The Hilton Chronicle

The Google map thing was all very well until we discovered that it only covered North America, but here is one that is "way cool". This one uses satellite images from all over to generate this really slick mapping program. You have to download a loader to access it and for the 7 day trial it is really fun to go to landmarks around the world and see if you can actually see them. However, it was disappointing to note that, like the Google maps, Edmonton is not represented by a hi res image as is Vancouver, Montreal or Toronto, but the company that publishes this thing assures that as the hi res images are made available they will be put into the database, so hopefully someday we will be able to see our house. Surprisingly enough, though, I was able to find the house where I stayed in Havana, Cuba and here is a picture of it. and this is a closer view.
It's hard to believe but a month from today the kids will be married. We are still putting things together and things are falling into place. I only hope the weather is decent. Judging by how we seem to have been tossed back in the freezer the last couple of days, we had better not have a miserable May.

Posted 9:45 PM by Jeff

Thursday, April 07, 2005

Google Maps

Here is a really cool site that I heard about on the news today. Google is trying to outdo the new Yahoo map feature with their own version calledGoogle Maps. Not only does it have detailed maps from all over the world that you can zoom into for the minutest detail, but you can also switch your view at any time to a satellite image of that exact spot. It works really neat although I was a little disappointed that I could zoom in closer on Regina than I could on Edmonton. Millwoods is just a blurry green spot whereas I can actually see the garage on my old house on Sunset Drive in Regina. Most places have good detail but curiously enough if you zoom in on Cuba it is pretty bereft of anything. I wonder why? Guess they don't want any of us gawky laymen locating their secret missile installations. I'll have to zoom in on Iraq to see if I can spot any WOMD's - oh right, they don't have any do they. Silly me.

Posted 11:36 PM by Jeff

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

Some Annoyed By Royal(?) Wedding

Here's an article about hapless Prince Charlie who these days can't seem to do anything right. The wedding has been postponed a day and in light of the reason why (only the Pope's funeral) it seems nobody could care less, except maybe the poor cops who have to work an extra day on security detail. At any rate, no one is expecting or wanting the grand spectacle of Charles' previous wedding to Princess Diana, and for the most part most Brit's would rather watch a horse race of a different kind.

Posted 10:31 PM by Jeff

Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Romantic Interlude

Just returned yesterday from a wonderful four day trip to the beautiful and rugged Kananaskis Country just west of Calgary. We stayed in a luxurious suite with a loft bedroom, fireplace and in-room jacuzzi thanks to a Christmas gift from Dianne's boss. The gift was for a two night stay to which we added an extra night. The drive down was great with warm sunny weather all the way but as we approached the mountains the clouds started to gather and we could tell something was moving in. After settling into the room we headed for Canmore, just down the highway, to get some groceries and have supper. By the time we were heading back the snow was falling so thick and heavy it became very treacherous to drive and we slipped and slid up the road to the lodge barely making it back. Once in the safety of the room we discovered that the power had gone out and we were in total darkness. Thank goodness the fireplace still worked otherwise we would have had an early bed time. Instead we had a cozy few hours cuddled up before a partly roaring gas fire. The rest of the weekend went well with a few hikes to view the spectacular mountains and lots of R&R in the big jacuzzi. Here a few pictures. As you can see from some of the pics, there was quite a bit of the white stuff put down the night before. On the way home we stopped off for lunch and an ice cream cone in Cochrane and took a tour of the Studio West Foundry where they make incredible bronze artwork including huge statues. As usual it was tough to get up for work this morning.
We are now looking forward to some great weather as the spring thaw continues here in the wasteland. The snow has all gone (again) except for a bit in the back yard that always lingers into the late spring. But the forecast is for double digit temps to the end of the week. There'll be lots of lawn raking this weekend.

Posted 7:55 PM by Jeff

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