Post Craft Decibel Blues: Monday, May 26th!

Never cut what you can untie. -Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824) 

Hi Giggster!

Great Malt Map! Is that the chart Admiral Barnacle uses to navigate? I gather Stumble-bum was legless after leaving Craft! Or else to deaf to listen to your instructions! Bumped into Guy on way out. Did Surly Kermit attend? (Not sure I understand Desafinado link.) Marcus Aurelius and Mr Kalashnikov? For our part we had a lovely meal/evening and Sarge admitted, once she left, that this was best time he's ever spent with Agneta!

Not sure what your day holds but I plan to try for a ride later this morning and then am going to see  FINAL CUT: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN at VIFF at 6:30pm. Interested in ride and/or film? Cora Lee is at last Book Club of the season. Sarge dropped Elly and Tony off at YVR on his way to work. Friend, Carol Riera, from La Pocatière, a town in the Kamouraska Regional County Municipality in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec, right along the St Lawrence, about an hour and a half from Quebec City, is staying, on and off, for next week. (Talk about hot sheets!) She worked with Cora Lee at VPL and is here for a high school reunion. She's off to VI for two nights, today, to visit a sister.
 

Anyway, let me know what you think and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Il Conduttore! 

P, we needed your megaphone voice to settle the ranting Rathfelder as he berated us for our westerner ignorance of Quebec literature... Kermit was present as were Guy and Mark. Doubly challenged for Mark who forgot his hearing aids. Mea culpa -- the CRAFT idea was not conducive to a discussion of any kind.

I am tied up until about 2PM and don't know whether I will ride then. Better go when you feel like it. I will do a short ride tomorrow f the weather cooperates. I play at 6PM. W

Hi Mr Grizzle! Trust you well! Has been a busy weekend so apologize for not replying sooner. On Sunday my Book Club, (Non-Readers Book Club as most of the members never manage to read selection !), had decided to meet at Craft Beer Market in Olympic Village. In case you are not familiar with it, from their website:

CRAFT Beer Market is a premium casual restaurant located in the historic Salt Building in the heart of Olympic Village. With 140 taps, CRAFT is proud to offer Canada’s largest selection of draft beer.Housed in the Salt Building which was built in 1930, the restaurant features high ceilings, rustic wood trusses and a vintage feel. The multifaceted venue features floor to ceiling windows and a stunning central island bar on the main level as well as a private dining room and two raised mezzanines.

Couldn't have been a crazier choice, as far as I was concerned, as the noise level was horrendous. Wouldn't have minded if it had only been due to hordes of customers talking BUT piped in music was literally deafening! I simply cannot abide such ridiculous sound levels. As far as I'm concerned it defeats the very purpose of going out to enjoy oneself. Almost impossible to converse without shouting. I knew it was a lost cause but asked to speak to one of the Floor Managers just to see what he would say when I voiced my complaint.

Although he was very diplomatic I could tell he thought I was just a grumpy codger, (Needed the real Mr Grizzle along!), and operation certainly isn't trying to appeal our demographic. Nevertheless, the building itself is very impressive so well worth a peak inside if ever in that part of the city.
 

Sarge, Tony and Doug had joined me. We went about half an hour earlier than meeting was supposed to start to see two of the members who were going to be there after a squash match at VRC. We had planned a farewell dinner for Elly/Tony, that evening, (They left for Toronto this morning.), so had to leave by 7:20 pm. Didn't much matter as we often never talk about the book few have read anyway.

Sorry, but this is my way of letting you know that I don't know any vendors who are desperate "to get rid of crap wine", (Cora Lee wonders why anyone wants to drink crap wine anyway!), but you might think of approaching places, or others, of course, (private wine stores, other craft breweries/distilleries), I've mentioned, (Legacy, across way from Craft, sponsored rum tasting.), given Sculpture Society of BC affiliation. Put a piece of street art outside establishment, per esempio. Also, try some of the specialty cheese shops in town or at GI. Who knows?

June bbq sounds great, Your bashes are always fab! Fondestos from Coriandre to you and Janice. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Pics: Craft's impressive beams; Giggster, Sarge, Antonio; Doug, glasses, Kurt; kegs

Thanks for the tips, Pat.. watch for bbq news! Ron

Hi Famiglia Carthew/Beavis/Gray!

Grand that we will see you around Thanksgiving! Green with envy about your Italy/Spain junket, Stefano! Also, more than impressed with your Italian classes and that you are now running whole shebang! However, I always understood that one went from being a used car salesman to becoming a sleazy politician. I see you have reversed the process! Must be all the piano! I'll arrange to have you do a gig with Diane Krall when you spend time with The Millionaires over in Parksville. She and Elvis have a place somewhere near Nanoose Bay!
 

With respect to Myra and Ron, Zoe mentioned she will try to contact them as well, On June 2nd. If they do call us on June 1st, we'd be delighted to see them at GI if they plan to visit Market on June 2nd, Monday. You can tell them that they are welcome to come for dinner that evening, if that works for them, or else just a visit/java, or something stronger, if they are otherwise engaged that evening. Then on Saturday, June 21st, according to the Canadian calendar, we can have another gathering with health-food conscious half-marathoners as well as Myra and Ron. Chloë is in same event but walking so I'm sure she will be wishing for an early, alcohol free evening as well! As her sponsors Cora Lee and I will need to drink everyone else's share to dull the pain of writing the cheque!

Your travels sounded wonderful, as well, Zoe. Curious to talk to you about Japan as we had an incredible time there in 2012, after leaving Old Oak and meeting Myra and Ron, as it happened. Plenty to say about Sonoma so happy to give you some suggestions. Anyway, Stefano, please CONFIRM that Saturday, June 21st/Sunday, June 22nd are the dates in question, as opposed to Monday, June 21st/Tuesday, June 22nd. I assume you might have been looking at July, Stefano!

Fondestos to one and all from Cora Lee. She just left to attend Agneta's yoga class. She's holding them just on the edge of Stanley Park, not far from Sylvia Hotel. I plan to suit up shortly and head out for a ride. Intend to ride over Lions Gate. Not sure if I'll make for Horseshoe Bay or not. Will see when I'm actually on the road.

Tonight I'm going to see  FINAL CUT: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN at VIFF at 6:30pm: "Comprised of moments taken entirely from hundreds of the greatest films of all time, visionary Hungarian director György Pàlfi tells a single story of a man and a woman. To make this astonishing cinematic feat, Pàlfi (Hukkle) devoted over three years in the editing room expertly blending genres, decades, countries, and stars into a unified whole. From Marilyn Monroe to Jackie Chan, from Ozu to Lynch, and from the 1920’s to the Millennium and back again, this incredible collection illustrates the history of romance as told by the movies."Cheers, Patrizzio!

Paidric, thanks for pointing date discrepancy, they're the dates M gave me, but she had a glass of rosso in hand as she was reading the itinerary ... I'll CONFIRM. Thanks for your hospitality suggestions, they'll be delighted.

Patrick: Arrangements for the orchardistas: The DAY of and after their arrival (1 and 2 June) they join their group, etc. so I suggest they be left to their own devices, there is not the time to meet.

However, they return to Vancouver after cruise and Rocky Mountaineer, disembarking from the ship after breakfast on Saturday 21 June (I checked the Canadian and Australian calendars are the same. Where would we be without computers). They stay that night and Sunday 22 June at the Marriott, departing YVR next morning.

So, Myra said they would be delighted to visit you on the Saturday night (21 June) as suggested, or of course, with any other hospitality you extended. Thanks again, and thanks for contacting Beavi (the Italian plural). Love t'all. this did not apear to send ... now

Hi Stefano and Beavii, (We use two "ii" in Sicilia!), Padrone!

Glad things calendarical have been ironed out! Unless things change, we'll plan to have Myra and Ron, along with Famiglia Beavii for an organic, gluten-free, ovo-lactarian, non-alcoholic early meal on the night of Saturday, June 21st. It might still be best to confirm these details on June 1st or 2nd. All the best from Coriandre, at present conducting wind tunnel experiments for Boeing! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thanks Patrick, I'll pass on your advice and details to the travellers.  Thanks for the children's pics too.  Ahhh Vancouver in spring. 

Hi Stefano! Wanted to say how touched I was to hear from you about your decision. Such candour does not come easily, I know from personal experience. I respect, and deeply so, your courage and willingness to speak so openly, frankly, about what can only be/have been a very difficult situation. I am pleased that the reconstruction process proceeds well. (Not to make light of the situation but did your shrink prescribe a grinder? You always said that this was only tool one really needed to do any sort of job!) At any rate, I am reminded, and powerfully so, of one of my favourite cuts from Van's Into the Music, "And the Healing Has Begun."  
 

Fondestos to Kathleen. We are fortunate, indeed, to have such remarkable women, as she and Coriandre, in our oft pig-headed, Mitsubishi Blues lives! Amore e affetto, il mio amico, Patrizzio!

Grinder.  My enthusiasm for it is thus: a grinder is one of those tools that will only do, when you need it.  If I have one in my cranium it is probably in pieces, not numbered, scattered across bits of the hippocampus and elsewhere, like music. 

Hi Patrick! Thanks for the fantastic photos. It was great to meet you both as well. We had an absolute blast, and I’ll most definitely be back to spend many more Friday evenings there. 

That rum tasting sounds like an amazing experience. You sure know how to do a weekend! If I don’t see you at Long Table, I’m sure I will on GI over the summer. Such a beautiful place to be. Cheers! Katelyn

Hi Katelyn! Pleased you enjoyed pictures. It was a grand time. Give us a call, ahead of time, if you plan to be at GI, and if schedules allow, please pop by for a coffee or something stronger! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Giggster! Nice to know that my voice is missed even if my presence is not! Please don't flagellate yourself regarding Craft. 

I'm sure you have enough other things to feel guilty about, given The Sisterhood's propensity to find fault. For my part, I'm simply amazed that there is not a groundswell of opposition to the noise levels which seemingly abound everywhere. Most of the people who frequent such places will be suing these same establishments when their hearing deteriorates, whining that "I didn't know that this would affect my ability to process sound!"

Had a really lovely ride today. Started out after 11:00 am and it was quite cloudy, angry black clouds covering much of sky, and rather coolish. However, once I was over Lions Gate and dipsy-doodling around Spirit Trail and environs, sun had broken through and it was very, very congenial cycling weather. 

Had 40 km on the clock by the time I entered Snootyville and 59 km at Horseshoe Bay Village. A few Lost Lagoon planned dipsy-doodles and I was back at The Heartthrob Terrace with 100+ km. First HB ride since returning from Playa and so pleased with result, although AVG was not as high as I could have wished. Must have been the Diplomatico the night before which slowed me down! Stats for ride:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/507883695#.U4PRij2wHvE.email

In the end, I didn't go to VIFF so if you might be interested, I am planning to go on Thursday, same time, 6:30 pm. Went downstairs to say goodbye to Doug and Michelle as they return to Dartmouth tomorrow. Ended up watching the Monaco Grand Prix so that was fun, sipping wine and having Sarge interpret race for me. In 2012 he changed his flight to Oz so that he could take in Grand Prix in Melbourne before the start of our trip there.

Let me know when you might like to ride domani. I'm up for most anything and can always stitch on more after you have had enough. Cheers, Il Conduttore.

PS/Pics: Not sure what Tia Maria is up to these days but Children's' Festival is on at GI.
 
Patrick and Corinne, What a small world to have you meet Barrie and Nora or as she is called by us, Doochie. They suspected you were a bit tipsy. We have known them from our early days in Terrace. He is a very good internist and Terrace has been fortunate to have him. Thanks for the photos.

We are staying with Mags as our townhouse is still not ready. Mags is being a real gem and actually the three if us have been having a very nice time together. One problem is that we visit over morning coffee and our morning is half gone before we get going. 

We might be able to put a bed in next week and stay at our place. There is still a lot of finishing touches to do and of course they always take longer than one hopes for. The tile person's wife is scheduled for a kidney transplant so of course he isn't able to do the tile work but one can hardly expect him to. We have a couple of things we wish we had done differently but not too important. It is looking good but it will be different that is for sure. I am getting anxious to get in especially as our paper work is difficult to keep in order with things scattered everywhere - as long I get bills paid on time I guess the rest doesn't matter.

Mag's son is getting married on the Sunshine Coast at the end of June. We thought we might stay in Vancouver for a few days but I think we will come straight home as I suspect we won't be finished unpacking. Then over the August long weekend we are having a family reunion (MacLean's) in the Willamette Valley so that should be fun. We certainly can't keep up with your social activities though!!!

If we take some photos for Stacee, as she has been after us to send some to her, we will pass them on to you too. Cheers, Dawn
 
Hi House Squatters! Glad Mags is taking such goood care of yout two Freeloaders! Please give her our fond regards. Do believe it was Doochie who was rather tipsy, not me for goodness sakes!  AS well, don't pretend that you are not just as busy, sociallly, as we aspire to be! If it's Tuesday, it must be the Willamette Valley!!!! But enough knit-picking! All the best from Cora Lee. Look forward to any and all snapolas. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Corinne, First of all, my thoughts are with you folk. Any loss is always loss...no matter what age or circumstances! And yes, I could do the service on August 1st. We plan to get out later on August 2nd for your parents event. I actually have funeral that morning, but we will get out in time! Just let me know more about what you folk would like at Chapel Lawn and we can go from there. Thanks for your trust in me. Take care, Karen   

Desafinado by Joao Gilberto

Hi Dermot! Sorry I missed you at Craft. Not sure if lads told you about my diatribe! While I am a Joao Gilberto fan I'm unclear why you posted Desafinado to NRBC so am keen to know back-story! On another matter, on June 19th we are hosting a bbq for Pat and David Coffaro, owners of a small winery just outside Healdsburg, on East Dry Creek Road. We've come to know them over years of tasting there. We'd be delighted if you are able to join us. We'll be providing items to be bbq'd so will ask other guests to contribute appetizers, salads, desserts, etc. Still too far away to set menu but wanted to invite you in plenty of time. Hope you can come. Assume, as of this writing, that there will be about 20 people. So far!!!! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Glad all is well and to hear of your assorted adventures. Indeed, Craft was not an ideal place for serious discussions of literary merit and existential nuance. Also, not so good for what we do either.

We did have some lively discussion about the prose. It was agreed that the story was only relevant in its time-frame and context of Quebec terrorism. It was also agreed that the stories length (130 pages) was a virtue. There was a minority opinion (of one) that the other members present should be “fucking ashamed of our fucking ignorance about French Canadian literature”. Motion was tabled.

As for Desafinado, the song was mentioned at least a dozen times in Prochain Episode as you may recall. If you do NOT recall, I am sure a fine is payable to the pig. Thanks for the invitation for the 19th June. We graciously accept. ds

Dear DS!

Thanks for being both NRBC Secretary and Piglet Fine Gestapo! As for references to Desafinado, I must admit I skipped over it exactly twelve times as I didn't understand how it fit. I assume, after listening to clip, precisely 12 times, that it has to do with loss/betrayal of protagonist's lover/separatist cause. Having done so, by Executive fiat, fines for missing each reference are cancelled by each subsequent listening/watching of clip!

Delighted you are able to join us for Coffaro Caper. Will be in touch once have confirmed number of guests. Cheers for now, Autocrat Patrizzio!

LEDs are the light of the future:

Cristian Suvagau is an engineer with Power Smart. He says that light-emitting diode (LED) technology is becoming cheaper and easier to use, and he expects LEDs to soon replace all other types of lighting. The Hue lights and some other cutting-edge LEDs are not yet ENERGY STAR®-rated, but there are already dozens of bulbs that meet the strict ENERGY STAR criteria for efficiency and quality.
LEDs are known for being extremely efficient (they use 75 per cent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs), and for being long-lasting (up to 25 years). But another advantage of LEDs is flexibility.

Permanent light fixtures installed in your walls and ceilings are no longer needed to light entire rooms. Instead, says Suvagau, you can create a general, energy efficient "glow" and then use task-specific lights when you need them.
LEDs can even be liberated from hard-wired electric power supplies. They're efficient enough to run on battery power. And the efficiency of the technology continues to increase to the point that in 20 years, says Suvagau, a standard-sized bulb will be powerful enough to produce a blinding light.

Wireless controls can be like the smartphone app that I use with my Hue bulbs, or like more traditional wall switches, which can be placed wherever you want.
Wireless controls and advanced LED bulbs offer more than just simulating a dance floor. If you want the optimal light for reading a book, you can get that with the touch of a button. Or get a combination of colour and brightness that's ideal for relaxing.
They can be programmed to change at a particular time of day, too. You can use them in a bedroom to gradually increase the intensity of light for a gradual wake-up, for example. Or use them as occupancy lights when you're away on vacation. You can even have them turn on automatically when you enter a room.