Musings Of The Sea - As Told By One Whom Lives It

I am back!

2011-10-05T16:44:00.001-04:00

I have left this Blog to sit and linger for far too long.

That has all changed as of today.

I am back!

Chris Reid's Comments - Right Direction but Wrong Soapbox

2008-09-21T21:32:00.005-04:00

I was just reading about some of the posts by Chris Reid whom just stepped down as the Tory Candidate running in "Toronto Centre". I must say that I do happen to agree with him on only one point, and that point only. He was right to criticize those on that Bus who stood by and allowed Tim McLean to die, without interceding. The most ever wise and fictional character that ever lived in my mind and heart, is Atticus Finch. In Harper Lee's book, she writes the words that come from Atticus and states that it is not right to judge someone until we have walked in their shoes. While I agree wholeheartedly with that sentiment - I must make an exception to this incident. This is also where it comes into play of why Chris Reid is in error when he states that "This is where socialism [has] gotten us folks, a castrated effeminate population.". He is wrong. For it is all forms of Government including the ruling Conservation Party (Canada) the world over - it is all those who witness acts such as this and who decide that they will not take action for reasons that are solely for self-preservation. It is all those who turn a blind eye to injustice before them, and refuse to raise a hand against their fellow man.

I will never understand how those passengers who far outnumbered the alleged suspect, could stand by and allow that man to take Tim's life.

I will never understand how the Governments the world over turn a blind eye to Genocide that is taking place in the World as I am writing this.

I will never understand why the American People allowed George Bush to twice steal the election using illegal methods, and did nothing.

I will never understand what George Bush has on the American Media that has them literally running scared from reporting the hard facts about him. Any other President in history would have been put through the wringer or perhaps impeached. Bush does not even get questioned. How is it that Bush has taken more Holiday time that any other President in history, and yet is that reported in the News?
How is it in the time of War, Bush is always laughing and reporting how great things are in the darkness of days when over 4000 American Soliders have died as a result of his falsifed information regarding Iraq?

There is so much more but I will stop now for until Bush is out of office, I doubt that anything will change.

However, my hope for mankind is that one day soon - they will realise that it does only take 1 person to make a difference.

That Stephen Harper reaps what he sows with all of his lies, and hidden agendas.

And that President Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney have to answer for what actions they have taken, and for the deaths of the innocent that they have caused. And for making millions off the War in Iraq.

The Wild and Uncivilised World of the Toronto Transit Commission

2008-09-01T19:17:00.003-04:00

Toronto now has the most mis-managed, poorly running, excuses abound of a Public Transit System that I am aware of. That more than a million people depend on each and every day. Even perhaps a decade ago, the Transit workers used to treat their Riders with respect.

Where do I begin?

Do I start with the crumbling ceilings and walls that one only has to see in their local Subway Station?

Do I start with the Ticket Collectors whom sit on their perch, get paid big money, and who shrug their shoulders when once again the token turnstile swallows your hard earned token and fails to let you through?

Do I start with the waste of money "Transit Constables" whom one never sees on an actual transit vehicle? They are either talking to the Vendors/Ticket Takers in the Station, eating outside the Sheppard Transit System, or picking on young teen-agers. Why are they not walking the subway trains at least? They certainly do not have to be on each train, but at the cost of their high salary and power, the very least they can do is walk the trains constantly changing so as to give the appearance that one never knows when to expect them.

Do I start with the waste of money Supervisors along Streetcar Routes whom I was led to believe are there to adjust the flow to make it go smoothly when in fact, I either seem them talking to one another or just sitting back making marks in their notebook, when there are Streetcars backed up along "King and Spadina" more than Seven Deep? And what is the system doing? They are hiring more to sit around and make checks in their notebooks?

Do I start with those voices who one strains to hear muffling their way through the speakers on a subway train - when you simply cannot hear them. Yet, they will not allow the drivers on the actual train to make the annoucement knowing full well you will be able to hear them clearly.

Do I start with the fact that the TTC has forgotten to treat their customers as such, and seems to think that the customer should treat the TTC with utmost respect. Starting treating your passengers as such, and you will be amazed at the difference.

Do I start with the horrible rush hour service? Considering I am awaiting sometimes more than 45 minutes for a Bus during Rush Hour, and see empty buses drive by my stop. Yet, I know that there will be no punishment to the driver, because their Union gives them an excuse not to do their job.

The Toronto Transit System needs to be overhauled. Their Union needs to be reined in, and they need to be held accountable for their lack of progress across the board.

Why do the TTC think that they are entitled to free health care benefits at the cost of the Taxpayers?
Why do the TTC think that they do not have to provide Customer Service at even the most basic level?
Why do the TTC think that they should earn more money than most and feel it is their given right to? No one has job security into today's market? Why does the TTC think that they are above every one else?

Why?

Stephen Harper - Not Everyone Will Allow You To Continue To Abuse Your Power

2008-09-01T19:07:00.003-04:00

No longer am I in disbelief over the fact that our current Prime Minister (whom I refuse to recognise as such), continues to misuse his power.

How quick was he and very determined to state that we need the American System of "Fixed Election Dates" (I do not remember a former Canadian Prime Minister who wanted so badly to be "in bed" with the American President as Harper does). Now, Stephen Harper appears to have forgotten about his fight for a Fixed Election Date and has decided to call it when he wants it. Stephen Harper continues to prove each and every day not only his abuse of power, but complete disregard for his job. Stephen Harper - need you be reminded that it is the people of this Country that put you in your position, and how quickly we can take it away from you. If more people stood up to you, I can assure you that you would not be sitting in that seat. As much as you try to put blinders on the people of this great Country, not all of us are wearing them.

My only wish at this time, was that we had a strong leader in Dion, and I am sorry to say that we do not.
To the Liberal Party of Canada: I am still at a loss of how you believe that by voting for a weak (but perhaps earnest) member, you seriously hoped to contend against the current corrupt system and goverment. I am afraid that I must shake my head at your choice of Leader. I believe that Stephane Dion truly wants to do the right thing for this Country, but does not have the strength to do it.

Time For Change In Columbia

2008-07-06T03:07:00.003-04:00

As I watched the News Stories, and read the Press Releases regarding the recent release of hostages in Columbia, I was dumbstruck by the fact that over 3000 people are kidnapped in Columbia every year.

All those people missing each and every year, and it has become a fact of life for those living in that beautiful Country. That is what saddens me the most.

That this Country has been war-torn for 40 years, and there does not seem to be much headway to change this.

I do not live in Columbia, and I have no ties to this Country. However, that does not mean that I will turn a blind eye (now that my eyes have been awaken) to the conflict and the horror that goes on each and every day.

How can the FARC in their cowardice be allowed to continue as they have. I understand that the Government has to worry about the Drug Traffickers, and corruption in addition to the FARC, but something must be done. Something can be done, and it must take the voices of the people to demand that Columbia be set free.

I also find it interesting that the US Government, under the inept George Bush, appears to have kept out of this for the most part. Yet, they claim their right to assist Countries to be free. I could start a rant about the atrocities and death that Bush has caused at his hands, but that is for another post.

How cowardly the FARC are in kidnapping the woman who met with them, and recognised their power in this Country. How quickly the FARC have forgotten their roots? What gain do they hope to realise as they brutalise and kill those who they started out (in the beginning) to protect?

Countries like this and other such similar stories make me even more grateful to live in this great Country of Canada. However, it also empowers me to act, to take a stand and do whatever I can to add to change. To ensure that all those who want to be free are set free.

Justice Was Not Served In Vancouver Today

2007-12-09T15:12:00.000-05:00

The jury moments ago has reached their verdict in the Robert Pickton murder trial. They convicted Mr. Pickton on all 6 counts but of the lesser charge of second degree murder. In essence, these jurors are stating that the evidence showed that Mr. Pickton did not deliberately plan to murder these 6 women. The body count alone should have put into the minds of jurors that these murders were thought out and well planned.

Even though, the trial took place in New Westminster - this is very much a "Vancouver" trial.

Currently, CBC Newsworld seems to be downplaying the fact that guilty is guilty (and it should not be a huge difference over the degree that he was found guilty on). However, this means that he could be be granted parole though I do believe that the Judge would not grant it in this case.

The verdict outcome goes a long way in my opinion to proving that the general public simply do not understand the facts presented to them on both sides effectively. I believe that juries fail the justice system as a whole because they do not have the knowledge and understanding to process the information presented to them in trials.

As I am writing this, my thoughts cannot help but form around the fact that these workers were sex-trade workers. If these were simply 6 woman with jobs that society feels comfortable with, would the outcome of the verdict be first degree murder? I believe that it would have made a difference. However, I am not in the minds of the jury and unaware of what they were thinking.

I am still dismayed with the Vancouver Police, and their lack of concern over those missing who society decrees beneath worthiness. Women have been disappearing in the same area of Vancouver for a number of years, and the Police chose to ignore the families and friends of these victims. How many lives could perhaps have been saved, if the Vancouver Police chose to do their job? We will never know the answer to this.

There has already been comments on the media of how perhaps the number of friends who commented on the side of Robert Pickton that they knew (the nice and caring side), could have influenced the jury. How many times have we heard the friends and families of Serial Killers, talk about how "nice" they were? I can immediately think of 6 names of men who have been convicted of multiple murders, and their families and friends stated how they were so nice and friendly.
It is almost as if people cannot fathom that a nice person could do horrible things. People tend to see what they want to see, and these people are experts at manipulating others. It would be only too easy for them to fool those around them into seeing what they only want others to see, and not their true selves.

My heart goes out to the families and friends of these victims. For the murdered women were not the only victims of these crimes; but so were the families and friends who have had to fought and sacrifice so much to get the names of their loved ones accepted as missing persons.

Now is the time to finally accept the number of missing women in Canada, and perhaps we can save the suffering of others by taking action. This will prove that we have learned the lessons from the horrible mistakes that were made in the Robert Pickton Case.

Stephen Harper Needs To Step Down as PM of Canada

2007-10-18T01:15:00.000-04:00

Mr. Harper,

Your behaviour in Parliament during the Throne Speech Debate is irresponsible, and appalling for a man in your position. I cannot even bring myself to call you my Prime Minster.

I have watched you in office from day one, and you have shown to me on a continuous basis that you are not fighting for the people of Canada, but for your own selfish reasons. Now, you ridicule and laugh at your peers, like a child would on an Elementary School ground. This is conduct unbecoming of a Prime Minister of Canada, and you need to apologise if not to Mr. Dion, then to the people of this Country.

I have watched you turn our Parliamentary System into a joke, and your alliance to the President of the United States shows your preference for their Country.

I have watched you reign your iron fist over the Members of your Party, and how quickly you put a curtail to those with courage to voice their opinion (which goes against yours). Sir, you perhaps need to be reminded that what makes this Country the great is the freedom to think one owns thoughts and have the conviction to stand up for their beliefs.

Sir, you are not in the office of Prime Minister because you are a strong leader, but because you have under minded others to reach that office. You remain in office, because of passive politics and not because you deserve to be.

I Used To Believe

2007-08-04T15:07:00.000-04:00

I used to believe in the good of the world but now I have become mis-trustful of it.
I used to believe in the good of the UN but now I know that the UN is all about publicity and cost-cutting - not about action.
I used to believe in News Journalism until the day September 11, 2001 happened. Now the News is all about ratings.
I used to believe that politicians work for the better good of the people, now I know that the system is corrupt.
I used to believe that Freedom of Speech was a given right, now I have seen it crumble under the leadership of President Bush in America.
I used to believe that people would take a stand against that which is wrong, yet the World has stood by and let Rwanda happened. Now, we are allowing the Genocide in the Sudan to continue.
I used to believe in the Government of Canada until Stephen Harper happened.

My heart breaks every time I see a homeless person.
My heart breaks every time I see a child who is hungry.
My heart breaks every time I see people killing people for something that they have been mis-lead to believe is right.
My heart breaks every time I see someone on the street who requires mental health care, and knowing that our Government has set them free to roam under the care of no one.

I have turned cynical and I never used to be.

Save Darfur - Take a Stand!

2007-08-04T14:52:00.001-04:00

Green Day Working Class Hero Lyrics

Stephen Harper - His Cabinet Ministers Continue to Show Their True Colours

2007-05-13T21:13:00.000-04:00

Just this past week, on the radio, was a mention that once again, someone in Harper's Cabinet has failed to live up to their responsibility of being for the people instead of for themselves. The Minister of Energy actually said that there was a gas shortage, and that is why he has chosen not to act upon the gas companies that are so blatantly displaying their true character of greed. Not only does this prove in a public forum that this man is not qualified for this position, it also displays yet another example of Harper's failure to do good for the people of this Country.
Stephen Harper has proved that he is not concerned about the Environment, by appointing John Baird as Minister. John Baird has just used ideas from the Australian Gov't as his department's own by ordering an elimination of regular light bulbs without reviewing the facts. Then, John Baird claims indignity when this copycat idea of his is released early than the official planned released. I have news for you Baird, we all knew what you were planning before the early release came about.

Stephen Harper yet again you have failed to prove yourself to the people of this country, and have only managed to once again show your arrogance of thinking that you deceived Canadians (and gotten away with it). I say to you, Sir, you are sorely mistaken.

All Is Not Right In The World Today

2007-04-29T19:50:00.000-04:00

What kind of world do we live in today?

What kind of world do we live in when those who witnessed the last few moments on earth of a bright young life, do not go forth and assist?

What kind of world do we live in when the head of our Country forgets that he is there to serve the better good of those who live in this Country?

What kind of world do we live in when the Mayor of our City mismanages funds, raises taxes, cuts services, walks by those who are homeless and hungry on our streets, then has the arrogance to try to justify keeping his free perks?

What kind of world do we live in when the President of our closest neighbour, cheats the system, steals the election not once but twice and yet is not punished for it?

What kind of world do we live in when we can stand by and watch the suffering of those around us, both here at home and in countries around the world?

What kind of world do we live in when we pay millions of dollars to “celebrities” and treat them as if they are important in our lives?

What kind of world do we live in when those who risk their lives everyday barely make ends meet?

What kind of world do we live in today?

Happy Birthday Gwen!

2007-03-10T21:06:00.000-05:00

I want to thank you Gwen for such a wicked party. I know that a great time was had by all. Also, I want to thank "my coaches" who were patient enough to teach me the basic pool fundamentals. You guys are the best, and I am afraid that I might now be hooked!

I have photos from last night, and though I am still kicking myself for bringing out my cam so late, I will post the photos on my flickr site.

Gwen, I hope that you have a wicked B-Day and I know that you have many celebrations!

Happy Birthdays

2007-03-10T20:50:00.000-05:00

I am once again behind in my posts but want to wish some people a Wonderful Happy Birthday...

Happy Birthday goes out (In order of their B-Days) to Taras/Chris/Gwen.

I Joined Facebook!

2007-03-10T20:44:00.000-05:00

The Wilds of Public Transit

2006-12-10T15:07:00.000-05:00

Why oh why does the general public insist on using public transit as if they were in the privacy of their own homes?

In the last few months of my travels, on what can only be described as sardines in a jar during rush hour, I have seen many things that I hope to never experience again.

I have seen…

A woman who was not only putting on her full-make up on the subway, but also tweezing her eyebrows and discarding the unwanted hairs on the poor souls beside her

Several drunk men usually on a Friday evening, who I have no idea of how these guys even remember their own name less alone where they live, and lucky me always gets blessed to have them sit down beside me (and people wonder why my face is almost always stuck in a book on the subway)…I tell you that “weirdo attraction beacon" on my head is real because I always attract them without fail…

A woman who had bent her head over and was brushing her hair quite vigorously as if she almost wanted to share her dead hair with those around her

More people arguing on a mobile phone (between those unfortunate few stops where they can get a signal) than I can shake a stick at (no, I do not want to hear your point of view, and more importantly I do not want to hear theirs…the person who invented mobile speaker phones should be thrown into a room and forced to listen to people on speaker phones for the rest of their natural lives)

A few people who will ask one person for directions on a car, and then that same person will ignore those directions, and then start asking more people for the same information on the same car…..if you are going to ignore the directions of the first person, and then the second person – you automatically give up the right to ask anyone further on the same car…where they can all hear you ignore those directions and ask for the same answer from someone else

Too many people to count whom will not let the people get off the car first before attempting to push their way on…and then complain about how they almost missed the train….to all of these people I say that they are banned from the transit period…I was going to force them to endure someone always pushing them but that is too lenient

Also, what is up with the people that charge the doors, and then complain when their packages and such get stuck in the door ways….people you are the number one reason why trains get delayed and as such…you should be forced to endure nothing but delays on your travel to and from work everyday….

A teenager whom thought he was tough and a gentleman whom just had to keep pushing his buttons….This is definitely one time that I was considering pushing that little yellow strip on the subway…the more the guy pushed the teenager’s buttons…the more violent his outbursts became… isn’t it funny how one never sees the transit police when you need them…in fact, has anyone every seem them stop a situation before it became out of hand, I for one have not. I always see them after the fact…Hmmm…a very interesting fact that I may further explore at a later day…

I truly compare daily transit travel with the unknown wilds of rural wilderness…you just never know what to expect and you must always be prepared…

Air Canada - It is time to cancel your Aeroplan Miles Program

2006-11-30T21:17:00.000-05:00

During a recent episode of the CBC show, “Underdogs”, it reminded me of my concerns with most (not all) company customer Loyalty Programs.

For those of you that believe that loyalty cards were created to benefit the customer, you could not be farther from the truth. Not all Loyalty programs take advantage of the unsuspecting consumer, but several do and provide poor service in the process.

The one example that this particular episode showed was the Air Canada, “Aeroplan” program. For this particular customer’s issue, I will say that I sided with Air Canada on their stance, but I did not agree with the way that they treated their customer.

This particular customer amassed over several years, more than 30, 000 miles but during a consecutive 5-year span, he allowed his account to become inactive. Thus, according to the guidelines laid out in their program, he lost all of his airmiles much to the glee of Air Canada. I will say glee, because Air Canada depends on customers forfeiting their miles, and in turn, they make money (they actually list the amount of money made from inactive status accounts in their Public Financial Reports).

To be fair, Air Canada was willing to re-instate this customer’s airmiles, but of course, they wanted a fee for clicking a mouse button and re-activating his account.

The customer was not willing to pay any more money to Air Canada for what he determined was his rightful airmiles. He wanted his airmiles back without any further fees.

(I agree with Air Canada strictly on the fact that he allowed his account to be inactive for this amount of time, and I believe that they had the right to clear his account. However, they could have placated this man without showing the reality of the fact that simply do not care about their customers)

Air Canada refused to give back the Airmiles. He escalated this issue until it reached the CBC. To make this story short, they had arranged for him to a face to face meeting with one of their representatives if they agreed (of course they refused). The person with whom the CBC spoke with on Camera was Liz Graham VP Operations, and she absolutely refused to meet with one of her customers. Liz Graham had the nerve to refuse (on camera on a national program) to meet with a customer who had been loyalty to Air Canada for more than 20 years. Her refusal says more about the state of Air Canada than any media campaigns they have done in the past.

Simply, Air Canada is so out of touch with their customers, that they consider them as an annoyance factor. Air Canada is now completely and only about itself and just how greedy they can become. Another fact that become clear to me, by viewing her refusal, is that she should move on to a position in Air Canada that do dealings with their customers. At best, the very least that this company could have done to put them in the minds of their customers as a company that cares about the service it provides was to agree to meet with this one persistent customer.

Do they not realise that a 5-minute face-to-face meeting would have done more for their image, than whatever their decision would be.

Then, again this is the same Air Canada who when I was flying home because of a relative’s passing, refused to allow me to board my flight. I was at the airport a little more than 60 minutes (due to traffic) before my flight. Air Canada told me that I was too late to board the flight (yet, they were pulling people out of the line to rush them through the gate 20 minutes before the flight departed), and I had to wait 24 hours to board another flight to return home. This would not have been a huge deal except for the fact, that one of my dear relatives had died and I was trying to fly home.

Air Canada also refused to apologise to me.

Air Canada under the direction of Robert Milton has definitely not only lost touch with their clientele, but treat them as nothing more than an annoyance factor.

Robert Milton, your company provides a service for customers, and they are doing you a favour by using Air Canada. It is time that Air Canada stops its money grabbing Aeroplan program, and Robert Milton steps down as CEO. Air Canada is in desperate need of revamping, and must understand that they need to survive, and the only way for them to do this is to understand their customer base and meet their needs.

Nothing annoys me faster than a service provider who treats their customers as if the company is doing them a favour by providing the service. The customers are the ones doing you a favour by using your services, and in this very competitive world you had better treat them as such otherwise you will never survive in your current model.

Heartbroken Over James (aka 007)

2006-09-20T00:53:00.000-04:00

For those that know me very well, they also know one of my weaknesses...And that would be Bond, James Bond. But, alas my heart is now broken in two at the replacement of Pierce Bronsan. Who I might add was the best Bond ever!!!! But I still have a soft spot for Sean and Roger.

Why would the producers of the most successful Bond movie ever, decide that for some reason they want to do a complete turnaround and strip away everything that has made James Bond last for 20 movies!

They took away the Quartermaster, they took away the gadgets, they took away the dashing and sophisticated Bond, and in his place what do we have? An ordinary guy who looks like he should be on the other side of MI-6. There is nothing special about his talents, except (ho hum) he is like any other Spy in any other Spy movie.

If they wanted to create a regular Spy movie, they could have branched off instead of ruining the longest running movie franchise in history.

I have nothing against the actor Daniel Craig, but he is no Bond.

It is a very sad day when I realise that until James is restored to former glory, I have watched my last 007 movie.

Injustices of Today

2006-09-16T17:55:00.000-04:00

The World is crumbling around us, and my heart breaks for all human loss. Yet, my brain is angry and crys out for justice. Justice for those who cannot defend themselves, justice for the innocents whom have turned to dust, and justice for the children of the world who cannot understand why greed and power have destroyed their childhoods forever.

I Have Neglected Musings For Far Too Long

2006-09-16T17:36:00.000-04:00

But, I am back and there is so much in the world to write about. I also have to catch up on my friends blogs and will do so this weekend.

At the time of this writing, I am still appalled that the Airlines have still not fully relaxed the liquids restrictions for their passengers. In essence, forcing their passengers to purchase their overprice offerings on the plane. Are they really so naive that by forcing their paying customers to give up their chapstick, and water this will stop those that want to cause harm to innocents from doing damage.

Are the Corporate heads of the Airlines so arrogant to believe that they can install confidence in the general public, by trying to maintain a false sense of security by something so ludicrious as forcing passengers to remove their shoes? The Airlines do not have the equipment to test the shoes for explosives, they simply have not spent the money to do so. Yet, they contine to allow most to believe that this is the reason for this procedure.

It is time that the entire Airline Industry wakes up to the reality of today.

Airlines Benefit From Latest Terrorism Scare

2006-08-14T23:40:00.000-04:00

I have not written in a while but with the new alleged Terrorism plot in the news; how can I not resist voicing my opinion on this "quick fix to appease passengers who travel by air". I am outraged by a great deal of the facts as we know them, but I am attempting to create a partial (mimimum)non-biased opinion. Hence, here is only a small taste of my latest rant. I will post the rest sometimes in the very near future.

In the latest alleged Terrorism plot to blow up airlines over the United States, the revised Security Features that took effect benefit only the Airlines.

If one truly thinks about the latest changes to what one can bring with them on a plane, it appears to be superficially a public relations scheme to provide a façade to the general public to appease their need to believe that the Government is protecting them.

If these changes were truly meant to protect the safety of the general public, why were they only implemented on a last minute basis (and disorganised) after the arrests of the Sleeper Cell in the U.K. Yet, the Metropolitan Police have been watching this particular group for months. How long have officials known that these particular items could be easily made into a weapon that could cause devastating effects? It is not information that is kept out of public knowledge. This information can be easily obtained on the Internet, and therefore widely known in the appropriate circles.

Things I Have Learned While Living In The City

2006-07-28T01:09:00.000-04:00

Next month, is the anniversary of another year that I have been living in the big city. I was reviewing the changes that I have gone through, and the adjustments of living in a big city (there are some things that I will never get used to) - One truly can take the country mouse of the country - but the country will never be taken out of the mouse - Or perhaps I should say in my case - the Ocean!

Therefore, I have decided to post my list (by all means this is not complete):

I have learned that I continue to be shy, though I have come a long way. (I seem to have only two outlets for when I am nervous - I either will giggle almost non-stop or lose the ability to communicate in an articulate manner and just simply ramble - and speak of things that make not a bit of sense to even myself)

I have learned that when I inform someone not to take my picture - they take my picture anyways (seriously folks - In all my life I have never enjoyed having my photo taken)

I have learned that the people in this city do not know the meaning of a queue (why is it that there are so many whom believe that they have the right to be first in a line and simply move to the front or side when the rest of the people wait as they should)

I have learned that on Public Transit if there is a strange person onboard that person will sit down beside me (I must have a beacon on my head that I am unable to detect)

I have learned that if I sit down in a movie theatre (no matter the number of seats available), someone will sit beside me, and in front of me, and behind me (even if the theatre only has a few people) {I am thankful for stadium seating everytime I set foot in a theatre}

I have learned that if one is short, then cashiers for some apparent reason seem not to be able to see you and chose instead to serve the person behind you (occasionally I still dream that I am 5ft or taller but I realise that I will always be under 5ft tall or three apples high in Smurf Language)

I have learned that I have a young voice, and will continue to fight with telemarketers whom insist on speaking to my parents and refuse to believe that I am of age (this has happened now on a few occasions, and I fight the urge to tell them that yes I am that young and my parents abandoned me but now that I think about it what a perfect excuse for me to get rid of them on the phone)

I have learned that the African Lion Safari is not located in Africa (do not even ask)

I have learned that when I go to bars with a group of friends that they will always push me (not literally) to the last of the group otherwise we all end up getting carded (this has been proven on numerous occasions)

I have learned that there are many people who use the Subway on a daily basis but they still fail to comprehend that it truly does work to one's advantage - if you let the people off the car first (this still amazes me that people try to board the train before the others have off-loaded)

That is it for now as it is way past my bedtime!

Good Night

The Collapse of Our Society

2006-07-23T01:14:00.000-04:00

This past week, there was a column in the Toronto Star (I will add the full column at the end of this post) describing how a neighbourhood in Toronto - allowed a Teenager to be beaten to death and did nothing about it. There were several witnesses and this boy's death could have easily been prevented. Yet, they stood and watched, or simply listened to the beating and did nothing. One woman's comment was that others would not understand because they do not live in the neighbourhood. My response to that is "thank goodness" I do not live in a neighbourhood where people ignore their fellow man. Who would want to live in such a heartless area, where people who could have been that one shining light in the darkness of that boy's last hours on earth - failed him and failed society as a whole.

What kind of society have we become when we can turn a blind eye to the suffering of others? How can we live with ourselves knowing that we allowed a senseless death to take place right under our soul bearing windows (eyes)? If one lives in fear, then that fear overtakes that person as a whole. Is a life worth living when you know that you are responsible for allowing a person to die? (You may not have provided the actual beating but you participated in the murder by allowing it to take place).

When will people realise that they are responsible for society as a collective, and only when they stand up as a whole - will crime decrease? When will people realise that Law Enforcement does just that - they enforce the laws that have been set down in written word and no amount of policing will impact crime if we continue to turn a blind eye? When will people realise that they are the ones who makes things happen? When will people realise that they have the power to make change? When will people realise that if they stand up to crime; then they take back the streets and they give their children a safer place in which to live?

When will people realise?

Here is the column from the Toronto Star:

No 911 call in beating death
Teens always fighting: woman `I just wish I had done something'
Jul. 18, 2006. 08:35 AM
ROBYN DOOLITTLE
STAFF REPORTER

Several residents of a North York housing complex watched as a teenage boy was stripped down to his underwear and slowly beaten to death Friday night, but they say they didn't intervene because it didn't look that serious and violence is so common in the area.
The teen's disfigured body was found in a nearby Flemingdon Park ravine at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday. He collapsed in a wooded area behind an apartment building on Don Mills Rd., near Eglinton Ave. E.
Police have identified the teen but have not released his name because next of kin have not been notified. "They're always play fighting down there, but they play rough. I didn't think anything of it. He looked okay when I went out to see. Now I just wish I would have done something," said a mother of two teenage boys who did not want her name used.
Police say they're unsure why residents didn't contact them when they noticed the clash but say it may have been because they didn't think the boy was seriously injured.
"It's not really that bad of an area at all ... and we're getting a lot of help from residents," Sgt. Peter Churcher said. "(The most common problem) is kids end up getting in fights."
The woman, who lives in the complex on Grenoble Dr., said a neighbour called Friday night to say a group of about 15 teenagers had stripped a boy naked and were now "beating the hell out of him."
News of the beating spread quickly as neighbours went door to door to warn each other that they should bring their children inside and lock their doors — but no one called the police.
One man, who was walking by, saw the fight and pulled out his cellphone to call 911, but several of the assailants threatened him so he put his phone away and went home.
As the woman left her apartment about 8:30 p.m., she noticed that the teen was standing alone away from the group in his underwear. He did not appear in distress.
"He looked like he was composing himself. I don't know why he didn't just run away if he wasn't okay," she said.
Churcher said the Flemingdon Park area is no more dangerous than other parts of the city and suggested that violence is often correlated with rising temperatures.
An elderly woman who refused to give her name had another theory.
"We have to live here — that's why nobody ever sees anything.... No one wants to get shot for something they weren't part of," she said. "And people may not understand that, but it's because they don't live here."

Darn Knee

2006-07-17T20:29:00.000-04:00

Back in March, I injured my left knee. I either pulled the tendons or ligaments (of course I did not go to the Doctor), and have been suffering since. See previous post (6 weeks and counting) for more information.

I stopped limping a while back, but I am still unable to put pressure on my knee. Kneeling is very painful, and it feels like something is going to snap. The knee is still swollen after 4 months, and tender to the touch. I started wrapping it once again (should have done it earlier in the injury phase), but I need to keep it wrapped now I believe. Drat, drat, drat...do you know how itchy a tensor bandage can be in the hot weather? Of course, now that I think about it perhaps a mobile brace would be better. Maybe, I should finally just go to the Doctor. But, who has time to wait for more than an hour to see your General MD, for perhaps ten minutes. Patience was never one of my virtues, and as time goes on...what little paitence I have left...wears even thinner...Though I like my Family Doctor, I do not like playing the waiting game.

And do not worry - Rants are coming (I am way overdue for a Political One) - Look Out Stephen Harper.

New and Improved "Musings of the Sea"

2006-07-15T18:59:00.000-04:00

I have finally updated the look of my Blog. I also had to change all the font colours of my postings, which I have done for 2006. At some point, I will change the 2005 ones as well. Some of you may notice that there are different shades of blues that I used in the fonts, this was not an error. I am testing shades of blue to see what is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

I will also finish the Hospital post this week-end but for now - back to cleaning and sorting....oh the joys of housework on a Hot Week-end! Thank Goodness for Central Air!

For even though I long for the sea in the summer, I am not a fan of humidity and melt very easily...

Afraid Hospital Post Will Have To Wait To Be Finished

2006-07-10T00:53:00.000-04:00

Had another migraine this week-end...These things are becoming more common for me than I have ever had in my life...

Back to the ICE pack and bed...

Good Night, and have a Great Monday!

What is Wrong With Blogger?

2006-07-06T03:04:00.000-04:00

I just posted (and yes folks it did post) one very long story about my 8 hour ordeal in Emergency (my friend was the patient and not I)at NY General Hospital and...lo and behold...it disappeared......................

It was one of my better rants ... *sigh* and normally *as was suggested to me a while back* to create my blogs in word and then post...and until tonight I have been doing that...but tonight it started flowing out and I did not wish to stop...

Now I am disheartened and have lost it all...well that about surmises in a nutshell the week I am having...so why would I even presume that it would stay on the site...and not disappear into a puff of smoke...

Good Night....*sniff sniff*

Stay Away From North York General Hospital

2006-07-06T02:26:00.000-04:00

Unless you have nothing better to do but sit on uncomfortable chairs, freezing to the point of shivering (and at the same time watching the Nurses wrapping blankets around themselves to keep warm - who cares about the patients from the look on their faces).

I spent 8 hours of my life, in the Emergency room of this hospital with a friend. From 9 PM on Tuesday (July 4th) until Wednesday Morning at 5 AM (July 5th).

I do not think that I have ever seen such a disorganised emergency room. The Nurses would make you wait in line behind that infamous sign that said "If you have a cough or cold, wear a mask" - in my mind when the Hospital starts pulling out the masks and alcohol cleanser for your hands, you know something is up but they will never let you know (this thinking was re-enforced later when the registration nurse asked my friend if he has been in any hospital in the last 3 weeks - and the lightbulb went off in my head and Bingo...Something happened or something is spreading...Now one just has to find out what is airborne in our breathing air now). Do you realise that there is such a high risk of catching something in the hospital now, that a great deal of patients when being discharged actually come down with something that they caught in the hospital! (I could be more gruesome and outlay specifics but I will restrain myself).

After waiting in this line, with other patients who are hacking on you, someone finally speaks to us. The patient then has to recite why they are there, with particular symptoms and then you get directed to a waiting room. And you wait, and wait (and there is not truly that many people there and for a hospital of that size - it has such a tiny Emergency area) and you wait. Then, you pray that your name gets called. And when it does (and the shock wears off your face) you go back to that same person who took your information the first round, and you repeat it all over again (fascinating isn't it). Then, lo and behold - you are sent back to the waiting area to wait to be called to the Registration area where your health card is swiped a 2nd time (as the first person has already swiped it twice).
Your name is called again (and you are starting to be in the mindset of you have been blessed (yes, this is how long you have to wait between the second and third time you give your details)...then this person swipes your card again and asks if you are indeed the same person as the picture on your health card (though I am aware that some of the old red and white ones (w/o photo) still exist...

And what is your reward for confirming that you are indeed the true self, and not an identity theft criminal - Why you get told to go back to your seat again...where you have the luxury of listening to a woman on a mobile phone in the emergency room - fighting with whomever is on the other end of the line (and yes, this part of the hospital - some bean counter decided that mobile phones were a good idea in this part of the Emergency Room). Finally, she gets so loud in the heated argument that some man in scrubs tells her to "keep it down". She was stunned but did not lower her voice.

Oh could it be, *as you listen more intently* why no, it possibly cannot be....but it is true...it is true....3.5 hours after you have been waiting to be pulled into triage, your name is called again. You cry out with glee, and your face cracks a smile..."Finally, you think to yourself this is it - I am finally going to be brought before some" but alas it is not so...and your heart breaks off in pieces once more as you realise that they are only going to take your blood. You try and try and try to "think think think" why could they have not taken blood work when you were there ONE of the previous times providing your repeated information as - wait for it...

The same person again (repeated info)is the one taking your blood. This is starting to impact one's state of mind at this ungodly hour. Then, brace yourself...you must truly brace yourself for your luck is about to chance....YOUR NAME IS CALLED OVER THE SPEAKER SYSTEM...and one musters all their strength in case rejection rears its ugly head once more...but no....you find out that you indeed have won a prize...

and what prize have you won after more than 4 hours of waiting in a small area with uncomfortable chairs...and with strangers whom are ill all around you....why you win the first prize of...

*Hope that you are sitting down* - going to another Waiting Room...yes folks that is right...you eyes are not deceiving you...you get to go to a smaller and more confined Waiting room with even more uncomfortable seating and you are now even closer to those who are hacking up a storm (without a mask on). Holy Smoke, you cannot believe that this lovely prize was more than 4 hours in the making...and boy does it show!

(and as a side note my sleep is completely off kilter hence why I am awake at this ungodly hour) and I am going to finish this tomorrow night... ( I know the suspense is killing you but alas another night of sheer depravity never hurt anyone - and if you do not believe me - just ask those whom have moved into Emergency still waiting for their information to be taken)
*

The Strange Things One Sees On Public Transit

2006-06-24T19:48:00.000-04:00

It is incredible to me the things that one does out in public. Not only in public, but on public transit no less. Where you are fully aware that there is no privacy.

If you ride public transit long enough, you become accustomed to see the ones who have their fingers so far in their nose - I do not know how they release them (gag reflex here).

Then there are those women who insist upon putting on their full make-up on in view of other onlookers (most of the onlookers have a frozen state of disbelief on their face).

Well this week, I have seen two new performances that I have never witnessed before.

The first occurred on Monday, when I sat down in the seat next to a man. I was sitting on the side seat, and he was sitting on the seats that face forward (or backward depending on the direction of the train). I am reading my book (I find that the less eye contact one makes, the fewer weird ones come your way) - and this man stands up. Nothing out of the ordinary yet, and he is dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. He opens up his gym bag, and the next thing I realise is that I am hearing the clanking of a belt buckle (in addition that he is now closer to my personal self). This man has actually changed into a business suit - right there on the train. What I missed (thankfully) was the changing or adding (I am not quite sure which) his dress shirt. When I heard the clanking of his belt, he had started to tuck his shirt into his pants. Then, he fastens his pants (and we all hear the sound of his zipper), and then he hooks up his belt. I was dumbfounded, and unfortunately for me it was probably written all over my face. I could never be a poker player for one would see the type of cards I have on my face (shhh, but do not tell anyone in case I start to play). I just could not believe both the sight before my eyes, and the sounds that were picked up by my ears.

Next day, again I was sitting in the same type of seat. Only this time, a woman was sitting where the man was the previous day. When I saw odd movements coming from the person in this seat. The woman was not only putting on her full make-up, but she was doing the full skin care routine (and making the oddest faces). She must have used at least 2-3 different types of creams on her face, not to mention lip balm (and this is only what I caught glimpses of..Who knows what I missed). Then, she starts blowing her nose and it is making my stomach turn by the way that she was not using a tissue properly.

On Wednesday, there was this man who got on the subway for one full stop (thank goodness it was only one). He begins to look around as if to see that no one was watching (and we all were) and proceeds to go exploring with his fingers. I think that he was trying to locate the brain within.

Of course, all eyes are on what areas of the train he touches when he leaves - so we can all avoid them.

And this is why I now carry hand sanitizer wherever I go.

The Digital World

2006-06-18T18:04:00.000-04:00

Me
Originally uploaded by musingsofthesea.

Well, I have finally entered the World of the Digital Camera. I have also created a profile on Flickr, and a big thanks goes out to Taras for the suggestion. :D

Now, you can view in person from the comfort of your own home (or wherever your PC is located) all the trials of my learning how to use a digital camera for the first time.

Enjoy the ride!

Canada's Wake Up Call - Terrorism Within

2006-06-08T10:34:00.000-04:00

Hello,

It has been more than a month since my last blog, unfortunately life is getting in the way.

However, with the latest that is occuring in Canada over the "Terrorists" that were arrested just recently. I had to rant.

I do not condone their (this group) actions nor agree with them in anyway. I completely fail to understand their lack of comprehension with everything that Canada offers. We are truly the greatest country in the world, and until last week the Country with the most freedoms.

Canada's Own - Terrorism on the Homefront

1st - if anyone thinks that this is inspired in any way by religion than I would say that they are completely mistaken...

2nd – I do not believe anything that arises from CSIS, and have not for a long time. CSIS is desperately trying to save itself in the wake of everyone’s new paranoia about Terrorism without a true understanding of what Terrorism is.

3rd – No matter what these people planned, or did….It definitely has been blown way out of proportion

4th – What people brainstorm about, and what thoughts form within their minds... is not a true indicator of what actions they act upon...

However, if people’s thoughts came into play and were for real…..

I would have gone to Ottawa, and placed Stephen Harper under citizen’s arrest for trampling the Canadian Constitution, for breaking almost all of his promises, for conducting his business behind closed downs and away from the people whom chose him….and for wanting so badly to be President George W. Bush's Best Friend

Unfortunately, Stephen Harper is still PM and there has been no arrest...for now

5th – CSIS has now forever damaged our reputation with the States and the World

6th and last but not least-----

SHOW ME THE PROOF!!!!

Stephen Harper - It is Time For You To Step Down

2006-05-05T07:54:00.000-04:00

Mr. Harper claims that he is the Prime Minister whom will bring accountability to Parliament. Then, why are the majority of your meetings in secret, Mr. Harper. Why are you signing bills and agreements behind closed doors, Mr Harper?

As for the 1% GST tax cut, what a smoke screen this one is. First, you raise the personal income tax for the lowest tax bracket which wipes out this small tax cut. Then, you cut the Income Taxes for Big Business, whom already are not paying their fair share.
Then, there is the small loophole which allows some Businesses not to pass this reduced tax rate on to their customers/clients. Simply put, these Businesses are still charging their customers the full rate, but only passing on 6% to the Government.

Then, you come to Queen's Park to meet with the Premier of Ontario (someone whom the people of Ontario voted into office), and you spend a mere 45 minutes with him. You spend more time with the Leader of the Tory Party. Mr. Harper, by snubbing our head of Government (Ontario), you are snubbing the people of Ontario.

Mr. Harper (and yes I will not address you as Prime Minister), I will end this rant for now. I will not go on and state the various things that you have recently done to reflect how badly you want to be great friends with President Bush, no matter what the cost to Canadians. And, again you are going against the majority of Canadians whom do not want strong ties to this American Government.

Once again, you have proved that you do not do what is best for Canadians, but what is best for you.

Allergies and TTC Pet Peeves

2006-04-30T23:08:00.000-04:00

The definition of the 3 (Spring, Summer, and Fall) seasons in Mantaray's Dictionary: Sneezing, Watery Eyes, and Misery. Yes, Hayfever season is upon us with a bang. So, there you have the main reason why Winter is my favorite season of all. "Why they have drugs for that" you cry out to me - so that you do not have to suffer in public. Aha - you cry back...but you see the amount of pollen and ragweed change from year to year. As well as does one's system. So what worked for you last year (heck even last month), is not going to work for you this time around. Then, you get to play the spin the wheel and try this drug. If this drug does not work, oh well too bad you just spend $30.00 on it. Now, you get the wheel, and win another name of a drug for you to fork over $20.00 for this time. Round and round she goes, and no one knows when the misery will stop. And I being one of the fortunate few, have my allergies from March all the way to October. I cannot begin to tell you how lucky I feel. Then, I hear another cry - "Why don't you go to the Doctor and play the Prescription Spin the Wheel?" Again, I cry out - I do I do, and guess what...I end up with the same results.

So when you see me on the street, and my eyes are swollen and I am drowning in tissue - I am okay. truly ....I am only just in misery. But, thank you for your concern.

Now, I begin the latest TTC General Public Pet Peeves (as these are directed at the Idiotic General Public, and not the TTC (their time is coming).

1) Why does one think that they are above lining up for whatever Public Transit Vehicle you are waiting for? If I am lining up patiently, then so should you. You are not royalty, you are not even one from the Government, you are a person who is annoying those of us who follow the rules. I know that you believe you are above waiting in queue, but trust me - you are not. When, you have 20 sets of eyes on you because you just casually stroll up and go right to the front of the line...I would be careful if I was you...because one day....those 20 sets of eyes are going to lose patience with you and make you take your proper place. You will not enjoy it!

2) Why do you insist on blocking the doors? Are you afraid of the middle of the train, bus, streetcar? Or perhaps you just like to fight with us who are trying to get off or on the vehicle. Generally speaking there is always room in the middle, because it seems that people have a phobia of standing there. Perhaps, you believe that others do not deserve to get on/off that vehicle. Perhaps, you just like holding up the vehicle, and making it off schedule. For you see, you are one of the reasons why there are so many delays. Do you not think that by blocking all available doors, and ensuring that people have to plow through you (with your backpack and all) that this is going to cause serious delays. You know once upon a time, I was a mild and meek soul. The TTC Patrons for the most part, made me what I am today.

3) Pushers - these are the ones that if you are just approaching a ticket booth they will push you aside (physically) just so that they can get ahead of you by perhaps 10 seconds. Are those 10 seconds the last of your life, and you just have to get on that train etc? Or perhaps you are part of a team that gathers points for the amount of patrons you push?

4) If you read "Plagued by Dumbasses" blog, I just had the same type of experience on Friday as she did. There were 3 elderly people, and I gave up my seat for one of them. No one else gave up their seat, for the elderly couple who were hanging for dear life. How do you people sleep at night?

Btw, WAY TO GO GWEN ON GOING FOR YOUR LICENSE!!!!

Okay, it is now getting late, and past my bed-time. So I will continue these another day.

Well, I just realised (I am not only behind in my Blogging, but I neglected to Tag 3 others, as I said I would do. So there are the lucky ones:

1) Malice
2) Taras
3) Akane (and yes I still have to update your link)

Good Night All!

6 Weeks and Counting!!

2006-04-27T07:23:00.000-04:00

After 6 weeks of limping, and putting up with the pain...I have finally come to the conclusion that I must have torn a ligament in my left knee. The first couple of weeks were very painful, and stairs/cars killed me. You maybe thinking that a "car" makes no sense, but when in fact it does. You see one usually has to bend their knee to get in (especially the backseat), and out of a car (at least one like me who has very short legs). Everytime, I have gotten in/out of a car over the past 6 weeks, has been torture. It feels like the ligament in my knee is going to separate (it is like a rubber band that is being completely stretched until it breaks). At least though, I can sort of fake that I am not limping. Though, I cannot yet put all my weight on my knee, it will allow me to bear down on it more. However, if you are one of the poor souls who happens to be behind me on a bus (sorry, yes buses also kill my knee right now), or the stairs then you will know my secret. I know that I should have gone to the Doctor's but there are a few reasons why I have yet not gone.

A) I frankly do not want to spend 2 hrs in the office (and this includes my family Doctor - where I am usually guaranteed to wait an hr no matter what time my apt is).
B) I have been through this before (though not w/o seeing a Dr), and if it is not bad enough to require surgery there is not too much they can do.

You see it all started when I was 15 yrs old. I remember that day well, because it was my Father's Birthday. We needed candles for his cake, so my Mother and I went to Grocery Store to pick up some. Coming home, we were in a car accident (caused by a drunk driver going through a stop sign) and my knees hit the dashboard hard. This drunk driver hit our car so hard that it spun it around 360, and pieces of the car were found a few streets over. The rest of the story I will leave for another day. However, I will briefly mention that this accident happened right outside a medical clinic, and it took them a very long time for a doctor to come to the scene (and I am from a small town so no 911 then).

Anyways, to make a long story short, my knees have been messed up ever since. You see when my knees hit the dashboard, my kneecaps took the full force of the blow. Thus, (I will not go into details) resulted in little pieces of the bone breaking off, as well as the degeneration process of the cartilage. My knees have never been the same.

Now, back to the present my left knee has always been the worst since the car accident (even after the surgery). Well, lo and behold that happens to be the same knee that I have now injured. I would have much prefered the right knee to sustain the injury.

So, here we are 6 weeks after the initial injury, and I am still limping along. I know that my being on it all the time is not helping, and in fact my knee is still swollen.

Perhaps, I may finally break down, and see that Doctor after all. I am quite frankly tired of not being able to put pressure/weight on it, and I want to walk normally again! I do not think that is too much to ask.

Tag Posts Responses

2006-04-19T00:27:00.000-04:00

I have been tagged :) by Gwen, and will create the responses tonight (cannot sleep even though it is past the witching hour). Tomorrow, I will once again try to start posting on a regular basis, and will finish the comments (including those who I will be tagging) tomorrow evening.

Here we go!

3 Names U go By: Shann, Evil Smurfette, Munchkin

3 Screen Names U Have Had: Villiesocean, Countach, and ToSmurfette

3 Things U Like about Yourself: My Hair, My Independence, My Strength

3 Things U Do not Like about Yourself: My Hair, My Shyness, My Height

3 Parts of Your Heritage: English, Irish, and Scottish

3 Things that Scare U: Deep Water (yet I love the Oceans - go figure), Bugs, and Stephen Harper as our Prime Minister

3 of Your Everyday Essentials: Reading, Dreaming (not the kind that you have while your asleep), and Learning

3 Things U are Wearing Right Now: Necklace, Glasses, and My Favorite Sweatshirt

3 of Your Favorite Bands or Musical Artists: Sarah Brightman, Depeche Mode, and Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

3 of Your Favorite Songs: Music of the Night, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Silent Night

3 Things U Want to Try in the Next 12 Months: A Real Holiday (apologies to my Family), Motorcycle License, Skydiving

3 Things You Want in a Relationship: Communication, Honesty, and Humour

2 Truths and a Lie: Stephen Harper treats Canadians with disdain, I met Mr. Dressup, and I do not like to read.

3 Things about the Opposite Sex that Appeal to U: Intelligence, Adventure, and Laughter

3 Things about the Same Sex that Appeal to U: Humour,generosityy, Compassion

3 Things U Just Cannot Do: Stop collecting Books, Understand why I attract the weird ones on the Public Transit, Understand why people insist on others hearing their Mobile Phone conversations in public

3 of Your Favorite Hobbies: Reading, Going to the Museums, and Forensics

3 Things U Want to do Really Bad Right Now: Go To Sleep, Arrange for Stephen Harper to Step Down as Prime Minister (and Leader of the Conservative Party), Find Loving Homes for all the Animals in Shelters (and those that are strays)

3 Careers U are Considering: Forensic Psychology, Criminalist, Networking/Telephony

3 Places You Want to Go on Vacation: Switzerland, Ireland, and Austria

3 Kid's Names: Laurel, Scota, and Colm

3 Things U Want to Do Before U Die: Make A Positive Difference in the World Around Us, Visit Ireland, and Return to the Ocean to Live

3 Ways U are Stereotypically a Boy: Love Action Movies, Love Autos, and Love Sports

3 Ways U are Stereotypically a Chick: I know that there is more to life than Sports, I cry at Movie Trailers (who needs the movie), and I am very indecisive

3 Celeb Crushes: Don Johnson (no laughing) , Pierce Brosnan, and Matthew McConaughey

3 People U Would Like to Complete This Quiz: That is for Tomorrow!

Someone Please...Put...

2006-04-03T23:13:00.000-04:00

Donald Trump out of my misery. I do not watch his show, but I am tired of the commericals. Of hearing his arrogant voice, and I think that he truly believes that he is one of the greatest businessmen that ever lived (but he does not come even close).

Why does such a supposedly intelligent businessman want to be the star of a cheaply produced, quickly forgettable show in which it appears (and notice that I said appears) to have people cut-throating their colleagues (at least in the commericals)...just to show how low they will go for a job with Trump. (and I barely watch Television which shows you how many times his face is splashed across the screen).

Please get that man off of my TV!

Fun Quiz Results

2006-04-03T23:11:00.000-04:00

You fit in with:

Taoism

Your ideals mostly resemble those of the Taoist faith. Spirituality is the most important thing in your life. You strive to live by all of your ideals, and live a very intellectually focused life.40% spiritual.20% reason-oriented.

Sunday...Lovely Sunday...

2006-04-02T16:44:00.000-04:00

What a lovely Sunday to veg for awhile. Today, I have decided to get back into my creative writing. It has been far too long. I wrote my first poem (in months) a couple of weeks ago, and now it is time for me to push the creative envelope again. I love writing, and sometimes when I start I cannot stop (so there is almost of fear of starting for not being able to stop - if that makes sense). I have been writing in one form or another all of my life (well, since I first learned how to use a pencil). I still vaguely remember my first writings, and now wish that I kept them. C'est la vie!

Today, is the second day of April, and boy have the days flown by this year. I am still attempting to wrap my head around the fact that we are in the 21st century. To know that we are now in the latter half of the decade, just blows me away.

Last night, I ensured to change the times on all clocks save one (have you ever tried to change the hands of time on clocks when you are not even 5ft tall?). If I put the clocks at my height, my apt would have the appearance of a doll house, but oh how it would make things easier. If I ever build my dream house, it will be built for me. Not for the tall ones of the world, but me. Why is it that everything seems to revolve around those 5'8 and over. This I will never understand.

One of the funniest things that I have read in a long time (funny in a way), is the law that demands that children under 5ft (who are too big for a carseat), must sit on a booster seat. For seatbelts are not built for short people, and especially those under 5 feet. Seatbelts can cause serious damage to those of under this height. Well, what about the adults who are under 5 feet? We know that seatbelts are not made for us (hence why they always strangle me). Are we the forgotten? Are we the ones that the Transportation Governing Body does not care about? Or perhaps they do not realise in their world of bean counters, that we even exist. Now, I for one do not want to sit on a booster chair. I want to know why they cannot make the seatbelts adjustable for all heights. Seatbelts are not even truly made for a woman, but for a man (typical of the car industry - that claims to be ahead on the world of technology but in fact is in the dark ages when you think about it). There have been many changes to cars over the years, but if you strip a car down to it's true essence (4 wheels, seats, windows, and a steering column) it has not truly changed. Once upon a time, I was told by the Technology/Science mags that I was reading, that by the time I turned 16, I would be driving in flying cars. My god, we do not even have the technology anymore to put a man on the moon. I find that in certain cases, technology is too quick in its praise of itself, when in reality it does not even deserve a handshake.

Writer's Block

2006-03-28T21:40:00.000-05:00

Well, today I truly have nothing to say. Perhaps, I should have saved part of my Sunday's rant for today ;). Ahh, I could have continued on (on Sunday) but wanted to go to bed at a somewhat reasonable hour.

Working downtown is wonderful, and I love being so close to Harbourfront. :) I cannot believe that I (a country mouse), missed downtown as much as I did. Perhaps, over the years I am becoming more of a city person that I realise.

Good Night

The Power of Why

2006-03-26T23:56:00.000-05:00

Why?

Why is a question that we as a society lately seem to have forgotten even exists.

Why is a powerful word that we can use in all aspects of our dealings with each other on this planet but we do not… why is that?
Why do we as a society instill in our children fear of the unknown? Instead of teaching our children to be confident to face that which is different; we teach them to fear that which is different.

Why do we as a society allow criminals to not accept responsibility for their actions? Instead of stating that yes they robbed a store, instead they blame their environment and upbringing. What about the more than 90% of others in that were raised in the same type of upbringing but chose to respect the law.

Why do we as a society allow the Government to break their promises to us on a repeated basis, but not to demand recourse from them? We are in charge the Government, and they are not in charge of us. We have every right to hold them accountable for their actions. Instead we are passive, and allow them to continue in office.

Why do we demand more action from our local Law Enforcement when violent crime seems to be on the upswing? Instead of standing up to those which break the law, and having them fear that they will be reported, we cower behind our fear. How does one instill common sense into those who witness crime that if more people stood up and were truthful to what they saw, crime would go down.

Why do we allow our Government to tax us to death, and then even continue to stand by while this same Government taxes up to 60% of our income in the other taxation forms? We have tax on books, tax on certain food, tax on entertainment, tax on homes, tax upon tax. We complain about it but we never act upon it.

Why do we allow the media to manipulate the news in the form of ratings? Why do we now expect the news not to be reported facts, but for the media to speculate in which every way that they believe will garner more ratings?

Why do we not demand quality programming from the Television Industry? We complain that there is nothing on TV, yet we allow ourselves to watch the cheap, calculated reality shows which put dollars into the Executives pockets, but does not provide us with value?

Have we as a society forgotten our voice? Have we forgotten in this day and age of Technology that we have more avenues to us than ever before to stand up and make change?

Why do we listen to the Seal Hunters who claim that they kill those poor baby seals in a most humane way? So beating them over the head with a club until they bleed out is humane? (do not even get me started on this one)

We as a collective have the power to change the laws of our society. We have the power to enforce our Government by the rules that put them into office in the first place (and may they never forget that). We have the power to change the justice system. We have the power to change the world if we want. One voice at a time, if we so make that choice.

Never forget to stand up for your beliefs, and never forget the power of “Why”!

Completed My First Week!!

2006-03-25T17:22:00.000-05:00

Well, I have now finished my first week on the new job. Everyone has been so great, and it is nice being able to see familiar faces on a regular basis once again. I am still not used to leaving the office in daylight, but I know that I will be able to adapt quickly. In addition, I cannot begin to tell you how much of a relief it is knowing that I no longer have to wait for a bus in the "no one can hear you scream" area of Brampton. I am pretty resilient to such things for the most part, but being in the middle of nowhere, waiting for a bus....knowing that there is no one around you to hear you scream can defeat that which is most brave inside one's self. Especially, when on more than once occasion I have had some guy by the bus stop trying to entice me in his car. I cannot tell you how much that spooked me. The location of the warehouse is truly in a lonely area for those of us without cars.

But alas, I am now back in civilization, and that part of my life is over.

Finally!

2006-03-22T23:39:00.000-05:00

It has been two weeks, since my last post. How sad am I? But alas, there is always a new day to start to posting (back) on a daily basis. As well, since I am downtown once again (and cannot even begin to tell you how happy that makes me)and have more time to do things, I do not have an excuse. So, hopefully I will be able to discipline myself enough to start anew, and go back to regular posts. I was reminded tonight that I have not updated, so another thank you :D

Tonight, was "Games Night", and I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun I had. Everyone is so wonderful and it has been a long time since I have laughed that hard. So thank you all! I want to say a Big Thank You to Gwen for being such a great hostess.

I have to make this short, and sweet as I want to hit the hay now!

Good Night All!

Another Chapter Ends, and a New One Begins

2006-03-08T22:14:00.000-05:00

Well, it is done! I am now saying good-bye to the world of IT, and entering the Business World. I will be working once again downtown, and will be able to see the light of day. I will have time to spare, time to read, time to reflect.

It is now time to turn the page, and allow the words of life to fill a new book in the Tale of a Fish Out of Water and Far Away From the Sea.

Pet Peeves On Public Transportation

2006-03-04T01:05:00.000-05:00

Tonight, coming home from work on one of my 3 buses that I take to and from work(each way)...the person behind me was clipping their nails. Nothing makes me cringe like hearing a nail clipper in a public place. Whatever happened to manners? Have they truly gone the way of the Dodo Bird? Nail Clippers are only the first of my pet peeves.

People who spit while waiting for the bus, train and streetcar. My word, do you really find it necessary to expel whatever you imagine is in your mouth at that particular moment and believe that it needs to escape?

Women who put on their make-up in public, including moisturizer on their face. I am amazed at how one can put on mascara when one is going over a bump, and not end up with it all over the eye/face, but do you really need to show the world your morning routine? Could you not wake up a few minutes earlier, and do this in the privacy of your own home?

Oh what makes one's stomach do flops more than seeing a person flossing their teeth on the TTC, and not caring where those little pieces of plaque go? They must land somewhere, and it could you be they land on.

I could write several paragraphs on this subject alone, but I know that you clue into the idea. Now, I have a suggestion that would not only impede perhaps some of these most horrid habits, but bring some desperately needed funding to the TTC. I suggest that fines b levied against those who leave their manners at home. Those who commit their first offense, will be fined a paltry sum but you will be tracked. Your fines will then be based on the number of offenses that you incurred. After X number of fines, you will be banned from the TTC. This will result in making me one very happy person, and a life without cringing on the TTC.

Congrats Canada!!!

2006-02-26T17:09:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching the Torino closing ceremonies. Canada has so much to be proud of with it's greatest ever showing at the Winter Olympics! 24 medals is quite a feat, and we are only one medal below the Americans! 3rd in the world! It truly makes one proud of their athletes, though I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed I am with the Men's Hockey Team. *sigh oh well, four more years until home turf* How sweet would that be to win the Mens Hockey Gold on home turf!

Here is to 2010!!!

Vancouver 2010 - (<- Click This) Canada awaits you

RASC

2006-02-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

We did it! Malice, and I are now official members of RASC. Now how wonderful is that! We are going to have an incredible year of learning, watching, and enjoying the beauty of what the sky beholds (and beyond of course).

Where is the Snow Tonight?

2006-02-13T22:30:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, on days like this I believe that Toronto has a bubble over it. It has to be something like this for us to keep missing out on all of these Storms. Now, my friends will tell me "Shannon, we are on just the wrong side of the Lake". My response to that is, so is Oakville, Hamilton, and so on. Could we not just flip the Lake perhaps?

WHERE ARE THE SNOWSTORMS? I just want one honest to goodness snowstorm, just one and I do not think that is asking for a great deal. Do you know many times I hear from my family and friends in my hometown, wanting to inform me about their snowdays? That the storm is so bad that have had to pull the snowplows and salt trucks off the road. Does Toronto have that? Noooooooo Does Toronto truly know what a really bad snowstorm is? Not really! In Toronto, when there is a bad snowfall they call it a Storm. In Toronto, when there is a heavy continuous snowfall, they call it a snowstorm. Well City Folks, I have news for you - unless you remember the winter of 1999 then you do not know what a true snowstorm is. Actually, in 1999 it was not so much that they were snowstorms as it was just a great deal of snow in a relatively short time frame.

Now, I am not asking for the bitter cold where it gives one brain freeze in less than 60 seconds (because remember folks it needs to be a certain temperature to snow). All I am asking for is one very good blizzard.

But I am also torn when it comes to wanting a storm. For then I think about the homeless, and those who cannot afford heat. Then, I think about all the animals outdoors including domestic where people simply could not care less about their pets. The more I think about it, the more gulity I feel.

So perhaps, it is best that I do not get my wish after all.

Wrong Impressions

2006-02-11T21:08:00.000-05:00

Not too long ago, someone told me that sometimes I come across as standoffish. I was stunned, though this is not the first time that I have been told this. The truth is that I am a painfully shy person, especially around those that I do not know very well (if at all). I have two reactions, I either will not say very much (hence where the standoffish comes into play), or I will talk excessively. Mostly, I will remain quiet, but there seems to be no middle ground for me. So now I wonder, how many of those whom we believe are unfriendly are in fact shy. It is written that first impressions count. In fact, I do not believe that this can be accurate. How can one person truly summarize someone in less than 60 seconds? What if that person is having a bad day, or is not feeling well. My belief is that until one gets to know someone then any impressions until that time are inaccurate.

Today I Am A Bug

2006-01-31T00:17:00.000-05:00

Are you familiar at all with the expression?

Some Days You Are The
Bug
Some Days You Are The
Windshield

Well, today I am definitely a bug. Tomorrow, I will be a bug. But on Wednesday,
I AM THE WINDSHIELD!

and that is all that I am going to say :P

Coming Soon And It's About Time

2006-01-25T00:07:00.000-05:00

It is almost complete, and what a beauty to behold...

Toronto finally, finally, (and did I say finally?) gets its very own Opera and Ballet House.

The Canadian Premiere of Wagner's 5 Rings begins this September...the Four Seaons Centre's Open House is in June, and I cannot wait.

This Centre is unlike any other in Canada, and will be among the best of the best in the world.

Every seat will have a full view of the stage, the acoustics will be exceptional, and the Ballet Performances will be intimate.

I cannot wait...

GO AVALANCHE!!!

2006-01-24T23:57:00.000-05:00

I have been a very neglectful fan this season(for not mentioning my fav Hockey Team). But, oh how sweet it is to down the Flames 7-4!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:)

It's Over For Now

2006-01-24T22:07:00.000-05:00

Well, it came...I voted, and it went. The Election is over for now. However, we all know that we will be back at the polls in about 2 years or less. All these weeks, of enduring Politicians making promises they have no intention of keeping. Just to get a glimpse of fleeting fame. We are basically in the same position we were 18 months ago. We have voted in a minority Government, that remains unstable. However, there are some changes...We have voted in a Government that we have no confidence in..but for some reason we thought we would take a chance on...We voted in a Government that have no real experience in governing, but wanting for some strange reason to cosy up to our neighbours to the South. In fact, repairing that relationship appears on the surface to be more important to them than our Health Care, our failing Public Transit systems just to name a few. I could truly go on for quite some time.

Let's just say that I am not satisfied with the party that we have voted in to rule our great Canada.

In fact, I am down right scared!

Here's to the next Election!

Anxiously Awaiting The Results

2006-01-23T20:40:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am trying to find out the results of the Election. I have just discovered about an hour ago, that it is actually (now) against the law to discuss the results of the Election until 10:00 PM on a Blog(can you believe that this is the law). Yet, one can discuss the results over the phone and IM (hmmm, I cannot post it on a Blog, but I can IM everyone)...makes no sense... *confused*

So, I am scared...truly scared about who will be our next Leader ...and I have a feeling that whomever it is...we will be once again heading to the polls in the not too far future...

One of My Favourite Sites

2006-01-23T02:32:00.000-05:00

It is now 2:30 in the morning, and I am not able to sleep. Even, though I have been trying since Midnight.

So far I have skimmed the latest "National Geographic", read some passages from 2 different books, tossed and turned countless times, and listened to the radio...all done to no avail...

Thus, I am currently surfing one of my favourite sites....and hoping that one day...they have a Canadian version.

I have managed to find a few items that they sell, here in Canada...but alas if only...

This site is an absolute delight for those of use who love to read, and who love books...

http://www.levenger.com

My wishlist for this site is huge, and continues to grow...perhaps it is best that it is an American site...

Alas, I am going back to bed...and toss and turn and toss some more...

Good Night

What Does Your Birthdate Mean?

2006-01-20T23:08:00.000-05:00

You're a restless rebel with an unpredictable nature.Bright but unbridled, you tend to seek out wild experiences over new ideas.People are frustrated by your great potential, but you love your unconventional life.You're a heartbreaker. People get attached to you, and then you're gone.
Your strength: Your thirst for adventure
Your weakness: Not taking time for slow pleasures
Your power color: Hot pink
Your power symbol: Figure eight
Your power month: March

Enough Already!

2006-01-19T00:10:00.000-05:00

I am going to probably be raked over the coals for this one. But, my belief in the goodwill of the Canadian Politician (and intelligence mind you) is failing by the minute. This is from me, someone whom has both loved and followed politics all of my life. Someone who feels very strongly about what we have accomplished in this Nation. Our history is what defines us, and our beliefs are what keeps us strong. However, our political parties are a mess right now and to be completely honest I would much rather vote for Snoopy (and yes, I know he is American). We have Paul Martin who seemed to be such a strong voice in Parliment until he butted heads with Jean. We will never know the true story, but it seems to have taken it's toll on him in a matter of months. We have Stephen Harper who does not know what he stands for, and who through the previous tough times in this country disappeared from view. Yet, he resurfaces when there is a chance that his party will win (And Stephen, your party is this strong because we are simply fed up with corruption and this has nothing to do with who you are because trust me, if we were voting based on character, you would not even be on the ballot). You can call it conservative all you like, but your beliefs are that of the reform party. Sometimes, I believe Stephen forgets he is from Ontario and not the west. Then, we come to Jack Layton - the man who is responsible for this mess....he is the one that agreed to bring down the Liberals and stated that they were not good for Canada....well, now he has completely flipped the other way and is trying to bring down what the Polls say will be a Conservative Minority....Jack, you cannot have it both ways. You obviously do not know what to stand behind, and you do not stand up to your own ideas...but flop every which way depending on where you see the most votes...that does not make a great Leader...

Oh, and to address all those various polls that the media keep pushing down our throats...remember they are only accurate based on the question...in otherwords, they mean nothing! Remember, the polls in the US declared Al Gore the winner in George Bush's first term...but that is another story altogether...

If the Conservatives are attempting to make believe that they are the former PC Conservative party and are using that reputation to base their campaign on...Should we remind Stephen of the history of the Mulroney Legacy....he brought in GST....he brought in Free Trade which has resulted in most of our goods no longer being made in Canada...even Roots no longer makes and produces all of their goods in Canada...the Taxpayers paid for the furnishing of Sussex House, and I could go on...but you get the idea...

Now on Monday, I will do my duty as a Canadian and vote but I do not have confidence in any of the current Leaders of any party at this time. How sad...

Site Trackers

2006-01-17T16:39:00.000-05:00

In the past few days, I have discovered that apparently I am located somewhere in the States; at least when it comes to viewing Blogs. For those of you who use site tracking software, when I am on your site it will show me as a visitor from America. I know why it shows up that way, and I am wondering how truly accurate those tracking sites are.

Just a little tidbit for those whom do not realise I read your Blogs, or perhaps I have stopped.

I just want you to know I still read, and enjoy them faithfully! :)

I Think I Have Finally Found An Apt

2006-01-16T22:32:00.000-05:00

I think that I have finally found an apartment where I want to live. Today, I went to see it and, it is in a great location. Everything (except work) is within walking distance. If I only was a coffee and tea drinker...the neighbourhood is certainly a mecca for those that do drink the stuff.
I have a cooking school just literally down the street (and for all of those whom truly know me very well, know that I am not a great cook...in fact, I am a really bad one). However, I love to bake (again, not great at it but better at baking than cooking). And...with a cooking school down the street...I have hope :)
I love the apt building, and it even has a Media Room with a Big Screen Projection TV that I can book for friends night...just imagine the movies..!
A library, 24 laundry room, indoor swimming pool on the top floor, and much more... Now, the only thing that I question is why would an apt building build their pool on the top floor? What happens if the thing started to leak? Would it not be easier to build the pool in the strongest part of the building (the basement)? Perhaps, I am just over thinking this. Actually, I woud say that one of my greatest flaws and strenghts is being analytical. The flaw is...I am over-analytical, and that is where my weakness comes into play. I always over -think things, and always have. I take something ... break it down into all different sections, analyse every one, and put it back together. I am the one whom always reads the manual even before I take something out of the box. One of my goals this year, is to learn how to break it into different sections, and put it back together (without inspecting every little space)...

So getting back to the apt...I will decide at the end of this week, but I think I have found my new home!

A new beginning.....

Global Warming....Is it real or fabrication?

2006-01-08T10:57:00.000-05:00

Over the past several years, I have been reading about the Climate Change and the Global Warming effect. I am a true skeptic at heart, and tend to research things before I believe in them. Since the Global Warming theory first gained international support in 1988, there has been so much media on this, including several published articles in renowned science journals that I took it as fact (for the most part). Yet, in the back of my mind, I have always remembered an article written in National Geographic (before the world {general population} knew of Global Warming) that stated another Ice Age is coming.
The question is what do we believe, and how much influence does money have on the Science World, and what it reports.

We know that the temperature in the Antarctica is cooling (yes, even though one section of the Larsen B ice shelf collapsed - yet the other sections are increasing in size) . We know that Hansen's theory (yes, Folks - Global Warming is only a theory) that he reported in 1988 has some serious flaws.

We know that several respected scientists dispute the fact that Global Warming exists, and that it is generally the media and the public that has pushed it to the foreground.

So where does this all lead us to? Can we completely dispute "Global Warming", no we cannot. However, we cannot accept is as fact either.

In this day and age, the unfortunate side of growth and change is that money now rules the world.

In today's world, the bottom line counts. We have allowed bean counters to rule our companies and make decisions based soley on figures. What looks good on paper, does not look good in the real world. Yet, we do not have the courage to change this.

As a result, areas that are essential to knowledge, change, and technology are starving for funds. This allows those with money to influence what information is released based on the grants that one receives. It may be a paragraph, it may be a chapter, but we do know that money talks and has too much influence over the world today. It is now not what is best for man, but what is best for the pocketbook of Companies.

So for now Global Warming is still pushed to the forefront, but you can be certain that the next article that I read - first I will look at who has the most to gain before I accept it as truth...

No Freezing Rain

2006-01-02T22:18:00.000-05:00

Tonight, is just a quick post to say how thrilled I am that we did not receive any freezing rain. As much as I love winter, freezing rain and I do not mix well together. It is so mild out that one would think it was Spring, instead of the first week of January.

It is absolutely beautiful out, and one can hear the crunch of the snow under foot. Although, it is not that "crisp crunch" that one encounters on a clear and cold winters' night... I am happy with any "crunch" at this point....to not hear the slip sliding sound of my feet giving way to the hard unforgiving ice.

Happy 2006 To All!

2006-01-01T23:14:00.000-05:00

I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Can you believe that we are now entering the latter half of the decade. I am still trying to come to terms that we are in the 21st Century.

I have severely neglected my Blog for a couple of weeks now. The Holiday Season went by fast, and it is hard to believe that it is over for another year. Now, with quiet times upon us my poor Blog will cease to be ignored by moi.

I have now seen "King Kong" twice in two days. I am still not disappointed, and will go so far to say as this is definitely the best version of the movie that exists today. Although, Peter Jackson must have a fascination with creepy crawlers (it was a bit overdone in the movie), it was a more thoughtful movie than the previous versions. I could truly go one about my love of "King Kong" but I will probably end up describing "spoiler scenes" to make a point (I do not want to give anything away). Last night, I watched the 1933 original and I made comparisons to this version. The movie was a true feat during it's time but unfortunately the script does not hold up well to time.

Enough of that subject, what I am really excited about is the "Ferrari" (yes that is right friends, a Ferrari") that will be in the "Miami Vice" movie. To those who know me well enough, this will be a great shock as my dislike for Ferrari is intense. However, how can anyone not love the"Ferrari F430 Spider" what a rush at 490 @ 8500 RPM. It looks great in the trailer for the movie. I am glad that they are remaining true to the originial series (yes even though the Daytona Spyder used in the original series was a replica). But, with Michael Mann at the head of this movie project, how can they fail. Countdown to the movie has begun!

Out of Title Ideas

2005-12-19T13:05:00.000-05:00

Today, I am at a complete loss of what to title should be labelled. Should I just call it busy, and how we are now into our busiest season at work...(one of the few depts at the Company where I work that is). Hence, I have had almost no time to update my Blog (less alone do my Christmas Shopping). This year, I am afraid my family is going to be receiving their presents after Christmas (how truly horrible am I to ship off my gifts) in time for them to have them the week after Christmas. I can assure myself and my family, that next year I will be shopping throughout the year and will have my shopping complete before the first of December.

Now my second issue is with my ISP. I have not been able to use their software for approximately 5 days now. A few weeks ago, I upgraded to their new Security release and since then - when I attempt to VPN/Remote Desktop into my work desktop, it shuts me down and kicks me completely out. It appears as if something recognises that the port is open (and it takes it approximately 30-90 seconds to recognise this) and I get tossed off not only remote desktop, but VPN and my ISP as well. I was going to work on the issue myself, but quite frankly I have not had the time. Therefore, after confirming that this was not work related I contacted my ISP. God help me, I should have worked on resolving the issue myself. I have now gone from VPN issues to not being able to use/upgrade/reinstall my ISP software (what was I thinking contacted their Tech Support). I have spoken with 3 Tech Support Helpdesks in all different parts of the world (for a total of 7.5 hrs), and I am now even worse off than the original issue. The worse is that I pay $48 and change (per month) for this service (on top of the rest) and I cannot use it. Today, I am writing to my ISP (well, E-mailing them) and I am not fully paying for this service until it is resolved.
The Tech Support Analysts are either reading scripts or manuals (not sure that they are even computer techs), and they have no thoughts as to what the root cause is. The last one told me that because I know what I am doing with Computers, that is was up to me to fix it. After I confirmed with them, that I heard correctly I was too stunned to protest. I am now using a direct connection to my ISP in order to be on the Net, and my VPN/Remote Desktop works. My connection is definitely slower, but my frustration grows by the day.

And that is my rant of the day. :(

The Last of My Blog Tag Posts

2005-12-10T21:36:00.000-05:00

Blog Tag Post Final #4
The last of my Blog Tags

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:

Share my good fortune with family and friends

Purchase land right on the Ocean in NS and build my log home. Design it myself, and have it so that when I wake up in the morning, the first thing I see is the ocean.

Give money to Animal Shelters/Humane Societies and the Canadian Cancer Society

Go back to school full time

Invest the rest because what does a Million dollars buy you these days?

Five things you like doing (no particular order):

Going for long walks in the snow

Going to the Theatre

Going for long walks along the beach

Reading

Museums

Five things you would never wear again:

Legwarmers – Had enough the first go round

Bubble Skirts – What we were thinking?

A Papa Smurf Costume in a Christmas Parade – have you even been chased by a group of kids all wanting to meet you (Intimidating)

Perms – I look like a poodle

Light Jackets in the Winter – Now I just want to be warm

Five favorite toys (no particular order):

Trivia Games

Stuffed Animals

“Clue” the Board Game

Card Games

Science and Exploration

Games Night

2005-12-09T22:06:00.000-05:00

Games Night was a blast, and I learned that I have absolutely no acting skills (Thanks Hoopla). It was a great evening, and everyone was so wonderful about teaching me how to play the various games. I have to give a big thank you to Taras for picking me up. :)
As well, thank you to our host Chris, who I now fully believe is the real life MacGyver. I also finally got to see the famous "Garland"!

I just wish I did a better job of avoiding all the cameras, as I truly hate having my picture taken.

Thank you to everyone who was there for such a perfect evening! :)

Favourite Snack Addition

2005-12-06T23:43:00.000-05:00

I do not know how I forgot to list my number one favourite snack, but I did neglect to mention it.

Favourite snack food of all time is: Watermelon :)

Blog Tag Post #3

2005-12-05T23:47:00.000-05:00

Five snacks you enjoy:

Humpty Dumpty Cheesies – no other ones come close – not even Cheetos

Roast Chicken Chips – I can only find these in Nova Scotia

Clementines - I love how easily they peel

Red Delicious Apples – Yummy – But I have to admit I prefer the American Red over the Canadian one {hanging my head in shame}

Carmel Flakies – Again – only found in Nova Scotia

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:

Farewell To Nova Scotia (as Malice has clearly stated – All Bluenosers know this one)

O Canada – I should hope I know this one

Jingle Bells – Just do not ask me for the second verse

We Wish You A Merry Christmas – Is there a second Verse?

Away In A Manger – First Two Verses

Blog Tag Post #2

2005-12-05T23:39:00.000-05:00

What were you doing 1 year ago?

Working in Downtown Toronto, and getting ready to go home for Christmas.

Christmas in the City is hard on me. Perhaps, it is because I was born and bred in a small town where everyone knows your name (sounds like “Cheers”). I am not kidding. Growing up one of my favourite things to do was to go for long drives in the car. Let me tell you, before I even pulled in the driveway – my parents would know where I was – how fast I was going – and what music was playing (usually "Prince" or “The Cars”).. My tastes have evolved since then. These days, I am more likely to play one of the “Phantom of the Opera” soundtracks or “Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky”. However, I still love my Depeche Mode, but have found that Classical Music and Opera soothes my soul (though I am just a beginner when it comes to learning about the composers).

Anyways, I am off topic…back to my answer:
Christmas in a small town is absolutely wonderful. One always has food and drinks ready for the guests who just “Drop In”. There is no such thing as making an appointment to visit a friend/family (it is actually considered bad manners to do so). People throughout the season go from house to house, visiting and enjoying the goodwill of mankind. Everyone makes you feel welcome, and there is so much joy in the hearts of all.

So just about this time last year, I was doing my last minute shopping and making sure I had room in my suitcases. Counting down the days until my flight left. Making sure that I had everything ready in time (never happened…and of course there was last minute rushing but it was a nice dream to even think I would be prepared beforehand).

Blog Tag Post Answer #1A

2005-12-05T01:41:00.000-05:00

Blog Tag Post Answers # 1A

Let’s Try This Again…perhaps it was a sign to tell me that my answers were too long the first time.

What were you doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago, I was living in Etobicoke and working at Smithbooks in Sherway Gardens. The Store is no longer there, but it will always have a special place in my heart.
Our Store had a higher than normal percentage of regular customers, and those customers became our friends. In fact, they became our family; not only did we have our regular customers, but our staff remained essentially the same as well.
At Christmas time, we exchanged cards with our special customers. In some cases, we would exchange gifts with them as well. Our customers were very generous towards us, and the gifts that they would give were filled with love, and warmth.
I absolutely loved our customers, and I still keep in touch with a couple today. I loved picking out books for them, and separating the books into piles (for each individual customer) for I knew their tastes as well as my own. We would always call them to notify when their favourite authors would come in. We would also contact them if we thought that we discovered a new author that they would enjoy.
Several of our customers, would bring in their family and friends to meet us. Nothing warms your heart, and makes it beam as the honour of meeting these people. How incredible for us to have touched our customers lives in some way, that they would think you are worthy of meeting those closest to them.
As it turns out, I will be responding to the answers in segments. Good Night

Christmas Countdown

2005-12-04T17:58:00.000-05:00

Countdown Has Begun

2005-12-04T17:14:00.000-05:00

Blog Tag Post #1

2005-12-01T22:50:00.000-05:00

Thank you to the "Lone Consultant" for tagging me :)

I might try to do this in one shot. Let's go :)

Finally: Answer the questions below
What were you doing 10 years ago?
What were you doing 1 year ago?
Five snacks you enjoy:
Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:
Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
Five things you like doing:
Five things you would never wear again:
Five favorite toys:

***Okay - after being about 60% finished with my replies - one wrong click and I have lost it all. I know better than that as I usually save drafts.***

Sorry folks, I am off to bed. I will redo it on the week-end.

Tagged on December Eve

2005-11-30T23:20:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged by the "lone consultant"...and I am going to borrow his brilliant idea of filling out the information in blocks over time. I will begin tomorrow. :)

It is hard to believe that in less than one hour; it will be the month of December. My favourite month of the year. December brings snow, December brings hope, and December brings peace. December is the time of year, that others (except those in packed shopping malls) try to bring comfort to their fellowman, and bring joy to everyone's hearts. It is not about the commericalism of the holiday season ....or as I prefer ....the "Christmas Season". December to me is the gathering of family (which are too far away for me to be with), and friends. It is the smile on your friends faces as they enjoy hot cocoa on a warm winter night, or the laughter of the season. The look of "Christmas Past" as you enjoy yet another airing of "It's a Wonderful Life". The smile on your face as you watch "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", and remember the warmth of your childhood. Or perhaps, the memory of waiting for Santa while listening to another telling of "Twas the Night Before Christmas".

December is the most wonderful time of the year.

Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow

2005-11-24T23:35:00.000-05:00

My wish has come true and how...for the past two days we have had snow....

As I said to Taras tonight on IM "I love snowstorms, just not when I am in them." The snow really does make everything beautiful, and yet in an instant it is almost blinding. There has to be irony in that.

I cannot wait until the snow is the fluffy packing kind, so I can build my first snowman of the season. Half the fun of building snowmen, is to see how long they can last (which I think is the point of building sandcastles when one thinks about it).

I love making snowmen, and the smaller the better. I love using items on hand (including computer parts), and bring them to life (and without a magic hat at that). Snowmen really warm my heart. How can one not look at their smiling, warm, and friendly faces, and not be touched.

Neglected

2005-11-23T23:02:00.000-05:00

I have neglected my Blog yet again (as well as reading my friends)...but work is busy right now. All I want to do when I get home from work...is climb into bed and visit slumberland. But alas...real life interfers...

I have also noticed that I when I was playing around with the template...I messed it up as all my Links are now at the bottom of the page. That is not a good sign. I will play with it on the weekend and hopefully have it corrected.

Thank you to all who agree with me about snow. I really believed that I was a rare case, but you have shown me otherwise.

Rain Rain Go Away

2005-11-15T20:42:00.000-05:00

Rain Rain Go Away

I know that I am one of the very few people in the City (and probably the Country) that prefers snow over rain.
Rain is dull and dreary. Rain is cold at times. Rain makes you wet.

Snow is bright and beautiful. Snow can be mild at times. Snow does not make you wet (well, unless you have been out in it for a while such as skiing).

Rain makes drivers crazy, and they speed to the point of hydroplaning. Do these drivers realize that hydroplaning – means that your tires do not touch the ground? Perhaps they do not.
Snow makes a driver slow down, and makes them aware of their surroundings. Snow makes people more cautious drivers by nature (pun intended although it is a poor one at best).

One can be out in the snow for hours, and time flies. One can be out in the rain for ten minutes, and times slows to the point of misery (where the ten minute feels like sixty).
One can make a home out of snow; no one can make a home from raindrops.

Snow comes in many shapes and sizes that one can see. Rain comes in splashes, which fog up glasses.

Snow is best you see, and I agree.

Manta Ray Safety Tips

2005-11-14T22:38:00.000-05:00

I was Googling tonight, and discovered a Top Ten List of Safety Tips when one encounters a Manta Ray. I had to list them on my blog for my pure interests; as I truly love these "Gentle Giants".

10 Rules for Manta Ray Encounters

Here are a few simple rules to increase your enjoyment and protect mantas from injury:

(1) Enter the water carefully so as not to scare them away.
(2) Stay still and they will come to you.
(3) Position yourself along the bottom or near a cleaning station.
(4) Do not chase them. Stay within their vision and let them decide if they want to approach you.
(5) Do not touch them, even if they may present their bellies for a rub. Simply touching a manta may remove some of the mucus coating that protects the animal from marine infections.
(6) Avoid exhaling bubbles into their face. However, some manta may actually enjoy the bubbles on their undersides.
(7) Mantas are generally not bothered by flash photography or video. But first observe their behaviour.
(8) Do not disturb them if they are engaged in feeding, cleaning or mating.
(9) Attempt direct eye contact. They generally welcome a friendly connection.
(10) Never ride mantas, even though they may 'present' themselves for riding.

Tips courtesy of
http://www.dive-the-world.com

Go See Chicken Little In 3-D

2005-11-13T22:54:00.000-05:00

I went to see "Chicken Little" in 3-D today in Woodbridge. It was great and the 3-D effects were very well done. In fact, we got to keep the glasses. How cool is that! I also noticed that the glasses were not only shaped the same as Chicken Little's, but they are also the same colour frames. The theater was packed with children, and hearing them so pleased with the 3-D super cool effects really touches ones heart.
I will admit once again, that I truly love Children's Movies. In fact, "Chicken Little" had so many adult references that I know children would not understand them. This is indeed a movie that is meant for adults just as much (if not more) than Children. Disney needs to be truly commended on a job well done. I only hope that they bring out more movies in this 3-D Technology.

I am off to bed and will fall asleep listening to the wild wind outside my window.

I may not be Batman but a Faerie

2005-11-10T00:02:00.000-05:00

You scored as Faerie. Faerie: Aren't you a cute little flying person? Faeries are earth spirits. They live among each element completely hidden. They have cousins called Pixies. Pixies however, are very mischevious. They enjoy tormenting other creatures for fun. Little pranksters.. I hope you never meet one. Pixies have a bad reputation for finding a creature and clinging to them until death. Faeries can be somewhat close to a Pixie, but mostly they are loving, playful, and carry with them a child-like enthusiasm for life. Hide among the pedals of a Daisy, you are a Faerie.

Faerie

83%

WereWolf

75%

Angel

67%

Mermaid

67%

Dragon

50%

Demon

42%

What Mythological Creature are you? (Cool Pics!)
created with QuizFarm.com

I am Batman

2005-11-09T22:40:00.000-05:00

You scored as Batman, the Dark Knight. As the Dark Knight of Gotham, Batman is a vigilante who deals out his own brand of justice to the criminals and corrupt of the city. He follows his own code and is often misunderstood. He has few friends or allies, but finds comfort in his cause.

Batman, the Dark Knight

67%

Lara Croft

63%

Maximus

58%

James Bond, Agent 007

54%

Indiana Jones

54%

The Amazing Spider-Man

54%

William Wallace

50%

Neo, the "One"

46%

The Terminator

42%

El Zorro

38%

Captain Jack Sparrow

21%

Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0
created with QuizFarm.com

Mr. Scarecrow

2005-11-09T01:06:00.000-05:00

I thought that I would post a picture of the scarecrow that my sister made to greet all the goblins and ghouls on that scary Hallowe'en night. I should have been in bed long ago, but my mind is going a mile a minute....so I am truly off now...and will drag out "Wuthering Heights" to put my mind asleep. I love classical literature especially pre-dating 1900. However, as many times as I have tried - I simply cannot make it through this book. Yet, her sister's book "Jane Eyre" is one of my favourites of all time. C'est la vie! So now I use it as a last resort for when I cannot fall asleep.
Good Night

Christmas Is Almost Upon Us

2005-11-07T22:53:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that it is November already. This year has truly flown by, and Christmas is just around the corner. In addition, it seems that the advertisers have started their Christmas campaign early this year. I remember looking at Christmas Cards on sale, and thinking to myself - Hallowe'en is still a month away. As well, I subscribe to my beloved "Globe and Mail" and for at least one full week (6 days in the G&M) world...I was innudated with catalogues for Companies selling "Baskets". I am thinking to myself how many Basket Companies can there be - and lo and behold - I am still finding out. It is almost a joke truly - for all the companies are selling the same type of baskets - with the same type of contents for a wide variety of prices. In fact, some of the types of baskets are so close in similarity that you know they copied from each other. Note to "Globe and Mail" - Please no more Basket Catalogues. My recycle bin is starting to reject them.

Happy Hallowe'en!

2005-10-31T23:42:00.000-05:00

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble. - Act IV - Scene I - Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Tonight is the night for all to beware of what lurks in the dark and scary eve ....who knows what evil lurks in the heart of those too old to be "Trick or Treating" - yet they must... for they are cursed to wear a costume forever on All Hallowe'd Eve...it is their fate that they walked the earth after the witching hour and forgot to be all "nestled in their beds" and now they must pay the price...

So, if you are out and about on this most spooky night, beware of those out past midnight...for you too could meet the fate of those before you, and be cursed forever to wear a "Jedi Knight"...

Testing...Testing...

2005-10-29T14:35:00.000-04:00

I realised that while salvaging my posts, I managed to change my settings. The settings that allows one to post comments on my new posts. This finally dawned on me yesterday. So hopefully I have it corrected.

Very Difficult

2005-10-28T01:11:00.000-04:00

I want to applaud Gwen, for being so dedicated to her Blog. It seems like one thing after another, and *poof*...it is already just a day shy of a week...since my last post. Today, is day 4 of a Migraine or is that day 5 and I am just not up to thinking straight. Though I will have to comment on that most ridiculous law of the Ontario Government ...concerning "Pitbulls". To have so many rules on the poor dogs, without holding the owners truly accountable confirms my belief that politicians just do not have a clue...and make up laws in the hopes that it will get them voted back into the office. When will the Ontario Government realise that it is the owners, and not the dogs that are the problem. To ban these beautiful animals because of the lack of understanding and rules governing their owners is unacceptable. So if the owners abuse their pitbulls and make them aggressive, do we make stronger laws to rightly punish these people and ban them from owning animals permanently. No...instead they take it out on the dogs treating them almost on the same level as human. The Ontario Government is severely lacking courage, knowledge, and plain common sense. As one who has been bitten by a pitbull (12 puncture wounds in my left hand), I have first hand knowledge of what these dogs can do...when they are under the care of an irresponsible owner. It amazes me that the Government will not take measures to ensure stronger laws are in place to protect and prevent puppy mills, and animal cruelty. Yet, they declare war on the poor defenseless animals. And yet, there are those who fail to comprehend when people do not vote. I do vote but I will clearly state that there is not currently a politician or political party that I believe in. Not, when most Governments are reactive and never proactive. That is the failings of poor leadership.

One day I hope to see a government and People that have the courage to realise that change is not a choice but a requirement. That the world is continually evolving, and that knowledge is truly power.

Foolish

2005-10-22T05:02:00.000-04:00

Word of advice...never work on your Blog at 4 AM...because you may make very foolish mistakes. I am not feeling well, and my brain simply does not understand this. Hence, why I am up at this hour, and my brain is going a mile a minute. Therefore, I thought I would work on the code to add Links to my blog. Well, I created a second test blog and once I got the coding to where I wanted, I deleted what I thought was my test blog. Turns out it was my original blog, and I lost everything. I did happen to have a page open with the old blog posts (all except one)...so I managed to salvage the posts. Unfortunately, I lost the comments as well. In order for me to keep track, I added the original post dates (for my benefit only). My apologies to all whom leave wonderful comments and may I never been so foolish again.

Home

2005-10-22T04:50:00.000-04:00

As I look at this picture with fond memories, I can once again smell the salt in the air...and hear the roar of the surf. This is where I spent all of my summers growing up, and a place to where I know I will eventually return. How can one describe such a place to those whom have never known the touch of the cool sand on their feet...Who have never experienced the joy of jumping the waves... The feel of the water lapping against your legs as you so desperately try to save your maginificent sandcastle (all sandcastles are grandeur to those who build them - especially those without any true skills)...The calmest of the waves when one needs to soothe their soul...the breathtaking beauty of its inhabitants...and the wonder of life that it gives so freely. There are those who believe a lake is on equal ground with the ocean, and I am here to tell them they are wrong. For a lake does not have the variety of life that the sea contains, nor does it provide such a lively hood for those who live within its boundaries. It does not have the depths, the treasures, and the force of the ocean. Lakes do have their place within our hearts, and they give peace to those who need it. But they will never compare on any level with the beauty of the Sea.

Blog of the Unknown

2005-10-22T04:48:00.000-04:00

Originally Posted On Wednesday, October 19, 2005

I truly do not know what to write for tonight, but want to post at least something. I have also realised that for the last two posts, I did not format them the same as the others *smacking my forehead*. Oh well... C'est la vie!Fall is definitely here, and I love when you can smell it in the air. The trees are changing colours, though not as vibrantly as I remember (past seasons). Nature is truly beautiful at this time of year; there is nothing like watching children playing in a pile of freshly fallen leaves (somethings in our ever present world of constant change - remain the same). This is the perfect time to curl up with a good book, and electric throw (so I can at least pretend I have the warmth of a fire). Well, that is about it for now. Once again I am up way past my bedtime, and my brain is letting me know.
I bid all a good night.
posted by Mantaray Ocean at 1:48 AM 0 comments

Marketing

2005-10-22T04:46:00.000-04:00

Originally Posted On Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Why is it that the Marketing Dept at hugely successful companies, treat the general population as idiots. I will admit that there are a few people that one has to shake their head at and wonder..How in the world these people can function in there day to day life (for an explanation - just ask any retail staff during the month of December). For example, Rogers ...Our wonderful monopoly Cable company...They are advertising over and over and over (get my drift)...That if you pay an outrageous price for their digital cable (which in reality has very few subscribers) you can get their famous "time-shifting". Yes, they have even coined a term for it. However, what they fail to mention is that there is no magic involved...No group of employees who worked diligently on how to offer more to their customers...No...Rogers just has the good fortune to be based in a country with 5 different time zones. So the reality is that their so called "time-shifting" is TV channels in each of the 5 zones, and voila that is it. It literally stupifies me how they can get away with it. It leads one to believe that there is this new upgrade in Cable, that will allow you to schedule any show that you want to watch around your life. Or what about the phrase "New and Improved". How many times a week, do you see a TV ad for some "new and improved" product of a brand that you use. When in reality, "new and improved" means that they have reduced the size of the product in volume. The same goes for "Ultra" and yet these companies continue to do this on a daily basis.What about politicians? They (in General) make promises we all know that they are not going to keep (and have no intention of keeping)...And yet we vote them in..in the hopes that they will keep their promises. Vicious CircleWhy do we allow them to "pull the wool" over our eyes?
posted by Mantaray Ocean at 1:06 AM 0 comments

I Blew It...

2005-10-22T04:43:00.000-04:00

Originally Posted On Sunday, October 16, 2005

Well, I truly blew my posting of a log per day.... I blew it right out of the water. By the time I get home from work in the evenings, I am so tired from all the traveling, I have been going right to bed and read (to unwind). So, now I am going to try and get right back on the blog and start again. Tonight, I went to the movies with one of my friends. We went to see Wallace and Gromit "Curse of the Were-Rabbit" and it had a short movie beforehand. The short movie starred the Penguins from the "Madagascar Movie", and it was called "Christmas Caper" (or something along those lines). Well, we enjoyed them both thoroughly. It has been a long time since I have laughed that hard. They were both brilliantly done, and I love British Humour. In fact, I love Kids Movies and always will. I believe it is the simple enjoyment of laughter that one does not find in Adult Movies. The pure innocence of wanting to entertain the creative and imaginative mind of children. I know that in some ways, I will always be a child at heart. I believe that you must enjoy life, even though it deals some rough blows at times. One must also be able to laugh at one's self because life is too short not to be happy. I was planning on a longer post tonight, but my eyes are starting to close (which is telling me that I am past my bedtime). Tomorrow, will definitely be a longer post.Good Night All
posted by Mantaray Ocean at 11:22 PM 2 comments

Mobile Phones...The New Things Strangers Ask To Borrow

2005-10-22T04:42:00.000-04:00

Originally Posted On Monday, October 10, 2005

I am completely dumbfounded and utterly speechless at this...Twice in the last 3 weeks, I have had a stranger ask me to borrow my mobile. I was so stunned the first time, that the first person decided against using it (Perhaps because my mouth was open in disbelief). Last night, while I was waiting for a bus ...I am sitting cross-legged on a bench reading a book...while not so patiently waiting for this bus...when a complete stranger walks up to me and puts his hand out towards me. I am not sure at this point what he wants... so I raise my head up to look at him and he says "Can I borrow your phone?" I thought I may have mistaken in what I heard him and he repeats the question. I had the mobile in my hand so I could check the time (as I forgot my watch yesterday). I proceed to hand my phone over to him (all the while telling myself that I am foolish for doing this), and he apologies for asking me to borrow it. He talks on the phone for about two minutes, and then hands me back my phone. Then he says "thank you". I know that I had the *stunned* look on my face. The one thing that I have learned over the years is that no matter how hard I try to cover them, the emotions that I am feeling show on my face (so much for ever playing poker). But that is a subject for another day...Back to the borrowing of the mobile.....I can understand if there is an accident or some sort of emergency where the person must absolutely use a phone or needs to reach someone. I have never been in that situation before but would hand my phone over in an instant. However, for a complete stranger to have the nerve (for a lack of a better word right now) to ask someone for their phone (to borrow)...instead of using a payphone just floors me. I would never walk up to a stranger and ask to borrow their phone (or any other item for that matter). Yet, others seem to think nothing of asking for a cigarette, lighter, matches (and I do not smoke), change, money, comb, lipstick, perfume...and I should no longer be shocked by this...but I still am. I have had strangers ask me for money so that they can buy a lottery ticket. I have had strangers insist on borrowing a lighter, and when I respond that I do not have one...they still persist. I then reply that I am a non-smoker. Occasionally, there are times when I feel that I should wear a button stating that I do not smoke...and only because some of these people are insist that I would have a cigarette or lighter on me. For all of those future strangers whom will insist I have a "smoke" or such...I DO NOT NOR HAVE I EVER SMOKED... I could possibly understand their persistence if they saw me smoking or using a lighter but to firmly insist on borrowing something that I do not have ...I am at a lost to comprehend...
posted by Mantaray Ocean at 1:33 PM 3 comments

Tired Yet Again

2005-10-22T04:39:00.000-04:00

Well I broke my run of a post everyday for approximately a week...but I worked seven days straight this week and it really drains my soul...So I shall post something tomorrow to make up for the two day neglect..
posted by Mantaray Ocean at 12:24 AM 0 comments

Originally Posted on Monday, October 10, 2005

World Of Science Disappoints Me Yet Again...

2005-10-22T04:37:00.000-04:00

Once again, I have not yet learned to accept the fact that the world of science fails me...Many times...Or rather the arrogance of Science...
It has been recently announced that the Scientists from AFIP, CDC, and the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in the United States, have re-created the "Spanish Flu" that killed 40 million people (1918-1919). No other disease in the History of Mankind killed more people in such a short span of time. They have recreated the Virus from scratch - however, a few years ago - Scientists discovered parts of this virus in frozen human remains (Arctic Tundra) and in tissue that was stored in government warehouses. Which allowed for comparisons of the man made virus to the one that was created in a lab. Was the recreation of this virus necessary in this day and age of the very real possibility that the Avian Flu will be the next "Great Flu Epidemic" or was it the arrogance of wanting to go into history books (as the first time an infectious agent behind a historic pandemic has ever been reconstructed).
I understand how important genome sequencing is, and what valuable information can be obtained from recreating this deadly virus. However, I worry what will happen to the ten vials that hold ten million particles of this virus. I also paid close attention to the wording of a CDC employee stating that the "public is at a minimal risk". The CDC is the same body that decided to keep the Smallpox Virus alive instead of destroying it. To be fair - Smallpox Virus is also stored at a lab in Siberia. However, we do know that there are now illegal stocks in various countries in the world...will the same thing happen with this newly re-created virus?
Will we one day read in the Headlines that some of the vials are missing?
Will we learn that the beginnings of this Flu has once again reared its ugly head?
Or will we learn that by recreating this flu virus has saved millions of lives?
Originally Posted on Friday, October 7, 2005
posted by Mantaray Ocean at 10:36 PM 3 comments

Good Night

2005-10-22T04:34:00.000-04:00

Tonight is going to be short and sweet...I am too tired to write but did not want to break my track record of one post per day.Good Night And May The Bed Bugs Never Bite! (scary thing is that they are running rampant in Toronto right now...Who knew they still existed)

Originally posted on Thursday, October 6, 2005

Welcome Back Hockey

2005-10-22T04:31:00.000-04:00

It is good to see Canada's favourite pastime back in session. Canadians love their Hockey...and to prove this we have put our beloved game on the back of our Five Dollar Bills. I mean can you truly think of another country who would even dream of putting hockey on their National Tender. *I did not think so*The shame of it all is that greed has ruined this game in a small part. To play a sport professionally for money seems to take some of the enjoyment out if it. In some way, I believe that the innocence of the game has been lost from greed of the owners and management. Somehow, when I picture these men as children playing for hours on end....I do not think that they are seeing dollar signs in their head...but just enjoying the moment for what it is. What goes through their heads now? Are they worried about being traded if their performance is not on par with what has been laid out before them? Are the Team Owners worried about television deals and trying to see how they can ensure good ratings? Are the coaches worried about if the team loses a few games that they will be terminated? Unfortunately, hockey has gone from being a National Pastime to one in which the ultimate goal is to make money, money...money

Originally Posted on Thursday, October 6, 2005