This afternoon, I was over at Stacey's house. She was working on Linguistics homework, and I was camped out in front of my laptop, writing SPARC assembly language code. She asked what sort of program I was doing. It was just a program to calculate the value of a certain polynomial. She didn't understand why I would be doing something like that. It wasn't something I could explain in few enough words to do so in a brief conversation, so I didn't.
Well, here's a brief explanation. We typically work on very small programs to learn new concepts/algorithms/instructions because the point of the exercise is to learn that one specific thing. We could write them into larger, more "useful" programs, but the point isn't to write a big program. If we did that, we would learn a lot less in each class, because we would spend a lot of time on all the extraneous coding for the program - stuff we *do* know how to do, but requires a lot of coding grunt-work.
Eventually, in later classes, we'll use all these things we learned and will put them together in bigger programs. Right now, the idea is to learn all of the "building blocks".
Ironically, the largest program that I've ever written was actually in my very 1st C/C++ programming class, back at Porterville College. We had learned the *very* basics (arithmetic operations, loop structures, etc), and put them together in a final project. The things that I have done since then have been a LOT harder and more useful in the long run, but we haven't implemented them into larger programs.
Anyway, I have plans to start some programming projects on the side in the not-too-distant future. After I learn a bit more...
Thursday, September 19
TINY TIM CAN WALK!
Watch out, suckers, for I am a mob-ile leth-ile project-ile.
Or, more accurately, I am able to limp around now on two feet. The orthopedic doctor cleared me to walk. The bone will not be fully healed for another 4 weeks, though, so I have to keep it from getting bumped, stepped on (Stacey, Shelby, that means you two), and other such things that might cause the healing bones to whack out of alignment. I have a bump on the bottom of my toe (not really a visible bump, but one I can feel) which is hardened swelling, which kinda makes walking uncomfortable and borderline painful. But I got some new wide shoes, and insoles, so I can tough it out.
The trumpets blare, celebrating my return to bipedalism.
UPDATE: 1:33pm - Wow, what a difference half a day makes. After walking on it, and even working out on an elliptical trainer at Bally Fitness, the swelling on the bottom of my toe has softened and mostly receded. The difference between this morning and now is like night and day. The toe is still tender, as it will be for the next few weeks. But I'm feeling 110% better now than I was the same time a day ago.
Watch out, suckers, for I am a mob-ile leth-ile project-ile.
Or, more accurately, I am able to limp around now on two feet. The orthopedic doctor cleared me to walk. The bone will not be fully healed for another 4 weeks, though, so I have to keep it from getting bumped, stepped on (Stacey, Shelby, that means you two), and other such things that might cause the healing bones to whack out of alignment. I have a bump on the bottom of my toe (not really a visible bump, but one I can feel) which is hardened swelling, which kinda makes walking uncomfortable and borderline painful. But I got some new wide shoes, and insoles, so I can tough it out.
The trumpets blare, celebrating my return to bipedalism.
UPDATE: 1:33pm - Wow, what a difference half a day makes. After walking on it, and even working out on an elliptical trainer at Bally Fitness, the swelling on the bottom of my toe has softened and mostly receded. The difference between this morning and now is like night and day. The toe is still tender, as it will be for the next few weeks. But I'm feeling 110% better now than I was the same time a day ago.
Wednesday, September 18
If you haven't, read yesterday's entry before today's. Read the entries for both days from bottom-to-top, to catch the drama as it unfolded.
Sold my Soloflex! Today was indeed the last day that the ad was to be run. I only had one other real "call" on it, and the guy never showed to look at it. All other calls were from people that had no clue what a Soloflex was. They were usually looking for something like a treadmill. Whatever. Anyway, this guy was obviously interested when we talked on the phone. He spent less than 2 minutes inspecting it, and declared he wanted it. He had the cash, so we were good to go. We disassembled the sucker and got it into his car.
Now I have money to buy my new TV! w00t!
Sold my Soloflex! Today was indeed the last day that the ad was to be run. I only had one other real "call" on it, and the guy never showed to look at it. All other calls were from people that had no clue what a Soloflex was. They were usually looking for something like a treadmill. Whatever. Anyway, this guy was obviously interested when we talked on the phone. He spent less than 2 minutes inspecting it, and declared he wanted it. He had the cash, so we were good to go. We disassembled the sucker and got it into his car.
Now I have money to buy my new TV! w00t!
The LA Kings win the NHL 2002 Stanley Cup!
I won the Cup in a 4-game sweep over the Washington Capitals. The last two games were no real challenge. Their 1st line center, Jeff Halpern, was on a cold streak in the last two games, and it was obvious how key he is to that first line. They couldn't generate any real scoring opportunities.
Now, onto some awards:
Playoff MVP: Bryan Smolinski. My 2nd line center scored more goals in the 21-game playoff run than he did in the 58-game "medium" length regular season. He scored many of our key goals, including that Game 7 winner against Colorado (which was basically the goal that won the championship for me). While Jason Allison was my leading scorer (and the player that the game gave the Conn Smyth trophy to), I felt Smolinski was *the* best player on the team in the playoffs.
Regular Season MVP: Adam Deadmarsh. This award was a lot harder to give out. Ziggy Palffy and Jason Allison were higher scorers, but Deadmarsh was more of a force, both on defense and in forechecking. He disrupted on defense and created opportunities on offense. Things were a lot harder anytime he was on a cold streak.
Top Defenseman: Mattias Norstrom. It was hard to choose between him and Mathieu Schneider. Norstrom is a real force on defense, while Schneider is a much better shot (even though Norstrom has more shooting power, Schneider scores more goals).
Best Midseason Acquisition: Karlis Skrastins. Of course, I only made one roster move during the season (a straight-across trade: Philippe Boucher for Skrastins). But Skrastins was a real boon for me. I like having one physical defenseman and one shooting defenseman on each line. By adding Skrastins, I bumped Visnovsky down to 3rd line, giving Schneider a power defenseman partner on the 2nd line. (My 1st line is a little different, as Norstrom is both the shooter and the power player, and Aaron Miller is just decent at both).
That Game 7 against Colorado reminded me why I am getting in the gaming business. The kind of experience that provides cannot be duplicated by TV, movies, or music. Those are all "passive" forms of entertainment - you're not a participant controlling the action. They can't draw you in on the same level. Ever played a 58-game regular season, and fifteen playoff games, for it to all come down to a single game - tied at 0-0 at the end of regulation, and you have an arm tied behind your back (i.e. your best players all on cold streaks)? Script writers would kill to be able to create that kind of tension. Eventually, when we make better, more involved, and more intelligent games, more people will understand the power of interactive entertainment. But in the meantime, those of us in the action (and who are willing to forgive the shortcomings of the media) will enjoy experiences like these. Video games are way more than just mindless blast-em-up action.
I won the Cup in a 4-game sweep over the Washington Capitals. The last two games were no real challenge. Their 1st line center, Jeff Halpern, was on a cold streak in the last two games, and it was obvious how key he is to that first line. They couldn't generate any real scoring opportunities.
Now, onto some awards:
Playoff MVP: Bryan Smolinski. My 2nd line center scored more goals in the 21-game playoff run than he did in the 58-game "medium" length regular season. He scored many of our key goals, including that Game 7 winner against Colorado (which was basically the goal that won the championship for me). While Jason Allison was my leading scorer (and the player that the game gave the Conn Smyth trophy to), I felt Smolinski was *the* best player on the team in the playoffs.
Regular Season MVP: Adam Deadmarsh. This award was a lot harder to give out. Ziggy Palffy and Jason Allison were higher scorers, but Deadmarsh was more of a force, both on defense and in forechecking. He disrupted on defense and created opportunities on offense. Things were a lot harder anytime he was on a cold streak.
Top Defenseman: Mattias Norstrom. It was hard to choose between him and Mathieu Schneider. Norstrom is a real force on defense, while Schneider is a much better shot (even though Norstrom has more shooting power, Schneider scores more goals).
Best Midseason Acquisition: Karlis Skrastins. Of course, I only made one roster move during the season (a straight-across trade: Philippe Boucher for Skrastins). But Skrastins was a real boon for me. I like having one physical defenseman and one shooting defenseman on each line. By adding Skrastins, I bumped Visnovsky down to 3rd line, giving Schneider a power defenseman partner on the 2nd line. (My 1st line is a little different, as Norstrom is both the shooter and the power player, and Aaron Miller is just decent at both).
That Game 7 against Colorado reminded me why I am getting in the gaming business. The kind of experience that provides cannot be duplicated by TV, movies, or music. Those are all "passive" forms of entertainment - you're not a participant controlling the action. They can't draw you in on the same level. Ever played a 58-game regular season, and fifteen playoff games, for it to all come down to a single game - tied at 0-0 at the end of regulation, and you have an arm tied behind your back (i.e. your best players all on cold streaks)? Script writers would kill to be able to create that kind of tension. Eventually, when we make better, more involved, and more intelligent games, more people will understand the power of interactive entertainment. But in the meantime, those of us in the action (and who are willing to forgive the shortcomings of the media) will enjoy experiences like these. Video games are way more than just mindless blast-em-up action.
My NHL 2002 Kings are currently up on Washington, two games to none. Deadmarsh and Palffy are still on cold streaks - will you guys get on your game already? Washington hasn't been an easy opponent, but they definitely aren't putting up the fight that Colorado did.
After this NHL 2002 season, I'll probably stop playing until next year's hockey games are released. NHL2K3 for Xbox is supposed to be sweet, and there's always NHL 2003 for either Xbox or PC. The games release in November.
I haven't been playing NFL2K3 since this weekend. When Xbox Live comes out in November, me and Derek will play it online. In the meantime, Derek plans on getting the game for the PS2, which is already online playable. We shall dominate the Internet football fields. :)
I think I have a buyer for my Soloflex. He's coming to my apartment at "5:00 sharp" to look at it, and he's coming in a vehicle capable of transporting it. Today was like the last day that my classified ad runs, so I hope this sale happens.
I went into the CSUF health center today to have X-rays of my toe taken. I go in tomorrow to have the orthopedic doctor look at them. Hopefully I get some GOOD news.
Wish me luck.
After this NHL 2002 season, I'll probably stop playing until next year's hockey games are released. NHL2K3 for Xbox is supposed to be sweet, and there's always NHL 2003 for either Xbox or PC. The games release in November.
I haven't been playing NFL2K3 since this weekend. When Xbox Live comes out in November, me and Derek will play it online. In the meantime, Derek plans on getting the game for the PS2, which is already online playable. We shall dominate the Internet football fields. :)
I think I have a buyer for my Soloflex. He's coming to my apartment at "5:00 sharp" to look at it, and he's coming in a vehicle capable of transporting it. Today was like the last day that my classified ad runs, so I hope this sale happens.
I went into the CSUF health center today to have X-rays of my toe taken. I go in tomorrow to have the orthopedic doctor look at them. Hopefully I get some GOOD news.
Wish me luck.
Tuesday, September 17
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?
If you haven't already, read the log entry before this one (starts with the words "Still not walking."). ...... done? Now, continue:
UNBELIEVABLE! After 3 periods of hockey, my cold-as-ice NHL 2002 LA Kings were in a 0-0 dead heat with the Avalanche. Felix Potvin was on his game. For this game, I lowered my team's offensive aggressiveness, because if Sakic, Forsberg, or Hejduk (or, normally, Tanguay, for that matter) got a breakaway, it would be a sure goal... and my offensive firepower was too weak to hang in the game.
Potvin actually blocked TWO Tanguay breakaways (only one of them was a real quality "breakaway", but still, blocking that was a miracle). Also a miracle in overtime was Joe Sakic missing an open net on a backhand shot. It wasn't an easy shot, but the net was wiiiide open.
There are very few times where I have been as on edge in a game as I was in this one. 50-some regular season games, plus two playoff serieses, all coming down to this Game 7 against a team with a HUGE advantage over me (they have an advantage when we're dead even, let alone when my stars are all on cold streaks).
I dinked. I dunked. I played ultra-conservative defense. I wasn't going to let ANYONE get through. Every possession by the Avs first line was a heart-stopping affair. Hejduk/Forsberg/Sakic were passing the puck around like madmen, trying to create opportunities. Meanwhile, I am desperately trying to both keep all the action in front of me, and jump into those passing lanes. My heart shut down every time a Colorado player took a shot on net.
After scrapping through 3 periods of hockey, I was hurting. I had about 3 decent scoring opportunities in regulation. Finally, about 8 minutes into the overtime period, Bryan Smolinski whips around in the slot to the right, winds up, takes a slapshot for the far side of the net, and BAM, it goes in! The scene on the ice was something like this!
In all, Potvin blocked all 15 shots that went his way. Colorado's Patrick Roy blocked 24 of the 25 I fired off at him. Deadmarsh and Palffy were completely ineffective as shooters, mostly ineffective as passers/puck handlers, and were only mildly effective on defense. Allison had to be everywhere at once when the 1st line was on the ice. My poor defensemen Norstrom and Miller have to be the real MVPs of the game, as they essentially shut down Colorado's top trio. The second liners fared less good, as Alex Tanguay had some opportunities to score - that's where Potvin (finally) came through.
Everything had to go my way to win. The defense had to shut out the Avs. The offense had to find a way to score with my top scorers all cold. Potvin had to block everything, when he was normally letting 1-2 go in for every 10 shots (this time, 15 shots and 0 goals). Absolutely amazing.
It's not over yet. I have to take on the Washington Capitals (who upset the league-best Philadelphia Flyers in 5 games!) for the Stanley Cup. But wow, this was amazing. Question now is, should I stick with the backed-off defensive gameplan, and try and win with less scoring opportunities of my own? Who knows. At any rate, this 1st game will still be tough, as Deadmarsh and Palffy are still cold (Ronning is back to normal, so I at least have a complete 2nd line).
If you haven't already, read the log entry before this one (starts with the words "Still not walking."). ...... done? Now, continue:
UNBELIEVABLE! After 3 periods of hockey, my cold-as-ice NHL 2002 LA Kings were in a 0-0 dead heat with the Avalanche. Felix Potvin was on his game. For this game, I lowered my team's offensive aggressiveness, because if Sakic, Forsberg, or Hejduk (or, normally, Tanguay, for that matter) got a breakaway, it would be a sure goal... and my offensive firepower was too weak to hang in the game.
Potvin actually blocked TWO Tanguay breakaways (only one of them was a real quality "breakaway", but still, blocking that was a miracle). Also a miracle in overtime was Joe Sakic missing an open net on a backhand shot. It wasn't an easy shot, but the net was wiiiide open.
There are very few times where I have been as on edge in a game as I was in this one. 50-some regular season games, plus two playoff serieses, all coming down to this Game 7 against a team with a HUGE advantage over me (they have an advantage when we're dead even, let alone when my stars are all on cold streaks).
I dinked. I dunked. I played ultra-conservative defense. I wasn't going to let ANYONE get through. Every possession by the Avs first line was a heart-stopping affair. Hejduk/Forsberg/Sakic were passing the puck around like madmen, trying to create opportunities. Meanwhile, I am desperately trying to both keep all the action in front of me, and jump into those passing lanes. My heart shut down every time a Colorado player took a shot on net.
After scrapping through 3 periods of hockey, I was hurting. I had about 3 decent scoring opportunities in regulation. Finally, about 8 minutes into the overtime period, Bryan Smolinski whips around in the slot to the right, winds up, takes a slapshot for the far side of the net, and BAM, it goes in! The scene on the ice was something like this!
In all, Potvin blocked all 15 shots that went his way. Colorado's Patrick Roy blocked 24 of the 25 I fired off at him. Deadmarsh and Palffy were completely ineffective as shooters, mostly ineffective as passers/puck handlers, and were only mildly effective on defense. Allison had to be everywhere at once when the 1st line was on the ice. My poor defensemen Norstrom and Miller have to be the real MVPs of the game, as they essentially shut down Colorado's top trio. The second liners fared less good, as Alex Tanguay had some opportunities to score - that's where Potvin (finally) came through.
Everything had to go my way to win. The defense had to shut out the Avs. The offense had to find a way to score with my top scorers all cold. Potvin had to block everything, when he was normally letting 1-2 go in for every 10 shots (this time, 15 shots and 0 goals). Absolutely amazing.
It's not over yet. I have to take on the Washington Capitals (who upset the league-best Philadelphia Flyers in 5 games!) for the Stanley Cup. But wow, this was amazing. Question now is, should I stick with the backed-off defensive gameplan, and try and win with less scoring opportunities of my own? Who knows. At any rate, this 1st game will still be tough, as Deadmarsh and Palffy are still cold (Ronning is back to normal, so I at least have a complete 2nd line).
Still not walking. Toe just doesn't feel "right" yet. It's a bit frustrating. I'm hoping that, come Thursday's X-Ray appointment, the doctor will tell me that the bone is completely healed and that the discomfort is just a lingering feeling that will go away. I'd have no problem toughing it out at that point. The thing is, I don't want to tough it out NOW, because I don't know if it's a sign that the toe isn't completely healed yet, or if it's just lingering swelling or something (the toe's not *swollen* swollen, but perhaps still a little bit).
The parking lot on my side of the apartment complex was completely resurfaced today, meaning I had to park waaaay on the other side last night, and roll myself to and from the car in my wheelchair since. No fun, but at least it's done now.
Spent most of the day with Stacey. Her Civic was issued a recall, so we took that over to the dealership, and went to the mall while it was being repaired. She enjoyed the newly opened Abercrombie & Fitch, and Hollister & Co. I enjoyed pizza and the sports shop. Looking forward to EBGames (that's Electronic Boutique's games store) opening up. Hopefully it will be even better than FuncoLand.
Stacey's present for me finally arrived in the mail - an LA Kings "away" jersey. I think I'll take it somewhere to have it customized - probably turn it into an Adam Deadmarsh jersey (the one player that I *really* look up to... he's the sort of grinder, physical forward that I want to be if/when I start playing in the adult leagues here). I'm very happy with it. I have football jerseys (a home and an away Mark Brunell jersey, and a home Brian Urlacher), but the only hockey jersey I have is the old-style Kings away jersey from when I was a kid. The new-style ones are cool. Thanks, Stace. :)
Speaking of the Kings, my NHL 2002 Kings are in a war with the Avalanche. Games 5 and 6 both went into overtime, with my Kings taking game 5, and the Avs nabbing game 6 (a game that my squad dominated and should have won). Now, I'm in a game 7, with (get this): Deadmarsh, Palffy, and Ronning all on cold streaks. I've been scoring goals by having Allison pass to one of the wings, and beating Roy to the corner. Now, I doubt either 1st-line wing will be up to the task. It's now pretty much all on my centers (Allison and Smolinski) and my defensemen. I have no clue how I will win this game. It would be an outright miracle if I did. I have to play PERFECT defense, and that's hard when Sakic, Forsberg, and Hejduk simply do not go down when checked.
Wish me luck. :)
Gotta finish my C SCI 60 homework, which is boring as ever.
The parking lot on my side of the apartment complex was completely resurfaced today, meaning I had to park waaaay on the other side last night, and roll myself to and from the car in my wheelchair since. No fun, but at least it's done now.
Spent most of the day with Stacey. Her Civic was issued a recall, so we took that over to the dealership, and went to the mall while it was being repaired. She enjoyed the newly opened Abercrombie & Fitch, and Hollister & Co. I enjoyed pizza and the sports shop. Looking forward to EBGames (that's Electronic Boutique's games store) opening up. Hopefully it will be even better than FuncoLand.
Stacey's present for me finally arrived in the mail - an LA Kings "away" jersey. I think I'll take it somewhere to have it customized - probably turn it into an Adam Deadmarsh jersey (the one player that I *really* look up to... he's the sort of grinder, physical forward that I want to be if/when I start playing in the adult leagues here). I'm very happy with it. I have football jerseys (a home and an away Mark Brunell jersey, and a home Brian Urlacher), but the only hockey jersey I have is the old-style Kings away jersey from when I was a kid. The new-style ones are cool. Thanks, Stace. :)
Speaking of the Kings, my NHL 2002 Kings are in a war with the Avalanche. Games 5 and 6 both went into overtime, with my Kings taking game 5, and the Avs nabbing game 6 (a game that my squad dominated and should have won). Now, I'm in a game 7, with (get this): Deadmarsh, Palffy, and Ronning all on cold streaks. I've been scoring goals by having Allison pass to one of the wings, and beating Roy to the corner. Now, I doubt either 1st-line wing will be up to the task. It's now pretty much all on my centers (Allison and Smolinski) and my defensemen. I have no clue how I will win this game. It would be an outright miracle if I did. I have to play PERFECT defense, and that's hard when Sakic, Forsberg, and Hejduk simply do not go down when checked.
Wish me luck. :)
Gotta finish my C SCI 60 homework, which is boring as ever.
Monday, September 16
C SCI 1 homework and quiz completed. Yawn.
Need to finish my C SCI 60 homework tomorrow. Yawn.
Felix "The (Dead) Cat" Potvin is keeping the Avalanche alive against me in NHL 2002. His goalie abilities are weaker then Terry Friesen (the Fresno Falcons goalie, who my girlfriend dispises).
Got quite a bit to do in C SCI 112 and 115 in the next few weeks. The workload is starting to hit.
I am still not walking fully. I've taken steps on my foot - some of which were OK, others of which caused discomfort. It's not there yet. So close, yet so far.
Need to finish my C SCI 60 homework tomorrow. Yawn.
Felix "The (Dead) Cat" Potvin is keeping the Avalanche alive against me in NHL 2002. His goalie abilities are weaker then Terry Friesen (the Fresno Falcons goalie, who my girlfriend dispises).
Got quite a bit to do in C SCI 112 and 115 in the next few weeks. The workload is starting to hit.
I am still not walking fully. I've taken steps on my foot - some of which were OK, others of which caused discomfort. It's not there yet. So close, yet so far.
You know, if instructors are given choice parking - much closer to classes than student parking is - then the least they could do is show up on time. As students, we're expected to be on time daily, and we have to fend for ourselves in the jungle of parking here on campus (where the cars easily outnumber the parking spaces). Instructors that can't show up on time ought to be banished to the student lots. If they're gonna be late anyway, might as well make them go through our daily hassle.
Surprise, surprise, C SCI 60's homework due date has been pushed back to Wednesday. The instructor uploaded it but forgot to update the links on the class website. This was posted online last night.
Went to my parents house yesterday, to watch the Jaguars slap the Kansas City Chiefs around a bit. Also played NFL2K3 against my brother, and mopped the floor with him: 60-6. To his credit, he used a team that was rated close to mine (his Texans were ranked 31st, my Jags 29th), instead of using a much more highly rated squad. My manually-controlled cover skills are starting to approach my old NFL2K1 abilities, as I was often swarming around the ball, knocking down passes on my own. The way my pass coverage works is that I call a number of zone coverages. I use a player - typically the MLB - whose zone assignment is the center of the field. I maintain this zone until I know there is no real threat coming into my zone. Then, I vacate my zone and make a play on a receiver. It's hard for opponents to throw away from me, because my delayed pursuit gives them little time to react - if they wait until I pick my coverage, they'll have a pass-rush in their face. Plus, sometimes I just drop back into a deeper center zone, and try to make a play on the ball after it's been thrown. I'm happy my pass coverage is starting to come around. I wasn't making any plays when I first got the game.
Surprise, surprise, C SCI 60's homework due date has been pushed back to Wednesday. The instructor uploaded it but forgot to update the links on the class website. This was posted online last night.
Went to my parents house yesterday, to watch the Jaguars slap the Kansas City Chiefs around a bit. Also played NFL2K3 against my brother, and mopped the floor with him: 60-6. To his credit, he used a team that was rated close to mine (his Texans were ranked 31st, my Jags 29th), instead of using a much more highly rated squad. My manually-controlled cover skills are starting to approach my old NFL2K1 abilities, as I was often swarming around the ball, knocking down passes on my own. The way my pass coverage works is that I call a number of zone coverages. I use a player - typically the MLB - whose zone assignment is the center of the field. I maintain this zone until I know there is no real threat coming into my zone. Then, I vacate my zone and make a play on a receiver. It's hard for opponents to throw away from me, because my delayed pursuit gives them little time to react - if they wait until I pick my coverage, they'll have a pass-rush in their face. Plus, sometimes I just drop back into a deeper center zone, and try to make a play on the ball after it's been thrown. I'm happy my pass coverage is starting to come around. I wasn't making any plays when I first got the game.
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