I meant to post a download of some of the interesting stuff I learned at the conference that ate my weekend, but forgot my notes at work. So, here's at least one link to get you started:
Worldchanging.com -- "a venue to find, discuss and imagine the world's most innovative solutions to the planet's most pressing problems." One of the guys who started this site spoke to us on Friday morning. He was very impassioned, and had some great links (that I hope to include here tomorrow).
Arup.com -- The best talk (in my opinion) was the final one by Gary Lawrence of Arup. I loved the global thinking he brought to each of the issues he talked about. I wouldn't mind working for them except they don't have a Denver office. Maybe I can convince them to open one. ;)
9.29.2008
9.28.2008
TiVo Blues
The TiFaux that my brother gave/lent me a few years ago crapped out recently, and in a fortuitous turn of events, some friends were giving up cable for a while and so gave/lent me their TiVo. Unfortunately, I don't have a telephone land line (cancelled it for economics) and that's the primary way it gets info and the way they used it. There is a "connect to home network" option, but requires a USB adaptor that works with this system. I'm not even sure if what I have IS a home network.
I'm sure my brother and BIL will help me, but it's frustrating. I want to plug it in and just have it work!
In fact, I have that desire about other parts of my life too. Why can't anything be easy these days?
Later: I was right, they both helped me figure out what to buy and where to buy it. Now I have to wait for it to come in the mail. Argh! The Waiting! ;)
I'm sure my brother and BIL will help me, but it's frustrating. I want to plug it in and just have it work!
In fact, I have that desire about other parts of my life too. Why can't anything be easy these days?
Later: I was right, they both helped me figure out what to buy and where to buy it. Now I have to wait for it to come in the mail. Argh! The Waiting! ;)
9.25.2008
Buzz buzz
Jeez, I'm getting really crappy at keeping up the blog.
Here's a rundown of the things that have kept me busy:
- Sunday: Went to see Burn After Reading. Funny and weird. Aileen, Brian will love this. Make sure he sees it. The acting is superb and Brad Pitt is hilarious. There's one scene where he's trying to be intimidating, so he narrows his eyes threateningly, but it comes off as just SO funny. I love that part. John Malkovich is a perfect foil for him, being actually intimidating (as he can do so well). Anyway, I enjoyed it.
- Monday: Heroes premiere. YAYAYAYAYAY! It was good. All the characters are mixed around in a new way and some of their motivations have changed, but all believably. That's one of the things I like best about the show. The characters evolve. Anything can happen, but generally in a believable way. And there's a little bit of good and bad in everyone. It's such a good show (beginning of the second season notwithstanding).
- Tuesday: My friend, Lisa, is going "home" to take care of her ailing dad, so her friends put together a little going away night out. It was lots of fun, mainly because Lisa is such a funny, intelligent, and insightful woman. The really neat thing is that we are fast friends after only meeting a handful of times. I hope to see her around here sometimes. (Mental note: send her a link.)
- Wednesday: Went out with Stacey and JR for drinks at Steuben's (because they have yummy mixed drinks, like the Dark and Stormy). Turns out they also have yummy Trout Almandine, which was served with greenbeans, potato slices, and sliced grapes. I was surprised by the addition of the grapes, but it was really good! Having them sliced was a great way to make it blend more with the other flavors. So, bravo, Steuben's.
And here's what's going to make me busy for the next two/three days:
I'm going to my first work-related conference, the AIA Colorado 2008 Design Conference. It should be a good opportunity to feel more like an architect than a construction manager, do a little networking, and maybe catch up on some friends I haven't seen in a while. It's not far away, just in Vail, but I'm hoping to have a bit of a vacation/escape. We'll see. From the schedule, it seems like a time intensive event.
I'll try and post while I'm there, so you'll get to hear all the hijinx I'm up to, but we'll see what the online services are. :/
Take care of the place while I'm gone and don't worry about getting the chocolate stains out of the new chair, it's chocolate colored. ;)
Here's a rundown of the things that have kept me busy:
- Sunday: Went to see Burn After Reading. Funny and weird. Aileen, Brian will love this. Make sure he sees it. The acting is superb and Brad Pitt is hilarious. There's one scene where he's trying to be intimidating, so he narrows his eyes threateningly, but it comes off as just SO funny. I love that part. John Malkovich is a perfect foil for him, being actually intimidating (as he can do so well). Anyway, I enjoyed it.
- Monday: Heroes premiere. YAYAYAYAYAY! It was good. All the characters are mixed around in a new way and some of their motivations have changed, but all believably. That's one of the things I like best about the show. The characters evolve. Anything can happen, but generally in a believable way. And there's a little bit of good and bad in everyone. It's such a good show (beginning of the second season notwithstanding).
- Tuesday: My friend, Lisa, is going "home" to take care of her ailing dad, so her friends put together a little going away night out. It was lots of fun, mainly because Lisa is such a funny, intelligent, and insightful woman. The really neat thing is that we are fast friends after only meeting a handful of times. I hope to see her around here sometimes. (Mental note: send her a link.)
- Wednesday: Went out with Stacey and JR for drinks at Steuben's (because they have yummy mixed drinks, like the Dark and Stormy). Turns out they also have yummy Trout Almandine, which was served with greenbeans, potato slices, and sliced grapes. I was surprised by the addition of the grapes, but it was really good! Having them sliced was a great way to make it blend more with the other flavors. So, bravo, Steuben's.
And here's what's going to make me busy for the next two/three days:
I'm going to my first work-related conference, the AIA Colorado 2008 Design Conference. It should be a good opportunity to feel more like an architect than a construction manager, do a little networking, and maybe catch up on some friends I haven't seen in a while. It's not far away, just in Vail, but I'm hoping to have a bit of a vacation/escape. We'll see. From the schedule, it seems like a time intensive event.
I'll try and post while I'm there, so you'll get to hear all the hijinx I'm up to, but we'll see what the online services are. :/
Take care of the place while I'm gone and don't worry about getting the chocolate stains out of the new chair, it's chocolate colored. ;)
9.20.2008
Free Book Followup
Well, the Free Book Giveaway is over. I've posted the remaining books on PaperBackSwap. I'll wait to go through my current "To Read" pile before getting more from PBS. (If one of you ends up signing up and wants to credit me with the reference, just use my email address.) At present, I have 16 books (not all paperbacks) posted. Considering how long it will take me to read my backlog, I should have quite a bit of credit built up. I'll let you know how it goes. :)
Oh, a word on the Book Giveaway. Three strangers contacted me for books after having found me by Googling for "free books." Amazing that people will search for such things. Two of them followed up by sending me addresses (both in OK, oddly enough), so I sent them the books they requested. Interesting, eh?
Oh, a word on the Book Giveaway. Three strangers contacted me for books after having found me by Googling for "free books." Amazing that people will search for such things. Two of them followed up by sending me addresses (both in OK, oddly enough), so I sent them the books they requested. Interesting, eh?
9.19.2008
AWOL
Sorry I've been away from my blog without providing entertainment. Work's been a bit crazy. Building "completion" (which I put in quotes because it's a phased completion and we're approaching the first, if largest, phase, not the final completion) is scheduled for next Tuesday. Normally, this is a big deal for the contractor, but not so much for me, as all critical questions should have been resolved long ago. HOWEVER, there are a couple things that have come up late in the game that require my knowledge of code and my communication skills to bring to a close. So, it's been a bit hectic. It should be fine in the long run, but things are a little stressful until then.
The day before yesterday, I was home in the evening, but I was busy wrapping up books and putting addresses on them. Yep, I've sent out the Free Books. I did have one more salvo, but am too tired and lazy to post them here at the moment (they were kind of random books anyway), so I'll probably put them up for grabs at Paperback Swap. So, huzzah! If you asked for a book, it's on its way to you! Media mail, of course, so slower than first class mail, but I think you'll manage.
Tonight, after a little work overtime, I wasn't feeling up to going grocery shopping for dinner fixings. So, I had to be creative when I got home. I pulled out some frozen pasta, little ravioli-type pouches filled with a lemon-chicken filling, cooked it up, and then, while it was still hot, mixed it with frozen peas and canned chicken (that I really need to use, 'cause I need to cycle my canned backup foods). That seemed a bit dry, so I added a few tablespoons of sour cream and then a bit of dried dill and some salt and pepper. Voila! Yummy dinner. The only thing that it lacked was color (see photo, left). Nice to know I've still got the improv cooking mojo.
Anyway, I missed you guys and I hope to catch up on your blogs this weekend!
The day before yesterday, I was home in the evening, but I was busy wrapping up books and putting addresses on them. Yep, I've sent out the Free Books. I did have one more salvo, but am too tired and lazy to post them here at the moment (they were kind of random books anyway), so I'll probably put them up for grabs at Paperback Swap. So, huzzah! If you asked for a book, it's on its way to you! Media mail, of course, so slower than first class mail, but I think you'll manage.
Tonight, after a little work overtime, I wasn't feeling up to going grocery shopping for dinner fixings. So, I had to be creative when I got home. I pulled out some frozen pasta, little ravioli-type pouches filled with a lemon-chicken filling, cooked it up, and then, while it was still hot, mixed it with frozen peas and canned chicken (that I really need to use, 'cause I need to cycle my canned backup foods). That seemed a bit dry, so I added a few tablespoons of sour cream and then a bit of dried dill and some salt and pepper. Voila! Yummy dinner. The only thing that it lacked was color (see photo, left). Nice to know I've still got the improv cooking mojo.Anyway, I missed you guys and I hope to catch up on your blogs this weekend!
9.15.2008
UCFapalooza
I went out and about with Janiece (and her Smart Man) and Michelle (and HER Smart Man) this afternoon. We had a blast hanging out at the Museum of Nature and Science. Yes, you heard me right. Hey, until you've hung out with a bunch of geeks at a nature and science museum, don't knock it.
We then had dinner at Racine's (a Denver standard) before having to leave Michelle and Michael at the train station. :(
I forgot my camera, so have no photos of food or friends or anything else, so will have to mooch of Michelle or Janiece.
Oh, and we got something fun for someone(s) and hopefully you'll hear them blog about it when it comes in the mail. MUAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA!
(In the meantime, I'm tired and have cats to feed, so I'll post more tomorrow.)
The Next Day:
Janiece has posted some great pictures and a description of the event.
Nathan also blogged about his version of events. Yes, we called a few other UCFers. Yes, we had consumed a drink or two (depending on lightweighted-ness). Yes, we were having a good time. I hardly think that qualifies as "stinkin' drunk." Maybe a little tipsy. ;)
I'm sure Michelle and Michael will post when they get back to WV and recover from their trip. :) They are, as Janiece says, perfectly charming and funny people. I would *definitely* be friends with them regardless of where we met.
And since I didn't have a photograph last night, but do tonight:
Here is the gorgeous LOOT that Michelle and Michael gave me during their visit. It's a beautiful glass ball called a "witch ball" and according to the tag "Witch Balls were very popular during the 18th century England, but their origin is thought to be much older. For over 300 years hollow glass balls have hung in windows to ward off a Witch's spell, Evil Spirits, and Ill Fortune." I haven't figured out where to hang it so people can appreciate it's beauty, but I have a couple ideas. You can see in the photo that it's mostly clear glass with a swirl of purple around it. It's so lovely. Thank you, Michelle and Michael!
Much much later:
And now we have a report from Michelle. Go read and look at the fun pictures! :)
We then had dinner at Racine's (a Denver standard) before having to leave Michelle and Michael at the train station. :(
I forgot my camera, so have no photos of food or friends or anything else, so will have to mooch of Michelle or Janiece.
Oh, and we got something fun for someone(s) and hopefully you'll hear them blog about it when it comes in the mail. MUAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA!
(In the meantime, I'm tired and have cats to feed, so I'll post more tomorrow.)
The Next Day:
Janiece has posted some great pictures and a description of the event.
Nathan also blogged about his version of events. Yes, we called a few other UCFers. Yes, we had consumed a drink or two (depending on lightweighted-ness). Yes, we were having a good time. I hardly think that qualifies as "stinkin' drunk." Maybe a little tipsy. ;)
I'm sure Michelle and Michael will post when they get back to WV and recover from their trip. :) They are, as Janiece says, perfectly charming and funny people. I would *definitely* be friends with them regardless of where we met.
And since I didn't have a photograph last night, but do tonight:
Here is the gorgeous LOOT that Michelle and Michael gave me during their visit. It's a beautiful glass ball called a "witch ball" and according to the tag "Witch Balls were very popular during the 18th century England, but their origin is thought to be much older. For over 300 years hollow glass balls have hung in windows to ward off a Witch's spell, Evil Spirits, and Ill Fortune." I haven't figured out where to hang it so people can appreciate it's beauty, but I have a couple ideas. You can see in the photo that it's mostly clear glass with a swirl of purple around it. It's so lovely. Thank you, Michelle and Michael!Much much later:
And now we have a report from Michelle. Go read and look at the fun pictures! :)
9.14.2008
Crapshoot
Said by me during a conversation (about trust) with a friend:
"[Being friends with] Anyone is a crapshoot, just some more than others."
:)
"[Being friends with] Anyone is a crapshoot, just some more than others."
:)
Free Books! (Part 2)
UPDATE: The book giveaway is over. Thanks for playing!
This is the second half (first half here) of my book giveaway.
Fantasy
The Painter Knight, by Fiona Patton: Apparently (I didn't realize this until I just looked up the link on Amazon), this is the middle book in a trilogy. However, the blurb on the back did not make it sound like it was. It's a straight out fantasy with magic and gods and dragons (as it seems from the cover - Jody Lee is usually pretty accurate). The hero is a painter who must save the heir to the throne from (of course) evil plotters. (Great cover art.)
Kingmaker's Sword, by Ann Marston: First (ha HA!) book of the Rune Blade Trilogy. From all the flowing red hair and tartan on the cover, I'm going to hazard a guess that this is a Celtic fantasy. (Again, great cover art.)
Ship of Magic, by Robin Hobb: It's books like these that make me wish I had unlimited reading time. It looks very good - Fantasy on the High Seas - but I just don't have the time. :( The Amazon review says "reminiscent of Moby Dick and Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series in its details of shipboard life." It's Book 1 of The Liveship Traders.
The White Raven, by Diana L. Paxson: This is a story based on the legend of Tristan and Isolde, and is (obviously) another Celtic/Arthurian Fantasy. From the reviews, the central story is one parallel to the Tristan/Isolde story.
Dragon's Blood, by Jane Yolen: Book 1 of the Pit Dragon Chronicles. The Amazon description says, "Training a dragon to be a fighting champion is the only way to freedom for fifteen-year-old Jakkin." That pretty much says it all.
Swords of Haven, by Simon R. Green: The adventures of Hawk & Fisher, a fantasy cop duo. It's actually a compilation of a trilogy about the pair, so all three parts are here. I actually read the first one, but it didn't suit my taste, so I didn't finish the book/trilogy. From the Amazon reviews, others liked it though.
Til We Have Faces, by C. S. Lewis: This is a retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche and is one of Lewis's classics. I just flipped through it and it looks very good too, darn it.
Moll Flanders, by Daniel Defoe: This is a book about a strong female character, scratching her way up from poverty to success in 17th century England. It was made into a movie in 1996 starring Robin Wright (now Penn). The frontpiece of the book, written by Defoe is quite telling. "The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders, Etc. Who was Born in Newgate, and during a Life of continu'd Variety for Three-score Years, besides her Childhood, was Twelve Year a Whore, five times a Wife (whereof once to her own Brother), Twelve Year a Thief, Eight Year a Transported Felon in Virginia, at last grew Rich, liv'd Honest, and died a Penitent." Hmm, sounds a lot like the Angelique series I would sneak from my mum's bookshelf. I don't know how racy Moll Flanders (pub. 1722) is though, and so cannot comment on its suitability for Michelle's grandmother. Technically, I suppose, this qualifies as a Romance or Historical, rather than fantasy.
On the Night of the Seventh Moon, by Victoria Holt: This is also a hisorical/gothic romance, and from the reviews on Amazon, one of the author's best. As usual, it looks interesting, I just don't have the time or inclination anymore.
The Ruby in the Smoke, by Philip Pullman: Book 1 of the Sally Lockhart trilogy. I bought this because I liked The Golden Compass, but I was never able to really get into it. Another case of a good-looking book with no time to read it.
Speaking of having no time, this post has been taking too long to write. I need to get some household chores done! I will try and finish this process with the Misc. books in Part 3 tonight or tomorrow.
Again, if any of these sound interesting to you, let me know and I'll send them to you, free of charge. If I can't read them, I want them to go to a good home. :)
This is the second half (first half here) of my book giveaway.
Fantasy
The Painter Knight, by Fiona Patton: Apparently (I didn't realize this until I just looked up the link on Amazon), this is the middle book in a trilogy. However, the blurb on the back did not make it sound like it was. It's a straight out fantasy with magic and gods and dragons (as it seems from the cover - Jody Lee is usually pretty accurate). The hero is a painter who must save the heir to the throne from (of course) evil plotters. (Great cover art.)
Kingmaker's Sword, by Ann Marston: First (ha HA!) book of the Rune Blade Trilogy. From all the flowing red hair and tartan on the cover, I'm going to hazard a guess that this is a Celtic fantasy. (Again, great cover art.)
Ship of Magic, by Robin Hobb: It's books like these that make me wish I had unlimited reading time. It looks very good - Fantasy on the High Seas - but I just don't have the time. :( The Amazon review says "reminiscent of Moby Dick and Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series in its details of shipboard life." It's Book 1 of The Liveship Traders.
The White Raven, by Diana L. Paxson: This is a story based on the legend of Tristan and Isolde, and is (obviously) another Celtic/Arthurian Fantasy. From the reviews, the central story is one parallel to the Tristan/Isolde story.
Dragon's Blood, by Jane Yolen: Book 1 of the Pit Dragon Chronicles. The Amazon description says, "Training a dragon to be a fighting champion is the only way to freedom for fifteen-year-old Jakkin." That pretty much says it all.
Swords of Haven, by Simon R. Green: The adventures of Hawk & Fisher, a fantasy cop duo. It's actually a compilation of a trilogy about the pair, so all three parts are here. I actually read the first one, but it didn't suit my taste, so I didn't finish the book/trilogy. From the Amazon reviews, others liked it though.
Til We Have Faces, by C. S. Lewis: This is a retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche and is one of Lewis's classics. I just flipped through it and it looks very good too, darn it.
Moll Flanders, by Daniel Defoe: This is a book about a strong female character, scratching her way up from poverty to success in 17th century England. It was made into a movie in 1996 starring Robin Wright (now Penn). The frontpiece of the book, written by Defoe is quite telling. "The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders, Etc. Who was Born in Newgate, and during a Life of continu'd Variety for Three-score Years, besides her Childhood, was Twelve Year a Whore, five times a Wife (whereof once to her own Brother), Twelve Year a Thief, Eight Year a Transported Felon in Virginia, at last grew Rich, liv'd Honest, and died a Penitent." Hmm, sounds a lot like the Angelique series I would sneak from my mum's bookshelf. I don't know how racy Moll Flanders (pub. 1722) is though, and so cannot comment on its suitability for Michelle's grandmother. Technically, I suppose, this qualifies as a Romance or Historical, rather than fantasy.
On the Night of the Seventh Moon, by Victoria Holt: This is also a hisorical/gothic romance, and from the reviews on Amazon, one of the author's best. As usual, it looks interesting, I just don't have the time or inclination anymore.
The Ruby in the Smoke, by Philip Pullman: Book 1 of the Sally Lockhart trilogy. I bought this because I liked The Golden Compass, but I was never able to really get into it. Another case of a good-looking book with no time to read it.
Speaking of having no time, this post has been taking too long to write. I need to get some household chores done! I will try and finish this process with the Misc. books in Part 3 tonight or tomorrow.
Again, if any of these sound interesting to you, let me know and I'll send them to you, free of charge. If I can't read them, I want them to go to a good home. :)
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