tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68779754187107120422024-03-05T16:15:28.559-05:00Joe's PlaceJust a random sampling of what is on my mind. Caution, winding road ahead.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-26075256577416821032011-06-22T16:01:00.003-04:002011-06-22T16:12:19.185-04:00The next big thingWith the last Harry Potter movie due to be released in just under a month, I've been wondering what that next epic story will be. To my knowledge, no story has encompassed a total of eight feature films. It is a testament to the power of the author's work that it has managed to remain such a commercial success, given the editing that has had to be done to the last novels to make them fit into the cinematic time frame.<br /><br />It still begs the question, will any movie series ever be so big?<br /><br />You could argue that the Twilight and Transformers series could fit the bill, but I have a problem with that.<br /><br />I mentioned that no story has encompassed eight films. Star Trek fans everywhere have probably already figuratively jumped down my throat. I don't think they count, in that the stories (with the notable exceptions of II, III and IV) stand alone. The sequels take the previous movies into consideration, but aren't necessarily part of the same story. The same can be said for Twilight and Transformers.<br /><br />One large story line, such as Ms. Rowling has produced simply doesn't translate well into film for the most part. The Harry Potter series was fortunate enough to be different, and to really be one story arc, leading to the upcoming conclusion. It will be many years before we see anything similar, in my humble opinion.<br /><br />If anyone feels differently, what do you believe will be the next big thing?Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-12691392571709958342011-06-11T23:44:00.003-04:002011-06-12T00:08:35.767-04:00Weakness for cartoons.I have to admit my guilty pleasure. I am addicted to cartoons. There is nothing I enjoy so much as sitting down and watching some animation with my morning cup of coffee. It's one of my weekend rituals.<br /><br />Sadly, cartoons aren't up to the standards they once were. Instead of the giggle inspiring shorts that so many of us grew up with, most are now half hour advertisements for toys and games. A lot are produced in Japan or Korea, and the stories don't necessarily translate. The ones that do still seem to "feel" odd.<br /><br />I think the best example of a "proper" cartoon is still Bugs Bunny. Take one wacky character (or a string of them) and put them into the bizarre situations and wait for the laughs. Who could resist the bumbling antics of that loud mouthed rooster Foghorn Leghorn? Who didn't laugh at the pitiful attempts of Wile E. Coyote to capture and devour the lucky and blissfully uncaring roadrunner?<br /><br />And just what was it that kept Acme in business all of those years?<br /><br />Another old favorite was Scooby Doo, in its various incarnations. The newest versions don't have the charm of the old ones, but they are still good. Many a day, a Monkees tune will run through my head, having been one of the pieces used for a chase scene.<br /><br />There are a couple of good cartoons airing on Teletoon these days. I am actually particularly fond of "G.I. Joe: Renegades". It's more of a serial than a cartoon, with each episode subtly linked to all of the others. Still, they stand well enough alone. The characters are richly filled out, even with all of their little personal mysteries. Seeing those histories brought out as the group melds is part of the charm.<br /><br />Cartoons are also great educational tools. Just look at the pictures produced during World War II. Private Snafu was funny, making every mistake that a G.I. possibly could, and managing to still get across the messages that the military wanted the soldiers and civilian population alike to see.<br /><br />A new one, Canadian I might add, is "The Future is Wild". It's the tale of a group of teenagers who are travelling in the distant future on a mission to save mankind from a major ice age. It uses the platform of animation to put across real science, to show what life on earth could evolve into over the span of millions of years. It uses humour to entertain, but the information is solid, or at least as solid as a panel of experts in biology, geology and botany can make it.<br /><br />I don't think we should ever let ourselves outgrow the wonder that is animation. Imagine how dull and ironically two dimensional life would be without cartoons.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-9056748951587173322011-06-09T22:14:00.003-04:002011-06-09T22:40:11.652-04:00"Glue it and Screw it!" Mike Holmes and what he has taught me.I watch a lot of HGTV (Home and Garden Television). I've learned a lot from the shows on that channel. Most particularly, Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection. It's mostly about using common sense when having work done on your biggest investment.<br /><br />There are times when even I can look at the houses that Mike Holmes goes through and see the defects. I would never dream to call myself an inspector, but I think I've learned the key areas to look, what to look for, and who I should turn to for those systems of a house that really need an expert opinion. Education is a wonderful thing, and that's what DIY shows are all about. The only down side is that you can get a little cynical about contractors and home inspectors.<br /><br />I think the fundamental thing I've learned is that if you are going to do anything, take your time and do it right. The consequences are just too great. All too often we go into things for the sake of appearances, without looking at the base. Like floors. If you don't glue and screw down the sub floor correctly, it's going to shift on you. Then that lovely hardwood or tile is gonna be destroyed. Make the structure right, and the finish will stay nice.<br /><br />Another key lesson is to pay attention to maintenance. This means, if you don't pay attention, things will get forgotten and will deteriorate. Sometimes faster than you think. When you make the big investments, you had better be ready to look after it. One small thing will lead to a mess that you just might not be able to clean up.<br /><br />Most importantly is that if you plan to go into a trade, don't bother learning the tricks of the trade. LEARN THE TRADE!!! Shortcuts are for people who don't care about their work. If you would not be willing to sign your name on something and have it paraded about, don't do it. Be ready to learn new things that will make your job easier, but don't look for a quick and dirty way to do the least work and give the poorest result.<br /><br />These are the things that Mike Holmes and his crew have taught me.<br /><br />Another time, maybe I'll go into what Brian Baumler taught me in his work on Disaster DIY.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-19595688125148077622011-06-07T21:34:00.003-04:002011-06-07T21:59:33.408-04:00Plugging "The King's Speech"It's not often that I feel a movie is so great that I need to blog about it. This is one of those exceptions.<br /><br />"The King's Speech" won Best Movie at the Oscars for good reason. It is a remarkable story of a man working to overcome a serious speech impediment. (For those of you who have not seen the film.) Not the least important thing about the story is that it portrays a royal as a man, a man with the same problems as those who were not born to privilege.<br /><br />What I find most fascinating is that the therapist who helps the Duke of York and future King to overcome his stammer has made the connection between past experience of a person with speech problems and the stammer. In the early part of the 20th century, it was so common to put a speech impediment down to a lack of intelligence. Lionel Logue also noted the connection between speech and being forced to use the right hand when one is left handed.<br /><br />Being left handed myself, I can understand the kind of problems this would cause.<br /><br />It took a man with no formal training or credentials to help King George VI to make the speeches that saw a nation through its most desperate years. It was necessary for England to feel that the man who lead them was competent, forceful and intelligent. In those days, those traits were best demonstrated en masse by radio and news reels. It staggers the imagination to imagine how the world would look if England had fallen to a lack of confidence.<br /><br />If you have not already seen this movie, do make the effort. The story is told through a series of touching moments and burst of comedy.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-14223687002467596222011-06-06T18:16:00.002-04:002011-06-06T19:27:52.142-04:00A man of inconsistency, that's me.My niece has been kind enough to point out that I have not blogged in quite some time. She used to follow my rantings pretty consistently. It doesn't matter how silly, obscure or incomprehensible the topic, she liked to read whatever spilled onto the screen.<br /><br />Lately, I just haven't been up to writing much. There has been a lot of personal stuff going on, and it's not something I care to put out there for general consumption.<br /><br />Unfortunately, my blog is not the only place I have failed to write lately. I have stories languishing on FanFiction.net. It really isn't fair, as it has been marked as a favorite of readers, even in my writing absence. Besides which, I have left the characters in the middle of their conflict. This isn't fair to them either. Sure, they aren't "real" people, but I've always felt a certain responsibility for them, since I've been allowed to play in the Disney company's sandbox of story ideas.<br /><br />Perhaps that inconsistency is one of my greatest flaws. I have the bad habit of letting stuff going on take me away from projects. Even such projects that have given me a lot of pleasure. My niece has suggested that getting back to some of those projects and hobbies might just break me out of the funk I've been living in lately.<br /><br />Well, at least here, I can do a little bit of ruminating, without having to worry about how it will affect what I will write later. A little less structure, a little more outlet.<br /><br />Here's hoping I can get back to my mental roaming here, now that it has been brought back to my attention.<br /><br />Bear with me.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-19126534876482373822011-03-26T16:47:00.004-04:002011-03-26T17:01:39.498-04:00Tracing Your Daily StepsBack to form and function.<br /><br />I mentioned before that I like to design things. I've dabbled in clothing and vehicles, including boats.<br /><br />Mostly, I like to design homes. Specifically, floor plans, since my decorative ideas tend to be different from other people. Colour, material, finishes, that is up to whoever has to look at the stuff. I like to design the space people live in. I even took a drafting course in high school.<br /><br />The key to designing a working space is to think about how you will use it. The best way to do that is to trace the steps you take in a given day. You get up, go to the bathroom to get your day going, and then aim for the coffee and breakfast. At least, that is the common start up routine for most people. Your mileage may vary. But that is where knowing who you are planning for comes in. The form of the home MUST follow the function of the space.<br /><br />When the floor plan is first drawn, I actually act out a typical day, tracing with a pencil. It would amaze you how quickly you can pick out inefficiency and wasted steps. This is how they came up with the optimum work triangle for the kitchen. The same thing works well for the bathroom, public spaces or an office.<br /><br />You've naturally heard that you cannot know somebody until you've walked a mile in his or her shoes. The same is true of design. You can't make something for another person to use until you have followed in their footsteps and know their routine.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-90230896079882024722011-02-27T11:02:00.002-05:002011-02-27T11:22:38.142-05:00Form, function?Today's discussion is about my sweater. Okay, yes, that is a little off the wall, but there is a point to it. You'll have to trust me on that one.<br /><br />Years ago, when I went to University, I asked my mother to knit me a cardigan. I had a very definite feel in mind. Naturally, I wanted something warm. That is the whole point of the sweater. The difficult part was, I wanted something longer and larger than usual. If you've ever seen the length of a standard lab coat, you get the idea. I also wanted something rather "baggy" that had space.<br /><br />You see, form follows function, as the old saying goes. The function of my black sweater was to be almost like a blanket with sleeves. I can wrap myself in it when I'm cold, or I can let it fall out behind me like a cape. It is not uncommon for one of the cats to curl up on the section that falls on the couch beside me when I don't have it wrapped.<br /><br />There pockets even conform to my needs. There are two large outer pockets for me to shove my hand into. Inside of them are two smaller pockets. Those fulfill the needs of a regular pocket. I can stuff my cell phone or a pen in there. Two functions for the price of one.<br /><br />Now to the point. (I bet you were wondering when I'd get there.)<br /><br />All to often, we decide on somethings value from it's look. It's not until you wear your sweater that you really understand what you need, and how to achieve it. It may look odd on the rack, but when it's on you, it feels natural. Designers these days put so much emphasis on the "rack" look, that we have given up comfort and usefulness for style. If we applied a "form and function" to how we design our clothes, our homes and other articles, we'd all be more comfortable.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-29036688275196016102011-02-15T20:34:00.003-05:002011-02-15T20:58:55.720-05:00The Perfect CarI've been putting a lot of thought into vehicles lately. Mostly, I'm just grateful to have access to one that works. Too many of us take reliable transportation for granted. Having been without it a few times in my life, I can't do that.<br /><br />I think the most important ingredient to the ideal vehicle is to make sure it fits the driver. For example, I have been considering what would be ideal for my niece, whom I have been giving driving lessons. The vehicle should be sized right for the driver. No point putting a girl five foot nothing into a Hummer now, is there? Similarly, it makes no sense for a man over six feet tall to be behind the wheel of a Honda Fit.<br /><br />Now, for my niece, I think a Civic or a Golf would be ideal. Four doors, for the convenience of carrying friends (of the quiet, responsible type) and stuffing junk. She has a bit of a lead foot, so I don't recommend anything larger than a four cylinder engine. The new ones have more than enough power for anyone.<br /><br />Myself, I think I'd like to have rather a small truck, say a Ford Ranger or something similar. There is something to be said for a vehicle that only has two seats. No more passengers than you really want. It's either that, or a small, two door hatchback, like a Civic or a Hyundai Accent. I really don't need to carry a lot, and seldom have more than four people on any given trip.<br /><br />There is still some debate over the whole manual vs. automatic transmission. I favor the automatic myself. My legs just aren't up to switching pedals fast enough for a manual. Besides, with the distractions out on the road, the last thing I want to worry about is rolling back into the car behind me. There isn't THAT much difference when it comes to drivability and fuel economy.<br /><br />Granted, this is all academic. It will be ages before I have to even consider looking at a car for myself.<br /><br />On the other hand, I take the same approach to designing things for others.<br /><br />More on that another time.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-28428999928226133422011-02-07T12:59:00.003-05:002011-02-07T22:36:27.229-05:00Enough already.Okay, I'm not usually one to gripe about the weather, but enough already! I had to clear a ton of snow off of the car yesterday. This was after a snow storm only a few days previously. This time, I didn't make it out to the parking lot before they plowed, so I had to clear out the parking space too.<br /><br />I can just be grateful that I live in Ontario and not out in the Maritimes. They have gotten over two metres (About nine feet!) of snow in the last few weeks. I've seen pictures of people having to clear off their roofs, and they didn't need ladders to reach them. Now that is snow! I guess that's the silver lining in those dark clouds hanging over us today. Somebody always has it worse.<br /><br />On the plus side, the water level in the river might be up to something approaching normal. It has been low for several years, when we have had a green Christmas and the last snowfall was in early January.<br /><br />I think it must be a universal right to complain about the weather. Maybe I should have become a farmer to have a legitimate reason to complain.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-47144267941873319952011-02-05T18:28:00.003-05:002011-02-05T18:39:18.658-05:00Super BowlI'm still trying to wrap my head around the popularity of the Super Bowl. I suppose it's just that I'm not a jock, or sports fan in general. I don't get all excited about March Madness or the NHL playoffs either. There just seems to be so much hoopla made over the event being played out tomorrow.<br /><br />This isn't just an American phenomenon either. The grocery stores up here in Canada have been laying in the party supplies as well, trying to grab their share of the cash cow. At the end of it all, that cow must look like ground chuck. Chips, cola, beer, you name it, it's on sale. There has been a rush on large screen televisions, and from what I hear, subscriptions to satellite services are up, at least for the month.<br /><br />Don't even get me started on pay-per-view.<br /><br />There have been very few televised events that I just HAD to see. To be honest, our set is on mostly for the sake of the background noise. Stupidly, I guess, most of my time is spent on-line, doing nothing that matters.<br /><br />Perhaps, that is the saddest thing about it all. We spend so much of our time doing things that are isolating us (Ironically using what is called "social media".) that when something, anything "big" comes along, we have to make as big a production out of it as possible.<br /><br />Is it time I found that something big that works for me? I'll let you know. In the meantime, I guess you will still be able to follow my ramblings.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-91969318155333898082011-01-30T16:27:00.003-05:002011-01-30T16:41:44.872-05:00When institutions fade.My wife and I went to the annual meeting at the church today. As I am not a member of the church (being nominally a Catholic and the church being Lutheran) I could not really participate. The biggest issue was that of the diminishing congregation. On any given Sunday, there are only 15 to 20 members in the congregation. This has resulted in the parish not being able to sustain the church, either physically or financially.<br /><br />A motion was put forward to consider discussions about merging with the other church in the parish, with the possibility of closing the smaller one.<br /><br />This issue has been coming up for years now, and many in the congregation have felt that a merger and closing were all but inevitable. Emotions have been running very high over the issue, with many desiring to keep their church at all cost, letting it go eventually when the Synod says that it has to close. Meanwhile, the council has been dealing with the issue for quite some time. Many have been sitting for much longer than they are constitutionally mandated to. There just hasn't been anyone to replace them.<br /><br />It is sad to see a beloved local institution fade away. Memories are tied to them. Weather it be baptisms or weddings at a church, or family meals at a favorite restaurant, these things are deep at our cores. When we see them start to vanish, is it any wonder that we react strongly? Many a voice was cracking with tears during this meeting. As well, tempers were flaring, and patience wearing thin on both sides.<br /><br />It is going to be very difficult for the next couple of years as both sides of this problem come to grips with what is happening.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-5879800186933541352011-01-26T22:06:00.002-05:002011-01-26T22:22:42.004-05:00Fire and freezing temperatures don't mix.There was a major fire in the area the other day. A small general store burned right down to the ground. It was in a remote community, something of a landmark.<br /><br />By some strange coincidence, this fire occurred on what has to have been the coldest day of the year. This presented problems for the responders. After all, you fight fires with water. Water, when introduced to temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius, has this strange tendency to become a solid.<br /><br />The fire fighters had to deal with everything from gloves and equipment frozen stiff and essentially useless, to extreme fatigue and possible frostbite.<br /><br />I suppose this is something that these men and women are trained to expect and to deal with, but it still has to take a toll. I know from experience that frozen clothing gets very heavy. Add the weight of helmets, masks and breathing apparatus and the whole thing gets a little staggering. The average person would never be able to manage it.<br /><br />It's just a shame to see a small business go like that. There is history in a place like that. The worst of it is that it was pretty much doomed from the first hint of smoke. It was far enough from the fire hall that it was going pretty good by the time anyone got there. The freezing cold temperatures just kind of put the final nail in the coffin.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-72375613198518545342011-01-25T12:40:00.002-05:002011-01-25T13:03:32.204-05:00Driving lessons.I've been working at giving my niece driving lessons. She is taking some through a professional company, but they don't provide nearly enough wheel time. Her mom's boyfriend says he doesn't have the patience. (I give him all the credit in the world for being able to admit that.) My mom says that she is too nervous. That kind of leaves it to me or my dad, and Dad doesn't get out very much, by choice.<br /><br />It's a little harder teaching to drive in the winter. Conditions change without warning. It's been interesting watching her adapt to compressed snow, slush and the occasional patch of ice. She has improved immensely. Her steering is much more confident, her braking smoother.<br /><br />The hard part is reversing and parallel parking. Now, I'm not the best parallel parker in the world, but I really think she needs to practice at it. I've had to get creative in thinking of ways to help her out.<br /><br />Fortunately, there is an empty parking lot handy here in town. The attractions is seasonal, but they keep the lot clear. I am using a curb to help my niece practice reversing to the right. She's not bad at reversing to the left. This same curb has given me an idea to help with parallel parking. What I'll do is get a plastic lawn chair to use as a pylon. I'll give her lots of space to start out with and slowly reduce the space.<br /><br />It is interesting teaching somebody to drive. I'd rather have left it in the hands of professionals, but I guess this is the reality of learning to drive these days.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-81256159505541646312011-01-23T11:19:00.002-05:002011-01-23T11:44:04.171-05:00PizzaYou read that right, I want to discuss pizza.<br /><br />Ever notice that everyone seems to know of "the" pizza place? It's that one place, the only place, for miles around that serves a decent pizza. I'm not sure just how that works, but I think it's one of the laws of human nature that we seek out "the place" at some point. Once we find it, there is no swaying us. With the exception of new ownership and a changed recipe.<br /><br />My wife and I went out for supper last night. It had been ages since we'd had a pie from "the only place" for miles.<br /><br />I used to work for the couple that owns the restaurant. When they took over, they made some changes. Most important was to change the way certain things were made. Gerry worked forever on the pizza sauce. One recipe was too spicy, another too bland. It had to have just the right consistency. It was several months in the development process. Advice was asked and a considerable amount of small scale trial and error done.<br /><br />I think the key to deciding that somebody makes the best pizza is knowing that somebody has taken the time to care about the product. You just don't get that from one of those large franchise places.<br /><br />Which leads to another rule of "the place". It seems to almost always be a smaller "mom and pop" outfit, a little restaurant from the neighborhood. There has to be a certain exclusivity, a uniqueness to the establishment. They may do other things, but you always know the pizza is going to be the best.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-19078207905488009702011-01-19T01:27:00.004-05:002011-01-19T02:09:50.314-05:00Back, sort of...It's been ages since I've posted anything to my blog. Fortunately for me, the service doesn't delete accounts based on what your activity level is.<br /><br />My life has just been kind of up in the air for a while. My relationships aren't exactly running smoothly, and, to be quite honest, I don't know where I am going with my life. Sure, that sounds like most of us, but it always seems more extreme when it's your own life you're talking about.<br /><br />I don't really want to get into details in a public forum though. That sort of thing has brought nothing but trouble. In fact, it was a major catalyst in some events in my life. Things were said, and feelings were hurt. <br /><br />The worst of it is that, a lot of the hurt can't seem to be left in the past. It keeps coming back to make the present so much harder. It's like, get it out in the open, and get over it. Either solve the problem or leave it in the past. I've never been good at dealing with history. I can recite it, but don't ask me to try and resolve it.<br /><br />Conflict. That's my biggest problem. I have never been comfortable dealing with conflict. I go out of my way to avoid causing it myself, and do my best to avoid getting caught up in other peoples' disputes. The problem lies when people close to you are the ones that are having problems. Worse is when they are having problems that you just can't begin to understand.<br /><br />Well, I guess I'll just have to worry about sorting things out in my own head, and just be supportive of everyone else without letting their issues become mine.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-29810593185196814882009-12-04T19:19:00.002-05:002009-12-04T19:57:55.936-05:00UpdateI had occasion to see my family doctor today. She has not seen a report from the neurologist yet, but she was taken aback when we told her his assessment. Her jaw almost hit the floor. She waved it off simply and said that we would just ignore him and look for answers on our own. While she tried to minimize her reaction, I could see that she was rather surprised and disappointed in her colleague.<br /><br />When Sandra was telling her about our visit to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kemptville</span>, she took her blood pressure. The machine malfunctioned half of the time, but her pressure was obviously elevated.<br /><br />On our way home, we stopped in and visited my parents. My mother had been out, but came back while we were still there. I told her about this doctor and his conclusion. I thought she was going to go out and look for the guy! I have seldom seen her so angry at a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">professional</span>. She was upset enough with my previous general practitioner when she thought that it was her who fumbled the ball on catching my problem.<br /><br />Anyway, I have been assured by everyone that my condition is definitely not in my head.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-61977765180168628322009-12-03T00:08:00.002-05:002009-12-03T00:28:52.652-05:00All in my mind?It's been ages since I last posted anything to this blog. I don't know if anyone even checks it anymore. At the moment, I have to get something off of my mind, or I'm going to go insane. I think that's the ultimate purpose of blogging. A kind of release valve.<br /><br />Anyhow, I have been dealing with a problem since November of 2001. My legs suddenly started getting weaker and weaker.<br /><br />I went to my family doctor, who sent me to a variety of specialists. None were ever able to come up with a diagnosis. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">EMGs</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">blood work</span>, poking and prodding and a biopsy, all for nothing. In the end, my doctor came to the conclusion that I must have what was an unspecified variety of Muscular Dystrophy. She had insisted from the day that I went to her that I needed to get on a disability pension until I could think of something else to do for a living. I certainly couldn't deliver pizzas anymore.<br /><br />For the first two year, without any real diagnosis, I kept asking myself if maybe it was all in my head. Was I maybe just out of shape and being a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wimp</span> about it? Two years, I felt guilty about not holding down a job. Two years, I felt that I wasn't worth anything.<br /><br />Finally, I started listening to my doctor, and accepting that there was something wrong with me, that we just couldn't put a name to it.<br /><br />I had to switch family doctors a while back. In that time, I experienced an extreme tired spell. I was having to use a walker, rather than just a cane. She was alarmed when she examined me, and arranged for yet another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">EMG</span>, some more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">blood work</span> and an appointment with a neurologist.<br /><br />I saw that neurologist today. He asked me to describe my problem as best I was able. Then he asked me if I was working. I replied in the negative, and that I was on a disability pension. The doctor then proceeded to examine me, in the conventional manner.<br /><br />What he said has me back to square one. He asked if I had seen a psychiatric specialist. All of the tests he and his colleagues had done were negative, and his observations were, well contradictory. Essentially, he told me it must all be in my head.<br /><br />Six years of accepting that something is actually wrong with me is now in question. Am I just a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">wimp</span>, not working hard enough? Am I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">subconsciously</span> just making a mountain out of a mole hill?<br /><br />I have spoken with my wife, and my niece. They think that the doctor is either stupid or just plain insane, that it isn't in my nature to fake something like this, even to myself. My wife even pointed out to me that I had taken a job I had no business doing, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">because</span> I needed to be doing something. Are they right, or just seeing something in me that isn't really there?<br /><br />At this point, I'm ready to give up. So what if I don't know what is wrong with me? I will find something I can do to be useful. Time enough to worry about what is making my legs weak when they no longer work at all.<br /><br />It's just that, now the seed is sown. There is a doubt at the back of my mind, and it's nibbling at the front.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-87173391532355641352009-05-15T12:08:00.003-04:002009-05-15T12:41:00.820-04:00Dangers of choosing one's own name.On a lot of Internet sites, you choose the name that you will go by. As a rule, you use a favored nickname, or something random.<br /><br />On a particular site, I chose to use the name Thomas Linquist. It was the name of a fictitious captain I had planned to use in a story. It's simple, believable and unoffensive. Or so I thought. I just googled my pen name, just for the fun of it, in images mode.<br /><br />It turns out that I have chosen as my nom de plume the name of a convicted sex offender!<br /><br />This is rather disturbing, as the site that I use this name in is a forum that is frequented by young girls, this man's preferred target. What happens if one of the parents of these young ladies does the same research that I just did? Any responsible parent would. If they don't check a little deeper, they might assume that this creep is me!<br /><br />Maybe I should have gone a little more random.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-48906778746181843642009-02-20T11:34:00.003-05:002009-02-20T11:48:39.520-05:00Priorities and BoundariesRecently, I have had to spell out on paper what hours tenants in the building I live in as Superintendent can contact me. It was getting to the point that I never knew who would be at my door, and what for. Most of the time, it is for something that is not even in my job description to handle.<br /><br />Sometimes, we all have to sit down and think about what is most important to us, and set boundaries as to how much one item on the list can impinge on another. Our lives have become so full, with work, scheduled activities and other commitments, that we forget to take stock of just what really means anything to us.<br /><br />We've started at a much younger age too. There are children as young as six who live their lives by a calendar posted on the kitchen wall. Hockey, soccer, piano... the list is endless. By the time these kids reach their mid teens, they are already burnt out. Is it really any wonder that so many turn to lives of drugs and/or addiction to video games? When do we start to rethink just how involved we really need to be?<br /><br />Only a generation ago, families had a lot more time together. Even if both parents had to be working to make ends meet, it seems like there was more time spent talking, rather than each person in his/her room on a computer or in front of a television screen. Most homes only had one or two of either to begin with.<br /><br />Maybe it's time we all stepped back, one or two days out of the week. Leave the work on the desk for a few hours. Don't plan, just do. It doesn't even have to be anything big and exciting. Maybe just a favorite meal, sitting around the table and finding out what everyone has been up to over the week.<br /><br />That used to be what Sunday suppers were for. The family sat together and summed up their lives for the week, and looked ahead to what needed to be done in the week ahead, and what could be put off.<br /><br />I have not even reached middle age, and sometimes I long for something as simple as sitting at a table with the people that mean something to me and just finding out where they have been and where they are going. Norman Rockwell, eat your heart out.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-30112616943663104662009-02-13T11:55:00.003-05:002009-02-13T12:10:28.890-05:00V Day InvasionLadies, gentlemen and others, (You know who you are!) the day is nigh! The day when those of us who don't think to prepare make that mad dash and scramble for the perfect piece of paper. No, I'm not referring to taxes. (Though you might want to make a note of those too.) I'm talking about Valentines Day, and the card that expresses just how you feel about your significant other.<br /><br />Last year, I was well prepared, and purchased a lovely card before the groundhog even poked his nose out of his burrow. This time, I've left it down to the wire. Now I have to go into the stores, find out what remains of the stock, and try to find something that can even come close to matching how much I love my wife.<br /><br />A television character once said, "You can't spell inspiration without procrastination. Well, at least the 'ation' part." If necessity is the mother of invention, I think that procrastination is the mother of desperation. Let's face it, when you keep saying "tomorrow", one of these days it's going to turn out to be yesterday.<br /><br />On the other hand, my wife and I have opted not to do gifts this year, in favor of a short vacation at the end of the month. This doesn't get me off the hook for the card, but at least I'm not wandering around the mall, like so many of us males, looking for something that says "romantic". Just wait until tomorrow morning. The sheep will inundate the stores with varying degrees of panic on their faces. It's the invasion of the last minute shoppers. Happens every holiday, like clockwork.<br /><br />If you will excuse me, I have to get out and find a card.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-72235372481648839682009-01-28T16:18:00.002-05:002009-01-28T16:39:46.883-05:00All I can say is, WOW!As some of you may know, I have an account at <a href="http://www.fanfiction.net/">www.fanfiction.net</a>. I write short stories there under the pen name of Thomas Linquist. <br /><br />I was introduced to the site by my niece. She had left it up on my computer, just over a year ago. Being the curious person that I am, I just had to check it out. Glancing through the stories led me to create an account last year. From there, I have made friends, told jokes that were better left untold, and been bitten by what we fan fiction writers call plot bunnies.<br /><br />At about the same time that I began with the site, I was also fascinated by a Disney cartoon. Naturally, there was a section of fan fiction devoted to the stories of Kim Possible and her best friend Ron Stoppable. Before you mention it, yes, I am rather old to be so interested by a television show marketed to the "tweens" generation. Naturally, that doesn't stop me.<br /><br />For the past year, I have been part of what we call the "Kimmunity". That is a group of writers on the site that have dedicated themselves to this particular niche. I have written stories for and, in one case, about these new friends.<br /><br />Each year, one of the established writers hosts an online contest, where authors vote for one another in a number of categories. This little tribute is affectionately referred to as the "Fannies".<br /><br />I am honored this year to have been nominated six times in four categories. For a first time writer, this is just mind boggling. I had hoped for a single nomination. While I do not expect to make the second round, it is thrilling to know that so many people have taken an interest in <em>anything</em> I've done.<br /><br />This post probably falls under the category of tooting my own horn, but I'm just so excited, I thought I would share.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-88958020786827251782009-01-15T22:12:00.003-05:002009-01-15T22:36:58.475-05:00When fear is left behind.It's an odd thing, but for some time now, I have just not been easily intimidated.<br /><br />What brings this up is a matter that I can't go into for legal and ethical reasons, but suffice it to say, somebody tried to get all up in my face, and it didn't work. I just stood there, staring at the guy in disbelief at how foolish he looked.<br /><br />At an earlier time in my life, any kind of confrontation would send me cowering into my self, turning and looking for cover. I even avoided the arguments of others, because the feeling of anger bothered me. Some people liked to bully me, just to see my reaction. Somewhere along the line, I lost that.<br /><br />Which isn't to say that I've gotten brave. Heck, confrontation is still a last resort for me. Diplomacy and logical negotiation are still my preferred means of resolution. All I'm saying is that another person ranting and raving is more a source of bemusement for me than something to be feared.<br /><br />Last summer, a very large man confronted me at my apartment door. He glared down at me and ranted and raved. He was hoping to get me to be afraid and say something stupid. Instead, I was just staring up at him, watching the veins in his neck, wondering if they would pop.<br /><br />That's another thing. Size doesn't matter anymore. So a guy stands over six feet tall, and I'm only five foot three. All it means is that I'm staring up at him. Nothing confuses a big man more than a short, chubby (let's call a spade a spade, fat) man staring up at him without fear. It just doesn't make sense to them. It goes against all of their experience. Little guys like me are supposed to be afraid. It's the natural order of things.<br /><br />Somewhere along the line, my mind gave up on that order. Now, when somebody comes at me with so much anger and irrationality, I go into amusement mode. People say the strangest (and dumbest) things when they are angry. In fact, if you let them go on long enough, they begin to realize just how foolish they look, and they back away. They may be yelling and cursing the whole time, but they are backing down.<br /><br />Cast out fear. When you stop fearing others, you can see a situation for what it truly is. You might be afraid, but if you control that fear, and get beyond it, solutions present themselves. So does the generally insane nature of the universe we live in. Sometimes you just have to give in and laugh.<br /><br />Nothing infuriates a bully more.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-68126078443967969152009-01-09T12:32:00.003-05:002009-01-09T12:54:59.247-05:00OC Transpo StrikeI just want to weigh in here on the current strike by members of the Ottawa Transit workers union. My opinions will not make me popular with many. However, they are mine, and I hold them without real malice for any.<br /><br />It is my opinion that the union is making life for the people of Ottawa unnecessarily difficult, and in some cases perilous. They have made their point, that they are unhappy with the contract offered by the city. If neither side is able or willing to move, there is no point in continuing in this action. There are alternatives. If the union wanted to get their message out, mission accomplished. Move on.<br /><br />The sticking point, as I understand it, is the scheduling of drivers. This is very much a safety issue. Quality of life for the drivers is important, but not at the expense of safety on the road. The system of shift scheduling that the union wants would allow drivers to work unsafe numbers of hours without thought for what is best for the riders.<br /><br />The rest of us have to work hours that are not necessarily convenient for us. We are not allowing truck drivers to work more than 14 hours at a stretch, without an 8 hour rest period. Should people carrying the lives of people not be as responsible as those carrying canned goods?<br /><br />Most importantly, it's time to move away from the chaos that has been caused by this strike. Lives have been disrupted enough already.<br /><br />Go to binding arbitration. If neither the city nor the union can be adult enough to compromise in some way, then it's time for somebody to decide what is best for the public that both sides claim to be serving. If the drivers are unhappy during this process, they can still picket, in a safe way, but on <em>their own time.</em> They will be seen and heard.<br /><br />Students have lost time. They might lose the work of a whole semester. Some university and college students were held at picket lines, with the union members knowing fully that it would cause them to possibly fail entire courses. If I were those students, I would seriously consider a class action suit against the union and the city for the cost of tuition for the semester lost.<br /><br />The same thought applies to those who lost their jobs, their livelihoods, because one group is so determined to get what it believes is its prerogatives, and another would not compromise, or put forth a new proposal. Daycare, lost wages, lost business and lost security. The tally is mind-boggling.<br /><br />Like it or not, Transit is an <em>essential</em> service. Get it together people, and get things moving.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-2095059881391694092009-01-03T21:44:00.003-05:002009-01-03T21:54:48.619-05:00Resolutions, but little resolve.Okay, so I haven't exactly been keeping up with posting. I do promise to try.<br /><br />This is why I never make New Years resolutions. I know that within a week, they will be out the window, down the street, and thumbing their way to who knows where. It's been that way since time immemorial with me. I can make all kinds of vows, and mean every word of them. When it comes to will power... Let's just say, I'm a little lacking.<br /><br />I'm not alone in this either. Studies and surveys show that more than 60 percent of all New Years resolutions are broken within three months. After six months, another 10 percent might go by the wayside.<br /><br />We all feel the need to improve ourselves in one way or another. Unfortunately, we tend to fall short in just how much we are willing to do to make those changes.<br /><br />Experts say that the key to keeping resolutions is to have reasonable expectations. No point trying to change something that you physically cannot. Another important thing is to put those promises to yourself in writing somewhere. Preferably where it has to be looked at once a day or more. After that, the usual self-help rules apply. Get support, and don't be afraid to ask for help when things are tough.<br /><br />Here's hoping I can keep my promise to post here more often. You, obviously, will be the judges.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877975418710712042.post-22137911200727806132008-12-29T21:15:00.002-05:002008-12-29T21:46:18.431-05:00Yes, I still exist.It's been a long time since I last posted anything here. So long, that I don't really know where to begin to post.<br /><br />With the new year upon us, I thought that maybe it was time to get back to writing something other than fiction or business letters to tenants. You see, that is how I have been spending the greater part of my time these last few months. As you might imagine, I feel a little cut off when I don't have my computer in front of me.<br /><br />Unfortunately, this particular machine is reaching the end of it's useful life. It's been giving me a lot of error messages regarding virtual memory. Certain applications will shut down my Internet browser without warning.<br /><br />It's fortunate that we don't become obsolete as quickly as the tools we use. That is the only thing that keeps the machines from taking over the planet. Computers are getting closer and closer to sentience, but until they can think and evolve for themselves, they will become outdated and need humans to repair, maintain and upgrade them.<br /><br />With luck, I will be able to update this machine, and get another five years from her.<br /><br />I am still very much the superintendent of the building we live in. My immediate bosses seem to be quite happy with what I have done here. In fact, some of the company brass were here, and thought that I was doing a good job. How they divined this I do not know, since I merely showed them a few units, and explained how I see the place.<br /><br />Perhaps that is really enough for any employer really. When you take ownership and pride in what you do, it shows. They know that you will do what it takes to make the company happy, because you want what is best for your part of it.<br /><br />I'm still getting around pretty good, though my tired spells are becoming a little more frequent and lasting a little longer. My appetite is ridiculous, but I'm not exactly putting on the pounds. I eat like crazy, but we do eat healthy for the most part.<br /><br />Sandra has been well enough. She did have a case of shingles for a few weeks, and it nearly drove her nuts. Having never had them myself, I can only take her word for the pain and itch. I did the best I could to help her, with a cold pack and Aveeno baths. The doctor did more, by recognizing it quickly and prescribing the right anti-viral medication.<br /><br />Christmas was a bit of a let down this year. Times being tight, it was hard to get the gifts that we wanted. Certain members of the family were in less than the holiday spirit. Put that together with uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, and things weren't what we might have hoped for. We've decide to start doing things a little more simply. We will get what will mean the most as gifts next year, and sleep in our own beds.<br /><br />At any rate, I do mean to post more frequently now. Forgive me if things still aren't what you call interesting reading.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07967778018779599401noreply@blogger.com0