13Jul 2019 by R&O No Comments
My Bitcoin Rollercoaster Ride

My Bitcoin Rollercoaster Ride

Bitcoin, Economy, Finance, Internet, Life, Technology
It's been 9 years since my first tentative experiments with Bitcoin and the ride is just as exhilarating as ever, even more so as the price has begun skyrocketing once again. After reading about the technology way back in 2013 and setting up my old windows computer with software to mine coins, realizing my hard drive was too small to store the blockchain ledger and my computer too slow and clunky to process transactions, I gave up before receiving any coins. But I realized that it was something important and I needed to learn everything I could about it and understand how it worked and more importantly, how to participate. Cut to mid 2019, almost 2 years after the crazy December 17, 2017 peak of USD $19,783.21 per coin and…
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19Jun 2018 by R&O No Comments
Droning On and On

Droning On and On

Of Interest, Technology
I've been doing some freelance video work over the last year and have been collecting the necessary equipment to improve the quality and hone my craft. One of those pieces of equipment is a Mavic Pro drone, which allows me to shoot great video, even 4K! Learning to operate the drone is akin to learning to drive. It's all about which button and lever to press and when not to press the wrong button and lever. Crashing my expensive toy is paramount and I'm extremely paranoid about putting it in a tree or crashing it into a wall. It looks easy but it's actually quite difficult. I've lost sight of it a few times and had to use the 'Return Home' option as I had no idea where the hell…
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31Jul 2015 by R&O No Comments
Our Pathetic Healthcare System

Our Pathetic Healthcare System

Health, Life in Vancouver, Rants
I'm running out of options. I've been getting progressively more ill over the last 8 years and can't find anyone to help. As a last resort I decided to try one of our controversial 'private' healthcare clinics, one of a small selection of medical hired guns located in downtown Vancouver. I selected False Creek Healthcare Centre, made an appointment. I also walked out before seeing a doctor and giving them the opportunity to charge me their one hour 'consultation fee' of $450. Here's the note I sent to Falsecreek Medical after walking out of my appointment: I walked out of my appointment today, Monday June 1 at 415pm and here is the reason why... I made the appointment last week and was instructed to arrive 15 minutes early to fill…
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30Mar 2015 by R&O No Comments
My Buddy Benjamin

My Buddy Benjamin

Animals, Benjamin
Benjamin is gone and I'll never see his cute face and large brown eyes again. I miss him already. My little guy suffered from Cushing's disease for some time and dealt with the resulting weight loss, constant urination, profound thirst and muscle atrophy leading to weakness in his rear limbs with the dignity only a dog can display. But even with his reduced quality of life, Benjamin soldiered on, enjoying his daily walks just as he did when he was younger and healthier, although not nearly as fast and far-ranging. He's gone now and I'm left with a profound sadness. When we first met, Benjamin was languishing in the Coquitlam animal shelter for many months before he finally made his way to Port Moody and into my life. His history…
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