I thought that the, fly in the TV, thing was a one time only occurence last summer. I watched this TV all the way through the summer and no flies. Now the calendar has rolled over into October. And much to my surprise and chagrin, there is ANOTHER fly in my TV. I much confess that is really pisses me off. If its outside the TV, I could just get a swatter and mash the damn thing. But its inside and I can't get the little bastard!
I believe I will name 2004's fly Oscar. Everyone say hello.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Monday, October 11, 2004
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Friday, October 08, 2004
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
*** UPDATE ***
As previously mentioned, I FINALLY began the, improve my lifestyle, plan on Monday. It is now mid-week and I can confirm that I have fulfilled the exercise component of the plan for 3 days in a row. The eat better plan is also going well, as I've found some tasty treats in my house but have rationed my consumption.
Things look good, but its early. Stay tuned.
As previously mentioned, I FINALLY began the, improve my lifestyle, plan on Monday. It is now mid-week and I can confirm that I have fulfilled the exercise component of the plan for 3 days in a row. The eat better plan is also going well, as I've found some tasty treats in my house but have rationed my consumption.
Things look good, but its early. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Today is the first day of playoffs in Major League Baseball. As it is the season, every professional, semi-professional and rank amateur has advanced who they think will win each series, and how the next month of baseball will turn out, as the competitors have been reduced to eight.
I will advance a different question. As the powers that be have killed the one and only baseball team I have ever cared about, I am left in need of a team to cheer for. Why not begin that look in the 2004 playoffs?
New York Yankees versus the Minnesota Twins
For me this is a no brainer. Tara would disagree with me on this one (sorry sweetie) but I gotta pick the Twins. The Yankees are like Goliath. They are always the favorite and its so nice to see them taken down. Will it happen? It might, as these Yankees are not the same as the ones that obliterated teams in previous years. Nevertheless, my cheering will be directed in favor of the Twins.
Boston Red Sox versus the Anaheim Angels
I'm torn on this one. I like both teams. In direct opposition to why I have to cheer against the Yankees, I must cheer for the Red Sox. They have been a good team at so many times in their history, only to be turned back at the last mile, the victims of the so called 'curse'. I hope they win every time they get to the playoffs.
But I also like the Angels. I know they've won the World Series since their inception, but they still have that veneer of the under-dog. I can feel it, but I can't explain it. When it comes to playoff time, I'm still impressed they made it in, and I can't help but root for them.
This series will be interesting for me.
Houston Astros versus Atlanta Braves
This one is a no-brainer, much like the Yankee series. The Braves do nothing but irritate me. In the first place they have always won the division that my beloved Expos have competed in. Except for 1994 when Major League Baseball and the Players Union conspired to prevent the Expos from winning the World Series, and thus continuing the streak of Canadian teams holding the baseball championship. That particular conspiracy I will elaborate another day. None of that has anything to do with why I hate the Braves. Enough already! Let's get someone else from the NL East into the playoffs.
I did not mean to disregard the reasons for cheering for the Astros. I like the team. They even made me like Roger Clemens, which didn't happen when he played for the Blue Jays. I could easily cheer for the Astros in the World Series final.
St. Louis Cardinals versus Los Angeles Dodgers
This one kinda goes under my radar. I haven't got much of a sentiment for either team. All my thoughts about either team are rooted way back in my childhood history. I could cheer for the Cardinals, but I could similarly cheer for the Dodgers. After a few moments contemplation I still do not know who I like more. Can they tie a series?
Now that I've bored you all, I will go. If you need me, I'll be in front of the TV, checking the score.
I will advance a different question. As the powers that be have killed the one and only baseball team I have ever cared about, I am left in need of a team to cheer for. Why not begin that look in the 2004 playoffs?
New York Yankees versus the Minnesota Twins
For me this is a no brainer. Tara would disagree with me on this one (sorry sweetie) but I gotta pick the Twins. The Yankees are like Goliath. They are always the favorite and its so nice to see them taken down. Will it happen? It might, as these Yankees are not the same as the ones that obliterated teams in previous years. Nevertheless, my cheering will be directed in favor of the Twins.
Boston Red Sox versus the Anaheim Angels
I'm torn on this one. I like both teams. In direct opposition to why I have to cheer against the Yankees, I must cheer for the Red Sox. They have been a good team at so many times in their history, only to be turned back at the last mile, the victims of the so called 'curse'. I hope they win every time they get to the playoffs.
But I also like the Angels. I know they've won the World Series since their inception, but they still have that veneer of the under-dog. I can feel it, but I can't explain it. When it comes to playoff time, I'm still impressed they made it in, and I can't help but root for them.
This series will be interesting for me.
Houston Astros versus Atlanta Braves
This one is a no-brainer, much like the Yankee series. The Braves do nothing but irritate me. In the first place they have always won the division that my beloved Expos have competed in. Except for 1994 when Major League Baseball and the Players Union conspired to prevent the Expos from winning the World Series, and thus continuing the streak of Canadian teams holding the baseball championship. That particular conspiracy I will elaborate another day. None of that has anything to do with why I hate the Braves. Enough already! Let's get someone else from the NL East into the playoffs.
I did not mean to disregard the reasons for cheering for the Astros. I like the team. They even made me like Roger Clemens, which didn't happen when he played for the Blue Jays. I could easily cheer for the Astros in the World Series final.
St. Louis Cardinals versus Los Angeles Dodgers
This one kinda goes under my radar. I haven't got much of a sentiment for either team. All my thoughts about either team are rooted way back in my childhood history. I could cheer for the Cardinals, but I could similarly cheer for the Dodgers. After a few moments contemplation I still do not know who I like more. Can they tie a series?
Now that I've bored you all, I will go. If you need me, I'll be in front of the TV, checking the score.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Good eeeeeeeevening
(Sorry, having a Flintstones moment there. Remember the episode where Fred thinks his new neighbor killed his wife?)
Slow day in news, with the exception of one thing. I finally began the exercise plan I've been talking about for so long. Its not much but, I got in 20 minutes on the exercise bike and with my weight set. If things follow my plan, a heavy bag will be added in the near future.
Toodles!
(Sorry, having a Flintstones moment there. Remember the episode where Fred thinks his new neighbor killed his wife?)
Slow day in news, with the exception of one thing. I finally began the exercise plan I've been talking about for so long. Its not much but, I got in 20 minutes on the exercise bike and with my weight set. If things follow my plan, a heavy bag will be added in the near future.
Toodles!
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Friday, October 01, 2004
Another snippet of my life, brought to you in photographic form
A Milestone
For the more statistical minded of you, a few thoughts on this 40,000 km milestone. That is my contract limit number of kilometers for the Trailblazer, on the lease. Actually, that's 1/3 of my 3 year total, so it works out to being my Year 1 allotment of kilometers. I just entered my 12th month of the lease, so everything from here until November 1 is over the 'budget' limit.
Which, I suppose brings us to a Blog Question Of The Day, even though I hadn't been intending one.
Should I invest in a second vehicle, to defray this overage on lease kilometers?
Answer as always. Toodles!
A Milestone
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For the more statistical minded of you, a few thoughts on this 40,000 km milestone. That is my contract limit number of kilometers for the Trailblazer, on the lease. Actually, that's 1/3 of my 3 year total, so it works out to being my Year 1 allotment of kilometers. I just entered my 12th month of the lease, so everything from here until November 1 is over the 'budget' limit.
Which, I suppose brings us to a Blog Question Of The Day, even though I hadn't been intending one.
Should I invest in a second vehicle, to defray this overage on lease kilometers?
Answer as always. Toodles!
What's the deal with all these beheadings? Most of them are coming out of Iraq, but the concept itself seems popular among all terrorist organizations. Why beheading? Are they looking for some kind of gratuitious form of vulgar aggression? I don't understand what is their motivation behind this kind of violent display.
I think I see where they are going with these actions. They think, as erroneous as it is proving to be, that by randomly executing innocent civilians, that they can force remote governments to do what they want. I have two problems with this logic, and the continuing use of it.
a) its not working
b) its too extreme
Its not working. They keep beheading people they pull of the street, and nobody is evacuating the country. All that's happening is poor, innocent people, that committed no crime beyond being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, are losing their heads. Fine, if you think it will work, chop off a couple heads. But, after doing that, if you're not getting results, I really think logic dictates that you try another approach.
Which brings me to my second point. Its far too extreme a thing to do. Nobody is going to act the way you want them to, based on the threat. The threat is so far beyond what any rational person could concieve doing, that its not really a valid threat. No one acutally BELIEVES you'll do it, so they don't take action to halt the behaviour. Then, you chop off the innocent person's head, thus proving your point and validating it as a threat. Now you've created a new problem for yourself.
Once you've cut off the head, any sense of duty a government might feel, to prevent other beheadings, is washed away by the revulsion a rational person feels at having witnessed such a shocking behavior. No rational person will concede the point to you, and give in to the demand to prevent beheadings. Instead it prompts outrage, and a desire for swift and brutal retribution.
So you're end up screwed. You can't threaten beheading, and have people give in to your demands, because you're commitment isn't believed. You can't behead someone and force anyone to act in any way besides out of anger or a sense of retribution. So really, what is this beheading nonsense accomplishing?
I think I see where they are going with these actions. They think, as erroneous as it is proving to be, that by randomly executing innocent civilians, that they can force remote governments to do what they want. I have two problems with this logic, and the continuing use of it.
a) its not working
b) its too extreme
Its not working. They keep beheading people they pull of the street, and nobody is evacuating the country. All that's happening is poor, innocent people, that committed no crime beyond being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, are losing their heads. Fine, if you think it will work, chop off a couple heads. But, after doing that, if you're not getting results, I really think logic dictates that you try another approach.
Which brings me to my second point. Its far too extreme a thing to do. Nobody is going to act the way you want them to, based on the threat. The threat is so far beyond what any rational person could concieve doing, that its not really a valid threat. No one acutally BELIEVES you'll do it, so they don't take action to halt the behaviour. Then, you chop off the innocent person's head, thus proving your point and validating it as a threat. Now you've created a new problem for yourself.
Once you've cut off the head, any sense of duty a government might feel, to prevent other beheadings, is washed away by the revulsion a rational person feels at having witnessed such a shocking behavior. No rational person will concede the point to you, and give in to the demand to prevent beheadings. Instead it prompts outrage, and a desire for swift and brutal retribution.
So you're end up screwed. You can't threaten beheading, and have people give in to your demands, because you're commitment isn't believed. You can't behead someone and force anyone to act in any way besides out of anger or a sense of retribution. So really, what is this beheading nonsense accomplishing?
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Can someone explain to me what the deal is with deer? Don't these stupid animals ever sleep!?!
I'm driving home tonight, around 1:30 in the pitch black morning. On my way from Rosetown to Saskatoon you have to pass through this nature preserve, or whatever the hell they want to call it. Anyway there's the obligatory 'deer ahead' signs, to be acknowledged as you pass into Hell's obstacle course.
Its 1:30 in the morning. Why aren't these stupid animals sleeping!?! I see three or four of them, wandering around somewhat aimlessly in the ditch. Someone smacked one earlier in the day, as the carcass, and its blood, are spilled over the asphalt. You'd think the deer would sleep at night, when they get a rest from the relentless pursuit of hunters keen for a set of antlers or some meat for sausage. Nope, deer are party animals, using the cloak of darkness to play suicide games on human roads.
Stupid animals. Why haven't we hunted them to extinction?
I'm driving home tonight, around 1:30 in the pitch black morning. On my way from Rosetown to Saskatoon you have to pass through this nature preserve, or whatever the hell they want to call it. Anyway there's the obligatory 'deer ahead' signs, to be acknowledged as you pass into Hell's obstacle course.
Its 1:30 in the morning. Why aren't these stupid animals sleeping!?! I see three or four of them, wandering around somewhat aimlessly in the ditch. Someone smacked one earlier in the day, as the carcass, and its blood, are spilled over the asphalt. You'd think the deer would sleep at night, when they get a rest from the relentless pursuit of hunters keen for a set of antlers or some meat for sausage. Nope, deer are party animals, using the cloak of darkness to play suicide games on human roads.
Stupid animals. Why haven't we hunted them to extinction?
Monday, September 27, 2004
So, what's the average length of freight trains these days? TWENTY-SIX MILES like the one I had to wait 14 minutes for this evening!!!
You are never more indignant than when you have to wait for a train, with your final destination being within a 9 irons distance of the train that you have to wait the better part of 15 minutes for.
You are never more indignant than when you have to wait for a train, with your final destination being within a 9 irons distance of the train that you have to wait the better part of 15 minutes for.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Saturday, September 25, 2004
I was flipping through some of the pictures I have stored on my hard drive. There's a lot of stuff on there. I am sometimes amazed by what I have, that I don't remember, and how I can not find some things I would have sworn should have been available. I probably need to trim the archive just a bit, and get some stuff on active storage, and into offline storage. Bygones.
I was looking at pictures of Avril Lavigne, since I added four pictures to that directory this morning. Has anyone ever looked closely at the girls smile? If you can, find a picture where she's smiling (I know, she is rarely shown in a 'happy' state). Take a look at her grin, when she is flashing her teeth. Doesn't it kinda look like she has vampire teeth!?!
Just a thought for a Saturday morning.
I was looking at pictures of Avril Lavigne, since I added four pictures to that directory this morning. Has anyone ever looked closely at the girls smile? If you can, find a picture where she's smiling (I know, she is rarely shown in a 'happy' state). Take a look at her grin, when she is flashing her teeth. Doesn't it kinda look like she has vampire teeth!?!
Just a thought for a Saturday morning.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
I just finished dealing with my laundry. One load of darks. I don't wear a lot of white. It usually takes me a couple or three weeks to use up enough white clothes to make a load. None of this has anything to do with what I actually meant to blog about.
I was folding my clothes to hang in the closet. I had three pair of jeans that made it to the wash this week. I was holding them up, to shake the wrinkles out and I took a look at them from the rear. Christ is the ass on my pants ever huge! Why didn't someone tell me I had such an enormous ass!?! You people let me down.
Toodles!
I was folding my clothes to hang in the closet. I had three pair of jeans that made it to the wash this week. I was holding them up, to shake the wrinkles out and I took a look at them from the rear. Christ is the ass on my pants ever huge! Why didn't someone tell me I had such an enormous ass!?! You people let me down.
Toodles!
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
I am officially depressed.
I got up this morning with some reluctance. I'm not sleeping as well as I'd like. I seem to wake up before I have to, and there's no going back to sleep. That's not the depressing part.
I did my usual routine, and was ready to leave for work at 7:55. I opened the door and went outside.
My windows were frosted over. Its September 21 and I HAD to scrap. All windows not directly facing sunlight were completely covered in frost. I had no choice but to scrap.
I consider this depressing. I would like to think we could still entertain the notion of wearing shorts. Instead we get frosted windows. I hate that. I'd go back to bed and pull the covers over my head, but I'd just lie there thinking about how rotten it is that my windows have to be scrap.
I wanna blame someone for this situation. Anyone know a good receptor for my anger?
I got up this morning with some reluctance. I'm not sleeping as well as I'd like. I seem to wake up before I have to, and there's no going back to sleep. That's not the depressing part.
I did my usual routine, and was ready to leave for work at 7:55. I opened the door and went outside.
My windows were frosted over. Its September 21 and I HAD to scrap. All windows not directly facing sunlight were completely covered in frost. I had no choice but to scrap.
I consider this depressing. I would like to think we could still entertain the notion of wearing shorts. Instead we get frosted windows. I hate that. I'd go back to bed and pull the covers over my head, but I'd just lie there thinking about how rotten it is that my windows have to be scrap.
I wanna blame someone for this situation. Anyone know a good receptor for my anger?
Monday, September 20, 2004
Warranty Action Notice
URGENT
Booster Pumps Inoperable
Please find attached Warranty Action Notice #51
The operator reports that booster pump #690 will not operate due to line fault (error F29). Back up pump is not available due to recent piping defect.
The above items must be remedied immediately.
The Contractor shall forward to the Engineer upon completion of the defects, a report detailing the work required to remedy the problem.
URGENT
Booster Pumps Inoperable
Please find attached Warranty Action Notice #51
The operator reports that booster pump #690 will not operate due to line fault (error F29). Back up pump is not available due to recent piping defect.
The above items must be remedied immediately.
The Contractor shall forward to the Engineer upon completion of the defects, a report detailing the work required to remedy the problem.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Is it just me or has the advent of the internet made both the notion of, and the conversation about, porn more acceptable in polite company? It seems to me like porn has crossed into the mainstream. No, its not on regular cable, but the stigma that used to go with it, has disappeared. Anyone will, and like has, mentioned it in a conversation that had nothing to do with salaciousness. Porn seems to be just off the periphery of everyone's vision.
And I don't really think that's bad. Nothing is inherently bad. All of those classifications are human constructs. Its harmless, in and of itself. If you have a weak personality, then it is a significant problem.
Gotta go. Watching the Playboy Channel.
And I don't really think that's bad. Nothing is inherently bad. All of those classifications are human constructs. Its harmless, in and of itself. If you have a weak personality, then it is a significant problem.
Gotta go. Watching the Playboy Channel.
Who's bright idea was it that, every cute young girl who is on television, or is a blossoming star in movies, should also become a singer?
As well, who decided that every girl from the same subset as above, who has at least a modestly successful music career, should obviously branch out and into movie roles?
Singers should be singers. Actors should be actors. Celebrities should sit quietly in the corner until there is a movie opening, or some kind of awards show party that needs photogenic people. Do what you do best, and only do that. If you SUCK, stand quietly, let them take pictures, and stop bothering the rest of us with your lack of talent.
As well, who decided that every girl from the same subset as above, who has at least a modestly successful music career, should obviously branch out and into movie roles?
Singers should be singers. Actors should be actors. Celebrities should sit quietly in the corner until there is a movie opening, or some kind of awards show party that needs photogenic people. Do what you do best, and only do that. If you SUCK, stand quietly, let them take pictures, and stop bothering the rest of us with your lack of talent.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Tonight is the championship hockey game for the next, foreseeable future. Tomorrow the NHL falls in on itself, similar to the Las Vegas casino that is collapsed, to make way for the new.
I am excited about the World Cup game tonight. I have faith in our Canadian team. This is in direct opposition to the Riders, who I no longer have any faith in. Finland has the hottest goalie around right now, but that alone, I don't think, is enough to stop Canada. Brodeur is the best goalie in hockey, even if Kiprusoff is the current bright star. I think we will win.
What I don't think we can win is the NHL labour crisis. And I put the blame for this on the shoulders of the NHLPA. The economics for their argument don't make sense. I would further suggest that you don't have to examine any books to come to that conclusion. When the arenas aren't full for every game, and the CBC is your main source of television revenue, you can't pay million dollar salaries to every player, and superstar money to grinders that have more more penalities than goals.
I think the answer to the NHL labor crisis can be distilled into one question. The answer to the question will illuminate who needs to make the concessions necessary to see hockey played this year, or any year to follow.
Does anyone think the players deserve to keep recieving salaries that are bankrupting the league?
I am excited about the World Cup game tonight. I have faith in our Canadian team. This is in direct opposition to the Riders, who I no longer have any faith in. Finland has the hottest goalie around right now, but that alone, I don't think, is enough to stop Canada. Brodeur is the best goalie in hockey, even if Kiprusoff is the current bright star. I think we will win.
What I don't think we can win is the NHL labour crisis. And I put the blame for this on the shoulders of the NHLPA. The economics for their argument don't make sense. I would further suggest that you don't have to examine any books to come to that conclusion. When the arenas aren't full for every game, and the CBC is your main source of television revenue, you can't pay million dollar salaries to every player, and superstar money to grinders that have more more penalities than goals.
I think the answer to the NHL labor crisis can be distilled into one question. The answer to the question will illuminate who needs to make the concessions necessary to see hockey played this year, or any year to follow.
Does anyone think the players deserve to keep recieving salaries that are bankrupting the league?
Monday, September 13, 2004
The Blogger Guessing Game!!!
Game time folks. We have a unique situation that is ripe for a guessing game. Here's the challenge.
A unique situation has just occurred in my cumulative appraisal of the number of liters of gas I have purchased so far in 2004. The total is a perfect multiple of 100 and 7. How many liters of gas have I purchased?
One entry per person. No asking Kevin, because I already told him the answer. Anyone that gets the question right will get a sum equal to my number of liters divided by one hundred.
Let the games begin!!
Game time folks. We have a unique situation that is ripe for a guessing game. Here's the challenge.
A unique situation has just occurred in my cumulative appraisal of the number of liters of gas I have purchased so far in 2004. The total is a perfect multiple of 100 and 7. How many liters of gas have I purchased?
One entry per person. No asking Kevin, because I already told him the answer. Anyone that gets the question right will get a sum equal to my number of liters divided by one hundred.
Let the games begin!!
I have solved the mystery of Watson's poor radio reception.
Many of you have heard me complain about this situation before. And it always seemed so illogical. However, having done a critical examination, its not so strange that radio reception would die so quickly.
I turned my GPS to the, GPS Info page, as I came from Humboldt, to Watson, on the last leg of the trip. I turned it on between Muenster and Saint Gregor. As I came to the west 'Saint Gregor - 1' sign, my GPS said I was at an altitude of 588 meters above sea level. From this point until Watson, is 22 kilometers, if memory serves.
It went down mostly, and up very little. As I passed through Englefeld I was still about 560 meters. From there, in to Watson, the elevation dropped until I was at 548 as I parked my truck in the front of the office. 40 meters of elevation lost in 20-ish kilometers. It is no wonder I can't get anything buy CJVR.
Toodles!
Many of you have heard me complain about this situation before. And it always seemed so illogical. However, having done a critical examination, its not so strange that radio reception would die so quickly.
I turned my GPS to the, GPS Info page, as I came from Humboldt, to Watson, on the last leg of the trip. I turned it on between Muenster and Saint Gregor. As I came to the west 'Saint Gregor - 1' sign, my GPS said I was at an altitude of 588 meters above sea level. From this point until Watson, is 22 kilometers, if memory serves.
It went down mostly, and up very little. As I passed through Englefeld I was still about 560 meters. From there, in to Watson, the elevation dropped until I was at 548 as I parked my truck in the front of the office. 40 meters of elevation lost in 20-ish kilometers. It is no wonder I can't get anything buy CJVR.
Toodles!
Saturday, September 11, 2004
I am becoming disillusioned with my Hotmail account. I never seem to get any good email to my Hotmail account. And the stuff that I do get, I can't seem to set the filters to stop. So I see '2 new e-mail messages' and I get excited, only to find that the emails in question are advertisements for mortgage loans, or some such idiocy, and Viagra messages. I may need Viagra, but I'm not getting it from a spam email source.
Perhaps I am not trawling for the right things to have delivered to my Hotmail account. Anyone have some thoughts on how to get better messages in my Hotmail account?
Toodles!
Perhaps I am not trawling for the right things to have delivered to my Hotmail account. Anyone have some thoughts on how to get better messages in my Hotmail account?
Toodles!
Thursday, September 09, 2004
I happened to be in Saskatoon this afternoon, attending meetings, fulfilling appointments, and making some calls on engineers I am currently working with, on projects. As I drove around, thinking about work, and whether to stop for Dairy Queen, I made an observation.
Is that sign, indicating traffic lights ahead, on the northbound off-ramp from Idylwyld onto Circle Drive, the oldest sign in the city? The bloody thing is all faded, and washed out. It looks like its 40 years old.
Other than that, I have nothing to say about today.
Is that sign, indicating traffic lights ahead, on the northbound off-ramp from Idylwyld onto Circle Drive, the oldest sign in the city? The bloody thing is all faded, and washed out. It looks like its 40 years old.
Other than that, I have nothing to say about today.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Blog Question Of The Day:
If you were to subtract from your decision the monetary cost of each item, which vehicle from the following list do you think would most accurately reflect my personality:
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer SLT (current vehicle)
2005 Ford Mustang GT
1989 Porsche 944
2005 Jeep TJ (red)
2004 Explorer Sport Trac
Or, is there something that is not on the list, that you think would be a better choice? Answer as always.
Toodles!
If you were to subtract from your decision the monetary cost of each item, which vehicle from the following list do you think would most accurately reflect my personality:
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer SLT (current vehicle)
2005 Ford Mustang GT
1989 Porsche 944
2005 Jeep TJ (red)
2004 Explorer Sport Trac
Or, is there something that is not on the list, that you think would be a better choice? Answer as always.
Toodles!
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
If you can have a sense of humor about it, getting spam in your email can provide you with a daily shot of mild amusement. Take for instance one of the spam emails I got in my inbox over the weekend:
Reply: Shy Prostitute wants to meet you
In the first place, how can you be a shy prostitute? Doesn't the career choice of prostitute mean that you can't be shy? Yes, you can, by nature, be shy and still be a prostitute. However picking that job kinda means you have to put aside your retiring inclinations, does it not?
Secondly, given that she wants to meet me, aren't we back to point number one? Okay, she's shy, but given that I'm getting this comment about 'wanting to meet me' via email, isn't it a commercial interest? If I understand the situation properly, wouldn't her interest in me be monetarily based, and thus a scenario where she can't be shy?
Like I said to start, there's amusement to be found in spam. Try it sometime. Just read a few of the headers, as they appear in your inbox. You might find a chuckle.
I gotta go. Someone just sent me an email that promises huge discounts on Viagra. I gotta check that out! Toodles!
Reply: Shy Prostitute wants to meet you
In the first place, how can you be a shy prostitute? Doesn't the career choice of prostitute mean that you can't be shy? Yes, you can, by nature, be shy and still be a prostitute. However picking that job kinda means you have to put aside your retiring inclinations, does it not?
Secondly, given that she wants to meet me, aren't we back to point number one? Okay, she's shy, but given that I'm getting this comment about 'wanting to meet me' via email, isn't it a commercial interest? If I understand the situation properly, wouldn't her interest in me be monetarily based, and thus a scenario where she can't be shy?
Like I said to start, there's amusement to be found in spam. Try it sometime. Just read a few of the headers, as they appear in your inbox. You might find a chuckle.
I gotta go. Someone just sent me an email that promises huge discounts on Viagra. I gotta check that out! Toodles!
Friday, September 03, 2004
Welcome to Grant's Casino! All the fun that's quasi-legal!!
Today's door-crasher special is our line on the 'who's gonna leave early' sweepstakes. I'm sorry but all of you that voted for Murray B or Clarence are outta luck. They bolted on the dot of 2:15.
All other 'horses' are still in the race. The odds are good on everyone but the engineer. Betting in his favor is fierce, and as such, your chances for a big pay-day are decreased. Currently he's running 1:2.
Step right up and place your bets! Winner takes all, unless you all bet the same!!
Today's door-crasher special is our line on the 'who's gonna leave early' sweepstakes. I'm sorry but all of you that voted for Murray B or Clarence are outta luck. They bolted on the dot of 2:15.
All other 'horses' are still in the race. The odds are good on everyone but the engineer. Betting in his favor is fierce, and as such, your chances for a big pay-day are decreased. Currently he's running 1:2.
Step right up and place your bets! Winner takes all, unless you all bet the same!!
Can someone PLEASE explain this to me!?!
I wanted to wash my truck today at lunch. I like to get a wash in on Friday's, before heading into the city, just so my vehicle gets the dirt and dust cleaned off on a regular basis, and so it looks nice when I'm in town. I tend to 'go out' only on weekends, so a Friday wash works for me.
So, I get to the car wash at twenty to one this afternoon. That should be lots of time, even if there's people washing their vehicles. There were two in the bay, and two waiting, when I pulled up. However, one car was ready to go in, just as I took a place in line.
She washed her vehicle for twenty minutes. TWENTY MINUTES!!! And it wasn't dirty! And by saying that I mean, there were no boulder sized chunks of mud on the car. Which is an important stipulation to make because, someone with boulder sized junks of mud had obviously been in there this morning, because the chunks were all over the floor. (thus dragging the hose through the mud the whole time, and getting my shoes and pant legs muddy)
Just round, and round, and round she went with the rinse. She must have put 10 dollars into the thing for just rinses. Meanwhile the clock is ticking away, and now its after lunch, and not during. Of course my annoyance level goes up simultaneously. I finally got my truck washed but it was quarter after one when I was done.
I wanted to wash my truck today at lunch. I like to get a wash in on Friday's, before heading into the city, just so my vehicle gets the dirt and dust cleaned off on a regular basis, and so it looks nice when I'm in town. I tend to 'go out' only on weekends, so a Friday wash works for me.
So, I get to the car wash at twenty to one this afternoon. That should be lots of time, even if there's people washing their vehicles. There were two in the bay, and two waiting, when I pulled up. However, one car was ready to go in, just as I took a place in line.
She washed her vehicle for twenty minutes. TWENTY MINUTES!!! And it wasn't dirty! And by saying that I mean, there were no boulder sized chunks of mud on the car. Which is an important stipulation to make because, someone with boulder sized junks of mud had obviously been in there this morning, because the chunks were all over the floor. (thus dragging the hose through the mud the whole time, and getting my shoes and pant legs muddy)
Just round, and round, and round she went with the rinse. She must have put 10 dollars into the thing for just rinses. Meanwhile the clock is ticking away, and now its after lunch, and not during. Of course my annoyance level goes up simultaneously. I finally got my truck washed but it was quarter after one when I was done.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
For those of you that lost the faith, who didn't believe, that had given up hope, I bring you:
My Supper
My Supper
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Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Blog Poll Of The Day:
Which of the following two choices should I make, with respect to a bonus cheque I am scheduled to get, for completion of the Maple Creek project:
a) deposit the money in my savings, to cover the shortfall I've accumulated, by under-supplying my savings, per my originally allotted budget for saving
b) make a down payment on an Acer Ferarri Athlon 64 notebook computer
Which of the following two choices should I make, with respect to a bonus cheque I am scheduled to get, for completion of the Maple Creek project:
a) deposit the money in my savings, to cover the shortfall I've accumulated, by under-supplying my savings, per my originally allotted budget for saving
b) make a down payment on an Acer Ferarri Athlon 64 notebook computer
Now here's what I don't understand. This is not a new issue. I have never quite been able to figure this question out. And the more I try, the less sense it makes.
I'm talking about modern dance. This morning I'm sitting on the couch watching - Britney Spears: Live From Miami. Frankly, Britney has lost much of her appeal. When she was fresh, and had that veneer of playfully innocent naivete, it was nearly impossible for the ordinary male to resist her. Well, that veneer was not so much polished off, as it was aggressively scrubbed away by the seediness of a girl who's excesses were never reined in. She's something of a skank now, and if a guy wants skank, there are far more gratuitious examples that will serve better than Britney's act.
Nonetheless, that is not my commentary for today. What has drawn my ire today is the concept of modern dance. What the hell are these people doing? I know its choreography, and someone has taken the time to plan all of this. My question is, if its supposed to make sense, then why the hell doesn't it make sense!?!
I'm watching these dancers do what they do. There does not appear, at least to my untrained eye, a cohesive purpose to all the stupid gyrations. Here's an example:
Woman begins as a tightly bunched ball, kneeling on the floor. The dancer stands up, and extends her arm above her head. She doeses a 360 degree turn, bringing her hand from above her head, down around her waist, in a fluid motion. She takes a couple of steps, not walking, but some kind of attempt at fluid and grace. Upon concluding her descent, she stretches her leg over her head, and then twirls down to kneel on the floor.
What the hell does all that mean? I can at least fake an understanding of most of the fine arts. Opera, which I don't like, I can at least appreciate what the attempt is. Dance, a la the Rockettes, I can appreciate, for the synchronicity of the multiple dancers. The various forms of instrumental music, not all of which appeal to my ears, I can at least appreciate as an art form. But this ridiculous collection of random gyrations they call 'dance' completely leaves me mystified.
I think the thing that baffles me the most is all the arm waving, and gymnastic contortions of the body. Is this an athletic endeavour or an art form? Gymnastics I get. I won't agree with the judging of competitive gymnastics, but I can appreciate the athletic endeavour that is gymnastics. What I question is the 'art' of gymnastics, or by extension when these gymnastic motions are called, artistic dance.
If someone out there can put all of this in terms that I can understand, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, I'm out!!!
I'm talking about modern dance. This morning I'm sitting on the couch watching - Britney Spears: Live From Miami. Frankly, Britney has lost much of her appeal. When she was fresh, and had that veneer of playfully innocent naivete, it was nearly impossible for the ordinary male to resist her. Well, that veneer was not so much polished off, as it was aggressively scrubbed away by the seediness of a girl who's excesses were never reined in. She's something of a skank now, and if a guy wants skank, there are far more gratuitious examples that will serve better than Britney's act.
Nonetheless, that is not my commentary for today. What has drawn my ire today is the concept of modern dance. What the hell are these people doing? I know its choreography, and someone has taken the time to plan all of this. My question is, if its supposed to make sense, then why the hell doesn't it make sense!?!
I'm watching these dancers do what they do. There does not appear, at least to my untrained eye, a cohesive purpose to all the stupid gyrations. Here's an example:
Woman begins as a tightly bunched ball, kneeling on the floor. The dancer stands up, and extends her arm above her head. She doeses a 360 degree turn, bringing her hand from above her head, down around her waist, in a fluid motion. She takes a couple of steps, not walking, but some kind of attempt at fluid and grace. Upon concluding her descent, she stretches her leg over her head, and then twirls down to kneel on the floor.
What the hell does all that mean? I can at least fake an understanding of most of the fine arts. Opera, which I don't like, I can at least appreciate what the attempt is. Dance, a la the Rockettes, I can appreciate, for the synchronicity of the multiple dancers. The various forms of instrumental music, not all of which appeal to my ears, I can at least appreciate as an art form. But this ridiculous collection of random gyrations they call 'dance' completely leaves me mystified.
I think the thing that baffles me the most is all the arm waving, and gymnastic contortions of the body. Is this an athletic endeavour or an art form? Gymnastics I get. I won't agree with the judging of competitive gymnastics, but I can appreciate the athletic endeavour that is gymnastics. What I question is the 'art' of gymnastics, or by extension when these gymnastic motions are called, artistic dance.
If someone out there can put all of this in terms that I can understand, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, I'm out!!!
Monday, August 30, 2004
Sunday, August 29, 2004
I get tired of some of these ads that show up in my inbox. I'm sure we all agree that the crap that is being marketed in this fashion, is somewhat on the irritating side. Each of us though, I would suspect, would find different ones more annoying.
What has gained my specific enmity today is, all of these bloody ads for dating sites. These dating sites seem as ubiquitous as noodie pages, which we all know are the dominant market presence on the brave, new internet. Now I have no problem with dating sites. I do, in fact, find them amusing, from time to time. Its a harmless activity, and kind of a thrill to play on sometimes. I have signed up for some, and tried using them but, in the end my experiences have been rather unsuccessful. Mostly my fault, I would suggest, as I still haven't figured out who 'I' am, thus I have trouble following the advice of, be yourself. Its getting better. I have some good friends now, that are female, and they aren't running away screaming. All in baby steps.
Back to my point. The internet dating site them has proliferated to the point where its kind of fruitless to actually sign up for one of these. There are SO many different ones being touted that its gotta be hard to find the one that is most popular, and represents your best bet. And I get this crap in my email all the time! Join this site! Just opening! All the best people are visiting here! Come on!
The marketing of these things is also getting a bit stupid. The whole thing is beginning to resemble phone sex advertising, and we all know what a joke that is. (Don't we? If you don't recognize the sham of phone sex advertisement, please email me, so I can get you straight on that) Today's new site will show up in the email, and the girl (its nearly always a young, nubile looking female) will be dressed in some provocative manner. In today's email, it was a very young looking blonde in some white, pajama-like, clothing, with pink highlighting. The whole package designed precisely to make her look young, to the point of criminality. She bites on her bottom lip coquettishly and we're to believe we will meet her, if we sign up for $24.95 a month.
The whole thing is just a bit on the absurd side. One, don't insult my intelligence by using what is clearly content taken from a porn producer, and dress it up like I'll meet this girl on your website. I'm not that naive. Two, don't play it like I'm going to find ecstacy on your site. Bottom line, if the premise holds, all I'm going to find is other ordinary people like myself. There won't be any girls in their pajamas.
The whole thing just makes me tired. I know what I want. Its not sex, or girls in their pajamas, wild parties, or adventures that would get censored in Penthouse Forum. I just want someone nice. A pretty girl that has a grounded sense of reality. I don't need non-stop excitement. I don't crave an exploit every day. I'm sure what I want is out there. Someone that makes me smile. A girl that hasn't gone down every nutty path that can be found in the woods. Someone that will venture out into the world with me, for our own little thrills, but also doesn't mind staying home, arm in arm, watching TV and just enjoying an embrace.
I know you are out there, mystery girl. And maybe you're not even a mystery to me. Maybe I already know you but for one reason or another, it just hasn't clicked. If you're out there, I encourage you to step first. I'm woefully inadequate at recognizing a possibility, and am not threatened by a girl's initiative. I'm tired of getting dating site emails, and having my hope appealed to. If you're out there, mystery girl, let's give this crazy thing a shot.
Toodles.
What has gained my specific enmity today is, all of these bloody ads for dating sites. These dating sites seem as ubiquitous as noodie pages, which we all know are the dominant market presence on the brave, new internet. Now I have no problem with dating sites. I do, in fact, find them amusing, from time to time. Its a harmless activity, and kind of a thrill to play on sometimes. I have signed up for some, and tried using them but, in the end my experiences have been rather unsuccessful. Mostly my fault, I would suggest, as I still haven't figured out who 'I' am, thus I have trouble following the advice of, be yourself. Its getting better. I have some good friends now, that are female, and they aren't running away screaming. All in baby steps.
Back to my point. The internet dating site them has proliferated to the point where its kind of fruitless to actually sign up for one of these. There are SO many different ones being touted that its gotta be hard to find the one that is most popular, and represents your best bet. And I get this crap in my email all the time! Join this site! Just opening! All the best people are visiting here! Come on!
The marketing of these things is also getting a bit stupid. The whole thing is beginning to resemble phone sex advertising, and we all know what a joke that is. (Don't we? If you don't recognize the sham of phone sex advertisement, please email me, so I can get you straight on that) Today's new site will show up in the email, and the girl (its nearly always a young, nubile looking female) will be dressed in some provocative manner. In today's email, it was a very young looking blonde in some white, pajama-like, clothing, with pink highlighting. The whole package designed precisely to make her look young, to the point of criminality. She bites on her bottom lip coquettishly and we're to believe we will meet her, if we sign up for $24.95 a month.
The whole thing is just a bit on the absurd side. One, don't insult my intelligence by using what is clearly content taken from a porn producer, and dress it up like I'll meet this girl on your website. I'm not that naive. Two, don't play it like I'm going to find ecstacy on your site. Bottom line, if the premise holds, all I'm going to find is other ordinary people like myself. There won't be any girls in their pajamas.
The whole thing just makes me tired. I know what I want. Its not sex, or girls in their pajamas, wild parties, or adventures that would get censored in Penthouse Forum. I just want someone nice. A pretty girl that has a grounded sense of reality. I don't need non-stop excitement. I don't crave an exploit every day. I'm sure what I want is out there. Someone that makes me smile. A girl that hasn't gone down every nutty path that can be found in the woods. Someone that will venture out into the world with me, for our own little thrills, but also doesn't mind staying home, arm in arm, watching TV and just enjoying an embrace.
I know you are out there, mystery girl. And maybe you're not even a mystery to me. Maybe I already know you but for one reason or another, it just hasn't clicked. If you're out there, I encourage you to step first. I'm woefully inadequate at recognizing a possibility, and am not threatened by a girl's initiative. I'm tired of getting dating site emails, and having my hope appealed to. If you're out there, mystery girl, let's give this crazy thing a shot.
Toodles.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
For those of you contemplating a Christmas gift for yours truly, here is something I found on the internet that I would just LOVE to have!
Bell AH-1Z
Bell AH-1Z
Friday, August 27, 2004
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Today on Grant's Rants we are going to take a walk down memory lane. I am going to post a couple pictures to the world today, and we'll see if any of you remember the people depicted in these images. Sorry goes to my Mom, and more to Candace (because I know she's going to spawn a cow when she finds out I put her picture on the internet). If I know my Dad at all, I don't think he's going to care.
Award (2004)
Wedding (2004)
Today's trip down memory lane was cued by a conversation I was having with Melissa the other day. I don't recall the exact reason why we ended up on the topic of body weight, but it came up for some reason. I made the comment that I'd once weighed (as an adult) 134 pounds. She was a little incredulous of that, and I promised to prove it. Well, this is me proving it.
My mom mailed me these photos yesterday. They are shots taken of me from when I was 18, so in 1992. I didn't even recognize the guy in the picture as me, at first. Especially in the 'award' photo. I had no exterior reference for it. (Other than I recognized the coat and the T-shirt). The 'wedding' picture reminded me of me more, but probably only because I was with my family.
To answer the question of how I was that skinny then, and not even close to skinny now, I will sum it up in a few words. I was sick, in an mental and emotional way. I was not making good decisions. I was in a bad, ugly, desperate state of mind that did not want to respond to stimuli. I was wrapped in my inner pain, and I couldn't escape. I think I'd have qualified for an anorexic diagnosis, had that been my only concern. There were, unfortunately, far more difficult, and potentially tragic forces at work, such that we kind of ignored the weight thing. The fact that we did ignore it, is a testimonial to how messed in the head I was. While I may be 80 pounds heavier now, I would suggest I am far more healthy.
Award (2004)
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Wedding (2004)
 (sm).jpg){kind=link}
Today's trip down memory lane was cued by a conversation I was having with Melissa the other day. I don't recall the exact reason why we ended up on the topic of body weight, but it came up for some reason. I made the comment that I'd once weighed (as an adult) 134 pounds. She was a little incredulous of that, and I promised to prove it. Well, this is me proving it.
My mom mailed me these photos yesterday. They are shots taken of me from when I was 18, so in 1992. I didn't even recognize the guy in the picture as me, at first. Especially in the 'award' photo. I had no exterior reference for it. (Other than I recognized the coat and the T-shirt). The 'wedding' picture reminded me of me more, but probably only because I was with my family.
To answer the question of how I was that skinny then, and not even close to skinny now, I will sum it up in a few words. I was sick, in an mental and emotional way. I was not making good decisions. I was in a bad, ugly, desperate state of mind that did not want to respond to stimuli. I was wrapped in my inner pain, and I couldn't escape. I think I'd have qualified for an anorexic diagnosis, had that been my only concern. There were, unfortunately, far more difficult, and potentially tragic forces at work, such that we kind of ignored the weight thing. The fact that we did ignore it, is a testimonial to how messed in the head I was. While I may be 80 pounds heavier now, I would suggest I am far more healthy.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
I have a question.
How can the Hotmail server be too busy? Wasn't Microsoft the one that wanted everyone to do their online experience by virtual of their Passport service? How then can the server be 'too busy' when the Passport idea kind of fell apart? Did they sell off all the server space they'd planned to do this service on?
Further to that, how can the Hotmail servers be 'too busy'? Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't there more Hotmail email addresses than there are people on this planet!?! If you know, I mean KNOW, that you are the single largest provider of free email accounts, how then can you allow yourself to fall into a position where your servers are 'too busy'?
I don't get this. I don't understand. Explain it to me like I'm a three year old. How can Hotmail be 'too busy'?
How can the Hotmail server be too busy? Wasn't Microsoft the one that wanted everyone to do their online experience by virtual of their Passport service? How then can the server be 'too busy' when the Passport idea kind of fell apart? Did they sell off all the server space they'd planned to do this service on?
Further to that, how can the Hotmail servers be 'too busy'? Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't there more Hotmail email addresses than there are people on this planet!?! If you know, I mean KNOW, that you are the single largest provider of free email accounts, how then can you allow yourself to fall into a position where your servers are 'too busy'?
I don't get this. I don't understand. Explain it to me like I'm a three year old. How can Hotmail be 'too busy'?
Monday, August 23, 2004
We will begin today with a question. The answer to this question should be self-explanatory. However, in typical human fashion, people have done things that defy logic such that we get the situation we have here, a ridiculous situation.
Why would you take your baby, or pre-schooler, to an air show?
I just don't understand these stupid people. An air show is, by definition, going to be loud. And you decide that a day in the grassy infield of an international airport is a great place for the family. Grab a bloody brain!!!
I sat and watched this retarded behaviour, all afternoon yesterday. (I am omitting the diatribe I was GOING to post last night, about the cacophony of sound I put up with yesterday afternoon. And no, it wasn't from the planes. I decided my blog didn't need that many consecutive epithets and I did not post it)
These jet-engine planes are screaming through the air. And screaming is a good approximation of the sound because its wicked loud. Babies are cued to cry. No wait, not cry. They howled. They poured out their hearts is futile, burning passion. The noise of these brutalized babies was nearly enough to drown out the jet planes. However they could not, because the sound of a jet plane is way to prodigious to erase with a babies cry. But they did their best. And they did this because they were in pain. Yes Mom and Dad, the babies were in PAIN!!! You can't do that to the little people. They just aren't able to handle it. It overwhelms them and of course they cry. Why kind of idiot subjects their new-born person to that!?!
Why would you take your baby, or pre-schooler, to an air show?
I just don't understand these stupid people. An air show is, by definition, going to be loud. And you decide that a day in the grassy infield of an international airport is a great place for the family. Grab a bloody brain!!!
I sat and watched this retarded behaviour, all afternoon yesterday. (I am omitting the diatribe I was GOING to post last night, about the cacophony of sound I put up with yesterday afternoon. And no, it wasn't from the planes. I decided my blog didn't need that many consecutive epithets and I did not post it)
These jet-engine planes are screaming through the air. And screaming is a good approximation of the sound because its wicked loud. Babies are cued to cry. No wait, not cry. They howled. They poured out their hearts is futile, burning passion. The noise of these brutalized babies was nearly enough to drown out the jet planes. However they could not, because the sound of a jet plane is way to prodigious to erase with a babies cry. But they did their best. And they did this because they were in pain. Yes Mom and Dad, the babies were in PAIN!!! You can't do that to the little people. They just aren't able to handle it. It overwhelms them and of course they cry. Why kind of idiot subjects their new-born person to that!?!
Friday, August 20, 2004
Thursday, August 19, 2004
I don't do this often but someone sent me this link, and rather than emailing it to 97 different people, and try to remember all the people I want to send it to, I figured I'd just put it in the blog, since everyone I know reads that anyway. (or at least I think you all do)
Wait for the web page to load and then pass your mouse over the image a few times.
<>Finally, leave the mouse over the nose of the image. This website won first prize in the Phillips Digital Arts Festival.
http://www.expression.philips.com.br/artes/venc2003/obrasflash/rmello/o_incomodo.swf
http://www.expression.philips.com.br/artes/venc2003/obrasflash/rmello/o_incomodo.swf
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a new friend of mine. His name is:
Bruce
I found Bruce this morning when I came to work. My assistant had purchased him for me, while she was taking a day off yesterday. I was immediately surprised, and happy to have recieved him.
We've had an influx of animals to my office lately. Some weeks ago my assistant brought a fish for her own desk. I liked to stop by and see how he was doing. He was an orange fish. I named him Harvey. The fish didn't seem to mind. Then my boss brought his fish and turtles to the office, as he is in the process of moving and the new house isn't ready for pets, while the old house must be vacated now. More fun things to amuse the eyes and mind.
Now I have a fish. I was very appreciative to have gotten him. My desk didn't really need more stuff for it, but I made room for Bruce. He will keep me company as I toil away on my late nights and boring afternoons. I will have to learn how to care for him. I've never had a pet that was completely my own. This is going to be great!
If you want to welcome Bruce, contact him or I by the usual methods. He's still pretty shy, and likes to hide in the plant in his bowl. Slowly he's getting more adventurous. He peeks out for a few minutes, and then goes back into hiding. Should Bruce do anything monumental, I'll blog about it.
Toodles!!
Bruce
I found Bruce this morning when I came to work. My assistant had purchased him for me, while she was taking a day off yesterday. I was immediately surprised, and happy to have recieved him.
We've had an influx of animals to my office lately. Some weeks ago my assistant brought a fish for her own desk. I liked to stop by and see how he was doing. He was an orange fish. I named him Harvey. The fish didn't seem to mind. Then my boss brought his fish and turtles to the office, as he is in the process of moving and the new house isn't ready for pets, while the old house must be vacated now. More fun things to amuse the eyes and mind.
Now I have a fish. I was very appreciative to have gotten him. My desk didn't really need more stuff for it, but I made room for Bruce. He will keep me company as I toil away on my late nights and boring afternoons. I will have to learn how to care for him. I've never had a pet that was completely my own. This is going to be great!
If you want to welcome Bruce, contact him or I by the usual methods. He's still pretty shy, and likes to hide in the plant in his bowl. Slowly he's getting more adventurous. He peeks out for a few minutes, and then goes back into hiding. Should Bruce do anything monumental, I'll blog about it.
Toodles!!
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
I have something to say!!!
What the hell is wrong with SaskTel? I really don't understand this. At home in Saskatoon I've had high speed internet for 7 years. In that time I've had outages and problems on only two or three times. All were quickly and expeditiously resolved. So what the hell is the problem in Watson!?!
We had ANOTHER major outage. However, it didn't go completely down. For 3 or 4 hours it was, worse than dial-up, slow. Down on your knees, begging for salvation, slow. It was horrible. You never really appreciate how much you rely on the internet until it dies a slow, painful death like mine in the office did this afternoon.
The question remains. Why? Its freakin' Watson!!! It can't be an overloaded demand thing. What demand!?! Its freakin' Watson!!! This pisses me off. What pisses me off even more is the fact that I can't do anything about it. There's no, switch to Shaw, option. Sasktel is the only service that has a static IP address that we need for the accounting software. We're screwed.
If you see a SaskTel van on the street today, please give them the finger. SaskTel pisses me off.
What the hell is wrong with SaskTel? I really don't understand this. At home in Saskatoon I've had high speed internet for 7 years. In that time I've had outages and problems on only two or three times. All were quickly and expeditiously resolved. So what the hell is the problem in Watson!?!
We had ANOTHER major outage. However, it didn't go completely down. For 3 or 4 hours it was, worse than dial-up, slow. Down on your knees, begging for salvation, slow. It was horrible. You never really appreciate how much you rely on the internet until it dies a slow, painful death like mine in the office did this afternoon.
The question remains. Why? Its freakin' Watson!!! It can't be an overloaded demand thing. What demand!?! Its freakin' Watson!!! This pisses me off. What pisses me off even more is the fact that I can't do anything about it. There's no, switch to Shaw, option. Sasktel is the only service that has a static IP address that we need for the accounting software. We're screwed.
If you see a SaskTel van on the street today, please give them the finger. SaskTel pisses me off.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Blog Question Of The Day:
What is the next great adventure of your life?
I think I think about these questions to much. I have this impression that the key to living a happy life is to not think about life so much. Everyone thinks about life. I know that. But it appears to me that pondering any part of life too deeply tends to create this uncomfortable psychological malaise that is not easily escapable. The person in question tends to get so wrapped up in what they are thinking about that the little moments in life pass you buy, and you forget to notice and appreciate them. Too much time spent alone in one's head can not be good for you.
Nonetheless I am pondering this question. Where am I going next? What's going to be the next story that is written in the book that is my life. I wish I knew, but in knowning I would lose the splendor that comes from finding something by surprise.
I need to relax more. Take my own damn advice and not think so much.
Good night my friends, family and loved ones. Have the greatest day that you can.
What is the next great adventure of your life?
I think I think about these questions to much. I have this impression that the key to living a happy life is to not think about life so much. Everyone thinks about life. I know that. But it appears to me that pondering any part of life too deeply tends to create this uncomfortable psychological malaise that is not easily escapable. The person in question tends to get so wrapped up in what they are thinking about that the little moments in life pass you buy, and you forget to notice and appreciate them. Too much time spent alone in one's head can not be good for you.
Nonetheless I am pondering this question. Where am I going next? What's going to be the next story that is written in the book that is my life. I wish I knew, but in knowning I would lose the splendor that comes from finding something by surprise.
I need to relax more. Take my own damn advice and not think so much.
Good night my friends, family and loved ones. Have the greatest day that you can.
Friday, August 13, 2004
Notes from a busy Friday:
I don't have a turbidity problem in Maple Creek ---> YAY!!!!!
Something about me must smell attractive to deer. I saw another two today, as I tried to pass a very slow moving, old Honda.
I shouldn't spend that much time driving, with nothing else to do but think. I believe I shall go back to watching movies.
Tonight's Madden 2004 should be kick ass.
Missy, I was busy dealing with that pesky thing called work. Sorry.
I'm getting annoyed with a collection of people that should be busting their ass to get us ahead of schedule, and not wasting our time worrying about a) Who is getting ahead while they work, b)
what corners they can cut so they can get home sooner, c) the state of 'clean' provided by the custodial staff or d) whatever pointless or inane thing is occupying their mind, that has no significance in the global picture.
I forgot to phone Manitoba Water.
Today's Pain Report is only the usual stomach churning. Am I improving?
Backing up multiple GB's of files is very boring.
This whole, new building, plan is beginning to give me a headache.
Why did I suddenly become everyone's confidante?
I think I will enjoy the weekend. I hope all of you do too. Good night!!!
I don't have a turbidity problem in Maple Creek ---> YAY!!!!!
Something about me must smell attractive to deer. I saw another two today, as I tried to pass a very slow moving, old Honda.
I shouldn't spend that much time driving, with nothing else to do but think. I believe I shall go back to watching movies.
Tonight's Madden 2004 should be kick ass.
Missy, I was busy dealing with that pesky thing called work. Sorry.
I'm getting annoyed with a collection of people that should be busting their ass to get us ahead of schedule, and not wasting our time worrying about a) Who is getting ahead while they work, b)
what corners they can cut so they can get home sooner, c) the state of 'clean' provided by the custodial staff or d) whatever pointless or inane thing is occupying their mind, that has no significance in the global picture.
I forgot to phone Manitoba Water.
Today's Pain Report is only the usual stomach churning. Am I improving?
Backing up multiple GB's of files is very boring.
This whole, new building, plan is beginning to give me a headache.
Why did I suddenly become everyone's confidante?
I think I will enjoy the weekend. I hope all of you do too. Good night!!!
Thursday, August 12, 2004
This is an All Points Bulletin for Grant's Watch. If you see Grant's watch, or know the whereabouts of Grant's watch, please contact the relevant authorities. It is important that we get in touch with Grant's watch. Only Grant's watch is capable of dealing with the situation that has developed.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your time.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
I'm watching television this evening. They played a new Dr. Pepper commercial, or at least, one I don't recall seeing before. I have to make an observational comment.
I think its time to retire Reba McEntire. The commercial opens with Leann Rimes driving down the road in a very nice car. I think it was a BMW of some type. Now Leann Rimes is hot. She's twenty-ish, blonde, young fresh looking and sexy. Exactly what will help sell any kind of product.
Then she meets Reba McEntire at a desert gas station. BAD IDEA!!! She looks horrible. The skin on her face is all tight and drawn, giving her a drawn, wax paper like appearance. And the flaming red hair is so obviously fake that its painful. Yeah, age does not diminish the voice, but it has destroyed the image. The time has come for Reba to fade into radio-only moments.
I think its time to retire Reba McEntire. The commercial opens with Leann Rimes driving down the road in a very nice car. I think it was a BMW of some type. Now Leann Rimes is hot. She's twenty-ish, blonde, young fresh looking and sexy. Exactly what will help sell any kind of product.
Then she meets Reba McEntire at a desert gas station. BAD IDEA!!! She looks horrible. The skin on her face is all tight and drawn, giving her a drawn, wax paper like appearance. And the flaming red hair is so obviously fake that its painful. Yeah, age does not diminish the voice, but it has destroyed the image. The time has come for Reba to fade into radio-only moments.
Its time to blast someone again.
Why is it that SaskTel has to treat their rural customers so poorly? This pisses me off. I'm in the middle of a great wasteland. The internet is my lifeline to the rest of the world. I don't so much like it as I NEED it. Disconnected I feel barren and alone.
So our SaskTel connection goes down this afternoon, AGAIN. I've already told you how that makes me feel, and we won't dwell on that anymore. So fine, it goes down. If its going to crash and burn this often, why don't they provide a reset button on their cable modem? I don't understand this. When you have to 'maintain' your connection this often, it only makes sense to me you provide the ability to cycle the power on your connect. Especially considering how often it goes in the tank and needs to be reset.
My official, thumbs down, goes to SaskTel today. Feel free to spit on all their employees.
Why is it that SaskTel has to treat their rural customers so poorly? This pisses me off. I'm in the middle of a great wasteland. The internet is my lifeline to the rest of the world. I don't so much like it as I NEED it. Disconnected I feel barren and alone.
So our SaskTel connection goes down this afternoon, AGAIN. I've already told you how that makes me feel, and we won't dwell on that anymore. So fine, it goes down. If its going to crash and burn this often, why don't they provide a reset button on their cable modem? I don't understand this. When you have to 'maintain' your connection this often, it only makes sense to me you provide the ability to cycle the power on your connect. Especially considering how often it goes in the tank and needs to be reset.
My official, thumbs down, goes to SaskTel today. Feel free to spit on all their employees.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
We are going to introduce a new feature here at TELK - Grant's Rants. This feature is:
The Pain Report
My new approach to life is intended to be a healthier one. I'm not going to go into the long list of particulars but I have a variety of things that I would really like to have go away. One of which is pain.
Its not soul destroying pain, but it is irritating and I wish it would go away. Its rarely the same thing, day to day, but one thing or another is bugging me. I know from experience that a lot of these things are psycho-somatic. Not necessarily accurate physical pain, but pain manifesting itself as a physical sympton of my emotional/mental state. I've been here before and most of my troubles can be traced to mental conditions.
However, I have a goal. And that is, to have a completely pain free day before the end of September. That's 6 weeks away. I think it is achievable. However, in pursuit of this goal I am going to document (mostly for my own purposes) what malady I am trouble by, on each day.
Bear with me, even though this information may be a little depressing. It is for a greater purpose, and if anyone has suggestions, for whatever the daily irritant is, I will gladly welcome them.
Toodles!
The Pain Report
My new approach to life is intended to be a healthier one. I'm not going to go into the long list of particulars but I have a variety of things that I would really like to have go away. One of which is pain.
Its not soul destroying pain, but it is irritating and I wish it would go away. Its rarely the same thing, day to day, but one thing or another is bugging me. I know from experience that a lot of these things are psycho-somatic. Not necessarily accurate physical pain, but pain manifesting itself as a physical sympton of my emotional/mental state. I've been here before and most of my troubles can be traced to mental conditions.
However, I have a goal. And that is, to have a completely pain free day before the end of September. That's 6 weeks away. I think it is achievable. However, in pursuit of this goal I am going to document (mostly for my own purposes) what malady I am trouble by, on each day.
Bear with me, even though this information may be a little depressing. It is for a greater purpose, and if anyone has suggestions, for whatever the daily irritant is, I will gladly welcome them.
Toodles!
Its time for a rant.
I went to the medical clinic today, at 1:00. There is one doctor on staff that I like. He treated my broken foot and I was very impressed with his care. So, I thought I'd try to get an appointment to see him specifically. I didn't know the doctor roster, so I had to physically go in to the clinic to find this information out.
It was after 1:00. I know this because I went out to start my truck and it wouldn't start, AGAIN (we aren't going to talk about that in this blog) so I was late leaving my yard. So I know it was after 1:00. I went into the clinic and it was deserted. Fine, its just after lunch, the place is empty momentarily, as people come back from lunch breaks.
I stood there for 15 minutes. No one that could help me book an appointment, made an appearance. I did find one person, but she was unable to help me, and assured me someone would be out shortly. More time rolls by. Finally I got pissed off and left. I'll phone later, since I know the schedule now.
That pisses me off. Has the whole world completely stopped giving a damn? I hate this crap. It is not so much to ask that people be conscientious at work. You have an appointment desk so for crying out loud, staff the damn thing!! The phone rang at least a half dozen times while I waited in person. You can't even forward the stupid phone to a place were you can answer it? The world does NOT stop from 12:00 until whenever you deem it reasonable to go back to your desk. We have agenda's and lives, and appointments and we'd thank it if you could do your stupid-ass job, and be there when it can be reasonably expected that you SHOULD be there.
Christ, I'm pissed off!! If you need me, I'll be dousing my enraged head in this bucket of water.
I went to the medical clinic today, at 1:00. There is one doctor on staff that I like. He treated my broken foot and I was very impressed with his care. So, I thought I'd try to get an appointment to see him specifically. I didn't know the doctor roster, so I had to physically go in to the clinic to find this information out.
It was after 1:00. I know this because I went out to start my truck and it wouldn't start, AGAIN (we aren't going to talk about that in this blog) so I was late leaving my yard. So I know it was after 1:00. I went into the clinic and it was deserted. Fine, its just after lunch, the place is empty momentarily, as people come back from lunch breaks.
I stood there for 15 minutes. No one that could help me book an appointment, made an appearance. I did find one person, but she was unable to help me, and assured me someone would be out shortly. More time rolls by. Finally I got pissed off and left. I'll phone later, since I know the schedule now.
That pisses me off. Has the whole world completely stopped giving a damn? I hate this crap. It is not so much to ask that people be conscientious at work. You have an appointment desk so for crying out loud, staff the damn thing!! The phone rang at least a half dozen times while I waited in person. You can't even forward the stupid phone to a place were you can answer it? The world does NOT stop from 12:00 until whenever you deem it reasonable to go back to your desk. We have agenda's and lives, and appointments and we'd thank it if you could do your stupid-ass job, and be there when it can be reasonably expected that you SHOULD be there.
Christ, I'm pissed off!! If you need me, I'll be dousing my enraged head in this bucket of water.
I have a question.
We've discussed this particular topic before, here in Blogland. Nonetheless it has come up again so a few opinions would be appreciated. Reply as always.
I have these dating site memberships. I signed up for them a long time ago, when I was kind of sad, and moping about the state of my romantic life. I have vacillated back and forth between pursuing them, and ignoring them. Right now I'm in kind of a weird place between wanting something, and not having the time to pursue it. I also don't know, with much definition if there are candidates in my life that I'm just not seeing. (if you're out there, reading this and want to volunteer for candidate status, please let me know) Anyway, back to the story.
Some girl on one of these sites 'apparently' sent me two messages yesterday afternoon. On this particular site you can not read the message unless you pay for a membership. From what scant information I can access for free, I am intrigued. This is probably due to an appalling lack of romantic interest in my personage lately. I'll spare the drama but the bottom line is, I'm not sure where I stand with anyone, but I am tiring of sitting alone to watch TV. Thus I'm intrigued and wonder if I should see what this particular girl is thinking.
So, to the question. Do I spend the money and see what is up with this new person?
Answer as always. Toodles
We've discussed this particular topic before, here in Blogland. Nonetheless it has come up again so a few opinions would be appreciated. Reply as always.
I have these dating site memberships. I signed up for them a long time ago, when I was kind of sad, and moping about the state of my romantic life. I have vacillated back and forth between pursuing them, and ignoring them. Right now I'm in kind of a weird place between wanting something, and not having the time to pursue it. I also don't know, with much definition if there are candidates in my life that I'm just not seeing. (if you're out there, reading this and want to volunteer for candidate status, please let me know) Anyway, back to the story.
Some girl on one of these sites 'apparently' sent me two messages yesterday afternoon. On this particular site you can not read the message unless you pay for a membership. From what scant information I can access for free, I am intrigued. This is probably due to an appalling lack of romantic interest in my personage lately. I'll spare the drama but the bottom line is, I'm not sure where I stand with anyone, but I am tiring of sitting alone to watch TV. Thus I'm intrigued and wonder if I should see what this particular girl is thinking.
So, to the question. Do I spend the money and see what is up with this new person?
Answer as always. Toodles
Monday, August 09, 2004
It has been a rather interesting day. Very hectic, and lots of things happening. It seems like my life is destined to be very full. Which is good, because it keeps me out of trouble. But its also bad because I find myself feeling a little overwhelmed from time to time.
My boss is getting back into the groove of things again. That's good news, but again it will mean re-adjusting my approach. It is only now that he's reining me in, calling a halt to my ceaseless pursuit of a new direction for Central Water. He knows where I want to go, and he wants to go there too, but he's acting like the boss again, and setting different priorities. I like that, and feel better to know that he's examining the situation critically. However there is some melancholy in having my designs thwarted.
After all that though, I got a great surprise tonight. My parents came to visit me!! I was late at the office. Murray and I were engaged in another of our marathon discussions of the future of Central Water, myself, himself, and all things great and philosophical. They are stimulating conversations because we're both passionate about the future of the company, and see a lot of potential for everyone as we move forward. He has stuff he wants, and I have stuff I want, and we're going to be advancing all things as we begin a new fiscal year in September.
I will have more news about the future direction for myself later in the week. Murray is going to speak to the accountant and see where things sit. I may finally get the security I have always lusted for. Stay tuned for more news on that.
But for now, my great surprise. I was just wrapping up to leave for home when my Mom came through the front door of Central Water. I was shocked, but really happy. They'd been in Nipawin for my dad's latest golfing adventure. When the morning dawned, he realized it was too cold and rainy for him to enjoy the experience, so he simply aborted. They went back to Weekes to visit and then, instead of trekking home, they came to see me.
I thought it was great! I've been away for awhile and it was nice to see them. I love my family. I am glad we are close, and see each other often. Its straining when long stretches of time passes without contact. I've never quite understood other people's desire to flee their family. I suppose its looking for independence and their own voice, but I've never felt that way myself. Life with them was better than life without them. I was very glad to see them tonight.
And that was it. I entertained my parents visit, although I didn't do much. I showed my Dad my high definition TV, and he was impressed with the clarity. My Mom did what she likes, which is making supper and looking after things. Now the evening will wrap with everyone getting some sleep. I am thrilled they came to see me and wish it could have been longer. But I will see them again on the weekend when I go home, so it will not be a long wait.
Thanks for listening everyone. I know this was less flashy than some of my entries, but the occasional homily for my own benefit will be required from time to time. Have a great night and I hope to see all of you real soon.
Toodles!
My boss is getting back into the groove of things again. That's good news, but again it will mean re-adjusting my approach. It is only now that he's reining me in, calling a halt to my ceaseless pursuit of a new direction for Central Water. He knows where I want to go, and he wants to go there too, but he's acting like the boss again, and setting different priorities. I like that, and feel better to know that he's examining the situation critically. However there is some melancholy in having my designs thwarted.
After all that though, I got a great surprise tonight. My parents came to visit me!! I was late at the office. Murray and I were engaged in another of our marathon discussions of the future of Central Water, myself, himself, and all things great and philosophical. They are stimulating conversations because we're both passionate about the future of the company, and see a lot of potential for everyone as we move forward. He has stuff he wants, and I have stuff I want, and we're going to be advancing all things as we begin a new fiscal year in September.
I will have more news about the future direction for myself later in the week. Murray is going to speak to the accountant and see where things sit. I may finally get the security I have always lusted for. Stay tuned for more news on that.
But for now, my great surprise. I was just wrapping up to leave for home when my Mom came through the front door of Central Water. I was shocked, but really happy. They'd been in Nipawin for my dad's latest golfing adventure. When the morning dawned, he realized it was too cold and rainy for him to enjoy the experience, so he simply aborted. They went back to Weekes to visit and then, instead of trekking home, they came to see me.
I thought it was great! I've been away for awhile and it was nice to see them. I love my family. I am glad we are close, and see each other often. Its straining when long stretches of time passes without contact. I've never quite understood other people's desire to flee their family. I suppose its looking for independence and their own voice, but I've never felt that way myself. Life with them was better than life without them. I was very glad to see them tonight.
And that was it. I entertained my parents visit, although I didn't do much. I showed my Dad my high definition TV, and he was impressed with the clarity. My Mom did what she likes, which is making supper and looking after things. Now the evening will wrap with everyone getting some sleep. I am thrilled they came to see me and wish it could have been longer. But I will see them again on the weekend when I go home, so it will not be a long wait.
Thanks for listening everyone. I know this was less flashy than some of my entries, but the occasional homily for my own benefit will be required from time to time. Have a great night and I hope to see all of you real soon.
Toodles!
I am home again. The blogging can re-commence.
Hang in there Sean. It'll look better with time, and some perspective.
And as for the rest of it . . . well . . . maybe some time with a regular schedule will help me sort out the maelstrom in my head. I can't see it getting any more chaotic.
More tomorrow, when I've had a chance to tack a few hours onto my over-taxed system. Toodles all!!
Hang in there Sean. It'll look better with time, and some perspective.
And as for the rest of it . . . well . . . maybe some time with a regular schedule will help me sort out the maelstrom in my head. I can't see it getting any more chaotic.
More tomorrow, when I've had a chance to tack a few hours onto my over-taxed system. Toodles all!!
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Blog Question Of The Day:
The prevailing theory is, when you are plugged up, you need to eat fibre to loosening up the system, and get things flowing again. Crunchy vegetables, whole wheat breads, and things of this nature. How about if you have the reverse problem? What can you eat that will perform the task of the proverbial, boy with his finger in the dike?
The prevailing theory is, when you are plugged up, you need to eat fibre to loosening up the system, and get things flowing again. Crunchy vegetables, whole wheat breads, and things of this nature. How about if you have the reverse problem? What can you eat that will perform the task of the proverbial, boy with his finger in the dike?
Monday, August 02, 2004
I dunno, maybe its just me . . .
They cut to the crowd, between the end of the last play, and the face-off for the next start, when you're playing NHL 2003. Its one of three sequences, you will note, if you play it often enough. Is it just me or does the character they have playing the 'girlfriend' role in these sequences have a monkey face!?!
Things to ponder . . .
They cut to the crowd, between the end of the last play, and the face-off for the next start, when you're playing NHL 2003. Its one of three sequences, you will note, if you play it often enough. Is it just me or does the character they have playing the 'girlfriend' role in these sequences have a monkey face!?!
Things to ponder . . .
Saturday, July 31, 2004
What I want to know is, are there really that many people making collect calls?
I was thinking about this, while I was supposed to be sleeping. That's a story for another day however. What I would like to know is, how can this collect call thing be profitable? There's a flurry of 1-800 blah, blah, blah ads on the TV. You can't watch a channel with commercials and not see Carrot Top, Alyssa Milano, or whatever down on his luck former sports figure, is hawking 1-800-CALL-ATT, 10-10-220, 10-10-987 or the newest variant on the same theme. Are there that many people making collect calls? I've made a few in my day, but that was back when I was a kid, and didn't have any money or facilities. I would never make a collect call now.
These are American commercials. I've been to the states a few times in the past couple years and the one thing I've noticed is, it is unlikely anyone in that country would make a collect call. They all have cell phones! I'm at the Four Corners Monument, and there's teenage girls (young ones, not 18/19 years olds) and they're making cell phone calls. (Or trying to make calls. Mysteriously the cell phone coverage is abysmal at that particular point. I'm surprised no enterprising entrepeneur hasn't slapped up a cell tower at that spot, and charged back to the major players (Verizon, AT&T) a nice roam fee. The Indians charge you three bucks to get on the site of the monument, why not build themselves a cell tower too and make a few more bucks?) So why all the ads for collect calls?
Maybe there's a segment of the population still using this quaint phone technology, but I'm not seeing it. If anyone has some further insight into this question, I'd be glad to hear it. Maybe I'd sleep better.
Toodles!
I was thinking about this, while I was supposed to be sleeping. That's a story for another day however. What I would like to know is, how can this collect call thing be profitable? There's a flurry of 1-800 blah, blah, blah ads on the TV. You can't watch a channel with commercials and not see Carrot Top, Alyssa Milano, or whatever down on his luck former sports figure, is hawking 1-800-CALL-ATT, 10-10-220, 10-10-987 or the newest variant on the same theme. Are there that many people making collect calls? I've made a few in my day, but that was back when I was a kid, and didn't have any money or facilities. I would never make a collect call now.
These are American commercials. I've been to the states a few times in the past couple years and the one thing I've noticed is, it is unlikely anyone in that country would make a collect call. They all have cell phones! I'm at the Four Corners Monument, and there's teenage girls (young ones, not 18/19 years olds) and they're making cell phone calls. (Or trying to make calls. Mysteriously the cell phone coverage is abysmal at that particular point. I'm surprised no enterprising entrepeneur hasn't slapped up a cell tower at that spot, and charged back to the major players (Verizon, AT&T) a nice roam fee. The Indians charge you three bucks to get on the site of the monument, why not build themselves a cell tower too and make a few more bucks?) So why all the ads for collect calls?
Maybe there's a segment of the population still using this quaint phone technology, but I'm not seeing it. If anyone has some further insight into this question, I'd be glad to hear it. Maybe I'd sleep better.
Toodles!