Month: February 2013

For many years, I thought that there was a predictive element in the phrase In like a lion, out like a lamb. I mistakenly inserted the notion that “if” March opened with particularly nasty winter weather, “then” it would end with benign conditions. But no. There’s nothing Farmers’ Almanacky here… just a saying that reflects March’s position in the calendar as a turning point for seasons.
I wonder why I never thought there was an “if” in April showers bring May flowers.

I won’t name the play because people Google for names, to find comments that have been made. Yesterday’s presentation on a small local stage was well acted, capably executed and even entertaining in spots, but it left me flat. I wasn’t the only one, from other reactions I heard. Too bad. What went wrong?

Rowyn is the talented grand daughter of my sister Joni’s longtime friend Mitz and everyone was very excited to hear the news: The Royal Conservatory of Music will be awarding a Grade One Gold Medal to Rowyn for her singing. The presentation ceremony will occur on March 3rd at the Concert Hall at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in Vancouver.
Joni says Rowyn has a “beautiful, clear voice with a Celtic lilt. It is a pleasure to hear. She will go far!”
Congratulations, Rowyn. Well done!

Steve Ballmer spammed me with the message above. He must have gotten my email address when Microsoft bought Skype. I have never used Microsoft Messenger. Now I guess I’ll stop using Skype. Facetime is a better alternative anyway, but it’s between Apple devices only.
Time to research alternatives for general use.

This story about my local city councillor’s back fence illustrates the problem. Is graffiti public art, free expression or vandalism?
The fence features some child art that looks like typical “fridge art” that parents like to display. It’s in an alley, so not many people have to look at it, even if it is an eyesore and and old, undecorated fence might have been more picturesque. Toronto graffiti cops say it has to go, or fines and clean-up costs may be imposed. Appeal is possible, but wouldn’t that just be more time and money wasted on trivia?

Must be the day for bird shots. Rebecca Staton’s ducks are dipping in High Park. Karen’s (below) settle for more modest facilities.

The Finance Department’s own polls show that Canadians are beginning to resent Harper’s spending their tax money to pat himself on the back. We are going to get a few more shovelsful, though.
Brace yourself for more partisan hogwash between now and April, as a new flight of publically funded propaganda washes across the media.

Karen Bell offers this hopeful sign of Spring… a robin bathing in her eavestrough. It was accompanied by 4 more red breasts. Surely a sign that it’s time for all you winter chickens to come back home from Florida and Mexico.

A radio quote this morning reminded me of humourous translation situations I have experienced myself. First, the radio anecdote:
A man was taking a shower and heard his wife shout out, “Shut the door!” The nimble minded response? “Je t’adore, aussi!”

…but can they improve traffic?
Seems like a strange claim, but I believe they can. To find out more, visit Dietetics.ca and discover the amazing powers of these tiny marvels.
Leave a comment when you visit, even if it’s a short one. It will help the traffic report.