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# Dave Hamel's Website

20 years and going strong, well at least going

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.davehamel.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Pourbears.com: a new project](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/07/22/pourbears-com-a-new-project/) - Find cocktails from ingredients you already have, filter by spirit, build a shopping list, and browse 640+ recipes—including originals from the Pour Bears.
- [Redefining Courage: Three Decades Later](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/07/14/redefining-courage-three-decades-later/) - It's funny how the meaning of songs change over time. "Courage (for Hugh McLennan)" by the Tragically Hip is one of those songs for me. I remember when it first came out in 1992 on the Fully Completely album when I was in my first year of University. In fact I remember singing along in
- [Bucket List Checked: Firing a Handgun for the First Time](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/07/02/bucket-list-checked-firing-a-handgun-for-the-first-time/) - I fired a 9mm, .38 Special, shotgun and more for the first time at Silver Dale Gun Club — here's what a first-timer learns on the range.
- [Pride isn't in the "being gay"](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/06/21/pride-isnt-in-the-being-gay/) - Pride isn't about being gay — it's about the resilience to stay gay through hate crimes, lost community spaces, and unequal rights. A Pride Month reflection.
- [BankCat: A Free Budgeting Tool I Built With AI](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/05/15/bankcat-a-free-budgeting-tool-i-built-with-ai/) - BankCat is a free, privacy-first budgeting app. Upload your bank statement, categorize spending, see your cash flow. Your data never leaves your device.
- [The Magic of Compound Interest: Why Investing Early Matters](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/01/14/the-magic-of-compound-interest-why-investing-early-matters/) - Discover why starting early is the key to building wealth and how the magic of compound interest can change your financial future.
- [More investing advice: Inflation, diversification and balance](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/01/21/more-investing-advice-inflation-diversification-and-balance/) - From fighting inflation to building a diversified portfolio and planning for retirement, here’s how smarter investing can help you keep more of your money.
- [The Truth About Money and Happiness: Why Cash Flow Matters More Than Income](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/01/07/the-truth-about-money-and-happiness-why-cash-flow-matters-more-than-income/) - Discover how money impacts happiness, why ‘enough’ is a mindset, and the simple steps to achieve financial freedom and peace of mind.
- [Top 4 Financial Mistakes You Must Avoid to Build Wealth](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/01/28/top-4-financial-mistakes-you-must-avoid-to-build-wealth/) - From payday loans to bad advice, just one money mistake can cost you big. Learn how to avoid them and take control of your financial future now.
- [Insurance 101: How to Avoid Financial Ruin When Life Hits Hard](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/02/04/insurance-101-how-to-avoid-financial-ruin-when-life-hits-hard/) - A sudden illness or accident can destroy your finances. Learn how disability, health, life, and renter’s insurance can protect you from the unexpected.
- [End-of-Life Planning: How to Prepare for When You Die](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/02/11/end-of-life-planning-how-to-prepare-for-when-you-die/) - A will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever create. Learn why it matters, how to set one up, and what else to include in your end-of-life plan.
- [Common Credit Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/02/18/common-credit-mistakes-to-avoid-and-how-to-fix-them/) - Your credit score impacts loans, mortgages, and even jobs. Find out what affects your score and how to build strong credit step by step.
- [The Aesthetics of Scars: Kintsugi, and the Human Body](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/03/04/the-aesthetics-of-scars-kintsugi-and-the-human-body/) - You are probably familiar with the Japanese practice of Kintsugi, even if you don't recognize the name. Kintsugi is the practice of repairing broken pottery with gold. Originally done with resin and gold powder it is an expression of wabi-sabi. Wabi-sabi is an aesthetic and philosophical concept that embraces the beauty of imperfection, impermanence and
- [The New Pottery Site Is Finally Done](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/05/08/the-new-pottery-site-is-finally-done/) - So I finally finished my new pottery site. Despite the fact I haven't thrown a pot in two years, I have so much work that no one has ever seen I wanted to create a new site to highlight my efforts. That's a bit of a strange thing to admit, isn't it? Building a showcase
- [What Blogging for 20 Years Taught Me About Showing Up](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/03/11/what-blogging-for-20-years-taught-me-about-showing-up/) - Twenty years of blogging taught me one thing: showing up matters more than being perfect. Consistency isn't about never missing a day — it's about never permanently stopping.
- [Every Tech Revolution Puts Profits First — AI Is No Different](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/04/07/every-tech-revolution-puts-profits-first-ai-is-no-different/) - History keeps repeating itself: new technology, same story; benefits for the few, costs for many. The AI revolution needs to be the one we finally get right.
- [No Billionaires: an Argument for Wealth Limits](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/05/03/no-billionaires-an-argument-for-wealth-limits/) - The facts, history, and human cost of extreme wealth inequality — and what you can do about it. Evidence-based arguments for wealth limits in the US and Canada.
- [Blogging: The Slow Food Movement of the Internet](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/02/25/blogging-the-slow-food-movement-of-the-internet/) - Blogging is the internet equivalent of the "slow food" movement.
- [Second Surgery: Continuing repair of my shoulder](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/08/17/second-surgery/) - So I survived getting hit by a bus. And while I survived I was not left without residual effects. I had a constant ache in my shoulder what became more severe with use. This was due to the massive amounts of bone that needed to be cleaned out, which resulted in a loss of about an
- [Winter's Resolve - A Short Poem](https://www.davehamel.com/2026/01/14/winters-resolve-a-short-poem/) - A short poem on resilience.
- [The Surprising Mental Health Benefits of Gardening You Need to Know](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/12/24/the-surprising-mental-health-benefits-of-gardening-you-need-to-know/) - Find out how gardening can ease anxiety, promote mindfulness, and help you reconnect with nature and yourself.
- [Songs I am Obsessed with Now](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/12/17/songs-i-am-obsessed-with-now/) - Sometimes songs will cross my path that completely changes my listening habits. Here are songs I am obsessed with right now
- [I need more of this energy in my life](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/09/26/i-need-more-of-this-energy-in-my-life/) - This TikTok or whatever is exactly the kind of energy I need in my life, all the time. I would love to be friends with her because I think she would always pump you up!
- [Top posts of the past year - 2025](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/12/10/top-posts-of-the-past-year-2025/) - I like looking at the data I have collected over the past year and seeing what has resonated
- [The Passion Test: How to Find Hobbies You'll Actually Stick To](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/10/01/the-passion-test-how-to-find-hobbies-youll-actually-stick-to/) - A rewarding hobby should not feel like an obligation. It should be a source of joy and fulfillment. Use this guide to help you find the right type of hobby
- [How to Find the Environment That Truly Fits You](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/10/08/how-to-find-the-environment-that-truly-fits-you/) - Choosing the right environment can make the difference in whether or not you enjoy a hobby.
- [The Truth About Ikigai and Hobbies: Stop Monetizing Your Joy](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/09/24/the-truth-about-ikigai-and-hobbies-stop-monetizing-your-joy/) - Hobbies are not your ikigai. You need to make room for doing something you love for the joy of it.
- [Open Reply to Kingswood Capital Management](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/09/23/open-letter-to-kingswood-capital-management/) - When I first became a member of Mountain Equipment Co-op, I was in first year university (30 years ago). Everyone I knew on campus was a member. I joined because I was going to UVIC and that is what you did (it's a very outdoorsy school), plus they had good backpacks. Later, when I became
- [The Chewed Receipt and the Border Guard](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/10/13/the-chewed-receipt/) - I grew up in a border town in the Okanagan valley just North of Washington state called Osoyoos. One big advantage of living in a border town was that you could go down into the US for cheap groceries and gas. We used to wear our old shoes down, buy a new pair and just
- [Guilty Pleasure Movies](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/12/07/guilty-pleasure-movies/) - Sometimes you just need to watch something that doesn't make you think. A movie that just makes you fell good, entertains you or is just silly. These are my go to films that are fun and enjoyable. Fifth Element The Fifth Element stars Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Mila Jovovich, Ian Holm and Chris Tucker who
- [Surprise and Delight](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/11/16/surprise-and-delight/) - "Surprise and delight" is a phrase often tossed around in business meetings. "We need to surprise and delight our customers!" senior managers cry out! "We need to provide them with unexpected rewards and promote customer loyalty!" No. You don't. You need to solve a problem for your customer. That's it. If you can solve a
- [Love songs, pottery and dumplings](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/09/07/love-songs-pottery-and-dumplings/) - This showed up on my Reddit feed and it reminded me that love songs, like pottery and dumplings, are universal. Especially love songs where it's a guy trying to convince a girl she should be with him. I think this does a great job of breaking down the stereotype we have (or maybe just me)
- [More Favorite Art Movies](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/12/12/more-favorite-art-movies/) - There are some more of my favorite art movies. or movies about artists. At Eternity's Gate I love watching Van Gogh films; Loving Vincent, Lust for Life, The Yellow House, The Life of Vincent. Van Gogh is the archetype for the suffering artist and the more you learn about him, the more incredible his work
- [Antiwork - Part 1](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/12/02/antiwork-part-1/) - I came across this subreddit called /r/antiwork. It consists of memes people have made about capitalism and work. They are all bitter/sweet. They're funny but also sad since they ring true. The system is broken and unsustainable. We're all aware of it, we just don't know where to start to fix it. There is this
- [Thoughts on language](https://www.davehamel.com/2021/02/19/thoughts-on-language/) - I am currently struggling to learn the Japanese language. Some people say it's easy, but I am finding it quite difficult. Maybe I am just not that bright. In these struggles I was thinking of all the stupid things languages do, like gender everything, have words that are unnecessary, or just generally mess up otherwise
- [My office fish tank](https://www.davehamel.com/2021/05/08/my-office-fish-tank/) - Just a simple video of the planted fish tank in my office after it's first trim.
- [The Internet is too quick to judge](https://www.davehamel.com/2022/01/24/the-internet-is-too-quick-to-judge/) - Recently there was a viral video of a middle aged man having a meltdown in a fast food restaurant over a smoothie. It made the front page of Reddit and was posted in numerous subreddits. It was all over twitter and digital lynch mob has been quick to judge. The man identified in the video
- [Crisis in the tank!](https://www.davehamel.com/2021/06/02/crisis-in-the-tank/) - So I have a crisis in my two tanks. It seems some of my fire shrimp have a parasite called ellobiopsidae. It manifests itself as a green moss looking thing underneath their abdomen. The danger here is if it spreads it can kill all the shrimp in the tank. So the first thng I did was
- [The revolution will not be televised](https://www.davehamel.com/2021/06/20/the-revolution-will-not-be-televised/) - Is Gamestop representative of a movement?
- [Toronto the Inconsiderate](https://www.davehamel.com/2024/08/02/toronto-the-inconsiderate/) - Toronto has been know my a lot of different monikers; "Center of the Universe, Hogtown, the Big Smoke, the 416" and more.
- [Personal choices, free will, and the nature of the universe...](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/02/26/personal-choices-free-will-and-the-nature-of-the-universe/) - I was listening to a podcast this morning which was talking about nature vs. nurture. To what affect does genetics play and how much influence does our upbringing have on us. While listening to this conversation it occurred to me that another forces shape who we become. Our own choices. But, this leads to what
- [Differences in Western and Japanese Pottery Aesthetics](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/04/07/differences-in-western-and-japanese-pottery-aesthetics/) - I recently had what I would consider a good firing. There were a few outstanding pieces of pottery, lots of okay ones, and a few duds. It was successful in part because of advice shared with me by Ikeda-san. I met Ikeda-san through one of my students and this is the second time we have
- [When does grave robbing become archeology?](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/06/28/when-does-grave-robbing-become-archeology/) - I stumbled upon this image of a child's toy horse from ancient Greece. I found the piece rather upsetting. Perhaps a grandparent made this for a grandchild they adored. Or a birthday gift from an affectionate aunt. You can picture a toddler playing in the courtyard, pulling it along on a sting. Or perhaps clutching
- [Wood firing: a potter's challenge](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/11/10/wood-firing-a-potters-challenge/) - To set the scene, I was invited again this year to help fire a wood fired kiln. It takes days to do, involves dozens of people and my shift is from midnight to 2 am. The Shigaraki kiln is the size of a uHaul truck and there are 5 ports on each side. You need
- [Returning to Canada](https://www.davehamel.com/2024/01/03/returning-to-canada/) - So I have decided to return to Canada. Finding good work in Japan is too difficult, especially where we live. We are in a small town in Tochigi about 2 hours by train North of Tokyo. It's a very beautiful area, with very large trees and some of the best cycling in the world. I'm
- [Terrible eCommerce Experience at Costco.ca](https://www.davehamel.com/2024/11/16/terrible-ecommerce-experience-at-costco-ca/) - I have worked on the internet for a very long time. I remember the birth of Google. I remember when Flash intros were all the rage. I even remember page view counters and GeoCities. I have built my own websites, including e-commerce sites. I write multiple programming languages and scripts. I have won awards for
- [Cool websites you should look at](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/03/10/cool-websites-you-should-look-at/) - Here are some cool websites have collected and wanted to share. Enjoy. https://ncase.me/trust https://ncase.itch.io/wbwwb https://neal.fun/absurd-trolley-problems https://neal.fun/deep-sea
- [Still the luckiest unlucky man: An Unexpected Diagnosis](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/04/01/still-the-luckiest-unlucky-man-an-unexpected-diagnosis/) - I am still the luckiest unlucky man. I suppose it is a matter of perspective but knowing how bad things can get makes me appreciate when they are not that bad. Medical Journey: An Unexpected Diagnosis Last October, I visited my doctor about an issue with my bollocks. I consider myself fortunate to have a
- [Still the Luckiest Unlucky Man](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/04/13/still-the-luckiest-unlucky-man/) - I am still the luckiest unlucky man. The second round of biopsies proved far less efficient than my first experience. I waited over an hour before being called into the same operating room as before. Unlike my previous visit, there was no organized preparation—no changing clothes or being assigned a gurney. I had to request
- [Time to change the race or die](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/04/15/time-to-change-the-race-or-die/) - When discussing the climate crisis many optimists will point out that the costs of doing nothing is in the trillions of dollars (69 trillion by 2050 which is only 26 years away) and that there are opportunities for innovative companies to make billions providing clean energy, waste reduction and similar services. However, in all of
- [Citizenship Reconsidered: Five Essential Responsibilities in a Functioning Democracy](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/04/18/citizenship-reconsidered-five-essential-responsibilities-for-functioning-democracies/) - Sadly the founders of America didn't think to make a Bill of Responsibilities when they were writing the Bill of Rights. Perhaps they thought they were self evident. Or perhaps they didn't want to dictate what people should do. In my opinion there are certain things that individuals owe to the state. Being a citizen
- [Recent Artwork](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/08/14/recent-artwork/) - Since I have been on leave the past little while, I have gotten back into painting. This time I have switched to acrylics as the space isn't big enough for oils with all the fumes. Acrylics dry much faster so I have to move quickly! But I have produced a few pieces of artwork [ngg
- [Pre-flight check](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/04/pre-flight-check/) - I just finished washing my bike in preparation for the flight to Victoria. I leave in two days, and will be on the road two days after that. Tonight I will take my bike apart and pack it up. Double check my equipment list and see what is missing. I still don't have a map
- [Victoria](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/06/victoria/) - I have arrived in Victoria. My bike and bags made it without incident but carrying the bags really made me realize the amount of stuff I am taking. I will attempt to do create an equipment list, as I repack today and tomorrow. I have pushed the launch day to Tuesday so I can load
- [What is "Coureurs des bois"](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/06/what-is-coureurs-des-bois-2/) - Coureurs des bois literally means "Runner of the woods" and it was a fur trader who did so without the permission of the the French authorities. They were settlers who, not content with farming the land took advantage of the lucritive fur trade and made their own way. Looked down upon by the authorities for flooding
- [Cross country maps](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/06/cross-country-maps/) - British Columbia Route Alberta Route Saskatechewan Route Manitoba Route Ontario Route (so far...)
- [Rainy mornings](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/07/rainy-mornings/) - So it is raining. Not real rain, but that grey West Coast drizzle. This does not bode well for the start of this trip. Maybe it means I will get all the bad wether out of the way early. I will put my bike together today and see if I can fill the tires with
- [One Sleep to go.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/05/one-sleep-to-go/) - One sleep to go... Je suis pret
- [Cross Country Cycling Equipment](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/06/cross-country-cycling-equipment/) - This was my packing list at the start of the journey It was definitely not what I ended the journey with. A small word of advice, take whatever you think you will need and cut it in half. BIKE:1999 Schwinn Moab 1Shimano XT componentsSchwalbe Marathon tiresTitec XC Pro Seat and carbon seat-postPsylo Suspension ForksTitec headsetShimano Clipless PedalsTubus
- [And we’re off!  Sort of…](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/09/and-were-off-sort-of/) - So the plan was to start at Mile 0 and ride to my sister's place. About 10 km. The idea was then tomorrow I could just head out from here and not have to back track to the start. Actually it was a good idea because it also gave me a really good idea of
- [Safe at Dad’s](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/13/safe-at-dads/) - I made it my Dad and Betty's place yesterday safe and sound. I decided to forgo camping in Penticton and ride hard to Kelowna. here I will spend a few days recouperating as my muscles are aching. On Tuesday I headed off anyway despite the bike issues figuing I could get them fixed somewhere along
- [Kicking Horse ~one down, nine to go.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/21/kicking-horse-one-down-nine-to-go/) - What wass supposed to be a short day, from Golden to Lake Louise turns out to be a really long one. I slept in late and ate a good breakfast because I needed my stength for the climb (1600+m) The rode out of Golden is tough going with a steep long hill right at the
- [Cross Country Cycling Thanks](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/10/cross-country-cycling-thanks/) - I decided I needed to include a page of thanks. I really am grateful for this amazing opportunity and it isn't like I'm doing this all on my own. Zuimei needs to be thanked first. He calls me everyday to make sure I am okay and to tell me to "take it easy." Like that
- [Farmland](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/13/farmland/) - So on wednesday morning I woke nice an early, I was in bed by 9:30 so getting up early was easy to do. I packed up and headed out. I don't really like to eat first thing in the morning so I figured I would stop in Langley where the Fraser Highway crosses the number
- [Those Damn Mountains](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/13/14/) - Let me tell you how incredibly crushing those mountains are. They are incredibly crushing. The Hope-Princeton starts with a muscle aching 12km climb up to the Hope Slide. There is no respite from it either. I found that I simply couldn't keep rding so I would alternate between riding and walking the bike up the
- [A Gentle slope and Sunshine.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/13/a-gentle-slope-and-sunshine/) - After being woken up by Zuimei's call (which i didn't mind at all) I slept for a little while longer justifying it as a reward for the previous days hard work. I was on the road by 7 though not needing to pack up my gear I was able to make a quick get away.
- [Golden](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/21/golden/) - So after the fiasco with the bear I cycled to Golden. The first sight of my nemesis...the mountains Now this was over Rogers Pass which believe it or not really isn't that bad. Perhaps it was the fact that I was lighter because I no longer had a tent weighing me down, but the pass
- [On the road again.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/18/on-the-road-again/) - I had a good time at Dad and Betty's. It was wonderful to see them both but the time had come for me to be moving on. Dad drove me to the far edge of town, I guess he was nervous about the traffic in Kelowna being too much for me or something. I rode
- [Bears suck  ~no, not that way](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/18/bears-suck-no-not-that-way/) - So the previous day it turned out I failed to put my roll on sunscreen on the back of my arms leaving these clearly defined burns down the back of them. I got up early and Pushed hard again. Rather than remain in Revelstoke (my original destination) I pushed on anther 35 km to Canyon
- [On the road again…again.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/30/on-the-road-againagain/) - After 5 days in Calgary staying at Bonnie and Ians it was time to get on the move again. Theywere very gracious hosts to let me disrupt their lives for as long as I did. I got to meet some of their friends and their cats (Bonnie and Ian's, not the friends') I got to
- [The 200 Club!](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/21/the-200-club/) - With my wheel in tatters I headed down to Wilson's Bike shop to see what they could do, or even if I could limp to Banff about 60km away. Rob, the nice guy from the day before went home and pulled a 9 speed wheel off his own bike and sold it to me for
- [Yee-Haw!  A Rodeo](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/30/yee-haw-a-rodeo/) - So I took the day off in Maple Creek or Crik as the locals call it. I visited the local museums and found a photo of Andrew Fraser (I'm named after Grandma Fraser who, in her special way, used to introduce my folks as "Ron and Ron's") I'm not sure where Andy fits in but
- [Medicine Hat and other strange things.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/30/medicine-hat-and-other-strange-things/) - Another blistering day of heat and speed. The praries, despite being a bit dull are fun to ride through with a tail wind. You can really cruise. I was able to blast through 165km in 6 and a half hours! Medicine Hat is a funny town. The information was all the way across town from
- [Collosal Day!](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/30/collosal-day/) - I had a slow start to the day, it was beginning to rain when I got up and so packing up the tent in the rain is no fun. I ate breakfast at a road side diner. French Toast is my breakfast of choice. Plenty of carbs, with just a bit of protein mixed in.
- [I hate May 28th.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/30/i-hate-may-28th/) - I hate this day. Not only was it the anniversary of my mother's death, it was also the first day I didn't reach the goal I had set out for myself. It was raining pretty hard when I woke up. Actually I'd been awake for an hour listening to the rain trying to build up
- [Halfway across and into Ontario!](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/10/halfway-across-and-into-ontario/) - So today (June 7th) was another big day. I rode another 230km and made it to Kenora, ON! The wind was mostly at my back which made it much much easier to maintain a decent speed. Strange things in Kenora.... I made a special milestone today outside of Winnipeg, the longitudinal centre of Canada. I
- [Art Galleries and the CBC](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/04/art-galleries-and-the-cbc/) - So I hung around Regina gallery hopping. There was one artist in particular whose work I though was especially good. His name is David Dreher and he is repped by the assiniboine gallery This is a sample of his work. The original is 36x36 and the painterly skill is amazing! I got to talk to
- [Another day of headwinds](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/04/another-day-of-headwinds/) - I'm beginning to dislike Saskatchewan. It was not been as sweet to me as Alberta was. I was planning on making it to Manitoba today but it was not to be. A 25km/hr headwind left me exhausted in a short period of time. Actually the wind shifted between E and SE and as luck would
- [Not all who wander are lost. ~ JRR Tolkien](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/05/31/not-all-who-wander-are-lost-jrr-tolkien/) - May 29th was a pretty horrendous day too. It started out well though. They rain had let up to a fine mist and I was able to dry all my clothes through the use of the space heater in the motel room. I was able to properly lube the chain and true the wheel which
- [New Record!](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/04/new-record/) - What a great day! I set a new record, which is always a good thing. I slept in late this morning. For some reason I have a very hard time waking up. I didn't even get on the road until 8:30. However The wind was at my back and I was able to make 60km
- [Manitoba!](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/04/manitoba/) - Well June 3 was another hard day but the morning started out brilliantly. There was no wind so I was able to hammer out 30km/hr for the first bit until I reached the border. I stopped for the obligatory photos and when I got back on the bike the wind was coming at me again,
- [The crash.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/12/the-crash/) - This morning I left Nipigon late. I didn't even wake up until 7:15 which is late for me. The hills here are really tiring and so I have had to reign in my ambitions of setting any new world's records for time trials. The good news is that the scenery is very beautiful. Lake superior
- [The Ups and Downs of the Canadian Shield.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/10/the-ups-and-downs-of-the-canadian-shield/) - I started late, which was no biggie since I was only headed to Dryden, a mere 140km away. However, that sweet tailwind had left me and while the day was short in distance it was long in time. I stopped for my French Toast breakfast before leaving Kenora and began the long roller-coaster of ups
- [Mosquitos, black flies, and noseeums.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/14/mosquitos-black-flies-and-noseeums/) - I hate bugs. Yes I realize they are an important part of the eco-system, but why can't they realize I AM NOT part of that eco-system. Period. I belong to the cafe eco-system, the urban eco-system. I woke in the morning to find, no lie, a thousands mosquitos surrounding my tent. They were just hanging
- [Hardship is better when shared](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/22/51/) - At Wawa there is really only one campsite. Which is a good thing because I met Justine again. I convinced her that we needed to ride together to Pancake Bay. There really isn't anything in between the two points except a huge provincial park. It was a 150km and it was probably a little more
- [A late start and a crash.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/12/a-late-start-and-a-crash/) - I was late leaving Thunder Bay...really late. I got up at 6am intending to pound out the 180 kms to Terrace Bay. However when I was loading the bike I noticed that the front brake wasn't done up. When I went to do it up I noticed that the brake was broken. Total bummer. I
- [Winnie the Pooh!](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/14/winnie-the-pooh/) - For those who don't know "Winnie" was the name of a real bear in the London Zoo. She was puchased by Lieutenant Harry Colebourn in the town of White River, where I was staying. He named her Winnipeg, after his hometown and she was called "Winnie" for short. Colebourn gave the bear to the london
- [Massey and the F’n PP.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/22/massey-and-the-fn-pp/) - So Justine and I rode togather to Massey, on the way we came across a turtle in the middle of the highway. At first I thought it was just some bloated dead thing (we see a lot of road-kill). When I realized what it was I got off my bike and ran back to nudge
- [Home again, home again, jiggidy-jig.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/22/home-again-home-again-jiggidy-jig-2/) - I woke up at 5:30 in the morning determined to make it home to Toronto come Hell or high-water. I figured that it was around 210 km and if I just kept riding, even at a moderate pace of 20km/h I could be home to sleep in my own bed. For some reason this had
- [Disappointed!](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/22/disappointed/) - Justine and I rode together for the first part of the day. We stopped for breakfast in this little town in a restaurant that was a converted bank. It still had the vault in place. We seperated when I headed South through Manitoulin Island and she continued East through Sudbury. Now I didn't know it
- [Alone again.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/22/alone-again/) - Well in the morning Justine and I seperated and I rode alone. It was stupid of me because while Justine doesn't ride as fast, she is willing to ride a long time. So as it was we ended up in the same place anyway! At Pancake bay we met a Kiwi, Tim, who was going
- [Short day](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/06/22/short-day/) - The ferry was pretty uneventful. I was grouped together with the motorcyclists and we were the first to board and the first off. I ate on board and it tasted exactly like BC ferries! In fact the only real difference was that the smell of the air was different since it was a lake and
- [New post and an introduction](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/06/13/first-post-and-an-introduction/) - A good place to start is the beginning. For me that was the Fall of 1992, my first year at university. One of my dorm-mates had just received a six hundred dollar phone bill which was the result of his surfing the web to download games from Virginia tech or some other school. Flash forward
- [Continuing on…](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/07/24/continuing-on/) - Nicole and I continued South towards the #2 eventually crossing the 401. The land scape had become much flatter and the riding much easier. Not to mention the fact that there was a good shoulder and traffic was much lighter than the 7. Trenton was a strange little town with a bad vibe. At first
- [Heading out again.](https://www.davehamel.com/2006/07/22/heading-out-again/) - Well I made it home for PRIDE just like I promised I would. In fact I had made it with a few days to spare. None of my clothes fit me here anymore having lost 4 inches off my waist and 30lbs total! Z and I on our way to PRIDE Nicole came and joined
- [Creative learning and learning the hard way](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/06/15/creative-learning-and-learning-the-hard-way/) - One of the biggest problems facing companies today is keeping their employees trained and interested in learning.For internet companies it is even harder.In an industry that changes so rapidly you have to really be on your toes.What worked six months ago doesn’t work today!The Search Community of Practice at Critical Mass has come up with
- [What I learned at Toronto SES 2007](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/06/14/what-i-learned-at-toronto-ses-2007/) - The landscape of search is changing again. As Google universal and similar algorithms are being utilized text based information will hold less and less sway. Podcasts and videos will come into play, as will personalization. (think like Amazon personalization) The techniques that worked in the past do not work today, and may get you penalized
- [Yoshirolla Kilomantra update](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/07/09/yoshirolla-kilomantra-update/) - So the Yoshirolla Kilomantra contest continues. I am in third place. My top spot in Google was overthrown by Joe Dee and Geoff Sowrey, both of whom have long standing blogs they basically made into their yoshirolla kilomantra entries. So at the moment I am: 4th on Google6th on Yahoo7th on AskNo sign of me
- [Differences in design](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/07/10/differences-in-design/) - Not that long ago my team at work was tasked with creating a new homepage for our client. In true team fashion we were allowed our input as to the problems and solutions to the current home page. Now I work as a web developer so my input was mostly technology based, and was mostly
- [Library](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/07/09/library/) - There are several books I keep on my desk at work. Some are about interaction and usability, one on coding and one for design and planning (with emphasis on the planning). I think part of having a well-rounded skill set is having a well-rounded library. The Zen of CSS Design by Dave Shea and Molly
- [The Road to Enlightenment](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/06/16/the-road-to-enlightenment/) - There is a great website called the CSS Zen garden. Essentially it is designed to illustrate the possibilities of using CSS based design. Designers and developers are invited to download the html and CSS files, and then create a new look using just those files and changing the CSS. Here are samples of the dozens
- [Design, Design thinking and Sketching by Bill Buxton](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/06/19/design-design-thinking-and-sketching-by-bill-buxton/) - Cameron Ley, one of my coworkers was fortunate enough to hear Bill Buxton speak at U of T and Cameron has graciously allowed me to post his thoughts on the event: Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Bill Buxton (http://www.billbuxton.com/) the principal researcher at Microsoft Research, speak at the University of Toronto. It
- [Proofing your code.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/06/22/proofing-your-code/) - Coders and programmers have the same issue that writers do. Proofing your own work is all but impossible. While Word has spell checker, what does the web have? Quite a lot actually. The best place to start is Firefox's extensions . To access them go to tools-->Add ons. In the bottom right of the pop-up
- [SEO update](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/06/18/seo-update/) - As mentioned in a previous post I entered our company's SEO contest at mattbrandenburg.com. I created a very simple page and on Friday afternoon I was number one in Google and beginning to make inroads on the other engines. This morning however I was nowhere to be found. My website is verified with webmastertools, which
- [Crash me baby!](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/08/08/crash-me-baby/) - One of my co-workers posted this gem on the Web dev blog, which actually came from another blog, Command Line Warriors. It is basically how to crash IE in just 5 tags and a CSS declaration. that is it. Put that in your code and it will crash IE. Another co-worker noted you
- [Cool Stuff](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/08/07/cool-stuff/) - Sometimes the best sites I come across are not really websites in a conventional sense. They are not designed to sell something, or provide any factual information per se. They are more...experiments. They are little pieces of artwork that are stunning not only for their design aethetics but also for their conceptual beauty. Here are
- [Web Analytics are freakin’ awesome.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/07/17/web-analytics-are-freakin-awesome/) - Web analytics are awesome. They cut through all the crap, all the emotion and get down to the nitty-gritty of things. It doesn't matter if the CEO's wife really likes the color pink, or that the director of web services feels drop-down menus are bad fung shui, if you have web analytics you've got power.
- [Proper launch procedure](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/07/31/proper-launch-proceedure/) - Recently one of the clients I work on had a major launch. This was a project months in the making and is making a major difference in their customer behavior. What I found disturbing was the fact that they launched it at noon mid-week. One of the things to consider when launching any update it
- [Made me laugh...](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/10/28/made-me-laugh/) - - Gay rugby
- [Yoshirolla Kilomantra update](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/08/09/yoshirolla-kilomantra-update-2/) - So we have exactly one month left in the yoshirolla kilomantra contest, which ends September 10th. In a last ditch effort to climb in the rankings I have created 4 new pages. In keeping with my breaking the words yoshirolla kilomantra apart into the component syllables I have created the following pages. Yoshi which tends
- [Tragic case worth watching.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/10/28/tragic-case-worth-watching/) - Mr. Dziekanski was a 40 year old Polish construction worker who was on his way to be reunited with his mother, who had saved up the money to help her some immigrate to Canada to start a new life. Sounds like the start of the story for many families here in Canada. However Mr. Dziekanski's
- [God Hates Westboro Baptist Church](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/01/god-hates-westboro-baptist-church/) - CNN reports that the father of a slain marine won a court battle where he sued the Westboro Baptist church. Al Snyder sued the whacko religious freaks after they picketed his son's funeral with signs that read "God is America's terror" and "Thank God for dead soldiers." There are lots of exposés on them on
- [Thoughtcrime](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/10/29/thoughtcrime/) - Thoughtcrime does not entail death: thoughtcrime is death.
- [GAP - Employing children everywhere.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/10/29/gap-employing-children-everywhere/) - The Gap just got caught employing child labour in India. Here is a link because I won't go into the details of the accusations. Rather I would like to make some suggestions for Marka Hansen, the President of GAP North America. First off pay for each of these kids to go to school. Obviously the
- [Taser saga continues...](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/01/taser-saga-continues/) - Paul Pritchard, from Victoria BC recorded the taser incident of Robert Dziekanski in the Vancouver airport. He claims that it is of excellent quality and that the He has gone to court to force the RCMP to return the video or at least a copy of the video. Police have refused to return the video
- [Police guilty over Menezes case](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/01/police-guilty-over-menezes-case/) - It would seem at even on the other side of the pond they have issues with their police forces. Police everywhere seem to have an issue with how they exert their authority, especially in a difficult situation. Here in Canada it is no different - see the whole Vancouver Airport taser incident. However, restraint must
- [Me too.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/01/me-too/)
- [Some cool sites](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/02/some-cool-sites/) - http://www.interact10ways.com/usa/home.asp - 10 ways is a fantastic site that interacts with Getty images and presents the images in interesting ways. It strikes me as a picture version of "We Feel Fine". http://www.amorphicdesign.com/verve/ - This is an interesting site, however I find the interface a little difficult to get the hang of it. It combines visual
- [We won!](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/02/we-won/) - The Citi ThankYou Network Homepage (entered September 28, 2007), under the category ‘Banking’, has won the IMA Outstanding Achievement Award with an overall score of 478! The score broke down like this: Design: 95Content: 97Feature Functionality: 95Usability: 96Standards Compliance & Cross-Browser Compatibility: 95
- [I like this cat.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/07/i-like-this-cat/)
- [Why I am worried about a police state.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/08/why-i-am-worried-about-a-police-state/) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Do5mJX1ZI Jump to 6:20
- [I laughed so hard I peed a little...](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/08/i-laughed-so-hard-i-peed-a-little/)
- [So wonderful I could cry.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/05/so-wonderful-i-could-cry/) - It isn't very often I come across something so wonderful it moved me to tears. But some of these poems are truely moving. I especially the one about crossing the Atlantic.
- [How about a little investigative journalism for crying out loud](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/08/how-about-a-little-investigative-journalism-for-crying-out-loud/) - I have been following the case of Robert Dziekanski, the 40 year old man tasered to death by RCMP at the Vancouver airport. The video has apparently been released to Paul Pritchard, the young man who captured the video. Hearing the video may be released to the public, RCMP Integrated Homicide Investigation Team spokesman Cpl.
- [Yet another tasering incident.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/09/yet-another-tasering-incident/) - So if a police officer is writing you a ticket and you drive away, do you need to pay the ticket? I mean in reality you never received the ticket so I would assume "no". However a guy in Kelowna, John Peters, drives away from an officer who was writing a ticket and stupidly stops
- [A rock and a hard place.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/10/a-rock-and-a-hard-place/) - Yahoo is getting slammed right now for giving up the name of a dissident who sent a memo warning journalists to not write about the Tiananmen Square anniversary. Shi Tao was jailed for 10 years for his pro-democracy efforts when Yahoo lawfully passed along his activity information to Chinese Authrorities. Now Jerry Yang, Yahoo's CEO,
- [The fight for democracy...for whatever that is worth.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/14/the-fight-for-democracyfor-whatever-that-is-worth/) - Pakistan is in the throws of a democratic upheaval. The military coup which has been in power for years is now promising to allow elections, but arresting opposition members. Benazir Bhutto has started to rally opposition in a coordinated movement with a single rallying point, the restoration of democracy. Meanwhile here in North America, news
- [They murdered him, and we have the video to prove it.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/15/they-murdered-him-and-we-have-the-video-to-prove-it/) - I have been following the case of Robert Dziekanski, The man who was tasered by police and killed. They have finally released the video and it is shocking to say the least. The video is on every major Canadian news website and all I can think is thank God that someone made a video of
- [Crazy good site.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/14/crazy-good-site/) - My co-worker Tim just shared this with me. It is a modern rendition of the wizard of Oz. All I can say is "WOW" that is some creazy flash work. Use the slider in the top left to zoom in and out. Make sure to watch some of the videos too. This is going to
- [Voice your anger!](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/15/voice-your-anger/) - Please write to your local Member of Parliament, as well as YVR, the Prime Minister, the Premier, and RCMP Headquarters. Addresses are as follows: The Honourable Gordon Campbell, PremierPO Box 9041STN PROV GOVTVictoria BCV8W 9E1 Vancouver Mayor's OfficeThird Floor, City Hall453 West 12th AvenueVancouver, BC V5Y 1V4 Office of the Prime Minister80 Wellington StreetOttawaK1A 0A2
- [Photoshop Friday!](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/16/photoshop-friday/) - Great stuff over at Something Awful... * If you are offended by this, you should understand it is a game where they re-arrange the letters in the game title to give it an alternative meaning. This one is pretty hilarious.
- [Hello? Common sense?](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/19/hello-common-sense/) - A girl in Winnipeg was banned from a Judo tournament for wearing a headscarf. While I have had enough of this politically correct bullshit, a little common sense could have avoided this issue. Now in this case, judo has not forbidden wearing headscarves. Shirin Farag, the girl's coach has worn one in competitions for 10
- [Post secret video](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/16/post-secret-video/) - http://www.dailymotion.com/featured/video/x2r7ef_postsecret_creation The video is good. The music...stunning. more: http://postsecret.blogspot.com/
- [ROFL!](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/20/rofl/) - A little something from somethingawful.com
- [And they want to bring guns into our country...](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/19/and-they-want-to-bring-guns-into-our-country/) - http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/11/19/windsor-hospital.html?ref=rss Gee, I can see you have had a heart attack and been recessitated twice, but can you please identify yourself. http://www.thestar.com/article/266844 And they want to bring guns into our country unimpeded...idiots.
- [What the fuck? Where is the justice?](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/19/what-the-fuck-where-is-the-justice/) - In a total cluster fuck of a situation, coroner's jury has ruled the shooting death of John Seguin, 37, killed by Victoria police as a homicide. He died last February after a pursuit by three police officers, in which 12 shots were fired and he was hit by two. However, last month, the three officers
- [Cool Artwork](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/19/cool-artwork/)
- [Cops hurt themselves with tasers](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/22/cops-hurt-themselves-with-tasers/) - The National Post has an interesting article on tasers and the various lawsuits against the company that manufactures them, Taser International. A former employee, Pam Schreiner, claims that Taser has harrassed and intimidated her into silence over her witnessing Taser officials shredding incriminating court documents regarding the safety of their products. Her claim could be
- [Game Review - Medal of Honor Airborne](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/23/game-review-medal-of-honor-airborne/) - There is a map that appears in the HUD that informs you where the enemies are. I wasted every last little red dot I could find and still my men were huddling behind the crates. I was hoping they might be scared and waiting for me to take care of the bad-men. They could have
- [You decide.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/23/you-decide/) - I seem to be writing a lot about police and their actions, and perhaps it isn't always fait to judge. For example CBC reports two cops in Calgary have been cleared of criminal charges stemming from an arrest incident. You can watch the video and decide for yourself. The problem of course is that this
- [That new car syndrome.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/22/that-new-car-syndrome/) - Have you ever noticed when you buy a new car, or hat, or bike, that you begin to notice it everywhere. Sometimes you see it in the media. Like I remember a whole rash of "pitbull" stories. You know the sort, "Child horribly maulled by vicious dog" etc, etc. The media tends to get on
- [RCMP warned against lax use of taser](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/21/278/) - CBC reported today that Paul Kennedy, a former prosecutor reviewed the RCMPs taser policy four months before the death of Robert Dziekanski. Mr. kennedy had concluded that the force was "too casual" with it's use of the stun gun. Mr. Kennedy has been given a mandate to examine the use of tasers by police in
- [Thanks...but no thanks.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/23/thanksbut-no-thanks/)
- [Can never visit Japan again.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/26/can-never-visit-japan-again/) - So it seems I can never enter Japan again, which is a shame. I wanted to visit Fuji-San and see the cranes in Hokkaido but that can never happen now. Japan is going to fingerprint and photograph foreigners entering the country in a veilled attempt at anti-terrorism. I say veiled because it is obviously part
- [The story continues](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/26/297/) - The CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) released its report on what happened to Mr. Dziekanski. You can read the report here: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/release-communique/2007/1126-r-eng.html I think to be honest it raises as many questions as it answers. For example, the electronic records indicate that he passed through primary customs at 4:09 pm, Where the border security officer
- [Protest Rally](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/27/protest-rally/) - So I went to the protest against tasers and police brutality in Toronto on Saturday. There was about 300-400 people, the majority of which were Polish. Evident by the large number of Polish flags. I took several pictures of the police. A few things struck me about the protest. The first was that there were
- [Photogs](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/26/photogs/) - I came across this cool site, The Morning News with some neat photo galleries. I swiped two of them to share with you and hopefully you will go over and check them out. This is from "Ursine" by Jill Greenberg. the appeal is obvious. Who doesn't want a big furry bear? From "Architecture of Authority"
- [Best junk mail ever](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/27/best-junk-mail-ever/) - Impotence pills right to your door. Christmas sale. Viagra 78% off Cialis 73% off
- [Deactivated Facebook](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/29/deactivated-facebook/) - I take my privacy pretty seriously. I like being anonymous, and I think it is my right for people to know nothing about me. However, to recieve certain benefits I can accept exposing a certain amount of my personal information in return. For example I am happy to share my name, address and age in
- [Security before privacy?](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/29/security-before-privacy/) - UNBC has begun controlling access to the sports centre with finger print scanners. There is nothing at UNBC that warrants that level of security. People are being forced one finger at a time to give up their right to privacy. They didn't say what would happen to students who refused, or raised a ruckus? .
- [Finally - Common sense prevails.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/03/finally-common-sense-prevails/) - The Sudanese president has pardoned Ms. Gibbons and released her. She is now leaving the Sudan.
- [Piling on the lies](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/03/piling-on-the-lies/) - RCMP officer Dale Carr, of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team claims that Robert Dziekanski was still alive when the medical teams arrived, CBC reports. He claims that after officers tasered him repeatedly and knelt on his neck and head (remember we have the video), that they monitored Dziekanski. "As soon as that was done, he
- [Piling on the lies - part II](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/03/piling-on-the-lies-part-ii/) - When will the RCMP stop lying about their role. We have all seen the video and it is obvious that they did nothing to help him. Unless you call kneeling on his neck and head helping. The fire department claim they told the cops he was dead and asked for the cuffs to be removed.
- [Autopsy fails to find cause of death in Taser incident](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/30/autopsy-fails-to-find-cause-of-death-in-taser-incident/) - That is the coward's way of saying "the taser killed him, but we are terrified that Taser International will sue our asses off." The funny thing is that the Ontario deputy chief coroner, James Cairns, sees no isssues with tasers, in fact he has become one of the country's leading experts who enjoys a special
- [Stupid peasants](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/30/stupid-peasants/) - Now, I'm not normally racist. In fact I like to think with my vast travelling experience I have a pretty healthy view of the world. I have seen how the other half lives so to speak. When I read things like "Thousands demand teacher's execution in Sudan" it makes me want to spray paint "Fuck
- [Banksy](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/10/banksy/)
- [The end of democracy](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/05/the-end-of-democracy/) - Naomi Wolf warns about the 10 steps that despots take to take over and create fascist governments. http://www.democracynow.org/2007/11/28/the_end_of_america_feminist_social And in case you didn't think it was happening, or you think of it as a whacko leftist conspirancy...follow the links. Step 1: All would-be dictators invoke a terrifying internal and external threat. 9/11, Sleeper cells, Al-
- [Good to hear](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/14/good-to-hear/) - David Brown, who heads the task for on Governance and Cultural Change in the RCMP recommended that the RCMP get overhauled. This is good news because they obviously have some serious issues. CBC has a video clip explaining some of the suggestions including an omsbudsman for front-line officers. While this is a step in the
- [Advertising vs. privacy](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/10/advertising-vs-privacy/) - A co-worker sent me this article because he likes to see me get riled up. The article is about a company called NebuAd which claims it has balanced the privacy/advertising dilemma. "Mr. Dykes said NebuAd requires ISPs to ask their customers whether they want to opt out." First of all Opt-out should be illegal. Remember
- [Quantitative and qualitative](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/06/quantitative-and-qualitative/) - I have been thinking about metrics, especially web metrics and attempting to reconcile the use of quantitative measurements on qualitative experiences. So for example, you had the banana pudding at a restaurant and rated it a 9 out of 10. You would be applying a scale to something that is an experience. However, that rating
- [Time to find a new ISP](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/11/time-to-find-a-new-isp/) - As I have stated before I take my privacy extremely seriously. It isn't so much that I try to hide anything, but rather I want control of how I use that information, it is mine after all. If you think that sounds strange think of the copyrights that studios have on movies. They can control
- [The Wartapes](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/17/the-wartapes/) - I just watched the wartapes and I must say it is a great film. It is very interesting to see how these guys react to being there. If you are hoping to watch a war film with action and explosions, this isn't it. It is the honesty with which Spc. Mike Moriarty, Sgt. Stephen Pink,
- [Viva Las Vegas!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/05/viva-las-vegas/) - It took us about 8 hours to drive to there from LA. It normally doesn't take that long but we hit a few outlet malls along the way and there was an accident on the Freeway so we got delayed. This was my first trip to Vegas as an adult. I think I was there
- [Are All Deaths Suicides?](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/18/are-all-deaths-suicides/) - I don't normally blog about blogs, and for some reason I am missing the blog roll widget, but if I had one Freakonomics would definitely be on there. At the moment there is a very interesting post by Stephen J. Dubner regarding an economic approach to human behavior by Gary Becker. (So I am blogging
- [Don't hate the penis!](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/19/327-2/) - Gate House is the last all-male residence at the University of Toronto and is now going to be made co-ed. Well done femi-nazis, yet another win! The Metro summed it up nicely with "Animal House has been neutured". Apprently the administration frowns upon the stunts that the student have pulled, including putting a cooked pig's
- [The Holidays](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/05/the-holidays/) - For the holidays this year I went to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. What a hoot! I flew into Los Angeles on Christmas Day and met Zuimei in the airport. He flew in from Beijing. We rented a car. This is driving in LA... And this is driving in LA at night... Seriously driving in
- [Sad goodbyes.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/20/sad-goodbyes/) - Two of my favorite people are leaving my work place. Tim and Sophie are leaving for new and exciting opportunities. They are still going to be close, it is after all a pretty tight-knit industry, however it is still sad to see them go. All the best you two. I hope we get to work
- [The Grand Canyon and a Grand night](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/06/359/) - We decided, well really I decided, that one day needed to be spent looking at the Grand Canyon. We asked at the hotel if the skywalk was on the South or the North Ridge. We were told the South. They were wrong. The Canyon is nice, but if you've seen it before, do yourself a
- [What human rights?](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/15/what-human-rights/) - China doesn't exactly have the best human-rights record. In fact, it is down right awful. Amid the child labour and human trafficing, the capital punishment and organ retrieval you can add Rodney King style beatings to the list. Wei Wenhua was the general manager of construction company, Shuli Architectural Engineering; additionally, he was a blogger.
- [Information-seeking behavior - A better mousetrap?](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/14/information-seeking-behavior-a-better-mousetrap/) - As search engines get better, and more relevant we have to look at our own efforts and see if there are ways to improve our own search behavior as well. In fact, if you search for “information-seeking behavior” you get 204,000 results from Google; which is far too much information to search through. So what
- [The crack-cocaine of video games - CIV IV](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/10/the-crack-cocaine-of-video-games-civ-iv/) - I love video games. I can play a game for hours. There is one however that scares me, Sid Meier's "Civilization IV". It's the crack cocaine of video games. Hell, they even acknowledge it's addictive properties. When you try to log off it reads "Do you really want to quit?" the answers are "Yes, quit."
- [Why does my government continue to promote discrimination?](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/08/why-does-my-government-continue-to-promote-discrimination/) - We would like to believe that Canada is a country of great equality and openess, however our government and their agencies continue to promote homophobia. The Canadian Blood Service has for a long time, been particularly reticent in it's discrimination. I am a universal donor, type O, and don't use any drugs (excluding caffeine), don't
- [Hana and Kuro](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/07/hana-and-koru/)
- [No "fag" blood please, and the organs...well maybe.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/15/373-2/) - Pissed off about the organ donation thing I wrote Health Canada to find out what was going on. Hell, I have been an organ donor since I would get a driver's lisence so for them to say I am suddenly ineligible seemed ridiculous. Here is the response sent to me by Catherine Parker, the manager
- [Letting the fox in the henhouse](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/16/letting-the-fox-in-the-henhouse/) - The Toronto Police Services Board is having a special meeting where Tom Smith, a rep for Taser international will be presenting his arguement on why Toronto should equip it's officers with tasers. I wonder if they will invite Robert Dziekanski's mother Zofia Cisowski to the meeting to talk about how wonderful tasers are?
- [Some thought-provoking ads](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/17/some-thought-provoking-ads/)
- [Give a man a fish and he eats for a day...](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/23/give-a-man-a-fish-and-he-eats-for-a-day/) - ...Give him a loan to buy a boat and he can feed his whole village. So a lot of what I do on this blog is bitching. I bitch about my government and being discriminated against. I bitch about movies and games, I bitch a lot but the reality is I have it very easy
- [If you talk the talk...](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/21/if-you-talk-the-talk/) - Then don't be surprised if it bites you in the ass. The Canadian Blood services has a link posted on their homepage entitled Patient safety is the overriding principle as Canadian Blood Services researches MSM policy. In which they state that, "Quite simply, we're not making value judgements - the overriding principle is to protect
- [You have got to be kidding me.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/18/you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me/) - This is from the CBC article Students want screening of blood donors changed. Dr. Margaret Fearon, executive director of medical microbiology at the blood agency. She said students are mistaken to see the policy as a gay rights issue. "People who receive blood have a right to safe blood. People do not have a right
- [Cloverfield: Post 911 Blair Witch](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/19/cloverfield-post-911-blair-witch/) - The problem with copying a stylistic feature of another film is that forever more you will be compare to that film. So the move by Cloverfield to utilize the shaky hand-held camera technique that made the Blair Witch such a hit was a gutsy move. However it wasn't big on plot, which while more realistic made
- [Art Geek](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/24/art-geek/) - Apparently this was on slashdot yesterday, but a co-workers sent it to me this morning. It appeals to the artist and geek in me.
- [Why Canada needs more common sense](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/01/24/why-canada-needs-more-common-sense/) - The topic is one I have written about several times; the entrenched homophobic blood and organ policies in Canada. There was a link sent to me from a friend via twitter, on the Global and Mail website entitled Smitherman blasts donor rules for gays. I didn't particularly like the reporting and wanted to know more
- [Organ donation is ugly business.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/05/organ-donation-is-ugly-business/) - © Bruce MacKinnon / Artizans.com I have been following the whole gay organ donation thing for awhile now and been in correspondence with Health Canada, particularily around the donation rules. I recently wrote them concerning the donation rules and the prison population. The rule is that anyone incarcerated for more than 72 hours in the
- [Should we be able to punish people for crimes outside our country?](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/06/should-we-be-able-to-punish-people-for-crimes-outside-our-country/) - In following this "Dr. Horror" organ story, I came across the story of Robert Zurrer a guy in his 30s in Victoria whose kidneys were failing. His sister Carol gave him a kidney but 20 years later he needed a new kidney so he bought one. He paid $38,600 for the operation in Pakistan and
- [Can I see your papers please!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/07/can-i-see-your-papers/) - "A paranoid is someone who knows a little of what's going on."William S. Burroughs The Canadian government, with the help of the B.C. and Ontario governments is pilot testing "enhanced" drivers licenses. They are being touted as an alternative to having a passport when crossing the US border, and some critics claim are an attempt to
- [Organ purchasing, should it be legal?](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/10/organ-purchasing-should-it-be-legal/) - Robert Zurrer, the man mentioned in an earlier post recently commented on my organ donation is ugly business post. First off I would like to thank Mr. Zurrer for responding, obviously he has a very special view of the issue. Here was Mr. Zurrer's response: You are looking into the eyes of your 8 year
- [Best shooter ever.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/11/best-shooter-ever/) - First person shooters are freakin' awesome. The first, first person shooter (FPS) was Maze War which, for 1973 was pretty revolutionary. The simple line art indicated space and users should move along and shoot opponents. We have come a long way from this: to this: Call of Duty 4 has got to be the pick of the litter
- ["Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute" a fancy name for we post crap](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/11/canadian-catholic-bioethics-institute-a-fancy-name-for-we-post-crap/) - The Star put up a post today about the ethics of selling body parts, which I had already posted on. What stunned me about their post was they asked Moira McQueen, director of the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute to contribute. Now obviously Dr. McQueen has a right to an opinion, and as a well-respected theologian
- [Spore is coming!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/13/spore-is-coming/) - I just received a notice in my inbox that Spore is coming! It is scheduled to be released September 7, 2008. I have been waiting so long... The actual release video is a big disappointment, showing little of the ingenuity or creative flair that the game promises. This screenshot shows the cartoony style that the
- ["Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute" a fancy name for we post crap](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/11/canadian-catholic-bioethics-institute-a-fancy-name-for-we-post-crap-2/) - The Star put up a post today about the ethics of selling body parts, which I had already posted on. What stunned me about their post was they asked Moira McQueen, director of the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute to contribute. Now obviously Dr. McQueen has a right to an opinion, and as a well-respected theologian
- [Should Internet users be banned over illegal downloads?](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/13/internet-users-could-be-banned-over-illegal-downloads/) - The UK Times Online reported a new bill attempting to get past in the UK legislature will legally require ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to cut users off from the internet if they are suspected of illegal downloading music. Essentially it follows a three strikes you're out mentality with users suspected of wrongly downloading films or
- [Something personal.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/27/something-personal/) - I watched a mildly interesting TED talk on blogging. It was by one of the inventors of typepad and was mostly about the unique opportunity that bloggers have to express themselves. She also mentioned that while some people blog well about politics, many more do not. That bloggers should write about personal things. I sort
- [CMMYs](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/02/29/cmmys/) - So a few of us went to our company party dressed as the Village People. Personally I felt I should have been going to the Black Eagle. The event was fun but one thing I find really difficult is being in a room with loud music. I suppose I am just getting old, or maybe
- [A data-driven life.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/03/a-data-driven-life/) - I wish I lead a data-driven life. There is something very... reassuring about data. The numbers are, what the numbers are. As a business it is very easy to see how data can be inserted into the day to day managings. "Gee, providing our customers with a users manual decreases the number of calls to
- [Shame on you.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/12/shame-on-you/) - My collegue and I were chuckling at the state of affairs in the US right now. Eliot Spitzer is about to get crucified and I can say, with a little bit of schadenfreude, is I am glad. The self-righteous are always fun to watch fall. The part that kills me is when they claim "I am
- [About time](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/15/about-time/) - I finally ponied up and bought the pro account for Flickr. The feed is on the left. I know what I am doing this weekend!
- [I'm in yur surveyz, mining yur dataz.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/04/im-in-yur-surveyz-mining-yur-dataz-2/) - Avinash Kaushik just recently launched, or was part of a launch of a product called 4Q. Basically it is permissions based surveying that asks four questions. Surveying is a great way to find out what your users are thinking, because you get the information straight from the horses mouth so to speak. No amount of
- [We'll miss you Gary.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/10/well-miss-you-gary-2/) - Gary Gygax recently passed away. For those who don't know Gary Gygax, he invented Dungeons & Dragons. I read his books from cover to cover, and spent many hours playing with Curtis, Kevin, Bonnie. I am pretty sure I owned this copy of the book too. Following the announcement of his death and as a tribute to him, several Dungeons
- [Don't buy that upgrade!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/06/dont-buy-that-upgrade-2/) - I recently upgraded two pieces of software. One was Norton the other iTunes. In both cases I got bit in the ass for it. In the case of Norton I forgot rule #1. Never, ever buy software the first year it comes out. The reason is because it takes at least a year to work
- [Excuse me while I climb up on my soapbox.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/10/excuse-me-while-i-climb-up-on-my-soapbox/) - I just had to comment on this article in the New York Times magazine about Facebook and blood donation. I have real mixed feelings about this. While I would like to support blood donation, I can't - I'm gay. I can't contribute to this, because some policy maker decided that I was high risk without
- [Responses to boycott.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/18/responses-to-boycott/) - So far only one company has bother responding to my boycott, Omega. I got some automated replies, but so far this is only real response. Dear Mr Hamel, Thank you for your e-mail and for sharing with us your concern about the situation in Tibet.We truly respect your opinion; here is our position: We are not sponsors
- [FREE TIBET or I boycott Olympics!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/15/free-tibet-or-i-boycott-olympics/) - I know you are thinking, "ya Dave, like they care." But the time has come for China to free Tibet. This latest round of protests calls into question China's ability to act as a world leader and unfortunately unless people begin to put their money where their mouths or hearts are, nothing is going to
- [Why Earth hour is a colossal waste of time](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/28/why-earth-hour-is-a-colossal-waste-of-time/) - You have probably heard a lot of hype around this Earth Hour idea. It started in Sydney Australia by the World Wildlife Fund. Unfortunately it is a lot of hype around an issue that we can do very little about. Now before you go all eco-crazy on me let me explain. The idea is to
- [Into the Wild](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/25/into-the-wild/) - I might be a little late to the party, but I just had to write something about "Into the Wild". I saw the film this weekend with my sister and her partner. Both of them are consummate outdoors men and having spent my fair share outdoors we were all moved by this movie. It won
- [Learning Experience](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/25/learning-experience/) - Five years ago I tried to start a business with a former co-worker and friend. The idea was to create an online dating website for Ukrainians. They are the 3rd largest ethnic group in Canada. I designed the site and built the front end, Roman did the paperwork and Chris was supposed to create the
- [Another boycott response.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/27/another-boycott-response/) - There is the response from Volkswagon. It might be a little bit of a double standard to my reaction to Omega but it almost reads like, "as long as our office in China opperates according to our policy, we won't interfere." I also find China's "One World, One Dream" a little frightening it sounds very communist.
- [TTC ticket collector rakes in $100Gs last year](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/02/ttc-ticket-collector-rakes-in-100gs-last-year/) - So there was this story on the cover of the Toronto Sun this morning. Personally I think the paper is a sensationalist piece of crap and normally isn't worthy of anything more than a passing glance and a snicker, but this story caught my eye. It is about Candido Barreiro, a ticket collector who made
- [Air Canada's $25 fee is a feeble cash grab](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/03/air-canadas-25-fee-is-a-feeble-cash-grab-2/) - There is an article yesterday about Air Canada beginning to charge a $25 fee for extra storm service. This is a plain and simple cash grab. Think about it. What times of the year are you liable to get caught in a storm....winter. So anyone paying for this extra service in the summer is throwing
- [When your idiocy comes back to bite you](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/04/when-your-idiocy-comes-back-to-bite-you/) - Tom Lukiwski, an MP from Saskatchewan was caught on tape making some homophobic remarks. "Well let me put it to you this way. There's As and there's Bs. The As are guys like me. The Bs are homosexual faggots with dirt under their fingernails that transmit diseases," Lukiwski says. Now, red-faced he is apologizing for
- [Having a bad day? Watch this.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/03/having-a-bad-day-watch-this/)
- [Corporate dink](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/04/corporate-dink/)
- [Web Analytics is easy...and hard.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/09/web-analytics-is-easyand-hard/) - Two of the worlds leading experts, Avinash Kaushik and Eric Peterson have been having a long term discussion on whether analytics is easy or hard. Am I going to answer the question once and for all. It is both. Now you might be wondering how I can claim to know the answer when compared to
- [A sense of urgency](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/14/a-sense-of-urgency/) - I just watched the new Al Gore presentation on the climate crisis. I think that is will be the issue that all future generations judge us on. We need to get more and more vocal about it. While the global issue seems like an insurmountable obstacle, the start has to begin here...locally. While people talked about
- [How to find out which sites sold spammers your address](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/04/how-to-find-out-which-sites-sold-spammers-your-address/) - Once of my coworkers shared this link today on a Gmail feature that allow you to track which site sold your email address. The idea being that if it violates their privacy policy you can sure them. - I have tried something similar in which I create an email address with that sites name so somethingawful@davehamel.com and
- [Came across this, blew my mind](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/11/came-across-this-blew-my-mind/)
- [Not my problem](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/22/not-my-problem/) - I am a devotee of Seth Godin. I have seen him in person at SES Toronto, read lots of his books and subscribe to his blog. One of the things I took away from Seth's writings is the importance of customer service. Two of my past employers have had excellent customer service policies that worked on empowering
- [Someone is going to Hell](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/24/someone-is-going-to-hell/) - For making this website.
- [TigerDirect FAIL](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/24/tigerdirect-fail/) - My experience with TD has experienced further FAIL when the mailing label they had on their website had the wrong postal code. I can't help but wonder if it was intentional. I ordered the Power supply on the 8th, takes 2 weeks to arrive, doesn't work, try to mail back, take 2 weeks for Canada
- [Toronto held hostage by whiney babies](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/26/toronto-held-hostage-by-whiney-babies/) - The TTC is on strike. Once again the city is held hostage by a bunch of whiney babies. Where else can you get a job that pays as much as a teacher without any education? An oil field perhaps? I would lvoe to do a study showing the direct correlation between a rise in TTC
- [Zuimei is coming home...](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/04/30/zuimei-is-coming-home/) - Zuimei is on his way home right now. He should be asleep in a hotel in Japan on a layover. I will see him in less than 24 hours. This long-distance shit is....shit. Anyway, how many people have a photo from the first time they met their lover. I do.
- [I am a bitter old man.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/05/01/i-am-a-bitter-old-man/) - I was just looking at other people's profiles in Kiva, to see what other sorts of people donate, and their personal websites are all happy with photos of children and penguins (don't ask) and sunsets and kittens. Mine is about bitching about the government. Man, I gotta get happy.
- [Not what I had anticipated...](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/05/12/not-what-i-had-anticipated/) - So last night night Zuimei and I went to Lee. For those who haven't heard it is chef Susur Lee's other signature restaurant - the cheaper one. I wanted to take Zuimei out for a fancy dinner before he left back for China and so I asked around the office. Rosebud's and Amuse Bouche were
- [TTC essential service? Fair or unfair](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/05/05/ttc-essential-service-fair-or-unfair/) - Dave at thickslab wrote a post on the TTC strike. And I thought rather than argue away on his blog. I would post a response of my own. Dave was making the point that many people want to take away the TTC's right to strike by making it an essential service. Dave's post had more to do
- [Eurovision is coming!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/05/23/eurovision-is-coming/)
- [Things we know, we know](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/05/21/things-we-know-we-know/) - There are many things that one needs to explain to clients when discussing the implementation of a metrics plan. I think all of these presentations should start with “WE DON’T GUESS” This is incredibly important to state. We may infer, suggest and suppose, but we do not guess. All of it should have a set
- [Canadian DMA coming down again](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/05/20/canadian-dma-coming-down-again/) - The government is still trying to take away your iPod! Well not really they are just trying to make it shittier to use while still allowing device shifting (think CD to iTunes to iPod) and time shifting devices like TiVo and PVR. However, if you purchase a CD with digital rights management on it and
- [Awesome Ad](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/05/20/awesome-ad/)
- [Homosexuality is not against nature](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/05/13/homosexuality-is-not-against-nature/) - An exhibition on homosexuality among animals at the Oslo Natural History Museum has apparently been well received so far, despite initial indications of strong opposition. "Homosexuality is a common and widespread phenomenon in the animal world," says an exhibition statement. "Not only short-lived sexual relationships, but even long-lasting partnerships; partnerships that may last a lifetime."
- [The day art died](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/05/30/the-day-art-died/) - Art died in April 1917. We can thank Marcel Duchamp for that. His urinal in Society of Independent Artists exhibit in 1917, signed R. Mutt was the final nail in the coffin. I bring this up now because other artists are still kicking that corpse. Take the London Duo Jake and Dino Chapman. They have
- [Democracy for China?](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/04/democracy-for-china/) - "May you live in interesting times." - Old Chinese Curse
- [Cats for Corporate Sponsorship](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/09/cats-for-corporate-sponsorship/) - I was watching live blog updates of Steve Job's presentation at WWDC and a thought occured to me. If Apple keeps naming their software after endangered cats, perhaps they could spend a little money, say one percent of total sales to protect that animal. The next OS is called snow leopard and heaven knows it
- [Greed and shame](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/10/greed-and-shame/) - So the CBC lost the use of the theme for "Hockey Night in Canada" and while no one else will say it I will, shame on Dolores Claman. That's right, shame. CBC paid for that song many times over. She received royalties every time it played and after negotiations broke down, went and sold it
- [Nothing Gold Can Stay](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/02/nothing-gold-can-stay/) - Nature's first green is gold,Her hardest hue to hold.Her early leaf's a flower;But only so an hour.Then leaf subsides to leaf.So Eden sank to grief,So dawn goes down to day.Nothing gold can stay. - Robert Frost
- [If there was any justice...](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/12/if-there-was-any-justice/) - They would throw this son of a bitch of a cliff.
- [I am not normally into sculpture](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/16/i-am-not-normally-into-sculpture/) - But the last two pieces in this video are completely awe inspiring and amazing.
- [My first loan paid back](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/17/my-first-loan-paid-back/) - This is Rut Castillo Cardenas, Regina Rodriguez De Ipeña, and Norma Esperanza Leon. I lent them money through Kiva.org and today they are the first loan I have made that has been fully paid back. You can find out more about these ladies and their lives by clicking here. My grandmother loved Peru. She said
- [Another open letter to Jim Prentice](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/12/another-open-letter-to-jim-prentice/) - My colleague Geoff Sowrey wrote what I think is a brilliant open letter to Jim Prentice. In fact he inspired me to write one of my own as well. If you don't know who Jim Prentice is you can start here. If you don't know what is going on then check this out. Dear Mr.
- [This Ad stinks.  Who cares? Only one metric matters.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/19/this-ad-stinks-who-cares-only-one-metric-matters/) - Business Week has an article about letting users of social networks rate advertising through the use of things like StumbleUpon. While social networks is a great way to reach a segmented audience there are a hitch that I think have not been addressed. There have been countless ads for products that, at the end of
- [Cultural differences](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/23/cultural-differences/) - One of the best things about Toronto is the multi-culturalism. Where else can you hear three or four languages being spoken at the same time. We talk about Canada being a cultural mosaic all the time, but the reality is it isn't. You won't find to many Filipinos in Maple Creek, or Ethiopians in Fort
- [Something for free - SEO Presentation](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/24/something-for-free-seo-presentation/) - This is my link baiting post. If you don't know what link baiting is, thenread the presentation. I wrote this for an upcoming event at work but I thought I should share it because it is cool. It is written for the non-developer non-SEO people. Let me know what you think! And if anyone knows
- [Funny cartoon](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/07/22/funny-cartoon/) - I stumbled upon this cartoonist today and love his slightly twisted sense of humor. (God, what does that say about me?)
- [Quality of Life](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/07/17/quality-of-life/) - I am writing this from Victoria, BC. The sun is shining and the weather is sweet. I forget how nice it is here. There is a cool breeze blowing so it is not too hot out. I had a good lunch with Neil and Becky. It is funny that standard of living is higher in
- [Updated deck](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/06/27/updated-deck/) - I updated the SEO presenation. You can download it here. Dave
- [Late nights and early mornings.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/07/09/late-nights-and-early-mornings/) - I am typing this at 2:30 in the morning on day 2 of usability testing. Basically wee have a bunch of people on the other side of the planet testing a website while we monitor their progress through a variety of technologies. Matt is sleeping on a beanbag. Poor guy hasn't slept much the past
- [Conversion Rate - King of all metrics!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/07/24/conversion-rate-king-of-all-metrics/) - Chris Berry has a great post on his Eyes on Web Analytics blog titled, Aspiration, Temporal Analytics and Shower Curtains. Chris is discussing the challenge of measuring aspiration and why most of us don't do it. I think it can be measured and analyzed but first you have to be very, very clear about what
- [Conversion is King, but what is a king without his minions?](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/07/25/conversion-is-king-but-what-is-a-king-without-his-minions/) - So I was talking with my co-worker Patrick Glinski about my notion of conversions being the only metric that matters and he brought up an interesting problem with it. If you have a business, and your only concern is sales (conversions) then over time you will lose because you are ignoring the other parts of
- [Which would you rather have?](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/07/28/which-would-you-rather-have/) - Would you rather have 10 new customers each purchasing once, or 1 existing customer who has purchased 10 times? Mike Sukmanowsky responded to my "Conversion is King, but what is a king without his minions?" post and he got me thinking about customers, recency, loyalty, etc.. Mike writes "Conversions are great at telling me what
- [Oops...](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/07/28/oops/) - I was showing my co-worker how easy wordpress blogs are and accidentally screwed up my site. Because all the ports are locked down at work I wasn't able to login and fix it. My site went the whole day without CSS. Lesson learned.
- [What goes around comes around.](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/08/06/what-goes-around-comes-around/) - Toronto cyclists may hate Igor kenk, but they must also blame themselves
- [Been busy](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/08/22/been-busy/) - I have been too busy as of late to write much. I was in NYC working on a usability test with a client and then working on writing up the report. I learned a few valuable lessions. When you are attempting to solicite information on how users "feel" in regards to a design ask them
- [Nike courage](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/09/23/nike-courage/) - Everytime I watch this I get goose bumps. That's a sign of good marketing. However, to really experience it, read the profiles of the athletes. http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nike/en_US/courage
- [The ship has already sunk, learn to swim](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/09/08/the-ship-has-already-sunk-learn-to-swim/) - Chris Berry wrote an interesting post on his Eyes on Analytics blog entitles "On the Exxon Valez of Privacy". I recommend you read it. It is about the potential damage that can be done by a web analyst if they are not careful with data and privacy. I had a few thoughts. I, as an
- [Harvey Milk trailer](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/09/04/harvey-milk-trailer/) - If you're gay, and you don't know who Harvey Milk is, then you need a hard slap up-side the head. Watch and learn:
- [Café la Gaffe](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/09/18/cafe-la-gaffe/) - So we went to Café La Gaffe last night for dinner. Having just discovered Baldwin street and having a disappointing previous experience we decided to go upscale with mixed results. Zuimei ordered the soup of the day was a seafood tomato soup that was phenominal. The hint of spice made the flavors dance on the
- [Divided we stand, united we fall](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/09/25/divided-we-stand-united-we-fall/) - The US mortgage crisis makes me laugh. Ya that's right - a sick, ironic laugh. The taxpayers are about to get fucked in the ass one more time by Bush on his way out the door. Bush went on the TV last night talking about the "crisis hitting America". There is no crisis. Stop and think
- [I love the world](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/09/25/i-love-the-world/)
- [The banking industry needs to evolve](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/08/the-banking-industry-needs-to-evolve/) - Every industry evolves. It evolves or it dies. In the music industry records evolved into cassettes, cassettes into CDs, and now CDs into mp3s. In the communications industry wireless gave way to radio, radio to T.V., and now the T.V. is giving way to the Internet. While these industries have had mutated offspring, Beta max and laser discs to name
- [Scarey thought](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/09/26/scarey-thought/) - What if this "financial crisis" was planned? Before you think I am crazy think of this. Big banks help GWB get elected, in return he says he will pay them back. His term is coming to an end, he doesn't care about public opinion so he and his cronies figure, "let's create a crisis that
- [Just because you have an MD...](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/01/just-because-you-have-an-md/) - ...doesn't mean you understand statistics. I am not even going to pretend that I understand all there is to know about statistics. I know enough however, in the course of my job to understand the prinicple of causality and correlation. Causality (but not causation) denotes a necessary relationship between one event (called cause) and another
- [The undecided](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/06/the-undecided/) - If you're like me you have a hard time deciding who to vote for. The Conservative are obviously a no-go for me, but I am torn between the Green Party, the Liberals and the NDP. (I don't think the Bloc count as a federal party personally.) Luckily a friend twittered this link. www.theundecided.ca. You go through
- [I won't be drinking their juice anymore](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/02/i-wont-be-drinking-their-juice-anymore-2/) - William Bolthouse donated $100,000 to promote a bill (prop-8) against same-sex marriage in California. IF he has that sort of money perhaps he should contribute to the 700 Billion dollar bailout.
- [Electoral system needs an overhaul](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/15/electoral-system-needs-an-overhaul/) - The election results in Canada were a big disappointment, and what is painfully obvious is the need to overhaul our electoral system. The Conservatives only had 37.63% of the popular vote and ended up with 143 seats. The Liberals had 26.24% of the popular vote but only for 76 seats. Vote Share (%) Seats (First
- [Birthdays](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/16/birthdays/) - I turned 35 on Monday. Same day as Thanksgiving. My father said, "So now you're middle aged." I laughed and said, "A-ha you have middle-aged children." I don't feel middle aged, not that I know what it is supposed to feel like, but I assumed I wouldn't get zits anymore, or cold sores. I thought
- [Cashing in on misery](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/21/cashing-in-on-misery/) - So the folks that brought you Survivor are going to be creating a new show, "Live like you're dying". It will feature someone who is terminally ill and follow them on the trip of a life time. Which will include reunions with feuding family members and former friends. Think Make a Wish meets Big Brother. While they
- [Canada condones torture](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/21/canada-condones-torture/) - I am quick to jump to conclusions, and fast to fly off the handle. I admit this because I am passionate. One of the things I am most passionate about it human rights. I believe that torture of any sort, for any reason (like there could be a justifiable reason) is in clear violation of
- [Wordle](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/22/wordle/)
- [What a great ad!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/27/what-a-great-ad/)
- [Elections in U.S. are messed](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/30/elections-in-us-are-messed/) - You wouldn't think it is so hard to make a voting simple but apparently it is. And apparently the US is fucking it up again. Remember the whole chad incident? Now they are getting ready to fuck it up with video voting! http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q9NSVUu8nk So... who do you think is going to win now?
- [VW getting less efficient](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/29/vw-getting-less-efficient/) - There are many rumors and urban myths about gas companies buying/stealing/cajoling the patents on electric cars, cars that run on water, or super efficient cars and for the most part you might think that is total crap. Except that some car manufacturer's are getting less efficient! Take the 2004 Volkswagon Jetta for example. According to
- [England isn't slowly becoming an Orwellian society](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/11/05/england-isnt-slowly-becoming-an-orwellian-society-2/) - They are running towards it full tilt! here are some posters from the U.K. It is my understanding that if you have a TV in England you have to pay a yearly fee for the BBC, regardless of whether you watch it or not and hence the "you cannot hide" motif. The last one isn't even
- [Squidoo Lens](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/10/28/squidoo-lens/) - I just started reading Tribes by Seth Godin And I got all inspired so I started making a lens on Squidoo. http://www.squidoo.com/search-engine-optimization-4
- [Privacy?  What privacy?](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/11/20/privacy-what-privacy/) - Jim Sterne just posted on the WAA blog about privacy and disclosure. While I agree with him and Seth Godin that you need to get users to opt-in to recieving email, I don't think the same holds true with web metrics provided they are anonymous. Yahoo is requiring and enforing that websites who are using
- [Funny reactions and a data driven life](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/11/16/funny-reactions-and-a-data-driven-life/) - A few friends had funny reactions to this survey I put up. Judging from some of the reactions, you'd think I was asking them to rate themselves instead of me. Maybe they feel bad by association. Boy I hope not. I think part of the reluctance is because, as one person put it, "It's very negative!" While
- [Keith Olbermann on Love and prop 8](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/11/11/keith-olbermann-on-love-and-prop-8/)
- [Off feeling](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/11/11/off-feeling/) - I am always struck by the feeling that something isn't quite right on November 11th. I think it is the polishing of medals and marching of old men that leaves a bad taste. There should not be a glorification of the military or war of any sort. Rather we should look at these acts of
- [I'm sorry](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/11/24/im-sorry/) - Part of my self-improvement program involves saying "sorry". Most self-help programs such as AA or NA involves acts of contrition. In AA you have to go to everyone you have wronged and ask for forgiveness. So, I ask for forgiveness and promise to try and do better. My poll, while not exactly scientific shows I am guilty
- [Survey results](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/11/21/survey-results/) - Doesn’t do this at all - 1 Does this rarely - 2 Does this occasionally - 3 Does this sometimes - 4 Does this often - 5 Does this all the time! - 6 Claims credit that he doesn't deserve; he overestimates his contribution to anysuccess. (1) Makes Excuses, repositions his annoying behavior
- [Harder than I thought](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/11/27/harder-than-i-thought/) - It is tough to correct your own thoughts. Harder than proofing your own code or writing. I frequently find myself judging others when I pass by them. "Nice hat doofus", "Oh you're soooo cool." (some are worse but I will spare both of us the nastiness) It is disturbing to me as these unwanted thoughts
- [I'm sorry](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/11/24/im-sorry-2/) - Part of my self-improvement program involves saying "sorry". Most self-help programs such as AA or NA involves acts of contrition. In AA you have to go to everyone you have wronged and ask for forgiveness. So, I ask for forgiveness and promise to try and do better. My poll, while not exactly scientific shows I am guilty
- [Epicurius might be right](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/11/25/epicurius-might-be-right/) - I am currently watching some documentaries on philosophy and in particular with happiness. Epicusius felt that happiness came from the simple things in life, and that as Biggie pointed out, the"mo' money we come across the mo' problems we see." He set up a home in the outskirts of the city, bought a huge house
- [Beloved](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/12/08/beloved/) - So at Critical Mass we started a photo club. Every month or so we choose a new topic and then compare work. Here is the piece I created with some help from Victor Wong at Magic Ketchup. I am pleased with the way it turned out. The look on Zuimei's face isn't necessarily concern but
- [George Orwell your time has come!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/12/04/george-orwell-your-time-has-come/) - Big Brother police to get 'war-time' power to demand ID in the street - on pain of sending you to jail
- [Anthony Robbins joins the web!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/12/03/anthony-robbins-joins-the-web/) - While Anthony robbins has had a site online for ages he finally has a personal blog. I recommend it if you are interested in improving your life.
- [Sharing Ideas](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/12/10/sharing-ideas/) - Following Seth Godin's adviceI will share one of the ideas I had for a business. I have shared it with others, after making them sign NDA's which was really stupid. I should have just shared. If they run off with the idea and make a million dollars then good for them. Ideas are easy to
- [The TTC in Music videos](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/12/11/the-ttc-in-music-videos/) - Interestingly the TTC has shown up in a variety of music videos. The first is "Romantic traffic" by the Spoons. One of my favorite 80's songs. Especially with the teased out hair and eye liner, this is a little piece of timeless awesomeness. Next is this Melanie C of Spice Girls fame in this video.
- [Please don't divorce us!](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/12/29/please-dont-divorce-us-2/) - A photographic response to proposition 8
- [small problem simple solution](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/12/18/small-problem-simple-solution/) - I managed to come up with a representation of traffic for a customer where I could easily show how traffic was moving around because looking at numbers it was hard to get across. While this answers the small problem the bigger problem is that for each page it expands almost exponentially. While this sort of
- [Top posts of 2008](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/01/06/top-posts-of-2008/) - Here are the top 5 posts of 2008: TTC ticket collector rakes in $100Gs last year Organ donation is ugly business Organ purchasing, should it be legal No "fag" blood please, and the organs...well maybe. Why Earth hour is a colossal waste of time None of these are particularly happy or pretty but Hell's
- [The cats watching the rain](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/01/06/the-cats-watching-the-rain-2/) - I like my cats
- [A little bit of faith restored](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/01/07/a-little-bit-of-faith-restored/) - Recessions don't matter when people do. The best example of that is David Armano's recent post about a family friend Daniela. I am not going to re-post the story here but you can read about it on David's blog. What is so phenomenal about this is that David posted this, twittered to his 7,000+ followers and within
- [Intending to ride](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/01/12/intending-to-ride/) - So I am planning another cross-country attempt this summer. This time I will ride from East to West so that I finish in Victoria. There are some advantages to this. First, my family will be at the finish. They live in Victoria so I presume they will come out, secondly I will be in Toronto
- [An old solution to a new medium](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/01/19/an-old-solution-to-a-new-medium/) - You know what web analytics needs? Open source! Open Source has a wide array of benefits. First, it forces standards. Now the WAA is hard at work in standardizing definitions, but the output is only half the challenge. Browsers are mostly standardized (come-on IE!) and so the missing link is the data collection package. Standardized browsers + standardized collection + standardized
- [Perception colors everything](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/02/01/perception-colors-everything/) - While this isn't exactly an earth-shattering observation, I have noticed how perception colors everything. It reminds me of a song on Sesame Street - "that's about the size". If you notice in our media the enemies are "killed" or "eliminated" while our soldiers are "slain". The terminology is different because saying "slain" implies an unjust
- [Random photos](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/02/04/random-photos/) - I am going to leaving my current position at Critical Mass (the word has finally been released). However I though I would share the images I have collected over the past year or so. What the hell did batman do? I swear I have worked with this guy. How fucking racist is it to show
- [Productivity Trilemma, What are you trying to produce](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/02/08/productivity-trilemma-what-are-you-trying-to-produce/) - Chris Berry responded to a post that another collegue, Maciek made regarding productivity and cheapening of their product or lowering their labour costs versus niche markets. I think the point that both are trying to make, without actually saying it is that is always about profit. The catch is in ensuring you are in a niche
- [Just when you thought banks couldn't sink lower](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/04/just-when-you-thought-banks-couldnt-sink-lower-2/) - Bank's suck. No seriously they do. They are behemouth organizations that are slow to change, don't give a shit about their customers, and are inherently dishonest. All one has to do is look at the current financial mess they have gotten themselves into to see that they were doing something on the shadey side. Now
- [Random Photos](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/13/random-photos-2/) - Here are some random cool images. Some are from: http://ffffound.com/
- [Change you can believe in](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/20/change-you-can-believe-in/)
- [Metrics are not a substitute](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/03/metrics-are-not-a-substitute/) - Andrew Chen posted this interesting piece on A/B split testing: http://andrewchenblog.com/2009/03/02/does-ab-testing-lead-to-crappy-products/ which in turn caused someone in my twitterverse, to comment that metrics are not a substitute for strategy. And he is correct, however metrics can tell you whether your strategy worked or not. They can also help identify gaps in your strategy. A/B split testing
- [Screw page views?  Not quite yet](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/16/screw-page-views-not-quite-yet/) - Chris Berry went on a tear about page views and how they are the "Hits" of the 1990's and for the most part I would concur. Page Views are not the most useful metric. And he asks, "What is the value of the metric?" mentioning the rise of JQUERY and Flash it is possible to spend
- [Some random images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/23/some-random-images/) - Here is some image awesomeness I grabbed from former co-worker Nick Heise. Don't you just want to be in the middle of this hug? Wondering where the highlander trilogy is?
- [Just a thought](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/21/just-a-thought/) - Earth Hour is coming up again. As I mentioned before it is a complete waste of time. Not to mention the money, energy and waste produced in making all that fucking advertising. This earth hour, why don't you try to do something that might actually make a difference. Park your car. Take public transit to
- [It's always prime time](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/24/its-always-prime-time-2/) - A co-worker Mark and I were discussing the changes going on in the various media industries of late. First the recording industry is taking a thrashing with groups like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails releasing albums online and giving the record labels pinks slips. They, the recording industry, are now attempting to force new artists to
- [The New Math](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/25/the-new-math/) - I stumbled across this. It is More New Math
- [What would you do?](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/26/what-would-you-do/) - Someone suggested at the CBC that they would be willing to give up a days paid leave to help save jobs. What would you be willing to give up, or do to save a co-workers job? When I originally posted this question it was because of something someone had said at the presenation at the
- [A response to Danny Brown](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/27/a-response-to-danny-brown/) - Hi Danny, Let me say I am thrilled with your efforts. I love seeing people get active in what they believe. Keep it up! I will add a link to my blogroll to help promote your efforts. However, I'm afraid your math is wrong. It is not a lot of cars. Let's do the math
- [Words of Wisdom](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/01/words-of-wisdom/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/31/random-images/)
- [Becel Ride for Heart - Please join me!](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/03/31/becel-ride-for-heart-please-join-me/) - It's that time of year again where I hit you up for money. Every June, or at least every June I am in Toronto, I do the Becel Ride for Heart This year it is June 7th. Please sponsor me! Or better yet, join me! Here are some photos from past rides:
- [House hunting](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/06/house-hunting/) - Zuimei and I have begun house hunting with the help of our friend and realtor Tim. I was absolutely shocked at the state of most of the houses we looked at. We are expecting to pay around $350,000 give or take a few thousand and I am stunned at the conditions some of these houses were
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/08/random-images-2/) - Cute Story. Banksy is one of my all time favorite artists. This is sweet and sad at the same time. You can imagine the ex-lover putting it in the mail. Only until then? Yes, they are.
- [More Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/09/more-random-images/) - I find these all over the place and just keep them in a folder. I love the internet!
- [A letter to himself](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/30/a-letter-to-himself/) - Stephen Fry wrote a letter to his older self when he was 16. Now considerably older he has responded with a touching letter back. I know I have written letters to my older self, although I have no idea where those letters are perhaps it is time I responded too. Here is an exerpt from
- [Thinking about prejudice](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/20/thinking-about-prejudice/) - I have been thinking about prejudice today. I was talking with a co-worker today about why everytime someone speaks out against Isreal they get labelled an anti-Semitic. I posed this question in response to the news frenzy around the Anti-Racism Summit and the response to the President of Iran's speech. My co-worker laughed and said, "Ya
- [Do I smell or something?](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/14/do-i-smell-or-something/) - I am not sure whether I should be happy or disappointed so far with my Becel Ride for Heart results. On the one hand I have raised over $400 dollars, recieved the most donations I ever have, and have achieved my fundraising goal not once, but twice. On the other hand no one has joined
- [One day...](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/23/one-day/) - One day I will... Have a solo art show Be interviewed on TV Run for public office ride a bike in France walk barefoot in the Sahara remember the good ol' days wonder where the time went
- [More restaurant analytics](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/05/05/more-restaurant-analytics/) - Chris Berry has continued his analysis of restaurants with a comparison of the Old Spagetti Factory and the Hothouse and it is a very interesting read, or at least it is if you are into this sort of stuff. What was neat for me was tonight I was out for dinner and I was talking
- [Chris Berry's Menu Analytics](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/30/chris-berrys-menu-analytics/) - Chris Berry, a friend and colleague wrote a very interesting post on the analytics of restaurant menus. Chris took a restaurant's online menu and analyzed the prices of items, numbers of items, average prices and much more. This is Chris' first stab at it but the mind leaps at the possibilities. For example, how often
- [Welcome to Alberta...](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/05/01/welcome-to-alberta/) - ...the closet of Canada. Every time I start thinking that Alberta might be becoming a little more cosmopolitan it does something like this: Under proposed legislation parents would have the ability to opt their children out of evolution classes and classes that discuss homosexuality. Really we are looking at two separate issues here wrapped up
- [Chris Berry's Menu Analytics](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/30/chris-berrys-menu-analytics-2/) - Chris Berry, a friend and colleague wrote a very interesting post on the analytics of restaurant menus. Chris took a restaurant's online menu and analyzed the prices of items, numbers of items, average prices and much more. This is Chris' first stab at it but the mind leaps at the possibilities. For example, how often
- [TTC streetcars](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/05/03/ttc-streetcars/) - So I crashed by bike yesterday. Normally that is no big deal, but I did it while riding along Queen St. East attempting to turn left. Now if this has ever happened to you, you know there is little time to react. One minute you're spinning along and the next you're eye level with an
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/05/03/random-images-3/)
- [Airline Bill of rights](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/05/06/airline-bill-of-rights/) - Manitoba NDP MP Jim Maloway recently introduced a bill into Parliament which would establish a customer bill of rights for airlines. This is after Thievin' Stephen and his lackies introduced a non-legally binding customer bill of rights in September. I won't even get into how stupid it is to have a piece of legistlation that
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/05/11/random-images-4/)
- [Okay creationists...](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/05/20/okay-creationists/) - Your move. The nice thing about science is, it is always...adapting. I don't think creationists can say the same thing.
- [Slave to the computer](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/05/22/slave-to-the-computer/) - I am a slave to the computer, and no I don't mean the one at work. I mean the ones on my bike. I recently downloaded an app for the iPhone called "Run Keeper". It is a wicked little app that tracks your journey through the use of GPS and a Google API, it keeps
- [I miss her everyday](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/05/28/i-miss-her-everyday/) - May 28th is a tough day for me. My mother, after a long battle with cancer, died on this day in 1999. She never got to see the new millenium, and today is the 10 year anniversary of her passing. Three years ago, when I was riding across the prairies I had my worst day cycling
- [Nice site, hope he's not gay](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/05/25/nice-site-hope-hes-not-gay-2/) - There is a new website, produced by (or so I have been told) by Mighty promoting organ donation http://recycleme.org/ While I like the site, it is visually interesting and just gruesome enough to captivate I can't help but feel a little pissed off. Once again they start whining about organ donations while excluding a segment of
- [Another sad anniversary](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/06/02/another-sad-anniversary/)
- [Myth of the iphone app](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/06/04/myth-of-the-iphone-app/) - There is this idea that if you can build an iPhone app you can ride the next dot-com type wave to millions of dollars. Take the guy who made the iPhone app that tells you you're rich and lets you know if anyone else with the same app is nearby. He sold 8 copies for
- [Don't be afraid](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/06/22/dont-be-afraid-2/) - This is Neda. She's dead. She was shot by a coward from a rooftop while watching a protest with her father. I have not linked to the video because somethings you cannot unsee. At 19:05 June 20thPlace: Karekar Ave., at the corner crossing Khosravi St. and Salehi st. A young woman who was standing aside
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/07/06/random-images-5/)
- [Remembering 6/4/89](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/06/04/remembering-6489/) - Thousands of people gathering in Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of the Tienanmen Square Massacre. What are we doing here for our so called democracy? Nothing. My friends are more concerned with the hottest video games coming out of E3 than remembering the sad events that crushed the hopes and dreams of so many students. Only
- [The joy of creativity](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/06/12/the-joy-of-creativity/) - Where does creativity come from? I often look at people who are creative and wonder where they get it from. I think of myself as creative. But if asked where I get it from I probably couldn't answer. Sir Ken Robinson, would suggest that all children are creative and that it gets educated out of
- [How Iranians can change the rules of democracy](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/06/25/how-iranians-can-change-the-rules-of-democracy/) - When I look at what is currently going on in Iran, I cannot help but think of Tienanmen in that spring of 1989. In both bases the populace was attempting to send a message to it's government about what it wanted. However in 1989 China was able to effectively shut down all communications within it's
- [Why the Toronto strike will be a loss for workers](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/07/04/why-the-toronto-strike-will-be-a-loss-for-workers/) - Whether you feel the striking CUPE workers in Toronto are right or not, you have to conclude that the striking workers will lose. No matter what happens in the end, whether they go back voluntarily, are legislated back to work, or strike until their demands are met, the (wo)man on the front lines loses. The problem unfortunately is a simple matter of mathematics.
- [Cocina Lucero - Disappointing!](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/08/07/cocina-lucero-disappointing/) - Zuimei and I went to Cocina Lucero for dinner last night and we were very dissappointed. We had seen the show Restaurant Makeover and thought it might be fun to try one of the places on the show. Instead what I realized is there is a reason these places need a make-over, they're awful. To start
- [Radiohead - Harry Patch (In memory of)](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/08/06/radiohead-harry-patch-in-memory-of/) - A haunting song by Radiohead dedicated to the last UK verteran of the first World War, Harry Patch. Canada's last surviving veteran is John Babcock. You can find a list of the verterans here
- [At least you've got your health](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/07/22/at-least-youve-got-your-health-2/) - So I had a physical yesterday. I haven't had one in a couple of years. I guess I subscribe to the idea that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", and why looking for trouble? Still the smarter part of me still takes control once in awhile, and I booked an appointment. My doctor's office
- [More Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/07/09/more-random-images-2/)
- [House renos](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/08/21/house-renos/) - So Zuimei and I bought a house and did some renos to it. I wanted to show some pictures because when I was looking for ideas there were not a lot of examples of redone fireplaces. I thought I should include some here for others to reference. You can find more photos of the house
- [Thoughts on evolution](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/08/12/thoughts-on-evolution/) - I have been think a lot about evolution and how it can be applied to many different things. For example, human nature. Are people altruistic because of social pressures, religious fear or promise of reward, or is there a evolutionary root in which those individuals who engaged in altruistic behavior were more successful and passed
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/11/10/random-images-6/)
- [Random Photos](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/09/11/random-photos-3/)
- [Top 5 restaurants in Toronto](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/09/16/top-5-restaurants-in-toronto/) - Before I start with my list I need to caveat that by "in Toronto" I mean GTA, so that includes Scarborough, Markham etc... It is not a list of the fanciest restaurants, or the ones with the most accolades, just the ones I think are best. Pantheon Greek Restaurant This is a quintessential Greek restaurant
- [New Post!!!](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/11/28/new-post/) - So It's been awhile since I have posted anything but if it is any consolation I have spent hours scouring imagechan for some nuggets to share.
- [Analytics is an investigation](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/09/04/analytics-is-an-investigation/) - To be a good analyst you need to be an investigator. You have to have an inquisitive mind and question whether what you are seeing makes sense. It is too easy to collect numbers and say "this is the truth", but the reality is it is never "the truth". Let me provide an example. A
- [Of Personas and Market Segments and Testing](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/08/28/of-personas-and-market-segments-and-testing/) - As Chris Berry noted in his recent post on personas and market segments, the intent is to impart a sense of empathy. While I would agree with this statement I think there is even more to it. Personas should evolve. That is, as new information comes to light that information should be incorporated into the
- [I'm just like Grissom on CSI](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/12/03/im-just-like-grissom-on-csi-2/) - I hate it when people ask, "So what do you do for a living?" "I'm a product manager at the CBC for web analytics" At about this time the person I am talking to begins to blank out and wait for their turn to speak. My father has resorted to just saying "He works for
- [learned something new](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/12/08/learned-something-new/) - I love learning and I just learned something new today I thought I would share. It's called Benford's law and it has to do with mathematics. Don't worry, it's not hard. Isn't that awesome?!! You're probably thinking, "nice going dork, that is totally complicated." You're right it is. I can't read that equation I just think
- [Gay marriage voted down in New York](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/12/02/gay-marriage-voted-down-in-new-york/) - I cannot understand how California and New York, the two bastions of liberalism in America can vote down gay marriage. What the fuck is wrong with Americans? I am prouder and prouder that my country feels that my marriage rights are equal to anyone else's. Great speech from Senator Savino.
- [In desperate need of some user testing](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/12/09/in-desperate-need-of-some-user-testing/) - You know who's could use some user testing? The Canadian government. I was attempting to help Zuimei fill in some forms for immigration and I can't save the fucking things!! Seriously I can't even re-print them as PDFs. Why? What could I possibly do with it? It's not like it's a pipe bomb. Yes someone
- [Don't waste your effort](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/12/07/dont-waste-your-effort-2/) - Shoppers sent me this email with the headline: "Shoppers Optimum PLUS Bonus Offers - Just for you!" The problem is, it isn't just for me. It has nothing to do with me. I have never bought cosmetics in my fucking life. Nor is it personalized in any way. There is no "Hey Dave," or "Dear
- [Cellphones, social media and privacy: what are you really sharing?: A response](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/12/03/cellphones-social-media-and-privacy-what-are-you-really-sharing-a-response/) - So I was interviewed today for this CBC blog article entitled "Cellphones, social media and privacy: what are you really sharing?", by Robert Ballantyne . I was chosen because I am the "mayor" of the CBC on Foursquare. If you have never seen foursquare it essentially a way of telling your friends where you are
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/12/14/random-images-7/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/12/19/random-images-8/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/13/random-images-9/)
- [Somethings are just random](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/12/17/somethings-are-just-random/) - I dislike when authors of self-help type books write that everything happens for a reason. It gives a false sense of security. Sure everything happens for a reason as in the cause-and-effect sense of the word. but not everything, or anything in my opinion has a higher meaning other than what you give it. I
- [Thoughts on email marketing](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/14/thoughts-on-email-marketing/) - Every so often I feel stabby... okay fairly often. But one of the things that makes me most stabby is bad junk email. Advertisers seem to think they still live in the age of television. That they must pump a message out to as many people as possible and that the message must be the
- [New Year](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/08/new-year/) - I had this lengthy rant about some bad service I got in a restaurant at brunch over the Christmas holiday's with my family. It compared it to a great experience we had, also for brunch. I had photos of the dishes and everything but then I realized that posting it would be out of step
- [More thinking of email](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/16/more-thinking-of-email/) - Here is what I would like to see with email marketing. This is an example of the way a system would work based on a few purchases. I am not sure how hard it would be to set up, but I think it would be really cool and effective.
- [Limited social networking](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/15/limited-social-networking/) - What would happen if you created a social networking site, but limited people to 5 friends? The problem with Facebook, anyone can tell you, is people from your past contacting you (and you wished they wouldn't) or people who are really only acquaintances friending you and blasting you with inane Farmville requests. And the truth
- [Fizzbuzz](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/18/fizzbuzz/) - Jeff Atwood, who writes the blog Coding Horror tweeted about issues in interviewing programmers who cannot program. Which he had posted about a couple of years ago. (I guess he was tweeting because the issue has not been resolved). Write a program that prints the numbers from 1 to 100. But for multiples of three
- [Simple and funny](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/19/simple-and-funny/) - Garfield minus Garfield is a simple idea of removing the main character and focus of Jim Davis' comic strips to create new deeper meaning illustrations. Some profound, some funny and some more than a little schizophrenic.
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/22/random-images-10/) - Here is the latest batch of random images. I have a bad habit of just grabbing images without writing down who did it, or where I got it from. If anyone recognizes their work please send me an email so I can give credit where credit is due and link to your website. Thanks, Dave
- [Customer Service FAIL](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/21/customer-service-fail/) - I am unhappy with the customer service from the BMO investor line. It took 10 days to respond to one of my email questions and 5 business days to process a simple purchase of a mutual fund. Cause the transaction took so long I thought it had failed and processed another one. As a result
- [Just donate the money](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/02/03/just-donate-the-money/) - They say that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Well hell hath no fury like Dave when he feels cheated either. I recently bought a bottle of Dawn dish detergent by Proctor and Gamble. I bought it because of this ad So yes, the advertising works. The song by Joe Purdy titled Wash
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/02/09/random-images-13/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/24/random-images-11/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/02/02/random-images-12/)
- [Animals Vs. Dominos](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/01/22/animals-vs-dominos/) - Man, the Japanese are weird sometimes.
- [Kevin Smith needs to loose weight](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/02/05/kevin-smith-needs-to-loose-weight/) - Kevin Smith would be a very hot bear if he were gay. Well I suppose he is still a bear regardless of orientation. But he needs to start taking care of himself. He does an interview with George Strombo at the CBC and he even admits he's fat. He sweats profusely a lot. Considering he
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/02/17/random-images-14/)
- [When social media goes astray](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/02/09/when-social-media-goes-astray/) - Recently in the Toronto news there has been a fair amount of traffic around the issue of social media and the TTC. The media has managed to make a mountain of a molehill and managed to distract the union and it's head Bob Kinnear from the issue at hand. That however isn't what interests me.
- [The newest in email FAIL...Air Canada!](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/02/10/the-newest-in-email-fail-air-canada/) - Check out this email I received today in my inbox: There's nothing wrong with it right? They have it personalized, there are very clear offers, they might be relevant except... I just bought a fucking ticket to Tokyo. Sending me a cheap offer three days later is like telling customers, "Gee, you should have been
- [Seems everyone is getting into the Olympic spirit](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/02/13/seems-everyone-is-getting-into-the-olympic-spirit/)
- [I told you so](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/02/16/i-told-you-so/) - Recently after watching "The Hour" I posted how Kevin Smith needed to loose weight. Well apparently Southwest Airline agrees with me. Mr. Smith was recently kicked from a flight for being too fat. Smith responds to the incident on his blog.
- [Savage Chicken](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/02/24/savage-chicken/) - I stumbled across this comic today called Savage Chickens. My favorite part is the trademark.
- [Customer Service FAIL II - a reply to Sophia](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/03/03/customer-service-fail-ii-a-reply-to-sophia/) - Awhile back I posted about some issues I had with my investment firm and an attempt to get a specific question answered from another. I received a phone call today from Scotiabank iTRADE and a comment on that very post. Here is my reply: Sophia, now who is being the self indulgent twat? Oddly enough
- [Ze frank and funny stuff](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/03/11/ze-frank-and-funny-stuff/) - Ze Frank is a visionary, freak, guy who makes fun things. I won't go into detail but encourage you to watch this TED talk if you don't know who he is. It's a little old, but still fucking hilarious. Anyway I stumbled across this and loved it. I know the contest is over, but I
- [Brainworms of Public Art](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/03/05/brainworms-of-public-art/) - I really like it when an artist takes on a public space and changes it. It's not graffiti (they're not marking space like a dog) but rather changing the space and they was we feel about it. I remember walking down King street and coming across a "Designated homeless sleeping area" which consisted of a
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/03/07/random-images-15/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/03/17/random-images-16/)
- [The Great Escape](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/03/19/the-great-escape/) - Tropicana created this commercial about bringing some daylight to a town, Inuvik, inside the arctic circle. It's a wonderful idea and while the commercial is interesting, it is really the song "The Great Escape" by Patrick Watson that makes the video. What I find very interesting is that in the commercial the song is uplifting. If
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/04/25/random-images-17/)
- [Random images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/03/random-images-18/)
- [When chickens come home to roost](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/04/14/when-chickens-come-home-to-roost/) - Cardinal Tarcisio Berton, second only to the pope said it was homosexuality, not celibacy which lay behind the abuse of children. Earlier he likened the criticisms of the RCC to the collective violence suffered by the Jews. Hmm, and wasn't the church silent during the extermination of Jews during the Holocaust? If only they could
- [Random images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/19/random-images-19/)
- [Zuimei @ Starbucks](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/03/26/zuimei-starbucks/) - IMG_1451, originally uploaded by dave.hamel.
- [Miracles my ass!](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/13/miracles-my-ass/) - CNN published a short list of sole survivors of plane crashes in response to the recent crash in Libya. It makes me laugh when people attribute such stuff to "God". Like Mohammed el-Fateh Osman, a two-year-old Sudanese boy was reportedly called a "miracle dictated by God". Or the little girl Erika Delgado who said he had been
- [Buildings before people](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/28/buildings-before-people/) - Imagine you wake up one day and by the end of the day, you end up paralyzed. Talk about a tragedy. That is exactly what happened to Melissa Teehan who was stricken with transverse myelitis. (Ya, I had to look it up too.) Essentially it is a neurological disorder that leaves you paralyzed, or dead.
- [Privacy and DRM](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/21/privacy-and-drm/) - Personal information should be protected under copyrights as well as privacy laws. The government of Canada is about to release a new bill which will see Canada follow the US with Digital Rights Management. I would like that to extend to my personal information I created everything about me on facebook. I would like corporations
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/06/03/random-images-20/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/06/25/random-images-21/)
- [Morning commute](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/31/morning-commute/) - Today was "Ride your bike to work" day, which for me is like every other weekday, except that I rode in with a large group of cyclist taking over a whole lane. It was wonderful. There is something liberating and comforting about having such a large group of cyclists together. No motorists shouting or swearing
- [Local Politics & Democracy](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/06/01/local-politics-democracy/) - I don't normally get too excited about politics. Ya, it sucks when some elected official absconds with a million dollars or some boondoggle like the G20 blows a billion dollars but so what, "it's only money". I can handle the false apologies, the broken promises and general corruption that is generally associated with politics. (See
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/07/24/random-images-22/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/08/11/random-images-23/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/08/23/random-images-24/)
- [My newest hero](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/08/10/my-newest-hero/) - Steven Slater, for his Jetblue exit is my newest hero!
- [Kitchen Renovations I](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/07/30/kitchen-renovations-i/) - So you decided that you want to renovate your kitchen. First off, give your head a shake. Do you really need to do this? If, for whatever reason, you still feel it is something you wish to do there are a few things I would recommend doing. Contractors & Contracts Choosing a contractor. There is lots
- [Kitchen Renovations II - Design & Demolition](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/08/14/kitchen-renovations-ii-design-demolition/) - First lets take a look at what we were dealing with. The kitchen wasn't bad per se, it just didn't really have a good energy to it. the first issue is that it was a rental property, so everything was of lower quality. The walls were painted gray. almost the most neutral color you could
- [Stupidest City in Canada](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/08/27/2269/) - It's official. I live in the stupidest city in Canada. Toronto City Council just approved spending $8.5 million for a fucking flag pole! This 125 meter erection will be in the lovely community of Emery Village, near Highway 400 and Finch Avenue. CBC reports, "Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti, who has been pushing the project, says it's about
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/09/01/random-images-25/)
- [A Diamond in the Rough](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/08/30/a-diamond-in-the-rough/) - Often I look at the restaurants in my neighbourhood and think "How the hell can you survive?" With the Bistro Camino I think "Why the hell are you here?" The area is low income, sort of down and out with subsidized housing around it. More the sort of neighbourhood that would support a sports bar
- ["Like" is the new spam](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/08/31/like-is-the-new-spam-2/) - Chris Berry, in his post "It's LIKE Email in a way" is correct that the Facebook like button will net out as a positive despite the inevitable spam. But what he doesn't notice is that it is spam, and it's the marketer and the "like" clicker who get rewarded for it. The marketer gets their message spread
- [Two wrongs don't make a right](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/09/09/two-wrongs-dont-make-a-right-2/) - Blood donation is a topic I have written about numerous times: Nice Site, Hope he's not gay Excuse me while I climb up on my soapbox Why Canada needs more common sense I'm writing about it again for two reasons. First is for one of my co-workers who had leukemia was asking for people to donate
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/09/23/random-images-26/)
- [The Death of Tyler Clementi](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/09/30/the-death-of-tyler-clementi/) - Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei are not the only people responsible for the death of Tyler Clementi. There is of course Tyler himself, but also society at large. What kind of society do we live in where the shame of being "outed" is so traumatic that it would drive someone to kill themselves? Dharun's filming and posting
- [Well Done Tiger](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/09/10/well-done-tiger/) - I have written a few times about email marketing. THE NEWEST IN EMAIL FAIL…AIR CANADA! THOUGHTS ON EMAIL MARKETING MORE THINKING OF EMAIL I am by no means an expert, but I know what I hate and I don't hate this. Tiger direct sends me mail everyday which I don't mind it because with a
- [Toronto's stupid lousy election](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/09/16/torontos-stupid-lousy-election-2/) - I'm having a tough time this year picking who I will vote for in the next election. All of the candidates suck. I mean really suck. Toronto's biggest issue isn't being elitists, or being hated by the rest of the country, it's biggest issue is a lack of vision from our supposed leaders Rocco Rossi
- [Pan-am logo ugly as sin](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/09/30/pan-am-logo-ugly-as-sin/) - Is it the season for crappy logos? Or is it just something with international sporting events. Check out this monstrosity for the Pan-am games being hosted in Toronto in 2015. Yes I get the "T" and the "O" for Toronto Ontario but damn, comic sans anyone? Seriously it just looks like they loaded the font
- [The loss of cycling giant, Jure Robic](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/09/30/the-loss-of-cycling-giant-jure-robic/) - Jure Robic died on September 24th at aged 45 when he collided with a truck while training. I first heard of Jure in a podcast on Radiolab called limits. This is where I came in contact with RAAM, the Race Across AMerica. Jure has won the race from San Diego to Atlantic City an unprecedented 5 times.
- [I am not evil](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/10/06/i-am-not-evil/) - One thing I just don't get are privacy policies. I don't understand how a public can be so naive as to be upset that they are being tracked when they are on the Internet, and how unaware they are that invasive tracking is in our daily lives. Julia Angwin wrote a piece in the WSJ
- [Random images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/10/12/random-images-27/)
- [Just a wee gallery of random images](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/11/08/just-a-wee-gallery-of-random-images/)
- [Steve Jobs hates freedom](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/10/15/steve-jobs-hates-freedom/) - Steve Jobs hates freedom. You can see it in Apple's iOS with it's obfuscated coding, in the rigid and draconian application management, and now with it's censorship. Yup, "There's an app for that too!" PC magazine reported on Apple's Anti-sexting Patent. Apparently teens send each other lewd messages on their phones *gasp*! First of all
- [New Vegas is awesome](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/10/21/new-vegas-is-awesome/) - I just started playing Fallout New Vegas and OMG I love it. I had to stop playing Fallout 3 halfway through and take a break because the bleak desolated environment was beginning to affect my mood. This is the same and it hurts, but it hurts so good. Essentially the game takes place around
- [Cyclists are good for Toronto](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/11/11/cyclists-are-good-for-toronto/) - The Star posted an op-ed piece by Joe Fiorito about how cyclists are doing good for the city. I thought I would calculate my own contribution just for fun. Using Runkeeper I recorded my commute to work. This is from my house to the CBC downtown. Just to make the math easier let's round the
- [HUGE Random images (just in time for Christmas)](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/12/22/huge-random-images-just-in-time-for-christmas/)
- [TAC - D&D reminder](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/11/26/tac-dd-reminder/)
- [Alignment is everything](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/11/18/alignment-is-everything/) - I originally posted this on webanalytictemplates.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ One of the keys to a successful implementation of any business project is alignment. At each stage or level the goals and tactics must align otherwise you end up with a confused mess. Let me give you an example. Your company is going to redesign the website, let's
- [Privacy in Canada is dead](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/11/25/privacy-in-canada-is-dead/) - Privacy in Canada is officially dead. The supreme court of Canada has granted police the power to enlist a power company in monitoring some one's energy consumption without a warrant in an attempt combat grow-ops. "The Constitution does not cloak the home in an impenetrable veil of privacy," Justice Marie Deschamps wrote in the lead
- [Toronto bag policy needs to be revamped](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/12/03/toronto-bag-policy-needs-to-be-revamped/) - Toronto needs to revamp it's plastic bag policy. Right now the city charges $0.05 per plastic bag. The money is charged by the vendors (grocery stores) and presumably goes into the city's coffers. The city however set the price too low. Five cents is not an inconvenience, it's not even noticeable. I recently bough a trunk
- [Why the other line moved faster](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/12/24/why-the-other-line-moved-faster/)
- [The TCC’s subtle racism](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/12/23/the-tccs-subtle-racism/) - The TTC is racist. Or at the very least elitist. It's a strong statement I know, but if you spend any amount of time riding the TTC you can see it. For example I have a completely unscientific but convincing study going of subway maps on the trains. I travel East-West Bloor/Danforth line. I used
- [Video game face](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/01/05/video-game-face/) - I'm not sure why, but when I play video games I can zone out the rest of the world. Bombs could be exploding next door and I probably wouldn't notice. This image captures that perfectly. It's a wonder my tongue isn't sticking out (I tend to do that if I am concentrating)
- [Transit Etiquette Posters](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/12/29/transit-etiquette-posters/) - Some transit etiquette posters from around the world. Most are from Japan (awesome zombie ones) & The TTCC – the Toronto Transit Civility Commission.
- [Top 5 restaurants revisited](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/01/06/top-5-restaurants-revisited/) - It has been a year since I wrote the blog post on my top 5 restaurants in Toronto and my, how things have changed. With Zuimei away in Japan I tend to eat at restaurants a little closer to home. This has happily exposed me to some new and excellent places to eat which, most
- [We are all related](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/01/10/we-are-all-related/) - I am reading this book entitled One to Nine, the Inner Life of Numbers and I am currently on chapter 3, which is actually about the number 2. It uses genealogy to explain the importance of the number 2 and it's implied meaning and I had a strange thought. In Dan Brown's book, the DaVinci Code, the
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/01/18/random-images-28/)
- [CRTC killing innovation](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/02/02/crtc-killing-innovation/) - I had lunch yesterday with Chris Berry, and inevitably conversation drifted to the CRTC and usage based billing. Usage based billing sounds like a good idea on it's face. Those who use it more should pay more, right? We do it with electricity and natural gas, so it's not like this is a revolutionary idea.
- [Touhenboku](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/02/03/touhenboku/) - Zuimei launches his new career as the owner of a gay bar tonight! Touhenboku is located in Ueno, a part of Tokyo Japan. The name, Touhenboku, literally translates to "block head" in English which is odd, but if you look at other English/Japanese translations there is a certain amount of charm to it. Anyway I
- [Zach Wahl's incredible speech on gay marriage in Iowa](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/02/04/zach-wahls-incredible-speech-on-gay-marriage-in-iowa-2/)
- [Privacy, point systems, and Analytics](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/02/14/privacy-point-systems-and-analytics/) - There is a discussion currently making it's way through the halls of government regarding web analytics and privacy, well more precisely tracking and privacy. Phil Kemelor at Semphonics has a good summary of the FTC report on privacy. The concern is more directed at information brokers than it is at individuals or companies monitoring their own website.
- [Former Marine Advocate fights for Gay Marriage](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/02/17/former-marine-advocate-fights-for-gay-marriage/) - New Hampshire has gay marriage. Now some republicans are trying to repeal it. He thinks they shouldn't. How the Hell can anyone actually try to take away someone else's right. Especially if they are claiming to be true Republicans and be for less intrusive government.
- [Racial Segregation](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/18/racial-segregation/) - I just came across some fascinating maps on Business Insider Detroit: Everyone is black in the city, and everyone is white in the suburbs Note: Red is White, Blue is Black, Green is Asian, and Orange is Hispanic, and each dot is 25 people. Image: Eric Fischer on flickr
- [Japan Earthquake 2011](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/11/japan-earthquake-2011/) - Zuimei is okay, his bar survived the 8.9 Richter earthquake which has devastated parts of Japan. I am obviously relieved. It could have been much worse. If the earthquake had happened farther south Tokyo would have been rocked even harder. This video makes me a little nauseas even though that is exactly what buildings are supposed to
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/02/28/random-images-29/) - These aren't totally random. I grabbed most from http://goneone.tumblr.com/
- [Becel Ride for Heart Tips](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/07/becel-ride-for-heart-tips/) - Having done the Becel ride for heart numerous times, including riding as a team captain I have some tips which new riders may find helpful. And will help to ensure their day is a success. The subway does not run that early. I lived at Yonge and Finch and had to ride down for the
- [We are Equals?](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/07/we-are-equals/)
- [No Cookies for You!](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/16/no-cookies-for-you/) - The EU announced that starting May 25th explicit consent must be gathered from web users who are being tracked via cookie. Obviously the biggest impact is to online advertisers (who I care very little for) who use euphemist terms like "interest based advertising" to hide the fact they would happily crawl through your trash if it meant
- [People may have lost their homes...](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/21/people-may-have-lost-their-homes/) - From CBC's live blog: Disaster in Japan The man standing beside the photos is Yosuke Oda, who lost a friend in the disaster, as well as his house. He has decided to collect photographs from the rubble and put them together on a sidewalk so that people who recognize themselves or loved ones can reclaim
- [Streets of Tokyo](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/18/streets-of-tokyo/) - I spoke to Zuimei last night about getting out of Tokyo. To close the bar for two weeks and take his parents to Beijing or Hawaii. He noted there are no flights to be had; most of the flights out of Tokyo are booked. I asked if he needed food since we are hearing reports
- [Behind every successful man...](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/20/behind-every-successful-man/) - One night President Obama and his wife Michelle decided to do something out of routine and go for a casual dinner at a restaurant that wasn’t too luxurious. When they were seated, the owner of the restaurant asked the President’s Secret Service if he could please speak to the First Lady in private. They obliged
- [Earth hour scam](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/30/earth-hour-scam/) - I captured this photo before I left for Japan. I think you would be hard-pressed to convince anyone with a lick of sense that Earth Hour is something other than a big advertising exercise. Hypocritical to say the least.
- [Simple Learnings](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/23/simple-learnings/)
- [Problem with Earth Hour](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/22/problem-with-earth-hour/) - inducWhy do we have an Earth hour? The earth is going to be here for billions of years, long after we are all gone. I guarantee it. If we pollute the world, to the point of no return and all human life ceases to exist, the planet will continue until the sun grows into a
- [Top 5 things about Japan I learned on my recent trip](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/04/18/top-5-things-about-japan-i-learned-on-my-recent-trip/) - Toilets - The Japanese take pooping very seriously. How many people do you know in North America willing to spend $5,000 on a crapper? In Japan, that is quite common. The toilets are a bit different than the ones we have here. For instance their flusher has two settings, "small" (小) and "large" (大), which change
- [The six things I learned from eMetrics, "they" don't want you to know about!](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/04/30/the-six-things-i-learned-from-emetrics-they-dont-want-you-to-know-about/) - My first eMetrics is over and wanted to post some of the learnings I picked up, but first let me say how amazing it was. I met some really interesting and smart people, too many to name really. I learned some new things and got re-energized about metrics. It was just the booster shot I
- [How the earthquakes in Tokyo helped the environment](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/04/20/how-the-earthquakes-in-tokyo-helped-the-environment/) - On March 11th the 9.0 earthquake off the coast of Sendai sent a tsunami which destroyed much of the coast and killed thousands of people. In Tokyo, the largest city in Japan and home to over 12 million people, the earthquake had a slightly different effect. It forced people to reconsider how they moved around
- [The Butcher's update](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/06/the-butchers-update/) - I received a call on Friday from a nice gal from Buytopia. While we chatted, she informed me that it was not a scam (I asked point blank) that Marlone and the Butcher's had been members of the Yonge & Lawrence community for years and that in no way had they intended this to blow
- [Amazing lunch in Ginza](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/03/30/amazing-lunch-in-ginza/) - Zuimei and I had lunch with a couple of his friends from Taiwan at a fancy restaurant called Ukai-tei. Our hosts took us for teppanyaki, which for those unfamiliar with the term is the Japanese style of cooking where the chef cooks on a hot grill at your table. I have had teppanyaki before, most
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/04/11/random-images-30/)
- [A case against personalization](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/05/16/a-case-against-personalization/) - As a Web Analyst the supposed holy grail of data usage and optimization is personalization. Disregarding the whole PI issue for the time being, the notion of a website that uses data to optimize itself to you; that tailors itself to your interests is awesome. Think of all the sites that do it, Netflix recommends
- [The Butchers scams Toronto?](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/02/the-butchers-scams-toronto/) - Back in April, I, like apparently the rest of Toronto bought vouchers for a butcher shop on Yonge street aptly named "The Butchers". At first I was wary it was a scam, I normally have a good nose for this stuff, but after checking out their website I thought, "what the hell". It was an
- [Sony PSN Breach: Fukushima of Privacy](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/05/01/sony-psn-breach-fukushima-of-privacy/) - Recently Sony shut down it's PlayStation Network due to an intrusion into it's customers' personal information. Names, addresses even credit cards were taken. With 75 million+ PSN users affected, it is one of the largest breaches of confidential user information in history. As Chris Berry said to me, this is the Fukushima of Privacy. Both
- [The ol' helmet debate](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/05/30/the-ol-helmet-debate-2/) - A co-worker shared an old copy of dandy-horse, a Toronto cycling magazine. It was the spring 2009 issue and featured a debate between Geoff MacBride and Derek Chadbourne discussing the merits of helmets/no-helmet. I am very much a pro-helmet advocate. But only for me, I couldn't give a crap if you wear one of not.
- [The six things I learned from eMetrics, "they" don't want you to know about!](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/04/30/the-six-things-i-learned-from-emetrics-they-dont-want-you-to-know-about-2/) - My first eMetrics is over and wanted to post some of the learnings I picked up, but first let me say how amazing it was. I met some really interesting and smart people, too many to name really. I learned some new things and got re-energized about metrics. It was just the booster shot I
- [The Butcher's update](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/06/the-butchers-update-2/) - I received a call on Friday from a nice gal from Buytopia. While we chatted, she informed me that it was not a scam (I asked point blank) that Marlone and the Butcher's had been members of the Yonge & Lawrence community for years and that in no way had they intended this to blow
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/17/random-images-31/)
- [FIFA bans head scarves](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/13/fifa-bans-head-scarves/) - This picture saddens me. It saddens me because the fact that Iran actually has a women's soccer team and they are not allowed to play with head scarves forcing them to choose between their religion and their passion. FIFA banned the Iranian women's national team from an Olympic qualifier because of their headwear citing that "Players and
- [Top 6 reasons to micro-loan](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/15/top-6-reasons-to-micro-loan/) - I am a big believer in micro-loans. I have done a lot of reading about them and actively participate in loaning money. In celebration of my 100th micro-loan I thought I would share my top five reasons to participate. It's not charity. I know this seems like an odd statement but I firmly believe that
- [Storm by Tim Minchin (with text)](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/23/storm-by-tim-minchin-with-text/) - I choked on my coffee this morning listening to this. Every time I go to get tattoo'd there is a girl getting a tramp stamp and fairies are an on-running joke.
- [Bike lanes](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/29/bike-lanes/) - Look, we get it. Rob Ford has clearly announced his agenda will be pro-car, pro-pollution, pro-obesity and that is just...awesome. And it is equally clear that without three assistants, John Parker would be incapable of doing the job he loves so much (the one with "hot chicks") like removing bike lanes along Jarvis. But all
- [Love Songs](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/07/04/love-songs/) - Choosing a song to dance to at your wedding is hard. Here is what I got so far. Bright Eyes - "First Day of My Life" Jack Johnson - "Better Together" Joe Cocker - "You are so beautiful" Ray LaMontagne - "You Are The Best Thing"
- [Damn Nature, you scary!](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/27/damn-nature-you-scary/) - Asteroid will pass by earth today. Here is the Point of View of the asteroid. It will come closer to earth than many satellites. It gets within 3 earth radii. That's about 18,300 km. With the earth travelling at 30km/seconds, that means it misses us by 610 seconds. Or around 5 minutes. DAMN NATURE, YOU
- [Beginning to sense a theme in the news...](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/25/beginning-to-sense-a-theme-in-the-news/)
- [The Current Episode on the Butchers](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/06/24/the-current-episode-on-the-butchers/) - Here is the presentation by the Current about the Butchers and on-line coupons. The program talks about how the butchers deal didn't add up, and how the deal resembled a ponzi scheme with one set of coupons going to pay off another one. It is also a good interview with Marlon, the owner of the
- [TTC sells off naming rights cheaply](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/07/07/ttc-sells-off-naming-rights-cheaply/) - The CBC reported that the TTC has sold the advertising rights, including the naming rights for the subway stations to Pattison advertising for 324 million dollars for the next 12 years. This reflects very poor judgement on the part of the TTC who have grossly undervalued the advertising properties of our transit system. The TTC
- [Google+: or how I learned to stop worrying and love the social networks](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/07/11/google-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-social-networks/)
- [Def Poetry - Mark Gonzales - As With Most Men](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/07/12/def-poetry-mark-gonzales-as-with-most-men/) - Wow this is incredible.
- [A letter of protest over the Jarvis bike lanes](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/07/15/a-letter-of-protest-over-the-jarvis-bike-lanes/) - I am very disappointed by the recent vote to remove the Jarvis bike lanes. I find it mind-boggling that Rob Ford and his minions think removing bike lanes reduces congestion. Bike lanes encourage people to bike, the more people bike the less they are driving. The less they are driving the lower the congestion. I
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/07/13/random-images-32/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/07/29/random-images-33/)
- [Piano Stairs](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/07/18/piano-stairs/) - I LOVE stuff like this. When we use our minds and creativity to get people to do what they should do anyway. I found it on an interesting website: http://moxieloveandpizzazz.blogspot.com Check it out.
- [Random images](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/08/10/random-images-34/)
- [Riding is dangerous](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/07/30/riding-is-dangerous/) - I discovered a new danger of riding a bike. BEES! A bee stung my lip while riding. I was lucky I didn't crash or swallow the little fucker.
- [Why Rob Ford's obesity matters](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/08/05/why-rob-fords-obesity-matters/) - I am a big man. I have weighted as much as 250 lbs (a quarter ton!) at a time in my life. I am married to a big man, and find most big men attractive. And like most big people I have struggled against my weight all my life. And also like most big people
- [Rick Santorum's new name problem](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/08/15/rick-santorums-new-name-problem-2/) - Rick Santorum has raised his frothy head again running for president And like before he is beginning to look like he is going to go after gays again. This time however Dan Savage fired a warning shot.
- [Wedding inspiration](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/08/26/wedding-inspiration/) - I was trying to put together an inspiration board for our wedding.
- [Google + should let the readers make the circles](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/08/22/google-should-let-the-readers-make-the-circles/) - I was thinking about circles and social media after reading Chris' post. Google + gave me an opportunity to return to social networking after a lengthy hiatus. While I like the idea of circles, the IA in me struggles with how to classify people. For example, I originally organized people by their relationship to me.
- [Doug Ford's bright idea](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/09/01/doug-fords-bright-idea-2/) - Doug Ford has a vision for the waterfront including of all things a ferris wheel. While I was originally hopeful that Ford had envisioned something like London's revitalized waterfront along the Thames (which also includes a ferris wheel) I realized he was thinking of something more like Chicago's waterfront. Now I can't say much about
- [Random images](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/09/06/random-images-35/)
- [Election nonsense starts early](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/09/06/election-nonsense-starts-early/) - So the writ hasn't even been dropped and the political parties have started with the mud-slinging immediately. Personally I was surprised it turned ugly so fast but if nothing else this promises to be entertaining. First up was the moral outrage of the PC party which decried the Liberal promise of a tax credit for
- [Toronto needs a project manager](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/09/15/toronto-needs-a-project-manager/) - The street I live on, Gerrard, is a patch work quilt of roadwork because every year one of the utilities comes in, tears a section up and then replaces it. This lack of planning is costly because it wastes time, money and energy. The time and money of the companies with the constant digging and
- [Improved CBC search](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/09/20/improved-cbc-search/) - I don't normally write about what I do at work. Not out of modesty or anything, but rather I don't want to let something out that shouldn't be public knowledge. However, I had to write about this. One of the aspects of my job is managing the Google Search Appliance. This means I am responsible
- [Random images](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/09/25/random-images-36/)
- [Mongolia! by Wiisa](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/09/20/mongolia-by-wiisa/) - When I see this, it reminds me how much I miss Mongolia.
- [Cycling for everyone](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/09/28/cycling-for-everyone/) - Cycling For Everyone from Dutch Cycling Embassy on Vimeo.
- [Scumbag Facebook](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/09/28/scumbag-facebook/) - Awhile back Chris Berry and I had a conversation about the state of analytics and tracking and where the industry is going. We were both concerned that analysts were going to screw themselves by tracking information they had no business to. And that it was just a matter of time before someone dropped the ball....Well,
- [Open letter to BAC](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/09/30/open-letter-to-bac/) - Dear Bank of America, Are you fucking stupid? Are you trying to go under? I just read your going to charge customers $5 to use their own fucking money. It is your privilege to be their bank. That's right, a privilege! Customers in the US have more choices than those in Canada and they don't
- [Steve Jobs missed his chance to make a lasting impression](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/10/18/steve-jobs-missed-his-chance-to-make-a-lasting-impression/) - Steve Jobs wasn’t a great man. Hell I’m not even sure he was a good man. There is no denying his business acumen. On that account he was a genius, but as Uncle Ben once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Steve Jobs created some amazing products, along the way developed a fan-base following
- [The Darjeeling Limited](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/10/19/the-darjeeling-limited/) - This is one of my all time favorite movies. I watched it again when I was flying back from Japan. If you haven't seen it I highly recommend it. It has a subtle humour and is a little bit quirky. To be honest it reminds me of my relationship with my own siblings a bit.
- [The biggest scam](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/10/25/the-biggest-scam/) - You know what the biggest scam is? Cell phone screen films. Seriously. I just bought a Samsung Galaxy 4G infuse, which is a very impressive phone. (Just having something with a battery life longer than an hour is impressive after my ageing iPhone.) However, the stupid thing came with a screen protector. I know normally a screen
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/10/26/random-images-37/)
- [Bicycle licensing a waste of time and money](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/10/28/bicycle-licensing-a-waste-of-time-and-money/) - You know, there is nothing I hate more than blatant pandering. Robert Kirsic wrote this article about how there needs to be licensing for cyclists. So I decided I wanted to see who this Mr. Kirsic was a lo-and-behold on his LinkedIn profile he was "Communications Assistant at Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council". To me that is
- [Adventures in Unlocking: Why I hate everything mobile](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/11/05/adventures-in-unlocking-why-i-hate-everything-mobile/) - READ THIS BEFORE BUYING A NEW PHONE IN TORONTO So my iPhone 3G was dying, it could only hold a charge for an hour and according to the nice folks at iRepair, the power control chip was shot. If short the phone was pooched and needed to be replaced. While Apple was launching the iPhone
- [Toronto Zoo: homophobic or just plain wrong?](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/11/09/toronto-zoo-homophobic-or-just-plain-wrong/) - The Toronto Zoo has decided to separate their two gay penguins, Pedro and Buddy. Apparently the zoo wants to force them to be straight and to pair bond with females.
- [Fastest Guy on two wheels](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/11/13/fastest-guy-on-two-wheels/) - ...(for a small section of road)
- [I wish I had too...](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/11/18/i-wish-i-had-too/)
- [Two more KOMs](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/11/26/two-more-koms/) - I took two more KOMs today. I beat my old time on the commissioners run by 11 seconds. I am 35 seconds ahead of the next fastest person so I am hoping that one will stand awhile, but I have ridden with Gio and he's crazy fast. The second one is called Indian Road Sleepy
- [Great Ideas from Japan](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/12/28/great-ideas-from-japan/) - I came across a number of incredible ideas while in Japan. I took photos of a few and wanted to share them and why I think they are so great. The first is a turning lane that extends into the intersection. What you are seeing is a car which has proceeded into the intersection and is
- [Top Posts of 2011](https://www.davehamel.com/2011/12/30/top-posts-of-2011/) - It's always fun to look at the site after awhile and review the analytics to see what posts were popular. This blog is really just a collection of random thoughts and things I collect so there isn't much in the way of a cohesive theme. This randomness is detrimental to the popularity of the blog, but good
- [Mega Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/01/24/mega-random-images/)
- [Cycling Hierarchy](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/01/08/cycling-hierarchy/) - There is a hierarchy in cycling that I have noticed over the years. It's a though that has been bouncing around in my brain and think I have it solidified enough to actually write about. 1. Roadies. At the top are road cyclists. They spend the most money, spend the most time riding and generally
- [Another Butcher's update](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/01/28/another-butchers-update-2/) - It's been a year or so since this whole Butcher's fiasco started. I was one of the lucky ones, getting my money back. It was probably because I work for the CBC (which I made a point of mentioning) and CBC had already done an expose on the whole online-coupon thing and interviewed Marlon at
- [Moving towards a better tomorrow?](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/02/06/moving-towards-a-better-tomorrow/) - You know what I hate? A lot of things, but one thing I really hate is when someone thinks I'm stupid and they can pull a fast one on me. Like I will blindly accept whatever they say and just agree. Take this bull shit ad from the TTC. In case you can't read it,
- [sebestyén márta - szerelem szerelem](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/02/07/sebestyen-marta-szerelem-szerelem/)
- [Spring is here](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/03/15/spring-is-here/) - This seems appropriate given the weather in Toronto this week.
- [Somebody to love](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/03/16/somebody-to-love/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/04/11/random-images-38/)
- [CBC Cuts](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/04/04/cbc-cuts/) - The CBC has just received another 115 million dollar budget cut in the latest federal government budget. Faced with this significant shortfall in funding the CBC is now in a position where it has to trim another 650 jobs. I think former CBC president Robert Rabinovitch put it best, “This is a death by a
- [Good Lord, I agree with Ford](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/03/22/good-lord-i-agree-with-ford/) - What is wrong with me, I agree with Rob Ford. Toronto needs subways. Now before you go all crazy think about this. We should be building for 2050, not 2015. I know it seems like a long time from now but in reality it isn't. It is our grandchildren's time and personally I hope to
- [WWF why aren't you looking for cheap energy](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/03/30/wwf-why-arent-you-looking-for-cheap-energy-2/) - As I have written before, I don't buy into the whole Earth Hour bullshit. That doesn't mean I don't care about the planet, or that I am wasteful in my electricity use. It just means I don't buy into the hype. And don't kid yourself, it's hype. They even have educational tools (branded by sponsors
- [On the team!](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/04/12/on-the-team/) - So one of my goals this year was to make the road team for Lapdogs. The second goal was to race in an O-cup race. The first part almost didn't happen but Michael Cranwell, the president of the Lapdogs went to bat for me and said it was okay for me to join the
- [Cav crashes](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/05/07/cav-crashes/) - I was chatting with another cyclist who made the comment that they liked time trialing because it is about the rider; that you're on your own. There is no team, no tactics and the chances of you getting taken out by another cyclist are very minimal. If you go down it is because of either
- [The right to die](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/04/19/the-right-to-die/) - I am a big fan of Terry Pratchett, he is a brilliant author and unfortunately ill with alzheimer's. Mr. Pratchett is fighting for the right to die at a time of his own choosing. Before his mind has deteriorated to the point where he can no longer think for himself, he would like to choose when
- [Cycling in the City](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/05/04/cycling-in-the-city/) - I have been off the commuter for the past couple of weeks. The need to dress up plus fighting a cold has kept me from pedalling to work. However I do ride at least 3 times a week around the city and I am a huge proponent of cycling. I came across this cool map on
- [The Mary Ellen Carter](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/05/05/the-mary-ellen-carter/) - This song was sung at my uncle Sandy's funeral. It still sends shivers up my spine. Rise again, rise again - though your heart it be brokenAnd life about to endNo matter what you've lost, be it a home, a love, a friend.Like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again.
- [Calabogie post race report](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/04/22/calabogie-post-race-report/) - So I finished my second race today and came in 12th! I didn't achieve my goal of breaking into the top 10 but I was pleased with the result. Calabogie is a race car track and so there is no yellow line rule. I found it much easier to ride this on than the Good
- [Random Nonsense](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/04/29/3654/)
- [Cavendish](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/05/10/cavendish/) - Mark Cavendish looks ready for the Team time trail despite the spectacular crash the previous day. In case you didn't know, there is great coverage at steephill.tv. Cav won Stage 5, proving he is still in sprinting form.
- [Wedding table number idea](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/05/14/wedding-table-number-idea/) - So I was struggling with the whole table numbers idea. Carmen, our wedding planner had sent some ideas, little chalk boards but I thought they looked chintzy and didn't really appeal to me. But she was trying to tie it into a large black board we were using for the table numbers when users first
- [Record industry charges for dancing and Canada allows it](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/06/01/record-industry-charges-for-dancing-and-canada-allows-it/) - The Copyright board of Canada has certified new tariffs that apply to music at events; like weddings. It is called "Re:Sound" Now I am getting married soon so I am keenly aware of the rubbish that SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada) already pull. Apparently though the record labels don't get
- [Disappointment at KW](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/06/11/disappointment-at-kw/) - So I rode in another O-cup this weekend. It was my third race and to be honest my most disappointing. I didn't really prepare for it the way I should have. I wasn't eating the way I should have and should have spent the day before on the couch but instead ran errands and
- [Pride funding in jeopardy...again](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/05/23/pride-funding-in-jeopardy-again/) - The city of Toronto is again threatening the funding of pride if the Queers Against Israeli Apartheid marches. Councillor James Pasternak likens the group to bullies, "I think I'm looking for some leadership from Pride to finally say 'No' to this kind of bullying and demonization. We don't pull funding just for the fun of it. If Pride feels that
- [6/4/1989](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/06/04/641989/) - The tank man.
- [Redemption!](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/05/17/redemption/) - After a horrible stage 3 Roberto Ferrari has proven he's got the chops to sprint with the best. Watching the last 3km it is clear these guys are flying! Keep in mind for the final sprint they are moving at around 75km an hour! Cavendish loses his leadout, Geraint Thomas, on a right right hand corner,
- [How Canadian Banks are screwing Canadians](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/05/17/how-canadian-banks-are-screwing-canadians/) - with the help of politicians of course...
- [How do charges against Lance help cycling?](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/06/18/how-do-charges-against-lance-help-cycling/) - Recently the USADA (Anti-Doping Agency) announced Lance was back under investigation, faces sanctions and is banned from competing in triathlons. This just after Federal Prosecutors announced they were dropping changes. Armstrong responded, “I have been notified that USADA, an organization largely funded by taxpayer dollars but governed only by self-written rules, intends to again dredge up
- [Incredible Photos](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/06/13/incredible-photos/) - http://www.worldsfamousphotos.com/
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/06/15/random-images-39/)
- [My gay agenda](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/06/23/my-gay-agenda/) - I was having this conversation with a co-worker regarding gay Pride today and I remarked that I am closer to Stephen Harper than I am to most of the parade participants. She looked at me funny and I had to explain. Gay Pride to me is about equality and visibility. It's political, it's not about
- [Nexpoint went to shit](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/07/25/nexpoint-went-to-shit/) - I don't know what happened to my host. They were once great to deal with but recently everything has gone to shit. I should have realized when they started taking down all the customer support mechanisms. First it was the online chat, then the support phone line, and now there is one or two people
- [So this happened...](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/07/10/so-this-happened/) - I got married! Well really we had a ceremony and reception since we were already married but it was nice to have a proper wedding day. There is a flickr set put together: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daavq13/sets/72157630402490652/
- [Hairshirt!](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/06/24/hairshirt/) - I completed the Hairshirt today. It is a 322km (200 mile) ride from Square One in Mississauga around Hamilton, through Niagara Falls and back again. I burned 7,120 calories and finished it in 12 hours and 16 minutes with Michael, Scott, and Wallace.
- [Smiling at Terra Cotta](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/08/10/smiling-at-terra-cotta/) - I am not sure why I am smiling as I am climbing the hill. This is probably the lap I decided I was going to have fun. As I cycled past the others I yelled out "All aboard the pain train, WHOO WHOO!" I am riding with some fellow Urban Rogues Sage Koh, Graham Mills,
- [Sometimes the bible is confusing](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/08/15/sometimes-the-bible-is-confusing/) - Isaiah 34:7 King James Version (KJV) 7 And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.
- [Crash and a personal record](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/08/21/crash-and-a-personal-record/) - So I went to climb rattlesnake with the advanced ride group on Saturday lead by our intrepid leader Michael Cranwell. This was supposed to be a "pre-apocalypse" ride. It was a good ride to start. My legs felt great I had a great time crossing the city with a top 10 time across College St.
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/08/30/random-images-40/)
- [If you ask me, it's an improvement](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/08/23/if-you-ask-me-its-an-improvement/) - So this elderly lady decided to take it upon herself to "retouch" the painting "Ecce Homo" by Elias Garcia in the Santuario de Misericordia located in Borja Spain. The photo on the right is the result. Most of the media is reporting this as "octogenarian destroys masterpiece!" They note how she took it upon herself to
- [Mildred's Temple Kitchen was a disappointment](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/09/05/mildreds-temple-kitchen-was-a-disappointment-2/) - When we mentioned to our server that what she brought us, was not what was described she was very blasé about it. We pointed out there were no chips, which was one the main reasons I ordered the dish, and that there was no pesto or pilaf. She went away to talk to the chefs about the
- [9-11](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/09/12/9-11/) - The other Sept 11.
- [Democracy schmocracy](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/09/10/democracy-schmocracy/) - Anytime the US has an election things get interesting. The bi-polarism of their electoral system cannot help but stir up the country much like hot and cold air make a tornado in a trailer park. What I find interesting is the notion that one must be a citizen to be able to vote, and yet
- [This Silk Road CD-ROM changed my life](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/09/20/this-silk-road-cd-rom-changed-my-life/) - In the second century B.C. in Chang'an, seat of the Han Empire, the Chinese emperor Wudi called forth his loyal servant, Zhang Qian, and presented him with a mission: search for allies who would help protect the empire against the Huns, who had become a major threat along the western frontier. ...So starts the story
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/09/21/random-images-41/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/09/27/random-images-42/)
- [Head butt one ass hole Italian...](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/09/27/head-butt-one-ass-hole-italian/) - and they make a scuplture of it. One of my all time favourite Family Guy clips featuring a birthday gram from Zadine.
- [FIFA 2013 is the best FIFA](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/09/28/fifa-2013-is-the-best-fifa/) - I love video games, that is no surprise, and one of my favourite video game collections is FIFA by EA Sports. I have editions 2010 to 2013 and have had the same striker, same team, same features throughout all. The new FIFA 2013 is by far the best soccer game out there. Now I don't
- [Random Cycling Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/10/03/random-cycling-images/)
- [More Cycling photos](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/10/03/more-cycling-photos/) - I recently purchased some photos from Sport Zone Photography operated by Peter Hein. I was delighted to find photos of myself cycling but dismayed at how fat I look. *sigh* There is a goal for next season. So my first season racing has come to an end. I enjoyed myself but didn't race as much
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/10/07/random-images-43/)
- [Dark Horse gets it](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/10/28/dark-horse-gets-it/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/10/21/random-images-44/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/11/01/5290/)
- [No Casino in Toronto thanks](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/10/31/no-casino-in-toronto-thanks/) - Every time I read about the city getting a casino I cringe. First off, let's be clear: I don't like gambling. Gambling is nothing more than a way of taking advantage of people who cannot do math. I would recommend the book "Struck by Lightning" by U of T professor Jeffery Rosenthal for a better
- [Brilliant turning lane in Vancouver](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/10/26/brilliant-turning-lane-in-vancouver/) - As a cyclist here in Toronto turning left is one of the hardest things. partly because you are probably going to have to cross streetcar tracks but also because the cars don't really seem to respect you. Frequently I will cross the intersection and flip my bike 90 degrees and wait for the cross light
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/10/28/random-images-45/)
- [Rob Ford should not go down on libel issue](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/11/15/rob-ford-should-not-go-down-on-libel-issue/) - There are a lot of good reasons Rob Ford should be kicked out of office. Incompetence being the most obvious. His lack of care for urban Torontonians, their needs, or their opinions seems to border on pathological. His sound bite against the "gravy train" is in stark contrast to his actions; most recently the diverting
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/11/10/random-images-47/)
- [The problem with e-bikes](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/11/09/the-problem-with-e-bikes/) - There is a lot of confusion over e-bike and electric scooter. Many people mistakenly equate the two and think that electric scooters should be allowed in bike lanes and on bike baths. That is not only erroneous it is a terrible idea. It might have something to do with the whole "bi-cycle" meaning two wheels.
- [Your dog is not a child!](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/11/07/your-dog-is-not-a-child/) - The Toronto Star posted an article about whether or not dogs should be allowed to run free in the city's parks. Personally, I think dogs should have their own run parks, but any dogs off-leash elsewhere should result in a fine. While I am not a dog person, I can appreciate the companionship and company
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/11/08/random-images-46/)
- [Something my mother told me](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/11/16/5444/) - I found a great subreddit last night http://www.reddit.com/r/GetMotivated It reminded me of something my mother told me when I was a child that has stuck with me. "Only boring people are bored."
- [So now what?](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/11/27/so-now-what/) - Now that the hubub over Rob Ford is dying down Toronto needs to start thinking about what happens next. Rob mentions he will fight the ruling "tooth and nail". He has also mentioned he will try to run in a by-election, although the city lawyer believes he may not be eligible until 2014. If there
- [Na na na na, hey hey hey good-bye!](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/11/26/na-na-na-na-hey-hey-hey-good-bye/) - I thought this going away song would be appropriate for Rob Ford and something he can relate to: Perhaps it is a little bit of schadenfreude but I am over-joyed the judge has ruled against Rob Ford and removed him from office. Anyone who compares Chinese Canadians to dogs, drives while reading, drives while drunk,
- [Parental obligation](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/11/28/parental-obligation/) - What obligations does a parent have towards their child. I think we can all agree that a parent is obligated to provide their child with food, shelter, and clothing. What about medical care? Funny that what first springs to mind if religious refrain. Parents who refuse blood transfusions or medical help believing their faith will
- [Weight loss is hard](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/12/21/weight-loss-is-hard/) - Losing weight is a struggle and I have struggled with it most of my life. I inherited my endomorphism from my mom's side of the family. My Dad can eat almost anything he wants and doesn't seem to gain weight. I on the other hand have to count calories. As I get older, it gets
- [Mexico in Toronto!](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/03/mexico-in-toronto/) - I haven't done one of these in awhile, and it might be the sangria writing but I had an amazing afternoon. To start off we went to Frida and Diego at the AGO and then we went for an amazing Mexican dinner at Playa Cabana. I will get into the food in a bit but first I
- [Mental Health and the National Discourse](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/12/17/mental-health-and-the-national-discourse/) - In North America, unless you've been under a rock you've been inundated with news about the tragedy in Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. As is common after these tragedies people try to find a reason, they attempt to make sense of the insensible. There are talks of gun restrictions (the Bushmaster .223 assault rifle,
- [Ramen Step 2 - The Noodle](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/14/ramen-step-2-the-noodle/) - If you were to divide Ramen into three parts it would be the broth, the noodles, and the toppings. The noodles are the bulk of the soup and crucial to producing good tasting Ramen. Preferrably I hand-make my Ramen and to be honest still don't feel like I have it perfect by any stretch of the
- [Top Posts of 2012](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/10/top-posts-of-2012/) - I always get a kick out of looking at my own analytics. Mostly because my blog has no focus and you never know what is going to stick and what won't. To be honest it doesn't really matter what sticks since I don't write any of this for financial gain, more as an online diary.
- [Ramen - Step 1: the broth](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/06/ramen-step-1-the-broth/) - So I have decided to become an expert on ramen. This wasn't exactly a rash decision. Zuimei is talking about opening a ramen restaurant so I figured I should see what is involved in making it. I also went around to the various Ramen restaurants in town. I will rate them later on. Let me
- [Started the Spring Classics A Little Early](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/14/started-the-spring-classics-a-little-early/) - Went riding on Saturday with Chris and Wallace since the weather was unseasonably warm. The melting snow made the road filthy.
- [Lance confesses?  Now I have heard it all](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/15/lance-confesses-now-i-have-heard-it-all/) - It's a good thing I am not a betting man because I would have bet that there was no way in Hell Lance Armstrong was going to come clean on the doping. He had spent a decade doping, involved hundreds of individuals, won 7 Tour de Frances and viciously attacked anyone who accused him of
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/18/random-images-10-2/)
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/20/random-images-48/)
- [Ramen in Toronto](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/22/ramen-in-toronto/) - Continuing on my Ramen kick I have visited several ramen shops in Toronto and decided to provide my assessments. 1. Kenzo Ramen - Kenzo is one of the earliest ramen shops in the city and I've been to Kenzo several time and at several locations. Personally, I prefer the one on Yonge street North of
- [My motivation](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/24/my-motivation/) - This is what I keep telling myself when I am too tired to train.
- [My wheels](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/24/my-wheels/) - My wheels. This year I will be racing on my Ksyrium Elite wheels for crits and perhaps some road races. They are holding up well and I like the ride.. They are clinchers, but if I should crash they should survive (probably better than I will). For the distance rides and TT I have my
- [Ryoji Ramen](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/01/30/ryoji-ramen/) - Yesterday I went with my friend Miho to a new ramen house Ryoji Ramen and Izakaya, and you can see from the comments on Yelp they're going through some growing pains. The ramen here is different from most of the other ramen houses in town. That is because it is Okinawa Ramen, not Hokkaido ramen. The
- [Same Love](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/02/15/same-love/) - I love it when I stumble upon stuff while surfing the web. This: http://www.radiolab.org/ Got me to this: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/ which lead me to this: http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/02/08/171476473/the-real-story-of-how-macklemore-got-thrift-shop-to-number-one which lead me to this:
- [6 things I learned at Adobe Summit](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/03/11/6-things-i-learned-at-adobe-summit/) - 1. Your data is only as good as your implementation. When we implemented SiteCatalyst for the CBC we did a good job. I can't knock it, but implementation has gotten so much better with the use of Tag Manager, Processing Rules and contextual data tags I strongly feel like we need to re-implement the code.
- [Olympics need to return to it's roots](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/02/17/olympics-need-to-return-to-its-roots-2/) - Olympics...The word conjures up images of excellence, fortitude, and sacrifice. The very motto of the Olympics Citius, Altius, Fortius, which is Latin for "Faster, Higher, Stronger" illustrates the goals of all athletes. The modern games started in Athens, in 1896. Spyros Louis was the first winner of the marathon The beauty of the faster, higher, farther
- [The gay marriage debate in a nutshell](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/03/26/the-gay-marriage-debate-in-a-nutshell/)
- [First 24 hours in Paris](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/04/06/first-24-hours-in-paris/) - Day 1 - For a socialist country France has some serious social problems. The first thing that strikes the visitor is the massive amount of graffiti everywhere. It lines the highways and railroad tracks. It's on the side of houses and on the outside of trains. In fact pretty much any surface is game. Unfortunately
- [O Lucky Man](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/05/29/o-lucky-man/) - Any other time in history, I'd be dead. In many other countries in the world, I'd be dead. In the U.S. I would be taking out a second mortgage to pay for my treatment and probably begging my family for help. In fact, by mere chance and a solid helmet (thanks Giro) I'm not dead.
- [O cup #1 - Good Friday](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/04/02/o-cup-1-good-friday/) - The first race of the season is always a gong show. After a long winter riders are eager to get back on the road; and those who have put in countless hours on a trainer are keen to show off their new legs. Most riders show up with their winter gear on, leg warmers and
- [O cup #2 – Calabogie](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/04/24/o-cup-2-calabogie/) - Calabogie was the second “O” Cup in the Ontario road race season, and it was supposed to be my race. I came in 12th there last year (my best result to date) and I expected to do as well this year. Things got a little muddled up, partly because of a lack of attention on
- [Four things I have learned by hitting a bus](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/06/13/things-i-have-learned-by-hitting-a-bus/) - My accident was less than six weeks ago. but I thought I should share what I have learned so far. 1) Get comfortable. When I shattered my shoulder in the cycling accident, I had to wait 4 days for surgery. During that time it was important to be as comfortable as possible. I found being propped
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/08/10/random-images-49/)
- [Back on the Bike!](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/10/08/back-on-the-bike/) - I am back in the saddle. I am very excited t be back on the bike. This was actually my fifth ride. My goal was to be back on the bike by September and dammit I was. It takes more than a bus to stop me. It was a rainy day but things began to
- [And then I was 40...](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/10/26/and-then-i-was-40/) - I recently turned 40, and as such decided it was time I get a physical. Middle age has a way of making one sensible I suppose. There are lots of things I already know, for example the hearing in my left ear isn't that good. I am a bit over weight and need to lose
- [And then I was 40... (Part 2: Medcan Clinic)](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/10/27/and-then-i-was-40-part-2-medcan-clinic/) - When I arrived at 7:30 in the morning, I hadn’t eaten or drunken anything for 12 hours. This is because the lab work and abdominal ultrasound need to be done on an empty stomach. I was greeted at the counter, my photo was taken and added to my file and I was given a clipboard
- [And then I was 40... (Part 3: Medcan Clinic continued)](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/10/29/and-then-i-was-40-part-3-medcan-clinic-continued/) - As always I returned to the lounge after the mole mapping. This time the physician who came to get me took me to another office to discuss the Men’s Health Risk Assessment. This was basically a discussion to see if I understood what was involved. I said that I was aware; I had looked it
- [Songs I am obsessed with right now](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/09/25/songs-i-am-obsessed-with-right-now/) - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Child The video for this one is haunting. The man is nearing the end of his life, and his wife (who has already passed away) comes back to him as she was when they first met, and as the man passes away he becomes the child he once
- [Why being a citizen matters](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/11/17/why-being-a-citizen-matters/) - I was reading the news this morning about the latest Rob Ford gaffe and the CBC had posted images of the protests going on outside city hall. It is pretty telling that this is actually going on in the first place. I don't recall during either Mel Lastman's or David Miller's time in office there ever
- [The Death of the Mothercorp](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/11/26/the-death-of-the-mothercorp/) - Someone at the CBC shat the bed, to use a favorite colloquialism. I suspect the blame lies with the departed Kirstine Stewart who promoted "entertainment" TV over sports and other forms of television. If you look at the shows promoted during her tenure at the CBC you will note things like Battle of the Blades,
- [2013 - The good, the bad, and the ugly](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/12/28/2013-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/) - Every new year I get excited; maybe this year will be the year things really take off for me. I'm not totally sure what I think is going to happen. I realized at 40 any dreams of being a rock star are moot, as are pro-cyclist and movie star. I have decided 2013 will be
- [The problem with Toronto isn't Rob Ford...](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/11/06/the-problem-with-toronto-isnt-rob-ford-2/) - The problem with all this isn't Rob Ford...it's Ford Nation. Ford Nation is simply the manifestation of greed, NIMBY-ism, and selfishness wrapped in a political movement. They are the closest thing we have to a "tea-party". I had a friend actually say to me, "Ya but he took on the unions, and went up against
- [233 Prospect - Sutherland House, Newmarket](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/12/23/233-prospect-sutherland-house-newmarket/)
- [Adventures with my prostate](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/01/04/adventures-with-my-prostate/) - I started to write this because if this whole thing should head south and takes a turn for the worst, I want to document it. This journey has started because I turned 40 as one usually does if they spin around the sun enough. For my birthday I gave myself complete "executive" physical at Medcan.
- [The adventure continues](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/02/04/the-adventure-continues/) - So I finally got to see the urologist, Dr. Singal, at his clinic this afternoon and the visit went more or less the way I had anticipated. His performed a DRE for his own edification, as he put it: "I'm sure you been poked there before but the only finger that counts is mine." Now
- [The waiting is the hardest part](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/01/22/the-waiting-is-the-hardest-part/) - So I am still waiting to see a urologist. It's my own fault. Medcan offered an appointment with one of their urologists but I wanted Dr. Singal. He reviewed my men's health chart and is a recognized leader in the field. Plus he tweets. However I greatly over-estimated my resilience and patience. Part of that
- [I should stay off the internet](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/02/09/i-should-stay-off-the-internet/) - I know for a fact that all medical professionals lie. Ever heard a nurse or doctor say, "this won't hurt a bit" or "you might feel a slight pinch", they're lying. They do this for two reasons one, studies have shown that patients who hear this actually report less pain. Two, no one wants to
- [The luckiest unlucky man](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/02/28/the-luckiest-unlucky-man/) - Mark tells me, "Control is an illusion. The best you can do is improve your odds." Odds... I am a lucky, unlucky man. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer two days ago. That would be bad luck. However, I would not even know about it if it weren't for some incredibly good luck. My husband
- [Biopsy](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/02/12/biopsy/) - I had my biopsy today. It took all about 15 minutes. I arrived at the clinic and handed the receptionist my health card. She took it and then wrote down some information and then asked me to have a seat. I look at the other man in the room. "Did I look as grim-faced as
- [What about future Toronto](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/03/28/what-about-future-toronto/) - Rob Ford is spouting a new soundbite, "saved a billion dollars". Anyone who bothers to look at the numbers will quickly see that isn't true, and even if it was true he's selling Toronto's future short. I could tell Torontonians, "Elect me and you will not pay another cent of tax!" and then watch as
- [A Case for PSA Testing](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/06/04/a-case-for-psa-testing/) - So there is some debate at the moment whether or not PSA tests should be covered as part of OHIP. Rocco Rossi, former mayoral candidate and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada, wrote an op-ed piece on the Star for the need for testing. Interestingly there are two comments, by Dr. J. Owen and Dr. P. Fafard which speak
- [PC Plus gets email marketing right](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/03/07/pc-plus-gets-email-marketing-right/) - I have written about effective email marketing and what I would do if I was in charge of an organization's email campaigns. A bad email can hurt the customer experience,while a good email can totally make it. I have started receiving a great example of a group that does it very well, President's choice. I
- [We remember](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/06/05/we-remember/) - I was sick yesterday and forgot to post this. China may hide the truth from it's citizens, but the rest of the world will not forget.
- [The Big "C"](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/07/18/the-big-c-2/) - Cancer is a very frightening word. It's a very frightening disease but I think the word is worse. It conjures up images of people with scarves on their heads, pale and thin, bulbous tumors and growths, and ultimately death. But it probably shouldn't. I recently finished a book, The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of
- [Great adventure ends in tragedy](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/09/03/great-adventure-ends-in-tragedy/) - I felt compelled to respond to this tragedy. Riding across Canada was one of the greatest adventures of my life and I love reading about people doing the same thing. More recently having been hit while cycling, I know how easy it would have been to be fatal. I suppose those two influences together draw
- [Zuimei on Global Morning Television](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/09/02/zuimei-on-global-morning-television/) - Zuimei was on Global Morning Television talking about Ramen.
- [last weekend of summer](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/08/30/last-weekend-of-summer/) - I am sitting in a Starbucks on Spadina mostly to get out of the heat. I wore jeans today and that was a mistake. They don't fit very well and my balls are sticking to my leg. I am sitting here reading a Douglas Coupland book I picked up at BMV.I don't really know Douglas
- [Being a good follower](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/09/13/being-a-good-follower/) - Everyday in my LinkedIn I see posts on being a leader. If you go to the bookstore, there is an entire section devoted to leadership. "The 5 Levels of Leadership", "The 21 Irrefutable laws of Leadership", "Top 100 Best Ways to be a Great Leader"...and so on. Leadership is all fine and dandy but if everyone becomes a
- [Movember!](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/11/06/movember/) - I am growing a new moustache for Movember and raising money for prostate cancer research. It's pretty important stuff given what I have been through in the past year. If you like you can done here: http://mobro.co/daavq
- [Be kind...](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/09/26/be-kind/)
- [Remembering](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/11/11/remembering/) - In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lieIn Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with
- [#Shirtgate: feminist focus gone awry](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/11/16/shirtgate-feminist-focus-gone-awry/) - So there is some hubub around the landing of a spacecraft on a comet. But the noise isn't about how incredible amazing that feat is, or the potential to learn about the origins of the universe. No, the hue and cry is about some guy's shirt, and it is so loud even the CBC has
- [My Dad and I](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/11/20/my-dad-and-i/) - These photos are of my father and I at roughly the same age; I think he is 39 in this photo and I am now 41. Same moustache...LOOK AT IT!
- [Do you know these famous moustaches?](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/11/19/do-you-know-these-famous-moustaches/) - Try to name these famous moustaches. And while you're at it donate to mine! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
- [When life gets hard, get mean](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/12/03/when-life-gets-hard-get-mean/)
- [Top Posts of 2014](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/12/10/top-posts-of-2014/) - I didn't write as much in the past year. It was probably one of the toughest years I have ever faced and for awhile I wasn't sure I could keep it together. Dealing with the results of a PSA the year before I had a biopsy on my prostate and then had to wait for
- [Recovery](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/12/13/recovery/) - Some days I have to remind myself that recovery is a process. And for the days I can't, I just try to be like this bull. Fuck 'em. Fuck 'em all.
- [Winter Cometh](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/12/11/winter-cometh/) - We got our first taste of a Newmarket Winter this morning. My slog in the early morning hours to catch the train. A brave dog owner forged a path ahead of me. Will get out the snowblower when I get home tonight.
- [Je suis Charlie, Je ne ai pas peur](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/01/14/je-suis-charlie-je-ne-ai-pas-peur/) - Charlie Hebdo published it's cover amid world wide attention, and it's largest run ever - a million copies. The cover depicting Mohammad with the phrase "All is forgiven" shows the French resistance to anything smacking of tyranny. Canadian publications including the Star, the Globe and Mail and the CBC have refused to show or republish
- [Office Lottery Pool](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/01/23/office-lottery-pool/) - I participate in the office lottery pool. I know better. I work in analytics and I understand statistics. Lotto max consists of 7 numbers each of which can be 1-49. This leaves some 85 million possible combinations. However, they say because you have three chances to play the odds are 1 in 26 million. That
- [Seems unnecessarily archaic](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/02/05/seems-unnecessarily-archaic/)
- [Lotto Simulator](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/02/10/lotto-simulator/) - I just wrote about playing in the Office Pool. Well Here is a lotto simulator. Do quick pick or play your own numbers. Either way, you won't win.
- [Second biopsy](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/02/26/second-biopsy/) - So I had my second biopsy this week. Just like last time I took an Ativan and got a local anesthetic. It hurt more than I remembered but less than I have read some guys experience it. This time however I took the day off. It made it better not to have to deal with this
- [Movember love](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/02/26/movember-love/) - I participated in Movember this past year like always but given the state of my prostate, and the fact it hates me, Movember took on a whole new meaning. Anyway when the survey about Movember came out I wanted to voice my opinion regarding the gifts or milestone prizes for raising funds, but the survey
- [Throwing pots](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/03/09/throwing-pots/)
- [punishment without redemption](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/03/10/punishment-without-redemption/) - I have had this post bouncing around in my head for over a week now. Every time I sit down to write it I decide something else is more important. I suppose that subconsciously I don't want to think about it but it's important and something I have become fixated on. I have all sorts
- [Everyone Remembers](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/06/04/everyone-remembers/) - Even if they don't feel safe to admit it.
- [Movie List Continued](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/06/16/movie-list-continued/) - 3) Drowning by numbers Directed by Peter Greenaway I think this film holds a special place in my heart because it was the first Greenaway film I had seen. It was not surprising to me to learn that he that he studied as a painter before becoming a director. If you watch some of his
- [Budapest ~ George Ezra](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/07/21/budapest-george-ezra/) - My house in BudapestMy, my hidden treasure chestGolden grand pianoMy beautiful Castillo YouOoh, youOoh, I'd leave it all My acres of a landThat I've achievedIt may be hard for you toStop and believe But for youOoh, youOoh, I'd leave it all Oh, for youOoh, youOoh, I'd leave it all And give me one good
- [Pan Am Games a disaster for Toronto](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/07/04/pan-am-games-a-disaster-for-toronto/) - The Pan Am Games will be a disaster for Toronto. God, where to begin with this clusterfuck. Union station a complete wreck with a week to go. I walk through it on a regular basis and there is still lot of work to be done; there is still sections cordoned off. I was asked this
- [The Butcher is Back Baby!](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/07/05/the-butcher-is-back-baby/) - Marlon's Meat is back as Camden Market! I just got a comment on an old post warning me that the Butchers is back as Camden Market at 2500 Yonge Street. For those of you who are not familiar with the butchers incident it was quite the saga and a lot of pissed off people. The
- [Top Movies continued 2](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/06/22/top-movies-continued-2/) - We were here Directed by David Weissman, this is the only documentary on my list. We Were Here chronicles the emergence of HIV and AIDS in San Francisco in the 80s. What makes this documentary so powerful to me is the way it shows the response within the gay community. It is told through archives
- [Dad's 80th Birthday](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/06/22/dads-80th-birthday-2/) - Dinner at Quail's Gate Winery in Kelowna
- [FIFA 2016 - Still no decent career mode](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/09/05/fifa-2016-still-no-decent-career-mode/) - Every year I get all excited when there is a new FIFA video game out. I love playing FIFA 2015 and I especially love the career mode. I keep hoping that AE will add some sort of character development around the career section and every year I am disappointed. Here is what I think would
- [Mega Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/08/01/mega-random-images-2/)
- [Constructing page names](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/09/07/constructing-page-names/) - I don't normally write about analytic implementations. It's not that I don't enjoy them, or that I am not interested. It's more that this is my bread and butter. I have invested a lot of time and effort in creating solid solutions to problems like page naming strategies and I feel like if I give
- [Witch Doctor](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/09/26/witch-doctor/) - A critique on the pseudo health sciences? Great video though. De Staat - Witch Doctor (Official Video) from STUDIO SMACK on Vimeo. Oh little sicky, seems to be the pain?Got all these herbs don't mean a fucking thingI am the witch, with the magick tricksMistrust the white house, come and get your fix It's not
- [MAID in Canada: The Struggle for More Personal Choice](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/09/04/maid-in-canada-the-struggle-for-more-personal-choice/) - Analyzing the debate around MAID in Canada, and why personal choice must remain paramount.
- [Peter Clapham Sheppard](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/11/28/peter-clapham-sheppard/) - I recently picked up two paintings at an online auction. Peter Clapham Sheppard was born in Toronto on October 21, 1881. He apprenticed at engraving houses such as at Rolph, Clark, Stone Ltd. in Toronto, where he became a highly skilled lithographer. He received his art training at the Central Ontario School of Art and
- [St. John's Black](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/10/26/st-johns-black-2/) - I have started making my own glazes. I found a great recipe called St. John's black. Nepheline Syenite - 25Alberta Slip/Albany - 75Cobalt Carbonate - 5% But I wanted something more dense, so I tried working on the recipe by adding other materials. Going from left to right I added:5% - Black Iron Oxide -
- [A year in review](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/12/30/a-year-in-review/) - Every December I like to take stock of the year that just passed. Normally I would read through my blog posts and remind myself of what I had done but this year there were not a lot of posts. I am not entirely sure why though. Perhaps I was busy, I don't really recall. 2015 was
- [More pottery samples](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/11/25/more-pottery-samples/) - So I worked on another set of sample tiles. This time it was bronze, called Lamp's Bronze. The recipe is pretty straightforward with nice results but I am having troubles with changing it. The base recipe is Lamp's Bronze 7 - Ball Clay86 - Cedar Heights Redart7 - Silica_____________________ 14% Cobalt Carbonate14% Copper Carbonate64% Manganese
- [The French Canadian](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/12/02/the-french-canadian/) - Have you ever had a London fog? It's a drink at Starbucks which is English Breakfast tea, steamed milk and vanilla syrup. At Balzac's they offer a Parisian mist, which is essentially the same thing but with French Breakfast tea. Well I came up with my own I call "the French Canadian". 16 oz of
- [Thanks Matt!](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/10/27/thanks-matt/) - As I continue in my creation of my own glazes I look to other potters as a source of information. Matt Fiske's Blog was one of the first sites I hooked into and in short order I read every post. I highly recommend you check it out. You can also see Matt's posts on
- [Lessons from pottery](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/10/28/lessons-from-pottery/) - I am learning some very important life lessons since I started throwing pots. The most obvious to me is patience. Patience is everything in pottery. First in throwing. If you try to rush a piece and pull to hard your piece will end up lop-sided and uneven. Since "there is no mercy in this dojo", such
- [Good Riddance to Comments](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/01/11/good-riddance-to-comments/) - With my work at the CBC, I struggled with explaining the value or ROI of certain tools or mediums, others are much easier.. Take TV for example. We can measure the lift of traffic to the website for any given advert. We were able to successfully measure the lift in traffic to a particular site
- [Some old photos](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/01/15/some-old-photos/) - I came across some old photos while looking for something on my computer. Zuimei and I in Xian, Zuimei in Shanghai, Me (25 years old) in Dort Kalesei in Turkey, My friend Neil and I standing in the Mediterranean, Me with hemp growing in Pakistan, and me playing a very serious video game.
- [Something rotten in the state of Newmarket](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/01/28/something-rotten-in-the-state-of-newmarket/) - My taxes have gone up again this year. Which isn't too surprising there are only two guarantees in life: death and taxes. Property taxes 2.34% increase Hydro
- [Cancun (part1)](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/02/02/cancun-part1/) - Last week Zuimei and I went to Cancun, Mexico. It had been several years since the two of us had a vacation together, just us. I booked the trip through Expedia and it was a toss up between Bermuda and Cancun but in the end we decided there was probably more to do there. It
- [If love could have saved you...](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/02/02/if-love-could-have-saved-you/)
- [The Beauty of Being an Amateur: Why Hobbies Should Be About Love, Not Perfection](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/09/16/the-beauty-of-being-an-amateur-why-hobbies-should-be-about-love-not-perfection/) - The beauty of amateur hobbies lies precisely in their liberation from the metrics and evaluations that govern professional activities.
- [The Big Oscar's Question: Who are you wearing?](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/03/08/who-are-you-wearing/) - So I had this shower thought last night about the Oscars. I don't normally think about the Oscars, I don't really care. This year the hot button issue was race and the lack of people of colour amoung the nominees. I think it's an important issue to raise and perfectly valid one. I also came
- [Latest Painting Acquisition](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/02/24/latest-acquisition/) - So I started buying art a few months ago. I found this online art auction website, which happens to be across from the AGO on Dundas called Consignor Canadian Fine Art. They have about 8 auctions a year and you get some absolute steals. I came across this charming little watercolour. by Thomas Wesley Mclean.
- [Cancun (part 2)](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/02/10/cancun-part-2/) - One of the reasons we chose Cancun over Bermuda was we felt there was more to see and do. If you do any research on Cancun the number one tourist thing to do is a trip to Chichen Itza. So with Bermuda hats in hand Zuimei and I went to find a tour company to book
- [Why UPX will continue to fail](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/02/22/why-upx-will-continue-to-fail-2/) - I was pretty excited when I found out a couple of years ago that a permanent express line was going to be put in to the airport. It was about time that a city like Toronto got transit to the airport. Now we could finally be a world-class city. Narita has the Shinkansen into Tokyo
- [Salary caps for corporations](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/03/08/salary-caps-for-corporations/) - So I was bouncing this idea around in my head for awhile. Originally I was thinking of a maximum salary. Like if we said you can only have a maximum income of $1M and every dollar after that gets taxed at 90% or something. But when I watched this video, "Inequality for All" which is
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/03/11/random-images-50/)
- [Favorite U2 Songs](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/03/11/favorite-u2-songs/) - I have been a U2 fan since 1988. My parents took my sister and I to the UK and the rental car we had had a CD player. Nicole and I pooled some money and bought "The Joshua Tree" and listened to it over and over for the entire summer. As a result I became
- [Encouraging news](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/04/06/encouraging-news/) - There were two news stories recently that I found very encouraging. The first was the Panama Papers. The Panama papers is this massive leak about the offshore holdings of the filthy rich. While having offshore accounts isn't illegal in and of itself, it usually smacks of something nefarious and maybe it should be illegal. It
- [Adobe Summit 2016](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/03/27/adobe-summit-2016/) - I was fortunate this year to get to go to Adobe Summit in Las Vegas. If you work in analytics, or marketing and you haven't been to one I would highly recommend it. Now obviously because it is put on by Adobe they talk a lot about their products, but even if you're tool agnostic,
- [Ma'agalim](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/04/10/maagalim-2/) - I came across this charming animation video on reddit which /u/xChipsus translated. Ma'agalim - Jane Bordeaux from Uri Lotan on Vimeo. Nights turn into daysDays turn into yearsAnd among them I was going faster in circlesWinds are blowing on meBlow on the back of my neckEverything seems too far too big I'm not moving
- [Random images](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/08/12/random-images-51/)
- [Pride](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/06/16/pride/) - I don't normally go to PRIDE anymore. It was exciting the first few times I went, when I was younger and that part of sexuality was new to me. When I first saw a muscle bear in chaps in real-life. (only seen it on the internet before that) Or the first transgendered person I met.
- [Pride 2016](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/07/04/pride-2016/) - Pride 2016 has come and gone and it was a challenging one on a number of fronts. Obviously Orlando weighed heavily on everyone's minds and there were numerous signs showing support. The float in the picture above was empty... and later 49 marchers solemnly passed, each carrying a sign with the name of one of
- [No more landlords](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/05/17/no-more-landlords/) - My husband and I have been very fortunate in the property market here in Toronto. We managed to pull equity from our first home, a condo, and buy our house on Gerrard. We got some fantastic tenants for the condo who quite frankly took better care of it than we did. As a result, if
- [Another landlord article](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/08/08/another-landlord-article/) - So there is another article regarding landlords and tenants and once again Toronto has sides with tenants without considering the greater issue. The article focuses on 500 Dawes Rd.which I have seen before and I must say looks like somewhere I would have lived as a student, but not someplace I would like to live
- [No CPP for you](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/08/18/no-cpp-for-you/) - The Canadian government is raising taxes to help pay for CPP. They don't call it a tax, but it is. Anytime a government takes money away from you it's a tax. They can call it an investment but here is what is really going on. The "Me" generation blew all their money, don't have enough
- [Pottery is universal](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/08/31/pottery-is-universal/) - Every now and then I come across a universality that reminds me, we are all the same. Pottery is one of these universalities. Every single culture figured out pottery; from Masai people in Africa, to Mayans, to Polynesians, to Celts. It doesn't matter where in the world you are, there is pottery. I came across Mike
- [Error Tracking](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/09/08/error-tracking/) - I don't write about analytics much. I should probably write more since it is my profession and it would showcase my skills but I guess after doing it all day the last thing I want to do is come home and do it some more. That being said I had a break through today which
- [FAREWELL : CLASS ' 24](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/09/12/farewell-class-24-2/) - I hate to see you go !Ends our three years together thus ?Must all be summed up so?But to be swept away from us?I hate to see you go ! I hoped you would not go —And sought with bonds of joy to bind,Or make the wheel of time turn slow;A vain desire of selfish
- [Open Letter to Premier Wynne](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/10/13/open-letter-to-premier-wynne/) - Premier Wynne, I am writing you regarding my $800 utility bill for August. I make a good living, so I'm not eligible for any rebate but I don't mind paying my fair share. The keyword here is “fair”. I am concerned about the rate at which these essentials are increasing. I looked up the records
- [Is Adobe copying me?](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/10/07/is-adobe-copying-me/) - Not to toot my own horn, but twice now Adobe has copied something I have done and added something similar to Adobe analytics as a feature. I'm not saying they stole them or anything but I did develop some similar solutions and implement them before they did so perhaps a better way to put it is, I
- [Premier Wynne's response](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/10/14/premier-wynnes-response-2/) - While I am impressed that there was a timely response, I don't feel like my concerns were adequately addressed. Thank you for taking the time to send your email regarding the cost of hydro. I value your input, and your concerns are important to me. Over the past decade, Ontario electricity consumers have helped cover
- [Current favorite songs](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/01/04/current-favorite-songs/) - Here are some songs I am obsessed with right now. Each of them resonate with me for one reason or another. Shakey Graves - "Late July" I love the lyrics of this. It reminds me of "Tom Dooley" which I used to sing in the car with my family on road trips. There is a
- [Cunk on Shakespeare](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/01/02/cunk-on-shakespeare/) - Philomena Cunk is the funniest thing I have come across since Red Dwarf. Just watch her take on Shakespeare!
- [Top Posts of 2016](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/12/22/top-posts-of-2016/) - I like to look back at what I have written over the past 12 months and look at the data coming out of Google Analytics. What is interesting is the top posts are not from this year. It's older content that is getting searched. http://www.davehamel.com/2013/10/26/and-then-i-was-40/ http://www.davehamel.com/2013/10/27/and-then-i-was-40-part-2-medcan-clinic/ http://www.davehamel.com/2013/10/29/and-then-i-was-40-part-3-medcan-clinic-continued/ The other content was the butchers update from
- [Latest Acquisitions](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/12/21/latest-acquisitions-2/) - I recently picked up two more PC Sheppard paintings at auction. Peter Clapham Sheppard was born in Toronto on October 21, 1881. He apprenticed at engraving houses such as at Rolph, Clark, Stone Ltd. in Toronto, where he became a highly skilled lithographer. He received his art training at the Central Ontario School of Art
- [Moustache cups!](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/11/16/moustache-cups/) - To help my fund raising efforts I have added a bonus for anyone who donates $50 or more. A moustache mug! There are a number of different styles and some came out better than others. If you are interested I am at http://mobro.co/daavq
- [Latest Acquisitions](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/10/18/latest-acquisitions/) - I added two new pieces to my pottery collection. The first, is from Iceland by Aldis and I bought it because it captures the essence of Iceland very well. The bottom half is a dark black glaze which is very dense reminiscent of the black volcanic beaches. The top is a dirty white with crystalline
- [Top art films](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/10/20/top-art-films/) - So I wanted to list my top art films, that is films about art, not art films like David Lynch's Eraserhead. I can't really put these in any particular order but I thought I would describe why I like each film so much. Woman in Gold Starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds it recounts the true story
- [The Best of Bruce Cockburn (IMHO)](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/01/15/the-best-of-bruce-cockburn-imho/) - I was working at the computer, looking out the window at the slowly fading day and my iTunes shuffled to Bruce Cockburn. It had been awhile since I had listened to him and the music was so perfect in that moment I thought I would write a post about my favorite Bruce Cockburn songs. These
- [User Onboarding | A frequently-updated compendium of web app first-run experiences](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/01/13/user-onboarding-a-frequently-updated-compendium-of-web-app-first-run-experiences/) - My coworker Sharon shared this site today and I am in love with it. Usability to me is so important, especially when onboarding. I would love to revamp the bank's onboarding process! Check out how he deconstructs each of the first time user experiences and goes from there. It's amaze-balls! The ultimate source for User
- [Nietzsche, Buddhism & the spirituality of Groundhog Day](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/02/03/nietzsche-buddhism-the-spirituality-of-groundhog-day/) - So, I love this movie. This is one of my all time favorites, and I must say I am embarrassed that I did not list it before. The trailer makes it sound sort of silly and a little slapstick. To understand the spiritual depth of this film one needs to be familiar with reincarnation and
- [Why does the CBC hate journalism](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/01/06/why-does-the-cbc-hate-journalism/) - Dear CBC, I noticed the addition of the "Life" section to your website which posts articles such as, "The 7 at-home products for spa quality facial results" and "The most popular dog names of 2016". I was a bit confused, as normally such riveting content can only be found on the likes of Buzzfeed and ebaumsworld. Actually I'm ashamed for
- [Pottery](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/02/20/pottery/) - A selection of pottery I have done in the past year or so. Most have a mix of store bought and self-made glazes.
- [I think we might be screwed](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/07/17/i-think-we-might-be-screwed/) - I really liked the show "The Newsroom". And this clip in particular sticks with me. I want out of Ontario. It is a terribly run province and after years of Liberal rule under McGuinty and Wynne I don't think it can recover. In the 14 years I have lived here there has been an ongoing
- [Random images](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/05/18/random/)
- [Xian in the Spring](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/03/23/xian-in-the-spring/) - This is one my favorite photos of us. Taken in Xian in the Spring about 10 years ago.
- [A Silk Road Odyssey](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/05/02/a-silk-road-odyssey/) - Also found during my clean up was an old student traveller magazine. I had written an article on tea, and how every culture consumes tea except for the North America where coffee is king.
- [Bike Magazine](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/05/02/bike-magazine/) - I was cleaning the house getting ready to move and I came across an old Bike Magazine I had kept. Many years ago, I was an intern at Bike Magazine and got to interview Leigh Donovan at her home. She has just hung up her racing hat.
- [Thoughts on retirement](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/11/02/thoughts-on-retirement/) - I'm mini-retired. I quit my job and I'm just living off of savings. I'm not working at all, but it won't be permanent, so it's not semi-retirement but "mini-retirement". It might seem a bit ludicrous; leaving a job that paid well, had good benefits and allowed me to work with my friends. Despite all these
- [Paris is Burning](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/07/30/paris-is-burning/) - I added a new movie to my list tonight, Paris is Burning It's about the gay community in NYC in the 80's and the Balls. The Balls are like fashion/dance/theatre competitions. It reminds me a little of when Zuimei and I first met. When we used to hang out in the village at the Timothy's (which
- [More Random images.](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/11/02/more-random-images-3/)
- [Cycling's image is tarnished enough](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/11/24/cyclings-image-is-tarnished-enough/) - Pinarello shat the bed this week with their ad suggesting women should buy electric bikes to "keep up with their boyfriends". UCI World cycling champion Colin Lynch wrote: “Despite the symbolism of being kissed by scantily-clad women & then spraying champagne all over the place, groping them before is [off] limits." And you can just
- [More favorite movies - 4](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/03/16/more-favorite-movies-4/) - Milk Released in 2008 and starring Sean Penn this Gus Van Sant film brings the story of Harvey Milk to the big screen. For obvious reasons I like pro-gay films, but what I liked about this film is that it isn't just a feel good story. The gay character isn't a joke or comedic relief
- [Cycling's image is tarnished enough](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/11/24/cyclings-image-is-tarnished-enough-2/) - Pinarello shat the bed this week with their ad suggesting women should buy electric bikes to "keep up with their boyfriends". UCI World cycling champion Colin Lynch wrote: “Despite the symbolism of being kissed by scantily-clad women & then spraying champagne all over the place, groping them before is [off] limits." And you can just
- [Premier Wynne and the Big Bad Vote Grab](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/12/29/premier-wynne-and-the-big-bad-vote-grab/) - Premier Wynne and the Liberal party's announcement regarding the increase in minimum wage is a vote grab, plain and simple. Unfortunately it is the people of Ontario who will end up paying the price. Just like the vote grab with the gas plant cancellation the Liberals are scrambling to do everything they can to stay
- [Rick Mercer unloads on Timmies](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/01/20/rick-mercer-unloads-on-timmies/) - So this image is us currently at the top of Reddit Canada, posted by /u/JeffLaRue. And I cannot help but laugh at how easily Canadians get played by their media. This entire post is nonsense. Do you really think Rick Mercer gives a shit about minimum wage workers? The Liberal party has been in power
- [If it be your will](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/04/18/if-it-be-your-will/) - I am in love with this song right now. I know Leonard Cohen does the original but Antony seems to embody the spirit of the song to me.
- [AI and basic income](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/05/06/ai-and-basic-income/) - AI is changing the world. From self-driving cars to better healthcare, AI is transforming every aspect of our lives. Unfortunately, will also accelerate the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor. That is unless we begin to take steps to resolve this disparity. I saw a statistic that read by 2030 the top 1%
- [Porn Extortion Email Scam](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/07/19/porn-extortion-email-scam/) - I received an extortion email today. And at first I got all excited. That pit in my stomach like when I was a kid and I've done something wrong and I can't avoid punishment.
- [Ghosts - the Presets](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/06/26/ghosts/) - This song reminds me of travelling through Asia and the silk road.
- [Doug Ford Declares War on Toronto](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/08/22/doug-ford-declares-war-on-toronto/) - Doug "DoFo" Ford has declared war on Toronto. Loud and clear. He is attempting to dismantle our municipal democracy under the guise of making it "more efficient". But in reality it is an attack on the city that chose to elect John Tory instead of him. This one time city councilor (with an abysmal attendance
- [I'm gay and I would blame Doug Ford for avoiding Toronto's Pride Parade](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/06/13/im-gay-and-i-would-blame-doug-ford-for-avoiding-torontos-pride-parade-2/) - Josh Dehaas just wrote an op-ed piece in the National Post entitled, "I'm gay and I wouldn't blame Doug Ford for avoiding Toronto's Pride Parade." In which he sadly denigrates the very community he claims to be from. I assume it's probably to drum up populist readership. What is apparent however, that he does not
- [The time my mother almost died](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/08/03/the-time-my-mother-almost-died/) - So I am three sheets to the wind as they say as I write this. Listening to Anthony and the Johnsons sing "If it be you will" so take that as you may. I had a conversation with my coworker and dear friend Himani about death and fate. She lost her brother and I my
- [Favorite movies #5](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/11/05/favorite-movies-5/) - Big trouble in Little China Directed by John Carpenter it's what fun movies should be. Part comedy, part action film, with martial arts, sorcery and black magic - this is just an enjoyable movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. The plot is basically an ancient magician named Lo Pan (James Hong) kidnaps a girl because
- [On Toronto Gun Control](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/08/12/on-toronto-gun-control/) - Doug Ford opposes ban on handgun sales in Toronto. No surprise there. He represents the right-wing neo-conservative movement we've seen in the states. City Council made the request of the feds and provincial governments and it passed 41 to 4. The usual suspects opposed: Michael Ford (DoFo's nephew), Giorgio Mammoliti (DoFo's pet). But there were
- [Taking the plunge](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/11/05/taking-the-plunge/) - Zuimei and I have finally taken the plunge and purchased a house in Japan! As part of my joining the FIRE movement, and trying to break free of the financial bonds that tie us down we've purchased a house for considerably less money than it would have cost us here in Canada. The house was
- [Why I am betting on Millenials](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/09/07/why-i-am-betting-on-millenials/) - Millennials get a bad wrap. Apparently when they aren't killing the housing market, the diamond market, and Hooters; they're making avocado toast. They are the topic of much conjecture and study because economists and marketers don't understand them. What motivates them? How can we get them to buy our product? How do we need to market
- [New Car](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/11/07/new-car/)
- [Thoughts on Big-Pharma](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/12/19/thoughts-on-big-pharma/) - An article in the news regarding vaccinations reminded me of a conversation I had over the past weekend regarding the safety of vaccinations. My friend mentioned that Robert DeNiro offered $100,000 for anyone who could prove vaccinations were safe. A quick internet search showed it was a little more nuanced than that. It was in
- [Thoughts on corporations](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/12/12/thoughts-on-corporations/) - I wrote this ages ago, but for whatever reason I never I published it, it seems half finished but reading it I think it is still valid. _____________________________________________________ I have been thinking a lot about corporations lately. I went to an Accenture Christmas party at the ROM on the weekend (which was lovely) and was
- [Innovation is the solution](https://www.davehamel.com/2018/12/21/innovation-is-the-solution/) - I wrote the other day about the pharmaceutical industry, and the need for a different way of doing business. Sure enough, someone else had the same idea. And it got me thinking about other innovations that change the incentive to promote or inhibit a particular behavior. One of my favorites is something called a prize-linked
- [Fubasami Renovations](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/01/23/fubasami-renovations/) - So the renos on the house in Japan are in full swing.
- [Previous Versions of this Website](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/01/12/previous-websites/) - I have had my own domain for over 15 years. Using way back machine I was able to get screenshots of what it looked like over the years. In 2006 I installed WordPress and stopped hand-coding everything. I did that because I cycled across the country and needed a quick and easy way to post
- [New Years Resolutions 2019](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/01/02/new-years-resolutions-2019/) - I have read that if you write down your goals you're more likely to achieve them. That the act of writing them down solidifies the desire into action. Part of me hates the idea of making resolutions because why is January 1st so special? It isn't. Not really. It isn't the solstice, or a birthday
- [Off Facebook Again](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/01/06/off-facebook-again/) - Many years ago I joined Facebook, but then the beacon scandal happened and I deleted my account. And then about twelve months ago, just before the Cambridge Analytica scandal happened I joined again. And just like before I deleted the account. The first time I deleted it it was because Facebook posted information about users
- [Packing Again...](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/01/21/packing-again/) - I have begun packing again. As luck would have it Marie Kondo has started taking North America by storm. She has published several books and has a series on Netflix. I was a little skeptical when I started but there is definitely a method to her madness. In her show she talks about holding each
- [My Garden in Japan](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/04/25/my-garden/) - Our property in Japan is larger than the property in Newmarket. the garden is quite extensive and is a variety of flowers, vegetables, wild plants and more. We have several Sakura (Cherry blossoms) and Rhododendron, with beautiful pink flowers, as well as wild mountain flowers, the red and fuchsia. We've planted several additional items. We
- [Renovations are complete](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/03/22/renovations-are-complete/) - The house in Japan is complete. On time, just like they said it would be. New insulation, new windows, new everything. 10 days out from moving now. Most of the packing is done. Maybe one or two more boxes to go and some documentation to finish up.
- [Hana (2006-2019)](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/03/29/hana-2006-2019/)
- [Wisteria Park](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/04/30/wisteria-park/) - My brother and sister in law took me to Ashikaga Flower Park which was absolutely amazing. We arrived in the evening, around 6 but the park was completely lit up and still super busy. The first thing we thing we saw was the most amazing wisteria I have ever seen. This thing was massive and
- [Settling in](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/04/05/settling-in/) - We've now arrived in Japan. The weather has been clear, but cold when we first arrived. The house was 5 degrees! and with no central heating it took a long time to get comfortable. Significant work has been done, and not cheaply, to ensure that it's a home we're comfortable in. I am getting up
- [Visiting Taiwan](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/09/13/visiting-taiwan/) - Zuimei and I visited Taiwan this week. We went to the night market, the Yingge Pottery area and Din Tai Fung for soup filled dumplings (xiao lum bao). We got to see Tony and Phil and spent a wonderful day together.
- [Inaugural Kiln Firing](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/08/02/inaugural-kiln-firing/) - I fired the kiln for the first time today. Zuimei had bought the kiln online for around $1200, and is a very large gas kiln. We had to get a crane to move it into place. Weighing in at 800 kg it was not easy to get into place and now it is unlikely it
- [Work/life balance](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/11/14/work-life-balance/) - The Greek poet Hesiod once wrote, "Observe due measure; moderation is best in all things." and the older I get the truer I find this. Too much of a good thing can ruin it, or at least make it less special. We see this in our daily lives all the time. Just look at the one
- [Antiwork - part 2](https://www.davehamel.com/2019/12/06/antiwork-part-2/) - For me, that equation and the breaking point was reading "Your money or your life". I had a good job. I was well paid, I liked my colleagues, and really had no reason to complain. But I was also terribly unhappy. I had anxiety about going work everyday, frequently hoping something would happen on the
- [Working Hard or Hardly working?](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/01/21/working-hard-or-hardly-working/) - So this article was making the rounds on reddit about how people no longer believe working hard will lead to a better life. And all I could think was "duh." Have any of you been paying attention? That is the problem with capitalism. It promises that anyone can make it if they just work hard.
- [Adrift...](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/03/22/adrift/) - So you ever feel like you were meant to do something but you missed the opportunity. Or that you are too old to achieve something? I am struggling with this feeling right now. I feel like I am too old to do some of things I wish I had done. I wish I came to
- [Why the Democrats are going to lose the 2020 election](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/04/10/why-the-democrats-are-going-to-lose-the-2020-election/) - And why the world will be stuck with Trump for another four years... As a Canadian I follow American politics as closely as I follow our own. The decisions made South of the border, like it or not, have a profound affect on us. I have watched with keen interest as Bernie Sanders ramped up
- [The need to riot](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/06/04/the-need-to-riot/) - "A riot is the language of the unheard." ~Martin Luther King America is in the middle of a very painful transition. Growth of any kind is painful. And it isn't the change itself that causes the pain, but rather the resistance to change. While it is easy and understandable to condemn those who riot and
- [Another botched restoration](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/06/24/another-botched-restoration/) - So another "masterpiece" was restored by an amateur and ruined. I wrote about Elias Garcia's "Ecce Homo" in a previous post. This time a copy of the “The Immaculate Conception of El Escorial” by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo was cleaned by a furniture restorer. "Ottomans, chaise, masterpieces, whatever! We do it all!" Apparently the collector who
- [The business of art and contracts](https://www.davehamel.com/2020/07/28/the-business-of-art/) - I came across an article in my news feed from artnet.com regarding artist's contracts and resale royalties. In it it describes how an artist added a clause to the sale of his art that stated royalties were to be paid to a charity if the work was resold. It also turns out that the California
- [Individualism: creator and destroyer of America](https://www.davehamel.com/2021/09/15/individualism-creator-and-destroyer-of-america/) - America is an outlier on a global scale. It is the most individualistic country in the world. Other Western countries show individualistic tendencies as well, but the US is the extreme. This individualistic mentality has led America to great prosperity. But now we are seeing it lead to its decline, and potential downfall. Individualistic cultures
- [The life lessons of pottery](https://www.davehamel.com/2021/02/17/the-life-lessons-of-pottery/) - Everything you need to know about life can be found in pottery and in the act of making pottery. It's hard to not get philosophical when talking about pottery because so much of it is in the head and the heart, not just the hands. Here are some of the life lessons in pottery I
- [A shift in labour: power to the workers](https://www.davehamel.com/2021/07/13/a-shift-in-labour-power-to-the-workers/) - A story on CBC was about employers struggling to get workers. In the comment section, a farmer mentioned that no one wanted to come work on his farm anymore and that everyone was lazy. I wanted to point out that farms are remote. Perhaps he was having difficulty finding employees because of transportation issues. Reduced
- [The good life, thoughts on stoicism](https://www.davehamel.com/2021/10/16/the-good-life-thoughts-on-stoicism/) - I started thinking about what constitutes a good life. As luck would have it I am becoming more familiar with the writings of Marcus Aurelius, the last "good" emperor of Rome.
- [Vaccines, probability and improving odds](https://www.davehamel.com/2022/02/13/vaccines-probability-and-improving-odds/) - I have written it before, but it bears repeating. We suck at probability. This is very apparent at these anti-vaxx drives we are seeing popping up in Canada, New Zealand and elsewhere. Like this sign below: If only 1% die then isn't that a really low rate, why should we care? 1% of America's population
- [No Billionaires: How to solve the billionaire issue - Pt. 1](https://www.davehamel.com/2022/09/16/no-billionaires-how-to-solve-the-billionaire-issue-pt-1/) - I have wanted to make a website for a while now promoting the idea that billionaires should not exist. Capitalism is a deeply flawed system and billionaires are the by-product of that system. There should be a limit upon how much wealth an individual person can accumulate. And that as individuals collect more resources (money)
- [Julius Caesar Is The Cause Of Sexism In Today's Society](https://www.davehamel.com/2022/08/11/julius-caesar-is-the-cause-of-sexism-in-todays-society-2/) - If you could go back in time and kill anyone to improve history, who would it be? Most people would choose someone like Adolf Hitler. For the most bang for my buck, I would kill a young Julius Caesar before the battle of Alesia. "Why Julius Caesar?" you ask? Because Julius Caesar is the cause
- [In Japan to be different is to be wrong](https://www.davehamel.com/2022/10/27/in-japan-to-be-different-is-to-be-wrong/) - We know that there is a connection between language and culture. How we use language to communicate shapes the way we think and understand the world. We imbue words with meaning that extends beyond the literal meaning. In English for example to say something is different, might not be a bad thing. It might be
- [Treating existing customers better just makes good business sense](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/01/11/treating-existing-customers-better-just-makes-good-business-sense/) - When I was in university I worked summers in an Italian restaurant, Campo Marina, in my hometown. Osoyoos is a tourist town. The population is around 3500 but would double in the summers when families would flock to Canada's warmest freshwater lake. The restaurant in the summers was only open for dinners starting at five
- [Strava just did the same thing](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/01/11/strava-just-did-the-same-thing/) - I just got an email from Strava informing me that that my subscription was going up $40/year. I've been a customer for over 10 years. Needless to say I promptly cancelled the subscription. I can abide an increase. The cost of everything goes up. But a 67% increase without explanation isn't something I can agree
- [Effective Altruism Is White Washing For Rich People](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/01/14/effective-altruism-is-white-washing-for-rich-people/) - I have had this post percolating in my head for awhile, and the idea is this: effective altruism is white washing for rich people. A few months ago I started this post. And then let it lie, but now with the revelations about Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX I dug it up again. I became fascinated
- [No Billionaires: We're ridiculously poor at understanding big numbers](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/01/18/no-billionaires-were-ridiculously-poor-at-understanding-big-numbers-2/) - To reiterate how poor humans are at judging the differences between big numbers take a look at the Reuters headline regarding Barclays Bank in the UK. "Barclays hit by $361 million penalty over issuance of securities" That is a tremendous amount of money; over a third of a billion dollars. The fine was for a
- [iPhones and true costs we don't pay](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/01/25/iphones-and-true-costs-we-dont-pay-2/) - The products that we buy have costs associated with them that we don't pay. They're invisible to us because those costs get pushed onto others, usually in less developed counties. For example, you buy a new iPhone for $1500. But only costs Apple $570 to make. In reality though the cost should be much higher.
- [Should AI generated pictures be considered art?](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/05/27/should-ai-generated-pictures-be-considered-art/) - AI generated images are not "Art". They can be beautiful, even transcendent, but that doesn't make them art any more than stepping in paint makes my cat the next Picasso.
- [Canadian Blood Services apologizes](https://www.davehamel.com/2024/05/11/canadian-blood-services-apologizes/) - Over the years I have written about the homophobic treatment of gay men by the Canadian Blood Services. I have railed against the injustice of their screening questions and pointed out that even when gay men were allowed to donate the 5 year abstinence required essentially negated the policy. For years, the blood donor service
- [Songs about sunshine](https://www.davehamel.com/2023/11/04/songs-about-sunshine/) - I have no idea why but I have been thinking of making this list of songs for AGES! I am not sure why I think sunshine songs deserve their own category. It's like songs about roses, or the color blue. There is just something universal I guess. Anyway, here are my favorite songs about sunshine.
- [Exposed: How Canadian Blood Services Betrayed Donors and Patients](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/09/13/exposed-how-canadian-blood-services-betrayed-donors-and-patients/) - Canadian Blood Services promised plasma would stay in Canada — but a secret deal with Grifols proves otherwise. Here’s why Canadians should be concerned.
- [The Mystery of Consciousness: Anesthesia, Identity, and the Self](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/09/12/the-mystery-of-consciousness-anesthesia-identity-and-the-self/) - Anesthesia disconnects the brain’s orchestra, turning off awareness entirely. What this reveals about consciousness, identity, and the mystery of selfhood.
- [Parotidectomy at TGH: a Miracle of Modern Medicine](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/09/10/parotidectomy-at-tgh-a-miracle-of-modern-medicine/) - I just had, what I would consider a miraculous experience. I had surgery and I remember none of it. While I was unconscious I had a parotidectomy.
- [The Three-Hobby Rule: A Surprisingly Simple Path to Fulfillment](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/09/03/the-three-hobby-rule-a-surprisingly-simple-path-to-fulfillment/) - Hobbies aren’t optional—they’re vital for a meaningful life. The three-hobby rule can nurture your mind, body, and creativity.
- [Strong](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/06/16/strong/) - I am in love with this song right now. Strong by London Grammar. To me it is reminiscent of Florence and the Machine.
- [Top movies](https://www.davehamel.com/2015/06/03/top-movies/) - I started making a list of the top movies for me personally. It's difficult because there are so many movies I love and movies that were important at certain times in my life. Here is the first installment of my list. 1) The Darjeeling Limited Directed by Wed Andersen Starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason
- [Dream coming true](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/12/23/dream-coming-true/) - I have frequently thought that one day I would become a potter. I remember working with clay back in high school and loving it. That was 25 years ago. It's funny how long some things take. This Christmas I received a potters wheel and kiln from Zuimei. I am literally going from zero to 100
- [Ramble on](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/12/01/ramble-on/) - This will be a rambling post. it doesn't really have a message or purpose other than a way for me to get my thoughts down.
- [Mercy, merci! Why Medical Assistance in Dying is a Mercy](https://www.davehamel.com/2014/06/11/mercy-merci/) - Quebec became the first province in the country to pass into law legislation allowing "medical aid" in dying and as a result sparked a debate regarding end of life care. There is a lot of push back from religious and palliative care groups against assisted suicide and according to media it is a polarizing issue. Even
- [When designers go evil](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/11/24/when-designers-go-evil/) - My friend JP shared this presentation via twitter and I am ashamed to say I have participated in the dark side of design. Personally I think of my time at the CBC as a sort of penance - a purgatory if you will. Dark patterns shows the ways companies and UX designers have set out
- [Bring on Israelification](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/11/23/bring-on-israelification/) - Given all the hub-bub about the TSA and full body scanners recently I thought I might throw my hat in the ring too. Terrorism like everything else is a matter of numbers. According to Nationmaster.com Canada has the 4th highest deaths to terrorist act ratio in the world with 11.66 deaths/act. Surpassed only by Kenya, Chad
- [The great shame of North America](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/11/16/the-great-shame-of-north-america/) - We have yet to make this right... bullying, simple bullying. http://www.caribuklabber.it/WoundedKnee.htm
- [It gets better - CBC](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/11/15/it-gets-better-cbc/) - I was asked by the lovely and talented May if I would participate in CBC's "It gets better" video. Of course I said "yes". The opportunity to tell younger versions of me to hang on wasn't something I could pass up. Of course after the fact you think of even more things to say. Namely,
- [It gets better](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/10/24/it-gets-better/) - Given the number of young gay people who committed suicide in the US recently a campaign was started entitled "It gets better". Started by Dan Savage It includes councilmen. It even includes President Barak Obama And corporations such as Google. And there is a cute bear at the end:
- [A new Hans Rosling presentation on TED!](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/10/07/a-new-hans-rosling-presentation-on-ted/) - Here is one of the most entertaining presenters with stats. (I know an oxymoron or what, eh?)
- [Sometimes even bullies have a soft spot](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/08/24/sometimes-even-bullies-have-a-soft-spot/) - It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I love the Internet. I love it way more than I could ever love another medium like radio or TV. I also love cats(and have two) so it might be some sort of loner connection between people who surf the web and the normally solitary feline,
- [Paul the Octopus and misunderstanding chance](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/07/20/paul-the-octopus-and-misunderstanding-chance/) - One girl on Youtube bemoans the fact she cannot understand how Paul the Octopus manages to pick the winning world cup team eight out of eight times. It goes to show truly dumb people are and how desperately they want to believe that there are some who can foretell the future and even control it.
- [G20 protests are a waste of time](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/06/23/g20-protests-are-a-waste-of-time/) - Protesting in Canada is a waste of time. Canadians are just not the sort of people who get riled up enough about stuff that isn't hockey to cause a ruckus. The government blows over a billion dollars on a 3 day convention? "Oh well". The police kill an unarmed man in an airport and then
- [How to fix Soccer](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/06/16/how-to-fix-soccer/) - Soccer is a broken sport. It's a bold statement but all one has to do is watch a World Cup match to see where the game falls short - reffing. In their defense being a soccer ref has to be one of the most thankless and high stress jobs in the world so I am
- [204 Beech Ave.: Councillor Sandra Bussin at community meeting June 3, 2010](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/06/04/204-beech-ave-councillor-sandra-bussin-at-community-meeting-june-3-2010/) - I've written about the Teehan's plight twice. If you watch Sandra Bussin you can see how little she cares. She's just going through the motions.
- [An amazing presentation by Sir Ken Robinson](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/26/an-amazing-presentation-by-sir-ken-robinson/) - The ending is amazing, a great finish.
- [Interesting presentation on what drives people](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/17/interesting-presentation-on-what-drives-people/)
- [An easy case for more bike lanes](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/14/an-easy-case-for-more-bike-lanes/) - Cycling can be a dangerous endeavor, but not because there is anything inherently dangerous in cycling but because of the environment you are in. Distracted drivers are the most dangerous issue simply because in an argument between a car and a cyclist the cyclist will loose every time. Today there was a tragic case-in-point when six cyclist were run down
- [Banksy in Toronto](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/11/banksy-in-toronto/) - I am a huge fan of Banksy. I think his work is thought provoking and relevant to modern times. I am a little unsure of his recent works however. He is releasing a new movie called exit through the gift shop. What concerns me is the recent spat of work in Toronto, I noticed one
- [Science is a process](https://www.davehamel.com/2010/05/04/science-is-a-process/) - I came across this great TED talk. I love it when someone talks about the importance of rationality and science. I love the idea that science is a process.
- [More religious idiocy.](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/11/27/more-religious-idiocy/) - Gillian Gibbons, a teacher in the Sudan was arrested for having a teddy bear with the name Mohammad on it. Officials think she might be insulting Islam by naming her teddy bear after the prophet. How stupid is that? So what if she named it Mohammad. I can think of at least a dozen people
- [No more laws (and lawsuits)](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/03/05/no-more-laws-and-lawsuits/) - Canadians like to think that the rest of the world sees them as nice people. The reality is the rest of the world see us as sheep, nice sheep, but sheep. You want to really piss a Canadian off? Budge in front of them in a queue. Canadians like laws, they like order and as
- [Wish I could beat people](https://www.davehamel.com/2008/05/01/wish-i-could-beat-people/) - Some days I really HATE this country. I really do. I wish I could seize power and throttle it into some common sense. The Federal government has moved to block the release of a refugee claimant who claims he has killed four people. This is a good thing. However, They had to because the immigration
- [Credit and the dangers of debt](https://www.davehamel.com/2009/04/21/credit-and-the-dangers-of-debt/) - One of my favorite shows is "Until debt do Us Part" with Gail Vox-Oxlade. To be honest the show just makes me feel supior because I am not as monumentally stupid with my money as the people she helps on the show. The average Canadian student who leaves school with a bachelors degree is $20,000 in
- [Musically challenged Morons made this chart](https://www.davehamel.com/2007/12/06/musically-challenged-retards-made-this-chart/) - I stumbled across this chart of the top 100 Canadian albums of all time. Evidently it was made by musically challenged Morons. Neil Young has an astonishing 7 albums on the chart, yet the Barenaked Ladies do not have even one. Not one! Ever heard of the album Gordon? Speaking of Gordon, where is Gordon
- [Ordinary but Happy: Why a Regular Life Can Be Extraordinary](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/08/26/ordinary-but-happy/) - You don’t need fame or fortune to live a meaningful life. Here’s how one person turned ordinary experiences into lasting happiness—and how you can too.
- [7 Iconic Singer-Songwriters You Need to Hear Before You Die](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/08/17/7-iconic-singer-songwriters-you-need-to-hear-before-you-die/) - Discover 7 legendary singer-songwriters who shaped modern music. From Bob Dylan's wordplay to Joni Mitchell's raw emotion, explore the artists and songs that define great songwriting.
- [Majime vs Amateur: Why You Don’t Need to Be Perfect to Love Your Hobby](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/09/10/majime-vs-amateur-why-you-dont-need-to-be-perfect-to-love-your-hobby/) - Majime, the serious and earnest pursuit of excellence can sometimes be a hindrance
- [Want a New Hobby? Here’s How to Avoid Overspending on Gear and Classes](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/10/15/want-a-new-hobby-heres-how-to-avoid-overspending-on-gear-and-classes/) - Want a new hobby without overspending? Discover smart tips to avoid high costs on gear, classes, and more—while still enjoying what you love.
- [Choosing the Right Hobby: 3 Practical Constraints You Shouldn’t Ignore](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/10/22/choosing-the-right-hobby-3-practical-constraints-you-shouldnt-ignore/) - Practical constraints can influence your choice of hobby. Here's what to think about.
- [Want a New Hobby? Here’s How to Test Before You Commit](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/10/29/want-a-new-hobby-heres-how-to-test-before-you-commit/) - The secret to finding the perfect hobby is to try lots of different things, here is how to try before you commit.
- [When Your Hobby Becomes a Chore: How to Decide If It’s Time to Quit](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/11/05/when-your-hobby-becomes-a-chore-how-to-decide-if-its-time-to-quit/) - If your hobby causes stress, costs too much, or affects your health, it may be time to stop. Here’s how to know when to let go.
- [Ultimate Hobby Categories That Reveal What Makes Us Human](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/11/12/ultimate-hobby-categories-that-reveal-what-makes-us-human/) - Hobbies can be broken down into three categories, and these categories are what make us human
- [How to Turn Hobbies Into Lifelong Friendships](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/11/19/how-to-turn-hobbies-into-lifelong-friendships/) - Making friendships as an adult is hard but essential. Discover how to leverage hobbies to build meaningful friendships that extend beyond shared activities.
- [Stop Waiting for Retirement: Why You Need a Physical Hobby Now](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/11/26/stop-waiting-for-retirement-why-you-need-a-physical-hobby-now/) - Sitting all day is killing us—literally. Discover why having a physical hobby before retirement is crucial for health, longevity, and happiness.
- [Starting a New Hobby? Why a Physical Exam Could Save Your Life](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/12/03/starting-a-new-hobby-why-a-physical-exam-could-save-your-life/) - Before jumping into a new sport or hobby, get a physical. Learn why this simple step can prevent injury, detect hidden issues, and set you up for success.
- [Discover the Ultimate Mental Hobby to Keep Your Mind Thriving](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/12/10/discover-the-ultimate-mental-hobby-to-keep-your-mind-thriving/) - Discover how mental hobbies like chess, language learning, and puzzles can boost brain health, reduce stress, and keep your mind sharp for life.
- [The Surprising Mental and Social Benefits of Playing D&D](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/12/17/the-surprising-mental-and-social-benefits-of-playing-dd/) - Discover how playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) can boost creativity, sharpen your mind, and strengthen social bonds—while having an unforgettable adventure.
- [Unlock Your Creativity: Why a Creative Hobby Can Change Your Life](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/12/31/unlock-your-creativity-why-a-creative-hobby-can-change-your-life/) - Think creativity is only for artists? Think again. Learn how hobbies like knitting, journaling, and pottery can enrich your life and boost happiness.
- [Negative Income Tax: A More Judicious Path to Financial Security](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/08/17/negative-income-tax-a-more-judicious-path-to-financial-security/) - Discover why negative income tax could be the fair and effective alternative to universal basic income Canada needs today.
- [The Lennon Test: Why School Never Taught You How to Be Happy](https://www.davehamel.com/2025/08/18/the-lennon-test-why-school-never-taught-you-how-to-be-happy/) - When they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’
- [Life is not a journey](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/08/23/life-is-not-a-journey/) - I am living this right now. How do I get off? Alan Watts - Why Your Life Is Not A Journey from David Lindberg.
- [WWF why aren't you looking for cheap energy](https://www.davehamel.com/2012/03/30/wwf-why-arent-you-looking-for-cheap-energy/) - As I have written before, I don't buy into the whole Earth Hour bullshit. That doesn't mean I don't care about the planet, or that I am wasteful in my electricity use. It just means I don't buy into the hype. And don't kid yourself, it's hype. They even have educational tools (branded by sponsors
- [Random Images](https://www.davehamel.com/2016/11/01/random-images-52/)
- [Black Lives Matter Hijacks Gay Pride](https://www.davehamel.com/2017/01/19/black-lives-matter-hijacks-gay-pride/) - The Pride Toronto Organization has voted to accept the entire list of demands from the Black Lives Matter. This includes banning the Toronto Police from participating. Effectively the BLM have taken over the gay pride agenda, and enforced their own regardless of the damage to the gay community. This is a very disappointing decision. The
- [All my friends](https://www.davehamel.com/2013/03/22/all-my-friends/) - I love it when a band does a cover that adds to the original. It isn't just a repeat in another voice, but a different interpretation of a song. This is one of those. It's Baths version of LCD's "All My Friends". Unlike the original, this is almost mournful. For comparison here is the original

## Pages

- [About Dave](https://www.davehamel.com/about-2-2/) - I’ve been writing online for twenty years now, which probably says something about me. I got the domain sometime in the early 2000's and it's gone through several iterations. This site began as a place to put thoughts somewhere permanent. Over time it became something else: a record of a life. Not a curated highlight
- [Artwork](https://www.davehamel.com/artwork/)
- [Links](https://www.davehamel.com/links/) - I realized I have no blogroll or links page and there are a ton of links I visit all the time, but don't blog about. I will begin adding them here. Sites:zoologistperfumes.ca - My friend Victor started his own perfume line about 10 years ago or so and he's been very successful. Bat is my
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.davehamel.com/privacy-policy-2/) - Who we are Our website address is: http://www.davehamel.com. What personal data we collect and why we collect it Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.davehamel.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Life](https://www.davehamel.com/category/life/) - Anything that is to do with my life that doesn’t fall into work or play
- [Play](https://www.davehamel.com/category/play/) - Cycling, video games, movies, anything I consider play
- [Stuff](https://www.davehamel.com/category/stuff/) - Anything else that is just stuff.
- [Thoughts](https://www.davehamel.com/category/thoughts-2/) - Thoughts on the world and the things in it.
- [Work](https://www.davehamel.com/category/work/) - Anything work related. Code, Sitecatalyst, analytics.
- [the happy life](https://www.davehamel.com/category/thehappylife/) - Series of blog posts on hobbies and happiness

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- [EA Sports](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ea-sports/)
- [earth](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/earth/)
- [earth hour](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/earth-hour/)
- [earthquake](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/earthquake/)
- [Ecce Homo](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ecce-homo/)
- [education](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/education/)
- [Edward Sharpe](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/edward-sharpe/)
- [Election](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/election/)
- [Election 2012](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/election-2012/)
- [elections](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/elections/)
- [electric scooters](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/electric-scooters/)
- [electricity](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/electricity/)
- [Eli Pariser](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/eli-pariser/)
- [Elias Garcia Martinez](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/elias-garcia-martinez/)
- [elitism](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/elitism/)
- [email](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/email/)
- [email marketing](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/email-marketing/)
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- [emails](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/emails/)
- [emergency chute](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/emergency-chute/)
- [eMetrics](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/emetrics/)
- [endurance training](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/endurance-training/)
- [English Patient](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/english-patient/)
- [environment](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/environment/)
- [equal rights](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/equal-rights/)
- [Eric Fischer](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/eric-fischer/)
- [etiquette](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/etiquette/)
- [EU](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/eu/)
- [euthanasia](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/euthanasia/)
- [Everybody hurts](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/everybody-hurts/)
- [Evolution](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/evolution/)
- [executive physical](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/executive-physical/)
- [exercise](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/exercise/)
- [extortion](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/extortion/)
- [Facebook](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/facebook/)
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- [family](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/family/)
- [father](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/father/)
- [favorite songs](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/favorite-songs/)
- [fear](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/fear/)
- [feminism](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/feminism/)
- [FIFA](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/fifa/)
- [FIFA 2013](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/fifa-2013/)
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- [Fifth Element](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/fifth-element/)
- [FIRE](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/fire/)
- [firing](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/firing/)
- [first dance](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/first-dance/)
- [fish](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/fish/)
- [flagpole](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/flagpole/)
- [flickr](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/flickr/)
- [flowers](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/flowers/)
- [follow](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/follow/)
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- [Food](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/food/)
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- [ford nation](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ford-nation/)
- [france vs. Ireland](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/france-vs-ireland/)
- [freedom](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/freedom/)
- [Frida](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/frida/)
- [Frida Khalo](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/frida-khalo/)
- [friending](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/friending/)
- [friends](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/friends/)
- [Fubasami](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/fubasami/)
- [Fuel efficiency](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/fuel-efficiency/)
- [Fukushima](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/fukushima/)
- [Fun](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/fun/)
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- [funny](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/funny/)
- [future](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/future/)
- [G20](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/g20/)
- [gaijin smash](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/gaijin-smash/)
- [Gail Vaz-Oxlade](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/gail-vaz-oxlade/)
- [Galaxy infuse](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/galaxy-infuse/)
- [gardening](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/gardening/)
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- [gay rights](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/gay-rights/)
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- [gender equality](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/gender-equality/)
- [genetics](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/genetics/)
- [george harrison](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/george-harrison/)
- [ghosts](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ghosts/)
- [ginza](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ginza/)
- [Girl with a Pearl Earring](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/girl-with-a-pearl-earring/)
- [Giro d'Italia](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/giro-ditalia/)
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- [Global TV](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/global-tv/)
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- [government](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/government/)
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- [graffiti](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/graffiti/)
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- [grandmother](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/grandmother/)
- [grave robbing](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/grave-robbing/)
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- [Groundhog Day](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/groundhog-day/)
- [GTA](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/gta/)
- [gun control](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/gun-control/)
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- [hanami](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/hanami/)
- [Hanoi 3 Seasons](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/hanoi-3-seasons/)
- [Hans Rosling](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/hans-rosling/)
- [Harry Patch](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/harry-patch/)
- [harvey milk](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/harvey-milk/)
- [health](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/health/)
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- [helmets](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/helmets/)
- [Henry Rollins](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/henry-rollins/)
- [here comes the sun](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/here-comes-the-sun/)
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- [Hero](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/hero/)
- [high blood pressure](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/high-blood-pressure/)
- [Highlander](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/highlander/)
- [HNIC](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/hnic/)
- [hockey](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/hockey/)
- [Holt Renfrew](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/holt-renfrew/)
- [homeopathy](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/homeopathy/)
- [homophobic](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/homophobic/)
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- [hosting](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/hosting/)
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- [idiots](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/idiots/)
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- [images](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/images/)
- [immigration](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/immigration/)
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- [inaccuracy](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/inaccuracy/)
- [incentives](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/incentives/)
- [income gap](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/income-gap/)
- [incredible](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/incredible/)
- [Indian Road](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/indian-road/)
- [Indigo](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/indigo/)
- [individualism](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/individualism/)
- [inequality](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/inequality/)
- [inequality for all](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/inequality-for-all/)
- [Infernal Affairs](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/infernal-affairs/)
- [influence](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/influence/)
- [innovation](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/innovation/)
- [inspiration](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/inspiration/)
- [Internet](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/internet/)
- [IOC](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ioc/)
- [iowa](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/iowa/)
- [iPhone](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/iphone/)
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- [isis](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/isis/)
- [Islam](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/islam/)
- [Israelification](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/israelification/)
- [It gets better](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/it-gets-better/)
- [iTrade](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/itrade/)
- [Japan](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/japan/)
- [jarvis](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/jarvis/)
- [Javascript](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/javascript/)
- [JDL](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/jdl/)
- [Jesus](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/jesus/)
- [jetblue](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/jetblue/)
- [Jobs](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/jobs/)
- [Joons](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/joons/)
- [Jules](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/jules/)
- [Jure Robic](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/jure-robic/)
- [justice](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/justice/)
- [Kai Nagata](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kai-nagata/)
- [karma](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/karma/)
- [Kenzo](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kenzo/)
- [Kevin Smith](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kevin-smith/)
- [kiln](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kiln/)
- [Kingswood Capital Management](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kingswood-capital-management/)
- [Kinton](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kinton/)
- [kitchen](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kitchen/)
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- [kiva](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kiva/)
- [kiva.org](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kiva-org/)
- [KW classic](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kw-classic/)
- [Kyle Freeman](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/kyle-freeman/)
- [Ladyhawke](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ladyhawke/)
- [lakeshore](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lakeshore/)
- [Lakota](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lakota/)
- [Lance Armstrong](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lance-armstrong/)
- [landlord](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/landlord/)
- [landlords](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/landlords/)
- [lapdogs](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lapdogs/)
- [Las Vegas](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/las-vegas/)
- [laws](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/laws/)
- [leadership](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/leadership/)
- [legislation](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/legislation/)
- [Leigh Donovan](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/leigh-donovan/)
- [lending](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lending/)
- [Leonard Cohen](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/leonard-cohen/)
- [lessons](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lessons/)
- [letter](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/letter/)
- [LFTR](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lftr/)
- [liberals](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/liberals/)
- [licensing](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/licensing/)
- [life](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/life/)
- [Like Facebook](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/like-facebook/)
- [lists](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lists/)
- [Live](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/live/)
- [live like you're dying](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/live-like-youre-dying/)
- [logo](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/logo/)
- [lonely](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lonely/)
- [Loss](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/loss/)
- [lottery](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lottery/)
- [lotto](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/lotto/)
- [Louis Vuitton](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/louis-vuitton/)
- [love songs](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/love-songs/)
- [loyalty](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/loyalty/)
- [luck](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/luck/)
- [macklemore](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/macklemore/)
- [Magazine](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/magazine/)
- [manitoba](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/manitoba/)
- [Maple Yip](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/maple-yip/)
- [maps](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/maps/)
- [Marine](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/marine/)
- [Mark Cavendish](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mark-cavendish/)
- [mark Gonzales](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mark-gonzales/)
- [marketing](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/marketing/)
- [Marlon's Meat](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/marlons-meat/)
- [marriage](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/marriage/)
- [mary bale](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mary-bale/)
- [Mary Ellen Carter](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mary-ellen-carter/)
- [mascots](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mascots/)
- [mathematics](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mathematics/)
- [May 25th](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/may-25th/)
- [mayor](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mayor/)
- [mean](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mean/)
- [meaning of life](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/meaning-of-life/)
- [meat](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/meat/)
- [MEC](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mec/)
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- [media](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/media/)
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- [meeting](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/meeting/)
- [memes](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/memes/)
- [mental health](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mental-health/)
- [menus](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/menus/)
- [metrics](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/metrics/)
- [metrolinks](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/metrolinks/)
- [Mexican](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mexican/)
- [Mexico](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mexico/)
- [Milk](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/milk/)
- [millennials](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/millennials/)
- [minimum wage](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/minimum-wage/)
- [mobile](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mobile/)
- [Mohammed](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mohammed/)
- [Molly Wei](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/molly-wei/)
- [mom](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mom/)
- [Momofuku](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/momofuku/)
- [money](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/money/)
- [motivation.](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/motivation/)
- [mountain bikes](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mountain-bikes/)
- [Mountain Equipment Coop](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mountain-equipment-coop/)
- [moustache](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/moustache/)
- [moustaches](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/moustaches/)
- [movember](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/movember/)
- [movie](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/movie/)
- [movies](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/movies/)
- [Music](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/music/)
- [myself](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/myself/)
- [Myuran Sukumaran](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/myuran-sukumaran/)
- [naming rights](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/naming-rights/)
- [Native rights](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/native-rights/)
- [Neda dying](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/neda-dying/)
- [Needles](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/needles/)
- [Netflix](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/netflix/)
- [netherlands](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/netherlands/)
- [New Hampshire](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/new-hampshire/)
- [newbar](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/newbar/)
- [Newmarket](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/newmarket/)
- [news](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/news/)
- [newsroom](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/newsroom/)
- [newtown](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/newtown/)
- [Nexpoint](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/nexpoint/)
- [NHL](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/nhl/)
- [no-brainer](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/no-brainer/)
- [noodle](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/noodle/)
- [noodles](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/noodles/)
- [Norton](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/norton/)
- [npr](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/npr/)
- [numbers](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/numbers/)
- [o-cup](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/o-cup/)
- [obesity](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/obesity/)
- [Ocup](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ocup/)
- [office pool](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/office-pool/)
- [OHIP](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ohip/)
- [olympics](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/olympics/)
- [one day](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/one-day/)
- [Ontario](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ontario/)
- [onvotes 2011](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/onvotes-2011/)
- [opinion](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/opinion/)
- [oppression](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/oppression/)
- [organ donation](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/organ-donation/)
- [orlando](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/orlando/)
- [oscars](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/oscars/)
- [Ottawa](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ottawa/)
- [packing](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/packing/)
- [paintings](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/paintings/)
- [pan-am games](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/pan-am-games/)
- [Pantalone](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/pantalone/)
- [Pantheon](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/pantheon/)
- [Paris](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/paris/)
- [paris is burning](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/paris-is-burning/)
- [parks](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/parks/)
- [parties](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/parties/)
- [password](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/password/)
- [Patents](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/patents/)
- [Pattison advertising](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/pattison-advertising/)
- [Paul the octopus](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/paul-the-octopus/)
- [paving](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/paving/)
- [payday loans](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/payday-loans/)
- [pc plus](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/pc-plus/)
- [PC Sheppard](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/pc-sheppard/)
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- [philanthropy](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/philanthropy/)
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- [philosophy](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/philosophy/)
- [photo](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/photo/)
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- [piano stairs](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/piano-stairs/)
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- [public art](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/public-art/)
- [publications](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/publications/)
- [QuAIA](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/quaia/)
- [Queen](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/queen/)
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- [Radiohead](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/radiohead/)
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- [ramen](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ramen/)
- [ramen recipe](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ramen-recipe/)
- [random](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/random/)
- [random images](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/random-images/)
- [random nonsense](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/random-nonsense/)
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- [siblings](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/siblings/)
- [Silk Road](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/silk-road/)
- [simplify](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/simplify/)
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- [slacktavism](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/slacktavism/)
- [Smitherman](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/smitherman/)
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- [somebody to love](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/somebody-to-love/)
- [songs](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/songs/)
- [Sony](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/sony/)
- [soup stock](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/soup-stock/)
- [South Africa vs. Uruguay](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/south-africa-vs-uruguay/)
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- [spam](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/spam/)
- [spirituality](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/spirituality/)
- [spoken word](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/spoken-word/)
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- [statistics](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/statistics/)
- [stats](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/stats/)
- [Stephen fry](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/stephen-fry/)
- [Steve Jobs](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/steve-jobs/)
- [Steven Slater](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/steven-slater/)
- [Stop the meter](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/stop-the-meter/)
- [Strava](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/strava/)
- [streaming](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/streaming/)
- [Strike](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/strike/)
- [Stupid](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/stupid/)
- [Subways](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/subways/)
- [suicide](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/suicide/)
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- [Summit](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/summit/)
- [Sung Lee](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/sung-lee/)
- [sunshine](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/sunshine/)
- [supreme court](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/supreme-court/)
- [surgery](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/surgery/)
- [survey](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/survey/)
- [survivor](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/survivor/)
- [Suunto](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/suunto/)
- [Szechuan legend](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/szechuan-legend/)
- [table numbers](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/table-numbers/)
- [TAC](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tac/)
- [tacos](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tacos/)
- [tagging](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tagging/)
- [taiwan](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/taiwan/)
- [tank](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tank/)
- [targeted](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/targeted/)
- [taxes](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/taxes/)
- [tea](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tea/)
- [technology](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/technology/)
- [TED](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ted/)
- [teehan](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/teehan/)
- [teehans](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/teehans/)
- [television](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/television/)
- [tenants](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tenants/)
- [teppanyaki](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/teppanyaki/)
- [terry pratchett](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/terry-pratchett/)
- [Testing](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/testing/)
- [tests](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tests/)
- [the butchers](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/the-butchers/)
- [The Cook the thief his wife and her lover](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/the-cook-the-thief-his-wife-and-her-lover/)
- [the Current](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/the-current/)
- [The Da Vinci Code](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/the-da-vinci-code/)
- [The Darjeeling Limited](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/the-darjeeling-limited/)
- [The Mummy](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/the-mummy/)
- [the start of somthing good](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/the-start-of-somthing-good/)
- [theft](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/theft/)
- [Theme park](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/theme-park/)
- [thierry henry](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/thierry-henry/)
- [Thomson](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/thomson/)
- [thorium](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/thorium/)
- [thoughts](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/thoughts/)
- [throwing](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/throwing/)
- [Tiananmen Square](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tiananmen-square/)
- [tiger direct](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tiger-direct/)
- [Tim Minchin](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tim-minchin/)
- [time trials](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/time-trials/)
- [toilets](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/toilets/)
- [Tokyo](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tokyo/)
- [tonkotsu](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tonkotsu/)
- [top 5](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/top-5/)
- [top posts](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/top-posts/)
- [torch song trilogy](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/torch-song-trilogy/)
- [toronto](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/toronto/)
- [Toronto bag policies](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/toronto-bag-policies/)
- [Toronto Star](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/toronto-star/)
- [Toronto sun](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/toronto-sun/)
- [totoro](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/totoro/)
- [touhenboku](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/touhenboku/)
- [Tour de France](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tour-de-france/)
- [Tour de Terra Cotta](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tour-de-terra-cotta/)
- [traffic](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/traffic/)
- [trans-canada](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/trans-canada/)
- [transit](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/transit/)
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- [trudeau](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/trudeau/)
- [TSA](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tsa/)
- [tsunami](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tsunami/)
- [TTC](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ttc/)
- [Turkey](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/turkey/)
- [turning lane](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/turning-lane/)
- [tv](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tv/)
- [Twitter](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/twitter/)
- [Tyler Clementi](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/tyler-clementi/)
- [u2](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/u2/)
- [UBB](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ubb/)
- [Ukai-tei](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ukai-tei/)
- [UN](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/un/)
- [undecided](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/undecided/)
- [uniforms](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/uniforms/)
- [universal](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/universal/)
- [universal basic income](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/universal-basic-income/)
- [universal income](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/universal-income/)
- [unlock](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/unlock/)
- [UPX](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/upx/)
- [Urban Rogues](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/urban-rogues/)
- [urology](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/urology/)
- [US](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/us/)
- [usage](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/usage/)
- [utilities](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/utilities/)
- [UX](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ux/)
- [vacation](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/vacation/)
- [vaccines](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/vaccines/)
- [Van Bynen](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/van-bynen/)
- [vancouver](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/vancouver/)
- [Vicki Robin](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/vicki-robin/)
- [Video](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/video/)
- [video games](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/video-games/)
- [videos](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/videos/)
- [vodka](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/vodka/)
- [vote](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/vote/)
- [voting](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/voting/)
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- [water](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/water/)
- [waterfront](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/waterfront/)
- [we are equals](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/we-are-equals/)
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- [wealth](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/wealth/)
- [web](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/web/)
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- [websites](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/websites/)
- [wedding](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/wedding/)
- [wedding stuff](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/wedding-stuff/)
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- [weight](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/weight/)
- [Weight issues](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/weight-issues/)
- [wicked_problem](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/wicked_problem/)
- [winter](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/winter/)
- [women](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/women/)
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- [work](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/work-2/)
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- [writing](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/writing/)
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- [Wynne](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/wynne/)
- [Xian](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/xian/)
- [Xibi Group](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/xibi-group/)
- [yahoo](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/yahoo/)
- [year-end](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/year-end/)
- [Yosuke Oda](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/yosuke-oda/)
- [Youtube](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/youtube/)
- [Zach Wahl](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/zach-wahl/)
- [Ze Frank](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ze-frank/)
- [zoo](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/zoo/)
- [zuimei](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/zuimei/)
- [ecommerce](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ecommerce/)
- [usability](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/usability/)
- [cool websites](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/cool-websites/)
- [UBI](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ubi/)
- [painting](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/painting/)
- [acrylics](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/acrylics/)
- [hobbies](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/hobbies/)
- [happiness](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/happiness/)
- [hobby](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/hobby/)
- [amateur](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/amateur/)
- [ikigai](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/ikigai/)
- [expense](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/expense/)
- [production](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/production/)
- [constraints](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/constraints/)
- [time](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/time/)
- [yoga](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/yoga/)
- [quitting](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/quitting/)
- [mental](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mental/)
- [creative](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/creative/)
- [friend](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/friend/)
- [friendship](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/friendship/)
- [annual](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/annual/)
- [D&D](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/dd/)
- [negative income tax](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/negative-income-tax/)
- [singer-songwriters](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/singer-songwriters/)
- [investing](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/investing/)
- [inflation](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/inflation/)
- [finances](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/finances/)
- [mistakes](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/mistakes/)
- [UHN](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/uhn/)
- [Toronto General Hospital](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/toronto-general-hospital/)
- [self](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/self/)
- [consciousness](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/consciousness/)
- [anesthesia](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/anesthesia/)
- [blood donation](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/blood-donation/)
- [memory](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/memory/)
- [stupid. kid](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/stupid-kid/)
- [insurance](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/insurance/)
- [credit](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/credit/)
- [poem](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/poem/)
- [resilience](https://www.davehamel.com/tag/resilience/)