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

The sun set last night at 8:23 pm. Yikes, that means we're sliding out of summer. I do have to admit, out here on the coast, we have had a great one. Moreover, it seems as if the current high pressure system is going to hang around for at least ten days. I still love the fact, at this time of year, it can be 27C (80F) during the day but bottoms out at about 12C (53F) at night. That is damned close to perfection!

There's another way I know we're approaching the end of August. The Pacific National Exhibition, known as the PNE and pronounced as pea-knee, starts this weekend. It's a typical North American country fair type experience that has morphed from agricultural roots to more technological and urban events. It's had a lot of time to adjust during the past nine and a half decades.

For a while, during the time we've been here, the Exhibition's future was in question. In 2004, the province abandoned its sponsorship. During the period surrounding the transition, there were constant rumours involving a change of location. Now, however, the city of Vancouver has ensured the continuation of the PNE at the historic park location.

It's been a few years since we've been. Thankfully, Jay now works a normal Monday to Friday schedule. I think we'll visit this weekend. I want to visit for the Superdogs show as well as the mini doughnuts.

Labels: pig

Recently, I've had extra time to call my own. I also have been thinking about our upcoming return to the island once called Ceylon. These facts, plus my access to a Flickr account, mean I've scanned more old photos for posterity and inclusion in my eJournal and images.

Labels: Flickr

True to this morning's entry, I'm sitting on the balcony sipping a glass of red wine. Well, actually the glass is on the table and my computer is in my lap. It's now four o'clock in the afternoon. The wind is surprisingly nippy but I'm still quite comfortable in a t-shirt.

I've been watching the gulls a lot. The youngsters which I blogged about in the past, have now made it off the roof of the Met Hotel. Two flew down to the building on my left and one to the right. They are not very skilled at flight yet. Well, the flying is okay; it's just the landing that poses a bit of a problem. The offspring remain grey. The parents still spend a great deal of time on the building with the nest. They haven't stopped functioning as watchful protectors as was just witnessed as they screech and divebomb unwelcomed guests of both the bird and human variety.

The Fraser was open for salmon fishing yesterday, but it must've been a one-day event as no boats are to be seen today. I may have just witnessed the splash of a river otter though. They consider the runs as a prime time for a bit of easy-to-catch food.

The SkyTrain system is gearing up for rush hour with additional trains coming into service. Traffic on Columbia Street is picking up also. I do look forward to the spring when it'll have only two lanes of traffic rather than the current four.

I could go on and on .. . but then I'd miss the view. Although my notebook's wallpaper carries the exact same scene, it's nicer to see the real one. Oh, and my glass is empty ...

Labels: balcony

I love my balcony. I love sitting there. I love thinking about stuff while I watch the river.

Being on the balcony reminds me in a small way of the old, front porches on New England houses. When I was growing up, there were always people in the neighbourhood who'd just sit out on the porch and while away summer evenings. It's a whole attitude that is very unplugged. People weren't wearing iPods or answering email on laptops. People'd just sit and relax. It's a trait that seems many are missing nowadays. Whole segments of the population cannot turn off the cell phone, switch off their gadgets, and simply take it easy.

I feel sorry for people without balconies or front porches.

Labels: balcony

Two years ago, we were able to travel to just about all parts of the island because of a ceasefire. During next month's trip to Sri Lanka we have no intention of revisiting Jaffna, Trincomali, or Batticaloa. Yet, it looks like things are heating up with bombs again exploding in Colombo.

Staying on a war footing seems like such tremendously futile effort. After nearly two and a half decades, you'd think all the parties would understand the situation cannot be improved by a resumption of violence. There must be a reason the problems haven't been solved.

It might be because there are many who benefit by continuing a war. They are the ones positioned to lose a lot if peace breaks out. Arms are costly and selling them lucrative. For continued development of an up-to-date arsenal, it's necessary to constantly clear out old munitions. Additionally, leaders can hide all sorts of evils behind the mask of a war effort. In fact, some rulers legitimacy depends on the struggle itself. More importantly, power brokers have far less to answer for when constant war occupies citizens' minds.



Lest you think I writing about problems that can only occur in tiny, relatively poor nations, stop and ask how many years the United States has been in a state of war during these same 25 years?

If you visit this blog somewhat frequently, you know that I have a propensity to mix current entries with bits of my past. I know I'll never write an autobiography, at least in a traditional form. Over the long term, if I keep this up, all the things I could possibly say will probably spill out here.

I placed my archive CD was in a drive. I usually gravitate to the older sub-folders. This time, however, I chose something from Vancouver. I noticed a MS Write document written in August of the year of our arrival. I had used an internal fax modem to get it to its destination.

The original was typed a whole decade ago so very few of the details are still accurate.

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#903 838 Agnes Street
New Westminster, BC V3M 6R3

Telephone: (604) 524-6197
Internet Email: dhurd@intergate.bc.ca

August 11, 1996

Director, Human Resources
Pitman Business College
Fax: 685-9879

Dear sir/madam,

I have recently arrived in the Vancouver area. For the previous fifteen years, I have been involved in extensive ESL teaching in the Persian Gulf. My most recent five years have been spent with the Higher Colleges of Technology in the United Arab Emirates. This is a trend-setting, post educational institution and it was very professionally rewarding to work there.

Now, I would like to be considered for employment with Pitman. I feel that my experiences will integrate well with your objectives. I am an excellent teacher in a classroom environment. My prior involvement with computer instruction, as well as, experience in creating and implementing teaching materials will be an asset for your institution.

Please feel free to take a look at the web version of my resume. It utilises browser frames and is available at http://intergate.bc.ca/personal/dhurd/. Additionally, I would like to forward letters of reference or other materials that will give you a better idea of my qualifications. I look forward to setting up an appointment so we may discuss how I can best contribute to the goals of Pitman Business College.

Respectfully,

Dennis S. Hurd

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PS. By the way, I did get a job after faxing this document and worked at Pitman for a year. I devised and taught a program for non-immigrant ESL students on visitor visas. Now, the school has been sold off and functions as Pitman Community College.

Labels: blogging, file archives

Is there much difference between a habit and a compulsion?

On most days, I easily think of something to put in this little box on www.blogger.com. I'm usually witty, clever, or instructional. After all, there's no law that specifies a minimum length. If a photo is added then a single sentence or two can suffice.

I am not sure why it seems harder today. In a few short weeks, I'll have done this act daily for three years! Maybe that is exactly why I'm finding it tough.

I haven't run out of witty, clever, or instructional things to say, have I?

You know, there are many things I absolutely love to hate. I was hoping that I would really hate Paris Hilton's new music video. Unfortunately, I can't say as I do. Damn it. I abhor the idea of manufacturing popularity by spending inheritance but I must admit to rather liking the music.

Labels: music