"I feel I'm incredibly fascinating and this blog bears witness to that simple fact. Friends, from far and wide, are often pestered to keep abreast of my life and opinions. I offer my most sincere greetings to random visitors as well."
- 49 12.284N 122 54.408W
- New Westminster,
- British Columbia, CANADA
The Blog Vault
More Web Data
Getting in Touch
- Comments (Web Form)
- Comments (via E-Mail)
- Phone: 604.524.6197
- Cell: 778.235.6668
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
A White Christmas
Dreaming not required. Batteries not included.
Labels: balcony, Christmas, Fraser River, YouTube
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Original Skid Row
Although there are five free days for the Christmas break, we've still not decided on anything specific. I guess this is one time when there are not any last minute deals available. At least, I can't seem to find any three or four day get-aways selling for a song on the Internet nor in the local newspaper. On the contrary, it seems as though suckers who don't book early have to pay through the nose.
Of course, we could simply drive somewhere close. Hotels are seldom busy as business travel has ceased and many folks are staying with family even if they are travelling. I can remember going to the nearly frozen Okanagan one Christmas. On others we went to visit friends or jumped on a ferry for Victoria. It's only Wednesday, so there are still a couple of days to make a final decision.
It may even be fun just to slide down to Seattle for a few nights. Discounting the wait at the border, it's only a leisurely three hour trip. If one's willing to stay cheap, it's possible to find, because of the season, a hotel within walking distance to downtown for only $60 per night. In order to see the city where the term skid row was coined, I fired up Google Earth. I was first awed by the program in October 2005 and since then it's continued to grow and develop. It doesn't often get the press it deserves but for those of us who like geography it's truly a miracle.
Of course, we could simply drive somewhere close. Hotels are seldom busy as business travel has ceased and many folks are staying with family even if they are travelling. I can remember going to the nearly frozen Okanagan one Christmas. On others we went to visit friends or jumped on a ferry for Victoria. It's only Wednesday, so there are still a couple of days to make a final decision.
It may even be fun just to slide down to Seattle for a few nights. Discounting the wait at the border, it's only a leisurely three hour trip. If one's willing to stay cheap, it's possible to find, because of the season, a hotel within walking distance to downtown for only $60 per night. In order to see the city where the term skid row was coined, I fired up Google Earth. I was first awed by the program in October 2005 and since then it's continued to grow and develop. It doesn't often get the press it deserves but for those of us who like geography it's truly a miracle.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Dear Santa ...
It just might be due to the season that's approaching. Although, I'd be loathe to admit it; perhaps, I really am affected by the end-of-year buying frenzy. Many products are positioned for sale at the year's end. Furthermore, I generally discover in December, after my charitable donations and forced savings, that I've got some extra cash in my pocket. 
These two forces have the power to unite in a dangerous combination. The final catalyst added is the ease and power of the Internet.
My morning started when I received my email from www.ncix.com and discovered a camera I like is on sale. Perhaps the SP-560UZ would make a nice replacement camera. After all, my present camera is two years old. I spent hours reading reviews and doing comparisons.
Then, in the afternoon, I spent time researching to see if the Blu-ray or HD-DVD camp is winning the battle for the chance to connect to my TV. With the Canadian dollar at around a US dollar, web site comparisons are simple. A trip to Bellingham, Washington would be quick and easy. The power of Wal-mart and its sub-$200 HD player and the deals on Toshiba models at Circuit City may tip the balance in favour of the HD-DVD format. If there was no format war raging, high-definition disc adoption would be substantially greater.
I did a lot of planning today but no actual buying.
These two forces have the power to unite in a dangerous combination. The final catalyst added is the ease and power of the Internet.My morning started when I received my email from www.ncix.com and discovered a camera I like is on sale. Perhaps the SP-560UZ would make a nice replacement camera. After all, my present camera is two years old. I spent hours reading reviews and doing comparisons.
Then, in the afternoon, I spent time researching to see if the Blu-ray or HD-DVD camp is winning the battle for the chance to connect to my TV. With the Canadian dollar at around a US dollar, web site comparisons are simple. A trip to Bellingham, Washington would be quick and easy. The power of Wal-mart and its sub-$200 HD player and the deals on Toshiba models at Circuit City may tip the balance in favour of the HD-DVD format. If there was no format war raging, high-definition disc adoption would be substantially greater.
I did a lot of planning today but no actual buying.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas and Shame on ABC
I offer best wishes to all visitors.
You have to forgive me a bit though as I'm nearly physically sick as I'm watching the Disney Parade on ABC. I really should have turned to a TV station with only a burning yule log. Yet, I recorded this 2-hour Christmas-morning special from a Boston network feed. I find it's sort of like a horrible car wreck; no matter how awful, it's just impossible to look away.
I am old enough to no longer believe in Santa Claus. I'm also aware that this "Christian holiday" really has never been. As stated in the blog in the past, December 25th was merely an attempt by the church to usurp end-of-year pagan rituals.
Even bearing this in mind, I have to admit this shameless Disney promotional video is more than a bit embarrassing. Old Walt knew the importance of commercial success, yet by what I know, he also had real beliefs and principles. Today's parade and activities broadcast from FL and CA seemed shockingly soul-less. This manufactured advertising that masqueraded as entertainment exposed ugly new lows in our media and American culture.
You have to forgive me a bit though as I'm nearly physically sick as I'm watching the Disney Parade on ABC. I really should have turned to a TV station with only a burning yule log. Yet, I recorded this 2-hour Christmas-morning special from a Boston network feed. I find it's sort of like a horrible car wreck; no matter how awful, it's just impossible to look away.I am old enough to no longer believe in Santa Claus. I'm also aware that this "Christian holiday" really has never been. As stated in the blog in the past, December 25th was merely an attempt by the church to usurp end-of-year pagan rituals.
Even bearing this in mind, I have to admit this shameless Disney promotional video is more than a bit embarrassing. Old Walt knew the importance of commercial success, yet by what I know, he also had real beliefs and principles. Today's parade and activities broadcast from FL and CA seemed shockingly soul-less. This manufactured advertising that masqueraded as entertainment exposed ugly new lows in our media and American culture.
Labels: Christmas
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Mad Hatter
This old Kodak instant picture was very scratched. My mother's handwriting indicated it was the Christmas of 1978. I honestly doubt that the knit hat returned to college with me.
Labels: Christmas, New Hampshire
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Go Tell It on the Mountain ...
I really don't think my generation does Christmas cards with such dedication as folks my parents' age. I have never maintained a large list for a yearly mailing. Even during pre-Internet holiday seasons, I never bought large quantities of cards, stamps, and envelopes. I suppose this behaviour could've simply been my own.
After all, I was overseas for many years right after college. I recall festive cards being banned in Saudi because of their significance in a Christian holiday. People of faiths other than Islam cannot practice their religions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Given the regime's lack of respect for human rights, I will leave it to your imagination to decide why many Western governments count that dictatorship as a friend in the Middle East.
This year I didn't even send a typical mixed CD to the few friends. This was a small habit for a few years. I guess I'll offer a tiny e-version of greetings to everyone who stumbles across these words. The photo was taken during an unusally early snow. It's the Holy Trinity Church right next door. Simply click the thumbnail in this entry and make sure your computer speakers are on.
After all, I was overseas for many years right after college. I recall festive cards being banned in Saudi because of their significance in a Christian holiday. People of faiths other than Islam cannot practice their religions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Given the regime's lack of respect for human rights, I will leave it to your imagination to decide why many Western governments count that dictatorship as a friend in the Middle East.This year I didn't even send a typical mixed CD to the few friends. This was a small habit for a few years. I guess I'll offer a tiny e-version of greetings to everyone who stumbles across these words. The photo was taken during an unusally early snow. It's the Holy Trinity Church right next door. Simply click the thumbnail in this entry and make sure your computer speakers are on.
Labels: Christmas, opinions, Saudi Arabia
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Dealing with a Decade
I got a nice email from the UAE yesterday. It was a surprise as it was a name from long ago. It was connected with the computer bulletin board system that I initiated at Dubai Men's College of the Higher Colleges of Technology. I helped nurture modem-use in the country before the Internet had arrived.
Mr Dennis:It is very nice to know that one's actions are remembered and appreciated. The thing that is scary though is how quickly time passes. (I used to hear old people say that.) We left Dubai ten years ago this year. In some ways it seems like yesterday, but after seeing what present-day college students looked like at the Christmas of 1996 ...
Hi! How've you been? It's been a long time. Do you remember me eh? You're the SysOp and I was the user! LOL The Electronic Forum BBS! You'd let me create a forum exclusively for English Language! We used to exchange mails even after you've left Dubai. But then we lost touch. I Yahoo-ed you today! That's how I got your email address again. I didn't forget your name. I wrote it in my very first homepage -- couple of years back. You used to inspire me. Still do very much. I miss you.
Sincerely,
Maqsood
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
All I Want(ed) For Christmas
I'm a little late in getting this posted. I did want to encode this television advertisement from Telus.Telus is now the default local telephone company here. Great changes continue in the telecommunications industry. When we first applied for a phone line, we dealt with BC Tel. That company merged with Alberta Tel to create the newer company. Of course now there's tons of competition for local service, not to mention mobile, long-distance, and broadband Internet.
I didn't research to see who's doing the ads for Telus, but what a brilliant scheme! For a few years the company has been promoting itself with animals. Add out-of-date music with low residuals and they've got the perfect campaign. Animals are cheap, cute, and very memorable.
(Click the hippo, in order to load a 28-second Christmas spot that had everybody humming.)
Labels: Christmas, television
Monday, December 26, 2005
A Boxing-Day Queue?
In Canada, today is Boxing Day. It's the ultimate, post-Christmas, sales extravaganza. So successful in fact, it has changed people's gift-buying habits. Many Canadians hold off their purchases until the sales start.
However, due to the fact there's nothing that we really want that we haven't already purchased, we will not be waiting in queue for a store to open. Rather, we've decided to take a trip over to the Island.
We should be onboard the 10:00 Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay run. For a bit more adventure, we're not driving over this time. For the first time, we will discover if it's easy to connect up using public transit. If you happen by this blog before our departure time, you'll be able to see how many vehicles are waiting in this live webcam. (Just reload your screen to update.)
We'll stay for one night and should be back by Tuesday evening. Perhaps, I'll leave my notebook computer at home this time. I can write the entry for that day after we get back.
However, due to the fact there's nothing that we really want that we haven't already purchased, we will not be waiting in queue for a store to open. Rather, we've decided to take a trip over to the Island.We should be onboard the 10:00 Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay run. For a bit more adventure, we're not driving over this time. For the first time, we will discover if it's easy to connect up using public transit. If you happen by this blog before our departure time, you'll be able to see how many vehicles are waiting in this live webcam. (Just reload your screen to update.)
We'll stay for one night and should be back by Tuesday evening. Perhaps, I'll leave my notebook computer at home this time. I can write the entry for that day after we get back.
Labels: BC Ferries, Christmas, Vancouver Island, webcam
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Coal Again ... Even Then?
Friday, December 23, 2005
Origins
There's a big sign on a local church that suggests we put Christ back in Christmas. First, maybe we could take a little look into its history and origins. Unfortunately, the Bible doesn't mention a date for Jesus's birth but spring would've been a more likely season. Shepherds generally wouldn't be out herding in the middle of winter.
Early Christians focused on Easter and did not celebrate the birth at all. Eventually, the church got around to creating Christmas in the fourth century. Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date
in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan winter festivals. If you can't beat 'em then join them. Although celebration of the Feast of the Nativity had reached Egypt by 432, the folks in Scandinavia weren't observing it until the eighth century. More recently, due to Puritan forces, celebrating Christmas was outlawed in England and some of the American colonies in the 17th century.
Yet, we have now instituted and accepted this as a Christian holiday. And frankly, I'm a bit tired of the politically-correct proclamation of Season's Greetings. In the local stores, I could only find cute winter decorations and Santa Claus ornaments. I vowed that if I ever saw a creche for sale that I'd buy it. I did, so I did.
Early Christians focused on Easter and did not celebrate the birth at all. Eventually, the church got around to creating Christmas in the fourth century. Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date
in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan winter festivals. If you can't beat 'em then join them. Although celebration of the Feast of the Nativity had reached Egypt by 432, the folks in Scandinavia weren't observing it until the eighth century. More recently, due to Puritan forces, celebrating Christmas was outlawed in England and some of the American colonies in the 17th century.Yet, we have now instituted and accepted this as a Christian holiday. And frankly, I'm a bit tired of the politically-correct proclamation of Season's Greetings. In the local stores, I could only find cute winter decorations and Santa Claus ornaments. I vowed that if I ever saw a creche for sale that I'd buy it. I did, so I did.
Labels: Christmas
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Deck the Halls
I'm adding a greater number of entries about Christmas than in the past two years of blogging. This is partly due to the fact I take many more digital photos than in the past. It took me a while to get to the point where I snap something every day and copy to Flickr. There are now over 1200 pictures available there. If you aren't marked as a friend or family member there will be slightly fewer.
Scenes worthy of an image are everywhere. This is our City Hall.
Scenes worthy of an image are everywhere. This is our City Hall.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Jingle Bells in the Desert
I just sent an email to a high school classmate whom I've only met a few times since graduation in 1977. I was mentioning how nice it is to be in Canada with the Christmas season approaching.Even when working in the Persian Gulf, I was always able to celebrate December 25th. In Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates people were always respectful of the holiday. The toughest place was Saudi Arabia. I heard rumours that Christian Filipinos were arrested and flogged for just selling Christmas cards. It's hard to know if this actually happened or if it was just one of many local urban myths. Most things don't make it into the newspapers so information via rumours is a way of life.
Public places, such as shopping malls, cannot put up decorations that show any other than the state religion in Saudi Arabia. Yet, much of expat life takes place in housing compounds where people reside. In the confines of these secret areas people can do just about whatever they desire.
Click the graphic to load a PDF copy of a publication that I made for a Christmas program when teaching at the Saudi Royal Navy in Dammam.
Labels: Christmas, Saudi Arabia
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Naughty or Nice?
I think that I've been nice this year. However I must admit, that's what I thought last year. In 2004 I was pretty disappointed in Santa when I got nothing from him. At least if he had left a lump of coal, 
I would have considered it an acknowledgement. I'm refusing to leave myself vulnerable this Christmas.
In fact, the other evening, I ordered myself a new camera from www.BestBuy.ca. I am now waiting for delivery. They had an additional 10% reduction on all digital camera prices for a customer appreciation sale. The thing was, I would've had to go to a Best Buy store between 6 and 9 pm last Sunday evening. As we were planning to hit a movie theatre, I was able to get the same deal online. Yet, waiting for the package to arrive from Mississauga is a bit irksome.
My current, trusty-little beast will turn four years old in January. The Olympus D-40 has been a great little camera. I've not really outgrown its 4.0 megapixels which were quite cutting-edge back when most cameras were around 2.1. Still, I am looking forward to leaping to 8.0 with the new camera. It is not unlike my present camera but will sport lots of updates and improvements. At least the device's menus should seem familiar. One reason I really wanted the SP-350 is because it takes two ordinary AA batteries. My present D-40 does too, so I've got a ton of rechargable NiMHs. I've been on vacations when it's hard to schedule a charge, but ordinary 'penlight' batteries work and are for sale everywhere!
I would have considered it an acknowledgement. I'm refusing to leave myself vulnerable this Christmas.In fact, the other evening, I ordered myself a new camera from www.BestBuy.ca. I am now waiting for delivery. They had an additional 10% reduction on all digital camera prices for a customer appreciation sale. The thing was, I would've had to go to a Best Buy store between 6 and 9 pm last Sunday evening. As we were planning to hit a movie theatre, I was able to get the same deal online. Yet, waiting for the package to arrive from Mississauga is a bit irksome.
My current, trusty-little beast will turn four years old in January. The Olympus D-40 has been a great little camera. I've not really outgrown its 4.0 megapixels which were quite cutting-edge back when most cameras were around 2.1. Still, I am looking forward to leaping to 8.0 with the new camera. It is not unlike my present camera but will sport lots of updates and improvements. At least the device's menus should seem familiar. One reason I really wanted the SP-350 is because it takes two ordinary AA batteries. My present D-40 does too, so I've got a ton of rechargable NiMHs. I've been on vacations when it's hard to schedule a charge, but ordinary 'penlight' batteries work and are for sale everywhere!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Got Your Goat, Yet?
Tragically, they lost most photos in a house fire. Yet Joel's found a few that were spared. He was able to send me this photo of Cedrick. My Christmas gift to them was a World Vision donation of a goat in their name.I'd suggest that it's not too late to think of someone else as the holidays approach. Their web site proposes that it is Canada's most meaningful gift catalogue. It is most assuredly available at your local World Vision site too.
Got your ducks, yet?
Labels: Christmas, World Vision
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Back By Popular Demand
It was here for 2003 only. Yet, people still search and arrive at the blog in anticipation. You know, I've always been one to bow to pressure.
Click the player to hear the 4:48-minute song by Bob and Doug McKenzie. It's a Canuk-inspired version of the 12-Days of Christmas. Oh, by the way, a toque has become the Canadian term for a knit, pull-over, winter stocking cap for one's head. (This Windows Media Player file requires a broadband connection.)
Click the player to hear the 4:48-minute song by Bob and Doug McKenzie. It's a Canuk-inspired version of the 12-Days of Christmas. Oh, by the way, a toque has become the Canadian term for a knit, pull-over, winter stocking cap for one's head. (This Windows Media Player file requires a broadband connection.)
Labels: Christmas
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Blog as Memory Dump
I got a Christmas card from Bret yesterday. It did remind me to get one out to him. Bret is an old friend. In fact, we lived a bicycle ride away in my hometown of Sunapee, NH. We attended all grades in a class with around 30 others. So, it is rather strange that we're still nearly neighbours. Bret and family live in Seattle. It'd be a long bike ride, but it doesn't take much time to get there driving down I-5.
Bret reads this blog sometimes. He synchs up daily with AvantGo. In his card, he mentioned something about me teaching English to the world via this venue. I must admit that task is my chosen career but it's entirely accidental if it occurs in this forum.
Exactly why have I been writing so religiously here for so long? I write my eJournal and images for personal reasons. I like being able to add a few ideas to this catalogue of Dennis. It's really not for others although I'd not be tempted to keep it up without the theoretically possibility of sharing with others. I am absolutely sure I'm so fantastic that even the most mundane aspects of my life are worthy of world-wide attention.
Bret reads this blog sometimes. He synchs up daily with AvantGo. In his card, he mentioned something about me teaching English to the world via this venue. I must admit that task is my chosen career but it's entirely accidental if it occurs in this forum.Exactly why have I been writing so religiously here for so long? I write my eJournal and images for personal reasons. I like being able to add a few ideas to this catalogue of Dennis. It's really not for others although I'd not be tempted to keep it up without the theoretically possibility of sharing with others. I am absolutely sure I'm so fantastic that even the most mundane aspects of my life are worthy of world-wide attention.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
More Practical Than 2 Turtle Doves
It's a bit early to worry about seasonal gifts. Actually, neither of us purchase presents for Christmas. I don't know how buying consumer products has ended up being connected with that day anyway. Yet, there is a way that you can pay for something that will benefit others.
I'm writing about this very early. I hope the many ideas presented, when you click the ducks, will give you some useful options for meeting this year's gift-giving needs. A card is sent that explains the donation. You can forward this to a recipient with Christmas greetings and everybody ends up a winner!
I'm writing about this very early. I hope the many ideas presented, when you click the ducks, will give you some useful options for meeting this year's gift-giving needs. A card is sent that explains the donation. You can forward this to a recipient with Christmas greetings and everybody ends up a winner!
Labels: Christmas
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Christmas with Party Hats
I often get people surfing by and saying hello. Sometimes they did a search and came across a phrase that was included in the blog text. Recently people have been coming in through image searches too.
This may have been an Italian restaurant. The one I'm thinking of was across from a hotel near the airport. No, on second thought, I'm pretty sure this was at a hotel in Bur Dubai. As well, I should add complete names so all these smiling people will find the blog when looking themselves up during a search.
It was a Christmas lunch away from Dubai Men's College of the UAE Higher Colleges of Technology. Brits really make a party out Christmas. That said, I do notice Christmas crackers in local Canadian stores at that time of year.
I'm including this picture today as I recently heard from a colleague from Dubai days. Suzie, in the pink hat, is sitting at the far end of the table and I'm on this side of her. We'd not been in contact for a decade or so. I got an email out of the blue with a her new (to me) married name. Most startling, she was writing from Mississippi. I can only imagine what will happen to her formerly cute accent now!
This may have been an Italian restaurant. The one I'm thinking of was across from a hotel near the airport. No, on second thought, I'm pretty sure this was at a hotel in Bur Dubai. As well, I should add complete names so all these smiling people will find the blog when looking themselves up during a search.
It was a Christmas lunch away from Dubai Men's College of the UAE Higher Colleges of Technology. Brits really make a party out Christmas. That said, I do notice Christmas crackers in local Canadian stores at that time of year.
I'm including this picture today as I recently heard from a colleague from Dubai days. Suzie, in the pink hat, is sitting at the far end of the table and I'm on this side of her. We'd not been in contact for a decade or so. I got an email out of the blue with a her new (to me) married name. Most startling, she was writing from Mississippi. I can only imagine what will happen to her formerly cute accent now!
Monday, December 27, 2004
Gone
The scene below, which I photographed on October 10th, no longer exists. Sri Lanka's Arugam Bay was smashed by the massive, Asian tidal-wave that occurred on Christmas day (local time). As the news stories are released, the reported number of victims increases. We don't fear for Jay's relatives, but are unable to make a successful phone connection to the island.
The story seems more tragic to us as we'd also taken vacations in some of the other affected areas too. We've vacationed in the Maldives and visited Madras, India during a summer tour of that country. We also spent one summer travelling around Indonesia. On another occasion, we stayed in Phuket, Thailand. It seems to be taking a long time to collect information on the damage across south Asia.
The story seems more tragic to us as we'd also taken vacations in some of the other affected areas too. We've vacationed in the Maldives and visited Madras, India during a summer tour of that country. We also spent one summer travelling around Indonesia. On another occasion, we stayed in Phuket, Thailand. It seems to be taking a long time to collect information on the damage across south Asia.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
We Wish You a ...
Merry
Christmas!
If there's anyone on the planet still wishing for a Google Mail account, I'd be pleased to send an invitation as a gift. I've got a dozen, so just drop me a line with the request.
I thought this deserved a picture too. You've got to give 'em some sort of an award. While, some TV channels are showing reruns of silly kid's programs, CityTV has four complete hours of a burning log. During the 6:00 to 10:00 am log show, there's instrumental Christmas music too. Occasionally, a poker does come along and it stirs things up a bit. I really didn't need all four hours as a background to open my presents though.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Covering Your Grass
I don't own a snow shovel.
While watching the news last night, we saw people skidding all over the roads and camping in airport lounges. That was happening to the poor slobs who live back east. So, this is the time when Vancouverites get all puffed up and snotty about the fact they could've gone golfing.
The sun was bright during the morning of the 23rd. In the late afternoon, I brought along my camera when heading up to the library. Click the photo to see an enlarged copy. This is Tipperary Park near the New Westminster City Hall. In the past, this blog has had previous photos of my closest park.
Of course, there's a lot of snow if one wishes to drive 100 kilometers.
But right here next to the water ... well there's a 1 in 10 chance of having
snow on the ground on Christmas day, but it just ain't gonna happen this year.
Labels: camera, Christmas, flora and fauna, New Westminster, weather
Thursday, December 23, 2004
my eJournal eCard
I do not maintain a Christmas card list. It seems plain silly to have to visit a postal outlet in this day and age. Furthermore, in an apparent attempt to ensure that people give up on them completely, Canada Post is raising rates effective January 17.
Everything else seems to have an e-version, so why not Christmas cards? I will admit it's a bit difficult to hang this as part of the festive, yuletide decor.
Please click the small screen shot to load a new web page. This will act as this year's Christmas card. I took the background photo when we caught a bus to visit Calgary, AB last December. The snow on the Rocky Mountains is real, yet the falling flakes were added electronically. If you open the page, and are not running the Firefox browser, you'll discover what I mean.
P.S. Apologies are offered to those who generally receive our Christmas CD. I did cobble together some at the last minute but never sent them off.
Everything else seems to have an e-version, so why not Christmas cards? I will admit it's a bit difficult to hang this as part of the festive, yuletide decor.
Please click the small screen shot to load a new web page. This will act as this year's Christmas card. I took the background photo when we caught a bus to visit Calgary, AB last December. The snow on the Rocky Mountains is real, yet the falling flakes were added electronically. If you open the page, and are not running the Firefox browser, you'll discover what I mean.
P.S. Apologies are offered to those who generally receive our Christmas CD. I did cobble together some at the last minute but never sent them off.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
A Film's Worth
We figured it was an epic that demanded being seen in large format. As it's been out a while and there's always a slew of new releases during the Christmas break, it will probably soon slip away from screens at even the 21-cinema complexes. Therefore, we went to see Alexander yesterday afternoon. The film's ambitions might not have actually matched the results; however, it's worth seeing.
Speaking of worth: Alexander ran 173 minutes. If I get out my calculator . . . I can see that it cost just 6.33 cents per minute to view this movie. That's a good deal! Remember though, this was determined by same guy who decides which wine to buy by dividing alcohol-content by price.
Friday, December 10, 2004
By Popular Demand
Click the player to hear a 4:48-minute song by Bob and Doug McKenzie. It's a Canuk-inspired version of the 12-Days of Christmas. Oh, by the way, a tuque is the Canadian term for a knit, winter pull-over, stocking cap.
(This Windows Media Player file requires the minimum of a solid 56K modem connection.)
(This Windows Media Player file requires the minimum of a solid 56K modem connection.)
Labels: Christmas, Mediaplayer
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Slick Santa
At 4:00 pm yesterday, our annual Santa Claus Parade occurred on Columbia Street. Although it was just the 18th parade; it turns out to be the longest running Christmas parade in the Lower Mainland. This is the ninth December we've been in New Westminster and I believe it has rained for a majority of them. That fact simply makes the rain part of the holiday traditions here.
Labels: Christmas
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Hold Onto Your Seat
If you have the required theatre near you, go and see The Polar Express: An IMAX 3-D Experience. It ain't your traditional, claymation-type-Rudolph, Christmas flick.
Here is an earlier blog entry on the same topic.
Here is an earlier blog entry on the same topic.
Labels: Christmas
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Move Over, Brad.
"... Everyone enjoyed the movie, Polar Express. Our school had done the story as a play some years ago. I was a little bothered at one point when the characters broke into song, in what had not appeared to be a musical up top that point. The computer animation is definitely a new "best" and seeing humans animated so real was a bit disturbing. Last movie that I saw there was the Matrix. Canada will always be where I go to see breakthrough movie technology!"
- Joel Thomas
I will look forward to seeing that movie. Ebert talked about it perhaps becoming a 'Christmas-time classic'. Other critics have said it's a bit 'creepy' which is probably not the best adjective with which to market a Christmas movie. At what age group do you think it's aimed?
Oh, regarding earlier attempts at human animation, did you ever see Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within ? It's science fiction with a Japanese anime undercurrent. It is now over three years old, but I thought the characters were quite convincing even then.
In the future we'll be able to 'bring back' dead actors, or perhaps make 'a star' out of anybody. Hum .. would I be willing to pay extra bucks to see a movie where I had a leading role? My avatar is uploaded to the studio and a personalized print of the movie is sent back to me ... watch out Brad Pitt!
- Dennis Hurd
- Joel Thomas
I will look forward to seeing that movie. Ebert talked about it perhaps becoming a 'Christmas-time classic'. Other critics have said it's a bit 'creepy' which is probably not the best adjective with which to market a Christmas movie. At what age group do you think it's aimed?
Oh, regarding earlier attempts at human animation, did you ever see Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within ? It's science fiction with a Japanese anime undercurrent. It is now over three years old, but I thought the characters were quite convincing even then.
In the future we'll be able to 'bring back' dead actors, or perhaps make 'a star' out of anybody. Hum .. would I be willing to pay extra bucks to see a movie where I had a leading role? My avatar is uploaded to the studio and a personalized print of the movie is sent back to me ... watch out Brad Pitt!
- Dennis Hurd
Labels: Christmas, futurecast, Joel, movies, sci-fi
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Dressing for the Weather
One benefit of this blog is that a search for materials sometimes prompts me to find old photos to scan. If there was no need to fill an entry, they'd surely sit forever in my photo suitcase in the closet.
Right now, I'm not wearing a shirt because it's so hot. This year, Vancouver has had a very warm summer with lots of sunshine. Furthermore, in a couple of weeks, we're off to Sri Lanka and Singapore for several months. The temperatures in countries near the equator don't vary greatly. In Colombo, it seems to be exactly 32C (89F) every day!
Because this photo is such a contrast to the discussion of heat, I've included it. Here is Jay the first winter after arriving in Canada. We went down to the Lynne and Joel's house at the Pass for Christmas. There was a major blizzard, the Interstate highway was closed for three days, and we were stranded. However, we had fun zooming around on snowmobiles. Jay had seen and walked in snow when we once travelled to Turkey from the Middle East, but he'd never seen this much!
Sunday, February 29, 2004
How Much Does a Stamp Cost?
I just used Microsoft Word to type a personal letter! I cannot remember the last time that I wrote to someone on paper. I will pop the envelop in the mailbox tomorrow and it will zoom towards Washington DC at the speed of a postal worker.
I met Mr. Nick Williams when I worked in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. He introduced me to a type of archaeology: hunting for shards of ancient pottery. The letter is in response to his Christmas card. Am I late, or what?
I met Mr. Nick Williams when I worked in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. He introduced me to a type of archaeology: hunting for shards of ancient pottery. The letter is in response to his Christmas card. Am I late, or what?
Labels: Christmas, Saudi Arabia
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
A Lot of White
If it's going to happen .. the week between Christmas and New Year's is it! Thousands of people in the area feel like kids again today!
Labels: Christmas
Saturday, December 27, 2003
Moose on the Loose
Yesterday was the start of the real shopping season. Merchants have taught people to hold off on gift buying until after Christmas day. So, Boxing Day sales in Canada now generate larger crowds than the run up to the holiday.We're not much into the great, end-of-the-year, buying-spree extravaganza. Although I make most purchases whenever there's a need, I did want to venture out yesterday. The crowded Canadian Superstore was enough to send me scurrying right back to the apartment. I did succumb to one purchase though. It's something that will have to be packed away with the Christmas ornaments. They all must fit into one shoe box and this guy's going to make it difficult! He was CDN $4.94 only.
So, here's a 38-second Windows Media Video clip of my singing moose. I was sure that a video file would be better than a picture .. but had forgotten how tiny, fuzzy, and unclear net video must be in order to fit down a standard modem.
Labels: Christmas
Friday, December 26, 2003
We experience fairly warm and wet winters on the west coast. Statistically,
there's a one in ten chance that there might be snow on the ground on
Christmas day. It last occurred in 1998. This year, obviously, it didn't.
The picture was taken yesterday at the Rose Garden area of Queen's Park
in New Westminster.
Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Express Delivery to Balcony
CBC Television has a great line up of specials for the Christmas season. There are many holiday classics. It's a Wonderful Life was on again last night. (I mentioned that movie in my December 13th entry when it showed on NBC.) Of course, it is only black and white but it looked great over satellite and an S-video connection. There's something quite seductive about richly-restored b&w movie prints.
Yet, this points to my current problem. My television is now 10 years old! It travelled by ship from the other side of the globe when I left Dubai. It's a 27" Hitachi 'flat screen'. Being multi-system is now an unnecessary option as North America uses only NTSC. It works flawlessly, but 'I want more' as a local electronics chain advertises.
Dear Santa,
I'm sorry to make this request so late but I assume that your sleigh still has some extra room. Your elves do process last minute email requests, don't they? Please bring me a wide-screen, high-definition TV for Christmas. I've been a good boy and don't need a plasma, or even an LCD model. A simple new, projection 46" Hitachi will do nicely. The fireplace burns natural gas, so you should just drop off the set via my balcony window.
With anticipation,
Dennis Hurd
P.S. Also, please advise as to the beverage you'd like me to leave with tonight's cookies.
Yet, this points to my current problem. My television is now 10 years old! It travelled by ship from the other side of the globe when I left Dubai. It's a 27" Hitachi 'flat screen'. Being multi-system is now an unnecessary option as North America uses only NTSC. It works flawlessly, but 'I want more' as a local electronics chain advertises.
Dear Santa,
I'm sorry to make this request so late but I assume that your sleigh still has some extra room. Your elves do process last minute email requests, don't they? Please bring me a wide-screen, high-definition TV for Christmas. I've been a good boy and don't need a plasma, or even an LCD model. A simple new, projection 46" Hitachi will do nicely. The fireplace burns natural gas, so you should just drop off the set via my balcony window.
With anticipation,
Dennis Hurd
P.S. Also, please advise as to the beverage you'd like me to leave with tonight's cookies.
Labels: Christmas, humour, television
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Let It Snow
Okay, I seem to be getting completely into this Season's Greetings fixation.
View a Rocky Mountain Vista
So, click the link to view a photograph taken last week. It was from a Greyhound bus window somewhere near the Alberta / British Columbia border. It is best viewed at 1024 X 768. (The falling snow has been painstakingly added for dramatic effect!)
View a Rocky Mountain Vista
So, click the link to view a photograph taken last week. It was from a Greyhound bus window somewhere near the Alberta / British Columbia border. It is best viewed at 1024 X 768. (The falling snow has been painstakingly added for dramatic effect!)
Monday, December 22, 2003
Five ... Golden Tuques
Click the player to hear a 4:48-minute song by Bob and Doug McKenzie. It's a Canuk-inspired version of the 12-Days of Christmas. Oh, by the way, a toque has become the Canadian term for a knit, pull-over, winter stocking cap for one's head. (This Windows Media Player file requires the minimum of a solid 56K modem connection.)
Labels: Christmas, Mediaplayer
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Not a Creature Was Stirring? (2003)
H3 joins in the wonders of the holidays. (Oh no! This is
now just like a silly, photocopied Christmas newsletter!)
Saturday, December 13, 2003
It's A Wonderful Life
The popular Christmas classic showed on NBC tonight. It was as heartwarming as usual but wouldn't you really rather spend an evening in downtown Pottersville than in boring Bedford Falls?
Labels: Christmas
A Song on Christmas CD
Click the player to hear the 2:48-minute song mentioned in one of yesterday's blog entries. It is Santa Baby sung by Eartha Kitt. (This Windows Media Player file requires a 56K modem connection, at minimum.)
Labels: Christmas, Mediaplayer, music
Friday, December 12, 2003
Santa, Baby!
I really didn't know the song, Santa Baby.
Eartha Kitt's rendition ended up on this year's Christmas Compilation CD. (I think cards are rather dumb, so I send out a personalized, yearly music disc.) If you'd like a copy, there's still time before the holidays. Just email a request with your postal address, and I'll pop it into the mail!
Now, I've heard that song playing in stores and mall. I've discovered that it's also been sung by Marilyn Monroe as well as Miss Piggy!
Eartha Kitt's rendition ended up on this year's Christmas Compilation CD. (I think cards are rather dumb, so I send out a personalized, yearly music disc.) If you'd like a copy, there's still time before the holidays. Just email a request with your postal address, and I'll pop it into the mail!
Now, I've heard that song playing in stores and mall. I've discovered that it's also been sung by Marilyn Monroe as well as Miss Piggy!
Sunday, December 07, 2003
Light Rain
Hundreds of folks came to watch last evening's parade on Columbia
Street. The rain was very light.
Labels: Christmas, New Westminster, weather
Saturday, December 06, 2003
Our Santa Parade This Evening
The 17th annual Christmas parade takes place on Columbia Street in downtown New Westminster. It begins at 4:00 PM and after the parade comes the lighting of the tree at Hyack Square. This city is fun because of its small size as well as its sense of history and community. Some other cities in the Southern Mainland are merely suburbs of Vancouver with no unique character of their own.
Labels: Christmas, New Westminster
Locate additional information at the my eJournal and images blog site.