Friday, May 30, 2003

Okay, this is gonna be (most likely anyway) my last post until after the marathon on Sunday. I leave for San Diego tomorrow at noon (on a bus with the team) and come back on monday night. Our coach told us we would be feeling all sorts of odd pains and hear diffrent noises in our joints this week because it is game time. Funny how much of sports is a mental thing, something I have always known but am constantly reminded of at game time.

Anyhow, here are the top 5 questions I have heard in the last week:

q: You nervous?
a: Naw (you believe me?).

q: How far are you going? YOU are going to run that?
a: Yup...no, really, no shit. I swear. Really.

q: What do you think you are going to feel like at the end?
a: jello + high + accomplishment

q: You going to do another one?
a: Probably. Maybe. Here, lets just get this one out the way, okay?

q: Did you know that you get a beer at the finish line of the race?
a: Its the little things like this that re-affirm that there is a supreme being.

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." - Emerson.

FINISH LINE HERE I COME!
(sorry for yelling, but I am excited!)

posted @ 2:00 AM | archive_link | Comment

Thursday, May 29, 2003

My roommate Greg now has a blog (well he has had one for a few weeks). Go read it (and laugh...).

Update: I shouldn't type urls...cut and paste is my friend. :>

posted @ 3:06 PM | archive_link | Comment

Tuesday, May 27, 2003

I have been lightly blogging as of late. It is funny though, because as of late there have been many funny interchanges with my friends that would be perfect for blogging, but I alwasy forget them before I get infront of the computer. Anyhow...

I went up to the Bay Area this weekend for a myriad of events. First off was sloshball (softball with a keg at second and a cup of beer in your hands at all times) with the BSE crew. Lots of folks were in town because of memorial day and a wedding, so it was a bit of a reunion of friends from college. In case you didn't know sun+keg+movement == funny shit...some of the "plays" would were so bad they were awesome. After sloshball, I headed over to the folks for some dinner and to get ready for Grady Green's (I love that name) graduation party. Grady has one of the biggest families I know of, and they were out in full effect. After a few turns on the Kariokie machine I had to call it quits and get some sleep.

Sunday was a family bbq with my uncle and his family. My cousin Millane and her hubby were out from NYC, so it was really nice to catch up with them. Then it was off to Tim & Katie's wedding. Now this was a huge reunion...it was out at Boundary Oaks golf course in Walnut creek and half the wedding attendees went to Cal Poly. With an open bar and a great DJ, the scene was a bit out of control. I heard (but haven't confirmed this) that the Bride & Grooms room were decorated quite nicely while everyone was dancing away. Hehe. This was a great wedding to start out wedding season with...bring on the rest of them...gulp!

Monday morning was spent improving my xbox with my buddy rama and getting some work done with my dad. Then on my way home I went to the (future) Klayko's house for a little Memorial day BBQ. Always a good time when Chris & Christina are hosting a shin dig. Finally, on the way home I stopped by Aromas to see my friend Scooter for a bit before finishing out the drive.

Whew....good weekend.

Now this week is the week...the week before my big date with 26.2 miles. This sunday i am going to be running, walking, and if need be crawling 26.2 miles in San Diego. I am really excited and can't wait to nail the race shut. Agenda for getting ready includes lots of pasta, rest, and some very light running. More on the race when I write next...

posted @ 2:24 PM | archive_link | Comment

Thursday, May 22, 2003

Buffet on Taxes. I guess being rich doesn't make you a finacially conservative when it comes to taxes. Cool. From andrea's photo blog.

posted @ 7:56 PM | archive_link | Comment

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

So I am getting ready for a redesign of the site...I am trying to find a list of all CSS2 compliant browsers...anyone know where you one exists? I haven't found one yet.

Also, for everyone that hates my current style sheet...I just checked and it validates. With some warnings, but it should work more than it does. :<

posted @ 11:33 PM | archive_link | Comment

Cool bio 2 points for creativity.

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Check this out...San Luis Obispo vs. Seattle. Seattle friends...come visit!!!

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Monday, May 19, 2003

Today's Laugh. Via rub-a-dub rama and because Klayko requested it.

posted @ 3:29 PM | archive_link | Comment

Today's Laugh. Via J-Dub in the big D.

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Sunday, May 18, 2003

I bought an iQuarium this weekend for Brusier because he has survived so long.

It never fails to amaze me how much the iMac influnced industrial design . Funny enough, it appears that the iPod (along with iTunes and the Apple Music Store) is changing the music world. I wonder what Apple will try to change next? Video Games? Sex? Cell Phones? I can't wait to see...

Defintion: iProduct -
(1) refers to products that are shipped in multiple colors (often blue, orange, red, green, translucent) skus that gives the consumer "choice" on which version they want to buy thus making commodity purchases a little more intresting.
(2) an attempt to cast something as a cool new take on an existing technological gadget space. Homage to Apple's unique ability to ship "revolutionary" new products that aren't totally new, but rather a near perfection of how the technology/gadget should work.

posted @ 10:00 PM | archive_link | Comment

Note to self...it is true, nothing is scary then a women's scorn. Seriously.

posted @ 7:44 PM | archive_link | Comment

I met Aaron in a class at Cal Poly when I was speaking about Blogging and my thesis/project. I guess I must not have sounded as silly as I ususally do, because he started up a blog. Anyhow, he is an avid poker player, so soon I am going to take his money (shh don't tell him), but until then he still has enough money to pay for webhosting for his site...so check him out. Oh, and did I mention that today is his birthday? The big 22...man, getting old is a bitch, huh? lol.

posted @ 7:42 PM | archive_link | Comment

Yesterday's run was really good. It was supposedly 14 miles, but I think it might have been closer to 13. I ran it really well and felt pretty top notch after it was done...it is amazing that 4 months ago I would have scoffed at the idea of running a half marathon before 11am on my Saturday morning! Nowadays I don't think about if I could run it, but rather about how fast I am going to run it. Crazy!

On a more serious note, while the physical accomplishment is a great reason for joining Team in Training the reason it exists is to help find a cure for Leukemia, Lymphoma, and other blood related cancers. My friends Travis and Jude just finished up their Triathlon with TNT, and in the wrap up letter they shared this:

"There’s one more story we’d like to share about the weekend. On Friday night everyone had dinner together as a team (carb-loading!), and after dinner team honorees spoke of their struggles and triumphs with blood-related cancers. The last speaker was a participant from another team in the Bay Area, just like us. He told the crowd that just the day before he had been diagnosed with lymphoma, and would not be able to compete in the race on Sunday. Never had we heard such a sudden gasp from so many people. In that moment we were both reminded once again of the uncertainty of life, the gift of health, and the larger meaning of our involvement with Team-In-Training. It’s not just about getting in shape, or having a personal triumph; it’s about saving lives, and trying to make this world better for people who are suffering."

Why am I writing about this? Simple...I wanted to plant a seed a motivation...it might not take root this year, and maybe not even next year...but at some point I hope you check out the Team in Training Chapter in your area and consider committing to "help save lives one mile at a time."

posted @ 4:07 PM | archive_link | Comment

Friday, May 16, 2003

Down in LA with my little brother helping him move into his new appartment. He freaking lives at melrose place...pools, college kids in bikini's and board shorts , and lots of beer make up his new appartment's landscape. He is stoked!

E3 yesterday was a bit disapointing. I didn't feel compelled to play anything and was only blown away by one demo...Ninja Gaiden by Tecmo. Unreal graphics engine and cinema production. I was only at the show for a few hours, and perhaps that contributed to my disappointing take away. Or maybe I am just to tied to my favorite genre of games (fighthing ones) and nothing was outstanding in that area (doa online, bfd). On a side note, I saw capitalism at its finest...because both E3 and Lakers were going on at the same time, so parking was at a premium...to the tune of 85 dollars for lots close to the Centers. Unreal.

Newport Beach is a lot of fun...go check it out if you have a chance.

And a heartfelt good bye to the Lakeshow for this year....don't let the door hit your Jlo glasses off your face on your way out.

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Thursday, May 15, 2003

Gonna go hit E3 with my friend James. Later...

posted @ 9:07 AM | archive_link | Comment

I liked it. Hedionism of Zion was a bit much, the CG was a bit overwhelming, but the action, the fun, and the umfoof was there for me. Warning...don't read this if you don't like spoilers...


(really don't)


I am envisioning a matrix parallel to another matrix. Too much symmetry between the "real world" and the "matrix" for it to be chance. Other thoughts: Exceptiong handling anyone? Locke vs. Decarte? Christ, Judasim, & other religious arches? Doplegangers?

Sleep time...as I have to go to E3 tomorrow. Tough life, huh? lol.

posted @ 1:22 AM | archive_link | Comment

Tuesday, May 13, 2003

Word of advice...don't try to run if you don't have your asthma inhaler. The lungs just don't work too well...like breathing through a straw. YUCK.

posted @ 9:46 PM | archive_link | Comment

Dude...the spurs won by pure luck, and I am happy. I still can't believe the in-out-in-out on that last shot.

posted @ 9:45 PM | archive_link | Comment

I was thining about diets today and came to the conclusion that the run your ass off diet is much better then the starve your ass off diet. What do y'all think?

posted @ 1:27 AM | archive_link | Comment

Monday, May 12, 2003

Typing Monkeys. Thanks to rama for this little gem.

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Sunday, May 11, 2003

Just scored 8 tix to the matrix reloaded sneak preview on wednesday night...ye-haw!

posted @ 5:30 PM | archive_link | Comment

Saturday, May 10, 2003

I ran 21.9 miles this morning...the longest run of the season (well, until the marathon). I am tired and my body is sore. But i did it and I am proud of that.

posted @ 6:15 PM | archive_link | Comment

Friday, May 09, 2003

So I just finished watching the animatrix part 4. I am completely amazed by the Wachowski brothers. They have done so much deep thinking and planning around the story, the charcters and the alternative universe they created. Lots of things are going to be building the story of the matrix in the next 6 months...so here is a highlevel timeline since the first movie:

The Matrix - Sets up the story and builds an amazing following. (March 1999)
The Matrix Revisited - Shows the depth of thinking that is going into creating the upcoming movies, video game, and anime shorts. (Nov. 2001)
The Final Flight of the Osiris - A 9 mintue CG short done in conjunction with Square (final fantasy games and movie). This was the intro to the Animatrix, a project that the Wachowski brothers put together to help fill in more of universe they created. It was shown before the screenings of Dreamcatcher (March 2003) as a special teaser.
The Matrix Reloaded - Next week the second movie of three is released. Easily one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Trailers are availible at the main site, but again I can't link directly to each one (there are about 11 of them). There is also more media coverage on this movie then I have seen in recent movie history. (May 2003)
Enter the Matrix - Since the Wachowski brothers don't sleep they decided to sim release a video game with Matrix Reloaded. Intrestingly, it is not a rehash of any of the movies, but rather another expansion of the Matrix Universe. It was directed by the brothers, and features 1 hour of new film footage to help build more info for people to digest. (May 2003)
The Animatrix - Nine anime shorts, 4 written by the Wachowski brothers, all directed by big names in the Anime world (I am a geek, but not that far in yet...so I don't know much about the directors). They released 4 online to download for free and in June 2003 they will release a DVD that contains all 9 (good upsale!). I would link to each dowload, but the site is flash and frames so it doesn't play nice with links...go there and get them yourself. (June 2003)
The Matrix Revolutions - Not much is known right now, but supposidly the first trailer will show after the credits of Matrix Reloaded. Also, the Matrix Reloaded is supposed to leave people hanging pretty bad...so this is going to be a painful wait. (Nov. 2003)

Is that it? Man, those guys sure are lazy. Riiiiiight. Some other intresting things I found while surfing that are matrix related:
Hack the Matrix - Use this guide to help your hacking.
Matrix Fan Site - I am sure there are many, but this one has cool fade in and fade outs. lol.
Keanu Web - I shit you not...

I have a bead on matrix tickets for a 10pm showing on wednesday night (I would get to see it a full 2 hours and 1 mintue earlier then most of my friends)...if you live in the slo area drop me a line if you are intrested in going!

posted @ 12:30 PM | archive_link | Comment

Wednesday, May 07, 2003

I am hooked...capcom vs. SNK 2 EO is my new vice. Move all other vices down one on the totem pole. My only gripe: I can't connect to my friend Vic because our router's don't like each other (i think they are both "5 tuple" routers, but am not sure). I even tried putting my xbox on the dmz, but it failed (doesn't help that both of us are behind not one, but two NATs - our routers and an ics connection because we are using laptops as the wirless bridge in our living rooms). Man oh man...if only they had built live support into marvel vs. capcom 2...then I would never have to leave the house. As my friend travis pointed out...I have sunk to a new level of geekhood. Long live geeks!

posted @ 11:29 PM | archive_link | Comment

Wells Fargo gets my digital thumbs down for the day. Their online branch directory does not include the phone numbers (just addresses!)...I had to bust over to yahoo to get the info I really needed...pretty weak sauce experince.

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Tuesday, May 06, 2003

All you crazy blog writing friends of mine...sign up for blogtree so we can start our own forest!

posted @ 9:35 PM | archive_link | Comment

Nuns in motions. My friend Kristin never ceases to amaze me with the Circuit Traning Gym she opened!

posted @ 9:32 PM | archive_link | Comment

Shoryuken.com - Your Street Fighter Competitive Edge I shit you not that is the title of this site. And even worse...I am going to be a regular visitor now that I own Capcom vs. SNK 2:EO. I know, I know...I have a problem. But look, I am not alone! :)

posted @ 5:38 PM | archive_link | Comment

Tapwave sounds cool.

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Monday, May 05, 2003

I am sick...this sucks.

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Friday, May 02, 2003

GOOD LUCK TRAVIS & JUDE!

(for the record they are nuts...this weekend they are running the Wildflower Olympic Distance Tri)

posted @ 3:25 PM | archive_link | Comment

Copious update, part II:

I got into downtown Seattle around 9:30pm and we were out in full force by 10:30! We headed to an old stand by, Tia Lous, to meet up with who ever was game to play. I got to see TONS of old friends and dance with some good looking ladies. After closing down Tia Lous, we hit up the local hot dog stand to get fuel for a late night venture to afterhours. We were home in time to catch the 5am news. :)

Saw a bunch of friends, and there were some pretty funny observations that I wanted to record in the blog, but unfortunetly I don't remember them any more. :( I think I am going senile...

On sunday night, the boys and I met a JLo look alike and the best part was her name was Cristina Lopez...hehe.

Monday night was spent with two very good friends, Vic & Jenn, that also happen to be engaged. Vic and I are total Street Fighter II devotees, so we played the newest iteration, Capcom vs. SNK 2, for a while. I could go off on its high and low points, but over all being able to connect to a live human player at any time makes it ridiculously addictive. I ordered a copy and started getting my xbox live set up as soon as I got home. I know fear for my thesis and social life. *grin*

Tuesday night I had dinner with Karen. We went to an old favorite, wasabi bistro, where I got to be reminded of a fateful night there about a year ago. Lucky for me, Karen still puts up with me (of course I do have to put up with her, so it is more than fair) and it was really good to get some QT in with her. She is working like mad on MSN messenger, and I can't wait to see the next release...it will be pretty killer.

After dinner we caught up with more people and caused some more trouble in the Seattle downtown scene...

Before heading back to SLO on Wednesday I hit up the Pike's Place market for breakfast. Then headed over to my old team's offices to say hello and catch up on the latest happenings. It is amazing to see how much had changed in the last 6 months.

All in all, it was a most excellent trip. Saw lots of great friends, got to play with some cool stuff, and had fun expanding my mind. I have one more big update, but I am going to need to draw something for it, so I will get it up later.

posted @ 3:20 PM | archive_link | Comment