I participated in the final FPCC for 2008 today. Didn't win, didn't even get a vote, but that's OK, I got the Flikr Pic of the Day on the Weekly Volcano Website.
Edit: I previously mentioned this was posted on the Tacoma Weekly website. That is a different paper than the Weekly volcano. Thanks Tacoma Chickadee.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Am I heartless?
I ahve found that when it comes to dealing with death that I become disconnected and unemotional. I suppose it's my mechanism for not wanting to think about it. However, when I get into stressful situations I tend to shut down emotionally and only concern myself with those things that are within my control.
There are many people around me that are dealing with terminal illnesses, and I feel like I should be doing something about it. I am supportive and I'm available should they need me, do I need to be doing more? I don't even talk to my grandparents on oneside and both of them are dealing with matasticized lung cancer. I get all my updates and information through my mom and my sister, who live on the other side of the country. I live 30 miles away.
I have a couple of friends who are struggling with some personal issues right now, but it's not me, and I don't have a solution to their problem. I can't even empathize with them because I haven't even come close to experiencing anythin g like what they are going through. I am supportive and I'm available should they need me, do I need to be doing more?
I've been looking at other job options and I've applied to a few and have heard back from a couple. One is with an NPO that is doing some tough work in pseudo-stable nations helping them operate and improve their government based health care. I feel excited about the potential of working with this organization because I feel like I would be participating in something that is accomplishing something. But is it a workaround for what I should really be doing?
There are many people around me that are dealing with terminal illnesses, and I feel like I should be doing something about it. I am supportive and I'm available should they need me, do I need to be doing more? I don't even talk to my grandparents on oneside and both of them are dealing with matasticized lung cancer. I get all my updates and information through my mom and my sister, who live on the other side of the country. I live 30 miles away.
I have a couple of friends who are struggling with some personal issues right now, but it's not me, and I don't have a solution to their problem. I can't even empathize with them because I haven't even come close to experiencing anythin g like what they are going through. I am supportive and I'm available should they need me, do I need to be doing more?
I've been looking at other job options and I've applied to a few and have heard back from a couple. One is with an NPO that is doing some tough work in pseudo-stable nations helping them operate and improve their government based health care. I feel excited about the potential of working with this organization because I feel like I would be participating in something that is accomplishing something. But is it a workaround for what I should really be doing?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Friday, September 05, 2008
Frost Park Chalk-Off XXII
I participated in my second Frost Park Chalk-Off today. In case you missed it, and you probably did since I didn't post about it, I first participated two weeks go during Episode XX
That original piece was based on the Pop-Art style of Andy Warhol, the pop-art "Love Sculputure" by Robert Indiana, and The "Loyalty 253" designed by Daniel Blue.
This week I tried something different. The idea came from an old PBS program called "The Secret City" hosted by "Commander" Mark Kistler. Every week at the end of the show Commander MArk would tell his viewers to remember to "Draw! Draw! Draw!", "Keep Drawing", and "Practice Every Day!" I really enjoyed that show, and through the different discussions about Frost Park, so did some of the other Chalkies. So I payed homage to Commader Mark today by turning Tacoma into it's own "Secret City".
I want to especially thank "Darkain" for the awesome pictures he took this week. He was a really nice guy and I had te chance to chat with him a bit on the Light Rail after the event. He took some fantastic details of my work this week, which actually made me feel a lot better about it in the end.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Does Tacoma have a "Field Office"
Everyone at works thinks I had a job interview today. So I wore slacks, dress shoes and a shirt.. and Ok I had a sports coat on for a little while... but I was wearing my UW lapel pin, doesn't that count for something?
I guess not.
However, I did not have a job interview today, alas. I had what I termed "residual school." As most of you know, I completed my Master's Degree in June, and today I got to present on my final project from my concentration (Information Assurance and Cyber Security). That presentation took place at the FBI Field Office in Downtown Seattle, an unassuming building as you walk past, an empty lobby (well there is a metal detector in the lobby) some american flags and an armed guard behind thick bulletproof glass. But otherwise unassuming.
The group was made up of Information Security Professionals from across the region (most from the Seattle Area) and there were about 40 or so people. It was a lot of fun and we had some very compelling conversation about the work my class did. The Cybercrime Special Agent agreed that we tackled an extremely difficult subject and that they wished something along the lines of what we tried to do existed... and needs to exist.
I don't know if it's a way to make money, but we also came to agree that there eshould probably be a government agency for this kind of thing. I wonder if they'd have a field office in Tacoma.
I guess not.
However, I did not have a job interview today, alas. I had what I termed "residual school." As most of you know, I completed my Master's Degree in June, and today I got to present on my final project from my concentration (Information Assurance and Cyber Security). That presentation took place at the FBI Field Office in Downtown Seattle, an unassuming building as you walk past, an empty lobby (well there is a metal detector in the lobby) some american flags and an armed guard behind thick bulletproof glass. But otherwise unassuming.
The group was made up of Information Security Professionals from across the region (most from the Seattle Area) and there were about 40 or so people. It was a lot of fun and we had some very compelling conversation about the work my class did. The Cybercrime Special Agent agreed that we tackled an extremely difficult subject and that they wished something along the lines of what we tried to do existed... and needs to exist.
I don't know if it's a way to make money, but we also came to agree that there eshould probably be a government agency for this kind of thing. I wonder if they'd have a field office in Tacoma.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Escher in my very own backyard
This weekend was an interesting one in the realm of home projects, but first a little background.
When we were looking at houses a few months ago and we walked into the backyard of our current house, I squinted through the trees and said, "Hey I thinks that's [so-and-so]'s house!"
Turns out it is, and they have a young lad a few years older than my boy. They've since become best buddies. The issue is this very steep hill between our yard and theirs.
When we were looking at houses a few months ago and we walked into the backyard of our current house, I squinted through the trees and said, "Hey I thinks that's [so-and-so]'s house!"
Turns out it is, and they have a young lad a few years older than my boy. They've since become best buddies. The issue is this very steep hill between our yard and theirs.
So, I was out doing some yard work one day and asked the neighbor behind if he knew where the property line was, which he indicated by spraying his garden hose in the general direction of a little peak of cement. "Pretty sure that's the corner" he said. "OK"
So this weekend, I went back on said hill with a shovel and dug me some stairs... then on Sunday I dug me some stairs and I have a feeling for the next several days will involve digging the stairs some more... I feel like I've stepped into an Escher Painting. But so far I am happy with how things are progressing and the physical labor is good for me... or so I keep telling myself.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
When distance is an issue
It was a long hour train ride home knowing that what awaited at the other end was a police report and probably a lot of fingerprint dust... oh and the ongoing discovery of the little things that I know longer have. Like my nice watch... and my XBox.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
HAL 9000: Sounder Conductor
It's probably been more than a year since Sound Transit began using the automated conductor to make announcements aboard the train. Those of us who have ridden the train for a while have dubbed the automated computer voice "HAL".
What we've been learning lately is that HAL has a much more extensive vocabulary than the standard announcements. Usually we are greated in the morning and afternoon with such gems like:
What we've been learning lately is that HAL has a much more extensive vocabulary than the standard announcements. Usually we are greated in the morning and afternoon with such gems like:
- The train to Seattle will depart in [five] minutes.
- Doors Closing
It's beautiful, it really is. Especially with a dramatic pause between each word.
So what have been some of the new things HAL has been telling us? Well, it's only in Tacoma and I'm pretty sure only on the 6:45 AM departure:
- Never take shortcuts across the tracks
- Riders without valid fare are subject to citation and fines
- Please, don't take chances
- Please remain calm
- Thank you, and have a safe day
Thanks HAL! He has more, but this is the wisdom he imparted on us today, I'll let you know when we learn more.
Monday, August 04, 2008
This happens everytime
I have good intentions... really I do.
I have started a "blog" for the third time now, there are remnants of one on livejournal and another on MySpace, but really they aren't much more than what is listed here. (Not that anyone reads it)
I would like to make an interesting blog that my friends come and read, but I just don't know what to share, which any of them would tell you is odd coming from me as when I have a conversation I can't seem to stop talking, or take over the conversation. God forbid I try and tell you something simple without giving you the fully detailed backstory first. I usually forget what my original point was by then.
Anyway, I've read a bunch more James Bond which I intend to talk about, and even saw a Movie!!! Well, it was a DVD borrowed from a friend, but even that is rare these days.
I also just returned from a vacation.. "Staycation?" doubt it I drove about 600 miles each way.
More on those later.
I have started a "blog" for the third time now, there are remnants of one on livejournal and another on MySpace, but really they aren't much more than what is listed here. (Not that anyone reads it)
I would like to make an interesting blog that my friends come and read, but I just don't know what to share, which any of them would tell you is odd coming from me as when I have a conversation I can't seem to stop talking, or take over the conversation. God forbid I try and tell you something simple without giving you the fully detailed backstory first. I usually forget what my original point was by then.
Anyway, I've read a bunch more James Bond which I intend to talk about, and even saw a Movie!!! Well, it was a DVD borrowed from a friend, but even that is rare these days.
I also just returned from a vacation.. "Staycation?" doubt it I drove about 600 miles each way.
More on those later.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Score 1 for McDonalds
...or as the son calls it "Old MacDonald's"...
But the neighbor boy had a transformer from McDonald's and it's all the son has been able to talk about for the past few days. So the family was out doing an evening errand when we decided to forgo making dinner at home. I was almost certain that the toy du joir was going to be from "Kung Fu Panda" but I was pleasantly pleased to see the Transformers logo on the toy display in the lobby.
Now considering the son has been only able to talk about Bumblebee I was surprised that he pointed in the case and said, "I want that one" which was not Bumblebee but Megatron!
He was so happy, he almost forgot to eat his ice cream at Baskin-Robbins afterwards. And he even was cooperative (to a point) in getting ready for bed. "Can I take Blacko in the shower?" (Blacko being his name for Megatron) "Can Blacko read books with us?", "Can I play with Blacko a little longer?"
Then the coup de gras, "I just want Blacko to stand here on the bed next to me so I can see him." (after three times of the toy tipping over and falling on the floor...) "Maybe you can just put him on the shelf where I can see him and get him when I wake up on the next day."
No, he doesn't say tomorrow or today they are referred to as 'the next day' and 'this day' respectively.
But the neighbor boy had a transformer from McDonald's and it's all the son has been able to talk about for the past few days. So the family was out doing an evening errand when we decided to forgo making dinner at home. I was almost certain that the toy du joir was going to be from "Kung Fu Panda" but I was pleasantly pleased to see the Transformers logo on the toy display in the lobby.
Now considering the son has been only able to talk about Bumblebee I was surprised that he pointed in the case and said, "I want that one" which was not Bumblebee but Megatron!
He was so happy, he almost forgot to eat his ice cream at Baskin-Robbins afterwards. And he even was cooperative (to a point) in getting ready for bed. "Can I take Blacko in the shower?" (Blacko being his name for Megatron) "Can Blacko read books with us?", "Can I play with Blacko a little longer?"
Then the coup de gras, "I just want Blacko to stand here on the bed next to me so I can see him." (after three times of the toy tipping over and falling on the floor...) "Maybe you can just put him on the shelf where I can see him and get him when I wake up on the next day."
No, he doesn't say tomorrow or today they are referred to as 'the next day' and 'this day' respectively.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Book Review: Diamonds are Forever
Diamonds are Forever - Ian Fleming
copyright 1956
The fourth of Ian Fleming's novels about Agent 007 was my third. I recently have read "Doctor No" and "High Time to Kill" (1999 Bensen) and have noticed a difference between the original author of Bond and the successor. I am grateful to return to the original.
One of the first things I noticed about "Doctor No" was the skillful product placement that Fleming uses in his prose, the subtle mention of the brand of cigarettes that James Bond smokes, to the click of the Zippo Lighter, or what have you. It's subtle enough to paint the picture in your mind. Fleming apparently has done that since the beginning as the same subtle plugs appear in the earlier "Diamonds."
Bensen also uses product placement, but not quite so subtly. There is one point in the book where bond is about to chase a suspected villain up the side of one of the higher peaks of the Himalayan Mountains and returns to his tent for some climbing gear. However, the passage is not as succinct as that. In about the space of an entire page we learn the brand and model of Bond's ECW coat, the manufacturer of the oxygen tank, the maker of his tent, the manufacturer, brand and chemical makeup of each type of climbing rope he uses, and the exact manner in which Bond laces and affixes his crampons to his boots.
With the absence of such detailed product descriptions Bensen writes a good Bond story, but all the marketing really detracts from the story. Not so with Fleming. Diamonds are forever is a fun romp through London and Los Vegas, and I half expected James Bond to bump into Sinatra or Dean Martin as he played the Crapes table.
I still smile with each new character's name "Tiffany Case" and "Shady Tree" come to mind.
All and all I am looking forward to my next adventure with Bond.
copyright 1956
The fourth of Ian Fleming's novels about Agent 007 was my third. I recently have read "Doctor No" and "High Time to Kill" (1999 Bensen) and have noticed a difference between the original author of Bond and the successor. I am grateful to return to the original.
One of the first things I noticed about "Doctor No" was the skillful product placement that Fleming uses in his prose, the subtle mention of the brand of cigarettes that James Bond smokes, to the click of the Zippo Lighter, or what have you. It's subtle enough to paint the picture in your mind. Fleming apparently has done that since the beginning as the same subtle plugs appear in the earlier "Diamonds."
Bensen also uses product placement, but not quite so subtly. There is one point in the book where bond is about to chase a suspected villain up the side of one of the higher peaks of the Himalayan Mountains and returns to his tent for some climbing gear. However, the passage is not as succinct as that. In about the space of an entire page we learn the brand and model of Bond's ECW coat, the manufacturer of the oxygen tank, the maker of his tent, the manufacturer, brand and chemical makeup of each type of climbing rope he uses, and the exact manner in which Bond laces and affixes his crampons to his boots.
With the absence of such detailed product descriptions Bensen writes a good Bond story, but all the marketing really detracts from the story. Not so with Fleming. Diamonds are forever is a fun romp through London and Los Vegas, and I half expected James Bond to bump into Sinatra or Dean Martin as he played the Crapes table.
I still smile with each new character's name "Tiffany Case" and "Shady Tree" come to mind.
All and all I am looking forward to my next adventure with Bond.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Too Chicken to Chalk
The reason why I have named this blog 'tacomaless in seattle' is simply because, while I live in Tacoma, I have chosen an employment experience that is in Seattle. That means that I leave Tacoma at 6:20 AM and do not return until 5:45PM. With a family at home, that leaves me little time to participate in things Tacoma.
One of the things Tacoma that I absolutely wish I had ready access to is the Frost Park Chalk-Off that takes place on Friday's at Noon. I have been an avid and active fan, but alas only on-line via FeedTacoma. I know several of the artists, and feel like I know even more from reading their blogs.
Anyway...
On the glorious afternoon of Friday, July 4, 2008 the weather cooperated, and being a national holiday, I was actually in Tacoma at the appointed time of the above mentioned event. I had rosen before the sun that morning and participate din what my friend called "The Big 3" which is golfing on one of the major "Golfing Holidays" (Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day). HAving completed that little bit of fun, I arrived home at about 9:45am and began working in the yard experiencing the joy and fragrance of Tagro. At about 11:30 I realized that it was time to get cleaned up and head downtown for a chalking experience sans computer.
I was partially done with my yardwork, and the family was having fun getting ready for the evenings festivities and BBQ. I decided to finish doing my yard work, and stay home with the family because they didn't want to come with me. I also figured on the 4th of July croawd and the throngs of people going to TallShips.. etc. etc, parking difficulties.... [insert excuse here]
Basically, I chickened out.
The good news is that I got to chalk later on the sidewalk infront of a friends house, using the wonderful set of chalk amassed by Elle and create my first chalk masterpiece. I don't have a picture, but I know many were taken, so if anyone has a copy, feel free to post it!
I know see that Friday Chalk-offs may be coming to an end soon, or at least by the end of the summer, so if I'm going to participate, I'm going to have to get my nerve up soon and do it.
One of the things Tacoma that I absolutely wish I had ready access to is the Frost Park Chalk-Off that takes place on Friday's at Noon. I have been an avid and active fan, but alas only on-line via FeedTacoma. I know several of the artists, and feel like I know even more from reading their blogs.
Anyway...
On the glorious afternoon of Friday, July 4, 2008 the weather cooperated, and being a national holiday, I was actually in Tacoma at the appointed time of the above mentioned event. I had rosen before the sun that morning and participate din what my friend called "The Big 3" which is golfing on one of the major "Golfing Holidays" (Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day). HAving completed that little bit of fun, I arrived home at about 9:45am and began working in the yard experiencing the joy and fragrance of Tagro. At about 11:30 I realized that it was time to get cleaned up and head downtown for a chalking experience sans computer.
I was partially done with my yardwork, and the family was having fun getting ready for the evenings festivities and BBQ. I decided to finish doing my yard work, and stay home with the family because they didn't want to come with me. I also figured on the 4th of July croawd and the throngs of people going to TallShips.. etc. etc, parking difficulties.... [insert excuse here]
Basically, I chickened out.
The good news is that I got to chalk later on the sidewalk infront of a friends house, using the wonderful set of chalk amassed by Elle and create my first chalk masterpiece. I don't have a picture, but I know many were taken, so if anyone has a copy, feel free to post it!
I know see that Friday Chalk-offs may be coming to an end soon, or at least by the end of the summer, so if I'm going to participate, I'm going to have to get my nerve up soon and do it.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
So this is blogging...
I've been meaning to start a blog for quite some time now, but I'm never quite sure what it is I want to write about. You see, I am not a writer. I'm an information scientist.
What is an information scientist exactly? It's someone who looks at all the information that is being collected about us in the world and tries to make sense of it. Information Scientists are the people who work with designers to make interfaces intuitive. Information Scientists are the people who find out what exactly it is to do with the Tera-bytes of trivial minutia collected every time you buy a pack of gum at Target. Information Scientists are people who help turn data into information and help to convey that information in a way so that it can be internalized and turned into knowledge. From there it is up to you, dear reader, to take that knowledge and transform it into wisdom.
What's all this have to do with my blog? I hope it means, that I can begin to make heads or tails of all the stuff that is put out there by other Tacomans in their blogs and convert it into an outside perspective of someone who view the world through their "eyes" or words. It'll be a journey, and a conversation, and maybe we'll learn a little something about Seattle and ourselves in the process.
What is an information scientist exactly? It's someone who looks at all the information that is being collected about us in the world and tries to make sense of it. Information Scientists are the people who work with designers to make interfaces intuitive. Information Scientists are the people who find out what exactly it is to do with the Tera-bytes of trivial minutia collected every time you buy a pack of gum at Target. Information Scientists are people who help turn data into information and help to convey that information in a way so that it can be internalized and turned into knowledge. From there it is up to you, dear reader, to take that knowledge and transform it into wisdom.
What's all this have to do with my blog? I hope it means, that I can begin to make heads or tails of all the stuff that is put out there by other Tacomans in their blogs and convert it into an outside perspective of someone who view the world through their "eyes" or words. It'll be a journey, and a conversation, and maybe we'll learn a little something about Seattle and ourselves in the process.
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