Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Third world status
The whole “Quebec is a nation” is pretty much meaningless, and hopefully, harmless in the long term. No one knows what can of worms it may or may not have opened.
If nothing else, it’s spurred some amusing letters.
Cheer up, people, I have news for you. If the aboriginals are the “first” nation, then the Quebecois will have to settle for second nation. That means Canada would be a third nation. Now, as a third nation country we should qualify for UN help. They could send people to teach our farmers how to grow money trees and raise cash cows. That way we could feed our impoverished children.
George Carrick
Dartmouth, N.S.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Fight back
This guy in Halton region fought back, and may be charged.
“I got him on the ground,” the Burlington man recounted yesterday. “We stopped fighting for a second and I was standing overtop of him and I said: ‘Don’t move. The police are on their way. I’ve got two kids in the house. If you move, I’ll kill you.’ ”
This guy didn’t.
An elderly Oakville man who discovered two thieves inside his home was tied up and beaten by the suspects before they fled.
Let’s hope he didn’t hear about his neighbor and chose not to fight back.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Build your rink
An interesting story that I have a personal interest in.
As winter temperatures appear to be rising, skating on natural ice may be a thing of the past, something we remember, the way we remember wearing scratchy woollen socks when we go out in the cold instead of smooth, modern polypropylene ones.
I used instructions from rinkrake.com, and so far, have invested hours and hours of time and nearly $1000 to buy lumber and tarps to make a great rink.
Rinkrake.com is a little pricey for tarps, so I ordered a huge tarp from Polytarp. Ask for Irving when you call - they supply a lot of backyard rinkmasters with their white poly.
Last year we had a pretty good rink. The biggest problem was the slight slope in the yard, which creates severe stress on the boards in one corner.
That said, it’s great building a rink when the weather is in double digits above freezing.
Wonder if it’ll get cold enough this year at all?
Same old USSR
Who said there’s no more cold war? Sure looks like it’s still going strong.
Russia has begun deliveries of the Tor-M1 air defence rocket system to Iran, Russian news agencies quoted military industry sources as saying, in the latest sign of a Russian-US rift over Iran.
Not to mention this extraordinary story:
But as I lie here I can distinctly hear the beating of wings of the angel of death. I may be able to give him the slip but I have to say my legs do not run as fast as I would like. I think, therefore, that this may be the time to say one or two things to the person responsible for my present condition.
You may succeed in silencing me but that silence comes at a price. You have shown yourself to be as barbaric and ruthless as your most hostile critics have claimed.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Let’s ditch anti-car policies
Not much chance of this happening with Miller in for four more years.
Make it so that no more than one road in an area can be dug up at a time. Repairs cannot be allowed to last for months or even years. There must be fines about not meeting a deadline. Simple repairs must be done at night.
Small Pleasures
Scott has such a positive way of looking at life.
I love the feeling when the last bill in the pile is paid and my desk is empty. Clean desk, clean mind. The feeling only lasts until the next day&#xu2;019s mail. But I&#xu2;019m gazing at a clean desk right now and it&#xu2;019s glorious.
Sucker bets
They’re hard to resist, but it’s clear these warranties are a waste of money.
When it comes to most consumer electronics and major appliances, buying the extended warranty is “money down the drain,” according to consumer research.
Did you know Canadians are the most overinsured people in the world?
Friday, November 10, 2006
Merciful ratings
I see I’m not the only one who thinks Rick Mercer is Canada’s top comic.
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Buy Ray for Xmas
Have I mentioned that I’m a huge Ray Charles
If you want to order what appears to be his last recorded concert, get
Ray Charles With the Voices of Jubilation Choir (2006)
Sunday, November 5, 2006
AVG no longer free?
The anti-virus program I am using seems to be going pay.
STAY PROTECTED: Your AVG Anti-Virus Free 7.1 will be discontinued on 15. January 2007!
Well, it was fun while it lasted. Never did catch any viruses that I know.
Time to try something else, like Clamwin.
Saturday, November 4, 2006
Lesson of the day
You don’t actually have to take the quiz. Just read this straight through and you’ll get the point. It is trying to make an awesome point!
Here’s the first quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The facts are, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.
Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
“Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today ...... It’s already tomorrow in Australia.”
And no, Charles Schulz did not say this.
Thursday, November 2, 2006
I hate monopolies
Guess what? You can’t get Mark’s book at any of the old-fashioned book stores in Canada.
Anybody out there seen my book?
You won’t sell my book in Canada? Why, I’m flattered
At least Amazon has it
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
The sky is not falling
A good thread on the hoax that is Kyoto.