Mousky V1.0

Blog Has Moved

2010-05-31T12:04:00.000-04:00

I've moved my blog to WordPress.com

http://mousky.wordpress.com

This blog will remain as an archive.

The reason for the move? I got sick and tired of being unable to change the size the edit box, of trying to figure out the date format (dd/mm/yy) and inserting images, among other things. Blogger hasn't introduced any changes to the interface in 2 or 3 years - a long time in the Internet world. Google are listening? Do you even care?

My Singapore Concierge

2009-08-30T09:36:00.000-04:00

Concierge services produce a win-win scenario for both the employer and employee.

The employer is able to acknowledge the demand for better balance, they enhance company image, promote well-being with their staff, attract and retain quality personnel, increase company engagement, fine tune their corporate values and commitment to their workforce, increase productivity and efficiency levels, which all revert to a stronger foundation, and an increased bottom line.

The employee increases the on the job effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, and loyalty to their firm. They are more content with their balance, have happier and healthier home lives and relationships, decreased stress, and a stronger performance desire. The employee knows that their company is aware of the difficulties and strains of meeting the balance of both personal and professional lifestyles. Their company is interested, is concerned, and is meeting the challenge.

Indra Brooks, Vice President of the International Concierge and Errand Industry believes, "The benefits of a concierge service accrue not just to the employees, but to the employer as well. In fact, evidence suggests that concierge services contribute to increased worker productivity, improved morale, and a hiring advantage in a tight job market. For an employer hiring competent people who want to stay, you need to offer something more than a 401(k) and health and dental. Those things are now standard, so what can you offer your employees above and beyond that to show them this is the place they want to work? A concierge service is an inexpensive way to do that."

I know of a good concierge service, you can find out more here at My Singapore Concierge located at http://www.mysingaporeconcierge.com/

Trip Toll Charge

2009-07-21T12:08:00.003-04:00

Having to take my youngest to camp near Gravenhurst, I decided to use Highway 407 to bypass the mayhem of the Toronto and Mississauga area.

I don't mind paying the per kilometre toll. The video toll charge is largely a scam but I'm willing to pay it since I use the 407 less than four round trips a year. But now there is an additional fee: a Trip Toll Charge of 25 cents per trip. What the? Now the 407 ETR is charging me for taking a trip on the 407? I thought that per km toll covered that.

I'm not surprised. It's common in many regulated or non-competitive sectors for various "fees" to sprout up.

The cell phone industry is well known for it's fees. The one-time account set up fee. Network access fee. 911 fee. Hardware upgrade fee. Overage charges. Suddenly that $20 a month plan becomes $30 dollars.

Only decreasing or stagnant traffic volumes and/or increasing fixed costs could explain the need to add a 25 cent toll to each trip. Gee, it's not like they couldn't increase the per km toll by tenth of a cent or so.

Alternate Reality Known as CUPEland

2009-07-18T22:27:00.004-04:00

In CUPEland, workers that have been out on strike for 14 weeks do not want their vacation days to be pro-rated. Yes, while the majority of working Ontarians get either 2 weeks off or the cash equivalent, CUPE believes that not working entitles them to vacation time.

In CUPEland, said workers also want two of those vacation weeks paid out. I guess this is one way of having all the strikers not taking a bunch of time off for the remainder of the year to avoid staff shortages and overtime. It sure is nice for CUPE to be so considerate that they get a pay out.

In CUPEland, said workers also want the employer to cover the employers share of pension buy back for time on the picket line. At OMERS, when you buy-back previous time, the employee is responsible for both their share and the employers share. Again, CUPE believes that withholding services for 14 weeks entitles them to a pension.

In CUPEland, with the summer almost half over and with services not expected to return to normal two to three weeks after returning to work, the union believes that seasonal and temporary employees should be guaranteed a job. Most families have found alternatives to City programs for their kids. I don't expect many of them to return. We just don't need those seasonal and temporary employees. But CUPE being CUPE, believes that we do need them. Even if they are sitting around doing nothing (save for filling union coffers with dues).

And, in a classic example of CUPEland thinking, the union wants a guarantee that no returning employee will be disciplined for picket line infractions. Yes, while the majority of picketers were polite and respectful, CUPE must resort to protecting the stupid. Why can't unions just say "you fucked up on the picket line, and we don't want to associate ourselves with your kind. See ya"? And unions wonder why people don't have much love for them.

Wake Up Blogger

2009-07-07T13:18:00.004-04:00

When the date is listed as "07/07/09" how the fuck am I supposed to which 7 is for what?

How hard is it for Blogger to add a real calendar when selecting a date for a post? Heck, how hard is it for them to indicate below the date format a key "DD/MM/YY" or whatever?

I'll probably be switching this blog to WordPress over the summer. Why? Because it is more intuitive. You can change the size of the editing window. Ever tried moving around images in a Blogger edit window? Not very easy. Blogger needs some serious updating. Not much has changed with the interface.

Political Correctness Gone Awry

2009-06-28T14:06:00.001-04:00

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

One requirement of the AODA is that anyone working in a customer service aspect must take training in how to provide customer service to people with disabilities.

My training consisted watching an online video about providing customer service to people with disabilities. Can I please have that one hour of my life back?

Yet another common sense thing has to be turned into a mandated issue. Hey, my kid has a disability. My wife worked with families that have children with disabilities. So, I probably have a little more experience dealing with people with disabilities then most of my fellow workers.

Have we become so tame, so whipped, that we need the government telling us how to deal people, disability or no disability? Whatever happened to personal responsibility?

Intimidation

2009-06-11T13:37:00.004-04:00

What kind of message do you send to the public when you hold an individual for three hours at the exit of a facility?

Yes, CUPE Locals 82 and 543 were holding people for up to three hours at the Central Avenue waste and recycling transfer facility on their way out. You see, the City has an injunction that limits pickets to five minutes. Now, in the wacky world of unions, that means each person that arrives at the entrance or exit will be held for five minutes. Well, if you are the 12th vehicle waiting to leave, you may have spent 60 minutes waiting.

How CUPE does not see this as intimidation is beyond me? Holding an elderly diabetic man for three hours is not going to win over people. You are angering the wrong people.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Spoiler Alert)

2009-05-14T14:28:00.003-04:00

Saw X-Men Origins: Wolverine with my oldest son last night. Not a bad movie. Not a great movie. My son liked it, and that is all that really matters.

That said, one thing in the movie bothered me.

Before Logan's skeletal system was reinforced with adamantium, a near indestructible metal, he would grow bone claws out of hands. Yet, after the adamantium reinforcement, Logan now grows sharp blades (that were also much duller in this movie).

Shouldn't he be growing adamantium-reinforced bone claws?

"Jerk"

2009-05-13T08:09:00.003-04:00

One way of not winning support during a strike is to call people a jerk.

You want me to wait for five minutes? Ask me, politely. That is all it would take. Really.

Demanding that I wait five minutes or that you WILL hold me for five minutes is not going to win me over.

Since when do you get to decide what I can and cannot do? I always find it amusing how the 'right to strike' and the 'right to picket' trumps my 'right to work' and my 'right to enter a building'.

Also, standing off to the side and yelling out demands doesn't sit well with me. Since when did sitting and/or standing around a picnic table equal picketing?

CUPE locals 82 and 543, you are losing the public. Do yourself a favour. Face reality and get back to the negotiating table. The majority of Canadians do not get post-retirement benefits for life. Heck, the majority of Canadians don't get post-retirement benefits period. What makes you so special?

Eliza Dushku

2009-05-08T17:56:00.003-04:00

Beautiful

The Mayor's Arrogance

2009-05-04T07:12:00.002-04:00

Make sure you watch the video, email a link to your friends and family, post it on your Facebook page and if you have a blog, embed a copy for everyone to see.

This is what Windsor City Council has become. Last minute meetings. The Mayor not providing information to Councillors to make an informed decision. The sad part: Only one Councillor has the guts to stand up to King Francis.

To MP Jeff Watson: How can your government support the funding of a canal while City streets, sidewalks, sewers and water mains crumble?

Strike Update - Week 2

2009-04-28T08:19:00.001-04:00

The inside workers have been on the strike for a measly 10 calendar days and the snide comments are already being made. Nice. I guess you really don't want my support?

Hey CUPE, go talk to your CAW brothers and sisters who are losing their jobs and giving concessions to keep the possibility of employment alive. Time for a reality check. Let me reiterate that once more: People are losing their jobs and you don't think you should have to give up anything? Even Ken Lewenza had to face reality.

Honeywell 7-Day Programmable Thermostate RTH8500D - Initial Impression

2009-04-23T09:01:00.005-04:00

Last Saturday, I purchased a new Honeywell 7-Day Touchscreen Universal Programmable Low Volt Thermostat at Canadian Tire. It was on sale for CDN$95.99. This replaced an existing Honeywell 5-2-Day programmable thermostat that my wife and I found had too high of a temperature swing - some people like that, but we found it annoying.

The box says it takes 15 minutes or less to install. My experience confirms that. I labelled the wires, removed the old thermostat and bracket, marked the holes with the new bracket, drilled the holes, installed the anchors, attached the bracket and attached the wires to the connectors on the bracket - a nice feature since the old thermostat had the wire directly connected to the thermostat. That took about 5 or so minutes.

I inserted the batteries. One thing: the packaging says 2 AAA batteries are required and not included. You need 3 AAA batteries. The system came to life.

Programming was straightforward. The touch screen is easy to use. One thing I like about the schedule mode is that you can select multiple days and you program from the cool and heat schedules at the same times.

If you touch the corners the backlight comes on. The thermostat has a filter reminder and even a button that freezes the screen so that it can be cleaned. Not a bad investment.

City Hall On Strike

2009-04-20T08:59:00.004-04:00

No, I'm not on strike. I'm a non-union professional employee, so I get to come into work, but not before crossing a picket line or two.

Striking in this current economic climate is not the logical thing to do. People are losing their jobs, and those that still have them have received no increases, or worse, had to take pay cuts.

A major issue in this strike is post-retirement benefits. I'm not talking about pensions - those are handled separately and are not an issue. Post-retirement benefits are the benefits (medical, dental, drugs) that you received while working and will keep receiving when you retire. The cost of such benefits is borne by the employer.

Most municipalities in Ontario limit post-retirement benefits till age 65. Others have a 10-year limit. Some do not provide post-retirement benefits at all. Windsor is the exception. The municipality provides lifetime post-retirement benefits. That is an expensive proposition.

The City is willing to keep lifetime post-retirement benefits for existing employees. For new hires, the City wants post-retirement benefits to be limited to 65 at which point the provincial plan kicks (it is not as generous as the municipal plan). Non-union employees are already subject to a similar arrangement.

The union argues that in the future, the new employees will have minimal interest in keeping lifetime post-retirement benefits and may be willing to scrap it in favour of wage increases or other negotiated items. Now, this could be true, but with over 1,600 employees, it will take some time for new hires to dominate the union. One would think that over this time, union officers could indoctrinate the new hires.

Then again, unions are supposed to be democratic institutions. If the majority of employees want to scrap lifetime post-retirement benefits, then so be it.

Right now, I'm still working at my usual job. That could change in the coming weeks. I'm sure that certain people will be 'protected' because they are better at kissing ass than I am. Oh well. Time will tell.

At A Crossroad in Land Use Planing

2009-03-24T17:22:00.005-04:00

Over the past 10 years, land use planning in the Province of Ontario has become more and more complex, more so under the Liberal government. I'm sure the lawyers and consultants appreciate the business (and to all the consultants and lawyers I know - it's not personal).

But what exactly has all this complexity accomplished? How are 40-day Ontario Municipal Board hearings, reports that are 10, 20 or 30 pages long, Official Plans that have more and more polices in them, and reams of 'supporting documentation' that sits under my desk gathering dust.

An OMB hearing shouldn't take 2 or 3 years to plan and it shouldn't take 40 days to 'hear everyone' out. It shouldn't take a team of lawyers and a team of experts to figure out what is an acceptable land use. People have become so focused on process, so focused on details that the big picture is mostly forgotten.

Reports are becoming unnecessarily long because people fear of 'missing' something and being dragged through the mud at the OMB. All the information is included. Technology has enabled us to easily update documents and add all sorts of maps, attachments and appendixes. No one asks if we need all that stuff. We can do it, so why not? Besides people like pretty images.

Official Plans are supposed to be long term guiding documents, but now often have policies that a contradictory to each other. Wonderful. Can we choose to ignore the contradictions in the name of 'general intent'? No because that will be 'used' against us at Council or the OMB.

And what about all those documents (and multiple copies thereof) we ask for? So much for protecting the environment as the Official Plan recommends we do.

Sometimes, I think we would be better off spinning a wheel and living with that decision. Quick. Cheap. Arbitrary.

Of course, when the Province finds that all this complexity is too much, they simply create legislation to bypass it (Green Energy Act anyone?)

So much for community based land use planning. So much for have straightforward discussions. So much for simplifying things.

Pissed

2009-03-24T10:39:00.002-04:00

The morning started off okay.

Then I got in the office. And all hell broke lose.

A report that I had been working on for about two months, that I thought was finished, went south quickly.

I was frustrated. I was angry. I was pissed.

It was a file I inherited. I knew that it had a long history. But no one ever told me that the issue discussed today would become a major headache.

Sometimes, Urban Planning is a pain in the ass. This is one of those times.

Rush Retrospective 3 (1998-2008)

2009-03-06T21:08:00.002-05:00

Just purchased the latest Rush anthology, Retrospective 3.

Yes, I have all the Rush studio albums, but this anthology includes remixes of One Little Victory and Earthshine from the Vapor Trails album.

Richard Chycki (engineer on recent Rush albums) remixed the two songs bringing out instruments and subtleties that were lost in the poor mix of the original album. The songs come to life with a broad sonic quality (not loud just full). Guitar parts that were lost came to the front. Geddy's vocals have a better presence. And Neil's drumming sounds much more intense.

I hope that Rush remixes the rest of the Vapor Trails album. It would be a worthwhile project.

I Don't Get It

2009-02-27T11:08:00.002-05:00

At a staff meeting yesterday, a colleague mentioned that another municipal department will be experimenting with creating a Facebook page to communicate with residents. Twitter is also being considered.

Great. Wonderful. It's about time. Welcome to the 21st century.

Thing is, my employer ("the City") blocks Facebook on the corporate intranet. Yes, those outside the corporation will be able to access the City's Facebook page, I will not be able to.

So on one hand, someone somewhere sees the value in Facebook in disseminating information. On the other hand, someone somewhere sees no value in allowing employees access to that information.

So much for 'empowering employees'.

Let The Market Decide

2009-02-26T10:21:00.003-05:00

Today, CTV Inc. announced that it will not be renewing the licence of TV stations in Windsor and Wingham. The Globe and Mail story notes includes the following quote from Paul Sparkes, CTVglobe's executive vice-president of corporate affairs:

"The traditional economic model for Canadian television is broken"

The traditional economic model is not broken. It's dead. Instead of innovating and moving forward, old media wants to sit on their laurels and have the government 'save' their business model - or at least change it in a way that creates by force a new stream of revenue.

Interestingly, the consumer is completely ignored. Why does the CRTC exist?

Battlestar Galactica

2009-02-23T18:32:00.000-05:00

Four more episodes left.

On one hand, I'm happy with the fact that the show is coming to an end on its own terms. Nothing like a show hanging on (ER, X-Files) with no end in sight. Coronation Street is one thing, but most shows need to have a beginning, a middle and an end.

On the other hand, once Battlestar Galactica is over, I'll have to find a new show to replace it. I'll have to check out some of the TV series available via TMN On Demand and HBO On Demand. I just finished watching the third (and hopefully final) season of Brotherhood. Maybe I'll watch Oz again. Who knows?

Snowblowers and Lawnmowers

2009-02-03T19:50:00.003-05:00

Okay, I have to admit that the volume of snow this season has pushed me to buy a snowblower. I've done the research and picked the Toro Power Clear 421Q single stage snowblower.

Think I could find one in the past two months in Southern Ontario? Not one. We don't have any direct sell retailers in Canada. I may have to rely on contacts in the US to find one.

Walk into Home Depot, Lowes, Canadian Tire or Home Hardware and you will likely see a growing display of lawnmowers. Lawnmowers? Who is buying lawnmowers in February when there is still a foot or two of snow? Do people get the urge to buy a lawnmower when the snow is falling? And if they do buy one, it's just going to sit there for two or more months.

One a random online forum, I read someone who was also looking for the 421Q. Seems some retailers in the Toronto area sold out in August. Do they mean August as is in hot, hazy and humid summer month August? This reminds of the receiving the Sears winter catalog in June.

I just don't get it. Why can't I buy a snowblower during the seasons known as Fall and Winter? And who would be buying a lawnmower in February?

Sheryl Crow

2009-02-02T19:32:00.002-05:00

What was Lance Armstrong thinking?

Hectic Month

2009-01-31T19:20:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a hectic month.

I had some time off at New Year's. That was a much needed break. Then it was to work for a week before heading to Orlando to Walt Disney World with the family.

That was followed by a week of getting things back in order before preparing for wife's crazy work week (fortunately her mom came down to help).

I can't believe January is over. Time to start making a list of projects that need to be done around the house. I really need to start crossing things off this year.

Confused

2009-01-28T08:56:00.001-05:00

I don't get it. In response to President Obama's stimulus package, the Republicans are ranting and raving about 'bigger government' and 'more spending'. What the?

These are the same Republicans that created one of the biggest expansions of government by creating the Department of Homeland Security and nationalizing airport security (TSA).

Now they are selling themselves as small-government spend-thrift conservatives?

Unbelievable.

Sara Rue

2009-01-04T19:48:00.004-05:00

Sensuality and sexuality all rolled up in one amazing body

Megan Fox

2008-12-29T19:10:00.003-05:00

I can't wait for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Seasons Greetings

2008-12-24T14:18:00.001-05:00

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All.

Grace Park

2008-12-12T19:21:00.002-05:00

Could you resist this Cylon?

Six Nations Are Not Indigenous Peoples

2008-12-05T07:19:00.003-05:00

An article in the Brantford Expositor, states that the Six Nations band council does not want to participate in the Brant County Official Plan consultation process.

There is an interesting paragraph about a letter from Six Nations Chief Coun. Bill Montour to Brant County:

Montour's letter says Six Nations wants "free, prior and informed consent" about development projects that might take place on land under claim, an idea outlined as part of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The thing is, the Six Nations are not indigenous to the Grand Valley. Originally from the New York State area, the Six Nations were relocated to Canada. Yes, like many people in Canada, the original members of the Six Nations are immigrants. Don't let them fool us into thinking that members of the Six Nations have been around for thousands of years in the Grand Valley.

Canada - National Do Not Call List

2008-11-23T10:28:00.000-05:00

The Canadian National Do No Call List is active.

If you want to reduce the number of phone calls from telemarketers be sure to add all your phone numbers (residential, wireless, fax or VoIP). Your number will remain on the list for five years, so be sure to add a reminder in your electronic calendar.

https://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/index-eng

D-Link DIR-625 and DWA-642 - One Year Review

2008-11-20T22:33:00.001-05:00

It's been over one year since I purchased the D-Link DIR-625 Wireless Router and D-Link DWA-642 Notebook Adaptor.

Overall, my experience has been positive.

I have had no problems with the router. The firmware has been updated twice. I use OpenDNS as my DNS service, and in combination with the routers built-in website filters, am able to block many inappropriate websites. The range and power of the router has been satisfactory.

I have the router to strictly use Wireless-N (Draft 2.0) and WPA2-PSK with a randomly generated 256 bit key. IP addresses are assigned according to MAC address of the computer and I have limited how many IPs can be addressed.

The Notebook Adaptor has worked well. It has worked well when used outside of the home in hotels. The D-Link software allows to create a new profile, meaning you don't lose your existing information.

About the only problem I have had are random disconnects between the notebook adaptor and the wireless router. I suspect it is a line of sight issue in that there are plenty of obstacles between the laptop and the router. Doesn't happen very often. Relocating the router or buying an external antenna may solve this problem.

My wife has used the computer all around the house, even outside, with no major issues, so range appears to be acceptable.

I would recommend these products. If you want gigabit speeds, you may want to look at the DIR-655 router. You may also want to look at the DIR-628 which appears to be an improvement on the DIR-625 in that the USB port can be used to connect an external device such as a hard drive to the router.

It's the End of October?

2008-10-30T21:44:00.000-04:00

Wow, time really flew. Did lot's of things this month.

Celebrated my oldest sons' 10th birthday.

Both my mother and my mother-in-law spent a week with us (though separately).

Went to Kalahari Waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio.

Went to Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Cut the grass.

Took the van in for semi-annual service and Drive Clean test.

Began working in my Acting position at work.

Turned on the furnace.

Yup, sounds like October.

OPP Con Job

2008-10-01T17:49:00.000-04:00

I have to commend the Ontario Provincial Police on the PR job they have done with the 'street racing' legislation. They have been able to convince the media, the politicians and ordinary residents that anyone driving 50 km/h over the speed limit is a street racer.

If you recall, the push for the 'street racing' legislation came about due to a couple of high-profile street racing incidents in the Greater Toronto Area that resulted in deaths. OPP Commissioner Fantino (formerly the Police Chief for the City of Toronto) began making the rounds calling for 'tougher' legislation on 'street racers'.

There was minimal evidence that street racing was a big problem (more people die from alcohol-related collisions), but you know how the media likes to make a minor problem into a major issue. Naturally, the politicians jumped on the bandwagon. Given the small number of street racers, this legislation had minimal impact on the general public.

Or so we thought.

The legislation stated if you exceed the speed limit by 50 km/h, you instantly became a 'street racer'. The reason for this threshold was to avoid the issue of requiring police to be subjective when identifying someone as a 'street racer'. With an absolute figure, police were objective. The law was 'clear'. Exceed 50 km/h and you are a street 'racer'.

It didn't matter if you were driving down a nearly empty 400-series highway listening to the Moody Blues. You were 'dangerous'. You were a 'street racer'.

The worst part of the law was the immediate seizure of the vehicle for a week. Yup, despite not being found guilty in a court of law, the legislation requires +that police seize the vehicle. Not even drunk drivers lose their vehicle on their first charge. Yes, in democratic Ontario, you can not be found guilty and have your property seized.

Ever since, the OPP (and other police forces) have been pulling over drivers on 400-series highways (you know, the roads that are designed for high-speed and that are the safest in Ontario) and proclaiming the street racing legislation a success. And the media jumps along for the ride. The headlines read "Racers receive no mercy in court, legal rep says".

What racers? I am not aware of a single real street racer has been ticketed to date.

What do we expect from a Premier who continues to expand the nanny state in Ontario?

Random Thoughts

2008-09-25T08:54:00.002-04:00

1. Why do people take their time turning left on a left turn green, but gun it to get through a yellow or even red light?

2. If people value honesty, why do they keep electing politicians that are less than honest?

3. Why can't politicians leave us alone? Stop telling us what we can and cannot do.

Election Time In Canada

2008-09-09T10:17:00.005-04:00

Well, Harper finally did it. Pulled the plug on his government.

His public reason? Parliament has become dysfunctional. That wouldn't be the same Parliament that has passed everything the Conservatives put forward? Tax cuts? Passed. Tougher criminal laws? Passed. Extending the Afghan mission? Passed. If that is dysfunction, then what happens in less stable democracies must be outright chaos.

His private reason? The 36-day time frame represents Harpers last bid before things change in the US, before people release books, before more scandals come to the forefront and before the leaders of the opposition parties, especially Dion, start to gain ground in the popularity contest.

We did not need this election. Harper should have waited until October 2009 - and I think the opposition parties would have waited until then too. But nope, power hungry Harper has to spend $300 million on an election that he believes will lead to another minority government (that would be three in a row if you are keeping track).

They Still Must Think We Are Stupid

2008-09-05T07:26:00.003-04:00

Today, Future Shop has the Samsung 32" 1080p LCD HDTV (LN32A550) "on sale" for $899.99, a "savings" of $100. Best Buy has the same TV, not on "sale", for $899.99. Best Buy owns Future Shop.

The best part is that earlier this week that same TV at Future Shop had a regular price of $899.99. So Future Shop 'raised' the price for the flyer to make it appear that the TV is "on sale".

So you can buy the TV at Future Shop and pretend to save money, or you can buy at the same price at Best Buy and get Best Buy Rewards points. Seems like a no brainer.

They Must Think We Are Stupid

2008-08-10T12:19:00.003-04:00

If you buy an HP computer and monitor combo, Best Buy will let you upgrade from a 22" to a 24" monitor for only $200. Thing is, the actual price difference between the two monitors is $180. At the very least the cost to 'upgrade' should equal the actual price difference.

The Shine Has Worn Off

2008-07-16T08:18:00.002-04:00

I've been working full-time in site plan control for over a week. Still not 100% sure what I am doing, but for the most part is seems to be a large bureaucracy that likes to generate a lot of stuff with not much value.

Of course, my immediate supervisor and the Acting Site Plan Approval Officer are away on vacation. That leaves me and two support staff. Naturally, my manager comes to me to find files or setup meetings. Why are you delegating to me when you could go directly to the support staff to find the file and setup the meeting?

I've been working for the city for over 10 years, and you want me to find a file and setup a meeting? You want an employee who earns twice as much as a clerk to do the work of the clerk? My manager just does not get it.

Pace is Slowing

2008-07-10T13:00:00.005-04:00

Yes, it's been about four weeks since my last post. For the most part I've been doing thing in and out of the house.

With all the rain in June, I didn't spend anytime watering anything. I did have to spend time weeding the gardens and flowerbeds. There was an overwhelming amount of maple keys this year followed by an overwhelming amount of maple trees sprouting. I'm still finding the odd maple sprout here and there plus the occasional weed that grew overnight.

The front lawn is in good shape - save for the area where the City reseeded after road reconstruction. I'll have to work on that area during the summer. The rear lawn is in disarray. I really need to have it ripped out, the grade levelled and a new law put in. Maybe in the fall, maybe spring 2009.

On the work front, I've officially been 'transferred' to the site plan control section. No more rezoning or Committee of Adjustment for me for the next six months. I was wary at first, but the change of pace, work and environment (I moved into a new office with my old office still available for non site plan control matters) is welcomed. I'll get a pay raise for three months when I am Acting Site Plan Approval Officer.

No summer plans yet. This coming weekend I'm taking my youngest to my mom's via the train. He is quite excited. That leaves my wife and I without kids since the oldest is at camp. I just may be able to sleep in. Maybe.

We may do some day trips around the area - anything within a 2-hour drive is a possible. Maybe a night or two at a hotel somewhere. We'll see.

I Want To Scream More

2008-06-13T18:59:00.001-04:00

I just don't get my employer anymore. It's become a place that is big on catchphrases and little on accomplishing anything constructive in the work place.

I would prefer you give me the tools to do my job properly. I would prefer if you trusted me to do my job. I would prefer if you went beyond listening and started doing.

Okay, I feel better.

It's Hot

2008-06-08T14:47:00.000-04:00

The weather has been a roller coaster ride so far this year. A few weeks ago it was snowing in Cochrane, Ontario. Today, it's sweltering hot in Windsor. The air conditioning is hard at work at home.

I've been busy outside the house. With the wife's help, I've managed to plant more flowers in the front and back flowerbeds.

Next projects: new windows in the basement, gate between the house and garage, replace some fence posts, relocated sand box, new concrete pad on the other side of the garage and a new and bigger porch at the back of the house. Later this year may see a new lawn and a relocated patio with a pergola or a retractable canopy.

Did I mention that it is hot?

John Rutsey Passes

2008-05-19T21:44:00.000-04:00

Former drummer and found member of Rush, John Rutsey, died in his sleep from a heart attack. John found the band with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson and appears on the first album, Rush. He left the band shortly after due to health problems.

Go Team Go

2008-05-16T13:40:00.000-04:00

At work today, we had our first team building exercise as one department.

It was a sunny but cool day. The exercises were fine and the morning went by quickly. We managed to fit in 22 people into five hoolahoops - a new record.

We all learned something about each other and had some fun doing it.

Disappointing Weather

2008-05-15T21:36:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure what happened, but May has been much cooler than April. It's been a strange five months between snow storms in March, summer weather in April and April weather in May.

It has been dry for the past two months. Very little rain. Some of the grass seed I put down has germinated, but there would have been more if we had a little more rain. Part of my lawn are already showing signs of cracking. This is crazy.

I'm thinking of installing a sprinkler system when the lawn is redone. I just don't like hard clay on bare feet.

Time To Cut The Grass

2008-05-10T10:37:00.003-04:00

Spring is here and it's time to start doing things outside. I've already cut the grass once, and it's time to do it again. I need to get a bunch of plants and mulch for the corner bed.

The perennials are looking good this year. Seems the cold winter and snow was a positive this year. The roses are very leafy and bushy - just as I was thinking of getting rid of them. I do have one rogue rose bush in the garage bed that I need to dig out.

I have to relocate the bushes at the side of the driveway - they just collect leaves and garbage and add no value to the front yard. The grass seed I planted seems to be taking.

I need to start planning the improvements to the backyard. It's time to turn this area into something useful and enjoyable. New sod (the existing lawn is awful and uneven) is one plan. Another is to relocate the patio by the house. I am thinking of ripping out the concrete sidewalk that is there and putting in a stone patio.

The vegetable garden is done. I may plant some one or two tomato plants, but that is it. The hot summers down here mean that the vegetable garden needs constant attention (and watering). I just don't feel like wasting water anymore. So I will be cutting it in half, incorporating one half into an existing bed and the rest will be paved over for a play/shed area.

I may do some of this work myself, but the bulk will have to be done by a landscaping company.

It Feels Like Summer

2008-04-20T09:17:00.002-04:00

It's been a crazy four weeks of weather, but it looks like spring is here to stay. No chance of 24 centimetres of snow like in Nanaimo, British Columbia this weekend.

The weather has been warm, which means it is time to begin working outside. I picked up the garbage from the flowerbeds, trimmed all the perennials down, and swept the floor in the garage.

I need to buy a ton of flowers and bushes for the corner flowerbed to make it presentable and to stop people from cutting across it. I also need to install the soaker hoses I bought last year along the street flowerbeds to make it easier to water these beds. The grass needs a lot of work, and I may have it replaced with new sod this year.

The garage needs lots of attention this year. A lot of space is wasted or unused. The workbench needs to be replace with something of better quality (including using pressure treated wood where it touches the concrete floor. The fluorescent lighting must go in. Shelving needs to go up and things need to either be thrown out or put in the crawl space if not being used.

I have some ideas for the backyard, including the relocation of the patio closer to the house, elimination of half of the vegetable garden and relocating the sandbox to the other half and installation of a swing bench. I may do this work myself, or I may get a quote as part of any lawn rehab.

It's gonna be an interesting summer.

Windows Vista - Indexing Service and PresentationFontCache

2008-04-17T22:14:00.000-04:00

Recently, I turned off Indexing Service and HP Health Check Service. I have no use for the Indexing Service - I rarely search for files on my computer - and the HP Health Check Service, is a complete joke.

FontCache3.0.0.0 seemed to be using up resources for no apparent reason. Given multiple CPUs, powerful graphic cards and large amounts of RAM and HD, is it really necessary to cache fonts in memory? So I stopped the service and set it to manual.

Ever since doing these three things, I have noticed a decrease in RAM usage and much less HD churning. The way I look at it, by ending those services, I freed up RAM that Vista can use to cache programs that I use frequently.

Seems like an acceptable trade off.

Ongoing Saga of Work

2008-04-07T20:56:00.001-04:00

Management wants the authors of reports to Council to attend Council meetings. They are selling it under the guise of 'gaining experience in front of Council'.

Hog wash. They want us to do this because many of the the managers at Council have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. So while I see no increase in pay, my duties expand, while the duties of manager decrease. Wonderful. Any wonder why moral is so low?

How about we just eliminate the managers all together. Too much to ask for I suppose.

UFile 2007

2008-04-06T12:08:00.002-04:00

After learning that QuickTax 2007 included two returns with their package this year, I decided to look for an alternative. I settled on UFile 2007, which includes eight returns.

With the rest of the family out of town, I finally got around to doing the taxes this weekend.

The install and product activation went without a hitch. Product registration, which is optional, was not able to connect to the server (subsequently I tried to register the product and had no problems). The program checked for and downloaded an update.

I was able to import previous year information from QuickTax 2006, avoiding having to enter all personal information again.

The interview process is straightforward and I was able to enter all relevant information in a short time. It took me longer to find all the child care receipts then to enter the data. The only problem I have encountered with version 2007.1120 is a glitch between previous year unused RRSP contributions and Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) repayment.

Due to a problem with TD in 2007, my wife contributed the 2006 HBP repayment twice. Instead of reversing the duplicate amount, I decided to keep it and carry it over for the 2007 tax year. UFile carried this amount from the QuickTax 2006 file. My wife had no contributions into her RRSP for the 2007 tax year, so those fields were left empty. I entered the HBP information as per the interview.

However, when preparing the tax return, UFile shows RRSP income on line 129. On the Tax Return tab, Part A on Schedule 7, shows the unused contribution, however Part B - Repayment under the HBP or the LLP - is completely empty. Further, UFile is showing an amount in Part D - RRSP unused contributions available to carry forward - that equals the amount in Part A. Something is not right.

To verify the issue, I entered an unused RRSP contribution on my return but reduced my RRSP contributions by the same amount. Sure enough, UFile showed a RRSP income amount on line 129 and also reduced the HBP amount. I fired off an email to UFile to get their assistance.

After some research, I think I figured out what the problem is: UFile is not including the unused contribution because this could be an amount from any previous year. For an RRSP contribution to qualify as a HBP repayment, said contribution has to be made in the year the repayment is due or the first 60 days of the following year. UFile does not know nor has been told if he unused contribution qualifies for HBP.

What is needed is a checkbox or pull down menu that lets the user declare that all or a portion of the unused RRSP contribution qualifies as a HBP repayment for the previous tax year.

I was able to figure out a solution that uses the unused RRSP contribution, allows the HBP repayment and has no impact on the bottom line.

I have no major issues with the program. It provides a lot information including the estimation of Child Tax Benefit payments, RRSP contribution limit for the coming year and so on. The MaxBack feature appears to work well, automatically maximizing who should receive certain deductions and credits.

Windows Backup and Restore Center

2008-04-02T20:53:00.001-04:00

For the life of me, I don't understand Windows Backup in Vista.

It will fill up the destination device with backups until the device is full. And then it simply gives you an error that the backup failed. There is no option to delete previous backups (incremental or full). Instead, you have to manually delete previous backups to make room.

I did that. Windows Backup still failed to make a backup.

So I deleted the entire backup directory. Only then did Windows Backup work.

Since doing that, I've noticed that each weekly backup is similar in size. Previously, backups had different sizes. Now, I know I'm not altering all my music and image files every week. It appears that Windows Backup is performing a full backup each week. This means that the destination device will fill up quickly.

I'll have to delete the directory again, and create a new backup. I'll give Windows Backup one more chance before searching for a third-party solution that works.

UPDATE (2008-08-16): After a tip at Lifehacker, I am using Cobian Backup 9. It performs full, incremental and differential backups. It is completely customizable. I have experienced no problems. It can be set to perform a full backup after so many incremental or differential backups and it will automatically delete old backups. It may be exactly what you are looking for. Give it a try. It's free.

Windows Vista SP1

2008-03-20T19:19:00.002-04:00

I read that Service Pack 1 was available for Vista Home Premium (32 bit) so I fired up Windows Update and lo and behold, it was available. I downloaded the update - about 60 MB or so. It did not take too long to download via my 10 Mbps cable internet.

Installing the update took around 30 to 40 minutes, at which point you are asked to restart the system. The computer begins the shutdown process which is 'interrupted' by the update. A warning screen telling your that stage 1 of 3 of the update is underway and to not turn off the computer.

A few minutes later and the SP1 update was complete.

No problems so far. File transfers are much faster and it takes less time for Windows to calculate the transfer time. It seems that a bit less memory is consumed by system resources.

So far so good.

Group Mentality and digg

2008-03-06T19:38:00.002-05:00

I subscribe and read the feeds at digg. I mostly do it for the entertainment value in reading the various comments. digg is a place where people submit content and users (with some assistance from the omnipotent managers are digg) decide which submissions make it to the front page.

One thing that is very evident on digg is that if your comment goes against the, for the lack of a better phrase, the 'digg grain', your comment will be dugg down, big time.

Say, someone posts something 'positive' about ethanol or Senator Obama. After reading the article and then reading some of the posts you note a trend. For example, "Ethanol is good" or "Senator Obama will be different". But you, being the individualist that you are, call out some of these comments. Or god forbid, you offer an alternative point of view.

You will get dugg down. You are not agreeing with the majority, or at least the vocal minority, and therefore your point-of-view must be diminished. Who cares about improving the discussion? Who cares about facts? Who cares about the quality of comments? Nope, don't you dare go against the grain.

So for all the talk about free speech and democracy, none actually exists at digg. And it never will.

Street & Trips 2008

2008-02-18T14:36:00.003-05:00

I finally bought a copy of Street & Trips 2008. I had been using a the 2005 version and figured it was time to update. For the most part, I like the program. However, there is one thing that I find annoying: the Driving speeds tab in the More Route Options dialog.

The previous version of S&T used to indicate the actual speed that you tend to drive. The 2008 version uses a slider with Slower, Average and Faster.

The help file mentions "Use the Driving speeds tab to set your average driving speed for various types of roads". Um, no, it doesn't set your average driving speed. It sets your driving style. Note to Microsoft: style and speed are not the same.

I assume that if you move the slider to right, that you drive faster on that road, but there is no indication how much faster (or slower). There is also no indication what "Average" means - it could mean different things to different people.

Why would Microsoft replace a quantitative measure with a qualitative measure?

Over and Out with Blogshares

2008-02-16T14:35:00.003-05:00

I've been playing Blogshares, a fantasy stock market game, for about two years. During that time, I have met a number of characters and made many online friends and a few enemies.

A special shout out to fellow Aliens members, especially Rene Franco.

A shout out to Eric Kwan, a player who complains about aggressive game play and then engages in aggressive play and who takes the game personally by holding a grudge for two years. Eric, I have two pieces of advice for you:

If aggressive play is detrimental to the game then don't engage in it; and
It's a game, move on.

To the asshats in B$ Bears, especially Sara Bear and Honey4evr, a big "Fuck You".

I've accomplished what I wanted to in the game, reaching as high as 55 or 56 in the overall composite ranking. The new shares math is a breath of fresh air.

I may return in the fall. I may not.

Keira Knightley

2008-02-10T19:38:00.002-05:00

Sexy

QuickTax 2007 - Warning

2008-02-08T15:06:00.000-05:00

If you are thinking of buying QuickTax 2007 this year, a warning: only 2 returns for individuals earning more than $25,000 are included. The 2006 version included 5 returns. Yes, in its infinite wisdom, Intuit has decided to charge the same for software that has three less returns. Did they not learn anything from the TurboTax product activation debacle?

This is the official word from Intuit:

"For years QuickTax has remained competitive in the tax software market by providing the highest quality tax software package. This year we have changed our pricing structure to a per return model to reflect the average household tax situation. Our customer research tells us that over 60% of our customers households consist of 2 income earners over $25,000 and various numbers of dependants with incomes under $25,000."

Hogwash. If they switched to a per return model, why does QuickTax Standard cost $39.99? Shouldn't it be $30? And why are the additional per return prices the same for the Standard, Platinum and Business Unincorporated at $15 per return, when the three products have different prices. Corporate doublespeak.

In my case, their $39.99 product becomes a $54.99 product (plus tax). Wonderful.

Think that the Platinum version includes more returns? No. Two returns despite Platinum costing $20 more. Come on Intuit, you could have included 4 returns with Platinum and got people hooked on a product that they really did not need. Who is running your marketing department? Accountants?

Looks like I'll be changing products again (Taxwiz > GriffTax > TaxTron > QuickTax > ???).

55 Megabytes?

2008-01-28T19:18:00.000-05:00

Via Cybernet I discovered that Logitech have updated their SetPoint software - I use an LX7 Cordless Mouse on the laptop (in addition to the touchpad).

I haven't had a chance to download the software, but what caught my attention was the size of the download: 55 megabytes.

What the? It's software for a mouse. Just exactly how many lines of code does a mouse need? Aye ca rumba.

But hey, the Ed Botts of the world will tell you all is okay because memory and storage is cheap, which means the efficient coding is for the birds so long as the software gives you the impression that it works.

Best Buy Reward Zone

2008-01-28T17:59:00.000-05:00

Last fall, Best Buy introduced the Reward Zone program in Canada. Every time you buy something in-store or online, you collect points - 1 point for each $1. Collect 400 points and you get a $5 certificate. Not a bad program if you spend plenty of money at Best Buy. There are additional ways to earn bonus points so it's not too hard to at least get $10 to $20 in certificates. Fine and dandy.

But for a company that sells technology items, the program is, well, not very high-tech. You have to print off the certificates and they can only be used in-store. Excuse me? That means it is easy to forget or lose the certificates (though you can print them until they expire).

Why not just have a little reminder that comes up when you buy something. The cashier could ask if you want to cash in your certificates. Shoppers Drug Mart does this with their Optimum program. The fewer things I have to carry in my wallet, the better.

What really bothers me is that you can't use them online. You can access your Reward Zone account online. You can print your certificates. You just can't use them when you purchase something online. Who thought of that limitation?

Another small annoyance is that it takes several weeks for points to be posted. Some of the reward programs - Air Miles to name one - are worse than financial institutions when it comes to posting rewards promptly.

Best Buy if you get rid of the printing part and the delay in posting points and allow me to use the certificates online then you have a winner of a reward program. Make it easy and simple to use.

I Hate Being Sick

2008-01-24T10:56:00.000-05:00

My sinuses have been acting up this week. My head feels stuffed up and the area behind my eyes and cheeks are aching. Ugh. I'm hoping to take the boys to my Mom's house this weekend. I'm staying home today to rest and recover.

From Wordsmith to Scribe

2008-01-13T08:42:00.000-05:00

My boss used to say "If you could wordsmith something for my signature" when boss person wanted me to write a letter or memo. Wordsmith? What the heck is that?

But I guess wordsmith is so 2007 - it did appear on some list of words that should be banned. So now boss person is using "scribe". What the? Shall I get my quill and ink and write a letter with fancy lettering?

The best part is that boss person took a plain language course. I know because I was in the same class as boss person. The course said to use simple language as much as possible. Use short sentences. Use the passive voice.

Obviously, boss person did not learn anything from the course.

Note to boss person: using wordsmith or scribe does not make you smarter. In fact, it makes you look stupid. If you want me to write a letter or memo then say "write a letter".

Best Buy and Future Shop - Redux

2008-01-06T09:34:00.000-05:00

I received all the items I ordered from Best Buy and Future Shop. This includes the Intec Dance Mat I ordered when the one I got for Tina for Christmas was broken (and I got for an even cheaper price).

My whining about the server capacity issue aside, both stores are excellent at letting you know that an order has been received, processed and shipped. Email can be such a wonderful way for companies to communicate with their customers.

The goods were shipped via Expedited Parcel, which meant that I received them a day or two after receiving the 'it's been shipped email'.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

A happy new year to anyone who reads this blog.

I'm not one to make resolutions, but I things I must do this year include: losing weight, losing the anger, spending more time with my family and less time on the computer, renovating the house and maybe, just maybe, enjoying work this year. Scratch that last item - unless management changes their attitude, I can't see myself enjoying work.

Best Buy and Future Shop Tank

2007-12-24T22:05:00.001-05:00

So much for online shopping for Boxing Day bargains at BestBuy.ca and FutureShop.ca tonight. Not even five minutes in and the system was already bogged down. My checkout queue indicator had not moved in an hour at Best Buy - refreshing the screen brought up a screen indicating that the site was experiencing technical difficulties.

Over at Future Shop, my session had timed out - a new screen saying that Future Shop was experiencing higher than expected traffic. Wonderful.

About 3 hours later and I back shopping. The digital picture frame at Best Buy is sold out, but I did manage to purchase a 50-pack of Memorex Double Layer DVD-R discs and Rush Replay X3 DVD set. Over at Future Shop, I'm looking to buy a 2 GB Sandisk thumb drive and a 100 pack of DVDs.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2007-12-22T01:11:00.000-05:00

A very Merry Christmas and the best of everything in the New Year.

I hope to post a few things over the next few weeks. My thoughts of the past year and what 2008 will hold (or hope to hold).

Take the time to relax and enjoy the company of family or a friend. If you are feeling stressed, take a huge step back, and ask yourself "do I really need to be this stressed"? The answer should be NO.

Not Much To Say

2007-12-06T21:38:00.000-05:00

Between work and home, it's been busy. I turned 40 on the 24th of November. Then it was up to Goderich. Most of the Christmas shopping is done - just a few things for the boys on behalf of Babcia.

My mom called to say that my Aunt in Poland is back in the hospital. Things don't look good - she is not eating much and really doesn't want to see anyone. So my mom is bummed out.

The desktop computer seems to working well. No problems with it.

Internet Traffic

2007-11-18T15:21:00.000-05:00

I did a speed test last night and 'scored' the highest speeds to date with Cogeco - 9.1 Mbps down and 595 Kbps up. Seems the combination of the new D-Link DIR-625 router, Intel Gigabit network card, a faster computer and Windows Vista is working to spec, finally.

I checked the log on the router and it is amazing how many unauthorized hits it is stopping. It's not clear if these are zombies - computers infested with a virus - or co-ordinated attacks by hackers. It's amazing the internet has not collapsed.

D-Link DIR-625 Wireless Router and DWA-642 Notebook Adapter

2007-11-16T19:20:00.000-05:00

On a recent weekend away in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I decided to shop around for a new wireless router and laptop wireless card. My five year old D-Link 714P+ and Windows Vista on the new desktop were not communicating properly. I could connect to the internet, but downloads were slow. Our laptop with Windows XP SP2 had no problems connecting to the internet.

The D-Link 714P+ was a 802.11b wireless router with four wired ports. It came with WEP encryption and a parallel printer port. But the range was not the best, so it was time to upgrade.

I decided to stay with the D-Link brand and settled on the D-Link DIR-625 Rangebooster N Router. Up to 12x faster and 4x farther than 802.11g was the claim. Make sure you get model with the H/W version of C and F/W version of 3.00 or higher - this model is compatible with Vista. If you don't need Vista compatibility, the model with H/W version of A should suffice. This information is available on the box.

The laptop had 802.11b wireless built in so I also decided to buy a wireless adapter. The D-Link DWA-642 was suggested by D-Link.

The router was CDN$119.99 and the adapter was CDN$89.96 at Staples Business Depot (November 11, 2007) - total price CDN$209.95. This week Future Shop has them on sale - the adapter for CDN$69.99 and the router for CDN$89.99 - for total price of CDN$159.98.

OfficeMax in the US had them on sale. The router was marked down to US$79.99 and the adapter for US$59.99. For a total price of US$139.98. On a par basis I saved either CDN$70 or CDN$20. Either way, I saved some money.

I installed the router first. D-Link asks you to install the software first. During my first attempt, the installation froze. The second time it worked with no problem. I plugged in the router and it worked. I changed the default admin password and I immediately noticed that my internet connection was flying.

I fine tuned some of the settings to my liking and saved them to my desktop. I downloaded the latest firmware, rebooted the router and uploaded the settings. Works like a charm.

With the adapter, D-Link requires you to install part of the software, then plug in the card and continue with the installation. I chose to use the Windows Zero Configuration. The adapter connected to the router. Success. Well not quite.

I wanted to encrypt the connection using WPA2-PSK. I created a key and entered it in the proper field, but for some reason, Windows would not save the key - or at least whenever I rebooted the router or laptop, I had to manually enter the key. Hmmm, that's not going to work with my wife.

So I un-installed everything and re-installed the software, this time choosing to use the D-Link software instead. No problems. The key was saved. In fact, the D-Link software is wee bit more informative about signal strength and speed. The laptop was connecting at around 200 to 270 Mpbs. Smoking.

The router and adapter are working flawlessly. I did turn off multicasting on the router as I noticed the router was checking the internet every second or so for a multicast broadcast. I have never used that feature so why waste resources.

My initial impressions are positive. If you are looking for extended range and good wireless the mid-range Rangebooster N series is adequate. If you need gigabit wired speeds and even more range then the D-Link DIR-655 Xtreme N series is the way to go.

Sandra Bullock

2007-11-13T21:01:00.001-05:00

One word: wow

Windows Vista - Why bother?

2007-10-21T22:11:00.000-04:00

Bought a new HP Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.40GHz (model M9040N) desktop computer about two weeks ago. It comes with 3 GB of RAM, 640 GB of hard drive (2 * 320GB), a 16X LightScribe Dual Layer DVD Burner, NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS 256MB and Windows Vista Home Premium.

When I first turned it on, it had no problems connecting to my router and the internet. So I went into Windows Update and downloaded the necessary updates. Ever since, my internet connection has been sporadic, at best. Sometimes the pages take forever to load.
Meanwhile using my four-year old laptop with XP SP2 and a wireless connection, pages load up with no delay.

Vista shows the computer as being connected to the network (my router) and to the internet. I disable the network connection and then enable it. This works, sometimes, but it seems that it takes a few minutes for the connection to get up to speed. I power off my router and, again, that seems to work. I've played around with various settings in the router, in the network card, in the tcp/ip stack, and so on. Nothing seems to give me a reliable network connection. I can go a whole day with no problems and then, with no warning, nothing wants to load, and I go through the steps all over.

I have researched this problem and it seems that Vista's new TCP/IP stack is largely to blame. Seems that some routers and network cars are not compatible with Vista, according to Microsoft and other experts. I look at it as Vista not being compatible. Microsoft is 'aware' of this problem and it may be fixed with Vista SP1, but this problem has been around since 2006. I'm not holding my breath.

Now, there are individuals that will defend Microsoft to the bitter end, but these people need to ask themselves: what does someone with little to no computer knowledge do? Pay $50+ for tech support? Shouldn't each successive operating system be easier to use? Shouldn't things be simplified?

My wife just walks away from the desktop and pulls out the laptop and browses to her hearts content. That's not a good sign for Microsoft.

Six Nations Haudenosaunee - The New Mafia?

2007-09-12T21:41:00.000-04:00

This article is a hoot.

The Six Nations Haudenosanuee Council -the traditional government known as the Confederacy - is creating 'rules' and demanding 'fees' for development within six miles on either side of the Grand River. Sounds like a shake down to me: If you pay the right amount you get the Confederacy's approval.

I've said it before, the various municipalities along the Grand River should dissolve and let the Six Nations run the show. They say they have jurisdiction. So if I see a crime in action, I'm going to call the Six Nations police. If see a fire, I'm going to call the Six Nations Fire Department. I don't care if I'm in Fergus or Kitchener - I fully expect the Six Nations to collect my garbage, maintain the sewers and water mains, and protect my property - it's there land after all.

The Province should immediately cease maintaining any provincial facilities such as highways within the Six Nations lands. It's there land after all - why should the Ontario taxpayer foot the bill?

Will the Haudenosaunee pay the Province, the municipalities and private property owners for the various improvements (roads, sewers, water mains, etc) they have made on Six Nations lands? Or will they just claim 'jurisdication' over these improvements.

Ah, to be a member of the Six Nations Haudenosaunee: Just sit back and demand a tax from people that actually work for a living.

The Screaming Just Gets Louder

2007-09-05T20:17:00.000-04:00

As you can tell from several recent posts, I'm not too happy with my current job. Wait. Strike that. I'm not too happy with management.

I just completed a report, that with appendices will be at least 50 pages long. Yup five oh. Now, I'm happy with he analysis part of the report - I think I did a good job being concise but brief. It's all the other background crap that I had to include that is killing the report.

The other day, I saw a report with six different signatures on it. Does everything have to be done by committee and consensus? Why are we paying people $100,000+ when it they can't make a decision without consulting 5 or more other people?

This is the place that builds a new four-storey building and then conducts a service delivery study and space needs study AFTER the new building is opened. Huh?

I work in the public sector. 10 years ago, this was a great place to work Decisions would be made quickly and you could trust management to do the right thing. Not today.

Another Poorly Designed Web Site

2007-08-30T13:58:00.001-04:00

Once in a while, usually when we take our son to Camp, we will use Highway 407 to bypass the traffic in Burlington, Mississauga and Toronto. It's a toll road and since we don't have a transponder, it costs about $15 from the QEW to the 400. But it is fast and I experience very little stress.

The 407 ETR web site is designed by people who must never use the web to pay bills or do their banking. First you enter your account number. Next, you enter your PIN. Next you answer your security question. Three separate screens to access your account.

You decide to pay your bill so you click on pay your bill. Problem is that the dollar amount of your bill is nowhere to be seen. So you would have to backtrack, get the dollar amount and write it down on a piece of paper. How is that useful?

I select MasterCard and the screen refreshes. I enter my credit card information and click on Submit. I get an error about not entering my phone number. Huh? I go to Change Account Detail and there is no where to enter a phone number. What the heck is going on?

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. It's just as bad as Bell Canada's online account system.

It's Been A While

2007-08-18T21:01:00.000-04:00

Work is both slow and overwhelming at times. I just had a PAC meeting where I had three files - It's been a while since I had that many. I just got a new file - the first in two months. I'm working on finishing a report for a file that I have had for four years. I just want the thing over and done with.

Once that report is complete, I'm going to prepare a short letter to management about the need to change how we process applications, especially in light of recent changes to provincial legislation. It's something that has been simmering at the back of my head for many years, and it's time to let it free.

Not much happening around the house - the weather has been fairly dry and it's been a battle to keep the grass green and the garden growing. Some of the plants have taken a hit and I need to take better care of them.

Even Louder Screaming

2007-08-02T22:08:00.000-04:00

I'll come out and say it: my manager is inept. Whenever another department or agency has a 'concern' my manager instantly jumps on the bandwagon and messes up everything. Meetings are held and things are changed - regardless if they add no value to the report.

No one gives a hoot about about the analysis or the conclusion. It's all about 'educating', 'informing', 'not blindsiding' and so on. Our reports only get longer by the month. At the current rate, I predict that by the end of 2008 our reports will be 20 to 30 pages long.

What happened to concise reports? Out the window. What happened to relevant information? Out the window. What happened to only including information that supports my position? Out the window. We have to do 'due diligence'; we have to be prepared for the Ontario Municipal Board; we have to be prepared for all sorts of questions and situations. It's INSANE.

I spend more time typing in background information and comments from other departments and agencies, than writing the analysis, conclusion and recommendation. We are overloading our reports with information - I don't know how people can understand them after reading them, let alone make a decision based on the report.

I don't know what to do anymore. Part of me wants to quit and find a job where my professional opinion is treated as such.

This place sucks.

I Want To Scream

2007-07-25T18:56:00.000-04:00

I just finished a report today that is 15 pages long. One page for Recommendations and two pages for planning analysis. The remaining 12 pages were background information, one photo and three maps. If I didn't have to include comments for departments and agencies and excerpts from the Official Plan and Zoning By-law, the report would have been about 7 pages long.

In my experience, a two page analysis tends to get lost in a 15 page report. Will someone explain to me why my managers insist on including unnecessary background information?

Madness. Utter madness.

Vegetable Garden

2007-07-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

The smaller version of my vegetable garden seems to be doing okay - despite the intense heat at the beginning of the month. The tomatoes and peppers are all growing. I have to pull out the weeds that grew while we were on vacation - seems they like thrive in the hot and dry conditions.

I'm considering buying a shed to store my garden tools, lawn mower and trimmer. It will free up some room in the garage and will help to keep the garage cleaner. I just need to figure out the location and the price. Once the yard sale stuff and old furniture is out of the garage, I need to take some time and organize the place. Maybe, just maybe, I won't need that shed (though a part of me wants one any way).

First Day Back At Work

2007-07-16T19:32:00.000-04:00

Coming back to work, my desk wasn't too bad - the in-tray was relatively light. My email inbox was a whole other story. I had about 150 emails to go through. After a quick deletion of spam and unimportant email, I was down to about 85 emails. I spent most of the day going through the emails, meeting with my manager and going through my in-tray. Fun. Wow.

Last Day of Vacation

2007-07-15T21:30:00.000-04:00

Well, vacation is almost over. It's been a crazy two weeks, between painting rooms and going on a mini-vacation. But the best part was not being at work. Next year, I'll be taking three weeks off instead of two. I still have about 17 vacation days left - seem's like I'll be taking at least seven of those days between now and the end of the year.

Vacation Time

2007-06-29T17:48:00.000-04:00

I'm on vacation for the next two weeks, so posting will likely come to a standstill. See you in mid-July.

Snakes & Arrows MVI

2007-06-27T17:23:00.000-04:00

A few months ago, I pre-ordered the limited edition Rush Snakes & Arrows MVI via the Rush Backstage Club. This DVD came in a hardboard box and is loaded with features including all songs in 5.1 surround sound, mp3 (DRM-free) music files, a documentary of the making of the album, lyrics, a biography written by Neil Peart, images and more. If you 'register' your DVD, you get linked to additional resources. The DVD also comes with a sticker.

The surround sound version of the songs is amazing. Neil's drums never sounded better, Alex's guitar filled the space well and Geddy's bass benefited from the sub-woofer channel. If you don't have surround sound, an 'enhanced' stereo audio track is available. The MP3s are recorded at 128 CBR and have no DRM to limit copying or transferring.

All in all, not a bad addition to any Rush fan's collection.

Work Is a Drag

2007-06-20T21:47:00.000-04:00

Ugh, I hate when work is slow - it's hard to get back on track and get into the little work you have on you desk. While I don't like being super busy, I liked being busy enough for the day to go by quickly. Now, I have time to think - not a good thing. I'm looking forward to two weeks off at the beginning of July - next year, I'll be taking three weeks off.

The Sopranos: Series Finale

2007-06-12T16:46:00.000-04:00

What the! At first, I was confused, then angry, but over the next few minutes I realized the brilliance of David Chase. As much as we all wanted some form of resolution (Tony dies, Tony lives), deep down, any of those scenarios was a cop out. The show ended. That was it. No more Tony, Carmela, Meadow or AJ. No more Paulie or Sil. No more FBI agents. No more anyone.

Ron Moore, co-creator of Battlestar Galactica (another show that I am a big fan of), summed it up perfectly "[Chase] yanked us out of their lives without any resolution whatsoever". Days later, people are still talking about that last scene. I would say that David Chase did his job. Thanks for sharing an amazing television show with us Mr. Chase.

The Sopranos

2007-06-05T21:28:00.000-04:00

My first taste of the Soprano's was about 8 years ago, when my wife and I caught a marathon on HBO when we were staying in a hotel in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Both of us got hooked on the show, but unfortunately, it was not being shown in Canada at the time. Eventually, it was made available in Canada followed by the DVDs. We've been hooked ever since.

I just watched the second-to-last episode of The Sopranos and people are dropping like flies. Even, Tony's psychiatrist, Dr. Melfi, drops him as a patient. I have no idea what the last episode of the series will hold, but I can't wait till this Sunday to watch it. My bets are on Tony surviving, but hey, in the topsy-turvy world of The Sopranos, anything is possible.

Shrek The Third - What Happened?

2007-05-27T22:28:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed the first two Shrek movies. They were funny. They had awesome villains. They had good story lines. The third instalment has none of these. It was a disappointment. At one point during the movie, my wife and I started to nod off. Even our three-year old was fidgeting - a clear sign that the movie was not holding his attention. Thank god we paid matinee admission.

The theatre was about 1/3 full but there was very little laughter from kids and no chuckles from the adults. The preview for The Simpsons movie received more laughs. Humor was missing from the story. I didn't buy Prince Charming as a villain and found the Sleeping Beauty/Snow White/Cinderalla characters to be a distraction - they added nothing of value to the story. Donkey used to be funny as the sidekick, but this time around he (and his 'kids') were annoying.

The last third of the movie, and especially the ending, was a big let down.

Work Is Slow

2007-05-24T21:57:00.000-04:00

I've been at my current employer for just over 10 years. I have never seen it this slow. While I appreciate the reduction in work load, the fact is that I like to be kept busy - it makes the day go by faster.

We are closing in on the end of May and we have processed a grand total of nine rezoning applications. We had 26 applications last year. At the current rate, we are looking at around 20 rezoning applications. I used to have 40 hours of banked overtime. I barely have a full work day of OT.

A few colleagues are planning to retire, but have not yet decided when they will. Soon would be good.

Happy Victoria Day

2007-05-21T22:51:00.000-04:00

Finally, a decent day of weather. The rest of the weekend was a let down. Saturday was mild, but it was threatening rain, so I didn't get too involved outside.

Sunday was worse. It was colder, windier and well, crappier. I took my youngest boy to Home Depot, but the weather was not conducive to browsing (nor was his insistence in wanting to go the washroom). I bought some plants at Home Depot and Costco, but left them outside and spent the rest of the day inside.

Monday was much better. Warmer and some sun. I was able to finally to put plants in the corner flower bed and the garage flower bed. I also put some more plants in the house flower bed and a few in the bed by the sand box. I need to go and get some more perennials and a bunch of annuals to fill up the corner flower bed to discourage people (mostly kids) from cutting across the flower bed.

I was tired but it felt good to get some plants in the ground. Need to work on the vegetable garden next.

Crazy Things My Manager Says 1

2007-05-20T20:10:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately for me, my manager is big on catchphrases and buzz words - it's material worthy of a full card of Bullshit Bingo.

"Ducks in a row". Is this how professionals speak?

"I have availability this morning". Do you mean "I am available this morning"?

"Err on the side of cautiousness". Huh? I'm sure you wanted to say "Err on the side of caution" or "Take the safe way out".

Stay tuned for more.

Crazy Weather

2007-05-14T19:22:00.000-04:00

Warm. Cool. Colder. Hot. Warm. Cool. Hot. Humid. Cool. What a roller coaster ride of weather we have been on. I'm hoping for decent weather this weekend so I can prep the vegetable garden and begin populating the various flowerbeds with perrenials. It will be a busy weekend.

Take Some Responsibility

2007-05-06T17:00:00.001-04:00

The City of Brantford and the County of Brant are nearing completion of talks to transfer County lands to the City. Part of the public consultation process involves discussions with the nearby Six Nations reserve. The City and the County recently held discussions with the Iroquois Confederacy (the traditional form of government as opposed to the Band Council which is the elected government). This meeting was the subject of this article in the Brantford Expositor.

Some of the comments made by members of the Iroquois Confederacy are mind boggling. Here are a few gems:

"All the people moving in here, all the companies moving in, I feel like I'm getting choked."

Here is an aerial photo of the Six Nations reserve. The reserve is located in the middle of the air photo . See all those dark green clumps of forest? That's the reserve. Brantford is the northwest, Caledonia is to the west and Hamilton to the north. There sure is a lot of agricultural uses around the reserve. I'm not sure how people on the reserve are getting "choked"?

Besides, this is an opportunity for residents of the Six Nations reserve to find jobs locally. Some could even open their own businesses and provide products and services to all these "companies moving in". Since I keep reading about the lack of opportunities on reserves, how is job growth a bad thing?

"People who want a house on the reserve can't get one. What about what we need."

Exactly what does this boundary agreement have to do with the lack of housing on the reserve? There is plenty of land on the reserve to build new houses. Oshweken, the centre of the reserve, has a few small subdivisions that could be expanded to provide new housing. If there is a need for housing, then perhaps some enterprising native could build new houses, employ natives to build those houses and keep some of the wealth inside the reserve. Oh, I forgot, you want someone else to pay for that housing.

"What is it with you white people? . . . You always want to take something and improve it. You never seem to be satisfied with what you have."

But the previous quote seems to indicate that there is a shortage of housing on the reserve. To build new housing would require taking something (vacant land) and improving it (building a house). Why are you non-white people never satisfied with what you have? When will you non-white people take responsibility for your future? When will you stop relying on the government to fix every problem you have?

Look, I'm all for having these land claims settled once and for all. But these settlements must go hand in hand with self-government, elimination of all tax exemptions and the transfer of infrastructure and service provision and taxing powers to an elected council. It's time to address the issues and move forward.

Kick Ass

2007-05-01T21:44:00.000-04:00

Those two words sum up the new Rush album, Snakes & Arrows. Over an hour of music over 13 tracks including three instrumentals. I stopped by Future Shop to pick up my copy and was almost disheartened by the lack of CDs in the reserved space. But a look underneath the rack revealed a box full of Snakes & Arrows CDs - so I grabbed one. It warmed my heart to know that the CD was selling well.

Tina unwrapped the CD and inserted into the CD player in the van. Ah, heaven. The CD comes with a booklet with all the lyrics, artwork and usual notes and thank you's. Unlike other CDs, this one was not copy protected. Which meant the first thing I did was rip the tunes to my computer (and not have to worry about skipping songs or unwanted software being copied). Thank you Rush for treating your fans with respect.

I have always been a big fan of Rush instrumentals, and Rush do not disappoint with this album. The Main Monkey Business is a 6 minute wall of guitar, bass and drums. Neil introduces some interesting elements into the song. Hope is a short 2 minute instrumental played by Alex on a 12-string acoustic guitar. Listening to this song, it's hard to believe that it is one person playing one guitar. Malignant Narcissism is three guys jamming out a tune. Neil played a four-piece drum kit and Geddy played a fretless bass, making for a memorable jam session.

Overall, the album has breadth and depth. The lyrics are top notch and the vocals are amazing. There was much talk on the net about the lack of a 'real' guitar solo in the first single, Far Cry. Let me tell you that Alex 'rocks out' on this album and uses electric, acoustic and even a mandolin. Some songs, especially the guitar tracks, hark back to the 70s - obviously influenced by the recording of Feedback a few years ago. The album sounds fresh yet comfortable.

I can't wait to seem them live in August.

Snakes & Arrows World Premiere

2007-04-26T23:58:00.000-04:00

Just finished listening to the world première of the new Rush album, Snakes & Arrows, on Q107 via the internet. Over 90 minutes of interview and songs from the new album. They played all three instrumentals - one which is Alex playing a 12-string guitar. The songs are strong, and the lyrics are some of the best by Neil. You can tell the boys enjoyed playing and recording these songs. I can't wait till next Tuesday.

Windsor Downtown Revitalized?

2007-04-26T18:43:00.000-04:00

So with the wave of a hand, King Francis declares that all is well in downtown Windsor. Really? Let's think about that:

Two private parking garages have gone into receivership and surface parking rates are declining.

A large hole in the ground remains on Riverside Drive.

Several retail spaces including the former CIBC building at the northwest corner of Wyandotte and Ouellette, the former Salvation Army building and much of the first floor of One Riverside Drive remain vacant. No tenant or use has been secured for the Armouries.

The Art Gallery of Windsor continues to be surrounded by underutilized land including the hole in the ground and surface parking lots.

Ouellette Avenue needs to be updated, but at the current pace of one block per year, it will be at least another 4 or more years before the entire street is complete.

The Windsor Arena will be closed in a year or so. We already closed the Capitol Theatre down.

No new residential development is planned or under way in the downtown core (sorry Mayor Francis, but Portofino is not in the downtown).

But all is fine in Kingdom of Windsor. City Council has no plan. And it is becoming more evident day by day.

Rush Tickets

2007-04-25T19:17:00.000-04:00

I finally received my Rush tickets in the mail today: August 28, DTE Energy Music Theater, Detroit. This will be my first Rush concert is over 15 years, my first Rush concert in an outdoor venue, my first concert at DTE Energy Music Theater and only my second concert in Detroit.

Still can't get over the fact that the total price includes around $33 in fees and charges. I thought computer technology made things cheaper? But then again, Ticketmaster controls the market and can charge whatever it feels.

Last.fm

2007-04-14T20:02:00.001-04:00

I also recently registered with Last.fm - the social music network site. My profile is here. Last.fm keeps track of music you listen to, and then creates a number of features personalized to you. There are plug-ins for many common music players, plus a standalone app. The more music you listen to, the better the recommendations are. You can add friends and join groups. It's a good way to hear songs that you will never hear on most radio.

Rush - Snakes & Arrows Tour

2007-04-14T13:47:00.000-04:00

After 15 or so years, I am finally going to see Rush live in concert. The date: August 28, 2007. The place: DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkson, MI (northwest of Detroit). The last concert I saw was the Roll The Bones tour in 1991 in Toronto at Maple Leaf Gardens. That is too long for my liking.

I got two tickets for the wife and me - right side about 35 rows from the stage. It will be my first time seeing Rush in an outdoor venue. I may also get tickets for the London, ON show at the John Labatt's Centre (an indoor venue), time and money permitting.

Scarlett Johansson

2007-04-12T23:17:00.001-04:00

Simply stunning

Spring Break

2007-04-06T10:13:00.000-04:00

So last week, I was wearing short sleeve shirts and the temperature reached 20C. The grass is green, all the bulbs are blooming and the perennials are showing signs of life. Along comes easter and it's snowing and bitterly cold. Who forgot to pay the heating bill?

Spring Is Here

2007-03-25T13:46:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts over the past few months. Who knew that having two kids would take up so much of my time ;)

Well, spring is here and the weather is finally warming. I was able to do some work outside such as picking up all the garbage around the house. Next task is to rake up the leaves and start relocating some bushes while the ground is soft. The lawn between my neighbour's house and my garage is looking patchy - I think we have a grub problem. I am considering get our entire lawn re-sodded (plus relocating a patio and possible installing a sprinkler system) this spring so I may include the patchy lawn in that job.

Based on the vegetable garden disaster I had last year, I'm planning on using only about half of the vegetable garden for planting. The rest I'll hand over to my boys for digging purposes. I have a lot of bare flowerbeds that are currently protected by a thick layer of mulch, so I'll be concentrating on partially filling those up - I see this as a three year project.

I really need to get someone in to put up a gate between the garage and house so the boys can play outside with constant supervision. Also need to look at replacing the windows in the basement - the outside casings are peeling and I don' feel like scraping, filling and painting the - besides they are glass-on-glass sliders and are totally energy inefficient. Once these are replaced, the only window left is the living room window - which appears to be in good shape - so there is no urgency their.

We are still looking at putting a bathroom with a shower in the basement and redoing the laundry room - that will likely be a fall project. 2008 projects will likely include a new furnace and AC and updating the rec room in the basement. 2009 may see a complete reno of the upstairs bathroom and new flooring, doors and trim in the bedrooms. 2010 would likely see the kitchen redone and new flooring and trim in the dining and living rooms. The house will be 40 years old this year and it needs to be updated and upgraded.

Buzz Words In Planning - Part 1

2007-02-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

Some of you may be aware that I am employed as an Urban Planner. I've always had an interest in the interaction between people and the 'built form' (buildings, roads, parks, etc). For the most part, I enjoy the Planning field. But over the past ten years, Planning has been overwhelmed by buzz words. Neo-traditional. New Urbanism. Smart Growth. Sustainable Development. Healthy Communities.

New words and phrases are added every year, usually in response to some form of so-called market failure, negative or adverse situation or something that some expert declares as 'bad' or 'evil'. It seems that by creating a buzzword, the problem will disappear. Reality speaks otherwise.

One of the growing areas of concerns among many planners is urban sprawl. The so-called 'paving over' of agricultural land. The planning profession views urban sprawl as bad. Urban sprawl is too blame for the congestion on our roads. Urban sprawl is too blame for people getting fat. Urban sprawl is too blame for pollution. Urban sprawl can be blamed for just about anything that is negative.

The typical planning response to urban sprawl is more restrictive legislation, usually in the form of restrictions and/or prohibitions on agricultural land. On paper, this type of legislation looks good. Since farmers cannot subdivide their land, urban sprawl is stopped dead in it's tracks. Great. Well, not really. By restricting the amount of available land, you are creating a scare resource. That means an increase in the value (and price) of land. Which means that housing costs will increase. You just shot affordability out of the water. Nice one.

It's Been A While

2007-01-05T22:17:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's been a while since my last post. The end of November and all of December becomes very busy with 3 birthdays, Christmas and birthday shopping, Christmas parties, Christmas with my Mom, Christmas with the in-laws, Christmas with my wife and boys and New Year's Eve. So I find I have little time to work on the blogs. Belatedly, I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and I am wishing everyone a prosperous new year.