4th
September
2008
Anyone who uses a tool wishes they had something that is of better quality. The musician, who wants a new horn/bow/didjeridu. The carpenter, who lusts after one of those Japanese handsaws that are on display at Lee Valley. The writer, wanting a sharper penknife to cut a finer quill (it could happen). The computer geek that wants a “better mouse”. Let’s accept that classier tools make happier craftsmen.
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posted in technology |
20th
May
2008
Without any reason to cross an international border, I’m always a little bemused by some of the things that I hear about. You know, the coffeemachine/watercooler stories about how things went for someone else as they crossed through that zone of turbulent weather. The hot/cold divide where thunder storms are likely to develop. The special place where the Canucks are armed with clipboards and the Yanks with automatic rifles. Is the border a line between cultures, a line of defence, or a place to pay yet another round of taxes to governments with deep pockets? It seems to depend on the day of the week.
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posted in economy, travel |
5th
May
2008
Now that I go to bed early (because waking up is hard to do), I’ve had to swear off late-night TV. No more monologues from the triumvirate, or goofy walk-ons from the cinematic butterflies that have a new movie to flog. Except that once in a while, sleep remains elusive and I’ll find the two remotes needed to get a picture up on the wall above our bed. Like last night, when I stumbled across a documentary.
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posted in history, politics |
20th
October
2007
In some ways, it is a pity that humans depend so heavily on visual clues for our socialization. The clothes we wear do “make the man” in terms of our contact with others. We live in a world that tries to convince us to alter our appearance; hair colour, clothing styles, even the shoes we wear.
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posted in education |
30th
September
2007
I have to be impressed with the blatant ability of the Canadian retailer to protect a vested position. This afternoon, Rex invited callers to bear witness. An opportunity to let others know how things have changed in the new monetary model known as “looney at par”. The program turned out as a reaffirmation of my personal experience. The only profit from a stronger dollar is a stronger profit margin.
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posted in economy |
8th
August
2007
“Building” the computer you want is good. I’ve done a few over the years, usually on top of the kitchen table (for workspace) or on top of the kitchen stove (for the overhead lighting). Even a combination of the two when the last screw hole seemed to be hiding from me. Saving money also helps in the rationalization of the whole thing. Doing so, online, virtually, has been less of a resounding success.
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posted in computing |
13th
January
2007
With the rest of the family out of the house for the evening, it was time to try something new. We don’t have a home theatre, which is why the Happy Gang went to the local cinema. I, on the other hand, have a radio which tunes in CBC and the Randy Bachman show. Guess who gets more value for their dollar?
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posted in computing |
26th
December
2006
I should know better, at my age. There are no real Boxing Day bargains, especially when the prices are published for all to see. For days now, the intrepid shoppers have been planning their strategies, armed with fast cars and cell phones. I am no more than a witness without much money.
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posted in economy, Wx |
29th
September
2006
- REFUSE to purchase environmentally burdensome materials
- REDUCE waste materials
- REUSE waste material without processing
- REFORM waste material
- RECYCLE waste material as new resources
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posted in environment |
20th
February
2006
Today seemed to involve printers. The kind that attaches to your computer in one way or another, and that gives (un)satisfactory results.
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posted in computing, economy |