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June 26, 2003
I turned 50 on my eBay feedback today. I have
a new color of star to indicate to eBay users that I'm very experienced
and trustworthy. Well, I suppose some people with eBay stars
aren't
as trustworthy as I am, but it is still nice to be recognized by their
computer as having achieved a meaningless arbitrary milestone.
July 3 - August 18, 2003
This is all about my lap
around North America. As far as a "lap" goes, I cheated and
didn't
go north of Edmonton, or south of Washington DC, but I still made it to
two countries, two oceans, and all five Great Lakes. It has lots of
pictures
and lots of stories, so grab a snack, and dig in.
August 19, 2003
Now I have downloaded my pictures from my camera,
and have to weed out the good the bad and the ugly. My emailing
and
eBaying isn't caught up at all, but I do have some money waiting to be
deposited from things I sold before going away, and I have a new video
card to try out so I can watch DVDs on TV.
August 22, 2003
I went to Lafleche today. I also tried Salt
and Pepper chips; they weren't that great, just like salt and vinegar
really.
August 31, 2003
The Riders lost today despite having Henry Burris
back in the 2nd Half. I went to the Park for supper where there
was
Beef on a Bun for the Rodeo Ranch Museum.
September 12, 2003
The Riders lost again despite playing the previously
winnless Hamilton Tiger Cats. Now the season looks bleak.
I went to Lafleche today, and brought back the computer there to be
fixed so it can send email again.
September 13, 2003
I read news about bootable Linux CDs like Knoppix
and about hybrid cars. Both are something I'd like to try.
September 20, 2003
Went to Regina in the hopes that there would be
an auction, but no luck. Instead we did some errands, and picked
up a computer to fix. Ate at Jade Gardens in MJ, and the buffet
was
$10.25 and really good I thought. I didn't take enough dessert.
September 27, 2003
Went to the Killdeer Rummage Sale, and picked up
a few items I might try to resell. I also got a nice baseball
wall
portrait for the basement wall by the TV. On the way back I
picked
up some fossils. In the evening I watched a two part Deep Space
Nine,
which I've been saving the first part on my computer for over a year
now,
and taped the second part just the other night. It was a pretty
good
show, like most of them are when time travel is involved.
[October 1, 2003]
Tried the new Damn
Small Linux distro, and was mostly impressed. It offers a GUI
and lots of programs, all crammed into the space of 50MB on a CD.
Very nice to be able to boot a computer with no need for a hard drive.
October 4, 2003
I started the old 1973 LeSabre today, just to check
that it still runs. Drove it around town, and picked up a part
that
fell off the truck Dad's working on. I'm practically drooling at
the thought of the steaks I'm going to devouer eat
with
gusto.
October 12, 2003
I went to Lafleche yesterday. Relatives from
England were there, and from around the province. We had a great
Chinese food dinner, and shared stories.
Then it was on to Gravelbourg where I met with other
people working on Loius Stringer's campaign. I'm managing the
campaign
with my Dad's help.
October 16, 2003
Went to Gravelbourg again today, this time for a
nomination meeting. Took some great photos of the Northern Lights
again tonight, and yesterday eBay let me relist my Foil Hat auction,
claiming
they made a mistake by removing it.
October 17, 2003
Went to Lafleche today, to deliver some business
cards. Then I worked on more campaign stuff. Long day.
October 24, 2003
eBay Free Listing Day was on Wednesday so I listed
some new jokes like a Burp in a Bag, and Pet Foil Hat Technology
Limited
Edition with Peanut Butter Layer. I'm headed to Winnipeg
tomorrow.
Yesterday David Karwacki was in Assiniboia and his
handshaking went really well in the restaurants we stopped in on.
October 28, 2003
I was in Assiniboia and St. Victor today helping
Louis campaign. Karwacki was on the leadership debate tonight and
did a fine job. He definitely showed that the Liberal party is
the
only party with fresh ideas that might actually work. We've tried
the rest, and now should try the best.
November 4, 2003
The last day of campaigning, and it was snowy.
It is election day tomorrow, and we'll see.
Also there was a discussion about a girl in Florida who caused a stir with her condom covered costume. This is in response to discussion about it.
November 5, 2003
Election Day in SK. We'll see. Right
now the day is new.
I went to Regina and picked up furniture. Then I ate out with Dad at Joey's Only, and watched some volleyball in Mosbank on the way to Gravelbourg. On the radio, Louis started off in the lead, and as the night wore on, he slipped to third and the Liberals had no seats, not even in Saskatoon. It is a very disapoining time in the province, where the NDP effectively polarized the vote as either for the NDP or anti-Sask Party. The Liberals were left out of the equation because so many of their traditional supporters backed the percieved stronger NDP to ensure the Sask Party wouldn't win. 30 to 28 to 0. Not a good result at all. Now all we can do is that the status quo will change the status quo. Good luck. We're all in this together.
November 6, 2003
I had to haul 3 loads of water this afternoon, and
missed out on really using the Free Listing Day in the UK. I am
selling
all of the snow in my yard, and some spam email, but I don't think I'll
have great luck with those. [Note: I almost sold the snow, and eBay
removed
my Printed Spam auction, the sillies.]
November 11, 2003
It snowed today. Alot. And vandals in
Ottawa spraypainted the War Memorial, but it was cleaned up before the
service. I cleaned up some old CDs lying around here, and put
them
together so they won't breed and make more junky CDs that I don't ever
use.
November 13, 2003
Last night I had no water for a few hours.
A huge series of lightning flashes outside the house yesterday
was
not from a passing snow plow as I thought, but was a transformer arcing
and fusing fuses. Sparks rained down on the knee high snow, as
bright
flashes burst out at least 4 times. SaskPower fixed it up today,
and got power working last night.
I dug snow most of the morning. It was very
deep, and we're trying to get the old tractor snow blower running for
the
first time in years.
November 29, 2003
12:52 am: I started a journal on GreatestJournal.com to see what it
is like.
I'm off to the Queen City tomorrow to attend an auction which should be fun. Dad and I have a blast at each one, especially if we spend less than $100 together. It is a bit like a trip to a casino that way, but you always get to take something home.
December 1, 2003
I sorted my treasure from the Government Surplus
Auction today. I might have a laptop that works, just need to add
an old hard drive.
December 1st, 2003
04:26 pm: Bought a lot of stuff
I picked up a lot of good stuff, and a bit of junk from the surplus
auction on Saturday. Now I'll be sorting through it for a while, trying
to pick out things that sell well on eBay to make my money back.
December 2, 2003
I hauled 2 loads of water today for Sprinkle, and
then listed 20 auctions on eBay. Just one sale so far, but I have
some new items like an Ethics Certificate, and vintage AOL floppies
that
people actually collect!
December 2nd, 2003
09:07 pm: eBay listings, OHHHH YEAH
Ethics
Certificate; My newest creation.
And a redo:
Snow
in my yard for sale.
Still working on listing, and there are ones to get ready for Thursday too.
December 5, 2003
I didn't go outside at all today. There was
a wind warning, and it was -9, so it wasn't exactly appealing. I
watched a few DS9 episodes I had taped in the past weeks, and worked on
my used laptop. I'm looking to buy a hard drive for it right now.
December 6, 2003
I went over to the school and found a $12 adapter
I'd mistaken as a worthless computer mouse before. And I chipped
away ice when it was +5 out today. The parents washed the
vehicles.
I also set up a network for a family down the street. My
chocolate
supply is starting to run low, but I haven't restocked it since my
Liquidation
World buying spree a month ago.
December 8th, 2003
10:19 pm: Bonfire
Today there was a community bonfire, where we had warmed juice with
spices, marshmellows, and a good time.
December 13, 2003
I went to Moose Jaw today, after being ousted from
bed at 7:00. I was told we weren't leaving until 8:00, so I
hadn't
planned on rising until 7:30, so I was a little miffed. Sleeping
in the car was mostly impossible until after Assiniboia because of the
shock of the cold vehicle and loud CBC radio. I did some Christmas
shopping
and banking.
Yesterday I went to the States and picked up some
computer parts. There are a lot of machines to fix around here at
the moment.
December 15, 2003
Saddam was captured yesterday morning, and the news
hasn't stopped talking about it. I'll say they will until
Wednesday.
I also shipped an AC Adapter on Saturday, and it arrived today in BC!
I've composed a little ditty to sing at the
holidays.
In fine Internet fashion, I've attributed the lyrics to a famous
person.
In the spirit of the War on Terrorism, President Bush has declared some official changes to the classic song of the 12 Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
A cache full of WMD.
On the second day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
2 disposed dictators
On the third day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
3 weeks of bombing
On the Fourth day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
4 more years in office
On the Fifth day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
5 stolen rings, from museums
On the Sixth day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
6 conquered cities
On the Seventh day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
7 little white lies
On the Eighth day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
8 turkey dinners
On the Ninth day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
9 oil wells
On the Tenth day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
10 photo opportunities
On the Eleventh day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
11 construction contracts
On the Twelfth day of Christmas my true army gave to me:
12 X 5 willing countries
December 19, 2003
I went to Lafleche today, installed a phone jack,
and got some important and valuable banking done.
December 26, 2003
Me and the family went to Winnipeg today in the van. I
was up to about 3:00am listing auctions on eBay since it was free
today,
and I didn't have another chance. I couldn't start listing until
2:00am, because of the time difference between here and
California.
On the trip I managed to sleep for about 5 hours of it so it wasn't so
bad staying up the night before.
By the time I arrived in Winnipeg, I had sold a laptop power
adapter. Not many bids though. We watched "Oscar" the movie
about Stalone being a gangster who is trying to reform [9/10].
After
that we watched "Shanghai Knights" with Jackie Chan [7/10]. We also
watched
Adrianne's
whitewater rafting of the Nile, video.
December 27, 2003
We went to see Mary and Robert, and took Nana back to her
apartment.
The parents bought the wrong phone cords in Weyburn, so we couldn't
hook
up the fax as planned. We went to the Polo Park Mall and wandered
around for an hour without buying much.
In the evening we watched "The Ring" which is a good horror movie
about people dying 7 days after they watch a strange VHS tape with odd
scenes [8/10].
December 28, 2003
Sunday, we went back into Winnipeg and I set up the FAX machine
finally, after months of waiting. We picked up supper at Boston
Pizza
and Sobey's, roast chicken and pizzas. Others watched tapes of
"The
Tick", while I checked on my auctions. The auction that Brendan
and
I wrote had the most hits, at well over 200 already. I got 2
emails
about it too.
December 29, 2003
I got up with plenty of time to get ready to head for home
today.
More time than I counted on. The roads were ice, and Dad and
Brian
put the chains [most of the way] on the van. We limped out of
Winnipeg
headed west and had to stop to remove the chains later. Not too
far
later in Elm Creek we stopped to check what was wrong with the
alternator.
Only a few kms out of there, we helped to pull a little white car out
of
the ditch. We proceeded to Souris at a snail's pace and had
cheeseburgers
there after stopping again to have the battery cable tightened.
We're now headed to Regina and have just crossed the SK border
at 2:45pm. It is promising to be a LONG day. I just passed
Redvers, and they have a giant NWMP officer on horseback on the west
side
of town.
December 31, 2003
It is hard to believe that 2003 is finished. I finished
University, traveled North America, had an auction on CNN HLN, didn't
throw
up all year, got a $10 laptop [which I am typing this on right now, and
have added $25 worth of parts to], and ran an election campaign.
January 1, 2004
Last night Cliff came and I fixed up our old IBM laptop for him
and then Brendan, Dad and I went to the farm. The two younger
guys
played PS-2 games, and the rest played Scum and Dominos. I
managed
to lose both basically.
I did some computer updates for them, and found a P2P virus that
created a file winrun.exe, which was pretty obviously a virus.
Windows
ME unfortunately was the OS, so I was a little unfamiliar with
it.
I had to leave it infected, with just the removal instructions for my
Uncle
to work with, because it was quickly approaching 1:00am and I had to be
ready to head to the Levy in the morning.
We sent the first fax to Nana's fax machine yesterday, but she
had help to get it, so I'll try one later so that she knows she can do
it on her own too.
I'm in Regina now after 1:00pm, waiting to go stand in line and wait. Waiting is easier when you have a laptop. It is no wonder that cell phones are so popular with their built in games.
In the morning at Moose Jaw, we saw the smoke from a fire on Main St. and River St. When we came back through at 6:00pm the fire had flared up again and smoke was billowing south west over main street. At least one historic shop was totally leveled, and more are likely burning as I write this on my way home, west of Assiniboia.
January 4, 2004
I fixed both of my laptops I got a few weeks
ago.
The third I sold. To bore you all with the details, there was a
keyboard
cable that was too loose. The clip to wedge it tight was MISSING!
[Darn Social Service of SK techies {but I would work there if they
asked
right now}]. Anyway, I just cut out a strip of plastic from a CPU
box, and wedged it in there, and presto the keyboard worked. And
the
act of moving the other keyboard out of the socket fixed the mouse on
the
one that wasn't working completely right. Killed 2 birds with one
stone.
January 7, 2004
Listed some more free auctions, including some old
hats.
An original fairy tale by computer_saskboy
Did you hear the one about the media that cried wolf? Killer Bees,
and angry drug dealers they sold millions of papers.
Well one day there was a thousand scientists that were all very bright and they told the media about a coming disaster. But the media was too busy reporting about a wolf that chewed off a boy's face, and didn't want to listen to the scientists. Besides big business was paying them to listen to other scientists who were also paid off and mad at the other scientists who were brighter than them.
The world suffered. The end.
January 15, 2004
Yesterday I was contacted by the National Post about
doing an interview. They are interested in showing my PFHT
auction
in the paper I think. Now I got an email saying they are no
longer
interested. I guess something more crazy and newsworthy bumped
me.
January 30, 2004
I was going to go to the States today to get some
packages, but there is a blizzard out. A good time to sell my
snow.
February 2, 2004
I went to Montana today, and picked up a bunch of
eBay purchases.
February 3, 2004
I installed a few new computer components, and now
I can watch TV on my computer. Neat. :-)
February 10, 2004
Blizzard outside today. The sister couldn't make
it home, so she's staying with a friend. I'll have to tape Conan
tonight, as the Toronto series starts this evening.
I didn't manage to sell the Snow in my Yard on eBay,
as planned, although I had lots of inquiries from people in California
and Texas. I did sell a few other trinkets though, and made a few
dollars.
February 18, 2004
I went to the US yesterday and almost slid off the
road things were so icy and windy. About the worst road
conditions
I've ever driven in, yet just 15 km north of the border it was fine.
Today I went to Regina, and fixed a computer, and
taxied some family around town.
February 19, 2004
Today I fixed a computer, and answered about a
billion
phone calls. I still have some website stuff to do now. Maybe
I'll
update this page though because it has been a while.
February 24, 2004
There was a pancake supper at the church
tonight.
I watched the old movie "Some Like it Hot" with Marylin Monroe today
[6/10].
It was pretty funny.
February 26, 2004
Bob, Wood Mountain's 99 year old resident, finally
moved to Assiniboia yesterday with Mom's help and several other
people.
His health has been getting worse, and he's been living in self imposed
squalor for years now, so I wish him the best of luck in his new home.
March 7, 2004
Yesterday I watched "Chicago" [5/10] with Rene Z.
and Catherine Zeta Jones. It was too musical-like for me to
really
enjoy it, but the ending was OK and it had some interesting
points.
I also watched "Fight Club" [8/10] for the first time. I'm
considering watching it again, now that I know the ending, but I have
to
remember the first rule of Fight Club - Don't talk about Fight Club.
;-)
A few days ago I watched the "X-Men" movie again [7/10]. I had
forgotten
whole chunks of it, almost like I hadn't watched it before at all.
Today I built some snow "things", and the wind kept
blowing them over, so I went with less ambitious short ones. I also
played
cards with Mom and sis.
I also changed toothbrushes today. I had a
new one sitting around, and it has been at least a few months since it
was last changed, so I figured today was as good a time as any to make
the switch. Besides, I read an article where some doctors
theorize
that people who change their toothbrushes more often, are sick less
often.
Any simple change to benefit my health is fine with me.
March 15, 2004
Yesterday I watched "Tomb Raider II The Cradle of
Life" [5/10] and "A Knights Tale" [8/10]. Tomb Raider was rather
forgettable, and A Knights Tale while not historically accurate, was
funny
and had really impressive stunts considering the people were actually
jousting
with hollow balsa wood lances.
Today is the Ides of March, so beware, or be
square.
It is +5 out right now, and getting warmer I think. The snow
should
be gone in about a week.
March 20, 2004
I was at an Aunt's 80th Birthday Party
tonight.
Played shuffleboard. Was fun. Good night.
Oh, and I watched "Daddy Daycare" [8/10] with Eddie
Murphy. It was surprisingly good, with only a few uncomfortable
scenes
that were far too predictable.
March 24, 2004
Today it was warm and sunny outside again.
It got to at least 10 degrees. A few days ago I watched "Twister"
[7/10]. The story was a little weak, but it had great special
effects,
and ironically the National Geographic that arrived yesterday had a
story
about tornado chasers, and the devices they used in that 5+ year old
movie.
I also watched "X2 X-Men United" [9/10] the sequel to the X-Men
movie.
It was better than the first I thought, much more entertaining.
March 26, 2004
I made a short trip to Lafleche, and watched
"Pushing
Tin" [6/10] and then "The Scorpion King" [6/10]. Both were good
enough
to watch, but not really to watch again.
March 28, 2004
I saw "Cold Creek Manor" [4/10] last night.
It wasn't awful, but for one scene with snakes which was supposed to
be
scary but it ended up being more funny than anything. It was
something
that just isn't really worth watching again, and barely in the first
place.
I saw "Slackers" [5/10] and "Training Day" [6/10] a few weeks ago,
and forgot to mention and rate them. I tried to watch "Next
Friday"
[1/10], but it was terrible and I gave up after a few minutes.
March 29, 2004
I watched "Star Wars II Attack of the Clones" [9/10]
and thought it was really fun and well done. I think I enjoyed it
much more than the first Episode movie, but wish I'd watched I and II
closer
together so I picked up more of the inside jokes/story line.
March 30, 2004
Today was sunny and very windy. It was almost
+20 out!
April 4, 2004
On Friday night I watched "Final Destination"
[6/10],
"A Beautiful Mind" [8/10], and "American Outlaws" [7/10].
April 14, 2004
I am using Mozilla to edit this now, since my
Netscape 4.7 has stopped working for some reason. Won't load,
just gave an error message that didn't tell me anything. I went
to Winnipeg last week, I'll try to add some pictures next update.
The weather was cool, but otherwise nice. And I got some hard
drives from the States last week, so now I have enough for all of the
old laptops around here and I could start repairing them with a few
more trivial parts.
April 19, 2004
Saw Terminator today [8/10]. Not much dialogue the the first
hour, but still a good movie. And then She's All That
[7/10]. I thought it was OK.
April 25, 2004
As usual, I've used up the basic Internet hours in
our dialup package, so I've been taking it easy away from the Internet
for a few days. Today I watched... a movie that doesn't come to
mind right now; I guess it wasn't very good.
I went to a Pot Luck supper at the Hall. There
were more people there than the last few Community Hall dinners.
I bumped into Taylon, a guy I went to school with for 11 of my 12 grade
school years. In other conversations I also learned of some
renovations done at the Historic Park, so I might try to get down there
this Summer to check them out. Maybe I'll bike, I used to bike to
and from the Regional Park right next door to it, but I'll have to
build up my stamina a bit first, it is over a 10km round trip, up some
massive hills.
I remembered the movie, and figured out why I
couldn't remember about which one it was. I'd seen it before, so
I guess my brain still registered it as being watched from long ago,
and not just today. It was "Space Cowboys" [7/10], a comedy drama
that is actually pretty good, and was worth re-watching, especially
since I missed the beginning of it the first time I saw it. I saw
the last half of "Double Jeopardy" [8/10] tonight too, and it is
certainly worth seeing if you haven't. I've seen the whole movie
another time; It is about a wife that is sent to jail for killing her
husband, but she figures out he isn't really dead and framed her.
Tomorrow is supposed to be less windy, so it is
likely that I'll have to help finish switching the shingles on the
garage roof to sheet metal. I'm going to go to the States too
sometime this week. I'll just have to remember to get my travel
insurance up to date before I go in June again, otherwise a simple trip
could turn into a financial life ender should something medically bad
happen.
April 27, 2004
Last night I rewatched "The Sixth Sense"
[10/10]. It is an incredible movie, and I recommend you watch it,
but if you haven't seen it before, watch it with another friend who
hasn't seen it before. Don't tell anyone you know who has seen
it, that you are going to watch it, because they might accidentally
spoil it for you. If you watch it alone, well, let's just say
that isn't a good idea. The roof is now half done too, there is
just the shorter north side to re-cover.
April 30, 2004
Today was tax day in Canada, but I filed days ago
over the Internet. I should get my whopping refund any day
now. All $8 and change, or whatever it worked out to. It
was kinda cool out today. And we installed a new toilet upstairs,
since the old one's tank wasn't acting right. I think we'll set
it on the lawn out front, and complete the hill billy look. Just
kidding, I don't know what we'll do with the old one. Maybe rig
up a self watering flower pot? Ha Ha.
May 2, 2004
I drove to Mankota and back, Dad wanted to attend an
event there. One of the stories he heard was of a priest who
fixing up an old church in the Bronx, bought a table cloth at a rummage
sale. He put it up on the church wall, and a woman came in from
the rain and said she recognized it as one she made in Germany before
WWII. She had to flee, and was arrested, and had been separated
from her husband. She didn't know what happened to him. The
priest drover her home that night. Later that week after mass, a
man came up to him and mentioned his wife had made a table cloth just
like the one hanging on the wall, and he had lost her during
WWII. The priest drove him to the woman's home, and ended up
reuniting the couple.
May 4, 2004
Today I inquired about a job, but they aren't hiring
there for another year the fellow guessed. Oh well, I'll have to
try elsewhere. The weather was warm, but very windy.
Basbeball started today in Limerick.
May 5, 2004
I'll predict 4 Gold 8 Silver 3 Bronze for Canada this Summer.
May 10, 2004
I cleaned off the pool table today, and fixed a DOS
computer from Glentworth. Now I just have to get one more
computer ready today, and I've accompished my goals for today.
May 19, 2004
Today, people are supposed to avoid buying gas, at
least to the popularly circulated email. I for one will not buy
gas today. But then, I don't drive.
The pool table is again almost cluttered, but it
is a simpler mess to move aside. A projector for moving 8mm film
to Tape, and some computer related papers and bills adorn the top of
the green felt.
May 20, 2004
Enterprise the TV series is coming back next
season. It wasn't renewed until today, but next year could be the
last, due to chronic low ratings
Today I went and patched up a computer south of town, and watered some
plants around the yard. It is looking like it will rain tonight
though.
May 24, 2004
It is Victoria Day today, and we've got over 75mm of
rain in the past week. I'm going to deliver a computer tonight,
and this afternoon I watched "Escape From L.A." [6/10] with Kurt
Russel. It wasn't very good, but I gave it a 6 instead of a 5
because it revolves around a doomsday plot.
May 30, 2004
My 2nd oldest email account died peacefully
yesterday, at the age of 7 years. Rest in peace
john.k@angelfire.com the world hardly knew ye [but the spammers sure
did]. I went to bed early last night because something had given
me the sniffles, but I think the sniffles are gone now.
June 7, 2004
I was in Regina last weekend, after the sister's
graduation, to see the brother's relay race that night. I
unfortunately ended up spending more time asleep in a car than I care
for in an average week, but the weather wasn't too bad. Saw
"Shrek 2" [9/10] which was funny, although not really as fun as the
first I thought. And the Galaxy theatre almost keeps their sound
too loud, like the Famous Players used to do in downtown Regina.
June 14, 2004
Still cleaning up the mini-flood from Saturday,
where water leaked up through cracks in the cement, and soaked half of
the carpet under the pool table.
I'm going to work at the Library tomorrow afternoon, and cleaned a virus from a computer this past afternoon.