In the IT “business”, we deal with the value-added reseller (value-addled) or VAR, but I believe that the esteemed profession of veterinarian is heading down that same shaky road. A long time ago, the vet took care of animals. Our dog got hit by a train and needed his leg put in a splint; no problem. Our puppy needed his “shots”; no problem. Times have changed.
posted in economy, pets | Comments Off on Vet or VAR | 368 words
I had to drive son #3 to a friend’s house this afternoon. Nothing too difficult in that, except that he didn’t know where the friend lived. Check the phone book. Not listed (Dad’s a doctor). What’s his wife’s name? OK here’s a possibility. No city map to be found. Dig out the GPS and plug in the address. Off we go.
posted in technology | Comments Off on Spring traffic jam | 222 words
I once read a wonderful quotation, that said “The one with the most musical instruments wins.” Well, I could never have permitted myself to do this, but we went out and bought a new bass guitar today, for son #2.
posted in music | Comments Off on Another brick laid | 151 words
About once a month, my professional life involves “running” a videoconference for the decisional team. I make sure that a member can assist (attend) a meeting without the necessary pain of spending half the day in transit.
posted in computing | Comments Off on Decisions, decisions | 125 words
A recent search brought back some early electronic music and a whole grab-bag of memories. The “Switched On Bach” albums began back in 1968, when Wendy Carlos was still Walter. I was newly trained in the use of the audio carrels in the school library, and the most esoteric LP in their collection was a true bits and bytes sound experience.
posted in history | Comments Off on Into the archives | 182 words
The strike at UPEI is over. The same 95% that voted to go walk around have voted to walk back. In return, their teaching load will drop by three hours per week in the second semester.
posted in politics | Comments Off on Another nick of time story | 120 words
If you received a letter, mailed on 31/03/2006 about something that would happen on 23/03/2006 via a letter dated 09/11/2005, would you be better informed? I didn’t think so. The skill of reusing an electronic document is laudable, but only if the user is enough on top of things to check the various date fields before sealing the envelope.
posted in technology | Comments Off on Calendar use is optional | 145 words
Already one hundred entries! Today I should write about something really important. So many options, so many ideas.
posted in computing | Comments Off on Counting all the way to one hundred | 187 words
Today was a whole other day from yesterday. I went to a different mall, and if one can have a bad shopping day, this was it. We purchased a selection of books, for son # 3 and found that he already had them. No returns, even on sealed merchandise, so we now have a hefty credit on file for another time. I don’t need another time, but…
posted in economy | Comments Off on Confused mall-rats, part 2 | 170 words
I admit, I don’t go shopping often, with the exception of groceries, so venturing into the retail world is a new experience each time. For the better-trained clients, the stores have another option: change the environment.
posted in economy | Comments Off on Confused mall-rats | 223 words
