Last sunset of 2017.

Last sunset of 2017.

it's cold out or I would have gone to a more horizon style view.

Goal for Alberta government has been diversifying their economy to better weather economic storms better.

Goal for Alberta government has been diversifying their economy to better weather economic storms better.

I moved here in the early 80s. It feels like diversifying the economy from agriculture and oil/gas has been a constant challenge. With the last bust, smaller centres took a big hit because it's so hard to diversify during the good times. I talked to a lot of people who had been in higher paying oil jobs who were now doing service work - steady but lower paying. Seems all regions in Canada acknowledge and struggle with economic diversity.

But this article implies that's not common knowledge. ...capitalist societies have taken as faith that the key to prosperity is specializing in what they’re naturally good at... is diametrically opposed to challenging the status quo and encouraging innovation. Educated elites need to "discover" ...the complexity and diversity of products made in a region tend to be a proxy for the knowledge and know-how of its workforce. This makes workers more valuable and gives them a broader range of career options, upping their bargaining power. By contrast, countries—or regions like Central Appalachia—that make relatively few things tend to constrain people’s opportunities to learn new skills, whether on the job or at school.

I think the actual challenge is transitioning from a raw materials sector - certainly that seems to be the case for the Appalachians.
https://qz.com/1167671/the-100-year-capitalist-experiment-that-keeps-appalachia-poor-sick-and-stuck-on-coal/

Inside track is closed today!

Inside track is closed today!

I had a plan, walk the track for 30 - 40 minutes then pick up some stuff for supper tonight. Nothing fancy because Fred is super sick with a cold. Now it's drift aimlessly strings the house. This is why we're moving somewhere warmer.

Paper is for handing to the recipient.

Paper is for handing to the recipient.

Last time we bought a vehicle, I wrote a cheque at the dealership. We self financed. It never occurred to me to get a bank draft (or even a certified cheque apparently). Mostly I email money. When we got Duffy I direct deposited into the breeder's account and Duffy caught a flight to Calgary. One big ripoff to me is when we do an EFT to the Cook Islands. We pay a fee to send that's not too bad I guess and they pay a fee to receive. It's apparently cheaper than taking a credit card.

I only accept cheques because I can do mobile banking and take a picture.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4457823

The end of the cold snap is in sight.

The end of the cold snap is in sight.

At least it will be warm for the monthly inspection tours.

Dogs have forgotten it's -30 and want to go for a walk.

Dogs have forgotten it's -30 and want to go for a walk.

They were just outside...

Title

We Asked Women in Blue-Collar Workplaces About Harassment. Here Are Their Stories. - The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/29/us/blue-collar-women-harassment.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Centennial challenge remembered.

Centennial challenge remembered.

What a great idea and so much success.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4460638

Have you heard the phrase - play stupid games; win stupid prizes?

Have you heard the phrase - play stupid games; win stupid prizes?

Usually refers to doing something unsafe and getting hurt.

Decriminalized NOT unpunished. Instant license loss is a pretty strong penalty.

Decriminalized NOT unpunished. Instant license loss is a pretty strong penalty.

Full disclosure - I got my car towed immediately for not having up to date stickers on my plate. Yes it cost a lot of money to bail out of the yard; I had to pay OT towing charges because it was a Sunday morning and there was a fine. No criminal charges. I would say I was adequately punished.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/drunk-driving-laws-decriminalize-2018-changes-police-licence-1.4468021

Oh no! I really enjoyed her stuff.

Oh no! I really enjoyed her stuff.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/sue-grafton-obit-1.4467806

Would these help fix water problems in Canadian Indigenous communities?

Would these help fix water problems in Canadian Indigenous communities?

I know things take time and some problems were inherited by the current government but Phoenix needs to be fixed or scrapped and water problems resolved in northern communities.
https://psmag.com/environment/fixing-rural-americas-water-problem

I keep coming back to Paperland Pro live wallpaper.

I keep coming back to Paperland Pro live wallpaper.

Has nice options for holidays and is always improving.

Considering the range of empires, of course everyone was not white. Victors, spoils, etc.

Considering the range of empires, of course everyone was not white. Victors, spoils, etc.

Awesome that there is visual art that showing a range of people integrated into society. Backs up archelogy findings of destroyed cities in Africa. Again victors are pretty good at destroying the history of their opponents. We see it in the recent destruction of ancient statues and buildings that have stood for centuries. It's why opponents have nothing but threats in response.
http://medievalpoc.tumblr.com/

* Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate. It's day 3.*

* Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate. It's day 3.*
https://www.themarysue.com/so-what-exactly-is-kwanzaa/

Stay because...

Stay because...

Visions Under Construction: How many devices is too many?

Visions Under Construction: How many devices is too many?
After hours of rebooting watches, phones and routers, do you still love the technology that surrounds many of us? Are you concerned about security and privacy? Are we living in a geek utopia or headed for a dismal dystopia? What is your vision of how we live this? These are a few of the questions I hope to ask folks who participate.
Wednesday Dec 27th at 4 PM GMT (11AM EST)
This is a Hangout on Air and also will be accessible to express yourself live by phone. More info https://masto.vuc.me <- join and explore VUC Mastodon!
https://www.vuc.me/2017/living-with-smart-devices/

This is wonderful :) When your kids start to figure out that Santa isn't 'real', it's time for them to BECOME Santa.

This is wonderful :) When your kids start to figure out that Santa isn't 'real', it's time for them to BECOME Santa.
https://imgur.com/gallery/qHrK6

-32C for the drive home.

-32C for the drive home.

Doing what you love well enough to get paid is a privilege. And why should you get paid for everything you do?

Doing what you love well enough to get paid is a privilege. And why should you get paid for everything you do?

We have this conversation at work every once in awhile. There are some jobs you couldn't pay me enough to do. There are jobs I will do for pay that I don't enjoy but need to be done. Luckily everyone is different
https://psmag.com/education/turning-kids-into-entrepreneurs

I like them both. The Orville took longer for me to enjoy.

I like them both. The Orville took longer for me to enjoy.

They both had really good 2017 finales, I may have liked the Orville's a bit better.
http://comicbook.com/startrek/2017/12/24/star-trek-discovery-the-orville-jonathan-frakes/

At least there's no wind.

At least there's no wind.

Hotelling it for the in laws visit so walking dogs around outside for bathroom breaks. If you're ever in the Hat, the Hilton is very nice and dogs stay free.

Airport screeners have a not so great job. They should be decently paid.

Airport screeners have a not so great job. They should be decently paid.

I am one of the satisfied customers but I usually travel for leisure. Last time I traveled for business xthe screeners were pleasant and competent but the flights got messed up. It helps to have a bright comfortable waiting area with free wifi ;) I've always precleared in Canada which is nice because if I got denied entry at least I'm at home; sometimes I worry about being in transit. I get regular criminal checks as a first aid instructor so I don't know why I would be denied but there doesn't have to be a reason.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4454734

When I went home for Christmas, I usually went to movies with friends after supper.

When I went home for Christmas, I usually went to movies with friends after supper.

Now I walk the dogs (weather permitting) and watch Dr Who. We also watch the HogFather. What do you do?
http://www.vancouvermom.ca/holiday-2/trending-christmas-day-outings/

Happy Festivus, for the rest of us. =)

Happy Festivus, for the rest of us. =)

Signal Boost

Signal Boost
https://globalnews.ca/news/3932096/netflix-canada-scam/

Looking for some light reading over a long weekend?

Looking for some light reading over a long weekend?

Great introduction to some series and world building.
https://www.amazon.com/Star-Rebels-Stories-Exploration-Adventure/dp/1535430524/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1514034661&sr=1-1

Interesting to read and consider, especially the whole discussion around friend zoning and different expectations between men and women

Interesting to read and consider, especially the whole discussion around friend zoning and different expectations between men and women

Tangible moves towards more renewable resources for Canada.

Tangible moves towards more renewable resources for Canada.

Looks like wind rather than solar will be the deal for Alberta. We have lots of sun hours but with the large shift in daylight hours, wind is more reliable. Need these power installations for the northern communities. Along with good water supply. Infrastructure money needs to be spent.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4455998

Very disappointed with Canada's shift away from official policy. At least abstain.

Very disappointed with Canada's shift away from official policy. At least abstain.

Especially with continued expansion of occupied areas and Israel's treatment of NGO projects that benefit Palastinian villages that are not being serviced.

As for Trump. He's already defunding a lot of international programs and is on track to kill NAFTA anyway. We shouldn't allow him to shouldn't kill our principals when so much has been made of them with the newest version of the TPP. The US should be spending that saved international funding for similar programs (education, sanitation) in poverty stricken states or infrastructure. Instead the government is considering rolling back to gravel roads in some areas where paving has not been maintained.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4459354

Do not watch in the middle of the night if you want to go back to sleep.

Do not watch in the middle of the night if you want to go back to sleep.

Too funny.
https://youtu.be/o1ki-0aITck

I charge my powered on phone at night...science! battery technology! It is in DND mode though.

I charge my powered on phone at night...science! battery technology! It is in DND mode though.

Some wierd beliefs come out on forums (fora?). Like not charging to 100%. That was a temp fix until recall for the Note 7. Spectrometry works best between 25 and 80% because of linear response. I suppose that could apply to batteries but does it matter? The number of charging cycles is way more than a typical user would do. The only charging "rule" that I used to follow was if the battery goes to zero, you have to wall charge it intially. I don't even know if that's true anymore. With wireless charging there's not reason to go to zero.

Powering off? I try to remember to power off (as opposed to restart) monthly? Definitely not every night but I do position devices so I can't see the charging LED.

What habits do you have with your mobile device?
https://www.androidcentral.com/do-you-turn-your-phone-night

The more things change the more they stay the same.

The more things change the more they stay the same.

This went dark quickly.
https://play.google.com/music/m/Tybhhyeeylynecrgsoxkbr2guoq?t=If_We_Make_It_Through_December_-_Merle_Haggard

In case you think Canadian Conservatives are fundamentally different - nope.

In case you think Canadian Conservatives are fundamentally different - nope.

Not just giving Conservatives a bad name for lying over simple traffic incidents but also hunters. Nice work. Maybe he'll join hands wth the Ontario jerk that killed pet pigs...that were in their yard.

To make it utterly clear, I understand animals die (and are eaten). I am against hunters who don't respect hunting rules, torment their prey by excessive chasing and/or poor shooting and don't eat or donate the meat.
http://albertapolitics.ca/2017/12/derek-fildebrandts-hit-run-fine-402-political-tariff-likely-much-steeper/

Clothing and furniture could have unexpected pesticide levels. At least wash kids clothes before they wear them.

Clothing and furniture could have unexpected pesticide levels. At least wash kids clothes before they wear them.

It is important to prevent pest entry into Canada but not at the price of personal health. Labeling laws like the EU would help and should be easy for manufacturers to supply since they already do the a market.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4445227

A parent can be an example of healthy habits that don't include scales.

A parent can be an example of healthy habits that don't include scales.

I weigh in each day because it motivates me. I wouldn't do it in front of a child or encourage it in a child. Instead I would provide healthy snacks and do fun physical activities. Treats would be rare and small servings. And small dishes and cutlery.
http://www.weightymatters.ca/2017/12/nothing-good-can-ever-come-from.html

A laugh before sleeping.

A laugh before sleeping.
https://youtu.be/qmekjjVjNL0

Plastic or metal edge? Do you have both?

Plastic or metal edge? Do you have both?

We have worn out plastic ones right now. Great for the deck, not so good for the driveway.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/snow-shovels-winter-canada-1.4444423

Our biggest giveaway to date is live!!! Here's your chance to win a free Android Wear watch from WearableNotification and Android Unfiltered!

Our biggest giveaway to date is live!!! Here's your chance to win a free Android Wear watch from WearableNotification and Android Unfiltered!
https://buff.ly/2oqzcyp

98% of people have experienced this.

98% of people have experienced this.
http://wef.ch/2CpfdmE

Mexico becoming a tariff free zone like Singapore? Interesting.

Mexico becoming a tariff free zone like Singapore? Interesting.

I don't know what the Singapore economy is built on. And it seems to be a small, tightly controlled zone. Most likely post NAFTA would look like pre-NAFTA with a lot less trade with the US it the product doesn't rely on supply chains.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/nafta-mexico-trade-election-1.4451904

Undocumented people should not be able to get a SIN to pay taxes.

Undocumented people should not be able to get a SIN to pay taxes.

People make so many assumptions about their status then run into problems later. This should be a slam dunk citizenship case since they have her history.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4444819

With the #OpenBeta of #WearableNotifications around the corner, decided to do a quick giveaway of 3 Android Wear devices!

With the #OpenBeta of #WearableNotifications around the corner, decided to do a quick giveaway of 3 Android Wear devices!
1 for Google+, 1 for Twitter & 1 for Instagram.

To enter the Google Plus giveaway (must do all to qualify):
1) Follow me (Wearable Notifications)
2) +1 this Post> https://plus.google.com/u/3/103433675334550197882/posts/d4MBGNvDGZc
3) Comment on this Post> https://plus.google.com/u/3/103433675334550197882/posts/d4MBGNvDGZc
4) Reshare this Post Publicly> https://plus.google.com/u/3/103433675334550197882/posts/d4MBGNvDGZc
That's it!

To enter the Twitter giveaway (must do all to qualify):
1) Follow me (WearableNotify) > https://twitter.com/WearableNotify
2) Like this Tweet> https://twitter.com/WearableNotify/status/941347464849715200
3) Comment on this Tweet> https://twitter.com/WearableNotify/status/941347464849715200
4) Reshare this Tweet> https://twitter.com/WearableNotify/status/941347464849715200
That's it!

To enter the Instagram giveaway (must do all to qualify):
1) Follow me (WearableNotifications) > https://www.instagram.com/wearablenotifications/
2) Like this Post> https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwEhiLFvMv/
3) Comment on this Post> https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwEhiLFvMv/
That's it!

There is pretty much only 1 Rule - you must complete all of the steps to qualify for that section's giveaway.
For example, if you don't have Twitter or Instagram, that's fine, you can do the Google+ giveaway but you need to do all 4 things to qualify for that Similarly, all 4 of Twitters steps to qualify for the Twitter giveaway or all 3 of the Instagram steps to qualify for the Instagram giveaway.
That's it!
No restrictions, so if you have an account for Google+, Twitter & Instagram, you're welcome to enter each of the giveaways #MoreTheMerrier just be sure to do everything required.

Oh & I'll also be shipping internationally so it's open to everyone!
Entries start now until 12pm noon PST on Sunday Dec 17th & I'll announce the winners on the links I posted above.

Good luck everyone!

The only saving grace is Millard is already convicted of the Bosma murder.

The only saving grace is Millard is already convicted of the Bosma murder.

Sometimes a judges hands are tied; perhaps it's time to get require lawyers in certain types of criminal cases to ensure impartiality. I think Millard is self - representing because it's his last chance to be cruel and brutal to the people involved with the Laura Babcock.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/babcock-witnesses-millard-self-represent-1.4442636

Do you prefer to shop in-store or online?

Do you prefer to shop in-store or online?
https://mobilesyrup.com/2017/12/12/canadians-prefer-physical-shopping-then-online/?utm_content=buffer8f287&utm_medium=social&utm_source=plus.google.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Dog

Dog

A game show I would watch.
https://youtu.be/zYlFGYwpltc

This is a damn good summary of my own view of markets -- I lean towards the ecological interpretation of them. With the possible exception of the last part. Trust and cooperation are nice, but competition is also a thing.

This is a damn good summary of my own view of markets -- I lean towards the ecological interpretation of them. With the possible exception of the last part. Trust and cooperation are nice, but competition is also a thing.
https://twitter.com/EvonomicsMag/status/939691620345184256

I can't look at my summer pictures of the Belugas and Chester.

I can't look at my summer pictures of the Belugas and Chester.

I know there are people who think everyone should just get on a whaling watching boat to get out to see whales. I couldn't do that because I'd be too busy being sick. Many couldn't afford over $100 per person. However rescued mammals who would not survive release could be looked after and provide contact not otherwise available. Visiting the Vancouver Aquarium prompted me to want to be a marine biologist as a child. I'm sure visits inspire others as well.
https://www.aquablog.ca/2017/12/how-do-you-love-a-whale/

Rich dot Com and Wexler are so similar

Rich dot Com and Wexler are so similar

So much fun.

All of a sudden the wind is up.

All of a sudden the wind is up.

Glad I got out with the dogs earlier

Curve your enthusiasm and find another escape goat!

Curve your enthusiasm and find another escape goat!
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/most-misused-phrases-words-english-language-uk-revealed-to-be-pacific-a8098791.html

Alexa pre-order arrived today. Speaker quality is definitely better.

Alexa pre-order arrived today. Speaker quality is definitely better.

Initial impressions. Set up was a bit more complicated with turning off and on the WiFi. The SmartThings Skill is better than the way Google works. I have a couple dual outlet plugs and Alexa will control them separately. The nice thing is once you set up one time, as long as you log in the same for each additional device it connects well.

We both like that Google says what it just did; Alexa just says ok...very loudly.

Alberta government education campaign.

Alberta government education campaign.

Preparation for cannabis legalization.
https://saferoads.com/campaign/spot-the-difference?utm_source=BELL&utm_medium=728x90&utm_content=A1_Alberta_Impaired_Influencer_C01&utm_campaign=2017DecemberImpairedDriving

is this thing on?

Ever happen to you? It happened to us. Frustrating.

Ever happen to you? It happened to us. Frustrating.

in the article one scammer says another says. “It doesn’t seem to equal the harm that was done to him.” Really? The organization threatened his wife, sibling and parents with debt collection (oh and rape!). What do you think is proportional?
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-12-06/millions-are-hounded-for-debt-they-don-t-owe-one-victim-fought-back-with-a-vengeance

This happened to us - we said send us the bill we'll pay it. They didn't, we didn't.

This happened to us - we said send us the bill we'll pay it. They didn't, we didn't.

We're lucky as we had a good financial reputation and could hold out for the 7 years this fake debt registered. It was linked to a phone number we had disconnected prior to the date of the supposed call. It's more intimidating than those CRA calls because they seem to be calling from a collecting arm of Equifax. Is that even a thing?
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2017-12-06/millions-are-hounded-for-debt-they-don-t-owe-one-victim-fought-back-with-a-vengeance

Sometimes the key to a stronger core isn’t a “core” exercise at all.

Sometimes the key to a stronger core isn’t a “core” exercise at all.
http://undrarmr.co/2knUuLE

I think we all expect to lose control of messages after we send them. That's why information changes based on medium and levels of trust.

I think we all expect to lose control of messages after we send them. That's why information changes based on medium and levels of trust.

I understand where privacy advocates are coming from but even with revenge porn and cyber bullying for criminal charges it's best to have direct sources of information. A reasonable expectation, to me, excludes authorities but cannot be the only evidence.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4437469

Perhaps working towards positive goals rather than negative reactions?

Perhaps working towards positive goals rather than negative reactions?

Hard to do when fundamentals like women's automony is at risk.
https://psmag.com/social-justice/how-leftist-activists-can-avoid-burnout-under-trump

The Art of Translating Science

The Art of Translating Science
When trying to explain complex ideas to non-experts, mere simplification may not be the most effective strategy
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/the-art-of-translating-science/

The Space Traders is prescient and tragic.

The Space Traders is prescient and tragic.

While the US is not as in dire need of saving as it is in the story, the events after the Traders land is parallel to the 2016 election. In the end, the white people clumped together to ensure they benefit first without knowing or caring about an entire demonized population. See for yourself.

http://whgbetc.com/the-space-traders.pdf

Part of me hopes they are swept away to a heavenly place and the poorer white people now get to be the most vilified for being poor and other countries isolate the US for their actions. Because it's fiction.
https://www.tor.com/2017/12/06/old-and-cold-the-space-traders-by-derrick-bell/

It's already December 6th in Finland, even if we're a few hours away here in Oregon.

It's already December 6th in Finland, even if we're a few hours away here in Oregon.

And for you non-Finnish people, that matters because it's the Finnish independence day - and an even one this years.

100 years, people.

Unless you are made to go to clubs or dancers are kidnapped and made to perform, what's the problem?

Unless you are made to go to clubs or dancers are kidnapped and made to perform, what's the problem?

Disclosure - I went to the odd strip club and "Ladies night" event in my early 20s.

In Vancouver you could go to bars where there was strippers after 3 pm. Women could make some money (because strippers were women), patrons could spend some money. There was no touching, the entertainment was like a TV (watch if you want to) the music was usually ok. The worse was heckling and if I was with a group it would speak up against that behaviour . I could observe other group; men seemed to be treating it as a background.

Women on the other hand. I went to a couple ladies nights and a lot of the talent was poor (dancers that couldn't keep a beat!?!) and the women were even grabbier and embarrassing to be around. No wonder women are against strip clubs is that's what they act like when they attend an event.

The idea of consent and equality is hard to work towards when one part of society is considered incapable of making reasoned choices like choosing stripping commercial dancing. For the event tagged - I do find the "private sessions" problematic but as long as there's a clear payment structure and no cohersion. While I find the women flogging extra drinks to be enforcing gender norms - again, hopefully she is well paid.

Recipients should be aware of how the donations are raised though.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4432561

Time for an update on my S8

Time for an update on my S8

What does this Android fan want for Christmas

What does this Android fan want for Christmas
Okay, I've been asked by so many groups if I'm doing a 'gift guide' (I don't) and by my family a 'what do you want for Christmas' that I think I'm going to have to combine the 2 into one article here. Now, some of these are items that I already have, so I'm...
http://www.androidcoliseum.com/2017/12/what-does-this-android-fan-want-for.html

The full breakdown of the "definitions of sexual harassment" study. This is depressing.

The full breakdown of the "definitions of sexual harassment" study. This is depressing.
https://www.barna.com/research/behaviors-americans-count-as-harassment/?utm_source=Barna+Update+List&utm_campaign=59e62a6e6f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_11_28&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8560a0e52e-59e62a6e6f-172176865&mc_cid=59e62a6e6f&mc_eid=2a2e4e2893

It's a farm, farms produce food. I support humane farm practices.

It's a farm, farms produce food. I support humane farm practices.

I think being in a petting zoo would be optimal as long as the animals are not terrified before a quick painless slaughter. So no kosher or halal products for me and I've really cut back on meats and eat vegan at home. I see lots of cows around here ranchers seem into humane practices and sustainability. some of the inhumane industrial pig farm practices are outlawed in Canada and free run chickens are quite available.

I know I am privileged both in time and money to be able to make these choices. Coop urban farm opportunities could bring some of these opportunities to low income urban dwellers.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/p-e-i-island-hill-farm-goat-meat-1.4420310

Insightful editor, very grounded view.

Insightful editor, very grounded view.

Wide ranging interview because wide ranging experience.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.2667886

Changed the fixtures in the bathroom. OMG light!

Changed the fixtures in the bathroom. OMG light!

Cool

Cool
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4428833

You can take money from your RRSP any time, it is just taxable income.

You can take money from your RRSP any time, it is just taxable income.


Paying taxes helps you rethink robbing your own future. While it may seem wise to incur debt on behalf of your kids early, remember you could be creating a burden for your family later.
http://www.macleans.ca/economy/surprise-realtors-want-you-to-be-able-to-raid-your-rrsp-to-buy-your-kid-a-house/