NAHREMAN ISSA
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. It’s a song many people love to sing once the Christmas holiday comes around. Not me though. I’m not a big fan of the fluffy white stuff. In fact, I can’t stand temperatures under the freezing mark. How I continue to live in Alberta, I’ll never understand!
I’ve loved the temperatures so far. Above seasonal temperatures, NO snow, and it was the end of November. I don’t mind having a brown Christmas whatsoever. I remember years ago when it was about mildly warm on Christmas day that there was no snow on the ground. That was great.
Now, before I rip the snow apart, I will say this. If it were to stay like this, only like one to two inches of snow once a week, I’d be happy with that. If all you needed was a broom to brush the snow off sidewalks, I’d be so happy with the light dusting. It would be fantastic if it were to melt the next day.
But when you are shoveling snow up to your knees, the snow plows have built snow castles five feet high, that’s not fun for me. It also doesn’t help when it’s minus 30. Oh God, I’m not ready for the winter. Why does it have to be so cold?
One thing I don’t understand is when I hear people in the city actually want the snow. I overhear sales clerks, people at school, etc, who say they wish it would snow so they can ski, or have a white Christmas. I can sort of understand the people who want to ski or snowboard, but they can go to the mountains for that. Why can’t Mother Nature just let it snow there?
But the people who say they want it to snow here for a white Christmas bother me. Once again, if it were a dusting of snow, it would be okay. But we know Mother Nature is going to unleash her scorn against Albertans and cover us up with the white stuff.
So boo to the snow and the cold temperatures. The only thing that gets me through the initial cold period is that it’s Christmas time. I love this time of year. All I want for Christmas is no snow and above freezing temperatures.
Make that happen Santa (and Mother Nature), I’m sure I must be on the good list.*
*probably not!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
They Got It- The Right Stuff
NAHREMAN ISSA
Just this past Tuesday, a part of my childhood returned as the New Kids on the Block returned to Edmonton, 18 years after their last visit. Mind you, I was roughly seven when they were at their peak, so I didn’t have an obsession on them like my older sisters did. But I do credit them for my love affair with the five guys from Boston.
Now please don’t judge me for being a pop lover because I’m not. This was my very first pop concert. I didn’t know what to expect. But the guys PUT ON A SHOW!
While I wasn’t excited for their new stuff, it was pretty decent. But c’mon, you know everyone was there to hear the big hits such as ‘Step by Step’ and ‘Hanging Tough’. Even though they haven’t performed together for such a long time, they still had it. They sang (no lip-synching thank God!), they danced all around the stage, and they engaged in the audience. Well, everyone but Jonathan Knight. It was as if he didn’t want to be there, but I guess he was always the shy one.
Nice touch with them moving to the back of the arena to another small stage to get closer to fans at the other end at Rexall Place. And of course, the occasional bra was thrown on stage.
My piece of advice with any band that comes to Edmonton, if you want to get on the crowds good side, ALWAYS MENTION HOCKEY! NKOTB are huge sports fans, incorporating it into videos being played at the concert, and Donnie Wahlberg’s Boston hats worn with every outfit change. But the icing on the cake was at the end, when they were performing ‘Hanging Tough’ the boys came out in Oilers away jerseys. That was definitely one of the highlights of the night for me. You can’t go wrong with the Oilers!
I’ll have a more in-depth concert review in the Nait’s newspaper, The Nugget. If you can’t get a copy, I’ll post it.
I give this concert FIVE STARS.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
When it comes to customer service in our city, where is it?!
NAHREMAN ISSA
It’s a question that has plagued hundreds of thousands of Albertan’s ever since the “Boom”. Where is the customer service we used to have? Bill Fortier over at CTV did a two part series in regards to this pressing question. He went in undercover to a couple of stores here in our city, and the results are pretty bad. Sadly, they’re not too surprising.
It’s been brutal trying to get any sort of help in many stores. You need to wait a while for any sort of assistance if you’re shopping at any big chain. You get some employees who feel the need to not offer you an enjoyable experience just because they know they can’t get fired for just half-assing it at work.
All I ask for when I go into a store is for the worker to say hello. That’s it! I can’t stand when I walk in and I don’t get acknowledged. If you and I can engage in some partial form of eye contact, how hard is it to say hi.
I understand with the lack of available workers, employees are getting overworked and not appreciated for it. But I acknowledge the efforts these people put in when I actually see them work hard. There are some employees though who are just lazy and couldn’t give a care about anything. How many times have you walked into a store and seen the employees standing around talking to each other, totally oblivious there’s a customer there. It’s always those people who just get on my last nerve.
Here’s my motto… the company you work for may not be your store, but show some initiative. If there’s a huge lineup at your till, instead of gingerly just ringing up the items, work just a little harder to get that line moving faster.
I’m not asking you to work so hard that sweat beads are coming down your face; just please put some effort into it. This may not be your career but it’s your job.
But in the end, while we should hope to get good customer service, the consumer should also be considerate. If the worker is trying their hardest, let them know you appreciate their hard work.
Let’s just hope Fortier’s feature might get employers shaking things up at their work place… and please say hi to every customer that walks in.
Thanks!
It’s a question that has plagued hundreds of thousands of Albertan’s ever since the “Boom”. Where is the customer service we used to have? Bill Fortier over at CTV did a two part series in regards to this pressing question. He went in undercover to a couple of stores here in our city, and the results are pretty bad. Sadly, they’re not too surprising.
It’s been brutal trying to get any sort of help in many stores. You need to wait a while for any sort of assistance if you’re shopping at any big chain. You get some employees who feel the need to not offer you an enjoyable experience just because they know they can’t get fired for just half-assing it at work.
All I ask for when I go into a store is for the worker to say hello. That’s it! I can’t stand when I walk in and I don’t get acknowledged. If you and I can engage in some partial form of eye contact, how hard is it to say hi.
I understand with the lack of available workers, employees are getting overworked and not appreciated for it. But I acknowledge the efforts these people put in when I actually see them work hard. There are some employees though who are just lazy and couldn’t give a care about anything. How many times have you walked into a store and seen the employees standing around talking to each other, totally oblivious there’s a customer there. It’s always those people who just get on my last nerve.
Here’s my motto… the company you work for may not be your store, but show some initiative. If there’s a huge lineup at your till, instead of gingerly just ringing up the items, work just a little harder to get that line moving faster.
I’m not asking you to work so hard that sweat beads are coming down your face; just please put some effort into it. This may not be your career but it’s your job.
But in the end, while we should hope to get good customer service, the consumer should also be considerate. If the worker is trying their hardest, let them know you appreciate their hard work.
Let’s just hope Fortier’s feature might get employers shaking things up at their work place… and please say hi to every customer that walks in.
Thanks!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
All Hail President Obama
NAHREMAN ISSA
The moment has finally arrived. After two years of heavy campaigning, Barack Obama is the first black President of the United States of America. It has a great ring to it, hey?
America got it right this time around. Obama is exactly what the States need to change their image worldwide. Now it’s time to put the magic that is Barack Obama into American foreign policy. Change was needed and Obama will provide that.
Watching him accept his presidential win, listening to the words come out of his mouth during his speech made me tear up. I had goosebumps… I’m not even American but this meant so much to the entire world.
Every second Facebook status mentioned Obama (and all in a good light). My parents spent all night watching Arabic satellite. The presidential race was all over the news. When they announced Obama as winner, my parents were ecstatic.
News stations showed countries across the globe all cheering for this man. Even terrorist group Hamas is planning on sending a congratulatory letter to Obama for his historic win.
The reason why every one is going crazy for him is because he promises hope… change… optimism.
Here’s hoping to four unbelievable years with Obama. Correction, let’s hope for eight more years of Obama!
--------------------------------------------
The biggest factor in this election was the economy. We can thank George Bush for basically giving Obama the keys to the White House. When the economy is in the tank, American voters like to back up the Democrats. When it’s national security at stake, it’s the Republicans who get the call.
Because Bush basically drove the economy into the ground sending America into an evitable recession, America responded by voting for someone who will concentrate on fixing issues on their home turf. If you’re going to spend billions on something, it should be your people and not a war overseas.
The moment has finally arrived. After two years of heavy campaigning, Barack Obama is the first black President of the United States of America. It has a great ring to it, hey?
America got it right this time around. Obama is exactly what the States need to change their image worldwide. Now it’s time to put the magic that is Barack Obama into American foreign policy. Change was needed and Obama will provide that.
Watching him accept his presidential win, listening to the words come out of his mouth during his speech made me tear up. I had goosebumps… I’m not even American but this meant so much to the entire world.
Every second Facebook status mentioned Obama (and all in a good light). My parents spent all night watching Arabic satellite. The presidential race was all over the news. When they announced Obama as winner, my parents were ecstatic.
News stations showed countries across the globe all cheering for this man. Even terrorist group Hamas is planning on sending a congratulatory letter to Obama for his historic win.
The reason why every one is going crazy for him is because he promises hope… change… optimism.
Here’s hoping to four unbelievable years with Obama. Correction, let’s hope for eight more years of Obama!
--------------------------------------------
The biggest factor in this election was the economy. We can thank George Bush for basically giving Obama the keys to the White House. When the economy is in the tank, American voters like to back up the Democrats. When it’s national security at stake, it’s the Republicans who get the call.
Because Bush basically drove the economy into the ground sending America into an evitable recession, America responded by voting for someone who will concentrate on fixing issues on their home turf. If you’re going to spend billions on something, it should be your people and not a war overseas.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Go Obama Go!!!
It’s the final countdown!
NAHREMAN ISSA
So, who’s it going to be? Will it be Barack Obama or John McCain? Who is going to reign supreme and wind up the President of the world’s most powerful country? It’s the final push to the White House as the election takes place next Tuesday.
This is going to be the election heard around the world. You may not be an American citizen but this election affects everybody. After having George Bush at the helm for eight years, it’s time to get some new blood into the Oval Office.
By new blood, I mean Democratic blood. McCain for the last little while has been trying to differentiate himself from Bush. But McCain is exactly like Bush. He’s a Republican white man with the same policies. McCain just happens to be about a hundred years older than Bush.
Right now, Obama is leading the polls when it comes to popularity. That may be a good sign, but I’m concerned the people in mid-USA are going to come out in droves on Election Day and vote for the Republican Party. That’s exactly what happened in 2004 when Bush was elected again for a second term.
But this is the week we find out if America will actually appoint the first black President. The US can make history here. C’mon America, you screwed it up the last election, don’t fail the world again.
Go Barack Obama Go!!!
NAHREMAN ISSA
So, who’s it going to be? Will it be Barack Obama or John McCain? Who is going to reign supreme and wind up the President of the world’s most powerful country? It’s the final push to the White House as the election takes place next Tuesday.
This is going to be the election heard around the world. You may not be an American citizen but this election affects everybody. After having George Bush at the helm for eight years, it’s time to get some new blood into the Oval Office.
By new blood, I mean Democratic blood. McCain for the last little while has been trying to differentiate himself from Bush. But McCain is exactly like Bush. He’s a Republican white man with the same policies. McCain just happens to be about a hundred years older than Bush.
Right now, Obama is leading the polls when it comes to popularity. That may be a good sign, but I’m concerned the people in mid-USA are going to come out in droves on Election Day and vote for the Republican Party. That’s exactly what happened in 2004 when Bush was elected again for a second term.
But this is the week we find out if America will actually appoint the first black President. The US can make history here. C’mon America, you screwed it up the last election, don’t fail the world again.
Go Barack Obama Go!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
My experience going head-to-head with the hot dog eating champ in the world!
I went head to head with Joey "Jaws" Chestnut in a hot dog eating contest. As some may or may not know, Chestnut is the world champion when it comes to the famous hot dog contest. On July 4, 2007, Chestnut beat the six-time defending hot dog eating contest champion Takeru Kobayashi during the 92 Annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Chestnut ate 66 hot dogs in 12 minutes, which also set a world record. At this year’s contest, he defended his title by eating 59 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
Chestnut was at the Oil Kings game on Friday, October 10 for a team promotion. Members of the media were able to go head-to-head against the competitive eater, and I got a few pointers from the world champ himself in a pre-game interview.
“Anyone can eat one or two hotdogs really quickly then they start to think they’re full.” He said. “The trick is getting into a rhythm so you’re not thinking about being full. Just eat the hot dogs the same way every time. Don’t forget to breathe because if you do, you’ll be short of breath and you’ll panic, and you’ll feel full.”
Now came the moment. The announcer called out my name. The crowd roared. I took my place next to Chestnut. I was the only female competitor for the night. There were two guys from the Team 1260, one from ATB, Chestnut and myself. We had five minutes to eat as many hot dogs we can. Keep in mind these are the huge jumbo size hot dogs. My goal was to eat two in five minutes, without puking. After two and a half minutes in, I finished my first one. Chestnut was at like 13 I think! He would do two at a time and then dip his bread in the water and swallow it whole. I tried dipping little portions of my bread in the water and gagged like crazy.
***Chestnut competed in a pizza-eating contest two nights later in New York… he ate 45 slices of pizza in 10 minutes!
Chestnut was at the Oil Kings game on Friday, October 10 for a team promotion. Members of the media were able to go head-to-head against the competitive eater, and I got a few pointers from the world champ himself in a pre-game interview.
“Anyone can eat one or two hotdogs really quickly then they start to think they’re full.” He said. “The trick is getting into a rhythm so you’re not thinking about being full. Just eat the hot dogs the same way every time. Don’t forget to breathe because if you do, you’ll be short of breath and you’ll panic, and you’ll feel full.”
Now came the moment. The announcer called out my name. The crowd roared. I took my place next to Chestnut. I was the only female competitor for the night. There were two guys from the Team 1260, one from ATB, Chestnut and myself. We had five minutes to eat as many hot dogs we can. Keep in mind these are the huge jumbo size hot dogs. My goal was to eat two in five minutes, without puking. After two and a half minutes in, I finished my first one. Chestnut was at like 13 I think! He would do two at a time and then dip his bread in the water and swallow it whole. I tried dipping little portions of my bread in the water and gagged like crazy.
After five minutes of eating, I managed to do two hot dogs; Chestnut ate 23!!! This was much harder than it sounds. I can eat two jumbo hot dogs easy. But when you’re forcing them down fast, it’s hard. One of the other competitors ate two as well, but he puked right after.In the end, this was a great experience. I loved Rexall’s hot dogs, but when I went to the Oilers home opener two nights later, I opted for a burger instead!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
It’s an exciting time for me right now. Hockey season is here! For those that know me know hockey is my life. And a good life it is so far as the Copper and Blue are 2-0.
I was reading the Edmonton Journal last week. I love the “Plays of the Week” that Cam Hutchinson does. Here are some of the funniest ones he posted, and one that was told to me by my friend.
-As told by the lovely Nyki Scheuerman: it’s funny how Craig MacTavish was the last player to wear a helmet in the league, but on the team bike ride in Jasper, he was the only one wearing a helmet.
-Derek Wilken, on the Edmonton Oilers’ youthful roster: “They were in Jasper for a bonding retreat and spent the time riding bikes, hiking and looking for a bar that wouldn’t ask for IDs.”
-A question for Health Canada: “The Stanley Cup was recently on tour in my town, and I kissed it. Do I have to worry about being infected by listeria? Answer from Health Canada: “You are safe. The Stanley Cup has not been in contact with any Maple Leaf product in over 40 years.”
-Columbus Blue Jackets goaltending coach Clint Malarchuk (former NHLer who in 1989 almost died after his jugular vein was sliced by a players skate) is recovering after inadvertently shooting himself in the chin with a .22 calibre rifle while hunting rabbits this week in Nevada. Comedy writer Bill Littlejohn says the accident happened after Malarchuk “was startled when one rabbit asked him, ‘What’s up, Doc?’”
-Janice Hough:” Barack Obama is moving out to a solid lead in recent polls. In fact, many pundits say the only way he can lose is if he puts on a Chicago Cubs jersey.”
Until next time…
I was reading the Edmonton Journal last week. I love the “Plays of the Week” that Cam Hutchinson does. Here are some of the funniest ones he posted, and one that was told to me by my friend.
-As told by the lovely Nyki Scheuerman: it’s funny how Craig MacTavish was the last player to wear a helmet in the league, but on the team bike ride in Jasper, he was the only one wearing a helmet.
-Derek Wilken, on the Edmonton Oilers’ youthful roster: “They were in Jasper for a bonding retreat and spent the time riding bikes, hiking and looking for a bar that wouldn’t ask for IDs.”
-A question for Health Canada: “The Stanley Cup was recently on tour in my town, and I kissed it. Do I have to worry about being infected by listeria? Answer from Health Canada: “You are safe. The Stanley Cup has not been in contact with any Maple Leaf product in over 40 years.”
-Columbus Blue Jackets goaltending coach Clint Malarchuk (former NHLer who in 1989 almost died after his jugular vein was sliced by a players skate) is recovering after inadvertently shooting himself in the chin with a .22 calibre rifle while hunting rabbits this week in Nevada. Comedy writer Bill Littlejohn says the accident happened after Malarchuk “was startled when one rabbit asked him, ‘What’s up, Doc?’”
-Janice Hough:” Barack Obama is moving out to a solid lead in recent polls. In fact, many pundits say the only way he can lose is if he puts on a Chicago Cubs jersey.”
Until next time…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)