Squirrel on Shed 1 May 5 2008

Squirrel on Shed 1 May 5 2008
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

My nemesis... He goes in and out of our shed at will. He (she?) makes nests in our barbecue. He chatters noisily at me when I clear away the nests in some vain hope of actually getting to use the bbq.

He is, however, quite fun to chase with the hose when in the company of a 4 year old.

Summer must be coming,
B.

Interesting Article on Biodiesel Boat

From Wired.com:

The eco-conscious adventurers trying to circumnavigate the world in a carbon-neutral biodiesel trimaran are approaching Puerto Rico, where they'll take on more fuel, fix the toilet and repair an inspection hatch that flooded their sleeping quarters with biodiesel. Despite the problems, Earthrace has covered 4,200 miles since leaving Sagunto, Spain, on April 27. The team is making its second attempt to circumnavigate the globe in record time and has braved 18-foot seas since leaving the Azores last week.

"Big waves come racing in and crash-tackle us," Earthrace skipper Pete Bethune said, according to the New Zealand Herald. "Earthrace shudders and rocks as the ... cabin goes dark and we submarine through each wave. Controlling Earthrace in head seas is like trying to control an angry bull."

The broken toilet and two inches of biodiesel sloshing around the sleeping quarters probably didn't make things any easier. [To continue reading, click here.]


I have to admit that I'm actually fairly skeptical of bio diesel. Fuel from food waste (especially forestry by-products) is not a bad idea, but my understanding is that biodiesel is a pretty "dirty" fuel. When you burn it, it pollutes like regular diesel, that is more than a comparable gasoline engine. I know cleaner diesel has been "right around the corner" for a number of years now, but until its here and it can come from surplus biological sources, I'm not on-board.

Ahoy,
B.

Super Girl Looks for Shells and Rocks May 4/08

Super Girl Looks for Shells and Rocks May 4/08
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

One of the reasons I'm glad that we live where we do is the short distance to the beach. Ten minutes and we can have sand under our feet.

B.

Action Girl May 4/08 at Beach

Action Girl May 4/08 at Beach
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

We love the beach this time of the year. You have to bundle up for the wind, but there are no crowds... More time to explore.

B.

1980s Now Legal in Cuba

According the the BBC, its now legal for individual Cubans to own computers. Here's a reminder that the Cuban regime (sans Castro) continues to be very repressive. More importantly, it fears dissent and free thought. Governments that fear their own people are worse that governments that are merely autocratic.

Its been easy for many people of the centre-left/centre like me to excuse the lack of democracy, citing health care and education. Freedom matters, democracy matters.

Lets hope that the Internet can do its democratizing magic (although we may need to be patient with China).

B.

Why I love Parades...

Originally uploaded by Orange Cremecicle

This is from the 2007 Rose Bowl Parade. I wish I was there.

B.

For my next birthday: lego cupcakes!

lego cupcakes!
Originally uploaded by hello naomi

I found these on Flickr.

Mmmm... Plastic bricky goodness.

First Post in a While!

Wow, what a busy spring we're having! In the last few weeks, we've registered TWO girls for soccer and TWO girls have started swimming lessons. "Action Girl" (now 7.5 years) is enrolled in "Swim Kids 1" and "Super Girl" (age 4.5 years) is now a "Salamander." When you're 4 and a half, you do well to leave the side of the toddler pool, I realize.

The new car is a lot of fun. Its no Hummer or G-Wagon, but it works well for us and we're enjoying having something that isn't 10 years old. That said, we've kept our other ten year old car and have a little bit of a dilemma with it- the catalytic converter is shot and needs to be replaced. Unfortunately the eco-friendly solution (replacing it) will be about $1000 and the not-so-eco-friendly solution will be about $800-900 less. Hmmm....

On the first of this month I returned to my previous job after about 15 moths away. It wasn't my first choice, but its a job I really like with co-workers I like even more than the job.

B.

Two More BSG Stories

"Galactica": Not To Be Pigeonholed
If You Think This Sci-Fi Series Is Just For Fanboys, You're Missing A Phenomenal, Existential Epic... (from CBS.com)

Exclusive: Caprica casting info revealed (fromTV Squad)
(Information on the BSG sequel/prequel)

TV's Best Show?

The end of M.A.S.H., the premiere of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the last episode of Lost’s First Season, and tonight; these are some of my favourite moment in television history. What’s the deal with tonight? The fourth and final season of the best-written science fiction on television premieres.

I could tell you that Battlestar Galactica (in its 2004-now version) is the best most “realistic” and dramatic sci-fi ever on TV, or that it’s the show that’s best portrayed the effect of mass trauma on a society (boring and social-worky, yes I know...) Instead I want to tell you two things:

1) Battlestar Galactica is a gritty, realistic drama that works on themes of family, survival, and equal measures of fear and hope. Few other shows (with or without killer robots) have managed such dramatic excellence.

2) Whether it was entirely intentional or not, BSG has managed to be the only television show that has addressed the way the world (and especially the US) has changed since September 11, 2001. It works like this: The Cylon attack that wipes out humanity’s home worlds is a society-changing event. On personal and societal levels, part of the show is always about defending humanity militarily while trying to preserve its freedoms and laws. Sound familiar? If this sounds cold and academic, somehow its not! Individual decisions are made about what can be acceptable in a society under threat. Torture, genocide, suicide bombing, its in there... At the same time, family, relationships, and hope become more precious than ever.

The show has a minimalist realism that makes it utterly watachable. Clothes look like our clothes, a chair is a chair, and guns fire bullets, not killer lazers. There are no aliens. Let me say that again, there are NO aliens. The main difference between their society and ours is that they are space-faring. People have real problems and very few things work out perfectly in the end. People fall in love and people die. People sacrifice everything for each other and people cheat, lie, and stab each other in the back. People are people.

The single biggest strength of the show is that its story-telling is not exclusively episodic. The whole series exists (we hope) within a large story arc and every episode advances the story. This can make it harder (but far from impossible) to get into the series but if you’re along for the ride, what a ride it is! It works very well on DVD.

Battlestar Galactica airs tonight on Space: the Imagination Station. Try it, its good for you.

B.

(From MSN.ca) 'Battlestar Galactica': Why It Might Save Your Marriage

A married couple discusses this sci-fi series' cross-gender appeal
By Adam Berliant and Martha Brockenbrough
Special to MSN

TVRemote-control couch fights are an ugly thing. Worse is the sad spectacle of his-and-hers TV sets positioned on opposite sides of the house to prevent the hideous cacophony of his televised explosions mixing with her weeping-orphan monologues.
There is hope, though, for the modern couple torn apart by differing tastes in TV. And, thank the gods, there's no reality TV involved. We're talking about "Battlestar Galactica" — the show that just might save your marriage. It's the Reese's peanut butter cup of programming, mixing his peanut butter in with her chocolate for a delicious blend of sex, cyborgs and good old-fashioned space opera. ..

[Read the rest of the artcle here.]

(From Salon.com) Everything you were afraid to ask about "Battlestar Galactica"

Everything you were afraid to ask about "Battlestar Galactica"
A complete primer on the smartest sci-fi TV show ... maybe ever.
By Thomas Rogers

Sci Fi Channel / Art Streiber

April 2, 2008 When the "Battlestar Galactica" miniseries premiered in 2003, viewers could be forgiven for having low expectations. At the time, the Sci Fi Channel, on which "Battlestar" aired, was a niche cable channel known mostly for "Stargate SG-1" and "Star Trek" reruns, and the show's source material, a cheesy '70s flop for ABC, wasn't exactly "The Sopranos." The series' premise, furthermore, involved enough clichéd science fiction elements -- an evil race of robots, a hotshot fighter pilot and characters with names like "Apollo" -- to make the show's fans wince when explaining it to their friends.
Three seasons later, "Battlestar Galactica" has become one of TV's smartest series. It has won a Peabody Award, made the Sci Fi Channel a semireputable cable outlet and revolutionized science fiction on television. It has proved that the genre, when liberated from the body-hugging Lycra jumpsuits and staid dialogue that have plagued most post-"Trek" science fiction series, can be a vehicle for both scathing political commentary and genuine pathos. The network recently greenlighted a prequel spinoff series called "Caprica," and on Friday, April 4, "Battlestar" returns to Sci Fi after a yearlong hiatus for its fourth and final season...

2009 Corolla 1

2009 Corolla 1
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Okay, here is our actual new car- a black 2009 Toyota Corolla with LE trim.

Yaaaaay.

"A new car every ten year whether we need it or not..."

The "More to Follow" Update

A very good point was made by an old friend and loyal reader not to leave you folks hanging, so:

1) The thing about the cat: Super Girl (age 4) does not want to get a cat. She's talking about how our last cat used to scratch her and how scared she is that the new one might come into her room at night. Gently, she doesn't want to seem to budge.

2) We should get our new car Thursday or Friday. Yaaaay!

B.

March Break TO DO List:
[X] Take girls to regional indoor amusement park
[X] Get new car
[ ] Get new cat (May be canceled... More to follow)
[X] Rip up carpet in basement
[X] Interesting visits from fabulous people
[ ] Add to list

2009 Corolla... Ours!

Here is our new car! (Note- not actually our new car, just one we test drove and the same colour as the one we will own in a couple of days).

March 25th Update:
Okay, maybe black, not dark grey like the one pictured here. More to follow....

Interesting Blog for the Visual Learner in All of Us

Life, explained through index card-sized diagrams:

I N D E X E D

Thanks to CCC for the tip.

B.

Helicopters with Floats and Orange Blankets Mar 5-08

Helicopters with Floats and Orange Blankets Mar 5-08
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

The seal hunt is here, er... there and the helicopters are here.

B.

Lost: March 6, 2008: "The Other Woman"

Once again, have fallen asleep and missed Lost. Am trying to watch this ep. to comment on it.

More to follow,

B.

LOST: "The Constant" Feb 28-08 Part II

Last night, we had a chance to watch a copy of the "The Constant." As someone had suggested me to on Facebook, I think this was one of, if not "the", best episode so far this year. Desmond's tightly written back-story was coupled with the urgency of his time hopping made for an exciting ride for which I was glad to be on the bus. In fairness, the taped copy someone had lent me had no commercials and this added to the experience.

I've been hoping for some Desmond back-story for a while. When did they shoot it to get him with short hair. Realistically, they must have filmed it some time ago/at the same time as his original shooting. This fills me with some confidence as its the best evidence I've seen in a while that the writers have a plan (and that its a good plan).

I would love to "read" the Black Rock ship's log. That would be a back-story episode I could stay awake to watch.

A Couple of nit-picky points: Desmond's squad leader orders the squad to make a "right face." This is solely an American term, not a British (or Canadian) term. Also, Penny Whitmore has wedding and engagement rings on her right hand when she's talking to Desmond on the phone. By the way, how exactly do telephone calls to mysterious islands (which may or may not be Purgatory) work? Do they have their own area code? Or, is it a party line? How is it that Penny keeps "calling" the ship when she's trying to get the Island?

Does anyone else think that Charles Whitmore was a little scared of Desmond? There was something a little off in their interactions...

I'd like to see some more Desmond back-story. In fact I'd love to see what he gets charged for- now that we know that he's in the Army in 1996, too late for the first Iraqi War and probably too early for the second. This means no Sayid/Desmond in Iraq connection. Oh well...

B.

LOST: "The Constant" Feb 28-08

Greetings,
After a great deal of refection and consideration I have come to the conclusion that if I fall asleep 30 minutes before the episode actually starts, its probably not fair to write a great deal about it.

Hmmmm....

B.

MENSA Picks the Top 10 Show of ALL Time

(Click here for article.)

So what are the ten smartest television shows of all time? MENSA thinks it knows. Then again what doesn't MENSA know?

1. M*A*S*H
2. Cosmos
3. CSI
4. House
5. The West Wing
6. Boston Legal
7. All in the Family
8. Frasier
9. Mad About You
10. Jeopardy!

What shows would you add to this list?

B.

Lost Episode 4.3: "The Econmoist"

So... In our area, ASN airs the previous weeks' episode at 9PM and the new episode airs at 10PM on CTV. What's more, the 9PM episode has the captioning, a la Pop Up Video. Neat...

Mr. H. was right. Sayid is the fourth member of the Oceanic 6. Well done.

The Holy Grail of Kitch: So Wrong, So Very Wrong

Some people refuse to believe that the Start Wars Holiday Special of 1978 ever existed. With Youtube's help I now set the record staright. I was going to save this until next Christmas but I can't resist posting it now. So wrong, so wrong. I will have nightmares...

The Return of Jericho: The Walls Go Tumblin' Up

Tonight one of the most interesting dramas on TV returns, after an extended break between its first and second seasons. Jericho follows a small mid-western town in the months after the majority of America's cities are destroyed by nuclear weapons. I tend to be a nuclear apocalypse junkie (something that could bother me if I thought about it), but Jericho stands on its own as a drama.

Basically, the strengths of the story deal with the complexity of relationships between family members and neighbours in the wake of the worst day of their lives. They re-build, care for each other, fight when needed, and move on/survive. The show was originally canceled last year but is back for seven episodes after an unprecedented number of complaints and lobbying by viewers.

Its on CBS at 11 Atlantic tonight and on Space some time this weekend. Its worth your time. You can also watch the first 5 minutes of the episode on CBS' website.

B.

Lost: Episode 4.1 "The Beginning of the End"

"You got yourself good and lost out here," Locke to Hurley after finding him in the jungle.

Lost is back and I am pleased. The first episode of the fourth season "The Beginning of the End" was exciting, surprising, and advanced the series' story arc. No episode will probably ever match the suspense of the first season finale, but the fourth season opener was better than 98% of series TV.

Of all the tragedies that have fallen on the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, the greatest is that any real joy or pleasure happens only for a moment. It ends as easily as it starts.

This was never clearer than when Hurley "cannon balls" into the surf. After running to the beach and grinning from ear to ear like a child, he comes out of the water to see Desmond coming back to the beach without Charlie (who is now dead). From there, we go immediately to the drama that sees the survivors divide over whether Jack contacting Naomi's ship has saved or doomed them. This, finally, is the Jack/Locke schism that has been three seasons coming. The Jack-ites vs. the Locke-ites... Tribe 1, Tribe 2... No one, Sayid, Claire, Jack... is allowed to be happy for long.

What I want to see this season:
1) An explanation of what Naomi's people really want,
2) Some freaking answers about the real properties of the island,
3) More Libby,
4) An answer to whether Jacob is a future Locke,
5) More about the four-toes statue and the temple,
6) Desmond's back story in the British Army in Iraq and tied to Sayid's story, and
7) An episode told entirely from Vincent's perspective.

What I don't want to see this season:
1) Nicky and Paulo back from the dead,
2) The monster (its soooo 2005),
3) Writing that isn't focussed dramatic and well, twisty!

One last thought: was anyone else surprised that Kate was prepared to leave the Island? She knows she's going to be hunted. Is wanting to leave about wanting to be with Jack?

B.

From YouTube: New Lost Season 4 Sneak Peak!!! New Hatch!, The Orchid

Lost: Its Better on TV than on YouTube, but...

US Army Suicides at All Time High

US Army Suicides at All Time High article at the BBC.

The interesting historical fact to add to this issue is this: as a result of their experience in Vietnam and re-integrating into Amreican society, more American Vietnam veterans suicided after Vietnam than were killed in combat.

B.

Microsoft to Buy Yahoo?

This article reminds me that interestingly, Microsoft initially thought in the early 90s that when the Internet (then more often referred to as the information super highway) came to our homes, it would be through TV set-top boxes. They were wrong.

In many ways their purchase and development of Internet Explorer and Hotmail/MSN/Windows Live has had a "catch-up" element to it. That said, I'm not at all an anti-Microsoft type. Its just interesting to see how history has ebbed and flowed.

B.

Ice Storm Aftermath Thought

I have to admit that I'm freaked out by the use of the term "Emergency Warming Centres" though one third of my home province.

Freaky and frightening,

B.

Outdoor Thermometer Encased in Ice Jan. 29-08

Image006.jpg
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

It was only about -1 but this picture makes it look much worse.

We had a great time after supper last eveving in the outside in the dark smashing ice and salting the walkway.

B.

Icy Weather Jan 29, 2008

Ice Jan 29-08
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Our yard light... Ordinarily its hard to see the light with the cedar tree and large shrubs obstructing it. Ice is heavy.

B.

Icy Weather Jan 28, 2008

Ice Jan 28-08
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Its a hard time to be a tree. These are some ice-encrusted trees on my drive home yesterday.

B.

Find Flight 815 Site

[Click on the title above]

Here is a cool Lost sight. Mmmmm... original content...

B.

Lost: Two More Days!

A Reminder: Lost returns this Thursday!

More to follow. I have a list of things that I hope to see this season and a longer list of things I don't want to see.

B.

Free Church Update: Jan 24, 2008

Now:



Before:
http://binkygetsby.blogspot.com/2007/12/free-church-follow-up-pics.html
http://binkygetsby.blogspot.com/2007/03/you-make-caption.html

When your even your best friend thinks you've been bad...

In a recent training seminar for senior Canadian diplomats that included information on torture, the United States was listed as a country where they should be concerned that incarcerated Canadians could be mis-treated. While this idea has been down-played by the Conservative Government in Ottawa, the facts speak for themselves. This presentation was as far from a political agenda as possible. It was based on objective study by highly skilled professionals.


Its sad that the truth always seems to get a back seat to political expediency.

I want to be clear that I'm not trying to run down the U.S.- but sometimes if you're truly a friend, you have to "call it like it is." Countries that don't mis-treat prisoners can detain them on their own soil.

See what you think:


http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2008/01/16/guantanamo-manual.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSN1762987120080119

http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/hotline/2008/01/combatting-torture-once-again-politics.php

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/01/canada-puts-us.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7195276.stm

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/18/world/americas/18canada.html?ref=world

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/294899

Great Movie Tribute

My favourite movie of all time is still 1985's The Breakfast Club. Here is the 20th anniversary tribute from the 2005 MTV Movie Awards:

Yay! High Speed...

Finally, we have high speed Internet access... Above is the best connection speed I have had so far. I'm pleased.

We had our wireless high speed installed today. After some determined work by two very capable installers, things have gone well.

B.

First Knitting 2 Jan 4-08

First Knitting 2 Jan 4-08
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

First Knitting 1 Jan 4-08

First Knitting 1 Jan 4-08
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Action Girl (and 6.) has started knitting with my mom.

B.

Lighthouse 2 Jan 6-08

Lighthouse 2 Jan 6-08
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Lighthouse 1 Jan 6-08

Lighthouse 1 Jan 6-08
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

We went for a Sunday drive along the North Shore.

B.

Easy Button Jan 3-08

Easy Button Jan 3-08
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

The girls gave me very own easy button for Christmas! Here it is on my desk.

B.

Snow Bank Jan 3-08

Snow Bank Jan 3-08
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

I'm not sure this picture does the size of this snow bank at my work justice. Its huge!

B.

Christmas, New Year’s, and Sleepy Time for the Undead

The holidays have been for fairly quiet for us this year, in a planned and really great way. I worked until noon on Christmas Eve and took the 27th, 28th, and 31st off as vacation time. Today (Jan. 2nd) was a bonus day off due to the storm.



The girls were very excited and had been wonderfully well-behaved for Santa. On the 23rd and 24th we had some of Super Mom’s family in for some very fun visits. Its always interesting to see how excited the girls can be to see people that they don’t see very often. I want to assure Cousin M. And Uncle R. that they do not always perform that way! They play it up and out for people they don’t see very often.



Christmas morning had all of its usual magic. We were all up by 7:30 and the girls opened their Santa presents before breakfast. Action Girl (age 6½) got her scooter from Santa and Super Girl (age 4) got her pajamas and slippers (the things they had most wanted). They both got loads of other presents from us and many other generous people. Action Girl now has a skating dress and Super Girl has a dancing mat electronic game.



Super Mom got a down vest (bright pink with a hood) and I got my remote control helicopter (mostly for indoor use). I mentioned that we had a quiet time this year; admittedly this is something we planned and well, needed. There are a number of people we would have liked to get out to visit, and will hopefully early in January. Last night (New Year’s Eve) involved a special dinner and the four of us watching movies (Mary Poppins and Piglet’s Big Movie).



Despite being up really late on New Year's Eve, the girls hit the ground running Jan 1st. I didn’t catch everything they were saying after breakfast, but I think Super Girl was playing a game where she and her family were all vampires and were going to bed for the day. Anyone want to explain that one? Folks, you just can’t pay for entertainment like that...



Happy New Year (and may all your vampire encounters be playful)!



B.

Interesting Article about Organ Donation and Ethics

Its actually much more interesting than it sounds:

Desperately Seeking a Kidney

Canada-US differences are also a theme, too.

B.

What I’m Watching Lately....

The Tudors: Wow, am I old enough to watch this show?

The Big Bang Theory: A very funny show... It helps that airs immediately after How I Met Your Mother, though.

Futurama re-runs: Wow, I’ve missed that show.

Myth Busters: Even though the episodes are pretty similar to each other...

House: Even though every single episode has exactly the same plot...

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Every year it juts gets better and better.


B.

Investment Business proposal/From Mrs. Margaret Harrison.

Here's another one.  Maybe its just because its Friday, but somehow this one is slightly more tempting.

 

B.

______________________

 

Hello,  

 

Compliment of the day, 

 

I would like to apply through this medium for your co-operation and to secure an opportunity to invest and do joint business with you and my family in your country, if you can handle long time business investment jointly with me and my children in your country. I honourably intend to invest in your country into a very lucrative business venture of which you are to advise and execute the said venture over there for the mutual benefits of both of us.

 

Your able co-operation is to become my business partner in your country and create ideas on how money will be invested, properly managed and the type of investment after the money is transferred to your account with your assistance.
 
Meanwhile, on indication of your willingness to handle this transaction sincerely by protecting our interests and upon your acceptance of this proposal, I would furnish you with the full detailed information, procedure and amount involve. I shall be glad to reserve this respect and opportunity for you, if you so desire, but do urge you to give the matter your immediate attention it deserves, looking forward to your response.

Yours Faithfully.
Mrs. Margaret and Son Philip Harrison.
Liberte Sicap 5, Lot 21/B Villa 2065.
Dakar Senegal.

First Winter Storm of Year, First Storm Day EVER

Believe it or not, yesterday's storm was the first official "storm day" of my 11 year-old career. We moved from the health contract to the civil service contract over the last year. We lost benefits on many points, but we gained storm days. Basically, this means that I can now stay home when the government offices are closed, instead of trying to get to work or taking over-time or vacation hours to make up the time.

Yay,

B.

Free Church Follow-Up Pics

Free Church Follow-Up Pics
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Here is a follow-up pic to the post below.

http://binkygetsby.blogspot.com/2007/03/you-make-caption.html

It looks like its being dismantled.

B.

Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

December already... Things are humming along in our house with Christmas preparations and the like. Both girls are behaving very well and I expect that this has been noted by Santa Central and that it will be taken into account.

Its hard to believe, but Super Girl will turn four this Wednesday (Dec. 5th). She is more than excited. Wednesday night we're having cake with both sets of grandparents and on Sunday (Dec. 9th) she has a party at McDonald's (her choice).

On Thursday (Dec. 6th) Action Girl (age 6.75) has her school Christmas concert, which is entirely a Grade One production. She has a welcoming speech (a few lines) that opens the concert. She is pleased!

Next week, Super Girl's daycare has their concert and she is Mary (yes, the Mary). She was so excited the day the parts were assigned that she made a "Mary" name tag for herself (she had to ask how to spell it and wore it taped to her shirt for the rest of the day.

Christmas through their eyes is enough... well its enough to make me want to be a whole lot less cynical about things.

B.

Sporting Intentions

For the second year, Action Girl (age 6 3/4) is taking Can Skate Lessons at our local rink. Last year, she completed her first two levels and is now eagerly working on Level 3. She has become quite a competent skater. Her latest skill is spinning and she finds it challenging. 

I remember the look on her face last year as the best part of her skating.  There is a grin that's absolutely stuck on her face the whole time. Its back. Nest year, figure skating or hockey (ringette?) are real possibilities. She's probably weeks away from being a better skater than her dad.

There are two kinds of dads with respect to skating- those dads who played hockey and those who didn't. I belong to the latter group. I can skate and got new skates for Christmas last year and they are a beautiful sight to behold. But, if there is a hockied dad skating on the same rink as me, you won't confuse us.

Good for you, Action Girl!
B.

Remembrance Day 2007

It was very cold and very rainy, Our local community's service involves the Air Cadet squadron that I was with as a teenager. We didn't take the girls and that was a good move given the horrible conditions. Here are some pics:

Kids' Remembrance Thoughts

November 11th is a big deal for me.  It always has been and always will be.  Canada's experience of the 20th Century was shaped in countless ways by the struggle, losses, and successes of both World Wars. Korea, and U.N. and N.A.T.O. missions from 1956 to Afghanistan.

 

What do my daughters at 6½ and 3½ need to know about Remembrance Day?  Here's what I told them this morning.

 

Wars are horrible things.  Both World Wars involved Canadians fighting around the world so people could be free to make their own decisions about their own lives and could live without fear of being taken away.  Many Canadians died in the wars, 100,000 in both world wars.  My grandmother had an uncle who died in WWI.  How sad would they be if one of their uncles were killed?  Peace is something that we and they need to work towards, but because we do that I don't believe there will be another big war and I wanted them to know that.

 

We're planning to go to the community service on November 11th.  I hope they're going to be there without fear but with just enough sadness.  Some things are sad and its good to feel that way about them.

 

B.

The Kite Runner Vs. Vietnam

It seems that everyone, including the last issue of my church's magazine The Observer, has  concluded that public opinion is sharply divided Canada's role in Afghanistan, divided in a manner far more complicated that any survey can truly capture.

 

Unlike many people of the left or centre-left to whose opinions I would ordinarily find my own very similar, I am a very strong (but not unqualified) believer in Canada's present role/mission in Afghanistan.  Every time I try to understand the position that would see Canada's military immediately withdraw from that country, I run squarely into reasons why I think that decision isn't wise or even moral.

 

Before I further explain that conclusion, here are some points that I understand to be true and that if you're not following the issue closely, of which you may not be aware. 

1. Canada has a battle group of over 2000 soldiers active in Southern Afghanistan.  Technically, they are engaged in development security work and through that, an anti-insurgency conflict with remnants of the Taliban, their allies or other anti-government irregular forces. This work is authorized through a United Nations mandate.
2. Canada maintains a focus on development an rebuilding society in Afghanistan.  Many Canadians feel that the balance is wrong and that money spend on maintaining the battle group should go directly into development.  Others claim that development cannot happen without security and that this security means being prepared to meet anti-government forces with a military response.
3. Negatively colouring many people's responses to our army in Afghanistan (including my retired Air Force Chief Warrant Officer father) is the "gung-ho" confident attitude projected by Canada's current Chief of Defense Staff (the Canadian equivalent of the U.S. Joint Chiefs).  General Rick Hillier inspires very little indifference and his style has both helped and hindered public opinion.
4. Afghanistan under the Taliban was a medievally brutal cesspool of suffering.  Post-Taliban Afghanistan is filled with suffering, extreme poverty, violence, and gross inequality, but its impossible to conclude anything but that on the whole, history should judge Canada by how much we do to prevent a return to fundamentalist theocratic rule.

Its conceivable that this return to the Taliban may happen regardless of our efforts but to think we would chose to avoid doing everything that we can to stop this return is morally repugnant.  To think that stopping this return involves only development and not active security is naive.  Any mission which also includes building schools and placing value on girls being allowed to go to school is not just violence for violence's sake.  These are our fundamental values and we need to try to achieve them in Afghanistan with considerable cost. 

 

A failed, theocratic "state" in Afghanistan would be both a moral failure and a reality that would cost the rest of the world in ways we cannot yet anticipate.  Schools and roads, democracy and peace are things for which we should be prepared to struggle.  Its easy for me to suggest this as I will not be going to Afghanistan and my children are not directly threatened- that doesn't make me wrong.

 

What do you think?

 

B.

Work from home no enter fee

Yet another too good to be true offer.   Perhaps I should be more charitable.  Aren't we all really "at search" for soemthing?  Is "maxiamally" a word?  If not, I believe it should be. "[T]o make successful career at us" - isn't that what we all want?

>>> "aleksandr kalan" <arbenz@*****.com> 11/2/2007 10:01 AM >>>

We are at search and selection of both experienced, highly qualified employees, and young, creative and perspective specialists in marketing. We clearly realize that the success of our company  are our employees, and therefore creation for them of maximally favorable conditions to maintain and improve their professional level is in our opinion not less important task.
We appreciate such merits of employees as initiative, leadership, ability to work with people, striving for self-improvement. Employees with such merits have an excellent opportunity to make successful career at us.
If you wish to work in our team, if you are ready to active and dynamic work, we invite you to acquaint yourself with vacancy.
The preference is given to employees with knowledge of foreign languages.
To apply for this job, please send the following information to RenaQuinnSE@****.com.
1 Full name
2 Address of residing
3 Contact Phone numbers
4 Languages
5 Part time job/Full time

Thank you and we are looking forward to cooperate in long term base with you all.

If you received this message in error, please send a blank email to: MoisesPeckFE@****.com

Six Degrees of What...

Here's another offer that's too good to be a true:

>>> "Jeffry Esparza" <***********> 10/20/2007 1:26 AM >>>

Obtain the_degree you deserve, based on your present knowledge and life experience.
A prosperous future, money earning power, and the Admiration of all.
Degrees from an Established, Prestigious, Leading Institution.
Your Degree will show exactly what you really can do.

Get the Job, Promotion, Business and Social Advancement you Desire!

Get your Bachelors,Masters,MBA, or PhD in the field of your expertise
 
Call now - your Graduation is a phone call away.

Please call:  +1(413)***-****

So, what degree do I actually deserve.  A PH.D. in avoidance?  A Post-Doc in procrastination?  At the very least a Master of Time Wastage.  That. M.T.W. would be more appropiate than my present M.S.W. most days.

 

B.

Another "Oopportunity"

I may not not quit my job, yet.  Here's another one:

________________________

 

Greetings,

I am a Civil Staff working under United States Marine Corps operating with the Engineering military Dept unit in Baghdad, Iraq, we discover about $65 Million US dollars that we want to move out but we need a good partner we can trust. This fund is oil money and legal. Click on the link bellow for more information

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm

We will be moving these funds out of Iraq through the assistance of UN diplomatic officer. But the question is can we trust you when the funds get to you? You will take your 30% for the assistance and keep the remaining for us in a safe custody. Your role is to find a safe place for the funds while our own part is sending it to you.
 
Wait Your Reply
 
Michael Joseph

 

Songs in the Key of "M"?

Songs with the word "monkey" in the title:

 

1)  Everyone's Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey - The Beatles from the White Album

 

2)  Monkey's Gone to Heaven - The Pixies - Album?  (I have it on a greatest hits compilation)

 

3)  _____________________________________________?

 

There must be more!

 

Help me before this becomes yet another obsession,

B.

September So Far...

There's a definite sense in our house that the fall is rapidly becoming a busy time. Action Girl is still really enjoying Grade 1 and is positive every morning. Last Friday she and her new friend were named "very important people" of the week to recognize them for their extra help cleaning up at the after school program.

 

 

Super Girl is also doing well at play school. She spends some time helping a special needs assistant work with a couple of boys in the daycare and seems to really enjoy that work. Mostly, she holds toys until the boy says "please" when they ask for them. I think I had a job like that once.

 

On the fun front, Super Girl has started dance lessons and Action Girl starts her second year of skating next week. Last night we took my new remote control plane to the filed behind our house. Its amazing how much fun you can have crashing something 15 times in a row. No great damage, but I need to re-install the front landing gear.
B.

 

My Early Birthday Present

For years I have wanted to own and fly a remote control (RC) airplane. After some thought and encouragement I bought a Fly Zone "Sky Fly" last Friday.

Here it is.

Play School Parachute Sept. 25, 2007

Play School Parachute Sept. 25, 2007
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

This is Super Girl's entire play school (minus the babies) huddled under a parachute. They had a fun and games time after their Terry Fox Run this past Monday. I took a couple of hours off to help with the run.

Fun!

B.

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Quaint Wood Islands Play Ground

DSC03202
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Does anyone else remember this place? I can remember going there at least once as a child.

B.

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Robot Ferry Proof

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Robot Ferry Proof
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Island off Pictou

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Island off Pictou
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Pictou from the Hector

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Pictou from the Hector
Originally uploaded by Binky-photos

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Hector's Rigging

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Hector's Rigging
Originally uploaded by Binky-photos

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): The Hector

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): The Hector
Originally uploaded by Binky-photos

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Just Ducky

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Just Ducky
Originally uploaded by Binky-photos

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Reba the Rabbit 2

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Reba the Rabbit 2
Originally uploaded by Binky-photos

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Pier in Wood Islands

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Pier in Wood Islands
Originally uploaded by Binky-photos

Grade 1 So Far...

Day eight of Grade one and Action Girl seems to be enjoying her self everyday.  Every night she lets slip a new French word or two and mentions with whom she played at recess.  Lunch and milk tokens are no longer great mysteries and our morning routine runs smoothly.  She especially enjoys, recess, gym, and music.  Yes, both gym and music are in English.  Last week was meet-the-teacher night.  It went well and was quite informative.  Home work starts next week.

 

This past Saturday we bought a Popomatic Trouble board game and have played a couple of games.  Happily, Super Girl is just strong enough to press the bubble to “roll: the die.

 

Fun times,

B.

Summer's Bonus Level

A long time ago, back when video games had only two dimensions and very
obvious pixels, players of a certain skill (more than mine) could often
"earn" bonus levels between regular game levels, simply for fun and
extra points.

Last weekend was the summer's bonus level for us- extra fun that we
weren't expecting. On Saturday we drove the extra half hour to spend
the afternoon on a south shore beach at low tide. You can say what you
want about muddy south shore beaches lacking the world class white-sandy
glamour of the north shore (where we live) but our daughters are still
talking about the fish, crabs, barnacles and snails that shared their
afternoon adventure. Not bad for September 8th... We had only planned
on making a sand castle, hanging out for a while and then leaving. It
was much more fun than that.

That night the adventures continued. The girls and I finally managed to
spend a night camping in our yard. We made several discoveries that
night. First, there's a surprising amount of traffic on our road after
10PM. Second, despite its many imperfections and weeds, our lawn makes
a reasonably comfortable mattress, at least through the tent bottom.
And third, adventurous fun can be had 20 feet from our house. Happily
both girls and I made it through the night safe and warm.

B.

 

Action Girl's First Day of Grade One

The page has turned. Action Girl had her first day of school today! The day really started the night before when Action Girl and her mom made her lunch. Action Girl was excited but managed to get to asleep without much fuss.

FIRST DAY OF GRADE ONE

06:30ish all family members accounted for, some even up.
07:00 Breakfast
07:25 Goodbyes and hugs for Mom
07:43 Leave house
07:43 Come back to house for camera
07:44 Come back to house for sneakers (crocs are dirty- in the end she wears them anyway.)
07:45 Leave!
07:55 Arrive at Daycare. Talk to teachers everyone wishes Action Girl well- hugs and goodbyes for/from Super Girl
08:00 Arrive at school
08:01 Wait
08:02 Wait
08:05 Visit after school club (Action Girl isn’t going in the mornings but we wanted her to see it first).
08:10 Waiting again. We decide to listen to a Bob Marley in the car for a while.
08:15 More Bob
08:20 Leave car for Action Girl to see a grade two friend in the parking lot.
08:25 More Bob and chatting in the car
08:40 Leave car, chat with other parents and kids. Worry. Action Girl gets quieter.
08:45 Go into school. World does not end. We find her classroom. No tears. Action Girl goes to school.

All kidding aside, Action Girl had a great attitude and seemed to get off to a great start. The school was very welcoming. No, I did not cry either. She can’t wait for tomorrow and neither can I.

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Our Shadows in Wood Islands

DSC02991

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): Just in Case...

DSC03078

Our Day Trip to Pictou (Aug 30-07): The Other Ferry, MV Confederation

DSC03126

Our Day Trip to Pictou

DSC03199

On August 30th, my parents and I took the girls "across" on the ferry to Pictou, Nova Scotia. It was their first time on a boat/ship of any size. The above posts are some pictures from that great day.

B.

Grade One: One More Sleep!

Twelve hours from now, Action Girl will be on first real school-girl
recess. She will be in grade one! How is this possible?

The good:
She is very keen, even psyched!
She is well-prepared academically.
She knows a number of kids in her class/grade.
Her teacher has a really good reputation.
She has the coolest backpack in the universe.

The not-so-good:
The world is scary.
Our daughter is young.
We have no control once she's there.
This, like the world, is scary!

News, reviews, and pics to follow!

B.

 

Your Reply Needed

This is possibly the best spam e-mail I have ever recieved.  Its arrival in my inbox today brightened my afternoon.  If only things were this easy:

________________________________________

Greetings,

I am a Civil Staff working under United States Marine Corps
operating with the Engineering military Dept unit in Baghdad, Iraq, we
discover about $65 Million US dollars that we want to move out but we
need a good partner we can trust. This fund is oil money and legal.
Click on the link bellow for more information

http://news.bbc.co.
uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm


We will be moving these funds out of
Iraq through the assistance of UN diplomatic officer. But the question
is can we trust you when the funds get to you? You will take your 30%
for the assistance and keep the remaining for us in a safe custody.
Your role is to find a safe place for the funds while our own part is
sending it to you.

Your Reply Needed

Michael Joseph
________________________________________

 

 

Ontario Trip Pictures Part 1

Giraffes Toronto Zoo DSC02359

I've added some pictures from our trip to my Flickr account.

You can find it at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/binkygetsby/sets/72157601464360992/

B.