February 2005
What Starts In 10 Minutes in Newfoundland?
Posted by on Monday, February 28, 2005 in - 2 comments
It's already March in the UK and in a couple of minutes it hits Canada. It's not that I disliked February. I travelled a little. I laughed. I cried. If it became a part of you, relive my February any time you want. But it is now eleven months to the next February and I am not saddened by that. Who …
Auld Auld Auld
Posted by on Monday, February 28, 2005 in - leave a comment
The BBC really is a gem. This photo was on the site today as one of those received from folks world-wide to celebrate early Scots photography: • “Five generations of women are pictured together in this 1870 snap sent in by John Baird from Arizona. He said: "The photo was taken in Alloa and left …
The Beginning Of The End
Posted by on Monday, February 28, 2005 in - 2 comments
The last day of Februrary has always struck me as a most important day that goes unrecognized. From this point on it is all uphill, spring in three weeks and soon the last snowfall until Christmas pressie buying time. It is the day that the New Year really begins.
Syracuse Saturday Night
Posted by on Sunday, February 27, 2005 in - 7 comments
I had a great time in Syracuse over night. We flucked into staying at a recently refurbished cylindrical hotel near the intersection of I-81 and I-690 called Radisson at the Marx. For 79 bucks a room, we were very surprised to find newly swankified rooms, free parking and a leather sofa infested …
All Quiet
Posted by on Saturday, February 26, 2005 in - leave a comment
Twenty-four hours of USA coming up as what is being described as a "work-related retreat" covers as an outing to the Syracuse lacross game against Army tonight (hopefully) and to the Blue Tusk and Clarks (most likely).
Offensive and Practical - Day Two
Posted by on Friday, February 25, 2005 in - 7 comments
It's getting sillier: • “Prime Minister Paul Martin is insisting that the United States must seek permission before firing any missiles over Canada. The call came today in response to warnings that Canada has abdicated part of its sovereignty by refusing to take part in the U.S. missile-defence …
Chelsea Handbaggery
Posted by on Friday, February 25, 2005 in - 1 comment
With the overreactions Bettmanesque not filling my daily emotional needs, it is good to see that Chelsea FC has stepping up as the kings of the misplaced sports-related tizzy fit: • “Barcelona assistant coach Henk Ten Cate has branded Chelsea's expected complaint to Uefa as "pathetic". The Blues …
I Neeeeeeeeed It!!!
Posted by on Thursday, February 24, 2005 in - 1 comment
You would be surprised how a thoughtfully chosen gift from a stranger could bring joy to my life. Consider that I was so ahead on the Franz F' thing. • Celebrate my good taste.
Offensive yet Practical
Posted by on Thursday, February 24, 2005 in - 4 comments
The United States Ambassador to Canada, Paul Cellucci, ticked a bunch of folk off when he said Canada was relinquishing it sovereignty by saying "No" to participating in the missile shield. The Canadian Press report said the following: • “"We will deploy. We will defend North America," said Paul …
Winer Drives Me Nuts
Posted by on Thursday, February 24, 2005 in - 1 comment
Aside from the adoption of a royal "we" in his posting, it is the failure to explain his positions that is so blandifying. Look at this text concluding a short article on why the Google AutoLink is a bad thing: • “When Google introduced the rel="nofollow" attribute, along with other industry …
Judicial Notice Of Hate Crime
Posted by on Thursday, February 24, 2005 in - leave a comment
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled today on the issue of judicial notice and hate crimes. The trial judge failed to take notice that certain information presented in the course of the case should be accepted as hate. Here is a summary of the Supreme Court's description of what occured at trial …
Erie Canal Blog
Posted by on Thursday, February 24, 2005 in - 3 comments
Fabulous. NYCO has started a blog dedicated to the Erie canal. Unlike the Rideau between here and Ottawa, the Erie gave life to a string of communities which are now major towns and cities across northern New York. Its legacy also includes the post War of 1812 rapid expansion of the USA as the …
Minority Budget
Posted by on Thursday, February 24, 2005 in - 7 comments
Why would we ever vote any party into a majority in the Federal government again? I did not pay much attention to the reporting of yesterday's announcement and reaction except to see a smiling opposition leaderette and champion day dreamer Steve Harper saying that it covered off much of what he …
Two Things I Never Knew People Did
Posted by on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 in - 16 comments
Check your food combo gag reflex with these things I leaned this week: • Grannie salted bacon.a friend of a friend's mom made chocolate cookies with saved chicken fat.
Scots? Loud? Neverrrrrr!!!
Posted by on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 in - 3 comments
Apparently the statement of claim also alleges that the plaintiff was repeatedly referred to as "Jimmy" and was concerned by apparently aimiable offers of chip butties which, when rejected, were met with alternative offers of heedbutting. Legal scholars are already debating the meaning of words" …
Jaegeriffic
Posted by on Wednesday, February 23, 2005 in - 4 comments
I may have figured out a bit of the expansion of this universe as I notices the top user agents include 54% Jaeger users, created by our man David of Ranting and Roaring. So a big hello to the Jaegetrons out there...
Posted by on Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Viva Hockey Pool 2005!!!
Posted by on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 in - 3 comments
The Welsh Junior "B" Division Semi-Finals • So here is what I see for this hockey pool thing: • AHL regular season ends April 17 2005 • Memorial Cup 21 May to 29 May 2005 • NCAA Frozen Four April 7 to 9 2005 • British League playoffs end 20 March 2005 • Any other easily followed …
A Keeper
Posted by on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 in - 1 comment
This photo of Germany's Oliver Kahn encapsualtes for me what nut-bars fitba goalkeepers are and pretty much have to be to be great. This is what he looks like beating Arsenal in the Champion's League today. No fear getting near this guy with a ball and bare knees. No fear at all. I'd do it any day.
Stanley Cup In Trust
Posted by on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 in - 3 comments
Even though I have posted a lot about the NHL lock-out, I honestly had lost a lot of interest in the league over the last couple of years. The lock-out and season cancellation is nothing but a continuation of my slackening interest. However, the fine point of the trust that administers the Stanley …
Kottke Goes Pro
Posted by on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 in - leave a comment
Interesting post by Jason Kottke on his decision to quit his job and go pro-blogger. Worked for Tony Hawk and Jason won't have to put in all those miles on the bus with 19 year olds guys who he has to pretend still he gets. For now I gave him ten bucks to live my dream. Give some yourself if you …
New Marriage Laws Required
Posted by on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 in - 1 comment
Not for same sex spouses - but Royals! From the Beeb: • “On Monday, law experts said royals could not have English civil marriages and would have to wed in Scotland. But the lord chancellor insists the marriage, set to take place at Windsor Guildhall on 8 April, is legal...On Monday Sir Nicholas …
More Traditional Values
Posted by on Monday, February 21, 2005 in - leave a comment
Growing up in a succession of manses, we had family traditions gleaned from as much as taught by the good reverend father at that end of the table and one of them, those values thingies, was not talking incessantly about other perople and certainly not the sexual behaviors of other folk. We just …
Summer Road Trip
Posted by on Monday, February 21, 2005 in - 5 comments
Figured out the road for the summer this evening. Kingston to Lancaster Co, Pa. to a Delaware beach to Virginia Beach to DC to Erie Pa. to Kingston. About 1625 miles or 2600 km. • After all the discussion and emails, looking forward to sit next to actual warm water, taking the kids to see the …
Values-Free Day Off
Posted by on Monday, February 21, 2005 in - 2 comments
I reported on this holiday last year and can confirm again that a long weekend in February is a good idea. It is law in Alberta, according to the CBC: • “Albertans already enjoy such a holiday, and have done so since 1989. The third Monday in February is Family Day in that province, giving many …
Posted by on Monday, February 21, 2005
Feds to Fund CBC 'Cause They Can
Posted by on Monday, February 21, 2005 in - 7 comments
From this morning's Globe and Mail: • “An Ipsos-Reid poll shows that 47 per cent of Canadians think the Prime Minister and his Liberals deserve to be re-elected. This represents a jump of 18 points since the question was asked during last spring's federal election campaign, which saw the …
Are "A-List" Blogs Bought And Paid For?
Posted by on Sunday, February 20, 2005 in - leave a comment
It should come as no surprise that the political powers that be would seek to influence and control the voices rising to the top of Pajamistanian blog-o-sphere (BTW: remember "information super-highway"? Think "blogosphere" circa 2008). Michael over at Gay Orbit has a couple of great posts today …
Bloggy Slacker
Posted by on Sunday, February 20, 2005 in - leave a comment
I have been relatively quiet this weekend but, hey, it's John A MacDonald day tomorrow which makes a February long weekend - even if a guilty one as only municipal employees get it - so I have time to redeem myself. And besides, I was on the road four hours to a pals and back to be a …
Hockey Pool 2005
Posted by on Saturday, February 19, 2005 in - 14 comments
Given the collapse of NHL/NHLPA talks on uncancelling the cancelled season this afternoon, we have to move on. We have to show the NHL that we don't need their stinking hockey and show that we know our own hockey. Since 1997 when it began on a Kings College '80's alumni Idle Crows email loop, I …
Limestone Hockey Tourney
Posted by on Saturday, February 19, 2005 in - 1 comment
Three on three ball hockey on ice. We went down to Market Square figuring we would get a seat next between Wendel Clark and Ron MacLean but so did about 3,000 other people. Some on a roof or two. A few more than the other day. We found some prime and warm seats inside the office - a few others had …
My Two Favorite Guys
Posted by on Saturday, February 19, 2005 in - 1 comment
Pre-dad-ness, I used to joke that I would name a child after my two favorite guys, Santa Jesus. Now make that Santa Jesus Mario Wayne: • “The NHL Players' Association announced Friday night that the league had requested a meeting with the union. But this time, it appears two of the greatest …
Unwrap The House
Posted by on Saturday, February 19, 2005 in - leave a comment
Rick Moranis - of SCVT, of Honey I Shrunk The Kids - has a surreal dream about hockey and talks about it in the New York Times.
A Real Treat
Posted by on Friday, February 18, 2005 in - 1 comment
From Lisa in Budapest from a Soviet era Hundarian TV ad for blood sausage. • If you think the photo is funny, here is the whole ad: [.mpg, 6.6 MB].
Thank You Flea
Posted by on Friday, February 18, 2005 in - leave a comment
Thank you Master Flea for bringing Star Castle back into my life. Now...where are my Pretenders and Vapours lps?
A Good Day For Foxes
Posted by on Friday, February 18, 2005 - 3 comments
Speaking of things I do not get... • “The members of the hunt had fortified themselves in the morning with two dozen bottles of tawny port, heavy trays of sausages and a good measure of whisky consumed from silver flasks in a frost-covered field. By late morning, they were giving the small …
Hockey At Work II
Posted by on Thursday, February 17, 2005 in - 5 comments
Shots from the rink today. Every one loves the Zamboni driver. Who else is cool and only goes 5 mph? Here is a short short movie of that special something that entrances each and every Canadian in action: [.mpg, 6.5 MB]. All pictures clickable.
OK - Who Are you <i>Now</i>?!?
Posted by on Thursday, February 17, 2005 in - 12 comments
I just want to say that this is getting weird. Are you bots or humans? There was almost 5,000 visits yesterday for [fill in your diety of choice]'s sake. Contrary to rumours, there are no cheese and cracker trays that go along with this blog. I just hope that much is clear. No 10% off coupons …
Which Mythmakers?
Posted by on Thursday, February 17, 2005 in - 4 comments
I listened to NPR's The Connection this morning and its roundtable of US religious leaders on the place of Christian religious belief in the present political debate on same-sex marriage. One very interesting aspect is how each person reaches back to a different set of mythmakers, mid-1900s civil …
Listening To Somers
Posted by on Thursday, February 17, 2005 in - 11 comments
Last night I listened to one of the most lucid voices on the NHL lock-out and season cancellation - Steve Somers on weekday evenings on WFAN 660 AM broadcast out of New York. Besides the fact that he was one of the most pleasant voices to listen to on radio (he is known as "the schmoozer" …
Hockey At Work
Posted by on Thursday, February 17, 2005 in - leave a comment
Saturday sees hockey on the rink built over the last two weeks on Market Square behind work. From the tenuously linkability of the Whig: • “Confirmed for Saturday's Limestone Classic tournament, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the ice at Market Square, are: hockey hall of famer Dale Hawerchuk …
You Know You Are In Canada...
Posted by on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 in - 4 comments
...when the news items include the Kyoto Agreement coming into force, when the same-sex marriage bill enters Parliament, when the date of the Federal budget is announced and the number one item on the TV news is the ending of the locked-out hockey season. • Here comes the WHA. Can wide-leg jeans …
I Really Do Not Understand This
Posted by on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 in - leave a comment
Presuming the alleged facts are as reported and as set out in the Statement of Claim, this will be a most interesting case to follow, as reported in The Toronto Star: • “Romanian-born Alexandra Austin, who was adopted by an Ontario couple but sent back five months later to poverty and …
Recommendations?
Posted by on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 in - 5 comments
Can any of the brethren from south of 49 recommend a decent text on US constitutional law? Not exactly one for dummies but one with a little historical context? I know Dean Dino is floating out there somewhere.
Nosense Hockey League
Posted by on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 in - 5 comments
What hillarity with these anagrams. So clever I am. As you Yoda said just the other day: "clever you are." Anyway, this was in the Globe this morning: • “Levitt, a former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission was hired by the NHL in 2003 to review its finances". In a report released …
Tims Untendered
Posted by on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 in - 3 comments
Open public tendering and procurement processes should not be rocket science. This item in The Globe and Mail is the second worst news I have heard about Tims after their centralized baking turned tender cakes and pastries to glom: • “In a letter sent a year ago to the TDL Group Corp, Tim …
PMPM Downstairs
Posted by on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 in - leave a comment
...and I never knew. From The Star: • “Martin spoke in Memorial Hall at Kingston's City Hall, surrounded by Maple Leaf flags and bathed in soft light seeping through stained-glass windows dedicated to the Canadian dead of the First World War. The windows bear the names of great and terrible …
Tories Will Be Tories
Posted by on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 in - leave a comment
Not content to simply allow a free vote by members of its caucus, the Tories now are going to ensure that vote is free...by ensuring members only speak centrally approved wirds during the debate. From the Globe: • “...the Conservatives, who repeatedly boast that they - unlike the Liberals or the …
Pity the Novelists
Posted by on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 in - leave a comment
What will Victorian novelists do now that their best choice of uncious creep character is being taken away from them? • “Anglican priests may no longer have a "job for life" under proposals being considered by church leaders. The General Synod of the Church of England is set to discuss a move to …
Bettman Continues To Amaze
Posted by on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 in - 11 comments
With news like this you have to wonder what some of the smaller team owners are thinking this morning: • “The NHL players union broke from its long-standing position of refusing to accept a salary cap in their latest offer Monday night, but owners rejected the deal, according to reports...The …
Posted by on Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Joe the Train
Posted by on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 in - leave a comment
From the brother of the yellow press comes this item: • “LONDON, England (AP) -- Joe Strummer, lead singer of British punk band The • Clash, has been honored with a train named for him. Strummer, who died in 2002 at age 50, was remembered at a naming ceremony Saturday at a railway station in …
Two More Fingers
Posted by on Monday, February 14, 2005 in - 2 comments
I like Arsenal a lot - despite Canadian TV this year taking all their big games and putting them on pay-per-view and then not offering them here at my house. But Bergkamp might more realistically raise two more fingers as I am starting to think that third place might be a good outcome. I suspect …
Five Percent Is Not That Bad
Posted by on Monday, February 14, 2005 in - leave a comment
The BBC reports that five percent increase in fuel costs would ensure 10% green power for the UK: • “During the 2003/4 financial year, the amount of electricity generated from inexhaustible natural resources was 2.4%, just over half the target of 4.3%. The government hopes to double the amount …
Why Be Quiet?
Posted by on Monday, February 14, 2005 in - 21 comments
It's hardly a call for the Ontario Separation Party to form but apparently the Premier of Ontario might not have the same right to speak up as other premiers enjoy when it somes to national equalization: • “McGuinty said if Ontario doesn't get more cash, the government's ability to fund certain …
It Begins
Posted by on Sunday, February 13, 2005 in - 3 comments
“BOSTON -- In the first tangible sign that it is almost time for the Red Sox to begin their first World Series title defense in 86 years, the team's equipment truck -- stocked with some 30,000 pounds of freight -- pulled out of Fenway Park early Friday afternoon and headed for the team's Spring …
I Don't Want That Revival, Thanks
Posted by on Sunday, February 13, 2005 in - 11 comments
In a good article in the NYT called "We Hate the 80s", on the shocking attempt to revive nostalgia for bands like Duran Duran and Motley Crue, an interesting point is made about Generation X which I think is fairly valid: • “ According to Ann Fishman, president of Generational Targeted Marketing …
Next Hockey League
Posted by on Saturday, February 12, 2005 in - 2 comments
Today's New York Times had a very interesting article on the economics behind the NHL lock-out including this analysis: • “Roger Noll, an economics professor at Stanford University who studies sports business issues, questions if some small-market and Sun Belt franchises will survive longterm …
As Well As
Posted by on Saturday, February 12, 2005 in - 17 comments
At the risk of being a prig, I note that somewhere in this great land there is town with a winter festival which describes the following entertainments: • “Along with sleigh rides and buskers to entertain children and their families, the weekend of fun will include: Outdoor Family Concerts in …
South of Seven
Posted by on Saturday, February 12, 2005 in - 1 comment
The road was good. 401 to 407 to 404. A meeting at the fairly funky York Region building in Newmarket then back in search of Church-Key Brewing somewhere south of seven and north of the 401. • Some folks think of Ontario as being urban but for the most part it is stratified countryside still …
The Road
Posted by on Friday, February 11, 2005 in - 4 comments
A morning meeting in Newmarket, three hours west. You learn as you wrinkle there are morning people and there are middle-of-the-night-get-in-the-car-drive-to-Florida people. I like dawn being part of my morning person lifestyle. Dawn is an hour and a half away. • While I am enjoying the delights …
King Dumb Word 2005 Superstunned Premium Class
Posted by on Thursday, February 10, 2005 in - leave a comment
North Korean Edjificationating
Posted by on Thursday, February 10, 2005 in - leave a comment
If the grandchildren of the people represented in this painting would not gladly eat the books and the grass and the uniforms and maybe the people, too, this would just be funny. More here via Boing.
Our Man In A Coup
Posted by on Thursday, February 10, 2005 in - 1 comment
One sometimes correspondent here has found himself in Nepal during the Royalist coup and has sent some dispatches which I have been permitted this afternoon to release to you all which I do anonymously though you may figure it out as I am not much of a secret secret spy. Here is most of his first …
Lord Goog Misdirects
Posted by on Thursday, February 10, 2005 in - 4 comments
OK, so Google Maps is not perfect. Its a beta. Give them a break. Buffalo is nice this time of year and I guess I'll just start out a little earlier than I planned. • How many cartographers did they have to hire anyway?
Bettman's Gamble Failing
Posted by on Thursday, February 10, 2005 in - 2 comments
More and more he is reminding me of Brian Mulroney and his failed brinksmanship on the constitution. Here is the latest from the Globe: • “Almost 40 per cent of the NHL's Canadian fan base said they don't miss the pro game, according to a new poll that spells further trouble for warring National …
Canada Wins In Europe
Posted by on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 in - 1 comment
Johnny Canuck: "Get out the way, give me the ball: • I am big - you're only small." • Canadians actually do speak in elementary school verse when sporting. • Anyway...so, sure it was against Northern Ireland who have been awful for years but we did not have micccch-ty Tomaaaaaaasz Radzinski …
Thirty Years Late
Posted by on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 in - 4 comments
I remember when I was seven the day that a family friend heard their brother had been killed, randomly you would say, in a pub bombing. Today the UK government apologized to eleven people falsely accused and illegally jailed for fifteen years for such bombings, they being only Irish in the wrong …
Colonial Williamsburg?
Posted by on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 in - 10 comments
OK - we won't be brains in jars next week and I will admit is it somewhat unlikely an event for 2005...so a question for the crowd - does anyone have any experiences with visiting Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia? It is worth the stop? If it is, what should we look forward to seeing?
Tate Online
Posted by on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 in - 6 comments
Another great internet collection from the UK, Tate Online. Why travel? Soon we will be brains in jars connected throught the internet controlling inter-galactic robots feeding our need for new information supplied through these sorts of services. I am thinking by, say, next Thursday.
English-Only UK Welcome
Posted by on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 in - leave a comment
While a few decades ago this would not have been so far-fetched, given Cape Breton's then stronger Gaelic speaking population, but would Blair's plan to test immigrants for English proficiency keep them out or the Argentinian Welsh or Quebec Scots-Irish?
Go To A Movie Tonight
Posted by on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 in - leave a comment
Why? • “A group that opposes same-sex marriage is calling for a boycott of Famous Players because of an ad being shown in the chain's theatres. The ad in question, which began running Feb. 1, is part of the slide show before each movie. Lasting 10 seconds, it calls on theatre patrons to contact …
Google Maps
Posted by on Tuesday, February 8, 2005 in - 12 comments
I believe! Hallelujah!!! • The next Morning: I can't believe what a time suck Google maps is. I spent half the evening playing with options for the summer holiday, looking at the minutia relating to Interstate 287 and considering the route south out of Delaware as opposed to north. It is a toy …
Sweet Obfuscation
Posted by on Tuesday, February 8, 2005 in - 3 comments
A simple way to defeat the spammers can be seen on this page of a fine brew blogger. The URL is an image file and not text. Simple and effective but I do not think I have seen that way of doing it before.
The National Necktie
Posted by on Tuesday, February 8, 2005 in - 5 comments
Sign of the endtimes #573: • “The Prime Minister's Office of Jean Chrétien ordered $46,000 worth of neckties with a Canadian flag on them in 1998 through two Liberal-friendly firms that netted $13,000 on top of that in fees on the purchase. The 480 ties, which cost taxpayers about $120 each …
Seefahrtsbier
Posted by on Tuesday, February 8, 2005 in - leave a comment
I usually post stuff ale-ish over at A Good Beer Blog but this is so juvenile that it is better suited for this magazine about me. From the excellent Homebrewers Digest this morning: • “In German beer making, Seefahrtsbier is brewed on the second Friday in February. This year, the day falls on …
Easy Win
Posted by on Tuesday, February 8, 2005 in - leave a comment
Via the Flea we see that, If wikipedia is right, the vote on the same sex marriage bill should be quite a cake walk at about 165 to 136. But what about the Senate? For those of you who do not know, the • politically-appointed, non-herititary …
Portland and Me
Posted by on Monday, February 7, 2005 in - 3 comments
Look what I came across from our families holidays last year.
You Tell Me
Posted by on Monday, February 7, 2005 in - 7 comments
I got an email supposedly from some masters students in Taiwan studying blogging asking me to partake of a poll of ethics. You tell me the answer to this one:
Super Bowl Culture
Posted by on Monday, February 7, 2005 in - 7 comments
The juxtaposition of the pre-game militariana and the half-time rendition of Live and Let Die should have scared the h-e-double-hockey-sticks out of some mid-level soldiers in some nation on Rummy and George's list: "Good Lord - theees eees their pop music - this leeeve and like to keeel?!?! Now …
Budapest Dusk
Posted by on Sunday, February 6, 2005 in - 3 comments
Lisa Howard in Hungary, conversationalist about these parts in the comments, sent these photos of dusk in Budapest and I thought I would share. Nice to see that hockey is being played somewhere, though I am a little unclear on the umbrellas on the boards.
Cat Show
Posted by on Sunday, February 6, 2005 in - 5 comments
Middle cat: "If we do get out - remember to set the ray guns to kill." • So I guess I won a good Dad star today. Being in a room with 200 prize cats and 400 owners of prize cats is weird, then not so weird, then it is just weird. Judging requires a little tinsel-stick waving according to these …
Super Ribs
Posted by on Sunday, February 6, 2005 in - 10 comments
I usually do not take an interest in the Super Bowl but with my two favorite teams actually in the game, appealing clean living good guys all as opposed to the vice-squads of the 1990s, plus the end of hockey as we have known it, well lets just say the TV will be on at 6:30 pm even if it is off at …
Freezing Fog
Posted by on Sunday, February 6, 2005 in - 4 comments
Dawn • Sun Up • I have only seen freezing fog or mist once before in Halifax on Christmas 1989 or 1990. Crystals of snowy frost build up on every living surface. Hope the dog was brought in.
Things Shippy
Posted by on Saturday, February 5, 2005 in - 1 comment
The above is from the on-line searchable collection of the British National Maritime Museum, a great trove of things shippy that I came across this morning: • “Samuel Cunard founded the British and North American Steam Packet Company in 1839 mainly to carry the Royal Mail to Canada and the USA …
Elected Judge
Posted by on Saturday, February 5, 2005 in - leave a comment
Mike over at Gay Orbit makes an excellent observation on the New York ruling on the unconstitutionality of a gay marriage ban - the judge was elected to the bench! While the relationship between being elected and the ability to grasp consitutionality has never been made clear to me, the shell of …
RSS Spam
Posted by on Friday, February 4, 2005 in - leave a comment
In a decision that would make the PR managers of Canada Post blush, Boing Boing has announced it is putting ads into its RSS feeds aka spamming them. Particular care was given in the announcement to usages such as "contextually related", "limiting the placement" and "fine-tuning the process". Like …
Who I Like
Posted by on Friday, February 4, 2005 in - 2 comments
I like many blogs for many reasons so it may be unfair or dishonest to point to one and voice that usually pointless superlative, but I cannot get over how decent and interesting a thing is that thing called the Campblog. I have never met Mike - and may never - so yet while there are many close …
Why Is Cash Bad?
Posted by on Friday, February 4, 2005 in - 6 comments
Fear of cash is driving us into strange places, according to ZD Net: • “U.S. chain Thriftway introduced the system, which uses technology from Pay By Touch, in its store in the Seattle area in 2002. It said it now sees thousands of transactions a month using the payment method. Once people have …
All Our Problem
Posted by on Friday, February 4, 2005 in - leave a comment
Given that the PEI government operates on a 40% transfer from the rest of Canada, not to mention untold (literally "untold") additional millions in operational (not just capital) debt, the loss of $31 million to an amalgamation of lobster processors, the failure to grasp the most basic conflicts …
He Had To Be Told
Posted by on Friday, February 4, 2005 in - 2 comments
“With an impatient Justice John Gomery demanding truthful answers, Alfonso Gagliano struggled on the witness stand yesterday to maintain that he never made the final decisions on • where the money went in the now-defunct sponsorship program. "Mr. Gagliano, you have to answer the question …
Picasa 2 Again
Posted by on Thursday, February 3, 2005 in - leave a comment
So, I do go on but the best thing about Picasa (Google's photo editing and librarianing widgeewahoozits) is the idea that you can look quickly through the entire pictoral database on your computer making shots I have in there that I have never gotten around to doing anything easy to find. Sounds …
Backed Down!
Posted by on Thursday, February 3, 2005 in - 11 comments
Gee. If I were Dave Winer I guess I would think that blogs do control the political agenda as the powers that be have clearly knuckled under to my one-man one-day campaign: • “The Ontario government has backed off on its controversial plans to get rid of the province's trillium logo. After …
First World War Colour Photos
Posted by on Thursday, February 3, 2005 in - 1 comment
These are amazing. They appear to be relatively early on and from the French trenches. Via Fleamaster.
Four Good Tories
Posted by on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 in - 7 comments
They exist apparently as tonight we read: • “...the legislation gained support from three more Conservative MPs: Gerald Keddy (N.S.), Jim Prentice (Alta.) and James Moore (B.C.). They joined Belinda Stronach (Ont.) in supporting the bill.” • The forces of "29% ≠ 51%" have lost.
World Cup Tickets
Posted by on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 in - 3 comments
I was half way though booking a set of tickets for the 2006 World Cup in Germany when I realized it was nuts. How to drop $10,000 you really can't afford to spend through the wonders of e-commerce. For three good tickets for a family of four the ticks cost 1200 euros or $1935 CND. Add the plane …
I Comment
Posted by on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 in - 7 comments
When I asked the unfinished question "if blogs are so great..." yesterday, I failed to consider the most useful part of them, the comments. Long before I was an author of my own blog I liked to wade into discussions, wave and shout a lot and leave pissed off at myself and others. I still do it and …
But I Like This Logo
Posted by on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 in - 2 comments
Apparently a swoopless, two dimensional, cool, simple flower is not enough anymore. From the Toronto Star: • “The provincial Liberals appear ready to scrap the trillium logo that has been the Ontario government's symbol for decades. The familiar three-petal logo, which has graced provincial …
Paul Weller: <i>Studio 150</i>
Posted by on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 in - 4 comments
The brother must read the old blog once in a while as, after posting about The Jam back in December, I received a copy of that band's lead singer Paul Weller's latest CD, Studio 150 for my Christmas pressy. A covers album, more Style Council cool than the anger of The Jam, it's dandy dandy dandy …
If this were Ontario, it would be a matter of confusing a $12.8 billion dollar one-year deficit with a $780,000,000 one. Wouldn't the polls reflect some unhappiness with that? Apparently not.
Posted by on Tuesday, February 1, 2005
Stephen Harper Wrong Again
Posted by on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 in - 50 comments
How can a leading politician know so little about the rules he is working within. From today's Toronto Star: • “The Tories are predominately against the [Federal same-sex] legislation, although leader Stephen Harper wants the bill amended to allow civil unions for same-sex couples, while …
Posted by on Tuesday, February 1, 2005
If Blogs Were So Great...
Posted by on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 in - 15 comments
Sometimes I wonder why 1164 different people read this site 3429 times yesterday. One reason is no doubt it was a boring Monday in mid-winter. But if blogs were actually so great wouldn't a few things actually have happened by now? • Why do I still buy magazines? Wouldn't I have given that up …
Buy This Book
Posted by on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 in - 9 comments
Walter the Farting Dog • This book, by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray, is the apex of a certain type of subversive kid's book that busts up our four and six year old. At the heart of its subversion, it makes Mom or Dad say "fart" about twenty-seven times before the light in the kids' room …
