Archive for December, 2003

Expect more photos

December 31st, 2003

43860738.Finepix2800_m.jpg

Thanks to Christmas presents from my parents and grandmother, I just ordered a Fuji Finepix 2800 from henrys.com. It's a refurbished unit and it was on sale for $249 plus tax ($38) and shipping ($4.85). It was originally listed at $399USD. A 16MB card is included. Features:

  • 2.0 megapixel CCD (1600x1200)
  • 6X optical zoom lens (38-228 equivalent on 35mm)
  • SmartMedia storage
  • USB
  • Electronic viewfinder (mini LCD instead of an offset optical viewfinder).

Introduction to programming

December 23rd, 2003

Prompted by Prabhakar Ragde's proposal for an alternate first-year CS sequence at University of Waterloo, I've started reading Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs. Prof. Ragde said it was challenging, so I figure I will read it rather than How to Design Programs. If SICP is too hard I will give in and read HtDP instead. If it isn't, I'll read HtDP anyway.

To check my understanding of the concepts presented in SICP, I've installed DrScheme. It was easy to install on my iBook, which runs OS 10.3. The README could use a little improvement, however. Unlike most OS X programs, you need to drag the folder that contains the application to its location before you run the installer.

» Read more: Introduction to programming

A Proposal for an Alternate First-Year CS Sequence at UW

December 21st, 2003

UW computer science Professor Prabhakar Ragde has posted version 1.0 of a proposal to provide an alternate first-year computer science sequence. Perhaps you are wondering why I have linked to this proposal, given that I am not a CS student, faculty member, or UW staffer. First, I think the proposal illustrates that the source of UW's reputation has very little to do with its Senate or other official governing bodies. UW's success (and by extension its reputation) depends on the individual efforts of faculty members like Prof. Ragde and Gordon Cormack and students like Lisa Rubini and Ryan Golbeck. Amidst discussions prompted by magazine ratings, it is easy to lose sight of the importance of creativity and intelligence.

» Read more: A Proposal for an Alternate First-Year CS Sequence at UW

Holiday messages from the Canadian Forces

December 19th, 2003

Read some holiday wishes from the men and women in the Canadian Forces.

Would Stephen Leacock have voted for the merger?

December 18th, 2003

The Canadian High Tory Tradition and Our New Republican Party

The recent decision by some in the PC party and most in the Alliance party to merge and create a right of centre republican party of Canada is both a historic move and a short sighted manoeuvre.

Is the Conservative Party of Canada really the Republican Party of Canada?

Translation gone wrong

December 18th, 2003

Santa, I've been a good girl. Please Stop..

Fiberals promise more accountability

December 17th, 2003

The Fiberals say they'll do it, but will they?

In keeping with the McGuinty government’s commitment to deliver positive change, Finance Minister Greg Sorbara today introduced amendments to the Audit Act to make the entire public sector more transparent and accountable to the people of Ontario.

This legislation, if passed, would rename the Provincial Auditor the Auditor General, and would provide the Auditor General with expanded powers to conduct value-for-money audits of institutions in the broader public sector, such as school boards, universities, colleges, hospitals, and all Crown-controlled corporations including Hydro One, Ontario Power Generation and their subsidiaries.

Worst roads in Ontario

December 17th, 2003

List your favourite road to hate (as long as it's in Ontario).

The Straight Dope on Leo Strauss

December 12th, 2003

Leo Strauss (1899-1973):

Bizarre is right, brother. This is beyond a doubt the
strangest period in American history of which I have
personal knowledge--and I lived through the Nixon
administration. While I don't buy the idea that an
Illuminati-like cult is behind our current adventures abroad,
I'm sure that when the story of this era is written, Strauss
and his disciples will merit a long footnote.

Also, see Wikipedia.

Neverwhere is worth reading

December 11th, 2003

Neverwhere cover

Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere is worth reading, especially if you are looking for an interesting fantasy book. If you're looking for a coherent, tidy story, don't read it.

The story is based in two Londons, both in England: upper and lower London. It's full of mysterious characters. Gaiman's techniques of melding contemporary and medieval technology, language and characters are interesting. He tells the story directly, without resorting to simple exposition. I'd recommend it for holiday reading (although it is a tad on the dark side).