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

I used to think that only old people say time flies.

Today, rather than be creative and verbose, I just wanted to think about how many Novembers we've been in Canada. And honestly, they seem to have zoomed by. In order to prove how time flies, I went looking for a photo showing something from a previous November.



I settled on this picture taken in Québec City in November of 1998. We'd been in Canada over two years at that point and somehow ended up with some time off. The photo was taken at the Plains of Abraham which are very important in Canadian history.

Labels: Canada, places

If brain power created a smell, the odour in the room would be strong right now. My students are currently writing their midterm exams.



This class was scheduled in a new computer lab in NE 1. At first I was nervous that the configuration wouldn't work well. I teach Communications and one of the most important aspects of my classes is group work. For twenty-five years, I've been arranging my desks into groups of four. Nearly all my tasks involve reading and discussion. I initially thought the rigid arrangement of the lab tables would force me to alter my methodology.

Fortunately, this lab is part of BCIT's tek (technology-enabled knowledge) initiative. The flat screen monitors can be easily arranged to allow for different class configurations. A ceiling-mounted, LCD projector and standard wall screen are easily accessed from the main console. After just two weeks, I cannot imagine going back to a 'normal' classroom.

From my teacher's console, I can show my daily schedule and other documents directly in MS Word format. I no longer need to photocopy onto transparencies.

I use the whiteboard much less. For example, I can simply write homework assignments on our class page at the institute's web portal.

When a question comes up in class, we can search for the answers instantly. In yesterday's class, we verified that the global population is around 6.5 billion.

Also, I can even pop a DVD into the drive, so I don't have to push an awkward portable TV cart to each lesson. This will encourage me to use video clips in addition to written materials.

I used to dream of the day when students had their own computers in an ordinary classroom. The day has arrived although it sneaked up on me. Today, the students are writing out the midterm exams on paper. I can only wonder when I'll start accepting e-versions.

Labels: computer lab

It was forecast to arrive yesterday and it did so with a vengeance.

I was rather impressed by the winds which bent the trees and blew around small objects that weren't tied down. There are a number of storms every winter which blow in off the Pacific. I'm used to rain and grey skies. Consequently, I shouldn't have been surprised by the situation.

Still, it was a substantial weather system. It blew out the gas fireplace. It created impassible roads. Trees were toppled. Although it stayed on here, power was lost to many households. I could see the windows slightly bend in the gusts.

As I was in all afternoon, I quite enjoyed it.

Labels: weather

This is my blog and I will add whatever I wish.

I was too busy yesterday to spend much time considering what I'd enter here this morning. Do remember there are also days where I type in deep philosophical discussions. I can be both deep and very shallow.

Have I mentioned I am also quite wide?


This little rubber ball is between my fingers. It may be viewed on Flickr.

Labels: Flickr

Today, is Tuesday on the calendar but it'll be like a Monday in class. Our class meets on Mondays to Thursdays. Yet as yesterday was a holiday, we'll meet today through Friday.

I really enjoy the present group I'm teaching. They are clever, hard-working, and friendly. Even though I can say these things without reservation, it's still sad that the long weekend went by so quickly. I wouldn't have minded another day off!

I guess there's nothing unusual about feeling like this. After all, even when one loves it, work is still work!

Labels: BCIT, relaxing

We're not working today due to the fact that Canadian Remembrance Day was last Saturday. This is a rainy three day weekend, so this has turned out to be a good day to watch television. It's a good day to try getting used to the new TV. Do I really need to connect a television to my home network?

I suppose I don't have to make every single decision today. After all, the purchase of the Toshiba 42HL196 was quite long in coming.

First, the old TV died before our 5-week vacation. Then, there were a few weeks of necessary online research. The plastic finally hit the desk yesterday at Best Buy. I'm grateful they price matched a current flyer from Visions.

Of course an HD ready screen is not very impressive without an HD source. Even the HDMI output on the new DVD player cannot show detail that just isn't on a standard DVD. Unfortunately, the new Toshiba player appears to be very finicky about the type of discs it'll accept. I can foresee there'll be additional expenses in the future; for example, a HD satellite receiver with a hard disc is now manditory!

We'd been staring at a temporary set of a mere 19 inches for a number of weeks; therefore, it's a bit dazzling to have the new 42" wide-screen LCD in the small living room.

Labels: television

Thirty-six members have joined a Flickr group I started. This is a bit like building a tree house and inviting anyone to join the club. The members are people who like photography, know about Flickr, and have an interest in my town of New Westminster, British Columbia.



By clicking the screenshot above, you can enjoy over 400 photographs that have been submitted to the collection on The Royal City. If you're so inclined, you may join and contribute too!

Labels: Flickr, New Westminster