Friday, May 14, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Uncharted Territroy of Mother's Day
Last night I wrote in an e-mail that Mother's Day this hadn't been awful. With mom gone, it seemed more strange than anything else. Odd, maybe... Out of place and wrong...
I took a couple of baskets of flowers and put them on mom's grave. It was the first time I've been there since her funeral in November. Had it been any later in the year (or any other winter, we might not have been able to have her internment until now (or a few weeks ago). We also have yet to pick out her grave stone. Dad's decided that my sister (who died right after birth in 1972) Mom, and he will all have their names on one headstone. Right now my sister is buried about an hour away- we had decided right after mom dies to have her moved so she could be with mom and dad in the community they've called home for the past 30 years.
B.
I took a couple of baskets of flowers and put them on mom's grave. It was the first time I've been there since her funeral in November. Had it been any later in the year (or any other winter, we might not have been able to have her internment until now (or a few weeks ago). We also have yet to pick out her grave stone. Dad's decided that my sister (who died right after birth in 1972) Mom, and he will all have their names on one headstone. Right now my sister is buried about an hour away- we had decided right after mom dies to have her moved so she could be with mom and dad in the community they've called home for the past 30 years.
B.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
My New Ride: Its Here!
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On Monday, I was able to sell my 1998 Corolla and buy my 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe. The last couple of days spent driving it have been a blast. I really, really like it and so do the girls (and my other family and colleagues).
The Great:
- The driving position. Its super comfortable, probably the best I’ve ever driven. Its high and visibility is great.
- The room. It goes on for miles.
- The options, it may not sound like much, but I‘ve wanted to have remote locks and air conditioning for some time. We have both in the other car (a very nice ‘09 Corolla).
- The ride: its more comfortable than I expected. Very smooth!
The Things to Get Used to/Change:
- Gas mileage. Yep. It takes more gas. Stay tuned as I start to assess the actual mileage. Today I filled it up for the first time and just off the top of my head I think it was $63.50 or about 55 Litres.
- It only has winter tires. Mind you they are great (and new) winter tires. I need to get all-season tires on it as soon as possible.
- Parking. Its not that hard but I still need some practice.
B.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
New Car!!!!!!!
Well, its an SUV actually.
Its a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe here's the Kijiji ad:
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
There goes the neighbourhood...?
At some point on this past Tuesday, our house officially went "on the market." After ten years, we've made the decision to try to move closer to the city and to a larger home. The last month has been a blur of activity and progress towards that goal. We are fairly ready and have received good feedback from our realtor. She thinks the house is quite "sell-able" and that we should get offers soon. We'll see...
Here are the things we've done to get ready to sell (and then buy, but more about that later):
1) Mindset- we are a mean, lean get-this-place-cleaned-up-so-we-can-sell-it team,
2) We've worked together on this. Its nice to have a project (other than making a wonderful life together and producing a raising two human beings).
3) There has been a massive amount of stuff thrown out.
4) There has been a massive amount of stuff put in a self-storage locker (boxes, etc.)
5) I have done some touch-up painting in the bathroom and in the entryway.
6) Our septic tank has been emptied.
1) Mindset- we are a mean, lean get-this-place-cleaned-up-so-we-can-sell-it team,
2) We've worked together on this. Its nice to have a project (other than making a wonderful life together and producing a raising two human beings).
3) There has been a massive amount of stuff thrown out.
4) There has been a massive amount of stuff put in a self-storage locker (boxes, etc.)
5) I have done some touch-up painting in the bathroom and in the entryway.
6) Our septic tank has been emptied.
7) I pressure-washed the siding and windows.
On a really positive note, there was a family that asked for a private showing even before the sign was up (last Sunday). Nifty!
More later about where we'd like to go...
B.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Stranded Norwegian PM using iPad to govern | iLounge News
This is why I urgently need an iPad. How the heck am I ever going to govern Norway without an iPad to help me?
Stranded Norwegian PM using iPad to govern iLounge News
Stranded Norwegian PM using iPad to govern iLounge News
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Our life this April
April has so far been a busy but wonderful month. Last weekend we drove about four hours on Saturday to see my aunt before she moves to Ontario to live. At 93 years-old every visit with her is something very special. She’s my Dad’s older sister and has served as a de facto grandmother for his side of the family. Happily she’s lived the last seven years with her daughter and is going up to live with her son “because if I’m there for seven years, I’ll be 100!”
Last Saturday night held a delicious and meaningful dinner with cousins and their spouses, some whom I hadn’t seen in 15 years. It was great.
The next day (Sunday) we spent the day with Super Mom’s youngest brother, his wife, and their too cute to actually be real daughter- our one and only first cousin! She is the beautiful child who makes me Uncle Binky.
The only down side is that we over-estimated the feasibility of five of us stuffed into my dad’s Saturn Aura sedan. Oh well… Live and learn (easy for me to say- I wasn’t in the back seat!).
B.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
CBC News - Television - Seth Green to work on new Star Wars comedy
So... Lucasfilm wants to make an official Star Wars animated comedy.... Let me take each of those confusing words in turn... Yep. George Lucas wants to make a funny, animated Star Wars...
CBC News - Television - Seth Green to work on new Star Wars comedy
CBC News - Television - Seth Green to work on new Star Wars comedy
Saturday, April 03, 2010
BBC News - Outrage at anti-Semitism comparison by Pope preacher
This is absolutely outrageous and a good reminder of how likely we are to see any contrition from the Vatican...
B.
BBC News - Outrage at anti-Semitism comparison by Pope preacher
B.
BBC News - Outrage at anti-Semitism comparison by Pope preacher
Thursday, March 25, 2010
CBC News - Canada - Tories remain favourites in new poll
Strange days indeed... If the NDP, Greens, and the BQ pooled their support, in theory, it would exceed that of the Liberals OR the Conservatives. Wow.
B.
Link:
CBC News - Canada - Tories remain favourites in new poll
B.
Link:
CBC News - Canada - Tories remain favourites in new poll
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Facing Facts...
Two quick things:
1) To be perfectly honest, my reservation about buying something "bigger" like a Santa Fe has to do with (A) gas consumption for financial and environmental reasons (about 80%) and (B) not wanting the perception that I wastefully bought "more" vehicle than I needed.
2) Like I wrote earlier, it seems like it makes sense to wait to see how we get along listing our house and what we need to spend to do so before I rush to buy a new vehicle. I just had the inspection done on the old Corolla and the only thing it needed to be inspected until March 2011 was a new strut (about $260). Not bad...
B.
1) To be perfectly honest, my reservation about buying something "bigger" like a Santa Fe has to do with (A) gas consumption for financial and environmental reasons (about 80%) and (B) not wanting the perception that I wastefully bought "more" vehicle than I needed.
2) Like I wrote earlier, it seems like it makes sense to wait to see how we get along listing our house and what we need to spend to do so before I rush to buy a new vehicle. I just had the inspection done on the old Corolla and the only thing it needed to be inspected until March 2011 was a new strut (about $260). Not bad...
B.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Is it a Sign????
Weird... Just as I was starting to get serious about replacing my '98 Corolla, the check-engine light went off for the first time in about two years. Hmmmm...
Yes, I realize it was probably just the bulb burning out, but I can't help but attach some higher significance. :-)
That said, I've been really torn the last few days- every day I don't buy a new (to me) car, is another day without a payment (well, except for the other car we're still paying for...). And, with a new house hopefully in our future...
B.
Yes, I realize it was probably just the bulb burning out, but I can't help but attach some higher significance. :-)
That said, I've been really torn the last few days- every day I don't buy a new (to me) car, is another day without a payment (well, except for the other car we're still paying for...). And, with a new house hopefully in our future...
B.
Friday, March 12, 2010
CBC News - Consumer Life - Toyota gas pedal fix fails: U.S. reports
Okay, this is not good news... Our 2009 Corolla was "fixed" by the local dealership and is clearly our "good" car.
(Read the link below)
B.
CBC News - Consumer Life - Toyota gas pedal fix fails: U.S. reports
(Read the link below)
B.
CBC News - Consumer Life - Toyota gas pedal fix fails: U.S. reports
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
From My Mother: Her Typewriter
Its been three months since my mom passed away. One of the consequences of someone dying unexpectedly is that special possessions aren’t given to loved ones, or even given much thought. Ten years ago when my grandmother (mom’s mom) passed away, she had already put names on the back of many of her favourite things. Seeing her do that or at least knowing she had been assigning her possessions to that family was at the same time upsetting and comforting. When she was gone, we appreciated that much more.
With dad surviving mom, there is no rush to give things away or dispose of what we can’t give away. That said, my dad is intent upon purging the house. He’s not doing it in an unreasonable way- but is a reminder of how deeply her loss must have hit his own sense of mortality.
So, anyway, one of the things of my mom’s that I really wanted to have was her typewriter. Its a manual Brother Portable and my guess is that she bought it at some point between 1965 and 1970.
Here it is (now at our house):
Binky Buys a New Car: Maybe this one instead...
Here's a 2004 Matrix FWD with 112,000 kms for only $8900... I should test drive this one as well... Any and all feedback welcome!
B.
Binky Buys a New Car: I test drove this at lunch time
Test driving a SUV was a first for me. It certainly would be a different experience than a compact or sub-compact car. Its ride was surprisingly smooth and its really roomy. Mileage would be another issue, but for something this size it would be decent.
Its a 2004 with 130,000 kms on it. Its also a pretty good deal at $7995.
B.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
My '98 Corolla: The End is Nigh?
A few days after our oldest daughter was born, we bought a more appropriate car than the two sub-compacts we owned at the time, a barely used 1998 Toyota Corolla. After nine years and over 200,000 kms, it doesn't owe us anything and is closer to one end of ts journey than the other. True, it may last until 300,000 kms, but as my very wise other half pointed out recently it would be nice to NOT drive a car until parts were flying off of it (or it needs to be towed out of our driveway).
I have started to try to sort out what our next car purchase. We have a 2009 Corolla with which we’re very pleased (yes, it had a recall though). Its primarily Super Mom’s vehicle.
For me, its pretty clear that our next purchase will primarily be my car and will be used. We don’t want to get into two new car payments at once. I have been thinking that it might be nice to have something with a little more cargo space and utility without breaking the bank.
Option one seems to be a used Toyota Matrix hatchback/wagon.
Option two might be a small-ish SUV like a Hyundai Santa Fe. All-wheel drive would be nice, but in no way is it a priority (as it would come with a mileage penalty for the limited time I would actually use it).
Please post your comments on your thoughts on these two choices. I welcome the input/rebukes.
B.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Wow, I used to do this full-time…
So, I’m trying to study for a job interview… I can’t believe I used to study full-time. Even to someone whose job involves a lot of assessment and reflection, that seems strange… and a long time ago.
B.
How to Fix an iPod Nano (1st Gen)
I did it! A few months ago, I bought a used first generation iPod Nano on E-Bay for a a grand total of 10 bucks + about 15 bucks shipping. As advertised, it came with the older model Apple ear buds (which I prefer to the newer ones), a USB cord, a wall charger and a case. Its overall condition was great with no scratches on the screen at all. Unfortunately, the battery would hold a charge for only about two-three hours.
Not wanting to shy away from a challenge, I bought a replacement battery for $5 (including shipping and handling). I borrowed a soldering iron from my dad and proceeded to replace the old worn battery. The pictures tell the story:
Yep, it works and holds a much better charge.
B.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"Tom Brokaw Explains Canada to Americans"
This clip is generating a lot of buzz. Its far, far better than I'd imagined.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Work Thoughts...
As I close in on 40 (but not too close for a while), I'm starting to take a more serious look at my career. Its not that I'm all that unhappy with my present job, but I think its time to take a clear view of where I want and need to be by this point in my life.
I think I'm at or close to a crossroads of deciding to be a highly skilled specialist, or a leader. I'm not sure I can be both in the long run.
B.
Finally, I saw it...
Its taken forever, but I have finally seen Avatar. It was by far the best animated-Vietnam-meets-cowboys-and-"Indians" movie I've ever seen. :-)
All kidding about convention and genres aside, I really loved it and so did the three other adults with whom I saw it. I realize most of you who are going to have already watched it, so I'll spare you a full review. I will say if you're on the fence about seeing it in the theatre, go! It both warrants and deserves a big screen.
By convention it is a "Vietnam" movie. The main character is a soldier (Marine actually) and his cause in the jungle is far from just. Its a modern Western as well in the mold of Dances with Wolves (that explains the length) in that the First Nation (the big blue Na'vi) are noble and pure.
B.
Friday, February 19, 2010
CBC News - Canada - Canada's last WW I veteran dies
Sadly the last one of 650,000 Canadians to serve in the "war to end all wars" has passed away. John Babcock was 109 years old. I've read that he downplayed his service and his courage because he never faced combat. The fact is that at age 16 he volunteered for combat in World War One at a point where everyone had some idea of the medieval slaughter happening all over the Western Front. That's courage.
Boy hero,
Man of courage,
Bloodless warrior,
Thank you sir for your service.
CBC News - Canada - Canada's last WW I veteran dies
Boy hero,
Man of courage,
Bloodless warrior,
Thank you sir for your service.
CBC News - Canada - Canada's last WW I veteran dies
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
What We're Dancing To...
Super Girl (age 6) (A.K.A. she-who-is-not-having-a-birthday) just finished dancing around the living room to this:
I wish I was that cool when I was six...
I wish I was that cool when I was six...
Nine Years So Far!
Our oldest daughter, Action Girl, turns nine today. I'll save the usual cliches about how much our lives have changed and how wonderful our lives became when she joined us (valid as they all are!) and just say what a wonderful and interesting person she is becoming.
Action Girl is a talented, capable, and curious girl. She has a group of wonderful friends who appear to appreciate her. Recently, she figure-skated to second place finish in her club's competition and will be going net month to the provincial competition.
Most important she is a loving girl, who cares about family and friends, including herself. We really couldn't have hoped for more than that nine years ago today.
B.
Action Girl is a talented, capable, and curious girl. She has a group of wonderful friends who appear to appreciate her. Recently, she figure-skated to second place finish in her club's competition and will be going net month to the provincial competition.
Most important she is a loving girl, who cares about family and friends, including herself. We really couldn't have hoped for more than that nine years ago today.
B.
Friday, January 29, 2010
J.D. Salinger: January 1, 1919 – January 27, 2010
When I was 16 or 17, Cather in the Rye was the greatest book I could imagine anyone ever writing. Salinger inhabited the main character, Holden, in a personal, psychological, and accessible way. Holden's struggles with his own psyche compete with his contempt for the "phoniness" that consumes so many of his fellow teens and virtually every adult in his life. Despite writing in the late 1940's the themes
As Holden returns from the boarding school from which he has just been expelled, his descent to his breakdown is as riveting as the the journeys of the Odyssey or Heart of Darkness.
No, I no longer believe Cather in the Rye is the the greatest thing ever written. Its just as important to me to know that 20 years after I first met Holden, Salinger's story is just as raw and riveting. I spend a great deal of time with youth at their most vulnerable and angriest moments. There's a great deal of truth in that burgundy little book.
A hundred years from now, people will still be wondering about how much of Salinger is in Holden and vice versa. Incidentally, if Holden was even more "real" than he is, he'd be in his mid-seventies by now.
B.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
First Looks: Apple iPad (16GB/32GB/64GB) - With Full Interface Videos | iLounge
First Looks: Apple iPad (16GB/32GB/64GB) - With Full Interface Videos iLounge
Okay, at first I was pretty skeptical, but now the idea of being able to read the web like a book is really intriguing me!!
Click on the above link for great pics ad a review.
B.
Okay, at first I was pretty skeptical, but now the idea of being able to read the web like a book is really intriguing me!!
Click on the above link for great pics ad a review.
B.
First Looks: Apple iPad Keyboard Dock | iLounge
First Looks: Apple iPad Keyboard Dock iLounge
I want this! This ability makes an iPad a whole lot more appealing to me!!!
B.
I want this! This ability makes an iPad a whole lot more appealing to me!!!
B.
Friday, January 22, 2010
History I Remember....
Thirty-two years ago today, the remians of a Soviet satellitle, including its nuclear fuel source carshed into the Canadian Arctic. Yes, I was just a kid but I remember this for a couple of reasons. First, my dad was still in the Air Force and it made an impression that these were his people cleaning up this mess. Second, it was just the neatest thing in the world that toxic space junk was falling on OUR country. Well, I was very young... Keep that in mind.
Here's an intersting link to the story in the CBC Archives- Soviet nuclear satellite crashes in Canada.
B.
Friday, January 15, 2010
CBC News - World - A pariah history, some promising starts and now this
Haiti's modern history is one of the unfulfilled hope and dashed dreams of a vibrant people. This article taught me some things about Haitian history that make me even sadder. Here's an excerpt:
Haiti's on-going background level of poverty has been persistent. But understanding why one country stays poor while others grow rich is a surprisingly difficult task, even for development experts.
Fixing the problem is even more difficult.
It is not as if foreign donors haven't tried to set the country on the right track, says Yasmine Shamsie, a Wilfrid Laurier professor who specializes in international development and security efforts in Haiti.
"Yes, there have been true attempts," says Shamsie. "Countries like Canada and the United States really want to solve these problems."
Many development experts blame Haiti's problems on its long history as a pariah state, going back as far as the debt Napoleon forced onto the former French colony as the price of independence in 1803.
People had to pay for the land and the slaves they had "stolen." The stolen slaves, of course, were Haiti's own citizens. They had to buy themselves...
Read the rest here:
CBC News - World - A pariah history, some promising starts and now this
Haiti's on-going background level of poverty has been persistent. But understanding why one country stays poor while others grow rich is a surprisingly difficult task, even for development experts.
Fixing the problem is even more difficult.
It is not as if foreign donors haven't tried to set the country on the right track, says Yasmine Shamsie, a Wilfrid Laurier professor who specializes in international development and security efforts in Haiti.
"Yes, there have been true attempts," says Shamsie. "Countries like Canada and the United States really want to solve these problems."
Many development experts blame Haiti's problems on its long history as a pariah state, going back as far as the debt Napoleon forced onto the former French colony as the price of independence in 1803.
People had to pay for the land and the slaves they had "stolen." The stolen slaves, of course, were Haiti's own citizens. They had to buy themselves...
Read the rest here:
CBC News - World - A pariah history, some promising starts and now this
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
CBC News - Canada - Why our schools are failing boys
RE: the below link/article. I'll write some more about this later...
Its accurate to say that I have some strong thoughts about some of these issues as a male in a non-traditional role.
CBC News - Canada - Why our schools are failing boys
B.
Its accurate to say that I have some strong thoughts about some of these issues as a male in a non-traditional role.
CBC News - Canada - Why our schools are failing boys
B.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
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