ANNOUNCEMENTS

******** COMMENTS FROM THE RING IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS ***** ********

ANNOUNCEMENTS 2

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Thursday, October 23, 2014

Bad News From Coach Richard

ENTRY 206


Bad News From Coach Richard

No ring time for 'The Brick' next month.

Coach Richard informed me that neither I, nor Leo will be on the card in November, because he can't find opponents.

Well, there is still more than two weeks, or how about have myself and Leo do an exhibition?

Glazerman Is Back

Remember Micha Glazerman?
He quit boxing, and everyone thought he was not coming back?
He's back.
I sparred one round with him on Monday.
He nailed me good in the body a few times.
Welcome back.

Lighting Up Your Life On Dennis Avenue

What's with all the street lights at the corner of Dennis Avenue and Weston Road?

For the longest time nobody knew. Just a bunch of street lights. 36 to be exact, and not even Toronto Hydro knew about them.

This is right near my new apartment, so I will get to see these every day.
However, we now know what they are. 
It is art.
Yes, you read correctly. This is an art installation.
The 36 lights on 10 poles at various angles and heights contain blue and white LEDs. 
Although, in the photo below, not all of them are working. 
It is not clear in the photo, but these are blue lights.

Yes. This is considered 'art'. 
Only in Toronto.



Read the Toronto Star story here:
http://www.thestar.com/yourtoronto/the_fixer/2014/06/18/need_a_light_theres_35_too_many_at_weston_rd_and_dennis_st.html

If you look at the Google Street View for this area, taken in 2012, you can see what this intersection looked like without the art.

New Apartment?

Well, I am very close to getting my next apartment. It is on Weston Road near Dennis Ave, as mentioned above

It is being rented directly by the building owner.
He is doing a lot of work to fix it up.

Nice location, in addition to the interesting art project.
There is also a really big park nearby (Jane and Eglinton).
Black Creek and the Humber River.
Also, the pickup location for the Police Auction is close, on Alliance Ave.
It is also very easy to get to the Stockyards Boxing, as both the 71B and 89 buses stop right in front of the building. Literally, the bus stop is five steps from the door.
Interestingly, is that this apartment also has a back entrance, out to the hall and laundry room, and parking area. Two entrances. That has to be one of the most interesting features.

Of course, there is a catch (Isn't there always a catch for me?).
I will be on the main floor, and will be responsible to pay the electricity for the entire main floor.
That includes, hallway lights, exterior lights, parking lot lights, and the worst, the laundry room.
Well, then I should be able to do my laundry for 'free', shouldn't I? After all, I am paying for it in the long run. Along with everyone else's.
However, the landlord said that he would discount the rent equivalent to the electric bill.
Would it not be easier to just include electricity in the rent?

Anyway, let's hope I get this one. It is super-convenient for me.


Bus Check

Here are the results of this week's bus check:


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Total Lates             Total Minutes Late       

TO WORK:

191 Highway 27 Express Northbound..............................2....................21
511 Zum Steeles Express Westbound.............................0....................0
7 Kennedy Southbound................................................0....................0


FROM WORK:

7 Kennedy Northbound.................................................0...................0
511 Zum Steeles Express Eastbound...............................0...................0
191 Highway 27 Express Southbound..............................1...................9

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As expected, the results did not stay at zero for long.
Figures, the TTC bus is the one to spoil it.





I did not win any auctions this week.





"The Brick"
STATS

Record: 0 / 2 / 1 

 September 27 /2014 vs. Matt Standish [Loss by decision] @ 85 kg
 June 14 /2014  vs. Leo Ronin [Loss by decision] @ 86 kg
September 21 /2013 Exhibition @ 90 kg

Stance: Orthodox  (Left lead) / Style: Technical

Status:  ACTIVE

WEIGH-IN
*Daily within 2 weeks of a match, weekly otherwise.
   Current:  187 lbs / 85 kg    

-----------------------------------------------
"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team
Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto
---------
Next scheduled bout: N/A
Training schedule: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, sparring twice weekly
Coach: Richard SoucĂ©  / Trainer: Junmar Emon
Resting HR: 64 - 66
----------------------------------------------------





LINKS

              email "The Brick" :thebrickboxer@gmail.com


Friday, October 17, 2014

Time To Shift Into High Gear

ENTRY 206

Next scheduled bout: November 8 @ George Bell Arena, opponent TBA


No Sparring Week, Time To Shift it !

I did not get any sparring this week, due to the fact that I was very busy, and could not make it to the sparring sessions.
I did go to Bloor for cardio and bag work.

I have to getting back into gear starting Monday.
I have to go for sparring Monday afternoon.

I have to start preparing for November 8.
I hope Richard found an opponent for me as this will likely be the last boxing show for 2014, and I really don't know what is going to happen next year.


Disappointed In Brampton

Well, over the past few weeks I have been praising Brampton Transit, and now, I am sorry I did.
On Wednesday morning the Number 7 northbound bus was 10 minutes late. This was the second time. It was also late once last week, too.
I let it go last time, but I feel this is going to become a habit.
I stopped using Mississauga Transit because their buses are never on time, among other reasons.  
Now Brampton Transit is starting bullshit.
It may not seem like a big deal, but when I have to take 3 buses and a train to and from work, and it already takes almost 90 minutes, believe me, it's a big deal.

Here is what I am going to do. Just so you can see how much time I waste on these damn buses, I am going to track how often and how late the buses are. Right here. Starting from now. I am wiping the slate clean.
Let's see how long these can stay at zero.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Total Lates             Total Minutes Late       

TO WORK:

191 Highway 27 Express Northbound..............................0....................0
511 Zum Steeles Express Westbound.............................0....................0
7 Kennedy Southbound................................................0....................0


FROM WORK:

7 Kennedy Northbound.................................................0...................0
511 Zum Steeles Express Eastbound...............................0...................0
191 Highway 27 Express Southbound..............................0...................0


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Evil Property Managers and Me

The apartment up on Weston Road, managed by DMS Property Management, also refused to rent the apartment.
Thank you for that. After wasting my time.

Would someone explain to me why landlords advertise apartments for rent, and then either, not have any available, or decide after a bunch of bullshit, decide not to rent?
Is that not illegal?

So, continuing on with the apartment search, since I don't have anything better to do...

I have found another, I will be looking at soon. 
It is also on Weston Road, but it used to be a store, and then converted into an apartment.

I like that it is being rented directly by the owner, and not by a large company or agent.
Rental companies are cold. They don't care about the tenants. All they care about is the rent.
Just like unions don't care about the workers, only collecting the dues.

That is the exact problem we are having now. If there is a problem, the management either ignores it, or blames it on the tenant, but all hell breaks loose if the rent is 10 seconds late. 

Therefore, I feel that I will have better luck dealing directly with the owner.

Crap.

My complicated life continues...



"The Brick"
STATS

Record: 0 / 2 / 1 

 September 27 /2014 vs. Matt Standish [Loss by decision] @ 85 kg
 June 14 /2014  vs. Leo Ronin [Loss by decision] @ 86 kg
September 21 /2013 Exhibition @ 90 kg

Stance: Orthodox  (Left lead) / Style: Technical

Status:  ACTIVE

WEIGH-IN
*Daily within 2 weeks of a match, weekly otherwise.
   Current:  187 lbs / 85 kg    
-----------------------------------------------
"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team
Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto
---------
Next scheduled bout: November 8 @ George Bell Arena
Training schedule: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, sparring twice weekly
Coach: Richard SoucĂ©  / Trainer: Junmar Emon
Resting HR: 64 - 66
----------------------------------------------------

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Shhhh. The Boxers Are Sleeping

ENTRY 205


Next scheduled bout: November 8 @ George Bell Arena, opponent TBA



Shhhh. Quiet. The Boxers Are Sleeping 

Yeah. Its almost like that.
There really was nothing happening with regards to boxing this week. Which is just as well, since I am so busy with other things like...

I'm Still Searching

Well, for some reason the idiots are Capriet Property Management decided that they would prefer to not rent the apartment on Lake Shore, after I wasted so much time with them.
Thank you for that.
I don't understand the big deal. Don't landlords want to rent apartments, or is the whole idea of posting ads and inviting people to viewings just a way to waste time?

I did locate another very nice apartment just north of the Stockyards. It is a great location. Literally, five minutes on the Number 89 bus to the boxing gym.

I fell in love with this apartment the moment I saw it.

Ninth floor, right across from the elevator. Balcony, storage room, marble (probably simulated) counter top, brand new range and fridge, and central heat and cooling, which is unusual in an apartment. 
There are also security cameras in the hallways, one right in front of the apartment.
The only thing is, the rent is close to being a four-digit number.
However, this is apparently "market value" for a one bedroom apartment with everything included.
Okay, whatever. 
At least, I did not see any unwanted guests.

I will find out if I have been accepted later next week.

Bus Report

Wow. Twice! The Route 191 was on-time twice this past week! 
That worries me, It really does. That means it will be a very long time before it is ever on time again!

Metropolis TV Removal of Public Videos From YouTube

Due to continuing problems with YouTube, we have began removing content this week.
It appears that we are having serious issues with copyright fraud, claiming that they own Metropolis TV content. In particular, Stockyards Boxing matches from 2012.
That damn Orchard Music is claiming that we stole music from them.
I find it interesting that on videos that contain no music, one can report a copyright claim for music!  

Any music we use is from Kevin Macleod, and he knows we use it, and we have permission to use it. 

It is annoying that YouTube, excuse me, ScrewTube is allowing this to happen, and I am not the only one.
There are complaints all over the internet about Orchard Music.

YouTube does not care about the small producers any more.
That is why we are moving to Dailymotion.
We are hoping to have the move completed by the end of January.

The following productions are no longer available for viewing, until they are moved to the new server at Dailymotion:
  • March Boxing at Bloor Boxing, Bout 5
  • March Boxing at Bloor Boxing, Bout 9
  • March Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 5 
  • March Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 7
  • March Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 3
  • March Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 2
  • March Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 4
  • March Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 9
  • March Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 8
  • March Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 6
  • December Boxing At Stockyards, Bout 3
  • December Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 6
  • December Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 9 Main Event
  • December Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 5
  • December Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 8
  • December Boxing at Stockyards, Bout 7
  • "FIGHT NIGHT 2" AT STOCKYARDS, BOUT 2
  • "FIGHT NIGHT 2" AT STOCKYARDS, BOUT 1
  • "FIGHT NIGHT 2" AT STOCKYARDS, BOUT 8
  • "FIGHT NIGHT 2" AT STOCKYARDS, BOUT 7
  • "FIGHT NIGHT 2" AT STOCKYARDS, BOUT 6
  • "FIGHT NIGHT 3" AT STOCKYARDS, BOUT 2
  • "FIGHT NIGHT 3" AT STOCKYARDS, BOUT 7 MAIN EVENT
  • "FIGHT NIGHT 3" AT STOCKYARDS, BOUT 4
As all of these Metropolis TV/D-I-T-O Toronto productions have been 'claimed' by Orchard Music, and contain nothing that could be considered "third party".

These productions have been disabled to block Orchard from gaining any revenue from our productions.

After January 2015, these videos will hopefully all have been moved to Dailymotion, and will be deleted from YouTube.




I did not win any auctions this week.






"The Brick"
STATS

Record: 0 / 2 / 1 

 September 27 /2014 vs. Matt Standish [Loss by decision] @ 85 kg
 June 14 /2014  vs. Leo Ronin [Loss by decision] @ 86 kg
September 21 /2013 Exhibition @ 90 kg

Stance: Orthodox  (Left lead) / Style: Technical

Status:  ACTIVE

WEIGH-IN
*Daily within 2 weeks of a match, weekly otherwise.
   Current:  187 lbs / 85 kg    





-----------------------------------------------
"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team
Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto
---------
Next scheduled bout: November 8 @ George Bell Arena
Training schedule: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, sparring twice weekly
Coach: Richard SoucĂ©  / Trainer: Junmar Emon
Resting HR: 64 - 66
----------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Mystery Solved !

ENTRY 204

Next scheduled bout: November 8, opponent TBA


Saturday and Monday Sparring Report

Two rounds of sparring on Saturday with Kofi, focus on offence.
I worry about sparring Kofi, ever since he planted that wicked uppercut on me a couple months ago. Remember, he made me bleed!  

I did four rounds on Monday with George and Leo, focus on offence.
George has not been around in a while, and he is a big guy. I am no longer in his weight class, but it does not bother me to spar him.

The Great Dryer Caper

On Sunday, I was downstairs in the building's laundry room, doing laundry. What the hell else would I be doing in the laundry room?
This woman walked over to the dryer I was about to use, and wanted to start putting her shit in it.
I told her I was using it.
She said, "What do you mean?", and started cramming her crap into the dryer I already had my fabric softener sheet in.
Could she not freaking see that I am about to use that machine?

Of course, I did the mature thing. I waited until she left, then opened the dryer door.
Enjoy your soaking wet clothes, asshole.

Asshole residents and asshole management.I guess assholes attract other assholes.

I can take possession of the new apartment on November 5.
The management of the new building are great. Seemed very friendly, and did something I did not expect. She pro-rated the rent. 
Yeah.
Since I can't move in until the 5th, she took five days off the rent for November.

I am so happy to be leaving that shithole full of assholes, and going to a building that seems decent.

Wow. That Bus Is On Time!

I just wanted to share this with you, since it is such a rare occurrence.
On Monday, going to work, the 191 bus was on time.
...and it will probably never be on time again.

I even commented to the driver, "Wow. You are on time for a change. What happened?"
He didn't answer.

Solving the Mystery of the Dead Cameras

Well, I found out what caused last week's catastrophic failure of our Metropolis TV cameras.
A voltage spike.
Nobody really noticed it, because it was so fast, but our cameras noticed it. Since they were both being powered by the same supply, it makes perfect sense that it was possible for both to fail at the same time.

We are going to invest in a power supply (filter) for our cameras, hoping this will better regulate the voltage, and prevent this from happening again.

Metropolis TV Reminder To Viewers

Please note that we will be removing all of our archives from YouTube by January. If you want to view anything, now is the time. (Link below)
All of our new content will be on Dailymotion.
Please not that we have a Dailymotion Official account. This means that we are paid for content from advertisers.
Please help support community TV, by supporting our sponsors.





"The Brick"
STATS

Record: 0 / 2 / 1 

 September 27 /2014 vs. Matt Standish [Loss by decision] @ 85 kg
 June 14 /2014  vs. Leo Ronin [Loss by decision] @ 86 kg
September 21 /2013 Exhibition @ 90 kg

Stance: Orthodox  (Left lead) / Style: Technical

Status:  ACTIVE

WEIGH-IN
*Daily within 2 weeks of a match, weekly otherwise.
    Fri.  187/85    






-----------------------------------------------
"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team
Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto
---------
Next scheduled bout: November 8 @ George Bell Arena
Training schedule: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, sparring twice weekly
Coach: Richard SoucĂ©  / Trainer: Junmar Emon
Resting HR: 64 - 66
----------------------------------------------------

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Lights...Action...No

ENTRY 203




A Break From Training, But Still No Rest

Not a lot happening this week, as I took the usual post-bout rest.
I will be returning for sparring on Saturday morning as requested by Coach Richard.

Other than that, I have been taking time to prepare for my move.
I will be taking possession of the new apartment at the end of October, and don't have to be out of the craphole I am in now until the end of November.
That gives me an entire month to slowly move. Less stress.
I will just need to rent a small truck near the end of November to move the large items. 
Although, a lot of my old crappy furniture will not be moving with me. I will be getting new stuff after I move. 
Somebody gave me a sofa. Thank you. 
It will be moved into the new place next month.

I will also be selling a lot of stuff.
Look here in the upcoming weeks for stuff for sale.


Camera Fail

Well, bad news for those who were on the second-half of last Saturday's card and want to see their bout. 
This was the first time Metropolis TV used two cameras. 
For those who have seen my bout on Dailymotion, it turned out well.
However, we had an issue after the second-half of the card. Both cameras had flashing "ERROR' codes on them  Yes, both cameras!

Apparently the files became corrupt during recording on both damn cameras, so we don't even have a backup.
Someone explain to me how two different cameras can both simultaneously fail?
I can tell you. My crappy luck/crappy life.

There is over 10 GB of video there, but it can not be accessed.
Apparently the ID Tags are corrupt. The videos are there, but without Tags.
For those not familiar with digital video: When you stop recording a digital video, it writes an ID Tag at the start of the file that tells the computer, or whatever device you are trying to view the file, "This is a video".
Without the ID Tag, the computer does not know how to handle the file, so when you try to play it, it gives an error. "Unsupported File Format".
Also, these are MP4 files, which are very difficult to repair due to the type of compression that is used.
I have been trying all week to fix them, with no avail. 
There is a software that you can get that can fix corrupt Tags on MP4 files, but it costs $85.
I really don't see the point of investing $85 in a software I am only going to use once.

Unfortunately, it looks like Leo and Trace may be out of luck for seeing their bouts on video.

Sorry, guys. 
Blame technology.

Also, follow the Metropolis TV channel on Dailymotion for archived boxing events from Stockyards Boxing, as we move our content from YouTube.
Programming will be re-edited, and will feature highlight packages, commentaries, and more.


Canada Post Does It Again

Last week the sheriff's office sent me a Juror's Slection Form. 
For those who have been lucky enough to never receive one (this is my second), these have to be returned within five days. It is a criminal offence to not return it on time.
Well my buddies at Canada Post delivered it to my neighbour's address, and she only checks mail once a week.
She brought me this letter now five days after it was sent. I put it my "Mail In" slot, where I. in the course of trying to go on with my life, forgot it was there.
We are now at ten days.
My intent now is to drop it into a mailbox on my way to sparring on Saturday morning, and hope the Court Services doesn't come after me.

Although, technically, it is "within five days of receipt", and it is five days.
It's not my fault Canada Post are idiots?






Another big week of auctions for me:




I really only wanted the shoes, but now I have a new pair of bag gloves as well.



These are normally very expensive. I have seen these for up to $40.
This one does not fit my big computer monitor, which was my original idea. I wanted to just cover the main (center) part of the screen, but it does not sit flush on the monitor, and it makes it out of focus, so I am using it for my secondary monitor, which is smaller.

Also won this week: More coins and bank notes currency from Platinum Liquidations for my collector friend, I won at $4, and a small assortment of electronics accessories for $5 from the Police Auction. Included in the electronics lot is a charger for my Canon Rebel camera. 
I wanted a spare, which was the main reason I bid on that lot.

I am going to cut down on the auctions for a while. It is a lot of travelling by bus to go to all these sites for item pick-up, and also as I am moving, I don't need any more crap to have to move.


That is all for this entry.
Sparring report from Saturday, and more, in the next entry.



-----------------------------------------------
"The Brick", member of the Stockyards Boxing Team
Stockyards Boxing and Fitness, 215 Ryding Ave., Toronto
STATS
Record: 0 / 2 / 1 
 September 27 /2014  vs. Matt Standish [Loss by Decision]
 June 14 /2014  vs. Leo Ronin [Loss by decision]
Next scheduled bout: N/A
Training schedule: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, sparring twice weekly
Coach: Richard Soucé
Trainer: Junmar Emon
Resting HR: 64 - 66
Stance: Orthodox  (Left lead)
Style: Technical
Status:  ACTIVE
--------------------------------------------------
TRAINING  Sep 27 -Oct 3
Sat  [OFF, Post-fight]
Sun  [OFF, Post-fight]
Mon  [OFF, Post-fight]
Tues   [OFF, Post-fight]
Wed  [OFF, Post-fight]
Thurs  [OFF, Post-fight]
Fri  [OFF, Post-fight]
----------------------------------------------------
SPARRING
No sparring this week. Post-fight.
-------------------------------------
WEIGH-IN
*Daily within 2 weeks of a match, weekly otherwise.
         Fri  187/85           
------------------------------





LINKS


CJJQ-FM FEED (Adrenaline Radio, 24/7 workout music) via shoutcast.com