I was able to meet with some of the IT folks in the Diocese of Broken Bay where David Walker, founder of The Centre where I am living, is now Bishop. It was a fascinating interview with one of their staff of 27. Right now there are 15 contractors working with the 12 permanent IT department folks. Six years ago they invested 1 million dollars in this project. They are about where we were in Rochester three years ago. But they have a plan for the future that is very exciting and more far reaching than where we are going. Among the things that this diocese of 250,000 is planing are: the networking of all parishes, institutions and interested parishioners on one system which will have its own fibre optic network and microwave towers. Excess band width will be leased out to others to off set some of the expenses. They plan streaming video conferencing available at all parishes and institutions which will be supported by the diocesan server (which I saw in an air conditioned 20 x 20 foot glass enclosed room in the IT Dept.) This will allow folks to visually connect through their intranet as a supplement to their email system. When the bishop wants to connect with his priests or all parish personnel, they simply go to their computer stations and there he is! Amazing, just think of the possibilities!
PS For those of you who have asked about pictures from the top of the bridge; the BridgeClimb is highly organized and comtrolled. They do not let you take ANYTHING up there with you. You are given and jumpsuit, eye glass straps, handkkerchiefs attached to your wrist with elastic bands, a very heavy harness which attaches to a cable that anchors you to the bridge structure at all time! But alas, you can't carry your own camera (you are too busy holding on for dear life!)
Some day when I have the chance I will take and post some pictures from the sidewalk level. of the bridge.
3 comments:
Hi Ed, Glad you made it back down to earth after your heavenly climb. Marty and I are planning a trip to Hawaii but now it sounds boring. Have fun and keep dancing. Marty and George
Funny story for you from Heather's first grade class:
Trinide (playing with 2 pencils): Hey, it looks like a plus sign.
Nate: It looks like the cross Jesus died on.
Trinide: He died on a cross?
Nate: Yeah, and every Sunday we have to go wake him up again.
Your pictures are great! Thougt this little interchange would bring a smile :o)
~Heather
Father,Pictures are fabulous. We are green with envy, especially since we have enjoyed in person what you are now seeing. Very cold here as you know. We read the Sydney temp daily. 79 today. Preparing for the six week sojourn to Florida where we hope to experience some of the fine weather you have had, minus the rain.Joyce & Harry Joe
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