Today was a lazy day. I wasn't in any mood to start my studying, although I actually did get half of my C SCI 60 homework done. I got a workout in too, which was good. So it wasn't ALL lazy.
I slept in until past noon. I had been up late for the past few nights (particularly Thursday night's late-night programming session), and I needed the rest. I watched the Fresno State football game (close win on the road vs. Rice), which, again, is 100 times better on a big flat screen. I'm glad they didn't lose this one. I hate seeing teams that run an OPTION offense win games. How lame.
Some brilliant soul on GameFAQs's NFL2K3 board is trying to convince me that Kurt Warner currently sucks because of his "thumb injury", and that he and Mike Martz are keeping it a secret from the world. Riiiight. Warner's thumb had an offseason to heal. If it ain't healed now, it's never going to be. Apparently it's an arthritic condition, but it's something he's had since the Arena league. So it's basically just an excuse when things are bad. Or, if it's not, can you say "Bozworth"? Either way, the jig is up.
I went to Target, and bought a cordless phone (with caller ID) for my upstairs bedroom. I also got a headset for the phone. And, I got a cool clock radio for my bathroom. Nothing like NPR classical radio in the mornings.
Speaking of classical, I'm currently listening to Dvorak's String Quartets #10 and #11. Pretty good. String quartets are great when you're in a tired mood. They're almost surreal to listen to in the mornings when you've just woken up, and your mind isn't moving very fast yet.
I'm going to Porterville tomorrow, to watch the Jaguars game (they *better* beat the Jets!). I'm taking my programming books with me. Gotta study for midterms (THREE of them on Wednesday). Time to figure out the Towers of Hanoi...
Saturday, September 28
Last night, I stayed up until 1:30am, completing all of my assignment programs.
I must be becoming a programmer. Every "milestone" deadline that I set for myself, I ended up missing. I actually had 0 programs fully functioning at the end of Thursday night. So then I wanted to have 2 done Friday morning. I finished one, and finished another one in the afternoon. Then, I spent a LOT of time on the 3rd program (these first three were all in C++). I got it done, and done well, but it was a fight. After that, I did my assembly language lab. I didn't do a good job on this one - the code was not optimized, and I don't know if it was correctly functional either. But, it wasn't worth that many points, so it was the lowest priority. The first three programs (a real "assignment" in C SCI 115) were the big ones, and I nailed those (I think).
So, this afternoon, I was done with programming. I got a haircut after I got out of class. Later this afternoon, Stacey came over. We went to Blackbeard's to play miniature golf. Well, let's just say the outcome of the game wasn't in my favor. I got way behind on the first 9 holes, and though I made up a lot of ground on the second 9, it wasn't enough. Then, we played some arcade games (I rule at air hockey ;) ). We drove the go-karts too. Stacey had flip-flops on, so she couldn't drive. Thus, she rode as a passenger in my car. Now, most of the people we were racing against were early-to-mid teens. By myself, I'm heavier than most of the tandems, and with another person, our car was definitely more weighed down than everyone else's. There were a couple where only one person was in a car (and they were paper-thin teen girls too, so they weighed nothing at all). Naturally, those single-occupant cars "won" the race. Stacey and I finished third, behind those two, though. My driving was crisp and skillful. I had a REAL hard time fitting my long legs into the car, though! I hit the brake on accident a few times, because my leg was just cramped in there.
Anyway, we went to dinner after that, and sat outside to eat. It was fun. We came back to my place and added some stuff to her website. All in all, a pretty good day.
I know I'm missing some things, but I'm not all that coherent at this hour. Oh, I installed a new Linux distribution - Mandrake 9.0 - on my laptop. More on that later.
I must be becoming a programmer. Every "milestone" deadline that I set for myself, I ended up missing. I actually had 0 programs fully functioning at the end of Thursday night. So then I wanted to have 2 done Friday morning. I finished one, and finished another one in the afternoon. Then, I spent a LOT of time on the 3rd program (these first three were all in C++). I got it done, and done well, but it was a fight. After that, I did my assembly language lab. I didn't do a good job on this one - the code was not optimized, and I don't know if it was correctly functional either. But, it wasn't worth that many points, so it was the lowest priority. The first three programs (a real "assignment" in C SCI 115) were the big ones, and I nailed those (I think).
So, this afternoon, I was done with programming. I got a haircut after I got out of class. Later this afternoon, Stacey came over. We went to Blackbeard's to play miniature golf. Well, let's just say the outcome of the game wasn't in my favor. I got way behind on the first 9 holes, and though I made up a lot of ground on the second 9, it wasn't enough. Then, we played some arcade games (I rule at air hockey ;) ). We drove the go-karts too. Stacey had flip-flops on, so she couldn't drive. Thus, she rode as a passenger in my car. Now, most of the people we were racing against were early-to-mid teens. By myself, I'm heavier than most of the tandems, and with another person, our car was definitely more weighed down than everyone else's. There were a couple where only one person was in a car (and they were paper-thin teen girls too, so they weighed nothing at all). Naturally, those single-occupant cars "won" the race. Stacey and I finished third, behind those two, though. My driving was crisp and skillful. I had a REAL hard time fitting my long legs into the car, though! I hit the brake on accident a few times, because my leg was just cramped in there.
Anyway, we went to dinner after that, and sat outside to eat. It was fun. We came back to my place and added some stuff to her website. All in all, a pretty good day.
I know I'm missing some things, but I'm not all that coherent at this hour. Oh, I installed a new Linux distribution - Mandrake 9.0 - on my laptop. More on that later.
Wednesday, September 25
I got my MP3 player in the mail today! I checked Amazon.com a couple of times today... once, it said to expect delivery tomorrow, and once it said to expect delivery on the 30th! (Given that I paid for two-day shipping, I was going to demand a refund in the latter case). However, true to the "two-day shipping" name, it arrived today.
After letting the batteries charge for 6 hours, I'm now loading it up with albums. By my math, this little handheld device (smaller than a Discman) will hold approximately 250 albums at a time. That's at an album size of 80MB, which is a rough average for the bitrates that my stuff is encoded at (usually 192kb, which to my ears is more or less indiscernable from CD audio). I currently have 50 albums on there, and haven't yet taken up a full 5GB (out of the drive's 20GB capacity), so we're more or less on target for the 250 album ballpark. How sweet is that? 250 albums on one device is enough to satisfy even me (ask Stacey sometime about my "backpack o' CDs" travel habit). I can't hook this up to my car stereo (unless I get a short-range radio device, which works the way hands-free cell phone devices do), which is a distinct possibility at some point.
Right now, I'm listening to Latin Jazz: The Essential Album, a 2CD compilation of, well, "essential" Latin jazz cuts. Kind of interesting at points.
I'm going to be up for a while tonight, working on my programming assignments (due Friday). I'd like to get 2 out of 4 programs done tonight, and knock off the other 2 at my convienence tomorrow (I have the day off).
[Update: My linked list classes are working! Woo!]
After letting the batteries charge for 6 hours, I'm now loading it up with albums. By my math, this little handheld device (smaller than a Discman) will hold approximately 250 albums at a time. That's at an album size of 80MB, which is a rough average for the bitrates that my stuff is encoded at (usually 192kb, which to my ears is more or less indiscernable from CD audio). I currently have 50 albums on there, and haven't yet taken up a full 5GB (out of the drive's 20GB capacity), so we're more or less on target for the 250 album ballpark. How sweet is that? 250 albums on one device is enough to satisfy even me (ask Stacey sometime about my "backpack o' CDs" travel habit). I can't hook this up to my car stereo (unless I get a short-range radio device, which works the way hands-free cell phone devices do), which is a distinct possibility at some point.
Right now, I'm listening to Latin Jazz: The Essential Album, a 2CD compilation of, well, "essential" Latin jazz cuts. Kind of interesting at points.
I'm going to be up for a while tonight, working on my programming assignments (due Friday). I'd like to get 2 out of 4 programs done tonight, and knock off the other 2 at my convienence tomorrow (I have the day off).
[Update: My linked list classes are working! Woo!]
Let me say it again: IT people are idiots.
In specific, CSUF's IT people are idiots.
There are many reasons why I say this. We can start with the lab in the Computer Science department: a room of computers of which only 50% are currently functional. If we had the network security clearence to work on the machines, and the tools & software that the IT guys have, my 112 lab class could probably bring that total up to 75% in a two-hour lab session. That's one reason that I do my lab work from home.
The reason I write this now, however, is that I got another e-mail in my never-ending struggle with my CSUF e-mail account.
For those of you just tuning in, let's recap:
1. My @csufresno.edu account can send and receive mail to/from anyone perfectly through the web-based interface.
2. My account can receive mail from anyone perfectly through the POP protocol.
3. My account can send mail to other @csufresno.edu addresses through POP.
4. My account can not send mail to non-csufresno.edu recipients through POP.
The error provided by the server reads: "551: Delivery not allowed to non-local recipient".
Let's dissect this error message.
551 is just a code number for the error. We can ignore that.
"Delivery not allowed"... sounds like sending this e-mail would be breaking a "rule". The rule isn't something my e-mail client sets, so that kinda narrows it down.
"non-local recipient". Hmm. It sends mail to csufresno.edu fine. It can't send to anything else. Let's see... "csufresno.edu" = local, non-csufresno = non-local.
This seems very cut and dry. The POP server is not allowing outbound e-mail to non-csufresno addresses.
Three chimpanzees could examine this evidence and come to the above conclusion.
Apparently, the CSUF help desk needs to start employing chimpanzees.
I sent one e-mail to the help desk, detailing the problem. After a few weeks, I got a reply, telling me to "check my settings" in my e-mail client. Nevermind that I *told* them in the e-mail what my settings were (they were correct), and nevermind that I tried this experiment on THREE different e-mail clients (Eudora, Outlook Express, and Netscape's mailer).
I replied, pointing out that my settings WERE correct.
A few weeks later, I get an e-mail from them, asking if I still need assistance on this problem. I reply, saying "Yes".
It has now been a few weeks since then, and I got an e-mail from them today, telling me to call them when I get a chance so that we can "go over my settings".
I am currently trying to figure out my next move. Possibilities:
1. Make the phone call, and jump through their hoops until they come to the realization that they are, in fact, idiots. (Barring that, upon completing the hoop jumping, I could simply take a moment to explain it to them).
2. Reply via e-mail, re-stating the evidence and explaining to them in no uncertain terms that they are, in fact, idiots. (Perhaps including a link to this)
3. Ask to have my work order forwarded to the chimpanzee department of the IT staff.
Stay tuned as more develops.
In specific, CSUF's IT people are idiots.
There are many reasons why I say this. We can start with the lab in the Computer Science department: a room of computers of which only 50% are currently functional. If we had the network security clearence to work on the machines, and the tools & software that the IT guys have, my 112 lab class could probably bring that total up to 75% in a two-hour lab session. That's one reason that I do my lab work from home.
The reason I write this now, however, is that I got another e-mail in my never-ending struggle with my CSUF e-mail account.
For those of you just tuning in, let's recap:
1. My @csufresno.edu account can send and receive mail to/from anyone perfectly through the web-based interface.
2. My account can receive mail from anyone perfectly through the POP protocol.
3. My account can send mail to other @csufresno.edu addresses through POP.
4. My account can not send mail to non-csufresno.edu recipients through POP.
The error provided by the server reads: "551: Delivery not allowed to non-local recipient".
Let's dissect this error message.
551 is just a code number for the error. We can ignore that.
"Delivery not allowed"... sounds like sending this e-mail would be breaking a "rule". The rule isn't something my e-mail client sets, so that kinda narrows it down.
"non-local recipient". Hmm. It sends mail to csufresno.edu fine. It can't send to anything else. Let's see... "csufresno.edu" = local, non-csufresno = non-local.
This seems very cut and dry. The POP server is not allowing outbound e-mail to non-csufresno addresses.
Three chimpanzees could examine this evidence and come to the above conclusion.
Apparently, the CSUF help desk needs to start employing chimpanzees.
I sent one e-mail to the help desk, detailing the problem. After a few weeks, I got a reply, telling me to "check my settings" in my e-mail client. Nevermind that I *told* them in the e-mail what my settings were (they were correct), and nevermind that I tried this experiment on THREE different e-mail clients (Eudora, Outlook Express, and Netscape's mailer).
I replied, pointing out that my settings WERE correct.
A few weeks later, I get an e-mail from them, asking if I still need assistance on this problem. I reply, saying "Yes".
It has now been a few weeks since then, and I got an e-mail from them today, telling me to call them when I get a chance so that we can "go over my settings".
I am currently trying to figure out my next move. Possibilities:
1. Make the phone call, and jump through their hoops until they come to the realization that they are, in fact, idiots. (Barring that, upon completing the hoop jumping, I could simply take a moment to explain it to them).
2. Reply via e-mail, re-stating the evidence and explaining to them in no uncertain terms that they are, in fact, idiots. (Perhaps including a link to this)
3. Ask to have my work order forwarded to the chimpanzee department of the IT staff.
Stay tuned as more develops.
Tuesday, September 24
I've been playing NFL2K3! I led my Jaguars to a 13-3 regular season record - good for 1st in the AFC, and a first round bye in the playoffs.
I took care of the Steelers in the divisional championship game. Jerome Bettis was their only real offensive threat.
Miami gave me a scare in the AFC Championship game. On their first play from scrimmage, Miami handed the ball to Ricky Williams, and he ran 74 yards for a touchdown. On their very next possession, Williams broke another 50+ yard TD run. Williams was knocked out of the game late in the 1st half. Fred Taylor, meanwhile, responded with over 180 yards and 3 TDs, as we won 28-24.
Then it was the Rams in the Super Bowl. There's no NFC team I would rather beat than St. Louis. Kurt Warner was, of course, all too willing to accomodate me. The Rams won the toss, and had only two real possessions in the first half. The first possession was a 3 and out. I then ran a ball-control offense that milked the rest of the quarter off the clock as I pounded Fred Taylor through their pourous defense. A pass to Kyle Brady scored the touchdown, 7-0. The Rams went 3-and-out on the next possession. I then drove down to scoring range again, but failed on a 4th down. St. Louis took over deep in their territory, but the half ended before they could get across midfield.
I took the 2nd half kickoff, drove to just short of midfield, but was forced to punt. The Rams offense then started moving. They drove to my 7 yard line, and had 4th-and-inches. The Rams lined up in a 5-wide formation, and completed a 1 yard flat pass to (I think) Proehl. D'oh. Now they're 1st and goal on my 6. A short pass, and then an incompletion leads to 3rd and goal on my 4. They line up 3-wide, Warner drops back, and he underthrows Torry Holt - but he hit my defensive back, Fernando Bryant, right in the numbers. Interception, touchback, my ball on the 20. Way to blow a scoring opportunity in a one-score game, Warner.
Naturally, I drive 80 yards, mostly with Fred Taylor, topping off the drive with a 3 yard Freddie T. touchdown run. Warner & Co. get the ball back with the clock ticking. After completing a few passes to get a drive going, Warner drops back, throws to the left, and BAM, Fernando Bryant jumps in front of the pass, and takes it about 20 yards the other way. Another big fat "choke in the clutch" interception by Kurt Warner, who was obviously modeled very accurately in this game. I drive until time runs out - completed a deep one to Patrick Johnson, who got tackled on the 4 yard line before time expired. Super Bowl win for me, 14-0.
Time for some MVPs:
Season MVP: Jimmy Smith. Boy, it was hard to choose between the league's top-rated passer (Brunell), the halfback who was 8 yards short of the rushing title (Fred Taylor, just coming up short behind Curtis Martin), and Smith, the league's leading WR.
Defensive MVP: Donovin Darius. My leading tackler, Darius also hauled in 2 INTs and a fumble recovery.
Playoff MVP: Fred Taylor. In 3 games, Taylor ran for 401 yards. His 5.6 yards per carry and 7 touchdowns were the sole reason for my victories. In fact, Taylor ran for more yards than Brunell threw in the playoffs.
Super Bowl MVP: Fernando Bryant. The only interceptions that my defense came up with in the playoffs were Bryant's picks of Kurt Warner in the Super Bowl. Bryant was also tied for my 2nd leading tackler (equal with Darius, one behind Wali Rainer).
That's it for now. Time to go workout.
I took care of the Steelers in the divisional championship game. Jerome Bettis was their only real offensive threat.
Miami gave me a scare in the AFC Championship game. On their first play from scrimmage, Miami handed the ball to Ricky Williams, and he ran 74 yards for a touchdown. On their very next possession, Williams broke another 50+ yard TD run. Williams was knocked out of the game late in the 1st half. Fred Taylor, meanwhile, responded with over 180 yards and 3 TDs, as we won 28-24.
Then it was the Rams in the Super Bowl. There's no NFC team I would rather beat than St. Louis. Kurt Warner was, of course, all too willing to accomodate me. The Rams won the toss, and had only two real possessions in the first half. The first possession was a 3 and out. I then ran a ball-control offense that milked the rest of the quarter off the clock as I pounded Fred Taylor through their pourous defense. A pass to Kyle Brady scored the touchdown, 7-0. The Rams went 3-and-out on the next possession. I then drove down to scoring range again, but failed on a 4th down. St. Louis took over deep in their territory, but the half ended before they could get across midfield.
I took the 2nd half kickoff, drove to just short of midfield, but was forced to punt. The Rams offense then started moving. They drove to my 7 yard line, and had 4th-and-inches. The Rams lined up in a 5-wide formation, and completed a 1 yard flat pass to (I think) Proehl. D'oh. Now they're 1st and goal on my 6. A short pass, and then an incompletion leads to 3rd and goal on my 4. They line up 3-wide, Warner drops back, and he underthrows Torry Holt - but he hit my defensive back, Fernando Bryant, right in the numbers. Interception, touchback, my ball on the 20. Way to blow a scoring opportunity in a one-score game, Warner.
Naturally, I drive 80 yards, mostly with Fred Taylor, topping off the drive with a 3 yard Freddie T. touchdown run. Warner & Co. get the ball back with the clock ticking. After completing a few passes to get a drive going, Warner drops back, throws to the left, and BAM, Fernando Bryant jumps in front of the pass, and takes it about 20 yards the other way. Another big fat "choke in the clutch" interception by Kurt Warner, who was obviously modeled very accurately in this game. I drive until time runs out - completed a deep one to Patrick Johnson, who got tackled on the 4 yard line before time expired. Super Bowl win for me, 14-0.
Time for some MVPs:
Season MVP: Jimmy Smith. Boy, it was hard to choose between the league's top-rated passer (Brunell), the halfback who was 8 yards short of the rushing title (Fred Taylor, just coming up short behind Curtis Martin), and Smith, the league's leading WR.
Defensive MVP: Donovin Darius. My leading tackler, Darius also hauled in 2 INTs and a fumble recovery.
Playoff MVP: Fred Taylor. In 3 games, Taylor ran for 401 yards. His 5.6 yards per carry and 7 touchdowns were the sole reason for my victories. In fact, Taylor ran for more yards than Brunell threw in the playoffs.
Super Bowl MVP: Fernando Bryant. The only interceptions that my defense came up with in the playoffs were Bryant's picks of Kurt Warner in the Super Bowl. Bryant was also tied for my 2nd leading tackler (equal with Darius, one behind Wali Rainer).
That's it for now. Time to go workout.
Monday, September 23
My C SCI 1 instructor was late again. Thank goodness I have my laptop to amuse me.
I got a 20/20 on my C SCI 1 quiz. Not that there was really any doubt. This class is boringly easy (so far, at least).
If you want to see what my MP3 player will be like, look here. It's basically a USB 20GB hard drive that also plays MP3s. As far as playback goes, some reviews say it skips when jogging, while others insist it doesn't. All reviews, however, claim that walking does not cause it to skip at all, and that's what I'm concerned about (it's hard for a non-solid state player to not skip during jogging). Since I'm not a jogger, mine won't be subjected to that kind of abuse. Instead, it'll sit on the front panel of an elliptical trainer....
Also interesting is the fact that the device can be used to record things. This could open up some interesting concert bootlegging possibilities. It's hard to explain a DAT deck to security, but show 'em headphones and press "Play" on this device, and you've made your case. At least for now, until recording/playback combo devices become the norm.
I got a 20/20 on my C SCI 1 quiz. Not that there was really any doubt. This class is boringly easy (so far, at least).
If you want to see what my MP3 player will be like, look here. It's basically a USB 20GB hard drive that also plays MP3s. As far as playback goes, some reviews say it skips when jogging, while others insist it doesn't. All reviews, however, claim that walking does not cause it to skip at all, and that's what I'm concerned about (it's hard for a non-solid state player to not skip during jogging). Since I'm not a jogger, mine won't be subjected to that kind of abuse. Instead, it'll sit on the front panel of an elliptical trainer....
Also interesting is the fact that the device can be used to record things. This could open up some interesting concert bootlegging possibilities. It's hard to explain a DAT deck to security, but show 'em headphones and press "Play" on this device, and you've made your case. At least for now, until recording/playback combo devices become the norm.
Sunday, September 22
The theme of the last few days: fatigue.
I have been TIRED. It's way too early to be school semester rundown. I just hit a spell of fatigue, I guess. I was so tired last night. I went to bed before 11:00. And even today, I'm tired and lethargic. I had planned on staying up late last night to finish my C SCI 112 assignment (due tomorrow - Monday), but I'll do that tonight instead.
The only thing I really remember doing on Friday was checking the Costco here in Clovis for TVs. They didn't have what I want. Then I got a call from Stacey, telling me that she didn't have to babysit that night. So, she came over and hung out. We picked up Bobby Salazar's, played Day of the Tentacle, and watched TV. It was fun.
On Saturday, I got up at 7:00am, got showered and dressed, picked up Stacey, and we went and watched my brother's tennis tournament. After that, we shopped for my TV until finally finding one that I wanted (and that would fit in my entertainment center). We got it home, and then everybody (myself, Stacey, my parents and brother) all sat down and watched the first part of the Fresno State/Oregon State game. It was ugly to start, and it got REAL ugly later. Everyone left after a while, leaving me all alone. Then Derek came over for about an hour. We played a couple quick games, and then he left.
Today, I went to breakfast with my parents (who were in town for the 2nd half of Logan's tournament). After that, I checked out CompUSA to see what kind of MP3 players they had. I then went home, and ordered one from Amazon.com instead. I got the Archos Jukebox Recorder 20GB player. I really, really thought about getting the Apple iPod instead. I really wanted to. But Apple, once again, has priced themselves out of competition. Archos's 20GB player was $225. Apple's 5GB player was $299, and their 20GB player was $499. If their 20GB player had been $299, I would have gone for it. But for 5GB? No way. Apple's player is the best, hands down, but not for that price.
Football on TV (football's so much cooler on a big, flat, sharp screen). Gotta finish enjoying the day of football before dealing with my programming assignment.
I have been TIRED. It's way too early to be school semester rundown. I just hit a spell of fatigue, I guess. I was so tired last night. I went to bed before 11:00. And even today, I'm tired and lethargic. I had planned on staying up late last night to finish my C SCI 112 assignment (due tomorrow - Monday), but I'll do that tonight instead.
The only thing I really remember doing on Friday was checking the Costco here in Clovis for TVs. They didn't have what I want. Then I got a call from Stacey, telling me that she didn't have to babysit that night. So, she came over and hung out. We picked up Bobby Salazar's, played Day of the Tentacle, and watched TV. It was fun.
On Saturday, I got up at 7:00am, got showered and dressed, picked up Stacey, and we went and watched my brother's tennis tournament. After that, we shopped for my TV until finally finding one that I wanted (and that would fit in my entertainment center). We got it home, and then everybody (myself, Stacey, my parents and brother) all sat down and watched the first part of the Fresno State/Oregon State game. It was ugly to start, and it got REAL ugly later. Everyone left after a while, leaving me all alone. Then Derek came over for about an hour. We played a couple quick games, and then he left.
Today, I went to breakfast with my parents (who were in town for the 2nd half of Logan's tournament). After that, I checked out CompUSA to see what kind of MP3 players they had. I then went home, and ordered one from Amazon.com instead. I got the Archos Jukebox Recorder 20GB player. I really, really thought about getting the Apple iPod instead. I really wanted to. But Apple, once again, has priced themselves out of competition. Archos's 20GB player was $225. Apple's 5GB player was $299, and their 20GB player was $499. If their 20GB player had been $299, I would have gone for it. But for 5GB? No way. Apple's player is the best, hands down, but not for that price.
Football on TV (football's so much cooler on a big, flat, sharp screen). Gotta finish enjoying the day of football before dealing with my programming assignment.
Thursday, September 19
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...
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...
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.
Saturday, September 14
Listened to Can's Can Box (Live 1971-1977) again. This thing is sweet. Live Can really makes "jam" bands like Phish seem like amateurs.
Speaking of bands, one band whose fanbase puzzles me is the Dave Matthews Band. I suppose it has to do with the fact that they straddle the border between a "musician's band" and a "pop band". They seem to be one of those bands, like Pink Floyd or Rush, whose fanbase places them on a pedestal because they have some actual musical/instrumental talent, thus seperating them from the scores of "popular" bands. That doesn't bother me. What bothers me are how these bands are worshipped as being "the best musicians ever" by fans whose only frame of reference is what they hear on the radio alongside DMB. Yeah, compared to Staind, they're downright virtuosos. But there are so many out there with far greater instrumental talents.
I'm desperately trying to find an old Zappa quote, but I'll have to paraphrase it: Radio, especially American radio, plays such a narrow range of music that it's impossible for listeners to discover what their musical tastes actually are. In a seperate quote, Zappa states: "It's impossible to have a hit record in America unless you pay off." If you listen to radio, read this Salon.com article and come to the understanding that what you hear on the radio isn't there because of quality, but because radio stations are paid to play certain artists/songs. Who chooses those songs? The labels that do the paying. What do they choose? They choose what's marketable.
Most people have no idea how narrow the range of music that they've been exposed to really is. I can't help but laugh at the people that claim to like "a little of everything" - a typical response of a radio listener whose "everything" is paper-thin.
I don't dislike "commercial" bands. I like quite a few bands that are lucky enough to be placed on the radio and made "stars". But I recognize the fact that they weren't put there for their talent (and, indeed, one need not listen to radio long to stumble upon many artists with zero talent). They were put on there to make money. College radio is a little more "open", but still not great. Internet radio can be excellent (gotta seperate the good shows from the crap), but you need broadband to get a quality audio stream, and you don't have a cable modem in your car.
The hard part about "discovering" beyond the radio norm is that you typically have to know what you're looking for in order to find it. The chicken/egg paradox comes into play. If I ever come up with an answer for a good starting point, I'll let you know.
Speaking of bands, one band whose fanbase puzzles me is the Dave Matthews Band. I suppose it has to do with the fact that they straddle the border between a "musician's band" and a "pop band". They seem to be one of those bands, like Pink Floyd or Rush, whose fanbase places them on a pedestal because they have some actual musical/instrumental talent, thus seperating them from the scores of "popular" bands. That doesn't bother me. What bothers me are how these bands are worshipped as being "the best musicians ever" by fans whose only frame of reference is what they hear on the radio alongside DMB. Yeah, compared to Staind, they're downright virtuosos. But there are so many out there with far greater instrumental talents.
I'm desperately trying to find an old Zappa quote, but I'll have to paraphrase it: Radio, especially American radio, plays such a narrow range of music that it's impossible for listeners to discover what their musical tastes actually are. In a seperate quote, Zappa states: "It's impossible to have a hit record in America unless you pay off." If you listen to radio, read this Salon.com article and come to the understanding that what you hear on the radio isn't there because of quality, but because radio stations are paid to play certain artists/songs. Who chooses those songs? The labels that do the paying. What do they choose? They choose what's marketable.
Most people have no idea how narrow the range of music that they've been exposed to really is. I can't help but laugh at the people that claim to like "a little of everything" - a typical response of a radio listener whose "everything" is paper-thin.
I don't dislike "commercial" bands. I like quite a few bands that are lucky enough to be placed on the radio and made "stars". But I recognize the fact that they weren't put there for their talent (and, indeed, one need not listen to radio long to stumble upon many artists with zero talent). They were put on there to make money. College radio is a little more "open", but still not great. Internet radio can be excellent (gotta seperate the good shows from the crap), but you need broadband to get a quality audio stream, and you don't have a cable modem in your car.
The hard part about "discovering" beyond the radio norm is that you typically have to know what you're looking for in order to find it. The chicken/egg paradox comes into play. If I ever come up with an answer for a good starting point, I'll let you know.
Derek came over for a few hours today. In all, it was a clean gaming sweep for me: I won 3 RalliSport Challenge races out of 4, both Halo deathmatches, both Ring King best-of-5 matches (though he took one of the the distance, but got pounded in that 5th fight for a 1st round K.O.), and one Tecmo Bowl showdown (which now contains the rule, "No using San Francisco, New York, or Chicago, but especially San Francisco" (SF has one pass play that is impossible to stop)).
Stacey came over for about an hour to watch some RalliSport madness, before she had to go off to babysit (for the second time today).
Despite claiming that the homework would be posted by noon on Friday, my professor has STILL not posted the homework for C SCI 60 on the class website (it's 7:08pm Saturday now). Frankly, I think he has no call in expecting it to be completed on Monday. We'll see what happens then. If it's not posted by the time I wake up tomorrow, I'm not bothering with it.
It turns out that we can now remotely login to CSU Fresno's "Triton" servers remotely, using SSH. This wasn't possible before, as I remember. So now I can do all of my C SCI 112 work from home, without physically having to be on campus (and without having to buy a SPARC workstation). VERY nice. I've been working on getting UNIX shell accounts on servers running on SPARC architecture, and I do currently have one, but "Triton" is local and fast, and since it's the server that everyone is expected to work on, I shouldn't experience any "quirks" from different hardware, etc.
I own five books on data structures/algorithms (though two books are identical except for the programming language), and I really, really, really want a 6th. But the 6th one would be no run-of-the-mill book. Rather it's the Bible on algorithms: "Introduction to Algorithms, Second Edition". Interestingly enough, it's no "intro" to anything - it's supposedly a very complete and advanced text.
I also want Knuth's "The Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-3 Boxed Set", which runs like $150. More realistically, I want "The C++ Standard Library", which is like $60 and a great reference on the C++ Standard Template Library.
My C SCI 1 homework is basically done. And, as mentioned above, my C SCI 60 homework remains unposted. That's it for the weekend's homework. Got some more reading to do here and there, though. But for now, it's NHL time.
Stacey came over for about an hour to watch some RalliSport madness, before she had to go off to babysit (for the second time today).
Despite claiming that the homework would be posted by noon on Friday, my professor has STILL not posted the homework for C SCI 60 on the class website (it's 7:08pm Saturday now). Frankly, I think he has no call in expecting it to be completed on Monday. We'll see what happens then. If it's not posted by the time I wake up tomorrow, I'm not bothering with it.
It turns out that we can now remotely login to CSU Fresno's "Triton" servers remotely, using SSH. This wasn't possible before, as I remember. So now I can do all of my C SCI 112 work from home, without physically having to be on campus (and without having to buy a SPARC workstation). VERY nice. I've been working on getting UNIX shell accounts on servers running on SPARC architecture, and I do currently have one, but "Triton" is local and fast, and since it's the server that everyone is expected to work on, I shouldn't experience any "quirks" from different hardware, etc.
I own five books on data structures/algorithms (though two books are identical except for the programming language), and I really, really, really want a 6th. But the 6th one would be no run-of-the-mill book. Rather it's the Bible on algorithms: "Introduction to Algorithms, Second Edition". Interestingly enough, it's no "intro" to anything - it's supposedly a very complete and advanced text.
I also want Knuth's "The Art of Computer Programming, Volumes 1-3 Boxed Set", which runs like $150. More realistically, I want "The C++ Standard Library", which is like $60 and a great reference on the C++ Standard Template Library.
My C SCI 1 homework is basically done. And, as mentioned above, my C SCI 60 homework remains unposted. That's it for the weekend's homework. Got some more reading to do here and there, though. But for now, it's NHL time.
Stacey came over for the day and we celebrated our 6th month together. She gave me the most heart-melting letter. Unfortunately, the gift she ordered for me has yet to arrive from overseas, so she wasn't able to give it to me yet. I gave her my gifts, though, after wheeling myself around the mall this late morning/early afternoon to finish buying for her. She was visibly pleased with them, so I was happy (gifts with thought put into them tend to go a long way).
We got Day of the Tentacle running on my XP machine using ScummVM. It runs fine, although there are a few graphical glitches. I think I'm going to try the Dreamcast port of ScummVM... that's gotta be interesting.
I'm thinking my weekend timetable for walking is premature. Tomorrow is Saturday, and I know right now that I won't be walking tomorrow. So perhaps the recovery will be closer to 2 weeks. I suppose I can manage another week of wheelchairs and crutches. I can walk on the side of my foot a bit, which makes navigating my apartment and stuff a bit easier. But even that, I need to cool it on.
My mighty digital avatar LA Kings managed to beat Dallas in 6 games, and have a 1-0 lead on Phoenix in the Cup quarterfinals. The real challenge likely awaits after Phoenix: Colorado (who will undoubtably beat Edmonton and advance).
I have some reading on quantified logic to do. I find the quantified and propositional logic being taught in C SCI 1 and 60 to be tremendously boring.
We got Day of the Tentacle running on my XP machine using ScummVM. It runs fine, although there are a few graphical glitches. I think I'm going to try the Dreamcast port of ScummVM... that's gotta be interesting.
I'm thinking my weekend timetable for walking is premature. Tomorrow is Saturday, and I know right now that I won't be walking tomorrow. So perhaps the recovery will be closer to 2 weeks. I suppose I can manage another week of wheelchairs and crutches. I can walk on the side of my foot a bit, which makes navigating my apartment and stuff a bit easier. But even that, I need to cool it on.
My mighty digital avatar LA Kings managed to beat Dallas in 6 games, and have a 1-0 lead on Phoenix in the Cup quarterfinals. The real challenge likely awaits after Phoenix: Colorado (who will undoubtably beat Edmonton and advance).
I have some reading on quantified logic to do. I find the quantified and propositional logic being taught in C SCI 1 and 60 to be tremendously boring.
Friday, September 13
I am experimenting with various ways of taking notes in class on my laptop. The advantages are legibility and organization. The disadvantages are the inability to easily draw diagrams, my tendency to rely more on mental notes than written notes, and my tendency to exhibit general inattentiveness in certain classes. Mental notes (or, more often, learning by osmosis) are valuable, but I need to keep some more concrete notes. I use Notepad, which uses a fixed-size font, allowing me to "draw" diagrams with ASCII characters as I see fit. I could use a "scratchboard" program that lets me draw rough diagrams with a paint-style program, but there's no way I can be as precise with a TrackPoint input knob as I can with a pencil and paper. So, my options are:
(a) All paper notes - ugly handwriting, less-than-organized papers, etc.
(b) All electronic notes - Difficult to handle non-text notes
(c) A combination of the two
The hard part with (c) is managing the two (i.e. which paper goes with which electronic notes). I need to devise some sort of labeling scheme. I currently date all of my electronic files (ie. 091302.txt for 09/13/02 notes, stored in a folder bearing the class designation - i.e. C SCI 112). I suppose I could label my papers the same way, so that I can always track down the electronic note to coincide with a paper note (though not easily in the other direction).
In NFL2K3 news, I destroyed the Browns, 40-13, and the Titans lost, so I hold 1st place in the AFC South all by my lonesome. In NHL 2002 news, I completed the regular season with the best record in the Western Conference, and am now up 3-2 in a series of 7 against the Dallas Stars.
(a) All paper notes - ugly handwriting, less-than-organized papers, etc.
(b) All electronic notes - Difficult to handle non-text notes
(c) A combination of the two
The hard part with (c) is managing the two (i.e. which paper goes with which electronic notes). I need to devise some sort of labeling scheme. I currently date all of my electronic files (ie. 091302.txt for 09/13/02 notes, stored in a folder bearing the class designation - i.e. C SCI 112). I suppose I could label my papers the same way, so that I can always track down the electronic note to coincide with a paper note (though not easily in the other direction).
In NFL2K3 news, I destroyed the Browns, 40-13, and the Titans lost, so I hold 1st place in the AFC South all by my lonesome. In NHL 2002 news, I completed the regular season with the best record in the Western Conference, and am now up 3-2 in a series of 7 against the Dallas Stars.
Thursday, September 12
Yesterday was the 6 month "anniversary" for Stacey and I. Unfortunately, due to classes and schoolwork, we were not able to see each other yesterday. We'll be celebrating together on Friday after classes. Stacey, I'm incredibly lucky to have you, and though we'll hold off on presents while yours ships to you, I have a letter for you. Love you, Stace. See you soon.
Favorite current commercial: "Zane? What kind of name is Zane? What happened to names like Bill, or Dick, or Chuck? Or Hank.... Hank the Tank. Hank...."
Favorite current commercial: "Zane? What kind of name is Zane? What happened to names like Bill, or Dick, or Chuck? Or Hank.... Hank the Tank. Hank...."
Edged out the Cowboys, 17-10, in a game that should never have been that close. I threw 3 INTs, two in the endzone on what should have been TD-scoring drives. The third was on a pass that could've gone the length of the field for a TD, but I underthrew it and the beaten DB was able to haul it in. A last-second drive before halftime got me back in the game (brought the score to 10-7 Cowboys), and my defense managed to hold them scoreless in the 2nd half - this after Emmitt Smith ran roughshod over me in the 1st half.
Wednesday, September 11
I've posted a lot about my NFL2K3 season (7-3, one game behind the Titans in the division), but I've also been playing through a season of NHL 2002 on my PC. Currently, my LA Kings are 31-16-5-1, 1st place in the Western Conference (2nd in the overall league, behind Philadelphia, who is out to such a large lead that there's no catching them). My team was hanging at .500 in November and December (game months), but went about 7-3 in both January and February, and am currently 9-1-1 in March (with 2 games left). I'm playing the game on the hardest difficulty setting, though I've bumped down the opposing goalie slider a tad (I was tired of games where my team would have 40 shots - including plenty of quality shots - and 0 goals, while my opponents would be held to 9 shots and get 1 or 2 goals from those... I still have to outshoot my opponent by about 3:1 to win, but at least it's a winnable and not-entirely-unfair challenge).
I've got Adam Deadmarsh and Ziggy Palffy flipped to the opposite of their natural wing positions (Deadmarsh at RW, Ziggy at left). Since Deadmarsh is right-handed and Palffy is left-handed, this creates good one-timer opportunities for the far corner of the net. However, I'm having a lot of problems with them (especially Deadmarsh) shooting wide on breakaway approaches to the net. I may try switching them back to their natural spots and seeing how that goes....
I've got Adam Deadmarsh and Ziggy Palffy flipped to the opposite of their natural wing positions (Deadmarsh at RW, Ziggy at left). Since Deadmarsh is right-handed and Palffy is left-handed, this creates good one-timer opportunities for the far corner of the net. However, I'm having a lot of problems with them (especially Deadmarsh) shooting wide on breakaway approaches to the net. I may try switching them back to their natural spots and seeing how that goes....
Installing the latest bleeding-edge beta of Mozilla onto my laptop.
I very much appreciate the fact that the program asks during install if I want a system tray utility or not, and is UNCHECKED by default. No Windows program that installs a systray utility should leave this part out.
Mozilla now imports IE bookmarks correctly, thank goodness.
I very much appreciate the fact that the program asks during install if I want a system tray utility or not, and is UNCHECKED by default. No Windows program that installs a systray utility should leave this part out.
Mozilla now imports IE bookmarks correctly, thank goodness.
Penny Arcade's opening line in today's post nailed it: "This is not the site to go to if you want to be sad all day."
Dear Derek (in case you're reading): A new FF Tactics-style game has released on PlayStation 2, called Dynasty Tactics. It's developed by Koei. You *will* buy.
Dear Derek (in case you're reading): A new FF Tactics-style game has released on PlayStation 2, called Dynasty Tactics. It's developed by Koei. You *will* buy.
Tuesday, September 10
Does anyone else want to skip the September 11th anniversary overkill? Some entities, especially certain TV networks (read: ABC) are going overboard.
It's not enough that ABC is dedicating the WHOLE day to the 9/11 anniversary tomorrow, but their 9/11 programming is already in full-swing today. It's good to memorialize, but this is as commercialized as memorials come. Anyway, I will certainly not be watching ABC tomorrow.
New version of Trillian out. But if you run Trillian, you already know that.
New version of Mozilla, too, though this one is a couple of weeks old (didn't notice it until now).
It's not enough that ABC is dedicating the WHOLE day to the 9/11 anniversary tomorrow, but their 9/11 programming is already in full-swing today. It's good to memorialize, but this is as commercialized as memorials come. Anyway, I will certainly not be watching ABC tomorrow.
New version of Trillian out. But if you run Trillian, you already know that.
New version of Mozilla, too, though this one is a couple of weeks old (didn't notice it until now).
Monday, September 9
Dismantled the Texans in Week 11 of my NFL2K3 season, 36-7. Over 300 yards and 3 TDs for Mark Brunell, and over 120 yards for Fred Taylor and Stacey Mack combined (Mack came in for a series after Taylor injured his hand... Taylor returned after the half to carry the load). Pass defense is still very suspect, despite hauling in 3 interceptions off of David Carr (bet Dallas wishes they could've done that in real life on Sunday). James Allen also had far too much success running against my defense, though I did sit in zone coverage D's most of the game.
My LucasArts "Adventure Collection" is backordered, and the order is supposed to be filled "within two weeks" (this from a message sent last Wednesday). I want it now! Also, "Monkey Island Madness" goes for over $20 on eBay! Argh. I'm going to have to cough up more than I want to to get it. But dang, I want it.
Ever played "Dynomite"? It's a game from Pop Cap games, and can be found either on MSN Gaming Zone or here on Pop Cap's website (this link goes directly to the game). On MSN, you can download a copy of the game that you can play offline. I downloaded it (as well as a couple of other Pop Cap puzzle games - Bejeweled and Alchemy) onto my laptop, and entertained myself in C SCI 60 this morning with it. Also played a little Civilization, though I righteously suck at it so far. I remember playing Civ (this is the original, mind you) on Kyle Melching's computer back in junior high. Gotta love those DOS/Windows 3.1 days. Well, not really. The games were good, but that's it.
Does anyone else miss BeOS?
My LucasArts "Adventure Collection" is backordered, and the order is supposed to be filled "within two weeks" (this from a message sent last Wednesday). I want it now! Also, "Monkey Island Madness" goes for over $20 on eBay! Argh. I'm going to have to cough up more than I want to to get it. But dang, I want it.
Ever played "Dynomite"? It's a game from Pop Cap games, and can be found either on MSN Gaming Zone or here on Pop Cap's website (this link goes directly to the game). On MSN, you can download a copy of the game that you can play offline. I downloaded it (as well as a couple of other Pop Cap puzzle games - Bejeweled and Alchemy) onto my laptop, and entertained myself in C SCI 60 this morning with it. Also played a little Civilization, though I righteously suck at it so far. I remember playing Civ (this is the original, mind you) on Kyle Melching's computer back in junior high. Gotta love those DOS/Windows 3.1 days. Well, not really. The games were good, but that's it.
Does anyone else miss BeOS?
Well, I'm managing to wheel myself around campus and get to my classes. I skipped my music class, which is entirely skippable this week, except for Wednesday's discussion on the term paper. That class is so far from the rest of my classes that I will need to get a ride over there and back. I can't possibly wheelchair myself over there... not if I want to get there before class ends.
I'm over at Stacey's place, doing some coding on my laptop while she works on some artsy, schoolteacher-ish project. Definitely a bit of a culture clash. And yet, she's the one with the more powerful laptop. :(
Got an assignment in 115 to get done in two weeks. I'm using some of the linked list templates from my textbook, but they use some aspects of C++ that I don't fully understand yet, so I'll need to hit the C++ language texts tonight.
My toe has basically stopped hurting, as long as nothing touches it. The tip of the toe is still purple, although a lighter shade than before. It needs to hurry up and heal, so I can walk on it!
I'm over at Stacey's place, doing some coding on my laptop while she works on some artsy, schoolteacher-ish project. Definitely a bit of a culture clash. And yet, she's the one with the more powerful laptop. :(
Got an assignment in 115 to get done in two weeks. I'm using some of the linked list templates from my textbook, but they use some aspects of C++ that I don't fully understand yet, so I'll need to hit the C++ language texts tonight.
My toe has basically stopped hurting, as long as nothing touches it. The tip of the toe is still purple, although a lighter shade than before. It needs to hurry up and heal, so I can walk on it!
Sunday, September 8
Lost an overtime heartbreaker to the New York Giants in my NFL2K3 season, 23-20. I'm frustrated that the game doesn't zoom out on pass plays when the computer is on offense... makes it awful hard to pass cover. This was a real dumb change by Visual Concepts, and I'm really hoping that it's not like this for online play, because that could really damage the game for me.
Last week, I broke the big toe on my right foot. On the same day, I also went through hell with a dead car battery. (As one might surmise, the latter led to the former). After multiple visits to car places, and multiple visits to the university health center, my car is back up and running, and my toe is taped up and (allegedly) in the process of healing. I am staying mobile using crutches and a wheelchair. It's no fun, but I am supposed to be able to start walking again after about a week after injury (so, later this week). We'll see.
Anyway, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fresno State Bulldog football teams both lost games that they should have won. The former lost due to a couple of key mental mistakes, the latter due to blatently pro-Oregon calls by the officials (so blatent that ESPN announcer Warren Moon, who has no vested interest in Fresno State, was shocked). In better news, the NFL expansion franchise Houston Texans (led by former Fresno State quarterback David Carr) won their opener against an improved Dallas Cowboys franchise.
Last night, I went to a wedding with Stacey. The wedding was of one of Stacey's oldest friends. It was enjoyable. I was on crutches at the service, and in the wheelchair at the reception. The highlight of the evening was when I wheeled myself out onto the floor for the tossing of the garter, stood up on my one good leg, and plucked the garter out of the air with my left hand. There was no bobbling, no unsteady hand. It was a solid, firm catch with my non-dominant hand. All were impressed, as I sat back down into my chair with wheels, and rolled myself back towards Stacey and the dinner table. Stace just shook her head and snapped a picture of me, holding my prize.
I've helped Stacey build her website. I'll put it in my links section as soon as I finish putting that section together. Her site has pictures from the wedding.
Anyway, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fresno State Bulldog football teams both lost games that they should have won. The former lost due to a couple of key mental mistakes, the latter due to blatently pro-Oregon calls by the officials (so blatent that ESPN announcer Warren Moon, who has no vested interest in Fresno State, was shocked). In better news, the NFL expansion franchise Houston Texans (led by former Fresno State quarterback David Carr) won their opener against an improved Dallas Cowboys franchise.
Last night, I went to a wedding with Stacey. The wedding was of one of Stacey's oldest friends. It was enjoyable. I was on crutches at the service, and in the wheelchair at the reception. The highlight of the evening was when I wheeled myself out onto the floor for the tossing of the garter, stood up on my one good leg, and plucked the garter out of the air with my left hand. There was no bobbling, no unsteady hand. It was a solid, firm catch with my non-dominant hand. All were impressed, as I sat back down into my chair with wheels, and rolled myself back towards Stacey and the dinner table. Stace just shook her head and snapped a picture of me, holding my prize.
I've helped Stacey build her website. I'll put it in my links section as soon as I finish putting that section together. Her site has pictures from the wedding.
Monday, September 2
Now 3-2 in my NFL2K3 season. Defeated the Eagles pretty handily, and then I lost a close one to the Titans. My run defense is strong, but my pass defense is el crappo. Basically, I need to start blitzing more to cover up the holes in my secondary.... but I don't have a single legitimate pass-rushing linebacker. I've had more luck blitzing with my strong safety, Donovin Darius (who is probably the best player on my defense).
Installed a wireless network at my girlfriend's house. It was the first time I'd done any wireless networking, except for accessing the university's network. It was pretty straightforward - much easier than setting up my FreeBSD router box. It was kind of a surprise to see this router (as well as the Linksys wired router that I installed at my friend's apartment) start working pretty much automatically after installed. I had to set up re-directs and port forwarding for about a million things on my FreeBSD box! Of course, I still like the box better than the consumer-level routers.
My girlfriend's laptop is better than mine. There is no justice. :(
Installed a wireless network at my girlfriend's house. It was the first time I'd done any wireless networking, except for accessing the university's network. It was pretty straightforward - much easier than setting up my FreeBSD router box. It was kind of a surprise to see this router (as well as the Linksys wired router that I installed at my friend's apartment) start working pretty much automatically after installed. I had to set up re-directs and port forwarding for about a million things on my FreeBSD box! Of course, I still like the box better than the consumer-level routers.
My girlfriend's laptop is better than mine. There is no justice. :(
Forgot to mention: I ordered the LucasArts "Adventure Collection" (which replaced the old LucasArts Archives Volume 1) yesterday. It includes three adventure games that I've been wanting to play: Day of the Tentacle, Sam & Max Hit the Road, and Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis. Of the three, I have a warez'd copy of Sam and Max, with CD speech, but it's a little flakey and I wanted a real copy. I have "abandonwarez" copies of the other two as well, but they're either the 3.5" floppy versions or CD rips (either way, read: no speech). The "Adventure Collection" is different from "Archives Volume 1" in that it no longer includes the Star Wars screen saver, the Rebel Assault demo, or the sampler CD of other various demos. In their place, it includes a cool LucasArts CD case, which to me is more valuable than the stuff it replaces. I did think twice about the $29.95 price tag (I'd prefer it in the $20 even range), but I went ahead and got it. Add my new copy of Full Throttle to the mix, and there's plenty of adventure game fun to be had. Still need to get the CD versions of the first two Monkey Island games....
Sunday, September 1
Currently 2-1 in my first NFL2K3 season. Just lost a close one to the Jets, 13-10. The heartbreaking moment came on my final drive in the 4th quarter. On 4th-and-6, at about midfield (starting to approach field-goal range), I threw an out to Jimmy Smith. He made the catch, and his momentum carried him out of bounds about one inch short of the 1st down - turning the ball over on downs. Vinny and the Jets promptly strode onto the field and kneeled the ball down.
Talked on the phone with my dad today, who recommended that I try one of those elliptical trainers (since I have access to them now at Bally Fitness). Wow, those things are impressive. I've been using a stationary bike for almost all of my aerobic exercise, but now I'll definitely be incorporating elliptical machines as a major part of my daily aerobic routine. The total caloric burn over 30 minutes was greater than that achieved on the bike, and with less overall stress on my body. Like my dad said, "you don't feel like you're burning calories, but you are". I definitely don't feel the sort of fatigue (especially leg fatigue) that I do after the bike. Sweet.
The pain has subsided a little bit. I hate when my allergies get like this.
Bought a couple of beanbags for my living room. Some of the controllers on my game systems don't have long enough cables to reach the couch, so Derek and Stacey had been sitting on the floor when they've been playing. Beanbags should help, and I just need more things for people to sit on anyway.
Since I'm using my Bally Fitness membership for my working out, I'm going to sell my Soloflex. That should finance my new TV. :)
I had an idea for a game to develop during the rest of my collegiate career, to have in my portfolio for when it comes time to woo developers for jobs. I've come up with the overall theme, some character names, and some general ideas for locations. I'm going to start mapping out a path through the game, and write some dialogue. I'd like to start developing the game after this semester. I'm sure I can enlist some programmers and artists to create a development team. Time to start looking into some of the technical aspects of developing a game like this. If/when development starts, I'll create a webpage for it on my home site.
Bought a couple of beanbags for my living room. Some of the controllers on my game systems don't have long enough cables to reach the couch, so Derek and Stacey had been sitting on the floor when they've been playing. Beanbags should help, and I just need more things for people to sit on anyway.
Since I'm using my Bally Fitness membership for my working out, I'm going to sell my Soloflex. That should finance my new TV. :)
I had an idea for a game to develop during the rest of my collegiate career, to have in my portfolio for when it comes time to woo developers for jobs. I've come up with the overall theme, some character names, and some general ideas for locations. I'm going to start mapping out a path through the game, and write some dialogue. I'd like to start developing the game after this semester. I'm sure I can enlist some programmers and artists to create a development team. Time to start looking into some of the technical aspects of developing a game like this. If/when development starts, I'll create a webpage for it on my home site.
Saturday, August 31
Activity on the Fresno State Computer Science mailing list that I created and moderate has picked up. I continue to aggressively advertise it on-campus with a number of cool flyers with "take one" tags.
Bought a copy of Full Throttle from FuncoLand. Used to have a copy, but I gave it to my sister after I beat it. Would like to play it again, and since my girlfriend likes playing these sorts of games, I picked up a new copy. Also got a new (well, used) NES controller, whose buttons aren't nearly in as bad of shape as one of my old ones. Stacey was complaining about my old Nintendo controllers, so this should please her.
My best friend, Derek, came over this evening to barbeque steaks and play games. We should've left the meat out to thaw earlier, as we ended up eating late. But oh well, lesson learned. Enjoyed a game of NFL2K3 (he gave me a little competition) and some RalliSport Challenge (I gave him a little more competition than he did me in NFL). Also broke out the ol' Super NES and played through a bit of Super Mario World... this one'll continue later. Pretty fun. It's definitely nice to have him around again. Can't wait for Xbox Live to launch, as NFL2K3 action will be fast and furious.
Bought a copy of Full Throttle from FuncoLand. Used to have a copy, but I gave it to my sister after I beat it. Would like to play it again, and since my girlfriend likes playing these sorts of games, I picked up a new copy. Also got a new (well, used) NES controller, whose buttons aren't nearly in as bad of shape as one of my old ones. Stacey was complaining about my old Nintendo controllers, so this should please her.
My best friend, Derek, came over this evening to barbeque steaks and play games. We should've left the meat out to thaw earlier, as we ended up eating late. But oh well, lesson learned. Enjoyed a game of NFL2K3 (he gave me a little competition) and some RalliSport Challenge (I gave him a little more competition than he did me in NFL). Also broke out the ol' Super NES and played through a bit of Super Mario World... this one'll continue later. Pretty fun. It's definitely nice to have him around again. Can't wait for Xbox Live to launch, as NFL2K3 action will be fast and furious.
I pulled out my sister's old work computer (a classic Pentium 133MHz), and am pulling out something even older - my old DOS 5.0 and 6.22 disks. I want to be able to play old DOS games, and the best way to do that is with true-blue DOS support.
Meanwhile, I am formatting my P3-550 and will be installing a very clean Win98 onto it, as well as dual-booting with a Linux (probably Red Hat 7.3). I want to make the machine be able to play somewhat recent games, as well as give me a machine to fool around with Linux desktop stuff.
The P3 will be on my wireless network (coming soon), but I won't be spending money to put the DOS box on there.
Trying to track down some copies of old LucasArts adventure games. Some of these things are still expensive on eBay (grr).
Meanwhile, I am formatting my P3-550 and will be installing a very clean Win98 onto it, as well as dual-booting with a Linux (probably Red Hat 7.3). I want to make the machine be able to play somewhat recent games, as well as give me a machine to fool around with Linux desktop stuff.
The P3 will be on my wireless network (coming soon), but I won't be spending money to put the DOS box on there.
Trying to track down some copies of old LucasArts adventure games. Some of these things are still expensive on eBay (grr).
Friday, August 30
Both my C SCI 1 and C SCI 60 classes are covering Boolean logic. It's more boring than baseball. What's the truth table of the statement: "I have a beer but no beer nuts"? "[have] beer" is the "A" statement and "[have] beer nuts" is the "B" statement, sooo, if "A" is true and not("B") is true (i.e. "B" is false), then the statement is true. YAWN.
Ahh, Thursday. My one "off" day during the week. (I almost have Tuesdays off, but I have my C SCI 112 lab in the morning). Spent the morning at my girlfriend's house, while she worked on a puppet for her puppetry class (an elementary school teacher thing... definitely a stark contrast with my studies).
Went to the Fresno State football game tonight. Watched Fresno eek out a 16-14 victory over the not-very-impressive San Diego State Aztecs. Granted, Fresno played without their #1 QB and without their star #1 WR (who projects to be a 1st round pick in the NFL draft, if he maintains his level of play from last season). Still, it's San Diego State.
My little brother was trumpeting his NFL2K3 skills, as he's been practicing on his GameCube version of the game. Took him on after the game. I'll be damned if the little bugger didn't pull out some good defense on me. I didn't pass deep very effectively - got picked off twice in the 1st half. His offense didn't match the D, though. His passing game was OK - moderately effective but also caught a couple of lucky breaks against my dumb DBs (Fernando Bryant made the biggest bonehead move in man coverage that led directly to a Terry Glenn TD). Running game was non-existant... tried to get a few carries in but was stuffed for a loss each time. He put up 14 points in the first half, leading 14-10 at the break, but didn't score again for the rest of the game, while I drove to a 30-14 win. When he committed to stopping the pass, I ran with Fred Taylor. When he committed to stopping the run, I lobbed the ball over his D. Much different from the 1st half, where I tried to get into my old Mark Brunell run-and-gun groove. I would pick up big chunks of yardage, but would get intercepted. I went ball-control, and ended up with over 13:00 T.O.P., out of a 20:00 game.
Even still, a lesson learned: his DBs will clamp down on out routes. His DBs are rated a lot higher than mine, and it shows in this game. No excuses allowed, though, as I picked the Jags on my own free will.
Went to the Fresno State football game tonight. Watched Fresno eek out a 16-14 victory over the not-very-impressive San Diego State Aztecs. Granted, Fresno played without their #1 QB and without their star #1 WR (who projects to be a 1st round pick in the NFL draft, if he maintains his level of play from last season). Still, it's San Diego State.
My little brother was trumpeting his NFL2K3 skills, as he's been practicing on his GameCube version of the game. Took him on after the game. I'll be damned if the little bugger didn't pull out some good defense on me. I didn't pass deep very effectively - got picked off twice in the 1st half. His offense didn't match the D, though. His passing game was OK - moderately effective but also caught a couple of lucky breaks against my dumb DBs (Fernando Bryant made the biggest bonehead move in man coverage that led directly to a Terry Glenn TD). Running game was non-existant... tried to get a few carries in but was stuffed for a loss each time. He put up 14 points in the first half, leading 14-10 at the break, but didn't score again for the rest of the game, while I drove to a 30-14 win. When he committed to stopping the pass, I ran with Fred Taylor. When he committed to stopping the run, I lobbed the ball over his D. Much different from the 1st half, where I tried to get into my old Mark Brunell run-and-gun groove. I would pick up big chunks of yardage, but would get intercepted. I went ball-control, and ended up with over 13:00 T.O.P., out of a 20:00 game.
Even still, a lesson learned: his DBs will clamp down on out routes. His DBs are rated a lot higher than mine, and it shows in this game. No excuses allowed, though, as I picked the Jags on my own free will.
Wednesday, August 28
Tuesday, August 27
Had my first C SCI 112 lab today, and breezed right through it. It was encouraging to do so well while other students were clearly struggling. I'm glad that the relentless struggle that was C SCI 41 was not for naught.
Listened to John Coltrane's A Love Supreme all day today, except for when I worked out, which was accompanied by Mahavishnu Orchestra's Inner Mounting Flame. Due to my History of Rock and Jazz class, I have reason to listen to all of those jazz CDs that I've bought and have neglected. I'm still struggling to get a distinct "feel" for A Love Supreme... trying to find what separates it from my generic general concept of "jazz". Just as every good rock band is distinct from the generic "rock band" model in some way, good jazz artists must have a similar distinction (at least, that's the logic I'm operating under). It's my job to find it.
Listened to John Coltrane's A Love Supreme all day today, except for when I worked out, which was accompanied by Mahavishnu Orchestra's Inner Mounting Flame. Due to my History of Rock and Jazz class, I have reason to listen to all of those jazz CDs that I've bought and have neglected. I'm still struggling to get a distinct "feel" for A Love Supreme... trying to find what separates it from my generic general concept of "jazz". Just as every good rock band is distinct from the generic "rock band" model in some way, good jazz artists must have a similar distinction (at least, that's the logic I'm operating under). It's my job to find it.
Monday, August 26
Oh yeah, got my Bally Fitness membership. Took advantage of a college student deal listed on their website. It allows me to cancel anytime after four months, which is great, because their other memberships lock you into a 36-month contract. I don't plan on quitting, but I may not live convienently next to a Bally club for 36 months.
Listening to disc 1 of Can's Can Box (Live 1971-1977). This is flat-out amazing. Can's collective hypnotic experimentalism is better on this and on The Peel Sessions than it is on any studio album of theirs that I've heard. Ironic that the best Can music (in my opinion) is archival stuff being released 20+ years after that classic period. The audio quality is good for music that's mostly sourced from audience recordings of concerts.
One of my Xbox controllers seems to be dying. It's one that I bought cheap from Half.com. It has acted up before, so it's not surprising. I'll stick to buying new, boxed controllers from here on out.
First day of class was OK. I'm looking forward to getting past that awkward "just getting started into something" phase and into the "in the swing of things" phase. Especially when it comes to programming.
In my music class, I will need to write a term paper, comparing and contrasting two artists within the broad scope of rock and jazz. I'm leaning towards comparing an influencer with a more modern band that was influenced. One possible combination that came to mind was Neu! and Tortoise. Maybe King Crimson and TOOL... that'd be a fun one to explore. Perhaps Gong and some electronica band. Then there's Coltrane and Magma, which would be a blast simply because of the two individual entities. So many possibilities. I"m a little sketchy on the link between Coltrane and Magma (Vander admits a very strong Coltrane influence, but I'm not as of yet hearing it), so that'd be one to investigate.
One of my Xbox controllers seems to be dying. It's one that I bought cheap from Half.com. It has acted up before, so it's not surprising. I'll stick to buying new, boxed controllers from here on out.
First day of class was OK. I'm looking forward to getting past that awkward "just getting started into something" phase and into the "in the swing of things" phase. Especially when it comes to programming.
In my music class, I will need to write a term paper, comparing and contrasting two artists within the broad scope of rock and jazz. I'm leaning towards comparing an influencer with a more modern band that was influenced. One possible combination that came to mind was Neu! and Tortoise. Maybe King Crimson and TOOL... that'd be a fun one to explore. Perhaps Gong and some electronica band. Then there's Coltrane and Magma, which would be a blast simply because of the two individual entities. So many possibilities. I"m a little sketchy on the link between Coltrane and Magma (Vander admits a very strong Coltrane influence, but I'm not as of yet hearing it), so that'd be one to investigate.
Sunday, August 25
My girlfriend's mom gave me a toaster oven, with the stipulation that I bring it to her if she needs it for class (which is rare, but is the reason she has it). As I am now making all of my sub sandwitches at home (tired of paying Subway $5 for a $2 sandwitch), I tried toasting my bread, Quizno's style. Well, it turned out to taste way better than when I warm the bread in the microwave. Ten times better, at least.
Going to Bally Fitness tomorrow to get a membership. Time to beef up and get into hockey playing shape.
Going to Bally Fitness tomorrow to get a membership. Time to beef up and get into hockey playing shape.
Last day of summer vacation. Not that I actually had one, but it's time for the semester to start. Given that I had more work on hand during the summer than I did in the regular semester, I'm not exactly experiencing anxiety over it. During my summer class, I was actually looking forward to this point. Of course, I had the last week off, which changed that perspective a bit. Even still, I'm ready to go. Even after I finished my class, I kept reading up on Data Structures, as well as trying to get a better understanding of C++ classes & templates. So much stuff to learn.
My girlfriend, Stacey, came over for a little while today. We finished playing through Maniac Mansion, which was a lot of fun. I'm under orders to find a copy of Day of the Tentacle (Maniac Mansion 2) for us to play. Works for me. There aren't nearly as many copies on eBay as I would expect. Lots of Mac copies floating around, which gets in the way too. I easily managed to land a copy of Return to Zork for $1 + shipping a week or so ago, but it appears Day of the Tentacle will take a little more work and a few more bucks.
Been listening to the soundtrack to everyone's favorite Sundance Fim Festival darling, Pi. The soundtrack is full of electronic artists, including some "big" names like Orbital, Autechre, and Aphex Twin. It's a nice continuous listen, with small clips of voice-over from the film spliced in to segue between some tracks. Haven't actually seen the film, but I'm tempted. Meanwhile, my girlfriend hated it as soon as she walked in the door. Interesting, because she enjoyed the Squarepusher album we listened to in the car yesterday. Electronica seems very hit-and-miss with her (which, I guess, is better than metal, which is pretty much all miss).
My girlfriend, Stacey, came over for a little while today. We finished playing through Maniac Mansion, which was a lot of fun. I'm under orders to find a copy of Day of the Tentacle (Maniac Mansion 2) for us to play. Works for me. There aren't nearly as many copies on eBay as I would expect. Lots of Mac copies floating around, which gets in the way too. I easily managed to land a copy of Return to Zork for $1 + shipping a week or so ago, but it appears Day of the Tentacle will take a little more work and a few more bucks.
Been listening to the soundtrack to everyone's favorite Sundance Fim Festival darling, Pi. The soundtrack is full of electronic artists, including some "big" names like Orbital, Autechre, and Aphex Twin. It's a nice continuous listen, with small clips of voice-over from the film spliced in to segue between some tracks. Haven't actually seen the film, but I'm tempted. Meanwhile, my girlfriend hated it as soon as she walked in the door. Interesting, because she enjoyed the Squarepusher album we listened to in the car yesterday. Electronica seems very hit-and-miss with her (which, I guess, is better than metal, which is pretty much all miss).
I have enjoyed my one week of freedom, wedged in-between the end of summer school and the start of the fall semester. Managed to ace my summer school class, which was a shocker and a half.
Spent most of the week with my girlfriend. Lounged around, watched TV, went to a festival, and rediscovered the joys (and occasional frustrations) of the NES via Maniac Mansion. Gotta love a girl that appreciates old LucasArts graphical adventures. Playing on a console is nice in that we can easily sit on the couch or floor and share the TV, but the controller is a poor substitute for a mouse. Trade-offs, trade-offs.
Got a ton of things to mail out to people. Need to do that Monday.
Spent most of the week with my girlfriend. Lounged around, watched TV, went to a festival, and rediscovered the joys (and occasional frustrations) of the NES via Maniac Mansion. Gotta love a girl that appreciates old LucasArts graphical adventures. Playing on a console is nice in that we can easily sit on the couch or floor and share the TV, but the controller is a poor substitute for a mouse. Trade-offs, trade-offs.
Got a ton of things to mail out to people. Need to do that Monday.
Saturday, April 27
Been over a month since I've posted here. Yeesh.
Got a TON of new music in a trade with Mike Prete. 14 CDRs of albums in MP3 format, and also the following in audio CDR format:
Eskaton - Fiction, Ardeur
Nurse With Wound - A Sucked Orange, Alice the Goon, Homotopy to Marle
Bondage Fruit - II
Conventum - Le Bureau Central des Utopies, A L'affut d'un Complot
Contraction - La Bourse ou la Vie
Idiot Flesh - The Nothing Show
Sloche - Standacone, J'un Oeil
Wurtemberg - Rock Fantasia Opus V
Vortex - Les Cycles de Thantos
Eiliff - Eiliff
Il Rovescio della Medaglia - Contamination (the unreleased-on-CD English version of "Contaminazione")
Atila - Reviure
Opus-V - Séeieux ou Pas
YETI - Live at Sockmonkey, Live at the Wreck Room Volumes 1 AND 2
L'Engoulevent - L'Ile ou Vivent Les Loups
Picchio dal Pozzo - Abbiamo Tutti I Suoi Problemi
Of the things in the MP3 CDRs, I've been listening to Avant Garden, Djam Karet, and The Gathering mainly.
Got a TON of new music in a trade with Mike Prete. 14 CDRs of albums in MP3 format, and also the following in audio CDR format:
Eskaton - Fiction, Ardeur
Nurse With Wound - A Sucked Orange, Alice the Goon, Homotopy to Marle
Bondage Fruit - II
Conventum - Le Bureau Central des Utopies, A L'affut d'un Complot
Contraction - La Bourse ou la Vie
Idiot Flesh - The Nothing Show
Sloche - Standacone, J'un Oeil
Wurtemberg - Rock Fantasia Opus V
Vortex - Les Cycles de Thantos
Eiliff - Eiliff
Il Rovescio della Medaglia - Contamination (the unreleased-on-CD English version of "Contaminazione")
Atila - Reviure
Opus-V - Séeieux ou Pas
YETI - Live at Sockmonkey, Live at the Wreck Room Volumes 1 AND 2
L'Engoulevent - L'Ile ou Vivent Les Loups
Picchio dal Pozzo - Abbiamo Tutti I Suoi Problemi
Of the things in the MP3 CDRs, I've been listening to Avant Garden, Djam Karet, and The Gathering mainly.
Wednesday, March 13
The metal assault continues. Add Symphony X, The Gathering, Iced Earth, Helloween, Cryptopsy, Green Carnation, and more Neurosis and Metallica to the mix. Ahh, the wonders of USENET and AudioGalaxy...
For metal reviews, look no further than the tongue-in-cheek titled "Satan Stole My Teddybear": www.chedsey.com.
For metal reviews, look no further than the tongue-in-cheek titled "Satan Stole My Teddybear": www.chedsey.com.
Tuesday, February 26
Sunday, February 24
Been a while since I posted (don't most of my posts start with that line?). So what's happened musically as of late?
1. Linkin Park - In addition to "In the End", I also like "Crawling". I have received much ridicule from the music snob circles. :)
2. Kylie Minogue - Damn you, Kelly. Damn you for making me download "Can't Get You Out of My Head". Now I've seen the music video too. It's more than I dare to think about.
3. METAL - Metal, metal, metal, MEEETALLL. Fates Warning, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Queensrÿche, TOOL, Spiral Architect, Dream Theater, Neurosis, Therion, Black Sabbath, and I need more. I've had to use some hard-rock (even The Who) for more fix. I've been in a major metal mood. I think some later Iron Maiden would be cool. This one (The Number of the Beast) is a bit silly at times. The style is great but maybe some of the cheesiness is left off on later albums. Powerslave is next on my Maiden to-get list.
4. Krautrock - My Faust box set is always nearby. I recently got Can's Ege Bamyasi, downloaded some Electric Mud and Amon Düül II.
It seems one of my friends and one of my online music buds are conspiring against me. And my friend's trying to drag my girl into it too. Like I told her (the friend), with friends like these, who needs enemies? I gotta admit, though, it's WAY more fun than last semester when I didn't really know anyone around here.
Ooh, and my best friend is coming to Fresno next semester after spending this semester in Monterey. Now maybe I'll finally be able to teach him an instrument. Hmm, I'm getting a bigger apartment now too... I should take my brother's drum kit (The World's Least Used Drum Set).
I'm also playing my guitars far more than before, even writing some music. Usually when I'm supposed to be doing homework. :)
1. Linkin Park - In addition to "In the End", I also like "Crawling". I have received much ridicule from the music snob circles. :)
2. Kylie Minogue - Damn you, Kelly. Damn you for making me download "Can't Get You Out of My Head". Now I've seen the music video too. It's more than I dare to think about.
3. METAL - Metal, metal, metal, MEEETALLL. Fates Warning, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Queensrÿche, TOOL, Spiral Architect, Dream Theater, Neurosis, Therion, Black Sabbath, and I need more. I've had to use some hard-rock (even The Who) for more fix. I've been in a major metal mood. I think some later Iron Maiden would be cool. This one (The Number of the Beast) is a bit silly at times. The style is great but maybe some of the cheesiness is left off on later albums. Powerslave is next on my Maiden to-get list.
4. Krautrock - My Faust box set is always nearby. I recently got Can's Ege Bamyasi, downloaded some Electric Mud and Amon Düül II.
It seems one of my friends and one of my online music buds are conspiring against me. And my friend's trying to drag my girl into it too. Like I told her (the friend), with friends like these, who needs enemies? I gotta admit, though, it's WAY more fun than last semester when I didn't really know anyone around here.
Ooh, and my best friend is coming to Fresno next semester after spending this semester in Monterey. Now maybe I'll finally be able to teach him an instrument. Hmm, I'm getting a bigger apartment now too... I should take my brother's drum kit (The World's Least Used Drum Set).
I'm also playing my guitars far more than before, even writing some music. Usually when I'm supposed to be doing homework. :)
Tuesday, January 29
So, what's happened between my last post and now? Well, I'll tell you... CLASSES started. WORK started. Bluh'y hell. Let's review Hell, CSU Fresno style:
First level of Hell: Work. Work requires me being up at 6:00am every morning (yes, it takes me that long to get to an 8:00 job, and yes, it's still a struggle to be on time). Work isn't as bad as it was last semester, as I'm alone in the office now and I'll have my own Ethernet connection, and can play my own music (albeit at low volume levels).... but I'm still being given the same pointless crap to do. If my job only revolved around PRODUCTIVE work, I'd have two free hours a day. :)
Second level of Hell: Women's Studies 110. Representations of Women. Male Bashing 101. Let's put it this way... I would wipe my arse with this week's readings, but I fear for rectal infection. Making matters worse is an instructor that lacks organization.
Third level of Hell: Computer Science 41. Introduction to Data Structures. Now, CompSci is fun. Programming is fun. But this class is the class that weeds people out of the CompSci major. The highest dropout rate of any lower-division class in the university. In the entire university. Over 70% dropout rate. Some people take the class with a clean schedule - no other classes. Well, I need to pass it this semester. Need only pass.
Fourth level of Hell: Math 76. Calculus. A repeat. It was crappy before. It promises to live up to last semester's crappiness.
Fifth level of Hell: Economics in Film. Looks to actually be a decent class. Only bad things: it's from 6-9pm, and it'll run late some nights... that's LONG. Plus, the room we're going to watch the movies in don't allow food, so no munchies during the films. Like, what's up with that?
Sixth level of Hell: History of Rock and Jazz. Only thing about this class is that I need to officially get into it (gotta show up tonight - the first class session). Another 6-9pm night class, but this one shouldn't run late like the film class will. The hard part about night classes is taking them seriously - it's not easy to pay attention to academics at that hour.
So basically, things at the University suck. As they do at most academic institutions, I would imagine. Keeping nice company after work/school hours makes it much more tolerable, though.
My next post will include some actual music content.
First level of Hell: Work. Work requires me being up at 6:00am every morning (yes, it takes me that long to get to an 8:00 job, and yes, it's still a struggle to be on time). Work isn't as bad as it was last semester, as I'm alone in the office now and I'll have my own Ethernet connection, and can play my own music (albeit at low volume levels).... but I'm still being given the same pointless crap to do. If my job only revolved around PRODUCTIVE work, I'd have two free hours a day. :)
Second level of Hell: Women's Studies 110. Representations of Women. Male Bashing 101. Let's put it this way... I would wipe my arse with this week's readings, but I fear for rectal infection. Making matters worse is an instructor that lacks organization.
Third level of Hell: Computer Science 41. Introduction to Data Structures. Now, CompSci is fun. Programming is fun. But this class is the class that weeds people out of the CompSci major. The highest dropout rate of any lower-division class in the university. In the entire university. Over 70% dropout rate. Some people take the class with a clean schedule - no other classes. Well, I need to pass it this semester. Need only pass.
Fourth level of Hell: Math 76. Calculus. A repeat. It was crappy before. It promises to live up to last semester's crappiness.
Fifth level of Hell: Economics in Film. Looks to actually be a decent class. Only bad things: it's from 6-9pm, and it'll run late some nights... that's LONG. Plus, the room we're going to watch the movies in don't allow food, so no munchies during the films. Like, what's up with that?
Sixth level of Hell: History of Rock and Jazz. Only thing about this class is that I need to officially get into it (gotta show up tonight - the first class session). Another 6-9pm night class, but this one shouldn't run late like the film class will. The hard part about night classes is taking them seriously - it's not easy to pay attention to academics at that hour.
So basically, things at the University suck. As they do at most academic institutions, I would imagine. Keeping nice company after work/school hours makes it much more tolerable, though.
My next post will include some actual music content.
Wednesday, January 16
Wednesday, January 9
Interestingly, I've been in more of a music buying mode than a music listening mode over the last couple of weeks. Last night, however, something "clicked" back into place, and I was enjoying my hobby much more than I have recently. I attribute this to a few things:
(1) Bought a new pair of headphones. They're Koss TD-61's. Not audiophile by any stretch, but they are light, yet still the padded ear-encapsulating style. I have a pair of Sony's that sound great but are uncomfortable as hell. These Koss 'phones are about as good as you can ask a $20 pair of headphones to sound (and more so, if you ask me).
(2) Slowing down on the music acquiring and revisiting some old albums. My escapades into electronica, jazz, and so forth have been exciting and intriguing, but taking a break to take in some more good ol' post-rock, while also checking out a little bit of newer post-rock, has done me good.
(3) Jim Mora. Just by being alive and on TV, Jim Mora makes me feel better.
(1) Bought a new pair of headphones. They're Koss TD-61's. Not audiophile by any stretch, but they are light, yet still the padded ear-encapsulating style. I have a pair of Sony's that sound great but are uncomfortable as hell. These Koss 'phones are about as good as you can ask a $20 pair of headphones to sound (and more so, if you ask me).
(2) Slowing down on the music acquiring and revisiting some old albums. My escapades into electronica, jazz, and so forth have been exciting and intriguing, but taking a break to take in some more good ol' post-rock, while also checking out a little bit of newer post-rock, has done me good.
(3) Jim Mora. Just by being alive and on TV, Jim Mora makes me feel better.
Friday, December 28
More CDs for me!
Using some of the rest of my Borders gift cards:
Lee Morgan - The Sidewinder
Jimmy Smith - The Sermon
John Coltrane - Blue Train
All three of these are Blue Note-label jazz albums. BMG doesn't carry as much Blue Note as they do Impulse!. They do have the Blue Train, but Borders was selling it for $9.99, so I figured I'd buy that and use the BMG free selection on something else (just like I did with the Queensrÿche, mentioned earlier).
Genesis - Nursery Cryme: Decided I needed a real copy of this. Don't know why.
Neurosis - Times of Grace: Described by AllMusic as "Tool for extremists". Not a terrible description, though they're not derivative of Tool. This is a SanFran prog-metal band (though not prog-metal in the DT-clone sense), that does the Tribes of Neurot side projects, etc.
Also, bought used:
Peter Gabriel - Peter Gabriel (3rd album): Supposedly his best. His 4th, (sometimes called Security) is really darn good.
Anyway, yesterday, I pulled out my copy of Deep Purple's Deepest Purple: The Very Best of Deep Purple. Uhm, damn. They're good. Listening to this now, it's so obvious why classic prog-rock sounded so natural to me when I got into it. After cutting my teeth on Jon Lord's organ solos, it was just a natural step. Yet, Deep Purple are more than just a mere stepping stone. It's interesting to see how they melded prog-rock tendencies with rowdy, raunchy (in tone, not necessarily in content) rockers. "Speed King" is a perfect example of this. Ian Gillian's vocals come screaming in "GOOD GOLLY said little Miss Molly / when she was rockin' in the house of blue light / Tutti Fruity was OHHHHHHH so rooty" etc. etc. And then, later in the song, you get this Hammond solo that interplays along with Blackmore's guitar.
Now, for a complaint. This compilation disc sounds like ass. ASS, I say. I never noticed it before. It's strange at how much more sensitive my ears have gotten to sound quality. This CD is from like 1980, so I imagine the new 25th anniversary remasters are better. I'm getting the remasters of Machine Head and Made In Japan for sure, from BMG.
Using some of the rest of my Borders gift cards:
Lee Morgan - The Sidewinder
Jimmy Smith - The Sermon
John Coltrane - Blue Train
All three of these are Blue Note-label jazz albums. BMG doesn't carry as much Blue Note as they do Impulse!. They do have the Blue Train, but Borders was selling it for $9.99, so I figured I'd buy that and use the BMG free selection on something else (just like I did with the Queensrÿche, mentioned earlier).
Genesis - Nursery Cryme: Decided I needed a real copy of this. Don't know why.
Neurosis - Times of Grace: Described by AllMusic as "Tool for extremists". Not a terrible description, though they're not derivative of Tool. This is a SanFran prog-metal band (though not prog-metal in the DT-clone sense), that does the Tribes of Neurot side projects, etc.
Also, bought used:
Peter Gabriel - Peter Gabriel (3rd album): Supposedly his best. His 4th, (sometimes called Security) is really darn good.
Anyway, yesterday, I pulled out my copy of Deep Purple's Deepest Purple: The Very Best of Deep Purple. Uhm, damn. They're good. Listening to this now, it's so obvious why classic prog-rock sounded so natural to me when I got into it. After cutting my teeth on Jon Lord's organ solos, it was just a natural step. Yet, Deep Purple are more than just a mere stepping stone. It's interesting to see how they melded prog-rock tendencies with rowdy, raunchy (in tone, not necessarily in content) rockers. "Speed King" is a perfect example of this. Ian Gillian's vocals come screaming in "GOOD GOLLY said little Miss Molly / when she was rockin' in the house of blue light / Tutti Fruity was OHHHHHHH so rooty" etc. etc. And then, later in the song, you get this Hammond solo that interplays along with Blackmore's guitar.
Now, for a complaint. This compilation disc sounds like ass. ASS, I say. I never noticed it before. It's strange at how much more sensitive my ears have gotten to sound quality. This CD is from like 1980, so I imagine the new 25th anniversary remasters are better. I'm getting the remasters of Machine Head and Made In Japan for sure, from BMG.
Wednesday, December 26
My CD collection has grown quite a bit. Between Christmas, some vacation pillaging, and just some purchases on my own, I have lots of new music to listen to.
Christmas gifts:
Beatles - Revolver: Pretty darn good. A few duff tracks ("Yellow Submarine" is blah, and "Good Day Sunshine" can go as well), but some great stuff as well.
Stravinsky - "Stravinsky" (3CD set, SFSO w/Michael Tilson Thomas conducting): Haven't yet listened to this, but it was at the top of my Christmas CDs list. Spposedly a breathtaking recording of some great performances of three Stravinsky pieces. Grammy-award winning recording, and I've heard that it was actually deserving of awards (you never know with the Grammy's these days, but the non-commercial awards appear less tainted than the headlining ones).
Radiohead - Amnesiac: Have had a CD-R made from MP3s up to this point. Asked for a real copy to replace it with. Got one.
McCoy Tyner - The Real McCoy: A jazz album that I wanted that BMG doesn't have.
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Stuff I bought on vacation (all used CDs):
Yes - Magnification: Wasn't looking to buy this, but when I saw a copy in the used bin, I couldn't resist.
Mr. Bungle - California: I haven't even listened to Disco Volanté enough, but I have heard that this album is great, so I went ahead and got it.
Hawkwind - This Is Hawkwind Do Not Panic: My favorite album title of all time. Don't know how much I like Hawkwind yet, but it was cheap.
King Crimson - Thrak: A decent album that I've had as MP3s up until now, decided a real copy was worth having.
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10 cent CDs (yes, the record store I was at had a bin of used CDs that each cost 10 cents):
Stone Temple Pilots - Purple: I was glad to see this in the 10 cent bin. I had a copy a long time ago, but gave it to a friend. Glad to have one back, for so cheap. The hit songs are definitely the best material on here.
Econoline Crush - The Devil You Know: The music computer at the store listed them as "industrial pop" or "industrial metal". Any time I see "industrial", I am intrigued. For 10 cents, it seemed like something to grab.
Jewel - Spirit: Because, well, you never know when I'll have a girl over at my apartment that likes Jewel. Though I'm bummed there wasn't any Lisa Loeb there instead....
Second Coming - Second Coming: Well, the cover looked kinda cool. Listened to one song while on vacation, and was instantly reminded of Alice in Chains. Come home, look at AllMusic, and wouldn't ya know, the name "Alice in Chains" is mentioned everywhere in the band's info. :) Hey, an AiC ripoff isn't the worst thing in the world. Worth 10 cents.
Juliana Hatfield - Juliana's Pony: Total System Failure: Not sure why I grabbed this one. Seen her name tossed around here and there.
Jesus Lizard - Blue: Who can resist noise-rock? Not me! Unfortunately, this isn't one of JL's "classic" albums, but is still supposed to be good.
Tal Bachman - Tal Bachman: Yes, of Bachman Turner Overdrive fame! Well, actually, the son of Randy Bachman. This is basically a '70s-style pop album with Hammond B3 and Moog on it. For 10 cents, I'll take anything with a Hammond, even if it's just to hear how bad it is (this is supposed to be OK though). I'm not expecting greatness, so I won't be disappointed. :)
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Post-Christmas gift certificate purchases:
Autechre - Tri Repetae++: I'm getting into interesting electronic artists.
Future Sound of London - ISDN: See above. This one actually features a little Robert Fripp too! :)
Robert Rich - Trances/Drones: One of the pioneering ambient artists, and this is his classic two complementary albums (now sold together as a single 2CD set).
Penderecki - Orchestral Works: A good recording of some of the best work of this 20th century composer.
Post-Christmas money purchases:
Tool - Ænima: I needed a CD copy of this!
Queensrÿche - Operation: Mindcrime: I was planning on getting this as a BMG selection, but when I saw it for $9.99 at Best Buy, I decided to just buy it and use the BMG selection on something that I can't get so cheaply.
mu-Ziq - Royal Astronomy: See Autechre & FSOL above.
I still have over $80 left of Borders credit, so there will be more to come. Trying to decide if I should have them order some stuff for me (I want Orbital's In Sides! And maybe some Acid Mothers Temple).
Christmas gifts:
Beatles - Revolver: Pretty darn good. A few duff tracks ("Yellow Submarine" is blah, and "Good Day Sunshine" can go as well), but some great stuff as well.
Stravinsky - "Stravinsky" (3CD set, SFSO w/Michael Tilson Thomas conducting): Haven't yet listened to this, but it was at the top of my Christmas CDs list. Spposedly a breathtaking recording of some great performances of three Stravinsky pieces. Grammy-award winning recording, and I've heard that it was actually deserving of awards (you never know with the Grammy's these days, but the non-commercial awards appear less tainted than the headlining ones).
Radiohead - Amnesiac: Have had a CD-R made from MP3s up to this point. Asked for a real copy to replace it with. Got one.
McCoy Tyner - The Real McCoy: A jazz album that I wanted that BMG doesn't have.
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Stuff I bought on vacation (all used CDs):
Yes - Magnification: Wasn't looking to buy this, but when I saw a copy in the used bin, I couldn't resist.
Mr. Bungle - California: I haven't even listened to Disco Volanté enough, but I have heard that this album is great, so I went ahead and got it.
Hawkwind - This Is Hawkwind Do Not Panic: My favorite album title of all time. Don't know how much I like Hawkwind yet, but it was cheap.
King Crimson - Thrak: A decent album that I've had as MP3s up until now, decided a real copy was worth having.
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10 cent CDs (yes, the record store I was at had a bin of used CDs that each cost 10 cents):
Stone Temple Pilots - Purple: I was glad to see this in the 10 cent bin. I had a copy a long time ago, but gave it to a friend. Glad to have one back, for so cheap. The hit songs are definitely the best material on here.
Econoline Crush - The Devil You Know: The music computer at the store listed them as "industrial pop" or "industrial metal". Any time I see "industrial", I am intrigued. For 10 cents, it seemed like something to grab.
Jewel - Spirit: Because, well, you never know when I'll have a girl over at my apartment that likes Jewel. Though I'm bummed there wasn't any Lisa Loeb there instead....
Second Coming - Second Coming: Well, the cover looked kinda cool. Listened to one song while on vacation, and was instantly reminded of Alice in Chains. Come home, look at AllMusic, and wouldn't ya know, the name "Alice in Chains" is mentioned everywhere in the band's info. :) Hey, an AiC ripoff isn't the worst thing in the world. Worth 10 cents.
Juliana Hatfield - Juliana's Pony: Total System Failure: Not sure why I grabbed this one. Seen her name tossed around here and there.
Jesus Lizard - Blue: Who can resist noise-rock? Not me! Unfortunately, this isn't one of JL's "classic" albums, but is still supposed to be good.
Tal Bachman - Tal Bachman: Yes, of Bachman Turner Overdrive fame! Well, actually, the son of Randy Bachman. This is basically a '70s-style pop album with Hammond B3 and Moog on it. For 10 cents, I'll take anything with a Hammond, even if it's just to hear how bad it is (this is supposed to be OK though). I'm not expecting greatness, so I won't be disappointed. :)
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Post-Christmas gift certificate purchases:
Autechre - Tri Repetae++: I'm getting into interesting electronic artists.
Future Sound of London - ISDN: See above. This one actually features a little Robert Fripp too! :)
Robert Rich - Trances/Drones: One of the pioneering ambient artists, and this is his classic two complementary albums (now sold together as a single 2CD set).
Penderecki - Orchestral Works: A good recording of some of the best work of this 20th century composer.
Post-Christmas money purchases:
Tool - Ænima: I needed a CD copy of this!
Queensrÿche - Operation: Mindcrime: I was planning on getting this as a BMG selection, but when I saw it for $9.99 at Best Buy, I decided to just buy it and use the BMG selection on something that I can't get so cheaply.
mu-Ziq - Royal Astronomy: See Autechre & FSOL above.
I still have over $80 left of Borders credit, so there will be more to come. Trying to decide if I should have them order some stuff for me (I want Orbital's In Sides! And maybe some Acid Mothers Temple).
Wednesday, December 19
Stuff I've been listening to lately:
Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence: DT's new album isn't officially out yet, but has been leaked to various newsgroups and places like AudioGalaxy. I've downloaded a copy and have listened to it a few times. A few songs, like "Misunderstood", have made an impact, but for the most part, it's been pretty yawn-inducing. It's a two-disc album, and the entire second disc is one 40 minute title track suite. So far, it's pretty boring. :(
Yes - Magnification: Here's another boring album. I don't much want to talk about it (let's put it this way - I've only made it to the end of the album once so far). I will say, though, that anyone that wants to hear what strings and horns in a prog-rock band can sound like when done WELL needs to hear Townscream's Nagyvárosi Ikonok.
Fates Warning - Disconnected: Surprisingly good. I liked A Pleasant Shade of Gray, of course. This one's different - a bit faster and louder. But it's still outstanding. Descriptions like "a less-dark Tool" would not be too far off the mark.
Dream Theater - When Dream and Day Unite: A naive, charming album. I actually like Charlie Dominici's "mini-Geddy" vocals. And while the whole band look like dorks in their pictures on the back of the CD, there's some cool tunes here. "Ytse Jam" is nice, of course, but "Status Seeker" kicks as well. Not a great album, but a decent one, and it's fun to listen to sometimes.
Halifax Pier - The Halifax Pier: Oy. I've been saying that Global Communication's 76:14 is the best CD I've bought this year, but maybe this one is. Violin, cello, and dual guitars create sweet, depressing soundscapes. Me likey.
Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence: DT's new album isn't officially out yet, but has been leaked to various newsgroups and places like AudioGalaxy. I've downloaded a copy and have listened to it a few times. A few songs, like "Misunderstood", have made an impact, but for the most part, it's been pretty yawn-inducing. It's a two-disc album, and the entire second disc is one 40 minute title track suite. So far, it's pretty boring. :(
Yes - Magnification: Here's another boring album. I don't much want to talk about it (let's put it this way - I've only made it to the end of the album once so far). I will say, though, that anyone that wants to hear what strings and horns in a prog-rock band can sound like when done WELL needs to hear Townscream's Nagyvárosi Ikonok.
Fates Warning - Disconnected: Surprisingly good. I liked A Pleasant Shade of Gray, of course. This one's different - a bit faster and louder. But it's still outstanding. Descriptions like "a less-dark Tool" would not be too far off the mark.
Dream Theater - When Dream and Day Unite: A naive, charming album. I actually like Charlie Dominici's "mini-Geddy" vocals. And while the whole band look like dorks in their pictures on the back of the CD, there's some cool tunes here. "Ytse Jam" is nice, of course, but "Status Seeker" kicks as well. Not a great album, but a decent one, and it's fun to listen to sometimes.
Halifax Pier - The Halifax Pier: Oy. I've been saying that Global Communication's 76:14 is the best CD I've bought this year, but maybe this one is. Violin, cello, and dual guitars create sweet, depressing soundscapes. Me likey.
Saturday, December 15
Latest BMG grabs:
Art Blakey - A Night in Tunesia
Henryk Górecki - Symphony #3 (London Sinfonietta, Zinman conducting)
Fates Warning - Disconnected
Captain Beefheart - Trout Mask Replica
Currently listening to the Fates Warning. I wanted the four of those pretty much in the order they're listed. But the Blakey and Górecki are known quantities to me, while the Fates Warning I don't know much about (I've been told that it's supposed to be as good as A Pleasant Shade of Gray, and I ordered it on the strength of that recommendation, so we'll see). It's a bit more up-tempo and overtly metal than APSoG so far, but it's nice (which is more than I can say for the new Dream Theater album, though that needs more listens too). We'll see how it measures up to APSoG in the end, but it seems like a good album, and so I shouldn't regret buying it (this was one of my BMG full-price purchases... so more freebies coming soon!).
Art Blakey - A Night in Tunesia
Henryk Górecki - Symphony #3 (London Sinfonietta, Zinman conducting)
Fates Warning - Disconnected
Captain Beefheart - Trout Mask Replica
Currently listening to the Fates Warning. I wanted the four of those pretty much in the order they're listed. But the Blakey and Górecki are known quantities to me, while the Fates Warning I don't know much about (I've been told that it's supposed to be as good as A Pleasant Shade of Gray, and I ordered it on the strength of that recommendation, so we'll see). It's a bit more up-tempo and overtly metal than APSoG so far, but it's nice (which is more than I can say for the new Dream Theater album, though that needs more listens too). We'll see how it measures up to APSoG in the end, but it seems like a good album, and so I shouldn't regret buying it (this was one of my BMG full-price purchases... so more freebies coming soon!).
Tuesday, December 11
If people actually read this site, and e-mailed me, I imagine that I would get an e-mail much like this:
"Hey, Legion! So whatever happened to that daily workout thing of yours? You quit that weeks ago, didn't ya? BTW, Mogwai rocks. Later!"
Well, Mr. Imaginary Writer, you could not be more wrong. I continue to work out on a daily basis. In fact, in the two months that I've been doing so (started on October 9th, and today is December 11th), I have lost an additional 30 pounds. Oh yeah, biznatch. Furthermore, I got my Christmas present - a Soloflex - a month early. So, in addition to the stationary bike, I weightlift now. I also take a short jog to cap off my workout.
Funny thing is, my parents have been observing this (I drive down to their place usually once a weekend, so they've seen me get thinner week-by-week), and so they turned their former computer room (which was vacated after I left, because the computer went into the freshly-open bedroom) into a home gym. So now they're going to copy the Legion Super Duper Exercise Plan.
What is "the Legion Super Duper Exercise Plan", you ask? Well, an ultra-brief recap for those of you tuning in late:
The Plan:
(1) WORK OUT.
(2) EVERY DAY.
That's all there is to it. The extra daily workload will force your body to make some serious adjustments. You'll burn calories, get firmer, and all that good stuff. It's not hard. I started with just a 20 minute stationary bike ride, every day, and went from there. The first 10 pounds came off faster than I could count! Eventually, it gets harder, as your body gets in better shape and requires more to get the same effect. Still, results happen FAST, and as long as you keep it up, they keep happening. And if you can make improvements in your diet, even just slight ones, it helps too. I don't know why I didn't do this years ago.
It should then come as no surprise that I'm dating a bit more now than I was before. Of course, that's partially due to just being in town longer and meeting more people, but I know for a fact that getting in better shape has helped.
So, while this semester has been a nightmare academically, it has been pretty good on other fronts.
I know one thing - I'll be walking the beach with my shirt off this summer! Six-pack or bust! (erm, waitaminute...)
"Hey, Legion! So whatever happened to that daily workout thing of yours? You quit that weeks ago, didn't ya? BTW, Mogwai rocks. Later!"
Well, Mr. Imaginary Writer, you could not be more wrong. I continue to work out on a daily basis. In fact, in the two months that I've been doing so (started on October 9th, and today is December 11th), I have lost an additional 30 pounds. Oh yeah, biznatch. Furthermore, I got my Christmas present - a Soloflex - a month early. So, in addition to the stationary bike, I weightlift now. I also take a short jog to cap off my workout.
Funny thing is, my parents have been observing this (I drive down to their place usually once a weekend, so they've seen me get thinner week-by-week), and so they turned their former computer room (which was vacated after I left, because the computer went into the freshly-open bedroom) into a home gym. So now they're going to copy the Legion Super Duper Exercise Plan.
What is "the Legion Super Duper Exercise Plan", you ask? Well, an ultra-brief recap for those of you tuning in late:
The Plan:
(1) WORK OUT.
(2) EVERY DAY.
That's all there is to it. The extra daily workload will force your body to make some serious adjustments. You'll burn calories, get firmer, and all that good stuff. It's not hard. I started with just a 20 minute stationary bike ride, every day, and went from there. The first 10 pounds came off faster than I could count! Eventually, it gets harder, as your body gets in better shape and requires more to get the same effect. Still, results happen FAST, and as long as you keep it up, they keep happening. And if you can make improvements in your diet, even just slight ones, it helps too. I don't know why I didn't do this years ago.
It should then come as no surprise that I'm dating a bit more now than I was before. Of course, that's partially due to just being in town longer and meeting more people, but I know for a fact that getting in better shape has helped.
So, while this semester has been a nightmare academically, it has been pretty good on other fronts.
I know one thing - I'll be walking the beach with my shirt off this summer! Six-pack or bust! (erm, waitaminute...)
Sunday, December 9
"With a hired plane,
And no names mentioned.
Tonight's the night of the flight.
Before you know,
I'll be over the water
Like a swallow.
There's no risk.
I'll whisk them up in no moonlight.
And though pigs can fly,
They'll never find us
Posing as the night,
And I'm home before the morning."
-- Kate Bush, "Night of the Swallow"
I need to review The Dreaming for Progweed.net. It just might be one of the finest albums I own. This is what prog/pop can be when it's not self-consciously trying to be "prog".
Speaking of Progweed, two new (and not very flattering!) reviews of mine have been posted... one for the mediocre Edera, and one for the atrocious Lyle Holdahl. Don't miss the Holdahl one. :)
And no names mentioned.
Tonight's the night of the flight.
Before you know,
I'll be over the water
Like a swallow.
There's no risk.
I'll whisk them up in no moonlight.
And though pigs can fly,
They'll never find us
Posing as the night,
And I'm home before the morning."
-- Kate Bush, "Night of the Swallow"
I need to review The Dreaming for Progweed.net. It just might be one of the finest albums I own. This is what prog/pop can be when it's not self-consciously trying to be "prog".
Speaking of Progweed, two new (and not very flattering!) reviews of mine have been posted... one for the mediocre Edera, and one for the atrocious Lyle Holdahl. Don't miss the Holdahl one. :)
Thursday, December 6
Don't know if I've mentioned it here before, but a few months ago, I instituted a personal policy in my music listening, where I acted on any musical impulse without question. What this means is, if I think I want to listen to something, I do so immediately. Now, listening to what you want to listen to may not seem like something all that notable, or even unusual. But what I'm talking about is on a more impulsive level. Like, if I get a song in my head, I will listen to it, regardless of what the song is. For example, Journey's "Separate Ways" and Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer" have both burned their way into my skull in recent weeks. As a result, I downloaded them, and listened to them numerous times. If, for some reason, I feel like listening to a Whitney Houston song, I reach for my Pop MP3s CDR and toss it into my computer, no questions asked.
I had more to say, but it has long been forgotten, as I have (a) a Calculus test to study for, and (b) the LA Kings game is now on my TV.
I had more to say, but it has long been forgotten, as I have (a) a Calculus test to study for, and (b) the LA Kings game is now on my TV.
Tuesday, November 20
On my way to my evening class, I was programming in some radio stations on my car stereo (since I rarely listen to the radio - way too many CDs for that - I didn't have everything programmed in). Well, while scanning to get to a certain station, I heard a classical piece playing. I stopped, and immediately programmed that station in to the stereo.
When I got to the university's parking lot, the piece was still playing. I had my Discman next to me, which I had planned on listening to in class (I had Slint's Spiderland and Red Stars Theory's Life in a Bubble Can Be Beautiful with me). Well, my Discman has an AM/FM tuner built in (why don't ALL Discmen have this? At least the new generation of CD/MP3 hybrid players are all incorporating it - about time!). So, I tuned into that station. However, unlike my car stereo, my Discman radio was picking up two, perhaps three different stations on that frequency (there was the classical piece, and a rap/rasta piece.... I also heard some jazz flute that wasn't part of the classical piece... I'm not sure if it was part of the rap-ish song or not). Anyway, as I walked to class (and a walk to class at a high-enrollment campus like Fresno State is a walk, indeed), the rap song would phase in and out. I'd get a few seconds of just the classical piece, and then a few with both playing. After a while of trying to tilt the Discman at various angles to pick up only the classical piece (with little success - it would make a difference, but not enough), it hit me to switch it from "DX" to "Local". That got rid of the rap song, but the classical signal was weakened (so instead of phasing in and out of the rap song, it phased in and out of a static haze). Still, it was better than before.
Anyway, I got to class, turned in my assignment, decided that I didn't want to sit in class (it's been a brutal past 10 days, with two hard mid-terms... I'm done for the week!), and so I headed back to my car. I was tired of not being able to hear the radio, so I put the Slint album in to listen to on the way back.
When I got back to the car, the radio station was no longer playing classical music. It was news. Turns out that it wasn't a classical station, but rather it was NPR. Darn. You know what I want? XM radio. For those that don't know, XM is the next "type" of radio, like AM and FM. It uses satellites to broadcast the radio streams. It is near CD quality (better than FM), and the programming contains far less commercials than AM/FM radio. However, it's not free... it's $10 a month, and requires equipment capable of receiving the signal. Apparently there's even a prog-rock station on the XM band, though it apparently focuses on '70s English prog (in the words of someone at RMP: "Yes, Genesis, Tull, blah blah blah..."). If XM gets cheaper, and if your "purchase" allows you to listen to it on all your devices (car, home, portable, etc), then perhaps I'll get it (I primarily want the classical and jazz programming... the prog one won't do much for me).
When I got to the university's parking lot, the piece was still playing. I had my Discman next to me, which I had planned on listening to in class (I had Slint's Spiderland and Red Stars Theory's Life in a Bubble Can Be Beautiful with me). Well, my Discman has an AM/FM tuner built in (why don't ALL Discmen have this? At least the new generation of CD/MP3 hybrid players are all incorporating it - about time!). So, I tuned into that station. However, unlike my car stereo, my Discman radio was picking up two, perhaps three different stations on that frequency (there was the classical piece, and a rap/rasta piece.... I also heard some jazz flute that wasn't part of the classical piece... I'm not sure if it was part of the rap-ish song or not). Anyway, as I walked to class (and a walk to class at a high-enrollment campus like Fresno State is a walk, indeed), the rap song would phase in and out. I'd get a few seconds of just the classical piece, and then a few with both playing. After a while of trying to tilt the Discman at various angles to pick up only the classical piece (with little success - it would make a difference, but not enough), it hit me to switch it from "DX" to "Local". That got rid of the rap song, but the classical signal was weakened (so instead of phasing in and out of the rap song, it phased in and out of a static haze). Still, it was better than before.
Anyway, I got to class, turned in my assignment, decided that I didn't want to sit in class (it's been a brutal past 10 days, with two hard mid-terms... I'm done for the week!), and so I headed back to my car. I was tired of not being able to hear the radio, so I put the Slint album in to listen to on the way back.
When I got back to the car, the radio station was no longer playing classical music. It was news. Turns out that it wasn't a classical station, but rather it was NPR. Darn. You know what I want? XM radio. For those that don't know, XM is the next "type" of radio, like AM and FM. It uses satellites to broadcast the radio streams. It is near CD quality (better than FM), and the programming contains far less commercials than AM/FM radio. However, it's not free... it's $10 a month, and requires equipment capable of receiving the signal. Apparently there's even a prog-rock station on the XM band, though it apparently focuses on '70s English prog (in the words of someone at RMP: "Yes, Genesis, Tull, blah blah blah..."). If XM gets cheaper, and if your "purchase" allows you to listen to it on all your devices (car, home, portable, etc), then perhaps I'll get it (I primarily want the classical and jazz programming... the prog one won't do much for me).
ARGH! Someone was selling Area's Crac! on rec.music.progressive, but another buyer got to it before I could. (insert vulgar explitives here!!).
I really don't want to pay $18 for a 38 minute album, but I may have to (heck, I should consider myself lucky - a few months ago, it wasn't available at all! I tried to buy it for $18 before but the dealer couldn't fill the order).
Scored some Japanese avant-rock goodness, in the form of Tipographica and Bondage Fruit's self-titled debut albums. $20 a pop. Crikey. I also have Koenjihyakkei's II reserved at Wayside for the same price. Damn those Japanese taxes... I'm tired of paying $20 for a CD, but no domestic label is going to release the material. It's not the vendor's faults, since they have to pay the high price to get the CD, and that has to be passed onto the consumer (especially when you're talking about low-margin specialty retailers like Wayside - God bless you, Steve Feigenbaum).
Anyway, I'm cruising the BMG catalog to load up on some more jazz albums, as well as classical. I'm strongly thinking of declaring January to be "Jazz Month", and listen to almost only jazz albums. At the very least, I will have a "Jazz Week", and perhaps a "Jazz Two Weeks". Thing is, I could spend days just on the Miles Davis Complete Bitches Brew Sessions and the John Coltrane Complete Village Vanguard Recordings boxes themselves.
I was at Borders a couple of days ago, and listened to a performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade on one of the listening stations. In particular, the second movement (I forget the name) was great. I will be getting a CD of that piece from BMG (I've been cross-referencing the performances on the BMG CDs with comments at rec.music.classical.recordings, in order to separate the gems from the crappy ones... up until now, I've tried to get into classical by buying the cheapy CDs, but have failed to enjoy them - they tend to sound like they were recorded in broom closets). Especially when it comes to classical music, quality matters.
I really don't want to pay $18 for a 38 minute album, but I may have to (heck, I should consider myself lucky - a few months ago, it wasn't available at all! I tried to buy it for $18 before but the dealer couldn't fill the order).
Scored some Japanese avant-rock goodness, in the form of Tipographica and Bondage Fruit's self-titled debut albums. $20 a pop. Crikey. I also have Koenjihyakkei's II reserved at Wayside for the same price. Damn those Japanese taxes... I'm tired of paying $20 for a CD, but no domestic label is going to release the material. It's not the vendor's faults, since they have to pay the high price to get the CD, and that has to be passed onto the consumer (especially when you're talking about low-margin specialty retailers like Wayside - God bless you, Steve Feigenbaum).
Anyway, I'm cruising the BMG catalog to load up on some more jazz albums, as well as classical. I'm strongly thinking of declaring January to be "Jazz Month", and listen to almost only jazz albums. At the very least, I will have a "Jazz Week", and perhaps a "Jazz Two Weeks". Thing is, I could spend days just on the Miles Davis Complete Bitches Brew Sessions and the John Coltrane Complete Village Vanguard Recordings boxes themselves.
I was at Borders a couple of days ago, and listened to a performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade on one of the listening stations. In particular, the second movement (I forget the name) was great. I will be getting a CD of that piece from BMG (I've been cross-referencing the performances on the BMG CDs with comments at rec.music.classical.recordings, in order to separate the gems from the crappy ones... up until now, I've tried to get into classical by buying the cheapy CDs, but have failed to enjoy them - they tend to sound like they were recorded in broom closets). Especially when it comes to classical music, quality matters.
Wednesday, November 14
I may need to re-name this blog to "Adventures in Sonic Exploration".
What I'm pursuing now:
(1) Minimalists - Terry Riley, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass... the "big three" of minimalism, so to speak. I have very little exposure to the first and last of these, and have only begun my listening of Reich. I'm thinking that the best approach I can take to "classical" music is to start from the modern era and work backwards.
(2) Ambient House - Or "ambient electronic" or "ambient techno" if you prefer. Global Communication rocked my world, and now I need more. Currently listening to Electric Skychurch's Knowoness, which is nice but has vocals that I would remove from the album in a heartbeat.
In other news...
I was at a small '50s theme resteraunt this afternoon... just wanted a good chocolate shake. When I got there, the music playing on the PA system was the Angels' song "My Boyfriend's Back". Which, OK, is definitely a good time-piece tune, even though it wasn't actually released until 1963 (it seems to be a '50s music staple regardless of that fact). So, that one was fine. But the next song was the Village People's "YMCA". Wha? Now we're not even close. We're talkin' being off the mark by a full generation (25 years). "YMCA" wasn't released until 1978 - we're talkin' LATE '70s here.
Oh well. I can't say that I'm much of a fan for the early rock-and-roll of the 1950's, so I'm not exactly complaining. Still, if your resteraunt is ostensibly '50s, I would expect the music to be at least within a deviation of +/- 5 years. (Well, since they're not likely to be digging up any late '40s music, let's add the -5 to the front end, and just say to "keep it before 1970").
I listened to some Yanni today at Borders. It was actually kinda good at first. Then, I realized that the nice sounds weren't just an intro or an interlude, but rather that the entire thing sounds like that. Yanni seems to milk a basic sound to such an extent that the whole affair becomes muzak. Even in ambient/environmental stuff, the music needs to change, to deviate, to branch out... to breathe. Yanni seems to stick with "sounding pretty". Whatever. The same complaint can be raised of techno music. Some techno is nothing but a single driving beat, repeated ad nauseum. While most electronic music (at least, in my experience) is reliant on loops, there is a need to do something with the repetition.
One of these days, I will buy that Stravinsky 3CD set. The one that's conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. The one that won a Grammy award (and, at least in that area, the Grammies still hold at least some clout). The thing is advertised as 3CDs for the price of 2, but it's really not. Well, maybe in the "two separate CDs" sense, but it's more expensive than 2CD sets. In fact, it's more expensive than the 3CD Heavy ConstruKction set of King Crimson's. If it was actually the price of a regular 2CD set, I would own it by now. I'll probably throw it on a Christmas list.
What I'm pursuing now:
(1) Minimalists - Terry Riley, Steve Reich, and Philip Glass... the "big three" of minimalism, so to speak. I have very little exposure to the first and last of these, and have only begun my listening of Reich. I'm thinking that the best approach I can take to "classical" music is to start from the modern era and work backwards.
(2) Ambient House - Or "ambient electronic" or "ambient techno" if you prefer. Global Communication rocked my world, and now I need more. Currently listening to Electric Skychurch's Knowoness, which is nice but has vocals that I would remove from the album in a heartbeat.
In other news...
I was at a small '50s theme resteraunt this afternoon... just wanted a good chocolate shake. When I got there, the music playing on the PA system was the Angels' song "My Boyfriend's Back". Which, OK, is definitely a good time-piece tune, even though it wasn't actually released until 1963 (it seems to be a '50s music staple regardless of that fact). So, that one was fine. But the next song was the Village People's "YMCA". Wha? Now we're not even close. We're talkin' being off the mark by a full generation (25 years). "YMCA" wasn't released until 1978 - we're talkin' LATE '70s here.
Oh well. I can't say that I'm much of a fan for the early rock-and-roll of the 1950's, so I'm not exactly complaining. Still, if your resteraunt is ostensibly '50s, I would expect the music to be at least within a deviation of +/- 5 years. (Well, since they're not likely to be digging up any late '40s music, let's add the -5 to the front end, and just say to "keep it before 1970").
I listened to some Yanni today at Borders. It was actually kinda good at first. Then, I realized that the nice sounds weren't just an intro or an interlude, but rather that the entire thing sounds like that. Yanni seems to milk a basic sound to such an extent that the whole affair becomes muzak. Even in ambient/environmental stuff, the music needs to change, to deviate, to branch out... to breathe. Yanni seems to stick with "sounding pretty". Whatever. The same complaint can be raised of techno music. Some techno is nothing but a single driving beat, repeated ad nauseum. While most electronic music (at least, in my experience) is reliant on loops, there is a need to do something with the repetition.
One of these days, I will buy that Stravinsky 3CD set. The one that's conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. The one that won a Grammy award (and, at least in that area, the Grammies still hold at least some clout). The thing is advertised as 3CDs for the price of 2, but it's really not. Well, maybe in the "two separate CDs" sense, but it's more expensive than 2CD sets. In fact, it's more expensive than the 3CD Heavy ConstruKction set of King Crimson's. If it was actually the price of a regular 2CD set, I would own it by now. I'll probably throw it on a Christmas list.
Tuesday, November 13
It's been about half a month since I last wrote something here. Hmmph.
What's happened in the meantime? Well, I am diving head-first into the realm of electronic music. I picked up what is apparently an "ambient house" classic, Global Communication's 76:14. This sucker's great. It finds a middle ground between Steve Roach-style ambience and modern electronica (not unlike the middle ground post-rock (at least the "drone-rock" contingent) often establishes between ambient and rock). I do enjoy Steve Roach, but ambient with a stronger rhythmic presence tends to have a stronger effect on me.
It's starting to seem that space/ambient music has the potential to be even more near and dear to me than more "busy" styles of music like jazz or prog-rock. I guess it shouldn't be surprising, given that the space rock bits in Pink Floyd are my favorite moments from that band's canon of music.
This new direction will eventually push me to the borders of both techno and New Age. At some point, I expect to eventually encounter stuff in those realms that repulses me - thus establishing the borders of where my tastes in this field run. What remains to be seen is whether these borders exist on the outskirts of these genres, or whether they're well into the heart of the genres (or perhaps the borders don't exist at all - in which case, Present and YETI can expect to be joined by Prodigy and Yanni in my CD case soon).
Oh, and the new Mogwai EP is good. Not quite Rock Action good or EP+2 good, but it's Young Team good.
What's happened in the meantime? Well, I am diving head-first into the realm of electronic music. I picked up what is apparently an "ambient house" classic, Global Communication's 76:14. This sucker's great. It finds a middle ground between Steve Roach-style ambience and modern electronica (not unlike the middle ground post-rock (at least the "drone-rock" contingent) often establishes between ambient and rock). I do enjoy Steve Roach, but ambient with a stronger rhythmic presence tends to have a stronger effect on me.
It's starting to seem that space/ambient music has the potential to be even more near and dear to me than more "busy" styles of music like jazz or prog-rock. I guess it shouldn't be surprising, given that the space rock bits in Pink Floyd are my favorite moments from that band's canon of music.
This new direction will eventually push me to the borders of both techno and New Age. At some point, I expect to eventually encounter stuff in those realms that repulses me - thus establishing the borders of where my tastes in this field run. What remains to be seen is whether these borders exist on the outskirts of these genres, or whether they're well into the heart of the genres (or perhaps the borders don't exist at all - in which case, Present and YETI can expect to be joined by Prodigy and Yanni in my CD case soon).
Oh, and the new Mogwai EP is good. Not quite Rock Action good or EP+2 good, but it's Young Team good.
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