Monthly Archives: December 2003

I was reading a story the other day about how Apple’s $600 iPod is actually a disposable music player. Basically, its rechargable battery isn’t replacable. And, at least initially, Apple’s policy was to charge for $300 for full refurbishment when the battery inevitably died. (more…)

I was reading a story today about France outlawing headscarves and other religious symbols in their schools. The stance being taken is that these types of symbols divide people and, instead of teaching tolerance, encourage cultural isolation. (more…)

My reaction when I read about Saddam Hussein being captured was to say “about bloody time”.

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My wife's (Irene) parents came over from Victoria to visit this past weekend. Irene's Aunt from Zimbabwe was also here, staying at Judith's (Irene's *other* aunt) home. Simultaneously, friends from Edmonton (Hi, Janet and Gord!) were in town.

Right off the bat, anyone who really knows me will realize that all these people, despite the fact I love them all, are a problem for me. You see, I'm anti-social...
I've trained myself through years of practice to not visibly panic when faced with a social situation. Now I safely internalize all of that uncertainty and fear. Well, more or less safely...

Don't get me wrong: I'm not like some people who go off the deep end in a social situation. I do okay. I just am not a "natural", and when its all over, I feel like I've done something very strenuous...like the Grouse Grind...twice...wearing a 50 kilogram pack.

So now the house is quiet. The visiting is done, the uncomfortable silences when I wonder if I should say something, the awkward moments when I'm not sure whether a handshake or a hug is in order, and end up doing both and bonking my head or something...all of those little things the socially inept like myself worry about. Funny thing is, I sort of miss all the people...