Vancouver Special: Blog

Translink Sucks

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 01:41:51 GMT

Okay, this was a really good day for me - so might expect that my first blog entry in MONTHS is going to be about that. Well, bad news: it's not. Today it's about the Lower Mainland transit system, run by Translink.

In the past few months of winter, I have seen so many Skytrain distruptions that this last one has me completely at my witt's end.

What happened? As I entered Granville station today at 4pm, I was greeted with an announcement that, due to a power issue, the line between Metrotown and Edmonds was shut down, so the line would terminate at Metrotown. That's no big deal to me, so I kept walking.

The eastbound train was full. No, not usual full, but "I've been here for 15 minutes and starting to be claustrophobic" full. The only time I saw worse was on the first snowfall, when people would not even clear the doors.

Keep in mind here, that I have taken my car on three days this year to avoid having to deal with the Skytrain being overtaxed. That's $12 per day! I also took cabs twice due to interuptions (such as the first snowfall), which cost about the same amount.

I've lost my track now. (har har). I realised that today was really the first realization that passengers are getting used to it! Everyone avoided crowding the doors, foots were avoided and those who wanted to get off, did. A spot became available during the 10 minute wait at Granville where I was allowed to enter the train. I had let the first spot go to an older Chinese lady - not because I was trying to be nice (don't want to sound like I'm bragging here) but because she appeared to want to get on more.

Anyways, during the eventual trip to Broadway station, which proceeded smoothly and without any pushing, one lady from Maple Ridge told a small group of us a story of how she used to pay $45/day to bring her whole family into the city on the West Coast Express. Now, she HAS to drive to the end of the Skytrain line because it is cheaper. I suggested that she could buy a house in the city for the extra money and she told me about her massive two lot plot. Hmmm... $45x20... what does another $900/month add to your maximum mortgage amount? I bet she could get a comfortable space between Rupert and Renfrew close to the B-Line.

A second lady got off the train with me at Commercial and phoned her partner to say she was meeting another friend to go for dinner due to the Skytrain delay and would see him later on. Oh yea, I remember doing that myself one time when I was caught in North Van by a blocked Lions Gate Bridge. That was in a car though - and so much of a waste of fuel!

What's the point to this rant?

Vancouver is going to grow like mad for the next 20 years (at least) no matter how much people try to force business suburbanisation onto the Lower Mainland, the city core will still be the hub of commerce. Our system is well designed, but requires a minimum doubling in capacity by whatever means necessary (can we vertically twin the lines? I suppose making another new generation of trains that push the boundaries. Can we have asyemetrical trains?). While you're running the new lines, add power redundancy for both lines and new generators.

Where does this money come from? Well, if people are used to paying $900 a month to commute, increase the pass prices. But, keep the company fare packages at the same price, so there is a real benefit ($9/month?? are you kidding?) to committing to a year of service.

I sure don't appreciate commiting to it at its current level.

And to start talking about how the Lions Gate Bridge is a joke because no NDP get voted into West Van... that's a different story.

Wow.. I'm back :) I'll try to get back into this writing groove!

Where I work...

Sun, 05 Nov 2006 17:32:17 GMT

I've always loved building custom computers and optimizing my operating systems, so when I went for a tech interview and was asked if I wanted to be in their sales force instead, I was a little hesitant.

For Shortline, my role was half-tech half-sales and support. Therefore, I had five years of experience doing something I never thought too highly off - but was moderately okay at it. I did not like trying to cold-call up business, or pushing customers to buying things that I didn't think they needed. Well, call me an ethical salesman.

I talked with a few of my friends, and they all supported the idea, so I decided to give it a try.

Now, I sit in front of a computer, on the 14th floor of an office tower, talking to people on the phone all day. I call them to remind them to pay their yearly maintenance fee. I call them to ask them to buy the software we sell. In fact, I make about 30 calls a day - including COLD CALLS.

The question is: Why can I do it now?

The answer is two things:

1. I changed my attitude about calling, like I did about public speaking when I started teaching.

2. I think the software is AWESOME!

So, what is this software that is so great? I've been working on computers for 26 years and when I found out about it I thought, "Why the hell didn't I hear about his before???"

The program is called Deep Freeze, which does "reboot to restore." What does this mean? It means that you set up your machine exactly the way you want it, then "FREEZE" it. Now, you can use the machine, doing whatever, BUT when you reboot, it goes back to the original state you froze it at. Any changes to the frozen space are gone! Why is this cool? Get a virus... reboot and it's gone. Deleted the registry? Reboot and it's back. Delete Windows? Reboot! Yep, it DOES work.

If you want to install software, you can temporarily "THAW" the drive, install, then freeze again and you're on your way. Of course, you can even install to the frozen drive to test the software first... if you like it, reinstall in thawed. If you don't, then reboot and it's 100% gone.

You can get a 60 day evaluation at www.faronics.com . If you're a friend of mine and like it, let me know and I can get you a friends and family discount. If you don't know me, don't bother to ask :)

REMEMBER: There is NO way to get your password back if you forget it (Except expiring the evaluation edition by going into the bios and moving your clock ahead), so be sure to back up your important data.

NEVER HAVE TO REINSTALL YOUR COMPUTER. What???? YUP.

Still Doing Breakfast...

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:08:08 GMT

Yes, it's still happening -- Sunday Drive breakfast parties! These days, we go to Stella's.

Saturday was my birthday, so Sunday was hangover recovery day at Stella's. It was great to have some new faces - Kevin, my cousin from Winnipeg (sorry for telling) and olden days friend Erin with her daughter Raina and another Drive local, Christina. Erin will be heading back to Japan in the near future, but hopefully we'll see more of Christina (who has no excuse).

Link & Em and Simon & Aline couldn't make it because the ladies were selling Girl Guide cookies (???) but I hear they'll be out next weekend.

Remember, it's 11am EVERY Sunday - and I'll post here if we are going to move the location. If you read this, you're invited!

Yummy, expensive food

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:21:07 GMT

Apparently, the Trout Laker Farmer's Market has been going on every weekend, all summer, but this is the first time that I have heard of it. It should be going on next weekend too, so if you see anything you like... check it out! My favourite: cheese curds!

Can you find the Government MP in the photos? Email me and win a prize :)

El Dorado

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:56:22 GMT

Did you know that the El Dorado, the classic biker bar at Nanaimo and Kingsway, is being replaced by apartment towers?

That may not be too disappointing, unless you know the details.

1. There will be TWO towers

2. The first tower will be 22 stories tall, and the second will be 15.

These will be the twin towers of an area where most of the buildings are a maximum of 3 or 4 stories tall!

Well, it won't change my area directly, but I can imagine it will change the view of many others...

Also, did you know that Wal Mart re-petitioned to put a store in South Vancouver, and this time it was approved? Yuck.

Weekend on The Island

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 18:50:25 GMT

Alex got married this weekend!

Ray, Raine, Kat, Arran and I went to Vancouver Island for the event, which was attended by the usual suspects. It was hosted at Alex's brother, Jason's, farm. Thanks for the food and entertainment, I had a great time.

We also hit a cool restaurant in Victoria TWICE, which I am in love it. It reminds me of home :)

Don't mind the shitty quality of pictures.. I took a TON of them with Paulo's wife Paulina's SLR camera, so hopefully I can get them shortly to post.

Why Downloading is Okay

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 15:50:42 GMT

If you've ever had the notion that buying a CD is supporting the artist, and no stealing.. it's time you started reading the blog of the industry's biggest critic.. Bob Leftsetz... He has had a "newsletter" (that what the used to be called in the old days before blogs) for the past 20 years, but now he does regular posting on line at http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php

Sometimes he writes about other stuff in his life (like skiing) but don't get lost in that, look back into his archives and you'll be sure to find out plenty.

Is downloading stealing? Well, are the music industry business managers stealing from the artist revenues when they sell CD's?

Buy a T-Shirt. Go to a live show. Then, you will be supporting the artists.

Weekend in West Van

Sun, 27 Aug 2006 16:29:22 GMT

Finally, activity! Over the past few days, the company I work for had their employee .. events? I don't know exactly what to call it, but on Thursday we all went out for dinner. On Friday, we played Golf (I haven't played in 20 years.. phew...) On Saturday, we had a get together and dinner at the owner's place - and all of the events were awesome! Sorry, this was all in WEST Vancouver though, which is nowhere near EAST Vancouver!

Cynical about being Cynical

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 00:34:41 GMT

You Are 72% Cynical

You're a full blown cynic... and probably even skeptical of these results.
You have your optimistic moments, but most likely you keep them to yourself.

How Cynical Are You?

So, is this a good thing or a bad thing?

House Sitting

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 15:34:50 GMT

In The House has another show.. in a house.. this time it is "folk music with a West Coast flair." I have no idea what that means. Has anyone attended one of these events yet? I'd like to hear your comments about them!

In The House

Because I call other peoples' blogs stale...

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 16:33:33 GMT

This year, I missed the Lantern Festival! For those of you wondering where the heck my usual collection of pictures went - there was a slight hitch. I do actually have some, but they are from the pre-festival party at Link and Em's place. I haven't even taken them off the camera yet! In fact, I completely forgot about them until right now. I'll get them up tout de suite ;)

So, why did I not go? Well, there are two reasons behind this:

1. I am now doing a blog for work, on VOX (gasp! sacriledge!). This is not particularly content you would be interested in reading, IMHO, but if you want to check it out anyways, it's at http://seanthelinguist.vox.com/ . Get it? No? Then forget it :)

2. ANOTHER blog, but this one is for a new family member. Yup, I've got a baby boy now. He is cute as a button but "trouble with a capital T." He takes after me completely. You can visit his site at http://www.sibbet.com/

So, my blogosphere (?) has moved from one to three sites, plus having a baby around means less roving around through the bars and streets of East Vancouver. That said, I will get my butt back in gear soon enough.

In the meantime, download some free classical literature from http://www.gutenberg.org/

Saving me the time...

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 18:36:41 GMT

I was looking for a menu for Ho Ho Fast Food and came across a site for restaurant reviews... It just so happens that there is a page for Commercial Drive!

http://www.dinehere.ca/results.asp?l=5

Enjoy!

RIP?

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 22:39:47 GMT

"Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated!"

In fact, yes, I am still alive in spite of not posting here for 9 days. That's what happens when I don't get out anywhere on the weekend. I know there are the In The House gigs coming up this weekend, but I have no idea if I'll get there or not.

Anyways, you should be out enjoying this insanely beautiful weather, or taking in a movie at the new Rio theatre.

I can't say I haven't been on the computer all the time, but I've been wasting my life reading about the new middle east media extravaganza.. or is that called War? Yea, that's right...

At The Gathering

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 22:38:43 GMT

In The House has just announced another show - this time it's African Music. Here's a direct link:

Padare

Shotgun Hippies @ Cafe Deux Soleils

Sat, 15 Jul 2006 06:29:06 GMT

Long time friends Ray, Kinji and Kevin play together in a band, "Shotgun Hippies." Tonight, they played at Cafe Deux Soleils on The Drive, which is about ..um... 1 block.. from my place, so I had no excuse but to go! Kevin also has his main project (he's the drummer), Applekore, which did a cool cover-medley including some classic Pink Floyd. Yet another reason to hang out on Commercial Drive on Friday night!

The Luminaries Commeth

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 23:45:12 GMT

For those of you have not prepared yet, the Lantern Festival at Trout Lake is being held on the 29th of July this year. Come early, stay late. If you haven't been before - this is more fun than the Symphony of Fire! (who needs those silly fireworks anyways har har)

World Cup Crazy

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 02:10:43 GMT

Here's my first YouTube video! The quality is so-so, as I took it with my still camera... Crazy Italians!

Fifa Commercial

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 22:47:46 GMT

Commercial Drive is the "little Italy" of Vancouver, so when Italy took the World Cup today, it was mayhem. Of course, I had to go out and take a look. Enjoy the photos!

Congratulations Italy!

Three Stars Today!

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 04:13:22 GMT

Video blogging is the new thing?

Sigh... text blogging is soooo LAST MONTH!

It makes me think about the transition from radio to black and white TV, and then to colour TV. Each of these "quantum leaps" in entertainment resulted in many years of the new medium's dominance. Now, a new technology arrives, courtesy of the Internet, every few days.

Are you on Skype and wish you could do long distance worldwide for free? No problem, there's something to do that (forget it, you find it). There's a new "3D immersive world" that promises to be the next big thing, every six months. Guess what? They are all garbage. I can spend days playing Sims, but 5 minutes dealing with "real" people is exhausting. It's like being locked in a cage of screaming monkies - everyone trying to make their voice heard.

How can I make my voice heard? Do I really want it to be?

Harbour Cruises

Sat, 08 Jul 2006 23:59:46 GMT

A sunny summer in Vancouver is not complete without a boat cruise! There are some that travel around the harbour, but this trip with www.boatcruises.com instead ran from Coal Harbour to the end of Indian Arm. The four hour trip, at about $63 per person, included a wonderous salmon lunch and cheap bar!

The boat and crew were top notch - I'd recommend this to anyone interested in taking a short cruise.

I've been on a night cruise before, where everyone gets hammered. This one was more fun for the simple reason that you can see all the beautiful mountains, houses and waterfall!

But boy, am I beat now. Gotta take a nap from that heat!

Masala Sunset

Sat, 08 Jul 2006 23:14:13 GMT

Myriam, of www.inthehousefestival.com , emailed me this morning with info on a new event she is putting on in association with Beats Without Borders, called "Masala Sunset." It's "a gorgeous evening of Indian food and music, followed by an exciting night of dancing to some funky world beats."

Dinner and show is $25 or $15 for just the show. Tickets are available at Highlife Records at 1317 Commercial Drive or on the website listed above.

Good luck Myriam! Maybe this time I'll make it there.

Also, new update will be coming when I sort through the 250 photos I took today of a boat cruise up to Indian Arm....

Flickrin' Dixie

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 16:32:40 GMT

I've started a Flickr group for myself, since it allows me to add full-res pictures. There are only 3 items up there right now, but I'm sure to add more in the near future. Perhaps I should start looking into iStockPhoto too?

Flickr Group: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eastvan/

Mad Dash to Calgary

Sun, 02 Jul 2006 04:16:37 GMT

Time is going too quickly. LAST weekend, I took a quick one day trip to Calgary. I barely got any pictures, other than the take off and landings (which are the best part, anyways).

My dinner was at www.bistro2210.com , which is my favourite restaurant anywhere. Yes, the website looks like crap, but that's because they are too busy making awesome food. When in Calgary, Go.

In other news, I finally saw "Cars," at the new Rio Theatre at Commercial and Broadway. The joint is awesome! Completely new inside, with 20 surround sound speakers - which is supposedly the best in the city. I'll be going again. So should you. www.riotheatre.ca

Lazy Canadians

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 04:35:31 GMT

Okay, Edmonton lost, but Vancouver and Calgary haven't been able to do any better, so I'll just say that it was a fun night at Toby's. Hi to Angela for an awesome job on 21 concurrent tabs, and to Crystal as well even though you were too busy to notice us.

Next comes the party after the World Cup. The Drive is heaven for mundial fans.

Commercial Drive Community Festival 2006

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 05:43:30 GMT

As promised, the photos are up, but I've got to get to bed, so I'll leave the captions to your imagination.

A note to the basket man: I took two hundred and thirty photographs and you were the only one to have an issue with a photograph, and because of that, I decided to happily forget the name of the place you are selling them at.

Enjoy.

Your Loss?

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 23:37:38 GMT

If you haven't made it to the Drive yet today, you are seriously missing out. I have over 220 photos to sort through before I put it up. It could make good advertising just to get yourself in gear, but I'd rather show you after and make you think "I am so crazy for not going!"

Commercial Drive "Block Party"

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 16:03:32 GMT

For those of you who don't know, it's on today: East Vancouver's biggest yearly block party on Commercial Drive! If you don't come down to this area usually, this is the day to come. There is plenty of parking and will be TONS of people. Between this and the World Cup going on, it's a guaranteed party.

Even the sun is coming up...

..and I'm going to be out there taking as many pictures as I can. Track me down to take a photo of you for eastvan.com!

Why I Love Elise

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 00:58:13 GMT

I must have her. She is so beautiful, especially in orange.

I saw her in yellow today, scooting northbound over the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. I felt her presence before she even arrived, and I still feel it, an hour later.

I must have her.

But, not quite yet.

Thank you Lotus, for making a car to inspire my dreams.

P.F. Luvz P.F.

Tue, 30 May 2006 23:49:05 GMT

This weekend, I drove down to San Francisco (actually, Oakland). The feature was the wedding of long time friend Paulo Fraser, to his fiance (whom I have only met once before) Paulina.

Instead of going off about the trip, I'll post the pictures. Maybe I'll write about it tomorrow....

The Da Vinci Inquest.. no.. Code

Wed, 24 May 2006 04:58:08 GMT

I read the book when it first came out on paperback. Actually, I downloaded a PDF to read it on my Palm. (Where can one buy PDFs?) I liked it then. The suspension of disbelief doesn't require too large of a step, in this case.

I am also a fan of Stephen King's "The Stand," which was also translated into a movie - or rather, a mini-series. As far as comparisons to books go, that one ranked right near the bottom. But, I still watch it again when I have the chance. That said, I've read the book three times and seen the series twice.

Anyways, blah blah blah - The movie was as true to the book as any I have ever seen. I believe that Tom Hanks has done a stellar role as supporting actor in this movie, but the Church won't let The Oscars and Hollywood give proper tribute (if you follow the conspiracy theory).

I saw the movie at the Van East Cinema, for five bucks. Yes, that's it. The seats aren't as comfortable, but the movie is just as big. Check them at www.vaneast.com . It's only playing until the 25th there, twice a night - so hurry! The lineup is still shorter than a movieplex.

ps: If you miss this movie in the theatre, you'll go to hell.

Sorry, no pictures ...

It's been sooooo long....

Sat, 20 May 2006 03:45:40 GMT

I can't remember the last time I was at Toby's.... on Friday night! Edmonton was beating Detroit, and everyone was cheering at maximum volume. Angela and the server from the last blog entry (I'll get your name next time, duh) were there tonight as well as all the regular servers.

There were some Nerds there, but it's been so long since I've been at a Toby's night that I don't know them anymore! Megan and Stephan were there, so I didn't feel to out of place.

The pictures for this entry were shot on a Canon. There were others, but they were all blurry because I'm not used to that camera. I'll get better ones tomorrow.... from the farm!

Off again...

Thu, 18 May 2006 06:19:51 GMT

In a few days, I am driving down to Oakland, California for my old friend Paulo's wedding (to Paulina, believe it!). Last time I did the run, it was in a race prepared Miata and this time it is in a last-year-made? Cavalier. At least the Cav is a 5-speed, but there is not air conditioning so I will have to keep all the windows down.

I love nothing more than to drive. If you have something you'd like me to test, I promise not to break it while giving you a good ride. Actually, if you want to supply me with test equipment, I will do racing video games as well. Right now, I'm back onto Colin McRae Rally 2005. It is viciously tough, but I love the RS200 and the Lancia Stratos. Crazy and crazy.

Tonight was a sit at Libra room, finally with its glass garage door open! It was so beautiful out. A certain waitress was discovered there, one who also works at the restaurant of my last writing! Wow, some East Van gossip. Glad to see you there, and I hope you make an extra load of cash between two hot spots like those. So, nobody consider trying to give her trouble working at both places. Work is work!

Forgot my camera today. Drat. I will have it tomorrow... games night with special guess Jerome. Hmmmm....

26C

Mon, 15 May 2006 01:55:06 GMT

The coastal breeze makes it hard to tell exactly what the temperature is, but 26 can't be far off the mark. With this kind of weather, it was a perfect opportunity to catch up on photos.

Stop number one of the day was old faithful, Toby's, where original series server Angela showed us how to successfully carry five empty breakfast plates. She also knew the name of the dog outside (what was it, again?). Link, Emily and Simon were ready for some intense soccer action, so we followed breakfast up with a run to a park at 2nd and Garden. Simon brought out his 3 meter kite, but the wind would not provide him with the energy he needed to show it off properly.

After that, a walk down Commercial Drive was in order. This lead to the inevitible adventure of Grandview Park, where three hippie buses from New Hamsphire had stopped to show off their message of peace, while angry liberals in the park yelled about how the Government is spending more on defense than their cause. What else is new?

Commercial Drive ended in a stop at Stella's for a drink, then back home for a 5 minute break. The final stop after that was The Whip, on Main Street, which supplied a nice perogie dinner as energy for the return trip.

Did I get sunburn today?

In The House Festival

Fri, 05 May 2006 14:48:15 GMT

Open your Outlook calender... here's a free plug for a new East Van festival coming up at the beginning of June:

http://www.inthehousefestival.com/

Sun Won't Leave Me Alone

Thu, 04 May 2006 15:14:17 GMT

This week has been marked for me by the commencement of a new job! I'm now a Web Developer. The joint is pretty small, so I have to wear many hats (including customer support, but I enjoy that so no worries), but I enjoy variety - making that a good thing.

I hate to say this, but the office is in WEST Van! *GASP* Yes, I'm out of my local zone now, but the drive isn't that bad along the upper levels highway through North Vancouver. West Van also comes with the great view of the ocean that you just don't get in East Van. I have some photos of that, but I'll post them in a day or two when I've added some more to my "roll."

I am having convertible withdrawl too, with this wonderful weather that has taken us by surprise. Not having a Miata for the first time in more years than I can remember is a woeful experience for me. I need something to drive the wheels off of!! The racing driver in me is getting itchy.

Hmmm... I think I need to go to the Go Kart track again...

Blues Man

Fri, 28 Apr 2006 14:48:59 GMT

Stefan plays blues. He hasn't played them all his life - he picked up a guitar relatively recently. But, one could never tell from listening to him play. He rips through with his cheeky harmonica riffs as well.

If there is a label looking for the new bluesman, this man is your choice.

As for the bar (The Nelson, was it?), the hamburgers were tiny and the wine was cheap, but the atmosphere wasn't too bad.

OMG, It's the SUN!

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 01:21:24 GMT

For a while, it seemed like Spring was going to bypass Vancouver this year. The rain has been relentless, and the temperatures felt far below normal. Usually, a regular passed time in this city is to phone "back east" and brag about how beautiful it is on the coast, while the snow is still falling out there. This year has been a BIG exception.

Fortunately, it appears that that losing streak has ended. The yearly Vancouver Fun Run brought out that burning globe of fire to add some colour to our palid skins.

Welcome back, Sun!

(Photos to come - the upload tool doesn't appear to be working for me at the moment)

Easter Monday

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 21:57:24 GMT

Pamela has guilted me into catching up on my blog entries.

The weather has been so erratic that I have been avoiding bring the camera out. Unfortunately for that, today was beautiful, and in my attempts to get some work done (it seems that no one else was trying), ended up on a refreshing drive through the city and up around North Vancouver.

So, you'll have to imagine all the butterflies and buttercups, marking the spring that may or may not have finally arrived in our beautiful city. Close your eyes and pretend you are driving northbound over the Granville Bridge, staring across the crisp cityscape, backed with freshly snow covered mountains topped by a perfectly blue sky.

Considering that about half an hour earlier, when I left my garage, it was raining, there wasn't too much to complain about.

The property management company I tried to stop by was closed. Stanley Park was full of Manitoba, Alberta and Washington license plates. Commercial Drive is swamped with pedestrians, in spite of the construction.

Maybe I will join them for a bit.

Brain Freeze

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 03:08:31 GMT

I went for a walk on the Drive this morning, with my camera, to inspire myself. I travelled from Zesty to Starbucks (by Toby's) and I didn't take a single picture.

Loumark is closed! They have been on Commercial for AGES, but it seems that all good things must come to an end. Where will the locals get clothes now? When will we get a Gap on this street?

Happy Birthday James!

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 02:07:14 GMT

We filled the "boat table" at Toby's this morning for brunch. Our new server did an admirable job of managing our club, right down to properly split up bills.

The worst part of the morning was completely forgetting to sing Happy Birthday for James. No, the worst part was that Link and I were talking about forgetting birthdays at the end of the meal. Speaking of which - don't forget, Link's birthday is April 24. (right?)

Find me something to photograph....

Potpourreeee! (sp!)

Sun, 12 Mar 2006 22:08:27 GMT

The Noise show was a new experience for me. It reminds me of new-generation Skinny Puppy, including the crowd. Odd coincidence - Blim, the place hosting the show, used to be located above my office at 23 West Pender. I never actually visited them then, but I don't think I missed out.

It snowed last week, which is insane for Vancouver at this time of year. Fortunately, the sun came out to kill the evil snowflakes, and it has been beautiful since then. I might even wash the car today!

I got horribly behind with photos this week! The Toby's photos were from LAST Sunday. The weekly breakfast club seems to have moved there, as people were disappointed that it was cancelled for the Noise show.

Finally, thanks Grover for putting up with getting bathed! My cat is 15 years old, and she has recently acquired a horrible dandruff problem. Hopefully, this has helped her out. She's so cute in the tub....

Noise Pancake Breakfast

Sat, 11 Mar 2006 22:02:40 GMT

This Sunday, March 12th from 11am to 4pm at

BLIM

197 East 17th Avenue at Main Street

$5-$10 Entry includes breakfast in the morning

Who is playing?

Eric Lanzillotta (Seattle)

Sistrenatus

Flatgrey

Ceolacanth

Paperbagepoxy

G42

I promise photos for those who don't make it!

Cow Tripping

Thu, 02 Mar 2006 02:06:35 GMT

While in Langley, I stopped by my friend's farm to show off the baby video, since she is also pregnant (ahead by only about a week, I think!). Jo (her name) took advantage of the opportunity to have me drive her and one of their calves to the vet. Why me? Jo had to hold on to the mini cow!

Anyways, this was my FIRST TIME in a deisel vehicle, and it was a beast, but I got the hang of it fairly quicky and it turned out to be fun. Unfortunately for the people behind me, it wasn't a speed machine.

Moo.

It's... A Boy.

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 01:57:28 GMT

I know I promised no baby blog, but I am hungry and want to go eat, so I am in a rush...

I have video too, which I'll post on Google video in the next day or two.

So Long, Emma

Sat, 25 Feb 2006 19:05:46 GMT

After so many years of holding onto my dream, I have finally given up and sold my race car - a 1994 BRG Miata named "Emma." During the nine years I had her, she was only raced for two years, producing a 1999 BC Regional C/SP-class Championship for herself (and numerous wins). After that, most of her life was spent sitting in a garage, which is why she leaves me with only barely over 100,000km (This is a 12 year old car!)

Good luck to Marcel, her new owner. He lives in Kelowna, so I won't see her around here anymore, like I have with the other Miata i used to own.

Julie Tetu

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 04:13:07 GMT

The music you are hearing (if your speakers are working) is by Julie Tetu. She lives in Quebec and her parents, both accomplished musicians, don't want her to become a "rock star." Hmmm.. What do you think? There are 20 tracks on the CD, most under 2 minutes, which is pretty much the same structure as her first release.

IC Baby, UC Baby

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 04:01:44 GMT

Next Tuesday is the visit to a private ultrasound clinic which will provide a DVD of a 3D scan. I'm so happy that there is an alternative, and it's reasonably priced too.

I swear, this won't turn into another BABY BLOG. To prove it, I am posting some photos of the latest work at the rental suite.

Almost done... it better be, the tenant moves in next week!

Stupid BC Medical System

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 01:29:21 GMT

Since the beginning, I have been nothing but completely disappointed in the rules of the BC health system when it comes to obstetrics. The backward system becomes painfully obvious when you can read on forums about what lucky ladies in the US, Japan and other modern countries get to enjoy.

At 6 weeks, an American patient can hear the baby's heartbeat. At 7 weeks in BC, the Doctor's attitude is "well if you lose it then you lose it." There is no early testing like in the US. You're not ALLOWED to know these things up here, not even at a private clinic!

Today was the first ultrasound. After waiting 45 minutes in the waiting room, I was "let in" for a grand total of about 2 minutes at the end for a quick review of everything. Granted, I saw some cool live shots from an active little monster, I watched disappointedly as she quickly moved away the scanner when she crossed a position that would reveal the key piece of information I wanted to know. After that, she gave us THREE pictures, one of a foot, one of the eyes and one side profile of the head. I saw some wonderful skeletal shots that I would have much preferred!

So, now we are resigned to go to a private clinic after week 20 to find out the sex of the baby (yes, I'm not one for surprises). Fortunately, this clinic will have a 4D unit, so the views will be live, in three dimensions. That said, I am asking up front if they are going to try to kick me out during the process.

I'm a part of this too! Just because I am THE MAN, doesn't mean i should be alienated from the process.

In the end, I think I saw just enough as the nurse tried to hide it...

Drive Construction

Thu, 16 Feb 2006 19:46:52 GMT

For those of you who haven't heard, Commercial Drive is getting a big road makeover! I suppose the property taxes have gone up so much in the past couple of years that they have tons of cash in the budget for it now.

Unfortunately for the local businesses, it is a mess! I snapped a few pictures a couple of days ago to give you a bit of an idea. They are between 1st and Broadway right now with the big stuff. I saw some sidewalk work between 1st and Venables. I can't wait to see the results!!

Whiteness, Tub Part 3

Mon, 13 Feb 2006 00:26:10 GMT

Phew, epoxy paint is pretty intense. I don't know if I have a headache or two heads right now, but alas... rubbing compound the tub, TSP the tub, then the first coat of white epoxy paint.

I almost forgot to tape up the drain, but at the last minute saved the day from an encroaching drip of paint that would have spoiled the whole job.

What's left? Wait one day, then go back and repaint again and that should be it.

Don't do this at home, people.

Now, I shall get KFC, eat like a ravenous beast and then go shopping at Super Valu....(did you know they are open 24/7?)