Well it was my one month blogiversary this week. I passed the one month mark since I started my blog. I started it off with a confession that I am a Piece of Work. Of course this was not a revelation to anyone who knows me (especially my daughters)!
I was saying for quite a while that I should start a blog. When my daughters would tell something about me on their blog, I would say "What if I had a blog, then I would tell stories about you." They thought this was just an empty threat. They should know that I mean what I say. (Just wait until you see someone riding past on a trick bike with an oxygen tank.)
Mary said that I had told her that if I had a blog it would be both silly and serious. I think that is important and expresses who I am. There are times to be silly and there are times to be serious. That is part of the necessary balance of life.
I am interested in how some people find my blog through Google blogsearches. A recent one from Germany did a search from "Yale computer quotations." There were two that searched for "short haircut" or "haircut short" and found my Short Haircut post. The one that amused me the most was someone who searched for "What a piece of work Hamlet" and found me. Apparently even Google thinks I am a piece of work!
Blogging can become an addiction (or habit-forming.) If I want to stop sometime I may have to go through the Bloggers Anonymous 12 step program. But for now I have no intention of quitting.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Microscope up my Nose
I was examined by the Ear, Nose and Throat specialist this afternoon because I have been having pain in the area around my trach. He used a bronchoscope to examine me. I referred to it as having a "microscope up my nose"
The doctor started by shooting freezing spray up my nose, into my trach, and all around my neck area. The bronchoscope is like a microscope with a long thin fibreoptic tube. He was very thorough in examining with the scope into my trach all the way down my airway (trachea) to the connections to the lungs. Then came the "fun" part. He put the scope up my nose like in the picture. The tube went up through my sinuses around and down past and tonsils and through my vocal cords back down to the airway to my lungs.
There were two student nurses watching the doctor and they had to take turns looking into the scope as the doctor examined each part. Elaine had her turn too. I should have been charging admission! I surprised one of the nurses when I talked while she was looking at my vocal chords with the scope tube down between them. (By the way talking with frozen vocal chords is strange.)
The good news is the doctor did not find any serious problems. He said I have "peristoma granuloma and neuroma." In simple terms I have a sore spot with a bundle of nerve endings in my neck opening (stoma) that the trach tube rubs against. He wants to put me on a waiting list for surgery to repair this. He says it is not urgent so it could be 1 to 3 months. I am in no rush and I am trusting this will be healed up before any surgery is needed.
All in all having a microscope up my nose wasn't that bad. Doctors have a lot worse places they can put scopes.
The doctor started by shooting freezing spray up my nose, into my trach, and all around my neck area. The bronchoscope is like a microscope with a long thin fibreoptic tube. He was very thorough in examining with the scope into my trach all the way down my airway (trachea) to the connections to the lungs. Then came the "fun" part. He put the scope up my nose like in the picture. The tube went up through my sinuses around and down past and tonsils and through my vocal cords back down to the airway to my lungs.
There were two student nurses watching the doctor and they had to take turns looking into the scope as the doctor examined each part. Elaine had her turn too. I should have been charging admission! I surprised one of the nurses when I talked while she was looking at my vocal chords with the scope tube down between them. (By the way talking with frozen vocal chords is strange.)
The good news is the doctor did not find any serious problems. He said I have "peristoma granuloma and neuroma." In simple terms I have a sore spot with a bundle of nerve endings in my neck opening (stoma) that the trach tube rubs against. He wants to put me on a waiting list for surgery to repair this. He says it is not urgent so it could be 1 to 3 months. I am in no rush and I am trusting this will be healed up before any surgery is needed.
All in all having a microscope up my nose wasn't that bad. Doctors have a lot worse places they can put scopes.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Computer History
Mary asked me about the old computer punch cards she remembers we had at home. These type of cards were the standard input for mainframe computers from about the 1950s to early 1980s. (Old cards made good note cards or bookmarks.)
The cards were made on a card punch machine like the one shown below. I used one of these many times at university and at work up to about 1980. In the first university computer class I took the computer centre had clerical staff that did all the card punching. We wrote our computer program (FORTRAN) on paper and then handed it in at a window to be punched and run through the computer (filling a wing of the building.) Of course the program ended in errors and we had to rewrite, line up again at the window and repeat until it worked.
The punch cards came in boxes of 2000 cards. I remember seeing Grad students who had developed large programs that took more than one box of cards. There was more than one student who dropped his box of cards and had a scrambled disaster to sort out.
In that era most big companies including the one I work for had a whole department of people at card punch machines entering all the information needed for data processing. Sometimes the card readers chewed up the cards or two cards stuck together. I had an instance where two cards stuck together on reading and a data base was out of alignment causing a billing error for a major customer for a whole month before the problem could be found.
In looking at some information on computer history I found an amusing example of mobile computing. The picture below is a computer card reader machine pulled by an ox. This was in Taiwan and used in processing an early 1960s census.
I have always been fascinated by the history of technology and I was a witness to much of it. (No I never used a computer pulled by an ox cart though.) This may become part of an ongoing blog series.
The cards were made on a card punch machine like the one shown below. I used one of these many times at university and at work up to about 1980. In the first university computer class I took the computer centre had clerical staff that did all the card punching. We wrote our computer program (FORTRAN) on paper and then handed it in at a window to be punched and run through the computer (filling a wing of the building.) Of course the program ended in errors and we had to rewrite, line up again at the window and repeat until it worked.
The punch cards came in boxes of 2000 cards. I remember seeing Grad students who had developed large programs that took more than one box of cards. There was more than one student who dropped his box of cards and had a scrambled disaster to sort out.In that era most big companies including the one I work for had a whole department of people at card punch machines entering all the information needed for data processing. Sometimes the card readers chewed up the cards or two cards stuck together. I had an instance where two cards stuck together on reading and a data base was out of alignment causing a billing error for a major customer for a whole month before the problem could be found.
In looking at some information on computer history I found an amusing example of mobile computing. The picture below is a computer card reader machine pulled by an ox. This was in Taiwan and used in processing an early 1960s census.
I have always been fascinated by the history of technology and I was a witness to much of it. (No I never used a computer pulled by an ox cart though.) This may become part of an ongoing blog series.Sunday, March 23, 2008
Home Again
We are home again after being at North Battleford for church meetings over the Easter weekend. We had a wonderful time in the meetings and in visiting with many people. I was especially thankful we could be there since I missed these meetings one year ago when I was in the hospital. This was the 60th anniversary of when these meetings first started in 1948, and they seem to be even better each year.
We heard a lot from the Beatitudes of how these teachings of Jesus should affect our everyday lives. A key verse that stood out in the messages was "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Matthew 17:5 KJV Bible) We still need to be hearing him today as he speaks to us in many ways, in the scriptures, through other people, and through the "still small voice" in our hearts (as Elijah learned in 1 Kings 19:12).
Even with the wonderful time we had away for the weekend, it is still great to be home again.
We heard a lot from the Beatitudes of how these teachings of Jesus should affect our everyday lives. A key verse that stood out in the messages was "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Matthew 17:5 KJV Bible) We still need to be hearing him today as he speaks to us in many ways, in the scriptures, through other people, and through the "still small voice" in our hearts (as Elijah learned in 1 Kings 19:12).
Even with the wonderful time we had away for the weekend, it is still great to be home again.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Easter
Easter is a very important time when we are remember Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. We need that in our hearts and minds at all times, but Easter is a special time of remembrance.
Easter Sunday this year is March 23. I was interested to find that this is the earliest that Easter has been since 1913. Easter Sunday will not be March 23 again until 2160! The absolute earliest Easter Sunday can be is March 22 which has not occurred since 1818 and will not happen again until 2285. The latest date for Easter Sunday is April 25 which last occurred in 1943 and will not happen again until 2038. These are based on the current method for determining Easter dates which has had a lot of controversy over the centuries. But the way of selecting the date is not the priority. It is taking a special time to remember what Jesus has done for us.
I am posting this a few days early since we are going away for special church meetings over the Easter weekend. We are really looking forward to that. Have a blessed Easter everyone!
Easter Sunday this year is March 23. I was interested to find that this is the earliest that Easter has been since 1913. Easter Sunday will not be March 23 again until 2160! The absolute earliest Easter Sunday can be is March 22 which has not occurred since 1818 and will not happen again until 2285. The latest date for Easter Sunday is April 25 which last occurred in 1943 and will not happen again until 2038. These are based on the current method for determining Easter dates which has had a lot of controversy over the centuries. But the way of selecting the date is not the priority. It is taking a special time to remember what Jesus has done for us.
I am posting this a few days early since we are going away for special church meetings over the Easter weekend. We are really looking forward to that. Have a blessed Easter everyone!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Back to School
Lately I have almost felt like I am back to school. I have always been interested in discussing and looking at what my kids are studying in school. Now with Janny back in university I have been doing that a lot. It is quite a few years since I studied the calculus, linear algebra and physics she is taking, so I have been reactivating some regions of brain cells that have not been used for a while. I sometimes work through questions she is doing on her assignments to see if I get the same answer as her. I have surprised myself how much I do remember of this once I get into it.
Many students do not see the practical application of the mathematics they study in high school or university. My background is electrical engineering. Math is the language of science and engineering. In my career I have had to apply mathematics to solve real problems. For example to derive partial differential equations and determine optimum settings for control systems to stabilize the operation of generating units. So I have been able to appreciate math in its real world application and not just some theoretical exercise.
My other two kids' areas of history and geography are also great interests of mine. It is funny how all three ended up in subject areas that are my main interests without me influencing them in what to study. But I am glad they did, because it has given me some more opportunities for learning in areas I enjoy.
Many students do not see the practical application of the mathematics they study in high school or university. My background is electrical engineering. Math is the language of science and engineering. In my career I have had to apply mathematics to solve real problems. For example to derive partial differential equations and determine optimum settings for control systems to stabilize the operation of generating units. So I have been able to appreciate math in its real world application and not just some theoretical exercise.
My other two kids' areas of history and geography are also great interests of mine. It is funny how all three ended up in subject areas that are my main interests without me influencing them in what to study. But I am glad they did, because it has given me some more opportunities for learning in areas I enjoy.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Treasure in Clay Jars
A verse from the Bible that has impressed me recently says "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2 Corinthians 4:7 KJV Bible.) In the NIV translation this verse says, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
We are being compared to earthenware pottery or clay jars. God has made us to store his treasure within us. That is a wonderful thing to think about.
We are being compared to earthenware pottery or clay jars. God has made us to store his treasure within us. That is a wonderful thing to think about.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Who is that kid in the back?
This is one of my favourite pictures of me at my sister's birthday party. I was obviously having a wonderful time. I can't believe I would have been acting up for the camera, considering the serious person I am now. Friday, March 7, 2008
Janny Stories
Janny was telling stories about me on her blog. This got me thinking back to times when she was a little girl. Here she is reading the newspaper with me.
One time when Janny was just a toddler she was coming toward me with a toy that had a large black suction cup attached to it. As she reached the toy out to me the suction cup stuck right to my forehead. I pulled it off and then went to look in the mirror. I had a large circular black spot (about 4 cm) on my forehead. I thought I could just wash it off, but as I tried it became a large perfectly circular red and purple spot. I just dreaded going out looking like that, but the next day I had to ride the city bus to work. Everyone on the bus looked up and stared wide-eyed as I walked onto the bus. At work I decided to just stay in my office cubicle so no one would see me. Then someone came in and called out "Hey everyone, come and see this!" It seemed to take forever for that spot to wear off.
Sometimes when Janny was a little girl she was T-R-O-U-B-L-E.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Weather Bulletin
They have lowered the weather forecast for tonight for a low temperature of -31C. BRRRRRRRR
I thought we had seen the end of -30C temperatures for this winter. The forecast keeps saying in another two days the warmer weather will be here. But every two days, "another two days" is always "another two days" away.
Let's think positively. Spring is almost here.
I thought we had seen the end of -30C temperatures for this winter. The forecast keeps saying in another two days the warmer weather will be here. But every two days, "another two days" is always "another two days" away.
Let's think positively. Spring is almost here.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Quotations from the Experts
"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." Popular Mechanics, 1949
"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943 (There is some controversy if he actually said this.)
"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." Ken Olson, founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977
"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us." Western Union memo, 1876.
"The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible." Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.)
"Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible." Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895.
"Professor Goddard does not know the relation between action and reaction and the need to have something better than a vacuum against which to react. He seems to lack the basic knowledge ladled out daily in high schools." 1921 New York Times editorial about Robert Goddard's revolutionary rocket work.
"Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau." Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University, 1929.
"Everything that can be invented has been invented."Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899.
"640K ought to be enough for anybody." Bill Gates, 1981
"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943 (There is some controversy if he actually said this.)
"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." Ken Olson, founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977
"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us." Western Union memo, 1876.
"The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible." Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.)
"Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible." Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895.
"Professor Goddard does not know the relation between action and reaction and the need to have something better than a vacuum against which to react. He seems to lack the basic knowledge ladled out daily in high schools." 1921 New York Times editorial about Robert Goddard's revolutionary rocket work.
"Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau." Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University, 1929.
"Everything that can be invented has been invented."Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899.
"640K ought to be enough for anybody." Bill Gates, 1981
Monday, March 3, 2008
Chorus Performance
Yesterday afternoon I attended the RPC brunch at the Hotel Sask. They performed Mozart's Solemn Vespers. I have been a regular attendee of the RPC performances since Elaine is in the chorus and now there are some others who are "part of the family." The musical performance was excellent.
I have grown to love this type of classical choral music. The annual choral performance of Handel's Messiah with the RSO is my favorite as it builds to full power of the chorus, accompanied with the pipe organ, the sounding of the trumpets, and the rumble of the timpani. (I love the "rumbly parts.") Last fall I also enjoyed the dynamic Armed Man by Jenkins. This took us through the whole range of war and peace. I wouldn't call it beautiful music, but it had a dynamic and power I could appreciate. In contrast to these, the musical performance yesterday of Mozart's Solemn Vespers had a peaceful beauty. I fully enjoyed every part of it.
As one of the guests at our table said yesterday, "That was a VERY enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon!" That really sums it up.
I have grown to love this type of classical choral music. The annual choral performance of Handel's Messiah with the RSO is my favorite as it builds to full power of the chorus, accompanied with the pipe organ, the sounding of the trumpets, and the rumble of the timpani. (I love the "rumbly parts.") Last fall I also enjoyed the dynamic Armed Man by Jenkins. This took us through the whole range of war and peace. I wouldn't call it beautiful music, but it had a dynamic and power I could appreciate. In contrast to these, the musical performance yesterday of Mozart's Solemn Vespers had a peaceful beauty. I fully enjoyed every part of it.
As one of the guests at our table said yesterday, "That was a VERY enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon!" That really sums it up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)