Canada’s Next Top Blog

I just finished watching the first episode of Canada’s Next Top Model. The show was a little lacklustre (just like most things this country produces) but I’ll probably watch it with more interest than the previous season of ANTM. The host, Tricia Helfer, doesn’t seem all that enthused about the show she’s headlining, kind of like her agent put her up to it. Personally I think the show could have strived for someone with more model cred, like Linda Evangelista or my personal favourite, Estella Warren. Discussing it with my lady friend, though, we agreed that Linda is a bit too “top tier” for a budget TV show and Estella, while gorgeous, would probably look and sound really dumb hosting it. Sorry Estella, you could be a rocket scientist, but I’d never know.

Big Baby Jesus

Late last week I got myself an Airport Extreme card for my iMac, thus opening up to me the world of wireless internet. Number of devices in my home that can make use of wireless internet: one (the PSP). This was really a purchase to support my next purchase, a Nintendo DS. I have no interest in using my PSP online, since there are roughly zero reasons to do so, while a DS has the lure of playing Mario Kart or Animal Crossing with friends or family. Mark my words, Nintendo is going to experience a renaissance over the next two or three years.

In other news, I went home to Kamloops this past weekend to help celebrate my mother’s 65th birthday. The weather was actually quite fun, as in the middle of barbecuing in the back yard we were hit with a freakishly large hailstorm. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see thunderstorms, which might be the favourite of all the weather conditions I miss from living in Kamloops.

It’s interesting to note that my former colleague/lover/masseuse, Jesus Gorriti, a handsome and globetrotting Spaniard, has even been to Kamloops. His memory is basically limited to the city’s finest strip club, the Rendezvous, but at least it means he stopped in Kamloops for more than a pee break at a gas station like most people. That’s why I love you, Jesus. I know you’re reading this. Come back to Canada, my sweet conquistador.

This isn’t a photo of Mr. Gorriti, but it’ll do.

Tyra and Colondelivery

My 28th birthday, Superfecta Sunday at the racetrack, turned out to be a lot of fun. I started with $60, and over the course of the day, probably won a total of $40, and by the time I went home it was all gone. Sixty bucks is roughly the cost of a Canucks ticket, and I had way more fun with the horsies than I have had watching the Sedin twins fall all over the ice. The big winner of the day was Mr. Shawn Edstrom, a starving student and generally strapping young lad, who won $156 on the last race of the day. It was great to see someone win big, especially someone who ate three hot dogs that day and probably paid the price in mudbutt that evening. Overall I think everyone who showed up had a lot of fun and it’s something I definitely want to do again.

Birthday horse racing!

In about forty-five minutes I’m going to the horse races at Hastings Park. I haven’t been there in a while, but last time I went it was funosaurus rex. I sent an open invitation to almost everyone I know, and I’m expecting about half a dozen people to show up. That would make today the biggest birthday gathering I’ve had since I was nine.

The general plan is: bet a lot of money and expect to lose it all. If, somehow, I win some thick coin, it’s HDTV time.

Thanks, corporate giant.

So when I was hired to my current job, The Company granted me some stock options at $42 a share that vest over three years. This means that as time passes, I get a few stock options every month at a price of $42. For every dollar and cent above $42, I “earn” that much on each option.

Within a year of being hired, the stock price on the market had risen to about $70, making for an earning on each of my options of $28. That would have been pretty sweet, as the kids say these days, if I had any decent amount to sell. Today, the company’s stock price per share is back to $42, giving my options a net worth of roughly squat.

I don’t know what point I have with all of this, other than the fact I’ll be waiting another three years or so before the stock price gets anywhere near $70 again. I guess those plans to install a panda farm on the patio and open a Chia Pet factory in Fort McMurray will have to wait.

How Ugly is Tom Hanks?

The man looks bad. Obviously the days of “Big” are far, far behind him.

Note: the sellout is officially underway. Google ads in the sidebar! Capitalism is so chic.