Thought of the day...

"A watched toaster does not pop"

5 months of fuel pricing

Since I bought my car in Sept. I have spent a grand total of $310.05 on fuel and have put on a total of 4770Km That works out to about 6.5 cents/km. Fuck I don't know why someone doesn't open up a Taxi company that uses compacts. You could even charge less for the service and still make a profit.

Of course that is only the fuel cost involved. Factor in some of the maintenence items.
Oil changes 4/year @ $70 (using Mobil 1 synthetic). = $280
Coolant Flush/fill $40/year (based on a figure of every 2 years)
Tranmissionfluid change $7/year (based on a price of a manual transmission $40 every 5 years)
Fuel System cleaning $100/year
Air Filter $40/year
Tires wear and tear $30/year (based on a price of $330 over 8 years)
Tune-up (including plugs/wires/timing and whatnot). About $100/year
Carwashes $50/year
Paint $200 (based on an estimate of $2000/10 years)
Engine $ 200 (based on an estimate of $3000/15 years
Battery $20/year (est. life of 5 years)
Alternator $50/year
Clutch $20/year (est life about 10 years)
Suspension $15/year (if replaced with lifetime warranty parts)
Muffler/exhaust $25/year (with lifetime parts)
Other: valves/hoses/caps/gaskets/seals etc $25/year

Extrapolating the fuel cost to be about $1000/year and an estimated 12000km/year
$2202
Total Cost per KM = 18.5 cents/km

A/C parts and an automatic transmission would raise the cost to about 20 cents/KM
Imagine if it was a new car and you had to factor in depreciation as well? You might be looking at almost 25-30 cents/KM

So I should be putting away about $200/month into an account just for car maintenence anything left over would go towards the next car purchase.

A beautiful face

Don't you agree...













I know I've sure gotten used to looking at it.
I hope it'll be around a little longer.

J

A life changing weekend

It really has been truely a life changing weekend.

For those of you that know me, I have been interested in hot tubs for about 6 years now and I have finally gathered enough funds, found the perfect deal and gained all the supporters I need to make it happen. I am going to buy a Softsider hot tub (6person).

I got to go see my gf that night with a great big smile on my face and a feeling that all was well. I felt her love last night as we cuddled on the couch we just couldn't seem to get close enough. I had to be up early the next day because my parents were comming to Regina (on a whim). They're early risers (meeting them at 9am) and I am not (I have basically all night classes).

I had a great day with my parents and I have missed them so much! My dad RARELY comes to the city ever so it was definately a treat to see him. When I met them my itinerary was this:
Chapters: meeting point and tea

Wal-mart:to buy a cheap computer for mom

Mr.Lube: lots of work done to the van (saved us ooodles of $$$ though)

Aware House Book store:mom needed some reading material

Don's Photo: Pick up developed film for my bro

McNally's Tavern: Lunch and a pint (a jam session was taking place buncha people playing some sweet Irish folk musice fiddles and guitars...simple amazing)

Wet and Wild Hot Tubs: to show my parents the new purchase and arrange for shipping

London Drugs: where we found a better computer than the wal-mart model

Wal-Mart (east): return crappy computer

Rhonda's: to drop off film to be returned to my bro

Chapters to pick up my car

All-in-All 8 hours (9-5) it was a busy day

But all was not well today: Rhonda had been very depresed since this morning. She misses me...at least that's what she says. There's definately something wrong underneath it all. She didn't want to touch me or hug me good-bye even though I won't see her for awhile. So something is definately up. Why the sudden down swing though? Last night all was well?
I guess maybe I just don't understand women at all.

I just happened to be reading her blog...and by the sounds of it I can expect to be single in the next few days you can check for yourself by heading to Rhonda's page or you can read the highlight I have cut from it:

Quoting Rhonda: "I can see what I can't do now, which is maintain a relationship. I want to be fiddle numero uno... which isn't fair to any man. My family and friends have dwindled even when I try to nurture them..."

What can I say I'm pretty broken up over this development After all I have pretty much based a large portion of my life and future on our relationship such as:

-interning in Carlyle to be closer to her
-including her in the canoe trip
-planning to move in together
-being able to settle down a little and start a home and family
-knowing that I've found the person I want to spend my life with

What can I say I guess she's dissatisfied with being second fiddle to school (even though it's only a few more months till I'm done in Regina).
When is it time to leave a relationship:
bottom line: when your needs aren't being met

I guess I can't provide the close-ness and being-thereness. So my bird is going to fly. Flushing my current life plan into the sewers.

I dont' know the reality still hasn't set in yet. It probably wont' till I change my internship placement not sure where to go exactly...maybe I'll go there anyways. My bro lives out there and I DO have a cabin to live at.

Whatever, at any rate I love that girl and she will be missed dearly. I truely did give her a piece of my soul.

Peace
JB

BLOG WARS Secret weapon and ops

Ok as some of you know Dave @ CCCP and Pilot from Pilot's World have been at war for some time now. As of late I've been bombing the shit out of Dave...

At any Rate I have a SECRET WEAPON of Blogging destruction which both of you should BOW before mwa ha ha ha ha ha ha (more manical laughter).

So who should I use it on hmmmmm....? Do I hold strong to my values and wipe dave off the face of the blogging earth? Or does he bribe me and I turn my back on pilot's world forever?

The 2 of you will have to prove yourselves for my Alligence. The date is set for Thursday February 9th. That is the day I will rain judgement down upon thee.

Demoncrush has spoken
<>

A message from the Right

This comment found on my post about "words defined":

John Doe said...

"see what happens when you make it your day job to hate bush..."

http://thinkright1.blogspot.com

It seems my blog has attracted some attention from the "right" side of the political spectrum. This chap's from Ontario. I implore everyone to go check out his blog, Especially Dave of CCCP (you can't get any far left than that).

Words explained...

Word: Explanation: Used in a Sentence:

Egg: chiken embryo "Whould you like your chicken embryos scrambled?"

Dohnut: deep fried cake: "Could I have a deep fried maple dip cake please?"

Jell-O : Ground up cow hooves: "There's always room for ground up cow hooves!"

Alcohol: Yeast Excretions: "Raspberry yeast poop tastes good!"

Flower: Plant Genetalia: "Hey Baby! Nice Stamen!!!"

Tutor tomorrow

As my title suggests I will be a tutor in a Regina School tomorrow. I'll be working in a Pre-K class with a few students for a half hour each. Time with them is going to fly!! This is part of my education math class I'll be meeting with these students 2 times a week for the next 3 weeks. Bassically I'll be assessing where exactly they are at and then be working on counting, shapes, patterns, ordering and really basic math skills. What can I say I'm pretty excited (essited as Tai would say). I'm seriously starting to think I would be a better Pre-K or Kindergarten teacher than a higher grade. Granted the kids have more energy but everything is so hands-on and just plain FUN!!

We are supposed to make a game and then leave it for the class to play with. I had the idea for a number bingo game. it would be fairly simple for them to practice number recognition as well it wouldn't be too difficult to make. I was thinking of using a foam board and gluing the numbers on it. They can then use something to cover the numbers. I was thinking poker chips maybe. Of course I could do shape bingo as well (maybe on the back of the cards).

Anyways I better get back to work
any ideas or suggestions I'm more than open to them.

Social Policy Idea: Licensed Drug Use

Ok some of you may have heard me talk about my idea for a User License regarding drugs and alcohol. If you havn't then please let me enlighten you.

Just like you go through driver training where you learn the rules of the road and then take a test and maybe pass and get your license. I propose the same idea for Drug use.

You can apply for a class 7 and sign up for courses when you reach the age of majority for your province.

People from other countries visiting Canda are exempt from the licensing system.

Drug classification: Just like there are class 1-7 on your drivers license there are classes for users. The more dangerous the substance the higher the class and more training is required. So for example Heroin would be a class 2 drug because A: It's an IV drug B: Super addictive. Crystal Meth would be a class 1 because A: it's Cheap B: dangerous to produce C: Super addictive D: Destroys your brain. Nitrous Oxide would be considered a class 1 because A:Compressed gas B: Moderate Addiction potential C: May cause death if not properly mixed with Oxygen D: Dissosiative anethstetic (you can't move while under it's influence).

So a course for class 2 drug use would emphasize harm reduction...this is what happens to your brain....this is what the side effects are...long term/short term effects...this is what withdrawls look like...this is how you shoot up without missing or getting infected....etc.

Class 3-4 substances would be reserved for psychedelic substances.

A class 7 license is a restricted/learners license. You can purchase class 6 or 5 substances (Cannabis Class 6, Alcohol/Tobbacco Class 5). However you are restricted to small amounts like .5-1 gramof Pot/week. A 6pack of beer or 1 bottle of wine (750ml) or a few small testers of spirits/week. A class 7 is allowed 1 drink at a licensed bar/restaurant per day. For Tobbacco a single pack of regular 20's/day.

In order to obtain your "prescription" it would depend on your classification. A class 5 or 7 substance like alcohol would remain pretty much the same with certain exceptions. You have to show your card and it will be swiped when you place your drink order at a bar or when you arrive at the check-out counter. The card reader is linked to a nation wide server (because people travel from all different provinces) and it informs the server/clerk whether you have met your daily/weekly limit or not. If someone has then their purchase is declined and they will have to wait.

Drugs with higher classifications will be run out of Government run pharmacies (open 24hours). They will have an office where you can seek addiction counselling. There will be a nurse on staff. Needle exchange/disposal and safe injection site. Just like the Class5-7 substances you will need to present your user license to be swiped. There is a limit on the amount that to be purchased in a day/week as well.

The reason for the limits is a way to control the amount that can be given out and to prevent hoarding for black-market sales.

It becomes a Criminal Offence to sell your legally purchased subtances to anyone else, especially a minor or unlicensed individual. A person who purchases a class 2 substance and is caught selling to a minor or unlicensed or over-their limit (police will have limit readers too) will be punished with Mandatory Minimum Jail sentances, fines and a Criminal Record.

Home brewers/growers: Again you need to have the right class of license to purchase grow or brew equipment to produce your own subtances. Up to 100 Gallons of beer/wine per year for personal use. Distilation of spirits is prohibited.

Growers will have restrictions placed on indoor grows for health and safety reasons. There will be no municiple out-door growing of Cannabis (because it's too easy to steal). Limits will be based on medical needs, and safe growing space.

Well tha's it for now. Let tell me what you think (if you read the whole thing).
If you have anything to add feel free to leave a comment or suggestion.
This is by no means the extent of my idea but for brevity I cut it short.

Peace

Tory government in 4 days and counting

Yeah I've already given up hope...call me a pessimist. My Old best friend messaged me just to say "GO CONSERVATIVES GO". I don't even know what's funnier the fact that either he's too stupid to realize how badly they're going to fuck this country or the mental image I get of Stephen Harper fucking him up the ass while he's screaming it. I don't care I'm still voting for who I believe in and that's Helen Yum the NDP candidate in my riding. I just hope those blue bastards don't get a majority.

But let's focus on some of the more positive aspects of a Conservative government shall we....
1. Lower GST...yeah I could use that...especially if I buy a new car in the next few years.
2. lower income tax...yeah we already pay too much in taxes

That's about it to be honest...there's nothing else that's really going to be a benefit to anyone.
Unless you're already rich, own a business and don't smoke weed but are an avid drinker.

I've also been cut off from R (due to her car wreck) which sucks ass I can't say for certain if I'll get to see her this weekend because school is pretty hecktic and I have some catching up to do.
Oh and I think everyone needs to see this go here: it's a delightful little cartoon that describes how some of us might feel click here

So yeah anyways I gotta go and get some sleep talk to y'all later.
Peace

My Hallway Smells like Urinal Cakes

But at least it doesn't smell like urine.

In other news: I've given up on my SNES it's all Karma. When Chris (my former roomate) moved to Weyburn to left a bag of Clothes, a clock Radio, and a bunch of Records (good ones too). Easily worth more than the price of a SNES from Ebay, tramps, or any number of pwn shops in this town. Plus Dave is right Emulators are awesome in fact I have a German copy of Sim City a great way to learn a new language lol!

On Saturday, Rhonda and I helped Rob make a short film for a contest. We made food and just tried to keep everything running smooth for him. One of the shitty things that happenned, Rhonda wrecked her car (not her fault) I'm sure she'll be blogging more about it so check her out on Rescue Regina.

I'm getting back into the groove of school so I might not blog as often as I should please bear with me.

Green or Orange I'm still torn!

Ok I just got back from the debate for my riding. I must say the Green party candidate was far more on the ball than any of the rest of the candidates. The NDP candidate seemed to stumble alot over her words but possibly just nerves. The Conservative Candidate was reading everything off of cards. Ralph Goodale of course couldn't be there so they representative in his place came. She was ok but it's just not the same.

So where do I stand? Well I'm not supporting either of the Red or Blue parties the Reds can't be trusted, and the Blues are crazy, and can't be trusted. I don't like independants so they're out. There's no BQ candidate out here (They are a left wing party and they were one of the first parties to address poverty...Besides it's Friday and Gilles D's looking good in my books *wink*.)
So basically I'm left with Voting Green or NDP.

The Green has a good platform. I agree, environment should be our priority but the changes and statements they make aren't realistic to Canada. Not to mention the changes they propose cannot be done overnight. Like it or not we are part of a global economy.
The NDP have been in the house and I have seen what they are capable of. David Suzuki endorses the NDP which is definately a plus for them.

I guess, what it all boils down to is both parties are pretty descent. A vote for the green is a positive because it shows government that their issues are important to us.
I think I still have to support Layton though because I feel he's earned it.

Back in Reg....

Fuck...What can I say.

I'm sorry to open the first blog of the new year but wow!

So I moved back to the RGC I'm living in an apartment with one of my best friends and her bf. It's working out GREAT! I'm really happy living here. Granted some crappy shit happenned like my car being towed on my first day costing me a $95. I have my freedom back though and it's sweet I missed it so much in the last 8 months! Classes are ok I like 3/5 which is ok with me. The other 2 are not too bad.

Ok so onto somthing that just happenned to me tonight!!! I found....my Super Nintendo that's been missing since I left Regina. I just happenned to find it at my old neighbour's house building 50, #11 Munroe Place. But...those fuckers won't give it back...not even when I offered them money!!!! And I know it's mine because it has identifying characteristics like the power jack on the back being missing. The games I left with it are the same games that are in their pile.

So how to get it back??? This much I know...they are on the ground floor of my old building. The back door to the building itself is always open.

Thus begins Operation "Get Jeff's SNES back..."

First out-of-province Blog

So yesterday (boxing day) Rhonda stops by my house at 1:30 in the afternoon and we...drive to Calgary to do some serious shopping. It's good times. Right now we're at the holiday INN Express in the heart of downtown Calgary. Prices for goods are crazy good here. NO PST. Liquor costs are astronomically cheaper here not to mention selection.
Item Alberta Sask
Oban Scotch $69.25 $85.37
Prem Oban $82.39 Not Available
12 Moosehead $19.99 N/A
6 Moosehead $10.49 $15.75
Grey Goose $33.56 $50.53

Not to mention the fine selections of Texas and half mickey's (tiny mickeys 200ml)
A texas Micky of Grey Goose, Grand marnier, meh whatever your taste you'll find it here!

If you're into Ganja, you have bicycle couriers everywhere who are fairly open about their goods. Not that I picked any up.

Anyways I had a good xmas, got some things I needed some I didn't, Kicked ass in my families annual Axis and Allies, and risk games, and I placed 3/5 at poker.

This blog was made possible by my gf's laptop and the highspeed internet offered by this fine hotel.

Peace.

The Importance of Maintaing a vehicle

I just finished dropping $500 at Mr. Lube today because everying needed to be done to my car.
I just stopped in for an oil change but discovered my coolant was no good, I needed an air filter, PCV valve. It was idling rough too so they gave it a fuel system treatment. The only thing left that they could do for me was Change my gear oil (manual transmission) so I figured might as well go for broke and Git 'er done.

The changes are noticable.
Smoother shifting
Nicer idle
Power up the wazoo!
Fuel economy increase

In some previous posts I said my car uses about 7.6L/100km or 34 MPG. Fuel consumption has decreased to 6.5L/100km or 40 MPG. Not too shabby.

The oil I put in is fully synthetic Mobil 1. It is truly the best.

Are Xmas parties going south!

Tis the season to talk about staff xmas parties. We all have them (those of us that work a steady job). The Staff Christmas party is supposed to be a time for the management/owners of businesses to show appreciation for their employees. Well I tell you I've never felt more under-appreciated by an employer than at my xmas party last sunday.

First of all, staff had about 6 days heads up.
During the first 4 of those days...we weren't allowed to bring guests.
We were given 3 free drinks/person
Deep fried appetizers (which of course I can't eat), 5 large pizzas and fruit were provided for supper.

The "party" started at 6:00pm I arrived a little late but missed nothing.
There was NO entertainment other than we could choose the radio station to listen to, and there was free pool (which is free all the time anyways).
No gift exchange

The only people I really talked to were Pilot the breakfast cook (who broke up with his gf that day), Katie (the cool lesbian girl from front desk) and Rhonda (my gf). We played a thrilling game of Ker-plunk and I learned how to play 3-hand Cribbage. Around 9:00ish I was off to the bar to get Rhonda a drink when I found out that "Last Call" had already been called. Now I know that as a bartender....you can't just say you've given last call without going to everycustomer (whether they are drinking/loitering) and telling them it's last call. The owner turned red and said "take one quick beer". I still had about 3 drink tickets left which I wasn't going to have the chance to spend (this night anyways ha ha ha).

So there ends the party we drank up and were all kicked out by 9:30PM
I still thanked the owner. I'm sure if he had planned the event would have drank with us all night.

I worked out the costs involved
Pizza = $100
Drinks for about 20 people = $105
Apps = $50 (tops)
Total = $255
Respect left for management = NONE

Teachers are the worst

An interesting night of work I had this evening. We had a reservation for all the comp school teachers. All I could think was "wow I can't wait till I'm a teacher so I can be a cheap prick". Teachers are the worst. One teacher (Mrs. Cameron) was spouting off about how the Martini mixes were "all wrong...That's not how you make a classic martini." Oh really asshole and which bartender school did you graduate from? I don't go to your classroom and tell you how to teach (although I'm sure I could). I went to university for 2 years surrounded by the same people and wow...some of the most annoying people I've ever met. They're know-it-alls. Does that mean I'm becomming the thing I hate? I'm not sure. Anyways slap me if I turn that way.

After the kitchen closed at 11pm I decided it was time to smoke a bowl. I don't usually do this at work but tonight I felt it was necessary. I built a classic make-shift pipe out of a pop bottle and aluminum foil. I only took one hoot because of time constraints but it was enough. It made the last few hours of work go by much faster!

Around midnightish the Pilot showed up with a bunch of movies in his arms (the movie factory had just shut down for the evening). He bellied-up to the bar and within 2 hours was pretty fucking messed. I left him to finish his beer while I did my cash-up. When I returned there was no Pilot and his untouched drink. I figured he was in the can and went about my buisness finishing up some other work. About 15 mins later still no Pilot. I went in search of my friend and behold there he was on the floor of the bathroom hugging the john. Oh I felt bad for him. How many of us have been in this position before?

Lets just take a little time out to discuss some of the points of drinking to get drunk. (these are observations made over the course of my bartending career and are not based soley on Pilot's experience).
1. always eat something before you drink! I can't stress this enough. Don't overdo it to the point of bursting either because that's just as bad as not eating. Just have a sandwhich or something bready.
2. Pace yourself. Never do more than one shooter/hour because they are usually 1oz pure alcohol slammed back in .5 seconds.
3. Some people shouldn't mix their booze. Some people can enjoy a variety of liquers, hi-balls, beers, coolers in a night. But some people shouldn't.
4. Plan a safe ride home. (maybe this should be number 1). It gets FUCKING COLD outside in winter and you need to be prepared to walk it or have a cab/sober driver lined up.
Interesting side note: In Swift Current, when you order a cab, you can order a driver to take your car home as well.

Anyways, long story short it took Pilot an hour to get mobile (with the help of a bucket) to get him out to my car and on our way home. But It didn't bother me at all no worries!

In my next installment I'll discuss ways to avoid hang-overs most likely because it's my staff party tomorrow.

Peace Y'all

New Years

So some of us have been rolling some New Years Party ideas around. I have some up with a few plans.

1. The first plan I came up with was a take-over of a small bar or lounge. I don't know I was kind of thinking of Trifon's by the university but that's definately not written in stone.

2. Rhonda has offered her house (in Regina) for a party. Her roomates are taking off so we'd have a house all to ourselves. It's on Toronto Street and easy to get to.

Someone also rolled around the idea of getting a keg for the event. Maybe that could be a possibility. I also had another option. If we all brought some kind of booze/liqeur I could mix some kick-ass cocktails/shooters for everyone. Or maybe an around the world in 80 beers event where everyone brings a different kind of beer for everyone to try.

Just trying to throw some ideas out

December 12, 2005 Almost done work!

So what can I say It's been over a month since I started back at the INN. I thought I would leave some positive things about that job since there's been so many negative posts. So here they are in no particular order, other than the order I thought them up.
1. It's great when friends stop by (we can usually work out a deal of somekind)
2. Staff discounts on food and drink
3.A fun staff to work with
4. You get to meet all sorts of interesting people.
5. Experimenting with booze (in the mixing sense).
6. Working nights means saving $$$ by not going out.
7. No possible way of getting a sunburn or skin cancer
8. Getting paid tax free $$$ (every day is payday)
9. Always having a story to tell.
10. Knowing that I'm going somewhere in life and not ending up like some of the people I serve.
11. Seeing drunk people everyday makes me want to drink less to get drunk, but more for the social side of it.
12. I have a re-newed appreciation for late-night tv
13. I don't hate/dread going to work ( I just can think of other people I'd rather spend time with, Rhonda for instance).
14. I actually know how long it takes police to get somewhere in the burn (at least 10 minutes from the phone call). So if you can plan your heart attack call 15 mins before so you can pack a hospital bag.
15. It's just like working with children only bigger and stupider

Thanks for reading!

On the evils of Santa...

Since for some fucked up reason I can't leave a comment on Pilot's World (word recognition my ass!) I will leave it here.

What of this Easter bunny comming into your home and leaving "chocolate eggs" all over the place? There is nothing quite like letting a diseased rodent shit all over your house to celebrate some creative carpentry. And we think worshiping cows is strange.