Proof of G-d
I believe in G-d. My belief is absolute and unapologetic. I'm not some whacko that thinks G-d is speaking to me. But, I do know that he is looking out for me. Today, he provided me with yet another example of his watchful eye.
I was driving on a highway, approaching an intersection. I had a green light and was traveling about 10km faster than the posted limit. Oncoming traffic also had a green light, and one of the oncoming drivers, who was stopped in the left-turn lane waiting for traffic to clear, decided to turn onto the side street while I was approaching him. I probably would not have taken that chance, given the circumstances. Fortunately, he completed his turn safely (but with little room to spare).
Unfortunately, the idiotic driver behind him decided he could follow - and also attempted the same turn without checking traffic. An accident was unavoidable. With only two car lengths between my car and the side of his SUV, I was preparing for the crash, staring at the face of his terrified passenger who, no doubt, was seeing his life flash before his eyes.
A combination of quick reflexes, the fact that my car was small and nimble, and particularly the brand new rubber on the road allowed a miraculous stop; literally inches from his SUV. Physics would dictate that such a short stop was not possible. The look of amazement in the face of the driver stopped for the red light on the side street who witnessed this event confirmed what I already knew... it was a miracle that an accident had not occurred.
I didn't honk my horn. I didn't follow the idiotic driver for the purpose of confronting him about his life-threatening decision. I simply continued on my way, grateful that nobody had been following behind me - lest I be the one critically injured by being hit from behind.
Thank G-d!
Monday, November 10, 2014
Monday, November 03, 2014
I'm almost tired
I'm almost tired
See that? A play on words. Tomorrow, I finally have an appointment to get my new tires - just in time for winter.
In reality though, I'm already tired. I spend most days waiting for the phone to ring, hoping to have enough clients to get me through each month. There are two types of "self employed" - those that have a thriving business, and those that do whatever they can to avoid starvation. I'm in the latter camp.
I'm not depressed, per se; just really disillusioned. When 9-11 happened, I was already approaching that "invisible line" where IT people are considered "over the hill". Having decided several years earlier to leave a reasonably secure job in my hometown to pursue a better-paying position at a prestigious company within commuting distance just across the border, I didn't foresee any event that would result in me losing that job. The thickening of the border after the terrorist attacks created a situation that still has an impact on cross-border commuting to this day. Not only did commuting during the immediate days, weeks and months become increasingly difficult; but the economy itself was affected, resulting in a significant downsizing of my employer's operations. And I was one of those deemed "expendable".
It took many months to find employment, and when I did finally find a company willing to hire an "older" worker in an IT capacity, it was for far less than I had been accustomed to earning. Far less, in fact, than the salary I had been earning prior to leaving my stable employment to seek fame and fortune across the border. And then, that job disappeared with the sale of the company to a competitor.
I have few regrets in life. Leaving a company I really loved and helped succeed was one of them. I hadn't realized that I had been slated to fulfill a VP-level position in that organization - a fact I discovered during my farewell party. In hindsight, sticking with them would have been the best solution - and I would have never accepted a position elsewhere had I known about the catastrophic event that would happen less than five years later.
As I approach the nine-year anniversary of my own small business, I guess I should be happy it's still in existence. I haven't lost hope that things will improve, but I would prefer to see that happen sooner than later.
And now, I'm off to help another client.
See that? A play on words. Tomorrow, I finally have an appointment to get my new tires - just in time for winter.
In reality though, I'm already tired. I spend most days waiting for the phone to ring, hoping to have enough clients to get me through each month. There are two types of "self employed" - those that have a thriving business, and those that do whatever they can to avoid starvation. I'm in the latter camp.
I'm not depressed, per se; just really disillusioned. When 9-11 happened, I was already approaching that "invisible line" where IT people are considered "over the hill". Having decided several years earlier to leave a reasonably secure job in my hometown to pursue a better-paying position at a prestigious company within commuting distance just across the border, I didn't foresee any event that would result in me losing that job. The thickening of the border after the terrorist attacks created a situation that still has an impact on cross-border commuting to this day. Not only did commuting during the immediate days, weeks and months become increasingly difficult; but the economy itself was affected, resulting in a significant downsizing of my employer's operations. And I was one of those deemed "expendable".
It took many months to find employment, and when I did finally find a company willing to hire an "older" worker in an IT capacity, it was for far less than I had been accustomed to earning. Far less, in fact, than the salary I had been earning prior to leaving my stable employment to seek fame and fortune across the border. And then, that job disappeared with the sale of the company to a competitor.
I have few regrets in life. Leaving a company I really loved and helped succeed was one of them. I hadn't realized that I had been slated to fulfill a VP-level position in that organization - a fact I discovered during my farewell party. In hindsight, sticking with them would have been the best solution - and I would have never accepted a position elsewhere had I known about the catastrophic event that would happen less than five years later.
As I approach the nine-year anniversary of my own small business, I guess I should be happy it's still in existence. I haven't lost hope that things will improve, but I would prefer to see that happen sooner than later.
And now, I'm off to help another client.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
What a month
What a month
Just 30 days ago, I posted a picture of a rocket from Gaza that had landed in Israel. I mentioned that this would be the start of something. Well, it's been one heck of a month. My opinions on the current goings-on are too charged to be put in print. I'll just say that I'm one who believes that the current situation will not be stabilized until Hamas lacks the capability to continue attacking Israel.
And quickly on to another topic. I was channel surfing when I happened upon an old talk show on Comedy Central, and tuned in just in time to hear the guest replying to a comment about her recent change in dating status.
Her response was: yeah, it's difficult to break up these days... having to change your status on myspace...
Hearing that, I had to go look up the episode to see how old it was. It dated back to May, 2007. I believe Facebook started up in 2005, so, two years later, myspace was still the "it" location. How quickly things have changed...
Just 30 days ago, I posted a picture of a rocket from Gaza that had landed in Israel. I mentioned that this would be the start of something. Well, it's been one heck of a month. My opinions on the current goings-on are too charged to be put in print. I'll just say that I'm one who believes that the current situation will not be stabilized until Hamas lacks the capability to continue attacking Israel.
And quickly on to another topic. I was channel surfing when I happened upon an old talk show on Comedy Central, and tuned in just in time to hear the guest replying to a comment about her recent change in dating status.
Her response was: yeah, it's difficult to break up these days... having to change your status on myspace...
Hearing that, I had to go look up the episode to see how old it was. It dated back to May, 2007. I believe Facebook started up in 2005, so, two years later, myspace was still the "it" location. How quickly things have changed...
Saturday, June 28, 2014
A blast from the past
A blast from the past
I have to say that the irony of this title was not immediately apparent - although why it wasn't escapes me. When I chose the title, I was thinking back to the past, and wondering just how long it had been since a rocket attack from Gaza had actually penetrated the Iron Dome defense and had harmed anything.
But this picture is not from the past... it is from today. A paint factory was hit by a rocket. Somebody is going to pay a price for this.
I have to say that the irony of this title was not immediately apparent - although why it wasn't escapes me. When I chose the title, I was thinking back to the past, and wondering just how long it had been since a rocket attack from Gaza had actually penetrated the Iron Dome defense and had harmed anything.
But this picture is not from the past... it is from today. A paint factory was hit by a rocket. Somebody is going to pay a price for this.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
I am Here
I am Here
Chris Hadfield, the Canadian astronaut who became world famous for his outreach to children while orbiting the earth on the Space Station is about to publish a book. The book contains photos of every continent, taken from space during a single, 92-minute pass around the globe. The cover of his book features a snapshot of the US-Canada border showing the Detroit River, which separates Detroit, Michigan, USA from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Some have speculated that there is significance in this photo - that from space, there are no "borders".
I find it significant because, if you view the photo under a high-powered microscope, it's possible to see my home, my car, and even me - flipping the bird to a fellow driver.
Thank you, Chris, for capturing me at my best.
Chris Hadfield, the Canadian astronaut who became world famous for his outreach to children while orbiting the earth on the Space Station is about to publish a book. The book contains photos of every continent, taken from space during a single, 92-minute pass around the globe. The cover of his book features a snapshot of the US-Canada border showing the Detroit River, which separates Detroit, Michigan, USA from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Some have speculated that there is significance in this photo - that from space, there are no "borders".
I find it significant because, if you view the photo under a high-powered microscope, it's possible to see my home, my car, and even me - flipping the bird to a fellow driver.
Thank you, Chris, for capturing me at my best.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Father's Day Cruelty
Father's Day Cruelty
On a day meant to honour fathers, I received the news that my cousin - a great husband, father, and grand father - passed away after losing a prolonged battle with cancer.
In deference to his immediate family, I won't mention his name here, but I will say that in many ways, he provided me with the love, guidance and assistance that I no longer had after my own father passed away a decade ago.
At the end, after he lost the ability to speak, his eyes and smile were still very expressive. I am grateful to his wife for informing me of his deteriorating condition, and giving me the opportunity to visit him at the hospital before he passed away.
He will truly be missed.
On a day meant to honour fathers, I received the news that my cousin - a great husband, father, and grand father - passed away after losing a prolonged battle with cancer.
In deference to his immediate family, I won't mention his name here, but I will say that in many ways, he provided me with the love, guidance and assistance that I no longer had after my own father passed away a decade ago.
At the end, after he lost the ability to speak, his eyes and smile were still very expressive. I am grateful to his wife for informing me of his deteriorating condition, and giving me the opportunity to visit him at the hospital before he passed away.
He will truly be missed.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Ontario Election Day
Ontario Election Day
Today is election day in Ontario. It is just past 9:00PM - the polls have just closed.
I voted, and I hope you did too.
Before I indulge my overwhelming desire to look at a news site to see who won the election (both province wide and in my own riding), I wanted to say a few things...
I've been reading about people who don't vote, and the supposed illegitimacy of the entire system - where "leaders" can be elected, despite the fact that fewer than 50% of voters actually cast their vote.
Whose fault is that?
As I see it, there is only one reason people don't vote: Cynicism
Many people would disagree, arguing that a majority of people don't vote because they're apathetic. But to me, apathy is just a form of cynicism.
If people believed that their votes would have a real effect on what goes on around them, do you think they would say "Sorry, I just don't care"? Instead, I would argue that people, as individuals, believe they DO NOT have the power to affect change - in other words, they are cynical. They have resigned themselves to the inevitability that no matter who wins, nothing will change.
I've heard it argued that politicians - well aware that the majority of people don't bother to vote - conduct their campaigns in a way that will mobilize the minority that DO vote to come over to their side. Whatever side that happens to be.
If potential voters were less cynical, they would take the time to dig beyond the hype, to research the platforms espoused by the various parties, and to hold up to scrutiny the voting records of their own representatives. Yes, this would take some effort, but it would be worth it. Taking control of your own governance is not only a right we have in a democracy - it is a responsibility we owe to ourselves, our children and our fellow citizens.
Now, I'm off to see who won...
Today is election day in Ontario. It is just past 9:00PM - the polls have just closed.
I voted, and I hope you did too.
Before I indulge my overwhelming desire to look at a news site to see who won the election (both province wide and in my own riding), I wanted to say a few things...
I've been reading about people who don't vote, and the supposed illegitimacy of the entire system - where "leaders" can be elected, despite the fact that fewer than 50% of voters actually cast their vote.
Whose fault is that?
As I see it, there is only one reason people don't vote: Cynicism
Many people would disagree, arguing that a majority of people don't vote because they're apathetic. But to me, apathy is just a form of cynicism.
If people believed that their votes would have a real effect on what goes on around them, do you think they would say "Sorry, I just don't care"? Instead, I would argue that people, as individuals, believe they DO NOT have the power to affect change - in other words, they are cynical. They have resigned themselves to the inevitability that no matter who wins, nothing will change.
I've heard it argued that politicians - well aware that the majority of people don't bother to vote - conduct their campaigns in a way that will mobilize the minority that DO vote to come over to their side. Whatever side that happens to be.
If potential voters were less cynical, they would take the time to dig beyond the hype, to research the platforms espoused by the various parties, and to hold up to scrutiny the voting records of their own representatives. Yes, this would take some effort, but it would be worth it. Taking control of your own governance is not only a right we have in a democracy - it is a responsibility we owe to ourselves, our children and our fellow citizens.
Now, I'm off to see who won...
Sunday, June 01, 2014
Obama just doesn't get it!
Obama just doesn't get it!
A couple of things before I go on. First, if I was American, I would probably be a Republican. Second, I was happy to see Obama win the presidential election instead of the McCain/Palin ticket and was pleased when he was re-elected.
I thought it was time for America to be governed by someone with charisma and intelligence - someone who could attract good people to help in the back-rooms while he was the "face" of the nation.
It worked well for Ronald Reagan... one of the most beloved presidents in American history. He was a people person who looked and sounded good on TV, and surrounded himself with top-notch advisors.
Unfortunately, Obama has proved that he is not an intelligent leader, but rather a member of the intelligencia. He is a true liberal, naive in the ways of international politics, and only a couple of rungs higher that that pussy, Jimmy Carter, who nearly caused the U.S. to lose the trust and admiration of all its allies in his disgraceful turn in the White House.
Obama was shameful in his surrender to perceived lack of public support for a strong response to Syria's use of chemical weapons. He was disingenuous and downright hurtful in his back-stabbing of staunch ally Israel during the recently scuttled peace talks with the Palestinians. And now, he has committed the ultimate sin - trading the lives of five high-level Afghan terrorists for the release of one American serviceman, who, many say, was an outspoken opponent of the American involvement in Afghanistan and was in the process of deserting from the army when he went missing.
Does Obama think this trade will bring his party any positive press going into the mid-term election? Does he believe this act of the "commander in chief" is on par with the mission he green lighted to kill Osama bin Laden?
I read that when Secretary of Defense Hagel made the announcement at a military base that the American serviceman, held for five years, had been freed in exchange for five Guantanamo detainees, there were no cheers from the audience. My guess is that the audience knew the awful precedent that had been set. Why Obama bowed to the pressure to rescue a serviceman who, on the one hand, was described as someone whose "health and safety appeared in jeopardy", and on the other hand, was described by National Security Advisor Susan Rice as being "in good physical condition" and was "said to be walking" is completely beyond me.
How can any of America's allies rely on the word of the American leader to provide military support when necessary after a string of botched foreign affairs decisions? My main concerns are regarding the defense of Israel against the nuclear threat posed by Iran and the civil war in Syria. I pray that Israel doesn't have to rely on the word of Obama to defend its own existence.
A couple of things before I go on. First, if I was American, I would probably be a Republican. Second, I was happy to see Obama win the presidential election instead of the McCain/Palin ticket and was pleased when he was re-elected.
I thought it was time for America to be governed by someone with charisma and intelligence - someone who could attract good people to help in the back-rooms while he was the "face" of the nation.
It worked well for Ronald Reagan... one of the most beloved presidents in American history. He was a people person who looked and sounded good on TV, and surrounded himself with top-notch advisors.
Unfortunately, Obama has proved that he is not an intelligent leader, but rather a member of the intelligencia. He is a true liberal, naive in the ways of international politics, and only a couple of rungs higher that that pussy, Jimmy Carter, who nearly caused the U.S. to lose the trust and admiration of all its allies in his disgraceful turn in the White House.
Obama was shameful in his surrender to perceived lack of public support for a strong response to Syria's use of chemical weapons. He was disingenuous and downright hurtful in his back-stabbing of staunch ally Israel during the recently scuttled peace talks with the Palestinians. And now, he has committed the ultimate sin - trading the lives of five high-level Afghan terrorists for the release of one American serviceman, who, many say, was an outspoken opponent of the American involvement in Afghanistan and was in the process of deserting from the army when he went missing.
Does Obama think this trade will bring his party any positive press going into the mid-term election? Does he believe this act of the "commander in chief" is on par with the mission he green lighted to kill Osama bin Laden?
I read that when Secretary of Defense Hagel made the announcement at a military base that the American serviceman, held for five years, had been freed in exchange for five Guantanamo detainees, there were no cheers from the audience. My guess is that the audience knew the awful precedent that had been set. Why Obama bowed to the pressure to rescue a serviceman who, on the one hand, was described as someone whose "health and safety appeared in jeopardy", and on the other hand, was described by National Security Advisor Susan Rice as being "in good physical condition" and was "said to be walking" is completely beyond me.
How can any of America's allies rely on the word of the American leader to provide military support when necessary after a string of botched foreign affairs decisions? My main concerns are regarding the defense of Israel against the nuclear threat posed by Iran and the civil war in Syria. I pray that Israel doesn't have to rely on the word of Obama to defend its own existence.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Small car, small price, small print
Small car, small price, small print
The new Nissan Micra is Canada's lowest cost new car. Everything I can find about the car makes me think it's not worth buying (at least in its base form). But the coolest thing about the car is the commercials currently airing.
They all seem to feature the incredulous reaction people have to the price of the car ($9,998 featured prominently, with a smaller "Starting From" label above the price). I own a Ford Fiesta, the cheapest car sold by Ford. It's decent on gas, somewhat peppy to drive (once it actually starts rolling) and reasonably inexpensive. But it's nowhere near the $9,998 price of the Micra.
Or is it?
Look at the car in the ad. Note the asterisk by the price. Then read the fine print...
The car depicted in the ad is actually the top-of-the-line Nissan Micra SR, with a starting price of $15,748. That's only about $400 less than what I would have to pay for this year's Fiesta SE Hatch.
Buyer beware!
The new Nissan Micra is Canada's lowest cost new car. Everything I can find about the car makes me think it's not worth buying (at least in its base form). But the coolest thing about the car is the commercials currently airing.
They all seem to feature the incredulous reaction people have to the price of the car ($9,998 featured prominently, with a smaller "Starting From" label above the price). I own a Ford Fiesta, the cheapest car sold by Ford. It's decent on gas, somewhat peppy to drive (once it actually starts rolling) and reasonably inexpensive. But it's nowhere near the $9,998 price of the Micra.
Or is it?
Look at the car in the ad. Note the asterisk by the price. Then read the fine print...
The car depicted in the ad is actually the top-of-the-line Nissan Micra SR, with a starting price of $15,748. That's only about $400 less than what I would have to pay for this year's Fiesta SE Hatch.
Buyer beware!
Monday, April 14, 2014
What is it about the 14th?
What is it about the 14th?
Today is the first day of Passover. My niece has invited me to her home for the Seder, and her dad has offered to drive me there. As I wait for him to arrive, I have time to read the news, and am appalled by the actions of the Kansas City shooter who killed 3 people on Sunday.
There is speculation that he targeted Jewish people (the two separate shooting sites were a Jewish Community Center and a Jewish Retirement Home), although those who were killed were not Jewish.
And with all that happening, what struck me is that my last three posts have come on the 14th of the month.
Today is the first day of Passover. My niece has invited me to her home for the Seder, and her dad has offered to drive me there. As I wait for him to arrive, I have time to read the news, and am appalled by the actions of the Kansas City shooter who killed 3 people on Sunday.
There is speculation that he targeted Jewish people (the two separate shooting sites were a Jewish Community Center and a Jewish Retirement Home), although those who were killed were not Jewish.
And with all that happening, what struck me is that my last three posts have come on the 14th of the month.
Friday, March 14, 2014
A followup on prior post
Not much of note has happened since my last post (unless you count the judging controversies during the Olympics).
Anyway, in today's news, the policeman who shot the guy at the movies went on trial. And we learned that prior to shooting the guy on the pretext that he was "texting" in the theatre, the retired policeman was himself texting his son - to let him know he was already inside the theatre.
Here's the link to the story ...
Anyway, in today's news, the policeman who shot the guy at the movies went on trial. And we learned that prior to shooting the guy on the pretext that he was "texting" in the theatre, the retired policeman was himself texting his son - to let him know he was already inside the theatre.
Here's the link to the story ...
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
The right to bare arms
The right to bear arms
In the US, the right to bear arms is probably more vehemently defended than the right to potable water. It's a shame, because there are so many instances where stupid/unstable people do serious damage with their guns.
So, should I be surprised at the report of a man who fatally shot another man in a movie theatre just because he was texting? Apparently, the texting occurred during the pre-movie advertising, and the situation escalated when the person doing the texting ignored a request from the person sitting behind him to stop.
The victim, a 43 year old man, was shot and killed by a 71-year-old retired police captain (!). The retired policeman actually shot THROUGH the hand of the victim's wife (who had been trying to shield her husband from the shooter). The retired cop is being charged with second-degree murder.
Here's the full story.
In the US, the right to bear arms is probably more vehemently defended than the right to potable water. It's a shame, because there are so many instances where stupid/unstable people do serious damage with their guns.
So, should I be surprised at the report of a man who fatally shot another man in a movie theatre just because he was texting? Apparently, the texting occurred during the pre-movie advertising, and the situation escalated when the person doing the texting ignored a request from the person sitting behind him to stop.
The victim, a 43 year old man, was shot and killed by a 71-year-old retired police captain (!). The retired policeman actually shot THROUGH the hand of the victim's wife (who had been trying to shield her husband from the shooter). The retired cop is being charged with second-degree murder.
Here's the full story.
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Just how cold was it?
Just how cold was it today?
I had no idea before I checked the papers. What I did know is this... removing the cap from a plastic bottle of water caused the water to freeze while trying to pour it out.
Going outside without proper layered clothing was an invitation to almost instant frostbite.
According to our local newspaper, our temperature today was COLDER than the temperature at the freaking SOUTH POLE!!! Our low temperature of the day was -25.2 degrees Celcius (that's -13.6 Fahrenheit in the US). That's not the coldest day on record here (that was -32.8 degrees Celsius in 1973), but it's still damned cold!
You know, if I lived in Calgary, Edmonton, North Bay, Winnipeg, or any of the other Canadian cities that are known for their unbelievably cold winters, this wouldn't be such a big deal.
But my home is in Southern Ontario, where the latitude is the same as Northern California.
It's not supposed to be that cold here! In fact, our record HIGH temperature came in 1988, when the temperature reached 40.2 C (that's 104.36 Fahrenheit), not counting the effects of humidity.
Not exactly your "typical" Canadian weather, eh?
I had no idea before I checked the papers. What I did know is this... removing the cap from a plastic bottle of water caused the water to freeze while trying to pour it out.
Going outside without proper layered clothing was an invitation to almost instant frostbite.
According to our local newspaper, our temperature today was COLDER than the temperature at the freaking SOUTH POLE!!! Our low temperature of the day was -25.2 degrees Celcius (that's -13.6 Fahrenheit in the US). That's not the coldest day on record here (that was -32.8 degrees Celsius in 1973), but it's still damned cold!
You know, if I lived in Calgary, Edmonton, North Bay, Winnipeg, or any of the other Canadian cities that are known for their unbelievably cold winters, this wouldn't be such a big deal.
But my home is in Southern Ontario, where the latitude is the same as Northern California.
It's not supposed to be that cold here! In fact, our record HIGH temperature came in 1988, when the temperature reached 40.2 C (that's 104.36 Fahrenheit), not counting the effects of humidity.
Not exactly your "typical" Canadian weather, eh?
Monday, January 06, 2014
You don't say!
You don't say!
I personally believe that we, as humans, are not alone in the vast universe. With billions upon billions of stars, why would it not be possible for some of them to support intelligent life in their own planetary systems.
Having said that, however, I also believe it's very unlikely that in such a vast universe, intelligent lifeforms have been able to locate little-old-Earth in the midst of all the chaos of the cosmos.
So, in that context, I just learned that one of Canada's retired Defense Ministers (Paul Hellyer) believes in UFOs! I'm sure glad I didn't know this during my years in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve... it would have made me nervous to know that the man in charge of the army believed in aliens.
I personally believe that we, as humans, are not alone in the vast universe. With billions upon billions of stars, why would it not be possible for some of them to support intelligent life in their own planetary systems.
Having said that, however, I also believe it's very unlikely that in such a vast universe, intelligent lifeforms have been able to locate little-old-Earth in the midst of all the chaos of the cosmos.
So, in that context, I just learned that one of Canada's retired Defense Ministers (Paul Hellyer) believes in UFOs! I'm sure glad I didn't know this during my years in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve... it would have made me nervous to know that the man in charge of the army believed in aliens.