The Grand Canyon
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The Grand Canyon
As DBAs we deal with many problems and situations every day. We're working to get things done as quickly as we can, sometimes it's minutes, sometimes it's days, and if you're really in a large project you may spend weeks working on something. Hopefully you don't have any large projects that keep you going for years, at least not as a DBA.
And while most of these software projects might live longer than we expect, their lifetimes can be easily measured in months or maybe even small numbers of years.
However it's good to stop and take a few minutes to realize that there are so many other things in this world that have existed for much longer and will continue to be a factor in the world. I'm always amazed by some of the structures I've seen in the world, the Golden Gate bridge, the Empire State Building, Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, which have been around for decades. They are a true testament to the world around us and man's ability to make an impact on the world.
As you read this, I'm visiting one of the world's great landmarks that has been around even longer, thousands of years longer. This week I'm vacationing at the Grand Canyon, taking my little ones and my father-in-law there for the first time. My wife and oldest have been there once and this is my third trip to this truly amazing place.
I'm always amazed by how many people I talk to that live in the US and have never been there. It's truly amazing and you cannot comprehend how huge it really is until you go. Of the many large structures I've seen, this one truly dwarfs everything and reminds you of how little you are in the history of this planet.
So take a moment today away from the computer and remember this wonderful world we live in.
Steve Jones
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Steve is right - everyone needs to enjoy all that we have on this earth. We are very lucky to be able to see and enjoy these things. I would like to add that all of us could take a little time just to open our eyes and see all the natural beauty that abounds around us. The wild flowers, the birds and animals, just a breath of fresh air that we all need to take just to keep our sanity in this fast paced profession and world of ours! BTW - I used to live in Arizona and enjoyed the Grand Canyon many times and it always looked different each time!!!!
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I agree with Steve, a visit to the Grand Canyon is a trip worthwhile. Also look into visiting the west rim's new "Sky Walk" which will extend 4,800 feet over the canyon with a glass floor to view the bottom of the canyon.
Millard Surrency
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What you said about the Grand Canyon is correct -- nothing compares to standing on the rim and being struck by its enormity and age. Don't forget about another of the Seven Wonders, just up the road: Hoover Dam. The same can be said of it -- it's truly awe inspiring.
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I gained an appreciation of the Grand Canyon from my Mom, who grew up in northeast Arizona. My Dad was an Air Force pilot and we lived in a number of area, but one constant was our visits to the Grand Canyon, which we diverted to if our travel routes took us within 600 miles of the place. My favorite spot? Toroweap overlook on the North Rim. Off the beaten path, no crowds, and 4000 feet straight down to the river.
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Although we are far from the Grand Canyon, my husband and I participate in a sport known as geocaching, which gets us outside, away from our computers. We've found some city parks and metroparks near us, as well as a few other gems. So if you can't make a trip out to the canyon, there are other ways to enjoy the great outdoors
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In today's hectic world of increasing competition we are forced to focus on work more and enjoy the world around us less. I have had life changing experiences that have made me re-evaluate my priorities. Taking time to appreciate what life has to offer is so important. Everyone should be pulling their head away from the box and make a point to visit a magnificent place such as the Grand Canyon while life gives you the ability to do so. While you are in the neighborhood, go see Sedona as well. Then plan your next excursion as soon as you return.
My next adventure will be Costa Rica and I am so looking forward to it.
Karen Gayda
MCP, MCSD, MCDBA
gaydaware.com -
I am not sure if I would equate the Grand Canyon with Hoover Dam as a wonder. Maybe you could wonder why it was done? The Grand Canyon is awe inspiring because it shows how powerful nature is, and young we are in the face of the millenia that created the canyon. Hoover Dam was created in only a few years and is a testament to our ability to manipulate our environment, not necessarily for the better. Mexico has a less positive view of all the dams we have on the Colorado river, and the resultant trickle at the gulf of California.
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Having just returned from a fortnight on the beautiful coast of South West Ireland I can only agree that we should appreciate the world we live in.
Man however is spoiling things in the name of tourism - the glass floor at the Canyon sounds typical - we are being presented with nature tarted up with visitor centres, "experiences" and concrete services and facilities when all we need is the chance to walk in the unspoilt country.
Coach tours of Ireland seem to rush from one visitor centre to another sampling only the sanitised formalised vistor experiences rather than the real country.
Stop the madness and leave nature alone for us to enjoy raw!
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