Markus and I have been tinkering with the website making it look a little stronger. I still need to figure out how to keep only the last two Blog stories on this front page. Markus is trying to eliminate some blocks for me and I’m thinking maybe the bookmark block could be eliminated to be included in the photo block. The photo block now has The Mission Statement and a link to my published science fiction. If Static Movement folds I have the story on my hard drive and I can always put it on it’s own static page. I need more stories listed there. Eventually I’d like to have links to 4.

Some of the changes we made: The subtitle to my logo was so dark we had that deleted and moved it over to where the “Mission Statement” used to be. We moved the Mission Statement to it’s proper place in the photo block. The logo needs to be fixed up because it looks blurred. We also decided that the “Some of my Science-Fiction writing” link would be better served within the photo Block. Now we have only one About me and one Contact me. The only problem I have is that the Mission Statement should be alongside the photo. “Some of my Science-Fiction writing” should be at the bottom of the Block but I can make those changes when I have more time. Also note the color of the menu bars. I think this is a better color. Once I gain access to my Adsense account I can change the color on my add. I’d love to have a tower ad that comes right under the photo block. Something to do with Science Fiction and or Fantasy gaming would be a nice fit.

Here I am at 4:45pm. Normally I’d be at my dialer ready to start my job. But tonight, I have another goal to perform; Lodge and to pay my lodge dues.

I’m a bit behind in my dues this year but in all of the 5 years I’ve been in the lodge I’ve barely been behind. In 2009 when Nathan is WM, I’m going to take a chair. But I’ve got to be at every meeting this year and that’s one of my main lodge objectives this year is not to miss a meeting. Then next year I can put my name in for Tyler and gradually move up the chairs. But tonight, I’ve got to pay a bill. If Neil is going, then great. If not, then that’s ok as well. I’m sure I can get a ride from Nathan if he’s there tonight. Or even Alvar. I’ll be picking up my pay cheque tomorrow instead and if I get my OTH bonus of the $25 Friday, I’ll use that to get my 2 books.

I didn’t get any writing done today but I did get some practicing in this morning. I’m learning the “A section” in Star Wars. I’ve noticed though a few anomalies and disadvantages of playing Star Wars theme on a 61 key piano such as mine. Mainly in the example I have the left hand notes begin 2 G scales below middle C. The example I have the left hand notes go beyond this last G note off my keyboard. If I substitute this for the g note below middle C it gives me a whole different sound. A regular piano has 88 keys and a keyboard has 36 white keys and 25 black keys. Also, when playing the G chord with the E and a thumb tuck to the next G inversion there’s another G chord. I’ve been playing it as a G-B but there’s a D in there. Odd how I didn’t see that.

The guy I’m learning from online is a pretty good instructor and is available for hire at $50/request. I’d like to learn The Stranglers “Golden Brown” and Scotland the Brave. I’m just learning how to sight read. Some problems are where is middle C on the treble staff? Also my timing hasn’t developed yet but this is why I have a metronome on my keyboard I suppose. The other song I’d like to learn how to play is the “Hockey night in Canada” theme. I’d like to play that at some lodge missing their organist some night.

In another 10 minutes, I’ll be calling Neil to see if he’s going to lodge tonight. This will give me an hour to get ready sss dress and meet him for my ride home. Other wise I’m out of here about 6:45pm to the Lodge and I’m sure I can get a ride either home or too Rexall up the street.

Wonderful! I called Neil and he’s going to lodge tonight and he said he’d be more then happy to pick me up. Great. I said I have my lodge dues money to pay tonight and I’d cover the beer. So I have my night all set up for a great evening. It’s going to be a simple lodge night as well. There are no candidates so it should be a short night. The weather isn’t that bad but at -20C with no wind. It’s not severe winter but it is if your out there waiting for a bus for 15-20 minutes.

One thing I’ve noticed in my photo Block is the “Zombies of sleep” story link. It doesn’t click me to the story. I went to “Static Movement” and the trouble seems to be at their end. Seems Chris is having computer trouble. It’s a pretty good zine and if you enjoy reading short fiction like I do “Static Movement” is worthy of your support. Hopefully the link will be fixed soon.

Anyway, that’s all for now.

e. Jim