Sinekow.org

However, although I do not believe the movie's setting to have been in November, today is the day between my Birthday (tomorrow) and my friend Todd's (Yesterday).

Posted by sgowell at 03:38 PM | Comments (0)

September 16, 2003

Still better than "Unscrewed"

Sorry Marty.

Posted by sgowell at 07:52 PM | Comments (1)

September 15, 2003

The (Drug) Plans Don't Work

I am very adamant about prescription drug coverage for everyone. In the U.S. it can be just as (if not more) expensive to get a refill of certain drugs as to go visit your doctor. Dateline has spoke on the issue of prescription drug costs, and often times Canadian drug prices are much cheaper than those in the states. Two brothers (who went to school in Lansing) are opening a Canadian Drug Outlet in Lansing to pass the savings of medication to the "uninsured and underinsured". I wish them the best of luck, and I hope everyone who can benefit from their services gets the chance to take advantage. *I hope this doesn't turn into a scam*

American Drug Club
1456 E. Michigan Ave.
Lansing, MI

Canadian drug store to open in Lansing @ LSJ

Posted by sgowell at 09:30 AM | Comments (1)

September 11, 2003

This is going to get worse before it gets better

Broke down and took the day off to go to the Doctor's today. Woke up just after 8:00 and gave a call in for an emergency appointment. Found out I wouldn't be able to get in until Monday 5:30 due to the office being backed up.

I won't bullshit you, after I got done making my appointment I just broke down and started crying. I have been sick for like 2 weeks and no OTC cold, cough or allergy medicine seemed to do anything. It has been hard to go to work, and I have just felt shitty all over. I called up my mom to let her in on the news and the phone rang and someone had made a cancellation so I could come in today at 10 am.

Got dressed and packed up all the meds I had been taking, as well as all my new insurance info and headed in to Lansing. Got there plenty early and filled out a whole bunch of forms to get them up to speed. I hadn't been to my family doctor in a couple years because I had been going to the Health Center while at Northern, and had been lucky health wise during my summer and holiday breaks.

Was let into my exam room just after 10, and I waited there for about an hour and fifteen minutes. During that time, the A/C (or whatever) kicked on 4 or 5 times but only stayed on for about 3-5 minutes. The room was poorly lit, tiny, and for some reason made me feel very claustrophobic.

Turned out that my wait was due to a paperwork snafu by the clerical staff, so that sucked major butt.

Prognosis: Negative - Scott ... you have ... "Walking Pneumonia"

Not Walken Pneumonia, to which the only prescription is "More Cowbell"
and Not Rocking Pneumonia, which has Boogie-Woogie Flu-like symptoms.

Got a Rx for Zithromax. Should be good in a week. Hearing in my left ear should come back in like 3 weeks.

Today's Fortune:

Posted by sgowell at 02:17 PM | Comments (0)

September 07, 2003

Still Sick!

I am still a bit sick, but I no longer have a sore throat. I still can't really hear out of my left ear, but I am feeling much better. I am still damn stuffed up, but I would mark today in the plus category overall. Apparently I sqeezed the heck out of my nose in order to try and pop my hears, so now I have this huge almost bruise on it ... Looking good Scott.

Posted by sgowell at 10:29 AM | Comments (1)

September 04, 2003

All Alone

Once upon a time, they sent a rocket to the moon
With scientific instruments to test conditions there
But just before they closed the door
One scientist expelled a germ
That accidentally found its way aboard and stowed away

For three years it remained undetected on the moon
It was the only living creature there

"I'm all alone
I'm all alone
Behold the mystery that is me"

Then one day the scientists recovered all their gear
Excited by the prospect of unearthly things inside
They found, to their astonishment, a living thing within
It seemed to bear good tidings from somewhere in outer space

"You're not alone
You're not alone
Behold the mystery that is me"

Soon they figured out the heinous error they had made
And now the earthly germ had something else it seemed to say...

"We're all alone
We're all alone
Behold the mystery
Behold the mystery"

Posted by sgowell at 04:30 PM | Comments (0)

September 03, 2003

Museum of Idiots

They built this whole neighborhood / Out of wood, out of wood/
I guess I'll still be around when they burn, burn it down/
I will be standing around when they burn it down/ In the Museum of Idiots/
Honey, I'm there when you need me/ Please believe me, please believe me/
I'll still be right where you met me, if you manage to forget me/
Where we met is where you will forget/ In the Museum of Idiots/
If you and I had any brains, we wouldn't be in this place./
Chop me up into pieces,/ If it pleases, if it pleases/
When the chopping is through/ Every piece will say, "I love you"/
Every piece of me will say "I love you"/ In the Museum of Idiots/
Every piece of wood will say "I love you"/ In the Museum of Idiots/

Posted by sgowell at 09:58 PM | Comments (0)

August 14, 2003

sine qua non

Word of the Day for Thursday August 14, 2003

sine qua non \sin-ih-kwah-NON; -NOHN; sy-nih-kway-\, noun:
An essential condition or element; an indispensable thing

Posted by sgowell at 01:54 PM | Comments (1)

August 12, 2003

Lapse....

Sorry for the lack of posting lately. I have been pretty down overall, and work is still new. Not all that exciting, and I am feeling a bit underwhelmed. I imagine that the pace will quicken soon, or at least I hope it does.

I will try to post more often folks.

Posted by sgowell at 09:53 AM | Comments (0)

July 21, 2003

Duh .. Duh Duh Dumbass

Melvin the Super Hero ... with no powers.

Jeff Dunham

Posted by sgowell at 11:00 PM | Comments (0)

July 10, 2003

My first good picture.

click it for wallpaper size

Although the SINEKOW Digital Camera Fund was a complete bust, I still managed to get a camera. I won't go into the specifics (thank you Mom!), but I am the proud owner of a brand new Olympus D560 Zoom. I have been trying to take a few pictures today, but I think this one is the best I have done yet.

My cat Precious (which I don't think I have ever mentioned on this blog) was sleeping and I got a great, in focus, and clean picture. We haven't always been on the best of terms (I used to be a dick to her when I was younger), but she is getting old, and I am worried about her. I hope I get to take many more years of pix of her.

Enjoy the picture.

Posted by sgowell at 08:36 PM | Comments (1)

June 27, 2003

Will Ferrell *wows* Harvard

Will Ferrell was the Commencement Speaker at Harvard Law for the 2003 Graduating Class.

I'm not one of you. Okay? I can't relate to who you are and what you've been through. I graduated from the University of Life. All right? I received a degree from the School of Hard Knocks. And our colors were black and blue, baby. I had office hours with the Dean of Bloody Noses. All right? I borrowed my class notes from Professor Knuckle Sandwich and his Teaching Assistant, Ms. Fat Lip Thon Nyun. That's the kind of school I went to for real, okay?

View his entire Commencement Speech here

Posted by sgowell at 10:24 AM | Comments (1)

June 25, 2003

Time for Audience Participation

I need you to scream as if you are in hell for 16 bars, or until the voices in your head go away.

Or else someones gonna getcha.

From theymightbegiants.org

Posted by sgowell at 04:48 PM | Comments (0)

June 22, 2003

Grandma's Little Joke

My Aunt Cheryl, and Grandmother came down to our house this weekend, on picking up my Mom, on their way to the annual Baker Family Picnic in Southern Ontario. This morning, before they left, my Grandma told me a little joke that I thought I should share with you all.

"Do you know what is 28 feet long, and smells of urine?"
"uhh, no", I say.
"Why, a senior's line dance of course."

I love my Grandma so much.

Posted by sgowell at 04:33 PM | Comments (0)

June 19, 2003

Munchkin, Munchkin, Munchkin

Three new (ok .. one's old) Munchkin Games from SJgames. I gotta get these.

Star Munchkin: The Munchkins are back - but now they're in space! Now they're Mutants, Androids, and Cat People . . . grabbing Lasers, Vibroswords, and Nova Grenades . . . fighting Fanged Fuzzballs, Bionic Bimbos, and the Brain In A Jar. This is a complete game using the best-selling Munchkin rules (with a few new twists like Sidekicks). Yes, it CAN be combined with Munchkin! And, of course, it features the twisted humor of Steve Jackson and the wacky cartoons of John Kovalic.

Munchkin Fu (Out in July): The Munchkins are back! Now the game is chop-socky Hong Kong action. The characters are Samurai, Ninja, Yakuza, and Monks. The foes are mooks, demons, and assorted bad guys from all the worst martial arts films you've ever seen. Collect treasures and learn new styles to build up your character's powers. Kill the monsters, take their stuff, and be the first one to 10th level!

Munchkin 3 - Clerical Errors (Out in August): You wanted more Munchkin, so here it is! Created by Steve Jackson and illustrated by John Kovalic . . . Munchkin 3 - Clerical Errors has 112 more cards for the best-selling game of killing monsters and taking their stuff. Play a new race: Gnomes! Try on the Bard class. Face the Tequila Mockingbird, the Bad Ass, and the dreaded Auntie Paladin! Equip yourself with amazing items like the Chainmail Bikini and the Stab-A-Matic . . . and show them who's the mightiest, munchkinest dungeon delver of them all.

Posted by sgowell at 11:19 PM | Comments (1)

June 12, 2003

What I have been working on....

So far, work has revolved around a Human Services Financial Reporting System.
This is just a screenshot of one part that I finished today.

Posted by sgowell at 07:10 PM | Comments (2)

June 09, 2003

$25 Dollars should be about right

Tonight I went out with my Dad, (to go to wash the new van, and gas it up) and we stopped by a friend of his to drop off some ads from the Sunday Paper. His friend showed us around the new expansion on his house with his wife. After a time the chat cane around to talking of the new landscaping work they were doing. Here is just a little excerpt.

Her: "I had to go buy another hoe."
Me: *in head* "Don't laugh."
Her: "I have six other hoes in the building, but none of 'em work."
Me: *in head* "Scott, you are going to hell, just please god don't laugh."
Her: "How much woud you say a hoe costs?"
Me: *out loud* "$25 dollars?"
Her: "That boy sure knows the price of a hoe."
Me: *in head again* "I wouldn't know if it was a good hoe or not, but I imagine it would do the job."
Me: *later to my dad* "Never let it be said that I don't know the price of a good hoe."

Posted by sgowell at 10:49 PM | Comments (2)

June 05, 2003

She's an Angel

3 Years 6 Months and 3 Days

By They Might Be Giants

I met someone at the dog show
She was holding my left arm
But everyone was acting normal so I tried to look nonchalant.
We both said, "I really love you,"
The Shriners loaned us cars
We raced up and down the sidewalk twenty thousand million times

Why did they send her over anyone else?
How should I react? These things happen to other people
They don't happen at all, in fact

When you're following an angel
Does it mean you have to throw your body off a building?
Somewhere they're meeting on a pinhead
Calling you an angel, calling you the nicest things
I heard they had a space program
When they sing you can't hear, there's no air
Sometimes I think I kind of like that and
Other times I think I'm already there

Gonna ask for my admission
Gonna speak to the man in charge
The secretary says he's on another line,
Can I hold for a long, long time?
I found out she's an angel
I don't think she knows I know
I'm worried that something might happen to me
If anyone ever finds out

Why, why did they send her over anyone else?
How should I react? These things happen to other people
They don't happen at all

When you're following an angel
Does it mean you have to throw your body off a building?
Somewhere they're meeting on a pinhead
Calling you an angel, calling you the nicest things
I heard they had a space program
When they sing you can't hear, there's no air
Sometimes I think I kind of like that and
Other times I think I'm already there

When you're following an angel
Does it mean you have to throw your body off a building?
Somewhere they're meeting on a pinhead
Calling you an angel, calling you the nicest things

I love with my whole being honey, and I miss you very much.

Posted by sgowell at 10:10 AM | Comments (0)

June 01, 2003

Reading Class

When I was growing up, I was in an accelerated Reading program all through Elementary School. From 1st until 4th grade, for a brief portion of every day, I would go to a next higher grade classroom, and participate in their reading assignments, lectures etc. To my knowledge, this was something that had never been done before, and has not been done since. Not that it didn't work, but perhaps that it initially worked too well, and killed itself. I went to Elementary school from kindergarten until 5th grade. But Scott, why weren't you in that accelerated program in 5th grade? Well, it was because for me to take part in a 6th grade level reading course, either I would have to be bussed into town to the Middle School, or my 5th grade teacher would have to devote time to a special program just for me. So instead of having me work on other materials during the instruction for the reading portion of the class, I was made to do the exact same work again. Exact same work again. I aced the reading portion of my 5th grade class, but when I went to Middle School, I almost failed my 6th grade Reading class. If I hadn't worked my butt off during the last week of that class, I would have gotten an E as opposed to the C I ended up getting. It was entirely my fault, I just didn't do the work for the final part of the class, and with the way grades were weighted it would have sunk me. I never thought about it until now, but I didn't have a real reason for not doing the work, apart from the fact that I just didn't want to do it at the time. During the years when I was in the accelerated program in Elementary School I loved Reading "class", but I almost failed that class in 6th grade.

Posted by sgowell at 10:17 PM | Comments (1)

Newly Digital

This entry is for the Kalsey's Newly Digital Project.

I remember when I first saw a computer, and to this day I still wonder how I got here. My brother owned a Commodore 64 when he was a teenager, and me being the ever present little brother, I had to know what he was doing, and how to play with his new toy.

I don't remember a lot about his C64, but I do remember Zaxxon3D, and Mail Order Monsters. I would play those games every chance I could get. (Load "*" ,8,1)

Next came a Leading Edge PC clone. More games followed, but I also learned the wonders of Microsoft Works when I needed to do a paper for school work, as both my regualar penmanship, and cursive was "atrocious" (coined in my fourth grade yearbook from my dad heheh).

Next came my Dad's 8088, which proffered my use of Microsoft Works for school work, and gave me a chance to practice my Geometry (damn I loved that CGA Mini Golf).

Next was our AST 486 25mHz PC, Wolf3d led the fight, followed by Doom, Works changed into Microsoft Office (student discount still made that overpriced), and DOS paved the way for Win 3.1

The Comtrade Pentium 100 was next. Lots of FPS games came and went. Windows 95 was the next big thing, and I finally got on the Internet. AOL first, then Internet Michigan which was bought by Voyager.net which was bought by CoreComm. The Internet was still vast even in its relative infancy in 1994 and webcrawler was my tool for finding all that great information about Monty Python and the like.

For my birthday while I was a sophomore in High School, my parents bought be a Toshiba Laptop (Satellite 115 CS), which was essentially as powerful as my Dad's Comtrade. I spent many nights just futzing around online, playing games, chatting on IRC and then eventually ICQ, which was the only instant messenger I used until college.

I flirted with Linux with my first self-purchased Computer (Pentium 166 mx)and sufficiently burned myself out of computing for a while. I later reformatted that machine to be my primary Windows box, and I took it with me to college.

Northern Michigan University stated a program to make sure that every student had access to a computer, and so in my sophomore year I got my Intel Celeron powered IBM Thinkpad 1300i which saw my first real programming, and was my base of operations for almost my entire collegiate career.

I was a Network Computing Major, and I carried that computer with me to class every day. It allowed me to take great notes when necessary, program when class warranted, and let me screw around when class got boring. There I learned Java, C++, Perl, PHP, mySQL, and I fell in love with Web Application Development.

After that lease ran out, I got a new Thinkpad from NMU (IBM ThinkPad R31 Series 2656-NU4). With that new computing power I had found myself unable to unplug for even a day. I wrote my entire Senior Project on that machine. I wrote all my papers, did all my projects, and still managed to enjoy myself while using computers. I had to turn that computer back in when I graduated. Luckily, it was the first computer I had owned with a CD burner, so I was able to backup all my "life" to transfer it to my next computer.

My graduation present from my parents was a new Dell Inspiron Laptop. We only have dialup access at my house, so surfing the Internet at the level I was able to at school isn't possible, but I still manage to get my daily Internet fix. All I manage to do with my time is read RSS feeds, post to my blog, and chat anymore.

Posted by sgowell at 12:55 PM | Comments (2)

May 29, 2003

"It is Always a Good Day to be a Wildcat"

My parents ordered graduation pictures today from Chappell of this photo of me shaking hands with Ex Officio President Judi Bailey (this is a low res copy Chappell uses on their site). I am pretty happy. The proof Chappell sent is pristine, and it will definately be a great sentimental piece well into the future. Seeing that picture reminded me of all the fun that I had at graduation, from watching the big screens of people arriving late, to the great speeches by Erin Spencer, and Steelcase CEO Jim Hackett. I get choked up just thinking about it.

Posted by sgowell at 10:08 PM | Comments (2)

May 28, 2003

Whuzzat?!?

This weekend was a lot of fun. Nikki came up and stayed until Memorial Day (night). She also managed to sneak on to my computer when I was sleeping and post her pic on my webcam. Sneaky Sneaky. I love you sweetie!

Posted by sgowell at 05:47 PM | Comments (0)

May 14, 2003

First Day Back

Song of the Moment: UNKLE - Rabbit in Your Headlights

So today was also my first day back at the City. I am thoroughly freaked out. They have me doing some stuff in JSP which I have never used before, and my Java skills although not bad, are not tip-top neither. The particular project they have me working on I figured I could do by Friday if I was writing it in Perl. It will take me to the 5 week deadline just to figure out the syntax. I will get it done, but not as quickly as I could, and not up to my personal standards. Its a real shame too. But JSP will be a good tool to learn. ARGH ... and they have me working (as my workstation) on the development server for all of their web apps, so I am afraid to do much of anything for fear of bringing it down. This month is going to be rough, but I hope that things will fall back into place soon.

Posted by sgowell at 07:28 PM | Comments (0)

Matrix Day .... and I was interviewed for WIRED.com

Like many other geeks, I will be at the theatre tonight watching "Matrix Reloaded" at 10pm. I hope that the reviews about it sucking are grossly inaccurate.

I recieved an email yesterday from Joanna Glassner from WIRED about a post I made a while back about how people had gotten to my site via some weird google queries. She is doing an article about Google, blogs, and how they play off of each other. We did a phone interview today and I am pretty excited. Here are a few of the questions we went over and how I answered them.

What kinds of topics do you address in your blog that you've found also come up in Google searches? Can you provide specific examples of search terms that you've entered, in areas in which you don't claim particular expertise, in which your blog came up ranked near the top? When did these examples occur?

Are there particular reasons why blogs turn up high in search results, particularly in Google? Is it likely this will change?

Are there particular characteristics of your blog that make it likely to come up high in search rankings?

As you probably know, there's a cottage industry of people who specifically try to get sites ranked high in search engine results. Why is it that some people who go out of their way to achieve high rankings still get ranked below bloggers and others who aren't even trying?

I still can't believe that I was interviewed for an article on WIRED.com.
*update* The article has been posted here

oh.... and I want one of these.

from BoingBoing

Posted by sgowell at 06:57 PM | Comments (1)

May 09, 2003

Gold Box Hilarity!!!!

Hey Scott, what would you like your next offer to be? You have 59 minutes to select one of the following options. Learn more.

One of our 117 Blenders
One of our 66 Dutch Ovens

Is it just me .... or isn't a Dutch Oven the slang term for farting under the covers and holding it tight until your partner gets into bed? But of course ... I don't need a blender.

Posted by sgowell at 05:47 PM | Comments (1)

May 05, 2003

I'm Alive....

I made the long journey back to Saint Johns without a hitch.
Got all my stuff moved in and now I need to sort it.

Posted by sgowell at 11:57 PM | Comments (0)

May 01, 2003

Stress Level ... Green

Can you believe it, I am all calmed down today.

It's really nice. Although I did vomit on the way to my exam. Stupid wind ... blowing up my nose and making me gag.

Scored a blanket from the Bookstore today ... for like 1/3 the normal cost.

Posted by sgowell at 06:52 PM | Comments (0)

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.

from Waxy
mirror @ euclid

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

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".

full post here

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...

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)

March 31, 2003

Kings of Chaos

Ok ... so I have now been recruited in the Kings of Chaos Game by Andy. Feel free to help the cause by clicking on this link

Posted by sgowell at 12:09 PM | Comments (5)

March 28, 2003

Blizzardus Oversleptus

I overslept my class today, but its not a big deal, as Randy is not a stickler on attendance. I am not going into work today either. I am feeling kinda crappy and the weather (I think we have like 5+ inches now) isn't helping. My parents are coming up this weekend and I am pretty excited about that. I haven't seen them since Christmas and that's a real bummer.

Posted by sgowell at 02:05 PM | Comments (1)

"From my cold, dead hands...."

I just got back from the Gonzo Media showing of Bowling for Columbine. Excellent movie, but I totally why I see some people don't like Michael Moore. The composer (Jeff Gibbs) for the film spoke before the film about his history here (as a former counselor at NMU), his life in Michigan, and his other jobs for the film, including Field Producer, and makeshift Sound Producer. The movie made light of some of the scariest issues in American History over the last decade while still maintaining some semblance of documentary-style. Both Marilyn Manson, and Matt Stone gave great takes on Columbine. In fact Matt was a former student of Columbine High School took out his frustration by creating South Park with friend Trey Parker (as opposed to blowing up/away his fellow students). Whereas Marilyn Manson when questioned what he would say to students who terrorized Columbine simply said "I wouldn't have said anything, I would have listened to them." Charleton Heston did his doddering old man routine in spades, Mike actually managed to persuade KMart to take 9mm bullets off their shelves, and a funny cartoon got everyone in the "theater" laughing.

I give it 8 out of 10.

Posted by sgowell at 01:00 AM | Comments (0)

March 27, 2003

It was *nice* while it lasted

It was warm enough to walk outside without a coat a couple of days ago. I kid you not. Now, starting about 2 hours ago it started snowing. The ground is almost completely covered, and it doesn't look like its gonna stop. Weather reports say 10 to 14 inches tonight. There is no Bob ... I swear.

Posted by sgowell at 05:45 PM | Comments (1)

March 26, 2003

Weirdest Package Design *ever*

I bought the Futurama Season 1 DVD's last night, and the Audio Commentary (at least on the first few episodes are) is awesome. The menu's are clean (on the first disc), and I am very happy with the purchase. One side not though, as the package design was a little funky. It was a bottom out slider which held a 3-DVD sleeve holder, and the DVD cases are like the half height CD Jewel Cases, only DVD case dimensions.

Posted by sgowell at 09:36 AM | Comments (1)

At least its not too addictive

I am a now a huge fan of RSS. I thought that I would be able to stay out of that realm for a while, but it is just so easy and clean and fast that I can't anymore

Mark Pilgrim and Chris Pirillo were the major contributors to my switch but the great program Syndirella pushed me over the top. All I need now is a way to sort my feeds alphabetically and I will be one happy O/C RSS reader.

Posted by sgowell at 09:21 AM | Comments (2)

March 24, 2003

Friday Five - 03.21.03 (late)

1. If you had the chance to meet someone you've never met, from the past or present, who would it be?
Robin Williams; I don't know what I would say to him, but I imagine it would be a fun time.

2. If you had to live in a different century, past or future, which would it be?
100 years in the future, just to see what had happened.

3. If you had to move anywhere else on Earth, where would it be?
To a bigger city in the US. I couldn't take not living here.

4. If you had to be a fictional character, who would it be?
Strong Bad. *wonk* "DELETED!"

5. If you had to live with having someone else's face as your own for the rest of your life, whose would it be?
Mel Smith ... because everybody says I look like him anyway.

Posted by sgowell at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)

I was *this* close

While I was waiting for my CIS 470 class to start today (damn me and my promptness), I was sitting on the benches outside of JXJ 226 and I had my headphones on. The music was low, and I could hear the conversations of the people around me. A fellow classmate was sitting on the bench about 6 feet away with his eyes drooping. Some girl (maybe 20 years old, but who can tell these days) came up to him and said (rather shouted) "Hey, did you hear I didn't get to go to Canada this weekend, there was like this 6 hour wait at the border." No I am not an idiot, there are only a few reasons why students of Northern Michigan University go to the Soo. One, they are from that area and are going home. Or two, they are going to go get drunk in Canada (where the drinking age is 19). What people do with their weekend is none of my business. My classmate said, "Yeah I heard, the border patrol was pretty tight with the War and all." To which the girl replied "What, are they afraid of people going over their so they don't get drafted?". And if I shot her, I would be the one who goes to jail. The last thing I thought before I went into my class was, "If it weren't for my horse....".

Posted by sgowell at 02:00 PM | Comments (1)

Current Events

Congrats to Michael Moore for the Oscar, sorry that he had to be booed off the damn stage though. The irony of the Jack Valenti follow-up was hilarious though.

Isn't the "War" over yet? I know that everybody says that this will be a long and drawn out process, but can't we just bomb them back to the Stone Age and be done with the whole thing. None of our troops would get hurt or even be put into action. Congratulations to Mr. Bush for giving us this wonderful distraction so we can forget for just brief period of time how shitty the economy is. Oh yeah, that's not gonna bite me in the ass in a month when I need a damn job.

Oh ... did I mention that I have been under a lot of "PUT YOUR HAND INSIDE THE PUPPET HEAD, PUT YOUR HAND INSIDE THE PUPPET HEAD" stress lately. I have also been feeling pretty down, and I couldn't tell you why. Group helps for some of the week, but I find by Friday night I am right back in the same place I was. I don't know whether it is the camaraderie of the group, or what. Only one problem though, I have gotten so comfortable that I have been self-censoring while I am there, and I think that may be why I haven't really had any cathartic moments while I am there. Well ... maybe an email to Mac will help.

Song which best parallels my current train of thought: Ben Folds Five - Best Imitation of Myself

For all of those who didn't catch the reference "Put your hand inside the puppet head" is a song by They Might Be Giants ... Doing a little Chris Pirillo impression. I like TMBG just as much as anybody, why can't I flip out and quote their songs?

Posted by sgowell at 01:11 PM | Comments (1)

March 21, 2003

If your pizza wasn't the best ...

I am getting a little sick with Hungry Howie's in Marquette. If their pizza wasn't the best up here I wouldn't even bother. Every damn time I order from them, when the pizza finally gets here the box is crushed and the crust flavoring (buttered cheese) is never on it. Today, I called and asked for my a howie combo "my usual" (which I found out a long time ago is kept on record) and asked for the three cheeser bread (costs a little extra but is good) and got told that I should have mentioned it earlier. Hrmm. What if I wanted to order 60 calzones on top of my pizza? Sounds like this dumbass wanted to get the order done and get me off the phone quick. Well when my pizza comes I am going to tell the delivery guy that the guy on phones tonight has his tip.

Posted by sgowell at 10:16 PM | Comments (0)

March 19, 2003

Reinvigorate

Found this neat website stats package, that runs almost invisibly, and comes with a great set of features including this funky Realtime Traffic Monitor. Check it out at Reinvigorate.

Posted by sgowell at 09:52 AM | Comments (0)

March 18, 2003

Jango Lives!

My parents sent me the Jango Fett Lego® set (8011) for Easter. I was feeling a bit down today, so I built him and now he has a home in front of my Access Point on my desk. Thanks Mom and Dad!!

Posted by sgowell at 09:49 PM | Comments (1)

Could you read the top line please?

I just saw a commercial for Ocuvite® PreserVision™ and apparently it is supposed to combat Macular Degeneration [MD]. It probably costs $750.00 a bottle, so the people who really need it wouldn't be able to afford it.

My Grandma Scott is going blind. She has been for a lot of years, and its pretty scary. My Grandpa Scott (Stormin' Norman) is almost deaf, almost has a hunchback, but he still drives her into town. If my memory serves me, [MD] was also something that my Grandpa Ralph had before he died.

On another channel, there is a show about mapping the human genome, and about how scary genetic profiling can become (like Gattaca), and also what benefits could come from genetic testing.

Forgetting about the morality of the situation, I would love to see genetic testing be able to fix the problems we have, not for preventative maintenance, or terminating pregnancies when some abnormalities, or genetic aberrations pop up. I wish that instead of living to a comfortable old age, people could live to old age comfortably.

Posted by sgowell at 08:55 PM | Comments (1)

March 17, 2003

At least I'm not the only one

I am still sick (allergens and molds etc. really have been getting to me these past few warm days). I had a real hard time sleeping last night, but sudafed helped a bit. As it turns out one of my profs is also sick (Stomach Flu) so class was cancelled today, so I am going to get a chance to rest a bit before group.

Some big things are going down with this website, but I will get into it more when I have more info. I think everyone will be pleasantly suprised.

Posted by sgowell at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)

March 16, 2003

I can see my house from here

Using the kludgy (yet very useful), acme mapper ... I found my dorm room (exactly).

Posted by sgowell at 06:49 PM | Comments (0)

Beautiful Weather, and I'm Sick

Just checked wunderground and the temp looks like it will top out at 55° F today. That is the warmest it has been up here for almost 6 months I think. Only problem is the weather has a tendency to mess up my sinuses. So I am in agony for the best damn day of the year.

Posted by sgowell at 01:47 PM | Comments (0)

March 13, 2003

I did not know that many MetaData types existed

Holy cow ... My hat is off to ragingplatypus

RSS 0.90, RSS 0.91, RSS 0.92, RSS 0.93, RSS 0.94, RSS 1.0, RSS 2.0, RSS 3.0, ESF 1.0, XFML 1.0, RSD 1.0, FOAF, GeoURL, XHTML 1.1, CSS, Bobby, RSS Valid, CC-licensed, MT-powered.

Posted by sgowell at 10:45 PM | Comments (0)

Now Playing

Thanks to Matt Haughey of Mefi fame, I now have a Now Playing Block on my site which posts my current song to a trackback.

*update* I agree with Andre ... this is much easier than writing one's own winamp plugin

Posted by sgowell at 12:36 PM | Comments (0)

March 12, 2003

The Powermate can get even COOLER?

IceMate is a light enhancing base for your PowerMate. Taking advantage of modern materials science, some carefully developed light diffraction techniques, and built using precision manufacturing, the IceMate will blow your mind with how incredibly it "pumps up the volume" of the blue LED light source inside your PowerMate. Think, "Blue light... on steroids."

The IceMate is individually machined from a billet of Acrylite™ acrylic polymer, the most optically transparent acrylic material presently available. This is the material of choice for tanning bed surfaces, as it has remarkable light transmission properties in the upper blue and UV wavelengths. By combining Acrylite™ with our unique thermal polishing technique, all external surfaces of the IceMate are utterly smooth, like the surface of a fine prism. Even without a PowerMate inserted, the IceMate is a beautiful objet d'art.

found via nslog

Posted by sgowell at 05:06 PM | Comments (0)

All the News .....

I got the letter on March 10th.

RE: University Webmaster Position

Dear Scott:

Thank you for your interest in employment with NMU. We are sorry to inform you that your candidacy for the above named position is no longer under consideration.

Well suck. As I hadn't heard back from Ludicorp yet, I figured that that wasn't a go, and I was pretty down.

I had gotten some pretty cool stuff from Ryze Contacts but nothing concrete.

Then I got the email.

Special: GNE prototype open for 24 hours

Hola (selected subset of) GNE'rs,

Is it your lucky 24 hour period? It is!

For reasons we won't get into now, the GNE prototype is back up and
available for the next 24 hours. Come in a fire a bubble gun or two, say
hi to old friends and generally live it up!

Awesome ... I get to play some GNE for a day. So I spend a few *cough* 8 *cough* hours and got a chance to talk to Stewart about the Internship.

As far as I am concerned it is good, as long we can work out the physical presence thing. Email me again on [Wednesday] or later and we will set up a time to talk on the phone

I must admit ... I am feeling quite a bit better.

oh ... and my new blockquote css style is care of Stewart of earlier post, Ludicorp and GNE fame.

Posted by sgowell at 02:11 PM | Comments (0)

March 11, 2003

NiceTitle ... Pretty Neat

Just implemented NiceTitle, which I was turned on to by Phil Ringnalda. Goes through on my main index and replaces "a" tags "title" element with "nicetitle" and my stylesheet loads a new layer for the link. You might notice some overlay sticking when you go through my blogroll as they open in new windows. But a refresh of my site fixes that. I am working on a workaround but I am not sure at this time how quick I am going to get to it.

nicetitle info

*update* I have since disabled it ... clicks were causing artifacts so I killed it.

Posted by sgowell at 05:45 PM | Comments (0)

March 10, 2003

Not too bad...

I felt suprisingly motivated yesterday, and I did a redesign for Suz's Shades of Gray blog. That is not generally something I would find myself doing, but I can dig it. Blog*spot should populate the new template within the next few days so I hope she enjoys it.

I don't know what came over me to do that site. I guess I thought .... "puppies?" But I don't know. That site design came to my mind quite quickly. Of course it is very simplistic. But I will say, it was a lot of fun to do.

Posted by sgowell at 09:49 AM | Comments (0)

March 08, 2003

What a Great Idea!

Gas Price Watch serves the perfect job of (when updated by faithful spotters) telling you the cheapest gas in the area. I think I might become a spotter if only for my own benefit on a day I need to fill up.

Posted by sgowell at 02:19 PM | Comments (0)

New Glasses

Just ordered my new eyeglasses today. They are the Neostyle Boston 66. They are a different color than the picture though. I ordered the Tortoise/Shiny Gun Metal version.

Posted by sgowell at 01:14 AM | Comments (1)

March 04, 2003

Too Close For Comfort?

Or a wakeup call for me?

"I'm not smart, I'm clever. I get the "wow, you're smart" thing a lot because..well... I'm a programmer and I think people confuse smart for clever when it comes to something they don't understand. I can use string classes to do simple text manipulation that people seem to appreciate, but to be honest I couldn't write a functional string class to save my life. The things I develop are ants compared to the bulls that are your standard FTP program or text editor." read the rest

thanks Andre

Posted by sgowell at 01:54 PM | Comments (0)

March 03, 2003

A little late...

As I listen to the archived audio from the Blogosphere event, I wish I had posted about it earlier.

I would love to be in the central circle of power-bloggers, but I don't think that is going to happen (at least no time soon), but I do think my posts are worth reading. I hope to continue to post better posts as time progresses.

I like the "posting 3 seconds after the big bang" comment that was made by doc.searls. People in "the know" can post to their (popular) sites and it can be out to the world as quick as people can type. Faster than CNN, and MSNBC and BBCnews people find out about everything.

Personally I think the death of Mr. Rogers is more important that those idiots at the Great White Concert, but the day of his CNN only posted about it to a sidebar.

Well that is my 2¢.

He's Mr. Rogers for Christ's sake!

Posted by sgowell at 04:27 PM | Comments (0)

March 01, 2003

Are you Freakin Insane?

Surf's up -- on Lake Superior! In February!
from Jerry Zgoda, Star Tribune

TWO HARBORS, MINN. -- Greg Isaacson once listened throughout winter nights for the sound of the surf -- "Like shotgun blasts" -- reaching Oahu's famous North Shore.

He is 30 years and 4,000 miles removed from the Hawaiian Islands. But when the weather is just right, when a northeasterly gale roars overnight toward a different North Shore and rattles the timbers of his house on Duluth's Skyline Parkway, he feels it. Come morning, he peers from his deck through binoculars down the city's hillsides and measures Lake Superior pouring onto Park Point. read the rest

linked via a.wholelottanothing

Posted by sgowell at 01:17 PM | Comments (0)

Spring BREAK!!

Today I am feeling better than I have in a long time. I will be working 40 hours starting Monday at 8 am and I think it is going to go great. My RA just posted some cool door decs of all the residents and they look awesome. I just started posting to allconsuming of all the books I have, have read, am reading, will read next, etc. Just relaxing for the next two days.

Posted by sgowell at 01:05 PM | Comments (0)

February 28, 2003

Friday Five - 2.28.03

1. What is your favorite type of literature to read (magazine, newspaper, novels, nonfiction, poetry, etc.)?
Sci-fi and Fantasy

2. What is your favorite novel?
Right now ... Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom.

3. Do you have a favorite poem? (Share it!)
Can't say that one comes to mind.

4. What is one thing you've always wanted to read, or wish you had more time to read?
The Bible

5. What are you currently reading?
Orson Scott Card's - Shadow of the Hegemon
and soon ... Not Quite Scaramouche, and The Hacker Crackdown

Posted by sgowell at 08:02 PM | Comments (0)

February 27, 2003

w00t!

Fixed a small problem with the movies server, not letting outsiders connect to the MySQL database. I only wanted authorized users to be connecting to it anyway so by tweaking that setting I was good to go.

GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON *.* TO someuser IDENTIFIED BY 'somepassword';

Posted by sgowell at 11:13 AM | Comments (0)

February 25, 2003

I LIVE!!!!

*nods to sinistar*

Sorry for the unscheduled down time, the server which I host my site on was down this past weekend, and it has taken me till right now to rebuild all my past posts.

So "What happened to the server" you say? It appears as though someone off campus was using an old formmail script on euclid to spam some people.

All that was needed to fix this "hacking" issue, would be to delete the offending script, but Randy decided to blow away euclid just to be safe.

Unfortunately he didn't backup MySQL so I had to re-enter all my posts by hand.

SUCK.

Posted by sgowell at 01:27 PM | Comments (0)

February 20, 2003

Google, Blogger ... I DON'T KNOW

So ... I was just about to run a google search and opened up a new browser window, and had all the intentions of going to google and what do I type but "www.blogger.com". I promise to the world that they haven't gotten to me, I swear.

Posted by sgowell at 10:37 PM | Comments (0)

Oklahoma! OK.......

OK is right. Not great ... that's for sure.

Just got back from Oklahoma! at the FRT. I guess working with Mr. Koger has ruined me for other musicals ... and amatuer plays in general. The Choreography was excellent (ensemble dancing), and a so was a good chunk of the first act, and the finale. I hate to single anyone out, but there is one actress, who has been in almost every play I have ever seen here, who I feel isn't any good. I won't print her name, partly for fear of retribution, but mostly because I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings. Acting is apparently what she feels is her vocation, but I frankly don't see it. I hope she either gets a chance to go home for Spring Break, because I don't have the money to send her a ham so she can be with family. *zing*

Posted by sgowell at 10:35 PM | Comments (0)

Once you pop....

Ramune looks like a fun and tasty product I would like to try it someday.

For the uninitiated, Ramune is "a classic Japanese carbonated sweet tasting lemon-lime soda famous for its distinct glass bottle. Rather than use a twist top cap, ramune bottles are closed with a vacuum sealed glass marble. Simply opening the bottle is an adventure by itself! To open your bottle of ramune, punch out the plastic plunger from the perforated ring it's attached to, place it in the hole in the thick plastic mouthpiece, and use it to depress the marble down into the bottle with gentle pressure. Ramune is carbonated, so make sure you've got a towel handy because your ramune will erupt on you, even if it doesn't look shaken up. The unique shape of the bottle keeps the marble from sinking to the bottom, and indentations prevent it from blocking the spout while you pour."

thanks xeni @ boingboing

buy it / link

Posted by sgowell at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)

February 19, 2003

Lego Vending Machine ?!?

I am so glad that they are only in Japan ... because I have always have pocket money lying around (read - I always have a few singles).

link via antipixel

Posted by sgowell at 09:09 PM | Comments (0)

Outlook XP Exchange Bug

Anybody who reads this ever see anything in Outlook where on send Outlook prepends the String "=SMTP:" (not in quotes) to all TO: email addresses ...

STUPID EXCHANGE ... STUPID ACS .... "Uh ... why don't restart Outlook"

How bout I restart your face ... Jack ... HUH ... BRING IT ...

Posted by sgowell at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)

I Want One of These

If you felt so inclined you can get one here.

Posted by sgowell at 08:32 AM | Comments (0)

February 17, 2003

Monday Mission
c/o promoguy

1. What do you like to eat for breakfast? Do you even eat breakfast?
I love McDonalds' Sausage Biscuits with some OJ. Though I eat breakfast fairly infrequently.

2. What was the song that "blew your mind" and is etched in your brain forever? Recall the moment and why it remains in your mind.
Radiohead - Idioteque .... I heard that the first time while running through the forest in Todd's car until we hit redneck/lumberjack/Deliverance -land.

3. Do you like to gamble? Have you ever won (or lost) big?
Yeah, I suppose. I wish I did stuff other than Slots though. I won $957 out of a slot machine once. I had turned 18 about a month earlier.

4. Some people find comfort for their troubled mind in food. Others find it in music or books. What do you turn to for comfort when you are troubled or worried?
I like to listen to some music...generally I skip around my winamp playlist till I find something that helps.

5. When was the last time you felt apathetic? What was it about?
All the time. I am a member of the MTV Generation.

6. I just read that Google bought Pyra Labs (Blogger.com). Although Blogging was going "mainstream" before this, it most certainly will now have greater exposure, and one assumes, bring us even more Bloggers. Is this a good thing?
I hope so .... Even though I just got off the blogger service I hope that Bloogle does well. And ... I feel similar to other bloggers, that it will make Google better.

7. What did you do with all your freetime before you blogged?
TV ... Movies ... other fun stuff.

Posted by sgowell at 11:04 AM | Comments (0)

February 16, 2003

The Cheat .... is Grounded

Posted by sgowell at 06:52 AM | Comments (0)

Do I Stink or Something?

So ... the day after I switch over to MovableType, Blogger gets bought up (more specifically Pyra Labs its creator) by Google. Dan Gillmor posts to SiliconValley before SJ Mercury prints today.

Oh ... and by the way ... I'm awake at 5:10a ... figure that one out.

How many links is that in a row? heh :)

Posted by sgowell at 04:35 AM | Comments (0)

February 15, 2003

Too Much Time Breeds Creativity

Got this off the Lego™ Star Wars site. And instructions for it are here. Even Connects to the Jedi Starfighter Lego™ Set 7143.

Posted by sgowell at 01:42 PM | Comments (0)

February 14, 2003

Goodbye Dolly!

Well ... looks like the 6th Day is still way off. Dolly the cloned sheep has been euthanized due to lung cancer. Yahoo Link

Posted by sgowell at 06:59 PM | Comments (0)

Friday Five - 2.14.03

1. Explain why you started to journal/blog.
Originally my website was an online portfolio for classes during my high school career, and editing HTML (at the time) was hard for me to cope with.

2. Do people you interact with day to day or family members know about your journal/blog? Why or why not?
Yeah. Generally if I wouldn't want my family, friends etc. to know about something I wouldn't post it.

3. Do you have a theme for your journal/blog?
Minimalism

4. What direction would you like to have your journal/blog go in over the next year?
More posts / More Donations

5. Pimp five of your favorite journals/blogs.
Sylloge - Stewart Butterfield of Ludicorp Fame
Jason Delifippo's Blog - Creator of Blogrolling
wilwheaton.net - Wesley Crusher Dammit.
BoingBoing - Mark Frauenfelder's nerd lifestyle magazine
Metafilter - It's Mefi - by Mathowie

Posted by sgowell at 11:17 AM | Comments (0)

February 13, 2003

And Slowly I Turned...

Working on migrating from Blogger to MovableType. 2.6 at that!
I hope to have it up and running soon. Laters!

10 Points if you figure out what the Title of this post comes from ... leave info in the Comments.

Posted by sgowell at 11:42 PM | Comments (0)

Jaw-Popping Fun!

Those who know me know I had braces in my youth, and while in the Orthodontist chair one day I read my chart and found out that I had TMJ. Apparently TMJ has become Costen's Syndrome but that doesn't help the fact that my damn jaw has popped 3 times today. Not popped out of joint mind you, but just popped with a little pain. About TMJ

Posted by sgowell at 07:37 PM | Comments (0)

I AM Reversible!!

This is SINEKOW
I am a Wildcat!
Choose Mug Root Beer

Posted by sgowell at 05:44 PM | Comments (0)

Am I Reversible??

Still testing this stuff out.

A Personal Weblog
Currently Using Blogger
Moving to MovableType
What should we do in Iraq?
I like Metafilter
I like GNE
I like They Might Be Giants
I like Neal Stephenson's Works
I like William Gibson's Works
I like Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom
I like Ender's Game

Posted by sgowell at 10:41 AM | Comments (0)

February 12, 2003

Call SOMEONE ELSE for Help

I have been having a problem lately with my computer having some links in my blogroll (also the link to my blogroll from my main site) come up as visited no matter whether they have been recently or not. I have deleted my history, cache, cookies EVERYTHING in looking for the problem, but with no luck. I knew it was a problem with my computer, as I was not having those issues anywhere else. I broke down and did a serious search of my registry for ANYTHING remotely related to those sites, or blogroll in general but with no results. So I did what any person in my situation would do and ask somebody else. One of the sites in my blogroll that was showing up permanently pre-visited was chris.pirillo.com, so I thought ... "Who better than the Lockergnome and the Host of TechTV's CallForHelp to ask about this problem. His reply ... might want to talk to Jason at blogrolling.com. Now ... I was pretty sure this was a blow off, and also pretty sure that there was no problem via blogrolling.com but I know better than to look a gift horse in the mouth and took his advice. I kinda felt bad asking Jason because I also frequent his blog and know how busy he has been lately. But I emailed him anyway and he was a big help. Now ... he did not fix my problem, but didn't blow me off either. He offered to take a look at my blogrolling account and see if there was anything funky, and look at my site for code issues. I have since fixed my problem, and found that it is not a web problem at all, but a per-user XP problem. Take That Lockergnome, and thanks much Jason for all your help.

Posted by sgowell at 07:39 PM | Comments (0)

February 11, 2003

The Future???

or

via Acme License Generator

Posted by sgowell at 03:20 PM | Comments (0)

Because EZ isn't Easy Enough

Recieved my W-2s in the mail from my parents on Saturday, and found out that Intuit, the Makers of Quicken, are offering free tax form processing for Federal and State forms, if you make less than $25,000 a year and can file a 1040EZ. So in a few minutes last night I filled everything out and should be recieving my returns via direct deposit in less than two weeks. Isn't Technology grand?

Tax Freedom Project

Posted by sgowell at 02:50 PM | Comments (0)

February 10, 2003

So ... Many ... Books

I had downloaded Cory Doctorow's "Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom" the day it was released, but only during some open time between classes today had I had a real opportunity to read it. Wow...I am only to the third chapter but I am very happy with this book. There is some techno-jargon that might confuse some, but I am very excited about finishing this story ASAP. Go get it right now.

I finished Ender's Shadow during my most recent Insomnia episode, so now I am on to Shadow of the Hegemon. Ender's Shadow is great for any fan of Ender's Game, but not of its resulting series. I look forward to Shadow Puppets coming into paperback so I can add it to my collection.

Posted by sgowell at 01:36 PM | Comments (0)

February 07, 2003

Friday Five - 2.7.03

1. What did you have for breakfast this morning? If you didn't have breakfast, why not?
Didn't .... just got up too late.

2. What's your favorite cereal?
Froot Loops ... Toucan Sam, where would I be without you?

3. How often do you eat out? Do you want that to change?
Occasionally. I love eating out, but I say the amount I do is about right.

4. What do you plan on having for dinner tonight? Got a recipe for that?
Maruchan Ramen - Chicken Flavor. Few minutes in the Hotpot with about 3 cups of water.

5. What's your favorite restaurant? Why?
It was Three Happiness Chinese, but they have closed. Best Chicken and Brocolli EVER!

Posted by sgowell at 11:57 PM | Comments (0)

Shake Ya Ass....

I went to the Shamrock Pub today. What ... Scott... You went to a bar? Yes ... the Shamrock is a bar, but I didn't drink. Not one drop, apart from a sip of Pepsi. I went with Todd and some friends of his and actually had a pretty good time. Now, I am white ... very white, but I will admit to having busted my move. Luckily I was with a group of people I felt comfortable with, and it did take me a bit to get my nerve up, but I stayed by the wall (just like in the pool) in case I ran into any trouble. I don't think I'll go back anytime soon, but its something I won't chalk up to a regret.

Posted by sgowell at 01:41 AM | Comments (0)

February 01, 2003

Access Point IMs....?

People who know me know I am really jazzed over 802.11 Wireless Technology. The NMU campus is blanketed in a Wireless Network, and all of the new NMU laptop models have 802.11 hardware internal and many students are taking advantage of it. The most common use for Internet around campus, apart from KaZaa is Instant Messaging. AIM, ICQ, Yahoo, and MSN are all being used (some all at once using Trillian), but I would like to see Trepia pop up around campus. It looks like a great technology, and everybody around here seems to be enamored with chat.

Posted by sgowell at 02:38 PM | Comments (0)

January 31, 2003

Friday Five - 1.31.03

1. As a child, who was your favorite superhero/heroine? Why?
Superman for the longest time. Every kid wanted to be Superman.

2. What was one thing you always wanted as a child but never got?
I was spoiled, if there was something I wanted but didn't get it was only because I had just gotten something else.

3. What's the furthest from home you've been?
Florida. I went to Florida with my High School Orchestra.

4. What's one thing you've always wanted to learn but haven't yet?
The Piano. It's so beautiful.

5. What are your plans for the weekend?
Couldn't tell ya. Taking it as it comes.

Posted by sgowell at 12:15 PM | Comments (0)

January 29, 2003

Insomniac ... Starring Scott Gowell

"Who Needs Sleep?" -- Barenaked Ladies

So ... I didn't sleep last night. That sucked. Don't know why, because I was really tired so I dunno. So I went to work and got into Cohodas as soon as it opened, awaited the office opening at 7:30 am, and worked until class at 11. I am gonna pay for this I think. Man I am tired.

Posted by sgowell at 11:14 AM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2003

...And All That Jazz

So as it turns out, Marquette's GKC Royal Cinema managed to get a "Sneak Preview" release of the screen adaptation of Chicago: The Musical, and I caught today's only screening. I have to say that I am greatly impressed with the bulk of the cast. I am a fan of the Original Broadway Cast Album I have had for a while, and being the Drama nerd I am I had to check it out. I went by myself, and had a pretty good time. But I do have a few comments. First, Catherine Zeta-Jones is no Bebe Neuwirth. Second, I find the fact that Christine Baranski was cast is just kinda funny. Third, John C. Reilly will perpetually be cast as someone who is either alone, or is no stranger to being shit on. He did a great job, but he is gonna get typecast. Fourth, Queen Latifah ... Wow ... great job.

Posted by sgowell at 08:06 PM | Comments (0)

January 21, 2003

GNE in a Nutshell

Posted by sgowell at 04:01 AM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2003

Friday Five - 1.17.03

OMG .... Friday Five is back (with questions I care to actually answer)

1. Where do you currently work?
ResNet - Housing and Residence Life - Northern Michigan University

2. How many other jobs have you had and where?
3 ... 2 at my High School, and 1 for the City of Lansing - Computer and Communication Services Department.

3. What do you like best about your job?
Lots of fun projects and good co-workers and boss that are fun to talk with.

4. What do you like least about your job?
It can get a little slow sometimes.

5. What is your dream job?
To work for a company that would let me spend my time making the game my brother came up with, and one that affords me what little luxuries I would like to enjoy, while still providing for me and my family.

Posted by sgowell at 05:46 PM | Comments (0)

January 13, 2003

My Winter 2003 Schedule

Posted by sgowell at 11:27 AM | Comments (0)

January 05, 2003

Dear Ndugu.....

click to enlarge

This past friday Adam, Andy, his brother Dan, Dan's friend from college Vinay, and I went to the movies. The new theater in the Eastwood Plaza is really cool, but unfortunately the movie we saw was horrible. Jack Nicholson's new film About Schmidt was a major let down, and I almost had to gouge out my own eyes during some *racy* scenes. However, after the movie all of us (except for Adam) went to Bravo's Italian Restaurant in the plaza. The wait for a table was an hour and a half, but we were all pretty lazy guys and didn't feel like driving out of the plaza to find some other place with a similar wait, so we sat in the waiting area and cracked jokes.

After our wait we got seated at this funky table with high chairs (which only Vinay could get into without looking like a fool), and continued to shoot the shit for a little longer until one of us noticed the guy in the above picture. We all wondered where someone would get a sweater like that, and who in their right mind would go out in public with it. Luckily, earlier in the day Vinay was talking about the new Digital Camera he got for himself over the holidays. As I was closest to 'Sweater Guy' I tried to snap a few shots which turned out pretty crappy. Just then I came up with a great idea. Vinay is of Middle Eastern descent, (but the only accent he has is one you get growing up in Indiana), so I thought it would be funny if he went over to the 'Sweater Guy' and gave him some broken english "Babu" impression and asked to snap a picture. Initially Vinay was nervous, and immediately rejected the idea, so I tempted him with $10. I could see him breaking, but not all the way, so I upped it to $20 which he agreed to. When he had finally gotten out his camera, I told him I was only joking about the money, but he was still pumped up enough to go do it.

We all looked away so we wouldn't bust up laughing as Vinay approached the gentleman. Our hearts rose as we saw the reflection of a flash of light on the wall we were so intently staring at. When Vinay returned he proceeded to tell us all the funniest story I have ever heard, it follows:

[I walked over to the Sweater Guy and worked really hard to keep a straight face. I said to him (in my best middle eastern accent) "Excuse me sir, I am new to this country and was admiring your festive sweater. We do not have such things in my country. I was wondering if I could take a picture of you." To which Sweater Guy replied "What do you want to take my picture for?" and his wife said (rather loudly, and scratchy) "Oh honey, let the nice boy take your picture, he's a foreign national!" After I had taken the picture, one of Sweater Guy's buddies said, "You know he knitted that himself", {a clear lie trying to take advantage of Vinay apparent foreign naivety (sic)} to which I replied "That's wonderful" trying to hold a straight face.]

I am still laughing ... I swear. Thanks much for the great pic Vinay.

Posted by sgowell at 04:39 PM | Comments (0)

December 31, 2002

I have issues with...

I have issues with...

forever pain persecution genetics patience

Take Word Association Test

Posted by sgowell at 03:34 PM | Comments (0)

December 22, 2002

Well .... so far this

Well .... so far this break has been pretty standard, not much out of the ordinary, but I will give the run down.

1. The Two Towers: Saw it opening day, and I loved it. I won't give any spoilers, but I like what Jackson did.

2. Casino: Went last night with my family for my Mom's Birthday....lost my money, but not bad.

3. Visit the City Offices: Went to C&CS to see what was going on with them, what with the Mayor leaving and all. Looks like they are up for some tough times ahead.

That's it. You heard me. Back for a week and a few and that's all out of the ordinary I did.

Posted by sgowell at 02:44 PM | Comments (0)

December 11, 2002

Well .... I just finished

Well .... I just finished up my Tolkien exam. Well ... sort of. I finished my paper last night, but I had to go to class today to see the last few presentations (Dave, and Suz went today). I am almost done here, and I am ready to go home for a while. I am just soooo tired lately. I think some R&R can do nothing but good.

Posted by sgowell at 12:15 PM | Comments (0)

December 09, 2002

My New Toy

Posted by sgowell at 07:32 PM | Comments (0)

December 02, 2002

3 years and counting!

3 years ago today I started wonderful relationship with my girl Nichole. I don't know where I would be right now if not for her. She is my soulmate in every meaning of the word. I am unbelievably lucky. I love you Nichole ... Happy 3rd Anniversary sweetie! xo8

Posted by sgowell at 10:35 PM | Comments (0)

November 28, 2002

No Friday Fives...

No Friday Fives for a while (site down until December), but I figured I would post anyways. :)

I wish I had something to talk about, as all is pretty much as normal.

Posted by sgowell at 01:18 AM | Comments (0)

November 19, 2002

Happy 22nd Birthday Todd!

My Roomie turns 22 today... Tell him Happy Birthday.

Posted by sgowell at 08:34 AM | Comments (0)

November 16, 2002

I warned you...

DON'T .... I repeat DON'T poke the penguin.

Posted by sgowell at 11:59 AM | Comments (0)

October 20, 2002

#5 on GNE

Well .... I made a GNE on GNE .... so now ... uhh .... I am ranked #8#5 of all 1300+ players!

Screen Shot

Posted by sgowell at 01:46 AM | Comments (0)

October 19, 2002

TOBE or not TOBE

TOBE or not TOBE ....
We kicked MSU's ASS tonight! 10-4. You heard me. 14 point game.

Posted by sgowell at 12:50 AM | Comments (1)

October 18, 2002

Friday Fives - 10.18.02

1. How many TVs do you have in your home?
Dorm Room - 1
Home - 3

2. On average, how much TV do you watch in a week?
90+ hours

3. Do you feel that television is bad for young children?
Nope, but using television as a babysitter because you suck as a parent isn't.

4. What TV shows do you absolutely HAVE to watch, and if you miss them, you're heartbroken?
I *currently* do not have any shows like that.

5. If you had the power to create your own television network, what would your line-up look like?
Simpsons.... 24/7. Some with the commentary, like on the Season DVDs.

Posted by sgowell at 10:48 AM | Comments (0)

October 11, 2002

Cool Links of the Day - 10.11.02

The Prior-Art-O-Matic
Neocron
Time of Defiance

Posted by sgowell at 08:50 PM | Comments (0)

Back in the Day...

Back in the days of Win 3.1, my brother let me borrow what I like to refer to as the CICA discs for the red CICA brandished on the front of the before unseen double cd jewel case. That CD case still sits on my desk in my home in St. Johns, ( sorry Jim, I never did give that back :) ) and it always reminds me of "better" times. Back when school was just an event, not a lifestyle. Homework was trivial, and tests were inconsequential. *end remeniscince*

There were black adder wav files, a million of windows shareware games, shell extensions etc. But one thing that was really funny, was mod4win. Mind you this was pre-mp3. And mod files were mid file size with wav file quality sound. The funniest one was a remix of Wolfenstein 3d sound clips.

Thanks to my roommate Todd.... it is now available in mp3 here.

Enjoy!

Posted by sgowell at 06:19 PM | Comments (0)

October 10, 2002

01001001 00100000 01100001 01101101 00100000

01001001 00100000 01100001 01101101 00100000 01100111 01101111 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01100110 01110101 01100011 01101011 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01110000 01101111 01110000 00100001 00000000 decode?

Posted by sgowell at 09:04 PM | Comments (0)

October 08, 2002

ARGHHHH!

*edited for content*
So what do I hear about at the ASNMU meeting while waiting to snap shots of the members?

1. NMU has had an extremely-high amount of date rape occurances go unreported in the last 6 months. They have recieved this information from Planned Parenthood and NOT from Public Safety. Makes that "Parents, thank you for your Freshmen daughters!" sign much more scary.

2. They have been recieving complaints about the desks not being large enough for the notebook computers to sit on. WHAT THE FUCK? Jesus Christ people will complain about anything.

3. The SS Wildcat will be up and running again soon. For the uninformed that is a public transportation system for transporting drunks back to the "Dry" campus. My fucking tuition money well spent.

4. Bike Path Forum on October 17th is not going to be publicized because they don't have the time or money to do it. Hope you like your bike paths covered in snow and on the wrong damn side of the road.

5. Winter Break is going to be 30 days this year.... whooptie friggen doo!

Oh, and those pictures I had to go to 2 fucking meetings to get, yeah ... well I got less than HALF of them because nobody wanted to wait around, even though I had to wait till the END OF THE FUCKING MEETING TO TAKE THEM!

Posted by sgowell at 11:17 PM | Comments (0)

September 21, 2002

Friday Five - 9.20.02

1. Would you say that you're good at keeping in touch with people?
Not very, I don't often write back to most letters or emails.

2. Which communication method do you usually prefer/use: e-mail, telephone, snail mail, blog comments, or meeting in person? Why?
From Greatest Preference to Least, email, telephone, blog comments, snail mail, in person. I am anti-social.

3. Do you have an instant messenger program? How many? Why/why not? How often do you use it?
Yes, I use Trillian, with accounts for AIM, ICQ, Yahoo!, and MSN. Whenever I am online it is on.

4. Do most of your close friends live nearby or far away?
Close, or at least close to my main residence in that area.

5. Are you an "out of sight, out of mind" person, or do you believe that "distance makes the heart grow fonder"?
Out of sight out of mind. Unless it is right there I often forget about it.

Posted by sgowell at 07:14 PM | Comments (0)

Just got posted to NickDenton.com.

Just got posted to NickDenton.com. He was looking for info on wireless antennas and shot him off an email. Pretty Cool I think. Never been posted about before. See it here

Posted by sgowell at 09:30 AM | Comments (0)

September 18, 2002

Blogchalking

This is my new blogchalk:
United States, Michigan, Marquette, NMU - VA - (Lost In Space), English, Scott, Male, 16-20, Computing in General, Networking, HTML, Web Services, Wireless, Perl, Sci/Fi & Fantasy, Reading, DnD, Munchkin. :)

Posted by sgowell at 06:23 PM | Comments (0)

Computational Complexity ?!?

The Computational Complexity Web Log

Computational complexity and other fun stuff in math and computer science as viewed by Lance Fortnow.

I am always happy to hear your ideas, comments and questions about computational complexity and this web log.

Why Johnny can't program

How the author constructs instructions to a computer, and how they can correctly anticipate the results, can affect acceptance of a system.

Posted by sgowell at 04:38 PM | Comments (0)

World's Largest Domain

The world's largest single word domain name

The Web address http://www.llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch.com/, at a whopping 68 total characters, is the record-holder for longest single-word domain name, even after dropping two characters to switch from a ".co.uk" to a ".com" designation.

The domain name wasn't actually registered by anyone native to the town but, ironically, was claimed by an Englishman looking to gain some publicity for owning the world's longest single-word domain.

clipped from TechRepublic

Posted by sgowell at 12:52 PM | Comments (0)

September 17, 2002

LOTR Lego

Lego and Lord of the Rings Wooo Hoooo
Radio Taxi Art

Posted by sgowell at 04:39 PM | Comments (0)

September 14, 2002

Friday Five - 9.14.02

1. What was/is your favorite subject in school? Why?
Chemistry, or Spanish. They were just fun. Mr. Horak was a great Chem teacher, and never once talked down to a student. Srta. Cardelino (now Sra. Sackrider) made foreign languages fun.

2. Who was your favorite teacher? Why?
Without hesitation, Mr. Koger. He brought competitive drama to the state of Michigan and was the winningest director in MIFA history. He was a teacher that had been around at my school for over 30 years. He taught my brother (who is 10 years older than me) and taught most of my classmates' parents. He was a man who cared for every one of his students. He would bend over backwards to help anyone who needed it. He was the only teacher who ever respected me for who I was. He has since retired, but I will never forget him. If you ever see this sir, Thank you so much for what you did for me, and for everyone you taught.

3. What is your favorite memory of school?
Two snap in to focus when I think about this question. The first is when we were playing Around the World in Spanish class. I went through the class 3 times, and Srta. Cardelino went head to head with me. I almost got her too. The second was at State Championships my Senior year. When we won and Mr. Koger held that trophy above his head and I knew he was going to retire, I started crying and I still think highly of that day.

4. What was your favorite recess game?
In elementary school; kickball. In middle school; football. In high school; toss-up between Quake and Worms 2.

5. What did you hate most about school?
Stupid clicks. People treated each other like snot. Computer Geeks, Orchestra Dorks, Drama Fags, Preps, Alts, Greasers, etc. I hate that shit.

Posted by sgowell at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)

September 13, 2002

Wow.... I am suddenly becoming

Wow.... I am suddenly becoming an overnight success .... (not really)
Brad Choate (inventor of some awesome MT plugins linked me.
I know I shouldn't be getting so excited about it but it just blows my mind.

Posted by sgowell at 07:05 PM | Comments (0)

September 12, 2002

Drive Me Insane

X10 gone horribly wrong.
Drive Paul Mathis Insane ......

Posted by sgowell at 10:53 PM | Comments (0)

September 07, 2002

Cool Link of the Day - 9.7.02

Location Tracking Through Wireless: Students at the University of California at San Diego are tracking their friends' locations with PDAs.

Posted by sgowell at 12:48 AM | Comments (0)

September 06, 2002

Friday Five - 9.6.02

1. What is your biggest pet peeve? Why?
Stupid people in positions of power. There is nothing worse than having to talk down to your boss.

2. What irritating habits do you have?
I have OCD tendencies, but not all of em. I am a bugger about keeping things clean. I probably have lots more but I don't see them like others do.

3. Have you tried to change the irritating habits or just let them be?
Let them be, unless it bothers who I am with, or at least I try to fix them.

4. What grosses you out more than anything else? Why?
A stopped up toilet in a retail store. I gotta use the bathroom damnit but I don't want to touch it.

5. What one thing can you never see yourself doing that other people do?
Smoking, it disgusts me to no end.

Posted by sgowell at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)

September 05, 2002

Wireless Dorm + Switch

Got my DWL-900AP connected to my DSS-5+ and I am kickin.

Posted by sgowell at 04:24 PM | Comments (0)

September 04, 2002

FridgeCode Haiku

Posted by sgowell at 07:15 PM | Comments (0)

September 03, 2002

Cool Link of the Day - 9.3.02

HighWLAN: I know this is old, but I dig it every time I see any reference to it.
Tron 2.0: I refuse to buy the TRON DVD because of all I have heard about the sound quality. But I definately want this game.

Posted by sgowell at 11:17 PM | Comments (0)

August 31, 2002

Friday Five - 8.31.02

1. How long have you had a weblog?
Since I started college in Fall of 99. It was little more than a site to tell my friends what was going on with me as Instant Messengers were shoddy and email just not effecient.

2. What was your first post about?
Telling everybody I made it to school ok and that I was having fun.

3. How many changes (name, location, etc.) of your weblog have there been, if more than one?
I have had 3 names, and 3 locations. The Scrub's Final Portfolio; hosted on thescrub.dhs.org, Detect a World's Glow; hosted on longyear, and now SINEKOW hosted on euclid.

4. What CMS (content management system) do you use? Do you like it or do you want to try something else?
Blogger, and I like it ok, I have been using it since my first post. I am in the process of of moving to to movabletype as it will provide some more functionality, and I would prefer to manage it myself as opposed to a hosted system.

5. Do you read people who have both a journal and a weblog? Or do you prefer to read people who have all of their writing in one central place?
Yeah, though it doesn't matter to me one way or another. A journal can be a weblog, or a weblog a journal or both at the same time. Whatever.

Posted by sgowell at 08:07 PM | Comments (0)

August 25, 2002

Back at NMU

Well.... I made it to NMU.

I am alive and unscathed ... although a little worse for wear.
I start work tomorrow, as well as class. Only 3 Classes (Tolkien's World, Systems Development, and Tai Chi), so it won't be too bad.

Also, i transferred my ICQ data onto my new laptop from an old database, so message me to make sure I have you in my new Trillian Contact List please.

Good Night.

Posted by sgowell at 11:48 PM | Comments (0)

August 23, 2002

Friday Five - 8.23.02

1. What is your current occupation? Is this what you chose to be doing at this point in your life? Why or why not?
Student/Computer Guy. I knew I would be in college when I was 20 so that was right. When I was younger I always figured that I would end up a Network Administrator, or just some PC Support Tech, but now I do everything from Database Administration, to Web Service Design. I chose these jobs over time, but they weren't necessarily where I thought would be.

2. If time/talent/money were no object, what would your dream occupation be?
Product Development Manager at IDEO.

3. What did/do your parents do for a living? Has this had any influence on your career choices?
My father is a Machine Repairman for General Motors (32 years just this Tuesday). My mother is a Debt Collecter (piss her off and she will take your house), and she was a stay at home Mom for a lot of years but decided to get back to work when my brother and I grew up. Although their jobs did not have a direct impact ony my career, their work ethic has definately influenced my work.

4. Have you ever had to choose between having a career and having a family?
Not yet; and hopefully never.

5. In your opinion, what is the easiest job in the world? What is the hardest? Why?
Easiest Job: Child; Work isn't easy, anywhere.
Hardest Job: Adult; Work isn't easy, anywhere.

Posted by sgowell at 11:17 AM | Comments (0)

August 21, 2002

ARGH!!!!

That makes 2 good web apps I have wrote that noone will ever use.
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back to reality now I guess.

Posted by sgowell at 02:10 PM | Comments (0)

August 20, 2002

Been working on a new

Been working on a new design for the City of Lansing Site:
Noah and I cranked out some new ideas.
This is what we came up with.

Posted by sgowell at 02:21 PM | Comments (0)

August 07, 2002

This is a really cute

This is a really cute picture without any commentary but this is what popped into my head.

"Lefty, Knuckles .... make sure 'The Walrus' sleeps with the fishes."

Posted by sgowell at 04:32 PM | Comments (0)

I am so pissed. I

I am so pissed. I won't even get into what happened during lunch today ...
ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Does anybody read this ... Does anybody really care?

on a lighter note: Jim Breuer - Hokey Pokey

Posted by sgowell at 01:47 PM | Comments (0)

August 06, 2002

It's Ovah and I was Right!

At long last, "The Mole 2" is over. I was right, Dorothy won and Bill was the mole.

Posted by sgowell at 09:23 PM | Comments (0)

August 01, 2002

Oranges ... Oranges ...

Oranges .... Oranges .... Oranges and Graphic Design
Click here for TMBG - Oranges

Posted by sgowell at 08:51 AM | Comments (0)

July 24, 2002

Scheduler

NMU "LiS Crew" Scheduler is in Beta:
Only 24 users data is in the table, and that isn't complete.
No logins yet - Gotta figure out CGI Post first. Prolly handle it last.
Logins will have user-based Admin functions.
Admin functions will include table entry of style-sheets, and data maintenance.
Still very beta - DB calls are manual - not data driven ... very kludgy.
Imagine multiple re-writes before release.
ETA: 8.23.02 Postponed indefinately

Posted by sgowell at 09:40 PM | Comments (0)

July 23, 2002

So .... my Dad once

So .... my Dad once said, "For someone who was born in 1981, [Scott] sure knows a heck of a lot about the 1960's." Well, that's true, and I do know a lot about pop culture from the 1960's and on. I guess it's just my nature. I pick up stupid stuff like that. I use a lot of humor, to get through the day, if I am nervous around somebody, I tend to joke (that is if I know them well enough) and I use that stupid stuff in my head, as well as what I know about the person to craft a joke I think they will like, make that quick quip at the most inopportune time to make the whole table bust out laughing. That's just about my speed. Well .... I thought of something at dinner tonight. Along the lines of what my dad had said. So I made mention, that I would "kill" on 'Laugh-In' .... be more memorable than the 'Sock-it-to-me' etc. But then it occured to me. How funny would a guy be making a whole bunch of 1930's references on Laugh-In?

Posted by sgowell at 07:41 PM | Comments (0)

July 20, 2002

City Pulse Horoscope

From the Week of July 10

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21):
The best science-fiction show on TV is "Farscape." John Crichton stars as an astronaut from Earth who has been accidentally flung to the far reached of the galaxy during a chance encounter with a wormhole. His predicament has a resemblance to ours, Scorpio, wouldn't you say? Like him, fortunately, you're making the most of your wayward adventure. There's another parallel. "I'm the reverse King Arthur," Crichton brags at one point, oozing self-deprecating humor: "I can put the sword back into the stone." I advise you Scorpios to do something similar: Return the magical you-know-what to where it came from. A few weeks from now, you can circle back and retrieve it. At that time, you'll be primed to take full advantage of the power you're not yet ready to use.
nifty

Posted by sgowell at 02:41 PM | Comments (0)

July 18, 2002

If I had a raft

If I had a raft like this, I would go swimmin' more often.

c/o foxtrot

Posted by sgowell at 11:10 PM | Comments (0)

July 08, 2002

4th of July

I had a great 4th of July weekend, Nikki and I spent some great
quality time together at her place. I finally got some sun (seriously,
and a nasty back burn), picked up some cool sandals,
swam in lake huron (my feet touched the bottom, but hey), got
harassed by a nasty minnow (but I kicked its ASS), got some
Kowalski Hunter Sausage, grabbed a copy of Munchkin
(still looking for the addon), scored a copy of the new GotF, finished the 2nd Ender Book, got some ice creamy goodness,
got Nikki a stuffed 'Stitch' ("Hi"), and we picked up some magazines
about weddings in Michigan. I don't want to gloss over that last part.
I love Nikki so very very much, and I want to make our wedding perfect.
I know that it can be everything we want, and I know it will be wonderful!

Posted by sgowell at 10:13 PM | Comments (0)

May 30, 2002

I Love Perl!

I love Perl:

$var =~ s/\r\n| \n/< br >/g;

Converts all carriage returns to line breaks!!!

Posted by sgowell at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)

April 28, 2002

Hunter Sausage: (from Kowalski)

Coarsely ground pork; seasoned with black and white pepper and a generous amount of fresh garlic. An all pork version of the beef stick.

Posted by sgowell at 04:27 PM | Comments (0)

April 18, 2002

Built another antenna today: (only

Built another antenna today:
(only missing the n-connector)

Posted by sgowell at 08:01 PM | Comments (0)

April 09, 2002

Netstumbler in Action

From the basement of the Seaborg Center
I connected to 4 access points. 1 in the
LRC, 2 in Seaborg, and 1 unknown one.

Posted by sgowell at 08:30 PM | Comments (0)

I just finished up my

I just finished up my pringles antenna to find out that someone in the UP kinda has me beat.

Granite Island Light Station Website
(a 9.5 MILE wireless link ..... JEEZ)

Posted by sgowell at 07:44 PM | Comments (0)

April 06, 2002

Game Boy Advance Web Server

Game Boy Advance Web Server here.
Wow. Wow. Wow. What else can I say?

Posted by sgowell at 11:53 PM | Comments (0)

April 04, 2002

Pringles Can Antenna Project

Pringles Can Antenna Project here.

Posted by sgowell at 08:43 PM | Comments (0)

March 25, 2002

Cryptonomicon

I just finished Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon. It was absolutely awesome. If you have any interest with the history of encryption, computing in general, or how computers took part in WWII, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.

Obligatory Amazon Link

Posted by sgowell at 01:16 AM | Comments (0)

March 16, 2002

What does THAT mean?

You may have noticed the image at the top of the previous column. The two symbols are the tilde '~' and the upside down 'A' or ", which in propositional logic terms means "Not" and "For All" respectively. The Latin phrase below it translates to "Not Universal".

Posted by sgowell at 01:05 AM | Comments (0)

February 18, 2002

Cool Links of the Day - (from Work)

How to Fix the Unix Configuration Nightmare
Sleep Less, Live Longer?

Posted by sgowell at 08:55 AM | Comments (0)

February 16, 2002

Cool Links of the Day

Run Up2date Linux Everywhere
Freedom Server Source
Judge says "I want Windows Source Code!"
The Not so Wonderful World

Posted by sgowell at 08:23 PM | Comments (0)

February 14, 2002

Cool Links of the Day

SubProfile.org
8wire
Linux, Apple & more
Bouncy Castle
Dream Catcher<
8ball Mindstorms with Linux

Posted by sgowell at 02:09 PM | Comments (0)

February 13, 2002

Cool Link of the Day

Edward the less

Posted by sgowell at 02:05 PM | Comments (0)

Cool Links of the Day - (from work)

Serious Lego
Socket Programming in PHP

Posted by sgowell at 09:02 AM | Comments (0)

February 12, 2002

What is the matter with me?

Posted by sgowell at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)

I'm what?!?

Wowie! You are Redensek! You are techy yet cute, and pretty much all around cool. Everyone loves you! You're fun, popular, and can mold yourself to fit right in to any situation.
Get it here

Posted by sgowell at 09:59 PM | Comments (0)

Cool Links of the Day (Part 3)

Darwin Streaming Server vs. Quicktime Streaming Server
Mini VGA Device
Hitachi + Xybernaut
Distributed Computing Project Listing

Posted by sgowell at 09:49 PM | Comments (0)

Cool Links of the Day (part 2)

New D-Link Wireless Cam
Cyberspace Atlas of Wireless Networks
Wireless Network Visualization Project
The Internet as an OS
Cool IKEA Chair
TV Barn woo hoo

Posted by sgowell at 03:48 PM | Comments (0)

Cool Links of the Day (part 1)

802.11b Weblog
Secret Lives of Numbers
The Anti-Bloggies

Posted by sgowell at 01:36 PM | Comments (0)

February 11, 2002

Cool Links of the Day

Noctis IV
Noctis V (in production)
Real A/V plugin for WinAMP

Posted by sgowell at 11:59 PM | Comments (0)

February 09, 2002

Cool Links of the Day

Little Guy
Statbuilder
Quantum Computing in Perl
One Runtime to Bind them all
Leobner Prize
Chatterbox Challenge

Posted by sgowell at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)

February 08, 2002

Suck it long, and Suck and hard.

In the immortal words of Sean Connery (with some license):

Suck it AOL.... Suck it long, and Suck it hard.

Get Trillian here

Posted by sgowell at 01:29 PM | Comments (0)

Cool Links of the Day

Zero Format
Got Any Spare Keyboards?
Cool LCD Box

Posted by sgowell at 12:23 AM | Comments (0)

February 06, 2002

Purple Monkey Dishwasher

Found this on Kottke dot org

Posted by sgowell at 07:52 PM | Comments (21)

Cool Links of the Day

Day of Defeat (Half-Life Mod):
WWII Mod... nuff said
Existential Pud:
See if Bazooka Joe is Amoral or Immoral?
MSN Messenger Security Check:
Does your IM Client say more that it should?
Find out here.
BCDB:
Big Comic Database ... IMDB ... LOOKOUT!
Natural Hazards c/o NASA:
Is a Tsunami coming your way?
Nutshell Toolbar:
Search google, imdb, amazon etc. in a toolbar

Posted by sgowell at 07:45 PM | Comments (0)

Cool Links of the Day

Peter White Public Library and
FSM Labs: Home of RealTime Linux
come on .... all the cool muppets are doing it

Posted by sgowell at 12:26 AM | Comments (0)

February 04, 2002

Cool Links of the Day

NEC Research Index
The Brain
Little Computer People

Posted by sgowell at 11:59 PM | Comments (0)

February 02, 2002

Cool Link of the Day

Jump the Shark

I want a Back to the Future Trilogy DVD set!

Posted by sgowell at 11:16 PM | Comments (0)

January 29, 2002

Cool Links of the Day

Pulse and
GoogleWhack

Posted by sgowell at 11:09 PM | Comments (0)

January 27, 2002

Cool Links of the Day

Lego Death and
Flash Slot Cars

Posted by sgowell at 10:48 PM | Comments (0)

January 26, 2002

Googlewhack - Penguin Speaker

penguin: 1,600,000 hits
speaker: 5,930,000 hits
"penguin speaker": 1 hit
Total Googlewhack Points: 9488000000000

Posted by sgowell at 09:28 PM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2002

Googlewhacking is fun

Violin 1,140,000 hits
Sausage 641,000 hits
"Violin Sausage" 1 hit
Total Googlewhack Points: 730740000000

Posted by sgowell at 08:56 AM | Comments (0)

January 24, 2002

Library Broadband

I am currently in the Peter White Library.
Downtown Marquette, MI.
And we have BROADBAND!

Posted by sgowell at 07:15 PM | Comments (0)

January 21, 2002

WTF?

WTF does 'WTF?" mean?

Posted by sgowell at 02:25 AM | Comments (0)

January 16, 2002

Wow ... I guess my

Wow ... I guess my 3rd Ed Workout helped.

Str: 11
Int: 13
Wis: 16
Dex: 15
Con: 8
Chr: 14

What are your prime stats?

Posted by sgowell at 03:21 AM | Comments (0)

Moodstats

Moodstats
A program from the guys at k10k. You feed in data about your day (as well as journaling), and it spits out some beautifully created graphs with correlations.

Fully Searchable, and the registered version even allows for syncing with other users.

Pretty damn sweet if you ask me.

Posted by sgowell at 02:16 AM | Comments (0)

Great Web Dev Quote

A Web Developers Resource Site:
"If it ain't stylesheets, fix it..."

Posted by sgowell at 02:01 AM | Comments (0)

What Clerks Character are You?

Apparently I am Dante from Clerks

You have a very simple view of life, and it takes a lot of convincing to get you to break your routine. You seem to overreact over petty things, and your one track mind keeps you from focusing in on your main problem: the fact that you never let go of the past. You're too busy thinking about what used to be that you don't notice the wonderful things you have right in front of you. You fail to appreciate your interesting adventures because of the broken record playing in your head: "I'm not even supposed to be here today!"

Posted by sgowell at 01:52 AM | Comments (0)

January 06, 2002

T-minus

T-minus 75 hours and counting before I go back to NMU.

This break has gone pretty well. I was expecting a big fight with my parents, as always, but none. In fact I think we all really clicked for once.

I got to spend some time with my friends, not enough though. Saw a couple movies (Joe Somebody, Life as a House, and Behind Enemy Lines).

Got way to much stuff for Christmas, I have always been so spoiled by my folks. This year was no exception.

Well, I will be outta here before too long. This semester should prove to be interesting.

Posted by sgowell at 09:43 PM | Comments (0)

January 02, 2002

What VG Character are You?

I am a Gauntlet Adventurer.

I strive to improve my living conditions by hoarding gold, food, and sometimes keys and potions. I love adventure, fighting, and particularly winning - especially when there's a prize at stake. I occasionally get lost inside buildings and can't find the exit. I need food badly.

Posted by sgowell at 04:53 PM | Comments (0)

December 18, 2001

Google Catalog Search

New Google Catalog Search here.
Pretty Sweet!

Posted by sgowell at 12:36 AM | Comments (0)

December 06, 2001

Trillian Update

The new version of Trillian has:
File Transfers, Buddy Icons, and more!

Posted by sgowell at 08:27 AM | Comments (0)

December 02, 2001

What Transformer Are You?

If I was an Autobot, I'd be:

Posted by sgowell at 09:40 PM | Comments (0)

November 07, 2001

Such a Child

"1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child,
I talked like a child,
I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child.

When I became a man,
I put childish ways behind me."

I am still such a child. :)

Posted by sgowell at 09:22 PM | Comments (0)

October 30, 2001

Prime Pooper!

A java applet of a bear that poops prime numbers here.

Posted by sgowell at 10:56 PM | Comments (0)

October 20, 2001

Uh-Oh

Guess what new toy I got.
Check it out here.

Posted by sgowell at 12:46 AM | Comments (0)

September 30, 2001

Down the Path

I stepped down the path yesterday.

It is a path of hardship, with times of deep sorrow.

I purchased the Sorting Hat (#4701).

I...MUST...HAVE...THEM...ALL!

Posted by sgowell at 02:58 PM | Comments (0)

June 03, 2001

The Essential Dragonlance

The Essential Dragonlance
1. Dragons of Autumn Twilight
2. Dragons of Winter Night
3. Dragons of Spring Dawning
4. Time of the Twins
5. War of the Twins
6. Test of the Twins
7. The Soulforge
8. Brother's in Arms
9. Dragons of Summer Flame
10. Dragons of a Fallen Sun
11. Dragons of a Lost Star
      (waiting for paperback)
12. Dragons of a Vanished Moon
      (waiting for paperback)

Posted by sgowell at 12:08 PM | Comments (0)

June 01, 2001

Worms World Party

*does the "I Got WWP!!!" dance*
-with the mouth background music-

Posted by sgowell at 08:52 PM | Comments (0)

RAMEN!!!

Posted by sgowell at 02:56 PM | Comments (0)

May 31, 2001

Goodbye Douglas

The man who taught me to think,
the man who gave me the world,
has died.

Douglas Adams is dead at 49.
Rest in Peace.

Posted by sgowell at 03:26 AM | Comments (0)

April 30, 2001

What ... Me Worry?

So you ask yourself, "Why is Scott worried about his exams?" I will tell you.

First off, AN 100 has been killing me all semester, lots of material to cover, and a basic lack of knowledge on what the professor tests on (types of questions...which of the material to focus on and such). But, After doing immensely better on my last test, and setting up two study groups to insure we are all prepared, I feel confident (Exam @ 10am - 12pm on Wednesday 25th.)

My other cummulative test is in Probs and Stats, and I am not as worried about that anymore. Dr. Zhang said we would be allowed one formula sheet and three data tables ( z, t, and chi²) so I should be ok there. Plus, its M/C. (Exam @ 10am - 12pm on Monday 23rd.)

PL 100 has been going great for me all semester so I feel confident that I can study the basics of the last chapter we are going over and I should do just fine. Only problem I might forsee is that it's an early exam. (Exam @ 8am - 10am on Thursday 26th)

Lastly, is CS 302. Randy has promised an inconsequential written final in which he will test on basic Unix command line stuff. The other part of the exam I should finish today, so I am not worried. (Exam @ 3pm - 4pm on Monday 23rd)

So after reading that you are probably still wondering why I would be worried about my exams. Truth be told, after writing that out, I'm not anymore.

Sometimes it is just good to get things out in the open.

Posted by sgowell at 01:15 PM | Comments (0)

April 28, 2001

Bye old friend

Its about a quarter to 6 on 4/28 I am just about finished packing up my life into a whole life into a couple of boxes for the 6th (I think) time, and I am f*ing tired. I leave to go home after sticking most of it in storage.

So ... bye NMU, I will be back.
Just not soon enough.

Posted by sgowell at 05:46 AM | Comments (0)

April 20, 2001

Homecoming

So ... I should be home by the evening of the 29th. It is almost 4:30 in the morning and I can't get to sleep.

I went and picked up a storage unit for the summer. O'Dovero Storage was not too bad. 225$ w/40$ deposit split 2 ways. Could be a lot worse . . . . could make two trips. Yuck .... *pictures 21 hours*

Also found out that the rear passenger-side tire was about 10 psi low. How the hell that happened I have no idea. When I picked up the tire gauge I also got 2 RubberMaid™ Roughneck totes.

So I should start packing tomorrow.

I would like nothing more than to just be done with school for the year. But four exams are to follow. I am only really worried about two of them though.
The two cummulative tests are gonna be the toughies. But I am confident.

Good Night All . . .

Posted by sgowell at 04:26 AM | Comments (0)

April 16, 2001

Housing Movie Network

Since I never posted it here: HMN: Housing Movie Network

Posted by sgowell at 01:58 PM | Comments (0)

February 15, 2001

Are you lucky?

When our society has sayings like "bad hair day", apathy has become adopted and respect has been forgotten, I wonder, do any of us have it bad.

Posted by sgowell at 12:09 AM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2001

KaK Sucks and so does re-imaging

So . . . A virus went across campus yesterday.

One RA or RD somewhere got KaK and it spread to all the RAs and RDs and to most of campus.

I laughed . . . because it actually got one of the CS Profs too. (silly Andy, viruses are for idiots), and because most of campus needed to re-image their laptops. I know better and was never sent it,so I didn't get affected by it.

Today, I went to the LRC to try out one of their Wireless Ethernet Cards (AN 100 is just too boring sometimes) and what does it do but screw up my computer. So I re-imaged today. But have no fear I got up and running in record time so I am still cool.

Posted by sgowell at 01:00 AM | Comments (0)

January 15, 2001

Bloggercode

Geekcode was cool. Here is my Blogger Code.

B9 d- t k- s- u- f- i- o+ x-- e l c+

Posted by sgowell at 12:52 AM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2001

Goats is cool + Jobs

How to get a job at college
1. Watch TV
2. See Ad
3. Print Out Resume
4. Hand in Resume and Interview
5. Get Job

Thats all I had to do!

Posted by sgowell at 12:19 AM | Comments (0)

December 21, 2000

It places the Legos in the baggies

Got some plastic baggies. So I disassembled most of my legos
and inventoried them last night. Here is a taste.

628 X-Large Gray Baseplate
1459 Build a Santa and Chimney
1555 Santa Claus
1843 Special Value (Spyrius / Royal Knights)
3033 1200 pc Tub
3050 Shanghai Surprise
3052 Ninja Fire Fortress
4805 Ninja Knights
4806 Axe Cart
4930 Rock Raider Minifigs
5900 Adventurer (Johnny Thunder)
5902 River Raft
5918 Scorpion Tracker
5925 Pontoon Plane
5928 Bi-Wing Baron
5936 Spiders Secret
5938 Oasis Ambush
5956 Air Zepplin
5976 River Expedition
6013 Samurai Swordsman
6016 Knight's Arsenal
6020 Magic Shop
6026 King Leo
6027 Bat Lord's Catapult
6031 Fright Force
6032 Catapult Crusher
6033 Treasure Transport
6037 Witch's Windship
6045 Ninja Surprise
6047/6099 Traitor Transport<
6048 Majisto's Workshop
6056 Dragon Wagon
6094 Guarded Treasury
6095 Royal Joust
6436 Beach Buggy
6437 Beach Buggy
6470 Mini-Dump Truck
6498 Go-Kart
6831 Message Decoder
6837 Cosmic Creeper
6832 Super Nova II
6903 Bug Blaster
7104 Desert Skiff
7101 Lightsaber Duel
7110 Landspeeder
7111 Droid Fighter
7115 Gungan Patrol
7121 Naboo Swamp
7124 Flash Speeder
7128 Speeder Bikes
7130 Snowspeeder
7131 Anakin's Podracer
7134 A-Wing Fighter
7140 X-Wing Figher
7141 Naboo Fighter
7144 Slave I
7150 Tie Fighter and Y Wing
7151 Sith Infiltrator
7161 Gungan Sub
7180 B-Wing at Rebel Control Center
8500 Torch Throwbot
8501 Ski Throwbot
8502 Turbo Throwbot
8503 Scuba Throwbot
8504 Jet Throwbot
8505 Amazon Throwbot
8506 Granite Throwbot
8507 Electro Throw-Bots
8520 Millenium Throwbots
8700 Technic Power Pack

Posted by sgowell at 03:21 PM | Comments (0)

Yay... Away.com

I love away.com. I love penguins. I love it when penguins are on away.com.

Posted by sgowell at 12:29 AM | Comments (0)

December 15, 2000

The Perfect Thing

Just the perfect thing for Christmas, for that rich spoiled brat in every family.

Posted by sgowell at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)

December 14, 2000

Finals Grades

I got a 90 on my Math Final and I got a B in the class.
I got 14/15 on my Networking Final.

Posted by sgowell at 06:34 PM | Comments (0)

December 13, 2000

sarcasm* Yay Final Exams.*end sarcasm*

Its 7:34 am on December 13th, 2000. I am currently
sitting in Seaborg 1207 . . . and I am tired as hell.

Posted by sgowell at 07:07 AM | Comments (0)

December 12, 2000

*cue Chainsaw*

a la Summer School ... here is my pre-exam scream!

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
(Just a tension breaker)

[NMU looks down on doing that in class]

[NMU where the N stands for knowledge!]

Posted by sgowell at 08:34 AM | Comments (0)

November 30, 2000

Cool Links of the Day

Lego Turtle
Told ya we should have gone to Burger King

Posted by sgowell at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)

So much pain

My stomach hurts right now more than anyone could possibly imagine . . .
I honestly can't believe it . . .

Posted by sgowell at 01:17 AM | Comments (0)

November 21, 2000

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Me
Happy Birthday to Me
Happy Birthday to Meeeeeeee
Happy Birthday to Me

Posted by sgowell at 12:15 PM | Comments (0)

November 16, 2000

AHHHHHHHHH!!!

I can't freakin believe it . . .
I am sitting in CS 126 . . .
and I am listening to BARRY ("ksch") LECTURE.

Posted by sgowell at 12:37 PM | Comments (0)

November 15, 2000

I am Jack's Irritable Bowel Syndrome

I am Jack's Irritable Bowel Syndrome

If you don't know what that means . . .
I am not gonna explain it to ya.

Posted by sgowell at 05:56 PM | Comments (0)

Phantom Knight ?!?

Okay . . . so I am just bloggin' checking up links on some sites and I find The Dark Name Generator.

Scott Gowell, from this day forward you you will also be known as Phantom Knight.

Wow! O_o

Posted by sgowell at 05:53 PM | Comments (0)

OW OW OW OW OW OW!!!!!!

I rush home from Cat Trax since I got the last loaf of bread. I go to the toaster oven and BAM burnt the top of my hand.

Posted by sgowell at 12:50 AM | Comments (0)

November 10, 2000

What Florida had to deal with!

heh!

Posted by sgowell at 03:51 PM | Comments (0)

November 08, 2000

Heywood Jablomi

Heywood Jablomi . . . hilarious

Posted by sgowell at 01:51 PM | Comments (0)

November 07, 2000

One Regret

I wish I would have been a kid longer . . .
I wish I would have enjoyed my childhood as a kid . . .
Because when I act like a child now . . . I am frowned upon.
I am not unintelligent, retarded, or just plain dumb.
I just like acting like the kid I always tried to hide.
What did I get out of life trying to act like an adult?
An ulcer? Maybe
Depression? Probably
Unlimited wealth? Hell No!
Respect? If so, from whom?
I don't think it was worth it.
But that's just me.

Posted by sgowell at 03:31 AM | Comments (0)

October 30, 2000

Sick and Tired

It is 3 o'clock in the freakin morning and I can't sleep . . .

I feel sick again . . .
I am so sick and tired of being sick and tired all the time.

Posted by sgowell at 03:04 AM | Comments (0)

October 16, 2000

I'm still stuck in the Eighties!

I was a child of the 80's

All these cartoons rocked!!!

Posted by sgowell at 10:18 AM