Quarter-Life Crisis

Dude.

2008-04-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

Chiefs Break Record

2007-08-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

Just as you were wondering who the Jays were going to call up at the beginning of September, the Syracuse Chiefs set a new standard for futility.

In their game last night against the Ottawa Lynx, the Chiefs tallied 10 errors, tying the International League record in the last 43 years.

Keep up the good work Chiefs, defense is overrated.

Early Opinions on the FedEx Cup

2007-08-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

To be completely honest I had no idea what the FedEx Cup was until about a week and a half ago. I had watched many Sunday afternoons this golf season and seen the logo, heard it mentioned but until earlier in the week I hadn't actually taken the time to research it. I must say after understanding it, and watching a few hours of action this afternoon I am a fan.

I like everything about it. I think it has captured a few things from other sports that are some of the very reasons we enjoy other sports.

If you mention the phrase "on the bubble" to any casual sports fans, it reminds them of March Madness and the mad scramble through Conference Tournaments, RPI Rankings, and Selection Sunday. I really enjoyed watching Rich Beem play way over his head this week and limp home while living to play another day.

Another thing I found refreshing this afternoon was seeing Tiger Woods sitting in 4th place of the FedEx Cup Standings at the end of the day. As hard as it is to get the Tiger, Phil etc., to play this late in the year, the point structure, along with the $10 million in prize money to the winner will bring some added incentive, and much needed buzz to the Tour's last 4 events of the season.

I know the FedEx Cup has it's critics, but regardless of what they say the Barclay's was a quality event, with a great field, a great finish, with a great lead up to the next 3 weeks.

Who Owns What

2007-03-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

I took part in an interesting discussion in my Sociology class today about who owns what. We were talking about media, and how mass media outlets are owned by major companies who often have vested interests in other areas of society, or other business sectors. This can obviously lead to strong biases regarding certain current events and the coverage major news networks give to them.

So I started looking around online tonight and found a website that has a pretty good list of what the major corporations own. Many of them cover a wide range of areas, and it becomes very clear how a conflict of interest can occur.

I will use my wife and I as an example, along with AOL Time Warner to show how involved these companies are in our day to day life (assuming we had a little more than the basic cable we have right now).

News - CNN
Movies - Warner Bros. Studios
Seinfeld - Castle Rock Entertainment
Sports Illustrated
People (people.com) (on Jamie's google homepage)
Entertainment Weekly
Cooking Light (subscription courtesy mom)
Golf Magazine
MapQuest.com
TNT (NBA Playoffs)
Atlanta Braves
Amazon.com (partial ownership)

Pretty interesting. That is not even a tenth of everything they own. I wil lay off on the commentary on this one, just sharing what I learned.

Let the madness begin (March Madness that is).

Still In It

2007-03-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

CP Photo

I taped the Maple Leaf game last night because I was going to be out at the Night Hoops final. I got home and watched the whole thing. I must admit I had lost hope in the third period. Down 3-1 to Ottawa I figured we were done. Not only done for the game, but the season. Kaberle's out, Ottawa spanked us 5-1 earlier in the week, I just figured it was over.

But not so fast. The Leafs played one of the better periods I've seen them play all year, and then Tucker capped it off in OT. I wasn't a huge Tucker fan back in the Corson/Roberts/Belfour era, but with the younger team right now, he is crucial to the Leafs' success.

Wellwood played last night for the first time in 33 games, his playmaking will help the power play for sure.

Sorry for the hockey post to those who don't care. Enjoy what's left of the weekend.

Beer Things

2007-03-09T23:37:00.000-08:00

I am currently drinking the first beer of our most recent batch of homebrew. This batch was an English Pale Ale (Bass Ale attempt). Quite satisfied so far. Good colour, aggressively hopped (but not quite like an IPA). Not sure what we will do for our next one yet, I have some ideas, but I haven't confirmed with my brewing partner Chris.

On another beer topic, I recently bought 4 cans of Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale in cans. Inside these cans was a small plastic ball called a floating widget. This was the coolest thing I have seen in the bottled/canned beer world. You can read more about it here.

Chris and our newest employee, Drew.

Night Hoops finishes up this weekend. I enjoyed it, but I think I will enjoy having my weekends back more.

If you haven't checked out my brother's beard blog recently, check it out here.

3 Years Later

2007-03-08T21:16:00.000-08:00

Three years ago today, was the day Todd Bertuzzi knocked out Steve Moore at GM Place in Vancouver. I think I have an interesting perspective on this situation as I am not a die hard Canucks fan. It's interesting living in Vancover, but still having some level of disconnect between myself and the team. At the same time, I like Bertuzzi, and I really feel for the guy. My brother and I worked at a sports camp in Cambridge that summer in which Bertuzzi's son was involved. So Todd was around, I never talked to the guy, but I really had sympathy for him (even if he did drop off his kid in his Hummer with spinning rims).

It bugs me how much people in Vancouver hate the guy. I don't understand how a guy can go from being loved, a fan favorite, and hero, to being the reason the whole team fell apart. People here are still obsessed with him, even after they traded him for all-world goalie Roberto Luongo, and Bertuzzi has struggled with injuries all season. Every time he does anything they talk about it on the radio, and are constantly bringing the guy down.

I am not dismissing what he did, it was awful. But how long do you need to kill the guy for it? He feels bad, he served his time (regardless of whether or not if was enough, he paid his price). Let him get on with things.

Here is Part I of a two part interview with Steve Moore that was on the National last night and tonight.

Look Alike Contest

2007-03-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

Two useless skills I have are combining words to create new ones. The other is placing people I know along with people that are famous. Here are a few, I hope I don't embarrass anyone.

Henri

Meredith

Bro In Law JasonNotre Dame QB Brady Quinn
Ryan
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
LindseyIzzy

Another Attempt

2007-03-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

I am back, for now. It's so weird, me and blogs. I like reading them, I like hearing what everyone's doing and thinking about, yet I can't help but find my own blog boring and weak.

Things are going quite well right now. I got into Brock for Sports Management. I feel really good about this. It was quite the surprise getting in. I had my mind set on becoming a teacher, either through Brock's Concurrent Education Program, or doing an Arts Degree, followed by Teacher's College, but either way I thought I'd be a teacher. But when I didn't get into that program, but did get into Sports Management, and I started thinking about some of the jobs I could get, I got really excited. I am really looking forward to it.

Starting to get excited about moving. I really miss some little things about Ontario. I miss sports being on at normal times. I miss Boston Cream donuts. Family. Tim and Leah. Sportsnet Ontario. The FAN 590. People that like Bertuzzi.

Also becoming aware of things I will miss about Vancouver. Microbrew beers. Cars stopping for me when I'm walking. Some really good friends I've made this year, and over the past few years through YWAM, our church, Sports Junkies, Britannia.

I will do my best to do this more often.

cc.

Global Warming

2007-01-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

I am starting to get a little sick of all this global warming talk. Not because I want the world to flood, or because I am ignorant, but more because I just don't know how to care. What am I supposed to do to slow this thing down. I find it hard to believe that if I take the bus or walk an every once and a while, it's really going to make a difference. Besides, I do walk to work, Jamie drives, so blame her. There are more people in the world than ever before, and as the world becomes more industrialized, and globalized, it's going to get much worse before it gets better.

I also don't think it would be all that bad if I could play golf in Ontario in January.

Saturday is Hockey Day in Canada. They are playing the Leaf/Canuck game on the new screen at GM Place on Saturday night, Kyle Martin and I might go in our Leaf Jersies and hats.

Fantasy Land

2007-01-04T23:07:00.000-08:00

Fantasy Hockey is a big part of my life. I am not ashamed of it, and would defend it's merits anyday, to anyone. However, here are some reasons why this hobby might be becoming a problem, or perhaps the coolest hobby ever (depends on who reads.)

1. Every scrap of information on the radio while you're at work, on the ticker of the sports news, or boxscores on the last page of the sports section that normal human beings don't read means something.
2. Your heart speeds up a bit when you are watching a game and one of your guys steps onto the ice for a power-play.
3. It connects you with your buddies and keeps you from talking about things like 'feelings'.
4. You have control over everything that happens on your squad.
5. You have no control over anything that happens to your squad.
6. You care about other men's groins more than you should.
7. You have conflicted emotions when one of your guys scores on your team (ie. Alfredsson against the Leafs.)
8. You check the standings and news clips before your email and bank account.
9. You find yourself reading "The Nashville Tenessean Online" hoping to find out who they are starting in goal today.

I will keep you posted with how my team is doing, so far, not awful, not great, just hanging around. If I were an NHL team right now, I would be the Carolina Hurricanes. Defending Champions, in a playoff spot, could go up, won't go down from here. We'll call it a Championship hangover.

Immersion Wort Chiller

2007-01-03T22:57:00.000-08:00

I finished making my wort chiller tonight. For those of you non-homebrewers out there, a wort chiller is used to cool the boiled, unfermented beer as quickly as possible. They are often made of copper tubing and submerged into the wort with cold water running through the copper tubing in order to cool the wort. Here are my step by step directions.

1. Collect your materials. All you need is 25' of 3/8'' copper tubing. Some hosing, I used 1/2'' pvc braided hose for the 'in' end and 3/8'' for the out end. You will also need some hose clamps, and a faucet adapter to connect to your sink faucet of choice.

2. Wind the copper tubing around a stationary, round object (ideally a plastic container you can pinch from Sports Junkies as long as you have it back by opening tomorrow.) If I could've done this again I would've left the ends straight, in particular the end that has to go from the bottom, back up to the top, it was too hard to get it back up through the middle of the coil.

3. Behold your copper coil and pray over it and the many hours it will save in the future.

4. (not pictured), bend the bottom of the coil (carefully) up through the centre of the coil, and bend the top end as well so that you have the two ends with about 6 to 8 inches on each end so that it hangs over the edge of your brew pot.

5. Attach your hoses to the copper pipes. Use your hose clamps to keep it nice and snug, attach to your faucet and be more amazed at running water through a pipe than ever before.

6. Here is the final product. It's first official debut will be this weekend. Chis and I will be making an IPA, a close relative to Alexander Keith, I think I will call this one Keith Alexander, in honor of my dad, wish he was here to have one.

cc.

Grey, Grey Everywhere

2007-01-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

Pretty sure Grey's Anatomy is taking over the universe. Not only has it invaded my wife's life, and my home, apparently it has now taken over my Mom and Dad's.

When I called to talk to my Dad on the weekend about bending copper pipe, he was out at Blockbuster trying desperately to find the first disc of the second season of Grey's Anatomy. I don't even want to know how quickly they breezed through that disc.

I must admit, the show has grown on me, I do like it. I think it's clever, witty, and very normal, which is why I think so many people relate to it.

Also, check out the link I added to my Dad's blog on the sidebar.

Have a nice McEvening.

cc.

Kyle's Beard Blog

2007-01-01T22:14:00.000-08:00

Click here to check out my brother's Beard Blog.

He just started it up this weekend, and his beard is in the early stages, much like his blog, but it will no doubt be interesting to see it grow. Bookmark it, add it to your Google Reader, and check back often.

Speaking of beards, I have a week long beard going, on the fence right now whether I should keep it or not, next couple days will decide it.

Jamie and I went to Apocalypto tonight, well done.

New Year, New Layout, New Toothbrush

2006-12-31T14:56:00.000-08:00

Hope you enjoy the new layout, be patient while it is still in the beginning stages of getting everything customized.

I figured because it's almost the new year I would try blogging again. I was so bored with my old layout that I spent some time searching for a new one, found one, and then spent some time setting it up, I like it, I hope you like it too.

I got a new toothbrush today too, I am looking forward to using it tonight. I love how your teeth feel so clean after using a new toothbrush, and you wonder how you went so long with the old one. I hope this layout is like my new toothbrush. Happy New Year, keep checking back.

cc.

Enough of the Blame Game

2006-09-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching, 'the Path to 9/11.' I really enjoyed it, found it entertaining and informative. However, I have had enough of all of the blame oriented discussion this anniversary has brought up. I am sick of everyone pointing the finger at everyone else, sick of everyone's hypocrisy. Tired of people who want to feel secure without sacrificing anything, or engaging in the discussion regarding the cause of terrorism.

You see scenes in this movie, for example when they retrieve a terrorists laptop, yet the authorities cannot get clearance to access the information on the laptop. People react to that with thoughts like, "come on, he's a terrorist, search the thing." Yet these are the same people who get all bent out of shape about listening in on known terrorists phone calls.

I don't know what I think about that issue, but I do know I've had enough of the hypocrisy. It happened, I get that, it was awful, let's learn from it. But is it really necessary to point fingers this far after the incident.

I was reminded today of how much the world has changed in the last 5 years, and also became more aware of how that one single event, more than any other will be the shaping event for my generation.

cc.

Why Must We Hate?

2006-09-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about Notre Dame, but I hate them. I couldn't help but secretly root against the Irish as I kept an eye on the Notre Dame/Georgia Tech game tonight. I think it's the fact that for some reason they always get way more hype than they actually deserve. Perhaps it's the NBC TV contract, 'Rudy', the BCS spot that has their name on it every year, regardless of how more qualified other teams are. But this got me thinking about why people love to hate the winners.

Why is it everybody loves to hate Notre Dame, the New York Yankees, Microsoft, Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or anyone that enjoys success on a large scale?

I am not sure if anybody recently heard the story about the former Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, who had been hired to be a spokesman for Wal-Mart among the American black community. He had made some comment about how small business, mom and pop stores in urban cities have been ripping off poor people for years with their overpriced stale bread, and how America needs Wal-Mart. It's a good question.

I am reading a great book at the moment that touches on this 'big business' theme a lot. While these big businesses often get ganged up on, if we were to wake up tomorrow morning without Wal-Mart, Microsoft and McDonald's, I think we would all be in a lot more trouble than we would like to admit. Not only would millions be out of jobs, but inflation would rise, stock prices would drop, and things would get interesting really fast. However, if Notre Dame, the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees were gone, that's another story.

cc.

Back to the Grind

2006-08-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

I start back at work tomorrow. Bettersweet really. I am ready to start doing something, but because it is 'work' it feels like I shouldn't really like it, but I do like my job, so it's kind of funny.

I start school on Wednesday, taking one University Transfer course (Psych. 1) at VCC which I have nicknamed, "Southwest BC State."

Our house is slowly getting into order, I like it a lot, life is really good lately, having a lot of fun. More interesting things to come as more order comes to my life.

cc.

Tim and Leah Cummins!

2006-08-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

Jamie and I just got back from Tim and Leah's wedding in Owen Sound. We had a great time hanging out with them and the whole Cummins gang. It was great seeing them finally get married after seeing their relationship develop right from the beginning. It was really neat being at their wedding just 2 months or so after they were at our wedding in BC. Here are some photos from their beautiful day. We leave today for the first leg of our six day, 'back to Vancouver' journey. See you soon!

cc.

Let's Bring it to a Vote!

2006-08-14T21:38:00.000-07:00

I was going to post something serious, but this is better. Who has the better stache?

Ben Coombe?

Or yours truly?

cc.

Dispatches from the Edge (Post #100)

2006-08-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

I received this book from Carl and Doris for my birthday recently and read it in a day and a half at the cottage. I am sure many of you have heard of Anderson Cooper, or have caught him on CNN at seemingly any hour of the day in the past year or so. He anchors his own show, Anderson Cooper 360 at 10 pm during the week.

I am finding it hard to find a word(s) to sum up this book. I want to say it was great, but great lifts ones spirit, or evokes other emotions such as joy and pleasure. This book definitely did not do that. It was sad, humbling, thought provoking, challenging, and moving.

Cooper thoughfully weaves his own story of his brother and father's traumatic deaths in with his personal accounts from the recent tsunami, his coverage of the first set of Iraq elections, as well as the famine in Niger, and Hurricane Katrina.

Cooper appears to me to be the first reporter/news anchor I have come across in recent times that has no agenda, other than the story, and as I learned from this book, the people he is covering. He tells stories of getting deeply involved not only in covering the story, but actually getting into the situation itself, whether it be arriving in Somalia on a UN relief plane with a camcorder and backpack, or rescuing residents trapped in their homes during Hurricane Katrina. His approach to news and more importantly life are extremely refreshing in today's world of spin and greed.

Without pressing guilt, placing blame, or even making subtle hints, this book pushes the reader to a new point of understanding in regards to the human element of global tragedy. Never again will I view news coverage of human tragedy or natural disaster the same. This books challenges ones feet for movement.

I have added a link to the book, as well as a link to Anderson's personal blog in the sidebar to the left.

cc.

22, Cottage, etc.

2006-08-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

We are back now from our week at the cottage with my family. Had a great time. Golfed 4 times with my Dad and Kyle, turned 22, played lots of UNO! Finished 2 books and continued working on my beard. Busy week ahead then we are off to Tim's wedding on Thursday, and then leave for our trip back to Vancouver on Saturday. cc.

Debit Card Hostages

2006-08-02T21:44:00.000-07:00

Why is it everytime you use your debit card, the cashier feels like they need to hold your debit card hostage until your transaction is approved?

I was getting a root beer milkshake at A&W today and I just got really fed up with it. It probably didn't show on the outside, but I was just sick of it. I was fuming inside. I don't understand it. It makes no sense to me. What is the person going to do if your transaction is declined? I would love, absolutely love, just for fun one day to have my card declined and the person turn to me and say, "I am sorry Mr. Church, your transaction was declined, I am going to have to keep your card, which has no value, until you can pay me for this root beer milkshake that I have already prepared." They can keep the stupid card if I could see that scene just once!

I work in retail and I refuse to pull this pointless stunt on helpless customers. I run the card through, and hand it back to them. I probably have A&W employees, or fancy clothing retailers from Robson Street in the store all the time who think to themselves, "what the hell is he doing handing me my card, what if isn't approved, what does he have for collateral?"

I really don't give a rip, it's your card, if you don't have any money, I won't judge you, or hold your card hostage.

cc.

Crazy Stories, and Creating Your Own

2006-08-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

My dad told me a story a few weeks ago about someone who he works with who's husband came to Canada in 1989 as a refugee from Romania. She told my dad about how her husband swam across the Danube river into Yugoslavia, gained refugee status and was lucky enough to have found a Romanian sponsor in Kitchener, Ontario. So he moved to Kitchener and lived with this family and their 4 kids for almost 18 months until he could fully support himself. He could speak little english at the time of his immigration.

This story touched my dad so much that he has taken an interest in doing this for people in similar situations. He would like to sponsor refugees and help them settle into Canadian culture, as they escape from persecution, or civil war.

So tonight, Jamie and I went with my mom and dad to meet this man and his wife, as well as the man and woman who sponsored him as a refugee. It was great hearing more of the story and seeing how the host family's faith had transformed his life, and given him opportunities he would have never had in Romania.

I am excited to see where this leads, and looking forward to being a part of it.

cc.

Favourite Wedding Shots

2006-07-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

American Observations

2006-07-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

I like America. I like the same sports that Americans like. I like how things are cheaper. I like American women, rather a certain American woman. I like ESPN. I like having lots of $1 bills in my wallet, it makes me feel richer than I actually am.

Here are some things I have noticed this time around that I have missed on previous trips.

1. Everyone is trying to get you in debt. It seems like every store
you are in, from the grocery store, to Value City is trying to get you with their in house credit card.
2. Everyone is trying to get you out of debt. There are just as many ads here for debt conslidators, or other services like that who have some amazing strategy to get you out of debt. I am beginning to wonder if these two groups are working together (the credit card guys, and the debt conslidators).
3. Everyone is trying to get you to eat. Fast food is everywhere, and they all have gigantic signs that stretch a mile in the air so that you can see them twinkling in the moonlight from wherever you are.
4. Everyone is on a diet. Once again, I think the diet people are
working with the fast food people. They both know that both of them don't work, but figure that people aren't smart enough to figure it out, and this way they can both get rich.

Evil cycles, stay away from them.

cc.

Blogging...

2006-07-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Here I am again. No promises here. Jamie and I were talking about blogging a few days ago and I was trying to explain to her my dilemma regarding blogging. I enjoy doing it occasionally as something to do after I check my email. I like having a little something to do after I check my email and I don't really have much to do in that time slot lately. But I do know that fantasy hockey season is lurking around the corner and that will fill that time slot and then some. So here I am, blogging again, we'll see where it goes. Keep checking back, and tell you're friends I'm alive.

So I also bit the mySpace bullet last night. I must be really bored. I'm not judging it yet, but I don't really get it. Right now it's more of a private science experiment to find out why Jamie is so drawn to the thing. So far I find the ads and the 17 year old girls in bathing suits with puckered lips a little pointless. How's that for not sounding judgmental.

I've read a few books lately. I finished The World According to Garp by John Irving in the Dominican, as well as the Partner by John Grisham (in a day and a half), and Deception Point by Dan Brown. Garp was good, but not my favorite Irving, the Partner was really good, and Deception Point was good, but not my favorite of the Dan Brown novels.

I could live in the US because of ESPN alone. It's Thursday afternoon and I am watching White Sox vs. Tigers, sick.

cc.

Clash of Civilizations

2006-03-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

I recently finished a book I had been working on for quite some time now entitled, "The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order" by Samuel P. Huntington. Here's the deal.

Essentially what Huntington gives the reader in the first part of the book is a way of viewing the world apart from geo-political divisions. He proposes that the world is to be viewed as having nine distinct civilizations: Western (North America, Europe, Australia), Latin American, African, Islamic, Sinic (mainly China), Hindu, Orthodox, Buddhist and Japanese. Often in most of these civilizations, religion is the greatest common denominator, and the greatest unifying force. He gives many examples of small conflicts between nations of the same civilization that have never escalated to great proportions. A recent example would be the cattle and softwood lumber issue between Canada and the US. While a conflict, it is likely not to start a war anytime soon, we have too much in common.

However, anytime two nations of opposite civilizations have a point of contention, war and significant conflict is always a possibility. When examining major global conflicts, the majority of them occur where two civilizations meet geographically, or idealogically, or along what Huntington refers to as "civilizational fault lines."

Huntington also explores the issue of what he refers to as 'cleft countries,' where a nation loses it's cultural identity, weakening it's authority on a global stage, which may lead to the destruction of that civilization as we know it. He raises some interesting points in reference to multiculturalism, as well as immigration.

Western culture is challenged by groups within Western societies. One such challenge comes from immigrants from other civilizations who reject assimilation and continue to adhere to and to propagate the values, customs, and cultures of their home societies. This phenomenon is most notable among Muslims in Europe, who are, however a small minority. It is also manifest, in lesser degree, among Hispanics in the United States who are a large minority. If assimilation fails in this case, the United States will become a cleft country, with all the potentials for internal strife and disunion that entails. In Europe, Western civilizations could also be undermined by the weakening of its central component, Christianity. p. 304-5.

What I have mentionned here only scratches the surface on what is an incredibly detailed, well researched, well written book. I think I need to read it again to fully absorb some of these theories, and to be able to articulately pass them on to others. I highly recommend. Let me know if you would like to give it a whirl.

Finishing

2006-03-12T22:41:00.000-08:00

Been realizing a trend in my life that I am a poor finisher of things. I am trying to improve.

Tonight I finished a book, Teacher Man (see recent reads on sidebar).

I am going to go back and finish a bunch of books that have about 2 chapters left each.

I need someone to analyze my fear of finishing things, what does it mean? What am I afraid of?

What's on My Brain...

2006-03-11T22:36:00.000-08:00

Interesting events in the last two evenings.

A 6-inch (closed) switchblade fell out of the pocket of one the players on my team on Friday night. Needless to say I didn't work him too hard in the following practice.

I took my team to play at the Youth Detention Centre in Burnaby tonight. My guys got to go home, the other team didn't. Two of the guys on my team have spent periods of time there at some point.

I am becoming more and more heartbroken for the lives my players live. It is so far removed from my reality, hurts me.

I had my first $4.99 fast food meal that made me full, like can't eat any more full, in a while. Donald's Market, Hastings & Nanaimo.

Read an honest, thought provoking post on Megan's blog. Check it out here.

Jamie is gone until Thursday, I will miss her.

My Day

2006-03-09T21:58:00.000-08:00

Here is what I did today.

I woke up around 9.

Walked to work in the snow, yes snow. Snow that isn't quite convinced it's snow and melts as soon as it touches you.

Came to the office and had one eye on the NHL Trade deadline deals all day.

Had a good time talking and praying about Islam with the staff in the afternoon.

Casually hunted for jobs that interest me.

Made an appointment at VCC tomorrow about taking some University Transferrable courses next fall.

Cooked a penne with meat sauce dinner and watched Montreal vs. Boston.

Went for coffee with Mike, had a decaf coffee from Starbucks and the last sip had all the grounds in it and my throat is still burning. Really pissing me off.

Watched the Canucks look stupid in OT against Nashville and enjoyed it.

Blogged about my day.

Night.

Stolen Lines

2006-03-08T22:35:00.000-08:00

Do you ever rediscover an album buried on your iPod that at one day summed up everything you were thinking or feeling? I rediscovered this one tonight on my walk home, John Mayer's live album 'Any Given Thursday. I will proceed to put together random lines from this album which summarize many past and present realities.

I'd like to think the best of me is hiding up my sleeve
They Love to tell you stay inside the lines
But some things are better on the other side

And I can't think about what's keepin' me down
Something's missing, and I don't know how to fix it

I fell in love with the dream I built of you
Could I have missed my chance and watched you walk away?

Cause I wonder sometimes about the outcome of a still verdictless life
But all I feel's alone, it might be a quarter-life crisis
Or just the stirring in my soul
Still "everything happens for a reason" is no reason not to ask myself
Am I living it right?

My stupid mouth has got me in trouble
I'd rather be a mystery than she desert me

You and me and everyone, covered in rain

Here I stand, 6 feet small and smiling cause I'm scared as hell
Kind of like my life is like a sequel to a movie where the actors names have changed

She's perfect, so flawless

Prizes to anyone who can name the tracks. Didn't mean to be dramatic, blame JM.

You Think Your Morning Sucked?

2006-03-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

What Do I Think of Church?

2006-03-05T23:07:00.000-08:00

I Started reading a book Mike is letting me borrow entitled, Why Men Hate Going to Church. I have only read the first chapter, but it has already brought up some interesting points. From reading the first chapter I believe Murrow is essentially saying the typical Church system is faulty in attracting and producing strong Christian males.

I have often felt many of the sentiments of this author over my past 4 years of Church attendance. If I am honest with myself, more often than not I am bored, feeling like I am missing what is going on, or too busy thinking about the NFL game that I am missing. I am still trying to sort out how much of this is my own lack of committment to a specific congregation (which I am sure is a huge factor), or how much of it is a gap in the system.

Over the last few months Jamie and I have discovered a Church we are beginning to feel at home at. The people are really warm, they are more outward than inward focused, the message is always relevant, music is good, and there is a very healthy male/female ratio.

I think the conclusion we need to avoid when people get discouraged at not seeing men at church is that men don't love God, or men don't want to be Christians. I think there are huge numbers of men out there that love God, live for Him daily, yet are extremely discontented with Church, and essentially can't be bothered. The majority of Christian men would rather watch sports, play sports, fix their car, paint their house or cut their lawn than go to Church, and it's unfair to say because of that they don't love God.

I am looking forward to reading the book, I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks Mike.

A Feel Good Story

2006-03-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

I first got wind of this story while in the Dominican last week watching ESPN after my afternoon nap, and got the CBS News story on it today from a friend. The player pictured above, Jason McElwain, was the manager of his high school's varsity basketball team for 4 years. Jason is autistic.

The coach of the team decided prior to the team's last home game to let Jason wear a uniform and sit on the bench as one of the players. He did a little more than that. The coach put him into the game with 4 minutes left, he proceeded to light it up for 20 points and 6 three-pointers.

The video is chilling. Anybody who's played high school sports can only imagine how cool it would have been to be a part of this night.

To quote Jason in the CBS Interview, "I was hotter than a pistol."

I highly recommend watching the video here.

Jamie and I will be in Victoria this weekend for a marriage conference, have a great weekend, talk to you on Monday.

Beach Reading Part III

2006-03-01T21:48:00.000-08:00

Reading on the beach seems so far away right now, but here is the third and final book I am working on. Teacher Man, by Frank McCourt, the author of Angela's Ashes and Tis'. My parents got me this book for Christmas and I have finally found a little time to start chipping away at it. I am only a third of the way through this book, so this is by no means a review, more just some thoughts.

This book is McCourt's memoir from his years teaching in New York City high schools. He writes in such a way as it would be a blog that you would make a point of reading each day, very enjoyable and easy to read.

I want to be good at something. I want to have a skill. I think that is one of my biggest desires lately. I want to simply get good at something, to get smarter, and I want to pass that on to other people. I am looking forward to getting back to school. I miss learning.

I am getting my teeth cleaned tomorrow.

Jamie and I are going to a marriage conference in Victoria on the weekend.

Hopefully the conference will be more enjoyable than getting my teeth cleaned, I think it will be.

Beach Reading Part II

2006-02-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

The other book I am still working on from my holiday is Guide for the Groom by Carley Roney. After grinding my way through 7 and half months of my engagement in near complete ignorance, I figured it was time to invest a little time into learning what I actually have to do for this thing called a wedding.

I really appreciate the straight shooting nature of this book. It tells you exactly what to do to avoid confrontational issues, and how to keep the bride to be happy, which to be completely honest are much more important than what I wear, or how much I tip someone.

My brother and I had the most fun reading the bachelor party dos and don'ts. The most notable being.

If strippers are involved, always say that they were unattractive and that the strip join was kind of nasty. Don't say you can't remember anything, even if you really can't - that will definitely make her imagination run wild.

Good book for grooms to be, looking forward to passing it on to my brother in the next 10-15 years.

Beach Reading Part I

2006-02-27T23:40:00.000-08:00

This will be the first in a series of 3 posts on what I read, or am currently reading from my Dominican holiday that I wish I was still on.

The first book I finished was Muslims Next Door by Shirin Taber. A very good middle of the road intro to Islam. Definitely the kind of Islam book I would recommend to my mom. It dispells a few myths in the first few chapters such as: all Muslims are Arab, all Muslims are fundamentalists, as well as giving some minor detail as to the different sects of Islam (Sunni, Shi'ite, Sufi).

The second half of the book gives insight into Muslim culture, and how Westerners, and Western Christians can build lasting friendships with Muslims in their communities.

Definitely not a book for someone looking for more in-depth discussion, or comparative religion discussion, but highly recommended with someone looking for an introductory/overview style book.

2006-02-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

This expression about sums things up.

On Vacation

2006-02-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

I am off tomorrow morning to the Dominican Republic for a little vacation with my parents and my brother. I'll be back next Thursday with an update, have a great week.

Iranian Newspaper Takes the High Road

2006-02-12T23:26:00.000-08:00

In an interesting move today, the Iranian newspaper Hamshahri has decided to promote a contest for cartoons depicting the holocaust. Apparently the purpose of the promotion is to test the limits of free speech in the west. After the contest, which ends on May 5, the Iranian newspaper will print the cartoons and then appeal to western newspapers to do the same.

I am interested to see how this one plays out. I am also confsued over the approach this newspaper has taken. Were the cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed not enough to show that freedom of speech is highly valued in the west? It is Muslim countries that do not hold the value of freedom of speech in such high regard.

Stay tuned for furher developments.

Some More Positive News

2006-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

How neat is this, a group of scientists from the US, Indonesia and Australia, have discoverred many new animals and many animals that they had thought were extinct in the Foja mountains in Indonesia's Papua province.

The group apparently found 20 new species frogs. And what I believe is pictured, the golden mantled tree kangaroo.

In other news, I watched a half hour infomercial on a pill called "Sea-vegg" that is 15 different kinds of seaweed. Apparently this is why Japanese people are smarter than white people.

[indonesia]

*photo from conservation.org.

Texan Muslims?

2006-02-07T23:27:00.000-08:00

Did you ever think there could be such a thing? Watch this.

British Muslim Cleric Put Away

2006-02-07T22:36:00.000-08:00

Abu Hamza Masri was found guilty today in a British cour t of inciting Muslims to kill non-Muslims, and stirring up racial hatred. For those of you who remember the famed, 'shoe-bomber' Richard Reed, he was a frequent attendee of Masri's mosque.

I do not want to make some kind of outlandish statement right now, saying that all of these Muslim clerics are sharing the same kind of stuff as this guy, but we never will really know will we?

I am learning more and more about what the Qu'ran says, and a common theme is that they don't like Jews and Christians, like really don't like Jews and Christians. So where does that go? Could you imagine a Christian preacher never preaching on Jesus' commands? It has to happen, and likely more than we think. I would just like to think that most of it isn't as violent as this guy.

[islam]

The Difficulty of This Mess

2006-02-06T22:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry to people who would like me to write about something else, but these Muslim riots have really struck something in me. From reading plenty of blogs on the topic the last few days I have been impressed in reading that people are beginning to understand that the Arab/Muslim world view and the Western/Christian world view are complete opposites.

The world is no doubt moving in a direction where people are going to be on one side or the other, where religion will be the most significant cultural divider. It has been interesting reading the blogs of Western/Non-Christian writers who are defending the freedom of speech, Western ideals. They provide an interesting perspective that is not the usual ultra right wing attitudes you often get.

This issue is like very few in that it is hard to take the middle road. It is nearly impossible for a person who embraces Western values (regardless of ethnicity) to support or defend the outreageous actions of the rioting Muslims.

[muslim cartoons][islam]

Another Day, Another Embassy in Flames

2006-02-05T23:13:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, the unrest that has developped among Muslims due to the cartoons published in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten, has escalated even more today. The latest Danish Embassy to go up in flames was in Beirut, Lebanon.

Interestingly enough the rioting in Beirut had significantly more religious overtones than the previous incidents. From the washingtonpost.com:

"But in the streets, fistfights broke out between Christian and Muslim Lebanese after protesters threw rocks at a Maronite Catholic Church, broke windows at the Lebanese Red Cross office and shattered windshields of cars. Bands of Christian youths congregated with sticks and iron bars, promising to defend their neighborhoods."

I was wondering when it would come to this. When the Muslim frustration would eventually move from the Danes to the West, to Christians, and it showed it's face for the first time today.

I would be interested to know where on the anger spectrum, all Muslims would fall in regards to this issue. Do most feel slightly offended, or highly offended, and would defend with force. I would find those statistics interesting.

[lebanon][cartoons][islam]

Troubling Situation

2006-02-05T01:04:00.000-08:00

These protests regarding the cartoons printed in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten are getting more troubling by the day. Angry muslims in Syria set fire to the Danish embassy there. Events such as these have caused the US state department to point the finger at the Syrian government for not protecting the Danish and Norwegian embassies.

I have a hard time with a few things about this situation. Muslims get mad when people call them violent. And how do they react when offended, they get violent. What are people supposed to think? I think non-Muslims are looking for examples on the global stage to let Muslims off the hook and to call them 'peaceful'. Yet events such as these do not go far in accomplishing that.

I think what has troubled me most with these recent events is how widespread the discontent is. My eyes have been openned to the attitude that so-called moderate European Muslims (pictured above, London) have.

By no means do I condone the cartoons, or any negative portrayal of a religious figure, yet I think the Muslims population worldwide really missed a great opportunity to show the world that they are not violent fantatics, but peaceful people. I am disappointed, and unfortunately, not surprsied.

Read this interesting post from Jihad Watch.

[cartoons][islam][syria]

The Clash Continues...

2006-02-02T23:34:00.000-08:00

The clash continues between Muslims and Europeans. The latest feud being over caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed in a Danish newspaper. The feud has erupted all over the Arab world. The protests made it as far as Indonesia today with Islamic militants barging into the Danish embassy and the burning of Danish flags. The AP article states,

"The Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten, had asked 40 cartoonists to draw images of the prophet. The purpose, its chief editor said, was "to examine whether people would succumb to self-censorship, as we have seen in other cases when it comes to Muslim issues."

According to the Quran it is unlawful to attempt to depict the Prophet Mohammad. Apparently some of the cartoons had pictures of Mohammed wearing a turban that looked like a bomb.

First of all, this was pretty ignorant of the newspaper. They had to know that this was going to stir some people up, and I am all for that, but no doubt some of the more extreme cartoons could have been done without.

I wish I could say I think things are going to get better, however I fear they are only going to get worse. These two religions could not be more different, and I am afraid that these feuds will begin to move to the forefront of international news.

As people begin to align more and more with their highest cultural identity, religion, these clashes between cultures and civilizations will sadly become more frequent.

*AP Photo

Iran, Twins, and Temporo-Mandibular Disorder

2006-01-31T22:33:00.000-08:00

I am sitting on the couch right now watching President Bush's State of the Union Address and I was struck by a few things. First of all I was struck by the verbal bombshells he dropped in reference to Iran,

"The Iranian government is defying the world with its nuclear ambitions and the nations of the world must not permit the Iranian regime to gain nuclear weapons," said Mr. Bush. America will continue to rally the world to confront these threats. Tonight, let me speak directly to the citizens of Iran: America respects you and we respect your country. We respect your right to choose your own future and win your own freedom," he said. "And our nation hopes one day to be the closest of friends with a free and democratic Iran."

Sounds to me like they are on GWB's to-do list. I also find the audience at this annual address interesting. Everything is worthy of a standing ovation. If I was President, I would make stupid comments like, "Do you think the Steelers will cover the spread this weekend, I don't, I think the Seahawks are underrated." And then watch everyone go nuts. The crowd at this gathering tonight is much different than normal. It's much more divided on half the issues, only half the crowd rises, I wonder what the division is???...

In other news, Dave & Heather are having twins, that's pretty cool. For news and really neat photos, click here.

And on a personal note, I have a Temporo-Mandibular Disorder, which is a problem with my jaw. So I need to see a dentist and get a bite-plate so I don't grind my teeth, because apparently I do. I hope Jamie will still love me if I have headgear.

Interesting Site

2006-01-30T23:18:00.000-08:00

I discovered this site a few a months back and have become a regular visitor. It is put on by MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute). I have found it to be very informative when searching for credible sources of Middle East media. I hope you find it as interesting as I do. MEMRI is:

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) explores the Middle East through the region's media. MEMRI bridges the language gap which exists between the West and the Middle East, providing timely translations of Arabic and Farsi media, as well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, social, cultural, and religious trends in the Middle East.

Founded in February 1998 to inform the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East, MEMRI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501 (c)3 organization. MEMRI's headquarters is located in Washington, DC with branch offices in Berlin, London, Jerusalem, and Baghdad, and has a project active in Sweden. MEMRI research is translated to English, German, Hebrew, Italian, French, Spanish, and occasionally Turkish and Russian.

In unrelated news, the sun was out today, it was beautiful. My golf clubs are being re-gripped. The Maple Leafs won, ending their 8 game losing streak. I go to the Dominican in 17 days.

War...Confuses Me

2006-01-29T22:22:00.000-08:00

I seem to go back and forth on the war issue all the time. I am learning more and more lately that the world isn't as black and white as we would all like it to be. More often than not, it is grey.

All in one day I watched programs on television about September 11 and the horrific stories of the people inside the World Trade Centre, also the stories of these two Canadian men being held hostage in Iraq, followed by the news of a CNN journalist and his cameraman falling victim to a roadside bomb.

I have a hard time with it all because sometimes I think, "This is right, we can't let them do this to us." But when you hear these human stories it all seems so pointless. It creates quite the tension.

Coaching Debut...Heartbreak

2006-01-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

I had my coaching debut with my Night Hoops team tonight. We lost on a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lose by 1, 107-106. Let's just say my guys have an issue with defense, they don't play much of it. At least I know what we need to work on now.

Maple Leafs lost in overtime to Montreal 4-3, and their losing streak grows to 8. Leaf Nation is in a state of disarray.

The sun appeared today, that was the only bright spot in more ways than one.

Rain Sucks

2006-01-27T20:10:00.000-08:00

I am sick of the rain. I absolutely hate it. When I was walking home last night I had my umbrella up and I was still soaked right though. When it's windy too, don't even bother, you're just going to get soaked.

Here is my completely wrong theory as to why people live here. Whoever discovered the west coast of Canada came across on some boat, likely in the middle of July. It was beautiful, on the water, the mountains were right there. So they built some houses. They enjoyed the sun, the water, they thought they had found paradise. They sent emails to all their friends and they came too and were here by August. They built some houses. October came and it rained a little bit. November came and it rained a little bit more. December came and it rained every day. January came and it rained all day every day, twice. Rather than building an arc like Noah, or crossing the mountains, they waited it out and have repeated this stupid cycle every year ever since, all the while still tricking people into the fact that this is a beautiful city with great weather. They are liars.

Oprah Strikes Again

2006-01-26T21:56:00.000-08:00

Once again I am amazed at the authority Oprah seems to throw around every time she opens her mouth. Her latest victim is author James Frey who's best-selling memoir "A Million Little Pieces" has been proven to be a far stretch from the actual details of his battle with addiction.

I must admit I have not read the book, but I found this story very intriguing. First of all, by the huge outcry over the liberties Frey took, and secondly, by Oprah's power to make or break a writer's career.

I wonder how the book would have been received if Frey was upfront about the story not being entirely true? Would people have had the same response? And more importantly, if Oprah didn't like the book, would anyone even care?

Yes I am an Oprah Fan

2006-01-25T22:52:00.000-08:00

A few quick thoughts on Oprah. I'm hooked and I'm not afraid to admit it. If more celebrities were like her we might be a lot better off.

Her show yesterday talked about terrorism, and a few of her guests made some pretty strong anti-Muslim comments, I wonder if she'll take any heat for that. I was excited to hear a lot of this stuff coming into the light, good job O.

At the end of her show today she shared how a few months ago she had called on her viewers to send letters to US Congressmen regarding children in the sex trade, and just a few days ago President Bush signed the "End Demand for Sex Trafficking" bill. Just goes to show the political weight she carries, and isn't afraid to use, well done.

If you haven't checked out my sports blog yet, click here.

confused?

2006-01-24T23:50:00.000-08:00

i thought i might as well throw another drip in the ocean of politcal discussion at the moment. i think for the first time in my 21 years of existence, i feel like i have a mild understanding of what, 'canadian values' are. and the ironic thing is it's not the conservative ones. from what i've seen, these are the top canadian values.

1. you can't tell me what to do.
2. i want social programs but don't want to pay for them. so give me my programs, but please don't tax me.
3. i'm not american - but i like your tv shows, clothes, culture, restaurants, but i still don't like america, and don't you dare call me american.

personally, i would like to find some things other than those to get behind. to be canadian is more than that isn't it?

i just heard someone on the tv that canadians are more known for voting against a party, than for one. i just wonder if that was the case here. people were sick of the liberal stuff, so they thought, 'what the hell, this can't be any worse.'

i find it very interesting that even though the conservatives won more seats than anyone else, it seems like more people are pissed off than excited.

i'm looking forward to seeing where this goes, i think it's a good thing.

cc.

new blog.

2006-01-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

i have started a new sports blog. the address is http://widewrite.blogspot.com. still kind of rough around the edges, but check it out. talk to you soon.

cc.

airport observations.

2006-01-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

a few observations from people watching at the airport.

people are always in a hurry. they hurry to get on the plane, they rush to the front of the line to board the plane and the same people rush to get off the plane.

people are parnoid about their luggage. this guy was losing it today when his bags weren't out, and we had only been off the plane for about 5 minutes.

people will eat anything if it's free.

travelling is much easier if you just relax.

good movie on the plane, i think it was called, 'in her shoes'. very interesting, i almost cried, almost.

cc.

old times.

2006-01-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

just got home after spending the night in toronto with tim. lots of fun, i miss him a lot. stayed up till 4 am catching up, still wasn't enough time.

i am not a fan of highway driving. this transport kept riding my tail big time, i'd try to get ahead of him and he'd keep creeping up on me and wouldn't pass me. i listened to sport radio the whole way, i love sports talk radio. i wish i could be one of the guys that works behind the scenes for talk radio guys. giving them cool stats to talk about, arranging guests, i don't think i could entertain, but i would like making the on-air guys look good (i guess it's more like sound good).

i think i'm going to jump in the hot tub and then have a nap. tough life, i know.

cc.

afraid of committment?

2006-01-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

hey.

i guess i'm sorry to anyone who reads this. if you still check, you're in for a treat. i'm in cambridge right now. love my home. for lots of reasons. here are some random thoughts i've had since i've been home.

i think for the first time in my life i've gained weight. if i pinch the skin on my stomach really hard i can get a piece of skin about an inch thick, it doesn't pull up very high, and it's likely it's just because i've never tried this before, but for now i'll call it fat. good job mom.

the NFL playoffs are reality tv at it's best. if the rest of the universe understood this, maybe there would be less shows like the 'bachelor', 'so you want to marry my dog, cat, or any other person'. my dad and i picked 4 games against the spread this weekend and we got the first 3 right and were riding high. crashed and burned with the bengals and carson palmer's knee ligaments. i guess that's why it's gambling.

i'll save some other stuff for later, maybe i'll write again, you'll have to check to find out.

i am considering making my blog into a sports blog.

if you want a laugh, watch this.

cc.

what i've been doing.

2005-11-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

here i am, with a little update, trying to get back into the swing of things in a blogging sense of the word.

first of all i've been reading a lot of interesting stuff lately. i recently finished a book called 'the sword of allah' whic discusses islamic fundamentalism, it's roots and current expressions, and the evangelical response. the new one i am working on right now is called 'the clash of civilizations and the remaking of world order' very, very cool book.

i have been volunteering at trout lake on fridays helping out with the youth drop in basketball. i am also starting to help out with the steve nash youth basketball program at hastings school, and i am currently checking out the possibility of coaching with this 'night hoops' program through britannia community centre, lots of fun opportunities, i'll keep you up to date.

i'll try to write more the next little while. hope you are well.

cc.

i'm alive, just not interested.

2005-11-03T22:12:00.000-08:00

just wanted to say i'm alive. i think i've been too involved in my own life in the last week to really let anybody in, not on purpose, just sort of happenned. been reading lots of interesting things, and spending too much time on my fantasy hockey team.

i'll write a little more when i have things a little more formulated.

cc.

see ya for a while.

2005-10-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

going to be out of touch for a bit. off to the okanagan until friday for the canadian go confernece. not ignoring you, talk to you soon.

cc.

6 degrees of gwyneth & apple.

2005-10-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

ok, the world is small, here is exhibit A.

i am engaged to jamie.

jamie was in josh and emily deu's wedding.

josh makes arcade fire videos.

the singer from arcade fire hang out with chris martin.

chris martin is married to gwyneth paltrow.

gwyneth paltrow gave birth to baby Apple.

it's a small world after all.

cc.

striking.

2005-10-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

kind of confused by the strength of unions here in bc. right now the teachers are on strike, telus workers were (are) on strike. is striking a good thing? i really don't know. part of me thinks it's a really lame way of resolving conflict, yet sometimes it's the only way to get things done. i guess it depends on each situation.

i think it really comes down to pride, some of it valid, some not. some things people are entitled to, and sometimes people are so greedy.

this is just one of those areas where i don't think i have enough experience to make some big statement. i'm sure as i get older it will make a little more sense, but right now i just don't know. i don't understand all of the factors involved in these current strikes, so i'll just keep my mouth shut.

cc.

haircuts.

2005-10-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

got my haircut yesterday. this really unassuming place. the place i have gone to twice before was closed, so i went up another block and got my haircut by this older philippino lady. i was quite concernned when i saw the posters on the wall, the one right in front of me was a middle aged man with greying hair and an awesome mustache (looked like it was freshly combed). but, i was pleasantly surprised, i like my haircut, which is pretty rare for me.

i am at the office right now, kind of wishing i was somewhere else, yet if i was somewhere else i would probably wish i was here, weird sensation.

i'm trying to email more, i've been really bad lately, i miss it, i miss people, my friends from home. so strange when people are so steady in your life, and all of a sudden they're not, not on purpose, more by accident, it's sad, it makes me sad.

almost finished 'blue like jazz' very well done, inspired me to rip him off and write a book like that about my life. i might experiment with another blog about my life, longer entries, we'll see, stay tuned.

i'm waiting for my coffee to cool down, 3rd cup of the day, same pot from 10:30 am, wish me luck. wish you were here to share it with me.

cc.

stuff.

2005-10-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

2:05 pm right now. watching game 4 of the nlcs. i hope the cardinals win, they've been good for so long, and can't break through, they have pretty loyal fans too. i want to get a haircut, but i don't feel like walking 20 minutes in the rain just for that, i think i might still do it though. wireless signal is working pretty good in our apartment today, it's usually pretty hit and miss, but quite consistent today, it's been nice.

walking in the rain evokes the same emotion in me as:
-dropping toast and having it land peanut butter side down
-cutting myself shaving and it not stopping for a long time
-being locked out of somewhere
-stubbing my toe
-burning microwave popcorn

hope that puts things in perspective.

talk to you soon.

cc.

golfed.

2005-10-16T00:17:00.000-07:00

slept till 11:45.

played golf with dave.

it was sunny today.

got to watch hockey.

spent time with jamie.

i like weekends.

cc.

god and dogs.

2005-10-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

had this thought lying in bed trying to get to sleep last night. i think sometimes my relationship with god is like my relationship with the dog in the apartment above ours. for the following reasons.

i know they're always there.
i hear them, not always clearly, sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly.
i have a healthy fear of them.
they would never harm me.
they both occassionally wake me up earlier than i want.

what is god spelt backwards?

have a great weekend.

cc.

coffee can now multi-task.

2005-10-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

slept in this morning.

stumbled my way out of the house by 9:15 with a nice cup of coffee in my travel mug.

walked about 2 blocks, flipped open the lid. splat! hot coffee in face from the pressure in the mug. not fun.

bad news is the day hasn't really gotten any better since.

cc.

a bunch of things.

2005-10-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

trying a new layout to my blog, more enhancements to come. i liked the last one, but internet explorer didn't. i apologize if you had been looking at that mess for a while and couldn't work up the guts to tell me. i'm using firefox now so i had no clue. if this one screws up, please tell me.

really feel like i'm on the verge of something. i don't really know what it is. i think more in just the general sense of knowing god, and myself and how the two weave together in day to day things, exciting, challenging, and humbling.

reading some thought provoking things lately, 'the unshakeable kingdon and the unchanging person' by e. stanley jones and 'blue like jazz' by donald miller. i figure everyone i know has read the latter, so why not, i'm enjoying them both immensely.

been blessed deeply the last few days by god, and people, you know who you are.

cc.

things i am thankful for.

2005-10-10T01:24:00.000-07:00

some things i am thankful for.

change.
growth by force.
comfort things.
fantasy hockey.
god's provision.
relationship.
my family.
the future.
tonight's meal.
jamie porter.

night.

cc.

i love the sun.

2005-10-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

sun was shining today, that makes me happy. i am considering getting a tanning bed and putting it on the top bunk of my bunk bed, i've heard light therapy can be quite effective.

maybe i should get a light like this.

have a fun weekend. wish you were here.

cc.

panic button...not yet.

2005-10-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

had a great time last night watching the return of the nhl. leafs lost in the first shootout to ottawa, so sad.

had a few moments of inner conflict watching dany heatley trying to score on toronto, i wanted his points for my fantasy team, but i like the leafs too.

lindros looked great. sorry i don't have much to say other than hockey commentary lately...i hope my life gets more interesting.

lindros looked good in the blue and white. it's been a long time coming.

cc.

fall positionning.

2005-10-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

first signs of fall in vancouver...

1. people wearing vests.
2. umbrella in the right hand.
3. coffee cup in the left hand.

go leafs go.

cc.

hockeve.

2005-10-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

feels kind of like christmas eve, but with hockey. probably more excited than normal because of our office pool, it has quite the buzz going.

for those interested, my big guns are joe thornton, dany heatley, paul kariya and sidney crosby. all good canadian kids.

speaking of 'sid the kid'. i am really curious how he is going to do this season, there's been so much hype. i'm sure he'll do great, he better, i took him with a 4th round pick in our draft.

talk to you soon.

cc.

fall daze.

2005-10-03T17:05:00.000-07:00

had a great lazy fall day yesterday, it rained pretty much all day. so jamie and i just stayed in, drank coffee, had take-out sushi and watched 'the interpreter' with henri. such a good movie. it was jamie and i's first date movie (going out to a movie), so it holds a special place with us, haha.

we watched the asian bootleg edition that ralph brought jamie back from thailand, so it was in english with spanish subtitles, and it was missing the dramatic opening scene, but it was still good.

nice weather today, so i am happy.

cc.

on the seventh day...i watched football.

2005-10-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

what a great time of year, i hate the rain here in vancouver, but there are always a few weeks before the rain really starts, where everything is so fresh here, the air is cool, but has a really cool smell to it. i love watching sports this time of year, nfl is in full swing, baseball playoffs and hockey kicks off on wednesday. i'm really looking forward to hockey starting, that's pretty rare for me, maybe it has something to do with our office fantasy pool.

i think we may have found our wedding location. really nice golf course in surrey, definitely the top of my list, we'll keep you posted.

alright, this dream i had right before i woke up this morning was really weird. in this dream, for some reason i had left my ipod in this stranger's car, and i was going to get it later, but the car took off so i took a cab on this high speed chase through new york city chasing this car with my ipod in it. when that car pulled over i came upto the car and was like, 'give me my ipod, man' and he pretended like he didn't know what i was talking about, even though i could hear my music in the car. but here's the kicker, the guy in the car, none other than zach morris from saved by the bell (and an svu cameo). so i proceeded to pull him out of the car and kick his ass, and took my ipod back. so weird.

here is my analysis.

1. i must be harbouring some teenage angst towards zach morris for being so cool and dating kelly kapowski.
2. i am overly protective of my ipod.
3. if you steal my ipod, i'll kick your ass.

have a great day. talk to you soon.

cc.

sports.

2005-09-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

sorry i haven't been posting more often, i haven't forgot about you. my life has mainly consisted of sports lately. last sunday we had our fantasy hockey draft, which was the most fun i have had in a long time. i just finished my football picks for the week. it's crunch time in the baseball regular season, and i'm watching president's cup golf right now.

the girls are all at angela and leigh's wedding this weekend, so i am capitalizing on sports watching time while i can.

hope you're weekend is going well. rest up.

cc.

been a while.

2005-09-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

hello all, it's been a while. been out of touch for a while, with our staff retreat and all. good to be back in some semblance of a routine.

semblance is a nice word (did i spell that right?)

we had our fantasy hockey draft yesterday, seriously the most fun i've had in a long time. i think i did pretty well, but time will tell.

hope you're doing well, i'll write more in the next few days, but just in bits and pieces.

cc.

podcasted.

2005-09-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

so i have officially dug into this new phenomenon known as 'podcasting.' if you don't know what a podcast is, it's a radio-program downloaded to your ipod, with no ads that you can listen to whenever you want. the ones i am currently listening to are the ESPN Radio Podcast, MLB Radio Daily, BBC Documentary Archive, a prank call comedy Podcast, and a Christian teaching Podcast by winkie pratney.

jamie is hooked on 'mugglecast' for all you potterheads.

if you haven't tried them, i would highly recommend them.

jamie and i are off to the canadian open tomorrow at shaughnessy, thanks mom and pop for the ticks, love you guys.

line of the day comes from my brother, now going to school in chilly thunder bay. after complaining about the 40 minute walk to the beer store, he said, 'oh well, at least the beer is cold when you get it home.'

cc.

randomness.

2005-09-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

not really sure why i'm posting, i don't really have anything interesting to say...

i might post later if i have something to say.

i'm alive.

cc.

nice days.

2005-09-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

just having a relaxing end to the long weekend. i want to take jamie to the baseball game tonight, canadians only have a few home games left, and there's no better night than labor day.

just finished watching the eskimos beat the stamps, and now hamilton/toronto is on. jamie's coming over in about a half hour, i hope she's in a mood to go the game...

cc.

dates with feeling.

2005-09-04T23:06:00.000-07:00

isn't it strange how some days become markers in our life? i've been in vancouver for a year now, as of the 31st of august. it's funny sometimes when we realize how fast time actually moves. it's crazy to think that was a year ago, and i came out here to do my dts two years ago, feels like yesterday. i think i've changed...tough to tell when you're so immersed.

had an interesting day on suburban transit today. jamie and i went to check out a golf club out in coquitlam/port moody. marc crawford and steve tambelinni (canucks head coach and hockey canada/canucks big wig) were just getting ready for their round when we were leaving. other than that, really long, lousy day, aside from 2 keith's drafts @ hannah's birthday. for the female perspective on the day, click here.

also 6, count em' 6 jessica sightings since my last post. so the total is at 9 now. a tip on avoiding her...avoid any line-up in the supermarket or magazine racks at 7-eleven, if you avoid her there, i admire you.

all weekends should be this long.

cc.

uneventful.

2005-09-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

aside from 3 jessica sightings in the last few days, not much to write about that people would find remotely interesting. the count is at 6 now. keep your sightings coming, she's everywhere.

received our tickets today for the canadian open next weekend, thanks mom and dad, i can't wait.

might go to a ball game this weekend, only a few home games left and i would like to get out to one more.

officially an empty nest at 25 murray rd., 21 years coming...hope you're doing well kyle, don't do anything jesus wouldn't do on frosh week. love you man.

have a great long weekend, wish i was there, or you were here.

cc.

the count grows...

2005-08-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

the count grows to 3 today after a late night spotting on leno, which was also witnessed by kathryn. this was followed up by an ad inside the the shell station in blaine, washington this afternoon. thanks to my other contributors who also reported spottings on people.com, and ebaums world, keep em' coming.

had a nice trip down to seattle today to take some books back, dinner @ the pita house with my lady. going to go watch svu with her tonight too.

going through a period of trying out some new music, i was in desperate need of some fresh stuff. it is going surprisingly well, i've been trying out some howie day, john butler trio, ben folds five and the greatest hits of the police. props to ben for the hints...

cc.

camping pics.

2005-08-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

just posted some photos from our camping trip last week on the island. you can see them, and some photos from the baseball game last week here.

off to seattle tomorrow for some books stuff.

weather is starting to cool off here, i think i might get light therapy this winter, i hate the dark.

no jessica sightings yesterday, which included a half hour at the library again reading rolling stone. i think she's hiding from me now that she knows i'm looking.

megan is here for a visit tomorrow, it'll be good to see her.

have a wonderful late summer evening.

cc.

happy birthday mom.

2005-08-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

new photos from baseball game posted here.

just wanted to say happy birthday to my mom...wish i was there mom, sorry, maybe next year. in honor of my mom, here are my top 10 favorite things about her.
10. she would do anything for kyle and i, without complaining.
9. she always did her best to give us the best.
8. she puts up with 3 men who leave the toilet seat up, don't put their dishes in the dishwasher, do laundry, or know how to cook.
7. she's strong.
6. she works harder than anyone i know.
5. she watches sports with us every sunday afternoon without complaining.
4. she knows when to speak, and when to just listen.
3. she lets kyle and i make mistakes, and doesn't rub 'i told you so's' in our faces.
2. she loves my dad.
1. her cooking...i so want cedar plank salmon right now.

love you mom, talk to you soon.

TODAY - Part II

so after posting yesterday about my jessica simpson study yesterday afternoon. i went down to the library, just wanting to read sports illustrated for a while, and guess who's mug is on the magazine next to it, yep, jessica simpson. i laughed out loud...it gets better though. i go and sit down, flipping through sports illustrated, listening to amos lee on my ipod, finally thinking i'm safe from anything that has to do with nick or jessica. i end up reading her name twice in random places, and seeing nick's photo in an SI article!!! is there nowhere i can go to escape them? so the official count is at: 1 (with 2 mentions and a photo of nick...haha).

hope you're having a great weekend. happy anniversary dave and heather.

cc.

celeb count.

2005-08-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

i have a thought. i noticed a few weeks ago that jessica simpson is everywhere, seriously everywhere. you pretty much can't go anywhere without seeing her. so, i had the idea that if you read my blog on a regular to semi-regular basis, take note of how many times a day you see jessica simpson (or a similarly over-exposed celeb). and check in here every few days and record your findings. i realize this could flop do to lack of interest or you may see enough of her already that she is as natural as the sky is blue and the grass is green, but either way, let's give it a whirl.

cc.

now you've seen her once already today, haha.

peace & quiet.

2005-08-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

just enjoying an afternoon of peace and quiet. i've got the ball game on, just had a nice cold beverage, slept in till almost noon. i think i might go down to the library, grab a book and go for a cup of coffee.

jamie's volunteering at slam city jam this weekend, but i think we're going to go for sushi tonight. we haven't done that in a long time, i'm looking forward to it.

sounds like a stressful time @ my folks house, our cat has started peeing on couches and doing stuff like that, so it's decision time, do we keep her? or is it time, sucks, i miss dallas.

shout out to my bro, he moves away to school in thunder bay in a few days, it'll be ok kyle, laundry isn't that hard, just hang up your clothes after you wear them, you'll think they're cleaner much longer than if you just throw them on the floor. i am praying for you ipod too bro.

cc.

tricycle races.

2005-08-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

first post since the baseball game the other night. it was great, ben's first game, glad i could introduce him to it.

hilight of the night was no doubt dave, nick, ben and i appearing in the in-between inning promotions. dave kicked my ass in the tricycle race with beer goggles on, then ben dominated nick in the extreme newspaper delivery competition. we have some quality photos, i'll get them up soon. maybe some video too, it was hilarious.

spent most of the day today calling possible wedding places, jamie will be proud of me...

hope your day is going well, it's almost the weekend.

cc.

i love sports.

2005-08-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

we're off to another vancouver canadians game tonight, really looking forward to it. i saw this thing on tv a few months back about free tickets for non-profit groups, so i phoned, put our name in and then last week they sent us 22 tickets, first and second row, so there we go, 21 tickets gone, 21 crazy ywamers at the ball game.

also working on setting up a fantasy hockey league at the office. check out our blog here.

night.

cc.

some thoughts.

2005-08-21T23:16:00.000-07:00

do you ever come across a world issue, or something in the news and you just don't know what to make of it, or can't decide what side of the issue you want to take, if any? that's how i feel about this cindy sheehan and others who are protesting outside of president bush's ranch in crawford. her son died in iraq and she want some answers.

i feel her pain, it just plain sucks big time that her son died. it also sucks that bush hasn't given her and the others the time of day.

i don't know a lot about the vietnam war, and i won't pretend to. but dave was telling me when he was in seattle a few weeks ago he noticed a lot of homeless men on the streets who claimed to be vietnam veterans, so he asked a friend if this was true and the person said yes. apparently a lot of the troops in vietnam weren't supported upon their return to the US, and as a result many of them ended up on the streets, homeless, and begging for help.

i'm not saying this is what's going to happen after this war, but i am afraid that as the support of this war dwindles, the same result could occur, and that isn't helping anyone.

so to sum this thought up, i really don't know what i think about this one, everyone seems to have an opinion, but not me, not yet.

podless & blogless.

2005-08-21T01:28:00.000-07:00

apologies for a few days away. i was camping on vancouver island with nick, ben and dave. a great time had by all. we camped at 3 different places for the 3 nights, the first at witchcraft lake, second on a beautiful cliff overlooking a massive valley, and the third at nick's parent's house in his field. lots of...campfire, beans and wieners, marshmalos (sp?). not a lot of...sleep, soap, technology.

it was great to get away for a while, have some guy time...refreshed for another week this week.

i'll write more and post some photos over the next couple of days.

cc.

bertuzzi.

2005-08-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

second post of the day...i must be bored. i remember wanting to post about this this morning, but i forgot, so here it is.

i'm glad bertuzzi is back. i think it's time everyone moves on with this and lets him off the hook, he obviously doesn't feel good about what happenned, he feels sorry, so let's move on. i realize he didn't miss the actual games he was supposed to, but he also didn't make a penny of the $6.8 million US he was supposed to make.

i find it really interesting seeing guys like joe sakic, and other nhl guys, even steve moore's own teammates saying it's time to let him play, and to move on.

i can't wait to see him play again in a few weeks. i'm also glad i live in a city where it's ok to have this opinion.

cc.

human fuel.

2005-08-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

i was struck this morning walking into the office (as i am everyday) at these people who order venti drinks first thing in the morning. i'm not a doctor, scientist, nor will i pretend to be one, but that much of anything, let alone a highly caffeinated, sweetened (with whip cream) drink can't be good for you.

don't get me wrong, i love a nice cup of coffee in the morning as much as the next guy, but if it causes any fluctuation in heart rate, it's probably not a good thing.

ben got back last night, it was good to see him, i missed him. a bunch of the guys are going camping on the island this weekend, i'd like to go, but there might be some things that keep me around here.

support is starting to come in for my brazil trip, starting to make it real, i'll keep you up to speed as this journey progresses.

question of the day...would jesus drink starbucks?

thanks family for my ipod, seriously the coolest gift ever, love you guys.

cc.

apologies.

2005-08-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

my apologies to you for not updating in a little over a week. i've been frustrated ever since my mom told me that the sidebar on my page moves down to the bottom when viewed with internet explorer...i'll post anyways and try to work that out.

it's been a good week though, i am 21 now. jamie took me for ethiopian food and then to the vancouver canadians baseball game. she also gave me a poster for my favourite movie 'field of dreams.' my parents got me a personalized ipod mini, and jamie's parents gave me a gift certificate for the itunes music store, so i've been having lots of fun with that.

we've been starting to hunt around for a wedding location, some progress, no decisions yet, we'll keep you posted.

i'll update more this week, promise, if you've stopped reading...come back, haha.

hope you're doing well...

two days for the price of one.

2005-08-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

weird day. it felt like 2 separate days. got up at 4 am to take the mission adventures group to the airport in seattle. that was anything but relaxing, drives like that are not my idea of fun (aside from listening to espn radio for a few hours on the way back). waited in the line at the border on the way back for nearly an hour. went to jamie's after where she made a great taco salad for lunch, it was a great pick me up after a long morning. it was great having the afternoon with jamie, feels like ages since we've had any quality time together.

there was a stock that was put on the nasdaq today, this baidu.com company. it started at $27 and finished the day at a whopping $122.54 for a %354 gain, in ONE DAY! we'll put that one on the top of the 'what if' pile.

check out this website, simplyfired.com. all about people who got fired for blogging about their jobs. id' be worried if my job paid a little better...

check out heather's latest post, very cool.

going to cook some dinner now, have a blessed weekend. mine is 3 days, because my sweet job (they won't fire me for that) gives people their birthdays off.

too much internet.

2005-08-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

just spent the last half hour looking at nonsense on the internet. i had received like 10 invites for this hi5 friend network thing, ignored each one until the weekend. since then i think i've checked on it at least every other day, it's so dumb, such a waste of time.

spent the day driving around mission adventures participants on their temple tour. it's actually a pretty neat day. we took them to a buddhist temple, muslim mosque, and sikh temple. at each one we get some time to check things out and ask questions...it's quite a wake-up call for some of them (myself included) when you realize not everyone thinks and sees the world like we do.

leaving at 5 am tomorrow morning to drive one of the teams to the airport in seattle.

going to go now, hope i don't get sucked into this hi5 thing again, if you want to get hooked, click here.

cc.

where has the summer gone?

2005-08-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

it just sunk in for me that we only have another month of what i call summer. to me once we hit september, i slip into fall mode. don't get me wrong, i love fall, but i like summer more. my life seems to be one of extremes as of late. i am either busy (meaning my days are long...) or not so busy, when i am at the office. it's been a good change of pace from time to time, and i've really enjoyed it for the most part.

hung out with jonathan this afternoon (little 6 year old son of our ywam director). had a good time, weather was great.

spent the evening at jamie's trying to move music from her computer to mine in creative ways, it was time consuming, but i think i finally got it all...now she can rid her computer of my 'music that's all the same.' isn't it all....

got a birthday package from my parents today, wanted to open it so bad, but i resisted, i'll keep you posted as to how i do in the resistance.

looks like i'm going to doing some driving the next two days. tomorrow taking the mission adventures participants on a temple tour around the city, and friday taking a group that is going to costa rica down to the airport in seattle, should be fun.

i came across this blog on a technorati search for ywam, check out this article.

i've added a poll on the right hand side, check that out as well.

hope things are going well, if you're not here, i miss you, wish you were here.

cc.