A Triumphant (and sweaty) Return.
Finally made it into the gym again for my Punch Boxing class. Seems I'm not as out of shape as feared. I felt so good I went out and bought myself a wheatgrass shot on the way back to the office.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Pilots have tiny brains
The Israeli military is experimenting with a futuristic Frisbee-size unmanned aerial vehicle called the Mosquito. It is designed to fly into buildings through doors and windows and hover in mid-air, taking pictures with its miniature video camera, then fly out again and show soldiers what it saw inside.
The brains of the Mosquito, as with all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), is a tiny electronic circuit board called an autopilot that controls the flight and the camera.
UAVs, also called drones, have been around for years (don't I know it -- oops! wrong type of drone), but they're a hot commodity today thanks to technological advances -- and to conflicts in such places as Iraq and Afghanistan that have boosted military spending. Drones are used for aerial reconnaissance and even bombing missions.
The brains of the Mosquito, as with all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), is a tiny electronic circuit board called an autopilot that controls the flight and the camera.
UAVs, also called drones, have been around for years (don't I know it -- oops! wrong type of drone), but they're a hot commodity today thanks to technological advances -- and to conflicts in such places as Iraq and Afghanistan that have boosted military spending. Drones are used for aerial reconnaissance and even bombing missions.
Monday, May 29, 2006
The Royal is Closing down.
One of my former favourite haunts - The Royal Theatre - will will cease operations at the end of June. It's been a while since I last enjoyed "Kung Fu Fridays" there. .sigh.
On a related note, the Paradise is tonight showing one of the freakiest films I've ever seen - Eraserhead. Aash and I saw it together at the Bloor years ago and it's tormented me ever since.
On a related note, the Paradise is tonight showing one of the freakiest films I've ever seen - Eraserhead. Aash and I saw it together at the Bloor years ago and it's tormented me ever since.
On the Weekend; TTC Strike
Had a fairly busy weekend running errands and such on Saturday, dropping by the bookstore to see a friend and then going to some friends' house in the evening. Was an excellent day weather-wise.
Sunday was warmer (28'C), but this didn't stop me from walking down to meet David for a quick breakfast (I'm going to work on his website) and then head to Downward Dog for yoga. The studio was pretty warm (it's heated you see) and my months off were of little help - in other words, I was a sweaty mess. I then walked back home up Spadina through Chinatown (which was a zoo with the sidewalk vendors). An active day! How I missed it! The girls and I later went for Thai as Ang was working.
This morning started with a TTC strike. Although the roads weren't too bad, it still took Chi and I about 30-35 minutes to get to downtown. Most of the desks here are empty - although it seems OANDIANs are late starters.
Sunday was warmer (28'C), but this didn't stop me from walking down to meet David for a quick breakfast (I'm going to work on his website) and then head to Downward Dog for yoga. The studio was pretty warm (it's heated you see) and my months off were of little help - in other words, I was a sweaty mess. I then walked back home up Spadina through Chinatown (which was a zoo with the sidewalk vendors). An active day! How I missed it! The girls and I later went for Thai as Ang was working.
This morning started with a TTC strike. Although the roads weren't too bad, it still took Chi and I about 30-35 minutes to get to downtown. Most of the desks here are empty - although it seems OANDIANs are late starters.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Taylor wins American Idol; New desk chair!
Taylor won American Idol last night! The show was a bit of an extended disaster with great performances and star performers intermixed with painful and indulgent segments (the Idol awards, Puck and Pickler). Mary J. Blige ran over Yamin like a freight train. Taylor was in good form - too bad the Idol song stinks (as it's his first single). Kat McPhee probably stole the show with her duet with Meatloaf - had she performed like that the night before, the final results may have been different.
The new shipment of chairs for OANDA haven't come in yet, so the last few days have been damn uncomfortable as I have been sitting on a stolen kitchen chair. That is until today when I stole a chair from the boardroom. What a difference!
My desk pod is still uninhabited apart from myself, but I'm slowly filling the space with my stuff - which now includes my LFC banner and Champions photo, the Raytheon Uncle Sam, a Hokusai Mt Fuji postcard and a picture of Karina on Lake Louise.
The new shipment of chairs for OANDA haven't come in yet, so the last few days have been damn uncomfortable as I have been sitting on a stolen kitchen chair. That is until today when I stole a chair from the boardroom. What a difference!
My desk pod is still uninhabited apart from myself, but I'm slowly filling the space with my stuff - which now includes my LFC banner and Champions photo, the Raytheon Uncle Sam, a Hokusai Mt Fuji postcard and a picture of Karina on Lake Louise.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
On my first day at OANDA
Yesterday was my first day at OANDA. Although I was going to post a brief note, I didn't get a chance in the end and then had to rush home for an underwhelming American Idol finale (go Taylor!)
Two immediate first impressions: 1. It's library quiet here - apart from a few hushed conversations, there really isn't much talking in the area where I'm seated (near the developers) and when there are conversations they are quick, work-related and in hushed tones. 2. There is a quiet sense of self-assurance and confidence about the place. Everyone I have spoken with is confident, well-informed and seems generally interested in their work and the work of their coworkers.
There are a few organizational and procedural changes that I will need to get used to. After 10 years, it would seems that I'm no longer going to have Microsoft mail products - like Outlook - to organize my calendar. OANDA being the independent and tech-savvy place that it is, is a UNIX shop - and my mail client is now the open-source client Thunderbird. I'm getting used to it (and have installed some open-source utils to provide some of the features I prefer).
Not quite sure that I have any responsibilities yet apart from the need to familiarize myself with the team and company. I've started to put together some ideas for online marketing. I have a list in mind of resources I'd like to have use of, have joined a number of newsletters and newsgroups that will be of professional use and have spoken with a number of team members. I am the first marketing person on board. Exciting!
Two immediate first impressions: 1. It's library quiet here - apart from a few hushed conversations, there really isn't much talking in the area where I'm seated (near the developers) and when there are conversations they are quick, work-related and in hushed tones. 2. There is a quiet sense of self-assurance and confidence about the place. Everyone I have spoken with is confident, well-informed and seems generally interested in their work and the work of their coworkers.
There are a few organizational and procedural changes that I will need to get used to. After 10 years, it would seems that I'm no longer going to have Microsoft mail products - like Outlook - to organize my calendar. OANDA being the independent and tech-savvy place that it is, is a UNIX shop - and my mail client is now the open-source client Thunderbird. I'm getting used to it (and have installed some open-source utils to provide some of the features I prefer).
Not quite sure that I have any responsibilities yet apart from the need to familiarize myself with the team and company. I've started to put together some ideas for online marketing. I have a list in mind of resources I'd like to have use of, have joined a number of newsletters and newsgroups that will be of professional use and have spoken with a number of team members. I am the first marketing person on board. Exciting!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Last Day at Infoware
It's true - yesterday was my last day at Infoware (although I'm going in this afternoon to clean up). It was a whirlwind last few days and I'm happy to say that thinks seem left on a high-note with a number of new projects lined up for the developers. A mix of emotions as I leave (for the second time) the firm where I have spent the absolute majority of my working life. No doubt we'll stay in touch and I did leave the door open to some casual contract work. Someone will have to do those Flash demos!
Had dinner with Uncle and Chris last night which was very nice - Uncle is a homeowner now! Tonight I hope to hook up with Aash and Preeti before visiting with the folks tomorrow.
Had dinner with Uncle and Chris last night which was very nice - Uncle is a homeowner now! Tonight I hope to hook up with Aash and Preeti before visiting with the folks tomorrow.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Canada's Afghan mission extended
Canadian MPs have narrowly voted to extend the combat mission in Afghanistan by two years, until February 2009.
Prime Minister Harper's motion passed by 149 votes to 145, despite opposition complaints of being rushed. Canada currently has 2,300 soldiers in Afghanistan, mainly in the south where the Taleban-led resistance is strong. This motion further divides the Liberals as they prepare for their leadership race.
The vote came after news that a female Canadian soldier had been killed in combat in the war-torn country.
Prime Minister Harper's motion passed by 149 votes to 145, despite opposition complaints of being rushed. Canada currently has 2,300 soldiers in Afghanistan, mainly in the south where the Taleban-led resistance is strong. This motion further divides the Liberals as they prepare for their leadership race.
The vote came after news that a female Canadian soldier had been killed in combat in the war-torn country.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Quite a Week.
It's now been more than a week since my last post - and what a week it has been!
As posted last week, Hilary passed away on May 8th as a result of the numerous cancers which had cruelly spread throughout her body. Her passing was painless, although the days immediately prior were very difficult. It is still hard to imagine that only a week prior she had celebrated Karina and my engagement.
The days that followed last week were a terrible blur as the family came together to arrange the many details for the funeral and prepare for inbound guests. As with the days that have followed, we have all had moments of rememberance that have been immediately followed by sadness and a great sense of loss.
The sisters were amazing as they focused on the matters at hand. I was a little worried that the speeches at the funeral home might not come off but Karina, Chnida and Amanda delivered a beautiful rememberance of Hil. It was a wonderful service and it was great to see so many friends out.
The funeral was followed by a wake at PJ's. Many people came up to me to say how special Hilary had been to them - and how astonishingly quickly she had passed. As a tribute to her, was a beautiful performance of the song 'The Fields of Athenry' for which everyone sang the chorus. Amazing. We'll have to have it performed at the Wedding when we toast Hilary.
The next day, rising for 8am and Karina's Uncle Trevor in tow, I headed to Scally's and the FA Cup Final. The match didn't kick off until 10am, but by the time we arrived the pub was nearing standing room only. The Final against West Ham was an epic match and is already being hailed as the best Cup Final in living memory. Short version - Liverpool came from behind in extra time to force extra time and a penalty shootout which they won. A famous match. I had to lie down when I returned to Dunvegan.
Of course today is my third last day at Infoware. Yesterday I succeeded in filing the remainder of my 15000 emails and now must work through my leads journal to provide an updated status. I'm going out with a bang it would seem as I could end up completing four major sales this week - I have four more client meetings this week including a major presentation on my final day with the firm.
A few odds and ends to finish this post - Neal is visiting this weekend as he's on assignment in Ottawa - Chris McF is visiting as he's here for a Conference - Chris got kicked off of Idol - had a Tim Horton's espresso today and it wasn't bad - the parents are shortly to return from a NY visit - Matthew may have celebrated his birthday this past weekend - I have confirmation of my tickets for the Radiohead show in June (the seats are great!) - I haven't worked out in weeks and am feeling awful for it (maybe today).
As posted last week, Hilary passed away on May 8th as a result of the numerous cancers which had cruelly spread throughout her body. Her passing was painless, although the days immediately prior were very difficult. It is still hard to imagine that only a week prior she had celebrated Karina and my engagement.
The days that followed last week were a terrible blur as the family came together to arrange the many details for the funeral and prepare for inbound guests. As with the days that have followed, we have all had moments of rememberance that have been immediately followed by sadness and a great sense of loss.
The sisters were amazing as they focused on the matters at hand. I was a little worried that the speeches at the funeral home might not come off but Karina, Chnida and Amanda delivered a beautiful rememberance of Hil. It was a wonderful service and it was great to see so many friends out.
The funeral was followed by a wake at PJ's. Many people came up to me to say how special Hilary had been to them - and how astonishingly quickly she had passed. As a tribute to her, was a beautiful performance of the song 'The Fields of Athenry' for which everyone sang the chorus. Amazing. We'll have to have it performed at the Wedding when we toast Hilary.
The next day, rising for 8am and Karina's Uncle Trevor in tow, I headed to Scally's and the FA Cup Final. The match didn't kick off until 10am, but by the time we arrived the pub was nearing standing room only. The Final against West Ham was an epic match and is already being hailed as the best Cup Final in living memory. Short version - Liverpool came from behind in extra time to force extra time and a penalty shootout which they won. A famous match. I had to lie down when I returned to Dunvegan.
Of course today is my third last day at Infoware. Yesterday I succeeded in filing the remainder of my 15000 emails and now must work through my leads journal to provide an updated status. I'm going out with a bang it would seem as I could end up completing four major sales this week - I have four more client meetings this week including a major presentation on my final day with the firm.
A few odds and ends to finish this post - Neal is visiting this weekend as he's on assignment in Ottawa - Chris McF is visiting as he's here for a Conference - Chris got kicked off of Idol - had a Tim Horton's espresso today and it wasn't bad - the parents are shortly to return from a NY visit - Matthew may have celebrated his birthday this past weekend - I have confirmation of my tickets for the Radiohead show in June (the seats are great!) - I haven't worked out in weeks and am feeling awful for it (maybe today).
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Hilary passed away yesterday.
Hilary's courageous battle with cancer ended last night as she slept. Karina and Chnida were with her at PMH as were other friends.
Monday, May 08, 2006
No Radiohead Confirmation Today.
My Radiohead tickets for the June performance haven't yet been confirmed by the Hummingbird Center. And considering this show is sold out, that's a bit of a concern.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Big Changes.
Yesterday made a big change in my life - I resigned from Infoware to go work at a new firm. Don't have much time to talk right now, but in short will say it's an exciting opportunity!
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Net censorship spreads worldwide
Repressive regimes are taking full advantage of the net's ability to censor and stifle reform and debate, reveals a new report.
Written by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) pressure group the report highlights the ways governments threaten the freedom of the press.
The report has a section dedicated to the internet and the growing roster of nations censoring online life. This censorship is practised on every continent on Earth.
Written by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) pressure group the report highlights the ways governments threaten the freedom of the press.
The report has a section dedicated to the internet and the growing roster of nations censoring online life. This censorship is practised on every continent on Earth.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Tory Budget Summary
The first budget from Stephen Harper's minority government targeted middle-class voters yesterday with $26-billion over three years in highly visible tax cuts that Canadians will notice in stores, on buses and at work. And I don't like it - if forced to reduce my position I think the reduction of the GST is a step back for our social programs as I still am a strong believer in government spending not discretionary individual spending.
And what of the campaign promise to improve support of Canada's Forces? The troops received a pittance!
The budget lays out 28 separate tax reductions, many of which are targeted measures chosen in a clear effort to appeal to working families and to make tax relief tangible for Canadians.
"Canadians pay too much in tax. It's holding families back," Mr. Flaherty told the House of Commons as he tabled the first Conservative budget in 13 years. "It makes it harder for small businesses to create jobs and opportunities. It discourages innovation and investment."
The cuts include a promised one-percentage-point reduction in the GST, tax credits for public-transit users and youth-athletic programs, and a $1,000 grant for apprentices, among several others.
And what of the campaign promise to improve support of Canada's Forces? The troops received a pittance!
The budget lays out 28 separate tax reductions, many of which are targeted measures chosen in a clear effort to appeal to working families and to make tax relief tangible for Canadians.
"Canadians pay too much in tax. It's holding families back," Mr. Flaherty told the House of Commons as he tabled the first Conservative budget in 13 years. "It makes it harder for small businesses to create jobs and opportunities. It discourages innovation and investment."
The cuts include a promised one-percentage-point reduction in the GST, tax credits for public-transit users and youth-athletic programs, and a $1,000 grant for apprentices, among several others.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Loonie tops 90 cents
The Canadian dollar vaulted over 90 cents (U.S.) today, extending gains on the back of rising commodity prices, souring sentiment against the U.S. dollar and robust global investment demand.
The loonie rose as high as 90.37 cents and is now trading at its highest level since Jan. 26, 1978.
It's been one of the world's top-performing currencies against the U.S. dollar over the past week. In the past month, the loonie has posted the second-largest monthly increase in 55 years, according to a report yesterday by National Bank Financial.
The loonie rose as high as 90.37 cents and is now trading at its highest level since Jan. 26, 1978.
It's been one of the world's top-performing currencies against the U.S. dollar over the past week. In the past month, the loonie has posted the second-largest monthly increase in 55 years, according to a report yesterday by National Bank Financial.
Monday, May 01, 2006
C$ hits new 28-year high
The Canadian dollar climbed to a 28-year-high Monday, extending last week's advance amid a relentless rise in commodity prices, continued interest from abroad and weak trading volume as dealing rooms across the globe closed to celebrate the May 1 holiday.
The loonie's recent gains has some traders and economists forecasting further highs for the Canadian currency, and steeper losses for the U.S. dollar. A growing number of analysts are calling for the two currencies to reach parity.
The loonie's recent gains has some traders and economists forecasting further highs for the Canadian currency, and steeper losses for the U.S. dollar. A growing number of analysts are calling for the two currencies to reach parity.
