Smart car humour

As we drove along Vancouver street this afternoon we saw a Smart car with a rare custom sign that read “NOT SO” just right underneath it’s brand “smart”.

It was delightful to see a simple sign brightened up some city drivers especially after an unfortunate hockey fan riot that happened in downtown Vancouver a few weeks ago. People need something to ease off their daily stress. The Smart car has just given the right amount of laughter for Vancouverites.

This summer I hope to see more humorous drivers instead of ruthless operators that blast through Vancouver streets with little patience and appreciation of being in this beautiful city.

Healthy living today: Body massage

Many of us are used to living a life as a worn out elastic band, waiting to snap apart before we do something about it.

Ask yourself when was the last time you took care of yourself, besides getting on a proper diet and exercise routine? It’s not too surprising that a majority of people have many “healthy plans” and “to-do lists” to improve their lifestyle in a healthier way, but most of them never have the time to accomplish them. These plans either take too much time and effort to succeed, or cost too much from a very limited budget. While you’re struggling with your daily commitments, pushing your limit to live a healthy lifestyle, or trying to get the ideal vacations, they are all quite stressful and can be tiring as well. That is where sometimes you miss the point of what you really should be trying to achieve.

If you feel you have built up more tension and stress after an exercise routine or vacation, you might want to re-think about your method of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes simplest answer is the best answer.

In between these great plans and activities, the most important thing you need to do is to stop the clock and give yourself a little time and space. Spending time for your body and mind is essential for one’s well-being. If you have the desire, but not enough will-power to get your beauty sleep, or to be away from all your electronic devices from time to time, a professional body massage has become today’s trend in healthy living.

While an effective body massage relaxes your body and mind, it also helps you obtain better energy for things you really want to do. Although body massages are never meant to be a treatment for any serious illness or medical condition, they bring relief and help you gain the strength to cope with any physical ailments.

It’s time to treat your body and give yourself a break in a much more realistic way, right in your city and neighbourhood. Don’t let your daily routine become pain and tension. Feed your body with care. Book a massage today and bring back your life that was once filled with excitement and challenges.

(Inspired thoughts through Rafi’s unique body massages in Vancouver, BC: www.massagebyrafi.com)

Many people today still think that Michael Jackson is a criminal, only because the media has been condemning him for so long. I suggest that people do their homework and come up with some serious research from reliable resources, NOT solely based on tabloid news.

Although I don’t watch TV and “junk” programs, what surprised me was that I’ve already had quite a negative impression on MJ before I started researching the facts. The media has VERY POWERFUL ways of sending messages to public. If you’re not careful with what you’ve been watching, hearing, and believing without a good deal of reliable research, you will be like most of the people, filling up with junk and living with first class lies.

I believe the media has KILLED many great human beings just because the world is too busy making money over these NO.1 rating lies and made-up stories. I’ve never been a fan of Michael Jackson. I just became one recently based on some critical facts that I found from the Internet. Among these research there were many bizarre news and made-up stories. I spent a great deal of time studied these comments and examined its credibility. After I was convinced that the media took the majority of the responsibility brainwashed the public and making profit from its twisted news. I now will speak up for Michael Jackson whenever I see comments that are made based on these lies.

His life story has touched my heart greatly. People will not understand what is true innocence, unless they live their life being that inner child who remains innocent all their lives. I don’t always agree with Michael Jackson’s point of view but I understand where his mindset was coming from. That is why his best friends are mostly children. Children don’t care who you are or how much money you make – they see your spirit and they respond to your heart.

Unfortunately, I have to say that the children’s mind today are also being polluted in their early age because the media markets these youngsters as an easy target for their profit. As soon they learn to talk and listen, media has sunk into their life, teaching them many great things, as well as horrible things.

I would like to further talk about our volunteer system, which has became far more complicated because of so much abuse in the system. For example, we are no longer permitted to look after a child without the presence of 2 adults of opposite gender at the same time. The purpose is to avoid any child abuse, it’s also to avoid being misunderstood when a child make a false report on these volunteers!!! A child is no longer allowed to sit on any volunteer’s lap even if the child needed the tension and love at that very moment. The child is only allowed to sit beside the volunteer. Although, these rules don’t apply to family members and close family friends, I am quite disappointed that our society has become so sick, that we can’t even express our love in a healthy manner anymore. There’s no evidence showing that Michael Jackson knows about these rules. He actually believes the people that are close to him are also as his families. He simply believes what he knows the best – from his heart, which is to love and share generously – and by doing so, may violate our laws that are supposed to protect the actual victims, NOT just any accusers.

An interview that is never intended to be broadcast

There is one documentary series, which can be found on YouTube, that was recorded at the same time when Martin Bashir did his twisted interview. In the documentary, they show you what was missing and misinterpreted in Bashir’s interview. In one of the scenes that was not supposed to shown to the public, Bashir actually lied, before Jackson, about how a loving parent he was. Bashir later made a very different statement about Jackson’s credibility in parenthood. Can you take a reporter’s view seriously when he has evidently lied and inconsistently stated facts, both truthfully and untruthfully?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvhwWDCV9Bo&feature=related

Another thing: the media has been called names and bullied Michael Jackson as part of their entertaining business. It’s just plain disgusting and unprofessional for any serious reporter. He’s different, simply because he is living in a different world. How can you stand living your life without any privacy? How can you live with all the LIES and THREATS around you? Be conscious about who you really are and what you stand for. Michael Jackson can’t act normal because, unlike anyone else, he hasn’t been able have a normal life experience. Acting differently certainly doesn’t make you a criminal.

HOW ? Did Michael Jackson skin turn white ?

If you are wondering why Michael Jackson has acted and looked wired in public, check out why Michael Jackson has suffer so much from his skin disease, Vitiligo. The link below has helped me understand that it took a LOT of makeup to cover-up these spots, or even to make up some colors, by the time he lost most of his skin clolor. That a major reason as to why he always wore long sleeve shirts, long pants, a hat, and of course, with a umbrella in hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6xJlyJgfS8&feature=related

Lee Thomas interview with Larry King

The link below is Larry King’s interview with Lee Thomas, the news anchor who also has the same disease as Michael Jackson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mycW3o1R9fk&feature=related

When we live in a world which is empathetic to child abuse victims, has anyone actually felt guilty on pushing Michael Jackson to have lived a prison-like life style? Have you ever thought about a person who was convicted based on false accusation? On someone who has taken many years of your verbal abuse? Most people probably don’t care. They love being entertained! This is the sad reason why the tabloids are so successful!

So, what is so important about the truth? That depends on how important people live their life truthfully. What we say is what we believe. What we believe is the basis of our judgements. If that belief is coming from a bunch of lies, your behavior and life style is going to reflect on those lies.

The tragedy of Michael Jackson.

The question is not what Michael did – somewhat comparable to studying counterfeit money in order to recognize the real money. It’s impossible to do so. You have to learn the truth before you can have a better judgement on recognizing the wrongs. Study the wrongs is only making your judgement as poor as what tabloid news has become. You have to be honest to yourself, and not to take sides when beginning with your research and to make a good judgement when comparing those resources. After searching, I have finally found someone’s article which was written with great sense and logic.

http://www.slate.com/id/2120889/

I hope you MJ haters learn something about YOURSELF by studying your mind first, before commenting on other people. I will say despite what Michael Jackson has achieved in his life, he is indeed a great human being. It is unfortunate that, whenever he visited the sick and poor, no media wanted to be there, making big stories out of it. That is why only his fans, whom have found out about these things, worship him like a god. It only takes a broken spirit to understand another broken spirit. Michael has experienced that, so he has been trying to comfort other spirits through his music and his acts of kindness, especially towards children in need. This is why people love him so much.

I hope Michael Jackson’s family find peace in their heart at this tragedy of his early death. I also hope that Michael Jackson’s children will not be bothered like the way their father had been treated by the media and the public.

Our world is so sick. Sometimes, we need give ourselves a reality check in order to find that mental purity in us. It is up to us to ignore those alluringly juicy stories on the magazine stands at the grocery store, or to look away from the shows with entertaining “news”. The only way to stop more tragedies, like this, is to be part of the resistant force against all scandal and manipulation. The media may be powerful in sending its messages. But if people put their right mind together we, too, can be powerful defeating evil schemes that are destroying the innocence in us.

Michael Jackson may not be able to make music and perform for us any more. However, we are all left inspired by his creations and life experiences. I hope we all learn something valuable here and to be a little bit more kind and generous to one another. Perhaps, we will eventually start a movement to heal the world and create a better world, for generations to come.

Asking James questions about home improvement, or anything to do with home renovations, is a pleasant experience. He doesn’t cut short when it comes to the suggestions. Instead, he would analyze your situation and give professional opinions on how to achieve your goal – within your budget.

With James’ honesty and “perfectionist” attitude, he is in the favor of many of his customers. One time, he came to fix my laundry door. My door was very old and it looked as if it would fall apart any minute. He could have simply told me to buy a set of new doors, and have them installed, to make his job easier. However, as I didn’t have much of a budget at that time, he spent some time taking the doors apart, studied the structure, and then reassembled it and made sure it was going to stand the test of time. As well, he didn’t leave a mess, once he’s finished his job. To James, it was a small job. I really appreciated his effort fixing my door, instead of making me spend more money on buying new door. He took good care of my place, as if it was his own and I’ve also saved the money and kept the doors a little while longer.

I’ve dealt with a few other handymen, in the past, and I’ve seen their work. Most of them did an OK job, but the leftover mess was the part that disgusted me. I only wish that they’d finish the job with a more professional approach by checking the work area one last time before leaving the premises. Another thing that has bothered me was when the handymen were too busy to bother even giving me a call to let you know about the progress. I feel that customers end up spending hours chasing after the handymen and have waited without any specific time manner.

James would never leave a mess like that wherever he works. He always communicates to his customers well and he makes sure that they understand what to expect. One time, I had a chance to interview him for a school project and I’ve observed his work. I was quite impressed to find that he always strives for 110%. You would often find him going the extra mile to make the job picture perfect. Because he prefers to have a satisfied customer that would bring him more opportunities in the future, rather than re-visiting the same customer just to fix the same problem. Sometimes, he has even spotted a few small problems here and there that needed to be fixed. He would just go ahead and do it, as a courtesy to show his appreciation to his customers. That’s why he gets very good referrals from his existing customers, like me, to other friends and family members.

I’m glad that Tall Dark And Handy is a good business based on real customer service. It’s delightful to see James continue his honest, small business practice. If all of the small businessmen are working with a good conscience, wouldn’t that be wonderful to all of us?

To read more of Vancouver best handyman services, please visit James’ site.

www.talldarkandhandy.net

You design it. We can build it!

It was funny when the last day of class came; some of us actually felt a sense of loss in a bittersweet twist. I guess it was then, we started to see what we had achieved. It made us realize that we were actually walking away with something precious and valuable – which possibly will result great opportunities!

I’m especially thankful to my dear family. Without their support, I couldn’t possibly make it this far. Friends that have allowed me to ignore them for such a long time, and still cared about my well-being, are the keepers.

For this reason, our grad show has become something very special to us. Please, come visit us if you’re in the area of Vancouver, BC. There are students from Design Essentials, 3D Animation, and New Media Design participating in BCIT’s Digital Arts 2008 Industry Night. Check out the link below and see some of our students’ work.

BCIT Digital Arts 2008 Industry Night

In this case I did give them an estimate at the beginning of the project. When they finally were ready to finalize everything, I sent them the first invoice, including the work sheet showing the worked hours was exceeded its limit by all the changes they made during that stage.

At the final stage we made major changes and as well many little ones. My client and his partner both were aware that I had to spend more time to make all of the adjustments according to the given instructions.

Since this job had become larger in size, I gave my client a break by giving some courtesy work in some hours, and not charging meeting time, etc. They both liked my work and were pleased for what I did for them. It was a bit discouraged to me to find that my client’s partner didn’t value what I’ve done for the project. Fortunately my client who worked with me and knew me well didn’t find it too difficult to accept the fact. He was glad to pass on my email of explanation and a few guidelines to his partner. So that in future we would all have a better understanding with everyone’s work condition.

As a freelance graphic designer I believe that a strong and a good communication is always a number one list on the jobs. Some may not agree with me to honor the time of meetings because I wouldn’t charge my clients like lawyers counting by the billing minute down to a phone conversation. I consider communication is to help me do a better and efficient job. It also helps the client gets a better picture what to expect from me. It won’t make me happier if I charged my client for the time of exploring on something we could simply talked about it first. I believe in quality work as well as spending quality time, not wasting any energy on unnecessary things.

Another thing was that if my client really messed up with the numbers big time, I wouldn’t mind to adjust my part so that their business would make sense. I believe in doing others small favourites would save you in the future when you’re in need. This concept coming from years ago when I first started my own business, I have dealt with a supplier who supported me by telling me that whenever I ran into a trouble just asked for help. I would never know what others could do for me if I never asked for it. The owner of the supplier was kind because he has been through tough times when he first started his business. I have heard stories of him saving other small businesses by making some workable plans with them when they were in troubles. I was very moved and it inspired me to believe that you didn’t need to be “dirty” to succeed in business.

I guessed that was one of the reasons why my client believed in me and my work. He knew that if I honored his business in the past I would not be unfair to him today. After all, it was only business. People and relationships should have a higher stand above that. Otherwise life would have no purposes if you had to snatch and steal to get what you want. Earn it with a sincere attitude. It will make you truly enjoy your reward!

You may wonder, “Why would I want a wedding over the web?” For one thing, it saves time, money, and requires less planning. You could have your wedding anywhere in the world as long you have an Internet access. Anyone, including your annoying relatives or friends would be welcome to witness your wedding online without any disturbances. For modern couples, they don’t even need to be with their future spouse during the wedding ceremony. For most people they just love the idea being able to have a wedding in a designated location without much hassle or effort. The guests can always recapture the moment by watching the video or DVDs again if they miss it.

The fun part about having a cyber wedding is that it is viewed via live broadcast. It is also cheap (about $500 per ceremony), easy and cool. If you have all the equipment: a computer or a laptop, a high-speed Internet connection, a digital video camera, in addition to reserving your web space and setting time of broadcast, you can just about do it yourself. Of course I would suggest letting the professionals take care of it. So relax and enjoy your wedding.

One thing you may want to keep in mind is that you need to have an internet connection active during the entire wedding. Your guests viewing your wedding over the internet also need to have a high-speed connection in order to view the live web cast without running into trouble. The only thing you can’t get is probably the traditional group wedding photos and in some cases the real kiss for the bride and groom.

Well, for some people they probably would really miss the plans of preparation and the big celebrations with their loved ones and friends. I also think when people rush into having a quick romantic wedding usually the divorce rate for these couples will more than likely be higher. Any decision that is not based on well thought out and serious planning usually would not be able to weather through the difficulties of marriage.

This fast growing Internet business may also cause some illegal activities internationally. Since there are no obvious laws in some places there will be people who use it to setup false marriages for purposes of immigration.

Our culture has certainly changed to a cyber driven society. Ordinary people could rock the whole world by broadcasting their very own personal episodes and perhaps generate more income for theses dot com companies as well.

I work with computers all day long, and go online quite a bit; I sometimes think I am still living in the dinosaur age. I say this because I haven’t had the opportunity to experience the power of the Internet. People like me are only getting a glimpse of what we can potentially do with this power.

A few weeks ago one of our instructors showed us a clip, “Shift happens”, from YouTube. I found this clip scary because we have relied on the technology so much each day. When we live in a world filled with the most technology and information, we are also generating two groups of society: one who keeps on absorbing the advancing world around him or her, and one who seems to “fall behind schedule”. These two groups of society are becoming even more separated by the growing amount of advancements.

Assuming the Internet stopped working for a period of time, how are we going to cope with this tragedy? Many will have nervous breakdowns, for they have not learned how to live without it.

I firmly believe that training our next generation to live without such advanced surroundings are important to the society and to them. To live a real life by learning to appreciate nature, to focus on face-to-face communication, and to learn real life skills, is far more important and valuable in one’s journey, than living for technology. After all, we’

re flesh and we can accomplish far more than what any computer could do. We have made technology – technology has not made us. But to live to the fullest of our lives, our surroundings, and to our friends and families, is probably the greatest achievements and satisfaction one could ever seek for on this planet.

Next time when you feel “behind schedule”, remember, it’s okay to be a dinosaur.

Well, we don’t need to be Muslim to celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, or be Shinto worshippers to celebrate Matsuri. Is it necessary to denounce Christianity so we may celebrate Christmas without associating ourselves with such religion? This is like using the name of public safety and security, taking away candies and costumes from Halloween, or banning alcohol and music from New Year’s Eve. 

As a Canadian immigrant, I have learned to respect this country’s customs and culture. I’m proud of my homeland culture, but I also know that I don’t need to be “converted” into any religion in order to live in Canada. As matter of fact, many immigrants like to stay in North America because they enjoy the culture and the true freedom of expressing their own beliefs.

Since Christianity is a part of the North American culture, to ban Christmas will be like banning a part of the very culture that formed North America in the first place. 

If you read about the Chinese Cultural Revolution, you will find out that many people lost their sense of family value and security, and they became morally bankrupt. It led to a civil war in the end, and millions of people died for it. If we were to abandon our own culture and traditions, it would likely lead to the destruction of our economy, government, and society.

To be politically correct, today many would say “Happy Holidays”, instead of “Merry Christmas”. Did you know that holiday actually originates from the Greek “holy day”? So, if you’re saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy holidays”, you’re basically saying “happy special religious day”!

In addition to all of the fuss to keep the freedom of religion, we are going to confuse the freedom of speech. If we start to ban every public religious activity and anything that relates to it, there should be no mentioning of Christ, Buddha, Ala, etc, at all. Pretty soon you won’t be able to use the phrase, “My God”, but you may swear the “F” word with good conscience. 

In my opinion, we should worry about global warming, instead of using our energy on these twisted issues. If people have some sense, they would not care so much about these things. Hopefully, we are not as lost as some of the politicians out there. 

First is this Self SEO site that promotes services to improve your Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Basically they want to sell you their templates for web sites, or provide services to build up your page ranking. They also provide some tools for you to check out your site’s status. This is where I learned about how a search engine spider reads a site. “Search engine ranking report” and “Free website speed checker” are also good tools for research purposes.

Although it’s mostly based on Google and Alexa’s information, it is still worth checking out. It gives you some good ideas on what to watch out for when you build a web site. You want to get the right Meta key words and descriptions, etc. This ensures that the search engines are collecting your information continually. In other words, your clients find your sites easily and effectively.

Another site is called Smorty. This site basically provides the SEO solutions through advertising on blogs to build inbound links to supplier’s sites. The suppliers pay the bloggers to write a review and to link back to their advertising campaign page.

Smorty gave me some ideas on how to write a good blog page, providing valuable links guiding readers to my desired sites. The audience not only reads what I write, they also read what I connect to. I’ve realized more and more how important it is to be a good writer, and make good use of my network resources.

Here are other sites for reference:http://www.webconfs.com/15-minute-seo.php http://www.seo.webarticles.dk/Social_Bookmarking.shtmlhttp://www.herbulletin.com/ (Sample blog with many links) http://www.instasnow.com/ (Sample advertisement)