Sunday, February 27, 2005

Weekend Rambles

Microsoft hires FInal Fantasy creator.

Trust me when I say this - there is no such thing as a completely safe browser. Firefox (in my opinion) is one of the better browsers available (Safari being my prefered browser). However, it is a good choice for all you Windows users out there.

I did watch Sci-Fi Friday's (and Enterprise on UPN). Here is my very mini-mini-review:

Enterprise: I really, really liked this episode. It ties the Enterprise series back to the others (the whole Klingon thing). Don't worry - none of the main characters get bumped off. They also use a creative way to get Tripp back on Enterprise. The graphics used in this episode were interesting as well.

Battlestar Galactica: Extremely different episode dealing with the issues of human-like cyclons. Also, one could look deeper into the episodes and discuss the topic of what it means to be human - a question that humans have struggled with their entire exsistance. However, I won't voice my opinions and bore you. This episode was more violent than previous. I am again seeing a parallel to current events.

Stargate SG-1: This was the first part of a two parter. I won't spoil the show if you haven't seen it, but the whole regular cast seemed to be involved. Some of these characters haven't been on the show for a while and it was interesting twist to have them all back. The one thing I will say: the evil Carter is back.

Stargate Atlantis: They got so close. I really liked this episode. It is what I would call "classic Stargate style". The ending was interesting and there have been some new developments which should take show in an interesting direction. The part about the code (multiples of 15) was just great.

There was my extremely quick and short review. Great Sci-Fi shows this week. West Wing was also really good on Wednesday - not Sci-Fi but another really good show. Of course these are basically the only shows I watch each week, but still. Tomorrow starts another week - however, it is getting pretty close to spring break! I am highly looking forward to a little down time (and some time to catch up on sleeping, reading, my project, and shopping). I have several free iTunes songs I can get - but I haven't decided what to purchase yet. Hmmm...

Friday, February 25, 2005

Friday the Blogger Didn't Have a Topic...

Hello! And welcome to the Friday edition of my blog. I don't have a given topic for today. However, I found some articles I wanted to link to. So I figured what the heck - write a blog.

Exciting things are happening right now in regards to space. From new photos it is believed that Mars had/has ice on it - recently.

I think Kraft is running out of ideas for food products - or is that just me?

What is the world coming to?

This comic is so very true.

Thursday, February 24, 2005

I'm Glad the FBI is on the Case

It seems there is a email scheme that looks like it has been sent by the FBI but it hasn't. They encourage you to report the emails to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

More Things I "Learned" About Quantum Computing

Alternative Title: "Put my name down on the list of people who just don't 'get' quantum computing'"

"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" - Dr. Seuss

Another day, another lecuture on quantum computing. Again, I felt that the world started working differently when I walked out of lecture then it did before I walked in. Of course the worst part will be when we are tested over some of this material. I figure if I start going to office hours now (before I even have the take home exam) by the time the take home exam is due I might have a slightly less fuzzy "understanding" of what is going on. And of course, by understanding I mean instead of thick mud I have slightly watered down mud.

Here is the basic points covered in the lecture:
- Quantum computing is Reversible
- Reversible computing consumes less power
- Schrodinger's cat illustaration is flawed
- Schrodinger did make a useful formula
- NAND and NOR are the two universal gates
- Universal gates = any other gate can be made from that gate
- Universal gate in quantum computing called Toffoli's gate.
- It is impossible to make quantum universal gate with less than three inputs/outputs
- The quantum universal gate must be reversible

By the way, here's more about Schrodinger's cat

Someones collection of quantum resource pages contants some basic information.

I heard some "chatter" that people enjoyed the last significantly lighter item so here is another for your amusement (this is an older Mac Hall comic, but what I would call a classic).

Also, I had to comment on this article - "Ya think?!?" Do you have to get hit by the tree to see that it is in front of you. My question is - did anyone who honestly think it would work?

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

iPods are Even More Affordable

Looks like Apple has dropped the price of iPods - again. Now even more people can get one!

That way you can afford some accessories...

I want one of these for my iPod, but they are $30. However, I would think these would be great protection for the iPod.

More Quantum Confussion - I mean Computing...

Quantum computing - extremely cool and extremely difficult to understand. It is a concept that will change the way we think about computing. NP will be a thing of the past. Analysis of algorithms will no longer be something we need to study. Image, video, and music file compression will be a whole new animal. Can you imagine quantum image compression? It will allow you to compress an image perfectly and require very little time.

And all of this will be based on concepts of quantum physics. It is based on particle's not having a value until you measure them - and only then do they decide their value based on a probability distribution. OK, so that was a gross over simplification (but you get the idea). Here are some more articles for you to feast your mind on:

This unusual article discusses encoding information for quantum systems if you are interesting in reading tidbits about that subject. This article is better and has a clearer format (same information).

NASA and their research into quantum computing.

This is a great introduction article on quantum computing. If you are still trying to understand the basics you might want to take a quick glance at this page.

No need to fear, there is QCL (quantum computer language) already out there. QCL is a high level programming language (specifically designed for use on quantum computers). It's syntax is derived from classical programming languages (for example C, C++).

Are you wondering what Los Almos Labs is doing with quantum computing? Look no further.

This article is similar to others I posted yesterday, but I really liked the title "Computing a way through the Turing barrier".

Since, the majority of this blog has had such deep subject matter, I will again end my blog on a significantly lighter note.

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

On Tuesday Night the Blogger Needed A Good Laugh

This is just such a great way to start an article: "By President George W. Bush's standards...". I will just leave it at that and let you judge for yourself.

These firefighters can add a new line to their resume - llama rescue experience.

Take a lesson from this comic - don't try this, no matter what. No matter how much you want your paper.

Stephany's Wacky Rant for Tuesday

Alternative Title: "Stephany Coffman-Wolph + Quantum Anything = Complete Confussion on a Huge Scale"

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the universe." - Albert Einstein

Monday was another quantum computing related lecture. Although I find the whole topic extremely hard to grasp, I find it amazingly interesting. Honest. It just, when I leave lecture, I feel as though the world is not continuing in the same method it was before class started. Everything that one thought they knew and understood about the world - may not entirely be true. I am sure this is sounding a lot more than a rant than anything (sorry about that). It's really not. It is more of a "Stephany trying to come to grips with a world that contains quantum aspects".

I am totally understanding why Einstein had a difficult time believing in quantum computing. He felt there must be something controlling the particles, making them act the way they do (instead of it being random). Of course, it has been demonstated that Einstein was wrong. Some how this makes me feel better. Really, really smart people (those considered to be "brilliant") have a hard time with the concept of quantum computing.

My personal struggles are nothing new, everyone has them when learning quantum physics/computing. Therefore, I have decided to post a few links that anyone interested in reading more about quantum computing might be interested in taking a look at:

From this page from Slashdot you can get a great pdf (250 pages) on the topic of Quantum computing. It appears to be written as a good starting place. Of course, I haven't read all of it - yet.

This is an interesting recent article on the subject. A piece of silicon (1/10 of a human hair) oscillated in a lab at Boston University. It was done at extremely cold temperature (110 millikelvin). Yikes, 1/10 degree above absolute zero.

As I said in an earlier blog Quantum computing throws encryption rules out the window. This article discusses this issue further. Did you know when the first quantum computer was demonstrated? 1998. Quantum cryptography, a spin off field is also dicussed in this article and I highly recommend anyone studying sercurity/cryptography to take a look at the article if only for that part.

Well, I hope you enjoy a few of my links. So I will end the blog on a significantly lighter note.

Monday, February 21, 2005

Completely Crazy...

Brilliant of Pizza Hut. Is it just me or does this seem completely crazy at the same time?

I Don't Like Monday's

Monday's is just one of those days when we have to return to reality of life - work, school, and well work. It is the day that we have to face the facts that money doesn't magically end up in our bank accounts without us ever doing anything. <::sigh::>. It is the day I have to face the fact that I should have accomplished way more than I actually did on the weekend.

However, here are a couple of things to get you out of those Monday blues:

"A parent's primer to computer slang" - my personal favorite quote from the article -> "creating the digital equivalent of pig Latin with a twist of hieroglyphics".

Well, maybe the US government should use this method to cut down on the nation's debt. Or maybe not.

It is so sad, but the irony is just as strange. Of course, I find it odd that someone thought they should write a story about it - but then again, why not?

By the way, remember to bolt your in-ground pool down. You never know when it might get taken.

Sunday, February 20, 2005

When Things Have Gone To Far...

Way to far. I will just let you make your own decision on this one.

Sunday the Blogger Didn't Have Answers

As I was working very hard on my take home exam (I have three questions out of five completely done) I realized that I never posted the answer to the question at the end of my Quantum Confussion blog. Here is the answer: 1.

No joke. If you stay in the room long enough (OK, so it wouldn't be physically possible - but we are talking about quantum physics here) there is a probabilty of 1 that the all the molecules of air would gather in the corner. The probability of it happening is very low - but it can happen. This is one of those things that you just have to think about for a while and it will make sense. If you were able to figure it out quickly, well maybe you should consider studying quantum physics or quantum computing. All I ask is when you make a couple trillion dollars in your amazing company that you hire me - since I recommended you down this path. OK, so maybe not - but it never hurts to ask.

So like I said, I am working on this take home exam (fortunatly, not on quantum anything). I need to get it finished up since it is due on Monday. I am making great progress, I just need to refine a few answers. However, I decided to take a few minutes as post this blog.

5 internet companies that Business Week thinks will make it big in 2005. Included in the list is Weblogs and Mozilla. Of course, they talk about these companies being not as well know - which is true (unless you work or stay in tune with the computer market). The comment is made that blogs "offer interesting and unique content".

According to BBC News "UK net users leading TV downloads". The article states that Australians are in second place. So why the UK? Because there is anywhere from a few weeks to months delay before many American shows are broadcasted in the UK. They give a list of the top 10 shows downloaded which includes Stargate Atlantis, Stargate SG-1, Enterprise, and Battlestar Galactica. Hmm...many of these shows are Sci-Fi related. (Of course, this isn't a big surprise to me).

Favorites for Today:
Song: "Thank You" by Dido
Favorite Background Music: Battlestar Galactica 2003 Miniseries Soundtrack
Site: Dave Barry's Blog
Quote: "'Contrariwise,' continued Tweedledee, 'if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic.'" - Lewis Carroll (Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There)

Saturday, February 19, 2005

Saturday the Blogger Laughed...

Weekends, I feel, are a time to relax, sleep, and laugh. OK, so really I spend most of the time sleeping and doing homework. But that does change how I feel they should be spent :-) Here are some links that made me laugh anyway:

Poor Microsoft, again. However, how many people do you think are not going to use their Xbox until the new cord comes? I know why they tell people this, but really is anyone going to listen?

If you need a good laugh, just read through a few of these.

Some how I don't think I should find this story so funny, but I do.

Of course, you can read about prime numbers.

Favorites for Today:
Song: "She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5
Site: ProfQuotes
Quote: "There is a single light of science, and to brighten it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere." - Isaac Asimov

Thursday, February 17, 2005

Quantum Confussion

Alternative Title: It's all done with mirrors (seriously I am not making this up)

"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it? " - Albert Einstein

On Wednesday night in my Computer Architecture course the professor began discussing quantum physics and quantum computing. Yikes, my head started spinning part way through that lecture. It's a good thing that class is in the evening. Otherwise, I would have been completely useless the rest of the day. The weight of the material, I found was difficult to deal with on several levels.

The only thing quantum I have been able to understand is they theory behind the show Quantum Leap. You know the one about if you take the pieces of string (which represents you life), tie the ends together, and then role it into a ball. I understand that theory. So if someone can show me an equivalent for quantum physics it would be great. I sort of get the thing with the polarized lens, until someone tries to explain the mathematics behind it (and then I feel like I have plunged into a dark unknown place).

Time and distance (in Quantum world) are not continuous. Which brings up of course the question of "is life real? or is life one big simulation?" Maybe we are really in a computer simulation and just don't know it - like the Matrix movies. But then does it really matter that we are in a huge simulation? What difference would it make to me? I am happy, so I guess it does really matter - to me anyway or at least right now thats how I feel about it.

So, anyway, back to quantum physics. The subject that as you read more about it the harder and more confussing it gets. I was able to (very) loosely follow along until the part where you can have imaginary/complex probabilities. What?!? Yep, the probability that an event can happen could be i/2. Getting you mind wrapped around that concept is nearly - well I am sure it has some sort of imaginary probability associated with it.

So why study such a thing? Because those who can figure something out in this field will be famous. Seriously, quantum physics leads to quantum computing. Quantum computing will change the world as we know it. If you thought the Internet had an impact on society, just wait until quantum computing becomes more of a reality. Quantum computers are able to do thousands of calculations in miliseconds. Factoring prime numbers will be a problem of the past. Trying to find the salespersons's optimal route will no longer be that difficult. Shoot, predicting the weather will actually be accurate and timely. Human life will be altered in ways that we can't even begin to imagine.

Currently, 1/2 plated silver mirrors and IBM's quantum computers are all we really know about quantum computers. However, considering the subject matter - that is quiet a bit. There are quiet a few articles published on the subject matter - including some for the non-physists (like myself). However, don't feel bad if you don't understand it completely. Someone told me once: "No one really understands this stuff". Some people just have a better feel for the material than others.

What did I bring away from my lecture? Well, for starters "Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore" was one of my first thoughts. I also had the "please don't test us over this material on the exam" thought as well. It is difficult to sum into words what I think you would walk away with from this lecture. I know that quantum physics and quantum computing are real, it is a subject matter that no one truely understands completely - yet, and that some things in this world truely are random.

I leave you with an example (from one that our professor gave) for you to think about. Enjoy! Example:
You are in a say 8 X 10 room. In the air are molecules of oxygen and nitrogen. These molecules are fairly far apart. If you stay in the room for an undetermined period of time (but long enough), what is the probability that eventually all the atoms will gather tightly together in one corner of the room? (Of course, there would be an explosion and we would die in a vacuum...)

Just think about it. I will give you a hint - it's actually really simple. I know scary.

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

Microsoft was announced that they are building a better, more secure Internet Explorer. However, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the release of IE 7. Look at Longhorn - they are now hoping to bring it out in May 2006.

The "latest" in Tech News (which will be old by the time any of us actually get around to reading the article): Intel is combining silicon chip technology with optical lasers. They are hoping to make communication cheaper.

I highly recommend this article entitled: "Gadget or Plaything? Let a Child Decide" from the New York Times. That I-Dog Interactive Music Companion (by Hasbro) looks pretty cool if you ask me.

Firefox spreads faster than - well I don't know what, but it is spreading fast. There was been over 25 million downloads so far.

Favorite's for Today:
Song: "I'm Still Here" by John Rzeznik
Site: Konfabulator
Quote: "The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday - but never jam today." - Lewis Carroll (Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There)

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

What's In a Name?

The term ice is defined by dictionary.com as: "water frozen solid". However, what is more interesting is the slang meanings of this word. It is often used to refer to diamonds. It could also mean "a payment over the listed price of a ticket for a public event" or even "methamphetamine".

According to dictionary.com there are many popular sites for ice. You can view the list here. It appears that the Institution of Civil Engineers goes by the initials ICE which appears to come out number one on a Google search.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Have a nice evening (well what's left of it anyway). Ta-Ta for Now!

Bets on how long it will take to break this?

This product, like many other security products, is one of those things that is just asking for people to try and find a way around it (or break it). I am not for or against these products. I do know that someone will find away around it because they always do.

By the way you might want to check out this comic. I thought it was pretty funny.

I thought Silicon Valley Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory looks very interesting. Their purpose is to study digital evidence to help with various criminal investigations in California.

Of course, I have to point out the Napster Ad - entitled "Do the Math". OK, so talk about assuming that the public isn't really bright. Are they some how figuring that people just won't notice the "per month" part? Also, they are talking about filling the iPod and not their device, but whatever. I didn't think it was a good ad. To me it seems like the ad preying on the people who don't understand very well.

If TV was like real life I would at least be on the correct side. Of course, I have no idea if this is true in the real world - but I am just guessing it's not.

Favorites for Today:
Song: "Uninvited" by Alanis Morissette
Site: Federal Bureau of Investigation
Quote: "Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." - Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland)

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

The Age of Computer Science

Today I had lunch with two other CS graduate students and we had a lively conversation regarding computer science. As one person pointed out that computer science is a relatively new field (in comparison to many others that is). It has made amazing leaps and bounds in the last 10 years alone and is continuing todo so. The Internet itself has permently changed the way people use computers.

So I decided to post a few links relating to the history of computer science. It is a well know fact: to know where you are going - you need to understand where you came from.

Biography of Grace Hopper
IEEE Computer Society: History of Computing
Computer History Museum
Biographies of Computer Pioneers
Past Notable Women of Computting
The Machine That Changed the World

(I would like to thank those graduate students who I had lunch with that gave me such a wonderful blog idea - I was starting to get writers block).

Some People Have Way to Much Free Time...

Gotta do something with all those AOL CD's - but I am not sure if this would be my solution. If you would like to make a donation, they have a special page with information about that. (Warning: Plays music)

For the shopaholic in you. Of course, some people must really be into cotton.

I wouldn't have believe this existed until I saw it for myself. This is just one of those strange hobbies that make you think - "Alrighty then".

Another site for the Lego fans out there. Seriously, that must have taken a lot of Legos and time.

I don't even know what to say out this item.

Today's Favorites:
Song: "Here Comes the Rain Again" by Eurythmics
Site: Piled Higher and Deeper
Quote: "If we knew the unknown, the unknown wouldn't be unknown." - Al (Quantum Leap)

Sunday, February 13, 2005

75th Anniversary of Pluto's discovery

February 18th marks the anniversary of the discovery of Pluto. Of course the question of it actually being a planet is still being debated. Many believe that it is really part of a belt of comets located at the outer edge of this solar system.

For more information about this great little planet check out this JPL/NASA site.

This Weekends Favorites:
Song: "Are You Alive?/Battlestar Galactica Main Theme" by Richard Gibbs
Site: NASA's Site
Quote: "Hi, my name is Fox Mulder, we used to sit next to each other at the FBI." - Fox Mulder (The X-Files)

Saturday, February 12, 2005

Poor Microsoft...

They just can't win can they...

The Blah, Blah, Blah News...

Hello! Happy Weekend!

For The West Wing fans tune in to The Ellen DeGeneres show on Monday to see special guest Alllison Janney.

On a sad note, Arthur Miller pasted away at age 89. I would also recommend this article from the Detroit Free Press. The Detroit News article has some interesting pictures and a timeline if you are interested.

Friday Night was Sci-Fi Night. Here is my mini-mini-review of the shows:

Enterprise: This show continues were we left off. We find out what species is controlling the Romulan ship. Enterprise risk limbs and brains to try and stop the Romulans for further destruction of ships. At the end of the show, one of Enterprise's crew wants to leave - which is a step up for next week's episode. I thought this was a great episode - well written and well staged.

Battlestar Galactica: A cylon gets a board Galactica and blows himself up - killing three crew members. A witch hunt begins and eventually Adama has to put a stop to it. The relationship between Boomer and chief puts someone in the brig. The public is alerted to the fact that cylons can look just like the humans. This show is not only action packed, but contains a certain level of drama. To me each episode looks like a movie - which gives the show an interesting edge to it. If you aren't watching this show you should be.

Stargate SG-1: In this episode we bring back several characters - the former Vice-President and the Russians. Daniel is sent to Russia, Teal'c is sent on Prometheus, and Sam works on detecting cloaks ships. She figures out what is really going on. The Russian's think that the US government has been compromised. Sam's role (as always) is to come up with theories - which is good that she stays behind at the SGC.

Stargate Atlantis: This episode was OK - one of the weaker epidodes. It wasn't bad, but I liked last weeks better. The show starts with the jumper being chased by the bad guys, fortunatly a weapon on the surface saves them. The team goes down to the surface to investigate. Sheppard falls for the pretty priestess. The priestess returns to Atlantis for a visit and the mysterious identity of the priestess is finally revelled. Parts of the episode are really good, however, there are some fairly slow parts. Like I said the weaker of the episodes, but still good.

Well, there is my thoughts on the shows, plus a little summary. Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. Well, I better get back to working on homework.

Friday, February 11, 2005

On Friday the Blogger Didn't Need Glasses...

GreatBigStuff.com - a company that specializes in selling oversized versions of items. I know the idea of a store that sells oversized stuff just sounds weird, but it really is true. These items would make some very unusual gifts for those hard to shop for people.

Although Enterprise will not be returning for another season, SciFi is going to continue with Battlestar Galactica for another season. All hopes of good TV shows is not lost.

I have gone home for the weekend - yippee. Now I won't be awaken by the trains in the middle of the night or college students returning home at earlier hours of the morning. I can get a nice uninterrupted good night sleep. Luckily, this semester I have a really, really, really nice schedule and I don't have an classes before 4:30 PM. However, the downside is getting myself up in the mornings and not sleeping past noon. It can be a struggle when you stay up late working on homework. The semester is going well so far. I am amazed that it is February already! Where does the time go? I am looking forward to spring (and getting to wear sandles). Well, thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Happy Weekend Everyone!

Favorite of the Day:
Song: "Spun Sugar" by Beth Waters
Site: Google Store
Quote: "How do you have patience for people who claim they love America, but clearly can't stand Americans?" - Sydney (The American President)

Thursday, February 10, 2005

On Thursday the Blogger Saw...

For those living in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: All I can say is "to each their own".

Do it for charity: Bid to name a new monkey species.

Think I could send a copy of this article to graduate school admission programs along with my application? Cause that might help to explain my GRE scores and a bunch of my grades when I was an undergraduate.

Are you lost? Have you tried Google Maps?

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Hope you enjoyed one or more of the links.

Today's Favorites:
Song: "Bend and Break" by Keane
Site: WomenGamers.Com
Quote: "I hope I have at least replaced the old confusion by newer and better confusion" --Dr. Dunning

Wednesday, February 9, 2005

Wednesday's Odds 'n Ends Blog

Here are a bunch of links that I thought I should post. There is no specific topic of anything. Hope there is something here you find amusing.
Today's Favorites:
Song: "Where My Heart Will Take Me" by Russell Watson (Enterprise Soundtrack)
Site: Lucky Brand Jeans
Quote: "Be sure to have your checks made out to Rat Cruises Limited. Remember: we put the "rat" in "pirate." - Rizzo (Muppet Treasure Island)

Tuesday, February 8, 2005

Beavers

This evening we have a highly educational topic: Beavers

These woodland creatures are unusual animals - part of the rodent family. Beavers often weight from 45-60 pounds. Often, beavers can be found in Canada and British Columbia. The beaver constructs it's home from twigs, sticks, and mud. They have webbed hind feet and their tails are often described as being "rubber-like".

The Truth About George

Last Wednesday the President of the United States gave the State of the Union. Lots of discussion since then has been about politics. In light of this - I decided to post a link to a couple of links I find amusing.

On a complete side note, maybe we should elect him president. I am sure he will be looking for a job... (I wonder what kind of shoes he wears. He did wear a dress in a couple TV show episodes.)

(Yep, I know - I have a really strange sense of humor).

Everyone is getting into the blog market

Ask Jeeves has purchased Bloglines and will join other web search services in providing blogs. Many of the details have not be released regarding the business aspects. However, the main things is Ask Jeeves purchased Bloglines.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Sorry there isn't much to report (and this is basically as exciting as it gets). Until next time.

Favorites for Today:
Song: "At The Beginning" by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis (Anastasia Soundtrack)
Site: Shop Etc.
Quote: "Stress. It's a killer." - Bartok (from the movie Anastasia)

Sunday, February 6, 2005

Sophie Kinsella's Website

Stephany's Book Review - Confessions of a Shopaholic:

This is an excellent book. I started reading it and couldn't put it down. The main character Becky has a shopping problem. She has maxed out more than one credit card and is over drawn at the bank. She is a writter for a financial paper. By the end of the book Becky has gained a boyfriend, an additional income, and some great clothing purchases. The book is well written and Sophie Kinsella did an excellent job telling the story. The humor in the book is well placed and I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Of course, if you don't like shopping then this isn't the type of book you would enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog today. Hope you are having a good weekend. Now I have to get back to homework - my breaks over.

Bag Borrow or Steal

Bag Borrow or Steal is a service that allows you to borrow a designer bag for a week. There are various levels of bags and membership levels. This is one of the more unusual services I have seen provided on the Internet. The concept of this site is truely unique. They even have gift certificated.

The Internet is a great thing. It allows the world (on a whole) to grow small and more connect. There are lots of unusual things that pop up on the Internet that just make you go "huh?". This site is one of those types of things. Although, I am not really into designer purses or bags. I like looking at them in the department stores (same is true for fancy dresses) but in reality I don't purchase many designer bags. Still, I think it is an odd site and an equally odd service.

Favorites of Today:
Song: "Tell Him" by Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion
Site: Ms. Magazine
Quote: "Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels." - Faith Whittlesey

Saturday, February 5, 2005

Valentine Gift Ideas by Apple

Apple has a special section for Valentine Day gifts. I guess Valentine's Day isn't just for the card shops any more.

It is a small news day this weekend. I don't have much cool to put in my blog. However, I have seen several of the MSN Search commericals. That must have been a challenge for the marketing department. Trying to sell - well not really sell, but get people to use their search engine. Yikes, I won't want that job.

Oh and no huge surprise but Microsoft is planning to release patches for 13 found security problems. Isn't Microsoft releasing new patches on a regular basis? I wonder what the total number for Windows XP is. Operating Systems are difficult to develope and difficult to fully debug.

If you would like to read about digital data preservation I highly recommend this report. It's good the government studies things like this.

Today's Favorites:
Song: "Thank U" by Alanis Morissette
Website: Dictionary.com
Quote: "I'm sorry, Mr. President, I don't dance." - Jack Ryan (Clear and Present Danger)

Friday, February 4, 2005

Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1, and Stargate Atlantis oh my!

Hello! Here is my little "review" of Sci-Fi Friday and Enterprise.

Enterprise: this episode was a continuation of last week. The two crew members who were on the Romulan ship were rescued at the very end of the show. Of course, the ending was great. It will lead to some interesting developments for the remaining episodes of the season. This is a show not to miss.

Battlestar Galactica: this weeks episode began with Starbuck being trapped on the moon and her oxygen supply running low. This show followed the time held sci-fi format. (Don't worry, Starbuck is still going to be on the show. The ending of the episode was excellent (and funny). I highly recommend watching the show. Plus, the graphics are really cool.

Stargate SG-1: this week was an off world episode. This week General O'Neill even joins SG-1 off world. Ancient technology was presented in this episode. Plus, a big mother ship is blown up - which is always nifty. Two thumbs ups.

Stargate Atlantis: this episode begins with part of the cast checking out parts of Atlantis to check for flood damage. Just as they are about to leave two crew members start seeing things and "drop dead". The dialog is interesting and the group of engineers - are well your sterotypical engineers. Great episode - one of the best in the season so far.

Sci-Fi Channel ran a commerical for a TV movie called Slipstream staring Sean Austin (played Sam in Lord of the Rings). The idea of the movie is quiet interesting. Wonder if it will be any good.

Todays Favorites:
Song: "I Don't Like Mondays" by Tori Amos
Site: Google News
Quote: "It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for subtlety." - Isaac Asimov

Thursday, February 3, 2005

So Very Sad...

They always cancel the good shows. Friday's just won't be the same.

Who said employees have to be loyal?

What can I say its pretty bad when their own employees jump ship :-)

By the way, just kidding to all of my friends who work at Microsoft. I am sure you are all wonderful employees who faithfully use all of the Microsoft products (and not Google, Firefox, Linux, or any other products that are in direct competition with Microsoft). I am sure the number was completely inncorrect, it was way to high. I am sure it really is something more reasonable like 72%.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Happy Thursday everyone! (The week is half over - Yippee!)

Today's Favorites:
Song: "Drops of Jupiter" by Train
Site: National Organization for Women
Quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Wednesday, February 2, 2005

What is my soundtrack?

As I sit here I wonder. Is there a soundtrack that represents my life? And if there is one - what would it contain? Questions that plague my mind in the early hours of the morning - really early hours of the morning.

I am sitting here listening to "Desire" by by Ryan Adams over and over again. As the song plays in the background, I realize that this song is part of my soundtrack. I believe we all have a soundtrack - the songs that would be in a movie if a movie was ever made about our lives. OK, so I have picked one song - but what would the others be?

Each three to five minute piece of instrument and voice have a powerful hold on us. Think of any great movie. Now think of it without the music. Hard to do isn't it? The movie would seem like it was missing something and maybe it just wouldn't have the same feel.

As you wonder through life, do you hear your soundtrack playing in the background? At times I have often heard mine, especially as I think back on various memories - both happy and sad. I hear music in my head that seems to perfectly match the situation and the memory. However, maybe that is just something I do. Or maybe it is something we all do and are unaware. Each day is short and everyone seems so busy. Maybe we just don't take the time to hear the music.

These songs are not necessarily our favorites, but songs that define us. I am sure our soundtrack change and alter over time. But, these songs will always be part of your soundtrack because they once defined who you are. "Sweaters" by Beth Waters and "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls will always be a part of my soundtrack. There are many other songs I can think of and dozens more I can't that are all part of my soundtrack.

What is on your soundtrack?

Today's Favorites:
Song: "Breathe (2AM)" by Anna Nalick
Website: Noah's Wish
Comic: PvP Jan 11, 2004
Quote from the movie Michael: "The miles will fly and your children won't cry, if you play car bingo. " - Michael

Tuesday, February 1, 2005

iTunes Promotion Begins and other stuff

The big news for today is that the Pespsi and iTunes promotion starts!!! Yippee. Free songs and chances to win an iPod mini. Could it get any better than this?


Today's Favorites
Song: "Somewhere in the Night" by Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap Soundtrack)
Site: ProfQuotes
Online Comic: Martin's Misdirection

Quote from Star Trek - First Contact:
Lily Sloane: [threatening with a phaser] You want to help me? Get me out of here!
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Alright. You want a way out? Here it is.
[Picard opens window, revealing the Earth far, far below]
Lily Sloane: What is this?
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Australia. New Guinea. Solomon Islands. Montana will be up soon, but you may want to hold your breath - it's a long way down!