Movember to Remember!

Cheers to you Garnett for the cause!




imho
-A

Birthdawii!

I have the greatest gf in the world...and crafty/sly/covert!

On occasion, I take her to her work on my way to visiting one of my clients in the East end. As it was my birthday the other day, she gave me a a gift bag as she entered my car. A card, and pair of boxers...but rolled up inside the boxers was a Nintendo Wii controller. OMG!!! She got me a Wii! YEAH! I love this girl! Apparently, my friends all knew and didn't tell me. Bhastards all of them! I kid I kid. I got some additional Wii paraphenalia because of it.

We had a good birthday weekend. Thursday dinner with us and my parents at Restoran Malaysia...work in progress, but good. Friday dinner with friends at Mongolian Grill where some stir fry experimentation took place, followed by some good ol' karaoke at MHQ at Pacific Mall. Yes, I sang "My Humps"..it was wrong. Saturday dinner with friends at Golden Thai (the best Thai place in Toronto imho), and some dancing it up at Courthouse Chamber Lounge. The DJ spun some solid ol' skool tracks and the place had some overall good vibes. However, with the kids whoring it up like they do these days, you really can't go back can you?! In any case, we ended the night in traditional fashion at 7 West. Good times. Finally, we capped off the birthday festivities with a nice quiet dinner. Solid birthday weekend. Why can't every weekend be this fun and self-centered?!

I've been fortunate enough to have a very diverse group of friends, and able to bring the different groups together for some good times and light shenanigans!

Cheers to you all!

imho
-A

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Homey on Homes

My travels through Web 2.0 have brought me to Zoocasa.com that is a real estate search engine that integrates real estate sites like Realtor.com with Google maps very nicely. You can search by city (e.g. North York, Ontario) and refine your search according to housing type, number of rooms, price range etc. Very handy.

Unfortunately, in the wonderful world of the Greater Toronto Area, one must refine the search to begin at price $350,000 to find any house of decent quality. Oh God forbid any subprime-like effects to happen here in Canada!

Will we ever see a day when prices of everything aren't so inflated? One can dream right?

imho
-A

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Tire Shopping

My tires are bald, one is flat. Time to replace the ones I have...
Michelin Hydroedge P195/65R15T

Alliance - $140/tire - taxes, install, disposal, balance: $632.80 order in by Tuesday alignment isn't necessary according to Neal
Phone: 905.277.3143 Neal

Active Green + Ross - $138.55 - install, balance ($10), disposal, taxes: $671.45
alignment $79.99 + tax (not necessary, but recommended to start with clean slate)
$761.79
Friday 905-276-4166 Eddy

Mississauga Honda
Labour charge for aluminium rims install, balance, disposal $100
George $136.80 - $547.20 (before taxes)
Alignment $108.88 + tax
$854.37 taxes in
($731.33 minus alignment)

Canadian Tire
Ash (905) 270-9600
Friday earliest
$137.49
install, balance, disposal
$785 taxes in

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Olympic Shadow

Michael Phelps with 8 Gold medals in the Bejing Summer Olympics is extremely impressive...so why am I so skeptical that he won cleanly? Why do I not buy into the ever improving athelete? Steroids, Blood Doping, HGH, performance enhancement drugs, shortcuts, cheating!

Ben Johnson's steroid scandal broke all Canadians' hearts in 1988, including my 11-year-old one. But his only true failing in this day and age was getting caught. I highly doubt that Canada put any significant funding into drug-masking back then...or even now.

Back then, it was the USSR and East Germany that dominated the standings...with so many "handsome" female athletes with their mulllets! But now, our neighbours to the south have taken over as the leaders of the athletic world. Glory in the olympics, only to be exposed for the performance enhancement cheats they really are. Marion Jones, Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, etc.

So why do they do it? They tarnish their reputations, serve jail time, and cast a negative shadow on the honourable sports they represent. Is it the pressure to perform, sponsorship dollars, unrealistic expectations? Whatever the reason, I feel that the original spirit of sport and competition have forever been compromised.

Will Usain Bolt's record-breaking 9.69 s in the 100-m 2-3 years down the road will be marred by scandal? Maybe I'm just cynical.

Don't get me started on China's attempt to hide their general shame (human rights violations, Tibet, environmental disregard, smog, painting their brown grass green, etc.) to present a clean and shiny face to the world for the Olympics. I don't buy any of it.

The Oympic motto should be changed to Higher, Faster, Stronger, Sinister.

imho
-A

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The August of Beyond

It's Simcoe Day...much needed day off in the middle of summer.  Let's give thanks to Mr. John Graves Simcoe who was the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada (Southern Ontario) who founded the city of York which later became Toronto, established the world's longest street Yonge Street, and abolished slavery.  Good stuff Mr. Simcoe!  Well-deserved day in your honour.

My life has had it's twists and turns in the past 10 years, but I suppose everyone goes through the same.  You hit a crossroads and need to figure out whether to go right or left, and are certain that either path will bring you joy and sorrow.  It's too bad there isn't a third path that would just be filled with joy.  But I suppose if there wasn't any complexity to life then there'd be no point in living.

May the Almighty watch over me and remove the rough patches and bring back the love...

imho
-A

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Transform and Roll into the DVD Player!

I am the proud owner of Transformers Generation 1: Complete DVD Box Set (all 98 Episodes + The Movie) (In Chinese with Secondary English Audio Track). After taxes and import duty, I paid just under $100 for everything. The equivalent US DVDs would have been about 5 times the price! I love Amazon.com!



I can die in peace now!

imho
-A

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Happy Canada Day!

Whether you be First Nations, 5th Generation, 2nd Generation (like me), or new Immigrants to this great nation of ours, raise a glass of maple syrup, or beer, or glacier water, or Niagara icewine, or Screech, or whatever happens to be the drink of Canada!

Happy Canada Day!

-A

Clean Sheet!

It's been 9 some years since I started working and coming into some good money. But like many people who get into cash young, they don't have a clue how to manage it properly. I'm pleased to say that with some help and discipline that I am debt-free!

My saving graces: My wonderful girlfriend who works in the financial industry (and tutor of all things monetary), living at home, paid off car, and a line of credit.

Getting a line of credit was the key which I used to pay off two credit cards. That helped manage the payments immensely as the oustanding debt was being charged only 6% interest as opposed to the inane %19+ by credit card companies.

It's amazing that so many of us life way above our means. Buying big screen TVs, SUVs, spinners, jewelery, furniture, and designer clothes on credit. Ima put it on layaway! Flashy must-have products are constantly being marketed to us, and somehow we can't resist buying them. Of course we can't neccessarily afford them so we buy them on credit and perpetuate the cycle. Did we forget we need to eat and have a roof over our heads?!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not much better than anyone in being swayed by slick advertising campaigns, but I'm learing to be more disciplined in my spending habits. The challenge now is to build some savings, and then buy a house and another car, have kids, pay for college, and incur more debt. Life is funny!

imho
-A

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Test The Nation

On the latest edition of CBC's Test The Nation, I got 34/50. Considering that the focus was on sports, I'm thoroughly disappointed. Who knew Kevin Weekes was on two soap operas?!

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TFC Good, TTC Union Bad

Yesterday, me and Arnaz were gearing up for Toronto FC's second home game of the 2008 season. However, the snap TTC transit strike messed up our plans to get downtown. Ideally, we park up in the Yonge & Eglinton at friends' places and take the subway downtown to Union Station, and then grab the Harbourfront streetcar to Exhibition Stadium where BMO Field is located. The strike killed that plan, and many others' normal plans. That definitely confirms that Toronto cannot operate without the TTC.

In my humble opinion, the TTC Union (Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113) decision to reject the contract negotiated by their exec, and then strike without warning was totally unwarranted and irresponsible. To strand thousands of Toronto's citizens forcing them to either shell out massive cab fares, making emergency calls to friends & family for rides, or walking excessive distances to get home. What's the point in negotiating a contract if the union in the end will vote against it. Sorry, I have very little sympathy for workers who can make over $100k taking tokens and then complain about job security. In my 10 years of working in engineering roles, I have never had job security and do not make anywhere close to $100k.

To get around the lack of TTC, and avoid driving/parking near BMO Field, we opted to park near Eaton Centre and then grab a lift from our friends joining us at the game. They were running a bit late, so we decided to start walking towards BMO Field along King Street West and hope to get a cheap cab ride. Around King and Simcoe, we spotted a double-decker tour bus with a bunch of Toronto FC fans yelling at us to jump aboard for a free ride to the stadium. Toronto FC (MLSE) hired this bus to pick up fans at some favourite watering holes and give them a free ride to the stadium. Thank you Toronto FC! You have once again confirmed my commitment to being a season ticket holder for life! T-O-R...O-N-T...OHOOOHOOOOH T-F-C!!!

While on the bus, we were greeted by a reporters from CityTV, CFRB 1010, TFC TV, and the Toronto Star who interviewed us about our thoughts on the TTC strike and what we thought of TFC arranging this bus.

We have our pic published in the Toronto Star:

(were right behind the fan with the scarf)

From the Toronto Star:

"We think this is wonderful that the club will do this," said Arnaz Jasumani, sitting in the upper deck.

Asif Rashid, 31, a season ticket holder, was grateful for the bus.

"We were walking toward the field. Normally we take the subway, then grab the streetcar. I'm so annoyed at the TTC," he said. "We saw this bus full of fans. They made the day
brighter."

Is that really what I said? Maybe the reporter spiced up the words to make it more newsworthy. I think I probably said something of the order of, "Ungh, TTC bad, TFC good, me like!" I'll take 15 minutes of fame regardless. You can see the full article here:
http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/418875

The related CFRB 1010 audio clip can be found at http://www.cfrb.com/news/565/707291

You can see us being interviewed on TFC TV at http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/sights/index.jsp?club=t280. We're about halfway through Episode 6 (2008).

Apparently, we did get on CityTV news, but I have yet to see the clip. If you happened to have seen this, please let me know!

Toronto FC beat the Kansas CIty Wizards 2-0, so all-in-all, a great day thanks to TFC. Allez Les Rouges!

Today, the Ontario Provinical Government came into session on a rare Sunday to pass a motion to force the TTC into back-to-work legislation. You can see the full article here:
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_22090.aspx

I sincerely hope that the TTC Union thinks twice about screwing over the city again. I highly doubt that they have many supporters anymore.

imho
-A

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P.Eng!

After 4 months of waiting, I finally have been granted my Professional Engineering License (P.Eng.) by the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO)!

It only cost me 4 years of experience, a pass on the Engineering Law & Ethics Exam, an Engineering degree, 3 references, and $472.50.  Priceless?  Maybe.

What does this mean?  Well, I can call myself a "Professional Engineer" without getting fined, I get new business cards, recruiting firms will start bothering me, etc.

In any case, it's a nice 4 letter that I can slap on to the end of my name.

imho
-Asif Rashid, P.Eng.

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The Big Blackout of 2003

Digging through the old notes on my Palm Pilot, I found a log I entered on the fateful day of the massive blackout that hit most of Southwestern Ontario, the Midwest, and New England...

---
August 15, 2003

The great blackout of the young century. From TO to NYC to OT to Detroit. Niagara-Mohawk screwed up...again according to the 1965 blackout.

I'm at U of T. Got stuck in traffic at 4:15pm, gave up at 5:15pm. So I parked at Hart House and walked over to Robarts and ate like a student (i.e. Hot dog & iced tea). My cell isn't working...Rogers sux. Pay phoned mom to tell her my status and make sure things are cool on her end. Arn is stuck at Mt. Sinai, Skippy's probably stuck at King & Bay.

Cops are working the intersections. Traffic is crawling, and still some fools hit their horns.

I'll stick around for a bit. 6:30pm now, prob try leaving in an hour.

I left via Spadina around 7:00pm. Cops and civillians were manning the traffic lights so things went smooth. Good peeps of T.O.! Gardiner/QEW was nice and clear. Hurontario much the same as Spadina. It was almost 8:00pm when I got home.

Amma and I unplugged unnecessary stuff, and turned off the A/Cs. We also started lighting tea lights as sunset started. We called our friends to make sure everyone got home okay. Most did.

We set up sleeping bags in the living room. The light from the cars' headlights and the generator lights from the building next door kept things from being completely pitch black.

Shahroz phoned me around midnight, Chicago was not affected. At 12:26am, the power came back on in Central Mississauga. Then I passed out!

Morning...plugged the TV and computer back in. Looks like the cable and modem are still out. Oh well. So begins the post-blackout restoration.
---

Mike and April had just returned from their trip (and engagement) to Europe, smack dab in the middle of the blackout. Mike had tried to call me when they arrived, but the power outages affected the Rogers network so he couldn't get a hold of me. They ended up staying with a UNB friend of Mike's (later to be the legendary Dunner!), and then tried their luck flying back to Fredericton. Pearson Airport was a nightmare so they stayed with us the next night.

I remember seeing a lot of finger-pointing from Ohio, Michigan, Ontario, and New York power authorities as to who was to blame for this grand cascade failure. In the end, it was a combination of poor upkeep of the Ohio grid, and Operator failure. Surprise surprise. You can read about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_North_America_blackout

Crazy times!

imho
-A

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The Quest for Lord Stanley's Cup

The NHL Playoffs are here!

So for the next 6 weeks we'll be huddled in front of television screens and watching our beloved teams battle it out with the other 15 teams. Blood, sweat, tears, broken noses, lost teeth, fatigue, nausea, heartburn, indigestion....and soforth, until one team is crowned Stanley Cup Champions. I will cheer on my beloved Calgary Flames and hope that 2008 is their year...and endure the stress, heartbreak, triumph and the full-on roller coaster of playoff emotions. Good times!

FYI, the Stanley Cup is the oldest trophy in North American professional sports. If conspiracy theories hold true, it'll be another useless Southern US team to win it (like the Anaheims, Carolinas and Tampas of the past few years), but that's for another blog!

What would the playoffs be without watching it on CBC? Like watching it on ESPN2, with Barry Melrose's mullet, OH SHAME! American's just don't get it.

For anyone who is so unfortunate to not have CBC piped through your television cables or digital dishes, CBC's website streams games live and provides archived highlights so you can review what suit Don Cherry was wearing last night!

Check it at http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey

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Spread Flock test

Testing if this "Spread Flock" Button works

Curling: A Exercise in Pain

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of taking part in a Curling Bonspeil organized by two of my company's environmental clients.  Our team went a respectable 1-1, and fun was had by all. 

Today, I have cold and my right knee is stiff and sore.  Fun times indeed!  Actually, it was a good time, but it's painfully apparent that my conditioning is non-existent and I didn't stretch enough.  Nevertheless, it was good to take part in one Canada's great pastimes. 

I think that you have to grow up in Canada, especially outside of Toronto, to truly appreciate curling.  Friends and family of mine who are from overseas totally mock us for wasting our time by watching this on CBC.  Then again, I still can't sit through a full game of cricket.

Outwardly, it looks like a glorified version of shuffleboard on bumpy ice with people with brooms yelling to sweep harder.  "HURRY HAAAAAAARD!"  But in reality it's a game of intense skill and strategy, with a very social side.  It is curling etiquette that the winners buy the losers the first round of drinks (then the losers reciprocate with the second round).  Okay, I have no clue about the skill or strategy, but I get the social part!

I will continue liberal application of ice and Rub A535 on my knee!

For more about the great sport of curling, got www.curling.ca.


HURRRYYYYYYYYYYY HAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD!!!!

imho
-A

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Flickr Forums work!

So I hit my first snag with my roster of Web 2.0 applications.

I couldn't get my photos to show up publically on Flickr. So basically, everything I uploaded to my account could only be viewed by me. How weak is that?!

I'm never a huge fan of forums because I find that a question turns into a rant and then an argument. This forum thread is no different but I got my answer! Apparently I had defaulted all my pics to "Restricted" and as a result no one was able to see the majority of my pics. You know how "restricted" pics of me in front of 3 Lamborgini's is! Anyways, problem solved, pics are viewable at http://www.flickr.com/asifrashid, or just to the right in the Flickr widget of this blog. You can see the rant/argument/answer here:

http://www.flickr.com/help/forum/en-us/68640

imho
-A

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Asif's Chola Recipe (TM)

From the archives, I'm posting one of my favourite recipes. It's good. You like!

ASIF'S CHOLA (CHICK PEAS) DISH (TM):

INGREDIENTS:
2 LARGE CANS OF CHICK PEAS (OR 2 CUPS DRY CHICK PEAS)
4 LARGE POTATOES, BOILED AND DICED
2 WHOLE ONIONS, DICED
10 CLOVES GARLIC, GRATED OR FINELY CHOPPED
1 LARGE SPRIG OF GINGER, GRATED OR FINELY CHOPPED
1/2 CUP OF CORRIANDER
5-6 GREEN CHILLIES, CHOPPED
COOKING OIL
2 LIMES (OR LEMONS)

SPICES:
GARAM MASALA
TURMERIC
CHILLI POWDER

DIRECTIONS:
1. IF YOU HAVE DRY CHICK PEAS THEN SOAK IN WATER
OVERNIGHT WITH A PINCH OF BAKING SODA. OTHERWISE
IGNORE THIS STEP.

2. IN A LARGE POT, ADD 3-5 TBSP OF COOKING OIL. TURN
STOVE ON HIGH HEAT.

3. WHEN OIL IS HOT, ADD GARLIC, GINGER, AND ONIONS
AND STIR FRY ALL UNTIL SOFT AND GOLDEN BROWN.

4. DRAIN EXCESS WATER FROM CHICK PEAS AND ADD TO POT.
ADD GARAM MASALA (5-6 TBSP OR MORE TO TASTE),
TURMERIC (3-4 TBSP OR MORE FOR YELLOW COLOUR), AND
CHILLI POWDER (TO TASTE). COOK FOR 4-5 MIN.

5. ADD 1-2 CUPS OF WATER. REDUCE HEAT TO MEDIUM.
COOK FOR 10 MIN.

6. ADD GREEN CHILLIES AND POTATOES. REDUCE HEAT TO
SIMMER. COOK INDEFINITELY UNTIL CHICK PEAS ARE SOFT.
STIR IN WATER PERIODICALLY IF CHICK PEAS GO DRY.

7. WHEN CHICK PEAS ARE SOFT, TURN HEAT OFF AND ADD
CORRIANDER AND LIME JUICE AND STIR. SERVE WITH NAAN
AND ENJOY!!!

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Avenue

I believe I've gotten a feel for the wonderful world of Web 2.0. But what's it all for? Communication, social networking, commerce, advertisement, etc.?

I think the ability of any individual to broadcast their thoughts and opinions in a free-form is probably the greatest aspect of Web 2.0. Within that realm, they can offer their creativity in different forms, through art, poetry, photography, and any mashup therein. I am no different.

My youth was spent mulling over the comics pages of the Saturday Newspaper and developing the ability to mimic the works of Berkeley Breathed, Jim Davis, Cathy Guisewite, Mort Walker, Dik Browne, and soforth. So of course I had my own comic strip and dreams of having it printed next to Opus frollicking in the dandelion patches of Bloom County. My comic strip went through various iterations but stalled once I got into University, and stayed dormant until I got that oh so important degree.

A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon a site called Comics Sherpa that allowed the average person to post their comic strips online for public viewing (and often blasting!). Those comics that got good reviews eventually get picked up by major publishers to get printed worldwide. So there it was, my opportunity to create my works on a live forum! Too bad my day job got in the way.

Well, now that I've tuned into all things Web 2.0, here's another attempt at resurrecting my comic strip, Avenue, found at http://www.comicssherpa.com/site/feature?uc_comic=csisz. Perhaps now I'll start putting Web 2.0 to good use....perhaps!

imho
-A

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Twitter, Tweeting, Twixt, mmm...Twix!

Now I've got the blog thing going again, Web 2.0 throws "Microblogging" at me.  Posting a one-liner of your thoughts or your current activity or the last meal you ate in 140 characters or less is what microblogging is all about. 

We've all seen the world of microblogging or "tweeting" already in your Facebook profile.  It's that part where you fill in your status, i.e. "Asif is...eating a Twix".  The folks at Obvious came up with Twitter as a means of live blogging.  Pretty interesting idea, and from what I have seen thus far, it's something that fits in with SMS popular places like Europe.  I don't think it's caught on up here in Canada yet.  Give it time.  We'll jump on the bandwagon I'm sure (1-2 years later!).

You can see my tweets at http://twitter.com/alwadi, off to the right of this page in the widgets sidebar, or now directly integrated into my Facebook profile.

One drawback with live microblogging - and the drawback of being society being so hyper-connected - is that is it absolutely necessary for everyone to know that you're eating a Twix?

imho
-A

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The Latch Page

Here's a blast from the past from my old Geocities website http://www.geocities.com/alwadi.geo. I figure that Geocities will eventually delete this site due to total inactivity, so I'll continue to preserve the best part (circa 1997)...
---

The Latch Page

"The Latch"....a term that strikes panic in the hearts of all who hear it! So what is the Latch? The Latch is that person who "tries" to hang out with you even though you really, really, REALLY don't want them to! Yeah, you know what I'm talking about because we've all been "latched" at one time or another. The one who asks you completely irrelevant questions at the worst possible times, and insists on taking part of conversations that do not involve nor include them. The one who stands and nanometers behind you, or looks over your shoulder so blatantly that you can't see in front of you. You get the idea!

I recall my first latch in Grade One…some kid who didn't know my name but insisted on budding in the lunchroom line behind me. He also insisted on calling me "friend". Being a kid at the time, I replied by saying, "I'M NOT YOUR FRIEND, YOU HAVE NO FRIENDS, YOU STUPID-HEAD!!!!" Even though I had used the harshest of insults, he still insisted on calling me "friend". What a dumbass!

The Latch is no laughing matter though. It is an unfortunate situation that no one should have to go through because, DAMNIT, it's a bloody waste of your valuable time!!! I hope that the following methods will help you "de-latch" the Latch!


De-Latching Techniques

These de-latching techniques should be exercised in the following order. Often you'll find that you won't have to go beyond the first three. Never do more than you have to, I always say!

1.First avoid eye contact. This is an absolute must.

2.Don't be so friendly. Sounds cruel doesn't it, but you need to nip this in the bud or else you'll be on technique #7 before you know it!

3.Do not offer the conversation. Always answer with "Yes" or "No" and never more than that otherwise you'll suffer the consequences.

4.Don't take any crap from the Latch. It's time to get tough.

5.If the previous tips have failed, then ignore the Latch. Being tough hasn't worked since the Latch can be pretty persistent.

6.When the Latch looks over your shoulder next time ask them, "Can I help you?" It doesn't necessarily have to be in a rude tone, the question alone should confuse the Latch enough to get 'em off your back.

7.Boy, you must be in real trouble. Leave the scene. If you see the Latch coming to "hang" with you then you must leave at any cost! Go to the bathroom, go get a snack, go home, just RUN man RUN!!!

8.This isn't a technique I like but it does work. Go talk to another friend while latched, then discretly transfer the latch to your friend. This is absolutely heartless but desperate times call for desperate measures!!

9.If you've gone through all the other techniques then you've been latched pretty badly! Endless pity on you! It's time to get rude! It's time to break out verbal abuse otherwise you've got a lifelong Latch. Guilt must not be considered here!

10.Leave the country

11.Join the Witness Protection Program to gain a new identity and life. However this doesn't necessarily mean that you won't find another latch in your new life. Sorry, as Curtis Blow said "That's the breaks!"


Latch Scenarios

I'm going to draw from some of current Latch experiences (and I'm sure that y'all can relate) to illustrate some de-latching techniques in play:

So, you're working pretty intensely at a computer terminal on some massive programming assignment when all of a sudden,"Hey! What are you doing?" Now, I'm not one to be rude so I responded with, "Oh, just working on the assignment." BIG MISTAKE! Never offer the conversation. Use de-latch technique #3.

The Latch may ask you how you are doing and, being nice, you respond with an effervescent, "Oh, I'm fine thanks." To your surprise the Latch asks you, "WHY?!" Confusion is your natural response. Well, you should have never made the mistake of being friendly in the first place. You're best bet is to use technique #4.

Another time the Latch asked to borrow some of my notes. I wrongly agreed. Now I am guilty of having pretty crappy handwriting, but there was absolutely no call for the Latch to say, "OH, CHICKEN SCRATCHES!" Technique #4, never ever take any crap from The Latch. I got mad and said rather sternly, "WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME?!" The Latch felt fear (righfully so!) and thus apologized. Utilize fear when appropriate, it may be your only hope!

The Latch has, on occasion, been inebriated. Should this happen, they will tend to become mouthy. Technique #4 in full-effect, and yes, you may exercise technique #9 and break out the insults because alcohol makes The Latch more ignorant than normal! NO HOLDS BARRED!!!


Still Got The Latch?

It's time for some interactive help from the De-latch Masters! That would be myself, and my cohorts Steve Bodor and Waj Khan. Contact one of us and I'm sure we could help you with some creative solutions. Each one of us has successfully de-latched the Latched. Oh, don't even think of trying to use technique #8 on us because we'll turn it right back on you!


Happy de-latching!!!

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Snowdump

Once again, the GTA is getting a thorough dumping of snow. So what does one do on a snowday? Work on presentations for work, surf the net, and watch BET. Makes perfect sense to me!

Here are my preferred storm tracking sites:
The Weather Network
CityNews Weather ("Because if you can't see it, you can't track it!" Thanks Michael Kuss.)

-A

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Handicraps at Shiprices

image_1
Originally uploaded by Dada-G

Our February 2008 trip to Panama is something that is very much still on my mind. We had such a great time and we'll remember it fondly for the rest of our lives.

Who can forget Ricardo, our enthusastic tour guide from Aventuras 2000. His gregarious personality made our Panama City and Panama Canal tour a lot of fun. His now famous quote, "I take you to buy many handicraps at shiprices," is still a point of amusement for us all! Of course he meant "handicrafts at cheap prices" but we'll continue to allow our ignorance of his Panamanian accent to reign supreme! Then we could take it one step further and assume he said "handicraps at shit prices" but that's so predictable. I love it!

Gracias!
-A

TFCon 2008

Yes, I geek out on Transformers. TransformersCon (a.k.a. TFCon) is set for June 21, 2008!

I will NOT be dressed as Ultra Magnus, but I will be there to buy stuff! Good times!
http://www.transformerscon.com/

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Toronto FC 2008 Schedule

In case anyone forgot, Toronto FC Rules!

Here's their 2008 schedule
http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/schedule/scoreboard/season.jsp?team=t280

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Social Bookmarking

There's a number of different social bookmarking sites: Digg, Reddit, Stumbleupon, and the one that coined the term "social bookmarking" del.icio.us (2003, wikipedia).

I was using Digg in fall '07, but found that a community of long-time Digg users had too much influence on "digging" (or hyping) selected articles and burying others, thus determining which were the most popular links at any given time. Basically, a handful of people were running a community of thousands...hmm, sounds like the real world! The folks at Digg said that they changed the algorithm that diggs articles so that the effect of this small group was diluted. This ol' skool Digg group were outraged and threatened to not use Digg. Too much drama. I found a lot of negative feedback on various articles from the Digg community at large. I'm not sure this is just par for the course for all websites that provide a forum for feedback, but I had enough.

Flock has integrated Web 2.0 social features such as Facebook, Flickr, and del.icio.us. So now that I'm testing out Flock as my browser, I'm trying my hand at del.icio.us now.

You can find my bookmarks at http://del.icio.us/alwadi.

Blogged with Flock

Blogging with Flickr & Watermarking with Picmarkr

image_1
Originally uploaded by Dada-G

As I continue to learn about the concept of Web 2.0 through using Flock, I'm seeing firsthand just how all these social networks and multimedia sites link together.

I hope no one jacks all my stuff! I watermarked it using picmarkr.com just in case!

-A

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

The Keg, and yes I mean the REAL Keg!

Albert = Firefox!

Wii Tennis = I have zero skills

Too much chicken and steak = No food for a week!

-A

Blogged with Flock

Photos on Blogs. Wow!

So Flock allows you to grap pics from the web onto a sidebar and then blog said pics. Neat! Imagine how much fun I'll have when I learn about changing fonts!

Blogged with Flock

The Beauty of the Second Cup Hotspot

I might not live downtown anymore, but I can certainly enjoy working from downtown. 

Who said Second Cup was slumping in terms of volume?  The one I'm sitting in at Yonge & St. Clair is nice and steady with a couple of MacBooks in tow.  Rogers hotspot up and running nicely with the snowfall providing the backdrop.

I tried my hand at the Timothy's in the same building but the Telus hotspot is use-less! 

go '08 go!

-A

Blogged with Flock

Upgrading the old...

Refreshing the blog for '08. Let's see if I actually use it

The new cut & pasted in the the old

From February 28, 2008...

If this posts, then I'll know it works! Imagine that.
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It's amazing what you stumble upon when reading cnet.com. First it was Flock, then Flickr, then del.icio.us, and back to Blogger.

Techie times ahead...
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-A

Merging the Blogs...

Now that I have Flock up and running, I can merge the old with the new...

Blogged with Flock