Yuck! Last night, it was my chance to do a little Christmas shopping and get some stuff done at home. Taxes, and editing my book. Stuff like that. So, I wanted to save a little time.
The Oceans is right beside the Toys R Us. I had my reservations but, they have fresh food and I wanted something quick and easy. I'm always a bit hesitant about the sushi counter. Especially when the people making it have gone for the day.
But, hey, I figured now that Loblaw Companies Limited is supposed to own them, their food safety should be more reliable. Don't believe it. I don't think it's the sushi that got me. More like the seaweed salad. It didn't smell right as soon as I opened it. But, you know I don't eat it that often and figured it was seaweed and hey, maybe that's what it is supposed to smell like. My nose doesn't always do a great job and sometimes things kick in a bit stronger than other times.
I forced myself through half the package because I was hungry and threw out the rest. Now, I woke up at half past five in the morning wanting to throw up and wishing I could. I tried sticking my finger down my throat but, didn't have the stomach to go through with it. Don't know how bulimics do it. I suppose you could get used to anything.
Now, I'm not sure what to do. Those hepatitis commercials have pretty much freaked me out. You know the ones. They start off with a nice tropical beach scene and then point out all the hidden dangers. Then one of the people says "hmmm, this looks nice", like an unsuspecting tourist who is perfectly healthy and about to ingest some Hep A or B. So, they suggest getting Twinrix.
Then, they went even further to suggest that hidden dangers exist at home, too. So, this is where they really get you. The vaccine doesn't exactly inoculate you for an extended period of time. Only three months. So what exactly are they expecting people to do? Go get it every three months? A bit ridiculous, no?
I wish I could just throw up, now. This feeling of disgusting, pending explosion is stuck at the back of my throat. I think that if I keep sitting here with my face looking like I want to blow chunks, it will stay that way permanently.
Just imagine me sitting in front of a potential client or at a book reading with a face like that. Hey, kiddies, want to hear a bed time story? Aaaaaargh, mommy! The scary lady is talking to us!!!!
So, be careful about eating ready made food from Oceans. Even if they did remodel their store, it doesn't mean the food is any safer. Maybe the reduced price sticker should have warned me off but, I was going by the best before date.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
When Are You Too Old To Have Sex?
What is the legal age limit for sex? No really? When does sex become out of the question? At 60? 70? 80? Who decides these things?
The fact of the matter is that as people get older, it becomes harder and harder to hook up. Circles of friends and acquaintances shrink because people die off and, although not impossible, finding somebody with whom to engage in a little carnal lust becomes more challenging. So, what is a octogenarian to do to scratch an itch that nobody really wants to scratch for him anymore?
In Brampton, Ontario there is a particularly bad problem related to prostitution. I didn't know this and wouldn't expect it there. I drive past it all the time and only found out from reading about it in the local paper. I guess you would have to know what to look for. To me, it wasn't obvious. Incidentally, the Brampton Guardian is an exceptional local rag.
Anyway, it turns out that Kennedy and Queen give Church Street, in Toronto, a run for its money. The reason? All the old folks homes. Older men who want sex and are not afraid to pay for it.
So, the local police force is busy slapping great grandpa wrists over patronizing a profession that is older than their own. Why?
Why is prostitution illegal, anyway? By pulling the moral high road politicians and law keepers, alike, are ignoring more serious issues, leaving the truly desperate with few alternatives, and missing out on substantial tax revenue.
As long as there is a need for sex and a willingness to pay for it, this is not an occupation that is ever going to go away? Why are we wasting so many taxpayer dollars and legal resources on attempting to quash it instead of dealing with bigger issues.
By recognizing prostitution for the valid business that it is, we as a society would all be better off. We would stop turning a blind eye to something that always has and always will exist at the same time as providing control and protection over the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and put the power in the hands of the front line staff, instead of their pimps.
Pimps, themselves, serve a powerful role as agents, managers, and protectors. Instead of targeting people who want to satisfy a perfectly human craving, and the people willing to fill that void, police and the court system should hunt down those that are unscrupulous enough to compel minors into prostitution or use drugs to secure human property.
The role of police, the courts, law makers is to serve and protect tax payers and law abiding citizens. Why should a mutually consensual exchange of service for payment exclude anybody from being considered equally entitled to their respect and protection?
Let us come back to the issue of health and taxes. How much does it cost us all in social services to finally help those that have hit rock bottom? The ones who have succumbed to the ravages of drug addiction and sexually transmitted diseases? Legalized prostitution would allow the enforcement of licenses to practice and mandatory regular testing for STDs. It would also be easier to control the spread of disease through targeted education and awareness campaigns.
As far as taxes are concerned, this is one profession where in good times, business is good, and in bad times, it is better. It probably rivals funeral parlors. So, when bankrupt municipalities are scratching their heads wondering how to stay out of bankruptcy it only makes sense to consider legalization of this most noble of professions.
Come on, people! Stop wasting money on the futility of ignoring the larger issues. Protect the downtrodden and forgotten elements of our society. Stop targeting the low hanging fruit, or more to the point, low hanging balls of "dirty old men". It's time we started using tax payer dollars more wisely and reaping the rewards of a more enlightened approach to basic human suffering.
The fact of the matter is that as people get older, it becomes harder and harder to hook up. Circles of friends and acquaintances shrink because people die off and, although not impossible, finding somebody with whom to engage in a little carnal lust becomes more challenging. So, what is a octogenarian to do to scratch an itch that nobody really wants to scratch for him anymore?
In Brampton, Ontario there is a particularly bad problem related to prostitution. I didn't know this and wouldn't expect it there. I drive past it all the time and only found out from reading about it in the local paper. I guess you would have to know what to look for. To me, it wasn't obvious. Incidentally, the Brampton Guardian is an exceptional local rag.
Anyway, it turns out that Kennedy and Queen give Church Street, in Toronto, a run for its money. The reason? All the old folks homes. Older men who want sex and are not afraid to pay for it.
So, the local police force is busy slapping great grandpa wrists over patronizing a profession that is older than their own. Why?
Why is prostitution illegal, anyway? By pulling the moral high road politicians and law keepers, alike, are ignoring more serious issues, leaving the truly desperate with few alternatives, and missing out on substantial tax revenue.
As long as there is a need for sex and a willingness to pay for it, this is not an occupation that is ever going to go away? Why are we wasting so many taxpayer dollars and legal resources on attempting to quash it instead of dealing with bigger issues.
By recognizing prostitution for the valid business that it is, we as a society would all be better off. We would stop turning a blind eye to something that always has and always will exist at the same time as providing control and protection over the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and put the power in the hands of the front line staff, instead of their pimps.
Pimps, themselves, serve a powerful role as agents, managers, and protectors. Instead of targeting people who want to satisfy a perfectly human craving, and the people willing to fill that void, police and the court system should hunt down those that are unscrupulous enough to compel minors into prostitution or use drugs to secure human property.
The role of police, the courts, law makers is to serve and protect tax payers and law abiding citizens. Why should a mutually consensual exchange of service for payment exclude anybody from being considered equally entitled to their respect and protection?
Let us come back to the issue of health and taxes. How much does it cost us all in social services to finally help those that have hit rock bottom? The ones who have succumbed to the ravages of drug addiction and sexually transmitted diseases? Legalized prostitution would allow the enforcement of licenses to practice and mandatory regular testing for STDs. It would also be easier to control the spread of disease through targeted education and awareness campaigns.
As far as taxes are concerned, this is one profession where in good times, business is good, and in bad times, it is better. It probably rivals funeral parlors. So, when bankrupt municipalities are scratching their heads wondering how to stay out of bankruptcy it only makes sense to consider legalization of this most noble of professions.
Come on, people! Stop wasting money on the futility of ignoring the larger issues. Protect the downtrodden and forgotten elements of our society. Stop targeting the low hanging fruit, or more to the point, low hanging balls of "dirty old men". It's time we started using tax payer dollars more wisely and reaping the rewards of a more enlightened approach to basic human suffering.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Personal Morals are Shaped by Others
There is one thing that cannot be argued. That thing is personal beliefs. Nobody can dictate another person's individual stance on core values. However, we are social animals.
To live in a group means to agree to comply with a unified system by which to judge and be judged. The ability to permit others to determine personal values is integral to the ability to coexist with others in a community. While there may be some room for interpretation, and degree of acceptance, ultimately, the concepts of religion, education, government, and law enforcement are based on the premise that people must be open to external influence.
Even when the opinion of "the greater good" is contrary to the fiber of one's being, it is necessary to gain some support from like-minded individuals before any change can be made. When support is lacking, it must be garnered. Without it, one voice can be easily silenced.
Throughout history, there are countless examples where core values of entire nations had been drastically changed. Some, for the better, some for the worse. Take for example slavery, honor killings, female castration, minimum age requirements for child brides, marriage between siblings, gladiator fights, chivalry, acceptance of female ability to choose how and whom to live with. At some point, each of these was a contentious issue.
The very point that people are willing to go to war and fight for their ideals implies that there cannot be a complete separation between individual values and the need to influence, and be influenced by others. Without it, there is only anarchy.
When we send our children to school and teach them to think for themselves, we do it within a commonly accepted framework. Those that don't face the wrath of authority. If what is dictated as the norm doesn't seem normal, it is a question of pressure from numbers. Enough people have to stand for or against something for it to make any real difference.
There was a guy in Toronto who took offence to the teaching of To Kill A Mockingbird in school because of objections against use of the n word. It isn't the first or last time that people try to white-wash history. Countless examples exist where through either small tactics, such as this, or larger efforts such as burning books in public squares and sending all the intelligencia to Siberia, people have attempted to sway public opinions of right and wrong. By saying that something simply did not happen they are attempting to control what happens in the future.
Both examples demonstrate two extremes of the same issue,. In each case it was mass agreement to accept or reject what was being served as gospel that cemented rejection of those values. Sometimes, it is enough to show indignation. Sometimes, blood is shed and lives are destroyed. In all cases, it is a fight for mass support.
There will always be those who believe so strongly in what they feel is right that they are willing to go to any lengths to influence others to their point of view. These people comprise a very small portion of the human population. The rest, whether consiously or not, need and want to be told what is right and what is wrong. This is right and good. Not everybody should be a leader. If they were, who would follow? If personal values were not meant to be guided by others, we would live in Chaos.
To live in a group means to agree to comply with a unified system by which to judge and be judged. The ability to permit others to determine personal values is integral to the ability to coexist with others in a community. While there may be some room for interpretation, and degree of acceptance, ultimately, the concepts of religion, education, government, and law enforcement are based on the premise that people must be open to external influence.
Even when the opinion of "the greater good" is contrary to the fiber of one's being, it is necessary to gain some support from like-minded individuals before any change can be made. When support is lacking, it must be garnered. Without it, one voice can be easily silenced.
Throughout history, there are countless examples where core values of entire nations had been drastically changed. Some, for the better, some for the worse. Take for example slavery, honor killings, female castration, minimum age requirements for child brides, marriage between siblings, gladiator fights, chivalry, acceptance of female ability to choose how and whom to live with. At some point, each of these was a contentious issue.
The very point that people are willing to go to war and fight for their ideals implies that there cannot be a complete separation between individual values and the need to influence, and be influenced by others. Without it, there is only anarchy.
When we send our children to school and teach them to think for themselves, we do it within a commonly accepted framework. Those that don't face the wrath of authority. If what is dictated as the norm doesn't seem normal, it is a question of pressure from numbers. Enough people have to stand for or against something for it to make any real difference.
There was a guy in Toronto who took offence to the teaching of To Kill A Mockingbird in school because of objections against use of the n word. It isn't the first or last time that people try to white-wash history. Countless examples exist where through either small tactics, such as this, or larger efforts such as burning books in public squares and sending all the intelligencia to Siberia, people have attempted to sway public opinions of right and wrong. By saying that something simply did not happen they are attempting to control what happens in the future.
Both examples demonstrate two extremes of the same issue,. In each case it was mass agreement to accept or reject what was being served as gospel that cemented rejection of those values. Sometimes, it is enough to show indignation. Sometimes, blood is shed and lives are destroyed. In all cases, it is a fight for mass support.
There will always be those who believe so strongly in what they feel is right that they are willing to go to any lengths to influence others to their point of view. These people comprise a very small portion of the human population. The rest, whether consiously or not, need and want to be told what is right and what is wrong. This is right and good. Not everybody should be a leader. If they were, who would follow? If personal values were not meant to be guided by others, we would live in Chaos.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ma Cheri, Choose Love
I just finished watching Cheri, with Michelle Pfeiffer. Rupert Friend, Kathy Bates, and a bunch of other perfectly cast individuals. It has got to be one of the most satisfyingly genius pieces I have ever watched.
There are few actors that never fail to deliver in much the same way as Pfeiffer. Perhaps, only surpassed by Meryl Streep.
Cheri is an adaptation of a 1920s novel by Colette and is masterfully put together. Despite being completely devoid of swearing, full frontal nudity, and any sort of violence it is more powerful and engaging than just about anything I've seen since The Deep End of the Ocean.
For a true definition of irony, watch the end of the movie. In a nut shell, two lovers are so bound by convention and desire to do right by each other that they deny themselves the one thing that will make each of them happy. So, bound by their own ideals that Leah surrenders her due to the curse of being born too early, and Cheri being bound by his obligation to live his due number of years, agrees to let go of Leah. In the end, it was all for nothing.
Love is what it is. Despite all that we read, see, and hear about it, so few are blessed with actually experiencing it. For those that do, even fewer value it as fully as they should. In a nut shell, and unless you are a nut, if you can't live without somebody, do your utmost to live life without regrets.
Gifts are to be enjoyed, not squandered. Love, like life, should not be wasted for want of lead.
There are few actors that never fail to deliver in much the same way as Pfeiffer. Perhaps, only surpassed by Meryl Streep.
Cheri is an adaptation of a 1920s novel by Colette and is masterfully put together. Despite being completely devoid of swearing, full frontal nudity, and any sort of violence it is more powerful and engaging than just about anything I've seen since The Deep End of the Ocean.
For a true definition of irony, watch the end of the movie. In a nut shell, two lovers are so bound by convention and desire to do right by each other that they deny themselves the one thing that will make each of them happy. So, bound by their own ideals that Leah surrenders her due to the curse of being born too early, and Cheri being bound by his obligation to live his due number of years, agrees to let go of Leah. In the end, it was all for nothing.
Love is what it is. Despite all that we read, see, and hear about it, so few are blessed with actually experiencing it. For those that do, even fewer value it as fully as they should. In a nut shell, and unless you are a nut, if you can't live without somebody, do your utmost to live life without regrets.
Gifts are to be enjoyed, not squandered. Love, like life, should not be wasted for want of lead.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Lou Dobbs Quits CNN - A Brighter Future for Journalism
For many years now, there has been a wide-spread pandemic in the media. To be perfectly frank, it had gone to the dogs so long ago that it would be more appropriate to say that it had gone to the maggots.
Being a bit out of the loop, I was shocked to find out tonight that Lou Dobbs and CNN had made a "mutual decision" to part ways. According to Dobbs, CNN had advised him that they were moving away from his style of reporting the news to a more middle ground approach.
Lou seemed to express outrage and confusion at the notion that the public should be left to their own devices to form an opinion of goes on in the news, rather than being force fed opinions. Instead of providing impartial facts of the day, Dobbs feels that the public is ill suited to think for themselves. Heavens sake, if journalism has to resort to simply reporting the news instead of using air time to brain wash the public, they might actually have to fill in the dead air with substance.
So, unable to see the rational behind such an obviously corrupt and ridiculous notion, Dobbs opted to walk away. That's too bad. It's a good thing that John Stewart will have no shortage of other bone heads to laugh at. But, Dobbs will still be around. It's just that John will have to start listening to the radio and somehow translate that to the Daily Show. Then again, many radio stations do live web casts.
What was more surprising is that Stewart seems to be convinced that it is the media's job to not only report the news but, also provide a slant. This has always struck me as being at odds with what he actually does for a living. For such a rational and intelligent man, he seems satisfied to gather facts from people who are just flying by the seat of their pants. Well, hopefully they're wearing clean underwear because you just never know when they might get thrown under a bus.
Being a bit out of the loop, I was shocked to find out tonight that Lou Dobbs and CNN had made a "mutual decision" to part ways. According to Dobbs, CNN had advised him that they were moving away from his style of reporting the news to a more middle ground approach.
Lou seemed to express outrage and confusion at the notion that the public should be left to their own devices to form an opinion of goes on in the news, rather than being force fed opinions. Instead of providing impartial facts of the day, Dobbs feels that the public is ill suited to think for themselves. Heavens sake, if journalism has to resort to simply reporting the news instead of using air time to brain wash the public, they might actually have to fill in the dead air with substance.
So, unable to see the rational behind such an obviously corrupt and ridiculous notion, Dobbs opted to walk away. That's too bad. It's a good thing that John Stewart will have no shortage of other bone heads to laugh at. But, Dobbs will still be around. It's just that John will have to start listening to the radio and somehow translate that to the Daily Show. Then again, many radio stations do live web casts.
What was more surprising is that Stewart seems to be convinced that it is the media's job to not only report the news but, also provide a slant. This has always struck me as being at odds with what he actually does for a living. For such a rational and intelligent man, he seems satisfied to gather facts from people who are just flying by the seat of their pants. Well, hopefully they're wearing clean underwear because you just never know when they might get thrown under a bus.
Call Your Boy Arthur
It is with love of life and all that live that I dare to suggest that the name 'Arthur' will soon enjoy a resurgence in popularity. Though one out of every 7 boys in Belgium have been given this moniker, in the States it is certainly no Jacob [1]. Still, with some of the most influential history makers bearing the name, it is only a matter of time.
Names, like clothes, are a statement. In fact, in some countries, and eras, there is more in a name than how it rings in parental ears. There are political and socioeconomic prejudices that can work for or against a person, simply based on their name. To choose the wrong name could be to welcome undesirable attention from people who feel strongly against the ideologies and philosophies of people that share that name.
When the Greeks officially turned away from multi-deity worship in favor of the Greek Orthodox Church, it actually became illegal to use certain names associated with anything that did not espouse the new ideals. To be called Eugene was to invite persecution.
Take for example the names Jesus, Adolph, Elvis, Eugene, or Ossama. No doubt, each brought up an image in the gentle reader's mind. Though each being common and popular in their own right, a couple would be wise to think twice before choosing such a name... unless, they were attempting to make a definite statement.
On the other hand, time heals all wounds and perhaps those statements would not ring so clear or true with the passage of a few generations. Perhaps on meeting a beautiful newborn Arthur, one's mind won't automatically associate his innocence with King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table, President Arthur Chester, Arthur Miller, Arthur C. Clark, the Dudley Moore movie Arthur, or Arthur the cartoon.
The origins of the name is not clearly defined. It is thought to have been first used in Britain and pre-dates Roman times. The meaning is approximated to mean either "bear" or "stone", depending on if you opt for the Celtic or Gaelic translation. It is a name that promotes an image of power and strength, and as such, is sure to see a resurgence in popularity.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur
http://www.yeahbaby.com/world-name-popularity.php?name=Arthur
http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/meaning_of_Arthur.html
Names, like clothes, are a statement. In fact, in some countries, and eras, there is more in a name than how it rings in parental ears. There are political and socioeconomic prejudices that can work for or against a person, simply based on their name. To choose the wrong name could be to welcome undesirable attention from people who feel strongly against the ideologies and philosophies of people that share that name.
When the Greeks officially turned away from multi-deity worship in favor of the Greek Orthodox Church, it actually became illegal to use certain names associated with anything that did not espouse the new ideals. To be called Eugene was to invite persecution.
Take for example the names Jesus, Adolph, Elvis, Eugene, or Ossama. No doubt, each brought up an image in the gentle reader's mind. Though each being common and popular in their own right, a couple would be wise to think twice before choosing such a name... unless, they were attempting to make a definite statement.
On the other hand, time heals all wounds and perhaps those statements would not ring so clear or true with the passage of a few generations. Perhaps on meeting a beautiful newborn Arthur, one's mind won't automatically associate his innocence with King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table, President Arthur Chester, Arthur Miller, Arthur C. Clark, the Dudley Moore movie Arthur, or Arthur the cartoon.
The origins of the name is not clearly defined. It is thought to have been first used in Britain and pre-dates Roman times. The meaning is approximated to mean either "bear" or "stone", depending on if you opt for the Celtic or Gaelic translation. It is a name that promotes an image of power and strength, and as such, is sure to see a resurgence in popularity.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur
http://www.yeahbaby.com/world-name-popularity.php?name=Arthur
http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/meaning_of_Arthur.html
Sunday, November 8, 2009
What software is needed to create an e-card
With the holidays upon us, and money being stretched thin, you may be looking at your options for sending more environmentally friendly and less costly season's greetings. One option is creating an e-card and sending it out either via email or posting it through a social networking site. There are two options and a myriad of service providers offering both paid and free alternatives.
Option 1: Send Customize Existing Templates
There is no shortage of sites offering the ability to send e-cards. In these cases, there is no need for any special software other than what is required to connect to and surf the web. For example:
Myecardsonline
123greatings
Hallmark
evite
In addition, many sites that allow you to upload and develop photos on-line will also provide this service. For example:
Costco
Shutterfly
Option 2: Create A Card On Your Own
To do this you will need some sort of software. This can be as simple as using MS Word and playing around with fonts and dropping in clip art or photos, or using some sort of image editing software such as PhotoShop, or Paint Shop Pro. In addition to applications which can be purchased there is an assortment of quality freeware applications which can be downloaded off the Internet. Consider, too, that if you have a digital camera, it probably came with some software that may be useful for this purpose.
For the most part, many of these applications work on the same premise and can be muddled through even by a novice. Many of the functions are icon driven and images are universal so selection and cropping tools look more or less the same regardless of what you are using. My taking advantage of help text and hovering over icons it is possible to teach yourself the basics of any image editing app.
It is important to remember that the size of the ecard will affect how quickly it can be sent over email, and downloaded by the recipients. The biggest culprits are photographs. Since they are not intended for printing, it is sufficient to reduce resolution to 72dpi. The size of the image can also be reduced to no larger than 800 x 600 ppi. Once complete, the card should be saved to JPG format and can be sent as a simple email attachment.
Don't Be A Martyr
If graphics software is not something that you have had a lot of experience with it may not be worth it to try doing this the hard way. Investigate e-card service providers before trying to recreate the wheel.
Option 1: Send Customize Existing Templates
There is no shortage of sites offering the ability to send e-cards. In these cases, there is no need for any special software other than what is required to connect to and surf the web. For example:
Myecardsonline
123greatings
Hallmark
evite
In addition, many sites that allow you to upload and develop photos on-line will also provide this service. For example:
Costco
Shutterfly
Option 2: Create A Card On Your Own
To do this you will need some sort of software. This can be as simple as using MS Word and playing around with fonts and dropping in clip art or photos, or using some sort of image editing software such as PhotoShop, or Paint Shop Pro. In addition to applications which can be purchased there is an assortment of quality freeware applications which can be downloaded off the Internet. Consider, too, that if you have a digital camera, it probably came with some software that may be useful for this purpose.
For the most part, many of these applications work on the same premise and can be muddled through even by a novice. Many of the functions are icon driven and images are universal so selection and cropping tools look more or less the same regardless of what you are using. My taking advantage of help text and hovering over icons it is possible to teach yourself the basics of any image editing app.
It is important to remember that the size of the ecard will affect how quickly it can be sent over email, and downloaded by the recipients. The biggest culprits are photographs. Since they are not intended for printing, it is sufficient to reduce resolution to 72dpi. The size of the image can also be reduced to no larger than 800 x 600 ppi. Once complete, the card should be saved to JPG format and can be sent as a simple email attachment.
Don't Be A Martyr
If graphics software is not something that you have had a lot of experience with it may not be worth it to try doing this the hard way. Investigate e-card service providers before trying to recreate the wheel.
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