Resistance is Futile

Long ago, I resisted from getting a cellphone because I thought it was cooler not to have one. I found solace in the sweet irony of being a tech person in my career and yet a Luddite at home. e.g. To this day, I have never owned a printer.

This blog has featured rants about Facebook and Twitter in the past, but I have to say: resistance is futile. They are both charming sites and, IMHO, enrich one's experience with friends. They seem different from old chat-rooms where one can have a total, weird online existence without ever meeting anyone.

Case in point: I have played a word game called PathWords on Facebook. Due to some dexterity, I have done somewhat better on it than some of my friends. At a recent party, people came up to me and asked me how I achieved the scores I was getting. (Hint: click on the starting letter, sweep through the word, and then release the mouse. It's fluid and fast.)

The point is that the game is an immediate icebreaker. Pretty cool.

Both sites might be fads and part of me still wants to shower with industrial soap after using them, but highly recommended. Especially to the Luddites out there who are holding out: you know who you are! (Including you, Mr BPL !)

Running with the Songsmith

I've sent this out to some people but it is too good not to share, particularly if you like hard rock from the 1980s.

The setup: Microsoft has a research product that generates cheesy background music to a recording of your voice, in key. Here is a lame video of it.

The gag: Someone pulled the audio from a hard rock song to see what it would be like with a real singer, or in this case, David Lee Roth. It is pretty funny (click here).

Bandit

From the "Sometimes you need a smile" Department:

Long-time readers will know that I am a cat person, not a dog person. I am usually neutral on dogs. Negative neighbours aside, I tend to not relate to "dog people" (general animal lovers are a different story).

E.g. I have a small comic bit of how if I say I need to leave work to practice piano, my ethic is questioned; if someone else says that they have to go home and let out their dog, then people will call for a police escort. For God's sake, make way! A dog has been holding it for hours!

However, there are some dogs that give one startling, serious pause: e.g. Brawley, a Sheltie from my youth. And now, Bandit, a puppy recently purchased by a friend. Bandit is a Havanese. Particularly as puppies, these dogs are the distilled essence of dog goodness and gregariousness. I still remember Rocky, a bike-shop resident (also a Havanese pup) that witnessed my purchase of my bike, Blackbird. These dogs are adorable.

N.B. This pic is not a pro photo: it is really just a coworker's pic of Bandit. I told him I would post it some time ago.

Update on JimG

Recall from a previous post that my arch-rival, the nefarious JimG, suffered a serious motorcycle accident that resulted in broken bones and a concussion.

The news is that he is back to work, which is a very good thing. He is in physical therapy and I'm guessing his triathlon future is on hold, but all things considered, he'll take it.

I hope to have lunch with him later this week.

CC

Tri League 2008

Well, it wasn't a gold medal but I came in 4th in my local triathlon league! (click here)

This is easily the best I've achieved in the standings, and I've won a gift card and other schwag from FleetFeet.

Part of the story this year is that I was one of the few to complete the maximum of 6 events. Actually, within those that did complete 6 events, I'm last... But I'll take it.

We win ! We WIN !

Canada has won its 5th straight gold medal at the hockey World Juniors!

This is a great achievement, given thrilling games against the US and Russia, who would absolutely love to take us out. We were down 3-0 against the US, only to comeback 7-4. Russia led 5-4 until Canada scored in the final seconds, and the Canucks went on to win a shootout.

Tonight, we rolled over Sweden 5-1.

And again, all is right with the world of sport. I am so happy for those lads.

New Blog on the Block

There is a new blog on the block: introducing Pedaling PEI.

The author is unclear, but consider this: do you know anyone on PEI who bicycles for tremendous distance, and has been doing so for years. i.e. Perhaps he is near retirement age by now.

At risk of giving it away entirely, there will probably be a lot of weather-related photos on there as well. Check out the blog for the recent dump of 50 cm (20 in) of snow.

Hello 2009

A quick post.... I have been back in StL but super-busy with work and various social stuff.

The trip home was great, if somewhat chaotic. I saw most everyone with a few exceptions, which are regrettable and entirely my fault.

The travel was pretty wild, and yet it could have been much worse. e.g. The Maritimes is currently being hammered with a wicked storm. If I had been there circa Dec 31, I would still be there, I imagine.

Many readers have asked for a review of 2008 and for predictions on 2009. After all, this blog serves as a moral compass for many. The crown rests uneasily here, as I haven't had time to consolidate a lot of my award-winning thoughts. More to come?

There have been many joys and sorrows among my friends lately. One piece of sad news is over at Geography. I invite you to read and send along a prayer and positive energy.

Hello from Avondale

Dear Readers,

This post is being written under strict orders from Vic Central, on his 42 inch LCD TV.

Normally, I would not endorse such an involuntary exercise, but I have just enjoyed a good meal (and nap, and entertainment) here at home base, in Avondale, PEI.

Bonus! In semi-related news, I am happy to announce that the Douses will soon be renting a cottage here on PEI. It is on a lovely 2-acre lot in the popular Poplar Point, PEI. Check out all the details over at this site.

Vic has told me that I have satisfied the requirements of my visit, and that I can continue to enjoy my evening, wearing Dad's sweat pants, part of my new Air Canada Collection of men's fashion.

under duress,
CC

Ode to Montreal

Dear Montreal Airport,

Yet again, you disappoint me by exacerbating a long trip with miserable delays and cancellation chaos. Your city gets feet upon feet of snow, handling it with an army of men and machines, and yet you shutdown as though you are Orlando, and shocked by snow.

You have caused much trouble, impacting Christmases, weddings, family, and friends.

All I ask is one more trip on Dec 30. I have sworn off winter travel through your doors in the past, but this time it is real. Trains, buses, everything is on the table. In 2009 and beyond, I will not darken your winter doormat again, so help me God.

sincerely
C.C.

ps. Readers, I am home on PEI ! I'm also in bed sleeping.

Big Day

Today is not only my father's birthday but also his last day at work; he is retiring, after 25+ years of dealing with vehicle regulations and registrations.

In 1980, he shifted from one career into another. Given retirement packages for gov't employees, this was probably a good move compared to alternatives. I was young back then, but I realize now what it must have been like to make a big shift.

Congrats, Dad! Sleep in as late as you want tomorrow (which for Dad will be 6:30 am).

Call for ideas

A friend is starting a meme (aka fad) of posting favourite holiday recipes on one's blog.

I'm going to post Mom's rhubarb dessert but I want a good name for it.

Islanders and other readers, step up and help me out! Here are some ideas:

• Audrey's Rhubarb Dessert (my Mom's name)
  
• Island Rhubarb Dessert
• Abegweit Rhubarb Dessert (Abegweit is a native Canadian word)
• Old Abby's Rhubarb Dessert (Abby is short for above)
  
• Red Rock Rhubarb
  

Some of those are lame..... but you see the idea

CC

Thinking of Jim G

I just received vmail from my arch-rival, Jim G: he has been in the hospital for several days following a serious motorbike accident.

He bought a bike this summer and (at the insistence of me and others) took a safety class. I don't know what happened.

I know he is conscious and he said he will be ok in an abbreviated conversation. But there are broken bones, a concussion, and a bunch of other stuff.

I'm in shock. We were supposed to do a team run on Sunday morning and I had been vaguely wondering why his email was so silent.

Naturally, both Jim and his family are in my prayers.

Political Fireworks

Wow, things are heating up back home with some serious politics.

I don't have time to really write a recap, but essentially the Queen's representative, the quiet, ceremonial office of the Governor General, may receive a petition from a coalition of opposition leaders to form a new gov't. This is an exotic tactic, designed to go around PM Harper and bring down his
leadership. Interestingly, the PM recommends the GG to the Queen for appointment (former PM Paul Martin recommended Michaëlle Jean in 2005).

Get it? (Yes, it is much different than US politics)

This is all predicated on the minority status of Harper's Conservatives. Recall that this blog informed CC readers (in the comments) that this was the 3rd minority gov't in a row, and that it would ensure a new election in 1-2 years. That said, I don't think anyone saw this coming.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends down here in the USA !

In related news, the Macy Parade was just catapulted into the 21st century with a wonderful "Rick Roll" by the Cartoon Network (click here). This is brilliant.

(To be "Rick Rolled" is to be duped into visiting a web page only to find it is a video clip of a cheesy 1980s song, Never Gonna Give You Up, by Rick Astley. This may be the first in-person version and shows that both the Cartoon Network and Rick have a sense of humour.)

The Shop

This weekend, some people and I ran into a lovely store in the CWE in St Louis.

Simply called The Shop, the store offers a nice variety of scarves and knit hats, mittens, etc. The owners were really nice and offered us chocolates and wine even though we didn't buy anything. I told them I would tout their store on my blog as thanks.

It is at McPherson and Euclid, next to the old Balban's (which is now Herbie's). Check it out for some great holiday gift ideas.... Note that they are a transient, seasonal store so this post is time sensitive! They will be gone in Jan 09.

CC

Draft Beer Party

With all the election hoopla this autumn, I was reminded of a situation in Grade 4.

As I told friends, my Grade 4 French/homeroom teacher started a political party, and ran in the PEI provincial election circa 1979. It was called the "Draft Beer Party". Now, I have no idea if this was a protest movement, an ironic commentary on western culture, or a way for him to meet women; as kids, we just thought it was cool.

I remember wearing a button for the DBP (probably one of the few dozens printed) on election night. I wondered to my father if he might win -- with 40% of the polls reporting, he was at 69 votes. My dad commented that he was surprised he got any votes at all.

This is a nice backstory but the real point of this blog post is that, on a whim, I looked up the short-lived, beloved Draft Beer Party on Google.

Get this: there is a Wikipedia entry for it (click here).

Wow. Perhaps it was written by Mr Campbell himself.

ps. A final thought: many CC readers try to probe the psyche and influences of someone who famously prints slogans on trite media and then poses in public, in a vain attempt to achieve noteriety. To those readers, I say: take note, and thank Mr C.

CC Version 4.0 (beta)

This week, I took one step closer to CC Version 4.0 (i.e. a birthday). Not there yet though.

It has been a good birthday 'season' good times with special people, good food, and really enjoying a film festival that occurs each November here in StL.

There is much introspection as well. Who do I want to be? What is my moral obligation to my family (in terms of proximity)? How long will the American experiment last? (It is going very well but I am increasingly losing touch with my homeland. I have spent 25% of my life in the US.)

To quote Rush, "if you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice". Yikes. Thanks, Neil.

More heaviness later... For now, I'm celebrating version 3.0 which worked out pretty well. When I was 30, I had never completed a triathon or played the piano. I hadn't seen Europe or Hawaii. Despite major academic success (at a monstrous time investment), I hadn't really done much with my career.
(I'm certainly not done on that front, but there have been some wins.) And I was fairly lonely in a town without many friends. (I have since found wonderful people in StLouis.)

so.... what's next?

Twitter

I don't like e-fads. I resisted Facebook for a long time and also Twitter. Now, I'm on both.

For the uninitiated, Twitter is a micro-blogging site where one just updates their status. It is like an offline IM site, where you follow friends and they follow you. It is useful for employees in remote offices, for groups attending conferences, and for anyone who wants more PR. The name comes from the analogy of birds chit-chatting to each other in the trees.

For me, the PR potential broke my resolve: so my tech blog is on there now (click here). This is my technical 'persona' so the updates will mostly be career based. My friends are more than welcome to follow me; I may or may not follow you. I'm less likely to do so if you are a frequent 'tweeter' as I find the whole thing a bit distracting at work.

Right now, I try to 'tweet' once a day. I peak at work but don't tweet.

Some CC devotees may remember the famed "micro posts" on this very blog, as started some time ago. This was somewhat inspired by an early article on Twitter. Or possibly an older, prototypical service -- I wouldn't be surprised if Twitter ripped me off! It would bother lesser bloggers but at the apex of the vanguard, it is our burden at CC to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous imitation.

He's Gone

I have confirmation that my upstairs neighbour has moved!

Rejoice!