Saturday 30 September 2017

Last night was perfect for harvest. Stars were out


Last night was perfect for harvest. Stars were out

Supposed to rain tomorrow and Monday so that will set stuff back a bit but yesterday and today should be great. May not even get dew.

Friday 29 September 2017

Simple solution, smaller slices served with an option of 2 to start and with third slice available to build a healthy relationship with food through choice. It would give the kids a chance to do a "fullness" check and have variety. It would also allow kids with smaller appetites to eat less without wasting food.School is the place to start using tools like smaller portions on smaller dishes and serving less sugar and salt laden foods.

Simple solution, smaller slices served with an option of 2 to start and with third slice available to build a healthy relationship with food through choice. It would give the kids a chance to do a "fullness" check and have variety. It would also allow kids with smaller appetites to eat less without wasting food.School is the place to start using tools like smaller portions on smaller dishes and serving less sugar and salt laden foods.

Food lunches are certainly difficult. Back in the day, I took a sandwich to school. Now I take a frozen meal to work. Buying lunch was expensive and either processed to death veggies and wierd (to me) north american food like meat loaf or french fries.

I have to laugh at the comments CBC gets. The commenters are Libertarian lite; convinced any government rules are oppression of someone. They would protest mightily if existing universal support programs disappeared.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/pizza-quotas-1.4310563

Wednesday 27 September 2017

So you thought it was funny to teach your parrot or cockatoo how to curse? It's not quite so funny when wild populations start scandalizing bird-watchers with their filthy mouths. (Okay, maybe it is.)

So you thought it was funny to teach your parrot or cockatoo how to curse? It's not quite so funny when wild populations start scandalizing bird-watchers with their filthy mouths. (Okay, maybe it is.)
http://holykaw.alltop.com/escaped-birds-spreading-curse-words-wild

New counter installed

New counter installed

Quite a bit darker than our other one. The biggest obvious difference is the kitchen faucet. It does match the existing tiles though.

Tuesday 26 September 2017

Tomorrow is the big day for new counter tops.

Tomorrow is the big day for new counter tops.

Apparently brown/black is the trendy thing to do. Tomorrow I'll have the picture of the new counters. And a new kitchen faucet. That will finish the "big" stuff.



Owner marketing ploy or sincere support? Signing Kaepernick will be a tell.

Owner marketing ploy or sincere support? Signing Kaepernick will be a tell.

Considering the conservative culture of football, Trump probably just said what most of the owners were thinking anyway. Now they've been put on the spot. Popularity of football has always been a mystery to me. Hockey is popular in Canada but it's not a K12 school activity like football in the US.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4307039

In many ways this is a failure of career counselling - lots of STEM areas not addressed.

In many ways this is a failure of career counselling - lots of STEM areas not addressed.

Science is team work and so is tech. Mixed teams are the most creative (and least stressful) to work in but find your comfort level. Start in a company led by women or build your own with a shadow male associate. Textiles, renewable energy, food science and cosmetics - all tech driven.


http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4300591

Monday 25 September 2017

Pretty well how everyone I talked to felt.

Pretty well how everyone I talked to felt.
https://io9.gizmodo.com/star-trek-discovery-goes-out-boldly-but-we-still-dont-1818714937/amp

Enjoyed the 1st one, happy to give one a miss.

Enjoyed the 1st one, happy to give one a miss.

Vaughn not edgy, just a run of the mill white guy catering to old timey white guys. Blow the head off someone who looks like Obama but too afraid to say anything negative about Trump. Film up close the placement of a tracking device in a woman's genitals. Meh, I know others will enjoy so he won't miss my money.
https://io9.gizmodo.com/kingsman-the-golden-circle-removed-several-references-1818724313/amp

Sunday 24 September 2017

ARGGGGGGG

ARGGGGGGG

Just wasted 45 minutes trying to get a blank spreadsheet to print so I can track bills. At least it's warmed up for dog walking.

What will be the common value system as African and Asian economies grow?

What will be the common value system as African and Asian economies grow?

Just as I have chafed under the glorification of "American" mores, apparently Americans has gotten tired of being the (flawed) adult in the room when it comes to the world stage. It is interesting the see neither US or English citizens recognized the influence their governments wielded; the UN was heavily shaped by US policy and the EU by Britain. Rather than recognize thloss of personal wealth and public service is due to austerity programs put in place after regulation failure that amplified economic inequality, the focus turned to 'ousiders' in their midst. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the US where domestic terrorism has been removed from governmental concerns.

Is the American Empire done? There are certainly challenges ahead. It looks likely there will be decreased fertility as environmental protectionism are gutted (see Flint). Recovery from 2 hurricanes in urban areas will be long and costly. The fires will contribute to health and economic issues. This article looks at two arguments for diminishing of US influence.
https://theintercept.com/2017/09/24/decline-american-empire-donald-trump/

Saturday 23 September 2017

Just settling in for an engrossing evening.

Just settling in for an engrossing evening.

Always strange to encounter local city names. I can tell after reading 2 pages I won't be stopping after this until I've finished the story.

See ya.
https://www.amazon.com/Autonomous-Novel-Annalee-Newitz/dp/0765392070

Human digestion not quite as efficient as bomb calorimeters.

Human digestion not quite as efficient as bomb calorimeters.

But it is a good guide for maximum calories available and shows some labelling is highly inaccurate.
https://youtu.be/hE2lna5Wxuo

How cool is this?

How cool is this?
https://freethoughtblogs.com/affinity/2017/09/23/medieval-shipwrecks-in-the-black-sea/

Calgary would be a great choice!

Calgary would be a great choice!

International airport, wide range of outdoor and indoor activities, affordable housing, lots educational institutions, diverse population. We lived in Calgary for 13 years and I went to SAIT. The Chinooks give me headaches or I would settle there for awhile. Lots of park development for walking and biking.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4302433

Friday 22 September 2017

A great series about family that ended too soon.

A great series about family that ended too soon.

Why do stories with strong women and family elements get cancels before the story is done?
https://www.tor.com/2017/09/22/the-best-continuation-of-the-terminator-saga-has-already-happened-the-sarah-connor-chronicles/

If only my nephews were younger. Looks like fun.

If only my nephews were younger. Looks like fun.

I did race hot wheels and the track racing when I was a kid and this looks like a neat advance. I could also see doing this as an alternative to playing Mario racing on the Wii. Christmas is coming...
https://www.androidcentral.com/you-can-now-race-fast-and-furious-characters-anki-overdrive?amp

Thursday 21 September 2017

[Giveaway] Samsung Galaxy S8 cases (speck and VRS design)

[Giveaway] Samsung Galaxy S8 cases (speck and VRS design)
Holey smokes everybody... I can't believe that not only summer is done, but we're marching straight into fall... and I haven't had much opportunity to sit at my computer desk lately and work on much, but had some time today and just realized on my shelf of ...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/09/giveaway-samsung-galaxy-s8-cases-speck.html

Wednesday 20 September 2017

In Edmonton for appointment. Saw rainbow and 2 moose on drive in.


In Edmonton for appointment. Saw rainbow and 2 moose on drive in.

Concerned as there was snow yesterday and I'm on summer tires. The one recall will take over 3 hours and there's a second one. I have a hybrid Cayenne as a driver. If they had a Macan like that I would be so tempted to trade in.

Minimal balanced bezel are more attractive to me.

Minimal balanced bezel are more attractive to me.
http://www.androidauthority.com/display-notches-vs-bezels-poll-801308/

Nothing like providing a template for another government while failing your citizens by adopting neoliberal values.

Nothing like providing a template for another government while failing your citizens by adopting neoliberal values.

The trashing of the Heritage Fund in the 90s is the equivalent of your parents saving money for you at birth and you living large as soon as you get your hand on it. No one would say that's sound financial planning but it fits in with Puritan work ethics of work until you die, which will hopefully be sooner than the car loan is due.
http://albertapolitics.ca/2017/09/thank-ralph-alberta-awaits-green-apocalypse-norwegian-version-heritage-fund-hits-1-trillion-us/

Tuesday 19 September 2017

Helps with reunification during emergency events


Helps with reunification during emergency events

Targeted reuniting over 800 companion animals with their families in 96 hours.

#AlbertaSPCA

How I'm spending my day.

How I'm spending my day.

Preparation is essential. What to expect during recovery is as well. Mayor's in Alberta can declare limited States of Emergency.
http://www.mylloydminsternow.com/14116/bordering-disaster-conference-helping-people-prepare-plan-large-scale-emergencies/

Monday 18 September 2017

Ah hahaha

Ah hahaha
https://xkcd.com/1891/

Not a 'snowflake' concern. Teaching historical context is difficult and important.

Not a 'snowflake' concern. Teaching historical context is difficult and important.

In this case consistent material and, perhaps some parental warning would be helpful to ensure parents can answer questions. Davis says the workbook leaves out important context needed to understand racism in Canada, such as the function of the Indian Act and the reserve system.

I know this is difficult but topic and age group wise. I give safety training and it can be difficult to remember most people do not do risk injury activities on purpose and the term ignorant can be a loaded a term as stupid. Can't imagine teaching kids social studies.

http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4294224

Sunday 17 September 2017

This song is soooo stuck in my head.

This song is soooo stuck in my head.

And it makes me r-e-a-l-l-y miss Zumba as that's the closest I get to choreographed dance.
https://youtu.be/Yc5OyXmHD0w

Core contributor to Canada.

Core contributor to Canada.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/allen-j-maceachen-remembered-funeral-antigonish-1.4293911?cmp=rss

What facial feature makes South Asians ask if I'm part Indian?

What facial feature makes South Asians ask if I'm part Indian?

First time in a long time I was asked if I was (East) Indian - yay my community is becoming more diverse! The woman who asked really backpedaled when I said "Pardon" then asked, quietly, if I was Pakistani. It must be pretty subtle. Women from Pakistan have asked me in the past. Men, I think, see it but don't say anything. Since I haven't had longer hair since I was a teen, that shouldn't be the give away.

I'm just curious.

Friday 15 September 2017

Seth MacFarlane is interviewed about his new science fiction show “The Orville.” And dang, he is part of the revolution against dystopia addiction. Can’t help liking this guy. Tempts me to re-attach my cable. And for something completely different...

Seth MacFarlane is interviewed about his new science fiction show “The Orville.” And dang, he is part of the revolution against dystopia addiction. Can’t help liking this guy. Tempts me to re-attach my cable. And for something completely different...

https://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/seth-macfarlane-discusses-the-orville-star-trek-and-the-struggle-to-make-science-fiction-funny

...this homage to Diana Rigg (Mrs. Emma Peel) uses Cake’s ‘Long Jacket.’ It reminds me of everything we adored about her, back in the 1960s. Her predecessor on the Avengers was the first female character who fought and spied and kicked-butt on screen. But for most of us, it was Diana Rigg who pioneered the wave of kick-ass heroines. You’ll love her, too!

(The lyrics and images overplay charmingly.)

And yes, someday you should watch a few episodes of The Avengers. We cavemen did have a few way-cool things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idtYckLIZnI

I'm fascinated by the question of how the two former British colonies that share most of this continent evolved in such different directions. This article argues that the cultural differences were determined by the earliest settlers. The U.S. was colonized by religious fundamentalists fleeing government interference; in general, Canadians were, and are, less suspicious of government. It's as good a theory as any to explain why Canada has had a national health care system with broad popular support for about 50 years. The U.S. spends about 50% more per capita on a system that produces worse health outcomes on average, for reasons that seem to boil down to a cultural aversion to government.

I'm fascinated by the question of how the two former British colonies that share most of this continent evolved in such different directions. This article argues that the cultural differences were determined by the earliest settlers. The U.S. was colonized by religious fundamentalists fleeing government interference; in general, Canadians were, and are, less suspicious of government. It's as good a theory as any to explain why Canada has had a national health care system with broad popular support for about 50 years. The U.S. spends about 50% more per capita on a system that produces worse health outcomes on average, for reasons that seem to boil down to a cultural aversion to government.

http://crasstalk.com/2013/12/how-did-the-us-and-canada-end-up-so-different/
http://crasstalk.com/2013/12/how-did-the-us-and-canada-end-up-so-different/

Add DNR to the health information in your mobile device.

Add DNR to the health information in your mobile device.

It's a hard sell anyway. I am on the organ donor registry (are you?) but doctors will frequently ignore your request if family members dispute it. Regardless of what people think, doctors are not ghouls who want to create/manipulate corpses.

I'm at the point that I have lived an a happy life and would rather not have medical resources used to keep me alive. I've told family but think I need to set out exact parameters...and put it in my ICE information.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4288481

It's Friday - yay!

It's Friday - yay!
https://xkcd.com/1890/

Thursday 14 September 2017

Dark Matter "Isn't That A Paradox" bloopers


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKYJNL7Neg4&feature=autoshare

Great series by Paul Cornell

Great series by Paul Cornell

Nice because these are shorter stories. I also enjoy the London Falling series...a lot.
https://www.tor.com/sweepstakes/paul-cornells-lychford-prize-pack-sweepstakes/

I haven't found increased taxes affect my lifestyle.

I haven't found increased taxes affect my lifestyle.

I know, in general, affluent people can feel the pinch of trying to make their budget but they actually have options for reducing their expenses - unlike poor people. Purchase less expensive brands (or just less). I think the thing that irks people is they don't get to choose who is worthy of getting help.

I would rather subsidize people than companies. In my eyes, taxpayers subsidize companies whenever people are not paid a living wage for a 38 hour work week regardless of how it's chopped up.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/tax-changes-inquality-1.4285436

Wednesday 13 September 2017

Increased funding to children's progams should be nice quick fix.

Increased funding to children's progams should be nice quick fix.

I know these things take more time than people can imagine and even funding can be tricky but the state of indigenous communities seems appalling. What is being done to ensure drinking water supplies? Are industrial processes being routed through indigenous communities that wouldn't be permitted through whiter communities? Do we interpret social norms as not caring?
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4286699

Tuesday 12 September 2017

"Exhaust from the diesel engines that propel ships can trigger strong thunderstorms, scientists have found. There is twice as much lightning right above two heavily trafficked shipping channels in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea than in nearby areas with similar climates, their study shows.

"Exhaust from the diesel engines that propel ships can trigger strong thunderstorms, scientists have found. There is twice as much lightning right above two heavily trafficked shipping channels in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea than in nearby areas with similar climates, their study shows.

The research is important for understanding how manmade particle pollution can affect storms and lightning, as well as the planet’s climate.
[...]
Researchers hadn’t previously established a link between particle pollution and the frequency and intensity of thunderstorms. Filling in that gap in our understanding was critical because lightning kills people, damages structures, causes wildfires, and converts nitrogen to smog-producing nitrogen oxides."
https://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/environment/shipping-triggers-more-lightning

We always went for the 5yr fixed mortgage.

We always went for the 5yr fixed mortgage.

The terms were not the lowest but it was great for budgeting. Overpaying on bi-weekly payments on the shortest term we could afford pulled back the amount of interest paid and allowed us to pay it off in year 13 instead of year 25. Of course our goal was very different than those looking to maximize their available cash.
http://www.moneysense.ca/spend/real-estate/canadians-hurrying-to-lock-down-five-year-fixed-rate-mortgage/

Monday 11 September 2017

Back to school means snacks!


Back to school means snacks!

I'm more of a fruit snacker but yum bell peppers.

Aging is not fun


Aging is not fun

For some reason it's taking 4 days to recover from doing biceps again. I felt unwell for most of August so I missed a lot of classes and didn't do much else. Even squats hurt. Getting back to working out will hurt.

If you ever doubted self regulation was code for me and my buddies...

If you ever doubted self regulation was code for me and my buddies...

The government can't do the press accreditation - that seems fair and right. To determine who should - they get a retired journalist to review the situation and then adopt all the advised policies. That has to be unnerving. It would take time to spin up an accreditation system when you are used to just taking money for memberships.

Journalism is shifting. Much of mainstream media echoes press releases and does little analysis. Or they are very biased and reluctant to admit it. There is a lot of political comentary by non-professionals. I wouldn't want to be implementing an accreditation body at this point.

http://albertapolitics.ca/2017/09/outraged-rebel-shut-alberta-legislature-press-gallery-wont-help-role-said-government-must-drop/

Sunday 10 September 2017

For me the Daydream, no question

For me the Daydream, no question

I was going to write a comparison for Android Coliseum​ but I just didn't use it enough over summer. I do like how reliable the Daydream is. Since I'm not on Facebook I have it disabled so there are some hoops everytime I go to use the Gear VR. Plus I don't really like that my S8 has to be plugged into the headset. lf I want to use the Daydream, I just slide the controller out and my S8 into place. I was concerned about focus because I have mono vision from corrective eye surgery. It's been no problem. I did buy a game game for the Daydream, once I start buying I'm committed.
https://www.vrheads.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-gear-vr-vs-daydream?amp

yep


yep

Coming right after all the news and leaks in connection with the final version of iOS 11 this weekend, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, of KGI Securities, has a new report that offers details on the color options for Apple’s upcoming flagship iPhone — now expected to be called the “iPhone X.” In short, while there will be multiple colors for … Continue reading

Coming right after all the news and leaks in connection with the final version of iOS 11 this weekend, well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, of KGI Securities, has a new report that offers details on the color options for Apple’s upcoming flagship iPhone — now expected to be called the “iPhone X.” In short, while there will be multiple colors for … Continue reading
https://www.slashgear.com/expect-your-iphone-x-to-have-black-bezels-on-the-front-10499001/

Time to remove the manual option for headlights.

Time to remove the manual option for headlights.

The Macan has 3 headlights options. Off, daytime running and auto. There should just be a special off switch for mechanics. They frequently get turned off during service and can be easy to forget to turn on while under urban lighting conditions.

BTW daytime running lights are awesome for increased visibility, especially dawn and dusk.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4279458

It would be awesome if after a visit, teachers would do a fact check exercise with students.

It would be awesome if after a visit, teachers would do a fact check exercise with students.

Perhaps this would get young people motivated to vote and understand empty promises in the real world.


http://albertapolitics.ca/2017/09/political-words-elementary-school-audiences-couldve-shouldve-teaching-moment-literally/

Today and yesterday

Today and yesterday

Yesterday was pretty sunny even with the smoke. Today less smoke but wind and it rained overnight. Glad I paid attention to the weather forecast and did outside stuff yesterday.

Saturday 9 September 2017

To me it's always been a mistake how small business advocates for big business breaks

To me it's always been a mistake how small business advocates for big business breaks

Small business, especially small professional (dr, lawyer or plumber) can be very expensive to run especially if they want to pay staff a living wage. If Alberta can do it the Feds should be able to as well.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4281038

Warm windless day so around the lake we went.


Warm windless day so around the lake we went.

Not a lot of these perfect days left.

Thursday 7 September 2017

Thor looks like fun.

Thor looks like fun.

This and GOTG are the only parrs of the Marvel series we make an effort to see on the big screen.
http://io9.gizmodo.com/somehow-the-new-thor-ragnarok-trailer-is-even-crazier-1797163504

Who stands up for the 1 in 6 male targets of domestic abuse?

Who stands up for the 1 in 6 male targets of domestic abuse?

In Britain it's the Men and Boys Coalition. Building on strides feminists made in identifying domestic abuse as not just "a private affair" this coalition is now pushing government to identify and provide resources specifically to help men and boys who have been sexually assaulted/abused. It's past time to get rid of the sexism built into how we view violence and targets of violence. Society must finally admit women can be abusers not just victims so everyone needing help to recover gets what they need.

Yes I am a feminist, no I don't find this group to be a conflict.
https://freethoughtblogs.com/hetpat/2017/09/07/male-victims-the-cps-and-the-latest-chapter-in-the-saga/

For Dark Matter fans!

For Dark Matter fans!
https://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2017/09/06/september-6-2017-dark-matter-fandom-at-your-battle-stations/

This is what innovation looks like.

This is what innovation looks like.

It will take some time to totally transition from oil. In the mean time minimizing health and safety concerns during transportation is essential. And reusing coal cars is a great repurposing of existing assets.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/bitumen-balls-pellets-pipelines-rail-train-transport-energy-alberta-technology-1.4277320

Tuesday 5 September 2017

PSA: US Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment: November 1 - December 15, 2017


PSA: US Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment: November 1 - December 15, 2017

Open enrollment for 2018 will begin on November 1, 2017, and end on December 15, 2017 in all states that use HealthCare.gov. This applies both on and off-exchange. State-run exchanges have been encouraged to follow the same schedule, although HHS acknowledged that state-run exchanges might run into technical difficulties since the open enrollment schedule was changed late in the game, in April 2017.

Please re-share, as the present U.S. administration have slashed awareness funding.

https://www.healthinsurance.org/faqs/what-are-the-acas-enrollment-periods-and-when-can-i-enroll-outside-of-the-open-enrollment-period/

Start the week with some good news.

Start the week with some good news.

Being prepared is key.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/boaters-found-safe-frobisher-bay-1.4275145?cmp=rss

Sunday 3 September 2017

Birds came back.


Birds came back.

Birds in bushes

Birds in bushes

Milo barked to come in then forgot (or he barked so I would come see all the birds in the lilac). Duffy card scared them off. The bad thing is the occasional clunk of birds hitting the window.

"A contrary ruling could have given the Cheerios maker an exclusive right to yellow boxes of oat cereal." https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/08/general-mills-loses-bid-to-trademark-yellow-color-on-cheerios-box/

"A contrary ruling could have given the Cheerios maker an exclusive right to yellow boxes of oat cereal." https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/08/general-mills-loses-bid-to-trademark-yellow-color-on-cheerios-box/
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2017/08/general-mills-loses-bid-to-trademark-yellow-color-on-cheerios-box/

Consistency and reward get you a happy obedient dog.

Consistency and reward get you a happy obedient dog.

I especially like how he says to make sure to reward in a timely manner - if 1s of good behaviour is the limit - start rewarding that. I've found a clicker to be very helpful but it has to be used correctly. It's to reward behaviour not initiate behaviour like a whistle.

I know I am impatient and lazy about practice so I go to obedience classes with my pups to get trained. Milo and Duffy are older so pretty low key about needing activities. Looking at Milo now, in some ways it's hard to remember I gave up on agility with him because I could not find a reward that worked for him.

h/t Guy Kawasaki​
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=-i52GF2x21k

Yummy vegan breakfast.


Yummy vegan breakfast.

Canada need to adapt these for Arctic communities.

Canada need to adapt these for Arctic communities.

And alternative to solar for the winter months is essential.
https://www.designboom.com/technology/off-grid-box-clean-water-electricity-portable-system-08-30-2017/

It may not be what you think it is. 🍲

It may not be what you think it is. 🍲
http://undrarmr.co/2vyuT7t

On horses

On horses

They must have been glad to be superseded by cars and trucks.
https://freethoughtblogs.com/stderr/2017/09/03/sunday-sermon-military-glory-the-bravest-of-them-all/