Adrian's Lemon Juice Blog

Geocities is Almost Gone

2009-07-11T13:27:00.004-04:00

Hi All,

I used to use Geocities a lot. But now it's dying a slow death. Got the below email:

Dear Yahoo! GeoCities customer,

We're writing to let you know that Yahoo! GeoCities, our free web site building service and community, is closing on October 26, 2009.

On October 26, 2009, your GeoCities site will no longer appear on the Web, and you will no longer be able to access your GeoCities account and files.

What You Need to Do
If you'd like to move your web site, or save the images and other files you've posted online, you need to act now by choosing one of the following options:

•Move your site to Yahoo! Web Hosting.
We know your files are important to you, and we want to make moving to Web Hosting as easy and affordable as we can. For a limited time, you can move your files automatically, take advantage of terrific features like a personalized domain name and email, even redirect your GeoCities web address to your new site — all for only $4.99 a month for a full year.

For more information and complete terms, please see our special offer now.

•Download your files to your own computer.
With your pages and images saved offline, you can re-create your site with any hosting provider.

To quickly download your published files, visit your GeoCities web site, right-click on each page, and choose Save Page As... from the menu that appears. Choose a location on your computer to save your files, then click OK or Save. Learn more about downloading your files.

Don't Wait
Please be aware that after October 26, your GeoCities files will be deleted from our servers, and will not be recoverable. If you'd like to save your files, you must download them now or move to Yahoo! Web Hosting. If you need assistance, please visit the help center.

We want to thank you for being a GeoCities customer, and hope you continue to enjoy our other Yahoo! services.

Best regards,

The Yahoo! GeoCities team

As you know I escaped Yahoo! about a year ago, and there is no way I'd go back. I had kept some files on my free account for a long time, though. I have just downloaded them all. Let me know if I missed anything :)

Michael Jackson RIP

2009-06-25T18:31:00.002-04:00

RIP Michael Jackson

August 29th, 1958-June 25th 2009

Revamp of Site

2009-06-18T20:45:00.003-04:00

People have asked where are the poems and stories on my website? Nowhere. I have taken them all down. Why? There is no reason to buy a book of my stuff if I give it away for free. Also I am finding as I get older, pen and paper is more satisfying. Sucks I know, but I am more creative that way....I hope you understand..

Whats the name of the song on the Telus uptime downtime commercial?

2009-06-10T21:10:00.005-04:00

Seen this Telus commercial called uptime/downtime?

well in case you got hooked to the song... and wanted to hear more of it, the song in the Telus ad is "Ahead of My Time" by Teddybears. Here is their video:

Lyrics to Ahead Of My Time :
Gather around,
Listen to my champion sound
Super tone,
Brand new, top of the charts
Gather around
Listen to my champion sound
Super tone,
Brand new, top of the charts
Ahead of my time, oh yeah
Ahead of my time, oh yeah
Oh yeah

Its not the lyrics its the musical hook, and cool guitar licks

Disable Yahoo Chat

2009-04-26T16:24:00.003-04:00

I must apologize if you are trying to get me through Yahoo! Chat. Don't bother. I hate it. I keep getting asked by obvious spammers to be their friends. Actually I have gotten hundreds of requests from people I don't know. I was so fed up it's completely disabled. If you wish to disable Yahoo Chat as well, it's not hard but quite well hidden in their documentation. So here's the skinny on how to sign out of/disable Yahoo! chat:

1. Under “Chat & Mobile Text” on the left of the page, click the menu to the right of the words “I am”. This opens a pull-down menu. (as above)
2. Click Sign out of Chat.

Since Yahoo! Mail remembers your settings from session to session, you'll be signed out of chat until you change it. I can tell you I won't be enabling it any time soon!

The Real Bail-Out: Stop Collecting Taxes

2009-03-13T22:47:00.003-04:00

I have a wonderful idea for a real bailout. How about a tax holiday? Just look at the math. The Americans pass a 700 Billion dollar bailout package but collect roughly $87.3 billion in Tax Revenue in February. Wouldn't it make sense to let people and businesses off the hook for taxes for a couple of months. Let people decide how to spend their money. I'm sure most people with extra income will use it to buy products or companies will use it to expand services or hire more people. One way or another tax payers are on the hook for any deficit, so why not let them have the money to do as they wish even for a small period of time? And besides, why not let the consumer decide which businesses decide to which business's/services deserve their hard earned cash? Unfortunately we all know this won't happen. It's too bad, though. We deserve some say in how our money is spent....

Obama!

2009-02-01T09:42:00.007-05:00

I have really remained quiet about Obama. But no more. I must say, I am really enjoying watching Obama and what he has done so far. he is no slouch. I wanted to wait and see what he actually did rather than get swept up on heaving praise upon him. I am now sure he is right person at the right time. I am looking forward to see what he does. Now, in these economic times, we need someone intellectual who wishes to try things and accepts differing opinions. Tim will obviously be the great judge to what he does, but I can see already from the changes and steps he has taken, we are in for an interesting four years. One of things I really appreciate is Obama understanding the power of the internet and technology. I am also happy to see a President using a Blackberry, and communicating via YouTube to talk directly to the people.

Archie Comics

2009-01-06T20:43:00.003-05:00

The other day I was feeling nostalgic. Who can tell why. It just happens, especially around the new year. Any way, I decided to spend some time leafing through some old Archie Comics remembering all the laughs and good times. It's been at least 15 years since I last read Archie Comics, and wondered if they were the same. To my pleasure they were. You can read some past issues, listen to old time radio, get some cool Archie screen savers, read Archie & Judghead's Blog and even more at the official Archie website. Although the website is not as intense as the Marvel or DC comics website, it is something familiar, something nice and wholesome. It was a pleasure to reconnect with the gang. It's also given me a hankering to actually search out the daily Archie Comic strip, and pick up some new Archie Comics. If you haven't checked out Archie Comics in a while, it's time to indulge yourself in some nostalgia. Happy reading!

Peachtree Channel 115 - WPCH - Dropped by Videotron

2008-12-30T23:39:00.004-05:00

I am not a crazy TV watcher, but there a few channels which I really enjoy. One of those channels is what had become Peachtree TV (the old TBS). Frankly, I didn't care for the reruns or Atlanta Braves Baseball, but they always had great movies. For the most part, they were usually movies I wanted to see, but I somehow missed. Peachtree TV was where I would catch them. And one of the good things they had going for them was an ability to showcase classic movies, long forgotten by other channels. Just like last night. I was watching Cool Runnings, that classic John Candy movie. Not something you get anywhere. I turned off the TV and went to bed.

Today I woke up, worked on some stuff, and didn't turn the television on to much much later. To my surprise, the channel had a message "This channel is no longer available. Contact Videotron". Being how late it was, I could not call Videotron, because they closed several hours ago. I decided to search the net. Surely Videotron would have a statement on their website or on their bill I had just paid. I went to check. Nothing. I mean, I was a paying customer for a channel, so surely I would be advised of the cancellation. But alas it seems I am not that important to Videotron. Coming across several sources,discussing (the polite word) of how Videotron had dumped Peachtree due to excessive fees. Wow! What a turn of foot. Videotron being charge an exorbitant price? How does it feel? Sort of like when I pay the bill with extra fees....don't get me started...

Anyway the formal statement from Videotron goes as such:

"The channel Peachtree (WPCH-17 Atlanta) is no longer available through our cable television service. This channel which was on position 115 has been removed from our channel grid. This removal is due to the present economic context and to the higher costs demanded by the broadcaster to offer it.

If you have the Peachtree channel in your à la carte package, you should change if for another channel. Note that most of Peachtree TV's programming is found on several American channels as well as other specialised channels which we already offer. We suggest you consult your TV guide.

Thank you for your understanding."

My life won't end because I lose a TV station. In the end, I just wish I would have been advised. I believe it's part of something we used to call customer service.

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to All

2008-12-24T14:49:00.003-05:00

Hi All,

Just wanted to wish all the readers of the blog the most wonderful holiday season! I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday season!

Play Mike Tyson's Punch Out Online

2008-12-20T19:14:00.008-05:00

I heard a story about a new Mike Tyson's Punch Out coming out for the Wii. Of course they don't call it Mike Tyson's Punch Out, but it sure looks and feels like it. Check out the trailer:

If you are really nostalgic and want to play the original Mike Tyson's Punch Out, try it out here. Have fun!

Street Cleaning Has Begun In Earnest

2008-12-14T12:12:00.003-05:00

I guess someone was feeling like me, because above is the evidence of the snow cleaning in Montreal, beginning in earnest. Yes, including salt! Yippee!

Where is the road salt?

2008-12-14T11:35:00.004-05:00

I was out with O the last couple of days driving in Montreal. The street cleaning is the worst I can recall at the start of any winter. And not because of what you think. It's not that the streets are full of snow, it's more the "low-sodium" diet they are imposing on the roads. There are large blocks of ice near intersections, at stop lights, at the top of hills all begging for salt. And there is none to be seen. Riding in a car anywhere over 40 KM/h on any street without two hands could see you slide into the car next to you. And believe me, I have winter tires on, but I didn't feel any safer. Hey Montreal, bring on the salt!!!!

Quebec Election 2008

2008-12-09T19:13:00.002-05:00

So I actually was one of the few that actually went to the polls last night...and surprise surprise the Liberals are now in firm power in Quebec. Frankly, I'm just glad we won't be going to the polls for another 3 years (minimum). I would have been happy if Gumby had won, just so I didn't need to vote anymore :p I guess we can now all focus on what is sure to be a Federal election in the Spring.

Election in Canada: October 14th 2008

2008-10-14T19:40:00.002-04:00

And so it is the final moment,the election is under way. People are voting. Things are happening, democracy is in the works....and the winner is anyone's guess....

****
Another Tory Minority. Ouch. I actually thought that US move for change might get up here...oh well...

Canadian Election 2008

2008-10-08T21:20:00.003-04:00

I am so unimpressed by all the candidates in this election. I have decided to use the best strategy to choose the next PM of Canada, used by many for years:

Montreal Loses Grand Prix

2008-10-08T20:43:00.003-04:00

I am really sad about Montreal losing the Grand Prix, but not in the way most people think. Really, the only reason I am sad is the loss of revenue for the merchants and workers who rely on this summer "bonus" check. It's another major event Montreal loses. Other than that if you never were concerned or worried about the Expos leaving, I don't want to hear you complain about the Grand Prix. Major League Baseball was by far a greater sporting event, and brought in/had more potential then any race could have. Everyone with power just sat still and let the Expos go. If people had half the passion to save the Expos the way people are crying and fawning over F1, we might be watching "Nos Amours" in the Baseball Playoffs right now. The real reason I think people are so upset about the Grand Prix leaving is the reminder another "major" event is leaving a city that was once "the place" to be for an event. All we have left now is Hockey and Nascar. I love my Habs, and I am starting to like Nascar, but the loss of Baseball still makes me sad. And when people talk about tax money to repair the track or redo the track to woo back the Grand Prix, I want to know where was this money to keep the Expos? Where was the local government and mayor to help build the downtown stadium? Where were the people to show up and support our team in the streets? Montreal could (and was) a great baseball city. It can support a team. The problem was the venue. Always was the reason, no matter what revisionists tell you. There were people lined up ready to buy tickets at the downtown stadium (pictured above). There was no doubt in my mind. And while Jeffery Loria wasn't a saint, I still think he wasn't the devil many made him out to be. The reality is, he got no support, and stepped in when no one else cared to run the franchise. We collectively got what we deserved. So lets do what we need to save the Grand Prix. It's an important event for this city. I just hope if ever we get another chance at a MLB franchise, these same people show up and work at getting the same kind of support.

Do Not Call Canada List

2008-09-30T14:29:00.004-04:00

Today is the first day of Canada's Do Not Call List. I tried several times during lunch hour to register and each time I was told "The service is not available. Please try again later." Frankly, I am not surprised. I am sure like many other Canadians, the amount of "Spam" calls is out of control. Everyday, I come home to at least 2-3 calls on my answering machine. And not normal human calls. They are automated and unsolicited 5 minute messages selling/offering products, that I have no need or want for. It drives me batty. I can't wait to register my phone number. Even though the list excludes several groups including political parties and newspapers, the majority of my calls are not from them. Most of the calls I get are from "questionable" companies who somehow thought I would care to do a survey or buy some useless product or service from them. Once I register, I will make sure after 30 days notice period, I am vigilant in reporting violations. In case you are interested in more about the "do not call" list in Canada, here are the basics:

Your registration is valid for a three (3) year period and becomes effective thirty-one (31) days after you register. You will not be notified when your three (3) year registration period expires. If you want your registration to continue without interruption, you should re-register your number(s) before the registration period expires.

Registering on the National DNCL will not eliminate all telemarketing calls as there are some exemptions, including calls for or on behalf of:

Canadian registered charities;
Organizations that you have done business with in the past eighteen (18) months, or to whom you have made an inquiry in the past six (6) months;
Political parties, candidates, and associations of members of a political party;
Persons collecting information for a survey of members of the public;
Newspapers of general circulation for the purpose of soliciting subscriptions;
Persons or entities to whom you have provided express consent to be called; or
Calls to businesses.

You may further reduce unwanted telemarketing calls by directly and expressly making a request to any of the above organizations (except for market research firms that collect information for a survey) to place your number(s) on their specific do not call list.

If you rceive a call from a group not listed above, 31 days after reigstering, you can file a complaint here.

***Update***
I am now on the do-not call list!

RIP Peaches

2008-09-27T12:14:00.004-04:00

Been a sad time for me right now. My dog of 12 years just passed. RIP Peaches. Hope you are having fun up there in the sky. We miss you...

No tickets for me...

2008-09-21T11:32:00.002-04:00

I am sad to report, I was not able to get any tickets. Oh well. The TV it is I guess

Let's Do That Again: Canadiens Site is Down

2008-09-14T17:19:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I was trying to buy Habs Tickets for the 2008-09 season. The site was down. Now I have to wait for Wednesday. I hope I get the games I want...

Montreal favourite Terry DiMonte returns to Montreal on Q92

2008-09-05T07:41:00.003-04:00

As I covered his departure, from Montreal, I thought I should tell (remind) you the news: Terry DiMonte will be back on air daily with a new noontime show on Montreal's Q92, starting September 8. It will be a broadcast from Calgary.

Summer is over...Officially.

2008-09-05T07:37:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't written in a while. I was trying to eek out the last few days of summer. The reality of it being over has just hit me too hard to be in a mood to write, but I will soon again.

La Verita: New Italian Restaurant in DDO

2008-07-29T21:03:00.004-04:00

La Verita caught my eye the second I saw it appear, but tonight was the first time I had the delight to enjoy the treats within. It can be found in the old space once occupied by Java U in the Marche De L'Ouest parking lot, parallel to Madisons NYC. I had the pleasure to dine on the terrace, which was spacious and well designed. It had the art of class and casual just right. The music was loud enough to enjoy, but soft enough to hear others speak. The menu, which I had never seen outside the restaurant was still hidden until I sat. To be honest, this was the one reason I had never been to La Verita. I had no idea what they had to eat, and a search for a website found me hopeless. Finally, the curiosity got me, so I took the plunge for a meal, and learnt the secrets within. As they say at La Verita: "The Truth is out". The reason for a lack of menu, is the Chef, in his genius is using the freshest ingredients from the market, and changing the menu often. The deserts are to die for and homemade. No frozen, defrosted, or Costco packaged delight here--90% are made in-house according to our knowledgeable, friendly and good humored waiter. The main meals themselves were reasonably priced from 22-55 dollars. Appetizers were generous in size and fresh as one could imagine making at home. The Calamari was out of this world, as was the Buffalo cheese and tomato's. The main courses, covered from chicken, to veal, to lamb. Each in our party had there meal to the required tenderness and cooked to perfection. The meals came in fair portions for the money, and on plates lovely decorated with care. This is definitely a place to try out, to impress a business associate, to take a loved one, or celebrate a joyous occasion. Now the truth is out, and I hope everyone knows about one of the best restaurants in the West Island you've yet to dine at. Here is the information to contact the restaurant and make your reservation tonight:

La Verita
11680 Boul. de Salaberry, D.D.O, H9B 2R8
Telephone 514 684 4999

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Howard Stern's revolution continues: XM-Sirius Finally Merge

2008-07-26T13:48:00.007-04:00

It's done! Howard Stern's revolution can now continue. XM and Sirius have FINALLY been approved for merger by the FCC: "The commission gave its final nod to the merger late Friday in a 3-2 vote, following an agreement by the companies to voluntarily pay a combined $19.7 million in fines for prior FCC violations.... which included signal interference complaints and concerns that some receivers and signal towers didn't comply with federal guidelines...Under the terms of the deal, the companies agreed not to raise prices for the next three years and will set aside 8% of their content for educational and minority-focused programming. They'll also offer an à la carte option, allowing subscribers to pick and choose only the channels they prefer to receive." There is also an unwritten unofficial reason which is the fear of Howard Stern. It obvious there was some hope to delay this merger as long as possible. In many ways, the merger had to be approved now, being one of the longest merger cases in history. While there have been claims this will create a monopoly, the truth is satellite radio is just another form of entertainment fighting for users ears and dollars. There is competition from terrestrial radio, from iPod's, DVD's and more. But the wait is finally over for more than 18 million (and more to come now as the uncertainty is over)XM and Sirius subscribers! There are two groups of subscribers who will be really excited by this news. People who love Howard Stern and Sports fanatics. The hope now is people who love sports can now hear all four major sports on one service, and those that choose XM for certain channels, can also now get the Howard Stern Show. There is no word yet from XM Canada or Sirius Canada on what this means for consumers. Going by what was previously posted, it looks like this decision will not impact Canadian users. In Canada, XM and Sirius are separate entities as noted on the XM Canada website: "There will be no change in the service we deliver to our Canadian subscribers. This U.S. development has no immediate implications for Canadian subscribers. XM Canada is an independent Canadian-owned company that holds the exclusive license to provide XM Satellite Radio services in Canada. We remain committed to providing our subscribers with the finest digital audio entertainment and information services in the country.....The stated intent of our XM U.S. partner and Sirius is to maintain two separate satellite delivery systems. This will ensure that your XM radio will continue to operate as it does today for the foreseeable future. There will be no disruption or change to the availability of your XM service as we continue to deliver the best in commercial-free music, comedy, talk, news, and sports including coverage of the NHL, and exclusive coverage of MLB (Major League Baseball) and the PGA (Professional Golf Association). " So Canadian users will just have to wait patiently to see if anything develops., but it look as though the status quo is all Satellite Radio listeners in Canada can look forward to. Oh well...Nothing new about that I guess...