On days like today, it's hard to regret retiring and staying where we are.

On days like today, it's hard to regret retiring and staying where we are.

People ask us how we are liking retirement and I think they're really asking what we do with all that time now we're not working. Well we just don't rush from one thing to the next. Breakfast is leisurely. Puppy training happens daily. We've committed to walking every day (I will bail on freezing rain though) even if it's too cold for the dogs. After all Fred used to snowmobile at -35C. And we've committed to reducing our carbon footprint further by getting an off grid greenhouse and replacing bark with leafy plants.

Should be exciting.

Update for my watch!

Update for my watch!

The need for 2 L of water a day is a misunderstanding. It's fluids and they can be from foods.

The need for 2 L of water a day is a misunderstanding. It's fluids and they can be from foods.

This drives me nuts when people promote this. Drink when you're thirsty and a little extra if you are working hard or in the heat.
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-nutrition/water-myth

Helping GM workers only makes sense as the Feds bought a PIPELINE, that Harper didn't get built during his near decade of federal leadership, to help out Alberta.

Helping GM workers only makes sense as the Feds bought a PIPELINE, that Harper didn't get built during his near decade of federal leadership, to help out Alberta.

Seriously Alberta needs to reset. Calgarians are smart, educated people. They need to see oil is not the wave of the future - especially with US fracking making the US the top oil producer world wide. We should concentrate on refining and supplying gasoline for Canada while exporting extra but really focus on developing solar and wind generated electricity to drawing energy hungry industries here. Also, a sea change in attitude about "men's jobs" would be helpful. We need journeymen plumbers, carpenters etc but also caregivers and other service providers.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ottawa-reaction-trudeau-gm-1.4920807?cmp=rss

Now that we're near/at the tipping point we're mainstreaming #renewable/sustainable energy? We really are just fancy animals.

Now that we're near/at the tipping point we're mainstreaming #renewable/sustainable energy? We really are just fancy animals.
https://www.engadget.com/amp/2018/11/24/superconducting-tape-wind-power/

This is a boon for developing local food sources in challenging weather conditions - whether cold climate like Northern Canada or drying areas.

This is a boon for developing local food sources in challenging weather conditions - whether cold climate like Northern Canada or drying areas.

Canada has an abundance of resources (other than petroleum based) and should be developing local sustainable agiculture for isolated communities as the world transitions away from oil based products. Our diverse population positions us to consider a broad use for technology
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/cannabis-technology-1.4917835

Bennie's puppy classes were at the vet clinic. He loves it there. Actually, all our dogs have enjoyed going to the vet.

Bennie's puppy classes were at the vet clinic. He loves it there. Actually, all our dogs have enjoyed going to the vet.

There was one clinic they didn't like so I changed vets. I don't know if he was rough or it was just a smell but it was easy enough to go to a different one and everything was fine. I think the key is crate training for getting them there if you can't walk and random drop in with treats (which they always have lots of)

https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-white-coat-effect-in-animals-reducing-fear-in-the-vet-clinic/

Do Cookbooks Need Nutrition Facts? https://www.tastecooking.com/cookbooks-need-nutrition-facts/

Do Cookbooks Need Nutrition Facts? https://www.tastecooking.com/cookbooks-need-nutrition-facts/
https://www.tastecooking.com/cookbooks-need-nutrition-facts/

Another test of the emergency alert system.

Another test of the emergency alert system.

I use click & collect at Superstore and would be interested in this. Problem is @Loblaws doesn't value Android users.

I use click & collect at Superstore and would be interested in this. Problem is @Loblaws doesn't value Android users.

The actual PC Optimum app is pretty good but apps have been rolled out for iOS to make shopping easier through lists while Android gets nothing. Same with TD bank not playing with GPay. I guess they have my number, still use the store and preorder even without an app. Struggling through the web app on my phone while drinking coffee sometimes beats wandering the store. Plus it's better for staying in budget.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/loblaws-walmart-shop-and-scan-technology-1.4912024

The genius foresight of Gary Larson.

The genius foresight of Gary Larson.
Via Sean Bossinger

These "people" felt comfortable posting video of animal torture on the internet. Kudos to the guy who reported it.

These "people" felt comfortable posting video of animal torture on the internet. Kudos to the guy who reported it.

Because I'm human, my first thought was they should be treated as they treated the coyote. Bash head a few times against the back of a machine them drag them behind a vehicle after they try to run away. Then my humanity kicked in. Now I think they should be made to eat that animal. Raw. The whole thing in one sitting. Killing is not for sport, it's for survival. Coyotes eat small animals, vegetation and carrion.

I really regret reading the account. The pictures were disturbing enough that I went with just a headline


https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/coyote-beating-grande-prairie-rcmp-investigation-1.4911574

How do you ensure you get a good contractor beyond asking for references? Spending extra money is not a guarantee.

How do you ensure you get a good contractor beyond asking for references? Spending extra money is not a guarantee.

We went through end of the roll to get new flooring and used their contractor. Overall it looks ok but the finish is not what I expect from a professional. Glue was used on a no glue flooring and, with no premeasuring, there are little strips or triangles of fill in pieces rather than actual planned pieces. Sure the floor is warranteed but we would have to remove the baseboards again to get it done. When we hire professionals we expect that last 5% of the work to be as good as the easiest 80% of the job.
https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4860208

We're waiting for the #Porsche Taycan. By then our Macan will be 5-ish if we'll need to beef up our solar panel installation.

We're waiting for the #Porsche Taycan. By then our Macan will be 5-ish if we'll need to beef up our solar panel installation.

Yeah, we realize we'll be paying a premium but Porsche is to make their own batteries. I also think battery tech is going to improve immensely in the next few years, extending range. I L-O-V-E the quality of my Macan and will suck it up that Porsche is refusing to support Android for phones.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/zero-emission-canada-1.4906767

#Dog grooming tip for fluffy under coat. Waterless shampoo and a rake.

#Dog grooming tip for fluffy under coat. Waterless shampoo and a rake.

I've been resisting grooming Milo because I was using the wrong tool. The stripper comb wasn't pull much so I thought he was ok. His under cost is super fly away so I don't go out of my way to groom. After doing one stroke of the rake and getting a comb full of fur I had to do something. Using the waterless shampoo keeps his hair together and reduces static. And he smells nice after.

Pretty much winter is here - get yourself some touchscreen gloves by Mujjjo

Pretty much winter is here - get yourself some touchscreen gloves by Mujjjo
Without getting into the proverbial "winter is coming" ... it's really already here.  If you're like me you don't let a little cold ruin using your phone.  So not only getting a pair that's warm, that's comfortable, it needs to be able to work your phone. W...
https://www.androidcoliseum.com/2018/11/pretty-much-winter-is-here-get-yourself.html

The kid should have to look after seniors in his area who have limited mobility for the next several years so he can see the life he's destroyed.

The kid should have to look after seniors in his area who have limited mobility for the next several years so he can see the life he's destroyed.

I don't know if there's a way we (as in Canada) can set up a fund to help this man get the support he will need for the rest of his life.
https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4906243

For some reason I think this publishing date was pushed back so it's been a long wait. Love the Rivers of London series.

For some reason I think this publishing date was pushed back so it's been a long wait. Love the Rivers of London series.
https://www.tor.com/sweepstakes/rivers-of-london-series-sweepstakes/#

The clickbait headline doesn't give this complex article enough credit for the themes explored.

The clickbait headline doesn't give this complex article enough credit for the themes explored.

This is a very long and complex read. I went in thinking it's probably due to sex-ed and consent. Along the way I read about how use it or lose it applies to women and men when it comes to sexual activity. You can tell I'm old because if you asked me about rules for the first time I wouldn't even dream of the leading sex researcher's advice of “don’t choke them, don’t ejaculate on their face, don’t try to have anal sex with them. These are all things that are just unlikely to go over well.”

I also get the fear factor for women. It's pretty clear that existing culture sees violent men as coin of the realm and some women will be sacrificed. Who wants to be that woman? You can't tell ahead of time who the violent guy is and you are most likely to get killed as you try to extricate yourself from the situation. Is sex worth it?

Mostly I am amazed at the effect social media/intern life has disrupted relationships in wealthier countries. People have always been cliquey but now they can be even more discerning without leaving the comfort of wherever they are.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/12/the-sex-recession/573949/

I really like the older kindle with the side buttons for paging but have gotten used to the Paperwhite I have with the meh screen sensitivity. I do like that it only does one thing, the battery lasts ages and it's quite comfortable to hold and read. I'm not sure I would plump for the new version although it does sound better for the beach.

I really like the older kindle with the side buttons for paging but have gotten used to the Paperwhite I have with the meh screen sensitivity. I do like that it only does one thing, the battery lasts ages and it's quite comfortable to hold and read. I'm not sure I would plump for the new version although it does sound better for the beach.
https://www.engadget.com/amp/2018/11/13/kindle-paperwhite-review-2018/

I am very confused about the use of the word liberal to describe increasing early childhood education and roads quality.

I am very confused about the use of the word liberal to describe increasing early childhood education and roads quality.

Even describing quality levels for public funding as a liberal cause seems WTF. These are taxes we all pay, surely we want the best bang for our buck so yes, research needs to be funded to present to stakeholders so a decision can be made for effective use of funds as well as some kind of goal expectation.

Even though I'm pissed to be part owner of the Trans-Mountain pipeline over all I think my tax dollars are being spent pretty well but not perfectly. I would definitely like to see more affordable/low income housing available and better use of innovation to make northern communities less reliant on imported foods. Expanding communication infrastructure to allow distance work and health care would also reinvigorate smaller communities. Alberta should focus on exporting electricity from alternate energy sources and natural gas rather than flogging the oil horse.
https://psmag.com/news/only-one-state-legislature-is-now-under-split-party-control

Fav set of stories. I got at least one of the books at the Baen Free Library.

Fav set of stories. I got at least one of the books at the Baen Free Library.

I think these stories are timeless.
https://www.tor.com/2018/11/08/girl-power-the-telzey-amberdon-stories-by-james-h-schmitz/

Cooking techniques I've been too lazy to do. So glad they're myths 😁

Cooking techniques I've been too lazy to do. So glad they're myths 😁
https://www.splendidtable.org/story/food-myths-busted-by-americas-test-kitchen-marinating-basting-and-boiling

Been looking for this recipe forever, mostly for the baking time. Bread substitute.

Been looking for this recipe forever, mostly for the baking time. Bread substitute.
https://www.foodienationtt.com/single-post/2017/10/05/Roast-Bake

US financial system is so predatory that I cannot bring myself to invest in their bank stocks.

US financial system is so predatory that I cannot bring myself to invest in their bank stocks.

I know their losses are guaranteed by taxpayers but let's be real about who that is exactly. People without enough wealth to dodge paying them. I give it 3 years before another blow out. Interest rates are rising while wages are not so borrowing FTW!


https://theintercept.com/2018/11/02/dodd-frank-rollback-wall-street-volcker-rule/

It is past time for government to invest in technology that makes isolated areas more self sufficient. Restoring rail access should be a means not an end.

It is past time for government to invest in technology that makes isolated areas more self sufficient. Restoring rail access should be a means not an end.

Meaningful work that contributes to the community can go a long way towards offsetting some of the hopelessness that can lead to despair.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/inuit-suicide-nunavik-1.4886836