Journal Entries
Time Zoned 2
Posted Nov 16, 2002
I think being *zoned* is just one aspect of talking around the world. If I want to converse with someone twelve hours ahead or behind me I have to consider several constraints. First off I shouldn't be concerned if I'm "All Alone", that is to say I don't get immediate answers because everyone else is asleep or at work. Next I shouldn't be upset that it's "Bedtime" for them and they have to go while I'm preparing a mid-afternoon snack. Finally I should accept that it's "Partytime" for them while I'm logging in at work. And vice-versa of course. All in all it's a good exchange for what I get out of it anyway.
Discuss this Journal entry [1]
Latest reply: Nov 16, 2002
Good 'un!
Posted Nov 15, 2002
I for one (and I can say that since the successful treatment of my multiple personalities- can't I, yes I can) like the new look of H2G2. It's pleasure to see the little googly eyes and know you are being heard. Those who want privacy can look without logging on, which is only fair for all you lurkers out there. The *Friends* addition is also a great idea. I think I might find a few more because of it.
Keep up the good work!
Discuss this Journal entry [1]
Latest reply: Nov 15, 2002
Time Zoned
Posted Nov 14, 2002
Being on the edge of the world like this I do have some advantages online. My late night ramblings are most people's sleep or morning times so there isn't much of a log jam. The only disadvantage is that when I get a good conversation going in the afternoon, by supper everyone else seems to want to sleep!
Somehow I have to find a way to get paid for this, then I will sleep when you do. Until the Ozzies chime in.
Off to bed, all of you and I'll see you in the morn...eve...lunch... next time.
Discuss this Journal entry [1]
Latest reply: Nov 14, 2002
On the Road Again
Posted Oct 27, 2002
Travelling again. When next I read these words I will be in Smalltown Canada. Namely Prince George, Williams Lake, Vernon, Kamloops, and Kelowna, British Columbia. These names are quite reminiscent of the past here as they are relfective of the name of the province. What could be more British than a city named after Prince George? And what could be more native to Columbia than the native names Kamloops or Kelowna? The other cities with 'Prince' or royal names have kept them, although those who live in Prince Rupert like to call it just 'Rupert'. Like a friend I suppose. Victoria holds the highest title as it should considering it's the capital. New Westminster was supposed to be as you might guess from it's name but we needed to keep Vancouver Island away from the Yanks and so it goes. My favourite is a small village not far from where I grew up on Vancouver Island. Shawnigan Lake is it's name and most visitors believe it to be a charming native (First Nations) name. I happen to know it was named after two gay Irish settlers Shawn and Finnigan. Oh well, talk to you from on the road. 
Discuss this Journal entry [2]
Latest reply: Oct 27, 2002
Travels with my camera
Posted Sep 22, 2002
I'll be leaving Tuesday for an extended trip to document some disabled children for a program that airs next year. I'll probably find a dial-up for my little laptop but if not all of you should be well and happy. Except for the people in the "What's wrong with H2G2 Researchers (/you?)" of course.
I have done similar trips in the past and they always leave me with very mixed emotions. On the one hand I have come to realise that most of us don't have real problems at all, just minor annoyances or frictions. I really don't have anything in my life to complain about when I see the battle of an eleven year old to walk. I know I shouldn't complain about small things when I see a teenager who struggles for breath every hour of every day and night. The stories are at once depressing and amazingly uplifting at the same time. That's why I offer to do them every year and I think why people ask for me to do them.
On the other hand I have to maintain some professional detachment. I can't make friends with every family, even if I do some. I can't go on and on about them to friends because people generally have a low threshold of interest unless personally involved. I know I won't be there when the child is whining and cranky at 3:00 but instead when they are all on their best behaviour. I can't give more than some of my time for free and not much money. I know that what I am doing is shilling for money in a way or playing on people's vulnerability and emotions.
I still think it is a good thing, though and the best part is seeing the children (or young adults) the next year or years later and recognising the improvement. I'll keep doing it and let others judge. Like I said before, all of you should be well and happy. If you are it's a great gift.
Discuss this Journal entry [1]
Latest reply: Sep 22, 2002
clzoomer- a bit woobly
Researcher U200838
Write an Entry
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. It has been compiled and recompiled many times and under many different editorships. It contains contributions from countless numbers of travellers and researchers."