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Friday, June 30, 2006
Reviewing a Year of Images
Think of something you've done every day for the last year. There are probably many things which you've repeated at least once every twenty-four hours since July 1, 2005. As well as brush my teeth, I've taken a special set of 365 daily photos over the past year.
In order to encourage me to constantly carry a camera, I set a goal to keep 'My Daily Picture Parade' up to date. I've been uploading something I've seen through the viewfinder from last summer. The Flickr titles indicate the exact date. For example, 2005_07_01 was the first of the series.
Reviewing the collection recounts my life during this time. For example, there are picture from our trips. Journeys to Oregon, Europe, San Diego, and Washington State are represented. Pictures of visitors, holidays, and meals appear in the set. Work at BCIT is featured in the collection. There are other, more ordinary, glimpses too. To see the set, in reverse order, work through these pages. (When your pointer hovers over the photo, the date will appear.)
In order to encourage me to constantly carry a camera, I set a goal to keep 'My Daily Picture Parade' up to date. I've been uploading something I've seen through the viewfinder from last summer. The Flickr titles indicate the exact date. For example, 2005_07_01 was the first of the series. Reviewing the collection recounts my life during this time. For example, there are picture from our trips. Journeys to Oregon, Europe, San Diego, and Washington State are represented. Pictures of visitors, holidays, and meals appear in the set. Work at BCIT is featured in the collection. There are other, more ordinary, glimpses too. To see the set, in reverse order, work through these pages. (When your pointer hovers over the photo, the date will appear.)
Labels: Daily Picture Parade, Flickr, Q2_2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Never Sick of Beauty
As I was driving into work yesterday I noticed how beautiful this area is. It didn't only happen once. Several times on the 20 minute drive into Burnaby I drank in the great views. This week, the sky has been that deep, surreal blue that can happen when a high-pressure system parks itself overhead. The mountains were as clear as a bell and snow's still clinging to the peaks. All the summer vegetation is developed, green, and lush. This wasn't just because I happened to be in a good mood. The day was so impressive that traffic seemed a lot less rushed. Others must have been harbouring similar thoughts.
I wondered in how many places long-time residents were taken back by the sheer beauty. It's so easy to get used to one's environment and ignore it. I questioned why this doesn't happen ... here ... to me.
I wondered in how many places long-time residents were taken back by the sheer beauty. It's so easy to get used to one's environment and ignore it. I questioned why this doesn't happen ... here ... to me.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Missing Something for Work
If a carpenter doesn't have his tools, he can't work. If a pianist isn't near a piano, he cannot play. Should a fisherman run out of bait, he'll temporarily stop practicing his livelihood.
Yesterday, I had nearly no voice. My throat actually felt better than on prior days; it's just that no sounds came out when I tried to speak. I wondered if I should cancel class. We do lots of group work in the communication courses, so it's not as if I stand and talk for four straight hours.
Somehow the hours passed. It was very hard to introduce new material. I could whisper at each table as the groups were working on activities. I had to change the methods I use for the particular materials. I must admit everything went much better than I would've expected. My students were very cooperative and I'm pleased with their performance. I hope I get to tell them soon!
Yesterday, I had nearly no voice. My throat actually felt better than on prior days; it's just that no sounds came out when I tried to speak. I wondered if I should cancel class. We do lots of group work in the communication courses, so it's not as if I stand and talk for four straight hours.
Somehow the hours passed. It was very hard to introduce new material. I could whisper at each table as the groups were working on activities. I had to change the methods I use for the particular materials. I must admit everything went much better than I would've expected. My students were very cooperative and I'm pleased with their performance. I hope I get to tell them soon!
Labels: Q2_2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Who Needs Choice?
For many years I've used MS Money to track expenses and record personal financial data. I probably don't make use of a majority of the available options. For example, I've never set up a budget with the program although it tries very hard to create one by combing through my past expenses. I do like the quick little reports that it can generate. The very first time I viewed who got my money I was shocked. I had the impression that being a good capitalist meant I shopped around and used cash as my vote in the marketplace. Then, I viewed the report to see who got my money. Most all of my expenses were made at fewer than a dozen places. Although there are literally thousands of local businesses that will take my money, I get rid of most of it at very few establishments.I guess that shouldn't have been so hard to believe. Similar examples of ignoring variety occur daily. To underline this point, there are millions and millions of websites. I could potentially view information kept at public and private concerns in most countries around the globe. Yet, on an average day, I probably venture to less than a dozen websites. Moreover, I usually spend my Internet time hanging around the same old places.
Monday, June 26, 2006
A Long-Term, Open Itinerary
On June 26, 1996 a Cathay Pacific flight landed at the Vancouver International Airport. We exited that plane, went through customs, and took a taxi to a hotel address that was scribbled on slip of paper. Prior to leaving Dubai, we'd called to make reservations at the Patricia Hotel on East Hastings Street. Little did we know that it's the worst postal code in Canada. From a third floor window, we could watch hookers high on drugs stagger by in high heels. Drug addicts and alcoholics slept in doorways. The streets and alleys were dirty but we never felt in any sort of danger. It was most certainly an interesting neighbourhood as an introduction to our new home. We had a great deal of luggage although shipping cargo was enroute. We had no real idea of the region, where we'd end up taking up residence, or what we'd do for a living.It's been all uphill from there.
Today, I cannot believe that we've been in Canada for ten years and are now long-time, Canadian citizens!
Labels: Dubai, Immigrating to Canada, Q2_2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Something Fishy
The goldfish cost a mere tuppence to own. They require a little time and effort. In addition, their water must be frequently changed. Lastly, if real fish aren't fed, they get bothered, then ill, and would eventually die.On the other hand, the fish on the monitor doesn't cost a penny to maintain. It requires a little time and effort as well. Yet, its water never has to be changed. If a virtual fish isn't fed, it also gets bothered, then ill, and would eventually die.
Do you want to own a free computer MOPyFish? You won't even have to get out of your chair.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Learning to Share
A crowded Kuwaiti souk in the evening. - 1982
In case of an apartment flood, copies of my pictures will get soggy and I'm not so sure what'll happen when the big one (earthquake) hits California. I'm trying to say that I uploaded a few more pictures from paper to Flickr's data-centers. I wish I had organized and kept the tons of negatives I shot over the years. Trying to coax a suitable image off 25-year-old, yellowing paper is not always easy.Every so often I upload a few fragments of my image past to An Old Box in the e-Attic. It's more than convenient to have a representative collection online. Wherever I am, as long as there's an Internet connection, I will have my photo albums with me. Quick! How quickly can you locate a photo of your grandmother? I can do so in seconds.
As I briefly mentioned yesterday, photos are best when shared. After all, you are reading something called, my eJournal and images. Honestly, what good is a photo album if the cover's never cracked open? The whole concept of sharing took on added meaning yesterday. In the evening, I scanned and uploaded eight more photos from Kuwait. I lived in that country from 1981 to 1983 as I was hired for my very first teaching job. I don't have many high-quality pictures from that era. I must have owned a very cheap camera at the time.
The resulting images may not have been stunning but they certainly did attract attention. In fact, I had an email waiting when I woke up. That is considerably different than when I worked there. It used to take two weeks for a postal letter to get to the US and another two for the return trip. Telephone calls used to cost a fortune. Going overseas was a much greater commitment than nowadays.
Now that nearly a quarter of a century has passed, my old photos have become valuable to others as well as me. Most people like looking at their past. The country has undoubtedly changed. There was even a war and all. People yearn to remember a time which seems simpler. My photos were re-posted on a Kuwaiti message board. Imagine that! And I didn't know that Google was working on Arabic to English translation.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Back to Yackin' about Flickr
It was a year ago yesterday that I took some pictures on a trip over the mountains to BC's Okanagan region. After getting home, I sought a better way to share them than email. I discovered a site that has substantially changed my life. I'm approaching the one-year anniversary of being a member of Flickr.It has changed my whole perception about digital photos. Photos aren't of much consequence unless they can be shared. I have been doing just that. I've decided that scanning and adding pre-digital photos is important for my collection too.
Another milestone occurred yesterday in my relation to Flickr. I uploaded my 2000th image. It was a photo of Hick's Lake, BC from our trip to Harrison Hot Springs over the weekend.
Labels: British Columbia, driving, Flickr, Okanagan, Q2_2006, road trip
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Low Energy Level
I am so organized that it's frightening. My body must've known that I wasn't going to teach this week; therefore, it scheduled a little down time. I've been lounging around since Tuesday afternoon feeling rather unhealthy. Cuddled under a blanket on the couch with a gas fire roaring isn't really the way I expected to spend my time. Yet, I suppose I'm lucky. It sure wouldn't have been fun trying to go to class. I'm sure I'll be as fit as a fiddle by next Monday.
I haven't had much gumption. Even sitting at the computer is a struggle. I did have time, though, to get back on orkut.
I first talked about social networking websites about two years ago, but for some reason I never actively pursued that curiosity. I like the concept. You have to be invited by a friend to join meaning that you have at least one connection to the community. In fact by connecting to an existing member all of their connections become part of your network. There are only a few degrees of separation between me any of the 21 million members connected through three contacts. It's like the adult equivalent of starting a tree-house club.
Unfortunately the sum total of interest among my real-world friends, is somewhere between zero and nil. In fact, I don't fit into the demographic well either. The average orkut user is between 18 and 25, single, and from Brazil.
I haven't had much gumption. Even sitting at the computer is a struggle. I did have time, though, to get back on orkut.
I first talked about social networking websites about two years ago, but for some reason I never actively pursued that curiosity. I like the concept. You have to be invited by a friend to join meaning that you have at least one connection to the community. In fact by connecting to an existing member all of their connections become part of your network. There are only a few degrees of separation between me any of the 21 million members connected through three contacts. It's like the adult equivalent of starting a tree-house club.
Unfortunately the sum total of interest among my real-world friends, is somewhere between zero and nil. In fact, I don't fit into the demographic well either. The average orkut user is between 18 and 25, single, and from Brazil.
Labels: complaints, Internet, Q2_2006, social networking
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Today
Sunrise 5:07 am
Sunset 9:21 pm
Happy summer! Today is as good as it gets.
Tomorrow, there'll be one less minute of daylight as we begin the long slide back towards shorter days. As proof, the sunset photo below was taken at 4:13 pm on January 2, 2006.
Sunset 9:21 pm
Happy summer! Today is as good as it gets.
Tomorrow, there'll be one less minute of daylight as we begin the long slide back towards shorter days. As proof, the sunset photo below was taken at 4:13 pm on January 2, 2006.
Labels: Q2_2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Life is All the Little Things
It's supposed to be a free day but there are little errands to run. First and foremost, I want to get to BCIT to turn in my marks package for the course that ended last week. While there I'll also print up my new course outline as it has to be signed by my supervisor and administration before photocopying.Other little tasks include returning materials to the library, running to Safeway, and negotiating at a bank for the best deal when rolling a 4-year GIC into a 5-year one.
(Apparently, this blog entry will not have the chance to rank highly on my 'Immense Wit and Profundity' scale.)
Monday, June 19, 2006
Beginning a New Tradition
We're hardly up with the birds this morning. There was no need. We soaked in various pools, both indoor and out, a lot yesterday evening. I'm sure my skin looks at least 20 years younger! (Would that mean I'd have to Oxy 5 acne medication by the drum?) The town is also cute and feels touristy.We are going to breakfast soon. The second floor Lakeside Cafe looks out over Harrison Lake. What a nice place to have eggs and all that goes along with a breakfast buffet.
What a nice, one-night getaway this is! It'll have to become an annual event.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
A Long Weekend
It's nice to have something planned. Last night we were provided the most delicious barbequed food and wonderful selection of wines. I'd like to thank the hosts in Richmond for having us all over.
Today, we'll be driving out the Fraser Valley to Harrison Hot Springs. We'll stay in the resort and see what's going on in town too.
Today, we'll be driving out the Fraser Valley to Harrison Hot Springs. We'll stay in the resort and see what's going on in town too.
Labels: beer and wine, food, Q2_2006
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Marking Time
It's over. Again, all the sweat and hard work has been reduced to a few numbers on a spreadsheet. The final examination was yesterday, and I started crunching the numbers immediately. All the calculations were pretty much completed last night. Still, it must've been on my mind as I awoke very early this morning. I've emailed the results and entered the numbers into the online gradebook.Now, I've got a whole week before it starts all over again.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Gimme Five (Point One)
It was a long time in coming but I can finally plug my computer into my home theatre system and hear more than two channels.It's now possible and simple. I bought an Onkyo HTS over three years ago and it's made all the difference in the world when watching DVD movies! I wanted to be similarly impressed by my PC. I first got a Creative 5.1 card and later a Hercules Fortissimo 7.1 in hopes of hearing stuff out of five speakers. Those companies' products offered only false promises and awful drivers. At last, today, I plugged in a new HDA Xplosion 7.1 DTS Connect. It outputs either a continuous Dolby Digital or DTS stream though an optical connector.
Whether my mp3 files will actually sound better than stereo enhanced by the receiver's Pro Logic II remains to be seen (or heard). Still, just the test function of the noisy helicopter circling inside my living room nearly brought tears to my eyes.
I may have spent a lot on my computer in the last few months. Yet as the television ad for a hair colour says, "I'm worth it."
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Presentations Continue
Today, I get a chance to hear the remaining half of my class give their oral presentations. The students must use primary research to prepare an eight to ten minute presentation on a business in Greater Vancouver. I encourage them to pick a small business and find a helpful employee or owner in order to ask appropriate questions. I'm seldom disappointed by the results of their efforts. More importantly, I'm always pleased by the cooperation shown towards my BCIT, pre-entry students. Their questions have, without exception, been welcomed by local businesses.
The process is much more useful than just developing organization skills and it goes beyond practicing presentation skills. My students come away with potential contacts and a better understanding of the local business climate.
I'm usually pleased because I learn new information as well.
The process is much more useful than just developing organization skills and it goes beyond practicing presentation skills. My students come away with potential contacts and a better understanding of the local business climate.
I'm usually pleased because I learn new information as well.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Day 1,019 of Continuous Blogging
This is compulsion for me. I'm proud not to have skipped even a single day during the last 1018. There are times though when I feel less than zealous about adding a new entry. I really should have a few extra, completed topics just sitting around in case of an emergency or sickness.Maybe it's enough today to merely mention that I'm free from obligation next week. It is a free week between classes at BCIT. Jay has off Monday as well. We plan on travelling to Harrison Hotsprings Resort and Spa. It's a short trip out the Fraser Valley. We'll go on Sunday and return the next day. Being completely pampered differs from our usual backpacker-style overnights. Thank you Lynne and Joel for the extremely thoughtful present. We're finally making use of the gift certificate you so kindly gave us.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Another Era
I got an unexpected email yesterday. It was from a former student.
I had to mail him back right away as he was from my initial group of Bahraini students. I did, indeed, remember and gave him the Flickr link to the following picture. In it, we both must look lots younger than today. I am anxious to hear more about his life at the present time.
Dear Dennis,
How are you doing and how are things with you so far? I hope everything is running smoothly and as the way you like....
If you don't remember me ... Just try to remember in BDF (Bahrain 1989). You were my teacher and we went as a group to your flat.
You have a nice day.
Yasser Mohd Alrayes
Monday, June 12, 2006
Spreading Out the Costs
In the 80's and early 90's, personal computer technology changed so quickly one had to periodically throw away computers. The growth in the last 10 years really hasn't slowed down but it's become possible to upgrade a bit at a time. The computer case I'm using is yellowed and probably about eight years old. My current motherboard has been running since the very first week that my eJournal and images began in 2003. My CD burner was replaced by DVD burners. I've tripled the RAM from the original 512 megabytes. I had to replace the power supply on two, separate occasions. Just last month a new, 300-gigabyte hard drive replaced a smaller 40 and 120.
In order to keep me running through next year, I need to get a better video card. The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor told me so.
So after work today, I'm going to pick up my order at my computer store. I also ordered a new LG DVD burner that was on sale to replace the older of the two that are already installed on my system.
This nickel and diming seems as though I'm always buying equipment. Maybe it'd be cheaper just to wait and go back to the old method. I could just toss the equipment every two or three years and buy the freshest technology all in one fell-swoop.
In order to keep me running through next year, I need to get a better video card. The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor told me so.So after work today, I'm going to pick up my order at my computer store. I also ordered a new LG DVD burner that was on sale to replace the older of the two that are already installed on my system.
This nickel and diming seems as though I'm always buying equipment. Maybe it'd be cheaper just to wait and go back to the old method. I could just toss the equipment every two or three years and buy the freshest technology all in one fell-swoop.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
... and the Oscar ...
"I love talking about nothing. It is the only thing I know anything about."
- Oscar Wilde 1854-1900
- Oscar Wilde 1854-1900
Labels: Q2_2006
The Epitome of Analog
The world was analog when I was a baby. Probably the largest change that has occurred in the last four and a half decades is the development of digital.Here, I'm not thinking only in terms of photography for that's a shift in paradigm that's obvious but didn't begin in earnest until after the new millennium. I am talking about a whole mind-set. The plots of some movies from the eighties and before would fall apart in a remake. Imagine not being able to get in contact with someone! Now, we'd have explain how the cell phone batteries were dead. In another example, the phrase, a mixed tape, sounds like an anachronism.
What made me think of this topic was I am readying this week's final exam. It was easy to find the exam copies I've used back through the late 90's. They are all in C:>My Documents\MS Word\BCIT\COMM Exams\. I remember how in 1985 the English Department at the Taif Ordinance Corps Center and School didn't have a PC. We used typewriters and that's the epitome of analog.
Labels: analog, Q2_2006, Saudi Arabia, technology
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Take More Control
Microsoft's Windows Defender is well worth the time of installation simply for the ability to edit programs loaded during Windows start up. It appears to be the major consolidation of spyware and security programs. It will surely be part of the Windows Vista when the current beta finishes next year. Get Defender now for free.
Friday, June 09, 2006
According to Dennis ...
The fireplace is switched on. I'm thankful for the ease of using natural gas but who'd have thought it'd be necessary in June? Those April showers were supposed to be bringing flowers this month. Actually in Raincouver, the November-December-January-February-March-and-April showers should've subsided, I'd have thought.
Global warming is supposed to cause great variations in weather. Thanks for turning scientist, Al Gore. I'm fairly technical and consider myself scientific in nature too but I have a hard time believing in all the hype about how we're screwing up the planet. The trendy scientists cite facts; however, I feel we're a bit short on observational data. The last few hundred years are a drop in proverbial bucket on a global timescale.
My skepticism is reinforced when I recall my years as an undergraduate student in the late 70's. The predictions at the time were that there'd be absolutely no petroleum left on the planet by this decade. We were all absolutely sure there'd not be a drop left. Guess what, there still appears to be as much as we can guzzle as long as we're willing to pay dearly for it ...
Global warming is supposed to cause great variations in weather. Thanks for turning scientist, Al Gore. I'm fairly technical and consider myself scientific in nature too but I have a hard time believing in all the hype about how we're screwing up the planet. The trendy scientists cite facts; however, I feel we're a bit short on observational data. The last few hundred years are a drop in proverbial bucket on a global timescale.My skepticism is reinforced when I recall my years as an undergraduate student in the late 70's. The predictions at the time were that there'd be absolutely no petroleum left on the planet by this decade. We were all absolutely sure there'd not be a drop left. Guess what, there still appears to be as much as we can guzzle as long as we're willing to pay dearly for it ...
Labels: opinions, Q2_2006, technology
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Bountiful Balcony Boasting
Yesterday at work, I wanted to show a colleague where I lived and the view from my balcony. Flickr was, of course, the obvious solution. In the matter of a few seconds I was able to type in a tag to call up example photos including this large panorama shot. It dawned on my that I do so like my balcony. In fact it was probably a contributing factor to having chosen this apartment.
Yesterday evening when I preparing some of this text, I sat on the balcony with my laptop. Wireless reception is always good, but then it should be as the router is about five feet away! The tug boats were pulling vast quantities of lumber upriver. The breeze was a bit cool though. I noticed that even my Gateway's Windows background was a widescreen shot from the balcony. Since I apparently can't seem to get enough of the view, I took another:
Yesterday evening when I preparing some of this text, I sat on the balcony with my laptop. Wireless reception is always good, but then it should be as the router is about five feet away! The tug boats were pulling vast quantities of lumber upriver. The breeze was a bit cool though. I noticed that even my Gateway's Windows background was a widescreen shot from the balcony. Since I apparently can't seem to get enough of the view, I took another:
Labels: balcony, Fraser River, Q2_2006
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Take on Some Added Responsibility
My personal political viewpoint favours individually-motivated charity work over the belief that governments should be responsible for all social improvement and development. I know from experience that the larger a project is, the less likely it is to be responsive or responsible.Last spring, we began sponsorship of a World Vision kid. I think it's the perfect situation as one can see an immediate impact for an individual child. I mentioned it right here in the blog. I included a letter written to him at that time. Then, in subsequent entries, I posted the artwork of an elephant and a village that he had drawn.
Yesterday, we got the official World Vision report card for the kid. I scanned the photo that was included with the information. Maybe, it'll be possible to visit him on a future overseas trip.
On the Canadian World Vision site there are hundreds of other children waiting. How about giving it some thought?
Labels: Q2_2006, World Vision
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Being a Traitor
Okay, it's hardly treason, but this morning I do feel a bit like I've run away from something important.
I've mentioned the word, library in no less than 26 unique weeks of my eJournal and images archives. I've often bragged about my municipal library as being the first in British Columbia. I have made mention of numerous books, CDs, and DVDs I've borrowed there. I've even taken a number of pictures of the New Westminster Public Library.
Yesterday, on the way home from BCIT, I stopped at the Edmonds branch of the Burnaby Public Library. It is easy to pull off and park there. I am eligible to use it as a long-time resident of a city in the InterLINK system. Rather than abandoning my local, little library, I should consider I'm just gaining another card for my wallet ...
I've mentioned the word, library in no less than 26 unique weeks of my eJournal and images archives. I've often bragged about my municipal library as being the first in British Columbia. I have made mention of numerous books, CDs, and DVDs I've borrowed there. I've even taken a number of pictures of the New Westminster Public Library.
Yesterday, on the way home from BCIT, I stopped at the Edmonds branch of the Burnaby Public Library. It is easy to pull off and park there. I am eligible to use it as a long-time resident of a city in the InterLINK system. Rather than abandoning my local, little library, I should consider I'm just gaining another card for my wallet ...
Monday, June 05, 2006
How to Not Run a Business ...
I saw the following report about the plight of US automakers. Ford and GM actually lost money on each car sold in North America.I guess I'm helping the industry by not buying. I will have had my Ranger for ten years next month. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I cannot see myself buying a replacement vehicle for at least another decade.
According to the Harbour Report ...
"Detroit still trails Japanese automakers in profit per vehicle. Nissan, Toyota and Honda each earned a pretax margin of more than $1,200 on every vehicle sold in North America. Chrysler earned $223, while Ford lost $590 and GM lost $2,496 on each vehicle sold in 2005. The figures reflect differences in health-care and pension costs, and expenses associated with cash rebates and financing incentives."
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Our Latest Cruise Revisited
I took me longer to get them online than it did to take 'em.
Back in May, I did complete some blog entries during the trip. We headed down to Seatac airport to catch an Alaskan Airways flight to San Diego. During our three night stay, we accidentally visited Mexico for a few hours. We did the zoo, too. Then we got on our the Holland America ms Veendam for a five night coastal trip to Vancouver. We spent a half day in Seattle and a whole day in Victoria, BC. The eight-night journey went without a hitch.
To individually select from the more than 90 photos, use this option. Or, if you'd rather run through a slideshow of all the photos, just click here.
Back in May, I did complete some blog entries during the trip. We headed down to Seatac airport to catch an Alaskan Airways flight to San Diego. During our three night stay, we accidentally visited Mexico for a few hours. We did the zoo, too. Then we got on our the Holland America ms Veendam for a five night coastal trip to Vancouver. We spent a half day in Seattle and a whole day in Victoria, BC. The eight-night journey went without a hitch.
To individually select from the more than 90 photos, use this option. Or, if you'd rather run through a slideshow of all the photos, just click here.
Labels: British Columbia, cruise, Q2_2006, Seattle
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Kids, Don't Try This at Home
Question: What do the following have in common?Answer: They were a random selection of my personal photos which appeared on a newly-created web page.Buckingham Palace in London A bookstore in Portland, Oregon The Friday market in a Sri Lankan village Zebras on the Kenyan savannah The Brooklyn Bridge Two seagulls on a BC Ferry
I've often discussed the advantages of having an e-collection of photographs. Old paper photos are always stuck in particular album next to others shot at the same time. Online photos, on the other hand, can be searched for and combined in a myriad of ways. On the page below you'll find six entirely random photos from a collection which is currently approaching 1,900. In real life it'd be most analogous to throwing several thousand photos into a pile in the middle of the floor and fishing out just six.
The fun only starts when you 'refresh' and a new, random selection appears. I just might have given you a way to waste the next five minutes of your life. Click the screenshot to load the page in a new window. Then, bookmark it.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Spring Fever
I am positive that spring cleaning is more than just a term. I think it may be an actual drive which stems from an internal human mechanism.I got into a throw-out mood a while back. I'm sure you know how easy it is to collect junk. If you haven't used something in the last year then chances are pretty good that you really don't require it. It was greatly cathartic to drop off boxes at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. I feel there is something wonderfully refreshing about not being surrounded by so many things. Some take comfort from their old belongings; I find keeping possessions an unnecessary burden.
Still, clearing away some previously-collected debris allows me to think more clearly about buying more. Is wanting a motorcycle just another spring thing?
Labels: Q2_2006
Thursday, June 01, 2006
It's About Time
I got an email from a former colleague this week. It was good to hear from him. I met Don when he first came to work in Bahrain in 1990. He still teaches there. I value his friendship but he does suffer from a few delusions. One point is how he feels he is managing to beat the ravages of time. Maybe the honest and accurate view in the mirror is being clouded by failing vision. Another point involves the calculation of the same subject ... time. Although he is sixty he still maintains he's middle aged. For gads sake, how many of us are still on this earth at the age of one hundred and twenty?This segues into another look at the topic of time. This afternoon my class will have a midterm exam. This is the fourth one I've given in 2006. In my nearly nine years of teaching at BCIT, I've never taught as many intensive classes back-to-back. During previous years, I've generally taught a few classes in the BCIT International program too. Those courses have fewer hours per week spread out over a much longer period of time. I'd say there are advantages and disadvantages to each schedule.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
The Ability to Keep in Touch
I think it's important for me to have a presence on the Internet. As well as letting me maintain some resume information, I can express thoughts that I'd never do if it weren't for a blog. One other important benefit of being online is that it allows long-lost acquaintances to find me.
I got a nice message from a former BCIT student yesterday. It included these paragraphs and went on to express personal information and more about the recent difficulties in Indonesia.
I feel extremely lucky to have my teaching job. Often it's easy to merely focus on one's current situation. I need to remember the big picture. Being able to positively affect people is a frighteningly-powerful gift.
I got a nice message from a former BCIT student yesterday. It included these paragraphs and went on to express personal information and more about the recent difficulties in Indonesia.
Hi Dennis, how are you doin? It's been almost 3 years since you taught me.. My name is Guntur Herianto, hopefully you can still remember me.. well if not then maybe you should check your 2003 summer student pics...
I already went back to Indonesia 2 years ago.. here nobody speaks in English, very little people write in English.. That is so sad, in fact I've lost 80% of my capability in speaking and writing skills. I'm working as a Radio DJ at my home town now. The radio called ISTARA FM. You could check the website though if you feel interested.
Well, the reason why I contacted you is simply I miss Canada, I miss Vancouver, I miss Burnaby, I miss BCIT and most of all I miss friends and you...
I feel extremely lucky to have my teaching job. Often it's easy to merely focus on one's current situation. I need to remember the big picture. Being able to positively affect people is a frighteningly-powerful gift.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
May's Days
The month of May seems as if it has already been quite long but we've still got tomorrow remaining. I added a few entries to my myhistory.doc file. That's the place where I write a single line of actions for each month. I started this word processing document as an aid to help me remember specific occasions of my life. It's been sitting on a hard drive for years and years. The file continues all the way back to 1981, the year I graduated from college. Here are Mays for the past few years:
2006 - SD to Van Cruise (3 htl-5 night ship) Afternoon BCIT (#30), New Sofa.
2005 - One night at Lynne & Joel’s, New York City 7 nights, Weekend BCIT (#24).
2004 - Visited Bret/Joel in Seattle, Bought DV camcorder. BCIT (#22).
2003 - Nothing listed.
2002 - Trip to Tofino, Island, & Sunshine Coast, BCIT Class (#15).
2001 - Took Alaskan Cruise.
Labels: lists, Q2_2006, Vancouver Island
Monday, May 29, 2006
It's Hard to Say Goodbye!
An old sofa is a lot like a good friend. Now matter how ratty either gets, you find it extremely difficult to part ways.
I remember hauling this one when moving from the first apartment. It seemed to weigh a ton. While on its end, the bed mechanism kept trying to pop open in the elevator. This morning, we'll be trying to get it back down to the ground floor. First, the old flat pillows, blankets and pieces of foam will have to be removed from under the cushions for it sagged a bit! It'll then go back to New Westminster's Salvation Army Thrift Store.
After seeing Mission Impossible 3 yesterday, we dropped by Sears a half hour before it was closing. We spotted a new green sofa bed for a good price. The Burnaby outlet was also having an extra furniture discount which was equivalent to the federal GST. Caution was thrown to the wind.
I'm not really sure if we'll ever need the new built-in double mattress as anybody who stays here seems willing to sleep on an air mattress on the floor. Also, the dark green colour probably won't match anything. Surely, it would've been wiser to buy a love-seat considering the size of the apartment. Yet, we'll be driving to Sears this morning. Hopefully, the new one will fit between the truck's back and the metal canopy with a little coaxing.
I remember hauling this one when moving from the first apartment. It seemed to weigh a ton. While on its end, the bed mechanism kept trying to pop open in the elevator. This morning, we'll be trying to get it back down to the ground floor. First, the old flat pillows, blankets and pieces of foam will have to be removed from under the cushions for it sagged a bit! It'll then go back to New Westminster's Salvation Army Thrift Store.After seeing Mission Impossible 3 yesterday, we dropped by Sears a half hour before it was closing. We spotted a new green sofa bed for a good price. The Burnaby outlet was also having an extra furniture discount which was equivalent to the federal GST. Caution was thrown to the wind.
I'm not really sure if we'll ever need the new built-in double mattress as anybody who stays here seems willing to sleep on an air mattress on the floor. Also, the dark green colour probably won't match anything. Surely, it would've been wiser to buy a love-seat considering the size of the apartment. Yet, we'll be driving to Sears this morning. Hopefully, the new one will fit between the truck's back and the metal canopy with a little coaxing.
Labels: maintenance, Q2_2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Musing About Money
I'm very satisfied with life. There are a wide range of reasons but an important one involves finances. I take being comfortable for granted.
There is truth in the English idiom that says, "A penny saved is a penny earned." The trick to having enough money is not making a lot; rather, it's not spending a lot. The habit of putting aside some money from each paycheck ensures that spending doesn't surpass income. Debt is dangerous too. Paying interest on borrowed money is money lost. College loans were the only time I paid a bank for the privilege of using money I didn't have.
For some people, I'm sure the practicing restraint sounds easier than actually doing it. (After all people say something similar about losing weight. Yet, I must find it harder to keep calories burned higher than calories consumed because I weigh far too much.)
In a word, part of life's satisfaction is knowing there'd be no tragic consequences if I found it impossible to work anymore. Still, without a trickle of income I couldn't continue to dream about buying a widescreen TV to replace a tube that's more than a dozen years old!
There is truth in the English idiom that says, "A penny saved is a penny earned." The trick to having enough money is not making a lot; rather, it's not spending a lot. The habit of putting aside some money from each paycheck ensures that spending doesn't surpass income. Debt is dangerous too. Paying interest on borrowed money is money lost. College loans were the only time I paid a bank for the privilege of using money I didn't have.
For some people, I'm sure the practicing restraint sounds easier than actually doing it. (After all people say something similar about losing weight. Yet, I must find it harder to keep calories burned higher than calories consumed because I weigh far too much.)
In a word, part of life's satisfaction is knowing there'd be no tragic consequences if I found it impossible to work anymore. Still, without a trickle of income I couldn't continue to dream about buying a widescreen TV to replace a tube that's more than a dozen years old!
Saturday, May 27, 2006
What's the Weather Angle?
This photo was taken last Sunday. You can see some buildings near Vancouver's Canada Place. It was good to see a bit of blue sky last weekend too. Overall, the past week and a half has been a bit of a wash out. It reminds me more of typical February weather than what we should be having at the very end of May.The gas fireplace is on right now and has been burning for the past few days.
Labels: Q2_2006
Friday, May 26, 2006
Wee Litt'l Romance
Any movie in which people start singing in order to express a thought or feeling is obvious fantasy. Many of us cannot carry a tune in a bucket.
Once upon a time, I didn't know singing occurred on film other than My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, and Mary Poppins. Then a few years ago DVD's had became so widespread, all sorts of old material were pressed on them.
In 1954, MGM shot Brigadoon. Two American stumbling into a magical village which only appears every one hundred years is a really silly concept. At least fifty years later, it doesn't really matter that every scene was shot in a studio rather than in Scotland. It amazes me that all that work was cheaper than sending a crew overseas.
I've not finished this film but soon I will have ticked off another piece of Hollywood from a bygone era. Who was Gene Kelly?
Once upon a time, I didn't know singing occurred on film other than My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, and Mary Poppins. Then a few years ago DVD's had became so widespread, all sorts of old material were pressed on them.
In 1954, MGM shot Brigadoon. Two American stumbling into a magical village which only appears every one hundred years is a really silly concept. At least fifty years later, it doesn't really matter that every scene was shot in a studio rather than in Scotland. It amazes me that all that work was cheaper than sending a crew overseas.
I've not finished this film but soon I will have ticked off another piece of Hollywood from a bygone era. Who was Gene Kelly?
Labels: movie musical, movies, Q2_2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Doing a Big Wheely
Yesterday's entry had one of the first photos I posted on Flickr. In fact the reason I investigated the service was in order to share the photos of the trip with those friends.That was a long time and over 1800 uploaded photos ago!
I started my 'My Daily Picture Parade' on July 1st of last year. In the fall, I was even able to document our Euro trip as it occurred.
My photos can be divided into several categories. One way would be to separate into: everyday life, special events, and slightly artistic photos. The one to the right is a part of the latter group. Strangely, hardly anyone has looked at it, so I figured I could give it a second wind on my blog.
It was taken in London. We rode the London Eye for fantastic view of the Parliament, the Thames, and Westminster.
Labels: Daily Picture Parade, Flickr, London, Q2_2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Get Out of Town
The guys were over on Monday. Among the things discussed were possible plans for future activities.We talked about a previous trip to the wineries in the BC Okanagan. It seems quite amazing that we rented that minivan nearly a year ago! Although we were only away for two nights, it was a highlight of last summer. This is why taking trips, large or small, is so important. I have no recollection of the weekend before or after that late June trip.
Routines are nice but memories occur only when they're broken. This is why I think travel is one of the most important things that people do. Nobody on their deathbed looks back at their life and wishes they'd spent more time at the office.
Labels: driving, Q2_2006, road trip, travel planning
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
The Hippo and Me
Why do we just lounge around all the time?
This morning I'm hastily correcting assignments. My students wrote them last Thursday. I don't work Fridays and this was a 3-day weekend due to the Canadian celebration of Victoria Day.
So, I've had four days. I put off the doing the correction until this morning. Why?
This morning I'm hastily correcting assignments. My students wrote them last Thursday. I don't work Fridays and this was a 3-day weekend due to the Canadian celebration of Victoria Day.
So, I've had four days. I put off the doing the correction until this morning. Why?
Labels: BCIT, feelings, flora and fauna, Q2_2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Can You Tell Me the Time?
Okay, I'm experienced which is a politically correct way of saying 'old'. I remember putting a:>time and a:>date in my computer's DOS 2.1 autoexe.bat file. I guess that meant the PC XT-clone didn't even have a back up CMOS battery.For years however, I've depended on a little watch-like battery helping to keep the time as well as BIOS configuration settings. Actually, for quite a few years my computer has run continuously around the clock.
Why my computer has suddenly stopped keeping the correct time is beyond me. I first assumed it was the battery, so I replaced it with a new $5 Eveready. Hum, that didn't work.
I then looked on the Internet. What about run cmd and the w32tm /register function?
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Hyack: It's Chinook for 'Hurry Up'
It started yesterday. The annual spring festival always begins during the Victoria Day long weekend and runs through the end of the US Memorial Day weekend. It's a tradition in New Westminster.Probably the most famous and popular event is the Hyack International parade with around 140 entries from around British Columbia, Washington state, and as far afield as California.
The history of the events spring from festivities around May Day. The city likes to boast that this it the longest-running celebration of its type in the Commonwealth. Another deeply-rooted part of the festival is the anvil firing. The anvil battery has fired a 21-gun salute to Queen Victoria since the late 1800's. The Hyack Voluntary Fire Brigade first used anvils because there was a shortage of guns. In colouful costumes, members continue the event tomorrow at noon. The modern version of the festival with its many scheduled, community events started in the early 1970's.
Fireworks were exploded from a barge on the Fraser River last night. Here's an example I photographed from the balcony of the apartment.
Labels: balcony, fireworks, Fraser River, Hayack, New Westminster, Q2_2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
On Disc and Screen
Twenty years ago, I was simply happy that a computer could capture my keystrokes and let me save the results in a permanent file on floppy disk.Nowadays, I expect lots more.
I have often thought about dabbling with video. I'm familiar with DVD format and have been copying titles since I first got a DVD burner over two years ago. My equipment had finally caught up to my capabilities; but my software had not. I wasn't happy with the learning curve presented by Studio 9 by Pinnacle. Besides, I had technical problems that their technical support couldn't help solve.
I found myself resorting to a free copy of Ulead's Movie Factory 2.5 that came with one of my DVD burners. Over the last few months, I found myself using it frequently to copy TV segments of science and technology for class. I even burned old analog 8mm video tape from trips to India and Thailand in the early 1990's. It works.
I downloaded the newer trial version of Ulead's Movie Factory 5.0 and I plan on paying them the fifty bucks for the legit copy. It'll be worth it.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Soul-less Suburbia
I don't know what makes a picture popular on Flickr.
For example, this one gained lots of views over just a few days. It's not what I'd consider special. In fact, I found it in my camera's built-in memory. I generally pop out a 1-gigabyte xD card and insert into a reader. Once, I forgot to put my card back into the camera so a few photos were kept on the internal memory. I hitched up the camera's USB cable and accessed this photo taken up my doctor's office.
For example, this one gained lots of views over just a few days. It's not what I'd consider special. In fact, I found it in my camera's built-in memory. I generally pop out a 1-gigabyte xD card and insert into a reader. Once, I forgot to put my card back into the camera so a few photos were kept on the internal memory. I hitched up the camera's USB cable and accessed this photo taken up my doctor's office.
Labels: digital camera, flash memory, Flickr, Q2_2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
'Sun' is a Beautiful Word
This week the weather's been glorious. The skies have been blue and the sun strong. It is a comfortable temperature for short sleeves but not too hot and muggy. The mountains around Vancouver are still out and capped by snow. In a word, this weather can't be beat.It's funny though; the day goes pretty much unnoticed from the office or classroom. I notice the green grass, flowers, and leafy trees only when walking between buildings on break.
As I don't work on Fridays, I'm at the beginning of a 4-day weekend. Next Monday is Victoria Day in Canada. This signals the beginning of summer. Well perhaps summer starts later officially, but campgrounds open and touristy things go full force from this weekend. And so, just as usual, it appears that the fine weather we're having may disappear by the weekend ...