tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139623372024-03-13T11:23:50.732-07:00Anything GoesWhatever occurs at the momentUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-26314680991440569422023-02-12T20:56:00.003-08:002023-02-12T21:02:40.493-08:00Zorro Chases UFOs<p> Zorro the cat is doing fine and likes investigating new things such as owner flossing his teeth and UFOs flying around the room. These "UFOs" appear only on sunny winter afternoons and are caused by my computer disk platters hanging in the window as wind chimes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cpjAl5yqsfz7BJvZ8Cr_7q29US_kxlY-cZAoDcJFjIm58vMzJqVQywufLR1wUBe76GHqlUO7WwvfeBu3zQIA4k5bPYA0ZAMeVl8xmv5qNjo4MMhhTDORic9F0PGLp7wevdOZLpqes6ROTEe0K6mX4cQzmGpTBYzXLaOWQ_-ABiWIrN_52bA/s543/z3.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cpjAl5yqsfz7BJvZ8Cr_7q29US_kxlY-cZAoDcJFjIm58vMzJqVQywufLR1wUBe76GHqlUO7WwvfeBu3zQIA4k5bPYA0ZAMeVl8xmv5qNjo4MMhhTDORic9F0PGLp7wevdOZLpqes6ROTEe0K6mX4cQzmGpTBYzXLaOWQ_-ABiWIrN_52bA/w310-h320/z3.png" width="310" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTveYuVScmTqZhesUzt289T5dI_RGYSMW3eghc95gR3jWXtXdqOgsu4Z-Wa0814eHOm9mBZYwBISnUEKxqeLSUp2XRMLJbwlidBS9DVTpvbopxhFaLq_CYp0CiQYW0-UOa-Z57Kus3BHAtDiUPAxmWNyMkE5_jkXwBXFBOLTCHXnCxjS9oBc/s273/wchime.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="214" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTveYuVScmTqZhesUzt289T5dI_RGYSMW3eghc95gR3jWXtXdqOgsu4Z-Wa0814eHOm9mBZYwBISnUEKxqeLSUp2XRMLJbwlidBS9DVTpvbopxhFaLq_CYp0CiQYW0-UOa-Z57Kus3BHAtDiUPAxmWNyMkE5_jkXwBXFBOLTCHXnCxjS9oBc/w251-h320/wchime.png" width="251" /></a></div><p><a href="https://whatever.bobmc.net/p/cat-photos.html">..[Zorro, Bix, Brownie, Buffy]</a> <a href="https://whatever.bobmc.net/2008/02/wind-chime-10.html">..[Computer Disk Wind Chime]</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-39532801551079981982022-11-01T11:31:00.008-07:002022-11-05T22:36:39.820-07:00R.I.P. Bix The Cat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5BsD-waRSwOzyV8Lb5lP-YxIy8YTgwiCZW-XKfefJ6mAFb6OXiAbrEjj-eqdAefucZdERloXY0DEdXa6jpoL_PWvirTHGT77Yhz_x24bmrMVMsRyGfXkaEyiWDAXkWXVEGK_UFlRy8vzFH21hWfzl4W6wtI2Luu86tuG-ZiuRD-_efrttR8/s182/Bix-rip.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="163" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5BsD-waRSwOzyV8Lb5lP-YxIy8YTgwiCZW-XKfefJ6mAFb6OXiAbrEjj-eqdAefucZdERloXY0DEdXa6jpoL_PWvirTHGT77Yhz_x24bmrMVMsRyGfXkaEyiWDAXkWXVEGK_UFlRy8vzFH21hWfzl4W6wtI2Luu86tuG-ZiuRD-_efrttR8/s1600/Bix-rip.png" width="163" /></a></div><br />A few weeks ago, Bix stopped eating and drinking. He was on Prednisolone for two years and blood tests revealed an improper amount of a certain protein. The Vet suspected Bix might have cancer. So we decided to put Bix gently to sleep.<p></p><p></p><p>Bix, seen here guarding my keyboard, was a fine companion animal. Sometimes he was a pest but in a nice way. Mostly, he liked to lounge on the sofa or nearby where I happened to be. (Oct 14)</p><p>.....[ <a href="https://whatever.bobmc.net/p/cat-photos.html">Buffy, Brownie, and Bix</a> ]</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-25378145687066888172022-05-05T14:12:00.010-07:002022-05-05T21:09:27.767-07:00Empire Dreams From Russia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeGYlisqEKh6WcwHypfJjh8YhORj_c5V4Jm-PheAy85FGM7c_udh_rsqChT3SxD6xVqIRR1-VEylsDVmJi8PIYwy9jrvUAAybe9HRmOegKpIy0WcdOesDl3-zTBtDzd5KXe5aURRmCJ3EUBAphPuHKBI0DYmxo2aPyMr0sYbZRyWEOFAmw94/s224/war1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="129" data-original-width="224" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeGYlisqEKh6WcwHypfJjh8YhORj_c5V4Jm-PheAy85FGM7c_udh_rsqChT3SxD6xVqIRR1-VEylsDVmJi8PIYwy9jrvUAAybe9HRmOegKpIy0WcdOesDl3-zTBtDzd5KXe5aURRmCJ3EUBAphPuHKBI0DYmxo2aPyMr0sYbZRyWEOFAmw94/w200-h115/war1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Russia has eleven percent of the world's landmass. It is almost double the size of Canada, China, or the United States but with only half the population of the US. Yet the Putin Regime believes it is necessary to annex or obliterate the land of other countries which were once part of the old Russian empire. But we see that England, France, Spain and other countries have given up most of their colonies, if not all. Empires are obsolete in the modern world because they cannot be managed and are doomed to collapse.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Putin Regime allegedly poisons or kills anyone who protests. There is no free press to call truth to power. There is only propaganda such that the common people do not believe reports from relatives outside of Russia. The Russian Army is apparently the last refuge of brutes and murderers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I believe Russia does not need more land .. it needs more people. There are plenty of people looking for a country to live in peace where their families can thrive. But first Russia must shut down the war machine. It needs to replace the vinegar of war with the honey of peace.</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Establish a free press</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Scrap the war machine</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Rights and Freedoms for every citizen</span></li></ul><div>Vladimir Putin is allegedly about to undergo cancer surgery, with rumors continuing to circulate about his health following Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- Newsweek</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOPgXV62JMsk5kPqTXrgu8QOOqbEgh4acFYq7jrDOYWxrj7DECDPM7aYm00rK6Uek8TNAbf9LWK2IKpwgVEbXlObhv8tVD0w6D4ugkEjVJlw9Z_NRLn-Y6FH6C06xZqYhKYuo-1cp5dZ8G-BOcj3Oq1_bt4xRjuR9ilQkkpIbm1HbLLl1gv0/s403/war2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="403" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOPgXV62JMsk5kPqTXrgu8QOOqbEgh4acFYq7jrDOYWxrj7DECDPM7aYm00rK6Uek8TNAbf9LWK2IKpwgVEbXlObhv8tVD0w6D4ugkEjVJlw9Z_NRLn-Y6FH6C06xZqYhKYuo-1cp5dZ8G-BOcj3Oq1_bt4xRjuR9ilQkkpIbm1HbLLl1gv0/w320-h218/war2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.worldometers.info/">=> Worldometers</a><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-37709590402203086362022-02-07T11:06:00.003-08:002022-02-07T11:46:39.151-08:00Freedom Convoy Is Free-Dumb<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyd5oF1KKFP177Uf_zSJgcZ7x5ROOwk3GdVz72_fe5sk51Y9BBfsrBBpQb2RYldL-Go0W0vM7w_zrvGvC7PDMREb4v7VwkCDt7dwfep3KIZPpKQLpU-uC24LWuzNhIWmBgNlc2icUx0rxVfSS8ssFd5iFFXuNCgCudR8GOaj4v3oCX0VgqVUI=s289" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="289" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyd5oF1KKFP177Uf_zSJgcZ7x5ROOwk3GdVz72_fe5sk51Y9BBfsrBBpQb2RYldL-Go0W0vM7w_zrvGvC7PDMREb4v7VwkCDt7dwfep3KIZPpKQLpU-uC24LWuzNhIWmBgNlc2icUx0rxVfSS8ssFd5iFFXuNCgCudR8GOaj4v3oCX0VgqVUI=w200-h177" width="200" /></a></div><div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; widows: 2;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Protesters sometimes gather on parliament hill to express their grievances. Such events are usually peaceful and the people move on after a day or two. But the current protest in Ottawa is a big mess because the protesters have parked their monster trucks on various city streets. They make noise and mess which makes life miserable for Ottawa families in the neighbourhood. The trucker-protesters are making a big mistake because they will get no sympathy from Ottawa citizens who don't deserve the stress from this unusual campaign.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">There is no need in Canada to protest for freedom since all citizens have equal rights and freedoms. However, there must be limits on individual liberty such that one persons's freedom does not infringe on the freedom of others. You can choose not to wear a mask or get vaccinated but then you must isolate yourself. You are not free to infect other people.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">This protest was organised to eliminate the mandate for border-crossing vaccination. But it has attracted all sorts of yahoos waving hate flags and pissing on public streets. The police are not prepared to handle this sort of unusual protest. It is not practical to tow away these monster trucks without the assistance of the driver or owner. The heavy-duty towing companies fear backlash from the trucking companies who are their customers.</div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><a href="https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/en/about-human-rights/human-rights-canada">_Rights And Freedoms_</a><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-12976211311899560032022-01-10T09:31:00.001-08:002022-01-10T09:42:08.528-08:00Labatt Beer Shelf Life<p>Labatt and some other beers have a six month shelf life. I wrote to Labatt asking how to interpret the date stamped on the box of twelve bottles. It means that the case I bought at the beer store was only two weeks old.</p><hr /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Hello Robert-</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Thank you for taking the time to reach out. I am sorry for the delay in response. We appreciate your patience. Please see below for a breakdown on how to read the label on your bottle of Labatt Blue.</span><br /><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Ex: M06L14-03:50</span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">M = Month (December)</span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">06 = Date</span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">L = Brewery (London)</span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">1 = Year (2021)</span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">4 = Production Line</span><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">03:50 = Time Stamp</span><br /><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This translates to your beer being bottled on 12/6/2021 at our London brewery. After this date, you bottle has a shelf life of 180, or 6 months, so your beer will be freshest enjoyed before roughly 6/6/2022. Beer is okay to be stored at room temperature or in the </span>refrigerator<span style="font-size: 12pt;">. The main thing is that you want to keep it stored out of direct sunlight or in heat for prolonged periods of time. Hope this helps clear things up. Let me know if you have any further questions.</span></span><br /><br /><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">It's always a pleasure serving you. Write back any time, and thank you for reaching out to our Contact Centre.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Cheers</span></p><hr />The format is awkward because date and location codes are mixed. I would prefer to see something like:-<p></p><div>Brewery-Line-year-month-date-time .. L4-21.12.06-03:50</div><div><br /></div><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-77913958601607307212021-12-16T12:43:00.003-08:002021-12-17T08:02:07.405-08:00Quebec Bill21 Has Religious Bias<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwsn_ckfx0-HmePEyeGxFLtGGn1OI55vRoQUzpkkCOdRkmI9iqY2-i9bzc1hNPo8ISE2r4Y-65dTY3mhpY32qzRq0uVsIRKXLQorCij1mPZQct5jUoD-12TrcnSS7_N8esVpEkAB0Anq_vNNiEkTB-S0s1naCE5Xv5CC0elUPJtDhwnK-IxPw=s76" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="76" data-original-width="74" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwsn_ckfx0-HmePEyeGxFLtGGn1OI55vRoQUzpkkCOdRkmI9iqY2-i9bzc1hNPo8ISE2r4Y-65dTY3mhpY32qzRq0uVsIRKXLQorCij1mPZQct5jUoD-12TrcnSS7_N8esVpEkAB0Anq_vNNiEkTB-S0s1naCE5Xv5CC0elUPJtDhwnK-IxPw" width="74" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Canada succeeds as a multicultural country because religious beliefs have no place in politics. There are 10000 distinct religions worldwide (says Wikipedia) and Canada can neither prefer nor reject any of them. All citizens must be treated equally.<div><p>There has been much media chatter recently following the reassignment of a Quebec Grade 3 teacher for wearing a hijab. Objections to Bill21 are reasonable because the Quebec law violates the principle of religious neutrality.</p><p>Religious or cultural symbols such as hijabs, crucifixes, and turbans are only special to people who have certain beliefs or cultural traditions. Everyone else should call them clothing and jewelry. </p></div><p><a href="https://policyoptions.irpp.org/fr/magazines/may-2019/quebecs-bill-21-misapplies-religious-neutrality-principle/">Religious Neutrality Explained -</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-38148886285567362242021-09-09T12:14:00.001-07:002021-09-09T12:18:38.716-07:00Go Hard, Go Early<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro5gvYp86m0/YTo_YgCWDPI/AAAAAAAACN4/5yvVES0f4YIhqF4C2fbyi5eUuoaMIu5ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s156/looper.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="156" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro5gvYp86m0/YTo_YgCWDPI/AAAAAAAACN4/5yvVES0f4YIhqF4C2fbyi5eUuoaMIu5ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/looper.png" width="156" /></a></div>The COVID-19 pandemic has been with us for what seems like forever. Will it ever end? New Zealand, for example, has a "go hard, go early" strategy which works better than the "go late, go easy" practised in Ontario. Lockdown wrestles the virus to the mat but stopping too soon lets it rise again.<p></p><p>A small but loud segment of the population have gone nuts about health practices. Not only are they unvaccinated, but also unmasked while gathering in mobs to protest at political events. They even mob at hospitals or homes of people they don't like. The police have been lenient with them so far.</p><p>From a software programmer perspective, current society seems to be caught in an endless loop of viral desperation.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Virus mutates and becomes pandemic.</li><li>Government imposes restrictions to limit spread</li><li>Health care practices are eased too soon.</li><li>"Free-dumb" mobs resist vaccines and masking.</li><li>Virus mutates and spreads among the unvaccinated.</li><li>Goto 2</li><li>Pandemic ends eventually</li><li>Wait for next pandemic, goto 2</li></ol><p><a href="https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/coronavirus-go-hard-and-early-than-light-and-long-new-zealand-pm-on-snap-lockdown-2512930">Jacinda Ardern</a> <a href="https://www.google.ca/search?q=tower+of+song+cohen+lyrics&sxsrf=AOaemvLIJDsEe6YZlzApar_8qsgLeW40ow%3A1631214325730&source=hp&ei=9Vo6Yf2UKsLJmAXIlLygAw&iflsig=ALs-wAMAAAAAYTppBaEeYH6DiSnH4oV2K23mQYU7XqeJ&oq=Tower+of+song+coh&gs_lcp=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&sclient=gws-wiz">Tower of Song</a>(Cohen)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-3549271729378847152021-06-16T13:44:00.001-07:002021-06-16T13:49:34.087-07:00Vaccine Games<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtxTqD5GNUk/YMlcWNDognI/AAAAAAAACMI/ZzdYm30sIzIHRbxLMwsIGcckihg-Fb_EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s102/VG1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="65" data-original-width="102" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MtxTqD5GNUk/YMlcWNDognI/AAAAAAAACMI/ZzdYm30sIzIHRbxLMwsIGcckihg-Fb_EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/VG1.png" /></a></div>Got another Pfizer dose from the Richmond Green Sports Centre. The clinic was perfectly organised just like before. However, getting appointments in Ontario continues to be difficult for almost everyone because the software is very poor quality. Toronto has pop-up clinics when delayed vaccine shipments finally arrive. These do not require appointments but thousands of people start lining up at 1:00am for an 8:00am opening. Many are disappointed.<div><br /></div><div>I live in Richmond Hill which is in York Region which is in the northern part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Richmond Hill does not have pop-ups but some doses are available at pharmacies and hospitals. I prefer the large clinic at the hockey arena. Unfortunately, it is out of reach for people without cars.</div><div><br /></div><div>I checked for covid19 appointment slots three weeks ago. Only age 80+ were eligible then and there were hundreds of open slots because of low demand by that cohort. I was informed to wait until June 14. Meanwhile, the second 80+ week was opened for 70+ but I did not notice until midweek when all the slots were taken. So I phoned the Ontario booking line which offered an appointment after twelve weeks which would give twenty-three weeks between shots. Never mind that.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the next Monday, I logged in at 8:50 just before the 9:00am official booking time. I could see slots opening and disappearing on the first day so I picked a slot for the next day. I was put in a queue for a few minutes. After that, my slot was gone because someone ahead of me in the queue had taken my selection. Since the first days were first choices, I selected another slot near the last day of the session which worked. All the slots for seven days 9 to 6 were taken within ten minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>No software was designed specifically for vaccine appointments. Instead, an existing system was hacked. This system was intended to schedule after-school activities for parents and children. It does not have the capacity for the surge of vaccine demands so a first-in-first-out queue was added. But the hackers made a mistake. They only put the person identifier in the queue. The slot was left open for others to select. Imagine you have an Amazon shopping cart with several items and when you decide to check out, some of the items were already sold to another buyer. That is the experience when attempting vaccine appointments. Another bug is the ability to make multiple appointments but take only the most convenient. Some selfish people will do that no matter the cost to others. It's the Trumpian thing to do.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/yorkregion/Home">Activities</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheoMoudakis/status/1405133675600171010">Theo Second Dose</a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-52659007350539995772021-06-02T11:55:00.000-07:002021-06-02T11:55:22.858-07:00Risky Login To CRA With CellPhone SMS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aByFcsfZYEM/YLfMT9Io2yI/AAAAAAAACLE/3yZsraRbwzohWbnnpMNVctZU4o31of9ogCLcBGAsYHQ/s667/CRA-MFA.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="625" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aByFcsfZYEM/YLfMT9Io2yI/AAAAAAAACLE/3yZsraRbwzohWbnnpMNVctZU4o31of9ogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/CRA-MFA.png" /></a></div>Communication with the CRA is mainly by HTTPS which is a secure protocol for everyday Internet activity. However, they have introduced an additional login procedure which they call Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). But "multi" is an exaggeration, it is better known as Two-factor Authentication (2FA). They send a one-time, temporary passcode to your phone by SMS which you must enter on the login page to satisfy the procedure.<p></p><p>If CRA needs to contact you, they do not send the content of your concern, they post the content to your account and notify by email that you need to login and read the content. This avoid exposing your personal information in email. So they care about security.</p><p>It is probably ok to use SMS passcodes for social media and other amusements where money is not involved. However, billions of dollars flow through CRA which is an attraction for bad-actor hackers. And hackers have tools to capture SMS codes while logging in as you. Cell phone networks have security bugs so information passing through them needs to be encrypted. This can't be done with SMS which is plain text.</p><p>Google "risk of sms for authentication" and it's all bad news. The best advice is don't use SMS for 2FA/MFA. It actually weakens security for CRA business. </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-89316166499284620062021-05-31T20:17:00.000-07:002021-05-31T20:17:20.944-07:00The Toronto Maple Leafs Protected Their Vacation Time<p>Since golf clubs are opening soon, the Leafs went on vacation and brought in some beer-league look-alikes to take their place in the playoffs. Just kidding.</p><p>The Canadiens could beat the Leafs because they are a big, determined team backed by a super goalie and that team could defend the entire ice rink. They gave the Leafs little time and space to make plays. It does not matter what skill the Leafs have unless they have an answer to whatever tactics the other team tries. I only watched a part of game 7 and I saw a lot of small mistakes. Generally, the Leafs were slow and clumsy as if they were in an unfamiliar environment . Playoffs require a special energy, not just skill.</p><p>It is insane to bring in high-salary players just to repeat the games of old. The Maple Leaf organization needs a fresh perspective starting with a name change to one that suggests energy or power. Consider names like Lightning, Avalanche, Bruins, Golden Knights, or Jets. They have energy to blow away the wimpy Leafs. How about a name like Toronto Tornadoes.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-19410985230186484152021-05-26T18:31:00.004-07:002021-05-26T18:31:45.093-07:00Doorway Pull-up Rack For Home Exercise<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWIMfQVvmqg/YK7xPCmhbfI/AAAAAAAACJs/r-O9q6Atmt8MAp1CZ7_ob-EElY9GV3-NACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/rack1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="600" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWIMfQVvmqg/YK7xPCmhbfI/AAAAAAAACJs/r-O9q6Atmt8MAp1CZ7_ob-EElY9GV3-NACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h209/rack1.png" width="320" /></a></div>A Doorway Pullup Rack, seen here suspended from a bedroom doorway, is a practical tool for home exercise. Body weight pull-ups and chin-ups, work the arms, shoulders, back, and abs. This rack comes with optional straps that support easier exercises such as chest and bicep press, flys, and back row. It can be placed on the floor for tricep dips and pushups.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw1idFWcNiQ/YK7z41_rXxI/AAAAAAAACJ0/8zmFp5ovXpgitDlp9_1Co0yVLB4jXrc1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s432/rack2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw1idFWcNiQ/YK7z41_rXxI/AAAAAAAACJ0/8zmFp5ovXpgitDlp9_1Co0yVLB4jXrc1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/rack2.png" width="320" /></a></div>This steel rack can support 440 lbs. The hooks can rotate so that the rack is flat for storage. There are no screws so the rack can be quickly hung or removed. The padded grip bar is offset at angle so that a person's weight makes the rack fit more firmly. Do not do jerky motions or hang from the unpadded bar.<br /><p><br /> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-23029513640898641212021-03-24T14:16:00.000-07:002021-03-24T14:16:19.690-07:00Pfizer Jab Against Covid-19<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ExPjQ00II8w/YFuqyvOe8sI/AAAAAAAACDI/rdr2m9yj69kaQnsfL-mjhCYj9J4T2OCkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s160/PfizerLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="91" data-original-width="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ExPjQ00II8w/YFuqyvOe8sI/AAAAAAAACDI/rdr2m9yj69kaQnsfL-mjhCYj9J4T2OCkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/PfizerLogo.png" /></a></div><p></p><p>Got the Pfizer jab for covid19 yesterday. The clinic was in a sports complex and was very well organised. It took 10 minutes to walk through the various check points, get the jab, and then linger for fifteen minutes in case of shock. I was pleasantly surprised given that there has been much grumbling and frustration concerning the vaccine rollout. This whole week was fully booked as soon as the online portal opened last week but I was lucky to see a few slots open when I made a random check this week. However, only two percent of Ontario people have been vaccinated and another lockdown is looming.</p><div><div>Canada was once a world leader in developing vaccines or solutions for Polio and Diabetes. But various governments decided to sell the excellent research facilities. They also got sloppy with the maintenance of PPE for health care workers. Now the Canadian government is finally woke to the fact that we can't rely on other countries for health care materials. Vaccine labs will open up next year. Better late than never.</div><div><br /></div><div>https://connaught.research.utoronto.ca/history/article8/</div></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-91153021900248615262021-02-25T18:16:00.002-08:002021-02-25T21:59:25.725-08:00Kindle PaperWhite For Reading Comfort<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh6ymL3lsb8/YDhV5RX12FI/AAAAAAAACBQ/NW4zkaghKIculhm7NipMkYIuI-ZxiLEuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s543/k5.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="391" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oh6ymL3lsb8/YDhV5RX12FI/AAAAAAAACBQ/NW4zkaghKIculhm7NipMkYIuI-ZxiLEuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/k5.png" /></a></div>Amazon provides two devices for reading ebooks. First there is the Fire or other tablet with the Kindle App. It's pretty good but the display is inferior to the Kindle Paperwhite which has a reflective screen with no glare. It does have a light with five LEDs but they do not shine in your eyes. They are at the bottom of the screen near the 'kindle' label and they shine across the screen. They are not noticeable.<p></p><p>The displays of phones and computers have thousands of red-green-blue LEDs. All these LEDs are emitting to produce white which is the default color for web pages. The blue component is not good for your eyes.</p><p>The blue in sunlight provides some healthy stimulation during the day but humans did not evolve to live in constant blue light. So we should minimise exposure to device screens after sundown so that relaxation and a good night's sleep will follow.</p><p>The Kindle does emit some blue light but it is much less intensive than the blue level from phones and tablets.</p><p><a href="https://emfadvice.com/kindle-paperwhite-blue-light-concerns/">About Blue Light</a><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-56026122641302835192020-12-21T13:05:00.001-08:002020-12-21T18:31:27.767-08:00No Pain, No Gain<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9Y1jH-hiuw/X-EM3TZHwYI/AAAAAAAAB-E/nem8g2WBB7g_7QCOlYivjBg9rmRxMt5iQCLcBGAsYHQ/s699/gain.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="463" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9Y1jH-hiuw/X-EM3TZHwYI/AAAAAAAAB-E/nem8g2WBB7g_7QCOlYivjBg9rmRxMt5iQCLcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/gain.png" width="133" /></a></div><br />Some say "No Pain, No Gain" when talking about sports and muscle training. But suppose you just want to feel energetic and healthy.. pain should not be required. My idea is "train to maintain".<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I can't go to the gym anymore and did not find any free weights to buy so I make do with large bottles of water (3 liters = 3 Kilo) which I use like kettlebells. They are used with a swinging motion to stimulate the upper body muscles and joints. I follow that with some pushups. And walk outside 30 minutes per day.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-45877059953829137992020-12-05T18:52:00.002-08:002020-12-05T19:01:01.705-08:00Christmas Star<p>In which a custom Christmas Star is created with LED bulbs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9f9N-HDUC4/X8xI7NEJz1I/AAAAAAAAB6s/0POpormY8EoSyzZe7iy6-4DzsBt6ZBdNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s236/star_intro2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9f9N-HDUC4/X8xI7NEJz1I/AAAAAAAAB6s/0POpormY8EoSyzZe7iy6-4DzsBt6ZBdNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/star_intro2.png" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9f9N-HDUC4/X8xI7NEJz1I/AAAAAAAAB6s/0POpormY8EoSyzZe7iy6-4DzsBt6ZBdNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s236/star_intro2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://whatever.bobmc.net/p/which-xmas-star-is-created-using-red.html" style="text-align: left;">Star Assembly</a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>...</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-24707813242832550182020-11-19T18:48:00.001-08:002020-11-19T18:49:57.275-08:00Living Room Upgrade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNvnhI4ZGFc/X7ctd4lzwwI/AAAAAAAABxs/rODd20tEIiwLbE_zpMriyVjA139kFqZaACLcBGAsYHQ/s94/A1-musicglass.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="85" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNvnhI4ZGFc/X7ctd4lzwwI/AAAAAAAABxs/rODd20tEIiwLbE_zpMriyVjA139kFqZaACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/A1-musicglass.png" /></a></div>Replaced the tired old wooden TV cabinet with modern tempered glass stands.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>See <a href="https://whatever.bobmc.net/p/tv-cabinet-replacement.html">The Upgrade</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-59951888263479468942020-11-03T19:49:00.010-08:002021-11-25T18:46:18.752-08:00NAD Hybrid DAC For Streaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_orERxUBKho/X6ItszwUX3I/AAAAAAAABtI/yCQhyUypovUb3B5rYPnSb_kiQG5S9srIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s317/nad3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="276" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_orERxUBKho/X6ItszwUX3I/AAAAAAAABtI/yCQhyUypovUb3B5rYPnSb_kiQG5S9srIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w129-h149/nad3.png" width="129" /></a>Upgrade your home music system with digital all the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See the <a href="https://whatever.bobmc.net/p/nad-hybrid-dac-amplifier.html">Digital Converter Page</a> | <a href="https://unbarthefoo.blogspot.com/">D3045 Bugs</a> |</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-70578964763032397532020-07-10T07:54:00.002-07:002020-07-10T08:14:01.203-07:00Release The Kraken (Not)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWJnav0tgfA/Xwh6TcHlsuI/AAAAAAAABgY/h8q3NIVUxJg36Et3fPBUORHDvBMutmXNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s182/Kraken3.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="182" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eWJnav0tgfA/Xwh6TcHlsuI/AAAAAAAABgY/h8q3NIVUxJg36Et3fPBUORHDvBMutmXNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Kraken3.png" /></a></div><div>And the candidates for Kraken of the Year 2020 are:-</div><div><br /></div><div>- SARS-CoV2, the most terrible coronavirus ever</div><div>- Donald J Trump, the self-impeaching POTUS</div><div>- Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil</div><div>- COV-IDIOTS .. don't worry, be happy</div><div>- The Economy</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/release-the-kraken-meme/">Meme</a> What does it mean?</div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-70119294814782270452020-04-01T22:25:00.001-07:002020-04-01T22:28:14.012-07:00Defend Your Castle With Security Key<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ARUG2rGPZQ/XoVl5TycuCI/AAAAAAAABNY/5yNDWl8T2IsDjesdas1UZt2JfBc4eXSlACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/security_key.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ARUG2rGPZQ/XoVl5TycuCI/AAAAAAAABNY/5yNDWl8T2IsDjesdas1UZt2JfBc4eXSlACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/security_key.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
Castles of yore had multiple layers of defence. They had thick and high stone walls, moats, and more walls. It was very painful and expensive for attackers to breach these defences. Internet security in the modern world is like this .. black-hat hackers create more clever attacks while security experts devise more defences.<br />
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It seems there is no absolute security with this neverending battle. But one can make best use of existing defences. For example, some WWW services use two factor authentication (2FA) when you update an account. The server sends a clear-text SMS message which you enter into your application page. Hackers have tools and tactics to intercept and exploit this procedure.<br />
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A hardware security key mitigates this weakness because it has unique encryption codes which can't be modified by software hacks. The key shown is made by Yubico to plug into a standard USB port. When you add this key to your account on Google or Facebook, the service requires you to plug in the key and tap it for login. Then you are good to go.<br />
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Keep the key with you as if it were a credit card. If your computer fails or is stolen, you can use the key on another computer. Some phones, such as Google Pixel 4, have a Titan security chip which you can use for account setup. Nobody should use an App or SMS messages for account security. If you have a business which stores private client information, it is more important to use this technology and consult a security specialist.<br />
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<a href="https://www.yubico.com/solutions/account-takeover-prevention/">Yubico Example</a> .. Breaches come to those who wait!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-22053845510831288852020-03-20T23:11:00.000-07:002020-04-02T16:46:26.449-07:00The CoronaVirus Mayhem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1O2HJF266yo/XoZ29NLHybI/AAAAAAAABOM/VM6V8NUOQtQx0BzW74oxy-PqVb2sRhokgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cv1.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="236" height="165" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1O2HJF266yo/XoZ29NLHybI/AAAAAAAABOM/VM6V8NUOQtQx0BzW74oxy-PqVb2sRhokgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/cv1.png" title="" width="200" /></a><br />
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There are many alarming reports about 'coronavirus' but that word is a just type or category. It should be mentioned by name "COVID-19" just to avoid any confusion. Next year there might be a different coronavirus which causes more chaos.<br />
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Under an electron microscope, the COVID-19 appears as fuzzy blob with many legs. The image above is more artistic. The spikes on the ball may remind one of the sun's corona. These spikes attach to a human cell which the virus uses to clone itself. Fortunately, it's fatty tissue can be destroyed by common detergents. I use a mixture of water and Dawn in a spray bottle to clean my countertops. Handwashing with soap is better than using alcohol-based cleaners which don't remove the dirt while the alcohol irritates the skin. The alcohol-based is ok for portable use.<br />
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Apparently, the virus slowly meanders through the human body such that it takes a week or more for the infection to become evident. Symptoms vary from mild to menacing. People with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable. If the virus attacks the lungs, the person may drown in their own fluids unless attached to a mechanical ventilator. This is just my interpretation of what the experts explain.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-91162566080946473002020-01-25T19:34:00.000-08:002020-01-25T19:34:07.193-08:00The Bailed-Out Plane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MS-FoRoGfNY/Xi0CxgQEJsI/AAAAAAAABBo/ETZphfUqhBI-FtvK7iFGa_aio_JfKTsCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Airbus-A220-300-300x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MS-FoRoGfNY/Xi0CxgQEJsI/AAAAAAAABBo/ETZphfUqhBI-FtvK7iFGa_aio_JfKTsCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Airbus-A220-300-300x200.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Bombardier designed an excellent jet named the CS300 produced in Mirabel. Online reviews suggest it is a nifty aircraft designed for efficiency and comfort. You should give it a try on your next trip within North America. Air Canada has about forty of them.<br />
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Airbus has a majority stake in the CS300 and probably earns more from it than does Bombardier. They renamed it <em>A220-300</em>.<br />
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The original CS300 was late entering production and got a big bailout from the Canadian government. Executives got big bonuses paid for by you, the citizen-taxpayer. So when you fly, there should be a least a seat with your name on it and a free pack of goobers.<br />
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<a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/3354398/bombardier-trudeau-hammered/">Keep Bailing</a><br />
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<a href="https://thepointsguy.com/2017/04/cs300-comfortable-economy/">Looking Good</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-90439491388780309062019-10-16T22:35:00.000-07:002019-10-16T22:48:32.009-07:00Heal Mind and Body With Vibroacoustic Therapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Awf_PUXVeEE/Xaf86N0gBQI/AAAAAAAAA_4/NQT--9mNeEYmANk5sni1Z7UAwO3dNciOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cheers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Awf_PUXVeEE/Xaf86N0gBQI/AAAAAAAAA_4/NQT--9mNeEYmANk5sni1Z7UAwO3dNciOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/cheers.png" width="200" height="194" data-original-width="170" data-original-height="165" /></a></div>Vibroacoustic therapy is the use of low frequency vibrations to stimulate body cells into therapeutic states of relaxation and healing. Low frequencies of about 40hertz work best. This can be heard and felt like the open string of a bass guitar. You can buy some pricey tech to sleep on or <em>just get a cat</em> that purrs loudly. Note that white noise machines are not for this purpose.<br />
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Unfortunately, the "Sound Oasis Vibroacoustic Therapy System" is no longer available. Fortunately, cats are plentiful.<br />
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Tibetan singing bowls have been used for centuries to provide pleasing effects. You can simulate the affect using a wine glass. First, fill the glass and drink all but a few teaspoons. Dip a finger in the remains and run it gently around the rim of glass so that it starts to resonate. A large glass is better for low frequencies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-80808955863646128392019-10-05T16:31:00.002-07:002019-10-16T22:40:44.962-07:00Meet Mr Black<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chWXWtZrToI/XZkAwE3LU1I/AAAAAAAAA8o/vx_VbLsIdCoMAMNkgrpteD6MV52SiV49ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bix-the-Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-chWXWtZrToI/XZkAwE3LU1I/AAAAAAAAA8o/vx_VbLsIdCoMAMNkgrpteD6MV52SiV49ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Bix-the-Cat.jpg" width="200" height="155" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1240" /></a></div>My client, Mr Black, spent two years in the slammer for the crime of Green-Bin-Cracking. The judge released him today when I proved it was the raccoons that did the dirty deed -- my client just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now he is living the good life in a safe house with a new identity.<br />
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All kidding aside, Mr Black is a six year old male Domestic Short Hair/Mix adopted from AVA -- <a href="http://www.avacats.org/">Action Volunteers For Animals.</a> AVA does not have a fixed place, it puts cats in foster homes where they are prepared for adoption in fur-ever homes. They also have a deal with PetSmart which provides a cat coop where hopeful cats are displayed. Volunteers care for the cats. Mr Black was returned to AVA with four cats from a seven-cat home. The owner was "downsizing". He named all his cats with the letter 'B'. So Mr Black was "B.C." which could mean anything. Best Cat, Bad Cat, Big Chicken .. who can say. Unfortunately, his microchip record name is "BC" which I can't change arbitrarily. So I call him "Bix the Cat" which explains BC.<br />
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Bix cried on the way home in the pet carrier but shutup when he realized this was not a trip to the Vet. He was skittish for a few days but is comfortable now. He has an ideal weight of 10 pounds and a glossy coat which does not shed like the layered undercoat that Tabbies have. He circles my chair or jumps on my desk to get attention. Most photos of him look like a shadow with eyes. I got one almost good with no flash and the window behind me.<br />
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<a href="https://whatever.bobmc.net/p/cat-photos.html">Buffy, Brownie, and Bix</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-58906711146796903982019-10-03T21:42:00.000-07:002019-10-03T21:42:11.539-07:00Collision Course: Pedestrian Killers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWbJ9eSBECQ/XZbNNQcyPJI/AAAAAAAAA8M/ASZTRuqwYA0f2vM2AngzADRw4XLU24EcACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/collisions.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWbJ9eSBECQ/XZbNNQcyPJI/AAAAAAAAA8M/ASZTRuqwYA0f2vM2AngzADRw4XLU24EcACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/collisions.png" width="200" height="57" data-original-width="314" data-original-height="90" /></a></div>The Guardian has an interesting read about the North American increase in pedestrian deaths caused by cars, trucks, and SUVs.<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/davidedgarwolf/status/1179714291420876801">Twitter Long Read</a><br />
<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/oct/03/collision-course-pedestrian-deaths-rising-driverless-cars?utm_source=digg">Article by Peter C Baker</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13962337.post-5431908977064739422019-09-20T19:08:00.001-07:002019-10-07T09:37:42.413-07:00R. I. P. -- Brownie The Cat -- 2001-2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECzUJR8Kh6I/XYWCmNxau6I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/FFAF-TaCoHAcypZF13xr3jIcbOshcBj4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/brownie_vet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="401" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECzUJR8Kh6I/XYWCmNxau6I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/FFAF-TaCoHAcypZF13xr3jIcbOshcBj4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/brownie_vet.png" width="195" /></a></div>Brownie warmed my home for 18 years like a good cat. But her kidney disease was discovered last year and her appetite was diminishing in recent weeks. Instead of eating her food she was just licking it. She never complained but I brought her to the vet for the last time today. I sat with her in the comfort room while the vet inserted the heart-stopping needle via catheter. She went to sleep immediately without pain or fear.<br />
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<a href="https://whatever.bobmc.net/p/cat-photos.html">Buffy, Brownie, and Bix</a><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com