Go Jays Go

Hey, I am not a bandwagonner... I do cheer and watch the Blue Jays. I think the only reason why the Blue Jays can draw no more then 23,000 average is the economy of baseball.

How do you expect to be competitive when you are in the same division as 2 teams that who just buy what they need? But the Jays are moving in the right direction. Oh man... Bautista and Lawrie are the biggest names RIGHT now!

But that's not what this post is about... There have been talks about ways to expand the Blue Jays' fandom. When there was the Toronto Blue Jays and the Montreal Expos, it was Montreal is Quebec's team and Toronto is English Canada's team. Remember 1992 to 1994? I would have LOVED to have seen both the Jays and Expos in the playoff. I wonder if 92 or 93 Jays vs 94 Expos, who really would have won? I really sucked to see the Expos leave...

So, according to the Ottawa Citizen, there is a possibility of a AA team in the nation's capital by 2013 or 2014. And you know this has probably been talked for a while but very likely that Mr. Brett Lawrie is the catalyst of bring the issues to the light.

The Blue Jays have already placed a single-A affiliate in Vancouver and it only make sense to have minor league affiliate in other major Canadian cities.

Previous Blue Jays minor league affiliate in Canada were: Medicine Hat Blue Jays, and St. Catharine's Stompers or Blue Jays.

There had also been Canadian cities that had minor league teams not affiliated with the Blue Jays: Calgary Cannons, Edmonton Trappers, and Ottawa Lynx are the ones I can name off the top of my head. A list of defunct teams here.

So, as mentioned, an AA team in Ottawa I think it's a great idea and why not revive the Lynx? Though I've never seen an Ottawa Lynx game... but why stop there? I think if it's possible, the Blue Jays should find an owner who would purchase Las Vegas 51s and move them to Montreal. But I wouldn't call them the Montreal Expos, unless they're a major league team. So, why not Montreal Royals? I think Bell Media should consider making a purchase and move the team if not Montreal then Quebec City.

Some people might ask "why would Bell work with a rival company like Rogers?" Simple. Just look at the Olympic Consortium. It worked, didn't it? And how did the broadcast of 2010 Vancouver Olympic go? Near perfection. So, why not? And if Bell Media doesn't want in on the action, I'm sure a Quebec company like Videotron might (Although, I'm sure they want the Nordiques back first... I agree).

I don't see a down side. You will have a sound financial backing and have the opportunity to showcase future major league stars. Imagine an AA in Ottawa and an AAA in Montreal/Quebec and baseball fans in Canada would have had the opportunity to see future stars like Kyle Drebek, Brett Lawrie, and Adeiny Hechavarria.

And while we're on the topic of an affiliate in Quebec, the owners would be wise enough to at least teach the players a little bit of français.

I think this would be neat:
AL Toronto Blue Jays
AAA Montreal Royals/Quebec Metros (AA 1971-77)
AA Ottawa Lynx
A Vancouver Canadians

If you can have another team or two in Alberta in the Rookie A ball, then the organization will truly be coast-to-coast.

The Blue Jays have already been coast-to-coast this winter to promote the Jays. I think it's time for the next step to return minor league pro team back to some cities.

I got kicked out of a department store...

But it is not what you think...

It was Sunday, August 21 2011, my friend had BBM me 9 in the morning and asked if I wanted to go for dim sum. Sure, why not?

So, I get to her house and she was not ready. Fine, I'll take the time to search for a restaurant that's IN the area. Nothing. The closet one was near the airport at Doubletree by Hilton or out in Mississauga. We decided on the Doubletree...

Dim sum was good. The restaurant was good but perhaps a bit expensive but considering what we ordered... I was satisfied except for the parking. However, it is airport area and paying for parking is a norm...

After our lunch, she wanted to get sandals. I thought we were heading to Vaughan Mills but instead we went to a small mall close to where she lives, Yorkgate Mall (in the Jane/Finch area). As we were driving on the highway, I did notice the dark cloud but ignored the fact.

We get to the mall and she didn't find what she was looking for at a store called Payless (what I like to call "cheaply made shoes pretending to be nice" store), so I suggested we try Zellers (not that much better since they'll be turning into Targets).

While at Zellers, I heard the thunder and rain and was glad I had my umbrella. I went to the electronics department hoping to find some cheap stuff.

PA: "Attention all customers, please proceed to the front of the store... ... ... ..."

That's all I heard and I ignored it.

Friend: "What did it say?"
Me: "Something about going to the front..."

As I was browsing,
Store Clerk: "Yea, it happens all the time."
Elderly gentleman in a suit with his family said, "Can I help carry the TV out?"

I still had no clue what's going on, just looking for a deal...

A different store clerk: "I'm sorry but we need you to be at the front of the store because the store is flooding..."

Me: "Ok..."

Friend: "What? Did he say flooding?" Laughs.

We walked to the front cashier and to the left there was a pillar with water at the bottom. You can also hear a water vaccum turned on. A few step close to the cashier, I looked left and in the clothing department, more water on the floor.

Quickly on twitter and facebook...

"Getting kicked out of Zellers not because we stole something... but because the store is flooding..."

Proposed new rules for 2011-2012 NHL season

So each year, the rules are tested to make the game more exciting...

Here's what I think:

OVERTIME

Seven minutes of overtime instead of five with both 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 scenarios tested. Three minutes of 3-on-3 play to follow four minutes of scoreless 4-on-4 action. More offence is expected to be generated.

Uber lame... 4-on-4 is ok... but to go 3-on-3 is like watching road hockey or something. Why?

SHOOTOUTS

Five players from each team will shoot and if the score remains tied, the same players can take another crack in a sudden-death format. Same rule applies for proposed three-player shootouts.

This was lame to begin with. It was introduced for the American audience that don't even care about hockey. Scrap the shootout... game ending in a tie is not the end of the world!

GAME PLAY

• No touch icing. Whistle blows as soon as puck crosses line so potential dangerous situations are eliminated.

It's a good idea... since when I play, we have no touch anyway. Hopefully that means less broken legs... Although, I've seen those dirty players that just put the blade of their stick at the other skater's foot causing them to fall.

• Hybrid icing. If an official determines the attacking player would get to puck first, no whistle is blown but if he thinks defender will be first, whistle is immediately blown as soon as puck crosses line. Dangerous collisions should be avoided.

This is good but it all will come down to the ref's judgement that some teams may not like when it's against them... maybe on icing, a race to the blue line. If a defensive player reach own defensive blueline before the offensive player, it's icing. When offensive player reach offensive blueline (the same one was the defensive) then it's no icing.

• No icing permitted while shorthanded.

Doesn't make sense to me...

• Line changes only permitted on the fly except after goals and on power plays.

This is kinda dumb... I know it helps speed up the game. I played in a tournament where they used this rule in OT. After a 4-on-4 overtime, a 3-on-3 change on the fly only was played before shootout.

• Allow hand passes in all zones instead of just defensive zone.

This is not basketball! That's why hockey is played with a stick!

• No line changes for offending team committing an offside until next play stoppage. Tired players will remain on ice, coaches won’t get key matchups and more offence will result.

Don't like this either. Accidents happen.

BEAR HUG

Players will be permitted to wrap their opponent up when taking him into the boards without being called for a holding penalty. This could limit dangerous hits along the boards while allowing body contact and the ability to play the man.

Brian Burke's idea... if it helps reduce concussions. I think it will.

FACEOFFS

• Officials will drop the puck in the offending team’s zone following an offside, potentially leading to more goal scoring.

Not really...

• All faceoffs in circles.

Only the neutral zone faceoff doesn't have circles... what's the point?

• A designated linesman will drop puck for all faceoffs in an effort to bring consistency to the faceoff.

How does that help "consistancy"? Maybe he had too much coffee before the game or he has a cold...

LINE CHANGES

Limiting line changes at stoppages in play should speed up the action.

How about team gets 15sec to change? If not lined up then the players that were on the ice must come back.

GOALIES

• Removing the trapezoid that restricts goaltenders’ puck-handling, allowing goaltender to play puck anywhere.

This was one of the reason why some defencemen were getting hurt.

• Strict enforcement of goaltenders covering puck outside crease. Goalies not permitted to cover puck unless they have skate contact with the crease.

This could be interesting...

PENALTIES

• For delayed penalties, the offending team must exit the zone in possession of puck to stop play. It should give the non-offending team more time with an extra attacker and potentially generate more offence.

It's fine the way it is now!

• All penalties to be served in their entirety. Increased goal scoring should result.

You already do that with a major penalty... it's a minor penalty. Leave it!

NETS

• A yellow verification line parallel to the goal line, set back slightly more than 3 inches (size of the puck) from the goal line. It should help off-ice officials determine if a disputed goal has been scored. In the event there is something (water bottle, glove, pad, etc.) blocking the view of the goal line, this line could be used to “verify” that the puck has completely crossed the goal line.

How many goals needed this verification? It could be useful.

• Looking at a 40-inch deep “shallow net” instead of existing 44-inch deep net frame. Supposed to provide more ice behind the net, improve passing angles and makes it easier for wrap-around attempts.

Will it make a difference?

CAMERA

• New camera angles include in-net cams and mounted cams focused on the goal line to help verify goals.

Don't they do in-net cams already? What they REALLY need is a camera that's UNDERNEATH the ice

• Overhead cameras to assist Hockey Operations reviews of various game situations

What situations will require an overhead camera?

Email scam...

... because your relative just died in some accident...

----------------------
Subject: PROJECT
Monday, August 15, 2011 1:42 PM
From: "Sipho Themba"

HI, YOU BEAR THESAME LAST NAME WITH MY CLIENT WHO LOST HIS LIFE IN A BOAT ACCIDENT KILLING HIS ENTIRE FAMILY,CAN I PRESENT YOU TO MY BANK WITH ALL LEGAL DOCUMENTATION IN PLACE TO MAKE YOU HIS HEIR GET BACK TO ME WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER FOR MORE INFO.

THANK YOU

SIPHO THEMBA
----------------------

That's the email...
If you cannot tell the email is a spam and a scam... or just call it scpam ("ska-pam"), here is how you know.

1) all capital
2) some weird name
3) says someone with your same last name died unexpectedly and you are the closest next of kin
4) lots and lots of money
5) bad grammar
6) common email address domain (ie. yahoo, hotmail, etc.)
7) doesn't address you by name
8) asks for personal info (usually bank account)

My last name is too common to be related to someone who just "happens to die" in an accident... I'm reading this email over and over again and I can't help but laugh at the wording of "boat accident killing his entire family." I think it's the way it's written. They put it in a way that is so tragic that you feel the need to respond.

I have also gotten another email about a "relative" titled Dr. who "died" in some jungle in Africa...

Who or what is a "sipho themba?" "Sif-fo Them-ba" or "Sip-ho Them-ba"? Google pulled up 2 interesting sites: a twitter account of a musician and a LinkedIn profile of a South African. Hm... South African... Anything that somehow links itself to Africa has scam written all over it but usually it is Nigeria.

And look at that email address... I cannot even make out what the username is trying to be.

Did you also look at the subject? Yes, that IS the subject... "PROJECT." A project to see how many suckers fall for it? A project to see if it works? A project to see how much info you get back?

Remember some rules to weird email...

1) read the content...
2) if there are links, don't click on it BUT move your mouse over to the link (without clicking) and it will show you a link - usually it is to a site that LOOKS like the real thing
3) it is not making any sense

And most importantly...

IF IT'S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS.

Job Scam? "franrecruiting.com"

This just have scam written all over it... copy and pasted from my inbox.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello %%FirstName%%,

I’d love the opportunity to talk to you about your resume! Your credentials are very impressive, your background and track record closely resemble some other highly successful individuals. We have worked with many such professionals and helped them realize their dreams to become successful entrepreneurs. Based on your resume, I can see that you are quite accomplished in your field and may welcome the chance to apply your expertise in a more entrepreneurial setting.

Recession has touched us all, but some industries have turned it into a business growth opportunity. Franchising is one industry where success, profitability and economic stability have actually made incremental strides. My role is to carefully select and personally invite qualified individuals to explore franchising in all its potential and you fit the profile.

With your background in management and leadership positions adding weight to your credentials, I am confident that you are likely a great fit. We know you have the initiative, skills and educational qualifications that are the building blocks of a successful business. Finding the missing link - the right franchise opportunity - will be a breeze with our help and advice. The research, qualification and application services I provide costs you absolutely nothing.

Imagine the possibility of applying your experience in a business of your own, increasing your earning potential, gaining the flexibility of working your own hours in a career you enjoy and more importantly never having to worry about losing your job again. It doesn’t have to be a pipe dream anymore! Here’s a chance at work-life balance like never before!

Please visit www.franrecruiting.com and find out more information about my services. Once you are there, fill out the “Get Started Today” form and I’ll give you a call within 48 hours to discuss the next steps.

Best regards,

Rachel Taylor
Franchising Coordinator
rachel@franrecruiting.com
www.franrecruiting.com



To unsubscribe, click here

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, Dear Miss Rachel Taylor,

I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for emailing me about this great opportunity. But did you know I have a name and not called "%%FirstName%%"?

Yes, I do have excellent management and leadership skills and I know I am a great fit. Franchaise opportunity sounds good but what is this "missing link" and "a breeze" you're talking about? Do you have name of franchises? I mean there is a huge difference between MacDonald franchise vs Daisy Mart franchise. "Research, qualification and application services I provide costs you absolutely nothing" but they say nothing in life is free.

I find odd that you have "franrecruiting.com" as your webpage but why when I click it, it directs me to "elabs10.com"? And why do you have an "unsubscribe" button? Did I subscribe to something?

Sincerely,

Not ""%%FirstName%%"

Roberto Alomar Hall of Fame Day

July 24, 2011 - Roberto Alomar was inducted into Cooperstown, Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. He becomes the 3rd Puerto Rican born player and the 1st Toronto Blue Jays to be in the Hall of Fame. In his speech, he spoke fondly of the 5 years he was in Toronto.

July 31, 2011 - The Toronto Blue Jayes honours their great 2nd basement by retiring #12. The last player to wear #12 was Edwin Encarnacion (I did wonder why he suddenly switched to #10 at the beginning of the season... #10 was occupied by former-Jay, Vernon Wells).

Game attendence was 45,629... it was an atmosphere like no others.

Oh, and it was Roberto Alomar Bobblehead day!

So, some in game photos.



The dome was closed when we were getting there at 11am... at about 11:30am, they opened the dome on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.


Ace, the Blue Jays mascot... there was actually Ace Jr. too but was not able to take a picture...


The guests; Carlos Baerga, Cito Gaston, Paul Beeston, Devon White, Candy Maldonado, Duane Ward, Sandy Alomar, Sr., Mother Alomar (forgot her name), Jerry Howarth


Robbie doing it in style... walking onto the field through the crowds. My camera ain't bad... 16x zoom from outfield 3rd base seats.




On to the stage... with RCMP!


#12 is now officially retired.


No other player shall wear #12 in a Blue Jays uniform


He thanks the fans again and again.


We can't forget about the game...


Brandon Morrow was the day's starting pitcher


After a shaky 1st inning, he was on cruise control
7.0 6H 2R 2ER 2BB 11SO
Hm... I forgot about the free slice of pizza we were suppose to get when there's more then 7 strikeouts...


Rajai Davis warming up...


MacDonald and Bautista must be having a dinner conversation...


Just getting ready...


And sitting in the outfield 3rd base side... you can't help but to look at Bautista's ass... he bend down a few times...


And to finish off... Bautista at the bat. Unfortunately, he didn't hit a homerun in this game... but Edwin Encarnacion did and played like an All-Star at 1st base...

Oh yes... and the bobblehead...

That's what 45,629 people came here for... but only 1st 20,000 fans got it. And yes, I got it!

It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Final Boxscore:

FINAL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Texas 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 9 2
Toronto 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 X 7 7 0

Pitchers:
WP - Brandon Morrow (8-5)
LP - C.J. Wilson (10-5)

Home Runs:
Texas - None
Toronto - Edwin Encarnacion (9)