Microsoft Office 365 and why it will probably fail

Quite possibly one of the most frustrating ideas with today's technology is the idea of subscription based models of payments for computer programs and apps. Recently, I have ben reminded of Microsoft's latest "scam." While we all use Microsoft Office, Microsoft has created a new project called "Microsoft office 365." It is everything you get buying with normal office, but you pay around $100 a year, instead of the simple payment of around $140. 

I believe that when you buy something, you own it. So as one can probably tell already, I don't really like this payment model. What really made me frustrated was the recent release of Microsoft office on IOS devices (iPad, iPhone, etc...). While excited like everyone else with such a device, we were all disappointed when after downloading the app, one discovers that one has to have an office 365 account. (so, pay over $100 a year to have access). Even that I have the entire office 2013 professional suite, I would have to pay for using it, which in my opinion is bollox. Apple's equilavent such as Pages, numbers, etc... are all free, and have full wonderful access to printing, iCloud, etc... Myself and many others believe that Microsoft has once again made a horrible decision in using this pricing model, and I personally believe it should be free access to all. One can make office documents online and on your iDevice VIA OneDrive, so why does one even need this app in the first place? 100% rip-off. 

While the app does look nice, it is a disappointment that no one will be able to use it. 

Internet Copyright Laws + Conservatives = No Privacy

Many Canadians are not aware of the new Bill S-4 in parliament at the moment, however they should be, as it compromises the most basic internet privacy rights.

National Post Article Here

Personally, it makes me kind of scared that the government can just peek into your internet usage if the bill passes (I don't believe it will). With all of the internet privacy problems recently from the NSA to the "new" Heart Bleed bug, internet privacy is at it's highest risk since being created. While there are the issues of piracy and other crimes, they will still have other means of preforming these crimes. There will always be some crime, its just part of human nature. However, if the bill DOES pass, it will affect only the 99.99% of the population that DOES have a conscious. It is a really scary thought and I believe that the government has a ways to go in finding a properly balanced solution to their problem.

I Wish I did Sports as a Kid

Hmm, probably one of my greatest regrets of both elementary and High School is not getting involved in sports more.

I've only gotten involved in them within the past year or so, and they have been rather light, such as competitive XC running (I've always been a runner but never ran competitions before). There's so many sports and things I wanted to try as a kid, such as Track and field, Soccer, Hockey, Swimming Biathlon, Skating, Competitive XC Skiing, etc... The list goes on. While I am active in my daily life, and enjoy many sporting and recreational activities, I think that I would have benefited nth physically and mentally from being involved in sports as a kid. I just wish I actually put my foot in the door, and gave it a shot.

Luckily, we humans can learn from our mistakes and continue into the future with a little lesson or two. I'm trying new things all the time now, and can't wait to sign up for some sports with my college next September!!!! (Plus a fun and active summer ahead, going to run a few marathons!).

What Would You Do if the World Ended?

Just to let you know, this article is a little morbid. Stay away if you are in a good mood! ;^)

Recently I read an article on the Huffington post (Article Here) that civilization as we know it is headed for its end. However, this is not the first time humanity has talked about civilizations' demise, and certainly wouldn't be the first time of it actually happening either.

History has shown that civilizations rise and fall with time. They seem to be apart of nature, just like the rising and falling of the Earth's tides. While it may still be decades away, one would (and should) ask, what would you do if the world "ended"?

Many would look at how it ended and react off of that. For example, if it were a zombie apocalypse (as in the hit show and graphic novel, The Walking Dead), they would act accordingly and try to survive. The same goes for more realistic scenarios such as WWIII or worldwide economic devastation.

We may never truly know how we would personally reach until the time comes, yet it is a good reminder to live your life to the fullest. No matter what happens, you mean the world to someone, and are the father, mother, brother,  and/or friend to many amazing people. Do what makes you happy, and follow your heart. The world ending is overrated anyways! ;^)

Divergent - Film Review

Very often, we see movies before we read the books. This was reversed when I read the Harry Potter series, as I read all of the books THEN watched the films as I grew up. When I ventured into seeing the movie Divergent by myself one late winter night (this was around a month ago - old story) I wasn't too sure what to expect, due to me seeing the movie before the novel.

Please note - I kept spoilers at a minimum today for your sake, just go see this movie!

One of the many posters. Used from Summit (Owners).

After seeing the film in all of it's post-apocalyptic/future glory, I now understand why A) People see movies sometimes before reading the novel, and B) Why Divergent is so successful as a film AND novel.

I really, really enjoyed the film. As a 19 year-old, I had a lot in common with the main protagonist, who was going through a some-what identify crisis, and is eventually literally thrusted out of her home into a new life of adulthood and humanity. The film works on many unique and interesting ideas of humanity, while maintaining an atmosphere both pleasing to the viewer, and keeps them on their toes. I felt a real connection to the actress Shailen Woodley (Main character). She continues her journey through life, unsure, yet wants to keep going forward. Honestly, she's VERY good looking, but she did an excellent job acting as well. The audience really connects with her character and I can feel the connection with her character and the events in the story.

Overall, I highly recommend the movie, and LOVED Shailen in the film. I am excited to read the book now due to me having the connection with the characters, and having an easier visualization of the world. Sometimes, this can damage a connection with a book, but in this case, I think it is going to assist due to the movie being so well thought-out and done. Overall, I feel a 9/10 for this film *personally!

My Generation and the Future

In the end, I am both nervous as well as excited. My generation in the future will have many serious challenges to face, yet also many wonderful and exciting things as well! Here are some personal thoughts about the cons and pros (save the best for last!) about my generation and our future! Please note, I am not a scientist and the following are just opinions. I was just bored and wanted something to do...

Negative Future

• Environment: Devastation of forests, greenhouse gasses, pollution, toxic chemicals, etc... contribute negatively to the world
• Privacy: Computers and social connections, government internet tracking and more in such a digitalized world will privacy almost instinct!
• Handwriting extinct: The skills of handwriting is sadly a dying art as phones, computers and other technologies take over our lives. Now we must only speak and technology such as Apple's Siri can write for us.
• Social skills: Less physical interaction with people can take away social skills and even produce more anxiety and depression due to isolation.
• Healthcare crisis: The baby boomers will be reaching the age where heal care is needed in daily life. The Canadian healthcare system is already stressed without a generation of boomers to worry about

Positive Future

• Improved medicine/ technology in healthcare: Possible lengthened lifespan from new medicine and medical practices
• More green energy development: Hopefully, the world will move towards a higher usage of renewable energies such as wind and solar
• Space: Development of the commercial and private sectors will make space travel available to a higher number of people than ever before
• Transportation: Easier means of transportation. From new, more efficient cars to better aircraft and cleaner boats
• Politics: Possible that our generation is a lot more proactive and accepting than generations before

Funding Cutbacks in Cadets Canada

An old photo of me and fellow Cadet friends with our winter Cadet parkas, a soon to be extinct uniform part.

With budget cuts across the board, the Cadets are once again affected. Now, cadets are only going to receive ONLY one uniform, and that is it. No more PT gear (gray cadet gear such as shirts and shorts), no more running shoes and most surprisingly, no more parkas. The last one really surprised me. Sea, Air and Army cadets throughout Canada operate all year around, and they are losing so much. The organization is run out of love for the program, and many volunteers as well. I know for a fact that my old squadron and it's sponsoring committee has some of the greatest volunteers out there, and now, after all of their hard work, they can no longer warm their cadets because Harper wants to spend millions of dollars on his election ads instead of parkas for Cadets across Canada.

While the effects of the cuts are actually from the Department of Defense (DND) they are indeed cut from the reduced DND funding from the government, which, could have vocalized its support for the Cadets program; a youth program which indeed creates amazing new generations of aspiring Canadians.

Both myself, as well as many other fellow retired Cadets are saddened by the recent years' decline in many fields of the cadet program, and wish that the next generation will be able to experience those amazing adventures we were able to experience. I encourage you to write to your MP if you live in Canada, and help support Cadets Canada.

After being involved with it for more than 7 years in my life, I still make connections through the program, and will always be, inside, a proud cadet.

Carry on.

My Elements (If I had to choose)

Okay, okay, I recently finished watching the latest released season of "Avatar". The Anime takes place in a world where some people are "Benders" and can control the four elements: Earth, Fire, Air and Water. Except the magical avatar can master all four and bring peace to the world, etc... However, watching the show (Now "Legend of Korra") I just had to ask myself: If I was in this fictional world, or even our world, what element(s) do I connect the most with?!

Hmm, I believe I am a mix of Air and Water (probably mostly water).

Air

Air seems to be the element of Balance and freedom. For me, I am obviously a pilot and understand the winds, and air through my training, and natural skills. Air is the element of serenity, and it is a factor I reach for in life. Like air, I find the peaceful solution and serenity in situations. (And I can fly through it legally with my licence!)

Water

Water seems to be the element of healing, peace, emotion, and spirit. I think out of all four, that I bond strongest with Water (I know, kind of surprising for a pilot and a non-swimmer), but like water, I live a life of emotional experience, and seek the love and friendship of others. I am a healer of others, and sort of a "cleanser" of problems.

Being Nice to People on the Internet is Possible

Facebook, Twitter, Google and other social networking sites are all places where we store our "internet identities" yet when we head into the world of online video games, forums and MMO's (massive multiplayer online games) we tend to see the darker side of people and "Trolls". This has become a stereotype of these areas, and has become a sad part of society.

Me, being myself, take these stereotypes and throw them out. I am personally a "good samaritan" when it comes to online gaming and forms. When I use my mature, polite voice, I actually sunrise people. Getting replies such as "OMG, YOUR ACTUALLY NICE" to "WOW, there are actually nice people on here" to even" Kudos to this guy for being awesome". It is sad when people are so surprised by one being mature on the interned, but this just shows how far things have come. We have separated reality and our cyber experience.

My advice is be yourself, but in a mature manner. Help bring the positive side to the internet back, and just, well, be NICE! :D

The Government Returns (Today)

Today marks the first day back for the Canadian government after Prime minister Steven Harper prolonged parliament. As a youth in College, and eventually University and beyond, I am interested in the progress that parliament can achieve. I believe it is important for us all to vote our government in, and believe it is even more important for my generation to vote. While fostering a good habit, voting will also make sure that the government supports our ideas and beliefs, something many are forgetting and becoming ignorant with (Which the government hopes for) We can make change in the government, but we have to get off our butts and at least say what we want.

Personally, I am not a fan of Steven Harper nor his Conservative party, and I am more of a left/ centre Liberal voter. I am very excited for Justin Truduea, for I have met him, and agree with much of what he has said, but once again, this is just me, and my own personal experience and opinions. It is up to you to make your own choice.

When parlement returns today, I hope for less fighting, crimes, etc.. And more positive change...

The Art of Creativity and Expression

There really is no right or wrong way when it comes to the artist expression of the human spirit. In my own personal experience, it is one of my favourite things to do! Everyone has their own means of expression; through music, poetry, painting, drawing, writing... The list goes forever onward.

While expressing your creative side may seem like one of the easiest things to do, I believe it is actually one of the most hardest. The hardest part is starting. That's it. You can say to yourself "I am going to write a book" all day, and sit at that table with your notepad or laptop. However, you need to start. Inspiration comes and goes in mysterious ways. While you feel you want to write, you cannot arrange your chaotic, ever changing thoughts. You feel inspired to spill a world onto a piece of paper, but cannot command the first strokes of your pencil. Starting is always the hardest part, but when you start, it is hard to stop.

After "breaching the wall" of starting your creativity vomit, it then flows freely from you to your work. One must be sure that they do not create the habit of failure (continuos quitting because lack of starting) Just start. Even if you are drawing lines, or writing the same musical note over and over, just start. You might be surprised in what your work mutates into.

As I write this, I attempt to try and get rid of my own starting issues; my "writers block / artistic block". I will keep going till I do, and I hope that you will do the same.

Privacy Please

Online privacy has always been an issue, but recently it has been on the front pages of most news sources. With the United States’ top secret internet division exposed and multiple American companies being part of PRISM, and even the government being allowed to look at ones desktop, one may ask if there is there even such thing as privacy anymore?

From being children, we all understand that what happens on the internet stays on the internet, so we try to use common sense and avoid doing stupid things on facebook or Twitter, etc.. However, when the government is allowed to track your phone records, personal e-mails, texts, photos, calendars and uses on devices you bought from Apple, Microsoft, Google, etc… It is all getting out of hand.

While governments say that it is for “protection” it seems that this is no longer the case. Now, it seems that governments just want to watch their own people instead of real problems such as terrorism and hate crimes. If the government really cared about these negative topics, they would create filters, ASK people to use info, and actually follow their own charter of rights and freedoms! Be transparent and let the public have a choice! THEY are the ones who have elected YOU in! Without THE PUBLIC you don't have a job!

I feel concerned how much technology is becoming part of living, and how many people continue to remain oblivious to the privacy crisis currently at hand. If this is the shape of “privacy” now, what will governments do in ten, or even five? Any thoughts? Add your comments bellow.

A blog post about blogging...

Blogging really is amazing, isn't it? I mean, ten years ago, the only real things you could do were write in a journal, send your news to the TV stations or news papers or even just pass a message along peer-to-peer, but the progression of the internet (in the case, the evolution of blogging) has changed this all completely! 

Blogging is a great way to vent, keep a journal, become a journalist, share stories, etc... and technically its free! (well, blogger anyways)

I am so very happy and grateful I started blogging, for it is great for ones writing skills, and keeps me thinking and on my feet. The best part is that I don't feel "forced" into doing it, but instead, I actually enjoy it when I can add an entry. 

If you have EVER thought of blogging, just give it a go! Why not? Who knows, you might even become an addict like me! ;^)

Cheers,

Henry

The new Xbox is definatly NOT the One (opinion)

The "Box-O-Doom"

"Xbox, go home." That is all I can say to a system and corporation that did a "less-than-par" presentation. While E3 (The ultimate annual gaming convention based in California where all the major names in gaming show off their latest tech) is still only a few weeks away, the new "Xbox One"  promised to be a next-gen super console, but wound up being a "blob" of Microsoft operating systems.

I am very bias when it comes to Microsoft. I really do not like how they create their very, very expensive operating systems and them try to get even MORE money out of the consumer by not providing everything, such as office (which is now a paid subscription) But Microsoft codes things so they can look nice, but take up a lot of space. With three operating systems running at the same time, I can see a lot of errors and processing power being used unnecessary.

Its just the way Microsoft does things, plus with Kinect, its VERY scary. The user HAS to have Kinect connected at all times. This means, someone can hack into your living room and listen / see you any time of the day, not to mention the implications from big brother.

I really plan of staying away from the new Xbox One (Which is not the "One" box you are going to have, due to you still needing your cable box, your satellite box and your old 360 (its not backwards compatible))

For the moment, I believe the PS4 is defiantly the future for console gaming, for both the Wii U and Xbox one are both falling behind on both their own legacies, as well as gamers.

Put your thoughts in the comments bellow, people!

What is the government doing?! More on the ACGP / Power pilot problems from Harper

Just a quick update: A recent document that appeared on the "Save Air Cadet Gliding" web site revealed e-mails between cadets and officers. According to the Officer staff, this year, the program will be experimenting with giving 5 cadets per flight center their "recreational pilot permit" instead of giving them their full fledged private pilots license. They want to get ten times more cadets flying, but at the cost of the countries best scholarship. I wont be surprised if this "experiment" goes well, that they will scrap the power pilot scholarship all together, and replace it with this cheaper, easier permit option. These seem to be VERY dark days for the Air Cadet flying programs, as Steven Harper spends money on purchasing ads for things that aren't even passed by parliament yet, instead of giving the millions of dollars to support Air Cadet flying. Way to go, money pants :^P

Why the Wii U is a Darn Flop

Ah, Nintendo. When I was a kid, I loved it. Today, I could care less. When I was young, Nintendo made amazing content. While the N64 was my first console, the GameCube was the gaming station for most of my childhood. While playing Star fox, Star Wars and many other games, I was instantly drawn into immersible stories and worlds. I also have vivid memories of playing games at parties or sleepovers with the guys as we played four player games such as Star Wars: Clone Wars. Eventually, the Wii came along and promised more "interesting experiences." This is when Nintendo lost me to Sony and my PC as a gamer. As they continued with the Wii, they lost my loving franchises such as Star Fox, Star Wars and other timeless classics. The Same is for the Wii U, but only more obvious.

Out of all the gamers I know, NONE of them own, or even talk about the Wii U. My generation doesn't really feel for it due to it continuing to lack those "core" features. Firstly, where are the games? While the Nintendo conference is VERY soon, the console launched with only a few titles, and the crew at Nintendo pulled an EA and went "silent mode" on talking about future titles. This killed sales of the Wii U due to no real value of owning one. Sure, it comes with a tablet, but my iPad can easily out perform it, and its a year older than the Wii U. In the end, Nintendo seems to be less focused in the Western market.

Nintendo, my question is WHY. Why should anyone buy your console? What makes it stand out above the new PS4 and Xbox 720? WHY should I spend money on it as a core gamer? Personally, I am going to stick with the PS4 and my upgraded PC. Hell, even my GameCube from 2002!

Gay? Transgender? Straight? We are all human! It shouldn't matter how we all identify ourselves!

 Please note, this article is about mature themes. While not religious myself, I talk a lot about religion, stupid people and the like, so please bear with me.

In the end, we really are all just human.Why should it matter how one identifies themselves? Those who ban gay marriage in their place of living, yet allow guns in schools obviously have some issues, so all I am asking is why? Why are people against it? Sure, it might be "different" than normal, but what is normal? Heck, today, there are more people living single lives than married. People argue saying that it is their religion, and that god says so and you shall go to hell, etc.. Well, I have to personally say that that's bogus. If there is anyone that it is bad, it is the neigh-sayers for not accepting and seeking to understand their fellow human brother, sister or other. Why do you call someone who follows their heart 'evil' when you try to assimilate people into your "collective" like the Borg from Star Trek? Why do you encourage hate? Why not encourage love?

I personally think that humanity needs gay, transgender, etc... peoples. They add culture, and remind us that we are ALL living our own lives. They are the image of courage and following ones bliss. While I may be "straight" I have many friends that are gay or lesbian, and they really are GREAT people. It shouldn't matter how they identify themselves through this thing called "gender."

Gender is the idea of separating humanity into girls and boys. Today, we are aware that it is not so simple, or "black and white" but more of a grey spectrum with many shades between. We are ALL different, and we must learn to love our fellow humans if we want to create a better tomorrow.

Thank you: More than just words

They really are... People have gained friendships, jobs, opportunities,  and so much more by using these two simple, yet effective words. However, it is not just the ability to say these words in your language, but also feel them; you mean it. With sincere gratitude comes sincere results. When you display your gratitude for a person or situation, other people notice this, and your feelings become contagious with those around you. The next time someone holds a door open for you, remember to say "thank you." The next time someone gives you a tip at work, say "thank you" and when someone you love gives you a bear hug, squeeze out the words "thank you." Be happy for what you have in your life, you deserve to be happy, and never take anything for granted.

Air Cadet Gliding Program Dead?

Flying out at CFB Borden

Scary Article

A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from my local Cadet Gliding Center that was concerned about the topic of budget cuts to the Air Cadet Gliding Program (ACGP) To my sad realization  it appears that those realizations are coming true. While not confirmed yet, many do believe (including myself) that the current government is stupid enough to go through with these cuts, if not destroying the gliding program all together. Check out the multiple support groups that are everywhere, including on facebook here.

Kids have too much protection today.

It really is one of those "delicate" topics to mention, yet as a 1990's baby, I can definitely vouch for that statement.  In elementary schools today, Kids are no longer allowed to hug, play tag, dodge ball, show certain feelings, etc.. And this in in Canada. If is very sad how children are being put into a bubble and are no longer allowed to have certain adventures that I had with my friends when I was a kid. Even with television programming, the home environment and just society overall. It seems that people believe that putting their children into a "safer, more protective" environment will benefit then, yet I think that this is the entire opposite.

The entire idea of being a "kid" has also changed. kids today have smart phones, facebook, online games, etc... Things we NEVER had when me and my generation were in their shoes! I am only 18, but now I am starting to know the feeling my parents felt with the generation gap in technology.

We just have to remember to let kids be, well, kids! Let them get dirty in the mud, or go for adventures!