tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3808804368297956872024-02-06T22:09:37.933-08:00The sound of DustSiddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-9246338966466424592011-11-18T10:38:00.000-08:002011-11-18T11:27:46.575-08:00The best and worst of Europe.10 countries, 4 months, one bag, no rules. Here's my best and worst.<br /><br />Drinking:<br />Best: Spain - Amazing cheap wine, there's no such thing as a measure of alcohol it's all done by a very lazy eye, and if you pick anywhere in a city there's probably about 20 bars in a 5 minute walking radius.<br />Worst: Norway - When a beer costs $20 you know you're in the wrong place to drink.<br /><br />General Promiscuity:<br />Best: Poland - 4 nights out and 3 propositions...<br />Worst: Spain - Oh they're all really nice... Offer to take you around then you call them and they pretend like they don't even know who you are.<br /><br />Value for your money:<br />Best: Estonia - I was living on about $10 per day, which includes sightseeing, public transportation, sightseeing and drinking. (Note accommodation was free since I was couchsurfing)<br />Worst: Norway - I'll give you 2 examples. A big mac combo is $15, the bus to get to oslo from the airport cost me more money than the flight to oslo from london!<br /><br />Museum's/Galleries/History:<br />Best: England - I could write a list bigger than this article about all the cool stuff in england, but top 5 - National Archieve (Magna Carta), National Museum (Love the egyption section including the rosetta stone), Stone Henge (WOW), The tower of london, Westminster (Do they really live in that?)<br />Worst: Slovakia - When the 'highlight' traveling exhibition that you pay good money to get into is Van Gogh's doodles of naked fat women you know something's up. (Note: Bratislava has a really beautiful old town, just not much inside)<br /><br />Nature:<br />Best: Sweden - Stockholm itself is a collection of islands on the ocean. It's small and easy to get to the country and the countryside is like Algonquin park. Beauty at its best!<br />Worst: England - There's not much naturewise, they call Brighton a vacation spot and the beach is a bunch of huge rocks with garbage floating in the water.<br /><br />Weather:<br />Best: Spain - It's almost December and it was 18 degrees today.. <span style="font-size:100%;">It doesn't rain much..</span>. and it's sunny most of the time.<br />Worst: It's a tie Ireland/Scotland/England - When you show up at the end of July and it's 18 degree's you know something is odd... When your host keeps the window and doors open because of the beautiful weather, you get this feeling that you might have made a mistake coming here... When it hits 25 degree and the metro's speakers are blaring that it's important to stay very hydrated on these HOT summer days and that emergency staff are standing by in case of emergencies you feel like running as fast as possible. lol<br /><br />Candy:<br />Best: Sweden - OMG half there stores are filled with candy, it makes one wonder how everyone's in such good shape. The classic swedish candy is hard licorice candy that's sweet and SALTY -ewwww... lol<br />Worst: Spain - Of course you can buy it, but there's not much around and it's bloody expensive.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>People: <br />Best: Norway - Everyone is so bloody friendly, if you're looking lost in the street they stop to ask if you need directions...<br />Worst: I can't really answer this one. I've had good and bad experiences everywhere, but there's no where that sticks out.<br /><br />Hippest City:<br />Best: This is REALLY REALLY hard but I have to give this to Riga, there's tons of stuff to do, a beautiful old town, a huge river running through the city, a great beach a short train ride away, lots of fun party people. 2nd place goes to Barcelona , 3rd place goes to Tallinn.<br />Worst: Bratislava - Imagine this beautiful city with nice friendly people and after 3 days of wondering around you have no idea what else to do, when you ask your hosts they say leave and go to Vienna hahahahha<br /><br />Peace and Love for now!Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-37547171154721635812011-10-04T01:30:00.000-07:002011-10-04T02:18:33.518-07:00Canada Pension Plan = Do we have enough money?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQb2_P3HoKFnLqsukNuiu7LtewHyKweUsYT687yAgEPgggqNQt7OBPcOYss9W240xh6hiUa97LtDJgLiKOifEWO4s7WQTg-Ii7tt-HeBLUOBTqlt0YgyZhtsrb1axfLlEvXnY1QKywA4/s1600/ScreenHunter_02+Oct.+04+10.32.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQb2_P3HoKFnLqsukNuiu7LtewHyKweUsYT687yAgEPgggqNQt7OBPcOYss9W240xh6hiUa97LtDJgLiKOifEWO4s7WQTg-Ii7tt-HeBLUOBTqlt0YgyZhtsrb1axfLlEvXnY1QKywA4/s320/ScreenHunter_02+Oct.+04+10.32.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659552074895486914" border="0" /></a>When the news says Canada's pensions are in trouble you start to worry about what's in store for you when retirement hits. <br /><br />A 2 hour Deep Dive into CPP lead to some surprising facts:<br /><br /><ul><li>Canadians contribute 9.9% of their salary into CPP up to $45k in salary!!! (If you work for a company they pay half)</li><li>The average benefit is just a little over $500 per month.</li><li>When you 'donate' your contribution part of that money is going to pay for current retirees (Around 9% and rising) </li></ul><ul><li>The best news is that according to an actuarial report CPP is funded for everyone forever and ever and ever.... Of course the contribution rate used to be 3.6%, I wonder what the actuaries were saying then...</li></ul><br />I'm happy to read that the problems there having in America with an underfunded pay as you go system. I don't like to read that I'm paying for everyone retiring now. However that seems to be the way of the world. CPP's will be growing its asset base over time from 3.9% assests/yearly expenditure ratio in 2010 to 5.2% in 2050. So they want more money, 'just in case'? <br /><br />It's just most upsetting to read about how defined pension's are dissappearing in the private sector because todays seniors syphon off too much money, oh and they're still taking from us kids because they didn't pay enough while they were working. <br /><br />So the amount of money I really have to spend is.<br /><br />104.95% my income including the 4.95% my employer has to pay to cpp. Yep they know.<br />- 9.9% for CPP contribution<br />- 1.73% for Employment Insurance contribution<br />- 15.54% for Federal Tax if I made around the Canadian average of $45k per year<br />- 5.08% for Ontario Tax if I made around the Canadian average of $45k per year<br />- 5% GST<br />- 7% PST<br /><br />= 60.70% or if I made $45k I'm left with $27,315 per year. YIKES<br /><br />Some info:<br />http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/pub/factsheets/rates.shtml<br />http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/cpp/contribrates.shtml#examA<br />http://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/app/DocRepository/1/eng/oca/reports/CPP/CPP25_e.pdfSiddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-7869094158934218912011-07-24T13:55:00.000-07:002011-07-24T14:47:03.381-07:00London for the weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Xa7evAX64oPaMQ5VjLh8hsMdvBREQ6tWUT7grudUAaqvhfvHsdBhqU38hBiJLbMnmKOcj4sDIOeYN-TTBrYjNuBUzDU0_E_41dTV2lGKQ4cNZT6y2atNuM-R-kpIylPcrG4wKQ_bk3o/s1600/ScreenHunter_01+Jul.+24+22.45.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Xa7evAX64oPaMQ5VjLh8hsMdvBREQ6tWUT7grudUAaqvhfvHsdBhqU38hBiJLbMnmKOcj4sDIOeYN-TTBrYjNuBUzDU0_E_41dTV2lGKQ4cNZT6y2atNuM-R-kpIylPcrG4wKQ_bk3o/s320/ScreenHunter_01+Jul.+24+22.45.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633038490588898258" /></a><br /><div> July 22nd-24th</div><div><br /></div>My journey begins in London Town. I didn't sleep in my overnight flight, but I arrived excited and energized friday morning. The first things that I noticed were everything appeared to be backwards. Besides driving on the wrong side of the street, londoner's walk on the left side of an elevator and wait on the right, which is the opposite of what you expect. Houses and buildings are extremely old, people are quiet and reserved if you dont' know them, but if you stop to ask them a question they'll go above and beyond to help you out. <div><div><br /></div><div>I met my old friend Ivana for lunch on friday and got a cheap phone. 10 pounds for the cell and another 10 for the card. 4 pence per text and 8 per minute. There's no long distance. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Metro is pretty easy to understand with some practice, pick yourself up an oyster card that you swipe in and out for the cheapest possible daily fares. I've been topping out around 7 pounds per day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most of the museum's are free. The national library was a treat some very old books and documents including Magna Carta! The national musem's Egyption display was incredible, I found the Rosetta stone. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've been couchsurfing for the weekend with a very experienced london host. We've done a big of drinking and eating. Last night was pub crawl night. </div><div><br /></div><div>London is pricey. I've been lucky to have an excellent howst that's given me a couple free meals and met a few new friends who have bought me a pint. In 3 days I spent 108.5 pounds plus 15 for the metro on my oyster card. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm off to stockholm on the 6am Ryanair flight. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-41347836225451680672011-04-21T13:24:00.001-07:002011-04-21T13:24:25.239-07:00Life QuestionsFor the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every<br />morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my<br />life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And<br />whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a<br />row, I know I need to change something . . . almost everything—<br />all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment<br />or failure—these things just fall away in the face of<br />death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that<br />you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of<br />thinking you have something to lose. —STEVE JOBS, college<br />dropout and CEO of Apple Computer, Stanford University<br />Commencement, 2005Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-10555935942160069832011-04-21T10:22:00.001-07:002011-04-21T10:22:40.304-07:00Early Retirement?From the 4 hour workweek:<br /><br />An American businessman took a vacation to a small coastal<br />Mexican village on doctor's orders. Unable to sleep after an<br />urgent phone call from the office the first morning, he walked out to<br />the pier to clear his head. A small boat with just one fisherman had<br />docked, and inside the boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The<br />American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish.<br />"How long did it take you to catch them?" the American asked.<br />"Only a little while," the Mexican replied in surprisingly good<br />English.<br />"Why don't you stay out longer and catch more fish?" the American<br />then asked.<br />"I have enough to support my family and give a few to friends,"<br />the Mexican said as he unloaded them into a basket.<br />"But... What do you do with the rest of your time?"<br />The Mexican looked up and smiled. "I sleep late, fish a little, play<br />with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Julia, and stroll into the<br />village each evening, where I sip wine and play guitar with my<br />amigos. I have a full and busy life, senor."<br />The American laughed and stood tall. "Sir, I'm a Harvard M.B.A.<br />and can help you. You should spend more time fishing, and with the<br />proceeds, buy a bigger boat. In no time, you could buy several boats<br />with the increased haul. Eventually, you would have a fleet of fishing<br />boats."<br />He continued, "Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you<br />would sell directly to the consumers, eventually opening your own<br />cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution.<br />You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village, of course,<br />and move to Mexico City, then to Los Angeles, and eventually New<br />York City, where you could run your expanding enterprise with<br />proper management."<br /><br />The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, sefior, how long will all this<br />take?"<br />To which the American replied, "15-20 years. 25 tops."<br />"But what then, sefior?"<br />The American laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the<br />time is right, you would announce an IPO and sell your company<br />stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions."<br />"Millions, senor? Then what?"<br />"Then you would retire and move to a small coastal fishing village,<br />where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids,<br />take a siesta with your wife, and stroll to the village in the evenings<br />where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos ..."Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-34206766287840721492011-04-17T22:04:00.001-07:002011-04-17T22:24:03.540-07:00howtopickmeupolineDo you think that the girl who everyone agrees on is hot is going to get the most views, the most winks and probably too many emails to reply to you? Well it turns out, so does everyone else...<br /><br />A recent article written by a well known dating site has reviewed the mathematics of attractiveness online. What its found is that guys go after girls they know everyone won't like... It makes sense after all. I'm always looking for the tatted up, nipples pierced, catholic school girl who learned skills in a special house of ill repute in Beijing... Secretly knowing she's a 9 but figuring other guys will just take her for a freak...<br /><br />The problem is, the math says alot of other guys are thinking the same thing as me. So... What's the easiest way to win at a game? Play one that 99% of people don't play. You've already beat out most of the competition!<br /><br />The next time you try and find some eharmony send a message to the girl you know and everyone else knows is hot... Guess what... The math says your odds just got better by 200-300%!!!!! <br /><br />http://blog.okcupid.com/index.php/the-mathematics-of-beauty/Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-71756322987704416222010-08-10T08:01:00.000-07:002010-08-10T08:33:06.131-07:00If you see me laughingI remember laughing with you about Alexis and Bill and how they are going to demand to be healthy this weekend. Like it's such a big deal to eat 'normal food' for a weekend. Even though every other weekend we go out and eat like shit. When there's the expectation to eat normally everyone has to make a big stink about it. <br /><br />If you see me laughing this weekend you'll know why.Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-34476650259467454922010-07-29T19:00:00.000-07:002010-07-29T19:56:05.823-07:00Choose LifeI like black and white. <br /><br />I want Snape to be evil. I need Luke to be good. I'm always the hero protagonist while fighting the flood. I like that trainspotting has one <a href="http://www.davidpbrown.co.uk/poetry/john-hodge.html">alternative</a>. <br /><br />I live in grey.<br />There's always a 2 for 1 discount. You will take less if I pay you cash. When you tell me this is the way it is don't expect me to believe you. I will question everything that i'm told, and I will find something better.<br /><br />Have you ever pretended your life was a video game. Only there was no save button? Don't BS me, don't tell me you're risk adverse. You have 1 thing to lose, just 1. <br /><br />You live in black and white.<br /><br />You listen when they tell you their computer can't do it like you want it. You give in when they screw up and don't want to admit it because it's too difficult. When they tell you to do it this way at work you rationalize why. You stop thinking because nothing makes sense. Choose <a href="http://www.davidpbrown.co.uk/poetry/john-hodge.html">LIFE</a>.<br /><br />Who Wins?<br /><br />You read the paper, I gave them something to write. You pay your mortgage down in 15 years instead of 20. I have the time of my life every week for 20 years. No one will ever say that you made a bad choice. Everyone will say I've taken chances. You'll count your pennies, I'll count my memories.Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-65753746281971397422010-06-28T11:38:00.000-07:002010-06-28T13:19:37.952-07:00Democracy<div class="UIComposer_InputArea_Base UIComposer_InputArea"><div class="UIComposer_InputShadow "><div style="width: 509px;" class="Mentions_Input" id="c4c28eb85e4e7a5727a95d_input" contenteditable="true">Wouldn't it be fun to walk down the street and be arbitrarily questioned and subsequently arrested. It happened to about 900 people this weekend. <br /><br />What's the big deal after all. It's a special event that happens once every 10 or 20 years. You should have known better anyway, it was all over the news. <br /><br />What about the next special event? What about the next protest? What about the next walk around your block? Where does it begin and end? How do we determine when it's appropriate to take away peoples rights and when not? <br /><br />Personally I don't feel safer living in country that has the power to arbitrarily arresting you for no reason except the place that you're walking. <br /><br />Here is what happened to 2 different people:<br /><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/g20-related-detentions-biggest-mass-arrests-in-canadian-history/article1621198/">Wearing dark jeans, a dark t-shirt and no shoes, Mr. MacDonald said he was arrested for obstruction of police, but that he was released without charge. He said he suspects he was arrested for wearing a bandana, but said it was on his head, not his face.<br /><br /><br />“They surrounded us and told us to leave,” he said, “but how was I supposed to read the situation?” He said police never once told them how to leave or when the last warning would be before arresting him. He was initially arrested for obstructing the police, he said, but released without being charged.<br /><br /> The arrest figure of more than 900 people includes only those who were taken to the detention centre, not those who were temporarily detained by police, Const. Murphy said. Most people were released without being charged. </a> <br /><br /></div></div></div>Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-20786781136603111042010-06-10T14:42:00.000-07:002010-06-10T14:43:19.862-07:00RePost Grass Fed cows better than grain!<p><span class="npTxtSerif npTxtStrong">Jennifer Sygo, National Post</span><span class="npTxtDim"> · Thursday, Jun. 10, 2010</span></p><div class="npGroup"><div id="npStoryContent" class="npWidth1-2 npLeft"><p>Do cows get enough respect? In our increasingly eco-and health-conscious world, beef and dairy products make an easy target. After all, raising cattle requires a great deal of energy and water inputs, and yields a heavy output of methane, a greenhouse gas that is thought to contribute to climate change. Couple that with clinical evidence that shows a diet rich in red meat could increase our risk of developing heart disease and cancer, and you've got a recipe that calls for the avoidance of bovine-based products at the dinner table.</p><p>But maybe there is more to the health benefits in beef and milk than meets the eye. A new study, published in the May edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has drawn enough attention to warrant a second look. In the study, slightly more than 1,800 heart attack sufferers in Costa Rica were matched with an equal number of individuals with similar demographics and health profiles, but who had not suffered a heart attack. In analyzing the subjects' adipose (fat) tissue, researchers from Harvard and the University of Michigan found higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, a compound previously touted for its potential heart-health and cancer-fighting benefits, in the tissue of those who had not had heart attacks.</p><p>The twist, however, is that higher levels of CLA were associated with consumption of beef products from grass-fed cows. While raising cows on grass is still common in Costa Rica, it has become a relative rarity in North America, as the majority of cattle are raised on grain. This raises the question: Are there other potential benefits to raising cows on a diet of greens?</p><p>COWS ON GRASS</p><p>What happens when you feed a cow grass, instead of a more typical (at least in recent decades) corn-and grain-based diet? Put simply, you get a different kind of cow. According to a small but growing body of research, grass-fed cows produce meat and milk with a more favourable fatty acid (read: fat) profile than grain-or corn-raised cattle.</p><p>Not only do grass-fed cows produce a higher level of CLA, but according to a review published in the March edition of the Journal of Nutrition, they also have higher levels of a precursor to CLA, known as trans vaccenic acid, as well as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (yes, those are the same fats that you usually have to eat fish to get -- cows can produce them naturally when they graze on grass). Beyond the beef, the milk of cows raised on grass seems to be healthier, with higher levels of CLA than grain-fed beef.</p><p>Even more interesting, it seems that, while grass-fed beef does contain a similar amount of saturated fat as grain-fed beef, the profile of the saturated fats can actually be less harmful to humans vs. grain-fed meats. (There are several types of saturated fats in food, each of which can characterized by their length, which in turn affects their potential for raising your risk of heart disease.) Translation: Grass-fed beef not only contains more of the stuff that seems to help your heart, it has fewer of the compounds that could harm it.</p><p>GRASS-FED TASTE?</p><p>Health benefits aside, there is some debate as to whether or not consumers prefer the taste of grass versus grain-fed beef. Since the majority of us were raised on beef from feedlots, research from the U.S. suggests we tend to prefer the taste of grain-fed beef. That doesn't mean grass-fed beef is unpalatable; it just has a slightly different taste that might require some getting used to.</p><p>SO, WHERE'S THE GRASS?</p><p>In the '80s, we were asked "where's the beef?" Now, the question might be "where's the grass?" If grass-fed cows are indeed healthier for us (and there is evidence to indicate that it's healthier for the cow, too), then why aren't more of our cows fed grass vs. grain? The answer is complex, but cost is a big factor: It simply takes longer to raise a cow exclusively on grass than on a mixed or grain-based diet. Higher production costs then translate to more expensive product for the consumer.</p><p>So why devote oneself to pasture-raising cattle when the process is more painstaking and less profitable? For some, it's simply a way of life, passed down through generations. For others, it's about sustainability, with farming practices that could range from better conditions for the cattle, to protecting habitat of local animals and birds. But since there is no governing body to oversee standards of practice when it comes to producing grass-fed beef and milk, it's up to the individual to learn about the practices at each farm. While that might seem like a nuisance to some, it's a great way to connect with those who produce our food first-hand.</p><p>If you're interested in trying grass-fed beef or dairy products, your best place to start is your local farmer's market. Look for products from cows that graze on grass through the summer, and hay in the winter, and try a few different products to see how you like the taste. You can also check your local health-food supermarket for grass-fed products. Either way, while you might pay a premium, the payoff in terms of your health might well be worth it.</p><p> - Jennifer Sygo is a dietitian in private practice at Cleveland Clinic Canada ( clevelandclinic.ca),which offers executive physicals, prevention and wellness counselling and personal health care management in Toronto.</p><p>jsygo@rogers.com</p></div></div><br />Read more: <a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/toronto/beefs+about+feed+cows/3134565/story.html#ixzz0qUNJWi5O">http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/toronto/beefs+about+feed+cows/3134565/story.html#ixzz0qUNJWi5O</a><br />The National Post is now on Facebook. <a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 153);" href="http://tcr1.tynt.com/ads/13/0qUNJWi5O">Join our fan community today.</a>Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-62805158723631010042010-06-01T12:02:00.000-07:002010-06-01T12:02:09.242-07:00The Top 20 Summer Festivals in Toronto<a href="http://www.blogto.com/toronto/lists/the_top_20_summer_festivals_in_toronto/">The Top 20 Summer Festivals in Toronto</a>Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-85801209083703400702010-05-26T14:10:00.001-07:002010-05-26T21:52:07.782-07:00'The kid's playing like he's sniffing glue.' - Mike Milbury talking about Eric BrewerAs the hockey season wines down I can't help but remember the good old days of Mike Milbury. There was never a trade too controversial for Mike. Looking back i'm curious to see if he really was as bad as we all thought.<br /><br />The General Manager of the New York Islanders. He was in control from 95-06. And went through the penny pinching years of the the Island's ownership group in the late 90's to the 'max the cap' days of new owner Charles Wang. <br /><br />Some highlights in my mind.<br /><br />1998 - The Island gets Trevor Linden from the canucks for Bryan McCabe and Todd Bertuzzi<br /><br />Both guys were rough and tough at the time, but hadn't put up big numbers. Can we fault Milbury for not have a crystal ball to read into the future? Linden was a veteran leader and the island had few of those. The really weird thing about this is both McCabe and Bertuzzi wern't far off their rookie season. Do you trade away your future when you're not even in the playoffs?<br /><br />Jan 1999 - Felix Potvin from the leafs for Byron Berard.<br /><br />This is just one of those trades you have to shake you head and wonder what did I ever to do to deserve being a fan of a team with such a crappy GM. Berard was in his 3rd season, wearing the 'C', having come off year one and year two with 48 points, the calder trophy and 46 points respectively. This would put him in the top 15 of scoring for defense men. Even worse, the Islanders had Tommy Salo who was holding things together on a losing team. Potvin was passed his prime and discarded for Curtis Joseph by the leafs. Trades for top young defencemen happen, but they don't happen without a good reason and a very good return. <br /><br />1999- Josh Green, Olli Jokinen, Mathieu Biron and round 1 pick in the 1999 draft (Taylor Pyatt) for Ziggy Pallfy, Marcel Cousineau, Bryan Smolinski and round 4 pick in the 1999 draft (Daniel Johansson)<br /><br />This was a huge trade. Initially it looks decent. The Islanders were desperate to dump salary and they pick up 3 recent 1st round picks and a 1st round pick in the upcoming draft, for one of the best players in the NHL. The problem is either they traded these prospects away shortly after or they never developed to their full potential, i'm not sure if we can blame Milbury, but it sure is suspicious.... Is it possible someone could be paid to lose??<br /><br /><br />2000 -The Island gets Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha for Olli Jokinen and Roberto Luongo. <br /><br />This weirdest trade in recent memory. The island picks up a big time prospect from LA Olli Jokinen (taken 3rd overall in 1997) in a package deal for Ziggy Pallfy in 1998. They also draft future big time star Roberto Luongo 4th overall in 1997. They don't have any money at the time, but it's not like these rookies are making the big dollars. Goalies notoriously take years to develop as do power forwards. End result, the islanders lose a point per game power forward and one of the best goalies in the nhl for a 2nd and 3rd liner. Nice job!<br /><br />2001- No one could ever forget - Alexei Yashin was sent to the New York Islanders for defenceman Zdeno Chára, forward Bill Muckalt and the second overall draft selection, which the Senators used to draft highly-touted centerman Jason Spezza. Islanders' GM Mike Milbury promptly re-signed Yashin to an enormous 10-year, $87.5 million USD contract.<br /><br />I don't even know where to begin with this one. You have to start wondering if Milbury was intentionally trying to make an ass of himself and lose. Yashin had NEVER performed in the playoffs, held out twice in his career and only had career point years when his contract was on the line. Chara the biggest player in nhl history goes on to bring playoff success to the sens and later bruins, captain the bruins, winning the norris trophey, going to all star games, and racking up multiple 40 and 50 point seasons. Spezza, mr. point per game for the sens, muckalt was a bust. The only semblance of logic that I can find is Milbury was trying to get a superstar, Chara hadn't put up big numbers, spezza hadn't been drafted. Maybe he thought he was getting a steal....<br /><br />Other blunders you can research, Darius Kasparatis, Rick Dipietro, Wade Redden, Eric Brewer, and Tim Connolly.<br /><br />My conclusions on Mr. Milbury. <br /><br />Can, somehow, draft players with TONS AND TONS of potential. But, has no concept of developing players. Cannot see into the future, he only can look in the present and recent past to make trade and team decisions. He has no clue what will make a team win.Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-79140787708305996152010-05-11T12:23:00.000-07:002010-05-11T12:57:26.464-07:00Seeing Results Behind Weight Loss<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj9qJ-jKE_NGbo1I4jxbUb_5l3AmrCERL9P4RfngyycGtr2RMbfo5S1QfA8oKGuKS1O-P8m_G3wNO6qL-4wfh_m8twAS2Po2Rw-gBsCcb4Y_sQIjWfyWra42L2hwygx3PE4Y27pnZc5E/s1600/May112010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrj9qJ-jKE_NGbo1I4jxbUb_5l3AmrCERL9P4RfngyycGtr2RMbfo5S1QfA8oKGuKS1O-P8m_G3wNO6qL-4wfh_m8twAS2Po2Rw-gBsCcb4Y_sQIjWfyWra42L2hwygx3PE4Y27pnZc5E/s320/May112010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470096150441254642" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0_Ou8lH9a8xYpe3UGOk6gpzDJU4nHX8YyOxQMI6v6EMFh1lmMMwuUFjDFAM_7l8bU86z_GJr1xt2jx9JKp5-ffb7r5YfzOg81PV8EqEibvPj0F4tfhEUMBJJPVmj8VQspAgH5rOmgUI/s1600/Jan1+2010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0_Ou8lH9a8xYpe3UGOk6gpzDJU4nHX8YyOxQMI6v6EMFh1lmMMwuUFjDFAM_7l8bU86z_GJr1xt2jx9JKp5-ffb7r5YfzOg81PV8EqEibvPj0F4tfhEUMBJJPVmj8VQspAgH5rOmgUI/s320/Jan1+2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470102605077487874" border="0" /></a>From Jan 1 2010 to today I've been exercising regularly. My goal is to get to 15% body fat by the end of the year. Which is where your abs begin showing. I did a body fat analysis at the start and I did another one yesterday, I was very surprised by my initial results. I only lost 3.5 pounds.<br /><br />Which is pretty discouraging, but when I look a little deeper. I see i've actually lost 9 pounds of fat and put on 5 pounds of muscle! Strangely I've put on 4 pounds of water weight. I certainly feel better than at the beginning of the year. I have more energy, feel stronger and look more fit.<br /><br />Stats:<br />Exercise 2-4 times a week.<br />January was spent doing only cardio.<br />Feb-May I've combined cardio with weight training.<br />May 2nd I stopped eat anything that has sugar in the ingredient label, that includes gluctose fructose.<br /><br /><br />Exceptions:<br />February and March I was sick for 3 weeks<br />April I went to Cuba for 1 week.<br /><br />So in 4 months i've worked out regularly for 3.<br /><br />Results for first 4 months:<br />Weight Change: 217.6lb to 214lb<br />Fat Mass: 66.61lbs to 57.81lbs<br />Fat free Mass: 151.01 to 156.21<br /> -Since my skeletel structure didn't grow, i'm assuming this is muscle mass.<br />Total Body Water: 110.61 to 114.41.<br /> -This concerned me, why would I be putting on water weight. Am I eating more salt and hence retaining more water?<br />Body Fat %: 30.6% to 27%<br /><br />My research: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_water">Lean muscle tissue contains about 75% water by weight. Blood contains almost 70% water, body fat contains 10% water and bone has 22% water. Skin also contains much water. The human body is about 60% water in adult males and 55% in adult females.</a><br /><br />5.2 pounds of muscle x .75(% of water in muscle) = 3.9<br />The increase in water weight is due to muscle growth<br /><br /><br /><br />My Goal:<br />If I continue to decrease my body fat at this rate I would be at 19.8% body fat by the end of the year, which is a little short of my goal. But if I don't get sick again my routine should get me there. I'll have to reassess my progress in a couple months to see if there is any acceleration in my body fat % loss. I really want to see ABS!!!Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-17990037036507419202010-04-19T21:02:00.001-07:002010-04-19T21:02:36.184-07:00Pmi - Project Management Professional (Pmp) Certification Study GuideCheck out this SlideShare Presentation: <div style="width:425px" id="__ss_253373"><strong style="display:block;margin:12px 0 4px"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/robsonnasc/pmi-project-management-professional-pmp-certification-study-guide" title="Pmi - Project Management Professional (Pmp) Certification Study Guide">Pmi - Project Management Professional (Pmp) Certification Study Guide</a></strong><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=pmi-project-management-professional-pmp-certification-study-guide-1202229012770607-4&stripped_title=pmi-project-management-professional-pmp-certification-study-guide" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=pmi-project-management-professional-pmp-certification-study-guide-1202229012770607-4&stripped_title=pmi-project-management-professional-pmp-certification-study-guide" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><div style="padding:5px 0 12px">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">presentations</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/robsonnasc">robsonnasc</a>.</div></div>Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-26868456073881357142010-04-15T09:10:00.000-07:002010-04-15T09:49:33.395-07:00The Myths surrounding what Canadians do.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k4B5rS9YYTWlJ9OGrl5tITwsYGtpDVQRf8ff2kic7tKdus997M5-OQmjYA0nZVrOIz4v9H8IysXtqN9kwHZDVW5L4q7K9HkEQRrsZEthCNEzaDPHMR1XLKcoAvGYUnQH6o_f8ZoPpGY/s1600/GDP.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8k4B5rS9YYTWlJ9OGrl5tITwsYGtpDVQRf8ff2kic7tKdus997M5-OQmjYA0nZVrOIz4v9H8IysXtqN9kwHZDVW5L4q7K9HkEQRrsZEthCNEzaDPHMR1XLKcoAvGYUnQH6o_f8ZoPpGY/s400/GDP.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460397663516238194" /></a><br /><br />GDP represents what Canada produces in one full year. Why is this important to know? So you can make informed decisions about your career future, your companies future or just so you can make informed political decisions. Politicians don't care about GDP they care about votes.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Some common myths:</span><br /><br />Agriculture is very important to our economy. <br /> - In 2009 agriculture accounted for .02% of our economy. So why are farmers always a hot topic in political decision making? In 2001 1 rural vote is worth 34% more than 1 urban vote. Who lives in rural areas? <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/20191510/2007-report-on-vote-distribution">Read here to find more</a><br /><br />Our natural resources are the main engine driving our economy.<br /> - Mining and oil and gas extraction was worth twice as much as agriculture. A huge .04% of our economy.<br /><br />We manufacture goods that other people around the world buy. <br /> - True, but it's not as much as you might think. Manufacturing is about 10% of our economy. <br /><br />So what kind of economy do we have? <br /> - We have a service based economy. 80% of our economic activity is classified as Services-producing industries. Services the man you called to fix your toilet, the bank you used to finance your mortgage, or the teacher that taught you how to read.Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-45753255399716234422010-04-07T21:08:00.000-07:002010-04-07T21:17:12.260-07:00So Shoppers says they'll have to close down.What does it mean when pharmacies say they're going to have close down stores and layoff employees because of a reduction in government subsidies.<br /><br />What they're really saying is that taxpayers are paying to keep pharmacies, people and profits in place.<br /><br />Personally I'm ok with government staying out of shoppers profit margins.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/drug-store-giants-take-on-ontario-over-move-to-cut-prescription-costs/article1527045/">Article</a>Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-52030022464058205702010-04-06T12:05:00.000-07:002010-04-06T12:29:02.921-07:00The 40 most useful travel websites to save you money!<a href="http://www.wisebread.com/travel-resources">Please notice that Couchsurfing is #1</a>Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-32473657087355072802010-04-06T12:04:00.000-07:002010-04-06T12:05:11.304-07:00The Top 5 cheapest countries in the world<a href="http://ramonstoppelenburg.com/wpeng/2009/03/the-top-5-cheapest-countries-in-the-world/">Link Here</a>Siddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-56519667990137199182010-04-01T05:28:00.000-07:002010-04-01T05:30:52.999-07:00How gaming might just make our world a better place to live in.http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world.htmlSiddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-380880436829795687.post-45090958554422747742010-03-25T12:55:00.001-07:002010-03-25T12:56:09.444-07:00The ant and the grasshopper.Do we know how to save anymore? Maybe this fable can teach us.<br /><br />http://www.dltk-teach.com/fables/grasshopper/mstory.htmSiddharthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01502155495659182814noreply@blogger.com0