Month: October 2008

OK, OK, I shouldn't have suggested "Here Comes Your Man"

Dan DickinsonLeave a comment

Having now played Rock Band, I can say that while the drums may be more realistic than the guitar or bass, it’ll still little like playing the drums. I almost think I should have cranked it up to advanced as that would be more like playing the actual drum part to a song. Anyway, fun thing to do with co-workers.

.:.

The worldwide polls for the US presidency: not even close.

Americans may still be undecided, but the rest of the world has made up its mind about who should be elected president of the United States.

A Gallup poll of 70 countries conducted from May through September has found widespread international support for Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

Around the world, respondents favoured Mr. Obama 4 to 1 over Republican John McCain.

[From the Globe and Mail]

Stop 'n go

Dan DickinsonLeave a comment

We arrived back in Toronto today, just in time to do some laundry, perform some emergency triage on the PVR and pack for two days away at a conference. I leave tomorrow morning and get back Wednesday evening. It’s going to be a tough two days, mainly because of how behind I am on my sleep, but it’ll be fun too.

"Hallelujah."

Dan DickinsonLeave a comment

Today was our last full day in Halifax. It started with my convocation ceremony, then lunch with our parents, then a few hours of downtime in the bar and our room, then dinner with our friends Marney & Amy. Great dinner, by the way, at a cool little wood oven pizza place.

We leave tomorrow morning, but not too early. Good thing too…we’re oh so tired. Night, kids.

Now: two reasons to feel guilty when ordering dessert

Dan DickinsonLeave a comment

So let’s see…what’s happened since last I blogged? I had some lunch at Rogue’s Roost, walked around the Public Gardens, walked up to the campus and picked up my gown, fought off a wicked-ass headache, and spent the evening at a very nice work function. Said work function was followed by too many hours at the Lower & Middle Deck.

This morning, after too little sleep, we met some friends for brunch, did a little shopping, met up with my parents, came back and relaxed at the hotel for a bit, and went out to dinner at Il Mercato. This time out wasn’t as good as my visit in August…it was too loud to have a conversation, and there was a massive lineup of people hovering over our tables, staring at our food and silently willing us to eat faster. That kind of put a damper on the dinner.

Tonight I’m happily chilling out for a bit. Nellie’s off having a glass of wine with her mom, while I catch up on some reading and get some quiet time. Tomorrow morning the big event starts early.

I'm a croakin' man with a Halifax beer

Dan DickinsonLeave a comment

We landed in Halifax quite late, and it took forever to get a cab into the city, so it was nearly midnight before we could drop our bags and meet some friends for a beer. Two pints and 90 minutes later we were walking home in the cold rain, and I woke up this morning with a chill and a sore throat. Well, it was either the walk home or the sub-zero temperature in our hotel room. I had to use an ice scraper on the alarm clock just to see what time it was.

We have a few hours to ourselves now. Time to go find some grub and enjoy Halifax.

The prodded-a-lot son returns

Dan DickinsonLeave a comment

Hey kids…just before I dash out the door to catch my flight to Halifax, let’s all say congratulations to CBGB who, after 114 days of visiting various NICUs around Toronto, have finally brought LB home. I give it about three weeks until GB has him up and doing kata.

Congrats, little guy. I guess we both graduated this week, but I dare say you worked harder for yours.

Graduand –> graduate

Dan DickinsonLeave a comment

It might be a bit quiet around here the next few days since I’ll be in Halifax — for the third time in as many months — to take part in my MBA convocation. Trying like hell to get everything done, at home and at work, before I leave.

Have a good weekend, y’all.

Yawn

Dan DickinsonLeave a comment

Another pointless election, another Conservative minority. No one is surprised by this, though Stephen Harper must be disappointed. With the opposition — especially the Liberals — this weak and the Green party sucking up left-wing votes, this was his best chance for a majority, but he couldn’t quite get there.

Speaking of the Liberals, I’d have to think that the party organizers have already put down a deposit on a hall big enough to hold a leadership convention. Stephane Dion has no doubt picked out his cigarette and blindfold. Meanwhile, the CBC is already asking Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff about their campaign plans.

If the Liberals were smart they’d push a big wedge issue to the forefront of Canadian debate, like abortion or gun control, that will create a fracture in the Conservatives between the moderates and old reformers and divide that vote. However, I shan’t hold my breath waiting for any innovative or progressive tactics from the Liberals. Unite the left, anybody?

Please be kidding. Please be kidding. Please be kidding.

Dan DickinsonLeave a comment

From Yahoo: ‘Porno’ proves a five-letter word for movie’s ads.

Some newspaper, TV and outdoor ads for Smith’s comedy “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” have been rejected because of their content or the five-letter word that ends the title, said Gary Faber, head of marketing for the Weinstein Co., which is releasing the film.

Among those refusing to carry ads are about 15 newspapers and several TV stations and cable channels, Faber said. Commercials for the film during Los Angeles Dodgers games on Fox Sports were dropped at the team’s request after some viewers complained, said Dodgers spokesman Josh Rawitch.

It was dumb enough that the MPAA banned these posters. This is just…yeah.

Yes, we use maple syrup like most people use ketchup

Dan DickinsonLeave a comment

This is one of the reasons I like living up so high.

.:.

Some people don’t seem to believe that I could get as stuffed as I claimed to be last night without having any turkey. Let’s just recap what I consumed:

  • Great Lakes Pumpkin Ale
  • mixed greens with apple, pear, candied pecans, goat cheese and a maple vinaigrette
  • mashed potatoes
  • maple-glazed carrots
  • peas
  • half an acorn squash stuffed with…well, stuffing
  • fresh rolls
  • 2004 Tatone Montepulciano
  • pumpkin pie

Quantities of food consumed: let’s just assume “copious” to be safe. Nellie outdid herself, and I paid for it with a distended (more than usual) belly.