Got a bit of a break from Vancouver on the weekend. Friends offered up a free place to stay and a free ticket to the Victoria Beer Festival... How could I say no?
The highlight of the beer fest? Hearing people cheer each time Team Canada scored in the World Cup of Hockey game against the Czechs.
Or maybe it was the streaker.
Or maybe it was wobbling out of there and going to real estate guru John Hircock's basement of Scotch and Cuban cigars.
Oh! It's a hard life.
I worked at the CBC today -- doing the Winnipeg website. Up at 4am, downtown at 5. And then the phone rang.... a week of work here, a couple of days there, and an interesting call from video game manufacturer Radical Entertainment. We're not sure what the deal is yet.
CTV also called for me to come in today, but I was already booked.
It always works out.
Sleep calls.
Cheers!
Monday, September 13, 2004
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Saga of the $500 car
I bought my 1987 Mercury Tracer for $500 just under two years ago.
At the time, I needed a car because I was shooting a lot of CBC items in places where public transit was nonexistent or wasn't convenient.
Chris Holmes, my editor at I was working with at The Corp. mentioned he had an old car that he'd let go cheap. No guarantees, he said.
My thinking was: a new car would cost at least $250 a month. If I could get 2 months out of a $500 car, I'd break even. Any more than that would be a bonus.
And what a bonus. With more than 380,000 KM on the odometer, it's the Timex of beaters.
Another concern with a beater is maintenance costs. It's great that the purchase price is low, and that there are no monthly payments. But if maintaining it costs hundreds a month, then there's not much point.
But the Tracer has been amazing.
During year one I didn't put a cent into it, other than for fuel, tranny fluid (more on that follows) and oil.
Then, at the end of my first year of insurance coverage, I was forced, like other BC residents, to get my car air cared. This is ostensibly to keep cars that spew off the road. But in reality, its a way for garages to make some money.
Here's the deal:
Take car to Air Care. Pay $28. If it passes, you can re-insure your car for another year.
If it fails - you got to get it fixed. But there is a limit. You only have to spend a max of $400. If the problem isn't fixed - you get a conditional pass. And that's good for a year.
So - in this scenario - the spewing car still spews. The provincial government has made 2 x $28 (2 tests) and the garage has made $400. And there is absolutely no benefit for the environment.
Scam!
So... I failed. I paid my $400. I passed. The $500 car needed only $400 in maintenance.
This year there were some more problems. I needed 2 new tires, so I bought used ones (new to me!) and that was about $150.
Then the carb was being weird. That cost $50. And the thermostat went. That cost $50.
And then, I decided that leaking a litre of tranny fluid every few days was not a good thing. I took it in to the Deep Cove garage...
A seal was gone, and some tranny switch was hooped.
I figured that this would mean a huge expense. And, if I had to remove the tranny to fix it -- then it probably wouldn't be worth it.
The garage estimated $300! Shocked, I said, when can I bring it in?!
It went in today. And a few hours later, the phone rang. Uh oh!
I expected the worst. And I got great news.
The car was done, and the damage was $160! Cheap! I happily paid up.
The old beater is still going strong. And after having put in only $810 in the past 2 years makes me smile. It may not be pretty, but it works. And, $810 divided by 24 is just $33 a month.
Pretty decent payment plan, I'd say.
Cheers!
I bought my 1987 Mercury Tracer for $500 just under two years ago.
At the time, I needed a car because I was shooting a lot of CBC items in places where public transit was nonexistent or wasn't convenient.
Chris Holmes, my editor at I was working with at The Corp. mentioned he had an old car that he'd let go cheap. No guarantees, he said.
My thinking was: a new car would cost at least $250 a month. If I could get 2 months out of a $500 car, I'd break even. Any more than that would be a bonus.
And what a bonus. With more than 380,000 KM on the odometer, it's the Timex of beaters.
Another concern with a beater is maintenance costs. It's great that the purchase price is low, and that there are no monthly payments. But if maintaining it costs hundreds a month, then there's not much point.
But the Tracer has been amazing.
During year one I didn't put a cent into it, other than for fuel, tranny fluid (more on that follows) and oil.
Then, at the end of my first year of insurance coverage, I was forced, like other BC residents, to get my car air cared. This is ostensibly to keep cars that spew off the road. But in reality, its a way for garages to make some money.
Here's the deal:
Take car to Air Care. Pay $28. If it passes, you can re-insure your car for another year.
If it fails - you got to get it fixed. But there is a limit. You only have to spend a max of $400. If the problem isn't fixed - you get a conditional pass. And that's good for a year.
So - in this scenario - the spewing car still spews. The provincial government has made 2 x $28 (2 tests) and the garage has made $400. And there is absolutely no benefit for the environment.
Scam!
So... I failed. I paid my $400. I passed. The $500 car needed only $400 in maintenance.
This year there were some more problems. I needed 2 new tires, so I bought used ones (new to me!) and that was about $150.
Then the carb was being weird. That cost $50. And the thermostat went. That cost $50.
And then, I decided that leaking a litre of tranny fluid every few days was not a good thing. I took it in to the Deep Cove garage...
A seal was gone, and some tranny switch was hooped.
I figured that this would mean a huge expense. And, if I had to remove the tranny to fix it -- then it probably wouldn't be worth it.
The garage estimated $300! Shocked, I said, when can I bring it in?!
It went in today. And a few hours later, the phone rang. Uh oh!
I expected the worst. And I got great news.
The car was done, and the damage was $160! Cheap! I happily paid up.
The old beater is still going strong. And after having put in only $810 in the past 2 years makes me smile. It may not be pretty, but it works. And, $810 divided by 24 is just $33 a month.
Pretty decent payment plan, I'd say.
Cheers!
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
It always works out...
The short version.
Today was the last scheduled day of work for me. After working non-stop for most of the year, it looked like I was going to have a long break. Not necessarily a bad thing, but income is important too.
Still seeking that ever elusive balance.
I was calling today my retirement day. And just this morning, I was wondering this morning how long it would be between finishing my last shift and booking my next.
It didn't happen.
First CTV offered up a couple of days later in the month.
Then CBC offered up two days next week.
And then CTV offered up a day in early October.
This is all good. A little work, a little time off, a little balance.
It always works out.
Cheers!
Today was the last scheduled day of work for me. After working non-stop for most of the year, it looked like I was going to have a long break. Not necessarily a bad thing, but income is important too.
Still seeking that ever elusive balance.
I was calling today my retirement day. And just this morning, I was wondering this morning how long it would be between finishing my last shift and booking my next.
It didn't happen.
First CTV offered up a couple of days later in the month.
Then CBC offered up two days next week.
And then CTV offered up a day in early October.
This is all good. A little work, a little time off, a little balance.
It always works out.
Cheers!
Sunday, September 05, 2004
BUNTZEN LAKE: I HARDLY KNEW YE...
It's amazing how you can live in a place for seven years and still find things about it that surprise and amaze.
I'd heard of Buntzen Lake, but I'd never been there.
As the crow flies, it's very close to Deep Cove. But to drive there you have to navigate around Indian Arm... it takes about an hour.
The reason I had to go there was that I was working (acting?!) in a film that a friend of mine is shooting. It's low budget, but is being shot on actual film stock (16mm).
I play the main character - a Doctor - who has discovers the death of two people. In today's scene, I was canoeing on the lake with a little girl (Brianna, daughter of CTV graphic guy Al Moody).
Buntzen is surrounded by mountains. It is long and narrow, and stunningly beautiful. It's amazing to think that it is so close to the city - because it feels like being far up in the interior.
There is a massive beach, and today, there were lots of families and groups out BBQing, boating and fishing. There are canoe rentals on site as well.
We shot for several hours as I paddled around. The scariest moment was when Steve the director and DOP hopped in the canoe with his gear to shoot POV shots of me. Can you say tippy?
It was a shame to have to leave! But now that I know about this piece of paradise, I can see loading up a chair, a book, and perhaps a laptop.
And with lots of free time on the horizon, I will be back!
This evening I am off to Richmond for a meeting of the Night of Artist folks. It's $400 for another year... and while it's not good timing money-wise, I think it is important to continue with the project. Sales can only go up!
Labour day will be labour day - 18 hours of newswriting at both CBC and CTV. Then a couple of night shifts at CTV on Tuesday and Wednesday... and that's it! Retirement!
Cheers!
It's amazing how you can live in a place for seven years and still find things about it that surprise and amaze.
I'd heard of Buntzen Lake, but I'd never been there.
As the crow flies, it's very close to Deep Cove. But to drive there you have to navigate around Indian Arm... it takes about an hour.
The reason I had to go there was that I was working (acting?!) in a film that a friend of mine is shooting. It's low budget, but is being shot on actual film stock (16mm).
I play the main character - a Doctor - who has discovers the death of two people. In today's scene, I was canoeing on the lake with a little girl (Brianna, daughter of CTV graphic guy Al Moody).
Buntzen is surrounded by mountains. It is long and narrow, and stunningly beautiful. It's amazing to think that it is so close to the city - because it feels like being far up in the interior.
There is a massive beach, and today, there were lots of families and groups out BBQing, boating and fishing. There are canoe rentals on site as well.
We shot for several hours as I paddled around. The scariest moment was when Steve the director and DOP hopped in the canoe with his gear to shoot POV shots of me. Can you say tippy?
It was a shame to have to leave! But now that I know about this piece of paradise, I can see loading up a chair, a book, and perhaps a laptop.
And with lots of free time on the horizon, I will be back!
This evening I am off to Richmond for a meeting of the Night of Artist folks. It's $400 for another year... and while it's not good timing money-wise, I think it is important to continue with the project. Sales can only go up!
Labour day will be labour day - 18 hours of newswriting at both CBC and CTV. Then a couple of night shifts at CTV on Tuesday and Wednesday... and that's it! Retirement!
Cheers!
Friday, September 03, 2004
Things are looking up!
It's been a busy week... doing this and that and working at night.
Which, in fact, is where I am now.
Working, at night.
Today was another double payday - and I managed to slap another massive amount on my dwindling debt. It's cost a lot in terms of missing the nicest summer ever in Vancouver, but it also takes me closer to something even better: freedom.
It's still going to take a lot of work to pay for all those trip in the past 3 years. But eventually, I'll get there.
I've been joking that I am retiring on Wednesday. Sort of - at this point I have 3 days of work left and then the great unknown.
But I am mentally and fiscally ready for that - and I need the time to work on my own projects... so I can travel and make money at the same time. That is the key.
Well, the fires and motor vehicle accidents are calling...
Cheers!
Which, in fact, is where I am now.
Working, at night.
Today was another double payday - and I managed to slap another massive amount on my dwindling debt. It's cost a lot in terms of missing the nicest summer ever in Vancouver, but it also takes me closer to something even better: freedom.
It's still going to take a lot of work to pay for all those trip in the past 3 years. But eventually, I'll get there.
I've been joking that I am retiring on Wednesday. Sort of - at this point I have 3 days of work left and then the great unknown.
But I am mentally and fiscally ready for that - and I need the time to work on my own projects... so I can travel and make money at the same time. That is the key.
Well, the fires and motor vehicle accidents are calling...
Cheers!
Monday, August 30, 2004
Weird day today:
I had an email from a national Canadian network (Vision) inquiring about the Great Central European Border Expedition film. Totally out of the blue. Totally unexpected.
I am chatting with my peers about how to proceed. An interesting and exciting development.
Then, later, when I went to check my snail mail - another surprise (although expected): a nice fat cheque from National Geographic for some of by border photography.
Very nice!
And then... I had a great motivating chat with friends in Toronto who are making good returns on their website projects. More on that soon. But do check www.allercards.com out.
It has now moved from the back-burner to the front burner.
One more day off tomorrow before heading back to CTV for 3 days.
Oh, did the hike again, too.
Nice stuff... on such a summers day.
Cheers!
I had an email from a national Canadian network (Vision) inquiring about the Great Central European Border Expedition film. Totally out of the blue. Totally unexpected.
I am chatting with my peers about how to proceed. An interesting and exciting development.
Then, later, when I went to check my snail mail - another surprise (although expected): a nice fat cheque from National Geographic for some of by border photography.
Very nice!
And then... I had a great motivating chat with friends in Toronto who are making good returns on their website projects. More on that soon. But do check www.allercards.com out.
It has now moved from the back-burner to the front burner.
One more day off tomorrow before heading back to CTV for 3 days.
Oh, did the hike again, too.
Nice stuff... on such a summers day.
Cheers!
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Sunday...
A day off. Aaah.
Worked last night at CTV... same old, same old. Stayed at Lisa's last night - the final night of housesitting and hanging out with "Kitty."
It was nice not to have to get up this morning... and then to have the luxury of nothing on the agenda.
Today was Deep Cove Daze, so I did want to get back to my home before too late in the day, which I managed to do around 2pm.
It was a cloudy day, but dry. Lots of activity at DCD... but very kid orientated. I spent the afternoon doing more of nothing.
Then Lorne and Katrina and another Lisa came over and we hit the Raven for a dinner.
Now it's 23:30 and time for some rest.
I have no work scheduled Monday or Tuesday - so my attention will turn to taxes and house work.
Not very interesting stuff to report...
zzz
Cheers!
A day off. Aaah.
Worked last night at CTV... same old, same old. Stayed at Lisa's last night - the final night of housesitting and hanging out with "Kitty."
It was nice not to have to get up this morning... and then to have the luxury of nothing on the agenda.
Today was Deep Cove Daze, so I did want to get back to my home before too late in the day, which I managed to do around 2pm.
It was a cloudy day, but dry. Lots of activity at DCD... but very kid orientated. I spent the afternoon doing more of nothing.
Then Lorne and Katrina and another Lisa came over and we hit the Raven for a dinner.
Now it's 23:30 and time for some rest.
I have no work scheduled Monday or Tuesday - so my attention will turn to taxes and house work.
Not very interesting stuff to report...
zzz
Cheers!
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Wise Up...
Save Me...
Takin' Care of Business...
These are just three of the tunes that Aimee Mann played at the Commodore this evening. She is SO underrated... and despite her melancholiness she has the voice of an angel. And she covers BTO (a kick ass version too, I might add).
Her contributions to the Magnolia soundtrack are but a small example of how great she is. And I heard that Magnolia was actually based on her songs!
It was a busy day again, of course. Writing the CBC North site all day (6am until about 3pm)... then I had to get my cellphone replaced. And what a battle to get a discount. After 7 years, you'd think your cellphone company would appreciate your business. Guess again!
After that joy, Lorne, Jazz and I went for a feed of sushi. And then Lorne and I went to see Aimee Mann.
It's now midnight - and I have to be at work at 6am. But John Kerry is on the Daily Show. How can I miss that? Exactly.
Later in the week I am going to be doing some housesitting -- that will be a nice change of scenery.
It's also monsooning again... love the cool and the sound... aaaah... it seems to be scaring the traffic away.
We'll, Jon's on -- until the next time...
Cheers!
Save Me...
Takin' Care of Business...
These are just three of the tunes that Aimee Mann played at the Commodore this evening. She is SO underrated... and despite her melancholiness she has the voice of an angel. And she covers BTO (a kick ass version too, I might add).
Her contributions to the Magnolia soundtrack are but a small example of how great she is. And I heard that Magnolia was actually based on her songs!
It was a busy day again, of course. Writing the CBC North site all day (6am until about 3pm)... then I had to get my cellphone replaced. And what a battle to get a discount. After 7 years, you'd think your cellphone company would appreciate your business. Guess again!
After that joy, Lorne, Jazz and I went for a feed of sushi. And then Lorne and I went to see Aimee Mann.
It's now midnight - and I have to be at work at 6am. But John Kerry is on the Daily Show. How can I miss that? Exactly.
Later in the week I am going to be doing some housesitting -- that will be a nice change of scenery.
It's also monsooning again... love the cool and the sound... aaaah... it seems to be scaring the traffic away.
We'll, Jon's on -- until the next time...
Cheers!
Monday, August 23, 2004
After the monsoon this past weekend, I've been itching to get back into the woods and hike to the look-off.
The day was flying by today, so around 6pm I threw on the shoes and off I went.
What a difference! First, it wasn't oppressively hot - it was cool and damp. But what struck me was the smell of the forest. It was amazing.
And then the greenness. It was like a someone injected all the plants with some Leprechaun steroid. I don't think I've ever seen so many shades of green. And just from some rain.
There were only a few other hikers on the trail. Many of them had seen bears and cubs, but I didn't notice any. All I know, is I don't want to come across any cubs!
The view was spectacular. The TV ads call BC "the best place on earth," and I would have to agree. It still blows me away - even after seven years.
The KatKam, which faces west from Vanier Park (just west of Downtown) has undergone an upgrade. The images are absolutely stunning - have a look!
If you read my posting about Americans watching CBC coverage of the Olympics, I have some more on the subject.
Globe and Mail TV critic John Doyle takes the opposite view to mine. I'd think him an idiot if not for the fact that he's Irish and he is usually bang on.
In fact, he wrote about the endless repetition of inane Canadian commercials during the Olympic broadcasts. One, for Tim Hortons, shows a young backpacker galavanting around Europe, a Timmy Ho's mug swinging from his pack. "I met so many Canadians..." he writes in a letter to mom and dad.
Here's Doyle's take (click on his words for the full article):
"Here's the message: Meet some foreign people! I mean, the geek's going around Europe getting excited about meeting Canadians who recognize his coffee cup. How dorky is that? Enough with the coffee mug. Go have an espresso and chat up some Italian girls."
Exactly!
Slainte!
The day was flying by today, so around 6pm I threw on the shoes and off I went.
What a difference! First, it wasn't oppressively hot - it was cool and damp. But what struck me was the smell of the forest. It was amazing.
And then the greenness. It was like a someone injected all the plants with some Leprechaun steroid. I don't think I've ever seen so many shades of green. And just from some rain.
There were only a few other hikers on the trail. Many of them had seen bears and cubs, but I didn't notice any. All I know, is I don't want to come across any cubs!
The view was spectacular. The TV ads call BC "the best place on earth," and I would have to agree. It still blows me away - even after seven years.
The KatKam, which faces west from Vanier Park (just west of Downtown) has undergone an upgrade. The images are absolutely stunning - have a look!
If you read my posting about Americans watching CBC coverage of the Olympics, I have some more on the subject.
Globe and Mail TV critic John Doyle takes the opposite view to mine. I'd think him an idiot if not for the fact that he's Irish and he is usually bang on.
In fact, he wrote about the endless repetition of inane Canadian commercials during the Olympic broadcasts. One, for Tim Hortons, shows a young backpacker galavanting around Europe, a Timmy Ho's mug swinging from his pack. "I met so many Canadians..." he writes in a letter to mom and dad.
Here's Doyle's take (click on his words for the full article):
"Here's the message: Meet some foreign people! I mean, the geek's going around Europe getting excited about meeting Canadians who recognize his coffee cup. How dorky is that? Enough with the coffee mug. Go have an espresso and chat up some Italian girls."
Exactly!
Slainte!
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