Let's Make Some Art, Dammit

December 27, 2021. This is looking toward Casselman across the Nation River. I spent the day working on slides for a presentation I'm giving to a conference in India in January. As I've done these photos of the day I've always thought of my Aunt Marilyn, who followed along and looked forward to them as much as I did taking them and posting. She was a world traveler and a free spirit and in many ways an inspiration to me. We lost her Christmas day, but I'll always think of her when I'm doing these photos, and hope she's always following them even still. https://flic.kr/p/2mUh2Uv

December 26, 2021. We went for a short walk in Warwick Forest today (apparently it's still hunting season so we started away from the south side). It was just below zero, with a fine sprinkle of snow and a coat of ice over everything, including these fluffy seed pods. I had to interrupt work on the course because I have a presentation I need to prepare for. Also played some video FIFA soccer for a bit, which I find I quite like. https://flic.kr/p/2mTu1Ad

December 24, 2021. This is the railway bridge through Cassleman with a sheen of ice on the river. Warmer, but not warm enough. I made more videos today but am not going to finish the course videos before the holidays. No matter; I ended the email newsletter so people won't linger forever, and will finish them during the break, making sure I do a nice job on them. https://flic.kr/p/2mTsDpS

December 25, 2021. I can't say too many nice things about Andrea's Christmas dinner today, as she made everything from scratch, learning everything step by step as she went. It was top notch - perfectly cooked turkey, most tasty stuffing, tart cranberries and soft fluffy potato. I did a little work today and went for a walk, but did not finish my slides. https://flic.kr/p/2mTsBdn

December 23, 2021. I feel like the village of Casselman is kind of phoning it in this year with the Christmas decorations. I took this photo walking to the No Frills to buy some cranberries (Metro was sold out). I produced a number of additional videos for the course on culture and citizenship. Lurching to the end of the course. Not phoning it in, though. https://flic.kr/p/2mTk1HN

December 22, 2021. Lexi sitting on my chair while I'm supposed to be working. Worked my way through more slide presentations today, but wasn't able to record them. https://flic.kr/p/2mTjY6t

December 21, 2021. This is Casselman's water tower. Not the most photogenic in the world, but it has need antennas on top. Working on finishing the course this week; spent the day on creating slides on ethical practices. The result: five videos on the topic. https://flic.kr/p/2mTqp6V

December 20, 2021. Here's why my newsletter was so late today. As I get through the last week of the year, and the last week of the course, I've become more and more tired. It's actually nice to have the company of a cat. Also pictured: the ceiling in my office. https://flic.kr/p/2mS4oEK

December 19, 2021. At the end of our walk today I spotted this set of leaves all in a row. I liked the play of the light on the leaves and the blue background in the fading light. We walked 6.5 kilometers through the snow and ice on trail 50 in the Mer Bleue bog today. Tired. One week to go. Then I have to write all that up. https://flic.kr/p/2mRCDoP

December 18, 2021. End of the day, watching The Expanse, cat at the foot of the bed. I took a bot of a busman's holiday today, making minimal progress on the course, but writing a long post about Taylor Swift's 10 minute song. https://flic.kr/p/2mRH3Wb

December 17, 2021. People decorate their houses with things like butterflies even though nobody pays them to do this. They do it just because they like butterflies. I think it's a great thing and shows everything that's wrong with current theories of work and economics. I did two videos today on Module 8 pushing and progressing to the end. https://flic.kr/p/2mRcN8U

December 16, 2021. Out for my walk on a beautifully warm day where the sky was the star of the show. Finished Module 7 videos today with a long one on using AI. Hard to believe there's only one module to go. https://flic.kr/p/2mRcMh5

December 15, 2021. Tuesday meeting day so all we get is a finch on the bird feeder (though it's a fine fine finch). Still pushing ahead on the course, releasing the video on explainable AI, as well as a panel for CNIE. Busy busy, 10 hour days. Worth it. https://flic.kr/p/2mRmnTb

December 14, 2021. I encountered this cat while I was out for a walk today, and I hope it's just scruffy, and not stray. I always feel I make a connection with the animals I encounter, especially cats, and I feel for them. This one appeared dirty but not unwell. Another course video released today, and as well I took part in a CNIE panel, the video of which should also be available soon. https://flic.kr/p/2mQLKQ9

December 13, 2021. This is the Nation River at Casselman and as you can see the water level is quite high. It looked positively dangerous going over the weir. That tree isn't supposed to be there either. Continued plugging away at the course, releasing another video and getting work done on the next. https://flic.kr/p/2mQHryH

December 12, 2021. We went to Bourget for our walk today, starting on the Russell Trail and heading into Lavigne Natural Park. Last night there were very strong winds and a lot of dead trees toppled, including one here, which revealed this secret cache inside the tree trunks. Of course I had to have a look, but I won't spoil the surprise for geocachers who may be looking for it. https://flic.kr/p/2mQg5PQ

December 11, 2021. We went to a Saturday afternoon Ottawa Senators game against the league leading Tampa Bay Lightning. Automatic loss for our last place team, right? Not so fast. The Sens played a fast-paced and disciplined game and took it home with a 4-0 win. The only issue is that the arena is so far away - on the far side of the city - that it's an all-day commitment to go to the game. Ah, but if it wasn't worth it, we wouldn't go. https://flic.kr/p/2mQkwPu

December 10, 2021. This is what a house looks like before it has been assembled. Well, at least the framing for it. There's another new subdivision going in a few blocks away, far enough it won't impact me (good thing; they're really cramming them in - so glad we have a nice large lot and open space). Did the last regular discussion session for the ethics course today, but I'm a week or so behind with my videos, so we'll have a course-end party on (probably) the 20th. Also had another meeting on blockchain today. https://flic.kr/p/2mQ4oze

December 9, 2021. Our cat Charlemagne is polydactyl and has huge giant paws (Julia is also polydactyl). Here they are with my own hand for comparison. Today was a good day, with the algorithms video behind me, I made short work of the models and interpretations video, and am pressing forward, the finish line in sight. Also had a blockchain meeting. https://flic.kr/p/2mQ7wiM

December 8, 2021. I was out for a walk at Costco before work this morning and spotted this beauty. Sure, it's just an old banana peel (why would anyone dump it there?) but it creates a great setting for some spectacular snow crystal formations. Now it's art. Anyhow, suitably inspired, I was able to finish my video today, which (I hope) breaks the logjam and will help me sprint to the conclusion of this course. https://flic.kr/p/2mPuc5a

December 7, 2021. Out for a walk to clear my head today I photographed this train. Can't wait to see all the new trains passing. Frustrating days yesterday and today trying to wrap my head around how to present AI tools and algorithms in about an hour. https://flic.kr/p/2mPzASb

December 6, 2021. This is the ceiling in my bedroom, lighter near the window. It's just some wood to you, but intimately familiar to me. As I've said before, my ceiling is full of dogs. Surely you can see them - like (eg.) Snoopy in the lower left? https://flic.kr/p/2mPCNpA

December 4, 2021. This was the scene when I opened the garage this morning. Fortunately we were just going to the local store to get milk. After that I prepared and delivered four videos on data, still working on Module 7 of the course. It felt a little bit out of order as I talked about it, but it was good necessary content. https://flic.kr/p/2mNVRD4

December 3, 2021. Today I spent basically the full day on one short video, but it was good because I solidified my knowledge of some aspects of neural networks. It's stuff that's pretty basic, but I haven't attended to the details over the years, and I really should have. Not enough hours in the day. https://flic.kr/p/2mNVPAG

December 5, 2021. Squirrel in a pine tree letting us hear exactly what it's thinking. We went for a hike today in Larose Forest; it was a bit cold, but not too bad, though the trail was icy. https://flic.kr/p/2mP1aT6

December 2, 2021. Our previous fridge got very sick (and very noisy) last week, so we welcomed a new fridge to the house today. Cats were not impressed. This new fridge will take some getting used to, but the fridge magnets (seen currently on the industrial grade coffee machine) all stick to it and it looks great. Another course video today. I'm getting pretty tired as I wind through Module 7 (of 8) and lurch to the finish line. https://flic.kr/p/2mNrNFR

December 1, 2021. This purple finch sat on the rail on the upper part of the deck, giving me a perfect opportunity to take a photo. I also got a really nice photo of a woodpecker (not as nice as this, though). Today was a Costco day, and another long meeting day, with a course video produced in between the two. https://flic.kr/p/2mNqBJ6

November 30, 2021. You might ask why there is cat hair on this clamp. That's because it's the clamp that Julia carries around the house. Why is a cat carrying a clamp around the house? Ask her, not me. This was another day full of meetings, though I was able to finally finish the last of the videos for Module 6 in the course. Still working long days; I'm totally absorbed by it. https://flic.kr/p/2mNpwjk

November 29, 2021. This is the Tim Horton's near the NRC offices in Ottawa. I had to come on to the campus to drop off a computer. It put a big hole in my day, which also involved starting Module 7 of my course and even doing a little work on some other projects. I'm going seven days a week this fall, working on this course. https://flic.kr/p/2mNqBmt

November 28, 2021. It's winter in Warwick Forest, though some berries - like this one - and grapes and bright green leaves are still holdovers from fall. I finished off several more talks for my course today and am ready to move on to the next module in a timely fashion. Except for short walks like this - only 3 km - my focus has been almost solely on my course. https://flic.kr/p/2mME91Q

November 27, 2021. This is the result of the snow we had yesterday a couple of inches covering everything and weighing down the weeds in the back yard. Today I spent a full day working on the course, recording and uploading a number of presentations. I know, it's too much content, but my objective here is to put it out there, and people can follow along or not at their own pace. I need to do it this way because if I don't, the work will never get done, and I'll have another half-finished product to add to my repertoire. https://flic.kr/p/2mMAXTQ

November 26, 2021. I came downstairs during a break in my meeting to find Andrea stuck in this situation, witting with a plate in her had and a cat wrapped around her neck, fast asleep. In addition to the meetings, I finished my slides on the duty of care and began recording presentations. https://flic.kr/p/2mME46K

November 25, 2021. This is the first goldfinch we've seen on the goldfinch feeder - it uses a fine mesh so only birds with tiny feet can land on it and eat the food. We also had a female cardinal spend quite a bit of time on the (other) feeder. I spent the entire day working on the care ethics presentations. I should be ready to start recording videos tomorrow. https://flic.kr/p/2mLVNRZ

November 24, 2021. View from the entrance of M-55 at the NRC campus. I had to go into Ottawa today for fingerprints and photos, part of my security screening. It is updated once every ten years, and this was the first time they did fingerprints. I didn't get my new badge, so this means a return trip. It doesn't feel urgent, though. Spent the rest of the day working on ethics of care. https://flic.kr/p/2mLVN5Z

November 23, 2021. This is Lexi enjoying a drink at the tap. We haven't trained the kittens to drink from the tap (Andrea is a fan) but Julia has been trying and trying to figure out why Lexi always goes up there. No luck yet. Meanwhile, I created and recorded a presentation on the Duty of Care in law and business. Next up: the big set of presentations on the ethics of care. https://flic.kr/p/2mLZR1p

November 22, 2021. This is Sid Seixeiro from CITY TV's Breakfast Television @breakfasttelevision, easily one of the best morning shows I've ever watched. I wake up with BT. I watch it on my computer every morning when I get up. The diverse and easy-going cast wends their way through news and set pieces focused mostly on the good and the enlightening. I especially want to note how the show treats the cast with respect, instead of tarting them up and treating them like objects. https://flic.kr/p/2mLsmNR

November 21, 2021. We're back from Montreal - Andrea stopped at the Holt, then we discovered highway 20 was completely closed, then we arrived home and I spent time preparing the photos. This is a Montreal sparrow in a cedar. https://flic.kr/p/2mLcfmM

November 20, 2021. Nothing like live comedy on a Saturday night in Montreal. This is Mike Wilmot, who delivered quite a nice set tonight as the headliner. The Comedy Nest is a great venue and we'll be back.We also went for a walk during the day through Chinatown and Old Montreal. Fun day, still basking in the glow of yesterday's football win. https://flic.kr/p/2mL7mTu

November 19, 2021. We decided to take a mini-vacation to Montreal, so after wrapping up the week's work we drove up, checked in, and then went to the RedBlacks-Alouettes football game. It was cold, to be sure, but it was a lot of fun, especially the last minute win for the usually luckless RedBlacks. https://flic.kr/p/2mKYoj9

November 18, 2021. This is Charlemagne viewed through a tube. It's an evening bit of creativity following another day focused on the course, including what I thought was a good video on meta-ethics. Also added variable line widths to the graph diagrams. https://flic.kr/p/2mKZrnC

November 16, 2021. This us Julia in one of her favourite spots on the back of a chair. From there she can jump up to the shelf, or escape to the floor in a hurry. Today was the Day of Five Meetings. They were as productive as meetings can be, but they took up most of the day. https://flic.kr/p/2mKAtnP

November 17, 2021. The cardinal and finch in the photo have discovered the relocated feeder, which means I can almost get a decent photo of them with my phone. Almost. But this winter I expect some much better bird photos. Today I spent the day working on a video on Social Contracts, missing a couple of meetings in the process (um, sorry...?). https://flic.kr/p/2mKz7nh

November 15, 2021. The geese were right! Yesterday we saw thousands and thousands of them leaving the area, and today we have our first dusting of snow. With the decision to extend Module 5 over two weeks I was able to rest a bit more easily today. This, though, will allow me to catch up - but not move ahead. https://flic.kr/p/2mK9Ga7

November 14, 2021. Today's walk was through Ferguson Forest in Kemptville. Bordering the town on the south, Rideau River on the north and Kemptville Creek on the east, this is a good sized stretched of hilly, rocky, and sometimes muddy mixed forest. Thousands and thousands of geese flew over as we walked, which is not a good sign, because the geese don't like to leave until it's definitely winter. I'm really pleased with the photos from today, with their deep rich colours. No work on the course today, which means I'm not going to catch up to the schedule, ever, but it doesn't matter, I'll just be a few days behind. https://flic.kr/p/2mJVhiA

November 13, 2021. Another day spent mostly indoors, though I did manage to sneak around the side of the garage to take this photo of our bird feeder setup. Today's long video was on the subject of consequentialist theories of ethics. I'm really enjoying the course, though I'm falling behind a bit, and I'm not sure everyone shares the same enthusiasm for the way I'm doing it. Oh well. Not stopping now! https://flic.kr/p/2mJNByP

November 12, 2021. This is Charlemagne with the giant paws. He is not only polydactyl, he has unusually large and flexible ties. I was back to making videos today, recording a nice one on the concept of duty. https://flic.kr/p/2mJNAtH

November 11, 2021. This is the nightstand beside my bed showing my CPAP, nose spray and a bubba-sized mug of decaf. It reflects the reality of the day - indeed, the month - as I have been putting in 110% of my time into my course. Yes, this is almost certainly effort that could be better spent elsewhere; the number of active people can be counted as a handful, not thousands. But the course has caught *my* interest, and that's all that matters, really. https://flic.kr/p/2mJhprY

November 10, 2021. This photo of a mourning dove just sunning itself on the deck is today's photo by default as it's the only one I took. I gave myself a day off recording videos, because it's really tiring, but spent all day writing software for a 'matrix grid' system to allow people to draw connections between sets of entities. It took me all day and into the evening. https://flic.kr/p/2mJeSyJ

November 9, 2021. I've started recording TikTok videos of Charlemagne trapped on the ledge because it's so ridiculous and he does it so frequently (though probably only because he gets a free ride back up the stairs). Another day, another video, as I spent the bulk of the day recording on character and virtue. https://flic.kr/p/2mJ6g7z

November 8, 2021. This is goldenrod on our front lawn, pretty much dead after the recent frosts. Today was totally focused on my online course as I did an intro discussion and then recorded the first presentation. We're into what will be a tougher part of the course for me because I don't have the content so well prepared - but that's why I'm doing the course, to force myself to do this content. https://flic.kr/p/2mJamHA