Author: Bill

Living up to our Frozen North stereotype, University of Toronto scientists are studying icicles. Specifically, they have discovered the effect of road salt on the formation of icicle ripples. Who knew we kicked up so much salt into the air?

Seemed like an appropriate topic for ripple.ca.

Skaters from Bill Andersen on Vimeo.

The iPad finally arrived and I like the small size. It fits in my jacket pocket, light as a feather. If I can refrain from smashing it on the sidewalk like I did with my Playbook, it will serve me well.
It takes fairly good photos and works well for HD video. I’m very glad I got the Smart Cover, even though it seems overpriced at $45. The smaller virtual keyboard takes a little getting used to, but otherwise the Mini is just as easy to use as the full size iPad. Apple included some bonus free software with the new purchase. I got the word processing Pages, Keynote (like Powerpoint), Numbers (like Excel), iMovie, iPhoto and Garageband. They only cost 5 bucks each if you have to buy them, but free is nice.
There are bugs in the way the Apple software works… couldn’t upload to Vimeo from iMovie, for example, but that may improve. I would not want to do a lot of editing on any kind of iPad, but little tasks are possible and the thing certainly is handy.

Elevator Abstract, by Helen Andersen, pastel on paper, 1964
Helen was into industrial themes in the early 60s… sawmills, tugboats, construction sites, that sort of thing. We have had one from this period on our walls for years. I even had it in my bedroom as a teenager, but now we have acquired a few more. This one looks very handsome in a black mat, don’t you think?

We were at today’s forum (first time inside the notorious council pod) in support of our public library system. It was all very political and the numbers thrown about were weaponized, just as they are when the tax cutter camp makes its claims. Chart source
Nevertheless, there is obviously strong public support for our public library system and considerable civic pride in its excellence. Erosion of that excellence is a goal for some politicians who even went so far as to commission (at public expense) a bean counter’s report: Since The Toronto system has been superior to all other library systems in North America, we should eliminate that superiority and bring it into line with the mediocrity that other cities have settled for. Unbelievable “leadership” advice.
Anyway, past budget cuts have made sure that the public library system is maintaining itself with a two percent sliver of the total operating budget. Personally, I think it’s money well-spent.
Top photo: Our media-savvy librarians are fighting the mayor’s fridge magnet campaign with trinkets and trash of their own. We received cardboard reading glasses with which we could pose for photos. The snaps went onto instantly printed bookmarks we could keep. Then the photos went onto the library’s photo wall. These librarians are not just bookish.

Aside from a small quibble with the “reservoir” looking like a toilet tank, I love this little video. A memorable frame can be seen below, for ready reference at the next election.

According to UPS, everything’s on schedule. My iPad has been shipped to Ontario, CA, United States.

Ontario,
CA, United States
19/11/2013 21:16 Arrival Scan

Is it a coincidence that I happen to live in Ontario, CA (Canada)? Do iPads usually travel first to Ontario, California, then on to Toronto?

Shirley Temple’s majorette costume, Bette Davis/Queen Elizabeth I dress, bowlers worn by Laurel and Hardy, loads of old movie posters, original scripts and screenplays from famous movies… all up for auction. Check out Bonhams, it’s full of wonders and curiosities.
Actually, John Robert Colombo knew, because he’s the one who sent the link. Thanks, JR!

Looks like it started out in China, worked its way down to Kentucky via Alaska, then headed back to China. Probably homesick. But the Chinese were having none of that… back to Anchorage!
Amazing, UPS.
Shipment Progress
Location Date Local Time Activity
Anchorage,
AK, United States
19/11/2013 15:57 Departure Scan
19/11/2013 13:44 Arrival Scan
Chek Lap Kok,
Hong Kong
19/11/2013 21:51 Departure Scan
Louisville,
KY, United States
17/11/2013 8:48 Arrival Scan
Anchorage,
AK, United States
16/11/2013 23:10 Departure Scan
16/11/2013 20:11 Arrival Scan
Chek Lap Kok,
Hong Kong
17/11/2013 3:46 Departure Scan
Chek Lap Kok,
Hong Kong
16/11/2013 4:30 Arrival Scan
Shenzhen,
China
16/11/2013 2:30 Departure Scan
16/11/2013 1:00 Export Scan
16/11/2013 1:00 Origin Scan
China
15/11/2013 10:15 Order Processed: Ready for UPS

Brian sent a link to a nifty site offering free, high resolution photos you can use any way you like. http://www.gratisography.com/
Other favourite sources I use include:
morgueFile
and
StockXchng

First, I tripped on an irregular piece of sidewalk and landed on my cheekbone. My face wasn’t the only thing to hit the cement. I had my Playbook in my pocket. Over to the Apple Store for a new pocket-size tablet.
Moral(s):
Blackberry doesn’t crash only on the stock market.
Choosing to buy a new toy shouldn’t be so painful.
Torontonians don’t need Rob Ford to give them a black eye.
The Mini should arrive from China tomorrow. Amazing.