I've just about had it with a certain company in Toronto whom has been making a huge mark-up on consumers (merely my opinion, not backed by any actual numbers or figures) for a piece of autographed hockey memorabilia. This company has signed many of today's young guns to exclusive contracts, and therefore completely monopolizing the markets for collectors in obtaining autographed collectibles from these certain players. While I have no problem in a company having a desire to obtain are player's exclusivity, I do have a problem when an autograph picture of an unproven rookie is going to cost me more than getting the same sized picture signed from a 6 time Norris trophy winner. I have a problem with paying more for an autograph jersey from the current Calder Trophy recipient compared to the reigning Hart Trophy winner.
Now I am unsure of the exact reasons why said company is charging such a price for their products, nor will I speculate the reasons, but when their other local competitor is charging equal amount for higher caliber players, it brings into question whether it is the contracts they offer to these players to obtain their exclusivity, or whether it is simply greed driving up the prices. At the same time, not only do their competitor offer lower prices, they even offer the collectors a chance to meet the players in person, giving fans a chance to meet their heroes, giving kids a chance to create memories to last a life time.
Unfortunately, with players like Crosby/Malkin/Toews/Kane etc. exclusive to this company, it forces collectors to hand over a healthy sum of money for various valued collectibles. As one, I would like to see changes over time, but given the demand for products from this company, it is extremely unlikely for that to happen - which is unfortunate for collectors like myself whom may never own a piece from these players for the exact reasons listed above.
*the views expressed here are merely by the author and is not associated or affiliated with any of the companies mentioned
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Travelling Pet-Peeves
Now that I'm back from a 10 day "vacation" and having taken 4 separate flights, I have now compiled a list of flying pet-peeves
1. People who pulls on your head rest to get up from the chair
2. People on stretch with completely disregard to their invasion of your space
Something that will now be a must in my travel bag - ear plugs
1. People who pulls on your head rest to get up from the chair
2. People on stretch with completely disregard to their invasion of your space
Something that will now be a must in my travel bag - ear plugs
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
US Election
Below is written by a friend of mine, and since it pretty much is how I feel for the most part, I won't even try to write something that might sounded remotely as intelligent as his, and just copy his words
"I'll even go ahead and say that it's a good thing that the next President of the US is half-black. It's not that I wanted him to win simply because of the colour of his skin, but it's a good symbol that a mixed race person was able to win the highest position in government. And given the poor treatment of blacks throughout a large portion of US history, I'm going to go ahead and call it a win.
In all likelihood, by the end of Obama's term(s), he will be considered the most charismatic president in at least a half-century. I actually have mixed feelings about this. To be sure, Obama is great at giving speeches and is very good at making people feel good and happy. But this actually scares me a little. Most of the worst politicians and figures in history have been charismatic individuals. I fear charismatic politicians. When it comes to a position of power, I'd much rather have a guy with just so-so charisma; someone that people like but aren't entranced by. Obama creates this wave of excitement and fervor everywhere he goes. It's probably just me, but I'm genuinely scared when I see massive, massive throngs of people gathering to hail any one man as the messiah and saviour and the great bringer of change and bearer of hope. People have always showed up to political rallies to support and cheer for their candidate, but Obama supporters seemed particularly fervent. And today, when his win was made official, people were so fucking happy. There's this great sense of pride among Americans that they elected Obama. And all of that is scary to me. Because at the end of the day, he's still a politician. He and his ilk are still going to take away liberties, still spend other peoples' money, and still make up laws to benefit some at the expense of others. He will say things he doesn't believe or are grounded in fallacy, and he will say them with a straight face because they are the popular things to say. He will do these things because he is a politician, and that's what politicians do."
-Terrence
"I'll even go ahead and say that it's a good thing that the next President of the US is half-black. It's not that I wanted him to win simply because of the colour of his skin, but it's a good symbol that a mixed race person was able to win the highest position in government. And given the poor treatment of blacks throughout a large portion of US history, I'm going to go ahead and call it a win.
In all likelihood, by the end of Obama's term(s), he will be considered the most charismatic president in at least a half-century. I actually have mixed feelings about this. To be sure, Obama is great at giving speeches and is very good at making people feel good and happy. But this actually scares me a little. Most of the worst politicians and figures in history have been charismatic individuals. I fear charismatic politicians. When it comes to a position of power, I'd much rather have a guy with just so-so charisma; someone that people like but aren't entranced by. Obama creates this wave of excitement and fervor everywhere he goes. It's probably just me, but I'm genuinely scared when I see massive, massive throngs of people gathering to hail any one man as the messiah and saviour and the great bringer of change and bearer of hope. People have always showed up to political rallies to support and cheer for their candidate, but Obama supporters seemed particularly fervent. And today, when his win was made official, people were so fucking happy. There's this great sense of pride among Americans that they elected Obama. And all of that is scary to me. Because at the end of the day, he's still a politician. He and his ilk are still going to take away liberties, still spend other peoples' money, and still make up laws to benefit some at the expense of others. He will say things he doesn't believe or are grounded in fallacy, and he will say them with a straight face because they are the popular things to say. He will do these things because he is a politician, and that's what politicians do."
-Terrence
Change of Plans
Life, is like baseball.
Life throws you a fastball, you swing, but you can't catch up to it cuz it was too fast.
Life throws you a curveball, you swing, but you were thought the pitch was going to be straight, but it wasn't.
Life throws you a change-up, you swing, but you were too early cuz you thought it was going to be a fastball.
Life throws you a slider, you swing, but you just couldn't reach it.
Life throws you a knuckleball, you swing, but you didn't think the ball would be out of control due to the wind.
Life throws you a gyroball and an oky-doky, you swing, but you didn't know you were up against Boston's Dice-K and Okajima.
Stolen from a certain person's blog.
Anyways, reason for this blog, is because of something really unexpected, yet not necessarily a bad opportunity came up recently. As a avid sports fanatic, its pretty much a dream for me to one day be working within a professional sports organization. However, it is also a very small industry, and also very hard to get in. My whole plan was to graduate with my Economics degree with Human Resources Management as my specialization, continue on and get a job while completing my Canadian Human Resources Professional designation, and see where it leads me. However, I've been approached with an opportunity to "kick off" my sports management "career" through the Department of Athletics and Recreational Services at the University of Waterloo. No, its not some big deal with Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, but its a start somewhere. This is not a co-op job, but rather just a job placement for a term. Which means - I won't graduate on schedule like I plan to, but this is also a great opportunity for me to get started within the sports management industry, gaining valuable experience for the future.
Nothing is really set in stone yet as I haven't been offered the job, but I am pretty confident that my involvement with the Department of Athletics will have be ranked pretty high as a candidate - I guess we'll wait and see.
On another note - Chicago in 3 days!
Life throws you a fastball, you swing, but you can't catch up to it cuz it was too fast.
Life throws you a curveball, you swing, but you were thought the pitch was going to be straight, but it wasn't.
Life throws you a change-up, you swing, but you were too early cuz you thought it was going to be a fastball.
Life throws you a slider, you swing, but you just couldn't reach it.
Life throws you a knuckleball, you swing, but you didn't think the ball would be out of control due to the wind.
Life throws you a gyroball and an oky-doky, you swing, but you didn't know you were up against Boston's Dice-K and Okajima.
Stolen from a certain person's blog.
Anyways, reason for this blog, is because of something really unexpected, yet not necessarily a bad opportunity came up recently. As a avid sports fanatic, its pretty much a dream for me to one day be working within a professional sports organization. However, it is also a very small industry, and also very hard to get in. My whole plan was to graduate with my Economics degree with Human Resources Management as my specialization, continue on and get a job while completing my Canadian Human Resources Professional designation, and see where it leads me. However, I've been approached with an opportunity to "kick off" my sports management "career" through the Department of Athletics and Recreational Services at the University of Waterloo. No, its not some big deal with Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, but its a start somewhere. This is not a co-op job, but rather just a job placement for a term. Which means - I won't graduate on schedule like I plan to, but this is also a great opportunity for me to get started within the sports management industry, gaining valuable experience for the future.
Nothing is really set in stone yet as I haven't been offered the job, but I am pretty confident that my involvement with the Department of Athletics will have be ranked pretty high as a candidate - I guess we'll wait and see.
On another note - Chicago in 3 days!
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