Career-Op: Education -- Experience
by Douglas E. Welch, ComputorEdge Magazine

Since I wrote my column about Apprenticeship a few weeks ago, (See I want an apprentice, September 12, 2003) I have received several questions from readers wanting to know what they should be studying today to build their high-tech career tomorrow. While it is impossible to predict the future, there are several ways of preparing for a high-tech career that will serve you well, regardless of where the industry might find itself down the road. Over the next several weeks I will explore the ways you can, and should, develop your own customized high-tech education.

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Tilt : A Skewed History of the Tower of Pisa

Any book you finish in nearly one sitting has to be good. While I am admittedly a history buff, this history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, captivated me.

The book, which is bound in the shape of a parallelogram, mimicking the tilt of the tower itself, starts with information on the latest (and probably most successful) attempts to halt the tilt of the tower and protect it for future generations. It then delves into the far history of the tower, it financing, its design, its construction and its possible demise.

An excellent companion to this book would be this episode of PBS' Nova series, Nova: Fall of the Leaning Tower. It details the rehabilitation efforts that eventually halted the tilt and allowed for the re-opening of the campanile in 2001.

Quick response on LA pothole request

Wow!

This morning I got a call from the LA Bureau of Street Services regarding the repair request I emailed in on Sunday. The supervisor, Anthony, was actually at the site to inspect my problem, but was having a few problems locating it. I talked him through the exact location and, after seeing it, he said he would put in a repair request right away.

I love it when systems work like they should.

So, if you find problems with the streets in Los Angeles, send an email via this online form and it should get addressed quickly.

Full Moon Hike

SUN 11/9 7pm

Charmlee Wilderness Park

An evening hike through Charmlee Park under the full moon. All ages welcome. Reservations required 310-317-1364. 2hrs CWP

Report Street Problems in LA via Email

If you find a street problem as you drive around LA, as I recently did, you can easily report it using this Online Form from the LA Bureau of Street Services. There is also an interesting page (at least for the engineering geeks among us) describing and showing all the different types of possible road failures you might encounter.

About a year ago, I submitted a different problem through this system and it was repaired within about 2 weeks. Your mileage may vary.

Rocky Oaks Nature Walk

SUN 11/9 10am

A slow-paced walk for all ages. Enjoy seeing wildflowers, oak woodlands and colorful volcanic rock formations. We may also see a seasonal pond. 2hrs TC