Wednesday 31 October 2018

Beautiful day for Halloween. Especially since we had snow for Thanksgiving.


Beautiful day for Halloween. Especially since we had snow for Thanksgiving.

We usually get around 50 kids. Lots close by have grown up and families aren't moving much. This will be a good chance for some Bennie training.

Your body maintains a narrow pH range. Drinking alkali water doesn't change it. Ingesting strongly basic solutions will give you chemical burns.

Your body maintains a narrow pH range. Drinking alkali water doesn't change it. Ingesting strongly basic solutions will give you chemical burns.

My family is into this - I think it's from the Philippine community. It's just a needless expense. I'm always amazed at how much money people are willing to spend on unproven remedies when they have access to clean water and free health care.

I guess I just spend that money on shiny things instead.
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/alkaline-water-surges-despite-lack-of-evidence/

Isn't it time to understand that US mainstream media is a capitalist effort run by people who don't want to see any change in power structures. There may be some workers progressive ideals (by US standards) but news is just another version of "reality" TV. Everyone has their stereotype to play and all stereotypes are legitimate.

Isn't it time to understand that US mainstream media is a capitalist effort run by people who don't want to see any change in power structures. There may be some workers progressive ideals (by US standards) but news is just another version of "reality" TV. Everyone has their stereotype to play and all stereotypes are legitimate.
https://theintercept.com/2018/10/31/pittsburgh-shooting-anti-semitism-media-bias/

Tuesday 30 October 2018

An apology is useless without a way forward to prevent it from recurrence. Secular law and restorative justice are essential tools along with disrupting online communities of "lone wolves".

An apology is useless without a way forward to prevent it from recurrence. Secular law and restorative justice are essential tools along with disrupting online communities of "lone wolves".

Nothing will bring back the dead and little will speed the healing of grief. We, as taxpayers, pay for the housing of these criminals. They should provide the invaluable work of caring for the disenfranchised. They can build housing, clean, care for and otherwise be (hopefully) made to see the humanity of others. They also learn skills for post sentencing that could help them become productive members of our communities.

Disrupting violent rhetoric is key. Perhaps the only way forward for that is to randomly assign avatars to each user when logging on to any corporately held networks that provide public services or every 24 hours. People would be known by their content. This distributes the likelihood of being a target as well as being the bully. Leaders of companies and countries would have to spend a week in VR as the least valued of their community. Asocial people thrive in a capitalist world, they need to live with what they have wrought.
https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4883614

Saturday 27 October 2018

Bennie eats half his meal from a ball. It makes him think and slows down how fast he eats. Tip from the trainer. I really like this ball as it's soft. We have a buster cube and it skids a lot.


Bennie eats half his meal from a ball. It makes him think and slows down how fast he eats. Tip from the trainer. I really like this ball as it's soft. We have a buster cube and it skids a lot.

Texting and driving is THE WORSE!

Texting and driving is THE WORSE!
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=KQQBXPcbm4U&u=/watch?v%3DKmV5VOTL22w%26feature%3Dshare

A long time ago, I thought the US election system was similar to the Canadian one. Independent registery, ridings boundaries and counting. Not at all!

A long time ago, I thought the US election system was similar to the Canadian one. Independent registery, ridings boundaries and counting. Not at all!

Add in voting for weird things like judges and other elements of the justice system and you have no non-violent way to effect change. Yet the violence is all on the side of the winners - that is the GOP and Trump supporters. An admission that people want equitable (if not equal) treatment the the US government wants to deny.
https://theintercept.com/2018/10/27/voter-suppression-georgia-election/

Thursday 25 October 2018

For US Politics, why doesn't the MSM simply refer to Federal Government? Why cover rallies when there's no coverage of the ongoing demonstrations outside the WH?

For US Politics, why doesn't the MSM simply refer to Federal Government? Why cover rallies when there's no coverage of the ongoing demonstrations outside the WH?

Do not quote - it's not as if there are coherent gems of wisdom imparted. Just starve him of personal credit. Name recognition and fearmongering got him elected. Change that coverage. Report only on who benefits from policies and how. Sea change from political entertainment to political reporting. It’s one party who’s has majority control who is promoting unfounded conspiracy theories so don’t attribute to one person.
https://www.themarysue.com/the-mary-sue-is-instating-a-donald-trump-social-media-blackout/

Wednesday 24 October 2018

Driving while sleep deprived may not be a criminal act in itself but you have impaired judgement and response. Trucker hours exist for a reason.

Driving while sleep deprived may not be a criminal act in itself but you have impaired judgement and response. Trucker hours exist for a reason.
https://youtu.be/Poe76zLndr8

PACs are illegal in Alberta. The UPC is very willing to break donations laws - what kind of leadership would they provide?

PACs are illegal in Alberta. The UPC is very willing to break donations laws - what kind of leadership would they provide?

If you want to know what the current government has accomplished in Alberta you only need to look at what the PAC is funding. This is the platform the UPC is running on Roll back a 0.5% tax increase, roll back equitable wages for servers and freeze for everyone else, scrap the carbon tax which has very defined in spending, roll back labour benefits like health and safety legislation protections and WCB benefits. Oh and remove car dealerships consumer protections since this is a car dealership group doing this illegal activity. Additional platform stands will also remove protections for LBGQT+ people under the guise of "Religious Freedom"
https://albertapolitics.ca/2018/10/ndp-official-demands-substantive-penalties-for-severe-and-wilful-violations-of-election-finance-law-by-auto-dealers-pac/

Tuesday 23 October 2018

Carbon tax is a conservative think tank idea. Pay for use makes sense for capitalist countries. Call it a fee instead.

Carbon tax is a conservative think tank idea. Pay for use makes sense for capitalist countries. Call it a fee instead.

Alberta has carbon tax with rebates. It has websites, sent out postcards and did all it could to inform people how the money was to be spent. I'm pretty sure Fred is representative of a voter. He keeps saying he doesn't know where they money is going in spite of me telling him each time he makes that comment. 'rents-in-law get rebates because they are on a fixed income. Their city has used the money to build windmills. They insist paying for carbon use is unfair even though they benefit from it.

I give up on people.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tasker-carbon-tax-plan-trudeau-1.4874258

Monday 22 October 2018

These "people" should be sent somewhere they are 5% of the population, get hassled then be forced to attend a celebration the hasslers. #Bigots or #thoughtless - doesn't matter.

These "people" should be sent somewhere they are 5% of the population, get hassled then be forced to attend a celebration the hasslers. #Bigots or #thoughtless - doesn't matter.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/straight-pride-flag-1.4872572

Adding stress by messing with personal circadian rhythm to avoid daytime stress seems like avoiding a time management problem.

Adding stress by messing with personal circadian rhythm to avoid daytime stress seems like avoiding a time management problem.

Fred had a dentist appointment today. After decades of getting up at 5:30 we now have no schedule and start the day around 7 with let dogs out and feed them then groom and train Bennie before breakfast. We have an informal rule of no face to face meetings before 10.

When working full time, I tried to set aside quiet/isolation times for my productive periods of 10-12:30 or 1:30 to 4:30 (the afternoon worked less well because my day "ended" at 3). Site tours or conference call around 7:30 because less intensive. Knowing yourself and being able to isolate yourself, to me, seems much more realistic than spinning wheels while dosing yourself with caffeine just to get alone time.
https://www.thecut.com/2018/10/on-waking-up-early.html?utm_source=nym&utm_medium=f1&utm_campaign=feed-part#comments

Recommendation to write off the loan made to Conservatives who gave it. Can't admit straight up funneling of taxpayer $ to corps.

Recommendation to write off the loan made to Conservatives who gave it. Can't admit straight up funneling of taxpayer $ to corps.

This is where the implementation of transparency plays into the hands of people who hate change. It gives them something to point at and holler about and there is no path of clarity for how the decision was made. Publically owned multi-corps seems to have figured this out with their anti-corruption policies but the US government (super "conservative" at the moment) seems to be all about hiding or obscuring decision making processes. Harder to undo damage.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/chrysler-auto-loan-canada-account-write-off-edc-bailout-taxpayer-wudrick-milke-1.4871648

Which is it? They either didn't believe it was evil or they are willing to make money off suffering now. True change in heart is rare.

Which is it? They either didn't believe it was evil or they are willing to make money off suffering now. True change in heart is rare.

I remember hearing Harper talking about drugs, cartels and living conditions. Then he said this was residential pot growers. This was my "WTF conservatives" moment. I've always known people who toke. They are no better or worse than anyone with different habits.

As for convictions under old laws, I think those records should be wiped without the person asking.
https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4871840

Sunday 21 October 2018

Bennie, our interior decorator. Happy it's not a permanent change.


Bennie, our interior decorator. Happy it's not a permanent change.

Just wow! Tackling the hard stuff. I can't wait for the rest of the season. Great Doctor.

Just wow! Tackling the hard stuff. I can't wait for the rest of the season. Great Doctor.
https://youtu.be/R5IZ4d49Isg

illness on the rise. if a child "develops weakness of a limb, especially in the context of cold-like symptoms or other viral symptoms, they should see their health-care provider immediately

illness on the rise. if a child "develops weakness of a limb, especially in the context of cold-like symptoms or other viral symptoms, they should see their health-care provider immediately

Increase first seen in the US and now in Toronto.
https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4872205

After a quick visit with snow and cold in the last days of summer - we're having fall. I'm just happy to see the sun.


After a quick visit with snow and cold in the last days of summer - we're having fall. I'm just happy to see the sun.

Finishing up harvest?

A lot of millionaire wealth is in home ownership in high value markets. Really doesn't matter if you can realize that asset.

A lot of millionaire wealth is in home ownership in high value markets. Really doesn't matter if you can realize that asset.

On the good side our average wealth indicates the range between high and low saver is a little more equitable than some other countries. I would really like Canada to be more like Denmark in terms of equity. There's no real reason we couldn't be with our immigrations requirements for wealth and education. Even refugees - remember they are the wealthier ones who are forced to leave their home country due to circumstances beyond their control.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/millionaires-wealth-credit-suisse-canada-1.4870248

Saturday 20 October 2018

New band for my Galaxy watch. Dressier look.


New band for my Galaxy watch. Dressier look.

It's has quick release which is nice but I'll probably wear the silicone band most of the time because I have a wrist size that ends up being loose or super tight and I'm choosing loose.

An utterly riveting article... Odd to think my ex has billions of my DNA still in her, as we had 4 children together.

An utterly riveting article... Odd to think my ex has billions of my DNA still in her, as we had 4 children together.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/babys-cells-can-manipulate-moms-body-decades-180956493/

Friday 19 October 2018

Like in a fight with 15 people trying to kidnap him?

Like in a fight with 15 people trying to kidnap him?


https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/khashoggi-death-consulate-1.4871187

personal connections with President Donald Trump's circle so doesn't like dealing with women but likes pussy grabbers.

personal connections with President Donald Trump's circle so doesn't like dealing with women but likes pussy grabbers.


https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/steel-tariff-zekelman-freeland-1.4869440

Thanks clueless woman with several names, for adding to Canada's reputation as drunken, disrespectful guests. Or is it just you?

Thanks clueless woman with several names, for adding to Canada's reputation as drunken, disrespectful guests. Or is it just you?

Admitting guilt should lessen punishment but not negate. I would like to see them have to clean up the worse part of archeological sites for a period of time.
https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4869638

Good to know some things don't change. We did expect lawyer fees or cost of purchasing maintenance so things were tight!

Good to know some things don't change. We did expect lawyer fees or cost of purchasing maintenance so things were tight!

The difference is we used to get raises over cost of living, and because we were starting out, Fred moved up in the company wage scale and I could change jobs for better pay. Within a couple years, we had adjusted but, much like having kids, costs are always a surprise.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/cmhc-budgets-homebuyers-1.4868418

Wednesday 17 October 2018

Bennie had his first puppy class tonight. Lots of fun for him as he got to play with some pups instead of grumpy pants Milo. We're using clickers for training so we each have one. When he's doing something we like, we just click and treat ASAP.


Bennie had his first puppy class tonight. Lots of fun for him as he got to play with some pups instead of grumpy pants Milo. We're using clickers for training so we each have one. When he's doing something we like, we just click and treat ASAP.

I really like the training schedule. 30 second bites of 1 behaviour a few times during the day. Since the weather is supposed to be nice for a few days, I'll practice outside as well. Tasks for this week are sitting and looking at me, looking at me when I say his name and leave it/take it. I have to admit, I'm looking forward to leave it. He picks up every piece of garbage our walks including 3 pieces of gum that he's eaten. Speaking of walks, they will be shorter in length and longer in time I am supposed to stop walking whenever he pulls and only walk when he stops pulling.

19C and all the snow is gone again.


19C and all the snow is gone again.

I fucking hate white privilege.

I fucking hate white privilege.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-white-woman-people-have-dubbed-golfcart-gail-called-the-police-on-a-black-man-for-cheering-on-his-son-during-a-soccer-game/ar-BBOvJvJ?ocid=spartanntp

Tuesday 16 October 2018

Really looking forward to the new season. Now with Constantine!

Really looking forward to the new season. Now with Constantine!
https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=jJpu0nEMf5g&u=/watch?v%3DCqRZJgA_IqM%26feature%3Dshare

I miss summer and it's only October...


I miss summer and it's only October...

Peace, I really should be doing something other than being on line.


Peace, I really should be doing something other than being on line.

Tolerance is not a moral absolute; it is a peace treaty. Tolerance is a social norm because it allows different people to live side-by-side without being at each other’s throats. It means that we accept that people may be different from us, in their customs, in their behavior, in their dress, in their sex lives, and that if this doesn’t directly affect our lives, it is none of our business. But the model of a peace treaty differs from the model of a moral precept in one simple way: the protection of a peace treaty only extends to those willing to abide by its terms. It is an agreement to live in peace, not an agreement to be peaceful no matter the conduct of others. A peace treaty is not a suicide pact.

Tolerance is not a moral absolute; it is a peace treaty. Tolerance is a social norm because it allows different people to live side-by-side without being at each other’s throats. It means that we accept that people may be different from us, in their customs, in their behavior, in their dress, in their sex lives, and that if this doesn’t directly affect our lives, it is none of our business. But the model of a peace treaty differs from the model of a moral precept in one simple way: the protection of a peace treaty only extends to those willing to abide by its terms. It is an agreement to live in peace, not an agreement to be peaceful no matter the conduct of others. A peace treaty is not a suicide pact.

[Tolerance] is an agreement to live in peace, not an agreement to be peaceful no matter the conduct of others. A peace treaty is not a suicide pact.
https://extranewsfeed.com/tolerance-is-not-a-moral-precept-1af7007d6376

Monday 15 October 2018

Regardless of food choices, a source of protein seems essential to mental acuity.

Regardless of food choices, a source of protein seems essential to mental acuity.

We look to tofu and chickpeas as main protein sources when cooking at home. With meat substitutes check ingredient. A lot are high carb low protein.
https://news.mit.edu/2018/protein-effects-on-information-processing-neural-connections-1015

Sunday 14 October 2018

Battery shortage plus loving the Macan is why we're waiting for the Porsche EV.

Battery shortage plus loving the Macan is why we're waiting for the Porsche EV.
https://youtu.be/Cx5kidGYVIg

For me the attraction of G+ was the lack of monetization on the part of most of the users. New people not overtly trying to sell anything. Including ideas.

For me the attraction of G+ was the lack of monetization on the part of most of the users. New people not overtly trying to sell anything. Including ideas.

I'm not saying everything should be free but that people should feel comfortable doing things for the enjoyment rather than branding. I'm not a proponent of "your work should be your passion." I think you should do work you tolerate/enjoy so you can fund the activities you enjoy/are passionate about. That may be part of the culture I am part of. A friend was talking about her daughter's aspirations the other day. At 15, she wants to a be a pediatric surgeon (of something equally specific) so she can have defined working hours as a well paid job that will fund her writing.

I think it's a failure of the current implementation of capitalism that UBI is feared because of the idea people won't contribute to society because it implies all contributions can and should be monetized and those contributions that aren't monetized have not worth.
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1051485175090225152.html

Being older makes it easy to fall behind in social sciences. Quick primer on Gender with definitions.

Being older makes it easy to fall behind in social sciences. Quick primer on Gender with definitions.

It's very difficult to counter arguments on the face that they don't "feel" right. Add to being pretty ok with my gender assignment from all aspects makes this is in no way my fight. I would like to treat all people as people and I would like all people to be treated the same with the same access to services and justice. I hesitate to point out that everyone who buys stuff pays taxes and gets services. Although that may happen in Canada Alberta and perhaps maybe only the town I live in, I don't feel that happens in the US for everyone.

That aside, I'm glad this research exists and definitions are in place so policies can be created that aren't needlessly cruel and invasive to specific segments of the population.
https://freethoughtblogs.com/pervertjustice/2018/10/13/andy-lewis-gendered-gotcha/

Saturday 13 October 2018

Pretty sure Milo misses the quiet life.


Pretty sure Milo misses the quiet life.

Alcohol promotes behaviour that threatens public health which is a threat to national security. Makes as much sense as the steel tariffs.

Alcohol promotes behaviour that threatens public health which is a threat to national security. Makes as much sense as the steel tariffs.

Why import a substance that is easily abused and a detriment to North American society. IF we had no binge drinking or alcohol mediated violence this wouldn't be legitimate argument. Also, since our government provides services there's no way taxpayers couldn't benefit from this money. What does that even mean?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/kentucky-tariffs-canada-trump-usmca-1.4861554

Friday 12 October 2018

Samsung's Galaxy Watch LTE available now for pre-order in Canada

Samsung's Galaxy Watch LTE available now for pre-order in Canada
So for those of you (like me) who've been shopping around for a new watch ( come on Google, nothing at Made By Google??!?!!!? ) - the option by Samsung looks to be pretty decent. The Samsung Galaxy Watch was launched almost 2 months ago , but the LTE varian...
https://www.androidcoliseum.com/2018/10/samsungs-galaxy-watch-lte-available-now.html

Thursday 11 October 2018

He still writes and gets invited places but felt a moment of occhiolism. Women must remain targets and not warn each other.

He still writes and gets invited places but felt a moment of occhiolism. Women must remain targets and not warn each other.

Women will get sued if they mention any negative behaviour towards them unless they have body cameras to back up everything they say.

#NS
https://www.thecut.com/2018/10/stephen-elliott-sues-moira-donegan.html

Finding a new fitness group was going to be one of the challenges of moving. I've been with the same (awesome) instructor for over 20 years and no 2 classes are exactly the same.

Finding a new fitness group was going to be one of the challenges of moving. I've been with the same (awesome) instructor for over 20 years and no 2 classes are exactly the same.

I don't work out for weight loss, I work out for metabolic health - no pills for as long as possible - and the friends I meet up with.
https://youtu.be/F4vX3N941jk

Wednesday 10 October 2018

Conservative people have no concept of toxic masculinity because they consider masculine men to be barely restrained animals. Growing up I was taught being a responsible member of society meant rising above animal instincts. I missed the part about that only applying to girls...or did I. Lots of teen conflict stemmed from my younger brother not having a curfew while I had to be home by 9 because I could get pregnant. With no boys to be held responsible I definitely got the message that anything like that would be my fault and I would have to accept hearing about whenever as part of the ongoing support from my parents.

Conservative people have no concept of toxic masculinity because they consider masculine men to be barely restrained animals. Growing up I was taught being a responsible member of society meant rising above animal instincts. I missed the part about that only applying to girls...or did I. Lots of teen conflict stemmed from my younger brother not having a curfew while I had to be home by 9 because I could get pregnant. With no boys to be held responsible I definitely got the message that anything like that would be my fault and I would have to accept hearing about whenever as part of the ongoing support from my parents.


http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2018/10/men-are-wired-that-way-and-other-things-conservative-women-believe-about-harassment.html

When John Lewis heard that Google+ was shutting down after the discovery of a security bug that left private profile data exposed, it felt like a crushing blow — even though he could see it coming.

When John Lewis heard that Google+ was shutting down after the discovery of a security bug that left private profile data exposed, it felt like a crushing blow — even though he could see it coming.

Lewis, a freelance writer who has spent nearly eight years living an isolated life in the Costa Rican rainforest, starts almost every morning sipping coffee while chatting with friends on Google+ and reading his feeds on the social network.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/10/google-plus-users-mourn-shutdown.html

Apparently Samsung health knows some schedule that I don't😁.

Apparently Samsung health knows some schedule that I don't😁.

But who doesn't want to wake up for pups and oldsters (that's the rest of us).

Tuesday 9 October 2018

You would think women get pregnant without any other contributors.


You would think women get pregnant without any other contributors.

New fact checking site. Do you think it matters?

New fact checking site. Do you think it matters?
https://www.whatstrue.com/about/

The Manslaughter charge exists for a reason; unintended death. This is the second time a judge has ruled First Nations people aren't human.

The Manslaughter charge exists for a reason; unintended death. This is the second time a judge has ruled First Nations people aren't human.

What is with white men, even in Canada, walking away from killing people with not even a slap on the wrist. I've hit the highlights below - do not look if sensitive.









TW -the medical examiner kept tissue showing vaginal cutting!?! What human thinks using a cutting implement _inside someone is the same as rough sex?_


https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/supreme-court-cindy-gladue-sexual-assault-1.4855218

The cocktail party comes to an end now that sponsor has failured to find a monetization scheme.

The cocktail party comes to an end now that sponsor has failured to find a monetization scheme.

I've really enjoyed Plus and will continue to post. What I like about Plus is I don't have to boil myself down to one core interest or rely on friends/family for content. I've really enjoyed the range of topics users have rough to the table and the ability to reply/comment - but really just mostly read.

I'm on twitter - @cass_m - that feed is an echo of my GPlus so I'm not sure how active that will be.
I'm on Vero under my name - I don't know many people there and it's all phone based mobile so I'm not that active. The app is nice though and it echoes to twitter.
I'm on diaspora* - cass_m@plusphora.com. From what I understand it's a pod hosted by a couple of people. The test will be how well community guidelines are maintained. While I value opposing opinions, I want actually thoughts, not parroting of talking points. I curate my feed here because I do.
I'm on mastodon thanks to Randy Resnick but I find it confusing and didn't get a good app.

My social feed does rely on ease of posting from my phone, tablet (gasp!) and Win 10 (this is not a debate about desktop OS).

Hope to see you around.
https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/08/google-shutting-down-google-plus/

With winter comes the puddles of melting snow. Vinyl flooring FTW


With winter comes the puddles of melting snow. Vinyl flooring FTW

Bennie is looking at me like I could do something about the cold.

Dogs vs Cats

Such an awkward tradition when tied to the Colonialism. More inclusive to celebrate pre-colonial roots.

Such an awkward tradition when tied to the Colonialism. More inclusive to celebrate pre-colonial roots.
https://www.macleans.ca/opinion/the-odd-complicated-history-of-canadian-thanksgiving/

Monday 8 October 2018

Yeah, we've all seen the news..

Yeah, we've all seen the news..
Goes like this.
Google fucked up.. or someone fucked up, there was a security breech...
It was repaired early this year.
So, to totally fix this security breech on Google Plus.. the masters at Google have decided to shut down the Plus by August next year, so nobody can access our data (Google already have everything, but they possibly don't wish to share with strangers)
All I see today is a choice..
A/ Start a petition to make Google keep the Plus. (ha, like that's going to happen)
B/ Rush around like a mad man desperately looking for somewhere else to congregate with all the people we met on Plus.
....................

Bottom line is.. choice A is a no brainer.. google doesn't give a shit, they already own your everything online.
Choice B .. you do not need to make that choice today, you have 10 long months to figure something out.

I do see a trend though.. fuck facebook never going there again.. Twitter? yeah, righto..... oh.. Pluspora
https://www.blog.google/technology/safety-security/project-strobe/

How the dogs travel with us. The roads got bad right about an hour out of town.

How the dogs travel with us. The roads got bad right about an hour out of town.

Apparently the snow was a Thanksgiving gift as people woke up and there it was.



Heading home from Thanksgiving visit. WAT?!


Heading home from Thanksgiving visit. WAT?!

Another day, another rat leaving the ship.

Another day, another rat leaving the ship.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/brexiteer-hard-brexit-eu-passport-buy-malta-christopher-chandler-single-market-customs-union-a8185336.html?utm_source=reddit.com

Saturday 6 October 2018

A benevolent dictator remains a dictator.

A benevolent dictator remains a dictator.

This is the source of Canada's urging to the KSA. The emperor has no clothes. It's not progressive but doing small things to pacify the populus. Get rid of any competing source of authority conservative or progressive.


https://theintercept.com/2018/10/06/saudi-arabia-women-driving-activists-exile/

Friday 5 October 2018

If 15/19 hijackers from KSA didn't affect relations after 9/11 missing journo won't either.

If 15/19 hijackers from KSA didn't affect relations after 9/11 missing journo won't either.

I am truly sorry for his fiancee and family but they should expect absolutely no help from an embassy.

https://theintercept.com/2018/10/05/key-senators-say-disappearance-of-washington-post-columnist-should-end-u-s-blank-check-to-saudi-arabia/

So owning your vehicle outright is no longer protection. He's lucky he could find the claim originator, RBC, and deal with them.

So owning your vehicle outright is no longer protection. He's lucky he could find the claim originator, RBC, and deal with them.

The only time I've had any contact with a collection agency it was the same garbage. We weren't notified of any outstanding debt but all of a sudden there's a collection agency contacting us. With NO paperwork about the debt. It's a big scam that hurts people's credit rating.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/rbc-car-collection-agency-1.4848948

Men have been kept silent by rape culture. It's time for more of them to stand up and say what they saw.

Men have been kept silent by rape culture. It's time for more of them to stand up and say what they saw.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/i-watched-a-rape-for-five-decades-i-did-nothing/2018/10/05/f28d9cf8-c805-11e8-b2b5-79270f9cce17_story.html

Parents have to talk about consent with all kids not just gatekeeping with girls. Modeling responsible alcohol use is a huge part of the equation.

Parents have to talk about consent with all kids not just gatekeeping with girls. Modeling responsible alcohol use is a huge part of the equation.

Alcohol is truly a public health issue. Much bigger social problem than cannabis to me. Binge drinking is condoned if not encouraged and alcohol heightens the likelihood of violence from a certain segment of the population. Add in the cost of drunk driving and alcohol related liver failure and other diseases and there are reasons other than "morality" to tightly control its availability.

Bringing up boys can certainly seem overwhelming but the hardest part is supporting them when they are resisting peer pressure activities that demean others.

https://wapo.st/2Rjoc06?tid=ss_gp&utm_term=.7d88d0b450ca

Keeping people who care about public well-being on the edge of being broke allow the cruel to flourish.

Keeping people who care about public well-being on the edge of being broke allow the cruel to flourish.

There will always be community minded people, those known to give the shirts off their back to those without. Keep them providing services their taxes should provide and elections are a hindrance to them rather than a help. The best thing the GOP did to destroy US democratic principles was to not work with Obama or any Democrats on policies that would protect others. First it was refugees and migrants but now it's children and women.

Also, the more I see of Southern Baptist sect of Christianity the more I think Mohamed was a needed refresh to the religion of the region. I'm just kind of sad Islam didn't keep progressing so Ba'hai caught on as the dominant sect in the 20th century.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/03/us/non-voters-midterm-elections.html

Thursday 4 October 2018

Yes, the cruelty is the point, and that's why is must be rejected forcefully and thoroughly.

Yes, the cruelty is the point, and that's why is must be rejected forcefully and thoroughly.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/10/the-cruelty-is-the-point/572104/

There are tips you learn as you deal with money. Trusted friends help. Much nicer not to have to lose money and learn from your own mistakes.

There are tips you learn as you deal with money. Trusted friends help. Much nicer not to have to lose money and learn from your own mistakes.

Unfortunately money mistakes tend to be costly and can be difficult to recover from. Even getting budgeting tips from friends can be helpful.

From the article:
people avoid discussing money with their friends for four reasons: 1) They’re afraid of sounding stupid; 2) They were taught that it’s rude; 3) They suspect they have more money than their peers and don’t want to be resented for it; or conversely, 4) They worry they have less money than their peers and will be pitied. 

And tips
starting with a compliment...They might deflect your compliment at first (“Oh, hardly!”), but reiterate your genuine curiosity

I read a report of a study that said pretty well everyone is anxious about money regardless of income. I suggest skipping talk of numbers and focusing on strategies.
http://www.thecut.com/amp/2018/10/student-loans-debt-rent-anxious.html

Tick season is earlier every year. We get our dogs vaccinated and wear long pants. We are in a low risk area for Lyme for now.

Tick season is earlier every year. We get our dogs vaccinated and wear long pants. We are in a low risk area for Lyme for now.

If I were a hunter or lived on an acreage I would definitely be interested in a vaccination. The signs and symptoms are so nebulous it really does rely on history. I know I hesitate to take antibiotics unless I really need them so hopefully doctors aren't prescribing them like they used to.
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/what-happened-to-the-lyme-vaccine/

Companies were already expanding to meet demand so investment gains more like a ripple?

Companies were already expanding to meet demand so investment gains more like a ripple?

I live in an area really hard hit by the downturn in oil. Our house value dropped by over 25%. In the last year there have been new home starts again. Even with the weather and we see the benefit of remaining in a community we've been a member or for 20 years. and have a pretty balance retirement investment portfolio so I don't expect growth to really change.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/free-trade-usmca-nafta-armstrong-1.4848650

The morning routine. Bennie in his space, Milo getting relief and Fred and I talking.


The morning routine. Bennie in his space, Milo getting relief and Fred and I talking.

Wednesday 3 October 2018

Great way to reuse plastics. Could it also be incorporated into cleaning up the Pacific gyre?

Great way to reuse plastics. Could it also be incorporated into cleaning up the Pacific gyre?

If there was a way to process on ships the transport to end user that would be way better than traipsing all over the world with garbage.

h/t Gail Barnes
https://www.environmentalleader.com/2018/09/waste-plastic-structural-concrete/

Interesting discussion about the USMCA. Seems like diverse panels (it's a series)

Interesting discussion about the USMCA. Seems like diverse panels (it's a series)

Interestingly Vietnam is one of the non-state (?) countries and Canada are already in the process of ratifying a free trade agreement with them as part of the TPP v2. It probably isn't a bad thing to examine any deal with China closely and the more eyes the better; companies can do their own negotiating.

Interesting that the expoliticians can manage to sound like reasonable non-partisan actors. Most seem to have gone to law firms and universities not lobby groups.
https://youtu.be/PnTYvdHlfRY

Another video of Bennie playing with stuff we haven't cleaned up we'll enough. Yardwork by pup 😁

Another video of Bennie playing with stuff we haven't cleaned up we'll enough. Yardwork by pup 😁
https://youtu.be/vyKNzJuYYO8

Tuesday 2 October 2018

One neat ergonomics tip - mouse with left hand. Don't know why I didn't start doing this sooner!


One neat ergonomics tip - mouse with left hand. Don't know why I didn't start doing this sooner!

This works so well for me. I find my right shoulder is often fatigued enough that poor mouse placement gets noticeably annoying. Using my left hand, I can write notes, drink stuff and reach for all the stuff right hand people put in easy reach of their ... right hand!

Sometimes you just need an anonymous community to help sort yourself out and summon courage to act.

Sometimes you just need an anonymous community to help sort yourself out and summon courage to act.

People often ask why women who get the deluge of violent threats why they don't just leave the internet. It's because the support from others outweighs the troll attacks. I read some forums where people ask for advice on creating a life where they can be content. Pretty sure they are heavily moderated. For me they are more like mental preparation for events but it also opens my eyes to some of the more difficult situations people encounter. I find the most consistent commenters don't tell the OP what they must do; they ask questions to help the OP come to a decision - leave, get IRL help for realistic coping strategies, etc.

https://www.thecut.com/amp/2018/10/its-complicated-wedding-forum-helped-me-leave-abusive-ex.html

Canadian scholars earn quite a few Nobel Prizes. Congrats Dr Strickland and thanks for improving my life:)

Canadian scholars earn quite a few Nobel Prizes. Congrats Dr Strickland and thanks for improving my life:)
https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/nobel-prize-physics-canadian-donna-strickland-1.4846644

Flu season is nearing. I'm getting my free flu vaccination as soon as it's available, especially with parents in their 80s.

Flu season is nearing. I'm getting my free flu vaccination as soon as it's available, especially with parents in their 80s.

I've heard of advances that would create antibodies based on a different part of the virus that is less changing so new vaccines don't have to be developed every year. Needle don't particularly both me but it would be easier for people to maintain immunity. No one really has time for colds with their 7 days of symptoms. The addition of GI symptoms is something I just don't need.
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/more-about-flu-vaccine/

Monday 1 October 2018

We don't seem to have a problem moving from saver to spender...

We don't seem to have a problem moving from saver to spender...

This retirement year we've done renos and bought a second vehicle and it's only September! Actually, I'm kidding about the conversion. We're still in the retirement setup stage. Next year will tell the tale.

The only way this could work is if the justice system brings the charges after a complaint is logged and an investigation is completed It does send a message that this is not acceptable behaviour.*

The only way this could work is if the justice system brings the charges after a complaint is logged and an investigation is completed It does send a message that this is not acceptable behaviour.*

Hopefully this isn't written in a gendered manner. Men should be protected from harassment from women and other men.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2018/10/france-fines-first-man-for-catcalling.html

People are weirdly ok with huge amounts of flammable toxic materials passing through the cities and towns in spite of Lac Megantic.

People are weirdly ok with huge amounts of flammable toxic materials passing through the cities and towns in spite of Lac Megantic.

At the emergency management conference I was at, a colleague was mentioning how stunning it is that people consider rail less hazardous and more environmentally friendly than pipelines. On going CO2 emissions from locomotives running on mostly non-bio diesel because of temperature restraints so there is NOX and SOX as well. Rail also runs through middles of cities and close to residential areas. I have to agree. Perhaps there is a false sense of security because rail cars only holds 114,000L (30,000 US gal) and people think incidents would be confined to 1 car?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/tasker-crude-by-rail-eight-fold-increase-1.4842410