Life at 40

Blogging, especially blogging about national or political topics, has fallen so far down my list of priorities this year it's not even funny.

Chalk it up to my expanded family taking an even greater chunk out of my time, or simply the growing frustration on how local and international issues have descended into shouting and gamesmanship, either works.

There's really very little energy left to care anymore, frankly. Let those who aren't as disenchanted continue the fight. And to be fair, objectively it all remains somewhat fascinating. For me though, nah.

Simply just not worth the effort. And that's probably fine, really. Why stress over it?

When merged companies don't talk to each other

Would you believe it, so my ISP merged with a cell phone provider, and
the very next billing invoice sent to me gets flagged as spam and is
quarantined.

You can't make this stuff up.

Ah, Bermuda internet.

Cue the Empire Strikes Back music - US Elections edition

It's probably cliche to describe this as the most pivotal date in the
history of the United States, but good lord, has there ever been a
more contemptuous period of time in American presidential politics?

You have from the two major political parties, people surrounded by
heaps of negative baggage, allegations, innuendo and distrust.

And at the end of the day, a significant portion of the country is
going to be outright disgusted at the result.

Let the popcorn pop, the drinking games commence.

And the next day, let the rush for bottled water, tinned food and
Hazmat suits begin for the aggrieved.

OBA's Cabinet shuffle-de-doo

The first thing that struck me about the latest Government Cabinet swap-a-roonie:

That quote...

There are more important things to deal with in Bermuda right now, it seems, but it remains telling that all the hoopla about SAGE in the first place has turned into virtually nil. Another pile of reports and suggestions to gather dust somewhere.

Like everything else around this place, lather, rinse, repeat.

Scam from the World Bank, IMF, UN - must be legit

Clearly it *has* to be legit if the email is claiming to be from
big-name influential organisations... never mind that the sender is
from a completely unofficial-looking email address...

Title: Office of the UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
(OHCHR) has investigated why you have not yet received your funds

The World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have
issued an irrevocable payment guarantee in your favor today.read
attachment

[nice handy dandy PDF attachment for your review]

Go ahead, troopers, get your cash.

When germs strike

Yes, there's a ton of stuff happening in Bermuda. Legislating same-sex
unions, immigration bills, and even Corporation of Hamilton again
trying to sneak in parking fees for motorbikes...

But what really grinds my gears, has to do with large groups of kids
and parents and me now feeling under the weather. Thanks, School
Sports Days. I wonder if the PTA can suggest mandatory hand sanitizers
all over the grounds during these events?

I'm actually totally serious here.

OBA shooting themselves in the foot? Um, no kidding

Well, it now looks like everyone except the OBA inner circle and fervent unyielding online cheerleaders recognizes that their policies, approach and method of delivering messages, are going to lead to a (heavy?) defeat at the next general election.

The only thing funnier is that the online cheerleaders continue to make excuses or belittle the electorate, instead of finding out why the OBA suffers from a trust deficit.

It would take some massive changes in approach or results to change the political tide here. And no, this doesn't mean that suddenly the PLP has the trust of the majority of people. It's again just one of those 'lesser of two evils' things, unfortunately.

Of bulk shopping in Bermuda

Recently another warehouse-style shopping facility opened in Bermuda, and people flocked by the hundreds to scope out the goods for sale. Even though there was currently another facility within a mile, there seemed to be a market for another similar shopping experience.

How long will it last, who knows.

It's a bit interesting in this day and age, and the way the local economy has gone, that people are still content with the limited shopping paradigms here. You have your regular grocery stores and 'super' markets, and bulk shopping for when you want barrels of mayo or kool aid mix (and of course, more practical products like paper towels or diapers).

However I'm a bit surprised that nobody's yet floated the idea of a membership shopping place. Similar to your Costco, or Sam's Club, that particular business model seems like more of a sure thing than yet another bulk shopping facility.

Purely spitballing, of course.

It could very well be that our limited population and potential reluctance to trying new things out could already be a huge red flag to any potential investors, and current store owners may be content to stick with the status quo if they're earning tidy profits.

About beaches: Shelly Bay

I grew up in the Shelly Bay area, so have had keen interest in this project to restore the property at the public beach and park and create a viable business venture.

After wading through the usual politicking from the various political cheerleaders, it appears that it comes down to one main issue, that's the creation of a car park adjacent to the existing (public) playground. Middle ground is achievable, but will it happen or will one or the other parties at play get railroaded instead, derailing the project altogether?

Hope not, but I wouldn't be surprised. Come on, Bermuda. Get it together.

More important things in life

There are far more important things in life than political nonsense and pointless debates on easily solvable or unimportant issues...

Presenting Exhibit A.

I'm humbled, and blessed.

To my son, all I can say is that the world is yours. I'm going to do whatever I can to set you on a positive path.

Conquer Your Fears

One truth that I've learned over the years, is that if you want something, you have to go and get it. Being passive is no way to achieve anything, except maybe pity. It's a hard and sometimes painful lesson, and far too often I've personally failed to follow through on achieving my goals, but the only way to get things done is to power through the pain, or conquer your fears.

Today I was able to get one goal accomplished, that was long over due. And to channel my inner fake celebrity routine, "if *I* can do it, then so can you".

Conquer your fears, in all facets. That way, at the end of the day, you'll have peace of mind in knowing that you gave it a try.

About trimming the size of Cabinet

Been holding onto this for a while here. No, this has nothing to do with the Throne Speech or the like, but it's a bit telling that it's another recommendation from the SAGE committee that has been neglected by the powers that be. What a waste of time and effort, in the end, huh. The OBA, once again not being particularly bold.



Govt tables SAGE report | The Royal Gazette:Bermuda Politics

Why would a church body put money to this

When there's gun violence in Bermuda, the most we hear from major figures from Christian faiths is the suggestion that they have National Days of Prayer.

When there's an issue of equal rights for gay people, the protests are often far greater... now up to the point where a major PR campaign is put together by said church bodies.

All I can think is that for all the money it took to not only have a website built, but also put together TV, radio and print advertisements, they could have made some major impact on initiatives that address things that are actually harmful.

Cue that Kermit and tea-sipping meme.

Carrots and sticks, reloaded (road safety)

So the extent of the police's strategy in 2015 for road safety appears to be a purely carrot-based approach, with this whole 'MAN' thing. The police for their part appears to be quite chuffed that they handed out 2300 of these Motorist advice notices to the motorists violating traffic laws.

If they're seriously going to use this as a barometer of success, then they're really out of touch.

Success is fewer infractions, not fewer *ticketed* infractions. It is the changing of our driving culture, not a bunch of 'MANs'. Goodness.

Carrot time is over. Bring on the stick already. Stop mollifying bad and dangerous drivers.

Tumult all around

Kind of wish I had that seven hundred bucks to throw into that stress-management seminar right about now.

Some people are also posting online that it's Mental Health Awareness month or something, and it's probably most appropriate where I'm concerned.

Mind you, since we still live in the Age of Who Cares, and the lack of empathy among ourselves appears to be at an all-time low (both in Bermuda, and overseas), a lot of it all becomes empty words. Remember, we're supposed to be able to handle stress, but we're encouraged to 'put a smile on it' or 'never let them see you sweat' at the office or during home life. Put on the mask. 'fake it til' you make it', never show or express any personal bad vibes.

Until the inevitable breakdown.

When managing stress is stressful

In Already-Obvious News, a visiting consultant pointed out that stress at the workplace is growing. Shocking.

So, he's running some seminars on stress next month to apparently provide companies and individuals with tools to manage and deal with it.

At $700 a person to attend these seminars ($600 for members of the CPA), surely that's out of reach for those persons likely suffering under the most stress as a result of being overworked or unemployed in the first place. Ho hum. Score a point on the ol' irony-meter.

Cast off - Road to Recovery - Day 40

It's been over 140 days since my injury, and it's been 40 days since the cast came off. Crazy, when I look back at things. Right now, I have the semblance of a calf again, at least the massage therapist agrees so. Have only used a crutch for balance purposes, really. Have even occasionally walked down the stairs with only the railing for assistance.

Found a pretty nice blog of another person's journey through Achilles recovery, it's good to remember that others have gone through similar experiences and that we can learn something about the recovery process. I'm really enjoying looking at his exercise notes and chart, as I'm hoping to find out ways to incorporate cardio workouts, without of course risking damaging my ankles. I've heard that weight training shouldn't be overlooked, so maybe it's a matter of getting to a gym (or maybe, getting some resistance band-based workouts set up) and doing what I can.

I'm flattered (scam)

These are probably the oldest variety of scam, I imagine. The ones where a mysterious stranger shows interest in you and wants to get to know you better. Probably successful at trapping younger, single and lonely folks, but it's still a scam nonetheless. Don't fall for it.

Hello My Dear, Good day My name is Mary, i am Female (never married) i got your email address at Facebook, Also i got interested on you after going through your profile on Facebook when i was searching for a friend, i hope you wouldn't mind? so many people misunderstand this life but to me i see it as a race which can only be won with combined efforts, i will like you to respond to me so that i will explain my purpose of contacting you and also send you my picture for you to know whom i am. i believe we can start from here. I am waiting for your response, Remember that distance or color does not matter but agape love to each other matters a lot in life, have a nice day as i wait your reply, thanks

Love may be blind, but it surely doesn't abuse capital "I"s.

Cast off - Road to Recovery - Day 28

Haaaate these doctor appointments. Had a 10:15am appointment at the fracture clinic - it's 10:52 when I figure that this is sheer madness. I'm in the waiting room alongside several others who are having 10:30 appointments. What the hell? What is it with these places that figure that their patients have all the time in the world, with no other commitments to make, to sit around growing grass around their ankles, all for a doctor to eventually glance at the injured spot, mumble a few lines then send you on your way? So, after rescheduling the appointment for next week, I ended up merely wasting twenty bucks worth of cab fare money for a little bit of sightseeing. Thanks, doc. HAAATE.

Online scam, green card edition

Some of us may have seen online banners talking about getting green cards, even if we have no intention whatsoever of emigrating to the US. But I hadn't gotten an e-mail scam attempt pretending to offer a green card until today:

Dear costumer, Congratulations! Your application for the U.S. citizenship is ready to be approved. You have the opportunity to be authorized to live and work in the USA as a lawful permanent resident. The Green Card is going to be prepared for you in 1 month. The unique number of your application is via-262. Follow this link http://[FAKE LINK].com.br/[FAKE LINK] to finish the registration procedure. Please pay attention to the fact that the period of time for you to finish the registration is limited. Yours faithfully, Visa Center Support Service

The funniest part of this attempt is that this supposed "Green Card" service is operating from somewhere with a *Brazil* domain, based on the URL that they want me to click on. Don't even mind the misspelled words or the fact that I didn't even ask for a green card, that's minor at this stage. Just follow the link and we'll get hooked right up...

And, most likely, they'll want to finish up the processing by obtaining our phone number, mailing address and probably some credit card information to handle a 'processing fee' or the like. What could go wrong? Seamless, right?

Don't do it, folks. The scammers are everywhere, and they're persistent.