iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 25/03/2025

So here's an example of an account I'd mute or block. It's a bot. No verification of what they repeat. & why would I go to the cesspool called X?!?! #canada #cdnpoli #novascotia #nspoli

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 16/03/2025

A pic I found on FB. Apparently taken recent at the NSLC. 🤣. #Canada

Picture was taken at the NS Liquor Control store showing a shelf label of "United States" with a 4 pack of Nine Locks "Frig Off" East Coast IPA right below it.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 13/03/2025

So this is interesting. Atlantic Superstore (& I assume other Loblaws chain) will now have a symbol to indicate things that have tariffs on them. #Canada #tariffs #cdnpoli

A screenshot of the symbols that will be used at Loblaws stores. Text reads Look for this symbol in-stores, at shelf, to identify tariff impacted items: A black triangle with a T in them.

Look for this symbol online to identify tariff impacted items: a grey oval with the word "Tariff" inside it.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 07/03/2025

Or just make your own mayo. It is surprisingly easy and quick. This was a recipe I used to make back in 2012 & it's vegan for those with sensitivities.

A screenshot of a recipe I posted on Dec 31, 2012. The title was: "Vegan Recipe: Vegan Mayo with a kick!"

The body reads:

After doing some research I think I found one of the keys to a decent vegan mayo recipe: safflower oil and proportion. This, at least, creates a creamy vegan mayo. I'm still trying to figure out to make a thicker version bt for now this is actually pretty good. One of the important factor is the ratio of about 2.25 parts of oil to 1 part soy milk (unsweetened, non-flavoured kind). Basically my recipe is this:

1/2 cup of unsweetened, unflavoured organic soy milk
1 1/2 cups of safflower oil
2 tbsp of apple cider vinger
2 tbsp fine sugar (avoid using raw sugar or other larger sugar types as they will not disintegrate properly)
3/4 tsp of mustard powder
3/4 tsp of sea salt
1/2 cup of extra firm silken tofu
pinch of cajun spice (optional — or other spice; fresh chopped garlic also good alternative)

Make sure the soy milk is chilled. I suspect this helps thicken the mixture even more. Add the milk to a blender or food processor and blend it well. It should be rather “frothy”. S-L-O-W-L-Y add the oil. This may take upwards of 10-15 minutes to do but it helps ensure that the oil is blended thoroughly with the milk. Stop the blender/processor and carefully scrap the sides down. Add the vinager, sugar, mustard and sea salt. Blend all of those with the liquid. Once thoroughly blended, chop up the tofu, add it to the mixture and blend until smooth and creamy. At this point, the mayo is ready for serving. Store your mayo in a mason jar and mark when it was made. I suspect it’ll last (if not eaten too quickly) for about 7-10 days in the fridge. If you want it to have a “kick”, make the last ingredient mixed in (after the tofu) your spice of choice. You can also stir this in afterwards to make a creamy dip for things like chips, veggies, etc. This also makes a nice alternative to soy spread on things like toast and/or in sandwiches.
Enjoy!

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 25/02/2025

So I thought perhaps I was out of touch with fees (I went to university back in 1989-1993 at Carleton U in Ottawa). So I checked what Dalhousie U (big U here in Nova Scotia) & included housing & meals. The image is CAD so in USD it's $17620.69. I cannot fathom how anyone can get a U degree in the US

Screenshot showing fee costs (in Canadian dollars):
Tuition: $9030
Incidental Fees: $1591.59
Bursaries: -$1,283
Books & Supplies: $1800
Residence (Double): $8446
Meal Plan - Freedom Plan: $5536
Total: $25,120.59

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 18/02/2025

I've been playing WoW since 2007. It is my total escape. So much so I got the tattoo.. 😁

A picture of my hand with a Horde tattoo (from the game World of Warcraft) and my VMware tattoo.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 18/02/2025

I fail to see how this isn't hate. Like, seriously, the amount of violence that Sam endured for over a month is insane. WTAF??? #trans #lgbtq #uspoli tinyurl.com/3zw8frvm

Screenshot from the article that says: A felony complaint obtained by 13WHAM provides gut-wrenching details of Nordquist's brutal killing. Authorities say he was tortured and sexually assaulted using a table leg and broomsticks.

He was also reportedly subjected to repeated, prolonged beatings which included being punched, kicked and struck with various objects such as sticks, belts, ropes, dog toys and canes, ultimately leading to his death.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 18/02/2025

Totally agree! You can survive & do well after transitioning. But dude! I'm envious. When I transitioned, I lost all my hair (green phone holders to resemble an alien).

Picture of me with two green phone holders on my head to look like an alien.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 16/02/2025

I would love to hear about your research. My dogs, however, would love it if someone, anyone, shared a burger with them.

Two golden retrievers trying not to look at the hamburger in my hands.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 16/02/2025

So one of my dogs (Eddie) really likes cold weather. I’m convinced she has some Husky somewhere in her past.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 16/02/2025

Shocking that they wouldn't adhere to the deal they gave to public service. Just shocking, I say. #uspoli #cdnpoli

Animated gif of actor Donald Glover from TV show Community saying WOW SHOCKER

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 15/02/2025

Of course. Who keeps current records of people we're letting go? We don't need them any more.. /s #uspoli #cdnpoli

Shows a baby laughing with their hand in front of them. The words say "STOP STOP I'm gonna pee!"

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 15/02/2025

I know y'all are out there. Share your Canadian pride & tattoos. Who else has one? This is my Canadian Shield over a tattered Acadian flag. #flagday #Canada

Left side of tattoo showing a tattered Acadian flag with a shield with a Canadian Maple leaf on it.

Right side of tattoo showing a tattered Acadian flag with a shield with a Canadian Maple leaf on it.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 15/02/2025

Get it! This is my Acadian-Canadian tattoo I got back in 2006.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 15/02/2025

Winds are super high (90km+) so flag up in the office along with Acadian flag (cuz I’m Acadian) & purple lights in memory of my mom (killed in 1992; victim of DV) #canadaflagday #canada #acadie #cdnpoli

Me in front of Canadian flag, an Acadian flag draped over the Canadian one against a black background. Purple lights line the edge of the black background.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 14/02/2025

I need to lose some weight to fit into these (for some reason my feet get big when I gain weight) but maybe by summer. Definitely would be sweet to show pride in these (original Doc Martens from 1990)

Pair of doc martens with maple leaf on to against white background.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 10/02/2025

So while the majority oppose, Repubs are definitely in favour & drinking the kool-aid. #buyCanadian will always be the motto here. #cdnpoli #uspoli

Picture of poll results by CBS News/YouGov (Feb 5-7, 2025) Margin of Error +- 2.5 points:

Poll question: Do you favour or oppose the US placing new tariffs on goods imported from Canada?

Democrats: 14% Favour; 86% Oppose
Independents: 35% Favour; 65% Oppose
Republicans: 64% Favour; 36% Oppose

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 10/02/2025

I managed to get the driveway snow blowed (I do love my battery EGO snow blower). But discovered that there's about 4 cm of solid ice underneath. I'll have to get some more Anti-Skid this week. 😵‍💫

Snow covered driveway with sun setting in background

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 09/02/2025

Wow. Overall Canada & the provinces would benefit from removing non-geographic trade barriers but the Maritime provinces would benefit significantly. Nearly 40% improvement (particularly PEI & NL). tinyurl.com/yc4by3dy (CBC article)

Chart that shows breakdown of GDP per capita gain (as a percentage) for each province & Canada as a whole if non-geographic barriers were removed.

BC 2.8%
Alberta 3.2%
Saskatchewan 5.1%
Manitoba 7.1%
Ontario 2.9%
Quebec 4.6%
New Brunswick 6.0%
Nova Scotia 4.8%
PEI 16.2%
Newfoundland and Labrador 12.8%
Canada 3.8%

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 09/02/2025

I admittedly had to read his comments a couple of times before I realized that he's bitchin' about the fact that a judicial order pushing back on DOGE is a violation of separation of power. Makes me think of the attached meme.

Picture from Princess Bride meme that says "You keep using that word. I don't think you know what it means"

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 05/02/2025

To paraphrase, the booing shall continue until morale improves. Or until the Cheeto disappears. Whichever comes first.

Image that says "The beatings will continue until morale improves."

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 04/02/2025

Mom?? Mom?? I'm starving!!! I only had 23 treats, 4 meals and stole 7 TimBits. #dogsky

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 03/02/2025

Saw this posted on LinkedIn just now (it was posted 2 hours ago so I might be behind a bit). #cdnpoli #uspoli #tariffs

Text posting from LinkedIn from Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario that says: "Starting today and until U.S. tariffs are removed, Ontario is banning American companies from provincial contracts.

Every year, the Ontario government and its agencies spend $30 billion on procurement, alongside our $200 billion plan to build Ontario. U.S.-based businesses will now lose out on tens of billions of dollars in new revenues. They only have President Trump to blame.

We're going one step further. We'll be ripping up the province's contract with Starlink. Ontario won't do business with people hellbent on destroying our economy.

Canada didn't start this fight with the U.S., but you better believe we're ready to win it."

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 02/02/2025

To get around the text limit, I created a picture out of my post. I'm curious & interested in genuine opinion. Part of me wants to stick with CDN employers only but financial reality begs otherwise. Thoughts? #cdnpoli #canada

Picture of the following text: So, I've been out of work since Nov 2024 (I got laid off after 19+ years at was once a great company). I'm getting interviews & probably will get some offers soon from both Canadian & US employers (the jobs I apply for are WFH types). US employers often pay more but given yesterday.

Add to that, I bought my first home -- ever -- in 50 years (no more renting). This means I will have a mortgage for years to come.

Honest question: Should I just go for most pay or stick to Canadian employers?

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 02/02/2025

Enjoying some Sortilege (Canadian Whisky with Maple Syrup, produced in Quebec & product of Canada) while waiting for PMJT response. #Canada #cdnpoli #canadasky

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 28/01/2025

Bit of timeline cleanse. We got a quick dump of snow & then were blessed with this great display for the end of the day.

Picture of pine trees, gravel road and other trees covered in a light dusting of snow. The sky is a multitude of colours (orange, yellow and blue hues) against the clouds, resembling a water colour painting.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 28/01/2025

LOL.. it's already happening! AI is takin' mah jawb!!!

Screenshot of a post from Twitter that says "i cant believe ChatGPT lost its job to AI"

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 25/01/2025

From Edm. Journal: edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n... This thing looks MASSIVE!!

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 19/01/2025

He's a dumbass. What about the people who had to suffer for months (& probably years after) for what they did in Ottawa??

Image of a woman playing a tiny violin with the words:"Aww Boo Hoo.. Let me play you a sad song on the wrolds smallest violine[sic]"

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 09/01/2025

Great cartoon by @deadder.bsky.social (you can subscribe to his substack using link below) & shows the stark difference of attitudes of discussion going on today. Despite all the MAGA threats, we will always be there to help when someone needs. #canada #cdnpoli open.substack.com/pub/deadder/...

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 08/01/2025

So this has been making the rounds. What I find really interesting that Musk (with over 211M followers) got significantly less reposts & likes compared to PMJT (6.6M followers). Apparently, it does matter what he says.

Twitter post showing an exchange between Justin Trudeau and Elon Musk. Trudeau says "There isn't a snowball's change in hell that Canada would become part of the US. Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other's biggest trading & security partner."

Elon responds with: "Girl, you're not the governor of Canada anymore, so doesn't matter what you say."

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 04/01/2025

& far better than the infamous yellow network wall I historical would use when teaching/talking about networking:

Numerous racks of computers and switches with lots of mixed yellow network cables.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 30/12/2024

My wife’s birthday is today. Her best friends did these amazing paintings for her. The big picture is of my wife’s late sister. The smaller ones are of me, my BIL and 4 of the 5 furrkids.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 28/12/2024

I love tug-o-war toys. Keeps the pups amused when I’m working or gaming.

Two golden retrievers playing tug of war with a toy.

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VirtualBuddha in Halifax 🏳️‍⚧️ 🇨🇦 @linusbourque.com · 27/12/2024

I’m so woefully behind. I need to get a doctor who one at some point but for now I got my WoW one (the in game pet isn’t available to those outside the US — BASTARDS).

Picture of vinyl ice music figure from World of Warcraft.

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