A Collection of Daily Wisdom by Dennis Sylvester Hurd since September 2003.

I had all sorts of great ideas for today's blog entry. I was thinking of doing a piece on the bewildering selection of cold and flu remedies at the local London Drugs. However, even after five days of this persistent torment, I'm still not well yet. I just don't have the fortitude nor will to be creative.

So instead, my mouse ran to a photo folder. I took this at BCIT on Wednesday. The class is planning for Writing Assignment 12. These are the COMM 0004 writings I generally post on the Internet as a way of ensuring students will try their best. Look at some past attempts at my section for students' writings.

Labels: BCIT

There are always things I keep forgetting to do. One has been to include a photo captured from the I, Robot DVD. Back on October 23, 2003, I blogged that Will Smith was in New Westminster that summer while shooting the film.

The first section of the movie which shows where the detective lived, was filmed on Front Street under the New Westminster Parkade. The movie wizards can seamlessly splice together CGI and actual footage. The pan down from Chicago 2035 melts right into the street where Will Smith is walking. It's is only a block away from this apartment but, unfortunately, the props are long gone.

Labels: movies, New Westminster, stars

The weather this winter was unusually pleasant. In addition, the last two days were as if nature really wanted to prove to us that it is officially spring.

By now, if you've read this blog regularly, you know that Vancouver is unlike other places at this latitude. Why is this? It's the Pacific, stupid! We're blessed with some amazing meteorological effects due to the ocean.

What did surprise me after coming here is how certain plants can be coaxed and cajoled into living here. Up on 12th street there's a house that fits right in with its neighbours, save for one thing: every year there's a banana tree out front! The microclimate on that side of the hill grabs a lot of sun.

People studying a map might think that cherry and magnolia trees would only be viable hundreds of miles to the south. Yet they grow here with plant aplomb. Even palm-like trees grace many parks.

Immigration gives this area a remarkable variety of people and cultures. Similarly, importation has provided a vast number of plants types not native to the area.

Labels: flora and fauna

Businesses switch over first to be faster and more efficient. Shuffling paper is a waste of time, resources, and money. For example, a few of my accounts are at a financial institution that has no physical buildings. Business is conducted solely through bank machines and over the Internet.

It's good to see the continued momentum in education too. At BCIT, I used to have to fill in contracts with multiple sheets. Some went to various departments and I got to keep the canary copy! Now, the whole process is done through a universal web portal. Moreover, the step beyond direct deposit comes into effect in April when we'll no longer receive salary pay slips by post. All will be available through a simple logon.

So, I suppose I should be pleased to see Government's entrenched civil service moving to implement electronic procedures too. The screen shot will lead you to some information about epass Canada. This was just in time for a new passport.

Labels: BCIT, government, Internet

(I know. I read blogs and wonder why anyone would bother wasting web server space complaining about how they feel. The only one who gives a damn is the person who's actually sick.)

I'm blogging this just so it'll be a memory prompt. I haven't been sick for a long time. I think it's been years. I usually boast about making it through winters without the flu or a cold. Something surely hit yesterday though. My throat hurt, I had a fever of just over 104, and I slept half the day away. Luckily I didn't have to teach. I plan on going in today even though I certainly don't feel at my best. It's easier to struggle though the morning than having to arrange an alternative day to cover the materials! I am so dedicated!

This jar of Just Peanuts was purchased at the Canadian Superstore. The cover of the peanut butter reads:

"Oil separation naturally occurs with this product. Stir fully before use. Refrigerate after opening."

A few years back, it would have been nearly impossible to find this type of product at most supermarkets. Food manufacturers just assumed that customers preferred convenience over health concerns. Although hydrogenated oils prevent product separation, they dramatically increase the risk of coronary heart disease, breast cancer, other types of cancers.

Thankfully, making better choices is getting easier. Where we shop, people can now run around looking for the light blue labels!

President's Choice - NEW PC BLUE MENU!

Labels: food

Last week, I happened to be chatting with a colleague about perception. The conversation's topics ranged from how people differ, to how no two people can view the world through the same set of experiences. We decided that even our ideas on something as fundamental as the campus location cannot match. We are affected by the location of our residences and paths to BCIT. My own conclusion is that people who maintain there is 'universal truth' are naive.

Futhermore, those who maintain there are grey areas in life should note that our ability to see them can be a source of consternation too.

Squares A and B are exactly the same shade of grey.


For proof and an explanation, visit Checkershadow Illusion.

Some people incorrectly assume that the communication courses I teach primarily focus on technical vocabulary. More often, however, a crucial aspect is to improve organizational and thinking skills.

Imagine that you are responsible for the staff cafeteria in your workplace. Many people are dissatisfied with the cafeteria and you have received the following complaints and suggestions. You have to make a report to the Cafeteria Committee. How will you classify the complaints in order to present them in a clear and logical way?

List of complaints

1. Food is half-cold for late comers
2. Not enough tables
3. It is too warm in the cafeteria
4. The table cloths are often dirty
5. Not enough variety on the menus
6. Food has too high fat content
7. Sometimes there are flies in the dessert section
8. Can we have some flowers on the tables?
9. Too many egg dishes served on the same day
10. Smell of cooking is unpleasant
11. Tables too close together, always knocking into people
12. Why isn't there a salad bar?
13. Not enough time to get meal and eat it in comfort
14. Coffee is weak
15. Not enough vegetarian choices
16. People stay and gossip over coffee
17. The curtains are dirty
18. The staff wear stained uniforms
19. Menu should have more low-cal items
20. You have to line up even if you only want coffee
21. Isn't it possible to have some Asian dishes on the menu?
22. The menu never changes
23. Prices are too expensive.
24. Nowhere to sit back and relax
25. The staff is rude
26. The clock is slow
27. I found a beetle in my vegetable soup
28. The hours of the cafeteria should be extended
29. Must the walls be such a dismal colour?
30. The waitress section gets special treatment; everyone should order at the counter

Labels: lists