The government today struck a committee to help Canadians better understand and eventually destigmatize mental illness. A noble goal. Today the conference on psychosomatic medicine closed at our local convention centre. Bookends. In between, the rest of us.
posted in health | Comments Off on Not another nutty idea | 234 words
Maybe I won’t have to read a good spy novel this weekend. After all, the CBC has decided to entertain me with just such fare this evening, as they present a documentary looking into the death of the princess. Which princess? Is there more than one? Oh yes, that one. We are at the ten year anniversary, after all.
posted in history | Comments Off on Fit for a spy novel | 302 words
It’s funny. Even though I don’t intend to do so, I collect computer hardware. Since my budget is limited, I’m not a leader in acquiring new technology. In fact, I’m more the opposite. Sort of like the bird that brings up the tail end of the queue heading for the south. Lots of hardware that used to be expensive, until the laws of economics come into play, allowing me to also own what once was valuable.
posted in economy, technology | Comments Off on Cool gear for the cheap set | 291 words
Watching or reading the news is an activity that is fraught with risk. One must tread through the virtual minefield of politically correct sentiment, even as the powers that be change the rules. In fact, there are no facts; all can be revised given enough time and desire. Today, there were two examples, similar in their difference.
posted in history | Comments Off on Corrected or revised | 315 words
Although it hasn’t happened in years, I have managed to receive free transportation at times in the past, by standing near a ditch and sticking my thumb in the air. Note carefully; one thumb. Because if I had used two hands, I could now be found in breach of trademark. As well as in violation of a number of sections in the Highway Act. Real trouble.
posted in media | Comments Off on He meant something entirely different | 321 words
I live a life that is free of rules, or rather rulers. Measuring sticks. When the only thing I’m likely to cut during a given day is a piece of very mild cheddar to be shared with my best friend, the idea of precision in the length of the cut is far from ten on the scale. So, when called upon to assist son #2 in the purchase of his first tool for the new career in mechanical engineering, I was surprised.
posted in technology | Comments Off on In search of greater precision | 420 words
We spent the day acting as tourist guides under a cloudy sky. This is a beautiful city, and it helps to get out and about from time to time and just enjoy the view. A chance to see the old city with new enthusiasm. In fact, we even went for a ferry ride, where you can see the postcard views that the city is known for. Followed by a funicular ride. All in the same day. A fun day.
posted in media | Comments Off on Light followed by dark | 257 words
Solid as a rock. If you are anything like me, you know that concrete is like rock, in the same way that white wine is like water; like is not the same as same. Or some such rule. Semantically speaking of course. If you’ve ever run into a concrete wall, it probably seemed like you had hit a rock. The same sensation.
posted in technology | Comments Off on Don’t be insecure | 225 words
This afternoon, having missed my regular express bus back to the hilltop retreat, I was forced to chose to take the long way home. Bus travel leaves me with ample opportunity to be a spectator (unpaid tourist). Here’s a few of my reactions to the ride.
posted in environment | Comments Off on How to take the long way home | 625 words
Two stories out of the news this evening have rattled my reassured view that there are laws that protect me. In spite of all we do to improve things, the double standard is alive and well. Teach your children what you will; society has two classes. Those who say and those who do. Wait – in these two cases they’re identical.
posted in media, politics | Comments Off on The double standard is alive and well | 402 words
