Looking a bit like Van Gogh

Ever wonder why Vincent Van Gogh cut off his ear?
Well he cut off more than just his ear.
Not saying what else.  Just saying.
This self portrait shows him with a bandage over his right ear.

Not really sure what he was trying to do. Maybe he didn't like his ear? Or thought it was a useless appendage,
Maybe his hearing was going or he didn't want to hear people whining and complaining?  Perhaps he was the first Customer Service person?

It's been looking a bit like Van Gogh museum around here.
This kid has been shedding teeth like a shark attacking a steel cage.

If he keeps losing teeth at this rate, he may need dentures.
Well he won't need a mouth guard since he won't have anything to chip or knock out that already hasn't fallen out.





That's like $10 worth of teeth right there, if you believe in the tooth fairy.
Too bad he doesn't any more.
Saved me some of my parking lot money.





Starry Night ... Vincent Van Gogh

Full sized

Kieran was ready for a full-sized violin.  We tried probably 5 or 6 different violins.  3 Eastman's, 1 Schoenbach and a Yamaha.
Finally we can stop renting.

We'd been renting from the beginning.  I still remember
the 1/8 one.  My fingers would touch 2 strings.  And I could play twinkle on that violin and make it sound like a cat in agony.  That's skill!

I always wondered why his teacher's violin sounded so much different.  Her violin seemed to emanate emotion when she played.  His tiny ones seemed to only make you cringe.  Like when you sucked on a lemon or lime.

But when he got his 3/4 I asked if he could play it before he selected the one to rent.  So he tried a few and chose the violin that he liked the sound best.  His 3/4 was either a Höfner or Schoenbach.  But we were noticing now the difference between the various makes and models.  That's when we found out about his rental credits.  We'd been renting for so long, there was enough credits to buy a violin.  We didn't even know that was happening.  It was a pleasant surprise.  And something that Kieran was looking forward to.

So when he selected his full-size, he played them over and over carefully listening to the sound.  The one he decided he liked the sound was a bit of an issue, because we had accumulated so much credit renting. The one Kieran chose was a lot less than the credit because it had been rented so much.  I didn't understand what the issue was.  It didn't matter to Kieran that it had been rented, it sounded better to him.  But then it dawned on me that they wanted us to buy something that was more than the credit.  One, so that the credit could be cleared, and two they could charge my card again.   However, we didn't like the sound of the one that was more than the credit.  The way the rental credits work is that it would go towards the purchase of his rental violin.  Only problem was they didn't have anything like the one he liked the sound.

So the fellow who was helping us talked to his manager and, we got lucky.  Kieran ended up getting a brand new one, a higher model, that sounded even better than the one he wanted.  He noticed it was also lighter, and that other one was lighter than the other model that he didn't like.  So wood used, and dryness of the wood to construct the violin must be different.  And made it sound different.  I think the other one he liked was a higher model than the other newer rental Eastman.  But since it had been rented quite a bit, it was a lot less, but still sounded better than the other newer one.  So we had to spend a bit more for a higher model, but it sounded beautiful when he played it.  He knew right away it was the one for him.  Today he called Samatva over to show him.


His case is quite nice.  We both didn't like the smaller case that is shaped like the violin. It was hard getting the violin out of the case.  This case, although not exactly like the hard case one he had originally chosen which was a bit beat up, is pretty nice. Plus it's new.   Tresa's happy about the fact that no other human has rented this.  The sound didn't matter to her as much as that simple fact.  If it was UNTOUCHED by human hands, then that would be the one to buy.  But it's hard to find one of those.

Welcome Home Asian Nations

 We got a new grocery store chain near us.  And it's Nations.  I was thinking it was going to stink inside like all the other asian grocery stores.

But to my surprise it was really nice inside.
They have almost like a food court area where you can get dim sum, sushi, there's a buffet, and then there's a part for the white folks, called "Western Kitchen".  Here you can get pizza.

Actually this is where I got something to eat, since Kieran was with me and i checked out the buffet food with all these asians around, i was kind of unsure who sneezed or coughed on what.  You know what i mean?

So I steered clear of it and went for the Veggie pizza slice and a pepperoni for Kieran.  It was pretty good.  The veggie was nothing like Pizza Pizza's veggies on cardboard.  It had a balsamic dressing with some feta cheese.  it was good.  I'd get that again for sure.

I had also checked out the rest of the store.  It didn't smell.  It did have that distinct asian smell, but they also had durian in the store too.  It just reminded me of asia.  I liked it as I strolled around looking for veggies that I can't get at Loblaws or NoFrills.  And I found them.  Along with a whole whack of other stuff that just reminded me of my roots.  Not slavery roots, but my old home where i was born.

To be honest I don't remember any food from when I was little in the Philippines.  I only remember playing outside.  Dirt roads.  I recently saw on google maps our old home.  And I guess the church we used to go to.

The foods I remember are from our trips to Thailand, Cambodia, HK and Singapore.   I love the food in Singapore and can't wait to go back there.  It's amazing.

I don't know what it is about the marketing folks in the Philippines, but they over use the word "BEST".  People will figure out the truth.  Just make it good.  Drop the word "best".  It's unnecessary.  But it's humorous.  I'm sure there's a "Best Beef Balls" or "Best Chicken Balls" package out there.  I'll have to find it and blog it.

Just do what the other asian countries do and put a smiling kung fu guy on your noodle package.

Playing at Maple Leaf Gardens

It was an 11pm game.  I almost didn't go.  Mostly because it's late and I didn't sleep well the night before and I'd be a wreck the next morning.
But this was Maple Leaf Gardens.
I know it's not where the Leaf's play now.  They moved to the ACC 18 years ago! Feb 1999.  Didn't realize it was that long ago.

But this is where they won all their Stanley Cups.  I couldn't miss this game.  We were playing the top team in our division so i already knew what the outcome would be, just how bad the score was going to be was the question.  I was a bit optimistic since we did score 3 goals on them last time.  But this game we got smoked.  Either we played better last time.  Or this time they were a lot better.  I'm thinking it's the latter.

The main level is where the Loblaws is.  Which is pretty big. It's nice.  Parking underground is accessible from Carlton St.  I wasn't originally going to park there, but glad I did.  It's well lit and easily accessible.  And free parking for 2hrs if you spend $20 at Loblaws. Just don't forget to get your parking ticket stamped.  The machines will read it and you'll be good to go.

Loblaws closes at 11pm so I wasn't sure if what would happen with the parking garage.  But I got out.   I wasn't locked in so that was good.  The cleaners and re-stockers were there so  I think it's open pretty late.  Actually I don't think there is a gate.  And the parking lot across the street on Church is now a big hole for a condo now, and I didn't know where else to park.

The 2nd level is a basketball court where Kieran and I watch Canada win at the Pan-Am games.  That was exciting!
The ice rink is on the 3rd level.
It's really nice.  Change rooms are a little small, but nice.
It's really warm.  The ice had some soft spots at centre.  But i didn't care.
 I kept looking at the roof.  I was playing at the Gardens.  It was so cool.

Rug Rats escape!

This was pretty fun. I didn't really know what to expect but not all Escape Rooms are created equal.  Some are kits that vendors buy and install.
Others create their own story and build it.
Escape Room Barrie is like the latter.

If you go on the FB page for this place, 99% of the people that pose for an escape room memorabilia photo, choose a gun as the prop of choice.  It's a bit scary that we are so desensitized to guns.  I know that it's a prop.  Still.

Which is why I chose the clock to signify that this is a time bound game.
The blanket is for that sense of safety and security.  I hope it was clean.  But no one sleeps in these rooms.  Also I looked like a homeless person.  At least I was smiling.
The hair dryer is because it was -20 below freezing and you need to keep your noggin warm to think.

I just noticed Kieran has the black light flashlight.
Then you get the other kids wielding the gun props and smiling.  The littlest with the biggest weapon.  And their dad with prop that he opened and obtained, what else - a hand gun prop.

TWO there it is, TWO tera bytes

When we got the PS4 it was before the PS4 SLIM and PS4 Pro.  I didn't actually know the difference between the three units.  But one diff is the storage capacity of the HD.  I think the Pro version has 1TB.   I found an article that documents the technical differences.  What is the difference between PS4-SLIM-PRO

The PRO also has 1 more USB port, 4K support and an upgraded CPU and 1GB more RAM.  That's it.  for $100USD more.

We don't have a 4K tv, and what we have now looks pretty good!  Plus my eyes are going south anyways, so no big deal for me.
There's lots of YouTube vids on how to upgrade the storage on the
PS4.  I didn't actually realize it's user upgradeable.

I take that as, I'm allowed to do this.

We had maxed out the PS4's stock 500GB drive, we were forced to delete game data just to play Star Wars Battlefront II.  So just before new years I ordered a 2TB Seagate Firecuda hybrid SSD drive from Amazon. The YouTube vids will have a link but this model is ST2000LX001 the one I got.  It was $107.00 CAD.  It's a 2.5" model.  Same size as what will be in those WD passport or laptops.

It's lighter and faster and slightly thinner than the OEM Samsung drive that came with the PS4.

Surprisingly the only tool you only need is a phillips screw driver for this job.  There are only 5 screws to remove and replace.

It's quite easy to access the HD that on the left side of the PS4.  The cover is removable and requires no tools.  Might be a bit sticky but ours was fine.

But before you do this, you need at least a 500GB external USB drive that you can back up your data from the OEM HD.  There are menus on the PS4 under Settings -> System to do that.
The PS4 took 4+hours to back up, and it needs to be FAT32 otherwise it won't recognize the drive.

You also need to download this PS4UPDATE.PUP file from PlayStation website after you install the new drive.  That will install the PS4 O/S.  Then you can restore from your back up.

This O/S install takes 10mins.
But the restore takes 3+ hours.
So don't be in a hurry.

But in the end all was good.
I've had the drive for only a day, but everything works.  I didn't have to start any of my games from the beginning.
It saved my Uncharted game play data.
And all of our trophies.
And network details.
2TB should last us a while.

Dynamic Iron Chalkboard

This spot where the green tape is, is where we planned to put a chalkboard.
Instead next to it in our kitchen is a green tape board.  Stuff hanging on the NEST and wedged in behind it and the switch plate.  Like we know what we wanted, where, now just get it done.

I was getting tired of looking at it, ever since I put up the pin boards in the computer room and used the chalkboard paint on the wall it was mounted too, and was really happy with how it turned out.

Since the office one worked out, I started my search to look for a piece of steel that we can use as a magnetic board.  My bro had one but it was 1/4"  not sure what gauge that is, but I'd need to lag-bolt that thing to some studs and glue it to the wall with construction adhesive.

I asked my cousin where she got her's but she couldn't remember the name of the place or how much.

Luckily this place Dynamic Iron Inc. has been in our hood for 48 yrs.  I've driven by it probably a million times.  Since it's right beside Loblaws.

I called them last week and they said they could get me what i needed.


Sure enough these guys came through.
Then Tresa asked me if they were Croatian.  I said I didn't know since all white people look the same to me.  I'm asian, it's the opposite of 'white-person syndrome' where all asians look the same.

So when went to pick up my piece of 16 gauge 24x48" sheet.  I asked.

Sure enough.   "Dobro jutro!"
Then they were my buds for life!
Tresa thinks that her mom told her she might know them.
I told Tresa if she wants her steel railing, go here. And bring them some of her mom's cookies.  We can use those as down payment.

A possible 6 degrees of separation.  The dad might have helped build the ship Tresa's mom arrived on.
Who knows.

They're all related.

So this is all you need to do this.

Chalkboard paint, gloves, piece of steel, a roller and tray (from Dollarama) and a drop sheet.

To mount it, get some 2" #8 screws and washers and a drill.

There you are good to go.
I paid the extra money to have them drill the holes.
#1 they would do a better job.  They have a drill press, the right drill bit, it's sharp, no burrs, since they took a grinder and took off all the sharp edges.
#2 saves me from doing a crappier job and drilling through something.  This is called Preventative Frustration Fee.

Yea!  no more green tape-shoved behind NEST board.
I had 6 holes drilled.
I initially had 4, but as I noticed it was bowing out a bit.  I had them drill 2 more and it's perfect and looks great.

I haven't chalk primed the board, but i figure wherever we decide to write, we should prime it first, then write.
Kieran hasn't seen this one yet.  Since he's at his cousins.

Woo hoo!