the Krazy Canadian Blog

How Schools Kill Creativity.

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:12:00 +0000

Here's another video. This one is by Ken Robinson about how our schools, and our society really, helps to kill our creativity rather than encourage it. Creativity is something I have been thinking about for a while now. I've finally realized that intelligence shouldn't really be measured by the amount of information we can cram into our heads, but rather our ability to create solutions to problems, or just create a song or piece of art. In fact I believe that when we constantly fill our head with information, we leave less room for truly innovative ideas.

There are some interesting ideas in this video about how even parents can stifle creativity. I paid close attetion to this since I have to young ones and have done some of the that Ken talks about here.

Anyway, this is a powerful speach that I thought some of you would enjoy.

The Paradox of Choice.

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Sun, 24 May 2009 05:09:00 +0000

This is a video I found by Barry Schwartz. He talks about how freedom of choice can actually be harmful rather than helpful. It can actually paralyze a person instead of setting them free.
I think this really describes a whole lot of people in the "Western" societies.

With so many choices in life, it can really be hard to make decisions.

I've studied Sociology for 3 years and I really think this is one of the huge problems in our culture.
I know it's 19 minutes long, but trust me, it's worth the watch.

Peanut Products Recalled for Salmonella

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 04:03:00 +0000

There has been a recall on peanut products in Canada and the US that might be contaminated with salmonella. Ice cream, chocolate bars, and a whole wack of other stuff.

You can read the story on the CBC website.

The recall is the result of an outbreak of salmonella in the U.S. that has
sickened at least 529 people. At least eight might have died.
The alert
issued by the agency also warns consumers about foods manufactured in the U.S.
that contain recalled peanuts in various forms. The foods contain whole or
crushed peanuts or peanuts that have been turned into a butter, paste or
powder.
The list of foods includes U.S.-made snack bars with brand names such
as Cinch, Detour and Oh Yeah! The list also includes the Disney Hannah Montana
Peanut Chocolate Granola Bar and Sinbad Sweets Baklava Assortment.
The
outbreak is being linked to peanuts processed at a Georgia-based Peanut Corp. of
America plant. The nuts have been widely used as an ingredient in various
processed food manufactured in both the U.S. and Canada.
More than 430
products have been recalled in the U.S. while the CFIA has recalled more
than 120.

The FDA list is around 1500 recalls and I'm sure the Canadian one is growing. Please keep updated on this folks. They are already saying some people may have died from this.

Here is the alert and a list of recalled products from the CFIA (Canada)

This list is from the Food and Drug Administration (US)

PLEASE BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE EATING!

That's all for now folks.

LG 150 Cell Phone Recalled...Hazardous to Health

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:32:00 +0000

According to the Globe and Mail, the LG 150 flip phone has been recalled because it's SAR rating is to high.

Excessive exposure to RF energy, which is used in many devices,
including microwave ovens and televisions, can cause tissue damage by
overheating parts of the body. At relatively low levels of exposure to RF
radiation, evidence of harmful effects is ambiguous and unproven.
Regulators
require that cellphone makers report the amount of RF energy absorbed from their
handsets into the user's body. This number is called the Specific Absorption
Rate, or SAR. It is usually expressed in units of watts per kilogram.
The
U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set the maximum allowable SAR
for cellphones at 1.6 watts per kilogram of body weight, a figure that Industry
Canada has also adopted.
LG refused to reveal the SAR attributed to the LG
150 by PCTEST Engineering Laboratory Inc., an independent testing facility in
Columbia, Md. But one person familiar with the matter said the device measured
above two watts per kilogram, at least 25 per cent above the maximum
standard.

LG is offering an exchange for the phones until the end of march. Apparently you can contact your carrier for this.

Go here for the SAR rating on some other phones.

Play safe folks and check your cell phone cause you're probably on it a lot.

I need your help

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:31:00 +0000

I have been trying to decide what genre my music is. My acting manager asked me to clarify what kind of music I play. This is a hard question for me and I've never really been able to come up with a solid answer.

I am asking all my listeners to help me decide. If you would like to give me your opinion you can go to my music website to have a listen and them leave a comment here on the blog, or you can send an e-mail from my music page. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all.

Bad Customer Service Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:03:00 +0000

Ok so to continue with my bad customer service experience, I phoned a manager at the store that I went to so I could make a complaint. I told him the story and he asked who it was. When I mentioned the guy's name, he acted like he wasn't surprised at how I was treated. The manager asked what he could do to make it up to us and gain our business back (I told him that we would not be back). I didn't really know what to say because I explained that I am in customer service all day long and that I'm not just out to get something for free. I was waiting for him to make me an offer. He said that if I came down and talked to him that he would give me "rock bottom" prices on anything I wanted. So basically I felt that he was saying, we ripped you off, treated you bad, so now we invite you to come down and spend more money. We'll give you a great deal......I told him that I didn't know if I would come, and that what I really wanted was for him to make sure he followed up with his employee. I also thanked him for listening. He took my number to give to another manager who might be able to help me more. It's been a week and a half and no call.
I can't say that I will be back.

I still feel that I win, because I will not spend anymore money in that store. In today's economy, companies can't afford to be losing customers, especially when it can be avoided. Like I said in the last post, I've spent $3000 in the last 5 years at their store. They are going to lose out. Sure I would have bought a computer that was a little better if I didn't get stuck with this one, but the truth is, this one is pretty good.

Well, here's to the near future when companies have no choice but to realise how valuable customers really are.

My new computer and some really bad customer service

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:27:00 +0000

So here's my story about buying a new computer and some of the worst customer service I've ever had.
I went to the computer store to get a new mother board for my computer. A friend of mine did some research and told me what I could get. Basically I was just looking for an inexpensive way to prolong my computer's life for a while. I went to the store knowing exactly what I wanted. The person helping my asked if I had my computer in my car and wanted to look at it. I did have it and I brought it in. He had a look and said that I should do more of an upgrade and my computer would run way better. The initial board I was going to get was going to cost me about $150. The upgrade would cost around $320. After him selling me like crazy on it (when he wasn't trying to get me to finance a whole new computer) and me humming and hawing about it, I went with the upgrade. Cool, I was happy and excited to get it home and fire it up. The only problem is that I couldn't hook all my drives and stuff up to it, because it didn't have all the connections. I took it back even though the bill said no refunds under any circumstances (I had to sign the bill), because he looked at my computer and sold me something that I was under the impression would run my stuff. It turns out they meant no refunds even if the sales guy suckers you into to buying something you can't use.

I went back with my box of stuff and low and behold the same person who sold me the computer parts was at the front desk. I explained to him that the board he sold me wouldn't work with all my stuff. He said that they don't sell boards with all the stuff I needed anymore (my last computer was only 5 years old....go figure). I explained that after he looked at my computer and sold me something that he said would work, that it actually would. I told him that I would like my money back and that I would like to have a look at what kind of new computers they could set me up with. Well he abruptly told me that I couldn't get my money back and there was nothing that he could do. I asked his managers name and he told me that I didn't need to talk to a manager and that he was more than capable of handling this situation. I was floored that he would have the nerve to say that. I insisted that he get a manager. He left and came back about 5 minutes later and said the manager was too busy to talk to me. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He suggested that I buy new drives that would work on the new board. for $25 a piece (I needed 2). I told him that I didn't want to buy anything else for the thing that he said would work for me. I then accused me of nickle and diming him. WOW! now I was pissed! I explained that I CAME IN TRYING TO BUY SOMETHING FOR $150 AND THAT HE AGGRESSIVELY SOLD ME SOMETHING "BETTER" THAT WOULD WORK WITH MY COMPUTER. THE VERY COMPUTER THAT HE OPENED UP TO HAVE A LOOK AT. I CONTINUED TO REMIND HIM THAT I ALREADY SPENT $120 MORE THAN WHAT I ORIGINALLY INTENDED AND THAT i DIDN'T WANT TO SPEND ANY MORE ON UPGRADING THE UPGRADE THAT HE SOLD ME I made him go get a manager 2 more times and both times I got no manager. Unreal!
Once he offered me store credit (he said that that never happens). At that point I didn't even want to shop there. I told him I would have a look at some computers in the store once the money was in my pocket because after the service I received, I didn't want to be obligated to buy from them. He pointed to a customer service award on the wall and said they had great service. Finally I got fed up (I'm not gonna lie I had to get out of there because I wanted to punch the guy right between the peepers). I ended up buying one drive and he bought one. He then asked if we were still upset. I said of course we are. We (my girlfriend was with me) just got the crappiest customer service we've ever had. Do you know what he said to me? He said that I would be back next week to shake his hand. Do you see why I wanted to pop him one....lol. I told him I would never be back until his manager decided that he could make time for a customer who is having a problem and we walked out. I then went to another store to buy parts to build a brand new computer around the stuff that the "jerk" sold me. We dropped another $400 in that store because we where very happy with the way they treated us. The other store lost out. We've spend around $3000 in the last 5 years (which I also explaind to the "jerk clerk") and now they will never see another dime from us. ...... to be continued............next I'll tell you what the manager said when I phoned him.

I'm back online

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:43:00 +0000

Well, I finally made it back online. You wouldn't believe the trouble I had. I got the worst customer service I've ever had. I'll explain it in my first post.

I lost some readers over the last 3 weeks, but I just wanted to give you all a big thanks for sticking with me. You rule!

Talk to you soon.

My computer is down.

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:22:00 +0000

My computer has crashed on me but I promise to do some kind of posting from my phone. I hope the holidays are finding you all in good spirits.

A New Look

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 04:03:00 +0000

One of my goals for 2009 is to improve the look of this blog. I will be looking at changing blog platforms and changing the look to better reflect my personality. Untill then I have changed it to what you see now. Hope you like it.
Please leave me a comment and tell me what you think and don't be afraid to leave me some ideas. I like ideas.

My Video Holiday Wish To You

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:13:00 +0000

Here's my holiday wishes for you!

If you can't see this video, click here

Richard Branson: Listen! Listen! Listen!

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:30:00 +0000

Richard Branson talking about an aold business lesson that can't be repeated enough. Listen to what your customers have to say. They are the ones buying your product or sevice so listen to what they want. Listen to their ideas.

Thought you might like this one:

If you can't see this video click here

Richard Branson On Small Business

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:51:00 +0000

I found this video today and decided to post it up here.

I couldn't agree more. I think small business is on it's way back. I can't wait to have value and personal service again. Do you feel any amount of trust when you walk into Wallmart? Probably not. What about when you purchase something from someone you know or are aquainted with? With all the distrust in the "Corporation" I think we'll see more small businesses thrive.

I have one. It's great because I get to build something that no one can take away from me.
Oh, and I love to give great service. It's really what I'm about.

Official release of "The 11 Forgotten Laws" from the makers of the "Secret"

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:49:00 +0000

The 11 Forgotten Laws was officially released today. I was able to get a hold of it early (I decribed it in a previous post) and I can tell you that it's pretty awesome. I'm about half way through the program.
Just wanted to let you all know about it. For those of you who liked the Secret, this is definately for you. I know that as soon as I found out about it I got it.

Later....

How get more followers on Twitter fast.

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:17:00 +0000

OK, I have to admit, I have the Twitter bug. At first I thought is was kind of a useless application, but know I find it fun and I have realised that it can give you a large audience to develop relationships with. As we all know, relationships are key to doing business.
There is a new way to get a decent amount of followers fast.

Before I show you this, please do yourself a favour and check out my last post about How to Market to Social Media Websites. It'll give you the do's and dont's of marketing on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc.

Here is my how to on getting lots of twitter followers fast.

Sign up for Twitter. When Choosing your Twitter name it is a good idea to use your name. This builds more trust in your relationship building.
Go to Tweetlater and sign up. This will site automate a response to people who follow you. Eg: "Thank you for following me...check out my blog *place your link here*" Do you see how this works. All the people who follow you (and you are about to get quite a few) will be presented with a thank you (good for building relationships) and an opportunity to find out more about you by visiting your blog. Please don't try to sell anything at this point. It's really annoying. Kinda like spam.
Once you sign up go to accounts in the right navigation bar and then choose Add Twitter Account. Fill out the information on the page. *Important* - Make sure you check mark the "auto welcome" box and then enter your message. Make sure you Hit the save button. I forgot to do this and missed out on quite a few welcome messages.
Go to: Tim Linden's program and follow the instructions. It should take about 10 minutes.
Now the fun part. Sit back and watch your new followers roll in.
Important - Add me to your Twitter (-:

What do you do now that you are on twitter. Give some interesting quotes

This was my first video blog. It was kinda fun!

Marketing on Social Media Sites

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:53:00 +0000

Here's a great explanation of how you can market on social media sites like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter (these are my 3 main sites that I'm on, but there are many more).
Perry Belcher explains how it works and shows us what not to do. I really like this one.
Enjoy!

The Truth About The Auto Bail Out.

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 16:17:00 +0000

I found this on the internet today. It funny cause it's true, but it also sucks because it's true.

Click on the picture to make it larger.

11 Forgotten Laws, the Secret, and the Law of Attraction.

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:02:00 +0000

Alright, most people have heard of the movie the Secret about the Law of Attraction, with Bob Proctor. Well, I just listened to a teleseminar where he revealed the 11 forgotten laws that go along with the law of attraction.
I bought it, but I'm not sure what to think about it yet.
You actually get a huge amount of information and a whole lot of bonus stuff.
I will make more information and links available as soon as I can.

The 11 Forgotten Laws are:

Chapter 2 – Law of Thinking
Chapter 3 – Law of Supply
Chapter 4 – Law of Attraction
Chapter 5 – Law of Receiving
Chapter 6 – Law of Increase
Chapter 7 – Law of Compensation
Chapter 8 – Law of Non Resistance
Chapter 9 – Law of Forgiveness
Chapter 10 – Law of Sacrifice
Chapter 11 – Law of Obedicence
Chapter 12 – Law of Success

Well it'll take me a while to listen to all this stuff but I'm actually a little excited. The cool thing about the fact that I bought the 11 Forgotten Laws program is that I can download it right away and start listening.

I-Phone in blender for video marketing.

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:15:00 +0000

Internet video marketing is serious business. Unless you're from this blender company. The company produces YouTube videos of their blender, blending various items. In this particular episode, the victim is an I-Phone and I have to admit it was a little hard to watch. It was like a bad accident that you just can't help but look at.

Anyway, the video marketing seems to be doing well for this company as the video has turned up almost 6 million views. That's pretty good. Kudos for them. Here's the video:

I found this over at Media Mojito while I was doing research on using Youtube video to market my business.

Our trip to see santa

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:43:00 +0000

I'm glad we came to see santa early this year. The wait is already up to 45 minutes. At least they have a nice big play area for the kids.

almost free phone: Magic Jack

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 04:08:00 +0000

After my last post Free TV on the Internet: Stream BBC Planet Earth for Free.
A friend of mine directed me to a way to get free telephone service from your broadband connection. Well, it's almost free. The first year you pay $40.00 for for the hardware and the following years you pay $20.00. You can call anywhere in North America and never have any extra charges or long distance fees.
It's also super easy to set up.

It's Called the: Magic Jack

Free TV on the Internet: Stream BBC Planet Earth for Free.

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:18:00 +0000

I have a friend who doesn't subscribe to a cable TV subscription. He watches all his TV through the Internet for free (well he pays for his internet subscription). Since you can watch a lot of the popular shows right from the particular channel's website (like global TV), this isn't a bad idea. I am going to explore this a little more that I have and will post what I find.
I think that my household could save about $120/month if we cancelled our TV and land line subscription. We go through the same company for this. We could get by without a land line because we both have cell phones anyway.

Here is the first bit of programming I have for you:

Stream BBC Planet Earth for free.

The link has a whole bunch of episodes. Enjoy. It's really a great show.

Oh, you might ask why I would want to watch tv through my computer moniter. Well, I can use my 47" tv as a moniter for my computer and I can hook the sound up too. In fact I have it hooked up as I'm typing this.

Turn Your Bad Mood Around

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:56:00 +0000

There used to be a time when I didn't realize that a bad mood can be turned around in almost an instant. I'm not trying to say that I'm never in a bad mood, but I can say that I don't let as many things bother me anymore, because I've realized that a lot of us waste a huge amount of our lives being in a bad mood. Life is too short to be in a bad mood all the time. If you don't like something in your life then change or rearrange it. I know that is sometimes easier said than done, but I can tell you that we all have something to be grateful for (no matter who you are). Gratitude is one of the techniques I use to stay out of a bad mood.

Here is a blog post about bad moods and things you can do to change them. I just came across this website and I think it's pretty awesome (so far). Its called Finer Minds. Check it out.

Bad moods happen. The problem is we don’t turn them around........ We
indulge them. We let ourselves free fall or spiral into them. We intentionally
act in ways that make us feel worse. We feed (in some cases literally) the
negative energy. We use bad moods as a justification to act badly and send out
more damaging energy. We use bad moods as an excuse to fail on important
tasks.

Some reasons I like to make my own money

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:02:00 +0000

I don't have to have a boss.
I can make my own rules.
I feel like less of a slave when I know that I made the money myself.
It gives me a little more security in today's economy because if my job suddenly didn't exist I would still have a source of income.
There is a real sense of satisfaction know the money I made was because of my actions.
I don't have to have a boss
I can make my own rules.

If you are looking for a way to make an extra income with a low start up cost and would like to partner with me check out my website

I'm on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Kevin Korol) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 02:21:00 +0000

Well, I just got onto Twitter. I'm at https://twitter.com/KevinKorol . I haven't posted much but feel free to add me.