Making way for solar!

Making way for solar!
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4553977

It makes sense to expire paper notes after a certain time. All you have to do is deposit/exchange them at a bank.

It makes sense to expire paper notes after a certain time. All you have to do is deposit/exchange them at a bank.

What's the largest note you've had? I sold a car for $4500 back in the 80s. The purchaser brought large value bills, I think a couple of $1000s because it was cheaper than a certified cheque. I promptly took it to the bank because who wants to hold onto bills with so much value? Of course now it would be an EFT.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4554758

anyone interested?

anyone interested?
https://www.refinery29.com/2018/02/191983/vero-app-instagram-rival

"Marc Jeanson is young for his role as director of the world's largest and oldest herbarium, the Jardin des Plantes at France's Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, and he doesn't look as you imagine a botanist should.

"Marc Jeanson is young for his role as director of the world's largest and oldest herbarium, the Jardin des Plantes at France's Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, and he doesn't look as you imagine a botanist should.

When Le Monde profiled him a few years back – his job packs that sort of cultural cachet in France – the reporter suggested he might be mistaken for a figure of fashion or advertising. In his mid-30s, he has a pianist's fingers, an elegant presence and a quiet but passionate manner of speaking.

So it was out of character when, on the morning of April 7 last year, Jeanson arrived at work, checked his email and howled and swore with such violence that a librarian working nearby rushed into his office see if he was okay. He was not.

Jeanson had received a message from the director of the Queensland Herbarium in Australia that was abrupt to the point of being blunt. It told him that a package of 105 botanical specimens of Australian plants owned by the Jardin des Plantes – and gathered by an intrepid French botanist more than 200 years earlier – had been destroyed by Australian biosecurity officials.

To this day, Jeanson can't quite believe what happened, and nor can scientists and museum directors from around the world who have followed the story with horror.

The specimens were both priceless and irreplaceable. How could anyone, let alone government officials, incinerate such artefacts? It was simply beyond Jeanson's comprehension. It remains so, even after post-mortems and investigations conducted in both countries, by scientists and bureaucrats, after diplomats stepped in and compensation negotiations were undertaken.

With Australian officials refusing to speak about the incident beyond bland bureaucratic statements of regret, it's hard to unpick the chain of events that led to the destruction. When you do go looking for answers you find other stories, too: tales of the collection of the specimens, of shipwreck, war and endurance, of a time when exploration and scientific endeavour were as significant to world powers as conquest and trade."
https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/would-you-burn-the-mona-lisa-if-it-was-sent-our-horror-bureaucratic-bungle-20180213-h0w0w3.html

Science is fun.

Science is fun.
https://youtu.be/LVJ8lk50TS4

Join In Daily. #joinindaily with Johnny Wills

Join In Daily.  #joinindaily with Johnny Wills

Today's theme is "Going for a Walk!"

Beautiful day for a walk. Dogs got to choose the path.

We need things for people to come together over.

We need things for people to come together over.

Music / art are not useless like so many capitalists seem to promote through endless overtime and pursuit of money. Building, creating and enjoying pass times are what make us human rather than instinct driven animals.

h/t Charles Gaines
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/02/24/585817644/daring-to-dream-a-carpenter-tries-to-build-a-piano-in-rwanda

Thanks a-holes for your representation. You don't even have the excuse of cultural misunderstanding.

Thanks a-holes for your representation. You don't even have the excuse of cultural misunderstanding.

Fines are not enough. They need to make reparation to the vehicle owner. Pay for the repairs, out of pocket because drunken nullifies insurance, and compensate for any losses and mental anguish.
https://olympics.cbc.ca/news/article/canadian-olympian-dave-duncan-wife-willy-raine-fined-for-alleged-car-theft-dui.html

Dogs seem to go through a sudden downturn in health when they hit 13.

Dogs seem to go through a sudden downturn in health when they hit 13.

Duffy has started having his legs slip out and not being able to jump up. This is hard on him as he likes to sit on chairs. The sitting close is unusual behaviour on Milo's part so maybe he knows Duffy is feeling a little low. I have a metacam analog for him so that should help. At least it's warmer this weekend so we can go for a nice walk.

Milo went through something similar and either came around or we got used to it. The carry thing is why we have smaller dogs.

Great idea for new family - 5 weeks pat leave at up to 70 income.

Great idea for new family - 5 weeks pat leave at up to 70 income.

Focus on getting both parents involved with integrating the new family member. I really like the idea of a 6 month leave option with higher pay as well. One year at 60% can be a big financial hit regardless of how great it is to have that extra 6 to 12 months.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/parental-leave-budget-duclos-1.4550492

Caught up on the Tick. Fun.

Caught up on the Tick. Fun.

First sign of Spring. Enough daylight hours to charge the solar yard lights

First sign of Spring. Enough daylight hours to charge the solar yard lights

No we don't bring them in. They measure snow depth and great length.

Oooo Canada has a Trump-lite and media will build him up by making his brand known. Will the ON PC party fall for it?

Oooo Canada has a Trump-lite and media will build him up by making his brand known. Will the ON PC party fall for it?

What would it say about a party that had to purge rolls because of political dishonesty to have that person as the party leader. This man is a very good example of why any admission of sexual harassment much be investigated against a neutral standard and the results published. Just like domestic abuse it doesn't matter if the partner feels abused.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4546234

Do not pay a damage deposit before seeing the rental unit.

Do not pay a damage deposit before seeing the rental unit.

This may seem pretty obvious but for people desperate for housing they can afford, it can be a step they overlook.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4542354

Amazing work being done on light frequencies and plant growth.

Amazing work being done on light frequencies and plant growth.

This is a self sustaining greenhouse!

https://www.engineering.com/ElectronicsDesign/ElectronicsDesignArticles/ArticleID/16509/Little-Pink-Greenhouses-for-Food-and-Electricity.aspx

Many of the promoted funds didn't last for 10 years because they were that poor in performance.

Many of the promoted funds didn't last for 10 years because they were that poor in performance.

I remember those books. I think a successful manager is going to be very active in getting information about stocks and equities to keep slightly ahead of the markets and get lucky sometimes. I think the money tree was from selling the stock tips books:)
http://www.moneysense.ca/save/investing/remember-when-fund-managers-were-rock-stars/

Economists assumed that households acted as if they were a single individual that had one set of preferences ROTLF

Economists assumed that households acted as if they were a single individual that had one set of preferences ROTLF

If that were the case, money wouldn't be a big part of marital strife. Other than being obvious (whether the discontent is overt) it's important to understand because it does have a wider effect on the economy. The article cites a change in family allowance from a tax credit to a cash dispersal to the mother and found it increased spending on child clothing.

I think I must be weird. I really had to mentally adjust to the idea of being married - that is part of a team where I don't get to always be the captain - and long ago thought about whether being together is much better than being apart or together with someone else.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4538648

It's Family Day! Welcome long weekend. Kinda cold to be outdoors.

It's Family Day! Welcome long weekend. Kinda cold to be outdoors.

It's another use of media make life miserable for a minority religion.

It's another use of media make life miserable for a minority religion.

To me it makes sense to leave my home country if I am systematically discriminated against. A condition of being allowed to immigrate is leaving your arguments behind. Naive of me to think to focus should be on building your new life and helping others immigrate rather than fomenting dissent at home. But if you can't, you should stay in the home country and fight for your ideals.

India would have a point if Canada was refusing entry to the country but that not what's happening. Canada is a secular country. The government does not control who has access to places of worship. And why would Sikh temples welcome people who were instrumental in them leaving their homeland for religious reasons. Why would the Indian government want access? There are many neutral areas to meet diplomatically.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4541694

Veterans should be guaranteed a basic income at a living wage level for the place they settle.

Veterans should be guaranteed a basic income at a living wage level for the place they settle.

Quarters, specialized WCB and retraining resources should be prioritized for all vets and their families. We should provide resources during employment to minimize that need and make it simple to obtain.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/veteran-pensions-1.4540946

TFSA or RRSP - small contributions to each help you get to your retirement goals.

TFSA or RRSP - small contributions to each help you get to your retirement goals.

We started with RRSPs when we were in our late 20s and TFSAs when they started. $25 a month can make a difference.
https://www.tangerine.ca/forwardthinking/savings/top-4-things-you-should-know-about-tfsas-infographic?hootPostID=69a4fc43e69994bfb10205a0015d87f1

Watching Oh Canada leg of the grand tour.

Watching Oh Canada leg of the grand tour.

Hammond towed a boat on gravel roads at 70 kph with a Macan. Yikes. Watching reminded me of what I don't like about that gang very judgmental. Anyway, love our Macan, does what we want. Would recommend to anyone looking for this type of vehicle - which is very practical where we live.

-18 C. Is desperate for some outside time. Dogs were good!

-18 C. Is desperate for some outside time. Dogs were good!

Oooo a fine for improper storage of hand guns and a get out of jail free on murder!

Oooo a fine for improper storage of hand guns and a get out of jail free on murder!

Again - his actions weren't racist, I truly believe he would have done the same regardless. The jury selection process was racist. And this isn't the first time a person has gotten away with murder when it was committed during a theft.

I would have been ok with a guilty of manslaughter with the punishment deferred until all the provincial charges were defended (or forever). Hubby said if I was being chased around a yard by an SUV he would shoot at the vehicle as well. I get that even though I would not. BUT had Stanley not had his trusty illegally available pistol he wouldn't have shot his victim. He may not even have approached the vehicle after he got it stopped and checked for his spouse's location.

I do not care how much of your stuff is stolen. Get insurance. Get camera surveillance to be able to provide evidence on the perpetrators without having to approach them. Get a safe place to retreat to on your property.

Police, stop telling rural people (they say the same thing to urbanites BTW) that they'll probably never find the thieves or property. This increases the likelihood of violence on the part of the property owner because stuff being stolen is expensive and getting insurance payouts is a lot of inventory work which is difficult to complete.

With the oil field work going away, there's a lot of rural theft. While we're not as fearful of theft with violence there is still the feeling of having been invaded and less safe.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4538790

One of my favourite tunes at the moment. Also liked acoustic version by The Wombats

One of my favourite tunes at the moment. Also liked acoustic version by The Wombats

Washes the bad taste away from the song Girlfriend by Anderson East. Seriously, if someone said to me I'm in love with your girlfriend I'd be more concerned about how she felt than the person treating her like a prize.
https://youtu.be/h9TlaYxoOO8

I suppose this a "near miss" incident because it was a 'friendly' spy agency?

I suppose this a "near miss" incident because it was a 'friendly' spy agency?

The company I work for has business in the EU. Network security was ramped up about 5 years ago and we (users) are constantly tested on cyber-security habits. We were marginally affected by the attacks on the Ukrainian systems a few years ago. Lots of grunt work in network security. I tend to agree with the Belgian minister, who in a moment of rare honesty, said who knows if other government agencies agreed to the hack. It's all plausible deniability.
https://theintercept.com/2018/02/17/gchq-belgacom-investigation-europe-hack/

Happy Lunar New Year. The year of the Dog.

Happy Lunar New Year. The year of the Dog.
新年快乐
一年的狗
Image: Zhang Daqian, Women with Tibetan Mastiff and Cat

Single dads need better social support.

Single dads need better social support.

It's hard enough to be a single parent much less an atypical single parent. A substantial number of people still think of men as "babysitting" when they are parenting so it's no wonder they feel isolated at times.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4535816

Training really changes a person.

Training really changes a person.

Hopefully this isn't a reflection of your workplace.

Hopefully this isn't a reflection of your workplace.

H/T mary Zeman
https://www.etsy.com/listing/578291076/julius-caesar-pencil-holder-pen-holder

The Premier of Saskatchewan has also said things must change in the justice system.

The Premier of Saskatchewan has also said things must change in the justice system.

The shooting was not racist, in my eyes, but the jury selection (all indigenous excluded) and verdict certainly was. Manslaughter is exactly what this was, accidentally killing someone, and is broad in how it is punished which gives the judge latitude. Not guilty should not even have been an option.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4532212

Perhaps the Tories should show some spine and call out racism and injustice?

Perhaps the Tories should show some spine and call out racism and injustice?
https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/canada/tories-accuse-pm-of-political-interference-after-comments-on-boushie-case-1.3798985

Tab S3 update.

Tab S3 update.

I'm surprised how I got used to how big this is.

Does someone refusing to email make you suspicious?

Does someone refusing to email make you suspicious?

I have no problem writing my concerns in an email, I do prefer to send PDFs so they can't be changed if there's data or a policy. I also write a lot of notes for formal meetings because I'm more forgetful. Am I alone in this or is it an admission of powerlessness? I don't have a problem having an informal chat but will often follow up with an email if I have action items.
https://freethoughtblogs.com/fierceroller/?p=4010

I have a love/hate relationship with sewing.

I have a love/hate relationship with sewing.

Mostly hate. I first did it as a badge for Girl Guides. It was a struggle. Since then I've made a few things but mostly now just do hemming. This afternoon was cutting off jeans to make shorts, repairing shorts for Fred and doing some jeans hemming for me.

Actually I think it's the sewing machine I'm not fond of. I don't mind hand hemming and doing buttons.

Not sure it's wellness to use the death of your child to promote your products that led to their death.

Not sure it's wellness to use the death of your child to promote your products that led to their death.

But it's s your money to spend. Most of the time supplements are an unnecessary expense, especially in a health system like Canada has. And you can do what you want to your adult body. Children though, you shouldn't get to kill and replace like these people did.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4530355

A New Cancer 'Vaccine' Wiped Out Tumours in Mice, And Human Trials Are Next

https://www.sciencealert.com/cancer-vaccine-stanford-immunotherapy-t-cell-ox40-mouse-models-lymphoma

Worked out, ran errands and fiddled with SmartThings.

Worked out, ran errands and fiddled with SmartThings.

We added some bulbs and a couple more plugs from Amazon. The main requirement is the don't require another hub like the Phillips Hue system. The lamps are all soft white, dimmable Lightifys; the outlets are more interesting. They are Zooz smart plugs. The LED Is pink because it's off but when it's on, the colour indicates the power draw for the applicance. This one stays at 120 ish but the big amp was at 1000...briefly...it was very loud.

Still haven't figured out how to change home, away and night modes but the security settings are fine so I guess it's all good LOL. Notice - no fridges etc. and there won't be at least for now.

It's that time when we complacent about writing the date.

It's that time when we complacent about writing the date.
https://freethoughtblogs.com/thoughtsofcrys/2018/02/10/science-joke-saturdays-2/

Does not seem like justice to me when manslaughter was an option.

Does not seem like justice to me when manslaughter was an option.

You don't lean into a vehicle with a loaded handgun then act surprised when you shoot someone in the head. Basic gun safety. To be fair he probably would have shot white young men too. Perhaps the juries should be made up by peers of the victims.

At least his buddies had his back.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4526313

If you suspect money fraud - GO TO YOUR BANK AND TALK TO THEM IN PERSON!

If you suspect money fraud - GO TO YOUR BANK AND TALK TO THEM IN PERSON!

If you really can't, use your cell (or a different phone) to call them. Pretty scary that when you hang up your land line it stays open long enough for someone to eavesdrop on the subsequent call though.

Other tips

911 doesn't forward you to an investigator.
Financial institutions don't ask you to transfer money to an external institution.
Don't assume phone numbers displayed are correct.

The police say the defrauded people are pretty savvy but I wonder what exactly they mean like that because it seems pretty basic to me not to believe anyone who calls. Especially after my experience with AMEX where they called to tell me about credit card fraud then proceeded to charge my card anyway.


http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4528233

This sounds like something I'll have to take on holidays. That is, away from the lure of the internet.

This sounds like something I'll have to take on holidays. That is, away from the lure of the internet.

This statement from the author interview resonates ...My marriage gave me a lot of security and a sense of a stable place that I could explore from. It emboldened me... I struggled a lot with marriage until I realized this. Obviously I got the right partner.
https://psmag.com/social-justice/the-privilege-to-be-ambivalent-a-conversation-with-laura-smith

Good night...

Good night...
http://www.wvnstv.com/weird/missouri-woman-finds-neighbors-dog-riding-pony/954994825
https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/961227244072030208

Day is starting out so well. My work computer has decided to communicate in French

Day is starting out so well. My work computer has decided to communicate in French

Had to get abobe pro installed and now can't log in and my signatures aren't working. Sigh.

yummy vegan mushroom soup.

yummy vegan mushroom soup.

We found out we don't like olive oil flavour that much. A good soup ruined, we'll know for next time.

83,500 Vintage Sewing Patterns (25 years old or older) Put Into Online Database From Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, And Simplicity

83,500 Vintage Sewing Patterns (25 years old or older) Put Into Online Database From Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, And Simplicity

Search by garment type: Muu muus to hospital gowns....
http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Garment

Or search by brand, decade, seasonal looks, or other people's recent searches:
like this one: http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Vogue_1356_A
http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

Lisa Raitt and the 'person up' comment is a propos and funny.

Lisa Raitt and the 'person up' comment is a propos and funny.

Seriously don't care to pander to white nationalist snowflakes.
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4523781

Cull your email and focus your loyalty cards.

Cull your email and focus your loyalty cards.

The worse program, to me, is Sephora. You collect points but can rarely get in on any product for cashing them in. Unfortunately they have exclusive brands. Beauty Boutique is getting much better and with points applicable to all purchases, much easier to use. I've bought from a PS4 to high end makeup brushes using my points. With PC points I got Joe Fresh clothes (great fit for me) and groceries. Most people I know on the PC program have gotten lots of free groceries and the prices and range at Superstore is really good.

Lately I've started shopping through ebates.ca. It's pretty good with cash back deposited into your PayPal account quarterly. I was surprised at the range of merchants; wider than Air Miles and must better bang for your buck as there are no spending restrictions. Air Miles were good when they included all the airport fees in the ticket price but you can get a sale seat cheaper than a cash in.

Are you swayed by the targeted emails?
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4517033

It's a small percentage but if it's your money that's lost it doesn't matter how rare it is.

It's a small percentage but if it's your money that's lost it doesn't matter how rare it is.

We're lucky, we've been really well supported by our bank but I can really sympathize with the TDBank customer. I had some money I wanted to invest and we are looking at amalgamating as we retire. We got referred up the chain and even though the final deal was good, they were very focused on getting our money and not so good at telling us the mechanism for getting it. Sometimes they are just not very good at pretending it's about the customer as a person rather then getting to use their money.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/banks-lost-deposits-missing-1.4512196

Positive reinforcement is a slow, process and a difficult habit to make for some of us.

Positive reinforcement is a slow, process and a difficult habit to make for some of us.

I've gotten better over the years. This is a pretty good twitter thread.
https://twitter.com/erinscafe/status/959370479038427137?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Edefault%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E1

Enforcement of a "no tethering" bylaw would be difficult and expensive unless its simply a means to respond to complaints.

Enforcement of a "no tethering" bylaw would be difficult and expensive unless its simply a means to respond to complaints.

Growing up, a school friend has a husky that lived tethered in the backyard. I thought it was odd. F-I-L kept his hunting dogs in outside kennels year around and I have walked the dogs to a store then gone inside (leaving them tethered) to get them water.

We don't do enough to protect the vulnerable among us. Whether they are the elderly or ensuring isolated communities have clean water. How do we make people care?
http://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4517235

Seniors day purchase. Not bad pigment but powdery.

Seniors day purchase. Not bad pigment but powdery.