Song of the Day #29 - Mat Kearney

This song of the day I heard while watching the Google year in review video.  Mat Kearney's voice sounds a lot like Chris Martin of Coldplay which I like.  This song is off his 2011 album "Young Love."  This is a great song.

"Sooner or Later" by Mat Kearney
YouTube link

2012 End Of The World Is A Joke...

Some people believe that 2012 is the end of the world.  A lot of people don't understand the basis of this.  I don't know much about it, but it has something to do with the Mayans.  They had some way of figuring that this particular year that the world was going to end.  I don't get it, but they did.  Other people believe that the world is going to restart itself and be the way it is meant to be or something along those lines.

All I know is that people have bought into this doomsday crap and it hasn't come true.  In the year 2000, people thought the world was going to end.  But here I am posting on my blog.  May 21, 2011, the world was supposed to end and again, here I am.  Apparently Harold Camping miscalculated the date and the actual date of the world ending was October 21.  But here I am once again...

This whole end of the world crap is a joke.  The world will end when it's ready.  We don't some crackpot or Mayans to tell that this day or during this year the world will end.  All this is just a scare tactic.  There were commercials that showed people running for their lives and that they had to get entered into some lottery to get a spot in some underground shelter so you survive the end of the world.  Like I said, it's all just a big scare tactic and people shouldn't buy into this.  It's just sad that there is a portion of the people that do.

Occupy Wall Street Movement

I've been sitting on this for a while now and have been just trying to collect my thoughts.  This post stems from a status on Facebook.  But now I've decided to actually finish this post...

Apparently the "Occupy Wall Street" movement is still happening.  What I want to know is, what has it accomplished?  Has Wall Street took notice and thought "lets change things?"  Have corporations changed how they run?  No!  They are still doing what they have been doing for eons and not batting an eye.  They are making money, so why do they care if they stay the same?

I understand there are a portion of the people that protest to try and get changes to happen (which may never happen).  But there are a portion of the people that protest because they think it's cool to protest and try and stick it to the man.  I'm all for sticking it to the man if it accomplishes something, but I have yet to hear or read about it accomplishing something.

I've been saying that if they truly want to make a change, than they should do it from the inside by working their way up through a company or corporation and try to bring about change that way.  I would think that this is the smart way to go.  Or so one would think, but people would rather be unproductive and complain about things being so shitty instead of trying.  I am all for protesting, but doing this is a cop out to not having to do anything from within to bring about change.  Sure you'll feel satisfied (for a lack of a better word) knowing that you brought through protesting.  But wouldn't you feel better if you brought about change from within knowing you worked hard to bring about that change?  Maybe it's the fact I grew up being told to work hard (even though I don't a lot of times) that I feel that change should be brought from within.

It's not only all the above stuff I mentioned, but also that the "Occupy Wall Street" movement has been funded by the wrong people.  People don't realize who it's funded by.  George Soros has funded the movement yet he is in one of the groups (Wall Street) that people are protesting against.  Isn't this the biggest heir of irony?  People like to be oblivious and think their particular "Occupy Wall Street" protest is not funded by a guy like Soros, for exmaple, but in reality they don't know who is funding it.  Their particular protest could be funded by the crookedest people in corporations or Wall Street and they wouldn't be none-the-wiser to it.

In some places I've heard about that have these protests, they have been violent.  Isn't being violent taking away from the intent of why you are protesting?  Isn't the counterproductive and change the focus onto something else other than the intent of the protests?  Plus it only takes one person to get the crowd violent and whatnot.

Maybe I'm looking at the surface of this issue.  Maybe it goes much deeper.  Either way, I have yet to hear or read about their protests bringing about even the slightest change.

Oh and to the Saskatoon man who didn't buy Christmas presents for his children because it is supporting the corporations, you can buy presents at businesses that are not corporations.  I may have bought Christmas presents at corporate stores, but it wasn't at mega corporation department starts like Walmart.  There are alternatives and it can be done.  Just saying...

Random Fact #7

Roger Ebert tweeted today that today, December 28, is the birthday of movies.  So to all, past and present, who who have made a career making movies, in some way or another, or just enjoy watching movies, we say happy birthday movies.

In The Age Of The Internet

Here is a poem I randomly started to write as a status on Facebook, but decided to post in a blog instead.

In the age of the Internet, news travels fast and five seconds later it is old
In the age of the Internet, people will believe anything
In the age of the Internet, people will have their nutty convoluted views and opinions affirmed
In the age of the Internet, there are ways to get things without paying for it
In the age of the Internet, jokes and sarcasm are not easily picked up by people as they are too dense
In the age of the Internet, the stupidest shit becomes popular
In the age of the Internet, people will start rumors on social networking sites because they seemingly have nothing to do
In the age of the Internet, people act differently than they do offline
In the age of the Internet, people think it's a big deal to hide their identity when you can easily be found
In the age of the Internet, people act like they know everything and don't like to be proven wrong
In the age of the Internet, people post statuses on Facebook saying they are bored yet they are on the Internet
In the age of the Internet, people say they support charities and causes, but in actuality, they don't do anything to prove that
In the age of the Internet, we have crafted a language specifically for use online because we've become too lazy to type complete words
In the age of the Internet, people like to label people without knowing them even if it is true
In the age of the Internet, things have changed for the good and for the bad

Song of the Day #28 - Andrea Bocelli

Here is one of my favourite traditional Christmas carols.  Andrea Bocelli is very good.  This version is so damn good.  It is in Italian.

"Angels We Have Heard on High" by Andrea Bocelli
YouTube link

Reflections On Sunday

Looking back on this past Sunday, I can say that there was a lot of emotions.  There was sadness, joy, thanks, praise, and love to name some.  It was just a great time to reflect on what Brandon and Jessica have done for the church.  The impact they had on the community will never be forgotten.  You could feel the spirit of the Lord moving throughout the service, the way the music way played, the gathering around Brandon and Jessica praying for them.

There were tears shed, thanks were given, and it was just a great to sit back and reflect.  Sure there will be a void now, but at the same time, I know that College Park Covenant Church will be alright!  The groundwork that Brandon and Jessica have done will continue to go on.  We have great ministries within the church that were started when Brandon was here.  I've noticed that a lot of new people and families (a lot of young families especially) have started coming to the church and they have connected with the church through Brandon.

Overall, Sunday was a great celebration, a great sendoff, and more of a "see you later" rather than goodbye to the Shurr family.  They will be missed and we all thank them for their selfless work at College Park Covenant Church!

Song of the Day #27 - Johnathon Coulton - Two Versions

This song of the day is my new song obsession.  It's from "Portal" a great video game.  I like both the original featuring classically trained soprano Ellen McClain from the game and the new version recorded by Johnathon Coulton featuring Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara for Coulton's 2011 album Artificial Heart.  I shouldn't forget Dorit Chrysler.  She plays the theremin.  Coulton was approached by Valve to write a song for a video game which was "Portal."  Being a fan of the "Half-Life" series (which is an amazing video game series), Coulton jumped on the opportunity.  This is what Coulton came up with.

"Still Alive" by Johnathon Coulton featuring Ellen McClain
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"Still Alive" by Johnathon Coulton featuring Sara Quin and Dorit Chrysler
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Bluegrass Goodbye to the Shurr Family

Sunday is Brandon's final day.  His family and himself are moving back to Indiana to plant a church in his wife, Jessica's, hometown of Bloomington.  I am playing in worship and it will be awesome.  It is a bluegrass themed worship where we take old hymns like "I'll Fly Away," "Softly and Tenderly Jesus," "Amazing Grace," and others and put a bluegrass spin on them. I am playing the kick and snare.  I will also sing.  I am just so pumped.  It will be a great time to celebrate Brandon and his family and all that they have done for the church.

We will have another practice on Friday evening.  It will be awesome.  I feel the spirit of the Lord when I am playing.  I've never felt it this strong when playing music.  We will do a quick run through on Sunday morning.

I thank the Brandon for all he has done for the church.  Please keep them in your prayers as they plant a church in Bloomington and get settled.  The Shurr Family will be missed.

Song of the Day #26 - Foo Fighters

This song is my current song obsession.  This is the band's current hit.  The lyrics, especially the chorus, are amazing.  I've been listening it to a lot.  Enjoy!

"These Days" by Foo Fighters
YouTube link

Pittsburgh Steelers Fans Are Delusional...

In different leagues in different sports, there is always a team that is a legendary team above other teams for a variety of reasons. For example, in the NHL there is Montreal Canadians. They've been overall the most successful team winning the most Stanley Cups. So, I was on the Green Bay Twitter page the other day and their background says "13 time World Champions."  I asked why Pittsburgh Steelers fans always throw it in your face about winning six Super Bowls and why it said "13 time World Champions" on their Twitter background.  I found out that it was before the NFC and AFC were formed that Green Bay won a lot of them.

I looked up the history of the NFL and found it was founded in 1920.  Of course the NFL wasn't known as the NFL until 1922.  I also looked up the history of the Green Packers and they were established in 1919, but they didn't become apart of the NFL until 1921.

With a slight history lesson out of the way, the Pittsburgh Steelers fan like to rub people's noses in the fact that their team won six Super Bowls.  Great, you won six NFL Championships.  Is that supposed to be impressive?  They are only the fourth best team of all-time in the NFL.  Even the Chicago Bears and New York Giants have won more NFL Championships then the Steelers have.  But I guess they don't like to bring that up because it shows they are not all the fans brag them up to be.  Another history making fact about the Green Bay Packers is that they won the very FIRST Super Bowl in 1966.  Also they are the only team to make three straight NFL Championship game appearances and did it twice I might add.

The Pittsburgh Steelers fans are too delusional for their own good.  They won't give props to the other teams that are deserved.  They think their team the best and every other team blows.  Granted, fans other teams think that way, but Steelers refuse to believe, even in a terrible season, that their is that their team is bad.  On the off chance they do come to terms with the fact that their team is terrible they will bandwagon another team until their team is good again.

I've noticed that Steelers fans are like Edmonton Oiler and Edmonton Eskimo fans.  Majority of them are nothing but egotistical douche bag asshole that like to throw things in your face.  They are quick to point out stuff about other teams, but not so quick to admit things about their own team.  If you can't even poke fun at your own team, than who are you to rip on another team?  Sure we all do it, but I do it in good fun.  I know when my team blows and don't care either way because I am a fan regardless.  Unlike the Steelers fans, they are too delusional to know what humility and know what being humble is.  Oh well, I guess they like believing in their own bullshit and like having tunnel vision.  But that's a Steelers fan for you. 

Song of the Day #25 - Tegan and Sara

This is a great song by Tegan and Sara off their 2010 Polaris Music Prize shortlisted album Sainthood.

"Hell" by Tegan and Sara
YouTube link

One Of The Sweetest Dreams EVER!

Yesterday (October 1), I had one of the sweetest dreams ever.  Basically it starts out with the Covenant Bible College (CBC, the college I went too) Choir performing this show.  The choir and band is going with an upbeat song.  I walk out near the end of the song, grabbed a microphone, and started wailing.  It was so awesome.  We transitioned into the song  "My Body" by Young the Giant.

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The band is doing the intro and it comes time to go into the verse and I was like I don't know the words.  The band vamps on the verse.  Than someone gets me the words and I hold it in my right hand so nobody sees it.  Than I go into verse and start singing, than I woke up.  I wish I could have finished the dream because it was so bad ass.  Oh well.  Still one of the sweetest dreams EVER!

Philadelphia Flyers' Wayne Simmonds has Banana Thrown at Him During Overtime Shootout

Earlier this week, an NHL exhibition game took place between the Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings in London, Ontario.  You might think it's nothing new.  But if you read the title of this post this is what made it more than just an exhibition game.  The incident that happened has gotten some coverage (you can read the story here).  The people's comments on this story have strayed so far away from the actual story and it became a blame game of religion, countries, etc..

Basically what happened is Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings were in a shootout and someone threw a banana onto the ice when Wayne Simmonds was going to take his shot.  You might take it as odd.  But here is the thing, Simmonds is black.  The term "monkey" is racist towards blacks.  So you can see that throwing a banana is basically calling Simmonds a "monkey."

Obviously this was premeditated and they don't sell bananas at the arena.  So this person who did this intended to do this.  It's not been determined if this person was drunk or not, but people have been assuming this person was drinking. So this racist act is fueled by alcohol?  But seeing as this was premeditated, that would mean it wasn't fueled by alcohol.

Now this has nothing to do with it being religious based.  That's what an ignorant assclown would say to further degrade religion.  You don't have to be religious to be a racist.  Atheists can be racist too.  But some of these atheists are too ignorant to see that.  Also, they are blaming countries. Just because the game was held in Canada doesn't mean it was a Canadian.  Americans do come to Canada to watch sporting events.  So whether it was a Canadian or an American is irrelevant.

This could be considered a hate crime, but the person who did it was not caught and can't possibly be charged with anything.

The COO of the Comcast-Spectator Peter Lukko released a statement, but when he said "It appeared as though a fan threw an object onto the ice during the shootout. Unfortunately, we weren't able to identify the individual. We certainly don't condone such a foolish act (like this) as a player could potentially be seriously injured."  Well no shit Sherlock.  Besides stating the obvious, Lukko was avoiding the issue that it was a racist act.  Lukko is a dumbass for turning a blind eye.  He needs to call it what it is.

I agree with what Garry Bettman said in a press release, "We have millions of great fans who show tremendous respect for our players and for the game." Bettman said. "The obviously stupid and ignorant action by one individual is in no way representative of our fans or the people of London, Ontario."

This goes back to the blame game, you can't one place or another because what one person did.

But Simmonds was so professional about it.  He didn't let this bother him which I give him big props.

A question I asked is why did this happen to him.  He isn't the first black man to play in the NHL. Geroges Laraque came before him and is a black man.  But why was there this one incident towards Simmonds?  It's a question that will never be answered or at least not now.

Point blank this incident was in very bad taste.  Sadly, people are shocked that racism still happens in 2011.  I wish I could live in a bubble of ignorance.  But I don't because I don't want to be one of those people that don't want to acknowledge that stuff still exists.

The Saskatchewan NDP Is Not Getting My Vote

Saskatchewan has a provincial election coming up.  It's basically between the Saskatchewan Party and the New Democratic Party.  But certain people running for MLA as an NDP candidate don't even use party colours on their billboard.  Instead they are using Saskatchewan Party colours.  Also, they are not even acknowledging Dwain Lingenfelter, the leader of the NDP, in their literature.  How sad is that?

Are they are not wanting to have it known that are running for a party that is in such disarray?  If that's the case, than why don't they run for a party that they can be proud to run for.  I wouldn't run for the Saskatchewan NDP either or at least acknowledge I was.  With the stupid shit they are doing and the unions having their hands up their ass like puppets.  I would be embarrassed to run for them.  The NDP needs to get back in order and show their candidates and people in general they are a party worth running for.  But unfortunately that hasn't happened.

Until they can actually do something worth while in office (that is if they can get back in office anytime soon), than I'm not voting for them.  If you look at the NDP history over the past 20 years, you can see they reduced the population by driving people elsewhere, not reducing the provincial debt, not making wages on par with other provinces, etc..  With the Saskatchewan Party, they have reduced the debt, increased population, increased jobs, etc..

So you can clearly see that no matter how much they try to spin it, they will not get my vote.  Like I said, they have to prove they are worthy of it and with Dwain Lingenfelter as leader, that's not going to happen.  He will be the first NDP leader to not get elected as premiere. That is if he doesn't get elected before he retires.

Worship Team Meeting

We had a good worship team meeting last night with some of the people who participate in worship.  It was a good chance to get together, share ideas, and talk about where worship is going.  It's great to have direction.  Great to have sense of knowing that there will be a sense of structure with worship.  I think with structure there will be new roles for people who already participate.  I feel that I am ready to step into a role of leading worship because it is something I've been wanting to do for sometime now.

This new direction feels right.  It feels like it's going to be fresh and exciting for worship.  This stability will be great for all involved.  Sure it will take time to get in the groove, but once we are it will be awesome.  I can't wait.

Drummers That Don't Get Enough Recognition

I was on YouTube and I came across videos posted of the "Late Show with David Letterman" and the two weeks of drum solo week.  There I came across a number of drummers that I don't listen to.  After watching and listening to them, I've come to the conclusion that they are not nearly as talked about and given the recognition they deserve.  Well at least with the people I talk to about music.  I'll post the videos to the ones I thought were amazing.

Sheila E.
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Sheila E. is someone who I've never seen or heard much of.  But she is one of the best female drummers/percussionists.  This solo proves how good she is.  She can drum and sing well.  That is something not many people can do well.  Phil Collins comes to mind when it comes to doing both well.  Not to mention she is hot for being in her 50s.

Stewart Copeland - Founding member of The Police
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I've only heard what Stewart Copeland has done with The Police.  So this is great to see someone from a band I absolutely love showing off his chops.  Copeland deserves more recognition for his skills.  He is truly talented because aside from drumming he composes music for ballets, operas, and soundtracks.  A great gem of a solo.


Gavin Harrison - Drummer for Porcupine Tree
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Porcupine Tree is a great progressive rock/metal band.  Gavin Harrison doesn't nearly the recognition he deserves.  At least that's what I think.  With some of the bands he has played with, they are more rock and metal based.  So showing of his jazz chops is refreshing.  It shows that metal musicians take stuff from jazz and I bet a good portion of the metal heads out there don't know that.  Great solo too I might add.

Tony Royster, Jr.
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I used to think that Tony Royster, Jr. was nothing special because of all the hype he got as a child.  But I can say now after watching this solo that the hype is worth it.  Sure you don't want to over hype someone as it could lead to a massive ego, but from the looks of things, Royster, Jr. looks humble enough.  He has proven me wrong about him.  Good job Tony.

These are just a few of many amazing drummers that don't get talked about nearly enough.  If you know of amazing drummers that I should check out than let me know.  I'm always looking to check out talented drummers.

Lloyd Robertson Stepping Down

Lloyd Robertson wrote a great letter earlier this week and it's a great read.

Letter from Lloyd Robertson

Robertson is an icon of Canadian television and news.  It will be odd not watching or hearing him with his classic sign off.  I've grown up with him and he is what most Canadians for the last 40 plus years have known as their trusted leader in bringing us the CTV National News.

This iconic Canadian will be missed.  He is still going to be active in other facets at CTV just not on air.  Everybody has their time and know when to move on.  Some just take a lot longer to do it.  September 1 will be his last newscast.  I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours and thank you for your dedication in the news field.  I may not do him justice, but here goes.

That's the kind of day it's been on this August 30, 2011.  From myself here at the Musing's of Mr. C.C., thank you for reading and good night.

James Hetfield Is A DOUCHE BAG

When I'm on YouTube I often times stray away from the original subject matter of the videos I was searching because the title of a video catches my attention and today was no different.  I found a couple of videos back during a 1994 Metallica tour.  James Hetfield shows himself to be a total douche bag as he makes jokes at Layne Staley's (R.I.P.) drug addiction twice.  You can tell by Hetfield motioning shooting up in the two videos.

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In the first video, you can see Hetfield acting like a whinny bitch because people are throwing things at him.  That's life, get over it.  It's a douchey thing to rip on someone's addiction.  If you know about Metallica, right around the time they were going mainstream with their self-titled album or "The Black" album, you would know that Hetfield was a boozer.  You didn't see Staley ripping on Hetfield.  Maybe that's because he has more class than that.  He is dealing with his own stuff that he doesn't have time rip on anybody else.  Apparently in an interview years later Hetfield said that he didn't know Staley like he knew the rest of Alice in Chains.  Why would you talk shit about someone you don't even know or have a beef with.  Just go about doing your thing because making jokes about stuff like that makes you look like a huge chump.  Aside from their shitty music and their shitty drummer, stuff like this make you look even worse.  Metallica is overrated and the dumb Metallica marks can get all pissy if they want.

I have been around enough to know that there are some stupid Metallica fans that think it's sacrilegious if you don't praise and worship Metallica.  I'm not sorry that I don't like them and they are overrated hacks for the most part.  Their past few albums are proof that are crap.  I don't care if they continue to make their shitty music. I will pay attention to the bands and artists that are actually worth listening too.  Metallica can suck it for all I care.

R.I.P. Jack Layton

The man, the myth, the mustache, Jack Layton died yesterday after a bought with a second type of cancer.  He took the national New Democratic Party to heights never seen before.  Going from civic politics in Toronto to national NDP leader without ever being elected nationally is a pretty huge accomplishment.

It's too bad that he will not be able to see this all through.  No matter what you think of him, you have to agree he was very respected.  He was passionate about what believed and he could make people want to vote for him not the NDP as a whole.  Sure people said that his platform might cost money, but he was passionate about helping people.

You can't deny his character and the person he is. You don't have to like him, but you at least have to respect what he did.  Not only politically, but Layton as a person.  I respect what he accomplished politically and him as a person.  He seemed so personable.  The stories you hear make him seem down to earth.  Canada lost one of it's greats.  To further back this is the fact that they are giving Layton a state funeral which is this Saturday.  Usually state funerals are reserved for prime ministers, governor generals, and cabinet ministers who died in office.  

R.I.P. Jack Layton!

I Gotta Feeling...

Throughout this week I have been in this amazing mood.  I've been talking and texting this girl.  She is absolutely amazing.  I've seen what she looks likes and she is beautiful.  We haven't met in person yet.  But we've been getting to know each other via text message.  I haven't felt this way in a long time.  She has a lot of the qualities I look for in a woman.  She is caring, beautiful, modest, smart.  I have an amazing feeling about this!  I feel blessed that I've been getting to know her.

Song of the Day #24 - Regina Spektor

This is a song I heard on 90.5 FM CFCR.  It is the community radio station here in Saskatoon.  The song has an interesting message.  I like it.

"Laughing With" by Regina Spektor
YouTube link

Song of the Day #23 - Chromeo

Here is a song I heard one morning on the community radio station in Saskatoon, CFCR 90.5 FM.  When I heard the lyrics, I thought of a friend and a situation he went through.

"Rage!" by Chromeo
YouTube link

Somalia Famine

I called in to "John Gormley Live" and the topic on that part of the show was on the Somalia famine.  Out of everyone that called, I was the only one who brought up the issue of desensitization.  If you think about it, we have become desensitized because of all the images on TV, newspaper, Internet, and other forms of media. You have Oxfam, World Vision, Foster Parents Plan, ChildFun (formerly Christian Children's Fund), and others.  They show these images and it's like we think "that's unfortunate," but it doesn't really make use feel like doing anything to help.

We have this attitude of "I'll do it tomorrow."  But tomorrow turns into the next day or the day after that.  We have become so busy in our lives that it skips our minds to do something.  I myself have done the World Vision 30 Hour Famine a couple of times.  So I have done something to help. It may not been a lot, but it was something.  Other people think that we should help out our own community before we help out anyone else.  But it's good to help out your fellow man because one day you might need the help.

I understand where they are coming from, but you have to balance out where you put your time and give your money too.  Right now, we are in a vastly better situation for the most part than those in Somalia.  Something needs to be done to ensure that the money and aid gets to the people that need and not in the hands of the corrupt.

Nycole Turmel: The Interim NDP Leader

Nycole Turmel, if you live in Canada and have been paying attention to the news than you would have heard that name over the last number of days and weeks.

She was appointed by NDP leader Jack Layton as the interim leader because Layton is dealing with another form of cancer which hasn't been revealed.  She is coming under fire for being a former card carrying member of the Bloc Quebecois.  But she only got a card for the Bloc Quebecois is because she supported a friend.  A question asked is why did she keep sending the annual renewal fee?  Apparently she agreed with some of the policies of the Bloc Quebecois.  From a non-Quebecer's standpoint the Block Quebecois have been criticized with being a separatist party.  But unless you've really looked into the Bloc, than you would come to the conclusion that they are a separatist group.  Has anyone even bothered to think that maybe she just kept sending in the annual fee without even thinking about it.

Now she is coming under fire for being a card carrying member of Quebec solidaire.  They are an extremist separatist party in Quebec.  That is all we really know.  But looking into Quebec solidaire, they have a socialist, green politics, alter-globalization, and feminist ideologies aside from their extreme separatist ideologies.  But people are only focusing on that.

Unless Turmel is expressly states separatist sentiments, than why are we getting bent out of shape?  We need not lose site of what Jack Layton is doing.  If Layton has confidence in her than we should give her a chance.  If she starts doing stuff that seemingly goes against what Layton wants than there is reason to worry and make a big deal.  But until such time let her do the job she was appointed.  Layton made inroads in Quebec and boosted his stature in the province.  So it's probably a just strategic move to increase his presence there.

When he comes back, Turmel will be back as an MP.  So this is just hopefully short term.

Song of the Day #22 - Hawksley Workman

I heard a song which blew my mind in the sense that I wrote the opposite of it.  I wrote "Spring is Here" and Hawksley Workman wrote "Autumn's Here."  So it is the next song of the day!

"Autumn's Here" by Hawksley Workman
YouTube link

Random Fact #6 - "Eat It" by Weird Al Yankovic

What do you know, I'm back with another random fact.  As you can tell by the title, this has everything to do with "Eat It" by Weird Al Yankovic.  Oddly enough I heard this on "Q," a CBC talk show which has Yankovic as a guest on today's show.

The song "Eat It" by Weird Al Yankovic reached number one in Australia.  I bet you are thinking big deal.  Well, "Beat It" by Michael Jackson, the song in which he parodies only reached number three.  Also, it was "Eat It" that made Weird Al Yankovic uber famous.  Here is the song "Eat It" for your enjoyment.

"Eat It" by Weird Al Yankovic
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Saskatchewan Roughriders Start 0-3

Have you had enough time to digest the 33-3 beat down the Saskatchewan Rougriders were handed courtesy of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats?  I understand if you haven't.  If you haven't seen the highlights of the game.  Here they are.

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The Roughriders haven't had this bad of a start in 11 years.  So we haven't been accustomed to seeing this bad of a start in some time.  What is needed to be done to improve this team?  Does Darian Darant need to sit out a game and Ryan Dinwiddie put in.  Put in second stringers and back ups in place of our starters?  What is the answer to the problems facing the team?  It was said that special teams was the problems.  But if special teams got us the points, than that's not the problem.  Something's got to give or we won't make the playoffs.

Busking

So I went busking for the first time yesterday.  If you live in Saskatoon than you'll know that the spot to busk is on Broadway and 10th in front of the Bulk Cheese Warehouse (awesome store).  It was so much fun.  I can't believe how much fun it was.  I made more than I thought I would.  It was crazy.  So I went back today and did more busking and again I made a fair bit.  Little less than yesterday, but still a good day.  I was given $5 by someone which is totally crazy and unexpected.  I played original stuff both yesterday and today.  I need to finish some other songs so I can have a variety of stuff to play since it's only originals I play.

If you see me on the corner of Broadway and 10th, stop by, throw some money in my guitar case.  It is greatly appreciated.

Tegan and Sara

I went to Tegan and Sara on the last night of the Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Fest.  I took a chance on them and I'm glad I did.  They were nothing short of amazing.  They had great banter and funny.  They had a great set list.  The only songs I know by them are "Call It Off" and "Back In My Head."

I was never really into their music and only liked to two aforementioned songs.  But this concert totally changed my opinion of them.  I can officially call myself a fan of them.  It was just such a totally amazing concert.  I would go see them again in heartbeat.  The crowd was also amazing.  We got them to come out for one more song.  If the reaction of the crowd is any indication, I would say to bring them back for next years Jazz Fest if possible.  I would go see them for sure.

If you haven't seen them than I would suggest checking them out when they come close to you.  They are worth your money.  Who knows maybe they might be back in Saskatoon before next years Jazz Fest.  That would be bad ass if they were.

Song of the Day #21 - Tegan and Sara

I seen Tegan and Sara last night at the Jazz Fest.  My friend, Mark, is into Tegan and Sara and I didn't know why.  So I took a chance and went and saw them.  This show changed it for me and I am now a fan.  Their banter was so good.  Glad I took a chance and saw them.

"Call It Off" by Tegan and Sara
YouTube link

Song of the Day #20 - Classified

Here is a great song for Canada Day. Happy Canada Day!

"Oh... Canada" by Classified
YouTube link

The JAPW Women's Championship & Women's Division

Two years ago to the day we saw Sara Del Ray defeat ODB to become the first JAPW Women's Champion.  With JAPW seemingly expanding the women's division, it looked like it could be something good for the promotion.  I had no doubt that she would hold the title for sometime and have many successful defenses.  But as time wore on, Del Ray went one year into her reign.  Not a big deal.  She continued to turn away opponents with a few more successful defenses.  But now with her last defense being well over six months ago on December 11, 2010, we see her as the two year champion. With three other women in the division, is it worth it to keep the belt around if we know more than likely that Del Ray will retain?  It doesn't even seem like the women in JAPW who are mainstays are being put in situations to make it look like they really want a shot at the title and want to take the belt off Del Ray.  That is through no fault of their own.  Maybe you can say it's the booking which is the issue.  Or you can say that since JAPW is running less shows that, you'll see the JAPW Women's Championship on a very limited basis.

Is that something you want?  I sure don't.  Sure I live in another part of the world and can't come to any shows, but I follow JAPW via the Internet and know what's happening because I follow this promotion on Twitter, go on their forum, and whatnot.  It's travesty that something that looked good from the onset with their JAPW Women's Division shows, that it comes has come to this.  There is still great potential to have a good women's division, but more talent needs to be brought in and the title should be defended more than it has.

I look to the indys for great women's wrestling because the WWE isn't delivering and TNA has had flashes of brilliance the last couple years.  I would like to see JAPW return to a full-time schedule because this way it would give the women's division the opportunity to expand and become the division I know it can be.  But if JAPW is only going to have the amount of shows it's now having, than the women's division will either have die a death before it really got the chance to shine or it will have such growing pains that it will be difficult to watch.

Now, don't get me wrong, Del Ray is a great talent and has been a great JAPW Women's Champion.  But there comes a time when change needs to happen.  A change in champions is just what this division needs.  That and bringing in more talent to baluster the roster so actual feuds for the title can happen and not just one off matches.  Having programs for the title would also be beneficial for not only Del Ray but the division as a whole.  Either feuds for the title need to happen or a new champion needs to be crowned.  Truthfully, how much longer will Del Ray's title reign go before people start calling it stale?

Strike, Strike, Strike

Saskatchewan has become accustomed to hearing about strike this year.  With the strikes centered in the province of Saskatchewan, there are more to come.  It just so happens that they are conveniently striking when a provincial election is set for this fall.  I guess you can look at this as they want to really disrupt the current government that they might see the fall of it so that the NDP will get back into power.  As you may or may not know, the NDP are rooted in unions and the unions would like to see the NDP back in power.

Now the strikes happening or that will happen are in the public sector or within crown corporations.  Being that Saskatchewan is a socialist province, a lot of people depend on the programs and if they are on strike, it will screw everything up and cause more headaches and an unnecessary backlog of work.  But that probably doesn't even factor into it.  They don't care about that.  If they have to work some overtime to get caught up, that's more money for them.  They are striking because they want a better rate of pay, don't like the working conditions, or some other item.  Mostly it's about the money.  Non-unionized workers have the option to either suck it up or find another job.  It's that simple.  But to bad these public sector and crown corporation employees are too good to look for another job if they don't like their current rate of pay.  Let's just strike to waste time and money because we are greedy.  To the people that feel they need to strike, I say boo hoo because people in the private sector or the non-unionized workers can't just walk off the job.  It was to walk off the job, I would be told to "have a nice day" and told to look for other work.  Have it too good in a sense.

The only time they don't have it good is when they strike goes to the length that they start getting strike pay.  Strike pay can't afford you to pay bills.  That's one reason why resolving disputes is in the best interest of everybody, especially those supporting a family.  Also, strikes cost money and can hurt the economy if it's already fragile and unstable.  Maybe hurting the economy is what some union leaders want because they want to make the particular current government look bad.

Most of the strikes, as I said, are based upon money.  That's what the teacher's strike is about.  They want to be paid the same as other teachers in Western Canada.  If what EducationCanada.com says is up-to-date, than a person with a six years of education, than you can make at the most is $66,103 and four years of education is $59,500.  I might not see $50,000 a year.  People who make $50,000 to $60,000 are so hard done by.  They want an extra ten to twenty thousand dollars a year.  Suck it up buttercup, you could be making $20,000 or less a year like a lot of people.  We wouldn't want to have them face reality and make a wage like a lot of people make.  If you don't like the money you're making or that it's not good enough than go find another job.

There are two evils to unions that I see.  Now this is a non-unionized workers view bare in mind.  Some people union members don't to have to pay into unions because they are seemingly paying into something they don't want to be a part, but seemingly have no choice.  Than the other side of it is is that they are basically paying into something that allows them to basically hold their employer hostage because they are selfish in a round about way.  If a union has 500 member and only 100 show up to meetings and strike votes, than why force people to pay into something they don't care about?  Unions would be better served by having people who want to be in unions pay into them.  But it seems like you have no choice but to pay into them.

Certain union leaders like Bob Bymoen like to pull these stupid tactics.  For instance, Bymeon took the snow plows off the highway in 2007 when they were needed.  Earlier this week because of Bymeon, the crop insurance sector walked off the job during a time of need.  Sure crop insurance strike was quickly ended as a deal was reached.  I'm sure Bymeon does this for his own amusement.

This summer in Saskatchewan, we are expected to have more strikes by more public sector and  crown corporations.   I'm just so sick of these strikes.  The sooner they are over the better.  If I hear about another strike, it will be too soon...

Stupid Fans and Stupid Morons

I find it funny and sad how people are ripping on the Vancouver Canucks when they don't win especially some Canucks fans. The better team won, so people need to deal with it...


With that being said, people need to stop being such poor losers and take it in stride.  Some fans are quick to be a fan when they are winning and doing well, but when they are not, people are quick to lose hope and even turn their back.  If you are a fan, than you should be a fan through thick and thin.  I've been a fan of my favourite teams through some of their worst times.  That's the mark of a loyal fan.  But I guess it's only good to be a fan when a team or athlete does well...  We would want you to be loyal or anything.

What's wrong with giving Vancouver Canucks or any team or athlete for that matter your loyalty not matter how they are perceived by others?  I guess being loyal is not a good thing...

The American media needs to get their heads out of their asses because generalizing the Vancouver Canucks as Canada's team is pretty stupid.  Not all Canadians like the Canucks.  But I guess since it's a Canadian team they assume all Canadians will cheer for them, but that is oh so not the case.


But what's worse is the black eye we thought healed up from 1994 and during the G20 Summit when they had the Olympics.  But this made it comeback with this riot.  It shows how stupid people can get when they drink and get in big crowds of people.  What's worse, middle aged men and women were laughing and cheering on their behaviour before it really got started.  That gets the people started and they don't nothing of  it.  It than escalates from there.

The mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson tried to dumb down the incident saying it was a group of a few people causing problems.  No it wasn't just a few people.  He is trying to downplay the magnitude of it.  He also it was a few anarchists.  No it wasn't a few anarchists.  People were saying it was a black bloc because there were people seen wearing masks, but it wasn't.  It was a large group of people.  They came prepared for this.  They came ready to cause some damage and destruction.  They didn't care what they did.  It wasn't their property, so why give a damn.  If it was their property, than they would have cared.  The sad fact is that some of the instigators came from Seattle.  The fact they got over the border is baffling.

Not only that, but the police presence was very minimal.  They obviously didn't learn from 1994 or the G8 Summit.  I heard that in Times Square, they have a shit load of police that you can't do anything without a police officer being there.  Now if Vancouver had a huge police presence, than this may not have happened.

This all could have been avoided, but no, Vancouver wanted to be oblivious to it all.  This has made international headlines and has made Vancouver and the province of British Columbia look bad.  Vancouver seems to have a great cultural presence and whatnot, but this stupid shit that is pulled again makes them look bad.  Vancouver needs to a hard look at this and make some serious changes so this doesn't happen again.  This didn't happen in Calgary, Edmonton, or Ottawa.  So why Vancouver?  Do they continually want to give themselves a bad name?  I guess so.

Go to VancouverRiot.com, VanCityRioitCriminals.tumblr.com, or any other website and submit pictures and videos.  Let's bring these bastards to justice.  So far at least one has been charged due to posting stuff online bragging about it.  Let's keep it going!

Song of the Day #19 - Tom Waits

Here is a song I heard on CBC Radio 2 while driving to work.  My friend had a blog titled the same as the song.  That's how he came up with the name.

"The Piano Has Been Drinking" by Tom Waits
YouTube link

Noisetrade.com - Artists I've Downloaded So Far

Noisetrade.com is website created by Mark Nicholas, David McCollum, Brannon McAllister, and most notably Derek Webb of the Christian rock band Cademon's Call in May 2007.  It was created because of the response to Webb's 2005 album "Mockingbird" and the success it had in it's free distribution.  Webb got the idea after he noticed the sales of his albums and attendance at his shows increased.  So that's a bit of a condensed history of the website.  Basically Noisetrade.com is way to get free trade music.

So lately I've been browsing that site and looking around at some artists.  There are a lot of Christian artists, folk/folk rock artists, jazz artists, rock artists, etc.. You can search based on top downloads, what's new, artist name, album, for fans of (meaning if you like U2 for example, than anyone who has them as for fans of, they will show up), and finally genre.  To get the album or song you are listening to you, you just enter in your email and postal or zip code.  Than you will get emailed your download link which is good for five days.  If you so choose, you can leave the artist as tip as a show of your gratitude for making some of their music available for download on NoiseTrade.com.  Just use the slider to set how much you want to tip.  So far I've downloaded 18 solo artists, duos, groups, and bands, etc..  When I download more, I will share them with you!


The Vespers
"Eyes Wide Open" off the album "Tell Your Mama"
YouTube link



The Local Strangers
"Haunted Ghost" off their debut EP "The Local Strangers"
YouTube link



John Thomas Oaks & Grand Central
"Journey to the Center of Your Heart" off the album "Blue York"
YouTube link



Tim Pepper
"Are You Coming Home" acoustic version
YouTube link



Jas Patrick
"Best I Can Be" off the album "Working on My Soul"
YouTube link



The Dirt Daubers
"The Devil Gets His Due"
YouTube link



I couldn't find a good quality version of the song entitled "Wayfaring Stranger" by The Dirt Daubers I wanted to post.

Red Mountain Church
"Help My Unbelief" off the album "Help My Unbelief"
YouTube link



Eric Baker
"The Chair" off the album "Hope & Thin Space"
Bandcamp link



Courrier
"Paper Ghost" off the album "A Violent Flame"
YouTube link



The Walla Recovery
"She Said" off their debut EP "With Trembling..."
YouTube link



Cary Brothers
"Under Control"
YouTube link



Luke Brawner
"A Rock in a Wilderness" off the album "Flannelgraph Sessions"
 Bandcamp link



Poor Rick Folk
"Grace" off the album "No More Than a Window"
Bandcamp link



The Fiction Writers
"Mile a Minute"
Bandcamp link



two seconds away
"Freakin Me Out"
Reverbation link




Chase Foster
"He Won't Miss You Like I Do?"
YouTube link



I couldn't find his cover of Billy Joel' "Vienna" which is the song I did download.

Justin Caldwell
"Please Don't Go" off the album "Hill Studio Sessions"
YouTube link



Ohio Avenue
"Shine Through" off the album "The Sound"
YouTube link



I hope you enjoyed these artists I've downloaded. Go to NoiseTrade.com and discover some new artists today.

Aaron Rome's Hit On Nathan Horton

Adam Rome's hit Nathan Horton has received major reaction.  People are for the suspension handed down and some people are against it.  I am against the suspension handed down.  Here is the video


YouTube link



Some people say including the commentators said that it was a late hit.  The hit occurred late.  That's is a plausible argument.  But people are making it seem that Horton is the victim here which can be.  Here is the problem with that.  Horton made the pass and kept looking and admiring his pass.  He had his head down not looking ahead to get out of the way and it looked as though Rome wasn't looking where he was going.  Sure it's unfortunate that Horton got injured, but part of the responsibility lies on him.

Here is a good point, that when Zdeno Chara hit Max Pacioretty nothing happened.  One of the league's top guys and of course nothing will happen.  Sure you can make the argument that Chara was just finishing the play.  But if you look at the following video, you can clearly see that Chara pushed Pacioretty into the boards.  The league did nothing about it.

YouTube link



If you are going to start handing down suspensions now in the playoffs, than you should do it throughout the whole playoffs and not just the Stanley Cup playoffs.  It shows that the NHL is losing integrity.  You can't pick and choose when you want to hand down suspensions.  You can't turn a blind on one thing and not to another.  If you want to eliminate all these types of hits that cause head injuries, that is fine, but it's not going to deter some people from making these type of hits if they know they could possibly get off without anything happening to them.  The league needs to be firm.  Even a one game suspension is better than nothing.

Sometimes the sentence handed down is too lenient.  After Claude Lemieux broke Kris Draper's face with a which needed reconstruction to fix his broken jaw (which was wired shut for a month) and broken cheekbone and a broken nose, as well as gave him a concussion.  Lemieux was suspended one game and only fined $1000.  The league needs to look over how they handle such hits and see if the punishment is appropriate.  If you look at the hits in the 90s, guys would take huge hits and get up after it.  Sure the hit Lemieux laid out Draper with was a serious one, but if someone was hit like Horton was in the 90s, people wouldn't think twice and if there was a sentence it would seem like a slap on the wrist.  Now people expect a sentence to be handed down for such hits.  I just think people are blowing the Rome hit on Horton out of proportion when if you look at Chara's hit on Pacioretty, it was worse and the league turned a blind eye.  If you want to do something about head shots and the like, than you have to hand down sentences on everything and not just somethings.  Until such a time when that happens, the NHL will continually lose integrity.

Should Be Able To

I have a friend who is finishing up her schooling and her schooling was funded through student loans.  She also had to stretch out the money she was given to live off of.  She was told that it would last her the whole school year.  That in fact turned out to be false.  I know that she will be fine once she gets a job in her field of choice.  But until then she doesn't know how she will manage to pay the important stuff.  I asked her if she can get some assistance while she is finishing up school.  But she said that she can't because she is still finishing up school.  I find that to be stupid that she is not allowed to apply for some temporary assistance.

I pose this question to you: If someone who is living on their own and trying to put themselves through school be able to apply for assistance to live?  Now I know that you can ask for a living allowance when applying for a student loan.  But if that living allowance doesn't give you enough to live off of, than yes they should be allowed for assistance while in school if they so need it.  There has to be some criteria so it restricts it to people who TRULY need it.

It's bad enough that there is such a cost associated with getting a post secondary education.  But the cost of living on top of that isn't cheap overall.  You can try and live as cheaply as possible like my friend was trying to do, but unexpected expenses can come up.  So getting some sort of assistance while going to school when you need it needs to be there.  Life is going to go on whether you have the money or not.   Maybe this is the socialist in me, but if someone is trying to better themselves by going back to school or getting some sort of training, than they need to be allowed to apply for the assistance.  I understand that you have may have objections for that fact that it may cost a lot.  I will admit that socialism isn't necessarily cheap.  But if it's structured in a way that helps those are trying to better themselves than it can work for the most part.

The point of I'm trying to make that being a student isn't cheap.  I should know as I went back to school in 2006-007.  So it is crucial that they are allowed to apply for assistance when they need it so it helps with living expenses if they are living on their own and whatnot.  Going to school will put you in debt and you shouldn't, if you can help it, go into debt because of basic life expenses.  I understand that will happen, but worrying about how you will survive day to day when you are worrying about school shouldn't have to be an issue if you were allowed to apply for assistance.  If my friend was able to apply for extra assistance while going to school than shouldn't wouldn't necessarily be in the situation.  But such as life goes.

3D Movies And TV - Is It A Ripoff?

This post got is something I started thinking about after seeing a comments on a video on YouTube about theaters being not taking the 3D lens off the projecters in the certain theater chains in the United States.

3D movies have become all the rage in the last number of years.  It's basically a gimmick to get you thinking that it's something different from a 2D movie, which it is in a sense, and to get you to pay more.  Certain theater chains do get you to pay more for 3D movies.  Now, this 3D is not true 3D.  I know for a fact because I've seen true 3D.  Back in 1987 when my family took a trip to California and did the whole Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Sea World, and Universal Studios trip.  We went and saw "Thriller" in 3D and it was something different.  Things popped out at you and you thought you could actually reach out and touch it.  That's what 3D should be.  But unfortunately it's not.

When watching these 3D movies, nothing pops out at you.  Is it worth your money?  Not really.  It's another gimmick to make money as previously mentioned.  But the movie can be absolute shit sometimes in 2D, but people will think it's amazing just for the fact that it's in 3D.  I've a number of films in 3D and some of them were good not because they were 3D, but because of the story itself.  The 3D experience has become overdone and overrated that the uniqueness of it has been lost.  True 3D movies are only done in certain major cities with one being Los Angeles.  If you have the chance to go see a true 3D movie, you will find yourself feeling ripped off at how horrible the mass produced 3D movies are.

Now 3D TV is going to be a fad.  You buy this TV and have 3D glasses.  The glasses themselves cost $800.  You might be thinking that's a bit steep and yes it is.  You can watch the TV in 2D but you have to shut off the 3D option if there one.  Than what's the point in buying a 3D?  You are essentially spending, actually blowing and wasting thousands of dollars for a 3D TV that you don't intend to use for the purpose it was intended for.  Plus how many TV shows and video games are being filmed and created in 3D?  If there is not much aside from movies being created in 3D.  Can you tell me what TV shows are being filmed in 3D?  You can't.  Even some 4D and some 5D stuff is being created.  Once 4D and 5D becomes the big thing than 3D will become obsolete for the most part.

I am not trying to change your opinion.  This is just one man's opinion.  I find that this mass produced 3D is overrated.  If they produced movies in true 3D than it would not be so overrated.  I find that the way it's produced is a ripoff and a waste of money.  I would rather not have to pay the extra money to see something in 3D if possible.  I would rather not waste money on a 3D TV if there is no 3D content being produced on TV.  Finally, what's next, the Internet going 3D?  I wouldn't be surprised if it does.

"Macho Man" Randy Savage Passes Away

It's a sad day in the world of professional wrestling.  Former WWF Champion and WCW World Heavyweight Champion Randy Poffo aka "Macho Man" Randy Savage has passed away.  He suffered a heart attack and lost control of his vehicle.  His wife Lynn was in the car, but she suffered minor injuries.  Earlier this month Randy and Lynn celebrated their first anniversary.

Savage is someone I grew up watching.  His feud with Hulk Hogan, matches with Andre the Giant, feud with Jake "The Snake" Roberts, his time in WCW, his famous WrestleMania III match against Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, and whatnot.  He had the total package.  He was great in the ring and great on the mic.

Hopefully whatever the heat between Savage and Vince McMahon, if there was any, will cease.  All the rumors about Savage and Stephanie McMahon were never proven and will never be proven.  People need to stop spreading rumors about something they know nothing about.

The magnitude of this story is mind boggling.  The fellow professional wrestlers, mixed martial artists, etc. are talking about it.  It's all over the news outlets.  It's crazy how big this story is.  It shows magnitude of Savage and how respected he is.

He will be missed and as NWA Dakota Pro Wrestling put it: "The Macho Man was truly a legend in a business that uses the term way too lightly."

He was 58.  Here is a ten bell salute and theme all in one.

YouTube link

Wedding and Marriage

My good friend Rob is getting married.  The more it draws near, the more excited I get.  I've never been excited for a wedding per se.  But I am for this one.  I don't know why.

Getting married is something you don't enter into lightly and I know Rob and Courtney are doing anything but taking this lightly.  Some people get married out of convenience and think they will just coast through it no problem.  Marriage is never easy and you can't take the attitude that it is.  People need to be serious about it.  If I ever get married, I know I will do with the utmost seriousness and commitment that goes with it.  Marriage isn't something that I will take lightly.  Marriage is traditionally a union between a man and a woman and should not be entered into lightly.  I know that sounds cliche, but it's the truth.

Marriage is a sacred bond between two people and I'm honoured that I get share in this big moment in the life of my good friend Rob and Courtney.  Cheers to my good friend Rob and Courtney.  I know they will have a long and wonderfully blessed life together.  I can't wait.  The ceremony is at 2:00 pm on May 14.  Congratulations to the both of them.

Laying The Votedown!

I laid the votedown this past Monday.  It is the first time I voted.  I am one of those people that feels that you should vote based on who would do the better job and not based on a particular party.  You can like a particular party all you want, but if that particular party is not going to do the best job, than does it make sense to vote for them?  No!  But a lot of people don't vote that way.  It would be in their best interest to look at the issues each party stands for, than make a decision based on what appeals to you.  You would think that most people do that.  But unfortunately they don't.

I'll come out and say that I voted for the NDP.  A big factor in why I voted for them is that they have a good stance on helping families.  I've received criticism for this and that's fine.  But one thing I've criticized Jack Layton for is his cap and trade idea which would add ten cents a litre at the pumps.  Gas is expensive as it is.

Let explain why I like his stance on helping families.  It is because there a lot of families struggling to get by.  Some families work hard and don't have a lot of disposable income to save.  41 percent of our money goes to the government to pay various things.  Sure I get that there are people who like to abuse welfare by staying on it their whole life and not even attempt to find a job.  Welfare never runs out unlike other things like unemployment.  If your source of money never runs out, than why incentive is there to look for work?  My mom has said that people apply for jobs after being on welfare for years and find out working isn't always easy, so they quit their job and go back on welfare.  Like it's been told to me, that if you are an able body, you should be working and I totally agree with that.  Having people on welfare puts on a strain on taxpayers.  It also doesn't make you a productive member of society.  Sure I've had times in my life where I wasn't a productive member of society and I hated it.

Stephen Harper's $100 cheques were sent out in place of all the other programs he cut funding too or stopped.  $100 a month is not going to help people with the of raising a child.  What does Harper expect that everything will instantly become cheaper and everything will work itself out?  $100 a month will not pay for childcare while the mother goes out and works.  Nine times out of ten the women ends up staying home with the children because those $100 checks will force them too because it doesn't do much.  But childcare is just one part of it.  Raising a child isn't cheap, but if you take away or under fund the programs people need even though they are trying to provide for themselves and their child would be doing families or single parents a big disservice.  There are many items in terms of helping people, especially families, that Jack Layton has a stance on that appealed to me which in turn is why I voted for him.

On Facebook, on my friends had a status up and it generated a number of responses.  But a person I know brought up a bit of a far fetched thing where he asked if we should we give these people a new house.  I wouldn't go that far.  But you need to keep programs running smoothly in place and even improve some of them so they are their when families or yourself need them.  That encompasses a lot of things.  Not just for the families.

The one thing I don't like that I mentioned is his cap and trade idea because it adds ten cents a litre at the pumps.  Maybe I don't really understand it.  I've noticed if you don't understand something you hate and bash it.  Maybe it's the fact that I don't understand it which is why I don't like it.  Will this idea eventually reduce gas prices?  Decide for yourself if it's a good idea.


Jack Layton explains the cap and trade from NOW Magazine on Vimeo.


I still may need to know more about it to make a firm decision on whether I truly like or dislike it.  The first impressions were that it would raise gas price upon hearing about this.  But if it in the end reduces the price of gas, than I'm all for it.

In any event, I voted for the first time and probably will vote in the 2015 national election.  As you can tell, I focused on two issues with the NDP and if Jack Layton can somehow draft a way to show the people how cap and trade will help us at the pumps, than he could get more votes next time around.  I would just like to see it's benefits.

Song of the Day #18 - Phil Collins

It's appropriate in a some ways as it is currently raining.  This song is on Phil Collins' album entitled Face Value. Very good album.  Edit: Found the album version as it is now on YouTube.

"The Roof is Leaking" by Phil Collins
YouTube link

Over Thinking, Anaylzing, Criticizing, and Emotions

I often wonder and think about stuff whether it's about stuff I'm interested in or whether it's about my faith or people (in my life or what have you).  At times I over think and I over analyze certain things.  You might say that I consciously think and you may say that is a good thing.  But I truly have a hard time believing that.  It gets me in these moods.  I don't like getting in these moods.  If you read my posts from last summer than you would know what I am talking about in terms of these moods.  I think when I'm bored, can't sleep, at work, etc..  I try to have things that occupy my mind so I don't get into over thinking.  But I still do.

I talked about this with my friend Mark on Skype yesterday and he can totally relate to where I'm coming from.  He said that certain people, especially females don't like it when you analyze everything.  I've never thought about that before and it actually does make sense.  Looking back at talking with my one friend, I can totally see now that I analyzed a lot of stuff.  I told my friend on Skype that I need to change this.  I also find that my over analyzing of stuff is a way of me being honest.  I even over analyze stuff in my head and it ends up at times spilling over into my conversations.  That is something I need to be more conscious of when I talk to people.  Especially friends that is.

Another thing that my friend said on Skype is that he noticed I tend to give criticism before praise.  I've never noticed that about myself.  But everybody has something they don't notice about themselves.  Everybody criticizes, but some people do it more than others.  Maybe because I don't notice it, I don't know how often I do it.  I told him that I do need to work on this as well.  I guess need to find a healthy balance between  criticism and praise.  With a bit of effort, I hopefully will be able to do this.  He said that people react in the opposite way than you thought when you criticized them.  I've noticed that too.  So as I said, I need to find a balance between criticism and praise.

I told my friend on Skype that sometimes I wish I was a Stoic.  But it's hard to not think emotionally.  It's easier said than done to not to.  He said he feels that way at times, but even when he feels indifferent he feels everything is meaningless.  I'm not always able to think or act logically because it's easier to wallow in emotions than it is logic.  Logic takes effort in a different way than emotions do.  Logic can make you do what's best or what's right.  Emotions can be make you do something on impulse.  If I didn't have the ability to feel emotions, than I wouldn't feel strongly as I do about certain things or certain people.  But such as it is...

The "Rated R Superstar" Edge Retires

This past Monday on Raw, Edge made the announcement that he is retiring.  It was doctors orders that he retire due to his physical well being.  You can see his speech from Raw with the following video:

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I have had time to process and think about his retirement.  I must say that after looking back on his career in the WWF/WWE, he worked his ass off to entertain the fans, to try to put on good matches, and everything else that comes with being in the WWF/WWE.  He at times was one of the most loved or one of the most hated wrestlers.  But in the end, he will go down as a legend.

Even if you don't necessarily like Edge, you have to admit that he gave it his all.  He sacrificed his body for the love of the business and that is what I respect.  He never necessarily did it because he thought he would be the WWE and or World Heavyweight Champion.  Sure it's a goal and dream to become that one day, but not everybody get to hold one of those titles in their career.  To someone who went the extra mile to entertain his fans, becoming the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships respectively was a way of thanking him for his hard work.  Some guys get their respective spots by pulling politics, but I can say that Edge has truly earned his spot.  That is something I can also respect.  But the days of earning your spot is dead.  Well at least in the mainstream.

Edge has had some good feuds, good promos, good quotes (check my quotes blog), and just all great.  He wanted to finish his career in the WWE so he didn't have to start over in another promotion.  He got his wish and went out on top.  Sure it was sooner than everyone expected, but it was expected he was going to retire in the next year or two anyways.  At least he is not going to have to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.  Plus his body will fill a lot better due to not having to wrestle everyday.  Other wrestlers with banged up bodies like Mick Foley have said they felt a lot better by not having to wrestle all the time.

Edge's speech itself was filled with emotion.  You could see that even though it was best for him, he didn't want to have to retire.  He also felt a sense of relief that for the first time in a long time, he doesn't have to put on his ring attire and work.  He just loved what he did and it showed during his speech.

Even though he is not working anymore, he is financially set for life.  He was smart with his money and paid off his house.  He won't have to worry about money as he will have royalties from merchandise with his name and likeness on it.

Edge will missed and I thank him for years in the business.  He is one of my all-time favourite wrestlers and a future Hall of Famer definitely.  Once again... THANK YOU EDGE!

Music, Music, Music

Music has been a big part of my life and as I've grown up I've tried to be open minded to different genres and artists.  But growing up it was a bit harder to do.  With that being said, the value of music has never diminished for me.  Sure I grew up listening to a lot of mainstream music because of the radio stations that were in my hometown and of course MuchMusic.  It was harder to find less mainstream music.  At least that's what it was like in my experience growing up.  I was able to find some, but not as much as I would have liked.  Different parts of my life growing I've come to realize now that these artists I am fan of like Johnny Cash.  I grew with Johnny Cash and listening to "American IV: The Man Comes Around" in college made a fan of his.

Going to Covenant Bible College (CBC), it was time where I was exposed to a lot of different music.  Not necessarily liking it all.  But I was able to actually get in some artists that I've heard very little from.  I was able to get into Dream Theater, John Mayer, Alice in Chains, and System of a Down to name some of the bigger ones.  I was able to find such artists like DragonForce and MercyMe to name a couple off the top of my head.  That time at CBC was a good time to discover different music.

As the Internet has become an increasingly more popular way to distribute your music, it's become a great way to discover new artists.  Through the Internet, I've been able to discover some awesomely talented and great artists like Jack Conte, Nataly Dawn, Pomplamoose, Freedom Call, Julia Nunes to name some.  You can use YouTube, Facebook, Myspace (if you still use it), Band Camp, and other websites to discover music.  I've been fortunate to discover great music through Internet.  People like to complain about mainstream music, but with access to the Internet, you should be finding new music that isn't mainstream.  The Internet has even allowed people to have music careers without going through the traditional way in music.  Take Jack Conte for instance, he has been able to make a living off of selling MP3s, YouTube, iTunes, and where ever else he is able to sell his and produce music online.  The Internet is a valuable tool for music.

But with how I discover music whether it be through word of mouth, people, TV, radio, Internet, etc..  I will value the place music has in my life.  I will always love music!

The Home Stretch of Lent

I am on the home stretch of Lent with under ten days to go.  I've really haven't had much to update you on.  Although on day 19 I had a craving for ice cream, but I didn't give in.  On day 26, they had ice cream at the church, but I didn't give in.  Will power prevailed that day.

To paraphrase what someone posted on Facebook that he was told by someone that you shouldn't give up something what you shouldn't already have.  Now I get what is being said, but if what you shouldn't be having is something we have to deal with?  Even though I understand the basis of it, it seems like if you don't know the individual reason for that person giving up that thing.

Take me for example, I am giving up junk food like chips, chocolate bars, candies, ice cream, and related stuff.  I know I shouldn't have it, but it is something I've had to deal with for years.  So saying you shouldn't give up something you shouldn't have is easy for you to say if you don't a problem with that certain thing.  It's something I have to deal with.  So giving up junk food and going the entire length of Lent without it is a victory for me.  It proves that it's slowly becoming not such a big thing for.

If you don't practice Christianity, just give up something for 40 days and see how it turns out for you in the end.  It's a great test to see if you can handle being without it.  This is the second time I've proven I can go without it.  So I know I can.  Can you?

Here is to the home stretch of Lent.  I know I can make it!   I can do this!