Polyatomic’s new album is about to drop and it’s a bit of a banger. Connected to Icebergs, yet way more upbeat and energetic. Strength will be released in 2024.
The first track from the album to be released, DMAO, is being released on January 31st to coincide with the release of an independent film from the Circular Bear Project – Circular: Act 2.
A few years ago, I was given an Amiga 1000. What a classic! The original Amiga by Commodore!
It’s been sitting around collecting dust as a monitor stand. I boot it up once, however, given I started my Amiga life with an Amiga 500, I’m used to Kickstart bring in ROM. For the Amiga 1000, Kickstart was shipped on a 3.32 inch floppy disk. You startup with Kickstart, you then book up Workbench.
Kickstart is the bootstrap firmware that initializes the computer and then allows the computer to boot the OS – AmigaDOS and Workbench.
I don’t have a Kickstart disk, so I couldn’t do much with that computer.
Until now!
Using Pistorm changes the game. Using a Raspberry Pi and an FPGA that plugs into the Motorola 68000 CPU slot, you can add new functionality to a stock Amiga:
It is awesome having a computer from my past – one of the schools I went to had one in their music program, and a friend had an Amiga 1000 – and breathing new life into it.
I’ve owned two of the most desirable Amiga computers – the 3000, and now the 1000 which outperforms my 3000 – although that ECS chipset…
This has been a fun project, and I am getting a lot more comfortable with hardware projects. Also, the series of videos by Ben Eater has given me some good food for though as to how processors and these interesting processor emulators work. Completely fascinating.
It’s a new year and with it new resolutions?
I’ve never cared about resolutions because often we focus on the things we need to fix rather than the things that lift us up.
I’m flipping that on its head this year. I’ve resolved to do two things this year:
The approach I’m going with is that with doing something even if it’s 5 minutes, I’ll feel accomplished, and take stock of how I’m feeling which is often better, rather than focusing on “I need to do more”, “I’ll never achieve…”, etc… which I know has been a narrative in my head for way too long.
How has it been going?
I’m liking what’s happening. I’m getting in touch with getting back to swimming and taking steps to make this a regular thing.
During meetings where I’m more listening in, I can pull out the weights and do a set of curls, shoulder presses
About 19-20 years ago, I tried a Yoga session and after I felt pretty amazing. My friend Mike mentioned that he was doing Yoga and I asked him about it and he mentioned a YouTube channel Man Flow Yoga. I decided to try some of the positions from the channel and while I’ve got a learning curve and I need to work on core strength, it’s not insurmountable.
At this point, I’m trying a few things and taking stock of how I’m feeling after. I am focusing on making this about having fun, positivity, just doing something and feeling good no matter how small or big the effort is.
Creatively, I’m driving the house nuts with finishing up my next album. The second last track is completed, and one more to go. I just need the artwork completed and then I can release it.
I’ve wondered whether or not if I’ll continue writing music or not. Looking at Spotify, I’ve realized that I released Icebergs in 2020, and Techknow in 2023 – It’s been two years since I released new music, I thought it was longer, 4 years, so I have been steadily creative, even if I go long periods of time between working on music, or perceive that.
I’m choosing to continue Polyatomic, it’s a great creative outlet for me, and it’s a great form of self expression.
While 2024 was a good year, it has also had its challenge points that have cast a grey cloud. On reflection, I’ve had sunnier days in 2024, versus 2021 and 2022. However, I’ve seen some habits, mostly around what I do with my spare time and spending too much time sitting on the couch watching YouTube. That can and will still be part of my downtime, but as I start to prepare for retirement in 10 to 15 years, I need to build habits that keep me moving and engaging my brain and not just wasting away on the couch.
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:
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.
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:
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.
This week I was asked by a co-worker, whom I am mentoring, “What are your tips and tricks for travel?” She was writing a speech for her Toastmasters meeting and given I am a bit of a road warrior, who better to ask?
Here are my tips and tricks for the newly initiated to business travel. This also applies to anyone who is starting their own personal adventure travels as well.
1. Align yourself with an airline program, hotel program and even a car rental program
That is in order of importance too. Consider where you are flying, the airlines available in your area, and what your goals are for those miles. Here in Canada we’re heavily skewed towards Star Alliance with Air Canada being the dominant carrier. I could fly American Airlines to the US to build up my One World status, but I am more likely to use Air Canada to go somewhere.
2. Get yourself Global Entry/NEXUS/Clear
Want to get through airport security quickly? Get yourself a Global Entry, NEXUS card, or Clear. NEXUS is really useful for those who cross the Canada/US border or travel internationally to/from Canada. Global Entry is great if you travel internationally to/from the US.
You get dedicated lines, in the US you don’t have to pull your laptop out of your bags, and you don’t have to take off your shoes, depending on the security checkpoint you’re at.
In Canada you get a dedicated line at most airports, but have to pull your laptop out of your bag. I have found inconsistent service.
Clear is only offered at 11 airports in the US, and honestly, I don’t see much value in the program.
The only caveat is that I am finding a lot of people are now getting NEXUS cards and slowing the process down, however airports like Toronto Pearson are opening up additional security lanes.
3. Get a points credit card
If you can, get yourself a points credit card so that you’re earning points on any purchases you make. Make sure this aligns with the airline or hotel program you are aligning yourself with.
Personally, I aligned my airline miles with my credit cards. While as of January first, I have only earned around 11,000 status miles, I have earned 30,644 miles total with my credit cards.
Also you get great sign up bonuses which add up quickly too.
Some cards also let you get through security quickly too, so if you don’t have status with an airline or a NEXUS/Global Entry card, you do have an opportunity to get expedited service through some airports.
4. Research your destination in advance
Look at what is happening at your destination in advance to see what is going on. Check the news, weather, look for events.
5. Stay at the same hotel
If you’re like me, consistency is a good thing. I’ve been staying at the same three hotels in Portland OR and Vancouver WA for the past 4 years. I know what to expect, I know the comfort of the beds, and I’m getting the hotel points and status. You also get to know the staff members, and they recognize you, which sometimes helps with extra perks or if you need that extra level of care and service.
6. Consider a connection
Most of us who travel prefer to have direct flights to destinations. It’s a pain to be delayed, to not get to your destination or back home on time, etc. But sometimes connections can be advantageous, especially if you’re about to hit a status milestone.
Last year I flew Toronto to Dallas via Houston because that was the only flight available. You earn just over 1,000 miles on Aeroplan/Air Canada Altitude with this direct flight. If you fly via Houston, you get just over 1,500 miles. This year with the changes to Aeroplan, you would probably only get over 1,250 miles. That’s a bit of a nice bonus.
Also, some airline programs consider flight segments towards earning status. i.e. 35,000 status miles or 35 segments. If you have 1 connection point in your travel, that equates to 2 segments. If you’re 1 segment short of status, why not connect?
7. Pick your favourite airports
Know which are your favourite airports for connections, and which airports are horrible.
For example, I don’t like ORD or PHL because it they are either very busy, or there are long walks between connecting gates.
I refuse to fly through LAX for connections because of the walk between terminals and terminal transit is horrible. As well, Customs Border Patrol staff are rude.
I love SFO and DFW.
So there you go – What other tricks and tips do you have?
With the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, I thought I would share a story from my childhood.
One of a handful of memories of my time growing up in Newfoundland was the visit of The Queen and Prince Philip to St. John’s. One part of their visit was the turning of the sod for what became the Queen Elizabeth II Library at the Memorial University of Newfoundland.
My family was in attendance for a few reasons. Mum was quite a monarchist (along with my grandparents), and Dad taught at the university in the Department of Biology.
I was four years old, standing at the side and along come Her Majesty and Prince Philip and, don’t ask my why I thought this, I thought they were my grandparents.
See, my grandmother and grandfather looked very much like Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. My grandmother being shorter and a similar build to Queen Elizabeth; my grandfather being tall and thiner like Prince Philip.
I know at times I’ve felt silly about it growing up, but it’s become a fun memory to think about in my older age.
I had a chance to see The Queen on a visit to Toronto, my grandmother insisting I take a day off school to attend.
As i’ve grown older, I’m aware that the institution of The Firm is an extremely flawed organization, how it treats certain members of The Royal Household, how it has contributed to colonialism around the world, etc.
While it can be argued that The Queen leads this organization and has a say in how things are run, it is not as simple as that. You can see in series like The Crown the position the Queen or King is in.
Things such as The Queen being against Apartheid in South Africa and wanting the release of Nelson Mandella, yet Margaret Thatcher not willing to speak publicly to condemn Apartheid. The monarch has to traverse a fine line, but there are ways they can make their wishes be known.
You can see in recent years that the Monarchy does support self determination as countries in the Caribbean seek to become republics such as Barbados.
The Queen, as I understand her, was very much a diplomat of an amazing kind behind the scenes. I think it’s easy for others to dismiss her impacts, but if you read between the lines, you can see the importance of her role in the world.
Given some of the crap she’s had to deal with from her children too…
I wish the new King good luck in his service to the United Kingdom, Canada and other realms where he is the Head of State.
Thank you ma’am for your hard work behind the scenes, your duty and service.