Two years ago, we had a duck nesting in one of the beds along the front side of our house. For about a month the duck sat there, leaving occasionally, and surviving a run-in with the neighbourhood cat. That duck taught me a little about patience. Then finally in late June, the eggs hatched, and some 7 new ducklings were born. I was away that morning, so I didn’t get to see them hatch. But I did see them when they were dry and fuzzy. That was so cute. Then later that day Mama Duck led her little babies out of the yard (presumably to the pond), and just like that, we never saw them again.
Until this year.
After surveying the neighbourhood for a couple weeks, a duck decided to make its nest in our yard. We believe it’s the either the same one, or one of the hatched ducklings, because the nest is under the same window, in the same square foot of mulch as the one two years ago. I’m not prone to getting attached to animals, but I grew to like this duck. I would talk to/at it while I was working outside, so it would grow accustomed to how my voice sounded and it would be calm around me. And it grew to tolerate me mowing the lawn right near its nest. I even went so far as to give her a name, Quebo (pronounced QUAY-boe). Why that name? Well it doesn’t hold any meaning, it was simply the first to syllables I subconsciously thought of when I decided to name it.
After watching Quebo for a couple weeks, and wondering how many of the 10 eggs would hatch, I came home late from a night out with the guys, and went to bed. When I woke up, it was pouring rain. Worse though, was that scattered about the yard were broken, empty eggshells from the nest. At some point during the night, the nest had been pillaged. I felt kinda sad. My mom even said that earlier that morning, Quebo was standing out in the yard staring at the remains of the nest. Now I don’t know if ducks or any other animals have feelings, but it couldn’t have been a happy moment for the duck.
We thought maybe it was the cat that got into its nest. But when we look at the how the shells were broken and the insides removed, we don’t think a cat would have the anatomy necessary to pull that off. More likely a raccoon, though I’ve never seen one in the neighbourhood. But I guess that’s, as the title says, nature’s way. Some get eaten so that others may survive.
We doubt the Quebo will come back, even though there is enough time left in the year for new ducklings to hatch.
So there you go. There’s my sentimental side.
-Bernier
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Pedometry
I don’t know if ‘Pedometry’ is actually a word. Probably not, actually. But I really don’t care. That’s what I’m going to call it.
Does everyone know what a pedometer is? I’m pretty sure you do, though probably by it’s more commonly-used name, ‘step-counter’. Anyways, has anyone ever used one? Joggers will often use them to try and get a general idea of how far they’ve traveled in their exercise. But I’m no jogger. Yet I still have and use one.
I bought it probably a month ago. It had occurred to me that in a typical workday at Wal-Mart, I was walking pretty much the whole time. On days where I’d get called to do cash, it would obviously be less, but I figured I covered a lot of ground in any given day. And on days when I would walk home, whatever that number was would be even higher. So I decided to find out, and I bought a pedometer.
From the little booklet that came with the instrument, I learned that a healthy day of walking is about 10,000 steps. I had no idea what number I was doing, but I figured it had to be more than that. The first day I used it, I think I did about 16,000 steps. Since then I’ve done about that usually. Some days it’s substantially less, because I spend hours at the till. Oh and I’ve also learned that it’s about a 2000-step walk from Wal-Mart to my house, one way. I think one day I walked almost 21,000. That’s pretty much my record so far.
Someday perhaps I’ll actually use it as part of a training exercise. For now, I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done, and that is wearing it purely for curiosity sake; simply to know how many steps I take in a day. I don’t know if I’m doing anything with this information. But for $6, I figure at least it wasn’t money TOO foolishly spent.
And P.S. I just realized my previous 2 entries were both posted at 5:16 PM. Weird.
-Bernier
Does everyone know what a pedometer is? I’m pretty sure you do, though probably by it’s more commonly-used name, ‘step-counter’. Anyways, has anyone ever used one? Joggers will often use them to try and get a general idea of how far they’ve traveled in their exercise. But I’m no jogger. Yet I still have and use one.
I bought it probably a month ago. It had occurred to me that in a typical workday at Wal-Mart, I was walking pretty much the whole time. On days where I’d get called to do cash, it would obviously be less, but I figured I covered a lot of ground in any given day. And on days when I would walk home, whatever that number was would be even higher. So I decided to find out, and I bought a pedometer.
From the little booklet that came with the instrument, I learned that a healthy day of walking is about 10,000 steps. I had no idea what number I was doing, but I figured it had to be more than that. The first day I used it, I think I did about 16,000 steps. Since then I’ve done about that usually. Some days it’s substantially less, because I spend hours at the till. Oh and I’ve also learned that it’s about a 2000-step walk from Wal-Mart to my house, one way. I think one day I walked almost 21,000. That’s pretty much my record so far.
Someday perhaps I’ll actually use it as part of a training exercise. For now, I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done, and that is wearing it purely for curiosity sake; simply to know how many steps I take in a day. I don’t know if I’m doing anything with this information. But for $6, I figure at least it wasn’t money TOO foolishly spent.
And P.S. I just realized my previous 2 entries were both posted at 5:16 PM. Weird.
-Bernier
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Statistics
No, I’m not talking about university math here. I’m talking about random facts. In particular, baseball, hockey, and box office stats.
I don’t about you, but I’m a bit of a trivia buff. I love knowing and sharing random bits of information (ask my friends, they’ll probably roll their eyes and get belligerent). I’m not sure why I’m like this, only that I’ve always been this way. I even have an “award” that my hockey coach gave me when I was 9. Every player got this award, though each said something different on it, usually a quote or a quirk of ours that the coach picked up on through the season. Mine happened to say “Coach, Did You Know…?”. So I guess I’ve always been like this, and people have always known about it.
I’ve gotten so bad at times that one friend has imposed a strict ‘5 random facts per day’ limit on me. But I’ll have you know that I’ve rarely met or exceeded that number anyway. Disagree if you want.
Back to the topic. Currently I have a number of spreadsheets going on my computer. Basically I’ve kept a running list over the past few years of the all-time leaders in baseball, as well as the top 150 movies ever in the U.S., in terms of box office success. Don’t worry, I didn’t search the internet over to find out these facts. I got them from sites that already had them all listed. And I update my spreadsheets every Tuesday. Which begs the question: why do I do this? Why do I make a copy of a list that is there already, which updates itself all the time, especially when I have to write it all down from scratch, continually switching back and forth between pages? I can’t say I have a good answer to this, only that that is just how I am.
If you’re wondering why I mentioned hockey stats, it’s because I keep a mental note of all-time leaders, though I haven’t made actual spreadsheets. I imagine I may start adding that to my list of Tuesday updates come next season. I guess we’ll see. Or more likely just I’LL see.
I’m reminded of how back in the day, I would race Hot Wheels on this course we have in my basement. I’d sit there all afternoon with my stopwatch, timing them to see which could slide down the ramp the fastest. I’d even allot them points and rankings, not to mention individual names. Then I’d even load THOSE stats onto the computer, just for information sake. I haven’t done that in a while. Perhaps that’s a good thing. And now you know a little about the nerdish side of me.
-Bernier
I don’t about you, but I’m a bit of a trivia buff. I love knowing and sharing random bits of information (ask my friends, they’ll probably roll their eyes and get belligerent). I’m not sure why I’m like this, only that I’ve always been this way. I even have an “award” that my hockey coach gave me when I was 9. Every player got this award, though each said something different on it, usually a quote or a quirk of ours that the coach picked up on through the season. Mine happened to say “Coach, Did You Know…?”. So I guess I’ve always been like this, and people have always known about it.
I’ve gotten so bad at times that one friend has imposed a strict ‘5 random facts per day’ limit on me. But I’ll have you know that I’ve rarely met or exceeded that number anyway. Disagree if you want.
Back to the topic. Currently I have a number of spreadsheets going on my computer. Basically I’ve kept a running list over the past few years of the all-time leaders in baseball, as well as the top 150 movies ever in the U.S., in terms of box office success. Don’t worry, I didn’t search the internet over to find out these facts. I got them from sites that already had them all listed. And I update my spreadsheets every Tuesday. Which begs the question: why do I do this? Why do I make a copy of a list that is there already, which updates itself all the time, especially when I have to write it all down from scratch, continually switching back and forth between pages? I can’t say I have a good answer to this, only that that is just how I am.
If you’re wondering why I mentioned hockey stats, it’s because I keep a mental note of all-time leaders, though I haven’t made actual spreadsheets. I imagine I may start adding that to my list of Tuesday updates come next season. I guess we’ll see. Or more likely just I’LL see.
I’m reminded of how back in the day, I would race Hot Wheels on this course we have in my basement. I’d sit there all afternoon with my stopwatch, timing them to see which could slide down the ramp the fastest. I’d even allot them points and rankings, not to mention individual names. Then I’d even load THOSE stats onto the computer, just for information sake. I haven’t done that in a while. Perhaps that’s a good thing. And now you know a little about the nerdish side of me.
-Bernier
Friday, May 30, 2008
Late Night Talk Show
Here’s another brilliant idea that could make me rich. And I have to give credit for the idea to That Guy.
As the title suggests, I would host my own late night talk show. Not sure what exactly I would discuss. (Probably something random, probably sometimes intellectual in nature.) But since when do talk show hosts know their topics long beforehand anyway?
It would have to be a filmed talk show (think Leno or Letterman), rather than a radio one, because we came up with a bunch of random visual effects/gags to use during the show. I’m not even sure how much discussion would really take place during the show.
We’d start with me, the host, lying down on a couch the whole time, talking to the guest from on my back. The guest would probably have a nice leather armchair or something. Heck, maybe they’d have a couch too. So we’d be there chatting, and rather than use pronouns like ‘he’, ‘she’, or ‘you’, I’d just say their full name each time I address them. (Think a Chuck Norris joke. [Hey that gives me an idea for who’d be my first guest!]) And each time I mention their name out loud, some guy (whose whole purpose on the show is to stand behind the set with a clicker) would press the clicker. Then at the end of the show he’d show the tally.
We’d save money on lighting by just having Bryan build a fire the whole time. Bryan would literally build a bonfire before every show, and sit there keeping it roaring until after we were done. (Which I’m pretty sure is Bryan’s dream job.) Sitting in a chair to the guest’s right (I’d be on the guest’s left) would sit That Guy. And he’d be there all show just doing what he does. Which in this case is either sharpening a machete or cleaning a handgun (it would alternate each show). He’d do that the whole show, just to make the guest nervous. He’d also be wearing Das Büt on his kicking foot. This Büt would be a huge honking steel-toed mother of a shoe, and would have spikes coming out the sides. On his other foot would probably just be his own sock, or whatever footwear he normally wears.
And whenever the guest would say anything stupid, That Guy would jump up, scream “Das Büt!!!” and whomp the guest in the face. If somehow the guest dodged the blow, and tried to get away, then bars would come up around the stage and they’d be trapped until they got whomped. Heck, Bryan and I would even help pin him down so as not to waste any more time. After being whomped, the bars would drop down and we’d return to the conversation we were having. If the guest should be so foolish as to say something stupid again, we’d repeat the whole process over.
And now you know why I don’t have my own talk show. But just think of the possibilities!
-Bernier
As the title suggests, I would host my own late night talk show. Not sure what exactly I would discuss. (Probably something random, probably sometimes intellectual in nature.) But since when do talk show hosts know their topics long beforehand anyway?
It would have to be a filmed talk show (think Leno or Letterman), rather than a radio one, because we came up with a bunch of random visual effects/gags to use during the show. I’m not even sure how much discussion would really take place during the show.
We’d start with me, the host, lying down on a couch the whole time, talking to the guest from on my back. The guest would probably have a nice leather armchair or something. Heck, maybe they’d have a couch too. So we’d be there chatting, and rather than use pronouns like ‘he’, ‘she’, or ‘you’, I’d just say their full name each time I address them. (Think a Chuck Norris joke. [Hey that gives me an idea for who’d be my first guest!]) And each time I mention their name out loud, some guy (whose whole purpose on the show is to stand behind the set with a clicker) would press the clicker. Then at the end of the show he’d show the tally.
We’d save money on lighting by just having Bryan build a fire the whole time. Bryan would literally build a bonfire before every show, and sit there keeping it roaring until after we were done. (Which I’m pretty sure is Bryan’s dream job.) Sitting in a chair to the guest’s right (I’d be on the guest’s left) would sit That Guy. And he’d be there all show just doing what he does. Which in this case is either sharpening a machete or cleaning a handgun (it would alternate each show). He’d do that the whole show, just to make the guest nervous. He’d also be wearing Das Büt on his kicking foot. This Büt would be a huge honking steel-toed mother of a shoe, and would have spikes coming out the sides. On his other foot would probably just be his own sock, or whatever footwear he normally wears.
And whenever the guest would say anything stupid, That Guy would jump up, scream “Das Büt!!!” and whomp the guest in the face. If somehow the guest dodged the blow, and tried to get away, then bars would come up around the stage and they’d be trapped until they got whomped. Heck, Bryan and I would even help pin him down so as not to waste any more time. After being whomped, the bars would drop down and we’d return to the conversation we were having. If the guest should be so foolish as to say something stupid again, we’d repeat the whole process over.
And now you know why I don’t have my own talk show. But just think of the possibilities!
-Bernier
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The $30 Million-dollar Idea
So me and another guy were working today stocking food for like 7 hours. As we were stocking this food, he pointed out that just about everything for sale had something like “whole wheat”, “low fat”, “cholesterol free” and you get the idea. (I felt compelled to let him know that according to Man Law, no man is allowed to consume anything that has “fat free”, “diet”, or “light” in the name. But that’s beside the point.)
Anyways, as we were talking (that is, when he wasn’t commenting about how many hot women were in the store), I got an idea. If people are obsessed with health, what if we made a multigrain beer? Seriously. They can make beer out of wheat. The next logical step is whole wheat and perhaps multigrain. Pasta has already gone that direction. Makes sense to me that beer would follow suit. I’m sure it would taste disgusting. But most beer already does anyway.
And we were thinking that we should definitely think about being the first to make this stuff. He pointed out that people will buy the stupidest crap, especially when it comes to beer, so this should sell like crazy. I figure we only have so long to corner the market and get rich. Then some big-ticket company will come along and buy our idea for $30 mil, and we’ll be instantly rich. Oh, to dream big!
My only reservation is that there is already famines and food shortages all over the world, mostly due to ethanol, so I don’t know if it would be right to divert so much more grain to the production of beer.
So yeah. Wonder what we’ll come up with tomorrow.
-Bernier
Anyways, as we were talking (that is, when he wasn’t commenting about how many hot women were in the store), I got an idea. If people are obsessed with health, what if we made a multigrain beer? Seriously. They can make beer out of wheat. The next logical step is whole wheat and perhaps multigrain. Pasta has already gone that direction. Makes sense to me that beer would follow suit. I’m sure it would taste disgusting. But most beer already does anyway.
And we were thinking that we should definitely think about being the first to make this stuff. He pointed out that people will buy the stupidest crap, especially when it comes to beer, so this should sell like crazy. I figure we only have so long to corner the market and get rich. Then some big-ticket company will come along and buy our idea for $30 mil, and we’ll be instantly rich. Oh, to dream big!
My only reservation is that there is already famines and food shortages all over the world, mostly due to ethanol, so I don’t know if it would be right to divert so much more grain to the production of beer.
So yeah. Wonder what we’ll come up with tomorrow.
-Bernier
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Most Underappreciated Weapon
Pretty much, That Guy forced me to write this entry. And since I haven’t listened to a single one of his critiques on here (which, by the way, have slowed to a stop), I figured I’d give him this one.
It came about on our “Epic May Long” trip. (Which if you haven’t seen the Facebook pictures, you should do so after you finish reading.) We were walking to the end of the peninsula, and a spontaneous stick fight broke out between the 5 of us. Wielding the “Wrath of Ra” (which was That Guy’s name for my stick of choice), I fought off every enemy stick. I was unstoppable. Then the other Matt found a rather large, blunt stick and started swinging it. I knew this would be the end of the Wrath, so I bowed out.
It was here that Scales had one of his many revelations. He realized that the Caveman Club is probably, as the entry title suggests, the most underappreciated weapon there is; certainly when it comes to melee combat. I guess it’s not much good against a gun or missile or grenade, but in a one on one duel, it can be quite formidable. Even the quickest opponent must be wary of the blunt force trauma such a weapon can dish out.
It certainly was more than a match for the Wrath of Ra. And in the end, I think it was fashioned into a giant spoon, before being inadvertently destroyed and eventually burned as firewood. But in the mean time, no one was going to question the one who held the Caveman Club. As the Geico commercials suggest, Cavemen were probably smarter than we give them credit for. They knew how to fight.
-Bernier
It came about on our “Epic May Long” trip. (Which if you haven’t seen the Facebook pictures, you should do so after you finish reading.) We were walking to the end of the peninsula, and a spontaneous stick fight broke out between the 5 of us. Wielding the “Wrath of Ra” (which was That Guy’s name for my stick of choice), I fought off every enemy stick. I was unstoppable. Then the other Matt found a rather large, blunt stick and started swinging it. I knew this would be the end of the Wrath, so I bowed out.
It was here that Scales had one of his many revelations. He realized that the Caveman Club is probably, as the entry title suggests, the most underappreciated weapon there is; certainly when it comes to melee combat. I guess it’s not much good against a gun or missile or grenade, but in a one on one duel, it can be quite formidable. Even the quickest opponent must be wary of the blunt force trauma such a weapon can dish out.
It certainly was more than a match for the Wrath of Ra. And in the end, I think it was fashioned into a giant spoon, before being inadvertently destroyed and eventually burned as firewood. But in the mean time, no one was going to question the one who held the Caveman Club. As the Geico commercials suggest, Cavemen were probably smarter than we give them credit for. They knew how to fight.
-Bernier
Friday, May 23, 2008
Stuck Spacebar
Have you ever had this problem? Let me assure that it is exceedingly frustrating. Basically I’ve had to fight with my keyboard every time I want to type something. And it’s pretty much random too. Like sometimes I can rattle off a dozen words at a time and then WHAM! Suddenly the blinking line takes off to the right and I have to struggle to get back to where I was. Sometimes I have to backspace continuously for like 15 seconds because the spacebar keeps running away from me.
And often times it will skip on me in the middle of a word, sometimes more than once in the same word. Needless to say, it’s very annoying. Writing passwords is a hassle. When spaces and letters all appear as asterisks, I have no idea if I’ve done it right, or where I might have gone wrong. I basically have to put the password in the username section (while fighting the spacebar), and cut and paste it into the password box.
It was so bad that I decided not to bother writing captions for all my “Epic May Long” photos on Facebook. I even refrained from blogging. Then I decided to suck it up and put up with it. Yesterday’s entry was written while constantly fighting an errant spacebar, and the captions took longer than usual, but I guess it’s all good.
With all of this backspacing I have now have to do, I’m wondering if that key is going to start to stick as well. Maybe that won’t be so bad. If the spacebar and backspace are both stuck, will they just cancel each other out? Probably not. I’m sure it will just multiply my frustration exponentially.
But there is some good news. This morning, my dad bought and installed a new wireless keyboard. It works beautifully. I especially like that the annoying ‘Insert’ key is safely tucked away with the F keys, not right next to the delete key. So I guess I won’t be hitting that stupid key all the time anymore. I still have a lot of backspacing to do, but that’s because of my ever-present spelling corrections I have to make. Darn speed-typing. Oh well. I’m glad to have my keyboard back.
-Bernier
And often times it will skip on me in the middle of a word, sometimes more than once in the same word. Needless to say, it’s very annoying. Writing passwords is a hassle. When spaces and letters all appear as asterisks, I have no idea if I’ve done it right, or where I might have gone wrong. I basically have to put the password in the username section (while fighting the spacebar), and cut and paste it into the password box.
It was so bad that I decided not to bother writing captions for all my “Epic May Long” photos on Facebook. I even refrained from blogging. Then I decided to suck it up and put up with it. Yesterday’s entry was written while constantly fighting an errant spacebar, and the captions took longer than usual, but I guess it’s all good.
With all of this backspacing I have now have to do, I’m wondering if that key is going to start to stick as well. Maybe that won’t be so bad. If the spacebar and backspace are both stuck, will they just cancel each other out? Probably not. I’m sure it will just multiply my frustration exponentially.
But there is some good news. This morning, my dad bought and installed a new wireless keyboard. It works beautifully. I especially like that the annoying ‘Insert’ key is safely tucked away with the F keys, not right next to the delete key. So I guess I won’t be hitting that stupid key all the time anymore. I still have a lot of backspacing to do, but that’s because of my ever-present spelling corrections I have to make. Darn speed-typing. Oh well. I’m glad to have my keyboard back.
-Bernier
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wearing A Watch
It’s kind of interesting to see how some people never wear a watch, while others always have one on. And many people I know prefer to rely on their cell phones for the time. Personally, I’ve worn one pretty much every day for the last 3 years. Possibly longer. It finally caught up with me the other day, as the indiglo failed to work, and finally the battery ceased to function at all.
I never realized just how habitually and compulsively I look at my wrist. I was always aware of the fact that I rely on my watch to know what the date, and often the day of the week, is. But since I don’t have the time (and also the date) on hand anymore (pardon the pun), it has come to my attention just how often I check the time. I’m not sure why I do that. But now every time I do, I get annoyed at myself for forgetting that my watch is dead.
Which begs the question: why am I still wearing my watch? I can’t offer a very good answer for this, only that it has become tantamount to a piece of clothing for me. I almost feel naked without it. Well, not quite, but you get the idea. Also, it helps me identify myself in pictures when I’m not sure which person is me. (That usually only happens in group shots from behind.)
Fortunately, my watch battery is getting replaced today, so my inconvenience is likely to end soon. Something else I’ve noticed, though, is that when I don’t know the time, I work longer and don’t seem to need breaks as often. I wonder why that is.
-Bernier
I never realized just how habitually and compulsively I look at my wrist. I was always aware of the fact that I rely on my watch to know what the date, and often the day of the week, is. But since I don’t have the time (and also the date) on hand anymore (pardon the pun), it has come to my attention just how often I check the time. I’m not sure why I do that. But now every time I do, I get annoyed at myself for forgetting that my watch is dead.
Which begs the question: why am I still wearing my watch? I can’t offer a very good answer for this, only that it has become tantamount to a piece of clothing for me. I almost feel naked without it. Well, not quite, but you get the idea. Also, it helps me identify myself in pictures when I’m not sure which person is me. (That usually only happens in group shots from behind.)
Fortunately, my watch battery is getting replaced today, so my inconvenience is likely to end soon. Something else I’ve noticed, though, is that when I don’t know the time, I work longer and don’t seem to need breaks as often. I wonder why that is.
-Bernier
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Modern Miracle
Note: This is a topic on which I could go for days. For the purposes of this entry, I’ll set most political points aside, as well the depth of historical and Scriptural details, and instead give a generalized view of the situation.
It’s been in the news a fair bit leading up to today. But in case you haven’t heard, today, May 14, is the 60th anniversary of the creation of the modern state of Israel.
Foretold by the Hebrew prophet Ezekiel, in chapters 36 and 37 of the book that bears his name, Israel has re-emerged as a nation on the earth, and Jews have once again returned to their ancient homeland in droves.
On May 14, 1948, out of the ashes of the Holocaust, in accordance with the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and United Nations partition plan of 1947, the leaders of what was to become the re-born State announced the creation of the State of Israel. Immediately afterward, the armies of 5+ neighbouring Arab nations invaded the state they rejected. When the armies of both sides signed armistices in 1949, the state of Israel became a reality, encompassing the land allotted to them by UN Resolution 181. (The Gaza Strip, West Bank, Golan Heights, and even Jerusalem itself were not in Israeli hands until 1967. But that’s a history lesson for another time.)
So why is this a “modern miracle”? Because it never should’ve happened, and I mean that in a positive way. A people group scattered from their homeland for 1900 years, with no real unity in form of religious practices, language, culture, etc, should certainly disappear into history. But in spite of all this, the Jews have retained their identity as a people over the centuries. Their bond with their ancient homeland could not be replaced no matter where they went. Even after facing pogroms, Holocaust, dhimmitude, assimilation, Inquisition, and civil war, they are still around.
This could never have been possible without the fact that God is with them. They are God’s chosen people; the apple of his eye, if you will. The Bible is full of references to that fact; and full of promises He has made to them. He promised to return to them their Land. He made good on that promise.
For this reason, I have utmost confidence that they will survive the current rocket attacks from Hamas, the threats from Syria, and the genocidal intentions of Iran. It is also why I have pledged my unswerving loyalty to them. Both as a people, and as a nation. That is not to say that I believe they are right in everything they do. I believe they are as fallible as anyone else, and that they make foolish and wrong choices sometimes. But I know that my God has chosen them as His own. So I can do no less.
-Bernier
It’s been in the news a fair bit leading up to today. But in case you haven’t heard, today, May 14, is the 60th anniversary of the creation of the modern state of Israel.
Foretold by the Hebrew prophet Ezekiel, in chapters 36 and 37 of the book that bears his name, Israel has re-emerged as a nation on the earth, and Jews have once again returned to their ancient homeland in droves.
On May 14, 1948, out of the ashes of the Holocaust, in accordance with the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and United Nations partition plan of 1947, the leaders of what was to become the re-born State announced the creation of the State of Israel. Immediately afterward, the armies of 5+ neighbouring Arab nations invaded the state they rejected. When the armies of both sides signed armistices in 1949, the state of Israel became a reality, encompassing the land allotted to them by UN Resolution 181. (The Gaza Strip, West Bank, Golan Heights, and even Jerusalem itself were not in Israeli hands until 1967. But that’s a history lesson for another time.)
So why is this a “modern miracle”? Because it never should’ve happened, and I mean that in a positive way. A people group scattered from their homeland for 1900 years, with no real unity in form of religious practices, language, culture, etc, should certainly disappear into history. But in spite of all this, the Jews have retained their identity as a people over the centuries. Their bond with their ancient homeland could not be replaced no matter where they went. Even after facing pogroms, Holocaust, dhimmitude, assimilation, Inquisition, and civil war, they are still around.
This could never have been possible without the fact that God is with them. They are God’s chosen people; the apple of his eye, if you will. The Bible is full of references to that fact; and full of promises He has made to them. He promised to return to them their Land. He made good on that promise.
For this reason, I have utmost confidence that they will survive the current rocket attacks from Hamas, the threats from Syria, and the genocidal intentions of Iran. It is also why I have pledged my unswerving loyalty to them. Both as a people, and as a nation. That is not to say that I believe they are right in everything they do. I believe they are as fallible as anyone else, and that they make foolish and wrong choices sometimes. But I know that my God has chosen them as His own. So I can do no less.
-Bernier
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Downloading Music
Here’s something that I find interesting: there’s so many different views on whether or not someone should download music off the internet. Part of me wonders if this is a choice everyone should make for themselves, or if there is one absolute right answer to this issue. I’m not going to try to answer that question in this entry, rather state what my approach to it, and the reasons for my choice.
I download music regularly. I use the iTunes Music Store quite often. A couple years ago I used LimeWire. I’ve also used Napster and Puretracks. By far, the easiest program to use was LimeWire. The simple reason for this was that each track could be searched for, with various sizes, types, and performances showing up at the end. And it would be all free of charge. This was great for me, as there was tons of music that I liked, but couldn’t find or afford to buy CD’s for.
But every time I downloaded a song this way, I always questioned whether or not it was legal to do so. I’d heard opinions for both sides of that argument, but I couldn’t be certain one way or another. Finally, my conscience gave me enough of a hard time that I got rid of the program, as well as all the files I had downloaded from it. Drastic, I suppose. But it was the only way to clear my conscience. I was glad I did it.
This brought me back to the problem of not listening to all the music I liked. I still had an extensive library (my parents have hundreds of CDs), but new songs coming out could only be heard on the radio. I started to pay for downloads using Puretracks, and an amazing deal with Napster. (Unlimited downloads for 3 months, at only $39.95. It worked out to 11¢ per song. Not bad at all.) Some time after my Napster subscription expired, I got an iPod. I started using iTunes for playing music, but when I tried to load my Napster tracks into the program, I found they were locked out of every player except Napster itself. This was a bummer. I decided that for music I had already paid for, it would be ok for me to download it off LimeWire, so I re-installed the program. Of course, 443 songs would be far too time-consuming, so I chose “only” 100 or so that I would download as unprotected mp3’s for iPod use.
Now I use the iTunes Store. And that is what I intend to continue doing. And now for the why behind the what.
I’ve heard people tell me that downloading music for free off the internet is illegal in the States, but perfectly legal in Canada. I’ve never bothered to research that for myself, but in a sense, I don’t really care. I, myself, am not comfortable downloading media off the internet for free without specific permission from the one it belongs to. I know that someone has spent months of time, effort, and money into producing something a mere 4 minutes long, and that they deserve to be paid for their work, if someone is willing to listen to it. Therefore, I determine it to be a matter of conscience, rather than a matter of legality, on which I base my decision for this issue.
I’ve been told by more than one person that in Canada, all blank media (like CD’s) have an added cost to them, which goes to the artists and record companies who produce media. This is done on the assumption that the blank media will hold freely-downloaded files, for which the artist will not receive due compensation. Again, I have not bothered to research this for myself, so I can’t verify the claim. In my opinion, whatever tariff they may add to blank media cannot possibly hope to keep pace with the amount of free material that the media can/will hold. Let’s say someone puts 20 free songs onto a CD. At 99¢ a song (the typical price in online stores), that’s just short of $20. There is no way in the world that a pile of blank CD’s costs an extra $20 when purchased. And even if it does, that’s only one CD being used. If someone were to do that with the whole pile, the artist is losing out big time! All that to say, I don’t think the added cost/tax/tariff would be sufficient to offset the amount of freely-downloaded material that is consumed, so I don’t see that as justification for my right to download at no charge.
Then there’s the argument that artist and record companies are already stupid rich, so they aren’t going to be hurt by not getting paid for a few of their songs. Not only is that not a good reason for doing wrong – if it is wrong – but while that’s probably true for established artists, new up-and-comers are not stupid rich, and they can will have to struggle to counter the amount of their new hits that they aren’t getting paid for. That’s hardly fair to them.
So how serious do I take this stand? Well according to my “Purchased” playlist in my iTunes, I have purchased 111 media files from the iTunes Store. A few of these files were free offers from the Store, so let’s just use the round number of 100. I’ve downloaded 17 music videos, each costing about $2.29. That’s 39 bucks. I’ve also downloaded 5 full-length movies, each at $9.99. That’s another 50 bucks. I’ve also spent probably 10 bucks on iPod games. When it comes to music tracks, my math would indicate 78 songs, though without rounding it’s probably over 80, so we’ll use 80 as a round number. Those run for 99¢ each. That works out to about 79 dollars and change.
Now before iTunes, I spent the aforementioned $40 on Napster. I also remember buying probably 6 individual Puretracks cards worth $10 each. Now let’s crunch some numbers.
Six Puretracks cards at $10 each = $60
One Napster card at $40 = $40
About 80+ songs off iTunes = $79
Five movies off iTunes = $50
Seventeen music videos off iTunes = $39
By my calculations, I have spent $268 on media I could’ve downloaded for free, but chose not to. That’s enough for me to treat 29 friends to wings at the Pony Corral tomorrow. That’s how seriously I take my position.
I actually never calculated this amount before. It’s higher than I thought it would be. Maybe I should cut back. Once again, I don’t know if there is a definitive, absolute right and wrong to this issue. But now you know where I stand, and why. Have a good week!
-Bernier
I download music regularly. I use the iTunes Music Store quite often. A couple years ago I used LimeWire. I’ve also used Napster and Puretracks. By far, the easiest program to use was LimeWire. The simple reason for this was that each track could be searched for, with various sizes, types, and performances showing up at the end. And it would be all free of charge. This was great for me, as there was tons of music that I liked, but couldn’t find or afford to buy CD’s for.
But every time I downloaded a song this way, I always questioned whether or not it was legal to do so. I’d heard opinions for both sides of that argument, but I couldn’t be certain one way or another. Finally, my conscience gave me enough of a hard time that I got rid of the program, as well as all the files I had downloaded from it. Drastic, I suppose. But it was the only way to clear my conscience. I was glad I did it.
This brought me back to the problem of not listening to all the music I liked. I still had an extensive library (my parents have hundreds of CDs), but new songs coming out could only be heard on the radio. I started to pay for downloads using Puretracks, and an amazing deal with Napster. (Unlimited downloads for 3 months, at only $39.95. It worked out to 11¢ per song. Not bad at all.) Some time after my Napster subscription expired, I got an iPod. I started using iTunes for playing music, but when I tried to load my Napster tracks into the program, I found they were locked out of every player except Napster itself. This was a bummer. I decided that for music I had already paid for, it would be ok for me to download it off LimeWire, so I re-installed the program. Of course, 443 songs would be far too time-consuming, so I chose “only” 100 or so that I would download as unprotected mp3’s for iPod use.
Now I use the iTunes Store. And that is what I intend to continue doing. And now for the why behind the what.
I’ve heard people tell me that downloading music for free off the internet is illegal in the States, but perfectly legal in Canada. I’ve never bothered to research that for myself, but in a sense, I don’t really care. I, myself, am not comfortable downloading media off the internet for free without specific permission from the one it belongs to. I know that someone has spent months of time, effort, and money into producing something a mere 4 minutes long, and that they deserve to be paid for their work, if someone is willing to listen to it. Therefore, I determine it to be a matter of conscience, rather than a matter of legality, on which I base my decision for this issue.
I’ve been told by more than one person that in Canada, all blank media (like CD’s) have an added cost to them, which goes to the artists and record companies who produce media. This is done on the assumption that the blank media will hold freely-downloaded files, for which the artist will not receive due compensation. Again, I have not bothered to research this for myself, so I can’t verify the claim. In my opinion, whatever tariff they may add to blank media cannot possibly hope to keep pace with the amount of free material that the media can/will hold. Let’s say someone puts 20 free songs onto a CD. At 99¢ a song (the typical price in online stores), that’s just short of $20. There is no way in the world that a pile of blank CD’s costs an extra $20 when purchased. And even if it does, that’s only one CD being used. If someone were to do that with the whole pile, the artist is losing out big time! All that to say, I don’t think the added cost/tax/tariff would be sufficient to offset the amount of freely-downloaded material that is consumed, so I don’t see that as justification for my right to download at no charge.
Then there’s the argument that artist and record companies are already stupid rich, so they aren’t going to be hurt by not getting paid for a few of their songs. Not only is that not a good reason for doing wrong – if it is wrong – but while that’s probably true for established artists, new up-and-comers are not stupid rich, and they can will have to struggle to counter the amount of their new hits that they aren’t getting paid for. That’s hardly fair to them.
So how serious do I take this stand? Well according to my “Purchased” playlist in my iTunes, I have purchased 111 media files from the iTunes Store. A few of these files were free offers from the Store, so let’s just use the round number of 100. I’ve downloaded 17 music videos, each costing about $2.29. That’s 39 bucks. I’ve also downloaded 5 full-length movies, each at $9.99. That’s another 50 bucks. I’ve also spent probably 10 bucks on iPod games. When it comes to music tracks, my math would indicate 78 songs, though without rounding it’s probably over 80, so we’ll use 80 as a round number. Those run for 99¢ each. That works out to about 79 dollars and change.
Now before iTunes, I spent the aforementioned $40 on Napster. I also remember buying probably 6 individual Puretracks cards worth $10 each. Now let’s crunch some numbers.
Six Puretracks cards at $10 each = $60
One Napster card at $40 = $40
About 80+ songs off iTunes = $79
Five movies off iTunes = $50
Seventeen music videos off iTunes = $39
By my calculations, I have spent $268 on media I could’ve downloaded for free, but chose not to. That’s enough for me to treat 29 friends to wings at the Pony Corral tomorrow. That’s how seriously I take my position.
I actually never calculated this amount before. It’s higher than I thought it would be. Maybe I should cut back. Once again, I don’t know if there is a definitive, absolute right and wrong to this issue. But now you know where I stand, and why. Have a good week!
-Bernier
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Winging It
Improvisation. Something everyone knows how to do. Some are better at it than others, but everyone is capable of it. After all, who goes through daily life knowing exactly what is going to happen, when, and what they must do in preparation for that? People improvise when they have a conversation with someone else. They improvise when they make moment-by-moment driving decisions. Whether people are aware of it or not, they are improvising all the time. It’s a constant thing.
And then there is improvising during a presentation. That is a whole different matter. Case in point: today I gave a 3-minute “speech” at the Global Focus Luncheon at church after the service. This wasn’t the first time I’d done that. I also gave a short (probably 1 minute long) speech last August when I came home from Tadoule Lake. This was a little different because, while there were 3 of us presenting, each one was right on the spot for their whole talk. Daunting perhaps, but I’ve done some performing in my day, so I figured I’d be alright.
It was part laziness, part inability to focus yesterday, and part confidence in my experience (both in Mexico and in speaking), that contributed to my choice to not write down my speech beforehand. I was a little nervous about that choice. After all, all the speeches I’ve ever done in the last few years (except for the short Tadoule Lake talk), have been written out entirely beforehand, and have been with me up on stage. So this was definitely pushing the limits of my comfort zone.
It was definitely a different experience, not knowing exactly what I was going to say before I said it. I basically just thought through the main points beforehand, and trusted my memory and my ability to think of my feet to fill in the details. I think it was a good decision. It made for some personal growth, I suppose.
And if you’re wondering, the speech went well. I spoke clearly, kept my head up, through in a touch of humor, and didn’t really lose my train of thought ever. It certainly was never awkward, thankfully. I think I was sweating a bit though. And wearing that blazing green Mexico shirt, it may have started to show a bit. But nobody commented on it, and nobody looked at me weird (or at least, I didn’t notice if they did). Thank goodness. Another thing I realized is that when your speech is unscripted, you can use what other people said right before you and run with it in your own speech. I think that’s pretty cool.
Finally, when the speech is unscripted, the talk feels more like telling a story, or having a conversation, than giving a speech. I think that makes it a little more personal or authentic. And that’s always cool. That’s not to say that written speeches don’t hit the point home. (Mary-Beth did a fabulous job with everything written down.) Lord knows I’ve used that tactic many times.
So yeah. That’s pretty much what I learned about winging it through today’s experience. It was pretty cool.
-Bernier
And then there is improvising during a presentation. That is a whole different matter. Case in point: today I gave a 3-minute “speech” at the Global Focus Luncheon at church after the service. This wasn’t the first time I’d done that. I also gave a short (probably 1 minute long) speech last August when I came home from Tadoule Lake. This was a little different because, while there were 3 of us presenting, each one was right on the spot for their whole talk. Daunting perhaps, but I’ve done some performing in my day, so I figured I’d be alright.
It was part laziness, part inability to focus yesterday, and part confidence in my experience (both in Mexico and in speaking), that contributed to my choice to not write down my speech beforehand. I was a little nervous about that choice. After all, all the speeches I’ve ever done in the last few years (except for the short Tadoule Lake talk), have been written out entirely beforehand, and have been with me up on stage. So this was definitely pushing the limits of my comfort zone.
It was definitely a different experience, not knowing exactly what I was going to say before I said it. I basically just thought through the main points beforehand, and trusted my memory and my ability to think of my feet to fill in the details. I think it was a good decision. It made for some personal growth, I suppose.
And if you’re wondering, the speech went well. I spoke clearly, kept my head up, through in a touch of humor, and didn’t really lose my train of thought ever. It certainly was never awkward, thankfully. I think I was sweating a bit though. And wearing that blazing green Mexico shirt, it may have started to show a bit. But nobody commented on it, and nobody looked at me weird (or at least, I didn’t notice if they did). Thank goodness. Another thing I realized is that when your speech is unscripted, you can use what other people said right before you and run with it in your own speech. I think that’s pretty cool.
Finally, when the speech is unscripted, the talk feels more like telling a story, or having a conversation, than giving a speech. I think that makes it a little more personal or authentic. And that’s always cool. That’s not to say that written speeches don’t hit the point home. (Mary-Beth did a fabulous job with everything written down.) Lord knows I’ve used that tactic many times.
So yeah. That’s pretty much what I learned about winging it through today’s experience. It was pretty cool.
-Bernier
Friday, May 2, 2008
Biofuels
A lot has been made about trying to reduce carbon emissions and pollution by changing from gas and oil to “biofuels”. I support this effort. It’s good to be cleaner on the environment and such. And if we can find an alternative to crude oil to run our lives, we’ll all be in a better place. But there’s a dark side to this particular avenue of what I like to refer to as “Green-ism”. And it’s a very dark shade of green indeed.
The news is starting to fill up with reports of food shortages, food riots, rising food prices, and other humanitarian concerns all over the world.* This could be due to a number of things. Perhaps drought, pollution, urban sprawl, salinization, bugs, and other factors are hitting particularly hard right now. Yes, perhaps. I would venture to suggest there is something else to blame, however. And if you read the title of this entry, you’ve probably assumed I’m talking about biofuels.
Now I’m no scientist, engineer, chemist, or agriculturalist, so the science behind it all I’m unfamiliar with. Basically, biofuels are made using organic, carbon-based material. Plants and animals (including humans), are examples of such material. As far as I know, biofuels are typically made from either recycled French fry grease, or more commonly from staple foods like corn and rice. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.
Now as biofuels are becoming more popular, they require more staple food to be used to make them. Steadily, more and more food is being used to fuel cars instead of stomachs. This can only go so far. Ultimately, of course, you can live without corn-engineered fuel, but not without the corn itself. This reality doesn’t mean a whole lot to us in North America. But in countries that are struggling to feed themselves (and in many cases, are dependent on us for sustenance), this situation is devastating!
A short while ago, World Vision, a worldwide Christian relief charity, announced that they will not be able to feed 1.5 of the 7.5 million people they fed last year.** A number of factors contributed to this, including the fact that an increasing amount of corn is being used to grow ethanol, probably the most common biofuel. This is a tragic statistic. When you’d like to help all you did last year and more, suddenly you lose 1/5 from the previous year. I imagine it must be very demoralizing for World Vision.
Also recently, the United States announced they could not offer as much foreign aid to starving countries as they could in previous years.*** This would be due to the combined effects of rising food prices (for which biofuels are partly to blame), and the fact that there just isn't as much food to go around (for which biofuels are LARGELY to blame).
Another dark side effect of biofuels is one of the great ironies of Green-ism. Biofuels produce more carbon dioxide than they end up saving. Not in terms of vehicle exhaust, of course, but in how they are grown. The land that needs to be cleared, tilled, and harvested, holds a great amount of CO2 in the soil. When this is released from the soil, the quantities that enter the atmosphere are greater than the quantities released from the burning of gas and oil. So while they are meant to reduce emissions, they end up making a bad problem even worse.****
And now this article from the BBC, released just today. It seems that even the United Nonsense is catching on here.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7381392.stm
Now THAT'S what I call an inconvenient truth!!!
-Bernier
*http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,23599517-28737,00.html?from=public_rss
**http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/04/23/worldvision-cut.html?ref=rss
***http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/29/world/29food.html
****http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080209/biofuel_crops_ 080209/20080209
The news is starting to fill up with reports of food shortages, food riots, rising food prices, and other humanitarian concerns all over the world.* This could be due to a number of things. Perhaps drought, pollution, urban sprawl, salinization, bugs, and other factors are hitting particularly hard right now. Yes, perhaps. I would venture to suggest there is something else to blame, however. And if you read the title of this entry, you’ve probably assumed I’m talking about biofuels.
Now I’m no scientist, engineer, chemist, or agriculturalist, so the science behind it all I’m unfamiliar with. Basically, biofuels are made using organic, carbon-based material. Plants and animals (including humans), are examples of such material. As far as I know, biofuels are typically made from either recycled French fry grease, or more commonly from staple foods like corn and rice. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.
Now as biofuels are becoming more popular, they require more staple food to be used to make them. Steadily, more and more food is being used to fuel cars instead of stomachs. This can only go so far. Ultimately, of course, you can live without corn-engineered fuel, but not without the corn itself. This reality doesn’t mean a whole lot to us in North America. But in countries that are struggling to feed themselves (and in many cases, are dependent on us for sustenance), this situation is devastating!
A short while ago, World Vision, a worldwide Christian relief charity, announced that they will not be able to feed 1.5 of the 7.5 million people they fed last year.** A number of factors contributed to this, including the fact that an increasing amount of corn is being used to grow ethanol, probably the most common biofuel. This is a tragic statistic. When you’d like to help all you did last year and more, suddenly you lose 1/5 from the previous year. I imagine it must be very demoralizing for World Vision.
Also recently, the United States announced they could not offer as much foreign aid to starving countries as they could in previous years.*** This would be due to the combined effects of rising food prices (for which biofuels are partly to blame), and the fact that there just isn't as much food to go around (for which biofuels are LARGELY to blame).
Another dark side effect of biofuels is one of the great ironies of Green-ism. Biofuels produce more carbon dioxide than they end up saving. Not in terms of vehicle exhaust, of course, but in how they are grown. The land that needs to be cleared, tilled, and harvested, holds a great amount of CO2 in the soil. When this is released from the soil, the quantities that enter the atmosphere are greater than the quantities released from the burning of gas and oil. So while they are meant to reduce emissions, they end up making a bad problem even worse.****
And now this article from the BBC, released just today. It seems that even the United Nonsense is catching on here.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7381392.stm
Now THAT'S what I call an inconvenient truth!!!
-Bernier
*http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,23599517-28737,00.html?from=public_rss
**http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/04/23/worldvision-cut.html?ref=rss
***http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/29/world/29food.html
****http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080209/biofuel_crops_ 080209/20080209
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Update
Well it looks as though I managed to go longer than a week between posts. I’m disappointed in myself. But oh well. So there’s not much to say at this moment, but rest assured I’m working on a few entries coming up. But for now, my loyal cyber-audience of 4 will have to settle for a measly 4 entries in the month of April. Wow that sounds pitiful. And whoa. That’s like one entry for each person who’s ever commented here. Crazy. But not really.
And that reminds me of something That Guy has been ordering me to let you all know, as of late. It is that from now on, he will not be satisfied with merely critiquing my Thoughts. He will also be evaluating each comment that is published on the blog, and letting the world know what he thinks of it. Why? Because he’s That Guy. That is just how he rolls.
One random note for today: I almost made it 3 weeks at Wal-Mart without getting cut. But alas, today I got cut twice. Once on the left hand with my exacto knife, and once under my right middle fingernail, by some cardboard. Yeah. Just thought I’d let you know.
So now you 4 know that I’m still alive and still bothering to post here. Have a good length of time until my next post. Gosh, that sounded lame.
-Bernier
And that reminds me of something That Guy has been ordering me to let you all know, as of late. It is that from now on, he will not be satisfied with merely critiquing my Thoughts. He will also be evaluating each comment that is published on the blog, and letting the world know what he thinks of it. Why? Because he’s That Guy. That is just how he rolls.
One random note for today: I almost made it 3 weeks at Wal-Mart without getting cut. But alas, today I got cut twice. Once on the left hand with my exacto knife, and once under my right middle fingernail, by some cardboard. Yeah. Just thought I’d let you know.
So now you 4 know that I’m still alive and still bothering to post here. Have a good length of time until my next post. Gosh, that sounded lame.
-Bernier
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Istanbul
I mentioned in my previous entry that I’d like to someday visit the largest city in Turkey – Istanbul. This entry will talk about why I’m drawn to that place, and why it has replaced Israel (which I’ve now been to) as the one place I must see before I die.
I’m a history buff. I’m sorry, I just am. I love learning about past empires, especially in and around the Middle East. Having already seen Israel, the next place most rich in history in that area (aside from perhaps Egypt), would probably be ancient Byzantium. Ever since the Roman emperor Constantine moved the capital from Rome to that town, and subsequently renamed it after himself, Constantinople has many times been at the centre of conflict and power in the world. The most significant event in its history was when the Ottoman Turks conquered the city in 1453. This closed off Europe’s trade with the Orient, and is what inspired Christopher Columbus, and indeed the rest of Europe, to sail westward across the Atlantic. (And now you know.)
So anyways, the city we now call Istanbul has been both a Christian and an Islamic stronghold throughout history. And there are still buildings left behind as symbols of those ages. For Christianity, the Byzantine emperor Justinian built the Hagia Sophia. This cathedral/basilica may just be the grandest such building in the world. It’s nearly 1500 years old, and is now a museum.
For Islam, the Topkapi Palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. It too is now a museum, holding all manner of artifacts from the Ottoman era. Also used by the Ottomans was the Dolmabahce Palace, which was used as the Ottoman seat of administration from 1853 until the empire’s dissolution in 1922. And being a history buff, all this greatly intrigues me. GREATLY intrigues me.
Geographically, Istanbul is unique. It is the only metropolis on Earth that is situated on two continents. Dividing Europe and Asia, the Strait of Bosphorus runs through Istanbul, connecting the Black Sea to the north, with the Sea of Marmara to the south. The uniqueness of this location intrigues me greatly as well. The strait happens to be the narrowest waterway open for international commercial use. That’s kinda neat. And currently under construction is an underwater railway, called the Marmaray, to connect the two sides of the city. This rail sounds a lot like the “Chunnel” that connects mainland Europe with the United Kingdom by tunneling through the bottom of the English Channel. The difference here is that this Marmaray would be in a submerged tube along the strait floor, whereas the Chunnel maneuvers through a level of sub-floor English Channel chalk.
Beyond this, let’s see. I’ve never been to Europe, so that would be cool. I’ve never been to a Muslim-dominated country, so that would be a neat experience I’m sure. I’ve never seen the Black Sea, that would be a first. And I don’t know of anyone who has ever been to Istanbul. So it would be something unique in my own life.
So there you go. It’s mostly geography and history that draw me to Istanbul. Call me a geek, that’s quite alright with me. I came to terms with THAT reality last summer. I have no idea when I’d be able to go. Maybe only when I’m old and retired. I sure hope it’s not that far away. But someday, if I’m still healthy and can afford it, I will go. Mark my words.
-Bernier
I’m a history buff. I’m sorry, I just am. I love learning about past empires, especially in and around the Middle East. Having already seen Israel, the next place most rich in history in that area (aside from perhaps Egypt), would probably be ancient Byzantium. Ever since the Roman emperor Constantine moved the capital from Rome to that town, and subsequently renamed it after himself, Constantinople has many times been at the centre of conflict and power in the world. The most significant event in its history was when the Ottoman Turks conquered the city in 1453. This closed off Europe’s trade with the Orient, and is what inspired Christopher Columbus, and indeed the rest of Europe, to sail westward across the Atlantic. (And now you know.)
So anyways, the city we now call Istanbul has been both a Christian and an Islamic stronghold throughout history. And there are still buildings left behind as symbols of those ages. For Christianity, the Byzantine emperor Justinian built the Hagia Sophia. This cathedral/basilica may just be the grandest such building in the world. It’s nearly 1500 years old, and is now a museum.
For Islam, the Topkapi Palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. It too is now a museum, holding all manner of artifacts from the Ottoman era. Also used by the Ottomans was the Dolmabahce Palace, which was used as the Ottoman seat of administration from 1853 until the empire’s dissolution in 1922. And being a history buff, all this greatly intrigues me. GREATLY intrigues me.
Geographically, Istanbul is unique. It is the only metropolis on Earth that is situated on two continents. Dividing Europe and Asia, the Strait of Bosphorus runs through Istanbul, connecting the Black Sea to the north, with the Sea of Marmara to the south. The uniqueness of this location intrigues me greatly as well. The strait happens to be the narrowest waterway open for international commercial use. That’s kinda neat. And currently under construction is an underwater railway, called the Marmaray, to connect the two sides of the city. This rail sounds a lot like the “Chunnel” that connects mainland Europe with the United Kingdom by tunneling through the bottom of the English Channel. The difference here is that this Marmaray would be in a submerged tube along the strait floor, whereas the Chunnel maneuvers through a level of sub-floor English Channel chalk.
Beyond this, let’s see. I’ve never been to Europe, so that would be cool. I’ve never been to a Muslim-dominated country, so that would be a neat experience I’m sure. I’ve never seen the Black Sea, that would be a first. And I don’t know of anyone who has ever been to Istanbul. So it would be something unique in my own life.
So there you go. It’s mostly geography and history that draw me to Istanbul. Call me a geek, that’s quite alright with me. I came to terms with THAT reality last summer. I have no idea when I’d be able to go. Maybe only when I’m old and retired. I sure hope it’s not that far away. But someday, if I’m still healthy and can afford it, I will go. Mark my words.
The Hagia Sophia*
Dolmabahce Palace**
-Bernier
Sunday, April 13, 2008
World Traveler
Something I’ve been thinking about recently: I have done a serious lot of traveling in my lifetime. Like really, a lot.
By my count, I’ve been to 8 countries and/or disputed territories, 18 different airports, every province from B.C. to Quebec, and 10 American states. I’ve gone on vacations to Hawaii, Florida (twice), the Dominican Republic, and others. I’ve seen both major oceans in more than one location. I’ve seen mountains, icefields, everglades, black sand beaches, sea turtles, sting rays, deserts, ancient ruins, holy shrines, valleys, dormant volcanoes, lagoons, and some of the most spectacular views human eyes can see. I’ve traveled by plane, bus, boat, train, limousine, cab, cruise ship, gwa-gwa, and monorail. I’ve been to extravagant theme parks, waterparks, and a bungee jump. I’ve been to the lowest point on Earth, the tallest free-standing structure (for now), and the Great Lakes.
Currently I have plans to do some sort of road trip this summer. And someday I’d very much like to visit Istanbul, Turkey.
Now I’ll admit, part of me is bragging right now. But my travel resumé is really not the point of this entry. What I’m writing about is the realization I’ve had.
I’m 18 ½ years old. I am a young man. And the more I travel, the more I realize what a privilege it is to be able to do so. But in only 18 ½ years I have done more traveling than most entire families will ever be able to do.
My realization is this: when it comes to travel and seeing the world, I am fortunate beyond what I could properly express. I have truly been disproportionately blessed in this arena. And for that, I thank God every day.
And yet I remember how even a year or so ago, I didn’t feel this way. Travel was something I almost took for granted, like it was a fact of life. It was something I had grown up with, so I didn’t properly appreciate it. I regret that. Now that it’s become something I pursue on my own, I realize how lucky I was to do all that I did when I was younger. I wish I had had that perspective back in the day. But, you can’t live in the past, so now I strive to see each travel opportunity as a blessing to be treasured. And that’s what I’m going to do.
-Bernier
By my count, I’ve been to 8 countries and/or disputed territories, 18 different airports, every province from B.C. to Quebec, and 10 American states. I’ve gone on vacations to Hawaii, Florida (twice), the Dominican Republic, and others. I’ve seen both major oceans in more than one location. I’ve seen mountains, icefields, everglades, black sand beaches, sea turtles, sting rays, deserts, ancient ruins, holy shrines, valleys, dormant volcanoes, lagoons, and some of the most spectacular views human eyes can see. I’ve traveled by plane, bus, boat, train, limousine, cab, cruise ship, gwa-gwa, and monorail. I’ve been to extravagant theme parks, waterparks, and a bungee jump. I’ve been to the lowest point on Earth, the tallest free-standing structure (for now), and the Great Lakes.
Currently I have plans to do some sort of road trip this summer. And someday I’d very much like to visit Istanbul, Turkey.
Now I’ll admit, part of me is bragging right now. But my travel resumé is really not the point of this entry. What I’m writing about is the realization I’ve had.
I’m 18 ½ years old. I am a young man. And the more I travel, the more I realize what a privilege it is to be able to do so. But in only 18 ½ years I have done more traveling than most entire families will ever be able to do.
My realization is this: when it comes to travel and seeing the world, I am fortunate beyond what I could properly express. I have truly been disproportionately blessed in this arena. And for that, I thank God every day.
And yet I remember how even a year or so ago, I didn’t feel this way. Travel was something I almost took for granted, like it was a fact of life. It was something I had grown up with, so I didn’t properly appreciate it. I regret that. Now that it’s become something I pursue on my own, I realize how lucky I was to do all that I did when I was younger. I wish I had had that perspective back in the day. But, you can’t live in the past, so now I strive to see each travel opportunity as a blessing to be treasured. And that’s what I’m going to do.
-Bernier
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Something I've Learned
Ok. I've done some traveling (I'm planning to do a future entry on just that). I've also had a little experience with missions. To date, I've done 3 trips that I would classify as "mission-oriented". The first was about a year ago in the inner city of Winnipeg. The second was last July on a reserve in Northern Manitoba. The third was the week I just spent in Mexico. In each of these experiences, a significant part of my responsibility involved spending time with children.
In Winnipeg, we took some 30 inner city kids to Oak Hammock Marsh to hang out with them and have a hot dog roast. In Tadoule Lake, we played baseball, led Sunday School, went swimming, and horsed around with some 20 Native kids. Then in Mexico, we handed out candy and trinkets to some 30 or so Mexican niños and niñas.
Each time I've taken part in this, I've come away touched. Touched by just what an impact I can have on inner city girls from broken homes, when I present a positive older-male influence. Touched by the willingness of rough and rambunctious boys to open up and play nice when I show them respect. Touched by the sheer joy I see on 30 shining faces when I blow bubbles for them to chase.
My point/what I've learned is this: kids are kids, no matter where you go.
Wherever you happen to be, kids want to be loved. They want to be appreciated. They want to be pampered. They want to be given goodies:). More than that, I think they want to know that somebody out there they've never met cares about them and loves them. And ultimately, it is my prayer that they look at our example and see Jesus in us. And that they turn to him as we have, as they see His love in us.
-Bernier
In Winnipeg, we took some 30 inner city kids to Oak Hammock Marsh to hang out with them and have a hot dog roast. In Tadoule Lake, we played baseball, led Sunday School, went swimming, and horsed around with some 20 Native kids. Then in Mexico, we handed out candy and trinkets to some 30 or so Mexican niños and niñas.
Each time I've taken part in this, I've come away touched. Touched by just what an impact I can have on inner city girls from broken homes, when I present a positive older-male influence. Touched by the willingness of rough and rambunctious boys to open up and play nice when I show them respect. Touched by the sheer joy I see on 30 shining faces when I blow bubbles for them to chase.
My point/what I've learned is this: kids are kids, no matter where you go.
Wherever you happen to be, kids want to be loved. They want to be appreciated. They want to be pampered. They want to be given goodies:). More than that, I think they want to know that somebody out there they've never met cares about them and loves them. And ultimately, it is my prayer that they look at our example and see Jesus in us. And that they turn to him as we have, as they see His love in us.
-Bernier
Friday, March 28, 2008
"Waiting On The World To Change"
Inspired by Amber's question about the lyrics' meaning(s), I've decided to post a response to the hit John Mayer single, whose name you can read in the title.
I dunno. I prefer to think that if you want the world to change, you have to work to help make it happen. It's simple thermodynamics (if there is such a thing): a system left to itself will fall into disorder.
Beyond that fact, I believe in the existence of evil, and I generally don't have faith in the human race as a whole. So a strategy of waiting for change isn't enough for me to be comfortable with. It seems like a defeatist attitude, even if it's warranted. Believing that change is impossible is never going to make anything better.
One last thought: the last point the song makes is that one day we're going to be in charge of the world. My question is, will that by default make the world change for the better? Not if we still think it's impossible.
Thanks again, Amber!
-Bernier
I dunno. I prefer to think that if you want the world to change, you have to work to help make it happen. It's simple thermodynamics (if there is such a thing): a system left to itself will fall into disorder.
Beyond that fact, I believe in the existence of evil, and I generally don't have faith in the human race as a whole. So a strategy of waiting for change isn't enough for me to be comfortable with. It seems like a defeatist attitude, even if it's warranted. Believing that change is impossible is never going to make anything better.
One last thought: the last point the song makes is that one day we're going to be in charge of the world. My question is, will that by default make the world change for the better? Not if we still think it's impossible.
Thanks again, Amber!
-Bernier
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
"Easter Monday"
Since it’s that time of year again, I’ll share my thoughts on the day that follows Easter.
I’ve always wondered why this day is even mentioned on the calendar. Nothing particularly significant happened in the Biblical account of the first Easter. And so far as I know, nothing historically important has taken place on the day following Easter in any given year. Why then is it mentioned? Why aren’t Easter Tuesday and Wednesday mentioned as well?
Then there’s the notion of making Easter Monday a holiday. I’ve never understood this either. Good Friday is a holiday. It’s a day off. It makes sense to me, both from the Christian story and from the standpoint of strategic calendarship. (I’m pretty sure I just invented a new word. Perhaps once I decide what it means, I’ll blog about it. But most likely not.) You could say Easter Sunday is a holiday. This makes sense from the Christian story as well. Maybe because the day falls on a natural day-off, maybe they felt bad and decided to make Monday a day off. I get that, but not really.
Where else is there a 4-day weekend throughout the year? The only other time two holidays come so close together are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. And they’re one week apart. So I don’t really get what the point would be in having two holidays in such close proximity. Especially with holidays whose dates change every year. A bigger peeve for me is that it’s only a government holiday (so far as I know). Why is that the case? Why should only government employees get to enjoy this imaginary holiday? Don’t make me use the discrimination card. I really hate doing that.
Throughout high school, I’d go to class on Easter Monday, and think of all my friends in public schools who got the day off in addition to Good Friday. I was a tad jealous, and even pondered why they would get it off when we in a private Christian high school would not. I never had an answer. But it never really bothered me. I figured we had enough random days off throughout the year falling on random dates that we would still be OK.
Hopefully someday I’ll get some of them answered. But if not, that’s just fine too.
-Bernier
I’ve always wondered why this day is even mentioned on the calendar. Nothing particularly significant happened in the Biblical account of the first Easter. And so far as I know, nothing historically important has taken place on the day following Easter in any given year. Why then is it mentioned? Why aren’t Easter Tuesday and Wednesday mentioned as well?
Then there’s the notion of making Easter Monday a holiday. I’ve never understood this either. Good Friday is a holiday. It’s a day off. It makes sense to me, both from the Christian story and from the standpoint of strategic calendarship. (I’m pretty sure I just invented a new word. Perhaps once I decide what it means, I’ll blog about it. But most likely not.) You could say Easter Sunday is a holiday. This makes sense from the Christian story as well. Maybe because the day falls on a natural day-off, maybe they felt bad and decided to make Monday a day off. I get that, but not really.
Where else is there a 4-day weekend throughout the year? The only other time two holidays come so close together are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. And they’re one week apart. So I don’t really get what the point would be in having two holidays in such close proximity. Especially with holidays whose dates change every year. A bigger peeve for me is that it’s only a government holiday (so far as I know). Why is that the case? Why should only government employees get to enjoy this imaginary holiday? Don’t make me use the discrimination card. I really hate doing that.
Throughout high school, I’d go to class on Easter Monday, and think of all my friends in public schools who got the day off in addition to Good Friday. I was a tad jealous, and even pondered why they would get it off when we in a private Christian high school would not. I never had an answer. But it never really bothered me. I figured we had enough random days off throughout the year falling on random dates that we would still be OK.
Hopefully someday I’ll get some of them answered. But if not, that’s just fine too.
-Bernier
Saturday, March 22, 2008
It's Been A Week
It has come to my attention that I haven't updated my blog since last Saturday. That means I've gone a full week with no activity. And I hardly even noticed until just now, so I figured I'd write something.
I wonder why I've gone this long without updating. Perhaps it's because I know That Guy is going to critique each post thoroughly and mercilessly shortly after they go up. Perhaps it's because I wrote lots in the beginning, and am now entitled to take a break. Perhaps it's because I realize that only 2 people (that I'm aware of) read this. Perhaps it's because my life and the world both got uninteresting at the same time. Perhaps it's because of the overwhelming disapproval this blog receives from my friends. Or perhaps I simply forgot to write something. I suppose I can only speculate.
I really don't have anything to say right now. I just had to write something so as to avoid going silent for too long. That just wouldn't be how I roll.
And kudos to Amber-Lee and Matt - the aforementioned "2 people".
-Bernier
I wonder why I've gone this long without updating. Perhaps it's because I know That Guy is going to critique each post thoroughly and mercilessly shortly after they go up. Perhaps it's because I wrote lots in the beginning, and am now entitled to take a break. Perhaps it's because I realize that only 2 people (that I'm aware of) read this. Perhaps it's because my life and the world both got uninteresting at the same time. Perhaps it's because of the overwhelming disapproval this blog receives from my friends. Or perhaps I simply forgot to write something. I suppose I can only speculate.
I really don't have anything to say right now. I just had to write something so as to avoid going silent for too long. That just wouldn't be how I roll.
And kudos to Amber-Lee and Matt - the aforementioned "2 people".
-Bernier
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Back When I Was Young...
Something I’ve thought about recently. Back in grade 6, my family went on a cruise in the Caribbean. Being 11 years old at the time, I spent a lot of time involved in the “Camp Carnival” activities. These activities took place all over the ship, doing all manner of things. Often we’d all branch off to do some sort of search/scavenger hunt, scouring the boat. At the time, I never thought anything of any of it. Now that 7 years have passed and I recall that week at sea, I’m kind of surprised I was ever allowed to do what I did.
Here I was, 11 1/2 years old. In a foreign “country”, having never traveled before, wandering around a giant boat that has 14 floors (whoops, their called ‘decks’ on a sea-faring vessel such as a cruise ship). There are some 3-4 thousand people from all over the world on it. We’re meeting in locations all over the ship, with nothing to get there but a small color-coded map. Add to this the fact that I’m responsible for the supervision of my two younger siblings. Plus, it is after all a ship. There are wide-open decks and a lot of open air between the deck up top and the deep ocean below.
With all this going, I’m not quite sure why my parents allowed me to run around as freely as I did. Maybe it’s partly because this was still 7 months before the West knew what terror was. With all the unfamiliarity, and being only 11, I probably had no business being left to myself that long. I mean, my brother is about to turn 14. There is no way in heck I would allow him to run around freely on the ship, nor expect him to figure out where everything is and be able to get there from any given location.
Still, when I look back, I know that for myself, there was no problem whatsoever with me wandering around alone. I was fully capable of finding every room and knowing how to get there. Good grief, I knew the entire ship after only the third day on board! Maybe that was the adventurous/explorer side of me. Maybe it was the independence/responsibility that comes from being the oldest child. Maybe I was too carefree for my own good, and it didn’t come back to bite me. Or maybe I’m wrong about my brother. Who knows? All I know is, had I been the parent on the trip, I doubt I would have allowed so much freedom at such a young age.
-Bernier
Here I was, 11 1/2 years old. In a foreign “country”, having never traveled before, wandering around a giant boat that has 14 floors (whoops, their called ‘decks’ on a sea-faring vessel such as a cruise ship). There are some 3-4 thousand people from all over the world on it. We’re meeting in locations all over the ship, with nothing to get there but a small color-coded map. Add to this the fact that I’m responsible for the supervision of my two younger siblings. Plus, it is after all a ship. There are wide-open decks and a lot of open air between the deck up top and the deep ocean below.
With all this going, I’m not quite sure why my parents allowed me to run around as freely as I did. Maybe it’s partly because this was still 7 months before the West knew what terror was. With all the unfamiliarity, and being only 11, I probably had no business being left to myself that long. I mean, my brother is about to turn 14. There is no way in heck I would allow him to run around freely on the ship, nor expect him to figure out where everything is and be able to get there from any given location.
Still, when I look back, I know that for myself, there was no problem whatsoever with me wandering around alone. I was fully capable of finding every room and knowing how to get there. Good grief, I knew the entire ship after only the third day on board! Maybe that was the adventurous/explorer side of me. Maybe it was the independence/responsibility that comes from being the oldest child. Maybe I was too carefree for my own good, and it didn’t come back to bite me. Or maybe I’m wrong about my brother. Who knows? All I know is, had I been the parent on the trip, I doubt I would have allowed so much freedom at such a young age.
-Bernier
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Something a Guy Just Shouldn't Say
Note: I cannot independently verify the accuracy of this post. But I will tell it like it's truth regardless.
For those who don't know, Tony Romo is the All-Pro quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. His girlfriend happens to be Jessica Simpson. Now Jessica, allegedly, is planning to release a country album sometime this year (what has this world come to?). So naturally, she'd like to try out some of her tunes on her boyfriend. So around a romantic dinner, they listen to her tracks. Tony, being the good boyfriend, says he likes it. He ever goes so far as to say that her music sounds like Carrie Underwood.
Now that's a pretty stellar compliment! I mean, I personally wouldn't want to be told that, but I imagine any aspiring young female musician would consider if the highest form of flattery to be told she sounds like the reigning queen of country music! There's just one problem: Carrie Underwood happens to be Tony Romo's ex-girlfriend! Needless to say, Jessica wasn't too happy to hear that from him. We'll see what comes of it. Personally, I think Tony can look forward to a song in honour of his blunder somewhere on Jessica's upcoming album. Seriously, that was something a guy just shouldn't say. I thought I'd share it with you. And again, at this time I don't know if that's truth or tabloid. Keep your ears open.
As a post script, I don't know if anyone has noticed or not, but in Carrie's video for All-American Girl, her football-stud sweetheart's jersey looks an AWFUL lot like the one Tom Brady of the New England Patriots wears. Same number, similar colours. (Shrug) think about it.
-Bernier
For those who don't know, Tony Romo is the All-Pro quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. His girlfriend happens to be Jessica Simpson. Now Jessica, allegedly, is planning to release a country album sometime this year (what has this world come to?). So naturally, she'd like to try out some of her tunes on her boyfriend. So around a romantic dinner, they listen to her tracks. Tony, being the good boyfriend, says he likes it. He ever goes so far as to say that her music sounds like Carrie Underwood.
Now that's a pretty stellar compliment! I mean, I personally wouldn't want to be told that, but I imagine any aspiring young female musician would consider if the highest form of flattery to be told she sounds like the reigning queen of country music! There's just one problem: Carrie Underwood happens to be Tony Romo's ex-girlfriend! Needless to say, Jessica wasn't too happy to hear that from him. We'll see what comes of it. Personally, I think Tony can look forward to a song in honour of his blunder somewhere on Jessica's upcoming album. Seriously, that was something a guy just shouldn't say. I thought I'd share it with you. And again, at this time I don't know if that's truth or tabloid. Keep your ears open.
As a post script, I don't know if anyone has noticed or not, but in Carrie's video for All-American Girl, her football-stud sweetheart's jersey looks an AWFUL lot like the one Tom Brady of the New England Patriots wears. Same number, similar colours. (Shrug) think about it.
-Bernier
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Ban Ki-moon
I'd like to share with you something that has upset me. For those who don't know, a gunmen walked into a Jewish Seminary in Jerusalem and began firing on students, much like we've seen at Columbine, Dawson College, Virginia Tech University, Northern Illinois University, and elsewhere. (This is upsetting enough, but I will focus on something else that bothers me.) In response to the attack, leaders all over the world have condemned the attack. And good for them. Then there is the response from the Secretary-General of the United Nations - the top administrative official in the world. His name is Ban Ki-moon. This was the statement released on his behalf:
"The secretary-general is deeply concerned at the potential for continued acts of violence and terrorism to undermine the political process, which he believes must be pursued to achieve a secure and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, based on a two-state solution."*
I have no doubt in my mind that the Sec-Gen is sincerely concerned. But play close attention to where his concern lies. He's concerned about the violence and terrorism because it puts yet another stumbling block along the road to peace in Israel/Palestine. But that seems to be where his concern ends. His concern is not for the safety of the people in Jerusalem. His concern is not for the fact that Anti-Semitism is alive and well. (Remember, it was a Jewish Seminary that was targeted, as opposed to a public place such as a shopping mall.) He does not extend any condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of the victims.
Instead, he expresses remorse that the political process has been set back. He's disappointed that a tricky situation has become more difficult. He should be. But more than that, he should be appalled that a gunman would walk into a Seminary and target totally innocent civilians who were studying peacefully. And if we want to take this farther, he should be mentioning that the attack was tantamount to attempted genocide, as the attack was strictly against Jews.
But he doesn't do any such thing. When other world leaders are condemning the attack and calling it "vicious", "barbaric", and "appalling", the man at the top does nothing of the sort. He does not issue one word of condemnation. Not one word of disapproval in the actions of the killers. Shame on him. Look at the statement again. Half the statement is simply expressing his political opinion about the Israel-Palestine conflict. He barely even acknowledges the atrocity that took place. Again, shame on him.
As a concerned global citizen, I am disappointed in his apathy toward a humanitarian issue. As someone who loves the nation of Israel, and cares deeply about Jews, I am appalled and offended by the racist indifference Ban Ki-moon exhibits. Once more I say, shame on him.
-Bernier
* http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7282567.stm
"The secretary-general is deeply concerned at the potential for continued acts of violence and terrorism to undermine the political process, which he believes must be pursued to achieve a secure and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, based on a two-state solution."*
I have no doubt in my mind that the Sec-Gen is sincerely concerned. But play close attention to where his concern lies. He's concerned about the violence and terrorism because it puts yet another stumbling block along the road to peace in Israel/Palestine. But that seems to be where his concern ends. His concern is not for the safety of the people in Jerusalem. His concern is not for the fact that Anti-Semitism is alive and well. (Remember, it was a Jewish Seminary that was targeted, as opposed to a public place such as a shopping mall.) He does not extend any condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of the victims.
Instead, he expresses remorse that the political process has been set back. He's disappointed that a tricky situation has become more difficult. He should be. But more than that, he should be appalled that a gunman would walk into a Seminary and target totally innocent civilians who were studying peacefully. And if we want to take this farther, he should be mentioning that the attack was tantamount to attempted genocide, as the attack was strictly against Jews.
But he doesn't do any such thing. When other world leaders are condemning the attack and calling it "vicious", "barbaric", and "appalling", the man at the top does nothing of the sort. He does not issue one word of condemnation. Not one word of disapproval in the actions of the killers. Shame on him. Look at the statement again. Half the statement is simply expressing his political opinion about the Israel-Palestine conflict. He barely even acknowledges the atrocity that took place. Again, shame on him.
As a concerned global citizen, I am disappointed in his apathy toward a humanitarian issue. As someone who loves the nation of Israel, and cares deeply about Jews, I am appalled and offended by the racist indifference Ban Ki-moon exhibits. Once more I say, shame on him.
-Bernier
* http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7282567.stm
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Monetary Gratuities
Tipping. Something so simple, yet something so controversial. Well ok, I’m probably the only one who finds this controversial. And I must say, I didn’t realize how unconventional my opinion was until I started talking about it with friends and had them look at me sideways like I had 2 heads.
So anyways, I personally don’t believe tipping should be necessary. Almost anywhere. I am of the opinion that a server’s job is to serve. Their job is to make sure I am looked after. And while I certainly appreciate the service, at the end of the day that is their JOB. It’s what they’re expected paid to do. If I feel like offering them a small extra sum because of outstanding service, I will do so. But for normal service which is expected by every patron, wherever they go to eat, I don’t feel I should be expected to tip.
That said, there are places where refusing to tip will all but get you expelled. Like fancy restaurants and when in other countries. In such instances, I don’t hesitate to tip. But I don’t go overboard either.
Another part of my reluctance to tip is due to the nature of my own job. My job is Stock Coordinator at Bombay, a home furniture store. Under normal business conditions, my job is primarily to assemble furniture, place it on the floor, receive shipments, maintain the back room, assist customers in receiving their merchandise, and help out on the sales floor. When customers come to pick up furniture they’ve purchased or ordered, I assist them in getting the box(es) to, and sometimes in, their vehicles. I do this because it’s a) good customer service, and b) part of my job. Having worked at Bombay for 6 months now, I have loaded over 150 vehicles with furniture. Sometimes in strong wind, sometimes in rain/snow, sometimes with heavy loads, sometimes getting cuts and scrapes in the process. In the course of these 6 months and counting, I have received a grand total of $0.00 in tips from appreciative customers. Why? Because this is my job. It’s what I’m expected to do. So with this as my background experience, it is difficult for me to understand the necessity or obligation to tip a server simply for serving.
Recently, in the face of mounting opposition, I have begun tipping regularly, though not up to some people’s standards, and not out of gratitude. My strategy now is basically to round up to the next dollar. To be 100% real, it’s not for the service, it’s so everyone with me at the time can shut the heck up. That’s my brutal honesty for today.
Should anyone feel so inclined, I welcome feedback, even debate, on this issue. I know very well that not everyone agrees with me on this topic.
-Bernier
So anyways, I personally don’t believe tipping should be necessary. Almost anywhere. I am of the opinion that a server’s job is to serve. Their job is to make sure I am looked after. And while I certainly appreciate the service, at the end of the day that is their JOB. It’s what they’re expected paid to do. If I feel like offering them a small extra sum because of outstanding service, I will do so. But for normal service which is expected by every patron, wherever they go to eat, I don’t feel I should be expected to tip.
That said, there are places where refusing to tip will all but get you expelled. Like fancy restaurants and when in other countries. In such instances, I don’t hesitate to tip. But I don’t go overboard either.
Another part of my reluctance to tip is due to the nature of my own job. My job is Stock Coordinator at Bombay, a home furniture store. Under normal business conditions, my job is primarily to assemble furniture, place it on the floor, receive shipments, maintain the back room, assist customers in receiving their merchandise, and help out on the sales floor. When customers come to pick up furniture they’ve purchased or ordered, I assist them in getting the box(es) to, and sometimes in, their vehicles. I do this because it’s a) good customer service, and b) part of my job. Having worked at Bombay for 6 months now, I have loaded over 150 vehicles with furniture. Sometimes in strong wind, sometimes in rain/snow, sometimes with heavy loads, sometimes getting cuts and scrapes in the process. In the course of these 6 months and counting, I have received a grand total of $0.00 in tips from appreciative customers. Why? Because this is my job. It’s what I’m expected to do. So with this as my background experience, it is difficult for me to understand the necessity or obligation to tip a server simply for serving.
Recently, in the face of mounting opposition, I have begun tipping regularly, though not up to some people’s standards, and not out of gratitude. My strategy now is basically to round up to the next dollar. To be 100% real, it’s not for the service, it’s so everyone with me at the time can shut the heck up. That’s my brutal honesty for today.
Should anyone feel so inclined, I welcome feedback, even debate, on this issue. I know very well that not everyone agrees with me on this topic.
-Bernier
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Letter To Mike Huckabee
For those who don't know, I have a huge interest in American politics. In the current presidential race, I was a supporter of Republican Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas. He announced yesterday that he was dropping out of the race, now that Senator John McCain has clinched the Republican nomination. I decided to send him an e-mail. Here it is:
Governor Huckabee,
My name is Josh Bernier, I am 18 years old and reside in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I have been a fan of yours ever since you were profiled by New Man magazine. Since that magazine was released, I have followed your campaign almost religiously. Seeing you in the race, knowing where you stood on social issues and your record as governor, gave me someone to genuinely cheer for during this campaign season. Both as a follower of Jesus Christ, and as a concerned world citizen.
Now that the race has come to an end, I sit here and look back over the past months, and I am so grateful for how far you've come in this contest. I recall watching in the fall and being annoyed that CNN never mentioned you or seemed to include you in their polls. I remember pondering the potential that an endorsement from Chuck Norris could bring. I remember watching excitedly as you became a "first-tier" candidate. I recall shouting for joy when, against all odds it seemed, you took Iowa in convincing fashion. I recall getting your e-mails asking for contributions and wanting to help but, without a home state, could not do so. But beyond that, I remember always being proud of you for where you stood on issues, and your ability to defend your record unashamedly. I always appreciated your unwillingness to run attack ads. This showed strength and integrity, and it helped allow me to be proud to tell my friends and colleagues, "I support Mike Huckabee."
I only wish I was an American citizen, and therein could've helped out in more substantial ways. But being a Canadian who knows that what happens in America has repercussions for the entire world, I was hoping that faith and optimism would be enough. Oh well, not this time.
I hope to see you again in 4 years, unless Sen. McCain were to run for a second term as president. Thank you for all you've done and tried to do for America. Know that your fan base extends beyond the 49th parallel. I pray that you recover and reflect during the next few days, and that you continue to work to bring about real change in the world. God bless!
-Bernier
Governor Huckabee,
My name is Josh Bernier, I am 18 years old and reside in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I have been a fan of yours ever since you were profiled by New Man magazine. Since that magazine was released, I have followed your campaign almost religiously. Seeing you in the race, knowing where you stood on social issues and your record as governor, gave me someone to genuinely cheer for during this campaign season. Both as a follower of Jesus Christ, and as a concerned world citizen.
Now that the race has come to an end, I sit here and look back over the past months, and I am so grateful for how far you've come in this contest. I recall watching in the fall and being annoyed that CNN never mentioned you or seemed to include you in their polls. I remember pondering the potential that an endorsement from Chuck Norris could bring. I remember watching excitedly as you became a "first-tier" candidate. I recall shouting for joy when, against all odds it seemed, you took Iowa in convincing fashion. I recall getting your e-mails asking for contributions and wanting to help but, without a home state, could not do so. But beyond that, I remember always being proud of you for where you stood on issues, and your ability to defend your record unashamedly. I always appreciated your unwillingness to run attack ads. This showed strength and integrity, and it helped allow me to be proud to tell my friends and colleagues, "I support Mike Huckabee."
I only wish I was an American citizen, and therein could've helped out in more substantial ways. But being a Canadian who knows that what happens in America has repercussions for the entire world, I was hoping that faith and optimism would be enough. Oh well, not this time.
I hope to see you again in 4 years, unless Sen. McCain were to run for a second term as president. Thank you for all you've done and tried to do for America. Know that your fan base extends beyond the 49th parallel. I pray that you recover and reflect during the next few days, and that you continue to work to bring about real change in the world. God bless!
-Bernier
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Wings Comparison #1
This entry will be my opinion of the wings at the Smitty's Lounge, at how they compare to the wings of the Pony Corral.
Comparison #1: PC's Teriyaki vs. Smitty's Teriyaki
No contest here. Hand's down my vote goes for Pony Corral. Much better all-round teriyaki taste.
Comparison #2: PC's "Suicide" vs. Smitty's "Killer"
This one was close. I'm gonna go with a tie on the spicy factor. Both flavors leave the lips burning pretty good. I give them both points. As far as taste goes, slight edge in favor of Suicide. Also, the Killer sauce was primarily chilis, like those you'd put on pizza. So props to Pony Corral for having a more unique sauce.
Another observation: the wings at Pony Corral have more breading, and therefore more mass. There is much more wing to each wing. Additionally, PC goes heavier on the sauce, for which I give them credit.
Bottom Line: If I'm served wings, I'll eat 'em and I'll enjoy 'em. With that said, Smitty's just doesn't measure up to the Pony Corral. I do give them points for the spiciness of their "Killer" wings, and also for having a 39 cent/wing deal on Tuesdays and Thursdays to match the PC. But given the choice, I'll take the Pony Corral anyday.
So the score stands at Pony Corral : 1 Challengers : 0. I'll have another comparison for you another time.
-Bernier
Comparison #1: PC's Teriyaki vs. Smitty's Teriyaki
No contest here. Hand's down my vote goes for Pony Corral. Much better all-round teriyaki taste.
Comparison #2: PC's "Suicide" vs. Smitty's "Killer"
This one was close. I'm gonna go with a tie on the spicy factor. Both flavors leave the lips burning pretty good. I give them both points. As far as taste goes, slight edge in favor of Suicide. Also, the Killer sauce was primarily chilis, like those you'd put on pizza. So props to Pony Corral for having a more unique sauce.
Another observation: the wings at Pony Corral have more breading, and therefore more mass. There is much more wing to each wing. Additionally, PC goes heavier on the sauce, for which I give them credit.
Bottom Line: If I'm served wings, I'll eat 'em and I'll enjoy 'em. With that said, Smitty's just doesn't measure up to the Pony Corral. I do give them points for the spiciness of their "Killer" wings, and also for having a 39 cent/wing deal on Tuesdays and Thursdays to match the PC. But given the choice, I'll take the Pony Corral anyday.
So the score stands at Pony Corral : 1 Challengers : 0. I'll have another comparison for you another time.
-Bernier
Monday, March 3, 2008
Heart Disease
Something I’ve thought about a bit:
I keep hearing on commercials, ads, and medical brochures that the leading cause of death in Canada is from Heart Disease. This should inspire us to do a couple of things.
1) We should try to raise awareness about the disease, and even been moved to help canvass or contribute to the fight in some other way.
2) We should take a moment to reflect on just how good we have it in our society.
Think about it; where else in the world is the standard of living so high that something like heart disease tops the list?
- Our health care system is strong enough that AIDS and other epidemics are not the leader.
- Our streets are safe enough that violent crime isn’t the leader.
- Our water quality is high enough that water-borne illnesses don’t lead the way.
- Our society is wealthy enough that poverty-related problems aren’t the leading case.
- Our government is politically stable enough to ensure that rebellion, civil war, and humanitarian crises don’t lead the way.
- Our life expectancy is so high that heart disease even has an opportunity to be the leading cause.
According to the CIA World Factbook of 2007, Canada’s average life expectancy tops 80 years*. This is the highest category the Factbook affords. Only a handful of countries currently achieve this level, most notably Sweden, France, Switzerland, Japan, and Australia. Clearly we are in the very elite of the world when it comes to life expectancy.
Since 83% (5 out of 6) of deaths resulting from coronary heart disease occur in people over the age of 65**, coupled with an aging population, our society is prime for this being the leading cause of death.
The next time you hear the statistic in the news or on some sort of bulletin, take a moment to pray for those who suffer and die from heart disease. But before you say Amen, make sure you thank God that you don’t live in a country where they can only DREAM that heart disease was their leading cause of death.
-Bernier
* https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html
** http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4726
I keep hearing on commercials, ads, and medical brochures that the leading cause of death in Canada is from Heart Disease. This should inspire us to do a couple of things.
1) We should try to raise awareness about the disease, and even been moved to help canvass or contribute to the fight in some other way.
2) We should take a moment to reflect on just how good we have it in our society.
Think about it; where else in the world is the standard of living so high that something like heart disease tops the list?
- Our health care system is strong enough that AIDS and other epidemics are not the leader.
- Our streets are safe enough that violent crime isn’t the leader.
- Our water quality is high enough that water-borne illnesses don’t lead the way.
- Our society is wealthy enough that poverty-related problems aren’t the leading case.
- Our government is politically stable enough to ensure that rebellion, civil war, and humanitarian crises don’t lead the way.
- Our life expectancy is so high that heart disease even has an opportunity to be the leading cause.
According to the CIA World Factbook of 2007, Canada’s average life expectancy tops 80 years*. This is the highest category the Factbook affords. Only a handful of countries currently achieve this level, most notably Sweden, France, Switzerland, Japan, and Australia. Clearly we are in the very elite of the world when it comes to life expectancy.
Since 83% (5 out of 6) of deaths resulting from coronary heart disease occur in people over the age of 65**, coupled with an aging population, our society is prime for this being the leading cause of death.
The next time you hear the statistic in the news or on some sort of bulletin, take a moment to pray for those who suffer and die from heart disease. But before you say Amen, make sure you thank God that you don’t live in a country where they can only DREAM that heart disease was their leading cause of death.
-Bernier
* https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html
** http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4726
Saturday, March 1, 2008
My Sister Got Her Learner's
Oh. No.
Actually, it probably shouldn't be too bad. I've never seen her drive, so I can't say she'll be terrible at it. But this is going to change things around here, and that is something I'm not really looking forward to. Like what's going to happen when there's 3-4 of us going to a restaurant, and Laura gets to drive? Even with Dad sitting beside her, I dunno...
I guess it's not gonna be so bad just yet. But in 9+ months, when she goes for her road test and gets her license to drive by herself, THEN where will I be? Suddenly SHE'LL be taking the Tribute all over the place to hang out with her friends. Suddenly SHE'LL be offering people rides just because she feels like driving. And, heaven forbid, she may suddenly start getting to drive and make ME sit in the passenger seat! This is not good. I don't approve. You know, nobody ever thinks about how this affects the older sibling, do they? Those are all MY priveleges for being born first and being responsible first.
Alright, I'm probably being over-selfish about this. I guess she should have a shot at independence too. Looks like I may have to get used to bumming rides again. Oh well. I'll enjoy these next 9 months while I can. Who knows? This may just inspire me enough to buy my own car! My friends will be happy about that.
-Bernier
Actually, it probably shouldn't be too bad. I've never seen her drive, so I can't say she'll be terrible at it. But this is going to change things around here, and that is something I'm not really looking forward to. Like what's going to happen when there's 3-4 of us going to a restaurant, and Laura gets to drive? Even with Dad sitting beside her, I dunno...
I guess it's not gonna be so bad just yet. But in 9+ months, when she goes for her road test and gets her license to drive by herself, THEN where will I be? Suddenly SHE'LL be taking the Tribute all over the place to hang out with her friends. Suddenly SHE'LL be offering people rides just because she feels like driving. And, heaven forbid, she may suddenly start getting to drive and make ME sit in the passenger seat! This is not good. I don't approve. You know, nobody ever thinks about how this affects the older sibling, do they? Those are all MY priveleges for being born first and being responsible first.
Alright, I'm probably being over-selfish about this. I guess she should have a shot at independence too. Looks like I may have to get used to bumming rides again. Oh well. I'll enjoy these next 9 months while I can. Who knows? This may just inspire me enough to buy my own car! My friends will be happy about that.
-Bernier
Friday, February 29, 2008
Leap Day
Well, since today is that day, the anomaly of the Gregorian calendar, I figured I should write something about Leap Day/Year.
Today temporarily revives the age-old question: "If you're born on February 29, when do you celebrate your birthday?" Personally, I've never given this much thought. Mostly because my birthday is on August 7, and none of my friends were born on this day. I've always just assumed you'd have a party on March 1 for most years. Here's another possibility, though: suppose you just don't celebrate for the three off-years. Instead, you have one colossal party on the fourth year! Now THAT would be cool. (Not for the birthday boy/girl, but for everybody else who gets to enjoy a killer time!) Now if only I could find someone with a Leap birthday....
Here's a random question: how do you remember which years feature a 02/29? I've always remembered that whenever there's a summer olympics, there will be a leap day before it. So with this year's games in Beijing, we have a Leap Day this February.
More recently, with my unhealthy interest in American politics showing itself, I've also noticed that year's that feature a presidential election will first have a leap day.
So there you go. That's what Leap Day/Year means to me. Have a good one. See you again in 4 years.
-Bernier
Today temporarily revives the age-old question: "If you're born on February 29, when do you celebrate your birthday?" Personally, I've never given this much thought. Mostly because my birthday is on August 7, and none of my friends were born on this day. I've always just assumed you'd have a party on March 1 for most years. Here's another possibility, though: suppose you just don't celebrate for the three off-years. Instead, you have one colossal party on the fourth year! Now THAT would be cool. (Not for the birthday boy/girl, but for everybody else who gets to enjoy a killer time!) Now if only I could find someone with a Leap birthday....
Here's a random question: how do you remember which years feature a 02/29? I've always remembered that whenever there's a summer olympics, there will be a leap day before it. So with this year's games in Beijing, we have a Leap Day this February.
More recently, with my unhealthy interest in American politics showing itself, I've also noticed that year's that feature a presidential election will first have a leap day.
So there you go. That's what Leap Day/Year means to me. Have a good one. See you again in 4 years.
-Bernier
Thursday, February 28, 2008
We'll see how this goes...
Ok. So this blog is called “Thoughts By Bernier” because it is intended to be a random collection of thoughts and opinions I have on various things. And because my name is Bernier. Well ok, it’s Josh, but having been called on a last-name basis by the majority of my friends for the past 5 years, I’ve started going by the surname.
I can’t promise that each entry will be funny. Or interesting. Or even relevant to anyone besides me. But I will do my best. So if it’s funny, witty, lame, boring, insightful, thought-provoking, absurd, or any other adjective you can think of, go ahead and let me know how I’m dong.
I have no idea how often I’ll be updating the blog. I’ll try to do a couple every week. We’ll see how it goes. So thanks for reading. And if nothing else, I hope I can help you kill some time.
-Bernier
I can’t promise that each entry will be funny. Or interesting. Or even relevant to anyone besides me. But I will do my best. So if it’s funny, witty, lame, boring, insightful, thought-provoking, absurd, or any other adjective you can think of, go ahead and let me know how I’m dong.
I have no idea how often I’ll be updating the blog. I’ll try to do a couple every week. We’ll see how it goes. So thanks for reading. And if nothing else, I hope I can help you kill some time.
-Bernier
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