I started cleaning out my desk at work this morning. Since this is my last week at my current job, I won't be using it for much longer.
Last October, three weeks before my 29th birthday, my department was informed that all of its jobs would be outsourced to India. These jobs were slated to go in two phases, with the first one ending in December. My job is in the second phase, which ends in May; my last day of employment is May 1st.
I used to wonder what would happen if the day ever came that I suddenly didn't have a job anymore. Not that I was too worried; I use a budget spreadsheet in order to track my income and spending, and I make sure to contribute to my tax-free savings account and RSP with every paycheque I earn. Mind you, I don't deposit so much that my disposable income ends up being on a downward trend.
Having said that, I'm pretty much the breadwinner of my household (absolutely no details on that), so you should understand that a job loss would cause a little concern with me. I'm also at a disadvantage when my inexperience and lack of a strong social network are taken into consideration. As you've probably figured out, I've had a very hard time so far in landing suitable employment. From October to the present, I've only had two (unsuccessful) interviews.
And yes, I am trying, thank you very much.
Apr 27, 2009
Apr 26, 2009
Living In A Box - "Living In A Box"
I still have this song on seven-inch vinyl! Man, those were the days...
Apr 25, 2009
Richard Harris - "MacArthur Park"
This is one of the songs which played while I waited for Earth to start playing.
Bonus - Donna Summer's cover!
Bonus - Donna Summer's cover!
Enthralled by "Earth"
I watched Earth this morning, just as I planned to do - and I was very impressed. These days, studios rely on gimmicks like 3D and IMAX in order to attract moviegoers, so it's refreshing to see a nature-based documentary where the "characters" do the talking (along with the narrator, James Earl Jones). Not that I have anything against these gimmicks when done right, like in Coraline and Monsters vs. Aliens.
There were scenes of humour, heartbreak, terror and beauty throughout. As a matter of fact, I almost cried at two points, but I won't reveal them in order to avoid spoiling the movie. All I'll say is that you'll be amazed and awestruck by the wonder that is our planet and its inhabitants. You'll also wonder how the heck the production team "did that" and you'll do it often; watch for one scene where the camera goes over a waterfall and then turns around to face it. Wow...
This is one movie I hope to see again. It makes me look forward to Disneynature's next film, Oceans, which arrives on Earth Day in 2010.
There were scenes of humour, heartbreak, terror and beauty throughout. As a matter of fact, I almost cried at two points, but I won't reveal them in order to avoid spoiling the movie. All I'll say is that you'll be amazed and awestruck by the wonder that is our planet and its inhabitants. You'll also wonder how the heck the production team "did that" and you'll do it often; watch for one scene where the camera goes over a waterfall and then turns around to face it. Wow...
This is one movie I hope to see again. It makes me look forward to Disneynature's next film, Oceans, which arrives on Earth Day in 2010.
This Is Where I Pray Every Weekday Morning
I won't be praying here beyond next Friday, though, as I'll no longer be working in this area.
Eaton Centre, 4th floor (near Indigo), taken April 24 2009.
Eaton Centre, 4th floor (near Indigo), taken April 24 2009.
Apr 24, 2009
Eaton Centre Fountain (April 24 2009)
I took these pictures of the Eaton Centre fountain before and after it started running. Taken April 24 2009.
Papa Roach - "Lifeline"
Papa Roach isn't a group I listen to on a regular basis, but "Lifeline", the recent single from Metamorphosis, caught my ear at the gym a few weeks ago. Lyrically, it's nothing we haven't heard before; the lead singer describes the pain he feels as he recounts a bad situation. However, take note of these lyrics from the second verse:
With that said, enjoy Papa Roach's song.
So I put out my handThe last two lines should look familiar to Christians or anyone else who reads the Holy Bible.
And I asked for some help
We tore down the walls I built around myself
I was struck by the light
And I fell to the ground
Just because some people aren't explicitly religious, it doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't thinking about spiritual matters. As a matter of fact, Christian Music Today has a series of articles called Glimpses Of God, where they explore the spiritual aspects of secular music. Their most recent examination was on Bruce Springsteen's latest album, Working On A Dream.And as (Saul) journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
(Acts 9:3-4, KJV; emphasis mine)
With that said, enjoy Papa Roach's song.
Money Honey
The already-crowded field of savings accounts just became more crowded. Canadian Tire is now offering savings accounts with an introductory interest rate of 3.50%, but this only applies for ninety days from the date of registration. After that, according to the fine print, your money earns interest at a "regular variable rate" of 2.50%.
For as long as I can remember, I've stashed my savings with ING Direct. Their interest rate of 1.5% is really low at the moment, but I've had no problems with them so far. I won't be cancelling my accounts there anytime soon.
On the other hand, I may have some extra Canadian Tire money in my apartment somewhere... :-)
For as long as I can remember, I've stashed my savings with ING Direct. Their interest rate of 1.5% is really low at the moment, but I've had no problems with them so far. I won't be cancelling my accounts there anytime soon.
On the other hand, I may have some extra Canadian Tire money in my apartment somewhere... :-)
Close Calls (Epilogue)
The shooting which happened on Wednesday at Jane and Eglinton is now a homicide, as the victim has died of his injuries. A CBC story says that it happened around 6:30 p.m.; on the day of the murder, there were reports saying that it happened around 7:00 p.m.
If the 6:30 time is correct, it means that I passed through that intersection not too long after it happened. That explains the skid marks, but I didn't see anything else which looked amiss. Heck, when I passed there yesterday, it looked as if nothing had happened.
In any event, I'm a bit surprised by how close I was to becoming part of a crime scene - or, worse, a victim of one.
If the 6:30 time is correct, it means that I passed through that intersection not too long after it happened. That explains the skid marks, but I didn't see anything else which looked amiss. Heck, when I passed there yesterday, it looked as if nothing had happened.
In any event, I'm a bit surprised by how close I was to becoming part of a crime scene - or, worse, a victim of one.
Apr 23, 2009
LCD Soundsystem - "Losing My Edge"
Here's a cheeky song about a presumed music reporter (or hipster) who can't keep up with the new generation.
The Sound Of Love
This would have been a perfect entry for my previous blog, Pitch Attack.
Today's Metro has an interesting article written by Andrea Woo. In it, she opines that the music that people listen to is an important part of their identity; ergo, this is bound to have an impact when it comes to dating. She goes so far as to say that she has "a deep suspicion for anyone who doesn't listen to much of it." I won't spoil her article for you, but you might want to be extra careful if you listen to Matchbox Twenty or Lady Gaga.
I've previously joked that I'd dump any woman who didn't like Amon Tobin or drum 'n bass, but in all seriousness, Ms. Woo makes a valid point. For example, as a Christian who listens to Christian and secular music, I'm always cognizant of what any potential girlfriends will think of some of the music I have at home. Sure, I happen to enjoy the usual Christian suspects like Israel & New Breed and Kirk Franklin. Then again, I have a few Elton John CDs at home, along with Franz Ferdinand, Boards Of Canada, and Muse. Quite frankly, that wouldn't sit well with some people - not that it bothers me any.
Just to prove how eclectic my tastes are, have a look at my complete CD collection. The newest addition is Israel Houghton's The Power Of One, which I bought a few Sundays ago.
P.S. I hope Andrea likes Amon Tobin. ;-)
Today's Metro has an interesting article written by Andrea Woo. In it, she opines that the music that people listen to is an important part of their identity; ergo, this is bound to have an impact when it comes to dating. She goes so far as to say that she has "a deep suspicion for anyone who doesn't listen to much of it." I won't spoil her article for you, but you might want to be extra careful if you listen to Matchbox Twenty or Lady Gaga.
I've previously joked that I'd dump any woman who didn't like Amon Tobin or drum 'n bass, but in all seriousness, Ms. Woo makes a valid point. For example, as a Christian who listens to Christian and secular music, I'm always cognizant of what any potential girlfriends will think of some of the music I have at home. Sure, I happen to enjoy the usual Christian suspects like Israel & New Breed and Kirk Franklin. Then again, I have a few Elton John CDs at home, along with Franz Ferdinand, Boards Of Canada, and Muse. Quite frankly, that wouldn't sit well with some people - not that it bothers me any.
Just to prove how eclectic my tastes are, have a look at my complete CD collection. The newest addition is Israel Houghton's The Power Of One, which I bought a few Sundays ago.
P.S. I hope Andrea likes Amon Tobin. ;-)
Close Calls
I had a close call yesterday evening, but I didn't realize it until I got home.
A shooting occured at the intersection of Jane and Eglinton at about 7:00 p.m. I pass through that intersection everyday on my way home from work, and yesterday was no different - except for the fact that I did so right before the shooting happened. Not that I saw anything strange (other than skid marks leading to Eglinton Flats), but the fact that I could have been part of a crime scene isn't lost on me.
This is not the first close call I've had. When the infamous blackout happened in 2003, I was on my way out of the employment centre at Lawrence Square. Actually, I was taking a pee when the lights flickered (or something like that). Thinking nothing of it, I finished and then headed for the elevator...which, for some reason, was not working. Down the stairs I went.
When I exited the building, it kind of looked like a scene from an Armageddon movie. I still didn't have a clue what was happening, but rest assured that I found out soon enough. The point here is that had I not heeded nature's call, I could have been stuck in an elevator for God knows how long.
A shooting occured at the intersection of Jane and Eglinton at about 7:00 p.m. I pass through that intersection everyday on my way home from work, and yesterday was no different - except for the fact that I did so right before the shooting happened. Not that I saw anything strange (other than skid marks leading to Eglinton Flats), but the fact that I could have been part of a crime scene isn't lost on me.
This is not the first close call I've had. When the infamous blackout happened in 2003, I was on my way out of the employment centre at Lawrence Square. Actually, I was taking a pee when the lights flickered (or something like that). Thinking nothing of it, I finished and then headed for the elevator...which, for some reason, was not working. Down the stairs I went.
When I exited the building, it kind of looked like a scene from an Armageddon movie. I still didn't have a clue what was happening, but rest assured that I found out soon enough. The point here is that had I not heeded nature's call, I could have been stuck in an elevator for God knows how long.
What's In A Name Change? (Part 2)
This blog hasn't existed one week yet, but I'm already contemplating a name change. Voulez-Vous Doucher Avec Moi sounded hilarious a few days ago, but I might be the only one in on the joke. I'm starting to think that My Life Would Suck Without Me would be a better fit in light of this blog's main subject - i.e. me and my life.
It would also be a cheeky reference to Kelly Clarkson, one of my favourite pop artists. I hope she doesn't sue me, but even if she does, I'll just remind her that I've been a loyal fan since Breakaway.*
By the way, if you're wondering why this is part 2, part 1 happened with my previous blog, Pitch Attack. I previously named it Silence Between The Notes, but that name was too common.
*I still love My December
It would also be a cheeky reference to Kelly Clarkson, one of my favourite pop artists. I hope she doesn't sue me, but even if she does, I'll just remind her that I've been a loyal fan since Breakaway.*
By the way, if you're wondering why this is part 2, part 1 happened with my previous blog, Pitch Attack. I previously named it Silence Between The Notes, but that name was too common.
*I still love My December
Apr 22, 2009
Israel Houghton - "Just Wanna Say"
The first single from Israel Houghton's The Power Of One finally gets a video. He's definitely in on the OutKast reference.
Plans For The Weekend #1
I decided a few years ago that I would not wait for someone special to come into my life before I started to live it. Ergo, every Saturday, I try to find an excuse to get out of my apartment, even if it means just going to Chapters or Indigo and reading the latest magazines. Entertainment Weekly, People, and Cosmopolitan are particular favourites of mine.
Whenever time and money can be spared, I also like to catch a flick - usually by myself, I might add. Last weekend, I saw State Of Play, which I found to be an intelligent movie with a witty script full of memorable one-liners. This weekend, I'm going to check out Earth, the new Disneynature flick which focuses on the journeys of three animal families. Obsessed is also coming out this Friday, but depending on the critical consensus at sites like MetaCritic and Rotten Tomatoes, I'll wait until next weekend to see it. It probably shares similarities with Fatal Attraction, so that's likely one strike against it.
I'm not a spendthrift by any means, although I've been known to splurge here and there. In light of that, I really like AMC Theatres' A.M.Cinema deal; if you watch a movie on a weekend or holiday at anytime before 12:00 p.m., you pay a discounted price. This price depends on the location, but at Yonge & Dundas 24 in Toronto, it's six dollars.
Keep in mind that Scotiabank Theatre is in fairly close proximity to AMC's downtown location, so these theatres compete each weekend for blockbuster releases. Sometimes, movies which initially open at Scotiabank end up at AMC's Yonge & Dundas location. I've seen this happen with Hancock, Quantum Of Solace (for which I waited forever to start playing at AMC, but I still got burned) and He's Just Not That Into You. You'd think that Scotiabank would win out most of the time, but last year, WALL•E started its run at AMC and played there for a good few months.
Other than the usual trip to church on Sunday, nothing else is planned at the moment.
Whenever time and money can be spared, I also like to catch a flick - usually by myself, I might add. Last weekend, I saw State Of Play, which I found to be an intelligent movie with a witty script full of memorable one-liners. This weekend, I'm going to check out Earth, the new Disneynature flick which focuses on the journeys of three animal families. Obsessed is also coming out this Friday, but depending on the critical consensus at sites like MetaCritic and Rotten Tomatoes, I'll wait until next weekend to see it. It probably shares similarities with Fatal Attraction, so that's likely one strike against it.
I'm not a spendthrift by any means, although I've been known to splurge here and there. In light of that, I really like AMC Theatres' A.M.Cinema deal; if you watch a movie on a weekend or holiday at anytime before 12:00 p.m., you pay a discounted price. This price depends on the location, but at Yonge & Dundas 24 in Toronto, it's six dollars.
Keep in mind that Scotiabank Theatre is in fairly close proximity to AMC's downtown location, so these theatres compete each weekend for blockbuster releases. Sometimes, movies which initially open at Scotiabank end up at AMC's Yonge & Dundas location. I've seen this happen with Hancock, Quantum Of Solace (for which I waited forever to start playing at AMC, but I still got burned) and He's Just Not That Into You. You'd think that Scotiabank would win out most of the time, but last year, WALL•E started its run at AMC and played there for a good few months.
Other than the usual trip to church on Sunday, nothing else is planned at the moment.
Apr 21, 2009
Punk'd!!
I consider myself a smart guy and I don't usually fall for pranks. However, I got punk'd big time a few minutes ago - by my mom.
I opened my apartment door and my mom had this scary look on her face. She kept saying that there was a man at the door, but I didn't recall seeing anyone in the hall when I stepped off the elevator. Still, she kept insisting - heck, pleading - that I make the man in the hall go away.
Honestly, I thought it was a temporary episode of insanity - but no, mom was convinced of this man in the hall, and I was eventually convinced that she was going insane by way of Satan. Despite my insistences of there being no one in the hall, the situation escalated. After putting my things down and taking off my shoes, I eventually motioned over to the phone to (presumably) call 911, but she swiftly moved towards it, preventing me from doing so. I even tried to get my dinner from the oven, but she wouldn't even let me do that!
Honestly, I was scared crapless at this point. I asked if she remembered who I was, and she replied in the negative. Her insanity was growing worse and worse (or so I thought) and I decided that I had enough. I grabbed my cell phone, put on my house loafers, ran like hell towards the stairs and made my way to the ground floor, panting all the while.
After a minute or two, I came back upstairs - but mom wasn't there. She came back after me and explained everything. She was doing a school project on mental illness and was required to get somebody's reaction to her facade of insanity.
I hope she's happy, because I just gave her enough reaction for two projects...
I opened my apartment door and my mom had this scary look on her face. She kept saying that there was a man at the door, but I didn't recall seeing anyone in the hall when I stepped off the elevator. Still, she kept insisting - heck, pleading - that I make the man in the hall go away.
Honestly, I thought it was a temporary episode of insanity - but no, mom was convinced of this man in the hall, and I was eventually convinced that she was going insane by way of Satan. Despite my insistences of there being no one in the hall, the situation escalated. After putting my things down and taking off my shoes, I eventually motioned over to the phone to (presumably) call 911, but she swiftly moved towards it, preventing me from doing so. I even tried to get my dinner from the oven, but she wouldn't even let me do that!
Honestly, I was scared crapless at this point. I asked if she remembered who I was, and she replied in the negative. Her insanity was growing worse and worse (or so I thought) and I decided that I had enough. I grabbed my cell phone, put on my house loafers, ran like hell towards the stairs and made my way to the ground floor, panting all the while.
After a minute or two, I came back upstairs - but mom wasn't there. She came back after me and explained everything. She was doing a school project on mental illness and was required to get somebody's reaction to her facade of insanity.
I hope she's happy, because I just gave her enough reaction for two projects...
Now That We're Here...
They say the third time's the charm, and I hope that proves true with me. I've previously launched and shut down two blogs, so either this one will be viable or I'll kill this one and start a fourth.
To make a long story short, I go by the name of Tsar Kasim at this blog (say it as one word); I'm a 29-year-old single young'un living in Toronto. At this point, my life has fallen into a rut characterized by waking up, eating, working (or looking for work), sleeping, going to church, and pining after women I can't have. Fun times, I tell you...
The title doesn't really refer to what the blog is about, but rather, is my attempt at being clever. I juggled other titles like "Hot Flash Memory," "Spork In The Road" and "Diary Of A Virginal Sex Machine." For one reason or another, they wouldn't work in the long run. Besides, for the last one, I'd eventually have to drop the "virginal" part of it. ;-)
And what is this blog about? Me. My adventures, my thoughts, my ramblings. Simple, no?
To make a long story short, I go by the name of Tsar Kasim at this blog (say it as one word); I'm a 29-year-old single young'un living in Toronto. At this point, my life has fallen into a rut characterized by waking up, eating, working (or looking for work), sleeping, going to church, and pining after women I can't have. Fun times, I tell you...
The title doesn't really refer to what the blog is about, but rather, is my attempt at being clever. I juggled other titles like "Hot Flash Memory," "Spork In The Road" and "Diary Of A Virginal Sex Machine." For one reason or another, they wouldn't work in the long run. Besides, for the last one, I'd eventually have to drop the "virginal" part of it. ;-)
And what is this blog about? Me. My adventures, my thoughts, my ramblings. Simple, no?
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