 |
| Brian sent me the recipe. I added lemon and fresh garlic. Very tasty. Note the recipe on the jar is not the recipe I followed. |
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
153,850 steps; Mustard-Shallot Vinaigrette recipe from NYT
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
New Total
138,290 with one day left in 2014. Averaging 12,570 a day. I need to average 9,347 to complete challenge by Jan. 27th. Will likely complete challenge by Jan. 18th. Could end up with about 550,000 before I drink alcohol. That would be nearly 280 miles.
Monday, 29 December 2014
Harper Fails the Canadian Investor
The current lead story in the National Post is that Justin Trudeau would lead Canada into a dangerous isolationist position in world affairs if he became PM. Forget that this is in fact the position of most European countries in dealing with ISIS. That Canada's military is so weak that it plays a marginal role in any world conflict and that Harper has allowed military hardware to reach all-time lows in readiness.
The National Post and Sun newspaper chains abscess about what the leader of the third party, Justin Trudeau, may do if he becomes the Prime Minister. I'm more concerned with the fact that Canada has fallen way behind the US in job growth and economic recovery. As a stock market investor I'm distressed by a stagnate TSX and falling Canadian dollar. The economy under Obama is outperforming Harper's in all categories. The NYSE has reached almost daily records while the TSX has fallen 3% in recent months.
While I have probably missed the train, I have moved future investments more and more into foreign holdings. The economy under Harper is not good for a serious investor. The falling dollar does not help my buying power. I'm hopeful that a new prime Minister in 2015 will help in boosting our economy. Harper has been a dismal failure. For the first time in over 20-years of investing I have moved new investments out of Canada. Investing in Canada is not a smart move right now.
The National Post and Sun newspaper chains abscess about what the leader of the third party, Justin Trudeau, may do if he becomes the Prime Minister. I'm more concerned with the fact that Canada has fallen way behind the US in job growth and economic recovery. As a stock market investor I'm distressed by a stagnate TSX and falling Canadian dollar. The economy under Obama is outperforming Harper's in all categories. The NYSE has reached almost daily records while the TSX has fallen 3% in recent months.
While I have probably missed the train, I have moved future investments more and more into foreign holdings. The economy under Harper is not good for a serious investor. The falling dollar does not help my buying power. I'm hopeful that a new prime Minister in 2015 will help in boosting our economy. Harper has been a dismal failure. For the first time in over 20-years of investing I have moved new investments out of Canada. Investing in Canada is not a smart move right now.
A small sign of progress
123,590 total steps. I completed a low end 13,700 today. Not a great total for a work day. Still feeling a little stiff in lower back this morning. I did have my first sign of weight loss. I tightened the belt one notch today. A sure sign of losing weight.
I also spent time in an Irish pub today. I drank diet soda while my friend consumed beer.
I also spent time in an Irish pub today. I drank diet soda while my friend consumed beer.
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Garmin Malfunction
109,890 steps. I took over 101,000 steps this week.
The bad news is that the Garmin step tracker started to sputter and now does not display my steps. It still sends a signal to the Garmin site. My back-up tracker, Basis Peak, still works fine.
I may just use the Basis. I'm hoping the Garmin will work again.
Tomorrow is Day 10. I have no urge to drink alcohol and I have been eating well. I'm sure I have lost weight but it is too early to tell. My fitness level is increasing. I ran further on the treadmill today. While I primarily walk outside I have completed two sessions on the treadmill each of the last couple of days.
The bad news is that the Garmin step tracker started to sputter and now does not display my steps. It still sends a signal to the Garmin site. My back-up tracker, Basis Peak, still works fine.
I may just use the Basis. I'm hoping the Garmin will work again.
Tomorrow is Day 10. I have no urge to drink alcohol and I have been eating well. I'm sure I have lost weight but it is too early to tell. My fitness level is increasing. I ran further on the treadmill today. While I primarily walk outside I have completed two sessions on the treadmill each of the last couple of days.
Saturday, 27 December 2014
Step total update
95,416 another 16,300 steps today.
I can feel my fitness level increase. Will break through the quarter pole tomorrow.
I even cleaned my fridge today. Threw out about 10 relish jars. I could have had another 20k today but wanted to dial it down a bit as I don't want to burn out.
I can feel my fitness level increase. Will break through the quarter pole tomorrow.
I even cleaned my fridge today. Threw out about 10 relish jars. I could have had another 20k today but wanted to dial it down a bit as I don't want to burn out.
Friday, 26 December 2014
Challenge Update
79,116 is my total steps so far in the challenge including over 20,000 today.That is over 10-miles. I had just over 10,000 on Christmas day. Other than the first day which I did not wear a pedometer I am on pace for the 13,000 daily total I wanted to average.
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Fitness Bands
48,299 steps after 5-days of current challenge. That is less than 10,000 a day but understand that I did not wear a fitness band on day 1 and only recorded 6,421 on day 2. I have been averaging around 14,000 over the last 3 days. Over Christmas and Boxing Day I expect to only record a small number of steps. After Boxing Day I do not expect to be under 10k on any day thereafter and should average over 13k a day.
I have purchased a second fitness band called Basis Peak. This is more of a sports watch and have worn it the last two days along with my Garmin band. The Peak is great for raw data including your heart rate and sleep quality. It is not as good for keeping long term data which is what I need during this challenge. I will be wearing bands on both arms for the immediate future. The Peak also has a low battery life. It does have a very comfortable band which is a big deal as I have sensitive skin.
I ran on the treadmill over the past two days despite being out of shape. I expect that by early January I will be able to run a fair distance.
I have a Jan. 27th physical, moved up from Feb. 5th, which gives me more than enough time to complete my 400,000 step goal. It should give me about 40-days of clean living. If I can cut back on booze and maintain healthy eating for the long term maybe I will see lasting changes. At least I try every year. I'm pleased that I even advanced my challenge by 12-days during the worst time of the year for eating and drinking. I expect that I will over eat on Christmas day but one day should be fine.
I am up to 5 alcohol invitations that I have turned down so far including today.
You will see a running step total in the Blog which I am recording for my own benefit. My current fitness bands do not record a grand total of steps but only daily totals. By keeping a running total I can keep track of the 400,000 needed to complete the challenge.
I have purchased a second fitness band called Basis Peak. This is more of a sports watch and have worn it the last two days along with my Garmin band. The Peak is great for raw data including your heart rate and sleep quality. It is not as good for keeping long term data which is what I need during this challenge. I will be wearing bands on both arms for the immediate future. The Peak also has a low battery life. It does have a very comfortable band which is a big deal as I have sensitive skin.
I ran on the treadmill over the past two days despite being out of shape. I expect that by early January I will be able to run a fair distance.
I have a Jan. 27th physical, moved up from Feb. 5th, which gives me more than enough time to complete my 400,000 step goal. It should give me about 40-days of clean living. If I can cut back on booze and maintain healthy eating for the long term maybe I will see lasting changes. At least I try every year. I'm pleased that I even advanced my challenge by 12-days during the worst time of the year for eating and drinking. I expect that I will over eat on Christmas day but one day should be fine.
I am up to 5 alcohol invitations that I have turned down so far including today.
You will see a running step total in the Blog which I am recording for my own benefit. My current fitness bands do not record a grand total of steps but only daily totals. By keeping a running total I can keep track of the 400,000 needed to complete the challenge.
Monday, 22 December 2014
New Challenge
I have started my new challenge this week prior to the New Year.
I decided to get a head start as my body was demanding a lifestyle change.
Rather than my prior goals of avoiding alcohol, increasing exercise and eating well for a month or 60-days, this time I have set a goal of a minimum of 400,000 steps (200-miles) of walking/running before I consume alcohol. I hope to continue the proper eating beyond the challenge period.
I am off to slow start of 6,421 steps on the first day. I have already surpassed 11,700 today and still have to go to the local grocery store to stock up on healthy foods. So I have only completed about 4% of my goal.
To give some perspective on how far 400,000 steps will be, consider that ideally you want to complete 10,000 steps a day. So in a month 300,000 steps would be a reasonable goal. Most people average considerably less than 10,000 a day. In the past during a challenge I have averaged aprox. 13,000 steps a day. At that pace it will take 31 days to complete the challenge. It is a challenge to average 91,000 steps a week but well worth the effort. In a good week I can exceed 100,000 steps.
By avoiding alcohol I am able to average over 25,000 steps on a weekend rather than less than 10,000 when I'm drinking.
As added incentive I have my annual physical on Feb. 5th. I have to admit I am presenting my doctor with my best foot forward and maybe not representative of my average fitness level. But one of these years I am going to stay the course and keep the weight off. Two years ago I was good for about 6-months.
*20,867 steps
I decided to get a head start as my body was demanding a lifestyle change.
Rather than my prior goals of avoiding alcohol, increasing exercise and eating well for a month or 60-days, this time I have set a goal of a minimum of 400,000 steps (200-miles) of walking/running before I consume alcohol. I hope to continue the proper eating beyond the challenge period.
I am off to slow start of 6,421 steps on the first day. I have already surpassed 11,700 today and still have to go to the local grocery store to stock up on healthy foods. So I have only completed about 4% of my goal.
To give some perspective on how far 400,000 steps will be, consider that ideally you want to complete 10,000 steps a day. So in a month 300,000 steps would be a reasonable goal. Most people average considerably less than 10,000 a day. In the past during a challenge I have averaged aprox. 13,000 steps a day. At that pace it will take 31 days to complete the challenge. It is a challenge to average 91,000 steps a week but well worth the effort. In a good week I can exceed 100,000 steps.
By avoiding alcohol I am able to average over 25,000 steps on a weekend rather than less than 10,000 when I'm drinking.
As added incentive I have my annual physical on Feb. 5th. I have to admit I am presenting my doctor with my best foot forward and maybe not representative of my average fitness level. But one of these years I am going to stay the course and keep the weight off. Two years ago I was good for about 6-months.
*20,867 steps
Saturday, 13 December 2014
What's going on?
Why after 3 constructions seasons are renovations at Nathan Philip Square in Toronto still not complete? I walk by the site daily and there are weeks during the summer where no work is happening. Then out of nowhere they start up again. The half assed reno is a disgrace to the city.
Our new Mayor John Tory is upset about cost overruns on the Queens Quay project. The reasons for the increased costs seem reasonable, ageing infrastructure and water intrusion on reclaimed land.The project when finished will be a spectacular addition to the city. Another mayor with no vision, pinching pennies instead of building a great city.
I'm also looking forward to the remaking of John Street which will be my new neighbourhood in a couple of years. The approval of the Mirvish-Gehry project will also be a great addition to the area.
Has Canada ever had a bigger asshole as Prime Minister than Stephen Harper? His refusal to meet with Premier Wynne is a pathetic, petulant schoolboy tactic. A physically weak, petty man who talks a big game and fails to deliver. Cuts military spending, services to veterans and talks like he is the armed forces best friend. It is not a surprise to me that he and most of his cabinet never served in the military because most would not have been physically capable of finishing basic training.
Helmet head Harper looks like singer Bobby Goldsboro from the 1970's. Look it up.
I just read that the Canadian Navy has dropped duty free booze from warships. The 50 cent beers and 55 cent packs of smokes were the biggest perks of the Navy. All over a few sailors getting out of hand on shore leave in San Diego. I'm not sure how cheap beer on ships at sea will have any effect on shore leave antics? I don't see much of a connection and I lived the lifestyle for 4-years. I know this will take a big hit on morale for sailors at sea.
Our new Mayor John Tory is upset about cost overruns on the Queens Quay project. The reasons for the increased costs seem reasonable, ageing infrastructure and water intrusion on reclaimed land.The project when finished will be a spectacular addition to the city. Another mayor with no vision, pinching pennies instead of building a great city.
I'm also looking forward to the remaking of John Street which will be my new neighbourhood in a couple of years. The approval of the Mirvish-Gehry project will also be a great addition to the area.
Has Canada ever had a bigger asshole as Prime Minister than Stephen Harper? His refusal to meet with Premier Wynne is a pathetic, petulant schoolboy tactic. A physically weak, petty man who talks a big game and fails to deliver. Cuts military spending, services to veterans and talks like he is the armed forces best friend. It is not a surprise to me that he and most of his cabinet never served in the military because most would not have been physically capable of finishing basic training.
Helmet head Harper looks like singer Bobby Goldsboro from the 1970's. Look it up.
I just read that the Canadian Navy has dropped duty free booze from warships. The 50 cent beers and 55 cent packs of smokes were the biggest perks of the Navy. All over a few sailors getting out of hand on shore leave in San Diego. I'm not sure how cheap beer on ships at sea will have any effect on shore leave antics? I don't see much of a connection and I lived the lifestyle for 4-years. I know this will take a big hit on morale for sailors at sea.
Saturday, 6 December 2014
Can the Queen of England Send Canada's Troops to War?
A Royal Military College professor asked the Attorney General of Canada, the pathetic Peter MacKay if our foreign Queen could unilaterally send Canadian troops to war? Mackay said she could not in spite of the fact she is the Head of State of Canada. Only the PM and Cabinet can send troops to war.
People mocked the prof. who is a serving officer in the Canadian military, born in this country, for asking the question. In fact it was a perfectly valid question, one that I wanted answered. The prof is Canadian born but of Irish heritage. Commentators to the article came out with their usual anti-Irish bigoted trash talking. Mocking a serving member of the military while most have them never served their country.
Some otherwise clear thinking Canadians think it is absurd that we may one day be on the opposite sides of a war with the UK. In fact best buddies the USA and what is know the UK have fought twice since the US revolutionary war. Today's friend can be tomorrows enemy. We have no idea what may happen 100-years from now that can and will change allegiances.
Canada may one day be confronted with a future head of state, in the UK military, firing weapons against Canadian troops.
I served in the Canadian Navy while the UK Navy was engaged in a war with Argentina. We sat that conflict out. I swore allegiance to the Queen of England but it was a lie. I am loyal to Canada but I have no loyalty to the foreign Queen.
If the UK engages Canada in a hostile action I will have no problem taking up arms defending my country, but I want to know which side the monarchists will take? I may have to take care of some local business before I head overseas.
People mocked the prof. who is a serving officer in the Canadian military, born in this country, for asking the question. In fact it was a perfectly valid question, one that I wanted answered. The prof is Canadian born but of Irish heritage. Commentators to the article came out with their usual anti-Irish bigoted trash talking. Mocking a serving member of the military while most have them never served their country.
Some otherwise clear thinking Canadians think it is absurd that we may one day be on the opposite sides of a war with the UK. In fact best buddies the USA and what is know the UK have fought twice since the US revolutionary war. Today's friend can be tomorrows enemy. We have no idea what may happen 100-years from now that can and will change allegiances.
Canada may one day be confronted with a future head of state, in the UK military, firing weapons against Canadian troops.
I served in the Canadian Navy while the UK Navy was engaged in a war with Argentina. We sat that conflict out. I swore allegiance to the Queen of England but it was a lie. I am loyal to Canada but I have no loyalty to the foreign Queen.
If the UK engages Canada in a hostile action I will have no problem taking up arms defending my country, but I want to know which side the monarchists will take? I may have to take care of some local business before I head overseas.
Saturday, 29 November 2014
Monday, 17 November 2014
Bits and Bites
I was reading an article in the Globe recommending a small cap stock. I took a flier on the stock promoting a sports app and it nearly doubled in price in 30-days. I used dividend cash in my portfolio to buy a small holding in the company. The stock is The Score. I recommend that you download the App on your smartphone and tell your friends.
I have been staying up late watching Youtube videos of funny dogs and goats. And I don't even like dogs. Goats are second to monkeys in the animal kingdom humour department. A monkey tries to be funny while a goat just is.
Bicyclists in downtown Toronto are getting close to becoming cyclo-terrorists. They have no respect for the law, pedestrians, or vehicles. Rules apply only to non-cyclists.
I spoke to Ana today and it is great to see her career take-off of late.
When I'm not watching doggy videos I have been watching the Netflix series, The Killing. Highly recommend that show. How come Netflix can produce high quality shows and almost all Canadian tv shows are garbage? Not one of the comedy shows on CBC is even remotely funny. Corner Gas on CTV was embarrassingly bad.
I don't understand why anyone would believe that PM Harper was a tough guy. He is the most physically weak man to hold the job since Joe Clark. All this talk about Justin Trudeau having limited work experience before he ran as a politician is ironic. Exactly what jobs have Harper, Baird, and Tony "Milhouse" Clement held prior to becoming career politicians?
I have greatly increased my knowledge of Scientology over the past few months. I can't explain why but I'm fascinated by the religion. I'm not a follower but I can't stop reading about it or watching videos. I've been known to watch a Scientology video over a doggy/goat video when the mood strikes. I will never be a Scientologist because it is too expensive plus I'm a non-believer in all religions.
I have been staying up late watching Youtube videos of funny dogs and goats. And I don't even like dogs. Goats are second to monkeys in the animal kingdom humour department. A monkey tries to be funny while a goat just is.
Bicyclists in downtown Toronto are getting close to becoming cyclo-terrorists. They have no respect for the law, pedestrians, or vehicles. Rules apply only to non-cyclists.
I spoke to Ana today and it is great to see her career take-off of late.
When I'm not watching doggy videos I have been watching the Netflix series, The Killing. Highly recommend that show. How come Netflix can produce high quality shows and almost all Canadian tv shows are garbage? Not one of the comedy shows on CBC is even remotely funny. Corner Gas on CTV was embarrassingly bad.
I don't understand why anyone would believe that PM Harper was a tough guy. He is the most physically weak man to hold the job since Joe Clark. All this talk about Justin Trudeau having limited work experience before he ran as a politician is ironic. Exactly what jobs have Harper, Baird, and Tony "Milhouse" Clement held prior to becoming career politicians?
I have greatly increased my knowledge of Scientology over the past few months. I can't explain why but I'm fascinated by the religion. I'm not a follower but I can't stop reading about it or watching videos. I've been known to watch a Scientology video over a doggy/goat video when the mood strikes. I will never be a Scientologist because it is too expensive plus I'm a non-believer in all religions.
Saturday, 25 October 2014
Nathan Cirillo Shooting
I don't know what to make of the tragic shooting of Nathan Cirillo at the War Memorial in Ottawa. It appears that both cases of young Muslim converts killing soldiers in the past two weeks were isolated incidents of homegrown terror by deranged killers. They were not acting on the orders of foreign terrorists.
I'm not impressed with Muslim extremists acting violently in the Middle East or anywhere else. But I don't think I'm less safe. I know that I'm more likely to be hit by radical cyclist in Toronto than be a victim of a terrorist act.
I was not impressed by our finger wagging Prime Minister hiding in a closet when the shooting started. He was not whisked into the closet by the RCMP or bodyguards. That was not the act of a brave man.
Some people are upset by the way Muslims have targeted Christians for violence in the Middle East and elsewhere. I'm having trouble getting worked up by that. In the not too distant past Protestants treated Catholics like dogs in the city I live in. Denied them access to stores, public establishments and work. It was the accepted policy of the establishment.
By in large Christians have it pretty good. We have the biggest cars, fancy cell phones and HD flat screens. I'm not complaining.
My only act of defiance was that I did not vote for the Muslim woman that was running for school board Trustee in my district, as she was wearing a veil. She was supported by Michael Layton but I was offended that a left leaning Muslim woman would cover herself in veil while Muslim men could dress as they pleased. I don't accept that they wear a veil because they want to. I just don't get too worked up about it as I think all religions have false ideology.
I'm not impressed with Muslim extremists acting violently in the Middle East or anywhere else. But I don't think I'm less safe. I know that I'm more likely to be hit by radical cyclist in Toronto than be a victim of a terrorist act.
I was not impressed by our finger wagging Prime Minister hiding in a closet when the shooting started. He was not whisked into the closet by the RCMP or bodyguards. That was not the act of a brave man.
Some people are upset by the way Muslims have targeted Christians for violence in the Middle East and elsewhere. I'm having trouble getting worked up by that. In the not too distant past Protestants treated Catholics like dogs in the city I live in. Denied them access to stores, public establishments and work. It was the accepted policy of the establishment.
By in large Christians have it pretty good. We have the biggest cars, fancy cell phones and HD flat screens. I'm not complaining.
My only act of defiance was that I did not vote for the Muslim woman that was running for school board Trustee in my district, as she was wearing a veil. She was supported by Michael Layton but I was offended that a left leaning Muslim woman would cover herself in veil while Muslim men could dress as they pleased. I don't accept that they wear a veil because they want to. I just don't get too worked up about it as I think all religions have false ideology.
Nathan Cirillo
When I was 16-years old growing up in Hamilton I was looking for a summer job. My two older brothers served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves. Paul served in the Navy with HMCS Star, Brian was with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (RHLI) out of the James Street Armouries. I vaguely remember going downtown trying to choose which reserve group to join. I ended up with the 23 Service Battalion but I have no idea why I chose that group. But I do remember that I did not want to join the Argylls because they wore kilts. In 1980 it was not cool in Hamilton to wear a kilt. It may not be cool today. After 10 months in the Army Reserve I was off to Cornwallis and basic training for the Regular Forces. What I learnt in the Reserves was invaluable in getting me through basic training.
I bring up that story today because of Nathan Cirillo, of the Hamilton based Argylls, who was tragically murdered at the Ottawa memorial of the unknown soldier. To hear his background story you can't help but to be impressed with this young man. He was a far better soldier than I ever was. He was older at 24 and much more mature. By the time I was 21 years old I was a 4-year veteran and out of the military.
I have been following the story and have been moved by the outpouring of support for Cirillo and his family. In particular the city of Hamilton has adopted Nathan Cirillo as a proud son of Steeltown.
Fellow Hamiltonian Bereza and I are attending the Ti-Cat game in Toronto today. I'm sure there will be a fitting tribute to a fallen son of The Hammer at the game.
I bring up that story today because of Nathan Cirillo, of the Hamilton based Argylls, who was tragically murdered at the Ottawa memorial of the unknown soldier. To hear his background story you can't help but to be impressed with this young man. He was a far better soldier than I ever was. He was older at 24 and much more mature. By the time I was 21 years old I was a 4-year veteran and out of the military.
I have been following the story and have been moved by the outpouring of support for Cirillo and his family. In particular the city of Hamilton has adopted Nathan Cirillo as a proud son of Steeltown.
Fellow Hamiltonian Bereza and I are attending the Ti-Cat game in Toronto today. I'm sure there will be a fitting tribute to a fallen son of The Hammer at the game.
Calling out Harper
The right wing politicians never fail to prove their true mettle than during a crisis that effects their own personal safety. Few people will call him out for it but our finger wagging Prime Minister Harper hid in a closet when a gunman ran into the Parliament building this week.
Harper did not have RCMP handlers or bodyguards that forced him to seek safety. He was with fellow Conservative MP's in a caucus meeting. They had no idea he was in the closet while they barricaded themselves in the room.
Harper, who never picked up ball to participate in sports as a young boy, never served his country in the Armed Forces, one of the most physically weak men to hold office portrays himself as a tough guy. When the rubber meets the road ones true character comes to light. People will give him a pass but I know that he is a man of words not action. If you were in a foxhole and the shooting started you would not want Harper to be at your side.
The right wingers in the US and Canada like to portray themselves as the guardians of patriotism and love of country. They send other peoples sons to fight their battles and when the bullets fly they cower in closets while the real heroes restore order.
Harper did not have RCMP handlers or bodyguards that forced him to seek safety. He was with fellow Conservative MP's in a caucus meeting. They had no idea he was in the closet while they barricaded themselves in the room.
Harper, who never picked up ball to participate in sports as a young boy, never served his country in the Armed Forces, one of the most physically weak men to hold office portrays himself as a tough guy. When the rubber meets the road ones true character comes to light. People will give him a pass but I know that he is a man of words not action. If you were in a foxhole and the shooting started you would not want Harper to be at your side.
The right wingers in the US and Canada like to portray themselves as the guardians of patriotism and love of country. They send other peoples sons to fight their battles and when the bullets fly they cower in closets while the real heroes restore order.
Sunday, 19 October 2014
Catholic Trustee Update
In an incredible coincidence I actually know the principal involved in the soccer parent incident. I know one school principal in the GTA and it is this woman. I don't know her very well and have spoken to her maybe twice in the past decade. I know her through her husband. When I wrote the post last night I had no idea she was involved in the incident. A buddy pointed it out last night.
I note that trustees were going to follow-up with the parent before they reinstate the no-trespass order. Sure let's make sure he is ok with the order. The principal is still off work One of the trustees cited the Catholic teaching of forgiveness as a reason they called a special meeting to overturn the no-trespass order.
The Catholic Cardinal is back from Rome where they made sure that homosexuals and divorced Catholics were still not welcome in the church. Maybe he can weigh in on this issue? I know it is not abortion but he may want to throw his two cents on the matter.
I note that trustees were going to follow-up with the parent before they reinstate the no-trespass order. Sure let's make sure he is ok with the order. The principal is still off work One of the trustees cited the Catholic teaching of forgiveness as a reason they called a special meeting to overturn the no-trespass order.
The Catholic Cardinal is back from Rome where they made sure that homosexuals and divorced Catholics were still not welcome in the church. Maybe he can weigh in on this issue? I know it is not abortion but he may want to throw his two cents on the matter.
Saturday, 18 October 2014
Ward 19
I voted in an advanced poll today in the Toronto municipal election. We will be replacing arguably the world's most infamous mayor in 10-days time. There was a line-up at my polling station and word is that there are record numbers of advanced voters in the city.
I voted for John Tory but I do not believe that he will be anymore than a caretaker mayor. He lacks vision and guts to make tough choices. The city needs new revenue streams to build transit. Tolls, sales taxes, entertainment taxes, hotel surcharges to name a few. Tory's transit plan is weak and lacks a realistic funding formula. He was the best of a bad lot. I did vote for Michael Layton for my local councillor. I checked out the contenders bios and it was a weak field.
I must say that there are about 50 to 60 candidates for mayor on the ballot. More people will vote for the Toronto mayor than any other position in the country. There are enough eligible voters for the equivalent of 27 federal ridings. More than all of the people in the Maritimes and Newfoundland combined.
I did not vote for a school board trustee. Partly because I don't care and mainly because I do not know what the candidates stand for. A parent of a grade-7 girl in the Catholic school system threatened a school principal and janitor after his daughter was cut from the school soccer team. The janitor stepped in to defend the principal. You can imagine what kind of asshole this parent is. The school authorities banned the man from school premises.
The Catholic trustees called a special meeting to overturn the ban. The man was bragging about the incident. One of the gutless trustees explained that the man as remorseful. The same man that was bragging about overturning the ban. Incidentally the school principal has not returned to the school since the threat. The provincial labour ministry stepped in and reinstated the ban. This case illustrates the garbage that runs for trustee.
I voted for John Tory but I do not believe that he will be anymore than a caretaker mayor. He lacks vision and guts to make tough choices. The city needs new revenue streams to build transit. Tolls, sales taxes, entertainment taxes, hotel surcharges to name a few. Tory's transit plan is weak and lacks a realistic funding formula. He was the best of a bad lot. I did vote for Michael Layton for my local councillor. I checked out the contenders bios and it was a weak field.
I must say that there are about 50 to 60 candidates for mayor on the ballot. More people will vote for the Toronto mayor than any other position in the country. There are enough eligible voters for the equivalent of 27 federal ridings. More than all of the people in the Maritimes and Newfoundland combined.
I did not vote for a school board trustee. Partly because I don't care and mainly because I do not know what the candidates stand for. A parent of a grade-7 girl in the Catholic school system threatened a school principal and janitor after his daughter was cut from the school soccer team. The janitor stepped in to defend the principal. You can imagine what kind of asshole this parent is. The school authorities banned the man from school premises.
The Catholic trustees called a special meeting to overturn the ban. The man was bragging about the incident. One of the gutless trustees explained that the man as remorseful. The same man that was bragging about overturning the ban. Incidentally the school principal has not returned to the school since the threat. The provincial labour ministry stepped in and reinstated the ban. This case illustrates the garbage that runs for trustee.
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
Confirmation, Age of Reason, Atheism
In the Catholic Church you are baptised as an infant. Depending on where you live the Sacrament of Confirmation is performed at or near the age of 12. The idea is that you have reached the age of reason and understand what you are committing to. I was confirmed at the age of 12. A friend at work is planning a party after her daughter's upcoming Confirmation. It was with this occasion that I have raised a general objection to the practise of confirming kids at this young age.
There is no doubt that kids at age 12 understand the basic tenants of the RC faith. They may even be fully invested in the church dogma and practises. My objection is that they are not old enough to commit to the Church. They are not endowed with free will, a right to object, independent thought, or the courage to object to their their parents wishes. In my opinion Confirmation should be considered and entered into as an adult. Ideally the Sacrament would be administered between the ages of 25 to 30. The RC church would have far fewer committed members but at least they would have made an informed decision.
If you are like me and a sceptic of all faiths, I recommend the documentary on Netflix called the Unbelievers by two of the leading atheists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss. I was watching the video and I recognised a Canadian accent in Krauss. Sure enough he grew up in Toronto.
The basis for the Unbelievers and most leading atheists is that advances in science have rendered all religious faiths as highly probable hoaxes.
Just basic facts like a 13.8 Billion year-old universe, a 4.5 Billion year-old sun, earth formed 3.5 Billion years ago, single celled life forming as the earth cooled, dinosaurs ruling the earth for hundreds of millions of years, our ancestors basically primordial chipmunks burrowing in the dirt at the time. Modern humans only existing for the past 200,000 years. Our sun has existed for only 1/3 of the time since the formation of the universe. Humans evolving as self aware beings for a tiny fraction of the existence of the universe. How could all of this have been created for us?
The God's that ancient Egyptians and Greeks worshipped like Ra, Zeus have come and gone. I suspect that Christian, Jewish, Muslim and eastern religions will also fade from practise in the future.
Science doesn't have all the answers, but just in our lifetime they have explained much of the mystery of the universe. I just think we know enough now to debunk modern religions.
I only feel bad for my friend's kid who will have to cancel her Confirmation party because her Mom works with some nutter that is questioning the origins of the universe. Can't we just eat cake?
There is no doubt that kids at age 12 understand the basic tenants of the RC faith. They may even be fully invested in the church dogma and practises. My objection is that they are not old enough to commit to the Church. They are not endowed with free will, a right to object, independent thought, or the courage to object to their their parents wishes. In my opinion Confirmation should be considered and entered into as an adult. Ideally the Sacrament would be administered between the ages of 25 to 30. The RC church would have far fewer committed members but at least they would have made an informed decision.
If you are like me and a sceptic of all faiths, I recommend the documentary on Netflix called the Unbelievers by two of the leading atheists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss. I was watching the video and I recognised a Canadian accent in Krauss. Sure enough he grew up in Toronto.
The basis for the Unbelievers and most leading atheists is that advances in science have rendered all religious faiths as highly probable hoaxes.
Just basic facts like a 13.8 Billion year-old universe, a 4.5 Billion year-old sun, earth formed 3.5 Billion years ago, single celled life forming as the earth cooled, dinosaurs ruling the earth for hundreds of millions of years, our ancestors basically primordial chipmunks burrowing in the dirt at the time. Modern humans only existing for the past 200,000 years. Our sun has existed for only 1/3 of the time since the formation of the universe. Humans evolving as self aware beings for a tiny fraction of the existence of the universe. How could all of this have been created for us?
The God's that ancient Egyptians and Greeks worshipped like Ra, Zeus have come and gone. I suspect that Christian, Jewish, Muslim and eastern religions will also fade from practise in the future.
Science doesn't have all the answers, but just in our lifetime they have explained much of the mystery of the universe. I just think we know enough now to debunk modern religions.
I only feel bad for my friend's kid who will have to cancel her Confirmation party because her Mom works with some nutter that is questioning the origins of the universe. Can't we just eat cake?
Monday, 29 September 2014
Update September 2014
I've been neglectful in updating my blog. As the temperature drops I should be getting back to more regular updates.
I will be putting The Brawler back into storage next week. Due to issues with a rogue mechanic I only put about 270 KM on the boat this season, barely half of last season's total. Still we had good times on the water. This past weekend we had a late season heatwave of 25C sunny weather. I still have not mastered parking the boat but I'm incrementally getting better. I've increased my skill set on the water including remote pick-ups in downtown Toronto.
I had Matt, the most experienced boating friend of mine, on The Brawler this weekend. He noted that the stick shifts for the twin engines are very stiff and that greatly effects the ability to conduct subtle shifting and fine motor controls. I will see if I can get that corrected over the winter.
I will be writing about atheism, premature Catholic Confirmations, Stephen Harper, Premier Wynne, Toronto's mayoral race, sports and other topics of interest in the next week or so. An update on By-Law Boy and a return of my popular Poker Nights.
I will be putting The Brawler back into storage next week. Due to issues with a rogue mechanic I only put about 270 KM on the boat this season, barely half of last season's total. Still we had good times on the water. This past weekend we had a late season heatwave of 25C sunny weather. I still have not mastered parking the boat but I'm incrementally getting better. I've increased my skill set on the water including remote pick-ups in downtown Toronto.
I had Matt, the most experienced boating friend of mine, on The Brawler this weekend. He noted that the stick shifts for the twin engines are very stiff and that greatly effects the ability to conduct subtle shifting and fine motor controls. I will see if I can get that corrected over the winter.
I will be writing about atheism, premature Catholic Confirmations, Stephen Harper, Premier Wynne, Toronto's mayoral race, sports and other topics of interest in the next week or so. An update on By-Law Boy and a return of my popular Poker Nights.
Sunday, 14 September 2014
Office Tension on Moving Day
I have worked for my company for 13-years and we have moved offices about a half dozen times. Usually it is just moving to different floors in the same building. Last Friday was another moving day. As I am a veteran of offices moves I know all the tricks. I also know that you should order extra packing boxes. People usually underestimate the number they will need. I cautioned my co-workers to order more boxes.
Our assistant was mocking the number of boxes I ordered saying that it was too much. I told her that I knew I what I was doing and the lack of boxes come moving day was sure to cause chaos. Boxes arrived the Monday before the Friday move. Instantly other departments started to raid our box supply. I noted this and secured my allotted 27-bins. This is a another feature of moving day, peoples' true character is on display. Thievery and hoarding are openly practised. I even wandered over to a neighbouring department and told the workers that there would be internal tension come moving day. We would have to organise a post move pub night to repair relationships. On moving day all bets are off as it is every man and woman for themselves.
I do not steal what is not mine even on moving day. I just order extra boxes and other needed supplies. I put them in my cube and guard them like Fort Knox. If you did not order the correct number of bins, or failed to stop other departments from stealing your supply, you are on your own as I warned you that would happen. We were lucky this year that they ordered an emergency supply of bins at the last minute.
This next week we will be unpacking our boxes in our new cubes. By the way I secured a great new corner cube with a view, a result of seniority in the department. We will also be repairing fractured relationships in the office. A lesson learnt for the newbies.
Our assistant was mocking the number of boxes I ordered saying that it was too much. I told her that I knew I what I was doing and the lack of boxes come moving day was sure to cause chaos. Boxes arrived the Monday before the Friday move. Instantly other departments started to raid our box supply. I noted this and secured my allotted 27-bins. This is a another feature of moving day, peoples' true character is on display. Thievery and hoarding are openly practised. I even wandered over to a neighbouring department and told the workers that there would be internal tension come moving day. We would have to organise a post move pub night to repair relationships. On moving day all bets are off as it is every man and woman for themselves.
I do not steal what is not mine even on moving day. I just order extra boxes and other needed supplies. I put them in my cube and guard them like Fort Knox. If you did not order the correct number of bins, or failed to stop other departments from stealing your supply, you are on your own as I warned you that would happen. We were lucky this year that they ordered an emergency supply of bins at the last minute.
This next week we will be unpacking our boxes in our new cubes. By the way I secured a great new corner cube with a view, a result of seniority in the department. We will also be repairing fractured relationships in the office. A lesson learnt for the newbies.
Monday, 1 September 2014
TFC Fiasco
Toronto FC may finally make the playoffs this year after 8-seasons but not without a complete franchise meltdown. After the publicity of signing Jermain Dafoe and Michael Bradley during the off-season it appeared that TFC was headed for a golden year. One of the problems is they kept their rookie coach, Ryan Nelson, who had guided the team to a pathetic 6-17-11 record the year before.
Ryan Nelson who was an active player at QPR of EPL at the time of hiring had zero coaching experience. Instead of hiring assistants with long coaching track records he surrounded himself with other novices. The word is that veterans like Dafoe and Bradley found his training methods to be bush league and his in game tactics to be even worse. On top of that MLSE management overruled their new General Manager and favoured Nelson's in season acquisitions. It was only when the GM rightly called out the players to step up their game did Nelson get his well deserved walking papers.
Who did MLSE replace Nelson with? Greg Varney who has no head coaching experience. Let's hope this works out but don't hold your breath. Then oft injured Dafoe is heading back to England.
I've advocated this before but if TFC miss the playoffs this season it is time for the fans to walk away from this franchise. They are getting their 9th coach in 8-seasons. Just when they seem to get their act together it all blows up in their face.
Ryan Nelson who was an active player at QPR of EPL at the time of hiring had zero coaching experience. Instead of hiring assistants with long coaching track records he surrounded himself with other novices. The word is that veterans like Dafoe and Bradley found his training methods to be bush league and his in game tactics to be even worse. On top of that MLSE management overruled their new General Manager and favoured Nelson's in season acquisitions. It was only when the GM rightly called out the players to step up their game did Nelson get his well deserved walking papers.
Who did MLSE replace Nelson with? Greg Varney who has no head coaching experience. Let's hope this works out but don't hold your breath. Then oft injured Dafoe is heading back to England.
I've advocated this before but if TFC miss the playoffs this season it is time for the fans to walk away from this franchise. They are getting their 9th coach in 8-seasons. Just when they seem to get their act together it all blows up in their face.
Labour Day Weekend Thoughts
We had a great cruise Saturday to watch the CNE Toronto Air Show from Lake Ontario. We had 8-people on-board. I made two inner harbour pick-ups. We had to leave the Ontario Place Harbour early and dark clouds were chasing us from the west. I docked near Spadina with seconds to spare before torrential rains hit. We waited out the storm for about 15 minutes and the rest of the day was great, sunny and hot.
Sunday I had at the H-girls on The Brawler. We viewed the Air Show from my slip at OP. As I had learnt last year that is a much better area to view the show. The planes fly right over top of the boat. The ladies loved the air show. We then did a tour of the Ex (CNE). OP gave us free passes to the Ex as we need to cross their grounds to get to our boats. CB loves the air show but thinks it is better to view it from 2 miles out in the lake. That is clearly not the case.
I very pleased that my boat parking is much improved. I'm probably batting .900 in parking right now. If anything the backing up is more troublesome and even there I'm at least .800. i rarely draw a stern look from my neighbour who rarely takes his boat out. The remote boat pick-ups are a hit.
Sunday I had at the H-girls on The Brawler. We viewed the Air Show from my slip at OP. As I had learnt last year that is a much better area to view the show. The planes fly right over top of the boat. The ladies loved the air show. We then did a tour of the Ex (CNE). OP gave us free passes to the Ex as we need to cross their grounds to get to our boats. CB loves the air show but thinks it is better to view it from 2 miles out in the lake. That is clearly not the case.
I very pleased that my boat parking is much improved. I'm probably batting .900 in parking right now. If anything the backing up is more troublesome and even there I'm at least .800. i rarely draw a stern look from my neighbour who rarely takes his boat out. The remote boat pick-ups are a hit.
Saturday, 23 August 2014
Joe Oliver Anti-Ontario Harper Lackey
Joe Oliver represents a riding in mid-town Toronto and is PM Harper's Finance Minister. Like his grossly overrated predecessor, Jim Flaherty, Oliver has a a hate-on for his home province Ontario. His loyalty is not to his constituents but to his mean spirited leader Harper. Harper's pro-Western Canada agenda hurts Ontario. Oliver, like Orange Jim before him, believes that badmouthing Ontario, jeopardising its rating with agencies is good for Harper. Screwing his own constituents be damned.
I hope the voters of Eglinton-Lawrence area have the common sense to throw this dirtbag to the curb in 2015. I'm sick and tired of Ontario Conservatives ripping apart their home province on behalf of their Dear Leader. We deserve better representation that these Harper loyalists. You would think that Montreal born and raised Oliver would believe in funding transit in his new hometown? This guy doesn't give a shit about Toronto transit and he is Canada's Finance Minister.
I hope the voters of Eglinton-Lawrence area have the common sense to throw this dirtbag to the curb in 2015. I'm sick and tired of Ontario Conservatives ripping apart their home province on behalf of their Dear Leader. We deserve better representation that these Harper loyalists. You would think that Montreal born and raised Oliver would believe in funding transit in his new hometown? This guy doesn't give a shit about Toronto transit and he is Canada's Finance Minister.
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
August Cruising
I took The Brawler out in rougher waters last weekend. Unusually cold temps, high winds and rain greeted The Brawler last Saturday. I have no problem navigating the boat in rough water. Lake Ontario is a Great Lake and subject to rough water conditions. I note that one of my passengers was a little concerned but I knew we were safe. The boat is made to withstand rough waters. We were never in danger. I might be used to the conditions due to my naval days when we plied the ocean. Boats float and it takes a lot to sink them. It was just a little rough sea conditions. The water was barely spraying over the bow. My only concern is parking the boat in windy conditions. On this day with the sheltered marina I had no problems. I won't go out in lightening but some wind and waves are not an issue in the open water. Most of the passengers enjoyed the open water. I am rarely more than 500 meters from shoreline with all the safety equipment allowed.
I am sensitive to people feeling concerned, or a little sea sick and I took the boat into the calmer inner harbour. My sense of what constitutes rough water is likely different from people without sea legs. I have only had one person get sea sick on The Brawler.
The weather this upcoming weekend looks a lot better with only 5km winds rather than 20km. The roughest water I have encountered in Lake Ontario was when I had my parents on the boat last summer. We tried to take it out into the open water but it was simply too rough so we turned back. On at least one other occasion I cancelled a trip due to rough water conditions. We stayed in the harbour and fired up the BBQ. It's not fun if the water is too rough. I would say that ocean going cruisers would find these conditions moderate. This in not the Perfect Storm. I have sailed in those conditions as a young man on the ocean during a hurricane.
I pay attention to small craft advisories on the radio. Those conditions for the lake Ontario are winds of 25kts or nearly twice what we encountered.
I am sensitive to people feeling concerned, or a little sea sick and I took the boat into the calmer inner harbour. My sense of what constitutes rough water is likely different from people without sea legs. I have only had one person get sea sick on The Brawler.
The weather this upcoming weekend looks a lot better with only 5km winds rather than 20km. The roughest water I have encountered in Lake Ontario was when I had my parents on the boat last summer. We tried to take it out into the open water but it was simply too rough so we turned back. On at least one other occasion I cancelled a trip due to rough water conditions. We stayed in the harbour and fired up the BBQ. It's not fun if the water is too rough. I would say that ocean going cruisers would find these conditions moderate. This in not the Perfect Storm. I have sailed in those conditions as a young man on the ocean during a hurricane.
I pay attention to small craft advisories on the radio. Those conditions for the lake Ontario are winds of 25kts or nearly twice what we encountered.
August 2014 Photos
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| Nespresso Machine |
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| Sunset Over Ontario Place |
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| Brawler Visits Cabana Club |
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| Cabana Club Toronto |
Sunday, 10 August 2014
City Building
David Shiner the Toronto city councillor from North York a couple of years ago shelved a plan for an iconic pedestrian bridge from Stanley Park to Fort York in downtown Toronto. He had headed the Public Works and Infrastructure committee with the ability to shelve the project. Shiner's ward is about as far from downtown Toronto as you can get. Shiner a Mayor Ford supporter and former provincial Progressive Conservative candidate has been renting a Yogne-Eglinton 2-bedroom apartment, with 2-parking spots from a city developer for well below market rates. In 2013 he was paying $630 a month. He was also a registered federal lobbyist for a company that did business with the city, while being a councillor.
The problem with the right-wing politicians in this city is that they lack vision and an ability to think of long-term city building. Always looking for ways to squeeze a nickel out of the budget and letting transit and infrastructure suffer. The bridge would have been a visionary project costing $23M. He wanted the city to build a staid low budget alternative. Three years later no shovel is in the ground.
It is this limited race to the cellar that resulted in the current half-ass renovations at Nathan Phillips Square. The most important square in the city, arguably passed by Yonge-Dundas Square due to neglect, as a result is undergoing a minor face lift.
The right-wing councillors in Toronto and their penny-pinching mayor bitch about the costs of permanent, year-round umbrellas in an urban beach project, comparing them to cheap synthetic patio umbrellas that might last one season. It was this same thinking that lead former Premier Mike Harris to fill in subway tunnels on Eglinton with cement.
This is no way to build a city. A North York penny pincher, living in a subsidised apartment from a developer, axing iconic downtown structures. We deserve better in this city. It is the same lack of vision that holds up projects like the Frank Gehry condos on King West. People on the left and right that are afraid of building heights and literally shadows. They complain that the King streetcars are already packed. The vast majority of people living at King & John will work within a 10-minute walk from their building. They are not taking streetcars. The naysayers are probably the same folks that travel to world class cities and marvel at the architecture and amenities.
No one that is an actual decision maker in this city has any vision. Too scared to propose tolls and a rise in the HST to pay for transit and infrastructure. Afraid of a public backlash when they know there is no other alternative to pay for needed subways and LRT's. We have mayoral hopefuls without the vision to call for true reform. Local councillors that you would not hire to budget your local bingo club are making $Billion decisions on city-wide issues while looking out for their backwater little wards.
One of the major problems are the public meetings that review each project. It is the "No" brigade of largely entitled, artsy, government funded height police that attend these meetings. Regular people would last about 5-minutes in that room before pulling out their hair. The result is that we have a city "run" by the extreme right and extreme left. Chaos and stagnation ensue. Think of any city in the world that would turn down private sector built Gehry structures? They will probably be built, but neutered and cut off at the knees to satisfy the navel gazing extremists that are scared of shadows and standout structures that differ from the bland. These same people sip lattes and complain about the lack of architectural gems in the city.
The problem with the right-wing politicians in this city is that they lack vision and an ability to think of long-term city building. Always looking for ways to squeeze a nickel out of the budget and letting transit and infrastructure suffer. The bridge would have been a visionary project costing $23M. He wanted the city to build a staid low budget alternative. Three years later no shovel is in the ground.
It is this limited race to the cellar that resulted in the current half-ass renovations at Nathan Phillips Square. The most important square in the city, arguably passed by Yonge-Dundas Square due to neglect, as a result is undergoing a minor face lift.
The right-wing councillors in Toronto and their penny-pinching mayor bitch about the costs of permanent, year-round umbrellas in an urban beach project, comparing them to cheap synthetic patio umbrellas that might last one season. It was this same thinking that lead former Premier Mike Harris to fill in subway tunnels on Eglinton with cement.
This is no way to build a city. A North York penny pincher, living in a subsidised apartment from a developer, axing iconic downtown structures. We deserve better in this city. It is the same lack of vision that holds up projects like the Frank Gehry condos on King West. People on the left and right that are afraid of building heights and literally shadows. They complain that the King streetcars are already packed. The vast majority of people living at King & John will work within a 10-minute walk from their building. They are not taking streetcars. The naysayers are probably the same folks that travel to world class cities and marvel at the architecture and amenities.
No one that is an actual decision maker in this city has any vision. Too scared to propose tolls and a rise in the HST to pay for transit and infrastructure. Afraid of a public backlash when they know there is no other alternative to pay for needed subways and LRT's. We have mayoral hopefuls without the vision to call for true reform. Local councillors that you would not hire to budget your local bingo club are making $Billion decisions on city-wide issues while looking out for their backwater little wards.
One of the major problems are the public meetings that review each project. It is the "No" brigade of largely entitled, artsy, government funded height police that attend these meetings. Regular people would last about 5-minutes in that room before pulling out their hair. The result is that we have a city "run" by the extreme right and extreme left. Chaos and stagnation ensue. Think of any city in the world that would turn down private sector built Gehry structures? They will probably be built, but neutered and cut off at the knees to satisfy the navel gazing extremists that are scared of shadows and standout structures that differ from the bland. These same people sip lattes and complain about the lack of architectural gems in the city.
Photos August 2014
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| Brawler Back in Business |
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| New Resto Across from The Bond |
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| The Bond Above Ground |
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| New Keg at 560 King West |
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
Thursday, 24 July 2014
Wednesday, 16 July 2014
Maui Jim's Great Service
I'm a big fan of Maui Jim sunglasses. They are not cheap but you get what you pay for in shades.
I broke a couple of frames as the plastic ones can be fragile. I rarely ever send products back under warranty. This time I decided I would send both glasses in for servicing. Within one week I received two pairs of repaired frames back from Maui Jim's facility in Mississauga. No hassle and great service. I have referred other people to Maui Jim products before. I appreciate companies that stand by their products.
I would also like to refer people to the new pizza place in the Eaton Centre south food court. It is the best pizza I have ever had in Canada. For $10 two people can split a personal size pizza for lunch. They bake the thin crust pizza in a 600F oven right in front of you. I would recommend getting there before Noon as word is getting out about this place.
I broke a couple of frames as the plastic ones can be fragile. I rarely ever send products back under warranty. This time I decided I would send both glasses in for servicing. Within one week I received two pairs of repaired frames back from Maui Jim's facility in Mississauga. No hassle and great service. I have referred other people to Maui Jim products before. I appreciate companies that stand by their products.
I would also like to refer people to the new pizza place in the Eaton Centre south food court. It is the best pizza I have ever had in Canada. For $10 two people can split a personal size pizza for lunch. They bake the thin crust pizza in a 600F oven right in front of you. I would recommend getting there before Noon as word is getting out about this place.
Monday, 14 July 2014
The Brawler Returns
The news from my new mechanic is that the Brawler will be back in the water this week. That is good news. We have missed half the summer and will be making up for lost time. I hope that the boat is fully operational.
Sunday, 13 July 2014
Saturday, 5 July 2014
Trinity Spadina & Liberal Elite
The Liberal power brokers in downtown Toronto turned a blind eye to what was happening in the Trinity-Spadina (T-S) Liberal riding association. Tony Ianno handed the Liberal nomination for the riding to his wife Christine Innes in 2008, apparently without a nomination process. The explanation given at the time was that it was Christine's turn to run for office. Twice she was trounced by Olivia Chow. We later found out that Ianno was under investigation by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). He would subsequently be sanctioned, fined and banned from trading for 5-years.
If you read the campaign material from Innes during the last election you would see a photo of Ms. Innes and her children. What you did not see was a photo of her husband, or even mention that she was married. Ianno was scrubbed from the material. One brave soul dared ask Innes, a Bay Street lawyer, what she may have known about her husband's trading activities. Innes there and then threatened to sue him for slander. I'm not sure why that was not a reasonable question to ask? If she said she knew nothing then the voters could decide whether they believed her.
I consider myself a Liberal supporter. I voted for the NDP's Chow each election and would continue to do so until the Ianno family no longer ran one of their candidates in my riding. I emailed Bob Rae, then a prominent member of the adjacent riding and Warren Kinsella, a Liberal power broker in Toronto, wanting to know why the Liberal Party would throw away a winnable downtown seat, as supporters were smart enough to see that Ianno was controlling this riding. I did not receive a response.
Once the recent by-election was called for T-S riding I emailed the head of the Liberal riding association to find out if Innes was running again? I told the riding official that many Liberals in T-S would not vote for a member of the Ianno family. She emailed me back that indeed Christine Innes was running again for the nomination. Rather than provide me the names of other Liberals seeking the nomination she offered to direct me to nearby ridings. It was clear to me who was running the riding association. Days later Liberal leader Justin Trudeau barred Innes from running in the election. He blamed bullying from members of her campaign team. The word on the street was that her husband Ianno was bullying young Liberals.
Adam Vaughan, Turdeau's handpicked candidate for the nomination was elected as the local rep. Warren Kinsella and other defenders of Innes, outright stated that Trudeau just guaranteed that NDP candidate Joe Cressy would defeat Vaughan in the by-election. Local riding politics were street fights, not for the faint of heart. No reason to interfere with the process. What they failed to gauge was that there were far more disgruntled Liberals in T-S that abandoned the party because of Ianno than defenders of Innes. They were waiting to vote for a candidate that was not chosen by Ianno. Whether you liked Innes personally she could not whitewash the Ianno record of OSC scandals and poor representation as an MP.
I would have voted for Cressy over Innes, but because of the brave actions of Trudeau we now have a Liberal MP.
If you read the campaign material from Innes during the last election you would see a photo of Ms. Innes and her children. What you did not see was a photo of her husband, or even mention that she was married. Ianno was scrubbed from the material. One brave soul dared ask Innes, a Bay Street lawyer, what she may have known about her husband's trading activities. Innes there and then threatened to sue him for slander. I'm not sure why that was not a reasonable question to ask? If she said she knew nothing then the voters could decide whether they believed her.
I consider myself a Liberal supporter. I voted for the NDP's Chow each election and would continue to do so until the Ianno family no longer ran one of their candidates in my riding. I emailed Bob Rae, then a prominent member of the adjacent riding and Warren Kinsella, a Liberal power broker in Toronto, wanting to know why the Liberal Party would throw away a winnable downtown seat, as supporters were smart enough to see that Ianno was controlling this riding. I did not receive a response.
Once the recent by-election was called for T-S riding I emailed the head of the Liberal riding association to find out if Innes was running again? I told the riding official that many Liberals in T-S would not vote for a member of the Ianno family. She emailed me back that indeed Christine Innes was running again for the nomination. Rather than provide me the names of other Liberals seeking the nomination she offered to direct me to nearby ridings. It was clear to me who was running the riding association. Days later Liberal leader Justin Trudeau barred Innes from running in the election. He blamed bullying from members of her campaign team. The word on the street was that her husband Ianno was bullying young Liberals.
Adam Vaughan, Turdeau's handpicked candidate for the nomination was elected as the local rep. Warren Kinsella and other defenders of Innes, outright stated that Trudeau just guaranteed that NDP candidate Joe Cressy would defeat Vaughan in the by-election. Local riding politics were street fights, not for the faint of heart. No reason to interfere with the process. What they failed to gauge was that there were far more disgruntled Liberals in T-S that abandoned the party because of Ianno than defenders of Innes. They were waiting to vote for a candidate that was not chosen by Ianno. Whether you liked Innes personally she could not whitewash the Ianno record of OSC scandals and poor representation as an MP.
I would have voted for Cressy over Innes, but because of the brave actions of Trudeau we now have a Liberal MP.
Thursday, 3 July 2014
Answer This Question Dog Owners
Why is it acceptable for your dog to shit and urinate on my lawn? Why doesn't Fido urinate on your own lawn? You don't live in my building. For the third time in 5-years we have to re-sod the lawn in my condo complex. I live within 500 metres of two of the largest parks in Toronto. One, Stanley Park, is within a 5-minute walk. It is also an off-leash dog park.
Dog people in Toronto are among the most selfish in the city. They have this sense of entitlement that any green space, including private property, belong to them and their four legged friends. Our parks are basically dog litter boxes, dog toilets filthy and soiled by doggy doo.
I'm recommending to the condo board that we pave over the front lawn. Any attempt to grow grass just ends up in burned urine stains. Patches of discoloured grass and burn patches.
Dog people in Toronto are among the most selfish in the city. They have this sense of entitlement that any green space, including private property, belong to them and their four legged friends. Our parks are basically dog litter boxes, dog toilets filthy and soiled by doggy doo.
I'm recommending to the condo board that we pave over the front lawn. Any attempt to grow grass just ends up in burned urine stains. Patches of discoloured grass and burn patches.
Your Dog Did This; Now You Owe Me Money
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| We have to re-seed our lawn because your shit machine soiled our grass. Take a close look, doggy urine even killed the evergreen. |
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| I have to decide how to punish you for destroying my lawn? You left me with no choice but to punish you, that is very selfish of you. |
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