If you really want to laugh, check this out:
Clean Is Happy
Click on the "Washlet 101" link, which is the first girl (on the left).
This is quite "clean" in every sense of the word! And hilarious.
If you want one, check out the manufacturer
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Calgary Stampede Thoughts
The Calgary Stampede is The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. But after many years of attending, I have noticed some changes, and they are not good.
On Monday I was at the grounds, having lunch before the rodeo and met a couple from England. They are from a small farm near Hadrian’s Wall and were surprised to learn that I have been there – twice. As a farmer, he expressed some disappointment at the relative lack of farming exhibits, and spoke with many of the farmers who are there. According to the hearsay, the Stampede is deliberately limiting the agriculture exhibits, as they don’t generate any revenue. “We were told we were not wanted” according to the fellow.
Then, as I watched the rodeo, the announcer did his standard speech about Guy Weadick’s belief that the Stampede needed the participation of the natives to be successful (the speech hasn’t changed in years). While the speech is trite, the thought is true. But does this not also apply to agriculture? As a city resident, I rarely visit a farm, and it is good to understand and appreciate how food is produced. My daughter appreciates it.
Finally, as we were leaving, we wanted to see the art showcase. To get there, you have to go through the “Marketplace” - a vast hall in the Corral full of “As Seen on TV!” signs, selling every type of junk imagineable (lifetime knives, vegetable slicers, plastic shoes, Pot of Gold lotteries, etc.) at inflated prices. While this undoubtedly generates revenue for the Stampede, exactly how does it fit into the idea of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth?
Another change from years ago is the traditional Stampede breakfast. While the breakfast is no healthy choice (pancakes, pork sausage, syrup, perhaps hash browns and/or eggs) there used to be a great number of free ones in the downtown core. When I first moved to Calgary, we would plot out the free breakfasts each morning at work, and then hit two or three in short order. As I went to one this morning, I noticed lots of breakfasts – and every single one was a “Private Function” (including mine). What happened to the Stampede Spirit? The community and cameraderie of dishing out a breakfast, just because it was Stampede? It is not like the oil patch or the city in general is hurting economically. Yes, there are still a few free ones, such as the Stampede’s at Olympic Plaza, but mostly they seem limited to suburban malls and community associations. What happens when oil prices drop and companies are hurting – will we have a “no breakfast” Stampede?
I hope not!
On Monday I was at the grounds, having lunch before the rodeo and met a couple from England. They are from a small farm near Hadrian’s Wall and were surprised to learn that I have been there – twice. As a farmer, he expressed some disappointment at the relative lack of farming exhibits, and spoke with many of the farmers who are there. According to the hearsay, the Stampede is deliberately limiting the agriculture exhibits, as they don’t generate any revenue. “We were told we were not wanted” according to the fellow.
Then, as I watched the rodeo, the announcer did his standard speech about Guy Weadick’s belief that the Stampede needed the participation of the natives to be successful (the speech hasn’t changed in years). While the speech is trite, the thought is true. But does this not also apply to agriculture? As a city resident, I rarely visit a farm, and it is good to understand and appreciate how food is produced. My daughter appreciates it.
Finally, as we were leaving, we wanted to see the art showcase. To get there, you have to go through the “Marketplace” - a vast hall in the Corral full of “As Seen on TV!” signs, selling every type of junk imagineable (lifetime knives, vegetable slicers, plastic shoes, Pot of Gold lotteries, etc.) at inflated prices. While this undoubtedly generates revenue for the Stampede, exactly how does it fit into the idea of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth?
Another change from years ago is the traditional Stampede breakfast. While the breakfast is no healthy choice (pancakes, pork sausage, syrup, perhaps hash browns and/or eggs) there used to be a great number of free ones in the downtown core. When I first moved to Calgary, we would plot out the free breakfasts each morning at work, and then hit two or three in short order. As I went to one this morning, I noticed lots of breakfasts – and every single one was a “Private Function” (including mine). What happened to the Stampede Spirit? The community and cameraderie of dishing out a breakfast, just because it was Stampede? It is not like the oil patch or the city in general is hurting economically. Yes, there are still a few free ones, such as the Stampede’s at Olympic Plaza, but mostly they seem limited to suburban malls and community associations. What happens when oil prices drop and companies are hurting – will we have a “no breakfast” Stampede?
I hope not!
Hockey In Canada
An article here in “The Tennessean” calls Canada a bunch of ‘hockey snobs’ for wanting the Predators to move to Canada, presumably Hamilton. David Climer, Senior Writer, accuses us of being hockey ‘snobs’, and that we have been watching too many Hee Haw re-runs. Also, that this desire to see more NHL teams in Canada is driven by patriotism, that “Our Sport rhetoric is as thick as a Saskatchewan accent.” (At least he could type Saskatchewan – wonder what that did to his spell checker?)
Hmmm. Interesting this, coming from a country where baseball is considered the national pastime, and is (or at least, was) so revered that it is exempted from anti-trust laws. And a sport so arrogant that it bills is championship as the “World” series, and did so long before any non-Americans played at the highest level. Even then, I am willing to bet that the number of nationalities represented in both sports is similar. And then NFL, that Goliath of sports, recently folded their league in Europe.
No such exemption exists in this country for hockey. When hockey holds a World Cup, it North America vs. Europe. The World Championships are countries competing, and the IIHF is not based in Canada or North America. And it is the Stanley Cup, the largest trophy for sports in the world, named after the man who donated the original cup, Lord Stanley. Yes, we fret when a team leaves Canada, and that is because we care about the game here, its birthplace. More Canadians watch hockey on Saturday nights than Americans, despite having one tenth the population. And we actually pay money for the broadcast rights. If his line of reasoning was true, we would have seen much angst over Anaheim winning this year – and it didn’t happen because the best team won.
Snobs? More like custodians of the game, who care about where it is played, how it is played, and want to see it succeed wherever it is played.
Hmmm. Interesting this, coming from a country where baseball is considered the national pastime, and is (or at least, was) so revered that it is exempted from anti-trust laws. And a sport so arrogant that it bills is championship as the “World” series, and did so long before any non-Americans played at the highest level. Even then, I am willing to bet that the number of nationalities represented in both sports is similar. And then NFL, that Goliath of sports, recently folded their league in Europe.
No such exemption exists in this country for hockey. When hockey holds a World Cup, it North America vs. Europe. The World Championships are countries competing, and the IIHF is not based in Canada or North America. And it is the Stanley Cup, the largest trophy for sports in the world, named after the man who donated the original cup, Lord Stanley. Yes, we fret when a team leaves Canada, and that is because we care about the game here, its birthplace. More Canadians watch hockey on Saturday nights than Americans, despite having one tenth the population. And we actually pay money for the broadcast rights. If his line of reasoning was true, we would have seen much angst over Anaheim winning this year – and it didn’t happen because the best team won.
Snobs? More like custodians of the game, who care about where it is played, how it is played, and want to see it succeed wherever it is played.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Shot to death by the RCMP
Last week the Coroner’s Inquest into the death of Ian Bush in Houston, B.C. concluded with some pretty tame recommendations, like officers should not be alone with arrested suspects, and that audio and visual recorders be installed in detachments.
The whole incident stinks.
The officer involved, Const. Paul Koester, declined to take the stand to explain or demonstrate how he was pinned face down to a couch by Mr. Bush, felt so endangered that he drew his revolver and managed to shoot Mr. Bush in the back of the head. Worse, he destroyed his notes of the incident, and was not questioned by the RCMP for three months after the fact. He was even provided the questions ahead of time.
The whole incident stinks.
A blood spatter expert testified that the evidence did not support Const. Koester’s version of events – it was ‘impossible’. The Constable declined to take the stand and explain anything. As a public employee, Const. Koester was provided with three paid attorneys. The Bush family solicited donations to pay for their lawyer, and no doubt used a large amount of personal savings. Is this fair? Is this justice?
The whole incident stinks.
The RCMP has a new Commissioner that takes office this week. The first Commissioner to not be an RCMP officer, William Elliott has the opportunity to right a wrong, to send a clear message to the force that change is needed and change is coming. He should call for and support a full public inquiry into the arrest, death, and investigation of Ian Bush. Anything less threatens to tarnish further the RCMP’s reputation.
The whole incident stinks.
The officer involved, Const. Paul Koester, declined to take the stand to explain or demonstrate how he was pinned face down to a couch by Mr. Bush, felt so endangered that he drew his revolver and managed to shoot Mr. Bush in the back of the head. Worse, he destroyed his notes of the incident, and was not questioned by the RCMP for three months after the fact. He was even provided the questions ahead of time.
The whole incident stinks.
A blood spatter expert testified that the evidence did not support Const. Koester’s version of events – it was ‘impossible’. The Constable declined to take the stand and explain anything. As a public employee, Const. Koester was provided with three paid attorneys. The Bush family solicited donations to pay for their lawyer, and no doubt used a large amount of personal savings. Is this fair? Is this justice?
The whole incident stinks.
The RCMP has a new Commissioner that takes office this week. The first Commissioner to not be an RCMP officer, William Elliott has the opportunity to right a wrong, to send a clear message to the force that change is needed and change is coming. He should call for and support a full public inquiry into the arrest, death, and investigation of Ian Bush. Anything less threatens to tarnish further the RCMP’s reputation.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
America and Canada - Best Friends
Happy Fourth of July to our American cousins! (and my relatives in the US!) While we do not always agree on all issues, there is far more that brings us together than pulls us apart. Our culture and geography will always be intertwined together...just remember we are up here! And while we are "best friends", let's forget the "with benefits" part, OK? OK!
Do Not Call - My solution
Canada is trying to institute a national do not call list, similar to the one operating in the US. People could register their land line, cells, fax machines, etc. and telemarketers could not call those numbers or possibly be fined. UNLESS they have had dealings with you in the past 18 months, are political parties, pollsters, newspapers, etc. etc. etc.. See any holes?
I have had a system that I have used religiously for years and it has worked well. Only 2 types of institutions have my real phone number - the government and my banks. Everyone else has a phone number I USED to have, many years ago and in another province. The first phone number I ever had, actually - I still remember it. The principle is this: if you don't want to be called, don't give out your phone number! Really it is a 10-digit identifier that people want to use to identify you; any 10-digit number will do.
So Safeway groceries, Blockbuster video, the YMCA, any online surveys or orders, registrations, etc. get my "old" number - with my current area code (that saves questions and hassles). BUT before you do this, PLEASE make sure the phone number is not in use. There are many places to check a "reverse phone" number. In Alberta, MyTelus.com is one place (click Phone Book, then Reverse Phone). While it is possible that the number you choose is unlisted, the chances are slim.
Since I have been doing this, I get about one telemarketing call every 3 months or so - from my bank.
It takes time, so don't give up! Your phone eventually drops off the lists anyways as it gets 'old'. And if the number does not work, guess what - they drop you altogether! And if you DO get a telemarketer, rather than politely refuse (the Canadian way!), or scream at the fellow in India or wherever (we all want to do that sometimes), simply say "I am sorry, that individual is no longer at this number" and hang up - they will take you off.
What about email you ask? Well, I have my own domain name (only $10 per year or so). With this, you setup a 'default' address that any email with your domain address can go to, if it is not valid (e.g if RyanO@mydomain.com is valid, an email addressed to RyanB@mydomain.com will go to the 'default' address). So what? Well, when someone wants an email address, I give them 'companyname@mydomain.com' e.g. blockbustervideo@mydomain.com. If I really am expecting something from them, well I go into it and check. But if I don't want any email from them, well they just get deleted periodically. A small inconvenience for peace of mind, peace from the phone, and a clean inbox.
There are lots of other ways to accomplish this - this is my method. The key is to create an online persona and use that when online. And that persona does NOT have any of your real information on it.
Update:
Try using one of these phone numbers - from the National Rejection Hotline! (remember: don't use your real e-mail address!). In Calgary, it is 403-775-9982.
For temporary email addresses, without using Hotmail or Yahoo, try Spambox or Melt Mail
I have had a system that I have used religiously for years and it has worked well. Only 2 types of institutions have my real phone number - the government and my banks. Everyone else has a phone number I USED to have, many years ago and in another province. The first phone number I ever had, actually - I still remember it. The principle is this: if you don't want to be called, don't give out your phone number! Really it is a 10-digit identifier that people want to use to identify you; any 10-digit number will do.
So Safeway groceries, Blockbuster video, the YMCA, any online surveys or orders, registrations, etc. get my "old" number - with my current area code (that saves questions and hassles). BUT before you do this, PLEASE make sure the phone number is not in use. There are many places to check a "reverse phone" number. In Alberta, MyTelus.com is one place (click Phone Book, then Reverse Phone). While it is possible that the number you choose is unlisted, the chances are slim.
Since I have been doing this, I get about one telemarketing call every 3 months or so - from my bank.
It takes time, so don't give up! Your phone eventually drops off the lists anyways as it gets 'old'. And if the number does not work, guess what - they drop you altogether! And if you DO get a telemarketer, rather than politely refuse (the Canadian way!), or scream at the fellow in India or wherever (we all want to do that sometimes), simply say "I am sorry, that individual is no longer at this number" and hang up - they will take you off.
What about email you ask? Well, I have my own domain name (only $10 per year or so). With this, you setup a 'default' address that any email with your domain address can go to, if it is not valid (e.g if RyanO@mydomain.com is valid, an email addressed to RyanB@mydomain.com will go to the 'default' address). So what? Well, when someone wants an email address, I give them 'companyname@mydomain.com' e.g. blockbustervideo@mydomain.com. If I really am expecting something from them, well I go into it and check. But if I don't want any email from them, well they just get deleted periodically. A small inconvenience for peace of mind, peace from the phone, and a clean inbox.
There are lots of other ways to accomplish this - this is my method. The key is to create an online persona and use that when online. And that persona does NOT have any of your real information on it.
Update:
Try using one of these phone numbers - from the National Rejection Hotline! (remember: don't use your real e-mail address!). In Calgary, it is 403-775-9982.
For temporary email addresses, without using Hotmail or Yahoo, try Spambox or Melt Mail
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Happy Canada Day! 140 !
Happy Canada Day! A few things caught my eye today. First, from the first verse of our national anthem:"With glowing hearts, we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!"
Little known is that our name, The Dominion of Canada, and our motto, comes from Psalm 72, verse 8:
"He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth."
Further along is this passage:
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
HAPPY CANADA DAY! HAPPY 140th !
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