OK - I admit it - I LOVE watching American Idol. Just the singing competition, the rest is boring as hell!
This year's American Idol produced, amongst others, an amazing Talent called Adam Lambert. Pretty much from the beginning I was fascinated by this young man and his absolutely out-of-this-world pipes! I even favorite a couple of his songs because every time I watch the videos over they give chills and make me feel REAL good!
Well, not that it wasn't obvious from the first audition, but Adam is gay. He came out officially a few days ago but it was really a no-brainer!!!
But here are two facts that scare me to death. I mean we are in the 21st Century, supposedly out of the Barbaric phase of humanity and into the more evolved enlightened, technological age of humankind.
Then why the heck is it such BIG news that a young man is gay? Why does Adam have to be judged for being homosexual rather then being judged for his amazing talent!?
For that matter, WHY is it that someone who is so obviously gay like Clay Aiken (runner=up on Idol a few years ago) has to wait years before coming out because he was afraid his career wouldn't take off if he'd reveal his homosexuality!!!
I read in numerous articles that Adam lost this years final because he was gay. Because he was goth. Because he was a rocker. Because, because, because................
How stupid is THAT? The guy was BY FAR the best singer in the competition. BY FAR the best entertainer. And BY FAR had the cutest smile (I am not gay but boy that smile made me shiver...lol)
Apparently, and again I read that and watch an entertainment video on CNN about this, he didn't come out during the competition because he was afraid of the negativity perceived in being gay and that he would be voted off because of that.
Are we as a people THAT SHALLOW? Are we, the 21st century human race, still THAT homophobic, that we can not see beyond a persons preferential life choice and only see the talent and joy this person brings to our miserable lives?
Adam also revealed that he had a crush on the winner, and his room mate throughout the competition, Chris Allen. Chris is straight and married. SO WHAT!? Didn't we all at one time or another have a man-crush on someone? Heck, i still look at men sometimes and think, he's hot! It's NATURAL! Doesn't mean I act upon my thoughts. Just means I am MAN ENOUGH to admit that other men are good looking and even HOT! (OK - I am jealous of underwear models and their 6-packs!!)
We are all judgemental bigots in some way or other. I am usually when I am driving. I become a racist, finger showing, obscenity shouting moron when behind the wheel. Heck, this blog entry is judgemental because I am judging those that judge!!
But, I don't make anyone afraid that their career is in jeopardy because the can't drive. And that is what we in North America do to those in the spot light!
We should take a page out of the life styles in Europe. There is lots of judging in Europe, I am certain of that. But compared to the Dutch, Germans, French, Italians, Swedes or any other European country we in North America are still colonials!!!!
If you have to judge, judge the voice NOT the man!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Friday, December 26, 2008
Jewish, Christian or whatever - 'Tis the Season To Be Selfless
It is the time of giving and spreading joy and we have done so in a few ways this year.
We donated to a couple of charities, we gave money and food to the food bank. And twice every year we have donated cloths to the Salvation Army (there is no Jewish charity organisation taking cloths as far as we know but then who cares as long as it goes to the needy!!)
Yet, why do i feel it wasnt enough? Why did a homeless person make me feel ashamed for not having given enough?
Let me explain. Christmas Morning we stopped at 7-11, my wife ran in to do her lottery and I waited in the car with the baby. Near the entrance sat a young man, probably in his mid-20’s, wearing a light parka over a early fall jacket/sweater, ragged jeans and worn boots and covered in a dirty old blanket, obviously cold and suffering from slight hypothermia (he kept nodding off which is a sure sign of hypothermia). Just based on my observation of his appearance he hadn't showered nor shaved in days and I am sure food had been a rarity as well.
So while M was inside the store I watched the young man and the parade of people walking by. Most folks just looked at the man with pity in their eyes but walked on. A couple of people gave him some coins.
Then a couple of charitable events happened that made me think about giving and ashamed for not having done so.
A young woman came out of 7-11 and gave the man a large cup of something hot. Just like that. And she did it with purpose, having known she would buy him a hot drink. His eyes lit up for a moment and he grabbed the cup between his dirty hands with a thankful smile for the woman. It is really strange but a SAW the dirt and the worn hands but all I could SEE where his long, dirty fingernails.
Anyway, a minute or so later I looked left and there this little old lady walked by, and while she walked and saw the young freezing man she opened her purse and pulled out some money. Not just coins – no. She gave him a $5 bill or two (only saw one)!
What made me even more ashamed was that the actually talked to the young man,
asking him how he was doing and if he was keeping warm. He said it wasnt easy right now with the cold weather and snow but he kept warm as best as he could.
This little old lady not only provided the man with a hot meal and shelter somewhere by giving him more then just a coin but actually took the time to talk to him, find out a bit about him and how he was fairing.
I was sitting in the car thinking „why doesnt he get a job?“ and „Should I give him $2 or not?“ – she was concerned about his well-being! Shame on me!
All the way home I was actually quietly upset at having to make a decision, should I or shouldnt I have given this man some cash or take him to the Falafel place next door and buy him lunch. I was debating helping a human being survive because I had already given so much this season.
$2 more would not have harmed me nor my family but would have given this man maybe some more warmth through hot food, warm drink or safe shelter.
How can I say that I want my daughter to learn about charity and helping others, when I am debating doing so. How can I teach my daughter to be a decent human being without prejudices, when all I thought was „if i give him $2 will he go tot he liquor store and get beer!“.
Because of this little old lady I know that next time there won’t be a discussion in MY head!
We donated to a couple of charities, we gave money and food to the food bank. And twice every year we have donated cloths to the Salvation Army (there is no Jewish charity organisation taking cloths as far as we know but then who cares as long as it goes to the needy!!)
Yet, why do i feel it wasnt enough? Why did a homeless person make me feel ashamed for not having given enough?
Let me explain. Christmas Morning we stopped at 7-11, my wife ran in to do her lottery and I waited in the car with the baby. Near the entrance sat a young man, probably in his mid-20’s, wearing a light parka over a early fall jacket/sweater, ragged jeans and worn boots and covered in a dirty old blanket, obviously cold and suffering from slight hypothermia (he kept nodding off which is a sure sign of hypothermia). Just based on my observation of his appearance he hadn't showered nor shaved in days and I am sure food had been a rarity as well.
So while M was inside the store I watched the young man and the parade of people walking by. Most folks just looked at the man with pity in their eyes but walked on. A couple of people gave him some coins.
Then a couple of charitable events happened that made me think about giving and ashamed for not having done so.
A young woman came out of 7-11 and gave the man a large cup of something hot. Just like that. And she did it with purpose, having known she would buy him a hot drink. His eyes lit up for a moment and he grabbed the cup between his dirty hands with a thankful smile for the woman. It is really strange but a SAW the dirt and the worn hands but all I could SEE where his long, dirty fingernails.
Anyway, a minute or so later I looked left and there this little old lady walked by, and while she walked and saw the young freezing man she opened her purse and pulled out some money. Not just coins – no. She gave him a $5 bill or two (only saw one)!
What made me even more ashamed was that the actually talked to the young man,
asking him how he was doing and if he was keeping warm. He said it wasnt easy right now with the cold weather and snow but he kept warm as best as he could.
This little old lady not only provided the man with a hot meal and shelter somewhere by giving him more then just a coin but actually took the time to talk to him, find out a bit about him and how he was fairing.
I was sitting in the car thinking „why doesnt he get a job?“ and „Should I give him $2 or not?“ – she was concerned about his well-being! Shame on me!
All the way home I was actually quietly upset at having to make a decision, should I or shouldnt I have given this man some cash or take him to the Falafel place next door and buy him lunch. I was debating helping a human being survive because I had already given so much this season.
$2 more would not have harmed me nor my family but would have given this man maybe some more warmth through hot food, warm drink or safe shelter.
How can I say that I want my daughter to learn about charity and helping others, when I am debating doing so. How can I teach my daughter to be a decent human being without prejudices, when all I thought was „if i give him $2 will he go tot he liquor store and get beer!“.
Because of this little old lady I know that next time there won’t be a discussion in MY head!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
A Warm Welcome to my Baby Girl
Tayleigh Paige was born Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 11:46pm at Victoria General Hospital.
She weighed in at 6lbs 6oz and measured 19 inches.
Welcome to the world, pipp-squeek.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Can you believe this sunset???
I LOVE Vancouver sunsets! We have some of the best ones in the world! Trust me - I have seen a lot of the world and BC ranks WAY high up there for its natural beauty!
Taken from my balcony
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
There's been a reason why I haven't posted lately
And here she is :-)
check out http://www.ahistoryofaveryspecialjourney.blogspot.com/ for more info :-)
Monday, March 24, 2008
Published one of my photos.....yeeeaaaaaa!! LOL
One of my recent shots of Vancouver was published in an online map service.
I know its only a small picture and only a small contribution overall but heck - any positiv news right now is uplifting! (i have been really tired mentally and physically - time for a vacation!)
well....here it is (somewhere in there)
www.schmap.com/canada/panorama/p=64395/i=64395_2.jpg
(look for Ambleside Park, West Vancouver)...
its this one:
All in all - GOOD TIMES :-)
I know its only a small picture and only a small contribution overall but heck - any positiv news right now is uplifting! (i have been really tired mentally and physically - time for a vacation!)
well....here it is (somewhere in there)
www.schmap.com/canada/panorama/p=64395/i=64395_2.jpg
(look for Ambleside Park, West Vancouver)...
its this one:
On top of that I sold another at a charity event:
All in all - GOOD TIMES :-)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Looking for some justice!!!
The other day, two men were gunned down on an open street, in front of one of Vancouver’s most sought after restaurants, right after the Canucks game ended, gang-land style. The two men, one of which was just a guy out for a stroll, were victims #21 and #22 in what is being described as gang wars (according to the papers, radio, TV and police). 22 deaths in one year. At least 3 of which involved innocent bystanders who happen to be at the wrong spot at the wrong time. That does NOT include domestic, vehicular or other homicides that occur every year like in every other city. No – these are premeditated slayings, executions of men and women who are or were active in any kind of crime you can think of.
Two days later, Vancouver’s police chief, Jim Chu, was a guest at our local sports radio station and stated some numbers that make me want to cringe (amongst many other topics i forgot because I got so riled up):
The Vancouver Police has apprehended a few known criminals with over 100 convictions!!! NUMEROUS TIMES!! Two months or less after their last convictions!!!! AND, according to the Chief, with every conviction their sentence goes DOWN!!
The Vancouver Police has to put up to 4 officers on ONE MAN’s CASE because THEY have to proof beyond doubt the felon is a criminal even if there is hundred of witnesses to the crime committed.
On TV a few months back I also saw a story about a boy who was viciously attacked and left a paraplegic. His attackers, juveniles who drank to much, were sentenced a few weeks ago to probabtion and laugh in front of rolling cameras about their sentence!!
Most gang members in BC are (if I read the papers right) immigrants. Before I say anything more let me make one thing abundantly clear: I am NOT talking trash about immigrants here. Thousands of immigrants arrive in Canada each year to find a new, better life from that which they came from. They are honest, hard working folks who seek a better existance.
I am talking about a bunch of lunatics who wield guns, feel tough because they do so, and have nothing better to do with their lives then live it in crime. That seems to be their culture, not the Canadian one they SHOULD embrace, love and combine with the culture of their homeland. I did when I came here 20 years ago!!
Chief Chu and host David Pratt made one remark though that made me think about the essence of what I am writing about here today and the point I will get to soon (I PROMISE!)They mentioned the fact that these gangs are connected world wide, with members immigrating to Canada by the hundreds if not thousands.
Canada's government has always maintained that we need more Canadians.
So there is little Me and little M trying to make a just such a citizen. Since M is not capable of carrying a child we needed a surrogate. Our dear T.
Now, if it wasn’t for T, who volunteered to carry our child, we would have a hell of a time having a baby because we can’t personally approach and ask a woman to surrogate for us – that’s ILLEGAL.
We cannot pay a person to carry our child, our CANADIAN BORN child, because that is ILLEGAL. (We could go to jail for up to 2 years and pay a HUGE fine if we’d do that.)
Our child could/would be living in foster homes, a ward of the state, if we’d so much as THINK about spending money on anything BUT maternity related expenses for T.
A criminal, who has NO intentions of being a decent, valuable citizen in the most wonderful country in the world gets a slap on the hands hundreds of times and is free to pursue his/her rotten lifestyle.
A decent Canadian, with strong values, hard working and honest like Me and M, T and L and millions of others will go to jail for doing what the government asks us to do IF money changes hands.
YOU TELL ME WHERE THE RIGHT IS IN THIS WRONG!!!!
Two days later, Vancouver’s police chief, Jim Chu, was a guest at our local sports radio station and stated some numbers that make me want to cringe (amongst many other topics i forgot because I got so riled up):
The Vancouver Police has apprehended a few known criminals with over 100 convictions!!! NUMEROUS TIMES!! Two months or less after their last convictions!!!! AND, according to the Chief, with every conviction their sentence goes DOWN!!
The Vancouver Police has to put up to 4 officers on ONE MAN’s CASE because THEY have to proof beyond doubt the felon is a criminal even if there is hundred of witnesses to the crime committed.
On TV a few months back I also saw a story about a boy who was viciously attacked and left a paraplegic. His attackers, juveniles who drank to much, were sentenced a few weeks ago to probabtion and laugh in front of rolling cameras about their sentence!!
Most gang members in BC are (if I read the papers right) immigrants. Before I say anything more let me make one thing abundantly clear: I am NOT talking trash about immigrants here. Thousands of immigrants arrive in Canada each year to find a new, better life from that which they came from. They are honest, hard working folks who seek a better existance.
I am talking about a bunch of lunatics who wield guns, feel tough because they do so, and have nothing better to do with their lives then live it in crime. That seems to be their culture, not the Canadian one they SHOULD embrace, love and combine with the culture of their homeland. I did when I came here 20 years ago!!
Chief Chu and host David Pratt made one remark though that made me think about the essence of what I am writing about here today and the point I will get to soon (I PROMISE!)They mentioned the fact that these gangs are connected world wide, with members immigrating to Canada by the hundreds if not thousands.
Canada's government has always maintained that we need more Canadians.
So there is little Me and little M trying to make a just such a citizen. Since M is not capable of carrying a child we needed a surrogate. Our dear T.
Now, if it wasn’t for T, who volunteered to carry our child, we would have a hell of a time having a baby because we can’t personally approach and ask a woman to surrogate for us – that’s ILLEGAL.
We cannot pay a person to carry our child, our CANADIAN BORN child, because that is ILLEGAL. (We could go to jail for up to 2 years and pay a HUGE fine if we’d do that.)
Our child could/would be living in foster homes, a ward of the state, if we’d so much as THINK about spending money on anything BUT maternity related expenses for T.
A criminal, who has NO intentions of being a decent, valuable citizen in the most wonderful country in the world gets a slap on the hands hundreds of times and is free to pursue his/her rotten lifestyle.
A decent Canadian, with strong values, hard working and honest like Me and M, T and L and millions of others will go to jail for doing what the government asks us to do IF money changes hands.
YOU TELL ME WHERE THE RIGHT IS IN THIS WRONG!!!!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Back to being 14 again :-)
A couple of days ago I went to the VAN HALEN concert in Vancouver. Its been 25 years since i saw them last (1982) and It was AWESOME.
I felt like being (ahem) 16 again!!!!
I wish I had the energy these "old farts" on stage have! Eddie rocked the house like he did back in the days with his amazing guitar solo's, riffs and bicycle kicks. He had a 20 min solo that left everyone with drooling, wide open mouths and wanting more! David Lee Roth ran the stage and energized the crowd like he was 25 again. Alex hit the drums like mad possessed, culminating in a solo that made my old drummer heart want to pick up the sticks again! It made the crowd go mad!
And then there was Wolfgang - Eddies son, who filled in on bass guitar! He was amazing! Looked like he belonged for decades not for a few months.
Oh yeah....it did help that the entire section we were sitting in was smoking pot! Though I didnt participate (as I have never done drugs!) I am still HIGH two days later~!!!
What a great rush! After all the stress and trouble over the last few months, to turn 16 again - even for only 3 hours - was worth getting high over!!!!
I felt like being (ahem) 16 again!!!!
I wish I had the energy these "old farts" on stage have! Eddie rocked the house like he did back in the days with his amazing guitar solo's, riffs and bicycle kicks. He had a 20 min solo that left everyone with drooling, wide open mouths and wanting more! David Lee Roth ran the stage and energized the crowd like he was 25 again. Alex hit the drums like mad possessed, culminating in a solo that made my old drummer heart want to pick up the sticks again! It made the crowd go mad!
And then there was Wolfgang - Eddies son, who filled in on bass guitar! He was amazing! Looked like he belonged for decades not for a few months.
Oh yeah....it did help that the entire section we were sitting in was smoking pot! Though I didnt participate (as I have never done drugs!) I am still HIGH two days later~!!!
What a great rush! After all the stress and trouble over the last few months, to turn 16 again - even for only 3 hours - was worth getting high over!!!!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
A History of a VERY Special Journey
The other day, my wife surprised me off my chair with the suggestion to write about the journey we are on right now.
I was flabbergasted. M is more private then the chambers at Buckingham Palace (unless you know a way over the wall and into the Queens bedroom!! LOL) and any reference to her in ANY writing I do is off-limits. Heck, she doesnt even want me to post ANY pictures of her on my Flickr site (can I say FLICKR on here??). Even though she is beautiful and we have great vacation shots AND such cute pix of her and Hershey!!!
Anyway...blabbering along here....I have decided to abide by my wife's wishes and chronicle our extremely difficult journey to parenthood. I have not decided yet if I do this on my regular blog (which has been badly neglected for a year or so) or start a linked blog to keep it all seperate. I guess I will add a link to my existing blog....its easier that way!!
so...if you want to know about a journey of love, friendship, trial, tears, fights (and lots of them), sorrow and joy.....stay tuned and look above in the header for the link to
A HISTORY of a VERY special Journey
cheers
I was flabbergasted. M is more private then the chambers at Buckingham Palace (unless you know a way over the wall and into the Queens bedroom!! LOL) and any reference to her in ANY writing I do is off-limits. Heck, she doesnt even want me to post ANY pictures of her on my Flickr site (can I say FLICKR on here??). Even though she is beautiful and we have great vacation shots AND such cute pix of her and Hershey!!!
Anyway...blabbering along here....I have decided to abide by my wife's wishes and chronicle our extremely difficult journey to parenthood. I have not decided yet if I do this on my regular blog (which has been badly neglected for a year or so) or start a linked blog to keep it all seperate. I guess I will add a link to my existing blog....its easier that way!!
so...if you want to know about a journey of love, friendship, trial, tears, fights (and lots of them), sorrow and joy.....stay tuned and look above in the header for the link to
A HISTORY of a VERY special Journey
cheers
Thursday, January 04, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
WOW....2007 already!
It seems like we skipped 2006 it went by so fast!
A new year and new challenges await. And of course our wish list. Doesnt everyone have at leasts one?
here is mine (the order is random except for the first two):
1. Kids - lots of little whining, crying, bitching, diaper shitting, mess making kids. M's sick of ME doing that!!
2. A nice BIG raise - hear that boss? a BIG one! R E A L L Y BIG!!!
3. A telephoto lens for my Leica - only about $3000!!
4. My inlaws to finish positively that really crappy thing thats been bothering them for years - THEY WILL!
5. My mom to visit soon - MOM: we need to go to Costco and Futureshop and Linen & Things and ..............
6. Peace on Earth!!!!
7. Peace at home!!!!
8. The ban of bubble gum world wide - inside joke that will negate #7 for at least 12 hours - LOVE YOU M!!!
9. More patience on my side - I dont know why but lately I have been WAY to moody and fighty!
10. The mental energy to go thru with some resolutions - namely working out more and eating healthier!
11. THAT ALL MY WISHES COME TRUE - where is the Genie when you need him: GEEENNIIIEEEE!!!
May all your wishes for 2007 come true and may this year be better then 2006 but NOT as good as 2008 shall be!!!!
cheers
It seems like we skipped 2006 it went by so fast!
A new year and new challenges await. And of course our wish list. Doesnt everyone have at leasts one?
here is mine (the order is random except for the first two):
1. Kids - lots of little whining, crying, bitching, diaper shitting, mess making kids. M's sick of ME doing that!!
2. A nice BIG raise - hear that boss? a BIG one! R E A L L Y BIG!!!
3. A telephoto lens for my Leica - only about $3000!!
4. My inlaws to finish positively that really crappy thing thats been bothering them for years - THEY WILL!
5. My mom to visit soon - MOM: we need to go to Costco and Futureshop and Linen & Things and ..............
6. Peace on Earth!!!!
7. Peace at home!!!!
8. The ban of bubble gum world wide - inside joke that will negate #7 for at least 12 hours - LOVE YOU M!!!
9. More patience on my side - I dont know why but lately I have been WAY to moody and fighty!
10. The mental energy to go thru with some resolutions - namely working out more and eating healthier!
11. THAT ALL MY WISHES COME TRUE - where is the Genie when you need him: GEEENNIIIEEEE!!!
May all your wishes for 2007 come true and may this year be better then 2006 but NOT as good as 2008 shall be!!!!
cheers
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Taking off the writer's block
I haven't really felt like writing for a while. Don't know why to be honest. Just didn't feel like it. There were lots of ideas, topics or just nothings to share but I did not even feel opening the blog and starting something.
Then today on my way to work I, as usual, listened to the Team 1040, our local sports radio. The topic regarded Vancouver Canucks Defense man Rory Fitzpatrick and the drive to vote this, at best, 5th defenseman onto the starting roster of the NHL All-Star game.
Rory played for years in Buffalo and some guy out there back East thought it fun to put Rory onto the ''fan write-in". The NHL allows for fans to chose their own players besides the obvious ones like Sidney Crosby or Joe Thornton. As much as that is a great idea, the voting program the NHL uses allows for fans to vote as many times as they want for any player, ie: Rory at last count stood 2nd among Western Conference D-men and is slated to start if he gets #1 or #2.
So, I am listening to the two morning hosts, one of which is actually program director of the station, and they both rip through the fact that this is all a joke. Lets have fun with it but GOD forbid Rory should actually go.
The world would come to an end because a mid-level player at best may outvote the likes of Pronger, Niedermayer, Lidstrom or Blake, amongst many others.
What are they afraid of? That he accepts the fans vote and goes to have fun? That he makes a fool of himself? That he enjoys this once in a life-time opportunity for him as a player?
Annecdote time:
A caller mentioned that since Rory plays in the arguably best and most competitive ice hockey league in the world he is one of the best players in the world. One of the hosts of the morning show completely ripped into that comment saying that at best Rory is "just" an NHLer.
Moj: I aint seeing YOU playing in the league. Nor me. Nor BMac, Pratt or Taylor.
So that comment is just about as stupid as it gets!!
Get it right, guys!
Lets face it, the NHL is a joke. As long as Gary Bettman runs the ship it will not change. As far as I am concerned, the fans are saying what the GM's, Owner and Press are too afraid to say.
That the NHL has become the laughing stock amongs major sports in North America.
It is the first league to ever cancel a whole season. It is a league of too many teams in places that dont even know that ice and snow exist. It is a league that is so watered down in talent that a guy like Rory Fitzpatrick can be voted onto the All-Star Team. Heck, is even CONSIDERED to be voted in. Never mind as starter but as a skater, period!
Here is my take:
Rory - you go and have fun. If we the fans get you voted in - you better make sure to enjoy it as long as you can. Show the NHL brass in NYC that we the fans laugh at them as long as they run the best game in the world into the ground.
Oh - and bring me back a signed jersey by both Western and Eastern Conference players!!
Cheers
Then today on my way to work I, as usual, listened to the Team 1040, our local sports radio. The topic regarded Vancouver Canucks Defense man Rory Fitzpatrick and the drive to vote this, at best, 5th defenseman onto the starting roster of the NHL All-Star game.
Rory played for years in Buffalo and some guy out there back East thought it fun to put Rory onto the ''fan write-in". The NHL allows for fans to chose their own players besides the obvious ones like Sidney Crosby or Joe Thornton. As much as that is a great idea, the voting program the NHL uses allows for fans to vote as many times as they want for any player, ie: Rory at last count stood 2nd among Western Conference D-men and is slated to start if he gets #1 or #2.
So, I am listening to the two morning hosts, one of which is actually program director of the station, and they both rip through the fact that this is all a joke. Lets have fun with it but GOD forbid Rory should actually go.
The world would come to an end because a mid-level player at best may outvote the likes of Pronger, Niedermayer, Lidstrom or Blake, amongst many others.
What are they afraid of? That he accepts the fans vote and goes to have fun? That he makes a fool of himself? That he enjoys this once in a life-time opportunity for him as a player?
Annecdote time:
A caller mentioned that since Rory plays in the arguably best and most competitive ice hockey league in the world he is one of the best players in the world. One of the hosts of the morning show completely ripped into that comment saying that at best Rory is "just" an NHLer.
Moj: I aint seeing YOU playing in the league. Nor me. Nor BMac, Pratt or Taylor.
So that comment is just about as stupid as it gets!!
Get it right, guys!
Lets face it, the NHL is a joke. As long as Gary Bettman runs the ship it will not change. As far as I am concerned, the fans are saying what the GM's, Owner and Press are too afraid to say.
That the NHL has become the laughing stock amongs major sports in North America.
It is the first league to ever cancel a whole season. It is a league of too many teams in places that dont even know that ice and snow exist. It is a league that is so watered down in talent that a guy like Rory Fitzpatrick can be voted onto the All-Star Team. Heck, is even CONSIDERED to be voted in. Never mind as starter but as a skater, period!
Here is my take:
Rory - you go and have fun. If we the fans get you voted in - you better make sure to enjoy it as long as you can. Show the NHL brass in NYC that we the fans laugh at them as long as they run the best game in the world into the ground.
Oh - and bring me back a signed jersey by both Western and Eastern Conference players!!
Cheers
Friday, June 02, 2006
A Farewell to a Loved One
With the most heartfelt pain I heard last night that one of my internet friends lost her and her boyfriends cat.RIP Murphy - I am certain you brought a lot of light to your parent's life!
As I looked at Murphy's pictures, the pain of my own losses shot through my heart. Both human and animal. The oh-so-way-to-early death of my dad 7 years ago, the passing of my grandmother 2 years ago and the death of my kitten 3 years ago.
How can you compare a human life to the life of an animal you say? Trust me - they are oh-so-similar!!
Believe it or not - as much as I miss my dad and my grandmother (I think of them every day), I think the death of my cat, Tye, still affects me the most.
{To explain: I left Germany when I was 21. As much as I saw my parents lots (they were/are Canadian and came to visit every 3-4 month) and my family when I visited them - I was still alone here in Canada!)
Tye was with me of 12 years. She was a walk-in to some people whose house my parents bought in the early 1990's and Tye came with it. At first I wasn't sure if could or even wanted to take care of kitten. Especially one that was already about 8 years old at the time.
But she and I sniffed each other a couple of times and decided - YUP, Love at first sight!!!!!
For the next 12 years, Tye was my constant companion. She lived with me through 1 dog (Hershey when he was little), 2 cars, 3 jobs, 4 girlfriends (yes I was a slut! LOL), 5 moves - you get the drift.
No matter how moody I was, how lonely I felt or how sick I had been, I could always count on Tye to rub herself around my legs, purring up a storm.
She LOVED the outdoors and was never happier then when we moved to the Cariboo for 3 years.
anecdote time: My parents have a cabin at a lake near 100 Mile House, B.C. In the summer of 1995 my dad and his best friend spent two weeks out there being little boys. And for two weeks they tried to hunt this little mouse that snuck into the house. Sigi tried everything - from traps to flowery language. Nothing worked.
Tye and I moved into the house 2 days after the two men left. I had found work in nearby Williams Lake. The first morning I woke up when Tye sat at the foot of the bed, purring me awake (she could purr alright!). I got out of bed and in my daze noticed something at my left foot.
There was the mouse - being given as a gift by my cat!!! What a hunter she was!!!!!
Then we moved back to Vancouver. From one day to the next, Tye had to adapt from being a hunting, nature loving outdoor cat to a indoor couch potato. She never had a problem with it!
A few years later, Tye became VERY sick. She had lymphoma. I was told that was not unusual for cats her age (she was 15 then). I was given two options: the obvious one (euthinatia) or a experimental and VERY expensive treatment based on radiation. $1500 later, I was glad to have spent that money.
Tye lived to see me meet M and fall in love with her. And meet a 4-month-old goof named Hershey. In all my life with her I never seen her like a dog - until Hershey came along. She whacked him in the nose once and that was it for "Who's the Boss". After that they actually got along as long as Hershey remembered she ran the roost!
Then I flew to Germany to visit my family. I had had that trip planned for a while and left a (now former) friend in charge of Tye's well-being as I had done numerous times before. When I returned 4 weeks later, Tye greeted me with a lot of affection - more then usual I thought. Usually she would show me nothing but contempt for the first 10 min of my returns just to tell me she was NOT happy being left alone! This time she was all cuddles, purrs and love!
Within days I realized something was wrong. She puked a lot - not furballs but her food. Her pooh was mostly runny, she lost weight and at times seemed apathetic.
So one day M and I dropped her off at the vet. The diagnosis was devastating. Her cancer had returned after 5 years. She was already 20+ years old, so the vet told us that any radiation would only prolong her suffering.
I feel a little ashamed but I couldn't even be with her in her last minutes. Losing Tye hit me harder then I ever thought possible. Afterall, she was only a cat, right?
That cat had changed my life. She had been there as my constant companion through thick and thin, had helped me cope with a lot of stuff in our 12 years together.
So, J and E - I know how you feel. I also know that Murphy will NEVER be out of your hearts or minds. The littlest thing will remind you off him - you will smile, laugh and sometimes cry.
But you will always love him.
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Thursday, May 25, 2006
What's wrong with the TV networks???
All last week and this week and next week is TV finals weeks. That means (for those that arent avid TV watchers like I am) that all the good shows, bad shows and non-shows (just a little pun) are either leaving us with cliff-hangers that make us longe for more, less or nothing or they say fare-well forever.
Some of M and my favorite shows leave us aching for more: Lost, Prison Break, Criminal Minds, House.
Some of M and my favorite shows leave us aching for more: Lost, Prison Break, Criminal Minds, House.
Some shows are gone forever: Everwood, Will & Grace, West Wing, Surface, Star Trek - Enterprise (yes i am a closet trekkie).
And here is where I have a huge beef with the networks. Over the last couple of years, as every year, new shows have come and gone and old ones did the same. That is the natural cicle of TV.
HOWEVER, to throw a show to the wolves after only a few episodes is BULLSHIT. To cut a show because it "doesnt fit our line-up" when it brings in more viewers then another show is BULL SHIT.
Best example for the former: Commander-in-Chief
Best example for the latter : Everwood
C-in-C was the perfect choice to replace West Wing. A show that can tackle political issues in a political environment is absolutely perfect. Sure, the writing on C-in-C was crap but that could have been fixed.
West Wing was this great tool to explain a certain government's political agendas as well as criticize those and other agendas. On top of being highly entertaining! It didnt hurt to have a group of extra-ordinary actors to bring it all together.
C-in-C had that potential. A change here, a tweak there and it could have worked.
Most people get lost listening to some CNN reporter babble about some political something. But watching fictional characters tackle the same issues in an entertaining setting can achieve what that real-life reporter can not. Keep our attention on important political happenings. Keep us informed.
Everwood was/is one of those shows that you watch and love. It isnt raunchy, it isnt scary, it isnt shoot and bang. It is super family entertainment. It tackles any subject from teenage sex to drug abuse to suicide to cancer.
It draws an estimated 7 million + viewers a week. That is the combined viewership for both Veronika Mars and One Tree Hill. YET - both have been picked up by the new network CW (a combo of CBS and Warner Brothers replacing the WB and UPN networks).
One Tree Hill in particular has been trashed by viewers and critics alike but yet - its been renewed. The rumored reason is that its cheaper to make.
Well, puu-huuu. Cheaper to make? what good does it do to safe money when nobody watches your network!?!?!?!?!?!
Sure they have some good shows: Supernatural (a fav of ours), Smallville, Everybody hates Chris and one of M's fav's America's Top Model.
But give me a break with shows like One Tree Hill, Veronika Mars, WWE Smackdown and Beauty and the Geek. Ouch!!!
To cancel shows without giving them a chance or without "listening" to its viewership just shows that networks care more about immidiate success then good programming.
Here is some advice from someone that is TV addicted (yes, i am freely admitting it!!!):
It takes time to develop decent programming, never mind GOOD programming. And only GOOD progamming will REALLY lead to success. And only success will make you people richer and richer and richer!!!!!
CUT!
PS: a special bubbye to Will & Grace - Thanks for countless laughs, rolls of the couch, belly holds and special tears!!
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Being 40 is NOT all thats cracked up to be!
I am cranky!
I am moody!
I have muscle pains!
I am 40 today!
damn that number crept up on me in a hurry. I remember turning 18 just yesterday! And here i am 40 today. WOW!!!!!!
ok so i dont look it (so i have been told) but today....today i feel it! Maybe its the lack of sleep due to the babysitting Robbie thing we are doing (see other blog) or maybe its just: 40! FOUR ZERO! the big 4-0!
It really doesnt help when your wife runs around the house jumping up and down going 40, 40 , 40, 40 all day. Or makes references to wheelchairs, pension plans and/or something about being a fart!
I am 40 today!
We had a wonderful dinner with some friends at an up-scale Italian restaurant. Private wine room and all. It was excellent. Lots of GREAT food, GREAT friends and some very nice presents.
All i was missing were my dad - GOD rest his soul - my brother and my best friends, Mark and Amit (with wifes of course!) and it would have been PERFECT.
I am 40 today!
I am really not 40 today. I am 20! Its just that my evil twin turned 20, too and that makes us 40! I think i have to have a talk with myself about that!
I am 40 Today!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!!!
I am moody!
I have muscle pains!
I am 40 today!
damn that number crept up on me in a hurry. I remember turning 18 just yesterday! And here i am 40 today. WOW!!!!!!
ok so i dont look it (so i have been told) but today....today i feel it! Maybe its the lack of sleep due to the babysitting Robbie thing we are doing (see other blog) or maybe its just: 40! FOUR ZERO! the big 4-0!
It really doesnt help when your wife runs around the house jumping up and down going 40, 40 , 40, 40 all day. Or makes references to wheelchairs, pension plans and/or something about being a fart!
I am 40 today!
We had a wonderful dinner with some friends at an up-scale Italian restaurant. Private wine room and all. It was excellent. Lots of GREAT food, GREAT friends and some very nice presents
All i was missing were my dad - GOD rest his soul - my brother and my best friends, Mark and Amit (with wifes of course!) and it would have been PERFECT.
I am 40 today!
I am really not 40 today. I am 20! Its just that my evil twin turned 20, too and that makes us 40! I think i have to have a talk with myself about that!
I am 40 Today!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!!!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
DO animals have a sixth sense?
Last night my mother-in-law called me. My in-laws are in the Czech Republic. She didn't sound well so I asked what was wrong? She said that she had an accident and although she was seriously injured she was ok.
My first instincts of course were to call M. and let her know about her mom. After my own initial shock wore off and I realized something astonishing. My in-laws dog, Robbie, had been acting really strange for a couple of days!!!!
Let me elaborate if I may. Robbie is a 95lb brindle boxer, who truly believes he is a lap dog. He is spoiled rotten by my in-laws, is raised more like a child then a dog, cries like a baby when left alone for 1 second and is an overall completely insane dog - but sooooo lovable!
From the first moment we started babysitting him 12 days ago we were prepared for the worst. Separation anxiety, lack of appetite and crying are his trademarks when he isn't around my in-laws.
Strangely enough, none of it came to pass. He adjusted just fine - never even missed his parents. He accepted me as his new lead dog, wuff wuff, had a VERY healthy appetite and couldn't WAIT to play with our chocolate lab, Hershey. At work, where I have to take him because M. can barely hold Hershey in check, he was happy whenever someone came in, wiggling his little tail and trying to lick everyone's face :-)
Anyway, two days ago Robbie started acting kinda weird all of the sudden. He started crying at work a lot - especially when I had to leave him behind a barrier for a minute or two. At walkies he started pulling harder then usual and even snapped at some people who walked past us. Then he threw up his dinner.
This M. and I related to him finally realizing his parents had gone away and he missed them.
Now I am not so sure anymore.
His weirdness began 2 days ago - just about the time my mother-in-law was injured. Ever since, he has been lethargic at times, crying at others and then just plain sad most of the time in between. Only when he sees Hershey does he liven up for a few minutes. Then its back to being sad.
Some people say that animals have a sixth sense. They can see the spirits of the departed. I don't know if that is all true!
What I DO know is that Robbie has been acting strange since my m-I-l got hurt.
Get well soon, Milena!
My first instincts of course were to call M. and let her know about her mom. After my own initial shock wore off and I realized something astonishing. My in-laws dog, Robbie, had been acting really strange for a couple of days!!!!
Let me elaborate if I may. Robbie is a 95lb brindle boxer, who truly believes he is a lap dog. He is spoiled rotten by my in-laws, is raised more like a child then a dog, cries like a baby when left alone for 1 second and is an overall completely insane dog - but sooooo lovable!
From the first moment we started babysitting him 12 days ago we were prepared for the worst. Separation anxiety, lack of appetite and crying are his trademarks when he isn't around my in-laws.
Strangely enough, none of it came to pass. He adjusted just fine - never even missed his parents. He accepted me as his new lead dog, wuff wuff, had a VERY healthy appetite and couldn't WAIT to play with our chocolate lab, Hershey. At work, where I have to take him because M. can barely hold Hershey in check, he was happy whenever someone came in, wiggling his little tail and trying to lick everyone's face :-)
Anyway, two days ago Robbie started acting kinda weird all of the sudden. He started crying at work a lot - especially when I had to leave him behind a barrier for a minute or two. At walkies he started pulling harder then usual and even snapped at some people who walked past us. Then he threw up his dinner.
This M. and I related to him finally realizing his parents had gone away and he missed them.
Now I am not so sure anymore.
His weirdness began 2 days ago - just about the time my mother-in-law was injured. Ever since, he has been lethargic at times, crying at others and then just plain sad most of the time in between. Only when he sees Hershey does he liven up for a few minutes. Then its back to being sad.
Some people say that animals have a sixth sense. They can see the spirits of the departed. I don't know if that is all true!
What I DO know is that Robbie has been acting strange since my m-I-l got hurt.
Get well soon, Milena!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Respect for cyclists? WHY?
Last week M. and I took our chocolate Lab, Hershey, for a walk into Pacific Spirit Park. It was a rare sunny April day in Vancouver and we took advantage of it. The Park is a favorite for both families with dogs, with or without kids, joggers and cyclists. Most parts of it are off leash which makes it PERFECT for Hershey's unbound energy to let loose!
As we walk along I spot this cyclist charging down the trail at 100 km/h. I called Hershey back, grabbed his collar and held him to be nice and make sure he doesn't spill a biker in his enthusiasm.
That asshole on his bike never slowed down!!! Almost ran us over despite the fact we were on the side of the trail. He also almost ran a puddle and sprayed us!
So when I shouted after him my usual "niceties" about what a fucking arsehole he is - he stopped - and shouted back at me to take my "fucking mudd on a leash". In an off-leash park!
Yesterday as I was driving to the store I encountered 2 cyclists slowly paddling along the road, side-by-side, blocking the entire right lane.
As is my usual way I passed them and then safely, without signal changed lanes VERY close in front of them. I almost scared one of them off his bike. My efforts got me a finger!
Here is my point! Cyclists in Vancouver are up and over the fence for more respect on the road. Many a cyclist is struck every day in traffic. We apparently don't have enough bike lanes in the city. A city that sports as many cyclists daily then any Dutch city (the Dutch being famous for cycling and all!)
However, here is my point of view. We DO need more bike lanes. We DO need to be more aware of cyclists on the road.
BUT what we need MOST OF ALL - cyclists who KNOW THE RULES of the road!!!!
When I was growing up in Europe, I had yearly cyclist training in school from Grade 2 on! GRADE 2!!!! Every year until Grade 10!
I knew what to do in any situation on the road. I was trained by traffic police officers like I was trained by a driving instructor at Young Drivers to do what I needed to operate a vehicle in traffic.
Here in Vancouver, all I see and encounter are people who buy a fancy $5000 bike, wonderful cycling outfits they can wear to the opera if need be and an attitude that makes me want to throw most of them off their bikes!
IF a cyclist wants respect from ME, they have to earn it! Abide by the rules of traffic as I do when I operate a vehicle in traffic! Learn the rules or get off the road!
It is a shame that a motorist can get a ticket making a U-turn on a back country road but a cyclist can go and run over a family without being punished!
Get with the program, you two-wheeled, paddling morons on the road! Get with the Program!
THEN maybe you will earn the respect you seek!
Happy Sunday!
As we walk along I spot this cyclist charging down the trail at 100 km/h. I called Hershey back, grabbed his collar and held him to be nice and make sure he doesn't spill a biker in his enthusiasm.
That asshole on his bike never slowed down!!! Almost ran us over despite the fact we were on the side of the trail. He also almost ran a puddle and sprayed us!
So when I shouted after him my usual "niceties" about what a fucking arsehole he is - he stopped - and shouted back at me to take my "fucking mudd on a leash". In an off-leash park!
Yesterday as I was driving to the store I encountered 2 cyclists slowly paddling along the road, side-by-side, blocking the entire right lane.
As is my usual way I passed them and then safely, without signal changed lanes VERY close in front of them. I almost scared one of them off his bike. My efforts got me a finger!
Here is my point! Cyclists in Vancouver are up and over the fence for more respect on the road. Many a cyclist is struck every day in traffic. We apparently don't have enough bike lanes in the city. A city that sports as many cyclists daily then any Dutch city (the Dutch being famous for cycling and all!)
However, here is my point of view. We DO need more bike lanes. We DO need to be more aware of cyclists on the road.
BUT what we need MOST OF ALL - cyclists who KNOW THE RULES of the road!!!!
When I was growing up in Europe, I had yearly cyclist training in school from Grade 2 on! GRADE 2!!!! Every year until Grade 10!
I knew what to do in any situation on the road. I was trained by traffic police officers like I was trained by a driving instructor at Young Drivers to do what I needed to operate a vehicle in traffic.
Here in Vancouver, all I see and encounter are people who buy a fancy $5000 bike, wonderful cycling outfits they can wear to the opera if need be and an attitude that makes me want to throw most of them off their bikes!
IF a cyclist wants respect from ME, they have to earn it! Abide by the rules of traffic as I do when I operate a vehicle in traffic! Learn the rules or get off the road!
It is a shame that a motorist can get a ticket making a U-turn on a back country road but a cyclist can go and run over a family without being punished!
Get with the program, you two-wheeled, paddling morons on the road! Get with the Program!
THEN maybe you will earn the respect you seek!
Happy Sunday!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Happy Anniversary, M :-)
Has it already been 1 year? How time flies when you are in love and have fun!
Today, April 17, you emerged from behind the doors at Konopiste Castle near Prague, Czech Republic, flanked by your parents and walked down the aisle to become my wife.
I can still see you - slightly wet in the eyes - unsure of what's going to happen during our Jewish ceremony yet sure of wanting to get married.
I can still remember the thought that ran through my mind when I saw you coming towards me: boy, must the angels in heaven be jealous today! Yes, honey, an angel you were that day - gorgeous, radiant, beautiful - I am running out of adjectives!
We were so afraid of what's going to happen at the ceremony - remember? Would the Rabbi show up! Would you be able to do the tradition of the veil - would we spill wine on your dress (ok that was MY biggest fear!).
But like so many obstacles we faced in the 3 1/2 years we are together now - we managed that one too!
When the ceremony was finally over - I felt all the worries and concerns of the last year of planning this wedding fall off your shoulders. The worst was over!
All that was left was to party the night away with our families and friends.
Yes, we didn't get to eat off our buffet, yes we didn't get to really taste our cake (though you DID get me good
But who cares?
We spent the best day of your life together as man and wife. In Love. Celebrating this love with others we love. Nothing can beat that!
In the year since we had plenty of difficulties and obstacles to face. We had numerous fights, arguments and "marital discussions". We called each other names, we stormed out of rooms and we looked for things throw (thank you for not finding any!).
But we always kissed and made up - we always said "I love you" before we went to sleep.
May we fight and argue for 100 years to come. As long as we don't forget to say
I LOVE YOU!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Babysitting Robbie - 42 days and counting
When M. and I married exactly 1 year ago today (and again on Monday), her parents of course joined us in Prague for the weddings.
Afterwards we headed for a few days to Brno - the city near the Austrian border where M.'s mom hails from. Her parents had escaped Communism in the late 60's and made their way to Canada.
They made a wonderful home here and seemed to be happy and content. Until last year!!! While over there, my mother-in-law all of the sudden, after 35+ years in Canada became seriously homesick!
So she decided to buy a small apartment and spent lots of time in the Czech Republic! That of course means that M.'s step-dad has to go over there a lot too! (he would rather stay here in Canada I think!).
HOWEVER, unless they decide to move back to Brno permanently they can't take their dog, brindle boxer Robbie, with them. So M. and I get to babysit him! OY VEY - that's all I have to say. He and Hershey, our chocolate lab, are always trying to get into mischief. That is when they aren't sleeping! To make matters worse, Robbie is a slobberer - and I mean S L O B E R E R! We always have to have a towel ready for his snout!
But the absolute cherry on the cake is the fact that Robbie actually THINKS he is a lap dog. I mean it! All 95lbs of him think he is a Chihuahua. He jumps on you and sits on you and licks you and even falls asleep on you lap.
So we get to babysit this lovable monster for then next 42 days! Two dogs who love playing, getting into mischief, bark at other dogs, pull on their leashes, beg for food and THINK theirs is the couch, not ours! The fact that Robbie has separation anxiety (remember he IS a spoiled rotten lap dog!) doesn't make things easier.
So M and I have decided to start a "Robbie and Hershey Diary" which we will post on here periodically. "The Adventures of M. and M.'s Dogsitting Nightmare" could become a bestseller and an Oprah Book Club entry. I am sure of it!
So stay tuned and enjoy. I am sure we will have some VERY funny stories to tell!
check it all out here: www.grizznuck.blogspot.com
Cheers
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