Dog Flees Stoning Order

This is one of those stories that boggles the imagination. In a country that is not backward, and is considered the birth of monotheism, it pains me to believe that sane men can have such insane thoughts.

Here is a story that appeared in several newspapers across the globe, including the paper in my home town:

June 19, 2011

A Jerusalem rabbinical court condemned to death by stoning a dog it suspects is the reincarnation of a secular lawyer who insulted the court's judges 20 years ago, Ynet website reported Friday.

According to Ynet, the large dog made its way into the Monetary Affairs Court in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighbourhood of Mea Shearim in Jerusalem, frightening judges and plaintiffs.

Despite attempts to drive the dog out of the court, the hound refused to leave the premises.

One of the sitting judges then recalled a curse the court had passed down upon a secular lawyer who had insulted the judges two decades previously.

Their preferred divine retribution was for the lawyer's spirit to move into the body of a dog, an animal considered impure by traditional Judaism.

Clearly still offended, one of the judges sentenced the animal to death by stoning by local children. The canine target, however, managed to escape.

Let the Animals Live, an animal-welfare organization, filed a complaint with the police against the head of the court, Rabbi Avraham Dov Levin.

Followup appointment goes well - I'm back on the road!

I took the train to London on Thursday, June 23rd to see my surgeon for a followup appointment. My vision is good, though apparently my muscle memory is so strong, my body is actually fighting to retain my lazy eye condition, rather than allowing the corrected condition to become stable. The doctor has prescribed some eye exercises that should speed up my recovery and help ensure an optimal result.

Basically, the doctor wants me to take a pen and focus on the nib. She then wants me to draw the pen progressively closer to my nose, so that my eyes have to go "cross-eyed" to keep focused. This tendency to force the eyes "inward" should help me retain better instinctive focus. She wants me to do this exercise for a full FIVE MINUTES every morning right after waking up. Frankly, I can think of a couple of things I'd rather be doing immediately after waking up, so I'll have to work on that.

As far as vision goes, my eyes are both working acceptably well. While the left eye is still a bit blurry, it's well within the allowable parameters for post-surgical expectations. I have been cleared to drive my car. My next followup in London will be in late August.

Today, I wanted to try to get to my optometrist to pick up my new prescription (which was written in February, a few months before the surgery was even scheduled), but it looks like it will have to wait for a few more days. My schedule is just too busy.

Can't wait for the followup appointment...

News flash - going without a car really sucks! Although my concerns about not being able to service my clients during my recovery seemed to have been a non-issue (the clients who know me and want me have been willing to provide transportation), there is, nevertheless, a feeling of powerlessness when you can't just hop in your car and take off!

Over the past couple of days, I've been having concerns that my post-op recovery is not going as well as it should. The doctors don't seem to think that my current condition is anything to worry about, but when it comes to a person's vision, I think worrying is not that bad.

I took (gruesome) pictures of my eyeball that lead me to believe I'm not doing well, but I will bide my time until Thursday and hope that when my surgeon does the followup appointment, she won't say something like "why didn't you call us earlier?"

Surgery was a complete success!

While I have been told it will take between 4-6 weeks for my corrected vision to be completely free of blurriness, I can say with certainty that only hours after the surgery, I already have more control over my lazy eye than I have had for as long as I can remember.

Before the surgery, if I closed my eyes and relaxed, then opened them, my left eye would be completely to the left of the eye socket; and the two different images were BOTH being processed by my brain. It made for some confusing (and amusing) effects - like being able to see things happening to my left without moving my head or particularly concentrating on them. Unfortunately, it also meant that while driving, traffic in my adjacent lane sometimes appeared to be coming directly at me.

All that is gone now - history. Since the operation, when I look at something, I see it with both eyes - the way it was always meant to be. I now have much improved depth perception, and I can't wait until I get official clearance to drive again.

Surgery is back in play

So, I got the call, and my surgery is on again; scheduled for June 15th. We'll see how it goes this time :)

Neato is Neato!

I LIKE IT!

Watch the first few minutes of its maiden voyage:

Happy Birthday to me!

Yesterday was my birthday. I got lovely and thoughtful gifts from my wife and son, phone calls and cards from various family and friends, and a day much to myself, with only a single service call to detract from total relaxation.

Today, I received more "gifts". First, for those familiar with my geek status, you'll know I have several robotic vacuum cleaners (Roombas) in various areas of the house. For the past few months, I've had my eye on a competitor's model - one that promises to do a better job in a fraction of the time. A few days ago, I broke down and ordered it (they even took one of my old Roombas in partial trade), and today it arrived!

I'm trying to exercise patience as it sits on its charging base, but I'm really anxious to use it myself.

The other "gift" I received today is news from the surgeon who broke her arm a month ago. It seems she's up and around, and I received a call today to reschedule my surgery. It should take place two weeks from today! I'm a bit nervous, but otherwise looking forward to the results.

That's it for now. I've got to run and watch my Neato charge...

A call from mom

When the phone rang, I saw from the caller ID that it was my mother - calling from her Assisted Living facility in another city. I'm usually hesitant to answer calls from my mom... her dementia being sufficiently progressed to the point where conversations are nonsensical, but not in an amusing way.

Still, I thought that she might be calling to wish me a happy birthday, so I answered.

I was wrong.

After ranting for nearly twenty minutes about her care (or lack of it) and a host of imaginary slights, she finally paused long enough for me to say "Hi", and "I thought you were calling to wish me a happy birthday."

She followed with a half-hearted "Happy birthday" before continuing with her rant.

The sad part of this story is that she's at a stage where she would respond really well to a particular medication. However, this medication takes the form of a distinctive capsule - and the one thing my mother still recognizes are her usual medications. Try to give her any pill she doesn't recognize, and she refuses to take it. She doesn't trust doctors (probably because of the medical foul-ups that ultimately contributed to the premature death of my father). While I share her disdain for certain doctors and hospitals, I wish she would allow us to make her life more enjoyable and her mental health more stable.

Sisterly Love

My birthday is just around the corner. In honour of my birthday, my sister Linda decided to sponsor a "kiddush" after the upcoming week's synagogue service.

She had intended to surprise me with this kiddush, but I guess she didn't realize that I'm the webmaster of the synagogue's website, and all requests for kiddushes come across my desk so they can be included on our website's honour roll!

Despite her disappointment, I was still surprised (and grateful) to realize how thoughtful it was for her to make a donation to my synagogue on my behalf. In addition to all that, she also sent me a personal gift, enabling me to enjoy a birthday dinner with my wife.

Seeking a clear vision

My last eye exam was in February. Since then, I've been trying to get a pair of glasses. The first attempt ended prematurely when the optician called with news that the lab had cut my lenses to the wrong size, and they were too small for my chosen frame.

Next, after a wait of more than two weeks, I got a pair that had the grinding done to the wrong part of the lens. I would have had to walk around with my chin buried in my chest to be able to see through the focus point in the lenses.

Nearly a month passed before the next pair were ready, and I had high hopes for a perfect fit. While my right eye was correctly accommodated, the left eye's vision left much to be desired. I instantly felt very dizzy - to the point of nearly bringing up my lunch - and the optician suggested I may want to go for a vision re-test to confirm the prescription.

So, yesterday, I went for the re-test and was told that the original prescription was correct. This time, my optometrist wrote a note on the back of the prescription form, hoping to help the optician choose the correct "base curve" for my needs.

I've been told that this time, the glasses will be completely manufactured at the main lab, rather than having the lenses cut and transferred back to the local office for final grinding and polishing. Here's hoping these finally do the trick.

I survived!

Well, sort of. Surgery was scheduled for 9:00AM, and I checked into the hospital at 7:00. Things went smoothly during preparation (although they had to try twice to get an IV line in me), and I was wheeled into the O.R. a few minutes before 9:00AM.

I got to see the surgeon before being put to sleep... and then I remember waking up.

The surgeon was standing over me, crying! Then I found out that she had slipped on something in the operating room, fallen down, and broken her arm! Thank goodness she fell before starting to cut! Her tears were tears of pain - I don't know if she had already been to the doctor to have her arm set (I was too groggy, and without my glasses, so I can't recall seeing a cast or sling) - but I think she also felt sorry for me. She was so apologetic.

After all the preparation, and my wife having to use a vacation day on very short notice to accompany me to an out-of-town surgery, nothing happened. The surgery has been postponed indefinitely.

Surgery Required

I've had a weak eye for as long as I can remember. Unless I concentrate, it tends to drift off to the side. It makes it pretty hard to focus on small print. Driving is also a pain, since my brain sometimes processes two simultaneous images that can confuse me.

Monday, after years of procrastination and months of waiting for a surgical opening, I go under the knife. The plan is to loosen one eye muscle while tightening the opposite one. This should allow my eye to "naturally" drift into the centre position.

I've been told there will be double vision (of a kind my brain is not used to dealing with) that will last two weeks or more. Stitches will come out ten days after surgery, and vision should return to a "new" normal within four to six weeks.

Because of various risk factors, doctors say the general anesthetic will be more dangerous than usual, so I'm hoping there are no serious complications. But nothing is for sure.

When I post again, you'll know the surgery was successful.

A Hoi, matey!

Those who see me, know I love food. Those who know me, know I love sushi. Last Monday, my wife attended a lunch date at a restaurant near her place of work and when she got home, she told me it was a sushi restaurant. It's called Hoi.

I hadn't known there was a sushi restaurant in that vicinity. My favourite sushi place is several miles from my home and relatively expensive (but worth every penny). This one is much closer to where I live. So, on Tuesday, I stopped in for lunch to give this new place a try.

I'd rate the portion size of the maki rolls at about 80% of what I'm used to. The quality is about the same. What really tips the balance for me is the price... it's all-you-can-eat, so for about half of what I pay at my favourite place, I can gorge myself.

On that first visit, I limited my consumption to sushi and a few of the appetizers. Miso soup, fried dumplings, a salad, two spring rolls, two cans of Diet Coke (no fountain drinks at this place, and even canned refills are free!) and 36 pieces of delicious sushi (6 Maki rolls) all for under $15.00 (with tax and tip, the bill came to $20.00).

The next day, I decided to try dinner. Pricing was $6.00 more than lunch. I ate pretty much the same things; in addition to some other items such as chicken skewers, beef skewers, and chicken fried rice. With tax and tip, I paid $27.50.

Thursday, I took my wife with me for dinner, where we both feasted for $55.00 total. I've been back twice since Thursday. Hopefully, my obsession with this place will run out before my money does!

More good news


Job Reclassification

My wife learned earlier this week that her attempt to have the job reclassified was successful. What this means is an immediate and significant bump in pay (retroactive to the date when the reclassification request was made). Not only will this improve our living situation, it will also have a very positive effect on her pensionable income, since her pension will be based on her highest five years of earnings.


New Clients

When I started this latest business venture, I didn't expect my clients to have a need for my services again if I did a good job. But, I hadn't factored in that satisfied clients come to you for other services, not just repairs, once you've earned their trust. So, I've gotten used to having a relatively small, but loyal, base of repeat clients.

That's why it's particularly gratifying when my advertising and word of mouth referrals result in new business. This week has been particularly good, with two brand new clients, and a repeat client from more than two years ago needing my assistance.

Today in the news

Whether it's because of April Fool's day or not, the news lately has been nothing short of bizarre.


Gas Prices

There was an article in an online newspaper on April Fool's day that spoke about a 30-cent per litre increase in the price of gasoline. Thankfully, that turned out to be just a gag.

But four days later, it's certainly no joke that the price of gas has actually risen by 10-cents per litre. That works out to rise of 45.5 cents per imperial gallon, overnight!


Privacy Concerns

The Epsilon Corporation, responsible for much of the bulk email sent on behalf of large and respectable corporations, suffered a security breach this past weekend, resulting in the unauthorized release of client names and corresponding email addresses for many of the people in their vast data banks. Although they are quick to note that no passwords or other information was compromised, just having access to a valid list of matched names and addresses will give spammers the luxury of sending you PERSONALIZED spam or phishing emails... not just of the "Dear Customer" variety, but rather "Dear Jack"...

I have already received an apology from Best Buy - one of Epsilon's clients - advising me of this breach, and to be aware of any unauthorized emails I may receive that refer to me by name. The fallout from this breach will last for years, as those people whose email addresses will remain unchanged will continue to fall victim to phishing attempts for years to come.


Car Prices

The situation in Japan following the March 11th earthquake is starting to affect our local industry (automobiles) here in Canada. The price of fuel-efficient cars is rising across the board, partially in response to rising prices of Japanese cars (caused by the reduction in supply). That doesn't bode well for my plans to replace my older vehicle this summer.


Scams aimed at greedy currency collectors

Snake-oil salesmen are alive and well. There was a "story" that took up a full page in our local newspaper today. Consumer protection rules require that advertisements masquerading as news articles are identified appropriately; but if anyone missed the very small print disclaimer at the top of the page that identifies the "story" as an advertisement, it would seem that the US Treasury had released some rare, uncirculated $2.00 American bills for purchase by a lucky few Canadians who lived in very specific postal areas. In fact, as the story went, only people who lived in areas matching a pre-printed list of postal codes were eligible to make their purchase. From what I could see, every postal code in Canada was listed except for Manitoba and Nunavut, although there may have been one or two missing zones - I just couldn't tell. For only $58.00, you could own TWELVE, uncirculated $2.00 bills. These bills would be delivered as three sheets of four bills each. In more small print, the ad stated that the company "World Reserve Monetary Exchange" was not affiliated with the US Mint.

The image above shows the full page ad. The image below shows a portion of the ad. Note the very small print at the top, and the "very official looking" security detail, partially obscuring a crest that looks remarkably similar to "official" government crests.

As the world turns

When taken day-by-day, not much had been happening worth writing about. But, as I look over the past 30+ months of inactivity, I see there have been some significant changes.

In summary (and in no particular order) ....

The death of my grandson in June 2006 had an incredible impact on the lives of my step-daughter and her husband. Many couples report that anger and blame creep into a relationship after the death of a child, and this family was no different. In the intervening period, that marriage has been officially dissolved and there is no love lost. Both parties are now in new relationships. In the case of my step-daughter, marriage plans are underway.

My mother finally got to the point where she could no longer live alone. Last summer, she moved to an assisted living facility in a different city; where she can be closer to her grandchildren and to my sister, who is her legal guardian.

The business I started in 2006 continues to grow, albeit slowly. Back in 2009, I was honoured with an award as "Coolest Computer Tech", and I continue to reap the benefits of that positive press.

Various pets have come and gone over the past few years, but we're still a pet-friendly household, which, quite frankly, limits our options for apartments or condos as we plan to downsize within the coming year. Our most recent acquisition, a female cocker spaniel, is still in the "potty training" stage, but shows promise as a loving companion for my wife and I as well as for our other dog.

A daughter was born to my nephew and his partner nearly two years ago. They just became parents again today. Twins born this morning will make them a family of three children.

My wife, who has been working for a wonderful employer for the past four years, finally got moved to a new facility earlier this year after spending the past three years in a dilapidated building away from most of her co-workers. Now that she's joined her co-workers in the newer building, her work load has increased, and she's anxiously waiting for news of a job classification review that could see her receive a bump in pay and job classification.

My synagogue saw a change of guard, with the departure of our long-time rabbi, and the hiring of a new rabbi with lots of zest and charisma. I served as a member of the board of directors for a two year term that ended this month.

My wife and I became empty-nesters earlier this year when the last of our "children" left home. Unfortunately, my son chose the worst possible time to move to Southeast Asia, having arrived there only two days before the Japan earthquake. Add the fact that his teaching assignment was in a town very close to the North/South Korean border (where there is still a remarkably scary buildup of military presence), and the stress was too much to bear. We are no longer empty nesters!

My last post was nearly three years ago. It came on the fourth anniversary of my father's passing. What better time to resurrect this blog than on a birthday.

This morning, my nephew and his partner welcomed twins Evangeline Amanda Nova and Griffin Ezekial Lazarus into this world.

My understanding is that Ezekial was born with a cleft lip that may need to be corrected with cosmetic surgery, but other than that, both babies are healthy.

An anniversary remembered

Four years ago, I lost my father; a dear friend and good man. Though I don't cry for him and seldom think I'm missing him, I do experience something special and deep when I visit his grave site. Today, on this sombre anniversary, I visited the grave with my sister, and listened as she read two beautiful, moving poems.

On a day as beautiful as today, I wish he was here, sitting in my backyard, playing with the grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and dogs. He would have enjoyed that. Lord knows I would have too.

Who knew?

For those who don't know, I provide computer security services for a living. I cringe when I run into people who insist on using Internet Explorer because it's conveniently bundled with their new PC - and I do the best I can to convince them to go with Firefox. No browser is perfect, but I certainly have more faith in that choice.

Anyway, this morning, I was trying to get my wife converted to Firefox. It was only when I told her how much faster the browser was that she relented and gave permission for it to be installed on her PC.

After it was installed, and IE favourites had been converted to Firefox bookmarks, I tried to load her standard homepage - a customized iGoogle page with various gadgets. Everything worked properly except for one gadget, a pretty flash presentation of an aquarium. Even after downloading and installing the latest flash plug-in for Firefox, the video would not play.

Finally, I right-clicked in the empty black box and viewed the properties. I was absolutely shocked to see the flash plug-in on Firefox asking for permission to connect to the laptop's webcam and microphone. I have no idea how long my wife had been using the aquarium under IE, but suffice to say it is no longer installed on her iGoogle page.

Score yet another victory for Firefox's superior security.

Mother's Day comes and goes

Mother's Day this year was pretty decent. We had a family lunch at my sister-in-law's home, and the company was pleasant. Perhaps the only sour note to the weekend (though not the actual day itself) came when I discovered that I had lost my hard-to-replace sunglasses.

I've begun to retrace my steps from the weekend, though I don't hold out much hope of finding them. It's a real bummer, because they were manufactured as a matched pair for my glasses and I really have a difficult time driving in daylight without them.

On another front, we're nearly completed with renovations to our home. This set of renovations was my big "mother's day gift" to my wife. She's been wanting to do it for quite some time, but I had resisted until this month. By the end of this coming week, the renovations should be completed.