For Better Or For Worse is ending.
Now for Marmaduke, Garfield, Cathy...
---
Maybe it's the fact that the Funny Pages of the Newspapers have an all-ages audience that they are so dreadfully bland, but the Sunday Comics have been a desolate place for a while now.
Pearls Before Swine and Non-Sequiter are the only two genuinely funny strips I can think of off the top of my head. Doonesburry doesn't count, because the Detroit Free Press moved it to the Op-Ed section.
---
It's been cool for three days and rainy for two. Is fall almost here? I'd like that a lot.
---
Am I trying to make a new record for the most posts in a month? I don't know, am I?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
James Jean Leaves Fables
James Jean, the truly fantastic artist behind the covers of Fables is moving on to personal projects.
Words cannot describe how upset I am. Even the weakest Fables issues were ramped up by the fantastic covers.
Sniffles.
Words cannot describe how upset I am. Even the weakest Fables issues were ramped up by the fantastic covers.
Sniffles.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Garg In The News!
Claire came back today. She's tired, and I think I might be slightly ill in the belly.
But who cares about my abdominal terror! The Gargoyle is famous again!
Read about it! Read about it!
Cathy Fisher is the current EIC. I handed it off to her. It's a shame that there isn't much interest to do a story on the Garg. There's so much great history in there, as well as wonderful people.
Despite having so much trouble trying to get a job, I don't regret a minute of the time I spent at Student Pub workin' on the Garg. Except for the hours I wasted listening to the Pixies and staring at the wall.
---
Been trying to install MySQL on my computer so I can work on WordPress locally. It's not going well.
But who cares about my abdominal terror! The Gargoyle is famous again!
Read about it! Read about it!
Cathy Fisher is the current EIC. I handed it off to her. It's a shame that there isn't much interest to do a story on the Garg. There's so much great history in there, as well as wonderful people.
Despite having so much trouble trying to get a job, I don't regret a minute of the time I spent at Student Pub workin' on the Garg. Except for the hours I wasted listening to the Pixies and staring at the wall.
---
Been trying to install MySQL on my computer so I can work on WordPress locally. It's not going well.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Top O' The Morning
For the first time since I got cable, I am not furious at MSNBC. It tuns out that when there is something actually going on, and real issues to talk about, these guys aren't so bad!
Maybe I'll warm up to CNN or FOX? Probably not.
---
Skeletons of cartoon characters. This is so cool.
---
Bob Thompson from the Washington Post discovers comics! Holy crap!
What bothers me the most about the article, and the responses from those interviewed, is that everyone is acting like comics just appeared out of nowhere. Ostensibly, this is because Thompson is interested in the elusive "Graphic Novel," but there is a whole history of comics that begins before graphic novel.
Everyone is acting like it's a shock that comics are popular, not remembering that Superman made a mint back in the 30's, and that comics didn't hit hard times until the 70's.
Lastly, I think it's silly to draw distinctions between graphic novels and collections of single issues. Most collections end up being organized by story arcs, so there is no reason to consider them as something less than a "graphic novel." Crime and Punishmen, and oodles of Dickens were written as serial magazine pieces -- we still call them novels!
All in all it's a pretty good article, and I am glad to see so much attention given to a great medium. My favorite bit is Scott McCloud answering why comics are so popular these days:
"Comics. Got. Better."
I think he might be right; I think the last decade has seen some truly amazing stuff.
---
Have you heard of Okami? I am told it is a great game. I bought it for the Wii sometime ago, but I haven't played it yet. Why? Because I promised myself I wouldn't until I had a job.
Anyway, CAPCOM used art from IGN.com for the cover and just now got around to issuing replacements. They look pretty awesome.
Maybe I'll warm up to CNN or FOX? Probably not.
---
Skeletons of cartoon characters. This is so cool.
---
Bob Thompson from the Washington Post discovers comics! Holy crap!
What bothers me the most about the article, and the responses from those interviewed, is that everyone is acting like comics just appeared out of nowhere. Ostensibly, this is because Thompson is interested in the elusive "Graphic Novel," but there is a whole history of comics that begins before graphic novel.
Everyone is acting like it's a shock that comics are popular, not remembering that Superman made a mint back in the 30's, and that comics didn't hit hard times until the 70's.
Lastly, I think it's silly to draw distinctions between graphic novels and collections of single issues. Most collections end up being organized by story arcs, so there is no reason to consider them as something less than a "graphic novel." Crime and Punishmen, and oodles of Dickens were written as serial magazine pieces -- we still call them novels!
All in all it's a pretty good article, and I am glad to see so much attention given to a great medium. My favorite bit is Scott McCloud answering why comics are so popular these days:
"Comics. Got. Better."
I think he might be right; I think the last decade has seen some truly amazing stuff.
---
Have you heard of Okami? I am told it is a great game. I bought it for the Wii sometime ago, but I haven't played it yet. Why? Because I promised myself I wouldn't until I had a job.
Anyway, CAPCOM used art from IGN.com for the cover and just now got around to issuing replacements. They look pretty awesome.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Earthbound, Penguins, Elitism
A penguin has been granted Norweigan Knighthood.
How the mighty land of vikings has fallen.
---
My friend Kris has an interesting post about why having an "Average Joe" in the White House is a catastrophically bad idea.
This is the same reason why I do not listen to any show that has a call-in segment that values the opinions of the average listener/viewer.
---
Real-live rocket scientists say that, as of right now, we will never reach the stars.
I beg to differ. With the current job market, I am willing to bet that there are thousands of college students hanging around, not doing much, that would love to be blasted into space as part of a multi-generational flight to the stars.
With all the English Majors that would (undoubtedly) be on board, expect a glut of star-gazing based books of poetry, and multi-volume epics with titles like, "Spending 40 Years Sharing A Room With A Man Named Carl Who Snores," or "Doesn't This Thing Have 'Reverse?'"
Of course, I assume they'd go crazy and end up eating each other. Maybe we should send cults into space? I think most of them are expecting it anyway. They're already trained to invest their lives in sketchy plans.
---
Tenzing has Kennel Cough. It is potentially dangerous, but the vet is not concerned. I'm medicating him with antibiotics, and he seems to be doing fine. The sneezing is actually kind of cute.
The only downside is that he can't play with other dogs, or go to the dog park. He is not impressed.
---
Dig George Abbot White's photos. He's an alum of the now defunct Generation lit-mag, but hangs around with the GargALUMS a lot.
Try to find me!
---
Applied for many, many jobs today. Many in journalism, many in publishing.
Free-lance articles shaping up nicely. Here's hopin'!
How the mighty land of vikings has fallen.
---
My friend Kris has an interesting post about why having an "Average Joe" in the White House is a catastrophically bad idea.
This is the same reason why I do not listen to any show that has a call-in segment that values the opinions of the average listener/viewer.
---
Real-live rocket scientists say that, as of right now, we will never reach the stars.
I beg to differ. With the current job market, I am willing to bet that there are thousands of college students hanging around, not doing much, that would love to be blasted into space as part of a multi-generational flight to the stars.
With all the English Majors that would (undoubtedly) be on board, expect a glut of star-gazing based books of poetry, and multi-volume epics with titles like, "Spending 40 Years Sharing A Room With A Man Named Carl Who Snores," or "Doesn't This Thing Have 'Reverse?'"
Of course, I assume they'd go crazy and end up eating each other. Maybe we should send cults into space? I think most of them are expecting it anyway. They're already trained to invest their lives in sketchy plans.
---
Tenzing has Kennel Cough. It is potentially dangerous, but the vet is not concerned. I'm medicating him with antibiotics, and he seems to be doing fine. The sneezing is actually kind of cute.
The only downside is that he can't play with other dogs, or go to the dog park. He is not impressed.
---
Dig George Abbot White's photos. He's an alum of the now defunct Generation lit-mag, but hangs around with the GargALUMS a lot.
Try to find me!
---
Applied for many, many jobs today. Many in journalism, many in publishing.
Free-lance articles shaping up nicely. Here's hopin'!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Claire is in Iceland
Having finished her stint in PEI, Claire has gone off to Iceland with her family.
She sent me this picture of the Law Rock at the Allthing. I am exceedingly jealous, and would love to go back.
She sent me this picture of the Law Rock at the Allthing. I am exceedingly jealous, and would love to go back.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Oh Yes, The Interviews
The first week in August I had two interviews -- that's right, real-live in-person interviews -- for jobs in the DC area.
The first was with SAIC, specifically with an independent group within the company, part of which is currently doing the communications for PEO Soldier, the group which does procurement for the Army.
The second was for a grant writing position with PlanetAid, a group which deals in clothes donations.
The SAIC interview went pretty well, although I got the impression that I might not have the level of experience they were looking for.
The PlanetAid interview did not go well. It took me two hours to get to the interview, because of traffic and bad directions. I was slightly late, but I got the impression from the conversation that it wouldn't have mattered if I came in on time. It was made clear to me that they were not interested in an untested grant writer, although they did suggest that I could be brought on as a "misc. copy writer." However, that discussion was also pretty fruitless because of the 4-hour round trip commute. To be honest, I am not interested in that much driving, and I don't think they are either.
I am still sort of in touch with some people at SAIC, and there might be more developments on that front.
---
I am more disappointed then I sound, but I know I have to keep trying.
I am still sending out many, many applications (several unsolicited resumes as well) but have decided to venture a few steps down The Dark Path.
The previously alluded "Dark Path" is where I start writing articles and shopping them around to magazines and newspapers. It is the beginning of Freelance Writing. While I like to imagine that such a career involves being either a grizzled, lovable rogue or a noble knight clad in shining armor, I suspect that the reality might be...something else.
To be clear: I am still looking for a full-time job. However, with so many (understandable) concerns about my experience and work history, I figure it would be prudent to pad the resume and try to make some money.
---
If you've been following my Twitterings, you'll notice that I did some traveling this past weekend.
I flew out to Prince Edward Island, the location of Claire's family reunion. This involved her mother's family, who gather at different locations every year. PEI, as it is called, is especially beloved since it was where Claire's grandmother was raised during the depression (as I am told).
Take a look at it here. PEI photos to follow, but this is already much too long.
The first was with SAIC, specifically with an independent group within the company, part of which is currently doing the communications for PEO Soldier, the group which does procurement for the Army.
The second was for a grant writing position with PlanetAid, a group which deals in clothes donations.
The SAIC interview went pretty well, although I got the impression that I might not have the level of experience they were looking for.
The PlanetAid interview did not go well. It took me two hours to get to the interview, because of traffic and bad directions. I was slightly late, but I got the impression from the conversation that it wouldn't have mattered if I came in on time. It was made clear to me that they were not interested in an untested grant writer, although they did suggest that I could be brought on as a "misc. copy writer." However, that discussion was also pretty fruitless because of the 4-hour round trip commute. To be honest, I am not interested in that much driving, and I don't think they are either.
I am still sort of in touch with some people at SAIC, and there might be more developments on that front.
---
I am more disappointed then I sound, but I know I have to keep trying.
I am still sending out many, many applications (several unsolicited resumes as well) but have decided to venture a few steps down The Dark Path.
The previously alluded "Dark Path" is where I start writing articles and shopping them around to magazines and newspapers. It is the beginning of Freelance Writing. While I like to imagine that such a career involves being either a grizzled, lovable rogue or a noble knight clad in shining armor, I suspect that the reality might be...something else.
To be clear: I am still looking for a full-time job. However, with so many (understandable) concerns about my experience and work history, I figure it would be prudent to pad the resume and try to make some money.
---
If you've been following my Twitterings, you'll notice that I did some traveling this past weekend.
I flew out to Prince Edward Island, the location of Claire's family reunion. This involved her mother's family, who gather at different locations every year. PEI, as it is called, is especially beloved since it was where Claire's grandmother was raised during the depression (as I am told).
Take a look at it here. PEI photos to follow, but this is already much too long.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Not Virginia
Amazing story of the Peg-Leg biologist.
You must read this. If you read nothing else on this blog, read this.
---
John Dobbertin, GargALUM extraordinaire, gets a mention in the Wisconsin State Journal. He's set up a massive exhibit on humor magazines, of which the Gargoyle is a big part. Check it out.
You must read this. If you read nothing else on this blog, read this.
---
John Dobbertin, GargALUM extraordinaire, gets a mention in the Wisconsin State Journal. He's set up a massive exhibit on humor magazines, of which the Gargoyle is a big part. Check it out.
Virginia
First things first, my current address is:
1801 DeWitt Ave, Unit E
Also, many thanks for the lovely cards, e-greetings (via facebook or otherwise), and packages that have accompanied my birthday. It's been great!
Traveling
Early on the morning of August 1, Dad and I set off on a great adventure. We began with Dad commenting on the fact that I hadn't showered that morning. My logic was, as always, impeccable: there's no point in me showering if I am going to be sweaty and nasty by the time I show up!
Our route was pretty straightforward, and was quite pretty. I-70 through Ohio was a beautiful prairie dawn. Further east, the seemingly unending hours on the Pennsylvania Turnpike offered some truly fantastic views -- immense gorges, infinite acres of green trees, hundreds of miles between rest stops, etc.
Unfortunately there are no pictures of any of this. However, this is probably a good thing since my truck was handling so poorly under the additional tonnage of all my worldly possessions that it would have been well-nigh impossible to use a camera and stay on the road. All loaded down, Bucephalus did look like the Beverly Hillbillymobile, which made me happy. It was a real trick to stay about 65mph when going up hills, though.
We relied partially on our wits and natural sense of direction to get us there. I stuck my nose out the window, using my superhuman senses to track my way towards Virginia. Dad, ever the woodsman, would stop occasionally and inspect the trees and undergrowth in order to find out exact location, and the direction we should go from there. The Garmin GPS unit was also very important.
We had no problems in our journey until we neared D.C. proper, where we were hindered by poor road design and bad traffic. Finally, we appeared in Alexandria, in our finery. The total trip time was about 11 hours.
Moving
The moving and unpacking process was relatively painless. By the time we had arrived, Claire's stuff had been unpacked and put away. In short order, my things were brought up and the apartment was filled with new boxes.
Over the next day-or-so, the boxes disappeared. Claire's family (and friend) were invaluable in helping us get things set up for habitation. Though Dad could not stay the whole weekend, he did me the huge favor of setting up my brand-spankin' new shelves. They look fantastic.
By Saturday evening, 95% of the boxes were gone and the apartment has reached what may be considered it's final form.
---
By request, here are more pictures of Tenzing, the Puppy.
1801 DeWitt Ave, Unit E
Alexandria, VA
22301
Also, many thanks for the lovely cards, e-greetings (via facebook or otherwise), and packages that have accompanied my birthday. It's been great!
Traveling
Early on the morning of August 1, Dad and I set off on a great adventure. We began with Dad commenting on the fact that I hadn't showered that morning. My logic was, as always, impeccable: there's no point in me showering if I am going to be sweaty and nasty by the time I show up!
Our route was pretty straightforward, and was quite pretty. I-70 through Ohio was a beautiful prairie dawn. Further east, the seemingly unending hours on the Pennsylvania Turnpike offered some truly fantastic views -- immense gorges, infinite acres of green trees, hundreds of miles between rest stops, etc.
Unfortunately there are no pictures of any of this. However, this is probably a good thing since my truck was handling so poorly under the additional tonnage of all my worldly possessions that it would have been well-nigh impossible to use a camera and stay on the road. All loaded down, Bucephalus did look like the Beverly Hillbillymobile, which made me happy. It was a real trick to stay about 65mph when going up hills, though.
We relied partially on our wits and natural sense of direction to get us there. I stuck my nose out the window, using my superhuman senses to track my way towards Virginia. Dad, ever the woodsman, would stop occasionally and inspect the trees and undergrowth in order to find out exact location, and the direction we should go from there. The Garmin GPS unit was also very important.
We had no problems in our journey until we neared D.C. proper, where we were hindered by poor road design and bad traffic. Finally, we appeared in Alexandria, in our finery. The total trip time was about 11 hours.
Moving
The moving and unpacking process was relatively painless. By the time we had arrived, Claire's stuff had been unpacked and put away. In short order, my things were brought up and the apartment was filled with new boxes.
Over the next day-or-so, the boxes disappeared. Claire's family (and friend) were invaluable in helping us get things set up for habitation. Though Dad could not stay the whole weekend, he did me the huge favor of setting up my brand-spankin' new shelves. They look fantastic.
By Saturday evening, 95% of the boxes were gone and the apartment has reached what may be considered it's final form.
 |
| Virginia Apartment: Awesome |
---
By request, here are more pictures of Tenzing, the Puppy.
 |
| Tenzing |
Sunday, August 03, 2008
"We are monkeys with money and guns."
I have moved in to Virginia! Post regarding this coming soon! What follows is a post about other things!
---
Tom Waits proves that, once again, he is one of America's greatest natural resources.
Here's an interview he performed on himself -- naturally, without a license.
And here's his press conference video.
---
Have you seen "Garfield Minus Garfield?" It's a simple idea. By removing Garfield from the comic strip, it becomes clear that Jon is insane -- trapped in some kind of personal, existential hell.
The Beat informs me that there is a forthcoming book of Garfield Minus Garfield. However, it will include the original comic strips. This does not impress me.
What does impress me is that Jim Davis, noted sell-out and Garfield artist fully supports and endorses the Garfield-Minus-Garfield concept. While this moves him up several notches in my book, I suppose I should not be impressed. He's already repackaged the Garfield concept in as many forms imaginable for fun and profit; the next logical step would be to sell you the same product but without the product.
---
Tom Waits proves that, once again, he is one of America's greatest natural resources.
Here's an interview he performed on himself -- naturally, without a license.
And here's his press conference video.
---
Have you seen "Garfield Minus Garfield?" It's a simple idea. By removing Garfield from the comic strip, it becomes clear that Jon is insane -- trapped in some kind of personal, existential hell.
The Beat informs me that there is a forthcoming book of Garfield Minus Garfield. However, it will include the original comic strips. This does not impress me.
What does impress me is that Jim Davis, noted sell-out and Garfield artist fully supports and endorses the Garfield-Minus-Garfield concept. While this moves him up several notches in my book, I suppose I should not be impressed. He's already repackaged the Garfield concept in as many forms imaginable for fun and profit; the next logical step would be to sell you the same product but without the product.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The End Of An Era
I have left the Student Pub Building, where I spent more time in college than any other single location, never to return as a student.
Tomorrow, I am moving away from Michigan. It will be my longest, most comprehensive move.
I have said goodbye to (some) childish things, and put many of them (read: junk) at the curb after cleaning out my room.
These may be huge, shocking developments in my life but none of them can hold a candle to this:
That, friends, is my Bondi Blue iBook being sent in for recycling. Purchased weeks after their release the blue book sported a ridiculously small 2gb drive and originally ran OS 8.6. It weighed 9.6 lbs, ran at a moderate 300mhz and had a whopping 64mb of RAM onboard. Though it was wireless-ready, it did not have the optional AirPort card built-in.
Godspeed, Bondi Blue iBook. Perhaps I will meet you again, refashioned into a better, functional, computer.
---
Perhaps I am being overly harsh. I used it for years, and despite being dog-slow and woefully lacking in storage it still performed the duties I asked of it. Before recycling, I booted it up to remove any important data. After at least four years without power, it booted like a dream.
The laptop was not recycled with Apple's idiotic program, which would have required me to buy a new computer, but via Office Depot. I walked in, I put the ol' mac in a box, and am completely eco-guilt free. That's worth $5.
---
I just got a rejection letter from the Georgetown Research News. This is particularly unfortunate, since it was the last publication that was on my radar.
Tomorrow, I am moving away from Michigan. It will be my longest, most comprehensive move.
I have said goodbye to (some) childish things, and put many of them (read: junk) at the curb after cleaning out my room.
These may be huge, shocking developments in my life but none of them can hold a candle to this:
That, friends, is my Bondi Blue iBook being sent in for recycling. Purchased weeks after their release the blue book sported a ridiculously small 2gb drive and originally ran OS 8.6. It weighed 9.6 lbs, ran at a moderate 300mhz and had a whopping 64mb of RAM onboard. Though it was wireless-ready, it did not have the optional AirPort card built-in.
Godspeed, Bondi Blue iBook. Perhaps I will meet you again, refashioned into a better, functional, computer.
---
Perhaps I am being overly harsh. I used it for years, and despite being dog-slow and woefully lacking in storage it still performed the duties I asked of it. Before recycling, I booted it up to remove any important data. After at least four years without power, it booted like a dream.
The laptop was not recycled with Apple's idiotic program, which would have required me to buy a new computer, but via Office Depot. I walked in, I put the ol' mac in a box, and am completely eco-guilt free. That's worth $5.
---
I just got a rejection letter from the Georgetown Research News. This is particularly unfortunate, since it was the last publication that was on my radar.
Travel Plans -- Virginia Bound
Dad and I are zipping off at 7am from Chatteau De Eddy in Troy, with hopes and dreams of arriving in Alexandria before 5pm.
Behold!
View Larger Map
At least that's the plan for the moment.
--
Tomorrow, I pack. Tonight, I listen to Ezra Furman and the Harpoons for the 50,000th time.
Behold!
View Larger Map
At least that's the plan for the moment.
--
Tomorrow, I pack. Tonight, I listen to Ezra Furman and the Harpoons for the 50,000th time.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Have Ira Glass Confront Your Friends!
Have a friend that doesn't contribute to NPR? Stick Ira Glass on them!
From the This American Life blog:
Guys, do not rat me out to Ira. I don't want him to know about my failures. Also, it probably won't help me get a job with NPR if I don't donate (often).
From the This American Life blog:
Hi there. Ira Glass writing this. A few weeks ago, I met this listener who had an idea for the pledge drive. He said he had a close friend who listens to public radio every day, but never pledges. He said I should call the friend and record the conversation as I try to talk him into pledging. He said I should get other listeners to turn in their non-pledging friends.
I'll admit, I'm not totally sure if this is a smart idea or not. But it seems worth a few phone calls to find out. So I'm turning to you.
I'm writing to ask you to turn in a friend. If you know someone who listens to public radio avidly, several days a week or more, talks about stuff they hear on Morning Edition or Car Talk or our show, but they never pledge...I'd like to give them a call. I'll be nice, I swear. But I will ask them why they don't pledge. And I'll try to talk them into pledging. And I'll record the whole thing and—if it works—I'll put it on the radio.
So...if you know someone like that...send me their names and a sentence or two about how much public radio they seem to listen to...and their phone numbers. Don't warn them that I might call. And send me your number too. I might want to begin these little pledge segments with the person who's turning in the deadbeat listener.
Send all the info to radio@thislife.org with the subject "Turning in a Friend."
One more thing. This whole scheme probably only makes sense if the person turning in their friend is someone who pledges. So if you don't pledge, please know a) we're still friends b) you're in the majority; most people who hear our show never pledge and c) this little scheme I'm cooking up for the show is probably one for you to sit out.
Okay. I think that's everything. Thanks for your time.
Ira Glass
Guys, do not rat me out to Ira. I don't want him to know about my failures. Also, it probably won't help me get a job with NPR if I don't donate (often).
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Knol
Google's answer to Wikipedia?
knol.google.com has a collection of articles it calls Knols -- further defined as a "unit of knowledge" -- which is searchable. So, it IS exactly Wikipedia, except that you see who the authors are, they present credentials.
Interesting idea, but I don't think it will make a dent in the Wikipedia crowd. However, you probably could site this in your College essays and not get a stern talking-to from the prof.
knol.google.com has a collection of articles it calls Knols -- further defined as a "unit of knowledge" -- which is searchable. So, it IS exactly Wikipedia, except that you see who the authors are, they present credentials.
Interesting idea, but I don't think it will make a dent in the Wikipedia crowd. However, you probably could site this in your College essays and not get a stern talking-to from the prof.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Don't Trust Your Instincts
I received this rejection letter a few days ago:
They "appear" to have backgrounds better suited to the needs of your department? You sound unsure, or condescending. I can't tell.
---
As you may have gathered from my Twitterings, I had some car trouble yesterday. The break line went, and I lost compression in the rear brakes and had very little in the front. The annoyance of having car trouble was nothing compared to the emotional trauma of having to pay for it. However, the car runs great again and will propel me southward, toward D.C.
Weird octopi with more than eight arms. How many? Try 85.
Completely awesome Rubix Cube solving robot made of Legos. Finally!
I move in 10 days.
Dear William,
Thank you for submitting your resume to [name withheld]. Your resume has been received and reviewed for the [position to which you applied]. Your qualifications for the position were carefully considered, however, other candidates appear to have backgrounds better suited to the needs of the department.
They "appear" to have backgrounds better suited to the needs of your department? You sound unsure, or condescending. I can't tell.
---
As you may have gathered from my Twitterings, I had some car trouble yesterday. The break line went, and I lost compression in the rear brakes and had very little in the front. The annoyance of having car trouble was nothing compared to the emotional trauma of having to pay for it. However, the car runs great again and will propel me southward, toward D.C.
Weird octopi with more than eight arms. How many? Try 85.
Completely awesome Rubix Cube solving robot made of Legos. Finally!
I move in 10 days.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Background Music
The outcome of this lawsuit is critical.
If the suit is defeated, it might set a precedent against the use of copyrighted music in YouTube videos. Can you imagine the consequences? Nothing but free-license background music or awkward silence in all YouTube videos. Truly, the end of days.
I don't really know where to come down on this one. If she wins, it will certainly be appealed. The likely argument being that there is too much room for abuse.
---
I can say all of this with full authority because I am a make-believe legal scholar with a Doctorate of Law from Imaginary Univeristy (Go Dragoonicorntalopes!).
If the suit is defeated, it might set a precedent against the use of copyrighted music in YouTube videos. Can you imagine the consequences? Nothing but free-license background music or awkward silence in all YouTube videos. Truly, the end of days.
I don't really know where to come down on this one. If she wins, it will certainly be appealed. The likely argument being that there is too much room for abuse.
---
I can say all of this with full authority because I am a make-believe legal scholar with a Doctorate of Law from Imaginary Univeristy (Go Dragoonicorntalopes!).
Friday, July 18, 2008
Pack Different
For those with bingo cards, I am back in Troy and have begun packing up my room.
That's not interesting, but this is:
Chessboxing! Sport of Kings!
Amazing pictures of a royal funeral in Bali.
That's not interesting, but this is:
Chessboxing! Sport of Kings!
Amazing pictures of a royal funeral in Bali.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
But Why Arizona?
I recently returned from a brief trip to Arizona. I'm sure that anyone watching the TwitterBox noticed that I was there, though I realized (a little belatedly) that I didn't explain to many people why I was there.
Claire (girlfriend) spent two summers at the Homol'ovi National park, working with UM Professeor Lisa Young. After those collective weeks of sweltering, scrubbing, scraping and learning the entirety of Southwestern Ceramic typologies, Claire produced an award-winning undergraduate thesis based on the data collected from two sites in the park.
One of the sites, HP36, is a pithouse village and was undergoing further excavation when we visited. Dr. young was kind enough to take us around and tell us what everything was, and give us a history of the area. This year's dig brought some very surprising results to light, but I fear that my ignorance on the subject will prevent me from describing them accurately.
Later on, we took a trip out to Creswell, where Claire did her digging and the other site used in her thesis. However, there was little to see since each site is back-filled at the end of the season in order to preserve it.
We were also in time for Suvoyuki Day at the park, where members of the Hopi Nation have various informational booths, crafts, and food available for gawking tourists like myself. The food was fantastic: pit roasted corn is amazing. I also purchased a Cricket-girl Kachina doll, and Claire received the admonishing Grandmother Kachina doll from her mother.
When outside the park, we stayed in Winslow -- home of the famed street corner where Don Henley "took it easy." He's bee immortalized with a bronze statue on main-street corner. Sadly, I was unable to carry out Mojo Nixon's instructions, as the statue was cordoned off due to construction.
However, if any of you happen to be passing through Winslow: EAT AT LA POSADA. It's a gorgeous old hotel by the train tracks, and has some of the best food I have ever eaten. (Protip: Order the Elk, and have chocolate-covered champagne grapes for dessert.)
---
Some links I have been saving for you:
The NYTimes likes blimps, and so do I!
Save the Totoro Forest.
Surprisingly beautiful pictures of Japanese flood control gates.
Claire (girlfriend) spent two summers at the Homol'ovi National park, working with UM Professeor Lisa Young. After those collective weeks of sweltering, scrubbing, scraping and learning the entirety of Southwestern Ceramic typologies, Claire produced an award-winning undergraduate thesis based on the data collected from two sites in the park.
One of the sites, HP36, is a pithouse village and was undergoing further excavation when we visited. Dr. young was kind enough to take us around and tell us what everything was, and give us a history of the area. This year's dig brought some very surprising results to light, but I fear that my ignorance on the subject will prevent me from describing them accurately.
Later on, we took a trip out to Creswell, where Claire did her digging and the other site used in her thesis. However, there was little to see since each site is back-filled at the end of the season in order to preserve it.
We were also in time for Suvoyuki Day at the park, where members of the Hopi Nation have various informational booths, crafts, and food available for gawking tourists like myself. The food was fantastic: pit roasted corn is amazing. I also purchased a Cricket-girl Kachina doll, and Claire received the admonishing Grandmother Kachina doll from her mother.
When outside the park, we stayed in Winslow -- home of the famed street corner where Don Henley "took it easy." He's bee immortalized with a bronze statue on main-street corner. Sadly, I was unable to carry out Mojo Nixon's instructions, as the statue was cordoned off due to construction.
However, if any of you happen to be passing through Winslow: EAT AT LA POSADA. It's a gorgeous old hotel by the train tracks, and has some of the best food I have ever eaten. (Protip: Order the Elk, and have chocolate-covered champagne grapes for dessert.)
 |
| Arizona |
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Some links I have been saving for you:
The NYTimes likes blimps, and so do I!
Save the Totoro Forest.
Surprisingly beautiful pictures of Japanese flood control gates.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Automated Messages
I love the automated confirmation/rejection emails I receive from the employers I have contacted.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am a letter. And I am "W."
Dear W.,
Thank you for your interest in the [name withheld]. Your resume has been received by our recruitment staff. If we determine that your qualifications match job requirements for available positions, we will contact you.
Ladies and gentlemen, I am a letter. And I am "W."
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Twittering Telescopes
Many of you, dear readers, are familiar with the online-phenomenon "Twitter."
I've been doing more Twittering lately, and I'm having a good time with it. I've yet to get it up and running on my phone, but that's my problem.
Today, in my wanderings, I discovered that several radio telescopes in the UK are twittering. They might be the worlds most boring twitterers:
And so on.
Obviously, the only people really interested in these are the researchers themselves. Although, there is something kind of fun about having this kind of knowledge on hand. For bonus fun, take a look at whose Twitters the telescope is reading (hint: other telescopes).
---
On another note, more of you all out there should start Twittering. That way, you (like me) can be part of the United Internet Idiocy (UII).
I've been doing more Twittering lately, and I'm having a good time with it. I've yet to get it up and running on my phone, but that's my problem.
Today, in my wanderings, I discovered that several radio telescopes in the UK are twittering. They might be the worlds most boring twitterers:
Knockin Observing: space (16:28:38.403 +47:34:16) http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/vlb...
Knockin Observing: space (16:33:23.435 +47:18:58) http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/vlb...
Knockin Observing: space (16:28:38.403 +47:34:16) http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/vlb...
Knockin Observing: space (16:34:02.340 +48:09:25) http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/vlb...
Knockin Observing: space (16:28:38.403 +47:34:16) http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/vlb...
And so on.
Obviously, the only people really interested in these are the researchers themselves. Although, there is something kind of fun about having this kind of knowledge on hand. For bonus fun, take a look at whose Twitters the telescope is reading (hint: other telescopes).
---
On another note, more of you all out there should start Twittering. That way, you (like me) can be part of the United Internet Idiocy (UII).
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