Tuesday, December 12, 2006

That's a Wrap...

"Oh, but there is. I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor. You know, I... I... I'm a symbol. I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives. If... you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt." - Kris Kringle (Miracle on 34th Street)

I have lived through another term. Actually, the term isn't completely over yet. I have to finish a paper, give an exam, and do some grading. However, I am done with my exams (and the paper is really close). So I am going to count it as the end of the term. Close enough. Anyway, I am so looking forward to having a few weeks off :-)

News that I wanted to link to:
"Berkeley to Regulate Nanotechnology"

It's a bird. No, it's a plane. No! It's a squid?!? : "Squid-inspired design could mean better handling of underwater vehicles"

"The 10 Gadgets That Changed the World"

"Edison's light bulbs up for auction in Britain"

Space the final frontier : "Astronauts venture outside for space station work"

Well, I better get back to all important school work (i.e., trying to figure out how to stretch my paper that last few inches of page). Seriously, I never have had this kind of problem. I ramble and I am good at it. However, this one has been a chanllenge. Usually I am playing with the margins trying to jimmy a couple dozen extra lines in. It has been a new experience that's for sure.

Have a happy week! Now if you will excuse me I have a new hobby I want to take up - napping. Thanks for stopping by and reading!

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Today's Obsession: Cisco Commercial

I keep seeing the Cisco commerical and I can't place the song. There is the full version on the Human Network site. I tried to do some internet research about the song. However, everyone else seems to be drawing as many blanks as I am.

One site suggested it sounded a little like "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve (and you can watch the very good music video). But I don't think that is the song. But, "Bittersweet Symphony" is excellent in it's own right. You will probably recognize it after hearing the first few seconds - or at least I did.

I am currently taking my 1/2 hour break. I had a final exam earlier this evening. Later this evening I am going back to working on my project that isn't quiet done yet. I have to write a manual for the software for one of the projects. The fun never stops...

We had a day of over freezing temperatures. It melted the snow off the roads. However, that was short lived. The snow is back and falling down all over the roads. (OK, so now I look at what I just typed and all I can think of is "what other way would snow be falling than down?"). Moving on...

Tomorrow is going to be cold with a really low wind chill. Oh and did I mention the 100% chance of snow? Yuck.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. Hoping your weather isn't as bad or cold as mine! Stay warm :-)

Monday, December 4, 2006

Snow = Energizer Bunny

"Boy, is this piano out of tune... I love out of tune pianos." - Rowlf (A Muppet Family Christmas)

First, I wanted to point out the following interesting news articles (before I digress into rambles mostly about the snow):

Space is really hitting the news:
"NASA Says It Will Set Up Polar Moon Camp"
"Shuttle Discovery Gears Up for Launch"

Interesting little site which in my past experiences could have been very useful: "Grad Student Site Tracks Shared Expenses"

The snow is still coming down. When I came back from class earlier (and mind you this was during rush hour) the road were lightly covered with snow. I saw two salt trucks in my short trip home. Now I have nothing against snow. I like snow. It covers up all the gray-ness of winter. Of course, it also makes it seem very Christmas-y. I actually like watching the snow come down. However, it's the driving in it I am not a huge fan of. I will enjoy when the snow actually stops.

The other interesting part about the recent weather is the cold temperatures. It never got about freezing. The heat has been running most of the day trying to keep it comfortable inside. I am really glad I like sweaters! The cold temperatures are also a major cause in the road problems. Making the slush slick.

Other then the weather, I don't have much to talk about. Mostly, I have been studying for the exam I have on Wednesday. Oh and a little work on the project. However, I have been focusing on studying. We get a 1 page sheet of notes for the exam which is nice, but it is hard to decided what to put on the sheet. There is so much information and I can't fit it all on the sheet :)

Well, thanks for stopping by and reading. Stay warm :)

Sunday, December 3, 2006

Ice Gone, More Snow

"The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen." - Frank Lloyd Wright

Song obsession of the day: by "It's My Life" Bon Jovi

History the final frontier:
"Egypt dismisses theory that concrete was used in pyramids"
"Enigma of ancient world's computer is cracked at last"
"Researchers Unveil Nev. Dinosaur Fossils"

Bring out the creative part of your brain for a little fun:
"Pete Goldlust's Carved Crayons"
"How to Make a 3D Paper Snowflake"

Science takes new exciting leaps:
"A new wide-angle lens for video surveillance"
"AMD unveils processors for "power" computer users"

Oh and I thought this article was interesting: "Think video game jobs are all fun? Think again".

The ice on the roads has melted from the sunshine on Saturday, but the ground has a nice blanket. Earlier this morning it began to snow again (and is snowing currently). However, this is a nice pretty snow. You can see the little snow flakes coming down. Rumor has it that we are going to get an inch of snow over night.

I am continuing to work on all of my projects. One is coming together very nicely. The other is slower on the up-take. I will be thankful when the next two weeks are over and I will be able to take a few weeks off between terms. Besides, I love this time of year. All of the shopping and spending time with family.

Well, I better get back to staring at the screen of my compter...err working on my project ;-) I just wanted to toss up a quick post for the weekend. Next week I am going to be pretty busy since I have an exam. Oh the fun! Happy Weekend!

Friday, December 1, 2006

Snowed In

"People do not like to be called fruit!" - Shirley Feeney (Laverne & Shirley)

An absolutely amazing thing the weather is. Early this week it was 60. Now there is ice and snow everywhere. Serious snow and ice ("First big winter storm hits Midwest"). The university closed for the day! I wasn't planning on going anywhere today or anything - but when all the schools close that really tells you something. It is still lightly snowing.

So I am bundled up in a blanket working on my projects. I also have an exam next week which I will need to start studying for later today. I just keep repeating to myself - "two more weeks, two more weeks"...

Anthropology meets technology: "Experts Reconstruct Leonardo Fingerprint"

Robots gets lesson in archaeology: "Robot to penetrate deep inside Cheops pyramid"

Insteresting article regarding Microsoft: "Vista: Microsoft's Last 'Big Bang' Operating System?"

Well, I better get back to work. Stay warm and dry :-) Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

And then all routers broke loose...

"There has to be a mathematical explanation for how bad that tie is. " - Nash (A Beautiful Mind)

Song obsession of the day: "A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton

Today is "very cheap blog day". It is one of those days were I throw about a bunch of links that I thought were interesting - but don't really comment on. I have two fun fill projects going on (and about 2.5 weeks of the semester left). I saw them and thought there were interesting, but I am way to lazy to actually finish typing anything about them.

about the TV Land special featuring 100 great TV quotes (I felt I just had to link to it).

Mozart music 24/7.

Another reason to own a Mac: X-MasTree 1.3

The 80's are back: Smurf movie news

"13 things that do not make sense" - can I add to the list? ;-)

Friday, November 24, 2006

Along Came Friday...

"My father says that almost the whole world is asleep. Everybody you know. Everybody you see. Everybody you talk to. He says that only a few people are awake and they live in a state of constant total amazement. " - Patricia (Joe Versus the Volcano)

I went shopping this morning. Hey, I take this pretty seriously. I got up at 7 AM! I went to several stores. I am was amazed at the ads for today. All those doorbusters! I of course was not going for much of that - except there were these $4 DVD's at Target I wanted to look at...

I also went out to one of the large malls in the area and bought some stuff. I got some jeans, a jacket, and a shirt. There was lots of people looking, but not a lot of people buying. People seemed to be getting one or two things. (Unless it was a toy section and then there were some people buy a lot of stuff).

Anyway, I had lots of fun :) It was a nice break from all of the school work I have been doing. Well, enough rambles about my life. Lets move on to stuff you are probably actually came here to see - the links for today:

Space the final frontier: "Mars Global Surveyor Remains Silent, Feared Lost"

Survey says: "Swedes Trust IKEA More than the Church"

Well, I better get back to working on my projects! I have made some progress in the past two days - but I still have a long way to go before I get completely done. There are only a few more weeks in the semester. (I am still amazed at how fast this semester went) :-0

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving!

"It is called scotoma. The mind sees what it wants to see." - Sir Leigh Teabing (The Da Vinci Code)

First off - watched The Da Vinci Code on DVD last night. Saw it, loved it! Great, great movie. I had wanted to see it in the theater, but I never did make it. I love the total intergration of history with fiction. There are enough historical facts to make it realistic and enough plot to make it exciting.

Two articles I wanted to point out:
Technology meets history head on: "High tech helps solve mystery of ancient calculator"

Technology greets the future with open arms: "Scientists Try to Make Robots More Human"

Just wanted to wish all of my blog readers a happy thanksgiving! Now if you will excuse me, I have to get to bed early so I can get up early for all that fun shopping! :-)

By the way, what do you think of the new look? I think the colors still need some adjustments... Loved to hear what you think!

Friday, November 17, 2006

Real Life? Never heard of it...

"Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy's right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest." - Linus Van Pelt (A Charlie Brown Christmas)

So funny (and so true).

Give a gift they will always treasure: Nanowires ("For Better Nanowires, Just Add Diamond")

Science meets anthropology: "Old bone helps crack Neanderthal DNA"

I have been busy with two projects. The end of the term is creeping closer. Of course, I am looking forward to a little vacation and lots of sleeping. Did I mention sleeping?

Thanksgiving (since I started grad school) is that holiday right before finals and it allows you to do three things:
1) Eat a "normal" meal (i.e., not take-out or from a vending machine)
2) Actually sleep (without missing important things)
3) Go shopping

No matter how tired I am, I always go shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Even if it is only for a few hours. Partly because of tradition and partly because I like going shopping. (OK, so I find shopping to very relaxing). Also, it is when you start actually enjoying all the Christmas/holiday decorations. It is most important when all of the sales start. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of "Shopping Season". Shopping Season last until about mid-January (i.e., all the after-Christmas sales). I really love shopping during this part of the year. Almost every store has a special items they get in. Clothing stores have all of their sweaters out (and many of you know how much of love sweaters).

Well, I better get back to coding if I want to go shopping next Friday! Happy weekend!

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Tuesday Fun Days

"I need subtitles when I come in here." - Special Agent Seeley Booth (Bones)

Two quick articles I wanted to point out:
"Early Roman Shipwreck Carried Fish Sauce"

"Snail toxins reveal novel way to fight severe nerve pain"

Tuesday, November 7, 2006

10..err...9 Tips on how to get an 'A'

"10 tips on how to get an 'A'". I suggest that number 9 be "Proof read", but that is just me. Seriously, go read the article, then my comment will totally make sense.

Happy Election Day!

"We're legitimate citizens. We're taxed without representation. We're not allowed to serve on juries so we're not tried by our peers. It's unconscionable, not to mention unconstitutional. We don't make the laws but we have to obey them like children." - Alice Paul (Iron Jawed Angels)

I am horribly guilty for not updating my blog. However, I have an excellent explaination: Midterms. However, I have a few days in between midterms and projects. So I thought I would just toss up a quick blog this morning before my week goes back to its normal craziness.

It is election day. Here in Michigan that means most many people have the day off. Auto workers have it in their contracts + Michigan is known as the motor city = many people have the day off. OK, way to much studying...I am using equations to explain stuff. Ugh! Of course, I don't have the day off or anything.

I wanted to point out this article: "Watch Out for Mixing Religion and Politics, Charlie Brown" but just hadn't gotten around to it.

Trying really hard not to laugh at the title: "Professor's Bigfoot Research Criticized"

Current song obsession: "Some of Us" by Starsailor. I first heard the song on a Bones episode. Since then I have been kind of hooked. (I love iTunes).

Well, I better get back to being a grad student. Whatever that means exactly...

Sunday, October 29, 2006

It's like the Nike commercial...

"The nerve of those Whos. Inviting me down there — and on such short notice. Even if I wanted to go, my schedule wouldn't allow it. 4:00, wallow in self pity; 4:30, stare into the abyss; 5:00, solve world hunger, tell no one. 5:30, Jazzercize. 6:30, dinner with me. I can't cancel that again. 7:00, wrestle with my self-loathing — I'm booked. Of course, if I bump the loathing to nine, I could still be done in time to lay in bed, stare at the ceiling, and slip slowly into madness. (pause) But what would I wear?" - The Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas )

You know the Nike logo - "Just do it"? Well finally someone has (and no one really seems to be reporting all that much about it). The rapidly raising costs of health care has been sighted as one of the U.S's biggest problems.

Now Walmart and Meijers are actually doing something about it. (And you all know what a huge un-fan of Walmart I am). Walmart is starting to offer $4 drugs. Meijers has also jumped in offer free antibiotics and several other drugs. (Information regarding Michigan I suggest this article.

My biggest surprise was the lack of news "excitment". But I guess it doesn't really have much drama to it. However, this kind of stuff effects most people. Most health plans (especially if you are like me and have the student kind) don't cover simple prescriptions like antibiotics. I am glad to see that stores are stepping up and doing something. Now if the press would just get on the bandwagon and let the people know...but that is a whole 'nother issue.

New favorite song on the week: "Bring On The Wonder" by Susan Enan (as heard on an episode of Bones).

Sunday, October 15, 2006

And We Fade Into Blackness...

"It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what." - Harper Lee ("To kill a Mockingbird")

Go Blue! "Researchers make nanosheets that mimic protein formation"

I never thought I would see the word wobbly and extinction in the same sentance: "Wobbly Earth causes climate change, extinctions: researchers"

I got my winter/fall catalog from Bath and Body Works in the mail yesturday. I noticed a new/different flavor of their Aromatheraphy line called Black Currant Vanilla. Their Fall Temptations almost looked good enough to eat!

I haven't been watching tv except for two shows Battlestar Galactica (Friday night) and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (Monday night). In Battlestar the humans continue to fight the toasters. On Studio 60 they are going to have the guest star/singer Sting perform "Fields Of Gold". The show is full of touching, only-seen-on-an-Aaron Sorkin-show kind of moment. If you are not watching Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, you aren't watching good television. Of course, don't let my opinion influence you or anything ;-)

Well, I better get back to work. Semester is definatly in full swing. Lots of exams and homework came falling down, just like the first snow fall. Always to soon and it never sticks around long enough...

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Snow Comes A'nocking

Song Obsession of the day: "How to Save a Life" by The Fray
Quote for today: "One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things." - Henry Miller

It is Snowing and it's not even Halloween yet!?! When I was coming back from class a few minutes ago it looked like a little mini-blizard. OK, I think they over shot that "snow shower" prediction. However, it is 32 degrees out so there is snow on the glass. The roads mostly are wet (or atleast that was way earlier this morning when I left). Good thing I could find my warm winter coat in the closet. Seriously, it was like 69 on Monday.

News Linkies:
No, I am not from Michigan, I just temporarily live here: "Mich. Board OKs Curriculum on Evolution"

We learn something new everyday: "Rapid Sea Level Rise in the Arctic Ocean May Alter Views of Human Migration"

Everything is being Google-fied. Nothing is safe, not even writing or spread sheets: "Google launches online writing and spread sheet service" (Of course, I really believe this is a good thing - honest).

The seven secrets of successful programmers (which almost no programmer ever does until they work on a huge project and someone else is going to have to read their code).

Keep you data save, have Darth Vador guard it: "Limited Edition Star Wars USB Flashdrives"

Oh so funny (and somewhat true) comic.

There is no shortage of people bring out video/music players: "Sony says developing video Walkman"

Thanks for stopping by and reading! Stay warm (and dry)!

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Life, Snow, Homework...Not always in that order

Today's song obsession: "Savin' Me" by Nickelback

"Doesn't make us right, Colonel, just a whole lot of people wrong." - Apollo (Battlestar Galactica)

Yep, my song obsession for today is the one from the Battlestar Galactica commericals on Sci-Fi channel. I really didn't pay that much attention to it until maybe the 10th time I saw the commerical. At that point I had to figure out what song it was and find a copy of the song. I thought I had it - it was just finding it that was the interesting part. The hardest part was trying to find time to find the song.

It was been a very busy few weeks. The homework is definately starting to come pouring in. Plus, I am giving a midterm on Thursday. Students have been emailing me questions regarding the course (which involved my typing answers this morning at 2 AM). Not that I minded or anything. I am happy to answer student questions. Actually, I am really excited to do so. However, it tells one a lot about themselves if they are up at 2 AM answering emails.

UML and profiles are still giving me a difficult time. I feel like my diagrams are still missing something. However, my small problem is that I don't know what they are missing. So, I am simply going on a gut feeling that something is missing. (OK, everyone say it together: "Stephany is an obsessive grad student and is going crazier by the day").

Snow is schedules on the forcast for the evening out here in the "wilds" of Michigans far side. It has been raining since last night and will turn to snow over night. I think the fall just came womping in. The high for tomorrow is something like 40. Get out the sweaters and turtlenecks!

"Microsoft Tests OneCare Beta for Vista"

"Scientists find more bones of big camels"

Now if you will excuse me, I have to get back to staring at a bunch of diagrams hoping that I get some sort of amazing revelation. Of course, that isn't a complaint, more of a wish or hope. I like what we are doing, just while one is trying to grasp the concepts it can be a bit tiring.

Anyway, stay warm and dry!

Saturday, October 7, 2006

UML, Profiles, and Fall Colors

"Best defense is a good offense." - Storm (X-Men III: The Last Stand)

This weekends homework involved UML (both class diagrams and object diagrams). Of course, these aren't your normal diagrams. We are actually using a concept called Profiles to extend the metamodel (of UML). The metamodel of UML is kind of a like a class diagram of class diagrams.

I know it sounds like so much fun, I bet you are jealous! (OK, so I can't probably say that with a straight face to anyone...)

It is the weekend! I am starting to catch up on all that great sleep I have been missing out on this week. It is a great Michigan fall weekend. It isn't too cold yet, but the trees are a brilliant shade of orange, red, and yellow. I have started to hunt out my long sleeve shirts and light-weight sweaters for a few of the crisper mornings.

I actually got to do a little shopping today. And I truely mean a little. Chocolate is a very "in" color this year. Not that I have anything against it. (And many of you know just how much I like chocolate). I find it surprising how much I like brown shades. I kind of considered myself a huge fan of black, but brown is a nice change. Of course, black is definately a "basic" and "classic" but I am thinking that many brown pieces could be considered very close to "classics".

Well, I better get back to homework. I still have a midterm to write!

Happy Fall everyone! Hope you enjoy the wonderful colors :-)

Tuesday, October 3, 2006

One Month Down...

"Now we all have a great need for acceptance, but you must trust that your beliefs are unique, your own, even though others may think them odd or unpopular, even though the herd may go, that's baaaaad. Robert Frost said, 'Two roads diverged in the wood and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.'" - John Keating (Dead Poets Society)

Discover the origins of the universe, get Nobel Prize - cool: "Nobel in Physics Is Awarded to 2 Americans"

Wait - there was a company that Microsoft didn't already own? "Microsoft Buys Desktop Firm "

"Forget the Big Bang -- it's more a Deep Hum" - so are they going to change the name?

I know you think that this next article is kind of odd - "Surveys Shape Museum Exhibits on Science" but I suggest taking a look. (Hey, I know dinos came before humans. However, that doesn't seem to be true of everyone).

"MGM to Launch New Official SG-1 Site" - I haven't had a chance to go look yet, but it sounds very ducky.

Only in New Jersey: "New Jersey begins taxing iTS downloads like CDs and armored cars"

Can you believe it? It is October already. I was shocked. Now I just have to live through October, November, and part of December ;-)

The "fun-ness" of the week - ASM, Java, and Stephany hitting head on wall. I am working on using ASM to monitor a java class file. Using ASM I am suppose to re-create the classes, methods, and variables. Well, as much as one can. Basically enough info for UML class diagrams. Lets just say it is going slow. Oh and java 1.5 is so much better than 1.4.

Now if you will excuse me, I have some hitting my head on the wall...err...I mean programming to do. Assuming I don't fall asleep during my office hours...4 hours of sleep and I start getting a bit loopy.

Auto-lights are a great thing. Except when the room is your office, there are only two of you there, and you spend most of you time sitting. The lights keep turing off plunging us into darkness...

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Survey Says....

"I've experienced life, and I'm here to tell you it's overrated." - Murphy (Murphy Brown)

Bunch 'o links:

Technology and Family: "Study shows modern families grappling with technology overload" and "Families pack 43 hours of activity into 1 day: study"

Statistics and show anything. Seriously, anything: "Computer games linked to plump children"

Now this was very interesting: "Canadian scientists reveal Mona Lisa mysteries in 3D"

"'Cannibal' Dinosaur Wrongly Accused, Study Says"

Well, I better get back to my homework and office hours! Today is actually sunny and so was Monday. It has been a nice change from all the rain. Of course, thunderstorms are predicted for tomorrow. However, I plan on enjoying the sun while I can!

Monday, September 25, 2006

Movie of the Day: Bridget Jones's Diary

"We have blue soup to start, orange pudding to end, and, well, for a main course you have, uh, congealed green gunge." - Mark Darcy (Bridget Jones's Diary)

I actually saw the second movie first. So I decided to watch the first one when it was run on Bravo. As minor characters there is the person from the Harry Potter movie and the guy from the new version of Battlestar. Anyway, the whole thing is just funny. It is also nifty to see the everyday girl get the guy.

Link Worthy:

"Tree Rings Offer Insights to Hurricanes"

"Report finds gender bias in university R&D"

"Universities see sharp drop in computer science majors"

Well, I better get back to working on homework. I got water in my ear over the weekend. Therefore, I have partial hear in my left ear. Which makes it quiet interesting. When I talk there is a slight echo. Anyway, I found that putting light pressure and having my head sideways appears to help and clear up my hearing. Therefore, I have been doing everything sideways :-)

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Apple-if-ic!

"I am profoundly and irreversibly screwed up." - Maggie Carpenter (Runaway Bride)

My blog title has a double meaning today. First off it is apple season here in Michigan. For those of you from Michigan you know that this when as a grade schooler you went to an apple orchard, picked an apple, and got a very little cup of cider (which was probably a good thing because you hate apple cider or maybe that was only me). No seriously, in my younger years I have been apple picking several times. It was fun - honest.

Apple season also means some of the best cinnamon donuts ever. They are fresh and they smell delightful. This of course could be a bad thing if you are trying to overall eat less calories so that you don't continue to gain weight since as a grad student you spend most of your time sitting. I wonder how many calories you burn typing? Anyway, back to the subject apples.

The second topic envolving apples is Apple's iTunes 7. I updated my version yesterday during my office hours. The new feature of Cover Flow is pretty ducky. Not that I couldn't listen to music perfectly well without it, but it is just a nice little fun thing to play with when you are completely bored during your office hours or something. Not that I am all that bored since I am so busy studying and stuff. ;-)

I have a new favorite song "I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker" by Sandi Thom. It is a really fun song that almost makes me want to sing along with it. (I say almost because I can't sing and hence don't ... unless no one is around or that kind of thing. I always wished I could sing but it is a simple fact that I can't. But that is a hold different topic for a different day).

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Bat-er-if-ic!

"Insanity runs in my family... It practically gallops." - Mortimer Brewster (Arsenic and Old Lace)

Today I received my first free book. Publishing companies send free books to instructors of courses. (Hence why every professors office has books stacked everywhere). Anyway, I got my first free book. I felt very cool for all of 15 minutes, but that is besides the point. And I am guessing that anyone even reading this doesn't even care in the slightest, so I shall move on.

James Bond meets the business world: "Lock-Pickin’ Business Card"

No comment on this one: "Thief accidentally turns himself in"

And the winner of the most unique table setting goes to: "Tea Time: Lamborghini Gallardo as ultimate centerpiece"

On an unrelated side note: I thought this comic has quiet amusing...

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Topic-less

"You can unlock any door, if you only have the key." - Mrs. Brisby (The Secret of NIMH)

For the first time in well months I had a blog that didn't start with a quote. Of course, this was mostly because I couldn't find a quote that seemed fitting. So after such an insightful blog full of spelling mistakes, I decided to go back to the kind of blogs I normally write.

Leopards don't change their spots, but search engines apparently do: "Microsoft to Unveil New Search Engine"

Now all I need is virtual popcorn: "Apple Expands Its Video Offerings"

One small step for human kind, one large leap for our friends the robots: "One small step for robots -- jumping"

Linux + phone = totally new geek toy: "User-modifiable Linux phone ships"

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Software Development : Choleric Infant

This semester I am taking another software engineering course. After talking with friends who program for a living and discussion with others I found the above relationship. From first glance you may not quiet agree. So in true grad student style I will spend several paragraphs conviencing you that it is true.

Software development of any kind absorbs significant time and most geeks are (to put it mildly) obsessive people. I am not saying this is a bad thing. Quiet the oposite. It is a very good thing. There is an Earthlink commerical where the one person explains that a geek gets it done and a nerd doesn't. So if geeks weren't the great people that they are, then I totally wouldn't be writing this blog and life as we know it won't exist. Think about how much stuff is run by computers (both hardware and software). However, I have completely fallen off of my topic. So lets get back on it.

Everyone has or has known someone with an infant. Infants absorb the parents life. A choleric infant (for those of you who don't know) is a very fussy infant. Usually, parents walk them around or bundle them up and go for long car rides. It is the constant motion that helps to calm down the child. A choleric infant complete absorbs the parents life. It is even more hands on then an infant and general the joke is that you can't (or won't) put the child down.

Every know anyone working on a huge software project? They become obsessed with the project. Life keeps moving on and they probably don't even realize it. Software projects are massive undertakings. Geeks involved just can't seem to put the project down. (Or even if they do their brain is still working on it). The issues are unknown, always changing, and quiet frankly unpredictable.

This summer I was doing a research project. For days (almost a week) I studied the code line by line trying to find the problem. It turned out to be not a coding mistake. I had made a huge error in logic. I had all the right lines of code, but I had extra I didn't need. Ask any programmer and each have dozens of similar stories.

Choleric infants are equally as unpredictable. No one knows for sure what casues choleric infants. Some are worse than others. The long and short of it is, software projects absorb ones life. Choleric infants absorbs life. Both unpredicatable. However, in the end both result in great pride, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment. Thanksfully, software projects tend to "grow up" a little faster :-)

QED.

Wednesday, September 6, 2006

Yawn with a side of snore

(I totally stole my title from an episode of Fraggle Rock)...

Office hours during the first week of class = Wandering aimlessly around web in hopes of not dropping dead from being bored. Actually, it really isn't that bad. I have been updating lectures and assignments for my class. I all really not complaining since I am actually enjoying the silence. However, it does get to one after 2+ hours. But enough about that lets move on to topics that are significantly more interesting.

News Bits:
What? You mean all of those cartoons where not based in scientific research? "Put that in your mousetrap: mice don't like cheese"

No comment: "Speeding driver blames lack of goats"

Doesn't this sound like the plotline to a Sci-Fi movie? "Software does judge's job in China"

"IBM wins hybrid supercomputer deal"

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

School Starts Again

"My strange and bizzare mystery has just gone stranger and bizarerer" - Red (Fraggle Rock)

Hello! It is my first day back at school. I am back teaching the same material. Which is pretty cool. It is a lot about looking at all the material I have developed and updating (or in a few cases making some minor changes). I already have the first couple of lectures and assignments done.

I hate to admit it - but I actually haven't been reading the geek news. A shock, I know. I had taking most of August and part of July off. (As explained in earlier posts). Therefore, I wasn't on my computer very much. But not to worry when I went out of town for a couple of days the computer did come with me. I haven't completely lost my geeky-ness.

I was sad to see Stargate SG-1 did not get renewed for another season. At least there will still be Atlantis. The number of TV shows I watch is shrinking fast. And to show just how much of a weirdo I am I decided to tell you which shows those are.

Drive Thru History - It's a good show about history, honest. Although at times it gets a little bit "how does this relate to stuff out of the Bible" it is really interesting. The host is very amusing. This is not you average boring old history show.

$40 a day with Rachael Ray - there is travel, there is food, what's not to like?

I Want That Tech Toys - although I often have seen the stuff already I will run this show in the background will doing other things.

House Hunters - I like to try and guess which house they are going to buy. Again another great background show.

Go ahead - you can say it: "Stephany has weird tastes". Anyway, those are a couple of the shows I have been watching. Otherwise, it is stuff on DVD and old movies. I have a current obsession with old movies. Well, I better get going. Lots to do these first few days.

Saturday, August 5, 2006

Where has the time gone?

Sorry for the total lack of updates. I actually haven't been on my computer that much. A shock I know. However, I figured one should take a little time off every few years ;-)

OK, so have you all been watching the new episodes of Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis? Aren't they great? They have been such a nice mix of action, humor, and just plain old sci-fi goodness.

Just had to point this out: "After 10 years, life-on-Mars rebuked".

A couple of weeks I went to The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago to see the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibit. Very cool. Had a lot of fun in Chicago. It had been years since I had been to Chicago. You would think I would go more often since I don't live that far away, but I just don't ever seem to end up that way. I went especially to see the Tutankhamun exhibit while it was here in the United States.

Well, I had better get back to other stuff I need to do. Hopefully, I will get back to updating on a more regular basis. Of course, I would hold my breath or anything...

Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, June 30, 2006

So Close...and then Not...

"Your space ship is double parked in my living room." - Tim O'Hara (My Favorite Martian)

I have trouble getting my cell phone to work on this planet. It appears that martians must have even worse problems. "Can you hear me now? Not on Mars"

This proves you never know what you are going to find or where you are going to find it: "Scientists dig up Ice Age bones in mid Los Angeles"

Another study I know you could live without knowing the results to: "Weighted toys may help kids get fit during playtime". (I can just imagine the parent at the toy store going "no you can't get that one, because it isn't heavy enough...")

Heard about Google Checkout? Well it appears to be a "Google Checkout Review". I think the concept is interesting, but usually when I buy online I am really only going to one store. So I am having a hard time seeing the usefulness. Yet, it does seem interesting...even easier shopping...more time to shop...hmmm...I will have to think about this one. (In the mean time you may want to read this review).

"Coming soon: Mind-reading computers" - that would be cool. Except when I am coding and the code is broken...then it wouldn't be such a good idea. But, it sounds cool doesn't it?

The summer I semester is over! I am done teaching. You know what one of the first things I did was? Shopping. Yes, I have issues but whatever. I didn't get any shoes. So, I am still keeping my goal of not buying anymore shoes in June. I have been enjoying my shoes :-) I bought (clearance) clothing instead. It was a lot of fun to not have to worry about anything for 24 hours.

Research is continuing upwards. I have just two small-ish (OK, that is a bit of a stretch, but whatever) parts to finish. Then I can completely wrap up all of my summer stuff and finally take a vacation. I am taking two months off to just relax and do...normal stuff (whatever that might be). I do have several books I want to read and movies I want to see. Plus, there are new episodes of Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis coming in July...July 14th...which is in a couple of weeks...

I better get back to coding. Thanks for stopping by and reading. Hope you enjoyed your visit. Come back again real soon now ya' hear.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

And I thought Tuesday was bad...

"I've flown with you twice and you've crashed half the time." - Robin (Six Days Seven Nights)

It is the last day for the summer I term. My students have an assignment due at 5 PM. I just might go nuts before that point. I am kidding. It's not that bad. Of course, it's not my assignment that is due this evening! I am sure I will have a fun time grading these things.

About a 1/2 hour ago it was raining and hailing. It has been a while since I have seen hail that big. I am glad I parked in the bottom part of the garage when I got back from getting food. I decided to pick up food from Qdoba on my way back to my office hours.

"The Talking Camera - new handheld electronic reader will change the lives of millions" - just wow!

Aliens have invaded the planet, no wait it is just people text messaging on their cell phones ("Me little late meeting sorry sorry") - never mind.

Every city needs to get this system: "Top up your parking meter with a cell call"

Doesn't this so sound like something off of Star Trek Voyager? "Researchers Create New Organic Gel Nanomaterials"

Hubble suffers from symptoms of old age: "Hubble Space handicapped as main camera stops functioning"

I am not even sure what to say about this one: "Yellow chairs for free Wi-Fi"

Well, that is all I have time for right now - my students are asking me to find their bugs. Until next time...

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Final Tuesday Fun

"Well, I like my quirks. I think they make me unique." - Lois (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman)

Today is the last lab I am teaching. It is really, really nice. Of course, I still have many hours of office hours and grading todo, but the summer I term is coming to a close.

My research actually has some forward motion! I finally figured something out. Oh and I decided that Joone was not what I needed. Unfortunately, I do need to brush up on linear regression which isn't exactly my field of study. OK. so I took some stats and I did use it a little in my masters project. However, I am not really that 100% sure if I am ever doing it correctly. I also just hope that I did the programming correctly (or those who wrote excel did).

Anyway, enough of that. Here are some links to stuff you may (but lets all face probably not) find interesting:
Survey says what we all thought it would say: "Computers break down less often: survey"

Another we-are-totally-grasping-at-straws research study that makes us ask: why? "Men's sexual orientation depends on number of older brothers: study"

Everyone is trying to one up everyone else: "Take a Test Drive - Keep the Car!"

Are you bored this summer? For those of you who really, really love apple and old apple ads or those who just want to waste a few hours: Old Ads from Apple

Every wander about colors and the web? Well look no further: "The use of colour". (Don't worry this website is done using a very safe color that is generally protraded as good. Hense why blue is very commonly used on the web).

Well, I better get back to office hours and the likes. I am going to just live a school for the next few days. I am running about 9 hours of office hours this week. Hopefully, all the students will finish their assignments. Hopefully, I will finish my coding as well. Thanks for stopping by and reading!

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Cars and Being Practical

"The more things change, the more they remain... insane." - Michael Fry and T. Lewis (Over the Hedge)

I am becoming...practical. Yes, I know that is hard to believe, but it is true. I am turning in my little cute 2-seater Mazda Miata convertable (that is horrible to drive in the winter) and getting a Ford Escape. I had my little Miata for almost three years and now it is time to turn it in.

It is weird how attached I got to that car. I think it might have something to do with the fact that it was the longest about of time I had the same car. Seriously. I am not making this up. Most cars I had for a year (or slightly less). They are lease cars, so I am use to them not sticking around very long. Every once in a while we have one long (like my Miata or that Cougar my mom had when I was in highschool). Hence I never became that attached to any of my earlier cars (one Escort Sport and several Mustangs).

Yes, I have almost always drove sports cars and now I am getting a nice practical car. It will be great for the hills out by school. There are several between my apartment and school. It snows a bit on the west side of Michigan. Something they are always blaming on the "lake-effect" - just don't ask, I don't. I don't live that far away from a lot of skiing areas. Actually, most people who grew up in the area ski. Of course, I don't but I didn't grow up on that side of the state (and I was way to busy ice skating to learn skiing).

Well, enough about me and cars. Lets move onto some news articles I thought you should be aware of:

Computers meet sports: "Apple technology brings World Cup updates to millions"

If you are not reading digg...you should be. "Digg to allow users to vote for many types of news"

To make your inner geek tinkle: "Nano World: Black silicon for solar power"

Well, I have to get back to learning about Joone for a research project. Doesn't that just sound like so much fun? (I can hear your jealousy from here). Thanks for stopping by and reading. Next week is the end of the summer semester! Yippee :-) I have three more days of work. Now, if I could just finish the research...

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Stargate Coming Soon...

"I'm just saying that if we're taking a page from the John Sheppard book of computer repair, we're really desperate." - Maj. John Sheppard (Stargate: Atlantis)

To ads for Stargate you totally have to check out if you are a Sci-Fi fan:
Sheppard
Carter

You can also watch promos for Atlantis and SG-1 via the Sci-Fi Video player. (Look under shows -> Stargate SG-1 -> next episode and shows -> Stargate Atlantis -> next episode).

It's only what like 23 days until an all new action packed and exciting season of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis air? Not that I am counting or anything...

OK, I admit I did count. However, in my defense they are really the only shows making new episodes that I watch...well I also watch Battlestar Galatica...but that isn't going to have new episodes until what October?

Alright, I admit I am overly excited that there is going to be new episodes. I am a wacky Stargate fan. However, I have never been to a convention or anything like that. I just get excited about new shows. Yeah...I am just going to stop before I dig myself in deeper...

Plus, I have to finish preping for teaching a lab on using the IDE for C#. I am going to show them how to make a calculator and then (maybe) if there is time a very sad little music player. I call it a sad little music player since all it contains is a stop and start button. Hmm...maybe I could make that a radio button...just so that it would look cool...choices, choices, choices...

Well, have a great weekend. Try to stay dry (for those of you living in Ohio or Michigan) and cool!

News 'N Laughs

"Not that anyone cares what I think, but the restaurant is at the *other* end of the Universe." - Marvin (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)

Hello! Sorry I haven't been updating for a couple of days. I really don't have an excuse, except that it is the last week of class for the first summer term. I have bene quiet busy helping students complete their assignments (and debugging odd errors in their program).

I have been watching The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on one of my movie channels. It is a good movie. The first time I watched it I was kind of confused. However, when I watched it the second (and third time) I found it to be very entertaining and funny. It is truly a movie you have to watch twice. Marvin and the ship with a happy personality were my favorite parts.

On the quantum front: "Measuring single qubits"

Orchid lovers check this out: "Scientists Find Self-Fertilizing Orchid"

"What can a magnet tell you about rain patterns?"

Microsoft goes boldly into new frontiers: "Microsoft sees future in robots"

Good news for all you pandas who read my blog: "Panda poo raises conservationists' hopes for its population"

First iPods and now search engines: "Most Microsoft Workers Search With Google"

What is the world coming to? "Parents pinch pennies from piggy banks"

Thanks for stopping by! Well, I better get to my afternoon office hours. Until next time...

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Tombs, Florida, Encryption...

"Some music *needs* air. Roll down your window." - Claire Colburn (Elizabethtown)

In the news:
Cool: "Man Leads Archaeologists to Frescoed Tomb"

I knew there was a reason I loved visiting Florida: "Florida's seas may offer cancer cure"

An always important issue: "Encryption, security policies tools to reduce laptop risks"

For those of you (who are like me) and love Wikipedia: "Growing Wikipedia revises its 'anyone can edit' policy"

I am so not going to talk about how my research is going. I did uncover one of my problems at 2 AM. Of course, now I have to figure out how to fix it. I now need to find out the magically function I need for the conclusion/consequent. The paper that I am implementing refers to it as f. I have a feeling it is problem specific. Of course, I don't know how to find said formula. I am just hoping that someone else is going to be responsible for figuring that out :-)

Well, thanks for stopping by and reading let another one of my blogs! Happy weekend! (If you are in Michigan try to stay dry!)

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Music 'N News

"Three failures denote uncommon strength. A weakling has not enough grit to fail thrice." - Minna Thomas Antrim

First the News:
For your inner computer engineer: "Researchers Reveal New Insights into the Surface of Silicon Semiconductors"

Many will try - but how many will succeed?: "Microsoft said to be developing iPod rival"

The "missing link" isn't missing anymore: "Waterfowl fossils fill in a big missing link: 110 million-year-old birds bridge gap between age of dinosaurs and today"

Because I liked the title: "How to Bake a Galaxy"

Another important study brought out by people who were seriously grasping at straws for research to do: "Web news readers spend more money online: study"

I have been searching (OK, not that hard but still) for some new songs to listen to. Anyway, I thought I would tell you what I have recently downloaded (yes from iTunes...I like iTunes...no making fun!):

"Blue and White" and "I Still Belong to You" by Beth Waters (be warned, site plays music)

"Over My Head (Cable Car)" by The Fray. I had forgotten about this song until one of my students (again, no making fun) mentioned it to me.

"You and Me" by Lifehouse

"It's Goona Be Love" by Mandy Moore. Yep, the song from A Walk to Remember

"The Old Apartment" by Barenaked Ladies. I re-stumbled onto this song :-)

Well, I better get back to work and all that fuzziness. At least I got the grading done! I have a week and a half more of teaching. Then I am going to try and take most of a term off. Assuming I ever finish my research...but lets just not go there okies?

Happy Weekend folks. Thanks for stopping by. Try and not melt out in that warm summer weather :-)

Friday, June 16, 2006

Let's Go Fly a Kite

"You know, you can say it backwards, which is 'dociousaliexpiistic-fragilcalirupus'. But that's going a bit too far, don't you think?" - Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins)

Two different (and totally unrelated) Microsoft articles: "Gates to 'transition out' of Microsoft leadership" and "Windows Vista's OEM hardware requirements give glimpse of new hardware adaptation" for your reading pleasure.

The latest on the search front: "Google to Launch Government Search Site"

"Correlating Space and Time" - umm...no comment on this one. I just thought the title was cool.

I was ma'am-ed today when I stopped to pick up my lunch at Pancheros and two weeks ago when I stopped for crazy bread at Little Caesars. I am started to feel really old :-) I am not against the term "ma'am" I am just not use to it. Quiet frankly I don't think I will ever get use to it...

It is Friday - finally! Surprising (or not really) I plan to spend most of my weekend working on my program for my research and grading. Sounds like so much fun doesn't it? (I know you are all so jealous right now). I think it will be a fun weekend. Although a hot weekend. Today it is 86 and tomorrow it is predicted to be in the low 90s.

Well, I better get back to work! Happy weekend!

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Random Rambles...

"Nero Wolfe gets what Nero Wolfe wants, or he throws a tantrum and I get fired." - Archie ("A Nero Wolfe Mystery")

"Photos Taken of 'Living Fossil' in Laos"

This must be a very popular area of study: "Wine researchers at U.S. university seek genetic answers to ancient headaches"

OK, is it just me or doesn't almost everything "contribute" to global warming? "Night flights contribute to global warming, says new study"

It has been a long and interesting week. I actually came out to school a day early for scheduling reasons. I will be happy to get back to the quiet neightborhood of my parents. Actually, my apartmnet complex is pretty quiet, except for the sprinklers spraying the window of my bedroom at 12:10 am. It tends to get a little annoying because it lasts for like 20 minutes. I have been getting up earlier in the mornings and hence trying to go to bed earlier so I can still function without large amounts of caffine.

My only really good news (worthy of sharing) is the fact that I finally fixed one (of many) problems I was having with my FuzzyJ code. I had declared the fuzzy variable range to be between 1 and 100. I then was getting an error about the value being outside the set of disclosure. It turned out that I needed the fuzzy variable to be between 0 and 100. I would say the whole thing was pretty funny if I hadn't spent 2 days trying to find the problem.

(Shaking fist a code/computer while yelling bah!) Anyway, that problem fixed. Now I just have to fix the rest of it...

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

It's Wednesday...

"Winds in the east, mist coming in, Like somethin' is brewin' and bout to begin. Can't put me finger on what lies in store, But I fear what's to happen all happened before." - Bert (Mary Poppins)*

I honestly don't have anything to tell. I have been working on research and teaching. The students are working on classes and overloading operators. Fun stuff todo, not so fun on the teaching aspect. You feel like you have gone over the same couple topics so many times...with so many students...it gets to be interesting. Of course, I know have my little "speal" memorized. Would you like to hear it? No, I wouldn't either if I were you. It's not that good - honest.

Otherwise, I have spending a bit of time reading all about The Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy system. I am trying to write this program see - for research see - and well at least I sort have a little bit of understanding regarding fuzzy stuff. I know a lot more the fuzzy terms now which helps a lot when I am reading some of the papers. Still have a long way to go.

Links to articles I thought you might find interesting:
"Scientists develop algorithm for ultra-secret security technique"

"Researchers uncover earliest dental work in this hemisphere"

"Microsoft Adds Webcams To Hardware Line"

"Two Butterfly Species Evolved Into Third, Study Finds"

*I absolutely love the Mary Poppins movie. I have read the books that the movie was based. Of course, the movie makes Mary Poppins a much more lovable character then the books. Anyway, the point is, yes I like the movie and there is no point in smirking at me regarding it. You know who you are. For everyone else, please continue having a bright and shiney day! Thanks for stopping by :-D

Saturday, June 10, 2006

What does Ikea and shoes have in common?

"A goal without a plan is just a wish." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Recently (i.e., Wednesday) an Ikea store open Michigan (Canton, Michigan to be exact). To read more about the open go here. I went on Friday morning because I am not insane (however, the jury is still out on that one). It was interest and fun. They had (and I bought) an ice cube trays in the shape of puzzle pieces ($1.50). There was interesting apartment like set ups in real apartment sizes. Actually, one of them was smaller than my apartment when I lived in Ohio. You could actually see how much (and by that I mean little) funiture you could actual fit. Furniture was interest and reasonably priced. Now I just need to save up money to buy a piece of funiture :-)

After a really long week (the class I am teaching the lab for learned about classes this week for those readers who are programmers) I took part of Friday as a shopping day. I also learned that I have an addiction to clearance shoes (and especially sandals). This week I have purchased a total of three pairs of shoes. Hense forth, I have set a goal of not buying any more shoes until next month. Of course, in my own defense the shoes were 50% off and really cute.

So lets move away from one of my many short comings and discuss other stuff. I am still looking for music recommendations. Seriously, I will take any :-) I listen to a wide range. This morning it was Judy Garland. Yesterday it was Enya , on Thursday it was Matchbox Twenty, and on Wednesday it was a little Tchaikovsky. Anyway, drop a comment if you think of anything. Thanks!

In real news:

A science article that by title only sounds completely convince (and developed by people way smarter than myself: "Nano-tip could play integral part in heat-assisted data storage devices"

"Robot with the human touch feels just like us"

Because we were all dying to know: "Spike 'wrote world's best joke'"

Well, I better get back to my attempt at coding using FuzzyJ now that I have finished the grading for my lab section. Thanks for stopping by and checking out the latest blog! Until next time...

Wednesday, June 7, 2006

Quest for Music...

EDIT: Saw this interesting article: "Home Of The Year 2006 › An Avatar Is Born" and I wanted to share it with you. I saw the original link via Slashdot. By the way, doesn't slashdot look so different now? But it a totally good way. Don't know what made me want to comment on it now, but whatever...

"It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me." - Batman (Batman Begins)

I am looking for some new music to listen to. I have been doing so much coding and driving back and forth... Anyway, I am looking for recommendations of songs and/or groups. So if you have some favorites leave me a comment or send me an email. Thanks!

Well now lets move on to the interesting news items I want to point out to you:

What do computers and fast food have in common? "PC makers bet on super-sized laptops"

This just sounds cool: "Physicists generate ball-lightning in the lab"

Oh and so does this: "Marine technology inspired by dolphins' speed" (On a complete side note: when I was in Florida we say a lot of dolphins).

Umm...ahh...OK...no comment on this one: "A Sixth Sense for a Wired World"

Very sound advice for all grad students

Tuesday, June 6, 2006

Google is Our Friend

"Well you shouldn't have started with a question, because people want to answer a question." - Ed Bloom (Big Fish)

The world is slowly becoming Google-fied: "Move over Excel, here comes Google Spreadsheets"

"Apple Introduces the New U2 iPod" again...

Rumor has it: "Apple and RIM may join forces"

Science meets history: "Researchers find hidden Greek text on 'world's oldest astronomy computer'". (Actually, I saw a history channel special about this astronomy computer thing, it was pretty interesting show actually. Yes, I watch the history channel...)

Because I know these questions was really eating at you: "Scientists resolve 60-year-old plutonium questions"

Otherwise, I really don't have anything of interest to report. Another week as started. I am making progress on my research! I have a bunch of coding still to do, but I do have some working code.

Of course, I did spend several hours looking at output and trying to figure out what was wrong with my code only to finally realize several hours later that I was comparing the wrong 2 things. So yeah, it turned out there was nothing wrong with that part of the code...fixed a lot of other problems so it wasn't a complete waste. However, it wasn't one of my more shining moments :-P

Well, I better get back to err...work and err...having office hours...yeah...
Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, June 1, 2006

All Hail Firefox...

"In the beginning there was nothing. God said, 'Let there be light!' And there was light. There was still nothing, but you could see it a whole lot better." - Ellen DeGeneres

Today's music to blog by: Black Balloon by The Goo Goo Dolls

A really good friend of mine sent me a link to this little movie late last night and so I decided to post a link on my blog. He thought it was funny, I thought it was funny, and I am hoping you will find it funny.

I saw security over the weekend in Florida using Segways and I guess they aren't the only ones ("Chicago Cops Crack Heads, Ride Scooters").

It is June 1st? Where did May go? I guess I was a bit busy. Anyway, did you know that on June 1, 1938 the first Superman comic came out? I didn't know until like 5 minutes ago.

Napping is good for you: "Why we could all do with a siesta"

I am not sure if I should say "cool" or "yuck": "Energy snack: Chocolate-munching bugs provide fuel of the future"

Well, that is all the fun I have to report. I love my job. I get to sit, eat breakfast, and watch my students take their exam. It is interesting to watch. I remember being an undergrad and having to take those programming exams. Of course we I went the grad students had to wait in the hall because of the honor policy - but that was a whole wacky engineering thing...so lets just move on 'eh?

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! I will be spending a large chunck of my time working on research (i.e., making up for my so-totally-worth-it weekend last week). However, I expect to sneak in a little tiny bit of fun :-)

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Whereever my muse takes me...

(Otherwise titled: I have no idea where I am going with any of this, but I figured I would torture you with my horrible attempts at writing anyway).

"Is that an old habit from ballet class or from a lifetime of walking on eggshells?" - Nick Mercer (The Wedding Date)

Today's music to blog by: Children (Dream Version) by Robert Miles

In the news:
"Microsoft Debuts Windows Live OneCare"

"Microsoft Desktop Keyboard&Mouse Combo For Mac"

"Hidden Ecosystem Discovered Beneath Cement Quarry"

"Hot stuff: Riddle of Saturn's moon may have been answered"

So here I am at my office hours. I was working on my research until well about 1/2 hour ago when I decided it was time for a break. I hadn't read any of the current tech news and I figured that it would be a good time to write a blog. A couple of my students are (get ready to be shocked...are you ready?) are here for my office hours!

I also wanted to point out a book I recently finished - Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot. Another excellent book in that "click-lit" category. Anyway, the main character is from Ann Arbor Michigan and attended the University of Michigan. Since I went to that university it made the book even more interesting. There were a few little mentions of Ann Arbor (like Kerrytown, etc). I loved the book. I would totally recommend it to anyone who liked light and funny books.

Well, I better get going. The professor I work for just walked by the lab and informed me that the exam I am giving tomorrow is ready. I better go pick it up before I leave. Thanks for stopping by and reading my rambles!

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Florida and Cake

"There are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents ... and only one for birthday presents, you know." - Lewis Carroll

So I got "older" today. Yikes. It has been a pretty interesting few days. To celebrate my birthday my parents took me on a quick trip to Sanibel, Florida over the long weekend. Since I teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays it was a short weekend trip, but so totally wonderful. I didn't take any grading or research with me. I didn't even take my cell phone with me or a computer. It was kind of weird and wonderful at the same time.

If you are ever thinking about visiting the area I recommend you check out the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chambers of Commerce site. There are tons of places to stay (I recommend Sundial Resort) and many really good resturants (I recommend Mc T's Shrimp House and Hungry Heron).

On the plane ride back and forth from Florida I read Lauren Weisberger's new book Everyone Worth Knowing which I thought was a really funny book. It was a great on-a-relaxing-vacation-read kind of book. Of course, you have to be fan of the new 'chick-lit' books - which I totally am. Oh and the trailer is out for the movie based on Lauren Weisberger's other book The Devil Wears Prada. You can check out the movie website (and trailer) here.

Other news you might find interesting:
"Nano World: Superior nanowire transistors"

"Home broadband users up 40 percent"

"Poison Ivy will likely thrive as global warming increases"

Well, I am off to do play with the new speakers for my iPod shuffle...err...do lots of work...coding java...well after I plug in my iPod shuffle speakers and get a piece of cake.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Looking Forward...

"You know, outside the circus, most people were afraid of me. But I didn't hate them. I pitied them. Do you know why? Because most people will never know anything beyond what they see with their own two eyes." - Nightcrawler (X2)

News worthy news:
First there were shoes, now there is pillow.

Interesting article: "Why we all sell code with bugs"

Stop the presses: "Teen cell phone use tied to unhappiness". (Another study that makes we ask why?)

Reminds me of Star Trek: "Robot carries out operation by itself"

"Scientists Predict How to Detect a Fourth Dimension of Space"

This is going to be one pretty short blog. Mostly because I don't have much to tell about. My time has been consumed by helping students and writing code. Although, I still recommend not trying to teach C# and write java code in the same term. However, you can really see the similarities when you are going back and forth between the two languages.

Hope you have an exciting and warm holiday weekend!

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

There's a new front is moving in...

"He knows a hero when he sees one. Too few characters out there, flying around like that, saving old girls like me. And Lord knows, kids like Henry need a hero. Courageous, self-sacrificing people. Setting examples for all of us. Everybody loves a hero. People line up for them, cheer them, scream their names. And years later, they'll tell how they stood in the rain for hours just to get a glimpse of the one who taught them how to hold on a second longer. I believe there's a hero in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride, even though sometimes we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams." - May Parker (Spider-Man 2)

"Microsoft releases test copies of Vista". Of course, everyone has there opinion on how good or bad ("Windows Vista Beta 2: The key word is 'Beta'") it is. Microsoft has other news: Windows Live Local Goes Into Beta 2.

Music and Shoes ("Nike+iPod") - the next interesting development brought out by Apple. You can check out the shoes here. I just might have to take up running...Or not.

Summer is finally coming to Michigan. Last week it was a bit chilly, but this week we are finally seeing some sunshine and warmth (today it is suppose to be 78). Of course, I am stuck in a lab for several hours...But I refuse to let that dampen my spirits. Well, I better get a move on because I have a bunch of student assignments to grade for tomorrow! Cheerio! :-D

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Agh Bunnies!

"Leo, there are times when we are absolutely nowhere. " - Sam Seaborn (The West Wing)

I have been undiligent in my blogging. I apologize. Teaching and working on research has my time really booked pretty solid. I am teaching C# and my research stuff is being done in java. They are so close and yet there are these little differences. But enough about that, lets more on to more interesting stuff shall we?

Random news I felt like linking to:
For the sports fans: "Physics can improve your football"...errr...soccer...

Einstein collectors: "Einstein papers to go on sale in London"

I am not even going to comment on this article.

"Mammoth skeleton found in Siberia"

Another reason to work at Microsoft: "Microsoft plans perks to retain staff"

Only in Ohio: "Bear escapes from cage, attacks neighbor"

Comic that any PhD student would enjoy/understand...

Well I better get back to work...only 2 more hours of office hours...

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Defuzzification

EDIT: "Review leads to sweeping changes in grad programs". The part that caught my attention: "Eight doctoral programs and 13 master's programs will be eliminated. Programs at the doctoral level that are slated for elimination are: applied economics, clinical psychology, comparative religion, computer science, public administration, school psychology, Spanish and statistics." Of course, I have 7 years to actually finish my degree, but it was a shocking read. Absolutely shocking.

"When the only tool you have is a hammer, everything begins to look like a nail." - Lotfi Zadeh

Nope, I am not making defuzzification up. It really is a word...well it is a word in the world of fuzzy logic anyway. Basically defuzzification means finding the answer based on a bunch of fuzzy rules. (Still don't believe me? I'm not making it up. If I was going to make something up I would pick something way better than that).

Well here are some articles you might find interesting:
Sports meets science: "Physicists: Here's how Beckham bends it"

"Software Adds Age To Photographs of Faces" - one of the reasons I linked to this site was the inventive ad which looks like the corner of the page bend down. It was the first time I had either seen (or noticed) that kind of ad. Anyway, I thought it was kind of ducky. Completely pointless, but ducky all the same.

Computers making the world a better place for all creatures: "Can computer models replace animal testing?"

Google-fied: "Google Web Toolkit - Build AJAX apps in the Java language"

"Scientists Reveal How Signals Travel Through Rats' Whiskers"

Oh and complete side note, in C# you can't print a square root symbol to the console. If you try to print the unicde for the square root symbol you actually get a ?a I believe. Not like that is useful info or anything...unless you are a grad student and one of your students ask you something like that. Luckily, I haven't gotten anymore good but off the wall questions.

Well, I have to go post up the next assignment for lab tomorrow and a few other little things like that. So I will just type myself off into the sunset....

(I have no idea where I was going with that...but whatever...)

Friday, May 12, 2006

Friday Fun...

"Let me teach you a trick: if you look people in the eye, they won't notice what you're wearing." - Nick Mercer (The Wedding Date)

It is Friday! I taught my first lab of the summer session on Thursday. It went pretty smoothly. Now I am reading up on fuzzy logic. It is slightly connected to some research I am working on. OK, that is wacky...I am doing research...ducky.

On Thursday I went shopping. I bought more black shoes :-) Well, one pair was sandals. However, in my defense they were clearance shoes...the 75% off kind. Let's just move on shall we?

Links (which is the real reason you all come to my blog):
"For a Bigger Hard-drive, Just Add Water"

Why the internet exists reson 273: "The Crustastun – World’s first Humane Electronic Crustacean Stunner"

New Google service: Google Trends

Music to blog by: also on Thursday I picked up the soundtrack to The Da Vinci Code. Simply excellent.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Sticky Water?

"Masquerade...paper faces on parade. Masquerade...hide your face so the world will never find you..." - The Phantom (The Phantom of the Opera)

"Scientists discover water is sticky on a small scale"

Other news 'n stuff:
"Taking Computers to the Quantum Level"

"Microsoft introduces public beta of Windows Live Messenger" (See I point out nice stuff about Microsoft...every once in a while...)

"Dolphins Name Themselves With Whistles, Study Says"

Not much of interest to report. I have had a little bit of time on my hands - which is often common during the first week of classes. So, I have had time to watch a few of movies (because I get a bunch of those movie channels with my cable). Anyway, I am watching The Phantom of the Opera. I hadn't seen the movie version before now which I have to say is an excellent movie.

However, I think I enjoyed going and seeing the musical in person. I will never forget seeing it in Toronto when I was in middle school. The soundtrack is so wonderful - absolutely wonderful. To read more about The Phantom of the Opera musical I suggest this link.

Tuesday, May 9, 2006

What's On?

"Always keep your bowler on in time of stress, and watch out for diabolical masterminds." - Emma Peel (The Avengers)

During my week off I have been watching a bit of TV. (OK, I know this isn't a surprise or anything). So since on Monday I posted what I had been reading - I decided that for today's blog to post what I had been watching. I just love when they bring out a whole season of a show on DVD...

Been watching:
Lois & Clark: The Complete First Season
Lois & Clark: The Complete Second Season
The Avengers Emma Peel Disc 17: BONUS Disc DVD
The Avengers '62 DVD Set

Still to watch (but have):
Fraggle Rock Season 1

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, May 8, 2006

Busy, Busy, Busy...

"Yeah, well, just remember there's no perfect sunsets. There's a little crack in every cloud, but that's what gives you your silver lining." - Perry (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman)

Hello! I'm back :-)

Actually, I didn't actually go anywhere. Well, only around Michigan. I spend a week shopping, relaxing, reading, watching TV, and sleeping. I actually had time to read books that are not about computer science! In all seriousness I read all the time, but usually only a few pages at a time (because that is really all the time I have). So I decided to give you a little list of books I have been reading. (Of course, this might have something to do with the fact that I don't have any other blog topics...but lets not dwell shall we?)

The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot - I am a huge fan of Meg Cabot's writing style. In this book the story unfolds via a bunch of emails between all of the characters. It a great book, but you have to like romantic comedies.

Hitched by Carol Higgins Clark - Another book in a series about her character Regan Reilly. Excellent mystery for any mystery fan.

Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark - An excellent mystery with great characters that keep you on your seat the entire time. However, like any good mystery I can't tell you too much or I will ruin it for you.

See Jane Date by Melissa Senate - Another romantic comedy that was quiet interesting and very funny.

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger - so far I like it but I haven't finished it - yet.

On a complete side note I wanted to post a link to the new Get a Mac ads from apple.

Well, I better get back to reviewing C#. I am going to be teaching a lab this summer session for a C# course. It is going to be a fun summer session :-D I am quiet excited. Thanks for stopping by and reading!

Friday, April 28, 2006

Final Friday

"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." - Mark Twain

Today, the class I teach takes their exam. Yep, I think we are the last exam being run. Seriously - up on the engineering campus anyway. This part of campus is pretty much dead.

As I handed out the exam I remembered why I don't always love Word so much. There was multiple choice on the exam. When I went to make my solution key - I noticed a small error. I am talking one character change! So I fixed it and printed out a new version. Took it to be copied. Anyway, I handed them out to my class to find that it had altered the multiple choice headers from A, B, C, D to A, A, A, A! Ugh! Oh and it did it to the first 2 pages of multiple choice, but not the third?!?

I just don't get it. It was a tad annoying. Nothing that bad - I had them circle the correct choice since there was absolutely nothing I could do about it at this point. Well, it was better then last term when I skipped question number 4. I had number 3 followed by number 5. Yep, I am a grad student - no I can't count :)

Here is some news you might care about (or not):
"Science may hold the clue to an ancient riddle"

For your inner geek: "Charge-n-Start: jump your car from the driver's seat"

"Wal-marts Wikipedia War" - I just think I will say, no comment on this one...

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Let Love In

"And I wonder where these dreams go
When the world gets in your way
What’s the point in all this screaming
No one’s listening anyway"
From Acoustic #3 by Goo Goo Dolls

I purchased the newest Goo Goo Dolls CD (Let Love In) on Tuesday. Excellent CD! It was a great CD to listen to in the car. The CD has the song "Better Days" on it - which has got to the second best song of the Goo Goo Dolls. (The first being "Iris").

The term is almost over for me. I have to give an exam tomorrow morning. However, my exams are complete. I have been catching up on my sleep. I have even had a chance to working on my stack of "fun" reading. Oh and I also bought a new pair of sandals! (Yes, I have a thing for sandals...well shoes in general...most of them are black...but I say to each their own...) Lets just move on...

I also wanted to point out the following article: "Our Universe: A Quantum Loop". Oh and I wanted to point out another article: "Google Puts Money Behind Firefox Movement".

The truth is out there...or not...

Well, I hope you are enjoying your spring weather as much as I am enjoying mine. It is in the mid 60's here in Michigan. There is a slight breeze making everything seem so very nice and relaxing. Thanks for stopping by and reading!

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Sunday Linkies...

"Sometimes all it takes is a voice, one voice that becomes a hundred, then a thousand, unless it's silenced." - Bryan Denton (Newsies)

Sorry for the lack of updated. I have an exam Monday morning (8 AM) and my take home exam is due at 11 AM. I haven't had much time for anything else. I decided to take a five minute break and post up a blog really quick.

News Related:
"Future Computer Chips Could Be Cooled With Nanofluid"

"Microsoft, EU to face off in court over massive antitrust fine" - that's not good...

I am just going to post the link to this article, but I am not going to comment on it.

Other stuff:
No comment but it doesn't surprise me that there is a site for it.

I don't think we have a phone in our office...