Stephany's Un-Random Blog

Summer should not be ending!

2010-08-27T12:41:00.000-04:00

I just need two extra weeks of August. That would be perfect. Where are those time turners when you need them? My research is hopping along, but I still have a lot to do. (Note wonderful three people who read this blog: you will hear that a lot until I finish this which could be all year).

Knitting: I have yet to finish the socks. I have started a new project: a knitted chimp. Yes, you read that correctly. I am knitting a monkey stuffed animal. So far I have the body, the backside of the head, 1 and 1/2 arms completed. The pattern was features in a magazine by the designer extraordinary : Alan Dart. His designs are amazing. You cannot tell me this is not the cutest dragon you have ever seen? The details are amazing (check out Medieval Mice for an example).

Well, I better get back my research. Reading, revising, writing, and designing are on the menu today.

Fun Filled Times: Research and Knitting

2010-08-11T17:57:00.000-04:00

I spend most of my days working on my research. A little programming, but the majority of my current time is spent reading and writing. A lot is reading search results and picking out what I am actually wanting. (Initials of one of my topics is similar to a major company making for some interesting searching).

In the evenings, my break is watching tv and knitting. Warehouse 13, Psych, and Leverage are currently my knitting background. I am currently knitting presents for others and trying to decide my next project. Yes, I will finish those socks, but that is my "to-go" project so I am saving it. Anyway, next project possibilities: A monkey, a sleeveless sweater, hat/scarf set, or a lacy wrap/scarf. I have recently purchased yarn for all of these. OK, I slightly lie. I have yarn for multiple hat/scarf sets and lacy scarfs. Of course, once I narrow down the project, then I have to narrow down yarn choices. Choices, choices, choices! Which project should I pick next?

Movies I Watch Every Year

2010-08-07T13:37:00.001-04:00

In the heat and mugginess of the summer, I like to stay inside and watch a good movie. (I also get a lot of good knit time in while watching these movies). These are movies that I try to watch sometime each year. Why? Because I think they are just that good! (Included are a few made for tv movies, but I count those as movies).

The list of yearly watch movies (in no particular order):

The Lord of the Rings (I personally prefer the extended editions)
North by Northwest
Anne of Green Gables (all three parts)
Murder, She Said
Arsenic and Old Lace
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
The Thin Man
Wall-E
The First Wives Club
Meet Me in St. Louis
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Miss Potter
Clue
The Muppet Movie
My Fair Lady
NetForce
Dial M for Murder
The Princess Diaries
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Star Wars (Episodes I-VI)
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Bringing Up Baby
The Mirror Has Two Faces
The Da Vinci Code

Why is Knitting Like Software Engineering?

2010-08-05T13:28:00.003-04:00

On a quick side note: I (and my computer) managed to survive a second try at yoga.

Now on to why you started reading this post in the first place. You were just trying to know how I was going to relate those two topics! These topics may seem to be unrelated but I have come up with a quick little explanation.

During software engineering process you often toss out more code than you finally use in the end. The tossing out can be for various reasons: found a better way, changed the design of other components, not needing the component, redesign, it only was needed once and was really short, combining multiple similar components, etc. I think I remember something about tossing out 70% of the overall code written for a project. Anyway, throwing away and starting over is often a requirement or a good thing.

Knitting has frogging. (No I am not making that term up my non-knitting friends. Need proof: read this). Frogging involves completely starting over or preparing the yarn for a new project. Like with software engineering, frogging happens for a bunch of reasons: mistakes, dropped stitches, deciding that the project does not work with the yarn/needle size, you just don't like the project, need to make the item bigger or smaller, etc.

Summary: Both are hard to do, but it is often for the best.

Trying a Little Yoga

2010-08-03T14:09:00.000-04:00

(Or "Trying not to fall over on my computer")

I was standing at the checkout of a grocery store (the third one in a single day - don't ask). Anyway, a magazine caught my eye, it was all about Yoga. I have done some pilates in the past (key word here is past) and I had thought of taking it back up. I also wanted to introduce a few changes and thought some basic yoga might be interesting. I especially like the stretching portion of yoga. So to end a long story, I bought the magazine.

I got out my mat (read: dusted off my mat after spending 10 minutes hunting for it) and opened the magazine to an article with some basic positions and stretching. What did I learn? It is nearly impossible to read the magazine and try to do the position at the same time without falling over. If I wasn't falling over, I ended up partway and then couldn't see the magazine.

Of course, this is nothing wrong the magazine. I highly enjoyed reading the articles! So, I decided to dust off some episodes of beginners yoga I got off of iTunes first. The instructors talk you through the activity so reading is no longer an issue.

Of course there was still one little tiny problem, when balancing do not look down at the computer screen with episode running. Do not ask me how I know, just trust me.

P.S. The computer is fine.
P.S.S I love that the iTunes tv shows include exercise videos. This way I can take it with me via my iPod.

Bring on the Funny...

2010-07-30T16:00:00.000-04:00

For my regular readers (wait...who am I kidding...) or more accurately the people who have stumbled onto my blog for some reason: you may or may not know that I am in the middle of working on an important step in my research. This means that I do the following things:

Rarely leave the house
Spend most of my day legitly staring at my computer screen
From the last statement, I should add making up words
Drinking wonderful ice tea (black current is my personal favorite)

The unfortunate side effect: I feel slightly like a mole or maybe that was because I watched The Wind in the Willows on Dvd. (There was a tv series too). I have felt that I needed to bring a little funny into my life (and take regular breaks) every so many hours. As this is a blog I will point you in the direction of some internet related funniness.

To Keep the Mole-Like Feelings at Bay List:

Cake Wreaks: Hilarious on weekdays. Amazing cakes on Sunday. Plus it is about cake what other reason would you need?
(The Customer Is) Not Always Right: I think the title is self explanatory.
Check out the products at Despair, Inc. Try not to laugh too hard ;-)
Article Circle Cartoons: This comic included penguins and polar bears. (Why are you still here reading my blog? Did you miss the part about the penguins?)

Well, that is all I have to talk about today. Enjoy the summer while it lasts!

What's in a name? (Or Notes to Self Regarding Coding)

2010-07-23T16:49:00.000-04:00

A couple of months ago (read: end of spring semester), I started writing so code (in java if anyone cares). It all started when I wanted to test some I was considering for my research. Attempting to be smart, I decided I would just write the program for reuse later. Now, that was not my mistake. The mistake was what came next: thinking I would brilliantly name all of my classes really good long descriptive names. My logic being that months later I would easily be able to use the code for the final intended purpose!

I have learned a new lesson: really long names are often just as problematic and did I mention a pain to type? However, I had no problem trying to figure out what was what. I think that was mostly due to the massive comments I left myself too. I have heard the wisdom that descriptive names make the code more "self documenting".

So the question really is: is there a balance between being descriptive and just being silly? Is it better to have names that are only 5-15 characters long? Or is 25+ characters just right or too long? Is it only really long when it gets over 45 characters? (OK I feel like the Goldilocks of programming at the moment...) Does the long names actually make the code less clear?

Wait...I have a blog?

2010-07-22T13:52:00.000-04:00

I really should update this more often! But I have been very busy with graduate school and my research. I also decided to make a change to the look of the blog with one of the cool new templates. Maybe this will encourage me to come up with a whole blog of something important. Or (more likely) not. Now I understand micro-blogging, it is easier to come up with just 140 characters!

I have been spending most of my spare time knitting. I am finally getting to be halfway OK at it :) I have enough scarfs to last me for the next few years. Made 2 sweaters so far (1 more successful than the other). Learning socks was a interesting experience.

Anyway, I have a point...maybe. Hmmm...I forgot. Oh right, knitting + grad school + randomness + geekiness = blog. This should be interesting.

And this little blog went to FL...

2009-06-14T18:00:00.003-04:00

"What Dad means by "see" of course, is "drive past at 67 miles per hour." Dad feels it is a foolish waste of valuable vacation time to get out of the car and actually go look at an attraction." - Dave Berry (Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need)

A couple of weeks ago I went on vacation to Key Biscayne, FL. (Key Biscayne is very close to Miami/Fort Lauderdale). The beach was wonderful. Unfortunately, it did rain quiet a bit while we were there - but I actually don't think that really took away from the experience. It rained every afternoon - which made it a perfect time to go shopping or eat lunch.

Arrived in the early afternoon - the perfect time for a late lunch. I would highly recommend the Sawgrass Mills Shopping/Outlet Mall in Sunrise. FL. For lunch I recommend the always amusing Rainforest Cafe (I just love when the restaurant has the "storm" part). Rainforest Cafe has a very yummy veggie burger. I always enjoy looking at the outlet stores.

I would also like to mention (not that any of you care - but I am going to anyway) that we had a spiffy Escape Hybrid as a rental car which I absolutely loved. The ride was smooth and the car was really quiet. I also like the size of the Escape - you get the nice space in the trunk for everything but the car isn't "big" (easy to park, etc). Drove fabulous in the rain too.

Other shopping that I recommend: Dadeland Mall and Village of Merrick Park. Dadeland Mall is extremely large! Every store you can think of is located in Dadeland Mall! (There was a very large Apple Store - and yes I did go look in it...just because...it was there...).

The Village of Merrick Park is an absolutely beautiful outdoor shopping area (since it really isn't a "mall" exactly). I purchased a book at the Border Store there that I been thinking about buying: China Bayles' Book of Days. Excellent book all about herbs and a wonderful companion to the mystery series. (This could have something to do with all the herbs I planted...)

During the trip we also eat at the Hard Rock Cafe in Miami. It is located on the bay - very pretty surroundings. (There is also a mall there too). I do believe that the Hard Rock Cafes have the absolutely best veggie burger anywhere! (There are some fabulous desserts too...but I really do go for the veggie burgers!)

The rest of the vacation was spent sitting on the beach, relaxing, and reading. In the late evenings I watched movies: Quantum of Solace and The Man Who Knew Too Much (1957). As I mentioned in my tweets, I enjoyed both movies. (So I will not bore you with the details yet again!)

Books I recommend from my vacation/beach reads:

The Lara McClintoch Archaeological Mystery Series by Lyn Hamilton
The Victorian/Edwardian Mysteries by Robin Paige
The Sir John Fielding Mysteries by Bruce Alexander

Summary: Had great time on vacation! Highly recommend the area for anyone looking to go on vacation. Well thanks for reading!

Fresh Herbs...in about a month...

2009-05-25T18:38:00.002-04:00

Because of the beautiful weather outside it was just to hard to not enjoy it for a little bit! (I did have coding and research to work on). Today I planted a couple of herbs (basil, lemon balm, and rosemary) from seeds. I couldn't find plants (or I would have bought some). The veggies in the garden are starting to come up. Unfortunately, a few of the beans got it after the odd frost that occurred about a week ago.

Not much else to report past my tweets on Twitter. Research is kind of consuming my life at the moment. I am hoping to make a lot of progress over the summer. Well, it is the goal anyway :-)

Recent music obsession: "Cobrastyle" by Teddybears and Mad Cobra. (The song was featured in the pilot for the tv show Chuck which I was happy to learn was renewed for a 3rd season).

Well, I better get back to that research I mentioned earlier since it will not be researching itself. (I apologize for that horrible last pun...just pretend like you didn't really read it - OK?)

Garden Fun

2009-05-17T18:35:00.003-04:00

"It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Finished helping planting veggies in the "garden". Forgot how much fun it was until I was trying to climb back over the rabbit fence. Oh well, the veggies will be nice to eat this summer: tomatoes, onions, zucchini, lettuce, peas, green beans, and asparagus. Also planted strawberries, potatoes and cantaloupe. Oh and we planted popcorn!

A lot of the plants where started from seed about a month ago. A couple of plants were picked up at the hardware store so we might actually see some output earlier :-) Yes, I know cheating just a tad, but the Michigan growing season is kind of short.

Well, I better get back to work - coding and research kind of work! Thanks for reading :-) Enjoy the nice spring weather.

Mrs. Bradley's Mysteries...

2009-05-12T00:39:00.004-04:00

I recently stumbled upon an interesting (but very short-lived) series entitled: Mrs. Bradley's Mysteries staring Diana Rigg and Neil Dudgeon. It was run as part of MYSTERY! on PBS when Diana Rigg was host. (I thought Diana Rigg and Neil Dudgeon were both excellent).

Diana Rigg plays the title character Mrs. Bradley and Neil Dudgeon plays her faithful chauffeur George Moody. Set in the late 1920s and early 1930s, Mrs. Bradley defies the "normals" of society at the time. (Throughout the series you learn the titles of the books that the character Mrs. Bradley has written - not the normal reading material of the day). The series is based on the works of author Gladys Mitchell who wrote over 60 books featuring the Mrs. Bradley character.

It is interesting to watch the characters deal with topics that would have been surprising at the time the series was set (and written) but have now become almost common. Mrs. Bradley's "fourth-wall" comments are often times highly amusing and give the views interesting insight to the character of Mrs. Bradley. George Moody was one of the most interesting "side-kicks" in a mysteries series I have seen. Unlike Dr. Watson who was often several steps behind Sherlock Holmes, Moody plays important role in the solving of the mystery and often uproots important clues to the solution. (I personally wish there had been more of these shows made - there are only 5 episodes total). However, this series really should be watched in order - trust me. Otherwise, it will ruin the last episode. Just trust me on this one!

Well, thanks for stopping by and reading! I figured I would actually include a whole post instead of just using Twitter all the time!

Warm Weather, Movies, Chuck, and other Random Musings

2009-04-28T13:23:00.006-04:00

"I'm looking for a submarine. It's big and black, and the driver is a very good friend of mine." - Zukovsky (The World Is Not Enough)

If you hadn't noticed, I have started twittering. Yep, figured everyone else was and it is easier than updating the blog. However, still planning to keep the blog around - because there are times were one wants to write more than 140 characters. (I will have to admit it is kind of fun to try to write a message for twitter that is exactly 140 characters...). So you can now follow me on twitter or read my twitters on my blog. Moving on...

Michigan has had some (surprising) warm weather recently (in the low 80s). I am a huge fan of sandals and had great fun in getting them out of my closet. Unfortunately, the warm weather did not last and it is back in the upper 50s. It looks like the weather will get a little warmer as the week goes on - we might get into the low 60s. Don't worry, Michigan has been getting lots of nice rain - regardless of temperature. On Sunday we got quiet a downpour in the late afternoon. Otherwise, it was been on/off drizzle. That way we know spring is here! :-)

Enjoyed watching the season finale of Chuck last night. Very interesting episode! I so hope it gets renewed! (If you haven't been watching the show, then I highly recommend it).

Since I really don't have much to talk about I will tell you about movies I am currently enjoying. My life has been wrapped up in my research and teaching recently. So actually having a "real life" hasn't been happening much :-) Work-life balance is not something that really exists in graduate school.

Movies I have been watching for the past few months:

James Bond (OK, not a specific one...more like slowly trying to watch all of them).
Caprice: Doris Day has an interest role in this film. It does have a bit of 60's spy movie spoof. A one point Doris Day has on this wonderful fuzzy pink hat while running through an apartment complex with Richard Harris's character. Wonderful little comedy.
Agatha Christie's The Mirror Crack'd: Wonderful little film with Angela Lansbury as Miss Marple. I did figure out the mystery before it was announced in the film - but only really close to the end of the film. Some of the dialog is extremely amusing.
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999 version): The film is excellent, music is excellent, the whole thing was excellent. It is a must see if you haven't. (I won't even admit how many times I have seen this film so far...)
Married Life: This film reminds me of several Hitchcock films. I thought it was an interesting and amusing film. (The music was also excellent!)
The In-Laws (2003 version): Watched this movie again after not seeing it for a while. This movie is an excellent comedy! So many funny parts, excellent dialog, and plot.

Well, thanks for reading. Hopefully, since things have slightly calmed down (i.e., spring semester is officially over) I will have more time for blogs. Or at least tweets on Twitter :-)

Steele With You....

2009-02-07T21:02:00.004-05:00

"... yes, information? I'd like the number of the Central Intelligence Agency... No, that is not a residence." - Remington Steele (Remington Steele)

Not much going on to report. Lots of research, teaching, etc. When people ask what time can you do blank at...I actually have to check my schedule! For once, my schedule is actually complex enough that I actually have to have it written down. (I have a lot of once a month meetings or bi-weekly meetings - so trying to remember exactly which week we are on requires me to look it up). But I have a lot of fun meetings that I don't want to miss going to!

Anyway, since I don't have anything better to talk about I am going to talk about my latest tv watching obsession - Remington Steele. Remington Steele is a 80s drama/comedy/detective show starting Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist. Basically, I would describe it as: what James Bond would be if it was a comedy. The part that attracted me to show originally was the references to many classic 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s movies (Just to mention a few: The Thin Man, North by Northwest, Notorious, The Maltese Falcon, Trouble with Harry, Casablanca, Murder on the Orient Express, Charade, My Fair Lady, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Rear Window). Quiet a few Alfred Hitchcock films in the list (which I watched over the summer actually - but that would be a different blog for a different time - maybe if I can remember...). Anyway, very funny show. I give it two thumbs up. Fun, light, and easy watching. I have been slowly watching various episodes (usually while I eat dinner). Great fun and highly recommended

OK, well, that is all I have to talk about in this blog. I better get back to researching...

Completely Random Update - nothing important

2009-01-20T14:06:00.002-05:00

I just realized that I hadn't updated my blog in so very long. I don't even have that good of an excuse. Except that I have been busy - so very busy. In the fall I taught a new class and the prep was very extensive - not to mention time consuming. I am teaching the same course this semester which makes life a little calmer on that front.

However, research is keeping me very, very busy. I am trying to get far enough to do the next stage of the process. Very exciting, but a lot of work because I have a ways to go and I am trying to do it all in a couple of months. So if you don't see any more updates - I will just apologize now. I really want to update more often but it is a bit tricky to find time.

For those who remember - I am still working on the fuzzy logic stuff. Sounds cool doesn't it? Well, I better get to it. Research doesn't get itself done. Just wanted to say "hi" to all my friends (if anyone still reads this thing) and maybe I will post again sometime during the semester ;-)

One Big Sigh of Relief

2008-04-25T13:28:00.003-04:00

The semester is finally starting to wrap-up! I got tons of stuff to work on over the summer for my research, but the spring term is pretty much finished. I just have to finish grading and post grades.

My immediate plans for the summer include shopping, watching movies, and catching up on my reading. I just finished Carol Higgins Clark's new book Zapped. Absolutely loved it. I also recently finished Julie Andrews's new book Home. Wonderful book about the her early career.

I recently purchased the The Thin Man DVD set. The movies are from the late 30s and early 40s. The stories and mysteries are pretty good. I love the clothes! The movies have some very funny moments as well - so it is nicely rounded out. I highly recommend it.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. I am hopefully going to update more often (I can't really update any less)!

OK, Gone Researching

2008-03-29T16:32:00.004-04:00

"Fortune favors the bold." - Cicero

Sorry about the lack of updates. I am alive and well. Just busy. Extremely busy actually. Papers, presentations, research, coding, more research, teaching, grading, and even more research have pretty much filled up my time. The semester is coming to a close in a couple of weeks - hence me being busy.

Although it is officially spring - Michigan has recently had two snow storms. Yes, several inches of snow. Of course, there is currently a lot of melting going on today since it is a little over 40 degrees out and we are having sunshine for a change :-)

I thought that this article was interesting: World's oldest sound recording played in US and that Google has changed their main page today to bring awareness to Earth Hour. But otherwise, I have nothing to talk about today. Which is actually a good thing, because I have a lot of work to get done!

Well, I better be getting back to work! Happy weekend! Thanks for stopping by.

P.S. I edited/updated my current music obsessions if you were interested

Many Laughs

2008-03-13T17:46:00.000-04:00

"I'm not repeating myself. I'm not repeating myself. Oh, God, I'm repeating myself." - Howard (What's Up, Doc?)

I am currently on a funny movie kick. So I decided (lacking any other topic to talk about) to write a blog about some favorites of mine that I watched recently.

What's Up, Doc? (staring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal): This 1972 comedy keeps you laughing the entire time. The dialog is fast and witty. And the way Madeline Kahn says "Howard!" is just priceless. There is a line at the end making fun of the movie Love Story which Ryan O'Neal was in.

Bringing Up Baby (staring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn): This 1938 comedy involves a leopard, a dinosaur bone, a dog, stealing a car, golf, and ripping clothes. No I am not making that list up - all of those elements are part of the movie. I am guessing that explains why it is so funny!

How to Steal a Million (staring Peter O'Toole and Audrey Hepburn): This 1966 comedy revolves around stealing something that already belongs to you. My favorite part is towards the end when they discuss the theft - there is a great line said by Peter O'Toole.

Other comedies that I recommend: Clue, Funny Girl, Funny Lady, Hello Dolly, Galexy Quest, The Pink Panther, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Wererabbit, and Chicken Run.

Can you think of any I forgotten or should watch?

New's of Random Topics

2008-02-24T23:58:00.006-05:00

"I tell you what I envy about people in love - I'd love it if someone knew me, I mean really knew me. What I like, what I'm afraid of, what kind of toothpaste I use." - Rose Morgan (The Mirron Has Two Faces)

I realized that I hadn't done a blog with a bunch of links to interesting news articles in a while. Therefore, I thought I would fix that situation (OK, so it didn't need fixing exactly, but it sounded good didn't it?)

The question I know we have all asked at some point, but you didn't think would get answered (least of all with a study): "Why Does Popcorn Cost So Much at the Movies?"

How much push can an atom take if an atom could be pushed? "Scientists Measure What It Takes to Push a Single Atom"

Firefox celebrates a milestone: "500 million Firefox downloads: complete; 500 million grains: in progress"

Luckily thieves are usually not very smart: "Police bust chop shop — for snowmobiles"

Thanks for stopping by and reading! Hope your weekend weather was a lovely as it was here (there was actually some sunshine)!

Interesting Article

2008-02-23T17:36:00.003-05:00

I saw this article ("Sorry, Boys, This Is Our Domain"). Very, very interesting. 27% of women in computer and math industry?!? Well, that explains a lot. Interesting article overall. I am not sure I agree with everything in it, but interesting article anyway.

I only have one question, why was it in the "Fashion & Style" section of the The New York Times? Oh, wait that must have been related to that "it is difficult to shake existing stereotypes" part....

Funny Times

2008-02-19T20:36:00.003-05:00

"So, what, nobody argues with the landlord?" - Fanny Brice (Funny Girl)

As I stated before I am going through this weird "older movie" phase. Plus, TCM has been running 31 days of the Oscar. Anyway, I was surfing channels and caught the end of Funny Girl. So recently I have watched Funny Lady and Hello Dolly. Yep, all Barbra Streisand films. I love the music and outfits from all of the films.

If you haven't seen any of these films you really should. Although Funny Girl was considered better than Funny Lady - Funny Lady is quiet good. The part with the disaster show is my favorite part. I have numerous favorite scenes from Funny Girl - including the wedding dress scene from the Ziegfield show and the funny comments made during the song "You Are Woman, I Am Man" by the Fanny character. Hello Dolly is funny all the way through. The iconic scene where Dolly goes to the resturant is one of the best. Especially, the rapid conversation that occurs in the scene following it.

Wow, will you look at that? I wrote a whole blog that had nothing to do with the weather! Hehe. ;-) Thanks for stopping by and reading. I better get back to my reading.

Randomness Continued

2008-02-16T20:14:00.004-05:00

"Wow... Dad. Tell me you're wearing that shirt because someone has to spot you from space." - Shawn Spencer (Psych)

Friday was another fun tv night. The season ender for Psych was on and yes the mummy did it. It was quiet funny episode and an interesting lead-in for next season (which will start in the summer).

The fourth to last episode of season 4 of Stargate Atlantis was also on Friday night. The wraith try to get onto earth. The whole midway station was pretty cool - while it lasted. Totally recommend watching it if you have not already done so. I just love the part where the guy faints. The look on the wraiths face - priceless.

I went shopping Friday to get gloves to match my new coat! I did find a wonderful pair that are so soft and match perfectly. I also got a pair of jeans and a shirt (all on clearance 75% off). I have my eye on some shoes, but I am waiting for further mark downs. However, I am excited to see that spring clothes and shoes (sandals - my fav) are starting to be advertised and in stores! It helps to forget about the winter wonderland outside.

Well, I better get back to my reading. Lots to do for next week. I also have a bunch of grading! Spring break is coming up and I am so looking forward to the week off. I have a bunch of books just waiting for me to read them! Thanks for stopping by and reading!

A blog not just about the weather...

2008-02-13T11:58:00.005-05:00

So I am going to finally write a blog that doesn't mention snow. Of course, this could be because this is the first time we haven't had any. Don't worry we had 2.5 - 3 inches on Tuesday afternoon and evening. However, I was excited to see a little bit of sun this morning when I woke up (instead of the typical gray-ness). Maybe finally some of the roads will finally get cleared of the packet snow. The expressway was just a little wet when I was out this morning - which is wasn't when I went home yesterday.

This morning I was reminded of an interesting topic that I hadn't thought about in a couple years - Huffman coding. This method is used in compression for jpegs and mp3s. It is funny how we use these things all the time, but we don't really think about it. The method is very simply and very effective. Basically, you rank each item by the number of times it occurs. You give the fequently repeated items a short encoding. Things that occur less often get longer encodings. Therefore, reducing the over all space by approximately 25%. Simple. Straight-forward. Ducky.

Complete side note: I purchased a salad for lunch. It came with a packet of dressing (1.5 oz). How on earth do they pack 210 calories into that thing? The dressing is no where near 210 calories of yumminess. Therefore, I only used about 1/2 of the package. But still. Next time I am bringing my own light dressing from home.

Well, I better get back to work. I have to read a book on fuzzy logic - not my first book. I have been reading several on and off. However, I figured I would try to read this one (Fuzzy Logic: Intelligence, Control, and Information by Yen and Langari) all the way through.

I also need to create a help guide for my students for functions and sub procedures. They have an assignment coming up and I know this concept always causes confusion. It is the nice thing about teaching a class again. You have a better idea some of the issues before hand. Of course, each term they manage to still surprise me!

Thanks for stopping by and reading! Happy sunshine (and lack of snow)!

More Snow?!?

2008-02-10T17:34:00.001-05:00

"Good God, Holmes, she was ripped apart by crocodiles!" - Dr. John Watson (Sherlock Holmes: Incident at Victoria Falls)

It is snowing and icy out on the far side of Michigan today. There are wind gusts blowing the snow all over everywhere. The worst is the -15 wind chills. Last night there were several inches of snow. The weather service keeps extending the winter weather advisory. First it was until 4 PM and then moved to 10 PM. The last update was until 1 AM. Hopefully, the winds will die down a little bit. Roads are not very good. If you don't have 4-wheel drive, then the roads are almost impossible. Trust me, I was out in it. All I have to say is ugh!

Recently, I have been watching a 1990's movie Sherlock Holmes: Incident at Victoria Falls. This movie stars Christopher Lee as a retired Sherlock Holmes and Patrick Macnee (yep, John Steed from the Avengers tv show) as Dr. Watson. The movie is very funny overall. It is a typical "who-done-it" with all the characters having secrets and mysterious actions. Although this is not based on original Sherlock Holmes stories, it is a fairly good movie overall. Christopher Lee makes a very good Sherlock Holmes. (Side trivia note: Christoper Lee was in another older Sherlock Holmes movie, but didn't play Sherlock Holmes).

Well, I better get back to work! Lots to do on my research. Well, I have lots of thinking to do anyway ;-) Try to keep warm and un-snowy!

Weekend Fun-ness

2008-02-09T15:00:00.000-05:00

"Think of the safety. Think of the sense of well-being. And, at last, your family can be protected from the heartbreak of gorilla invasion." - Dr. Bunsen Honeydrew (Muppet Show)

Is fun-ness even a word? Probably not, but whatever. That has never stopped me before...

The other day I saw this comic on PhD comics. Funny I happen to be grading that day too. I can so relate to that comic :-) Although, it didn't take me nearly that long. But I have to be carefully that I don't do that to the later papers. It is more frustrating to grade the end one, especially if people keep making the same errors over and over and over again. Oh the joys of grading. (Actually, I like grading most of the time. Seriously, I must have issues or something).

Weather is going to get crazy again and cold. Tomorrow we are going to have single digits and very cold wind chills. Yikes. Oh and there is going to be more snow (2-4 inches). Just what we need, even more snow.

Well, I should be getting back to work. Lots of research to do. I have a paper to read. Then I have to figure out a way to apply weighted mean to my problem while maintaining certain properties. However, I will spare you the details - else your eyes may glaze over ;-) I know I find it interesting, but I am guessing that everyone else only finds it minorally interesting.

Thanks for stopping by and reading! Keep warm :-)

Snow, Fraggles, etc

2008-02-06T15:50:00.000-05:00

"I was in bed, my pajamas were on, my eyes were closed; what's your guess?" - Red (Fraggle Rock: The Secret Society of Poobahs)

The snow has returned to this side of Michigan. This morning we had a rain/freezing rain mix and now it has changed over to snow. I think we have already gotten an inch or two. Wow! It is icy from the morning rain. It is coming down pretty fast right now. The temperatures are hoovering around freezing - so it is definately not melting! (The local channels around here have cut into regular programming and are doing special weather reports).

I am currently watching season 3 of Fraggle Rock (available via HiT Entertainment). This is the season with the excellent Christmas episode (The Bells of Fraggle Rock ). This episode features the songs "There's a Promise" and "The Festival of the Bells". I remember watching the episode as a kid. Gobo goes looking for the Great Bell of Fraggle Rock and realizes the true meaning of the holidays. I love the part where Sprocket is trying to break the pinata.

Side note: There is a new Disney DxD site for the Muppets. Ducky.

Well, I better go fix some dinner. Something nice and warm I am thinking. Thanks for stopping by and reading! Hope you are having better weather!

Old Movies, Snow, ect

2008-02-01T15:07:00.000-05:00

"How about making me vice president in charge of cheering you up?" - Peter Joshua(Charade)

It has snowed even more here in Michigan. Around 3 inches! Many schools are closed today state wide. I don't actually have any classes today (so of course today is cancelled). We are scheduled to possibly have more snow! Then on Monday we are suppose to warm back up - briefly.

I am on another "old movie kick". Recently, I have watched Charade and Everybody Sing. Charade stars Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant. Funny movie and Audrey Hepburn wears some of the most interesting outfits. The surprising twist at the end was quiet good. Also the scene where Cary Grant takes a shower in his suit is really worth seeing. Everybody Sing stars Judy Garland and Fanny Brice. The singing is marvy. OK, so it is your typical "B" movie of the time. But worth a watch anyway.

Tonight another new episode of Stargate Atlantis is on! Ducky. Replicator come to earth is the short version of the basic concept of tonights episode. I am looking forward to see it. A new episode of Psych is also on tonight. I am so glad that each show is run twice in the evening.

Of course, there is some irony that of the few tv shows I do watch they tend to be on the same evening (although this is a first for being on at the same time). I only watch four shows right now (Stargate Atlantis, Psych, Bones, and Boston Legal). And the first two are the only ones running new episodes right now. I will get to add another show to the list next year - since the Sci-Fi Channel has picked up Sanctuary! Very interesting and very different show.

Well, I better get back to work. Lots to do before Monday. Thanks for stopping by and reading.

Blizzard-Like Snow

2008-01-30T13:26:00.000-05:00

Last night Michigan was hit with some pretty big storms. First, we had thunderstorms followed by a couple of inches of snow. The worst is the 50 mph gusts! My car was under my covered parking space and still got an inch of snow on it. 100's of schools and businesses are closed on this side of the state. The bad weather warnings didn't end until noon. Yet, I am writing this from my office...

Yes, I happen to be at one of the places that didn't close. Yes, I did have class. I did notice that attendance does appear to be small and there are not a lot of students around. Oh and it is still snowing and windy (we have a blowing snow advistory). Oh and they think there is more snow coming. Lovely.

Anyway, it is suppose to get better in the afternoon (at least for a little bit). So I figured I would go ahead and have my office hours anyway. I was already here and everything. However, becuase of the weather I am highly doubting that anyone is going to come.

Other than the weather, everything is going well. I am keeping myself busy with research. As a related side note, there is a paper using fuzzy logic to explain the golden ratio. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but it looks cool. I was actually looking for something else when I stumpled over this paper.

Well, I better get back to fuzzifying data. Yep, fuzzification and de-fuzzification. Eyes glazed over yet? ;-)

Again, Not Important...

2008-01-28T19:57:00.000-05:00

"I'm looking for corny in my life." - Iris (The Holiday)

Early this morning I noticed the Google logo change to a cool Lego version. I had no idea that Lego's were 50 years old. Wow! I felt that I just had to toss up a blog with that because I was just so surprised. Well, moving on...since I have nothing else to say about that...

The weather has recently become quiet warm (in the 40's) to my surprise. The snow is melting pretty fast (we had like 5+ inches last week). It is also raining on and off. So now it is sloggily. Yes, sloggily.

As you can tell from the quote I am going through a romanic comedy movie theme at the moment. Movies I have been watching recently: The Holiday, Roman Holiday, Little Women, Bridget Jones, etc. Of course, I have seen all of these movies many times and for some weird reason I am in the mood for the that kind of movie recently. Most likely because they all have funny parts. I think I am seeking the comedy portion.

Well, I better get back to the presentations. Unfortunately, they are so not going to write themselves on their own. What I really need is a bunch of monkeys with typewriters....

Nothing Important...

2008-01-26T21:40:00.000-05:00

"Details of your incompetence do not interest me." - Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada)

School has an interesting way of coming in chunks these days. I have spent the last week quiet swamped. Oh and it has been snowing like crazy. I think tomorrow is the first day since last week that the forcast only shows "snow flurries" and a temperature above 25. On Friday when I left for school it was 0 degrees with a wind chill of -10. Yuck. Did I mention recently how much I hate snow?

Back to the school thing. I have two presentations I am trying to prepare and homework. I heard rumors that I might be getting some grading in the near future. I have been studying up on Fibonacci heaps (one of the presentations). I also have been reading about red-black trees and b-trees. Fun stuff - no?

Once I finish up with all of that I have to create a presentation regarding my research. I am starting practising presenting my research material so that one day (in many, many, many, many, many months for now) I might get around to proposing. Of course, I have tons of stuff to do before I am any where near ready with proposing. But, I am slowly heading in the direction.

Complete side note: I don't know how I lived before I got my iPod Touch and super-ducky in-ear headphones. They are perfect for using at my office. Blocks some of the just noise-noise. There is this weird vent-fan thing that makes a high-pitch noise when it runs, but the headphones help block it out! I can't decide if I want to get the new software update. Choices, choices, choices...

So Cool....

2008-01-15T20:01:00.000-05:00

Today, Apple announce a new laptop - MacBook Air. So cool. If you haven't you should totally check it out. It is 3 pounds, 13.3 inch display, very ducky keyboard, and an oversize trackpad. The trackpad uses some of the same technology as the iPod Touch and iPhone.

Anyway, I wanted to point out the new MacBook Air in my blog. Now if you will excuse me I have to get back to working on a GUI in MATLAB for tomorrow morning. Almost done. Just a couple little things I want to finish up before I demo it for a professor tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by and reading!

Snow, Snow, Snow

2008-01-15T01:25:00.000-05:00

Since Sunday evening it has been snowing here on this side of Michigan. There was an inch or so Sunday night, a couple of inches during the day on Monday, and possible 1 to 3 inches before morning. Alright, I have to admit that the snow is pretty (as long as I am not having to drive in it). The roads where simply wet when I was out - but that was mid-day. I hate to know what they are like now...

School is already in full swing. I am currently trying on creating a GUI in MATLAB - emphasis on the trying part. I have the design done, but adding the code has been ummm... interesting - that's a good word for it. I have the basic code pieces written, but I am attempting to make the program way more easy to interact with and hopefully make testing of what I really want to do easier. Of course, I need to complete it by Wednesday morning. So no pressure or anything!

Sadly, I don't have anything profound to discuss, point out, or anything. Not that I normally do, but I can't even fake it. Well, I better get back to work. Unfortunately, I don't have any monkeys to do my coding for me so I have to write the program myself ;-) Thanks for stopping by and reading. (Aren't you shocked I made yet another update?)

Reading List

2008-01-12T20:56:00.001-05:00

As promised from my last blog, I was going to point out some books that I am currently reading. I picked up these books during my vacation over the semester break. I have included (if possible) a link to the historical location where I purchased the books.

Martha Washington: First Lady of Liberty by Helen Bryan: This book covers Martha Washington's entire life and is rich with details. Although there is not much historical information about Martha Washington before her marriage to George Washington, the author did through research and found much informaiton. I most enjoyed the years regarding the revolutionary war and Martha Washington's role in helping George Washington. The book also talks a lot about women's role in colonial american life. I also enjoy the way the author presented the historical facts without interrupation and then clearly stated when she was interrupted facts. In some cases, she even provided more than one plossible interrupation. Excellent read. I actually read most of this while we were in Colonial Williamsburg (since we had stopped at Mount Veron first). Right before we had tea at one of the taverns I read that it was the tavern that Martha Washington and her children often ate with George Washington when he went to Williamsburg. Then when we were at the tea, they made reference to that fact! (I was very surprised!)

Jefferson's Secrete: Death And Desire In Monticello by Andrew Burstein: This book mostly focuses on the later years of Thomas Jefferson's life. The book dives into the question of Sally Hemming's children and the relationship that Jefferson might have had with her. The book actually discusses various interruptations of the facts and historical writings of Jefferson regarding the issue. The book begins by discussing Jefferson's views on medicine (and his dislike of bleeding people). I found the book to have many sections of this writing from the years after Jefferson was president. These pieces give us a unique view of Jefferson in his later years. I was very interested in learning Jefferson's involvement in many behind-the-scene political matters. This book is not a biography in the traditional sense, but takes a unique and interesting dive into the mind of Thomas Jefferson (focusing on his later years). I picked this book about at the Jefferson Visitor Center Museum Shop and I have currently read a little over 3/4 of it, but figured I would go ahead and write up a little summary for your enjoyment.

The next book I plan on reading is Mr. Jefferson's Women by Jon Kukla. I picked up this book at the Monticello gift shop and I can't wait to start it. After I finish it (and a few of the others I picked up) I will write up summaries and post them here for your reading pleasure.

Thanks for stopping by and reading! Have a happy weekend! Hopefully, we don't get to much snow.

Return to the blog

2008-01-09T19:27:00.000-05:00

Sorry about not updating. The end of the semester got very busy with a class project, research, grading, and teaching. I just never got around to updating my blog. It was on my todo list, but I just didn't get to it. Then I went on vacation - Virginia for about a week. And because I have nothing better to talk about it today I tell you about my vacation.

The trip was mostly to visit historic places in Virginia. Of course, there was a lot of shopping involved (hey, this is me we are talking about). I did a lot of book shopping on this trip actually. I purchased several books relating to each historic place and I have already started reading two which I will save until another blog (hopefully) later this week.

Mount Vernon - The home of the first President of America, George Washington. During Christmas time they have an addition to the regular tour, you get to see the third floor. There is also new museums and exhibits in the Ford Orientation Center and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center. If you haven't been there recently, the new exhibits are totally worth the trip.

Colonial Williamsburg - This is were we actually stayed the bulk of the trip. Although I have been before, it was different this time because I was an adult and I understand a lot more about the history time period. I really enjoy this historical period. The place was decorated for Christmas including many of the shops and houses. There are also special dinner options, we went to this wonderful Christmas feast were I had a salad with the absolutely best ranch buttermilk dressing. Fun filled fact: when the American revolutionaries stormed the Governor's Palace they removed the weapons on all of the walls, but only after they carefully cataloged each of the weapons. Therefore, when you visit today they have replaced the weapons with reproductions based on the catalogs. (Governor's Palace is also one of my favorite buildings to visit). The Folk Art museum, which I had not visited before, contained many interesting pieces of art. Although, I will never understand why anyone would want to collect mourning folk art. However, another fun fact: Mourning folk art became more common in America following the death of George Washington.

Jamestown and Yorktown - Each place had interesting exhibits. Not much specific to tell, but interesting exhibits. You can actually see the original foundation of Jamestown at the Jamestown. For even more information see the America's Historic Triangle website.

Monticello - The home of Thomas Jefferson (president and author of the Declaration of Independence). Although I have been before, this time we took the special candle light tour which included seeing the third floor dome room. The view from Monticello is amazing, but even more amazing from the third floor.

The whole trip was a ton of fun and if you have never been, I totally recommend that you do. I enjoyed the step back in time. I also learned that there are many similarities in politics of then to politics now. Hopefully, I didn't completely bore you during this blog. I am really going to try and update a little more often - stay tuned.

October is coming to an end

2007-10-27T14:19:00.000-04:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus

Intereting article regarding napping ("Napping doesn't impair nighttime sleep, research finds") which I am glad to see. As the semester wears on I find myself taking more and more naps since I am such a night owl.

The weather here in Michigan is definately fall like. The tree leaves have changed and are falling fast. The temperatures are hovering in the 50-60s. There have been a few chances to wear sweaters - much to my excitment. I was shocked to realize that October is almost over! Where has the fall term gone? School has been busy with midterms (taking and grading). Projects and research are moving along. So much to do...

Well, I better get back to work!

Cold Snap

2007-10-13T14:53:00.000-04:00

"Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight." - Benjamin Franklin

The weather has definately changed around here. Last weekend it was in the upper 80s. This weekend it is hardly 60. Of course, the great part has been getting out all of my sweaters :-)

Stargate Atlantis was on last night. An interesting episode with two story lines and some interesting action sequences. There was a lot of funny dialoge (especailly over the fruit basket).

I don't have much exciting to talk about. Because of the recent climate change (and temperature drop) my allergies have been acting up. However, I started taking my allergy medication before the temperature drop so I haven't been that bad off - just some coughing and occational sneeze!

My life is pretty much filled up with research. Two research projects (one for a class) is keeping me busy. I have been hunting down articles from the 80s. Interestingly, most of these articles have only been archieved online back to the mid 90s. Therefore, I have to find either authors who have posted copies of these articles or libraries that have bound copies. Scare part is when the closet library is in a different country (and they actually give you the distance from said library).

Finished another interesting mystery book "Murder of a Botoxed Blonde: A Scumble River Mystery" by Denise Swanson. This is the most recent book in the series (I haven't read the other yet but I am planning too). The book is like many of the others I read - young unmarried woman solving crimes. I liked the humor in many of the scenes and the fact that the main character was often concerned with what other people might think of her or her behavior. This gave the character a much more down to earth feel. Also, the plot was complex that I actually didn't figure it out until the end when the main character figure it out. (I always like it better when I can figure out the whole plot before the end, but that is just my personal preference).

Well, I better get back to work since those research papers are not going to read and summarize themselves. Hmm...maybe I could invent some sort of artifical intelligent agent that could do that for me...

Sciene, can't live without it

2007-10-09T15:40:00.000-04:00

In the news:

Nobel prize winners Albert Fert and Peter Gruenberg (in Physics) for their contributions regarding smaller hard drives with great space ("Small is beautiful: Incredible shrinking memory drives new IT"). Without these technology advances there would be no iPods or MP3 players!
Even Jupiter has seen a climate change! ("Jupiter Caught in Rare, Calm Period") During a recent "fly-by" from The New Horizons spacecraft has changed the way scientists view Jupiter and has helped them gain important informaiton about the planet.

Not much else to share. School is keeping me pretty busy. However, I am trying very hard to remeber to update my blog! Tonight tv shows Bones and Boston Legal are on. Both are excellent shows and I highly recommend them. Well, I better get back to work...

Wednesday, Wednesday

2007-10-03T15:34:00.000-04:00

So I am sitting here eating (I kid you not) a salad made up of baby spinach, kiwi, strawberries, almond pieces, and a poppy seed dressing. The poppy seed dressing is kind of a cross between ranch and yogurt - odd I know but actually tasty. I never would have thought there was a dressing you could use on both kiwi and spinach and actually taste good.

News items of the day I wanted to point out: It is the 50th anniversary of Sputnik (see article: "50 Years Ago, Sputnik Changed Technology") and the new 1-800-Goog-411 appears to be available (sounds interesting, but not really a service I have ever used).

I can't believe that it is already October! Where did September disappear too? It also means that the semester is almost 1/3 over! I can't believe it. Of course, the weather has not been nearly as cold as I would have first guess. The evenings have been almost cold since it usually drops around 20 degrees. However, they are predicting it will be in the 80s for the end of the week (instead of our current 70s). Of course, I am not complaining in the least. I am totally enjoying the warmer weather while it lasts.

Well, I better get back to my work. I have a ton of reading to do and a lot of thinking to do. Ain't research grand? I also have to write the midterm for the class I am teaching. Each time I teach the class it is interesting because I have to come up with questions that test over the same material as before - but are completely new questions. An interesting challenge that I greatly enjoy. Well, until I get around to updating again - Happy Fall!

Another update - I know shocking...

2007-09-26T11:28:00.000-04:00

I want to point out a interesting news article I saw: "Sharp to offer Blu-ray recorder with 1-terabyte HDD". Cool. Then I want to point out a "study" which I believe could have been done without the actual study part: "Study: Employers benefit from treating depression". However, if it gives the issue news coverage, then I guess the study was a good idea.

It's About Time...

2007-09-22T14:19:00.000-04:00

Well, I am back. I know I have totally not been keeping my blog up. Bad me. I took a couple of months off this summar and found it very relaxing. School has started back up and I am getting back to my old routine. Maybe this will include a blog every once and a while. We shall see.

There was a couple of interesting things I wanted to point out:

iPod Touch: Could the world get any cooler? I am seriously considering getting one. (Actually, I can't decided which of the iPod family to get). The fact that it has WiFi is a huge "neat-o" factor - plus direct downloads from the iTunes store (I just love iTunes). But the iPod video does have tons more storage space. Choices, choices...

SYNC My Ride: A joint venture between Ford and Microsoft that allows people to connect their phone or digital music player to the car. The system includes voice-activation and other interest features. The SYNC is available on 7 Ford, 3 Mercury, and 2 Lincoln models. Ford Motor Company did choose excellent models to include the features - like the Focus and Fusion - which apeal to a younger more digital crowd.

What have I been up to? Not much. Started my research. Over the summar I watched a lot of older movies staring the very interesting and before her time Katharine Hepburn. She was quiet an interesting actress.

I also spend a lot of time reading. I read the recently published Kathy Reichs book "Bones to Ashes" - excellent, absolutely excellent. I have also started reading three additional series: Nancy Martin's The Blackbird Sisters Mysteries, Kate White's Bailey Weggins mystery series, and Susan Kandel's Cece Caruso mystery series. All of which I highly recommend.

The books by Nancy Martin are about three sisters (although mostly focus on the one sister Nora). The books are an entertaining who-done-it that is fairly complex especially when the character Mick gets involved. Some actually have a pretty surprising conclusion. Nora wears great designer vintage clothes from her grandmothers closet (which adds interesting side plots to the stories). Totally worth checking out. Each book has some very funny parts.

Kate White's books are focused on the magazine writer Bailey Weggins who always accidently gets involved in murder cases through either her job or her friends. They too are complex but are done a little more like traditional mysteries since the main character goes about things very logically (like any good investigative reporter). I like the pace of these books and how many characters don't always turn out the way you thought they would.

The books by Susan Kandel are a bit different. Cece Caruso (the main character) writes biographies about famous mystery authors. The book is packed with true information about the current biography Cece is working on. Again, complex plots but a little less traditional mystery style. Any of the books with a bases in an author you read or are familiar with makes for additional interested. Vintage clothes are also mentioned a bit in the plot.

Come to think of it all of the series mentioned above (Kathy Reichs, Nancy Martin, Kate White, and Susan Kandel) are all about woman who are single (some get engaged several books in). Hmmm...well isn't that weird. I swear it wasn't intentional.

This week is the start of the new season for three excellent tv shows: Bones (check out the new look to the website), Boston Legal, and Stargate Atlantis. I am so looking forward to next week!

Well, I better get back to my research and reading. I do a lot of reading these days. Thanks for stopping by. Hope everyone is doing well. Enjoy the last days of summar and the early days of fall!

TV, Book, Etc

2007-06-19T11:59:00.000-04:00

"Kudos on the childrearing. Let me know how the therapy goes." - Shawn (Psych)

This week is the final episode of Stargate SG-1 - <>. Such a good show. I look forward to the DVD movie in the fall. Anyway, I will so be watching Stargate SG-1 on Friday. Actually, they are running Stargate SG-1 episodes all this week if you are looking for good tv.

Which reminds me that the next Sanctuary episode is available. You can see it for free at Sanctuary Fans. Graphics are wonderful - even in low res. If you are looking for the lastest news on the show check out the blog written by Damian Kindler. You should so check out the promo for episode 4 - isn't that player super cool?

I recently finished Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes. The plot has an excellent twisted in the middle. It took a few chapters to figure out what was going on. Excellent read with plenty of funny parts.

Doesn't the new Disney/Pixar movie Ratatouille look really funny? Not to mention how great the computer graphics look? If you are an iTunes user you can see some interesting stuff about the movie via the podcast. Plus, there is an excellent 9 minute sneak peek. Anyway, the Ratatouille website has a lot of great stuff to look at and explore. There is even a pinball game.

Well, I better get back to work. The class I am taking is starting to finish up. There is only this week and next week left. I am looking forward to my vacation :) Not that I am going anyway, I am just not taking classes.

Thanks for stopping by and reading!

Still Having Fun

2007-06-11T23:38:00.000-04:00

"I want to commission a scientific study of how news travels in this building!" - Harriet (Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip)

Current music obsession: "Have a Little Faith In Me" by John Hiatt

I recently watched the latest episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Great episode. Yes, it did contribute to my current music obsession. If you have missed the recent episodes you can watch them online here. By the way that is such a great feature.

This week is the second to last episode of Stargate SG-1 on Sci-Fi channel. There are several interesting interviews, etc in the Grand Finale Countdown section.

Wanted to point out this article: "Ancient Rome Is Rebuilt Digitally". Cool ain't it.

Saw a link to this article: "Buy A Loft, Get A Land Rover" on Digg. I felt obligated to point out that Royal Oak and Detroit are not the same city. It is near Detroit (and is considered a part of the metro-Detroit area) but is not actually Detroit which would be why it is called Royal Oak. Let's just move on shall we?

Since we are on the subject of Michigan, you might be interested in reading about the comic strip Frazz and the author Jef Mallett on Wikipedia. You can read the strip itself here. Often there are some interesing (and funny) little Michigan tidbits in the comics. I like the characters and the drawing style.

Of course, I have to mention that Safari is now available on Windows (as announced that the WWDC 2007)! Wow. Excellent. Made my day. I love the Safari web browser.

Thanks for stopping by and reading!

I'm Getting Old...

2007-06-05T23:19:00.000-04:00

"I think friends should always encourage friends to get their heads examined." - Alan (Boston Legal)

I recently celebrated my birthday. It was quiet fun - I went shopping. I think I have purchased 4 pairs of shoes in the last couple of weeks. As you may remember I love shoes. However, I did have to face the fact that I have gotten another year older. Of course, I am not really feeling all that much older. (I guess I will have to give it a few years).

Current song obsession: "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn: Honestly I can't really explain why I like this song so much. I just do. It has very interesting lyrics actually. But I think the thing that really gets me is the fact that song is the heavy piano parts. It is simple while being complex and elegant.

Not much else to report (hence the lack of blogs). Well, until next time...

Interesting news articles:
"Researchers Find 2,100 Year-Old Melon"

"Algorithm could help chipmakers work with tangles of nanotubes"

"Hitachi Ships Quarter-terabyte Laptop Hard Drive"

Music, Quantum Computers, etc

2007-05-22T17:27:00.000-04:00

"Just a little bit louder, because this song is intended for humans, okay? Way Back Into Love, take two." - Alex Fletcher (Music and Lyrics)

Current Music Obsession: Soundtrack for Music and Lyrics

I recently watched Music and Lyrics on DVD. Excellent funny movie. If you haven't seen it, rush out and get it. Seriously. I don't see you rushing ;-) Just kidding. It is quiet funny. If you are into romantic comedies, this is one of the best. Plus, you get to see Hugh Grant sing and dance 80s style and if that doesn't make you laugh you are seriously not trying.

I then rushed out to purchase the soundtrack. A couple of really catchy songs. My favorites are: "Don't Write Me Off" and "Way Back Into Love". Both songs are quiet important to the plot of the movie.

Complete side note: Interesting article: "Scientists demonstrate quantum state exchange between light and matter"

My class is going well. Summer classes are so weird. You do in for the day which is really like a week in the normal term. Since I am only taking the one class it is kind of fun to just be focusing on it. Of course, I am suppose to also be narrowing down what I want to do research-wise. Unfortunately, that is on the back burner. Why? Because I like too many areas! I simply can't make up mind. (Yes, I am completely aware of my insanity. Moving on...) By the way this comic and this comic perfectly explain thesis.

Spring has arrived in Michigan. It is sunny and warm today. As normal we have had a bit of rain, but the temperatures are finally starting to pick up. Normally we are in the 70s at least and on often in the 80s. I can finally get out my short sleeve shirts and summer clothes.

I have been enjoying wearing sandals. I have my eye on a couple of interesting pairs at the store - but I have yet to buy any...yet. Of course, any of you who know me well know that it won't be long before I am buying new sandals. I did buy some clearance shoes the other day. Not sandels, but I need something to wear the other days of the year. (Yes, that is my story and I am sticking to it). I got this really cute pair of flats to wear with these pants that I recently got on clearance...

Enough about my shopping "issues" ;-) I better get back to my school work. I have a bunch of exciting reading about histogram algorithms (and other fun pattern recognition topics.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Until next time I remember to update my blog...

Back to the Grind..

2007-05-14T20:27:00.000-04:00

"Objection, your Honor. You can't preface your second point with 'first of all.'" - Alan Shore (Boston Legal)

Sorry for the massive lack of updates - yet again. The last weeks of school were horribly busy. Then I left for a week of vacation (at the warm and sunny beaches of Florida). Last week was the first week of the summar term (and then I caught yet another flu bug). I am taking only one class this term and not working which I am finding quiet interesting experience. The class is lots of fun - no honest. Well, I should get back to my reading. I shall you leave you with the following links:

Current DVD obsession: Season 2 of Boston Legal on DVD
Current Song obession: "Babylon" by David Gray

Interesting News:
"Numbers follow a surprising law of digits, and scientists can't explain why"

"Why Mathematicians Now Care About Their Hat Color"

Thanks for stopping by and reading. Hope I get back to regular updates, but I am not holding my breath ;-)

Stargate, Greeks, Music

2007-04-06T00:17:00.000-04:00

"Think about it, Bala. Do you really want to be Mrs. Raving Lunatic?" - Z (Antz)

Count down until new episodes of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis: 7 days

Speaking of Stargate, there is going to be a special about the mythology behind Stargate on at 7 PM before the airing of the new episodes. Doesn't that sound really cool? I thought it sounded really cool.

In the news I say an interesting article I wanted to point out: "Seats helped ancient greeks hear from back row". It seems that limestone filters certain sound waves. Cool 'eh?

Music obsession of late:
"The Freshman" by The Verve Pipe
"Everywhere" by Michelle Branch

It has been snowing in Michigan! We got a little under an inch of the west side last night. From the traffic reports, I was glad that I left school when I did. Mostly traffic was bad becuase the snow was coming down hard and people were not expecting the snow. It was in the 70s earlier this week for crying out loud. But that is the way with Michigan springs. Hot and cold - it's stochastic.

Yes, I just used stochastic in a sentance...I know scary...lets just move on shall we?

Well, I just want to wish you a happy weekend. For those of you how celebrate Easter, Happy Easter! Say warm. Well, I have to get back to preparing my presentation on swarm intelligence. Very interesting topic.

Old Made New Again...

2007-04-05T01:28:00.000-04:00

Back when I was trying to finish my master's project I wrote a blog entitled: 10 Ways to Know You are Working to Hard on Your Project. Since it was funny then I decided to write another list which I have high hopes of being equally as humorous. If it isn't - forgive me.

15 Ways to Know You are a Grad Student:

1. You are really tired of people asking you "how many more years are you going to in school?!?"

2. Anything cool you hear abou you put on your "To-Do-After-I-Finish-Grad-School" List (and it now has more than 10 items on it).

3. You actually have a "To-Do-After-I-Finish-Grad-School" List

4. You own more than 4 shirts with the name of a college you have attended

5. You start looking like the horrible picture on your student ID

6. Eating health is a goal. But the pizza at the university cafe looks soooo good...

7. By your diet plan, caffine must be a food group

8. You get in arguements with other graduate students that very few other people could understand or follow

9. In a given day only having one presentation or homework assignment to work on (but due tomorrow) is considered a "light day"

10. You have friends that tell you about their lives and you realize how different yours really is (and then you realize that you don't really have a life, but you pretend you do)

11. You make horrible jokes that relate to your field of study.

12. When discussing your summar plans you include research

13. The kitchen in your apartment hardly gets used except for the storage of take-out food bags

14. When reading material to preparing a presentation for a class you are realize you own some of the books on the reference list

15. You understand all the jokes in the Piled Higher and Deeper comic

Interesting Trailer

2007-04-03T19:05:00.000-04:00

"I suppose I'm a lemon!" - Hannah Brown (Easter Parade)

I saw an interesting trailer recently for a movie entitled Martian Child. You can see the trailer (QuickTime) here. The song at the end of the trailer sounds a lot like "Ordinary Day" by Vanessa Carlton. But it doesn't quiet sound the same. What do you think? (Here is a link to a music video of "Ordinary Day").

I know this sounds crazy, but it is really bugging me. The first time I watched the trailer I just knew that I had to figure out the name of the song. (Yes, I know I am crazy). If you are familiar with the lyrics, then the song seems to fit the movie. Hence, I concluded that it might be the song. Anyone else what to wager an opinion?

Not much else exciting to report. It is warm (n the 70s) today. Tomorrow is forcast for the 40s. There is even talk of snow showers later this week. Spring was here and it has left the building ;-) Well, I better get back to work. Lots and lots to do.

All Goodness...

2007-03-30T23:46:00.000-04:00

Have you heard about the new Sci-Fi show called Sanctuary? (You can check out the corresponding blog here). Looks very cool. Most of the show is taped green screen and hence the backgrounds are mostly computer produced. One of the show's main characters is played by Amanda Tapping (from Stargate SG-1). Anyway, the show looks very cool and I thought I would point it out in case you hadn't heard about it. But I am guessing you probably had.

I am still amazingly busy with school work. However, I have been able to catch up on my sleep which has been excellent. The weather has continued to be quiet amazing. Although, I have seen reports that the temperatures will be drop again by the middle of next week. But it seems that spring is trying to make an appearance here in Michigan.

I recently aquired an I-CY penguin. So very cute! He flaps his little wings and bops from side to side with the music. I know, I am weird. But I think it is just so cute and fun. I agree I didn't really need him, but I just couldn't help myself. I have decided to name him Pengy. (Yes, I hear you laughing). It's OK. I know I am a few eggs short of a dozen ;-)

Have a great weekend! Hope you have been enjoying the beginnings of spring!

No, the blogger is alive

2007-03-27T23:55:00.000-04:00

"You aren't going to fire me. My face is on buses." - Jack Taylor (One Fine Day)

Sorry about the lack of blogs. Two words: compiler project.

The weather here in Michigan has been absolutely beutiful! OK, so it rained a few times, but the temperatures have been in the 70s. I have been loving it. Sandels are just itching to be brought out of the closet. Did I mention my obsession with shoes recently? I got this really cool pair a couple weeks back at 75% off - chocolate in color. So very comfortable. Anyway moving on...

My recent music obsession has been Regina Spektor. Her new CD entitled "Begin to Hope" is excellent. I have several favorite songs on the CD - "Fidelity", "On the Radio", and "Hotel Song". Check out the music (or music videos) on the website if you want to hear it for your self. I got "Fidelity" off iTunes first and loved it so much that I got the CD from Target the other week and have been listening to it quiet a bit.

The other week I was sitting in class listening to a presentation. Since it is a class about theory, there are always a lot of greek symbols and what not. I realized that even after all of the years (and math, theory, and statistic classes) I still have trouble remembering my greek symbols. Anytime I give a presentation I look them up ahead of time. Seriously.

A couple years ago a friend suggested (while discussing homework for a theory class) that we make up names when I mentioned I couldn't remember the name for a symbol. It was a trick she had used in undergrad. The symbol in question at the time was the alternate version of phi that you often see in textbooks.

Anyway, my sleep deprivated brain said the first thing that came to mind (which is always a mistake) "butt on a stick". I realized after I said it that it was totally the wrong to say. However, it did cause my friend to laugh and even more amazingly to actually use my horrible name. Of course, whenever I see that symbol it causes me to giggle in memory. Did I mention I (and my friend) were seriously sleep deprived graduate students? We would have laughted at anything. Oh wait, we did.

This past week I was equally sleep deprived. The fun never stops here in grad school land! I love it, but if I got a few more hours of sleep some weeks I would love it even more :-) Speaking of sleep, I am giving a presentation in the morning. I better get to bed so I don't sound any more confused than I absolutely have to tomorrow ;-)

Oh, I am giving a presentaiton on probabilistic Turing Machines. Cool and fun stuff. But I better quit rambling and get to bed. My bed is calling me.

Yes, my bed is calling me. I hear you laughing at me...go ahead enjoy...it is pretty funny now that I am reading what I wrote. I could change it, but I am way to lazy...

Post #500

2007-03-12T17:27:00.000-04:00

I noticed when I logged in that is my 500th blog. Boy-o-boy to I ramble!

Anyway, the temperature is getting warmer recently. It is currently in the 50s. The only downside is my allergies. I have been taking my allergy medication which seems to be helping. Unfortunately, everytime the medication begins to wear off I start sneezing a lot. Anyway, I am enjoying the sunny and warm weather. Tomorrows forcast - 65 :-D

Because I lack anything that could be considered a real topic I decided to toss up some links regarding music and books I have been reading recently. (I figure that will work until I actually finding some sort of profound topic to discuss).

Music of the Day:
The Guide by Borne (warning site plays music)
Why I like this song: I am a sucker for any slow songs that you can easily mouth the words to. I know I can't sing, so I don't ever try. The song has a surprising music "twist" starting about half way through that I like. The first time you hear the song it is unexpected. I dare you not to start bobbing your head.

Going Nowhere by Wynoona Judd
Why I like this song: Another song that I find myself mouth the words to. It's a little rock, it has a little country 'twang, the lyrics are fun. I love the chorus especially the line: "I'm chasing my tail/spinning my wheels".

When You Love Someone by Bryan Adams (from MTV Unplugged cd)
Why I like this song: It is at the end of the movie Hope Floats. That was when it first came to my attention. To me the song has an inner power to it. I can't exactly put my fingure on it, but it's just there.

Books of recent:
Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs: This book was so good, I had a hard time putting it down. I just had to know how it turned out. The twists and turns of the plot take you on a wild ride!

Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella: This book is quiet funny. The adventures of Becky continue with all of the fun the last books have ofter. Definately "chick lit". Excellent fun time reading.

Well, that is all I have time to share right now. School started back up this week and I have a project for my compiler class due on Friday. So I better get back to it. Hmm...but first I need food. Actually, I need chocolate. Yummy chocolate. Thanks for stopping by and reading! Hope you weather is getting warmer too!

P.S. The real truth about thesis is denoted in this comic...

Talk of Songs, Phones, and Things

2007-02-28T14:25:00.000-05:00

"What we in the news business can never forget is that we are only as good as the stories we tell." - Tally Atwater (Up Close & Personal)

I am sure that everyone is blogging Apple's new iPhone commercial to death to I figured I would join in :-) If you were like me and trying to recongized the background song look no further - it is "Inside Your Head" by Eberg

Other news I thought was interesting:
Shoes, Ships and Sealing Wax: "Wash. Artifacts Show History of Old Fort"

What would we do without math? "Mathematicians unlock major number theory puzzle"

Most surprising (and interesting) headline I read this morning: "Termite digestion findings could lead to new strategies for ethanol production"

On a completely off topic side note: It appears that the former MacHall guys have a new comic Three Panel Soul.

I found this article amusing: "28 Days? Why February gets the shaft."

On another completely un-related side note: A new book in Shopaholic seriesShopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella came out this week. I haven't made it to the book store yet, but I am hoping to later this week.

Blogs will be slow after this week through next week because it it Spring Break! Yippee! I am sooo looking forward to it. Nope, I am not going anywhere. However, I will be sleeping in, shopping, and doing a little relaxing on the side. My big plan is to get a lot of work done - well it's the plan anyway. I always come up with plans, but the execution part is not always there ;-)

Thanks for stopping by a reading my rambles. Now if you will excuse me I have to get back to writing a presentation on LR parser (or also known as LR grammar depending on whether you are taking a compiler course or a theory course).

It Has Arrived!

2007-02-23T17:43:00.000-05:00

My new Dell XPS M1210 has arrived! I am typing on it currently. It is very cool. I love the set up and the size. The screen is just amazing!

My thoughts I Vista so far:
Vista is different then any of the Windows version that came before it. The interface has a nice look and feel to it. It feels way more modern than XP ever did. I have even tried out a few of the games - completely for testing purposes of course ;-) I downloaded Visual Basic 2005 Express any have tested that out. Visual Basic even looks better in Vista.

Some of the new "security" features are interesting. I like that there are options. However, I get a little tired of answering similar questions over and over again. I figure once I get all of the settings for programs worked out then I won't notice it nearly as much. I do like the look and the placement of these messages. Long gone is the ugly window in the middle of the screen asking you a question. Now a nicely matching and intergrated message box appears. The placement and description don't leave you wondering: Should I really click on that?

I am enjoying testing out my new laptop. I even (and this is coming from a huge fan of iTunes) the Media Player. It will actually collapes into your toolbar so you can control it from there. Which is great if you are like me and almost always have music playing in the background. Each time it does to a new song a little window pops up giving the name of the song, album, and artist.

While I am not the subject of toolbars I would like to mention another great feature I noticed. If you hoover over a minimized program it shows you a small "preview" of what it looks like. Then you don't have to keep clicking on things looking for the window you want. Anyway, I give the toolbar two thumbs up :)

Now I just have to get using a two button mouse again ;-) Before, I was rarely using anything but my PowerBook (except when I had to use Visual Studio or another software requiring Windows). But, I have a feeling that I am going to be using this laptop a whole lot more.

I still love my PowerBook - don't worry :) I haven't switched sides or anything. I just like to see both pastures. Why? Because I think as a CS student I need to have experience on several of the major technologies out there. If you only ever use one, then you are not well rounded. But realistically, I know each person has their favorites (and they will battle anyone who says otherwise).

Well, that is preliminary report on the laptop. As I discover new and interesting tidbits I will of course blog about it! Have a great weekend. Thanks for stopping by and reading :-)

Wow! Cool!

2007-02-22T00:28:00.000-05:00

“Machines take me by surprise with great frequency.” - Alan Turing

I was excited (and happy) to see this headline on Google News: "Turing Award goes to female for first time: IBM'S Frances Allen Wins Computing Honor". All I have to say is: "Wow! :-D"

There is an interesting part of the article that I want to especially point out:

"According to the Computing Research Association, only 17 percent of college graduates getting computer science and engineering degrees in the United States and Canada were women during the 2003-2004 academic year, the most recent year for which data is available."

OK, so I knew the numbers were surprisingly low. I am surprised every time I see them. I really shouldn't be, but I am. It is one of those statistics that I just don't understand. Why don't more women go into computer or engineering? I love computer science and I can hardly imagine not being in CS. Of course, I can't tell you why women don't go into computers or engineering since I did :-) However, I can make guesses from my experiences. But that would be a whole 'nother blog...

Some additional reading on the issue:
"Solving the gender equation: Study shows stereotypes hurt women's math"

"Studies show female engineers needed"

"We've been rambling all the night..."

2007-02-20T21:11:00.000-05:00

"We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
we bring a garland gay" - Loreena McKennitt (The Mummers' Dance)

Current Music Obsession: "The Mummers' Dance (Single Version)" by Loreena McKennitt (If it you haven't seen the music video or you want to the lyrics for it you can find it on this page).

Currently Reading Obsession: Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs

I thought I would post up a quick blog and say hello. I have good and exciting news. My computer may arrive ahead of the originally scheduled date! So soon I may actually have something fun and exciting to actually blog about ;-) I look forward to getting the computer. Spring break is in a couple of weeks, so I will have plenty of time to play...err study the laptop in great detail.

The weather has finally gotten above freezing the last couple of days here. It has been sooo nice. We have even seen a little sunshine. However, there has been some assuming side effects - like the snow falling off of the roof outside my window. I heard this load crashed and looked out to see a pile of snow...well there was already a pile of snow, so maybe larger pile of snow would be more accurate.

Well, I better get back to my homework since I don't think the induction proofs are going to write themselves. Thanks for stopping by a reading!

Articles I wanted to point out:
"Toshiba Plug Loophole in Security of Quantum Cryptography"

They always cancel all of the good shows: "Final Curtain Call for 'Studio 60'?" (Now what am I going to watch on Monday nights?!?)

It's a Dell!

2007-02-17T16:57:00.001-05:00

"It's a poor sort of memory that only works backward." - Lewis Carroll (The Queen, Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There)

Currently Listening To: "Mo Ghile Mear" by Celtic Woman

Currently Reading: Better Than Sex by Susan Holtzer (which happens to be the final book in the Anneke Haagen series).

Will be reading soon:
Deception Point by Dan Brown
Digital Fortress by Dan Brown
Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs

About a week ago I tried to turn on my (Windows) laptop and it seemed to get "stuck" on the Windows sign-in screen. I thought it was a bit odd. Anyway, after several hours of analysis (and digging out all those disks that you get with a laptop by never use until something goes wrong) I have discovered that a portion of the hard drive is bad. The computer is about 4 years old and has received quiet a bit of wear.

I decided that it was time to purchase a new laptop. I probably won't have purchased a laptop midterm like this since I do have my PowerBook. However, I teach a Visual Basic 2005 and well not having a Windows machine is a bit inconvient. So after great consideration I purchased a new Dell XPS M1210 last night.

It is scheduled to be delieved in a couple of weeks (they gave me a date, but I can't think of it off-hand). Once I get it, I am sure I will force onto you, the reader, to learn all kinds of informaiton regarding the laptop that you really don't care about ;-) On a side note, does anyone know a good place to get a replacement hard drive for my old Dell laptop? If I can find a reasonable priced replacement then I have geeky plans for the old laptop.

A Bit of New:
Survey's can say anything: "Health written in the stars?"

On the quantum front: "Scientists Dubious of Quantum Claims"

This comic will be enjoyed by any grad student who teaches :)

Well, I better get back to working on my presentation for one of my classes. I am presenting a section of the book focusing on proving 3SAT is NP-Complete. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Logically Speaking...

2007-02-12T01:53:00.000-05:00

"'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)

Current Music Obsession - the 90's:
"Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve
"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers
"What is Love" by Haddaway

Did you know that today is Darwin Day? No I didn't either. Of course that is what things like Wikipedia are for! So you can find out all kinds of interesting informaiton like that - information you didn't know you might need to know.

New's Evolution:
Computer Science meets Medical: "Virtual reality is therapy for injuries"

"The Landscape of Parallel Computing Research: A View from Berkeley" (found via Slashdot).

One large step for woman-kind: "Harvard Expected To Name First Woman to Lead University"

I wish I lived in the east: "Plan Ahead: Total Lunar Eclipse March 3"

Study says: "To sleep... perchance to learn". I am so going to have to start sleeping more ;-)

It's a beginning of a new week. Michigan is still a frozen mess. The roads have improved vastly and temperatures have started to warm up a little (which is really nice). The snow and icicles hanging off of buildings is pretty wacky.

There is nothing I like better than hanging out inside with a good book and a warm blanket in this kind of weather. I am currently reading another book in the Anneke Haagen Series. This time it is "The Wedding Game" by Susan Holtzer. Of course, real life often pops up and I spend my time doing homework. Not that its a bad thing - I find it highly rewarding especially when I get the homework completed!

Well, thanks for stopping by and reading. I better get a move on. The program isn't going to write itself!

A Little Bit of Nonsense

2007-02-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

"Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop." - Lewis Carroll (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)

Music Obsession of the Day: "Breathe" by Melissa Etheridge

Fun filled news:
"Physicists Unite Light And Matter (Update)"

"Battlestar Galactica Game Hits Live this Fall"

Not much to report. Well, nothing interesting to report or complain about. Although, I am quiet excited that Cheesy Bites pizza is back at Pizza Hut. I am currently reading "Silly Season" by Susan Holtzer - another exciting book from the Anneke Haagen Series.

The sun is (shockingly) shining brightly through the windows making the world seem less like winter. The outside temperatures leave a little to be desired (20s), but the sun makes it seem so much warmer. None the less, I am enjoying the (what I am sure will be a very short) break from the snow.

Well, I better get back to trying to work with JavaCC. Yep, my life is so exciting ;-) Thanks for stopping by and reading.

Current Rambles

2007-02-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there." - Lewis Carroll

Current Music Obsession: "Trouble Sleeping" by Corinne Bailey Rae

The icey roads are starting to melt! It only snowed for part of the day and it wasn't nearly as cold as it has been. So life is continuing on. I only slightly notice the passage of time. But that's the way it is during the middle of a semester. Busy, busy, busy.

Current readings:
"Bleeding Maize and Blue" by Susan Holtzer. (More information, I suggest looking here). This is actually the third book in the mystery series. If you are familar with Ann Arbor (or the univerisity there), you will find the references in the book even more interesting. (For other books set in Ann Arbor check out this list). Great mystery series with the main character being a female computer programmer! Hail to the Victors.

New Bytes:
"Forensic photography brings color back to ancient textiles"

The Bubbles! Just sounds so cool: "Flow of tiny bubbles mimics computer circuitry"

"Vista Makes PC Sales Pop"

I'm thinking of a fork: "Scientists becoming mind-readers"

Now if you will excuse me I have to get back to trying to show that the class of languages in P is closed under inverse homomorphism. (I know you are jealous because that just sounds like so much fun). Thanks for reading. Stay warm!

By the way, I feel like this comic a lot.

News At Sloth Pace

2007-02-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

"I don't know about you guys but we are the weirdest herd I've ever seen." - Sid (Ice Age)

Wow. February. Where did it come from? (I think it must of have been hiding). January went by surprising quickly. I think I must be getting old - because time has started to move faster. Anyway, still on the 80's music kick. Not that had anything to do with anything.

Most of the west side of Michigan is shut down due to the cold temperatures (and the blizzard on Saturday - that I thankfully missed by being on the opposite of the state). It was -7F (wind chill -14) this morning when I got up to check if school was closed and lightly snowing. The major problem is the wind and drifting snow. Anyway, I happily went back to bed and sleep for hours when I saw my school on the list :)

Old news I meant to post days ago:
"15,000-year-old ground sloth footprints found in Argentina"

If real life was a TV show, then I would say that it was aliens, but I am guessing there is a better, more scientific explaination: "Hubble humbled by power failure"

Unless you have been living under a rock Microsoft has released Vista ("Review: Microsoft Vista, Ultimate Edition"). It's release seems to be compatable to the Vulcon/Human relationship on Star Trek Enterprise. It looks interesting. But I am sticking with my rule of no changing of OSs in the middle of the term. Also, by the time I ever get around to updating the little "issues" will be worked out. Yes, there is methods to my madness! ;-) However, I do have to ask one question - why? "Apple warns iTunes users to delay Vista upgrade". I understand that they are technically competing, but still...

Newer news:
"Songs from iPod Commercials" (and you can wach the new adds here).

Two words: Free & Pirates: "Disney in uncharted waters with "Pirates" game"

Completely unrelated to anything:

I finally watched a couple (and by a couple I mean about 2) episodes of Boston Legal. I know I am behind the times. I just never got around to watching it. I have to say I find the show fairly funny in a completely off-the-wall kind of way.

Well, I have homework to get started on. Thanks for reading. Stay warm!

80's Music Kick

2007-01-31T01:25:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post (I am still around, just busy). I noticed that I am on this 80's music kick at the moment. So I figured I would share my last iTunes purchases with you. (Also, because I really don't have anything else to talk about). My last two song purchase off where "These Dreams" by Heart and "We Belong" by Pat Benatar. See, as I said complete 80s music kick going on.

The song I purchased before that was "Faith Alive" by The Wish. I first heard it in the commerical for Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Great song. (You can now get it on iTunes).

Now if you will excuse me I have got to get to bed. I am giving a presentation tomorrow on Cook's theorem wish should be interesting. It is a cool theorem considering that it is the core to the whole NP-Complete concept. Well, that's what I think anyway :)

Oh and yes it is snowing bucket fulls on the west side of Michigan since like Sunday. There are many inches (and by that I mean there has to be more than 5) of snow on the ground. Therefore, it has become my goal to move to a (even slightly) warmer climate after I graduate. Seriously, Michigan is the only state that can boost have four different climates in one state. At least I don't live in the northern part of Michigan!

Thanks for stopping by and reading. Stay warm!

Billboards, etc

2007-01-22T18:33:00.000-05:00

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein

Each week I do a far amount of expressway/highway driving getting back and forth from school. Now for anyone who wasn't driven across the middle of Michigan let me fill you in on the details. Are you ready?

There is absolutely without a doubt nothing! That's right. About every hour or so you come across a town, but otherwise there is nothing. Not even a gas station or a fast food resturant. However, there are tons of billboards. There is so little to see, that I know when they have updated any of the billboards. OK, you can stop laughing now ;-)

But seriously. I read the billboards. My favorite are the The Foundation for a Better Life billboards. (OK, so the fact that I have favorite billboards just sounds weird, but you should all be use to that by now right?) And just to prove how much I like these billboards I even have one as my desktop background for my laptop.

On my desktop I proudly have the picture of the Optimism billboard. If you haven't seen it, it is the one with Thomas Edison and the light bulbs. Why did I choose this one? Several years back I heard the original quote the billboard is based on: "Results! Why, man, I have gotten a lot of results. I know several thousand things that won't work. " - Thomas Edision. There are several other Thomas Edision quotes with similar themes (and you can find a nice list here if you are interested).

There are lots of these great billboards out there. So if the weather isn't too bad and you are driving along the highway keep an eye out. Pass It On.

Finger's Crossed

2007-01-18T18:50:00.000-05:00

"There never was much hope. Just a fool's hope." - Gandalf(The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)

Current food obsession: Milk Chocolate with Smooth Caramel Godiva Bar

New Bits and Bytes:

I know I promised no more lists, but I totally had my fingers crossed when I typed that. I am giving you let another list, but whatever. We all knew I wasn't really going to stick to that promise...

Stephany's Song Obsession Lists:
Starting the Day List:

"Beautiful Day" by U2
"Stigmatized" by The Calling
"Thinking Over" by Dana Glover
"A Thousand Miles" by Vanessa Carlton
"All At Once" by The Fray
"Let Love In" by Goo Goo Dolls
"City of Blinding Light" by U2
"Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall
"Dream" by The Cranberries
"I'm Still Here" by John Rzeznik
"I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair)'" by Sandi Thom

Especially good for late nights and snow (Yep, it is snowing again) List:

"Sleep" by Azure Ray
"Rain" by Patty Griffin
"Amid the Falling Snow" by Enya
"Some of Us" by Starsailor
"Bells" by Beth Waters
"Name" by Goo Goo Dolls
"The World I Know" by Collective Soul
"Linger" by The Cranberries

Fun Study Break List:

"Jerk It Out" by Caesars
"Woman Like Me" by Beyoncé
"Crazy"by Alanis Morissette
"A Rose is Still A Rose" by Aretha Franklin
"Believe" by Cher
"Breathless" by The Corrs
"Don't Turn Off The Lights" by Enrique Iglesias
"I Decide" by Lindsay Lohan
"Vogue" by Madonna
"Trouble" by Pink

Well, when I started writing this blog I thought it was going to be a couple of short lists because I had a couple of songs in mind. Then I got started and the lists just keep getting longer and longer :) You know me and my rambling ;-)

Thanks for stopping by! Stay warm.

Obsession Week

2007-01-18T00:25:00.000-05:00

"You are the best of us, Miss Montenegro. You discern humanity in the wreck of a ruined human body. You give victims back their faces. Their identities. You remind us all of why we're here in the first place - because we treasure human life." - Dr. Daniel Goodman (Bones)

Song obsessions of the moment:

"Linger" by The Cranberries
"The World I Know" by Collective Soul

I have noticed that because I really don't have anything to talk about I have been making a lot of lists recently. Sorry about that - but here is the last one (I promise...no wait I don't promise...It's my blog, I don't have to promise anything).

My Current TV Show watch (obsession) List:

Psych: Funny show. I mean how could it not be? There is a guy playing a psychic for the police with his friend/partner solving police cases. See, how could that not be good?
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: Very good 'show-in-a-show'. Great dialog and walk'n-talks. If you aren't watching this show on Monday nights you are seriously missing out.
Bones: Wednesday nights - be there or miss out. In the last episode the show took a dramatic turn. Surprises left and right. Can't tell you or I would ruin the whole thing. Summary: Excellent show!
A Nero Wolfe Mystery: This series aired on A&E a couple years back. I got the 2nd season DVDs. If you are a fan of the books, you will not be disappointed. The show had the right combination of seriousness and silly. The show was also done with a repertory cast which was entertaining in itself.

Well thanks for stopping by. Hopefully, I will actually start having real topics to talk about. Or atleast as close as I ever get to real topics anyway...

Rambles: Take One

2007-01-17T00:05:00.000-05:00

"It's amazing. You speak Chinese like a native." - Rowlf (The Muppets Take Manhattan)

Stuff you might want to take a gander at:
"40,000-year-old skull shows both modern human and Neandertal traits"

Check out: "A Brief History of the Home Video Game Console for some nostalgic fun. (My blog would be completely unreadable is it wasn't for Dictionary.com).

Nothing all that exciting to talk about. Gave a lecture today - that was fun. Although it is pretty cold (20 degrees) outside it was nice a sunny most of the afternoon. It was a nice change from all of the overcast days we have been experiencing.

Current Movie Watching (Obsession) List:

The Da Vinci Code: If you haven't figured out that I have an obsession with this movie, you haven't been paying attention. I have watched the DVD atleast 8 times so far. Great, great, great movie.
The Devil Wears Prada: Fun, light movie. See I keep telling people that not all black shoes are alike! If you get the DVD watch the gag reel - it is pretty funny.
Nanny McPhee: Great movie for kids and adults. Great cast and great makeup!
The Pink Panther: LOL! I dare you not to laugh :-D
The Muppets Take Manhatten: Oh come on admit it - Muppets are classic!
Disney's Robin Hood: My favorite movie when I was little. It's cute, it's funny, it's Disney...
Superman Returns: Wonderful movie. I would say it was the best of all the Superman movies hands down. The graphics are excellent. The look of the movie so matches the originals. Yep, I watched all of the Superman movies over the holiday break.

So run don't walk to your nearest video store and pick up this great films if you have not already done so :) Thanks for stopping by and reading. Try to keep from freezing!

Snow Bunnies Strike Again

2007-01-16T01:24:00.000-05:00

"When you need me, but do not want me, then I will stay. When you want me, but do not need me, then I have to go. " - Nanny McPhee (Nanny McPhee)

Current music obsession: Soundtrack from the movie Finding Neverland

It is of course snowing. Not that it is a huge surprise or anything that it is snowing in Michigan. The ice rain Sunday night was a bit of a surprise. However, we haven't gotten that much snow. But it is a bit on the chilly side :-P

However, lets move on to discuss much more pleasent things. My obsession with two board games: Authentic DaVinci Dilemma Board Game and The Da Vinci Code Movie Board Game. I came across these wonderful gems at a bookstore (which I was there purchasing a textbook for one of my classes - honest). I had an change to play both of these games over the weekend. They are great!

Authentic DaVinci Dilemma Board Game: In this game you answer trivia questions and riddles to collect pieces of art work. The trivia questions are divided into 4 categories and cover a wide range of knowledge. Knowledge of Da Vinci a plus. Great low key fun for all.

The Da Vinci Code Movie Board Game: This game reminds me of a cross between clue and logic puzzles. So I was instantly attracted! It takes a little bit to get use to the game play. If you have read the books or are familiar with historical events surrounding the events of the book/Movie you will be at a slight advantage. Great fun - and lots of surprises!

In the news:

Honey, someone shrunk the wires: "Can HP fool Moore's Law?"

This just looks so cool: iPhone

Well, I better run along :-) Thanks for stopping by and reading. Keep warm!

OK, so I am going to brag for a minute...

2007-01-10T00:55:00.000-05:00

"The details of your incompetence do not interest me." - Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada)

Over the holiday break I got a new cell phone. After great debate I purchased one of those cool Chocolate phones (warning: site plays music). Can I just say "I love it!". Being a new phone it works so much better than my last cell phone. I haven't put any music on it yet, but I am enjoying it none the less. It is a great size. I got a black one. I could claim becuase it would go with more of my shoes...but I think it would be best not to.

I seem to have come down with a cold. It has made the past couple of days interesting. I had to give the first lecture today for the class I teach. It is weird to lecture when you have a cold. Just trust me on this. But lets move on shall we? Before I start sneezing again.

My current music obsession is the soundtrack from The Devil Wears Prada. The official soundtrack is missing the wonderful song from the beginning of the movie - "Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall which I downloaded from iTunes. The movie was great, the soundtrack is great, the book is great...I give it two thumbs up all around.

Well, I better get back to doing actually work - inbetween sneezes that is ;-) Thanks for stopping by!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-02T16:08:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy new year! Wow - 2007. It is hard to believe another year has come and gone. The holidays have been a fun time for me. I have been watching movies, reading, sleeping, and shopping. So I decided to share with you my current reading obsessions.

Angles and Demons and The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: These have to be two of the best books I have ever read. I loved the movie, but the books are just amazing. You are so missing out if you haven't read them yet. Love the fact that the main character wears a Mickey Mouse watch - it just so works. Anyway, hightly recommended!

Size 14 Is Not Fat Either by Meg Cabot: It is one of those click-lit/mysteries. Wonderfully entertaining. I like reading these books on vacation or at the beach. Highly recommended!

My Own Two Feet by Beverly Cleary: I remember reading Ramona books and who can forget Dear Mr. Henshaw? In this book Beverly Cleary discusses her life and what lead her to writing children books. Interesting book.

Thanks for stopping by and reading!

That's a Wrap...

2006-12-12T20:17:00.000-05:00

"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!

Today's Obsession: Cisco Commercial

2006-12-06T22:22:00.000-05:00

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 :-)

Snow = Energizer Bunny

2006-12-04T18:48:00.000-05:00

"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 :)

Ice Gone, More Snow

2006-12-03T14:09:00.000-05:00

"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!

Snowed In

2006-12-01T14:48:00.000-05:00

"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!

And then all routers broke loose...

2006-11-28T14:06:00.000-05:00

"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? ;-)

Along Came Friday...

2006-11-24T14:30:00.000-05:00

"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

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T21:05:00.000-05:00

"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!

Real Life? Never heard of it...

2006-11-17T23:36:00.000-05:00

"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 Fun Days

2006-11-14T14:24:00.000-05:00

"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"

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

2006-11-07T14:54:00.000-05:00

"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!

2006-11-07T10:39:00.000-05:00

"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...

It's like the Nike commercial...

2006-10-29T15:21:00.000-05:00

"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).

And We Fade Into Blackness...

2006-10-15T19:15:00.000-04:00

"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...

Snow Comes A'nocking

2006-10-12T11:18:00.000-04:00

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)!

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

2006-10-11T13:58:00.000-04:00

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!

UML, Profiles, and Fall Colors

2006-10-07T23:55:00.000-04:00

"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 :-)

One Month Down...

2006-10-03T15:30:00.000-04:00

"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...

Survey Says....

2006-09-26T15:51:00.000-04:00

"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!

Movie of the Day: Bridget Jones's Diary

2006-09-25T23:08:00.001-04:00

"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 :-)

Apple-if-ic!

2006-09-20T13:54:00.000-04:00

"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).

Bat-er-if-ic!

2006-09-19T14:53:00.000-04:00

"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...

Topic-less

2006-09-13T13:59:00.000-04:00

"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"

Software Development : Choleric Infant

2006-09-12T14:05:00.000-04:00

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.

Yawn with a side of snore

2006-09-06T16:11:00.000-04:00

(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"

School Starts Again

2006-09-05T16:33:00.000-04:00

"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.

Where has the time gone?

2006-08-05T14:42:00.000-04:00

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!

So Close...and then Not...

2006-06-30T16:22:00.000-04:00

"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.

And I thought Tuesday was bad...

2006-06-28T12:15:00.000-04:00

"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...

Final Tuesday Fun

2006-06-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

"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!

Cars and Being Practical

2006-06-24T13:15:00.000-04:00

"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...

Stargate Coming Soon...

2006-06-21T22:23:00.000-04:00

"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!