The Spoon Shack

On sabbatical

Sat, 10 Jun 2006 15:52:28 GMT

Working World,

So, haven't updated in a long time...wrote a lot, then decided it was junk, so I deleted it. Anyways, leaving for camp today, so I'll be sporadically updating...

Anyways, a brief summary of events:
Congrats to FP on graduating from college, also got to see her last week. Fun times.
BSD is being weird about needing math teachers, but as far as I can tell, they want me, but don't know where yet, time will tell, and hopefully I won't have to take an emergency day off from camp to deal with all the paperwork (or maybe HR stays open all year long for this process and teacher support...)
Computer store people (at the actual knowledgeable places) are cynical and think I'm stupid even though I was extremely specific in what I wanted and knew very well that it existed. Then they said "it's too old" and I immediatly asked about another product, which was older, and they said "of course". Sadly, the two things I was after, not interchangeable, again, oh well.

~Me

An example of what not to do

Tue, 30 May 2006 20:37:12 GMT

Public People,

A story I forgot to report on from a couple weeks ago. Anyways, so I was sitting in the E terminal of Boston Logan Airport waiting for the flight to Paris, and being bored, I pulled out my laptop to play games and such. Of course, my wireless card was activated, and I opened iTunes to listen to some music. Logan is a pay-for-internet airport, but it's not infallibly pay to use. While true, you get to do Airport stuff for free and all that and you can't access other sites without going through them and paying, but in iTunes, I could see the computers of a few others. I'm sure the airport completely forgot to regulate port 3689 (it's what iTunes shares on). Anyways, I figured, curious, what music might they have that I can listen to? So I logged on to their playlists. One by one they connected and downloaded their lists, and I looked in. Most had one or two songs and they weren't worth listening to, and then I came upon the scariest list of all. 500+ links to porn. Yep. This guys iTunes list consisted only of porn streamers. Now, some things to keep in mind 1) you have to activate sharing for it to do so 2) iTunes has to be open for any sharing to occur. So I just hope he wasn't actively in pursuit of his links, but still, the whole thing was rather silly, it's a view into the private life as inadvertantly broadcast to the world.

~Me

Back in the USSA

Mon, 29 May 2006 16:39:52 GMT

Travellers,

So, at this particular moment in writing, I am just starting my descent into Seattle after a good day of flying from Edinburgh (yes, the one in Scotland). That sucked. Details are stupid, so I'll skip them, but I will mention that thanks to my dad, I'm getting into seattle now, instead of tomorrow afternoon. Stupid Continental Airlines decided to reschedule the Seattle portion of my trip at the exact same time I was flying to Newark to meet it. A sad state of affairs really. Anyways, so yeah, almost there, nice warm bed of home tonight, picking up the puppers tomorrow.

And then there's the trip itself. Absolutely fantastic. Really. So beautiful there, if not a bit densely populated. We went to a bunch of places, started out in Edinburgh, then went up along Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle to Inverness, very pretty. There was a photo that I did manage to miss that was absolutely stunning, ah well, I'll always have the memory. Then we returned to Edinburgh briefly to pick up some more travelling companions and went to the place we rented for a week in Kilconquhar, Fife, which is about 30 or so miles northeast of Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth. Went to such wonderful places as St. Andrews (the one with the first golf course), Stirling where we visited the William Wallace Monument (quite a construction, and had what they were 90% sure was his actual sword) and their Castle. Also on that day, we went to Castle Doune. Yes, THAT Castle Doune. What Castle Doune? The one that was used for Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail. Got to walk around inside and out. The castles of Scotland are mostly under protection and many of the larger ones that have been under continuous use have been restored or added on with modern things and really are large museums and not castles. Doune on the other hand remains largely unchanged since it was constructed in the 1300s. Well, there's some wear and tear of course, but the castle is surprisingly complete (right down to the teeny tiny spiral staircases), and I got to go up a few floors and relive the movie. Great times, best place on the trip. Also saw lots of other spectacular ruins, Abbeys, Cathedrals, smaller castles along the coast, salt works and such. So much history, so spectacular. Did make the small leap into England, about 100 feet's worth. We were in Jedburgh which is a hop skip and a jump away from the Scotland/England border so we went down, paused at the stones delineating the boundary, and then went in and drove back north (long drive from our lodgings). Also of great intrest were a bunch of Pictish carved stones and Neolithic standing stones and burial thingies. Very cool. Stuff that you really can't find in North America because the indigenous cultural practices favored wood over stone.

Anyways, that was that, I have about 800 pictures to sort through (thank goodness for the new camera!), and most I will format, others I won't. I'll pick out some of the best ones to put on here, and Castle Doune certainly won't be left out.

Oh, by the way, I made it home now. Lots of flying, but I survived to sleep long and hard and finally get a shower and a shave (I was icky).

Home is nice and smelly. I certainly missed the trees! Yes, the trees. And their smell, so nice.

Packing and unpacking are all in the plans, as is cleaning...need to undo College stuff once I get it all (it was all shipped to a friend's house for safe keeping whilst we were away), and then put all the critical stuff into trunks for camp. Also need to email them and find out where I'm living so I can decide what/which fun things I will bring (like, small speakers, or component stereo...dependent on dust of course).

And after I do a little web, I will retrieve Berzerkeley, though not in the Brzrkly truck (too far away and he's clean...might as well save gas right?), just the little car. And if any of you complain about gas prices here in the US, in Scotland the prices ranged from a low of 93.9p per liter to 100.9p per liter, or, $7.12 to $7.65 per gallon. Yes. That's right. It was interesting that to fill a tank, cost us nearly $90. Of course, it should also be noted, that Britain is really expensive. Really. Prices are about on par with the US if you ignore the pound symbol and place the dollar one in instead (ie, it's nearly twice as much as it is here), and people earn a lot less. Just how things are.

~Me</font.

The story so far

Tue, 16 May 2006 02:26:54 GMT

Alumni,

So, it's done, finito, accompli. I am a college graduate. Through all the rain and fun, I made it, safe and sound, though slightly soggy (but that builds character doesn't it?). All-university commencement was interesting, got the joy of sitting next to CD (we lined up however we wanted), so we had lots of fun there. The ceremony was cut in half, aside from the speeches being truncated, I suspect that all the videos they were going to show got cut. But still, the speeches were good, Leslie Moonves had a great speech, even when cut down, the student speaker was internally hilarious. His speech? Meh. Really, on the whole, not the most enjoyable. But, the crux was him talking about getting a free cookie and coffee from some students at 11 pm on the way to the library in December to study for finals. Now, you may be wondering, who would sit out in the freezing cold to do such a thing, where is the ulterior motive? Exactly what CD and I were thinking. And the speaker thought a little about it himself...just a little. He focused on his internal feelings, and he said that as he was walking away, he was feeling inexplicably happy and reassured and he said that he realized what was in the cookie and coffee...and he paused, and I turned to CD and I said "it was pot". Everyone around us started laughing, because it had to be what they were thinking (heck, my parents were thinking it, too!). In truth, it wasn't pot in those cookies that made him happy, it was some other random stuff that wasn't nearly as exiting or climatic (nor comical).

Anyways, that aside, and having changed into drier apparel, I had the SED graduation in the afternoon. That was thankfully inside (not that I don't mind rain, or 4" of it per day...but still, there comes a time...). It was enjoyable, we all sat in big rows and watched as everyone strode by. I managed to get my camera in there with me (it's an SLR, no easy feat, thankfully, I was wearing cargo shorts!), so I got to snap pictures of a couple of my friends as they went up from my seat. Sadly, CD (a photo I would have treasured) did not make it into the list...as many of you remember, there's the cheesy official photographer that does his classic handshake shot with big flash. I managed to snap my shot of CD at the exact time that nasty flash went off. So I have a beautiful outline of her face, but it's completely white and washed out. With Photoshop I can make out her right eye and some ear shadow, but I can't recover the shot I wanted. Oh well. We got a picture together at the end, so that's good.

A good ceremony all in all. Glad I went, glad I graduated. Wonderful memories of BU, and of course some "I wish I had"s (no details for you!). Hindsight, eh?

Oh! one thing I forgot to mention, pre-graduation. Guess what I did on Saturday night? I went to the Boston Pops. Guess who directed the Boston Pops? Wrong. It was John Williams. Yes, that John Williams. It was a wonderful evening. I was on the first balcony right up by the stage, he was nary 30 feet away from me...no binoculars needed to see it all with wonderment. I will of course skip all commentary on his composership, etc.

And beyond that...things are okay. I'm all moved out of the dorm, $240 to ship it all home UPS...but at least it will all get there. Leaving for Scotland on Wednesday, beautiful pictures to be had, some to be posted here for wonderment, amazement, and consuming by all (followed by wiping hands on pants, and repeating, of course).

And now, bed. I'm pooped.

~Me

Nervous? Who's Nervous?

Sun, 14 May 2006 11:07:42 GMT

Baccalaureates,

I shall be brief, as more is to come later, but, guess who graduates from college in a few hours? I graduate from college in a few hours. Crazy, eh? Don't know exactly when I'll be a graduate (though seeing as how the ceremonies are optional...am I already?). I don't receive my diploma until after 2.30 at the School of Education commencement (as opposed to the all-university at 11).

Craziness.

Time to start getting ready.

~Me

Das ist it

Thu, 11 May 2006 21:48:06 GMT

Finished Folk,

So...it's pretty much done. I've got everything I need to take care of done for tomorrow's classes...now I just have to remember to bring all the stuff back in for my teacher, conduct the day...and I'm done. Crazy. But in the meantime, I have an hour here...all on my lonesome. Well, not lonesome, per se...there is a class in here, my coop teacher is in here...but I don't have anything to do...productive at least. I'm considering whether I should game or not...probably not is the operating principle...but since I'm graduating, I have no work that really needs to be done...I do need to print a couple things...I can do that. Yep, that'll take about 5 minutes. Good. 45 to go. Umm...yeah.

Aged relatives are arriving today...the first wave if you will. Don't know if we'll be doing anything together tonight. I'll check the messages after school.

Rain supposedly for graduation ceremony...no biggie. There will hopefully be ponchos for us. If I can get my hands on some masking tape, I intend to put "π" on top. Yes. Pi.

And other than that...Scotland next week! Don't know about updates, internet access may be odd...picking up random free wireless services. The computer has to go of course. I can't have an entire vacation's pictures fit on a single memory card (especially with a big camera). That and my dad needs loads of room to offload his shots. Which reminds me...I need to ask him to bring either the camera software, camera USB cables, or the memory card reader...something so I can actually do the downloading.

~Me

w00t!

Tue, 09 May 2006 22:17:59 GMT

Wet World,

All the grades are in...I got a 4.0 this semester! Score! Of course you know the A in Classroom Mismanagement, and the A in Geometry came in today, as well as an A in student teaching. That's an easy 4.0 average. My final GPA? 3.28. Not bad. B+. I'm okay with averageness. Good times.

In other news...it's raining, the roommate is moving out tomorrow (which means a wealth of unworried priveledges, including the facts that it's okay if I forget to disable my alarm in the morning...don't need to take everything into the shower with me...no headphones needed...and I may borrow his mattress.)

Oh, and it's pouring...good times indeed. The only sad part is the threat of rain on Sunday...normally I wouldn't mind, but apparently the gowns are not rain/water/cleaning approved. We'll see...

~Me

Things go

Tue, 09 May 2006 00:33:39 GMT

Busy Eä,

So, things are going okay...busy, but okay. Called up BSD today to ask where they were in my application process. And...one of my references didn't mail in the sheet he needed to (it has since been remedied). But other than that, things are going well...they're not at the contract stage right now so they don't have a position roster of sorts to work from. Kind of odd that they're advertising the position(s) as available, but aren't starting anything yet. Ah well. They are the #1 choice, so I'll hang in there.

Other than that, I'm teaching AP Calc BC this week...they're learning modular arithmetic and by Thursday or Friday, they'll learn both directions of RSA encryption. It was funny, when I mentioned Number Theory and the like they were all "aww, why do we have to learn that?!" which is ironic that they were complaining to me because they didn't know I was teaching it. But once I mentioned that it would lead into RSA (and what RSA was), they perked up. Of course when I told them that explaining how it worked included breaking the code, they were all excited about stealing credit card numbers in transit (RSA is used for internet encryption). I had to burst their bubble by mentioning that it took 20 computers a number of months to break one particular key. But still...it'll be fun for them...they're excited for it.

So yeah...political sphere is...interesting. Crony nominated for the CIA (we'll see if he makes it in)...and I haven't seen the new press secretary in action yet, but should be interesting.

~Me

How to Identify Scary

Sun, 07 May 2006 00:50:54 GMT

Strange oddities,

So, been packing a little today. Well, just a little, two small boxes. The DVDs are boxed up, as are one string of lights and some game CDs...those will get a nice amount of insurance on them (want to make sure they actually arrive). But anyways, also got rid of the lamp and printer (lamp died, couldn't dismantle it to try and fix it...it's repair-proof!), and the printer went to the "anybody pile" I have 2 at home, why do I need to bring home the old cheap third? But yeah, this highlights an important thing: My desk is now half cleaned off. Things are getting bare and it's kinda scary. I graduate from college in a week. A week!

The other dilemma...something I'll ask the post office dude on Monday, is my duffel bag. I can only take one suitcase with me to Scotland (silly airlines), and as I'm sure my parents will have one each...though if not, parents, care to save $45 in shipping?...then I'll have to mail it somehow (with most of my valued wardrobe in it). But therein lies the question: How do I mail a duffel bag? Certainly they like the whole "box" idea...and it's a big bag...so I'm not keen on finding such a box. Any ideas?

And now, perhaps my last chance for tasty, greasy quesadilla with side of cheese sticks. Mmmm...

~Me

Ugh

Sat, 06 May 2006 01:57:53 GMT

Hot Planet,

So...it was really warm today...okay, hot. Yeah, 82 degrees peak from what I saw. Not fun...it was a bit humid too (i.e., less fun). Anyways, it's currently 68 degrees outside, but why does that mean it has to be 85 inside? I'm extra sticky and uncomfortably hot. And yes, all windows and the door are open. It's just roasting in here. Training for summer? I think not...it's at least a dry heat at Sealth...humidity bites when it's hot. I will not sleep well tonight, I'm sure of that.

~Me

School break school break

Thu, 04 May 2006 23:12:19 GMT

Pausing Educated,

So, taking a little break from writing trigonometry lessons, fun times, I know...plus, doesn't have to be done until Tuesday anyways. But yeah...a little update is in order. Classes are going okay...almost to my last week before I graduate (scary!). Yeah...I was talking to my friends at BU and they're already into the Finals period (I would have known had I any). Crazy. Don't know when the roomie is moving out...need to ask him.

Starting to get grades in...well, 1 in 3 so far. Finally received my Classroom Mismanagement grade...I got an A! Totally happy about that. It means that I got an A on my second paper, an A on both parts of the project, and that participation really didn't count for anything (or else I just fooled them really well). Woohoo! And I know I'll get an A in Geometry....I didn't do 12 extra exam problems (all extra credit) for an A-. She recognized that I worked really hard to put that 33 page final exam together and turn it in. Student teaching grade? Won't know for awhile...it gets decided officially on Monday at the last meeting with my supervisor. But I think it's looking good.

Well, a few hours have passed, it's now evening. Had the final meeting for student teaching stuff...said tentative goodbyes to many (though a few of us are going to try to meet up next week for a real sendoff). And...yeah. That's really life so far. A happy birthday today to FP, big 22...well, yeah, nothing big about it. You get to that age where it's every 10-15 years...ah well.

In other news, shrub is still a dumbass, I really want to see what comes of the investigations with Scooter as well as the whole "I can ignore any law I want" thing that's been raised recently (and if you don't know...shrub has claimed the right, by Constitution, to ignore any part of any law passed, and has officially written intentions stating that he will not follow various laws that have been passed in house and judiciary - all given in that "presidential interpretation" document he writes after signing a bill). More interestingly, republicans are finally starting these investigations. We'll see what happens in the next year or so...Iran is becoming a great quagmire. And also, who thinks that it was totally expected that Scott McClellan, the great sayer of nothing (today was also good-using shrub's lack of spanish speaking prowess to explain that he did not/could not sing the Star Spangled Banner in Spanish, thus, he is not a hypocrite for banning it. he is however, a dumbass.)

And with that, aloha!

Yep.

~Me

Addendum

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 01:35:37 GMT

Extra Earth,

Forgot to say...for those of you who like FPS's (First Person Shooters), or are just curious about what really goes on in Iraq/Afghanistan with our military, I'm sure you've heard of Kuma\War. It's made news for being so controversial about the war and making it a game (though I firmly argue that the Army/Marines did that first with real soldiers). Anyways, it's a free game, and has exceptional graphics, yet is low on hardware requirements (unless you add the fog, which slows down any system), and you get to replay lots of events or take a hand at what the coalition forces and Iraqi police get to deal with, right down to weapon accuracy. Personally, I find dealing with getting hit with 3 RPGs at once a problem. It also includes some "what if?" events. What if shrub didn't give Osama a 2 week warning and head start before going to Tora Bora? It also gives a lot of chances to redo botched missions, like all the Saddam attempts (there's one where you have to guess which guy is Saddam. You get 1 shot). But yeah. It's a good game, NSFD, so you'd better have Dialup (plus, downloading 95 megs just for the game...not even the levels, which come in at 20-50 megs each. But yeah. Some of them are really hard, some aren't...

~Me

Yeah, it's been awhile

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 01:12:16 GMT

Slow, But Tired World,

Meh. I haven't written...big deal really. Finished off spring break last week by keeping a well-earned low profile. Didn't go out much, played games, watched much missed Daily Show, watched the Marathon...so yeah, the end of last week, not the greatest excitement in the world, and you know what? That's fine with me. Finished my Geometry exam. The takehome. For the college Geometry class, doofus! Anyways, it's all on computer, because it comes in at a whopping 33 pages long. Yes. 33 pages. 7302 words (and the math is in Equation Editor so it doesn't factor in). And that length doesn't include the 20 interactive 3D digital models, or the 2 compiled software programs that I created for it. Though sadly, my professor uses a Mac, so she won't get to use the software, but hey, it's evidence for my work! The greatest project I've ever done. I'd post it, but the entire thing eclipses 6 megabytes in size...I don't have the proper hosting allowances for that, especially ad-free.

In other news, less than 3 weeks until I graduate...weird, huh? I'm slowly packing my things to mail them home...it'll suck when it's all bare in here. I hate bare places, they get me all creeped out. Doesn't matter where I go...I can't stand bare walls. I need just one thing to go up to make it more comfortable. In most places if I'm staying awhile, the first thing to go up is my New Zealand flag. Instant comfort in a box; pushpins included.

And with that...this week has been going okay...hard to get back in the rhythm, but I'm getting there...planning has been a snap, so that's good. And I go to bed now.

~Me

The Esplanade

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 20:13:56 GMT

Bright Spring,

So, went out again today, this time along the river eastwards (didn't feel up to a Watertown hike) on the Esplanade. Hot day again...well, I say hot, you say 75 degrees. Anyways, took some photos along the way...more this time, but only half turned out somewhat decent (and level). The auto-tinting on the camera is odd. I have two nearly identical photos, one is brown hued, the other green. Anyways, enjoy:

If you look really carefully, you can see that I captured a Red Line train crossing the Longfellow(?) bridge. Yeah, it's hard to make out in full resolution, too.

I like this one...I sat under the tree and finished The Silmarillion

The start of the journey. Up close and personal with whatever kind of tree that is (any ideas?) the blossoms should be white.

~Me

Ohh the irony of it all

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 04:24:54 GMT

RPGers,

So, as some of you may know, I love the Zelda games. Well, except Zelda II, which was an embarrassing mistake for Nintendo. Anyways, so I recently got my hands on Zelda 64: The Ocarina of Time on computer (oh emulators), and I've been playing it to keep myself occupied and such in the evenings when there isn't much else and I don't feel up to doing intellectual stuff (I do that all day, right?). It took me awhile to get used to the controls (mapping a complex controller to a keyboard sans 10-key gets odd), and I understand that there's no sensitivity in it so when I move the joystick "up" (using the up arrow) it's all or nothing...no walking or slight movements, that was okay, fine, great. And now, I'm 60% through the game, which unlike the first Zeldas actually takes a long time thanks to the N64's 60+ times available memory as the SNES per cartridge giving a longer game experience (and thanks to DirectX 9 and a 128 MB graphics card, it looks better than the N64 could ever do). Anyways, so I get to this one part in one level and I have to zap a single tile to continue. I think partially due to the lack of slight movement available to me, I can't do it! All of that and poof I may not be able to continue. There are some random kludges I may try to fool the program into doing it...ah ha! dilemma solved, I just cheated. Well, is it really cheating if you're getting around a limitation? I found another solution, it isn't technically legal...but neither is state saving. You know you're out there, saving before you do something stupid so you can keep redoing it without dying, etc.!

Anyways, in other news, umm, nothing.

~Me

Trip to Commons

Fri, 14 Apr 2006 17:04:20 GMT

Sprung Spring,

So, went out to the Boston Garden/Common today...it's hot out, so I didn't stay too long (just a couple hours). But I did manage to snag a few pictures. Things are turning green, some of the trees have blossomed, but the flowers aren't ready to go yet. Anyways, the ones I took are here, probably NSFD, so they're behind the cut. Apologies for the great slants, I have trouble with leveling, and I think the camera's viewfinder may be slightly crooked as well. Something not to worry about once I get a new camera this summer.

Taken along Comm Ave, these pink flowering trees (don't know the species...) are everywhere, on campus, lining streets, they're rather pretty, and fragrant, too.

At the Boston Gardens, if the camera had more definition it would have come out as a better shot, but the flowering trees, willows and pond all come together with the buildings beyond.

Another "if the camera had more definition" shot, far easier to see if you're there in person, but I wanted a nice composition here with the city, the bridge, and if you were to look through the willow hangers, the island in the pond.

At the Boston Common, a view down one of the walkways that leads to the large gazebo thingy in the middle. Will be prettier once the trees have leaves on them.

Back at the Gardens, on the way home, saw this while eating lunch under the tree, got a snap of it. Combining the willow with the large lampost (center, I know, hard to make out-not the standard streetlight, the fat stubby thing), the statue of George Washington on his horse, and the Prudential center.

~Me

Quiche

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:46:58 GMT

Relieved Peoples,

Hey, guess what? Today starts SPRING BREAK for me! Woohoo! Yeah, I know what you're thinking, man that's late. Well, it's my high school's spring break, which is my spring break. Yep. So yeah, what have I got going? Well, it'll be fun packed. Tomorrow, I'm going to the Boston Gardens with camera...going to get pictures of the spring flowers (watch this space!), that'll be nice. This weekend I might walk out to Watertown or something...take pictures there or along the way. Next week? Cleaning, grading, examming. I'll be doing a big clean up and partial pack up of my room, getting ready for moving out, and of course, I just need to clean it anyways. Take out as much dust as I can before the A/C is turned on and my vent is blowing nothing but dust again...It's kinda disgusting, really. I clean the dust off my desk so often...and each time, it's getting grey again in a few days. It's worse than Galaxy in here! Got some tests to grade next week...I promised a student that if she emailed me, she'd have her grade on Tuesday...so who knows if she'll email me or not (she gets anxious about grades). And beyond that, I'm going to hit my Geometry exam hard next week...take a couple days to really flush it out...I got through half a problem today during my administration of a test, it's partially diagrams, partially not. Ah well, once I get past this little bit, it's actually pretty easy. Well, the problem itself is easy, just time consuming.

But yeah, that's the productive part of my break. Other activities include: Daily Show, Playing Zelda 64 a lot (it's a good game!), maybe going out to dinner once or twice, Marathon Monday, (go LZ and EH!), just going out once or twice during the day...and yeah...that's enough, don't you think?

And now, to get started!

~Me

Jury duty!

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 21:54:47 GMT

Civic Civics,

So, I got called for jury duty. Not in Washington (which I always claim as resident), but in Massachusetts. Here it only takes 6 months for residency, even though I've never lived here for 6 continuous months (nevermind the 2 years of same address). But anyways, yeah, I was thinking "well, I'll just delay it to spring break or get it deferred by my department head", and then I saw the date. June 27. June 27? Wow. They book long in advance. Well, of course that relates a couple problems. 1) it's roundabouts the first day of camp with kids. Okay, that's hardly a reason...by Mass. law I'd get paid for my absence by employer (though interstate...gets tricky), or I could just delay it. 2) I'm permanently moving from Boston at the end of May, never to live here again. Thankfully, reading the brochure for disqualification (though I really wouldn't mind serving on a jury if I had the time), I can get out of it. The question is which of the following should I choose as my reason (keep in mind I'll be arrested if I don't mail this in in 10 days):

"5. Moved permanently outside the county. (Write new address)"

"6. Living full-time outside of the county without returning at anytime for more than 1 year. (Write a brief explanation: i.e. active military service; medical internship. Include your out of state address. Usually does not apply to students.)"

Both are on shaky ground. Opinions?

~Me

Oh the weather outside...?

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 14:14:31 GMT

Snowy World,

How curious. I love those days in April when it snows big fluffy flakes! Those of you that follow weather will have known that snow has been going east from Minnesota for some time now, and here it is in Framingham. Yeah, I'm at school, not a whole bunch to do (just gave a test). In fact, I'm working on my Geometry final right now. Great fun.

In other news, daylight savings time sucks. I'm going to bed on time, but lying there for an hour before promptly falling asleep. Grr.

In more news, DeLay finally gave up, though I think he's being rather a bastard by saying "hey, I still made it through the primary!"

Back to it!

~Me

Meh

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 06:14:53 GMT

Tired Arda,

So, yeah, it's been awhile. And laundry has been done a couple times since the last post. Thanks for your insight, I feel justified in removing others' laundry now.

Anyways, school's going okay...the kids are realizing that they can't even try to get away with giving me crap and BS anymore (they're trying the "new school policy ignorant teacher" stuff). Otherwise, they're doing pretty well, as long as they do their work and take responsibility for their actions. Obviously as we all know, I can't go into any real detail about my classes and their work habits. So yeah.

But yeah...for the weekend? Well, if it rains (like it should and better do!), I'll be upstairs enjoying it while working on my Geometry final exam as well as project. Here's something the geeks in the world will appreciate: I use the computer A LOT to solve my math problems and work with figures. Why struggle with working with drawings and long algorithms when you can program them and go from there? So, partially in response to my midterm (which was full of "I want to see that!!!" every time I said "I created computer models/programs to aide in solution"), I asked if instead of writing out pages of junk I could just say "refer to ___________ file" and give her a CD of all my work. Our first problem deals with the coloring of vertices on the platonic solids. The minimum numbers of colors required without adjacent vertices being the same color (an extension of the map color problems). I don't want to build the models and unbuild them etc (not to mention buying the parts to do so), so I'm just going to program the colors into stereographic computer models of the figures and put them on a CD to turn in, with all the other problems. Actually...I may just do the entire thing on computer...that'll save 30 sheets of paper!

Sunday I'll be continuing (if not finishing) the exam, and creating sheets for Monday and Tuesday geometry class. Fun times ahead.

~Me

Laundry etiquette...

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 20:56:42 GMT

Dizzy People,

So, laundry etiquette question. I know that at camp (where the laundry is free), you're expected to laundry fairy people's clothes from the washer to the dryer (or as close as possible) if their load is done and you need it. Everyone knows it, so no one thinks "where the fuck is my laundry!?" So, here's the problem, I'm not at camp, I'm in the real world. I needed a third washer, one was done, and the person was nowhere in sight after a bit of waiting. Obviously, everyone around here knows: if you're doing your laundry, be prompt. So, I took it out and placed it on the central table, while still kinda wet. Is that okay laundry wise? I mean, I certainly would freak if I couldn't find my laundry (and if it was put in a dryer, I'd never find it), but I wouldn't really freak if someone had just taken it and put it in the middle where I could see it.

Either way, thank goodness the doors lock while washing. No washer rage for me! Of course, if the pile is still there when my washing is done, I will be totally vindicated, because that's just sad that they forgot their laundry (I set an alarm).

Also, I hope my Cow Pi tshirt is in there, because i didn't quite see it and it's not in my room anymore. So, logically, it should be there. Quantum Physically, it is both there, and not there, dare I disturb the balance?

~Me

Holy...

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 22:01:10 GMT

Shit on a Stick!

So, I think I've just figured out why shrub wants to hand more and more control over to the Iraqis much faster than previously reported (and engaged in massive campaigns like today): He wants to invade Iran. Why else would he reduce troop numbers so fast? There aren't any available for Iran at present. It seems as though Iran is now a bigger threat than Iraq! Well no shit dumbass, they are actually working on weapons that might do something outside of their borders. Well, I say threat in a shrubbian sense. I don't think that the US has any right to dictate who gets nuclear power and who doesn't especially while constantly pushing for new and better nukes for home. If I build my own nuclear reactor in my backyard (it isn't that tough-your average high school physics student can do it, and it's been done before), I don't believe there are really any laws against that. Getting the material...that's another story, but still, I don't believe there is any law that states that if I design and build my own nuclear reactor, and then sell it to say, anyone outside of the U.S., that I am exporting US secrets/technology...national security...who knows. Who cares, really? Although the only barrier to nuclear power is really just getting the fissionable material. Plans/specs for reactors are everywhere, it's common knowledge, but getting the material taken care of...well, I have a decent understanding of the process and apparatus (again, high school physics Mr. Government Reader, the same with nuclear weapons, I learned how to build all 3 types in high school). So anyways, it looks like Iraq may be left to civil war (of which even the chickenhawks like Rummy admit), while the "right" of preemptive strikes that shrub claims, will head to Iran...which will most certainly put up a much greater and longer fight. The people of Iran aren't nearly as oppressed as the Iraqis, are now since the oppression and senseless deaths shrub imposed upon them (Saddam supposedly killed about 80,000 over time, non-government figures put 100,000 in 3 years since invasion).

What a fucker. Oh well...perhaps someone should replace his bible with the more correct version which states "thou shalt not kill", "love thy neighbor", and "welcome thine enemy into your home" as opposed to just "don't murder" because mr. religious certainly believes that killing them before they "murder" us is rather justified in his god's eyes.

And now, for class.

~Me

Wastin' Time at School

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 21:55:27 GMT

Lax World,

So, hanging out at school....waitin' to go home with MC my CT...stayed after to go over the area quiz for Geometry as a group with all the other Geo CP1 teachers (reg level Geo). So yeah...not much going on, I've got everything ready for tomorrow, and tomorrow I'll get everything ready for Wednesday. No sense rushing things, right?

Classes are going okay, teaching today went very well, makes me happy. Period B is really getting their act together, which is nice. Taught on my own today (MC out of the room), so it was good that they didn't lose it or anything...though when the computer screwed up, I was not happy. I made due of course, but I wasn't happy. Stupid Dells. They're the 80's/90's Apples of today (ie used everywhere in schools), except that they suck. It's not a Windows problem (they use Win2k, very stable), it's a Dell stupidity problem. I remember back when they were the brand to buy, best quality, service, repair...now, they just suck.

Anyways, things are fine...good to be back in the room, there should be some packages waiting for me when I get back (if I make it in time)...and I've got to go by the library and renew my Tolkien book and return the other (Unfinished Tales since I won't have time to read it any time soon (since I'm only halfway through Silmarillion), perhaps I can get a used copy for this summer for forest reading when I'm on STO or else just choosing to get "lost" in the woods (since I'll have the best trail knowledge in camp, as per my job). But on the bright side, after a week hiatus, I get to go back to my Stargate!

Well, I guess I'd better get started packing up...perhaps...should've brought my E drive...could have played some games and/or listened to music.

~Me

These people exist, and it scares me

Sun, 12 Mar 2006 17:51:44 GMT

Insane Elected Officials,

So, I came across this article while doing my daily browsing of Fark.com, the greatest amalgamator ever to grace the web:

God's Senator

It's fairly lengthy, but if you have the time, it's a good read. Well, of course you know my position, which is what makes this a good read. Senator Sam Brownback, perhaps one of the leading dumbasses in the senate, is a leading christian fundie who has some seriously warped and extremely hypocritical views on the world. And as such a great example of fundamentalism at its best, it is so wonderful to see just how easily they falter. But it's the general idea of Brownback Mountain (hehe, it's funny because he's so anti-gay it hurts), that America needs to be a christian nation, and spread it thusly, and keep to the most fundamentalist principles in our laws. But the theocracy he wants is more of a hypocracy, because while he compares abortian to slaverly, when confronted by the fact that the bible condones slavery, after saying that it's a relationship thing and a personal choice thing, as soon as abortion is brought back up, he's lost the argument and immediately shuts up. Of course, he must also be using the translation of the bible that says "thou shalt not murder" as opposed to "thou shalt not kill" because abortion doctors should die for their crimes.

Anyways, so how about some highlights of this idiot who seeks to corrupt the freedom of our beautiful nation (and it's a good thing he probably won't make it to the ballot in 2008):

"It doesn't bother Brownback that most Bible scholars challenge the idea that Scripture opposes homosexuality. "It's pretty clear," he says, "what we know in our hearts." This, he says, is "natural law," derived from observation of the world, but the logic is circular: It's wrong because he observes himself believing it's wrong.

He has worldly proof, too. "You look at the social impact of the countries that have engaged in homosexual marriage." He shakes his head in sorrow, thinking of Sweden, which Christian conservatives believe has been made by "social engineering" into an outer ring of hell. "You'll know 'em by their fruits," Brownback says. He pauses, and an awkward silence fills the room. He was citing scripture -- Matthew 7:16 -- but he just called gay Swedes "fruits."

Homosexuality may not be sanctioned by the Bible, but slavery is -- by Old and New Testaments alike. Brownback thinks slavery is wrong, of course, but the Bible never is. How does he square the two? "I've wondered on that very issue," he says. He tentatively suggests that the Bible views slavery as a "person-to-person relationship," something to be worked out beyond the intrusion of government. But he quickly abandons the argument; calling slavery a personal choice, after all, is awkward for a man who often compares slavery to abortion."

---

"And yet compassionate conservatism, as [Charles] Colson conceives it and Brownback implements it, is strikingly similar to plain old authoritarian conservatism. In place of liberation, it offers as an ideal what Colson calls "biblical obedience" and what Brownback terms "submission." The concept is derived from Romans 13, the scripture by which Brownback and Colson understand their power as God-given: "Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation."

....

Given to framing his own faith in terms of battles, he believes that secularists and Muslims are fighting a worldwide war against Christians -- sometimes in concert. "Religious freedom" is one of his top priorities, and securing it may require force. He's sponsored legislation that could lead to "regime change" in Iran, and has proposed sending combat troops to the Philippines, where Islamic rebels killed a Kansas missionary.

Brownback doesn't demand that everyone believe in his God -- only that they bow down before Him. Part holy warrior, part holy fool, he preaches an odd mix of theological naivete and diplomatic savvy."

---

But yes, Brownback Mountain exists (it shortens to "BM" which is the polite way of describing what he's full of), and it seems that there are many more where he came from. These are the people who start the wars to end the evils of a religious run government that oppresses its people, and yet believe that that is how America should be governed. Don't have to believe in christianity to live in America, but by god, you will follow the laws of the bible or die. Sounds all too familiar, doesn't it? Of course we can't forget those many times that shrub famously said "I wish this was a dictatorship".

The point of all this is that there are som crazy people who seek to run this country and remove all the liberties that were guaranteed it. Believe what you want to religiously, but force them upon others, especially through government, and you will not be treated with dignity or respect. This guy doesn't have any of mine, and he's on the dumbass list.

~Me

Call me crazy, but...

Sun, 12 Mar 2006 03:29:47 GMT

Ironic People,

So, I thought this was worth mentioning-no, not the Dubai ports deal, I don't know enough to make comments on that, though from what I have seen, shrub is dumber than previously recorded, officially making him the dumbest lifeform to have ever existed, though BDIU still goes to John Edwards (the crossing over one).

Anyways, it's about my hotel roommate. Large irony about to occur, brace yourself, (unless you're a republican, then things are status quo). My roommate is a personal trainer, and is majoring in athletic training. He's a smoker, and a big one at that. Just 20, and he pains himself to go away from his basketball game watching (which is getting old, thankfully, I have Red Dwarf with me) for just 5 minutes to go have a smoke...though I suppose it's not too bad just yet...it's only about every 2 hours that he does it, but still, major irony at work there, eh? At least I won't have to deal with the stink after tomorrow morning. Back to the dorm! And there will be thunderstorms, hooray! I just hope they wait until after I get back...

Other than that, let's see...I did the walk, made it all the way down to Jamaica Pond, and using a little Mapquest, I see that it was about a 12 mile walk round trip, not bad. Found the very nice pond I love to sit by, it's just next to Jamaica Pond, surrounded by trees (it'll be so much nicer once the leaves come in and the last of the ice melts away), spent about 30 minutes skipping rocks and enjoying it...for the middle of a traffic area (it is Boston after all), it's surprisingly peaceful...somehow the traffic gets fairly muffled by the barriers and hills...

Here's a Google Local link to it: Beautiful Pond, my favorite hangout is in the NE corner of the pond...

Oh, here's an intersting tidbit, while I'm sitting here, there's a woman, stuck in the elevator on the first floor...she's not too happy at the moment, and the staff and elevator guy have left her at the moment...wait, there's an official guy hanging out trying to keep her company...but the doors won't open or anything...interesting. This of course means that there's now only 2 elevators of 4 in service for a 16-story hotel...the fourth one...well, there's been a black sheet hanging around it for a few days and no lights on the car...and of course, the high schoolers in the hotel aren't being the most mature about it...like she's a zoo animal. At least her family is keeping it all silly (they're on the outside looking in).

Ah well...10.30...maybe I'll go up in a little while...play little games or something...

~Me