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!