In the City of Blinding Lights

Summer

2007-07-30T07:57:00.000-04:00

Just got home from 3 weeks down east...wow...Kids had a blast, and we brought back a ton of memories and new favourite places...picture sums is up!

I'm a Godfather

2007-02-25T07:15:00.000-05:00

I'm a Godfather!! Actually we're Godparents!! to Luke Austin. WoW...met the little fella yesterday for the first time and were thrilled to be asked to be his Godparents. What an honour! Still have goosebumps.
Looking forward to being there for Luke over the months and years ahead.

WoW!

??<>??

2007-01-28T08:17:00.000-05:00

January is coming to a close and I thought it time to reflect on the happenings so far in 2007. It seems like yesterday we were anticipating the opening of Christmas presents and the excitement that Christmas brings. It's amazing how time goes by so fast. We've enjoyed the month; the van is running great and the kids love the dvd capabilities (They can't wait for the trip to Florida in March). We continue to both be busy at work, and are looking forward to the break with the kids. The kids have enjoyed the change back to winter weather, and are enjoying tobogganing in the park at every chance. The boy spent last Sunday at a friends house and drove their snowmobile. He's all gungho to get one.
As we move into February I look to the 2nd with a sense of trepadation but know that it's the right thing to do.

Happy New Month...

The 15 Uses of Belly Button Lint from the persepective of a 12 year old male...

2007-01-26T06:15:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought about why we have Belly Button Lint in our Belly Buttons? This question I have often pondered and asked; why is there lint in one's belly button? You don’t need that much padding because usually people don’t usually go digging around there….. I think…

Well, God must have put our lint there for a reason. Witch led me to research this topic extensively. I’m only going to share, (since this a school related assignment) school related uses. We all know that school can be pretty dangerous and uh….. Uneventful so when I need, use your lint! A predicament you can use your lint in is when your friend cuts himself during recess; use your lint as a cotton swab to wipe up the blood And or tears and if the lint is long enough you can use your lint as a
Kleenex, just incase you laugh on a cold morning and it looks like you blew you brain through your nostrils! One day if you on the play ground and someone breaks their arm, don’t panic you always, no mater what have a health kit in your belly button. If you don’t have enough lint, combine yours and your friends to make a cast for him/her with the broken arm and just for fun, during recess if you’re bored see who has the biggest lint ball! Over al those are all the Reasons I could think of, but don’t discourage your self try to think of more.

Ya, we all know that recess can be pretty dangerous. Ahh but who cares its fun! Here are some uses for your lint in class.

Imagine it’s a hot day, you’re sitting in class and everybody is starting to dose off and then the kid next to you loses it and takes a dive head first in to sleepy-land and starts snoring like a jet engine; just grab some lint to plug your ears! (This technique can also be used on speeches) Also Lint is scientifically usable as an eraser and you can fulfill your lives dream of making the world’s longest lint in your spare time. (In your spare time I mean when you’re supposed to be working) If you have just finished a unit in P.E and your teacher wants to do something fun, combined all you and you classes lint and have a game of “Tug-a-Lint-War. If you can’t find a book mark (Which often happens to me) use your lint, it works perfectly. And if you need a disguise for any reason use your lint as a moustache. Finely, when you just plain run out of ideas for projects, just use your lint, for instance in art class: die your lint different colors and tie them together. If you lost your pencil (Which I know happens to the best of us) take your lint and some lead, attach the lead to the pencil and voila, c’est magnifique! You have just made a home made pencil! This also works if your pencil breaks and you don’t have a sharpener.

So that’s the uses I found for in class uses.

So inside and outside, your lint can be there to save the day, and improve it.

Then there’s earwax…

But that’s for another time.

© NPM publishing 2007

Golden

2007-01-05T22:08:00.000-05:00

4-2. Congratulations to the Canadian Junior Team..Great job boys.

One More to Go!!

2007-01-03T18:38:00.000-05:00

WoW..what a game...especially the overtime. To kill off a penalty the way the guys did..awesome. Price..outstanding..solid goaltending when it mattered most. Clutch.
Gotta love Toews...great 'tending...way to go boys.
Best of luck Friday against the Rooskies..Go 'Nucks Go!!!
Regardless of the outcome, you done yourselves proud...

Happy New Year

2007-01-01T09:38:00.001-05:00

Felix sit annus novus.

Or:

Bonne année, buon anno, feliz ano nuevo, blwyddyn newydd dda, godt nytt ar, kul'am wa antum bikhair, xin nian yu kuai, stastny novy rok, gelukkig nieuwjaar, ein gluckliches neues jahr, eutychismenos o kainourgios chronos, hau`oli makahiki hau, akemashite omedetou gozaimasu, szczesliwego nowego roku.

Happy New Year!!!

So Long '06

2006-12-31T14:49:00.000-05:00

Wishing you and yours a very happy,peace filled 2007. I suppose it's cliche, but peace amongst all people and an end to hunger are what I yearn for.

I'm most thankful for my family, close friends and for having been blessed with continued good health.

Here's to all the memories and moments of 2006 and to the days ahead in 2007...

Peace

digdug

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

2006-12-31T14:39:00.001-05:00

Woo Hoo...3-0 over Slovakia...rollin' nicely along. Keep it simple and best of luck against either US or Finland...

Our New Buggy..

2006-12-30T21:56:00.001-05:00

..nuff said...!!

Jerk of the Year!!

2006-12-30T21:51:00.000-05:00

Bonehead Jerk of the year award goes to Number 87 on the Washington Capitals...I will not desecrate this space by typing his name...for his boneheaded stunt in the game against the Rangers. This guy has been involved in more stupid stuff in his career than any player I've ever had the sorry experience to have to watch. Hats of to Shanny for standing up to him and delivering the message that his 'game' has no place in the NHL. Bettman needs to do something severe and send a message that this kind of garbage is ruining the game and get him out for as long as Bertuzzi was....especially for the hits to number 4 on the Rangers...get this guy out of the game..he's ruining it...

3-0!

2006-12-29T16:49:00.000-05:00

Juniors continue to roll...3-1 over the Germans and now have a bye to the semi-finals..
Enjoy the rest and continued sucess!!

What a Game!

2006-12-29T16:46:00.000-05:00

Even though the outcome wasn't in their favour, Nicholas and his teammates played a game to be proud of. Down 2-0 early in the first period, the team hung on, dug deep and found the resolve to battle back to a 2-2 tie with 52 seconds left. The game went to overtime and;unfortunately the outcome did not go their way, as the Bruins scored a marginally questionable goal halfway through the overtime frame. Nicholas played a sound defencive game and used his size to his advantage. Regretably the referee didn't see it the same way ;)
Congratulations to the team for a fabulous game and tournament..

Great Start!

2006-12-28T07:18:00.000-05:00

Nicholas' hockey tournament began this morning at..shudder...6 a.m. (I'm reminded why I don't miss 6 a.m. games all of a sudden :) ....Good outcome as the team won 2-1. Solid forward contribution and Nicholas played a sound defensive game.
Look forward to tomorrow's game and hopefully a similar outcome.

2006-12-27T17:15:00.000-05:00

Way to go boys...6-3 over the US..nice win over an much disliked opponent. 2 and 0 to start the tourney..GREAT!! Keep 'er rolling. Enjoy the rest and best of luck against Germany Friday.

2006-12-27T08:40:00.000-05:00

Would be remiss to not acknowledge what a fine young man Carlo Colaiacovo is..my son and I had the pleasure of meeting him at Doug Shedden's hockey camp 3 summer's ago..very personable, and had all kinds of time for the kids and parents. Hopefully he's up with the big club for a very long time to come!!

Off to a Great Start!!

2006-12-27T07:25:00.000-05:00

Way to go boys! Great start to the tournament; 2-0 over Sweden. Best of luck today against the US. Tight defence, strong forcheck and a opportunistic work ethic..keep rollin'...

2006-12-26T10:56:00.000-05:00

I'm a Mac!!

Canadian eh!?

2006-12-26T10:05:00.001-05:00

Good Luck to the Canadian
Junior Team!!

Canada vs. Sweden
12:30pm et/9:30am pt

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T21:37:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a very Peace filled and Prosperous 2007.
Some Memories of 2006
Marlies Game
Mary
Florida
Trek 5200
24" imac
Summer
Camping
Boarding
Riding
Split
Family
Kids
Margo
Kids
Here's looking forward to '07

Peace..Me...

2006-12-09T09:10:00.000-05:00

For the record...I believe Floyd did not cheat...and if proof is required look no further than Basso.....

2006-11-18T19:19:00.000-05:00

Irish Win!! Tying an 8 and 0 run ever the Irish moved to 9-1 today with a victory over Air Force 39-17....

It's a Hockey Thing...

2006-11-18T17:33:00.000-05:00

Nick's team won their game today..5-3. So far the team is 6-0-1. Nick got an assist today and played a solid game. The boys really worked well together and their efforts showed in the score. They were never behind and led by 2 goals after the second period.

Searching

2006-11-17T21:17:00.000-05:00

In a world confused...this seems relevant beyond means....

You are so missed...

INXS LYRICS

"Searching"

I am searching
I am not alone
I am searching
Please, give me some

Have we lost direction
Washed our hands of blood
I'm in need of sensation
Is there more to this love

Saw a mother screaming
She had lost control
Of what she once believed in
And she was not alone

If you could face the pain
And I could do the same
It would be clear tomorrow
But will it start, but will it start again

I am searching
I am not alone
I am searching
Please, give me some

Saw a mother screaming
She had lost control
Of what she once believed in
And she was not alone

Have we lost direction
Washed our hands of blood
I'm in need of sensation
Is there more to this love

If you could face the pain
And I could do the same
It would be clear tomorrow
But will it start, but will it start again

I am searching
I am not alone
I am searching
Please, show me some

I am searching
I am not alone
I am searching
Please, show me some

Love

Whee! Again!!

2006-11-16T21:57:00.000-05:00

WoW..wish you could see this computer in action..it's amazing...Hee Hee...

I'm a Mac

2006-11-12T15:08:00.000-05:00

Ahh..24 inches of beauty...
What a Machine !!!

2006-11-09T16:50:00.000-05:00

Nat King Cole
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though its breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Thats the time you must keep on trying
Smile, whats the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

2006-11-09T16:16:00.000-05:00

Smile!

Grape Weekend!

2006-11-04T08:34:00.000-05:00

Been a busy week...spent last weekend in the Beamsville Bench area and Niagara on the Lake. This was another of our infamous NOTL getaway weekends with friends. We stayed at the Honsberger Estate in Jordan..can't say enough good stuff about the hospitality! Great place to stay. Had a marvelous dinner at Treadwell in Port Dalhousie; fabulous meal with a great Father - chef / son - sommelier philosophy centering around Farm to table Cuisine. As well they celebrate local wines and have some excellent varietals from wineries nearby to choose from (e.g. Flatrock Cellars...gotta try their 'Twisted'). Only negative was it took a bit long for main course..other than this, experience was outstanding.
I continue to be overwhelmingly astounded by the quality of wines in the Beamsville Bench, and am almost reluctantly, singing their praises to who ever is in earshot. The reluctance stems from the fact that this area, in my humble opinion, remains largely an out of the way gem, with Niagara on The Lake and area wineries being the preferred destination for most on the wine and tourist trail. If you read this, and are able, check the area out. Most of the wineries are home operations and the people are knowledgeable and happy to share the fruits of their labour in a friendly, unpretentious manner over a sampling of their product.

Boys in the bright white airplanes!!

2006-10-27T18:20:00.000-04:00

Here's a pic of my favourite airplane...Lightning.. just like one me good ol' Dad flew in the RAF....fast, loud and gotta love the smell of av tag eh?!!

Simply Speaking...

2006-10-21T09:34:00.000-04:00

Received these quotes from a colleague. They are attributed to Colin Powell and reflect his thoughts on military leadership, or leader ship in general. I believe they apply to life in general...

"Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off."

"Don't be afraid to challenge the pros, even in their own backyard."

"Never neglect details. When everyone's mind is dulled or distracted the leader must be doubly vigilant."

"You don't know what you can get away with until you try."

"Organization doesn't really accomplish anything. Plans don't accomplish anything, either. Theories of management don't much matter. Endeavours succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds."

"Never let your ego get so close to your position that when your position goes, your ego goes with it."

"Fit no stereotypes. Don't chase the latest management fads. The situation dictates which approach best accomplishes the team's mission."

"Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier."

“Rules for Picking People"—Look for intelligence and judgment and, most critically, a capacity to anticipate, to see around corners. Also look for loyalty, integrity, a high energy drive, a balanced ego and the drive to get things done."

"Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand."

"Have fun in your command. Don't always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you've earned it. Spend time with your families."

Corollary: "Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard."

"Command is lonely."

Another day in Paradise...

2006-10-11T08:26:00.000-04:00

Another rainy day...and another day with no vehicle....car's back in the shop....this just keeps getting better and better...NOT!!....
Here's to the bike!

Wheee!!!!

2006-10-10T14:03:00.000-04:00

FULL SPECIFICATIONS

FRAMESET:
FRAME: OCLV 120 Carbon
Frameset available.
FORK: Bontrager Race Lite
WHEELS:
WHEELS: Bontrager Race Lite
TIRES: Bontrager Race X Lite, 700x23c
DRIVETRAIN:
SHIFTERS: Shimano Ultegra
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Ultegra
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Ultegra
CRANKSET: Shimano Ultegra 53/39 or 52/42/30
CASSETTE: Shimano Ultegra 12-25, 9 speed
PEDALS: N/A
COMPONENTS:
SADDLE: San Marco Era Luxe, Cro-Moly/leather
SEATPOST: Bontrager Race X Lite
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Race Lite
STEM: Bontrager Race Lite, 31.8, 7 degree
HEADSET: Cane Creek S-2 Aheadset
BRAKESET: Shimano Ultegra w/Ultegra STI levers

Go Irish!

2006-10-10T13:51:00.000-04:00

2006-10-10T12:59:00.000-04:00

Oct. 10, 2006

Happy day after Turkey day (Canadian eh?!)
Great day yesterday...family, friends... over for dinner..really enjoyed the time..kids had a blast..
Today...not a great day...car went on fritz...water pump leaking...oil light on...thermostat kaboom..
Didn't get in to work...worked from home...drag...lose a day not good...
Under the heading of hmm..North Korea may have nuclear weapons...not good....
Under the heading of yippee....kids are awesome...