Well, it took a lot longer tonight than originally planned, but the 'Riders are alone in first place in the CFL.
The hour long break at the start of the fourth quarter for the lightning storm seemed to be a blessing as the Green and White scored something like 12 unanswered points when play resumed while Edmonton could only manage one first down in that span.
The crowd was amazing!!! The skies opened up and lightning rang for an hour and there were still 15-20,000 fans in the stadium when play resumed. It was louder in the stadium after the hour long delay than most other stadiums are at any point.
A brilliant game and I know all Roughrider fans will go to bed happy tonight!!!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
My good friend beer
Here I sit. Enjoying a beer and changing the channel between the 'Riders game and the Robocop marathon on the Space channel.
This has been a good night....
This has been a good night....
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Bloggin' on the Balcony
Yup, this post is coming to you from the balcony outside my apartment.
Not much going on tonight. Michelle is watching her crappy dancing reality show on one TV while taping the same show on the other one. As a result, I am relegated to occupying myself on the computer.
And since I have already checked my usual websites at least five times in the last half hour I figured I may as well post something up here.
It's great out here on the balcony! I face the river so I can hear the peaceful sounds of the water. There's also few street lights around so I can see the stars better without the light pollution. There is a nice breeze keeping the bugs away and bringing by interesting aromas.
I think I'm gonna go and get a beer now and enjoy the evening out here....
Not much going on tonight. Michelle is watching her crappy dancing reality show on one TV while taping the same show on the other one. As a result, I am relegated to occupying myself on the computer.
And since I have already checked my usual websites at least five times in the last half hour I figured I may as well post something up here.
It's great out here on the balcony! I face the river so I can hear the peaceful sounds of the water. There's also few street lights around so I can see the stars better without the light pollution. There is a nice breeze keeping the bugs away and bringing by interesting aromas.
I think I'm gonna go and get a beer now and enjoy the evening out here....
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Protesting the Protesters
Watching the news last night, I learned that there is a meeting coming up between the three North American Leaders in the coming week or so in this area. There was an information meeting for local residents and businesses regarding the security for the event. The local business owners are very concerned about their locations with regards to damage that could be caused by protesters. I have a huge problem with this.
Protesters have become a huge problem in our society. From what I have seen, all they do is gather at meetings of world leaders or policy shapers and cause havoc. They say that they have a cause, but that disappears when the vandalism of the surrounding areas starts.
Even when there protest remains relatively peaceful, there still has to be an enormous security contingent to deal with it should the situation decay into anarchy. And it is us, the taxpayers, who are forced to foot the bill for all this added security. It would be nice if these people who caused the need for it would pay something for it, but that isn't likely since the sheer fact they can sit around all day for a week to protest seems to indicate that they don't have (or don't want) a job.
And do these protests ever accomplish anything? Not that I've seen. People are always out protesting President Bush (and I'm sure that's why they'll be out at this meeting too) complaining to stop the war in Iraq and bring the soldiers home. The President's response: sent over even more soldiers for the Troop Surge. How's that working for you protesters?
All the leaders in North America have shown that they don't give a damn about whatever is the protest-du-jour. The only time it is ever brought up is by opposition parties to try and put pressure on the leader. In fact, I'm sure that if the Secret Service agents hadn't stopped him, President Bush would have jumped into a tank and gone all Tiananmen Square on their asses by now (and probably on more than one occasion).
All these protesters sit around with their signs and their songs and think that they are changing the world. If they really wanted to change the world, they would go and make something of their lives and actually be a part of that change.
Don't demand a solution. Be a part of the solution.
Protesters have become a huge problem in our society. From what I have seen, all they do is gather at meetings of world leaders or policy shapers and cause havoc. They say that they have a cause, but that disappears when the vandalism of the surrounding areas starts.
Even when there protest remains relatively peaceful, there still has to be an enormous security contingent to deal with it should the situation decay into anarchy. And it is us, the taxpayers, who are forced to foot the bill for all this added security. It would be nice if these people who caused the need for it would pay something for it, but that isn't likely since the sheer fact they can sit around all day for a week to protest seems to indicate that they don't have (or don't want) a job.
And do these protests ever accomplish anything? Not that I've seen. People are always out protesting President Bush (and I'm sure that's why they'll be out at this meeting too) complaining to stop the war in Iraq and bring the soldiers home. The President's response: sent over even more soldiers for the Troop Surge. How's that working for you protesters?
All the leaders in North America have shown that they don't give a damn about whatever is the protest-du-jour. The only time it is ever brought up is by opposition parties to try and put pressure on the leader. In fact, I'm sure that if the Secret Service agents hadn't stopped him, President Bush would have jumped into a tank and gone all Tiananmen Square on their asses by now (and probably on more than one occasion).
All these protesters sit around with their signs and their songs and think that they are changing the world. If they really wanted to change the world, they would go and make something of their lives and actually be a part of that change.
Don't demand a solution. Be a part of the solution.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Let's do the Time Warp
Last night Michelle wanted to watch the 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' and I figured it would be good to see it at least once in my life, if for no other reason than to get all the references to it in shows like The Simpsons and Family guy.
It was a pretty screwed up movie. Michelle told me that it was originally a play, after which I began comparing it to 'Springtime for Hitler', the play that is put on in 'The Producers' when they are trying to produce a flop.
And during the whole movie, I kept going back the the episode of 'The Drew Carey Show' where they have the giant dance number to the Time Warp with the main characters dressed up like the movie. That was freakin' hilarious.
It was a pretty screwed up movie. Michelle told me that it was originally a play, after which I began comparing it to 'Springtime for Hitler', the play that is put on in 'The Producers' when they are trying to produce a flop.
And during the whole movie, I kept going back the the episode of 'The Drew Carey Show' where they have the giant dance number to the Time Warp with the main characters dressed up like the movie. That was freakin' hilarious.
Friday, August 10, 2007
First Place
That's right. With the defeat of the Argos tonight, my 'Riders are in first place in the CFL, at least until the BC - Winnipeg game concludes later tonight. I'm so torn: I despise the Bombers to the very core of my being, but if the Lions win they'll be back ahead of the Riders.
If I were a betting man, I'd bet on the Lions. but in the wild and wacky CFL, anything can (and usually does) happen.
If I were a betting man, I'd bet on the Lions. but in the wild and wacky CFL, anything can (and usually does) happen.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Sports Wusses
The other day on PTI, I saw an interview from someone associated with the LA Galaxy. He was defending his star player, David Beckham, because "Becks" has yet to play any meaningful time in the North American league. This guy was arguing that soccer players are as tough as any other athletes out there. At this point I broke out laughing (as I was listening on my Ipod the other people in my office now think I am nuts). I can think of so many other players in many other sports that are tougher that it's not even funny.
- Scott Niedermayer played for half the season on a broken foot, and was still better than 3/4 of the league.
- Mike Comrie separated his shoulder in the second round of the playoffs and still played in every game thereafter, throwing hits and taking shots.
- Steve Yzerman shredded his knee helping team Canada win olympic gold, and then proceeded to lead his Red Wings through the gruelling playoffs, essentially on one knee, to claim the Stanley Cup and also the Conn Smythe trophie as the playoff MVP (I think).
- There was that rugby player in Australia not too long ago that played for months with a tooth from another player lodged in his skull.
- The guy in the X-Games last week who plummeted at least 50 feet to the ramp and not only walked away, but also claimed the silver medal for his troubles.
- Just tonight, Scott Coe of the Calgary Stampeders broke his hand in the first half of the game and came back out for the second half and is throwing hits and making tackles.
I would take the wussiest hockey player in the world over the toughest soccer player any day. Okay, maybe not Yashin....
*** Update ***
I heard today that there was a pitcher for the Colorado Rockies that pitched 5 innings with a broken leg in the last week. That is amazing considering the stress put on the legs of a pitcher when going through the pitching motion.
- Scott Niedermayer played for half the season on a broken foot, and was still better than 3/4 of the league.
- Mike Comrie separated his shoulder in the second round of the playoffs and still played in every game thereafter, throwing hits and taking shots.
- Steve Yzerman shredded his knee helping team Canada win olympic gold, and then proceeded to lead his Red Wings through the gruelling playoffs, essentially on one knee, to claim the Stanley Cup and also the Conn Smythe trophie as the playoff MVP (I think).
- There was that rugby player in Australia not too long ago that played for months with a tooth from another player lodged in his skull.
- The guy in the X-Games last week who plummeted at least 50 feet to the ramp and not only walked away, but also claimed the silver medal for his troubles.
- Just tonight, Scott Coe of the Calgary Stampeders broke his hand in the first half of the game and came back out for the second half and is throwing hits and making tackles.
I would take the wussiest hockey player in the world over the toughest soccer player any day. Okay, maybe not Yashin....
*** Update ***
I heard today that there was a pitcher for the Colorado Rockies that pitched 5 innings with a broken leg in the last week. That is amazing considering the stress put on the legs of a pitcher when going through the pitching motion.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Best Meal Ever...
Ken and I went to Montreal on Saturday to go to Jeff's surprise bachelor party. We had wanted to go for dinner at this restaurant that is on like the 47th floor of an office building, but when we called we were informed that there was a dress code. With three of us wearing shorts, we weren't getting in there.
Instead, we went to this steak place that Mike had heard of from a friend. We called for reservations and were assured that there was no dress code. We got over there at 9:30 for our reservation. Our first clue that this would not be a cheap meal was that in the little deli that was in the front window the steaks were priced starting at $70/lb.
We were taken upstairs to the VIP lounge and we sat down to look at the menus. No entrees under $40. I ended up ordering the Philly cheese steak. Shortly after we ordered, a waiter came around to show us the actual steaks that were chosen for our meals. They looked amazing. Each was no less that two inches thick and they has perfect coloring. And leave it to Ken to order the biggest steak on the menu: the Porterhouse (which I found out later is a fancy name for a T-bone). That thing was just massive.
While we were waiting for the steaks, we had ordered some appetizers and drinks. Ken and I had ordered some spring rolls. They had chunks of steak in them and were very good. Mike ordered Steak Tartare and shared it around the table because no one else had had it before. Essentially, the dish is where they select a good steak, grind it into hamburger, and serve it raw mixed with a quail egg, dijon mustard, and various spices. Despite my initial skepticism, it actually tasted quite good, though I don't know if I could eat a whole order of it.
After a little while our steaks came. They looked amazing. They tasted even better. Mine was cooked to perfection and was incredibly flavorful. Every bite was ecstasy. And it was huge. It took forever to eat the whole thing while savoring every bite. And as if that wasn't enough, the side dish was just as brilliant. I had fresh cut french fries that were seasoned with sea-salt. Simply fantastic.
While we were eating, I ordered a Manhattan cocktail. It was as good as the rest of the food.
By the time we had left, we had been there for 3 hours. We were almost the last ones in the place. I'm sure that the average bill for the 7 of us was well over $100 per person, but it was worth it...
Instead, we went to this steak place that Mike had heard of from a friend. We called for reservations and were assured that there was no dress code. We got over there at 9:30 for our reservation. Our first clue that this would not be a cheap meal was that in the little deli that was in the front window the steaks were priced starting at $70/lb.
We were taken upstairs to the VIP lounge and we sat down to look at the menus. No entrees under $40. I ended up ordering the Philly cheese steak. Shortly after we ordered, a waiter came around to show us the actual steaks that were chosen for our meals. They looked amazing. Each was no less that two inches thick and they has perfect coloring. And leave it to Ken to order the biggest steak on the menu: the Porterhouse (which I found out later is a fancy name for a T-bone). That thing was just massive.
While we were waiting for the steaks, we had ordered some appetizers and drinks. Ken and I had ordered some spring rolls. They had chunks of steak in them and were very good. Mike ordered Steak Tartare and shared it around the table because no one else had had it before. Essentially, the dish is where they select a good steak, grind it into hamburger, and serve it raw mixed with a quail egg, dijon mustard, and various spices. Despite my initial skepticism, it actually tasted quite good, though I don't know if I could eat a whole order of it.
After a little while our steaks came. They looked amazing. They tasted even better. Mine was cooked to perfection and was incredibly flavorful. Every bite was ecstasy. And it was huge. It took forever to eat the whole thing while savoring every bite. And as if that wasn't enough, the side dish was just as brilliant. I had fresh cut french fries that were seasoned with sea-salt. Simply fantastic.
While we were eating, I ordered a Manhattan cocktail. It was as good as the rest of the food.
By the time we had left, we had been there for 3 hours. We were almost the last ones in the place. I'm sure that the average bill for the 7 of us was well over $100 per person, but it was worth it...
Friday, August 3, 2007
Where do I sign?...
Does anyone out there have Kevin Lowe's phone number? Maybe his email address?
I want to get him to sign me to an offer sheet.
I'll even go cheap. I'll settle for $1.5 - $2 Million per season. I won't get too greedy.
In all seriousness, I don't know how good of a deal the Oilers are getting here with Dustin Penner. He's obviously a player that they think very highly of, but I am not convinced that he will turn into an 80 point per season player. Of course, I live in the eastern conference and didn't get to see much of his play this year aside from in the finals against my Senators (though I'll bet I saw him more that the majority of the people out here since I had the NHL Center Ice package and usually watched two games a day). He went through the draft not being selected by any team before he signed as a free agent with the Ducks. That means he was passed over 210 times. True, he did have 84 points in 57 games two years ago in the AHL, but that is only the AHL.
As for his production this year, he scored 45 points while playing all 82 games on a very good team (the eventual Stanly Cup champions as it were, and yes I am still bitter about that). I think that if he manages to get 40 points this season, he'll be doing good. Of course, the pressure that will be put on him now that he is making so much money, not to mention playing in a hockey-mad market, could really weigh him down ala Joffrey Lupul last season.
The real winner in this deal, aside from Penner getting all that cash, could easily end up being Brian Burke and the Ducks. For all Burke's griping about the offer sheet, he does get Edmonton's first, second, and third round picks in next years draft. Edmonton missed the playoffs and just generally had a poor season last year. I don't see any of the moves the Oilers have made this year propelling them back in to playoff contention. If anything, they could be even worse than they were last year. Their big signing of this off-season was of one of the crappiest defenseman in the league defensively and they traded away their captain and only defensive blue-liner for another defenseman that is a liability in his own end. So while they may score a lot of goals and have a deadly powerplay, keeping pucks out of their own net will not be their forte. Dwane Roloson better be ready to see a lot of rubber this year.
If the Oilers do as poorly as I expect, those draft picks could become extremely valuable. If Edmonton finishes as one of the 5 worst teams in the league, that first round pick could be #1 overall, what with the lottery and all. And those picks could be extremely valuable come the trade deadline should Burke want to go shopping for some help for the Cup defense.
I'd like to see this work out for the Oilers, but it seems so unlikely as to be essentially impossible.
I want to get him to sign me to an offer sheet.
I'll even go cheap. I'll settle for $1.5 - $2 Million per season. I won't get too greedy.
In all seriousness, I don't know how good of a deal the Oilers are getting here with Dustin Penner. He's obviously a player that they think very highly of, but I am not convinced that he will turn into an 80 point per season player. Of course, I live in the eastern conference and didn't get to see much of his play this year aside from in the finals against my Senators (though I'll bet I saw him more that the majority of the people out here since I had the NHL Center Ice package and usually watched two games a day). He went through the draft not being selected by any team before he signed as a free agent with the Ducks. That means he was passed over 210 times. True, he did have 84 points in 57 games two years ago in the AHL, but that is only the AHL.
As for his production this year, he scored 45 points while playing all 82 games on a very good team (the eventual Stanly Cup champions as it were, and yes I am still bitter about that). I think that if he manages to get 40 points this season, he'll be doing good. Of course, the pressure that will be put on him now that he is making so much money, not to mention playing in a hockey-mad market, could really weigh him down ala Joffrey Lupul last season.
The real winner in this deal, aside from Penner getting all that cash, could easily end up being Brian Burke and the Ducks. For all Burke's griping about the offer sheet, he does get Edmonton's first, second, and third round picks in next years draft. Edmonton missed the playoffs and just generally had a poor season last year. I don't see any of the moves the Oilers have made this year propelling them back in to playoff contention. If anything, they could be even worse than they were last year. Their big signing of this off-season was of one of the crappiest defenseman in the league defensively and they traded away their captain and only defensive blue-liner for another defenseman that is a liability in his own end. So while they may score a lot of goals and have a deadly powerplay, keeping pucks out of their own net will not be their forte. Dwane Roloson better be ready to see a lot of rubber this year.
If the Oilers do as poorly as I expect, those draft picks could become extremely valuable. If Edmonton finishes as one of the 5 worst teams in the league, that first round pick could be #1 overall, what with the lottery and all. And those picks could be extremely valuable come the trade deadline should Burke want to go shopping for some help for the Cup defense.
I'd like to see this work out for the Oilers, but it seems so unlikely as to be essentially impossible.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Me? An Illustrator???
Yup, it's true....
For the last week and for the forseeable future, I am working as an illustrator. It's a little slow at work right now but we have a big contract with a company to take CAD drawings and turn them into figures that can be used in manuals.
The work is fairly tedious as the majority of of it is just copying and pasting and I think that I am getting carpel tunnel in my pinkie and index fingers from pressing 'Ctrl'-'C' and 'Ctrl'-'V'.
But it's work. If I weren't doing this I'd be sitting on Idle time, doing nothing constructive and getting paid for it.... It's not as good as it sounds. You get bored awfully fast.
For the last week and for the forseeable future, I am working as an illustrator. It's a little slow at work right now but we have a big contract with a company to take CAD drawings and turn them into figures that can be used in manuals.
The work is fairly tedious as the majority of of it is just copying and pasting and I think that I am getting carpel tunnel in my pinkie and index fingers from pressing 'Ctrl'-'C' and 'Ctrl'-'V'.
But it's work. If I weren't doing this I'd be sitting on Idle time, doing nothing constructive and getting paid for it.... It's not as good as it sounds. You get bored awfully fast.
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