By now everyone has heard of Ted Williams, the once homeless self-proclaimed alcoholic, with the velvet voice who was discovered through a YouTube video. As the story now unfolds, he has several children, still struggles with his addiction, and after an interview with Dr. Phil, is off to rehab.
How could no one see this coming?
When he was initially interviewed in that now famous video clip, could he have imagined that claiming he had been sober for two years could come back to bite him in the ass? Could he have ever fathomed what happened to him in such a short time?
Today, it appears Courtney Love may be involved in a precedent-setting court case revolving around disparaging comments she sent out through Twitter about a certain individual and her business. The woman is suing for "unspecified damages to her reputation and business". The story stems from a disputed clothing bill. Love took to Twitter to call the woman some not-so-flattering names.
The reason I'm thinking about this is I recently posted something on Facebook about the insane price of Lululemon headbands. I really like the company. I've researched it. I've even considered applying to work for them. So why then was I surprised when a friend read my status and said, "I thought you might want to work for them,".
I never thought about it. I just ranted. Mostly because I could.
I learned a valuable lesson and although I've never been really good at "censoring" myself, perhaps it's time I kept it in the back of my mind.
I have some pretty lofty dreams about my career. And I don't plan on letting go of them anytime soon.
And that leads back to Ted Williams.
I hope that most people are wrong in thinking this new found notoriety will lead to his ultimate demise.
Sadly, the price of fame and fortune has drastically changed.
It is relentless and takes no prisoners.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Car Wash - Can't they do better?
Here's the classic tune with a sexy scene from Cool Hand Luke... something for the ladies and the fellas!
Hard to believe it's from 1967!
Trying to clean the inside of your car in the winter is insane. Trying to clean the interior of your car with your dog IN the car is suicide!
But I had to do it today! During our daily jaunt, my pooch ate something unsavoury and puked it up in the car on our way to get coffee!
I know the new technology is supposed to make things easier. In fact, the car wash near my place actually has a "pet wash" room that you can clean Rover in!
Today, I had to vacuum then shampoo to pick up the puke. To be honest, I'm really bad at keeping my car clean. My ex brother-in-law used to scold me all the time saying, "Your car needs love,". He was actually worried that something heavy in the back may hit me in the back of the head, if I was forced to stop quickly.
First, I would never compare a dog puking in the car to a kid puking in the car. However, I'm pretty sure the kid wouldn't try to BITE and CHEW the vacuum nozzle while you're trying to clean it up!
The shampoo-er was a joke. I literally got more of a workout trying to maneuver the hose for the shampoo brush into the crevices that I wanted to clean, than I likely got at the gym yesterday. (Slight exaggeration)
After all was said and done it cost me $8... which I imagine is cheaper than getting the car detailed. That included me spending $2 on wipes that were exactly like baby wipes, they just were handy in the dispenser at the place.
All I could think of when I was there was, I wish I had brought my video camera. The dog was going nuts. I was dressed in snow pants because it was wicked cold outside today during our walk and I felt like a contortionist trying to finagle the shampoo nozzle.
No wonder this isn't something I enjoy doing, even in the summer!
The only good thing about doing it in the summer, is that I'm usually vacuuming up sand from being at the beach... and the good part about that... is BEING at the beach!
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, even though this technology is supposed to save you time and money, I think it still needs work.
Just my humble opinion.
Hard to believe it's from 1967!
Trying to clean the inside of your car in the winter is insane. Trying to clean the interior of your car with your dog IN the car is suicide!
But I had to do it today! During our daily jaunt, my pooch ate something unsavoury and puked it up in the car on our way to get coffee!
I know the new technology is supposed to make things easier. In fact, the car wash near my place actually has a "pet wash" room that you can clean Rover in!
Today, I had to vacuum then shampoo to pick up the puke. To be honest, I'm really bad at keeping my car clean. My ex brother-in-law used to scold me all the time saying, "Your car needs love,". He was actually worried that something heavy in the back may hit me in the back of the head, if I was forced to stop quickly.
First, I would never compare a dog puking in the car to a kid puking in the car. However, I'm pretty sure the kid wouldn't try to BITE and CHEW the vacuum nozzle while you're trying to clean it up!
The shampoo-er was a joke. I literally got more of a workout trying to maneuver the hose for the shampoo brush into the crevices that I wanted to clean, than I likely got at the gym yesterday. (Slight exaggeration)
After all was said and done it cost me $8... which I imagine is cheaper than getting the car detailed. That included me spending $2 on wipes that were exactly like baby wipes, they just were handy in the dispenser at the place.
All I could think of when I was there was, I wish I had brought my video camera. The dog was going nuts. I was dressed in snow pants because it was wicked cold outside today during our walk and I felt like a contortionist trying to finagle the shampoo nozzle.
No wonder this isn't something I enjoy doing, even in the summer!
The only good thing about doing it in the summer, is that I'm usually vacuuming up sand from being at the beach... and the good part about that... is BEING at the beach!
So I guess what I'm trying to say is, even though this technology is supposed to save you time and money, I think it still needs work.
Just my humble opinion.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Road Less Travelled - Do I NEED a heart monitor?
I have never listened to what people told me I couldn't do. No, that's inaccurate. I have never BELIEVED what people told me I couldn't do, in fact that fuelled my drive even more.
When I trained for the 40k bike portion of a triathlon, long ago albeit, the motivation came from an ex who thought I couldn't bike, or at least thought that I wasn't very strong at it. A twist of fate, unbeknownst to me until the day of, placed him at the race I did, in the van that followed the cyclists, ready to repair a flat tube, or anything really. It was with immense satisfaction that I finished.
I didn't buy a special bike, it was actually the mountain bike I still have today! I rode it through rain and wind in TEARS, crying and talking to myself at ungodly hours.
I didn't follow ANY training regimen, I never even looked at a book, and Lord knows there was no www.youtube.com then! I trusted my body and pushed. That was it.
That same summer, the guy that did the swim portion of the triathlon asked me to do a "try-a-tri" and on a whim, I agreed. I had NEVER run, only on a treadmill and I took swimming classes as a kid but did front crawl without putting my face in the water. My main motivation was to not finish last. I didn't.
I recently took up running again. Why I quit is for another post, I finally figured it out over the holidays.
The last time I finished a real race was in 2004. I trained for a half marathon and finished it. I never followed a training regime, I just ran the same distance everyday, with some hills, and tried to get faster. And I did one long run a week, including a trial of the whole distance, about a week before the event. I would never break any Ethiopian records but I didn't do badly for a first time.
By no means am I criticizing those that utilize gadgets to improve their training, finish, final time, whatever their motivation. I want to make that abundantly clear!
I just wonder, is it necessary?
I'm not a competitive athlete so most would say "no".
Frankly, I don't believe anyone needs anything else for running except a good fitting pair of shoes so your toenails don't fall off! Sometimes they do anyway.
I read a friend's blog, which is fantastic by the way, you can find it here. She discussed getting a new heart rate monitor this week.
Maybe it's because I can't afford one right now. Maybe it's because I have never felt that I had to have a "competitive edge". Maybe it's because I am Scottish and cheap.
Who am I to say that inspirations in the sporting world don't benefit from the state-of-the-art equipment, companies are falling all over each other to get them to use/endorse?
For me the answer came today on a fluke.
I was searching for inspirational videos on www.youtube.com and came across a Nike ad. This was it.
There is a very small appearance by someone named Steve Prefontaine. You may have heard of him. I watched the movie years ago called "Prefontaine" starring Jared Leto but recognized Pre in the ad.
I remembered his inspiration. So today, before going to the gym, I watched half of another biopic about him called Without Limits. I watched the other half when I came home.
He didn't have a heart monitor, nor a Garmin, nor fancy running garb.
He loved to run.
His philosophy was, why hang back in a race when you can give it all you've got for the gamut.
He called it "chickenshit" to do it any other way.
He was different. Danced to a different drummer. Wasn't "like everyone else". He had no doubt in his mind that he could do it. And before his tragic and early death, he was among the faster people alive.
His short life was indeed an inspiration.
While I am not in the market to break running records, I believe I can do anything I set my mind to.
And it's because of Pre's story, and many many other famous and ordinary people that have come into my life.
The thing that propels you is not the equipment, but what's in your heart.
And in your head. Sometimes your head gets the best of you. I know mine has too many times to count.
So as tempting as it may be for me to put myself in the poor house and purchase gadgets I think I need, I'll take a pass this time.
But because I am obviously NOT a front runner, at least now, I'll leave it up for discussion.
When I trained for the 40k bike portion of a triathlon, long ago albeit, the motivation came from an ex who thought I couldn't bike, or at least thought that I wasn't very strong at it. A twist of fate, unbeknownst to me until the day of, placed him at the race I did, in the van that followed the cyclists, ready to repair a flat tube, or anything really. It was with immense satisfaction that I finished.
I didn't buy a special bike, it was actually the mountain bike I still have today! I rode it through rain and wind in TEARS, crying and talking to myself at ungodly hours.
I didn't follow ANY training regimen, I never even looked at a book, and Lord knows there was no www.youtube.com then! I trusted my body and pushed. That was it.
That same summer, the guy that did the swim portion of the triathlon asked me to do a "try-a-tri" and on a whim, I agreed. I had NEVER run, only on a treadmill and I took swimming classes as a kid but did front crawl without putting my face in the water. My main motivation was to not finish last. I didn't.
I recently took up running again. Why I quit is for another post, I finally figured it out over the holidays.
The last time I finished a real race was in 2004. I trained for a half marathon and finished it. I never followed a training regime, I just ran the same distance everyday, with some hills, and tried to get faster. And I did one long run a week, including a trial of the whole distance, about a week before the event. I would never break any Ethiopian records but I didn't do badly for a first time.
By no means am I criticizing those that utilize gadgets to improve their training, finish, final time, whatever their motivation. I want to make that abundantly clear!
I just wonder, is it necessary?
I'm not a competitive athlete so most would say "no".
Frankly, I don't believe anyone needs anything else for running except a good fitting pair of shoes so your toenails don't fall off! Sometimes they do anyway.
I read a friend's blog, which is fantastic by the way, you can find it here. She discussed getting a new heart rate monitor this week.
Maybe it's because I can't afford one right now. Maybe it's because I have never felt that I had to have a "competitive edge". Maybe it's because I am Scottish and cheap.
Who am I to say that inspirations in the sporting world don't benefit from the state-of-the-art equipment, companies are falling all over each other to get them to use/endorse?
For me the answer came today on a fluke.
I was searching for inspirational videos on www.youtube.com and came across a Nike ad. This was it.
There is a very small appearance by someone named Steve Prefontaine. You may have heard of him. I watched the movie years ago called "Prefontaine" starring Jared Leto but recognized Pre in the ad.
I remembered his inspiration. So today, before going to the gym, I watched half of another biopic about him called Without Limits. I watched the other half when I came home.
He didn't have a heart monitor, nor a Garmin, nor fancy running garb.
He loved to run.
His philosophy was, why hang back in a race when you can give it all you've got for the gamut.
He called it "chickenshit" to do it any other way.
He was different. Danced to a different drummer. Wasn't "like everyone else". He had no doubt in his mind that he could do it. And before his tragic and early death, he was among the faster people alive.
His short life was indeed an inspiration.
While I am not in the market to break running records, I believe I can do anything I set my mind to.
And it's because of Pre's story, and many many other famous and ordinary people that have come into my life.
The thing that propels you is not the equipment, but what's in your heart.
And in your head. Sometimes your head gets the best of you. I know mine has too many times to count.
So as tempting as it may be for me to put myself in the poor house and purchase gadgets I think I need, I'll take a pass this time.
But because I am obviously NOT a front runner, at least now, I'll leave it up for discussion.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year! You're ruining your eyes!!!
It's that time of year when everyone starts anew! New goals, new commitments, new beginnings. It's also the most popular time for people to join or rejoin a gym.
I have made some fitness goals and luckily for me, I got my membership about a month ago and can go at odd times of day, as to avoid the inevitable ensuing crowds!
I was running on the treadmill on New Years Eve day. I decided to visit a club in the chain I belong to that's closer to my neighbourhood. I've been trying to run outside more but because of the rain, I chose indoors.
What I saw made me laugh out loud!
Not only were there TVs on every wall, like most gyms, but most of the cardio equipment had a TV console right on the front of it!
This isn't my gym and it's not exactly the same but close as I could find!
So there's a couple of regular channels you can surf through, like TSN, The Food Network, and Much More Music.
Am I crazy or is anyone else alarmed by how close that screen is to your eyes?!
It is seriously hard to run, or it was for me, with a screen that close to your face! Again, my eyesight is dwindling with age, but I don't suffer from vertigo nor is my peripheral vision deteriorating!
That screen is too damn close!!!
I looked around to see if anyone else noticed me laugh out loud.
Of course no one did because everyone, and I mean every single soul, at least there when I was, had a pair of ear buds in their ears!
We are drones! DRONES I tell you!
There isn't even a choice of running on a treadmill without the screen!
Don't get me wrong, I used to belong to another "chain" of clubs and they had a screen facing the spin bikes and you could actually do a class with a real instructor... but I don't remember being able to see the size of his pores, which I could most certainly see on Pink as I watched the MMM Countdown!
I know. I'm starting to sound like a curmudgeon... but I don't CARE! Someone has to notice these things besides me!!!
Can't wait till tomorrow when it's back outside :-)
I have made some fitness goals and luckily for me, I got my membership about a month ago and can go at odd times of day, as to avoid the inevitable ensuing crowds!
I was running on the treadmill on New Years Eve day. I decided to visit a club in the chain I belong to that's closer to my neighbourhood. I've been trying to run outside more but because of the rain, I chose indoors.
What I saw made me laugh out loud!
Not only were there TVs on every wall, like most gyms, but most of the cardio equipment had a TV console right on the front of it!
This isn't my gym and it's not exactly the same but close as I could find!
So there's a couple of regular channels you can surf through, like TSN, The Food Network, and Much More Music.
Am I crazy or is anyone else alarmed by how close that screen is to your eyes?!
It is seriously hard to run, or it was for me, with a screen that close to your face! Again, my eyesight is dwindling with age, but I don't suffer from vertigo nor is my peripheral vision deteriorating!
That screen is too damn close!!!
I looked around to see if anyone else noticed me laugh out loud.
Of course no one did because everyone, and I mean every single soul, at least there when I was, had a pair of ear buds in their ears!
We are drones! DRONES I tell you!
There isn't even a choice of running on a treadmill without the screen!
Don't get me wrong, I used to belong to another "chain" of clubs and they had a screen facing the spin bikes and you could actually do a class with a real instructor... but I don't remember being able to see the size of his pores, which I could most certainly see on Pink as I watched the MMM Countdown!
I know. I'm starting to sound like a curmudgeon... but I don't CARE! Someone has to notice these things besides me!!!
Can't wait till tomorrow when it's back outside :-)
Monday, December 27, 2010
Reluctant Winter Runner - Part 3
Finally gave the "traction aids" for running on ice and snow a whirl while visiting my mom in cottage country over the holidays. It was minus 20, likely colder than that with the windchill, so I bundled up and gave it a go!
I was surprised at what a difference it made, at least for me! Bare in mind that Mom lives literally on a very "back" road and thus very little traffic but thick ice! Lots of hills and chances to go for a spill! I felt completely solid and safe and did an easy 45 min with some hill repeats (with her Pyranese mountain dog Bella in tow)!
I will say though that since I have been home, I took the shoes with the traction slip-ons on for a run on our city sidewalks and through my local park. I got about 10 min out of the park before I realized one of the aids had slipped off! I made tracks back to retrieve it and had to sit on my duff in the snow to put it back on my shoe! I really didn't notice it missing at first until I looked down!
Placebo affect? For me, I could still feel the other shoe digging in.
All in all I really think they are worth the money. I know you can get a cheaper version at Giant Tiger, not sure if they work as well.
Even just for my own piece of mind, I seem to push myself faster, knowing I won't hit the dirt, er ice!
Love my traction aids and my RunKeeper app!
I will say though that since I have been home, I took the shoes with the traction slip-ons on for a run on our city sidewalks and through my local park. I got about 10 min out of the park before I realized one of the aids had slipped off! I made tracks back to retrieve it and had to sit on my duff in the snow to put it back on my shoe! I really didn't notice it missing at first until I looked down!
Placebo affect? For me, I could still feel the other shoe digging in.
All in all I really think they are worth the money. I know you can get a cheaper version at Giant Tiger, not sure if they work as well.
Even just for my own piece of mind, I seem to push myself faster, knowing I won't hit the dirt, er ice!
Love my traction aids and my RunKeeper app!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The End of Comedy? The Arts?
I complain all the time about how absorbed people are in their technology. I bet many of you sat in on your children's Christmas concerts/pageants this year. I am curious, when you looked around, how many of the parents were texting during the performance? Sure, it may not have been little Johnny's class up on stage, but does that give people license to ignore the other children?
It didn't occur to me until I read this article about a veteran stand up comedian who is hanging up the mic because the audiences are turning into zombies, that the performing arts may suffer because of our need for immediacy and validation.
In the comments section of the Toronto Star article, someone offers that they work at a theatre and that this sort of thing happens all the time. Texting, video taping, people letting their kids run in the aisles or taking them to a show that is inappropriate for their age. People just don't seem to care.
Not only is etiquette dwindling, but the performers, like the comedian in the article, are saying enough is enough. They are not being respected.
What will this do to our culture, one that was once rich in artistic creativity? One that at one time appreciated a 90 min performance and showed that appreciation by not speaking nor doing anything but paying attention. I'm not sure if some theatres do this, but one in our city asks people not to unwrap candy during a performance as to not distract the subjects on stage!
Many balk and say simply "it's just the time we live in".
Is it? I happen to know some people that don't even OWN a cellphone. Some that never Tweet, Facebook and some that don't even have an e-mail account.
I am guilty. I text, surf, Tweet, Facebook but a face to face conversation takes precedence. The only exception is an emergency.
So what IS an emergency? I guess it differs with everyone but I'm again curious. If someone yelled "FIRE" in a theatre, would people take them seriously? Would there be an urgency to get everyone outside? Or would people just look around at each other and wonder what they should do? Wait until someone TOLD them what to do?
Certainly an interesting an experiment to conduct. I suspect we've all become sheep and would wait until a leader emerged to shepherd people out.
That's exactly what has happened when it comes to technology taking over our lives. We've become sheep. No one seems to want to stand up and say "enough is enough", reclaiming the respect that people deserve.
Some people have rules for themselves like turning off the smart phone during turkey dinner. Some sadly do not.
Technology may change the culture we live in. Maybe for the better, maybe not.
It's really up to you.
It didn't occur to me until I read this article about a veteran stand up comedian who is hanging up the mic because the audiences are turning into zombies, that the performing arts may suffer because of our need for immediacy and validation.
In the comments section of the Toronto Star article, someone offers that they work at a theatre and that this sort of thing happens all the time. Texting, video taping, people letting their kids run in the aisles or taking them to a show that is inappropriate for their age. People just don't seem to care.
Not only is etiquette dwindling, but the performers, like the comedian in the article, are saying enough is enough. They are not being respected.
What will this do to our culture, one that was once rich in artistic creativity? One that at one time appreciated a 90 min performance and showed that appreciation by not speaking nor doing anything but paying attention. I'm not sure if some theatres do this, but one in our city asks people not to unwrap candy during a performance as to not distract the subjects on stage!
Many balk and say simply "it's just the time we live in".
Is it? I happen to know some people that don't even OWN a cellphone. Some that never Tweet, Facebook and some that don't even have an e-mail account.
I am guilty. I text, surf, Tweet, Facebook but a face to face conversation takes precedence. The only exception is an emergency.
So what IS an emergency? I guess it differs with everyone but I'm again curious. If someone yelled "FIRE" in a theatre, would people take them seriously? Would there be an urgency to get everyone outside? Or would people just look around at each other and wonder what they should do? Wait until someone TOLD them what to do?
Certainly an interesting an experiment to conduct. I suspect we've all become sheep and would wait until a leader emerged to shepherd people out.
That's exactly what has happened when it comes to technology taking over our lives. We've become sheep. No one seems to want to stand up and say "enough is enough", reclaiming the respect that people deserve.
Some people have rules for themselves like turning off the smart phone during turkey dinner. Some sadly do not.
Technology may change the culture we live in. Maybe for the better, maybe not.
It's really up to you.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Technology and Christmas
It's fascinating to me how fast technology becomes obsolete. Every year it's a new gadget especially this time of year! Video gaming units, HD or 3D TVs, satellite radio, EBook Readers, with each turn of the calendar, there's something new coming down the pipe.
This video was broadcast here in Canada in 2003, long before EVERYONE had a cell or smart phone as we live now!
2010 appears to be the year of the iPhone4. The lure of a function called FaceTime has left many drooling for the new function, especially during the holiday season. Here's Apple's ad promoting it:
For many of us, members of our families are flung around the globe and we ache to be geographically closer. I have talked to my nephew on the phone in England during the holidays but in later years got to see he and his sister open their gifts via webcam. This kind of technology is so precious!
But it still saddens me as I get prepared to take the train to visit relatives, that I will see most with their heads down on the old Via Rail. Almost every train is now equipped with WiFi and many that commute to larger centres like Toronto, bring their laptops to do work on the way to their place of business. Most in the coming days however will also be toting a smart phone of some description letting Mom and Dad know when their train gets in. It is possible to go from point A to point B, a 5 hour journey say, and not speak to a soul! I think social networking, texting, Facebooking, Tweeting, are so popular because every human soul needs validation. Someone to care. It used to be that face to face conversing was the best form of that but someone responding to your pithy Facebook status is a form of validation. Getting text messages constantly, validation. Tons of Twitter followers, validation.
While the gadgets come in handy for travelling (What did we do before cell phones and people had to drive to Grandma's house in a snowstorm for Christmas dinner???) I think it's important to have that REAL "facetime" with the people you love! Put the smart phone away, you don't need it! Is it really necessary to let all your Facebook friends know you are now carving the turkey? TALK to one another people! Enjoy your family while they are still around!
When a smart phone loses it's dazzle, it can be recycled and forgotten.
Friends and family cannot!
This video was broadcast here in Canada in 2003, long before EVERYONE had a cell or smart phone as we live now!
2010 appears to be the year of the iPhone4. The lure of a function called FaceTime has left many drooling for the new function, especially during the holiday season. Here's Apple's ad promoting it:
For many of us, members of our families are flung around the globe and we ache to be geographically closer. I have talked to my nephew on the phone in England during the holidays but in later years got to see he and his sister open their gifts via webcam. This kind of technology is so precious!
But it still saddens me as I get prepared to take the train to visit relatives, that I will see most with their heads down on the old Via Rail. Almost every train is now equipped with WiFi and many that commute to larger centres like Toronto, bring their laptops to do work on the way to their place of business. Most in the coming days however will also be toting a smart phone of some description letting Mom and Dad know when their train gets in. It is possible to go from point A to point B, a 5 hour journey say, and not speak to a soul! I think social networking, texting, Facebooking, Tweeting, are so popular because every human soul needs validation. Someone to care. It used to be that face to face conversing was the best form of that but someone responding to your pithy Facebook status is a form of validation. Getting text messages constantly, validation. Tons of Twitter followers, validation.
While the gadgets come in handy for travelling (What did we do before cell phones and people had to drive to Grandma's house in a snowstorm for Christmas dinner???) I think it's important to have that REAL "facetime" with the people you love! Put the smart phone away, you don't need it! Is it really necessary to let all your Facebook friends know you are now carving the turkey? TALK to one another people! Enjoy your family while they are still around!
When a smart phone loses it's dazzle, it can be recycled and forgotten.
Friends and family cannot!
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