Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Ultimate Frisbee - 11th Edition Rules




I'm going to be joining an Ultimate team.
11th Edition Rules - HERE -

Recycling letter to: Web Admin, Web Group Information Services at Salt Lake County


"Hello on the website: http://www.recycle.slco.org/InSLCounty/SLC.html, the page says, "To find out your collection day or other information call 535-6999, or see the Route Map (accessible on website).".

I have searched and couldn't find the Route Maps on the whole site of recycle.slco.org. I even did a search and it pulled up a list of unrelated pages.

You really should create a link or something to the Route Maps as the demographic of people who go to websites in the first place want information without having to call someone.

Thanks"

Monday, August 16, 2010

University of Utah - Internet Explorer sellouts

I've noticed that the University of Utah likes to use IE specific functions in their web page (namely, forms). It's frustrating because there are LOTS of people that like to use browsers other than IE. I guess it's not even that that bugs me, it's the ideology of forcing a product on the constituents of an educational institution.

Pre-semester email concerning a math book or My professor is a joker




"Dear all,

Welcome to Math 1060 - your worst nightmare (just joking... maybe).  I'm your professor and I thought that I would give you a "heads up" concerning the textbook (since there is some confusion about it).

The text is Larson/Hostetler 7th edition "Precalculus".  It's ISBN number is:

ISBN-13: 978-0618643448

PLEASE be careful to buy the 7th edition.  There is an 8th edition, but we're NOT using that (for reasons that you'll see below).  The book is available at the bookstore (if you like to throw your money down the drain). 

ALL of the 1060 sections use the same book (this semester there are only a couple of sections: one taught by Knaeble and one taught by me - that's why the bookstore lists it all under "Knaeble").

The good news is that this book is also used in the Math 1050 course, which is also a prereq for calculus.  Hence at least you can use it twice.  The BAD news is that the price of the book is (new) about $200... and used isn't much better ($150).

Fortunately, there are many used copies available on the internet starting at around $40 and up... but hurry to buy because you will be in serious trouble if you wait.

Now, since I dislike the overpriced bookstore, and I absolutely HATE Brooks Cole publishing (they are the scum of the earth), I can mention that I cannot stop you from downloading the book from somewhere off the internet illegally ... however I obviously cannot give hints on how to do that.  Either way DO NOT WAIT to obtain the book.

We are sticking to the 7th edition because there are many used copies floating around, and because it is also used in 1050.

See you in a couple of weeks,"

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Water molecules, a survival story


While hiking in and around the mountains of Utah, sometimes, I encounter streams.
Meeting these little rivers always makes me think of the survival of the water molecule. As water always seeks the lowest point and flows the path of least resistance, our chance of crossing paths has a story behind it. I, traveled from my house by means of a vehicle to hike the mountains and enjoy the beauty of nature. The water molecules, on the other hand, got into the mountains by rain or some other type of precipitation. What luck that we were able to enjoy a chance meeting together!
I imagine what obstacles the water molecule had to go through to get to the moment of us meeting. I wonder what story it could tell me about its life. I imagine what it'd be like to watch the documentary of this water molecule's life.
I suppose we are sort of like that water molecule, fitting into the creation story of the universe.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Ants make beads


I remember one time as a child in elementary school there was an anthill. I noticed how curious it was that most the little rocks piled were about the same size. Sifting through the pile with a stick I noticed some beads in the mix. I thought that surely the ants couldn't make such uniform doughnut-shaped objects. I decided to make a mental note that the next time I found an ant hill away from people that I'd check to see if it had beads in it. Later, I stumbled upon a remote anthill and checked to see if there were beads in it. There were! Even now, I still believe that ants make beads.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

BitBlinder dead as dead?



BitBlinder is dead, correct? Can't seem to find anything about how the website or the program went down.

Download. Upload.

Download = Consume.
Upload = Create.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

PRO-Keds Royal High Canvas vs Chrome Kursk

I got some black PRO-Keds sneakers from Gilt for 5 dollars. They're nice and everything but hot on the feet during the summer when compared to my Chrome Kursks:


Also, I wish the PRO-Keds had a red sole or something like the Kursks do. All together, I like my Chromes better. However, I might change my mind when the fall & winter seasons roll around.

Poladroid

Poladroid.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Screening; Inception

As a student going into architecture this movie is brilliant! Go to IMDB and check it out.
My friend Anna invited me to a free screening of this movie that I've never even heard about. I don't see why I haven't because this movie has very talented people: DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard & Michael Caine. 
The plan is simple, plant an idea inside someone's head by actually being in their dreams. The movie however, diving layers into a person's mind, renders a menagerie of story lines together to form a whirlwind of different genres into one, very successfully.
I applauded at the ending because of how well the story was executed. Visually, it was a treat and never let me down, always in good taste. Architecturally it was a treat to see elements of design made significant, trumpeting just how integral design is to our waking (or dreaming) world. The story fit neatly together and unfolded appropriately. I would most certainly use my hard earned money to see this film again and recommend my friends to do so as well :D Good Job Christopher Nolan!

Friday, July 09, 2010

UTA TRAX, fix your effing doors!



I know the UTA transit system readjusted their routes so as to accommodate fiscal savings in their budget. Which means, that they should have some extra cash on hand to fix the doors on their trains. Seems like lately its been a game of chance on which door to pick. If you have a bicycle you only get two chances to get it right before the train leaves you stranded and estranged like some out of work illegal immigrant. Though watching people frenzy to try and catch a train and miss it by moments always makes me smile it shouldn't be because the train's doors don't work.

But really, doors on any vehicle are VERY basic functions of transportation. People should not have to consider the doors opening on public transportation a luxury.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Windows 7 64-bit, Chrome

I'm pretty sure that Google's Chrome is the slowest browser ever when it comes to using it on a Win7 64-bit. Takes forever to load even seemingly simple things. Common Google. Really.

I read an article today about the new Firefox beta. Maybe I'll use that.

I tried the 64-bit version of IE but apparently Adobe Flash is not supporting 64-bit browsers yet and they tell you to use the 32-bit version instead. Tough luck, go home, do not pass go and absolutely do not collect $200.

Laaaame.

It seems that plenty of people are supporting 64-bit versions of Linux though. Or perhaps it's just that the grass is greener.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Doom 3 using Windows 7 64-bit, flickering problem solved

Starting up Doom 3 after installing patch 1.3 and patch 1.3.1 on a  64-bit Windows 7 operating system yielded me the fantastic result of a flickering screen. Almost akin to trying to play Doom 3 in a tornado consisting of black line-shreded paper.
I've reinstalled, re-patched, ran in administrator mode, and tried using the non-Aero theme but nothing worked.
Until...
I stumbled across this wonderful little app called RivaTuner. Here's the forum link I found to fix the scrolling flickering problem that plagues OpenGL based games in Windows 7.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Billboard house, not much different than a real billboard

I found this via Web Urbanist and couldn't help but think that this structure, portrayed in various locations, doesn't consider it's environmental context what-so-ever. And like most real billboards, is an offence to its surroundings. The one that offended me most is the one in the desert region. Sacrilege!

Chirp Squirrel in Heat



There's this squirrel outside the office I work. He was calling and calling via loud obnoxious chirps. I'm guessing he found something to preoccupy himself with because as of 20 minutes ago he has stopped. But when he gets going he usually doesn't stop for quite some time.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The Beetles



I didn't realize until last year that the band called The Beatles was not spelled "Beetles". I immediately saw the cleverness of the play on words and also wondered how I never got that simple idea in the first place.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

May 25th, 2010 - Memorial Grove to 5950' - 6.6 miles


View Memorial Grove to 5950' - 6.6 miles in a larger map




Start at the gates in Memorial Grove park.
Keep running until we meet the Lung Ta prayer flags @ 5950' elevation.
Return back to Memorial Grove park.


GPS details from my phone...
6.6 miles
Average speed: 4 mph
Max speed: 12 mph

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Red Butte Creek Run


View Red Butte Creek Run in a larger map

Started at Legacy Bridge.
Followed a trail on the North Hillside of Red Butte Creek.
Crossed Red Butte Creek.
Went up the South Hillside of Red Butte Creek.
Ran through Soldier's Hollow to The Living Room.
Cut through George's Hollow.
Went past the rattle snake nest.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail back to Legacy Bridge.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Yesterday - Trax-Twin Peaks Run


View Trax-Twin Peaks Run in a larger map

Ran this yesterday in preparation for the Wahsatch Steeple Chase. Also viewable via Google Earth.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Secret Sale - It's a Secret to Everybody.



$19.99 for a new printer that I desperately need? I'll be there!

Ratatat - Party with Children Video


Ratatat's album, LP4 will be out June 8th, 2010 on CD and vinyl (vinyl will include a mp3 download coupon, lurrve it when they do that!).
After having listened to the leaked album a couple of weeks ago I decided that it was worth purchasing the vinyl when it becomes available.
[via HUH.]

INTERPOL - Pre-Sale Tickets Ends Friday, May 14th @ 11:59pm PST

I received an email today from the Interpol mailing list:

"We're getting back on the bus, traveling across some fine regions of our great states - and we're making stops... Yes, as in, playin' shows. 

Go to Interpolnyc.com where we'll be posting tour dates/cities, and for a limited time, pre-sale tickets will be available directly from the band, with no third party involvement, thus creating a less expensive price per ticket.

We're looking forward.

Thank You,
Interpol"

Ticket prices range from 28 thru 40 dollars and are for the following states as of this post: NY, PA, IA, OH, MO, GA, SC, MD, RI and CT. 
It's great that the band is doing their own ticketing and makes me feel that much more connected to the music if I were to purchase a ticket. Sort of like buying a vinyl album instead of a download or a CD. 

Unfortunately, it seems they aren't venturing past the mid-west just yet.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Laura Palmer, Have You Seen Her?
















































Last year about this time I was convinced that I hadn't seen enough David Lynch work so I decided to add Twin Peaks to my catalog of things I've seen.
I was not disappointed. Lynch delivered. 
I saw this ad on someone's blog and it brought back all kinds of fond memories.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Deftones - Diamond Eyes


It will be release May 4th, 2010.
However, the vinyl version will be released May 25, 2010. You can bet I'm going to wait for the vinyl version.

I like the white Barn Owl. He looks soft and downy.

You can listen to the whole album at: iheartradio.com

Interpol - ANNOUNCEMENT


  

    

    

    

    

    

  



I received this from the Interpol email list last night while I was waiting in line for the $.31 scoop night promo at Baskin Robbins.


Hello everyone.

We're stirring. 
Please take a moment to visit our website:  www.interpolnyc.com
We want to show you something.
And make sure you come back soon.
We will be posting important information and dates in the coming weeks.

Thank you.
Interpol

© Interpol

I became REALLY excited.

Massive Attack-Splitting the Atom-directed by Edouard Salier



I've been wanting to post this for awhile now.
Its simple polygon other-world environment combined with the mostly two-toned color scheme make
it tactile when combined with the smooth glossy abstract theme.
I like the bunny.

As far as story goes, it reminded me of the UNKLE video Rabbit in Your Headlights
Probably because of the discovery of something huge and amazing near the end.

Tilt Shift Generator





An online tilt shift generator app.

Thursday, April 01, 2010

The Vein Across the Top of Your Hand



The main vein across the top of my hand moves freely like how a garden hose might flop and turn, but horizontally between two planes of skin and bone. Rarely, the movement will be great enough to warrant a tumultuous wriggling. When it does though, it makes me squirm and I marvel at how uncomfortable such a little thing can be. It's also curious enough to make me wish I could experience it again.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Tonight We Camp in the Hills Behind the University

Tonight is the first night that I'll be camping this year of 2010. My most recent post has been 2009 sometime. Hopefully my next post will be sooner than later. I plan to take photographs of my trip. 
Caitlin will be with me.
It is cloudy outside right now.
We will be back tomorrow afternoon.