There was a lot of buzz on the sports highlight shows this morning as Alex Rodriguez approaches Willie Mays on the all time list of home runs. It seems everyone has forgotten or maybe already forgiven the fact that he just came off a year's suspension for using performance enhancing drugs.
Whenever they show the all time list lead by Barry Bonds, another well known chemically enhanced slugger, it makes me wonder: where are the asterisks? Half of those names got there with chemical help while Hank Aaron got there under death threats and more than half of the country not cheering him on.
Major League Baseball has such a rich history it's a shame they don't separate the legitimate record holders from the cheaters. I for one won't be cheering for A-Rod no matter how far up the list he travels.
Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label opinion. Show all posts
Monday, April 27, 2015
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
What To Do With A Piece of History
I love the first week of a diet. The weight melts off and skipping food doesn't seem that hard when the results are so positive. It won't last but losing just over 8 lbs. in the last seven days was easy.
The cold we've been having is finally going to break so I'm looking forward to some outdoor riding. Even a few days with warmer temps and no snow would be nice.
Tonight I was invited to a meeting at the FW Gardens about its future use because Northwood is a main tenant. I think it's going to end up as a parking lot for the court house but that's just a guess. Turning it into retail space just doesn't seem realistic when so much of Victoriaville is vacant. Maybe the court house will help revitalize the south core but parking is going to be an issue. Where will Northwood end up if the Gardens is no longer available? I really don't believe we need another venue when we can't fill those that we already have. The Gardens is old but it's home.
The cold we've been having is finally going to break so I'm looking forward to some outdoor riding. Even a few days with warmer temps and no snow would be nice.
Tonight I was invited to a meeting at the FW Gardens about its future use because Northwood is a main tenant. I think it's going to end up as a parking lot for the court house but that's just a guess. Turning it into retail space just doesn't seem realistic when so much of Victoriaville is vacant. Maybe the court house will help revitalize the south core but parking is going to be an issue. Where will Northwood end up if the Gardens is no longer available? I really don't believe we need another venue when we can't fill those that we already have. The Gardens is old but it's home.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Old Bike and New Shorts
While walking at Marina Park on Friday night I came across this Iverson bike. Back in high school I saved somewhere around $125 to buy one. Later it was borrowed to one of the cooks at the curling club to ride to English classes and was stolen. Seeing it brought back some memories.
It's a real shame that there is such a lack of vendors at the Marina. You can't get a simple cup of coffee or an ice cream. It's a beautiful place to walk but people want to spend money and there just isn't much of an opportunity to do that. Wasn't that the whole idea?
I got in two longish rides this weekend and that gave me a chance to try out the new Hincapie shorts I found at Winner's for $16. They were originally $109 and are super comfy. Sal had to convince me to try the only pair in the store on, and I'm grateful for her suggestion, best $16 ever spent.
As I came back into town on Arthur Street I came upon a dark lump on the shoulder. It was resting just on the edge of the thin strip of good pavement so I moved a bit right onto the rougher shoulder. When I was within 6 feet it started moving into my path. Thank God porcupines are slow moving creatures or I might have found a whole new way to get a flat.
It's a real shame that there is such a lack of vendors at the Marina. You can't get a simple cup of coffee or an ice cream. It's a beautiful place to walk but people want to spend money and there just isn't much of an opportunity to do that. Wasn't that the whole idea?
As I came back into town on Arthur Street I came upon a dark lump on the shoulder. It was resting just on the edge of the thin strip of good pavement so I moved a bit right onto the rougher shoulder. When I was within 6 feet it started moving into my path. Thank God porcupines are slow moving creatures or I might have found a whole new way to get a flat.
posted from Bloggeroid
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Homeward Bound
I had teased Sal about an early start to the drive home all day Friday and she surprised me by being awake at 6:00 am. I downed a quick black coffee, we had goodbye hugs and we were ready to go. Everybody was up to see us off which made leaving a little easier. That and the fact that we would see them all again in less than a week.
We were on the road by 6:50 Calgary time under cloudy skies that would rain lightly most of the morning. The now familiar towns breezed by, Medicine Hat, Swift Current, Maple Creek, Regina. A perfect day for driving as it stayed cool until we got to Manitoba. The sun appeared as we approached the border and after the adventure with the lady in the tin foil hat I got to see the wind farm at Moosomin in daylight. It was much less eerie but there's still something about the size and the slow rotation of the arms that chills me.
We arrived in Brandon at about 5:30 local time after almost 11 hours on the road and just under 1100 kilometres. We went to Montana's after showering and shared a burger, a few appetizers and a dessert that was less than spectacular. Sleep came easy.
Sunday morning saw us up and gone by 7:00 again. We stopped for coffee, gas and breakfast sandwiches in Winnipeg but not for long. Timmy's might not be the best food but at least it is consistent across the country, except for Dryden. Traffic both days was very light. Even in Ontario we had very few tie ups that passing lanes didn't solve quickly. I have to say I would rather drive across Saskatchewan than Ontario any day.
Yes the prairies can be flat and boring. Around Winnipeg the complete lack of any hills is a bit tedious. But further west the rolling hills and big wide views are very calming especially on days like we witnessed. Saskatchewan calls it the 'living sky' and it truly is. With partial cloud and 180 degree views from the drivers seat, the landscape is dotted with sunny patches and shaded pastures, bright yellow of fields of canola shining in sunlight against a sky that is bruised with purple and blue. Look to the south and the sky is clear blue, to the east huge clouds with bright white candy floss tops and in the north clouds that are so close to the ground you could disappear into them dumping rain onto the hills that rise up to meet them. Herds of cattle dot the hills and there's always the question "what did that lone cow over there do to be shunned by the rest of the herd?" Small stands of trees protecting farms big and small. There's always something to look at even if its is 20 kilometers away on the horizon. As a bonus the highway is 100% divided from the Manitoba border to the Pacific. Ontario should have taken care of this long before it became a have not province.
It was good to get home but the trip was more than worth the driving time which I kind of look forward to. Getting to spend two weeks with Mike and his family will never be boring, riding in Banff was exhilarating and hugging Sal after 6 weeks apart was the best.
We were on the road by 6:50 Calgary time under cloudy skies that would rain lightly most of the morning. The now familiar towns breezed by, Medicine Hat, Swift Current, Maple Creek, Regina. A perfect day for driving as it stayed cool until we got to Manitoba. The sun appeared as we approached the border and after the adventure with the lady in the tin foil hat I got to see the wind farm at Moosomin in daylight. It was much less eerie but there's still something about the size and the slow rotation of the arms that chills me.
We arrived in Brandon at about 5:30 local time after almost 11 hours on the road and just under 1100 kilometres. We went to Montana's after showering and shared a burger, a few appetizers and a dessert that was less than spectacular. Sleep came easy.
Sunday morning saw us up and gone by 7:00 again. We stopped for coffee, gas and breakfast sandwiches in Winnipeg but not for long. Timmy's might not be the best food but at least it is consistent across the country, except for Dryden. Traffic both days was very light. Even in Ontario we had very few tie ups that passing lanes didn't solve quickly. I have to say I would rather drive across Saskatchewan than Ontario any day.
Yes the prairies can be flat and boring. Around Winnipeg the complete lack of any hills is a bit tedious. But further west the rolling hills and big wide views are very calming especially on days like we witnessed. Saskatchewan calls it the 'living sky' and it truly is. With partial cloud and 180 degree views from the drivers seat, the landscape is dotted with sunny patches and shaded pastures, bright yellow of fields of canola shining in sunlight against a sky that is bruised with purple and blue. Look to the south and the sky is clear blue, to the east huge clouds with bright white candy floss tops and in the north clouds that are so close to the ground you could disappear into them dumping rain onto the hills that rise up to meet them. Herds of cattle dot the hills and there's always the question "what did that lone cow over there do to be shunned by the rest of the herd?" Small stands of trees protecting farms big and small. There's always something to look at even if its is 20 kilometers away on the horizon. As a bonus the highway is 100% divided from the Manitoba border to the Pacific. Ontario should have taken care of this long before it became a have not province.
It was good to get home but the trip was more than worth the driving time which I kind of look forward to. Getting to spend two weeks with Mike and his family will never be boring, riding in Banff was exhilarating and hugging Sal after 6 weeks apart was the best.
Friday, June 7, 2013
People of the Path
I guess I must be tired because I know I'm grouchy, I should be wearing my SURLY hat today. It's really the brand name of my #1 bike but that's how I feel.
My day started at 6:10 with my alarm. I dragged myself out of bed, made a big breakfast, made 1/2 cup of coffee. The other half went into the base of the machine as the cup was still in the cupboard. I left at the usual time but my legs felt heavy. I got to Victoria and Balmoral and waited for a red light. And then another. And finally got a green after three opposing advanced greens. Bike friendly Thunder Bay my ass. On I went and the rest of the 10km was uneventful.
Work is work, never really thrilled to be there, and that's all I'm saying right now on that subject.
At lunch I take a 15km ride through the paths to Parkdale and back. Riding without a jacket felt fantastic. "just what I need", I thought as I pedaled steadily in the sunshine. And then the string of path people began to emerge. Two city workers bombing along in a wide bodied quad taking up both lanes. Two mommies deep in discussion about the benefits of nursing over bottle feeding with their strollers taking up both lanes. A guy standing in one lane reading his phone while his dogs extend their leashes across the other. I finally got clear of the traffic at James Street and enjoyed the rest of the way out.
I didn't think the way back could be worse, wrong again. Kids at Churchill High use the pathway for their lunchtime picnics, often taking a lane and a half and sometimes both. Today was no exception. Then as I hit the Edward Street underpass I ran into about 100 kids returning to school from their track meet. I cleared the first herd and then decided to go to the street leaving them to wander both sides of the path.
I don't want more than about 12 inches of the right lane. I don't expect people to jump out of the way and I don't go past at full speed. I try to be considerate, but they are just trying.
My day started at 6:10 with my alarm. I dragged myself out of bed, made a big breakfast, made 1/2 cup of coffee. The other half went into the base of the machine as the cup was still in the cupboard. I left at the usual time but my legs felt heavy. I got to Victoria and Balmoral and waited for a red light. And then another. And finally got a green after three opposing advanced greens. Bike friendly Thunder Bay my ass. On I went and the rest of the 10km was uneventful.
Work is work, never really thrilled to be there, and that's all I'm saying right now on that subject.
At lunch I take a 15km ride through the paths to Parkdale and back. Riding without a jacket felt fantastic. "just what I need", I thought as I pedaled steadily in the sunshine. And then the string of path people began to emerge. Two city workers bombing along in a wide bodied quad taking up both lanes. Two mommies deep in discussion about the benefits of nursing over bottle feeding with their strollers taking up both lanes. A guy standing in one lane reading his phone while his dogs extend their leashes across the other. I finally got clear of the traffic at James Street and enjoyed the rest of the way out.
I didn't think the way back could be worse, wrong again. Kids at Churchill High use the pathway for their lunchtime picnics, often taking a lane and a half and sometimes both. Today was no exception. Then as I hit the Edward Street underpass I ran into about 100 kids returning to school from their track meet. I cleared the first herd and then decided to go to the street leaving them to wander both sides of the path.
I don't want more than about 12 inches of the right lane. I don't expect people to jump out of the way and I don't go past at full speed. I try to be considerate, but they are just trying.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Choices: Veterinary Surgery or Bike Shop?
Something about the Farmer's Market always makes me feel there is hope for Thunder Bay. I don't know if it is the sense of community or just seeing people gather and support local business. But I always feel good when I'm there. There was live music, people wandering around shopping, eating breakfast and just having a good time.
This morning I covered the Petries booth and had more fun in five hours than I have in a week at my real job. Most of the people that stroll through have no desire to buy a bike but the models that Tom has selected are colorful and beg for people to stop and take a look. There is plenty of sticker shock, but then a lot are surprised at the color schemes and retro styles. The older crowd are taken back to bikes of their youth. Kids just want to ring the bells. An older English gentleman was checking out a three speed internal hub and was searching for the name of the old system that has been around for years. When I said Sturmey Archer, he was shocked that I knew what he was trying to recall. Three separate people wanted a price for Molly, my 74 Raleigh single speed which I had parked on a rack with the newer models. Sorry that one's not for sale, it's my ride home. I love showing people bikes and talking about them....hmmmm? I can usually fix most straight forward mechanical problems....hmmmmm? Have to have a long talk with Tom.
The one thing I was most disappointed with when Sal left for Calgary was that the two noisy budgie birds were still in a cage in the back room I use as an office. She knew it and agreed to selling them if I could. Lots of luck, maybe the cage but the birds would be tough. So with everything going on with the bathroom I just let it be. Of course one of them decides to die during week one. Today I went into the office and the other one is hanging upside down from a little perch with an Asian inspired tent like covering. I took a close look and the damn thing was caught like a fish in a gill net. It was wrapped around his neck and under one wing. So I grabbed a pair of scissors and began what I call an emergency Asian hideout ectomy. It took 10 snips, while trying not to dismember a wing or leg, to free the stupid thing. I had to hold the cage with one hand in an attempt to keep him in the cage which they have never left. I finally gave up and freed him with both hands at which point he bit me and took off. I got him back in the cage and then he seemed to calm down and was looking at me as if to say thanks. Stupid yellow bird. Wish I could have just walked away and let stupidity run it's course.
When I finished at the market I went over to the shop to pick up the Trek. I haven't got a name for her yet but I think she looks pretty good for what I paid. Farz had her all tuned up with new shifters, red bar tape and a matching red bottle holder that I had picked. The picture below serves three purposes, gives Sal a look at her tulips, gives you a look at the bike and reminds me to cut the grass whenever it stops raining. Hopefully I won't like riding the bike too much so I can just leave her in Calgary as planned.
I have to warn anybody riding an orange bike with an orange jacket. My involvement with the city's "you know me campaign" is out there now and although it is designed to make it safer for cyclists, there are probably some hockey coaches that will run you off the road if you're wearing orange. Being the guy that signs all the suspension notices for a season doesn't tend to add new friends. I'm going to wear green just to be safe.
This morning I covered the Petries booth and had more fun in five hours than I have in a week at my real job. Most of the people that stroll through have no desire to buy a bike but the models that Tom has selected are colorful and beg for people to stop and take a look. There is plenty of sticker shock, but then a lot are surprised at the color schemes and retro styles. The older crowd are taken back to bikes of their youth. Kids just want to ring the bells. An older English gentleman was checking out a three speed internal hub and was searching for the name of the old system that has been around for years. When I said Sturmey Archer, he was shocked that I knew what he was trying to recall. Three separate people wanted a price for Molly, my 74 Raleigh single speed which I had parked on a rack with the newer models. Sorry that one's not for sale, it's my ride home. I love showing people bikes and talking about them....hmmmm? I can usually fix most straight forward mechanical problems....hmmmmm? Have to have a long talk with Tom.
The one thing I was most disappointed with when Sal left for Calgary was that the two noisy budgie birds were still in a cage in the back room I use as an office. She knew it and agreed to selling them if I could. Lots of luck, maybe the cage but the birds would be tough. So with everything going on with the bathroom I just let it be. Of course one of them decides to die during week one. Today I went into the office and the other one is hanging upside down from a little perch with an Asian inspired tent like covering. I took a close look and the damn thing was caught like a fish in a gill net. It was wrapped around his neck and under one wing. So I grabbed a pair of scissors and began what I call an emergency Asian hideout ectomy. It took 10 snips, while trying not to dismember a wing or leg, to free the stupid thing. I had to hold the cage with one hand in an attempt to keep him in the cage which they have never left. I finally gave up and freed him with both hands at which point he bit me and took off. I got him back in the cage and then he seemed to calm down and was looking at me as if to say thanks. Stupid yellow bird. Wish I could have just walked away and let stupidity run it's course.
When I finished at the market I went over to the shop to pick up the Trek. I haven't got a name for her yet but I think she looks pretty good for what I paid. Farz had her all tuned up with new shifters, red bar tape and a matching red bottle holder that I had picked. The picture below serves three purposes, gives Sal a look at her tulips, gives you a look at the bike and reminds me to cut the grass whenever it stops raining. Hopefully I won't like riding the bike too much so I can just leave her in Calgary as planned.
I have to warn anybody riding an orange bike with an orange jacket. My involvement with the city's "you know me campaign" is out there now and although it is designed to make it safer for cyclists, there are probably some hockey coaches that will run you off the road if you're wearing orange. Being the guy that signs all the suspension notices for a season doesn't tend to add new friends. I'm going to wear green just to be safe.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
No More Edge
I volunteered a couple of evenings for the all Ontario PeeWee Championship this week and I have to say that in the 3 or so years since I've watched the high level 11 and 12 year olds play things have definitely changed. I worked the penalty box, or more correctly I stood at the penalty box and watched the games. In three games I only had to open the gate five times. Not the peewee hockey I remember. No edge to the game, no big hits, no chippiness, no pushing in front of the net to protect the goalie. The little speedy guys dominate the game. The Mississauga team has about ten of them and when they start to cycle in the offensive end they're like a buzz saw. As an administrator I think it's great but it sure is boring to watch at times.
On the diet front I passed the 40 lbs. lost point earlier this week. Now if the snow would just go away...again. I think I can get to my goal of 64 lbs lost easily if I can ride it off.
On the diet front I passed the 40 lbs. lost point earlier this week. Now if the snow would just go away...again. I think I can get to my goal of 64 lbs lost easily if I can ride it off.
Friday, March 29, 2013
City Server Shuts Down
You can expect to see this headline soon.The city is asking residents to submit the location of potholes so they can fix them. Hmmm...the roads, just about anywhere. They are just a collection of potholes tied together by a few ripples and cracks. If you think they are bad in a car try them on a bike with a butt that's just getting used to sitting on a saddle again...ouch. Do your part report your favorite here.
I got over 100 km this month in just a week of riding back and forth to work, one longer ride last weekend and finally one with Lisbeth this morning. I headed over to Mission Marsh and for once there were no deer in sight. Having gears and brakes was fun for a change. The old single speed with fenders serves a purpose but can't touch the pride of the fleet.
I got over 100 km this month in just a week of riding back and forth to work, one longer ride last weekend and finally one with Lisbeth this morning. I headed over to Mission Marsh and for once there were no deer in sight. Having gears and brakes was fun for a change. The old single speed with fenders serves a purpose but can't touch the pride of the fleet.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Canada's National Bird
Staff & Office $37068
Hospitality $369
Living Expense in Ottawa $4636
Regular Travel (home to Ottawa) $12876
Other Travel $6022
Total for the Quarter $60971
Staff & Office $48291
Hospitality $1035
Living Expense in Ottawa $1764
Regular Travel (home to Ottawa) $7312
Other Travel $43645
Total for the Quarter $102047
Now multiply this by four to arrive at an annual figure (Duffy $243884/Wallin $408188) and then bite your tongue, but don't do this:
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Get In Line
If the city decides that the Boys and Girls Club is exempt from property tax, then I want a rebate on my property tax. I have two non-profit sports leagues housed in my office at home. While I do believe the club provides a necessary service to the city, it is also renting out the building and creating funds to support itself, kudos to them for their resourcefulness. But they are not the only ones that offer services of value and most of the other non-profits don't have a reported $300,000 in the kitty.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Sign Me Up
It's such an injustice that a Canadian senator gets a base salary just north of $132,000 to second guess parliament and the rest of us do it free of charge.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Don't Eat a Burger While Watching TV
A recent survey suggests that Canadians are tired of seeing the federal government's Economic Action Plan ads. Hard to believe otherwise. The feds have spent $52.3 million on ads since 2009 to tell us how well they are doing with repairing our economy.
Meanwhile they are making cuts to services that are vital. The funds spent on the ads would have paid for two years and none months of the services they cut from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ($19 million per year).
Where do you want your taxes going? Ads telling us how everything is just peachy or making sure that tasty burger is ecoli free? I think we'll know jobs, growth and prosperity when we see it.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Ginko's Ninth
Our oldest grandchild had his ninth birthday yesterday, doesn't seem possible. We went for dinner to his choice of restaurants, Tokyo House. On walking in the door the money spent to overhaul the building was obvious. The service was excellent. Unfortunately for me the quality of the food didn't quite live up to that first impression. A good selection of items on the buffet none of which were overly hot. Don't let the little chili icon on the menu fool you, spicy isn't. The sushi that was delivered to the table was the best part of the meal, I particularly liked the crab hand roll. Brandyn had a small serving of rice and lemon chicken and a few bites of sushi. Jen brought a red velvet cake and the staff played a recorded version of Happy Birsday (not a spelling mistake) as they stood by to watch him blow out the candles. He opened his gifts and it was back out into the cold.
My gift came later as Tokyo House became diarhea-ville.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
NHL Hits the Ice
My prediction for this shortened season is that it will feature more groin pulls than fans pulling for their favorite teams. And by the looks of the Habs and Leafs game, fighting will be used to draw the crowds to the rinks.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Holiday Traffic Laws
Apparently red is the new amber...at least until the malls close on Christmas Eve.
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