A Man's Blog

Cat and Dolphin Video

2011-04-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

Well I've been ignoring my blog site the past three months. Call it distractions from other areas of life but I did come across this video and thought it was entertaining. Since I'm an animal lover and find it amazing that two animals which would never interact without human assistance look like instant friends I found it worthy of posting. Who'd have ever thought a Dolphin and a Domestic cat would be all lovey and playful with one another? Enjoy.

Hot and Dangerous - New Ke$ha Video - "We R Who We R"

2010-12-06T23:39:00.000-08:00

Alright. You may or may not know we here at "A Man's Blog" are big Kesha fans. Not really sure why? Maybe it's the catchy beats. Perhaps the wacky hair and outfits. I'm leaning heavily to the downright sexy sound to her voice though. I just can't wait to hear new Ke$ha tunes, and thought I'd share her newest video so you don't have to search hard to find it. I read somewhere the song was written because Ke$ha was sad to be hearing about a lot of teen suicides in the US, because they were different and not fitting in. I guess that explains her leaping off a building in the video. Other than that depressing little tidbit, it's pure Ke$ha fun here. Wild makeup, wild hair, hot mouth, and ooh the voice.
Enjoy.

A Dead Man Riding : Motorcycle Youtube Video

2010-11-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I posted anything here. Life and a work hunt take away the pleasure of spending time on my blog these days. I came across this video from a variety of sources today and thought I would share. While it's often impressive to watch a guy break every traffic law known to man, we also have to shake our heads at the idiocy and brass cajones of somebody to actually pull this off and live to post it to Youtube. Yes I think this rider is certifiable, and probably not on this Earth much longer if he keeps it up. Enjoy his work while he's alive.

80's Dating Video, Special from Youtube

2010-10-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist throwing this gem of a video up. Clips taken from dating services video in the 1980's. I think some of these folks might still be available if any of you ladies are in the market! I don't know why I've never tried this pick up line myself, "Life is a playground, and I'm looking for someone to, uhm, play with."

Pet of the Week : Pinky the Cat

2010-10-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

Couldn't resist adding this timeless piece to my collection. Pinky is rather feisty! I felt bad for the poor bugger while he's doing his flips and jukes, then laughed at the misfortune of the poor soul holding the leash. Let this be another lesson, that leashes are for dogs, cages are for cats.

Slash plays Anthem at LA Kings Home Opener

2010-10-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

No I'm not an American, but I am a hockey fan, and a major Slash fan. Guitar god that he is, Slash played the Star Spangled Banner on October 12th, 2010 before the LA Kings v. Atlanta Thrashers game. I always enjoy watching him bend the Gibson strings and make that thing sound like only he can. Just makes me wish I had the patience to continue my learning of the guitar. Enjoy.

Why Henrik Sedin Will, and Should Be, the Next Captain

2010-10-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

As I sit here drinking my hot coffee on this rainy Saturday, waiting for the 40th Vancouver Canucks season to officially begin, I decided to weigh in on a topic that's been thrown about since Roberto Luongo was removed as Captain. (I don't buy the "spin") While looking at the current Canucks roster I see four potential candidates to be named Captain of the team, by whichever means the organization decides to choose. Whether it's installed by the management and coaching staff, or voted upon by the players themselves. The latter being the truest form of picking the most popular choice by the players themselves. Below is the list of these candidates I've identified and my pro's and con's for each.

Dan Hamhuis

A new addition to the team via free agency this off-season. Hamhuis brings with him a very well respected reputation as a top 4 blue liner who spent the first years of his career in a relative shadow. This is not saying he wasn't identified by hockey people in the league as a good player, but he had been playing in a non hockey market, on a mediocre but not terrible team, the Nashville Predators. Furthering his perhaps lack of 'star power' in Nashville was that the team was loaded with good young defencemen, non more influential than Shea Weber. Hamhuis is now joining a Vancouver team with a solid group of defencemen, but none this writer would call 'superstars.' He will get big minutes shared with the likes of newly acquired Keith Ballard, Alexander Edler and Christian Ehrhoff. Hamhuis is a solid player and a hard worker, and a native of British Columbia. While these traits are sought after by any organization looking to name a Captain, the fact he's in his first year with a club with new teammates, and in a hockey mad market that he's yet had to deal with is a real detriment to his 'bid' for any Captaincy.

Alex Burrows

Probably one of the most under rated players on the team outside the market of Vancouver, Alex Burrows is the type of story Disney likes to pick up and market to the feel good crowd. If not for his ornery play on the ice, and an NC-17 rating for bad language, the movie would be a hit. Burrows, an undrafted member of the team, has the rags to riches story that makes everyone smile. Toiling in obscurity in the ECHL, Burrows' remarkable work ethic and willingness to do anything to help his teams win eventually was noticed by the Canucks organization. Working his way through the ranks a la EA Sports NHL "Be a Player Mode" has seen Alex move from the ECHL to the AHL, to top line duty with two of the organizations greatest players. Nothing was ever handed to Burrows, he worked his butt off for every second of ice time through two different coaches with his NHL club. This is the type of guy that normally would be named Captain of a club, solely for his perseverance and work ethic that is still on display most nights he suits up for his team. He scores, hits, agitates and rallies his team when needed. The downside for Burrows is his reputation outside the team, and perhaps quietly inside, for being a dirty player and doesn't stand up and fight when something questionable happens. An organization will struggle in the PR department, if this type of player is the 'face of the franchise.'

Ryan Kesler

Kesler, a two time Selke nominee, star US Olympian and now second line center for the Canucks is another candidate for the title of Captain Canuck. Kesler, drafted by the team and recently extended to a long term deal, has never played for another NHL team. His skating ability and work ethic has long been his best attributes, and has continued to improve his game to make him one of the best two-way players in the NHL today. Kesler really did make a name for himself in the NHL the previous two years by being noticed and becoming a finalist for the Selke trophy, and continued to impress hockey observers by his play in the best on best Olympic tournament held in Vancouver. He is probably many of the fans of the Canucks favourite player, and perhaps an equally close favourite to be named Captain beside Henrik Sedin. Kesler's major detractor to his bid for Captain of the team has to be his mouth. Kesler really annoyed many Canadian hockey fans and media by attacking our country during the Olympics with statements like, "Canada? I hate them." Now most of us in Vancouver know that is just Kesler being his agitating self, but outside the market it was not received well. Kesler is well known to really get under the skin of opposing players, and sometimes does not hold his tongue in what I would call a 'classy' way after the game. An organization really does want a spokesperson as Captain, and having a sometimes brash, obnoxious, arrogant individual as the face of your franchise is probably not the best antidote for brand identity. Having said that, Kesler is a very effective player with those attributes and the Canucks team and organization are happy to have him on their side.

Henrik Sedin

Coming off a remarkable season in which Henrik Sedin played a good portion without his twin sidekick Daniel, and still managed to put up league leading point totals, and a Hart trophy win, Henrik is the hands on favourite to be named the next Captain of the team. H. Sedin was drafted by then Canucks GM Brian Burke, along with his twin brother, in probably one of the best moves a GM has ever made in this league in draft day. The ability to draft two of the top three ranked players in one draft so they could play together like they had since being children is still a great feat for the bombastic Burke. Initially a bit of a laughing stock in this town for some sometimes soft play, the Sedin twins have become permanent fixtures on the team's top line the previous four seasons. Their ability to find one another and their other line mate with blind passes and sometimes ridiculous creativity, should be pushing the two of them into league stardom if it hasn't already. Henrik for his part, played with many different players during his brothers injury last season, and continued to make dazzling passes and chipped in by scoring goals. Henrik has a relentless pursuit of improving his play and skills every year, always comes to camp in great shape, and continues to improve his statistical numbers year over year. Combined with his well spoken, respectful demeanor in public, and his ability to help out the community in which he plays is why he's my odds on favourite to be named the next Canucks Captain.

It could be that by the time this is read, the Canucks will have formally announced a Captain. When I hit the post button, I had yet to hear the official announcement.

Rather Interesting Video Site called "Icefilms"

2010-10-01T23:03:00.001-07:00

Someone directed me to a site this evening in which I was told hosted movies and TV shows and it was so detailed and extensive he cancelled his satellite subscription because everything he ever wanted to watch was there. I had to check it out, and it does seem quite expansive.

I'm not sure the legality of the site, I am not a lawyer. I'm always one to rent or buy movies I like, but some may not care. It's certainly a good spot to check out an episode you missed of your favorite show that got deleted off the PVR by mistake.

I thought I'd let my many followers and fans know about this site, so they can make their own decision if they want to use it or not. You don't need to be too terribly net savvy, but you do need to ensure you do a couple things at the site. The is an IQS file link on the top that you need to download and install. It is a browser extension (kind of like flash). I installed on my Google Chrome and it didn't blow my computer up and Chrome saw it as an extension, no problem. (Have not checked it with IE or Firefox)
The other is you need to install a Divx web player. There is a link on the home page of the site for you to download it. Not to worry, Divx (if you haven't heard of it) is a very reputable company who has created a video compression methodology which allows high quality content to be stored in a smaller file and read or played through your computer or even many DVD players now. It is not something the site with the videos links has created or marketed.
I was going to put up a sample video, but decided against it. :)
Finally, some films may not have sound. This requires another quick install of the AC-3 Filter Audio Codec. You can find a link to it on the site as well.

The website you want to go to is icefilms.info (yes you can put the www in front)

Yes it works.

Enjoy.

Louis CK Hits

2010-10-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

I decided to share some funny Louis CK clips today. About a year ago I saw him Live and in person downtown in the big city. It was a good show, if not for the fact we had to walk 10 blocks in the heaviest downpour of rain I'd seen in a long time. Crammed into the little seats at the Orpheum, soaking wet, full of meat from the Brazilian Samba BBQ place we ate at, kind of put a 'damper' on things, but it was still a good show.

Enjoy the magic of stand up.

WARNING : Not for the little ones!

Canucks Final Roster Shown on CDC ?

2010-09-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

It appears the Canucks.com website is tipping the hand of it's GM and coaching staff with what appears to be a final roster listed. Fresh off a 6-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks, many of the members of the game roster are suddenly no longer listed as "Roster Players" on the team's official website. Missing from the list are hopeful Canuck roster players Jeff Tambellini and Cody Hodgson. Still no word on whether Brendan Morrison or Peter Schaefer will be offered contracts for the big club this season. Here is the list directly from Canucks.com and the link to the actual site. Canucks Roster

49	ALEXANDRE BOLDUC	6' 1"	197	26 JUN 1985	25	MONTREAL, CAN
14	ALEXANDRE BURROWS	6' 1"	188	11 APR 1981	29	PINCOURT, QC, CAN
15	TANNER GLASS	6' 1"	210	29 NOV 1983	26	REGINA, SK, CAN
36	JANNIK HANSEN	6' 1"	195	15 MAR 1986	24	HERLEV, DNK
24	DARCY HORDICHUK	6' 1"	211	10 AUG 1980	30	KAMSACK, SK, CAN
17	RYAN KESLER "A"	6' 2"	202	31 AUG 1984	26	LIVONIA, MI, USA
27	MANNY MALHOTRA	6' 2"	220	18 MAY 1980	30	MISSISSAUGA, ON, CAN
21	MASON RAYMOND	6' 0"	185	17 SEP 1985	25	COCHRANE, AB, CAN
37	RICK RYPIEN	5' 11"	190	16 MAY 1984	26	COLEMAN, AB, CAN
26	MIKAEL SAMUELSSON	6' 2"	218	23 DEC 1976	33	MARIEFRED, SWE
22	DANIEL SEDIN	6' 1"	187	26 SEP 1980	30	ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWE
33	HENRIK SEDIN "A"	6' 2"	188	26 SEP 1980	30	ORNSKOLDSVIK, SWE
13	RAFFI TORRES	6' 0"	216	8 OCT 1981	28	TORONTO, ON, CAN

Defencemen

#	NAME	HEIGHT	WEIGHT	DATE OF BIRTH	AGE	BIRTH PLACE
41	ANDREW ALBERTS	6' 5"	218	30 JUN 1981	29	MINNEAPOLIS, MN, USA
4	KEITH BALLARD	5' 11"	208	26 NOV 1982	27	BAUDETTE, MN, USA
3	KEVIN BIEKSA	6' 1"	198	16 JUN 1981	29	GRIMSBY, ON, CAN
23	ALEXANDER EDLER	6' 3"	215	21 APR 1986	24	OSTERSUND, SWE
5	CHRISTIAN EHRHOFF	6' 2"	203	6 JUL 1982	28	MOERS, DEU
2	DAN HAMHUIS	6' 1"	209	13 DEC 1982	27	SMITHERS, BC, CAN
55	SHANE O'BRIEN	6' 3"	230	9 AUG 1983	27	PORT HOPE, ON, CAN
29	AARON ROME	6' 1"	218	27 SEP 1983	27	NESBITT, MB, CAN
6	SAMI SALO	6' 3"	212	2 SEP 1974	36	TURKU, FIN

Goalies

#	NAME	HEIGHT	WEIGHT	DATE OF BIRTH	AGE	BIRTH PLACE
1	ROBERTO LUONGO	6' 3"	217	4 APR 1979	31	MONTREAL, QC, CAN
35	CORY SCHNEIDER	6' 2"	195	18 MAR 1986	24	SALEM, MA, USA

Youtube Video - The Bar Dogs from 1986

2010-09-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

I know this is some old footage of a 'human interest' story from the UK that was recently picked up by a Dutch television show. (Hence the subtitles at the bottom). I watched it this morning and I thought it was hilarious. I'm not sure who is funnier, the dogs at the bar or the actual bartender, who is quite the card himself. I'm a big fan of the German Shepherd and one day plan to have one, just don't tell that to my current guys.
I always appreciate timeless laughs. :)

Youtube Video of Canadian Army Rebuilding a Jeep in the Street in 4 Minutes.

2010-09-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

A little birdie who's a secret contributor to this blog site sent me this video of our boys in the Army doing a demonstration on their mechanical abilities. They roll in with a running, operational Jeep, take it apart down to the frame, and then re-assemble it and drive away all in about 4 minutes. Pretty neat to watch, and makes you think you should be getting a better price at the repair shop for any Jeep repairs now. Enjoy!

Vancouver Canucks Hockey Blog: Pre-Season Depth Chart Rankings (Version 3)

2010-09-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Canucks Hockey Blog: Pre-Season Depth Chart Rankings (Version 3): "As expected the Vancouver Canucks have made some roster cuts after their weekend games. The following players are on their way to the Manito..."

Canucks Cut Roster by 10

2010-09-28T01:45:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Canucks cut 10 players from their roster today, with one surprise to many somewhat hopeful fans. Jordon Schroeder, or is it Schraeder, was sent to the Manitoba Moose to start their training camp this week. Jordan Schroeder is US born player who starred at last year's World Junior Championships, helping Team USA upset Team Canada in the final game. It was his play at this tournament which had Canuck fans hopeful for a continued, somewhat speedy rise to a roster spot on the NHL club this season. It appears that is not to be, at least for the start of this NHL season.

The Canucks are poised to have a solid lineup of forwards, with veteran tryout players Peter Schaefer and Brendan Morrison making solid bids to make the club. I would've called Morrison the front runner over his long ago teammate, but Morrison was involved in that 8-2 debacle of a loss to Edmonton two nights ago, which can't help his cause to make the club on a professional try out basis. Morrison played just over 14 minutes in the game, ended a minus 2, took the first penalty for a lazy hook which was subsequently resulted in a power play goal by the Oilers two minutes into the game. This certainly set an ominous tone for Canuck fans, and the tone became reality as the Canucks were outclassed, outworked and ran out of the rink by an Oilers team pegged by many to be one of the worst in the NHL's Western Conference this year.

By looking at the stat sheet, Kevin "Boom Boom" Bieksa seemed to have the best night of all Vancouver players, playing 22 minutes and managing to finish EVEN in the +/- category, despite not registering a point. This seems lost on many fans at CDC who are calling for Bieksa to be traded. It's very surprising to this blogger that Bieksa has created this kind of animosity within Canuck Nation.

The Canucks play the San Jose Sharks in back to back, home and home games Tuesday and Wednesday, with the Canucks hosting the first of the matches on Tuesday at The Garage (I will NOT call it R*&^S Arena), at 7:00pm on Sportsnet Pacific.

Here is the list of now Manitoba Moose:

Nolan Baumgartner, Defence
Mario Bliznak, Centre
Kevin Connauton, Defence
Evan Oberg, Defence
Prab Rai, Left Wing
Jordan Schroeder, Centre
Chris Tanev, Defence
Aaron Volpatti, Forward
Sean Zimmerman, Defence
Travis Ramsey Defence

Boxee Box by D-Link, Apple TV - Have to ask Why?

2010-09-23T23:50:00.000-07:00

So I'm hitting up my favorite online shopping mall the other day, and I come across the Boxee Box from D-Link. Being a complete techno nerd I say to myself, "Whats this?" and click on the information. http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/boxee.aspx
As I'm scrolling through the 'features' I just had to start shaking my head and wondering why an excellent manufacturer of routers (I currently have a D-Link Wireless N rocket ship) be pulling themselves into this market? I just don't understand the timing or the reasoning behind this.
Let's dive into what is says it does; It streams movies, TV shows and your home movies and pictures to your computer wirelessly. It connects to your TV via HDMI. It claims to have "free movies" AND "new releases." To me that means the free movies are ones nobody watches and the new releases you need to pay for. Perhaps I'm wrong? I could be, it's not out just yet.
As many who are technical will know, there are many options for media content available online from free to $7.99 a month for Netflix. (Just available in Canada) The price of the Boxee from D-Link is targeted for $199.99 in Canada. I noticed this product a couple weeks after Steve Jobs big announcement that the Apple TV offering has been revamped and resized and repriced and will be available soon. In typical Steve Jobs fashion he's pretty impressed with this little product and wanted to tell the world about it. Now, I'll admit, the Apple TV like many of Apple's current products really does have a cool factor. It's tiny, comes with a slick little remote, and has the HDMI output to your TV that the Boxee Box offers. We are talking about two very similar uses for two different looking products, and well, two different price points. Apple is really looking to make money through it's iTunes platform and it wouldn't surprise me if the little Apple TV somehow manages to not play some of the free content on the web, and some may really dislike that. They also may dislike iTunes in general, the new Ping product, and the Boxee Box may do a better job with that type of "user experience." The fact of the matter is, the Apple TV is scheduled to be a lot less money. Apple TV - Best Buy

Xbox 360 Slim

My big problem with these two products? Well, there are two big problems in my mind. They would be simply, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360. Both these products have been on the market for a number of years now, and both of these products will do exactly what the Boxee Box and Apple TV do. In fact, they do more. Much more. I can stream HD movies to both my X360 and PS3, I can play games with both, I can surf the internet with both, I even have Blu Ray capability on my PS3, which just recently updated itself in order to read 3D Blu Ray discs. That's right, no upgrade needed for me (other than the TV), Sony just handed me 3D capabilities via firmware update online for free, just this week.
Cost of Xbox 360 Slim, with 4GB HD and built in Wireless N : $199.99
Xbox 360 4GB Console
Cost of Playstation 3 120Gb Console : @299.99
PlayStation 3 120 GB
Don't let the cost of the PS3 scare you away. If you just bought an Xbox you'd then have to go buy a Blu Ray player, or a 3D Blu Ray player if that ever catches on with cheaper TV costs, so you're probably in a big savings right there if you take that into consideration. The PS3 also allows you to play games online without additional costs, where the Xbox charges you for Gold membership to Xbox Live to do so. They are both capable machines, and you get a lot more for your money with either of them then the first two products mentioned.
I really don't get the D-Link product, and why they would go here. I guess the jury is out and I'm judging something before it's hit the market, but I sense a failure coming here. I'll give the Apple unit some credit based on it's size and price point alone. It will allow someone not wanting to have a larger item next to their TV, or spend the extra $70. (Although you and your kids would love the games).

Dad Life - Great Tongue in Cheek Youtube Video About Being a Dad

2010-09-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

So knowing my wife wants to be a secret blogger herself, she's been sending me things to put up here. I just so decided I would have to appease her, as I did chuckle quite a bit and this little gem of a youtube video.

Obviously once you start watching you'll see that it is quite appropriate for a blog by an author calling himself, "This Dad." I don't really know if it needs much more explanation. It is rather fitting, and hits the mark in a funny way about what it's like to lose your sports car, your ten girlfriends and your weekends drinking beer with your pals when babies arrive. We still want to pretend were cool!

Enjoy!

Vancouver Canucks Training Camp : It's a Tease!

2010-09-20T00:55:00.000-07:00

   So I'd been wondering what to post about the Vancouver Canucks all day today. Perhaps it was the rainy weather, or maybe it was irritation of the Pittsburgh Steelers second game in a week not being televised in our area, but I haven't felt too inspired.
   I'm not a stats guy. I don't like looking up how many goals Brendan Morrison scored in his second full season with the Canucks or how many shots Roberto Luongo faced in Game 52 last season. If I did, I guess I could find some sort of stats to compile and b.s. my way through a blog post. I, and my many fans of A Man's Blog would probably fall asleep about half way through. I decided I'd 'editorialize' and describe why I need a cold shower about this time of year.

   I needed to expand on my feelings of excitement about the new Vancouver Canucks season, and also why I was feeling a little blah at the same time. It brought me back to last year about this time. There was a lot of hype surrounding the team because of the pending exhibition game in Terrace, B.C. from their Hockeyville contest win. There was a lot of coverage, a lot of hype, radio shows hopping. The game was on TV and I was pumped! I raced around getting my "dad" things done so I'd be able to sip my coffee and watch the game on my big screen. About mid way through the first period I'm irritated. Why? Well, because it was like watching the Manitoba Moose and the Victoria Salmonbellies play a who's who of Junior 'B' castoffs. I mean, who can name more than 6 players of the Islanders pro team, let alone their 'prospects.'
   My point here is we get all excited for hockey season. The media, the fans, the bloggers we're ready to go. Just can't wait to see our boys in blue, green and white hit the ice, see the familiar faces, hear the sounds, cheer for the goals. The problem is we don't see them. We see the minor leaguers, the new rookies, the old farts who won't make the team. We trumpet those guys out there so they can claim they're playing NHL experienced guys so the real vets don't have to suit up. I'm just not all that enthused about watching guys like Bill Sweatt, Stefan Schneider and Guillaume Desbiens lead the first line while Kris Fredheim and Sean Zimmerman play the points.
   I'm not trying to trash on these individual players, I just picked their names out of the current list of camp attendees as examples of the guys you pretty much know aren't going to make the team. I appreciate early in the pre-season you want to give some of these guys a look. You want to evaluate the personnel in your organization and see where everyone fits. For me, it's just frustrating because you're so eager to see the Henrik's and Daniel's, the Kesler's the Luongo's and the new additions which will be on the club. I want to watch Dan Hamhuis get used to his team, I want to see if Raffi Torres can reignite the same in your face style he once had. I don't want to watch guys who have absolutely no chance of making the team.
   Yes I know you're going to say, "You have to let the kids have a chance to show themselves and think they can make the team." ...but really? I don't believe for a second that this roster is not virtually set, save for maybe 2 or three spots, mostly at forward. I don't see the point in throwing guys who have no chance to make the team out in games when I feel they'd be better working within their own team's system (Manitoba or other) earlier. It is more about the schedule, the NHL wanting to maximize revenue from exhibition games and making these teams play too many games in too many nights. This means we get to see these guys hang around longer than they should to save the veteran, shoo in rosters guys from playing too many games in the pre-season.
   This is why the pre-season is a tease for me. Get's me all excited, then becomes a total let down once I start watching. Kind of like that hot girl you waited to take on a date all summer. You pick her up and she's wearing your favourite hot outfit from the last time you saw her. The the date starts and, well, uh oh.. you end the night not the way you hoped.
   I can't wait for opening night, at least I'll get to see the full team again. Until then, I'm stuck watching AHL hockey for another three weeks.

-TD

P.S. I fixed the comment box. I thought it would let anyone contribute but noticed today that was not the case. It is now open for anyone's comments.

Gymkhana Three : Best Youtube Video I've Ever Seen

2010-09-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

I had to switch gears (almost literally) away from my Vancouver Canucks posts of late to show this video on my blog. This is a site called "A Man's Blog" after all, and if you're a man, you'll like this! If you don't like it, hmm, I'd be checking for a set..

I saw this posted to a forum I frequent and I laughed in amazement the whole way through. It sure doesn't look like video trickery... This man can DRIVE!! Awesome, other than it's a Ford, but I'll forgive him.

This is just awesome! Don't be square, share! Easy one button icons right below!

Vancouver Canucks: Training Camp Eve

2010-09-17T00:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Hockey Season!

The Canucks veterans report to main camp tomorrow, to begin which should be an interesting pre-season. Made more interesting in the announcement that Cody Hodgson WILL be at camp with the vets. This blogger certainly hopes the young fellow isn't pushing it once again, and is completely healthy. We all understand his passion and desire to play in the NHL and make a name for himself in the pro's, but Cody, I know you're reading, DON'T MAKE IT WORSE.

My "The Hockey News" season preview features a cover shot of one Henrik Sedin(next Swedish Captain?) announcing he now has the Hart Trophy, is Stanley Next? Yes you read it, a eastern based magazine calling the Canucks their choice for winning the Stanley Cup? Huh? Did I read that right?

Our team a favourite? For the Cup? I think they also said the Leafs have done enough to make the playoffs too, so I'll take their opinions with a grain of salt, thanks. Naming Dion Captain just isn't enough Burkie!

Who's going to play with the twins while ... wait, I'm not going THERE again.

Happy to see one of the Canucks fans beloved heroes returning for a try out. Poor Brendan, a try out? Why not a contract offer? The man bleeds Canucks blue more than most others who've adorned the ugly snarling Orca.(Or is it smiling?) He's such an all round player who can play the PP, the PK, is liked by his teammates and can put up numbers when healthy. Not to mention he just adds to the team's already decent foot speed with the likes of Kesler, Raymond, Burrows and Grabner...wait we traded him.. you know what I mean. Hodgson aside, I like Mo on the third line pushing Kesler at 2, keeping him honest. We all know Kes can get banged up and hurt his mouth yapping, so having Morrison back there to take his spot is a good thing. This writer hopes the Canucks do the right thing and offer him a spot, if he earns it. I think he has already.

More to come as training camp hits. Here's hoping for no injuries to the stars, and a few good tilts!

-TD

Canucks Ramblings..

2010-09-16T00:29:00.000-07:00

I really should blast off about the thoughts on the 'team' tonight. I have a lot of thoughts in my head but just not sure which way would be best.

I do find it quite funny that here we are again at the start of training camp and the debate is on about who gets to play with the twins. Like really? Haven't we talked about this over and over and over again? A new year and Bust His Butt Burrows is hurting and won't be in the lineup so the revolving door it is once again.

Mikael, Raffi, Jordan heck lets put Ryp there in case Hank gets run over. I think that's the best plan. Then the twins can just pass the puck to each other and let Rypien pinball around in front of the net and punch people out after the whistle. Who needs to pad someone else's stats? Maybe they can both get 150 points that way? ..oh yeah, and we get to see Rypien beat people up more often. Sounds good to me!

Again we have the hot rookie chat. The big studs coming out of junior into the big leagues, the fans and media pumping up their prospects like they're Sidney Crosby x 2. Cody Hodgson believed the pressure last year and wouldn't give himself a day off trying to live up to those expectations and the kid is still hurting from it. What a shame! Take it from me I know what a bad back does to you, never seems to go away. Another blue chip prospect of the Canucks getting destroyed by this market.

If Jordan Schraeder makes this team I'll be SHOCKED. I bet he's a third liner in Manitoba this year. Hope he likes the snow and cold. Brr.

My message to Canucks supporters and media. Stop putting so much pressure on these kids. Let them come in here, get some experience and develop without thinking they're all world, second liners. It's just not realistic. We probably do more damage to the success of our team in the long run with this kind of pressure.

Cheers.
-TD

Mini ATV Assembly Guide

2010-09-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

I noticed when reading the Giobikes.com Q&A's there are a lot of questions regarding what needs to be done assembly wise when getting these quads, so I thought I would post a pictorial of how I've put the two together I have been involved with.
As usual, Giobikes is Johnny on the spot for delivery, and I had the unit 1.5 business days from sending the payment. Now I know I'm close to him so that helps. Here's what comes in the big brown UPS truck:

The larger box is the actual atv and the smaller is the wheels and parts box. Here is what the quad looks like packaged inside the box.

The 50 cc Gio is much less assembly than the 110cc I initially took on. Here is a pic of the hardware it comes with for assembly. Missing from the shot are the wheels and the battery.

After removing all packing materials other than the bottom support crate, here's what you have:

The first thing I do is install the handlebars. Loctite is used here to ensure the bolts don't loosen up and the bars don't dissapear on you on a heavy bump or panic stop. Ouch!

The clamps go around the bars where there is a machined area for better grab and bolt into the holes here.

Tighten the bolts down well to ensure the previously mentioned condition doesn't occur.

Once I have the handlebars tightened down I make sure all the cables have room to move between the body and the bars, and nothing will get snagged or pinched. I then remove the packing crate completely and jack up the unit in order to install the wheels. This is the point I start checking all the bolts and re-tightening/thread locking much of what I can get at. Most of the bolts on this one were pretty snug. If you don't have jacks, you can make due like me with little stools.

I put the rear wheels on first, I don't think this matters. To install the rear wheels you need to slide the long tubes over the axel bar, rule of thumb is long one on the left. Here is me doing the right side tube.

Then the wheel butts up against the tube.

You then install the small washer, then the big concaved washer. Keep the concaved washer with the curved edge <i> toward </i> the wheel. If you don't, you won't be able to get the rubber cab over it.

Loctite, then twist the nut on.

Then install the cotter pin. Your cotter pin should slide through so the thick end fits inside the castelated nut to ensure it does not loosen off. Then bend the ends of the pin, back and around so it doesn't fall out.

Repeat these steps for the other side and you now have back wheels installed. This is a good time to inspect your back axel alignment, to make sure the front and rear sprockets are running true, and the chain is not too tight. Mine came with the chain extremely tight, so I needed to loosen it off some.

You now move to the front wheels. My ATV came with front brakes, I'm not sure if all the 50cc units do, but this is the second one I have ordered that came with them. The first one I did I had some trouble figuring out the order of the pieces, which was mainly due to some burrs or uneven grinding on the front spindles which was grabbing some of the washers and brake assemblies and not sliding on all the way. This unit was better for that, and everything slid on as supposed to. (Apart from some thread problems which is an entirely different matter)
Here is the order I installed the front wheels with brake assemblies:

Slide the front brake drum right back on spindle, and insert stud through the frame mount. Should be a nut here to tighten but mine was missing on both sides. You then slide the longer bushing/tube up against the brake drum assembly.

Then push the wheel up against the bushing. I should mention that my wheel bearings were falling out of my front tires. I put a dab of loctite on the outside edge before installing them into the hubs. Insert the smaller bushing up against the bearing, then the small washer and the concaved washer like the back.

I would be careful tightening these too much as it will push the bushing into the wheel bearing. I made them snug, so there was room for the cotter pin to sit in correctly, using loctite again of course.

You repeat this process on the other side and you now have a rolling atv with four wheels!

Next comes the battery. The battery sits under the seat. The seat has a latch at the back you reach under and pull and the seat pops off. I find these fun to put back on but I digress. Once you remove the seat, you need to fish the battery cables out from wherever they wiggled to during shipping.

The battery should be ready to go out of the box. There is no acid filling needed on these they are sealed and I have yet to find one not charged and this is my fourth Gio in the extended family. The hardware is taped to it and I would suggest strongly you don't lose them! The connectors on the battery are very small, and it is hard to find replacements for these. I used a dab of loctite on the rectangular clamp piece for this one, as I already have seen two rattle the connections loose and lose the hardware. This is a good item to check for snug bolts regularly. This is pretty straight forward, red to red, black to black, slide into it's hole, make sure the wires aren't going to bind anywhere and plop the seat back on. (Have fun with that) :)

Can't stress this part enough. Now it is time to drain the oil from the motor and replace it. The manual specifies 10/40 for this unit, however I used 15/40 Diesel oil. I have run this in both my 110cc and 50cc. I did not take a picture of the drain plug, but probably should have. It is in a bad spot, with the frame and a frame bolt right below it. Drain oil completely, then refill. I would start with .5 litres and keep checking the dipstick until it's at the safe level. You won't need more than .9 litres, probably less. Oil filling is tricky without a funnel due to the placement of dipstick.

Now for the obvious, put some fuel in it, and put the gas cap on with the rubber hose for venting.

Now it is time to try to fire it up. The 50cc ATV has a manual choke lever on the left side of the carb, which is tucked up under the body. The black 'vent' plastic comes off to provide you easier access to the carb.

Hard to see in this picture, but I am pointing at the choke lever. You pull it up to fully open, then it pushes down and clicks closed, and then you can push it down to open it again. I find it is easier to start by pushing it all the way down.

Don't forget to squeeze the brake lever to start. If you get no spark, ensure the kill switch/tether boot is on correctly as it's easy to bump it. At this point you'll need to do some carb tuning I'm sure, and the mixture and idle screw are on the other side of the carb. Impossible to get at without removing the black plastic on the other side and having a long carb screwdriver.

Overall this quad is pretty easy to assemble, and they are fun little machines.

The only thing left would be to attach the front brake cables. There are instructions on how to do this included with the unit.

Hope this helps you while you're putting together your new quad! Giobikes now only sells these with 110cc motor, but I'm sure the assembly process is the same. The 110cc motor is a good runner, and lots of fun.

Rookie Camp Dust Up

2010-09-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

Pretty good tilt here from this young Canucks prospect. Surprised he hung in there. Don't think he's making the team but he now gets famous by appearing on "A Man's Blog"

Hines Ward = Class

2010-09-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

Photo by ESPN

Here I am taking a break from the job searching, and I click on my facebook page and see a post from Hines Ward, number 86 in your program and number 1 in your heart. (Thanks Don Taylor) In the age of over the top ego's and no thought for anything but themselves in pro sports, here's a guy who is actually aware of his surroundings. Meaning like it or not he's a role model for kids and he might have young people following his every move and word. This is what Hines posted as his Facebook status this afternoon.

"Fans, I appreciate y'alls comments, however, please keep the cursing off this facebook page. Please be courteous to my fans that are kids. If u want to use curse words, please take it somewhere else. With respect..."

Wow, not only is the man a super bowl MVP, considered one of the toughest competitors in the game, thought by some as the best blocking WR in the league (and world) he actually has some class. Take note TO, this is how you're SUPPOSED to act.

Kudos Mr. Ward. My utmost respect back.

-TD

Vote for Rashard

2010-09-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hey Steelers fans, vote for Rashard Mendenhall for Ground Player of the week through Steelers.com. The links aren't working in my post so click this link to go the steelers page to vote.

http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-nominated-for-NFL-honors---vote-now/0b5245be-98de-4cc4-b034-b8307f4d9009

Running back is nominated for the NFL’s FedEx Ground Player of the Week for the first week of the NFL season.

Mendenhall rattled off a game-winning 50-yard touchdown in overtime as the Steelers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 15-9 at Heinz Field.

Mendenhall finished the afternoon with 22 carries for 120 yards.

Cast your Vote for Mendenhall now.

Watch video of Mendenhall from the Steelers post-game: Watch Now.