(lygenztia #326) Dude, I want to...really...

I wonder how debit/credit cards have affected the service industry? A good many of us no longer carry cash. That said, we all should still carry some on hand.

I travel with work, frequently. To my point...you get ready to check out of the hotel and finish packing your trimmings and trappings. Then, you dig around in your pockets and .....no cash on hand. Thus, no tip for the maid. Damn, well that sucks but at least I won't see the maid on my way out. (or at least you hope)

Valet brings around the car, helps with the bags? Again, no cash on hand for a tip. Which, of course is always followed by "the look". And you know "the look". The valet (or service person) looks right at you and smiles but is clearly transmitting "you cheap fuck".

I am guessing this phenomenon is increasing all around the world. Maybe hotels can build the tip(s) into the bill, somehow? Then, the absent minded types like me can avoid "the look".

(lygenztia #325) polishing a turd...

Like Trump, or hate him. Like Hillary, or hate her.

But, the interest generated in the political system is unprecedented, which is positive. The ratings on the debate(s)? Massive. Voter turn out? I'm willing to bet it will be the highest in U.S. history. But, when one looks at the candidates surely many Americans will be holding their nose when they close the curtain on the voting booth. Kind of like when you walk into a stinky public washroom but really, really, need to use it. It sucks, but you do what you have to do.

Hopefully, this will inspire more Americans (and Canadians) to get involved in the issues and as a result; become increasingly knowledgeable of the world around them. Too many, for too long, have ignored the political process when in fact, it is the one thing other than family and work that can directly affect our lives.

Why should this debacle inspire Canadians to get involved in the political process? Because, we watch what's going on in the world around us, more so than our American cousins, who are more insular than we are. And, we should learn from this fiasco and never let it happen here. It is sad to watch the U.S. being torn apart and come November 8th, God help us all..either way.

(lygenztia #324) It's.right.there.

The most beautiful things, are the things that are closest to us. I travel a lot and I am always trying to get the "perfect" photo.

This morning, I went out back with the dogs and stopped to look at a plant that grows over our fence. It's always been "there" and for that reason, I don't really look at it. It's just "there", if you know what I mean. This morning though, I looked at it. I really looked at it. A beautiful sprawling green vine, with glowing white blooms....contrasting with the weathered wood fence. And when the light bounces off it just right, the light pokes through the flowers like a thousand laser beams. Gorgeous.

So, there you have it...beautiful things aren't always at the other end of a plane ride. Beautiful things are all around us; we just have to remember to look at them. Usually, I attach a photo to accompany my nonsensical whimsy. But, this time it is not the plant I looked at in the back yard. I intentionally chose not to attach a photo of the actual plant, because you have already formed a mental picture based on my description and who am I to change that?

(lygenztia #323) Can I be King...........

I recently saw a story in the Toronto Star reporting on some sailors that became stranded on a remote, uninhabited island. Well, I got to thinking...how many islands like this exist and who actually owns them?

What if I just went to one of these uninhabited islands, set up my hut and called myself the King of that island? Like, can I do that?? I checked on-line and there actually are islands that are un-claimed in the oceans of the earth.

I'm not saying I want to bail on family and loved ones, but the thought of laying on the beach, fishing and eating mangoes every day does provoke some introspective thought. I don't think I would need a military and my system of governance would consist of "Thou shalt not be an asshole on my island". I would definitely need to learn how to make my own mango alcohol, so that would be a consideration prior to setting sail for my kingdom.

I think I would bring solar power panels, a complete library of e-books, a guitar and some music for my portable speaker. (Hey, I will have solar power...i'm not saying I will be living like Robinson Crusoe)

In my research, I came across this article describing how you can set up your own island kingdom. http://howtobuyaprivateisland.com/starting-your-own-country/ It's a good read.

Thinking about it.....I think it could work. Now, I just gotta find my island and hope Gilligan hasn't already claimed it.

(lygenztia #322) What hunting means to me...

I hunt. No apologies. If you don't like it, stop reading and remember this; I never asked you to read this anyway.

Hunting is slowly going the way of the do-do in this country and that's too bad. Hunting is a lot of things, other than taking down game. Hunting is getting together with the boys every year, getting out in the woods and being one with nature.

But, it is also a lot of other things. Like, visiting other camps and seeing how the other guys are doing. It's sitting down with the old timers and listening to the same stories they've told for the last 30 years and loving every minute of it. It's dividing up the work and co-operation. It's co-existing in small environs and farting wherever and whenever you want.

The morning is always the same...everyone stumbling around, excited and anxiously waiting for first light and the sun to burn the frost off. Then, there is some beer involved at the end of the day. Beer, the great equalizer. Big, hot meal after a day in the bush..a warm fireplace, a few beers and sleep comes quickly.

Some would call sitting in the woods and being quiet all day "boring". Only a hunter can understand, it's one of the best ways to spend a day. Listening, thinking, relaxing and watching birds and squirrels. And when you hear a deer coming in, words cannot describe.

Like Luke Bryan sings "huntin, fishin, lovin every day".

(lygenztia #321) Can someone tell how this whole "Jesus" thing works....

I was leaving the gym the other day and noticed my old neighbour's truck blocking the entire parking lot. It was situated in such a way that you had to drive all the way around to the other exit...all so he could park his truck closer to the doors. (There were other parking spots available).

What's the big deal, you ask? It's just another selfish jerk, the world is full of them, you say. Well, here's the kicker...when we used to be neighbours he went to great length to make sure that everyone knew that he and his wife were devout church-goers. Always mentioning the usual religion, Jesus and pious stuff. God definitely liked them way better than the rest of the neighbourhood. (Well, at least in his opinion).

Good to have faith, but what about them darn commandments? There are a few that spring to the mind of the great unwashed like me; "do unto others" "love thy neighbour" you know, the usual stuff. So, given those commandments (to name a few) and all of his church learning one would think he wouldn't be so inconsiderate? I know the Ten Commandments don't specifically say "thou shalt not be a selfish prick and block the gym parking lot" but to me, it is kind of inferred. (And, I don't even go to church).

I don't know Jesus, never met him. But I know, he would NEVER do this, I just do. Further, I would never do this and I don't even go to church. In my mind, I don't need someone to preach to me that I shouldn't be a prick...

Hypocrisy is defined as:

"the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense.
synonyms: dissimulation, false virtue, cant, posturing, affectation, speciousness, empty talk, insincerity, falseness, deceit, dishonesty, mendacity, pretense, duplicity"

(lygenztia #320) Gettin pucks deep.....

I was watching World Cup of Hockey coverage the other day and they showed a player interview. As I watched, I laughed as I thought about the player's "comments". North American players (Canadian and U.S.) appear to take great pride in saying nothing during a media interview. Oh, they speak...but they say nothing. For example:

Media question - "How does the defence look for the tournament?"
North American player - "Well, we just gotta get pucks deep."

Media question - "Do you have any concerns with the injury to your starting goalie?"
North American player - "Well, we just gotta stick to our game plan."

Media question - "Do you think the veterans will have a leadership impact on the roster?"
North American player - "Well, we just gotta go out there and play our game."

I don't know why they do this, or when it started. To be certain, hockey players are humble, honourable and (for the most part) "non-complex" athletes. That's a good thing and that's why we love them.

But, just once I would love to hear one of the players actually answer the questions posed by the media. For example:

Media question - "How does the defence look for the tournament?"
North American player - "Oh ya, its gonna be the best defence in the world. Kick ass. Get that into ya."

Media question - "Do you have any concerns with the injury to your starting goalie?"
North American player - "Well, we are freaking out, but we got wicked good doctors and we have our fingers crossed."

Media question - "Do you think the veterans will have a leadership impact on the roster?"
North American player - "What do you think? Of course they will...what a stupid question. Pick up a stick someday, Eugene."

Now that would be an interview. But, I don't think you will ever hear those answers.

(lygenztia *319) Oh, just out for a walk.....

So, a Canadian (Joshua Boyle) and his American wife (Caitlin Coleman) were kidnapped by the taliban in Afghanistan. They have been held by the taliban since 2012.

Sounds horrific and dastardly, right? Well, here's the rub; I read the story and it appears these folks were out for a leisurely stroll or "hiking" in an unsafe part of Afghanistan. A snippet of the story goes as follows:

"Before their kidnapping, Boyle and Coleman had recently finished a six-month stint travelling across Central America, often visiting remote communities and staying with local families. They were planning another trip backpacking across Russia and Central Asia. Their last communication before being seized was from a town near Kabul that Boyle described to his family as an “unsafe” part of Afghanistan."

Oh, in another odd twist to the story, Joshua Boyle used to be married to Omar Khadr's sister. Yes, that Omar Khadr.

Now, i'm not saying that poor Josh was up to something and I also ain't Dick Tracy, but something is very, very odd here. Further, I am not aware of any sane, or well-meaning person that wants to go "hiking" in the unstable parts of Afghanistan. (unless of course, you live in, or are from Afghanistan) There are an infinite number of beautiful, interesting, inspiring places to hike in this beautiful planet. But, he chose to explore unstable, taliban controlled zones in Afghanistan? hmmmmm......

When you walk into the lion's den, you risk getting eaten and I think Josh et al are soon going to be dinner. Just sayin......

(lygenztia *318) A storm approacheth

There are many ways we can face an impending storm:

Fear
Excitement
Interest
Indifference


How you prepare for it, and face it, defines who you are. The storm doesn't have to be weather, the storm can come in many forms. Life is full of storms and we don't always know when the storm approacheth. That said, when we see the storm coming...we make the choice on how we are going to face it.

Storms need not be negative, or scary. Storms can be opportunity. Embrace the storm and it will embrace you.

Excitement, for me....that's the way to go.

Reminded me of an old quote:

(lygenztia *317) Just when you think some people can't sink any lower...someone digs the hole just a bit deeper

To begin with, I have no issue with handicapped designated parking spaces and the accompanying permit. Fantastic concept. It promotes inclusion and eases the burden for people who already have enough struggles.

That said, the abuse of these special parking permits and parking spaces has become so prolific that I wonder if they carry any benefit to the people that actually need the permits? I see the abuse everywhere....people at GO Train parking lots, for starters. They have the permit, so they can park up front. Funny though, some of them....when their train arrives after the work day, they run to their car to get out of the lot first. LSE riders know what i'm talking about. So, that's the inappropriate use of the permit part. There are a million other examples...check out a busy mall or TTC lot sometime and you'll see what I mean.

The next types are the inconsiderate, degenerate non-permit holders that use handicapped spaces. Walmart has a Tim Horton's inside which is close to handicapped designated spaces. I try to avoid Walmart, but it seems like whenever I am there I see some cigarette smoking sack of shit pull in to one of the spaces, then sprint out for their Timmie's. The same holds true for Tim Horton's restaurants...watch the parking lot when they are busy. The handicapped spaces will be occupied by some inconsiderate jerk without a permit that doesn't want to park too far from the door.

And, don't give me that "maybe they forgot their permit" bullshit. You and I both know these types aren't disabled, they are degenerates.

But, the absolute worst? There are people that fraudulently produce "fake" permits. I can't make this stuff up, folks. There are people out there that will make fake permits, to take a space from a person that actually needs it, just so they can park closer.

I, for one, would like to see penalties increased to levels that are the most severe in the world. Be the leader on this....set the example. The following are my suggestions:

Misuse of a handicapped permit? Suspension of your license for one year.
Using a handicapped space without a permit? Vehicle impounded for 30 days + $1000.00 fine.
Fraudulent permit? Suspension of your license for one year. Vehicle forfeited to the Crown.


That'll learn ya.

+UPDATE+

Another sack of shit loser:
http://www.cp24.com/news/woman-charged-in-assault-of-parking-enforcement-officer-1.3049279

(lygenztia #316) We were lucky to have had "less"........

We didn't get told to get outside....we got told what time to be home when we couldn't wait to get outside.

We didn't get "time outs"...we got the wooden spoon or fly-swatter.

We didn't get "lunchables"...we got peanut butter, or bologna sandwiches

We didn't chase Pokemon....we chased butterflies and fireflies.

We didn't "beat the game"....we caught tadpoles by the train tracks.

We didn't get told to eat our vegetables...we raided gardens.

We didn't play "Call of Duty" for hours on end....we played "guns" til we got hungry, then went home.

We didn't challenge each other with our Xbox's...we had dirt bomb fights.

We didn't play with high tech flight simulators....we rode mini bikes.

We didn't get a new bicycle every year....we fixed our old ones. (ourselves)

We didn't gang up on other kids on Facebook....we argued face to face; sometimes we fought, but then we all played together the next day.

We didn't hide in the basement in front of a gaming console.....we played hide and seek until the street lights came on.

We never knew anything about terrorism....we sure as Hell knew the fear of nuclear war.

We didn't do crack....we drank in fields with liquor we stole from our parents.

We didn't give a shit what clothes you had on.....we wore our older brothers and sisters hand me downs.

We didn't swim at the city pool...we swam in swimming holes we made in the creek.

We didn't go to a youth drop in centre....we built forts in the woods and smoked cigarettes we stole from our parents.

We didn't choose our family meals....we were told "eat it, or starve". (none of us did)

We didn't play supervised laser tag...we made our own slingshots.

We didn't fight over the remote...we fought over who would turn the rotor.

We didn't shop at fancy clothing stores....we went to the Biway or Bargain Harolds.

We didn't go home and blame the teacher when we got in trouble....we would do anything to get out of the dreaded teacher call to our home.



Without a doubt, we were the last great Generation.

(lygenztia #315) Stop.....and just look

I recently read an article on the Monarch Butterfly that described how their numbers are in serious decline.

I had never thought about it prior the article...but then I remembered how as a child we would play in the fields and see the Monarch's in the Milkweeds. We called the field the "Devil's Triangle" because we were pretty sure some kids went missing there one time. At least, that's what we heard. We would play there, catch Monarch's and get that yellow "powder" from their wings on our fingers. I don't know if the smell was from the Milkweed of the Monarch, but I do recall that smell very clearly. It's funny how a smell (like a song) can trigger a memory.

Yesterday, while waiting for a train at Union Station I actually saw a Monarch Butterfly fluttering against a building near the tracks. Instead of glancing, I watched it as long as I could....never taking my eyes off it. The irony did not escape me, here was a Monarch in the "big city" yet I don't see them anymore in my town. (which is very, very close to farming and orchard activity)

Maybe with the busy nature of present day life, I just wasn't noticing or looking for the beautiful Monarch. Or maybe more remnants of my childhood memories are slowly leaving our planet. Either way, the prospect of both made me sad and served as a reminder to myself to look, notice and appreciate the things around me.

I like to hope that "nowadays" kids are still going out and chasing Monarchs in the Milkweeds.

http://www.durhamregion.com/opinion-story/6820140-monarch-butterfly-becoming-a-rare-sight-in-durham/

(lygenztia #314) Oh ya, but wait till you hear this!!

Is there anything worse than the one-upper?

C'mon we all know the guy or girl that does this. You try to relay a story, or experience and they do one of two things:

1) They interrupt you mid-stream to tell you their experience was way better.
or
2) They are not even listening to you, having already decided how they will "one-up" you and are only waiting for you to finish talking.

They do this because they lack social skills, or are insecure or are inconsiderate. And usually, it's "all of the above".

There is no cure for the one-upper. No sense trying....just roll with it and when you get the chance switch the conversation, then quickly move to somebody else.

The one-upper won't care, because they've already claimed a new victim in the conversation they took over when you left.

(lygenztia #313 ) Linked...in relation to my life

Ever go to Linkedin and check out people with the same name as yourself? It's enlightening, saddening and funny all at once. And, NO it is not creepy.

When you survey the like named souls you tend to compare yourself with them (well, at least I do), even though you've likely never met them. Some are very successful, some....not so much, and some....are bizarre. Not gonna lie, I am a little envious of some of my Linkedin "dopplegangers".

As for some of the others, please let me preface the next sentence by saying there is value in all employment. That said, if I was a "Team Member" at the local Kwik-E-Mart I probably wouldn't put that on Linkedin. Just saying....

But hey, who knows...maybe they are aspiring to greatness too, just taking their own route.

Anyway, i'm glad to be somewhere in the middle of the other Linkedin "me's".

(lygenztia *312) Beyond help...but sure needing it

I am not a Rhodes Scholar; but, I do know how to help myself and how to do things on my own. It's a wonderful gift my parents gave me back in the day when kids had to figure things out on their own.

I recently sent an article about back pain I saw in Sports Illustrated to.....we will say "Mr. X". The article detailed a very basic exercise using a lacrosse ball. I genuinely wanted to help, as I new Mr. X was in genuine discomfort.

Their response?
"Do you have a lacrosse ball?"
"Where can I get a lacrosse ball?"
"Do you think this will work?"
"Would my chiro think this is OK?"

So, they can't even take the initiative to get a ball and research a bit. Better that I do all that for them, I guess. But here's the rub...it ain't my back that hurts. Anyway, I have a feeling their back is gonna hurt for a long time.

I recently sent a job ad to a buddy that I knew as looking for a job in that particular field. The link was detailed and actually included a separate job description. I genuinely wanted to help, as I new he was looking for employment in that field.

Their response?
"Do you know about the job?"
"Do you have any contacts that work there?"
"Where is the job located?"
"Will they let me work from home?"
"How much does it pay"
"Do you have a cover letter I can borrow"


Answers are no, no, I dunno, I dunno, read the effing job ad....no. If you can't even take the initiative to research the job (on your own) then well, good luck to ya mate. But, I have a feeling they will be searching for awhile.

Anyway, if you don't already.....learn to help yourself. It will go a long way to personal success and happiness.

(lygenztia *311) Have a beer, Johnny....

When did it change? When did parents start taking young children to pubs and bars? I don't recall this taking place when my kids were young???

Taking your kids out to dinner, is awesome....great family time. But a pub, or bar patio? WTF? All the other adults are drinking and talking "adult talk" and you want to expose your children to that?

Now to be clear, i'm not talking about Restaurants. I'm talking about places and times when the place is clearly a "drinking establishment".

It's kinda sad, you look over and mom and dad are sitting there swilling down pints while Junior chews on a carrot stick...all the while loud music is playing, or tvs are blaring, patrons are talking loudly and carrying on. Whats even more sad, is when the child does not appear alarmed, because this setting is common place.

If you want to have kids, awesome. Have kids. But if you want to continue your teen/twenties drinking at the bar days, why the Hell did you have kids at that age? Make no mistake mom and dad, when you do this other people do not think it's "cute". You are being noticed by others, you are being judged..and you are being criticized.

(lygenztia *310) Little bitty...........it really is the little things

It is amazing how the smallest gestures can make your day. This morning I was driving to work (still half asleep) and listening to the radio. I noticed a truck beside me slowing down and speeding up, so I looked over. Turns out it was an old friend of mine, off to work as well and he was trying to get my attention.

So, after I finally notice him and look over....he proceeds to make the goofiest face ever and then tears off down the highway.

Needless to say, I laughed my head off. My old friend took the time to slow down, wait until he got my attention...and all so he could make a funny face at me and make me smile.

Awesome. Its the little things that sometimes mean the most, folks.

Have a great day!

(lygenztia *309) The boys (and girls) of summer.....

For those of us with teenage children, or adult children there are certain indicators of summer that are more reliable than the Farmers Almanac. Whether our little darlings are home from College or University, or on summer break from High School, there are the sure signs that summer is here.

What are those signs you ask? Well, they can't be found in nature, but they can be found in basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms. This list of signs is not exhaustive and is a relatively small sampling size:

-the "empty fridge" which comes with the call of "there's nothing to eat"
-piles of laundry that make Mount Everest look like a mole hill
-recycle cans/bottles on the counter that were going to be put in the blue bin when they "get time"
-piles of dishes that are roughly the height of the CN Tower again, to be washed when they "get time"
-empty food boxes can now be found in the pantry. Like really, there's no sense throwing that out, is there?
-plates of old food can now be found under couches and beds
-video games can be heard at 2:00AM on a work night as they scream "quietly"
-cars can suddenly disappear....not to be seen for hours and always returned on "Empty"

Yes, these are the tell tale signs of summer. I'm sure there are more....but I don't want to upset the delicate balance of nature and the change of seasons. I guess, in the end it's all very trivial...it's nice to have your "kids" around and its nice when your "kids" want to be around you. Yep, our kids will tell us they are big wheels at the Cracker factory, but for whatever reason, they can't recycle a cracker box.

(lygenztia *308) Bumper cars.....

Have you even seen a bumper sticker on a car and immediately knew that you and the driver could or could not be friends? The type of sticker a person places on their vehicle tells you everything about their personality. For example, the following is a small sampling:

"Baby on board" = Pretentious yuppy.
"Keep Calm and Chive on" = Cool dude/dudette and...we can be friends.
"dont text and drive" = Judgemental dickhead (yes, I know texting and drive is bad, but I don't need lectures about it from a sticker)
"wear your seatbelt" = Knob. 'nuff said.
"my other car is a ferrari" = The guy everybody avoids at a party.
"the best things in life aren't things" = Probably, someone with a crummy job pretending they are totally ok with it.
"i'm only speeding because I have to poop" = Confident, can laugh at themselves. We can be friends.
"Help! Mom farted and we can't get out" = Now, that's just hilarious. We can be friends.

Think about it. Next time you see a bumper sticker; read it and then take a look at the driver. It will tell you more than a psychological assessment conducted by a qualified medical practitioner.

#KCCO

(lygenztia *307) Agape...and agog?

Why do some people walk about with their mouth wide open? It's why we have lips, folks. That way, we can close our mouth when not breathing heavy, talking or eating.

Is it that hard to keep your jaw closed? Oh, too much effort, you say?...I guess their thinking is "i'll just give in to gravity, let my jaw drop and catch flies in my mouth whenever I am outside".

It's just plain weird. Opening you mouth is swell for kissing, eating, breathing heavy, drinking beer, talking...but not cool for walking around in public.

Shut it.

(lygenztia *306) Better than Christmas

First off, if you don't like Rib Fest we can't be friends and I want you off my blog. Now.

Now that the terms of engagement have been set....

I LOVE Rib Fest. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.....

1) No preparation required...show up; eat and drink
2) No planning required...show up; eat and drink
3) Spending time with good friends and family; eat and drink
4) Seeing old friends you haven't seen in a while and then with them; eat and drink
5) Enjoying the sense of community you experience while there and then; eat and drink
6) Knowing the profits go back to your community projects through the Rotary Club which makes me want to; eat and drink
7) Listening to local bands, some of which have gone on the become music stars all while you; eat and drink
8) No clean up required afterwards just; eat and drink
9) Watching families (young and old) have a great time as they; eat and drink

Typically, we walk up (NO DRINKING AND DRIVING FOLKS) and wind through the various streets. Always interesting, people are out on their front lawns talking about Rib Fest, waving at strangers as they walk by. Everyone knows its Rib Fest time and it always seems to put everyone in a good mood.

Yup, Rib Fest. Better than Christmas.

(lygenztia *305) Travel buddies!

My significant other and I do a fair bit of travelling. Sometimes, we travel in a large group, sometimes with another couple and sometimes just the two of us.

When you travel in a large group, everyone is familiar and you are very comfortable in your surroundings. You tend to "stick together" in a pack. So, you tend to meet few "travel buddies".

When you are in a small group, you tend to meet more "travel buddies". I think this is because you appear more approachable to other travelers.

When you are travelling with "just" your spouse (or significant other) you always meet other people. Why? Well, that one is easy...you want to expand the conversation. (unless, you are that "weird couple" on the bus ride to the resort that everyone avoids)

At the resort you meet the nicest people (because alcohol makes everyone cool) have the best time ever and spend the week getting closer to your "travel buddies". Next, of course you exchange e-mail and Facebook, Twitter, etc.

That's where it gets funny, because lets's be honest here...after the return plane lands you never hear from your "travel buddies" again. Oh, you might creep each others Facebook, but that's about it. And, that's ok. It's kind of like that cute person you dated in the summer years ago, but then you broke up when you went off to school.

Good times, great memories....but some things should stay where they were.

(lygenztia *304) Ooooh...i'm so mad

Why do men that ride Harley Davidson motorcycles always snarl and frown when they ride their bikes? The bikes are beautiful (but sometimes all too loud), so why get all pissy pants angry when riding? I thought riding motorcycles was fun and....enjoyable.

If you ever see a Harley rider at an intersection, they will have a great big frown on their face. Maybe, they are trying to look "bad to the bone". Maybe they are angry at how much they paid for their motorcycle. If you watch, you will notice that motorcycle riders on other makes of bikes don't drive around grimacing and frowning.

I dunno, I don't get it.

So, turn that frown upside down Charlie Brown. You don't need to convince the rest of us that you are tough, or scary. Your fancy leather chaps already scream out everything we need to know about you.

(lygenztia *303) Don't bug me, i'm on the phone.

What did people do before cell phones when they sat at a bar or pub whilst unaccompanied? The watering hole has long been a gathering of the eclectic, eccentric and ebullient. The opportunity for raw conversation is inveterate and everywhere.

But what do we do now? We bury our faces in our phone. Most people go to the pub in search of conversation, some form of companionship and hopefully a laugh or two. Often, the beer is just a secondary diversion...and a good one at that. Next time you are at the pub, have a look around.....every single person (male or female) that is alone will have their face buried in their phone. I think, it's a method many of us utilize to appear relevant and to appear as if they are "not alone". By being on the phone you are silently screaming out to others "I HAVE FRIENDS, I KNOW PEOPLE, THEY JUST AREN'T HERE RIGHT NOW".

I get that approaching others for conversation can be intimidating, even daunting for some. But, if you make the effort to go to the pub, you should be able to make the effort to hear someone else's story, or, tell them yours. It's way better than playing Candy Crush on your phone while trying intently to appear relevant.

(lygenztia *302) See, I just did it! (and you missed it)

I frequently use brackets when I write. The "best" writers say you should never use brackets. (why, I do not exactly know) Well, I am not a great writer...I am (arguably) not even a "good" writer. But alas, I digress. (I stole that quote)

I suspect experts advise you should not make use of brackets as you may be planting leading thoughts into the mind of the reader. The idea being the writer should instead provide clear suggestive literary ideation, so the reader can form their own mental picture. (either way, I don't care)

For my part, I am reviving the use of bracket. They have been over-looked for far too long. You read my stuff, i'll provide you with bracket use and in doing so.....i'll tell you what to think. Or, you could read the "good" writers (although my writing is "free" of charge) that follow the writing rules.

(Just remember, my writing is free)

(lygenztia *301) Mmmmmm.....new and "improved"

I always wonder when I'm shopping and come across a can of soup that says "improved recipe" or "new recipe". Now, to be fair I am a soup guy. Love the soup.

When the label says "new" and/or "improved recipe" does that imply the old recipe sucked? What if we liked the old recipe, which is why we have bought that product for the last 20 years?

Who decided the new soup is "better" anyway? The canned soup expert? If the expert is that smart, they would likely make their own soup anyway and wouldn't mess around with the canned stuff. If canned soup makers choose to come out with actual "new" soup flavours that's awesome. For example "Cream of Fiddleheads". I've never seen that, it would be "new" and it would be awesome.

So, unless it's really and truly a new flavour don't mess with our soup.

(lygenztia *300) I have fought the good fight, but alas I surrender to...... gravity?

When you are an adult male and you wear track pants in public, you have completely given up on outward appearances and dignity. I am not talking about wearing track pants while outside doing house chores, like putting out the recycle. Or, actually putting track pants on in order to go to the gym or in pursuit of some other athletic endeavour.

I am talking about wearing track pants in public, as your attire. This is never "ok", with the exception of the aforementioned caveats. Now look, I am certainly not a fitness model, nor do I have the comely looks of a movie star so this isn't about appearances...it's about effort.

Track pants are basically pyjama bottoms, except they are marketed as "track pants". It should be noted; men that wear track pants in public never go to the track. (except to bet on the ponies) When you wear your track pants in public, you basically make the following statement to the world "I can't even bother putting pants on, it's just to much work. I'm going to go with the track pants option. It's easier"

The other issue with track pants, is they sometimes provide a view to the public that is.....ahem, "revealing". As men age, parts of the male body surrender to their battle with gravity. Other people do not wish to be witness to the outcome of that battle.

Cover up, fellas. Put on some jeans.

(lygenztia #299) Move your damn arm!

The console in any vehicle should be the one domain and area which belongs exclusively to the driver. ("me")

Why the heck does the passenger insist on leaning on the console, when the DRIVER needs access to the console? My first thought is always "oh, i'm sorry does my operating this 4,500 pound vehicle while you do nothing somehow interfere with your comfort?"
Move your bloody arm and get the Hell off my console. I need in there, don't you know?

AND....., while I am at it;

Why in the heck does the passenger always want access to MY console when they are in my truck? None of their stuff is in my console, but passengers always want to look in it. NO! Stay out. It's my console and my stuff.

It's like the unwritten rule that says you are not supposed to go into another persons underwear drawer. It's just understood that you don't do that. Nobody needs to tell you, you just know.

Same for my truck console. Stay the Hell out of it and OFF of it.

(lygenztia #298) I'm all warm and fuzzy....

I recently started a petition on Change.org with the intent of helping to save the last remaining building from the famous Canadian "Camp X".

Camp X is one of my favourite topics and when the chance came along to help preserve the building, I jumped on it. It's the least I could do, especially when you consider that others have done, given and sacrificed so much.

The petition really amazed me and showed me how positive social media can be, despite its pratfalls. Word spread as far as Europe and people signed on. People from literally all over the world were signing the the petition. Many people left insightful, positive comments on the petition and seemed to have some attachment to the cause, in one way or another. Now, I may have been helped by the popularity of the CBC show "X-Company" but that's ok; i'm happy to piggy back on their success.

What struck me most was the power of social media when it is engaged in positive manner. I am not naive, nor am I unaware of trends and "activity" in the cyber world. Quite the opposite; I guess I just see too much negative and forgot about the positive potential. At any rate, it is refreshing to see the cyber world doesn't have to be nefarious and nebulous. It reminded me social media can be refreshing, restoring and actually has the power to bring us closer, despite being continents away from eachother.

I am not sure if I have any actual readers, but just in case....if you are interested in helping to save the last remaining Camp X building click on the following link:

https://www.change.org/p/the-city-of-oshawa-and-the-town-of-whitby-save-the-last-remaining-camp-x-building-help-preserve-our-proud-canadian-heritage

(lygenztia #297) Why oh why?

I just don't get it.

Despite some of my silly rants, I genuinely like (most) people. I also recognize my numerous shortcomings and my own complete and utter lack of perfection. That said, why in the **&&## must people park beside my truck when I go out of my way to park as far away from other vehicles as possible?

I do this out of courtesy because my truck is large. It's large, it blocks other drivers view and also makes parking tight. I do not park far away because I am afraid some cretin will damage my truck. That's what insurance is for.

It's actually a gesture of consideration on MY part.
Do people do this because they want to intentionally irritate the other vehicle's owner?
Do people do this because they want to be cool, like me? (I said I wan't perfect, I never said I wasn't cool)
Do people do this because they think this is the only spot left? (scary, but possible)
Do people do this because they want to follow the actions of others, like a sheep?

Tell me...Why, oh why? Because, I sure as Hell don't know.

(lygenztia #296) Limp Bizkit knew stuff.....

Limp Bizkit does a fantastic, rowdy, pump up song called "break stuff". And that song also carries some very therapeutic advice, my friends.

Had me a minor melt down last week. Too much stress, too many demands, too many tasks....

Stress, can be like water in a glass. The glass, despite convex meniscus will only hold so much water. Even one drop can cause the water to spill over. One tiny little drop.

Ergo, your "stress glass" when too full at any given time has the potential to overflow. Overflow can happen, despite our best efforts at managing the stress. (water) Just last week, my glass went one drop too many due to my cell phone and the accompanying messages it had for me. Solution? See Limp Bizkit and the song Break Stuff and it will be a good indicator of the life of the aforementioned phone.

Oh yes, i'll get another phone. But...destroying that phone and the stress (water drops) it carried with it at the time, was money well spent. If anyone requires a similar treatment for their phone, give me a call and i'll be happy to help. Have sledge, will travel.

But, you'll have to wait until I replace my phone to call me. Just saying.....

(lygenztia #295) Ain't happening.....

It's April 10th. April freaking tenth.

And, what can we expect today? Snow and freezing rain. Well that's just swell. I'm putting the entire world on notice that I am not shoveling my driveway, or sidewalk. Nope. No way. Nada. Nyet. Nature can deal with this debacle in it's own unique way. I'll walk in it, i'll shiver in it, i'll slip in it...Hell, I will even brush it off my truck windows. But I will be damned if I shovel in April and further, not one day prior to the upcoming December in the Year of our Lord, 2016.

Oh and for you folks that say "oh, I just love the snow" well; my rejoinder to you is "Winter lovers are sadists".

Old Man Winter, go away. Now.

(lygenztia #294) Helloooooo in there.....

The public/work/restaurant washroom toilet stall is a place that none of us would prefer to be. Let's face it, most people (at least the normal ones) would prefer to take care of business within the confines of their own domicile. I don't think anyone would begrudge me that point of order.

Perhaps this is due in part to the "door puller". Now, i'm not sure if the "door puller" phenomenon takes place in the female washrooms because I don't use them, or go in there. The "door puller" is an odd sort, to say the least and typically appears when you least want them to. You know how it goes; you're comfortably seated...well at least as comfortable as you can be with your pants down in foreign confines and the "pull" comes.

Being imposed on you cough, you clear your throat, you end up saying "hello" in hopes the door puller will go away. But, they try the door again. What the Hell, man? Once they try the door once and it's locked is that not an incredibly strong indicator that the stall is in use by another person? What, exactly, is the "door puller's" thought process anyway? Do they think to themselves "if I pull enough on this locked door, it may open and it may happen that nobody is actually in the stall". Is that what they are thinking? I sure as Hell don't know but the next time it happens to me, I plan to say (loudly) "Phew, glad you showed up...can you go find me a hacksaw please?"

Chances are, they won't return to pull the door as they run out of the washroom.

(lygenztia #STS-103) Camp X

I went for a walk yesterday to explore Camp X and take some photos. I wish it wouldn't have been so darn cold, but the excitement of walking in the same fields where secret agents also walked in the 1940's warmed my blood quickly. I won't go into the history of Camp X here (aka "STS 103"), because I can't do it justice. But briefly....Camp X was the first "secret agent" training school on North American soil. Camp X is rife with local history along with Canadian, British and American WWII history. Some great books have been written on the subject by skilled and dedicated researchers. The CBC series X Company is based on the legendary Camp X and is a great show.

When you walk the fields of Camp X, you can't help but wonder what it was like for the agents that trained there. You find yourself standing by a tree and thinking to yourself "I wonder if an agent ever leaned on that tree?". You walk on the beach and imagine the agents scaling the small bluff and doing exercises in the cold, rough waters of Lake Ontario. You can't help but picture the past in your mind, the experience of being on the old Camp X grounds just takes over your imagination. I picked up a few rocks on the beach and thought to myself, "I wonder how many agents walked on this rock?"

Camp X has been closed for decades, but like many that have explored there before me I still found myself looking closely for artifacts as I walked the fields and beach. Constantly imagining to myself "wouldn't it be cool if i found something...."

I didn't find anything to take with me. But the experience left me with something that i'll never forget.

(lygenztia #293) The "Baconator"......

My colleague and I recently had occasion to stay in a hotel in our Nations capital. The hotel offered a buffet, quite a lovely and dignified affair and not the type of event where one would fill their pockets with peanut butter packets for lunches, or have taken ketchup packets for the console of your car.

Smoked salmon, capers, gourmet cheese, linen napkins...you know the scene; gotta wear your big boy pants.

Anyway, we notice a baconator. They (note-androgynous term) stalk the bacon container with the stealth of a coyote stalking a roadrunner. We decide to watch and observe...

The baconator makes 7 trips to the buffet table. Seven. Seven trips. My colleague and I are hardly fitness models, yet even we are aware that numerous visits to the bacon container will not go un-noticed and may be viewed with disdain by other patrons. It was an odd scene, but "judge not lest ye be judged" and all that kind of rhetoric.

I love bacon, but damn, where the heck do you put 7 trips worth? They (again, androgynous term) must have known we and all of the other patrons noticed the multiple attacks on the bacon. Of course......we were all in awe.

Bacon. It has the power to make us do unusual things.

(lygenztia #292) Was your stay ok, Sir?

Why do you have to check out of some hotels? You check in with your credit card, they have placed a hold on your card. It's done. But some hotel chains want to see you in the morning to "check out". It is such nonsense, especially when you have to get on the road early.

Yep, 05:10AM and the Hotel Staff wants to engage you in a dialogue which includes:
"Was your stay ok?" (Me thinking..well, if it wasn't you would have heard long before this.)
"Would you like to join our rewards program?" (Me thinking...leave me alone, gotta go.)
"If you fill out our online survey, you may win his and hers pencil sharpeners" (Me thinking...leave me alone, gotta go.)
"Would you like a printed receipt, or an e-mailed receipt?" (Me thinking...leave me alone, gotta go.)

It's even better when the group checking out ahead of you consists of an entire Peewee Hockey Team that stayed over for a tournament. Coaches, parents and players ALL standing in the lobby area. This should only take about an hour.

I don't know, I don't get it. You have my credit card, slip the receipt under the door at 03:00AM and let me be on my way. Incidentals? Charge my card. Easy-peasy.

I can see it if someone paid cash and in that case, there may be incidentals. But let's face it, major hotel chains require a credit card and I don't typically stay at the Norman Bates Motel nor do I stay at the, ahem, "hourly rate" Have-a-Nap type motels. (which I assume, LOVE cash only, but that's just a guess)

As far as the hotel staff goes, i'm sure you're lovely but please put my receipt under the door and...Leave me alone, gotta go.

(lygenztia #291) It's the most wonderful time of the year.....

Oh yes, it's that magical time. The Easter Holiday weekend. For some a four day holiday, for some its business as usual.

For our part we always host the family dinners at our abode. Stressful times indeed....
Mother in Law comes over sporting the dessert she always brings (which costs about 73 cents to make) and then stands in the way in the kitchen the entire time.
Father in Law comes over usually a bit later and brings way too much, always overly generous. (Oh sorry, confused? Father in Law and Mother in Law have been separated for years and years.)

Now Mother in Law had another son with her subsequent husband who, sadly, is no longer with us.(may he rest in peace) So, sometimes we are graced with the presence of her son; "Mr. X". Mr. X is a boor, a rude know it all with a lengthy list of failures, but he is quick to point out his superior intelligence and knowledge of all things important. Mr. X never brings anything, never helps with anything, makes others uncomfortable and becomes belligerent when he drinks. Yes, he's a charm.

Probably my favourite at the conclusion of these tense, awkward dinners is when Mother in Law and Mr. X want to take food home with them. (yes, MY food) It is ironic they have no issue with bringing almost nothing with them except their socially inept ways and then they want to take food home with them. (I no longer allow it) Her familiar refrain "oh, I won't have to cook all week". Mr. X makes a comments like "well the turkey isn't as good as I would make, but I guess it'll do for lunches".
Footnote - Mr. X has never actually cooked a turkey and work for him is a concept akin to playing video games.

To endure these events, I usually drink a bottle(s) of wine and copious beer. (which I hide from Mr. X, because while he is very talented and drinking and becoming belligerent, he is not as talented at actually supplying his own alcohol)

All the while, Father in Law watches and in his classy way never lets them get to him and is always congenial for the sake of the dinner.
That said, I bet when he leaves he thinks to himself. "Thank God Easter and Christmas only comes once a year".


http://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-in-Laws-During-the-Holidays

(lygenztia #290) Fork you.....ferrum comedere

How come we freak out if we drop a fork on the floor at a restaurant? We all do it at home from time to time and nobody calls 9-1-1.

Ever notice that? We are at a restaurant, we drop a fork (or whatever damn utensil) and we look at the garcon' as if the sky is falling. Oh, the urgency, the horror! At home if we drop a fork we pick it up, wipe it off and then proceed to eat off it. But NOOOO...not at the restaurant. Someone might be looking. Oh my Gosh, get over yourself.

If you want another utensil, that's fine. But please, don't look at that waiter (Garcon' for the uneducated) with a sense of urgency as if to simulate DEFCON-4.

It's a fork. It touched the ground. You will live.

(lygenztia #289) Put it in writing.....

A colleague recently asked me where I get the ideas for blog topics. Topic #289 is not a "how-to" it's moreso an "how I do" and it's probably only barely worth the paper its written on. Topics are an interesting question; the reality is we are all "bloggers". Everytime you have a thought or an idea floating around your brain well then that is in essence, a topic. All of our synapses fire on a regular basis and many of us are at our most creative when we are under the influence of a stimulant, or depressant.

When you have a conversation with someone, you are blogging. It's just a different medium....verbal vs. written. When you compose an e-mail, you are blogging. Generally speaking an e-mail (unless you are killing time forwarding inappropriate jokes) is a compendium of independent thought which requires some form of creativity no matter how mundane.

So.......topics:

Always having to write "funny" can be challenging. Funny things don't always happen and when you try to force funny, it reads "forced" and usually your topic sucks. The best humour is built in the satire of actual experiences.

It's easy to always write negative because even the most accepting and pleasant of our species can easily find fault in other people and things. But, always writing negative means you suck. Pardon my gross generalization; but that's a fact. Journalists can easily fall into the negativity trap and we all know the best journalists temper serious situations with humour, where appropriate.

So, there has to be some balance. Unless you plan to blog about a particular topic on a regular basis you have to rely on your thoughts and observations. Then; you need to have some way of recording your periodic and unanticipated thoughts. (I text myself a quick note) Sometimes a great topic pops to mind and then just as quickly and fleetingly as it arrived, the topic departs my memory.

So, there it is. Observations from a person that knows nothing, but thinks about a lot of things. I don't think i'm ever going to take on Stephen King, but hey if you're enjoying it..what the heck.

(lygenztia #288) Camp 30 and Canadian history

I took a journey to the old Camp 30 also known as the old "Bowmanville Boys Training School". Back in the day, if you were a wayward lad you were sent to "Training School". I decided to take some photos of the buildings before they get knocked down, burn down or fall down because nobody seems to know what will happen to the property or the buildings. The property is owned by a developer, but the site was declared a National Historic Site in 2013. Problem is, nobody has the money to fix the site up and the buildings have been being vandalized and are slowly becoming destroyed by decay and nature.

Given its colourful history, its ironic that the property is largely ignored by Bowmanville locals. The Camp held German/Nazi POW's during World War 2 and the history of the POW Camp is rife with intrigue. Camp 30 is located at 2020 Lambs Rd, Bowmanville, ON, L1C 4V7. I don't want to get the history incorrect, so i'll post the link to some excellent historical work that has been done by persons much wiser than I.

http://www.camp30.ca/
http://www.camp-x.com/camp-30.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowmanville_POW_camp

Camp 30 eventually became home to two different failed (and mysterious) international private schools. The first was "Great Lakes College" which catered largely to Chinese international students. The owner of Great Lakes College was found murdered in Peterborough in 2001.

The next private school was "Darul Uloom", which ended their stay in a fairly rapid closure and odd departure. The school closed quickly and many students were found to have left their belongings behind. The conditions of the vacated student residences were absolutely atrocious. St. Stephen's Catholic High School was housed there for a time, as well. (Between the occupancy by Great Lakes College and Darul Uloom)

It's a shame they can't restore and save at least one building, but at this pace that goal is only a dream. Good people are trying...but "red tape" is a problem. I love Canada, but if there's one thing we are awful at; it's celebrating and preserving our own history.

The following are some links I found with more local information:
http://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/4418327-clarington-to-hire-expert-to-dream-up-a-plan-for-camp-30/

https://www.nationaltrustcanada.ca/sites/www.nationaltrustcanada.ca/files/Faye%20Langmaid%20-%20Camp%2030%20presentation.national%20trust-mjm.pdf

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/06/drhba-a-huge-step-to-saving-a-historic-site

http://www.clarington.net/en/Modules/News/index.aspx?feedId=ac30fa3f-e893-4e40-ad58-310a0626345f&newsId=ce0224b9-9b0a-40aa-b522-791a88347b27


http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/sgc-cms/histoires_de_chez_nous-community_memories/pm_v2.php?id=exhibit_home&fl=0&lg=English&ex=00000816&pg=0

http://claringtonmuseumsandarchives.blogspot.ca/2012/07/bowmanville-has-german-u-boat-story-too.html