Even if they are doing something stupid. So when you get to a crosswalk with people walking, stop. This used to be common sense (common sense, what’s that?? some may say). Another related point, if you come to a stop sign chances are people could be walking by, or might walk by before you are free to proceed, so stop in front of the sidewalk so pedestrians can walk by without having to walk into traffic. And don’t make a turn into traffic if there is a car coming. I have to slam on my brakes several times a drive because some idiot cuts me off. I don’t really need my car right now and it is paid for so I have no incentive to stop.
One further lesson I would like to share with everyone and this applies to both walking and driving. Here in Canada we walk/drive on the right side of the road, trust me, I verified this before I posted just in case I missed another memo. This simple principle does get confusing when there are multiple lanes both ways, I can understand that, so I will clear things up. Stay in the right most lane and use the left lane(s) to pass. Walking on a sidewalk is a little tougher because there are no lines but if you use the same principle of using the left part of the sidewalk to pass things will be easier. For some reason people don’t seem to understand this and they like to walk into me. I am over six feet and around 300 pounds so I am not going to get the worst of it if someone walks into me.
Hopefully I have educated some people here and I will not have to fear each step I take. Do you think I should bill the Ministry of Transportation for my service here?
A quick driving lesson for those who don't seem to understand the lost art of driving, but then when they get their license from a cracker jack box can we expect them to know even the basic principles of driving?! The most important rule that seems to elude everyone, PEDESTRIANS GET THE RIGHT OF WAY! Even if they are doing something stupid. So when you get to a crosswalk with people walking, stop. This used to be common sense (common sense, what’s that?? some may say). Another related point, if you come to a stop sign chances are people could be walking by, or might walk by before you are free to proceed, so stop in front of the sidewalk so pedestrians can walk by without having to walk into traffic. And don’t make a turn into traffic if there is a car coming. I have to slam on my brakes several times a drive because some idiot cuts me off. I don’t really need my car right now and it is paid for so I have no incentive to stop.
One further lesson I would like to share with everyone and this applies to both walking and driving. Here in Canada we walk/drive on the right side of the road, trust me, I verified this before I posted just in case I missed another memo. This simple principle does get confusing when there are multiple lanes both ways, I can understand that, so I will clear things up. Stay in the right most lane and use the left lane(s) to pass. Walking on a sidewalk is a little tougher because there are no lines but if you use the same principle of using the left part of the sidewalk to pass things will be easier. For some reason people don’t seem to understand this and they like to walk into me. I am over six feet and around 300 pounds so I am not going to get the worst of it if someone walks into me.
Hopefully I have educated some people here and I will not have to fear each step I take. Do you think I should bill the Ministry of Transportation for my service here?
Where Has All The Talent Gone?
Wednesday night I turned to the Jays vs Baltimore game and witnessed another brilliant defensive blunder (not quite as bad as the one pictured to the right though). I then began explaining to my wife how Wells' batting average is now going to decrease because of the error instead of staying where it was with a sac fly RBI but to my surprise the "official" scorekeeper had ruled the play a hit. That can't be, the ever so great TV commentator (Jamie Campbell) must have read or heard something wrong so I listened intently for a few more minutes waiting for the correction that never came.
Let me lay out the scenario for those that may not have seen this play. Wells hit the ball fairly well into centre or right centre causing the fielder to "chase it down". So the outfielder jogged towards the wall calmly, stretched his arm out to make a basket catch and missed the ball. How was that not an error? The outfielder had enough time to "settle" under the ball and make the catch instead of trying an ill-advised basket catch. Jamie Campbell even seemed to be slightly surprised that the play was ruled a hit and gave some reasoning he thought might have factored into the scorekeeper's decision. They all seemed to be a stretch.
This type of scenario seems to be happening way too frequently this baseball season. Doesn't anyone understand the game anymore? Or maybe it is I who doesn't understand. To the dictionary! An error in baseball is "A defensive fielding or throwing misplay by a player when a play normally should have resulted in an out or prevented an advance by a base runner." Now let's relate that to the play. Hmmm, preventing a base runner to advance....Wells should have been out not standing at second.
I think it's time to start hiring scorekeepers that actually know the game somewhat. If someone makes a boneheaded play they should be punished for it. Instead of that happening, the pitcher is the one being punished. Shame on the league for allowing such a travesty to happen, especially since they are already on shaky ground with the whole steroid issue. I think it's time for a new commissioner. Sorry Bud, it's time for you to leave.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
It's A Seeeecret
For months I have been able to dodge the questions and brush off any insinuations made at work, and trust me the topic has come up very frequently. I sometimes wonder if someone has found out, if someone leaked this information. I then comfort myself in the knowledge that I have only told one person at work and he is way too busy to be "chewing the fat" with too many people. It also doesn't hurt that not too many people even know who he is.
Anyhow, back to the point of this. I have fielded most questions fairly well by not letting on to the big secret. Sometimes I have been forced to flat out lie and that has been hard since I am not good at lying. So far I think my secret is safe, however, I am getting too tired of avoiding questions and being very careful about what I say that I will have to tell. I have not been good at telling people in person (and the people I have told are very close to me) so I decided to use this method of informing my friends at work. I hope I have not offended anyone by not telling them in person but I really don't like the attention that I know will follow (and I can't really find the right words).
I really hope I have built the suspense to beyond tolerable levels. If not, that is fine because I have gotten tired of typing and most of you have likely scrolled down to see the picture already anyhow so you know what is coming. Just remember that I would have told you "cool kids" before now but there are certain other people that I really don't want to know about it too soon because they will give me unwanted advice or mumble other unwanted nonsense.
Well it is time to tell. My wife and I are expecting our first child to be born in mid July (cue the Creed song "Arms Wide Open"). So now those who ask too many questions know what I will be doing with my vacation time so you can quit asking questions. I will leave you with this picture and please use this information wisely.
Anyhow, back to the point of this. I have fielded most questions fairly well by not letting on to the big secret. Sometimes I have been forced to flat out lie and that has been hard since I am not good at lying. So far I think my secret is safe, however, I am getting too tired of avoiding questions and being very careful about what I say that I will have to tell. I have not been good at telling people in person (and the people I have told are very close to me) so I decided to use this method of informing my friends at work. I hope I have not offended anyone by not telling them in person but I really don't like the attention that I know will follow (and I can't really find the right words).
I really hope I have built the suspense to beyond tolerable levels. If not, that is fine because I have gotten tired of typing and most of you have likely scrolled down to see the picture already anyhow so you know what is coming. Just remember that I would have told you "cool kids" before now but there are certain other people that I really don't want to know about it too soon because they will give me unwanted advice or mumble other unwanted nonsense.
Well it is time to tell. My wife and I are expecting our first child to be born in mid July (cue the Creed song "Arms Wide Open"). So now those who ask too many questions know what I will be doing with my vacation time so you can quit asking questions. I will leave you with this picture and please use this information wisely.
My Own House???
My wife and I have been renting ever since we met and frankly, I'm sick of it. It really isn't the idea of renting I dislike, after all if anything ever happened to the place we are not the ones shelling out copious amounts of money for repairs, but I am tired of moving every year or two. Packing and unpacking, never really getting settled anywhere.
But now, we have a house of our own (as scary as that may seem). We will be getting the keys on June 23 and I can't wait. It is very exciting but now we have to pack up one more time. The only solace in this is that it will be our last move for at least five years and likely longer. It is going to seem like a mansion to us too after the place we're in now, a very small 2 bedroom bungalow that has a main room that is 12' by 6' (it looked bigger when we looked at it). Our house has 3 bedrooms with one in the basement and has 2-storeys, lots of stairs for the cat. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the house to show but I did find a nice picture of a lighthouse so it adds colour to this post.
So now the dilemma is how to move. We have two choices, hire a moving company to do the move or get some friends to help us move. Either way we are still stuck with the worst part of moving, packing all our junk into little boxes. Let the fun begin!
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