Larissa
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purlgurly.bsky.social
Larissa
@purlgurly.bsky.social
2.4K followers 1.2K following 3.4K posts
She/her/elle. Alto, ADHDer. Interested in politics (esp.TOpoli), stories, disability, food, knitting, geekery, cats. Unrepentant leftie in 🇨🇦
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purlgurly.bsky.social
Photo of my grandpa, William MacKinnon Large, at home in PEI - just out of high school and off to serve in WWII. ❤️
A black-and-white photo of a very young man in a military uniform standing in front of a rough building.
November 11, 2025 at 4:10 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
But the Toronto Star published a piece last weekend by AI boosters talking about how AI is booming for Microsoft and OpenAI? *Surely* the authors couldn't have been misrepresenting the financial situation?
Tech giants view this as an existential race where the winner gains an insurmountable advantage. Is this CAPEX trend lunacy? No, since we just got the answer to the most important question in the stock market: Where is the AI revenue - outside of Nvidia and semiconductors? Answer: see Microsoft and OpenAI. Both companies recently released revenue numbers that are blowing the lid off the misguided argument that we are still pre-revenue when it comes to AI. We know we have the investment, and now we are seeing the returns. Microsoft and OpenAl are proving that AI revenues are exceptional, and the growth is parabolic.
November 8, 2025 at 5:21 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Happy #Caturday - Nika has been racing around chasing her toys all morning
Photo of a black-and-white cat with a pink nose lying on a patterned carpet and looking up at a multicoloured crinkle ball
November 8, 2025 at 3:58 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
This is a helpful outline. The leaves are split into maternity (for birthing parent or surrogate parent only) and parental (parental can be taken by either parent)
If l am eligible to receive El maternity or parental benefits, how much can I expect to receive We cannot tell you exactly how much you will receive before we process your application. The basic rate for calculating El maternity benefits is 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2022, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $60,300. This means that you can receive a maximum amount of $638 per week. The basic rate for calculating El parental benefits depends on the option you choose: Standard parental benefits are paid at a weekly benefit rate of 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum amount. For 2022, this means that you can receive a maximum amount of $638 per week for up to 35 weeks. Extended parental benefits are paid at a weekly benefit rate of 33% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum amount. For 2022 , this means that you can receive a maximum amount of $383 per week for up to 61 weeks. (The amount of $383 can be increased if you are eligible to receive the Family Supplement.)
November 6, 2025 at 6:16 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
This is the basic plan in Canada (except for Quebec, which does its own thing), and then employers can offer varying top-ups. You must have paid into EI beforehand, and have at least 600 hours of work in the 52 weeks before the start of your leave.
What these benefits offer Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits provide financial assistance to: • people who are away from work because they're pregnant or have recently given birth • parents who are away from work to care for their newborn or newly adopted child You could receive 55% of your earnings, up to a maximum of $695 a week.
November 6, 2025 at 6:05 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Not The Onion

(Bloomberg reporting: archive.ph/RqUBY)
Headline: "OpenAl CFO Says Bubble-Wary Market Needs More Al 'Exuberance'" OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar suggested the market is overly focused on anxiety about a possible bubble in the artificial intelligence sector and should muster more "exuberance" about the technology's potential. "I don't think there's enough exuberance about AI, when I think about the actual practical implications and what it can do for individuals," Friar said in an onstage interview at the Wall Street Journal's Tech Live conference in California on Wednesday. "We should keep running at it."
November 6, 2025 at 1:35 AM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Seems like his wife also loves Toronto:
Liked by bluejays and others karamaxinebieber For me, this is a story of falling in love with baseball again - the team, the women, the players, the fans, the staff, all of it. I'm so thankful. I'd be lying if I said the outcome doesn't hurt, but I can't help but feel so proud of my husband and his teammates. What a year it's been, from TJ surgery, to having Kav, to getting traded mid-season. God really does work in mysterious ways. It's almost easy for even me to forget that Shane came back from surgery just 2.5 months ago but that's such a testament to his character, his drive, and the way he shows up no matter what. Baseball at this level is rare - the resiliency, the unity, the quiet trust between everyone chasing the same dream. But what makes it truly special isn't just the game, it's the kind of men they are, and the women who stand beside them holding it down through it all. I'll never forget how Shane and I would be almost giddy after games, just talking about how lucky we felt to be surrounded by such incredible humans. I'd tell him how amazing the women were, and he'd smile and say the same about the guys. We felt so welcomed from the moment we got to Canada. It's something we'll cherish forever 2 days ago
November 5, 2025 at 4:39 AM
purlgurly.bsky.social
The absolute garbage in The Star’s pre-budget AI hype propaganda pieces published today is really something. What even is this tech bro bafflegab:
Techbro AI hype bafflegab: “Tech giants view this as an existential race where the winner gains an insurmountable advantage. Is this CAPEX trend lunacy? No, since we just got the answer to the most important question in the stock market: Where is the AI revenue - outside of Nvidia and semiconductors? Answer: see Microsoft and OpenAI. Both companies recently released revenue numbers that are blowing the lid off the misguided argument that we are still pre-revenue when it comes to AI. We know we have the investment, and now we are seeing the returns. Microsoft and OpenAl are proving that AI revenues are exceptional, and the growth is parabolic.”
November 2, 2025 at 4:15 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
The World Series Game 6 seems like a pretty special way to mark a retirement!
Voxair Oct 10 ••• A special congratulations is due for Warrant Officer David Grenon, CD as he wraps up an incredible 25-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces. Serving as a vocalist with the Royal Canadian Air Force Band in Winnipeg, WO Grenon lent his voice to countless high-profile engagements, both at home and abroad. Whether performing national anthems in packed arenas or rocking out on lead vocals and piano with Jet Stream, his musical presence always left a lasting impression. Recognized as a proud representative of the RCAF, WO Grenon didn't just entertain - he fostered community and inclusion by serving on various committees and programs such as the 17 Wing Defence Team Pride Advisory Organization and the CAF-Wide Positive Space Ambassador Program. Similarly, WO Grenon contributed to the RCAF Band's musical legacy as an active songwriter and project collaborator during a period that helped redefine and innovate the Band's musical capacities. With this in mind, WO Grenon's impact will be deeply remembered by his colleagues, audiences, and the broader RCAF community. We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement!
October 31, 2025 at 8:06 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
@oliviawrites.bsky.social You’re in good company at Book City in Toronto :)
A display of books with a sign saying “Sink your teeth into some vampire reads” including Zomromcom by Olivia Dade
October 30, 2025 at 9:30 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Post a perfect album from 1989, a pretty dang great music year.
Cover of The Tragically Hip’s “Up To Here” released September 1989.
October 29, 2025 at 1:38 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Made one of my all-time favourites this evening (which will also be dinner on Monday and Tuesday) - I use frozen Swedish meatballs which makes it even easier.
SWEDISH MEATBALLS WITH SQUASH & MUSHROOM STROGANOFF Chef Alexandra Feswick of Toronto's Drake Hotel shared this recipe with us after we tried her version at Terroir, Canada's largest annual food symposium. Tender meatballs, sweet squash and earthy mushrooms coated in a rich sauce make for a hearty and warming meal on a chilly evening. Her secret? A pinch of cardamom. It sounds crazy but just give it a try. Serve over brown rice or egg noodles, garnished with a little chopped parsley. MAKES 4 SERVINGS ½ pound medium ground beef ½ pound medium ground pork Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper ½ onion, chopped 2 large button or cremini mushrooms, chopped 2 cups peeled chopped butternut squash 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 can (14 oz) chicken stock ½ cup whipping (35%) cream ½ cup sour cream Pinch of ground cardamom 1 teaspoon soy sauce ¼ teaspoon ground allspice Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional) In a bowl, combine the beef and pork and season with salt and pepper to taste. Using the palm of your hands, form meatballs (we make ours golf ball-size). In a large, oiled saucepan over medium heat, cook the meatballs in batches until browned all over. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate. Drain all but 1 tablespoon fat from the pan. Sauté the onion until softened, about 1½ minutes. Add the mushrooms and squash and stir to combine. Stir in the butter and flour. Cook, stirring constantly. for 1 to 2 minutes, until the flour darkens. Stir in the chicken stock, then the cream and sour cream. Add the cardamom, soy sauce and allspice and stir well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Return the cooked meatballs to the pan, gently stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes, until the squash is cooked through. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water or milk. Serve immediately, sprinkled with chopped parsley, if desired.
October 27, 2025 at 2:26 AM
purlgurly.bsky.social
I love scarf weather.
Selfie of OP smiling at the camera wearing a striped scarf in shades of purple. Colourful fall trees are visible in the background.
October 26, 2025 at 4:28 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
@scottlava.bsky.social I gave Cabin Head and Tree Head to my nephew a few weeks ago, and my brother sent me a video of a breakfast reading today. Nephew is really enjoying it and confidently reading on his own.
October 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
My cat is looking at me with so much love in her eyes and asking for head scritches. I would like to share my Blue Jays emotional support cat with everyone:
Photo of a black-and-white cat with a pink nose lying on her back in a cardboard box receiving head scritches and looking very pleased about her situation.
October 26, 2025 at 2:17 AM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Look at the gorgeous colours on this tree #LeafPeeping
Maple tree with leaves in shades of yellow, gold, orange and bright red. The tree is at the start of a trail.
October 25, 2025 at 8:49 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Frost advisory for Toronto tonight (the first of the year), so I went out to harvest all the remaining tomatoes. Hoping that there might be enough greens to make a small batch of green tomato jam. 🤞
One larger stainless steel bowl with green cherry tomatoes on the vine, and a smaller white bowl filled with red and orange cherry tomatoes.
October 25, 2025 at 6:39 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Technically a cow cat, but she carries herself with the dignity of a cat in formal attire
Photo of a black-and-white cat with a pink nose sitting atop a stack of boxes in the living room
October 23, 2025 at 11:11 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
This was a good interview with Philip Pullman (no real spoilers for “The Rose Field”) archive.ph/Gn9ni
In the original trilogy, the Magisterium - this Christian theocracy - is the main antagonist to the spirit of free inquiry. But in the new books, other forces beset Lyra and her friends. What got you thinking about expanding the story in this way? It's partly the way the world is going. We are now increasingly under the sway of very large corporations that we didn't vote for. It seems democracy has run up against something too strong for it or too difficult for it to deal with. That worries me a great deal. And also the fact that although we seem more and more connected with one another, all over the world, because of the internet and so on, we are more and more cut off. That worries me, as well as the immense power of social media to awaken the worst aspects of people - to make them feel that it's okay to be cruel. I wasn't going to ask - but I did notice that you stopped tweeting in February. Twitter had become really a sewer. It was just full of bile and hatred, and it was just a nasty place to be. I joined up with Bluesky. I think it's a little bit nicer, but it's not so interesting somehow. I look at it, but I don't often post on it. I've saved myself a great deal of time. Growing up, I found your vision of the afterlife profoundly comforting - that you tell your story to the harpies, and afterward you get to become Dust. Ten years later, my youngest sister read the same thing and was extremely disturbed. She was not comforted at all by the idea that she'd be one with consciousness or the universe, because her soul would be dissolved. As you've grown older, has your idea of these things changed - what you find fearful, and what you find consoling? I think I believe what that story says. I wrote it because that's what I wanted Lyra to experience, but also because I was exploring it myself as I thought about it. I think if you spend your life watching TV, you're not going to have much of a story to tell when you get to the afterlife. If you live your life fully and you experience every kind of thing that you possibly can, like falling in love, then you will have a story tell. There's a truth in that: If you go to the afterlife, to the underworld, with no story to tell, then you'll never be free of it. But if you go and tell all that's your story, tell the ghosts, the true things that happen to you, that will free you and you'll be able to leave the underworld and join the rest of the universe. I think that's a good image. I'm pleased with that, and I believe it.
October 23, 2025 at 3:50 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Next week is Halloween. This is the bowl of cherry tomatoes that I just harvested from the garden. 😳
Photo of bright red cherry tomatoes in a stainless steel bowl, about the size of a pint.
October 22, 2025 at 8:24 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Last night’s anthem performers (there’s video in various places, but not easy to link to) 🏳️‍🌈🧢
Forte - Toronto Gay Men's Chorus Still pinching ourselves... Forté Gay Men's Chorus had the unreal honour of performing the national anthems at Game 7 of the ALCS. To stand on that field, as our authentic selves, singing for thousands - it was more than just a performance. It was pride. It was visibility. It was harmony. Thank you to @bluejays and everyone who made this unforgettable moment possible. We'll be riding this high for a long time. Go Jays, Go! #ForteGMC #ALCS #Game7 #NationalAnthem #LGBTQVoices #BaseballAndPride #QueerChoirs #MLB #SingItLoud #RepresentationMatters
October 21, 2025 at 12:05 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
The ALDS win!
TARP OFF POLICE HORSE IS READY, HERE WE F*CKING GO.
October 21, 2025 at 3:11 AM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Baschea Walsh’s niece posted about the situation on Google Reviews:
If you're considering supporting West Horsley Place Trust, I urge you to think twice. My aunt, a 71-year-old woman who has lived on the estate for 19 years, is being evicted from her home with just four months' notice, so the Trust can turn her cottage into a short-term rental. Let me be clear, this isn't just a house. It's her home, her sanctuary, and a place she's lovingly cared for through nearly two decades of service, unpaid and unacknowledged. She's endured five years of filming disruption from the TV show Ghosts, countless weddings, fairs, and events. She's welcomed hundreds of visitors, many of whom have admired her beautiful garden. She's cleaned up filth, stopped robberies, and acted as an unofficial caretaker, all without a single word of thanks. And now? She's being tossed aside like detritus. Meanwhile, the four-bedroom cottage next door has been left to rot, sitting empty for over two years. But rather than offer her a dignified solution, the Trust has chosen profit over compassion. West Horsley Place Trust calls itself a charitable organisation. What a joke! They have proven heartless, selfish, and unworthy of the heritage they claim to protect. They've shown no respect for the people who've actually kept the estate alive. If this is how they treat someone who's given nearly two decades of her life to this place, then I shudder to think how they treat others. Shame on you, West Horsley Place Trust.
October 20, 2025 at 3:31 PM
purlgurly.bsky.social
Movie - “How To Steal A Million” with Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole.
Promo photo of Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole looking glam and surrounded by art.
October 20, 2025 at 1:08 AM
purlgurly.bsky.social
My favourite GBS tunes
Donkey Riding Great Big Sea Goin' Up Great Big Sea Ordinary Day Great Big Sea Run Runaway Great Big Sea The Night Pat Murphy Died Great Big Sea Fortune Great Big Sea When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down) Great Big Sea Mari-Mac Great Big Sea Come and I Will Sing You (The... Great Big Sea Shines Right through Me Great Big Sea Jack Hinks Great Big Sea End of the World Great Big Sea Everything Shines Great Big Sea Lukey Great Big Sea Stumbling In Great Big Sea The Jolly Butcher Great Big Sea When I Am King Great Big Sea Concerning Charlie Horse Great Big Sea Boston & St. John's Great Big Sea Something Beautiful Great Big Sea Captain Kidd Great Big Sea The Old Black Rum Great Big Sea Chafe's Ceilidh Great Big Sea A Boat Like Gideon Brown Great Big Sea Jolly Roving Tar Great Big Sea Yarmouth Town Great Big Sea Let It Go Great Big Sea Tishialuk Girls Set (Father's Jig... Great Big Sea Lucky Me Great Big Sea Tickle Cove Pond Great Big Sea Excursion around the Bay Great Big Sea Rant & Roar Great Big Sea
October 19, 2025 at 5:48 PM