It’s been surprise after surprise since I’ve gotten back from my trip. Quite amazing how much changes within two weeks. I was standing on the subway platform today and I thought, “Wow, the new Bell Canada ads are such a dramatic change from their previous image.”
What does the change tell you? What sort of impression does it make? (Top: Old Logo, Bottom: New Logo)
What I thought was most intriguing about the new logo is that the letters are tracked so tightly together. I rarely have seen a logo with its letters like that — at least, not in the way that the newly privatized Bell Canada has made it.
I do like the clean and straight-forward look but I can’t help but miss seeing the golden-yellow human-like logo and of course, Frank and Gordon — the Bell Canada Beavers. The new logo just seems a little cold at the moment
I’m back from my vacation — sort of. For two weeks on the road, I’ve had plenty of time to ponder and take photographs. In fact, I took over 3000 photographs and now I’m sorting them out so I won’t talk about my adventure on the road yet.
In the meanwhile, I thought I’d post a few things that have really inspired me this week as I struggle to catch up with the two weeks worth of work and decision making that I have on my desk and the top of my mind respectively.
Know Your Math … or not
My dad used to tell me that no matter what you do, where you go, and how you live; you will need math. It was decided then that he would teach me algebra while I was in grade one while all my peers were out playing outdoors. I sucked at math. I still suck at math. But only closer examination, I am primarily bad at arithmetic. Algebra and word problems are no problem! Thank you calculator! Nevertheless as I got further into coding, I gained a greater appreciation for mathematics and the beauty of the mathematical equation and formula. Actually I probably prefer them over chemical formulas. This talk by Robert Lang was stunning and as a fan of origami myself (I enjoy folding action origami frogs), Lang’s illustration of the intimate connection between mathematics, design and origami is brilliant.
Living life in a Carnival
I’ve been to a few carnivals — typically big city ones. I’ve never been to small town carnivals and I’ve never thought about joining the carnival and working the circuit but Globe and Mail’s feature, The Long Summer by Charla Jones, on life in the Carnival, a fading way of life, brought me that much closer to it. It wasn’t the typical article in the newspaper — it was much more than that and for that, I have to applaud Jones and the G&M.
Actions vs. Politics
If it’s one thing that reminds me of working in government, it is the lack of action. There’s nothing bad about it because that is the nature of government, civil service, and hammering out a policy that works for as many stakeholders as possible. But you need patience and a heck of a lot of it. Other times you have to tip toe around sensitive issues — even in businesses. George Ayittey reminds me of how bureaucracy and the reluctance to leap into action — sometimes even corruption, can create disillusion and discontent.
I am reminded of what a number of my friends and colleagues strive for: Get the job done and get it done right.
Connect the Pics
Lastly I had just had to share this because I love photography. David Griffin talks about how photography connects us to our world and how photos can help resolve or identify issues. I particularly liked how he pointed out that amateur photography is now playing a greater role.
Lastly this week, I am inspired by Blog Action Day — coming October 15th when bloggers all around the world are encouraged to examine the issue of poverty from their own perspective. What better way is there for individuals to attempt to tackle a problem that affects so many people, than to begin with looking at the world around themselves and each other.
Funny where the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado would be located. Between mountains and the plains lies one large pile of sand. What was amazing was hiking up that pile of sand.
- Ran across a couple of kids who were hiking the dunes without water. Crazy … so I donated bottles of water.
- Bumped into a couple of fellow Canadians from Alberta who decided to park their car next to mine
- Hiked up to what I thought was the peak only to find there were higher ones. Decided to turn back since I was low on water.
Along the way to the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado, I stopped off at Alamosa. I decided to eat something other than peanut butter sandwiches and stopped off at a rather off-beat restaurant that offered the best Mexican food I’ve ever tasted. Keep in mind I’ve only been eating Mexican food from Canada and a few north-eastern states.
Look out for Mrs. Rivera’s Kitchen … ! I wasn’t sure what to order but after pondering life, the waitress kindly offered a few suggestions. Ended up with the grand spicy chicken burrito with pork green chilli. Might I add that the chilli was amazing
All that through this entrance. Unfortunately eating peanut butter sandwiches won’t be the same now.
The result of a series of fires from 2001-2003. Amazing that so many years later, nature is still recovering.
I was speaking with Ellen Ewart a few weeks ago about how there is some sort of Chinese restaurant in nearly any city or town — seriously amusing! There seems to be this chain in the states called Hunan — it appears popular in Colorado. No I did not try it.
WiFi malfunctioned yesterday but today the SD card isn’t working with the XO Laptop properly so I only have one photo to share.
That said, I did get to drive the US-550 Million Dollar Highway! Oddly enough, a lot of people online note how scary it is driving on it but it is actually pretty easy — just follow the speed limits, take it easy, and enjoy the view.
For some reason, the weather forecasts keep telling me that it will thunderstorm wherever I go. It makes for some interesting driving.
Interests of Today
A little but amazing museum in Montrose, CO documenting the history of the Ute American Indians. Wish it were larger and that I could stay longer in time for the festivities.
Ran around the Black Canyon of Gunnison … definitely worth seeing. I’d say more so than the Grand Canyon of Arizona. Cost me $15 but absolutely worth it.
My Name is Just a Name
More people have continued to note the spelling of my name. As I joked with one lady, yes… that’s right, my parents decided before I was born to keep people on their toes by picking a name that no one can ever simply spell out just by listening to the pronunciation
Customer Service = Mind Reading
I stopped off at a motel one night and the woman working at the front desk was very kind. She didn’t wait for me to ask about the area and just told me everything I wanted to know. I asked her if she was psychic.
Along the way to Montrose, CO — there were many notable stops, one of which was this:
- While Iowa was very pretty, Nebraska was somewhat boring — but I-76 into Colorado is amazing. Bald rolling yellow-green hills.
- Unfortunately, I drove past the welcome center but I’m glad because I ran into Lucy’s Cafe which has a beautiful view of I-76.
- Listening to country while driving through Iowa and to Celtic music and the Omaha Symphony while through Nebraska is soulful experience. Denver has some good rock too. Will have to look up a whole lot of music when I get home — both new and classic.
- Thrilled that for the first time, my rental car was hit by a tumbleweed (i think!)
- Drove through a weird storm. I’ve only seen storm clouds like this in photos. Stunning to see them in real life! Photo doesn’t do justice.
Other thoughts:
- No matter how fast people want you to drive, you drive at a speed that’s comfortable to you and safe to everyone else.
- Travel inexpensively by consuming only water, bread and peanut butter. Add a 53 cent pecan pie for some luxury! Pay for meals that are truly unique.
- Use WiFi spots wherever possible. Some states have amazing rest areas.
- Annoyed at the fact that the Hyundai Accent that I rented guzzles gas at 75mph/120kph legal limit so I have to stay within 100-110kph.
The best thing about road trips are that you can change direction at anytime. Now heading to Colorado! Of course there was some wandering involved and I stumbled upon this amazing antique shop along the way.
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