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

There wasn't an Internet for the masses until the early 90's. I worked back in the Persian Gulf at the time. So, I really only witnessed the beginning of country-wide Internet blocking. I've stated my opinions on the subject in the past.

So, I don't know whether it's that experience or my natural Robinhood tendencies but I am very intreagued by the following organization and software. Click the text image to go the website. I've already downloaded it. It's running. If you're in China, Iran, or the Gulf and want to use me to see the whole Internet, just send an email note!

Labels: Internet

The digital devices around the house now show December. On them the change was very uneventful. A silent change of a few digits on an LCD display can easily slip by unnoticed. Manually flipping a real piece of paper on a wall calendar is immensely more satisfying. It makes the passing of time seem somehow more real.

Part of the fun of a paper calendar may be moving to a new picture. In the bathroom there's now, not surprisingly, a covered bridge. The kitchen wall now sports a new photo of an Italian Christmas Beef Ragout. For another thirty days I get a chance to become accustomed to these. It will then be time to chuck them and hang something completely new on those walls.

Not quite related, I want to share a link to one of my photos. When photos are allowed to run around cyberspace, there's no telling where they may end up. And no, I'm not talking about Britney's latest. I scanned some pictures from my Kuwait days. They have been well-received there. The following page prompted some folks to visit this blog: www.hilaliya.com. Reading the text made me feel old and wise.

Labels: feelings, technology

In a few hours the property owners of my building are invited to the Annual General Meeting. I should be happy that I have the opportunity to make decisions regarding the property. Strangely, going to the AGM is not tops on the list of things I'd like to do this evening. This has got me thinking about democracy and politics in general.

The Strata Council does an important job. I need to offer sincere thanks to them for their efforts. I have no desire to serve in such a capacity though. In general, it's people like me whom we should blame when we're upset with governance at a local or national level.

I should see the need for civic duty but I cannot help but think that most people who get involved in government are either foolish, on a power trip, or out to feather their own bed. These ideas are constantly reinforced by the media. Therefore, it's a chicken egg situation: People see participation as evil and thus disengage from the system. This in turn leads to less desirable candidates who serve to exaggerate an already vicious circle.

Labels: government

In yesterday's entry, I was waxing poetic about the beauty of snow. Now, a mere 24 hours later, I've changed my tune. Frozen precipitation is falling again. I rushed home from BCIT after my class as the roads were getting slippery. We aren't prepared for this here and there isn't adequate equipment to take care of the winter roads.

I realize how after ten years I've become a real Vancouverite. The white stuff now annoys me and I am longing for a nice, warm winter rainstorm. Everything has been thrown for a loop because of the unusual weather. If we have to reschedule more classes because of future road conditions, I will scream.

Labels: BCIT, complaints, weather

Rather than adding an entry to this blog, I should be out walking around. Even though the cold snap is forecast to remain for the week, I know that the fresh snow will, fairly soon, melt away.

Driving into campus this morning was wonderful. Instead of feeling stress, I was in awe of the scenery. The snow was still covering all the trees. I generally head to BCIT via Canada Way; however, when I looked ahead it appeared very crowded. I turned down Tenth Avenue to Kingsway. The traffic was moving fairly slowly with only a few jerks speeding past and ignoring the icy conditions.

When I turned at the Safeway, I knew that the panoramic scene from the top of Royal Oak would be stunning and the view surely lived up to my expectations. The sky was clear and sun was out. The mountains were all covered in white. Now, I truly know what is meant when people day, "It nearly took my breath away." I'm pretty butch but it was so beautiful I could feel tears welling up ...

Labels: weather

The rest of Canada has a bit of a humourous perception of Vancouver. Many think the west coast is inhabited by flower children who eat mostly tofu, spend a lot of time meditating, and do a bit too much weed.

This laid back attitude cannot be erased easily. In fact, it might be further reinforced by events today. There was a storm that turned to snow this weekend. Between 5 and 15 cms of the white stuff fell.

Today, all schools are closed. This is a bit of trouble for my class at BCIT. As we'll miss this morning's class, it'll be necessary to somehow 'make up' four hours of missing instruction. This week was already going to be a long week with the final examination scheduled for Friday.

Six inches of snow can close almost all of this city and throw the transportation system into a tizzy. No wonder why people from eastern Canada sometimes giggle at us.

Labels: BCIT, weather

This is just a quick note. Now, my Telus DSL is down and it has been since I got up. I am able to get online via my laptop and a neighbour with an unsecured, wireless connection. They must have Shaw via cable.



It's wonderfully white outside at the present time. Not only is it unique for us to have any lasting snowfall, it's doubley odd to see it occurring in November. Uptown New Westminster probably has more. Down here, near the Fraser River, it's often more likely to be rain. I love the weather. Change is exciting. Life really is all about change, isn't it?

Labels: New Westminster