Canada will have its first countrywide white Christmas since 1971

ShadowFX was surfing www.cbc.ca and sent you this CBC News story

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More snow on way after winter blasts

Canadians cleaning up after a series of snowstorms blasted through the country should hold on to their shovels, as forecasters predict some regions will soon be walloped by more winter weather. Forecasters are predicting Canada will have its first countrywide white Christmas since 1971.

It was reported (Joanne Hatherly, Canwest News Service,Published: Wednesday, December 24, 2008), that Victoria had the most snow on the ground of any major city in Canada. At 41 cm, Victoria's snowpack tops that of Winnipeg (24 cm), Quebec City (26 cm) and even the North Pole (40 cm). However, Ottawa is in a dead heat with Victoria to take top place this year. The city had 39 cm of snow as of Tuesday and was forecast to have 5-10 cm fall today.

"Two things unite us as Canadians: bad news in Ottawa and snow in Victoria," said David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada.

"I might even find a prominent place in my weather trivia calendar for this. Think about it. On Christmas Day, you have more snow than the North Pole."

Copyright 2008 CBC All Rights Reserved
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This story, forwarded to you by ShadowFX, appears on http://www.cbc.ca at the following URL:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/12/23/storm-snow.html

Missing woman, 55, found alive and buried in snow

Merry Christmas

I thought you would be interested in the following article from globeandmail.com, online news:

"Missing woman, 55, found alive and buried in snow"
72 hours after she went missing, 55-year-old found alive but barely conscious under 60 centimetres of snow
<http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081223.wsurvivor23/EmailBNStory/National/home>

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WEB EXCLUSIVE -- Local teens claim pranks on county's Speed Cams

I thought you might be interested in this article.

It really is worth reading, if for no other reason than to give you some thing to do when you are bored. Not that I advocate it, strictly for educational value only, etc. and all the legal disclaimers, you know.

WEB EXCLUSIVE -- Local teens claim pranks on county's Speed Cams ---------------------------------------------------------

http://www.thesentinel.com/302730670790449.php

Go Danny Go

I'm 100% behind Danny. It's one thing to have the resources (AbitibiBowwater) and use them (process into product) within the confines of the province. But it is something else again to shut down and leave, and expect to keep those resources without further benefit to the province. The Americans tried that with oil in the middle east, and the same thing happened, the resources were expropriated and the refineries were nationalized. I am in favour of doing that through-out Canada. This is, believe it or not, the main stumbling block with NAFTA. The Americans claim we give unfair advantage to Canadian manufactured products because we give away our resources. So I say take them back, take all of them back. Our softwood, our iron ore, our coal, hydro electric water heads, even our diamond and gold fields. Pay the companies for their non-recouped investment and lease hold improvements and turn it over to wholly own Canadian companies. If any of these companies are sold to foreign interests, nationalize them.

You picked a subject I am passionate about. I am tired of seeing our tax money being given to foreign or out of province companies to set up shop, just to have the squirrel it away and then leave. The hog processing plant in PEI, car plants in Ontario, lots of economic incentive ventures in the Atlantic provinces, steel mills in Cape Breton, etc, etc, etc. It has to stop. If the government wants to give $3.4B dollars to the auto makes, then give it to them and tell them to leave after we nationalize the auto industry. Get Frank Stronach to run it, he tried to by Chrysler in 2007 and they wouldn't let him. By the way, Chrysler was sold for $7.4B, now they want $25B US for all three, plus the $3.4B CDN, which Premier Dalton McGuinty acknowledged -- "This is a bit of a lifeline at this point in time to sustain the industry,"

that's enough for one day... B4N

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Thanks for sharing the info on St. Lawrence. Must be sad to see towns dying. Speaking of NFLD, what do you think of the Danny William expropriation of the natural resources of the Abitibi Bowwater ...Hmmmmm Blessings ------Snip for privacy--------

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The population of St. Lawrence was 2,500 when I was there. It was a mining town, but the mine closed, then the fish plant closed. I think the population is about 1,500 now, more than half of whom are women. There are about 550 homes and maybe 5 or 6 clubs/bars. It was a nice place, but very isolated. I can recall two winters in a row that we received mail and groceries by helicopter from St. Johns, because the roads were not open.

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Rita Rudner - "I was a vegetarian until I started leaning toward the sunlight."

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http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=St+Lawrence,+NL&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=25.027097,55.898438&ie=UTF8&ll=46.91916,-55.379961&spn=0.001616,0.003412&t=h&z=18
Copy this URL and you will see all what is left. There used to be three houses to the right of the L-shaped building, mine was the middle one. Now there are none. The town is a lot bigger than it used to be.
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Robert Orben - "Older people shouldn't eat health food, they need all the preservatives they can get."

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What were they thinking?

I have been reading the comments posted on various articles on the CBC web site. These articles have mainly been related to the political scene in Canada.

"A new survey for the Dominion Institute taken in the aftermath of this month's political crisis suggests Canadians are woefully ignorant when it comes to their system of government."
Canadians Lack Basic Understanding of our Country's Parliamentary System
For detailed survey results, visit: http://dominion.ca/polling.htm.

The point is that just those who are willing to take part in the survey are counted. I personally will not take part in a survey if I am not sure I know the answers. Something about this fear of looking stupid. I doubt if I am that much different than most people in that regard. So, this is probably a survey of people who are sure they know the right answer. Scary is it not?

A second survey O Canada: Our Home and Naïve Land is even scarier. It claims we know more about the USA than we do about Canada, all-be-it not that much about either.

But there is a history here:

30 June 1997 - Canadian Youth Score average 34% Correct Answers on Basic Canadian History Quiz
30 June 1998 - Exactly half - 50% - of Canadians surveyed in a new poll failed their 1998 Canada Day Quiz.
29 June 2001 - 5th Annual Canada Day History Quiz - 39% of Canadians passed
01 July 2003 - The 2003 Annual Dominion Institute Canada Day Poll - 50% of Canadians Pass Quiz of Canada's Participation in World Organizations and Events Since World War II
30 June 2005 - The 2005 Annual Canada Day History Quiz - Most Canadians Fail Canada Day History Quiz (40%) (Only 1 of 1,000 Respondents Got all 20 Questions Right)
30 June 2005 - 69% Canadians agree that part of what makes Canada a successful society is that Canadians share common history, heroes and national symbols.
09 Nov 2007 - 82% Canadians age 18 to 24 fail basic Canadian history exam – 1% more than failed in 1997
01 July 2008 - Canadians score better on American questions than on Canadian
questions… Canadians averaged 4.2 correct answers overall on the Canadian questions, and 4.7 correct answers overall on the American questions.

Sad isn't it.
W. C. Fields - "I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food."

VOTE IT OFF!

On Canada Day 2008, The Dominion Institute released the results of a national survey of what Canadians felt were the 101 people, places, symbols, events and accomplishments that most define Canada. I invite you to tell them what you believe does not deserve a place on this list. Vote it Off.

Carbon monoxide detectors sell quickly in wake of Ont. deaths

ShadowFX was surfing www.cbc.ca and sent this CBC News story
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This story, forwarded by ShadowFX, appears on http://www.cbc.ca at the following URL:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2008/12/15/ot-081215-co.html?Authorized=1

CBC News: Sexual innuendo went over my head

ShadowFX was surfing www.cbc.ca and sent you this CBC News story
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Sexual innuendo went over my head

Slang clarification came too late for Sean Avery radio gaffe.

Copyright 2008 CBC All Rights Reserved
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This story, forwarded by ShadowFX, appears on http://www.cbc.ca at the following URL:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/12/f-vp-mallick.html

CBC News: Just-released 1971 recording captures talks between Nixon, 'pompous' Trudeau

I was surfing www.cbc.ca and sent this CBC News story
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Just-released 1971 recording captures talks between Nixon, 'pompous' Trudeau

A taped conversation that led former U.S. president Richard Nixon to call then prime minister Pierre Trudeau a "pompous egghead" has been released publicly.

Copyright 2008 CBC All Rights Reserved
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This story, forwarded to me by a@b.com, appears on http://www.cbc.ca at the following URL:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/12/08/trudeau-nixon.html

A DUI blood tester has been charged in Nevada with drunk driving

shawn was surfing www.cbc.ca and sent you this page
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This page, forwarded to you by me, appears on http://www.cbc.ca at the following URL:
http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Oddities/081207/K120704AU.html

Merry Christmas

There, I've said it. Merry Christmas.
For years those who believe in political correctness have claimed that wishing everyone "Merry Christmas!" is wrong. It's not.
I do not believe that it is 'politically incorrect' to wish people in general and my friends in particular, a Merry Christmas. This does not mean I do not use the term 'Season's Greetings' to express my wishes for the whole season of winter festivities.
For those who wish, there are a lot of views expressed on this matter, on the internet, so adding mine will only add to the clutter.

Merry Christmas to all

How to Make an Origami Christmas Tree: 11 steps (with video) - wikiHow

How to Make an Origami Christmas Tree: 11 steps (with video) - wikiHow

the brain cube

http://shewalkssoftly.com/2008/11/29/the-brain-cube/
This is one of the most innovative uses of technology I have seen in a long time.


Mark Twain - "It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech."

What I'm reading

Title: Advanced digital photography: Techniques and Tips for Creating Professional Quality Images (Paperback) by Tom Ang

From the Publisher

Advanced Digital Photography is a comprehensive, user-friendly guide that will help any digital photographer obtain professional-quality results.

Explains the technology and jargon in depth and detail, with practical insights and helpful tips on digital manipulation, advanced software, expert scanning, and output techniques.

Illustrated with stunning original digital images by an award-winning photographer.

Biography
Tom Ang has been writing about photography for more than 20 years. His books include The Art of Digital Photography, Silver Pixels, Tao of Photography, and many others. A senior lecturer in photographic practice at the University of Westminster, he lives in London.



Title: GIMP Essential Reference by Alex Harford

From the Publisher

Gimp Essential Reference is designed to fulfill a need for the computer expert. It is made to bring someone experienced in computers up to speed with the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It provides essential information on using this program effectively. This book is targeted at the growing market of Linux users who want to efficiently use the Gimp. They may already be familiar with proprietary programs such as Adobe Photoshop or CorelDraw. Gimp Essential Reference will show users how to quickly become familiar with the advanced user interface using a table-heavy format that will allow users to find what they're looking for quickly.Gimp Essential Reference is for users working with the Gimp know what they want to accomplish, but don't know exactly how to do it.

Groucho Marx - "Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot."

White Man's Disease

Motion to drop Shinerama fundraising campaign from Orientation Week

Whereas Orientation week strives to be inclusive as possible

Whereas all orientees and volunteers should feel like their fundraising efforts will serve their diverse communities

And whereas cystic fibrosis has been recently revealed to only affect white people, and primarily men

Be it further resolved that: The CUSA representatives on the incoming Orientation Supervisory Board work to select a new broad reaching charity for orientation week.

Source: CUSA

Shine-A-Rama CUSA's Black Eye

November 26th, 2008
Carleton University Students’ Association moves to reverse decision on Shine-A-Rama

(Ottawa) –

Carleton University Students’ Association President Brittany Smyth has indicated that CUSA council will revisit the motion to change the orientation program charity from Shine-A-Rama.

“It has become clear that there is not an appetite at Carleton to change from Shine-A-Rama,” said Ms. Smyth. “The responsible thing to do is to reverse the decision.”

While the motion merely stated the students’ association would investigate switching to another charity, students have made it clear that they do not want the change.

“I both respect and admire the students’ commitment to the cause of raising funds for cystic fibrosis,” stated Ms. Smyth. “I believe this issue has been blown out of proportion but the motion was never meant to imply that raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis research was not a worthwhile cause. I do apologize for the negative attention Carleton has received”.

-30-

For more information please contact:
Brittany Smyth
CUSA President
cell 613-261-1668

Pea Soup

dried yellow split peas 500 mL butter/fresh or salted pork fat 15 mL large onion, finely chopped 1 stalk celery, finely chopped 1 carrots, scraped and finely chopped 2 Chicken or Vegetable Broth 500 mL water 1.5 L smoked ham, diced 125 g chopped fresh thyme (or 0.5 mL dried thyme) 5 mL bay leaf 1 sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Place peas in a saucepan and cover with 3 L of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 6 minutes. Drain and rinse the peas; set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter or render fatback over medium heat. Add onion, celery and carrots. Sauté for 4 minutes. Add broth and water, ham, thyme, bay leaf and peas. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until peas are very soft, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper.

Designing a PID Controller

"I ended up assembling the parts on a PIC proto board I got free from Microchip when I attended a seminar." I read this on a site with a similar name as this posting. I must give credit to the author for inspiring me to do the same. I, however, attend seminars given by TI, based mostly on their MSP430 micro controller. As such, I have MSP430 demo boards (also free) that I have received over the years.

What does all this have to do with designing a PID Controller? Most controllers are implemented with PIC's "Since PICs are cheap" (another quote from the same site). Well it turns out, the MSP430 is also cheap. Actually they are free if you ask for them, so is the software development platforms (IDE). The eZ430-F2013 development tool is only $20.00 c/w two software IDE platforms. Actually I have all the eZ430 development kits.

Now the next question. Why?

I have been working for the last five months on a project which uses a commercial implementation of a PID controller (LabVIEW) fed from COTS data acquisition boards ("Lawson Labs, Inc.) and some various bits and pieces. The implementation had so many rough edges that required a lot of 'smoothing' that I had to do a lot of research into the PID controller. So now that I have the time, I figure its a good project for the winter.

Thats the What, Why, and even the When. Who and Where are obvious; Me and Here. The tools will be, for the most part, free. If you have to buy the proto hardware the cost is minimal.

Now for todays credits: (no endorsement, use at your own parole)

http://www.seattlerobotics.org/encoder/200205/pidmc.html
Designing a PID Motor Controller
By Randy Gamage (randy @ gamatronix.com)

http://www.lawsonlabs.com/
Lawson Labs, Inc.
lawsnlab@lawsonlabs.com

http://www.ni.com/labview86
LabVIEW 8.6

MSP430 microprocessor, ultra-low-power, 16-bit RISC mixed-signal processors
http://focus.ti.com/mcu/docs/mcuprodoverview.tsp?sectionId=95&tabId=140&familyId=342

The eZ430-F2013 is a complete MSP430 development tool including all the hardware and software to evaluate the MSP430F2013 and develop a complete project in a convenient USB stick form factor.
http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/folders/print/ez430-f2013.html

Engineering Ethics

This is unbelievable. You have to read this article, even though it is more than six years old.

Engineering Ethics http://www.embedded.com/story/OEG20020729S0045

As Chucky would say; "I'm Back"

It has been a long time since I have been on this Blog, and a lot has happened, but I wont boar you with details. Enough is to say I am alive (for the time being). This summer will be three weddings and a funeral. The funeral will not be discussed and has already passed.
The first wedding has also passed, but it may be discussed in a future post as it was a "life style" wedding and was tremendous fun. The other two weddings will be discussed and documented, maybe even live (more to come).
That's all for now as my coffee break is over and I have to get back to work.