24 the Video Game
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Looks like they are coming out with "24" the Game. Jack Bauer on our Play Station 2 could make for some interesting fun. I'm always on the lookout for new hobbies and I never really got into video games so maybe now is my chance.
Right now our PS2 is collecting dust, so this game might just be its saviour.
24 the Game takes place between seasons two and three and is meant to fill in the blanks for several unanswered questions. "Who really attempted to assassinate President Palmer, how did Kim get her job with the LACTU, and how did Jack and Chase first start working together are among those questions asked.
Screen Shots:
image courtesy if IGN
image courtesy if IGN
posted by aforward @ 2:38 PM,
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For Everything Else...
Diana Krall Tickets...$70.00
Parking Downtown...$3.00
Beer Tent Visit...$5.50
Chip Wagon Visit...$3.00
A night of Jazz with my favourite person...
Did I mention, Diana Krall is the diggy. She has such a pure, sweet sound to her voice. She was always on pitch and redefines the gap between real artists and pop stars.
We are back at the Jazz Fest tonight for our yearly VIP visit courtesy of the Holiday Inn on Cooper.
posted by aforward @ 11:36 AM,
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Bookkeeping 101
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Took a little bookkeeping course this morning just to make sure we are keeping our accounting records up to date. Right now we just have a few ziploc bags of receipts.
Didn't learn too much, but I actually went there looking for an excel spreadsheet to do our accounting on, and we will be emailed something so that's perfect.
It's also nice to be around other entrepreneurs and to hear their ideas.
There were also some students in attendance from the Summer Company program. I almost took part in this when I was in high school but never went through with the application.
I miss accounting a little... it's was minor in university and the one subject I always did well in. Mainly because I like working with numbers as they relate to a small business.
posted by aforward @ 2:50 PM,
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Canadians Always Know the Temperature
Monday, June 27, 2005
It's either too hot, too cold or just right. But be sure to note that Canadians always know the temperature. We have this insatiable need to know the humidex in the summer and the wind chill factor in the winter.
All I can tell you is that today is REALLY hot. I am afraid to step outside for my usuall saunter home, I'll try to keep my head down and not think about it. I look outside my air-conditioned office window and I can literally see people wilting. At least today I remembered to bring my gym clothes so that I don't have to walk home in dress pants. I need a replacement for my back pack though, it's far too hot for a back pack these days.
posted by aforward @ 3:45 PM,
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People Watching
Friday, June 24, 2005
Is there any better past-time than people watching?
On the way into work I was watching people in their cars and then drawing an opinion of them. There was the soccer mom in the mini-van, the businessman,the struggling real-estate agent, the pompous ass in the Porsche, the trophy wife in the BMW z3 roadster.
On the way home from work I stopped at the neighbourhood family BBQ and just watched the families for a little while. It was nice to see the parents with their kids playing about. There was the random kid who was slowly but surely wondering out of the play area, the helpless newborns - little arms trapped in there osh gosh jumpers and the other younglings splashing about in the sprinkler area. Children are fascinating creatures - fun to watch.
posted by aforward @ 10:19 AM,
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I Love People Who Embrace Wit
Thursday, June 23, 2005
I saw a "larger" women walking into the mall today and she had on the funniest T-shirt:
It said something like "stop hitting on me" or "Don't even think of hitting on me".
The point is that she can still laugh at herself....she's knows she's fat and unattractive, but she can still find a way to be sarcastic and over-confident.
posted by aforward @ 12:47 PM,
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Wish I Were Here...
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Calabash Cove, St. Lucia
posted by aforward @ 10:51 AM,
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NBA Championships
I know everyone was dreading this series but I must admit I have put on every game so far and watched some pretty good fundamental basketball.
Some observations:
- The games are on too late. By the time the tip off comes after all the anthems and introductions its already well into my bed time. I haven't been able to finish a game so far.
- Brett Barry's quick release. I 've never seen anything like it.
- I was surprised that Tim Duncan can't shoot a free throw to save his life.
- Rip and Tayshaun are two of the skinniest people I have ever seen.
- What happened to Manu? After those two great games at the start of the series, he's been a little invisible.
- The amount of offensive rebounds the Pistons get is unbelieveable. It's like they get two chances to score every time down the court.
What's most surprising is my interest in this series. Didn't think I'd care much...but I'm actually finding it entertaining.
posted by aforward @ 9:43 AM,
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To Eat or not to Eat Meat
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
For quite a while I had stopped eating red meat, mostly because I just didn't like the taste or texture. I had also heard that too much red meat isn't very healthy. I limited my meat intake to just poultry and fish.
Then my relationship with my husband (then boyfriend) started to become more serious. With any relationship comes family dinners. Rather than be a burden to the chef (oh yeah Ayana doesn't eat meat). I tried to stay quiet and just eat what was put in front of me. The only truly difficult incident was the one with pork, but I won't go there.
Then my husband started to eat hamburgers, I mean a lot of hamburgers. So I added hamburgers back to my diet. Mainly because I looked like an idiot at summer barbecues with my little chicken breast.
Then my husband started to work at the Keg. Steak Heaven. There are menu choices at the Keg that I like that aren't steak based which is good for me; the Fajitas or Nachos is what I usually order. I'll eat a steak once in a blue moon.
Well then my husband, the barbeque genius went and ordered some bulk steaks from the Keg on the weekend. Grilled to perfection and what can I say I may need to have another steak before the next blue moon.
Anyway, I'm not sure why, but everytime I think of steak, I remember that scene in the Matrix with Cypher...going over to the dark side talking about his steak.
Anyways that is basically my transition back into meat land. There are still certain meats that I cannot stomach:
-ground beef in pasta sauces
-bacon on its own
-pork
-lamb
-lamb chops
-roast beef
-ribs
posted by aforward @ 4:29 PM,
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FHC is Moving Out
Friday, June 17, 2005
My office is moving to a different location at the end of August. It will be the first office move of my lifetime. Apparently as admin co-ordinator, I'm at the lead of this move.
A little list of things to do:
-hire movers and potentially junk removal people
-move phone systems
-move internet system
-alert computer guy so he can look at the wiring for networking etc
-alert Canada Post
-alert all NSOs, PSOs, multi-sport agencies etc of the move/new address
-and everything that comes with having a new address (new stationary, business cards etc)
I'm still debating whether or not our home is closer to the new office. It is definately a more bike friendly route, but that doesn't help much in the winter. The number 3 looks like it will be my new bus of choice in case of inclement weather.
If the weather is nice this weekend I may take Andrew on a little test run.
posted by aforward @ 2:46 PM,
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Ricky Williams - granted early reinstatement to the NFL's substance-abuse program
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Source: Miami Football 365
"Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams was granted early reinstatement to the NFL's substance-abuse program. Williams will be subject to 10 random drug tests per month for the rest of his NFL career. He still faces a 1 year ban should he fail or miss a drug test as a 2 time offender of the league's policies. However, Williams still has to wait until July 28 to rejoin the Dolphins. That date marks the anniversary of his retirement, which was considered a third failed drug test. As it is, Williams still faces a 4 game suspension to begin the season as a result of a second failed drug test for marijuana in 2004 before he quit football."
posted by aforward @ 11:13 AM,
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How Many Jerseys?
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
This is a question I always had for professional athletes?
How many jersey's do they go through in a game? I mean you can tell when a tennis player changes his shirt but do you think NBA players switch jersey's at half-time? What about soccer players? And do they have a new a jersey for every game?
I try to compare my experiences as a semi-professional soccer player to decide how close I actually was to what a pro athlete faces when on tour. We only had one uniform or (kit). A home and and away kit. We gave these back at the end of every game.
You always see players throwing their jerseys in the stands or you see soccer players trading those sweaty things at the end of a match. Then there are those guys who don't get to play so no sweat on their jersey...wonder if the rules are different for them.
posted by aforward @ 2:01 PM,
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Athletes You'd Most Like To See...(in their prime)
Just my little collection of Athletes I most enjoyed watching and wished the world could have the pleasure of watching them again. (of course only if they were in their prime playing against today's super stars.)
1. Steffi Graf
2. Michael Jordan
3. Dan Marino
4. Marco van Basten
5. Oscar de la Hoya
6. The Good Blue Jays
Reminds me of when I used to collect sports cards and was a crazy, obssessed fan. Now I'm a just methodical type fan. I pay more attention to statistics instead of being a nut. I guess i'm too old now to look up to athletes.
I guess I should throw a wrestler in there too....hmmm I really enjoyed tag teams like the Killer Bees and Demolition.
posted by aforward @ 1:49 PM,
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Mr.and Mrs. Smith
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
I knew Andrew wasn't enjoying the movie when I looked over and he was pouting with his arms crossed. I did hear a few gigles coming from his direction, which is to say the movie is witty but not nearly witty enough.
Brad carries the movie, he is very good. Angelina was a bit dissappointing...but I must say you don't expect most actreses to be very athletic (arts genes and athlete genes don't usually inhabit one person). So lets just say she's athletic. Andrew is also very proud of himself for not being attracted to Ms. Jolie. Which is good for me because I don't have to worry about her stealing him.
All in all I liked the movie, it was fun. But I like guns, knives and spy shi...stuff
posted by aforward @ 12:13 PM,
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Careers I Find Interesting (Brainstorming)
I've always admired people who love what they do? You know the one's whose jobs just suit them perfectly.
Here are some cool jobs:
Broadway Actor
Professional Busker
Bike Store Owner
Fishing Guide
Tour Guide
Dolphin Trainer
Caterer
Artist
Bar Owner
Magician
Professional Poker Player
Golf Pro
Sports Analyst (Wilbon and Kornheiser come to mind)
So here are the jobs I think I'd be good at:
-International Soccer Tour Guide
-Restauranteur
-Small Business Advisor
-Real Estate Investor
-Driving Range/Mini Putt Owner
I'm just doing some Brainstorming because I'm about ready for a career move.
posted by aforward @ 12:03 PM,
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A Credit Card Bill of $0:Good Feeling
Friday, June 10, 2005
So in a strange twist of events our credit card bills may be $0 this month. We weren't even trying too hard... it just sort of happened. Andrew has been working a little bit extra at the keg so that has helped.
Anyway my little experiment (not being able to use my mastercard for three months) was a good exercise in not using credit cards.
I think I'd like to stop using them all together. I envy people who don't own credit cards.
Goes back to my favourite saving tip; If you can't buy that toy you want to today in cash, it means you probably can't afford it...and therefore don't need it until you can afford it.
Treats are more fun after you've saved up for them.
Husband may not agree, but I'm willing to sacrifice the grocery points for the freedom of not having credit cards. I can see their use for travel and online purchases but that is about it.
posted by aforward @ 11:30 AM,
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Free iPod Shuffle
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Looks like TD bank is giving away a free IPod shuffle to those opening a new account.
http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/accounts/ipod2.jsp?source=WB357792
Offer below:
Whether you're a current TD Canada Trust customer or someone looking for a more comfortable banking experience, switch your main chequing account to TD Canada Trust by August 12, 2005 and we'll give you a FREE iPod shuffle¹ - Apple's smallest MP3 player yet.
All you have to do is transfer your main personal or small business chequing account at another financial institution to an eligible chequing account at TD Canada Trust by August 12, 2005². For personal chequing accounts, you will also need to have at least one direct deposit or two pre-authorized payments set up (can be new or existing). And thanks to our EasySwitch process, moving your account is hassle-free - because we do the work for you.
posted by aforward @ 10:54 AM,
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Being Self-Employed Brings You a Whole New Level of Stress Management
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
By: Kate Smiley
Being self-employed is synonymous with long hours, and working through those days that you really should have taken off. It means that your stomach is repeatedly in knots and the adrenaline just doesn't flow anymore.
If this describes you, you're not alone.
Working for oneself from home, in front of the computer on weekdays and weekends is becoming evermore popular thanks to the internet and the World Wide Web. However, with this ever growing popularity of independence, comes the increasing build of stress.
Symptoms of high stress in those who are self-employed include:
* The inability to concentrate
* The general feeling of being uptight
* Biting everyone's head off
* Aching shoulders and neck
* A constant headache
* Indecisiveness
* Fatigue
* Insomnia
Of course, these are only a sample of the symptoms, but they are among the most common. If left unmanaged, stress can even develop further into more dangerous health conditions.
For people who are self-employed, proper stress management becomes critical to living a healthy, rewarding life. Stress management itself is a matter of recognizing your individual stresses, finding the cause, and taking responsibility for these stresses, making changes where they are necessary.
This can be as simple as taking an aroma therapeutic bubble bath at night, yoga, or something more structured, such as consulting a stress management therapist.
If you are self-employed, and you wish to make certain that your stress level is managed effectively, you may wish to consult your doctor, who can advise you with regards to the techniques and strategies that will work best for you.
______________________
Copyright 2004, Connecticut Secretary
http://www.connecticutsecretary.com Freelance Secretarial and Transcription Services
posted by aforward @ 3:22 PM,
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Ottawa Jazz Festival
Nice line-up this year for the Ottawa Jazz festival with Diana Krall and Harry Connick Jr making appearances. I think I've used up my free passes with the Holidya Inn on Cooper and may have to fork out some bucks this year.
So many concerts this summer, so little time.
posted by aforward @ 12:54 PM,
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Shopping for An MP3 Player
Friday, June 03, 2005
So I decided it's time for a new gadget. Hopefully I will be able to start running more so I'm looking for a little MP3 player that's good for jogging. It will be nice to listen to music on my walk to and from work.
Here is my main criteria
-can play FM radio
-Minimum 256 MB storage
-light and small
-can clip to belt/shorts
I have two in mind, both from Creative
The MuVo micro $99 and the MuVo TX ($102 after price match)
I think the only difference is that one has an inline voice recorder (which I don't much care about)
I don't need a lot of storage because it is just for jogs and walks, not for long car/plane rides. Plus I already have an mp3 CD player for that and Andrew has an iPod.
posted by aforward @ 3:29 PM,
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Picture of the Day
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Justine Henin-Hardenne looking pretty fly on the Courts at Roland Garros.
Glad she is back.
posted by aforward @ 3:49 PM,
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Email Scanners
Have you ever emailed someone and then they reply asking a question that is already answered in the original email you sent?
Well it bugged me a lot this morning until I realized that I did it myself to someone else recently.
Moral: Scanning emails doesn't quite work like it used. Read the entire message before hitting reply.
posted by aforward @ 3:47 PM,
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Book Launch - Instep Fundraising
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
My book launched today!!! : )
Raise Money...Without Selling: Effective Web Based Fundraising
I'm anxiuous to see what the response will be.
Yesterday was quite a busy day but I finished up the fundsport free course! Building Web Pages for Fundraising Profit.
posted by aforward @ 10:28 AM,
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