You can get access to your water usage here:

https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/how-to-use-less-water/mywatertoronto

You can add this integration to Home Assistant:

https://github.com/davecpearce/hacs_mywatertoronto

Neat stuff! I’m just waiting for my water bill to hook it all up.

Yesterday I took our Tesla for its first charge at a Tesla Supercharger, mainly to check it out, see how simple the process was. Seriously, it was easy. Literally, as long as there’s a credit card linked to your Tesla account, you plug in and go, and you’re charged directly.

I decided to try getting there using Full Self Driving which is included for three months as I used a referral to purchase.

I started on the road in our relatively quiet neighbourhood which was a good place to start getting up to speed and then turning on FSD. I was nervous having researched some of the challenges, times you need to take over, etc.

Remember, you need to pay full attention when using any driver assistance system, especially one in beta. You can and should override the system anytime you’re feeling unsafe.

There areas where I was nervous:

• Turning on to a busy street
• The on ramp onto a highway
• Exiting the highway and being placed in the correct lane – where I exit has, I believe, six lanes – two turning lanes left and right, and two go through lanes

I’d be curious to see how the vehicle does when the busy street is busier. The car turned flawlessly.

I was nervous that entering the ramp to get on the highway that it would take the ramp quickly and it initially did, but then slowed down appropriately and then accelerated up to speed beautifully. I’m used to merging sooner than the car did, and in this case the car chose to use the full acceleration lane.

People had moved over so it was clear to merge. That is one of my concerns – people often won’t move over for me in our other vehicle and I have to be aggressive getting on to the highway. It’s super annoying.

Exiting the highway at a particularly busy exit, it chose the correct lane and drove fully to the Supercharger.

I am impressed with the system and I hear that FSD 12 (we currently have FSD 11) is way better.

Do I need a Full Self Driving system in a car? I’d say not, I’m quite happy with a more “basic” lane keep assist and traffic aware cruise control which still uses AI. I still want to drive rather than give up that control. Yes, I want to be in control. LOL

If you’re interested in a Tesla and this blog has helped, feel free to ise my referral link to book a demo drive or to buy a Tesla. and get awards like 3 months of Full Self-Driving Capability.

https://ts.la/iain607877

I’ve been wanting to do a video for Iain the Tech Bear to demystify driving assistants on cars. Specifically I’m talking about autonomous driving.

BMW

On my 2020 BMW X5 I have the Driving Assistant Professional package. What this includes is:

• Radar Cruise Control which allows the car to keep it’s distance while cruising down the road
• Lane Keep Assist which keeps the car in it’s lane
• Lane Change Assist on motorways which lets the car switch lanes automatically when I ask it to
• Self Driving at speeds under 60kph which allows me to go completely hands free on motorways in stop and go traffic as long as I’m looking at the road. This feature in particular is a game changer for me.
• My X5 came with some neat LEDs on the steering wheel that alert me if the car has lost sight of the road, i.e. disengages any of the autonomous driving features it flashes yellow, if it needs immediate attention, i.e. I need you to take control NOW it will flash red

It is a pretty fantastic package. When I moved from our Mini which was manual to our previous X3, it had similar features and was a total game changer. The X5 took this to the next level especially with the ability to self drive in stop and go traffic. In the Greater Toronto Area, you this feature is so helpful!

Tesla

Tesla has three packages – Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self Driving.

Autopilot really is just Traffic Aware Cruise Control which is the equivalent to radar cruise control, except on our 2024 MY it does it all with cameras, no radar. It also includes lane keep assist under the branding Auto Steer.

It’s pretty basic and it does the job. It doesn’t have self driving at 60kph which lets me go completely hands free in stop and go traffic, but I’m used to still holding onto the steering wheel when in that situation.

Enhanced Autopilot will “navigate on autopilot” which means on highways it will automatically navigate and traverse ramps and exists. It will automatically lane change as well with confirmation. In addition to automatically parking and the Summon functionality – which these are not currently available for Tesla Vision vehicles.

Full Self Driving is exactly that, the car uses AI to drive automatically. It’s still in beta, and you MUST pay attention. Even if it ever gets out of Beta, you still need to pay attention. You are ultimately responsible for your safety! This includes Autosteer on city streets and traffic light and stop sign control. I’ve not had a chance to test this at all.

I’ve experimented with Enhanced Autopilot and it’s both an improvement on what BMW offers, but it’s also a regression given the features that my BMW has that the Tesla doesn’t currently have.

That said, I’m very happy with what Tesla offers despite only having the car for just over 14 hours. I’d be happy with basic Autopilot.

So…

I really have to ask – what were the people thinking when they died in cars with any level of Autopilot? I’d never consider falling asleep at the wheel and not paying attention. It’s clear, the systems are NOT ready for that kind of trust. I value my life too much to trust the systems. Putting blind trust in these systems is a Darwin Award waiting to happen.

Since those times, the US NHTSA and other organizations have raised issues and Tesla has had to update the software so that people must touch the steering wheel, and the car will nag. Even other manufacturers have had to update and adjust their software.

Additionally, if you abuse the use of Autopilot, it will actually ban you from the service for a week. That’s smart on responsible.

I don’t have time for people using devices to counteract the safety systems on any vehicle that has some degree of autonomous driving such as weights.

In short, don’t be stupid. Pay attention.

Both our BMW and Tesla have driver attention cameras so it knows when you’re not paying attention to the road and doinking on your phone instead, and they alert you.

These systems do alleviate stress and I do feel refreshed after a longer drive. After driving manual, which I love, just not in Toronto traffic, having a system to help me arrive somewhere refreshed is amazing.

I like driver assistance systems and I’m fascinated by AI and how it can help to make driving safer. I do believe these systems do reduce accidents by keeping space, keeping you in lane, etc. However, it is your responsibility to pay attention and ensure safe operation of the vehicle.

Over the past few months I’ve been thinking that Scott and I need a second car. Since I’m not going to the office, and Scott is driving to work everyday due to some of his mobility issues that make navigating the TTC a pain; I’ve been feeling like a bit of a shut-in.

Introducing the eKumaKart!

Our first electric car! A Tesla Model Y.

I have always wanted an electric vehicle, ever since we leased our first two hybrids. We’ve gone from being super efficient to buying a series of gas guzzlers to buying one of the most efficient vehicles in the world.

We did a test drive Friday evening after seriously considering the Model Y, and submitted a deposit online. There was a Deep Metallic Blue with the white interior – in fact two – available in Oakville.

Within an hour we had a VIN, all the paperwork we needed to do initially, and an appointment set for pick up. Today at 4pm.

Over the next few days, updated documentation was added to our account and I could digitally sign for things such as the electric car incentives, which is automatically applied to our car downpayment.

I have never had such a smooth sales process. I didn’t have to deal with the BS of haggling, things like oil change packages, and other things. The price is the price – and right now they’ve dropped prices by $4000 in Canada, plus the $5000 Federal Government incentive, that’s $9000 saved there.

Not to steal a saying from GM’s Saturn days, but this is a different kind of car company and a different kind of car.

The tech, the way the cars are built (despite the quality control issues – ours so far has none that I can tell), is pretty groundbreaking. It is refreshing to see the established car companies challenged. They definitely have some catching up to do, although a company like Tesla cannot be complacent.

Yesterday, I called someone out for ageism related to a particular part of Madonna’s Celebration Tour. People are often reposting how she’s dancing during Ray of Light and often saying rather ageist things about it.

In terms of the concert, Ray of Light was not her best moment in the concert.  Her dancing was not great, but for context, she’s in an open box, flying over the attendees with just the rail to hold on.  Hats off to Madonna for that because I know I’d be way nervous.

Her costume – epic!  I think it does two things, and keep in mind, this is my interpretation – I see it as A) celebrating rave culture and B) I kind of see it as saying, “Lady Gaga, here’s the torch” because what she’s wearing looks to me to be Gaga inspired.  I can vibe with that.

I’ve always been one to live and let live.  Who am I to judge what someone does, especially older folks in this case.  If you want to let your freak flag fly, using P!nk as reference, go for it.  

Talking with someone yesterday, at the recent Haçienda events in Manchester, there was a couple 80-ish plus years old who went to that event.  Are we go going to tell them to go home because of their age? No!  We’re going to dance and celebrate with them!  To me it would be awesome to be in their presence.

When I was at Hibearnation in November in Manchester, at the second club night, I was blown away by a 20-something guy coming up to me and going, “Damn!  You’re just tearing it up on the floor” and he was celebrating that with me.  Both club nights were special to me for a multitude of reasons, but knowing that I was accepted despite being almost 50 was the icing on the cake.

I’m not one of these myopic Madonna fans who are militant.  There are things she’s done at times that I’m like, WTF?  Sooner or Later at the Academy Awards in 1991 was one of those moments for sure.

At her core, I appreciate the fact that she shines the light on topics that people want to ignore such as sex, safe sex, HIV awareness, age, empowerment of women, empowerment of minorities and marginalised communities.

I know by the time I’m her age, I don’t want to be stuck at home; I’m planning on being out there and active.  Given the near death experience I had two years ago, I want to live and experience life even more.

Her music deals with some amazing deep topics.  A perfect example of this is almost the whole Like a Prayer album.  Her music videos speak volumes on several levels that often get missed.  What seemingly looks like a bunch of women having fun (referring to the video for her single Music) is commentary on, “Guys can have all this fun, why can’t women?”, and that’s a basic example.

Did you know that Like a Virgin was actually written by two guys and it’s actually about that time when you fall in love with someone and you’re all a flutter about the relationship, and you feel “shiny and new”?  

She has pushed the envelope for women, gay men, people of colour, etc.  Yes, she has done some of this stuff controversially, absolutely.  The right approach? Not always for sure, and it rubs people the wrong way.  I can appreciate that because, again, what I referred to in my WTF comment above.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on Madonna that’s surface level.  When you dig a little deeper, you realize just how much depth she has.  If all you’re looking at is the criticism and accepting that, then you’re not seeing the important messages and things she’s actually saying.

I can’t force anyone to like Madonna, just like someone can’t force me to be a fan of, say, Taylor Swift.  That said, I can learn to appreciate what Taylor Swift has done and while I don’t totally get her, I know she’s an important cultural force with a younger generation.  

My intention isn’t to make someone a fan of Madonna, but she has done a lot for our world and I think she actually deserves way more appreciation than she actually gets.  I wish people were a bit more critical and looked at things with a bit more depth.

A shame the person blocked me because a slightly shorter version of this would have been my thoughtful response to engage in discourse and to educate.  

Last night I found out someone that was significant to my time here in Toronto passed away a week ago. We don’t have any details because despite being a gregarious person, he was quite a private person, and his remaining family seem not to be social-media savvy.

Bob was wall of man. Tall, thick, Bearish, always open, a lovely man who was not intimidating despite his imposing size. He would have been one of the first men I met at Toronto’s notorious Toolbox bar.

He was friendly, had a passion for politics and travel. Just an overall lovely man who had escaped the United States to move to Canada.

I am feeling gutted. The past few months I’ve been praying that my friends stay safe whether it’s from COVID or other ailments. A lot of people I know are getting to that age where health problems do pop up.

I will admit, this is hitting me more than my mum passing away in April. I suspect it’s the sudden nature of losing someone versus the slow decline and loss.

Thank you Bob, you will be missed.

Using two separate recipes, I decided to combine both – a crust from one and the filling from another to create what, hopefully, will become a regular dessert around here.

You’ll need an Instant Pot for this recipe.

For the filling:

• 16 oz wt. cream cheese (2 standard 8 oz wt. bricks), softened to room temperature
• 2/3 cup powdered erythritol sweetener (4 oz wt.)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Crust

• 100 g walnuts
• 1 tsp granulated sweetener of choice or more to your taste
• 2 tbsp butter

Compote

• 12 ounces frozen raspberries (I went with Cherries), thawed with the juice
• 1/4 cup swerve confectioners (or powdered erythritol)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water

Preparation

• Remove cold ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, heavy cream) from the refrigerator and allow them to warm to room temperature. Start this 30 minutes before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
  
• Prepare a steam rack or the trivet that came with your pressure cooker, ideally with lifting handles.
  
• Prepare an aluminum 6-inch round cheesecake pan (I used a 7-inch and added a few more walnuts, additional sweetener and butter – I used Swerve as the sweetener for the crust) with removable bottom or springform pan. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with separate pieces of parchment paper.

Making the crust:

• Add the crust ingredients to a food processor. Pulse the walnuts for about 15-30 seconds until they are broken into small pieces. 
  
• Scoop the walnut crust into a 7-inch round cheesecake pan. Use a spoon to spread the walnuts around and cover the bottom of the pan. Then press the walnut using glass or bowl with a flat bottom to compact the crust. Any holes will fill in while doing this.
  
• Place the crust in the freezer for at least 10 minutes while you make the cheesecake filling.

Make the filling:

• Add cream cheese and erythritol to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat on low speed until well-mixed, about 1 minute.
  
• Add heavy cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  
• Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds each. Don’t overmix the eggs.
  
• Remove the pan with chilled crust from the freezer. Pour the batter over the crust, careful not to leave trapped air gaps. Flatten the surface using a spatula.

Cook and cool:

• Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pressure cooker. Place the trivet over the water, with its handles resting on the sides of the pot. Place the cheesecake pan on top of the trivet.
  
• Secure and seal the lid. Cook for 30 minutes at high pressure, followed by a 15 minute natural release. Manually release any remaining pressure by gradually turning the release knob to its venting position.
  
• Carefully lift the lid to avoid dripping condensation on the cheesecake. The top of the cheesecake should be jiggly but not liquid. If needed, use a paper towel to carefully dab at the cheesecake to absorb any condensation on its surface. Turn off the pressure cooker.
  
• Let the cheesecake cool uncovered in the pressure cooker. After about an hour, lift it from the pot using the trivet’s handles to continue to cool on the countertop.
• After it has cooled, loosely drape a paper towel over the cheesecake pan and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Do not seal tightly because the cheesecake needs to dehydrate.
  
• Carefully remove the chilled cheesecake from the pan. Peel off the parchment paper. Slice and serve.

Make the compote:

• Mix the fruit, Swerve, lemon juice and water
• Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes
• The sauce should thicken as it cooks.
• You can add a very very small bit of xantham or guar gum to thicken the sauce if you really need it.