daT Speaks

As with each beginning...

2011-01-09T21:54:00.003-05:00

There is an end.

As it is with this blog. I am in the process of moving to another blog. I may keep these up for historical sake, but other than this posting, all my writings will occur as follows;

Rasing Dad - new blog site
Gregs Pocketbook - new business site
Facebook me - find me on Wastebook
Gregs Pocketbook - Facebook Page

Until we meet again...

daT is now on last.fm

2011-01-04T20:54:00.031-05:00

I've started using last.fm and am finding myself hooked. Well, it IS a new playtoy and am only in the initial stages, but it looks interesting so far. I use Winamp as my player as I abhor the ubiquitous WMP. I've tried foobar extensively but find it too much for what I need and use.

So, I thought I'd see how I could get what I listen to on to my page here and I came up with last.fm.

What is Last.fm?
Last.fm is a music service that lets you discover new music you like, based on the music you already listen to.
The Last.fm website is filled with tons of information on artists, albums and tracks, more music similar to them, charts and other statistics and more, all built by the Last.fm users who’re keeping track of what they’re listening to with Last.fm.

You can read about artists you like, check out their most popular tracks, browse their album and find out what other artists are similar to them; learn about upcoming events, explore interesting genres, listen to music and watch videos.

daT links...
daT's Profile
daT's Library
daT's Recently Played
Some helpful last.fm links...
Last.fm FAQ
Scrobblers

Check out my profile and lemme know what you think, and/or add me!

l8r

It is what it is.

2011-01-03T15:33:00.007-05:00

I've had quite a day thanks!

And though I've been busy I am working on a post that is worthy of today's events.

I'll share this quote to begin, and then finish up the post tomorrow.

"If you love something let it go free. If it doesn't come back, you never had it. If it comes back, love it forever."

Love is...

2011-01-03T00:37:00.015-05:00

I've loved two women in my life.

At the age of 47 I consider that not too bad. I don't throw the word around lightly as I know what it's like to love someone over a period of decades. I may not speak to my first love anymore (just the way it is sometimes) but I certainly still, and always will, love her. My most recent lover... that's another matter entirely. I've blogged about my experiences of late many a time, and will more than likely continue to do so as I'm sure she will remain the last woman I truly love.

You may/may not recall a single panel comic strip from a while back entitled Love is... Was in black/white and there was one panel that I still recall to this day. Love is... no fun without her. Which is pretty much where I stand right now with my last love. Currently we're only swapping messages on Wastebook (with thanks to Goddo frontman Greg Godovitz for the phrase). It is my hope that we reunite as best of friends and failing that, have a respectful goodbye. We each deserve that.

And I'm okay with that.

But, what is Love?

Wikipedia defines Love as "the emotion of strong affection and personal attachment". In my mind there's a whole heck of a lot more to love than simply that.

How about a dictionary definition from reference.com? The dictionary defines love as "a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person." Nope, that doesn't do it for me either.

Perhaps then Love is simply indescribable.

What I do is thus... if you still love someone today, then it's love. If you no longer love them, you never did.

That's about the best I can do.

With that here's something I came across contained within an image file which I transcribed here.

Enjoy!

What is love?

Are your palms sweaty, is your heart racing, and is your voice caught within your chest? - It isn't love, it's like.

You can't keep your eyes or hands off of them, am I right?- It isn't love it's lust.

Are you proud and eager to show them off?- It isn't love, it's pride.

Do you want them because you know they're there?- It isn't love, it's loneliness.

Do you want them because it's what everyone wants?- It isn't love, it's loyalty.

Are you there because they kissed you or held your hand?- It isn't love, it's low confidence.

Do you stay for their confessions of love because you don't want to hurt them?- It isn't love, it's pity.

Do you belong to them because their sight makes your heart skp a beat?- It isn't love, it's infatuation.

Do you pardon their faults because you care about them?- It isn't love, it's friendship.

Do you tell them every day that they are the only one you think of?- It isn't love, it's a lie.

Are you willing to give all your favourite things for their sake?- It isn't love, it's charity.

Does your heart ache and break when they're sad?- Then it's love.

Do you cry for their pain, even when they're strong?- Then it's love.

Do their eyes see your true heart, and touch your soul so deeply it hurts?- Then it's love.

Do you stay because a blinding, incomprehensible mix of pain and relation pulls you close and holds you there?- Then it's love.

Do you accept their faults because they're a part of who they are?- Then it's love.

Are you attracted to others, but stay with them faithfully without regret?- Then it's love.

Would you give them your heart, your life... your death?

Think about that for a second...

There are images which fit this post which can be found under the heading Slideshows - Just Because, no, not here, along the left of this page. You can also look under the heading The Basics of daT - Quotations, for further reading.

I'll finish off by saying that I love my kids (now 21 and 19), but I classify that love as different than romantic love, which was the subject of this post.

'nuff said, for now.

Chivalry and character...

2011-01-02T02:32:00.008-05:00

Chivalry can be defined as having the sum ideal qualities of a knight (*snicker*) whereas character can be distinguised from being a character.

I myself always make the effort to hold the door ajar for a woman (of any age really), simply because it's the polite gesture to make. Sure it's often not acknowledged (whereupon I loudly proclaim 'you're welcome'), but it's something I believe in and will continue to do. Same goes for holding out a chair, walking on this inside of a sidewalk (did you remember that one?) and offering my hand as she exits a vehicle or raises out of a chair.

This post has its origins in an article I've just read entitled Don’t sweat it, guys: Chivalry ain’t chauvinism, again by the Gloabe and Mail's columnist Micah Toub.

His provocative opinions in the area of relationships is appealing to me. Not that I necessarily agree with everything he argues, I simply enjoy the fact that the subject is being presented in the first place. Old fashioned? Unappreciated gestures? Bah!

For example Toub posits the onus is on the male to make the appropriate overtures on that most stressful of days known as Valentine's Day. I wholeheartedly disagree! Why shouldn't/couldn't your woman participate instead of sitting back and waiting for the proverbial dozen roses and bottle of Chardonnay?

More to come...

I heard a little girl...

2011-01-02T00:17:00.020-05:00

What she said was something beautiful.

With those lyrics from My Friends as performed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers (youtube video here), I find myself thinking of My One Who Got Away.

Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry... you don't know how lovely you are.

Again, lyrics are front and centre in my mind. These from Coldplay's The Scientist (video posted on site here). With 2011 now underway I find myself alone again, and yet looking ahead with some measure of anticipation. There's a certain degree of concern associated with said anticipation as not only AM I alone but with Mom passing in 2009 my family has gotten smaller as well. My kids (about to be 22 and 19) are now out on their own and so my day to day life is simpler. Simple and quiet...

For a few months now my 'BEEN SAID' quote has been "Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves." This has certainly been a central theme of mine of late. Still, the end of the beginning, right?

Is this 'the' reason I'm fixating on you?

No, I think not.

I'm thinking of you as I've no choice in the matter... I simply Love Her.

I sacrificed our relationship (so I keep telling myself) so's to deliver a much needed smack upside the head the likes of which she'd never before seen (or likely will ever again). I say 'keep telling myself' because a certain amount of disappointment and hurt are associated with that sacrifice. Ah, I'll leave this in greater detail for another ramble.

With that, I'll leave you with Creed performing My Sacrifice...

And that's all that needs be said, for now.

Love ya girl.

An A-Z of 2010

2011-01-01T23:54:00.005-05:00

With thanks to the National Post's columnist Gary Clements, here's a pic (click for large view) of the year 2010 A-Z review, with a distinctly Canadian slant.

If you dare...

2011-01-01T21:52:00.011-05:00

Came across this Globe and Mail article entitled - The eternal appeal of the femme fatale; by author Micah Toub. I'm just now reading some of his work and find him to be a good read...

At any rate, in this article he asks why we run after women we should be running from. I won't group myself under the banner of 'we' in this case as I've been known (on more than one occasion) to actively pursue the intelligent/witty/sultry full-blood passionate woman... phew... out in a gathering.

Just thinking of the initial flirtation gets my pulse racing.

Some of you right now are smiling at that admission on my part. Really all I'm doing is acknowledging a shared reality (and why wouldn't I?). Many spend their days ignoring that which is, and miss out on all the fun!

/begin side ramble

Acknowledging those as you pass them on the street. Another example might be speaking to people in an elevator. I always have fun with this one. People are (generally) either engaged at watching the numbers flash awaiting their floor, or the more boring staring at their feet gaze. Not me, I engage them. Speak to people... acknowledge them. Really, that's all people want... to be noticed.

/end side ramble

Many a man will not only shy away from her but will run in the opposite direction. Complete lack of confidence and any sense of adventure. At the same time many a woman are incapable (unwilling?) of being in a relationship with a man, as they've spent most of theirs days with boys. They relish their (false?) sense of power and control and consequently grow incapable of standing on their own two feet.

It's funny (telling, but funny anyways), but, I was sitting in a pub with my woman and the ubiquitous 'buddy' remarks that I should 'take care of your woman'. My reply was that no, I wouldn't... but I'd care for her.

The difference may be subtle, in reality it is far from it.

And while I humbly admit to cultivating the classic bad-boy look, I must also not so humbly accept this look is seen as the male version of the femme fatale. Ah... gender. Look at someone as a person before seeing their gender and it becomes a whole new ballgame then. Gender just makes it interesting. Okay, perhaps a little more than just interesting. :\

Still, the so-called bottom line is this... every family is dysfunctional and we, are all f00ked up.

Enjoy the ride...

/daT flashes the classic peace sign...

2011-01-01T14:21:00.000-05:00

followed by a Happy New Years bellow...

Ah but it doesn't, does it?

2010-12-31T15:56:00.001-05:00

As the year 2010 winds down, I find myself coming 'round to the same theme time and again. Life is not easy, but it is simple. In saying that I find myself pondering the following... No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Can it be that simple? Here's my wishing you all the best in 2011.

I feel a ramble coming on...

Time stands still

2010-12-30T18:34:00.001-05:00

I gave it my all.

Need you as my friend, I'll just have to stand by and wait.

But this song, this song from the band you just can't stand, this song fits.

Totally f00kin mad...

2010-12-30T17:41:00.001-05:00

The single sexiest song of all time...

This also happens to be 'our' song and each time it comes up on my playlist I find myself thinking of her.

*sigh*

How long will I slide...

2010-12-30T15:48:00.005-05:00

Getting down to the wire now.

Don't know if we have it in us, but, I'm willing to make the attempt.

Are you?

2011 is upon us and I resolve...

2010-12-30T13:23:00.000-05:00

Dec 31 2005, I quit smoking. Was the 3rd time I'd done so, however, this time was different. This time I pigged out. Really pigged out. I mean REALLY REALLY pigged out to the point of gaining over 100lbs.

Though I thoroughly enjoyed all the pop/pizza/chocolate/chips/burgers and ice cream I'd devoured, my body was in full scale rebellion. Kidney stones and heart issues were the order of the day.

By years end I started smoking again.
Now, what to do about all the weight I'd gained.

On Dec 31 2008, weighing 335lbs I decided I'd procrastinated enough and vowed to lose the weight by the beginning of 2010.

It took me 18 months instead of 12 but, I did it. I did it naturally with only exercise and diet. When I say diet I'm not saying dieting, per se. I ate whatever I wanted, I just ate less.

Today, one day short of 2011 I am again 225lbs... and have no stretch marks! I can also see my toes (heck, I can TOUCH my toes). Not bad for an old guy.

Why the ramble?

Because I'm now on day 2 of not smoking.

See, by 2010 I'd wanted to have lost the weight and by 2011 I wanted to quit smoking, again. Though this time without gaining all that weight.

I want chocolate... argh!

I will resist, but I want it bad.

So then, do you resolve to better anything about yourself?

f00k!

2010-12-29T21:01:00.002-05:00

I've a friend in need and no vehicle!

Just git yer ass over here now buddy!

I know now that I have failed you...

2010-12-29T18:56:00.008-05:00

Will you let me atone?
Will I get another chance?
To be best of friends?
Sit for hours on end speaking of nothing and everything and feeling as if there is no one else in the world?
Laugh 'til it hurts?

Thought we cannot be together, we are always together.
I know this now.

You have touched my soul as deeply as no one else before.

And all I've done is walk away...

So I give you;

I know you feel as I.
I feel you when you're not around, as I know you feel me.

Just once more... to get it right.

Sweetest of friends.

I believe in you.

The end of the beginning...

2010-12-27T15:09:00.001-05:00

F00k everyone else, I'm gonna do what feels right, no matter the cost.
And really, is there any other way?

Will you be there...

Christmas merry...

2010-12-25T15:03:00.003-05:00

Here's wishing everyone a good day with family and friends.

Mine will be a little different this year as Mom has passed, my son is out east and my daughter is out on her own now.

And I am without my one that matters.

Be well everyone!

Tuesday isn't looking any better...

2010-11-23T19:59:00.001-05:00

So I give you...

I have been guilty of kicking myself in the teeth... more than I'd care to admit.

It's just one of those days...

2010-11-22T20:18:00.002-05:00

Mondays... I usually look forward to Mondays, but this Monday in particular is 'just one of those days'...

What irks me to no end (see those little irk bubbles above my head?), are those who say one thing and do another. Actions speak louder than words... oh the irony! Been happening quite a lot of late.

Damn f00kin shame it is too.

I am in need of a f00kin smoke, a f00kin drink and some rock & roll.

Mondays...

Toronto's Santa Clause parade is today

2010-11-21T14:46:00.002-05:00

Am sitting here alone on a Sunday afternoon waiting for a buddy to drop by so's I can kick his ass in darts. Until then I'm engrossed in S5 of Rescue Me, starring Dennis Leary.

Been thinking of those in my life, and of those who've come and gone over the past year. Hoping my son is ok, and that my daughter is doing well on her own.

And st00pid me, am thinking of My One Who Got Away, and hoping she too is doing well.

Miss them all...

daT mourns the passing of Pat Burns

2010-11-20T18:42:00.002-05:00

R.I.P. coach...

Toronto Sun

It's been a heck of a year

2010-11-20T16:34:00.003-05:00

Don't quite know what to say other than it's been quite a year.
Mom passed August 4th. She 'suffered' from Dementia, and the last month she'd had a stroke and a series of 'small' heart attacks.
I miss ya Mom!

I'd had my kids early in life so that as I approached 50 *cough* I'd be 'done'. With my youngest now 'out of the house' I'm free and clear to do as I see fit.

So, as a buddy of mine did, I'm heading off to Afghanistan with the Americans. Should I 'prevail'... I'll make enough cash in 3-5 years to last the remainder of my days.

Looking forward to it actually.

Personally, I've had a few 'smacks upside the head'. Women... what can one say other than **#(&*(@#R)(

Was 'fun' while it lasted.

more to follow...

What have I become... my sweetest friend

2010-10-26T14:57:00.002-04:00

I think I've just made the single biggest mistake I'm every likely to make...

Today is a day

2010-07-26T14:14:00.005-04:00

In saying it's been one of those days I'd be giving you a meaning that would be misleading.

IT HAS BEEN A COMPLETELY AWESOME DAY!

I'm feeling especially creative today. One avenue I've been looking at for a few weeks now is starting/joining a band.

And so I present a charismatic lead singer and multi-instrumentalist looking for a band.

Writing in earnest, perhaps even a piece of non-fiction. This is something I've tried doing previously and got bogged down in the process.

The purpose in writing is to write.

And so I shall.

So, I'm single and looking...

2010-07-25T10:24:00.002-04:00

I've grown weary of the 'bar' scene and have signed up at plentyoffish.com (henceforth known as PoF).

I have to say although I'm impressed with the site and the response, I'm not so impressed with the lies and deceit.

Lying about ones age, posting pictures that are 5yrs and 40lbs ago... is that starting off on the right foot? Is this what I'm to expect?

Dating sucks...

Argh

2010-06-26T23:33:00.001-04:00

Why can I not have the timestamp as follows; 6/25/2010 22:19hrs
Notice the 24hr clock.
Meh...

Now here I go again... etc

2010-06-25T22:19:00.001-04:00

Know the rest of the lyrics?

Think David Coverdale.

I mean, really!

Is this the way for me?

Rule#2

2010-06-25T21:45:00.003-04:00

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

How to get to Rule #2...

2010-06-25T21:44:00.006-04:00

This is where the debate begins.

I'll ask first if you even have a rule that overrides all others.

Do you?

Do you have what is commonly referred to as a golden rule?

We've met those who seemingly do not. If that be the case, move along please.

Unless of course, you're ready to consider the possibility of what the idea might mean to you.

Right?

A Google of The Golden Rule produces the following:

Wikipedia - The Golden Rule is an ethical code that states one has a right to just treatment, and a responsibility to ensure justice for others. It is also called the ethic of reciprocity.

A fellow by the name of Harry J. Gensler has a short essay on the matter. He is a proponent of a global ethics. Check out his page, its worth a look. (See the menu bar on his page for a direct link to his golden rule).

Ethics of Reciprocity in 21 World Religions

Hmm, religion, business ethics and morals.

I'm not religious.

I'm most certainly spiritual.

Personal Ethics and Morals are part of my Golden Rule. They'd have to be as my golden rule is to look out for yourself first. If you don't this must mean you're NOT looking out for yourself. Now why would I willingly choose to do that? Why would I CHOOSE to not see how something affects me before I act?

It means of course, I'm not looking first.
And to look first, we must have a viewpoint.

And that viewpoint starts with me.

Starts with you...

If we all have a golden rule, what is yours?

Does my saying that everything starts (and ends of course) with me, a 'bad' thing?

Does this make me selfish?

WTF, of course not.

If my Rule#1 is It all Begins and Ends with Me, my Rule#2 (ironically religious in nature) must be...

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Rule #1

2010-06-25T18:12:00.007-04:00

It all Begins and Ends with Me.

Words of wisdom, let it be

2010-06-13T14:08:00.004-04:00

A friend sent this to me yesterday.

It is better not to be in a relationship at all than it is to be in one that continues to link closeness to betrayal, abandonment and isolation.

Acceptance...

At this point, it says more about me than what was once 'us'.

Accept, learn... and move on.

So be it.

More rambles to come.

Californicated

2010-06-12T16:26:00.002-04:00

Fuck.

Being alone again, why does it have to feel so lonely?

So, here begins a story of my falling in love, for only the second time in my life. And (yes, you CAN begin a sentence with and), as it would be inappropriate of me to use her real name here, we'll just call her Ashley.

So, Ashley is younger than me. A lot younger. 20 years younger, and as I'm 47, well, the world doesn't approve. Nor did her Mom, or her step-dad, whom I'm older than.

Go ahead, I can smell your disapproval from here.

Its really all about image for you, isn't it?

Does it look right, feel right, smell right.

Why do we crave approval and spend our lives being disapproved of.

Why are people so afraid of just being ourselves?

Get over it.

Where we are one...

2010-04-29T23:49:00.000-04:00

I've just read the single most beautiful letter I've ever received (and am likely to ever receive).

I just wish I could believe her.

Regrets?

2010-03-08T23:17:00.002-05:00

No.

As has been said, seemingly often of late... everything happens for a reason. I happen to agree with that, yet have struggled over the past year with its acceptance.

Is there 'good' in people who are 'bad'? Or is simply being a bad person enough to label them a lost cause... a Lost Soul? What defines a good person? What about a bad person?

As I'm not 'religious', how am I so certain that I have a soul?

I am my soul.

I am... me.

Is this just random nonsense from me because I just finished a d00b?

...

So...

2010-03-08T23:00:00.003-05:00

I'm sitting here puffin on a d00b, and I'm going over the past year. Wow...

Ticking away?

2010-03-08T21:57:00.002-05:00

Where do I begin?

The last six months have been, at times, overwhelming.
Physically and emotionally.

I've a steel plate and 7 screws in my left forearm (story to follow at a later date). Sure it'll be interesting.

The rest, well... it won't come so easy.

Perhaps I'll just make a list of random thoughts (sure to grow upon recall).
Perhaps just ramble on and see where it takes us.
Perhaps...

Ticking away...

2009-12-24T18:37:00.003-05:00

Funny though, how the quote that I've had posted for most of '09 has been the theme that's stuck with me throughout the year (and I reprint here as the quote will no doubt soon be changed)...

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainty.

Francis Bacon

At a time like this

2009-12-24T18:31:00.004-05:00

I've been thoroughly negligent this past year.

I must's say it's been a heck of a year though, and I am feeling compelled to speak of it.

Stay tuned...

Oh, and it's been 118 days, 15 hours, 16 minutes and 0 seconds

There's just something about her...

2009-08-28T03:15:00.001-04:00

I can't explain it, yet.
But tonight I met the most amazing woman I'm ever likely to meet.

Where will this go?

With a high of 25c

2009-07-30T15:31:00.005-04:00

So, I turned my AC on today... for the 5th time this summer!

It has been that kind of year, really. And though I ascribe to the thought that every day is a beautiful day it's only the weather than changes... I must admit I was pleased to see the Sun out today.

Having said that... I feel a rant coming on.

263 days, 20 hours, 46 minutes and 40 seconds

2009-07-28T17:32:00.002-04:00

I've been, neglectful.

Life has been so full...

Each day brings new possibilities...

And... I'm high. :|

daT is back

2008-11-06T20:49:00.002-05:00

Was offline for a while, but all is now well.

Off to the races...

iPhone's Canadian debut

2008-07-11T21:05:00.004-04:00

I'd like to put something together about this over the weekend. I can say that the Rogers stores (exclusively) were 'understocked'. Reportedly, some as low as 100 per store. Of course when sold out (and they will sell out, there is no doubt), Rogers can then go on to say that they've sold out due to the high demand.

What, too cynical?

Then there were the events of the past few days, as I posted earlier this week.

Tonight though, is my night to shoot some pool and have a couple of pints with some friends.

Bell and Telus called to task

2008-07-09T18:11:00.004-04:00

Calling it "an ill-thought out decision", Federal Industry Minister Jim Prentice has called Bell and Telus to Ottawa demanding an explanation over their decision (as I posted earlier) to begin charging customers for incoming text messages.

While I have no desire to interfere with the day-to-day business decisions of two private companies, I do have a duty as minister of industry, when necessary, to protect the interests of the consuming public...

All over the 'net.

Fathers

2008-07-09T15:10:00.012-04:00

The following is an excerpt from Man Enough: Fathers, Sons, and the Search for Masculinity (Putnam). I 'found' it in Psychology Today, circa 1993. My son was 4 and my daughter but one. At that time I'd made the decision to be a major part of my their lives. Saying it and doing it, well, it's not as simple as that. As they age (and grow... hopefully), it is a parent's 'job' to grow with them. And I wanted it as much as they did.

This article played a role in that decision.

Perhaps it can hold some meaning for you as well.

It was written by Frank Smith Pittman, III,M.D., An American psychiatrist and author.

Fathers & Sons

We know that raising children is the central experience of life, the greatest source of self-awareness, the true fountain of pride and joy, the most eternal bond with a partner. We know that being a father is life's fullest expression of masculinity. So why did so many men forgo this for so long, and will the current crop of post-patriarchal fathers fare any better?

FOR A COUPLE OF hundred years now, each generation of fathers has passed on less and less to his sons--not just less power but less wisdom. And less love. We finally reached a point where many fathers were largely irrelevant in the lives of their sons. The baby was thrown out with the bathwater, and the pater dismissed with the patriarchy. Everyone seemed to be floundering around not knowing what to do with men or with their problematic and disoriented masculinity.

In addition, over the same 200 years, each generation of fathers has had less authority than the last. The concept of fatherhood changed drastically after the Industrial Revolution. Economics suddenly dictated that somebody had to go out from the home to work. Men were usually chosen, since they couldn't produce milk. Maybe they would come home at night or just on weekends.

Please read the entire article at... (links to original article)

Internet flaw could let hackers take over the Web

2008-07-09T01:08:00.002-04:00

As reported by Tuneraider over at dslreports...

Computer industry heavyweights are hustling to fix a flaw in the foundation of the Internet that would let hackers control traffic on the World Wide Web.

Major software and hardware makers worked in secret for months to create a software "patch" released on Tuesday to repair the problem, which is in the way computers are routed to web page addresses.

And...

The flaw would be a boon for "phishing" cons that involve leading people to imitation web pages of businesses such as bank or credit card companies to trick them into disclosing account numbers, passwords and other information.

Attackers could use the vulnerability to route Internet users wherever they wanted no matter what website address is typed into a web browser.

Story here, here, here and some of the unforeseen effects, here.

Apple not pleased with Rogers

2008-07-08T15:25:00.006-04:00

AppleInsider is reporting that Apple is none too pleased with Rogers iphone pricing packages. So much so that Apple has decided to not stock the iPhone in their corporate stores.

Apple, disgusted with Rogers Wireless for dumping egregious service plans on would-be iPhone 3G buyers, has decided that its Canadian retail stores will have no part in helping the carrier market the new handset to customers...

Blogs and postings on the 'net have slammed Rogers for their pricing models.

With packages starting at CDN $60 for just 400mb of data, and a mandatory 3 year contract, Canadians are so far, not impressed.

Petitions and open letters to Rogers management teams are popping up online. See here and here.

Having met Ted Rogers and had the pleasure of eating at his residence in tony Forest Hill, I can say this; Mr Rogers is no dummy. His son (Edward) though, is another matter. They've set these prices because they figure customers will pay it. This time though, they may be wrong.

Yes, the publicity of late hasn't been glowing.

Stay tuned.

Update: iPhone Atlas is now reporting that not only did Apple not plan to sell the iPhone in their corporate locations in Canada, but, they have/had no plans to sell them at any of their store outside the U.S.

The Apple/Rogers story continues, apparently.

Throttling 'illegal' says Google

2008-07-08T12:07:00.003-04:00

CBC is reporting that Google is calling Bell's traffic management system illegal.

"Bell claims its throttling of peer-to-peer applications is a reasonable form of network management. Google respectfully disagrees. Network management does not include Canadian carriers’ blocking or degrading lawful applications that consumers wish to use," the company wrote in a 15-page submission to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, which was made public over the weekend.

They go on;

"From consumer, competition and innovation perspectives, throttling applications that consumers choose is inconsistent with a content and application-neutral internet, and a violation of Canadian telecommunications law, which forbids unfair discrimination and undue or unreasonable preferences and requires that regulation be technologically and competitively neutral."

I guess its a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

The momentum continues.

CDN cell carriers to charge for text messages

2008-07-07T21:57:00.011-04:00

Yes, you read that right.

According to a story in the Windsor Star, Bell and Telus (and you can bet Rogers won't be far behind) will begin charging for incoming text messages starting next month.

Bell Mobility will begin charging customers 15 cents per incoming text message on Aug. 8. Telus Mobility is moving to the same billing practice effective Aug. 24. Until now, their pay-per-use customers who send text messages have been charged a 15-cent fee per message, but it hasn't cost anything to receive them.

Add this to the latest Rogers iphone pricing fiasco, and it's clear that telecommunications pricing in the Great White North continues to lag behind the ROTW.

with thanks to DR_JAYMAHDI over at dslreports for the heads up!

PC Tech's are now P.I.'s... in the deep south

2008-07-02T16:50:00.004-04:00

A law recently passed in Texas requires all computer-repair technicians to have a private-investigator license.

?

In order to obtain said license, technicians must receive a criminal justice degree or participate in a three-year apprenticeship. Those shops that refuse to participate will be forced to shut down. Violators of the new law can be hit with a $4,000 dollar fine and up to a year in jail, penalties that apply to customers who seek out their services.

Story here, here, here and the act here.

That's, just crazy.

Update: There is an interesting discussion here.

UFA signings

2008-07-01T13:44:00.011-04:00

NHL free agent updates can be had here at TSN.

UPDATE:
Sundin has reportedly been offered US $20mil on a two-year pact, by the Vancouver Cancucks. As many as three other teams are after the apparent ex-Leaf Captain...

He has since gone on to say, essentially, thanks but no thanks to any and all offers. He remains undecided.

Curtis Joseph has signed a one-year deal with the Leafs for 700 grand.
Good for Cujo, and good on the Leafs...

...and Colorado has signed Darcy Tucker to a 2 year deal worth $4.5-million (which should go along nicely with his 'package' from the Leafs)...

Oh alright... Colorado also signed Andrew Raycroft at $800,000 for one year.

Hitchin' a ride to Mickey Dee's

2008-06-30T21:53:00.014-04:00

A couple of times a year, you just have to have a Big Mac from McDonalds (see photo at right). And so it what was for me tonight. Up and out of the house to my closest Mickey Dee's. Yes, I saw that I needed gas. Still, it was a Big Mac we're talking about.

Sooo... immediately after pulling onto the main street from the drive-thru, I ran out of gas.

Pushing it off the main street, I set off gas can in hand.

After cursing to myself (and who wouldn't, really) I realized that not only do I have the walk (about 4km in total, reasonable) ahead of me, but upon my return I could look forward to eating a cold Big Mac... or two.

How to speed this process up?

Hitch-hike!

Yes, that's it! I could catch a ride (at least one way), with gas can in hand, how hard could it be?

Not a single driver stopped for me!
Was I doing something wrong? I know it had been years since I'd hitched a ride, but I did, after all, have a gas can. Wasn't it obvious what I was doing? Needing?

At least I wasn't spat upon or jeered at by passing motorists.

There was a point there where I just wanted to yell 'but I just wanted a Big Mac!'

A couple of motorcyclists pulled into a driveway, just in from of me. Um, no... idea quickly discarded. I was reminded though, of a time I (proud owner of a 1970 Norton Commando 750) rode around the same neighbourhood, showing off my new bike to a buddy... he helmetless on the back.

Yes, times have changed. For years we've been told "don't stop for hitch-hikers". They could be murderers, bank robbers, rapists.

Nothing there about not helping out your fellow man!

Upon returning to my car and again cursing over the fact I know have not only a meal that is well, 'more than likely' not good for me (ya ya... whatever) but, a cold one to boot.

I wondered though...

Starting up (that took a while, fuel pump not happy one bit) and then parking in the lot... meal in hand, I approached Mickey Dee's hungry as can be.

One of the counter drones asked me if I needed help/food/lottery tickets, or whatnot. I mumbled asking if the boss was around. She was nearby, and despite my mumbles, overheard.

After quickly explaining what happened, I popped the question.

Is there any chance of getting my meal replaced, please?

"Yea, sure" she said!

A great big thanks to Kim at my local McDonalds.

Faith in my fellow man restored?
Not so sure. Kids not liking rules/punshiment and taking their parent/parents to court... and the court backing the kid! More on that to come.

Firefox 3...

2008-06-30T21:38:00.003-04:00

New post here on my first impressions of Firefox 3 (yes, overall it's extension related... of course).

Tucker, Wellwood and Raycroft

2008-06-25T18:17:00.017-04:00

Darcy Tucker has been bought out by the Leafs.

Tucker had three years remaining on his contract and Toronto will payout two-thirds over six years. Having signed a new 4 year deal just last year, this has got to hurt the team.

Still, it is another piece of the 'Muskoka Five' (the other's being Mats Sundin, Bryan McCabe, Pavel Kubina and Tomas Kaberle... see classic Leaf slam at right, thanks to Dolighan @ the Sun) that needed to go. The hard nosed Tucker had been a Leaf for eight years now, some of that time controversial. We won't speak of the time when his cousin Shayne Corson was along for the ride. Overall though Tucker has 'brought it' to the game and I wish him and his family well, wherever they settle.

Cliff Fletcher (interim/non-interim GM of the team) called it a 'difficult decision'.

Can the same be said about Kyle Wellwood and Andrew Racycroft though. The team recently having placed forward Wellwood (just claimed by Vancouver) and goaltender Raycroft on waivers, rids the team of distraction. Raycroft has simply lost his confidence and his play suffered terribly. Despite his team tying 37 win season in '06-'07, the team sought out (and found) a number one goalie in Vesa Toskla. That sealed Raycroft's fait as a Leaf. Wellwood though is another matter. The team has a history of discarding small, flashy pivots (think Steve Sullivan) who go on to play well in the NHL. Wellwood is a little quirky though. He walks to his own beat (and you gotta respect a guy for that), but, he neglects his conditioning and his commitment to the team is questionable. His loss could come back to bite us.

With Mats Sundin off to enjoy poutine, you have what could be called a radically different looking team for the '08-'09 season. Will Kubina (who finished the season strong, and who's no-trade clause has been temporarily voided because of the team not making the play-offs... again... for the 3rd straight season) return? If he continues his strong play (and lets not forget he had been challenged really for the first time in his career with injury, pretty much since his arrival in Toronto), sure... why not.

The McCabe to the Islanders story just won't die.

Kaberle has to stay, period.

Hockey stories in the summer?

This is Canada...

The local papers

2008-06-25T15:47:00.012-04:00

Greg Weston (National Affairs columnist for sunmedia) writes an interesting article the other day. It is most definitely not his usual style. In it, he refers to Liberal Leader Stephane Dion and his new Carbon Tax/Non-Tax.

Once upon a time, Stephane Dion seemed at the end of his rope as he bemoaned the pitiful state of Gritdom to his trusty political adviser, the Wizard of Odd.

First let me say this, I enjoy the experience of 'reading the paper'. A cup of tea, a cigarette (boo hiss). I know the day is coming when the local daily s will fall, and I'm just not looking forward to it.

At any rate, I'm yes, having a cigarette and reading Weston's column from last Sunday in our local Toronto Sun, and that first line clearly told me this won't be a typical Weston column.

He goes on...

The wizard waved his wand and -- Poof! -- a 44-page document entitled The Green Shift suddenly landed in Dion's lap

and

Dion said professorially, "but how does it help the Liberal party get back in the game?"

"Simple," said Odd. "First, you collect about $15 billion by slapping a carbon tax on Big Oil, the electric utilities, and any other industry that produces greenhouse gas emissions. Then you use the loot to buy votes in the next election.

This is just classic. And something totally unexpected from Weston. I won't spoil the read, you just have to read it for yourself.

Net Neutrality... Part 1

2008-06-23T20:37:00.035-04:00

Net Neutrality, Fair Use and the 'free' Internet are common themes that I will speak to. Currently there is an interview here with Sandvine CEO Dave Caputo.

In it Mr. Caputo refers to the concerns of users as "laughable".

It ain't funny.

As you may or may not know, Sandvine is one of the company's (Arbor Ellacoya being another) that provide Rogers (along with Bell Canada) with deep packet inspection technology . This allows the 2 major Canadian ISP's to 'throttle' customer's internet connections/speeds. Recently, Bell began to 'manage' their network in such a way that now, 3rd party ISP resellers of Bell services are also being throttled. This practice has given rise to CRTC challenges.

Just this past week, the head of the CRTC (Konrad von Fickenstein) gave notice that the Net Neutrality issue, may become part of a "major consultation", calling it "inevitable".

There's all sorts of other issues underneath [net neutrality], such as ... blocking of services or Web sites, preferential treatment for certain content providers, the issue of modification of content and in terms of carriage-related issues, the limitations of what devices can be connected to the network...

Sadly, what was once a country seen as being a leader in terms of both access/availability, and speed is no more. Our wireless packages are seriously under-competitive (against ROTW) , with Rogers now injecting code into web pages as a means of notifying it's customers that they were approaching their allowable bandwidth for that given billing cycle, Bell resellers (like Teksavvy), and their customers, getting hit by Bell's 'traffic management strategy', and Rogers themselves having throttled their own customers for over 2 years now, what has become known as Net Neutrality finally looks to be the 'net issue in the near future.

When I say finally I say this because it has now become a mainstream media issue. 'Google' net neutrality, and do it from this page (which should become your new search page). Net Neutrality is not a new topic. This has been discussed widely on-line for close to 3 years now.

And I'll come to it again, sooner rather than later I'm sure.

Until then, do yourself a favour and visit Michael Geist's blog/site. He is a law professor at the University of Ottawa where he holds the Canada Research Chair of Internet and E-commerce Law. He has obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees from Cambridge University in the UK and Columbia Law School in New York, and a Doctorate in Law (J.S.D.) from Columbia Law School.

He's also an author/speaker of some renown.

And he's got a perma-link on my page under links...

The Candia'net...

I wonder what a routine by George Carlin on the subject of free internet would've sounded like. I'm sure it would've included all seven (if not more) words from his infamous bit entitled "Seven Words You Can Never Use on Television".

WARNING! Vulgar humour alert!

RIP buddy...

thanks to ars technica for the heads up on the Sandvine interview!

R.I.P. George Carlin

2008-06-23T13:52:00.010-04:00

George Denis Patrick Carlin (May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008 )

George Carlin, the Grammy-Award winning standup comedian and actor who was hailed for his irreverent social commentary, poignant observations of the absurdities of everyday life and language, and groundbreaking routines like "Seven Words You Can Never Use on Television," died in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to his publicist, Jeff Abraham. He was 71.

Source - International Herald Tribune

The Leafs... Part 1

2008-06-22T17:08:00.016-04:00

The Toronto Maple Leafs (and everything that goes with being a Leafs fan), will be a continual source of 'material' for me. And right now I have to say that I am flipped out over Mats Sundin's negotiating rights having been sold/loaned/transferred to the hated Habs.

(the Sundin hyperlink leads to his Leaf page. I wonder how long the link will work)

Any Leaf fan will tell you that the Habs are the one team you absolutely cannot play for after being 'honoured' by Leafdom. Doing so would instantly ban you to the pits of hell with no chance of parole.

We have a history of both honouring and dishonouring those who have worn the 'C'. Dave Keon (above right - CP file photo), Sittler, Clark, Gilmour. All have been welcomed upon their return (particularly Keon, at last years 40th anniversary 'celebration' of the *cough* last Leafs team to win a cup).

sigh

But this...

Sundin to Les Habs? Returning to the ACC wearing les bleu, blanc et rouge? Sorry, this I have a serious problem with. Having been to his home I can say that yes, he is a 'nice man'. Many say this about the man. We are accepting (albeit not quietly) about his spending summers back home instead of staying with 'us' (perhaps at one of the Muskoka Five's cottages - snicker), providing Leaf Nation with a year round fix of Leaf hysteria.

And questions about his 'passion' for the game (more importantly I guess, to the Team) continue to dog Sundin even as his career as a Leaf has come to an end. And come to an end it has, for there is no scenario that I can see that involves Sundin ever again putting on a Leaf jersey.

I can also see Leafdom getting all worked up in a froth over Sundin's return as a Hab. The hanger will be rocking for weeks over the mere possibility of 'giving it' to Mats should he deign to grace us with his presence. Yes the venom will be out in full bore and all of it (whether warranted or not) will be directed at our formerly beloved Captain. Salming can go to the Wings, and Sittler to the Flyers, but playing for the Habs is simply unforgiveable in the eyes of Leafs fans.

And yet again, another controversial end to a Leaf career.

Layouts

2008-06-21T19:14:00.012-04:00

Being new to blogging and its communities, I have to say that putting the link to my blog 'out there', for the first time, gave me pause. I was anxious! I had been playing around with a default template, spending hours changing the layout. 2 or 3 columns? Wide or narrow?

This doesn't even begin to address the number of different thoughts and such that will contribute to different posts. For years to come! I'm sitting here how I want it to look! Isn't that a wee bit backwards?

I"m not so sure of that. Today, perception plays a large(r) role. And at times the message really does get lost. Well, perhaps misplaced then. Something I'd been wanting to finalize was the What's been said..., section. I was comfortable with this area's positioning within the basic layout. I looked into a few different sites that provide content along the lines of just what I wanted this section to be about.

I've decided upon using my own (without necessarily being of my own) sayings/quotations (I have to say though that Robert at just-quotes.com is very helpful. If you need some content along those lines, visit his site). I think I want to keep this area mine.

I think I got the banner right though.

The layout may change somewhat over time, and maybe more often than not for the next while. But I'm looking at blogging with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

See you again soon.

The second move

2008-06-18T20:40:00.008-04:00

The second move in chess can be seen to have a greater effect on the game than the first.

And so this being the second post, I find myself (as I have for the past few days) contemplating just what it is I want to get out of this blog.

Perhaps that in itself is enough for a second post.

e4

2008-06-15T20:14:00.006-04:00

And so it begins...