Well, there is a very long story behind this, but suffice it to say that I’m getting some firefighter training, probably next week. We’ll be going into a training facilty under live fire conditions and probably learning about smoke movement, and fire behaviour. I’m really looking forward to it.

Of course, you have to have the right equipment, including SCBA breathing apparatus. We were fitted for masks today and tested with computer equipment that makes absolutely sure that the masks work. In order for the mask to work it needs a very good seal with your face. For men, this means that you cannot have any facial hair from the corners of the mouth down.

This required me to shave. I have worn a Van Dyke beard since December 1999, so I was a little put off by this. But since beards do grow back, I decided to go ahead with it. Now my face feels a bit naked, and cold!

Of course, the opportunity is too good to pass up without documenting with photos — some people have never seen me beardless! So here’s me with progressively less and less hair.

Before

Click for the real me!

 › self     2007-11-26 15:45   ...4 comments

My proposal defence was this morning. Feeling quite tired out by it. I am told that it went well and I have nothing to worry about. I did feel a bit beaten up by the process, but I have been told that is part of the territory. There was one detail that I hoped would be easily put to bed that is still up in the air, so that is of some slight concern. However, all in all it seemed to go OK. I have not been asked to revise the proposal, and the work proposed has been deemed satisfactory for the degree if completed as promised.

 › school     2007-11-23 13:40   ...0 comments

I just found out about this cool non-profit site that fronts for microcredit institutions. You can lend $25 to someone, helping to back their microcredit loan. When the money is repaid by the person you get your $25 back to lend to a new person, or to withdraw from the system.

The site works with organizations that specialize in microfinance and who know how to recommend loans that are viable. The current default rate is 0.24%, on 23065 loans. There are currently 147525 lenders like you and me in their system. And if the loan does default, well a charitable donation of $25 is not going to break you, eh?

You don’t make any interest on the money, and the players along the way cover their costs with this interest. So it is more of a refundable charitable contribution than an investment. However, you are directly funding the person, so there is a social benefit.

I am thinking of getting involved in this.

 › cool     2007-11-22 13:16   ...0 comments

Halloween was a great success here. I’m sure we had well over 50 kids, the best costumes going to a listerine bottle and some rolaids or something.

Here’s our pumpkins for the year.

 › photos     2007-11-01 09:11   ...1 comment