Pushing Millennials Forward

17 Nov 18
07:30 hrs

     Okay, I'm old and I am getting older with each passing day. My question and I guess my fear is that those coming behind my generation - not so much the Gen X cohort - the Millennials to be specific are largely incapable of doing the simplest of tasks unless they Google it first. The use of hand tools, changing a lightbulb, doing laundry are all things that come to mind.

     Highschool graduates from this cohort are very engaged with technology and social media. When asked to do something unknown to them they often turn to YouTube to see how it's done. There's really nothing wrong with this if they're looking to learn something out of their scope such as rebuilding a lawn mower engine. But they are scanning the internet to learn basic skills!

     I dont blame them. I blame their parents - and unfortunately I'm in this group too. It is their fault that children have not had their hands on real tools. Hammers, screw drivers, pliers and wrenches. Tools, that in the right hands,  can build and repair.

20 Nov 18
19:15 hrs

     The newly re-constructed 5th Street will prove to be a nightmare. Some city engineer approved the narrowing of the road bed by about 8 feet. They have eliminated the parking on either side of the road not by widening the sidewalk or by putting in a bike lane. No, it looks like they have put in a flower bed except that it is capped over. Stupidity and a waste of tax dollars.

     On our side of the bay there is a new craft beer shop going into the mall. I don't know if it will be just sales or if it will be a manufacturing facility. Another unit going into the rebuilt mall is a Domino's pizza. Wow! Beer and pizza within 100 meters of each other. Domino's pizza used to be great. But, since they messed with the recipe and then tried to return to the original it is not my favourite. Mind you their marketing strategy is great. College students get some outrageous discount - 30 or 40% off for online orders - and while at work I witnessed a constant shuttle of delivery vehicles carting in pizza pies to The Shacks. We actually have two favourite pizza places in the Valley - Islander Pizza and the Church Street Bakery. The former is an outstanding traditional pie with an excellent sauce and the later is a wood fired thin crust. The Church Street bakery is more expensive but as a treat it's worth it.

     The Left Coast has moved deeply into the winter weather. Lots of precipitation and wind. But as we like to say - At least you don't have to shovel it. The major cities across the Great White North have snow in varying amounts. L'il Sis has seen Cowtown get dumped on several times already. She keeps asking when I'll come shovel her car out. Mmm - No!

22 Nov 18
07:00 hrs

     One of the changes that I heard on a local radio station was an advertisement for a company selling hydroponic supplies for growing cannabis.  My, how the times have changed. With the legalization of marijuana all sorts of changes are taking place. Time will tell how these changes will effect our society. Stay tuned.
    

A Hundred Years

09 Nov 18
08:00 hrs

     Yes, this year will mark a centennial anniversary of the signing of the Armistice thus ending World War I, the war to end all wars. Well, that was a misnomer because a generation later nation states went at it again grabbing territory and trying to settle old scores.

10 Nov 18
06:25 hrs

      Here in the Valley we have three official Cenotaph memorials where Remembrance Day services are held. The first one I ever attended here was in 1982. I was with the military contingent sent to the Wild Wild West. They had snow that year and my 1978 Gremlin X with it's big bias-ply tires couldn't make it out there so I hitched a ride with Cpl Jean Breuseau - he had winter tires on his car. Since moving back to the Valley we've observed the service in our own town. The streets will be lined with service members - both active and retired - mixed with the civilians.

     Our Loin Fruits have taken part in the November 11th Day Service as part of the Scouting brigade in the parade. I always thought it would be better if they were in place before the parade because when the parade halts the scouting kids have to worm their way through the other participants to their assigned position behind the Cenotaph. Many others agree with me but the Head Scouting - I'm Driving This Bus - Honcho says that the kids like being in the parade. No, she likes being in the parade. It's more important that the kids attend the Remembrance Day Ceremony and understand the reason for it.

     Recently, there has been a flurry of comments about an East Coast Member of Parliament who states that she will not wear a poppy for Remembrance Day as she feels that it symbolizes the glorification of war. From what was indicated this individual came to the Great White North from the Hugh-Ess after the 9/11 attack. Now if this is true then as an immigrant it is up to her to at least learn about our heritage and its celebrations. Yes, she is entitled to her opinion. I would never deny her that. But, if she is experiencing some negativity as a result if her comments maybe she should try to understand why. In the Hugh-Ess November 11th is referred to as Armistice Day, the day on which the armistice was signed at the end of WW I. That country has not attached the same societal significance to the day as we have. But things are now starting to change as poppies are now starting to be worn South of the 49th Parallel. Maybe there is some hope for them yet.

     On second thought, let them keep down playing November 11th. They'll never understand anyways.

     It has been determined that the entire family plus two will be attending the ceremonies tomorrow.  In the evening my Better Half and I will be attending Elric the Stalwart and Sister Jo's for supper and probably a game or two of Screw Your Neighbour. Supposedly Elric is doing cooking so it should prove interesting.

     There continues to be more multiple housing starts happening here in the Valley.  Unfortunately most of them are not rental units which are desperately needed. The vast majority of the rentals that are available are 40+ years old and many of them, like many rental apartments are owned by absentee owners who don't carry our regular maintenance but continually raise the rent.

     We have binge watched The Bodyguard. A good show.

     Today we went to visit our friends From Over the Hump. It had been a long time since we had been there as more often than not they have appointments here in the Valley. The visit was great. They'll be heading off on another cruise - this time to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. My Lobster and I went on a cruise once. It never really took hold. But, we are fond of travel. Maybe to the Mediterranean next time, which reminds me. I had better check my Lottery tickets.