My Cellphone is Dead.
So don't take it personally if I don't return your call right away. Goodbye Ted! I'm going over to Telus and Talk 25.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Talon News Goes Offline
This sent in by Amanda -
Talon News has gone offline, no doubt as a result of the Gannon controversy. They are now conducting a "top to bottom review" of the site. A poor choice of words given that Gannon/Gukhert said on his escort website that he was a top!
Talon News has gone offline, no doubt as a result of the Gannon controversy. They are now conducting a "top to bottom review" of the site. A poor choice of words given that Gannon/Gukhert said on his escort website that he was a top!
Welsh defeat French in Six Nations Rugby
Another astounding Welsh victory as they prove the pundits wrong and rack up another unexpected victory. Click for France v Wales photos.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Oh Yeah.
My batting average for sales trips is confirmed at 100% - we got the London firm gig! [we should now have much rejoicing]
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Pandemic Fears
The WHO is warning of a bird flu pandemic. Fears are that the bird flu could jump to humans and result in significant lost of life as certain strains of the flu are resistant to treatment. If you've never had a chance, I recommend reading Jared Diamond's Germs, Guns and Steel - the definitive layman's discussion of the creation and development of civilization and organized populations.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Liverpool wins against Leverkusen
The REDS won the first of a two game tie in the last 16 round of the Champions League, defeating Leverkusen 3-1 at Anfield. Steven Gerrard was out on suspension, but happily it sounds like the boys stepped up... Biscan may have had another great match!
I didn't have an opportunity to listen to the game as I was in and out of a multi-hour Edmonton support call and preparing for my trip. I also have a splitting headache which has made me a bit of a beast today.
Humberto cancelled my afternoon workout - I'm going to use this as an excuse to get home early and bask in my laziness. Although the absolute shortage of groceries is a concern (man cannot live on falafel alone).
I didn't have an opportunity to listen to the game as I was in and out of a multi-hour Edmonton support call and preparing for my trip. I also have a splitting headache which has made me a bit of a beast today.
Humberto cancelled my afternoon workout - I'm going to use this as an excuse to get home early and bask in my laziness. Although the absolute shortage of groceries is a concern (man cannot live on falafel alone).
Monday, February 21, 2005
Argh! The Carling Cup!
Mucho frustration this afternoon as I realize that I am travelling the day of the Carling Cup final. Anyone know of a pub/bar in Edmonton Alberta that will be showing the Carling Cup match?
Hunter S Thompson commits suicide
Writer Hunter S Thompson commited suicide last night. "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trial" - his story about the '72 George McGovern campaign was very good and interesting political reading.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Jeff Who?
Admittedly, for those not in the know, yesterday's post was pretty enigmatic. So why is the story of Jeff Gannon something to post on my blog? Today I'll offer a little bit of an explanation. (all work done by Dan Froomkin @ the Washington Post)
Gannon worked for a Web site called Talon News, and his writings appeared on that site as well one called GOPUSA.com, both of which were operated by Texas Republican activist Bobby Eberle. On his personal Web page, Gannon had a section called "Behind Enemy Lines: Stories from Inside the White House Briefing Room."
Pretty much every day, Gannon got cleared into the White House briefing room by a press office that knew his real name (Jeff Guckert). Press Secretary Scott McClellan frequently called on him during the mid-day briefings, using his fake name. McClellan was consistently rewarded with questions that -- in stark contrast from most of what passes for questions in that room -- were more expressions of conservative dogma than actual attempts to elicit information. Members of the press corps individually confronted Gannon and told him that he didn't belong there. But nothing more serious than that happened -- until Bush called on him at his televised Jan. 26 news conference and he asked a loaded, inaccurate question partly derived from a Rush Limbaugh joke.
But Mr. Gannon is not all he seems. Or rather, all of Mr. Gannon is perhaps a little more than most people are comfortable with. You see, it has come to light that Gannon is a gay Military-theme escort. So why is this guy in the WH Press Room? I'd say it's because it's the same razzle dazzle that helps the Bush WH fluff up it's image - and some aren't too happy about it.
In part yes, this is probably revenge - as Daily Kos blogger Markos Moulitsas Zúniga wrote [Jeff Gannon]"gets White House credentials using a fake name, provides McClellan a welcome ideological lifeline during press conferences, and somehow gets access to classified CIA documents that outs an undercover CIA operative."
Many of the Daily Kos postings are now focused on how Gannon apparently got hold of a secret internal CIA memo that he mentioned in an interview he had with Valerie Plame's husband, former ambassador and administration critic Joseph Wilson.
About a year ago, the federal grand jury investigating the leak of Valerie Plame's identity as a covert CIA operative subpoenaed White House records on contacts with 25 journalists. Gannon was one of them -- apparently on account of that memo.
So OK, that was a pretty heinous episode, we can understand some frustration.
But why Gannon's web activity should matter to Liberals, I believe (this content not boldly stolen by a creditless blogger) has to do with the fact that the know Gannon issues - no credibility in the press franchise, fake name, blatant conservative PR lifeline - were overlooked simply because the end was more desirable. And some of us - and there are apparently many millions fewer than you'd expect - have a memory of an administration that ran on a family values platform and that gay marriage referendums on the ballot probably helped bring out the vote in many states.
So yes, I'm railing against the duplicity of the Bush Administration - and I'm frustrated. Don't think Johnny, just keep watching the bouncing ball.
Gannon worked for a Web site called Talon News, and his writings appeared on that site as well one called GOPUSA.com, both of which were operated by Texas Republican activist Bobby Eberle. On his personal Web page, Gannon had a section called "Behind Enemy Lines: Stories from Inside the White House Briefing Room."
Pretty much every day, Gannon got cleared into the White House briefing room by a press office that knew his real name (Jeff Guckert). Press Secretary Scott McClellan frequently called on him during the mid-day briefings, using his fake name. McClellan was consistently rewarded with questions that -- in stark contrast from most of what passes for questions in that room -- were more expressions of conservative dogma than actual attempts to elicit information. Members of the press corps individually confronted Gannon and told him that he didn't belong there. But nothing more serious than that happened -- until Bush called on him at his televised Jan. 26 news conference and he asked a loaded, inaccurate question partly derived from a Rush Limbaugh joke.
But Mr. Gannon is not all he seems. Or rather, all of Mr. Gannon is perhaps a little more than most people are comfortable with. You see, it has come to light that Gannon is a gay Military-theme escort. So why is this guy in the WH Press Room? I'd say it's because it's the same razzle dazzle that helps the Bush WH fluff up it's image - and some aren't too happy about it.
In part yes, this is probably revenge - as Daily Kos blogger Markos Moulitsas Zúniga wrote [Jeff Gannon]"gets White House credentials using a fake name, provides McClellan a welcome ideological lifeline during press conferences, and somehow gets access to classified CIA documents that outs an undercover CIA operative."
Many of the Daily Kos postings are now focused on how Gannon apparently got hold of a secret internal CIA memo that he mentioned in an interview he had with Valerie Plame's husband, former ambassador and administration critic Joseph Wilson.
About a year ago, the federal grand jury investigating the leak of Valerie Plame's identity as a covert CIA operative subpoenaed White House records on contacts with 25 journalists. Gannon was one of them -- apparently on account of that memo.
So OK, that was a pretty heinous episode, we can understand some frustration.
But why Gannon's web activity should matter to Liberals, I believe (this content not boldly stolen by a creditless blogger) has to do with the fact that the know Gannon issues - no credibility in the press franchise, fake name, blatant conservative PR lifeline - were overlooked simply because the end was more desirable. And some of us - and there are apparently many millions fewer than you'd expect - have a memory of an administration that ran on a family values platform and that gay marriage referendums on the ballot probably helped bring out the vote in many states.
So yes, I'm railing against the duplicity of the Bush Administration - and I'm frustrated. Don't think Johnny, just keep watching the bouncing ball.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
The Google Giveth.
Who would have thought that a Google search of the phrase "nude escort white house" would ever have produced such juicy results as Online Nude Photos Are Latest Chapter In Jeff Gannon Saga . OK, as a minimum, anyone who had watched the Daily Show last night.
As an FYI, Gannon became a target of liberal bloggers after he asked President Bush at a news conference last month a loaded and inaccurate question about how he could deal with Senate Democrats "who seem to have divorced themselves from reality."
As an FYI, Gannon became a target of liberal bloggers after he asked President Bush at a news conference last month a loaded and inaccurate question about how he could deal with Senate Democrats "who seem to have divorced themselves from reality."
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
NHL cancels season
It's official, there will be no hockey this year. Thanks Gary. I'll remember this.
Feeling Much Better. Waiting Today.
My legions of fans will be happy to hear that I am feeling much better today although my appetite still isn't normal (which may be good) and I am still very, very thristy. Still some slight sinus congestion. I worked out yesterday - with the Russian - and didn't embarass myself. Had to stop for the last 10 minutes though as I couldn't tell if I was dehydrating or not - those Cold & Sinus tablets do crazy things to your body!
Today is a waiting day as I have been pushing along a number of projects and really can't call everyone again today. This has means that I have had some time for other projects and tasks that have been less of a priority. I still need to have a phone conference with the Mexicans later today.
Today is a waiting day as I have been pushing along a number of projects and really can't call everyone again today. This has means that I have had some time for other projects and tasks that have been less of a priority. I still need to have a phone conference with the Mexicans later today.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
NHL Strike
Today the Toronto Sun reports that an NHL salary cap is a possibility. Come on. The season's dead. We all know it. Just put it out of it's misery. As it stands, the League is going to have a lot of work to do to get the love back in the small markets. Do we have another baseball where a few BIG teams are holding up the league and overall interest is fairweather at best?
Tom Waits and Norah Jones
Well Tom didn't win another Grammy for best rock vocal solo performance, but Norah Jones did win and no doubt Tom's influence played a part.
From an interview Norah gave to CNN's The Music Room:
TMR: How did you come to cover the Tom Waits/Kathleen Brennan song, "The Long Way Home"?
JONES: The Tom Waits song -- actually I met Tom Waits backstage at the show he did. I was so excited to meet him, I was so nervous, and his wife was so nice and she took me over to meet him. And I said, "Hi, Tom Waits. I love you." And he said, "Oh hi, did you get the songs I sent you?" I'm like, "What are you talking about?"
So I found these songs that he had sent someone -- maybe my manager -- and he said, "Yeah, I heard you were looking for songs" -- which I wasn't. So it was kind of cool that he just sent them randomly. And there was this one song I knew that I really loved and we recorded it for fun. We weren't really sure what would go on the album yet, but we ended up putting it on.
From an interview Norah gave to CNN's The Music Room:
TMR: How did you come to cover the Tom Waits/Kathleen Brennan song, "The Long Way Home"?
JONES: The Tom Waits song -- actually I met Tom Waits backstage at the show he did. I was so excited to meet him, I was so nervous, and his wife was so nice and she took me over to meet him. And I said, "Hi, Tom Waits. I love you." And he said, "Oh hi, did you get the songs I sent you?" I'm like, "What are you talking about?"
So I found these songs that he had sent someone -- maybe my manager -- and he said, "Yeah, I heard you were looking for songs" -- which I wasn't. So it was kind of cool that he just sent them randomly. And there was this one song I knew that I really loved and we recorded it for fun. We weren't really sure what would go on the album yet, but we ended up putting it on.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Still a little unwell & Wondering what's up for tonight.
I'm not feeling at my most prepared for Valentine's Day today in part as I'm still under the weather and am having problems concentrating. Guess we'll see how the rest of the day goes.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Arts | American playwright Miller dies
A note for the blog today that Playwright Arthur Miller died Thursday night. "Death of a Salesman" remains one of my favourite plays and commentaries.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Never Forgetting Tom Waits
As I am spirited about by the underfunded and poorly managed TTC, let's send a moment to remember why Tom Waits is so great.
"Named as one of VH1's Most Influential Artists of All Time, it is no surprise that Waits' body of work has long been covered (and coveted) by other musicians. In addition to Norah Jones, most recently Diana Krall recorded 'Temptation' for her latest Girl in the Other Room. Other notable cover versions include Bruce Springsteen 'Jersey Girl'; Rod Stewart and Everything But The Girl 'Downtown Train'; Johnny Cash 'Down There by the Train'; Marianne Faithfull 'Strange Weather'; The Ramones 'I Don't Wanna Grow Up'; 10,000 Maniacs 'I Hope I Don't Fall in Love with You'; Tim Buckley 'Martha'; T-Bone Burnett 'Time'; Bob Seger 'Blind Love'; Lucinda Williams 'Hang Down Your Head'; Los Lobos 'Jockey Full of Bourbon'; Elvis Costello 'More Than Rain'; The Blind Boys of Alabama 'Jesus Gonna Be Here'. And there is the critically acclaimed collection of Waits' songs recorded by John Hammond, Wicked Grin."
"Named as one of VH1's Most Influential Artists of All Time, it is no surprise that Waits' body of work has long been covered (and coveted) by other musicians. In addition to Norah Jones, most recently Diana Krall recorded 'Temptation' for her latest Girl in the Other Room. Other notable cover versions include Bruce Springsteen 'Jersey Girl'; Rod Stewart and Everything But The Girl 'Downtown Train'; Johnny Cash 'Down There by the Train'; Marianne Faithfull 'Strange Weather'; The Ramones 'I Don't Wanna Grow Up'; 10,000 Maniacs 'I Hope I Don't Fall in Love with You'; Tim Buckley 'Martha'; T-Bone Burnett 'Time'; Bob Seger 'Blind Love'; Lucinda Williams 'Hang Down Your Head'; Los Lobos 'Jockey Full of Bourbon'; Elvis Costello 'More Than Rain'; The Blind Boys of Alabama 'Jesus Gonna Be Here'. And there is the critically acclaimed collection of Waits' songs recorded by John Hammond, Wicked Grin."
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Wednesday and My Legs are Sore.
It might have something to do with the 100 leg presses that I did yesterday.
Had some news yesterday that may or may not be good... Neal has lost his PhD thesis topic as the project he was studying has been shut down. I still have to talk with him (but I'm thinking about you Neal! I am! I am!)
I'm still hanging out at Infoware as my ----- girlfriend hasn't called me back to tell me if we're going to a goodbye party or not.
>she just called<
We're not. Now I've got to run.
Had some news yesterday that may or may not be good... Neal has lost his PhD thesis topic as the project he was studying has been shut down. I still have to talk with him (but I'm thinking about you Neal! I am! I am!)
I'm still hanging out at Infoware as my ----- girlfriend hasn't called me back to tell me if we're going to a goodbye party or not.
>she just called<
We're not. Now I've got to run.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Parry relishes Anfield challenge
Liverpool Chief Executive Rick Parry yesterday stated that the Club has no intention to sell Gerrard.
Monday, February 07, 2005
No Posts? There is an explanation.
I'm not sure what's going on yet, but my mailed Blog entries seem to be failing... I'm testing, have contacted Blogger and will hopefully have things resolved soon.
I'm heading work for home at about 9 tonight... Karina probably won't leave work tonight at all! Had three one word responses from her today which clearly isn't a good sign. Reasonably busy day today, wrote three proposals and made it through all my 'must do' items. Still have 35 items overdue in my task list.
I'm heading work for home at about 9 tonight... Karina probably won't leave work tonight at all! Had three one word responses from her today which clearly isn't a good sign. Reasonably busy day today, wrote three proposals and made it through all my 'must do' items. Still have 35 items overdue in my task list.
Superbowl a Snoozer
Never mind that the entertainment was dull and the atmosphere bland - the Superbowl match itself was a snoozefest. Philadelphia's play was shoddy at best and clock management in the last quarter was dreadful. What's the appeal of this game again?
Thursday, February 03, 2005
At the Tradeshow
I'm at the OBA Tradeshow and the traffic is pretty light. If it doesn't get much busier by the end of day tomorrow I'm going to be in trouble - this show was my idea. The format doesn't encourage very much traffic outside the available break sessions which is a concern. That said I do believe that this kind of show is important in terms of supporting and developing our brand - there are about 1500 lawyers registered.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
On the Train
I'm on the train heading back from a meeting in Ottawa. I came in last night. So many things to talk about.
First off, as I look out my window, the damage of the Ice Storm of several years ago is quite apparent. As the storm removed many of the horizontal branches and the trees have now had some time to heal and grow, the forests immediately surrounding the city appear twisted and, well, as a little grim. I guess it will be many generations before these scars heal. (pause as my warm towel arrives)
The meeting in Ottawa went very well. Looks like we're good to go on our largest internet sourced sale to date. The meeting itself was to review their templates and to talk to development and deployment issues. This session took 3 hours! Including myself, three other people in attendance - I had the managing partner there for about 25 minutes. We all walked out with a number items to followup on, but all in all we're in good shape to get started. Looks like I may be able to pay off some debts.
While in Ottawa I was able to visit with Graham (in fact I crashed on his pullout). He seems to be in good form as the workload is currently manageable and he made a big (dinner has arrived) production (only a salad right now) of the fact that he's dating (hello Graham). He isn't dating another clerk, although the talent pool there seems to run pretty deep (joking! Hello Karina - everyone else...I'm not joking). After my meeting I met him at the Court and he gave me the complete tour, including an opportunity to walk around the court room and to meet Justice Charon. It was an interesting day to be on the hill as the Same-Sex Marriage Bill went to the House - not that anything appeared to be happening. Did I mention that several of the Clerks are pretty cute? (my veggie lasanga is too hot)
Instead of going to bed at the early hour that Graham does, I watched the Return of the King extended edition. IMO, Jackson was wise to edit the extra scenes from the the theatrical release as they added very little to the story. Glad I saw it though.
Guess I'll return to my lasanga.
First off, as I look out my window, the damage of the Ice Storm of several years ago is quite apparent. As the storm removed many of the horizontal branches and the trees have now had some time to heal and grow, the forests immediately surrounding the city appear twisted and, well, as a little grim. I guess it will be many generations before these scars heal. (pause as my warm towel arrives)
The meeting in Ottawa went very well. Looks like we're good to go on our largest internet sourced sale to date. The meeting itself was to review their templates and to talk to development and deployment issues. This session took 3 hours! Including myself, three other people in attendance - I had the managing partner there for about 25 minutes. We all walked out with a number items to followup on, but all in all we're in good shape to get started. Looks like I may be able to pay off some debts.
While in Ottawa I was able to visit with Graham (in fact I crashed on his pullout). He seems to be in good form as the workload is currently manageable and he made a big (dinner has arrived) production (only a salad right now) of the fact that he's dating (hello Graham). He isn't dating another clerk, although the talent pool there seems to run pretty deep (joking! Hello Karina - everyone else...I'm not joking). After my meeting I met him at the Court and he gave me the complete tour, including an opportunity to walk around the court room and to meet Justice Charon. It was an interesting day to be on the hill as the Same-Sex Marriage Bill went to the House - not that anything appeared to be happening. Did I mention that several of the Clerks are pretty cute? (my veggie lasanga is too hot)
Instead of going to bed at the early hour that Graham does, I watched the Return of the King extended edition. IMO, Jackson was wise to edit the extra scenes from the the theatrical release as they added very little to the story. Glad I saw it though.
Guess I'll return to my lasanga.
