Hockey Fans Clouded Judgement

You may have reccently heard/read about the Zdeno Chara hit on Max Pacioretty. If not, check out the video Here: Youtube

In most circles, it is believed to be a hit that went awry. In other circles it is believed to be vicious and intentional.

An Air Canada Exec with too much time on his hands has made his personal vendetta an NHL sponsorship issue. Denis Vandal, a resident of Montreal, sports fan, and director of Marketing at Air Canada has issued a letter to the NHL, requesting that NHL suspend Chara for his involvement in the incident.

"We are contacting you (Wednesday) to voice our concern over (Tuesday night's) incident involving Max Pacioretty and Zdeno Chara at the Bell Centre in Montreal," wrote Vandal. "This is following several other incidents involving career-threatening and life-threatening headshots in the NHL recently."

"Unless the NHL takes immediate action with serious suspension to the players in question to curtail these life-threatening injuries, Air Canada will withdraw its sponsorship of hockey."

The funny thing is that Vandal didn't say Squat when Crosby was injured earlier in the season. Oddly enough Vandal also failed to react when one of his own Bleu Blanc et Rouge chased an opposing player down the ice swinging his stick like it was Paul Bunion's Axe trying to poke out eyeballs or chop down a tree. Video Here: Youtube

Why was nothign said in 2010 when Lapierre tried to cross check an unsuspecting player through the boards? Video Here: Youtube

Now, the MTL police are investigating the incident. Source Here: Canoe.ca Sports

Where were the Police and Vandal (Air Canada) during the above incidents? Why didn't the police investigate the UFC fight a few months ago. Weren't the fighters trying to injure each other? It's not like they're having pillow fights in the octagon.

I know that when a Leaf player is hurt, I'm upset. I'm even more upset when it's one of the stars. Even still, I'd think it's insane for Toronto Police to go after a player for an incident like this.

As for Air Canada, it's scary that one person has this amount of power. If I were Denis Vandal, I would concern myself with the abysmal consumer satisfaction rating of Air Canada (5th of 7 North American Airlines) instead of concerning myself with a single incident that happened in a hockey game.

I do believe that there are ways to make hockey safer, I just can't believe that this one incident has become the catalyst for so much hate.

The Amazing Guacamole

Do yourself a favour, and this SuperBowl, make yourself a quick and easy Guacamole.
This is another of my home-made recipes I think you'll enjoy. This dish needs to eb prepared fresh. Guacamole turns brown if left out too long.

You'll Need:
2 Medium sized ripe** Avacados (Haas)
1 Medium onion (diced)
1 Small - Medium tomatoes diced (or 6 cherry tomato diced)
2 teaspoon of freshly ground cumin seed
1 table spoon of fresh squeezed lime juice
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (can be substituted for 1/2 clove of crushed garlic)
1 teaspoon of coarse salt
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Fresh Jalapenos or crushed chilies to taste
--Bonus-- finely diced crispy bacon pieces (optional)


Halve the Avocados, and cut into 1" chunks. Place the avocado into a mixing bowl. Add the spices and salt to the avocado, and blend. Don't over-blend. You want to leave the mixture chunky. Add the diced onions, diced tomato, jalapeno, chilies,and lime juice and blend once again (If you're adding bacon, now is the time to do it).

Move the mixture to a serving bowl, and serve with multigrain tortilla chips.

Avocados should be bought ripe the day you make the mixture. A ripe avocado should have a black rind, and should be firm, yet give when squeezed in your palm. Avocados that are overripe, will share the same colour as a ripe avocado, but will give more easily when squeezed. If you plan to buy your avocados in advance, buy unripened avocados. Unripened avocados have a greener/lighter flesh, and don't yield when squeezed. Avocados ripen very fast, so be sure to buy them only when you plan to use them.

Let down by the Education System once again!

Recently, you may have read or heard about Emil Cohen. The Northern Secondary School student who was suspended for calling a spade a spade. If you haven't, the full article is here courtesy of the Toronto Sun.

Emile simply summed up the challenges that faced the soccer team throughout the season. Unfortunately, each of the challenges were caused by the school's lack of support for the team and its players. Emile's recanting embarrassed the phys-ed department, and its teachers. The School backed the teachers lack of initiative, and suspended the student for 2-days. This is comparable to going to writing a news-article, criticizing governmental politics, and being incarcerated for 2-days. Are we living in North Korea? Do we want all our children to grow up as drones, living in fear that they can't publicly express their opinions? Emile spoke about sports at a sports assembly. It's not like he interrupted the annual "Grinch who stole Christmas" holiday musical. Emile took time at the right moment to discuss the challenges of the team.

As a student, I knew what it felt like to be under appreciated, and treated as a nuisance. I can recount many stories of how the education system let me down. If it weren't for a strong family system, and the very, very few educators who took the time to work with me, I could have easily been lost in the shuffle and dropped out. I really felt like most of the teachers didn't care. Most of the educators wanted to exact their life frustrations on a defenseless student.

We should be doing more to encourage our students. Instead of punishing them for wanting more support, we should be encouraging their enthusiasm. Using the interest and buzz generated by Emile, why didn't the school set-up a fund raiser for next year's soccer team, instead of suspending him, and removing all his phys-ed privileges? Evidently, it was easier to try and shut him up, and make an example of him, than to have to actually do something that might motivate the student body.

This is a prime example of the education system failing their students. The Belief today is "I am displeased with my job/boss/coworkers/funding/spouse etc. , so our kids are going to pay for it". What a horrible attitude to have when in a position of encouragement & education. What's worse, is that the school board approves this school's actions.

Our educators and school-board workers have chosen to work in the education field. Why don't they start acting like they care about the students instead of acting like they care about a paycheque?

Top 10 reasons why I would think twice before buying an iPhone

I decided to write this article up because I've heard so many people complain about the phone they love so much. To me, this is comparable to saying "Man, this flesh-bacteria on my are is so painful, but I like the look and feel of how bad-ass it makes me appear"


Don't get me wrong. All mobile phones have their flaws. I'm just amazed that so many people are willing to put up so much grief.

1. You're a target for hackers and malicious behavior.
   Do you ever wonder why you need a virus program on your PC? It's not because Microsoft makes really bad products. It's because over 85% of the world's computers are PCs. If you're a hacker, or someone who wants to control your phone with malicious intent, you're going to want to target the most widely used platform. the iPhone is one of the most widely used phones on the market. What's best, is that if you want to put pirated games on your iPhone, you have to use a piece of software that leaves you more exposed than a flasher in a retirement-home. Just a couple of months ago, iTunes was hacked, and people's personal information was stolen.Again, a feew months ago, AT&T was hacked and people's information was stolen. And again, two months ago, the iTunes app-store was hacked and malicious software was found on their site.
   
2. The call quality and phone reception is really bad
   Sure the iPhone is great for watching movies, listening to music and downloading cool applications, but the phone reception has been widely criticized. Apple has come out with a free fix for all 3G, 3GS, and 4G iPhones that fixes an issue where the antenna icon incorrectly represents full bars when the reception quality is actually one-bar or lower. So, now you'll know for sure when your reception sucks. This is comparable to a doctor prescribing you a box of kleenex instead of giving you antibiotics. the iPhone 4G has an additional feature, where if held in the left-hand, the reception cuts out almost altogether. Now, true, Apple has issued a fix... it's called holding it in the other hand, or buying a case.
   
3. iTunes is horrible
   Apple may have spent tonnes of cash building a user-firriendly multimedia product, but the software insterface is horrible. Music searching is a pain in the butt, and creating playlists is painful. What's-more, iTunes is a very large program. it takes a long time to load and connect to the phone.
   
4. They make you install Software updates almost weekly
   Maybe it's just me, but I don't want to have to update my software once a week. People once complained that Windows XP had too many updates. I'm sure the number of iPhone and iTunes updates per month have surpassed that of XP in the short time the iPhone has existed.
5. They keep asking if I want to install additional software
   Not only am I bombarded with the updates in #4, but I'm also frequently asked if I want to add other apple products to my computer. If I said NO to installing Safari once, why the hell would I want to install it later? Stop asking me every week!!
6. Apple Hates Flash
   If you don't know, Adobe Flash is one of the most widely adopted programming languages on the web. Most of the sites you visit daily, use flash for on-screen animations, games, videos, updates and transaction functions. Apple won't let Flash Live on the iPhone; this is why you have to use a YouTube application. Apple does this so they can better control the applications you run on your phone.
7. They Break Easily
   I have heard countless stories of people who have accidentally dropped their iPhone, only to have the screen shatter. Now, I'd had my phone for 2 years, have dropped it down my steps and I'm sure the screen clarity improved after the incident.
   
8. Steve Jobs (And Apple cor for that matter) Doesn't care about you!
   I know, it's hard to believe. but you're just a consumer. Your well-being is nothing to those you feed by buying their products. Want proof? Jobs was quoted as saying that a resolution to the iPhone 4 antenna problem was to stop holding the phone in your left hand. In other news, Jobs also asked a consumer to "Leave us alone" when she asked Jobs to clarify his stance on the Apple's Media Relation Department Snub. It's a pretty funny story, and her honesty was rebuffed with incredible ignorance. Story Via The Guardian
9. There's no Keyboard
   Yeah, you'd think that being part of text-driven media, the iPhone would have a physical keyboard to better facilitate text messaging, tweeting, blogging, Facebook status updates and e-mailing. I need a keyboard. My fingers are just a little too... manly to be able to type efficiently on any sort of software keyboard.
10. I have a Brain
    I'm not saying that all iPhone users are brainless. What I am saying, is that I would rather make an informed decision on my phone purchase, than an impulsive one, brought on by Media Hype. I believe that a lot of iPhone consumers are peoiple who bought into the hype, rather than acutally weighing the pros and cons of the device that would be their digital lifeline to social media, phone calling and everything web. How do I come to such conclusions? Well, a few weeks ago, I visited Sherway Gardens to grab lunch. at that time, I happened to pass by a Telus Store that displayed a sign reading "iPhone 4 instock now", and then happened to pass a Rogers Wireless Store, with a similar sign in it's store-front. and finally, I walked past a phone Kiosk that too held a sign reading "iPhone 4 in stock for all Major Carriers". I then passed the Apple store. Outside the Apple store, stood a line up 30-40 people who were waiting to purchase an iPhone (I know this because the line also had a sign reading "iPhone 4 purchase line starts here". I thought to myslef. Why the hell would all these people wait in line to buy an Apple iPhone, when they could simply walk into a Telus, Rogers or other company store and purchase one without lining up. The answer is simple. They do not see the iPhone as a Mobile Smartphone. They see it as an Apple Gadget.

In the End, I'm not saying I would never buy an iPhone. I'm just saying that right now, there are plenty of things to think about before I put my money on a SmartPhone. It's amazing to think that with all these negative attributes, people still flock to the iPhone.

If you were to go buy a car, and the dealer told you that the Gas-Gage doesn't work, the Radio shuts off when you hold the steering wheel, you will get horrible customer service after you purchase, the car will be destroyed in an accident, no matter how insignificant the impact, you will need to maintain the car weekly with updates and service, and your car would be an easy target for carjacking; would you buy the car? I sure wouldn't.

I'm Switching Insurance companies!

As a bit of history, I have been Insured with this company for over 10 years. I have had a clean record over those 10 years and have never made a claim.

In the past, I was pleased that my rates were competitive and more or less fell within the reasonable realm of insurance charges.

Last week, my insurance renewal came in the mail. My insurance had gone up by 25% for no reason. Here is a synopsis of my phone conversation

Me: Hello, why did my Insurance go up by 25%?
Broker: Not sure, it's inexplicable, you have a perfect record.
Me: Ok, Please lower my rates. I have a competitive quote for $600 less per year.
Broker: Wow, that's a lot. but if you stay with us, your $500 deductible will be $0.
Me: I'm saving $600 annually by switching; so, even if I get into an accident with the other company and pay my $500 deductible every year, I'm still saving $100 per year over you guys.
Broker: The Government forced us to increase our rates. Sorry.
Me: I read That was last year. Our insurance company was approved to go up by 5% at most.
Broker: Yeah, sorry, I don't know. We just suck as a company*
Me: I will be switching. Thanks!

*The broker didn't actually say their company sucks. He actually said that Insurance companies had their premiums increase due to the government. the 5% was an average by company. Some people got dinged higher for no explicable reason. It's the Government's fault for forcing Insurance companies to pay for their own medical liabilities.

So, I'd like to take this time to thank my insurance company for saving me $600 this year.

Canada Post Virus

Hi All,

My dad recently sent me an email about a Canada Post Virus. Below is the email warning. I thought I'd post this on Facebook because I received the virus email shortly after, and it actually looks convincing. Be aware!

See Bellow:

Email Warning:

URGENT!

Hello everyone,

Just in case you have not seen the newspaper yet, someone is sending out emails saying you have a parcel at the postal outlet which includes a tracking number. Ignore it, CPC does not send out ANY emails like this so just delete it. My source told me that it seems to be mostly hotmail accounts that are affected but don't take a chance. It could include a virus.

Below is the article for the Toronto Sun.

If you receive an e-mail that claims to be from Canada Post asking you to open an attachment, delete it immediately, the postal service warns.

“The e-mail is fraudulent, likely contains a virus, and the package does not exist. Please do not open the attachment,” Canada Post said in a statement.

“The virus is not coming from Canada Post ¬ Canada Post does not require e-mail confirmation to 'affect' delivery. The anonymous authors of this unfortunate e-mail virus are only using the Canada Post name and the name of other large couriers to get your attention.” The Crown corporation said if you receive an e-mail with a tracking number, you can check that number at www.canadapost.ca
.

If it doesn't exist, the e-mail isn't valid.

********************************************************
Actual Virus Email.


Canada Post is holding an important package for you from Canada Post
On-Line Registration / L'inscription en ligne -- Postes Canada
Package ID is 9999999 (Note: I removed the number so nobody could click on it. The email actually contained a short number)

For your protection, the package is secure, encrypted and protected by
the Canada Post Corporation Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.

Please pick up the package at the following Web address:
http s://cpc.postecs.com/ime?x=4-9999999-3657672-C3J27RDX (Note: Do not click on the link, It doesn't work. I changed the address)

WARNING: The package and its attachment are to be opened only by the
designated recipient(s) or authorized representative(s). Unauthorized
handling of mail is an indictable offence under the criminal laws of
Canada.

The package will expire on Tuesday May 18, 2010 at 19:48:50 EDT4


..............................

........................................

Need help picking up your package?

* If the Web address above is highlighted, click on it to open a
browser window. You will automatically be taken to the package.

* If the Web address above is not highlighted, follow these steps:
- Open a Web browser window.
- Copy and paste the entire Web address into the "location" or
"address" bar of the browser.
- Press enter.




If you encounter problems in accessing the package or for further
inquiries, please contact the PosteCS Customer Service Help Desk at
1-866-511-0546 or by email at postecs@canadapost.ca.


_______________________________________________
Delivered with PosteCS(TM)

TAX, TAX, TAX, TAX, TAX, TAX....

Hooray!

I'd like to personally inform everyone that we're on our way to additional taxes & Fees! Oh yes, you heard it here folks! Our Canadian politicians believe in taxation and fees over responsible spending.

What? This doesn't sound right? You think I'm going crazy? You think our politicians spend responsibly and don't looks at us taxpayer-constituents as no more than inexhaustible money wells?

This is where you're wrong!

You see, two recent news pieces may have slipped by unnoticed. The first being the request by a City of Toronto Mayoral candidate Which is being backed by some councilor), looking to find a subway line by taxing drivers who use highways that lead into the city.; The second being a CRTCs decision that gives TV broadcasters the right to damned fees from TV distributors for the relaying of TV signals.

Thompson is proposing a $5 fee per ride on the DVP to cover the costs to develop a subway line (article here). Do't get me wrong. I think that enhanced public transportation throughout the GTA and surrounding areas is an important endeavor. My feeling is that we are already paying $3.00 a ticket to ride the TTC, shouldn't some of that money go to route development? With the thousands of riders the TTC gets daily, don't you think a $3 fare would cover the costs of maintenance, employee salaries,, operating costs etc? Unfortunately, TTC money is spent on incompetent consultants, nepotism, mismanagement, and a general sense of irresponsibility. Transit in, out and around Toronto is expensive enough as it is. It's almost cheaper to drive if it weren't for parking costs in the city. Did the City really need the expensive 'Wave" decks in Toronto? I'm sure the cost of construction and design alone would have put a nice dent in the subway expansion costs.


While the TTC continues to squander its rider-fares through mismanagement; the CRTC finds it fit to reward mismanagement through charges for free services. Yup! The free over the air signals that our cable companies are relaying, have been deemed chargeable by the CRTC (Article here). It's like the old saying "Selling Ice to an Eskimo". Well the CRTC sees fit that TV companies like Bell, Rogers, and Cogeco, should now be charged for relaying free over the air signal. The Broadcasters believe the money collected through this new fee should go to supporting local broadcasts. Everyone who pays for cable will have to pay into this local support system. Why should everyone paying for cable in Canada have to pay for late-night local access TV in moose-lick Manitoba? Paying for these services do not benefit me in the least. What's worse, is that Shows broadcast locally, are also broadcast for free. Why don't the local citizens who want to watch their local crap, just tune their TVs to Antenna-mode and watch their Local station?

Look at it my way. Imagine you live on a nice street with 10 houses. 9 of the 10 home-owners keep their lawn maintained, and clear their own driveways when it shows. The 10th home-owner however, doesn't mow his own lawn or shovel his driveway. Instead of doing the work himself, he hires a gardener, and plow service. The 10th home owner then goes to each house on the street, and demands $10/month from every home-owner, so they can assist him in paying for his driveway services. My solution to this is simple. Either move out, or raise the money yourself.

Both situations can be dealt with through responsible money management, and strategy. Unfortunately, we seem to be viewed as inexhaustible wells of money.