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

I have to admit, I only remembered Blazing Saddles (1974) from television. Yet since the last decade, Digital Video Discs have become the best invention since sliced bread. Even though it appears as 'the stars are aligning' for another Betamax/VHS-type competition for high-definition discs, the barn door's already been opened because of the type already available.



I had no idea who Mel Brooks really was, other than a vague concept that included the word, "humour". We did see the recent movie version of The Producers. That's merely a right-of-passage for those interested in show tunes. It was just yesterday, though, when I listened to Mel`s commentary track on the disc mentioned above. It's fantastic that one doesn't have to enroll in film school to learn from the pros nowadays.

It was also scary to learn how, 30+ years ago, the studios were so intent on making sure everything would play well in Peoria. Now the studios are intent on creating juvenile megapics. It just enforces my joy that this year's Oscars were a celebration for independent film.

My next task is to figure out Marlene Dietrich.

Labels: humour, movies

Yesterday, I went to court. Well, I should be more specific. I went into the New Westminster Law Courts (photo) to set a court date.

I was ticketed for a parking offense back in December. It seems I parked within 5 feet of a driveway. In this case it was the one in the front of this building. It's strange because I've parked in the same spot many times during the last 8 years! This day, however, the city decided I should pay $40 for the privilege.

I called the day I found a ticket on my windshield and said that I contested it. There are no lines to indicate where parking is allowed and I certainly was not blocking anyone. I was told I'd be contacted in January as some people were on vacation. Eventually, I was contacted but it was a violation notice that said I'd not paid nor contested and that now I owed them $70.

After calling again on the day I received the notice, there was no answer. I did leave a message. A few weeks later I got my summons to set a court date. I could, in Her Majesty's name, go anytime before March 13th to do this. I did it yesterday.

I'll appear there again on May 2nd at 9:30 am.

Labels: New Westminster

If my eJournal and images is a scrapbook, then today, I'm just going back to paste in some new memorabilia from events which occurred five years back. On several occasions, I've mentioned this topic here. Pardon my repetition.



In the entry from yesterday, I mentioned my preference for owning cheap transportation and having copious amount of free time, rather than possessing the keys to an expensive automobile. I thought I should put my entry where my mouth is.

In this photo Jay is standing at Cape Spear, Newfoundland. It was taken in the middle of our ultimate, Canadian road trip. In June and July of 2001, we headed east until we couldn't any more. Then, we turned around and headed back to Vancouver although we were actually 1,200 kilometers closer to England than home.

Labels: Canada, places, road trip

On more than one occasion, I've criticized a person for working too hard. I've met people who define themselves through their employment. These people focus so intently on one aspect of their lives that they often miss other important areas. Earning money is a necessity. Yet if the pursuit of it overshadows the small pleasures of life then adjustments should be made. For example, an expensive car is pretty useless if it sits in the parking lot so its owner can work overtime to pay for it. I'd rather have a basic model and have the time to use it for road trips!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not lazy and I do believe work has its place. It can expand avenues of expression and understanding. I teach because I cannot think of a better way to earn money. When I'm playing traffic cop for the control of the language and activities in my classroom, it can be an extraordinarily satisfying experience. When a class goes well, I feel as a symphony conductor must. I have to admit though, this week the music that's being played feels a bit off key and out of synch.

Labels: relaxing

I have to admit, I'm really milking my briefcase malfunction for blogging fodder. I went to work with Jay's briefcase today. It's the same vintage of my now-broken one. So, I did need to completely clear out my ex-case.

Last week I scanned several artifacts I discovered inside it. Yesterday, I found new things that I've been carrying around for a decade. This is the Arabic side of my business card from the Higher Colleges of Technology in the United Arab Emirates.



The other side is in English and mentions I specifically worked at Dubai Men's College. It also mentions that I was a member of the Faculty of Academic Studies. Along the bottom is the address and telephone/fax numbers.

Labels: briefcase, Dubai

I thought I'd be able to blog about buying a replacement attache for work. Unfortunately, I couldn't find quite what I wanted. It seems I'm a dying species. I'm not looking for a soft, notebook-computer-type case. I don't want wheels. Think film-noir; I just want a briefcase!

In my futile SkyTrain hop to Metrotown Mall yesterday afternoon, I couldn't find anything. I was going to bite the bullet and actually make a purchase at The Bay had they had something I liked. No dice.

What this blog entry is really about is a comment about how crowded the mall was in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday. If you'd seen the hordes you would've thought it was the run-up to Christmas. What a shallow existence! Nothing better to do then run shopping? I'd suggest these people look for hobbies or volunteer work. Or perhaps do something OUTDOORS!

Labels: briefcase

This guy was among the very first I met face-to-face outside of a zoo. The camel was on display in Kuwait in 1981.



This type of camel lives around 25 years but some have been know to reach fifty years old. I don't know how old this one was when I took the photo. I suppose it's possible he's still alive; however, there's been a war or two in the intervening years as well.

Labels: Kuwait