Archive for October, 2008

Business end

Thursday, October 16th, 2008


Here’s one more picture of a Proton from my deep archives. I have got to get out and take some more Great Art. Maybe a brief vacation is in order.

I missed an important milestone yesterday. It was my 600th post! Great celebration, huh? Woo hoo! Welcome to number 601.

The work week’s over. Although I’ll probably end up working several hours tomorrow anyway. I at least have to prepare for and hold my 10:00 meeting. Also do timecards. Also fill out an overdue form telling how we’re complying with some corporate requirements.

On the personal side, I must wash the Honda and Sable this weekend. Then there’s a bunch of stuff I want to do on the Sudoku Solver program. I have some ideas for a better user interface as well as a beefed-up solution algorithm and a general code cleanup. Then I need to come up with a design for the Spinfo site that will actually allow me to post software on it. I want a nice stylish, clean design for once, so I’m not going to just slap something up there. I’m thinking Blacktree Software as an example (although I think their design has gotten less impressive with time). Do any of my Loyal Readers have other sample websites that feature stylish, tasteful, and cool design? I’d love to check them out.

Loyal Reader Number Two’s recovery continues, though slowly. He’s not relying on painkillers right now, and he’s not feeling very good. It’s hard to figure out whether he needs medical advice or whether things are still on track. I think we’re going to call the doctor tomorrow and see what he has to say. Keep those prayers coming, Loyal Readers! Not to mention sympathy rays.

Time for bed. See you tomorrow.

Cannes Christmas

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008


Here’s Christmas in Cannes a few years back. Very festive.

Warm weather again today – we’re having another little heat wave. It’s supposed to be back above 90 degrees by Friday, with lows in the lower fifties. Then back to more standard highs/lows of 70s/40s within a couple more days. I’ve worn my light jacket a time or two lately because of the cool fall mornings.

Fall is definitely here. The tomato trucks are dropping tomatoes at all the street corners, and the pumpkin fields are pretty full. The corn maze has been open since the first if the month. I’d like to go one of these upcoming Mondays. Maybe next week.

No leaves down yet, though. Let’s not be ridiculous.

Who knew the Hubble Space Telescope’s computers were running Windows?

I’ve seen an old, rusty steam locomotive parked behind a building near Fremont. It’s visible from the train. I keep hoping to get a photograph, but I haven’t identified any waypoints nearby, so I keep missing it. Maybe tomorrow. I think it might turn out to be Great Art.

Loyal Reader Number Two took the PSAT this morning. He thinks it went pretty well. Good job, LRN2!

Speaking of LRN2, he’s still not feeling very well. He can’t eat without pain – even soft foods. Loyal Reader Number Four may check in with the doctor to see if he’s still on track, healing-wise.

Just in case Loyal Reader Number One can’t get the Monkey Man job with ACE, I have another opportunity for him: restaurant worker!

Loyal Reader Number Five wonders why we canceled our traditional Saturday morning breakfast the other day when they just happened to be there. There were no sinister motives, but thanks for the idea. Sadly, the state of LRN2’s throat was still not allowing him to take much solid food. The breakfast is merely postponed. We’re talking about the 25th now. Presumably, the nearby Loyal Readers will be here, and we can all go together.

I have to agree with Loyal Reader Number One’s observation about the Lazy Dog Inn (see yesterday’s comments). You might not want to leave your pet in their “Doggie Play Area” without checking it out pretty carefully.

Otherwise, no news from me. See you tomorrow.

Bobbling readers

Tuesday, October 14th, 2008


Here are Loyal Readers Numbers One and Two posing as bobbleheads. Taken at Jellystone Park during a camping trip in Virginia long, long ago. Part of my famous Camping series.

That picture was in honor of LRN1’s 18th birthday. Happy birthday, LRN1! You haven’t changed a bit. You can now vote. Use this superpower wisely.

Worked like a dog. And not like Loyal Pet Number One, either. I prefer it the other way.

Thanks for the many thoughtful comments yesterday. I’ve decided to use the Mighty Putty to tow just the Suburban, but to do it uphill, and with the transmission in Park. Now there’s a challenge for you.

Maybe I should try it on somebody else‘s car first, though.

I’ve found the perfect job for any college-student Loyal Readers who aren’t able to get a great Apple gig next summer: Monkey Man! (Link warning: strange news report with sound.) We could use one on the ACE train.

Time for other things. See you tomorrow.

Pollution interdite

Monday, October 13th, 2008


Here’s an interesting sign in Cannes. Dog owners, be sure to interdite your pollution! Photo courtesy of my crummy old SiPix camera.

Weekend’s over, and it was a good one. I got only two things checked off my list – getting the Ranger’s transmission leak fixed and Loctiting the towel racks. Everything else has been pushed off to next weekend. I just didn’t feel like washing cars or cleaning filters or any of those other things. And I’m not at all sorry.

Loyal Readers Numbers Five and Twelve were here, as reported earlier, and they came bearing gifts, including a magazine featuring Loyal Reader Number Six’s father and his very cool sand rail, which is powered by a modified Cadillac drivetrain. It was a great article and looks like a very cool vehicle. Congrats, LRN6’s dad!

They also brought us some Mighty Putty (link warning: loud commercial featuring that annoying guy with the black beard), which LRN6 apparently happened upon at the store. I had seen the TV commercial about the stuff and had wondered aloud whether it really works. Now we can find out. Coincidentally, we received an issue of the Reader’s Digest containing an article documenting their test of various “as seen on TV” products, which included a test of Mighty Putty. They said it really does work great and their only complaint was of a vinegary odor while it dries. Now we just have to figure out what to fix. I’m thinking of breaking the handles off of some mugs so I can fabricate new ones. Loyal Reader Number Four’s not so sure about that, and since the goo was actually given to her, I need to tread lightly in this area.

Today’s Morrowlife Deep Question: What should I do with the Mighty Putty?

Morrowlife Financial Juggernaut update: I’m up to $6.34! Let’s see, how shall I spend the money?

Today’s controversy: Where do you think the cows have gone? My answer: Into an udder dimension.

Big celebration on Wednesday – it’ll be post number 600!

See you tomorrow.

Blockhead

Friday, October 10th, 2008


Here’s an odd bit of statuary in downtown Nice, France. Somebody actually paid for this. Possibly a lot of money. Part of my famous Statue series.

The weekend is here! As discussed before, Loyal Readers Numbers Five and Twelve are here. LRN12 is even cuter than on her last visit, if that’s possible. And it is. The pickup is at my friend Dave’s mechanic, as discussed before. His name is Vito. He does indeed work out of his barn, which is a beautiful, well-stocked, but very crowded building. His family invited us to dinner. I have high hopes for good work.

Otherwise, I’m looking forward to the weekend. I have a few computer software things to do and I would like to wash the Honda and the Sable. Otherwise, I’m pretty open.

Loyal Reader Number One called this afternoon. His interview with Apple appears to have gone very well, and he’s quite hopeful. He’s done everything he could do, so he should be pleased with himself whether he gets the job or not. Best of luck, LRN1!

Loyal Reader Number Twenty-Three called this evening. He’s thinking of buying a newer, bigger boat than the one he has now. Sounds like he’ll probably do it. Good luck with it, LRN23!

Time for bed. See you tomorrow.