K...Site

I'll be watching and cheering for the Kansas Jayhawks this weekend as they try for an undefeated miracle season as they take on Missouri. Hope either one of them can go all the way. Interesting article about their relatively short QBs.

Played and beat an incredible game called Portal (part of the Half-Life 2 Orange Box for Xbox 360 and PC). It wasn't very long, and no shooting, all about solving puzzles, but there was incredible narration to the story where you are a guinea pig. The end had me awestruck and throughout the game I was laughing even at the sinister aspects. Apparently it was written by Erik Wolpaw, one of the 2 great minds who wrote my favorite game for the original Xbox, Psychonauts (Tim Schafer is the other). This wonderful interview sheds some life on the great mind at work. Even now I'm listening to the youtube video of the final end-game song that is well-done in its own right - a new ipod addition!

If you were thinking of getting a Playstation3 with 15 free Blu-ray movies, this Saturday's secret sale is your best chance at WalMart. I've debated it, but am sticking with my 360 & HD-DVD player. Both formats will be around for a long while.

And for my future movie theater, here's the chart detailing on when you can tell the differences between 720p & 1080p projectors.

In the more controversial links, here's a 2 hour movie, Zeitgeist, (in three parts) that's entertaining and thought-provoking, though good at making one angry as well. Lots of paranoia in presenting this "documentary", but some aspects I enjoyed debating with others. Each part puts together relatively well-discussed (ie. old) arguments as to 1) Christianity was created for social control, 2) 911 was an inside job & 3) world is run by international bank cartels. Here's a decent review. There's a bit of truth to all of it, but I don't agree with much of the main messages/conclusions. The 2nd part has been what has upset me the most. How we (mankind, US, etc) have gotten into many of our recent wars. Anyway, if it doesn't create some sort of reaction within you, check your pulse.

In a more constructive conversation, there is an interesting series called Beyond Belief: Science, Religion, Reason and Survival. I haven't watched more than one, but will do so bit by bit over the coming weeks.

I'm currently into watching Heroes, season 1. Suspect it may go the way of many popular new drama series (ie. go downhill fast), but here's to hoping. I'm not a fan of the narrator or his character (acting-wise) and I could go on for other criticisms, but the premise and multiple-converging stories are great hooks.

Lastly on the tech theme, the new Beowulf movie is absolutely gorgeous! One to see soon in a digital, IMAX and/or 3D theater. (Sadly none of which are near me - wait, in Olathe, KS!)

And some more help on what to buy this Black Friday.

Too many new links not to share before the weekend. In order, of course.

First, if you listen to NPR, Marketplace or surf the web, you likely have heard that Radiohead's new album, In Rainbows, was released today only by downloading from their site and paying whatever you want to pay them. I gave them 3.45 lbs (~$7) and am happy with the album, though the audiophile in me wishes it was a higher bitrate. (yes, you can download it for free, too)

A Nation of Christians is not a Christian Nation - oped piece in the NYTimes this week. It's a short one, but I couldn't find the better comments I heard recently with the writer of a new book about the history of Christianity in the US. Email from friends/family that talk about how the US was founded upon/within Christianity and how it should be a greater part of our government tire me - and yes, I disagree completely. Not that it didn't influence the founders and many in it now, but we don't need to become a Christian nation/government any more than the world needs another Muslim or Buddhist Theocracy.

This probably shouldn't be on YouTube, and I haven't taken the time to watch it, yet, but I hear good things about this 60 min documentary on The Life of Buddha.

While we're on religion, back to the issues closest to my heart... or at least see an amusing news article on the FSM.

OK, last week I wrote about putting up $ for the incoming SmartUSA car, but anyone going to do the same with this 300 mpg "car"?

Here's an impressive short video from NASA showing a comet getting it's tail ripped off by a solar eruption.

And, finally, a good article about why email and IM aren't so good for communication (at least compared to being in person with someone). I've noticed plenty of times interpreting mood/emotion incorrectly (and being misinterpreted, too).

OK, now I'm free to return back to work.

Though the sun goes down earlier these days, it's still been an absolutely gorgeous late summer/fall. Roses are still in bloom. I've been spoiled by this great weather. Also was spoiled by both K-State and the Chiefs winning last weekend! (not mentioning Nebraska since it was a game they had to win). This Saturday will be something different for all the Big XII. Yeah, I like football.

So the first mystery party of Nebraska will happen this month. Can't believe I couldn't invite all I wanted to - nice that it's so popular! May have to have a re-shot at it come February (assuming it goes well).

Since it's football season, it's the only time I actually watch TV. Here's the full and great video for Feist's 1234 (seen for Apple iPodnano).

As for something scary, how about the brain-eating amoeba in US lakes? (thanks, Katie)

I knew nothing about the fancy ways of tieing shoes back in the 80s, but here's a wonderful site showing LOTS of fun ways of re-lacing your shoes.

Am I the only one curious and interested in getting in on the first set of smartcars when they arrive in the US next year? I'm thinking of getting one in Nebraska colors and if I'm not happy with it, turning it around for 0 to little profit. Definitely a city car.

Mary-Lee sent me this (which I've now discovered was written by Michael Kinsley in the New Republic, NOT Reagan): The following is from Ronald Reagan's recently published diaries (entry dated May 17, 1986):

"A moment I've been dreading. George brought his ne're-do-well son around this morning and asked me to find the kid a job. Not the political one who lives in Florida. The one who hangs around here all the time looking shiftless. This so-called kid is already almost 40 and has never had a real job. Maybe I'll call Kinsley over at The New Republic and see if they'll hire him as a contributing editor or something. That looks like easy work."

Oh my!

BTW, I did finally get Halo 3 in the mail. Simply amazing... and yeah, I'm still not good at it.

I'm a bit irate that my pre-ordered copy of Halo3 has yet to arrive... but in the mean time, here are some items that have gotten my attention.

If I wanted to take on another hobby/collection, it would start with this. The ultimate in Star Wars Legos!

My friends who work at Intel thought this was hilarious (Ok, I thought it was funny, too) and was very accurate as to how dull the work environment is for their employees as Conan O'Brien takes a tour.

There is E85 ethanol in every gas station around here. It's a deceiving "green fuel" - not nearly as good to use as the propaganda would have us believe. I know Dad anticipates more future bio-diesel vehicles. Here's a nice article in The Economist covering future fuels, though there have been plenty of others out there to learn more (the cover of Wired is on switch grass).

While we're at Wired, my favorite movie, Blade Runner, is being "finalized" - yes, I've mentioned this before, and I'm still excited!!!

A lot of news this past week on the release of the transcript of Bush and then Spanish Prime Minister Aznar back in 2003. Here's a more insightful Slate article on it.

How to Accept Criticism with Grace and Appreciation

So another week gone by. Went to Chicago on Wed for an all day ACR meeting, got some press coverage (links 1 & 2) and last night Uncle Mark drove up in a stretched Hummer and we chilled and played cards (though I'm sure more than one neighbor was curious). Bombing the house today to get rid of the fleas and spiders in the basement (perfect weather to be outside with kittens, snacks and book) and working and watching football (yeah!).

Video of amazing homemade "machines" - though the Japanese jingle gets old quickly, the creativity doesn't.

All over the interwebs this week were jokes at Miss Teen South Carolina's expense (though FTLOG, I couldn't believe how horrible her response was!). Here's a web site collecting maps for Us (plus a clip of the teen's statement).

Funny pic (warning, old video game reference).

For those that finished the latest Harry Potter book, here's the best review I've seen written by Stephen King (yes, that Stephen King).

OK, I'm back and I have TONS to write about, but first thing - let's dump off the new links to share.

Frozen smoke as new material to impact our world.

Further evidence that working out helps your brain/smarts.

An incredible and talented member of my family, Tony Sheets (son of Millard Sheets), has worked hard to get a book of much of his fathers paintings in one exhibit at the LA County Fair this month. You can read more about it here.

I'm so excited that football season is almost here again. Of course, living in Nebraska means I have to take this a bit more seriously than I did before (is that possible?), and I'm in a few fantasy football leagues as well. I thought this was one of the more entertaining columns on Nebraska's football team for this season. (plus be sure to check out the embedded brief Family Guy clip about Nebraska - there's a corn eating contest tonight at the local swing dance festival, too! )

So, Blade Runner is coming out in HD this fall for it's 25th anniversary. It's my favorite movie of all time (though LOTR trilogy gives it a good run). Nice article that covers it a bit.

Remember when I got to eat next to Warren Buffett a month ago? Well a guy paid $650K to eat lunch with him on ebay 2 days ago. Here's the news article. I feel like I got a much better deal for my lunch.

Earlier this week when I was sick, Mandi sent me this pic. It was delayed, but laughed my arse off for long time. Good therapy. Though most of you likely won't find it nearly as funny as me (D&D reference).

It's been cloudy a lot lately. Not complaining as the temperature has been perfect and I haven't had to figure out how to use the sprinkler system, yet. Also been wonderful views in morning and night. Then I found these pictures of clouds in Nebraska and wanted to share. Amazing.

Ok, so I really need to find a happy home for 1-2 of these guys. They're so cute and fun! (save me! )

Another radio program, Studio 360, on the arts/music scene in Omaha that I heard on the radio today. They compare it to Seattle, but add that the difference is that the artists are choosing to stay here even after they become big (which in my mind means they can't become too big). The web site above also has maps (including a Bright Eyes live concert that was held at the nearby park) and the program on mp3. This one is similar to the NYTimes article pointed to before, but audio. Enjoy!

Did you hear the news? Coke's profits were up a tremendous amount today thanks to sales in their Coke Zero brand. I go through one of these a day and have been proselytizing this drink since it came out last year (yeah, suppose I owe much of this to Jay... but that's besides the point ). What's sad is that I've recycled so many Coke brand boxes and never entered in any of their codes - one of the few places I don't like sharing my info with.

Have lots of projects due, still. Important one to finish tonight. Was working hard when I got distracted thinking about how many horrible things, important things and items worth taking time to do something about were going on, yet we still manage well by keeping busy with our jobs, keeping the economy going and staying somewhat apathetic or at least resigned to suppress. It was nice to see the large outpouring of flowers in the neighboring memorial park today for those at Virginia Tech. In other notes: Grandpa apparently recovered well from his surgery last Friday and I got to catch up a little with sis last night. Tonight I'm looking forward to getting a call from Mandi out in CA. Yes, another gorgeous day with myself buried behind my computer and repressing my own needs for outside contact (only in small doses). Listening to Hooverphonic, moving right along as this, too, is temporary...

Took a < hour break tonight to witness the Team Omaha Final poetry slam competition that was held at the Omaha Healing Arts Center. What a rush! I've heard that there are several places around town for this, but had no idea of the strong talent and enjoyment I'd get from being a witness/listener. These are poems and performances that I could easily see being on television on pre-NBC Bravo. I feel I missed out a lot living near SF for so long and not spending more time a the Edinburgh Castle or other intellectual/artsy locales. Guess that's while I'll have plenty to see when I visit. But this is another bright note for Omaha - there was so much life and energy in the Old Market section of downtown - quite the place to be!

Back to work - I'll come up for air in May.

No, not a sports reference this time. Just feeling extremely fortunate. Who would have thought that by this time in my life that I'd have spent time in person with 2 of my 3 idols from when I was 16. #2 was Bobby McFerrin and I got to listen with rapt attention tonight at the Holland Center in downtown Omaha. Terrific acoustics and amazing voice. Really blew anything I could create from recordings in an audiofile setup out of the water. Needless to say I was moving to all of his music. Wish I sat down in the orchestra section. I was online and chose "best available seat" and it was in the last row of the orchestra so I called and got a seat in the balcony and didn't think to ask for one near the stage. He had lots of audience participation even up on stage and I wanted to ask him questions which all seemed to be limited to those near him... next time. For those who may get the chance, don't ask him about or to sing "Don't Worry, Be Happy". Crazy that the one song that made him known to the world creates such a negative reaction (though he was still in good humor throughout).

*Still singing after all these years*

So the college basketball season is over and Florida won again, but what really matters. The bracket pools! So for the nth year I hosted a tourney on Yahoo! sports and I usually do ok. This is the first year where anything other than bragging rights was at stake, and with that first came the first time we had someone do so well (picked all of the last 7 games, only missed 11 out of 63) - Tarek, the physics prof at UFlorida - and someone do so poorly - Mandi, who chose mostly teams with feline mascots to win. One got in the top 0.2% and the other bottom 5% out of 2 million teams - very impressive year!

But what blew me away - today I was awarded the booby prize for coming in last place in the chief resident's pool - with over 20 teams! Oh how the "mighty" have fallen! What a crazy month that was. Where I had blizzards and rain and hail and winds and lots of sun in between. Now that it's April it's been mostly 30F daily. Aack! Keeps the wardrobe in constant flux.

First off - Star Wars stamps and voting for stamp to be it's own sheet. All done here. I voted for Boba Fett, but either him or Darth Vader would be cool to have on stamps... actually Yoda, too. Mmm...

Next, this is a great and longer article in the New York Times about Omaha last week. Give it a read to learn more about my new home town - don't you want to live here now, too?

Oh, and here's a mathematical thinking in physics site for those more inclined that way.

Today I had "soul food" for dinner - BBQ ribs on white bread, mashed potatoes, fried okra(!), cornbread and ice cream for desert. Yeah, and I wonder why my gut has been bothering me so much lately. (Though it tasted good!) OK, break's over, back to work!

Loathe IRBs. To better protect us by ensuring 20% of a researcher's time is occupied completing forms and filing paper work that has little if anything to do with the research. Also ensures that tons more trees are killed for consent forms (as you may already have experience with in your doctor visits). Makes me think of the movie Brazil every time I have to interact with one no matter how "kind" they are.

My previous landlord. Mr. Chang could have ended my phone call to him today on a nice note as I was indicating I will no longer seek a return of $65 he took from my security deposit for removal of carpet stains (he already took out $125 for other items). I indicated that these stains existed before I moved in, but after a fuller explanation from him, I realized I wouldn't be getting any of this $ back. Right before hanging up he says "sorry I didn't respond to your email, but it didn't seem worth responding to for only $65". Dude! If it's no big deal, then just send me the check already! :P

Antibiotics. (Mostly) good for the immune system, but wrecks havoc on my GI system. I wonder if I have any e. coli left? Just 12 more hours of this... I hope.

Guess everyone can be glad I stayed local with my rants and didn't carry on to items such as 1) RIAA & Congressionally enacted new exorbitant internet music fees, 2) Gonzalez, Rove, Cheney, & Bush (get rid of em!), & 3) why ethanol for alternative fuel isn't the answer for gas prices, economy or environment (though it'll make a few farmers temporarily wealthier).

On my way to exploring a good Thai restaurant in downtown Lincoln (Blue Orchid), discovered Mr. R2D2 outside in his new job.



Was nice day to visit various family members in Lincoln (much busier than I expected so I didn't get to see everyone). Hope the Michaud clan can meet up soon to celebrate all of the Feb/Mar birthdays next weekend... we'll see.

Good day - Kansas won and got to play Ticket To Ride online with great folks in CA.

as warned, here are some pics from the wonderful Omaha zoo! Oh yeah, it was 80F the other day, now it's freezing - good ole midwest weather!

Got invited by one of my fabulous neighbors to attend Creighton vs Evanston basketball game tonight. Made me dinner and showed me my first ever division I game (something I missed at Stanford). The Qwest arena is impressive! Looks like a pro stadium, not college - and everyone over age seemed to be holding a huge beer at halftime. Had a fun time, as they were down 14 pts at halftime (maybe the reason for the gluttony on beer?) and got the lead within the first 2 minutes of the 2nd half to win.

Before leaving home, I noticed something a bit unusual. A squirrel with incredible balance! Look at the previous pics to see that this critter was keeping a very unstable metal hoop completely still. Goes to show that those with the best tail do win!

Ok, one thing of note while living in Omaha for a week - it's cold! I guess I need to get more of the warm clothes out of the closet and get my hat fixed, but even with a garage it's an adventure to leave the warmth of home. But the snow can be fun to watch come down.

Even more entertaining is the alpha squirrel - go squirrel go! I did catch a rabbit nibbling on the pieces of corn the squirrel didn't eat in the dark of night. Also fun to see all of the animal prints in the snow - ah, I've missed this season!