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

Blogged with the Flock Browser

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

Blogged with the Flock Browser

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!!!

Blogged with the Flock Browser

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

Blogged with the Flock Browser

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

Blogged with the Flock Browser

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!!!

Blogged with the Flock Browser

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

Blogged with the Flock Browser

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/

Blogged with Flock

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

Blogged with Flock

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