I'm Back!!!!

With like beginning to slow down a I feel it's time to return to bloggerland.

Tony Snow-
I think the appointment of Tony Snow is the best news out of Washington in years. The best part is how the media is taking it. All they need to hear is that Mr. Snow opposes Bush on a few issues and they think he is a friend. If anything Snow opposes Bush when he moves too far to the Left.
I feel Snow may help recover the attitude that made me fall in love with this administration in the first place. You know the, "I'm gonna do what I want to because I feel it's right so stop complaning." That's leadership!
Recently they have been pandering to the established media and thier poll-based fear mongering a bit too much. Think about it. We're going to show you nothing but bad news then we are going to ask you what you think of things. Have you seen a network news report recently? It's depressing, instead of reporting that attacks in Iraq are on the decline they focus on the death count for the day. If there aren't any Coalition deaths then they go to civilian deaths if there aren't any of those they go to enemy deaths, with a "how dare we kill our enemy" bent. Then there is the Economy. You'd think that the whole world spins around US gas prices! It doesn't! Our economy is just steaming along! And how about Gas prices? Remeber when the Left was saying we could pay as much for gas as the Europeans? Well now we are, and what are they doing? Saying we are paying too much and that we should all anal rape the oil industry because they deserve it.
Although I see why Bush may want to investigate big oil, the move doesn't exactly score points with his conservative base (myself included). It's not the polls that make Bush a weak president, it's pandering to them that makes him a weak president. I wouldn't be surprised if most of the negative poll numbers come from disillusioned conservatives. Right about now I think I'd give him my disapproval for being a wuss domestically.

This is you...

May Dad had this thing he liked to say to my sister. It goes like this:

This is the Universe (Gestures a big circle).
This is the Center of the Universe (Points to the center of the big circle).
This is you (points somewhere off in the distance).
You are not the the center of the universe.

Rude? A little. But in the end it points out an important lesson that I needed to learn more than she. No one am not privy to every little change in the way things are be it at work, with friends, at church, or anywhere. Nor is anyone to be offended when they're locked out. Once one starts to think like they should know everything that's going on, it turns into a slippery slope to all sorts of nasty. Believe me, I've been in that nasty for a few months now. It isn't worth it. I don't want to be there again. Information is good infornography is not.

What is infornography? That's what happens when you let information rule your life. It isn't like gossip where it's spread. This stuff you keep to yourself to be used later, or to try to get ahead of the curve. That first little tid bit feels pretty good till it leads to another then another, than another. Then the info isn't enough. Then you start to make supposedly "informed" assumptions. Then those assumptions become mindsets that are next to impossible to get out of. They often lead to extremes of emotional highs or lows. I think it's an addiction. Or maybe I'm just crazy.

Meaningless Fluff.

So yeah, it's another second half the day and I'm finding little to do. We did another Video Shoot today with outstanding results with mixed lighting. Thrill oh thrill. to see these clips turn out okay. Ah, it just feels good.
As for the title, I'm not happy with the content of this blog... not only have I not published anything recently. What has been published has be pretentous fluff. I'm not really that intelligent, I just think I'm good at guessing...Think about it.
I need a map.

That was random...

I have no idea what I'm about to write about... I just wanna write and go with it.

I have a Lan Party coming up soon. Looking forward to it. I finnaly get to put YAGI in action. For those who don't know Yagi is my trusty Gaming computer. I've already written the specs elseware on this site so I won't do it again. Oh yeah I've finally upgrading to 1 GB RAM PC2700

I think people should build their own computer at least once in their lives. It's really is alot of fun. It's kinda like a car only it's cheaper and not nearly as messy. Plus, there is ALWAYS something to upgrade, so the project never really ends. Next up is that SATA HD. After that I may just need to start all over with a new MoBo and Proc. In hindsight, going with Socket 758 was a bad decision, the best processor I can get for it is a AMD 64 3700, I think.

PCI-E would be decent to have as well. Then again with that Yagi wouldn't be Yagi anymore. It would be, uh, Usagi? That would work.

Agh, whatever that's about a year down the road anyway.

Another link and an artist returns...

Being the Photoshop geek I am, I can't believe I've never heard of worth1000.com. Check it out there are a ton of great ideas that I wish could happen and a few I don't. This brings an intersting point... It's been a really long time sinse I've just goofed off with Photoshop. It's become too much of a blah work tool. I'm going to change that. Posts coming soon!

Brian Caroll of instantclassic.net isn't dead!!!! The Aritst and writer of a number of quality web comics is promising new comics soon, I can't wait.

Just bought another Ani Difranco album (Little Plastic Castle), yess, feed the addiction! I now have more Ani music in my playlist tthan any other single artist. So you may find it odd that a conservative white straight male would even listen to her. However, I like what she has to say about life, I enjoy her sense of humor and amazing talant and skill. Sure her, Bush hating gets on my nerves, but that's what freedom of speach is all about. Which brings me to the next point.

This whole damn muslim comics thing.
Freedom of the press is a good thing. It's really what defines western cuture, now that Europe is all secular and stuff. However with that right comes resopnsiblity. The Dixie Chicks know all about this. You have every right to say what you want, just be willing accept the consiqunces. We have a right to speak, not the right to be heard or the right to be agreed with.

At the same time, the muslim world need's to get off the bandwagon approach to violence. Do you protest because you yourself are offended or because someone tells you you are offended? This is a huge problem in the world in general. People listen to others too much.

Take the wiretapping issue. The media makes a huge deal about it. They use loaded English and pathos to convince half the country that Bush is evil. At the same time, the President and his peoples are doing the same thing saying his opponents are irresponsible. How about this, use your news gathering tools, Goolge News for example, read about the issue from all sides (there is no such thing as fair and balanced, it wouldn't get any ratings), find the corelating facts, and make your own opinion. Not because it is the popular opinion or the dissenting opinion, or the cool opinion, or your parents opinion, or your teacher's opinion, but because it is your opinion.

I am a conservative, but that dosn't make me a Republican. If a Democrat or Independant were to come along who represents my world view, I would vote for them too.

Wow that was a rant!

I don't know anything....

You know those moments when you ego is flying so high that (insert Icarus metaphore here). Yeah, that happens on what seems to be a daily basis for me. Assumptions are, in fact, the mother of all screw-ups. And I assume a lot. Sometimes it's increadibly accurate, most times it's only half accurate, on other occations it's totally off. I was just totally off by a long shot! Here's to humility and the reality that I know very little in the grand scheme of things.

MacWorld 2006

"The Steve" just finished another one of his keynote speeches. This had to be his least interesting in a while. The One More Thing was a beefy new MacBook Pro line of notebook PCs. The primary thrust of the speech was the Intel switch and consumer end software. Niether of which I had much interest in. Sure, iWeb may be kind of cool as a new blog tool, but I just don't use iLife enough to make it worthwhile. What I hoped to see was a set-top mac. Instead there was more blah than anything.
I now see the purpose of Mactel, and I am impressed. However, I have no use for a laptop right now. So I guess it's back to the waiting game for that set-top mac.

If I ever go pubilc with this thing.....

Okay so technically it is public. It's out there for people to read, it's just I haven't really told anybody yet. So if someone does end up reading this: I'm not as crazy as I seem and I'd really like to know how you found this. My update rate is now to a point where I think I'll start to let the word out.

Aside from that.

Life continues in it's usual way, only with more clouds than usual. I don't know how many of you live in the upper midwest, but how about that lack of sun? We are blessed to have very mild temps, but the daily overcast is getting to me.

Serenity-
So remind me again why I was supposed to like this? Yeah sure, it's got eveything my domgraphic should like, except what is it? You can create the most complicated political conspiracy or the most surprising plot twist you want. But there is something that just seems to be missing. I know, how about some more Bradbury type plots. Eternal Sunshine and Vanilla Sky are a great examples of how sci fi doesn't have to be in a galaxy far far away to be great.
Maybe that's it. I don't buy the whole space ship thing. There also seems to be this stupid thing about bandits with a heart of gold thing going around. I gotta think about that one some more

Til then,

Another "Holy crap, did I just write that?" moment

It's a funny thing. From the time one is born to about 22. People's stories remain very similar. There are clear choices that everyone makes, and these choices are the things that unite one to another. Once you get past 22 the game changes. The common choices no longer exist. And you cannot rely on those to unite. People really do go off in their own directions, based on their values. And this is the thing that will be important for the rest of your life, your values. Do you belive in incesesing your Net worth? Do you belive in doing what you love to do? Do you only do what is expected? Do you plan than move or do you move then plan? All are viable, and all have their merits, but the right path for anyone requires wisdom. And then you have to wonder where does your wisdom come from? Then there is the question of the relationship between values and wisdom and whether or not one can exist without the other, but that for another time. Oh yeah, and there is also the question, can you undrestand somethig without expereince it? And then there is the question of expereince and realness. What is more real in a given situation. The event itself or the emotions and such that go with it?

I love it!

BLOKUS IS ONLINE!!!!!!

I need to thank my brother in law for introducing me to this wonderful game. Without getting too much into the details it has some very simple rules and is something between Go and Tetris in gameplay. As far as I'm conserned it's the second best export of France, first being wine of course. For a taste I recomend visiting www.blokus.com.

Hm another possible Halo outing tonight. This time it's with more pro types. I shall be owned! But you know I am getting better, though I far from winning a 50 kill round of slayer.

happy gaming to all.

Cool peice of art and other things.

Fred from megatokyo.com just posted this pic by somebody else. I don't know if it's fan art or not, but I'd like to think it's some Haibane fan taking a break from life. It's cool, it's everything I like about the anime style. Okay and you perverts can stop thinking now.

It's a good moring to a slow day. There really isn't much to do, just some minor projects. I just have to work on not being bored. That is the problem isn't it? I love the thought of a slow relaxing night, but there is something wrong about expereincing it at work. Ugh, just wait, next week is going to be rough. 5 shows in 3 days, That'll be fun.

In the mean time,
Have fun, and don't break anything (to expensive)

Okay, if two wasn't enough!

Is that right? Is wasn't even a word? I think it should be weren't, but that dosn't look right. Agh, proper english sucks anyway, no attitude. Anyway, this is the third blog for today, I'm going for a record and making up for the lack of entries for the last week.

For this one I think I'll talk about The Screwtape Letters. One of those "impossible gifts" I was talking about was a little known recording of The Screwtape Letters read by none other than John Cleese. Somehow my sister managed to get a copy and I am very greatful.

It's strange, but this is one of those few books that I can really relate to, and I think any one could to it if they were honest. I hope to post my complete thoughts about it once I've finished all of it. As for now, I've just got to say wow. This book is a must read, or listen, for anyone in their twentys and CS Lewis, as always, has hit the nail on the head.

It is a little awkward listening to a book I feel I should be reading. There are many points where I wish could write a few notes on the page, and re-reading a passage is so much easier than rewinding. I really do need to buy the book.

One more thing

This is a profound "Holy crap did I just write that" moment,
I wrote the following in a recent e-mail:

Instead of embrace our future, we should say, "embrace the present". After all the future is about dreams, and the present is about doing. The future is all fine and dandy, but unless you are putting your focus "doing" today, odds are, you'll never get to where your going.

I may be learning something after all.

Wishing ya'll the best day possible given the circumstances.

A really good Christmas

Aside from the tradional business of christmas and it's goodness that never changes. This particular christmas was one of the best ever. Yeah, you can cue the random secular carol now.

First, I deceided to turn this holiday into a 5 day vacation. Initially I was afraid that by the end I'd be miserably bored, but that fear was entirely bull. I had more than enough to work on, all of which I enjoyed doing.

Second, for the past 2 years I've had a list of impossible (or at least very difficult to find) presents on my list. Somehow my family was able to find them all! Plus, they are the kinds of things that can be enjoyed for a very long time.

Third, I was with family for most of the time and the subject of my overly prolonged singleness only came up once. Making the whole event that much better.

Fourth, a surprise afternoon of Halo 2 at my grandma's house.

---------

Now I just hope this carries through to the rest of the year. I really want to put 2005 and all it's suckiness, behind me. with hopes 2006 is at worst less sucky at best that it r0x0r2 my 50x0r2 (or is very good).

Geek is a Verb

Okay, so I have that tendancy to turn nouns into verbs. One of the most useful ones recently has been Geeking or Geeking out. I'm sure you know what I mean. That shameful rush of excitement when a particular peice of hardware comes out or if your playing a game (ahm,Halo,ahm) and you pull off the perfect arial kill with the energy sword. Or you just get your latest order from Newegg. That is geeking out right there.
As for the females out there I'm sure you have your own experience with the Geek Out. Though I wouldn't go so far as to figure out what it is.

To being yourself, geek and all

I Survived 2005

I think someone needs to make a T-Shirt that says, "I Survived 2005". And send one to everyone in the world. It's been a horrible year for everyone, I think. Reguardless of political opinion, class, age, race, creed, location or sexual orientation. Many have lost loved ones to war, natural disaster and disease. Some have just had a rough year in their personal life. However I'm happy to say I'm still here, and if you are reading this I'm sure you are still here too. I hope that dispite the overall suckiness that many of you may be experiencing continue to live life, never hold back your tears, never hide your joy, love one another, and love God.

To a better 2006

Render Time

Let me tell you about one of the best and worst things about working in media...Render Time.
This is basicly when you put your computer on autopilot for a while to make something readable by everything. There is an art to it. It's a matter of knowing in advance what you are going to use it for, in what program, for how long. There to major output files I use, however, within those files there are endless options and combinations that determine compatibility quality and size. And that, my friends, is one of my favorite parts of video production. The sucky part is the wait. I mean, sure, I don't have to think about anything for a few minute or a few hours, but it still feels like it takes forever.

Patience is important in life. It's all about knowing what to do and when to do it. The best things are the things you wait for. But NEVER let the waiting become an exuse for inaction. That is the risk of patience, lazyness. While waiting, always be considering your next move, so when the time comes you can act quickly and decisively. And if that time doesn't come, take a risk and move anyway, or take another kind of risk and make a new plan. Be alet, sometimes that moment of opportunity will only last a few seconds, be prepared for it.

Movie & Music moment:
So what have I been listenting to recently???
-Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself
-Chris Thile- Deceiver
-Deep Dish- George is On
-Armin Von Burren- Shivers
-Caedmon's Call- Share the Well
-Rent - Film Soundtrack
-Flunk- Morning Star

So what have I been Watching?
-The Animatrix
-The Chronicles of Narnia
-Kill Bill
-The Fugitive
-Moulin Rouge
-Lots of movie trailers (Tristam Shandy, X-Men 3, Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World)

I'm getting bored now, I'd better stop before I give out mt Credit Card number and PIN :)

Live from Yajuu

Okay so maybe you've had enough of the Japanese computer name thing, but not I, so there! Yajuu is the name of my beast of a machine @ work. It's real name is AVID002 but where's the excitement in that. Yajuu is quite the system 3.0Ghz P4 with HT, 2 Gig RAM, 1.2 Tb HD space, and a Nvidia 1400 QuadroFX card with dual 20 inch monitors. Now you know why I love coming to work.
Geeking aside, this was a great weekend. Started off with a Christmas bowling party for work and Halo 2 night. I never thought I'd like Halo, but after a few rounds of Swordball, team crazy king and team territories it becomes an addiction. As for bowling... I'd rather not talk about it :)

Saturady was shopping day. WOOT! or not, needless to say I enjoyed the down time that night. A little Katamari, Madden, and Moulin Rouge never felt better.

Sunday as always was dedicated to church stuff, Sunday night we did the Purple elephant thing. We (FourTwelve) went out to buy gifts for others. It was a great time. I came up with the idea and I was happy that it came off as a success. Though Megs was the one who really made it happen. Thanks!

Hopefully this week will go smoothly, that would be nice.

Much love peace and all that,
ME!

Apple, Intel, Yonah and Viiv

Okay I admit it. I'm a mac head!
Though my fondness for the Steve is wearing a little thin these days, I still love the product.
Anyway, today Intel announced Yonah. Yonah is simply a dual core mobile CPU. They also put out some more specs for the Viiv Media Center platform as well.
Suddenly Apple's move to Intel is making a little more sense. Th eApple iBook and Powerbook could both get dual core CPUs. The mac mini and iMac can get Viiv chipset creating a media center Mac. Imagine this, an iMac with a digital media in/out/thru interface. Then the mac becomes a DVR, Source switch, and player. Combine that with AirPort and AirPort Express. Then digital media can go wireless. That would be sweet!

Geek out!!!!

I need to get back to work.

Little things....

Hey ya,
Just taking a moment from work, to get back up to date with everything. Work continues to rock out. It's a slow week, so I'll be able to hammer out some exciting side projects, like editing a 6 screen wide production in After Effects. Hats off to Adobe for that great piece of software!

Links for today...
For those who like Electronica:
Imogen Heap has been up on the link list from the beginning, and I reccomend visiting her site. She is a very talanted musician out of the UK, and if the name or the voice sond familiar, they should, she was the vocalist for Frou Frou. She also appears in the soundtrack for The Chornicles of Narnia.

Square America
A co-worker showed me this site a while back. It's a collection of unique, found, and frequently updated photograhs. HOWEVER, a word of warning: It can get very addictive.