Read the real life stories and experiences of freelance writer Mike Gagnon.

Vehicular Mind Slaughter

So I've been down this road before, and I'm at it again. Pam's and my  work schedules don't mesh. We've made due before, but each time it's more frustrating. It's hard to cover a breaking news story for a newspaper that I have to drive out of town for, if our only vehicle is parked outside Pam's work.

So...I am once again on the verge of getting a second vehicle.

Honestly, I'd rather use public transportation, but we aren't in the city anymore, there is no public transit here. And the Jeep can't be in two places at once.

It took me about 5 seconds to decide that if I do get another car it will be used. A new one may be shiny and impressive, but all I really need is a reliable, affordable source of transportation from A to B on a limited budget. So used it is. Generally I don't like cars unless they are big old style cars or muscle cars. I even found a place with Muscle Cars for Sale. I don't feel safe in a little car and they're too low to the road, especially for winter driving. I like trucks and SUV's, but of course they pollute. I'd love to get a hybrid, but as we've established, I'm not at the stage in my life where that's a financial option.

Anyone got an old beater for sale? Know where I can get one? The cheaper the better...well okay I'd also like it to be safe for the road.

Any tips for buying used cars?

Posted by: lightning at 13:10 | link | comments
bitching, random stuff, life updates

Do we not have laws anymore?

Yesterday afternoon I was watching the news and I saw a piece that really pisses me off.

Before I start, this is not a "racist rant". I'm not racist and I never intend to use this blog as a forum for promoting hate. I am however voicing my frustration at Canada's lack of sense when it comes to our legal system.

Here's the story:

It happened at Memorial University in Newfoundland.

A male 25 year of old student, named Farhood Azarsina, of middle eastern decent who immigrated here to study, which I have no problem with in any way, cornered a female student in an elevator where she couldn't escape and sexually assaulted her.

Posted by: lightning at 12:43 | link | comments (6)
news, articles, ranting, society, tv , public bulletins

Why I Like Phone Cards

Since phone service was deprivatized over a decade ago, a lot of innovative new options have become available for phone service.

My favorite? It's got to be the calling card.

I discovered calling cards for the first time just a couple years ago and decided to try one out.

Posted by: lightning at 12:08 | link | comments
bitching, random stuff, oddities, neat stuff, helpful tips

The seventh level of hell

Yesterday morning at 4 am I took the dog out for a pee. The weather of the previous day had been mild, all the snow had melted and it was reasonably humid. At that time the temperature was just begining to drop and a few flakes of snow trickling down.

When we woke up again 4 hours later, it was a different world. An artic blast was blanketing the world in a dusting of the evil white snow and the temperature was frickin' frigid at best.

Schools were closed, roads were closed, it was a sure sign of the apocalypse. Even the MacDonald's in town didn't open! Most people didn't go to work, Pam did though. Half the stores weren't even open it was like a barren winter wasteland. I felt like the people in the movie adaptation of "30 Days of Night".

Posted by: lightning at 11:25 | link | comments
ranting, bitching, rambles

Web Hosting Made Easy

Since I just recently went through this myself, I know it can be hard to choose a web host.

A neat new place to start is web hosting choice.com.

It's a new site that offers an impartial directory of web hosting providers. There's even a search function that lets you put in how much you want to pay and gives results that match your budget. That in itself is a great feature.

I thought it was pretty neat, a greta idea for web hosting on a limited budget, something I'm always doing.

 

Posted by: lightning at 09:47 | link | comments
links, neat stuff, helpful tips

Retro Fever

Last weekend when we were at my parents, I spent a good amount of time watching Teletoon Retro. I was in geek heaven. They had Super Friends and Raccoons and Rocket Robin Hood on all day long. And Flinstones and Jetsons. It was awesome.

I must get that channel.

Posted by: lightning at 09:26 | link | comments
rambles, random stuff, neat stuff

Fast Computer Fix!

You may have seen their commercial on TV, this new company called Fast-Teks, that claims to be able to help you with any computer problem.

Well recently I, like many others, found my computer running super slow. This is usually caused by unidentified viruses and spyware. P2P programs, adult websites, social networks and e-mails are all open gateways to viruses and malware getting onto your system, and although we like to think we're secure because of anti-virus protection, the truth is there are always a few viruses that your software won't detect.

Fast-Teks offers everything from over the phone diagnostics to on-site service. A rep over the phone told me how to find a couple viruses that were slowing down my system that I never would have found otherwise.

There's a page on their site just about things that can slow down a computer and how to remove virus.

If you're looking to improve PC performance it's worth a read.

Posted by: lightning at 09:24 | link | comments
helpful tips

By the way

In case you haven't noticed, in an effort to help revive the blog and keep coming up with interesting posts and current news, aside from my regular everyday life, I'll also be posting stuff about neat things and helpful tips that can be found on the internet. It's my way of helping promote worthy causes and bringing attention to worthy things that can truly help in your everyday life. Just odd things I find here and there, usually stuff that can save you time and money that I've found when browsing the web.

There'll be some new categories such as neat stuff, odditites, etc.

That way, aside from my drama, readers also get the bonus of fun, informationtional, educational tips that can really improve thier lives by saving time and money.

Posted by: lightning at 09:06 | link | comments
rambles, random stuff, oddities, neat stuff, helpful tips

Cell Phone Follies

I, like I'm sure many a reader has done, am struggling against a whirlpool in the ocean that is cellphones. Also like I'm sure many of you have done, I am weighinng my cell phone options.

See, a little while back I was at a big wedding reception. As often happens when I drink, I ended up in the men's room, and as I approached the sink to wash my hands, the cell phone in my jacket pocket crashed to the floor.

Posted by: lightning at 15:03 | link | comments
ranting, links, bitching, rambles, random stuff, surprises

High-FiStressity

I think I need a vacation.

The stress level right now is killing me. Literally. I've been getting chest pains. I kid you not.

I am working on way too many projects at once right now.

Plus there's just too many heavy stress events and drama going on in my life all at once right now. Trying to collect money from crooked clients, trying to resolve a dispute with our landlord, newspaper deadlines, people pissed off about what I write in the newspaper (everything is factual, some people just don't like the reality of what they read sometimes), too much.

It gives me a strong urge to pound back a pitcher of margaritas, but that way lies maddness, and potential alcoholism, so for now I'll deal with what I can and compress the rest into a tight little mental bottle that will undeniably explode at some point.

Warm fuzzies to everyone!

Posted by: lightning at 23:01 | link | comments
ranting, random stuff, life updates

This policy is valid from 28 January 2008

 This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact  mike@mikegagnon.ca.

 This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

Posted by: lightning at 17:49 | link | comments

Free Web Polls Anyone?

So, I've been planning on expanding my other websites and entertainment news blogs into a more interactive experience.

A big part of the plan brewing in my head is offering readers the chance to voice their opinions by voting on custom polls relating to relevant questions and issues.

Since I also like to be cost effective I've been browsing around to find a site poll provider that's affordable.

So far, one of the best looking ones is this site that offers free voting polls.

You can't beat free, so so far they're my first choice.

They're called Easy-Poll and they guarantee free customized polls with 24/7 access and a fast sign-up process. It can't hurt to try. I'll make my final decision soon, either way, keep an eye out for some interesting new polls in the future.

Posted by: lightning at 11:12 | link | comments
rambles, web design, random stuff