Sometimes you have to reflect on life.
LINK
(best viewed in full-screen)
motion
Two videos of human motion to contemplate. Think of the hours of practice involved to attain this level of skill:
How To Climb At True North For Just $2.50
[OVER-THE-TOP INFOMERCIAL VOICE]
The cost of a regular day pass at True North Climbing is $19. But let me tell you about my secret technique for visiting this state-of-the-art gym -- for just $2.50 a session!
I’ve done it before myself -- and now, for a limited time, I’m going to share with you my exclusive method for climbing there on the cheap...
Imagine that you could get an introductory lesson, plus an unlimited two-week membership at this gym. Even if you’ve never climbed before, the beginner lesson is perfect, and then, you’ve got two fun-filled weeks to try out an exciting new sport.
How much would you be willing to pay for this package -- say, fifty bucks? That sounds like an excellent value, doesn’t it?
But wait -- there’s more!
Now what if I told you, this also includes equipment rental? As I said, the usual cost of a day pass is $19; but the harness and shoe rental are another $5.50 -- apiece. Simply go twice, and the offer has paid for itself.
You don’t even have to bring a climbing partner: the gym -- conveniently located at Keele and Sheppard in Downsview Park -- also features a fantastic bouldering setup, as well as a pair of slacklines, gymnastic rings, workout area, and a set of weights.
But wait -- there’s more!
What if I told you that this incredible deal is available now, for a limited time only, for the low, low price of just $25 -- tax included -- a savings of 50%?!
Well -- you take that deal!
And that’s how I climbed at True North for just $2.50 a session. It was simple: The last time they offered this amazing bargain, I redeemed the voucher... and enjoyed ten sessions over the course of fourteen days -- somewhat to the staff’s amusement.
Can you beat that? You could even climb more than ten times, if you wanted to!
[Results may vary. Some conditioning required. Not to mention some silliness, and a free schedule -- but it can be done.]
Once again, click here to purchase this exceptional deal, which includes:
Get it for yourself, or buy it for your friends as a gift. Hurry now -- grab it before it’s gone...
Full Disclosure: This post uses a referral link. I am neither employed nor paid by True North -- but I have climbed there quite a few times. Amusing ‘infomercial voice’ notwithstanding, I’m posting because it’s a solid value -- just go twice, and the math makes it totally worth it. Also, I want to see if anyone tries to beat my number... [challenge, anyone?]
If you shoot for ten sessions, I highly recommend something like the following schedule so you don’t burn out: climb, climb, rest, climb, boulder, rest, climb, boulder, rest, climb, boulder, rest, climb, boulder -- and then sleep.
Good luck, and let me know how it goes!
 |
| Climb at True North for just $2.50! |
I’ve done it before myself -- and now, for a limited time, I’m going to share with you my exclusive method for climbing there on the cheap...
Imagine that you could get an introductory lesson, plus an unlimited two-week membership at this gym. Even if you’ve never climbed before, the beginner lesson is perfect, and then, you’ve got two fun-filled weeks to try out an exciting new sport.
How much would you be willing to pay for this package -- say, fifty bucks? That sounds like an excellent value, doesn’t it?
But wait -- there’s more!
Now what if I told you, this also includes equipment rental? As I said, the usual cost of a day pass is $19; but the harness and shoe rental are another $5.50 -- apiece. Simply go twice, and the offer has paid for itself.
You don’t even have to bring a climbing partner: the gym -- conveniently located at Keele and Sheppard in Downsview Park -- also features a fantastic bouldering setup, as well as a pair of slacklines, gymnastic rings, workout area, and a set of weights.
But wait -- there’s more!
What if I told you that this incredible deal is available now, for a limited time only, for the low, low price of just $25 -- tax included -- a savings of 50%?!
Well -- you take that deal!
 |
| Snag this deal before it’s gone! |
And that’s how I climbed at True North for just $2.50 a session. It was simple: The last time they offered this amazing bargain, I redeemed the voucher... and enjoyed ten sessions over the course of fourteen days -- somewhat to the staff’s amusement.
Can you beat that? You could even climb more than ten times, if you wanted to!
[Results may vary. Some conditioning required. Not to mention some silliness, and a free schedule -- but it can be done.]
Once again, click here to purchase this exceptional deal, which includes:
- an introductory climbing lesson
- a two-week membership
- equipment rental
- access to all of the air-conditioned gym facilities: routes, bouldering, slacklines, weights, gymnastic rings, changerooms, showers, and comfy couch
- all for just $25 -- a 50% savings off the regular price!
Get it for yourself, or buy it for your friends as a gift. Hurry now -- grab it before it’s gone...
Full Disclosure: This post uses a referral link. I am neither employed nor paid by True North -- but I have climbed there quite a few times. Amusing ‘infomercial voice’ notwithstanding, I’m posting because it’s a solid value -- just go twice, and the math makes it totally worth it. Also, I want to see if anyone tries to beat my number... [challenge, anyone?]
If you shoot for ten sessions, I highly recommend something like the following schedule so you don’t burn out: climb, climb, rest, climb, boulder, rest, climb, boulder, rest, climb, boulder, rest, climb, boulder -- and then sleep.
Good luck, and let me know how it goes!
The Bathurst Rock Oasis -- A Look Back
It’s been a year since The Rock Oasis closed its doors on Bathurst, and moved out to the east side. What happened was, a condo developer bought the site, kicked out the climbing gym, and tore it all down -- the classic fate for historical buildings in Toronto.
I really miss the old place. I want to share some photographs with you, for nostalgia’s sake.
I’m bitter that the developer was in such a hurry to demolish the structure. What was the result? A few mildly interesting designs -- and a vacant lot.
They could have just as easily let the building remain standing ’til now, and gotten the same result. Losing the site to condos was inevitable -- but ousting the gym a year early, for no practical purpose, was galling. [Construction in... 2013? Give me a break]
I guess I’m a crank.
The whole affair took me awhile to process.
The ‘transitional Oasis’ on Carlaw has been ok. It’s too short, but I still go. I got used to it. I have many friends there, and it’s the most geographically convenient climbing gym for me. The route-setting is solid given the constraints, and I’m looking forward to the new spot on Morse Street -- if ever and whenever it gets built.
But my heart pines for the old shed. It was home.
The Rock Oasis on Bathurst -- In Photos
Before the end came, I tried to take some interior shots for posterity. I’m not good with picture-taking and composition, so my goal wasn’t about revealing the aesthetics of the place, as much as documenting the literal perspectives I had experienced as a climber there.
As a result, the photos are mundane, repetitive, and there are more of them than are reasonable. But it’s all I have left. If anything, I feel like I missed numerous vantage points.
Click the images below to browse the photos (arranged in two somewhat arbitrary sets).
Set two:
The images bring back a host of vivid memories. I find it striking to see just how compact the place really was. And I had forgotten how many different surfaces and angles and nooks and crannies there were to the walls. We had a lot of good times there.
We miss you, Bathurst Oasis!
Also of Possible Interest
(click images below to view associated post)
A pictorial coda, taken the night before it all came down for good...
Covered in the Globe and Mail, mentioned online by Gripped, and overall positively received, my rambling essay deals with the forgotten history of the building (also known as the Doty Engine Works), and the surrounding neighbourhood at Front and Bathurst -- as well as the history of the climbing gym itself.
Check it out if you haven’t read it! There are tons of great old photos of the building in the piece.
See also
Rock Oasis Setback -- New Gym on Morse St. Cancelled
Condo Developer Borg
What’s to come at Front and Bathurst
No, I’m not involved with StopMintoFreed
Secret bonus video tour -- your reward for reading to the end. Thanks.
Reminisce with me in the comments!
I really miss the old place. I want to share some photographs with you, for nostalgia’s sake.
I’m bitter that the developer was in such a hurry to demolish the structure. What was the result? A few mildly interesting designs -- and a vacant lot.
 |
| Then: June 27, 2011 - the Last Night |
 |
| June 2012 - An empty lot (note the Minto temporary structure in back) |
They could have just as easily let the building remain standing ’til now, and gotten the same result. Losing the site to condos was inevitable -- but ousting the gym a year early, for no practical purpose, was galling. [Construction in... 2013? Give me a break]
I guess I’m a crank.
The whole affair took me awhile to process.
The ‘transitional Oasis’ on Carlaw has been ok. It’s too short, but I still go. I got used to it. I have many friends there, and it’s the most geographically convenient climbing gym for me. The route-setting is solid given the constraints, and I’m looking forward to the new spot on Morse Street -- if ever and whenever it gets built.
But my heart pines for the old shed. It was home.
The Rock Oasis on Bathurst -- In Photos
Before the end came, I tried to take some interior shots for posterity. I’m not good with picture-taking and composition, so my goal wasn’t about revealing the aesthetics of the place, as much as documenting the literal perspectives I had experienced as a climber there.
As a result, the photos are mundane, repetitive, and there are more of them than are reasonable. But it’s all I have left. If anything, I feel like I missed numerous vantage points.
Click the images below to browse the photos (arranged in two somewhat arbitrary sets).
 |
| Set 1: Bathurst Rock Oasis Interior |
 |
| Set 2: Bathurst Rock Oasis Interior 2 Note: a small # of these are from a friend, G. |
The images bring back a host of vivid memories. I find it striking to see just how compact the place really was. And I had forgotten how many different surfaces and angles and nooks and crannies there were to the walls. We had a lot of good times there.
We miss you, Bathurst Oasis!
Also of Possible Interest
(click images below to view associated post)
 |
| Photos from the Demolition: The Wreck of Rock Oasis -- In Pictures |
 |
| Farewell to Rock Oasis: my lengthy essay on the history of the building at Front and Bathurst, and of the surrounding neighbourhood |
Covered in the Globe and Mail, mentioned online by Gripped, and overall positively received, my rambling essay deals with the forgotten history of the building (also known as the Doty Engine Works), and the surrounding neighbourhood at Front and Bathurst -- as well as the history of the climbing gym itself.
Check it out if you haven’t read it! There are tons of great old photos of the building in the piece.
 |
| A Light Catch |
Rock Oasis Setback -- New Gym on Morse St. Cancelled
Condo Developer Borg
What’s to come at Front and Bathurst
No, I’m not involved with StopMintoFreed
Secret bonus video tour -- your reward for reading to the end. Thanks.
Reminisce with me in the comments!
Remembering Cristina
 |
| Cristina singing her heart out Photo: Alex Beetham |
It was a shock to everyone -- so abrupt. So unexpected. It was a dream she never woke up from.
I knew Cristina Taborda mostly from skateboarding, but I had also begun to quietly follow her artistic career.
I was first surprised -- and charmed by -- a media installation she had created called Sensory Inn. She was also associated with the Clay & Paper Theatre.
 |
| Cristina’s Sensory Inn -- ‘Precious, fragile & powerful’ |
More prominently, she was involved in Toronto’s independent music scene -- her affiliations included Parks and Rec, and her own band Radio Belle.
I remember speaking to Cristina at a holiday party, the year before she left us. I asked where I could get her music. She flashed that gorgeous smile of hers, and laughed.
“How sweet of you to ask!” she said. Then she gave me a hug.
She was beginning to perform regularly in numerous venues around town. She had an expressive voice, an infectious exuberance, and a restive talent. Who among us wasn’t secretly in love with her, a little?
 |
| Anima Fado. L to R: Larry Lewis, Cristina Taborda, Nuno Cristo |
To my disappointment one day, I discovered that CBC Radio had changed their online archives -- the concert was no longer available for streaming. The memento of her voice was silenced.
So I wrote to them, and asked if it was possible to get a copy.
Months passed, without any response. I assumed I would never hear back. My note was lost in the ether. But then amazingly, about a year after I wrote in, someone found and replied to my message.
(I don’t want to get anyone in trouble, so I won’t name names. I sincerely thank them for their help.)
It took some patience, but recently I finally managed to obtain this pair of audio recordings of Cristina, singing for Anima Fado on May 19, 2010, at the Lula Lounge.
I invite you to listen -- carefully.
LINK: Cristina Taborda with Anima Fado, set 1
The songs -- in particular their thematic content -- have acquired a wistful poignancy, now that she is departed.
“Fado is songs of destiny from the narrow cobbled streets of urban Portugal. The mysterious song of Lisbon, Fado is not only music and poetry but life itself.”
-Anima FadoHere’s the second set:
LINK: Cristina Taborda with Anima Fado, set 2
[The video photographs are not from the concert that evening; they are lifted from Cristina’s Facebook page...]
There is a complex word associated with fado, saudade, that is briefly discussed near the end of the second set (~15:53). Subtleties and nuance often get lost in translation, but saudade nevertheless seems to capture how many of us feel about the loss of such a bright, vibrant talent.
The days pass by, ever onwards. Though our memory fades, and the light dwindles in the distance, still there remains a place in our hearts where she touched us; still do we long to see that smile once more.
You are missed, Cristina.
Please enjoy, and share!
The Best Industrial Mushroom Processing Video You'll Ever See
I hate mushrooms.
But this video of a state-of-the-art industrial mushroom processing facility makes compelling viewing for anyone interested in how food can be handled on a large scale, using machines.
UPDATE: Sadly, the original video no longer seems to be available. Here’s a different version—did Marcelissen take over mushroom processing from Havatec?—that unfortunately lacks the original trance soundtrack. (Try playing the video in conjunction with the flower processing video linked at bottom).
If you’ve ever wondered how mushrooms are harvested, sorted, cut, oriented, weighed, and packaged -- you really need to watch this video [On a different note, the trance soundtrack demonstrates how important audio can be in manipulating our perception. Without that pulsing beat in the background... I’m not sure whether these rolling shots of machinery would be as fascinating].
Havatec, based in the Netherlands, also makes advanced industrial equipment for handling flowers. New projects currently under design include an x-ray machine for cheese (!) as well as high-resolution counting devices.
via kottke.
But this video of a state-of-the-art industrial mushroom processing facility makes compelling viewing for anyone interested in how food can be handled on a large scale, using machines.
UPDATE: Sadly, the original video no longer seems to be available. Here’s a different version—did Marcelissen take over mushroom processing from Havatec?—that unfortunately lacks the original trance soundtrack. (Try playing the video in conjunction with the flower processing video linked at bottom).
If you’ve ever wondered how mushrooms are harvested, sorted, cut, oriented, weighed, and packaged -- you really need to watch this video [On a different note, the trance soundtrack demonstrates how important audio can be in manipulating our perception. Without that pulsing beat in the background... I’m not sure whether these rolling shots of machinery would be as fascinating].
Havatec BV is your partner for fully automated processing of mechanically harvested mushrooms on your mushroom farm. Whether you need a processing capacity of 2 t or 20 t per hour, Havatec BV always has the right solution. The best solution for you depends partly on the number of sorting sizes you want.The mechanical contrivances for doing the sorting, orienting and cutting are quite clever -- someone had to think about designing a system of interconnected machines that would do all of this! The engineering is admirable.
Havatec, based in the Netherlands, also makes advanced industrial equipment for handling flowers. New projects currently under design include an x-ray machine for cheese (!) as well as high-resolution counting devices.
via kottke.
LinkedIn Passwords Breached
Dear LinkedIn: get your act together.
You use people in social ads without their permission. You slurp up people’s Calendar information onto your servers. And now you’ve let your password systems get compromised.
I just don’t trust you anymore.
Bouldering mind games
 |
| Me at last year’s SSF Semis Photo: Dennis Barnes |
Day 1
Apparently I do not know how to climb. I thought I was a decent intermediate climber, but this is not the case.
Day 2
I am weak, weak, weak.
Rest day
Do real climbers have to take rest days? I am weak.
Day 4
First 3/4 of session, mostly thrashing. The rest day was useless. I officially suck.
I ask Jonny how much longer the problem is going to be up.
“We’re taking it down tomorrow.”
Half an hour remains. Four attempts later, as the clock winds down: send.
I AM KING OF THE WORLD.
Doors Open 2012 -- What Are You Checking Out?
“More than 135 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings will open their doors for the weekend and highlight the people who built our city. All for free!”I haven’t figured out yet what I want to see. There are a lot of places to consider:
- The Saturday List
- The Sunday List
Thus far I’m contemplating the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, and Native Child and Family Services of Toronto on College. I’m disappointed that the Don Jail isn’t on the list this year. I might pop by Fort York if I can’t settle on anything...
Any suggestions on venues worth attending? Let me know in the comments.
See also
Toronto Star Doors Open Listing
BlogTO Doors Open Guide
Longboarder dead after being struck by taxi
 |
| Photo: TONY VAN ALPHEN TORONTO STAR |
According to eye-witnesses, a taxi driver ran him over intentionally, in an incident of road rage. As a result, a 2nd degree murder charge has been laid against the driver.
Just like the last time, every skater in Toronto can mentally see it happening. We’ve all been in situations where there’s an unwanted interaction with a vehicle. What a tragedy. We are diminished in spirit from this loss.
 |
| March 2013: a 'Ghost board' remains |
I’m in the camp that believes -- perhaps naively -- that our streets are for more than just cars. Cyclists, skaters, streetcars, scooters, buses, and other alternate forms of transport all belong in a thriving urban environment. We are legitimate parts of downtown traffic.
Yes, it can be risky. Everyone -- drivers and skaters alike -- must always pay attention to what is going on around them. And there’s never a situation that calls for deliberately running someone over with a car. That’s just wrong.
Skate friends -- skate safe! Be wary. Be strong.
Mr. Bissonnette: may you rest in peace.
VIGIL on Wednesday May 16, 6-7pm: King and Jarvis
See also
Grappling With Another Longboarding Death
Our first longboarding tragedy
Is skateboarding illegal in Toronto?
We Are the Traffic
News coverage (with varying accounts of what happened):
CBC, Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun, National Post, CityTV
We are all Ralph Bissonnette (remarks from the vigil)
A Thoroughly Enjoyable Guest Appearance on the CBC’s Lang and O’Leary Exchange
A few days ago, I invited readers to play the Lang and O’Leary Exchange Bingo/Drinking Game. The producers subsequently asked if I could come in for a brief guest segment...
I’m obviously a fan of the show, so I couldn’t exactly say no to the chance to meet Ms. Lang (and Kevin too!) in person.
Thus I found myself seated in the guest chair, beneath the bright studio lights at the CBC building in Toronto. Here’s the clip -- from the May 11, 2012 episode of The Lang and O’Leary Exchange:
[link] [If I figure out a way to extract it from the CBC stream, I’ll post a better quality version...]
I was super nervous, and it startled me when Amanda light-heartedly introduced me as ‘the brilliant mind’ behind the game. Say what?!
It’s so easy to dismiss someone stammering on TV, but when you’re there and the lights are on and you have to say something... it’s not so easy after all [note the way I laugh!! It’s bizarre].
Nevertheless, my adventure into the heart of our nation’s public broadcaster was genuinely fun. I enjoyed myself thoroughly.
What I’d change about the show (skip this part if you want)
Kevin’s query about ‘the one thing I’d change’ caught me off guard -- I should have asked that they bring in more of Jim Rickards; he’s my favorite guest and I find his nuanced, often startling perspective on currencies and the markets tremendously thought-provoking.
What I’d actually change, if I could, doesn’t involve the show itself or the content. Instead, it’s the online organization that could use minor tweaking.
The show’s website organizes episodes using a set of large thumbnails that are typically date sorted. This approach is superficially user friendly -- most of the time, you want to watch the latest episode, so you click on the first one in the grid. However, when you want to access past episodes, the deficiencies are noticeable.
Right now, there’s no easy way to search for and access past episodes on a specific topic, unless you already know the episode air dates.
My suggested tweaks would be:
Then, you would be able to search the database to find every episode where a given company or topic is discussed, or guest appears [In a magical utopian world, every episode would be auto-transcripted by Google and full-text searchable, but that’s probably not realistic for... awhile.].
The point is making the archive of past episodes an accessible resource. What did Minister Flaherty say about the budget? What were Kevin’s exact words on the BP oil spill? etc.
Just a thought.
Thanks
I’d like to extend my thanks to:
Thanks again!
See
Play the Lang and O’Leary Exchange Bingo/Drinking Game!
One minor note -- my original card did spell 'yield' correctly...
 |
| Kevin O’Leary points out a troublemaker on the set of the Lang and O’Leary Exchange |
I’m obviously a fan of the show, so I couldn’t exactly say no to the chance to meet Ms. Lang (and Kevin too!) in person.
Thus I found myself seated in the guest chair, beneath the bright studio lights at the CBC building in Toronto. Here’s the clip -- from the May 11, 2012 episode of The Lang and O’Leary Exchange:
[link] [If I figure out a way to extract it from the CBC stream, I’ll post a better quality version...]
I was super nervous, and it startled me when Amanda light-heartedly introduced me as ‘the brilliant mind’ behind the game. Say what?!
 |
| Yours truly in the hot seat... |
Nevertheless, my adventure into the heart of our nation’s public broadcaster was genuinely fun. I enjoyed myself thoroughly.
What I’d change about the show (skip this part if you want)
Kevin’s query about ‘the one thing I’d change’ caught me off guard -- I should have asked that they bring in more of Jim Rickards; he’s my favorite guest and I find his nuanced, often startling perspective on currencies and the markets tremendously thought-provoking.
What I’d actually change, if I could, doesn’t involve the show itself or the content. Instead, it’s the online organization that could use minor tweaking.
The show’s website organizes episodes using a set of large thumbnails that are typically date sorted. This approach is superficially user friendly -- most of the time, you want to watch the latest episode, so you click on the first one in the grid. However, when you want to access past episodes, the deficiencies are noticeable.
 |
| The Lang & O’Leary Exchange site navigation could use improvement |
Right now, there’s no easy way to search for and access past episodes on a specific topic, unless you already know the episode air dates.
My suggested tweaks would be:
- Have someone input a meaningful, keyword-oriented description for each episode, that mentions each topic discussed. Even a simple comma-delimited list of topics would suffice.
- Enable a show-specific search (not CBC site-wide).
- A list display would be nice.
Then, you would be able to search the database to find every episode where a given company or topic is discussed, or guest appears [In a magical utopian world, every episode would be auto-transcripted by Google and full-text searchable, but that’s probably not realistic for... awhile.].
The point is making the archive of past episodes an accessible resource. What did Minister Flaherty say about the budget? What were Kevin’s exact words on the BP oil spill? etc.
Just a thought.
Thanks
I’d like to extend my thanks to:
- Amanda Lang and Kevin O’Leary for graciously accepting the gentle mockery of my game with humor;
- the show’s producers (in particular Matt) who gave me the fantastic opportunity to come down to the studio;
- the makeup professional (whose name escapes me, alas!), the production assistant (Lisa) and the camera operator (Merdad) for putting me at ease during the setup.
Thanks again!
See
Play the Lang and O’Leary Exchange Bingo/Drinking Game!
One minor note -- my original card did spell 'yield' correctly...
Play The Lang and O’Leary Exchange Bingo/Drinking Game!
If you’re a fan--or foe--of The Lang and O’Leary Exchange, then you know that certain familiar phrases recur in nearly every episode of the fast-paced, popular CBC Business television news program.
To enhance your appreciation of this phenomenon -- and of the show itself -- I present to you the Lang and O’Leary Exchange Bingo/Drinking Game:
Instructions
Simply watch any episode of the show, and take a shot -- or sip from your wine, if you prefer -- whenever a given idea is referenced, or a listed event occurs on the air.
Teetotallers may alternately use the game card to play Bingo.* Just spell K-E-V-I-N to win! (tipplers, take two shots if this happens)
Disclaimer/Commentary
The game card is, obviously, heavily weighted towards voluble show co-host Kevin O’Leary, the Chairman of O’Leary Funds and who also appears on Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank.
A lot of my progressive friends can’t stand him. Which is too bad.
They fail to enjoy the deliberately provocative role the entrepreneur plays.
Nor do they respond to the undeniable on-screen chemistry he has with eponymous co-host, CBC Senior Business Correspondent Amanda Lang.
It’s a tv show -- it’s entertainment. What did you expect?
Sláinte!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update: Apparently Amanda and Kevin were amused; the result was a delightful guest appearance on the show...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The boring stuff...
Regarding “ankles”...
That item is meant in the spirit of fun (as is the entire game). I acknowledge that sensitive readers might interpret that as disrespectful of Ms. Lang’s skills and ability. Why call attention to a particular aspect of her appearance? It’s sophomoric.
Amanda Lang is an insightful, articulate, intelligent journalist for whom I have tremendous admiration. Profiles of her in the media, nevertheless, invariably mention her looks in relation to her success.
The glass desk design on the Lang and O’Leary Exchange, when it was first introduced, elicited considerable online discussion, and even criticism -- a sign, perhaps, that we still have a lot of progress to make.
To enhance your appreciation of this phenomenon -- and of the show itself -- I present to you the Lang and O’Leary Exchange Bingo/Drinking Game:
 |
| Play The Lang and O’Leary Exchange Bingo/Drinking Game! (Download your own PDF copy for printing) |
Instructions
Simply watch any episode of the show, and take a shot -- or sip from your wine, if you prefer -- whenever a given idea is referenced, or a listed event occurs on the air.
Teetotallers may alternately use the game card to play Bingo.* Just spell K-E-V-I-N to win! (tipplers, take two shots if this happens)
Disclaimer/Commentary
Warning: Participants should drink responsibly and avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or managing financial portfolios after playing the game. You are responsible for your own safety.
 |
| Kevin O’Leary: provocateur |
A lot of my progressive friends can’t stand him. Which is too bad.
They fail to enjoy the deliberately provocative role the entrepreneur plays.
Nor do they respond to the undeniable on-screen chemistry he has with eponymous co-host, CBC Senior Business Correspondent Amanda Lang.
It’s a tv show -- it’s entertainment. What did you expect?
Sláinte!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update: Apparently Amanda and Kevin were amused; the result was a delightful guest appearance on the show...
|
| Yours truly on The Lang & O’Leary Exchange set... |
The boring stuff...
Regarding “ankles”...
That item is meant in the spirit of fun (as is the entire game). I acknowledge that sensitive readers might interpret that as disrespectful of Ms. Lang’s skills and ability. Why call attention to a particular aspect of her appearance? It’s sophomoric.
 |
| Amanda Lang: keen business insight |
The glass desk design on the Lang and O’Leary Exchange, when it was first introduced, elicited considerable online discussion, and even criticism -- a sign, perhaps, that we still have a lot of progress to make.
Substance versus superficiality: a central tension of contemporary television news. Hence, the playful inclusion on the card...
Sorry Amanda!!
Regarding copyright and fair dealing
The Lang and O’Leary Exchange is copyrighted by CBC/Radio Canada.
Interestingly, considering the CBC is a national public broadcaster, they have a somewhat restrictive approach to reuse permissions on their materials. Basically, it can be paraphrased as, “you probably can’t, and ask us for formal permission.” So, technically, certain elements of this post -- the images of Amanda and Kevin, and the Lang and O’Leary Exchange logo on the card -- are probably not entirely kosher -- if I were to ask some cloistered mandarin in the halls of the CBC. Which I haven’t.
That being said, the usage in this post falls into the realm of fair dealing. It’s for the purposes of criticism/review and parody:
I am not affiliated with the CBC. The game is not an official representation of the show, nor is this post in any way endorsed by the CBC, Amanda Lang, or Kevin O’Leary. It’s intended as a good-natured joke, and should be interpreted as such.
* Regarding drinking
Yes, I have read Cold Hard Truth
and did note the allusions to dipsomania in Kevin’s family history. He’s got a pretty thick skin and I don’t imagine he’d mind. Ultimately, it’s a Drinking Game... See Disclaimer above. Gee whiz.
Enjoy the game! Please feel free to share, link or repost should you find this game amusing.
Sorry Amanda!!
Regarding copyright and fair dealing
The Lang and O’Leary Exchange is copyrighted by CBC/Radio Canada.
Interestingly, considering the CBC is a national public broadcaster, they have a somewhat restrictive approach to reuse permissions on their materials. Basically, it can be paraphrased as, “you probably can’t, and ask us for formal permission.” So, technically, certain elements of this post -- the images of Amanda and Kevin, and the Lang and O’Leary Exchange logo on the card -- are probably not entirely kosher -- if I were to ask some cloistered mandarin in the halls of the CBC. Which I haven’t.
That being said, the usage in this post falls into the realm of fair dealing. It’s for the purposes of criticism/review and parody:
- The market for the show is not going to be affected;
- I’ve clearly identified the source and the performers; and
- all of the images in question are already widely distributed and available to the public from other sources on the internet.
I am not affiliated with the CBC. The game is not an official representation of the show, nor is this post in any way endorsed by the CBC, Amanda Lang, or Kevin O’Leary. It’s intended as a good-natured joke, and should be interpreted as such.
If you are, in fact, a cloistered mandarin from the CBC and are taking umbrage -- my sincere apologies... Also: I left out David Kaufman for the Guest Host square; just couldn’t fit him in...
* Regarding drinking
Yes, I have read Cold Hard Truth
and did note the allusions to dipsomania in Kevin’s family history. He’s got a pretty thick skin and I don’t imagine he’d mind. Ultimately, it’s a Drinking Game... See Disclaimer above. Gee whiz.Enjoy the game! Please feel free to share, link or repost should you find this game amusing.
International Day Against DRM
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| CC poster by Brendan Mruk and Matt Lee |
Digital Rights Management (aka ‘DRM’) is a pernicious means of hobbling users’ access to content such as movies, games and music. Its application is odious in the realm of ebooks. It adds no value for the consumer, and makes the reading experience palpably worse.
If I purchase a title electronically, I want to be able to easily and flexibly access it on whatever device I choose.
DRM has affected lending and my local library system as well (look at the Toronto Public Library blog about ebooks -- 80% of the posts are about how publisher-inflicted DRM imposes restrictions on either title offerings or usage!). Penguin, like many of the major publishers, doesn’t make ebooks available for library loans -- because they have a misguided need to apply 'security' to their titles.
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| Cast off the DRM shackles! CC poster by Brendan Mruk and Matt Lee |
These restrictions in general are a despicable affront, and thankfully some enlightened ebook publishers (e.g. Springer Verlag, TOR, O’Reilly and Baen Books) are beginning to offer DRM-free titles.
We seem to have mostly gotten over the DRM obsession in digital music. Hopefully e-books will take the same path, eventually. If JK Rowling can come to the right conclusion about killing DRM, then I have faith that most publishers will come around too, and finally recognize that DRM is bad for business.
I know that my stance on this may be rife with inconsistencies -- and the above is not well articulated (Cory Doctorow’s article in The Guardian -- linked below -- explains the issues nicely).
But the heart of the matter is, our culture needs to be open in order for it to be culture. Restricting people from accessing content that they have legally purchased is not the way to go.
I choose wherever practical to consume media that is not tainted by DRM -- and so should you!
See Also
- Why the death of DRM would be good news for readers, writers and publishers [Guardian]
- What book publishers should learn from Harry Potter [gigaom]
- What Amazon's ebook strategy means and More on DRM and ebooks [Charles Stross]
Google Drive Launch Video -- Reimagined
After years of speculation and rumour, Google Drive finally shipped, complete with its own launch video. Which I’ve taken the liberty to re-imagine slightly...
Google Drive | Matrix Version narrated by Morpheus
Google Drive - Alternate Universe 1: Matrix
Google Drive | SkyNet Version narrated by Kyle Reese
Google Drive - Alternate Universe 2: SkyNet
Original version:
[link]
Please share if you find this amusing!
Incidentally...
Google Drive | Matrix Version narrated by Morpheus
Google Drive - Alternate Universe 1: Matrix
Google Drive | SkyNet Version narrated by Kyle Reese
Google Drive - Alternate Universe 2: SkyNet
“Google Drive is everywhere you are—on the web, in your home, at the office and on the go. So wherever you are, your stuff is just...there. Ready to go, ready to share.”
Original version:
[link]
Please share if you find this amusing!
Incidentally...
My first 10k in a long time
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| The obligatory finisher’s medal |
It was a brisk, cool morning. I’ve missed having the company of several thousand runners on the same course -- what an energizing sensation.
Watch this incredible video of Reid Coolsaet’s victory by 3/10ths of a second over Kip Kangogo. Mr Coolsaet will be representing Canada at the upcoming London Olympics...
[LINK]
I want to get back into the discipline of a regular running regime. So this was a start. I’m completely out of running shape, and I was curious to discover my ‘ground zero’ pace.
That turned out to be about a 5:30 rate -- my time was 54:41, my worst recorded 10k race time ever (I was aiming to crack an hour, so I was pleasantly surprised).
I wasn’t 100% confident that I wouldn’t cramp up, so I stuck to a relaxed, easy lope. I didn’t push at all. Still, I was pretty done at the end. And during the run I could feel the occasional faint twinge of my complacent calves trying to cope with the unaccustomed workload.
I need to get back to the state where a 10k at that rate is a straightforward, light workout that doesn’t leave me sore the next day...
Longer term planning
My original intent was to train for this run, shoot for sub-50, and perhaps use it for a kickoff to a half-marathon in the fall. Since the training didn’t happen, I think I’m going to keep the same plan, except with ‘now’ as the starting point.
I’ll train over the summer for 10k-ish, and then ramp from there. To keep my feet to the fire, I’ll try to post updates on my progress, probably about once every five or six weeks. I’ve been considering getting one of those Nike+ or other running measurement devices. What do you think?
Hopefully I can avoid the injury bug that’s been plaguing me.
Wish me luck!
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