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

I went to high school on the far side of this continent with Joel and Bret. In the grand scheme of things it has turned out rather strange that we've all ended up living so far away but still within 200 miles of each other. We don't really get a chance to meet up very often, but it has been known to happen. The photo above was taken during the summer of 1997. How could that possibly be nine years ago? At last, we will be meeting up again in Sequim, WA over the weekend.

Labels: Bret, Joel, Q1_2006

Some folks state there really aren't four seasons out here in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. They go on to say there is just a rainy season and that other month of the year.



I've lived without seasonal changes for I worked in the Persian Gulf for about fifteen years. So, by comparison, I enjoy the change of the seasons here. Of course it gets depressing when it's dark at 4:00 pm during winters. Then ever-so-slowly, spring triumphantly arrives and makes everything seem worthwhile.

People need a little down in order to enjoy a high. I've heard pharmaceutical anti-depressants do take the edge off the low points but at the sacrifice of those up moments. An unchanging plateau surely isn't any way to live.

Labels: feelings, flora and fauna, Q1_2006

It takes time to learn about time. In childhood development, these are the concepts that occur when a kid is four:

"Throughout the year, some children may still be developing their sense of time through their participation in daily activities (e.g., knows the basic sequence of the day). By the end of this year, children should understand daily time concepts like "morning," "afternoon," "night," "earlier," "later," and "soon." Children should also be able to identify basic concepts associated with night/day and seasons, but may still confuse "yesterday," "today," and "tomorrow." During the first half of this year, some children can recite the days of the week and seasons, but cannot tell time. Some children this age also recognize that a specific time is associated with certain events (e.g., favorite TV show comes on at 4:00). The average child understands these things during the second half of this year. Finally, during the second half of this year, some children will have developed a strong sense of time and will know when events close to them take place. They will know the days of the week, the months, and the seasons, but will still be learning how to tell time." - from PBS Parents

Figuring out time is a continuing process though. I remembered that my mother died twenty-five years ago this week. I find it amazing to consider that she'd be in her 60's now. I shall always think of her as a young woman. She was never even as old as I am now.

Labels: Mother, Q1_2006

I always watch the local British Columbia CTV evening news at 6:00. Today, most of the news was preempted by a news event. Channel 9 hasn't even had its helicopter for very many years.



In the red box which I added there is a boy and his dog in peril. Luckily a companion called the North Shore Fire and Rescue. Although it took 40 minutes of air-time, I didn't mind watching the successful rescue. I am not sure how I would've felt about live TV if they'd gone tumbling over the side.

Labels: Q1_2006, sharing

I turned in my grade reports yesterday. That simple act provided me with joy for I'm free for the rest of the week. I'm very happy.

Little things make me happy nowadays. Perhaps, it's just a general type of satisfaction that comes during this time in life. You know, I'm just as apt to tune into a TV program on PBS as one of FOX. I've feathered my nest long enough so that I could survive for a while on interest alone. I quite literally have clothes which are older than some of the adult students in my classes.

Who would have thought that I would still need to buy acne medicine in this millennium. Thirty years ago, I lived on the hope that my oily skin was just a passing stage ...

Labels: feelings, Q1_2006

Yes, I'll start correcting those final exams shortly. Just because I teach doesn't mean things get completed any sooner than back when I was on the other side of those assignments.

Last evening, we were half planning whether we should go back to visit Sri Lanka this fall. The 2004 visit worked out well. See the entire blogged trip by week: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09.



I did discover that things from there are continually getting closer to here. Previously, I mentioned access to both classical and pop Sri Lankan music on the web. Yesterday, I also discovered a site on which to get television news. It's not the most robust file, but the picture gives a clue as to the action. Unfortunately, it's not the most stunning newcasts and it generally just follows government personalities. Still, it's nice that the Net can carry this along to New Westminster, BC.

Labels: Q1_2006, Sri Lanka, television

I typed OTTAWA into the search box found to the right under my photo and address. Some entries showed up but they were just references to postal addresses. There was no evidence that we travelled there twice. I figured that I should add this picture of the Canadian Parliament taken in November of 1998. We had flown into Montreal and visited Quebec City as well as Ottawa.



You'll never get much out of my eJournal and images if you just stop by and occasionally read an entry. There are now literally hundreds and hundreds of comments. Try a search to see if you can locate something you're interested in.

Labels: Canada, Q1_2006

THIS ENTRY WAS WRITTEN YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

There is no wireless connection available on this side of the campus. That's okay in this case for I will be able to see if MS Word actually works on this Gateway. My time spent in Microsoft Office has been decreasing substantially since my time spent in net applications began increasing. That paradigm shift doesn't bold well for the guys in Richmond, does it?

I have corrected all papers, filled in the Excel grading form, and corrected the listening part of the exam. So, now I can type silently while keeping one eye on the group to check for those who need assistance. I still have enough time to write a paragraph to include as tomorrow's blog entry. I've got my camera in my pocket, so I'll also grab a quick shot to create a lasting impression of this event.



At this particular moment, my students are into the third hour of their exam. As I look around the room, I can see they are intensely focused on their tasks. It is simply amazing how much energy can be consumed when working on a written exam. I have been able to produce something that occupies the complete attention of twenty-two students over this extended period of time. I have often thought about how my position as an instructor allows me to grab a commanding mind-slice of the students.

This idea meshes well with a previously-held theory I had. In an attempt to justify the salaries of actors or sports celebrities, I reckoned the substantial amount of money they get is due to the fact they're getting a mind-slice of a majority of the culture. I reasoned that the astronomical pay was related to the sheer number of skulls these people invade when doing 'their thing'. After that, due to the activities of self-serving politicians, I broadened my concept to include power as well as money. The ability to mess-up other people's lives is, perhaps, the truest indication of power.

I may have the near total mind-slice of the group sitting in front of me, but there are a fairly small number of them. (Although I will wish there were fewer when having to correct these exams.) I'd say that although nearly total, I'm only cashing in on the mind-slice of a few. This must be what leads to my less-than-stellar paycheck and lack of tangible power.

Labels: opinions, Q1_2006, students

This week will come crashing to a close today after my students complete their final exams at 5:00 pm. At first I must admit being a bit skeptical about teaching the intensive courses. We know that language skills are acquired. As a general rule students need time to accommodate new material. Yet, these students seem to thrive in this stressful situation. Motivation surely is an important factor. Many are immigrants who have a strong desire to get ahead. It is absolutely amazing how much learning can be packed into five weeks of study. My hats off to them!

On a completely different note, I copied a Flashdance DVD. It's an epitome of early 80's movie music. There's a line where a character and his wife are attending the skating try-outs of their daughter. The guy looked at his wife and said, "That was you 20 years ago."



If you remember, the performance turned out to be a bit of a disaster. Still the thing I found amazing is that twenty years ago then meant 1963 but today twenty years ago is well after the movie was produced. Time is funny, if you know what I mean.

Labels: movie musical, movies, Q1_2006

If you followed the news yesterday, you undoubtedly heard about the sinking of a BC ferry. Apparently, no people were lost or seriously injured.



This was taken aboard the ferry that is now gone. We had just left Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. The Queen of the North was heading north towards Prince Rupert. This was back in April of 2003. People from elsewhere have a difficult time picturing the actual size of this province. We were out on a road trip to see a bit of it ourselves.

Read an email with photos which was sent to friends and family upon our return from this trip.

Labels: BC Ferries, British Columbia, driving, Q1_2006

Today, half of my class will do oral presentations. I always look forward to hearing what they've come up with. The assignment is to choose a business in the Vancouver area and organize an eight to ten minute presentation. They are to use primary research and choose information that is related to their present or future careers.

As the presentations are progressing they also mark the speeches using these criteria:

Complete Introduction

Level of Self Confidence

Adequate Eye Contact

Logical Flow

Kept My Interest

Loud/Clear Voice

I Learned New Material

Useful Summary

Transparency Quality

Overall Mark.

I am excited today, as there's never been a presentation day where I haven't learned new and useful information.

Labels: BCIT, Q1_2006, sharing

I have always been a fan of science fiction although I'm not a certifiable Trekkie. I did watch all the series: the original, New Generation, Deep Space 9, Voyager, and the short-lived Enterprise. It all began 40 years ago this fall. I find it sad that nothing from the franchise is currently under production. I could have offered suggestions and advice to the writers.

1) Stay away from over reliance on shoot 'em up sequences. Star Trek fans were always more interested in the science than phaser pyrotechnics.

2) Keep each episode a story unto itself. We were never interested in storylines that played out over an entire season.

3) Give us something to think about. We are more intelligent than most television viewers and could handle difficult concepts.

4) Keep it upbeat. We have a strong belief in technology and wanted to see a future that's better because of it.

There's not too much on TV. The only science fiction show that seems to be fulfilling a majority of these requirements is Stargate Atlantis.

Labels: Q1_2006, sci-fi, television

I knew that today I'd just paste in a photo taken yesterday.

I had to decide between Granville Street after yesterday's St. Patrick's Parade, the Vancouver Public Library, the 'Q' at Lonsdale Quay, or this ...



Well, you can see that lunch won.

Labels: food, Q1_2006, Vancouver

Generally, when I think of global trade, I always picture automobiles, electronics, or even textiles. Yet yesterday's trip to the supermarket proved otherwise. There's always been a demand for imported foodstuff, but I'm sure it used to be comprised mainly of canned goods or manufactured products.

I don't suppose bananas were ever grown in Canada. Yet, now it seems nearly any fruit or vegetable is available year round. The watermelons are from southern Mexico, plums from Argentina, and -- well -- California must cultivate everything. The local market recently had loads of Egyptian oranges. That seems like a long ways to send a fruit. Of course, all this is being written by a boy who'd never seen a mango or kiwi until nearly into adulthood.

Anyway, yesterday's trip to the Canadian Superstore provided me with something to look up on the Internet. This grain, while new to me, is apparently quite ancient. Have you every heard of quinoa (keen-wa)?

Labels: food, Q1_2006

I felt a little creeped out after it was over.



The woman's sex appeal was obvious; however, she was born 105 years ago. That would have made her older than my grandmother was!

Labels: movies, Q1_2006

One recent classroom assignment included a question where the students had to come up with criteria. They had to decide on a list of things one should consider when choosing an appropriate post-secondary institution.

One area that all groups considered important was a school's facilities.

Today, I gave a project which was completed in the BCIT library. I was thinking how the BCIT library had improved in recent years. Whereas, most people only attend a school several years themselves, they do continue affecting the public institutions. They, hopefully, find gainful employment. This allows them to continue contributing during their working years through taxes.

Eventually, the students who are currently making use of the facilities, will pay years of taxes for future improvements too. As long as the institution is successful, it will continue. That's a nice thought.

Labels: BCIT, library, money, Q1_2006

Last Saturday, I mentioned listening to Mel Brook's commentary track on the Blazing Saddles (1974) DVD. That movie included an lusty-lady saloon singer played by Madeline Kahn. Mel said that she'd done an excellent job of re-creating the spirit of Marlene Dietrich.

I took that as a direct challenge.

It is no longer impossible to catch up on classic movies. I suppose in the past it was only possible if one lived hear an art-house movie cinema. Now, it's as easy as visiting the DVD section of the local library. My first decision is whether I should watch the German or English version of The Blue Angel (1930).

The second decision will be choosing a time when I'll have the time to view it. There're still a few hours of shows on the PVR that I've not watched yet.

Labels: movies, Q1_2006, stars

As of today, I've got 1634 images online. This puts me right on track, if not a bit ahead of schedule. My goal is to have about 2000 images available by July which will be my first anniversary using Flickr.



Uploading while on last fall's European vacation was easy from my notebook. After returning home, I made a Flickr set which includes 136 photos in total. The continuously-updated data provided by the website, allows me to identify the number of views of each photo. The image above has been the most-viewed from that trip. Eighty-six people, not including myself, have seen this digital photo of a canal in Amsterdam.

Labels: Amsterdam, Flickr, Q1_2006

I've recently given up wearing a wristwatch. That's really quite a change in behaviour. I've been wearing watches since I first learned how to tell time and was given my first Timex. That was forty years ago.

Back in that era, there were no digital timepieces, so one had to be able to differentiate between the big hand and the little hand. I don't believe the advent of digital clocks has improved people's punctuality, but they have made telling time a bit more clinical. Stating that it's 12:13 may be clear and accurate; but it lacks the traditional warmth of saying, "It's almost quarter past twelve."

I can choose either method even though I no longer wear a watch at all. Because I always carry my cell phone, I figured that I could drop the one I used to have on my wrist. Maybe the hair will grow back there and it'll get a suntan this summer.

Labels: Q1_2006, technology, telephone

The weather was fantastic yesterday, so I spent a few hours doing taxes!

It's not too tough to file with software; one doesn't even have sharpen a pencil nor remember how to add. Even though it was Sunday, I completed the whole process. E-filing is a breeze. Then, arranging for the refund or payment is easily handled through online banking. It is so easy, it almost makes sending the government a third of one's money ... fun?

The feeling of having it all done early, did make the rest of the day seem great.

Vancouver was lovely.

Labels: government, Q1_2006, software

It seems as though I can find time on the weekend to scan a half dozen or so, old photos. This way, over the course of a few years, I'll get a representative selection in An Old Box in the Attic on Flickr. Here's one that I put online yesterday.



It was taken on the island of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. I worked there from 1989 to 1991 for the Bahrain Defense Force. This shows an old boat, but if you look in the distance behind it, you will see the a bit of bridge between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The 25-kilometer, King Fahd Causeway was built for the four-lane highway. It was opened in November of 1986

Labels: Bahrain, Q1_2006, Saudi Arabia, scanned

I have to admit, I only remembered Blazing Saddles (1974) from television. Yet since the last decade, Digital Video Discs have become the best invention since sliced bread. Even though it appears as 'the stars are aligning' for another Betamax/VHS-type competition for high-definition discs, the barn door's already been opened because of the type already available.



I had no idea who Mel Brooks really was, other than a vague concept that included the word, "humour". We did see the recent movie version of The Producers. That's merely a right-of-passage for those interested in show tunes. It was just yesterday, though, when I listened to Mel`s commentary track on the disc mentioned above. It's fantastic that one doesn't have to enroll in film school to learn from the pros nowadays.

It was also scary to learn how, 30+ years ago, the studios were so intent on making sure everything would play well in Peoria. Now the studios are intent on creating juvenile megapics. It just enforces my joy that this year's Oscars were a celebration for independent film.

My next task is to figure out Marlene Dietrich.

Labels: humour, movies, Q1_2006

Yesterday, I went to court. Well, I should be more specific. I went into the New Westminster Law Courts (photo) to set a court date.

I was ticketed for a parking offense back in December. It seems I parked within 5 feet of a driveway. In this case it was the one in the front of this building. It's strange because I've parked in the same spot many times during the last 8 years! This day, however, the city decided I should pay $40 for the privilege.

I called the day I found a ticket on my windshield and said that I contested it. There are no lines to indicate where parking is allowed and I certainly was not blocking anyone. I was told I'd be contacted in January as some people were on vacation. Eventually, I was contacted but it was a violation notice that said I'd not paid nor contested and that now I owed them $70.

After calling again on the day I received the notice, there was no answer. I did leave a message. A few weeks later I got my summons to set a court date. I could, in Her Majesty's name, go anytime before March 13th to do this. I did it yesterday.

I'll appear there again on May 2nd at 9:30 am.

Labels: New Westminster, Q1_2006

If my eJournal and images is a scrapbook, then today, I'm just going back to paste in some new memorabilia from events which occurred five years back. On several occasions, I've mentioned this topic here. Pardon my repetition.



In the entry from yesterday, I mentioned my preference for owning cheap transportation and having copious amount of free time, rather than possessing the keys to an expensive automobile. I thought I should put my entry where my mouth is.

In this photo Jay is standing at Cape Spear, Newfoundland. It was taken in the middle of our ultimate, Canadian road trip. In June and July of 2001, we headed east until we couldn't any more. Then, we turned around and headed back to Vancouver although we were actually 1,200 kilometers closer to England than home.

Labels: Canada, Q1_2006, road trip

On more than one occasion, I've criticized a person for working too hard. I've met people who define themselves through their employment. These people focus so intently on one aspect of their lives that they often miss other important areas. Earning money is a necessity. Yet if the pursuit of it overshadows the small pleasures of life then adjustments should be made. For example, an expensive car is pretty useless if it sits in the parking lot so its owner can work overtime to pay for it. I'd rather have a basic model and have the time to use it for road trips!

Don't get me wrong. I'm not lazy and I do believe work has its place. It can expand avenues of expression and understanding. I teach because I cannot think of a better way to earn money. When I'm playing traffic cop for the control of the language and activities in my classroom, it can be an extraordinarily satisfying experience. When a class goes well, I feel as a symphony conductor must. I have to admit though, this week the music that's being played feels a bit off key and out of synch.

Labels: Q1_2006, relaxing

I have to admit, I'm really milking my briefcase malfunction for blogging fodder. I went to work with Jay's briefcase today. It's the same vintage of my now-broken one. So, I did need to completely clear out my ex-case.

Last week I scanned several artifacts I discovered inside it. Yesterday, I found new things that I've been carrying around for a decade. This is the Arabic side of my business card from the Higher Colleges of Technology in the United Arab Emirates.



The other side is in English and mentions I specifically worked at Dubai Men's College. It also mentions that I was a member of the Faculty of Academic Studies. Along the bottom is the address and telephone/fax numbers.

Labels: briefcase, Dubai, Q1_2006

I thought I'd be able to blog about buying a replacement attache for work. Unfortunately, I couldn't find quite what I wanted. It seems I'm a dying species. I'm not looking for a soft, notebook-computer-type case. I don't want wheels. Think film-noir; I just want a briefcase!

In my futile SkyTrain hop to Metrotown Mall yesterday afternoon, I couldn't find anything. I was going to bite the bullet and actually make a purchase at The Bay had they had something I liked. No dice.

What this blog entry is really about is a comment about how crowded the mall was in the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday. If you'd seen the hordes you would've thought it was the run-up to Christmas. What a shallow existence! Nothing better to do then run shopping? I'd suggest these people look for hobbies or volunteer work. Or perhaps do something OUTDOORS!

Labels: briefcase, Q1_2006

This guy was among the very first I met face-to-face outside of a zoo. The camel was on display in Kuwait in 1981.



This type of camel lives around 25 years but some have been know to reach fifty years old. I don't know how old this one was when I took the photo. I suppose it's possible he's still alive; however, there's been a war or two in the intervening years as well.

Labels: Kuwait, Q1_2006, scanned

I took this photo yesterday. Although I promptly uploaded to Flickr, readers who following this blog through RSS or AvantGo most probably won't run over to that site.



I'm getting so much junk there that it's hard to find the gold for all the ore. I seem to scan in spastic fits. There are a bunch of oldies posted. Plus, I wait for good weather to walk around, so insights into the area can be few and far between. Even 'My Daily Picture Parade' can be more boring than life seems.

I did like these liquor bottles in the window of the Met Bar and Grill though. The building is, literally, a stones throw away. They recently renovated and opened for offsite sales on Columbia Street. There are lots of places to buy liquor in New Westminster nowadays. Yet, the town's probably soberer than in days of the Gold Rush.

Labels: Daily Picture Parade, New Westminster, Q1_2006

Most visitors who stop at the blog on a normal day are not friends. The majority of those who read my entries arrive by Internet search.

I have a few different ways to access guest information, including the browser page prior to entry on this site. Therefore, it's easy to learn the exact search phrases that have pointed to my eJournal and images. I've learned that basically people have very poor search techniques. Here are some very recent examples:

Google > pictures of hiuen tsang
This person should have selected Google's image search tab and then typed "huien tsang". Quotes would've ensured those names occur together rather than on different parts of the page.

Google > In what state is the Grande Coolee Dam?
Most search engines like Google, ignore common words, so there's no need to form a question. It's just a waste of time. They could have just typed in "grand coolee dam" with the quotes and Google would've come back with the correct spelling. Of course, top-ranked sites are going to contain its location.

Google > pictures of what happened after the mohammed cartoons
This contains both types of errors. Potential researchers should also think of the best places to search. A general search engine isn't the best place to find current events. It'd be better to switch to Google News and search there. If one's searching for general purpose photos, it's smarter to go to a custom site such as www.flickr.com or www.webshots.com.

Oh yeah, there's something else I'd like these people to know. Both MSN and Yahoo have search engines which can return different results; however, they're generally as good as Google's. Give 'em a try too!

Labels: Flickr, Google, Net apps, Q1_2006

On Tuesday, I wrote about my ailing briefcase. Its working-life ends today. The other hinge is now broken. I shall have to find some sort of replacement this weekend.

It saddens me to have to give up something that has been so useful. Yesterday, a few students did point out that they aren't as old as it is. So, I'm starting the process of checking through those oft-ignored, inside pockets. Considering the junk I've been carrying around with me for decades, it's a wonder I don't have the medial deltoids of a steroids-addicted weight lifter.



I pulled out this Bahraini identity card yesterday. It's been there more than fifteen years. This means it travelled to back and forth to work during my entire time in the UAE and the ten years I've been in Canada.

Labels: Bahrain, briefcase, driving, Q1_2006, scanned

Here's an email I got:

Hi,
I'm planning a trip to Las Vegas. Where have you stayed? I want to be in the thick of things and max the experience.

---

Dennis Sylvester Hurd (Google Mail)
to Don 8:32 am

Hi, absolutely anything on 'the strip' is just fine. In fact
we've not even been since they finished the Skytrain connecting
everything. You'll wear out a pair of shoes anyway. The fun is
walking through all the casinos and looking at everything. Most
hotels are consistently priced .. for example the Sahara or
Stratosphere are cheapest but farthest away. The new Wynn is
close to them but its prices trump even the Bellagio or
the Mandalay Bay. When I am talking about cheap .. depending ..
on the season and days of the week .. I'm talking like $30 only!

We've stayed at Circus Circus but be aware they have crowds
that can have kids in tow. Vegas is now a 'family' destination.
We stayed at the Boardwalk, but it's currently being replaced
with a new building.

www.vegas.com

Ask about any property ... and I can comment.

==Dennis

Labels: Don, Las Vegas, Q1_2006

I really love my briefcase. It is hard Fiberglas and says Echolac near the handle. Now, unfortunately it is starting to fall apart. There's a hinge that's broken. It's tired and worn and I've had it for what seems like half of forever.

In fact, I cannot remember exactly when I may have purchased it. I think I had it in Bahrain, and I never bought anything of value with inflated dinars. It's possible I got it during the year I worked in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Or perhaps I got it for my very first job in Kuwait! The briefcase definitely was with me in the 1980's.

My briefcase is useful because it is roomy. It's my desk away from home. At any particular time there may be several dozen markers. a stapler, and ten pounds of paper in it. There are also bits of my past. It has a number of pockets and places inside that I've never cleaned even though I once had a major coffee-Thermos leak. Today, I set the trusty accessory down before going into work. Then, near the door, I saw something on the floor. It picked it up. Honestly, this is a copy of the receipt from 1991 which had fallen out:

Labels: Bahrain, briefcase, Dubai, Q1_2006, Saudi Arabia, scanned

Yesterday, I spent some time copying half-hour programs from the hard disk of the satellite PVR to my PC. Then I burnt, a number of the programs to DVD. It did seem a shame that they were already in mpeg format but in order to get them onto my computer, they had to pass through analog again. It was not really a quality problem as the results looked just fine. Yet, it would've saved time to copy the files directly rather than have to wait for all the programs to play through in real time.

That's the rub for content providers, isn't it? Copying analog was never considered too much of a threat to the established media industry. A two-hour video tape or 35-minutes of vinyl were easily taped. It wasn't the loss of signal to the next generation that kept copyright infringement at bay; it was the actual length of time that the copying process took! Now even a layman can copy a 2.5-hour DVD in 20 minutes. A whole album in mp3 format can be duplicated in under a minute. I see why some companies are running scared.

The DVDs which I made contain ethnic TV programs from Ontario. The Singhalese (and English) show called Kala Kavaya hosts news and events from the Sri Lankan community in Toronto. As well, they show some current music videos and songs from Sri Lanka. I'm able to pass these along for viewing to those without access to satellite TV.

Labels: PVR, Q1_2006, television

I accidentally clicked a link under my favourites list in MS Explorer. I do like how the new beta deals with favourites, but that's an entry for another day. My favourite computer store popped up on the screen. I've already mentioned that when Windows Vista comes out this year, I plan to buy a new hard drive to install it on. I had bookmarked the page with drives. How amazing! Nowadays a 300 gigabyte component goes for $150 Canadian.

I won't go into details to prove I've been computing since DOS. I have already mentioned that my first IBM-compatible came with two 360K floppies and no fixed disk. My first Seagate cost a fortune and could hold 20 megabytes.

We certainly do have the ability to save lots now. There's not much reason to be organized. It's easier to save the junk along with documents. When was the last time I wrote to a floppy drive? Email attachments beat a sneaker-net in the 1990's. Hell, most every photo out of my digital camera is too big to fit on a 1.4 meg. floppy disk.

(This photo was taken with a borrowed digital camera in December of 1999. It was a Kodak which saved on standard floppy disks. The original image was 480 x 640 pixels and about 60k.)

Labels: computers, digital camera, hard disk, Hardware, Q1_2006

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:

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

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 ...

Labels: BBS, Christmas, Dubai, Q1_2006

My switch over to a new hosting company is complete. On my part, this change will make completing blog entries a bit easier. Blogger.com easily connects to the new server whereas before I had to publish to a temporary domain and FTP to the proper place. What will this mean to my readers? Nothing, really.



I am pleased to have more storage too. I won't shy away from making sure that every entry has an image of some sort. I have already been doing this for a while, actually. Today, I searched my collection for a colourful photo to upload. The image above was taken at the annual Kite Festival in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This was in September of 2004.

VIEW BLOGGED TRIP TEXT & PICS:
Week: 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09.

Maybe it's time to return to Sri Lanka, for a month or so, this fall. Although quite far, it makes for an excellent trip.

Labels: flying, Q1_2006, Sri Lanka, travel planning

When there's a huge variety to choose from, it can be difficult making a decision. Luckily on the www.zip.ca website, there's no rush in deciding on DVD's. It's easy to browse the selections and read about them. If it looks like it'll be of interest, one just clicks and it's added to one's personal upcoming zip list. There's so much of everything. My viewing habits have never been so eclectic.

I didn't know there was a TV remake of The Music Man in 2003. I've long considered the 1962 version a favourite. So when I saw the newer one on the site, I put in a request. That was a while back. There are 50 or 60 selections lined up on my list. The DVD arrived in the mail yesterday, and I started typing this entry while it was playing.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is good. It is colourful. The songs are, of course, familiar. There are a few numbers that were omitted from the original movie version. Some updating was to make it more politically correct. It's nice to know there were actually black people in Iowa at the turn of the last century. Still, this version doesn't seem quite 'right'.

It's funny how much we resist seeing a remake. I applaud Matthew Broderick's portrayal of Professor Harold Hill. It was reserved and smooth, yet I couldn't help but compare it to the original's Robert Preston. The same goes for Marian Paroo; Kristin Chenoweth was great but I kept wanting to see Shirley Jones. Of course it'd be impossible to update Ron Howard as the ultimate little tyke!

The 2003 version is very good and, in some ways, technically superior, but if you've missed the one that's 44 years old, do grab a copy for comparison.

Labels: movie musical, movies, Q1_2006, zip.ca

As a rule, people are very quick to notice when things don't go their way. On the other hand, they're much slower to appreciate those times when things turn out well.



Last week I didn't teach as I was between different intensive courses. The weather turned out to be wonderful during these days of freedom. I took the photo above on an afternoon trip to the Buntzen Lake picnic area. I couldn't have asked for bluer skies. Now this week, I'm again in the classroom and the weather has turned horrible. It's cold and quite miserable outside.

Therefore, today's entry is just a public declaration to show how much I appreciate the way things seemed to work out.

Labels: feelings, Q1_2006, weather

(Do you think this image matches the title?)

I've always been pretty good at saving copies of irreplaceable computer files. I must admit my d: drive does have too many music files to regularly backup. I just keep my fingers crossed that the old Maxtor will continue until I get around to put in a fast, new drive for this year's Windows Vista.

My blog backup is always a day or two from being current. This is going to come in handy as I will soon be switching web hosting and domain registration companies. I'm hoping it all goes without hitch. Those fingers are double-crossed now, I guess!

POSSIBLE SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

If you encounter trouble accessing this website later this week, then I ask for your patience while I finalize these procedures. Please feel free to pass on this information to any of the multitudes of other faithful my eJournal and images readers! You will probably be able to recognize them among the crowd because of their snazzy my eJournal and images t-shirts or baseball caps.

Labels: blogging, Q1_2006

I teach my new class starting this afternoon. The BCIT website lists it as the second full class. In fact, my class list shows 22 students enrolled. Oh my, that should keep me hopping.

In an email to an ex-colleague who's still in Bahrain, I commented that I've been teaching this particular course for eight years now! I have done a few other levels and I frequently change the COMM 0004 materials which I use.

Still, I always laugh with my students about the fact most of them manage to move up to the new level, but I never quite seem make it.

Labels: BCIT, Q1_2006

One side-benefit from turning manic and neurotic due to Flickr, is I'm finally, if ever so slowly, paying attention to my photo suitcase. I've resolved to use a few minutes of my time each day to scan. I find getting the image off paper and into a digital file is quite satisfying. It's nice to get a photo out of a dark storage closet and out onto the Net. It's like I'm setting it free. I am liberating it.

The downside might be having such an abundance of pictures means I may become quite lazy with my blog entries. These weekly pages used to be mostly text and now they've become mostly jpg's. Of course this might all just be a phase.

We've been quite fortunate at being able to walk many different sandy beaches such as those in Bali, Phuket, Kenya, and the Maldives. All the Gulf countries had beaches. Although we visited, we really can't count Turkish beaches as we were there during the winter. Does Juhu Beach of Mumbai count? Of course, we been to most populated areas around the circumference of Sri Lanka. Yes there have been more; for example English Bay in Vancouver, and on the opposite side of the continent, Ft. Lauderdale.



The beach above did stand out for being a bit unique. This newly liberated photo was taken at Waikiki Beach in April of 1998. Now, after nearly eight years of languishing in the photo suitcase, it's available for viewing on computer screens world-wide. This beach was special because it was the only one where I could imagine Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) of Hawaii Five-O running around in a three-piece suit!

Labels: Flickr, Hawaii, Q1_2006, scanned

The weather this weekend is going to continue being wonderful. I didn't talk much about this subject in January except perhaps to complain. Last month we broke a record by having rain for 29 days of the month. So, it is only fair that we've had a high-pressure system parked overhead for the past week. It's been even nicer as I am between classes and have been free.

Yesterday, I took a little drive. Normally, these areas are reserved for summer picnics. Yet, seeing the sun, I packed up the camera and headed for Buntzen Lake, and the Belcarra Regional Park. They are only about twenty-five kilometers (fifteen miles) from the apartment. You can see the red line on the map seeing my route.



I am even putting in the fourth slideshow of the week. Click here to open it and see seven of the photos I took yesterday.

Labels: Flickr, Q1_2006

Dennis: Hey, Hal.
Computer: Yes, Dennis?

Dennis: Delete that episode of CSI: Kissimmee. I'm finished and I'll never trust a guy dressed as an animal again!
Computer: Done. What can I do for you now?

Dennis: Hal, how about a personal network search?
Computer: Okay.

Dennis: Jay said I used to have a beard in the late 1990's. I want to view an image taken of me in that era. Try to find one of me when we were leaving after a free night at the Holiday Inn in Kelowna.
Computer: Found. I accessed it in your Flickr collection of 2006.

Dennis: Put it up on the wall screen.
Computer: Yes.

Dennis: It must have been originally on film. It was scanned with an old scanner, obviously. Can you enhance the image, please?
Computer: Enhancing ...

Dennis: Make my face a little less green.
Computer: Is that to your liking?

Dennis: That's better. What is the file format?
Computer: Standard jpg.

Dennis: Convert to .holo format. Just try moderate relief texturing.
Computer: Yes. Done.

Dennis: That's a good job. I'd almost swear it was taken with a 3-D camera.
Computer: Shall I save?

Dennis: Yes, Hal, but keep the original too. I really did have a lot of hair back then. Jay was right. Okay, Hal.
Computer: What can I do for you now?

Dennis: Let's try a Microsoft Connect 2023 vidcon to see how Jay's younger sister is doing.
Computer: Okay, connecting video conferencing to Sri Lanka. Proceed.

Dennis: Hi, what time is it there ...

Labels: Flickr, futurecast