Volunteer Barbeque
Dad, Mom, and I went to a barbeque tonight held in honour of all the volunteers in town. Dad and Mom of course were invited for playing the violin and piano over at the old folks home. The BBQ was being held in the parking lot of Redi Enterprises and as we approached there was an older man walking towards his car - he appeared to be in his 70's and looked normal in every way. Dad said hello to the man, but he didn't respond in a way that I thought he was just ignoring us. Dad then asked the man if he worked here. The elderly man looked a little confused, said no, and then walked away. Mom and I were laughing to ourselves when Dad says, give him a few minutes; he'll get it.
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
All About My Pants:
We almost went to Medicine Hat the other day, but then we decided that both Mom and Gail would probably be working all day so it probably wouldn't be worth it. I really want to come down though, because I have 4 pairs of jeans that need major repairs. My light blue cool pants have major rips in the butt, My dark blue and also my red cool pants have rips in the crotch, and I have another pair of cool pants that are pinned together and just waiting to be sewn. Tracie's sewing machine doesn't seem cut out to sew jean material, she has bent or broken 3 needles already. I should probably just buy more pants, but I can't justify buying 2 new pairs of jeans for $60 or $70. It doesn't seem worth it, especially because I can just get my old pants patched and then go out to eat 7 times instead. In case somebody doesn't know what cool pants look like, here is a picture:
This is me standing in my parent's backyard wearing my red cool pants. You can see the world's largest teepee in the background.
The makeup looks really good, but it seems a little dark to me, but maybe I'm just used to seeing Jeff's pasty white face.
-Gary Milner
We almost went to Medicine Hat the other day, but then we decided that both Mom and Gail would probably be working all day so it probably wouldn't be worth it. I really want to come down though, because I have 4 pairs of jeans that need major repairs. My light blue cool pants have major rips in the butt, My dark blue and also my red cool pants have rips in the crotch, and I have another pair of cool pants that are pinned together and just waiting to be sewn. Tracie's sewing machine doesn't seem cut out to sew jean material, she has bent or broken 3 needles already. I should probably just buy more pants, but I can't justify buying 2 new pairs of jeans for $60 or $70. It doesn't seem worth it, especially because I can just get my old pants patched and then go out to eat 7 times instead. In case somebody doesn't know what cool pants look like, here is a picture:
This is me standing in my parent's backyard wearing my red cool pants. You can see the world's largest teepee in the background.
The makeup looks really good, but it seems a little dark to me, but maybe I'm just used to seeing Jeff's pasty white face.
-Gary Milner
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Anna-Maria Old Age Make-Up
Anna-Maria applied some old age make-up to my face this morning. This was her first time of doing this particular kind of old age make-up and although she is confident she could do better her next time, I think she did a pretty convincing job.
The make-up took about two to two and a half hours to apply and after she had it marked for her final, I took it off (2 minutes after it was done)! Anyway my face is still a little red from the latex. I imagine Gary will be interested in trying this but I must say although it looks cool, the process of having it applied is very boring.
The make-up took about two to two and a half hours to apply and after she had it marked for her final, I took it off (2 minutes after it was done)! Anyway my face is still a little red from the latex. I imagine Gary will be interested in trying this but I must say although it looks cool, the process of having it applied is very boring.
Monday, April 28, 2003
Gary: 69 Traffic Cop: 50 Winner = Gary
If you will kindly remember my post of 4/22/2003 @ 10:06:57 PM, I wrote:
My last exam actually conflicts with my court date. I haven't been arrested for anything, but I got a speeding ticket that was pretty high. I'm thinking of fighting it, especially if I can get back for my exam in time. I just need to find out if it's true that you get out of the ticket if the cop doesn't show up. I kind of get the feeling that everybody has a friend of a friend who got out of a ticket because the cop didn't show, or their sister-in-law's cousins uncle is a lawyer who says that's the way it is, but really you know what that means to me. Absolutely nothing. People are liars. They are just trying to be helpful, but they don't know jack. Really people are just stupid.
It turns out that I decided not to simply pay the fine, but to actually go down there and see if I could take care of business. It also turned out to be worthwhile. I went to plead my case, before a Justice.
If any of you, my dear readers, have ever been cited for speeding, you will know that you have three options. Option 1. Pay the voluntary payment. Option 2. Plead not guilty by mailing the notice to the proper address. Option 3. Appear before a Justice, to plead guilty or not guilty to the offence charged. My experience has led me to believe that Option 1 is for suckers. Option 2 is for people who really are not guilty. Option 3 is the best option out there.
I picked option three. I went down to correct location, got in a very short line at one of the wickets, and got some direction of what I wanted to do. I told him that I wanted to enter a plea. He said, “Are you pleading not guilty?”
I said, "No, guilty, I’m just going to beg." He gave off the appearance of being mildly amused.
If you will kindly remember my post of 4/22/2003 @ 10:06:57 PM, I wrote:
My last exam actually conflicts with my court date. I haven't been arrested for anything, but I got a speeding ticket that was pretty high. I'm thinking of fighting it, especially if I can get back for my exam in time. I just need to find out if it's true that you get out of the ticket if the cop doesn't show up. I kind of get the feeling that everybody has a friend of a friend who got out of a ticket because the cop didn't show, or their sister-in-law's cousins uncle is a lawyer who says that's the way it is, but really you know what that means to me. Absolutely nothing. People are liars. They are just trying to be helpful, but they don't know jack. Really people are just stupid.
It turns out that I decided not to simply pay the fine, but to actually go down there and see if I could take care of business. It also turned out to be worthwhile. I went to plead my case, before a Justice.
If any of you, my dear readers, have ever been cited for speeding, you will know that you have three options. Option 1. Pay the voluntary payment. Option 2. Plead not guilty by mailing the notice to the proper address. Option 3. Appear before a Justice, to plead guilty or not guilty to the offence charged. My experience has led me to believe that Option 1 is for suckers. Option 2 is for people who really are not guilty. Option 3 is the best option out there.
I picked option three. I went down to correct location, got in a very short line at one of the wickets, and got some direction of what I wanted to do. I told him that I wanted to enter a plea. He said, “Are you pleading not guilty?”
I said, "No, guilty, I’m just going to beg." He gave off the appearance of being mildly amused.
Part 2
He said, "You'll be first, but the Crown Prosecutor won't be here until 9:30, you can go and come back later, or just wait right there for him to call you."
Getting there at about 8:10 was a real plus, because the waiting area filled up quite fast after I sat down, and by the time I was completely done, the entire office was packed. When the Crown Prosecutor finally called me in, I had a chance to explain my situation to him. I had prepare my argument earlier that morning, and I'll give you a shortened version.
1. The construction zone had a portable sign that was not properly visible.
2. There were no people doing construction at the site at the time of the infraction.
3. There was little traffic. No cars traveling in front for 500 meters and no cars passed by us for the entire time that the officer was writing the ticket.
4. In the direction I was headed there were two completely unobstructed lanes and a shoulder on the right hand side of the road, a third lane and the other shoulder were partially closed by pylons.
5. I was traveling in the outside lane, and the closed lane was on the inside.
6. The police were inside the construction zone monitoring the speed of traffic, but I had not yet entered the zone when they signalled me to pull over.
He said, "Well I can definitely bring this down. How does $70 sound, that’s 12km/h over the speed limit." (Remember I was clocked at 85 in a 60)
I said, "Can you do any better than that?"
He said, "No, not really. I know that those portable signs are hard to see, but they put up big signs about three months ago, I travel that road all the time."
I said, "I don't go by there very often, but I'm a student, I don't have a job yet, and my student loan ran out last month. Can you bring it down any more?"
He said, "You'll be first, but the Crown Prosecutor won't be here until 9:30, you can go and come back later, or just wait right there for him to call you."
Getting there at about 8:10 was a real plus, because the waiting area filled up quite fast after I sat down, and by the time I was completely done, the entire office was packed. When the Crown Prosecutor finally called me in, I had a chance to explain my situation to him. I had prepare my argument earlier that morning, and I'll give you a shortened version.
1. The construction zone had a portable sign that was not properly visible.
2. There were no people doing construction at the site at the time of the infraction.
3. There was little traffic. No cars traveling in front for 500 meters and no cars passed by us for the entire time that the officer was writing the ticket.
4. In the direction I was headed there were two completely unobstructed lanes and a shoulder on the right hand side of the road, a third lane and the other shoulder were partially closed by pylons.
5. I was traveling in the outside lane, and the closed lane was on the inside.
6. The police were inside the construction zone monitoring the speed of traffic, but I had not yet entered the zone when they signalled me to pull over.
He said, "Well I can definitely bring this down. How does $70 sound, that’s 12km/h over the speed limit." (Remember I was clocked at 85 in a 60)
I said, "Can you do any better than that?"
He said, "No, not really. I know that those portable signs are hard to see, but they put up big signs about three months ago, I travel that road all the time."
I said, "I don't go by there very often, but I'm a student, I don't have a job yet, and my student loan ran out last month. Can you bring it down any more?"
Part 3
He said, "Well since you're a student, I can charge you for 85 in a 80, which is the normal limit and that will be $50 and 2 demerits. You can also have more time to pay it. You don't have to take it, you can go before a Judge."
I said, "No, I'll just pay the $50."
I'm really glad that I held out for the extra $20 off. I feel like a really good negotiator now. Looking back, I should have pressed for more, but at the time I was just glad for the $69 off. It's hard to believe that he took off more that half the fine just because I went down to see him. I don't think that I will ever pay the full price of any ticket ever again. I mean I got there at 8:10 or so and was out the door at 9:35. That's $69 for an hour and a half.
He told me to wait outside until the Justice called me in, and about 5 minutes later the Justice called me in, and said, "Ok, your new fine is $50."
While I was there, I asked her about the Cop not showing up issue, and she said basically that it depends, but more often than not, it's not true.
The fact of the matter is that the cop shows up. The thing I went to today was just a first appearance. If I would have plead not guilty, we would have set a time for an actual court date and the cop would have been sent a letter notifying him. Why would you spend the day putting yourself at risk out in public, when you can spend the day getting paid to hang out at the courthouse? It's like a day off.
He said, "Well since you're a student, I can charge you for 85 in a 80, which is the normal limit and that will be $50 and 2 demerits. You can also have more time to pay it. You don't have to take it, you can go before a Judge."
I said, "No, I'll just pay the $50."
I'm really glad that I held out for the extra $20 off. I feel like a really good negotiator now. Looking back, I should have pressed for more, but at the time I was just glad for the $69 off. It's hard to believe that he took off more that half the fine just because I went down to see him. I don't think that I will ever pay the full price of any ticket ever again. I mean I got there at 8:10 or so and was out the door at 9:35. That's $69 for an hour and a half.
He told me to wait outside until the Justice called me in, and about 5 minutes later the Justice called me in, and said, "Ok, your new fine is $50."
While I was there, I asked her about the Cop not showing up issue, and she said basically that it depends, but more often than not, it's not true.
The fact of the matter is that the cop shows up. The thing I went to today was just a first appearance. If I would have plead not guilty, we would have set a time for an actual court date and the cop would have been sent a letter notifying him. Why would you spend the day putting yourself at risk out in public, when you can spend the day getting paid to hang out at the courthouse? It's like a day off.
Well I've been feeling a little apathetic about posting on the blog lately. It really has to do with the realization that almost nobody comes here. I mean what's the point of posting on here when I could just email the two or three people that actually care. I think most disappointing was the fact that Tracie said she doesn't even bother to read it anymore. I guess she just gets Gary to let her know if anything interesting gets posted. Sorry to say, nothing interesting here. I will, however, take some before and after pictures of the make-up that Anna is going to put on my face this afternoon.
Saturday, April 26, 2003
When Ents Attack:
Some poor schnook, parked his car in the one hour parking. He's been there all day. Hopefully the cops are too busy with accidents to give him a ticket. I think old Treebeard finally just went postal on the little red miata.
The roads are very bad today, Tracie and I could hear lots of ambulances going to the Foothills Hospital. There was only about 4 inches of snow this morning when I went to get Tracie. When we left to go to the Jensen's birthday party, our car almost got stuck right in the parking lot. The main roads weren't too bad, but the bottom of my little civic dragged in the snow on all the side roads. We almost got stuck parking on the street at the Jensen's house.
It was a fun little birthday party for their one year old Olivia. I just realized that their daughter's initials are O.J. Kind of funny. I wonder if she's going to help find the real killers.
Some poor schnook, parked his car in the one hour parking. He's been there all day. Hopefully the cops are too busy with accidents to give him a ticket. I think old Treebeard finally just went postal on the little red miata.
The roads are very bad today, Tracie and I could hear lots of ambulances going to the Foothills Hospital. There was only about 4 inches of snow this morning when I went to get Tracie. When we left to go to the Jensen's birthday party, our car almost got stuck right in the parking lot. The main roads weren't too bad, but the bottom of my little civic dragged in the snow on all the side roads. We almost got stuck parking on the street at the Jensen's house.
It was a fun little birthday party for their one year old Olivia. I just realized that their daughter's initials are O.J. Kind of funny. I wonder if she's going to help find the real killers.
Bad Things Update:
Bad things happen to good people all the time. Like today for example, I woke up at 7:00 to pick up Tracie from the hospital (that's not the bad part) and I looked out the window, but it was completely white. I couldn't even see the buildings across from ours. Snow was/is stuck to all our windows on both sides of our apartment.
We are having the biggest Snow storm of the entire winter today. Canada stinks for this one reason alone. Unfortunately places where the weather doesn't stink, stink worse for political and economic reasons. Some places actually stink in addition to having crappy politics and economics. In fact the only way Mexico could stink any more, is if they widened the roads (so more stink could fit).
On our way back from the hospital, we saw a power line get knocked down. There were a bunch of hugh sparks, and all the lights went out. It was pretty cool. I called the Enmax trouble desk. They have an automated system to answer calls and connect you with a real person. Anyway, the system says, "If you are in physical danger right now, hang up and dial 911," about five times before you get to an actual person. I told them about the downed line, and the guy said he thought that it might be on the list, but that he would make sure. That was pretty fast, but I guess it wouldn't be that out of the question that they would have some sort of system that automatically pinpoints downed cables, or that someone who actually lives right beside the downed line to have called in by the time I drove 30 blocks to get home.
Bad things happen to good people all the time. Like today for example, I woke up at 7:00 to pick up Tracie from the hospital (that's not the bad part) and I looked out the window, but it was completely white. I couldn't even see the buildings across from ours. Snow was/is stuck to all our windows on both sides of our apartment.
We are having the biggest Snow storm of the entire winter today. Canada stinks for this one reason alone. Unfortunately places where the weather doesn't stink, stink worse for political and economic reasons. Some places actually stink in addition to having crappy politics and economics. In fact the only way Mexico could stink any more, is if they widened the roads (so more stink could fit).
On our way back from the hospital, we saw a power line get knocked down. There were a bunch of hugh sparks, and all the lights went out. It was pretty cool. I called the Enmax trouble desk. They have an automated system to answer calls and connect you with a real person. Anyway, the system says, "If you are in physical danger right now, hang up and dial 911," about five times before you get to an actual person. I told them about the downed line, and the guy said he thought that it might be on the list, but that he would make sure. That was pretty fast, but I guess it wouldn't be that out of the question that they would have some sort of system that automatically pinpoints downed cables, or that someone who actually lives right beside the downed line to have called in by the time I drove 30 blocks to get home.
Friday, April 25, 2003
Take home exams aren't all that they are cracked up to be. I had one last year, that was basically a two page paper. It was really easy, and that was pretty nice, but the two I did this year were killer. One was a 10 page paper, and I only had a week to do it, but it was over easter, and the other exam was due 4 days before, so I really only had 3 days to do it. I would way rather be stuck in a gym or classroom for 3 hours.
Anyway, I have at least one story (that I can still remember) to share. A week or two ago, I got a message from a girl at CJSW, the campus radio station. She wanted a photo of a concert that they had promoted, and that we (the Gauntlet) had photographed. I phoned her, quickly dialing, got an answering machine and started to leave a message. About halfway through my message this girl picks up the phone.
I said, "Is Lisa there?"
She said, "no."
I said, "Is this Lisa's house?"
She said, "No."
I said, "Does Lisa live here?"
By this point I can tell that the girl is getting really confued. She says, "I don't know."
I say, "What do you mean you don't know, either she does, or she doesn't"
Then she says, "Gary?"
I say, "Is this Tracie?"
It was Tracie! The radio girl's number was 220-6563 and my number is 202-5653. Tracie had just got off the night shift, and thought that I was playing a little trick on her. I told her that I had to go and basically hung up on her. Boy was she ever confused. She had no idea what just happened.
Anyway, I have at least one story (that I can still remember) to share. A week or two ago, I got a message from a girl at CJSW, the campus radio station. She wanted a photo of a concert that they had promoted, and that we (the Gauntlet) had photographed. I phoned her, quickly dialing, got an answering machine and started to leave a message. About halfway through my message this girl picks up the phone.
I said, "Is Lisa there?"
She said, "no."
I said, "Is this Lisa's house?"
She said, "No."
I said, "Does Lisa live here?"
By this point I can tell that the girl is getting really confued. She says, "I don't know."
I say, "What do you mean you don't know, either she does, or she doesn't"
Then she says, "Gary?"
I say, "Is this Tracie?"
It was Tracie! The radio girl's number was 220-6563 and my number is 202-5653. Tracie had just got off the night shift, and thought that I was playing a little trick on her. I told her that I had to go and basically hung up on her. Boy was she ever confused. She had no idea what just happened.
Calgary
I went to Medicine Hat and then Calgary on Wednesday with Anna-Maria. We went to Medicine Hat so that Anna could pick up Jakob and take him to Calgary. I needed to go to Calgary to pick up Jackie's car while she is in California and I must say that her car is a lot nicer than mine. I also started this post about 3 hours ago but forgot about it while chatting with Mom and Dad and explaining to them how to install some stuff on their computer.
Done School
I finished my last exam yesterday. It's nice to be done school, I now have to go out and get a job. I hate getting a job. I was hoping a job would just fall into my lap, but until that happens I suppose I'll just lounge around here.... oops I mean go out and find one.
I went to Medicine Hat and then Calgary on Wednesday with Anna-Maria. We went to Medicine Hat so that Anna could pick up Jakob and take him to Calgary. I needed to go to Calgary to pick up Jackie's car while she is in California and I must say that her car is a lot nicer than mine. I also started this post about 3 hours ago but forgot about it while chatting with Mom and Dad and explaining to them how to install some stuff on their computer.
Done School
I finished my last exam yesterday. It's nice to be done school, I now have to go out and get a job. I hate getting a job. I was hoping a job would just fall into my lap, but until that happens I suppose I'll just lounge around here.... oops I mean go out and find one.
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
Time Traveller Update:
I guess we will never know the truth about Andrew Carlssin. He has apparently disappeared! It's too bad, I could have used some stock tips myself.
-Gary Milner
I guess we will never know the truth about Andrew Carlssin. He has apparently disappeared! It's too bad, I could have used some stock tips myself.
-Gary Milner
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Final Exam Update:
I got done my second exam just now. It's not due for another 2 hours. I guess I could have procrastinated a little while longer. I hope that it makes it's way through the stupid internet, in less than two hours. The stupid mail servers are geting software maintenence between 3:00 and 3:30 in the morning, so I hope that doesn't screw up my prof. getting my email submission. I guess that just leaves one more exam on the 28th.
My last exam actually conflicts with my court date. I haven't been arrested for anything, but I got a speeding ticket that was pretty high. I'm thinking of fighting it, especially if I can get back for my exam in time. I just need to find out if it's true that you get out of the ticket if the cop doesn't show up. I kind of get the feeling that everybody has a friend of a friend who got out of a ticket because the cop didn't show, or their sister-in-law's cousins uncle is a lawyer who says that's the way it is, but really you know what that means to me. Absolutely nothing. People are liars. They are just trying to be helpful, but they don't know jack. Really people are just stupid.
I got done my second exam just now. It's not due for another 2 hours. I guess I could have procrastinated a little while longer. I hope that it makes it's way through the stupid internet, in less than two hours. The stupid mail servers are geting software maintenence between 3:00 and 3:30 in the morning, so I hope that doesn't screw up my prof. getting my email submission. I guess that just leaves one more exam on the 28th.
My last exam actually conflicts with my court date. I haven't been arrested for anything, but I got a speeding ticket that was pretty high. I'm thinking of fighting it, especially if I can get back for my exam in time. I just need to find out if it's true that you get out of the ticket if the cop doesn't show up. I kind of get the feeling that everybody has a friend of a friend who got out of a ticket because the cop didn't show, or their sister-in-law's cousins uncle is a lawyer who says that's the way it is, but really you know what that means to me. Absolutely nothing. People are liars. They are just trying to be helpful, but they don't know jack. Really people are just stupid.
Monday, April 21, 2003
Easter:
I went to Cardston for Easter. For those of you who don't know where Cardston is, it is about 30 minutes east of Waterton National Park.
Tracie's Grandparents live there. We had a good visit, and some great meals. We had what was quite possibly the best 2 cakes I have ever eaten in my entire life. Believe me these cakes were good. If there's one thing I know, it's a good cake. I know a lot people who rave about how good a cake is, wouldn't know a good cake if it came up and bit them on the ass, but I'm not one of those people.
On Saturday, we coloured eggs to roll down a hill. I made a self-portrait, some tanks, and a SARS egg. The self-portrait egg is in the photo. It looks just like me doesn't it?
The SARS egg was in the lead for a long time, and I was having a great time, then my brother-in-law Dan beat me by about a foot. I was so mad. I always have a great through about halfway through the event, and then at the very end, someone barely beats me. Everybody loved the egg rolling, eventhough it is actually just a waste of 8 dozen eggs. About 3 dozen cracked while boiling, and the rest we through down a hill. Don't worry though, the seagulls had their best Easter ever.
I didn't get an Easter basket this year, but it didn't really come as a shock because we saw him dead on the road near Fort Macleod. His cousin was also hit by a car near Lethbridge. It was a sad Easter for the Bunny family this year with at least 2 alcohol related deaths this spring.
-Gary Milner
I went to Cardston for Easter. For those of you who don't know where Cardston is, it is about 30 minutes east of Waterton National Park.
Tracie's Grandparents live there. We had a good visit, and some great meals. We had what was quite possibly the best 2 cakes I have ever eaten in my entire life. Believe me these cakes were good. If there's one thing I know, it's a good cake. I know a lot people who rave about how good a cake is, wouldn't know a good cake if it came up and bit them on the ass, but I'm not one of those people.
On Saturday, we coloured eggs to roll down a hill. I made a self-portrait, some tanks, and a SARS egg. The self-portrait egg is in the photo. It looks just like me doesn't it?
The SARS egg was in the lead for a long time, and I was having a great time, then my brother-in-law Dan beat me by about a foot. I was so mad. I always have a great through about halfway through the event, and then at the very end, someone barely beats me. Everybody loved the egg rolling, eventhough it is actually just a waste of 8 dozen eggs. About 3 dozen cracked while boiling, and the rest we through down a hill. Don't worry though, the seagulls had their best Easter ever.
I didn't get an Easter basket this year, but it didn't really come as a shock because we saw him dead on the road near Fort Macleod. His cousin was also hit by a car near Lethbridge. It was a sad Easter for the Bunny family this year with at least 2 alcohol related deaths this spring.
-Gary Milner
School CENSORED!!! (it's inappropriate to make jokes about clocktowers):
I got done my first final on Friday afternoon. I submitted it by email at about 3:00. It just about got the best of me. I had an accounting teacher in Medicine Hat. He was/is a pretty good guy, even with the short attention span. Anyway, he said that "A" students keep track of their grades throughout the year, and if you (a student) know what your grade is going into the final exam, and it's an "A" you don't have to write the final, because you have proven yourself throughout the year with your assignments. So I started keeping track of all my grades. He didn't let me skip the final, although I did get an "A" in his class. The point of that little story is to say that, although it can be a good idea to keep track of your grades, sometimes it's a bad idea. Take me writing that exam on Friday morning. I was completely stumped by a question worth 10% of my grade, and I got to thinking, "I only need to get 25% on this test for a "C". After completing the other half of the test, I was confident that I would at least get a "C+". Luckily, I'm married, and Tracie made me do the hard question. Now I'm just waiting for the results in that class. I'm thinking I went from a B+ to a B. But you can never be sure.
I am 40% done my other take home exam. I still have to write 6 pages (recommended length) on 4 questions. I have already completed the first 4 pages. Single spaced. We are also submitting this one by email. There will be no changing margins. There will be not 1.2 spacing. There will be no size 13 fonts. Just a MS-Word file 3400 words long. This test is not nearly as bad as the first one. As of March 18 I had an "A" for class participation. The University calander says: "A — Excellent — superior performance, showing comprehensive understanding of subject matter." Take that. I show "Superior Performance" in my class participation.
-Gary Milner
I got done my first final on Friday afternoon. I submitted it by email at about 3:00. It just about got the best of me. I had an accounting teacher in Medicine Hat. He was/is a pretty good guy, even with the short attention span. Anyway, he said that "A" students keep track of their grades throughout the year, and if you (a student) know what your grade is going into the final exam, and it's an "A" you don't have to write the final, because you have proven yourself throughout the year with your assignments. So I started keeping track of all my grades. He didn't let me skip the final, although I did get an "A" in his class. The point of that little story is to say that, although it can be a good idea to keep track of your grades, sometimes it's a bad idea. Take me writing that exam on Friday morning. I was completely stumped by a question worth 10% of my grade, and I got to thinking, "I only need to get 25% on this test for a "C". After completing the other half of the test, I was confident that I would at least get a "C+". Luckily, I'm married, and Tracie made me do the hard question. Now I'm just waiting for the results in that class. I'm thinking I went from a B+ to a B. But you can never be sure.
I am 40% done my other take home exam. I still have to write 6 pages (recommended length) on 4 questions. I have already completed the first 4 pages. Single spaced. We are also submitting this one by email. There will be no changing margins. There will be not 1.2 spacing. There will be no size 13 fonts. Just a MS-Word file 3400 words long. This test is not nearly as bad as the first one. As of March 18 I had an "A" for class participation. The University calander says: "A — Excellent — superior performance, showing comprehensive understanding of subject matter." Take that. I show "Superior Performance" in my class participation.
-Gary Milner
Insurance
I accidentally let the insurance on my car lapse so its been sitting in the garage for the last couple of weeks. I finally got it reinstated but not until I had gone to quite a lot of trouble. I highly recommend that if you move and have insurance from a company in your old city, that you find a new local place because frankly its just not worth the hassle. During the time that I was without my car I relied on Anna to drive me around and when she couldn't then I was left riding Anna's bike. (I'm so pathetic I don't even own a bike). Last Thursday Anna was in Calgary for an audition and so I rode her bike over to the University. I somewhat lost track of time finishing some old assignments that were long overdue and when it was time to come home it was really dark out. I discovered a path that is actually a substantial shortcut from the road but it was REALLY dark. I rode down the hill pretty slowly - not wanting to die and all - and then thought of a really good idea. I would use my little key chain "phaser" light that Jackie gave to me to light the way. Well no sooner than I turned on the light that I saw a weasel zip across the path in front of me. How many weasels do you think had whisked across my path before the light was on? Anyway after all the biking I decided that even with Anna's gel seat, her bicycle is still not very comfortable to ride for a long time.
Anna's Sisters
When Anna returned on Friday night she brought along two of her sisters and their little dog. Lana went home yesterday but Pam will be visiting for the next three or so days. During the time that Anna has been spending with her sisters and I guess before she got back I've been doing so work around the house. I finally got that old lawn mower working and I also cleaned out the gutters and watered the grass. It turns out that the sprinkler that was left with the house actually doesn't really work. It just shoots water straight up instead of swivelling back and forth. I'm about to go out and buy a new one.
Donuts
When I got home the other day I was in for a good surprise. My roommate got a new job at Robin's Donuts and left three-dozen donuts sitting on the table with a note that I could help myself. This pleases me. :)
Jeff Milner Movie Review - The Phone Booth
Anna, her sisters, and I, took in The Phone Booth (Official Site / Preview) on the weekend. First off I have to admit that this movie did keep my attention the whole way through, but it really lacked in any kind of scene change or progression. The tension peaks early on and then holds until the end of the movie. Frankly nothing really happens - at least nothing unpredictable. Actually the most unpredictable part was that the police were so slow to arrive on the scene (if you've ever been to Times Square then you know how many police officers there are everywhere) and how poorly they reacted to the situation. It's like the writers haven't ever watched Real TV or even Cops and just have no idea how the police service actually works. Anyway I don't regret seeing it but if I ever see it again - it will be too soon.
Finals
I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I missed my Music 1011 final. How did that happen? It's a combination of factors really. I have been attending Music 1011 at 11:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I had special permission since I am registered in the 3 o'clock class. Well the 11 o'clock class is supposed to have their test on the 24th but my 3 o'clock class had their test last week and well I got mixed up on which day for which class and if I was supposed to attend the test for the class I was registered or the class that I attended. Anyway I could be in some serious trouble if I am not able to take it on the 24th but I'm just hoping things will work out for me. They usually do.
I accidentally let the insurance on my car lapse so its been sitting in the garage for the last couple of weeks. I finally got it reinstated but not until I had gone to quite a lot of trouble. I highly recommend that if you move and have insurance from a company in your old city, that you find a new local place because frankly its just not worth the hassle. During the time that I was without my car I relied on Anna to drive me around and when she couldn't then I was left riding Anna's bike. (I'm so pathetic I don't even own a bike). Last Thursday Anna was in Calgary for an audition and so I rode her bike over to the University. I somewhat lost track of time finishing some old assignments that were long overdue and when it was time to come home it was really dark out. I discovered a path that is actually a substantial shortcut from the road but it was REALLY dark. I rode down the hill pretty slowly - not wanting to die and all - and then thought of a really good idea. I would use my little key chain "phaser" light that Jackie gave to me to light the way. Well no sooner than I turned on the light that I saw a weasel zip across the path in front of me. How many weasels do you think had whisked across my path before the light was on? Anyway after all the biking I decided that even with Anna's gel seat, her bicycle is still not very comfortable to ride for a long time.
Anna's Sisters
When Anna returned on Friday night she brought along two of her sisters and their little dog. Lana went home yesterday but Pam will be visiting for the next three or so days. During the time that Anna has been spending with her sisters and I guess before she got back I've been doing so work around the house. I finally got that old lawn mower working and I also cleaned out the gutters and watered the grass. It turns out that the sprinkler that was left with the house actually doesn't really work. It just shoots water straight up instead of swivelling back and forth. I'm about to go out and buy a new one.
Donuts
When I got home the other day I was in for a good surprise. My roommate got a new job at Robin's Donuts and left three-dozen donuts sitting on the table with a note that I could help myself. This pleases me. :)
Jeff Milner Movie Review - The Phone Booth
Anna, her sisters, and I, took in The Phone Booth (Official Site / Preview) on the weekend. First off I have to admit that this movie did keep my attention the whole way through, but it really lacked in any kind of scene change or progression. The tension peaks early on and then holds until the end of the movie. Frankly nothing really happens - at least nothing unpredictable. Actually the most unpredictable part was that the police were so slow to arrive on the scene (if you've ever been to Times Square then you know how many police officers there are everywhere) and how poorly they reacted to the situation. It's like the writers haven't ever watched Real TV or even Cops and just have no idea how the police service actually works. Anyway I don't regret seeing it but if I ever see it again - it will be too soon.
Finals
I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I missed my Music 1011 final. How did that happen? It's a combination of factors really. I have been attending Music 1011 at 11:00am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I had special permission since I am registered in the 3 o'clock class. Well the 11 o'clock class is supposed to have their test on the 24th but my 3 o'clock class had their test last week and well I got mixed up on which day for which class and if I was supposed to attend the test for the class I was registered or the class that I attended. Anyway I could be in some serious trouble if I am not able to take it on the 24th but I'm just hoping things will work out for me. They usually do.
Saturday, April 19, 2003
New Additions
I added a Stairway to Heaven flash clip, that I made a while ago, to the New Media section. It plays a clip forward and then if you click on reverse, it plays the same clip backwards. I think you might find it interesting, but this by no means implies I worship satan, just in case you thought it did. I also added a joke section and a few jokes and riddles that I have collected.
I added a Stairway to Heaven flash clip, that I made a while ago, to the New Media section. It plays a clip forward and then if you click on reverse, it plays the same clip backwards. I think you might find it interesting, but this by no means implies I worship satan, just in case you thought it did. I also added a joke section and a few jokes and riddles that I have collected.
Thursday, April 17, 2003
School
Well, I got done my last assignment; now all I have left are two take home finals and one scheduled final. I have come to the conclusion that take-home finals suck big time. They are way longer and harder than regular finals. They are like major assignments, but you only get a few days to do them. They look to be pretty big. The recommended page-length for one of them is 10 pages single-spaced. That's pretty brutal. I think I am going to be a little more concise than that. It's due on the 22nd at midnight. The other one is looking to be a little smaller, but still 3 or 4 pages single space due Saturday at midnight. I'm submitting both by email, which makes it a little better because I can do them at home. (Possibly naked. Isn't this modern age wonderful? You don't even have to get dressed to hand in your homework!) The exam scheduled for the 28th isn't even on my radar yet. Apparently people say that if you know the notes (he writes the notes and you copy them down), you will do well, and it's mostly m/c and fill in the blanks, with a few short answer questions to spice things up a bit. But because the exam is so late, there isn't going to be an essay question, which seemed to disappoint the professor a little. I not disappointed one bit though.
Being Married
Tracie has been beaking-off to me lately. Not really, but one of my profs. used the phrase "beaking-off" and I was itching to say it.
-Gary Milner
Well, I got done my last assignment; now all I have left are two take home finals and one scheduled final. I have come to the conclusion that take-home finals suck big time. They are way longer and harder than regular finals. They are like major assignments, but you only get a few days to do them. They look to be pretty big. The recommended page-length for one of them is 10 pages single-spaced. That's pretty brutal. I think I am going to be a little more concise than that. It's due on the 22nd at midnight. The other one is looking to be a little smaller, but still 3 or 4 pages single space due Saturday at midnight. I'm submitting both by email, which makes it a little better because I can do them at home. (Possibly naked. Isn't this modern age wonderful? You don't even have to get dressed to hand in your homework!) The exam scheduled for the 28th isn't even on my radar yet. Apparently people say that if you know the notes (he writes the notes and you copy them down), you will do well, and it's mostly m/c and fill in the blanks, with a few short answer questions to spice things up a bit. But because the exam is so late, there isn't going to be an essay question, which seemed to disappoint the professor a little. I not disappointed one bit though.
Being Married
Tracie has been beaking-off to me lately. Not really, but one of my profs. used the phrase "beaking-off" and I was itching to say it.
-Gary Milner
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Welcome Friends
I sent out a mass email telling some of my friends about the blog and the new flash movie that I completed. I remember some of them asked me to update them if I ever finished it, and as for the others that didn't know about it? Well you can enjoy now. Please don't be shy - share your comments. I'm getting a lot faster at making these flash movies, and who knows, maybe I'll even get "good" at it one day. Thanks for visiting.
Kayaking
It's almost time to get the kayaks out. I've been thinking a lot about going kayaking now that it's been warm for so many days straight. The water is still probably too cold, but I wonder if it will be warm enough in May? I'm glad to be living here in Lethbridge where I'll only have to make a short drive to the Belly River, which is of course my favourite kayaking river.
I sent out a mass email telling some of my friends about the blog and the new flash movie that I completed. I remember some of them asked me to update them if I ever finished it, and as for the others that didn't know about it? Well you can enjoy now. Please don't be shy - share your comments. I'm getting a lot faster at making these flash movies, and who knows, maybe I'll even get "good" at it one day. Thanks for visiting.
Kayaking
It's almost time to get the kayaks out. I've been thinking a lot about going kayaking now that it's been warm for so many days straight. The water is still probably too cold, but I wonder if it will be warm enough in May? I'm glad to be living here in Lethbridge where I'll only have to make a short drive to the Belly River, which is of course my favourite kayaking river.
New Flash Movie - Who Wants a Millionaire?
I just finished the sensational new movie, "Who Wants a Millionaire?". I figure we'll see some increased traffic on this one. Oh yeah, this is the good stuff. Please shout out any comments.
I just finished the sensational new movie, "Who Wants a Millionaire?". I figure we'll see some increased traffic on this one. Oh yeah, this is the good stuff. Please shout out any comments.
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