And then there was none...

Every beginning has an end, every end has a beginning.

That phrase has struck a chord with me the moment I first came across it.

After writing and/or blogging online for almost 15yrs (the last 4 under my own name,) I've found myself at a point in time where it has lost my interest.

In the days of the Information SuperHighway *snicker* the topics revolved around tech, the burgeoning p2p movement (think newsgroups, DC++, ed2k, IRC) and the like.

Writing then was 'easier' as I had plenty of content available to me that wasn't for many others.

Now, with Twitter and all that it offers, I find my rants becoming focused, and less wordy.

I may find myself here again, occasionally... The blog will stay live as there are some posts/links I wish to maintain.

As Wastebook no longer offers a mobile version of ones Page unless one has a minimum amount of likes... perhaps the writing is on the wall?

Thank you for reading along.

Should you wish to keep up with Bacon... you can follow along on Twitter @gjdonovan (see sidebar.)

Hippy Read More...

I find that offensive!

Sometime in the early-mid 90's Ontario was in the midst of a discussion/issue/challenge about whether religious school funding should be extended to all religions. There was a case brought about on it, I just can't recall the details.

One of the papers representing the media of the day (and remember, no #smartphones #twitter #facebook or #youtube) the Toronto Star ran an article on the subject which generated a few Letters to the Editor.

Mine included.

At the time I said that either all schools for People of Religion (henceforth known as PoR... or #PoR for the enlightened) should receive financing (aka are subsidized) or schools for #PoR shouldn't receive a dime of public money.

To have the four separate schools boards that we now have across countless school districts is beyond understanding and acceptance.

Imagine if there were 6? Or 10? How about 20?

Insane no?

I felt that if this issue wasn't addressed immediately at some point in the next 20yrs the challenge will have spread beyond simply schools for #PoR.

Well already this year alone has brought about #charliehebdo #bokoharum #ISIS and the mess that is the Middle East.

Murdered, stoned, raped or burned... all in the name of religions of peace.

Someone once said that actions speak louder than words.

If we agree to this then either your religion is a belief in peace and you are both a criminal and insane... or, yours is a religion of intolerance and oppression and you can just Fuck Right Off.

With that we are now at that point in time where seemingly every day #PoR are offended for this, or offended by that. Blasphemy! Blasphemy I say! Some, like the state of #Indiana (and surprisingly 19 others) have enacted legislation, enshrining in law the overriding 'protection' needed against their sensibilities.

What's next? I walk in to a public office wearing short sleeves and the #PoR behind the counter refuses to serve me under the I'm Offended Because You're Different Act because their religion says that my tattoo's are the markings of Satan and they bring about a work stoppage (under the Health and Safety Act) filing a grievance because they will burn in hell (or be murdered by a family member) if they even look at me?

Now that may be a stretch... but not by much.

Google this if you think me mad.

And now a the world's christians are in the midst of a major holiday.

Yet why is it a Statutory Holiday in this country? Why are we, as a a people and as a country financing this? Supporting this in our supposed National Anthem? In our oath?

It is way past time that all religious references are pulled from all institutions, government offices, schools and library's.

Only then can we as a people, be truly tolerant.

We spend our days demanding special treatment from those we see as different, without accepting that we are all of the the same race.

We are One Race.

I am Human.

If you can't accept that, then I could say that I feel sorry for you... but I won't. Read More...

It's about time...

I just finished 'cleaning' up my personal Facebook account.

Was a long time coming.

This has nothing to do with the (now) useless and irrelevant Timeline algorithm, I just didn't see the point in sharing personal photo's and such with those I'd never knew/met/spoken to/had a drink with/shared a d00b with/exchanged emails or even texted. I just don't see the point.

Please take no offence, but with the lack of privacy in today's world... well, you see what I mean.

This does not mean the NSA can't (and doesn't) continue to read my personal page. :p

Everyone else... you can follow along here, or my Facebook Page, or even Twitter.

Please and thanks.

Here... have some bacon.

Read More...

Plus One

At 01:32hrs on Friday the 20th of March (the first day of spring, and... the date of our last solar eclipse) Ali (herself having turned 23 the day before) and her partner Stirling welcomed their first born... a Son. Weighing in at a healthy 8lbs 14oz this little man has changed their world forever.

As a first time GrandFather I have to say that you, have changed mine as well.

Hello and welcome to our newest family member... Caelum Tristan Greensides.

Caelum

 

Read More...

Heinz...

* Happy New Year!
* Ali is now 36 weeks... full term. Caelum, we await your arrival;
* My Leafs suck... still;
* F**k this wind, seriously;
* 3rd floor of this house... you are now mine;
* 1st xmas with A&S was nice;
* Neo has still got the moves;
* Online discussions about serious subjects can rarely be had;
* a 2nd ablation looks to be required;
* had my 1st visit to the 'new' Hot-Box Cafe;
* Relationships... they come and they go. As long as you learn something, it wasn't a waste of time;
* explain please how I couldn't give my kids PB&J's for school, but YOUR kids can come with the measles, whooping cough, the mumps... need I go on;
* Happy-spend-money-to-prove-your-love-Day!
* My leafs suck... again. Have I already mentioned that? Read More...

Crushed

Candy Crush Saga

The makers of the ubiquitous Candy Crush Saga have been under a fire-storm of late.

Earlier this week King offered a 48hr window with which to purchase an block of time with unlimited lives, so to speak.
Shortly thereafter the connection required to make a purchase (in this case, the Play Store) has been unavailable.

Oh the site is there, it is Google's Play Store, after all.

No, there's been an issue within the game itself.

Thousands (millions?) are posting on both the games Play Store page, and Kings forums about having had their game progress 'erased.'

Now, as a relative newcomer to the game (am only on level 50) and having not invested any of my money on the game... ok, so the game is dead, no big deal. I can't get past level 50 without getting a ride, and I cannot do so as the game will not connect to Play Store.

However, I can certainly 'sympathize' with those who are a level in the 3, 4, 5, or 6 HUNDREDS and lose all progress.

Not good timing given Kings IPO offering.

We shall see what comes of this, until then... Candy Crush Saga is retired.

UPDATE: As of this Friday past, all is right in the world of Candy again. Read More...

Up North Part II

The French River

With a lifelong friend over the past few days up in Noelville, On.

The Hylands are a good bunch of people who willingly choose to have in their home someone who goes out of their way to sabotage their day.

Me.

:l

I give you a slideshow of our goings on, and of the beautiful French and Pickerel Rivers.

Read More...

Facebook not... Wastebook not

The ubiquitous Facebook logo

What is left to be said of Facebook.

Either through a browser or an app on your phone/tablet/phablet... hundreds of millions spend hours a week on it.

Some spends hours each day (I'LL CRUSH YOUR BLOODY CANDY!!!)

:l

Heck, from April 2007 and on, I usually checked out Facebook on a daily basis.

Let's Face it, Facebook has, in a very short period of time... become ingrained in... created really, a world-wide culture. With simple terms such as Poke me, and Like... (though many feels as I do that Facebook needs a Dislike button), have become everyday terms for, well... over a billion people.

'Gimme a call' has been replaced by "Facebook me".

In one way or another, we're 'all' on Facebook.

And Like any tech or code... it grows, it changes, morphs.
Facebook has certainly seen it's share of change, and not all of it seen as positive by its users.
Poor app launch, ClickBaiting, EdgeRank, PageRank, constant altering of one's Home Page/Timeline, Events, Notes, Places, Lists, malware, porn, Games, Games and more Games.

For a while now Page Managers have been voicing their concerns about Page Views dropping like a stone.

A few weeks ago, a blogger (and I've not been able to find the link, so, apologies) tested his NewsFeed for 24hrs. He removed what he didn't want to see, and found that no matter how many times he checked off not to see something, it would return. Time and again this would happen.

I can verify this myself.

It's been said that the reason the NewsFeed algorithm continues to change is that Facebook refines it on an ongoing basis, not to enhance our experience... but to sell ads.

Did I mention Facebook has Games?
Now, I've not played a Facebook game in a few years. Even then I only played chess.com with a few users.

Greg Godovitz of Goddo fame, 'famously' called the social media empire Wastebook, in one of his (at the time) rants. He's not on Facebook so much any more (as I can see.)

Like some, they've left.
Gotten bored, migrated to other social media sites.

It's the continuous 'tweaking' of the NewsFeed though, that's finally gotten my attention.
It's become largely irrelevant.
I was an early adopter of creating and using Lists to manage my feed.
I would then remove them from my feed, therein keeping the main feed for just those I know, rather than what I'd Liked/Followed.

And that's to be expected, isn't it?

Changes for the purpose of generating revenue.

It's time to re-evaluate Facebook/Wastebook.

As I'd said in an earlier post, my 'journey' to eat better, sleep better (etc)... take care of my body... fuck, just put it back together, can be exhausting at times. I'd added in more yoga poses/postures to my morning routines of late and have found it to be both enjoyable and invigorating.

Life altering really.

My body requires daily maintenance. For me, simply sitting up straight is a challenge.
I've also taken a look at how important rest is.

As such, I've taken to turning off my phone Saturday nights, sleep in on Sunday (my Sunday morning/brunch ritual of bacon plus, basically... bacon/eggs/hash-browns, etc, doesn't change in any way though...), giving my body a day of rest from exercise... basically just a day of rest.

And please, I won't entertain any biblical reference to the above pls & tks.

Where am I going with this rant?

I simply don't see what you're posting anymore.

I've recently un-installed the Facebook Messenger app from my S4.
It felt... nice.
And not because of the rumours of its nefarious information gathering.
No, because I simply don't use Facebook Messaging enough to warrant a special app.

I signed up for twitter in 2011 and find it's timeline/newfeed more to my liking.
Migrated to twitter.
Better newsfeed control.
More enjoyable experience, it updates my Facebook Page and my blog at the same time.

Perhaps... it was simply time to move on. Read More...

Upper and lower case.

I noticed the 'other day'... Loblaws (notice the s) had on sale their Signature Presidents Choice Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie (See image on the right... for a taste) for $2.99.

So of course I grabbed a bag.

For me, keeping chocolate, ice cream... or chocolate ice cream (my Signature being Haagen Dazs... any flavour really, but Haagen Dazs) around my place isn't the wisest of things. Not that I'd go loco on it (well... I might), just that I've found it better/healthier to go out and buy something if I want to satisfy that 'craving."
It's worked out well.

At any rate... I, uh... opened the bag 'as soon' as I got in, and immediately was taken aback!

Something was clearly amiss.

The Presidents Choice Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie was now (for a man the size of me), shrunk... to bite-size proportions.

The Presidents Choice Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie was now a decadent only in name.
It was now a lower case cookie.
A decadent... chocolate chip cookie, but a small one now.

This imposter was in its stead.

Pythons famous Dead Parrot sketch

It has expired and gone to see it's maker!

This... is an ex-cookie!




First Timmy's and now this!

Our Canadian institutions are under attack by mediocrity!

We've lost our cookie... and are about to lose our coffee.

As a native Torontonian I am accustomed (somewhat) to this. I mean no one has seen our hockey team in years.

Peace... For me that's a damn shame. Read More...

What was that again?

Having been physically active over my days (more than what is generally considered 'average'), I am intimately aware of the pain and training discomfort.

I'd certainly done stretching and ab-work over a period of decades.

In what became my daily (well... for the most part daily... k!) regiment, I had been using a coupla (defined as two, or three) yoga poses for years now.

Both focused on my lower back.

My first yoga mat!

It just so happens that I'd been looking into a beginners class with the idea of learning something new that I could incorporate/borrow for my dailies.

It also happened to be the day after I'd had a bbq with Ali and Stirling (henceforth known as u2... or in this case, A&S), and Ali just happened to have a yoga mat that she was in the process of throwing out.

I know right?

I brought it home and decided to become familiar with this strange thing.
Though I've comfortably 'done' 25 crunches/situps/leg lifts through-out my days, 25 is, when you think about it, nothing special. I considered my abs/core my weak spot.

Weak spot independent of any injury related area.

You know... a rip/tear/break/disjointed/grinding/tense/or generally bloody and damaged area of what is now my bodies 51st plus year.

Of late *cough* I've been made aware of this on a daily basis.

Nothing you can do about that at this point.

And with that I made a conscious choice to focus more on my 'core.'

That is... my abs.

As the acknowledged weak area, I decided to investigate yoga a little further.

So much so that over the past few days I'd begun to put together what is known as a 'sequence.' I wasn't so interested in a dance (though I can... dance that is), but I certainly accepted the importance of creating a flow.

So online I went and quickly found an array of helpful sites.

Seriously, there are tons, easily found with a simple google search.

Using images and text, I got at it.

Though not completed (some fine tuning... perhaps over time even), today... was Day One.

With my stretching included... a good 1/2hr was spent on my core (abs not counting as they are done upon wakening.)

Talk about sweat?
It was quickly pouring off me.

I've a new appreciation for those dedicated to yoga.

And they are legion... aren't they?

Should I now include myself in that group?
Tell you this, I can't imagine every not doing this again.

It has had a profound effect on my over-all well being today.
Not to mention how my core feels now.
I cannot say enough on how different my body feels today.

I look forward to tomorrow... and the next day. Read More...

Floyd on the beach

Clapton with Waters

Out for a walk today and Floyd comes up on the playlist.
It's sorted by 'old' Floyd and 'new' Floyd (mostly albums in their entirety.)

Listening to the 'new' stuff again brought back some memories.

Having seen Roger Waters before seeing Pink Floyd was a treat really, as sitting in for David Gilmour was non other than Slowhand himself... Eric Clapton.

He certainly brought new blood to the music.

Gotta say I enjoyed the show.

Floyd at the Grandstand

3yrs later I was fortunate enough to see Floyd at the full CNE Grandstand.

Now that was a spectacle!

And, being that it was Floyd that I was going to see, I went fully 'prepared.'

*cough*

I can't recall everyone who was there, but I know that Larry and Bryan were.

They too, were fully prepared.

:l

Like I said... it was Pink Floyd we were going to see.

Now, just check out their set list.

I leave off now with a treat... a cut from the actual show.

Enjoy!



Pink Floyd performing One of These Days at the CNE Grandstand, 23 September 1987 Read More...

French toast... nonnom

A few months ago I switched from white to whole wheat bread.
Er... it's an age thing.

:l

At any rate... this morning I made french toast. It had been a while and I was curious how the whole wheat would taste. Was I ever surprised! It was simply delicious! When you consider the cinnamon I add, well, that's whole (no pun) new ball game.

Whole wheat and cinnamon... nonmnom. Read More...

'nuff said.

Read More...

Ya... but

Robin Williams
July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014

Actor/Comedian Robin Williams took his own life yesterday.

He was but 63 years of age.

He won Emmys, Grammys and an Academy Award.

He had family, children and friends.

He also had money.

Some would say he seemingly had it 'all.'

They would be wrong.

It's been said (and ego aside - and, it IS aside), but, the more intelligent one is the less happy one is. Further... the more alone you are. Read up on it here and here.

It's sad but the vast majority of people are ignorant about mental health issues. Scary given recent 'studies' have shown that a staggering 1in4 people suffer from a mental illness.

A blog posting published today at the guardian is both insightful and disturbing.

It comes out hitting in saying "...to say taking your own life because of such an illness is a ‘selfish’ act does nothing but insult the deceased, potentially cause more harm and reveal a staggering ignorance of mental health problems."

Indeed.

One of Williams more oft used quotes is...

I used to think the worst thing in life is to end up all alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone.
I can totally relate to those words.

A buddy of mine said the following...

I'm having problems with Robin Williams death, for me , it's because it makes sense. I can't say I agree with what he did, but I understand how he got there.
"...but I understand how he got there."

I do indeed.

My second 'attempt' at suicide was at the age of 6.
Yes, you read that right.

'Tried' once, and the idea of suicide is with you every single day.

Every... single... day.

Oh I'm not saying I want to kill myself every minute. But the idea is always there... in the back of one's mind.

And at the age of 51yrs I can't see that changing any time soon.

Twice in my life I'd been hit with what's referred to as a Major Depressive Disorder. Basically... clinically depressed. Namely... characterized by a pervasive and persistent low mood that is accompanied by low self-esteem and by a loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities.

Being adopted (twice) added to the sense of 'not measuring up'... of being 'inadequate.' It is (and has been) a life-long challenge of mine.

Wasn't that long ago that I was fortunate in having a close friend who just 'happened along' when I needed someone. He begged me to check myself in to a crisis unit... and that is exactly what I did. For 13 days I was an in-patient at a local hospital.

Why?

I am in constant physical pain. Not a little ache here and there. Pain at the point where you don't have the energy to get out of bed. That kind of pain. Add to the fact I hadn't been sleeping and... well.

I'm now under the care of a pain specialist, and have my CPAP back... so pain is being 'managed' (and that's really all I can expect), and... I'm sleeping. These two 'small' things have made the difference in my world. Things don't seem unbearable/hopeless any more.

If you know of someone who suffers (in silence or otherwise) reach out to them. Let them know they are not along.

If you feel as if you are at your wits end... if you feel lost, hopeless... alone... suicide is NOT the answer. It's not any answer. Make a call to a family member, a friend... a crisis line in your area... just don't think that it'll all be ok when you're dead.

It's never ok.

I'll leave you with these...

Killing oneself is, anyway, a misnomer. We don't kill ourselves. We are simply defeated by the long, hard struggle to stay alive. When somebody dies after a long illness, people are apt to say, with a note of approval, "He fought so hard." And they are inclined to think, about a suicide, that no fight was involved, that somebody simply gave up. This is quite wrong. ― Sally Brampton, Shoot The Damn Dog: A Memoir Of Depression

Hide in your shell cos the world is out to bleed you for a ride
What will you gain making your life a little longer?
Heaven or Hell, was the journey cold that gave your eyes of steel?
Shelter behind painting your mind and playing joker
Hide in Your Shell - Supertramp

Read More...

4:03am...

Gene Wilder Wisdom

After deciding that I was no longer going to waste my time attempting to fall asleep and pull my ass out of bed... I took a 3-block hike on Queen to the local 24/7 Convenience Store. Sam's maybe? At any rate... a walk along Queen at 04:00 always leads to some new observation. Characters abound Queen and Roncy at this hour.

I greeted each with a hearty "'morning."

And in return I got a strong "Good Morning" (on the way to the store) and a slurred Top o' the day to ya (on the way back.)

As on my way ba-ack... I saw, there in the distance... the Golden Arch's of Mickey Dee's.

How could I not? Even after having breakfaster/dinner the call of the Sausage McMuffin (no egg) (x2) and hash-browns (x2) with a medium 2x milk / 3x sugar, stirred please... was one I could not ignore.

And so in I strode (at the above time) and was greeted again with the night-life that is Queen and Roncy.

It is, after-all, the first time I've lived anywhere East of the Humber.
So almost each day there is a sense of new-ness about the area for me.
Well duh...
My Mickey Dee breakfast is just that, my preferred choice of morning intake.

I am though, generally... left alone.

More so at this hour, but, ya... it's comforting (finally) to be at peace with who I am.

I am Me... after-all.
So no, I did not bring my newest staff (perfectly balanced though it is.

Finish my 1st breakfast of the day, walk home (carry delicious coffee), get home, finish off d00b from earlier, have smoke (gaaaa) and finish delicious coffee.

Nap time?

Ya... ri-ight... Read More...

My dear friends...

And I say dear friends in all sincerity.

Sadly though... neither measure up to my original. Found on the shore of Lake Ontario in 1985 while at CFB Kingston, it was a thing of beauty..

I know I have a pic of it somewhere... it's just a matter of time that I come across it (right Ali?)
Sanded and shined over... it was with me every move from the age of 22... my marriage/divorce... raising Brad and Ali... camping, you name it, it was with me.

Unfortunately... it is no longer with me.

Oh it's somewhere out there, a find piece of wood is a rare thing to hold.

With that said... the larger 'staff' on the left (measuring no less than 6'6") was with me on my trip out East. Yup... from Trenton, ON to Pubnico, NS... every step of the way.
Hitch-hiking from Ontario out East, me and my tats, the hair... and this 6'6" piece of wood was something to see. I wondered whether I would actually get picked up (turns out... wasn't an issue.)

:l
When I left for Alberta, I left it in the care of Brad.
Take care of it my Son.
*sniff*

:l

The smaller one on the right (measuring a 'mere' 70") was found, again on the shores of Lake Ontario, post Caribana Parade.

It has yet to receive any TLC... but it will.

Because as I said... a fine piece of wood is a rare thing to hold. Read More...

Seen around...

Though not licensed internationally, the Tall Ship Kajama can be seen around Lake Ontario.

Kajama

Read More...

Smoking... (Part 364)

The Evil Tobacco

For a change... I bought coffee instead of tea.

Instant coffee mind you... but coffee nonetheless.

As a life long drinker of Red Rose Orange Pekoe, for me buying coffee was not an easy decision.
Tea needs to be in a porcelain or glass mug, and not a styrofoam or paper cup. This won't happen when you're out of the house. So I have coffee... Mickey Dee's over Timmy's... Timothy's over Mickey Dee's. Fortunately... all three are within walking distance of home.

Sooo... I'm sitting here, having finished a bagel (with sliced cheese), having my coffee, and smoking what is my one of my last cigarettes.
My 'plan' is to take to The Boardwalk this afternoon, burn this 1/2 d00b, and enjoy what I want to be my LAST cigarette.

Should the rain hold off, of course.

Having spent nearly a year in the wilds of Northern Alberta I can say that I was absolutely looking forward to a Toronto summer.

Hasn't happened yet.
One can 'hope', right?

Since the age of 13, smoking has always held a challenge for me. See, I differentiate between the act of smoking and 'smoking' itself. I can enjoy a cigarette, but I do not like smoking.

That's right, there is a difference.

You see it now, don't you?
You're welcome.

Over the years I have successfully quit. Though I'd started again... I have to admit that I wasn't entirely 'successful'... While I've always viewed stopping/quitting smoking as a relatively simple endeavour (notice I said simple... not easy), the challenge has been in not starting again.

There are just so many occasions where a cigarette compliments an event.
A good dinner...
Fine glass if wine...

Bacon.

A fine woman.
...
*cough*
:l

A great d00b and a double Wisers.

You get the idea.

And that is where I'm 'at' today.
...
The longest I've gone without a cigarette is a little over two years.
I was in my early 30's at the time.
It was shortly after my divorce.
I'd also stopped for 14 months in my mid-40's.
Course, I also decided I wasn't going to exercise, but that I'd eat my way to health instead.

That didn't exactly work out all too well.

:l

I said I'd wanted to finally eradicate this menace once and for all by the time I hit the age of 50.
I'm now a little past 51.

That too hasn't exactly worked out either.

BUT THIS TIME!!!

This time will be different.
Be gone with you evil tobacco!

Be gone with you!

Leave the d00bs though eh.

And the bacon... and the Wisers... well, you get the idea here too.

I want to succeed.

Finally.

All I can ask is that you wish me well.

As I wish you. Read More...

A new little Donovan is on the way...

Now that I am 'allowed' to post this, here it is.
I am so proud to announce that my 'little angel' Alicia and her man Stirling are having a baby!!!

OMG!!!
That would make me... a GRANDFATHER!
OMG!!!
:)

Ali is now 8wks pregnant.
Both soon-to-be parents are ecstatic and are doing well.

Expected date is 11 March 2015... a mere 8 days before Ali's birthday!

Congrats to both!

Love Dad xx

Ali and Stirling

Read More...

Well, well, well...

Yes, it's been a while.

With the arrival of spring, I found myself in my new home. But a two minute walk from Sunnyside Beach/Boardwalk... and I've been taking advantage of that on a daily basis.

Sunnyside looking West

Sunnyside looking East

Though the pain is still there each minute of every day... there is 'hope' (there's that word) on the horizon. I've been seeing a doc at a local pain clinic... it's simply a matter of getting the right mix of pain meds. That'll get me through the first few months of exercise, and I can start putting my body back together again.

Stretch... stretch and more stretching!!!

I also have some incredible family news, but... cannot 'share' it as yet.

Stay tuned!

I'll leave you with a little ditty I know...



Enjoy the rest of summer. Read More...