The suggestion below was received via email. In some perverse way, it makes sense!
Solution: Israel / Palestinian Conflict
Let me suggest the perfect solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Since the Palestinians want a homeland and it doesn't seem that chopping Israel up even smaller than it already is, is a satisfactory solution. . . .Let's give France to the Palestinians!
The French have already stated that nothing is worth fighting for. Besides, France has better irrigation and soil than the West Bank and Gaza strip.
It's the perfect solution. The French won't even fight back.
And how about a new name for this Franco-Palestine country?
I propose the name - -"Frankenstine".
Let there be peace on Earth.
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Real food
Has anyone noticed the new KFC commercials? The series of commercials has the tagline "real food". Although the tagline is debatable, the entertainment value of the commercials themselves is top rate. The latest in the commercial series began earlier this week. It features a women's stag. A bunch of women are having an absolutely wild time, with "real commitment", "real tears", "real friends", and "real food" among the activities. The commercial ends with the bride-to-be answering the door and meeting a real hunk dressed as a police officer. Eyes wide with anticipation, she rips the buttons off his shirt, only to be told (by her bridesmaid in a discreet whisper) that this is *not* a hired entertainer (commercial ends with the words "real cop").
I've seen it three times now, and it still brings a smile to my face.
Has anyone noticed the new KFC commercials? The series of commercials has the tagline "real food". Although the tagline is debatable, the entertainment value of the commercials themselves is top rate. The latest in the commercial series began earlier this week. It features a women's stag. A bunch of women are having an absolutely wild time, with "real commitment", "real tears", "real friends", and "real food" among the activities. The commercial ends with the bride-to-be answering the door and meeting a real hunk dressed as a police officer. Eyes wide with anticipation, she rips the buttons off his shirt, only to be told (by her bridesmaid in a discreet whisper) that this is *not* a hired entertainer (commercial ends with the words "real cop").
I've seen it three times now, and it still brings a smile to my face.
Sunday, June 22, 2003
Losses shouldn't go unnoticed
Many of you may remember the unpleasantness of last spring's blog war, when a series of misunderstandings led to an acrimonious breakdown of a budding friendship. Life goes on, of course, and except for one occasion where I couldn't stop myself from intruding where I clearly wasn't welcome, I've kept my distance.
Seven years ago, I had the unpleasant task of taking our pet to the vet for the last time. At the tender age of three, her body had been ravaged by a tumour that left her a mere shell of herself. Despite the fact that she had been "Laurie's" baby, she had won enough of a place in my heart that I cried for days after her loss.
So, I can't begin to imagine the pain of losing an animal that has been part of a family for nine years. I so want to say something comforting in this time of loss, but to do so might cause more discomfort, even bitterness. I guess I'll have to be satisfied with expressing my condolences here.
Many of you may remember the unpleasantness of last spring's blog war, when a series of misunderstandings led to an acrimonious breakdown of a budding friendship. Life goes on, of course, and except for one occasion where I couldn't stop myself from intruding where I clearly wasn't welcome, I've kept my distance.
Seven years ago, I had the unpleasant task of taking our pet to the vet for the last time. At the tender age of three, her body had been ravaged by a tumour that left her a mere shell of herself. Despite the fact that she had been "Laurie's" baby, she had won enough of a place in my heart that I cried for days after her loss.
So, I can't begin to imagine the pain of losing an animal that has been part of a family for nine years. I so want to say something comforting in this time of loss, but to do so might cause more discomfort, even bitterness. I guess I'll have to be satisfied with expressing my condolences here.
Saturday, June 21, 2003
Technology is your friend
I installed the KVM switch today. I love it. My wife loves it (I sent her pictures of how it looks, and how it helps me clear my desk). It's allowed me to effortlessly switch between computers and applications without lifting my head from the screen or fingers from the keyboard. I don't know how I did without it for so long.
I saw a device today at the mall. I think it's a discontinued internet appliance, and I asked the salesperson why it was on sale (2/3 off until tomorrow). I think I saw things like this two or three years ago, but this one looks more modern. I'm trying to find information about it on the web. Basically, it's a telephone with a large, colour LCD screen. The write-up says it can be used to browse the internet and send/receive email. I'm thinking of getting it for my parents and for my mother-in-law. The only thing holding me back, at this point, is not being able to see one in person.
I installed the KVM switch today. I love it. My wife loves it (I sent her pictures of how it looks, and how it helps me clear my desk). It's allowed me to effortlessly switch between computers and applications without lifting my head from the screen or fingers from the keyboard. I don't know how I did without it for so long.
I saw a device today at the mall. I think it's a discontinued internet appliance, and I asked the salesperson why it was on sale (2/3 off until tomorrow). I think I saw things like this two or three years ago, but this one looks more modern. I'm trying to find information about it on the web. Basically, it's a telephone with a large, colour LCD screen. The write-up says it can be used to browse the internet and send/receive email. I'm thinking of getting it for my parents and for my mother-in-law. The only thing holding me back, at this point, is not being able to see one in person.
Friday, June 20, 2003
Coming soon to a desk near me
For several years, I've thought about what it would be like to clear some space on my desk for things like a pad and paper. Those that know me would never accuse me of neatness, but it's not just that... it's the fact that I have a number of computers that I need to control, and when I've set up the monitors and keyboards, there's not much room left for anything else. What I really have needed is a Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) switch. It's a device that allows someone to control multiple computers from a single keyboard/mouse/screen.
Soon, I'll have one of these devices. Now that I have access to wholesale prices on computer equipment (where was that recollection two weeks ago when I bought my computer retail), I decided to bite the bullet and get the damned thing. I placed my order on Thursday, and was told the switch box would be in today.
I decided to splurge and get a model that also can switch the microphone and speaker outputs as well. So, I won't have to put up with having multiple speaker systems installed - or of not being able to hear some of my computers. With this device, whichever computer I'm currently monitoring - that's the one I'll be able to hear.
For several years, I've thought about what it would be like to clear some space on my desk for things like a pad and paper. Those that know me would never accuse me of neatness, but it's not just that... it's the fact that I have a number of computers that I need to control, and when I've set up the monitors and keyboards, there's not much room left for anything else. What I really have needed is a Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) switch. It's a device that allows someone to control multiple computers from a single keyboard/mouse/screen.
Soon, I'll have one of these devices. Now that I have access to wholesale prices on computer equipment (where was that recollection two weeks ago when I bought my computer retail), I decided to bite the bullet and get the damned thing. I placed my order on Thursday, and was told the switch box would be in today.
I decided to splurge and get a model that also can switch the microphone and speaker outputs as well. So, I won't have to put up with having multiple speaker systems installed - or of not being able to hear some of my computers. With this device, whichever computer I'm currently monitoring - that's the one I'll be able to hear.
Thursday, June 19, 2003
As I was saying...
I decided to change the bedroom switch to circuit (A) to avoid any further interruptions. I realized that now, the bedroom and living room were on the same circuit, but at least it was my circuit. Then one day, something strange happened. I turned on the switch in the living room, but the bedroom light didn't come on. Was it a fluke? Well, no. It turns out that, depending on how long you hold down the switch, it is possible to get one light to turn on. And the order is completely predictable. The living room always goes on before the bedroom (or at least, if you click for a short while, only the living room comes on). And it works in reverse too. If I'm in the bedroom, and want to turn out only the living room light, I click the "off" button for just a short time...
Anyway, that's been working for months without a hitch... until about a week ago. The bedroom light will not come on reliably any more from the bedroom switch. It works fine from the living room switch, and the "OFF" function works ok from the bedroom - just not the "ON". There's another strange thing. When I find myself feeling very warm, the extra body heat makes the switch work, but when I'm cold, or even at "normal" temperature, the bedroom switch will not turn the lights on.
I'm thinking it might be the batteries in the switch that need to be replaced. I might give that a try...
I decided to change the bedroom switch to circuit (A) to avoid any further interruptions. I realized that now, the bedroom and living room were on the same circuit, but at least it was my circuit. Then one day, something strange happened. I turned on the switch in the living room, but the bedroom light didn't come on. Was it a fluke? Well, no. It turns out that, depending on how long you hold down the switch, it is possible to get one light to turn on. And the order is completely predictable. The living room always goes on before the bedroom (or at least, if you click for a short while, only the living room comes on). And it works in reverse too. If I'm in the bedroom, and want to turn out only the living room light, I click the "off" button for just a short time...
Anyway, that's been working for months without a hitch... until about a week ago. The bedroom light will not come on reliably any more from the bedroom switch. It works fine from the living room switch, and the "OFF" function works ok from the bedroom - just not the "ON". There's another strange thing. When I find myself feeling very warm, the extra body heat makes the switch work, but when I'm cold, or even at "normal" temperature, the bedroom switch will not turn the lights on.
I'm thinking it might be the batteries in the switch that need to be replaced. I might give that a try...
I'm thoe Thor - NOT!
Electricity and I have never gotten along. I have a healthyfear of respect for it (I won't change a lightbulb without killing the fuse first). But what I really don't get is the vaguarities of light switches. My "apartment" was created by someone who literally threw up a couple of dividing walls in their basement and called it an apartment. There were no light switches in the new apartment (except for ones at the base of the staircase). Problem is... the owner of this house erected a wall close to the staircase that redefined the geography of the basement. This wall created, in effect, a hallway that has two doorways - one to my apartment, and one to the laundry room.
So, when you enter my apartment, if you haven't turned on the light at the base of the stairs, the apartment is completely dark. Worse, at bedtime, the only way to turn out the lights is to venture out into the common hallway, turn out the lights, and feel your way back to the bedroom in the dark.
Now obviously, such a situation becomes intolerable after, oh, about 3 seconds. So, I had the landlord install light switches inside the confines of the apartment. I have one switch mounted just inside my front door, and another switch mounted in the bedroom. But here's the problem. No wiring was laid in the process of installing these switches. They are "surface mount" switches... meaning, they are not attached to any wiring, and in fact, the switch can be pulled right off the wall.
For purposes of this discussion, consider the "light switches" to be like remote controls. Click "on" and the lights should turn on. Click "off" and... you get the idea. Sounds simple, right? So here's the rub. There are three light switches in the basement. Switches 1 and 2, located at the base of the staircase, control the Living Room and Bedroom lights in my "apartment". Switch 3 controls the hallway light, and this switch is located at the top of the second level staircase, immediately accessible to the people living on the main floor of the house, so they can see where they're going when they descend the staircase.
The "surface mount" switches are "smart" switches. They can be programmed to control either of two different circuits (A or B). When I first moved in, I had the landlord set the circuits to control the Living Room and Bedroom lights. It worked really well until about the third night, when I almost took a header down the steps getting into the basement. At that point, I realized I needed to be able to turn off the stairway light at the bottom of the staircase (not at the TOP - before finding my way to the bottom). The "remote control" switch seemed like a good bet, so I had one installed.
Remember what I said about A or B circuits? What the heck do you do when you add a C circuit? I programmed the new switch to use circuit "B". When I enter from outside, I turn on the lights at the top of the staircase, and when I get to the bottom, I turn off the lights. So far so good...
In the apartment, I quickly realized that my bedroom light switch (B) was also controlling the light in the outer hallway. I thought that was an acceptable sacrifice - wasting some energy in the hall during the relatively little time that my bedroom light is on. The problem started when the owner of the house had the audacity to make a trip to the laundry room while I was sleeping - and turned on the lightswitch. On came the bedroom light! And I almost hit the roof.
(I've got to go to work now - I'll finish this post later)
Electricity and I have never gotten along. I have a healthy
So, when you enter my apartment, if you haven't turned on the light at the base of the stairs, the apartment is completely dark. Worse, at bedtime, the only way to turn out the lights is to venture out into the common hallway, turn out the lights, and feel your way back to the bedroom in the dark.
Now obviously, such a situation becomes intolerable after, oh, about 3 seconds. So, I had the landlord install light switches inside the confines of the apartment. I have one switch mounted just inside my front door, and another switch mounted in the bedroom. But here's the problem. No wiring was laid in the process of installing these switches. They are "surface mount" switches... meaning, they are not attached to any wiring, and in fact, the switch can be pulled right off the wall.
For purposes of this discussion, consider the "light switches" to be like remote controls. Click "on" and the lights should turn on. Click "off" and... you get the idea. Sounds simple, right? So here's the rub. There are three light switches in the basement. Switches 1 and 2, located at the base of the staircase, control the Living Room and Bedroom lights in my "apartment". Switch 3 controls the hallway light, and this switch is located at the top of the second level staircase, immediately accessible to the people living on the main floor of the house, so they can see where they're going when they descend the staircase.
The "surface mount" switches are "smart" switches. They can be programmed to control either of two different circuits (A or B). When I first moved in, I had the landlord set the circuits to control the Living Room and Bedroom lights. It worked really well until about the third night, when I almost took a header down the steps getting into the basement. At that point, I realized I needed to be able to turn off the stairway light at the bottom of the staircase (not at the TOP - before finding my way to the bottom). The "remote control" switch seemed like a good bet, so I had one installed.
Remember what I said about A or B circuits? What the heck do you do when you add a C circuit? I programmed the new switch to use circuit "B". When I enter from outside, I turn on the lights at the top of the staircase, and when I get to the bottom, I turn off the lights. So far so good...
In the apartment, I quickly realized that my bedroom light switch (B) was also controlling the light in the outer hallway. I thought that was an acceptable sacrifice - wasting some energy in the hall during the relatively little time that my bedroom light is on. The problem started when the owner of the house had the audacity to make a trip to the laundry room while I was sleeping - and turned on the lightswitch. On came the bedroom light! And I almost hit the roof.
(I've got to go to work now - I'll finish this post later)
I've been heckled!
<plant tongue in cheek>
I've been heckled. It's going around, and like most forms of "pass-it-on" mail, I will not participate.
</plant tongue in cheek>
<plant tongue in cheek>
I've been heckled. It's going around, and like most forms of "pass-it-on" mail, I will not participate.
</plant tongue in cheek>
Comment box issues
It must be frustrating for a guy like Hossein Sharifi (author of YACCS) when changes to the underlying code in a blogging tool render his work inoperable. As a paying supporter, and first requestor of the "Post in the box" feature (where the content of your post appears in the comment box), Hossein chose my blog to be the beta site for this feature. And my blog is featured on his website, showing potential contributors what payoffs there are in supporting his efforts.
Anyway, when "Blogger" changed it's blogging tool, it affected two aspects of the YACCS tool. First, the comment counter went on the fritz (this has been corrected). Second, the comments box no longer displays the content of the post. As usual, Hossein has been very responsive to emails, and he has indicated that he may be able to find time this weekend to investigage a solution to this unfortunate mess. Until, just pretend you know what I'm talking about, and be patient.
Note:
The changes at "Blogger" had an effect on w.bloggar as well. Thankfully, they've figured out how to make their tool work, and have already posted information on how to fix the problem.
It must be frustrating for a guy like Hossein Sharifi (author of YACCS) when changes to the underlying code in a blogging tool render his work inoperable. As a paying supporter, and first requestor of the "Post in the box" feature (where the content of your post appears in the comment box), Hossein chose my blog to be the beta site for this feature. And my blog is featured on his website, showing potential contributors what payoffs there are in supporting his efforts.
Anyway, when "Blogger" changed it's blogging tool, it affected two aspects of the YACCS tool. First, the comment counter went on the fritz (this has been corrected). Second, the comments box no longer displays the content of the post. As usual, Hossein has been very responsive to emails, and he has indicated that he may be able to find time this weekend to investigage a solution to this unfortunate mess. Until, just pretend you know what I'm talking about, and be patient.
Note:
The changes at "Blogger" had an effect on w.bloggar as well. Thankfully, they've figured out how to make their tool work, and have already posted information on how to fix the problem.
Dinner with the boss
I was invited to join my boss for dinner last night. I think it was probably as a token of appreciation for the long hours I've been putting in lately. The night before, he had been off for the day, but came in during the late evening - probably to pick up some paperwork. He found me at my desk at 8:30PM. Yesterday was the third day in succession where I had worked at least 10 hours. I would have preferred to go home early, truth be told, but it will be a cold day in hell before I'll say no to a free meal.
We went to Outback (my choice), and on the way there, I realized this is the same place I chose the last time he took me to dinner. Among the many topics of discussion, I broached the subject of my moving back home. I wanted him to candidly discuss any concerns he might have about my telecommuting. He admitted that "face-to-face" communication is an important part of his relationship with all employees. At the moment, there is only one employee in the entire organization that is allowed to telecommute (perhaps more accurately, to work at home, independent of any contact with the office). This employee also happens to be a life-long friend and 20+ year working colleague. It's obvious that a level of trust has been earned over the years. The challenge for me will be to remain "plugged in". I will be telecommuting in the true sense of the word - working from a remote desktop using the company's resources.
In the case of the other employee, he still makes a trip to the office once a week, driving perhaps 50-70 miles, one way. In my case, the commute would be 250 miles, so I'm not sure how often the boss will insist on actually "seeing" me. I am investigating things like Netmeeting and other "whiteboard" applications that will make it possible to be more involved in day-to-day communications.
Perhaps, if we start doing teleconferencing on an ongoing basis, I may have to switch to a commercial cable internet account, based on bandwidth usage. That's a price I'm willing to pay - assuming it's not an expense that would be reimbursed.
I was invited to join my boss for dinner last night. I think it was probably as a token of appreciation for the long hours I've been putting in lately. The night before, he had been off for the day, but came in during the late evening - probably to pick up some paperwork. He found me at my desk at 8:30PM. Yesterday was the third day in succession where I had worked at least 10 hours. I would have preferred to go home early, truth be told, but it will be a cold day in hell before I'll say no to a free meal.
We went to Outback (my choice), and on the way there, I realized this is the same place I chose the last time he took me to dinner. Among the many topics of discussion, I broached the subject of my moving back home. I wanted him to candidly discuss any concerns he might have about my telecommuting. He admitted that "face-to-face" communication is an important part of his relationship with all employees. At the moment, there is only one employee in the entire organization that is allowed to telecommute (perhaps more accurately, to work at home, independent of any contact with the office). This employee also happens to be a life-long friend and 20+ year working colleague. It's obvious that a level of trust has been earned over the years. The challenge for me will be to remain "plugged in". I will be telecommuting in the true sense of the word - working from a remote desktop using the company's resources.
In the case of the other employee, he still makes a trip to the office once a week, driving perhaps 50-70 miles, one way. In my case, the commute would be 250 miles, so I'm not sure how often the boss will insist on actually "seeing" me. I am investigating things like Netmeeting and other "whiteboard" applications that will make it possible to be more involved in day-to-day communications.
Perhaps, if we start doing teleconferencing on an ongoing basis, I may have to switch to a commercial cable internet account, based on bandwidth usage. That's a price I'm willing to pay - assuming it's not an expense that would be reimbursed.
Monday, June 16, 2003
A Father's Day to Remember
My words of a few days ago were prophetic. I just came back to Toronto minutes ago, and have to share what will go down as the very best Father's Day ever.
In order to deal with Father's Day for Laurie's and my side of the family, we decided to split the weekend between the two families. My dad and mom were invited over for a barbecue on Saturday, and we took a drive to Wheatley on Sunday to be with Laurie's dad and his wife.
Saturday started out well, with my parents arriving only minutes ahead of my step-daughter, her fiance, and their two children. My parents had only seen Courtney once, shortly after her birth more than four years ago. And it was their first opportunity to meet Emily, born this past February. Although I was focusing on the grandchildren, my wife would inform me later that my parents appeared very pleased that Courtney called me "grandpa", accepting me as a "blood relative". I absolutely adore that child, as I do Emily.
There were nine of us spending the afternoon together. Courtney and my wife had a pre-dinner swim (accompanied by our black lab "Rosie", of course), and as usual, Courtney knew that she could not swim without her "special coat" - a life jacket which we insist she wear while swimming. After the swim, we spent a leisurely afternoon laughing, talking, taking pictures, and eating dinner. After dinner, Courtney played with the dogs, Emily was passed around among the doting grandparents and great-grandparents, and Courtney's parents took a break from their parental responsibilities to share some R&R on the front porch.
It was during this after-dinner period that my life changed forever. As I was taking pictures of my parents, and of Laurie holding Emily, we heard a faint call for help from Courtney. Apparently, she had been trying to reach a floating toy by the edge of the deep end of the swimming pool, and had somehow fallen into the water. Her right hand had a firm hold on the deck of the pool. The rest of her was in the cold water. Laurie frantically handed Emily to my mother, and started racing for the deep end of the pool. Courtney looked back over her shoulder at my wife, and just as I told her to keep hold of the pool, she let go.
Instantly, her tiny body fell below the surface of the water. The next two to three seconds have been described to me by all the witnesses. It pretty much matches my recollections, except that to me, time seemed to stand completely still. The moment Courtney's head submerged, I jumped to my feet, simultaneously handing the camera to my dad, who was seated a couple of feet from me. I then took two running steps in the direction of the pool, and dove in, fully clothed. I could see Courtney below the surface, and the momentum of my dive carried me all the way to her. I grabbed her midsection and thrust her upward as I swam for the surface. As soon as her shoulders cleared the water, Laurie was there to hoist her all the way up and out.
I weigh nearly 300 pounds, and no-one would ever accuse me of moving quickly. However, on this day, my parents and wife would later remark that they had never seen me move so fast in my life. As for Courtney, she was under water for such a short time, I doubt she even realized the danger she had been in. Safely ashore, she didn't cry, or scream, or do anything that would indicate fear. Instead, her only remark was "Oh, oh! I think I've ruined my new outfit!"
Once my adrenaline rush had subsided, I walked through the house to the front porch to fetch Courtney's parents. Seeing me, Christie joked that it looked like I had fallen into the pool. My reply, "No, but I had to rescue someone that did" brought an immediate change of expression and a mad dash for the backyard. Later, Christie would present me with a beautiful Father's Day card, and a heartfelt "Thank you" for saving her baby.
Perhaps lost in all the excitement was my step-son, Jonathan. I have been so impressed with him since the day I came into their lives. As the youngest and the only boy, he is the one I've had the most paternal influence over. For years, I know he's objected to my discipline, but on this day, he gave me the most touching card I had ever received. And, for the very first time in his card, he referred to himself as my "son". It brought tears to my eyes.
I had hoped to have my family learn about my special day through my blog, but the word-of-mouth story spread faster than I could have imagined. My sister called from Toronto to wish me a Happy Father's Day, referring to me as a "hero". I couldn't figure out how she had found out, until she told me that my mother had described the events of the afternoon to her. And my inlaws' extended family found out during Sunday morning church services, courtesy of my wife.
My words of a few days ago were prophetic. I just came back to Toronto minutes ago, and have to share what will go down as the very best Father's Day ever.
In order to deal with Father's Day for Laurie's and my side of the family, we decided to split the weekend between the two families. My dad and mom were invited over for a barbecue on Saturday, and we took a drive to Wheatley on Sunday to be with Laurie's dad and his wife.
Saturday started out well, with my parents arriving only minutes ahead of my step-daughter, her fiance, and their two children. My parents had only seen Courtney once, shortly after her birth more than four years ago. And it was their first opportunity to meet Emily, born this past February. Although I was focusing on the grandchildren, my wife would inform me later that my parents appeared very pleased that Courtney called me "grandpa", accepting me as a "blood relative". I absolutely adore that child, as I do Emily.
There were nine of us spending the afternoon together. Courtney and my wife had a pre-dinner swim (accompanied by our black lab "Rosie", of course), and as usual, Courtney knew that she could not swim without her "special coat" - a life jacket which we insist she wear while swimming. After the swim, we spent a leisurely afternoon laughing, talking, taking pictures, and eating dinner. After dinner, Courtney played with the dogs, Emily was passed around among the doting grandparents and great-grandparents, and Courtney's parents took a break from their parental responsibilities to share some R&R on the front porch.
It was during this after-dinner period that my life changed forever. As I was taking pictures of my parents, and of Laurie holding Emily, we heard a faint call for help from Courtney. Apparently, she had been trying to reach a floating toy by the edge of the deep end of the swimming pool, and had somehow fallen into the water. Her right hand had a firm hold on the deck of the pool. The rest of her was in the cold water. Laurie frantically handed Emily to my mother, and started racing for the deep end of the pool. Courtney looked back over her shoulder at my wife, and just as I told her to keep hold of the pool, she let go.
Instantly, her tiny body fell below the surface of the water. The next two to three seconds have been described to me by all the witnesses. It pretty much matches my recollections, except that to me, time seemed to stand completely still. The moment Courtney's head submerged, I jumped to my feet, simultaneously handing the camera to my dad, who was seated a couple of feet from me. I then took two running steps in the direction of the pool, and dove in, fully clothed. I could see Courtney below the surface, and the momentum of my dive carried me all the way to her. I grabbed her midsection and thrust her upward as I swam for the surface. As soon as her shoulders cleared the water, Laurie was there to hoist her all the way up and out.
I weigh nearly 300 pounds, and no-one would ever accuse me of moving quickly. However, on this day, my parents and wife would later remark that they had never seen me move so fast in my life. As for Courtney, she was under water for such a short time, I doubt she even realized the danger she had been in. Safely ashore, she didn't cry, or scream, or do anything that would indicate fear. Instead, her only remark was "Oh, oh! I think I've ruined my new outfit!"
Once my adrenaline rush had subsided, I walked through the house to the front porch to fetch Courtney's parents. Seeing me, Christie joked that it looked like I had fallen into the pool. My reply, "No, but I had to rescue someone that did" brought an immediate change of expression and a mad dash for the backyard. Later, Christie would present me with a beautiful Father's Day card, and a heartfelt "Thank you" for saving her baby.
Perhaps lost in all the excitement was my step-son, Jonathan. I have been so impressed with him since the day I came into their lives. As the youngest and the only boy, he is the one I've had the most paternal influence over. For years, I know he's objected to my discipline, but on this day, he gave me the most touching card I had ever received. And, for the very first time in his card, he referred to himself as my "son". It brought tears to my eyes.
I had hoped to have my family learn about my special day through my blog, but the word-of-mouth story spread faster than I could have imagined. My sister called from Toronto to wish me a Happy Father's Day, referring to me as a "hero". I couldn't figure out how she had found out, until she told me that my mother had described the events of the afternoon to her. And my inlaws' extended family found out during Sunday morning church services, courtesy of my wife.
Friday, June 13, 2003
Spring Cleaning
I've been holding off doing my spring cleaning on this site, hoping that some of my favourite bloggers would come back online. Until they do, they've been temporarily "commented out" so as not to lead my meagre readership into dead space. I'd like to also welcome Lindsey to my links bar. I've been on her list for some time, and she's really worth reading, so go try her out.
I've been holding off doing my spring cleaning on this site, hoping that some of my favourite bloggers would come back online. Until they do, they've been temporarily "commented out" so as not to lead my meagre readership into dead space. I'd like to also welcome Lindsey to my links bar. I've been on her list for some time, and she's really worth reading, so go try her out.
Thursday, June 12, 2003
Speaking of niggling annoyances, the migration from my old Compaq to the new machine came with one hitch I hadn't expected. Compaq's machines come with a customized version of Internet Explorer. There is an animated GIF (a rotating "Q") at the top right of the screen on the Compaq browser. Before I migrated my old machine, the browser on the new machine had a clean toolbar. Now, after migrating, the toolbar is stuffed with additional icons.
I know how to customize the toolbar, and I've already removed the unwanted items. However, I can't seem to find anything in the documentation that will allow me to remove that annoying "Q". It seems to be an embedded part of an OEM Internet Explorer. Unlike some people who will pay to have things like this fixed, if I can't figure it out myself, I'll have to live with it.
I know how to customize the toolbar, and I've already removed the unwanted items. However, I can't seem to find anything in the documentation that will allow me to remove that annoying "Q". It seems to be an embedded part of an OEM Internet Explorer. Unlike some people who will pay to have things like this fixed, if I can't figure it out myself, I'll have to live with it.
STOMP
I had expected some of my ancient programs to stop functioning when I made the conversion to XP, and I was not disappointed. A few of them began to work again when I switched to compatibility mode, but others did not. I suppose that's something I'll have to live with; or I'll just preserve those particular applications on my old machine.
I hadn't expected any problems with my backup program, and technically, it was still working after file migration. But STOMP's BackupMyPC was reporting that it intended to back up onto my Panasonic CD-RW drive. The same drive that was no longer part of my new machine. It's not a biggie, but some things just annoy me, and seeing STOMP insist that I had a Panasonic drive was a niggling source of annoyance. No problem, I thought... I'll simply use the Reconfiguration Wizard to select the proper drive.
Where the heck is that reconfiguration wizard??? It doesn't seem to be in the pull-down menu. A search of the internet revealed the name of the module, and I wasn't even able to find the file on my machine. Maybe the migration didn't quite work??? A quick look at my old machine verified that the file wasn't there either!
So, I decided to go to STOMP's support pages (very good support page, by the way) and downloaded the latest upgrade. Like many other products, STOMP's upgrade packages require that you have a previous version installed. No problem. As the upgrade package begins to install, it tells me that the previous version has been found, and it will now be uninstalled prior to upgrading. But the uninstall procedure fails, due to a missing uninstall component. A second attempt to install the upgrade informs me that I have no prior version, and asks me to insert the original disk. When I do, it proceeds, but tells me it will need to remove the old version... after which the uninstall fails.
Now, I'm between a rock and a hard place. The old version (which wasn't actually old - just non-configurable) won't uninstall, and the new version won't install until the uninstall is completed. I meticulously detailed my situation in an email to STOMP, and after three days, they sent a detailed email response. However, the response basically contained the steps I had already followed.
Keenly aware of my recent experience with XP activation, I ran their procedure again anyway (who knows - it might have worked!) but nothing different happened. Then, I got the idea that the only way to fool the computer into thinking the uninstall worked was to remove all traces of the program in the registry. That took the better part of a half hour, but seemed to do the trick. Faced with a "clean" system, the upgrade informed me that I had no previous version of BackupMyPC installed. It again asked me to insert the original CD. However, this time, it did not inform me that the previous version would need to be uninstalled. It just proceeded with the upgrade.
Now, BackupMyPC sees my proper CD-RW drive (was that too much to ask?). And I checked the drop down menu, and the upgrade does have the hardware reconfiguration wizard! I don't know what happened to the previous version's wizard, but at least I'm happy.
Tonight, I have to buy some new CD-R's so I can perform the Disaster Recovery backup.
I had expected some of my ancient programs to stop functioning when I made the conversion to XP, and I was not disappointed. A few of them began to work again when I switched to compatibility mode, but others did not. I suppose that's something I'll have to live with; or I'll just preserve those particular applications on my old machine.
I hadn't expected any problems with my backup program, and technically, it was still working after file migration. But STOMP's BackupMyPC was reporting that it intended to back up onto my Panasonic CD-RW drive. The same drive that was no longer part of my new machine. It's not a biggie, but some things just annoy me, and seeing STOMP insist that I had a Panasonic drive was a niggling source of annoyance. No problem, I thought... I'll simply use the Reconfiguration Wizard to select the proper drive.
Where the heck is that reconfiguration wizard??? It doesn't seem to be in the pull-down menu. A search of the internet revealed the name of the module, and I wasn't even able to find the file on my machine. Maybe the migration didn't quite work??? A quick look at my old machine verified that the file wasn't there either!
So, I decided to go to STOMP's support pages (very good support page, by the way) and downloaded the latest upgrade. Like many other products, STOMP's upgrade packages require that you have a previous version installed. No problem. As the upgrade package begins to install, it tells me that the previous version has been found, and it will now be uninstalled prior to upgrading. But the uninstall procedure fails, due to a missing uninstall component. A second attempt to install the upgrade informs me that I have no prior version, and asks me to insert the original disk. When I do, it proceeds, but tells me it will need to remove the old version... after which the uninstall fails.
Now, I'm between a rock and a hard place. The old version (which wasn't actually old - just non-configurable) won't uninstall, and the new version won't install until the uninstall is completed. I meticulously detailed my situation in an email to STOMP, and after three days, they sent a detailed email response. However, the response basically contained the steps I had already followed.
Keenly aware of my recent experience with XP activation, I ran their procedure again anyway (who knows - it might have worked!) but nothing different happened. Then, I got the idea that the only way to fool the computer into thinking the uninstall worked was to remove all traces of the program in the registry. That took the better part of a half hour, but seemed to do the trick. Faced with a "clean" system, the upgrade informed me that I had no previous version of BackupMyPC installed. It again asked me to insert the original CD. However, this time, it did not inform me that the previous version would need to be uninstalled. It just proceeded with the upgrade.
Now, BackupMyPC sees my proper CD-RW drive (was that too much to ask?). And I checked the drop down menu, and the upgrade does have the hardware reconfiguration wizard! I don't know what happened to the previous version's wizard, but at least I'm happy.
Tonight, I have to buy some new CD-R's so I can perform the Disaster Recovery backup.
Wednesday, June 11, 2003
Looking ahead
Father's Day is coming! I'm looking forward to being back in Windsor this weekend for Father's Day. With the warmer weather, the pool will be open and my wife is planning a barbecue on Saturday. It will be an opportunity for my parents to meet their newest great-grandchild and renew acquaintances with their first.
Father's Day is a bittersweet day for me. I love my dad and honour him always, and Father's Day is just one of those days when I get an opportunity to focus on him. But then, there's the other side of the coin. I have never regretted my decision to marry into a ready-made family. My wife is amazing, and her children have beautiful souls and kind hearts. I love being her wife and their father. But the kids have always made it clear that I'm not their dad. I'm happy to say that their biological father has always been an important, loving part of their lives. He never shirked his responsibilities and generally did what he could to remain part of their lives. Despite being remarried and having a new family, he still put in enough of an appearance in my kids' lives to remain their "dad".
Unfortunately, I was adversely affected by the knowledge that I was not considered their "dad", and didn't go "the extra mile" to win their affection. And I never got to that point of parenthood where a parent is willing to forgive and forget all transgressions. For years, I harboured bitterness over some of the things my children said and did, and that made Father's Day a time I personally dreaded.
As my kids get older and experience "life" for themselves, I believe they are coming to the realization that I did more for them than they gave me credit for - providing a constant presence and some semblance of emotional and familial commitment. And I've come to the realization that, despite being rebellious and sometimes too much to handle, these kids have grown into exceptional young adults. And now, I have grandchildren who have known me from birth. They actually see me as "grandpa", and that has put a joy into my life that I'd never gotten the opportunity to experience.
Heck, sometime soon, I might actually enjoy Father's Day for myself!
Father's Day is coming! I'm looking forward to being back in Windsor this weekend for Father's Day. With the warmer weather, the pool will be open and my wife is planning a barbecue on Saturday. It will be an opportunity for my parents to meet their newest great-grandchild and renew acquaintances with their first.
Father's Day is a bittersweet day for me. I love my dad and honour him always, and Father's Day is just one of those days when I get an opportunity to focus on him. But then, there's the other side of the coin. I have never regretted my decision to marry into a ready-made family. My wife is amazing, and her children have beautiful souls and kind hearts. I love being her wife and their father. But the kids have always made it clear that I'm not their dad. I'm happy to say that their biological father has always been an important, loving part of their lives. He never shirked his responsibilities and generally did what he could to remain part of their lives. Despite being remarried and having a new family, he still put in enough of an appearance in my kids' lives to remain their "dad".
Unfortunately, I was adversely affected by the knowledge that I was not considered their "dad", and didn't go "the extra mile" to win their affection. And I never got to that point of parenthood where a parent is willing to forgive and forget all transgressions. For years, I harboured bitterness over some of the things my children said and did, and that made Father's Day a time I personally dreaded.
As my kids get older and experience "life" for themselves, I believe they are coming to the realization that I did more for them than they gave me credit for - providing a constant presence and some semblance of emotional and familial commitment. And I've come to the realization that, despite being rebellious and sometimes too much to handle, these kids have grown into exceptional young adults. And now, I have grandchildren who have known me from birth. They actually see me as "grandpa", and that has put a joy into my life that I'd never gotten the opportunity to experience.
Heck, sometime soon, I might actually enjoy Father's Day for myself!
Monday, June 09, 2003
Activation - Part 2
I wrote early this weekend of my frustration at being unable to activate my copy of Windows XP. As the time draws near for the opening of MDG's service department (my copy of Windows states they're open at 9:00AM - their website says 10:00AM), I decided to get my ducks in a row by verifying (for the umpteenth time) that the online activation process I attempted on the weekend was unsuccessful. So I entered the code yet again, fully expecting an error message. This time, the activation worked. No error messages... just a note informing me that the activation was successful.
I just don't get it, but at least I won't be as embarassed as if this procedure had worked while on the phone with a tech!
I wrote early this weekend of my frustration at being unable to activate my copy of Windows XP. As the time draws near for the opening of MDG's service department (my copy of Windows states they're open at 9:00AM - their website says 10:00AM), I decided to get my ducks in a row by verifying (for the umpteenth time) that the online activation process I attempted on the weekend was unsuccessful. So I entered the code yet again, fully expecting an error message. This time, the activation worked. No error messages... just a note informing me that the activation was successful.
I just don't get it, but at least I won't be as embarassed as if this procedure had worked while on the phone with a tech!
Sunday, June 08, 2003
Moo!
It's raining horses and cows at the moment. I left my apartment after dinner to visit my sister. I toyed with the idea of walking the 400 metres or so to her home, but because it was slightly windy and cool, I thought I'd take the car. It was too nice when I left (though a bit muggy), so I didn't bring a jacket with me.
Bad choice.
After visiting for an hour or so, it was time to leave. As I approached the front door of her home, I could hear the unmistakable sound of rain hitting the roof. Only thing is, my sister lives in a two storey home. The rain was falling so hard, you could actually hear it from the main floor. She offered to let me leave through the garage, cutting by about 30 feet, the distance I would have to travel in the pouring rain. I still got soaked getting into my car.
Arriving back at my apartment, I was alarmed to see a wall of water blocking the sidewalk that leads to my basement apartment's entrance. So severe was the force of the rain issuing forth from the rain spout, I actually decided to ring the doorbell to the main house and ask to walk through their hallway to get to the basement stairs from indoors. After getting over the initial strangeness of my request, my landlord was clearly able to see from his front porch that my way was indeed blocked by unceasing rain.
I'm hoping this rain doesn't continue overnight, or my apartment may be flooded.
It's raining horses and cows at the moment. I left my apartment after dinner to visit my sister. I toyed with the idea of walking the 400 metres or so to her home, but because it was slightly windy and cool, I thought I'd take the car. It was too nice when I left (though a bit muggy), so I didn't bring a jacket with me.
Bad choice.
After visiting for an hour or so, it was time to leave. As I approached the front door of her home, I could hear the unmistakable sound of rain hitting the roof. Only thing is, my sister lives in a two storey home. The rain was falling so hard, you could actually hear it from the main floor. She offered to let me leave through the garage, cutting by about 30 feet, the distance I would have to travel in the pouring rain. I still got soaked getting into my car.
Arriving back at my apartment, I was alarmed to see a wall of water blocking the sidewalk that leads to my basement apartment's entrance. So severe was the force of the rain issuing forth from the rain spout, I actually decided to ring the doorbell to the main house and ask to walk through their hallway to get to the basement stairs from indoors. After getting over the initial strangeness of my request, my landlord was clearly able to see from his front porch that my way was indeed blocked by unceasing rain.
I'm hoping this rain doesn't continue overnight, or my apartment may be flooded.
No spoilers here
Did I enjoy the Matrix Reloaded? Hell, yes! Was I surprised by anything that happened? Thankfully, I was. I had avoided any venue that would have provided a spoiler to this movie, and consequently, I enjoyed this viewing from the perspective of someone who really didn't know what was to happen next. Except to say there were some scenes that were just too far over the top, I won't speak specifically about anything in the movie. I am looking forward to the last episode in the trilogy.
Did I enjoy the Matrix Reloaded? Hell, yes! Was I surprised by anything that happened? Thankfully, I was. I had avoided any venue that would have provided a spoiler to this movie, and consequently, I enjoyed this viewing from the perspective of someone who really didn't know what was to happen next. Except to say there were some scenes that were just too far over the top, I won't speak specifically about anything in the movie. I am looking forward to the last episode in the trilogy.
Movie day
My sister here in Toronto gave me movie tickets as a birthday gift. She knows how much I enjoy going, and it's been quite some time since I went. Today, I had to decide whether to see the Matrix Reloaded, or Italian Job. I want to see them both, but there's a chance my wife will be interested in seeing the latter movie next weekend while I'm home. So, I guess I'll be taking in the Matrix movie. I've heard things both good and bad about this movie, but as usual, when there's a movie I'm interested in seeing, no critic will dissuade me.
My sister here in Toronto gave me movie tickets as a birthday gift. She knows how much I enjoy going, and it's been quite some time since I went. Today, I had to decide whether to see the Matrix Reloaded, or Italian Job. I want to see them both, but there's a chance my wife will be interested in seeing the latter movie next weekend while I'm home. So, I guess I'll be taking in the Matrix movie. I've heard things both good and bad about this movie, but as usual, when there's a movie I'm interested in seeing, no critic will dissuade me.
Please don't make me tell you again
I've had my new computer for a week now, and I finally figured it was time to activate Windows XP. I didn't think there would be any drama in this process, but what the heck... I'm also not as paranoid about online security as some people. In fact, I think I'd rather perform registration procedures over the internet (secure connection of course) than over my totally unsecure cell phone.
So, I finally said yes to one of the Microsoft reminder messages, and proceeded to the online activation wizard. My eyesight is not too great at the best of times, but when it comes to reading the small print on the registration certificate (in bad room light), it was a challenge. Particularly difficult is trying to make out the difference between a "B" and an "8". I tried typing the number several times, each time receiving an error that the number was invalid. Then, I got the clever idea to use my video cam, in macro mode to enhance the image... just to make sure I was typing it properly. I was.
With no success online, I switched to the telephone procedure. Justin, the tech I dealt with, was very polite. He asked me to read the activation ID from the Register by phone wizard, and when I did that, and clicked the button to generate a new ID, the computer generated the same ID I had been trying to type before. And, with Justin holding on, I tried one more time to do the online registration. And it failed again.
At this point, Justin asked where I had purchased the computer, and he then advised me that I would have to contact the computer manufacturer.
I hope things go better with them.
I've had my new computer for a week now, and I finally figured it was time to activate Windows XP. I didn't think there would be any drama in this process, but what the heck... I'm also not as paranoid about online security as some people. In fact, I think I'd rather perform registration procedures over the internet (secure connection of course) than over my totally unsecure cell phone.
So, I finally said yes to one of the Microsoft reminder messages, and proceeded to the online activation wizard. My eyesight is not too great at the best of times, but when it comes to reading the small print on the registration certificate (in bad room light), it was a challenge. Particularly difficult is trying to make out the difference between a "B" and an "8". I tried typing the number several times, each time receiving an error that the number was invalid. Then, I got the clever idea to use my video cam, in macro mode to enhance the image... just to make sure I was typing it properly. I was.
With no success online, I switched to the telephone procedure. Justin, the tech I dealt with, was very polite. He asked me to read the activation ID from the Register by phone wizard, and when I did that, and clicked the button to generate a new ID, the computer generated the same ID I had been trying to type before. And, with Justin holding on, I tried one more time to do the online registration. And it failed again.
At this point, Justin asked where I had purchased the computer, and he then advised me that I would have to contact the computer manufacturer.
I hope things go better with them.
Saturday, June 07, 2003
Funny how things work out
I'm sure you've all experienced this before...
You have a problem that you can't solve. So you ask someone to help you, and in the process of describing the problem, you realize what you've been doing wrong. That's how I feel right now, as I sit typing on my new computer, having successfully transfered everything of value from my old system.
The problem turned out to be a combination of things... the firewall, the differences in the networking wizards in Windows XP and Windows ME, and the IP addresses assigned to the computers by the router. I made small mistakes in configuring elements of all these components, and talking about the situation pointed me in the right direction.
It wasn't five minutes after I made my last post when I discovered the cause of the problem. Another two-and-a-half hours to transfer the stuff between computers, and voila!
This weekend is getting off to a great start!
I'm sure you've all experienced this before...
You have a problem that you can't solve. So you ask someone to help you, and in the process of describing the problem, you realize what you've been doing wrong. That's how I feel right now, as I sit typing on my new computer, having successfully transfered everything of value from my old system.
The problem turned out to be a combination of things... the firewall, the differences in the networking wizards in Windows XP and Windows ME, and the IP addresses assigned to the computers by the router. I made small mistakes in configuring elements of all these components, and talking about the situation pointed me in the right direction.
It wasn't five minutes after I made my last post when I discovered the cause of the problem. Another two-and-a-half hours to transfer the stuff between computers, and voila!
This weekend is getting off to a great start!
Anyone lend a hand?
Including information transfered from several previous versions of hardware, my last computer has many years worth of programming utilities, source code, etc. that need to be transfered to the new machine. In the old days, before modern programs hid their settings in registry entries, it was pretty simple to figure out what needed to be repackaged and moved to the new computer. Nowadays, you need to rely on utilities such as Alohabob to do the job for you. I had decided to use a utility called Move Me (written by a company called Spearit). Their website was quite helpful, and their product is priced more reasonably than the competition. For a piece of software that will only be used once, it seemed unreasonable to spend nearly $80CDN for the high-priced spread.
Besides, Move Me was a free download. It would do all the work of determining what needed to be moved, and only after seeing the report of what would actually be moved, you could make the commitment to either "register" and pay the fee; or abandon the process. As a prerequisite, all you need to do is establish a network connection between the original and new computers, so files can be transfered.
How difficult could that be? With Windows XP on the new computer, and the built-in networking wizard, I felt confident that the network setup would take a matter of minutes - surely no more than an hour. So why, five days later, am I sitting here wondering how the heck this transfer is ever going to happen?
I first tried to connect an ethernet cable directly between the two PCs to set up a peer-to-peer network. That didn't work, and I've since learned that something called a "crossover" ethernet cable is needed for a direct connection. I guess this is something like the null-modem cable from back in the serial connection days. Next, I connected both computers to the internet router. After all, the router had assigned IP addresses from the same subnet to my computers, and I figured I should be able to talk among the computers connected to the common router.
Wrong!
Whether it's my firewall configuration, or something in the router, I haven't figured it out yet. I only know that my XP can see (but not talk to) the Windows ME computer... but the Windows ME computer can't see the XP.
Oh well, maybe I'll figure it out this weekend!
Including information transfered from several previous versions of hardware, my last computer has many years worth of programming utilities, source code, etc. that need to be transfered to the new machine. In the old days, before modern programs hid their settings in registry entries, it was pretty simple to figure out what needed to be repackaged and moved to the new computer. Nowadays, you need to rely on utilities such as Alohabob to do the job for you. I had decided to use a utility called Move Me (written by a company called Spearit). Their website was quite helpful, and their product is priced more reasonably than the competition. For a piece of software that will only be used once, it seemed unreasonable to spend nearly $80CDN for the high-priced spread.
Besides, Move Me was a free download. It would do all the work of determining what needed to be moved, and only after seeing the report of what would actually be moved, you could make the commitment to either "register" and pay the fee; or abandon the process. As a prerequisite, all you need to do is establish a network connection between the original and new computers, so files can be transfered.
How difficult could that be? With Windows XP on the new computer, and the built-in networking wizard, I felt confident that the network setup would take a matter of minutes - surely no more than an hour. So why, five days later, am I sitting here wondering how the heck this transfer is ever going to happen?
I first tried to connect an ethernet cable directly between the two PCs to set up a peer-to-peer network. That didn't work, and I've since learned that something called a "crossover" ethernet cable is needed for a direct connection. I guess this is something like the null-modem cable from back in the serial connection days. Next, I connected both computers to the internet router. After all, the router had assigned IP addresses from the same subnet to my computers, and I figured I should be able to talk among the computers connected to the common router.
Wrong!
Whether it's my firewall configuration, or something in the router, I haven't figured it out yet. I only know that my XP can see (but not talk to) the Windows ME computer... but the Windows ME computer can't see the XP.
Oh well, maybe I'll figure it out this weekend!
Friday, June 06, 2003
What a funeral! - Part 3
So, I get in my car and start reading the handout while waiting for my turn to join the procession. The card says there is information being broadcast over a station on the FM band. Cool idea! I tune in, and am being fed helpful information about the procession. As the card indicates, funeral processions have no extra rights on the road - no automatic right of way. I am to obey all traffic signals, and I am only allowed through a red-light on the specific instructions of the police escort.
I should point out that I do not go out much at night. I go to work, come home, veg by the TV. I may live in the Toronto area, but that doesn't mean I know every street in the city. As my car gets the green light to proceed, I follow the car ahead of me, concentrating on not getting separated from the procession. After only two blocks, I realize the FM signal that was so strong 30 seconds ago is now a distant memory. The thought occurs to me that I should have listened more carefully to the broadcast while it was on the air, because I have absolutely no idea where the cemetery is. I begin to have thoughts of getting lost - a pall-bearer who can't find the funeral. And then, as if to really stick it to me, the light I'm approaching turns red as the car just in front of me forces it's way into the turn lane just ahead of the cross street traffic. And there's no police escort in sight! There is absolutely no way I can proceed. As I impatiently wait for the light to change (or for a break in the traffic), I realize that the car in front of me is long gone, and I have no idea where I'm going. It also occurs to me that the people behind me may not know where they're going either, and will do whatever they can to stay on my tail!
The next five minutes of driving felt like an eternity. I was absolutely determined not to get stuck at another red light. I had to figure out how to make up the distance between me and the procession. With one eye on traffic, and the other scanning the horizon for any sign that the procession has changed direction, I blindly go forward. Miraculously, I caught a glimpse of the car I had been following earlier - about two blocks ahead of me. I only recognized it because of the four-way flashers. Throwing caution to the wind (and any hope that people behind me would be able to catch up), I sped up and finally caught up with the car. It was just in the nick of time, because the car had been slowing down to turn off the main road.
That was the end of the excitement for the day, but I have to really protest that funeral processions in Toronto are not given the respect and right-of-way that I am accustomed to in Windsor (and I assume most other cities).
So, I get in my car and start reading the handout while waiting for my turn to join the procession. The card says there is information being broadcast over a station on the FM band. Cool idea! I tune in, and am being fed helpful information about the procession. As the card indicates, funeral processions have no extra rights on the road - no automatic right of way. I am to obey all traffic signals, and I am only allowed through a red-light on the specific instructions of the police escort.
I should point out that I do not go out much at night. I go to work, come home, veg by the TV. I may live in the Toronto area, but that doesn't mean I know every street in the city. As my car gets the green light to proceed, I follow the car ahead of me, concentrating on not getting separated from the procession. After only two blocks, I realize the FM signal that was so strong 30 seconds ago is now a distant memory. The thought occurs to me that I should have listened more carefully to the broadcast while it was on the air, because I have absolutely no idea where the cemetery is. I begin to have thoughts of getting lost - a pall-bearer who can't find the funeral. And then, as if to really stick it to me, the light I'm approaching turns red as the car just in front of me forces it's way into the turn lane just ahead of the cross street traffic. And there's no police escort in sight! There is absolutely no way I can proceed. As I impatiently wait for the light to change (or for a break in the traffic), I realize that the car in front of me is long gone, and I have no idea where I'm going. It also occurs to me that the people behind me may not know where they're going either, and will do whatever they can to stay on my tail!
The next five minutes of driving felt like an eternity. I was absolutely determined not to get stuck at another red light. I had to figure out how to make up the distance between me and the procession. With one eye on traffic, and the other scanning the horizon for any sign that the procession has changed direction, I blindly go forward. Miraculously, I caught a glimpse of the car I had been following earlier - about two blocks ahead of me. I only recognized it because of the four-way flashers. Throwing caution to the wind (and any hope that people behind me would be able to catch up), I sped up and finally caught up with the car. It was just in the nick of time, because the car had been slowing down to turn off the main road.
That was the end of the excitement for the day, but I have to really protest that funeral processions in Toronto are not given the respect and right-of-way that I am accustomed to in Windsor (and I assume most other cities).
What a funeral! - Part 2
Upon entering the building, I'm immediately greeted by a host who is passing out cards. On one card, there are basic instructions about the funeral process - traffic laws, and their application to cars in a funeral procession - information about where the after-burial family greeting will take place, etc. On the other card was hygiene information and a questionnaire about SARS. The card politely suggested that anyone who had a cough would be banned from the funeral home. I suppressed a dry cough as I passed through the door to the chapel. The same card carried very useful information about the proper method of washing your hands to help prevent the spread of the disease. I confess that this information was very interesting, and I've kept it for future reference.
Unlike funerals I've been to in the past, the family was not seeing well-wishers. I don't know whether this was a personal preference, a form of protection against SARS, or just the way this home works, but eventually, the immediate family left the private chamber to enter the chapel.
A number of family members in succession took the platform to offer their eulogies, and I was struck by the amount of love and affection that were in the room. I didn't know Harry very well. I had only met him a handful of times, since my sister has only been married to Harry's son for a short six years. However, the words I heard and the emotions I saw expressed were very much in line with how I would imagine eulogies for my own father would go. Harry was a year younger than my father, and with my dad in the audience, thoughts of his eventual demise flooded my brain, and I started to cry uncontrollably.
After a short service, it was time for the those who would be heading to the cemetery to get in their cars.
Upon entering the building, I'm immediately greeted by a host who is passing out cards. On one card, there are basic instructions about the funeral process - traffic laws, and their application to cars in a funeral procession - information about where the after-burial family greeting will take place, etc. On the other card was hygiene information and a questionnaire about SARS. The card politely suggested that anyone who had a cough would be banned from the funeral home. I suppressed a dry cough as I passed through the door to the chapel. The same card carried very useful information about the proper method of washing your hands to help prevent the spread of the disease. I confess that this information was very interesting, and I've kept it for future reference.
Unlike funerals I've been to in the past, the family was not seeing well-wishers. I don't know whether this was a personal preference, a form of protection against SARS, or just the way this home works, but eventually, the immediate family left the private chamber to enter the chapel.
A number of family members in succession took the platform to offer their eulogies, and I was struck by the amount of love and affection that were in the room. I didn't know Harry very well. I had only met him a handful of times, since my sister has only been married to Harry's son for a short six years. However, the words I heard and the emotions I saw expressed were very much in line with how I would imagine eulogies for my own father would go. Harry was a year younger than my father, and with my dad in the audience, thoughts of his eventual demise flooded my brain, and I started to cry uncontrollably.
After a short service, it was time for the those who would be heading to the cemetery to get in their cars.
What a funeral! - Part 1
My wife left immediately after lunch on Sunday, giving me a few more minutes with my computer before having to head off for the funeral. I had been asked to be a pall-bearer, so I figured I should be at the funeral home early. Just to make sure, I looked up the address of the home, and noted the phone number. Then, I headed out.
Let me tell you something about Toronto. Unlike every city I've ever lived in, street numbering in Toronto is NOT balanced. That is, you don't see addresses like "123 Noname street" on one side of the road, and "124 Noname street" on the other side of the road. I'm not sure why, exactly, but that's the way it is. So, I set out to find a particular address, and I think I'm getting close. I'm looking for the 2400 block, and as I drive, I see the numbers going by... 1700... 1800.. 1900... finally, I get to 2400... but the number I'm looking for is odd, and this side of the road is even! No problem... I look at the other side of the road and am shocked to see the address is in the 4500 range!
My cushion of 45 minutes (according to the map I saw online, I only lived about five miles from the funeral home) was now down to under 30 minutes. I start going in the opposite direction looking for the home, while simultaneously calling on my cell phone for a cross street. Armed with a cross street, I now know the general location, and I still can't find it! Back and forth I drive, with no clue where the darned funeral home is.
Finally, with less than 10 minutes to the scheduled start time, I locate a small building, almost lost next door to (what appears to be) a large truck yard. Since I was relatively late, my position in the funeral procession was rather far back (first car in the third row), which concerned me because I was supposed to be a pall-bearer. In Windsor, where I'm used to going to funerals, the pall-bearers are positioned at the head of the procession (immediately behind the hearse and family vehicles), so the pall-bearers arrive early to the cemetery. Here in Toronto, it's first come, first served.
My wife left immediately after lunch on Sunday, giving me a few more minutes with my computer before having to head off for the funeral. I had been asked to be a pall-bearer, so I figured I should be at the funeral home early. Just to make sure, I looked up the address of the home, and noted the phone number. Then, I headed out.
Let me tell you something about Toronto. Unlike every city I've ever lived in, street numbering in Toronto is NOT balanced. That is, you don't see addresses like "123 Noname street" on one side of the road, and "124 Noname street" on the other side of the road. I'm not sure why, exactly, but that's the way it is. So, I set out to find a particular address, and I think I'm getting close. I'm looking for the 2400 block, and as I drive, I see the numbers going by... 1700... 1800.. 1900... finally, I get to 2400... but the number I'm looking for is odd, and this side of the road is even! No problem... I look at the other side of the road and am shocked to see the address is in the 4500 range!
My cushion of 45 minutes (according to the map I saw online, I only lived about five miles from the funeral home) was now down to under 30 minutes. I start going in the opposite direction looking for the home, while simultaneously calling on my cell phone for a cross street. Armed with a cross street, I now know the general location, and I still can't find it! Back and forth I drive, with no clue where the darned funeral home is.
Finally, with less than 10 minutes to the scheduled start time, I locate a small building, almost lost next door to (what appears to be) a large truck yard. Since I was relatively late, my position in the funeral procession was rather far back (first car in the third row), which concerned me because I was supposed to be a pall-bearer. In Windsor, where I'm used to going to funerals, the pall-bearers are positioned at the head of the procession (immediately behind the hearse and family vehicles), so the pall-bearers arrive early to the cemetery. Here in Toronto, it's first come, first served.
Birthday fit for a king
Despite knowing that I would be attending a funeral the next day, I had a terrific birthday. In truth, I've been looking forward to this day for quite some time, having on several occasions put off the decision to upgrade my computer in hopes that I would be able to do so on my birthday. My wife came to Toronto for the weekend, and we headed off early Saturday morning to shop for computers.
I thought I knew what I wanted, having just spent a considerable amount of time "window shopping" and perusing newspaper flyers. With Intel recently announcing a new chip set, some of the local dealers were beginning to offer fairly substantial discounts on their current stock.
I shopped the way I always do... trying to find a good blend of performance and price. On this occasion, it meant looking at the 2.4GHz P4's instead of looking for more horsepower. I don't play games, so any additional speed would be money wasted. It happened that MDG was running an end-of-month special, offering "free" upgrades of memory and disk capacity. The deal was: buy a 512MB RAM / 80 GB hard drive system, and they would upgrade it to 1000MB RAM, 120GB drive at no additional charge.
They also offered a Lexmark X74 multi-function printer free (after rebate).
So, with a couple of upgrades (like a drool 17" LCD monitor and DVD drive) on the basic package, I went home a happy camper.
I was on cloud nine most of the remainder of the day, but I still managed to remember that my lovely wife had made the trip to Toronto, and I managed to tear myself away from the new toy long enough to have a very enjoyable time with her.
Despite knowing that I would be attending a funeral the next day, I had a terrific birthday. In truth, I've been looking forward to this day for quite some time, having on several occasions put off the decision to upgrade my computer in hopes that I would be able to do so on my birthday. My wife came to Toronto for the weekend, and we headed off early Saturday morning to shop for computers.
I thought I knew what I wanted, having just spent a considerable amount of time "window shopping" and perusing newspaper flyers. With Intel recently announcing a new chip set, some of the local dealers were beginning to offer fairly substantial discounts on their current stock.
I shopped the way I always do... trying to find a good blend of performance and price. On this occasion, it meant looking at the 2.4GHz P4's instead of looking for more horsepower. I don't play games, so any additional speed would be money wasted. It happened that MDG was running an end-of-month special, offering "free" upgrades of memory and disk capacity. The deal was: buy a 512MB RAM / 80 GB hard drive system, and they would upgrade it to 1000MB RAM, 120GB drive at no additional charge.
They also offered a Lexmark X74 multi-function printer free (after rebate).
So, with a couple of upgrades (like a drool 17" LCD monitor and DVD drive) on the basic package, I went home a happy camper.
I was on cloud nine most of the remainder of the day, but I still managed to remember that my lovely wife had made the trip to Toronto, and I managed to tear myself away from the new toy long enough to have a very enjoyable time with her.
Playing catch up
It's been an eventful several days. If I were to do my usual thing, I'd have this really long post discussing everything that's happened since my birthday. It's times like this I wish I had the patience (and blogging tool) to do one of those "more" entries (you know the kind - where you click a link to see the whole story).
In this case, I think I'll cover each topic in a separate post.
It's been an eventful several days. If I were to do my usual thing, I'd have this really long post discussing everything that's happened since my birthday. It's times like this I wish I had the patience (and blogging tool) to do one of those "more" entries (you know the kind - where you click a link to see the whole story).
In this case, I think I'll cover each topic in a separate post.