Quebecois
-
Posts
2008 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by Quebecois
-
-
http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/04/01/abc-a...%E2%80%9D/46838
Good grief. For the next 7 weeks, ABC is going to have a countdown clock for the final episode of Lost. It is going to be displayed on ALL prime time shows on ABC. What are they thinking? That's going to be SO annoying.
Lol as someone who doesn't watch ABC shows other than Lost and Modern Family, I think that's phenomenal.
I don't know what the LOST ratings will be on the finale, I suspect they will be quite large but nothing close to MASH/Seinfeld/Friends territory, but you'd have to say that this is going to be one of the most anticipated TV events in recent memory.
-
For what it's worth, I grew up within a 40 minute drive of Brantford.
I'm not trying to single you out...just point out what I feel is a major issue with the "green" building movement. That is: bold claims that are not backed up, proven or tested. The claims made by solar, wind, LED, and many other technologies are so overblown that it will cause most of these tech's to fizzle in just a couple years as people become disillusioned with them. Most people writing articles are taking the manufacturers claims and the politicians claims as fact...it's ALMOST comical. The problem is that many people are pushing for the widespread use of these technologies to the tune of BILLIONS in government spending. So the end result is a lot of government debt for products/technologies that are years away from being able to perform anywhere close to the claims being made...and woops, we'll be stuck with the early versions that don't perform...
There are a number of companies in the lighting industry worth billions of dollars...they are spending 90+% of their R&D money on developing product that PROPERLY integrates LED's into fixtures. (ie. not using a cheap retrofit/replacement lamp like this small Brantford company). This wouldn't be happening if LED's didn't hold a lot of promise that was close to paying off. However, I believe that most small to mid-size LED companies are looking to get bought by the larger firms or simply make a quick buck off of the local government through subsidy and gov't projects. In reality, there are hundreds of these small firms with no real patents to their names...they are just trying to capitalize on a trendy tech by marketing themselves as "green". Many are simply bringing in essentially complete product from off-shore and claiming it's CDN. Most of the off-shore product is pretty bad, but there ARE some good ones too. I checked out the website of this Brantford company and I didn't see anything I'd recommend...for what it's worth, they'll get smoked in the streetlighting market as all the "majors" are about to launch product soon, if they haven't already...their competitive advantage will be about 1,000,000, to every 1 fixture this guy sells. Since his version of tech has no differentiation he's dead in the water chasing that application.
Don't get me wrong, on LED's specifically they are coming along rapidly, and improving monthly...they ARE a massive part of the future of lighting, especially streetlighting. In many applications they are already the right light source for consulting engineers to choose. Also worth noting that LED's are not exactly perfect when it comes to recycling (sure they don't use mercury but there are disposal issues...). There are also some questions/issues with the limited resources used to make LED chips (Gallium for one)...though I suspect the industry will overcome that concern.
Yeah fair enough, I can certainly understand that there is a lot of myth out there when it comes to the green shift and I definitely need to be careful to not simply take things at face value.
The frustration for me lies with the slow moving city council here in the city and that frustration is certainly not exclusive to a lack of productivity with regards to the "green economy". I still consider myself a bit of an outsider as far as Brantford goes, as I'm only here temporarily as a student, but it is stunning how little has gotten done here since the local economy went in the tank 25 years ago.
-
Gah I can't believe I didn't get Silence of the Lambs...Nice one.
-
I've worked in the lighting industry for my entire career...specifically in the infrastructure, industrial, commercial segments. There is so much misleading information with regards to LED Lighting claims in the news papers that you almost have to disregard them completely.
For starters, would you want your local politicians to okay buying 1000's of streetlights from a small start-up that probably doesn't have a great handle on implementing LED technology into a fixture? What happens if/when the product doesn't live up to claims?
I know my industry very well...there is no local company in Brantford that can supply quality LED streetlighting which provides enough light to currently accepted standards. In fact, I'm not wholly convinced that there are any products on the market which legitimately outperform current High Pressure Sodium lamps for energy efficiency. The LED story is currently sold on the potential for improved maintenance...but there are still issues around those claims too.
I've been to Clinton Climate Initiative meetings/shows, the CaGBC shows, etc...they are FULL of politicians looking for a PR opportunity...what better way then to push for highly visible LED streetlights that "save energy"...who cares if the claims aren't justified. There is a manufacturer that says it's true so they get their newspaper article from a young reporter that doesn't really know anything about LED's...not singling you out here...
That's where you lost me. I believe you know a ton more about this topic than what I will ever care to know, but who said anything about 1000s of streetlights? I'm talking about testing the product. If you are going to hype up a company and talk about moving an entire city's industry into the "green economy", well then why not put your money where your mouth is?
As for the second bolded part, you're right, they don't currently have the infrastructure to provide streetlights for the city, but it appears to be a growing business and with a little support, it could just work.
I don't know how familiar you are with Brantford, but the city could use a win. We're talking about an area that went from being one of the leading manufacturing centres in all of Canada to one that reached 25% unemployment just 15 years ago. My whole point is that risks need to be taken and opportunities need to be explored. The university coming to the downtown core was a big step in the right direction, but let's not just stop there.
As for not singling me out, well you definitely did, but that's ok
If this was the actual focus of what I'm working on then maybe I'd be able to invest more time into it, but it is only a small portion of what I'm looking at with the city and all I see from the sidelines is a business that is at least trying something and a city that appears to be reluctant to even stick its foot in the water let alone dive in. Like the owner of the company said, he's a loyal Brantfordian but he will have no problem taking his business elsewhere if the opportunity arises. He specifically mentioned London as an example of a city that is at least exploring greener options, which could end up being just another example of Brantford losing out on a potential moneymaker. -
It was embarassing to read recently that Canada is actually going backwards in terms of 'green' policy. A decade ago, we were closer to the forefront. Now we're one of the worst industrialized nations in terms of polluting per capita. Canada, as usual, stands for nothing. People may have hated Trudeau and Chretien, but at least those guys had Canada standing for something. Now we're a wishy washy political mess that takes no stand on anything.
It is all talk and no action.
Just yesterday I interviewed a guy who started a company in Brantford, Ontario that produces LED lighting, solar panels and such. He started his company in 1996 out of Brantford, which has been one of the most economically depressed cities in Canada since the mid 80s. The only reason I found out about his company was through the local MPP and one of the city council members, they both spoke about how badly they wanted to see Brantford become a "green hub" in southern Ontario. Seems like a perfect opportunity for a city that is trying to find an identity after an economic crisis left it crippled.
In 14 years, not once has the city approached him about putting in LED lighting for street lights, setting up solar panels as a form of "greener" energy etc etc. He has yet to sell a single product to the city.
German developers are looking for an opportunity to come over and really get this sector of the economy booming, but they are reluctant to do so with the government so slow to get on board (and I mean not just say they are on board, but actually throw some coin into the project).
-
To be fair, televisions take up a very very small amount of energy.
But I will not participate anyway, the same politicians who advertise earth hour are the ones who say no to solar energy, LED lighting, other forms of renewable energy etc. etc.
Canada is so late into the game of the "green economy" it is pathetic.
-
#9b perhaps?
I was hoping for nudity
I'm terrible at this. Though I don't watch a ton of movies, I don't think I've seen any of the ones that have been discovered thus far.
-
And yet the vikings voted against the new rule.
Haha wow, that's hilarious.
-
One year too late for Vikes fans
-
How did you watch it already?
CTV decided to start airing it at 7 because of American Idol I believe
-
LOST was at its best tonight, absolutely unbelievable.
And does anyone else watch Breaking Bad?
-
How much are the Twins worth on a whole, 200 million?
-
If you don't speak french, watch RDS. It allows you to make your own assessments and not rely on the lazy sportscasters to influence your opinion. If you do understand french, turn off the sound.
Brunet called out Phaneuf last night for being slow and not very physical. Healey broke out the hyperbole and
essentially spitshined Phaneuf's unit, proclaiming that Phaneuf is the reason the Leafs have played well of late.
So two people watching the same game with opinions that are diametrically opposed. Could bias have anything
to do with it? Damn right it does. So the lazy viewer watching CBC will regurgitate what Healey said, the lazy
viewer watching RDS will do the same with Brunet. Result? Numerous arguments between Leaf and habs fans on
Monday regurgitating the bias that they share.
If Hughson and Simpson think the Habs are too small, why care? Hal Gill is 6'7" and 250 lbs and is one of the
softest players I have ever seen, Josh Gorges is 6'1" 200 lbs and refuses to back down to anybody in the corners.
The majority of media (not all) offer an uninformed opinion on the majority of subjects. If you have watched
70 Canadiens games this season, why does Hughson have a more informed opinion? Don't overestimate ones
IQ or knowledge based on their job title.
Well said, the only problem is I gotta hear the arena sounds or the game just lacks intensity. Makes me remember the good old days when SRC's commentators went on strike and they aired the games with only the crowd noise
-
Yeah I don't see how TJ could bring what LT can bring, despite the fact that TJ is the far superior runner at this point, LT still has the receiving skills that make him attractive as a third down back. I'd imagine his pass protection is still quite good as well.
Speaking of which, Tony Richardson was re-signed today. The guy is getting up there but is still one of the best blocking FBs in the league. I thought he did a great job last season.Richardson, man he must be late 30s. Great blocking FB indeed, but I still laugh at the year he made the Pro Bowl as the Vikes FB. He was used very sparingly out of the I-form if I recall correctly.
-
That just leads weight to my case that Ovie got off light...AGAIN. Someone on TSN made a point saying..the NHL will keep tacking on 2gm suspensions for other players that get the book thrown at him.
On a side note..did you hear what Boudreau said about how "I dont understand how having Ovie out of the league suspended is better for the league?" what arrogance...since they're a star player there should be people looking away from dirtiness? That is the height of arrogance by Boudreau...I hope someone hurts Ovie...and bad.
Boudreau is likely the biggest whiner in the NHL. He also blamed TSN for constantly talking about questionable hits.
-
The NHL factors in 'past history' to a lot of their suspensions. Laps is an idiot, a pest, but has no suspension history. Remember when Georgy got suspended earlier in the year the league said he had a history of trouble, yet, he had a lot less than what Ovie has racked up in the last 12 month period. I just find it unfair...the end result is nothing to me really, I just feel let down by the league.
They also factor in injuries and Scott Nichol is back playing hockey and Brian Campbell is out for the season.
-
This "logic" utterly baffles me. If the push was dirty, how could riding him into the boards have been legal? That would have ended much worse and actually would have deserved a severe penalty and suspension. That would have entailed Ovechkin driving him all the way from the goal line into the boards, which would have driven Campbell face first into the boards. Now THAT would have been intent to injure.
I disagree. If Ovy had ridden Campbell into the boards I don't think the hit would have been nearly as dangerous as it was when he shoved him from a few feet out. Look at the way Campbell goes flying into the boards a result of Ovechkin's carelessness. His head and shoulders are put in that awkward position that so often results in long-term injuries. An lo and behold, it has resulted in a long-term injury. That's what made Lapierre's shove so dangerous. The fact that Nichol isn't injured and Lapierre still received 4 games should tell you that Ovechkin should be in line for even more than that. Whether he will actually face the music is another matter.
-
Woohoo!
Shonn Greene, Ladanian Tomlinson and hopefully Leon Washington. I like. Our O-Line is 10x better then the one in San Diego, I'm not worried about LT's drop in production.
It's a nice signing, but in what way are you not worried about his drop in production? He is on a steep decline regardless of the oline differences, it is simply what RBs do when they reach 30 years old, particularly if they have been a number 1 back for most of their careers.
This is Greene's backfield IMO, LT will probably get 10 touches or less on most weeks, hopefully for the Jets he can make the most of them.
-
The NHL is absurd. AK gets a penalty for that, yet Cooke and Richards received nothing? Cooke gets zero
suspension, yet Lapierre gets 4 games? Nonsense.
On the Lapierre topic, how many games does Ovy get for his hit on Brian Campbell this afternoon? Looked like a carbon copy to me. Bet he gets away with no suspension.
-
When is JM going to learn...
DO
NOT
SIT
BACK!!!
Maybe he'll learn if we actually start to lose by sitting back? Sure it has created a few tense moments but we're the 7th best team in the NHL when leading after 2. A .920 win percentage is fairly efficient, especially since I would guess that a lot of those leads are slim ones given the fact that we rarely blow other teams out.
-
LT leaves Minny without a deal. Next visit will be with the Jets. We could definitely use him with T.J signing with the Chiefs. Surprised the Pats have made no inquiries on these guys.
Apparently he had a good meeting with the Vikes though so I'm not ruling it out yet.
-
On a side note, does anyone else thing that they should not list guest stars until the end of episodes? It takes away from things that are supposed to be surprising, such as Widmore's appearance at the end of last night's episode. I saw his name pop up in the opening credits and when he hadn't shown up by the end, it was obvious he would be in the submarine.
Frustrates me to no end. Glad I missed Widemore's name in the credits yesterday. But seeing all of the guest stars in the premiere really sucked.
-
Movies
in The Lounge
I almost forgot, I was very happy to see Michael Giacchino win the Oscar for best score. He's definitely become one of my favourite composers. In addition to Up, he's done music for Pixar's Ratatouille and The Incredibles, he's been JJ Abram's go-to-guy for Star Trek, Fringe, Lost, and Alias, and did some of my favourite video game music for the Medal of Honor series.The only other score I heard that was nominated was Horner's music for Avatar, which I didn't think was his best work. The music was good and fit the movie very well, but there were too many times when I thought I was hearing Titanic and a couple parts where I expected to start hearing Celine Dion belt out My Heart Will Go On. I'd say that this, lack or true originality, is the same reason the movie didn't take home best picture.
Pretty much agree with everything. The LOST soundtrack is just fantastic, as was the soundtrack for Up. Well deserving of the Oscar.
By the way, for LOST fans, the guy who played Minkowski (Fisher Stevens) also won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
-
LT visiting with the Vikes on Thursday, perhaps he can teach AP how to hold onto the football?
The Official TV Thread
in The Lounge
Posted · Edited by Quebecois
Yeah I don't think I've been this excited about a comedy since Seinfeld. Maybe Flight of the Conchords but that was almost more of a mini-series, Modern Family started off very strong and has only gotten better IMO.
And Joe, enjoy the ride that is Dexter. Season 1 is tremendous but in my opinion it only ranks 3rd among the 4 seasons. The first book follows the first season fairly closely, and I'd recommend giving that a read if you enjoy it.