What is wrong. 2 great tragedies Getting something electronic and expecting it to work. ( updated by moi from an old adage )
GPS follies. Plug in " check" Turn on " check"
Blutooth - no way Jose. Finally, figured it out, the phone has a seach button not just the GPS
Register " check " Plug in the USB cable, except the Garmin program can't find my GPS unit - it keeps searching.
Will quit and try to-mororw. For some reason the programs for " FinePix " and " Adobe print Shop " can find the GPS.
Official luddite forms are avilable, click on the following link - good luck.
We joined Costco. I figure keeping your humanity while shopping at the big " C " on Fri afternoon is one of the labours of Hercules.
Security. OK put your GPS unit away so that it is not visible a) b/c its theftable b) UV and heat could damage it however, your suction cup mounting bracket is still on the window.
You can lock the GPS w/ a code, if you forget the code and can't unlock, send the GPS unit home to Garmin.
Luddies, your secret is safe w/ me
Saturday 31 March 2012
Friday 30 March 2012
2 great tragedies
" wanting something and getting it "
Finally, rented the " Rum Diary " by H.S. Thompson starring Johnny Depp. this after threatening M for two weeks that I would rent it. Originally, I listened to the story on tape. Knowing absolutely nada about Thompson except rumour, I decided to buy the tape. I don't know what to say - it was okay. Way beyond anything I could ever do but then most things are. I felt this was Thompson's autobiography that I was hearing.
I'm watching the cast comments and they have confirmed the autobiography thing. Thompson advised on the film.
Generally, the movie conforms to the atmosphere and dynamic of the book. The cast laud the artistry and faithfulness to the book and Thompson himself. Sheesh, the movie lacks - power, it drifts, is this good ? b/c the characters really are drifting in Puerto Rico pre - Kennedy era.
Zip, the machine charged 2 $ CAD and I should have got change.
now, to be fair, my fav line from the tape got left out ( maybe, b/c I've watched the movie 4 times in split shifts, so I missed the line ?? )
" those times when splinters of luck made me feel like a hero " .
Hey, I join the modern age and drop my luddite label a bit. We will likely buy a GPS to-day.
For you other luddites out there - Gallons Per Second " is GPS. Well, it might as well be for me. I figure I'll plug it in and loosely go through the motions of using it, occassionally taking advantage of a voice " turn left in 400 ft " instruction. Now the plan is to take this GPS thingy to England. As in do you really want to haul 2 extra pounds across the " big water ". However, we could practice using the GPS here in Can-US and rent a GPS in England and at least we'd have some idea of how to use it there - rather than driving on the left and doing traffic circles and trying to figure out the GPS. BTW - one feature of some GPS units is " eco " mode where the little man inside plans your route to save gas.
Ah, welcome to an age of marvels, luddite ( no, I mean me , not you )
Finally, rented the " Rum Diary " by H.S. Thompson starring Johnny Depp. this after threatening M for two weeks that I would rent it. Originally, I listened to the story on tape. Knowing absolutely nada about Thompson except rumour, I decided to buy the tape. I don't know what to say - it was okay. Way beyond anything I could ever do but then most things are. I felt this was Thompson's autobiography that I was hearing.
I'm watching the cast comments and they have confirmed the autobiography thing. Thompson advised on the film.
Generally, the movie conforms to the atmosphere and dynamic of the book. The cast laud the artistry and faithfulness to the book and Thompson himself. Sheesh, the movie lacks - power, it drifts, is this good ? b/c the characters really are drifting in Puerto Rico pre - Kennedy era.
Zip, the machine charged 2 $ CAD and I should have got change.
now, to be fair, my fav line from the tape got left out ( maybe, b/c I've watched the movie 4 times in split shifts, so I missed the line ?? )
" those times when splinters of luck made me feel like a hero " .
Hey, I join the modern age and drop my luddite label a bit. We will likely buy a GPS to-day.
For you other luddites out there - Gallons Per Second " is GPS. Well, it might as well be for me. I figure I'll plug it in and loosely go through the motions of using it, occassionally taking advantage of a voice " turn left in 400 ft " instruction. Now the plan is to take this GPS thingy to England. As in do you really want to haul 2 extra pounds across the " big water ". However, we could practice using the GPS here in Can-US and rent a GPS in England and at least we'd have some idea of how to use it there - rather than driving on the left and doing traffic circles and trying to figure out the GPS. BTW - one feature of some GPS units is " eco " mode where the little man inside plans your route to save gas.
Ah, welcome to an age of marvels, luddite ( no, I mean me , not you )
Thursday 29 March 2012
Stranger than fiction
CBC radio had a news item from the interior of B.C. A woman driving home in a rural area ( heck, all of B.C. s interior is rural area )
she sees debris falling down the mountain side - clothe or bags w/ a bit of brown. Right in front of her, tumbles down a bighorn sheep w/ a cougar locked on his neck refusing to let go.
I think I would have let go somewhere around the fifth head over heels roll. However, most readers here know that I was never going to be a mountain man or cougar or sheep.
We are finally, getting down to the short strokes in England - Scotland 2012 preps.
The internet is making arrangements easy in one sense. paper receipts and info fly back and forth across the " big water ". However, there is also mammoth frustration. E.g. Enterprise has this great website w/ locations, rates etc right out front. However, you can pick the car up in location 1 but you need to return it location 1. M gets on the chat site for Enterprise and w/ Jacqueline determines that you cannot return to an alternate location using the on line site. M gets the rate and a ph # for how to arrange the rental we need. I call Enterp and get a pleasant fellow and book the car we want + drop off in location 2. bada bing bada boom.
Confirmation e-mail comes followed by a thank you email and instructions from Victoria ( management trainee )and call us if you need a pick up ( yep, Enterp does come and get you. Neat
However, train tickets booked and paid pre - England done and done, all on line.
Now, if I could go by internet instead of flying then I would really appreciate the internet. beam me up Air Transat. Oh well, M is getting us there " Club Class " cushy chairs and more room c.f. cattle car mania going on behind Club section.
she sees debris falling down the mountain side - clothe or bags w/ a bit of brown. Right in front of her, tumbles down a bighorn sheep w/ a cougar locked on his neck refusing to let go.
I think I would have let go somewhere around the fifth head over heels roll. However, most readers here know that I was never going to be a mountain man or cougar or sheep.
We are finally, getting down to the short strokes in England - Scotland 2012 preps.
The internet is making arrangements easy in one sense. paper receipts and info fly back and forth across the " big water ". However, there is also mammoth frustration. E.g. Enterprise has this great website w/ locations, rates etc right out front. However, you can pick the car up in location 1 but you need to return it location 1. M gets on the chat site for Enterprise and w/ Jacqueline determines that you cannot return to an alternate location using the on line site. M gets the rate and a ph # for how to arrange the rental we need. I call Enterp and get a pleasant fellow and book the car we want + drop off in location 2. bada bing bada boom.
Confirmation e-mail comes followed by a thank you email and instructions from Victoria ( management trainee )and call us if you need a pick up ( yep, Enterp does come and get you. Neat
However, train tickets booked and paid pre - England done and done, all on line.
Now, if I could go by internet instead of flying then I would really appreciate the internet. beam me up Air Transat. Oh well, M is getting us there " Club Class " cushy chairs and more room c.f. cattle car mania going on behind Club section.
Wednesday 28 March 2012
Tyranny
Well, "Tyranny of the Night " is the book that I'm re-reading. This read maybe the 3 rd since 2008. I bought the hard cover in Worchester, Ma. Since, then by hook or by crook, I've managed to buy the series of 5 or so books. Mostly soft covers since the original purchase. The author is Glen Cook.
M has an E-reader. I'm not allowed to use the e-reader on the basis that I should get my own. Something about " me " monopolizing the thing. Like I would do that.
This post is about books v e-reader.
The cover of " Tyranny.... " shows a battle scene. The foreground is a dude in gold-ish armour, spear in hand, seemingly screaming or exhorting followers. Neat. Love picking up the book and seeing that cover.
GC has stuck so many names in this book that I pretend that I remember what he is referring to.
"Tyranny.... " smells as well. I suppose its mildew or age but the experience is sensory.
M is careful in handling her e-reader, so it doesn't smell. The e-reader is grey plastic w/ a pseudo-leather cover. you can buy multi-colour covers w/designs but.. no battle scenes as far as I know.
Of course, the netbook that I'm using right now is a clone of the e-reader. the netbook cost about $60 more.
I did bookmark ( love it, bookmark ) a site that has instructions on " how to turn a laptop into a book ". still haven't got around to exploring the possiblilty.
So, here's to snail mail and real books esp those w/ really neat covers.
M has an E-reader. I'm not allowed to use the e-reader on the basis that I should get my own. Something about " me " monopolizing the thing. Like I would do that.
This post is about books v e-reader.
The cover of " Tyranny.... " shows a battle scene. The foreground is a dude in gold-ish armour, spear in hand, seemingly screaming or exhorting followers. Neat. Love picking up the book and seeing that cover.
GC has stuck so many names in this book that I pretend that I remember what he is referring to.
"Tyranny.... " smells as well. I suppose its mildew or age but the experience is sensory.
M is careful in handling her e-reader, so it doesn't smell. The e-reader is grey plastic w/ a pseudo-leather cover. you can buy multi-colour covers w/designs but.. no battle scenes as far as I know.
Of course, the netbook that I'm using right now is a clone of the e-reader. the netbook cost about $60 more.
I did bookmark ( love it, bookmark ) a site that has instructions on " how to turn a laptop into a book ". still haven't got around to exploring the possiblilty.
So, here's to snail mail and real books esp those w/ really neat covers.
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Evolution of the Snail
For the rabid followers of the " 2sents... ", I received my ticket for the JHU v Md game. A reserved seat nr the press box and the Hopkins band ( its almost a real band, w/ instruments and loud noise, further to this later ) The reserved part is most important b/c there is a greater chance that I'll be surrounded by the Black and Blue faithful and not the other guys which is a real possiblity b/c they are only coming from ten miles away or so.
" Snail " ? Yes, snail mail. Inside the envelope from JHU Athletics is a nice form letter re: tickets and both a men's and women's schedule on a business card with a lithograph of Hopkin's male and female player. The envelope itself is interesting. The stamps are American, three of them w/ the Statue of Liberty and the U.S. flag. The return address is the JHU Athletic department and " the Johns Hopkins University " name is across the top. They spelled my name wrong. The whole thing feels exotic. I can't remember too many other letters this past year that seem that different that you would use the term exotic. Well, it is.
And I was thinking ( M panics a bit, when I say, " I was thinking ", the odd bit of nonsense escapes now and then ). e-mails no matter where from or who from could never have the same exotic feel. E-mails are too fast and too anonymous, although some people have the personal logo-thingy or their cursive name. nope , def not the same. So, thank you JHU athletic dept.
Recently, on CBC, yes, I listen a lot, the topic was the importance or not of cursive writing. Of course, there were good points pro and con. The two prime examples were:
1) A baking chef - teacher, commented that 1 in 4 students couldn't decorate a cake satisfactorily b/c they can't do cursive. Printing isn't the same as cursive.
2) A teacher- or - principal of a private school for Attention Deficit and students w/ some types of learning difficulties, said the cursive writing b/c of the flow or pattern made communicating on paper easier for their students. Apparently, yes, typing for some students could work, legibility increased and neatness for sure. However, typing requires formulating a message in advance before you type i.e. its difficult to pre-process for some learners. Cursive is much faster and even soothing.
Soothing the last word that I would expect for cursive. Mainly, I'm surprised b/c my cursive is poor. I print and cursive, a hybrid writng. Also, I stink at typing. I type with all fingers and sometimes don't look but after 5 minutes, my typing " looks " as though I don't look.
The Hopkins band or facsimile thereof. Two years ago, I visited Annapolis, Md for a Hop game. The Navy-Marine Corps stadium is big - I'm guessing 40,000 capacity. the Midshipmen filled the place. The Mids wore white, all white. I was relieved when after 45 minutes I saw a Mid w/ a stain on the seat of his pants. I mean these people, men and women, were eating a full buffet lunch on their laps sitting wherever they could. Thank Goodness for one slob. Oh yeah, the stain was the size of a piece of bubblegum, small piece at that.
Back to the Hop band.
I took a seat half-way up the south side. Then 70 - 80 band members of the Naval Academy showed up. I must have been 40 seats away. The sound was like the trombone player was in my lap. And they were good, close to excellent. Once, I heard the Cornell band at Towson stadium ( named after Jonny Unitas ) and I thought they were top notch. The Navy band way better.
OK. the Hop Band. I think they know 8 songs and a bit . The Navy band warming up drowned out the Hop band. The band leader for Navy ( a woman )went out of her way not to play over the Hop band. Now, I'm a homer and love it when the Hoppies blow loud but lets get real, here, its noise , nice noise but noise.
By any measure this was a ramble and a half. Actually, it fairly represents the way I think a bit of a ramble with some facts thrown in.
life
" Snail " ? Yes, snail mail. Inside the envelope from JHU Athletics is a nice form letter re: tickets and both a men's and women's schedule on a business card with a lithograph of Hopkin's male and female player. The envelope itself is interesting. The stamps are American, three of them w/ the Statue of Liberty and the U.S. flag. The return address is the JHU Athletic department and " the Johns Hopkins University " name is across the top. They spelled my name wrong. The whole thing feels exotic. I can't remember too many other letters this past year that seem that different that you would use the term exotic. Well, it is.
And I was thinking ( M panics a bit, when I say, " I was thinking ", the odd bit of nonsense escapes now and then ). e-mails no matter where from or who from could never have the same exotic feel. E-mails are too fast and too anonymous, although some people have the personal logo-thingy or their cursive name. nope , def not the same. So, thank you JHU athletic dept.
Recently, on CBC, yes, I listen a lot, the topic was the importance or not of cursive writing. Of course, there were good points pro and con. The two prime examples were:
1) A baking chef - teacher, commented that 1 in 4 students couldn't decorate a cake satisfactorily b/c they can't do cursive. Printing isn't the same as cursive.
2) A teacher- or - principal of a private school for Attention Deficit and students w/ some types of learning difficulties, said the cursive writing b/c of the flow or pattern made communicating on paper easier for their students. Apparently, yes, typing for some students could work, legibility increased and neatness for sure. However, typing requires formulating a message in advance before you type i.e. its difficult to pre-process for some learners. Cursive is much faster and even soothing.
Soothing the last word that I would expect for cursive. Mainly, I'm surprised b/c my cursive is poor. I print and cursive, a hybrid writng. Also, I stink at typing. I type with all fingers and sometimes don't look but after 5 minutes, my typing " looks " as though I don't look.
The Hopkins band or facsimile thereof. Two years ago, I visited Annapolis, Md for a Hop game. The Navy-Marine Corps stadium is big - I'm guessing 40,000 capacity. the Midshipmen filled the place. The Mids wore white, all white. I was relieved when after 45 minutes I saw a Mid w/ a stain on the seat of his pants. I mean these people, men and women, were eating a full buffet lunch on their laps sitting wherever they could. Thank Goodness for one slob. Oh yeah, the stain was the size of a piece of bubblegum, small piece at that.
Back to the Hop band.
I took a seat half-way up the south side. Then 70 - 80 band members of the Naval Academy showed up. I must have been 40 seats away. The sound was like the trombone player was in my lap. And they were good, close to excellent. Once, I heard the Cornell band at Towson stadium ( named after Jonny Unitas ) and I thought they were top notch. The Navy band way better.
OK. the Hop Band. I think they know 8 songs and a bit . The Navy band warming up drowned out the Hop band. The band leader for Navy ( a woman )went out of her way not to play over the Hop band. Now, I'm a homer and love it when the Hoppies blow loud but lets get real, here, its noise , nice noise but noise.
By any measure this was a ramble and a half. Actually, it fairly represents the way I think a bit of a ramble with some facts thrown in.
life
Monday 26 March 2012
CAMTDGGR
Creepers Another Movie That didn't Get Good Reviews - but I liked
" The Tourist " w/ Angelina J and Johnny D. thats Jolie and Depp.
Cute, she looks good, JD can act and act. Is he JD in this ? for 3 minutes. The rest of the time he's tone downed and provincial.
Should you see this one ? Not really. Unless everything you read above applies to you.
BTW - CAMTDGGR - is the story of my life. I probably , have the world's fifth biggest collection of DVD's in a box labelled " Poor to Very Bad ". " Tuareg " desert warrior w/ Mark Harmon is appropos of this genre ( genre ??? can there be a genre for this box of XXXXX QQQQQ ? )
F-BTW - I also bought " Ishtar " Warren Beatty / Dustin Hoffman in VHS. And still watch it. Yep, once every year on Feb 29.
FTF-BTW - JHU is the new # 1 in the USILA rankings for D1. What has changed ? Nada, I will live in dread every Sat for 7 weeks. The label cardiac kids may apply to Hop. Or " what the H... are you doing to me ". M says that I'm too negative but Holey Kamoley Batman, these guys live on the edge - lacrosse wise speaking.
BJs can go into the 4 th Q up by four goals and make the faithful sweat ( I guess that's me ) and drink gin... drink gin... drink gin.
Recall " they have learned that the fountain of youth is a mixture of gin and vermouth "
" The Tourist " w/ Angelina J and Johnny D. thats Jolie and Depp.
Cute, she looks good, JD can act and act. Is he JD in this ? for 3 minutes. The rest of the time he's tone downed and provincial.
Should you see this one ? Not really. Unless everything you read above applies to you.
BTW - CAMTDGGR - is the story of my life. I probably , have the world's fifth biggest collection of DVD's in a box labelled " Poor to Very Bad ". " Tuareg " desert warrior w/ Mark Harmon is appropos of this genre ( genre ??? can there be a genre for this box of XXXXX QQQQQ ? )
F-BTW - I also bought " Ishtar " Warren Beatty / Dustin Hoffman in VHS. And still watch it. Yep, once every year on Feb 29.
FTF-BTW - JHU is the new # 1 in the USILA rankings for D1. What has changed ? Nada, I will live in dread every Sat for 7 weeks. The label cardiac kids may apply to Hop. Or " what the H... are you doing to me ". M says that I'm too negative but Holey Kamoley Batman, these guys live on the edge - lacrosse wise speaking.
BJs can go into the 4 th Q up by four goals and make the faithful sweat ( I guess that's me ) and drink gin... drink gin... drink gin.
Recall " they have learned that the fountain of youth is a mixture of gin and vermouth "
Sunday 25 March 2012
GwtDT
" the Girl w/ the Dragon Tattoo " starring Daniel Craig , in English.
??? I saw the Swedish version where you needed subtittles.
VG, however, not exactly breakfast fare, been there, couldn't do it.
So, I fouled up, encore. Hop played at 2 and I started watching the cartoon at the end of full time but caught the OT goal by JHU.
Undefeated 8 - 0. Yeah.
Now the kicker. Zipping around in my Lax Favs while searching for news about the win - I found ESPN radio and its live. Unfortunately, only Washington 850 / 900 AM was shown but I'm sure that I caught a Hop game broadcast from Wash. once,, there is hope.
??? I saw the Swedish version where you needed subtittles.
VG, however, not exactly breakfast fare, been there, couldn't do it.
So, I fouled up, encore. Hop played at 2 and I started watching the cartoon at the end of full time but caught the OT goal by JHU.
Undefeated 8 - 0. Yeah.
Now the kicker. Zipping around in my Lax Favs while searching for news about the win - I found ESPN radio and its live. Unfortunately, only Washington 850 / 900 AM was shown but I'm sure that I caught a Hop game broadcast from Wash. once,, there is hope.
Saturday 24 March 2012
FARNM
Finally A Really Neat movie
" Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy " this is the J. LeCarre novel of the same name. Deja vu, I'm sure I've seen this plot before, perhaps there is an earlier version or my book recall is amazing, I'm leaning toward the former.
A subtle, very Englishy kind of movie. Understated, eloquent swearing and massive booze consumption.
Gary Oldman as " George Smiley " hero is plausible but too thin. I have this image of a plumper G.S. The cause might be that one of my favourite audio tapes is " Smiley's People " in which G.S. comes out of retirement -again - to solve a problem for the " Circus " or MI- something or other. In " Smiley's People " G.S. is described as looking like the " Michelin man " as he is seen through a door " viewer ".
Overall, enjoyable and intriguing.
The cast includes many actors that I recognize but I can name only, Colin Firth and Brendan Cumberpatch ( he is the new Sherlock Holmes on Masterpiece Theatre ).
P.S. if you're keeping track the JHU v Va game is this aft
There is no neutrality here, GO HOP GO
" Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy " this is the J. LeCarre novel of the same name. Deja vu, I'm sure I've seen this plot before, perhaps there is an earlier version or my book recall is amazing, I'm leaning toward the former.
A subtle, very Englishy kind of movie. Understated, eloquent swearing and massive booze consumption.
Gary Oldman as " George Smiley " hero is plausible but too thin. I have this image of a plumper G.S. The cause might be that one of my favourite audio tapes is " Smiley's People " in which G.S. comes out of retirement -again - to solve a problem for the " Circus " or MI- something or other. In " Smiley's People " G.S. is described as looking like the " Michelin man " as he is seen through a door " viewer ".
Overall, enjoyable and intriguing.
The cast includes many actors that I recognize but I can name only, Colin Firth and Brendan Cumberpatch ( he is the new Sherlock Holmes on Masterpiece Theatre ).
P.S. if you're keeping track the JHU v Va game is this aft
There is no neutrality here, GO HOP GO
Thursday 22 March 2012
Everybody talks about it... but......
Weather - we are setting all kinds of records. This time is cool / windy / mayhaps wet. You need to wear sweater and jacket and a scarf would not go amiss.
NOT this spring ! I'm typing here in shorts so that I can go outside. the temp inside and out is 70 F. Now a cool down is coming in 4 days lo of 28 and hi of 50
Beware - the gardening types warn that the ground does not warm w/ the air temp. The " bare bottom " test is recommended. Yep, put your bare bottom on the dirt if it is comfortable on your nether parts then its comfortable enough for your plants. There are some alternate methods for testing ground temp but those tests aren't even close to outre as the " BBT "
I did rake yesterday but stayed on the cement or stairs - avoiding treading on the grass.
Hi DB
NOT this spring ! I'm typing here in shorts so that I can go outside. the temp inside and out is 70 F. Now a cool down is coming in 4 days lo of 28 and hi of 50
Beware - the gardening types warn that the ground does not warm w/ the air temp. The " bare bottom " test is recommended. Yep, put your bare bottom on the dirt if it is comfortable on your nether parts then its comfortable enough for your plants. There are some alternate methods for testing ground temp but those tests aren't even close to outre as the " BBT "
I did rake yesterday but stayed on the cement or stairs - avoiding treading on the grass.
Hi DB
Tuesday 20 March 2012
AUMR
Absolutely Useless, Movie Review
Rented " District 9 " from the red box DVD kiosk.
Whew, what was that bad smell. " D9 " was off the wall. I'm sort of SciFi inclined but " D9 " didn't come close to the $ 1 fee.
In favour, probably showed " aliens " as the semi-good guys and humans as less -than human / humane.
On the positive TV fare menu, Masterpiece Theatre from GBH Boston ( Public Television )
has been showing " South Riding " a 1930s - around - production concerning life in the rural areas of Britain. This time is known as the men-less 2 million woman era, highlighting the shortage due to males lost in the war.
I'm not sure its a guy movie but I'm finding it well acted and the nuances of character interesting. I think Colin Firth's brother " Peter " is in this.
Another plus for MT on PBS is the host is Laura Linney (?). I noticed LL first in " the Mothman Prophecys " w/ Richard Gere who gets to be RG. So, for 30 sec I get to see one of my favs.
And a shout out to DB , in case you read this.
Rented " District 9 " from the red box DVD kiosk.
Whew, what was that bad smell. " D9 " was off the wall. I'm sort of SciFi inclined but " D9 " didn't come close to the $ 1 fee.
In favour, probably showed " aliens " as the semi-good guys and humans as less -than human / humane.
On the positive TV fare menu, Masterpiece Theatre from GBH Boston ( Public Television )
has been showing " South Riding " a 1930s - around - production concerning life in the rural areas of Britain. This time is known as the men-less 2 million woman era, highlighting the shortage due to males lost in the war.
I'm not sure its a guy movie but I'm finding it well acted and the nuances of character interesting. I think Colin Firth's brother " Peter " is in this.
Another plus for MT on PBS is the host is Laura Linney (?). I noticed LL first in " the Mothman Prophecys " w/ Richard Gere who gets to be RG. So, for 30 sec I get to see one of my favs.
And a shout out to DB , in case you read this.
Sunday 18 March 2012
Thoughts for the day
From Saturday, a follow up. Well the JHU troops dismantled the Orange of 'Cuse. The score was 11 - 7 and if you follow the Jays, this was a typical Hopkins, controlled game. The BJ s never lost the lead, the ' D' was dominate and the middies came alive. It appears when the 3 mid fielders ar sync'ed and running, JHU will have a good game.
The Syracuse coach J. Desko did an interview and acknowledged that in the past 2 years SU held an advantage in senior talent and that this year the roles could be reversed.
If your keeping track and why would you - JHU is 7 - 0.
This sets up a most likely # 1 / #2 clash vs Virginia. Va are the Div 1 champs and can run and run. Va will be favoured b/c the Hoos ( from wahoos, a rebel yell ? ) are a typically fast and explosive team. The hoos have shown that they can win from in front or behind.
JHU will throw out a defence that limits angles and distance, asking will you try inside moves and get nailed by the likes of Jack Reilly or Tucker Durkin. In the game vs Manhattan the Jaspers announcers coined the term getting " Reill-ied " after Monsieur Jack lowered the boom on 2 Jaspers.
OK. I'm really biased here. Go jays. howver, I live in fear of a JHU loss which is stupid. b/c they will lose. My record at JHU games is 10 -3. Recall I commute 10 hrs to see these games. We are booked for the Maryland game in Apr. This game is an in-state - up close - in your face deal. Md hate us, we hate them ( I mean " me " ). Recall Hop plays Towson / UMBC ( been there done that ), Md / Navy / Loyola for the Maryland title. This " title " is never mentioned but everyone in lax knows what it means.
One could ask is this JHU thing a mania. you bet. I don't live in Baltimore never attended JHU or know anyone from Baltimore or JHU. Can one explain a mania ? Of course , not. Go J s
The Syracuse coach J. Desko did an interview and acknowledged that in the past 2 years SU held an advantage in senior talent and that this year the roles could be reversed.
If your keeping track and why would you - JHU is 7 - 0.
This sets up a most likely # 1 / #2 clash vs Virginia. Va are the Div 1 champs and can run and run. Va will be favoured b/c the Hoos ( from wahoos, a rebel yell ? ) are a typically fast and explosive team. The hoos have shown that they can win from in front or behind.
JHU will throw out a defence that limits angles and distance, asking will you try inside moves and get nailed by the likes of Jack Reilly or Tucker Durkin. In the game vs Manhattan the Jaspers announcers coined the term getting " Reill-ied " after Monsieur Jack lowered the boom on 2 Jaspers.
OK. I'm really biased here. Go jays. howver, I live in fear of a JHU loss which is stupid. b/c they will lose. My record at JHU games is 10 -3. Recall I commute 10 hrs to see these games. We are booked for the Maryland game in Apr. This game is an in-state - up close - in your face deal. Md hate us, we hate them ( I mean " me " ). Recall Hop plays Towson / UMBC ( been there done that ), Md / Navy / Loyola for the Maryland title. This " title " is never mentioned but everyone in lax knows what it means.
One could ask is this JHU thing a mania. you bet. I don't live in Baltimore never attended JHU or know anyone from Baltimore or JHU. Can one explain a mania ? Of course , not. Go J s
Saturday 17 March 2012
Random does Random
Updated my blogger Profile. Totally misleading if you ask me ( and you didn't ). I was trying to be Quixotic and may have succeeded. Everything that I wrote is true but it isn't a picture of me.
OK my Blogger pic - these are the Kings of Spring, the boys of the 2008 JHU BlJys.
End of the Innocence , my mantra for the past 3 years
Western Spiral Arm of the milky Way. How would visitors from afar i.e.
another galaxy ( boy, that would be a haul, huh ) find us.
Movies - its true but..... I hate watching " We Were Soldiers... and Young " re: VietNam war before it was a war. " Saving Private " ditto. All I think after is " there's got to be another way " Can't two old fart politicians snap wet towels in a shower and winner takes all or some.
Its Hopkins v 'Cuse, aujourdhui, 4 PM I'll be glued to the cartoon screen ( gametracker or I can pay to listen to the Orange announcers malign JHU ).
OK my Blogger pic - these are the Kings of Spring, the boys of the 2008 JHU BlJys.
End of the Innocence , my mantra for the past 3 years
Western Spiral Arm of the milky Way. How would visitors from afar i.e.
another galaxy ( boy, that would be a haul, huh ) find us.
Movies - its true but..... I hate watching " We Were Soldiers... and Young " re: VietNam war before it was a war. " Saving Private " ditto. All I think after is " there's got to be another way " Can't two old fart politicians snap wet towels in a shower and winner takes all or some.
Its Hopkins v 'Cuse, aujourdhui, 4 PM I'll be glued to the cartoon screen ( gametracker or I can pay to listen to the Orange announcers malign JHU ).
Thursday 15 March 2012
Knowing when to fold'em
Gambling in Ontario - our prov gaming commission OLG and the gov't itself (GO ) have decided to bring casinos to the big smoke Toronto ( TO ). In the same week, GO is eliminating slot machines from facilities such as racetracks close to the US - Can border.
The raison d'etre for casinos in places such as TO, is that prohibition doesn't work. People will gamble -ipso facto then GO should rake in the bucks. Does GO realize the biggest gambling days are just following Pension mail out day. Yupper, they, the people are waiting for their cheques to come so that they can be non prohibited. I'm sure a move is a foot so that the people can claim their cheque amounts at the casino directly from an ATM.
Now, closing the slots near the border. Well, GO says that they can't make money so, lets prohibit them from betting near the border.
What about you Mr " 2sents.... ", I'll probably end up going to Casino TO ( hey , hope I get credit for the name, there )
We travel to Las Vegas every 2 years or so. Last time 5 nights cost us $ 14oo ( 2 x 600 flight and 200 for hotel ). however, our current casinos are pale imitation of the " Strip " as us perpetual sinners know. Therefore, I guess we could spend 1400 right here. However, there is an atmosphere in LV - degeneracy, glitz, degeneracy and hype. My classic line is that LV is the only city that turns on a quarter ( pls pardon the age-ism of the quote, really its a dollar nowadays, still feels like a quarter, though ) So what will change for "2sents... " not much. Will we waste money flying to LV , most likely.
The raison d'etre for casinos in places such as TO, is that prohibition doesn't work. People will gamble -ipso facto then GO should rake in the bucks. Does GO realize the biggest gambling days are just following Pension mail out day. Yupper, they, the people are waiting for their cheques to come so that they can be non prohibited. I'm sure a move is a foot so that the people can claim their cheque amounts at the casino directly from an ATM.
Now, closing the slots near the border. Well, GO says that they can't make money so, lets prohibit them from betting near the border.
What about you Mr " 2sents.... ", I'll probably end up going to Casino TO ( hey , hope I get credit for the name, there )
We travel to Las Vegas every 2 years or so. Last time 5 nights cost us $ 14oo ( 2 x 600 flight and 200 for hotel ). however, our current casinos are pale imitation of the " Strip " as us perpetual sinners know. Therefore, I guess we could spend 1400 right here. However, there is an atmosphere in LV - degeneracy, glitz, degeneracy and hype. My classic line is that LV is the only city that turns on a quarter ( pls pardon the age-ism of the quote, really its a dollar nowadays, still feels like a quarter, though ) So what will change for "2sents... " not much. Will we waste money flying to LV , most likely.
Tuesday 13 March 2012
MFLT
My Fav Lax Team
You've been waiting no doubt to see the next post in the saga of the 2012 Johns Hopkins Bluejays. The boys are 6 - 0. Boys really, M saw the 2008 Jays at the Hopkins Deli and while loving their physique she also commented " they're just boys " There was no Hopkins Deli the next year.
In perspective though, their past opponents this year are a combined 14 - 18. I wish to add not many teams would want to face UMBC , Princeton, Delaware and Towson in their season. Maybe 1 or 2 not all.
Our big test ( right, " our " test ) is coming w/ Syracuse at Homewood this Sat 3/ 17.
Syracuse lost to Virginia ( also on our schedule ) and seems to be having trouble generating an offense. Typically, SU is speedy and ready to run as they tried to do w/ Va.
P.S. Hopkins has 2 Canadians playing attack and the Palmer - Benn combo is starting to click. Yeah
You've been waiting no doubt to see the next post in the saga of the 2012 Johns Hopkins Bluejays. The boys are 6 - 0. Boys really, M saw the 2008 Jays at the Hopkins Deli and while loving their physique she also commented " they're just boys " There was no Hopkins Deli the next year.
In perspective though, their past opponents this year are a combined 14 - 18. I wish to add not many teams would want to face UMBC , Princeton, Delaware and Towson in their season. Maybe 1 or 2 not all.
Our big test ( right, " our " test ) is coming w/ Syracuse at Homewood this Sat 3/ 17.
Syracuse lost to Virginia ( also on our schedule ) and seems to be having trouble generating an offense. Typically, SU is speedy and ready to run as they tried to do w/ Va.
P.S. Hopkins has 2 Canadians playing attack and the Palmer - Benn combo is starting to click. Yeah
Perspective
Although, this blog is not a political- economic reporting site, I feel obligated to make the odd comment in re: the state of the world. What a mess. What should you invest in - failure, its a sure bet. however, this strategy is much akin to betting " Don't pass " while shooting craps. You'd better not do it unless your opposite the side of the shooter. Its the sure bet but you're betting against probably everyone.
The world is in a warming phase - global warming by over-use of the environment, maybe the question. In the Pleistocene ( love throwing around terminlogy like that, I barely know when the Pleistocene was ) the earth was about 7 degrees warmer than now and ocean levels were 10 - 12 ft higher than preent day.
The number of humans abusing the ecosystem was quite small. The earth recovered it seems.
My POV is that energy conservation is wise and recycling is a no brainer. Unfortunately, M thinks that I take recycling beyond reasonable. She says that I want to save everything. Oh well, no happy medium here.
The world is in a warming phase - global warming by over-use of the environment, maybe the question. In the Pleistocene ( love throwing around terminlogy like that, I barely know when the Pleistocene was ) the earth was about 7 degrees warmer than now and ocean levels were 10 - 12 ft higher than preent day.
The number of humans abusing the ecosystem was quite small. The earth recovered it seems.
My POV is that energy conservation is wise and recycling is a no brainer. Unfortunately, M thinks that I take recycling beyond reasonable. She says that I want to save everything. Oh well, no happy medium here.
Sunday 11 March 2012
GTaH - been there ,done that
Pt II of guilt takes a holiday.
As well as info from the last post re: family in care facilities, I have this to add.
I reported my feelings about an analogy for care givers i.e. we are all treading water.
Here is the story that followed. Two years after my Mom joined the floor ( secure dementia unit ) another resident, also Canadian - Japanese arrived. The daughter " K " came twice or so a week and stayed for two or three hours. Moi, I would blow in say hello / tidy the room / wait for the same topic to come up three times and go. Talk about guilt w/ a capital G.
However, my first 2 weeks as a caregiver had taught me valuable lessons. a) my patience w/ my Mom could be measured in teaspoons b) I wasn't qualified or ready to deal w/ her immediate mental or social environment.
K and I had swapped phone #s and often met or talked, catch as catch can. It seemed to me about three years ago, I was seeing K less and less. I attributed the lessening of contact as my fault. You know 15 minute visits, in and out like vapour.
Well I did get a call from K. " Are you still visiting your Mom ? " she asked. Then in a trembling voice she said " How can you do it and you've been going for 5 years. I can't stand it anymore " Bingo - bango, we are all treading water.
I mentioned shorter visits ala Moi and taking the long view - but the damage was done. Her commute to TLC was longer so shorter visits seemed wasteful.
Apparently, the staff at TLC sees the result of the angst of care givers in short tempers and frustration directed at the resident.
In the first two weeks for Mom, I was helping to get Mom ready for dinner, you know lets head down to the dining room. Oops, she didn't want to go - son's attitude goes ballistic - but a PSW ( personal service worker ) stepped right in , cajoled and firmly got Mom down the hall.
OK lesson learned, the PSW " know " how to do things. therfore, I tidy her room / hang clothes / check for personal supplies chit chat for ten minutes ( or less ) and slide....
Guilt, you bet. Frustration, No.
However, you should know M sees me come in the door and asks " Was this a 1 or 2 martini visit ? "
Reminds me of the Cole Porter song " Two Little Babes in the Woods " w/ the lyrics " they have learned that the fountain of youth, is a mixture of gin and vermouth " Touche, touche.
Oh, only slightly guilty feeling aujourdhui.
As well as info from the last post re: family in care facilities, I have this to add.
I reported my feelings about an analogy for care givers i.e. we are all treading water.
Here is the story that followed. Two years after my Mom joined the floor ( secure dementia unit ) another resident, also Canadian - Japanese arrived. The daughter " K " came twice or so a week and stayed for two or three hours. Moi, I would blow in say hello / tidy the room / wait for the same topic to come up three times and go. Talk about guilt w/ a capital G.
However, my first 2 weeks as a caregiver had taught me valuable lessons. a) my patience w/ my Mom could be measured in teaspoons b) I wasn't qualified or ready to deal w/ her immediate mental or social environment.
K and I had swapped phone #s and often met or talked, catch as catch can. It seemed to me about three years ago, I was seeing K less and less. I attributed the lessening of contact as my fault. You know 15 minute visits, in and out like vapour.
Well I did get a call from K. " Are you still visiting your Mom ? " she asked. Then in a trembling voice she said " How can you do it and you've been going for 5 years. I can't stand it anymore " Bingo - bango, we are all treading water.
I mentioned shorter visits ala Moi and taking the long view - but the damage was done. Her commute to TLC was longer so shorter visits seemed wasteful.
Apparently, the staff at TLC sees the result of the angst of care givers in short tempers and frustration directed at the resident.
In the first two weeks for Mom, I was helping to get Mom ready for dinner, you know lets head down to the dining room. Oops, she didn't want to go - son's attitude goes ballistic - but a PSW ( personal service worker ) stepped right in , cajoled and firmly got Mom down the hall.
OK lesson learned, the PSW " know " how to do things. therfore, I tidy her room / hang clothes / check for personal supplies chit chat for ten minutes ( or less ) and slide....
Guilt, you bet. Frustration, No.
However, you should know M sees me come in the door and asks " Was this a 1 or 2 martini visit ? "
Reminds me of the Cole Porter song " Two Little Babes in the Woods " w/ the lyrics " they have learned that the fountain of youth, is a mixture of gin and vermouth " Touche, touche.
Oh, only slightly guilty feeling aujourdhui.
Friday 9 March 2012
Guilt takes a holiday
To-day, the annual review of my mother's stay at a long term care facility ( Trilogy LTC ) occurred. This one was # 8, the first being 2005.
Her health is good , considering a ) she is 87 and b) she has dementia. In the yin and yang of life and the way we view it - the staff is siding on the positive, still a polite, in control and pleasant resident. The " me " side is OMG she is getting old, rambles way more and is frail.
Kindly, the staff esp Dr. Housestaff remind me that the path is downhill with no going back but how you run that path is everything. And yes, " No, I didn't make a mistake by putting her in TLC ". Mother is warm and dry and safe.
In the first year, I attended one of the family council meetings out of curiosity. The thought that I'd put forward was that the common viewpoint " we are all in the same boat " wasn't going to help anyone. I felt that a caregiver approaching this group of family council people would see people in the boat throwing a lifeline to the struggling victims " care givers of the TLC residents ". I said that the proper analogy was " we are all treading water here ( care givers of dementia patients ) could we help in any way. "
to-day the social consultant called it " dancing " as in all the staff and care givers were dancing hoping not to get too far out of step in dealing with the unknown reality of the patient.
.
The upshot was that I feel less guilty to-day. To-morrow , well thats to-morrow. Now, realize that it is in their best interest for me to hear that I did the right thing b/c Mom is there, I'm paying and paying them. However, truth be told the alternative is close to unthinkable i.e. mom having lived with us for 8 years. We couldn't take ten days, back in 2004. Aha, been there done that !
Her health is good , considering a ) she is 87 and b) she has dementia. In the yin and yang of life and the way we view it - the staff is siding on the positive, still a polite, in control and pleasant resident. The " me " side is OMG she is getting old, rambles way more and is frail.
Kindly, the staff esp Dr. Housestaff remind me that the path is downhill with no going back but how you run that path is everything. And yes, " No, I didn't make a mistake by putting her in TLC ". Mother is warm and dry and safe.
In the first year, I attended one of the family council meetings out of curiosity. The thought that I'd put forward was that the common viewpoint " we are all in the same boat " wasn't going to help anyone. I felt that a caregiver approaching this group of family council people would see people in the boat throwing a lifeline to the struggling victims " care givers of the TLC residents ". I said that the proper analogy was " we are all treading water here ( care givers of dementia patients ) could we help in any way. "
to-day the social consultant called it " dancing " as in all the staff and care givers were dancing hoping not to get too far out of step in dealing with the unknown reality of the patient.
.
The upshot was that I feel less guilty to-day. To-morrow , well thats to-morrow. Now, realize that it is in their best interest for me to hear that I did the right thing b/c Mom is there, I'm paying and paying them. However, truth be told the alternative is close to unthinkable i.e. mom having lived with us for 8 years. We couldn't take ten days, back in 2004. Aha, been there done that !
Monday 5 March 2012
Man's troubles just beginning
Ala Will Rogers, in Sympatico news the headline as above finishes w/ " doctors operate on the wrong leg ".
Ten years back, I found a lump in my armpit ( a third breast no doubt ) . I was scheduled for surgery and on the day, I walked to the operating gurney and sat down. the OR nurse, asked me to lie down. she looked at my wrist and saw an elastic band on my left arm. I told her it was to remind the doc which arm he was to operate on. she giggled and said "I'll mark it now " and used a pencil crayon and put an arrow on my arm. Anyway, I'm back to wearing regular bras now - kidding !!!.
BTW, this operation was around the time of the SARS epidemic and the quarantining. SARS was a serious respiratory infection that spread easily. T.O. had a significant outbreak. My operation occurred 1 day before the hospital was closed. Seven days later, I call the hospital and find out that I cannot come in to get my stitches removed. my family doctor was also quarantined at home. finally, 3 days later the surgeon's office said that I could come to his office if I wore a mask.
The nurse had to lift skin to cut the stitches. the surgeon comes in to inspect the site and says " I hear you forgot to come in to get your stitches removed " If he wasn't holding the forceps I think I might have gone for his throat. and he is a big guy.
BTW, if I hadn't got in on that day, elective surgeries were postponed months for some people.
Finally, I try to go back to school and find out the school was quarantined. The principal told me to stay away for ten days.
Ten years back, I found a lump in my armpit ( a third breast no doubt ) . I was scheduled for surgery and on the day, I walked to the operating gurney and sat down. the OR nurse, asked me to lie down. she looked at my wrist and saw an elastic band on my left arm. I told her it was to remind the doc which arm he was to operate on. she giggled and said "I'll mark it now " and used a pencil crayon and put an arrow on my arm. Anyway, I'm back to wearing regular bras now - kidding !!!.
BTW, this operation was around the time of the SARS epidemic and the quarantining. SARS was a serious respiratory infection that spread easily. T.O. had a significant outbreak. My operation occurred 1 day before the hospital was closed. Seven days later, I call the hospital and find out that I cannot come in to get my stitches removed. my family doctor was also quarantined at home. finally, 3 days later the surgeon's office said that I could come to his office if I wore a mask.
The nurse had to lift skin to cut the stitches. the surgeon comes in to inspect the site and says " I hear you forgot to come in to get your stitches removed " If he wasn't holding the forceps I think I might have gone for his throat. and he is a big guy.
BTW, if I hadn't got in on that day, elective surgeries were postponed months for some people.
Finally, I try to go back to school and find out the school was quarantined. The principal told me to stay away for ten days.
Friday 2 March 2012
JHU in this news
Da da -- Johns Hopkins runs their season record to 4- 0 w/ an away win at Princeton. From the box score / stats JHU didn't seem to have an advantage but reports all said that time of possession went to the J s. The Tigers were w/out J. McBride a standout in most games. The live in-game blogs claim the score ( 10 - 8 ) was not indicative of the dominance of JHU.
Next the J s face the Manhattan Jaspers at Homewood.
The in game blogger was reporting from England ( I think ) as he watched the game live. Here I am in Canada and I'm watching a cartoon of the game from the Princeton website. I cannot get either radio ( could 2 years ago ) and of course, no TV. I would need ESPN U normally, to watch JHU games or ESPN 3.
Next the J s face the Manhattan Jaspers at Homewood.
The in game blogger was reporting from England ( I think ) as he watched the game live. Here I am in Canada and I'm watching a cartoon of the game from the Princeton website. I cannot get either radio ( could 2 years ago ) and of course, no TV. I would need ESPN U normally, to watch JHU games or ESPN 3.
Thursday 1 March 2012
OIMRBWT
Oh It Must Really Be Winter Time
At X-S Cargo, DVD movies were 4.99. This recalls the sales when I was buying VHS tapes for 4.99. Of course, by then, DVD s were hot and selling for $18. I'm always a little behind the curve. No, I'm permanently behind the curve. Luddite moi.
" V for Vendetta " curious, big brother is doing you, kind of movie. Natalie Portman has a really cute bum. I know, get off the NP schtick. I'm hopeless.
" Eastern Promises " violent. But what do expect when Igor does mafia. Stars, sort of , Viggo Mortenson, as a thug w/ a heart or close ties to MI- 6 , KSB ( new KGB ? ). " EP " is a bit of a reach.
At X-S Cargo, DVD movies were 4.99. This recalls the sales when I was buying VHS tapes for 4.99. Of course, by then, DVD s were hot and selling for $18. I'm always a little behind the curve. No, I'm permanently behind the curve. Luddite moi.
" V for Vendetta " curious, big brother is doing you, kind of movie. Natalie Portman has a really cute bum. I know, get off the NP schtick. I'm hopeless.
" Eastern Promises " violent. But what do expect when Igor does mafia. Stars, sort of , Viggo Mortenson, as a thug w/ a heart or close ties to MI- 6 , KSB ( new KGB ? ). " EP " is a bit of a reach.
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