Federal Election Results Ruminations

Federal Election Returns

VOTER TURN OUT:

Canada (2008) - 58%

Afghanistan - 83.7%

We're ranked 88th among voter participation. Yay us...

So... Another Minority Means What?

Here's a very neat article from the Globe and Mail. I don't think I agree with Jefferey Simpson about Quebec, but its good to see someone realizing that we're never going back to the way things were.

Why Canadian politics will never be the same

JEFFREY SIMPSON

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

October 8, 2008 at 10:39 PM EDT

Canada's party politics is fractured. The days of two strong national parties are over, certainly temporarily, perhaps forever.

The rise of the Greens and the apparent permanence of the Bloc Québécois reflect the splintering of politics on linguistic or single-issue lines, something dreaded by those who saw national parties as indispensable links in a pluralistic, geographically huge, linguistically split country...

Rest of the article here.

Interesting Article about Sarah Palin

This article on Salon.com provides an interesting perspective on Sarah Palin's Alaska-ness or her role as an an Alaskan-American.

Personally, I think two things:

1. Its obvious that this information brings into question her qualification to run as a VP or at least would be damaging if it was better known, but
2. On the other hand, maybe someone who may not see herself as an American first running on the presidential ticket for one of the main two parties is a sign of progress for the U.S. In a country so committed to seeing itself in such monolithic terms. diversity of opinion, background, and identity couldn't hurt.

I shudder at any prospect of a McCain/Palin victory, but maybe there's a positive side to her candidacy other than just gender.

B.

The Federal Election Sumarized

Okay- I think I have the federal election figured out. Here goes:

The Liberals may want my rifle,

The Tories may want my part of the social safety net,

The NDP may want me to pay more taxes,

The Greens may want my smog, and

The Bloc may not want anything from me.

B.

Super Girl's Terry Fox Run 2008

Thanks you all very much for your support of Super Girl. She was able to raise $184.33 for her kindergarten's "Little Fox" run.

Thanks!!

Bruce

Hurricane Kyle - Part 3

Happily, things didn't amount to much.

Super Girl's (age 4.5) sleep over Friday night was more eventful than Kyle. It went very well, though. I don't say this frequently enough but- they are so cute at that age.

B.

Hurricane Kyle Watch - Part 2

12:44 AM More rain, a little wind- am going to bed.

B.

Hurricane Kyle Watch - Part 1

Its 10:12 PM and the heavy rain has just started. To my reckoning, there's nothing else in the yard that will hurt if it blows around.

Here are the things I've done:

1) Bath tub full of water,
2) Candles, oil lamps, flashlight at the ready,
3) work done on down spout drains (involved gratuitous trips to Home Depot),
4) BBQ bungeed to the deck,
5) garbage cans bungeed to the side of the deck, and
6) cat inside.

So far so good.

B.

PS- I fully expect water in the basement, but I'm a little bit of a pessimist on the subject.

Coolest plane ever...

One of my few life long interests has been aviation (albeit most often as a casual observer). I would like to through off about thirty years of (relatively) refined composure and say simply that I WANT ONE OF THESE NOW! RIGHT NOW. I AM THIS COOL AND I DESERVE ONE. THIS IS THE AWSEOMEST PLANE IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. I WANT ONE.

If you think I'm making this up, read the story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7634927.stm

Its are and I want one.

Christmas and my birthday are coming,

B.

First Pre-K Homework for Super Girl

This is what your homework is like when you're four. She has it for a week and we try to read it a couple of times an evening.

September Falling

This has already been a great month. Action Girl (now 7 3/4) is off to Grade Two and says she loves it. Super Girl (age 4 3/4) is in Pre-Kindergarten and is very much a member of the Kindergarten Class at her daycare.

Skating is three days a week for Action Girl and will start in October for Super Girl (when it also goes down to two days a week for her big sister). Our new addition, Peggy, is a gentle but energetic cat. We're enjoying her a lot.

My work has been especially challenging and frustrating but things are okay. Super Mom is off to a running start with her work and says she has a great class again this year.

The remnants of Hurricane Hannah soaked a little bit of our basement but we are not yet ready to give up on the house yet. (I'm kidding- we still owe on the mortgage....). With two national elections underway, I am concerned I may just just explode.... But I'll do my best to manage. Its my SuperBowl...

The Canadian election should be interesting. Its had to imagine that the Liberals can close the gap with the Tories, but stranger things have have happened. The issue around the Green Party and the leader's debate has been interesting- the pressure is certainly on for Elizabeth May to wow people with her performance in the debate.

I may write more about this later, but I guess I feel like a little bit of a political orphan. No party membership yet and my process seems to be about deciding with whom I agree with the most and disagree with the least, or least seriously.

Hmmmm,

B.

Greenwich Beach Pics Aug 29, 2008 8

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Greenwich Beach Pics Aug 29, 2008 7

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Greenwich Beach Pics Aug 29, 2008 6

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Greenwich Beach Pics Aug 29, 2008 5

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Greenwich Beach Pics Aug 29, 2008 4

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Greenwich Beach Pics Aug 29, 2008 3

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Greenwich Beach Pics Aug 29, 2008 2

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Greenwich Beach Pics Aug 29, 2008 1

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

The entire beach complex is self -sustaining with composted sewage and solar and wind power.

B.

Peggy 3

Peggy 3
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Peggy 2

Peggy 2
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Peggy 1

Peggy 1
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Our new cat, Peggy. Peggy came to live with us on August 28, 2008. She`s one year old.

Parade Balloon August 2008

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Some Classics Should Last

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

All this week...

Soccer 2008 Warp-Up

Thursday was the last evening for a very long and very great soccer season. As an U-6 coach, I was quite happy with several things:

1) I did not make a fool out of myself,
2) We had a great team which included a fantastic group of 4, 5, and 6 year old boys and girls, and
3) My co-coach knew stuff, and his sporting experiences as a child had obviously been far more positive than mine.

(Slight) Regrets:

I regret that I didn't get a chance to:
1) Transform myself into a masked, caped coaching super hero known as "Senor Footballo,"
2) Have a live mascot for our team,
3) Watch more of my older daughters U-8 games, and
4) Have a better chance to tell each of our players how very proud I was of each of them.

We made trading cards for each of our players as an extra "way to go" item and they each got a team picture and a medal.

It was a whole lot of work but it was some work with which I'm pretty pleased.

B.

I'm Still Here!

Just a quick post- I am still living and am quite busy (surprise!). Last night of soccer is tomorrow night (Thursday).

I just completed a stint of two weeks at work serving as the acting team leader, so I'm tired and behind on my own work. That said, I enjoyed the change.

Super Mom and I were able to get away for a couple of days last weekend and got some shopping done while the girls were with my parents.

This week, Action Girl (and 7.5) is having a blast at science camp and Super Girl (age 4.5) is home. She watched the Sound of Music for the first time. She said she liked it a lot and asked here mom why the dad made the kids wear the uniforms.

Did anyone else ever wonder if Rolf survives the war?

More later,

B.

U-6 Soccer Action Shot

U-6 Soccer Action Shot
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Our team is orange, playing deep over red's side of the line.

(Taken with my phone.)

B.

U-6 Soccer Adventure: July 22, 2008

Tonight went well despite a couple of notable players' absence.  It was probably Super Girl's strongest game so far.  She was in nets for a while and made her strongest kick so far when she had the ball and was kicking it our to her team after a goal.  She also kicked the ball on the field a couple of times as well.  When she's more confident I think she'll really get "into" this game.

I slipped away for a couple of minutes and watched Action Girl on her Under Eight team.  She seemed to be in the middle of things and was playing as part of her team.  The idiosyncrasies of soccer team assignment has mean that she is not on the strongest team in her division, but she was happy to report a tie tonight.  You may have noticed that I didn't give a score for Action Girl's game.  We don't actually keep score in the under six group.  That said, it was a blow-out for the other team, which is very unusual for us as we're one of the stronger teams in our division.

A real problem has been the way in which some of our players have been ripping leaves off of and climbing a tree on the edge of the field.  No more!  I have spoken sharply to several players about this needless arbour abuse.

I wish I had some pictures!

B.

Saturday's Musing: Shrek

So, we didn't go yard camping last night because of the rain. The yard is still really wet, so the girls have graciously accepted a rein (rain?) cheque and are instead camping on an air mattress on the family room floor. We're watching Shrek.

Hmmm... So all of the fairy tale creatures are being sent to re-settlement camps? I never thought how much that was like ethnic cleansing... As anyone who's ever seen it knows very well, Shrek works on so many different levels.

Shrek's swamp = the Warsaw ghetto in World War II? Maybe I'm taking this too seriously. The girls are sure enjoying it, though.

B.

What I'm Watching: "Where the Hell is Matt"

What I'm obsessing over might be a more accurate term. I love this video:




Go to www.wherethehellismatt.com to learn more.

Basically a guy named Matt Harding has made silly (but somehow moving) video clips of him and whatever/whomever is around him dancing in 71 different countries.

The four of us have watched it together and enjoyed it. I think you will too.

B.

Back to Work, On and Off the Field...

Today (Friday) is the last work day of my first week back to work. As much as I hate to admit it, this week has gone well. Here are some highlights, though:

1. Monday I was so tired I feel asleep right after supper (me, the king of all night owls).
2. Things are manageable at work. I'm behind, its hard, and there no shortages of crises, BUT things are under control.
3. Last night at soccer my "co-coach" was out sick. Flying solo was a different experience. I'm better at the relationships than the skills. I was better in the game than in the practice/drills. That said, I'm comfortable with my game show. The funniest time was when our team and the other team seemed to all succumb to a case of mass distraction, totally ignoring that the ball was in play waaaay down on the other end of the field. I gently picked up one of our players and transported him down the field towards the ball. You had to be there...
4. Tonight, the girls want to sleep outside in the tent. I will be with them, although our air mattress is only big enough for two.

Later,

B.

"Stay-cation" Wind Down

 

Tomorrow (Friday) is the last weekday of my two weeks and two days long "stay-cation" with Super Mom and the girls.

Highlights so far:

• Really cool bonfire/backyard soccer-fest with the coolest of cool family members (and kind of partying like it was 1995),
• Lots of beach time,
• A minimum of sunburns,
• Two amazing daughters decompressing from a year at school and really enjoying each other's company,
• Time to just hang with Super Mom,
• Seeing Wall-E at the theatres.  It was really great.  Who knew they still showed movies at the theatre?
• Time to relax...

More to follow,

B.

Post-Canada Day Wrap-Up

Last night we took the girls to see the fireworks for the first time. We watched from across the harbour and this made for a calmer gentler experience.

Earlier in the day, we went to a local Canada Day Fete with horses and kites and fire trucks. It was okay. I think it was our hottest day so far (27 degrees?).

In honour of Canada's 141st birthday, here are three of my favourite songs about Canada.

3.) (Salute to) The Royal Canadian Kilted Yaksmen by Ren and Stimpy. Someone a lot smarter than me will have to explain what it means when your best friend (the U.S.) thinks of you like this.

Listen here.


2.) Rocks and Trees by the Arrogant Worms. Yep, rocks and trees... Even here we have lots of rocks.

Listen here.

1.) Northwest Passage by the late, very great Stan Rogers. We are many things but we will always be a Northern People. This song still sends shivers up and down my spine.

Listen here.

Happy (Belated) Canada Day One and All,
B.

PEI Summer Sunday June 22, 2008 IV

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

PEI Summer Sunday June 22, 2008 III

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

PEI Summer Sunday June 22, 2008 II

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

PEI Summer Sunday June 22, 2008

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Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Vacation So Far...

At quitting time on Wednesday I began a couple weeks (+ 2 days) of eagerly anticipated vacation. Wednesday was the girls' last day of school/play-school. Super Mom works until Monday.

Here's the plan: we plan on not going far, not doing anything too expensive. After a couple of fabulous summer flying vacations, we're home bound and happy.

SCHOOL:
Action Girl (age 7.5) just finished an outstanding year of Grade 1. She enjoyed herself, learned a lot, and grew like a weed.

Super Girl finished a great year of pre-school. There's some uncertainty about next year will be her kindergarten or pre-kindergarten year. The government has announced that the school entry date will be changing past her birthday (meaning she would go to school a year earlier), BUT they haven't yet revealed when this change will be implemented. Its pretty frustrating.

SPORTS:
Both girls are head-long in soccer and they both recently completed a level in swimming.

Aside from organized activities, we're just trying to ctach up with friends and take it easy.

B.

Soccer Solstice

This year both of our daughters are playing soccer. In fact, I am coaching Super Girl (age 4.5) in her inaugural season. Action Girl (7.5) has moved on to the Under Eights (who play on the same night and location).

I think I forgot how tentative Action Girl was in her first year (when she too was 4). Basically, our job as under six coaches is to: 1) Try to make sure that everyone has fun, 2) Try to ensure that its a positive experience for the team, and 3) start basic soccer skills.

The first night, Super was shedding a few tears, but she wasn't the only player on our team to do so. I can see her perspective- its loud and new and intimidating. Her second night was much more positive and she got to be goalie for a while (only one ball got past her). Tonight is night #3 and we may have thunder showers- the one force in the universe capable of stopping kids' soccer (actually, many experts are spilt on whether soccer should stop for zombie attacks, with a number of research projects still underway).

Soccer is new for me. My co-coach is really cool and we have some people in common (and it turns out we are practically neighbours). Happily, our next door neighbour (also 4 year old) is also on our team. Even by U-6 standards we have a "young" team, but they are having fun and are all smiling. So am I.

B.

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008

Terry Fox's Van June 17, 2008
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Recently the van that accompanied Terry Fox on the Marathon of Hope in 1980 was restored and is making a cross-country tour. I was able to see it at the local Ford Dealership. Its a piece of living history.

B.

In Iraq to Stay? (An article by Tom Engelhardt)

One of my favourite reads on the web lately has been Salon.com The latest article that's grabbed my attention is an article about how the U.S. Military has already constructed a number of bases in Iraq that are clearly intended to be "permanent." This has wide reaching implications for the Middle East and America's role in it (and the U.S. economy). It may sound like pretty dry stuff, but it really frightened me in a way that few things have lately. Here's a quote:

"After all, these giant bases, rising from the smashed birthplace of Western civilization, were not only built on (and sometimes out of bits of) the ancient ruins of that land, but are functionally modern ziggurats. They are the cherished monuments of the Bush administration. Even though its spokespeople have regularly refused to use the word "permanent" in relation to them -- in fact, in relation to any U.S. base on the planet -- they have been built to long outlast the Bush administration itself. They were, in fact, clearly meant to be key garrisons of a Pax Americana in the Middle East for generations to come. And, not surprisingly, they reek of permanency. They are the unavoidable essence -- unless, like most Americans, you don't know they're there -- of Bush administration planning in Iraq. Without them, no discussion of Iraq policy in this country really makes sense. "

The rest of the article is here.

B.

Corey Carrier as Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Corey Carrier (8 episodes, 1992-1993)

River Phoenix as Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

River Phoenix (one feature film, 1989) (actor now deceased)

Sean Patrick Flanery as Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Sean Patrick Flanery (22 episodes, 1992-1993)

Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

Harrison Ford (four feature films, 1981-Present)

Geroge Hall as Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

George Hall (22 episodes, 1992-1993) (actor now deceased)

Indiana Jones and the Five Faces

Indiana wants me, but Lord can I go back there?

Yes... Yes, I can.

I am a big fan of all the previous Indiana Jones films. I was in Grade
7 when I first saw Raiders of the Lost Ark (at school) and very soon
thereafter made my parents rent a VCR so I (we?) could watch the movie
again. My dad took my to the second move and that's always been a
special memory.

I watched some episodes of the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles in
1992-93 on TV. It wasn't as fun as the movies, but I remember the TV
series as fairly entertaining. Basically, the YIJC followed the
childhood and youth of Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. Mixed with this
were flash-forwards of an elderly (one eyed) Indy who was actually the
one telling the stories.

With that series in mind, here's the really interesting part: Five
actors have played Indiana Jones. They are:

Corey Carrier (8 episodes, 1992-1993)
River Phoenix (one feature film, 1989) (actor now deceased)
Sean Patrick Flanery (22 episodes, 1992-1993)
Harrison Ford (four feature films, 1981-Present)
George Hall (22 episodes, 1992-1993) (actor now deceased)

I'll post a review when we get to see Indiana Jones and the Crystal
Skull. Does anyone want to babysit for us?

B.

Lost: Pre-Seaon Finalé Thoughts May 27, 2008

The fourth season finalé of Lost airs this Thursday. Here are my thoughts on what we can expect in that two-hour episode and beyond. None of these are all that original or insightful, but here goes...

1) The Orchid station is the teleprotation station. I'm not 100% sure, but I think we might have Ben teleport from that station right into his fast-forward in Tunisia that we've already watched. (Remember, he has to ask the hotel clerk the year.)

2) Claire has me stumped. There's obviously something more than a daddy-daughter reunion going on. Otherwise, its completely inconsistent with all of her previous behavior for her to leave baby Aaron. I'm guessing that she's seeing a level of importance to her role with Jacob and Christian that we can't yet appreciate.

3) So far, Kate and Jack come closest to being the two characters that come closest to having the capacity of living happy lives (but that's not really saying much). That seems to be the true constant "everybody hurts" (with apologies to Michael Stipe and the boys from REM). Hurley- hurtin'. Sayid- happy with Nadia- then hurtin'. Sun- happy with the baby but hurtin' for Jin (who I'm not yet convinced is truly dead). Michael- not really all that happy, as he's suicidal and guilt-ridden. Ben Linus- hurtin' and grieving. I fear for Penny and Desmond...

4) This week, we should finally get to see the temple and maybe start to understand the others and the "hostiles". People have lived on that island for a long, long time. Why? Where? How? What's their connection and importance to the rest of the world? When will I stop aking so many questions?

B.

My Favourite Item on eBay This Week May 21, 2008

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Grumman-HU-16C-Albatross_W0QQitemZ220235842028QQihZ012QQcategoryZ63678QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Refreshingly Honest Admission About Guantanamo Bay

[From the BBC]

The US is "stuck" with the Guantanamo Bay detention centre even though it wants to close it, Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said. Mr Gates said the US wanted to send up to 70 prisoners home but countries would either not take them or could not be trusted to.
Human rights groups have long argued for its closure, saying it does not meet international legal standards. The prison in Cuba currently has about 270 detainees...

Democratic Party Senator Dianne Feinstein told Mr Gates: "Nothing you have said absolves the enormous loss of credibility we have in the eyes of the world...

[The underlining is mine. Read the rest of the article here.]

Lost Factions Post-Rescue

Lost Factions Post-Rescue
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

And, this is as much as I can sort out about what happens with Lost factions after their rescue.

B.

Lost Factions Pre-Rescue

Lost Factions Pre-Rescue
Originally uploaded by Binky's Photos

This is my best try at keeping it all straight. Groups, factions and allegiances on the island, pre-rescue.

B.

Lost: Ep. 4.12 "There's No Place Like Home Part 1"

Because I can be an old-before-my-time crank, I was actually pretty worried about how Lost would fare this year. The idea that Season 4 would be as exciting, "twisty" or thrilling as the second half of Season 3. I never should have worried. Season 4 has been great and last night was no exception.

The reunion scene with the families of the "Oceanic Six" was well done and quite touching. The best part was Kate looking around, knowing that no one would be there, but looking all the same. There's already some buzz on the Internet about the scene where Jack learns the "truth" about Claire being his character's best scene.

The Oceanic Airlines representative was played by Michelle Forbes, one of my favourite actors. She was Ensign Ro on Star Trek: TNG and Admiral Helena Cain in Battlestar Galactica. I'm a fan.

B

Lost: Episode 4.11 "Cabin Fever"

1) My brain hurts...To re-cap, the following people are now dead: the ship's doctor, Gault (the ship's captain), Rousseau, Carl, and in a while Jin will die.

2) On the might be dead/might be something else list: Claire, Christian Shepherd, and Charlie (although we really do know that he IS dead).

3) Its Claire that has me really stumped. At first, I thought maybe she was dead. Now I don't think that's the case. But, what could be important enough to make her want to stay away from Aaron?

4) One theory, I'm pondering is whether Ben and Widmore are assuming leadership of two factions that pre-date either of their association with the island. How else could there be "rules" between them (including, until now, not harming each other's families) unless they had inherited or assumed roles established by other people. If we think that there have been people on the island for a very loooong time, why couldn't there have been two factions vying for control for a long time?

5) When will Ben double-cross Locke (again)?

B.

Quote of the Day

"President Bush has an exit strategy for just one man - himself on 20 January, 2009."

Harry Reid
Democratic Senate Majority Leader

The Free-Range Child

(From the Globe and Mail:)

Back to Basics: Raising an 'unhurried child'
The free-range child

"No flash cards. No swimming lessons at three months. No hand-holding. Just a whole lot of unstructured time. A growing number of parents are espousing a radical philosophy: It's time our children got some life skills by actually living ..."

[Read the rest of the article here.]

B.

Whoa, Hydrogen... Not So Fast

Continuing my general theme of skepticism towards "too good to be true/helpful" environmental themes, here's an article that suggests hydrogen powered vehicles will not be in every driveway for Christmas.

Hydrogen Cars Won't Make a Difference for 40 Years

In some ways, I think we're all attracted to the idea of hydrogen powered vehicles because we can imagine them as actual cars or trucks, albeit with radically different engines burning a different fuel. This stands in contrast to some recognition that an all-electric vehicle will come with compromises in size and weight at least for a few technological generations.

B.

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.