Remember these...

Click the image above for a link...

Well, a LOT of people asked us about this... and I have NEWS!

Thanks to a comment on Sue's personal blog, we have a contact for anyone wishing to purchase one of these buses...

Click here and see the first comment.

I do wish Sue and I were in a better place for this and might be able to consider picking up one of these vehicles... but for us, right now, it's still not in the cards... perhaps, for someone out there, it is.

Well, after some thought and a good healthy dose of reality, I think it's time... yup... time to call it a blog... for real this time.

No, this isn't some weird sudden departure based on some odd internet peccadillo... nor is it for some dark and nefarious reason that's FORCING me out of the blogsphere...

...wait... let me examine that last one... because I ain't leavin' the blogsphere completely!

Nope...

I do, however, have to focus my energies on my websites... and also on The Paranormal Blog... and if I have something more... "personal" that is just BURNING a hole in my blogging braincells desperate to make a public appearance... I'll kindly ask Sue at her new blog to let me vent or whatever there.

So... it's goodbye to "One Old Green Bus" (for now)...

In some ways, it was an experiment that didn't quite work out the way I was hoping... but in others, it was something that yielded many good things... got to meet some great people, got to vent my spleen...

...and I did try to make a dream come true... and I would MUCH rather look back on something that didn't work out than regret not having tried at all.

So, adieu to my friends on the blogsphere... I'll still be around... but the old green bus has gotten to it's last stop...

OH! And DON'T assume I've given up on RLH 3 (the bus that started it all OR really, any old double-decker...) Nope... I still hope... and dream... it's just a little more quiet now...

...and should I ever be lucky enough to actually live out that dream, TRUST ME, I will "revive" this and let everyone know!

Before viewing the screen shot below... this was about this sad event (click here).

...which actually, a better journalist did a little homework and found out that although tragic, the media were barking up the wrong tree...

Still... from the statement pointed out on this page...

Matthew Didier, who has been following paranormal activity in the city for more than 12 years, says the building is not haunted.

"It's a tongue-in-cheek gag that there's a curse attached to it," he said.

We get...

Actually, I've never seen all the episodes of X-Files... in fact, I've taken a LOT of grief from friends (especially back in the day,) for admitting I wasn't a big fan.

So no, no DVDs.

...and "Ghost Dad"? Well, I did catch the last ten sorry minutes of it on a Toronto television station once while waiting for the late night news... but only once... and that was MORE than sufficient.

Oh, and I never said, "Not Haunted"... I said "No previous reports that I know of."

Still, there's little doubt that I'm probably a 400lbs fat-dude sitting in his mom's basement, eating Cheetos and building a "real" Ghostbusters Proton-Energy Pack for my next visit to the comic-con... that is, if I can break my fear of girls enough to get on the subway! (Eeek! What if there's one ON THERE WITH ME!?!?!?!?!! AN ACTUAL GIRL!!!!!)

Okay, seriousness... If she had said "He has all the Doctor Who DVDs that are available from the last couple of Patrick Troughton shows right up until the latest from David Tennant!"... guilty... well, not all the Sylvester McCoy eps I could have, but you understand, right??? Heck, I even carry a "sonic screwdriver" (pen) in my backpack at all times!

Anyhoo, I don't expect everyone to really understand my efforts... or research what I've done where... but sometimes, I can kind of get a concept of the mindset of the folks on those talk shows that parade in front of the cameras saying, "You don't know me! You don't know me!"

If you guys knew how many people contact me for "psychic readings" (despite me continuously saying I'm about as psychic as the average desk lamp,) or rattle my cage via e-mail because I'm robbing people of money (never made a dime doing the hobby... lost a lot of money on expenses though,) or tell me that I'm an overly credulous woo-woo selling magic (despite talking to, being gently praised to a degree by, and generally getting along with most of the hierarchy of Skeptics(sic) Canada,) or convict me as being an arch-debunking denier (because I've always said I want facts and empirical evidence before going ahead with anything,) or berate me as I obviously sell short history (regardless of my work with folks in the 1812 community and my efforts with various museums,)... with all that... I suppose it shouldn't come as a GREAT shock that those who only show interest in my hobby-topic when it's on teh teletubez would decide what and who I was without checking.

Still just so everyone knows...

No, I don't have the X-Files DVDs.

No, I have not sat through "Ghost Dad" twice.

Yes, Torontoghosts (my hobby site) has been around since 1997... which is why, not just "The Star", but pretty much every Toronto media outlet came to us that day... which was not fun.

So, there you have it.

Still, always fun to read what people, at a glance, think...

(...but man, even I "Google" names before making judgements or public comments! )

Oh, if you're interested in the "sceptical" bit, feel free to sign up to the PSICAN message board... it's a freebie... the VIP code is 1967

IF/Once you do that, click here if you're interested...

...and double-oh, if you're interested in #1 Spadina Cres. because of this news story, I wrote an article on the ParaResearchers' site... Click here to see it.

I am was not a fan of his band... nor did I even know the chap as a "media personality"... in fact, I wouldn't have recognised the fellow if he'd leapt up and bit me in the shin...

I am not gay... nor do I have many gay friends... nor is any of my family, extended or otherwise gay that I know of... but this is not the point.

NO ONE deserves this treatment (especially in death) by a journalist simply because they found his lifestyle not to their personal taste...

See http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1220756/A-strange-lonely-troubling-death--.html for what I'm talking about.

A nice summary is available here.

If you're a Brit... or simply concerned and found it as offensive as I did... please consider making your feelings known and registering a complaint at the Press Complaints Commission: http://www.pcc.org.uk

Thanks...

Shorter Bad Science Forum (what an accurate name in this case!)...

IN THE NAME OF MY BELIEF SYSTEM! HALLELUJAH!!! I did foresake normal societal realms and did forth become a vandal to a poster!

Because I spoketh my truth for all to see, I shall mask my words by insinuating it was a wee piece of paper, not a paid advertising poster on a wall...

...and whereby my belief system, being infallible, must be perfect, I shall become a super-deluxe martyr by showing that I was NOT arrested for vandalism or destruction of property, but because MY TRUTH must win all!

After all, am I not simply helping the meek to understand that MY TRUTH will bring them everlasting contentment and save them from evil.

ALL PRAISE ME!

I will then, upon my martyrdom, provide a reference to a police notebook and arrest sheet and hence ye shall be told it is the same for a police officer to mark his notebook as it was for me to vandalize... er, SHOWETH THE TRUTH!

...or, to sum up...

A yuckle defaces a paid poster advertising, regardless of it's message and intent, then cries foul when he's nicked for it, then screams that his marking of a poster is no better or worse than someone making a note in a police notebook. He also decides that he was NOT nabbed for vandalism or destruction, which is what those LIARS the police say, but because he told the truth. (Granted, he does try to insinuate the police said he WAS arrested for telling the truth... but I really do NOT believe that.)

This freak is the Orly Taitz of the Humanist/Athiest movement in Britain... and not doing them ANY favours.

Anyway, I agreed more heartily with one poster in the comments...

The options on the poster should not have said, "Yes" - "No" - "Probably"... but "Yes" - "No" - "Maybe"... heck, for me, I'd prefer "Yes" - "No" - "Possibly, But I Am Holding Out For Empirical Evidence One Way Or Another".

Either way, it's a REAL case of a nitwit evangelical humanist/atheist becoming ABSOLUTELY no better then what they say they're against...

Oh, and as stated, now this person's putting themself in the role of "martyr for the cause" to boot.

Friggin' moron.

Yup, things seem to be evening out... but Halloween is right around the corner which, FOR SOME ODD REASON, tends to be rather busy for us... but at least NOW I can give a "return to blogging" date of November 10th, 2009 at which point, yeah, I'll be back to Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at minimum... probably now and again on the other days if something whacks me in the face.

So, BEAR WITH ME and I'll be back November 10th...

Thanks all!

P.S. - I might pop in before hand... because MAN ALIVE, I've been bustin' at the blogging seams to get some stuff off my chest!

Upiddy Datey: Indeed, you may notice a "face lift" going on here with the blog... and some other changes... and they will be ongoing through November 10th... Don't worry about the lack o' buses though, the URL is staying, there will be busly stuff mentioned... but it's time to convert this into a personal sounding board et al... that's all that's going on. No worries!

I could have also titled this post, The best laid plans......

FIRST OFF... If you're a "commercial" or "corporate" commenter or poster, PLEASE scroll down this message to the note about "spammers"... it's hard to miss.

...that said...

It's been a few weeks since I could comfortably(?) sit down and whack out a blog post... mostly because of being insanely busy with one big family tragedy (the passing of Sue's mom,) and several other smaller items that needed attention as well as several good and happy things that drew my time away. (No, no bus... that would be too amazing... but like all dreams, it REALLY has to take a back seat to the items on hand.)

So, I had to think...

I don't want to give up on blogging... not at all... but I am still needed "elsewhere".

So, what to do?

I don't post enough, and people start wondering "What gives?"

I close down the blog, and I end up cutting off a favoured nose to spite my face.

So, I've come to a sad conclusion...

Until further notice, blog posts here will be spotty at best.

Yes, in some ways, it's a cheat... because I don't want to "close down and start over"... but it's better than CONSTANTLY doing blog posts saying, Can't blog today. Sorry.

So, basically, until further notice, I'm on a blogging hiatus.

I SHALL RETURN... but for now, especially during the Fall for me... I've got to really budget time... especially online.

So, I apologise regular readers... and those who need more fibre in their diet... I'm taking an extended leave from blogging...

When will I be back?

Now and again... but realistically, I think I'll need to get through the second week of November of 2009 to make any realistic commitment to doing regular posts.

I'll "E" you soonly... all of you... and of course, if that darned old "Bus Dream" does come true... or even close... I'll be a posting fool here.

Remember: If you really, Really, REALLY need to keep up with me, right now, FaceBook is the best way to do so. Click here for my info.

OH, AND SPAMMERS... Think twice before posting... "Away from blogging" doesn't mean "NOT ONLINE"... and I do get notifications of posts and responses... and when I see a "commercial post/response", I not only delete them, but put the link into the "spam folder" which *IS* read by all the people that use the same software as me... meaning your precious whatever-cents per dumbbutt comment you make with THAT company's link or URL is barred not only from THIS blog, but literally hundreds of thousands of others... and I do tend to get to these things within 24 hours... usually under twelve hours... So you're doing yourself AND your company a disservice AND costing them possible other hits... so again, THINK TWICE...

Sorry 'bout this folks... but in order to look after everything, I'm gonna need an extra week where my focus will not be on the blogsphere...

So, sad to say, I'll be away from the blog until Wednesday, Sept. 2nd, 2009...

Thanks for your patience... and "e" you then!

If you're just dying to know what I'm up to, I am keeping up with FaceBook... if you have a FaceBook account, just click here and let me know you're from the blog and I'll friend ya!

Sorry folks, I have to take a leave of blogging again... After a short but fierce battle with pancreatic cancer, Sue's mother passed away this weekend...

I'm taking a hiatus from personal blogging until after the planned memorial service which means my next post will be a "Wordless Wednesday" on August 26th.

If you wish to express condolences or support, please pass them on to Sue at "My Life in the Urban Zoo"... (Click Here)

Thank you for your understanding... and I'll "e" everyone in a little over a week's time.

Thanks again...

Me and Sue...

Sometimes, a blessing doesn't need words... I think the smiles convey it all.

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

In my never ending stupour quest to find entertaining Thursday Thirteen lists, I find myself back at the trough once again finding a lame way out inspiration from a meme I found via FaceBook... so without further adieu...

#13: Are you married?

I'm afraid to answer this... as she might suspect my cunning plan. She still thinks it's all a "bad dream", and if I admitted the truth, she might try to back out and run.

#12: How do you see yourself?

With a mirror... or other reflective surface.

#11: Last person you fought with?

Past tense, eh... Hmmm... I'll have to get back to you on that.

#10: Who do you go to for advice?

I have one of those "Magic 8 Ball" thingies... but it's not perfect. The last thing I asked was, I'm working on a hypothesis that in essence, will absolutely prove that neutrinos not only change shape and type while travelling through the cosmos three times, but a previously unknown fourth configuration that would possibly allow the concept of string theory to be proven by the way they change and travel... Is there any way aside from the standard collector to create a device capable of collection and mapping neutrino particles in collision with other atomic variables in a smaller scale than used in the current Sudbury collector? and it replied, It's not certain. which REALLY didn't help.

#9: Have you ever missed someone?

Yes, but my aim is improving.

#8: What is your current worry?

Coming up with an entertaining Thursday Thirteen.

#7: What is your current hate?

Trying to come up with an entertaining Thursday Thirteen.

#6: What is the thing that scares you the most?

Realising that I'm failing coming up with an entertaining Thursday Thirteen.

#5: If you were in a T.V. show... what character would you be?

Well, I do fib on my resume and tell people I played "Fleagle" on the Banana Bunch...

#4: Have You wanted to be a pirate?

Have you been scanning my hard drive??? I MEAN, NO! NEVER! That's just wrong!!!

#3: Are you the same person as you were 5 years ago?

There has been speculation that I've been switched with an identical, but evil twin... but that's nonsense... I am the evil twin... The good one's been locked away for years!

#2: Have you ever had your heart broken?

Yes, but a little five-minute epoxy and it was good as new!

#1: Do you have over 20 friends at school and work?

Oh, I have FAR more than that all chattering away in my head at any given time anywhere! They often tell me that the neighbours are Satan and the like, but the invisible leprechauns quiet them down after a time.

Just a simple picture today... Sue and myself... taken a couple of weeks back in High Park in Toronto.

Thank to Chris L. for the photo...

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

This was my now seemingly annual weekend of being Obama's Elf... er, sorry... all by myself with the "Girls Only" camping trip which takes Sue and the kidollo away from home. It's a nice break, but I do miss them.

So, even though I've done it before, I could blog about being alone and then the homecoming... but I've done that.

This Summer in Toronto can be best described by one word "weather-wise"... wet. It's been WET. Loads and loads of rain... and tomorrow will be no different, but it's suppose to finally get up to normal Summer temps...

...but they're a little extreme at 107 degrees Fahrenheit or 42 degrees Celsius... and sadly, we never did find that air conditioner I mentioned in the past... so really, the only "good thing" is that Sue and the kid might be missing the really nasty hot and sticky heat here for part of the day.

So, what is a pure blessing?

...for me, I did have one this week.

Most people know that RLH 3... "our bus"... is the real goal for our dream. It's still on the table and still our dream and I still am working to get into a position where the money to purchase it and ship it to Toronto... but I've also said that we, as a family, would appreciate any old double-decker and therefore, we have always kept our minds open (as well as our eyes,) to see what we could do...

Well, one of the buses I've always said I would love if "our bus" got away from us was RLH 39... (shown below...)

This week, as I mentioned on my "Wordless Wednesday", I received the excellent news (thanks to The RLH Information Centre,) that this bus has been bought and is being restored by The Mudshark Brewing Company... I couldn't be happier!

Details and images of the bus being "rebuilt" are available by clicking here.

My blessing today is people preserving the past... because although this is a great thing, I'm thankful when anyone or any group preserve anything that otherwise would disappear without care... be it buildings, antique furniture, artwork, or even old double-decker buses.

I wish the The Mudshark Brewing Company all the best and look VERY much forward to keeping up with the restoration work!

Hopefully, you can one day keep track of our work on our bus!

Forgive me for duplicating this from Wednesday, but there was some other new "synchronicity" with the whole bus thing...

Sue and I were sent an old video tape early this week of a talk show from Britain (circa 1997...) I'd never seen it before... and this bit genuinely freaked me out a little...

(You may need to REALLY increase the volume to hear it... it is from an old video tape...)

Now, this might not seem important to SOME of you... but to those who know us... and even odder, I started the group and site in... 1997... same year as this broadcast.

...granted, not like a find with this would set any precedent...

I had to add this here because... well... it was spooky...

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

I'm not a youngster really, but I do keep up with modern lingo... and one of my favourites that's even used to describe things that just don't work too well... It can be ANYTHING that doesn't "work" on any level... So, please, allow me to share...

#13: The movie "First Knight".

Even Sean Connery couldn't save this turkey.

#12: People who tried to convince me "flair pants" weren't re-hashed bell-bottoms.

The stigma of admitting a return of the pre-and-during disco mainstay was apparently worthy of trying to fool us with a NEW NAME!

#11: Microsoft Bob

The Windows ME (or dare I say, Vista?) of it's time... a "bridge" program between Windows 3.11 to get people to move to Windows 95... by requiring more computer resources (RAM, Hard Disk, etc.) than Windows 3.11 so you HAD to spend a tonne of money so a cartoon dog could muck up your screen. The fact so many people don't remember it is a testament to it's wild success.

#10: Professional Wrestler Phantasio

Why? Allow me to quote this old TT post...

Phantasio was a MAGICIAN who would do magic before his match... but apparently his "magic" wasn't all that spectacular... replace magic in the previous sentence with your favourite synonym for feces according to "The Crappers".

...but that's NOT why he makes number one on this list...

...it's his DEVASTATING finishing move...

You see, Phantasio would reach around his opponent's back, reach into the trunks... and PRESTO! Present his opponent with their own UNDERWEAR!

The opponent, thus stunned and usually "dancing about" in horror at having their gitch removed by magic, would be easy prey to a roll-up and pin by Mr. Peanut!

Yup, a MAGIC WEDGIE won matches

Now, I didn't see him "live" back in the day, but decided to look up some old videos. I wish I hadn't.

#9: Clear Colas

...because, apparently, we didn't need better taste or anything like that... no... we needed our cola to be see-through.

#8: See the video above...

#7: De-Alcoholized Beer.

Sorry, I know some people have health issues and hence why they drink this, but really, in my opinion, this is an affront to God and man.

#6: Decaffeinated coffee.

See the notes above for de-aloholized beer.

#5: Anyone using FaceBook, MySpace, or Twitter who assume it's a way to get dates.

Is there ANYTHING more disturbing than finding someone who you KNOW resembles the figure above, but is fishing for romance poorly online through social networks? Trust me on this one, as an admin of a group on FaceBook, you'd be shocked how many people sign up to the group and I find a really lame attempt to attract the opposite text with horrid attempts at seeming... well... trying to seem like they aren't what they are. It's tragic... and really, it doesn't work.

#4: The above picture of Carrot Top.

...although, in terms of "icking out" readers and frightening children, it's not such a failure.

#3: The concept of portable wide-screen laptops.

As a regular passenger on mass transit, I know the sale weasel TOLD you your laptop was "portable" and could be "used anywhere"... they lied. It's too friggin' big... and could you PLEASE remove your elbow and screen corner out of my eye. Oh, and we can see you're not working on anything legitimate... so you're not impressing anyone. So yeah, thanks in advance.

#2: Many of my Thursday Thirteen Attempts at Comedy.

You're reading one now... and you gotta admit the truth to it.

#1: Birthers.

ENOUGH! Even non-American's think you're goofier than a barrel filled with monkeys... with A.D.D... on acid.

First of all, yes, I'm back... but things may be "spotty" around here for a time with posting... basically, although 90% of the things I wanted to accomplish got accomplished, we're kinda of the midst of another issue that may have me needing to take time away from blogging... BUT NEVER MIND THAT, because it's WORDLESS WEDNESDAY... or, as usual for me, almost wordless.

First up, those who've been following the blog know that if "our bus" wasn't on the possibility list, we'd still get one... and RLH 39 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona was our next choice if possible...

Well, good news for #39... according to The RLH Information Centre, she's been bought and is being restored by The Mudshark Brewing Company! (It's good to know it's found a great home.)

Details and images of the bus being "rebuilt" are available by clicking here.

BUT... my image(s) today is from an old eBay ad...

Oh, it was painful... it went for $4,050.00... I am still about $4,000.00 away from being able to afford that... although with each passing year, the money I need for our bus... or any bus... becomes a little more possible. (Knock on wood.) Hey, had I wealthy friends, I'd be tempted to beg try to figure out a loan situation to make a bid on this bus... or try for the ultimate dream of RLH 3.

One day, our dream will come true... We still haven't given up... We just got quieter about it.

Before signing off, here's a weird one...

Sue and I were sent an old video tape of a talk show from Britain (circa 1997...) I'd never seen it before... and this bit genuinely freaked me out a little...

(You may need to REALLY increase the volume to hear it... it is from an old video tape...)

Now, this might not seem important to SOME of you... but to those who know us...

...granted, not like a find with this would set any precedent...

This has spurred the kooky bus dream JUST a tiny bit more, really... 'cuz I gotta see where this will all lead to.

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

I hate letting everyone down again... but duty calls. Basically, I have to take a week and change away from The Blogsphere to put out a LOT of fires... meaning no new posts between today, July 24th... and August 5th when I SHALL RETURN with a Wordless Wednesday.

Nothing to be overly concerned with... and nothing horrible really... just many things to do, set up, work on, and nail together.

So, until August 5th... I must bid you all adieu...

Sorry, no Thursday Thirteen today... Basically, "real life" has HORRIBLY intervened and work is... well... "work plus". Let's just say I'm in I.T. and yet, for the past two days, I've worked up a legitimate sweat running about fetching and carrying.

Besides, looking at the "new and improved" Thursday Thirteen site, I was removed from their rolls long ago... and I'm just too gosh darned tired to fight to get back on it.

Perhaps I'll do "my own thing" from now on come Thursdays... or continue despite the virtual snubbing... time will tell... but for now, I'm takin' it REAL easy at home because that "work" thing is killing me!

Y'know, if it wasn't for the paycheques, I just wouldn't go to work, I tells ya!

UPDATED!!!!!!!! (See below...)

Okay, aside from hearing Glen Beck lose his marbles (an unusual thing, no?) I absolutely CANNOT STAND the LIES that are being spread...

No. There is no lottery. Sorry. That is a lie.

I can pick which doctor I see... in fact, I can see multiple doctors. (...and yes, we do have a family doctor.) I can select my own doctor(s) from seeing their office sign on the street or finding them in the phone book... it doesn't matter... and it's all my decision who I see, how many I see, when I see them, and the total expense out of pocket for this to me is zero.

The longest I've ever waited for a blood test was half an hour... the second longest was about fifteen minutes. Most times, I'm in and "doing" tests within five minutes.

The longest I've waited for an emergency x-ray is about fifteen minutes... the longest I've waited for an ultra-sound was an hour... and that was non-emergency.

As my own research showed, indeed, your chances of dying from flu in a US hospital are several times greater than in a Canadian hospital... the latter of which is free. We live longer and are generally healthier as a nation than our neighbours to the South.

The one case the commercials "down South" are tossing up with a woman who, according to the commercial, would have possibly died from brain cancer without American hospital intervening because of her "wait time" was a lie... she had a benign tumour that was not life threatening... and just didn't want to wait for a Canadian specialist who would have done the procedure for free. (It was documented NOT on a blog or in the "MSM"... but on the Mayo Clinic's website... although as of July 22nd, the page was removed... but NEVER FEAR, Sadly No! to the rescue with a nice cached copy! Click here to see it!)

Added July 22nd: Even more disturbing... the benign condition was being treated and was being looked into... but the patient, who was in no danger, didn't want to wait until others in front of her... you know, REAL brain cancer victims... were treated. Charming.

Oh, and when shown things like this (click here)... which shows a full 82% of Canadians like our health care system, I've heard it's because we don't know the GLORIES of the American health care system... which is a lie... because, like most Canadians, I do live within 100 miles of the border and have seen/visited American hospitals and doctors on vacations... and have many, Many, MANY American friends and relatives... and oddly enough, I find care absolutely comparable in both nations.

I posted this a while back too...

Listen carefully to the numbers quoted by Dennis Kucinich... they aren't lies.

Read Sue's post... or even this old post of mine...

Oh, and another myth... that Canada's socialized health care system decimates needed funds for research and development... really? So these things don't exist? (I could do far more links, but why brag too much...)

Need more? Snopes has you covered.

My American friends... you are CONSISTENTLY being lied to by a huge and wealthy lobby group putting pressure on politicians... and in this case, people are dying and going bankrupt because of those lies... and they are the people in your own neighbourhood.

Our health care system isn't perfect... who's is? Certainly not the U.S. health care system... but even our present Conservative government knows it would be toppled in an instant if it did away with our universal health care system...

Why is this bothering me so much?

Three big reasons...

#1: I have several friends and acquaintances in the US going through bankruptcy (and near bankruptcy) because of medical bills.

#2: I can't stand liars. Period.

#3: In the United States of America, my family would be probably both bankrupt and horribly ill... Sue with her thyroid... me with bad kidneys and blood pressure/heart issues.

Overall, the lies and stupidity are just WAY too much to take.

Look, I'm not telling my American readers what to think or do... just REALLY take the time to ensure when they hear a "fact" from a lobby group... or Glen Beck... or any of the other talking heads who MIGHT just have an interest above and beyond your best interest, DO SOME RESEARCH from multiple sources.

Your own life... your own family... might be at stake.

...and yes, you're being lied to.

Uppy-Datesies! - July 22nd/09

Check these links about the poor, poor woman who had a non-fatal cyst in her noggin who's now claiming on American television commercials et al that the HORRIBLE Canadian Health Care System would have LET HER DIE (despite it being non-fatal...)

Like I said folks, you ARE being lied to... even by paid-up Canucks!

H/T for the above to CC...

YET ANOTHER ADDITION (from RT): So much for doing a REAL test... Nitwit.

Super-y Bonus-y Stuff: Why the {blank} Do I Care???

Simple.

Imagine, American friends o' mine, that North Korea loses it's "Dear Leaders"... and is on the verge of setting up an American style of democracy, charter of rights, and constitution... and they put it to a public vote.

You, being "tuned in" all of a sudden thanks to who knows what (Remember: Canada is a neighbour and we get ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox, Fox News, MSNBC, ad nauseum too,) you're privy to some commercials and debate... mostly coming from a very wealthy (despite the majority of the normal North Korean people starving,) group that's mostly made up of the "Old Guard" followers of the "Dear Leaders".

Their ads consist of telling people how America is NOT free. Elections are completely fixed. People are beaten at the polling stations and forced to vote whoever the cabal of the Kennedy/Clinton/Bush regime wants in. The freedoms in movies, songs, and books Americans enjoy are fiction. The reality is slave labour camps and premature death which is all covered up by lies and propaganda.

OF COURSE, as you know, they CAN and WILL find "real Americans" to make their case in these commercials... after all, weren't you pummelled going into the voting booth where an armed guard forced YOU to vote Democrat? See the commercial? It MUST be true!

Now, how would you feel?

Yeah, I thought so.

Now you know how I and many others feel on this side of the fence.

July 23rd - And the towel snaps continue...

...so she would lose her sight, not her life... which would be bad and completely unreversable meaning that her trip WAS absolutely necessary and the Canadian Health Care System would have "effed" up her life! Right?

Well... no.

H/T to Bouquets of Gray and commenter "Jack" on Canadian Cynic.

See? I'm fair and balanced... I did hear from a friend named Maria that her brother DID have to wait what I would consider a VERY long time in Hamilton (a major Canadian city,) for an endiscopy examination... 7 months... which is unconscionable... and flies in the face of our (Sue's and my own,) experience of about three weeks for a specialist (never a wait for a GP,) and tests at the outside for non-life threatening situations. Of note, however, Sue's mom had an MRI done in within twelve hours of a possible diagnosis of a stomach ailment...

...oh, and the cost for all these things? Zip. Nada. Nothing. It's covered under our provincial health care... and none of the above was denied care.

Forgive the verbiage, but a wee set-up is needed... Sue and I are now working at getting into shape which means plenty of strolling about on weekends. This past weekend, I told her of a church I'd often seen only from the outside and was always intrigued by it's "position"... which is sunk deep into a wee valley in the city, surrounded by houses... most of which are "taller" than the church spire because of it's location.

I'd only ever spotted it from the road (see the first picture below,) so we went up and indeed inside. The priest was very welcoming as were the parishioners we met (it was after a Sunday service)... and I only wish my rotten "point-and-shoot" digital camera was better at interiors... which were rich with dark oak and lovely carvings as well as a wonderful blue painted ceiling with stars emblazoned in silver... and the gardens were also serene and lovely... an oddity so close to a very busy West End Toronto street...

...and here is one interior picture of the wonderful stained glass window facing West...

Now, as I've stated over and over again, Sue and I are not atheists (or "humanists" in the new evangelical non-believer speak,) and consider ourselves agnostic, but we can admire these things very much... and be delighted with the hospitality we found at the church... and, indeed, are considering attending some of the choir concerts around Christmas time there just for the experience.

The church, for those interested, is St. Martin's in the Fields...

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

I know I promised a bang-up blessing today... and... well... I was thinking about what I did feel was a blessing and one thing kept pounding through my mind... and it's not going to be a very long blessing... but a good one.

Sue and I are not in a concerted effort to become healthier. This includes losing weight, getting back in shape, and for me, getting my blood pressure down.

As a "wind up", three years ago, just before surgery, my blood pressure was 240/130... (Normal blood pressure should be 120/80...) which, considering my dad died of a sudden heart attack at 50, was not good.

After the surgery, and with some small help from medicine, I was hovering at around 210/100... and with doctors help over the last few years, I've been hovering at about 200/97. (I visit the doc every three months and monitor my own blood pressure at home daily.)

Well, last week we started the health kick... cut WAY down on fat, calories, and sodium... increase uptake of Omega 3 acids, fruits and vegetables, and fibre...

In fact, yesterday was our "first nothing but healthy food" shopping trip... with zero red meat, no processed ANYTHING, and loads of vegetables... and last night had our first "super-healthy meal"... which actually rocked! (A "pottage" made of lean skinless chicken breast, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, brown long grain rice, organic chicken broth, and corn served with whole wheat pita bread for dipping... and a glass of a zero-sugar rating red wine...)

Where's the BP now right now?

Yup, that says 129/71!

Believe it or not, although this is phenomenally better, there is still much more work to go... but as a notice to the kids, we ARE planning to do our darnedest to spend every penny of your inheritance ahead of time.

My blessing is the difference we both feel (Sue and myself,) for eating healthier and getting more exorcise.

Like I said, not a long one... but to see the changes we're going through and that are possible, it's a good one!

Oh sure, I could claim writer's block... or a sudden bankruptcy in the ideas dept. of my cranium... but instead, I'll do what I always do and let you pick which one you feel is best.

#13: I just could not think of how to work Doctor Who into yet another Thursday Thirteen because everyone LOVES my obsession passion for the program... although I'll probably work in something, you know me.

#12: I'm still mourning MJ.

#11: I am still too tired after lining up and indeed camping out for days to be the first person in to see the movie Brüno.

#10: I was busy teaching a class on wrestling rabid polar bears.

#9: Christian Bale got involved in my life story and has demanded many re-writes.

#8: I was looking into a more thorough study of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle... but I'd look away for just a moment and when I looked back, the danged thing would keep changing!

#7: I was being fitted for a tin-foil jogging suit. Long story.

#6: I mastered time travel, went to Friday, realised that by skipping Thursday, I'd missed doing the Thursday Thirteen, and as we all know, you can't mess with a time line... and well, I didn't.

#5: I had to staunch the ludicrous rumours in the press about me and Megan Fox you all have heard about, no doubt... and they're NOT true!

#4: Went fishin'.

#3: All I can tell you is that it involves ten pounds of raw ground turkey, a live mule, three circus acrobats, a crazed Lithuanian, and some unfortunate run-ins with the RCMP... after that, it gets complicated.

#2: Okay, Torchwood Hub #4 is indeed in Toronto... and, well... it's a long story and if I told you, Russell T. Davies would hunt me down and kill me... literally.

#1: I just couldn't pry myself away from the spellbinding entertainment on TV this week known as the Senate Judiciary Committee into the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as a Supreme Court Justice. Oh, the popcorn I have consumed... and how I've worn the edge of my seat while watching!

Bit of words with this image, ripped from the BBC...

The text that went with this image was...

A dog is unmoved as the USS Stout, a guided missile destroyer, enters the Georgian port of Batumi ahead of joint naval exercises with the former Soviet nation.

To anyone under the age of thirty, this image must seem like "so what"... or perhaps some might assume an anti-war/anti-military posture... other's may see it as detentes... but to anyone over thirty, this image is a milestone we didn't expect to see without a massive loss of life and possibly a world-ending war... so it actually gives me hope.

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

All the opening titles/themes mixed...

Just 'cuz it's brilliant.

Serious hat-tip to "Reverse The Polarity Films".

Can you tell I'm "Jonesing" just a little bit... November seems TOO FAR away... but it'll come fast enough, I'm sure...

Teaser/Trailer One
Preview Clip (Genuinely Scary)

To my American readers...

Oh, and please read this...

Moving on...

...and if you read this or saw commercials from anti-health care reform group, "Patients United" with the above poor, poor woman who's "brain cancer" was a-gonna kill her because Canada's health care system iz teh suxzors, then please note that Ms. Holmes (above) had suffered from "Rathke’s cleft cyst" which is a “benign cystic lesion that affects the mainly the pituitary gland" and may cause “visual disturbances” (and possibly other symptoms). "Relief of symptoms is common with operative management with resolution of symptoms in 78% of cases…" according to The Mayo Clinic where she had the work done... so, almost dying? Nope... so just a bit of a fib there! (Also this is the reason she was "put off" being operated on in Canada... she wasn't critical or terminal... but she couldn't wait so off to the states to have the work done!)

Evidence: http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientstories/story-339.html

H/T: RT

Sorry gang... I'm taking a Blog Your Blessing Vacation this week... just one Sunday off... because, quite frankly, it's stinky, dripping, humid, and genuinely hot in here today... and I'm leaving the computer off as much as possible.

Don't get me wrong, I have MUCH to be thankful for and MUCH that I do see as a blessing, but I need a wee day off to try and find some cool...

One last thing... if ANYONE out there knows where I can find a Frigidaire Model FAX052P7A in Canada (yes, I've Googled. Yes, I've contacted Frigidaire Canada... no dice...) for purchase, PLEASE let us know. It's the only air conditioner we have found that has the right amount of power consumption AND the right size for our windows... but, of course, being "perfect" for us means "NOT AVAILABLE IN CANADA".

Oh, and we WOULD order from the States... but shipping and tariffs would be a killer.

Thanks all and see you for a PROPER blessing next Sunday!

See? I still cover the busly stuff! Regent Low Height #41 (we're not sure about which one, but this is the most likely,) is up for sale via eBay...

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140331233613

...so if there's any wealthy patrons out there... or well-off friends or relatives wondering what you get a fella like me, y'know, who has nothin... er, everything, for a gift...

*Sigh*... well, a man can dream...

I now return you to your normally scheduled blog posts.

I admit, I "ripped" this list... Basically, I was a touch blocked in the creative department and for reasons that are too ponderous to go into right now, I discovered the Classic Squares site which celebrates the CLASSIC version of the television game show, The Hollywood Squares... who's centre square was perennially one person... Paul Lynde. Mr. Lynde was a complicated person... he was a gay man in a time when that was still not really spoken of out loud... well, unless it was done VERY tongue-in-cheek... and Lynde was more or less, "out there" for the world to see. His innuendos were classic and his wit was razor sharp when he was on.

So, in a kind of a tribute to this fellow who departed this world in 1982...

#13:
Peter Marshall: If the right part comes along, will George C. Scott do a nude scene?
Paul Lynde: You mean he doesn't have the right part?

#12:
Peter Marshall: According to Tony Randall, "Every woman I've been intimate with in my life has been..." What?
Paul Lynde: Bitterly disappointed.

#11:
Peter Marshall: Promethius was tied to the top of a mountain by the gods because he had given something to man. What did he give us?
Paul Lynde: I don't know what you got, but I got a sports shirt.

#10:
Peter Marshall: Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

#9:
Peter Marshall: It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics. What is the other?
Paul Lynde: Tape measures.

#8:
Peter Marshall: It's well known that small amounts of female hormones are found in the male body. Are male hormones ever found in the female body?
Paul Lynde: Occasionally.

#7:
Peter Marshall: Dale Evans recently revealed the three secrets behind her happy marriage with Roy Rogers. Now listen carefully..."We work together, we pray together and we're darn good..." What?
Paul Lynde: In the saddle.

#6:
Peter Marshall: According to Billy Graham, is immorality contagious?
Paul Lynde: I know he was down with it for about a month.

#5:
Peter Marshall: Now listen carefully, Paul...during the time of the hula hoop, the yo-yo, and Davy Crockett hats, who was in the White House?
Paul Lynde: I'll say the yo-yo!

#4:
Peter Marshall: Which performing team were the stars of Ed Sullivan's first TV show?
Paul Lynde: Aretha and Benjamin Franklin.

#3:
Peter Marshall: According to psychologists, do most people sleep better in their street clothes than in their pajamas?
Paul Lynde: Yeah, we call them winos.

#2:
Peter Marshall: Eva Gabor says she dislikes a particular word because it signals the end of something that started out so beautifully. What word?
Paul Lynde: Pregnant.

#1:
Peter Marshall: Nathan Hale, one of the heroes of the American Revolution, was hung. Why?
Paul Lynde: Heredity!

This is only a SAMPLING and if you liked 'em, head on over to Classic Squares for more!!!

I don't really see a resemblance...

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

I had to bump the post today... because, as it's The Glorious Fourth of July, I wanted to do a simple blessing for a neighbour...

Not too long ago, the world's view on Canada's neighbour was not all that good.

I'm not going to mince words here...

America seemed rather xenophobic in the extreme and due to the tragic events of it's recent past, many loud public pundits and even politicians were pointing fingers at seemingly everyone in the world... and condemning anyone that didn't seem to be toeing the American line. It was genuinely frightening to some... as they wondered who would be next for a "regime change".

This is NOT to say I was against the war in Iraq... I've very much on record as stating the Saddam Hussein and his government were very bad and needed to go... and Afghanistan needed attempts to stabilise the country and oust another very bad group of leaders...

...but I also understood why so many were very worried, angry, and genuinely troubled by events... especially when the whole "WMD" debacle was used as a reason.

In Canada, we heard that WE were to blame too... that our borders were lax, we allowed in terrorists who then freely went to the States to do harm (this was a myth,) and as such, we were obviously as culpable as anyone else for the downfall of the USA.

Even today, with the "epithet" of socialism being tossed about like napalm to besmirch people, Canada's social network is often used to show how things will "go wrong" in America if the government takes up too much control... which is odd, because for the most part, Canadians are pretty cool with how the government looks after us... and honestly, it's not as bad as some would lie and have you believe.

...but this post and America isn't about the "talking heads" on TV or in the blogsphere... or the politicians and pundits...

It's made up of people... and you would be hard pressed to find anyone better on this planet than those people in The United States of America.

They are passionate, giving, friendly, and genuinely kind, welcoming, and inviting.

If you ever doubt America's better angels, I can think of no better day to be there than The Fourth of July... go to any town or city... and watch and take part in the celebrations... and ESPECIALLY if you're not American, you'll be treated as honoured guests and have more hospitality than you can imagine... because their birthday is, in many ways, everyone's birthday.

I've been VERY fortunate to spend a lot of quality time in the States (sadly, not as much as I'd like,) as a tourist and guest and have always been taken with the smiles and genuine affection Americans have towards anyone.

America is the proud land of opportunity... a place where many of the freedoms that the Earth holds dear were established at the country's inception... and, as often RIGHTLY pointed out, America is always first on hand to help anyone in the World when they need it.

The newest president did much in the World's eyes to regain America's reputation and shake off the worries of isolationism and it's image as a "bully"... but in reality, that's not terribly important... anyone in the world who even thought that America was "bad" was missing an important part of the American picture... and that is the average person in the USA.

It's the people you'll meet in New York, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, Louisville, Dallas, Anchorage, Denver... and the list goes on... from the largest cities, to the smallest towns and counties... that will immediately let you know you're amongst friends.

My blessing today... and tomorrow... and really, forever... is The United States of America.

Happy Birthday neighbour!

I am a PROUD Canadian... and even have deep United Empire Loyalist roots... but I know a good friend when I see one... and a good nation too... and America, you're it!

I said it well last year too... but let me say it one more time... as a UEL kid...

Sue and I both wish, very much, we were in Boston tonight to celebrate with you!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

It was Canada's one-hundred and forty-second birthday yesterday... and it will be America's two-hundred and thirty-third birthday this Saturday... so I wanted to do a post to celebrate both of these neighbours... of which, I'm on the "North" side... being a Canucklehead... and since Brits and Europeans have such a difficult time with this, I thought I'd give you all...

#13: Step on his/her foot. If they apologise to you for being in your way, they're Canadian.

#12: If they have a hand gun or have a neighbour that has one, they're American.

#11: If they know who Stompin' Tom Connors is, they're a Canadian.

#10: Question them on who won "The War of 1812" between Britain and America. If they say, without hesitation, America... then they're American.

#9: Ask what a looney is. If they mention it's a denomination of cash, they're Canadian.

#8: If you leave an establishment after a purchase, and you hear a cheery "Y'all come back now!", you've heard an American.

#7: Ask them what Tim's is. If they answer that it's a great place to grab a decent cup of coffee, they're Canadian.

#6: If you hear about how your butt was saved in WWII by them, they're American.

#5: Ask them who the reigning monarch currently is. If they answer "Queen Elizabeth The Second", they're Canadian.

#4: If they show genuine patriotism a lot of the time, unabashedly and with great enthusiasm, they're American.

#3: If they tell you they're travelling overseas, but first have to stitch their country's flag on all outerwear and their backpack, they're Canadian.

#2: If they can tell you just which number SuperBowl game is coming up this year, they're American.

#1: Tell them you believe they are American. If at that point they feel the urge to go on and on and on and on about the differences between Canada and America, they're Canadian.

Super Deluxe Bonus Entry:

If they're primary language is English... but know many basic French words... especially anything that might be written on a bilingual box of breakfast cereal, they're Canadian.

If they're primary language is English... but know many basic Spanish words... especially those from children's television programs, they're American.

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

Boatload of lemons? After they're squeezed, track-load of lemonade! Well, I can't even claim the lemons right now... my reason for being a touch late on my blessing... and what WAS going to be my excuse for NOT doing a blessing this week... after some thought WAS a blessing of a sort!

Usually, I write these posts on the Saturday to be posted right at 12:01am Sunday morning... thus freeing up Sunday for things away from the computer... except Saturday went from being a wee trip out on a weekend to something a little more active.

Sue and I missed going to her father's grave on Father's Day... which is something we do each year. Weather and a few other miscues kept us away... so this weekend, we called her sister and off we went.

After tending his grave (not a sad affair, but one of care and rejuvenation,) Sue mentioned my father's grave... a place that my whole family, by dint of location (too far) don't get to very often... and at first, I said there was no need to visit... that this was their day for their father... but... after a few minutes and the realisation the two women were, more or less, just going to head home... I said, "Well, Mount Pleasant Cemetery is an interesting spot... and Diane (Sue's sister) has never been... can we go?"

So, with no issue, we were on our way...

BUT!

En route, I'd mentioned a neighbourhood near where I grew up that I really didn't know anything about and was, in an odd way, in our path... Sue's sister was our driver and she said, "Sure! Let's check it out!"

I explained that this "neighbourhood" was small by any normal measures of the city's spaces, and was bordered by two park-like valleys, train tracks, and a huge ravine.

Well, we went into this odd sequestered neighbourhood and it was still as I remembered... right down to it's odd littler "main street" of commercial properties. It was/is a very obviously wealthy neighbourhood with fairly large homes on normal lots, a large lush park on the one side, and this little bank of shops... well... let's just say when I was a kid, it was a "convenience store" on this block... as an adult an revisiting with Sue and Diane, it had a sign to let you know it was a "Convenience Boutique". (I kid you not!)

We did stop in the fairly large, well stocked, and TREMENDOUSLY over priced grocery store for some supplies... (their stock, for the most part, is available in places not too far from our home at about 1/3 of the same price! I guess the store knows it has an oddly captive audience...) and looked about for some info on the area... none existing...

...then we went off to the cemetery where, indeed, I did need to tend to my father's grave (the stone is an "in ground" job and it appears to be sinking... and mud and grass had obscured the family name... I soon sorted that out,) and visited some of the more "mucky-mucks" and interesting monuments in the one side of the cemetery... and in a few hours, we were on our way again... but since we were now all fascinated, we decided to go back through the odd neighbourhood... and this time, I checked that local park I mentioned and got a name... it was a name I recognised, but couldn't place...

"Chorley Park".

Just so you know, here's a satellite picture of it thanks to Google...

Toronto, from SPACE! (...with the general area I'm speaking of circled...)

Chorley Park Neighbourhood...

...but why was the name so familiar to me?

Now, I had grown up (spent my teenaged years,) a spit and a whistle away from the place (probably about five or six miles North-East in a neigbourhood called Leaside,) but there was something else...

...and the amateur historian in me, once home, felt rather ashamed...

Diane looked up the name and... well... it was demolished in the early 1960's, but original "Chorley Park" (a name for a mansion, not actually a park,) was the official home for the Fourth Government House in Ontario... or the residence of Lieutenant Governor of Ontario... which is a job/title given to someone more or less as a ceremonial kinda thing... a throw back to our early colonial times... but a good one.

Yup, it was built in 1909, and had a rather interesting past... worth reading but too much for here... and then demolished when in 1961, it was considered an old and deteriorating eyesore. Something that made everyone here kinda mope... and I'm sure my friend DrillerAA probably weeps for this sort of thing too...

Wanna see "Chorley Park"? The torn-down, not worth saving, deteriorating, eyesore?

Image from Wikipedia...

Image from Wikipedia...

Image from Wikipedia...

Oh well, the short-sightedness of one era is the disaster and borderline vandalism of the next...

Anyway, after ALL this, we got home, Diane stayed for supper (the main parts from the over priced Chorley Park grocery store... again, nothing special...) and we were all suitably burnt out from a tonne of walking, exploring, and mucking about.

NOW...

You may ask yourself... how is any of this a blessing???

Easy!

My blessing today is spur of the moment adventures... the destination of which leads to learning something new.

Diane had never been to Mount Pleasant Cemetery which is an astounding place...

Although I had been as a teen, none of us really knew much about the neighbourhood of Chorley Park...

Although Sue and I had heard of the mansion, we didn't know (actually, we were mistaken about) it's exact location... and weren't aware of it's complete history.

I'd say it was a blessing of a Saturday... even if it did delay my blessing!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

David Carradine... Ed McMahon... Farrah Fawcett... and Michael Jackson.

Isn't it odd... if I was only to work from current news, I'd only SEEM to know that...

David Carradine MIGHT have died in a bizarre solo sex-act in Bangkok.

...neglecting his amazing body of work and a truly interesting and odd character with an incredible family history.

Ed McMahon was in serious health and fiscal damage.

...but was probably one of the more genuinely witty and iconic figures of late night television as well as many other ventures... not the least of which was his unceasing work for charity. "Heeeeeeeeere's Johnny!" is in our lexicon because of this man.

Farrah Fawcett was a face to an insidious form of cancer... one that may be a thing of the past for future generations rather quickly.

...which isn't at all a bad way to be remembered... but she was a heck of an actress and legitimately a touch-stone of her time. (Not only that, but I do remember her early interviews and she had a wit and charm that was as impressive as her beauty.)

...then there's Michael Jackson.

I've been watching the twists and turns in the blogsphere and on FaceBook over Jackson... his fans and his detractors...

I'm in a "fortunate"(?) space as I was never a fan. In fact, in the early eighties, I was heartily sick of Michael Jackson after being subjected to his music night and day... and it wasn't really my kind of stuff.

...so I watched his odd life unfold with detachment.

I'm sorry to his fans, but I have very little personal doubt that Michael had a "thing" for children that, by any stretch of the imagination, was over the line of healthy. Whether you believe he was sexually attracted to young boys or was, as he said, "trying to regain a lost childhood", at what point do you, if you're a friend or family member, step in before what happened... well... happened?

This isn't to say that I set the blame SOLELY on Jackson... I do look at the parents of these kids... especially the ones AFTER the initial allegations surfaced... and I do not wonder at all if they weren't willing to sacrifice their children for a cheque... granted, they could state that all they knew were allegations... and that wasn't enough for them... but as a parent, albeit a step-parent, it would be more than enough for me to not allow "visitation" without strict supervision if at all.

...but I digress a touch.

When looking at the man as a whole, he may not have truly "entertained" me, but he did entertain many... the majority, to be honest... and I won't take that away from him.

He was enormously talented... and he did break down many barriers that some people don't even know existed in terms of black performers... especially on the burgeoning "music video" stage of his time.

His fans, however, have to realise that he was a deeply flawed human being... regardless of intent, the optics of his life were and are impossible to overlook and indeed, will always overshadow his accomplishments to many.

History will be weird with Michael Jackson... accusatory, wary, and at the same time, complimentary and genuinely heaping accolades on him.

In essence, watching the fall-out over the necessary summing up of his life and accomplishments, there's storms brewing... but they are, regardless, tempests in teapots. There are no dogs left in this fight.

He was accused of many ills... and that I personally couldn't overlook myself...

...but he was talented and ground breaking... and as iconic as any "super star" that's been on the stage.

You can choose to celebrate his life and the good things... or you can choose to concentrate on his questionable behaviour and issues... both are valid... neither side should dismiss the other.

He has now passed into history... and perhaps, it is up to time and the future to decide how he will be, in general, looked upon.

I will give one piece of credit, however... you can't ignore him... even in death.

Perhaps that is all it will come down to... he will be immortal... with people hopefully balancing the good and the bad... and although acknowledging his talent and contribution, they will also have to necessarily mollify that worship with thoughts about what might have happened and regardless, the optics thereof of someone in his (personally) chosen position.

Either way, a lot of icons have passed in a relatively short period of time... and if nothing else, it's good to see people thinking and indeed talking about them on any level as opposed to these folks being discarded into the rubbish bin of popular attention.

To all those incurably stupid people that post blog entries during the Winter that said, "It's cold outside! See! Global warming? MYTH!" - May I please say... BITE ME. Other than being incurably bad environmental science ("GLOBAL" warming, not "localized temperature" warming...) our city, Toronto, is currently experiencing a garbage strike (mmmm... aroma!)... AND (of course,) 90-plus degree weather. (That's 33 degrees plus in Centigrade.)

None-the-less, and even better, the palatial Didier-Darroch Compound has only TWO antiquated electrical circuits (the building is over eighty years old,) and no, I can use the stove's circuit 'cuz we be cookin' with gas... so air conditioning is NOT an option. (Most air conditioners use 17 amps to kick over the compressor... meaning pop-a-fuse-a-mania!)

So, my Thursday Thirteen is kinda cancelled because it's too hot, sticky, and drippy to think... save for something for non-Canadians to consider...

#13: The polar bears are asking to be shaved down.

#12: Our igloos are melting... Many are being left homeless.

#11: Santa's dropped about fifty pounds just by sweating.

#10: Ice sculpture artists find water difficult to cut with a chain saw.

#9: Confused tourists are wondering if they're really in Atlanta, Georgia.

#8: Three words: Mosquito Heat Stroke.

#7: Canada Dry changing it's name to Canada Humid.

#6: Nanook of the North now sporting shades and a Speedo.

#5: Pucks and skate blades don't move well on concrete when the rinks melt.

#4: Suddenly, Americans hear us now saying "OW" in the words, "house" and "about"... but notice a twang in our accents and are frightened when Tim Horton's waitresses say, "Y'all come back now, y'hear!"

#3: Children are stealing the antlers from passing moose to use as fans.

#2: Great Lakes now more like expansive puddles.

#1: Sled dogs refuse to run on hot asphalt leading to terrible traffic jams.

Five more months...

Me? Obsessed? NEVER!

...it's just only THREE more "David Tennant/Tenth Doctor" shows on schedule and it's time for the regeneration into "Matt Smith/Eleventh Doctor"...

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

There's much to be thankful for this week... and in my eyes, anything you're thankful for is a blessing.

Lessee... Kid won her class spelling bee. Our wee dog (Kipling) hurt his leg and was teetering on a vet visit for a couple of days, but has mended quickly and back up to his old badness. Bills are all paid and work is busy. Friday was a "vacation" day so I'm well rested.

Most importantly, Sue had GREAT news from her doctor and should be fully recovered from her illness shortly!

...but how to choose which one is a blessing...?

The latter one is kind of a slam-dunk, but Sue wants to blog about it herself...

The other is a thirteen year old who, more than occasionally, doesn't like any "publicity" on parental type blogs...

As much as he means the world to us, Kippers' injury didn't last too long and he's back to full strength AND he was a Wordless Wednesday entry a couple of weeks back and I don't want this to become a vet blog...

Having all our bills up to date is wonderful, but in this day and age, we're very fortunate and know too many who are having troubles and I don't want to come off boastful in a bad way...

So what to do?

I KNOW!

My Blessing is that THIS WEEK the BBC finally gave us a clue as to when the next season (mini-series really,) of Torchwood will be airing!

Yup! "Children of the Earth" will be shown from July 4th-10th!

I know, I know... but it was a diplomatic decision!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

I'm gonna be a bit... well... a bit of a pig today. Mind you, it's more a "re-living past piggishness" moment... because even though I was really raised in a fairly up-front matriarchal family, I still had hormones... and because of those, I was... well... "drawn" to certain women on TV. So, here's my list of...

#13: Colonel Wilma Deering

From the series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, actress Erin Gray set up a lifelong "thing" about women who look good in helmets.

#12: Mrs. Emma Peel

Diana Rigg played the unflappable and assuredly "kick-butt" superspy in The Avengers... and although no slouch in the looks and "kick-butt" department, I'm sorry to say that Uma Thurman just wasn't as... um... "intriguing" to me personally in the more recent movie release.

#11: Romanadvoratrelundar (Romana for short...) Second "Regeneration"

Don't think Doctor Who will be missed by me in this list... I'll be hitting another companion shortly. The interestingly named Lalla Ward (actually, she was born "Sarah" Ward... but who's splitting hairs?) was the Fourth Doctor's companion... and the Fourth Doctor's companion! (She was dating and briefly was married to Tom Baker while the production was going on.) Add interest to her story, author Douglas Adams was the fella that introduced her to her husband in 1992, Professor Richard Dawkins. She's quite fond of knitting and embroidery... and when I was a lad, she was the measure by which all "cute girls" were measured in my tiny male-hormone addled mind.

#10: Wonder Woman

Do I really, Really, REALLY need to explain to any male who was alive and had access to a television set between the years 1975 and 1979 why Lynda Carter got my attention? No? Good.

#9: Perpugilliam Brown (Peri for short...)

Doctor Who again... Age wise, Ms. Nicola Bryant and I are only three years apart... but as a "very young adult", Peri won me over as a companion to the Fifth and Sixth Doctors despite a rather sketchy American accent... and looked FANTASTIC in a bathing suit. What's really fantastic is I've seen recent photos and she still is a spectacular looking lady! (...and I still got ONE Doctor Who companion left in this list...)

#8: Sabrina Duncan

Much like males of a certain age only watched "" for... um... specific reasons, many young men in my youth watched Charlie's Angels for... um... specific reasons. Most of them for Farrah Fawcett-Majors who was/is a very beautiful woman... and a brave fighter... but me, I had a thing for Kate Jackson. Not that Farah nor Jaclyn Smith were slouches by any stretch, I just had a "thing". Sadly, there were plenty of Farah posters for my chums in junior high... but precious few of Ms. Jackson.

#7: Terri Alden

Again, bucking a trend... and again, Suzanne Summers is a fabulously striking lady (who looks pretty much as good now as "back then",) and all my friends were all about "Chrissy Snow" in the show Three's Company, I fell for the tall blonde "replacement" (HARDLY!) in the form of Priscilla Barnes... To each their own, even back then!

#6: Constance Weldon Carlyle

Oh yes, Morgan Fairchild caught my youthful interest... not that I ever saw a single episode of Flamingo Road, but I made a genuine effort to catch each and every interview on the talk show circuit she did... and to get my viewership, all you had to say about your TV show was Guest Starring Morgan Fairchild!

#5: Bailey Quarters

This one, back when, I found I was not alone in this. Often "overshadowed" by the rather unmissable Loni Anderson, Jan Smithers had quite the following in my junior high and high school with the young fellas. Perhaps our tastes were maturing (HAHAHAHAHA!) from years of Farah worship and we now wanted more "down to earth" kinda gals. (Yeah, like Jan Smithers' was somehow in our league!)

#4: Ann Marie

Okay, so Phil Donahue managed to snag her, that didn't take away my youthful exuberance in watching a young Marlo Thomas in That Girl... I was particularly jealous of Ted Bessell when watching that show!

#3: Ginger Grant

I think this answers the whole "Ginger or Marie-Ann" question you might have had with me... yup... the great Gilligan's Island question... right up there with "Betty or Veronica"... (Veronica, by the way... I like a challenge!)

#2: Jeannie

Okay, like with Lynda Carter above... do I really, Really, REALLY need to explain to any male who was alive and had access to a television set between the years 1965 and 1970 (and beyond in re-runs which is when I caught it,) why Barbara Eden got my attention? No? Okay, we're good here.

#1: Leela

My final Doctor Who companion to end of this list... In her "savage" outfit and accompanied by a hunter's instinct, Louise Jameson struck a note as a companion to the Fourth Doctor that stuck with me pretty much all through life... yup... a life-long thing for sexy, aggressive women. (Just ask Sue!)

Sorry for the late entry from me, and using an ICanHazCheezburger image, but the image should give you a clue as to what I spent most of last night dealing with... and this morning as well...

It was a "nine-step process"...

Step 1: Come home from work.

Step 2: Turn on computer.

Step 3: Download a software package to help with your web design jobs that someone at your "day job" recommended.

Step 4: Watch in agony as this software "does something" during installation that doesn't seem quite right.

Step 5: Thanks to your top-notch virus checker, you know it ain't a viri... so you ponder what indeed could be happening.

Step 6: The program wants you to re-boot (see picture above).

Step 7: Whip out trusty laptop and find out that something in your video drivers MIGHT have been altered... but the software package neglected to mention that before hand.

Step 8: Spend the rest of the evening and the next morning going in and out of "Safe Mode" until driver configuration has been restored and offending software removed.

Step 9: Plot the death of said co-worker... who you'll see in just a few short hours. (Hope they DON'T make the mistake of gleefully saying, "So, how'd it work?" because that will require an even more devious, slow, and painful demise.)

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

I am a HARSH critic of various arts... and in many ways, I admit to being a prime candidate for the concept of "Those Who Can't Do, Criticise."

...but when someone asks for an honest opinion, I tend to give it. Key word being, OPINION.

That said, many of my friends and family know very well that it is a BAD idea to read me their poetry or show me drawings... or any sort of artistic endeavour.

That said, I can and will LOUDLY applaud when I see something wonderful.

Now, to bash myself even further before going on... Sandy Carlson has taken a LOT of flack from me about her love of taggers and various types of graffiti. I honestly do not share that love... in fact, I am often (far more often) appalled at what those who seek a moment's fame will do to deface something wonderful... I honestly liken most taggers especially to being little more than small-minded dogs peeing on a wall to mark "THEIR" territory.

THAT SAID...

Again, I will also applaud those who's graffiti transcends mere scrawled initials or various "commentary" on appropriate surfaces. There is some truly wonderful and amazing "graffiti art" to be seen in places that need a little colour.

One of the best known "public artists"... often called "Gorilla Artist"... is Banksy... and artist in Britain who's "stencilled" works have literally been done (and copied) worldwide... and who now commands literally tens of thousands of dollars for canvases and other creations...

Banksy does something remarkable... art that is indeed a bit of an assault on the senses... it's at one time SEEMINGLY destructive... but also thought provoking and often coyly interesting.

I linked to Banksy's site above... but allow me to lift share some images from Banksy's show in Bristol as posted on The BBC website this week... see if you agree...

The exhibit is called "Banksy versus Bristol Museum".

I first "found" Banksy through the stencilled graffiti though (two examples below)...

...and I was blown away by the efforts on the Israeli-Palestinian Security Wall which are truly astounding (one example below)...

Interested? Click on the links provided above... or here's Banksy's Wiki entry (which has a selection of photos worth seeing...)

From said entry...

In May 2005 Banksy's version of a primitive cave painting depicting a human figure hunting wildlife whilst pushing a shopping trolley was hung in gallery 49 of the British Museum, London. Upon discovery, they added it to their permanent collection.

Apparently, it took three days to "discover" the faked painting.

Banksy is a blessing to me... in several ways.

#1: The work is very good.

#2: Banksy's made me re-examine my own take on graffiti as a whole... though I still loath taggers and people incapable of doing more than spewing profanity in paint on a wall.

#3: The work IS undeniably thought provoking.

Lastly, #4... The projects done amuse, educate, and stimulate. A perfect trifecta in art for me.

My blessing today is the gorilla (and not-so gorilla) efforts of Banksy.

If you found ANY of the images above stimulating, PLEASE use the links and learn more...

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

Believe it or not, I'm doing a FAIRLY serious Thursday Thirteen list... so all you fans of my comedic stylings, I apologise in advance... but there's been a dirth of bad news lately... luckily for my family, our bad news has been a not-so-long lasting flu bug hitting the kid, Sue's health being unsteady, and loads of the usual stressors of life... but we are blessed that things are reasonably okay for us... and although I personally remain optimistic about things in general, I thought I'd like to do a list of...

#1: My Girls

Number one is my family... my wife Sue... and my three steplings. All four of 'em have caused me stress, headaches, and often complain, kvetch, and can genuinely be pains in the bottom... but I can be all those to them too. I love Sue and I love all the girls... and thanks to Sue, I can share them a bit... with her blog. They are my reason for being in so many ways...

#2: The New(ish) Doctor Who

Kinda odd to go here next... but I had to make sure that #1 was the girls.

Now, I know that I go on and on about this program... as do many others... and MANY of you either already watch it OR can't seem to find it... and the occasional person has NO interest in it what so ever... but since we're winding down one part of this "modern era" of the program... and looking forward to a new one... I want to recommend it again to EVERYONE. It's family viewing... but it's not for kids completely. Our "hero" is non-violent by nature and wins battles with his intellect rather than a gun... but that's not the whole focus.

Current showrunner/writer/rebooter Russell T. Davies has done an AMAZING job in making the program relevant and wonderful and it's captured the imagination of all my kids and my wife... I was a "Who" fan from long ago, so Davies had me at the word, "Hello". I can also tell you that ALL my girls are madly in love with David Tennant... and the eldest holds a wee candle to Christopher Eccleston too! How to share? Well, you COULD watch your TV listings... perhaps rent a box set from your local DVD store (or borrow one from a friend)... and of course, I'd NEVER suggest torrents or file sharing... that's wrong... and bad... and pirating... and bad... so don't even think about it.

Want an idea of what it's like? The middle stepling was eighteen and had not too much interest in giving it a shot... and sat through episode one of season one from 2005 - the title of the episode was "Rose"... and said, "Well, it's ALMOST as good as Grey's Anatomy" (her favourite program at the time... then she sat through episodes two and three... and it was "...as good as Grey's anatomy." By episode four and five, she was hooked. She sat down and POWER WATCHED all our box sets... from a Friday night until Sunday evening... non-stop. She now bugs me every time a new episode is released to get her and her beau a copy... "NOW!"

#3: Maple Leaf Fudge

Sugary-buttery heaven. The BEST fudge I've ever had... and although it's from Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario... I can still share... because, indeed, they are ONLINE!

#4: The Furrier Side of my Family

Lessee... two dogs, three cats, and one dwarf bunny. Yup, there's much poop to be cleaned, often accidents, and more fur in various places at the homestead than you can shake a stick at... but I wouldn't trade them for the world! There is nothing as satisfying as the unconditional love of my furry family... and although not everyone can share them, everyone can have SOME sort of pet... some sort of living companion that doesn't judge, doesn't complain (too much) and just is there... and coming home after work to both my dogs is always a big treat!

#5: Non-Guilty Power Loafing

Every so often, I *try* to take a half day of legitimate "power loafing"... a time to do absolutely NOTHING and basically turn the brain off and simply "be". Sometimes, a book is involved... sometimes television... sometimes the 'net... but after working, working, working, and more working, it's not just MONEY one should award themselves with... but a chance to NOT work and NOT do anything... and everyone can and should do this every so often... just tell anyone around you it's "Power Loafing Time" and let them know you're on a wee break from anything except resting and relaxing... although I would more strongly recommend doing this at home, not at any workplace.

#6: Futurama's Coming Back!

Yay! I love this offering from The Simpson's Matt Groening about life in the future... complete with Groening's somewhat cynical, always odd viewpoint of our society! It was indeed happy news to hear that Fox has ordered twenty-six NEW episodes for broadcast after cancelling it in 2003! If you have a TV, live in North America, you probably have access to a "Fox" station or at least an affiliate thereof... and for the rest of the world, the internet is a wonderful thing!

#7: Historical Sites/Historical Re-Enactments

It's absolutely (and sadly) astounding how many people don't know their own part of the world... don't take the time to read historic plaques... don't know the historical relevance of their own town or city. Just a quick visit online to your local historical board and some well placed trips... or even walks... to find out places and things about your locale that you may not have ever known of. Even better, if you live reasonably close to one of these sites or museums, they often have historical re-enactments... where enthusiasts become living historians! There is NOTHING more fun than watching history come alive and especially if you have kids, letting them enjoy history on a more personal "in the flesh" level. Again, a simple websearch will reveal these things close to you... and they are GREAT!

#8: Sam Raimi Horror Films

I love a GOOD horror films... and in this age of "torture porn" (films intent only on finding new ways to make people shed blood and be in horrible pain,) and rip-offs of Asian horror movies (exception made for The Ring and The Grudge which were worthy!) it was SO nice(?) to see Sam Raimi make a NEW Horror Movie and it was with great glee we sat through "Drag Me To Hell" which delivered the usual Raimi mix of comic moments and genuinely nasty scenes mixed with really good scares!

It's low on body count and MAJOR amounts of blood and agony to appeal to the "torture porn" fans... and not "cerebrally creepy" and didn't take itself too seriously making it not a good one for the Asian-clone horror fans... and it's most DEFINITELY not for people who don't like horror movies... but if you do, and enjoy a good "roller coaster" ride and silly fun, it's SO worth while. I made this entry about ALL Raimi's films because if you're a fan of silly and fun horror... or think '78 Oldsmobiles are great cars... or love Bruce "The Chin" Campbell, you will love this film... and all Raimi's horror offerings... and many are a little on the "older" side and readily available in the discount bins and whatnot at your favourite movie stores.

#9: Long, Long, Long Walks

I'm a walker... a hiker... I love a good long stroll. Not too many years ago, it wasn't uncommon for Sue and myself to walk literally dozens of miles on a Saturday "just because"... We'd pick a direction and OFF WE'D GO... just to see what's out there. With Sue being not too well over the last couple of Summers, these dwindled to precious few strolls... but with her improving, I'm hoping to find our "Land Legs" again and re-take the miles and miles of exercise and neighbourhood observing of our past... through parks and to various places... it's all very good... and simple to share! Just find comfy shoes, pick a direction, don't set a goal... and walk until you see things you've never seen before.

#10: Markets/Yard Sales/Garage Sales/Car Boot Sales

Did I mention I hate malls? No, really... I *LOATH* malls... dislike them with a passion... despise them... really, Really, REALLY DO NOT LIKE malls. So, what's a guy to do for a little "retail therapy"? Markets! Yard Sales! Garage Sales! Anything that's outdoors, away from clone shopping, and offers unique stuff! I love bargains and I love to wander about different stuff at different places. Gimme a flea market, a "swap meet", an old country market... and I'm in heaven!

Simple to share... and most readers here already do it... simply look for these options. Watch for signs... look for places online... don't be afraid to travel to find 'em! So much better to support a small business, enterpeneur, or even a family household and find truly unique items than be a slave to the artificial atmosphere and cookie-cutter crappola that's dished out by "Major National Brands" which is USUALLY found at malls. I hate malls.

#11: Danny Kaye Films

An oft sung hero of the screen, he is one of the originally "gawky" funny men of Hollywood... capable of song and dance routines that only a man of the old Borscht Belt and Catskill nightclubs would be truly capable of! There is something SO amazing about watching this man... and I was SO pleased that our kids, in watching old DVD movies featuring him STILL was interested and found him funny, charming, and charismatic to the nth degree!

One of THE most popular blog posts here featured him already and I'm glad so many people visit... and remember... and re-enjoy his fantastic films! How to share? Well, try the discount "old film" bin at your local DVD store (which is our outlet for his films,) or even see if perhaps, in a moment of ACTUAL broadcasting smartness for family viewing, someone puts one of his movies on regular TV... I'd STRONGLY recommend The Court Jester and The Inspector General!

Walter Mitty is also a GREAT film... soon to be probably ruined in a remake though... so you've been warned. Best to give Danny a chance first before seeing the new one.

#12: Star Trek

My name is Matthew... and I've been a "Trekkie" back when "Trekkies" preferred to be called "Trekkers". Since my youth when my mother would mortify me by referring to Captain James Tiberius Kirk as "Captain Cutey" (I'm not certain that William Shatner would actually be offended or upset by that,) I've been watching the shows, reading the books, and generally enjoying the program all the more... through "The Next Generation" through to "Enterprise", I've loved 'em all... and for an "Old School Trekkie", I still LOVED the new movie! Now, episodic science fiction is NOT for everyone... and you do have to have a will or wont to try... it's (in my eyes) worth the effort. Turn on your TV at some point, and settle in... or, in lieu of that, try the new movie if you haven't seen it already.

#13: Double-Decker Buses

To hit the trifecta this week (see the posts below... I've managed to be "busly" three times in a ROW!) I still have a deep seated love of the old half-cab buses and look forward to the day WHEN I'll be working on my own... I'm in a much better place fiscally than when I started this blog... and with any luck, that will only improve... and then... (Remember: That WAS the point of this blog originally... and I haven't given up the hope!)

Now, I've tried to share my love and enthusiasm for these things here... and I do believe I've done a decent job... but how to share in a more "tangible" way... I KNOW! Next vacation you have to almost ANY major city, look through the bus tours of that place... Ten'll get you twenty there's a "Double-Decker Bus Tour" available... and if you can, PLEASE take it... weather permitting, sit on the top deck and enjoy the ride.

The eldest stepling's friend is living in London for a few months... she actually is a temp from Chiswick at the moment... Being a friendly sort, she snapped this photo of a Routemaster (a Number 9) running a route for me!

Kinda goes nicely with my earlier post from Sunday (see below)!

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

Way, way, way back when... when dinosaurs walked the Earth... when the cosmos was new... when the first sparks of life started glittering on this small round-ish rock in space... and I started blogging... the point of this blog was to try and ask for help to get an old green bus... hence the name... and hence the bit of superfluous flummery on the right side of this thing.

I ended up giving up a bit... mostly because, and I'm not ashamed to admit it... things just weren't working out. It was a selfish dream of my own... that I was privileged to share with my family. They all "got on board" and gave me much important moral support and I honestly thought I had a good chance...

...and, more importantly, I was hoping to kind of prove three things to my youngest...

#1: Dreams actually can come true, with a little help and some elbow grease!

#2: If you really want something, try hard in any way you can to achieve it! The only sure failure is not to try.

#3: Ask... always ask... because the worst anyone can say to you is "No".

Things didn't work out too well with the "online venture"... and "real life" came in and took away my time and energy to really work on that dream... and eventually, the nine-year old became a teenager... and now, clothes, make-up, trips to the movies, and "hanging out" with friends became (justifiably) far more important than thinking or talking about her bizarre old step-dad's dream.

Still, every so often, someone reminds me of the dream... but betwix me and thee, I really don't need reminding.

My birthday passed a few days back... Sunday last week to be precise... and I was amazed at how many people sent me messages, e-mails, postings, and even "hard copy" cards and letters wishing me "The Bus".

I always feel slightly compelled to let them know that I've NEVER given up on old Regent Low Height #3... or the prospect of owning and working on any old double-decker bus... it's just that my priorities right now must be in different areas.

...but the dream remains, none-the-less.

Sure, my main concern right now is making sure Sue gets healthy... but I... heck, on occasion, WE still discuss the bus. There's still optimism there.

What my blessing is today, however, is how the flames of that dream and the optimism therein are stoked by so many of those who wished me a happy birthday.

In many ways, the best gift of all is seeing that people... even acquaintances... care... and still believe in my daft old dream of fixing up an old double-decker bus...

...but this isn't only MY "blessing"... because we all have people like this... so allow me to boil it down...

My blessing today are those people who genuinely care and take the time to show it.

Dreams should never die... and really, should not be completely solitary things... and it's great to know that so many people will still get a wee rush the day I announce on this blog that Our Bus (whichever it may be,) is Here!

Really, who could ask for more out of a dream?

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

Addendum (8:20am EDT) Since I'm on the rare (as of now) topic of buses here on the blog, I'm sad to announce that another bus I actually tried to find and purchase VERY hard that was located in Ontario (FNW 706)...

...has now been completely scrapped in Sudbury according to a posting sent out today by Mr. Paul Bateson of British Buses Abroad in North America.

I did try... had people go up on my behalf... contacted it's original impound yard, it's owner's lawyer... everything save going to Sudbury and talking to the wrecking yard... which, in hind sight, I should have done as soon as I heard about it.

Oh well... let's hope RLH 3 doesn't meet the same fate... These buses are aesthetically pleasing in their original shape... they make ugly 4 x 4 cubes of semi-recyclable materials.

You're welcome... in advance... I've suffered, now it's your turn.

This is a list of...

#13: "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" - Pat Benatar

#12: "Jesse's Girl" - Rick Sprinfield

#11: "THEME - Gilligan's Island" - George Wyle & Sherwood Schwartz

#10: "THEME - Spider Man" - Robert 'Bob' Harris & Paul Francis Webster

#9: "THEME - Bewitched" - Jack Keller

#8: "The Witch Doctor" - David Seville

#7: "Colonel Bogey March" - Lieutenant F. J. Ricketts

#6: "The Song That Never Ends" - Norman Martin

#5: "The Chicken Dance" - Werner Thomas

#4: "Who Let The Dogs Out" - Anslem Douglas

#3: "THEME - The Brady Bunch" - Sherwood Schwartz (That's two for him!)

#2: "Happy Happy Joy Joy" - Charlie Brissette, John Kricfalusi, & Christopher Reccardi

#1: "THEME - I Dream of Jeanie" - Hugo Montenegro

The alarm sounds, my eyes creak open to greet the day... and then...

...save, in this image, a lolling tongue is not out with a determined insistence of licking my face.

Oddly enough, it's a good way to greet a day, all told.

Thanks to my Sue for taking this image of Kipling, one of the two best dogs in the universe!

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

It has been a very long time since we at the ye olde green bus blog did a "helping hands" blog entry. Usually helping hands entries were done on Thursdays, but because that is the day for the TT meme I have decided to do one today. Helping hands is exactly what it sounds like, it is all about blogging about products, services, or anything else that may be of interest to readers of this blog.

Do you shop for cheap clothes online? What I mean by the word cheap is good bargains not quality, or style. How about great deals or cheap womens clothes? Do you ever shop online for clothing?

I prefer the convenience of shopping for most products online, and I like the ability to compare products, and prices from the privacy of my living-room home computer by using the shopping guides found at ShopWiki. If you have not checked it out before, ShopWiki is very similar to Wiki only it is designed for people who want to learn more about specific products, and comparison shop. And it is easy!

Say you want to see who has the best prices on Jimmy Choo summer sandals easy just use the search function on ShopWiki, and you'll find out. ShopWiki is not about paid for ads so you get the info based on all available sources. Try it out! Do a search on a cheap Michael Stars tee as an example, and you'll see how easy it is to use the website.

With summer here there are some great deals to be found on cheap womens winter coats, and great deals on Fall jackets. Get all the info you need through the website to save yourself some big bux on the clothing you want.

Enjoy!

Today, I celebrate my forty-second year wandering aimlessly around on this rock in space... and although I'm certain I could write up a decent blessing about birthdays or how Sue is spoiling me today... and, considering I'm back after a two-week blogging hiatus where I managed to put many irons in a fire and finish a few for this coming Summer's fun which would be an alternate slam-dunk blessing...

...I've decided to talk about this best part for me of this weekend... and that is... nothing.

Yup, call it as you will...

"Staycation".
"Visiting Puerto Backyarda".
"Power-Loafing".
"Re-Charging the Batteries".

It's been a nice lazy weekend... where the weather was both good and bad... mostly overcast and a bit damp... but we primarily stayed in and cozy. Just Sue and I too as the kiddollo is off at a music camp retreat for a few days...

Yup, limited chores... limited pressure... just a nice relaxing weekend... and after the weeks of work I've had and the mountain of stuff I have accomplished... and the larger mountain waiting to be tackled still... it's been nice to take it easy, listen to some nice jazz, and enjoy just being.

My blessing today is just being...

No stress, no fuss... and just time to appreciate every other blessing I have.

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

IMPORTANT(?) NOTICE: I'm gearing up (after Thursday, May 14th, 2009,) to be away from teh blog o' tubes for a great big seventeen days while I concentrate on a few other online (and offline) matters. So, if you return here, I'll be vapour from May 14th through May 31st... but be back with a GOOD (I'll try!) Blog Your Blessing Sunday (it'll be my birthday too!) then! Have a great couple of weeks and thanks for your patience!

Don't hate me... but I have to take a powder from blogging again for a couple of weeks... That is to say, I won't be posting until May 31st...

Basically, again, things IRL and to do with other ventures MUST take me away for a while... and although I will be honest, most of them are to do with my efforts with my main hobby/passion/website, I would like to TRY and inject a TINY bit of comedy truth into what REALLY could be going on as, ONCE AGAIN, I'm away from this blog for a fortnight and a bit...

So, without FURTHER adieu, allow me to present...

#13: I'm prepping Matt Smith for his initial run as The Doctor.

#12: I'm training for a new career as a pimento stuffer in an olive factory.

#11: There's this place called Amity Island having trouble with a wee shark... and me, the town's sheriff, and a marine biologist have to take a rickety boat out and do what we can.

#10: I'm building a 150' tall memorial statue to Shemp Howard out of Lego.

#9: All I can tell you is it involves two cows, a bulldozer, fifty-six party balloons, one pound of raw ground chicken, two Armenian dancers, and a nail gun... after that, it gets weird...

#8: Alien hunting time again!

#7: Zombie hunting time again!

#6: Alien zombie hunting time again!

#5: I'm going to start and finish a "super-fast-track" course and become the neurosurgeon I knew I always could be.

#4: I plan on training them and then becoming the evil overlord of the entire ant population of Earth! PIC-NIC-ERS BEWARE!!!

#3: I've come up with a perfect long-term career path! I'm becoming an auto-worker!

#2: I must pursue my love... my passion... my raison d'être... and join a traditional Kabuki theatre troupe!

#1: Pole-dancing lessons.

IMPORTANT(?) NOTICE: I'm gearing up (after Thursday, May 14th, 2009,) to be away from teh blog o' tubes for a great big seventeen days while I concentrate on a few other online (and offline) matters. So, if you return here, I'll be vapour from May 14th through May 31st... but be back with a GOOD (I'll try!) Blog Your Blessing Sunday (it'll be my birthday too!) then! Have a great couple of weeks and thanks for your patience!

Sue went from blonde to red last week... I think it looks smashing!

Of course, this is the look I'm pretty sure she really wanted...

...but she's quite pleased with what she got anyway!

...and like she needed that look to justify carrying about a big sword!

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

No blessing today... it's been a rough weekend with TONNES of work and issues to deal with.

Suffice to say "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY" to everyone (especially the moms out there,) and I'll do better next week! Promise!

ADDENDUM: 08:29 MAY 10TH Sorry about this lack of proper "blessing"... and yes, one could say that my blessing is indeed moms... especially the one that shares my roof who is a major blessing in the happiness she brings me...

But allow me to 'splain (quickly) what's grabbed me away from Blogdom...

Yup, it's basic "preparation" to celebrate the mom that's right here under this roof!* I literally squeezed in ALL my weekend chores into one day (yesterday,) and also caught up on some "requested" efforts/chores/projects... so I can spend the day with one of the bestest moms to celebrate mother's day unimpeded by other things...

So, forgive me... and I'll do WAY better next week!

* - For example, I'm writing this at 9:50am after charging to MacDonald's... not for a breakfast for Sue... but for a breakfast for the kiddo to ensure that she's happy and makes it a good mother's day morning!

Yeah, I've done a similar list twice before... but this is the latest material!

So, you're not my friend on FaceBook, eh? Well then, you missed my usual (almost daily) updates on what I'm up to and what I've been thinking!

FaceBook offers users a chance to put in a "status" thingy... sorta like Twitter... but for people with more time on their hands. Things like FaceBook User... and then you can enter whatever it is you're up to... so you often see things like "So and So is working" or "So and so is visiting relatives"

...and then there's people like me.

So, without further adieu...

#13: Matthew Didier wishes everyone to note that, indeed, Soylent Green is made of people.

#12: Matthew Didier is currently in a parallel universe. Please leave your name, number, and a detailed message... or simply continue to make weird decisions in your day-to-day life until he re-appears in your current version of reality. Thank you.

#11: Matthew Didier is concerned that he may have died in a past life.

#10: Matthew Didier is absolutely NOT pretentious and will not waste his time educating the peons and mouth breathers to prove that point! Bloody peasants!

#9: Matthew Didier has the answer to the question, "Why is there far more matter than antimatter in the observable universe?"... and it involves larger portions at fast food restaurants.

#8: Matthew Didier wonders why, when he came over to the dark side, the cookies and cake he was promised were not delivered.

#7: Matthew Didier wonders how long it will take before people addicted to Twitter simply become known as "Twits"?

#6: Matthew Didier once kicked Chuck Norris' butt... but doesn't like to brag too much.

#5: Matthew Didier actually does wonder, on a regular basis, what WOULD Brian Boitano do?

#4: Matthew Didier thought he'd cracked the key and produced cold fusion... sadly, he'd only made a bowl of "mild" chili.

#3: Matthew Didier will not be in attendance for the performance today. Substituting is his understudy, Theodore Kaczynski.

#2: Matthew Didier is not a Dark Lord of Sith... more like a moderately faded peasant of someone who kinda resembles a Sith.

#1: Matthew Didier indeed has been through your underwear drawer... and has questions.

BONUS: Matthew Didier really wants to wet a little bit of napkin and dab off that schmutz on the side of your mouth...

SUPER BONUS: Matthew Didier thinks the TV program "Lost" is just going to end by telling everyone that these people are the descendants of Gilligan's Island.

SUPER DELUXE BONUS: Matthew Didier claims it wasn't him who caused the unpleasant odour you experienced.

Last One: Matthew Didier thinks he might be suffering from multiple personality disorder... and so do I.

Thanks to Biggus Sissus for the images...

The little fellow... the one with the extremely cynical look on the right... yup, that's me... with both sisters also in the shot...

...next one, a little older... but the three of us are shown being menaced by Santa in Bracebridge... note the early signs of the pot belly that still remains with me to this day.

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

I'm still coming down from yesterday... Lessee... about seven yard sales and two church sales!

Now, as regular readers (and one's that don't eat much fibre,) know, Sue and I aren't really "church folk" as such, but we do recognise the part our local places of worship fill in our community... not just the standard "spiritual" bits, but as youth centres, food banks, "drop-in" centres, quasi-social service branches, community events building... and so much more.

Like all things, there are bad churches... ones that promote hate, intolerance, and the like... but for the most part, our local chuches, mosques, synagogues, and temples are wonderful and open places for everyone... and do much in general for the community.

Therefore, it's a double-bonus for Sue and meself to enjoy their events... it's fun to be a part of the event itself... and it's great to know we're funding excellent people doing good work.

NOW IF THIS WASN'T ENOUGH...

It has been a GLORIOUS (weather-wise) weekend here in Toronto... and the sale were brilliant and spawned many nearby homes to the churches to do their own sales... many for charity themselves. (Most commonly, raising funds for breast cancer research this weekend...)

So, we got to hang out and visit two wonderful churches which have wonderful people as congregations and clergy, visit several local yard sales and support various charities that was as well... and, although it was not the majority case, even help out the odd neighbour... and enjoy a magnificent day outdoors... and come home with loads of new "stuff" (like shelves, prints, books, clocks, gym bags, clothing, etc.)

...AND I got to do it all with my lady love as it was just her and me this weekend with the sprout away with family... AND we popped by a local pub and had an extraordinary lunch... AND came home and snuggled up to some pre-recorded documentaries we wanted to watch (right now, we're half way through Paul Merton in India and Henry VIII - The Mind of a Tyrant... and we have ONE last episode of Britain's Best Drives with Richard Wilson to enjoy...) with a feeling of a lovely and wonderful full day.

My blessing this week? If I could get the contented grin off my face from yesterday, I'd summarize the above for you... but nah... I'm too relaxed and contented!

Yup, a good if not GREAT weekend by far!

...and next weekend, the local Buddhist Temple is doing a "arts and crafts" sale... we are SO looking forward to that!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

I've done it before... and I'm doin' it again... A niece has done a "meme" on FaceBook... and I think I'm going to cherry-pick some questions in this meme (answered/for a seventeen year old girl,) and do what I can to answer 'em meself!

So, without further adieu...

#13: When is the last time you had butterflies?

Oh, it's been TOO long... and when you fry 'em just right, they taste just like chicken!

#12: Ever taken a picture kissing somebody?

I tried... but their nose kept banging into the lens and the viewfinder fogged up.

#11: Is there a difference between love and in love?

Yes, you've slipped the word "in" there. Can't fool me with these trick questions!

#10: Has anyone disappointed you recently?

When was my last pay day?

#9: Is there anyone you wish you could be spending time with right now?

Yes, an investment banker discussing the investment of some of my massive lottery winnings.

#8: Have you ever cried in front of your number one?

Okay, it's been a while... I believe #2 is poop... so #1 is pee... and since I have suffered kidney stones, I'd have to say absolutely!

#7: Ever kissed someone who smokes?

Yes, but a fire extinguisher put them out shortly after.

#6: Are you starting to realize anything?

Yes, that in Canada, we realiSe things... not realiZe things... Damnit, use the Queen's English!

#5: Does it make you mad when people stare at you?

Only when the fire spread from the person two questions above... and they were too busy gawking to extinguish me.

#4: Do you write how you speak?

No, I use these wonderful things called "vocal cords"... and when combined with larynx, lungs, teeth, tongue, and lips, they're great for speaking... For writing, I use a chisel and two rocks. (You wouldn't believe how long and hard it is to post a blog post using these items!)

#3: Why are you the way you are?

Environment, evolutionary processes, and genetics play a large part in this.

#2: Is there someone you'd like to fix things with?

I think I did this once before... and yeah, I think working on broken machinery and electronics with Nikola Tesla would be awesome!

#1: Has someone ever completely walked out of your life?

Only the dozen or so regular readers of this blog on seeing yet another uninspired Thursday Thirteen.
(I'll try to do better next week!!!)

For newbs here... The Hobby... which, without the man below, a young teenaged boy would never had pursued so diligently questions he wished answered...

I may not have agreed with him a whole lot as I aged and learned more, but he was a pioneer... a fantastic and compelling writer... and a tireless "campaigner" in the understanding of what we refer to as "The Paranormal".

You will be missed, Dr. Holzer... and it is to my detriment and overall sadness that we never met, consulted, and indeed, debated while you were still with us.

My...and Sue's... thoughts are with Dr. Holzer's family and friends.

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

I'm late getting this post up today... because yesterday, here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada... the temps got up into the nice seventies! (Heck, the "humidex" was in the low nineties!!!)

What has this got to do with the price of bananas in Ecuador?

Well, with the warm weather came a family walk... Sue and I were certainly up for it... I wish I could say the thirteen year-old was... but kicking and screaming... well, whining and kvetching... she came along.

We walked... and walked... we did a small bit of shopping... some new clothes for the terrible teen and a couple of pairs of new shorts pour moi... and some small groceries including some fresh fruits with which to brew up home made smoothies... and hit the odd yard sale as we passed 'em by... ending with a wee stroll by the beach.

Although there's no doubt that the teen HATED the exorcise and stroll for the first thirty minutes... and complained a touch during the last few minutes (as we neared getting back home, her "feet and legs" hurt...) we walked from 11am until almost 4pm! Yup, five hours of strolling in near perfect weather!

The other amazing thing is how the tremendous weather made pretty much everyone we saw happy. More smiling faces per square foot of sidewalk yesterday than I've seen in a LONG time!

Anyway, once home... and given a few minutes to recuperate and rehydrate... we made smoothies which were quickly gulped up, ordered a "take out" dinner so no cooking would have to be done, and then, at around 6pm, enjoyed as the first major "Thunder Banger" of the year hit.

Now, this COULD have been dreadful... but instead, in our top-floor apartment with an unobstructed view due North, it was beautiful... and no, we didn't suffer any power-outs... just sat-out the storm with Sue and the kid playing a video game on the television... and I, sadly, doing work on/for our ghost group.

Still, it was an absolutely amazing day... that wore pretty much all of us out... but with smiles on our faces.

My blessing today is wonderful weather allowing a wonderful family day.

Even the storm had it's place in our time together.

Oh, and if you're wondering... yes, our boys did get their stroll too... just not with us as we knew we'd be shopping sadly. I took them both out while the ladies got prepared for our stroll in the morning... so I actually got an extra hour's walk with the puppies before embarking with the family!

So, really, a good day for all!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

Indeed.

After Snark: Reality TV at it's bestest!

In the interest of being "fair and balanced", and as I am, like most computer technicians, more a Unix based/Microsoft OS kinda guy, I take a fair amount of bashing for being "anti-Macintosh"... which is SLIGHTLY true... but not really... so, as stated, being "fair and balanced" (and no, not like Fix Noise,) allow me to share a TWO PARTER of a Thursday Thirteen...

#8: They are very pretty!

Macintosh computers are well designed and very aesthetically pleasing to be sure! They look great and are very fashionable!

#7: They are easy to use!

Mac OS has always been leading edge interface stuff! Lovely point-and-click usability and very simplistic application designs.

#6: Everyone uses them in movies and TV shows!

Mac is a very savvy marketing company that ensures that if a movie or TV show needs a computer, they work very hard to make sure their product is in the picture to be seen.

#5: They're fantastic for artists work!

Goes with the graphical interface and ease of use... that, and Mac has always insured it's had some of the best graphics and media capabilities in the market.

Addendum: Actually, as was pointed out to me while penning this, pretty much all the original artistic tools for Mac are now and have been available for PC for a very long time... and in some cases, they are now only available on PC... and in other cases, only the PC versions are regularly updated... but STILL, they are a favourite with the "Over Forty" art crowd and, in all honesty by my assessment, with good reason. It's a SOLID system for their endeavours.

#4: There's very few viruses and scripts made for Macintosh applications and OS!

Although the idea that there are NO viruses for Mac is a myth, it's still and OS that has seen limited amounts of nasty bits of software sent out to mess with their users. (Granted, if you're writing a bit of bad nastiness for whatever person and reason, you're unlikely to write it for only 20% of the users out there... but it still remains true... you are "safer" with a Mac... but PLEASE Mac users, NEVER assume... use "protection"! For example, see yesterday's news item from CNN...)

#3: The Apple logo itself is very cool!

It is! Reminiscent of The Beatles... perhaps a touch too much, but once the chips fell into place, it was another marketing coup! (Allow me to add here that their commercials are, indeed, brilliant.)

#2: Research and development for Mac is fantastic!

This, in my eyes, is the strongest thing about Apple computers... They always work diligently to create and work on new products that have revolutionized many things in the industry! The Mac R & D department is still, to the best of my knowledge, one of the strongest in the entire computer industry!

#1: Mac users are Loyal (note the capital "L"!)

Again, another strong point... Mac users usually are brought kicking and screaming away from their preferred instrument... and credit where it's due, Mac users noted the uselessness of Windows Vista before Microsoft did...

#7: HOLY EXPENSIVE BATMAN!

Macintosh is still easily the least bang for the buck in most personal computing cases. They tend to be much more expensive when compared to a machine of equal power in the Microsoft OS universe... and parts? Egads! What's worse is because of the advertising and marketing, those that WANT a Mac NEED their Mac... they usually can't really justify it, but the money comes shelling out... which is really painful when the people "in the know" have to purchase them. It's like buying a gold-plated Hyundai because Princess Special-Bottom NEEDS it to be gold plated... despite the obvious drawbacks... and logic holes in necessity.

#6: "What's downward compatibility got to do with it?"

Changing a Mac OS means "upgrading" everything else for the most part... unlike Microsoft that's worked hard to maintain it's legacy software, Apple has never had any qualms about saying You likely new operating system and new hardware? You buy-ee new applications! which means an upgrade can be extremely expensive.

#5: "...available at your authorized Apple dealer... wherever that is."

Need an internal cable for your PC? Hit the local dollar store... they'll usually have something for you. Need an external high-speed SATA card? Any computer shop should be able to help you out. Have a Mac? WHOOPS! Sorry! Off to your local Mac dealer... which can be tricky if not damned near impossible to locate in various parts of the globe when you need parts and upgrade add-ons.

#4: "Macs never crash."

When I hear this, I guffaw... Oh yeah, you NEVER get the "Blue Screen of Death"... but what's the little bomb-like icon in the corner... and why did my system freeze... and why is it rebooting on it's own? It's not a crash... um... it's a GREEN ENERGY FEATURE! Save electricity by occasionally FORCING the user to stop and smell the roses! I'm sure that's it!

#3: In a world where 79 out of 100 users aren't using your product, why is proper support so difficult to find???

Um... because 80% of the world isn't using your equipment... and IT companies have to think about who they're hiring and why. Oh, and PLEASE don't tell me about how Macs NEVER need support... because as a technician, I can tell you what rot that is!

#2: Oopsy! I just deleted a file... is that permanent?

Yup. On a Mac, you empty the "trash can" and you're dead... it's gone... on a PC, you empty the "recycle bin" you STILL have SOME chance of recovery with the right tools... but Macs are so literal!

#1: Mac Fanboiz are Number One!

When a technician or computer person discusses the issues with Macintosh, those Loyal (note the capital "L") fans become ravenous weirdos that feel that they have been personally besmirched by this person who questions THEIR chosen brand of computer. It's difficult to find a Dell computer user that loathes an IBM, HP, "generic clone", or the host of Microsoft running systems... but Mac users really seem to have a burr in their saddle about those heathens that don't worship at the alter of The Holy Glowing Apple... to the point that they can be... um... well... pretty much fanatical zealots. Thank GOD that duelling is illegal... because even this post would probably lead to most of my face being ripped off my skull by the multitude of gloves I'd face from the ardent Mac fan-base.

BONUS: You gotta love all those Apple games! Yup! All of 'em! See! Look at all the games! My kid will LOVE their new Mac!

Don't hold your breath on this one. Computer gaming on a personal system is still the domain of the Microsoft world... still, I can't TRULY count this as a "zoink!" because not everyone is a gamer... and buying a kid a full-blown graphical computer is not something everyone is likely to do.

Reality Mode On... To be honest, my REAL feelings on this whole thing is that the best system is pen, paper, and an abacus... but hey, that's just me.

Oh, and if I was to do a list of "grumbles" when it comes to Windows... well, thirteen entries wouldn't even scratch the surface... but I still prefer, honestly, PCs to Mac for price-point and the amount of "stuff" available....Reality Mode Off

You ever notice something unintentional... that in hind site...

First, a bit of wall in my living room... it's always looked similar to this... never gave it much thought. In the picture are framed photos of all three steplings... and standing on a wee shelf nearby, an Indonesian temple guard... (Sorry it's so dark... flash issues...)

...then I realised, it's not guarding a temple... it's guarding... THEM! YOUNG MEN BEWARE!!!

Mess with them, mess with HIM!

Well, at least that's the way I'm tellin' this story and I'm stickin' to it!

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

This is a very quick one this week... which is probably a good thing, because if you're like me, you have so much to read on meme days, it's nice to stumble across one that's short and to the point...

My blessing today was the e-mail, messages, and even blog postings I received a couple of weeks back... and even now... welcoming me back to the blogsphere!

I took a week off... then had ISP problems... but since I've been back, I've had literally hundreds of people welcoming me back in one form or another...

...and YES... I promise... THIS WEEK sometime, somewhere, I'll update everyone on the whole bus thing!

THANKS TO YOU ALL!

You really know how to make a guy feel welcome... and yes, that's a BIG blessing!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

I was people watching... well, people listening... as I often do. I hear various things and come up with answers best left unsaid... although, sometimes I do say them... BUT...

Here are...

#13: (When searching for a missing item...) "Well, I found it... and that was the LAST place I would have looked!"

This statement eludes to the idea that you would continue searching for the item after you found it...

#12: "Can I borrow a Kleenex? I have a bit of a cold."

Don't borrow... please take... I really don't want it back.

#11: "I didn't do anything to my computer, and now it's not working."

Um, if you hadn't done anything with the system, how do you know if it worked in the first place?

#10: "I don't mean to complain, but..."

...usually uttered just before a complaint is (oddly enough,) issued... I suppose it's mitigated because the person doesn't MEAN to complain... they're just doing it.

#9: "I'm not feeling well... I'm thinking about seeing a doctor."

This is good, because seeing a plumber probably wouldn't be all that helpful.

#8: "Dead as a doornail.

How many lively doornails have you seen? (Seems to me that doornail's aren't dead as they weren't alive in the first place...)

#7: "I'm dog tired.

...uttered, one has to assume, by someone that's never owned a dog... especially a young dog.

#6: (My thirteen year old often says,) "It was, like, a nice day today!"

"Like a nice day"? So what was it really then? A bad day that resembled a nice day???

You can substitute "nice day" for "beautiful sweater", "great shoes", or any number of things.

#5: "My body's a temple!"

Really? My body is a body... well, a human body... I'd be REALLY uncomfortable if people tried to enter my body to worship something... Ew!

#4: (Another thirteen year old statement...) "I need..." (followed by some brand name item...)

"Need"? As in, you cannot survive without it? My GOODNESS! Most people need air... food... water... shelter... but you? What a weird life form you are that your survival depends on that!

#3: "You had to be there."

If you have uttered this, you might note (as you have) that I, indeed, wasn't there... which leads to the question... Do you have a better frame of reference to me?

#2: (To go with the above... when dealing with a group of people laughing for seemingly no reason...) "It's an inside joke!"

Is there such a thing as an "outside joke"? If it was an outside joke, would I enjoy it then?

#1: "Spread the wealth around??? That's SOCIALISM!"

Really? So when someone... I can't quite remember who it was... suggested that the wealthy spend their money to support other people and businesses... trickle down economics I believe it was called... was that socialism too?

What happens when you forget to do a LONG delayed Wordless Wednesday the evening before??? You do it in the morning after your cup of coffee... y'know, when you look like this (apparently)...

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

...and I know, I know... (Well, first of all, let me thank everyone for their patience while I managed to get everything back to normal 'round here...) Anyway, I know... too much "Doctor Who" stuff on this blog... BUT WE DO LOVE IT SO!

Here's the thing...

DESPITE being THE "top rated" program (of any sort) on British TV last year (and it's "family viewing" to boot!) they decided to kinda take a year off... and only do a scant four specials after Christmas...

Well, the FIRST one aired yesterday... and true to form, we got our hands on a copy last night! (God Bless having friends at the BBC!)

...and we watched it with MUCH anticipation.

Honestly, they "borrowed" a little too heavy from another character (of a video game) which took away a touch of the enjoyment... but it was a "solid" six out of ten for us (not one of the best for sure)... but we still enjoyed it thoroughly and for REAL "Who" fans, the last few minutes... with "clues" to the next specials coming from one character... was WELL worth the wait!

BUT... you may ask, WHAT made this particular show worthy of a "blessing" by your's truly???

I touched on it before today, BUT some of you may not know...

...so here's the "video" hint... the trailer for the special...

Oh yes!

(For those without video, a double-decker played a big part in the show...)

If they'd thrown a Canadian ghost in there, it would have been perfect!

How is this a blessing??? Well, lessee... favourite TV show, favourite fixated vehicle icon, family time together, anticipated adventures... oh, so many...

...and it's Easter... and we do have some "family plans" for celebrations...

...and the weather is improving...

All things considered, it's a whole swarm of blessings!

All Sue and I can add really is that we hope you're as blessed as us today and that if you celebrate, you have a VERY happy Easter... and if you don't, may you have the joy of the day!

Oh, and people who watched it... Malcom (Lee Evans) ROCKED! WE WANT MORE!!!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

The best laid plans of mice and men...

Just as I prepare to get back into blogging... our internet service provider (who shall remain nameless... okay, BELL CANADA...) decided, in its infinite wisdom to switch our services to "save us money"...

Of course, we neither asked for this NOR were warned about this... and because of their meddling, we went offline yesterday at 7am... and STILL aren't back online.

Basically, they disabled our "old account" to enable the "new account"... and... well... instead, we now have NO account... which accounts for a little MORE radio silence.

Basically, I'm whacking this out at work... which really, I shouldn't be... but otherwise, how else to communicate that indeed, we're alive and okay... BUT... can't blog or nuthin' for the mean time.

Please be patient... I'm hoping to have this resolved ASAP... but it COULD be "thirty-hours" according to the crack (un)response team at said internet (dis)service provider.

Be Back on April 8th... and I'll "E" you then! (See the "Important" note below...)

IMPORTANT(?) NOTICE: I'm gearing up (after Sunday, March 29th, 2009,) to be away from teh blog o' tubes for a great big seven days... well, it's gonna end up being eleven days (as I only regularly post Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday,)... while I concentrate on a few other online matters... and a couple of offline ones too! So, if you return here, I'll be vapour from March 29th through April 8th... but be back with a GOOD (I'll try!) Wordless Wednesday on that day! Have a great week and don't forget April Fool's Day while I'm away!

FIRST OFF... let me post an "announcement" I've posted on the ol' blog here since Wednesday... it's related to this post...

IMPORTANT(?) NOTICE: I'm gearing up (after Sunday this week,) to be away from teh blog o' tubes for a great big seven days... well, it's gonna end up being eleven days (as I only regularly post Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday,)... while I concentrate on a few other online matters... and a couple of offline ones too! So, if you return here, I'll be vapour from March 29th through April 8th... but be back with a GOOD (I'll try!) Wordless Wednesday on that day! Have a great week and don't forget April Fool's Day while I'm away!

This all said, someone a while back the last time I took some time away from blogging asked if it was a "pain" to feel the need to announce this sort of thing...

It got me to thinking... why DO I feel the need???

I mean, it's not like this is a job... or you've paid to see "NEW CONTENT" every time you visit... I'm really under no obligation...

...or am I?

I'd like to think that if this blog went "radio silent" without any reason, you'd wonder where I was... What happened to Matthew? Where's his blog posts?

In other words, I do believe that people would GENUINELY be concerned... probably enough to contact Sue or at least, send an e-mail of FaceBook message to "check in", so to speak...

...and how can THAT really be a burden?

It means people care... and that's a good thing.

Most of us know that "online friendships" rarely (and this is probably a good thing in many ways,) are "offline" as well... but the concept of caring when someone isn't posting to their blog and looking in on them I think is simple caring... and again, I see that as a blessing...

My blessing today is that there is enough real friendship and caring online and in particular, with bloggers, that indeed, my posting about missing a week of posts is necessary.

Like I said, it's a kind of warming notion that, indeed, I'd be missed... as I'd miss most of you regular readers and commenters!

See ya back here in a couple of weeks!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

I'm gonna miss next week's Thursday Thirteen... This is because I'm taking ONE lonely week away from the blogoseriesoftubes to attend to some matters online elsewhere AND some offline stuff too. I'll be back online and posting on Wednesday, April 8th... but some of you might be asking, just what ARE you going to be doing with this luxurious time off?

Well, let me tell you with...

#13: I might be reorganizing my world record breaking collection of John Tesh albums.

#12: I might be writing a doctoral thesis entitled, "The Evidence to Prove that 80's Pop Band 'Flock of Seagulls' Were Minions of the Antichrist".

#11: I might be building a box girder bridge over Lake Ontario using nothing but a spoon and used toilet paper rolls.

#10: I might be trying to raise the dead... again.

#9: I might be scraping the "green glowing stuff" off thousands of old "glow in the dark" wristwatches to complete my experiments in enriching uranium.

#8:I might be working on a new documentary television program called "Furry Like Me" by dressing up and spending a week living life as a German Sheppard named "Schultzy".

#7: I might be getting ready to launch my new scent... Eau de I.T. Guy... available soon at Walmarts near you!

#6: I might be working on the perfect version of the Vegemite sandwich... if such a thing exists.

#5: I might be waiting at my mail box, in extreme anticipation, for my $12,000.000.00 cheque to arrive from that nice widow in Nigeria.

#4: ...or, seeing #5, for those "magic blue p1llz that will make w0m3n go insane for my manh00d" that I ordered through that e-mail I got.

#3: I might be being probed by aliens.

#2: I might be all that and a bag of chips... or something like that.

#1: I might be revealing to the world that indeed, Elvis is NOT dead... in fact, I'M ELVIS!!!!

Of course, I may not be doing any of the above.

...yet.

IMPORTANT(?) NOTICE: I'm gearing up (after Sunday this week,) to be away from teh blog o' tubes for a great big seven days... well, it's gonna end up being eleven days (as I only regularly post Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday,)... while I concentrate on a few other online matters... and a couple of offline ones too! So, if you return here, I'll be vapour from March 29th through April 8th... but be back with a GOOD (I'll try!) Wordless Wednesday on that day! Have a great week and don't forget April Fool's Day while I'm away!

Doctor Four reading about Doctor Ten... Doctor Ten reading about Doctor Four...

Granted, I don't think THIS ever happened to Tom Baker while he was in the role...

...but I could be wrong.

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

IMPORTANT(?) NOTICE: I'm gearing up (after Sunday this week,) to be away from teh blog o' tubes for a great big seven days... well, it's gonna end up being eleven days (as I only regularly post Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday,)... while I concentrate on a few other online matters... and a couple of offline ones too! So, if you return here, I'll be vapour from March 29th through April 8th... but be back with a GOOD (I'll try!) Wordless Wednesday on that day! Have a great week and don't forget April Fool's Day while I'm away!

As Canada bring back four more bodies of soldiers who gave their all in Afghanistan... which brings the sad total to 116... including these four... Fox News does hilarious comedy.

Fair, Balanced, Unbelievably Ignorant.

UPDATE: 09:25 EDT... the absolute dreck of society (read: Fans of this sort of stupidity and, more importantly, Fox News,) are telling us to Calm down! It's COMEDY! It's nothing worse than when Rick Mercer in Canada or Jon Stewart poke fun at nations!

Un-hunh.

Sorry, I must have missed it when Rick Mercer or Jon Stewart mocked and belittled an entire nation based on their efforts in a military exercise. When they picked their comedic timing to coincide with the return of war dead.

This is pretty much the same as when This Hour Has Twenty-Two Minutes made jokes about the lame US Navy during the USS Cole tragedy... oh wait, THEY DIDN'T DO THAT... to the best of my knowledge, NO ONE DID.

In fact, HAD a "lefty" comedy show made these jokes, there would be an extreme palpable SHRIEK raised by those who are fans of things like Fox News... THINK about it...

I remember what DrillerAA said here... "Freedom of Speech" is supposed to be met with "responsibility of that speech"... reading the apologists comments in and around the blogsphere, I doubt that responsibility will ever be taken for this stupidity.

Sorry folks, no matter HOW you try to justify this... it's NOT funny... it's NOT appropriate... and it's indicative of ignorance to those men and women who give MORE than anyone should have to give... regardless of which uniform they wear.

...and you'll forgive many of us Canadians for not laughing in wild abandon at your mad-capped antics... we're a bit busy burying four more soldiers right now.

Is this "shrieky" in itself? Am I taking this a bit personally? DARN TOOTIN'! I don't take kindly to any idiot REGARDLESS mocking our military, my country, and my sensibilities.

Fox News should be absolutely ashamed.

Although I was prompted to write this post Monday Morning after hearing about this via a radio station's commentator (who, yes, was making excuses as well... and condoning Fox's stupidity,) I want to "Hat Tip" other's blogging about it...

Red Tory

Unrepentant Old Hippie

Ghost of a Flea

The Centre for Strategic Centrism

Canadian Soapbox

The Galloping Beaver

Canadian Cynic (Who started the list seen here... which I've absconded... Thank you.)

Blue Blogging Soapbox

Abandoned Stuff

Dymaxion World

A BCer in Toronto

Moved to Vancouver

Sandwalk

Warren Kinsella

Crooks and Liars

David Frum

Rational Reasons

Impolitical

Toronto Mike

The Vanity Press

Ian Welsh via The Huffington Post

Yoohoo! Any Princess Pats (PPCLI) stationed in Ed? Check this out! What better way to fill an evening than with a wonderful stand-up comedy night! I'm just sayin'...

I am a large man. I admit it, I'm portly... a touch on the heavy side... okay, let's call it like it is... I'm tubby.

That said, I wanted to ensure that anyone who might want to mock this blessing knows I'm very much aware of this fact... but please, read on... because this blessing of mine today is about food.

Currently, in a valiant attempt to get ready for some good exercise via hiking with Sue during the upcoming nicer weather, I've put myself on a diet of sorts... low sodium, low meat, and high vegetables and fruits.

Lately, we've been told (with many good reasons) to try and eat produce grown locally... and since Winter in Canada is only a growing season for "hot houses", it's a tricky thing...

...but to give you all an idea, my breakfast and lunch now consists of two "snack sized" yogurts, one banana, and one apple.

The apples come from California at the moment... the bananas are from South America.

While eating this fine feast on Friday, it occurred to me...

Although we live in a world... and a country that wastes ridiculous amounts of food while other's who share the globe with us go hungry... and despite the legitimate worry of burning fossil fuels to deliver foods cheaply to our tables...

...my breakfast and lunch have come from places I've never been to.

...and we really, Really, REALLY take that for granted.

As a historian, it's quite odd reading about the diets of people not even a century and change ago which, in terms of Earth, is really a drop in the time bucket...

They ate what they could get... and preserved what they needed for leaner or "non-harvesting" times.

Now-a-days, we get bent out of shape if our grapes have too many seeds... or a tomato in the dozen we purchased seems bruised.

We're really quite lucky as a species... and in those countries that our doing "okay" on this planet... that we have fresh fruits and vegetables literally year round because we can ship things so well and refrigerate them adequately to preserve them for our nutrition.

When you stop and think that many spices were, pound for pound, worth more than gold at one time... and that the concept of having a fresh pineapple in your kitchen was absolutely unheard of... if you even knew what a pineapple was... just a couple of centuries ago... it is a kind of miracle.

Oh, I know I could mention how the advent rapid transport has made the ambulance and fire-engine happen... or how modern and stable refrigeration has completely revolutionized medicine and food preservation for health...

...but it's these little things many of us take for granted.

Want a kiwi? Just nip out to the grocery store! Some lovely sweet grapes in February? That fruit stand in town should have some! How about a grapefruit? No worries!

We take this for granted...

Imagine if we went back one-hundred and fifty years ago... Think what your selection would be? Pretty much what could be retrieved fairly locally... and again, preserved (probably in copious amounts of sugar or salt...)

How would that fly in this modern world of ours?

My blessing today is the advent of fresh foods made available in all seasons to keep us nourished.

Again, it's an odd blessing... but upon pealing and munching on my banana on Friday, I just couldn't shake the idea out of my head.

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

DANGIT! I've been WRETCHEDLY tagged again... and as regular readers (and those who need more fibre,) know, I just LURVES me some tagging for memes.

{{Eh-hemm...}}

Anywho, since it's a new friend online, (Thorne,) I accepted with some modifications...

It's SUPPOSED to be the ol' "7 things" meme (and no, don't panic, I WON'T tag anyone else considering my marked aversion to being tagged)... but as this is Thursday Thirteen, allow me to share...

...and were rightfully afraid to ask.

#13: I was never tapped to be Casey Kasem's stunt double in Scooby-Doo and the Loch Ness Monster. ...contrary to popular rumour.

#12: I can bend spoons using nothing but the power of my mind... ...but I'm EXTREMELY fast and they tend to return to their normal appearance almost instantaneously... you may miss it if I try to display this amazing gift to you.

#11: I am still boycotting events at Buckingham Palace. Okay, I can forgive not getting an invitation way back to Charles and Diana... and even Andrew and Fergie... but not even an apology when I was "missed" with Charles and Camilla!?! I'm being snubbed and I know it!

#10: I believe that it's only good manners not to "scratch butt" at the family Christmas dinner table. ...often... especially when it's not your butt.

#9: Speaking of which, yes, as a matter of fact, my rear end DOES have it's own postal code... and weather systems. ...but the less said about the latter, the better.

#8: For fun, I like to put on a pilots uniform, put a bottle of cola in a brown paper bag, and stagger around the departure areas of airports taking occasional swigs and drunkenly asking people to see their boarding pass, then saying, "Yup! That one's mine! Wheee!" and then run away making airplane noises with my arms out acting as "wings".

#7: I believe 7/11 Slurpees are tools of Satan.

#6: I like muttering the word "wombat" under my breath repeatedly ...especially on public transit.

#5: I used to believe "Wet Paint" signs were instructions. ...and boy, that was embarrassing when they painted the outside of our local MacDonalds recently!

#4: I used to be very cynical. ...until I realised that no one in this freakin' world is capable of doing anything right.

#3: I have a terrible short term memory.

#2: I have a terrible short term memory.

#1: I thought you were destroyed. In the very first year of the Time War. At the Gates of Elysium. I saw your command ship fly into the jaws of the Nightmare Child. I tried to save you....

The question is not so much, Oh my, DO they read your blog??? as it is You've known about this for over a month and kept it quiet here???

The next Doctor Who "Special" will be broadcast on Easter... and yes, it mostly takes place on a...

Oh yes!

Thanks to Planet Gallifrey and The Doctor Who Forums...

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

Often in my office, I refer to an "R and R" as a "redirect and retreat" scenario... but today, being Sunday, it's meaning is as it usually is... REST and RELAXATION.

It's been an odd week... and genuinely tiring... and today, I have to look after Sue and generally help out around the house while recharging the batteries for another week of work...

I was going to say how I was "passing" on doing a blessing today... and then I realised, the reason I was taking a powder was in itself a blessing...

My blessing today is the act of taking things easy and relaxing.

Call it a day of rest... or a day of taking things slowly... regardless, to rest a bit is a true blessing bar none.

I will comment back as I ALWAYS do... but since this is a rest day, I may be a BIT tardy... but I'll get back to you, PROMISE!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

I love words. I like to play about with them, learn new ones, and generally muck about with them in odd ways... Hey, I'm a blogger, ain't I?

That said, I figgered that a goodly Thursday Thirteen entry would be...

I've tried to credit originators as I found them...

#13: Expert: Someone who knows more and more about less and less.
- Dorothy Parker

#12: Bride: A woman with a fine prospect of happiness behind her.
- Ambrose Bierce

#11: Capitalism: Man exploiting man, as opposed to socialism, which is the reverse.
- Anon

#10a: Committee: A group that takes minutes and wastes hours.
- Anon

...or...

#10b: Committee: Individuals who can do nothing individually and sit to decide that nothing can be done together.
- Anon

#9: Bigamist: A badly stereotyped Italian fog.
- Anon

#8: Enthusiasm: A distemper of youth, curable by small doses of repentance in connection with outward applications of experience.
- Ambrose Bierce

#7: Office: A place where you can relax after your strenuous home life.
- Anon

#6: Bargain: Something you can't use offered at a price you can't resist.
- Ned Kelly

#5: Cannibal: Someone who is fed up with people.
- Anon

#4: Gossip: Someone who would never tell a lie if the truth would do more damage.
- Anon

#3: Tomorrow: The great labour saving device of today.
- Anon

#2: Lecture: An artform consisting of the transferring information from the notes of the lecturer to the notes of the listeners without passing through the minds of either.
- Traditional

#1: Diplomat: A person who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip.
- Caskie Stinnett

BONUS: Bachelor: A guy who never finds out how many faults he has.
- Anon

SUPER BONUS: Flashlight (or Torch for our British readers): A case for holding dead batteries.
- Anon

SUPER DELUX BONUS: Secret: News you tell to one person at a time.
- Anon

I know, I know... not everyone can do video... but I wanted to do something a little different... These are some "selections" from live Doctor Who concerts... you'll notice a LOT of kids (families) in the audience... which I think is fantastic!

For non-fans... indulge me... pick one of the below and give it a chance... and for fans, enjoy 'em all!

...'cuz it's all about the music, this one is!

Selection One: From the Cardiff Concert in 2006 - Girl in the Fireplace and Tooth and Claw...

Selection Two: From the Doctor Who Proms 2008 - All The Strange, Strange Creatures...

Selection Three: From the Doctor Who Proms 2008 - The Daleks...

Selection Four: From the Doctor Who Proms 2008 - The Doctor's Theme, Song of Freedom, and "The Theme"...

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

Anyone else remember the late Dr. Leo Buscaglia? (31st March 1924 – 11th June 1998) I used to catch his lectures on PBS (American Public Broadcasting System) every so often as a kid.

His message was relatively simple... Don't sweat things, enjoy life, and suck the marrow out of existence in celebration of all that is good... no matter what is happening around you.

He often reminded us that indeed, we needed to be moderate... but none-the-less, if we didn't indulge in good things then life wasn't as worthwhile.

He was a BIG proponent of hugs... and hugging... and more hugging. He reminded his listeners to make sure they reminded EVERYONE close to them that they were loved and show that love as often as possible.

It was all REALLY good stuff... and because I was young when he was doing these televised lectures, it sank in...

"Hope" is what it really comes down to... which some people reading this may cringe when hearing... other's may dance and say, "Yes We Can!"

Over the last few years, we've been fed a constant supply of awful news... dreading each day that horrible things would happen. Fiscally, right now, most of us in one way or another are indeed feeling the "financial disaster" that is literally world wide... and sure, President Obama has used "hope"... because it's the one thing we not only have... it is what we need.

I live in a big city... which can be seen in a couple of ways...

I live in a large urban centre where crime is rampant, there's a murder seemingly every other day, the youth seem disconnected and disaffected from our society, we're taxed to the hilt, it's dirty, messy, garbage-strewn... basically, it's a heaving swamp of a cesspool.

Yup, that's one view... and hey, Toronto is better than MANY North American cities!

Now, let's look at my town again...

It's the most ethnically diverse city on the planet. It has dozens of large green space parks. It's a hub of theatrical entertainment and music. Restaurants are plenty and varied. We do have marvellous facilities and the city, despite the population, is one of the cleanest on the globe. We have an excellent public transportation system... and although "murders" do happen, per capita, you stand a better chance of winning over two-million dollars in a lottery than being involved in one. The school my kid goes to is great and the community I'm in has dozens (almost hundreds!) of fairs, events, and various things to keep us happy and occupied. We're close to doctors and hospitals and overall, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else... especially with my family around... and I love my home town!

Now, I suppose I could concentrate on the first things... and basically, little by little, start to cocoon inside myself loathing everything... or I can concentrate on the latter... and because of that, support local businesses and groups and in so doing, help the local economy and generally meet and work with all types of people in and around my home.

Tough choice, eh?

"Hope" is not a political slogan... Merriam-Websters defines it as to cherish a desire with anticipation... and despite the dire economy and the wolves at our doors... we will survive... and most of us will thrive in the long run. That's hope.

My blessing today is the blessing of hope.

I hope my family is well and does well. I hope the world comes through these trying times in better shape then it has been in. I hope we find cures for horrible diseases. I hope life becomes better for every man, woman, child... everything... in the future.

I don't begrudge President Obama for usurping the word for his campaign... it's a good word... and a good thing... and we do need hope.

...because Merriam-Webster has another definition for hope...

To desire with expectation of obtainment ...and... to expect with confidence.

I have a lot of confidence in this old planet of ours... and the people on it. There's some bad eggs, sure... but there's a heck of a lot of good ones too...

...and I am confident that what we all hope for will come to us in time, so we hold off the celebrations?

Hope is a marvellous thing!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

I've done this a lot, but I'm doing it again... this time, with a step-niece's FaceBook meme... and here's...

#13: How do you pronounce your name?

Isn't it obvious??? I mean, MATTHEW DIDIER???? Okay, fine... phonetically, it's pronounced Annette Funicello.

#12: What is your age backwards?

Eno-Ytrof... sounds like a Star Wars character.

#11: How do you feel today?

For the most part, with my hands...

#10: what did you want your job to be?

Lottery winner... Man of leisure... I've always like "The Idle Rich" as a title too.

#9: What was one reason you cried?

See above... I didn't achieve these career goals.

#8: FavoUrite coloUr?

Y'know, this was from a step-niece in Canada... and you'll note how I had to change the spelling to The Queen's English!?!?! Woe be to our ejumackayshunal sistum.

...oh, and it's "Hunter Green" if you must know.

#7: FavoUrite shoe brand?

I think it's a safe bet that 90% of the male population over the age of 18 simply would state, "Whatever looks good, is affordable, and is comfortable, and suits my needs." Quite the long brand name.

#6: Who’s the first person that comes to your mind that you miss?

As stated before, too many to list... but my aims improving and they'll have to stand still at some point.

#5: What else do you miss?

Having better entries for my Thursday Thirteen.

#4: Have you ever to impress someone?

Once... but they didn't believe that I really WAS the illegitimate son of Shemp Howard.

#3: Have you ever ever used someone?

Okay, this needs some definition... if you're meaning used as in "used their corpse to prop open a door..." wait, perhaps I shouldn't answer this one.

#2: What's your best Memory?

4 Gigs DDR3 at 2GHz

#1: If you could have one thing right now what would it be?

Hmmm... lessee... Peace on Earth? End to all known diseases? Unlimited rice pudding?

How about "See #10 and MAKE IT SO!"

BONUS: Do you remember your dreams?

Occasionally, but the doctors' say I'll be much better once I get my new meds!

SUPER DOUBLE-BONUS: If an unstoppable force comes across an immovable object, then what happens?

Someone will blog about it.

From The BBC...

Egypt's Supreme Council for Antiquities releases pictures of an ancient Egyptian burial chamber containing the inscribed sarcophagus of a "noblewoman", a rare title in the 19th Dynasty.

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

I've done this one almost every year... but sometimes, it's easy to forget the origins of this blog until something leaps up and bites me in the behind...

As a Canadian, I don't say it's Spring until we have three days of temperatures over 10 degrees centigrade... or 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The buds may already be on some trees, and indeed birds are singing again... but those three days haven't happened yet.

That said, ONE sign of Spring that I have seen just this past Friday has happened... and that is a lovely open-topped double-decker bus rolling about a street while I was en route to my office.

This isn't the bus I saw, although like it, it was a Routemaster... this one is from my friends at TimeBus...

Yup, they dusted it off and it was getting ready for tourist season... and as stated, that is a sign of spring that brings warmth to my heart.

Don't kid yourself for one moment and think we've given up on our dream... but it has been back-benched while other things have had to come first... so this reminder of the season AND our dream was most welcome.

My blessing today is the oncoming Spring season... and the dream we have that has not died.

It's a good dream... and it'll be a good Spring... and Summer... and Fall... and...

Yeah, I'm an optimist at heart!

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

Murphy was an optimist... and he may have had HIS laws... but here are...

#13: "Microsoft Time Law"

When a window says something will take "3 minutes", that can actually have a variance of plus two hours or minus two minutes... whichever is most inconvenient.

#12: "Definitions of Gross Pay -> Net Pay -> Actual Pay"

Gross pay is your full payment for work. Net pay is what's left after taxes, benefits, deductions, etc. which is usually a variance of (minus) anywhere between fifteen to twenty-five percent of your gross pay. Actual pay is what's left after bills, expenses, and children with their hands out which is usually a variance of (minus) one-hundred percent... often more.

#11: "Awkward Moment Time Law"

Although times moves at a rate of one second per second, this seems to be altered and slowed to a rate of about fifteen seconds per second when family you don't really appreciate visit or during bad dates... it's quantified again to thirty seconds per second during bad movies or bad live theatre... and a further eighty seconds per second while waiting for an occupied bathroom to become available. (Add an additional twenty seconds per second to the latter if you're ill and need the bathroom for an "emergency".)

#10: "Law of the Slow Cashier Line"

As a rule, the line you enter will be slower by a three to four customer throughput (moving faster by three or four customer's transactions) than an alternative time. This can again by multiplied by three if you "move" to a faster line which will then become slower by four to six customer transactions than the line you previous were in.

#9: "Traffic Light Time Law"

If you're approaching a stop light, you will notice that the light to allow traffic to move in directions opposite your own will last twice as long as the one you will need to proceed on your way. This will be multiplied by three if you are in a rush to get to a destination as the direct opposite traffic will, by law, receive an advance light.

#8: "Last Bit Of ________ In The Fridge Law"

The chances of you wishing to enjoy a bit of "X" in your fridge and finding it down to literally less than a drop or two or otherwise greatly diminished in quantity are related and proportioned doubly to your anticipation of the enjoyment of that item... and proportioned to the power of four if it was a necessary ingredient for something.

#7: "Install Time Law"

Again, time moves at a constant one-second per second rate, unless you are installing a piece of software... in which case, there is a dramatic localized lag in the time-space continuum leading to sevety-five seconds per second. This, again, is multiplied by two if you need to install said software "in a hurry" or have told someone waiting for you to finish that you'll only be a minute. On Friday afternoons at 4:59pm, this time is then added by sixty-seconds per second.

#6: "Law of Download Time"

See above... and add several seconds to the per-second if pop-up ads featuring adult or questionable images appear while the download is in progress.

#5: "Work -> Boss Visit Relation"

If in an average eight hour work day, you toil like a fiend for seven and a half solid hours and perhaps spend less than sixty or ninety seconds surfing the web, blogging, or like pursuits to break up the monotiny of said day, your direct supervisor at work will only appear and/or visit during those few seconds of "unproductive" activities.

#4: "Cliché to Reality Tweak"

If you utter a cliché such as, "If you drop a buttered piece of toast, it will always land butter-side down", the laws of averages will intercept that and within minutes, you will drop said piece of toast and the butter side will be up, proving you a liar. This is three-times as likely to happen if you say the cliché to a child or someone you're trying to teach a lesson to.

#3: "Laptop Battery Power Law"

If you've become used to your laptop lasting on battery power, on a normal charge, about two or three hours, on a long bus/train/airplane trip, this time will be inexplicably slashed by at least half. If your laptop was an important part of your trip for a business meeting or the like, you will have neglected to pack your charger or the plug where you could have charged will be of the wrong configuration to allow you to charge the system up at all.

#2: "The Law of Emergency Purchasing of a Laptop Power Supply"

If you have neglected to pack your laptop charger and have fallen afoul of the above law, if you race to a store and purchase another power supply, you will most likely end up purchasing the wrong unit for an inflated price and, upon sorting that out, will find that you did indeed pack your real power supply, but it was hidden in your suitcase under a pair of socks.

#1: "Matthew's Law of Law Lists"

After reading all the above and laughing at other people's misfortunes, you are now condemned to become one of those unfortunate people you were laughing at... and this list will haunt that moment.

Ah, it's a wear-anywhere thing... and if ANYONE out there STILL doesn't know what this "headgear" is from, here's a sample video below... (Be warned, it has WERDZ so it isn't "wordless".)

...of course, the vid above is rather sympathetic... they really aren't a nice lot these things...

...and...

...as examples... and there's much, much more...

Nasty, ill-tempered pepper-pots they are!

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

Sue loves dead things. Okay, let me rephrase that... Sue has a big interest in ancient burials and whatnot... from "bog people" to Egyptian and South American mummies...

I'm (oddly enough,) not as keen on biological mortal remains (though I don't "hate" them and do find the subject interesting, it's not a big passion in my life personally,) but have a love of things that are considered to be "dead"...

Okay, I'm not a TRUE "tree-hugger" by most people's definition, but as someone who loves the outdoors and has a passion for hiking and used to be an avid long-canoe-tripper, I try to do my bit for the planet... and that includes recycling as often as I can.

That said, nothing brings me more joy than resurrecting "dead" computers.

As a technician, it's something I do as a job quite often, but thanks to the way society sees much of modern technology, I often inherit "dead" units which I then, in a Frankensteinian way, bring back to life and usefulness!

This past Friday was another chance...

An old HP laptop fell into my possession from our server room at the office. It was dead.

Battery? Dead.

Hard disk? Dead.

Keyboard? On life support.

Screen? Okay, but ailing.

Today, I'm going to TRY and get it working thanks to my "spare parts bag" I keep near my desk which SHOULD have everything I need to make it a viable and working unit.

Once done, I will either donate it to a friend's cause (I mentioned this in a past Blog Your Blessing,) or find someone else who perhaps can't get their hands on a useful machine for any reason.

The unit is fairly old... only capable of basic "online" stuff, Office work, and it does have a DVD drive... but if you've ever been without a computer, then you know having something like this when the alternative is "nothing" is a true blessing within itself.

...and I feel blessed in several ways because of this...

My blessing(s) today are...

#1: To have the skills to help someone else... all while honing my own abilities.

#2: To be able to give and improve the situation of someone when I can.

#3: To bring life to something that would normally end up in a toxic landfill.

#4: I work for a company that's willing to trust me and my abilities... and give me something that many other companies, for insurance and security reasons, would likely toss in the garbage after completely crippling.

All in all, for a few hours work while I watch some television with my wife, not a bad bunch of blessings!

...and yeah, I am blessed even though it is "work" by definition. It's good work though.

Blog Your Blessing Sundays is a creation of NeoBluePanther... who may or may not be the famed Luchador!

What's better than on a cold Winter's night than cuddling up and digging into a dead language?

What?

You mean it's just me?

Well, that won't stop me from listing...

Hey, you never know when and where these will come in handy!

#13: Estne volumen in toga, an solum tibi libet me videre?

Is that a scroll in your toga, or are you just happy to see me?

#12: Caesar si viveret, ad remum dareris.

If Caesar were alive, you'd be chained to an oar.

#11: Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes.

If you can read this you're over-educated.

#10: Fac ut gaudeam.

Make my day.

#9: Utinam logica falsa tuam philosophiam totam suffodiant!

May faulty logic undermine your entire philosophy!

#8: Vescere bracis meis.

Eat my shorts.

#7: Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.

I have a catapult. Give me all the money, or I will fling an enormous rock at your head.

#6: Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere.

I think Elvis is alive!

#5: Caput tuum in ano est.

You have your head up your bottom.

#4: Si fractum non sit, noli id reficere.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

#3: Me transmitte sursum, Caledoni!

Beam me up, Scotty!

#2: Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

#1: Obesa Cantavit.

The fat lady has sung.

Thanks to Yuni for filling this out from my meagre personal offerings...

Of course, Sue wants it to be completely functional... she has plans...

...I 'spose I should be doubly worried... the kiddollo wants one too.

Thanks to Project Dalek...

As an aside... I am serious... I'm planning on building one... possibly two of these things once I can wrangle a proper workspace... it'll be a fun project!

For a list of other Wordless Wednesday participants, please click here.

Shhh... I have a little secret to let out now... it's about my faith...

My name is Matthew and I'm... I'm... I'm an... AGNOSTIC!

I know, you're shocked.

Well, to some (won't mention any names here,) that are APPALLED that I won't bash religions or spiritual faiths, this means I'm secretly waiting to clobber the world with bibles and start converting the masses because I *must* be an underground religious fanatic!

To others, because I won't bash and trash "X" religion nor will I absolutely allow myself to be drawn into any dogmatic beliefs, I must be one of them there Atheistic types ready to start burning churches, mosques, and synagogues at ANY MOMENT!

To me... and this may make me REALLY weird in the world... it's just not something I put a whole lot of thought into within my daily grind.

I find the whole You must believe what WE say because if you don't, you'll be a big weenie that no one likes! about as great a message to convert me to a belief (or non-belief) as those wonderful people that USED to come to my door in the early hours of the weekend mornings to tell me about their beliefs... in other words, it has a very large backlash effect in my noggin.

Apparently, if I don't dismiss all ideas of any deity, I'm an uneducated, mouth-breathing moron who supports all kinds of ills...

If I don't accept "X" type of concept of religious belief, than it's off to heck in a handbag I go, taking all heritage and history combined with the morals of the species with me.

Am I a "victim" here? Honestly, no... I don't think so... save those zealots who feel the DESPERATE need to preach to me, convert me, or mock me... and oh yes, they do exist.

They shout, There is a GOD and he's watchin' you!... to which I say, "Sorry, got any empirical evidence?"

The other's shout, There is NO GOD and believing there is will lower your IQ to make you not worth dealing with!... to which I say, "Sorry, got any empirical evidence?"

Apparently, asking for proof of a claim, regardless of the claim, is tantamount to being a complete and utter fool.

...and I didn't even get a