Friday, October 31, 2003

Film Industry

New movies are released every day by Hollywood based companies. If you wanna catch a movie, you have to move fast 'cause a new one replaces in a short time. Like I was goin' to watch Bruce Almighty but as I was late I found out that a new movie is replaced! actually you can go to special movie theatres that just show old movies and they are really inexpensive. There's one besides Pacific Place but I've never been to. I watched it later through KAZZA. A movie which is very popular these days is Kill Bill, directed by Quentin Tarantino. I was goin' to watch it but after I found out that it is a martial art oriented (!!) movie I changed my mind. The only reason I was goin' to watch it is Quentin Tarantino. He has a great performance in From Dusk Till Dawn.
Anyways... I'm not goin' to miss Alien: The Director's Cut.

Anger Management!

Dave Finn from CT called me Wed. evening and asked why I had not shown up in the first training. And I told him why but seemed he didn't like my answer and finally:
Dave: Are you comin'?
I: No. I'm not.
Dave: Very good.
Me: Good!!
We said good bye and I hung up.
I hope it was a good piece of advise for him and CT. Bastards wanted me to attend a one month training and will just pay me $7 for every f**king hour that I spend there and then there are exams and if I don't pass, I'm out.
But that's not the only reason. The main point is I can't get days and weeks off for my studies and exams.
Note: Anger Management is the title of comedy. I haven't watched it. Seems something average.

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Alien Legacy

I didn't believe my eyes, when I was reading what is written in Yahoo! Movies. You know what it is? Alien 5!!!
I'm a great fan of Alien legacy and have Alien and Aliens on DVD, Alien 3 on CD and Alien Resurrection on my hard drive ('cause it's too big to copy it on a CD and I don't have a DVD burner) and I've watched all of several times and that's my favorite sequel movie. It's not like Terminator series. The last one, T3, which I watched it in a movie theatre is not good at all. But Alien series is something different. unbeatable.
So what's written there is they're gonna make the 5th part with Sigourney Weaver but not nothing has been set up yet. Check it to learn more. I, myself am waiting for that.
The last news is Alien: The director's cut will be in theatres in Halloween but in limited theatres. I hope I can watch it here.

Calgary's Winter Starts!

The real Calgarian winter started yesterday afternoon. There was a fog that limited visibility and at about 06:30 PM started snowing. And when it's snowing it's snowing horizontally!! and it searches for a way to go through your eyes! It's -7 C right now and goin' to be colder during the week. I checked the other provinces (Check wherever you like) and found out that it's in Alberta, Saskatchewan and part of Nunavut, the new Canadian territory (Since 1999) only.

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

The Medical

I went for a medical examination of CT and passed it. There was a joly, nice and kind British physician with a strong accent which was not easy to understand. As I wrote before sometimes you find some people that you can't believe your eyes and he was one of them. The trainer called me in the afternoon and told me that there will be training in Wed. and Thu. and one whole month, starting Nov.03. But I'm not goin'. That's because there will be an exam. after the training and also it crosses my studying for CQE Exam.

Sunday, October 26, 2003

How do Canadians Behave Toward You as a Non-Caucasian?

You get different treats from Canadians here in Calgary which is known as Redneck City. Sometimes you meet very nice people who kindly talk to you, smile at you and you never get such a behaviour in anywhere else. I can name Serena, the young pretty marathon girl whom I first met in Sears in Downtown Calgary and If I had not been this much stupid that I am(!), I would have had a good friend now! And Katie the blond, blue-eyed pretty nurse and a few more. Today I was studying in Tim Horton's and an old lady, came to me and started talking. She asked what I was studying and then introduced herself as a teacher and thought I was Lebanese. I told her that I wasn't and she was so kind to me and introduced me to her sister and when I told her that I was studying for ASQ she said that they'd pray for me!
See? That's how some Canadians are. You can't predict. Some are very nice to you and some ... better not to say. But I think if I were them I might behave the same. I'll write more about this later.

Rather Stupid Idea of Toyota

I drove over the curb while I was turning to 17 Ave. and after about 200 m. (Which is pretty long!) I noticed something is wrong and the car is like being pulled to the right side of the road! I turned to 17A St., pulled over and turned on my double-signals. Found a flat tire!
But why I'm writing such an usual event here. The point is Toyota provides an emergency tire that you can not use it as a regular one!!! It's narrower and of course lighter. It's written in the manual that the driver should avoid the bumps and such obstacles and not drive faster than 80 km/h!!
Imagine what will happen to you if you are on a trip! For example you are driving in Highway No. 2 from Calgary to Edmonton and you have a puncture. You change the tire and start driving and you don't dare drive faster than 70 km/h while the speed limit is 110 km/h. Although it's written that there's a road service (A toll free number) for Toyota but when I called them the recorded message stated that they are off!
I've to talk to the dealer about that. Tomorrow.

Saturday, October 25, 2003

Traveling Across Canada

There's a big project for connecting Windsor in Ontario to Montreal in Quebec via VIA. Traveling by train is very expensive in Canada. It seems trains are very comfortable and also high-class. Once I was thinking of goin' to Vancouver by rail and checked the VIA website and I hit the ceiling! You can get a single or double bedroom and the fares are $700.85 for a single and $1051.81 for a double!! And the interesting thing is, it was sold out! The lowest fare is $210.79 called economy best fare. I have heard that the route is scenic. If you travel by air it's much more cheaper. And one more thing: There's no service from Calgary!! that was why I checked the fare from Edmonton.

Friday, October 24, 2003

A Correction and More About El Al Case

I mentioned that John Manely, the current deputy minister of Canada was going to be the next Prime Minister and has a very powerful opponent. The man is Paul Martin and seems he will be the next. Jean Chretien will no longer be the Prime Minister in 2004, I guess.
Tonight, in CBC's The National it was confirmed that there was a possible attack on El Al plane. But nobody asks if there was (or actually is) any and why anybody talks about residential terrorists in Ontario?!! Who are they? How are they being supported and supplied? How could they get that kind of weapon in Canada? These and many more have been never mentioned in the news. Did I understand the nature of the event?!
It was told the commercial jets can be equipped with flares, which has been using in military aircraft for years. But the issue is it costs millions of dollars and it doesn't seem that airliners can afford this.
If I remember correctly Air Canada has already cut free lunch from his flights and once it was shown in the news that people are buying food from airport buffet or carrying burgers in their sack!!

Deep Dish


There's a music band called Deep Dish, comprised of two Iranian (Persian) guys from Tehran. They are unbelievably amazing. Specialized in Dance and Electronic music. I downloaded a live from them and must confess that it's a hit. If u r interested in this kind of music, I highly recommend it. Excellent.
(Photo: Ali and Shahram (Who is who!?) are comprising the band)

A Permanent Threat To El Al!!

An El Al (Israeli airliner) plane from Tel Aviv headed toward Toronto diverted from its destination twice and had to landed in Hamilton! Passengers then were driven to Toronto by a bus! Good lessen for mean Jews!
An official said there was a SAM-7 threat to the plane!!! It means somebody aimed the plane with a rocket propeller!! And the point is that person must have been somewhere in Canada!!
It reminds me of a movie: Behind Enemy Lines. Although at the end of movie Americans save the survived navigator and the director shows another American propaganda but I like the movie because an AF/18 is hit by Serbs and they execute the pilot. I don't think it's a true story but in Balkan War, Serbs downed an F-117, a high-tech, stealth jet.

Thursday, October 23, 2003

Canadian Dollar And More...

Canadian dollar has jumped up recently. Loonie buys US $0.78 which is the highest rate in last 10 years! We must wait to see what the consequences are. The US and Mexico have opened their border to Canadian beef so it's predicted that beef industry could compensate part of its loss. 70% of Canadian beef industry is located in Alberta and the rest is in Saskatchewan and B. C.

Wednesday, October 22, 2003

I'm Confused!

I have to go for a medical the following Mon. This is what I was asked for by a phone call from CT interviewer. I consulted Ali Mehraban about this and he said I have to take 1 month off from my current job and attend the training courses 'cause if I fail I have to leave. I have to make up a story for Cargill. I got my Juran's QC Handbook I have to spend more time on my studies. Haven't studied well since Sun.!

Monday, October 20, 2003

One Step Closer

I had a message in my mobile voice mail box today. CT wants me for medicals. That's great. It means I'm one more step closer to the new job which gives me more free time and takes less energy.
I finished section 7 of CQE primer and the last 2 weeks of Oct. is for reviewing of sections 2 to 7. I'll try to finish sections 8 to 11 in Nov. (Each week for a section) and have a final review with emphasis in last 4 sections in the first week of Dec.
I also went for a ride yesterday afternoon after almost 3 months. I made it in 01:23:05 which is a good time. I also find an Iranian girl on the net yesterday! She left Iran with her family 25 years ago and currently lives in S. C.

Sunday, October 19, 2003

Out of Mind

The Canadians whom I know are all crazy! For example the new guy, Al, once I saw him with something like a dried plant in his hand, doin' something. I asked him about that and he said that was Marijuana!! And added if somebody has more than 30 grams s/he'll be in a real trouble. You can see boys and girls smokin' pot all over the place, especially during weekends.

Friday, October 17, 2003

Missionary Man

One of the songs that I like very much and had its live performance on VHS in Iran, is an old song from EURYTHMICS. I think it was sung first time in 1986 or earlier. The song called Missionary Man. I write the lyric for you here. This is one of the song that I listen and listen and listen. outstanding! Enjoy:

...Well I was born an original sinner.
I was borne from original sin.
And if I had a dollar bill
For all the things I've done
There'd be a mountain of money
Piled up to my chin...

My mother told me good
My mother told me strong.
She said "Be true to yourself
And you can't go wrong."
"But there's just one thing
That you must understand."
"You can fool with your brother-
But don't mess with a missionary man."

Don't mess with a missionary man.
Don't mess with a missionary man.

Well the missionary man
He's got god on his side.
He's got the saints and apostles
Backin' up from behind.
Black eyed looks from those bible books.
He's a man with a mission
Got a serious mind.
There was a woman in the jungle
And a monkey on a tree.
The missionary man he was followin' me.
He said "Stop what you're doing."
"Get down upon your knees."
"I've a message for you that you better believe."


I try to put the song here too.
(Photo: This should have been taken during a live performance of the song)

Thursday, October 16, 2003

CT Interview

I went for CT interview yesterday. There were 2 men and there was just 5 questions. I didn't do well, I guess. I don't know what will happen. One of them said I'll be called anyways. No matter if I passed the interview or not. There will be a medical exam. and 4 weeks training for the successfull employee.
In the evening I went to a Tim Horton's and studied reliability part of CQE primer. It's better there 'cause there's no Internet, no fridge and no nothing to bother u. I studied well, although it was crowded. That's what I'm ganna do.

Sunday, October 12, 2003

Is This a Trick or a Real Girl!?

For almost a month I received e-mails and offline messages from a girl with a dr_hellen ID in YAHOO Messenger. Once there was an opportunity to talk to her on the net, through the Mic. She (Named Sara) told me that she was 29, currently a dentistry student in Tehran Azad University and has two more semester to finish it. And more. We talked for at least 1.5 hour. But that's not something extraordinary. I've talked to many on the net and phone. The point is her voice was so clear and instant that I think she lives somewhere in Canada or the States and it might be one of A. J.'s tricks! I mentioned that and never heard from her since.

A New Buddy

Have started to talk to a Canadian guy called Al. His real name, as he said, is something else. An aboriginal, or native name. He introduced me Excel Canada, a cheating (!!) company like ABC Canada which I was introduced to by that lady in Vancouver. We went to a meeting in Blackfoot Trial with an English woman. She drove us there.
Same shit as previous one but there were three speeches. One by a Canadian woman in her early 40s. And two by an American couple from the South with totally different and interesting accent, especially the woman. She was trying to be funny too but she was not, except two or three times. But Canadians were very happy and were laughing their heads off. I used the opportunity and teased her but I think she didn't hear me. Some of the audiences heard me and laughed. I tried to stopped it. I mean I didn't want to make a trouble but couldn't help it. She was bullshitting and I don't like this kind of propaganda.
Once she said " We're goin' to knock off Telus " (One of the major Canadian telecommunication companies). I said " In your dreams " There was an old woman sitting at the left side and she turned her face toward me and gazed at me in an unfriendly way!
The other time she said " I love you all and I wish I could take you all with me " And I said " Just take me "
You know these things sound hilarious to Canadians! And again she said something about Lethbridge and said " I can't pronounce it, tell me how " And I yelled " You won't learn! "
Regardless of this stupid American propaganda and exaggeration, I liked that meeting. It was a good opportunity to listen to a different accent and talk to people, especially that English lady.
The American woman who said she was from Arkansas had a very interesting accent. For example she says GAZ for Guys and ASScreem for Ice Cream! I wish I could save her voice.

Getting Closer To Having A New Job

I had my second phone call from CT and am invited for a 45 min. interview on Wed. Oct.15.03. This is the second interview in Canada and a real one, I suppose. Although I have applied for 16 positions since Jun.01.03, but haven't had even one single interview in my field. Let me tell you what two of them answered me:
One is a recruiter in Edmonton and I applied for a position there as a Quality Control Clerk and he replied back: The client needs someone who lives in here!!
What kind of fool do u think I am, you stupid embryo? If you don't wanna give me the chance of an interview, that's OK. But don't bullshit me, u idiot.
And the other one who is the Quality Assurance Manager of a company in SE Calgary (Probably one like Carlos, the nasty Filipino guy, I may write his story later) Wrote me: I reviewed your cover letter and resume and don't feel u fit this position!!
What the f**K? what's the feel, you moron?! You don't feel anything?! May be that's because you have had to many before!! It just makes me frustrated and tired of this nuts.

Monday, October 06, 2003

A Real Funny Day in Canada!

I called Cargill, in the morning and said I couldn't make it today. I know they will suspend me for at least one day. shortly after that I had a phone call. I think it was 06:00 AM. Was surprised. Who in Calgary calls me at 06:00 in the morning? (I have caller ID for my mobile phone) I found out later that It was from Cargill. They might wanted to tell me that if I don't show up, they'd suspend me.
I went to CT building and wrote the exam. with at least 13 to 15 other persons. It was one of my happiest day in Canada! You may don't believe this and ask why. They showed video clips about different short stories in a bus and then asked a silly question about the situation. It was so funny that I could't help it. There was a big Canadian woman besides me and guess she was angry with me but said nothing.
There was stories about everything that may happen in a bus and were all hilarious. For example there was a scene of a drunk girl steps in the bus and then had fight with a drunk guy who was trying to wrap his arm around her. Gays, asking for a date from a female co-worker and other ridiculous situations. The funny thing was nobody were laughing except a Polish guy in the left side of me and just may be two or three times.
People were mostly Canadians. There were also 3 East Indians, including two Sikhs, one an old man with white beard and a light brown turban. He didn't even know how to use the coffee machine and asked me to help him. It was clearly written " Push Down " I wonder how he was able to read the questions and answer them. When I was goin' out I found him driving a cab! There was a Polish moron, as usu. they r! Also cab drive and said is here for a part-time job. He thought I'm French! Because of my accent. Two women. Both Canadian. One Eastern European. I have no idea where the hell he was from. And all others Canadians.
You don't have to look at their (Canadians) face or cloths to recognize them from other people. They walk around with a bottle of Coke or Pepsi in the summer and with a cup of coffee in the winter!! And it usu. takes at least one hour to finish that cup!
We were told that if we receive a phone call by 04:00 in the afternoon in Wed. it means that we've passed the exam. and should proceed to the next step which is interview, I guess.
Ali Mehraban, who works for CT and is also a musician told me almost everything about CT. He also works for Moores. I have to call him again and make some things more clear. May be tomorrow night.

Sunday, October 05, 2003

A Response After 4 Months

I had a phone call today from Calgary Transit. I applied for a job as a driver in June and this is for a 3 hours written exam. in tomorrow at 01:00 PM. I'll go.

The Second Anniversary of Sep.11.01 on CBC

There was an interesting show on CBC in the 2nd anniversary of Sep.11.01. Although it's about a month but I'm gonna tell you about that. John Manley, deputy prime minister, minister of finance of Canada and also a member of the Parliament, who is being said that is the next prime minister of Canada, regardless of the fact that he has a very powerful competitor (I don't remember his name!) was in a plane on his way home while the first plane crashed to one of the WTC towers. Canadian officials were very worried about planes which were headed toward Canadian cities. Each single plane was a possible suicide tool. So what they did is they guided almost all planes to remote airports of the country like the one in N. F.
When the pilot acknowledged what had happened to some flights in New York City, he asked Manley about what to say to the passengers. He suggested say nothing to them until they have to. CBC showed a narrow runway in a small airport, filled with tens of planes parked side by side with all passengers inside. They were tired and agitated after hours in the planes and were asking hosts and hostesses about what was going on.

How Extraordinary and Unpredictable Are Some Girls?

Let me tell you what interesting has happened since I started a new life here. I wrote about an East Indian girl from Edmonton who found me on the net and insisted me to call her. She was very interested. First she, Renay, was very passionate and encouraged me to move to Edmonton and asked me to send her my resume and said that she helps me to get a job there, sent me kisses and talked about love and marriage and asked for my photos. She were supposed to come to Calgary to visit me. But after a short time, she became a completely different person. Although she continued calling me but didn't show that first interest, never. I guess she found an East Indian guy there in Edmonton or her ex-boyfriend called her or found somebody. from Fiji. That's how most of girls are. They just come to u when u have big money, a luxury car and u r available, especially when they need somebody to have sex with.
Also there was a very nice and pretty Persian girl in L. A. who I used to talk to her last year on the net and sometimes on the phone. Sara, used to send me kisses and hugs and talking of coming over Calgary in summer. But when found that I don't have a car, (I didn't have one last year) and I don't have a good job, stooped talking to me. She lied about everything, like what Renay did. But she was very kind, nice and pretty Persian girl.