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April 29, 2003
I don't know who I feel more sorry for....
...the kid from this video, or the person who did this remix.
Oh wait ... yeah I do .... sorry kid.
Posted by sgowell at 10:17 PM | Comments (1)
Life Update
Just to let everyone know how I am doing .... Stressed.
My presentation went splendidly, and I should be getting a B for the course. There were some things due to time constraints, and some other *ugh* issues could not be finished, but I added some other functionality (UPS package tracking), so I was good.
Chewed up and spit out my CIS 470 exam today, I expect a good grade in that class.
I have a little apprehension about my CS 442 exam on Thursday, I understand the stuff but if he throws up some tricky stuff it might be difficult.
I am ready for my DBMS exam, I don't think it should prove too difficult.
Just have to finish up a small thing for my CS 442 HostileNet project, should be done by tomorrow night.
Not long now....
Posted by sgowell at 07:37 PM | Comments (0)
April 27, 2003
My Final Project...
Tomorrow at 2 pm I am to give the presentation for my final project in Computer Science at Northern. I wasn't nervous, but I am starting to feel it. I just got an email asking if I could switch times with the person after me due to some scheduling issues. I am really happy with how my presentation turned out. There have been so many things I have worked on in the past (mostly with the City) that couldn't get finished (whether due to time constraints, or red tape) and this project is really done.
For the uninitiated my senior project is a scheduling system for the Housing and Residence Life Movie Channel, and a subordinate site. My development site is on euclid (the Math and CS webserver) but it the production site will be at the new ResNet linux box called Movies that I helped set up.
I still can't believe that it's finally over.
*update* My presentation is being moved to room NSF 2137.
Posted by sgowell at 01:01 PM | Comments (0)
April 26, 2003
Reversible Returns
Its back, and I still do
Posted by sgowell at 12:53 PM | Comments (0)
April 25, 2003
The World As A Blog
I wish that I could write a web application as cool as this.
Posted by sgowell at 08:32 PM | Comments (0)
April 21, 2003
Consolation Champs
I just did an entry for the Consolation Champs Redesign Contest. This is my first attempt at logo design for an outside party.
Posted by sgowell at 09:12 PM | Comments (1)
I am Inwincible...
Just got done with my Doctor's Appointment and I am waiting in the Wildcat Den for a bit before my next class starts. I noticed that my spacebar was only working on the right side, so I was pissed. I popped it off and found that it was incredibly difficult to get back on. However when just snapping it into place it managed to seat itself properly. w00t!
Posted by sgowell at 09:42 AM | Comments (0)
April 19, 2003
The Roofs Of Downtown Marquette
I am sitting at a 2nd floor window in the Peter White Library in downtown Marquette right now, and I have never been so interested in the roofs of buildings. I guess its just that my common thoughts are about things I see on a regular basis, and I don't ever see roofs. It is really beautiful in its simplicity. All of the various roofs that I can see have very little on them. Some have vents, or other h/v/a/c equipment. Some have antennas, and one in particular has a multitude of antennas and satellite dishes, including a really tall tower. I don't know ... I am just suprised by how perfectly simple it is, and how beautiful that makes it. The fog is rolling off and I can see the ice floes on Lake Superior and the unused ore dock. I am really gonna miss this place.
Posted by sgowell at 02:51 PM | Comments (1)
April 16, 2003
Still looking for a definition
After speaking with "Inmate #3", I want to finally clear some things up.
1. I really like the design of the new site. I think it was well though out, and it has a great interface.2. I did not understand exactly what the project was when I made my first post, but I think I have a good idea now.
3. I hope I didn't piss anybody off. I know just how hard it can be to have a project picked apart by someone who doesn't know all the facts. Knowing that I should kick myself before having done that.
What I have found online regarding the defintion of a weblog.
A weblog (sometimes shortened to blog or written as "web log" or "Weblog") is a Web site of personal or non-commercial origin that uses a dated log format that is updated on a daily or very frequent basis with new information about a particular subject or range of subjects. The information can be written by the site owner, gleaned from other Web sites or other sources, or contributed by users.A weblog often has the quality of being a kind of "log of our times" from a particular point-of-view. Generally, weblogs are devoted to one or several subjects or themes, usually of topical interest, and, in general, can be thought of as developing commentaries, individual or collective on their particular themes. A weblog may consist of the recorded ideas of an individual (a sort of diary) or be a complex collaboration open to anyone. Most of the latter are moderated discussions.
So I finally think I know what is bugging me about the whole deal. It is a weblog. The design team (Inmate #3 and any others), designed a great interface for this blog, and nobody is giving them any content. At least not in a timely manner.
I don't know how many times I have created something useful, and it not be used effectively.
I talked about the NMU weblogs in my paper, but only mentioned them briefly. Talking about just how big the technology has gotten that it has branched out to our University. In the past I had not been on the forefront of any technology push like this. I think its great.
In short, Great job guys, I am a big enough man to admit when I am wrong, and I am sorry I blamed you for the crap the students are giving you.
[10:45 AM] Inmate #3: "don't call these weblogs" was something you said in one of your little rants... i didn't know i needed to ask permission to use that name... what do you think i should call them then, birdman?
[10:46 AM] Penguinix: I don't know ....
[10:46 AM] Penguinix: I had been thinking about it
[10:46 AM] Penguinix: I think it is a great idea
[10:46 AM] Inmate #3: you have to have some idea.... and no i didn't scan in the text
[10:46 AM] Inmate #3: it took about 6 hours to perfect
[10:46 AM] Penguinix: Then I am indeed sorry
[10:46 AM] Penguinix: I will change my post
[10:46 AM] Penguinix: I am really interested in how it works
[10:47 AM] Inmate #3: no, it's good feedback... and any feedback is... helpful
[10:47 AM] Penguinix: Well
[10:47 AM] Penguinix: I wouldn't call it a weblog because it doesn't look like it will be updated on a regular basis ... from the start
[10:47 AM] Penguinix: but please tell me if I am wrong
[10:48 AM] Inmate #3: regarding the updating process... i can only put out what the students produce... even though i am paying them it's still tough to get any decent content on a regular basis
[10:49 AM] Penguinix: understandable ... they are students
[10:49 AM] Inmate #3: i used fireworks for the text...
[10:51 AM] Penguinix: I am editing my post as we speak ... I am sorry to have offended you and that isn't fair
[10:51 AM] Inmate #3: we should have about 3-4 entries from the others before the end of the semester.... and hopefully some summer content also... so maybe it could fit your definition
[10:52 AM] Penguinix: I stereotyped your site as a marketing tool alone ... thinking some high up thought that saying it was a weblog would be hip
[10:52 AM] Penguinix: I am happy to hear different
[10:53 AM] Inmate #3: i can't deny that i work for *deleted* and everything that i do goes through the *deleted* ... so interpret that as you will
[10:53 AM] Penguinix: ok
[10:54 AM] Penguinix: Thanks for all this info
[10:54 AM] Inmate #3: i have to work now.... but i just wanted to give you a different perspective on what was going on.... hopefully i helped with the paper...
[10:54 AM] Penguinix: Thanks very much
[10:54 AM] Inmate #3: no prob
Posted by sgowell at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)
P2P is dead ... long live FTP
The high-ups decided to kill all P2P requests at the main router on campus, and I think its hilarious. Larry, Moe, and Curly won't be able to get their mp3s and Pirated Videos anywhere on campus anymore. Ray has his thoughts on the matter, but I could care less myself.
Of course ... I remember when I was a freshman and they killed Napster for a while and I got all pissed, but I have matured a bit since then.... I think.
Posted by sgowell at 03:26 PM | Comments (0)
Return of the NMU Weblogs
Well ... I was half right. The content is not being updated on a regular basis, but only due to the fact that students aren't giving the designers anything to post. And with being paid to do so no less. As it turns out "its not just scanned in text". That being the case, I apologize for saying it was "lazy", I should really have talked with them before posting that. As it turns out it was created by using Macromedia Fireworks (don't ask me how they got the text on it).
It sounds like they will be getting some regular posts from their other people soon. I don't know. I still wouldn't call it a weblog, at least not in "standard" terms (whatever the hell that means), but maybe this is a new type of weblog.
You know what folks ... there is nothing I like more (and I am serious) then being proven wrong in cases like this. Thanks to the kind person who ICQ'd me and helped me learn what's what.
Posted by sgowell at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)
April 14, 2003
"Why do Colleges Build Dormitories? And teach half-time?"
A great title for a great post. Dr. Greenspun is a professor of CS at MIT, talks about the wonders of group teaching, and more importantly group learning and thinking. You can't imaginge what I would have given for an environment like what he describes in this post. I love the ideas of cube farms. I guess that is because I am a geek, but geez. Working with your fellow students to really "get" the content. I would go to school for 2 years straight to insure I kept things fresh. Everybody gets into college now, but only those who really wanted to learn would go to school "Full Time".
Posted by sgowell at 09:58 PM | Comments (1)
'Case of the Mondays' or 'How bout this weather?'
64ºF in Marquette today (at around noon) Correction 79ºF. This either means the proverbial "Spring has Sprung", or Mother Nature is vindictive as all hell. I almost wish I had something like Claritin or Zyrtec right now to clear out the stuffiness, but my head is foggy enough right now with the Humidity.
Learned about CORBA today in my 11 o'clock class (advanced networking), and I am glad I will never have to program that stuff. Sure RMI (in java) is easier, but I wouldn't want to do either. I would much rather develop applications using SOAP or REST than this garbage.
My CMS paper has got me at wit's end. I am so close to finishing it up, but I wanted to be concise, and now I am not hitting my page limit. I guess I will just have to add stuff about other marketing techniques but I don't want to lose the reader's focus.
In a month though, this will all be a memory.
Song of the Moment: Queen - Under Pressure
Posted by sgowell at 12:32 PM | Comments (2)
April 12, 2003
Working Diligently ... or Hardly Working
"Content Management Systems, Corporate Weblogs, and Viral Marketing:
Bringing the Best Content to Consumers, at a Price" is the title of my paper for CIS 470. I am almost done with it, and that puts me a few days ahead. I am pretty happy with how it is coming out so far.
This is my first post with Zempt. Trying it out for a bit until w.bloggar releases its newest version.
Posted by sgowell at 08:42 PM | Comments (0)
April 10, 2003
"Into the Soul of the Web" by Michael S. Malone
Available for viewing here April 17th.
I don't read very much. I skim. I skim a lot. I don't study very well because of this. I am constantly searching for bold-faced, italicized, or underlined words. You can tell that that is from becoming too accustomed to the Web. Heck, <b>, <i>, <u> are the simplest of all HTML tags. When I read magazines or newspapers I always look for the interesting titles, or the cool graphic. Otherwise I often just skip to the comics section. As I was perusing the latest copy of Wired I came across a weirdly colored article (named above) and saw that it was about Google and so I read it. An inset header reads "It is nearly midnight when the most disturbing cry for help appears". This article is a real mind opener, and it has definately made me think differently about the Web. Whatever you might use the Web for, you still need to realize that there are definately people using it as a call for help, and I hope that it can give them the answers they need.
Posted by sgowell at 05:08 PM | Comments (0)
Weird Dream #2
It felt like I was watching a movie. A bad movie, but with lots of potential. Everyone was getting ready to backstab each other, and with an array of confidence schemes all going on at the same time, it seemed hard to follow. I can remember that that I made several passes over a given scene, from different viewpoints. I can remember that someone was dressed in a campy evil kinevil parody with a mexican guy dressed in a American Flag costume called "El Bandejo" who stood in front of a banner with an Ace of Diamonds that had been set on fire. There was a ("Randy Quaid/Meat Loaf") character who was in charge of various pyrotechnics, who was tossing grenades and flashbangs around while running through tunnels which connected all the rooms of this place, in which all of the cons were taking place. There was a Black "Faith Healer" was in this snow white room, who seemed to be second in command who would berate the technician whenever he would come around. The Main Con seemed to be happening in a auditorium-like and that was where the bulk of the pyro's would be. I also remember when the Tech Guy chucked a grenade over a wall and someone caught it, and tossed it into the aud (its destination), which prompted the daredevil to berate him too. Later the whole building was being demolished as part of the Con and would provide the getaway, but that is when the backstab took place. The main con guy seemed to be like a Will Smith Character, and had a young son that hada heated conversation that almost blew up the building with them in it. The Tech ended up tying up someone in the building who died during the explosion.
Then I woke up.
What the hell is going on folks. If this is a movie that is out there, let me know in the comments. If you have heard a story like this before, let me know. I am really freaked out.
Posted by sgowell at 11:04 AM | Comments (0)
April 09, 2003
Make Up Your DAMN Mind!
So ... its T-Shirt weather in Marquette, MI. There is 2"+ of standing snow. What the hell is up with the weather? What's next?
On another note "Check it out, Check it out, Check it out, Check it out, Check it out, Check it out, Check it out, Check it out!". I love the HSR site so much.
Posted by sgowell at 03:52 PM | Comments (0)
Frobnicate: /frob'ni-kayt/
From the Jargon File
frobnicate: /frob'ni-kayt/ vt. [Poss. derived from frobnitz, and usually abbreviated to frob, but `frobnicate' is recognized as the official full form.] To manipulate or adjust, to tweak. One frequently frobs bits or other 2-state devices. Thus: "Please frob the light switch" (that is, flip it), but also "Stop frobbing that clasp; you'll break it". One also sees the construction `to frob a frob'. See tweak and twiddle.
Usage: frob, twiddle, and tweak sometimes connote points along a continuum. `Frob' connotes aimless manipulation; `twiddle' connotes gross manipulation, often a coarse search for a proper setting; `tweak' connotes fine-tuning. If someone is turning a knob on an oscilloscope, then if he's carefully adjusting it, he is probably tweaking it; if he is just turning it but looking at the screen, he is probably twiddling it; but if he's just doing it because turning a knob is fun, he's frobbing it. The variant `frobnosticate' has been recently reported.
Just learned about memfrob(), which is a crappy function in C to frobnicate (see above. or read 'encrypt') text. Basically, it XORs by 42 a few bytes.
Just a little H2G2 reference fun for today.
Posted by sgowell at 11:23 AM | Comments (0)
I had a very strange dream last night...
It started out with me grouped with some other people with someone on a Segway giving us some pre-presentation pep-talk. The wierd thing was, was that the guy on the Seqway was using it to pace, moving slowly, then turning on a dime, and then walking back. It was apparent that I was to give a presentation on blogging, and it appeared to be on capus here at NMU, but after leaving the staging area it felt as though I was going onto a TV Studio set. The next part seems fuzzy, and the next thing I can remember is me running outside. Not to or away from anything, but I was in some kind of hurry.
No more Rice Krispies for me before bed.
Posted by sgowell at 09:04 AM | Comments (0)
April 08, 2003
O'Reilly has Cookbooks?!?
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. has a new section of their website entitled Cookbooks, which houses a list of new books that give practical applications for using a multitude of different languages, and software. Ranging from subjects like "DNS and BIND" to "PHP" to "Transact SQL" they cover all the major bases. I checked out a number of sample chapters and they seem like excellent books. I wish I had the money to get them right when they come out. I added the Perl, PHP, mySQL cookbooks to my Amazon wishlist. If I bought those my total O'Reilly Library would climb to 11. So far the ones I own (Linux in a Nutshell, 802.11 Wireless Networks, Building Wireless Community Networks, CSS Pocket Reference, CGI Programming with Perl, Web Services Essentials, Perl & XML, and Perl & LWP) have been worth every penny.
Posted by sgowell at 09:22 PM | Comments (0)
Devil, thy name is RSS
After hearing this and this, I switched to this, and now with this, I don't know what to do. However, my current OPML holds over 130 sites. What is a guy to do?
Posted by sgowell at 07:39 PM | Comments (0)
April 05, 2003
Again ... why me?
I am going to have to start take my meds again. My gut is KILLING me. I was doing so well too. Stupid school, stupid stress. In a month it will all be over though I guess.
Posted by sgowell at 08:16 PM | Comments (0)
April 02, 2003
Cause if you don't ... "THE TERRORISTS WIN"
The State of Michigan has just released a site to provide information regarding Gasoline Prices in an effort to "Protect Gasoline Customers".
It also provides a link to File a Gasoline Price Gouging Complaint Online.
One thing .... it is on the Homeland Security Site. --- Thanks Andy!
[03:34 PM] Andy: hot off the presses
[03:34 PM] Andy: http://www.michigan.gov/mda/0,1607,7-125-1566_1733_23370---,00.html
[03:34 PM] Andy: a more type friendly link http://www.michigan.gov/gasprices
[03:36 PM] Me: cool
[03:36 PM] Me: (re link stuff - gotta love vignette)
[03:37 PM] Andy: heh... least you know enough to recognize its vignette :)
[03:37 PM] Me: CMSs are my thing
[03:37 PM] Andy: its a good thing to have as a "thing" :)
[03:38 PM] Me: yeah
[03:39 PM] Andy: on a side note.. if you click the file a price gouge link it takes you to michigans homeland security site :) i like that.... :)
[03:39 PM] Andy: cause if you dont... "THE TERRORISTS WIN" :)
Post 200
Posted by sgowell at 03:57 PM | Comments (1)
My day thus far...
Snow Sucks! Got to my 11 o'clock class today and it was cancelled. I had to hoof it up the damn hill (which hasn't been remotely plowed), but no class because the prof couldn't make it. So I hoof it back down, and now I wonder what will happen for my 2 o'clock. I hope its plowed.
I don't know about you, but if someone can't find the MAC address (or even IP address) for their machine, I don't think they should be allowed to put it online.
I am not on here either. I have been doing the blogging thing in one way or another for almost 4 years now. Though 4 years tend to move pretty fast, maybe I will give it another 4.
Posted by sgowell at 12:48 PM | Comments (0)
April 01, 2003
One of the many reasons to get a college degree...
| Processor: | Intel Pentium 4 processor 2.66GHz |
| Memory: | 512MB 266MHz 2 DIMMS |
| Video Card: | 32MB ATi Mobility Radeon 7500 |
| Hard Drive: | 40GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive |
| Operating System: | Microsoft Windows XP Professional |
| Network Adapter: | Integrated 10/100 Network Card |
| Modem: | Internal 56K Modem |
| Fixed CD/DVD Drives: | 24X CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive |
| Wireless Networking Cards: | Internal TrueMobile 1180 Mini-PCI card (802.11a/b) |
| Productivity Software: | Microsoft® Office XP Professional w/Money |
| Primary Battery: | 94 WHr Lithium Ion 12-Cell Battery |
To quote a scholar of recent years, "It is so choice. If you have the means I highly suggest in picking one up."
Posted by sgowell at 11:32 PM | Comments (2)
... But not least
I am currently ranked 9993948785 on Blogshares.
Posted by sgowell at 05:31 PM | Comments (0)
The Future of Web Design
With RSS becoming more prominent on websites everyday, and the advent of XML Stylesheets (XSLT), I wonder how long it will be before websites become merely recepticles for content, and users will decide the look of websites on a per-user basis. Not just skins on blogs, but perhaps a RSS browser that formats feeds via XSLT so that the user experience is almost portal-like for every website. XSLT design could become a marketable business. I can see sites like skinz.org filled to the brim with skins for all of the various RSS formats (.90, .91, .92, .93, .94 ,1.0, 2.0, 3.0) all seperated by category. Instead of a 72 point font on CNN.com you to can have a personalized user experience with all the content. Who Knows?
Posted by sgowell at 05:23 PM | Comments (0)