My Worldly Travels - Google Maps

I used Google Maps to pinpoint all the places I've been in my life. I didn't "peg" any places in Canada, as that would be too crazy.

It was fun to plot all the different places I have traveled over the years with my family, on my own, and with my wife.

It looks like a lot, but I see soooo many places I'd love to travel to still.

Here's a better site ...

One with original artwork. Then again, I'm biased. My best half created this storefront. Just click on the logo to connect.

My Own Little Online Store

I decided to create my own design for a T-Shirt (and a few other things) and have set up an online store - Black River Creations - on Café Press.

What fun. Check it out!

Microsoft buys Dundas Software's Reporting Services Suite

Well, it was finally officially announced today by both Microsoft and Dundas Software (the company I work for) that Microsoft purchased the entire Dundas suite of Reporting Services products for inclusion in MS SQL 2008.

This isn't a license purchase, it's the ownership purchase of the software. This was quite the coup for Dundas.

Here's the official press release by Microsoft - http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/jun07/06-04TechED07PR.mspx - and Dundas Software - http://www.dundas.com/Company/Media/PressSQL2008.aspx.

Congratulations to Dundas!

Air Canada Sucks

We all know that ...


Air Canada hasn't been a world-class airline for some years now - what with their rude and apathetic staff, etc. Now comes to light that the airline will no longer be serving complimentary meals to Economy Class.

For flights within N. American and to the Caribbean, Air Canada's " ... new Onboard café offers choice, value and greater flexibility. You decide what meal-type to purchase onboard. We are pleased to offer our Economy Class customers with a popular new innovative menu of reasonably priced items."

Why don't you "Enjoy a tasty sandwich, hot pizza or simply indulge on a popular snack, the choice is all yours. This new service is now offered on all Continental North American flight of 1h30 or longer (Hawaiian and Mexican destinations excluded)."

So, airfares increase in price, service still sucks, and now you have to purchase a meal or you'll have to survive on Coke and peanuts ... for upto 5 hours.

Way to go Air Canada. You suck.

Is This How It's Normally Done?

Things that make you go hmmmmmm. Ricky Gervais ... funny, funny man.

Glumbert.com

Captain Canuck - My Vote for MVP

I mean really, aside from his amazing numbers AGAIN this year, Steve Nash showed all the grit and determination (despite the Suns losing to the Spurs) that clearly shows that he is truly the MVP of the NBA.

My case in point - despite being badly injured with a cut that required 6 stiches to mend, Steve still valiantly tried to rally his team from their deficit.

Definitely looks painful.

A Response from Garth Turner's Offices

I'm actually a little surprised I got a response from my MP on the Shane Doan issue ... didn't think I would. Or, at the least, this quickly.

Here's what the response was:

Thank you for sending an email to Hon. Garth Turner, P.C., MP for Halton where you indicate your opinion on the controversy over Shane Doan being named as captain of Team Canada.

Garth has asked me to advise you that he agrees with you 100%. He feels this is a total waste of time, engineered by the Bloc Quebecois. Rest assured, as your MP, Garth is not spending a single minute on this issue. He feels there are more important issues to worry about.

For your information a petition website has been started which Garth has posted to his website http://www.garth.ca/weblog/2007/05/03/doan-petition/ or visit www.savedoan.ca

Thanks again for taking the time to contact Garth Turner, MP for Halton and allowing us the opportunity to respond to your concern.

I've signed ... as has my wife. I think we need to send a message to those who think they understand the people they work for and seem to think they have the right to speak for all Canadians.

Canadian Government Official Languages Committee

What a waste of time. I'm so fed up with the Government's investigation of Shane Doan and what some Quebec MP still believes he said - despite being cleared by the NHL 17 months ago - that I decided to send an email to my Member of Parliament (MP), Garth Turner.

Here's what I wrote:

Mr. Turner,

I'd just like to send you a quick note to express my utter disappointment at the stupidity of the Canadian Government regarding the House of Common's Official Languages Committee's hearings on Shane Doan.

This is an extremely wasteful and utterly useless expenditure of tax payer's monies. No one in Canada cares one way or another about this investigation, except some irresponsible Quebec MP who is trying to make a name for himself. We have better things to do with our money than to go on a witch hunt of an individual who was completely EXONERATED by the NHL over 17 months ago! No one was able to corroborate the NHL Linesman's complaint that Shane uttered those words. Everyone there has said Shane didn't say what he's still accused of saying.

Reports (CTV.ca) say, "The committee said it fully supports the Canadian hockey team and is very proud of their endeavours but the issue needs to be resolved." THERE IS NO ISSUE!!!

Pure justification of their existence.

I'd like to know your thoughts about this matter and where you stand. I would hope you side with the vast majority of Canadians in believing this has been an embarrassment to the country and a waste of time and money.

Thank you for your time.

Come on Canada ... you're better than this!

The War in Iraq - A Soldier's Perspective (Animated)

I found this animated (stills) movie on Break.com and thought it would be very worthwhile to show. The sketches are done by U.S. Army Specialist Colby Buzzell and recounts (accurately?) a typical patrol in Iraq.

Whether you agree with what the U.S. is doing in Iraq or whether you're a staunch Dove, this is extremely well done and worth watching. Regardless, all troops deployed globally - whether with American in Iraq or Canadian in Afghanistan - deserve our support.

Never turn your back on anyone in the military, they're the ones who'll step forward to defend you when danger threatens.


The War In Iraq: A Soldiers Perspective