[Musings] Mental Static.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2004/1128/cover.html

To quote Arthur Dent, "I seem to be having tremendous difficulty with my lifestyle."

Wow this article says just like I feel...

[Musings] D'oh! I knew I forgot something...

Yeah I have been forgetting to update my blog. I hope I haven't lost too many readers. Things are starting to quiet down. New job and the holidays have kept me busy.

The holidays are mixed times for me. On the one hand I enjoy the holidays, the traditions, the trappings of the various spirits, etc. I don't like the commercialization, but that is part of living in a capitalist society, if someone can make a buck, they will. On the other hand I also dread the holidays. As I have grown up I have become more distant from my family as we have all gone our separate ways and lives. I do honestly make an effort to find common ground with my family, but as the years go by I find there is less and less we can talk about. I have become more urban and cosmopolitan, while my family remains more rural and down to earth. This isn't a bad thing, it is just different. Our daily experiences of life do not move in the same ways anymore. Common ground does exist (i.e. politics), but politics grow old after discussing it every holiday. Some of it is also that my mother, after almost 30 years is starting to learn that her son is no longer 11 and interested in dragons, castles and wizards (well I still am, but on a more intellectual level and not in the figurine way).

My friend (happy birthday Jer!) turned 30. We promptly sent him to carousel (or carrousal as the movie credits call it) and recycled him for his constituient nutrients. I turned 30 soon as well. Wow, what happened to my 20s!?!?! I don't think I would want to go back and re-live them, especially parts of my later 20s. But I wish I had the body I had when I was 20, the ability to stay up 36 hours straight and sleep 18 hours at a time. Now I find it hard to stay up past 11pm and sleep longer than 9 hours.

Ah well enough for now, I am just rambling anyways.

[Musings] The Distributed Life, FIN

After 4 months The Distributed Life (!tm) is over. I thank my employer (who I have now left) for allowing me to work from a virtual office, it helped us both get through a transition period. I really did expect to do this long term, but over the four months it slowly become more and more strained. When I was in Rochester my personal life was good (wife), but my professional life was bad (not in the office keeping up on gossip, goings-on, etc.). When I was in the Twin Cities my professional life was good, but my personal life was bad. Upon the sucessful search and acquisition of a job with all things *nix in Rochester, it meant that I could end the Distributed Life. It is so nice to live in one place again.

[Musings] Switching jobs

Well I go and it is done. I am happy and looking forward to switching jobs. The last month has been a time of reflection and a time of looking forward. I have spent my entire adult life here at this location (not with the same company as half-way through my career here I was moved over to the out-sourcer). Almost 10 years. I have bucked the trend of being an IT professional who switched jobs every 1.5-3 years. That is not for me. Part of my job satisfaction is know the people with which I work and developing those relationships. I have been lucky in that respect. Sadly American Capitalism does not reward people who stay at a job for any length of time. Which is truly sad. Someone who spends 20 years somewhere, knows the company, the job, the people and so much more inside and out gets paid less than someone they hire of the street. This isnt right. But I digress. I am leaving because I am moving to a new city to be with my wife who is going to graduate school. I am excited about the new job. I am looking forward to the new challenges and the chance to meet new people. It will fufill a goal of mine to be working for a non-profit as well as being able to walk to work (I need the exercise).

I am sad to be leaving the people I have worked with for almost 10 years, but I look forward to the new environment.

[Nerd] Live from LISA 2004 in Atlanta, GA...

Its GeistX!!!

Look me up if you are a fellow sys admin geek type. I won't tell you anymore, you will have to guess which one is me...

[Musings] Catch up...

I know I've been quiet for a bit. But you have to allow for the fact that the last two weeks have been unusual. From the elections (which was an emotional defeat for me) to the prospects of options that will change my future. I've been busy.

I've finished a couple of books:

Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn
Hard Contact by Karen Traviss (yeah I know I am on a Star Wars kick)

Still reading:
The Corporation
9/11 Commission Report (whew)
Globalization and its Discontents

My book reading has slowed down, but only because I have started reading more and more newspapers such as the City Pages, Star Tribune (online), NY Times (online), and Salon (online pdf daily download).

Now back to the election. I have nothing to say that probably hasn't been said by thousands of other bloggers or pundits. I am starting to come out of the shock of it and I am starting to come down from the anxiety I had. My wife and I were more politically active this year, than all the years of our lives combined. We volunteered, took part in the caucus, sent money, and became active in local DFL chapters. We met interesting people, got to know our local politicians and our candidates. I had experiences that have changed my life and I do not regret who I've helped campagin for, nor do I have regrets that I could have done more. I felt like I was part of something bigger. I do feel distraught that the second Presidential election that I took part in resulted in another Bush Presidenticy, which leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth and a bit of deja'vu. I pray the next four years are better than the last four and I really hope that the crazy economic and social policies I keep hearing about never come to pass.

[Politics] VOTE!

Here is what I posted on my Gaming Outfit's forums, I felt it apt to repost here, I tried very hard to be non-partisan because voting, for whomever is a right that was hard won in this country:

"Tuesday is Nov 2, why is this important (at least to the Americans)?


Because it is FUCKING ELECTION DAY!

I don't give a rat's ass or two-shits (whichever you prefer) who you vote for, just GET YOUR ASS OUT AND VOTE!!!*

Some of you may ask, 'GeistX, what crawled up your ass and died?' or 'OMGGWTF dude?', well let me respond.

1) Part of being a citizen in a participatory democracy is voting (along with healthy dissent, intelligent debate, unbiased news, and informed decisions, which as you may guess we as a democracy need to work on a few of these items, I would assign them to Blackwater to research, but being a Canadian from Canadia, he of course cannot address these issues in the US). As with taxes, every citizen has not only the privilage, but also the right to vote in this country. We as a people have fought over way too many things, in way too many places, and with each other not to exercise these hard won rights.

2) The future of this country is tied not only to us as a people, but those who represent us, from the President to the lowly County Clerk. If you want to have a hand in building the future (whether for good or bad), you need to vote. Eventhough the Electoral College 'buffers' (I almost said buggers) the Presidential election, often there is more than just the President on an ballot (this is why non-Presidential election years it is vital that you also vote). Such issues ranging from local officials to levies for taxes, referendums for new schools, or even possible restrictions (such as smoking bans, emission standards, etc.).

3) I won't say voting isn't cool, but then again neither is responsibility. But if you vote I will think you are cool. You want me to think you are cool don't you?

4) We are at war, on many fronts and in many forms, leadership is vital for this country and for morale. When people vote, you are taking part in this leadership, you send a clear message that you care. When you vote you are electing leaders who will choose by proxy for us decisions that affect our course in these conflicts and these discourses.

Seriously voting may not seem like much, but know that you have something that not everyone in the world has. The right to choose, the ability to express yourself and affect the course of this country. These basic rights are often taken for granted, but when I vote, I feel like I am participating in something larger than me.

Sorry to get all political, but really take advantage of your right and privilage. For those of you who are not old enough to vote, you can still participate, in learning the issues, following the process, and most importantly in my opinion. Questioning everything and make your own decisions and conclusions.

Word.



* = assuming of course that you are not a felon, are old enough, and are a legal U.S. citizen, if you are not all of these, then try and vote anyways, it will be worth the excitement."

[Musings] The Distributed Life, part next

I've been doing The Distriubted Life (tm) as I call it now for about 2 months. It sucks on many levels, but it does have it's bright points. For example, I spend half of my time in the luxurious (compared to my cube) office, where I have easy access to coffee, a snack, a fish tank with entrancing tropical fish and most importantly, my office helpers, my cats. Not to sound like a crazy pet person, but I really love my cats. When I am having a tough day dealing with all things *nix, my cat will hop in my lap and start purring. Instant stress relief. I think what makes pets so theraputic is the fact that they are so interactive. You give them love or attention, and they give it back, instant satisfaction. They help remind you that there is more in life than work.

[DVD] Super Size Me

I will never go to McDonalds again.

[Books] Post your reading list!

My [Ramblings] of a little while ago where I posted my reading list, and recommendation from AC made me decide, please post your reading lists! It will be a great way to exchange reading ideas.

My list at the moment (note it is a little different as I have finished a few books):


The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Power and Profit by Joel Bakan
Manufacturing Consent by Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman
Star Wars - Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn (4th rereading)
Imperial Hubris by Anonymous
The 9/11 Commision Report by the 9/11 Commission (very enlightening)

[Review] Star Wars Battlefront

Rating: T for Teen (which like PG-13, which is a red flag for me with movies, but games are different)

Synopsis: Battlefield 1942 with Wookies.

What worked/What I liked:

- you get to shoot gungans, a lot of gungans
- you get to shoot ewoks, a lot of ewoks
- the sounds was phenominal
- the graphics were liquid smooth on my computer
- you get to drive AT-ATs
- Wookie Smugglers + Ammo driod = teh win
- the republic gunship is the shit, a flying tank and one of the easier craft to fly

What didn't work/What I didn't like:

- maps were too small, especially the ones where you could fly stuff
- TIE Fighters and Xwings are not atmospheric ships in my book
- the bot AI while not impressive was better than bf1942's, but it was still limited
- historical campaigns didn't let you choose a side, while it was fun shooting gungans as part of the droid army, I would have preferred to play the Empire on the Endor mission
- bf1942 like mouse controlled flying

What I haven't tried yet:

- multiplayer online (just haven't had time), but I really hope it isn't like bf1942, where my online experience was ruined by people who were able to snipe me from across the far side of the map right as I spawned. Battlefront's sniper weapons aren't one-shot kill weapons so this may be better. Now I may just spawn in front of an AT-AT. :-)

[Politics] Educated Voters = good for democracy

Because informed voters are the backbone of a healthy democracy I felt I would post a few links from Wikipedia that I found to be helpful to understand the U.S. electoral process.

Description of the US Electoral College

Description of the two-party system

The Spoiler Effect

Gerrymandering

Instant run-off voting, an option against deadlocks or ties

Condorcet Voting, another good alternative

Duverger's Law, a discussion of how first-past-the-post fosters two-party systems

Factcheck.org, a non-partisan political fact-checking site

Yes my posting seems biased towards options to the two party system and they are. I feel that the two parties have become so monolithic it is hard for them to represent the ideaologies and feelings of all their members. I have spoken to many people who do not like the two options they are given as they are neither Republican or Democrat, yet share beliefs in common with elements of each party. Since the Democrat shunning of the Green Party in 2000, the two-party system has further widened the divisions and feelings, the only counter-balance this election, in my opinion, is the liberal fear of 4 more years of a Bush Administration. We, as a free peoples, with a high level of literacy and education should have more than two parties and we should be able to figure out a way to more effectively express everyone's beliefs and play nicely in the sandbox that is America's politics.

[Ramblings] Slow week

I know I have not posted much lately. Been busy with the 'Distributed Life (tm)' and the toil that I call work. So I guess I am just wasting everyone who bothers to read this time.

Last weekend my wife and I went to go see the movie 'Shaun of the Dead', I have to say best zombie movie I have seen in a while. Very cheeky and well done. I would rank my favorite zombie movies as:

1) Dawn of the Dead (original 1960s version)
2) Shaun of the Dead
3) Bad Taste
4) Dead Alive
5) Evil Dead series

People have told me I should see 'Bio Zombie' and a few have recommended 'Chopper Chicks from Zombietown'. My wife says I am obsessed with zombie movies. I just like them is all. I also like dystopia/alternate reality movies and my top 5 of them are:

1) Clockwork Orange
2) 1984
3) Brazil
4) Matrix (first movie)
5) THX-1138

[Multimedia] Star Wars Trilogy DVD / THX-1138 Director's Cut

I purchased the Star Wars Trilogy DVD and received THX-1138 DVD for cheap when buying they as a package deal. Here is my review:

THX-1138: I loved it. I enjoy dystopia movies and I felt this movie was adequately creepy, depressing and technically well done. Robert Duval did an excellent acting job.

Star Wars DVD: Eventhough I have accused Lucas of raping my childhood, in deep and serious reflections, Star Wars was a large part of my life since watching it for the first time at the Kanabec County Fair in the Mora fairgrounds back in 1981. I remember fondly when my Grandmother took me to see Return of the Jedi at Har Mar theaters in 1983. To the christmas of 1982 when I received the Millenium Falcon as a Xmas gift. I was an introverted child who lived in the middle of no where, my friends were often the action figures I played with. Star Wars is a deep part of my nerd-meme as much as Star Trek, Dr Who and Blake 7. I feel the DVDs were worth the purchase because they really have been redone with better effects, crisper images and improved sound. Some criticisms remain:

1) Han and Greedo shoot at the same time now. While not as cool as when he shoots first and in cold blood, it is better than Greedo shooting first.

2) The Jabba scene looks a little better than the 1997 version, but they should have done him as either a hologram or kept that scene out. He still looks CGI (as do the Gungans).

3) The 'Weeeesaaaa Freeeeee!' scene of Naboo during the celebration scene in Jedi wasn't really needed. Seriously, less Gungans = better.

4) The original theatrical movies with the set would have been nice. But after reflection I will give Lucas his dues, they are his intellectual property, he owns them, if this is really the penultimate of his artistic vision for Star Wars so be it. Just apologize for the damn Gungans and we can call it good.

What I liked:

1) The hours and hours of production footage, cut scenes and such in the documentaries. But I love this stuff, I watched the 12 hours of the LotR documentaries too. I wish they would have put in the Ice Creature in the Hoth base scene or the Anchorhead meeting of Luke and Biggs, that would have been cool.

2) Sound is much, much improved. And the digital clarity has allowed me to appreciate even more some of the minuatae to detail.

3) Episode 3 preview was interesting, even though short on details. I am waiting to see how he fixes (if he fixes) the continuity issues between EP 1-3 and 4-6.

Oh well. I know one person is chomping at the bit to flame me for having purchased this set.

[Politics] State Constitutional Amendment for private corporate funding?

MPR Coverage of the "Itasaca Project" which will raise the gas tax, create a metro sales tax, raise license tab fees, and setup toll roads to pay for the redesign of Twin Cities poorly designed roadway infrastructure. I am all for unknotting the roadways in the Twin Cities because the frequent 3 lanes to 1 lane interchanges are annoying and time consuming. But making a Constitutional Amendment to call for taxes to pay private coporations seems very wrong (even insidious). The constitutional amendment approach is allow Gov Pawlenty to save face with his 'no increase/no new taxes' promise which is costing this state dearly in terms of the standard of living, public services, and education.

[Esoterica] An observation on science

We percieve the world about us through its interaction with our nervous system. Every perception is defined by duration, intensity, frequency and modality (or quality). It's the modality of perception that I find most interesting- it's one of the most complex features of sensation. Our sensory modalities are the ones you learned in kindergarten- visual, olfactory, auditory, somatosensory (pain, touch and balance), and taste. These modalities are highly specific and somewhat narrow in nature, however. The range of visible light is only a small fraction of the spectrum; our chemical perceptions (such as smell and taste) are limited; we can only accurately sense changes in temperature from about 5-45°C, and so on.

Most, if not all, of science is devoted to development of new or extended perceptive modalities. For example, we use instruments to observe things too small or too far away for vision and to quantitate energy at a molecular level. We enlarge normal cellular processes to a size and scope perceptible by our eyes; we make computers to listen to the noise of stars; we measure the magnetic properties of molecules to determine their structure and interactions. We constantly desire to know what we do not, and cannot, determine directly- we seek a deeper level of interaction through perception of the world around us. This is the drive of science.

But what then? If every modality was within our grasp, how would we use it? Will the day come when we have observed all? This, I think, is the eternal conflict of scientists: you must have unerring faith in your ability to detect something novel, to invent a modality to make an observation no one else has been able to percieve; you must also have absolute confidence that tomorrow you will observe something anew, that the mystery is unending. We seek all perceptions, confident that we will not find the end.

[Newspaper] The Onion moves to the Twin Cities.

The Onion has moved its publishing to the Twin Cities! I am so happy. When they moved to New York in 2001 it became hard to find it here. I was surprised to start seeing it everywhere again and it makes me happy. Always a funny and often a witty read.

In the 12 years I have lived in the Twin Cities, I have found quite a few free publications that are good reads:

Twin Cities Reader (defunct, bought by a large media conglomerate and closed to reduce competition)

City Pages (hasn't been quite the same since being bought from an out of town large media conglomerate, but still decent)

The Pulse (a lot like the Twin Cities Reader, but on a smaller scale, still locally owned, politically active and has a good scope on music)

Citizen Herald (defunct, I haven't found a copy for years, was like the Onion, but locally published)

the Rake (a monthly magazine, very good)

MN Daily (U of MN newspaper, has suffered considerably from budget cuts, in 1993 it was declared one of the best college newspapers in the country, it is a shell of its former self)

Avenues (monthly newspaper of arts, food, etc. for the Twin Cities, I am not sure if it has a website)

Computer User (I do not see it around as much anymore, always a good read and a good place to find deals on hardware in the TC)

The big media newspapers in town such as the Pioneer Press and Star Tribune are almost unreadable anymore since they were each purchased by giant media conglomerates (all of the Twin Cities newspapers were purchased within a year or so of each other in the mid-90s shortly after the deregulation of media ownership by the FCC, Twin Cities' newspapers and publications have suffered considerably. While allowing them to survive, a lot of them have lost their edge because of distant corporate ownership) and now are inoffensive, homogenized, 8th grade reading level pieces of recycling. If I had to choose, I would pick the Star Tribune over the Pioneer Press since it is a bit better read than the PP.

[Url] memepool.com

http://www.memepool.com/

I recommend it. I've been reading it since its start and you can usually find some very interesting things to read.

[Politics] Things that make you go, WTF?!?!

Rumsfeld recently confused Saddam for Bin Laden.

Wow, I mean wow. How do confuse a dictator of a oil-rich country who was your nemesis, whom you've captured. With the leader of a radical, well-organized, terrorist organization?

Did someone forget his medicine?

I dearly hope this is a case of senility and not a case of transference. The liberal media has been a buzz over the Bush administration's re-surfacing of the rumors about Iraq harboring/helping al-Qaeda. These rumors were proved false by the 9/11 Commission Report (section 10.3, page 334).

Yet another reason to have a regime change in November. Be sure to VOTE!!!

[Reflection] In Remembrance of Sept 11th, 2001

I won't forget where I was when I heard the first plane had crashed into the first tower of the WTC. I was driving into to work listening to NPR and it was a perfect fall day. Things became much worse quickly after that.

To those who died 3 years ago today, and to those who died in the fallout of the years following it: rest in peace and may we know peace soon.



Links:
Web Archive of 9/11
911 Report