. Good morning fans and friends. Here’s the deal… If I post something controversial (which is almost always) onto my Facebook wall, Twitter account, etc., please know that the main purpose is not to thrust my views onto others. It’s to raise awareness on topical issues, encourage independent thought, and spark debate in areas that may require further discussion and clarity. With that being said, I consider everyone on my social media (particularly on Facebook) to be a “friend” of mine, and as such, I will not tolerate anyone insulting each other over a difference in...

“You have to think like a psychopath in order to catch a psychopath.” – Hugh Jnutz 4 a.m. I almost hate to admit it out loud, but much to my own personal dismay, I have a conscience. If not for this little nuisance of a sensory in my brain that insists on constantly (and annoyingly) pointing out the obvious differences between right and wrong, and making me feel guilty for ever nearly choosing the less moral of the two, I feel quite confident that I could have easily taken over the world by now. Or at the very least, I could have emptied out a cash register. Or an armored vehicle....

. Here’s a simple budgeting solution that I learned from an old boss of mine. It’s a scoring system based on WANTS and NEEDS. So often, we buy something just because we WANT it – not necessarily because we NEED it. And be careful not to confuse the two. You’d be amazed at how little you really NEED to survive comfortably. The scoring works as follows: 2: Your WANT and your NEED are both very low. Don’t waste your money. 3: You either really WANT it (but you don’t really NEED it), or you really NEED it to survive or feel comfortable, even though it might not...

“A fracture is the separation of an object or material into two, or more, pieces under the action of stress.” With so many rumours and half-truths floating around in what has been an uncomfortable, and at times, unprofessional state of recruitment in the Niagara Regional youth football system, I think it’s important to point out that in spite of the many incredible changes and transformations that have occurred within each of the separate organizations as of late, nothing in terms of the overall perception or status within the community has in fact changed, which is very unfortunate, but...

“Tolerance of Intolerance is Cowardice” – Ayaan Hirsi Ali I remember many years back, I was on a ski trip with a large group of co-workers. We had all crossed the border into New York State and travelled to a resort that had a shuttle bus service which brought skiers back and fourth between the lodge and the tubing hill. Sitting happy and relaxed amongst my friends, I wasn’t ready for what I was about to hear. The driver, after looking around the bus, decided (I guess) that because we were all “white-skinned,” it would be okay to start telling “nigger” jokes. As if somehow,...

Ford was asked what was harder—running a football team or working with city council. “These kids listen,” he said. “City council doesn’t.” Okay, I admit it. I’ve never been a big fan of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford (that’s putting it mildly), and not because of any personal feeling towards the way that he actually does his job as mayor, but because quite frankly, the media tells us to dislike Rob Ford—so we do, because we all share the common love of hating on politicians and/or public figures who act imperfectly. It has become our greatest social hobby. Rob Ford has been accused...

Lance Waldeck asked: What is the best lesson a coach or mentor has taught you? What is the best lesson you teach while coaching and leading others? When I was first asked to teach Customer Relations at Niagara College Canada, I had no prior teaching experience, certifications, or even so much as a University or College education. True story. And yet, despite my apparent lack of qualifications, there was this inherently strong belief around the department and by my peers that I was somehow perfect for the job. Personally, I didn’t get it. And so, I met with the Coordinator at the time, a man...

Mandy Brown asked: What is your favourite memory? The long of the short of it is that I have had a lot of really great moments in my life, but sadly, the thrill and excitement that I used to get from these now distant memories is much like the memory itself: Faded. Becoming the youngest black belt in Ontario for Wado Kai karate? Becoming the youngest club manager in World Gym franchise history? Cutting the Umbilical cord on my first born son, Jacob? Teaching my very first official class at Niagara College with only a high school diploma? Taking over as the Defensive Coordinator for the Fighting...

Drew Barnes asked: Do you have any regrets in life? What is the one dream or inspiration that you want to accomplish? Who is your biggest hero? Everyone regrets something in life. I think I read somewhere that it’s not good to have regrets, but I personally think that’s a load of bullshit. You can always treat other people better. You can always help more. You can always make more of an honest effort to be true to yourself. Do I have regrets? You bet your ass I do. But I don’t live in the past. Regrets are lessons for the future. What’s done is done. All I can do moving...

. . “Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”―Eckhart Tolle A few months ago, I had decided to take a “temporary” break from sportswriting and blogging (even though I had announced it publicly as being a more permanent retirement) so that I could step back and work on several other personal and creative projects without having to deal with any other literary responsibilities, distractions or the pressure of a return date. And it worked. As a result of my brief hiatus, I am proud to...