As usual, I have done my best to avoid strenuous NYE drinking related activities. Unlike past attempts to avoid such activities, in this case it appears that I may have been successful.
This year the plan is for Neil, Rebecca, Jeannette, and I to hang out in our apartment and watch a few movies. We are starting with the modern classic Despicable Me. This will be followed with The Trotsky.
Presumably these movie-related activities will bring us close to midnight. I guess if we aren't already in bed at midnight we might do some well-wishing and whatnot.
If I am not back before midnight, I hope everyone has an enjoyable New Year's Eve.
Friday, December 31, 2010
My mind is being blown
I am currently completing a survey for the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) about absentee voting and just having my mind blown by all of the information and services this program makes available to overseas US voters. I really wish I had know about even 25% of this stuff before I didn't get my fall absentee ballot in time.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Finally, a drop o' snow
Today, my last day in St. John's for the the holiday season, finally saw us receive a little snow.
Of course, even though we now have snow we don't have enough of the stuff to even fully cover the grass, sidewalks, or streets. So while having snow does make it feel a little more like winter than now having no snow, we are still a ways a way from having enough snow to really make it feel like the middle of winter.
Of course, even though we now have snow we don't have enough of the stuff to even fully cover the grass, sidewalks, or streets. So while having snow does make it feel a little more like winter than now having no snow, we are still a ways a way from having enough snow to really make it feel like the middle of winter.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 490
-It is currently raining, as it has been for much of my trip. Though we did see some sun this afternoon, today, like every other day since I have been home, has seen at least some rain. This has been one of the worst stretches of weather I have seen in quite some time.
-We went bowling tonight. While my father and I pulled respectable scores together in the last frame or two of play of the first game, we all managed to solidly break 100 in our second game. The only unfortunate part of this, at least as far as I was concerned, is that I managed to score fewer points in the second game than in the first.
While we were bowling the gentlemen in the lane next to us, who arrived just as we were arriving, (who was a good bowler) was seemingly there just to practice. He quickly played two 250+ games and then took off. In total he was probably there for less than 30 minutes. While he was there he seemed to even do things like set up splits and then finish them off. The whole thing was rather odd.
-Jeannette and I will soon be heading back to Halifax. It seems that they have been having similar weather there, so I don't imagine we have missed much.
-For the past day or two I have been engaged in re-listening to the recent Radiolab episode entitled Wild Talk.
[Embedded audio]
This episodes explores communication, or language, that has been found in certain animal species, or across species. Most importantly, it seems to give some credence to my skepticism of the claim that was made by my professor in my intro linguistics class that language is only to be found among humans.
-We went bowling tonight. While my father and I pulled respectable scores together in the last frame or two of play of the first game, we all managed to solidly break 100 in our second game. The only unfortunate part of this, at least as far as I was concerned, is that I managed to score fewer points in the second game than in the first.
While we were bowling the gentlemen in the lane next to us, who arrived just as we were arriving, (who was a good bowler) was seemingly there just to practice. He quickly played two 250+ games and then took off. In total he was probably there for less than 30 minutes. While he was there he seemed to even do things like set up splits and then finish them off. The whole thing was rather odd.
-Jeannette and I will soon be heading back to Halifax. It seems that they have been having similar weather there, so I don't imagine we have missed much.
-For the past day or two I have been engaged in re-listening to the recent Radiolab episode entitled Wild Talk.
[Embedded audio]
This episodes explores communication, or language, that has been found in certain animal species, or across species. Most importantly, it seems to give some credence to my skepticism of the claim that was made by my professor in my intro linguistics class that language is only to be found among humans.
Christmas Recap
Christmas, at least for the most part, was pretty much as was expected.
After a night filled with mahjong and food at Jeannette's house on Christmas Eve, we awoke on Christmas morning to find filled stockings and plenty of gifts under the trees.
One of the items that I was pleased to find and immediately intrigued by was a small remote controlled helicopter. For years I have been taken with the idea of remote controlled flying vehicles, so it was nice to finally have one to play with. After charging the helicopter I was able to take it out for a test flight.
[Embedded video]
Unfortunately through subsequent flight attempts I haven't been able to get the battery to hold enough of a charge to get the machine off the ground. This is all the more frustrating because I now know that the machine is actually capable of flight.
Much to my surprise, one of the items that was found adjacent to the stockings was a Nintendo Wii. Though I am not a big video game player and am generally skeptical of such endeavours, in the days since Christmas I have had plenty of fun playing with the basic games on this system. So far we haven't marred the experience of owning a Wii by having any of the type of mishap that are documented in the video below (though from time to time Kirsten does inexplicably opt not to wear the wrist strap).
[Embedded video]
After our stocking-related acquisitions were adequately examined and breakfast consumed we moved on to a quick round of gift opening and scratch-ticket bingo playing. Eventually we realized that we could cut Neil and Rebecca in on the action even though they were in Halifax by using video chat technology.
[Embedded video]
We were even able to have the play bingo with us by scanning and then emailing them a game card. While I don't know how much Neil and Rebecca enjoyed this, I can say that everyone on this end thought it was pretty good.
Much of the rest of the day was spent preparing for Christmas dinner and then consuming Christmas dinner. Along with another couple, we were joined for dinner by Jeannette and her family. As far as I could tell, a good time was had by all.
I imagine that there are a few more things I could mention, but unfortunately I am drawing a blank right now or have decided that they are too unimportant to be worth the effort of re-telling them. Hope everyone else had as enjoyable a Christmas.
After a night filled with mahjong and food at Jeannette's house on Christmas Eve, we awoke on Christmas morning to find filled stockings and plenty of gifts under the trees.
One of the items that I was pleased to find and immediately intrigued by was a small remote controlled helicopter. For years I have been taken with the idea of remote controlled flying vehicles, so it was nice to finally have one to play with. After charging the helicopter I was able to take it out for a test flight.
[Embedded video]
Unfortunately through subsequent flight attempts I haven't been able to get the battery to hold enough of a charge to get the machine off the ground. This is all the more frustrating because I now know that the machine is actually capable of flight.
Much to my surprise, one of the items that was found adjacent to the stockings was a Nintendo Wii. Though I am not a big video game player and am generally skeptical of such endeavours, in the days since Christmas I have had plenty of fun playing with the basic games on this system. So far we haven't marred the experience of owning a Wii by having any of the type of mishap that are documented in the video below (though from time to time Kirsten does inexplicably opt not to wear the wrist strap).
[Embedded video]
After our stocking-related acquisitions were adequately examined and breakfast consumed we moved on to a quick round of gift opening and scratch-ticket bingo playing. Eventually we realized that we could cut Neil and Rebecca in on the action even though they were in Halifax by using video chat technology.
[Embedded video]
We were even able to have the play bingo with us by scanning and then emailing them a game card. While I don't know how much Neil and Rebecca enjoyed this, I can say that everyone on this end thought it was pretty good.
Much of the rest of the day was spent preparing for Christmas dinner and then consuming Christmas dinner. Along with another couple, we were joined for dinner by Jeannette and her family. As far as I could tell, a good time was had by all.
I imagine that there are a few more things I could mention, but unfortunately I am drawing a blank right now or have decided that they are too unimportant to be worth the effort of re-telling them. Hope everyone else had as enjoyable a Christmas.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Live-blogging?
Word on the street is that we are about to have a winter's storm in Halifax (and surrounding areas). As coverage of similar events through live-blogging seems to have been at least somewhat popular with our readers I wonder if the one Montifax contributor currently in Halifax will be live-blogging the event (for the benefit of our readers)?
As much we may all want Neil to undertake this heavy and joyful burden, I suspect that he will shirk such duties (unless, of course, this post guilts him into it).
Editor's Note: I think that I have actually missed the storm but confirmed that Neil is indeed not particularly inclined to live blog them in my absence (or even in my presence).
As much we may all want Neil to undertake this heavy and joyful burden, I suspect that he will shirk such duties (unless, of course, this post guilts him into it).
Editor's Note: I think that I have actually missed the storm but confirmed that Neil is indeed not particularly inclined to live blog them in my absence (or even in my presence).
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Shepherd on CBC
For years at Christmastime (likely Christmas Eve) I remember listening to CBC and again and again hearing the same story about a pilot running out of fuel and then being guided by a phantom plane to safety. Only a few years ago did I learn the name of this story (The Shepherd) and that it was being performed by long-time CBC personality Alan Maitland. Even without the basic details regarding the origins of this piece it became an important part of my Christmas celebrations.
Presumably I eventually learned these facts about the broadcast when I received a CD copy of the story (along with a few other Christmas classics as read by Alan Maitland) for Christmas a few years ago. Not surprisingly, I was really quite excited to get this CD so that I am able to listen to the story as frequently as I like, and not have to wait for the one a year broadcast on CBC.
For most of the years that I listened (and looked forward) to this story I assumed that almost everyone in Canada felt similarly. I guess I assumed that even if they were not fans of the story they would at least know what it was and know to respect it as an important part of Christmas.
It seems that, once again, I was wrong - listening to this story just isn't as widespread a Christmas tradition as I had imagined. When I tried to throw on the CD a few nights ago when Kirsten and Jeannette were in the car not only were neither of them interested in listening to the story, neither of them had heard it before and neither of them could figure out why it had anything to do with Christmas. Both were incredibly underwhelmed by the whole thing. Though they didn't mean their reactions to be so, they were definitely disappointing to me.
Anyway, if you are one of those people that routinely listens to The Shepherd, as read by Alan Maitland, at Christmas I am pleased to be able to provide you a link to an online version of the recording (which can be downloaded by left-clicking or the equivalent).
Presumably I eventually learned these facts about the broadcast when I received a CD copy of the story (along with a few other Christmas classics as read by Alan Maitland) for Christmas a few years ago. Not surprisingly, I was really quite excited to get this CD so that I am able to listen to the story as frequently as I like, and not have to wait for the one a year broadcast on CBC.
For most of the years that I listened (and looked forward) to this story I assumed that almost everyone in Canada felt similarly. I guess I assumed that even if they were not fans of the story they would at least know what it was and know to respect it as an important part of Christmas.
It seems that, once again, I was wrong - listening to this story just isn't as widespread a Christmas tradition as I had imagined. When I tried to throw on the CD a few nights ago when Kirsten and Jeannette were in the car not only were neither of them interested in listening to the story, neither of them had heard it before and neither of them could figure out why it had anything to do with Christmas. Both were incredibly underwhelmed by the whole thing. Though they didn't mean their reactions to be so, they were definitely disappointing to me.
Anyway, if you are one of those people that routinely listens to The Shepherd, as read by Alan Maitland, at Christmas I am pleased to be able to provide you a link to an online version of the recording (which can be downloaded by left-clicking or the equivalent).
Christmas Shopping Drama
My Christmas shopping for this year has not gone the least bit smoothly. Not only have I routinely been stuck for ideas, and then not particularly pleased with the items I have settle for, but I have also had problems acquiring a few of the things that I have thought about.
For instance, a few days ago I finally had an idea for Kirsten. Unfortunately, though, the store I was then in which might have been expected to sell the product I was looking for did not seem to have a copy. I then started looking at other stores we visited with no success. Then, today, Christmas Eve, I made a last minute run to a street populated with many chain stores only to have a similar level of success. Fortunately, I was, eventually, able to find a store that contained a variation the theme of what I was originally going for.
After this moderate success I still had to head to another shopping centre/district get ideas/gifts for two more people. It was emotionally tiring.
The only aspect of this experience that I might frame as positive was my ability to enter stores and buy absolutely nothing if they didn't have what I was looking for. Thus I don't feel that I bought too many pieces of crap just for the sake of buying something.
Anyway, we now have about 12 hours until Christmas and I think that I have purchased (or it has been purchased on my behalf) everything that I will be buying for Christmas. And while I am frequently quite late when it comes to shopping, I don't know if I have ever before made Christmas Eve morning emergency runs to such a large number of stores.
Now I just have to wrap all of my purchases.
For instance, a few days ago I finally had an idea for Kirsten. Unfortunately, though, the store I was then in which might have been expected to sell the product I was looking for did not seem to have a copy. I then started looking at other stores we visited with no success. Then, today, Christmas Eve, I made a last minute run to a street populated with many chain stores only to have a similar level of success. Fortunately, I was, eventually, able to find a store that contained a variation the theme of what I was originally going for.
After this moderate success I still had to head to another shopping centre/district get ideas/gifts for two more people. It was emotionally tiring.
The only aspect of this experience that I might frame as positive was my ability to enter stores and buy absolutely nothing if they didn't have what I was looking for. Thus I don't feel that I bought too many pieces of crap just for the sake of buying something.
Anyway, we now have about 12 hours until Christmas and I think that I have purchased (or it has been purchased on my behalf) everything that I will be buying for Christmas. And while I am frequently quite late when it comes to shopping, I don't know if I have ever before made Christmas Eve morning emergency runs to such a large number of stores.
Now I just have to wrap all of my purchases.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Christmas Bread on the Video
Finally, what you have all been waiting for, my time-lapse video of my Tibb's Eve baking activities.
[Embedded video]
As you can see, we did a fair bit of food prep today.
I am just glad that the bread came out tasting fine. For a while I was a little worried that we had a hot bowl of $30 worth of wasted dairy products.
Editor's Note: I presume that no one caught my pointless allusion to TV on the Radio in the title. And to think that I thought it was so clever and funny.
[Embedded video]
As you can see, we did a fair bit of food prep today.
I am just glad that the bread came out tasting fine. For a while I was a little worried that we had a hot bowl of $30 worth of wasted dairy products.
Editor's Note: I presume that no one caught my pointless allusion to TV on the Radio in the title. And to think that I thought it was so clever and funny.
Christmas Bread Pt. 14
The bread is now all baked and the oven is off. I am happy to report that after all of this work the bread is quite edible, even tasty. Just a moment ago I finished off the loaf that we had for dinner.
I guess this brings the live updates to a close. Hopefully I will have a few videos or photos to upload in the near future.
I guess this brings the live updates to a close. Hopefully I will have a few videos or photos to upload in the near future.
Christmas Bread Pt. 13
My mother just removed the cinnamon rolls from the oven, thus freeing up the space required for the final loaf of bread. So just about 8 hours after my first post we are ready to start baking the final loaf. This has definitely been a full day of baking.
While these last few loaves have been baking I have been working on preparing dinner. To cut down on cooking we decided to have 'make your own salads.' To prepare for this meal I have been chopping up all kinds of vegetables and salad ingredients.
Anyway, the end is definitely in sight now. In about 25-30 minutes most of the food prep should be completed for the day.
While these last few loaves have been baking I have been working on preparing dinner. To cut down on cooking we decided to have 'make your own salads.' To prepare for this meal I have been chopping up all kinds of vegetables and salad ingredients.
Anyway, the end is definitely in sight now. In about 25-30 minutes most of the food prep should be completed for the day.
Christmas Bread Pt. 12
I just realized that we are about 7 hours, or more, into this project and have another hour or two left. Wow.
Christmas Bread Pt. 11
We are now down to three completely unbaked loaves and the cinnamon rolls that need to go in the oven. Of course, none of this can go in the oven until the two half-baked loaves presently in the oven are removed.
As bowls and pans have been emptied or used we have been washing them. So even though we will have made about 20 loaves of bread, rum ball, and hummus in the kitchen it isn't too much of a mess.
For those of you who are curious, we made about 12 batches of the recipe. It seems likely that next year we won't knowingly make a similar quantity. I suspect that about 8 batches worth of dough would be sufficient.
As bowls and pans have been emptied or used we have been washing them. So even though we will have made about 20 loaves of bread, rum ball, and hummus in the kitchen it isn't too much of a mess.
For those of you who are curious, we made about 12 batches of the recipe. It seems likely that next year we won't knowingly make a similar quantity. I suspect that about 8 batches worth of dough would be sufficient.
Christmas Bread Pt. 10
So it seems that in total we will have 22 loaves of Christmas bread and one set of cinnamon rolls.
Two are in the oven, five are ready to go, and the rest are done. A few of those that are done have been decorated. I suspect that it will take about two hours before everything is out of the oven, maybe three.
Wow, this was quite a lot of baking/food prep.
Hopefully I will be able to throw up a few photos and a video or two once everything is out of the oven.
Two are in the oven, five are ready to go, and the rest are done. A few of those that are done have been decorated. I suspect that it will take about two hours before everything is out of the oven, maybe three.
Wow, this was quite a lot of baking/food prep.
Hopefully I will be able to throw up a few photos and a video or two once everything is out of the oven.
Christmas Bread Pt. 9
I just heard my mom say "Oh, I forgot what I was looking for - a piece of thread."
Christmas Bread Pt. 8
I just rolled the dough for the cinnamon rolls. Hopefully my mother will return with the cutting thread so we can make a little more progress.
A few of the bread loaves have now been decorated and Kirsten has even tried to deliver a few. So things are definitely moving towards completion, though we are still a ways away from finishing.
A few of the bread loaves have now been decorated and Kirsten has even tried to deliver a few. So things are definitely moving towards completion, though we are still a ways away from finishing.
Christmas Bread Pt. 7
We now have 8 complete loaves, 2 in the oven, and 5 that are ready to go in the oven. We also have enough dough for about 7 more loaves.
Apparently Kirsten and I made a little more dough than we really needed.
I think that the cinnamon rolls are now definitely a go as we really don't need 20+ loaves of Christmas braid bread.
Possibly the worst part of this is that we are now more than 5 hours in and we have about 10 loaves left to bake. This project just keeps keeping on.
Apparently Kirsten and I made a little more dough than we really needed.
I think that the cinnamon rolls are now definitely a go as we really don't need 20+ loaves of Christmas braid bread.
Possibly the worst part of this is that we are now more than 5 hours in and we have about 10 loaves left to bake. This project just keeps keeping on.
Christmas Bread Pt. 6
We now have six loaves that have been baked, two that are baking, about four that are ready to bake, and a bowl of dough left to shape and bake.
The gingerbread that Kirsten and Jeannette were working was completed just a few minutes ago. Just after the finishing touches were put on the decorations and a few photos were taken Kirsten made the ill-advised (AKA unadvised)decision to move the gingerbread house. Of course, because it was still somewhat wet, it started to shift and disintegrate with each step she took towards the living room.
By the time she was convinced to return to the dining room (where it had been assembled) it had almost completely fallen apart.
Fortunately there was some spare icing. This icing was called into action and used to reconstruct the newly destroyed gingerbread house. So while we now have a close to functional gingerbread house, some of the original decorations and details have been a little obscured.
And in other bread news, we may re-purpose some of the bread dough for cinnamon rolls. I guess a final decision will be made shortly
The gingerbread that Kirsten and Jeannette were working was completed just a few minutes ago. Just after the finishing touches were put on the decorations and a few photos were taken Kirsten made the ill-advised (AKA unadvised)decision to move the gingerbread house. Of course, because it was still somewhat wet, it started to shift and disintegrate with each step she took towards the living room.
By the time she was convinced to return to the dining room (where it had been assembled) it had almost completely fallen apart.
Fortunately there was some spare icing. This icing was called into action and used to reconstruct the newly destroyed gingerbread house. So while we now have a close to functional gingerbread house, some of the original decorations and details have been a little obscured.
And in other bread news, we may re-purpose some of the bread dough for cinnamon rolls. I guess a final decision will be made shortly
Christmas Bread Pt. 5
We now have two loaves out and another two in the oven. I am hoping that those two loaves in the oven will be out shortly and that we can throw another two in.
At the moment things have slowed down on the baking front as we are basically just waiting for things to bake. Once we have cleared out the back log of prepared loaves we can start to prepare a few more. I suspect that we will have at least more more hiatus period after this one ends.
On the food prep front, Jeannette and Kirsten are working on decorating a gingerbread house kit. They have assembled the house and are waiting for some of the structural icing to harden. As of right now things are looking pretty good.
Though I wasn't able to post them immediately after they were taken, I now have a few photos of the early stages of this affair.
The first is of me spreading some jam on some dough.
After the jam was spread I braided the tentacles.
Ok, I will get back to work.
Oh, and I should say that Jeannette gets the photo credit for these and any other photos that I post of the bread project.
At the moment things have slowed down on the baking front as we are basically just waiting for things to bake. Once we have cleared out the back log of prepared loaves we can start to prepare a few more. I suspect that we will have at least more more hiatus period after this one ends.
On the food prep front, Jeannette and Kirsten are working on decorating a gingerbread house kit. They have assembled the house and are waiting for some of the structural icing to harden. As of right now things are looking pretty good.
Though I wasn't able to post them immediately after they were taken, I now have a few photos of the early stages of this affair.
The first is of me spreading some jam on some dough.
After the jam was spread I braided the tentacles.
Ok, I will get back to work.
Oh, and I should say that Jeannette gets the photo credit for these and any other photos that I post of the bread project.
Christmas Bread Pt. 4
Well, the loaves of bread are now starting to come out of the oven (well, the first one is now out). In the next few minutes we should have at least three complete loaves.
The main problem that we have presently is that we have all kind of dough left. We are likely on pace for about 15 loaves of Christmas bread. I think I expected about 11 or 12, at most.
I have been able to have a few chips with some hummus while working on the bread, otherwise I haven't really eaten much since starting on this project. I really think that I need to make an effort to have some real food in the near future.
Ok, I should head to the oven and take the second loaf out.
The main problem that we have presently is that we have all kind of dough left. We are likely on pace for about 15 loaves of Christmas bread. I think I expected about 11 or 12, at most.
I have been able to have a few chips with some hummus while working on the bread, otherwise I haven't really eaten much since starting on this project. I really think that I need to make an effort to have some real food in the near future.
Ok, I should head to the oven and take the second loaf out.
Christmas Bread Pt. 3
The bread is still rising, though I guess we are just about ready to punch it down. As my mother is not present I guess I will have to continue being in charge of the project.
I just finished making the hummus, a project whose remnants we are now cleaning up.
Maybe eventually I will remember to take a lunch break.
I just finished making the hummus, a project whose remnants we are now cleaning up.
Maybe eventually I will remember to take a lunch break.
Christmas Bread Pt. 2
Well, she's getting her rise on, the bread that is.
Kirsten and I, after Kirsten made an emergency flour run, eventually added the flour, sugar, and yeast to the buttermilk and butter. Eventually we had two big mixing bowls of stuff that kind of looks and acts like bread dough and only about 3 cups of flour left in the house.
At the moment we are letting the dough rise. While this is happening I am working on some rum balls. Hopefully after I finish the rum balls I will be able to prepare some hummus.
Fortunately the bread does appear to be rising, though not particularly quickly and I am not sure if the bowls will be big enough to house the risen dough. I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
I had hoped to throw up a kneading video or two but as I am not using my computer to make these posts I am not really sure how to get the videos from the camera to the computer. It is also not helping that the left button of the mouse is only functional about 50% of the time.
Kirsten and I, after Kirsten made an emergency flour run, eventually added the flour, sugar, and yeast to the buttermilk and butter. Eventually we had two big mixing bowls of stuff that kind of looks and acts like bread dough and only about 3 cups of flour left in the house.
At the moment we are letting the dough rise. While this is happening I am working on some rum balls. Hopefully after I finish the rum balls I will be able to prepare some hummus.
Fortunately the bread does appear to be rising, though not particularly quickly and I am not sure if the bowls will be big enough to house the risen dough. I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.
I had hoped to throw up a kneading video or two but as I am not using my computer to make these posts I am not really sure how to get the videos from the camera to the computer. It is also not helping that the left button of the mouse is only functional about 50% of the time.
Christmas Bread Pt. 1
So, as requested by Peter, I have decided to try to live-blog my Christmas bread baking experience this year.
So far things are not off to a particularly good start. Firstly, though I was expecting to start this project with my mother she was nowhere to be found when I awoke. It turns out that she is at work and likely won't be back for some indeterminate period of time. Yay.
Secondly, when I finally did get around to assembling the required ingredients I found that there was less butter milk than I expected. Instead of there being enough buttermilk for about 10-12 loaves of bread there was only enough for about 6 loaves. Bummer.
The second problem was 'solved' by Kirsten running to the nearby grocery store to pick up some more buttermilk (a product which I wasn't sure they were still going to have in stock).
When Kirsten eventually returned with the new buttermilk she started to pour it into the bowl with some melted butter and the old buttermilk. Almost immediately we realized that the buttermilk had a few more solid bits than it was supposed to and that it was likely off (even though the expiry date was a week away).
After a quick consultation with my mother at work we decided to send Kirsten back to the store to return the newly acquired buttermilk and how we would go about rectifying the problem of volume - we decided to use soured regular milk.
Anyway, as it stands now we have a big bowl of warm milk and melting butter. Once all of the butter melts we will have to let it cool before adding the yeast and sugar and flour.
Hopefully things will pick up because from how they are looking right now they really aren't looking very good.
(Oh, and I am not using my computer as I am using that computer to make some time-lapse videos, a contribution to the internet that I am sure you are all eagerly awaiting.)
So far things are not off to a particularly good start. Firstly, though I was expecting to start this project with my mother she was nowhere to be found when I awoke. It turns out that she is at work and likely won't be back for some indeterminate period of time. Yay.
Secondly, when I finally did get around to assembling the required ingredients I found that there was less butter milk than I expected. Instead of there being enough buttermilk for about 10-12 loaves of bread there was only enough for about 6 loaves. Bummer.
The second problem was 'solved' by Kirsten running to the nearby grocery store to pick up some more buttermilk (a product which I wasn't sure they were still going to have in stock).
When Kirsten eventually returned with the new buttermilk she started to pour it into the bowl with some melted butter and the old buttermilk. Almost immediately we realized that the buttermilk had a few more solid bits than it was supposed to and that it was likely off (even though the expiry date was a week away).
After a quick consultation with my mother at work we decided to send Kirsten back to the store to return the newly acquired buttermilk and how we would go about rectifying the problem of volume - we decided to use soured regular milk.
Anyway, as it stands now we have a big bowl of warm milk and melting butter. Once all of the butter melts we will have to let it cool before adding the yeast and sugar and flour.
Hopefully things will pick up because from how they are looking right now they really aren't looking very good.
(Oh, and I am not using my computer as I am using that computer to make some time-lapse videos, a contribution to the internet that I am sure you are all eagerly awaiting.)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 489
-Today, like yesterday, has been incredibly unpleasant. Not only have we had relatively heavy rain for most of the past two days, but we have also had strong winds and temperatures just above freezing. The worst part is that it seems that we shouldn't expect much change for the foreseeable future.
-I have recently been engaging in some Christmas shopping and hope to do a little more today. Hopefully the stores I still need to visit won't be too packed when I head out to go shopping later today.
-Yesterday evening Jeannette and I quickly drove through some of the MUN campus. Because of the weather and the fact that it was after sunset we weren't able to actually see that much of the campus. So I was a quite surprised today to see that the university is presently in the midst of finally constructing a long-needed multi-storey parking structure in what once was a parking lot. A few more such structures wouldn't go astray.
Hopefully I will get to see a bit more of campus before I return to Halifax. In particular, I wouldn't mind seeing the Political Science wing of the Science building or the new residences.
-At some point in the very near future my mother and I are going to need to start doing some Christmas baking. I suspect that tomorrow will have to be the day, though as of right now we don't seem to have made any such plans.
-I have recently been engaging in some Christmas shopping and hope to do a little more today. Hopefully the stores I still need to visit won't be too packed when I head out to go shopping later today.
-Yesterday evening Jeannette and I quickly drove through some of the MUN campus. Because of the weather and the fact that it was after sunset we weren't able to actually see that much of the campus. So I was a quite surprised today to see that the university is presently in the midst of finally constructing a long-needed multi-storey parking structure in what once was a parking lot. A few more such structures wouldn't go astray.
Hopefully I will get to see a bit more of campus before I return to Halifax. In particular, I wouldn't mind seeing the Political Science wing of the Science building or the new residences.
-At some point in the very near future my mother and I are going to need to start doing some Christmas baking. I suspect that tomorrow will have to be the day, though as of right now we don't seem to have made any such plans.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
That time of the year
That's right, it's Jenga season
[Embedded video]
Watch out for more Christmas Jenga videos, they are sure to be hot commodities on YouTube.
[Embedded video]
Watch out for more Christmas Jenga videos, they are sure to be hot commodities on YouTube.
Another Pomegranate Trick
A few days ago I mentioned had been lead to believe that there was a special, underwater pomegranate de-seeding trick. Of course, when I actually tried the trick the results were less than impressive. Furthermore, when I watched a video of the so-called trick on YouTube I learned that the trick really wasn't that impressive at all, even when performed by seasoned professionals.
It was then suggested to me, by my father, that my sister could show me the 'real' trick.
Yesterday I asked my sister to show me the trick and she obliged.
[Embedded video]
As you can see, this process does seem to be a fair bit faster than the under-water method, though it is still a little less impressive than I had imagined. The particularly notable attribute of this method, which involved cutting off the ends and scoring the sides, is that there is less juice wastage than in some other methods I have seen. So while this may not be the lighting-speed at which I had imagined the pomegranate de-seeding would take place, it was still a better process than I have been employing recently. If I remember, I will certainly use this technique the the next time I decided I want a pomegranate.
It was then suggested to me, by my father, that my sister could show me the 'real' trick.
Yesterday I asked my sister to show me the trick and she obliged.
[Embedded video]
As you can see, this process does seem to be a fair bit faster than the under-water method, though it is still a little less impressive than I had imagined. The particularly notable attribute of this method, which involved cutting off the ends and scoring the sides, is that there is less juice wastage than in some other methods I have seen. So while this may not be the lighting-speed at which I had imagined the pomegranate de-seeding would take place, it was still a better process than I have been employing recently. If I remember, I will certainly use this technique the the next time I decided I want a pomegranate.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Holiday Prep
The holidays are definitely starting to feel as though they are just around the corner and that I am wholly unprepared for their imminent arrival.
Though I did force myself to engage in some last minute online shopping today, and I also handed off my semester's marking to my supervising professor, I am still nowhere near ready for the upcoming Christmas. My biggest problem seems to be Christmas shopping, an area in which I am just not making much progress. Hopefully I will figure something out before too long.
On the preparation front I have also started stocking the fridge for the apartment's holiday celebrations. Hopefully not too much else will need acquired before the big day (though I am sure a few last minute purchases will be required despite my best attempts to prepare).
Though I did force myself to engage in some last minute online shopping today, and I also handed off my semester's marking to my supervising professor, I am still nowhere near ready for the upcoming Christmas. My biggest problem seems to be Christmas shopping, an area in which I am just not making much progress. Hopefully I will figure something out before too long.
On the preparation front I have also started stocking the fridge for the apartment's holiday celebrations. Hopefully not too much else will need acquired before the big day (though I am sure a few last minute purchases will be required despite my best attempts to prepare).
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 488
-Amazingly, much of the evidence of yesterday's flash snowfall has vanished. Maybe even more surprising is the fact that today was actually quite a nice day, it even went so far as to be above freezing.
-Yesterday I purchased a package of red peppers from the grocery store only to find that they were some of the worst red peppers I have ever had. What is strange is that while they don't appear to be spoiled they are definitely note quite as crisp as they should be and they are certainly lacking the flavour I am accustomed to finding in most of my red peppers. Hopefully I will have better luck next time.
-On a related note, Jeannette and I took a trip to the local farmers' market only to make a single substantive purchase (a $1 turnip). Of course, to find this turnip we had to brave dense groups and elbow our way past the better part of Halifax's aging yuppy population.
-Our Ultimate game didn't go particularly poorly tonight though we were at least a few points behind for most of the game. In the end the result was less than surprising and ended with us getting the loss. One of the most enjoyable aspect of the game was running across a member of the opposing team who happened to be on my first Ultimate team in St. John's in 2005.
-I am starting to think about getting ready for Christmas, for better or worse this hasn't yet meant that I have actually done that much to get ready.
-Aside from our Ultimate game and trip to the market, I feel as though I spent most of my day marking. Fortunately I am now just about done for the night/day/term. Before it I know it I will be back to studying for my comps.
-Yesterday I purchased a package of red peppers from the grocery store only to find that they were some of the worst red peppers I have ever had. What is strange is that while they don't appear to be spoiled they are definitely note quite as crisp as they should be and they are certainly lacking the flavour I am accustomed to finding in most of my red peppers. Hopefully I will have better luck next time.
-On a related note, Jeannette and I took a trip to the local farmers' market only to make a single substantive purchase (a $1 turnip). Of course, to find this turnip we had to brave dense groups and elbow our way past the better part of Halifax's aging yuppy population.
-Our Ultimate game didn't go particularly poorly tonight though we were at least a few points behind for most of the game. In the end the result was less than surprising and ended with us getting the loss. One of the most enjoyable aspect of the game was running across a member of the opposing team who happened to be on my first Ultimate team in St. John's in 2005.
-I am starting to think about getting ready for Christmas, for better or worse this hasn't yet meant that I have actually done that much to get ready.
-Aside from our Ultimate game and trip to the market, I feel as though I spent most of my day marking. Fortunately I am now just about done for the night/day/term. Before it I know it I will be back to studying for my comps.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Halifax's House Music
Just because some of the House graffiti may have been removed from the removed from the Dal campus a few days ago does not mean that such graffiti is not still present in the vicinity of the campus.
This morning as I was walking to school along South Street I noticed some similar graffiti on the sidewalk. In this case the stencilers were bold enough to include a pun
As many of you might have observed, it has snowed in Halifax. We finally have a few centimeters of fresh powder on the ground.
This morning as I was walking to school along South Street I noticed some similar graffiti on the sidewalk. In this case the stencilers were bold enough to include a pun
As many of you might have observed, it has snowed in Halifax. We finally have a few centimeters of fresh powder on the ground.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
On its way to gone
A few days ago I post a photo of some new graffiti at Dal and wonder how long it would last.
The answer, it seems, was today.
As I was walking to school today I noticed that a graffiti removal company employee was just starting to remove the offending graffiti on the side of the computer science building.
A tidy environment for more effective learning.
The answer, it seems, was today.
As I was walking to school today I noticed that a graffiti removal company employee was just starting to remove the offending graffiti on the side of the computer science building.
A tidy environment for more effective learning.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Peanut butter scam
A few days ago while walking through a local grocery store I noticed a sale display that contained a number of varieties of peanut butter. While smooth and chunky took up most of the space in the display I happened to notice that a few non-standard varieties were also available. One such variety, the unsweetened-unsalted type, seemed particularly appealing (mostly because it sounded healthier).
Because I imagined this new version of peanut butter to be healthier I decided to give it a shot (even though it looked a little browner and a little less smooth). Almost immediately I started to feel good about myself and attention that I was paying to my body.
Of course this feeling of achievement evaporated almost as soon as I returned home with my purchase. Neil, upon hearing about the product, was kind enough to suggest that I compare the nutritional information of the new product to another variety of peanut butter made by the same manufacturer. Sadly, contrary to what the label might indicate, there wasn't much difference in nutritional content between the two products.
The main difference seems to be that the version that claims to be unsalted does, in fact, have less sodium, though only about 70 mg less (hardly anything in the prepared food realm).
Now, instead of feeling good about myself, I feel ripped off and tricked. Furthermore, I now have a product that is no healthier than the one I already had but that I don't particularly need.
I have once again been screwed by falling for an appeal to my conscience.
Because I imagined this new version of peanut butter to be healthier I decided to give it a shot (even though it looked a little browner and a little less smooth). Almost immediately I started to feel good about myself and attention that I was paying to my body.
Of course this feeling of achievement evaporated almost as soon as I returned home with my purchase. Neil, upon hearing about the product, was kind enough to suggest that I compare the nutritional information of the new product to another variety of peanut butter made by the same manufacturer. Sadly, contrary to what the label might indicate, there wasn't much difference in nutritional content between the two products.
The main difference seems to be that the version that claims to be unsalted does, in fact, have less sodium, though only about 70 mg less (hardly anything in the prepared food realm).
Now, instead of feeling good about myself, I feel ripped off and tricked. Furthermore, I now have a product that is no healthier than the one I already had but that I don't particularly need.
I have once again been screwed by falling for an appeal to my conscience.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tricked by the pomegranate 'trick'
I was recently told about a 'trick' that would allow me to more easily access the fruit of a pomegranate. Basically the idea was that if half of a pomegranate was pushed open (meaning pressure was applied on the skin side toward the open side) while under water the seeds would self-separate from the pulp.
It was suggested that the proper application of this technique would cause the seeds of a pomegranate to simply "fall out." Though skeptical, I was/am interested in a trick that would allow me to achieve such an effect.
Last night I decided to give the trick a try.
Not surprisingly, the results were quite underwhelming. Actually, the whole thing lead to an outcome that was basically the same as what I had before, but now there was water involved.
Also, it became clear to me that this 'trick' was somewhat widely known I wondered if I might be able to find instances of it being executed effectively. Of course, the internet seemed the place to find such an instance.
Not surprisingly, it was easy to find videos demonstrating this 'secret' pomegranate de-seeding technique. What was most amazing is that outcome presented in these videos was remarkably similar to the one that I achieved - meaning one that was remarkably underwhelming and oversold.
The following video is an example of the application of the 'trick.' As you can see, getting the seeds from the pomegranate is still somewhat labour intensive.
[Embedded video]
Anyway, this experience has taught me that I am really not that far off-base with my pomegranate de-seeding technique. It also has taught me that after hundreds, if not thousands, of years of consuming pomegranates humans have still not figured out an efficient way to get at the fruit (or bred them to be more accessible).
It was suggested that the proper application of this technique would cause the seeds of a pomegranate to simply "fall out." Though skeptical, I was/am interested in a trick that would allow me to achieve such an effect.
Last night I decided to give the trick a try.
Not surprisingly, the results were quite underwhelming. Actually, the whole thing lead to an outcome that was basically the same as what I had before, but now there was water involved.
Also, it became clear to me that this 'trick' was somewhat widely known I wondered if I might be able to find instances of it being executed effectively. Of course, the internet seemed the place to find such an instance.
Not surprisingly, it was easy to find videos demonstrating this 'secret' pomegranate de-seeding technique. What was most amazing is that outcome presented in these videos was remarkably similar to the one that I achieved - meaning one that was remarkably underwhelming and oversold.
The following video is an example of the application of the 'trick.' As you can see, getting the seeds from the pomegranate is still somewhat labour intensive.
[Embedded video]
Anyway, this experience has taught me that I am really not that far off-base with my pomegranate de-seeding technique. It also has taught me that after hundreds, if not thousands, of years of consuming pomegranates humans have still not figured out an efficient way to get at the fruit (or bred them to be more accessible).
A Few Quick Notes 487
-Today has been incredibly warm. At the moment Environment Canada is reporting that it is 11 C, which is even warmer than it was this afternoon. Of course, these warm temperatures are possibly the precursors of a rain and wind storm that is to hit the region shortly. Hopefully this last part of the equation doesn't come to fruition and the warm temperatures a sign of nothing more than warm temperatures.
-Today, while walking to school, I noticed that the electrical infrastructure along my street was humming. At other locations along my walk I noticed a similar phenomenon. While walking around in my neighbourhood this evening I noticed that the humming was still on going. Though sound in and of itself is not particularly ominous, that it is all of a sudden coming from pieces of infrastructure that haven't historically emitted a sound is definitely a little off-putting.
-Jeannette was kind enough to forward me the following video about the TA experience.
[Embedded video]
It seems hardly like fiction.
-I think my first high school principle may have just died. I will need to confirm whether or not this is actually the case.
-Today, while walking to school, I noticed that the electrical infrastructure along my street was humming. At other locations along my walk I noticed a similar phenomenon. While walking around in my neighbourhood this evening I noticed that the humming was still on going. Though sound in and of itself is not particularly ominous, that it is all of a sudden coming from pieces of infrastructure that haven't historically emitted a sound is definitely a little off-putting.
-Jeannette was kind enough to forward me the following video about the TA experience.
[Embedded video]
It seems hardly like fiction.
-I think my first high school principle may have just died. I will need to confirm whether or not this is actually the case.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 486
-Today seems to have been something of a mix weather conditions. That being said, I can't really remember much of today's weather other than that it was nice at about noon. Apparently sitting in front of a window for most of the day doesn't do much to help me remember how the day progressed on the other side of the glass.
-A few days ago I learned that home-video and 1980s and 1990s sitcom legend Bob Saget will be performing in Halifax in the new year (January 13, 2011) at the local casino. Apparently Mr. Saget tends to work blue, a fact I won't likely be able to confirm by attending the show as the ticket prices are a little out of my price range (meaning they are more expensive than free).
-Much to my surprise, my Pepsi bread was generally well received by it consuming public. Actually, of the five of us who tried it, I was the only one who was so underwhelmed that I couldn't finished my piece of bread.
-Our Ultimate experience started and ended poorly last night. While trying to catch the bus to the gym Jeannette and I learned that the bus didn't stop where we originally thought it did. When we eventually found an appropriate bus stop the bus didn't come. Fortunately, from the bus stop where we were waiting we were able to see another bus stop that had a bus going to our destination. We eventually caught the bus at this adjacent stop. After a nerve-wrackingly slow bus ride that seemed to include a stop a basically all of the stops between where we caught the bus and our destination we had to make our way from the Bedford highway to the the MSVU student centre/gym. Of course we arrived only six before our game was to start.
Almost as soon as the game stared it became clear that we were not playing quite as well as the other team. By the half-way point we were about 16 points behind. Just a few minutes into the second half of the game the power went out and we were left with only a few emergency lights. After we all sat in the dark for a few minutes we called the game, bringing our game to a fitting conclusion.
-We are all presently catching the conclusion of the most recent Amazing Race.
-A few days ago I learned that home-video and 1980s and 1990s sitcom legend Bob Saget will be performing in Halifax in the new year (January 13, 2011) at the local casino. Apparently Mr. Saget tends to work blue, a fact I won't likely be able to confirm by attending the show as the ticket prices are a little out of my price range (meaning they are more expensive than free).
-Much to my surprise, my Pepsi bread was generally well received by it consuming public. Actually, of the five of us who tried it, I was the only one who was so underwhelmed that I couldn't finished my piece of bread.
-Our Ultimate experience started and ended poorly last night. While trying to catch the bus to the gym Jeannette and I learned that the bus didn't stop where we originally thought it did. When we eventually found an appropriate bus stop the bus didn't come. Fortunately, from the bus stop where we were waiting we were able to see another bus stop that had a bus going to our destination. We eventually caught the bus at this adjacent stop. After a nerve-wrackingly slow bus ride that seemed to include a stop a basically all of the stops between where we caught the bus and our destination we had to make our way from the Bedford highway to the the MSVU student centre/gym. Of course we arrived only six before our game was to start.
Almost as soon as the game stared it became clear that we were not playing quite as well as the other team. By the half-way point we were about 16 points behind. Just a few minutes into the second half of the game the power went out and we were left with only a few emergency lights. After we all sat in the dark for a few minutes we called the game, bringing our game to a fitting conclusion.
-We are all presently catching the conclusion of the most recent Amazing Race.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 485
-As of about an hour ago it has been snowing. So far their isn't even a centimeter but the grass across from my window is definitely tinged with white.
-Irony of ironies, after going on and on about my search for an unscented antiperspirant my newly acquired unscented antiperspirant's odor is making me feel ill. I almost feel as though I should take a shower to get this stuff off of me.
-The female owner of the two puppies that had been using the grass across from my window as a toilet now seems to be taking her dogs a little further afield to expel their waste. Over the past few days I have seen the small dogs and their owner walking up and down our street. Whenever I see the owner I wonder if she recognizes me as the guy watching her dogs play and use the toilet from his bedroom window.
-For a while Montifax routinely took positions for or against things (being opposed to the re-naming of Parc Avenue in Montreal being one of our prominent stands). For better or worse, this tradition seems to have fallen out of practice over the past several years.
It seems fitting that we re-introduce this feature to the blog with a position that Neil and I both whole-heartedly support.
The position we are taking is against Earl Grey tea, likely the grossest of the teas. This stuff is just foul. Neither of us know why people drink it.
-I attended my department's Christmas party on Thursday evening. Unlike the version of the party I attended 2 years ago, in this instance students sat at tables with professors and vice-versa. All in all, it was a very pleasant event (a fact that was aided by the respect that was paid to my dietary limitations by the organizer).
-I believe it was yesterday when I purchased a 10 kilogram bag of flour for $5.35. What a price.
-Irony of ironies, after going on and on about my search for an unscented antiperspirant my newly acquired unscented antiperspirant's odor is making me feel ill. I almost feel as though I should take a shower to get this stuff off of me.
-The female owner of the two puppies that had been using the grass across from my window as a toilet now seems to be taking her dogs a little further afield to expel their waste. Over the past few days I have seen the small dogs and their owner walking up and down our street. Whenever I see the owner I wonder if she recognizes me as the guy watching her dogs play and use the toilet from his bedroom window.
-For a while Montifax routinely took positions for or against things (being opposed to the re-naming of Parc Avenue in Montreal being one of our prominent stands). For better or worse, this tradition seems to have fallen out of practice over the past several years.
It seems fitting that we re-introduce this feature to the blog with a position that Neil and I both whole-heartedly support.
The position we are taking is against Earl Grey tea, likely the grossest of the teas. This stuff is just foul. Neither of us know why people drink it.
-I attended my department's Christmas party on Thursday evening. Unlike the version of the party I attended 2 years ago, in this instance students sat at tables with professors and vice-versa. All in all, it was a very pleasant event (a fact that was aided by the respect that was paid to my dietary limitations by the organizer).
-I believe it was yesterday when I purchased a 10 kilogram bag of flour for $5.35. What a price.
Newfoundland Bread
So, I guess it was only a matter of time, but last night I decided that I would have to give Newfoundland Bread (AKA Pepsi bread) a try this morning.
As my brief search of the internet didn't turn up any recipes I had to design something myself. Given that this is my first try, I thought that I would stick to a relatively simple recipe/approach - basically my normal approach to white bread but with Pepsi (meaning that no sugar would be needed).
For those of you who are interested, the recipe I settled on eventually was as follows:
1 tin of Pepsi (room temperature)
maybe 2 teaspoons of yeast
maybe 2 tablespoons of butter
about 4 cups of flour
The Pepsi was poured into a large mixing bowl. The yeast and butter were then added to the Pepsi. The flour, basically enough to make a sturdy dough, was added and then kneaded until the dough was relatively firm. The dough was then set aside to rise. I put the dough in a warm oven to help speed things up. Once rise, the dough should be again kneaded and then formed and placed in the desired baking vessel. Bake at 350 F until done.
It should be noted that this does not appear to be a fast rising bread, I am starting to think that the Pepsi may have reacted badly with the yeast. I guess this outcome isn't too surprising. For a while I was thinking that I should consider using flat Pepsi - but then I decided to just go for it and see what happened.
Another thing that I feel that I should note is that throughout the entire process the dough has had something of a distinct smell. Basically, as far as I can tell, this is a Pepsi in dough smell and nothing particularly odd. That being said, I did expect that this smell might have dissipated during the baking process.
Fortunately, strange smells aside, the bread seems to have turned out quite nicely. The resulting loaf is very well formed and pleasant looking. Did I not know that the bread had Pepsi at its core I wouldn't be able to sense that their was anything unusual about this loaf of bread.
Of course, the entire process was also documented on film (or the inexpensive digital version of film) and then turned into a "how to" video so that the entire world will have the inside dope on how to make this recipe.
[Embedded video]
While this dough was rising Neil, Rebecca and I were sitting around thinking about other variations on this theme. Both of them seemed to like the idea of energy drink bread. So, if they are lucky, we may have another ridiculous batch of bread coming our way shortly.
As my brief search of the internet didn't turn up any recipes I had to design something myself. Given that this is my first try, I thought that I would stick to a relatively simple recipe/approach - basically my normal approach to white bread but with Pepsi (meaning that no sugar would be needed).
For those of you who are interested, the recipe I settled on eventually was as follows:
1 tin of Pepsi (room temperature)
maybe 2 teaspoons of yeast
maybe 2 tablespoons of butter
about 4 cups of flour
The Pepsi was poured into a large mixing bowl. The yeast and butter were then added to the Pepsi. The flour, basically enough to make a sturdy dough, was added and then kneaded until the dough was relatively firm. The dough was then set aside to rise. I put the dough in a warm oven to help speed things up. Once rise, the dough should be again kneaded and then formed and placed in the desired baking vessel. Bake at 350 F until done.
It should be noted that this does not appear to be a fast rising bread, I am starting to think that the Pepsi may have reacted badly with the yeast. I guess this outcome isn't too surprising. For a while I was thinking that I should consider using flat Pepsi - but then I decided to just go for it and see what happened.
Another thing that I feel that I should note is that throughout the entire process the dough has had something of a distinct smell. Basically, as far as I can tell, this is a Pepsi in dough smell and nothing particularly odd. That being said, I did expect that this smell might have dissipated during the baking process.
Fortunately, strange smells aside, the bread seems to have turned out quite nicely. The resulting loaf is very well formed and pleasant looking. Did I not know that the bread had Pepsi at its core I wouldn't be able to sense that their was anything unusual about this loaf of bread.
Of course, the entire process was also documented on film (or the inexpensive digital version of film) and then turned into a "how to" video so that the entire world will have the inside dope on how to make this recipe.
[Embedded video]
While this dough was rising Neil, Rebecca and I were sitting around thinking about other variations on this theme. Both of them seemed to like the idea of energy drink bread. So, if they are lucky, we may have another ridiculous batch of bread coming our way shortly.
Friday, December 10, 2010
More bread
Because it has been a few days since I baked my last batch of bread today seemed like a good day to bake some more.
[Embedded video]
Though I am still keen to hone my coffee/tea bread recipe/concept, this stuff will just be pretty straightforward white/multi-grain with some bran (for fiber and karma).
[Embedded video]
Though I am still keen to hone my coffee/tea bread recipe/concept, this stuff will just be pretty straightforward white/multi-grain with some bran (for fiber and karma).
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Call From Santa
It seems that Neil got a call from Santa today. Talk about being lucky.
[Embedded audio player]
I wonder if you too (or a loved one) might also get such a call.
[Embedded audio player]
I wonder if you too (or a loved one) might also get such a call.
We're not so innocent
Many observers of the Canadian political system, myself included, take pride in (or at least appreciate) the fact that Canadian legislation is not burdened with unrelated amendments and riders (the range of goals associated with this practice potentially being quite varied). This, of course, is in contrast to the (perceived) frequent occurrence of this practice in the US.
Not surprisingly, it turns out that Canada hasn't always been free of this practice. It seems that in the pre-Durham/United Province of Canada days the existence of this practice was something that Durham highlighted and repudiated in his report
As Durham was kind enough to note,
Not surprisingly, it turns out that Canada hasn't always been free of this practice. It seems that in the pre-Durham/United Province of Canada days the existence of this practice was something that Durham highlighted and repudiated in his report
As Durham was kind enough to note,
“A singular instance of this occurred in 1836 with respect to the renewal of the Jury Law, to which the Assembly attached great importance, and to which the Legislative Council felt a strong repugnance, on account of its having in effect placed the juries entirely in the hands of the French portion of the population. In order to secure the renewal of this law, the Assembly coupled it in the same Bill, by which it renewed the tolls of the Lachine Canal, calculating on the Council not venturing to defeat a measure of so much importance to the revenue of the latter, by resisting the former. The Council, however, rejected the Bill; and thus the Canal remained toll-free for a whole season, because the two Houses differed about a jury law.”
Does "scent free" mean fewer scents?
Over the course of the past few years my sense has been that the number of public buildings that claim to be "scent free" seems to be on the rise. Of course, whether or not these buildings are actually scent free is another matter.
Assuming my intuition is correct, and we are seeing an increase in "scent free" public spaces, shouldn't it follow that we would see an increase in the number of unscented personal hygiene products for people to wear in these odorless locales?
Much to my surprise, such an increase does not seem to have taken place. Scented products are still readily available. Actually, I am starting to think that scented products may comprise a larger portion of some personal hygiene product categories than has historically been the case.
In particular, I think we may be seeing a decline in the number of unscented antiperspirant that are easily accessible. When I went shopping for such a product in my local grocery store a few days ago I found only two products that matched my criteria (both of which were made by the same expensive, but effective, brand). Historically when searching for such products I have always had a few more options. Furthermore, some of the brands that I know that I have used in the past did have unscented options available. Given the limited selection my recent shopping experience was much less pleasant than I expected it to be.
Body wash, seemingly a newly popular replacement for soup, seems to be a type of product that almost never comes in a scent-free format (at least as far as I can tell). And as body wash seems to be replacing shower soaps, many of which were scent free, the popularity onslaught (at least if shelf-space in stores is an indicator of popularity) of this product may actually be increasing the number of people using scented products on a daily basis.
Of course, the newfound, or increasing, interest in using scented deodorants/antiperspirants and body washes may just be a way getting around the "scent free" rule if this rule is interpreted to mean only that perfumes and colognes are prohibited. Whatever the case may be, people like myself, who try to use unscented products, are likely having a harder time finding such products and grumbling about what we hope isn't a "new normal."
Assuming my intuition is correct, and we are seeing an increase in "scent free" public spaces, shouldn't it follow that we would see an increase in the number of unscented personal hygiene products for people to wear in these odorless locales?
Much to my surprise, such an increase does not seem to have taken place. Scented products are still readily available. Actually, I am starting to think that scented products may comprise a larger portion of some personal hygiene product categories than has historically been the case.
In particular, I think we may be seeing a decline in the number of unscented antiperspirant that are easily accessible. When I went shopping for such a product in my local grocery store a few days ago I found only two products that matched my criteria (both of which were made by the same expensive, but effective, brand). Historically when searching for such products I have always had a few more options. Furthermore, some of the brands that I know that I have used in the past did have unscented options available. Given the limited selection my recent shopping experience was much less pleasant than I expected it to be.
Body wash, seemingly a newly popular replacement for soup, seems to be a type of product that almost never comes in a scent-free format (at least as far as I can tell). And as body wash seems to be replacing shower soaps, many of which were scent free, the popularity onslaught (at least if shelf-space in stores is an indicator of popularity) of this product may actually be increasing the number of people using scented products on a daily basis.
Of course, the newfound, or increasing, interest in using scented deodorants/antiperspirants and body washes may just be a way getting around the "scent free" rule if this rule is interpreted to mean only that perfumes and colognes are prohibited. Whatever the case may be, people like myself, who try to use unscented products, are likely having a harder time finding such products and grumbling about what we hope isn't a "new normal."
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Another horrible idea? pt. 4
The bread has now cooled and I have had the pleasure of cutting into the first loaf.
While I won't go into too many details about the consumption experience (as their aren't that many to relay), I will say that it was absolutely fine, though it may have been that the chocolate chips overpowered all of the other flavours and more than made up for the bad idea that was coffee bread. Given my own botching of the experiment it seems that I may need to go back and try an unadulterated batch to learn how bad or good this idea really was.
While I won't go into too many details about the consumption experience (as their aren't that many to relay), I will say that it was absolutely fine, though it may have been that the chocolate chips overpowered all of the other flavours and more than made up for the bad idea that was coffee bread. Given my own botching of the experiment it seems that I may need to go back and try an unadulterated batch to learn how bad or good this idea really was.
Another horrible idea? pt. 3
Well, my coffee walnut chocolate chip bread is now out of the oven.
Once it has cooled down I might start thinking about trying it. Hopefully this stuff isn't as bad as I fear it might be.
Once it has cooled down I might start thinking about trying it. Hopefully this stuff isn't as bad as I fear it might be.
Another horrible idea? pt. 2
So something that I have been reminded of during this bread making process is that chocolate melts when handled. It seems that even the kneading process is enough to get chocolate to start melting. Anyway, this revelation (and my desire not to melt the chocolate chips too much) has meant that I haven't kneaded the bread all that much.
Though I did take the time to film me punching it (as I am sure that this is something that you all wanted to see).
[Embedded video]
After punching the bread I did a little kneading (though only a little) before shaping the loaves.
As you can see, I ended up with two loaves and an extra bit. Assuming they rise quickly these loaves will soon be finding themselves in the oven and then in the bellies of their awaiting masses (so far that would just be Peter and I, but at least there are two of us).
Though I did take the time to film me punching it (as I am sure that this is something that you all wanted to see).
[Embedded video]
After punching the bread I did a little kneading (though only a little) before shaping the loaves.
As you can see, I ended up with two loaves and an extra bit. Assuming they rise quickly these loaves will soon be finding themselves in the oven and then in the bellies of their awaiting masses (so far that would just be Peter and I, but at least there are two of us).
Another horrible idea? pt. 1
Last night I started thinking about whether or not it would be a horrible idea to try making bread with either coffee or tea instead of water. Not only was the idea of mildly-caffeinated bread somewhat appealing to me, it also seemed that coffee and or tea might work nicely in association with traditional bread flavours.
As good an idea as it seemed to me, I thought that I should probably run this past someone else to get their opinion before embarking on such a potentially disastrous project. My friend Peter, who has been around for some of my more monumental food failures (notably marmoffee - a repulsive mixture of Marmite and coffee) and has worked in a bakery, seemed like the obvious choice when seeking such a second opinion.
Much to my surprise, Peter actually have the whole thing a (tentative) thumbs up. Peter's thought was that tea might work nicely with a whole wheat or rye bread and that coffee might be better suited to something like a white bread.
With this provisional green-lighting of the idea I became somewhat fixated on this idea, particularly the idea of coffee bread.
This morning, after getting home from my final seminar of the semester, and partly as a means of celebrating this achievement I decided to leap forth into the void and give this coffee bread thing a shot.
Of course, I wasn't quite content to just try a plain white/coffee bread (as was my first thought). Instead I decided to mix things up a bit and add a few more flavours and textures to the mix. In the end I decided to go for a coffee walnut chocolate chip white bread.
At the moment the dough, which is an attractive tan, is rising. Soon after this post is up I will start to shape the loaves. Hopefully within an hour and a half or so I should be able to be able to report on the outcome (and if the smell of the dough means anything, I think it should at least be edible).
Hopefully I will be able to post a few more updates (also Peter's recommendation) as the project continues.
As good an idea as it seemed to me, I thought that I should probably run this past someone else to get their opinion before embarking on such a potentially disastrous project. My friend Peter, who has been around for some of my more monumental food failures (notably marmoffee - a repulsive mixture of Marmite and coffee) and has worked in a bakery, seemed like the obvious choice when seeking such a second opinion.
Much to my surprise, Peter actually have the whole thing a (tentative) thumbs up. Peter's thought was that tea might work nicely with a whole wheat or rye bread and that coffee might be better suited to something like a white bread.
With this provisional green-lighting of the idea I became somewhat fixated on this idea, particularly the idea of coffee bread.
This morning, after getting home from my final seminar of the semester, and partly as a means of celebrating this achievement I decided to leap forth into the void and give this coffee bread thing a shot.
Of course, I wasn't quite content to just try a plain white/coffee bread (as was my first thought). Instead I decided to mix things up a bit and add a few more flavours and textures to the mix. In the end I decided to go for a coffee walnut chocolate chip white bread.
At the moment the dough, which is an attractive tan, is rising. Soon after this post is up I will start to shape the loaves. Hopefully within an hour and a half or so I should be able to be able to report on the outcome (and if the smell of the dough means anything, I think it should at least be edible).
Hopefully I will be able to post a few more updates (also Peter's recommendation) as the project continues.
New Graffiti
Based on personal observation it seems that stencil-based graffiti is becoming popular in a number of places, including in Halifax. Over the course of the past few years I have seen a number of incarnations of such endeavours, some of which seem to be more message-based than others.
An iteration of this trend that seems to be cropping up on the Dalhousie campus is a House (of the TV show) stencil that depicts House's head.
The thing about this image that I can't quite figure out is why it is relevant (particularly to the side of the computer science building), or, to put it differently, worth the effort and possible criminal charges? Furthermore, were the stenciled image and the text created by the same person at the same time? Whether the text and image are of the same origin or not, what is the meaning of the phrase "I'm coming"? Is my sophomoric interpretation that far off-base?
I am also curious to see how long Dalhousie will allow these images to remain. Presumably those on buildings (and not sidewalks) will be removed somewhat promptly?
An iteration of this trend that seems to be cropping up on the Dalhousie campus is a House (of the TV show) stencil that depicts House's head.
The thing about this image that I can't quite figure out is why it is relevant (particularly to the side of the computer science building), or, to put it differently, worth the effort and possible criminal charges? Furthermore, were the stenciled image and the text created by the same person at the same time? Whether the text and image are of the same origin or not, what is the meaning of the phrase "I'm coming"? Is my sophomoric interpretation that far off-base?
I am also curious to see how long Dalhousie will allow these images to remain. Presumably those on buildings (and not sidewalks) will be removed somewhat promptly?
Monday, December 06, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 484
-Today was an all around strange day. I woke up to learn that in several parts of town the night had been so rough that there were a number of power outages (supposedly including our street even though this didn't actually seem to be the case). Later in the day we had the pleasure of experiencing periods of intense rain followed by sunny periods and heavy wind. Fortunately, I managed to avoid some of the worst patches of weather while walking to and from school.
-I had the pleasure of attending a political science Ph.D. defence this afternoon. Though the defence wasn't particularly short (maybe 2 or 3 hours), it was well done and not the least bit unpleasant (as was the only other defence I have attended). After the defence I join the successful Ph.D candidate, her family, the external examiner, and faculty for a few drinks and some celebrations.
-Apparently Tumblr went down for a few hours. Had it not been an event in and of itself I probably wouldn't have jumped on the bandwagon and been aware of this generation-making event. I just look forward to the day when I can tell the next generation about this earth-shattering event. Like the New York black-out of 2003, kids of the next generation just won't believe such a turn of events possible.
-I should probably try to head to bed shortly so that I can get cracking early tomorrow morning.
-I had the pleasure of attending a political science Ph.D. defence this afternoon. Though the defence wasn't particularly short (maybe 2 or 3 hours), it was well done and not the least bit unpleasant (as was the only other defence I have attended). After the defence I join the successful Ph.D candidate, her family, the external examiner, and faculty for a few drinks and some celebrations.
-Apparently Tumblr went down for a few hours. Had it not been an event in and of itself I probably wouldn't have jumped on the bandwagon and been aware of this generation-making event. I just look forward to the day when I can tell the next generation about this earth-shattering event. Like the New York black-out of 2003, kids of the next generation just won't believe such a turn of events possible.
-I should probably try to head to bed shortly so that I can get cracking early tomorrow morning.
Neil and Neil
So Neil wasn't entirely pleased with my The Simpsons redition of Neil.
The version on the right is the one that Jeannette and I worked on while the one on the left is the one that Neil did himself.
The version on the right is the one that Jeannette and I worked on while the one on the left is the one that Neil did himself.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Neil and I
Tonight Jeannette and I spent a few minutes making personalized TV-show avatars. For better or worse, we made Simpsons versions of Neil and I. It then took a little work to re-arrange the images so that they weren't standing front to back.
I feel a little bad about Neil's body type, unfortunately there weren't too many choice to chose from.
While these are not entirely accurate representations of either of us they will have to do as I am not a huge fan of posting photos of our face on our blog.
I feel a little bad about Neil's body type, unfortunately there weren't too many choice to chose from.
While these are not entirely accurate representations of either of us they will have to do as I am not a huge fan of posting photos of our face on our blog.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
It just won't get full
As much as I try, I just can't seem to fill the internet. There always seems to be more space for my sub-par content.
Apparently, even with this video about what we were having for lunch today, the internet has not been filled.
[Embedded video]
Apparently, even with this video about what we were having for lunch today, the internet has not been filled.
[Embedded video]
Going Mental (in 2013)
It seems, at least according to a story by the Globe and Mail, that as of 2013 I may have a psychological disorder.
It seems likely that with the inclusion of 'selective eating disorder' in the 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders I may cross the border and enter the territory of the officially mentally compromised (though these aren't likely how most people like to use to think about such things).
Anyway, it is kind of weird to know that this change is coming and that there isn't much I can I will be able to do about it but wait and let it come.
It seems likely that with the inclusion of 'selective eating disorder' in the 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders I may cross the border and enter the territory of the officially mentally compromised (though these aren't likely how most people like to use to think about such things).
Anyway, it is kind of weird to know that this change is coming and that there isn't much I can I will be able to do about it but wait and let it come.
Friday, December 03, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 483
-Today, like yesterday, has been quite moist. Like yesterday, we have had something that seems to be a cross between rain and fog.
-I had the pleasure of taking a few trips to the grocery store today. Not surprisingly, I ended up buying more than I likely should have. The two on sale twelve packs of diet cola were two purchases that I really, likely, should have avoided.
-A few days ago I noticed that our neighbourhood pizza shop was scheduled to close before the end of November. Yesterday, or maybe today, I noticed that a new pizza place will be moving into the same location in the very near future. I am curious if the new pizza shack will last longer than the few months that the last one lasted.
-After a slight break, I finally got back to working on transcriptions today. I was amazed to discover how rusty I had become. Apparently practicing every day for a few weeks in a row actually made a difference and improved my typing skills and keyboard familiarity.
-I had the pleasure of taking a few trips to the grocery store today. Not surprisingly, I ended up buying more than I likely should have. The two on sale twelve packs of diet cola were two purchases that I really, likely, should have avoided.
-A few days ago I noticed that our neighbourhood pizza shop was scheduled to close before the end of November. Yesterday, or maybe today, I noticed that a new pizza place will be moving into the same location in the very near future. I am curious if the new pizza shack will last longer than the few months that the last one lasted.
-After a slight break, I finally got back to working on transcriptions today. I was amazed to discover how rusty I had become. Apparently practicing every day for a few weeks in a row actually made a difference and improved my typing skills and keyboard familiarity.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 482
-Though I don't know that it actually rained today, it was certainly almost as wet as though it was raining. Unfortunately, this condition of proto-rain (the drops weren't quite large enough for me to feel comfortable calling it rain) was just about as wet as rain and certainly as unpleasant.
-I had a series of student society meetings today. Just after noon I had to attend a departmental level student society meeting to amend a constitution. Fortunately we were able to deal with these changes in about an hour. Later this evening, after my three hour seminar, I had to attend the monthly university-wide grad student society meeting. Fortunately, this meeting was also only about an hour.
-The seminar I attended this afternoon was the second last such seminar I will have to attend before I head home for Christmas. Actually, there is a chance I will miss the seminar I am scheduled to attend on Monday so that I can attend a Ph.D defense.
-This evening I encountered the really neat do-it-yourself animation site Xtranormal. Using this site one can crank out quick one or two person animations in no time. Though I will probably be foolish to waste my time playing around with this site in the coming days, I haven't yet produced any web-filler yet.
-I am incredibly tired. Hopefully I will be able to get some sleep tonight so that I can crank out a good day of work tomorrow.
-I had a series of student society meetings today. Just after noon I had to attend a departmental level student society meeting to amend a constitution. Fortunately we were able to deal with these changes in about an hour. Later this evening, after my three hour seminar, I had to attend the monthly university-wide grad student society meeting. Fortunately, this meeting was also only about an hour.
-The seminar I attended this afternoon was the second last such seminar I will have to attend before I head home for Christmas. Actually, there is a chance I will miss the seminar I am scheduled to attend on Monday so that I can attend a Ph.D defense.
-This evening I encountered the really neat do-it-yourself animation site Xtranormal. Using this site one can crank out quick one or two person animations in no time. Though I will probably be foolish to waste my time playing around with this site in the coming days, I haven't yet produced any web-filler yet.
-I am incredibly tired. Hopefully I will be able to get some sleep tonight so that I can crank out a good day of work tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Newfoundland on the TV
Earlier this week This Hour Has 22 Minutes released what has become a very popular segment, or at least it is popular among those of us from Newfoundland.
[Embedded video]
It seems that This Hour Has 22 Minutes has also released a segment in which Mark Critch talks to a few Canadian senators about their jobs. As it happens, I have worked with two of the three senators in this video.
[Embedded video]
As far as I am concerned, the Fabian Manning portion is the funniest.
[Embedded video]
It seems that This Hour Has 22 Minutes has also released a segment in which Mark Critch talks to a few Canadian senators about their jobs. As it happens, I have worked with two of the three senators in this video.
[Embedded video]
As far as I am concerned, the Fabian Manning portion is the funniest.
A Few Quick Notes 481
-Today was a relatively grey day. As I spent most of the day indoors I hardly noticed that this was the case until just before sunset.
-It seems that for the first time in Montifax history we have reached a number of posts for the year that is greater than 365. Given that so many of these posts were filled with sweet nothings (such as my series of posts about yesterday's lunch) I am not sure that this is all that much of an accomplishment.
-At some point this afternoon I became interested in knowing how much time I spent away from Newfoundland in the first decade of the 21st century. It turns out that I spent 60 months or 5 years not in Newfoundland between 2000 and 2009. Another fun fact is that I haven't spent a full 12 months in Newfoundland since 1997 (I have always been away for at least two months of each year). And even though I have spent so much time away Newfoundland is still where my permanent address is. Talk about a hat trick of fun facts.
-A good chunk of my day has been spent reading.
-And I guess I should try to ensure that a good of my evening is spent reading.
-It seems that for the first time in Montifax history we have reached a number of posts for the year that is greater than 365. Given that so many of these posts were filled with sweet nothings (such as my series of posts about yesterday's lunch) I am not sure that this is all that much of an accomplishment.
-At some point this afternoon I became interested in knowing how much time I spent away from Newfoundland in the first decade of the 21st century. It turns out that I spent 60 months or 5 years not in Newfoundland between 2000 and 2009. Another fun fact is that I haven't spent a full 12 months in Newfoundland since 1997 (I have always been away for at least two months of each year). And even though I have spent so much time away Newfoundland is still where my permanent address is. Talk about a hat trick of fun facts.
-A good chunk of my day has been spent reading.
-And I guess I should try to ensure that a good of my evening is spent reading.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Big lunch plans (LIVE) - 6
A few minutes ago I took the chili pizza out of the oven.
While the chili pizza was fine, I am not quite convinced that it was worth the effort.
Anyway, now I should be able to get back to work.
While the chili pizza was fine, I am not quite convinced that it was worth the effort.
Anyway, now I should be able to get back to work.
Big lunch plans (LIVE) - 5
Things are definitely looking up for this overly complicated lunch I have gotten myself into.
I rolled the dough and put in on a pizza pan.
I then loaded the dough up with the chili and the toppings (celery, red pepper, and red onion).
Not surprisingly, I then placed the prepared pizza in the oven.
My next problem to deal with is the leftover dough. What am I going to do with this extra dough?
I presume that in about 20 minutes I will finally be able to sit down to lunch.
I rolled the dough and put in on a pizza pan.
I then loaded the dough up with the chili and the toppings (celery, red pepper, and red onion).
Not surprisingly, I then placed the prepared pizza in the oven.
My next problem to deal with is the leftover dough. What am I going to do with this extra dough?
I presume that in about 20 minutes I will finally be able to sit down to lunch.
Big lunch plans (LIVE) - 4
The dough has now been kneaded, though I really should have waited to do this until after I had prepared the toppings. Now things are all out of whack.
And because you want to see a video of me punching dough I have been kind enough to provide you with one.
[Embedded video]
And because you want to see a video of me punching dough I have been kind enough to provide you with one.
[Embedded video]
Big lunch plans (LIVE) - 3
The oven is now pre-heating and I am actively mentally preparing myself to knead and roll the pizza dough. I am also in the midst of thinking about an order of operations for topping preparations, though at this point I haven't quite figured out how I plan on approaching things. Hopefully within a few minutes I will have a plan in hand.
Big lunch plans (LIVE) - 2
The dough is still rising. I guess it will take another few minutes. Presumably I should have already started to pre-heat the oven. I guess I will do that right now.
Big lunch plans (LIVE) - 1
A few minutes ago I was sitting at my desk thinking about what I might like to have for lunch. For some reason I was reminded of the recent cheese and tomato free pizzas that I have made and tempted in that direction. Unfortunately, I also remembered that we have a number of leftovers in the fridge, so I would feel bad about making something completely new when so much food has already been prepared. Furthermore, the chili that I made a few days ago is really tempting.
Fortunately, I found a solution to my problem. I decided to combine my desire to have pizza with my desire to work on the leftovers to create chili pizza (the chili will be used instead of the sauce and cheese).
Because I have all kinds of work to do I decided that I should probably live-blog my lunch preparation experience (with this as the first entry).
As an update, at the moment the dough is rising. I presume that it will need to rise for another few minutes (or maybe about 30 minutes).
Assuming all goes well, I should have this abomination in the oven in an hour or so. Can't wait (and I am sure that you, the reader, feel the same way).
Fortunately, I found a solution to my problem. I decided to combine my desire to have pizza with my desire to work on the leftovers to create chili pizza (the chili will be used instead of the sauce and cheese).
Because I have all kinds of work to do I decided that I should probably live-blog my lunch preparation experience (with this as the first entry).
As an update, at the moment the dough is rising. I presume that it will need to rise for another few minutes (or maybe about 30 minutes).
Assuming all goes well, I should have this abomination in the oven in an hour or so. Can't wait (and I am sure that you, the reader, feel the same way).
Monday, November 29, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 480
-Today was a pretty decent fall day. My understanding is that tomorrow isn't supposed to be quite as nice.
-I had the pleasure of leading a class today. Unfortunately, two of the five students weren't able to make the class so the dynamic was a little off. That being said, I think that things went relatively well, or at least not horribly.
-This afternoon, while I was backing up a few files, I came across a few photos and videos earlier today I happened upon a few photos and videos from my 2008 trip to Sint Maarten. I decided to upload one of the Sint Maarten airport videos.
[Embedded video]
-I prepared another few pounds of vegetables tonight. I am slowly working my way though the bowl with little help from anyone else.
-I had the pleasure of leading a class today. Unfortunately, two of the five students weren't able to make the class so the dynamic was a little off. That being said, I think that things went relatively well, or at least not horribly.
-This afternoon, while I was backing up a few files, I came across a few photos and videos earlier today I happened upon a few photos and videos from my 2008 trip to Sint Maarten. I decided to upload one of the Sint Maarten airport videos.
[Embedded video]
-I prepared another few pounds of vegetables tonight. I am slowly working my way though the bowl with little help from anyone else.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Food stuffs
Today was a big day for food prep for me.
This morning I woke up and baked a batch of bran muffins for breakfast.
This afternoon/evening I made some chili while also making a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and chopping some vegetables.
I guess we will have some leftovers for the next day or so.
This morning I woke up and baked a batch of bran muffins for breakfast.
This afternoon/evening I made some chili while also making a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and chopping some vegetables.
I guess we will have some leftovers for the next day or so.
A Few Quick Notes 479
-Amazingly, today's forecast today seems to be lining up with reality quite nicely. Fortunately, this has meant that the day so far has been quite nice. Hopefully I will get to experience a little bit of this weather in person.
-We played our second indoor Ultimate game of the season last night. While we didn't win, we did play a much better game than we did last week. Actually, had it not been for our poor showing in the first half we would have won (meaning that we outscored them in the second half). Hopefully We will be able to play as well or better next week.
-I made a batch of bran muffins for breakfast this morning. While the flavour is fine, they definitely aren't quite as three-dimensional as I might have liked.
-Just a few minutes ago I placed an order with an Canadian online bookstore. What amazes me about these orders is the amount of time that it takes for these companies to get the goods to their customers. When I lived in New York seven years ago Barnes and Noble was able to offer same-day delivery to addresses in Manhattan and pretty speedy delivery to other addresses in the US. What's up with Canada's much slower delivery times?
-I made another dairy and tomato free pizza last night. Actually, it would have even been vegan had I not topped it with pepperoni and turkey. I was pretty pleased with the outcome, though I think that by eating it all I overindulged.
-Apparently there is a yurt company in Wolfville. Not only will they rent or sell you a yurt, they are also willing to teach you how to build your own yurt.
-We played our second indoor Ultimate game of the season last night. While we didn't win, we did play a much better game than we did last week. Actually, had it not been for our poor showing in the first half we would have won (meaning that we outscored them in the second half). Hopefully We will be able to play as well or better next week.
-I made a batch of bran muffins for breakfast this morning. While the flavour is fine, they definitely aren't quite as three-dimensional as I might have liked.
-Just a few minutes ago I placed an order with an Canadian online bookstore. What amazes me about these orders is the amount of time that it takes for these companies to get the goods to their customers. When I lived in New York seven years ago Barnes and Noble was able to offer same-day delivery to addresses in Manhattan and pretty speedy delivery to other addresses in the US. What's up with Canada's much slower delivery times?
-I made another dairy and tomato free pizza last night. Actually, it would have even been vegan had I not topped it with pepperoni and turkey. I was pretty pleased with the outcome, though I think that by eating it all I overindulged.
-Apparently there is a yurt company in Wolfville. Not only will they rent or sell you a yurt, they are also willing to teach you how to build your own yurt.
Friday, November 26, 2010
School Appropriate?
A few days ago I was at Dal when I saw the following display.
While I am not sure exactly what the reference is to, it nonetheless seems a little strange as a dorm decoration. It certainly seems hard to believe that the university would really want such a display associated with their dorms if only because of the myriad of ways in which such a display could be misinterpreted.
I will be curious to see if these letters are still so visible next week.
While I am not sure exactly what the reference is to, it nonetheless seems a little strange as a dorm decoration. It certainly seems hard to believe that the university would really want such a display associated with their dorms if only because of the myriad of ways in which such a display could be misinterpreted.
I will be curious to see if these letters are still so visible next week.
A Few Quick Notes 478
-We are in the midst of a multi-hour rainfall. When this rainfall started I was hopeful that it would be brief and relatively inconsequential. As time has passed the rain has continued to come down with increasing intensity. Bummer.
-Yesterday evening I was one of about 12 people to attend my union local's meeting. At time we had trouble making quorum. For one reason or another we dropped the pretense of calling each other "Brother so-and-so" and "Sister so-and-so" during the meeting.
-I made a rather large batch of chicken noodle soup for lunch. It is a good thing that this batch turned out pretty well as there is quite a bit left.
-Due to popular demand I have decided to provide our readers with another puppy video.
[Embedded video]
While these videos still have some way to go before they become YouTube classics, I do think that this one is a fair bit better than the one I posted a few days ago.
-It seems that Danny Williams will be leaving politics and that Kathy Dunderdale will soon be Newfoundland's premier. Given that between now and October 2011 there will be a leadership convention and provincial election I think it is fair to think that Newfoundland politics will soon start to become a little more exciting.
-Yesterday evening I was one of about 12 people to attend my union local's meeting. At time we had trouble making quorum. For one reason or another we dropped the pretense of calling each other "Brother so-and-so" and "Sister so-and-so" during the meeting.
-I made a rather large batch of chicken noodle soup for lunch. It is a good thing that this batch turned out pretty well as there is quite a bit left.
-Due to popular demand I have decided to provide our readers with another puppy video.
[Embedded video]
While these videos still have some way to go before they become YouTube classics, I do think that this one is a fair bit better than the one I posted a few days ago.
-It seems that Danny Williams will be leaving politics and that Kathy Dunderdale will soon be Newfoundland's premier. Given that between now and October 2011 there will be a leadership convention and provincial election I think it is fair to think that Newfoundland politics will soon start to become a little more exciting.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Big news from Newfoundland
The word on the street this morning in Newfoundland is that Danny Williams will soon be leaving politics (and thus no longer be the Premier). In some ways this isn't surprising in others it is.
The aspect of the prospect of Danny's departure that I find the most surprising is the thought that Newfoundland might actually have a premier who is not Danny. Though I am sure that many cabinet ministers have been thinking about this eventuality for some time, I really have no idea who might try to step up and become leader. I also have to imagine that this departure will change the power dynamic in the government caucus.
Anyway, I guess this will all work itself out over the coming days and weeks.
The aspect of the prospect of Danny's departure that I find the most surprising is the thought that Newfoundland might actually have a premier who is not Danny. Though I am sure that many cabinet ministers have been thinking about this eventuality for some time, I really have no idea who might try to step up and become leader. I also have to imagine that this departure will change the power dynamic in the government caucus.
Anyway, I guess this will all work itself out over the coming days and weeks.
A Few Quick Notes 477
-Though not particularly wet, today was definitely quite grey and cold. Not surprisingly, it seems that we might be in for some more snow in the coming hours/days.
-In my previous post it was mentioned that today I attended a talk given by Liberal MP Siobhan Coady. I should have mentioned that this talk was one of several today given by Liberal MPs. It seems that the Globe and Mail has already reported upon the talk given by Bob Rae. As strange as I found it to be a part of a campaign-style speech, I think that I find it even stranger to have been party to a nation-wide communications strategy on the part the Liberal party.
-I have decided to go for the turkey: three public lectures in three days. Tomorrow's lecture subject is South Africa's role in the world.
-For dinner tonight I made a pretty less-than-satisfying chicken stir-fry. Unfortunately, I still haven't been able to pin-point exactly where things went wrong.
-Because he Jesse Thorn asked nicely and because it is one of the most engaging interviews I have heard on his show in a while (and this isn't to suggest that there has been a shortage of engaging interviews) I feel that I should mention the recently released The Sound of Young America episode that features an interview with Judd Apatow (of Hollywood fame).
The Sound of Young America
[Embedded audio]
-I guess I should try to read a few more pages of this transition to democracy/democratization stuff before I call it a night.
-In my previous post it was mentioned that today I attended a talk given by Liberal MP Siobhan Coady. I should have mentioned that this talk was one of several today given by Liberal MPs. It seems that the Globe and Mail has already reported upon the talk given by Bob Rae. As strange as I found it to be a part of a campaign-style speech, I think that I find it even stranger to have been party to a nation-wide communications strategy on the part the Liberal party.
-I have decided to go for the turkey: three public lectures in three days. Tomorrow's lecture subject is South Africa's role in the world.
-For dinner tonight I made a pretty less-than-satisfying chicken stir-fry. Unfortunately, I still haven't been able to pin-point exactly where things went wrong.
-Because he Jesse Thorn asked nicely and because it is one of the most engaging interviews I have heard on his show in a while (and this isn't to suggest that there has been a shortage of engaging interviews) I feel that I should mention the recently released The Sound of Young America episode that features an interview with Judd Apatow (of Hollywood fame).
The Sound of Young America
[Embedded audio]
-I guess I should try to read a few more pages of this transition to democracy/democratization stuff before I call it a night.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Politicking and associated activities
This morning I received a notice that Siobhan Coady, the Liberal MP for St. John's South-Mount Pearl, would be speaking about Canadian foreign policy at Dalhousie this afternoon. Though the notice was somewhat last minute I decided that the event might be entertaining and worth attending.
I can't say that things started well, as one of the first comments during Ms. Coady's introduction was to point out that we would be in for "a hopefully great presentation." Talk about a ringing endorsement.
The talk then started with a somewhat off-subject anecdote/joke about Halifax being close to God. We then quickly moved on from locally flavoured anecdotes to a range of criticisms of the current government. "Bad diplomacy" on the part of the Conservative/Harper government was blamed for Canada's failure to win a UN Security Council seat as well as the loss of Camp Mirage in the United Arab Emirates. These failures were contrasted with the proposals supported by the Liberal opposition. It was, not surprisingly, suggested that these Liberal approaches would solve many of the problems that had been previously outlined.
I guess I shouldn't forget that a few characterizations of Canada were also provided: Canada "a trading nation," Canada as the "most international society," and the acceptance of the view of Canada as a middle power (whatever that means). There was also a fair bit of stuff about Canada's tradition as a peace-keeping nation (and our current deficiencies in this regard).
All-in-all, the talk was fine and Ms. Coady was a very effective speaker. I was particularly impressed with her ability to handle the audience's questions and comments, some of which were clear attacks on Liberal policy while others were just a little harder to grasp.
That being said, to at least some extent, the talk disappointed me. I guess it was just that whole thing had much more of a campaign speech feeling than I expected. Liberal policy proposals were praised and Conservative policies criticized. I just wish that in advance I had known that that was what I was in for, though I guess this is as much my fault as anyone else's as I don't think that there is much else that I could reasonably have expected to have happened at such an event. At least I will know that the next time I head to hear a politician speak, even if the event is sponsored by an academic institution, that I should expected a partisan campaign speech.
I can't say that things started well, as one of the first comments during Ms. Coady's introduction was to point out that we would be in for "a hopefully great presentation." Talk about a ringing endorsement.
The talk then started with a somewhat off-subject anecdote/joke about Halifax being close to God. We then quickly moved on from locally flavoured anecdotes to a range of criticisms of the current government. "Bad diplomacy" on the part of the Conservative/Harper government was blamed for Canada's failure to win a UN Security Council seat as well as the loss of Camp Mirage in the United Arab Emirates. These failures were contrasted with the proposals supported by the Liberal opposition. It was, not surprisingly, suggested that these Liberal approaches would solve many of the problems that had been previously outlined.
I guess I shouldn't forget that a few characterizations of Canada were also provided: Canada "a trading nation," Canada as the "most international society," and the acceptance of the view of Canada as a middle power (whatever that means). There was also a fair bit of stuff about Canada's tradition as a peace-keeping nation (and our current deficiencies in this regard).
All-in-all, the talk was fine and Ms. Coady was a very effective speaker. I was particularly impressed with her ability to handle the audience's questions and comments, some of which were clear attacks on Liberal policy while others were just a little harder to grasp.
That being said, to at least some extent, the talk disappointed me. I guess it was just that whole thing had much more of a campaign speech feeling than I expected. Liberal policy proposals were praised and Conservative policies criticized. I just wish that in advance I had known that that was what I was in for, though I guess this is as much my fault as anyone else's as I don't think that there is much else that I could reasonably have expected to have happened at such an event. At least I will know that the next time I head to hear a politician speak, even if the event is sponsored by an academic institution, that I should expected a partisan campaign speech.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 476
-Yesterday, for the first time this year, we had a real snowfall. For better or worse, most of the remnants of this snowfall have now melted or otherwise disappeared. I presume that this means that we will now be in for more similar weather over the coming days and months.
-We managed to rather decisively lose our first Ultimate game of the new winter season. Though it wasn't our only problem, our team was not helped by a high absence rate. Hopefully more of us will turn up next week and we will be able to provide our opponents with a better game.
-The aforementioned shift towards more winter-like weather seems to have encouraged a few more mice to invade our apartment. Fortunately, aside from one that we caught a few days ago, most of the evidence that we have that these guys are living in the building comes from hearing them in the walls rather than seeing evidence of them in the apartment. I think our continued efforts to plug holes with steel wool has really helped things, though I guess I shouldn't be so confident yet.
-This afternoon Peter and I attended a talk that presented the findings of a study that examined the ways in which Dal students used the Killam Library. One of the aspects of the talk, which was quite enjoyable, that I found most interesting was that the findings of the study were not effectively integrated into the development of new library website (even though the research was conducted in a way that would provide the designers with feedback).
-We managed to rather decisively lose our first Ultimate game of the new winter season. Though it wasn't our only problem, our team was not helped by a high absence rate. Hopefully more of us will turn up next week and we will be able to provide our opponents with a better game.
-The aforementioned shift towards more winter-like weather seems to have encouraged a few more mice to invade our apartment. Fortunately, aside from one that we caught a few days ago, most of the evidence that we have that these guys are living in the building comes from hearing them in the walls rather than seeing evidence of them in the apartment. I think our continued efforts to plug holes with steel wool has really helped things, though I guess I shouldn't be so confident yet.
-This afternoon Peter and I attended a talk that presented the findings of a study that examined the ways in which Dal students used the Killam Library. One of the aspects of the talk, which was quite enjoyable, that I found most interesting was that the findings of the study were not effectively integrated into the development of new library website (even though the research was conducted in a way that would provide the designers with feedback).
Saturday, November 20, 2010
A Few Quick Notes 475
-Today has been pretty mediocre so far. So far we have had a relatively nondescript combination of grey skies, cool temperatures, and a lack of precipitation.
-Tonight is the first night of our Winter Ultimate league. As Neil has decided to sit this year out I signed up with Jeannette. For better or worse, we know no one else on our our team. I guess we will get to know them tonight.
-Last night I attended an entertaining/thought-provoking talk by Neil Brooks. The talk dealt with material covered in a book the speaker and co-author Linda McQuaig recently published called The Trouble with Billionaires. For those of you who are curious, the overarching message was definitely pro-tax.
-I have some grading to take care this weekend. I guess I might as well get down to it.
-Tonight is the first night of our Winter Ultimate league. As Neil has decided to sit this year out I signed up with Jeannette. For better or worse, we know no one else on our our team. I guess we will get to know them tonight.
-Last night I attended an entertaining/thought-provoking talk by Neil Brooks. The talk dealt with material covered in a book the speaker and co-author Linda McQuaig recently published called The Trouble with Billionaires. For those of you who are curious, the overarching message was definitely pro-tax.
-I have some grading to take care this weekend. I guess I might as well get down to it.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Attacked by logic
This evening Neil, Rebecca, Jeannette, and I attended a Dal Alumni sponsored advance screening of the latest Harry Potter movie. As the recommended time of arrival was 6:00 I had to head to the theatre directly from school, without getting a chance to eat.
Shortly after we picked up our tickets I expressed an interest in getting a burger a fast food restaurant located next to the movie theatre. Neil was keen on joining me. I guess he was also quite hungry.
Though the line-up was not very long it didn't seem to be moving particularly quickly. After a few moments of observation I figure out the hold-up - the guy in front of us was paying with spare change. Though the guy seemed to have quite a bit of change he hadn't counted it in advance so he didn't know exactly how much he had, which meant a rather belaboured counting process. After an agonizing five minute counting process the guy then had to pick up the extra change that he had dumped on the counter. The only good news is that he didn't have to wait very long for his food to arrive after he had finished paying.
Then, all of a sudden, it was our turn to order.
I quickly placed our order, three of the special promotion spicy burgers, though I requested that two be plain and one have only lettuce and cheese. We were then told that we could not order these burgers without cheese or special sauce.
What? I can't omit the most expensive ingredients from my order?
Eventually they allowed us to hold the sauce on all three burgers and transfer all three pieces cheese to a single burger. When Neil's burger eventually came out they had placed two pieces of cheese on one side of the burger and the third on the other.
As ridiculous as this outcome was, I was quite pleased to have some food before the movie.
The movie, which was pretty much what I would have expected, was fine. That they split the final book in two was definitely a bit of a bummer, though a feature of the movie for which I was at least partly prepared.
Shortly after we picked up our tickets I expressed an interest in getting a burger a fast food restaurant located next to the movie theatre. Neil was keen on joining me. I guess he was also quite hungry.
Though the line-up was not very long it didn't seem to be moving particularly quickly. After a few moments of observation I figure out the hold-up - the guy in front of us was paying with spare change. Though the guy seemed to have quite a bit of change he hadn't counted it in advance so he didn't know exactly how much he had, which meant a rather belaboured counting process. After an agonizing five minute counting process the guy then had to pick up the extra change that he had dumped on the counter. The only good news is that he didn't have to wait very long for his food to arrive after he had finished paying.
Then, all of a sudden, it was our turn to order.
I quickly placed our order, three of the special promotion spicy burgers, though I requested that two be plain and one have only lettuce and cheese. We were then told that we could not order these burgers without cheese or special sauce.
What? I can't omit the most expensive ingredients from my order?
Eventually they allowed us to hold the sauce on all three burgers and transfer all three pieces cheese to a single burger. When Neil's burger eventually came out they had placed two pieces of cheese on one side of the burger and the third on the other.
As ridiculous as this outcome was, I was quite pleased to have some food before the movie.
The movie, which was pretty much what I would have expected, was fine. That they split the final book in two was definitely a bit of a bummer, though a feature of the movie for which I was at least partly prepared.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
One day - two classic assessments of Canadian federalism
Today has been a day for reading classic works relating to Canadian federalism.
This morning I started things off by finishing off the JCPC's 1937 ruling on the Labour Conventions case. As many will recall, one of the key findings of this ruling was that
Of course, one of the classic lines from this ruling is the following:
It seems that over time our court rulings have lost the figurative language employed by the members of the JCPC in the early 20th Century. I can't imagine finding a similar passage in a current Supreme Court ruling ( though I guess it is possible that I haven't really read enough of them to know how everybody writes).
A little later in the day I moved on another, though earlier, classic text: The Durham Report. As I have read part of this report before I wasn't too surprised to come face to face with a strong assessment of the contemporary situation near the beginning of the report. Anyway, without further ado, here is one of Durham's famous, and still resonant, lines:
This morning I started things off by finishing off the JCPC's 1937 ruling on the Labour Conventions case. As many will recall, one of the key findings of this ruling was that
“the Dominion cannot, merely by making promises to foreign countries, clothe itself with legislative authority inconsistent with the constitution which gave it birth.”
Of course, one of the classic lines from this ruling is the following:
“While the ship of state now sails on larger ventures and into foreign waters she sill retains the water-tight compartments which are an essential part of her original structure.”
It seems that over time our court rulings have lost the figurative language employed by the members of the JCPC in the early 20th Century. I can't imagine finding a similar passage in a current Supreme Court ruling ( though I guess it is possible that I haven't really read enough of them to know how everybody writes).
A little later in the day I moved on another, though earlier, classic text: The Durham Report. As I have read part of this report before I wasn't too surprised to come face to face with a strong assessment of the contemporary situation near the beginning of the report. Anyway, without further ado, here is one of Durham's famous, and still resonant, lines:
“I expected to find a contest between a government and a people: I found two nations warring in the bosom of a single state : I found a struggle, not of principles, but of races; and I perceived that it would be idle to attempt any amelioration of laws or institutions until we could first succeed in terminating the deadly animosity that now separates the inhabitants of Lower Canada into the hostile divisions of French and English.”
Requested vid
A few days ago I mentioned that some new dogs have been using the grassy area outside of my window as a playpen/toilet. At the time I posted a video of some pigeons who used to use the area outside of my Montreal apartment window as a fornicatorium.
Rebecca, through the power of commenting, wondered if I might be able post a video of puppies instead of pigeons.
While I am not too interested in taking down my amazing pigeon video (which has more than a hundred views on YouTube), I am interested in acceding to the other portion of the request - meaning the provision of a puppy video.
As the dogs were back today I was able to film a portion of their play.
[Embedded video]
I presume this video was a more intense cute experience that you imagined would be possible in a 11 second video.
Rebecca, through the power of commenting, wondered if I might be able post a video of puppies instead of pigeons.
While I am not too interested in taking down my amazing pigeon video (which has more than a hundred views on YouTube), I am interested in acceding to the other portion of the request - meaning the provision of a puppy video.
As the dogs were back today I was able to film a portion of their play.
[Embedded video]
I presume this video was a more intense cute experience that you imagined would be possible in a 11 second video.
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