Earlier this morning I finally got a chance to

play with the iPad on a more or less full charge. First thing I did was play around with Samplr. I got the camera angle figured out to record the iPad screen, and when I'm ready to record the audio, Audioshare will be recording the audio in the background. Then the video gets synced up with the audio in something like iMovie. I hope to have a video uploaded to my music channel (see pages above) on Friday. Remembrance Day. I'd love to get a audio recorder. I'm looking at the Zoom H2, not the cheap one.

Another beautiful day is shaping up out there under blue skies. Now that we're in Daylight savings mode its going to be dark at about 5pm. So its going to be nice heading into my Southside job today. I enjoy the lrt commute on the train, as it gives me a chance to wake up, then I catch the #52 bus at Southgate, and if there's time, I'll buy a Blackjack ticket, or get one at the Redimart at Clareview. Well see. I'll most likely be at the Southside job for the balance of the week.

The Oilers won 2 weekend road games back-to-back, wow. They go into Pittsburgh tomorrow for a 5pm game. There's been a bit of hype generated over this game because of the McDavid/Crosby match up. I'll be at work when the game is underway but my neighbor in the cubical next to me usually gives me the scores on her phone when I ask. Next year I hope to have my own cell phone with a data plan. I'm getting tired of always asking: "what's the score on the Oilers game?" etc. Right now the Oilers are in second place in the Western conference with almost identical records with the Chicago Blackhawks, except their plus minus is better then ours. Looks like we'll be (I hope) chasing these guys for the balance of this campaign. On another sports note, Our CFL Eskimo's blew out the Argos Friday night here at Commonwealth. Ricky Ray's last CFL game? The score was 41-17 for Edmonton in the last regular season. Twenty weeks went by so fast. We now represent the East thanks to the crossover format. This last weekend was a great day for Edmonton sports fans. This CFL season had its controversy with our head coach Jason Mass. The league fined coach Mass with a $15,000 hit to his wallet due to not complying with his mic not being on. This time he obeyed the ruling. The ruling didn't say when the mic had to be on. So instead of calling the plays with the mic on he turned the mic on and said stuff like "Good job, here" and "Good job there," type thing. Its a stupid rule. But the way the plays were called that last time there was a lot of technical chatter, "Alpha, to Beta, run wide, copy," Sounds like air traffic controller jargon then football plays.  

So tomorrow is the big election day in the US. Personally, I'll be glad when its all over. Whoever gets in wont matter too much to my bottom line. They'll be one term Presidents. If I was a US citizen, I'd probably be a Republican but not with Trump. I was hoping Jeb Bush would get in. Bush kind of reminds me of Premier Brad Wall of Saskatchewan. Anyway, that's all for now.

My public speaking last night went by

ok, although my nervousness showed in my voice. I did 23 Palms but I read from that. I had the odd infliction in my voice. The closing prayer I couldn't get the first line out but after being prompted, it came to me clear enough except for when I got stuck in the middle there. Nobody said anything. 

I can't believe this weather we're getting. Yesterday we got up to +19 as a high. For November? Today we're at +14, which is pretty good. We got sunny skies and looking at temps around the +12 for the weekend. Tonight its a sweater and my windbreaker. Last time we had temperatures like this was 1978! Its mainly the way the jet stream is as its around the Beaver lodge area. This warming trend is expected to go on until about next Friday. Great weather for Remembrance day. It means this could be a short winter.

I'm hoping for a short shift tomorrow that we're done this project by 3pm. That way I can make it back for the Oilers game which is on at 5pm. I need this job because my South side job has no work in January and February. I'm hoping I get more work at my market research job this month and over the next 3 months until at least the end of February and I'm welcomed back my South side job for March. I'll apply for ei in February and put that on hold for when work between both jobs slows down to a stop in the Spring and I can go on ei over the summer and into pension. That's the idea. Then I can have more time for music production and lodge. As for now, I'm out of here at 3pm for the market research job. The boss says our current project will be done this weekend. I'm there tonight, 4-9, home by 10pm. Anyway, that's all for now.

At my market research job

(wont name the company/or project for security reasons) we're down to the demographic wire: Males born after 1962. Good luck with that when playoff baseball is on. Even at my South side job last night, I had trouble while calling into Grand Prairie. I'm not a baseball fan but I like watching the highlights. I'll be glad when that's over.

Yesterday my Doctors office called but I was on my way out the door to work. I returned the call this morning before noon and they said I have a eye Doctors appointment November 9th 8:30 appointment. The eye Doctor wants to scan for diabetic eye damage. I went there 2 years ago and there was none present in the scan at that time, ten years after being diagnosed with Diabetes. I'm getting floaters but nothing serious. I have maybe 10% vision in my right eye anyway. I can read a book while holding a book out stretched full arms length. Ask me to read a eye chart might be tough and if I can qualify for seniors benefits I want to get glasses anyway. But a Doctors appointment at 8:30am? Yeah right. I'm in bed by that time thank you. November 16th is a day off because my South side job has a open house event that night. I can go to that but I'm not required to and its a day off so that's probably a better date on the calendar but not at 8:30 in the god damn morning. My market research job, might have a project at that time underway but I clocked my availability for the weekends at that job. I just called the eye Doctor's reception desk, and they can slot me in for 2:30pm on the 16th. Eight thirty in the morning, yeesh.

I thought all I had left was a $10 bill after the weekend this time yesterday. I bought a Blackjack ticket yesterday and both dealers hand was 20. Good luck was all I got. So last night out of my backpacks front pocket where I pull out my Sun glasses, where I keep my book a couple of candies (when I have low blood sugar) I found another $10 bill. It's middle of the week, in between pay cheques and I have just under $20 remaining. Plus its lodge night tomorrow, sweet. This means I can have a Sleeman's after I do my public speaking bit in lodge at the festive board. This year I'm the Chaplin and I "had to" memorize the opening and closing prayer. Both parts are about 15 lines long. I just had 2 weeks to memorize the parts. I go Live tomorrow. 

In an hour I'll be on my commute to Southgate for that #52 bus. I'll have my usual 4 hours of work tonight. We're supposed to be in for a bit of a double digit warming trend, leading right up to about November 20th here in the Edmonton area. That's balmy for Edmonton. Its pretty much hoodie and sneaker weather, possibly even between now and the end of the month. Anyway, that's all for awhile. Possibly on Sunday. Anyway, that's all for now.

Halloween weekend is in full swing as

there were lots of adult costumes at the "Roadhouse" last night a few doors down from Audrey's. The usual suspects were there, Storm Troopers, clowns, Batman, etc. I wonder if Audrey's books ever cringes when the adult Halloween party goers stagger out of the Roadhouse at 3am. They might fear the morning after to find their front window smashed. By the time I'm down that way to notice, wont be until this Friday anyway. 

I still hope to finish reading "Space Vulture" in November. It's not a bad read. Its my 8th book in my 10 book 2016 Goodreads book challenge. I might get to book 10 if I pick up a couple of Westerns and I can breeze through November and December if I'm without any drama in my life. I've been so busy struggling with 2 jobs, lodge, getting pension sorted out, Doctors appointments, that type of thing. Life in general.

I've got today and tomorrow night off but tonight, I'm missing the Sens/Oilers game at 7pm because I'll be at lodge leaving out of here at 6pm. I catch the #8 at Rexall to Abbottsfield and double back to get off just at lodge for 7pm. Its practice for step up night Thursday. I'll also be paying the balance of my 2016 lodge dues as well. Maybe I can get one of the brothers to give me a lift in tonight. I'm on his way. Nathan also a Oilers fan will have his cell with him and I'll get updates through out the night. I could work tomorrow at my market research job but I'd also like a night off. I might decide at the last minute to go in anyway. The only thing on tomorrow night is wrestling and I'm usually home in time to catch that after work. Otherwise its Tuesday, Wednesday at my South-side job. Thursday, I'm at lodge, Friday (if the project isn't done by then) I'll be at my market research job. If Saturday looks like its a short shift, I'll go to the South side job. I just might go into the West end job tomorrow for 5 hours and cancel Saturday there and do the South side job instead. Anne's making our Sunday brunch and its lodge tonight. I'll be out of here at 6pm tonight. That's my week ahead. Anyway, that's all for now.

We have been getting a few days this week that are

a rain and fog mix bag. Its weather that sets the mood for Halloween weekend. All our snow from last weekend has melted off the ground but we're still getting temperatures of about +3 to +6C. Its the humidity that makes it feel warmer. Its still hoodie and sneaker weather but the Sun now sets by 6pm. At the moment I'm having my first coffee just waking up. I don't have to be out of here until about 3pm this afternoon anyway. Its a shorter commute.

Last night after work Anne brought home a really nice personal 10" Royal pizza for me and her own. The pizza place is a few side steps away from where she catches the train for home. I ate half of it last night and I have the other half for my lunch today.

The Oilers are still first in the West but that stat wont hold up for after tonight's game. The team is in Vancouver and the Canucks seldom lose at home. If we can beat these guys at home, its another test for the Oilers. Also tonight is the Eskimo's/Hamilton CFL game. I think its the last week in the regular season. The Eskimo's have crossed over to the East by virtue of where they ended up in the regular season. Because Calgary is first place in the West, during the playoffs we could face Calgary with the Esks representing the East. In other words we could have a Edmonton/Calgary match up for the Grey Cup. Instead of a winner take all,I wish the CFL in the Grey Cup finale would adapt a best of 7 like in hockey or baseball, to make the playoff season last a bit longer.

This afternoon I'm at my West end job from 4-9:30pm. I haven't worked there all month. So, I'll be following both games tonight. Its times like this where I need internet on the go. By this time next year I'm going to have it. By the time I'm out of the office tonight, the Oiler game will be in its 2nd period. I'll catch the scores at Corona station and the Eskimo results as well.Tomorrow I'm in the West end office again from but from10-6pm. Its a long day but we could be out early if there are no age quotas or cell phones. Last night I found out the project is at the half way mark. After work tonight I'm getting a iTunes gift card for Samplr. Its a cool iPad app. Looking forward to playing around with it Saturday after work. I've got Lodge practice Sunday and I'm paying the balance of my lodge dues, so that's good. I'll be missing the Oilers game but someone there will have a internet. Nathan usually does. Then I'll have Monday off as we're not working Halloween night. My West end job might be working that night but I doubt it and I'll know more tonight and I can plan for my availability for November on my break. Anne says if there is work, I'll have that for myself. I could have enough for Korg Gadget. Anyway, that's all for now. 

Not that I mind a fog rain type day that we had

had yesterday but Its nice to have like we have now a sunny day for a change. Best part is there's very little wind out there. I like days like these because after Halloween, we're back to daylight savings time. The first half of November temperatures is usually above zero. The 2nd half is solid winter, shorter days, its all good.

The Rogers place arena experience is having a mild impact on our household. Not so much me but Anne. When she gets off work at 10pm Bay station is underneath her building. That's a block away from the arena. Patrons of the arena that are not taking their vehicles have to other areas to leave: MacEwan lrt station directly adjacent to the arena, or Bay station lrt. When the Oilers play (like tonight) Anne gets the security police and the fans clogging her commute at Bay station. She's not too happy game night. Then if there isn't a game there's a concert, or some other event going on. When the Valley line comes online in 4 years patrons can then use that because phase 1 of the last stop will be on 102nd and 104th about equal distance away to the arena. Most patrons of Rogers Place arena will still use Mac or Bay station. 

On my commute to the job yesterday I decided with my last $2 to get another Blackjack scratch and win ticket. I do more buying and scratching then winning lately. I've only been able to win at the store where I first began playing last Spring. I tried almost half a dozen ticket outlets and nothing. I won $50, $7 and a handful of $2 and free tickets at the "original" store. I got into the office shortly before 4pm and played the ticket. The curse is broken: I won $2! That put me in a good mood I got 3 prospects to agree to sign up online. Even while the big boss from Calgary was within ear shot of me. I had a change of address but there was no phone number. I'll get that when I get in latter today, and cash in for another Blackjack ticket. 

I hope to leave out of here by 2:25pm so I can get that early train. I like to be at Southgate by 3pm. I'll cash in that ticket board my #52, get off behind the Toyota dealership there, work my way around the "Spirit of Halloween" building, to the crosswalk and into my building. The lady that sits beside me (I save her a spot) always lets me in on game scores from her phone. We're out by 8:25 anyway. The first period is done by then. If I catch the connections, I'm usually home 9:30pm, which is pretty good timing and if the train stays long enough at the station, I can usually refresh my iPod Touch web page (above ground) to get the scores update. Tonight, I'm thinking about taking the #52 into Southgate this evening, to see if that makes sense. Anyway, that's all for now.  

Last nights chili isn't sitting with me that well

this morning. Note to self: No spicy food before bed on a Friday night. Especially when I have a 5 hour window for sleep. But I'm ok now (more or less) and its only a 4 hour shift today.

Yesterday's East Coast DNS hack attack shut down the Internet for much of the day. I was able to get through and do some FB messaging this morning. Apparently the DNS was a very costly day. Internet security experts know the code, they just don't know (or are not saying) where it originated from. Some speculate this was an attempt to compromise the US election. This is DNS attack was on a massive scale. Personally I believe this is an effort to shut down Wikileaks because of the major announcements that might have a serious implications on the US election, November 8th.

Later today is the Oilers/Jets alumni hockey game. Its a outdoor winter game in Winnipeg. It isn't like the original heritage classic that occurred in 2003 13 years ago here in Edmonton. There was something special about that game. That was the NHL's (in the modern era) first outdoor hockey game. This game is an exception to all of the heritage classics of the past. The Edmonton/Winnipeg rivalry runs deep. Now its becoming a (in my opinion) a bit of a joke. These guys like Gretzky are getting old. They can still skate and all but by their own admission, its getting harder and harder to play the game like even half of what they used to. And then the NHL has these "winter classics" that are outside of "traditional" winter cities, and that aren't  even original 6 teams. However, I'm talking about 2 different events: The "Heritage Classic" and the "Winter Classic." At least the Oilers/Montreal Canadians had an original 6 team rivalry. I can see Boston/New York Rangers in a outdoor game. Those are two original six teams. Where they would have it, is another story. This afternoon is mostly for the fans. It doesn't mean anything but the regular season game will be tomorrow afternoon and its also an outdoor game. Watching a NHL regulation game outdoors is why I watch the heritage classic.

After work this afternoon, I'm meeting Anne at Clareview again, so she gets the bus pass for tonight. Then I'm getting a bag of chips for my CFL game: Its Eskimo's at BC lions. I think there are 3 games left in the season and the Esks want to win in the West for that finale play off birth. This way we avoid a cross over. But if it happens there's a strong possibility that if we get to the finale it could be a Edmonton/Calgary match up. The Oilers are playing at 1pm this afternoon in Winnipeg. I'll be at work or on my way home for most of this one. My "wing man" sits beside me. She's been with the organization for a lot of years and does some important work for the company. She's almost like the 2nd in command of the Super and she usually gets the games up for me on her phone, and I can access open city wifi (if this gets posted) and get the scores at Southgate and along my way home. The third period might be underway by the time I meet my wife at Clareview. Then I get a day off tomorrow. Anyway, that's all for now.