I came to San Francisco for the Edward Tufte workshop. Basically it’s all about graphics, tables and visual representation of data, a little bit of statistical analysis, a pinch of PPT ranting and the general goodness that comes from learning new things from a guy who sees it all as old hat.
One of my favourite quotes today was, “you want to keep an open mind, but not an empty head.”
I tucked in some sight seeing while I was there. A reconnaissance mission really. I must go back. (Salt House had the best gnocchi ever.)
The ginger bread houses (or ships) at the Palace Hotel were yummy looking.
The Palace Hotel is gorgeous, and right across the street from The Sentinel, the best lunch counter ever.
Mushy ice skating in front of Macy’s seemed to be a popular source of evening entertainment. Although it’s cold, it’s not Winnipeg cold.
Thank goodness I found the groove. The street buskers (steps from my hotel) were throwing down the 8-counts. Edward was a tap dancing machine. He knows Dormeisha and Jason, Lady Di, Joel Hanna, all the tappers in my world. Albeit, it’s a world I should return to before I lose my place.
My trip ended with a crazy airport experience.
Here’s the Free Speech Booth where the solicitation of funds may occur. Really, what is this?
AirCanada decided to change our aircraft at the last minute, which meant a 1-hour delay. The flight attendants got on the new plane only to discover that the catering carts were not moved over, which led to another hour delay. When we finally got on the plane, they discovered the wing flaps weren’t working. The single mechanic on duty tirelessly worked away at the problem for another hour. After 2 hours and 45 minutes of delay we were on our way. Good thing I was at the airport so early, f-sharp. In flight, they realized the customs cards were no where to be found. An agent met us at the gate with them, although they were US customs cards, which are entirely useless when entering CANADA! I’m sure the flight attendants were as happy to finish the trip as the passengers. What a gong show.