Speaking my Mind

I'm Fine(ish)

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 15:35:00 +0000

So I've noticed a lot of talk over the last couple of weeks in regards to depression, and how it affects everyone differently. I read a blog by Michael Landsberg (@heylandsberg) on TSN.ca (link is here http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=375694) in regards to his own bouts with depression and the feelings he had that followed after Wade Belak's tragedy, has made me look at myself in a mirror.

I wouldn't say that I'm clinically depressed, but then again I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever seen one in regards to this. But I do know that there are times when I have ~~moments~~ days where my thoughts delve into a blinding darkness. And I do think of what it would be like if I wasn't around? Would my wife be better off? Would my kids? Would anyone actually miss me after the initial shock has worn off?

Sometimes it ends there, but other times it continues, and grows and continues to eat away at me. It compounds because I ~~don't~~ won't talk to anyone about it, not even my wife, which makes things worse because she starts thinking I'm hiding things from her, I know, I am, but there's something that makes this very difficult to talk about. And I can hear you say "Well, what the fuck are you doing now?" and I understand, but this is the first time in almost 40 years that I am able to discuss this with anybody, or nobody if this never gets read.

The feelings come from nowhere and everywhere usually, I don't know if there is a specific trigger or if its always with me and at times I'm just better at hiding it. The reason I've never consulted a doctor about this is simple, I never thought it was that important or severe enough to be an issue. I'm the one that everyone comes to when they have problems, there's not a whole lot of time for my own. Also, maybe its because there is a lot of time in between episodes or maybe it was my own vanity and the constant lying to myself that I'm stronger than I think.

I remember a few years ago, I was sitting in court waiting for my matter to be called, and my phone went off. It was my father calling to inform me that the night before my sister had attempted and thankfully failed to commit suicide. I remember thinking how many times had I had the exact same thoughts, that maybe it is a better option that the alternative which is continuing living with the bad days and constantly wondering if this is the day that the final part of the foundation collapses and the entire building comes down around me?

I'm not as close to my sister as I was when I was younger, much younger, our lives just took different directions and we would only talk when it was really warranted. Our family dynamics was nothing like "Leave it to Beaver", it was more like the Conner's from "Roseanne" with turrets syndrome. And that is what seemed natural to me, whether or not it actually was, but it was what I grew up with so it seemed to be the standard.

But enough about that, mostly because I don't believe my situation now has much of anything to do with how my family was when I was a kid, because to my memories I was a happy kid, what I believed to be a normal kid. And besides, I don't know when all this started or how it got to the point it has, but I know its there lurking in the shadows, waiting to come back to the surface and have it consume my daily life. Sometimes just for an hour, sometimes its the house-guest that won't go away.

I remember reading comic books as a child, and even last week, and thinking that it would be so cool to have a secret identity, a second life that no one else knows about, and now it seems like I do, and its nowhere near as cool as I thought it would be. I don't know if I'd ever feel comfortable enough to go see a doctor about this, I'm very stubborn when it comes to stuff like that, thinking its easier to deal with things myself, on my own terms, to be in control.

To be in control of something that I don't even fully understand myself. I know what I SHOULD do, but considering I still smoke and eat unhealthy, I don't think I'll be doing what I'm supposed to. Mostly because I feel this is therapeutic, and if I am able to get my thoughts out this way, it will somehow cure me, but then again I don't know if this is something that can ever be cured.

It seems everyone has their good days and their bad days, and everyone deals with their issues differently. Some take medication, some drink, some have other habits that may or may not help them out. But no matter what, they seem to be able to get through their days, others though are not fortunate. As Michael Landsberg stated in his blog, that when people say they are fine, there may be more lying underneath the answer that what it seems to be.

For right now, I can say I'm fine, because to be honest, for me writing this down has made me feel better. How long will it last? I have no idea, and that's the best answer I can give. And like the song goes, the sun will come out tomorrow, and we'll go about our lives taking things day by day, one moment at a time.

Which seems cliche, but what else is there to say?

Dave

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 06:41:00 +0000

Hello, how long has it been since I've actually committed "paper to pen" or I guess in this case fingers to keys.

I know I wanted to write more, but to be honest the 5 month old that's sleeping in her crib now has taken up more time than I initially thought she would. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing on this planet I would not do for her, nor would I trade her for anything. That on top of all the fun "social media" sites, twitter (x2), facebook, LinkedIn, and now Google+...seriously when is someone actually supposed to get any work done or sleep?

And I know it's been a few months, but better late than never Congratulations to the Boston Bruins for winning the 2011 Stanley Cup!!!

Updates

So I've had to read my blog to find out WTF I was talking about the last time I was here.

My last post was in regards to Sgt. Ryan Russell, who coincidentally the City of Toronto named a small parkette after him today. This on the heels of another officer being killed in the line of duty just over two weeks ago in York region. But enough of that, the reason why I'm here...or at least typing again.

In one of my posts, I brought up the fact that I was getting back in to writing my book, the Truly Offensive Joke Book, and I asked everyone to send me some jokes and everything, well I am what I like to call a "procrastinating perfectionist" meaning I know how I want it to come out, and I won't put anything out until I think its perfect, but at the same time, I keep putting starting things off.

So now I've spent the last five months talking baby talk with the occasional "Go Fuck Yourself" thrown in. And before I get the angry calls, comments, and complaints she's only five months old, once she starts to understand me, I'll say it more out of her range.

But now I'm ready to be going back to what I really enjoy, what I think I was put on this hurtling rock of a planet to actually do. Which is make people laugh. As well as still working within the courts fighting for peoples rights, but mostly I'm writing more and more for getting back onto the stage and do my stand up shtick.

I know its about as believable as thinking the Maple Leafs will win a Stanley Cup, but I used to do it, and was told that I was pretty good at it, so why not give it another chance. I've come to realize that life is to short to deal with all the "What If's", and to be honest WTF do I have to lose?

Once I figure it out more, I'll keep people posted. But until then, its nice to be back, and hopefully I'll actually post more than once every 6 months.

But then again I may procrastinate until I have the perfect post.

Dave

Thank a Cop

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:52:00 +0000

As many people in Toronto are aware the Toronto Police Service lost an officer who gave his life in order to protect the city.

All too often I hear people complain about the actions of officers, when they pulled them over because they were speeding, or harassing them because they are young, or a minority.

Truth is, these people are doing a job, a job that most people I know, with the exception of the two or three dozen that are actually officers, would not want to do themselves. It's really easy to sit back and play "Monday morning quarterback" when you are staying in the safety of your own home and only hearing one side of the argument. Never hearing the real reason that the police actually stopped the person.

Many years ago, I was maybe three or four years old, I remember being woken up by my mother because my father who was a police officer was run over while directing traffic. The two officers that came to get my mother took my sister and I to stay with my grandparents and she went to be with my dad while he was in the hospital. And since that day, I have known that there was always a chance that my dad may not come home from work.

In the early nineties, my father was involved in another incident and I still remember the message that my sister left on my voice mail saying "Something happened to dad at work last night, call me as soon as you can.". I remember that feeling of despair, anger, sorrow, and most of all fear. Each and every time I hear of anything happening to a police officer, anywhere, I know what the families of that officer are going through.

People may think that all officers are just in it to power trip, and they all have this "Dirty Harry" complex. I'm not saying there are some out there that do, but they are few and far between and if everyone is worried about the police "social profiling" people, then maybe people should not do the same to them.

Police are there to serve and protect, they get blamed for not being around enough, or being around too much, they get to deal with all the tragedies, and loss for everyone. When people need help, they call a cop, but when cops need help, they get silence. It is the hardest job in the world, and I have nothing but respect for anyone that chooses that as a career.

For anyone who has family or friends that do this job, and risk their lives every shift, thank them. And if you are not fortunate enough to know of someone personally who is on the job, then thank a random cop, buy them a coffee, let them know that the job they do is not in vain.

I once heard that St. Jude is the patron saint for lost causes and police officers, which sometimes is one and the same.

Rest in Peace Sgt. Ryan Russell #7686 "Heroes in Life, Not Death". Your sacrifice will never be forgotten!!

For a friend...

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:54:00 +0000

I just recently read a post by MaryMac over at Pajamas and Coffee (http://www.pajamasandcoffee.com/?p=2998) that is raising awareness for the National Eating Disorders Awareness.

It's strange because a very good friend of mine confessed to me that she was finally seeking the help that she needs in regards to this affliction, and I don't really know that affliction is the right word for it. When she first mentioned it to me a couple of months ago, I didn't know what to say, or do. As much as I wanted to assist one of my oldest friends, I knew that there was very little I could do, or say...or so I thought. I've always wanted to be the one to be able to help my friends. And putting the word out there for this very important cause is one way that I can help for know.

This is a great cause, and a great idea...thanks to all who are working on it, and bringing this the attention it needs.

For more information on this disorder, please go to http://www.nedic.ca/ and read the information at the National Eating Disorder Information Centre's website.

Dave

Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue...Jokes from all corners of the world.

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:56:00 +0000

Wow, its been two months since I have written anything. Time flies when you're getting busy. I've realized that running your own business and trying to keep sane with all the other priorities that blogging really wasn't as much as a need as I had first thought.

That being said, over the last week a few things have happened that made me think that I have to get back into it, I need to do something creative. So of course the only thing that came to mind was going back to what I started a long long time ago in a galaxy far far away...

I'm going back to writing my book. Truly The World's Most Offensive Joke Book. Guaranteed to offend everyone equally, but its also meant to inject some humour into this world.

I know it's not a topic that most people will like, but with everything in this world going so PC it's getting offensive to me. So with that being said I know that everyone has heard or told a joke that someone may have found offensive, jokes that have been handed down for years and years. I'm looking for those jokes to be sent to me, and I am compiling them all into a book.

I have over 200 already, but it makes for a very small book at this point and time, so I'm looking for more.

You can send them to me through here, or Twitter, or Facebook. Thank you in advance, and I look forward to reading and compiling all jokes received.

Dave

Time flies when you're stuck

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:54:00 +0000

Ok I know its been almost an entire month without me posting anything on my blog, and yes I’ve received emails, and phone calls asking when am I posting something again…well today seems to be as good a day as any.

It‘s not that I haven’t wanted to write anything, its just I’ve been extremely busy, and to be honest I could not have thought of one single thing to write about.

I don’t believe I write about anything earth shattering, nor do I believe that any of this will matter in 100 years. It’s just the ramblings of someone who needs to vent every once and a while on a variety of subjects.

And there’s been so much that’s gone on in the last month, I wouldn’t even know where to start in on them. So I’m not starting anywhere but here. It always seems like the best place to start is where you are and go from there. But knowing where you are going is just as important as where you are coming from.

I know where I want to be, and where I want to travel to along the way, but the more I try the further I seem to fall behind. It’s the end of March already, and it feels like it was New Years just last week. A new year with thoughts and dreams, thoughts of writing everyday, thoughts of getting 2 new clients a week, thoughts of Cj and I starting our own family this year.

And now its three months into 2010, and things haven’t gone the way I was hoping for, its not that I’m unhappy with the results, on the contrary, although they haven’t gone the way I had hoped, there still moving forward, just slower then I had planned.

But enough with the depressing stuff.

Two Lesbians walk into a bar...

And a comedian is now in front of the Human Rights Tribunal in BC. After dealing with two lesbian hecklers as every comic would. Shut them up by putting them down. Apparently they, (The Lesbians), did not find his ‘attack’ on them funny and launched a complaint. And as anyone can launch a complaint in the Human Rights Tribunal, without paying anything in costs to file the complaint, and is given a lawyer to assist through the process, the same courtesy is not extended to the defendants in the complaint.

If you want to defend your actions at the tribunal it’s going to cost you. This must have comics all over the place just thrilled, make a joke and get called on the carpet for offending someone. Andrew Dice Clay must be thrilled that he’s not performing anymore. This is the dumbest thing I have heard of since the Leafs traded Russ Courtnall to Montreal for John Kordic.

If this is not a case of go fuck yourself, I don't know what is.

The comic in question was being an emcee at an open mike night in Vancouver when two women were talking loudly and carrying on while first timers were on stage. Apparently drowning out one of the new comics, which, if it was the comics first time on stage can be crushing to your confidence and ego. So as the more experienced comic came back on stage, he stuck up for the new comic and dealt with the unruly patron as anyone would do.

I have been on stage when someone in the audience decides that they want to be the star of the show and starts spouting off. It sucks, much like their mother…I know, now that it is in print I’m in shit for that one. But as comedians, you learn different techniques to deal with hecklers, you can go after them, or you can ignore them. I’ve seen good comics do it well, I’ve seen bad comics do it well, and I’ve seen all kinds of comics do it badly.

In with the claim is that the comic broke her sunglasses, according to him he took her glasses off of her head in the heat of the argument and broke them, when he tried to smooth things over she threw a drink in his face, again.

Which also confuses me, if there was an assault, why isn’t this in criminal court? The answer from what I can tell, she doesn’t have the opportunity to collect $20,000.00 from a criminal proceeding, and no one would ever hear about this either.

The Human Rights Tribunal is supposed to be hearing this through to April 1…April Fool’s Day…which is appropriate, because this is a fucking joke. I’m sure if the decision is reached tomorrow, depending on which way it goes, somewhere up there both George Carlin and Lenny Bruce are going to be letting out a great big Fuck You!

And they’d be right.

Gold Canada Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:21:00 +0000

<a href="http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-medals/" title="Vancouver 2010 Medals">View the vancouver2010.com medals' table</a>

I Believe…

As much as that song gets on my nerves, I do believe that Canada has owned the podium at these Winter Olympics in Vancouver. I have been glued to my TV watching each and every event, even events that I have no clue of what’s going on. If Cricket was a winter event I swear I’d be staring at it, like it was the Gold medal game scheduled today for 3 pm…yes I’m planning my entire day around that.

I believe that this “Own the Podium” thing does work, and I think that all of our elected leaders, Prime Minister Harper, Mr. Duceppe, Mr. Ignatieff, and Mr. Layton should all sit down and discuss this program and to keep it going. Amateur sports needs the support from the government, all levels of government need to step up and develop their own “Own the Podium”.

Regardless of all the distractions, and tragedies that have happened throughout these games, they are still a huge success. And it has to continue into London in 2012 and Sochi in 2014, and beyond that.

I was two days shy of being a year old in 1972, when Paul Henderson made everyone in this country proud to be Canadian. I am now 38 years old, and watching these games and following the display of patriotism on sites like facebook and twitter gives me a sense of what this country felt like all those years ago, and its not just in hockey, its curling, its figure skating, its speed skating, its bobsleigh, luge, skeleton, skiing. Walking around, and seeing everyone wearing Canadian t-shits, hats, sweaters, jersey’s, mitts, pants, jackets, waving flags from cars, and wearing them as capes. The over whelming support that this country has backed our athletes with at these games has been phenomenal.

If our hockey team does capture gold in the revenge game against the States, I think everyone should sing our anthem along with the players on the ice. Finally show the world that all of us, singing together our National Anthem, can not be stopped if we continue to support our athletes and each other.

My last name is Polish, my heritage is a mix of Polish, Scottish, Irish, and English…but regardless of anything, above all else I am Canadian!!!

O Canada

O Canada!

Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North strong and free!

From far and wide, O Canada,

We stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

GO CANADA GO!!

Dave

Olympics, Evolution, and other Random thoughts…

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:14:00 +0000

That's gonna cost them the gold!?!

I’ll admit I’ve caught Olympic fever…at first I thought it was the flu, but shortly realized that I need to spend every waking minute of the day watching the coverage of the games. Not just because we (Canada) are holding them, but actually because I’m finding the events interesting. And the controversy that follows is just priceless.

To start, I would like to throw out a disclaimer: I don’t care if you are gay, bi, lesbian, transgendered, or fuck chickens…do whatever you have to do to get off. I have friends that fall into almost every category (not the fucking chickens, to be honest that would freak me out a bit.), so the sexual orientation of any of the athletes or people in general really don’t bother me. And really, some of them are blatantly obvious.

Case and point Johnny Weir, the figure skater from the US. Some french commentators suggested that being flamboyant with some of his body language and costumes may have cost him some points and should be cause for him to undergo gender testing to see if he should compete in men’s or women’s figure skating. The same way that some people called for a female who had manly features and was tearing up the track at an event in the summer had done.

How could this cost him points? Would the judges not know that he was flamboyant coming into the games? Don’t get me wrong, after seeing his costume during the first skate, I was half expecting him to skate to “Sweet Transvestite”, but should that cost him points? No, the fact that he stumbled on one of the jumps, (which by the way is it just me or do the jumps all look the same?) should cost him points.

I’m an Ape Man

I know this may touch a few nerves but I’m throwing it out there. I am not a theologist, nor am I an expert on this subject, but it has confused me in the past, and continues to. I’ve seen the protesters, and the arguments, and listened to both sides. But I really do not understand it.

Argument A: Its Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve.

From the bible the world began with Adam and Eve. Therefore some Religions believe that being gay is a sin.

Argument B: We have evolved from something.

That would at least explain why some people still act like Neanderthals when out in public.

This debate will never end, but if you believe that Adam and Eve were the first humans on this rock then do we all not come from the same DNA? And would we not all technically be related? Either way we are here now, I have no idea how we got here, or what started it all, and to be honest I do not care. I was not around when this whole thing began, so I honestly have no clue where, how, or why we are what we are. Believe what you want, but don’t believe to the point where you close off all other arguments, who is to say that both sides are not correct? And somewhere in the middle lies the truth.

Lying Tiger’s a Whore…Oh My!?!

Is it over yet?!? Maybe he can get Giambrone to caddy for him on tour when he gets back.

If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...

As the Olympics are on I have to question some of the comments. First off, if they have made it to the Olympics, just because they do not win a medal, does not mean that they suck. If you think you can do better, by all means go for it.

Secondly, to all the athletes of all the countries...You have not let anyone down by failing to medal. You were the best that your country had to offer, and as long as you keep your head up and do what you do best, you haven’t let anyone down.

Of course I could be wrong.

Dave

To be honest, I thought he was gay.

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:14:00 +0000

The Giambrone in and out

Only after one week of being in the Toronto Mayoral race, Adam Giambrone has pulled out of the race. Which given the reasons for his exit, its not the first time he’s had to do that. As reports are surfacing about the TTC chairs multiple extra curricular activities, it is easy to see why the TTC is falling apart.

It would seem that Mr. Giambrone was trying to screw the people of Toronto one at a time, before trying to take office and screw the entire city all at once. On the bright side of the coin, at least now I don’t have to move to Haiti.

And speaking of the TTC...

Some of the operators of the Toronto Transit Commission have started a Facebook page to get back at the public that have been taking pictures and video to show how bad of a job some are actually doing. Both the management and union have come out and condemned the public and seem to think that the public is attacking their employees.

After the last strike by these guys, I don’t think the public has done enough to show that they got overpaid, and continue to lower the standards of customer service. They, the TTC, say that they have to constantly put up with the abuse from the public, and are continuously verbally and physically assaulted. But none of them seem to care when their route gets short turned and leaves people standing out on a corner at one in the morning, claiming another vehicle is coming right up, only to have the people standing there for over an hour sometimes before any other vehicle shows up.

I do believe that there are some people in the TTC that are actually good at the job they do, but there are some that should be phased out, or put into a position that they are not in public view. Just as some of the ridership should be forced to walk everywhere, and not be allowed on public transportation. But the fact that people are taking pictures and video of some of the slackers at the TTC is no reason for them to complain. They threaten strikes at the drop of a hat, and hold the entire city hostage. And when the people who are forced to deal with the short turns, delays, lack of service and fare hikes decide to show that maybe the next time they decide to go on strike the city won’t fold, well good for them.

Mardi Gras starts early

Who Dat!! Saint’s win the Superbowl!!! New Orleans starts Mardi Gras nine days early.

Ahnold carrying the torch

I just heard that Arnold Schwarzenegger may carry the Olympic Torch in part of the final leg going into the stadium in Vancouver this Friday. And I also heard that a lot of people are getting bent out of shape because of it. I don’t see why, the same people did not seem to care that CTV decided to use it as a promotional tool for their network. Who cares if the former Mr. Universe carries the flame, its not like the IOC has to drug test the flame carriers.

Its not a note...its a tattoo

There is nothing funnier than watching Sarah Palin reading notes off of her hand after bitching and complaining about Obama reading from a teleprompter. I can't believe people are still taking this chick seriously. Maybe she can move to Toronto and Giambrone can have an inappropriate relationship with her, at least with his record of pulling out they won’t have kids.

Dave

Life always seems worse when you're sick

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:42:00 +0000

Office Space...not that far fetched

I really hate being sick. There is nothing I hate more than not being able to breathe and the constant sniffling that comes along with it. Everything is getting on my nerves this week, more than usual. The fact that I haven't been able to think of one single thing to write about for the past couple of weeks isn't helping either.

I realy enjoy my job, the actual paralegal part of it. The one part of my job that I cannot stand is one of the offices that I contract out to is about as cheery as watching a pit bull attack someone. I've been to funerals that are more uplifting than this place. given the choice between coming into here or selling Hustler on a street corner in downtown Kabul...I hope Larry Flint pays for insurance.

I know that I've said this before, but I have seen riots more organized than this place, and every time someone asks my opinion on what could be done to improve it, it seems that my suggestions are "not practical". Well then...fuck you don't ask for my advice. It's not that I'm trying to destroy the business, it seems that can be done without my suggestions. But if you ask for my assistance, and every time I give you an answer, although it may not be popular, you say that its not going to work, then fine, don't ask me.

The one suggestion that I have yet to make is a name change for the office, personally I think "Clusterfuck Legal Services" would sum it up the best, then at least that way people would know what they are stepping into.

Police 1 J-walkers 0

Recently in the GTA, it seems that walking around town has become about as dangerous as being an assitant in a Siegfried and Roy show. Last week Metro cops were downtown Toronto handing out tickets to J-walkers and motorists not paying attention like they were Santa Claus, just armed. But no matter how much you spell it out for people, they just don't seem to get the message.

Tuesday night a police cruiser struck a woman who was crossing the street mid block, and walked right into the path of the cruiser. Although she just had minor injuries, nothing says that the cops are taking this 'epidemic' seriously like if the tickets won't make you pay attention, then we'll step it up*.

Adam Giambrone...please run (away)

I swear to Christ if this guy becomes mayor of Toronto I'm moving to Haiti.

Dave

* I have the utmost respect for anybody who wears a uniform. And I do not think that the Police in any city would purposely run over anyone unless they really really deserved it.

The Greatest Depression

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:20:00 +0000

It's not everyday that I read a newspaper story and realize...during this economic crises, how are the hookers holding up? Well, I'm glad I found out...

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/646871--recession-means-tough-times-for-sex-workers

Dave

Things to do and things to watch out for

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:24:00 +0000

The Bucket List…or at least mine.

I know of a few people that have actually written out bucket lists, and trot off to tick off the items as quickly as they can. I’ve thought about writing my own, and somewhat have ticked off a few items that I know would be on my own list, but I have yet to actually sit down and write one out.

I think the biggest reason that I haven’t written one out is because what happens when you fill it all out? Is that it? Do you have to continuously come up with new and interesting things to add to it? Or is that it? The end, finished, thanks for playing we have no parting gifts for you.

All in all the main things that I would like to complete before leaving this temporal plain would be;

1.) Spending a week in Tuscany at a winery

2.) I have nothing for this

3.) Taking a train ride across Canada

4.) Skydiving (maybe I should put this at the end of the list?)

5.) Bungee jumping (if I survive the skydiving)

I’m sure there is more, but for now those will do.

Remember the days of looking both ways…

It seems to be a bit of an epidemic lately in the GTA. Pedestrians are getting into fights with moving vehicles (mostly public transportation) and losing badly. Police are saying that everyone is too distracted, either on their iPods, or cell phones. Regardless of what is distracting you, how hard is it to remember before you cross the street look both ways. If there are vehicles coming, don’t walk. Or better yet, use a crosswalk, you can follow those nifty little signals that light up for you.

Dave

Can't think of anything...

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:01:00 +0000

This is going to be a very short post, because of two reasons;

1) I'm having a terrible bout of writers block, and
2) I don't feel funny.

I know not everything I write about has to be funny, but everytime I try to write anything I get six or seven words down and then...blank. Nothing, my head is emptier than old mother Hubbard's cupboards.

Maybe I should pull a Brett Favre, say I'm done, then come back to it later. Or maybe I should just force myself to write about something, anything really.

Who knows, I may be back tomorrow with a ton of things to write about.

Dave

Gotta love it when Mondays start out like this...

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:31:00 +0000

Toronto Maple Leafs move into the 21st Century…just not on the ice

The Toronto Maple Leafs are just as confused off the ice as on it seems. If anyone has read the article in the Toronto Star today by Mary Ormsby, dealing with the fact that the Maple Leafs are losing the younger fan base because they would rather play video games, and spend time on Facebook and Twitter than attend the games live.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/mapleleafs/article/748984--leafs-losing-young-fans-to-video-games

And here I always thought that it was because a night at a Leaf game costs the equivalent to the first year of university, and most middle income families can’t afford the price of the tickets. I’ve never understood why people consider Toronto a hockey town, but if they actually were a hockey town, the Toronto Marlies would be sold out every night, the OHL teams in the GTA would be sold out, but they’re not. Toronto is, and always will be a Leaf town, win, lose, or draw, people will always be in the seats at the ACC, and the Leafs front office will continue to put a mediocre product on the ice.

They really don’t have to win another Stanley Cup ever, as long as they continue to sell out the arena, that’s all that matters to them.

And next with her views on politics today…Sarah Palin

Not sure if this actually helps the credibility of FOX News or not, but it was announced that Sarah Palin is joining the biased news network as an analyst. You could almost hear the IQ drop. Seeing some of the stuff that these “pundits” spew just makes me cringe every time I see an update.

Apparently the only qualification for being on FOX News is to have a pulse. Half of these people would get the answer wrong to what colour is the sweater you’re wearing question.

Say it ain't so Mark

Mark McGuire finally admitted that he took steroids while he was hitting a record setting number of home runs. Really Mark? Who the hell did you think you were fooling? I remember seeing you when you first got into the league, you looked like a normal person, when you were hitting the ball far enough that it should have had an in flight movie, you could have passed for a WWE wrestler.

Do I care that you too the steroids? No. Do I care that you finally admitted to it? No, it was about as shocking as Elton John coming out of the closet.

Of course this is my opinion...

Dave

Are there really any words you can't say on Television or Blogs?

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:35:00 +0000

I was reading on another blog that someone was offended by the use of the “F” word on her blog, (I suggest you go check out her blog at http://pajamasandcoffee.com) so they decided to stop following her exploits on all social networking sites.

I sat reading somewhat stunned that in 2010 someone is still offended by that word. It seems so long ago that George Carlin* brought out the 7 words you can’t say on television. The way he broke each word down was just brilliant.

For anyone that does not remember them, they are as follows;

Shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker and tits.

Some of them you still can’t say, and others are so common place on certain shows that you’d think that episodes were written by Carlin and Richard Pryor themselves.

I know that certain words are always going to be taboo, but seriously if someone is offended by these, what else would disrupt their Mayberry-esque existence? I can see terms like cunt, cocksucker, and motherfucker still not ready for primetime, but the rest of them do they actually still have the connotation that they once carried?

I mean really, I’m sure at one point and time even the Pope himself has said all of these words (or their Germanic translation). As Carlin pointed out there is nothing wrong with any of these words in and of themselves. It’s the tone and where they are used that make them offensive.

If I have noticed anything about blogs and bloggers in general, they write for themselves, much like comics, any joke that I have ever written is something that I have found funny myself, whether or not other people like it. If people like what I write, or say and find me funny great, if not “meh”. It’s a choice, their choice, they can decide to laugh at my words, or they can not laugh that’s what great about any type of art, it’s suggestive.

If you agree with me great, if you don’t…well this is just my opinion, I could be wrong**.

Dave

*If you have never seen or heard Carlin’s material I suggest you go to youtube and listen to the master at work.

**Thanks to Dennis Miller who makes me want to read a thesaurus.

New Year...still feels the same though

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:19:00 +0000

I was feeling really optimistic about the New Year, until I went into the office that is the black hole and able to suck the marrow out of life itself…fuck, nothing has changed. Sometimes I think live would be better if it was like a Glee episode, people get stressed, they sing a song and everything gets mostly worked out by the end of the hour.

I’ll admit, since Christmas I haven’t been reading the newspapers or watching the news nearly as much as I normally do, mostly because of all the sports that are going on over the week, final week of the NFL, the World Junior Championships (Go Canada Go!!!), and the fifty (thousand) some odd NCAA College Bowl Games.

I enjoy sports, most sports, for whatever reason I can’t watch basketball outside of March, baseball moves slower on TV, and please do not get me started on the 24 hour sports channels that use poker as on air fillers at 1 am. Poker is not a sport, I don’t care how popular it becomes, a long with NASCAR; my personal opinion is I would rather watch flies fuck.

But it’s the big Bowl week, Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, and the BCS Championship Game. And if anyone can explain to me how exactly the BCS works, please feel free to send me a note. I don’t even care which teams are playing, ninety percent of the games are exciting, and some of them are over before they even start, but that’s beside the point.

There’s drama and heartbreak, real drama and heartbreak unlike the bachelor, or bachelorette, or please marry my sister who’s an over weight little person in a big world. I would rather watch a college or junior game than a professional game. The kids seem to care a hell of a lot more than the pros do; they haven’t had the opportunity to be jaded by the money yet. And only perform when their contract is up.

And Boise State is getting ready to play TCU in ten minutes, so I’m keeping this short. Enjoy the games, talk to you on the 8th.

Dave

It's the end of the world as we know it...and I feel fine

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:43:00 +0000

It’s kind of hard to believe that it was just ten years ago that a lot of people were panicking over the Y2K bug that was going to destroy humanity as we knew it at the time. I was thinking of making a post about the last decade or so, but then I realized I have trouble remembering last week so thinking back ten years is definitely out of the question. Just personally my life has changed dramatically over the last ten years. I met, fell in love with, and married my loving wife she who must be obeyed (a.k.a. Cj). I’ve reconnected with my father after a five year hiatus, no real reason why we weren’t talking just life got in the way. I’ve been able to watch my son Ian (a.k.a. the boy) grow, made new friends, lost a few, changed careers at least three times, and finally went back to school after sixteen years.

I’ve continued to learn since I’ve gone back to school, this time in social networking and marketing, and enjoy it fully. I’m reading more than ever and even got back into writing, as you may have noticed from this blog. With all that has happened over the last ten years, I do believe the next ten will be an awfully big adventure.

They got the take down but I think that’s going to cost them the gold.

So two of the stories that I have been following this last week are the take downs of the Pope before his Christmas Eve sermon, and the Olympic Flame torch runner who was up ended in Guelph a couple of days ago.

I find it funny that someone was actually able to get by security and over the barricades to get close to the Pope. Apparently the Swiss Guards are about as effective as the Swiss junior hockey team at defending their own goal. Described as a woman wearing a red jump suit, there was apparently no reason as to why she wanted to get up close and personal with Il Papa other than because he’s the Pope, but I’m sure His Holiness is going to suggest higher barriers, or maybe converting the popemoblie into a segway, kind of like a Popecylce, that way he can be protected while walking to mass.

The other knock down of the year came in Guelph this week as the Olympic Torch relay was making its way through the town. Apparently there was a group of protestors waiting for the torch to inform everyone gathered about the plight of the homeless and the fact that the government is spending more money on the games than they do on affordable housing and holding the games on stolen native land.

As reported by Greg Layson in the Guelph Mercury;

Dave Kenny, a torchbearer during the 1988 torch relay prior to the Calgary Games, witnessed Monday’s confrontation from a nearby sidewalk.

“That’s the great part about living in Canada, you have the right to protest, but when it becomes physical like that, it crosses the line,” he said with a large Canadian flag in hand.

After the flame had been run out of town — off to Erin and then on to Orangeville — a lingering and curious onlooker questioned the protesters’ anger and message.

“Educate yourselves and you’d understand why we’re angry,” protester Alecks Holtom answered.

Protesters began the day peacefully passing out pamphlets that outlined their position.

“I think we got through to a few people,” fellow protester Drew Garvin said. “There were some people who seemed genuinely interested.”

Waving banners emblazoned with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Nazi leader Adolf Hitler carrying torches lit with swastikas and the Vanoc, Coke and RBC logos, the protesters decried the Games for their use of what they called “stolen native land” and taxpayer money. The protesters’ handout claims $6 billion of government money has been spent on the 2010 Games. They also cited Vancouver’s lack of affordable housing.

“The price of these Olympics is being paid by people who can’t afford it,” Garvin said.

Ok, they seem upset, but to be totally honest anytime you compare anyone to Hitler to prove a point in an argument you’ve lost said argument. I don’t give a shit what you believe or don’t believe, but there is nothing that Harper, or any Canadian government has done that compares to what Hitler and his stooges pulled off in the 30’s & 40’s.

“Educate yourselves and you’d understand why we’re angry” maybe Mr. Holtom you should educate yourself, although adopted by the Nazi’s and forever more referred to as a symbol of hate, the swastika was originally a symbol of peace and luck, depending on which definition you believe.

Either way, judging from the report I still think you’re an asshole.

Nice work if you can get it.

Speaking of the Prime Minister, it was announced today that he will ask to prorogue Parliament until after the Olympics. Really? So what do these guys actually do? They get time off in the summer, time off for the holidays, and now two months for the Olympics?

Even the NHL is only taking off two weeks, and that’s because their personnel are involved in the games. Proroguing Parliament means that any bills that are up in the air remain there until they come back on March 3, 2010. Nothing will get done, although I don’t see that being any different from when they are sitting, but at least they’re there.

No matter how you decide to celebrate the ringing in for the New Year, be safe, and have fun.

Dave

Boxing Day...all that's missing is the ref

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Satan Claus has come to town.

So Christmas has come and gone, and now we move onto the Boxing Day sales. And with the passing of the days also the passing of the meaning of the season. Because now the only thing that matters are the sales, saving 15% on something that you’ve been waiting all year to purchase, or something that you didn’t even know that you wanted, but its on sale, therefore…fuck everyone else, I’m getting mine. This is the time of year that someone is willing to shiv their own grandmother to get the last copy of season 4 of ‘How I met your Mother” on sale.

It starts with a simple task of trying to find a parking space, which would be easier to leave the vehicle at home and walk, no matter how far away the mall is. And it doesn’t matter if you have kids or not, it seems that this day unlike all the others, people do not care what type of language they use in front of their children. I don’t change the way I speak in from of the boy, he’s learned from an early age when and where to use the f-bomb, and so far twice has used it correctly in school*.

Watching these people maneuver through the malls on Boxing Day is something akin to a full frontal assault by tiny little individual armies. And they chose to go out, knowing full well what the day was going to be like, but did that deter them, of course not.

My best friend woke up and was out the door by 6 am to get to a couple of stores, even by the time he had gotten to the stores there were line ups. He reported to me the line up for the cashiers snaked around the store, but being the resourceful person he is, managed to get in and out in less than an hour in each of the two stores, much to the chagrin of people in line behind him.

He seems to be good at moving at the correct moment, and charming a cashier to ring in his purchases before the manager comes over and informs the line that has formed behind him that this is not a check out. No reports on if the manager was beaten in an angry mob scene after his departure.

New Year’s Resolutions

With only four days left until New Years Eve many people are writing down their New Years resolutions. Have you made yours yet? I know I haven’t. Mostly because I made one about eight years ago that I continue to keep to this day.

I resolved not to make anymore pointless resolutions. Losing weight, quitting smoking, going to the gym more, doing a good deed everyday, blah blah fucking blah.

This is who I am, this is what I do, I’m not about to change to fit into someone’s ideal personality. I know that I’m over weight, I know smoking is bad for me, I know that I could be nicer to the general population. But that’s not me. I cannot have a conversation without being sarcastic, no matter how hard I try; I’ve even been able to do it with out trying.

The only thing that I could resolve to do for the New Year is be happy with who I am and with what I have. Everything else is secondary.

I hope everyone has a great New Year, be safe and enjoy.

Dave

*It really pisses off the teachers when you ask if he used it in the correct context, and they say yes, but that’s not the point. I’m not proud that he uses those words, but if he uses them in the correct context, well, at least he’s learning.

And so this is Christmas...

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:38:00 +0000

‘Twas the week before Christmas and it seems all is going to hell, the more I try and see what exactly the season is supposed to mean, the more I see a bunch of ‘me monkeys’ only looking out for themselves. Seriously, if you have some free time (and who really doesn’t this time of year?) grab a coffee, and go to your local Wal-Mart, not that it is exclusive to Wal-Mart, but they seem to attract the most colourful, and just people watch. Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward man my jolly fat ass.

These people are all out for themselves, ready to push Grandma down if she even so much as thinks about grabbing the last item on the shelf that they are looking for. I’m done shopping for the most part this year, so now I’m just going to be sitting back and watching everyone else scramble, and listen to people smarter than I am to tell me how much we’ve evolved in the last century.

I like Christmas don’t get me wrong, I just don’t see why the emphasis is put on the gifts that are wrapped as opposed to the gifts that you have each and every day. Spending time with family and friends, regardless of what they are getting for you. I’d rather have a good time with friends and family sharing a couple of laughs then get a present that may be forgotten in the next few months. But possibly I’m a different breed.

Now enough of that, here are some stories that caught my eyes and ears this week;

You wouldn’t like him when he’s angry.

Don Cherry responded last night on his Coaches Corner segment to a doctor that called him out earlier this week saying that Grapes was a “negative influence on hockey”. I’ve been a long time fan of Cherry, dating back to when he was coaching the Bruins, and I have forgiven him for the “too many men on the ice” incident (ask a Habs fan for an explanation, I’ve tried to purge it from my memory). And I may have a biased opinion of him, but that being said…There is no one who does more for hockey than Don Cherry.

Cherry said on air last night “For this guy to come out and blame me for all the injuries is totally unfair. I would hate to think that Dr. Tator is doing it just to get his name in the paper.” And the sad part is, Dr. Tator probably is. The same way that Cherry uses his weekly segment to air his views, it seems that Dr. Tator is naming Cherry because of the “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em” style that he promotes, because a) he’s an easy target, and b) anyone who has ever watched or listened to knew that Grapes would respond.

News agencies in Canada would pick up what the Doctor said and immediately go to Grapes for a rebuttal. And Cherry is not one to shy away from a microphone, or a fight for that matter. If you watch Coaches Corner on Saturday nights, you know that Cherry is always the first to go after players for dirty hits, or other infractions that deserve more than just a NHL disciplinary action. He enjoys the game, all aspects of it, the hitting, the scoring, and yes the fighting.

But to blame him for the injuries, it seems that this is just a ploy to grab attention. Take a look at the equipment, take a look at the size of the players, take a look at the speed of the game. Then let us know what’s happening in the sport. New rules brought in to “open up” the game, have also changed how players are getting ‘caught’ with hits now.

Blaming Don Cherry for the injuries is like blaming the government for under spending on a project.

And speaking of government spending. From the WTF Files;

On December 9 Sue Ann Levy a Toronto Sun columnist wrote about a Toronto city councilors voting 21-4 to give one of their own a salary top up of over $65,000.00 to cover legal fees and taxes that the councilor would have to pay for the top up. Really? What happened here?

Apparently, in 2006 Councilor Adrian Heaps was named in a defamation suit by rival Michelle Berardinetti for an article in the Globe two days before the election bringing her reputation into question. It seems ironic that councilors will question their opponent’s character, but fail to see their own flaws when they do stupid shit like this. And the best part is, they’ve been told by their own legal advisor (three other times before) that this move is against the law!! But of course, Toronto City Council is running around like Capone in Chicago in the thirties thinking they can’t be touched.

And of course the Capo of this mob crew David Miller doesn’t care, he’s already out whoring himself for his next position now that he’s officially announced he’s done ruining (oops running) Toronto. Having this guy in charge of anything is like having Fredo run the Corleone family in the Godfather movies.

For Sue Ann Levy’s full story, follow this; http://www.torontosun.com/news/columnists/sueann_levy/2009/12/09/12089856-sun.html

Tiger still front page news

Tiger Woods has been on the front page of newspapers in the States for 16 days straight, second only to the 9/11 disasters. Proving once and for all that schadenfreude* is alive and well in North America.

I really don’t have anything to say on his situation, other than the fact that front page for 16 days, seems to be a little extensive.

And, do you know what the difference between Santa Claus and Tiger Woods is? Santa stopped after three ho’s.

Have an excellent and safe holiday, no matter what you celebrate

Dave

*Schadenfreude – The pleasure derived from the misfortune of others

No topic...No title

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:41:00 +0000

So this has been a good week so far, I’ve been thinking about what to make this post about, and the best that I can come up with is…

The Golfer, The Transit and the Website.

What do Tiger Woods and the TTC have in common?

Both could advertise for Ashley Madison.com

Although I think that Tiger, given the media outpouring on his story, would be wise to turn it down if the offer is for real. It’s not like he needs the money, although he is planning on taking a hiatus from golf, possibly just trying to hide more weapons from his wife. And would it not be a shorter list if people who haven’t had an encounter with Tiger come forward?

But the TTC? Really? For the people who are always complaining that they don’t have enough money, and continuously raise the fares, they of all people should not be turning down the opportunity to make money from advertisers.

And to be honest, they (the TTC) of all people know about screwing married people, whether they realize it or not.

The King and O (bama).

Apparently the Nobel Committee is upset with Obama for bailing on some of the festivities that follow the acceptance of the prize, including a lunch with the King of Norway. Of course this was fueling a fire that some suggest that Mr. President has issues with white people. First of all, I don’t care what people think of Obama, I don’t even care what Obama does. As long as he’s not trying to blow up the world, and start wars for no apparent reason other than threats made on his father years earlier…just in case you thought people forgot about that one W…and until I see Obama seeing that “I’m gonna get me a shotgun and kill all the whitey’s I see” ala Garrett Morris from Saturday Night Live, I’m not buying into this stream of thought.

Did anyone ever think that maybe he has other pressing issues that dining with the King of Norway; he’s a year in and still cleaning up messes left from the last administration, plus trying to get his own agenda put into place. I’m not saying that he’s had it easy, but why is everyone in the media trying to get him out so quickly? Are they that nervous about a black man being that powerful? Or maybe it’s because he smokes?!? Hmmmm.

How can we possibly make life easier?

I just watched a commercial that I find more annoying than that douche that keeps telling everyone that they are going to love his nuts. Apparently the clapper has come out with a remote control…for the people that can’t figure out the clapping part of it. And the best part is you can stick it on to the wall.

Why hasn’t someone thought of this before hand? Something that is attached to a wall and assists you in turning a light on or off. How have we ever gotten this far as a species without this? How lazy have we become? If this is where we are headed as a society, I’m off at the next stop.

A Lawyer's Christmas

Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a certain piece of property (herein after "the house") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including but not limited to a mouse...However, prior to the departure of deer, sled and Claus from said house, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.” Or words to that effect.

This may explain the rosy nose and cheeks.

As a slightly larger male, December has always been a busy time for me, mostly because people keep asking me to be Santa Claus at their parties. Which I’ve always made the joke of watching kids run away asking their parents why Santa smells like Jack Daniels and cigarettes.

Apparently people are starting to get their Christmas stockings all up in a bunch over another ad campaign. This one by Labatt breweries for their “non-alcoholic” Labatt Blue. The ad states “Leave one out for Santa. He’s driving.” More aimed at the drinking and driving aspect, then the fact that Santa may be a lush.

But according to a marketing professor this is breaking a rule in advertising. Never associate drinking with driving in a sales pitch. Don’t worry about destroying kids’ visions of Santa having some milk and cookies on Christmas Eve, although I know in my house he prefers a coffee and a smoke, but that’s getting off topic.

It’s an ad; all ads are designed to create some sort of response, good, bad or indifferent. And that’s all that this is, people in general have to learn to lighten up.

No matter what you celebrate this time of year, have a good and safe holiday.

Dave

Just makes me want to shake my head

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:03:00 +0000

Has MADD gone mad?!? I understand the whole don’t drink and drive concept, and I understand the whole public intoxication issue, for those keeping score I believe that the people were issued the citation under s. 175 (1)(a)(ii). But seriously, with all the other bullshit happening, saying that the police were right in issuing the tickets, and that the bartender is responsible, c’mon really?!?

For those of you that haven’t heard a couple was charged in Bowmanville the other week while they stood hand in hand on the curb waiting for a designated driver to pull up and drive their car home. Sounds reasonable, the couple who regularly uses the service if they have more than one drink seems to be doing exactly what MADD would want everyone to do. Not drive, take a cab, take public transportation, do anything other than drive.

After working in the hospitality industry for almost a quarter of a century, I’ve seen people charged with public intoxication, but they were usually causing a disturbance or fighting at the time, not standing on the curb. But now, it seems that if you are going to wait outside for the driver, cab, bus, streetcar, doing the right thing can get you a $65.00 ticket. And according to MADD, it’s the bartender’s fault!!

Perfect, another step for everyone not taking responsibility for their own choices. Would it have been better for the couple to try and drive home? According to a MADD spokesperson, it would have been better for the server to stop the couple after one drink, to ensure that they did not get to the point of intoxication. It would have been better for them just not to go out at all. I wonder if the only way to make MADD happy is to enter another prohibition era.

As a side note, I rarely have issues with the police, and if they laid the charge they must have had a reason to do so. My issue here is with MADD blaming the industry. I just don’t get it, it’s confusing. If you are going to drink, better just stay inside, if this is where we as a nation are heading, pretty soon you won’t have any place to drink or smoke. You’ll only be able to do so in the comfort of your own home…as long as you don’t use part of it for a business.

Just in time for all the Christmas parties. Which makes me wonder if MADD actually has a Christmas party? And if they do, what do they serve?

EVERYONE has the right to free speech

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:40:00 +0000

Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
- Section 2 (b) Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
- Article 19 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Seem like basic concepts, no? Seems straight forward, no?

People are allowed to express themselves without the fear of persecution because of the content of their message.

I have recently come across a series of youtube videos presented by @kara_sutra, (follow her on twitter) called Sex Ed 102. She has taken to teaching anyone and everyone that wants to learn about sex, sex toys, tips, and sexuality, everything you ever wanted to know about sex. These videos are useful, entertaining, and insightful.

For more information about the situation on Facebook follow this: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fapps.facebook.com%2Fcauses%2Fcauses%2F400110%2Fabout&h=b4d4d586806449aea8084ab791c404af

And a link for the online petition can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.petitiononline.com%2FSexEd102%2Fpetition.html&h=b4d4d586806449aea8084ab791c404af

I’m asking to please help out a friend.

Now that being said, allow me to get on a soapbox here.

This is an important issue, for anyone who enjoys reading, writing, or filming blogs. I know that I’ve said this before on many occasions, can’t remember if I put it down on paper (screen?), but I have never understood how someone can complain about the content of someone’s work. And have the expectation for it to be removed from wherever they initially found it because it offends them.

I’ve always been a strong supporter of simply changing the channels, free speech is just that, free. You can say whatever you like, and pull up free speech and nine times out of ten the courts will back you up. I say that because there have been times, where even in Canada, free speech was not allowed as a defence.

If you are reading, watching, or listening to something that you don’t agree with, simply change the channel. If you feel strongly about it, there are avenues that you can take to have your views heard, whether it be your own blog, or video, or a facebook page. But censoring someone else because you feel that it is offensive to you, I’m sorry but you really are not that important.
Because you feel that the blog, video, episode, whatever offends your views, does not mean that it would offend anyone else. And simply if you feel that strongly about it, change the channel, stop reading, stop watching/listening.

Once upon a time, certain people were offended by the words spoken by Lenny Bruce. He wound up in jail, twice while fighting for everyone’s first amendment rights. His conviction in 1964 was finally pardoned of the conviction after his death. For those of you who don’t know or are unsure, Bruce’s crime that he was convicted for was saying “cocksucker” on stage.

We’ve come along way baby, or at least we would like to think we have. I’m sure there are some that would still find Lenny Bruce’s humour offensive, as they do with Andrew Dice Clay, or Richard Pryor, or George Carlin. But if they find them offensive, they don’t have to listen to them.

Even here in Toronto, as little as a couple of months ago, someone on the Toronto District School Board brought in a motion to have Harper Lee’s book “To Kill a Mockingbird” removed from its shelves in the libraries because of the way it portrays African Americans. A book that was originally written in 1960, defining, what some believe, is the start of the civil rights movement in the U.S. The book itself is constantly under attack for various reasons in Canada and the U.S. because people get offended and can’t seem to keep it in the context for when it was written.

If I was to write or say something on stage that offends someone, that is their opinion. I am not about to change the way I am because I have offended someone. They definitely are not the first, and will definitely not be the last. If you don’t like what I write on my blog, don’t follow me, don’t read my stuff, if you were to see me on stage and don’t think I’m funny, then don’t watch, go out for a smoke and wait until my time is up and show support for the other comics.

There is no pleasing everyone, someone will always find something to criticize, and someone will always try and stop something that has nothing to do with them from being aired or published because it may go against their values. But c’mon seriously, there are so many other things (depending on which topic you subscribe and listen to) that are plummeting this hunk of rock that we all rotate on to hell faster than Matt LeBlanc’s acting career after Friends. You would think that maybe, just maybe people would realize that now is the time for people to speak out, to send in opposing views, to educate people and to organize an argument against the status quo, because as George Carlin said “let’s face it the status quo sucks.”

This is a basic argument, I’m sure that there are many people more learned than I am on this subject. And I am sure that they can argue the subject more in depth, and eloquently than I do. But I also know that scholars and educators and the learned people that I am referring to here have a tendency to be wordy, and lose some of the message on the masses. Technically they are too smart for their own good.

Basically, do what you feel is right, say what you want, read what you want, listen to what you want and make your own decisions. If you disagree, then put out a retort, however you can. But don’t censor it, just as I’m sure you wouldn’t want people to censor your thoughts or ideas.

Of course this is just my opinion.

Dave

Am I trying to tell myself something?!?

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:12:00 +0000

For those of you that knows me, you know that I do not care for such things like fashion, or fitness, or style in general. I do what I do, and I am quite content with that. My lovely wife Cj (a.k.a, she who must be obeyed) still loves me most times*, she wishes I would get out more, and be a little more active, but she still loves me.

For the most part I have the exercise regime of veal. I think about exercise, but if I lay down long enough the urge will pass, but I'm good with that, I've done diets and weight loss programs, and I wasn't happy. So I put some of the weight back on (I'm currently a svelte 314 lbs), I'm not Sumo fat, but I'm a large framed individual**, but i digress.

The is only one thing that really bothers me, and for years I didn't care, I thought it was a joke, something to make me smile throughout the day. But now its getting ridiculous, it's every freaking minute, sometimes more. And I'd like to think that for the most part I don't need help in this area. But for what ever reason, I seem to be getting 25 30 emails a day offering me a discount on Viagra. And the worst part is, I seem to be sending the emails to myself!!

I knew that one day I'd get old, everyone does but I was hoping to be more like Stadler or Waldorf from the Muppet show, mean and making fun of everyone. Not someone who apparently spends half of his day sending emails for enhancement to himself, and the other half deleting them. But I mean I must spend every waking minute sending and deleting these. Why would I need this drug, at that rate I wouldn't even have time for sex!?! And the worst part is, as another sign I'm getting older, I don't even remember doing it.

I'll be honest, it has happened to me, I think it happens to every guy at some point and time whether they admit it or not, but having it happen once every three to eight months, not that big of a deal there are other things going on. But, if it happened more frequently, I may look into one of those ads I keep sending myself.

Until then though, I'm happy with the way I am, and more importantly, for the most part so is my wife. And that's really all that matters

Dave

*I know she loves me all the time, but I'm sure there are times that she could kill me in my sleep.
** I would never say big boned, that is a stupid saying, have you ever seen a fat skeleton?

McGuinty's right, people will write about it...but I don't think this is what he was looking for.

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:54:00 +0000

TORONTO — There's no need for the Ontario government to hold public hearings on its plan to harmonize the provincial sales tax with the GST next July, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Wednesday, adding that voters can pass judgment on the issue in the 2011 provincial election.

"There has been, and there will continue to be, all kinds of opportunities for people to have conversations on this, whether you're talking about talk radio, letters to the editor, blogs, water cooler conversations (or) kitchen table conversations," said McGuinty.

"I would be very surprised if this was not an issue up for consideration at the time of the next election. People will have an opportunity to pass judgment on us in connection with the HST."

The Canadian Press – Taken from the CTV Toronto website.

Now that you have had a moment to let that statement set in, I would like to inform everyone that I will be speaking honestly in this post. And by honestly, I mean using real everyday language.

I am not political, I am really just starting to get into politics, I guess once you hit a certain age, you actually start paying attention to stuff like this. Over the last decade or so I have come to notice that Liberals (both Provincial and Federal) are probably some of the most ARROGANT MOTHERFUCKERS I have ever seen in my life. And after working for over a quarter of a century in various bars and pubs, I have seen some arrogant motherfuckers. Well Mr. McGuinty you thought that it would be better to have people “talk amongst themselves”, well here’s my blog to you.

I was driving last night on my way home after work, listening to talk radio, which I find easier to stomach than most of the “Hits” stations that Toronto radio has to offer. I heard the not-so Honourable Premier McGuinty state this. Really?!? You feel safe enough to have the public pass judgment on you a year after you bring it in and you think it will work out ok?!?

What the fuck have you been smoking? Is this the medicinal stuff, cause if so, I’m hoping I get glaucoma within the next few years, cause this is the only way you can see this turning out positively in your future. The only thing that stopped me from calling in to the radio station was the fact that thanks to you and your over protective bullshit laws, I can’t dial my fucking phone while driving.

If you thought the Federal Liberals got stomped like a narc at a biker rally at the last Federal election, I am so hoping that in 2011 the people of Ontario make your liberals look like last years Detroit Lions. After everything that has come down the wire in the last few months (e-Health, OLG) provincially, and that minor issue (AdScam) that the Feds dealt with a few years ago while Chretien and Martin were running the country like drunken captains on the Exxon Valdez, you would think that you’d be more open to hearing from the public; that if I remember correctly voted your ass into office and that YOU REPRESENT!

You were famous when leading the opposition for dressing down Mike Harris for pushing stuff through parliament without public meetings when he was in control of the province. And yet, you seem to think that you are untouchable in doing the exact same thing. You have got to be a bigger douchebag than Bernie Madoff.

Honestly, "There has been, and there will continue to be, all kinds of opportunities for people to have conversations on this”, while we their Ontario Government jam our full fist in their collective ass without any lube what so ever, and we’ll see how they feel a year afterwards. I highly doubt something like that is easily forgotten.

I highly doubt that Mr. McGuinty will ever read any of the blogs, or articles written on this, or listen to the many radio programs that are discussing this topic. I highly doubt he even cares, after the e-Health and OLG fiascos, he may be counting his days until he’s done knowing full well that no government that follows will ever rescind a tax, just keep adding them on.

I am not a mathematician, I do not know all the nuances for this new tax, but I would like to see someone in the government explain it to me, in simple fucking english. I don’t think that’s asking much.

Although this is just my opinion and I could be wrong, but in my opinion McGuinty is still a douchebag.

Dave

What the hell was I thinkng?!?

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Sokolowski) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:25:00 +0000

So I received a phone call the other day from my teacher from when I was in school to be a paralegal. Standard stuff, I was doing some side work for him, and he called for an update. I’ve been working with him off and on for about seven or eight months now; he’s actually helped me get most of my clients since I’ve been out on my own.

About three months ago, at one of meetings I was telling him that the curriculum for the course should include a section of social marketing/networking. Something to let the new group get a little bit more prepared for launching their own careers than I was when I left just a little over a year ago.

So the conversation went something like this;

Brian: “David, what does your week look like?”

Me: “Pretty open, I have two matters scheduled, one on Wednesday in Newmarket, and Thursday is in Whitby. Why? What’s up?”

Brian: “Remember when you were telling me about that facebook and twitter thing? The class this week is doing the section on marketing your business, and I thought you may be able to come in and answer some questions on the subject, ,seeing as I’m still figuring out the email thing.”

Me: “Sure, why not it could be fun, I’ll think of something over the weekend, and call you on Monday to discuss.”

Brian: “Thanks David, that sounds great! Talk to you later.”

Me: “Ok Brian, have a good weekend, bye”

Brian: “You too.”

And just for reference, for what ever reason, Brian is one of the few people that actually get away with calling me David.

It really all seemed harmless, I mean I like to think of myself as being minorly tech savvy, I’m not saying that I could build my own website or write my own programs. But, I do have a facebook page, follow marketing gurus on twitter, read all types of blogs on different subjects. Attempt at writing my own (not well, but I’m still in the learning phase.) blogs have been somewhat we received. So really, how hard can this be?

Well, to start with, I’m writing this as opposed to my presentation, I’ve spent most of the afternoon reading up on various topics for social networking/marketing, and I find, that I actually have no idea what the hell I was thinking when I agreed to this.

I know the basic functions of each, but how do I actually sell my product on them. Especially when my product is me? I get the ads that come in through DM’s on twitter, they are selling a specialized product, but at the same time, I’m ignoring them, so why wouldn’t others if I was to send my services out there?

And really it’s not like the people that are following me would actually need a paralegal, seeing as most of them are lawyers or the uber-elite celebs. But I know that I have gotten two hits off of it, so something must be right, and hey, it’s two more than I would have gotten had I not been on there to begin with. Like anything else, you never know what you’ll get out of it until you try.

Much like this blog, I’m not writing it to become some famous writer, not that I wouldn’t take the opportunity if it arose, but I write my way for me, not everyone is going to like it, and not everyone will be calling me if they have matters that paralegals can handle (seeing as there are over 2000 licensed paralegals in Ontario, since the inception of licensing by the Law Society). But it’s not just the readers, or my followers on twitter and facebook, it’s also the people that they know.

I also advertise on Craigslist.ca (I know it’s not just for the relationship challenged, or people looking for NSA sex), why, simple it’s free! When I decided to go out on my own, it’s not like I was flush with cash that allowed me to advertise wherever I wanted to, everyone has to start somewhere. The main thing to remember is not to get discouraged early, nothing is going to happen the first time out of the gate.

But, back to the task at hand, what am I going to do for the presentation? Read, study, make notes, get up in front of that class and tell the truth. Not everything will work for you, you will have to go out and experience all of this for yourselves, the facebook, twitter, blogging, myspace, linkedIn, or any other site that you can think of. Anytime, anywhere, or anyhow you can get your name out there, it’s never a bad thing. Start with your friends and work your way out from there. Pay attention to trends, the globe is shrinking, everything is at your fingertips, with one click of a button you can find cases where facebook is popping up in court decisions, reporters are twittering from the body of the court on major cases.

People are making a career on the marketing aspect of twitter and facebook. It is just a matter of time until this is added to the curriculum in all schools. Continuously learning and reading is key for this or any other industry. Learning, growing, and evolving are what we do, there are no correct answers, what works for you may not work for the next in line.

At least it’s a start.

Dave