Good Bye 2009 and Happy New Years

Good Day to all.

I would like to make my last entry on this blog for 2009. First I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hopefully had a wonderful holiday so far. For those who read my blog I would like to thank you for taking the time to check it out. I will continue to blog in 2010 and hopefully with more wonderful topics.

Everyone seems to be doing a recap of what has happened during the past year and I would like to reflect on things that meant something to me in 2009.

1. My Lovely Girlfriend. It has been another wonderful year with her. Been through lots this year and more great things to come in the future. She has been very supporting and taking care of me and my family. There is never enough thank yous that goes out to her. As always, she has made me a better person in ways I wouldn't of figured out on my own. So I guess every year she will be number on this list.

2. Photography my new hobby. It has been wonderful experience with the all the images I've captured and the feedbacks I've been getting. Still a work in progress and put a dent in my pocket, but it is a great hobby to have (much better than something like smoking). More pictures will come in 2010, and hope I will get better

3. My 2 New York trips were wonderful, and lots to do there, right now the best city on my list but still haven't visited any other places. Still have to visit central park next time. Great time, great food and memories the last a life time.

4. The ups and down of life is something we deal with everyday. We learn from our mistakes and be better people. Also, enjoy all the happy moments and achievements we had this year and repeat these great events.

5. Friends. What can life be without great friends around you. Thank you all for making me part of your life. Lots of great moments and may more good times roll. I don't think I can sit here and name every moment, but you all know what I'm talking about.

6. Work. How we all have to do it. It would be a lie if I didn't include it as part of my list. I spend majority of my time in a year at work, and spending 8 hrs a day there and the only other thing I spend as much time or equally to is my bed. Been a challenging year, but things have improved and glad I was able to make the IT side of things run smooth in my opinion. Sad to see my friend leave but at the same time really happy she has found a wonderful new life ahead of her.

Again, I want to thank everyone and wish them a great 2010. Looking forward to hearing from you all in the new year.

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Facebook usage

Facebook is one of the most popular social networking sites people visit. You can easily follow someone's life if they are actively using what facebook was meant for or evolved to be. Someone said to me that they don't use facebook, then I thought deeply of a few types of users.

1. The ones that have a account and tried it out and not really actively involved with their online lives. Well, I believe these type of users don't have much they want to express themselves, or have any interest in other peoples lives. Would I say they lack social skill? yes perhaps, but I would say, these people don't really care about people online and if they really wanted to keep in touch or know about someone or see some pictures of their family and friends, they would just pick up the phone, or go over to look at their photo album in person. I would say that is perfectly acceptable, except there are so much more out there, such as people posting video clips of themselves, or photos are trips/events and even notes entry about their ideas such as my blog right now.

2. The second group I would like to classify are the people who have an account, but like to follow their friends online but don't really have much they want to share. I think thats a great idea to see what is happening, and if you do meet them in person, there are so many more minor details to talk about, or something as an ice breaker. I think thats the next level up from the first example I used. I believe it helps more to help share your thoughts and whats on your mind. Hence the popularity of twitter. Everyone has an opinion, its just if they want to share it. Not sure if you will like the response or not, but everyone has the right to express their opinion in this country.

3. I think I should of posted this category first. It is the people who don't use facebook at all. I really feel these people just don't really care and do not want to share with anyone or be found by other people out there. I don't have anything against that. They can be anti social, or just have the wrong impression on the potential that it really brings and how it connects people. Thats why I strongly believe these people just don't want to be found, and just live their own life and find things out the old fashioned way or either a sit down or phone call. Not that facebook replaces these 2 ways people interact with each other, but its just another vehicle of socializing and networking in society today.

4. I think everyone belongs falls under regular users. You post items, play the games, share your status. It just makes life so much more simple when you don't have to tell everyone you know you have a midterm and can't go out, or how your engaged to that special someone. It can show your character and what interest you have. For me, I can also see it as an advertising tool, or to really just something to express yourself. Ahhh. Its like a tattoo, and you can express your way with media.

This thought has been on my mind for days, and it just really bothers me while people use technology, they just fail to utilize this, and while they have many questions of events and status while everything is in front of them. But facebook would only work, if people actually used it. And from the popularity of the site, it shows that millions of people do like to interact and express themselves. I guess the others are just not the avg joes, and are different.

Merry Christmas

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New opportunities

I have started my new hobby of photography earlier this year and it has been challenging and fun at the same time. I still learn everytime I shoot something important. Aside from constantly wanting new equipment for the strive of better photos under tougher situations ,I discovered from my last shoot that it has given me lots of new experiences and opportunities.

Every picture I take and give to someone, I hope they will be happy with the results. So I shot a variety of things so far. Let me start with my first shoot. My work has many opportunities to take pictures, all I had to do was ask for an opportunity and accepting me as a newbie. I was not very confident at the time, and was afraid of showing poor results, but then I asked my friend to help me out. I learn that night how to better position myself, and understood why equipment does matter in tough situations. Then I realized I needed better gear. The night was successful, and there wasn't many keepers, but good thing my friend had better photos than I did. Having a giant camera doesn't make you a good photographer.

I'm really into sports and wanted to shoot a sporting event. This was fun. The game itself was great which added more emotion to the end. The pictures turned out really great and the team was happy about the photos. Again, I realized how I couldn't really shoot a real baseball game if I can't move around, since my lens isn't long enough to get a close up of the center fielder or someone from the opposite side of the diamond. So I can't capture all the critical moments. I learnt that spending money on the lens the results are worth it.

Then I helped my friend out with his engagement/wedding. Again, it was a new learning experience and the results were good. Again, I had poor equipment and knew that from my last shoot. The happiest part is to share the happy moment with my friend and also giving them a hard copy memory of there happy day. I was not so good with posing people, and not 100% comfortable with that, but I knew to be a good photographer in that situation you need to be more vocal.

Another friend asked me to step in last min to shoot their engagement. Sorry, I can't post any photos, its all so personal to my friends. Its funny how I can say my friend cause no one has really paid me, so they are not my customer. Again, my shots were good, but they could of been better. I learnt to use better equipment, but I need to work on the poses. I haven't really done much of this or seen a professional. Reading up only helps so much, and doesn't work in all situation, and I don't see enough pictures of couples being intimate, so its hard to pose them, but then all the articles I read tells me the couple should be intimate. I learned that some guys are just really hard to work with, since they don't like the whole process and is very shy, which makes it so much harder for me to work with. The end results were great, and I was actually honored more than anything, for them to ask me to help them with their engagement photos. I was really proud of my work and it forced me to learn some basic photoshoping to touch things up, and made me wonder I can do a better job if I was a real makeup artist but in photoshop. They blew up one of my pictures really big to put at the entrance of their wedding reception, and showed the pictures I took in a sildeshow before the wedding.

Then onto my lastest shoot which was really different. This time it was for family and I wanted to help out and its something I enjoy doing. I was shocked and had no clue what to take pictures of at a funeral. All the past experience I had surely paid off. And I was excited to use my new lens. I've only read amazing things about the lens but when I first took the first picture at work, I was in awe of how beautiful of even a computer looks. I borrowed better equipment and owned my new lens, so I had all the equipment I would need. I haven't shown the photos to my cousin yet, but I am confident he will be satisfied with the results. At one point it was very sad and I couldn't take any more pictures. The image stabilization wasn't helping cause my hands was shaking so much. It was very touching my cousin's speech. In the end I took a deep breath and thought that my cousin must be feeling worst than I did. I took this task to heart to give good photos, and at points I didn't really pay deep attention to what was happening, but just really trying to capture the moment. I really think I've succeeded and gave me a real confidence in my photography skill.

I've have been trying different types of photography so far, and haven't really discovered what is going to be my niche. I do enjoy sports, but I realized I like events as well. During these events, I still have lots to learn. I mainly shot in events where flashes weren't permitted, so thats another thing I have to learn and get use to. Mastering it, I don't think I'm close.

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Why we help people?

So recently I've been thinking about why we do things. This seems very generalized, but please read on. So when we go help someone we know or a stranger, what kind of expectations do you have? Someone told me that they believe that other people owe them for all they have done for them. Then I get into the fact other people are just being used.

When it comes to friendship, I believe you don't own anyone anything. You do things for your friends and family just cause you feel like they are close to you. I don't think someone should think they owe their family anything if they help them out because your parents gave you life. Technically you should owe them for raising you no matter what job they did, they should love you. (in a normal family situation of course) You help your friends cause you should be there for your friends, and you have the good and bad times together. (at least thats some aspect to look at friendship)

So how do you feel when you help a stranger? I guess it depends on a task, what if you gave your seat up to an old lady, or help someone carry something up the stairs that you thought was too heavy for them. I don't think of that as doing too much and people expect anything back. Maybe they just believe in karma. Or some people are just nice and likes to help others. Whatever the case maybe it makes people feel good to help others in most cases.

Do you sometimes get people who only need your help and only contact you when they need help? I think thats very shady of those people. I wouldn't call those people friends. I think thats being used, and some people just don't know when to stop. Once it starts and you continue, the other person will just continue to take advantage of you until you say no, or brush them away.

What if your just trading your help knowing in return you will get something? In this case, I think its okay to help, I wouldn't even call it help. Its like giving up your time/labour/skill for someone's time/labour/skill. Maybe its also karma.

I would say, when you help someone, its best not to expect anything in return. You never know what your going to get. If your expecting nothing, then thats great! You will never feel like your being used, and feel good about yourself that you helped someone. But if you constantly looking for something in return, it seems like your a gold digger. You wouldn't be very happy not getting what you want in return. I preferably like to help my friends and if I would consider them a friend and family, then I'm confident if I needed some help they would offer without me asking. I'm sure there are still some good people out there in the world.

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Restaurant Review: Nando's Flame Grilled Chicken House

For my first review, I have chosen to review Nando's Flame Grilled Chicken House, a fast food joint located at 9625 Yonge St, in Richmond Hill (Yonge and 16th). The specialty of this restaurant is spices that the Portuguese discovered called peri-peri. All the dishes require you to choose the amount of spice just like when you order wings.



There are many items to choose from and the portions are well portioned. I got the half chicken with 1 side order of fries with a coke, and it came to around $13.



Other friends of mine got quarter chicken and double legged chicken. Its more like swiss chalet but with the chicken grilled over a bbq, and less the chalet sauce. On the side they have other hot, and garlic sauces. The flavor of your meal is labeled by the flag on your chicken.





Overall the restaurant dining area was well kept and clean. Nothing very spectacular and tried to keep a feel of a cozy home. Didn't goto the washroom but was told one of the stalls for the female washroom wasn't working properly.



My overall impression of the food was just slightly okay. Something I could of done without. I can see why it can be appealing because of the spiciness in the food. I personally can't eat anything spicy and there did not try the hot stuff. I've heard people come to this place on a weekly basis and go crazy with the spices. Selection and normal service was acceptable. Overall I would give this 1.5/5. Seems kinda low? Well I was going to give them 2 just for being an avg restaurant, then the washroom wasn't working so that was another 0.5 mark off.

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Determination with Numbers

Everything you buy has numbers involved. It can represent the price, the size, the screen, how fast. I guess with most items the more expensive it is, the better quality the product is. But do people look past what is actually offered and only judge by the numbers. Lets examine a few examples.

Example one - Purchasing a car
Well, when people buy cars, they always ask about how many horsepower a car is, and the price they can get the car at. These are 2 of the very common numbers that comes up when entering the showroom. But on a street with a speed limit of 60 on average, and electric car can probably out run most cars. The new electric motor has 2 times more torque than a gasoline engine, but not everyone sees that with a smaller price tag. Also you are saving more money at the pumps, and last and not least, your cutting down on emissions. Another approach is the design of a luxury car to a competing brand. I believe that is how the car industry is created, where cars within a similar range competes with each other. More expensive and horsepower doesn't really mean alot.

Example two - Buying a TV
maybe the first example wasn't a strong example. But I'm sure I can sell you that higher numbers doesn't mean anything. So recently I walked into futureshop, when I watched a movie on a blueray on a HD TV it looked kinda weird. The image is sharp, but the movement was different. So trying to figure out what is wrong, I then came to the conclusion that it had to do with 120Hz. Every company is trying to push new technology and bigger the number trying to make the consumer feel like they are getting something better because a higher number is better. but in this case, when you look at a movie that is played on a normal tv, the movement of the people is natural, but in 120hz it seems like the motion of the people is moving slightly faster. So if you enjoy movies at the theatre or normally at home, this would be a big thing either to get use to, or you just get annoyed. On top, 120hz tvs cost more than the normal ones, but I think they make all new TVs with 120hz.

Example three - Sporting good
This is more of a personal thing and sporting goods equipment manufacturers design stuff for different types of players. Like for tennis rackets, the most expensive racket might not be suitable for your game, or more strings. Baseball glove which has different webbings or leather softness.

I think in most cases, the more expensive products have additional features. If you take advantage of them thats a different thing. You do get more for the money. Sometimes it becomes you trying to match your gear, instead of the gear satisfying your needs. Getting use to something might be more difficult, but I guess thats a choice you will you have to make, either a good or bad change.

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Speak up and be heard

I think everyone runs into days where people are unclear about what they want others to do. Especially at work, or on the road. We are always anticipating what is going to happen next and maybe sometimes we guess wrong and the results aren't so great. Then I can think of times people have an opinion and should voice it, sorta like voting for you MP. Are people afraid when they speak up it will be considered stupid? Sure sometimes it might be stupid, reminds me of how professors say, ask questions and when you do ask, they think you are asking a dumb question and you should of learn that in high school, or read it in your text.

We should be clear in alot of instance to take out the guess work in life. Sure, it won't hurt to use your brain at times to figure things out. Patience I guess is involved in the case where the professor has to explain everything and not get frustrated. At work it will be much easier to get along with everyone when your duties is made out straight forward. I think its a fundamental of team building to have good communications. In a team sport situation, everyone should communicate to each other, and have a clear understand what play to execute, so no one has to guess except the other team, and also important for the play to be successful.

There are always exceptions to everything and this matter is no different. But I think its critical to express yourself, and make your thoughts clear of what you want to accomplish with others if any matter involves more than yourself. Make things easy and smooth.

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Ignorance and acceptance

Have you been stereotype because you look a certain way, or just because you are you? I just had a run into some type of racial situation which does not sound as bad as it seems. First I look at Toronto as a multi cultural city where you can run into any type of race. Children being brought up in our education systems interact with people from different background and taught about equality and looking past the color of people's skin.

Now, onto the incident. Basketball. Its a global game, where everyone to anyone can play this game. Location: York University gym. Its a university and people should be educated and open to new ideas and be at least to a certain of social level. Percentage wise, I would say blacks are the dominate race in the worlds top league (NBA) But there are many great players that are not blacks and everyone respects their playing level if they made it to this league. There was this one student and my guess its first year, had little to no respect for players of other races except his own, or who carried themselves as someone who can play at some level above his. Him and this other person wanted to play a game against me and my friend (whom we are both chinese and does not look like basketball superstars) but they retracted their offer because the black student didn't want to play against us cause of our looks/race. So 30 mins later, they challenged us again, but again this black student didn't look too interested and was very arrogant about his skills on the court. But once the game started it ended very quickly for them, as he was proven wrong by our looks and we won our game 11-4 and my team missed a total of 2 shots. He was very displeased and then gave up and showed no interest while his partner wanted a rematch because of the lopsided lost.

This kid shows no respect and had alot of growing up to do in my opinion. Majority of the players in that gym are usually opened minded and up for any challenge and I have never ran into this scenario before. I was very shocked that this actually happened. I really just think deep down he has no respect for players of other skin colors and uses a very general stereo type. Chinese people is not known for great basketball skills. Every country accelerates at their national sport and I have to say basketball is no one of them. This is very upsetting the attitude that this kid has showed. I hope no one gets into a situation where someone can be hurt or abused in any way because of their race.

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Nuit Blanche 2009

Heard about this event last year and didn't find it too attractive to attend, and maybe at that point I wasn't too much into giving up my sleep. This year, with my new photography hobby, things seem to change. I wanted to capture some of the moments and crafts of people giving to this event. Prior from attending I read a few blogs and articles about the event and had some expectation that it was some kind of art festival that is spread out around Toronto. The event starts from 6:55pm to 6:00am and weather all week hasn't been looking too promising. If it was to rain, for sure I wouldn't be attending this event. But the weather was cooperating and Toronto got its Nuit Blanche with a great turn out.

The first place I attended was going to be the best place I visited all night. They had lots of wonderful art work displayed and the concept was crafts on a wall of a loft. Range from paper clippings glued to walls, and murals painted. My girl friend really loved this painting and I agree that was the best thing I saw all night.


As the night progressed from this gallery on, there wasn't really much more paintings or sculptures involved. Most exhibits was using everyday items such as cardboard boxes, cans, pylons, bikes and turned into something called an exhibit. There was long line ups for some exhibits and wasn't worth it because we had other places to explore. A friend of mine was questioning why they wouldn't make this into a multiple day event. The area and items to see is just too great. Some of the food chain and business were open, the ones that were was rewarded with lots of customers and super long line ups. My girlfriend also pointed out that it smelt like New York, and I didn't know why, till I saw all the street vendors and their food on their bbqs going up in the air.
I think aside from the exhibits there should be more participation from the local downtown businesses.

My overall impression is that this is a great event for people to come out just to experience parts of the city which they might not be too familiar. I never seen this many people downtown in my life and especially it was like 3am. For me it got boring as the night was winding down, the temp was dipping, me and my girlfriend was getting tired, and there wasn't too many great items that really interested me to capture as a photographer. I wasn't expecting modern art, where something like a pool of vodka would be something interesting, it caught my attention, but once seeing this pool, there wasn't much and my interest level dropped instantly.

I think I had just too much expectations and including all the other factors the night didn't turn out as great as I planned. I am glad I went out to see what this is all about, and it would be something I wouldn't do unless there was going to be drastic change or some really cool exhibits. It was a good learning experience is all I can say about myself.

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Social Appearance

I wanted to blog about this topic, but I already made a post today. So I'm giving myself a head start and writing this for tomorrow. I thought it was a good discovery on a conversation I was having with someone. I learn t that cosmetic for some people is like a hobby or a collection. You can get obsessed and start buying them like baseball cards it is for guys. Its like boys and their toys. Girls also have their toys. So from the talk of cosmetics I soon to discovered men created many things. Even things that you would not quickly think, oh, a guy can be in this business. Oh and please forgive me if you learn t this already in your history class or somewhere else. What things was I thinking of men wouldn't be doing as a regular job which most guys wouldn't do. Well something in the lines of cosmetology, hair designer, fashion designer. These jobs don't fall under really manly jobs. *no offenses to anyone intended*

Then I start thinking back to the times way back. Realized women was usually suppress by the male race and would be the decision maker and doing everything. Everything would include these jobs such as clothes, hair, makeup. So this translate to the modern time when these jobs would be professions of a female.

Now looking at fashion. There are lots of renouned female designer, but there are still lots of males that exists or influence fashion such as calvin klein, tommy hilfigure, versace, louis vutton, valentino, ralph lauren.

So you must be thinking why I keep on writing about men doing these jobs. Well lets go back in time again, when men did all these jobs. They make clothes for women and of course they would create them as they see fit, since they don't have a say. They would put make up on them to make them look pretty, also for themselves to be more presentable. As time passes this started becoming a norm, where women would look nice for their significant other. Now lets fast forward to the present. Alot of girls in society obsesses over designer clothes, cover their face with makeup, to make yourself perfect without any flaws, wanting to be accepted in society and have to be super thin. What are the causes of these? I would say because men has created all these idealistic for women which has been in existent for centuries. These idealistic surely still exists but has taken a new role. Clothes and makeup has more meaning then to just pleasing men. It has become an art form, and fulfillment process. Looking good/presentable is the norm, male or female.

I know this has been a horrible post for grammar and my thoughts floating all over the place. I hope you can piece this together because it seems such a good idea to blog about when I was having this conversation, and I cannot put the pieces back in which the conversation formed.

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Brands

I just thought of the brands I love to buy and why. The number one factor for clothes, is style and comfort I guess. And for electronics and computers, I just base my decision on reviews from professionals. Also, I guess cost will have to be a big factor as well. Needs and wants also probably help me decide how much I would pay for this item.

I came across blogging about this topic whenever someone talks about purses. What makes a purse worth more than others? Then I started analyzing the same factors I would use when I would buy something. Branding actually doesn't mean that much to me, but I noticed with higher brands there seem to be more quality there. So for instance, a stitches tshirt ($10) compared to a nike fit dry tshirt($40). Well there is actually quite a big difference, and the benefits are huge cause you don't want to be running around with a sweaty tshirt. But then I went to compare a lululemon tshirt to a nike fit dry shirt, and actually the difference was that large, so I would go with a nike tshirt cause it would cost less, and there would be a larger selection. So does the same thing apply to a purse, to compare a coach purse with an LV purse? well I wouldn't know since I don't use them.

The internet has been such a good place for people to voice their opinions and experiences and it has helped and affected the purchase decision of the consumer. I do read up reviews on clothing and the technology behind it and all the features it has. The only flaw to online browsing is that the product may look nice on the web, but may not fit so well on you. I guess this is the big difference with electronics and clothing. Let me stick to clothing. Style I think is important, and one of the major factors when someone selects something, going to a store, and just picking up the item that looks good, you don't know the price and how it feels. Then look at price to see if its within my budget, then if its worth while I might try it on.

I guess there are times when I really wanted something and just bought it no matter what the price is, cause I really needed it, or really wanted something. At these times, there are no other rational for purchase decision. But price does kick in somewhere along the line when I purchase stuff. Clothing is a bit harder to find better deals since there isn't much of a selection compared to female clothing, and sales do come often but might not be for the product you want. Unless you but something that is already on sale you like.

North Face
Their items are expensive in canada. Why I love this brand? They make very good outdoors clothing and equipment. I own jackets and shirts and gloves and they all perform very well under what it was designed to do. The cost isn't so nice, so waiting for sales is the only way I would buy their products.

Lululemon
Their items are very expensive. I would say above North Face Pricing. I got a zip-up sweater, tshirt, pants, long sleeve shirt. Feels nice on the skin, and very comfortable to wear, but their prices are too expensive and I would settle for other brands such as nike or north face. I found their stuff on sale to be fairly cheap at the warehouse sale.

Nike
I own so many nike products I can't keep track. Their shoes are designed quite well compared to addidas, and I notice an actual performance difference. They have very comfortable clothes ranging from tshirts to hoodies. Prices are very reasonable, but by far not the cheapest. They have plenty of outlets and stuff that goes on sale. I say the majority of the clothes I own is nike.

Others
Everything else I love in tech or electronics will have to based on positive reviews and doing researching on what the best products is.

I haven't read much into marketing and how people purchase things. I'm just curious how other people decision making is when they are purchasing an item. Some people say how can girls spend so much money on a purse, but I been guilty of spending so much on things like a camera. But I'm sure everyone loves a sale and not have to spend the full amount when they can get it on sale.

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CRCT

I guess I haven't blogged in a while. I was always thinking of a good topic, and I been caught up with photography, reading up and doing things with pictures. Well I just read the star this morning and it has to do with the CRCT. Most of the things they are doing I don't really agree with because it seems like they are holding back alot of things trying to protect what is so called canadian. But now they seem like they are just about making money and doing big monopolies favors.

So what do I have against the CRCT? well just a few things.

1. They are trying to control the internet and allowing internet service providers to shape traffic. So basically, your paying for a 5MB or whatever speed connection to do whatever you want with it. Then they put certain restriction so you cannot download the speed you pay for. Although this doesn't effect me, but it could, I don't find it fair at all. Its just like buying a very fast car, and they only allow you to go 40 km on it.

2. TV options in canada is pretty sad. With all the extra fees, and all the monopolies. and you can't really pick your package. and basic tv package is basically free with an antenna.

3. They are now not forcing the tv stations in cities less than 300 000 people to give free over the air signals. Although its less than 10% of the population that uses these things but that is a big number of people. People just don't know they can get stuff for free. The big companies have so much control and power.

I really wonder what they are going to do next? They only seem to be working for the big companies, and holding back innovation. and its all about the money. Sure, even the government needs to make money, but its like canada is so behind in so many things that has to do with technology. The only canadian tech thing I can think of that is big is blackberry. I hope there is going to just have more choices in providers and technology available to us. God Bless the CRCT

My new hobby

I recently picked up a new hobby. Photography. So far its been fun trying to capture items, people and landscape. It actually makes me want to get out more, or even revisit alot of common places I usually visit and try to capture something new about it. I find it quite easy to grasp the concepts, but one of the hardest thing to do is to find meaning into the photos that I take. Finding new angles, envisioning how I would enjoy this photo, how the picture can give depth, and how to bounce light off.

I got a digital slr, and I can play around with alot of settings, snap the picture, if it doesn't turn out right I just hit the delete button. It is very easy to play around with it and learning is quite enjoyable. I just think if you were into photography before the digital scene, how much more harder it would be. There would be no preview. You wouldn't know how your picture looked like until you develop the photo. I am glad there is so much technology around which makes learning easy. I am wondering if I should of gotten into this earlier.

Finding a new hobby is quire fun, and I enjoy reading up on techniques on how things are composed. Looking through other people's photoblog gives me more appreciation for photographs and how they appear every where. And reading about equipment and how things work is also very interesting which sounds very techy. I can see why this can be a very expensive hobby and the amount of things you can buy for your camera.

Just like everything else, practice. Even photography needs practice. So many settings and how u want to capture things. After owning a dslr for a week, I now know what a point and shoot camera can do, and why a dslr can cost so much more. Deep down, I can see, the vision or the creative ideas behind the photographer is the most important. Something I think I need more development, or develop a style of shooting.

Aside from just taking the pictures, there are so many things you can do after wards to make your photos even better. It can also take way longer than the time it takes to take the picture. Just so many things to learn. I see people with almost the same equipment as me, and the picture quality is just amazing. So that proves to me, its not the camera in a sense, and its whats behind the camera.

Want to start a photoblog, but there isn't much I can put right now. but I now can write about something that I took a picture of. I would for sure consider photography to be art. I dont know why they don't teach you these kinda things in elementry school, to expand you interest. I have a few ideas that I can write and post photos about. so hope you can help give me some feedback once I get something up.

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Watches

I love wearing a watch. Its the only accessory that I wear, and my glasses don't count, cause I probably not wear it if I didn't have to. But I noticed now watches isn't a very popular thing to alot of people. I am not sure if its a North American cultural thing or if its just a Toronto thing. And has watches become an accessory as well, just as though u would wear it once in a while like earings or necklaces?

I think knowing the time is an important thing. But there are just so many avenues of finding out what the time is. And also the time can be found in many locations everywhere in the city. In New York I was once asked the time, and plenty of times I can remember in toronto. I think alot has to do with cell phones and how everyone uses that as an accesory just like a watch, and I now believe that more people bring and own a cell phone than a watch, which gives you the time. Thanks to the cell phone, I would believe that people would ask the time much less from strangers.

I think in my parents generation in Hong Kong, having a watch is very important for the working and upper class. Owning a specific watch also is like a status symbol as well, just like how alot of older chinese people have rolexs, by the way which I think is not a very fancy watch no matter how much one is worth. But I guess that hasn't evolved much because if back then it was considered a fashion statement, today is no different. Perhaps a white baby g-shock which looks very stylish, or a calculator watch which is very rare, but very functional and old school style.

Whatever the case may be, there are just fewer people wearing watches. And the cell phone I believe is the main source of where people get the time from. It is just annoying how someone would ask you for the time, since its everywhere now, like on the pay phone, or the subway screen. I personally always wear a watch, I know many people who actually stop wearing watches and abandoned it after years of wearing watches, and its become a fashion statement in a way. But in the end, as long as you know the time, whatever way you find out is a good thing. Don't be late as well.

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Overtime Pay

I was in a conference today and I am usually good at zoning stuff out. But today was different. Near the last 15 mins of the speaker's talk, he was talking about overtime pay. From what I heard today, it is some very interesting thing that everyone should know about. Only people who are professionals and truly only manage or supervise at their jobs will not benefit from this blog. It also shows how some people just believe in what their superiors tell them for the good of the company.

So the speaker today that caught my attention name was Richard Nixon. His name was interesting I guess since it was the same as the past President of the USA, but that was not what caught my attention today. It was his topic about Overtime Class Action Lawsuit: Is your organization next? He basically summed up what is happening out there in the workforce.

So to start it off, Professionals under the Employment Standard Act says that these group of people are not entitled to overtime pay when you are working on things that are related to your profession. Sorry to all the lawyers, engineers, doctors, accountants out there, to be more specific you will have to look at the ESA. But there is an exception where if you are a lawyer who wishes to work at McDonald's and works over 44 hrs, then you are entitled to overtime pay. If you are a manager doing non managerial work that your employees do, then you are entitled to overtime pay.

Also another thing that came to my mind that was quite interesting is that, if you decide to work overtime and kept track of the hours you worked which differ from the employers. Also, if your hours were not reported to management, you are entitled to the overtime pay. I learnt that the employer must enforce the hours of work and recognize what the employees are doing.

So after 44 hrs of work you should receive overtime, but I didn't know that by law the maximum work week should not total more than 48 hrs. I know there are exceptions to all things and one of the exception is if you are required to work due to an emergency. But no one should be working more than 48hrs including the professionals.

So when I was working at my previous jobs, I notice management work an insane amount of hours, and mostly totaling more than 48hrs, and although they were managers, they were on occasion doing non managerial work, which qualifies them for overtime pay. I am sure if all these people at their work place came together and put together a class action lawsuit, the employers would lose. The speaker today, truly believe that the employees should be educated, and should not be taken advantage on. At first I strongly believe he stated this because he wanted more lawsuit cases, but he really wanted to educate more people because his daughter was taken advantage of by a reputable canadian financial institute.

Mr. Nixon made a good point that, what if the company wants to pay the overtime, and the employee is willing to work these extra hours, what is so bad about this case? So after working numerous hours, you tend to be tired and burnt out. In some professions people's lives, depend on your job, and also your safety. So one construction worker was killed on the job, and the first thing they looked at is his, work hours for the past 20 weeks, and he worked around 50-70 hrs a week monday to saturday. So I guess he has a point, and I in other industry I guess you might miss something, and might lose millions of dollars. I'm sure there are other reasons why working too much is bad.

If you are to leave your company on bad terms, or if you believe in the principal that the law exists for a reason, you should let your employer know that they should be following the labour law. Whatever you decide, I hope this blog has help opened up your eyes. And Sorry I don't have a direct link to the ESA. I encourage you to read up on the ESA or the labour act.

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TV/Movie Quality and Experience

When you go buy a television now there are some numbers like 1080p and 720p. That is the amount of lines you see on a screen, the larger the number, the clearer the image is. That is also what people refer to as HD. With the days of regular tube televisions (the bulky thing) the max lines that are available to your viewing pleasure is 480 lines. So enough with the definition of what the technology is.

There seem to be a general push in society about things that are visually appealing. So a clearer picture is something good. Many televisions shows, even youtube has started pushing out HD content. I am actually curious what everyday, people who don't care much about what they watch care about this high definition phenomenon.

One thing that comes to mind is people who watch things off youtube. I think the content being played is far more important than any other factor. If you truely enjoy a certain show, or want to watch your favourite actor/actress then I think those people will watch it off anything like a small screen on youtube, very pixelated picture quality.

Another medium which has pretty bad picture quality are those pirated movies that people film with their camcorders in the theatre. Sometimes depending on the film which requires lots of big sound to get the perfect exploding effect, or a hair pin dropping, or someone chasing a character in a horror film requires the full movie theatre experience. When a person watches something like that off youtube, its a total different experience, and might have a different opinion about the film, but again, down to it, when the story is not so great, no matter how well the sound and image is, it will be a bad film.

I've inquired from a few people people and they cannot tell the difference between the high defintion video than that of regular non high defintion. I don't know what the reason for this is, and cannot come to a conclusion or a theory behind this. But I personally enjoy watching things with more details during a sporting event and even a movie. The only good thing for people who cannot tell is that they won't have a bias opionion about the quality since they cannot tell the difference, because once you start liking the good quality stuff all the time, its hard to go back.

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Taxes

Everyone must do their taxes. Is it part of you duty of citizen? I think it is, to help pay for CPP and EI and support all the social things the government helps provides. Lets not get into the debate of how well or what they provide, I'm sure that is another blog on its own. We all benefit from the money you make from paying taxes. So why would I suddenly write about doing taxes? It seems to be there is big money to be made from doing people's taxes or selling tax return software. Most people I know don't do their own taxes. I do my own taxes electronically and after looking at the process I can basically figure out how to do it on paper, not that I would go back to paper format. So why do people not do their own taxes is my biggest question.

In High School, do they teach you and the reason why you should be doing and paying taxes? I didn't take business in high school so I do not know the answer to that. But I know someone who goes out and tries to educate younger people about learning about insurance, and how there is a profession and the use of it. Do they do this about tax? Some times I wonder what they teach in high school. Perhaps I've been out of high school for so long that the circulum has changed so much they do now. For sure I didn't have to make a website, or have to know flash or photoshop.

With computers, the tax software has made filing your taxes quite easy with many senarios. Also the CRA website is very helpful with examples and clear explanation. Basically what I know about doing taxes and what I can claim is from my exposure to these 2 mediums. I can pretty much figure out why they have an interview process. Just like how if you were to goto H&R block. If you don't have complicated investments or business, it should be a simple enough for anyone to do that has graduated from High School.

Also, wouldn't it be beneifical for someone to know about taxes so they can either take advantage of certain things they can claim, or how to save themselves some money by better tax planning. The only down thing is that, if you file something wrong, you will be peanlized and you will owe back government some money and the interest. Or if its the other way, you will receive less money than what you are suppose to get. People should give try to do it some where online, and if they usually let someone else do their taxes, they can see if they can save a buck or so, then also gaining something from educating themselves.

Also, if you knew more about doing your taxes you can cheat the system. Isn't that what sometimes an accountant who knows the rules can play around with your numbers and add it as an expense here and there. So I mean that can also be good, or how much RRSP you should buy to maximize your return. I am in no way a tax expert, everything I know about personal taxes I can read about on the CRA website and they have a good alphabetical index.

I just got fed up with someone telling me that they let someone else do their taxes, when its just their income from their job, and buy some rrsp and tutition. Its not as hard as you think it is. And electronic software has made it so much easier. I even thought maybe there is a generation gap for people who actually do their own taxes, but I don't think that is the case. People's parents reminds their kids when they do it, and take away this responsibility or the knowledge. Oh well, I don't think this trend is going to change unless something is implemented earlier in people's lives and if you hold their hands to show them how easy it is, that might trigger something.

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Travelling behavior

When i was walking around downtown Toronto sometimes i wonder if people are tourist or just everyday torontonians. One main thing that tourist have around their necks or hands are cameras and a map. But again now everyone brings a camera with them since they are so compact. Most other people walking around with backpacks are students and people wearing a suit and skirts are usually people working in the offices.

when you goto a new place knowing its mainly for tourists do you get sucked into paying the entrance fee or buying souvenirs? I certainly do. I feel that since i am not there many times in my life i should have the experience of visiting or doing a certain activity associated with the sight. Its something memorable in either a positive or negative way that i can talk about and it also adds to my knowledge and feel like Ive experience something that is not part of our everyday life.

Does your spending habits change when your on vacation? You spend more freely? And have the mentality of trying to get the most out of the new environment without holding back? I think when you don't have alot of money to spend you shouldn't really be travelling unless you are doing one of those working and living in a new city type of travelling trips. For instance eating out might be expensive but its some specialty food you cannot back at home and your willing to try this, i would definitely go and try this new thing.

I like to roam around the city and try to see what the locals do and see how life is. Also at the same time visit all the popular sites. I really don't like tour groups since the time travel is really limited and you really have to follow a schedule. Alot of times i get lost but that seems more adventurous and leads me to new things that i didn't expect to see.

Language barrier seems to be a big problem in some places but Ive made it outta those places alive but i couldn't really experience the local food and had to figure out alot on my own. I'm just curious of how everyone is when they are traveling?

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Canadian Identity

In many other countries there is mainly one dominant culture group. In russian over 90% of the people there are russian and same in majority of the countries. This leads to what is it to be canadian? USA has sorta the same problem, but most people consider themselves american instead of their own heritage. This issue in exisits more in the majority cities such as Toronto and Vancouver where it is like a melting pot of cultures and ethnic groups. From school, I learnt that canada cannot sustain the birth rate and rely heavily on immigrants. This issue is also the strength and weakness of canada. If someone asks me what is canadian, I really can only say hockey is one of the things that everyone in canada can say is truly canadian. Is there canadian food? nothing really quick comes to mind.

It is great that Toronto especially has such a big diversity. So If I was to show someone Toronto, I would show them greek town, little italy, chinatown, little india, but are canadian restaurants just like tim hortons, and fast food places which exists all over Canada and the US? I think if I asked anyone about what nationality they are they would say where they came from originally. Also, many people always refer to the phrase back home, so canada isn't really their home in a way. Another example of diversity is just driving north of toronto, many stores have their business signs in a different language.

I don't think this trend will change and that is the backbone of canadian culture. Although I don't see this type of diversity outside the major cities of canada.

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What is the definition of sucess

Today I was sitting at a conference and I was thinking what does it really mean successful? I was in a room filled with lawyers, they all have their Louie Vutton handbags and their high paying jobs, and doesn't seem like they are worried about the recession at all, since it was a packed house and there is no sign of less people attending conferences.

Then I compared myself to these lawyers in the room and asked myself if I was successful. Do I have a good paying job? Do I wear fancy clothes? Do I have expensive accessories? I don't have any of those, but I still consider myself successful, not having to suffer, and having good friends and family around me.

I looked up the definition of successful on dictionary.com and found a meaning that would relate to my posting
- having attained wealth, position, honors, or the like.

I guess to the world being successful means having those things above. From my personal definition I believe doing what you like and being happy doing it will lead to success. Relative to the millionaires and billionaires I will never obtain that much amount of money, but that doesn't make me not successful. I earn enough to support myself and pay my bills. I set out to complete my degree and that is an accomplishment being the first in my family to graduate with a university degree. I guess to me, these accomplishments mean something and which makes me successful. I don't need a dollar amount to tell me that I'm important and don't have people looking down on me because I do not have money.

From students to retirees to all the people working, everyone should have a different definition of successful. It should be more goal orientated and less about how financially well off a person is. Money is not the only factor that should determine how successful you are. It is all about yourself and how you life your life, if you are happy then you are on your way to success.

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Social Networking

If you saw the title you probably think that I was going to post something about social networking websites such as facebook and myspace. I been pondering about transportation and how important it is. I believe that a good transit system brings better human social networking and how a city can benefit from it.

In the news we always hear about the government bailing the car companies out with billions of dollars, but instead of bailing out these companies, why not invest more on public transit, although I think it is too late now, because I think new communities are developed around owning a car and driving from point A to B.

I am making a very generalized comment from just observation and not really doing much research. What do the world's busiest citys have in common such as London and New York? A massive transit system where cars don't rule the street. With the ease of getting to any location, you can build hubs around the stations, such as restaurants, markets, and many other stores and businesses. With the development of all these business, it has the potential to grow to be a downtown of its own, and create jobs, new retail opportunities and that will hopefully expand to its own hotspot.

It is also better for the environment where people are not reliant on their cars. The greatest benefit is also the ease people can get together without driving a long distance. I just hate how I have to drive to a subway station and park my car there, and how much more convienet it would be if I can just take a subway and not worry about parking fees, and if your too tired you don't have to worry about traffic, or the bad drivers on the road. But I guess if you really dislike sharing a space with strangers then there isn't any benefits to riding public transit. As people move on with their lives, they tend not to stay in one place and move around, and then all your friends are no longer within a 5-10km radius. This to me is a big problem and I think better transit system can help.

I've been to 3 cities with major public transit infrastructure and there are just people all over the streets and makes the city more lively and exciting. Those places seem like there are just so many things to do. I don't know if it has to also do with the climate in those regions, but I don't think that is a problem, but would also help because then people wouldn't have to drive when its winter time and New York, London, Tokyo all have snow and cold winter conditions.

Down to it, I think I will benefit socially with a better transit system. I would never have to worry about a snow storm and places closing early. There would be more stores and retail business around my house. People would be more outgoing and walking more and have the opportunity to do more and would have healither people instead of being couch potatoes.

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Technology in everyday life

Yesterday was my birthday. I thank everyone who was either remember sometime either early, late, or the day of, it is good of everyone to remember. I had a wonderful weekend and realized how lucky I am to have such great people to celebrate my birthday over the whole weekend. There was never a dull moment and I can actually say I had a good and exciting weekend. I received a new keyboard as a gift and getting use to typing on it as we speak.

So how did people remember my birthday? I sometimes don't remember everyone birthday, and I don't really write anything down. Alot of people sent me birthday wishes over facebook, and that makes me wonder without it, they wouldn't of actually known it was my birthday. One time I actually put the wrong birthday on my facebook on purpose to see how many people actually knew that it was a fake, it was to show how well someone knew me I guess. But then now I look at how important a few things in our lives are very important. Facebook has become so useful, like keeping track of people's birthdays, letting people communicate with each other, and finding a medium where people can arrange for special events. Another thing that comes to mind are smartphones, such as the blackberry and texting. These two things might extend outside of personal use, but I think they make you more socialable and connect you with the rest of your friends which you might not even talk to all the time. This also brings a good opportunity for someone to catch up with your life without being there, that sounds like a good and a bad thing. Good in a sense that although you and your friend might be on two different continent, but you both can communicate and know of each others events, and social life. On the down side, it is like being lazy, and you just know of whats happening in your friends life but not really do anything about it.

I think people can't live without these things. I am one of those people who cannot remember everyone birthday except certain people. Like for example I cannot remember when mothers day, fathers day, my moms and dad's birthday. Sorry mom and dad. But for the people who really doesn't really care and just there to send a happy birthday, do those people really care? or is it just so easy to send a simple message, so its like thoughtless? I've always wondered. I on occassion really don't like doing small talk and it just seems something like that, but I mean that can spring into something more interesting.

In another case, alot of people get addicted to technology that they use everyday life. I think inventions are great and although some inventions is made for the lazy person, but it makes things more efficient, like the electric tooth brush, I think its actually better to have the head of the brush rotate more freqently than you manually brushing your teeth. Now how people can search through articlese on an online catlog and make research much better.

I think it is important to at least try to use new technology. You don't have to like everything, but if the majority of people out there is using something, there must be something good about it, but thats for you to decide. Can't live under a rock all your life.

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Daily Routines

I see, read things that always seem to repeat itself. Like how nature is, the rain falls, then flows to the river, and the sun turns that into the clouds and a cycle repeat itself. Are we like the rain, or that particle of water that just keeps on going and going in circles? I think the only cycle we have thats been predetermine is that we are born and we die.

Most days I feel like routines are part of our everyday lives. If you have the luxury to be less repetitive then you are different that most people I feel. A life of your avg joe office worker, wake up, goto work, finish work, go home, rest, repeat. Maybe even going to your weekly league. Seems pretty boring. It seems like we can't escape routines. But I would like to look forward to the things that are different everyday, maybe thats why vacations are so great, doing things that you usually don't do, seeing things you don't normally see. Or finishing work going home to your family greeting you where you never know whats really going to happen. In the end if you are happy, you really don't care if its repetative, as long as you enjoy doing what you are doing.

I guess not all routines are boring and bad. Its what you make of it. I think you will truely appreciate a holiday when you are sick of tired of waking up everyday going to work and having some fun.

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Bad Excuses

In my days around, I've been on the receiving end of many excuses, I'm sure everyone has, and I'm also sure everyone has used excuses for some type of situation. Sometimes aren't you just sick and tired of hearing excuses. Might be someone prolonging some tasks perhaps quit smoking, or you might get an excuse that just might seem far fetched. With people giving you an answer such as maybe which is not definite will also lead to excuses, in my case, when I hear a not so definite answer, my first instinct is to just consider it a NO. There is always an exception to this, such as how well you know someone might determine what this indefinite answer might be, or maybe there is some type of legitimate reason, so I guess its not so good jumping to conclusion, but in my case, certain people I know, when they give me answers such as, I'll get back to you, or call me back the day before, that probability of the answer being No is actually quite high, or even worst off, No answer at all and they just ignore you.

Does it ever bother you if people constantly giving you a indefinite answer? I personally just stop asking people questions if that is the case, because I would 99% know the answer already. Even if someone stops you on the street and asks you for a donation you don't have to make up excuses to not wanting to donate, I am sure they know most people won't stop to talk to them. If a person doesn't really matter, just as a stranger, does it matter we use an excuse? I would just tell them as it is, since they don't know me, and I will never see them again. If your friends constantly does this excuse giving, it makes you wonder how creditable they are, and they just become liars, and it might become chronic. Sometimes I think people don't give you a definite on like an outing is, they are waiting for better plans to come, if your not as interesting, then bye bye to you. I mean as an adult I believe we are old enough to listen to the truth, and mature enough to hear the real reasons. Sometimes it is just easier with just a yes or no, instead of, maybe, we'll see.

I guess the one of the worst experience perhaps to have is people giving you lame excuses. I believe some people are just too lazy to do their job and have to make up something to get you to help them, and maybe perhaps take over the duties. I hear this the most is, people just pretending to be sick, I guess that is very common, even little kids knows how to do that.

Please next time if you ever decide to give an excuse, be more considerate to the person you know. It is hard to plan an event if you don't give them a yes or no answer. Oh wait, I guess for more important events, there is a RSVP deadline.

I guess lying is a totally different subject and for a second I was going to write something about that, but I guess giving excuses can lead to lying which is the only connection I made with the two in this post.

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Family Relations

This issue came across very awkwardly and then something new has entered my head, and given me a new perspective once again. I am no therapist or expert in this subject area, but just only from my observation and experiences has led me to these thoughts.

What would you consider a healthy family relationship? I believe as people grow older they mature and see things in a new way. Maybe better, maybe worst. Does money ever play an effect of how family ties are? Are there things that has happened in the past that you just can't let go and forever change the way you look or interact with your family?

It has always been known that the Canadian culture has encouraged that their kids move out at a certain age. I don't know many people that has done that but even the only person that I can think of, the family ties are very strong, and its more of a tradition and parents wanting their kids to grow up and mature into an adult. Just recently in an article, this trend might not be so popular because of the recession. I guess they can write about anything during recession and how it effects life. I actually don't know this person well, so I cannot really gain anything more out of this.

You had bad memories as a child that you can't for go? I mean it can get really bad and ruin the rest of your life. Like in the Toronto star, they finally sentence the Austria man, whom locked up his daughter for 25 yrs in the basement and admitted to incest. I don't know how that woman can be normal ever again, and what these people went through. Hopefully they are strong enough just to try to look forward to all the good things in life. Something like that I don't think is easily forgiven. Does these bad things happen again and again, I can agree that the family relationship has been torn and very hard to fix, and hatred will come. I don't blame people for not liking their own family or certain members.

Some people do not have an easy life, where the parents spend most of the time working and have little time to spend with their families. It seems that it is very common, and stories you hear on the newspaper and people who made it from the poor tell their stories. All this because of money, once they do obtain financial stability they help out their family. Supporting the family financially is very honorable thing, but does that make you closer to your family? Some people don't have that luxury to financially help their families and I don't think that makes them any less than anyone that does.

I don't know what the perfect family relationship is. Everyone is different, every family has different standards. Maybe they are just as happy for their kids to financially support them and not really spend much time with them since they know they are hard at work. Or its that time of day, where the only time people see each other and converse with each other around the dinner table. I believe that its not the quantity but its the quality of the time you spend with your family. If its fun and enjoyable then time isn't really an issue and time will just pass.

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Why sports is appealing to me

I really like playing sports especially basketball and tennis. Although I get injured from playing basketball I continue to play. What makes it worst when your injured and can't play, its so hard to stay away from the game. Oh by the way, I am not injured right now. I do have slight injury but nothing serious.

As everyone reads in the news or hear that exercise is good for you, that is probably one of the greatest reason to play sports or do something active, but that is not the main reason why I love playing. I just find it very fun. It feels good to do something competitively. Everytime you play a game of anything, there is usually a winner and a loser, who really likes to lose? I sure don't, but sometimes you just can't help to lose. But when you win, the feeling is great, and makes you want to win and shows all the hard work you put in, or you have some type of talent. If you lose, and try to see what you done wrong or ways to improve, its also a good way to evaluate yourself. Sometimes you need some type of stretegy to win, and see your opponents stregth and weakness, although sports is physical there is a mental aspect of the game. And how you react under pressure.

In team sports you have to learn to play with others and work as a team. In a game of soccer and basketball people have their roles and have to learn how to cooperate with each other and use everyone strength to achieve a victory. In an NBA commerical (darn I can't find it on youtube) but their message that its more than a game. Its something you can learn by having fun, in a game.

Sometimes you just can't win based on phyical ability when all the other players are on the same level you are. So thats when you have to use your head. I'm sure that a younger kid might not be able to think of things like that and thats when a coach is important, and develop an analyitical aspect to sports, to break down peoples weakness or to run a set play and learn how to excute plays.

Learning the basics and fundamentals is very important. You should learn how to do things the correct way. Just like many things in life is important.

I don't know the statistic about kids playing sports staying away from drugs and trouble, but I'm not going to get into that.

Well I'm sure there are many more reasons why sports is a good thing other than getting good exercise. Sometimes I feel parents put lots of pressure on their kids to do well in sports and takes the fun out of it. But its a good set of things you can gain from doing sports. Thats why I would promote sports and I personally do it myself. Oh yes, dedication & determination is also important that I didn't want to leave out, how can I forget? Its like all these people going to the gym working out have goals they want to accomplish either building muscles, looking great, or losing weights, those are all goals that they are determined to accomplish and requires lots of dedication. I don't see myself working out since I can't be self modivated that easily. Playing sports with friends is also good time to hang out with your friends or you can make friends from playing sports. So you can network and make new friends. Oh I really have to stop, its like a non stop subject I can go on forever and ever.

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Welcome to my new Blog

Hello all,

I decided to start a blog. It has been a popular item but now I have a reason to start a blog. This will be my outlet to some of my random thoughts and what better way to do that then a blog. Facebook I don't think its a good tool, the note function is what I am referring to.

So why the name 2nd starbucks cup? Well, not that I really love drinking coffee like an addiction, I do like going to second cup and starbucks. If I had a choice I goto a coffee place than a Bubble Tea place. If I ever had to run servers, I name it like starbucks or something and each domain or something would be like a type of drink or name of a coffee. For your information, my choice of drinks from Second Cup is Caramel Corretto, and Starbucks is Cafe Mocha. I actually don't actually remember going to either one of these establishment actually.

I think I can also blog on my blackberry while I'm on the subway. I guess I can do that if I don't fall asleep like I usually do. I think Coffee shops is a good place to meet up with people and catch up and usually they don't kick you out or I feel obligated to leave unless they are closing. I'm going to make a conscious effort to update this blog.

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