Snow Leopard is Better

Ok, so I got windows 7 yesterday and installed in so I could boot it through bootcamp for any intensive statistical stuff I may need to do in the future. Apple hardware is just plain better and my mac runs windows xp through a virtual machine almost as fast as it runs it natively through bootcamp. Anyways, the one thing that can be slow with larger datasets in a virtual machine is SAS. I really only have one comment about Windows 7. It feels like an old mac os x, but with way more warnings and no soul. The reason I love my Mac is because the OS is just so good (even in these early days of Snow Leopard) and things do what they need to do. Windows 7 tries to do that, but ends up providing so many warnings and prompts that I don’t actually want to use it. Example 1: I download SAS and attempt to unzip it with Windows 7. Result1: extraction takes so long i cancel it. Example 2: I try and move the SAS zip file to the desktop. Result 2: Error this file cannot be moved because it is open in windows explorer. (duh, how else would I be able to find it?)
Maybe this is all my fault. I tried to make the OS do something without downloading an external program, something that you just don’t with windows. In other words, I tried to use windows like I’d use a mac.
If all those people on the windows commercials are right and windows was their idea, they should be punished because windows 7 is no better than any other windows operating system and frankly, only windows xp was even remotely decent.

Tech of a different kind

Yesterday I replaced the battery in my watch. Ok, so this doesn’t sound so exciting, but I’m kinda proud of myself. This wasn’t your old fashioned mickey mouse watch we’re talking about here, this is a Timex (ok not impressive so far) Ironman (ok better) 50 lap (now we’re getting there) sleek model. That means there are electronics and what have you to make the 3 alarms, 2 countdown timers, 2 time zones and whopping 5 buttons work.
Really it wasn’t that bad, but I did have to go out and get me a jewler’s screwdriver and a new battery (total cost 7 dollars). Also, after I had the battery replace previously (at a watch shop in the mall) it stopped beeping. I thought that it was just the watch and really didn’t think more about it, but it turns out that there’s a little spring that has to be in contact with the case for the beeping mechanism to work. While I was in there, I fixed that too. The watch shop had accidentally covered this little spring with a sticker (shouldn’t they know better?) that prevented contact with the case. There was a bit of a harrowing moment when the entire watch fell out of the case, but other than that, I unscrewed four screws, popped the back case off, used a push pin to pop a cover off the battery, threw the new one in and reversed the process. Now my watch has indiglo again without the screen going blank, and I can use the 3 alarms.
Booyah.

A random thought

1) I saw a Kia Soul today and was disappointed to see there weren’t hamsters driving it. The occupants were not dancing to music either, which was a double disappointment. I was expecting something like below.

2) I just heard ke$ha’s song Tik Toc for the first time. It is crappy pop but dammit it is now stuck in my head.

3) I have an 11.5 hour playlist ready for cinco de mayo if I can access my music by then (my hard drive case broke – new one is on order).

4) The wedding website has been updated and now has a guestbook and better fonts.

4) My data collection will be done this week so I will be blogging more I hope.

Image of the Day

I can’t believe I haven’t posted since the Oscars. I have a post written somewhere that I must have not finished or published. Anyways, here is what I’ve been up to.

Oscars Live Blog

And I’m out. They only ran 30 minutes over this year.

Alec Baldwin just quasi-slapped Katherine Bigelow on the ass. That is awesome.

I like the three actors swaying in the background.  They are truely excited.

Of course the Hurt Locker wins. This movie is the worst grossing movie to win an oscar. I can only assume it was awesome.

I think we can just assume The Hurt Locker won Best Picture. This is a nice speech.

Allison is excited that James Cameron lost Best Director because he is a dick.  Katherine Bigelow is hot according to Allison. I pretty much concur. She could tone those arms a touch.

What the heck is Barbara Streisand wearing? I do not need to see old lady cleavage. Allison is right, her hair looks good but her body does not.

Allison is crying again, The Meryl Streep lover stuff was awesome

Oh, a nice move giving the other nominees props.

Sandra Bullock in the Blide Side wins. Yes, that was Jesse James crying. You may have just witnessed the curing of cancer. Someone go bottle that man’s tears. Bullock will likely be super awesome in her speech.

I would like to just insert here that Sean Penn should have won for I Am Sam all those years ago.

Stanley Tucci is a BAMF. You can see why he had good chemistry with her. You can see it right now. And a good toast thing by him.

Oprah is looking ok. I thought I had read she gained weight, but she looks fine to me and I don’t even like her.

Of course Oprah is up there for the best actress toast things. Stanley Tucci is probably going to talk about Meryl Streep in the Devil Wears Prada and Julie and Julia.

Jeff Bridges probably deserved it, but I was rooting for the guy from the hurt locker. He’s been good in other smaller parts and after 20 years he probably deserved it.

I’m not sure I liked the little toasts, but at least Colin Farrell’s was heartfelt.

Why isn’t Pedro Almodovar, the native spanish speaker saying the names of these movies? Quentin Tarantino makes them sound like a calf being slaughtered in a Ya Ya sisterhood convention.

Quentin Tarrantino is a tool. Pedro Almodovar is awesome.

Keanu Reeves has one of the worst beards I’ve ever seen. I could grow a better patchy beard than that.

In light of The Cove winning, Allison remarked “and everyone puts I heart whales stickers on their cars.”

All these documentaries look good. Maybe I’m just a sucker for the documentary.

George Clooney’s stonefaced schtick is getting old. It was funny like 2 hours ago.

Avatar wins for visual effects. Not a surprise. I was hoping for Star Trek just because it was such a badass movie.

Up wins again. Sweet.

James Taylor is also a tool. This Oscars is setting a record for most tools on an awards show. Allison thought she wouldn’t cry due to James Taylor’s presence, but now she’s practically bawling.

Allison on Demi Moore: what does she look like, not her age, oh zing!

Avatar wins for cinematography. What else could it have been really?

Quentin Tarantino is also a tool.

Something nested in Zach Efron’s hair. I think it might be a California Gnatcatcher.

I’ve previously said this, but Zach Efron is a damn tool.

Some of these movies weren’t realy horror movies. Namely Alien and the Sixth Sense.

The Twilight chick looks decent. Taylor Lautner is nothing but beef. I also keep hoping he will turn into a werewolf.

More Steve and Alec. They are doing an OK job.

That is a wacky dress on that lady that won for costume design.

Art Direction. I only care if Avatar wins because it was pretty innovative in the art and world they created.

Monique gave an OK speech. Allison: Oh hey Colin Firth.

I didn’t guess in this category, but I did get Star Trek and Up right.

Monique won. Allison is 1 for 1.

Allison is predicting Monique.

Allison predicts against Penelope because she won last year.

Robin Williams looks like hell. A ball joke, not really so original. Ok, here comes best supporting actress.

The Queen (Latifah) looks fantastic. Oh wow Lauren Bacall is old, but still looks pretty good considering she’s ancient.

Star Trek won best makeup. I have to say it was really well done. There is a featurette on the DVD about how they did it and how it took literally months to get the Spock ears to look right.

Ben Stiller is dressed like a Na’vi from Avatar. This is kind of awesome.

I bet these shorts would be good, if only we could watch them.

Steve Jobs is at the Academy Awards according to MacRumors. Also in case you missed it, the first iPad commercial came on a few commercial breaks ago.

Now another award we don’t care so much about. Actually I think these all look neat, but how does one find an watch a documentary short.

Now time for an award nobody cares about – animated short. Time for a pee break.

For some reason I didn’t connect the name Ed Asner with the actor. For a good time, google his name and watch the live twitter/blog feed roll by.

Why does Samuel L Jackson always yell? Why is he presenting Up instead of one of the miltary movies? Allison is crying 10 seconds into the trailer.

Nice tribute to John Hughes.

Oh look, it’s Molly Ringwald.  She looks almost the same as her character in the Breakfast Club. Ferris Bueller isn’t looking so great. He’s greying, but not well.

The Hurt Locker wins its first Oscar for best Original Screenplay. Good on ‘em, although has anyone actually see in?

What on earth is Robert Downy Junior wearing? He and Tina Fey are pretty funny.

Crazy Heart wins for best song. It was a good song and T.Bone is a badass.

Is it a rule Randy Newman has to nominated for best song every year?

Amanda Seyfreid is wearing a strange dress. As stated before, Miley Cyrus looks like she fake baked and is wearing a slip.

Best Animated Feature: Up. This means they won’t win best feature film. Sorry guys, but at least you were nominated.

The dude from Inglorious Bastards won for best supporting actor. We feel bad for Matt Damon. Quote of the moment “Oscar and Penelope that’s an uber bingo.”

Allison actually shuddered when they cut from Matt Damon to Woody Harrelson. I did as well, only on the inside. He’s rough looking for sure.

Penelope Cruz looks nice. She also had a dream where we were cats . . .

Again, Sandra Bullock looks nice. Ad she’s the only one that’s really genuinely laughed at a joke made at her expense.

Allison is laughing her bum off. . .

Woody Harrelson looks kind of OK. The high comment might actually be true.

The threesome joke so far has been the best. Another jab at Streep, but this time it’s hilarious.

Alec and Steve are doing ok so far, not super funny, but a few good jokes.

Wow, a little harsh on Meryl.

Neil Patrick Harris? Awesome. I need a suit like that.

That wasn’t Martin Scorcese behind J.Lo, that was Robin Williams. That dude looks like hell.

What the eff is this beginning? I know who is nominated and we already saw most of them. Sandra Bullock looks good.

OK, we’re getting serious now, the Oscars are going to begin.

Allison says Meryl Steep looks nice.I think her dress is kinda weird.

Taylor Lautner looks awkward. His hair is stupid too. He should have come dressed as a werewolf. Also, it’s a tux, not a suit.

Allison and I agree Kate Winslet looks good. Allison thinks she is beautiful.

Is Jeff Bridges wasted? His wife looks nice as does he except for the ridiculous goatee.

Miley Cyrus also fake baked. She looks like she forgot to put her dress on. Slips are not appropriate for the Oscars.

Tina Fey and Steve Carrell are funny. Too bad their new movie will probably not be.

Cameron Diaz actually looks OK. I like it [Allison]

Sarah Jessica Parker is wearing croissants on her head. We’re not sure where her hair went.

J. Lo’s dress has a train so there’s a place for her ass. Damn [at J. Lo's ass as she turned around].

While they talk about the current nominees for best picture, does Avatar really have a chance? Also, if The Hurt Locker wins, shouldn’t the Oscar go to a movie that people have seen?

What the heck is Kathy Ireland doing there? Also, Morgan Freeman is a player, but chewing gum on the red carpet is lame.

Zach Effron is a tool. He totally fake baked and you can tell. Also, his hair is stupid.

I’m doing things a bit differently this year. Gone are the timestamps. Instead you’ll just get stream of consciousness  as things happen. Allison is here and her two cents will be added in italics so you can tell us apart. I had to do some shopping, so there is no extended red carpet coverage (sorry!). This is going from bottom up  if you want to keep current (meaning the top is most recent).

Quick Update

For those of you worried about my absence recently, worry not. I will be blogging about the oscars tomorrow night. I’m not sure it it will be a super expansive live blog, but there will be snarky comments about presenters, winners, losers, and commentators.

What Olympics?

I posted previously about the craptastic job of covering and tape delaying the olympics by NBC, so I won’t harp on that too much, but, where did the Olympics go this year?

I think I saw, well, curling (only thing streamed online) and the USA/Canada Hockey game.  I know there was other coverage, but when you get one run of bobsleigh and then five figure skaters and then 1km of cross country, it’s hard to stay on the same channel.  Whenever something came on that I didn’t want to see, I just flipped the channel, typically not returning to NBC at all.  I’m not sure if this was common to other TV watchers, but the Olympics just weren’t enjoyable as they were presented in NBC’s ADD format.  I know it’s hard to broadcast such a huge variety of events, but with a network like NBC that has many many channels, it can’t be that hard.  How many people really watch MSNBC anyway?

Half Marathon Recap

I will probably also post this on my running blog, so for those of you that read both, if you read it here, there’s no need to move over to the other blog.

Anyways, it’s been a week since the half marathon, so I figured all the emotional stuff has passed and now I can recount the half a little more fairly.

First and foremost, Hope and Allison did awesome.  despite the questionable choice of Afghan food the night before the race (but it was so delicious!), they both finished in a respectable 2:32, only about two minutes from their goal (2:30).  I say only because it’s 13.1 miles and 2 minutes is easy to makeup or lose over the course of that many miles.

My race was OK.  I’ve been getting happier with it as the days have passed.  I ran 1:55, not a PR, and certainly not as quick as I’d have liked.  I’d like to run faster than 1:50 at some point, but considering the amount I’ve been able to run, 1:55 isn’t a bad time.  I only got two 10 mile runs in before the race also, and that’s just not enough to PR.  At any rate, 1:55 paid off in that I wasn’t so  sore.

This week I ran twice and got 11 in this morning for a total of 21 for the week.  Certainly a good recovery week with the exception of my running 11 today when it should have been more like 8.  What can I say, running is also a stress reliever.

Of course, immediately after the half, I was looking for another race.  I’m considering the OC half in april, but we’ll have to see what happens with school/thesis stuff.

Suck it NBC

I like the olympics.  I like the olympics quite a bit actually.  Even the winter olympics interest me because there are sports like skeleton, snowboard cross and curling.  NBC clearly doesn’t give a crap about what I want, however. Not only are the not showing me the events in Vancouver live even though I’m on the SAME part of the country, but they aren’t even showing very much on their other affiliates.  Why not do what they did with the summer olympics and throw live coverage on USA or MSNBC?  Instead I get screwed.  I have to watch the crappy taped coverage that skips over most of the athletes and only shows about 5-10.  How is that in the olympic spirit?  What about the athletes that aren’t medal contenders, but may be the only ones representing their country, don’t they deserve some recognition?

There is one really easy solution to this problem.  They could provide the coverage they obviously have going on (given the range of sports we only get 3 minutes of during the primetime broadcast) online.  Do they do this?  No way!  NBC could give a crap about how well they cover the olympics, but if they force you to watch TV at primetime, they make loads of money on advertising (none of the ads are any good in case you were wondering).

So I’m calling for an official suck it NBC movement.  We need to boycott NBC’s crappy coverage of the olympics until they give us live streaming online of all events (not just hockey and curling).  I don’t even give a crap about the commentary. I’m not that smart, but I think I can figure out if one person’s time or score is better than the previous one.  All I want is cameras on every event, especially the ones like cross country, which are rarely if ever televised.

If my demands are not met, I will not watch another olympics on NBC.  I will resort to using a proxy server and watching olympic coverage LIVE through other countries.

You’ve been warned NBC.

Snow on the Mountains

snowymountains, originally uploaded by shutterpoet.

Lots of rain down in the foothills means lots of snow in the mountains. This is a 30s exposure, at ISO 100. I wasn’t patient enough to do a bulb exposure for longer.