To MP3 or Not to MP3

Ah the petty worries of the indecisive one. "She who hesitates is, well ... me," Dan always says. And he's right. The most recent mock crisis? MP3 players.

The Bay had a sale on a Sony 8GB player starting last Friday. I hemmed and hawed so long that by the time I went on Sunday the players had all gone too (although there was a chance they might have had more available today). So then I was regretting not going ... only not terribly badly since I'd never actually made up my mind I wanted one in the first place. It's just that it was such a good buy - $50 instead of $140 - and a decent little player too from all accounts, with an astonishing 45 hours of battery life. But then today I noticed on Tiger Direct that a 30GB Zune is on sale for $125. What's a girl to do?

I should explain that I already have a perfectly functional little Creative Zen player. It has decent sound, runs conveniently off AAA batteries, and includes a nice FM radio. Its only downfall, really, is that it's only 1GB or 10-12 cd's. That's rather limiting because I really don't know ahead of time what I'm going to be in the mood to listen to (the fact I'm a little lazy about unloading and reloading it, even though it's a very simple process, doesn't help either). I should also add that I don't even listen to it that much! At school I often want to hear the sound of nothing other than peace and quiet on my breaks. On my walks I want to hear the birds and the waves (and, if necessary, the cars!). At home I have a whole (big) drawer full of real cd's, plus more files still on my computers. The only time I really use it extensively is on our drives to Kingston ... maybe three or four times a year!

So what's a girl to do and why is she worrying about it at all? The innate and frugal Scot in me wants a bargain. But do I want more storage space? Better quality? Longer battery life? And why on earth am I stressing at all when I have enough sitting in my bank account to go right out and buy the most expensive Ipod Touch - not even on sale? [BTW I was reading an interesting article in Real Simple (Oct. 2008) about happiness that made the distinction between satisficers, who are content to make a decision once their basic criteria have been met and maximizers, who can't make a decision until they've examined every possible option - and even then may be anxious about their choices. Guess which one's happier ... and guess which one's me!]

In the end, I'm not getting any MP3 player at all right now. And maybe that's for the best. My horoscope did say that "your current obsession is a chocolate soldier that looks formidable entering the battlefield, but melts in the heat of passion" after all! And maybe instead of looking for bargains, I need to just define my criteria, get what meets them, and be happy.

So, here's my criteria for when I'm really ready to upgrade:

• big enough to hold lots of music and some movies too - minimum 32GB
  
• nice big screen (not easily scratched or fingerprinted) for when I do want to watch a movie
• great battery life (maybe including the ability to use disposables in a pinch); wind-up or solar powered would be extra cool, but that's a bit far-fetched for the near future I think!
• a simple USB connection - NO proprietary cables!!!
• something that plays pretty much everything you can throw at it - mp3, wav, flac, wmv, avi, divx, xvid etc. etc. etc. so no stupid conversions are required
• wireless internet for simple surfing, email checking etc.
  
• the ability for a few little games would be sort of nice, as would the ability to read my excel-file booklist

Hmmm ... sounds sort of like an Ipod Touch - made by somebody other than Apple. Well we'll just have to see what the technology gurus at Sony, Creative, Microsoft and others come up with. In the meantime, it looks like my little Creative Zen and I will be starting off another school year together.

Little Highlights Every Day

So, when you're on holiday the days - weeks even - all tend to blur one into another. Yet I still look forward to the special and unique things about each day. They're small (generally very small) pleasures, but it's nice to have even the tiniest thing to look forward to. And here they are:

Monday: Easy puzzles in the paper (I can do the N.Y.Times crossword!) to ease you into the week. Concerts in the evening at Pine Beach Park.
Tuesday: Easy puzzles again. Evening concerts at Centennial Park. I've also enjoyed a few episodes of the PBS series "Nova Science Now". And there's always the possibility of a discount movie too.
Wednesday: Some concerts at Stewart Hall; also once-a-year special events (Movies in the Park, Shakespeare in the Park and the Orchestre Metropolitain) in Dorval. Dan plays hockey so I'm on my own to enjoy little pleasures like a nice long soak in the tub or maybe a movie.
Thursday: The flyers arrive! Sad, I know, but this really is one of the highlights of my week. I love seeing what's on sale and planning where to shop this week. The Chronicle and Suburban are also available at the library.
Friday: The electronics flyers arrive. Usually I don't need anything, but it's nice to see what's new.
Saturday: The big paper of the week. Possible garage sales (although very skimpy this month). I watch Hyacinthe ("Keeping Up Appearances") when it's on.
Sunday: A nice big Wonderword to keep me occupied. Sometimes we watch PBS's "Nature" - if it won't be too scary!

Adieu M.J.

First off I need to make it clear that I am not a big Michael Jackson fan. There are a few songs I like - generally the slower, more meaningful pieces (to me it's all about the lyrics). Others I really don't like at all - including Thriller: it scared me! That being said, though, I still recognize his indisputable talent, genius even. And even if I wasn't actively listening to his music, it was still always there, somehow, in the background of my youth.

So naturally I was somewhat surprised to hear of him dying at the relatively young age of 50. Younger than Dan!!! Perhaps it wasn't too unexpected given that he, like just about everybody in the entertainment industry it seems, regularly used - abused - drugs. You just can't take chances like that with your body.

I wasn't even particularly planning to watch his memorial service, but it was a rainy and cold afternoon so I figured I'd check it out, see what celebrities would appear or perform. And I'm actually very glad I did. I found the whole ceremony dignified, respectful, and also definitely Christian which was incredibly heartwarming and comforting. I left feeling that yes, Michael is in a better place now where, for perhaps the first time in a very long time, he feels as if he belongs and is at home. The musical performances were moving and the tributes really humanized him. And when his little daughter said a few words at the end about the love for her daddy it choked me up. For, despite all the controversies of his life, I'm positive he was essentially a good - albeit sometimes misguided person - who really wanted nothing but the best for the world. In a lot of ways I think he was still an innocent child, struggling to find his way and make a place in a very confusing environment. He left us too soon, but I hope all the positive sentiments he put into the best of his songs really impact the world for the better for a very very long time.

First Day of Summer Vacation

Of all the days in the entire year, there is only one first day of summer vacation ... and this is it!!!!!

So far I'm still full of vim and zeal - up just after seven, walked dogs, made bread, did laundry, tidied my drawer full of Cd's (a task I'd put off for ages) which is now two drawers half-full of Cd's. Still to come: brownies, hanging up the just-finished laundry, a session of EA Sports Active, supper, another walk and more. As the days go by, though, I expect my pace to slow down steadily. You simply don't realize how weary you are at the end of a school year until you sit and settle and let it sink in.

Summer goals? Modest as usual. No vacation plans (no summer vacation for Dan) although I'd love a little weekend getaway to somewhere. Mainly we need to tidy out the basement - More. Again. (Or still.) I'm going to Wii a little almost every day. And I'm going to write a journal/blog/something regularly. My goal is four times a week, which I think is reasonable. My topics won't be earth shattering - just the typical thoughts, feelings, events of a typical life. Mainly I want to hone my writing skills - or at least not let them deteriorate too badly.

Et c'est tout. Bonne première journée d'été!

Birthday Horoscopes

Well, here it is, that annual time of year when what is to lie ahead for me is supposedly revealed. I take it all with a huge grain of salt ... but it is sort of fun to record for posterity. This year's predictions are mixed; doesn't sound as if anything fantastic is due to happen. But I would happily settle for safety, stability and security for me and all I love.

So here goes ...

From canoe.ca (Eugenia Last):

Happy Birthday: Take control and you can put the things that have been hovering over you the past few years to rest. If you continue to wait for someone else to do the dirty work, it will turn out to be a disappointing year. You have what it takes to get what you want if you believe in your abilities and put fear of failure aside. Your numbers are 8, 12, 16, 19, 28, 39, 45

Birthday Baby: You are changeable, emotionally sensitive and passionate about what you do. You are open, well-meaning, generous and intense.

From horoscope.com

Happy Birthday! The months ahead are likely to start on a slightly anxious note: a past matter could resurface to cause a few ripples. Dealing with it immediately will bring peace of mind. Communications are likely to go off-beam in December, but it could be that a series of minor errors and mix-ups leads to a stroke of good luck! The New Year period may bring about a welcome change of scenery. In February promotions and advancements will be very well aspected, but you may believe that you’ve bitten off more than you can chew in March, although by May you’ll be very keen to build on earlier successes. The summer sees you getting plenty of support in your field, but August is the month where you need to keep the momentum going, in terms of your career, despite numerous distractions!

From Holiday Mathis (Creators Syndicate Inc.) as seen in Los Angeles Times

Today's birthday (Oct. 8): The next four weeks bring a surprise boost to your bank balance. You're so charmingly irresistible as you party through the holidays that you simply can't stay single. Couples purchase property. Sagittarius and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are 14, 53, 49, 11 and 18.

from Phil Booth (thestar.com - Toronto)

If today is your birthday: You have been chipping away at a pile of reasons why a dream cannot come true. Now the barrier between you and success is virtually gone.

from Cafeastrology.com

If Today is Your Birthday: October 8

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The Year Ahead

Forecast for October 2008 to October 2009

In your Solar Return chart this year, Mercury and the Sun trine the North Node, indicating that you will make contact through learning, communicating, and mental pursuits. This indicates an intellectually stimulating year in which the exchange of ideas with others figures prominently. You are likely to form new relationships or connections that further your spiritual growth, or to enhance existing relationships with a spirit of camaraderie. People in authority regard you favorably. Events take place in which you feel you are moving forward and growing into a new phase of your life.

With the Sun and Mercury square Jupiter in your Solar Return chart, there will be times when you are inclined to overdo things or to promise more than you can deliver due to an optimistic, but not necessarily realistic, attitude. Your eyes may be bigger than your stomach. You may feel vague restlessness and discontent with life as it is, although you are generally in a happy mood. Elevated moods could also be rather unstable, as they may not be based on reality. Channeled well, this energy can represent creative power.

Venus in harmonious aspect to Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus suggests that you are more accepting and understanding of your friends and lovers this year. Contentedness in love is likely to figure and to attract positive circumstances (and people) into your life. This influence can indicate favorable outcomes when it comes to legal affairs, education, and travel. This year, you’re bound to enjoy increased social opportunities as well as a boost in your personal popularity and magnetism. Others are looking on you favorably, particularly friends and lovers (or potential lovers). You are more friendly, optimistic, and big-hearted than usual. A cheerful and hopeful outlook increases your chances of gaining cooperation from others. This is a sociable, and perhaps self-indulgent, time when the pursuit of pleasure is one of your high priorities! You could find that you are more open and trusting of friends and lovers, and that you easily win others‘ trust. Healthy speculation is favored. Financial benefits may come your way. Some people fall in love under this influence. Certain elements of your social and financial life are stabilized, secured, and more reliable this year. You may solidify a romantic relationship under this influence, or become involved with a mature partner.

This could be a strong year for financial undertakings involving electronics, technology, the internet, metaphysics, and the arts, as well as group activities. You have a taste for the offbeat this year, and this energy can bring sudden or unexpected romance into your life, perhaps a scenario that feels like love at first sight.

With Venus also square Neptune, err on the side of caution when it comes to matters that appear too good to be true. Also, watch for unrealistic expectations.

With Jupiter in harmony to Saturn at the time of your birthday this year, a period of constructive accomplishment is ahead. In general, you are practical, realistic, and your judgment is especially sound--and you derive much satisfaction from your work. The key to harnessing this wonderful energy is to identify and find pleasure in the simple things that make you happy. A nice balance between optimism and practicality is with you this year.

In the year ahead, financial, social, and romantic experiences are especially rewarding. Your more lenient and contented attitude towards others tends to bring positive circumstances into your life. A tendency to take on more than you can realistically handle should be watched, however. Despite some minor disappointments due to overinflated expectations, your social life and finances stabilize and satisfy overall.

2008 is a Number One year for you. Ruled by the Sun. This is a year of action. The seeds you plant now, you will reap later. Others might find you less sociable, as you are busier than ever and you focus on your activities and your needs. Still, you are outgoing and your initiative is stronger than ever. Advice - Stand alone, take action, start fresh, express independence.

2009 will be a Number Two year for you. Ruled by the Moon. This is a year of potential companionship. It is a quiet, gentle, and mostly harmonious year that is less active than other years. Instead, you are more responsive to the needs of others. If you are patient and open yourself up in a gentle manner, you will attract both things and people. This is an excellent year in which to build and develop for the future. Advice - be patient, be receptive, enjoy the peace, collect.

from Jeraldine Saunders - the one that was in the Montreal Gazette (although I found the digital version at thechronicleherald.ca - Nova Scotia)

IF OCTOBER 8 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Waste not; want not. For the next six weeks you may feel that you can kick back and smell the roses, or trust luck to carry you through — but in reality there is something pressing that you need to pay attention to in the background. Don’t ignore your responsibilities or make any major changes between now and the end of the year. The best time to make crucial changes such as moving to a new home, launching a new business project or changing jobs, is the first two weeks of March. That is when you could meet someone of importance to your life, too.

from Jacqueline Bigar (as seen in the Houston Chronicle and the Daily Athanaeum)

Born today: You make the impossible possible this year -- if you are willing to walk the untrodden path. You often are not sure about a risk, being somewhat of a cautious sign. Do remember, though, that if you don’t risk, you will get nothing. If you are single, nobody will deny your appeal. You will get evidence to that fact, like it or not. If you are attached, the two of you start acting like old lovers once more. How wonderful! AQUARIUS knows how to pique your interest! Enjoy this person to the max.

July 2nd and 3rd, 2008

Even though Google may have neglected us (no special logo yesterday apparently) I'm here to make my Canada Day contribution.

Recently papers have published a list of the top 100 things that symbolize Canada. There were regional variations, of course, but plenty of commonalities too. I purposely didn't read through the entire list because I wanted to make my own. So, as they say, without further ado (and in no particular order other than the way they come out of my head), here goes ... (hope I can make it all the way to 100!)

1. the maple leaf (as a logo on our flag etc.)
2. the Rockies
3. Niagara Falls
4. the Gaspé peninsula
5. poutine
6. tourtière
7. salmon
8. dulse
9. Anne of Green Gables
   
10. L. M. Montgomery
11. bilingualism
    
12. French immersion
13. Celine Dion
14. Anne Murray
15. Gordon Lightfoot
16. Stuart MacLean and his Vinyl Cafe
17. hockey
18. lacrosse
19. the Montreal Canadiens
20. Pierre Trudeau
21. Norman Bethune
22. peacekeepers
23. the Cabot Trail
24. loons
25. moose
26. beaver
27. bears
    
28. Canada geese
29. snow geese
30. the Newfoundland dog
31. the Nova Scotia Duck Toller Retriever dog
32. the Annapolis Valley
33. the Okanagan Valley
34. the Canadian Pacific Railroad
35. the motto "from sea to sea to sea"
    (or, I suppose, A Mari usque ad Mare usque ad Mare)
36. Jacques Cartier
37. the Voyageurs
38. Samuel de Champlain
39. the Hudson Bay Company
40. the fur trade
41. inukshuks
42. the Prairies
43. Churchill Manitoba's polar bears
44. Percé
45. the CBC
46. the St. Lawrence river ... oh no, stuck at 46!!!
    
47. (later) snowstorms
48. ice storms
49. igloos
50. Vieux Québec & the Plains of Abraham
    
51. the Quebec winter carnival & Bonhomme Carnaval
    
52. the Halifax explosion
53. Signal Hill Newfoundland
54. standard time (Sanford Fleming)
55. Alexander Graham Bell and the telephone
56. James Naismith and basketball
57. canoes
58. kayaks
59. the Great Lakes
60. confederation (1867 Charlottetown)
    
61. medicare
62. maple trees
63. the Yukon gold rush
64. dog sledding
65. dinosaurs - especially in Alberta's badlands
66. Wayne Gretzky
67. figure skating
68. skiing (downhill and cross-country)
69. the Acadians
70. Gaelic
71. Native Peoples: ex. the Iroquois confederacy (6 tribes) and
    Shanadithit, last of the Beothuks
72. Viking settlements in Newfoundland
73. "In Flander's Fields" by John MacRae
74. 2nd largest country in the world!!!
75. whales (esp. narwhals - unicorns of the sea)
76. seals (and, sadly, the seal hunt)
77. "The Road to Avonlea" TV series
78. hydroelectricity
79. wheat fields
80. Algonquin Park
81. Upper Canada Village
82. the RCMP - especially the Musical Ride
83. the Snowbirds (Canadian forces precision flyers)
84. snowbirds (people who go south for the winter)
85. (continued July 3rd - this is tough!) the Bluenose
86. loonies and toonies
87. forestry
88. mining - coal, nickel and now diamonds
89. cultural mosaic
90. the C. N. Tower
91. the Calgary Stampede
92. Banff (and other touristy towns like Jasper and Whistler)
    
93. the Rideau Canal
94. Parliament Hill
95. Bryan Adams
96. Upper Canada Village
97. the Trans Canada Trail (walking/biking)
98. the Trans Canada Highway
99. totem poles
100. home - the greatest country in the world (at least for me:)
     

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Whew ... that was a lot harder than I thought. Coming up with a list of 100 anything is difficult. And I know if I go and read the original list now I'll be smacking myself on the head and saying "how could I possibly have forgotten x?" So I think for now I just won't read it! A belated "Happy Canada Day" to all.

Stuart MacLean's Writing Advice

A month or two back on an edition of Vinyl Cafe, Stuart decided to give some advice to aspiring writers. His biggest secret? He really isn't any better a writer than anyone else. The main difference is that he thinks he is a writer. His first drafts aren't great - again no better than yours or mine - but he keeps at, it knowing that by the seventh, eighth or ninth drafts he will have something decent. For him a deadline looming also gives that added incentive to stick at it - or get to it in the first place. But in short, there is no secret. Just believe you're a writer and write, write and write again until you have become one.