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

In 1867, the British Parliament passed the British North America Act. In effect that legislation created the Canadian confederation. On July 1st the following year, the Governor General signed a proclamation celebrating the formation. The name Dominion Day was established by statue in 1879 and stayed in effect until 1982. It was at that time the holiday became known as Canada Day.

Labels: Canada, Canada Day

Think of something you've done every day for the last year. There are probably many things which you've repeated at least once every twenty-four hours since July 1, 2005. As well as brush my teeth, I've taken a special set of 365 daily photos over the past year.

In order to encourage me to constantly carry a camera, I set a goal to keep 'My Daily Picture Parade' up to date. I've been uploading something I've seen through the viewfinder from last summer. The Flickr titles indicate the exact date. For example, 2005_07_01 was the first of the series.

Reviewing the collection recounts my life during this time. For example, there are picture from our trips. Journeys to Oregon, Europe, San Diego, and Washington State are represented. Pictures of visitors, holidays, and meals appear in the set. Work at BCIT is featured in the collection. There are other, more ordinary, glimpses too. To see the set, in reverse order, work through these pages. (When your pointer hovers over the photo, the date will appear.)

Labels: Daily Picture Parade, Flickr

As I was driving into work yesterday I noticed how beautiful this area is. It didn't only happen once. Several times on the 20 minute drive into Burnaby I drank in the great views. This week, the sky has been that deep, surreal blue that can happen when a high-pressure system parks itself overhead. The mountain were as clear as a bell and snow's still clinging to the peaks. All the summer vegetation is developed, green, and lush. This wasn't just because I happened to be in a good mood. The day was so impressive that traffic seemed a lot less rushed. Others must have been harbouring similar thoughts.

I wondered in how many places long-time residents were taken back by the sheer beauty. It's so easy to get used to one's environment and ignore it. I questioned why this doesn't happen ... here ... to me.

Labels: driving, Vancouver

If a carpenter doesn't have his tools, he can't work. If a pianist isn't near a piano, he cannot play. Should a fisherman run out of bait, he'll temporarily stop practicing his livelihood.

Yesterday, I had nearly no voice. My throat actually felt better than on prior days; it's just that no sounds came out when I tried to speak. I wondered if I should cancel class. We do lots of group work in the communication courses, so it's not as if I stand and talk for four straight hours.



Somehow the hours passed. It was very hard to introduce new material. I could whisper at each table as the groups were working on activities. I had to change the methods I use for the particular materials. I must admit everything went much better than I would've expected. My students were very cooperative and I'm pleased with their performance. I hope I get to tell them soon!

For many years I've used MS Money to track expenses and record personal financial data. I probably don't make use of a majority of the available options. For example, I've never set up a budget with the program although it tries very hard to create one by combing through my past expenses. I do like the quick little reports that it can generate. The very first time I viewed who got my money I was shocked. I had the impression that being a good capitalist meant I shopped around and used cash as my vote in the marketplace. Then, I viewed the report to see who got my money. Most all of my expenses were made at fewer than a dozen places. Although there are literally thousands of local businesses that will take my money, I get rid of most of it at very few establishments.

I guess that shouldn't have been so hard to believe. Similar examples of ignoring variety occur daily. To underline this point, there are millions and millions of websites. I could potentially view information kept at public and private concerns in most countries around the globe. Yet, on an average day, I probably venture to less than a dozen websites. Moreover, I usually spend my Internet time hanging around the same old places.

Labels: money

On June 26, 1996 a Cathay Pacific flight landed at the Vancouver International Airport. We exited that plane, went through customs, and took a taxi to a hotel address that was scribbled on slip of paper. Prior to leaving Dubai, we'd called to make reservations at the Patricia Hotel on East Hastings Street. Little did we know that it's the worst postal code in Canada. From a third floor window, we could watch hookers high on drugs stagger by in high heels. Drug addicts and alcoholics slept in doorways. The streets and alleys were dirty but we never felt in any sort of danger. It was most certainly an interesting neighbourhood as an introduction to our new home. We had a great deal of luggage although shipping cargo was enroute. We had no real idea of the region, where we'd end up taking up residence, or what we'd do for a living.

It's been all uphill from there.

Today, I cannot believe that we've been in Canada for ten years and are now long-time, Canadian citizens!

Labels: Dubai

The goldfish cost a mere tuppence to own. They require a little time and effort. In addition, their water must be frequently changed. Lastly, if real fish aren't fed, they get bothered, then ill, and would eventually die.

On the other hand, the fish on the monitor doesn't cost a penny to maintain. It requires a little time and effort as well. Yet, its water never has to be changed. If a virtual fish isn't fed, it also gets bothered, then ill, and would eventually die.

Do you want to own a free computer MOPyFish? You won't even have to get out of your chair.

Labels: Hardware