News (or whatever this is)
Aug 16 2024
Truman Capote's first novel: Other Voices, Other Rooms, makes my total 1100 Penguin Classics read out of a possible 1700.
Jan 1 2024
70 this year, but with 1737 more pages than last year.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2023/33539855
Jan 1 2023
71 more this year with assorted insights gleaned while approaching a big number.
www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2022/33539855
Jan 4 2022
Another year done with a total of 54 books read making 917 Penguin Classics finished and a reading total listed on Goodreads at 1269. Click below to view.
Robert’s Year in Books | Goodreads
Jan 19 2021
Robert’s Year in Books | Goodreads
Nov 07 2020
It's official: Donald John Trump is a 'loser'. The 'sucker' part will come once he's incarcerated.
Mar 23 2020
On a more positive note, regarding the current situation, I can't help noticing how fresh and clean the air feels lately here in midtown TO with this significant reduction in automobile traffic of late. And I'm sure the improvement would be measurable environmentally as well.
Jan 31 2020
If anyone feels smug in the belief that Canada doesn't have gun nuts as crazy as the American ones they should visit Carry Concealed Canada : https://www.facebook.com/groups/19674436960/ members: 13338. An if anyone thinks the Americans aren't crazy they should take a peak at This American Carnage: https://www.facebook.com/thisamericancarnage/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARAyT8pMCzXLHxEGViZiEEtAn6jHHmOnv03fVSPHLVi6bxGqxvqN_-i70-NDgri3GXRnW1ruHfn-R2P8&hc_ref=ARRXYPTQhM9JQKFHqMaOayCL7nn8MnJYjOZAYkfI4-1kY6jtLOlg7zjZ58JT9s3FLJY&fref=nf
Dec 31 2019
Books read this year: https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2019/33539855
Dec 6 2019
Just a reiteration of statements in The National Post that I couldn't help commenting on in 'Royal Canadian Navy Friends' on Facebook regarding current naval procurements:
"While we are starting on a well thought out frigate program that will do us proud, apparently in Canada we still have our heads up our asses in regard to naval procurement in another area. We are producing a fleet of gutless Arctic/Offshore vessels which in national defence terms appear to be good for nothing better overall than targets for foreign opportunistic or antagonistic nations. These vessels need only big bulls-eyes on their hulls to complete the 'comedy' or 'irony' that has to make any realistic person laugh as they are so patriotically launched from Irving. It's good of course for those who work there, but for the nation what? One of the main reasons for a navy is to project power. With an APC 25 mm. gun and a couple of .50 calibers they wouldn't even worry your average smuggler. Of course they no doubt have other commendable capabilities, but is the 21st century. Why aren't they armed? They could still be modified! Wake the _ _ _ _ up!!"
Oct 18 2018
This author supports Jennifer Keesmaat for mayor of Toronto and Lauralyn Johnston for city counsellor in ward 8 Toronto. As promised in blog 06/12/2015, I won't support the incumbents in those jobs, given their support for the more expensive and less appealing renovation option of the Gardiner Expressway.
Oct 17 2018
12:06AM I finally smoked a joint that was legal and it only took about 45 years for it to happen.
July 4 2018
Re: today's blog. Perhaps the guy at city hall ought to ask the new guy at Queen's Park for more police money. Conservatives always like to be seen as champions of law and order so they can puff themselves up and look strong.
June 3 2017
I finished reading Arthur Schopenhauer's Essays and Aphorisms today - my 700th Penguin Classic.
Apr 21 2017
"420" photos added on The Scene page.
Jan 18 2017
Timothy O'leary, or rather Kevin Leary - something like that - has thrown his hat into that Maelstrom of dog eat dog, snake pit, cut-throat politics that is the federal conservative leadership race. Sounds like blog material to me.
Nov 9 2016
In America dickheads show their true colours and elect one of their own. Sexism, bigotry, self-interest and slander trump its so called, so highly vaunted and so often bragged about values that it's citizens continually spout out about their system as they wave the stars and stripes, whenever they get the chance. Well Look at things today. What a crock of shit! And what an fucking loser-elect that they have as a result: a dickless wonder (big ego trying to compensate for small hands etc.). Oh, and by the way Donald, you just go right ahead and try to sue me - You Fucking Clown - right after you kiss my ass!
Sept 23 2016
Still more photos added to 'The Scene' page.
July 30 2016
Man stabbed to death at the flophouse: www.citynews.ca/2016/07/29/man-stabbed-rushed-to-hospital-with-life-threatening-injuries/
July 14 2016
More photos added to 'The Scene' page and described in the blog.
Apr 18 2016
Occasionally, I forget things that people have told me depending on what I've been up to, so it was fortuitous when someone reminded me that Four Twenty occurs this week. I might go out then for some fresh air to clear my head.
Mar 10 2016
When I wrote The Dive I used a considerable number of real Toronto locations. Last night I added a photograph of The Duke of Kent Tavern to 'The Scene' photos. As the year progresses and opportunity allows, I hope to replace the generic photos there with some of the more pertinent locations that appear in the book. Unfortunately, as the city grows and as time passes, a lot of them are being torn down and redeveloped. Naturally the major landmarks will remain, but the seedier and more colourful spots are disappearing. Hopefully, I can capture some of the remaining ones in pictures while they still exist. Watch for further developments, but don't hold your breath, if you know what if mean.
Oct 20 2015
The results of the federal election are as follows:
Liberals - 184
Conservatives - 99
New Democratic Party - 44
Bloc Quebecois - 10
Green Party - 1
June 29 2015
Some may have noticed the disappearance of this website between Saturday evening and earlier this morning. Unfortunately, I can't blame its absence on actions by either ISIS or the federal government. Pressing the delete key at the wrong time and place can sometimes result in such occurrences though. Fortunately and thankfully the support staff at Weebly.com had it restored and ready to run by early this am.
May 25 2015
I have completed (May 20) a fairly extensive re-edit of The Dive. It is now available at all the same venues as it was previously (most anywhere on line where books are sold). The updated front cover shows a medallion indicating the shortlisting of the book at the book contest last fall and while not all locations may have the updated cover the text has been updated in all locations.
Feb. 19 2015
The Right Honourable Wylie the cat has departed. See the blog.
Dec. 16 2014
I recently answered a few questions on the The Goodreads website:
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Robert Muir It’s usually easiest to take a break – even if it lasts days – until my subconscious or my muse suggests something. Then if I can, I write it down immediately because sometimes ideas vanish as quickly as they appear.
What’s your advice to aspiring authors?
Robert Muir Write! It sounds obvious, but I began a novel decades before I actually finished it, only to ‘shelve it’ after about 35 pages because I thought I hadn't lived enough to do a good job. I might have produced far more if I’d stayed the course.
What are you currently working on?
Robert Muir I've written a short story called ‘Two Mugs and a Bottle’ that hopefully will be considered comically amusing – if I can find somewhere that will pay to print it. I've also started working on a few interesting characters in hopes of developing them into another story of unknown length.
One question left partially unanswered above will be attended to on my blog where it is more appropriate.
Nov.17 2014
The winners of The Creation of Stories: Canada's largest self-publishing awards are:
Adult Audience Category (Age 19+)
Oct. 6 2014
The Dive is named as one of six finalists in the adult audience book category by the Association for Art and Social Change in - The Creation of Stories: Canada’s Self-Publishing Awards. It is the inaugural year of this award for independently published books. The award winners presentation will take place at - INSPIRE - The Toronto International Book Fair, which runs between Nov 14 and 16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto, Ontario.
Truman Capote's first novel: Other Voices, Other Rooms, makes my total 1100 Penguin Classics read out of a possible 1700.
Jan 1 2024
70 this year, but with 1737 more pages than last year.
https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2023/33539855
Jan 1 2023
71 more this year with assorted insights gleaned while approaching a big number.
www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2022/33539855
Jan 4 2022
Another year done with a total of 54 books read making 917 Penguin Classics finished and a reading total listed on Goodreads at 1269. Click below to view.
Robert’s Year in Books | Goodreads
Jan 19 2021
Robert’s Year in Books | Goodreads
Nov 07 2020
It's official: Donald John Trump is a 'loser'. The 'sucker' part will come once he's incarcerated.
Mar 23 2020
On a more positive note, regarding the current situation, I can't help noticing how fresh and clean the air feels lately here in midtown TO with this significant reduction in automobile traffic of late. And I'm sure the improvement would be measurable environmentally as well.
Jan 31 2020
If anyone feels smug in the belief that Canada doesn't have gun nuts as crazy as the American ones they should visit Carry Concealed Canada : https://www.facebook.com/groups/19674436960/ members: 13338. An if anyone thinks the Americans aren't crazy they should take a peak at This American Carnage: https://www.facebook.com/thisamericancarnage/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARAyT8pMCzXLHxEGViZiEEtAn6jHHmOnv03fVSPHLVi6bxGqxvqN_-i70-NDgri3GXRnW1ruHfn-R2P8&hc_ref=ARRXYPTQhM9JQKFHqMaOayCL7nn8MnJYjOZAYkfI4-1kY6jtLOlg7zjZ58JT9s3FLJY&fref=nf
Dec 31 2019
Books read this year: https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2019/33539855
Dec 6 2019
Just a reiteration of statements in The National Post that I couldn't help commenting on in 'Royal Canadian Navy Friends' on Facebook regarding current naval procurements:
"While we are starting on a well thought out frigate program that will do us proud, apparently in Canada we still have our heads up our asses in regard to naval procurement in another area. We are producing a fleet of gutless Arctic/Offshore vessels which in national defence terms appear to be good for nothing better overall than targets for foreign opportunistic or antagonistic nations. These vessels need only big bulls-eyes on their hulls to complete the 'comedy' or 'irony' that has to make any realistic person laugh as they are so patriotically launched from Irving. It's good of course for those who work there, but for the nation what? One of the main reasons for a navy is to project power. With an APC 25 mm. gun and a couple of .50 calibers they wouldn't even worry your average smuggler. Of course they no doubt have other commendable capabilities, but is the 21st century. Why aren't they armed? They could still be modified! Wake the _ _ _ _ up!!"
Oct 18 2018
This author supports Jennifer Keesmaat for mayor of Toronto and Lauralyn Johnston for city counsellor in ward 8 Toronto. As promised in blog 06/12/2015, I won't support the incumbents in those jobs, given their support for the more expensive and less appealing renovation option of the Gardiner Expressway.
Oct 17 2018
12:06AM I finally smoked a joint that was legal and it only took about 45 years for it to happen.
July 4 2018
Re: today's blog. Perhaps the guy at city hall ought to ask the new guy at Queen's Park for more police money. Conservatives always like to be seen as champions of law and order so they can puff themselves up and look strong.
June 3 2017
I finished reading Arthur Schopenhauer's Essays and Aphorisms today - my 700th Penguin Classic.
Apr 21 2017
"420" photos added on The Scene page.
Jan 18 2017
Timothy O'leary, or rather Kevin Leary - something like that - has thrown his hat into that Maelstrom of dog eat dog, snake pit, cut-throat politics that is the federal conservative leadership race. Sounds like blog material to me.
Nov 9 2016
In America dickheads show their true colours and elect one of their own. Sexism, bigotry, self-interest and slander trump its so called, so highly vaunted and so often bragged about values that it's citizens continually spout out about their system as they wave the stars and stripes, whenever they get the chance. Well Look at things today. What a crock of shit! And what an fucking loser-elect that they have as a result: a dickless wonder (big ego trying to compensate for small hands etc.). Oh, and by the way Donald, you just go right ahead and try to sue me - You Fucking Clown - right after you kiss my ass!
Sept 23 2016
Still more photos added to 'The Scene' page.
July 30 2016
Man stabbed to death at the flophouse: www.citynews.ca/2016/07/29/man-stabbed-rushed-to-hospital-with-life-threatening-injuries/
July 14 2016
More photos added to 'The Scene' page and described in the blog.
Apr 18 2016
Occasionally, I forget things that people have told me depending on what I've been up to, so it was fortuitous when someone reminded me that Four Twenty occurs this week. I might go out then for some fresh air to clear my head.
Mar 10 2016
When I wrote The Dive I used a considerable number of real Toronto locations. Last night I added a photograph of The Duke of Kent Tavern to 'The Scene' photos. As the year progresses and opportunity allows, I hope to replace the generic photos there with some of the more pertinent locations that appear in the book. Unfortunately, as the city grows and as time passes, a lot of them are being torn down and redeveloped. Naturally the major landmarks will remain, but the seedier and more colourful spots are disappearing. Hopefully, I can capture some of the remaining ones in pictures while they still exist. Watch for further developments, but don't hold your breath, if you know what if mean.
Oct 20 2015
The results of the federal election are as follows:
Liberals - 184
Conservatives - 99
New Democratic Party - 44
Bloc Quebecois - 10
Green Party - 1
June 29 2015
Some may have noticed the disappearance of this website between Saturday evening and earlier this morning. Unfortunately, I can't blame its absence on actions by either ISIS or the federal government. Pressing the delete key at the wrong time and place can sometimes result in such occurrences though. Fortunately and thankfully the support staff at Weebly.com had it restored and ready to run by early this am.
May 25 2015
I have completed (May 20) a fairly extensive re-edit of The Dive. It is now available at all the same venues as it was previously (most anywhere on line where books are sold). The updated front cover shows a medallion indicating the shortlisting of the book at the book contest last fall and while not all locations may have the updated cover the text has been updated in all locations.
Feb. 19 2015
The Right Honourable Wylie the cat has departed. See the blog.
Dec. 16 2014
I recently answered a few questions on the The Goodreads website:
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Robert Muir It’s usually easiest to take a break – even if it lasts days – until my subconscious or my muse suggests something. Then if I can, I write it down immediately because sometimes ideas vanish as quickly as they appear.
What’s your advice to aspiring authors?
Robert Muir Write! It sounds obvious, but I began a novel decades before I actually finished it, only to ‘shelve it’ after about 35 pages because I thought I hadn't lived enough to do a good job. I might have produced far more if I’d stayed the course.
What are you currently working on?
Robert Muir I've written a short story called ‘Two Mugs and a Bottle’ that hopefully will be considered comically amusing – if I can find somewhere that will pay to print it. I've also started working on a few interesting characters in hopes of developing them into another story of unknown length.
One question left partially unanswered above will be attended to on my blog where it is more appropriate.
Nov.17 2014
The winners of The Creation of Stories: Canada's largest self-publishing awards are:
Adult Audience Category (Age 19+)
- Jason Savedoff – Ad Lucem: The Art of a Felon
- Michael F. Stewart – Assured Destruction: Script Kiddie
- Madeline Neff – Little Penguin's Big Adventure
- Julie Hockley – Scare Crow
Oct. 6 2014
The Dive is named as one of six finalists in the adult audience book category by the Association for Art and Social Change in - The Creation of Stories: Canada’s Self-Publishing Awards. It is the inaugural year of this award for independently published books. The award winners presentation will take place at - INSPIRE - The Toronto International Book Fair, which runs between Nov 14 and 16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto, Ontario.
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