I won't make this a dramatic and lengthy post (against my better judgment) but am writing to let you know that this will be the last posting on this site.
Wait, don't cry...DON'T LEAVE YET!...come back and finish reading.
I'm going to continue blogging but from now on I'll be doing it here. Not to bore you with details but from a writer's perspective - this new blog host makes it easier to bring you the witty and acerbic insights you've grown to love.
To ensure your transition is a quick and painless one, simple bookmark the page or add the RSS feed to your reader (pretty sure I lost a bunch of you there). Plus all the old postings are there in case you want to enjoy the fun all over again - or poke holes in some of the factually incorrect arguments I made.
Picky Bugger's new home - http://pickybugger.wordpress.com/
Anyway...keep reading...or not, you know, whatever you want.
Last one out turn the lights off please.
PB.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Resolute for the New Year
I saw this video this morning and realized that I have no skill worth YouTubing.
Seriously – there are literally millions of videos on YouTube that range from guys getting hit in the groin to people doing the most amazing things and I’m certainly not among them. Granted I imagine that most people aren’t but it got me wondering. Should I make it my New Year’s resolution to achieve something YouTube-able?
Step 1 – Identify Your Strengths.
I can kick pretty high. Well, I can kick pretty high for someone of my height and limited coordination. And to be honest I can probably only kick the one time before something gets strained or pulled. Plus I’m sure there are people who could kick higher and look better doing it….so scratch that. Let’s start again.
Step 1.2 –Identify Your Strengths Identify Something You’re Good At
I can play the guitar. But in reality I’m self taught and can’t read music. Sure it’s a good starting point, but there are people who are clearly much better and I’d just end up embarrassing myself. Strike two.
Step 1.3 –Identify Your Strengths Identify Something You’re Good At Identify something you can do.
Ok, so instead of such a narrow focus, I’ve opened it up to a broader scope. By first identifying things I’m physically capable of accomplishing, I’m much less likely to walk away disappointed. As my old football coach used to tell me, “Set the bar really low, and you’ll jump over it every time.” Indeed, words to live by.
Step 2 – Practice
You’ll be told that to be the best at something you need to practice all day, everyday. I say if you’re going to be the best at something you’re probably born to it. So practice for a few days and see how things go. If you’re a prodigy and meant for it, you’ll see results almost instantly. If you have to work extremely hard, perhaps it wasn’t in the cards – so move on.
Step 3 – Video Time!
By now I’ll have figured out which attribute I posses that sets me apart from other mere mortals. I’ve practiced as much as I need and am ready to record.
I think by following these simple steps I will be on my way to internet fame in no time. Plus I’ll have a timeless record to show my children and ensure my name lives on in infamy.
I feel better already.
Seriously – there are literally millions of videos on YouTube that range from guys getting hit in the groin to people doing the most amazing things and I’m certainly not among them. Granted I imagine that most people aren’t but it got me wondering. Should I make it my New Year’s resolution to achieve something YouTube-able?
Step 1 – Identify Your Strengths.
I can kick pretty high. Well, I can kick pretty high for someone of my height and limited coordination. And to be honest I can probably only kick the one time before something gets strained or pulled. Plus I’m sure there are people who could kick higher and look better doing it….so scratch that. Let’s start again.
Step 1.2 –
I can play the guitar. But in reality I’m self taught and can’t read music. Sure it’s a good starting point, but there are people who are clearly much better and I’d just end up embarrassing myself. Strike two.
Step 1.3 –
Ok, so instead of such a narrow focus, I’ve opened it up to a broader scope. By first identifying things I’m physically capable of accomplishing, I’m much less likely to walk away disappointed. As my old football coach used to tell me, “Set the bar really low, and you’ll jump over it every time.” Indeed, words to live by.
Step 2 – Practice
You’ll be told that to be the best at something you need to practice all day, everyday. I say if you’re going to be the best at something you’re probably born to it. So practice for a few days and see how things go. If you’re a prodigy and meant for it, you’ll see results almost instantly. If you have to work extremely hard, perhaps it wasn’t in the cards – so move on.
Step 3 – Video Time!
By now I’ll have figured out which attribute I posses that sets me apart from other mere mortals. I’ve practiced as much as I need and am ready to record.
I think by following these simple steps I will be on my way to internet fame in no time. Plus I’ll have a timeless record to show my children and ensure my name lives on in infamy.
I feel better already.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Our Fathers...
This week saw the passing of my very close friend’s father. A kind and principled man, he was a brilliant thinker and never shy to offer his help. There’s never a good time to lose someone close to you, but I feel especially bad to see such a close-knit family go through this now.
It reminds me that some of us are extremely lucky to have the fathers we do. We’re lucky to have dads to pass on their wisdom, knowledge and humour. Dads who sit through snow and rain to watch us play sports, dads who teach us right from wrong and sometimes dads who raise us single handedly.
They’ll carry you around on their shoulders for hours, no matter how sore they get because dads are demigods – all-powerful in the eyes of a child.
They’ll tell you not to smoke or not to drive to fast (all in the name of safety), but will let you sip their beer. Plus there’s the age old question – could my dad really beat up your dad?
Dads are good guys who build tree forts and fix cars and maybe sometimes don’t get the recognition that moms do. Don’t get me wrong, moms are great, but I’m starting to fell like these guys need their own day.
Either way, I’m passing on my condolences to a family whose father was all these things and more.
It reminds me that some of us are extremely lucky to have the fathers we do. We’re lucky to have dads to pass on their wisdom, knowledge and humour. Dads who sit through snow and rain to watch us play sports, dads who teach us right from wrong and sometimes dads who raise us single handedly.
They’ll carry you around on their shoulders for hours, no matter how sore they get because dads are demigods – all-powerful in the eyes of a child.
They’ll tell you not to smoke or not to drive to fast (all in the name of safety), but will let you sip their beer. Plus there’s the age old question – could my dad really beat up your dad?
Dads are good guys who build tree forts and fix cars and maybe sometimes don’t get the recognition that moms do. Don’t get me wrong, moms are great, but I’m starting to fell like these guys need their own day.
Either way, I’m passing on my condolences to a family whose father was all these things and more.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Et Tu Hubris?
In the classic school-yard bully scenario, the big tough-guy, singles out the weaker kids and picks on them one by one. Sometimes - not always, but sometimes the kids catch on and realize that while individually weak, as a group they're stronger. As a group they're powerful, and the bully doesn't stand a chance. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen often.
So imagine my glee, when I looked at the front page of the newspaper today, and saw a photo of Stephen Harper nearly in tears.
He's spent the last two years pushing the opposition parties - daring them to call his bluff and topple the government in a confidence vote. And almost every time they blinked. Until now.
This time, the Liberals and NDP just needed to say the word coalition loud enough and suddenly Harper and his minions retreat - grumbling like a defeated cartoon villain.
There's something so satisfying about the bully getting slapped back.
So imagine my glee, when I looked at the front page of the newspaper today, and saw a photo of Stephen Harper nearly in tears.
He's spent the last two years pushing the opposition parties - daring them to call his bluff and topple the government in a confidence vote. And almost every time they blinked. Until now.
This time, the Liberals and NDP just needed to say the word coalition loud enough and suddenly Harper and his minions retreat - grumbling like a defeated cartoon villain.
There's something so satisfying about the bully getting slapped back.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Calling your bluffs
I have to first admit that I haven't been following this story closely, but if I had to fall on one side of the debate I'd be for the wind farms off the Scarborough Bluffs.
I've seen the wind farm north of Shelburne on highway 10 and I think it looks fantastic. Even residents who were opposed to the turbines have come around.
But as I don't live in Scarborough (thank God for that) I suppose it's not really up to me. Although when I read statements like this I wish it was:
Yup...some lady is worried that 60 or so turbines being erected between Ajax and the Leslie Spit will in fact bring the Scarborough Bluffs crashing into Lake Ontario. They've some how survived eons of weather and planetary shifting - but the vibrations of the (near silent) wind turbines will finally do what nature could not - topple the Scarborough Bluffs.
I hope this woman saw her quote in the paper today and suddenly realized how outrageously stupid she sounded and that she'll think twice about opening her mouth in the company of others. In fact - lady, do us all a favour and maybe just stay in doors for a little while.
Photo by Light Collector - Flickr photostream - http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitebeard/
I've seen the wind farm north of Shelburne on highway 10 and I think it looks fantastic. Even residents who were opposed to the turbines have come around.
But as I don't live in Scarborough (thank God for that) I suppose it's not really up to me. Although when I read statements like this I wish it was:
Yup...some lady is worried that 60 or so turbines being erected between Ajax and the Leslie Spit will in fact bring the Scarborough Bluffs crashing into Lake Ontario. They've some how survived eons of weather and planetary shifting - but the vibrations of the (near silent) wind turbines will finally do what nature could not - topple the Scarborough Bluffs.
I hope this woman saw her quote in the paper today and suddenly realized how outrageously stupid she sounded and that she'll think twice about opening her mouth in the company of others. In fact - lady, do us all a favour and maybe just stay in doors for a little while.
Photo by Light Collector - Flickr photostream - http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitebeard/
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Hard-core Lactivist
I had grown fearful lately that I had nothing to write about in this space. Had I grown so content with my life that I didn’t need this outlet to vent and rant and rave? Was I….happy?
Then - whilst contemplating my more human side, I read this story and it all came back to me. Welcome home.
This woman is claiming her right to breast feed in public was infringed on, and now she’s going after the pool’s owner. Well of course she is.
First – she was politely asked not to feed the baby in the pool. Good Christ, I won’t swim in a public pool let alone drink out of one. And this is a pool for babies – babies who pee themselves on dry land…what do you think they do in a warm pool?
Second – she was offered a number of alternative places for breast feeding, all of which weren’t in the pool. She wasn’t kicked out – just asked not to do it in the water. I’m not allowed to eat a hoagie in the pool, why is this kid? I don’t care how nice the water is, don’t be lazy, walk 10 steps to a chair and feed your kid.
Third – Gross. A public pool? Seriously? What’s next, are you going to let your baby teeth on a subway door handle?
Now I’m amongst those who believe breast feeding in public is fine (great even). Ladies if you choose to feed your baby in public – fair game and more power to you. But shouldn’t the respect you’re afforded go both ways? If someone asks you politely not to breast feed your 20 MONTH OLD baby – that’s actually a 2 year child – in a public swimming pool, then perhaps you should abide.
Plus, your kid is nearly 2 years old and if you keep breast feeding it there are bound to be psychological repercussions down the road. I’m no therapist, but that seems like trouble.
I’m calling for people to put a little perspective around things, because this is really not a big deal. Not everything is a cause to be rallied against. Maybe you just had a difference of opinion and you should move on with your life.
Then - whilst contemplating my more human side, I read this story and it all came back to me. Welcome home.
This woman is claiming her right to breast feed in public was infringed on, and now she’s going after the pool’s owner. Well of course she is.
First – she was politely asked not to feed the baby in the pool. Good Christ, I won’t swim in a public pool let alone drink out of one. And this is a pool for babies – babies who pee themselves on dry land…what do you think they do in a warm pool?
Second – she was offered a number of alternative places for breast feeding, all of which weren’t in the pool. She wasn’t kicked out – just asked not to do it in the water. I’m not allowed to eat a hoagie in the pool, why is this kid? I don’t care how nice the water is, don’t be lazy, walk 10 steps to a chair and feed your kid.
Third – Gross. A public pool? Seriously? What’s next, are you going to let your baby teeth on a subway door handle?
Now I’m amongst those who believe breast feeding in public is fine (great even). Ladies if you choose to feed your baby in public – fair game and more power to you. But shouldn’t the respect you’re afforded go both ways? If someone asks you politely not to breast feed your 20 MONTH OLD baby – that’s actually a 2 year child – in a public swimming pool, then perhaps you should abide.
Plus, your kid is nearly 2 years old and if you keep breast feeding it there are bound to be psychological repercussions down the road. I’m no therapist, but that seems like trouble.
I’m calling for people to put a little perspective around things, because this is really not a big deal. Not everything is a cause to be rallied against. Maybe you just had a difference of opinion and you should move on with your life.
Friday, November 7, 2008
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