tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-211751152024-03-17T23:00:33.219-04:00Bill Clarke"It's a thousand pages give or take a few...I'll be writing more in a week or two..."Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-40728764046358062182011-08-02T07:50:00.003-04:002011-08-02T15:37:57.304-04:00(All My Life's A) Circle<b>July 16th</b> marked the 30th anniversary of the passing of Harry Chapin - singer, songwriter, humanitarian, activist to end world hunger.<br /><br />This past Sunday, a stripped down version our church band -SoulJourn- performed <u>(All My Life's A) Circle</u>. Here is a recording of that performance, presented as a tribute to Harry.<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EwmhwHPUgJE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Interred in the Huntington Rural Cemetery, Huntington, New York - Harry's epitaph was taken from his song <u>I Wonder What Would Happen To This World</u>. <br /><br /><i>"Oh if a man tried <br />To take his time on Earth <br />And prove before he died <br />What one man's life could be worth <br />I wonder what would happen <br />to this world"</i>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-32130921157093124522011-05-21T19:20:00.004-04:002011-05-21T19:45:23.146-04:00An Open Letter To Harold CampingDear Harold,<br /><br />Now that it is has become obvious - presumably, even to you - that your calculations and predictions were groundless, perhaps you'd like to enter into a discussion of <em>why</em> you were so off-base.<br /><br />I just happen to be bold enough to believe that I know the reason, and it has nothing to do with the <strong>New Testament</strong> pronouncement of <em>...no one knowing that day and time.</em><br /><br />No. It is far worse than that.<br /><br />I have to shake the very foundations of your faith. Sorry, but it needs to be done. You were wrong for reasons that you can barely imagine, let alone accept. But maybe - just maybe - you are now ready to face the truth of the <em>fundamental</em> flaw in your understanding. <br /><br />The <em>fundamental</em> flaw in the understanding of all so-called Christians around the world today. You, and all of the so-called Christians, have been duped and deceived by a master deceiver. This is going to shake your world, Harold - even more than it has been shaken by your massive failure of May 21st 2011.<br /><br />If you are ready to have this conversation - contact me.<br /><br />If not, I will understand. Often it is easier to cling to our delusions than it is to face the truth. But you, and all of the so-called Christians around the world, have declared Jesus a <strong>liar</strong> and a <strong>fool</strong>. Maybe it's time to talk about it.<br /><br />Bill Clarke.Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-32396680596883000882011-05-16T17:37:00.001-04:002011-05-16T17:40:08.928-04:00Water For ElephantsReal 'quick and dirty' review of the film, which Trish and I saw last night.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Rob Pattinson</strong> - did a decent job of it; not spectacular but certainly not horrible.<br /><br /><strong>Reese Witherspoon</strong> - was very good but too old for the part. The obvious age difference results in a lack of chemistry between the two main characters where chemistry was really needed.<br /><br /><strong>Changes from the novel</strong> - very gutsy move to combine Uncle Al and August into one character and I think it worked very well. I doubt I would have thought to do that and, if I had, I further doubt that I would have had the balls to try. They tried and succeeded in my view; a gamble that paid off.<br /><br />Overall, the film is worth seeing if you read the novel or not (...and in both the film and novel the elephant steals the show).Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-83958451478513698312011-04-21T14:06:00.002-04:002011-04-21T14:17:10.518-04:00Westboro Baptist Church Goes To Mississippi – And LosesOn Saturday USMC Staff Sgt. Jason Rogers, who was killed in action in Afghanistan April 7, was buried in Brandon, Mississippi. <br /><br />That, by itself, is a sadly unremarkable – though certainly noteworthy and solemn – occasion for us to mark. And in fact when Sgt. Rogers’ body returned to Brandon it was greeted by hundreds, or perhaps even thousands, of well-wishers who gathered at the roadside to honor the fallen American hero. The dashboard camera from Mississippi state trooper Elmo Townsend’s cruiser gives an indication of the scene last Thursday. <br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R6n08Z9495E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />What is most notable about Sgt. Rogers’ funeral in Brandon, however, is what didn’t happen. <br /><br />You see, the troglodytes from Westboro Baptist Church had threatened to spew their poison at Sgt. Rogers’ funeral. But the Westboro mob wasn’t on the scene, and Sgt. Rogers was laid to rest without incident – thank God. <br /><br />Why weren’t there protestors? Planning ahead by the locals, as it turns out. <br /><br />From an Ole Miss sports message board, a tidbit of information… <br /><br />A couple of days before, one of them (Westboro protestors) ran his mouth at a Brandon gas station and got his arse waxed. Police were called and the beaten man could not give much of a description of who beat him. When they canvassed the station and spoke to the large crowd that had gathered around, no one seemed to remember anything about what had happened. <br /><br />Rankin County handled this thing perfectly. There were many things that were put into place that most will never know about and at great expense to the county. <br /><br />Most of the morons never made it out of their hotel parking lot. It seems that certain Rankin county pickup trucks were parked directly behind any car that had Kansas plates in the hotel parking lot and the drivers mysteriously disappeared until after the funeral was over. Police were called but their wrecker service was running behind and it was going to be a few hours before they could tow the trucks so the Kansas plated cars could get out. <br /><br />A few made it to the funeral but were ushered away to be questioned about a crime they might have possibly been involved in. Turns out, after a few hours of questioning, that they were not involved and they were allowed to go on about their business. <br /><br />Fred Phelps, the disbarred lawyer and Democrat activist who leads the Westboro congregation, will undoubtedly pursue some form of legal action for the way his people were thwarted in Brandon. Let him try. There isn’t a jury in Mississippi which will see things his way. <br /><br />This is a template for how to handle the Westboro people. If lawsuits don’t work, other means will. Whatever it takes to keep them from harassing bereaved military families on the day their fallen loved ones are laid to rest.<br /><br />SOURCE - <a href="http://thehayride.com/2011/04/westboro-baptist-church-goes-to-mississippi-and-loses/">http://thehayride.com/2011/04/westboro-baptist-church-goes-to-mississippi-and-loses/</a>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-46482075242723609292011-03-28T17:44:00.004-04:002011-03-28T17:54:18.460-04:00May 21st, 2011<a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFG4lO-YqfmS_zDInwcvMDPOU8tP6LzSrceECmiDncoQt_k5XmDg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFG4lO-YqfmS_zDInwcvMDPOU8tP6LzSrceECmiDncoQt_k5XmDg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />I have a deal for any of the believers who plan to be raptured on May 21st 2011 - this is a "no lose" proposition for you!<br /><br />I will give you $100 in return for a promissory note for $10,000 - payable on May <strong>22</strong>nd 2011. I will pick up the cost of having it notarized: you don't have to spend a cent and you will get $100 cash. Period.<br /><br />When you get raptured on May 21st 2011 that will be the end of it as far as you're concerned and I will be out $100. Think of it as partial punishment for my disbelief. You get $100 now and I am left with nothing when you get raptured. Pretty sweet, huh?<br /><br />But - if, for any reason, you are still here on Planet Earth on May 22nd 2011 the full amount of $10,000 is payable to me. In cash.<br /><br />Really, how can you lose? You <strong>KNOW</strong> you will be raptured and I'll be left (with all the other unsaved people) awaiting the final end five months later. And, in addition to annihilation, I will be out $100. <br /><br />Use the $100 to print up more bumper stickers: sweet, ironic justice for my disbelief - <em>and YOU can make it happen</em>!<br /><br />Contact me at once and I will arrange matters with my lawyer and notary. But don't delay - for reasons entirely outside of my control, this is a time-limited offer.Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-39263052950089020142011-03-24T21:45:00.001-04:002011-03-24T21:47:50.361-04:00You Decide...Trish thought it was a groaner, at best.<br /><br />Maybe it's just pride of authorship, but when I came up with it this evening I thought it was hilarious. Well... as hilarious as a pun ever is. Anyway, here's the line:<br /><br /><strong>When I was a child, my parents chose to deliberately expose me to the measles virus. I think it was a rash decision.</strong><br /><br />Okay.<br /><br />Now that I see it actually typed out I realize: a stronger man would have resisted.Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-45309105022989410342011-03-19T14:11:00.004-04:002011-03-19T14:33:32.467-04:00Hollywood Re-visitedI use a program called <strong>Choicemail</strong> to prevent spam. It's an effective method: what happens is that I have a <em>whitelist</em> of email addresses and URLs from which I will accept email. If someone not on the <em>whitelist</em> sends me an email, the program sends them a registration form to complete. If it is a real person and they choose to complete the form, it is sent to me and I can decide to add them to my <em>whitelist</em> or reject their registration. I have the option of including an explanation for my decision.<br /><br /><strong>Choicemail</strong> works very well and I have used it for a couple of years now. <br /><br />Long time followers of this blog (and there are a few of you) may recall that back in March 2008 I posted this entry - <a href="http://bilclarke.blogspot.com/2008/03/hollywood-cautionary-tale.html">Hollywood - A Cautionary Tale</a> about my consultation with an intellectual-property lawyer in Los Angeles after a game show idea that I posted on <strong>tvwritersvault</strong> was developed without any consultation (or compensation) to me. The lawyer advised me to forget about it and I decided to take his advice.<br /><br />Perhaps not surprisingly, <strong>tvwritersvault</strong> is not on my <strong>Choicemail</strong> <em>whitelist</em> - after my experience I certainly don't intend to use them again.<br /><br />This past Wednesday evening I received a <strong>Choicemail</strong> registration request from Scott Manville - the guy who owns/runs <strong>tvwritersvault</strong> - wanting access to my email, presumably so that he could convince me to recommence using their services. This set off a short corresdondence that I am posting below. All I have done is re-arrange the emails into proper chronological order and removed any URL addresses (to limit further spam); I have not edited any of the messages.<br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br /><br />From: Bill Clarke<br />Subject: Not authorized to send email to billclarke@*******.com<br />To: webmaster@*******.com<br />Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:40:32<br /><br />Your request to communicate with the recipient has been rejected.<br /><br />Reason:<br /><br />Thanks but after one of my ideas (put on your site) was developed by<br />Hollywood without so much as a "by your leave" I figured you really <br />weren't the best place to share. I actually consulted a lawyer but <br />he said you didn't have a pot to piss in so...<br /><br />Future emails to this recipient will be automatically deleted.<br /><br />If you wish to contact this person, please contact him/her by other<br />means.<br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br />From: Scott Manville<br />Subject: Not authorized to send email to billclarke@*******.com<br />To:billclarke@*******.com<br />Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:42:34<br /><br />Bill-<br />Your claim is unfounded.<br />For your information, my Pot runeth over ;)<br />Ten years in the industry witha groundbreaking company will fill the<br />coffers just fine.<br /><br />Best,<br />Scott<br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br />From: Bill Clarke<br />Subject: Not authorized to send email to billclarke@*******.com<br />To: smanville@*******.com<br />Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:54:14<br /><br />Runeth, huh?<br /><br />Freudian slip, mayhaps?<br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br />From: Scott Manville <br />Subject: Not authorized to send email to billclarke@*******.com <br />To: billclarke@*******.com<br />Date: Wed, 16 March 2011 9:23 PM<br /><br />Yes, Runeth over, as in abundance, prosperity.... aka fucking rich.<br /><strong>____________________________</strong><br />From: Bill Clarke<br /><br />Subject: Not authorized to send email to billclarke@*******.com <br />To: smanville@*******.com<br />Date: Wed, 16 March 2011 9:36 PM<br /><br />Terrific Scott. <br /><br />Invest $10 of your wealth in a dictionary. <br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br />From: Scott Manville <br />Subject: Not authorized to send email to billclarke@*******.com <br />To: Bill Clarke <br />Date: Wed, 16 March 2011 9:49 PM<br /><br />Used with two N's or one. I chose one, as some publishers have. By <br />the way, you must be over 60 because nobody has to buy a dictionary <br />any more. Its free on that thing you're typing with one finger.<br /><br />Tell your attorney he should stick to traffic ticket disputes :)<br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br />From: Bill Clarke<br />Subject: Not authorized to send email to billclarke@*******.com<br />To: smanville@*******.com<br />Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:15 PM<br /><br />Nah, it's two Ns. You know it is.<br /><br />And speaking of one finger...<br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br />From: Scott Manville<br />Subject: Not authorized to send email to billclarke@*******.com<br />To: Bill Clarke <br />Date: Wed, 16 March 2011 10:40 PM<br /><br /><br />Good luck in your small world.<br /><br />One "N" is used often. You're just not exposed to literature or <br />publishing as I am.<br /><br />OH, by the way.... you had three executives requesting to contact you <br />for your project, but your spam filter knocked out the requests.<br /><br />Ooops.<br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br />From: Bill Clarke<br />Subject: Not authorized to send email to billclarke@*******.com<br />To: smanville@*******.com<br />Date: Wed, 16 March 2011 10:48 PM<br /><br />Oh, that must be it – thanks for clearing that up.<br /><br />Well, as fascinating as this has all been, at my advanced age it <br />really is tiring to do all this one-finger typing so I’ll wish you<br />a pleasant good night. The nurse will be bringing my warm milk any <br />minute now and then it’s lights out at the Senior’s Home so, thanks <br />for the chat.<br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br /><strong>___________________________</strong><br /><br />Juvenile? Not to be believed. Now, I readily admit to being just as juvenile as Scott Manville by goading him on like that but... Hey! I am the <em>customer</em> <strong>HE</strong>'s the service provider, it's <em>his</em> professional image that's subject to scrutiny here, not mine.<br /><br />Okay, now here's a short customer service quiz for you - one multiple choice question, three possible answers and I'll even provide a clue, okay?<br /><br /><strong>Question:</strong><br />You hear from a former customer that he has grounds to believe that he has been ripped off through the auspices of your service. Do you...<br /><br /><strong>A</strong>) Assure the former customer that you will get to the bottom of it and report back to him, then obtain all pertinent details and look into the matter thoroughly to ensure that your valued customers are not being ripped off.<br /><strong>B</strong>) Dismiss the former customer's concerns without a second thought since you are no longer making any money off him anyway.<br /><strong>C</strong>) Use the opportunity to brag about how much money you're making.<br /><br />(CLUE - the answer isn't B or C)Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-78660003739989741902011-02-21T12:36:00.002-05:002011-02-21T12:41:28.124-05:002011 Unity Coffee HouseI was asked to MC the 2011 Valentines Coffee House at Unity Kitchener. In addition to introducing the acts and telling a few jokes I also presented these three video clips unabashedly stolen from BBC's <strong>Walk On The Wild Side</strong>.<br /><br />I don't know how long youtube will leave these clips there but until they take them down, here they are...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3N9twvT37hg?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3N9twvT37hg?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A-5ynAwoPNY?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A-5ynAwoPNY?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pKzm7fzES_E?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pKzm7fzES_E?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-81896951755681050612011-01-17T21:33:00.003-05:002011-01-17T21:49:06.205-05:00Statistics Canada CallsAt 8:55 this evening, Statistics Canada called (780 area code, so Alberta). The man identified himself as being from <strong>Stats Can </strong>and asked to speak to Jennessa.<br /><br /><em>"Why does Stats Can want to speak to my fifteen year old daughter?" </em>I ask.<br /><br /><em>"We're gathering information about use of EI." </em>He tells me.<br /><br /><em>"Did you not hear the part about her being fifteen?" </em>I ask. <em>"How many fifteen year olds collect Employment Insurance?"</em><br /><br /><em>"Well, it says here that in March 2010 she was employed..."</em> he says.<br /><br /><em>"She had a paper route."</em><br /><br /><em>"It says she was employed by the REE-Cord..." </em>That's the way he pronounced it, too. With the long EE sound - the <em>REE-cord</em>.<br /><br /><em>"You mean, the Record."</em> I say. <em>"That's the local paper... <strong>the Waterloo Record</strong>."</em><br /><br /><em>"Was she paid hourly?"</em> He asks.<br /><br /><em>"Did you have a paper route when you were a kid?" </em>I counter.<br /><br /><em>"Yes."</em> He admits.<br /><br /><em>"How were you paid?"</em> I ask.<br /><br /><em>"By the paper."</em> He allows.<br /><br /><em>"It hasn't changed."</em><br /><br /><em>"Did she contribute to EI?"</em> This guy doesn't give up.<br /><br /><em>"It was a PAPER ROUTE. She was paid by the number of papers delivered. You don't pay EI on paper routes."</em><br /><br /><em>"Was she a member of a Union?"</em> He asks.<br /><br /><em>"A </em><strong>Union</strong> <em>for paper carriers?" </em>I said. <em>"Do they </em> have<em> Unions for paper carriers?"</em><br /><br /><em>"No, I guess not..."</em><br /><br /><em>"Well then..."</em><br /><br /><em>"Uh - why did she leave her employment?"</em><br /><br /><em>"Well,"</em> I said <em>"...I'll tell you. She attempted a hostile takeover of the newspaper and when it failed she felt too uncomfortable to continue working there."</em><br /><br />Long pause. Then he asked (get ready for this) <em>"Did she apply for EI benefits?"</em><br /><br /><em>"No." </em>I said. <em>"She's decided to live off her investments."</em>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-54943426522969530202010-12-02T15:00:00.003-05:002010-12-02T15:12:25.202-05:00GPS Tracking/LoggingI asked what I thought would be a simple question but have been unable to get a straight answer either through internet research or a call to the <strong>Office of the Canadian Privacy Commission</strong>: Is the use of covert GPS Tracking/Logging illegal in Canada?<br /><br />I should start out by telling you that covert GPS Tracking/Logging is a surveillance technique that involves surreptitiously affixing a GPS-enabled device to a target's vehicle in order to observe where the vehicle goes. If the device is one which broadcasts the target vehicle's location in real-time (usually by cell signal) that is GPS Tracking. If the device is one which records the target vehicle's locations for later retrieval (by retrieving the device) that is GPS Logging. Obviously this can be a much more efficient means of tailing a target than the traditional method of an investigator following the vehicle and with the ever dropping cost of GPS technology it becomes increasingly attractive. But before investing in that equipment or undertaking to use it, I wanted to know if I can do so legally.<br /><br />In my view, at present it is not illegal in Canada. Others are not so sure. <br /><br />The definitions under The <strong>Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act</strong> do not include my (or more correctly, my vehicle's) location as being an item of "personal information". If my location (either current or historical) is not personal information then, logically, it is not protected under the act. <br /><br />Could it be argued that the legislature simply did not anticipate the emergence of this specific technology in drafting its definitions? Well, Roger Easton of the <strong>U.S. Navy Research Laboratory</strong>, filed the enabling patent for GPS in 1974. In 1982, <strong>Texas Instruments Defense Systems and Electronics Group</strong> were the first to enter the commercial GPS market with the <strong>TI 4100 NAVSTAR Navigator</strong>. <strong>Magellan</strong> introduced the first consumer hand held GPS unit in 1989. Clearly, knowledge of the availability of GPS technology was well within the reach of the educated consumer more than ten years before <strong>PIPEDA</strong> became law on April 13th 2000. It would be disingenuous to claim that the legislature was unaware of the technology.<br /><br />Technological questions aside, it would actually be contrary to traditional Canadian Public Policy to include my vehicle's location as being an item of "personal information" that requires protection. When I drive my black Chrysler Neon along the public highways of any province or territory in Canada I am required by law to affix a device to my car so that it is apparent that it is not just <em>ANY</em> black Chrysler Neon but that it is <em>MY</em> black Chrysler Neon. <br /><br />That device is called a "Licence Plate". <br /><br />The Licence Plate specifically and uniquely identifies that motor vehicle as being mine and I am legally required to display it any time that vehicle makes use of any public road anywhere in Canada. Not only am I required to display it but I am required to display it prominently and visibly - I am not permitted to cover it up or otherwise make it unreadable. That has been public policy since 1903 in Ontario (where I live) and shortly thereafter in the rest of Canada. I have no way of knowing who is going to make what use of the information obtained by the display of that device but I am required to display it. <br /><br />And that makes sense. I am using public roads; I have no expectation of privacy regarding my vehicle's location. Neither do I have an expectation of privacy regarding my vehicle’s rate of speed nor its direction of travel - the roads are public; I expect my use of them to be a public matter as well.<br /><br />Well then, what about private property? Don't I have an expectation of privacy inside my own home?<br /><br />Yes I do. I have a complete and almost absolute expectation of privacy about what I do in the privacy of my own home. And I want that privacy protected. Vigorously.<br /><br /><em>...about what I do in there.</em> Not the fact that <em>I AM </em>there. I can take steps to conceal the fact that I am at home if I choose to do so (leave the lights off, don't answer the phone) but it would be ludicrous to insist that I need the knowledge of the fact that I am present in my home protected from being known by others. If I want to play hide and seek with the bill collector that's my privilege but I can't insist that the bill collector not be allowed to use whatever legal means are available to him to determine if I am home.<br /><br />Well, that's all GPS Logging/Tracking will tell you about my home - the fact that I am there. Actually, it won't even tell you that - it will tell you that <em>my car</em> is there; I could be out for a walk.<br /><br />In my view, so long as a GPS Tracking/Logging device is affixed to my vehicle without causing any alteration or damage to my vehicle and is accomplished without trespassing (either in its placement or retrieval) then no law has been broken. I'm not a lawyer (and I don't even play one on TV) but that's my take on the legality of GPS Tracking/Logging. I would welcome any guidance anyone can provide in getting a more definitive answer.Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-11670399811032916722010-01-24T19:07:00.004-05:002010-01-24T19:32:16.595-05:00Dances With Avatars<strong>Avatar<br />- <em>Victory of style over substance</em></strong><br /><br />I just sat through <strong>Avatar</strong> in 3D on the big screen.<br /><br />WOW - it looks beautiful. I mean it, really impressive and, once you get used to the stupid glasses, you can easily loose yourself in the visual splendour of Cameron's vision. I have a definite appreciation for why this movie is pulling people in to see it - you <em>HAVE</em> to see it and you have to see it on the big screen. Okay? Are we all happy now? Good.<br /><br />Because it's not a good movie.<br /><br />I'm sorry - and I know almost no one is going to agree with me on this but <em>GOOD</em> movies have compelling (or, at least, interesting) stories with well-defined characters. Characters who go through some sort of development and allow us, vicariously, to grow in some way with them. If we're lucky, such movies also have interesting locales and are compelling to look at. But the settings are secondary - story and character are primary. <em>GOOD</em> movies have good stories and interesting characters. <strong>Avatar</strong> doesn't; Avatar isn't a good movie.<br /><br />In the last hour of this nearly three hour long flight of fancy - as I was shifting in my seat trying to restore feeling to my buttocks - I kept asking myself: <em>If they were willing to spend millions to make it look so nice why didn't they spend a couple thousand to buy a good story?</em><br /><br />I don't know the answer to that question. I don't know why Cameron chose to tell a watered-down version of <strong>Dances With Wolves</strong> without the character-development. Did he think that a good story would somehow distract us from the visuals? Could he be right? I don't know.<br /><br />I'm glad I saw it - and I encourage other people to see it, too. In 3D. On the big screen. Absolutely - once should do it though. Because ultimately, this is not a good movie.Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-27551443949532547052010-01-15T20:16:00.002-05:002010-01-15T20:25:01.378-05:00Back From Dominican RepublicHey - I'm back.<br /><br />Interesting trip. The weather could have been better but considering the earthquake that happened and all - I guess I can't complain.<br /><br />The earthquake was quite interesting. When it hit I was walking on Highway 5, making my way into the Town of Rio San Juan. Walking ahead of me was a guy on a donkey; I was just walking along in my sandals. The earthquake hit and, from that distance, it wasn't really bad but you definitely noticed it. I've been in three Earthquakes prior to this one and they all passed much more quickly; this one went on for at least a minute - at least...<br /><br />Anyway, I got so distracted by the shaking of the earth that I didn't pay attention to where I was going and, before I knew it, I stepped into a big steaming pile of Pat Robertson...Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-57285033824780857662010-01-05T16:13:00.002-05:002010-01-05T16:27:02.260-05:00Two "sleeps" until Domincan RepublicI've gotta admit - I'm getting kind of excited!<br /><br />My buddy, Wayne and I leave for the <strong>Bahia Principe Resort</strong> in Rio San Juan, Dominican Republic bright and early Thursday morning...<br /><br />...and I mean <em>early</em> - flight leaves Toronto at 6:15 AM!<br /><br />Back in September Wayne and I were talking and he was bitching about the winter coming and how he doesn't like the cold - <em>blah blah blah</em> - same thing he's bitched about before. So I said: "Book an all inclusive and get away." He said: "I don't wanna go by myself, will you go with me?" And I said: "Sure."<br /><br />And now - here we are: two sleeps away!Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-76857297780462948952009-12-18T20:31:00.008-05:002009-12-18T20:45:22.346-05:00Would It Still Be Christmas<strong>Would It Still Be Christmas</strong> is a song I wrote in 2000. As I was recording the tracks for it I experienced a massive hard-drive crash and lost almost all of my files. All I had left of this song was a quick mixdown of two guitar tracks and the vocals that I had saved as a .wma file and emailed to a friend for comments.<br /><br />Disheartening.<br /><br />But that .wma file served me well - it won some prizes on a "Battle Of The Bands" website and in a radio competition in Toronto. Not bad for an unpolished sparse little tune.<br /><br />This past Sunday (Dec 13 '09) I sang it with SoulJourn (the church band I play drums for) at our services and our minister asked me why she couldn't find the song on youtube. So I used the recording from that Sunday's service and quickly put together this little video.<br /><br />I hope you like it.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mdjon2VHTqE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mdjon2VHTqE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-58803068252901386312008-12-15T20:22:00.003-05:002008-12-15T20:25:54.002-05:00Jennessa Clarke - BelieveRecorded Sunday December 14th 2008 in Guelph as part of the Grand River Music Christmas Pageant, this is Jennessa singing <em>"Believe"</em> from the movie <strong>The Polar Express</strong>.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k0cVn9FRA4U&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k0cVn9FRA4U&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-16611584640112991552008-12-05T10:19:00.006-05:002008-12-05T10:30:18.206-05:00More Political HumourI know I keep claiming to eschew political humour but I must admit that this one tickles me; I think because I've always believed that at the core of any bully is a coward and Mr. Harper seems to perfectly illustrate the point.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_GKRufl0g4ob7I0soi1Yuy01ArwOQj1s_VftabHN4fYzrVpZBq_k3ZvbgLUlVQ6fugjP7mhYk0-NP8-Fd9xkFS6PS0x1NhyPUD0A_FvjHgFFVG4rdm2ZC-0HOBz8268WuE4UCQ/s1600-h/Coward_Definition.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_GKRufl0g4ob7I0soi1Yuy01ArwOQj1s_VftabHN4fYzrVpZBq_k3ZvbgLUlVQ6fugjP7mhYk0-NP8-Fd9xkFS6PS0x1NhyPUD0A_FvjHgFFVG4rdm2ZC-0HOBz8268WuE4UCQ/s320/Coward_Definition.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276326270842318050" /></a>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-53817044691015092332008-11-22T20:07:00.005-05:002008-11-22T20:15:39.149-05:00Creation Science 101I used to <em>love</em> Tom Lehrer.<br /><br />I thought he was the cleverest songster that I ever heard - pithy, witty, intelligent - just a joy to listen to.<br /><br />Well, Roy Zimmerman is this generation's version of Tom Lehrer. He, too is pithy, witty, and intelligent. Here he is singing Creation Science 101.<br /><br />Enjoy.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Pqfwoj5lwCk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Pqfwoj5lwCk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-757021319289194972008-11-07T20:17:00.002-05:002008-11-07T20:19:37.183-05:00Amazing Volleyball ReturnTrish and I attended a volleyball tournament at Jennessa's school this afternoon and I thought it might be a good opportunity to try out my new videocam. This short video tells the rest of the story.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MFSUzSwxEh0"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MFSUzSwxEh0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-17411954257041982992008-09-07T17:27:00.005-04:002008-09-08T17:16:12.423-04:00First Recorded Instance Of Crowd Surfing?<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fXqEZfOHjh8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fXqEZfOHjh8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Here’s a video of <strong>Peter Gabriel </strong>performing (the appropriately titled) <em>“Lay Your Hands On Me”</em> I maintain he is the inventor of crowd surfing.<br /><br />Now, there are those who contend that “crowd surfing” was invented by Jim Morrison in 1968 and, considering how drunk/stoned Morrison was 95% of the time, I suppose that is possible. BUT – there is no documented evidence of Morrison doing it and, considering Morrison’s well-documented fear of audiences, it seems doubtful.<br /><br />This footage (from the film <strong>POV</strong> – produced by Martin Scorsese) was released in 1990 but I understand that the concert footage was filmed in 1988. From the anticipatory mood of the crowd you can surmise that they were expecting Gabriel to “crowd surf”. My understanding is that, by this time, this was already an established part of his performance. If I had to guess I would guess that he was doing this from 1986 onward.<br /><br />There are three things I would like to draw to your attention in this clip:<br /><br />1. Gabriel is flipped onto his front at one point and immediately flips himself back – considering all the hands lifting him I suspect that this was done to avoid being handled about his genital area – which anyone could certainly understand.<br />2. Gabriel is ‘relieved’ of his jacket during the ‘surf’ – rather than resist this blatant theft he acts to remove the jacket. I find his apparent attitude in this to be admirable: ‘if they want it, let them have it.’<br />3. Gabriel’s energy level once he is returned to the stage. To me, this is the most significant thing about this clip. I don’t know if you have ever attended a Peter Gabriel live performance. In addition to this film, I also have the concert footage of his “US” performance, and I saw him live at Exhibition Stadium while he was touring to support the “SO” album. His concerts are carefully orchestrated events – every movement, every gesture, is pre-planned and calculated to give the audience the maximum experience – he leaves almost nothing to chance. But when his security people heave him back onto the stage after his crowd-surfing experience it is evident that his energy level has been boosted to the maximum and he can barely contain himself as he finishes the song. I find this very telling.<br /><br />The clip is eight minutes long; I uploaded it to my youtube account. I suppose they will eventually pull it since it is copyrighted material but until they do, here it is.Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-3428144038541811232008-09-06T09:25:00.000-04:002008-09-06T09:26:45.806-04:00Sorry, I just thought it was funny.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaHu5Q-nxpvB2mniBPQzWro4JpQQuyXabPlPLr4Fr1Z27ZQdMnRbghddK7pfGugEH1fcbDn0d86fkDnVvdJLd5UmZ6mEyvIKj_LxrNO4_saMOI0iVzK8UElLEbyG8khiXXnx4HA/s1600-h/Palin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaHu5Q-nxpvB2mniBPQzWro4JpQQuyXabPlPLr4Fr1Z27ZQdMnRbghddK7pfGugEH1fcbDn0d86fkDnVvdJLd5UmZ6mEyvIKj_LxrNO4_saMOI0iVzK8UElLEbyG8khiXXnx4HA/s400/Palin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242899009717061250" /></a>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-68713417862231400112008-06-20T11:51:00.003-04:002008-06-20T11:58:31.826-04:00Jennessa Performing At The Guelph Music CentreJennessa's programs at Grand River Music include periodic performances at the Guelph Music Centre. On June 15th 2008 she took part playing piano (a piece entitled "Jig") and singing this piece - "Just Around The River Bend". Jennessa was the only double threat performing that day.<br /><br />I videoed both performances but only converted and uploaded the vocal piece, here for your enjoyment.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vY3oGkJL3Vg"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vY3oGkJL3Vg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-27165253851593604552008-05-31T09:52:00.003-04:002008-05-31T09:56:37.267-04:00Golden Prison - The LouvreIn the mid-1980s when I was planning my (thus far, only) trip to Europe I stumbled on and bought this videotape in the "pre-owned" bin at a video rental store. This was a 1978 NBC release of a Lucy Jarvis documentary about The Louvre. (I just today learned -thru IMDB- that it was originally made in 1964.)<br /><br />The VHS tape was (and still is) in excellent condition and though the style and content is obviously dated, it stands up to viewing still today.<br /><br />Trish and I have been ridding ourselves of old and no longer needed clutter in the house and I've given away almost all of my VHS tapes. I've kept a few that I figured I wouldn't be able to replace with DVDs so that I can digitize them. This is the first one I've done and it came out quite well.<br /><br />Because it has never been released in a digitized format, I feel no guilt at sharing this documentary with others - if NBC (or whoever owns the rights) re-released it on DVD I wouldn't do this, but they haven't so they obviously don't care about making this film available to the public.<br /><br />I've split the film into 'youtube-acceptable' size chunks and uploaded them (six in total, with a sum playing time of about 44 minutes).<br /><br />I don't know how long they will be available; I imagine that if youtube gets a complaint they'll pull them. So if you're interested in watching it I'd suggest you do so sooner rather than later.<br /><br /><strong>Golden Prison - The Louvre (Part 1 of 6)</strong><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/noJ86uo2ZH4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/noJ86uo2ZH4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>Golden Prison - The Louvre (Part 2 of 6)</strong><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vknn2O-oKYQ&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vknn2O-oKYQ&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>Golden Prison - The Louvre (Part 3 of 6)</strong><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l0iv7ksYM60&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l0iv7ksYM60&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>Golden Prison - The Louvre (Part 4 of 6)</strong><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/boYe9FYaUcM&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/boYe9FYaUcM&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>Golden Prison - The Louvre (Part 5 of 6)</strong><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kegdAl4bmGM&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kegdAl4bmGM&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>Golden Prison - The Louvre (Part 6 of 6)</strong><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/awK4VpkfQNo&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/awK4VpkfQNo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-10571899935966921572008-05-13T16:05:00.003-04:002008-05-13T16:11:15.279-04:00Switch Your Hot-Tub to Hydrogen PeroxideThe drawbacks of traditional chlorine-based (bromide) Hot-Tub water sanitization methods are legion; the necessary chemicals are expensive, complicated, smelly, and really drying to the skin. But with a little pre-planning you can sanitize your Hot-Tub water with Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) instead of all those other chemicals. Save money, save your skin, and save having to perform all sorts of unnecessarily complicated water treatments.<br /><br />I recently switched our 1558 Liter (410 US Gallon) <strong>Coast</strong> Hot-Tub over to Hydrogen Peroxide and I couldn't be happier with the results. The tub is easier to maintain, doesn't have that 'chemically smell' it used to have, and my entire family noticed being in the Hot-Tub no longer dries out their skin but leaves it feeling smooth and soft. We'll never go back to chlorine!<br /><br />Now, Hydrogen Peroxide won't be an option for you if you don't get your water from a municipal water supply that chlorinates it. So if you get your water from a well or directly from a lake or river <em>WITHOUT</em> chlorination you'll have to stick with bromide. But the relatively low levels of chlorination provided by virtually all municipal water supplies is adequate and, since most people are on municipal water, Hydrogen Peroxide is an alternative for almost all Hot-Tub owners.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT YOU WILL NEED</strong><br />- 35% Technical Grade Hydrogen Peroxide<br />- Polyethylene Containers for Hydrogen Peroxide<br />- Hydrogen Peroxide Test Strips<br />- Clean Hot-Tub Filter(s)<br />- Glass measuring cup - 250 Ml (1 cup)<br />- Protective Gloves and Eye-wear<br /><br />Obviously you'll need Hydrogen Peroxide. It is available in various concentrations and grades but for Hot-Tub use we want 35% Technical Grade. Depending on where you live, getting it can be tricky. I live in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada and, fortunately, in the neighboring city of Guelph there is a supplier who not only sells 35% Technical Grade Hydrogen Peroxide and all of the other supplies I need but offers free delivery to my area. In fact, Bob Simpson of SUPERFAST SOLUTIONS (www.superfastsolutions.com) has been a terrific source of information as well. If you aren't fortunate enough to live in Bob's delivery area try doing a web search for Hydrogen Peroxide suppliers in your area, you might get lucky and find Bob's counterpart near you. If not, you can investigate shipping your supplies from somewhere else, but the shipping charges will put your costs up a bit.<br /><br />The minimum quantity of 35% Technical Grade Hydrogen Peroxide that Bob sells is 20 Liters (5 US Gallons). It costs me CDN$60 and, for a Hot-Tub our size, I figure is about a one year supply. Although the Hydrogen Peroxide comes in a blue polyethylene container with an attachable spigot, it weighs 26 KG (57 Lbs) and that seemed rather unwieldy to me so I also ordered five 4.5 Liter (1 US Gallon) polyethylene jugs for storage.<br /><br />Hydrogen Peroxide Test Strips are plastic strips with a reactive pad on one end, similar to the test strips you are probably using currently to check Chlorine, Alkalinity and pH levels. The strips measure Hydrogen Peroxide from 0 to 100 parts per million (PPM). Bob sells me test strips for CDN$40 for a 50 pack.<br /><br />When you first start using Hydrogen Peroxide, organic material that has accumulated in your Hot-Tub's pipes, pumps and tubes are going to circulate so starting out with a clean filter is advisable. Be prepared to replace or clean it frequently, at least at first.<br /><br />You'll need to measure the Hydrogen Peroxide and since glass is non-reactive to it, a glass measuring cup is a good choice. And protective gloves and eye-wear should always be used when handling corrosive materials. <br /><br /><strong>SHOCKING</strong><br />Though Hydrogen Peroxide can exist quite safely in water already treated by chlorine, bromide and the other chemicals I was already using, to enjoy the benefit of unclouded, fresh-smelling, non-drying water I chose to make the switch when I was planning to replace the Hot-Tub water and I strongly suggest you do the same.<br /><br />Once you've drained and refilled your Hot-Tub (and put in a clean filter), shock it by adding 250 ml (1 cup) of Hydrogen Peroxide for every 1000 liters (250 US Gallons) of water.<br /><br />Let the Hot-Tub stand for one day with the circulation pump running intermittently. After that, check your filter and clean or replace it as necessary.<br /><br /><strong>MAINTENANCE</strong><br />Use the test strips frequently to check the level of Hydrogen Peroxide until you pick up the pattern of how much Hydrogen Peroxide to add and when to add it. Check at least once per week after that.<br /><br />When the level drops below 50 PPM add 250 ml (1 cup) of Hydrogen Peroxide per 2000 Liters (500 US Gallons) of water in the tub - this is half the quantity you used to originally shock the water.<br /><br />Maintain the level between 50 and 100 PPM (it isn't dangerous to exceed 100 PPM but it is unnecessary). <br /><br />Remember to check and clean or replace the filter frequently.<br /><br /><strong>SAFETY AND STORAGE TIPS</strong><br />Undiluted 35% Hydrogen Peroxide is corrosive, toxic and can be fatal if swallowed. Keep it out of the reach of children and never use unlabeled or improperly labeled containers. Use child-proof caps on all containers. I used an indelible ink marker to label my storage jugs: "DANGER! H2O2 - DO NOT TOUCH".<br /><br />Hydrogen Peroxide also reacts to sunlight and becomes more active at higher temperatures so store it in a cool dark place. I put my supply on a bottom shelf in the basement on top of a plastic sheet. The shelf is behind a door and I installed a hasp and lock on the door for additional security. I also keep the measuring cup, gloves and safety glasses on the same shelf and I only measure the Hydrogen Peroxide outside when I am about to add it to the Hot-Tub. <br /><br />If you accidentally spill it on skin, flush the area immediately with running water. If it is accidentally swallowed, drink large quantities of water, remain upright and call a doctor or poison control agency at once. <br /><br />In case of accidental spillage, flush the area with water to dilute. Don't return any spilled Hydrogen Peroxide to its container and keep undiluted Hydrogen Peroxide from going into the sewage system. Report any spills as required by Federal, Provincial/State or local regulations.<br /><br />If you are using a spigot to dispense Hydrogen Peroxide leave it in place until the container is empty. Removing and replacing the spigot can cause lint or dust to contaminate it. <br /><br />With a little pre-planning and some common sense you can safely switch your Hot-Tub water sanitization over to Hydrogen Peroxide and not only save money on the multitude of expensive chemicals you are currently using but also have an over-all better Hot-Tubbing experience.Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com276tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-19813776739066170782008-05-04T20:07:00.000-04:002008-05-04T20:10:38.848-04:00Mistaking Our Egos For OurselvesMost physiological processes are either voluntary (finger movement, leg movement, etc.) or autonomic (heartbeat, digestion, blood circulation, etc.)<br /><br />Only two are quasi-autonomic: breathing and thinking. We can control these processes but only to a point - they will become autonomic when we take our attention away from them.<br /><br />The unique similarity between these two processes is the reason disciplines around Yoga and Meditation place such emphasis on breathing - because consciousness around breathing can lead to consciousness around thinking. The two are related.<br /><br />The 'chatter' in your head is not YOU - it is the voice of ego.<br /><br />You are the 'focus' that can direct the chatter and you are the spaces between the thoughts. It is in the moments when we still the chatter that we are most ourselves.<br /><br />-"Be still and know that I am God."(Psalm 46:10)Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21175115.post-21948242601997772052008-04-07T15:56:00.003-04:002008-06-26T08:56:29.554-04:00Pure Pap For Now People"After some consideration, I've decided to remove this post. I don't normally do that because it feels a little "dishonest" somehow to go back and change what I wrote but I recently re-read it and realized that this particular post was overly critical and potentially hurtful and that is not what I am about."<br /><br />Bill<br />June 26 2008Bill Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127785040762084134noreply@blogger.com1