Watched most of Lawrence of Arabia again today, which has one of my favorite pieces of dialogue from any film. It goes like this:
"We can't just do nothing!"
"Why not? It's usually best."
The curious thing is that I had remembered that second bit as a line said by Alec Guiness's character. He plays an Arab king, so I took it as a little bit of Arabic wisdom, although I don't suppose the screenplay was written by an Arab.
However, I misremembered this. It isn't Guiness who says it. Rather it's said by a British General, who suggests doing nothing in response to a statement by one of his lower officers.
The different speaker gives phrase a different sense, I think. The British are hardly doing nothing in 'Arabia'
during the time period of the film. Yet in the instance in question, which is whether they should do something to help Lawrence out in his dealings with the Arabs, the General is for not helping - that is, doing nothing.
December 30, 2006
December 29, 2006
Thoughts on The Good Shepard
Just saw The Good Shepard, Robert De Niro's directoral debut. All the parts of the film are good, if not excellent, but somehow it doesn't really come together. So, it's a good film but not great.
First off it goes against expectation, as one has the impression that it will be more of an action film than it is. If you're looking for a punch 'em up, blow 'em up flick, you should just go see Casino Royale again.
Matt Damon gets recruited into US army intelligence and then what develops into the CIA. Nasty things happen, but all in a covert sort of way, as befits CIA activity.
Much of what the movie portrays is the high personal cost Damon's character pays for his occupation. Estranged from a woman he married but wasn't in love with, as well as their son, unable to trust anyone, as that's the only good, or true piece of advice that his 'superiors' offer him: "trust no one."
In a nice cameo role, Joe Pesci as an old mafia boss tells Damon's character that he, as an Italian has family and the church, the Irish have their homeland, the Jews tradition, even the blacks their music, what has Damon - an American WASP - got?
Damon's response is "the United States. The rest of you are just visiting."
It's a good question, and I don't know if Damon's response is consistent with the rest of the film as it seems the USA is happy to throw him over if circumstances warrent.
But I do know I don't have a good answer for that question.
First off it goes against expectation, as one has the impression that it will be more of an action film than it is. If you're looking for a punch 'em up, blow 'em up flick, you should just go see Casino Royale again.
Matt Damon gets recruited into US army intelligence and then what develops into the CIA. Nasty things happen, but all in a covert sort of way, as befits CIA activity.
Much of what the movie portrays is the high personal cost Damon's character pays for his occupation. Estranged from a woman he married but wasn't in love with, as well as their son, unable to trust anyone, as that's the only good, or true piece of advice that his 'superiors' offer him: "trust no one."
In a nice cameo role, Joe Pesci as an old mafia boss tells Damon's character that he, as an Italian has family and the church, the Irish have their homeland, the Jews tradition, even the blacks their music, what has Damon - an American WASP - got?
Damon's response is "the United States. The rest of you are just visiting."
It's a good question, and I don't know if Damon's response is consistent with the rest of the film as it seems the USA is happy to throw him over if circumstances warrent.
But I do know I don't have a good answer for that question.
December 22, 2006
Robs and their hats
What is up with guys named Rob and their hats? I was in a bar this week, where me and my friends Jen and Stephanie met up with some other folks, including a guy named Rob, who was wearing a hat.
Alcohol was consumed, as we were in a bar, and at one point Stephanie got it into her head that she wanted to try on Rob's hat. So, she does, removing it from his head unannounced.
He practically freaks out! It's not like he was bald underneath, or looked to be having a bad hair day. And he didn't really seem the type to be freaking out about such things. He was a frat boy, so perhaps somewhat prone to freaking out, but he also studied and liked stoic philosophy so you'd think he could be a little more rational about such things as someone borrowing your hat for a few minutes.
But it got me to thinking that there was a Rob I knew in Paris who was sensitive about his hat, as I found when I touched it one night. That Rob did seem to thinning on top, so maybe that was some of it.
And my cousin Rob used to wear a cap 24/7, or so it seemed. Don't know if he wore one in bed. He also didn't seemed to be thinning on top, so I'm not sure of the reason for his hat behavior.
But he has stopped wearing hats quite so much. So, perhaps there's hope for all the other Robs out there.
I mean, it's just a hat, man.
Alcohol was consumed, as we were in a bar, and at one point Stephanie got it into her head that she wanted to try on Rob's hat. So, she does, removing it from his head unannounced.
He practically freaks out! It's not like he was bald underneath, or looked to be having a bad hair day. And he didn't really seem the type to be freaking out about such things. He was a frat boy, so perhaps somewhat prone to freaking out, but he also studied and liked stoic philosophy so you'd think he could be a little more rational about such things as someone borrowing your hat for a few minutes.
But it got me to thinking that there was a Rob I knew in Paris who was sensitive about his hat, as I found when I touched it one night. That Rob did seem to thinning on top, so maybe that was some of it.
And my cousin Rob used to wear a cap 24/7, or so it seemed. Don't know if he wore one in bed. He also didn't seemed to be thinning on top, so I'm not sure of the reason for his hat behavior.
But he has stopped wearing hats quite so much. So, perhaps there's hope for all the other Robs out there.
I mean, it's just a hat, man.
December 18, 2006
Give it up for Jeff Garcia!
Congratulations to Jeff Garcia for leading the Philadelphia Eagles to an 8-6 record and a chance to win their division. No one would have thought that they'd be in this spot after Donovan McNabb went down with an injury.
However, Garcia, who lost the starting job in Detroit, and had to settle for a back-up position in Philadelphia this year, had performed great in the four games since becoming their starter.
I think he's thrown 9 TDs and only one interception, which came late in yesterday's victory over the NY football Giants.
Always like to see those former CFL players do well down in NFL.
However, Garcia, who lost the starting job in Detroit, and had to settle for a back-up position in Philadelphia this year, had performed great in the four games since becoming their starter.
I think he's thrown 9 TDs and only one interception, which came late in yesterday's victory over the NY football Giants.
Always like to see those former CFL players do well down in NFL.
December 12, 2006
First cards
I have received my first Christmas cards of the season, but I want to go on record that I sent cards prior to receiving any.
Yes, I put the cards in the post on Sunday, and received my first card on Monday, but still I was ahead of the game! First time ever I think.
I'm ahead, because I won't be sending out cards for a few days as I'm going to Arizona tomorrow for 9 days. Going to the Grand Canyon, staying at in a 'Heritage cabin' at Bright Angel Lodge and for a couple of nights, and then driving back down to Tempe to see the World Junior Racquetball Championships that begin with the opening ceremonies Friday and wrap up the following Thursday.
I may also take in a Coyotes game or a Suns game, who are playing the Raptors next week. Could be fun.
Yes, I put the cards in the post on Sunday, and received my first card on Monday, but still I was ahead of the game! First time ever I think.
I'm ahead, because I won't be sending out cards for a few days as I'm going to Arizona tomorrow for 9 days. Going to the Grand Canyon, staying at in a 'Heritage cabin' at Bright Angel Lodge and for a couple of nights, and then driving back down to Tempe to see the World Junior Racquetball Championships that begin with the opening ceremonies Friday and wrap up the following Thursday.
I may also take in a Coyotes game or a Suns game, who are playing the Raptors next week. Could be fun.
December 11, 2006
Congratulations Cindy!
Cindy Klassen, pride of Winnipeg, won the Lou Marsh Award as the Canadian Athlete of the Year today. Klassen, for those living under a rock last spring, won 5 medals at the Turin Olympic Games, the most ever at one games by a Canadian. Those 5 plus the 1 she won in Salt Lake City are the most medals won by any Canadian.
And Klassen's still young enough to be a major competitor in Vancouver in 2010, so she'll likely add to her lifetime total.
The Sports Reporters on TSN were talking about who would be chosen yesterday. The consensus was that Klassen would likely win, but that Steve Nash was who they would likely have voted for.
They favoured Nash, because his sports achievement - winning a 2nd NBA MVP award - was even more unlikely for a Canadian than winning a pile of Olympic medals. It was also suggested that competition for the NBA MVP is stiffer, and maybe loaded against someone who'd won the year before, than for speed skating, so the competitive situation of Nash's is greater.
A non-politically correct thing that they didn't mention but is consistent with the competition pool argument is that more men play sports, whatever sport it is, than women, so the men who rise to the top have climbed over more guys than gals the top women have climbed over. I'm not too hip on this line of argument.
A more interesing point the Sports Reps. made was that Nash and some other possible Lou Marsh winners, like Justin Moreau, the AL baseball MVP, and Joe Thornton, the NHL MVP, were under consideration because people voted for them as league MVPs, which is an indirect result of their acheivements, while Klassen's acheivements are the direct reason she was considered.
If Kobe won the NBA MVP (Q: what's the official name of the NBA MVP trophy?) or Derek Jeter won the AL MVP, then Nash and Moreau, respectively, are not big contenders for the LM award. And that could have happened even with the Canadians having the same stats as they did.
Of course, Klassen, Nash, et al. don't compete to win the Lou Marsh Award, or MVP awards, or anything like that. They play to win. In the case of Klassen, that's reflected in medals. Team sports players wins are reflected in championships, which sadly none of those MVPs won this year.
But you know they would trade their MVPs for a Championship, as I'm sure Klassen would trade the Lou Marsh for a gold medal.
Happily, she needn't make that choice.
And Klassen's still young enough to be a major competitor in Vancouver in 2010, so she'll likely add to her lifetime total.
The Sports Reporters on TSN were talking about who would be chosen yesterday. The consensus was that Klassen would likely win, but that Steve Nash was who they would likely have voted for.
They favoured Nash, because his sports achievement - winning a 2nd NBA MVP award - was even more unlikely for a Canadian than winning a pile of Olympic medals. It was also suggested that competition for the NBA MVP is stiffer, and maybe loaded against someone who'd won the year before, than for speed skating, so the competitive situation of Nash's is greater.
A non-politically correct thing that they didn't mention but is consistent with the competition pool argument is that more men play sports, whatever sport it is, than women, so the men who rise to the top have climbed over more guys than gals the top women have climbed over. I'm not too hip on this line of argument.
A more interesing point the Sports Reps. made was that Nash and some other possible Lou Marsh winners, like Justin Moreau, the AL baseball MVP, and Joe Thornton, the NHL MVP, were under consideration because people voted for them as league MVPs, which is an indirect result of their acheivements, while Klassen's acheivements are the direct reason she was considered.
If Kobe won the NBA MVP (Q: what's the official name of the NBA MVP trophy?) or Derek Jeter won the AL MVP, then Nash and Moreau, respectively, are not big contenders for the LM award. And that could have happened even with the Canadians having the same stats as they did.
Of course, Klassen, Nash, et al. don't compete to win the Lou Marsh Award, or MVP awards, or anything like that. They play to win. In the case of Klassen, that's reflected in medals. Team sports players wins are reflected in championships, which sadly none of those MVPs won this year.
But you know they would trade their MVPs for a Championship, as I'm sure Klassen would trade the Lou Marsh for a gold medal.
Happily, she needn't make that choice.
December 10, 2006
Quote of the Day
Changing your mind is the surest proof that you have one.
- Roger Scruton, English philosopher/writer interviewed on CBC's The Sunday Edition.
- Roger Scruton, English philosopher/writer interviewed on CBC's The Sunday Edition.
December 4, 2006
Rube Goldberg was a real person
Planned actions of ordinarily unrelated objects are known as Rube Goldberg devices. I didn't think of Rube Goldberg as a real person, but he did exist. I found that out at The Library of Congress last month, which had an exhibit on cartoonists including some work by Rube Goldberg, who was an editorial cartoonist in the early 20th century.
November 22, 2006
November 7, 2006
Anything to declare?
My customs declaration was for $150. When asked what I was bringing back, I responded books. That's pretty much what all of it is.
The books I bought on my trip to the mid-Atlantic states were:
Vendetta by Michael Dibdin
Figures of Speech: 60 Ways to Turn a Phrase by Arthur Quinn
Design it yourself by Ellen Lupton (Ed.)
Calder by Jacob Baal-Teshuva (a Taschen book on Alexander Calder)
Mutts: The Comic Art of Patrick McDonnell
Good stuff all.
The books I bought on my trip to the mid-Atlantic states were:
Good stuff all.
November 6, 2006
Home tomorrow
Back at my cousins in Phoenixville, PA today. Have had a great time visiting folks in the Mid-Atlantic states. In DC, I went to the Hirshhorn Gallery, which has 20th century to contemporary art and is part of the Smithsonian Institute, as well as the Library of Congress, which is a fabulous building and has some very interesting exhibits going on right now, and the Supreme Court, which is an amazing buiding also.
Those aren't the three sites someone would likely have as their top three to see in DC, but they were all very good to visit. I sort of chose them at random - just wandered upon them and then lingered therein.
I also went to Tilghman Island on Maryland's eastern shore where Kenny has a place with his brother that is right on the water looking onto Chesepeake Bay. It was cool to visit out there.
And then I spent last night visiting Ann and Lee up in Wilmington, DE where they're living with their great little girl Kayley, who's two but as precocious and full of energy as they come.
Back to the big house tomorrow, and get back at it. Whatever it happens to be.
Those aren't the three sites someone would likely have as their top three to see in DC, but they were all very good to visit. I sort of chose them at random - just wandered upon them and then lingered therein.
I also went to Tilghman Island on Maryland's eastern shore where Kenny has a place with his brother that is right on the water looking onto Chesepeake Bay. It was cool to visit out there.
And then I spent last night visiting Ann and Lee up in Wilmington, DE where they're living with their great little girl Kayley, who's two but as precocious and full of energy as they come.
Back to the big house tomorrow, and get back at it. Whatever it happens to be.
November 2, 2006
In the Capital of the Free World
Drove up to DC today from Charlottesville, VA, where I was visiting with my PhD advisor who's at UVa now. It's nice little town, and it was really good to visit with Jerry.
I also went to two Presidential homes. Monticello - the former home of Thomas Jefferson, which is right near C-ville, and today on the way to DC I stopped at Montpelier (pronounced /mont-peel-yur/, btw, not /mount-pell-yay/ as it would be in French), former home of James Madison.
Montpelier is undergoing major renovation to take it back to the state that it was in when Madison lived there. I thought that would be a drag, but it's actually really interesting, because it's all gutted now, pretty much.
Thus, you can see and hear about what they have found during the gutting process. And the discussion of his life and stuff is the same regardless, so all in all it was a good time to go.
Maybe I'll go visit the current President's house while I'm up here.
I also went to two Presidential homes. Monticello - the former home of Thomas Jefferson, which is right near C-ville, and today on the way to DC I stopped at Montpelier (pronounced /mont-peel-yur/, btw, not /mount-pell-yay/ as it would be in French), former home of James Madison.
Montpelier is undergoing major renovation to take it back to the state that it was in when Madison lived there. I thought that would be a drag, but it's actually really interesting, because it's all gutted now, pretty much.
Thus, you can see and hear about what they have found during the gutting process. And the discussion of his life and stuff is the same regardless, so all in all it was a good time to go.
Maybe I'll go visit the current President's house while I'm up here.
October 24, 2006
We need another Heroes episode!
I'm hooked on Heroes a new series on NBC. I don't generally watch many TV serials with any regularity, but did watch the last two seasons of 24 and am catching up on Star Trek : Enterprise, as it's now on Space daily now.
Anyway, Heroes is about a set of people who spontaneously develop extraordinary powers. I know, sort of hokey, but the intrigue is not simply in their coping with these personal developments, which are different for each person, but that the people all seem to be linked in some fashion that is not clear to the viewer - let alone the characters.
There is the suggestion of impending doom that these extraordinary people may be able to prevent if... well, it's not clear what the preventing conditions would be exactly.
The show's ending the last couple of episodes has caused me to cry "NOOOOOOO!" at the TV, as the last words in each case are "I have a message for you." CUT.
But, but, what's the message? Must I wait 'til next week? *SIGH*
Yes, it appears I must make that effort.
That Heroic effort.
Anyway, Heroes is about a set of people who spontaneously develop extraordinary powers. I know, sort of hokey, but the intrigue is not simply in their coping with these personal developments, which are different for each person, but that the people all seem to be linked in some fashion that is not clear to the viewer - let alone the characters.
There is the suggestion of impending doom that these extraordinary people may be able to prevent if... well, it's not clear what the preventing conditions would be exactly.
The show's ending the last couple of episodes has caused me to cry "NOOOOOOO!" at the TV, as the last words in each case are "I have a message for you." CUT.
But, but, what's the message? Must I wait 'til next week? *SIGH*
Yes, it appears I must make that effort.
That Heroic effort.
October 21, 2006
The Departed
Saw The Departed last night. Quite good. And not EVERYone dies.
Just most of them.
But, hey, most of the city of Boston survives, so really, the body count's pretty low in that context.
Pretty fab male cast. Cute to see scenes with big name actors giving each other crap, or smacking each other around.
Recommended.
Just most of them.
But, hey, most of the city of Boston survives, so really, the body count's pretty low in that context.
Pretty fab male cast. Cute to see scenes with big name actors giving each other crap, or smacking each other around.
Recommended.
October 20, 2006
Why YouTube exists
Just came across this video on the Sloan site. I'm not a big fan of the band, which is probably why I won't be going to their concert tonight here.
But this video is hilarious! Everyone should like this.
Ahh to be on stage....
But this video is hilarious! Everyone should like this.
Ahh to be on stage....
New old tunes
Picked up some new CDs today, although they're old ones. Got a Sinatra best of, as I don't have any of his songs. Frank wasn't such a bad guy, btw; really. Just got bad press that way.
Also picked up k.d. lang's Hymns of the 49th parallel, which is collection of covers, including Hallelujah and Helpless. Good stuff.
Finally, I got Metric's Old world underground, where are you now? album, which there was a lot of buzz about when it came out. I thought that was just last year, but it's dated 2003. Where the heck does the time go? First listen through and I like it. I can see what the buzz was about. Good tunes.
Also picked up k.d. lang's Hymns of the 49th parallel, which is collection of covers, including Hallelujah and Helpless. Good stuff.
Finally, I got Metric's Old world underground, where are you now? album, which there was a lot of buzz about when it came out. I thought that was just last year, but it's dated 2003. Where the heck does the time go? First listen through and I like it. I can see what the buzz was about. Good tunes.
October 17, 2006
Clear drains
Back home and had to get the plumber in today to clear my kitchen drain. It was draining slowly last week and then I was doing some dishes before going away last Wednesday, and there was standing water in it.
I thought, "OK, let's get the plunger, and do something about this." I did, but it seemed to only make it worse. Off to the store to get some drain clearing stuff.
Come home. Pour half the bottle in. Wait. Nothing happens. Wait some more. Still nothing. Pour the other half in. Wait. Nothing happens. Curse. Curse some more.
Go back to store. Get more supplies, and other kinds of supplies. Try them all. And the plunger again. Still nothing going down, including my anger level.
Call Ron. He recommends product. Swears by it. Go get it. Not cheap. Still, if Ron says it's going to work, let's give it a go.
Come home. Push miracle into drain. Nothing doing other than water coming back up. Curse some more. Push harder it into drain with thought that you have to make your miracles happen. More of the same: water splashing, not draining.
Take dishes upstairs to laundry room and finish washing them at about 6 pm after beginning the process about 12:30pm, and after three trips to the store to get one thing or another.
Go away for weekend. Come home. Ron comes over, and tries his miracle cure for himself. Gets same result I did, which is to say he gets wet and the drain still isn't doing its job.
Thus, the call goes in to the plumber today, who comes over and clears it out, no problem. Says miracle cure is all smoke and mirrors. Recommends putting a gallon of water down the drain mixed with 2 spoons vinegar and 2 spoons baking powder every once in awhile.
So, all's well that drains well.
I thought, "OK, let's get the plunger, and do something about this." I did, but it seemed to only make it worse. Off to the store to get some drain clearing stuff.
Come home. Pour half the bottle in. Wait. Nothing happens. Wait some more. Still nothing. Pour the other half in. Wait. Nothing happens. Curse. Curse some more.
Go back to store. Get more supplies, and other kinds of supplies. Try them all. And the plunger again. Still nothing going down, including my anger level.
Call Ron. He recommends product. Swears by it. Go get it. Not cheap. Still, if Ron says it's going to work, let's give it a go.
Come home. Push miracle into drain. Nothing doing other than water coming back up. Curse some more. Push harder it into drain with thought that you have to make your miracles happen. More of the same: water splashing, not draining.
Take dishes upstairs to laundry room and finish washing them at about 6 pm after beginning the process about 12:30pm, and after three trips to the store to get one thing or another.
Go away for weekend. Come home. Ron comes over, and tries his miracle cure for himself. Gets same result I did, which is to say he gets wet and the drain still isn't doing its job.
Thus, the call goes in to the plumber today, who comes over and clears it out, no problem. Says miracle cure is all smoke and mirrors. Recommends putting a gallon of water down the drain mixed with 2 spoons vinegar and 2 spoons baking powder every once in awhile.
So, all's well that drains well.
October 13, 2006
Back in Burlington
Well, I'm back in Burlington again for another racquetball tournament, as the Canadian Open began yesterday. Like last year, it's at the Cedar Springs club, which is a HUGE place, and there's a Comfort Inn conveinently located across the street.
I'm not playing in the tourament, just doing the website updating and the press releases. My ankle has been hurting for the last week or so. Like really hurting. To the point where it's aching some of the time. I'm going to have to see someone about it next week.
I'm not playing in the tourament, just doing the website updating and the press releases. My ankle has been hurting for the last week or so. Like really hurting. To the point where it's aching some of the time. I'm going to have to see someone about it next week.
October 10, 2006
"Waiter!"
He was happy to get to the café first, tired from following four women around shopping all afternoon.
But only two of them arrived at his table. "Where's grandma and the kid?," he asked.
"Oh, they didn't want to come," one woman said. "Gran was to lie down, and the girl wanted to watch TV," said the other.
"So, what can I do to satisfy you two?" he asked eyebrows Grouchoing up and down.
The women glanced as each other, but before they could respond, the man turned in the direction of the waiter and called "MENU!"
But only two of them arrived at his table. "Where's grandma and the kid?," he asked.
"Oh, they didn't want to come," one woman said. "Gran was to lie down, and the girl wanted to watch TV," said the other.
"So, what can I do to satisfy you two?" he asked eyebrows Grouchoing up and down.
The women glanced as each other, but before they could respond, the man turned in the direction of the waiter and called "MENU!"
October 7, 2006
Quote (and movie) of the day
The poem's origin probably lies in ... a painting in the Pitti Palace in Florence, then supposed to be del Sarto's protrait of himself and his wife; it is now known to be two portraits joined together, is no longer attributed to del Sarto, is not thought to depict the painter or his wife, and has been relegated to storage.
From the Editor's note to Robert Browning's 'Andrea del Sarto' (Yale edition).
This appears at the beginning of A rich full death by Michael Dibdin, a mystery I've just finished that was quite good. Written as a series of letters by an expat American back home about his involvement with Robert Browning in solving a series of murders in Florence, it's in the style of 19th letters that, well, didn't follow Strunk and White's first rule of style, which is "Omit needless words."
Also, I just saw Conversations with other women, which was quite good. It's almost completely a dialog between Helen Bonham Carter and Aaron Eckart.
From the Editor's note to Robert Browning's 'Andrea del Sarto' (Yale edition).
This appears at the beginning of A rich full death by Michael Dibdin, a mystery I've just finished that was quite good. Written as a series of letters by an expat American back home about his involvement with Robert Browning in solving a series of murders in Florence, it's in the style of 19th letters that, well, didn't follow Strunk and White's first rule of style, which is "Omit needless words."
Also, I just saw Conversations with other women, which was quite good. It's almost completely a dialog between Helen Bonham Carter and Aaron Eckart.
October 1, 2006
Progress continues
The workshop table is clear! No, really. It is. (Yeah, yeah, I should have a photo here, but well, I'm feeling lazy.)
Of course, you might not realize exactly how monumental this accomplishment is. The stuff on that table had been there for years. Decades maybe. Such is the goings on at my house.
Now, if I had included a photo of the table as it is. Right. This. Minute. There would be some things on it. And you'd think "hey, it's not actually clear!" But all those things are things that I put there after clearing it off, and moved it around to try and get a better orientation of it in the basement.
The table's a good size at 3' by 6', but it needs to be modified a bit to be a better woodworking table. I think I can bolster up the end, so I can fix a vice on it to clamp things down. That would help.
So, I'm thinking there could be some woodworking going on down in the basement this fall/winter.
Of course, you might not realize exactly how monumental this accomplishment is. The stuff on that table had been there for years. Decades maybe. Such is the goings on at my house.
Now, if I had included a photo of the table as it is. Right. This. Minute. There would be some things on it. And you'd think "hey, it's not actually clear!" But all those things are things that I put there after clearing it off, and moved it around to try and get a better orientation of it in the basement.
The table's a good size at 3' by 6', but it needs to be modified a bit to be a better woodworking table. I think I can bolster up the end, so I can fix a vice on it to clamp things down. That would help.
So, I'm thinking there could be some woodworking going on down in the basement this fall/winter.
September 30, 2006
Home Photo Exhibit : In the basement, behind door number 2
I'm cleaning out stuff in the basement shop to see if I can make it workable, so I can maybe do one of the projects from one of the woodworking/home improvement magazines I've been buying over the last three years.
On one of the basement's outside walls is this big box:
I don' t know if you can get the scale of it from the photo. It's 42.5" by 16". That is to say - it's BIG.
And inside is this :
On one of the basement's outside walls is this big box:
I don' t know if you can get the scale of it from the photo. It's 42.5" by 16". That is to say - it's BIG.
And inside is this :
Now, it's right by the electrical panel, and clearly related to that. However, an electrician who was out to the house doing some other stuff said he'd never seen anything like this. Ever.
"Best not to touch that," he said. Yeah, I guess so.
"Throw the switch, boss!"
"Best not to touch that," he said. Yeah, I guess so.
"Throw the switch, boss!"September 27, 2006
Hail can't stop me golfing
I began today's golf game alone, but Gus and Shy came along as I was starting the 2nd, so we joined up. About that time we all got hailed on. Yes, pea sized hail came down for awhile - a minute or two. It just about covered the first green as Gus and Shy came up to putt. Craziness.
That was the worst of the weather though and it was even sunny for some of the round. I shot 49, which is my average this year. No pars, but no snowmen either (that's an 8 for you non-golfers).
It was windy and we all had trouble hitting any of the par 3 greens. Shy was the only one to win any cash. We took three shots each on the last par 3 - about 180 yards into the wind, and only one of those shots got to the green. But Gus didn't win money with it, as he four putted after being just on by a foot or two.
That was the worst of the weather though and it was even sunny for some of the round. I shot 49, which is my average this year. No pars, but no snowmen either (that's an 8 for you non-golfers).
It was windy and we all had trouble hitting any of the par 3 greens. Shy was the only one to win any cash. We took three shots each on the last par 3 - about 180 yards into the wind, and only one of those shots got to the green. But Gus didn't win money with it, as he four putted after being just on by a foot or two.
September 26, 2006
Quote for the day
You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you.
Trotsky, June 1919
Opening quote from Dark Star by Alan Furst.
Trotsky, June 1919
Opening quote from Dark Star by Alan Furst.
September 24, 2006
Quote of the day
There's a kind of freedom in being completely screwed, because you know it can't get any worse.
Matthew Broderick's character in The Freshman
Matthew Broderick's character in The Freshman
September 23, 2006
From the "Need We Say More? Dept"
I got the URL reference to this web site from Burnt Toast magazine. It's strange to have such little content, but stranger still that page was created back in 1995, which is like ancient history for the web.
Funny thing is that I found like eating raw turnips last year after making a stew that involved cooking a bunch of root vegetables with the beef.
I've even had turnip cravings since then.
Funny thing is that I found like eating raw turnips last year after making a stew that involved cooking a bunch of root vegetables with the beef.
I've even had turnip cravings since then.
September 21, 2006
Nice day out on the links
It was a great day here yesterday for our weekly Wednesday golf outing. I didn't feel that I played that well, but putting was good, and I finished up with a 47. Pretty good for me.
I didn't win any of the cash though, as Shy swept the par 3s. Bastard.
I'm not sure how many more golf Wednesdays there will be, but hopefully a few more before the season ends.
I didn't win any of the cash though, as Shy swept the par 3s. Bastard.
I'm not sure how many more golf Wednesdays there will be, but hopefully a few more before the season ends.
September 19, 2006
Avast ye matey!
'Tis the day to Talk Like A Pirate! (or failing that perhaps like Keith Richards).
Arrr, Chumbucket and Cap'n Slappy have yer proof positive that good things come from your racquetball game. See'n they be comin' up with the notion of talkin' like a pirate back in the days of Nineteen hundred and ninety-five.
All was good with it but smallish were the celebrations until they hornswaggled the Pulitzer scupper Davy Barry inta scribin' a few wee words about the glorious day which be today a' course: September 19.
So, lift a sabre and greet all with a ho-ho-ho and bottle o' rum, and shiver their timbers, 'cause it be TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY!
Arrr, Chumbucket and Cap'n Slappy have yer proof positive that good things come from your racquetball game. See'n they be comin' up with the notion of talkin' like a pirate back in the days of Nineteen hundred and ninety-five.
All was good with it but smallish were the celebrations until they hornswaggled the Pulitzer scupper Davy Barry inta scribin' a few wee words about the glorious day which be today a' course: September 19.
So, lift a sabre and greet all with a ho-ho-ho and bottle o' rum, and shiver their timbers, 'cause it be TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY!
September 15, 2006
"The last day of summer..."
It was the start of a new romance....."
Or not.
It's up to 31 degrees here in Winnipeg, so I've invited some folks over to my place for 'Beers in the Garage." Yeah, Beers in the Garage, which is cleaned out for the first time in living memory, rather than Beers on the Deck, as I don't have a deck.
And the new garage floor that was put in last week is looking great. Photo to follow.
Or not.
It's up to 31 degrees here in Winnipeg, so I've invited some folks over to my place for 'Beers in the Garage." Yeah, Beers in the Garage, which is cleaned out for the first time in living memory, rather than Beers on the Deck, as I don't have a deck.
And the new garage floor that was put in last week is looking great. Photo to follow.
September 14, 2006
Back down to earth
Well, I shot 54 yesterday at the Canoe Club. Ugh. I did par one of the par 3s, but wasn't closest to the hole, so didn't win the money. The last couple of par 3s I think I was trying too hard off the tee.
Lost a couple of balls off good shots - one on the fly into the water ditch that's about 180 yards out from the first tee, and the other my 2nd shot on number two, which went up into the leaves of the tree in front of me and I don't know where it went from there. Made solid contact though.
Hey, I've just hooked myself up to Skype, which is a cool little talk over your computer software package. Check it out and give me a call. Can even video call with my handy dandy built into the computer camera.
Lost a couple of balls off good shots - one on the fly into the water ditch that's about 180 yards out from the first tee, and the other my 2nd shot on number two, which went up into the leaves of the tree in front of me and I don't know where it went from there. Made solid contact though.
Hey, I've just hooked myself up to Skype, which is a cool little talk over your computer software package. Check it out and give me a call. Can even video call with my handy dandy built into the computer camera.
September 10, 2006
Hall - Main Floor - Home Photo Exhibit IV
If you preceed into my house from the front door foyer, then you get to the main floor hall, which has a nice light fixture that if I stand on my tiptoes I can just touch the bottom of.
Then on the wall above the door to the closet where I'll put your coat, if you have one when you come over, you'll see this.
It's a bit of folk art that my dad did long ago.
Strange how in all the talk about the '60s and how great that decade was - despite several assassinations American public figures, and the beginning of the Viet Nam war - they never mention the glorious string art that was created.
Then again, maybe that's not so strange.
Then on the wall above the door to the closet where I'll put your coat, if you have one when you come over, you'll see this.
It's a bit of folk art that my dad did long ago.
Strange how in all the talk about the '60s and how great that decade was - despite several assassinations American public figures, and the beginning of the Viet Nam war - they never mention the glorious string art that was created.
Then again, maybe that's not so strange.
September 6, 2006
Two personal bests!
I shot 42 at the Canoe Club today, which shattered my personal best of 45. Woo hoo!
More importantly, I swept the par threes, winning all the money, which was $16 as Jen, Gus, Bob and Ron were out with me.
I was the only one on the first par 3. We all missed the second; Jen got hosed - literally - as there was a sprinkler hose blocking some of the path to the green which likely stopped her ball from rolling on. Ugh.
On number 8, four of us were on, and Ron's shot rolled close to mine so it wasn't clear which of us was closer looking from the tee, or if Gus even was closer than us. Turned out I was closest, but ended up three putting. Oops.
That made number 9 a three hole carry over. Gus hit it to the left, and Jen to the right. Ron was also left, and Bob had the right line but was a bit short. My shot was right at the stick, and about 10 feet to the left of it. I made a good run at a birdie, which counts double, but rolled it about two feet by the hole. Rountine par.
Cha-ching.
Of course, I was humbled yesterday at Player's, another 9 hole course here in Winnipeg, where I shot 59. It's more difficult than the Canoe Club, and I lost a few balls, but found a couple. Best part of that round was that I had no three putts. All two or less, which is good for me.
More importantly, I swept the par threes, winning all the money, which was $16 as Jen, Gus, Bob and Ron were out with me.
I was the only one on the first par 3. We all missed the second; Jen got hosed - literally - as there was a sprinkler hose blocking some of the path to the green which likely stopped her ball from rolling on. Ugh.
On number 8, four of us were on, and Ron's shot rolled close to mine so it wasn't clear which of us was closer looking from the tee, or if Gus even was closer than us. Turned out I was closest, but ended up three putting. Oops.
That made number 9 a three hole carry over. Gus hit it to the left, and Jen to the right. Ron was also left, and Bob had the right line but was a bit short. My shot was right at the stick, and about 10 feet to the left of it. I made a good run at a birdie, which counts double, but rolled it about two feet by the hole. Rountine par.
Cha-ching.
Of course, I was humbled yesterday at Player's, another 9 hole course here in Winnipeg, where I shot 59. It's more difficult than the Canoe Club, and I lost a few balls, but found a couple. Best part of that round was that I had no three putts. All two or less, which is good for me.
September 5, 2006
1000 pieces - Home Photo Exhibit III
A little detour from the front entrance to show you images of my garage, as I'm having the floor replaced this week. Why does it need to be replaced? Let me show you.
The view looking in.
The view looking out.
The view looking down. I ain't kidding when I say the floor's in a 1000 pieces. Heck, that's an underestimate.
The view looking in.
The view looking out.
The view looking down. I ain't kidding when I say the floor's in a 1000 pieces. Heck, that's an underestimate.
September 4, 2006
In my front door - Home Photo Exhibit II
If you walk in my front door, and look up, then you will see this light fixture.
Then looking to the right, you can see yourself in a mirror hung on a flower printed wallpaper.
And looking down from that, the red and green tiled floor.
But let's look back at the door before moving on.
Then looking to the right, you can see yourself in a mirror hung on a flower printed wallpaper.
And looking down from that, the red and green tiled floor.
But let's look back at the door before moving on.
September 2, 2006
Home Photo Exibit - I
I'm going to try putting up an image from home everyday for, well, awhile. I have a big house, and here's what you'd see walking up the front steps.
My house number is 33, which is undoubtedly why that's one of my favorite numbers. I read in a numerology book that my name rings to 33, which is supposed to be one of the higher spirit numbers. Blah, blah, blah.
My house number is 33, which is undoubtedly why that's one of my favorite numbers. I read in a numerology book that my name rings to 33, which is supposed to be one of the higher spirit numbers. Blah, blah, blah.
August 31, 2006
108
I shot 108 today at Hecla Island, which is number 87 in the 2006 Score Golf's top 100 courses in Canada.
It's the third time I've been out for 18 this year, and I previously shot 109 at The Meadows and 107 at River Oaks. Thus, 108 seems to be my average right now. But the conditions were not ideal today, with a strong wind blowing off the lake.
The course runs along Lake Winnipeg. The bushes to the sides of the rough, where my ball often went today are au naturale, so if your ball goes in them, it's a heck of a time trying to find it, let alone play it out. That is to say that I lost a few today. Three or four I think. Ah well.
I think there should be a 20 sec rule for when your ball goes off the course. Give yourself 20 sec, and if you don't find it in that time, just drop another ball and play on. My golf balls are so expensive they are worth looking for for too long.
I did make four pars, including a par three where I drove the green and was closest to the hole. I drove another par three green, but four putted that one.
On Wednesday, I shot 48 at the Canoe Club, during which I drove three of the four par threes, birdied one of them, wasn't closest on the second, and three putted the last. Another excellent day on the par threes; the week before I won three of the four par threes, which was my best par three day.
It's the third time I've been out for 18 this year, and I previously shot 109 at The Meadows and 107 at River Oaks. Thus, 108 seems to be my average right now. But the conditions were not ideal today, with a strong wind blowing off the lake.
The course runs along Lake Winnipeg. The bushes to the sides of the rough, where my ball often went today are au naturale, so if your ball goes in them, it's a heck of a time trying to find it, let alone play it out. That is to say that I lost a few today. Three or four I think. Ah well.
I think there should be a 20 sec rule for when your ball goes off the course. Give yourself 20 sec, and if you don't find it in that time, just drop another ball and play on. My golf balls are so expensive they are worth looking for for too long.
I did make four pars, including a par three where I drove the green and was closest to the hole. I drove another par three green, but four putted that one.
On Wednesday, I shot 48 at the Canoe Club, during which I drove three of the four par threes, birdied one of them, wasn't closest on the second, and three putted the last. Another excellent day on the par threes; the week before I won three of the four par threes, which was my best par three day.
August 25, 2006
Thursday quote
"The juice is not worth the squeeze."
That said by a guy who's into exploring old buildings that aren't open to the public. There was a CBC radio documentary about this. Some people were of the mind that it was fine to do this exploring in areas that might be dangerous, specifically up part of a subway line in Toronto.
Asked about that, this guy said that going up subway lines - accessed from the end of a platform of an in use station in TO - was just crazy. And that "the juice is not worth the squeeze."
That said by a guy who's into exploring old buildings that aren't open to the public. There was a CBC radio documentary about this. Some people were of the mind that it was fine to do this exploring in areas that might be dangerous, specifically up part of a subway line in Toronto.
Asked about that, this guy said that going up subway lines - accessed from the end of a platform of an in use station in TO - was just crazy. And that "the juice is not worth the squeeze."
August 23, 2006
Won 3 of 4!
I shot 48 this week at the Canoe Club, which is about the norm for me these days. But more importantly I won three of the four par 3s, so took home the cash. Sadly, there were only three of us out today - Jen, Shy and I - so it didn't the pay wasn't huge, but, hey, a win's a win.
The first par three was a carry over as we all came up short. On the second, which is the longest, Jen and Shy were in the left bunker, and I stepped up and put it about 10 feet away. Nicely done Evan!
The next hole Jen hit and Shy and I were just off. She almost made her birdie putt which is worth double in our game within the game. Then on 9 we were all off on our first tries, so Shy called for a second round. Jen and I made it on, although both by just a bit and we were close in distance so there had to be a measurement.
I was a few inches closer, so it was my chance to win the cash. I hit my first putt to about 6 feet and then put the second one in with just enough weight.
My best par three day. Cha-ching!
The first par three was a carry over as we all came up short. On the second, which is the longest, Jen and Shy were in the left bunker, and I stepped up and put it about 10 feet away. Nicely done Evan!
The next hole Jen hit and Shy and I were just off. She almost made her birdie putt which is worth double in our game within the game. Then on 9 we were all off on our first tries, so Shy called for a second round. Jen and I made it on, although both by just a bit and we were close in distance so there had to be a measurement.
I was a few inches closer, so it was my chance to win the cash. I hit my first putt to about 6 feet and then put the second one in with just enough weight.
My best par three day. Cha-ching!
August 18, 2006
Put it on the back!
OK, so I spent a good portion of the day looking through some old photos to give one to a neighbor who is getting married. I'm sure I had one of her, but can't find any.
Regardless, I was reminded that it's important to label your photographs (images if you prefer these days), or else you'll be in my position later: having a pile of photos of people who you cannot identify, because the photo was taken by someone else and not labelled and so you have no idea who they are. How annoying.
The other thought that ran through my head was that from these photos I have so many pieces of people's souls that there won't be much left for St. Peter when their time comes.
Regardless, I was reminded that it's important to label your photographs (images if you prefer these days), or else you'll be in my position later: having a pile of photos of people who you cannot identify, because the photo was taken by someone else and not labelled and so you have no idea who they are. How annoying.
The other thought that ran through my head was that from these photos I have so many pieces of people's souls that there won't be much left for St. Peter when their time comes.
Did you used to play in a band?
That's what the guy at the corner store asked me today. I didn't, and said so. He said I looked like a guy he used to know that was in a band. He thought the band's name was Sons of Freedom, but it was a long time ago so he wasn't sure.
From time to time people have said I look like someone else, as I suppose happens to you too. People have said of me that I look like Elvis Costello, Mike Mills (R.E.M. bassist) back when we had the same kind of glasses, and Edward Norton.
There are some people who remind me of others. Lindsay Davenport always reminds me of Sarah, even though they don't look much alike, so I'm not sure what's going on there. Maybe it's just their eyes that are similar.
Rachel Ray reminds me of Christina, although again there's not so much a visual resemblance as a behavioral and verbal similarity. I can just see Christina acting like that.
From time to time people have said I look like someone else, as I suppose happens to you too. People have said of me that I look like Elvis Costello, Mike Mills (R.E.M. bassist) back when we had the same kind of glasses, and Edward Norton.
There are some people who remind me of others. Lindsay Davenport always reminds me of Sarah, even though they don't look much alike, so I'm not sure what's going on there. Maybe it's just their eyes that are similar.
Rachel Ray reminds me of Christina, although again there's not so much a visual resemblance as a behavioral and verbal similarity. I can just see Christina acting like that.
August 17, 2006
Fifty one is the new awful
At golf yesterday I thought I was going to come out with an awful number, as I started 9 and 8 and then had an 11 later on. But it all came out to merely 51.
I was surprised, but I did par three holes - one par three for the money, yes! - and one of those was a hole I'd never parred before. I'm not sure I'd done better than double bogey on that one in fact.
So, when an awful round comes up to be what was my average only a couple of years ago, it a clear sign of upward progress.
I was surprised, but I did par three holes - one par three for the money, yes! - and one of those was a hole I'd never parred before. I'm not sure I'd done better than double bogey on that one in fact.
So, when an awful round comes up to be what was my average only a couple of years ago, it a clear sign of upward progress.
August 15, 2006
August 11, 2006
Still in paradise
Feeling OK, and hoping for Canadian gold today in the women's and men's finals of the team event. But they are up against the USA in both, and will be in tough to win.
In the first match of the day, Christie Van Hees came up short against Rhonda Rajsich, losing in a tie-breaker. She won the second game and looked to have momentum, but Rajsich got up a bunch of points in the tb early and didn't look back.
It was raining like crazy - as that seems to be the only way it rains here - when I woke up this morning, but by the time I left my room it had tapered off some, so I didn't get too wet catching the shuttle bus.
It was a longer than usual ride to the club as the rain caused some traffic jams, and the ride is already 30 min at least. But we were here in about 50 min, so not awful really.
I've been asked to do an article for the US rb magazine, so I'm going to be working on getting some quotes and info for that today and tomorrow maybe, as I'll be staying Saturday too before leaving on an early flight Sunday morning.
In the first match of the day, Christie Van Hees came up short against Rhonda Rajsich, losing in a tie-breaker. She won the second game and looked to have momentum, but Rajsich got up a bunch of points in the tb early and didn't look back.
It was raining like crazy - as that seems to be the only way it rains here - when I woke up this morning, but by the time I left my room it had tapered off some, so I didn't get too wet catching the shuttle bus.
It was a longer than usual ride to the club as the rain caused some traffic jams, and the ride is already 30 min at least. But we were here in about 50 min, so not awful really.
I've been asked to do an article for the US rb magazine, so I'm going to be working on getting some quotes and info for that today and tomorrow maybe, as I'll be staying Saturday too before leaving on an early flight Sunday morning.
August 9, 2006
But it's hot!
I will wear sunscreen when lying out by the pool.
I will wear *OW* sunscreen when lying out *OW OW* by the pool.
I will *OW OW OW* wear sunscreen when lying *OW OW* by the *OW* pool.
As you might guess, I didn't put on sunscreen on Monday when I was out lying by the pool during the day off. I'm now red like a lobster. I bought some cream for the burn, but it wasn't doing much for me. I could hardly walk last night. So, I tried doing what I should have done on Monday, and put on some sunscreen, which worked like a charm. I can now move pain free - relatively.
The more annoying thing is that I'm in a hot country and have come down with a cold. I think it was from moving from being hot outside to airconditioned inside. Also, I had a bit of a sore throat, which almost always develops into a cold for me.
So, I'm not in the best of condition. And sadly for Team Canada, I'm not alone. Coach Brown's stomach has been doing the tap-dance since the middle of the night, Mike Green is battling an ear infection, and Jen Saunders has what I have - congestion, runny nose, etc.
As Browny would say, "just another day in paradise."
The team's winning tho. We're through to the semi-finals in men's and women's. The plan is to meet the USA in the final, and beat them, of course. It'll be a tall order, but I'm hoping we can pull it off.
I will wear *OW* sunscreen when lying out *OW OW* by the pool.
I will *OW OW OW* wear sunscreen when lying *OW OW* by the *OW* pool.
As you might guess, I didn't put on sunscreen on Monday when I was out lying by the pool during the day off. I'm now red like a lobster. I bought some cream for the burn, but it wasn't doing much for me. I could hardly walk last night. So, I tried doing what I should have done on Monday, and put on some sunscreen, which worked like a charm. I can now move pain free - relatively.
The more annoying thing is that I'm in a hot country and have come down with a cold. I think it was from moving from being hot outside to airconditioned inside. Also, I had a bit of a sore throat, which almost always develops into a cold for me.
So, I'm not in the best of condition. And sadly for Team Canada, I'm not alone. Coach Brown's stomach has been doing the tap-dance since the middle of the night, Mike Green is battling an ear infection, and Jen Saunders has what I have - congestion, runny nose, etc.
As Browny would say, "just another day in paradise."
The team's winning tho. We're through to the semi-finals in men's and women's. The plan is to meet the USA in the final, and beat them, of course. It'll be a tall order, but I'm hoping we can pull it off.
August 6, 2006
Later that day in Paradise
OK, it's still hot, but it hasn't rained yet.
Canada won 4 medals today: 1 gold, 3 bronze. Christie Van Hees won her 2nd World Championship beating Chilean Angela Grisar in the final. Grisar got there by defeating Canadian Jennifer Saunders earlier in the day.
The men's and women's doubles teams both got bronze after losing in the semi-finals. The women could have pulled their match out, as they lost to Chile 15-13, 15-13. Canada had leads of 13-12 in each game after coming back from way down, but they just couldn't finish it off (Lori-Jane Powell, one member of the doubles team has more to say about that match).
It's an off day tomorrow before the team competition starts on Tuesday. The Canadian men are going to change up their line up and put Istace and Green as the singles players - they played doubles in the individual round - and have Viens and Odegard play doubles. The women are remaining the same.
Canada won 4 medals today: 1 gold, 3 bronze. Christie Van Hees won her 2nd World Championship beating Chilean Angela Grisar in the final. Grisar got there by defeating Canadian Jennifer Saunders earlier in the day.
The men's and women's doubles teams both got bronze after losing in the semi-finals. The women could have pulled their match out, as they lost to Chile 15-13, 15-13. Canada had leads of 13-12 in each game after coming back from way down, but they just couldn't finish it off (Lori-Jane Powell, one member of the doubles team has more to say about that match).
It's an off day tomorrow before the team competition starts on Tuesday. The Canadian men are going to change up their line up and put Istace and Green as the singles players - they played doubles in the individual round - and have Viens and Odegard play doubles. The women are remaining the same.
"Another day in Paradise"
I'm down in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where I'm attending the Racquetball World Championships.
Got here on Thursday night between downpours. The guys were surprised to see me, because (a) I'd only told one person I was coming, and (b) it stomed in the afternoon, so much so the opening ceremonies were cancelled. Yikes!
Then during the night it started up again, and rained most of Friday. Saturday started off fine, but rained to beat the band in the afternoon. The rain on the club's metal roof sounded like machine gun fire it was so hard.
The play has been good for the Canadian women. Both reached the semis, and one - Christie Van Hees, won to get to the final. Jen Saunders, the other, didn't have her best game, and to add injury to insult was hit on the chin on a follow through by her opponent in game two of their match. Ouch!
The guys didn't so do well. Kris Odegard was upset early by a Dominican veteran player in the Round of 16. Francois Viens made it one round more, but fell to Mexican Gilberto Meija in the quarters.
The doubles teams are both in the semis, but they'll be in tough as the guys play the USA and the girls are up against the Chileans - who did well to knock off the Mexicans.
The hotel is OK, not a five star place, but fine. It's a long way from the club tho, so we are shuttled 30-40 min back and forth. Some of the shuttle buses are fine, but others resemble the old bus you used to play on as a kid back on Uncle Ted's farm that your mother had never seen running because she also played on it when she was a kid and your grand parents ran the farm.
The weather started off fine today, but it seems to be clouding over now, so we could see more rain before the day is done.
Got here on Thursday night between downpours. The guys were surprised to see me, because (a) I'd only told one person I was coming, and (b) it stomed in the afternoon, so much so the opening ceremonies were cancelled. Yikes!
Then during the night it started up again, and rained most of Friday. Saturday started off fine, but rained to beat the band in the afternoon. The rain on the club's metal roof sounded like machine gun fire it was so hard.
The play has been good for the Canadian women. Both reached the semis, and one - Christie Van Hees, won to get to the final. Jen Saunders, the other, didn't have her best game, and to add injury to insult was hit on the chin on a follow through by her opponent in game two of their match. Ouch!
The guys didn't so do well. Kris Odegard was upset early by a Dominican veteran player in the Round of 16. Francois Viens made it one round more, but fell to Mexican Gilberto Meija in the quarters.
The doubles teams are both in the semis, but they'll be in tough as the guys play the USA and the girls are up against the Chileans - who did well to knock off the Mexicans.
The hotel is OK, not a five star place, but fine. It's a long way from the club tho, so we are shuttled 30-40 min back and forth. Some of the shuttle buses are fine, but others resemble the old bus you used to play on as a kid back on Uncle Ted's farm that your mother had never seen running because she also played on it when she was a kid and your grand parents ran the farm.
The weather started off fine today, but it seems to be clouding over now, so we could see more rain before the day is done.
July 28, 2006
Movie rentals
Rented a couple movies for the first time in ages. The Tao of Steve was a bit disappointing really. Ok, but not great.
However, The Limey was brilliant! Really well done. Soderbergh directs and uses flashback, flash forward cuts really effectively, which effectively creates suspense.
Story is of a Englishman coming to LA to investigate the death of his only child, Jenny. She was involved with a music producer, who did a deal to get out of a financial jam, and has a manager who's experienced in dealing with the nasty side of life. But so's Jenny's father, a life-long robber, who's done time on more than one occaision.
The English accent and sayings ("I'm going to have a butcher's around." "What?" "Oh, butcher's hook, look around.") add to the movie's appeal.
Oh, this week I also saw An Inconvienent Truth, which is good and powerful.
However, The Limey was brilliant! Really well done. Soderbergh directs and uses flashback, flash forward cuts really effectively, which effectively creates suspense.
Story is of a Englishman coming to LA to investigate the death of his only child, Jenny. She was involved with a music producer, who did a deal to get out of a financial jam, and has a manager who's experienced in dealing with the nasty side of life. But so's Jenny's father, a life-long robber, who's done time on more than one occaision.
The English accent and sayings ("I'm going to have a butcher's around." "What?" "Oh, butcher's hook, look around.") add to the movie's appeal.
Oh, this week I also saw An Inconvienent Truth, which is good and powerful.
July 26, 2006
Across or Down?
Saw WordPlay this week here in Winnipeg. It's cute movie about people who are obsessed with metal and metal series.
July 21, 2006
Got Milt?
Man, I just when it seemed another game was going to slip through the fingers of the Bombers (again with some questionable officiating), Kevin Glenn through a bomb to Milt Stegall, who races the rest of the way to the endzone as time runs out. The Edmonton defenders made poor attempts to stop Stegall, who now has 133 career TDs and is only a few (4?) shy of the career CFL record held by George Reed and Mike Pringle.
This was only seconds after the Esks had taken the lead off a Glenn fumble, followed up by a TD pass from Rickey Ray to Jason Tucker and a two point convert that put the Esks up 4 with 10 so sec to go. The Bombers had pretty much controlled the game, so it would have been cruel to lose, especially by a mistake at the end.
However, Glenn made up for putting the ball on the turf by connecting with Stegall.
The Bombers look strong. Glenn was a little shakey as he overthrew some receivers, and Charles Roberts did rush much, but the defense was again solid, as was Troy Westwood in kicking the ball.
Grey Cup contenders? Well, certainly more so now than I would have thought two months ago.
This was only seconds after the Esks had taken the lead off a Glenn fumble, followed up by a TD pass from Rickey Ray to Jason Tucker and a two point convert that put the Esks up 4 with 10 so sec to go. The Bombers had pretty much controlled the game, so it would have been cruel to lose, especially by a mistake at the end.
However, Glenn made up for putting the ball on the turf by connecting with Stegall.
The Bombers look strong. Glenn was a little shakey as he overthrew some receivers, and Charles Roberts did rush much, but the defense was again solid, as was Troy Westwood in kicking the ball.
Grey Cup contenders? Well, certainly more so now than I would have thought two months ago.
July 13, 2006
Eat them up. Yum!
I don't think I'd seen
this video since Steve Anthony left MuchMusic, which may have been the beginning of the end of Much for me but that's a whole other story.
It's a clasic that makes me laugh, and that I often think of.
this video since Steve Anthony left MuchMusic, which may have been the beginning of the end of Much for me but that's a whole other story.
It's a clasic that makes me laugh, and that I often think of.
July 11, 2006
Feeling motivated?
If you are feeling motivated, then a short visit to Despair.com should fix that.
It's laugh out loud funny.
It's laugh out loud funny.
July 8, 2006
Felicitations Amelie !
Congratulations to Amelie Mauresmo who won her first Wimbledon championship today. She came back from a set down, took an early service break lead in set two, lost that advantage, then got it right back, and won that set, then won the third dropping only a few points on her serve in that set.
Mauresmo had been criticised for not finishing in the big matches in the past, and for perhaps not being the most attractive woman on the tour.
But she came through today, and I certainly wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers.
Magnifique mademoiselle !
Mauresmo had been criticised for not finishing in the big matches in the past, and for perhaps not being the most attractive woman on the tour.
But she came through today, and I certainly wouldn't kick her out of bed for eating crackers.
Magnifique mademoiselle !
July 5, 2006
Italy & France in the final
Nice to see the French get to the final. My heart was with Germany on the other side, but my head thought the Italians would get through, and they did.
I can't believe the Portugese flopping around the pitch like fish out of water! It was ridiculous! Well done to the Uruguay referee for calling a sensible match.
And he was the one that did the Italy-USA game earlier in the tournament. The Yank commentators then were saying "oh, we're not going to see this referee again." Shows what they know. These were the same guys who thought the direct red card given to a Yank in that game was the wrong call; well, that US player was suspended for 3 games by FIFA afterwards, indicating that a red card was more than deserved for that two footed tackle.
I don't know who's going to win the final. I want France to win, because I'm a France fan, and definitely not an Italian fan. Yet it will a difficult match for both sides.
I say there's a slight edge up front to Italy, as they have more strikers, an edge in midfield to France, as Zidane has been brilliant, an edge to Italy at the back and in net, as Italy is always strong at the back, and Buffon is the best keeper in the world. France was good at the back today, and Barthez was competent, aside from a muffed catch that didn't cost them. He'll have to be better on Sunday.
Should be a great game.
I can't believe the Portugese flopping around the pitch like fish out of water! It was ridiculous! Well done to the Uruguay referee for calling a sensible match.
And he was the one that did the Italy-USA game earlier in the tournament. The Yank commentators then were saying "oh, we're not going to see this referee again." Shows what they know. These were the same guys who thought the direct red card given to a Yank in that game was the wrong call; well, that US player was suspended for 3 games by FIFA afterwards, indicating that a red card was more than deserved for that two footed tackle.
I don't know who's going to win the final. I want France to win, because I'm a France fan, and definitely not an Italian fan. Yet it will a difficult match for both sides.
I say there's a slight edge up front to Italy, as they have more strikers, an edge in midfield to France, as Zidane has been brilliant, an edge to Italy at the back and in net, as Italy is always strong at the back, and Buffon is the best keeper in the world. France was good at the back today, and Barthez was competent, aside from a muffed catch that didn't cost them. He'll have to be better on Sunday.
Should be a great game.
July 4, 2006
Playing 18
I've played two rounds of 18 this week. One at The Meadows, a pretty open course just north of the city, and at River Oaks, south of city in a partly wooded area along the LaSalle river.
Jeff and I golfed River Oaks last year, and I think I was 123 then. But this week I was 107 at River Oaks and 109 at The Meadows.
This confirms my golf game is improving as I play more, although I'm don't know that I'll ever be that serious about it. Pretty sure I can break a 100 soon though, which would be cool.
Jeff and I golfed River Oaks last year, and I think I was 123 then. But this week I was 107 at River Oaks and 109 at The Meadows.
This confirms my golf game is improving as I play more, although I'm don't know that I'll ever be that serious about it. Pretty sure I can break a 100 soon though, which would be cool.
July 2, 2006
The Blue et Les Bleus
Great day for a couple of my football clubs yesterday. The Blue Bombers crushed the Eskimos 46-10. The Esks moved the ball through the air, but stumbled when they got close to scoring. On the ground they were abysmal; Troy Davis had 8 carries for 11 yards. Before the game I told Warren and Corey that the Esks weren't going to get 20 points, and they didn't. Ha!
The Blue offense, which had been a concern, scored almost at will. Glenn had 3 TDs passes, Roberts ran for 1 (and 95 yards overall), and then the backup QB Quinn came in and also moved the ball, throwing another TD to Stegall.
Earlier, Zinedane Zidane was just outstanding in France's 1-0 win over Brazil. They really dominated the match, and should really have won by more, although Brazil battled to the end and had a couple of chances to tie it up. I thought France could beat Brazil, and they did. Ha!
Of course, I also told a friend that Argentina was going to win it all, which ain't gonna happen. But I said the other finalist would be France.
Bring on the semis!
The Blue offense, which had been a concern, scored almost at will. Glenn had 3 TDs passes, Roberts ran for 1 (and 95 yards overall), and then the backup QB Quinn came in and also moved the ball, throwing another TD to Stegall.
Earlier, Zinedane Zidane was just outstanding in France's 1-0 win over Brazil. They really dominated the match, and should really have won by more, although Brazil battled to the end and had a couple of chances to tie it up. I thought France could beat Brazil, and they did. Ha!
Of course, I also told a friend that Argentina was going to win it all, which ain't gonna happen. But I said the other finalist would be France.
Bring on the semis!
July 1, 2006
Oh England!
And sadly England crash out of the World Cup via penalty kicks once again. I think England was the better side, esp. as they played about an hour with 10 men and still had a good run of play.
Nice that Owen Hargreaves showed why Erikson wanted him to play for England, rather than Canada, Wales or Germany. Too bad that Beckham got hurt and couldn't finish the match and be on for the pks. He would have done better than Gerrard or Lampard, who was especially disappointing this World Cup.
I knew it was a bad sign when all four of the TSN/Sportsnet guys chose England to win.
Nice that Owen Hargreaves showed why Erikson wanted him to play for England, rather than Canada, Wales or Germany. Too bad that Beckham got hurt and couldn't finish the match and be on for the pks. He would have done better than Gerrard or Lampard, who was especially disappointing this World Cup.
I knew it was a bad sign when all four of the TSN/Sportsnet guys chose England to win.
June 27, 2006
Nice one Les Bleus!
Good game by France today. Old guys stepped up, and new guys came through too. Should be tough against Brazil, who were fortunate to have a clean sheet against Ghana, although they were the better side.
Sad about Australia going out yesterday, although they really should have scored at some point during the second half with the man advantage.
Oh, and congrats to the Swiss for not giving up a goal, and then failing to score during the penalty shoot, putting Ukraine through to face Italy.
Quarter finals should all be great game's, just like today's I hope.
Sad about Australia going out yesterday, although they really should have scored at some point during the second half with the man advantage.
Oh, and congrats to the Swiss for not giving up a goal, and then failing to score during the penalty shoot, putting Ukraine through to face Italy.
Quarter finals should all be great game's, just like today's I hope.
June 17, 2006
What a match!
The Italy-USA football match today was amazing! The US carries the play, but gets down a goal after an Italian free kick. Then they get their own free kick, which an Italian defender fluffs his clearing attempt into his own net, and we are level!
In the next minute an Italian attempts to head the ball, and in the process flagrantly elbows McBride in the head. McBride goes down and comes up bloodied. The referee from Uruguay gives the Italian a red card. Italy's down to 10 men.
Play continues, and the US has most of it. However, just before halftime a Yank slides into an Italian player with both feet, studs up. The ref gives the Yank a red card, and they are down to 10 men.
This was a controversial call. The ABC - American - coverage thought it was wrong, unsurprisingly. The Canadian coverage was divided: Craig Forrest thought it should have been yellow only, while Dick Howard thought it was deserving of the straight red. The English play by play guy was non-committal - it seemed to me; he didn't say it was wrong or right, although I think he was perhaps surprised that it was a direct red.
My opinion is that it was a technically correct, although harsh decision. The American commentator thought it was a make-up call, which may have some validity in the sense that the ref might have gone directly red if he hadn't already given one out.
The interesting play came just after the half-time restart. American defender Pope made a late challenge on an Italian just outside the US box and got yellow carded. However, he had also been booked in the first half, so Pope was sent off and the US was down to 9 men.
What was interesting to me was that the ref didn't pull out the red card immediately. It was only after he went to write Pope's number down again that he realized Pope had already been booked and had to be sent off.
I wonder if he would have booked Pope for that second infraction if he knew that Pope was already in the book. The second tackle was a bookable one, but it wasn't so bad that it couldn't have been overlooked.
Of course, this had an influence on the game, or at least how the rest of the game was played. However, neither team scored, so the final was 1-1. If anything that result flattered the Italians.
In the next minute an Italian attempts to head the ball, and in the process flagrantly elbows McBride in the head. McBride goes down and comes up bloodied. The referee from Uruguay gives the Italian a red card. Italy's down to 10 men.
Play continues, and the US has most of it. However, just before halftime a Yank slides into an Italian player with both feet, studs up. The ref gives the Yank a red card, and they are down to 10 men.
This was a controversial call. The ABC - American - coverage thought it was wrong, unsurprisingly. The Canadian coverage was divided: Craig Forrest thought it should have been yellow only, while Dick Howard thought it was deserving of the straight red. The English play by play guy was non-committal - it seemed to me; he didn't say it was wrong or right, although I think he was perhaps surprised that it was a direct red.
My opinion is that it was a technically correct, although harsh decision. The American commentator thought it was a make-up call, which may have some validity in the sense that the ref might have gone directly red if he hadn't already given one out.
The interesting play came just after the half-time restart. American defender Pope made a late challenge on an Italian just outside the US box and got yellow carded. However, he had also been booked in the first half, so Pope was sent off and the US was down to 9 men.
What was interesting to me was that the ref didn't pull out the red card immediately. It was only after he went to write Pope's number down again that he realized Pope had already been booked and had to be sent off.
I wonder if he would have booked Pope for that second infraction if he knew that Pope was already in the book. The second tackle was a bookable one, but it wasn't so bad that it couldn't have been overlooked.
Of course, this had an influence on the game, or at least how the rest of the game was played. However, neither team scored, so the final was 1-1. If anything that result flattered the Italians.
June 10, 2006
No goals, but how exciting!
Watched the three World Cup games today, and I must say that the most exciting one was the nil-nil tie between Trinidad & Tobago and Sweden. T&T being such underdogs, holding the Swedes scoreless in the first half, then getting one of their players sent off. It was packed with drama.
The England-Paraguay game was a bit messy, and Argentina-Ivory Coast had action but the second half was mostly boring as Argentina was ahead by 2-0 and Ivory Coast couldn't pull one back until late in the game.
The T&T-Sweden game was telecast on ABC, which was a curious choice of teams for them to show, but it was the one that fit their schedule. Hopefully some Yanks watched and saw that a 0-0 game can still be fun to watch.
The England-Paraguay game was a bit messy, and Argentina-Ivory Coast had action but the second half was mostly boring as Argentina was ahead by 2-0 and Ivory Coast couldn't pull one back until late in the game.
The T&T-Sweden game was telecast on ABC, which was a curious choice of teams for them to show, but it was the one that fit their schedule. Hopefully some Yanks watched and saw that a 0-0 game can still be fun to watch.
June 2, 2006
More flowers
This is the first year this iris plant has bloomed. Boy, was it worth the wait!
This bleeding heart plant I got from a neighbor last year, and it's come in nicely this year.
And celendine poppys continue to spread around my yard.
April 18, 2006
Spring is here!
Spring has come to Winnie! The arrival of spring for me is easily marked by the scilla sibirica pushing through the ground. That's the pretty little blue flowers in the photos. My yard is awash in blue these days. They are a bulb that's grown in the yard since I was a kid.
I also put in a few crocuses, and they have come up in the last week also. Some of them are already done, in fact.
Nothing like flowers to signal the arrival of spring.
April 12, 2006
400 gone
I've just spent the over 2 hours getting over 400 messages out of my email inbox. It almost feels like I've accomplished something.
Almost.
Of course, my inbox still has 591 messages in it.
Baby steps.
Almost.
Of course, my inbox still has 591 messages in it.
Baby steps.
April 11, 2006
Almost done
I'm reading "Before the frost", which is a mystery by Henning Mankell, a Swedish author. After finishing it, I'll have read just about all of his work that's available in English.
There might be more available in English than there are in North America, as I found one of his books in a used bookshop in Paris - San Francisco Book Company (Shop?) - that isn't listed in among those available in the Vintage Crime series, despite having occurred earlier than some books in that series - such as "Before the frost."
Mankell's books are good, and often have some sort of international component to them. He's used links to events in Latvia and Africa a couple of times.
There might be more available in English than there are in North America, as I found one of his books in a used bookshop in Paris - San Francisco Book Company (Shop?) - that isn't listed in among those available in the Vintage Crime series, despite having occurred earlier than some books in that series - such as "Before the frost."
Mankell's books are good, and often have some sort of international component to them. He's used links to events in Latvia and Africa a couple of times.
April 3, 2006
Quote of the Day
In this bitch of a life, you can never be too well armed."
Edward Manet, quoted at the beginning of "The Judgment of Paris: The decade that gave the world impressionism" by Ross King.
Edward Manet, quoted at the beginning of "The Judgment of Paris: The decade that gave the world impressionism" by Ross King.
March 28, 2006
Bad stratgey
I've recently read "Self made man" by Norah Vincent, who dresses up as a man to investigate what it's like to be a guy (in the US). She, or rather Ned her alterego, goes to various male only places to see what men do when the womenfolk aren't around.
One of the interesting bits was her going on dates. One of the things of interest to me was that apparently you have to express interest - somehow, in some way - in a woman immediately upon meeting them, or perhaps at least during that initial encounter. No let's wait and see what the person is like the next time or two kind of attitude is going to work apparently.
Some women friends have confirmed that this is the way it works, or the way they generally feel about encounters with men. The sad thing for me is that second strategy has generally been my modus operandi. This may explain a few things.
It makes me think that the right strategy (read best-strategey-to-produce-optimal-yield) is to express interest in every woman you meet and then figure out if you are really interested in them later. But that seems so insincere, and maybe that's why I've never had that attitude, because sincerity is very imporant to me.
Standard joke about sincerity: sincerity is the key to acting; once you can fake sincerity, you've got it made.
One of the interesting bits was her going on dates. One of the things of interest to me was that apparently you have to express interest - somehow, in some way - in a woman immediately upon meeting them, or perhaps at least during that initial encounter. No let's wait and see what the person is like the next time or two kind of attitude is going to work apparently.
Some women friends have confirmed that this is the way it works, or the way they generally feel about encounters with men. The sad thing for me is that second strategy has generally been my modus operandi. This may explain a few things.
It makes me think that the right strategy (read best-strategey-to-produce-optimal-yield) is to express interest in every woman you meet and then figure out if you are really interested in them later. But that seems so insincere, and maybe that's why I've never had that attitude, because sincerity is very imporant to me.
Standard joke about sincerity: sincerity is the key to acting; once you can fake sincerity, you've got it made.
March 21, 2006
My aim is true
Picked up Elvis Costello's first album, My Aim is True, today at HMV. I have this on cassette, but rarely ever play those anymore.
I love this album though. It may well be one of my 10 favorites. Gotta love any album with a song like Mystery Dance that has the chorus:
Why don't you tell me 'bout the mystery dance.
I wanna know about the mystery dance.
Why don't you show me,
'cause I've tried and I've tried,
and I'm still mystified
I can't do anymore and I'm not satisfied.
I love this album though. It may well be one of my 10 favorites. Gotta love any album with a song like Mystery Dance that has the chorus:
Why don't you tell me 'bout the mystery dance.
I wanna know about the mystery dance.
Why don't you show me,
'cause I've tried and I've tried,
and I'm still mystified
I can't do anymore and I'm not satisfied.
March 20, 2006
Quote of the Day
Work beats talent unless talent works.
Ted Barton, Skate Canada, in an interview on Sounds like Canada
Ted Barton, Skate Canada, in an interview on Sounds like Canada
February 27, 2006
"Passion lives here"
If you watched the Olympics over the last couple of weeks, like I did, then you likely didn't get much else done. But you also likely saw the phrase "Passion lives here" all over the Olympic venues - including on the podiums.
That's not a translation from the Italian. "Passion lives here" - three English words - were all over the Olympics in northern Italy. I'm not sure why it wasn't Italian. I know the announcements at the Games were done in Italian, French and English.
I know that there were be a big hoo-hah in Canada if Vancouver has only "Passion lives here" or any other English words splayed over their Olympic venues. Because there has to be French there also. In fact, what was done in Turin would likely be illegal in Quebec because of the language laws there.
C'est la vie.
That's not a translation from the Italian. "Passion lives here" - three English words - were all over the Olympics in northern Italy. I'm not sure why it wasn't Italian. I know the announcements at the Games were done in Italian, French and English.
I know that there were be a big hoo-hah in Canada if Vancouver has only "Passion lives here" or any other English words splayed over their Olympic venues. Because there has to be French there also. In fact, what was done in Turin would likely be illegal in Quebec because of the language laws there.
C'est la vie.
February 23, 2006
Olympics are over
Well, the Olympics are effectively over for Canada, as the men's hockey lost in the quarter finals to Russia. No need to do any hand wringing about that here.
Now Canadians can just move on to other parts of their lives, and ignore the rest of the Olympics, because Canadians don't care about sports.
Hockey is an exception to Canadians general sports attitude, but it's not that much of an exception.
Now Canadians can just move on to other parts of their lives, and ignore the rest of the Olympics, because Canadians don't care about sports.
Hockey is an exception to Canadians general sports attitude, but it's not that much of an exception.
February 20, 2006
Question for the Great One
Mr. Gretzky, you gambled on selecting this team of players for the Olympics, and they haven't scored a goal in over two games. What do you wager are their chances now to win gold?
February 13, 2006
Questions du jour
When did I last receive a Valentine?
When did l last send a Valentine?
I remember there were Valentine exchanges in elementary school. One year - grade 1? 2? - I gave Valentines to everyone in class but didn't sign those I gave to the girls, and a couple of guys that I wasn't that fond of.
No one figured out it was me who did that. And I recall being surprised that no one could figure out it was me who sent the anonymous cards. I thought it was obvious, and you'd have to be stupid not to figure it out.
Ahhhhh, egocentrism.
When did l last send a Valentine?
I remember there were Valentine exchanges in elementary school. One year - grade 1? 2? - I gave Valentines to everyone in class but didn't sign those I gave to the girls, and a couple of guys that I wasn't that fond of.
No one figured out it was me who did that. And I recall being surprised that no one could figure out it was me who sent the anonymous cards. I thought it was obvious, and you'd have to be stupid not to figure it out.
Ahhhhh, egocentrism.
February 10, 2006
Quote of the day
One is always surprised when one is described as anything.
Leonard Cohen during an interview with Shelagh Rogers on Sounds Like Canada, February 7, 2006.
Leonard Cohen during an interview with Shelagh Rogers on Sounds Like Canada, February 7, 2006.
January 31, 2006
30 straight
Played great racquetball yesterday. I was playing singles with Chris, and made 30 straight points. I could hardly believe it while it was happening.
Won the first game 15-12, then took the second 15-0, and was up 13-0 in the third before Chris got another point. I also won a fourth game.
It might be the best I've ever played.
Won the first game 15-12, then took the second 15-0, and was up 13-0 in the third before Chris got another point. I also won a fourth game.
It might be the best I've ever played.
January 26, 2006
Sports Trivia I
I've been doing sports trivia questions modeled on the Stump the Schwab quiz show from ESPN (shown on The Score in Canada) with the racquetball guys after we play our Premier League games. It's fun.
I ask the whole table a question that has multiple answers, and each person gives one answer in turn. If the person is incorrect, they are out for that question.
So, here's one of the questions:
14 players have scored over 600 regular season goals in the NHL coming into the 2005-06 season. Name them.
You can enter your answers as a comment. I'll post the answer in a couple of days as a comment. (yeah, of course, you could look the answer up on the internet, but what fun would that be?)
I ask the whole table a question that has multiple answers, and each person gives one answer in turn. If the person is incorrect, they are out for that question.
So, here's one of the questions:
14 players have scored over 600 regular season goals in the NHL coming into the 2005-06 season. Name them.
You can enter your answers as a comment. I'll post the answer in a couple of days as a comment. (yeah, of course, you could look the answer up on the internet, but what fun would that be?)
January 23, 2006
What's it going to be?
Well, it's election day here in the Great White North, and the weather is fine all across the nation, so no one should have that as an excuse for not getting out to the poll.
Who will win? Going it, it looked like the Liberals would get back in again, but probably with another minority. However, the Conservatives have remarkably run an error free campaign, and look like they could be poised to win either a minority or a majority.
The latter should occur if Quebec gets on the Conservative bandwagon, and there were signs of that during the campaigning. The Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe (sp?) went from saying they would take over 50 seats in Quebec to we'll just do our best. Holy backing off, Batman!
Personally, I'm happy to see a change at this point, although the Conservatives are still a question mark for me. I'm not fond of populist politics, which is rather like fundamentalist religion if you ask me, and the Conservatives developed out of the Reform/Canadian Alliance parties that were populist.
Should make for interesting TV viewing tonight.
After I watch 24.
Who will win? Going it, it looked like the Liberals would get back in again, but probably with another minority. However, the Conservatives have remarkably run an error free campaign, and look like they could be poised to win either a minority or a majority.
The latter should occur if Quebec gets on the Conservative bandwagon, and there were signs of that during the campaigning. The Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe (sp?) went from saying they would take over 50 seats in Quebec to we'll just do our best. Holy backing off, Batman!
Personally, I'm happy to see a change at this point, although the Conservatives are still a question mark for me. I'm not fond of populist politics, which is rather like fundamentalist religion if you ask me, and the Conservatives developed out of the Reform/Canadian Alliance parties that were populist.
Should make for interesting TV viewing tonight.
After I watch 24.
January 17, 2006
Sk8er Boi on the program?
Avril Lavigne will be headlining a special production designed to celebrate Canada and to capture the spirit of the 2010 Host City. according to a press release on the
SIRC site.
What song could better capture the spirit of Vancouver than Sk8er Boi?
SIRC site.
What song could better capture the spirit of Vancouver than Sk8er Boi?
January 16, 2006
January 15, 2006
Raps win! Raps win!
It's funny, but I think the team that I'm most interested these days is the Toronto Raptors. No one had anything good to say about them to start the year, and they lived up to that billing by not winning until their 10th game or so.
So, they are a big underdog, and I was interested in whether they could actually win a game. They did, and in fact, they have done rather well of late, winning something like 6 of their last 7 games, including a thrashing of the NY Knicks today.
So, the Raptors may have replaced the Montreal Expos - a moment of silence please - as my favorite team. NBA basketball isn't my favorite sport. Neither was baseball when the Expos were my favorite team. Still the Raps have an appeal to me that I'm don't find in any other team.
Well, aside from Newcastle United.
So, they are a big underdog, and I was interested in whether they could actually win a game. They did, and in fact, they have done rather well of late, winning something like 6 of their last 7 games, including a thrashing of the NY Knicks today.
So, the Raptors may have replaced the Montreal Expos - a moment of silence please - as my favorite team. NBA basketball isn't my favorite sport. Neither was baseball when the Expos were my favorite team. Still the Raps have an appeal to me that I'm don't find in any other team.
Well, aside from Newcastle United.
January 5, 2006
Epic Film
Saw the second half of the Italian film Best of Youth last night. It's an epic story of a family from the mid '60s to the '90s. It focuses on two brothers, who are the middle two children of four kids; their siblings are girls. A trip to Norway planned with two other guys gets sidetracked, and things are never quite the same.
Well worth seeing, although it is over 6 hours total, with each part about 3 hours.
Well worth seeing, although it is over 6 hours total, with each part about 3 hours.
January 3, 2006
What a question!
"When does the hope stop and the bitterness begin?"
Reportedly asked by Barbara Frum, former host for CBC Television's The Journal, during early reporting on the Ocean Ranger disaster.
The Ocean Ranger was an oil rig that sank off the coast of Newfoundland resulting in one of the largest losses of life at sea ever.
Reportedly asked by Barbara Frum, former host for CBC Television's The Journal, during early reporting on the Ocean Ranger disaster.
The Ocean Ranger was an oil rig that sank off the coast of Newfoundland resulting in one of the largest losses of life at sea ever.
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