Wednesday 31 January 2018

18 months is long enough to have your say.

18 months is long enough to have your say.

Its not like the word change is awkward. In "all of us" rather than "all our sons" sound pretty similar when mumbling along.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4513317

Ergonomics matter.


Ergonomics matter.

I have a hard copy of my calendar for quick glances at the beginning of the day but it's not quick if the calendar starts on an unexpected day. I struggle with this for January and am now giving up and putting up something that starts Sunday.

I have struggled with time since I started this job 20 years ago.

Saw the lunar eclipse on the way to work.


Saw the lunar eclipse on the way to work.

Saw it had cleared up when I let Duffy out around 3. The moon was casting such bright shadows. -25C so I didn't get a picture. Used the Google assistant broadcast feature to remind Fred to take a look.

Must read for people wanting to get into US politics. The DNC must stop looking like it's main focus is money when looking at candidates.

Must read for people wanting to get into US politics. The DNC must stop looking like it's main focus is money when looking at candidates.

This is great because it shows how the candidate felt and got very good responses from the elected official he had interacted with. The impressions the candidate had and the impressions he left with others. Of course there are miscommunications but I consider the elected official to be like management - you have to check in to see how people are doing and encourage then so the voters have the beset choices available not just the ones who can fundraise.

It does seem like the system is skewed towards grinding down people with principles though.
https://theintercept.com/2018/01/31/democratic-party-political-fundraising-dccc/

Monday 29 January 2018

I remember car loans at over 20% and being pumped when our mortgage rate dropped below 10%

I remember car loans at over 20% and being pumped when our mortgage rate dropped below 10%

We always locked in to the 5 year fixed and over paid. This really has been an amazing run of low interest rates. Forces people into higher risk retirement investments.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4505207

This seems cool.

This seems cool.

I already trust my information to the US via Google so ...
https://www.itbusiness.ca/news/canada-to-pilot-new-blockchain-powered-digital-identity-prototype-for-air-travel-unveiled-in-davos/98758

Sunday 28 January 2018

I don't worry about version updates from Samsung as long as I get security updates.

I don't worry about version updates from Samsung as long as I get security updates.

Samsung usually has so much already there I don't really notice big improvements after the update or a big change in the interface. Everyone is different but I've learned to chill. Maybe because my UAE S6 got updated so early.
https://www.androidcentral.com/unbearable-slowness-samsungs-updates?amp

tinkering with home screens

tinkering with home screens

ActionLauncher and edge apps. I think more usable for me.


Grey growth.

Grey growth.
http://wef.ch/2DLTedg

In some respects, an eccentric. In other respects, you don't get more typically Swedish or, to be more accurate, more typically a smålänning. He was both controversial and utterly anonymous. An elderly man in a blue denim work shirt and battered, faded khaki pants eating the daily special in a worn out lunch restaurant in a small town in rural Sweden. And one of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen of post WWII period.

In some respects, an eccentric. In other respects, you don't get more typically Swedish or, to be more accurate, more typically a smålänning. He was both controversial and utterly anonymous. An elderly man in a blue denim work shirt and battered, faded khaki pants eating the daily special in a worn out lunch restaurant in a small town in rural Sweden. And one of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen of post WWII period.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/28/obituaries/ingvar-kamprad-dies.html

Friday 26 January 2018

I must admit I'm surprised Boeing didn't get their way

I must admit I'm surprised Boeing didn't get their way

After all the Commerce Department encouraged the lawsuit even though Boeing is making record profits. But the US is open for business - as long as you want to fight every step of the way against tariffs designed to prevent any competition.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-panel-says-bombardier-jet-sales-didnt-harm-boeing-1516995876

If you come in contact with a bat, or are bitten by any animal, start the #rabies vaccination protocol.

If you come in contact with a bat, or are bitten by any animal, start the #rabies vaccination protocol.

The rabies viruses are slow enough acting that post contact vaccination can give your body the boost it needs to develop antibodies to overwhelm the viruses. And the protocol has changed. It used to be a painful abdominal series but now is in the arm like all other vaccinations. Still a multi injection situation.
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/a-preventable-infection-claims-the-life-of-a-6-year-old-florida-child/

Wednesday 24 January 2018

Our Groceries is a reliable simple shopping app I've used for years

Our Groceries is a reliable simple shopping app I've used for years

I live it because it's simple and shareable across android, iOS and through a browser. And the handy app is even more handy now that it works with Google Home. You can set a default list then just tell google (which I would like an actual name associated with) to ask Our Groceries to add an item. This will make list making so much easier.

You should try it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.headcode.ourgroceries&hl=en

Join In Daily. #joinindaily with Johnny Wills​


Join In Daily. #joinindaily with Johnny Wills​

Today's theme is "Pillars or Pillows!"

I picked pillows😁

Tuesday 23 January 2018

This is made more hilarious by us having an NDP government with Notley at the head.

This is made more hilarious by us having an NDP government with Notley at the head.

There is a load of military bases in Alberta. I wouldn't believe the gun ownership rates though. Saskatchewan probably has more they're just unregistered. And the British based isn't a secret, Prince Harry was there for awhile.

This is super funny and Kenney is a douche.
http://nationalpost.com/news/canada/how-a-literal-war-would-play-out-between-alberta-and-saskatchewan

NOOOOOO

NOOOOOO
https://www.tor.com/2018/01/23/ursula-k-le-guin-1929-2018/

Just eating less is an ineffective strategy. It is a lifestyle change and even then you may only be able to stabilize your weight.

Just eating less is an ineffective strategy. It is a lifestyle change and even then you may only be able to stabilize your weight.

One good thing about the wave of obesity is the amount of research being done that can help combat the lure of food marketing and processing.

vast body of scientific literature that tells us that body weight is a tightly regulated physiological variable and that there are a host of complex neuroendocrine responses that will defend our bodies against long-term weight loss

Prevention of weight gain in the first place is key as it's weight you don't have to lose. Healthy eating habits early on and food access is important. As it being able to cook quick simple meals. Food logging can be handy and I do use it to assess how much I'm snacking. I also weight log because it's easy (WiFi scales FTW) because I think 3 pounds doesn't "stick" right away - here's my magical thinking - so if I can check what I've done to make a change I can prevent that being a permanent gain.

Actually I've found being content with life means I've found a good level of activity which positively affects my eating style.
http://www.drsharma.ca/counting-calories-for-weight-loss-more-of-the-same

Don't police have discretion on whether they give a ticket or a warning? This is how not to community police

Don't police have discretion on whether they give a ticket or a warning? This is how not to community police

When we lived in Swift Current my best friend's spouse was an RCMP member. The biggest perk I remember, other than getting to go to the policeman's ball and sit with members, was getting out home watched. One time a car appeared parked on the very end of our driveway. For days. After a week I casually mentioned that it was strange that no one came and asked but it must be a neighbour. The guy said he ran the plates the first day it appeared and knew how it was connected to a neighbour. SC was a weird place, entitled towards people "not from there".
https://nypost.com/2018/01/21/police-union-slashes-number-of-get-out-of-jail-free-cards-issued/

Monday 22 January 2018

I laughed - this is pretty awesome.

I laughed - this is pretty awesome.
h/t Mitch Wagner
http://www.everywhereist.com/a-letter-to-my-husband-regarding-the-milk-he-left-out-all-night/?utm_content=bufferacd02

Me as the dogs age. sigh.

Me as the dogs age. sigh.
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/IHasAHotdog/~3/MqIn6wa7Lqg/9117863680

Unless it's built into government mandates, it's very difficult to effectively make time for health.

Unless it's built into government mandates, it's very difficult to effectively make time for health.

From the article We need policies that will help make healthier lifestyles occur by default, or that make purposeful changes easier or more valuable. Whether those changes are sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, front-of-package health claim reforms, banning advertising that targets children, improved school food policies and programs, zoning laws affected where fast food and convenience stores are located and more, there are no shortage of options.

I see this constantly. Where are convenience stores with tasty cheap fatty foods? Adjacent to schools. New mothers start well with coming back to work out if there is babysitting until kids start their activities then we don't see them regularly for a decade and it's not because they've been working out elsewhere. Personally I would like to see serving sizes in restaurants change or takeaway containers come be available on the table at all times. I always ask for one and put half my meal away for later but we frequently think - hey we could have shared that meal after we're finished (this is compounded by Fred eating vegan). Central parkades and very visible stairs would also help although there is the tension between encouraging activity and being disabled friendly.

I recently moved offices. I used to be upstairs where I had to do stairs for bathroom and printer use. Now I have the printer in my office and the bathroom is 10 steps away. It's hard to remember to walk around for no purpose. What do you think would make things easier to increase activity through the day?
http://www.weightymatters.ca/2018/01/check-your-privilege-before-talking.html

Sunday 21 January 2018

I've heard of hat head but...


I've heard of hat head but...

Oh no a shoe site through e-bates!

Oh no a shoe site through e-bates!

I shop a lot on line (which will have to stop soon). I think it's a substitute for snacking. Today it was stuff for our trip and ... I'll just pretend it was all for our trip. Quick browse and I'll step away from the money pit:)
https://www.fitflop.com/ca/en/shop/womens-new-arrivals-view-all-ca

Do you carry entertainment that's not on your phone?

Do you carry entertainment that's not on your phone?

I read a lot on vacation and it's great because I can have 10 books on my tablet without having to worry about luggage weight and preload a bunch of magazines. We don't have our regular internet access so connectivity isn't an issue. Our travel time can be long though (24 hours from home to the Cook Islands) so power could be a consideration. That's when I hit the airport book store. I also buy books at the Bounty Bookstore (Rarotonga) because they have a very different selection than I usually see.

Mental preparedness is important too.
https://www.androidcentral.com/when-you-have-shut-it-down-you-realize-how-much-you-rely-your-phone

It's not enough to identify a problem, solutions must be developed.

It's not enough to identify a problem, solutions must be developed.

From the article ...But the same set of circumstances that led to the uprisings in the first place continue to exist. I don't think one has to be employed in order to be productive but one still needs ways to contribute to the community. Islam has a tradition of prayer and charitable works integral to their worship - just like Christianity and Judaism. Too frequently leaders focus on prayer instead of charitable works that build community.


https://theintercept.com/2018/01/21/isis-defeated-syria-iraq-islamic-state/

Very complex problem and impossible without assistance from the home country.

Very complex problem and impossible without assistance from the home country.

When I think of refugees, I think how hard it would be to implement a policy within Canada where people would have to move to areas where their work skill is needed. Most people just don't want to leave their homes, much less country. Perhaps a flat $20k relocation allowance that must be repaid if there is any further attempt to immigrate? People must have something to go back to so governments need to have more structured and accountable assistance in home countries.


http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4493727

Saturday 20 January 2018

Conservatives in Canada lie too and bluster when called on it. Their constituents seem to like it.

Conservatives in Canada lie too and bluster when called on it. Their constituents seem to like it.

Supposedly Alberta was banning SK plates on work sites. When asked to provide proof, SK government declined. And SK had been trying to lure businesses out of Alberta with tax breaks, under the table of course because that's against interprovincial trade rules.

With the plate thing, people living here in town couldn't work for the City because some facilities are on the Saskatchewan side. And rather than face the people they would be affecting they want to meet in Medicine Hat. We have a Conservative MLA but he's not as right wing inhuman as the MLAs down south.
http://nationalpost.com/news/politics/alberta-and-saskatchewan-are-in-a-trade-war-over-license-plates-yep-license-plates

Above or below 30 mph at impact? tip - ke=1/2mv^2.

Above or below 30 mph at impact? tip - ke=1/2mv^2.

So I thought in terms of braking distance and really didn't have a good grasp of how that related to speed. Glad I have all those airbags.

edited to add spoiler - You would still be going faster than 70 at time of impact.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=TEo3wXk4m7M&u=/watch?v%3Di3D7XYQExt0%26feature%3Dshare

Lucas be careful!

Lucas be careful!

And those taps are just what I'm looking for.
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=pCYnTp9vKIA&u=/watch?v%3DieIeBWulAiQ%26feature%3Dshare

Not ok to shame women on how many children they have.

Not ok to shame women on how many children they have.

Having one less child does more for our planet than any recycling but that needs to be a matter of ensuring all pregnancies are deliberate and families have access to clean water, sanitary living conditions and education within the community.

I know a few people who have an astounding (to me that's more than 3) number of children. It's their choice and in the cases I know, both parents are heavily involved in their family. It's a choice they made and seem to be happy with.


http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4491812

Yet another thing to be aware of as our parents age.

Yet another thing to be aware of as our parents age.

Yep there are crap people around who prey on seniors. In provinces other than Alberta and BC, using marriage nullifies an existing will so it very easy for predators to profit. Making it necessary to write a new will or take out a life insurance policy on the partner increases the likelihood of a cognitive check.

Things have really changed in my lifetime - much more so for my parents generation. No wonder they are so vulnerable to scams and find it difficult to extricate themselves.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4494751

If you're interested in a smartwatch that's more than smartwatch in hardware, you've yet to shell out for Shell.

If you're interested in a smartwatch that's more than smartwatch in hardware, you've yet to shell out for Shell.
http://pocketnow.com/2018/01/20/shell-wants-to-turn-smartwatch-cases-into-full-smartphones

Thursday 18 January 2018

I am so looking forward to this!

I am so looking forward to this!

I love Sam and Dean and look forward to MORE stories from this world.
https://www.themarysue.com/wayward-sisters-supernatural-timing/

Mounting a rearview mirror on the bicyclist's wrist is actually kind of clever. It certainly avoids the mechanical problems associated with thin rods sticking out of the handlebar, and there's an obvious way to adjust its position as the situation may demand.

Mounting a rearview mirror on the bicyclist's wrist is actually kind of clever. It certainly avoids the mechanical problems associated with thin rods sticking out of the handlebar, and there's an obvious way to adjust its position as the situation may demand.

I wonder how well this works in practice.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Polarized-Cycling-Outdoor-Sports-Bicycle-Glassespersol-Bike-Sunglasses-Color-Filter-Driving-Racing-Goggles-Eyewear-5-Lens/1693805676.html

Perfect use of technology.

Perfect use of technology.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4492631

Dear anti-abortion activists - when society demands you get an abortion against your will, we'll talk.

Dear anti-abortion activists - when society demands you get an abortion against your will, we'll talk.

The government is not inflicting a set of religious values on group but preventing groups from inflicting their values on others. I'm happy to let pregnant people make health decisions without inserting some else's unrequested values. If that makes you unable to apply for this particular funding so be it.

I'm happy to let God sort things out, why aren't you? For all we know heaven is crowded with generous, happy, sin-free beings who never had to be exposed to the ugliness of humanity.

http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4491602

Tuesday 16 January 2018

Started watching Happy

Started watching Happy

This is surprisingly enjoyable. Although very violent.
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt2452242/

Biometrics just a little more secure for using tap to pay

Biometrics just a little more secure for using tap to pay

I have to admit I love that Samsung Pass lets me using my fingerprint instead of passwords for my phone if the app doesn't have it built in. I would love to see tap with biometric.
https://www.itbusiness.ca/news/canadians-hate-passwords-using-them-wrong-ready-for-biometrics-instead-visa/98173?utm_source=enews&utm_campaign=itbother&utm_medium=newsletter&scid=47d9fed3-763e-a4c8-a438-4e60143d78de

Who will move first to punish? Canada or China?

Who will move first to punish? Canada or China?

The Real Estate oversight board should move quickly and fine the realtor. It would pay for itself quickly. Then the realtors should be deported as criminals.
http://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-explosive-b-c-court-case-details-seven-migration-scams

Monday 15 January 2018

As someone who struggle with motion sickness I'm interested in the science side of this.

As someone who struggle with motion sickness I'm interested in the science side of this.

So far for me the only effective relief I've found is Quells (sp?) given to me by someone taking me out in a boat. It's from New Zealand. Sea Legs just isn't the same.
https://www.reliefband.com/

Farm to table for schools. Great idea! Promoting food prep even better.

Farm to table for schools. Great idea! Promoting food prep even better.

People should know where their food comes from and some basic prep. Gardening can be a great family activity too.
http://www.weightymatters.ca/2018/01/farm-to-cafeteria-canada-offering-10000.html

Sunday 14 January 2018

Busy day today. Walk, brush, bath.


Busy day today. Walk, brush, bath.

I did the stupid put on a warm coat and hat but no pants layers, my legs got so cold! It was -20 with a wind. Did we happy to get out though. We kept them in after their bath, usually they go out and roll in the dirt 😁.

Milo is a very loud sleeper now.

I truly believe that it’s those beloved childhood authors, the one you couldn’t get enough of back when you were in elementary (primary) school that shape you, influencing your creative and character in those formative years. Your sense of humor,…

I truly believe that it’s those beloved childhood authors, the one you couldn’t get enough of back when you were in elementary (primary) school that shape you, influencing your creative and character in those formative years.  Your sense of humor,…
http://josephmallozzi.wordpress.com/2018/01/14/january-14-2018-my-favorite-childhood-writers/

An interesting comment - to offset restaurant wages, make smaller servings.

An interesting comment - to offset restaurant wages, make smaller servings.

Very happy Alberta got rid of the difference in minimum wage for servers and other workers. It's great to make smaller servings.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/minimum-wage-ontario-alberta-seattle-lessons-1.4486894

Chernobyl's transformation into a massive solar plant is almost complete

Chernobyl's transformation into a massive solar plant is almost complete

“The new solar plant covers some 16,000 square metres (3.95 acres) and is fitted with 3,800 photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity.”
http://www.sciencealert.com/chernobyl-massive-solar-plant-almost-complete
http://www.sciencealert.com/chernobyl-massive-solar-plant-almost-complete

This may already be part of the building code in the BC lower mainland.

This may already be part of the building code in the BC lower mainland.

We (used to) go through show homes every once in awhile and you could see the sprinkler heads. It would be a good idea. We have fire extinguishers and smoke alarms and had the fire department check out our home a long time ago. The main things were not storing flammables close to the furnace and using extension cords properly.
http://www.cbc.ca/1.4482786

Hope reporters start asking what country he meant.

Hope reporters start asking what country he meant.


http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dispatches/2018/01/14/hoekstra-apologizes-false-claims-netherlands/

Saturday 13 January 2018

CORCAN - another area of the Canadian Justice system that needs rethinking.

CORCAN - another area of the Canadian Justice system that needs rethinking.

We should be preparing people for returning to society by assessing and providing skills.

CORCAN is developing new programs as the spokesperson ...points to a new partnership with Habitat for Humanity and a construction program for indigenous offenders in Alberta and Saskatchewan that’s under development... but those things should be rolled into training costs rather than ultra low paid prisoner work. They could get work experience from assisting volunteer organizations. And that work experience could help prevent reoffending.

Sometimes I feel like our justice system is just lazy. Instead of working to keep jail for people who commit serious crimes and use that time to help them less likely to re-offend we criminalize not paying fines. Not resolving why fines aren't paid and limiting people's options after they've done their time.
http://business.financialpost.com/news/court-challenge-to-inmate-pay-places-prison-labour-program-in-the-crosshairs

Be paid to look after your sick child.

Be paid to look after your sick child.
http://wef.ch/2qULD6R

Pinterest does seem more like a tool to help yourself which is cool, just not for me right now.

Pinterest does seem more like a tool to help yourself which is cool, just not for me right now.

I'm not a collector or a maker. I also tend to use social media to share things I find interesting. I find the Pinterest dynamic interesting though.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4483331

Friday 12 January 2018

Back in October, MasterCard announced that it will eliminate signatures for card holders starting in 2018. Following that, VISA has made a similar announcement, saying that signatures will be made optional for all merchants that support the EMV chip. The move away from signatures has started as many banking customers in North America use credit and debit cards featuring the … Continue reading

Back in October, MasterCard announced that it will eliminate signatures for card holders starting in 2018. Following that, VISA has made a similar announcement, saying that signatures will be made optional for all merchants that support the EMV chip. The move away from signatures has started as many banking customers in North America use credit and debit cards featuring the … Continue reading
https://www.slashgear.com/visa-signatures-will-soon-be-optional-as-chip-takes-over-12515085/

It's 8:15 Sun isn't up yet but days are getting longer!


It's 8:15 Sun isn't up yet but days are getting longer!

... "There's no rule that everybody has to be a certain body weight... Bariatric surgery is to address health problems.

... "There's no rule that everybody has to be a certain body weight... Bariatric surgery is to address health problems.

I was reading about people who go to Mexico from Canada and one comment in the article was those who go for weight loss surgery because of wait times. These would be the same people told to work with a team on nutrition, exercise and counseling because their weight is not causing health problems yet.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4479735

Wednesday 10 January 2018

These owners have forgotten how they got rich in the first place, off the backs of their employees.

These owners have forgotten how they got rich in the first place, off the backs of their employees.

It's the workers who help build a good name that can be sold for millions...unless those owners spend time in every store every week. They are giving all franchise owners a bad name.

Our local TH pays over minimum wage so are unlikely to be affected by rising set points in Alberta. And it prices are a little higher. It's the only way they could get workers. The owners went front one to 5 restaurants.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4480097

Tuesday 9 January 2018

YES!

YES!
https://www.engadget.com/2018/01/08/samsung-smartthings-app-gear-smartwatches/

Clicked a promoted Twitter link and got to a very interesting survey on Canadian Justice. Now I can't find it again :(

Clicked a promoted Twitter link and got to a very interesting survey on Canadian Justice. Now I can't find it again :(

I would share the link but I can't find it again on twitter. I found 2 pieces of disturbing information. A lot of criminal charges are the result of things like parole violations. Isn't that like deporting people for stealing bread? Also, lots of cases are dismissed because they took too long to get to the judge. I know understand why Alberta decriminalized drunk driving.

Monday 8 January 2018

Join In Daily. #joinindaily with Johnny Wills​


Join In Daily. #joinindaily with Johnny Wills​


Today's theme is "Fruit!"

The "methods" portion of a scientific paper is the most important so results can be reproduced by a different lab and verified.

The "methods" portion of a scientific paper is the most important so results can be reproduced by a different lab and verified.

Reproducing results should be the jumping off point for next level research and the reason there needs to be robust publically funded research. I did research in the 80s and even three money was disappearing from research as if there is never any reason to optimize systems.
https://freethoughtblogs.com/fierceroller/?p=3594

Sunday 7 January 2018

Outside looks like this but windy!


Outside looks like this but windy!

Dogs looked like they were in a car their faces were so wind blown. Still, it was nice to get out.

Over the last ten years, Google has had a fleet of hundreds of free bicycles for employees at its Mountain View headquarters, offering a quick and easy way to get around the constantly expanding corporate campus. With roughly 1,100 of these “Gbikes” now available, Google’s latest problem is that it can’t keep local residents from riding off with them. Google … Continue reading

Over the last ten years, Google has had a fleet of hundreds of free bicycles for employees at its Mountain View headquarters, offering a quick and easy way to get around the constantly expanding corporate campus. With roughly 1,100 of these “Gbikes” now available, Google’s latest problem is that it can’t keep local residents from riding off with them. Google … Continue reading
https://www.slashgear.com/google-keeps-losing-its-bikes-to-local-thieves-07513982/

Saturday 6 January 2018

Retirement - should I fund the equivalent of company health benefits?

Retirement - should I fund the equivalent of company health benefits?

While we have universal health care in Canada there are many things that are not covered - dental and medication and disability. Over the years we have both watched our benefits decrease and get more expensive. We aren't on medication but do regularly use the dental portion. Since we work for 2 different companies we currently have 2 plans which ends up covering most of our costs.

Some companies (fewer and fewer) continue those benefits after retirements. That's not the case for either of us so we're looking around. One of the things to keep in mind is whether you are eligible for any kind of group plan because they are generally less expensive. They can be available though Alumni Associations or membership cards. They also offer different levels of support. If we go with this insurance we wouldn't want less than what we have now.

Two places we've looked is Blue Cross and CAA - which offers coverage through Manulife. CAA is less expensive, as expected, but the part that is appealing is the seamless transfer from a work benefit to CAA coverage with no health assessments and you have 3 months to decide. I'm covered by SunLife at work and if I want coverage my health will be assess at the time of application and my policy cost determined at that time. Just age would likely put me at a higher premium.

Do you carry supplemental insurance?

Dual purpose - socializing and physical activity.

Dual purpose - socializing and physical activity.

Both are important to maintain as we age.
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/01/02/world/europe/netherlands-falling-elderly.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fhealth&action=click&contentCollection=health®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=5&pgtype=sectionfront&utm_content=buffer71dcb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer&referer=http://m.facebook.com/

Tuesday 2 January 2018

This was a really interesting story. I'd like to see a movie.

This was a really interesting story. I'd like to see a movie.

There are some other interesting movies coming.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89OP78l9oF0&feature=player_embedded

It's a challenge between Samsung Health and Fitbit


It's a challenge between Samsung Health and Fitbit

I'm using Samsung Health which sets an activity target and a calorie target for a more balanced goal. Fred is using FitBit which does the same but doesn't present it in quite so compelling a manner. Samsung Health is for people who relish a challenge and give 2 ways to succeed. I found it quite disappointing that I was over even though I knew I've been pretty sedentary for that last month.

FWIW I am not trying to lose weight as much as get my eating habits away from casual candy eating. Food logging builds awareness for me.

Self serve is a now legal in Oregon? Wow.

Self serve is a now legal in Oregon? Wow.

I do go to a full service gas-station. Gas is more expensive than the refund but it's the most convenient for me. I also go to self-service stations by myself because fueling (even a) Porsche is not hard.
https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2018/01/02/relax-oregon/

Good forecasting! Dog walking after work.


Good forecasting! Dog walking after work.

I don't care if I have to walk in the dark. I'm tired of running from the vehicle to buildings.

New year and this is the new me. Accident recovery pretty well completed.

New year and this is the new me. Accident recovery pretty well completed.

recap- hit by a car walking to work in 2013. Broken ankle and huge head bruise - 8 days in hospital.

The ankle was my main concern (of course). While it's regained enough flexibility for me to do yoga again, it does get stiff after a few minutes of aerobic activity. I don't know how hiking will go but I will have to be careful as it's easy to unconsciously favour one side. I should have been more concerned about my head injury I think. There were 2 side effects. One was I never felt like eating and got tired of chewing. To keep up calories is developed a very poor food selection (candy). I'm now struggling against that because I've returned to constant grazing (rats). The other feels more serious to me and I can't tell if it's age related. I'm reaching for words and forgetting or missing them. Luckily I can describe enough with Google assistant to get ideas of what I want but it's unnerving for someone who's been teased about their vocabulary since childhood. It could also be a side effect of reading less though.

Sucks to age.

Monday 1 January 2018

Wolf Moon!

Wolf Moon!

Kind of cold for messing around with settings.

Quora - where people go to sharpen their answers.

Quora - where people go to sharpen their answers.

There are some amazing questions asked.
https://www.quora.com/Is-England-an-embarrassment-for-Europe-and-the-U-K-due-to-the-evil-empire-and-its-ugliness?srid=5aQg

Remember G+ during the invite stage where we had hangouts with new people?

Remember G+ during the invite stage where we had hangouts with new people?

Too bad Google isn't doing more about porn bots on tech topics (although block, report, delete with one click is nice.) Otherwise I like the small community feeling. It's easier to find common ground amidst the differences.
https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/28/16795090/internet-community-2017-post-mortem-tumblr-amino-drip-tinyletter

Retirement - what's it like?

Retirement - what's it like?

Like most people we focus on getting to retirement but not the actual process of retiring and what do to with all that time you don't have scheduled for work.

Join me on our journey. I'm not an financial expert so I expect some changes in plans along the way. At the moment our target is to stop full time work and move to another province where the weather is more temperate. Will we?

Good tips, hopefully you're already talking about not giving information and clicking on links.

Good tips, hopefully you're already talking about not giving information and clicking on links.
https://www.androidcentral.com/three-steps-keeping-your-kids-safe-online?amp