Today I Learned . . .
1. If you know what's going to happen, and you watch closely, you'll notice that at the end of Back To The Future III, Marty puts the manual transmission on his new 4x4 truck into reverse, before the light turns green
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-06-10)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Is there enough water in a wet towel that it can conduct electricity?
2. What race is Yoda?
1. Is there enough water in a wet towel that it can conduct electricity?
2. What race is Yoda?
French Connection (2012-06-10)
French Connection
1. I'aime mon nouveau chapeau baseball
2. Je vais avoir un boisson gazeuse
1. I'aime mon nouveau chapeau baseball
2. Je vais avoir un boisson gazeuse
Hat sizes
What's the deal with hat sizes?
I've got four hats in the last year. Each one fits differently than any other one. I don't get it. My original blue Montreal Expos hat was a 7-1/4. It fit great so I resolved to buy 7-1/4 for all future hats.
I got a Phillies hat from my sister for my birthday last year. Following my policy, I got a 7-1/4. It fit decently so I was satisfied. But then in the fall I wanted a Blue Jays hat so I got one at SportChek. I believe I had a gift card or they were on sale. I had a reason to be getting it at SportChek. They had no 7-1/4, but they did have a 7-3/8 so I took that. Its only 1/8 of an inch bigger, which is a pretty small discrepancy. The hat is enormous. You could get a small child in beside my head inside this hat. 1/8 of an inch should not make that much difference.
Then I bought two hats simultaneously today. I stuck to the rule, and picked up 7-1/4 hats for both. They had an anti-theft device in them so they weren't really try-on-able in the store. I got out to my truck and giddy as I was, I had to fix the brim and try them on.
Each was 7-1/4.
The red Washington Nationals hat was very, very snug. Bordering on too small but based on my experience from last fall, I wasn't moving up a size else it would require walking around with a child hanging next to my right ear to make it fit right. It was snug but I wasn't uncomfortable wearing it so I declared it good.
The blue Montreal Expos hat was spot-on perfect. It fit my head exactly the way a hat is supposed to. It was just about 10% too snug. You have that security of knowing there's no way its blowing off when you're lined up for a 3-iron on the 12th hole at the Harbor Golf Course at Elbow, where the wind screams off the prairie landscape like the sonic blast coming off a space shuttle launch. The hat I wanted most fit better than anything else I tried to buy/get in the last year. It was like coming home.
Four hats. Four different fits. All of these hats trying to approximate the sense of perfection that comes only when I wear a Montreal Expos cap.
I've got four hats in the last year. Each one fits differently than any other one. I don't get it. My original blue Montreal Expos hat was a 7-1/4. It fit great so I resolved to buy 7-1/4 for all future hats.
I got a Phillies hat from my sister for my birthday last year. Following my policy, I got a 7-1/4. It fit decently so I was satisfied. But then in the fall I wanted a Blue Jays hat so I got one at SportChek. I believe I had a gift card or they were on sale. I had a reason to be getting it at SportChek. They had no 7-1/4, but they did have a 7-3/8 so I took that. Its only 1/8 of an inch bigger, which is a pretty small discrepancy. The hat is enormous. You could get a small child in beside my head inside this hat. 1/8 of an inch should not make that much difference.
Then I bought two hats simultaneously today. I stuck to the rule, and picked up 7-1/4 hats for both. They had an anti-theft device in them so they weren't really try-on-able in the store. I got out to my truck and giddy as I was, I had to fix the brim and try them on.
Each was 7-1/4.
The red Washington Nationals hat was very, very snug. Bordering on too small but based on my experience from last fall, I wasn't moving up a size else it would require walking around with a child hanging next to my right ear to make it fit right. It was snug but I wasn't uncomfortable wearing it so I declared it good.
The blue Montreal Expos hat was spot-on perfect. It fit my head exactly the way a hat is supposed to. It was just about 10% too snug. You have that security of knowing there's no way its blowing off when you're lined up for a 3-iron on the 12th hole at the Harbor Golf Course at Elbow, where the wind screams off the prairie landscape like the sonic blast coming off a space shuttle launch. The hat I wanted most fit better than anything else I tried to buy/get in the last year. It was like coming home.
Four hats. Four different fits. All of these hats trying to approximate the sense of perfection that comes only when I wear a Montreal Expos cap.
Olympian Sports
I have to throw out a plug right now.
Yesterday was very frustrating. I had money left over from Christmas that I still hadn't spent. But I got an idea this week for something that I would want, so I was going to go out on Saturday and get it.
Notwithstanding is the fact that I got a last start yesterday, and it was raining cats and dogs, so the mall was borderline zoo-ish. So I went to Midtown, because I wanted licensed apparel, so my first thought was "Jersey City". What else would you think of first? Sure its all wickedly over-priced but that's where you should be able to find such things.
I wanted the official on-field cap of the Washington Nationals. Red hat with a giant white W on it. Not some strange variant but the everyday home hat. Huge rack of hats at Jersey City. They did not have the red one. They had some stupid black one with a red/blue DC on it that may be a special edition hat, but isn't the everyday red one. Huge rack of hats, not the official one.
WTF!?!?!?!
There's another hat store just down from Jersey City. I was dejected by this point, but its close so I looked anyway. Same problem. Lots and lots of hats. Lots of variety in some things, but not an official on-field Washington Nationals hat. About 27 different god damn variations on the blasted Yankees but no Washington Nationals. (FYI - god damn Yankees)
I also looked in SportChek but that's 5 minutes of my life I'm not getting back.
So I'm sitting in my basement last night, feeling kinda morose about my lack of luck with this hat issue. I still want one but now I'm looking at ordering online, and while I do that, its just not as satisfying as leaving a store clutching your purchase. Then, like an epiphany, I had inspiration. What about Olympian Sports? Every time I go in there, it seems like they have about 100,000 pieces of licensed merchandise. I have a whole Sunday; it'll cost me an hour, at most, to go check. Worse case is no worse than how I was feeling last night.
So I go into Olympian Sports today just after lunch. Up the stairs to where the bulk of the licensed stuff is. Bang, there is a wall of hats. 20 seconds of analysis and I figure out where the MLB hats are. (strange that a ball cap is synonymous with baseball, and its not even the largest category in the wall'o'hats) My eyes immediately snap to the red hats and in about 5.3 seconds I find my whole grail - the red on-field Washington Nationals hat! The search has concluded; I reach nirvana!
Wait! What's this!?! Right next to the red Washington Nationals hat is something that looks like a solid, royal blue Montreal Expos hat. I blink. It is a solid, royal blue Montreal Expos hat! I thought this doesn't exist!?!
Exist or not as a new product, there it is. Something I've been lusting at for almost 5 years is right there in my trembling hands. First I lost (or thought I had) my blue Expos hat. Then I found it behind a book shelf but my examination of it suggested it was dirty as hell. (not surprising as I'd had it since I get it for my birthday when I was 18) So having found it, I tried to clean it. That didn't work and it no longer looked all that fresh. So I wanted to buy a new one, but my searching said they didn't make it brand new anymore.
Now here in my quivering hands was the hat that I'd wanted for so long. I debated whether to purchase it for, oh, about 2.3 seconds before concluding this was a no-brainer. My faithfulness was further rewarded when each hat was about $2.50 off list price. My breathless search was concluded successfully and I got a discount. Could this have ended in any better way?
So now I have both hats that I wanted. And I've reached a conclusion. I am not pissing around anymore. My first and only direction when I need something sporting good related is to go to Olympian Sports. This has happened 3 times that I can remember in recent memory. I wanted something, tried somewhere else first only to search out Olympian as a last resort. They have not disappointed. Thus my future policy will be to just go to Olympian and stop getting frustrated.
I recommend to anyone that reads this that they follow the same policy.
Yesterday was very frustrating. I had money left over from Christmas that I still hadn't spent. But I got an idea this week for something that I would want, so I was going to go out on Saturday and get it.
Notwithstanding is the fact that I got a last start yesterday, and it was raining cats and dogs, so the mall was borderline zoo-ish. So I went to Midtown, because I wanted licensed apparel, so my first thought was "Jersey City". What else would you think of first? Sure its all wickedly over-priced but that's where you should be able to find such things.
I wanted the official on-field cap of the Washington Nationals. Red hat with a giant white W on it. Not some strange variant but the everyday home hat. Huge rack of hats at Jersey City. They did not have the red one. They had some stupid black one with a red/blue DC on it that may be a special edition hat, but isn't the everyday red one. Huge rack of hats, not the official one.
WTF!?!?!?!
There's another hat store just down from Jersey City. I was dejected by this point, but its close so I looked anyway. Same problem. Lots and lots of hats. Lots of variety in some things, but not an official on-field Washington Nationals hat. About 27 different god damn variations on the blasted Yankees but no Washington Nationals. (FYI - god damn Yankees)
I also looked in SportChek but that's 5 minutes of my life I'm not getting back.
So I'm sitting in my basement last night, feeling kinda morose about my lack of luck with this hat issue. I still want one but now I'm looking at ordering online, and while I do that, its just not as satisfying as leaving a store clutching your purchase. Then, like an epiphany, I had inspiration. What about Olympian Sports? Every time I go in there, it seems like they have about 100,000 pieces of licensed merchandise. I have a whole Sunday; it'll cost me an hour, at most, to go check. Worse case is no worse than how I was feeling last night.
So I go into Olympian Sports today just after lunch. Up the stairs to where the bulk of the licensed stuff is. Bang, there is a wall of hats. 20 seconds of analysis and I figure out where the MLB hats are. (strange that a ball cap is synonymous with baseball, and its not even the largest category in the wall'o'hats) My eyes immediately snap to the red hats and in about 5.3 seconds I find my whole grail - the red on-field Washington Nationals hat! The search has concluded; I reach nirvana!
Wait! What's this!?! Right next to the red Washington Nationals hat is something that looks like a solid, royal blue Montreal Expos hat. I blink. It is a solid, royal blue Montreal Expos hat! I thought this doesn't exist!?!
Exist or not as a new product, there it is. Something I've been lusting at for almost 5 years is right there in my trembling hands. First I lost (or thought I had) my blue Expos hat. Then I found it behind a book shelf but my examination of it suggested it was dirty as hell. (not surprising as I'd had it since I get it for my birthday when I was 18) So having found it, I tried to clean it. That didn't work and it no longer looked all that fresh. So I wanted to buy a new one, but my searching said they didn't make it brand new anymore.
Now here in my quivering hands was the hat that I'd wanted for so long. I debated whether to purchase it for, oh, about 2.3 seconds before concluding this was a no-brainer. My faithfulness was further rewarded when each hat was about $2.50 off list price. My breathless search was concluded successfully and I got a discount. Could this have ended in any better way?
So now I have both hats that I wanted. And I've reached a conclusion. I am not pissing around anymore. My first and only direction when I need something sporting good related is to go to Olympian Sports. This has happened 3 times that I can remember in recent memory. I wanted something, tried somewhere else first only to search out Olympian as a last resort. They have not disappointed. Thus my future policy will be to just go to Olympian and stop getting frustrated.
I recommend to anyone that reads this that they follow the same policy.
Daily Photo(s) (2012-06-10)
Daily Photo(s)
1. Today's project:
2. Future project:
3. My new hats
4. Wearing the Washington Nationals hat
5. Wearing my new Montreal Expos hat
1. Today's project:
2. Future project:
3. My new hats
4. Wearing the Washington Nationals hat
5. Wearing my new Montreal Expos hat
The Daily Affirmation (2012-06-10)
The Daily Affirmation
1. Miami Dolphins cheerleaders lip syncing "Call Me Maybe"
2. Not only did I find the Washington Nationals hat I wanted . . . I found a royal blue Montreal Expos hat I wanted that all my research online said, DIDN'T EXIST!!!
3. I filled in every column on my tracking spreadsheet today
1. Miami Dolphins cheerleaders lip syncing "Call Me Maybe"
2. Not only did I find the Washington Nationals hat I wanted . . . I found a royal blue Montreal Expos hat I wanted that all my research online said, DIDN'T EXIST!!!
3. I filled in every column on my tracking spreadsheet today
Saturday, June 09, 2012
The Daily Affirmation (2012-06-09)
The Daily Affirmation
1. Devils win!
2. The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders singing 'Call Me Maybe'
1. Devils win!
2. The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders singing 'Call Me Maybe'
Today I Learned . . . (2012-06-09)
Today I Learned . . .
1. Over 2,500 left handed people a year are killed using products designed for right handers.
2. In the southwestern United States, it is possible to discharge an average of 210 USgpm to an evaporation pond and the basin will be functionally empty for 1/3 of the year.
1. Over 2,500 left handed people a year are killed using products designed for right handers.
2. In the southwestern United States, it is possible to discharge an average of 210 USgpm to an evaporation pond and the basin will be functionally empty for 1/3 of the year.
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-06-09)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Would I save myself a measurable amount of frustration if I ordered everything I want online?
2. Would I feel different about myself if I had pink blood?
1. Would I save myself a measurable amount of frustration if I ordered everything I want online?
2. Would I feel different about myself if I had pink blood?
Friday, June 08, 2012
Today I Learned . . . (2012-06-08)
Today I Learned . . .
1. Basketball's 3-point line was first proposed in 1933 by Herman Sayger to introduce a new scoring system for Ohio high school students. It was implemented by various leagues after that but did not gain popular acceptance until employed by the American Basketball Association during their 1967-68 season as a way to market themselves against the NBA.
1. Basketball's 3-point line was first proposed in 1933 by Herman Sayger to introduce a new scoring system for Ohio high school students. It was implemented by various leagues after that but did not gain popular acceptance until employed by the American Basketball Association during their 1967-68 season as a way to market themselves against the NBA.
The Daily Affirmation (2012-06-08)
The Daily Affirmation
1. I finally finished a project that's been lying around my office for over a month.
2. Minh's Garden for lunch is fast, fresh and fantastic!
3. I had an exhilarating bike ride on my long course after work tonight
1. I finally finished a project that's been lying around my office for over a month.
2. Minh's Garden for lunch is fast, fresh and fantastic!
3. I had an exhilarating bike ride on my long course after work tonight
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-06-08)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Should I buy some Lego Star Wars sets?
2. Do I have good ideas?
1. Should I buy some Lego Star Wars sets?
2. Do I have good ideas?
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Today I Learned . . . (2012-06-07)
Today I Learned . . .
1. What we know as 'khaki' originated in the region now known as Pakistan/Afghanistan by British-Indian forces. They wished to be clothed in clothes of the region. The original color chosen was a shade of grey, similar to that worn by Afghan tribals. But the grey dye wouldn't work in their leather coats. Instead mulberry juice was used, leading to the drab yellow color we know now as 'khaki'
1. What we know as 'khaki' originated in the region now known as Pakistan/Afghanistan by British-Indian forces. They wished to be clothed in clothes of the region. The original color chosen was a shade of grey, similar to that worn by Afghan tribals. But the grey dye wouldn't work in their leather coats. Instead mulberry juice was used, leading to the drab yellow color we know now as 'khaki'
French Connection (2012-06-07)
French Connection
1. Je vais jouer Diablo 3.
2. J'ai besoin de boisson gazeuse.
1. Je vais jouer Diablo 3.
2. J'ai besoin de boisson gazeuse.
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-06-07)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Should I buy individual stocks in companies, to independently manage wealth?
2. How do I garner more respect?
3. Is it possible to like someone based solely on Twitter?
4. Do I need some khaki pants?
1. Should I buy individual stocks in companies, to independently manage wealth?
2. How do I garner more respect?
3. Is it possible to like someone based solely on Twitter?
4. Do I need some khaki pants?
The Daily Affirmation (2012-06-07)
The Daily Affirmation
1. Happiness is . . . your own mini-fridge under your desk
2. Its Christmas!
1. Happiness is . . . your own mini-fridge under your desk
2. Its Christmas!
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-06-06)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. What are the qualities of a good Twitter account to follow?
1. What are the qualities of a good Twitter account to follow?
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-06-05)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Does anyone, anywhere, like auto-preview mode in Microsoft Word?
1. Does anyone, anywhere, like auto-preview mode in Microsoft Word?
Monday, June 04, 2012
Today I Learned . . . (2012-06-04)
Today I Learned . . .
1. Personne is always a French feminine noun
1. Personne is always a French feminine noun
The Daily Affirmation (2012-06-04)
The Daily Affirmation
1. Alyssa Milano is an LA Kings fan
2. When meditation works, it is blissful how clear it can make your mind
1. Alyssa Milano is an LA Kings fan
2. When meditation works, it is blissful how clear it can make your mind
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-06-04)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Am I not passionate enough in pursuing my goals?
1. Am I not passionate enough in pursuing my goals?
Sunday, June 03, 2012
The Daily Affirmation (2012-06-03)
The Daily Affirmation
1. I cut a wave pattern into my front lawn today
2. Coke/vanilla-lime Frosters are the best flavour of all-time
1. I cut a wave pattern into my front lawn today
2. Coke/vanilla-lime Frosters are the best flavour of all-time
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-06-03)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. What am I going to do in July/August?
2. Should I move?
1. What am I going to do in July/August?
2. Should I move?
Saturday, June 02, 2012
The Daily Affirmation (2012-06-02)
The Daily Affirmation
1. Went over and said "Happy Birthday" to my Mom on her birthday
2. A Coke, vanilla/lime slurpee is nothing short of awesome
3. I crushed the average time on my jigsaw puzzle today
1. Went over and said "Happy Birthday" to my Mom on her birthday
2. A Coke, vanilla/lime slurpee is nothing short of awesome
3. I crushed the average time on my jigsaw puzzle today
Friday, June 01, 2012
The Daily Affirmation (2012-06-01)
The Daily Affirmation
1. She comes into the house, walks around the corner and sees me, her childish smile all wonderment and affection that you can't fake
2. We won a close soccer match 3-2 on a penalty kick
3. I got an enormous number of compliments about my fancy new soccer cleats
1. She comes into the house, walks around the corner and sees me, her childish smile all wonderment and affection that you can't fake
2. We won a close soccer match 3-2 on a penalty kick
3. I got an enormous number of compliments about my fancy new soccer cleats
Today I Learned . . . (2012-06-01)
Today I Learned . . .
1. It costs more to dry clean a tie than the corresponding shirt
1. It costs more to dry clean a tie than the corresponding shirt
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-06-01)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Can I heal my collection of injuries without resorting to completely sitting on the sidelines?
2. How do I stick up for myself, without releasing the monster within?
1. Can I heal my collection of injuries without resorting to completely sitting on the sidelines?
2. How do I stick up for myself, without releasing the monster within?
Thursday, May 31, 2012
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-31)
The Daily Affirmation
1. My physical stamina appears to be returning
1. My physical stamina appears to be returning
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-31)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. How do I recover from bitter disappointment?
1. How do I recover from bitter disappointment?
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Today I Learned . . . (2012-05-30)
Today I Learned . . .
1. The steam from a hot shower can trigger a smoke alarm
1. The steam from a hot shower can trigger a smoke alarm
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-30)
The Daily Affirmation
1. Driving range practice at lunch on a beautiful afternoon
2. Simply put, I lead a charmed god, damn experience
1. Driving range practice at lunch on a beautiful afternoon
2. Simply put, I lead a charmed god, damn experience
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-30)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Why am I unable to inspire people?
2. Is it a common trait for highly talented people to have less focus and internal motivation than less talented people?
1. Why am I unable to inspire people?
2. Is it a common trait for highly talented people to have less focus and internal motivation than less talented people?
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-29)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Do I really want shoulder surgery?
2. Should I become a drug addict?
1. Do I really want shoulder surgery?
2. Should I become a drug addict?
Today I Learned . . . (2012-05-29)
Today I Learned . . .
1. The ancient Greek word for horse is "hippos"
1. The ancient Greek word for horse is "hippos"
Monday, May 28, 2012
Today I Learned . . . (2012-05-28)
Today I Learned . . .
1. There is an "Elective Mode" in Diablo III which allows you to map any attack to any of the keys. You are not limited to the sub groups of each key.
1. There is an "Elective Mode" in Diablo III which allows you to map any attack to any of the keys. You are not limited to the sub groups of each key.
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-28)
The Daily Affirmation
1. Finished another book tonight
2. Played a pretty vigorous game of ball hockey successfully, while suffering from a cold
1. Finished another book tonight
2. Played a pretty vigorous game of ball hockey successfully, while suffering from a cold
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-28)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Which comes first, confidence to succeed, or success which breeds confidence?
1. Which comes first, confidence to succeed, or success which breeds confidence?
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-27)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Why does soda pop in a bottle go flat so fast when its opened?
1. Why does soda pop in a bottle go flat so fast when its opened?
Today I Learned. . . (2012-05-27)
Today I Learned. . .
1. The French word "Cataracts" translates as "Waterfalls"
1. The French word "Cataracts" translates as "Waterfalls"
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-27)
The Daily Affirmation
1. I finished yet another book, this one an unauthorized biography of Gordie Howe I've had for several years
1. I finished yet another book, this one an unauthorized biography of Gordie Howe I've had for several years
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Today I Learned . . . (2012-05-26)
Today I Learned . . .
1. The official Tibetan name for Mount Everest is Qomolangma
1. The official Tibetan name for Mount Everest is Qomolangma
The Dive (2012-05-26)
The ball was right there in front of me. The sphere, white in color, with splashes of
blue and blue, lay on the vibrant green turf, just an aching few inches from my
foot. I had to have it. I wanted to possess it with a passion that I
reserve for few things on this planet.
I was not the only person that felt this way. From my left stepped in an opponent, clad in
his black shorts and a ratty looking tee shirt that was modified with an ink
marker to have a number ‘20’ on the back of it.
I’d been struggling with this nemesis all half, and it brought a snarl
to my lips to see him coming out of nowhere to disrupt my fell plan.
Our feet went for the ball.
Both of us lusted for that ball with the same vicious intensity. The play was almost at mid-field but in my
eyes (and most likely his too, given his intensity) we equated possession of
the ball to a clear opportunity to score.
Two feet striking the ball simultaneously quite frequently
has the entirely opposite effect to that which you might expect from a
kick. If two people try to pounce on the
ball at the same time, most often the result is not movement at all. Which is what happened this time. His foot from the left, and mine from the
right, simply locked the ball in place.
Even though we were veteran soccer players, and had seen a
play like this countless times, it did not come across either of our minds that
an aggressive play on the ball like this might result in no motion at all. Our feet came together, the ball didn’t move,
and momentum that was thrown into the cauldron was forced to result in
something.
My opponent caved to the reaction of vicious motion, and no
action, first. His knee buckled under
the strain and he lost his balance.
Stumbling on onto his left knee, he fell in front of the ball and
collapsed onto his back. Rolling across
the ground in front of me, he shielded his eyes for what was coming his way.
While he gave way first, I was not long to follow him. My knee buckled at the thrust of my kick, and
its complete lack of action. I stuttered
on my feet, but all my motion was headed in the forward direction. Try as I might, I could not bring it to as an
immediate a stop as the moment required.
He lay on the ground in front of me. His roll left him on his back, and he simply
looked up at me. The look on his face
seemed to be one of expectation. Like
the result of my tumbling into him was pre-ordained.
I only had one choice.
I was going to go forward, whether I wanted to or not. There was only one hope to get out of it.
With the last whisper of an instance available to me, I
planted my foot and pushed. I’m no
acrobat but I flung myself in the air and dove for the empty ground on the far
side of my opponent. It was a last,
desperate hope but there was no other choice.
The time in the air seemed longer than it should have if I’d
been watching. I had time to think about
what could happen if I landed wrong. I
was only 1 month back from recovery from a separated shoulder. The sequence of actions I’d just put into
motion could very well take me back to the broken, and crippled state.
I landed, and the moment was incredibly soft. My weight came down squarely on the space
between my shoulders, on my back. I
rolled quickly out of the dive and was back on my feet before I could even
whisper. I’d survived the motion, no
greater injury to myself or to the opponent I’d just saved.
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-26)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. How do I upgrade my skills, so I can fulfill a greater role on my team(s)?
2. What can I do to make myself think more aggressively?
1. How do I upgrade my skills, so I can fulfill a greater role on my team(s)?
2. What can I do to make myself think more aggressively?
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-26)
The Daily Affirmation
1. A pet's affection is unconditional
2. Had a really great run playing soccer this afternoon
1. A pet's affection is unconditional
2. Had a really great run playing soccer this afternoon
Friday, May 25, 2012
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-25)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Why can't I convince people to change their outlook?
1. Why can't I convince people to change their outlook?
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-25)
The Daily Affirmation
1. I got word today that the herculean effort I put in a couple of weeks ago was completely worth it
1. I got word today that the herculean effort I put in a couple of weeks ago was completely worth it
Thursday, May 24, 2012
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-24)
The Daily Affirmation
1. I was tired when I got home tonight but I stuck to my plan, and accomplished a lot, despite my fatigue.
1. I was tired when I got home tonight but I stuck to my plan, and accomplished a lot, despite my fatigue.
Today I Learned . . . (2012-05-24)
Today I Learned . . .
1. You can/could get peanut butter in slices, like cheese Peanut Butter Slices
2. Wearing sunglasses while driving a vehicle in the rain will cut the haze of the sheets of rain regardless of windshield wiper speed
1. You can/could get peanut butter in slices, like cheese Peanut Butter Slices
2. Wearing sunglasses while driving a vehicle in the rain will cut the haze of the sheets of rain regardless of windshield wiper speed
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-24)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Who should my role model be?
2. Can someone accurately imagine an experience that they have never lived?
1. Who should my role model be?
2. Can someone accurately imagine an experience that they have never lived?
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The Broken iPad
I hate when an accident is just an accident; a completely meaningless misfortune. If at least there's a definitive reason, you can focus yourself, and your emotions, towards anything. When its not based on fault or making a mistake, its harder to take.
I reached into my electronics bag last night, like I have about 1,000 times before. The iPad is the biggest thing in there, so its easy and immediate to find it. I clutched it tightly and pulled my hand out. I wasn't fast or slow with it, but firm. I definitely wanted my iPad, so I wasn't casual about pulling it up.
I had the iPad by the corner, so it was turned at least 30 degrees from directly oriented in either its portrait or landscape mode. So there was a corner of it that could catch on the bag's strap as I pulled it out. Like I said, I pulled it from the bag firmly. There was no doubt I wanted it. The result being, when the corner of the iPad caught on the strap, the angle, and my commitment I had to getting it, resulted in the device catapulting out of my hand. It flipped in the air and did at least one revolution. Obviously I tried to catch it, but it was an awkward motion and I missed.
I've dropped my iPad before, so I wasn't that worried about it to be honest. Plus it was still in the spongy case that I have for it. It seemed like any of dozen other times. But I'd be lying if I didn't confess to a brief moment of intuition about this. The sound it made when it hit the base of my chair just didn't sound right.
It was smashed. It looked like you'd expect if a golf ball landed square in the middle of it. I circular, central part that was smashed up very small, then outward extending waves of larger and larger pieces. I believe the image that came to mind last night was "spider web".
So I checked this morning with the local Apple service center. I asked the girl "can you fix the screen on a first generation iPad"? She didn't even hesitate and said "not really". She further went on to explain that you technically /could/ replace the screen but it wasn't worth it as it would cost as much as buying a brand new one.
So I'm getting a new iPad. I guess I'm happy about it. It would feel better if it hadn't come under such dispiriting conditions.
I reached into my electronics bag last night, like I have about 1,000 times before. The iPad is the biggest thing in there, so its easy and immediate to find it. I clutched it tightly and pulled my hand out. I wasn't fast or slow with it, but firm. I definitely wanted my iPad, so I wasn't casual about pulling it up.
I had the iPad by the corner, so it was turned at least 30 degrees from directly oriented in either its portrait or landscape mode. So there was a corner of it that could catch on the bag's strap as I pulled it out. Like I said, I pulled it from the bag firmly. There was no doubt I wanted it. The result being, when the corner of the iPad caught on the strap, the angle, and my commitment I had to getting it, resulted in the device catapulting out of my hand. It flipped in the air and did at least one revolution. Obviously I tried to catch it, but it was an awkward motion and I missed.
I've dropped my iPad before, so I wasn't that worried about it to be honest. Plus it was still in the spongy case that I have for it. It seemed like any of dozen other times. But I'd be lying if I didn't confess to a brief moment of intuition about this. The sound it made when it hit the base of my chair just didn't sound right.
It was smashed. It looked like you'd expect if a golf ball landed square in the middle of it. I circular, central part that was smashed up very small, then outward extending waves of larger and larger pieces. I believe the image that came to mind last night was "spider web".
So I checked this morning with the local Apple service center. I asked the girl "can you fix the screen on a first generation iPad"? She didn't even hesitate and said "not really". She further went on to explain that you technically /could/ replace the screen but it wasn't worth it as it would cost as much as buying a brand new one.
So I'm getting a new iPad. I guess I'm happy about it. It would feel better if it hadn't come under such dispiriting conditions.
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-23)
The Daily Affirmation
1. I came back from the bathroom after lunch and waiting for me on my desk was the new company golf shirts I ordered.
2. I ended the day with a new iPad and a potential solution to fix the old iPad. Altogether a good way to close it out.
1. I came back from the bathroom after lunch and waiting for me on my desk was the new company golf shirts I ordered.
2. I ended the day with a new iPad and a potential solution to fix the old iPad. Altogether a good way to close it out.
Today I Learned . . . (2012-05-23)
Today I Learned . . .
1. The expression for condoms, in French, is: "des préservatifs"
2. 7-Up contained lithium citrate, a mood stabilizing drug, until 1950
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-23)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day:
1. Can patience be learned?
2. Do I like diet Sprite/7-Up?
3. How do I be more impressive?
2. Do I like diet Sprite/7-Up?
3. How do I be more impressive?
Today I Learned . . . (2012-05-22)
Today I Learned . . .
1. In Diablo III you were acquire various companions throughout the game. The first is a Templar. The best approach with these companions is to choose one that complements your character. Concentrate your efforts on properly equipping the one companion. Ignore the temptation to fully equip every companion that you acquire.
For example:
If you choose a monk, that battles face-to-face, a wise selection would be to work with a companion that has a ranged attack. While you battle in close, the companion can be firing bombs from beyond your close attack.
2. When an spiral wound RO membrane develops a fouling from natural organic material, in some cases, the best course of action is not to chemically clean it, but modify operation to account for the decrease in flux that occurs.
1. In Diablo III you were acquire various companions throughout the game. The first is a Templar. The best approach with these companions is to choose one that complements your character. Concentrate your efforts on properly equipping the one companion. Ignore the temptation to fully equip every companion that you acquire.
For example:
If you choose a monk, that battles face-to-face, a wise selection would be to work with a companion that has a ranged attack. While you battle in close, the companion can be firing bombs from beyond your close attack.
2. When an spiral wound RO membrane develops a fouling from natural organic material, in some cases, the best course of action is not to chemically clean it, but modify operation to account for the decrease in flux that occurs.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-22)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. Are there people that go into the public bathroom at work only to wash their hands and then leave?
2. Can they fix iPad screens?
1. Are there people that go into the public bathroom at work only to wash their hands and then leave?
2. Can they fix iPad screens?
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-22)
The Daily Affirmation
1. My latest jersey order is in Saskatoon
2. The upside to this day of rain is, my grass looks great!
3. I am wearing my Coyotes jersey
1. My latest jersey order is in Saskatoon
2. The upside to this day of rain is, my grass looks great!
3. I am wearing my Coyotes jersey
Monday, May 21, 2012
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-21)
1. I saw a problem, thought about it, and took action.
2. I went slow, took my time, and got a lot of things done today.
2. I went slow, took my time, and got a lot of things done today.
Today I Learned . . . (2012-05-21)
Today I Learned . . .
1. Soccer is a lot like golf. For a good, accurate shot you have to keep your eye on the ball until you hit it
Blog Question(s) Of The Day: (2012-05-21)
1. Am I strong enough to stand in the face of the torrid of emotions that are locked up inside of me?
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Today I Learned . . . (2012-05-20)
Today I Learned . . .
1. On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh became the first person to fly across the Atlantic (from New York to Paris) in his monoplane, The Spirit of St. Louis.
1. On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh became the first person to fly across the Atlantic (from New York to Paris) in his monoplane, The Spirit of St. Louis.
Blog Question(s) Of The Day (2012-05-20)
Blog Question(s) Of The Day
1. If I wanted to find a version of myself, based on who I was 4-5 yers ago, where should I look?
2. Should I keep my head shaved every day?
1. If I wanted to find a version of myself, based on who I was 4-5 yers ago, where should I look?
2. Should I keep my head shaved every day?
The Daily Affirmation (2012-05-20)
The Daily Affirmation
1. I beat the average time on the daily jig saw puzzle by almost three minutes
1. I beat the average time on the daily jig saw puzzle by almost three minutes
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
The Daily Affirmation:
1. We finished an entire proposal in 1 day, in amongst doing a half dozen other things, and got it delivered, in person, by the 4:30
2. No matter what anguish I may inflict upon myself, for slights, misdeeds, and minor misfortunes, I truly lead a charmed existence
And from the Nickelback concert:
3. A pretty girl called me 'friend'
4. After a slow start, my little bar managed to reap $4,475 in sales
5. I thought I lost my magnetic name tag, only to get home and find it attached to my key ring
1. We finished an entire proposal in 1 day, in amongst doing a half dozen other things, and got it delivered, in person, by the 4:30
2. No matter what anguish I may inflict upon myself, for slights, misdeeds, and minor misfortunes, I truly lead a charmed existence
And from the Nickelback concert:
3. A pretty girl called me 'friend'
4. After a slow start, my little bar managed to reap $4,475 in sales
5. I thought I lost my magnetic name tag, only to get home and find it attached to my key ring
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Blog Question(s) Of The Day:
1. What factor of complexity does a jigsaw puzzle increase by, as the number of pieces increases?
2. Is it a bad idea to try and push my shoulder back into position so it hurts less?
3. Is 25 minutes to get some KFC acceptable?
4. Why would a girl be walking down Primrose Drive in a tight, white skirt and 4" purple heels?
1. What factor of complexity does a jigsaw puzzle increase by, as the number of pieces increases?
2. Is it a bad idea to try and push my shoulder back into position so it hurts less?
3. Is 25 minutes to get some KFC acceptable?
4. Why would a girl be walking down Primrose Drive in a tight, white skirt and 4" purple heels?
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
I have to tell this story . . .
I have to go to Future Shop after work to get my copy of Diablo III. I tried Staples first but in typical fashion they have nothing useful. Why do people shop at Staples anymore? They never seem to have anything good, and anything they have is grotesquely overpriced.
Bygones.
So I pull into the Future Shop lot, which is not busy, for which I was thankful. I find a parking spot immediately and am about to pull in. This old-ish truck comes careening into the lot from the other direction, piloted by one teenage-ish-looking kid, and his two buddies. I am not harping on his age, I would like to point out, but the fact that he was driving like a drunk squirrel on 6 shots of espresso.
Bygones.
Not surprisingly he cuts me off to the parking spot I was going to take. I anticipated this and just sat there, waiting for him to finish annihilating all known traffic rules. With him out of the way I pulled into my spot. From this vantage point I watched as the truck pulls OUT of a perfectly acceptable parking spot, with space on either side of it so no one has to worry about scratching doors. He then pulls across the aisle, and with obvious intent, park directly across the line separating two parking spots.
Keep in mind a few things:
1. The truck is a pile of crap. I wouldn't pay someone to drink the ugly-ass thing.
2. The lot is, at BEST, half full, so there's really no concern that someone is going to park next to you, and scratch your pile of crap.
3. If you need lots of space for your pile of crap, there is a ton of space out there, so it wasn't necessary to take spots for an ugly orange truck.
I swore I was going to retire this sentence but . . .
People piss me off.
I have to go to Future Shop after work to get my copy of Diablo III. I tried Staples first but in typical fashion they have nothing useful. Why do people shop at Staples anymore? They never seem to have anything good, and anything they have is grotesquely overpriced.
Bygones.
So I pull into the Future Shop lot, which is not busy, for which I was thankful. I find a parking spot immediately and am about to pull in. This old-ish truck comes careening into the lot from the other direction, piloted by one teenage-ish-looking kid, and his two buddies. I am not harping on his age, I would like to point out, but the fact that he was driving like a drunk squirrel on 6 shots of espresso.
Bygones.
Not surprisingly he cuts me off to the parking spot I was going to take. I anticipated this and just sat there, waiting for him to finish annihilating all known traffic rules. With him out of the way I pulled into my spot. From this vantage point I watched as the truck pulls OUT of a perfectly acceptable parking spot, with space on either side of it so no one has to worry about scratching doors. He then pulls across the aisle, and with obvious intent, park directly across the line separating two parking spots.
Keep in mind a few things:
1. The truck is a pile of crap. I wouldn't pay someone to drink the ugly-ass thing.
2. The lot is, at BEST, half full, so there's really no concern that someone is going to park next to you, and scratch your pile of crap.
3. If you need lots of space for your pile of crap, there is a ton of space out there, so it wasn't necessary to take spots for an ugly orange truck.
I swore I was going to retire this sentence but . . .
People piss me off.
Today I Learned . . .
1. The 4-3-2-1 Rule (my name for it)
1. The 4-3-2-1 Rule (my name for it)
The Policy statement requirements are as follows:
4-log removal/inactivation of viruses
3-log removal/inactivation of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts
2 treatment processes, usually filtration and disinfection
1 NTU turbidity (maximum) in the finished water
Be aware that the 1 NTU turbidity (maximum) becomes 0.1 NTU if you use a membrane process.
The Daily Affirmation
1. I purchased my copy of Diablo III
2. There really is no way to describe the sense of idyllic satisfaction that came over me, as I looked up during the post-game handshakes, and realized that the epic beating we'd laid on the other team in ball hockey, was against . . . Cameco.
1. I purchased my copy of Diablo III
2. There really is no way to describe the sense of idyllic satisfaction that came over me, as I looked up during the post-game handshakes, and realized that the epic beating we'd laid on the other team in ball hockey, was against . . . Cameco.