IAMBREW.COM

Rock Slide

2008-07-31T09:57:00.002-07:00

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 4 p.m.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION – Sea to Sky Highway Closure on July 30
OVERVIEW
On July 29 at approximately 11:30 p.m., a rockslide closed the Sea-to-Sky Highway between Porteau Cove and the Furry Creek Bridge. The slide debris covered both lanes of the highway and damaged the CN rail tracks beside the highway.
The slide was outside of any current highway construction areas.
The highway will be closed until further notice. B.C. Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon stated (mid afternoon July 30) that it could take up to five days.
We have been informed (2:30 p.m. July 30) by the Ministry of Transportation that their geotechnical engineers are onsite assessing the stability of the slope above the slide and that clean-up will begin once the engineers determine that the site is safe. Once clean-up begins, workers will do everything they can to reopen the highway as soon as possible. Due to the size of the boulders, the clean-up will involve blasting.
NOTE: Up-to-date information about the details of the slide and time that the area will re-open should be obtained from the Ministry of Transportation or the RCMP as this information is changing regularly.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How does this type of incident affect Whistler?
Any incident that impacts access to Whistler for our community and visitors can have an impact on the routines and plans of our residents, as well as the plans of our valued visitors.
The closure is an inconvenience, but the most important thing to us is that the required time is taken to ensure that the area is safe.
There has been no impact to municipal operations in Whistler.
Supplies will be brought in to Whistler through Highway 99 from the north.
How can people get up-to-date information?
We would encourage residents and visitors to “know before you go”—monitor the status of the situation closely and plan travel accordingly. The duration of the closure could change at any point.
RESORT MUNICIPALITY OF WHISTLER 4325 BLACKCOMB WAY, WHISTLER, B.C. V0N 1B4
WHISTLER TEL:604-932-5535 FAX: 604-935-8109 TOLL FREE: 1-866-932-5535
EMAIL: i n f o@whistl e r .ca WEBSITE: www.whist ler.ca
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The Ministry of Transportation www.DriveBC.ca website contains the official up-to-date information about the highway.
Mountain FM radio is the primary source of information by radio.
Whistler – 102.1 FM Squamish – 107.1 FM Pemberton – 104.5
What is being done to get the road back to normal?
We are confident that the Ministry of Transportation is doing everything possible to clear the area and that they will reopen the highway to residents and visitors as soon as the area is safe. The amount of debris is significant and Transportation Minister Falcon indicated today (July 30) that it may take up to five days.
The Ministry of Transportation advised the afternoon of July 30 that their geotechnical engineers are onsite assessing the stability of the slope above the slide and that clean-up will begin once the engineers determine that the site is safe. Once clean-up begins, workers will do everything they can to reopen the highway as soon as possible. Due to the size of the boulders, the clean-up will involve blasting.
How will people and goods travel to and from Whistler?
Driving
There is an alternate route from Whistler to the Lower Mainland north on Highway 99 through Pemberton to Lillooet and back through the Fraser Canyon. This scenic drive takes approximately seven hours. This route will be used to bring supplies in to Whistler from the Lower Mainland.
The Highway 99 route north can also be used to access communities in the B.C. Interior. This, in fact, is a common route for many summer visitors touring beyond Whistler to other areas of B.C.
Couriers
Couriers are operating with revised schedules and routes.
Alternative Transportation Options
A wide variety of alternative transportation options are available for people travelling to and from Whistler: float plane, helicopter, busses (using the northern route), tug boat and air transfers from Squamish, and more.
Note that 1-800-WHISTLER (1-800-944-7853) is available as a resource to any travellers whose plans are disrupted by the rockslide.
How common is an incident like this?
This type of incident is unusual; however, living in a mountain/ coastal environment, there is some risk of environmental incidents like this one.
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The Sea to Sky Highway Improvement Project will help to reduce this type of risk in many areas on the highway.
The Ministry of Transportation has indicated that this incident occurred outside of any current highway construction areas.
What would happen if an incident like this occurred during the 2010 Winter Games?
The Ministry of Transportation and the RCMP are integrally involved Games planning, including planning for the Sea to Sky corridor, and would manage any highway incident with safety being the main priority.
Athletes, officials and the majority of personnel required to stage an Olympic or Paralympic event in Whistler will be housed in the Whistler area so events would proceed on schedule in the event of a highway closure. A highway closure could; however, impact the ability for spectators to access Whistler, and for residents to travel between Whistler and the Lower Mainland.
This is the busy summer season. How will this impact business in Whistler?
This weekend is the B.C. Day/ August long weekend, which is typically a very busy weekend for visitors coming to Whistler. We won’t know the full impact to business until this incident has been fully dealt with, but we would anticipate trip cancellations, as using alternative transportation won’t be an option for all travellers.
Media contacts:
Kim Thompson, RMOW – tel: 604-935-8104
Michele Comeau Thompson, RMOW – tel: 604-935-8152, cell: 604-932-0833
Dave Crebo, Ministry of Transportation – tel: 604-812-5747
Media spokesperson:
Mayor Ken Melamed, RMOW

Just a test

2008-06-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

at the Southside talkin about web sites

1570 Marentette Ave

2008-04-25T16:20:00.002-07:00

For almost as long as I can remember my dad's band has been playing every Saturday afternoon at the Air Force Club of Windsor. This Saturday April 26 will be their last show there. If your down with a little Jazz music swing on over and check it
out from 3pm - 6pm, beer is cheap and the people are a lot of fun.. Note all the regulars are over 60.. with the exception of some of my family members.

But if you have gone with me in the past, or have heard anyone talk about it.. its a lot of fun, a great show and a chance to catch Bobby Brew and the Dalhousie Street Paraders on some home turf. more information on the band can be found at www.bobbybrew.com

I'll be sitting in my Fire Fighting course here in Whistler waving my white handkerchief at 3pm (6 your time) to say good buy.. Man their going to think I’m strange..

2008-04-05T12:58:00.001-07:00

I’m Shaving My Head for Balding for Dollars, Please Support Me.

2008-03-03T14:46:00.001-08:00

Balding for Dollars raises community awareness for childhood cancer and blood disorders, provides funding to support the oncology program at BC Children’s Hospital, and supports children and their fam

I've registered for the 8th Annual Balding for Dollars that takes place Saturday, March 30th, 2008.

I will be collecting donations and then shaving my head to help kids with cancer and blood disorders. Please help me reach my Balding for Dollars fundraising goal by making an online donation.

Follow this link to make a donation - http://bcchf.kintera.org/balding/brew

Thank you for your support.

Where I buy music..

2007-10-17T10:02:00.000-07:00

I have tried a lot of site to buy Mp3's and seem to always run into trouble.. Like with Futureshops Bonfire I paid for the last Hip CD tiring to support Canadian artists.. and was only able to download about half of the tracks.. and the tracks that I have don't play. Customer service sucked when tiring to get help, so being the stubborn ass that I am.. I will never purchase any music from them again.

iTunes has restrictions on the music you get, so you can only burn them to a CD a few times or they will not work in all players. I have not had as big a problem with iTunes but I don’t like paying for stuff I don’t have the freedom to us anyway I choose..

So I have turned to a new place for music, and most everything else Amazon. I don’t buy a ton of stuff on-line, but whenever I order anything from Amazon they are super fast and the best price I can find anywhere.

Amazon MP3 offers Earth's biggest selection of a la carte, DRM-free MP3 music downloads. With over 2 million songs from more than 180,000 artists represented by over 20,000 major and independent labels, Amazon MP3 complements Amazon.com's existing selection of over 1 million CDs to offer customers more selection of physical and digital music than any other retailer.

Every song and album on Amazon MP3 is available exclusively in the MP3 format without digital rights management (DRM) software. This means that Amazon MP3 customers are free to enjoy their music downloads using any hardware device, organize their music using any music management application, and burn songs to CDs.
Most songs are priced from 89 cents to 99 cents, with more than 1 million of the 2 million songs priced at 89 cents. The top 100 best-selling songs are 89 cents, unless marked otherwise. Most albums are priced from $5.99 to $9.99. The top 100 best-selling albums are $8.99 or less, unless marked otherwise.
Every song on Amazon MP3 is encoded at 256 kilobits per second, which gives customers high audio quality at a manageable file size.

Check it out, I’ll bet you end up checking Amazon before making most future purchases.

Out-takes from Even

2007-05-14T21:10:00.000-07:00

Even was the first movie we made for the wssf 72hr film fest, it was a 5min movie and here are 10mins of out takes.. enjoy

Its amazing how many people you really know..

2007-05-09T09:36:00.001-07:00

Everyone’s talking about it, most people now seem to be doing it and I’m getting sick of hearing about it, but I can’t seem to get enough of it. Facebook has reunited me with some ‘no’ lots of old friends from High School, Past Co-workers, Old Roommates, and Family.

I’m not sure if it’s just knowing where people are, what they are doing, the photos and videos of them doing it or the memories that flood back every time you see a new name. Brian Dale pops up and I automatically think of Grand Bend and the crazy long weekends. Up pops Nola and there is Brian Dale my first season in Whistler singing Lola at 18 Below in Whistler but changing the words to Nola na-na-na-na Nola.

Events look like they will never be the same, just when you think you got lucky because your friends camera batteries died early in the night, you start getting tagged by everyone else in photos you never remember being taken. The ability to set up an event page and invite your friends easily to it is awesome. You automatically know who is going who is thinking about coming and then there are the people that are missing out. Posting photos the next day to the event page for all to see is another cool feature and helps to promote any event that happens annually.

I just broke the 200 friend mark this week (Surprisingly I think I could tell a good story about everyone in my list) and I have only been using this thing for about 3 weeks now and can’t seem to catch up with everyone yet still can’t wait to see who else is out there.

Set up an account and check it out, you will quickly become addicted. www.facebook.com

Flatsy The Clown

2007-05-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

Man Little Mikey took some bad lines.. not sure why everyone followed him off this.. but wow..

WSSF time again - part 1

2007-04-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

I didn’t make a movie for the first time in 5 years, partly because of the $50 entry fee and also fact that I didn’t really believe in our story idea this year. I hope I eat my words this year and the top 8 films all end up being locals.. But my prediction is 2 locals (I hope Kramer wins this year) and the rest will be film students or semi-pro’s trying to get exposure..

The original film fest was free to enter, the only prize what to have your work shown in front of an audience. I’m going to miss that… But I covered that in my last blog..

Partying with Fishbone,

I woke up yesterday around 8:30 Myers was up and we decided to hit the Mt… looked like there could be sun.. there was not much sun, but the skiing was great.. we did lots of laps and I put in my longest day since I got back from my vacation. My legs were buggered and I was wiped out. I hit the hot tub for about an hour, tried to rehydrate by drinking tons of water and watched lots of hockey. I thought there was no way I would make it out of the house that night. I was wrong…

Kostaman has given me a ticket to check out Fishbone at Bills (Kostaman was opening for them did one hell of a job, but I think should have started sooner so we could hear more of their music).. I still don’t understand why anyone would go to that bar (BILLS).. it was $6.25 for a bottle of beer or single Vodka Soda.. $9 for a shot of Jagger.. yep.. 1 shot! What the hell are they thinking, it was a bar full of locals that like to drink..

After the show some friends and I went to another location to keep the party going, turns out that all the Bills staff ended up there as well and Fishbone.. I’m not sure if he was messing with me, but Rocky George (the lead guitar) was trying to convince me that he was a great hockey player.. I think he said a better hockey player then guitar player, better than guitar? Come on this guy ROCKS.. Curling came on one of the TV’s and John Fisher freaked out, jumping around tell us how much he loves Curling this almost confirms that they were fuckin with us, but who knows…

There was some crazy maritime chick walking around with her ass hanging out asking people to slap it for her, I am sure she is going to wake up Monday morning with a swollen black and blue ass..

I almost expect to see the Fishbone guys again tonight after the Sweatshop Union show at Moe Joe’s.

This was my first WSSF event this year, even after all my bitching I’m sure I’ll still check out the films on Wednesday and of course Toots is playing at Moe Joe’s Friday not a bad band for 4.20.

This is the part were I tell you I will post some more crarzy WSSF adventures, but will for get and not update my Blog for another month.

Check out facebook.com - Its NUTS!

Celebrity Look-alikes

2007-03-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.myheritage.com

A PSA - don't miss it

2007-03-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

I will be emceeing this event as well so if you feel like sponcering me, you can use the donate button on the right side of this page.. Please make a note that you are sending the money for Balding for Dollars..

In less than 2 weeks there will be a whole lot more bald people roaming around Whistler as the community gears up for a milestone 5th annual Balding for Dollars event on Sunday April 1st at the Garibaldi Lift Company.

Balding for Dollars is a province-wide fundraiser in support of children with cancer at BC Children's Hospital. Anyone brave enough to have their head shaved and fundraise through collecting pledges is welcome to take part. Past participants include men, women and children from around Whistler and the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Organized by Whistler Friends, a local grass-roots fundraising group, this is one event not to be missed. “We already have 3 ladies confirmed to be shaving their heads, along with numerous men” says Dave Clark, one of the organizers. Clark and his wife Wendy, who began organizing this event 5 years ago, are thrilled to bringing the event back, and hoping to reach a milestone in fundraising. “We are hoping to go over the $100,000 mark in total cumulative fundraising with this upcoming event. We raise money for BC Children’s Hospital, and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, 2 foundations that are close to our hearts” say the Clarks. With the recent arrival of their first child, the event this year is particularly special.

Local Whistler Après Legends "The Hairfarmers" will be entertaining the crowd with renditions of everyone's favorite songs. Rumor has it that Guitar Doug will be having his beard shaved off in the spirit of the event. Shaving will begin at 3:30pm by Amanda Stocks of the Blackcomb Barber Shop, so be sure to get there early with your pledges as there will only be a limited number of "barber stools" available. There will be some great prizes, including one from Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Outdoor Adventures Whistler, Trout Country Fishing Guides, 2 Vancouver Canuck Tickets, plus many more.

Pledge sheets for Balding for Dollars are available on line at www.baldingfordollars.com. For more information or media inquires regarding the Whistler event, to become a sponsor organization or to donate a prize for this or any other Whistler Friends event, please visit www.whistlerfriends.ca ,contact Dave or Wendy Clark at 604 905 2533, or e-mail to info@whistlerfriends.ca.

Talk like the guy from CSI day

2007-02-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

Terry, I think Jim is on board. .

funny stuff

The WSSF Filmmaker Showdown

2007-02-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

I was wondering what would get me to start posting to my Blog again.. well its anger or disappointment not sure yet but one of them.. I understand why they are doing it but I have a feeling that it will have repercussions on the event. The Filmmaker Showdown Entry Fee this year is $50, that’s right.. They are charging amateur film makers to enter films this year.. So they can sell tickets for people to come and watch them. It should not surprise me as this is a town where ever thing costs money, and some jackass took advantage of the system last year by submitting a 5min film of him sitting in one place and thanking the judges for free tickets to the event at the end.

But I think what made this event great was the fact that it was a bunch of amateur film makers putting a project together in 72hrs in the hope that people will watch it.. That’s it, just watch and enjoy the short film, no prize..

2 years ago they started giving away a $5000 video camera, the following year registration was a pain in the ass.. The organizers seemed more frantic then ever as the number of people entering seemed to double. More professional movies had been entered; more film students from Vancouver were making the trip up for the weekend. To me this was the TSN turning point in our film maker showdown.

It would be great to see someone start up another amateur film fest with no entry fees and no prizes again (Like the horror fest – still fun, no fee, no real prize, still a sell out event). Sure some of the films were not as good, but they were fun to watch and make. They were people you knew in the community that make the videos, with people you knew acting in them.

I think this new fee is the next step in killing the amateur part of this festival.. is that too harsh for only $50? Think of they broke ass staff housing guy that took his computer and camera from home to Whistler, now working as a lifty or dishwasher for one season making less then $10/hr. Does he spend $50 on food or the entrance in a movie.. He already has to rearrange his schedule around the 72hr.. Then time to sleep when its over..

The easy way to solve this might be to have a pro and amateur categories, The pro’s are not in it for the camera either.. They are entering for the coverage this event gets in the world media, but they can afford to pay the $50 – hell I’m sure it’s a right off for them.

Will I pay $50 this year to enter, I guess I’ll leave that up to my team to decide.. but its fun for us and I still have faith that we can win this thing.. and by win I mean getting in the top 8 so our film is shown.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-27T13:23:00.001-08:00

Worlds are changing everyday, since I found out my job would be bought out, time has been flying bye. .as of today I have 5 working day before I am ‘unemployed’ Unemployment seems like a dream and like any good dream when you get close to the object of your desire ***poof*** your awake.. still employed. I have put together a lot of contract jobs that will both pay cash and deliver on the golden contra.

But now that I could take this and live comfortably for the next few months a new job has popped up and looking like something I might be interested in. It would combine Communication, Marketing, and some supervising. I’m still not 100% sure that I will take the job, but not far from it.

Christmas was fun this year, when anyone asked me what I got it was really nice to say Santa brought me 30cm of snow.. what did you get? After skiing all morning, I jumped in the hot tub with champagne and OJ and made my Christmas calls to family. Nothing says I’m doing ok then boozing in the hot tub after a day of skiing..

There were lots of interesting cats around for Christmas dinner and to party afterwards. I don’t think I made it to bed until after 3am.. not bad after a ski day.

On Friday I checked out the New Rocky movie, and it is everything they say it is. You go in thinking your going to watch another cheesy movie and it sucks you in. On the other side of that I watched the new James Bond movie last night and I was unimpressed. It has some really cool chases, hot chicks, but I think the story or flow was not my idea of a good James Bond movie.

Happy New Year (party at the fun house!)

Ok, so I have been slacking off a lot..

2006-11-24T16:43:00.000-08:00

News since the trip to the city.. I got back to find out that my company no longer thinks my job is necessary so they are retiring it. My job for the last month and the next month is to break apart my responsibility and distribute them to others in the company.

This might come as a bit of a shock to some of you that are reading this for the first time, but believe me I’m ok with it. Living in a small town I was surprised at how fast the news traveled and to see all sorts of job offers come in right away.

Currently I am working a few contracts and have a few more I’ll start soon. I have not committed to anything full time yet as I am still not sure what I want to do.. (Other then Harbor Master - Terry) I have lots of time to figure it out.. But for now.. …

IT’S SNOWING IN WHISTLER!!!

Made it up the first day Whistler was open, and my brother Bob is on his way up now.. I’m sure he will make sure I am skiing way more then my weak ass can handle.

Moe Joe’s is in full swing, we put together the line-up in the last 2 weeks.. Started planning some kick ass parties for December, including booking some acts like Sweatshop Union and Nearly Neil. We are slowly getting our ads out on Club Zone and newly signed up with SnapWhistler.com.. They make a kickass ad for us, ½ page with another ½ page of photos under it for a full page ad weekly in their paper..

Still going to crazy parties every other night.. But will have to slow down as the Whistler Film Festival starts on Wednesday and I will be smoking busy from Wend’s to Sunday night.. It will be good for the liver..

Oh ya… hung out will Colin Guy the other night at Moe Joe’s good to see him although he is looking a little frail.. START EATING MEAT, YOUR DYING!!! No it was good to see him, and get some drinks in.. I don’t think I had seen him in 4 years, the last time we ran into each other was on my 30th birthday when we were bungee jumping..

anyways.. sorry for being scattered and I’ll get back on the posting soon.. after the film fest? Ya.. that sounds good..

Lets go Mcenroe

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

Friday afternoon Myers and I took off to the city to hang with our pal Mitch, Shane from Mane was already there as well.

Mark and I jumped on the bus right after work, and dropped a 26er of rye on the trip down.. Got to the Hotel and met up with Mitch and Shane in the Delta bar. A few martinis later we took off to Gotham for some kicks ass steak and more martinis.

We found out that a (Whistler) local band was playing at the Media Room, so after dinner that where we went. It was Whole Lotta Led with our old neighbor Creekside Phil and a bus load of Whistlerights. It was strange to be in the city where you could spend a full week with out ever seeing anyone you know.. to seeing everyone you know..

Mark went home first followed closely by Shane.. Mitch and I had other plans and kept on given’er. As the bar was about to close, we went outside just as the Whistler tour bus rolled up.. with bus driver Mike at the wheel.. not sure how but we talked him into driving Mitch and I back to the hotel. Not bad taking up an entire bus to go 5 blocks in the city.. I guess everyone at the bar would just have to wait for us!!

We got back to the Delta around 2ish.. and decided that staying up ordering food and drinking more would be a good idea.. you know it never is.. but the food was great!..

I got up at 10 in the morning, and really needed some coffee.. not sure if I could drink the water at the hotel I didn’t want to take any chances.. So I figured I would just to out.. ya, I was wearing the same cloths from the night before.. had not showered or done anything me help smell better after a big night.. but really who am I going to see.. I’m in the city, I don’t know anyone here..

I walk down the hall and press the elevator button to go down.. the doors open and 4 girls from our Marketing department are standing there… So much for being anonymous in the city, explaining why I looked like a bag of shit was not easy.. and I’m not sure that I did explain.. doh

Got my coffee and started wandering around the city.. hours later we were back pre boozing before the Football game Lions vs Blue Bombers..

We were surprised that they had a huge street party before the game.. what the hell were we doing hanging out at the hotel… anyways.. someone yells free smokies, we polish off our beer and are waiting in line to pay $7 per beer inside..

As it was Halloween a bunch of guys showed up in costume.. one guy sitting in front of us was dressed as John Mcenroe, we had some banter back and forth.. and before we know it we have this guy convinced that he should jump on the field. A few chants of ‘Lets go Mcenroe’ and he is down by the fence ready to jump..

He is checking to see how far down it is.. the guy next to him says something.. Johnny Mc turns and yells ‘ can you believe this guy doesn’t know who John Mcenroe is?

With in seconds.. both of them are chucking punches toe to toe.. UFC style. Both big guys landing big punches.. the cops come in.. a few on Johnny Mac.. 3 or 4 on the other guy.. Johnny goes peacefully.. Other guy freaks out.. Tosses the cops.. and starts charging up the stairs.. dragging one of the cops behind him.. out of now where 2 security dudes full on tackle the guy on the stairs.. police jump in and handcuff him and drag him out..

We decided it was a good time for us to leave, as Johnny might remember that he would have never been there if we did convince him..

The rest of the night was kind of a blur moving from bar to bar trying to keep dry.. Shane got sick and had to go home early.. we made our way back to the hotel to finish getting our booze on..

Their was so much more.. but I’m feeling lazy and don’t think its woth going into more detail.. and really “Lets Go Mcenroe” will be the most memorable part of that weekend..

What the F**K is PC LOAD LETTER

2006-10-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

Just trying to send information to our payroll department and as they are Amish I needed to send it via Fax. It’s almost like being punished, the fax room is super bight and smoking hot. You know no matter what you do the fist attempt is not going to work.

Its even worse when the person giving you their fax number accidentally gives you the WRONG number.. arrrgggg

If you care about the PC LOAD LETTER you can find out what it is here

Giver Hell Michael Bolton (not - the no tallent assbag)

Distroying childrens innocence

2006-10-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

I can't belive that Terry didn't find this...

I love the look on the familys face..

In other news,

Myers and I are going to the city this weekend.. look out.

Southside Win's!!

2006-10-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

The greatest thing just happened. I got to the southside and had some beers and ordered food. There was a shift change with my servers, and now for the great part I had no idea it was going to happen...

I can't tell you how many times I have been somewhere and the server comes to the table, interupts any discution that is going on to let the table know that she/he is finishing their shift and would like to settle up.

I always do (except one time) as serving is a bitch and I'm sure they would like to get any and all tips if there table even leaves one. But It almost always is a huge inconvionce to the table. I would think the next server on would tip out the server past 1/2 the tip or something..

I was at Dustys one sunny afternoon when our servers shift changed 3x when I finaly said No, please transfer the bill to the next server on. we had only been there for 2hr, I can understand 1 change but that was crazy!

First week with a Mac

2006-10-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

ok.. first 3 days with a Mac

I purchased a Mac Book Pro last week, I figure it was time I got to know the Mac OS and why not jump in with a $3000 laptop. To be fair I upgraded the ram and the price includes video editing software upgrades.

So far it’s as I expected, out of the box the Mac ran well. Figuring out the file system took a bit of time, not that it’s hard to understand its just different from what I know. I find myself over thinking almost everything I do.

Navigation is killing me, I have not been using a mouse and the no right click is taking some getting use to.. Remember is only day 2.5 or something like that. I keep double clicking the top bar on every widow trying to Maximize or Cascade it.. but with the Mac it minimizes it.. That seems to be something I do often and its driving me a little nuts breaking the habit. I’m also not use to using a laptop keyboard so typing seems to take forever..

I guess these are all things that I will get accustom to, but for now it’s the learning curve that I was expecting. I’ll keep you updated.

Update

2006-10-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

I will not update my blog just to make Terry happy!

The full story at 11

I HATE AUTOMATED TECHNOLOGY

2006-09-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

My life seems to revolve around making life easer for people though technology. But here is the crazy thing.. I HATE MOST TECHNOLOGY.. or at least the automated side of thing.

I was just dealing with Bell because their OneBill website was not letting me view my bill.. but Bell and OneBill are not the same person.. my first objective was to get the balance of my cell bill so I can pay it.

They have a new automated system that calls itself Vicky or something like that.. It works really well for most stuff, but I seemed to have to say 5 different things push some buttons on the phone and hop on one foot to talk to an agent. I’m sure someone at Bell would tell me that I could have just said agent or something like that right at the start.. but I played the game and lost.

I talked to an agent and after verifying who I was, and I’ll tell you it was much easer this time then the last… My balance was ready in 30seconds.. paid via web banking in 5 seconds after that.

I asked him about the website and explained that I was not able to view my balance and if he could set me up for OneBill.. he started to walk me though the web site but I was able to convince him that Onebill is going to do the same thing.. so He transferred me via the ‘preferred customer’ line (shhh – I told him I would not tell anyone if he used that line)

He came back to me because OneBill leaves their office earlier then him.. doh.. guess it will have to wait until next month when I still can't get my balance..

I did web check-in to West Jet today for the fist time.. they say it will save me 2hrs in the morning.. I guess we will see..

Off to Windsor, I don’t expect any great stories! Unless I spend time with Logan, he is always good for a story

Paralympic Games Emblem, houseboating, and birthday

2006-09-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the uneiling of the 2010 paralympic games emblem. Its not bad, I like it more then the inukshuk although it is just the head of the inukshuk with a mountain in it. There was a great outdoor concert, with Spirit of the West, Chantal Kreviazuk, Philosopher Kings and a few other bands.

Over all I was impressed with how it all went down. The flow of the day was great, no big waits for something to happen. There were a few technical glitches, the fireworks at the end almost seemed like they got wet and fizzled rather then shooting into the air. But they did do a good job keeping things moving along, and the bands were all great.

I didn’t think I would have been into Chantal, but she put on a good show. Seemed to involve the crowd, but talked way too much. Spirit of the West was as great as always, I made a call to Seabass when they played Home For A Rest. Not sure what time it was in South African but I’m sure he will not mind getting the message.. Philosopher Kings were a great closer, I’m not sure how long the band has been around (I know its been a long time).. but they still have tons of energy.

Before I go on.. I have to say I like the Logo..

I’m thinking that the logo business it one to get into, make a small image and tell people what the hell it means for 20 mins. I can’t believe the weight they put on the thing, I’ll give you some of the points

• Winter Games identity
• Represents the spirit of the host region
• Serves as an inspirational symbol
• Highlights the natural beauty of Canada’s West Coast – sky, water, and forests reflected by striking blues and a strip of green.
• Symbolize the enormous strength and determination of the athletes
• Forms the shape of an athlete in motion
• A visual reminder of the paralympic games and the natural environment of Canada’s west cost
• It meshes well with Iianaaq, its sister emblem
• Serves as a reminder that the 2010 games will be celebrated with an integrated spirit of fair play, integrity and excellence.

That’s about all I can take.. I can’t believe how much this thing says? Where do people come up with these things? Why do they feel the need to ‘sell it’ to us, it’s a nice logo, we know its going to represent the games in our region and I know what the games and where I live means to me. I say get to the point and be proud of your decision, don’t drone on about it like Chantal Kreviazuk and her theater story.

Could you imagine if someone asked you about the west coast, don’t tell them anything just send them the logo and say ‘this is the west coast’. But maybe its me? But I don’t think photos or words do the area justice so how could a logo.

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House Boating.. well, I’m not sure I can say much about the trip.. It was NUTS.. I have seen lots of crazy shit in my time, but this took the cake.

I don’t think I can tell the story of the week as we decided that using the Vegas slogan – ‘what happens on the houseboat stays on the houseboat’. If you ask me I’ll give you some details with out using names… sorry.. I will post a few photos.

My birthday was this last week as well.. I didn’t go nuts.. I did go to Moe Joe’s, but the bar was kind of empty. I was not really feeling up to a huge night as I had to work the next day and the houseboat kicked my ass.. I did loose track after about 10 shots, but after the week I just finished it seemed like nothing.

I’ll be home next week, I leave for the city on Tuesday and will be in Toronto Wednesday afternoon. I have no plans after that, I’m sure I’ll spend a night at my brothers place, and Logan wants to hang out as well. I don’t think the 2 make for a good combination but I’m sure it will work its self out

I still have no transportation from TO to Windsor, but again.. I’m hoping that it will just work itself out. Buss train or plane..

Busy Busy

2006-09-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

I launched my new website today at Whistler Blackcomb. It has been a crazy week, not sure what or why but It appears that people running 800x600 screens seem to crash. IE shuts down with out warning, Contribute shuts down with out warning. All of the code is valid as per the w3c. but that’s my problem.

On to the past, Friday night Mark and I were back on the Judging program.. Miss Moe Joe’s was the event.. I have to say it was a tight competition any of the girls could have won.

Saturday was a bit of a right off.. but still managed to get a few things done.

Sunday we ended up on Citas patio starting at lunch time and finally moved on to Moe Joe’s around 11pm.. ya.. it was a bit of a session, and really what summer in Whistler is all about. The only downside was spending every cent that I had, I was down to pocket change for the rest of the week. I should change my profile to say ‘Living like a rock star with out the heroin, vomit and money’

Monday we ‘as poor people do’ declared it Scotch and Cigar night.. as the Contra kid, one of my clients ‘Logan’ helped subsidize the cost of his website (he says he was just showing the love) by sending me a bottle of Scotch.. I think I was only able to get one ounce into me, Sunday night left me a little broken.

Tuesday, was the launch of the new Intranet.. and I don’t think I have slept since. Thank god I leave on Sunday for a vacation I’m going house boating with Moe Joe’s as our staff trip.. I don’t expect anytime to rest but it will be a non-stop party.. I don’t expect hangovers to get in the way until Friday when I get back.. it happens to be my birthday.. So I’ll be celebrating this year on the couch..

Thanks Andy Dittrich for the great photos