the sweet life » Whatever
Passing of a Legend
This comes a bit late, but I wanted to post an excellent obituary for Paul Newman. He was one of my favorites. From The Hustler, Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Verdict, The Color of Money and Cars (voice of Doc), he was the star of many of my favorite movies. Godspeed Mr. Newman.
Comment Woes
Comments seem to be very, very broken on the site right now. Just FYI in case you tried to leave one recently. Spammers invaded, I tweaked our settings and broke something I can't seem to unbreak. Troubleshooting continues.
Our Digital World
Update 08/15/08: I realized after I made the switch that I had our feeds all tangled up, which caused every item to be repeated multiple times. Yikes! I hope I fixed things, but we'll see.
If you happen to subscribe to the RSS feed for our site (Feedburner tells me there are 11 of you) then you might notice a few new items popping up in your feed reader. The truth of the matter is that Julie and I rarely take the time to write up entries here, but we certainly have plenty of online activity elsewhere that we might like to share easily.
We post photos at Flickr, videos at YouTube, links at Delicious, maintain Facebook and LinkedIn profiles, Twitter status updates, and so on. There's a relatively new service out there called FriendFeed that allows you to consolidate all of that activity and offer up a combined RSS feed. It's that feed that you'll get from now if you are currently subscribed. If that's too much for you I'll be creating an additional feed for entries here.
I've been thinking quite a bit lately about whether I would have created this site had all of these social networking sites existed in their current forms. Probably not, but it's still a nice place to hang a virtual shingle.
Landis Loses Final Appeal
Floyd lost his final appeal to regain his 2006 Tour de France crown. Landis was stripped of the title after he tested positive for a synthetic testosterone during the race. The case against him remains pretty sketchy, but that's the way the cookie crumbles.
Out There
Forget global warming, we need to be more concerned about space rocks. Excerpt:
These standard assumptions--that remaining space rocks are few, and that encounters with planets were mainly confined to the past--are being upended. On March 18, 2004, for instance, a 30-meter asteroid designated 2004 FH--a hunk potentially large enough to obliterate a city--shot past Earth, not far above the orbit occupied by telecommunications satellites. (Enter "2004 FH" in the search box at Wikipedia and you can watch film of that asteroid passing through the night sky.) Looking at the broader picture, in 1992 the astronomers David Jewitt, of the University of Hawaii, and Jane Luu, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, discovered the Kuiper Belt, a region of asteroids and comets that starts near the orbit of Neptune and extends for immense distances outward. At least 1,000 objects big enough to be seen from Earth have already been located there. These objects are 100 kilometers across or larger, much bigger than whatever dispatched the dinosaurs; space rocks this size are referred to as "planet killers" because their impact would likely end life on Earth. Investigation of the Kuiper Belt has just begun, but there appear to be substantially more asteroids in this region than in the asteroid belt, which may need a new name.
Random Bits
Here are a few misc. items I've been meaning to share.
- We've been working on a video project at work featuring top executives in the accounting industry. One of the subjects is Brad Oltmanns, who is the guy you see on the Oscars every year from PricewaterhouseCoopers handing over the official balloting results.
- "Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch, who is dying from pancreatic cancer, gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium." Here's the video from that lecture, which has become one of the most popular items on YouTube. Truly inspiring.
- Imagine a scenario where you're taking your wedding pictures in a beautiful church, then all of the sudden a massive earthquake hits and the building crumbles around you. It happened to a wedding party in China, and the photos are amazing. (via kottke)
- Just found out a high school friend has a new radio show on 91.5 WNYE in New York. Look for Subatomic Sound Radio on the landing page.
Pain at the Pump
What's the price of gas in your area, and are you doing anything differently because of it? We've been driving our little Honda Civic as much as possible, and I'm considering biking home so Julie and I can still carpool in the mornings now that she leaves early (part-time schedule started!).
Vertical Transportation
I'm not sure why, but the subject of elevators - specifically the rituals regarding rider behavior - has always intrigued me. Why do people stand where they do when there is more than one person in the elevator with them? Anywho, it seems a writer at The New Yorker magazine had similar questions and decided to write a lengthy article on the topic. Here's one part I thought was particularly interesting:
Passengers seem to know instinctively how to arrange themselves in an elevator. Two strangers will gravitate to the back corners, a third will stand by the door, at an isosceles remove, until a fourth comes in, at which point passengers three and four will spread toward the front corners, making room, in the center, for a fifth, and so on, like the dots on a die. With each additional passenger, the bodies shift, slotting into the open spaces. The goal, of course, is to maintain (but not too conspicuously) maximum distance and to counteract unwanted intimacies--a code familiar (to half the population) from the urinal bank and (to them and all the rest) from the subway. One should face front. Look up, down, or, if you must, straight ahead. Mirrors compound the unease. Generally, no one should speak a word to anyone else in an elevator. Most people make allowances for the continuation of generic small talk already under way, or, in residential buildings, for neighborly amenities. The orthodox enforcers of silence--the elevator Quakers--must suffer the moderates or the serial abusers, as they cram in exchanges about the night, the game, the weekend, or the meal.
So true. I also liked this tidbit:
In most elevators, at least in any built or installed since the early nineties, the door-close button doesn't work. It is there mainly to make you think it works. (It does work if, say, a fireman needs to take control. But you need a key, and a fire, to do that.) Once you know this, it can be illuminating to watch people compulsively press the door-close button. That the door eventually closes reinforces their belief in the button's power. It's a little like prayer. Elevator design is rooted in deception--to disguise not only the bare fact of the box hanging by ropes but also the tethering of tenants to a system over which they have no command.
Another subject of the article is Nicholas White, who was trapped in an elevator alone for 41 hours. Amazingly, his ordeal was captured on security video and a time-lapse version accompanies the story. I've embedded it below as well. I wouldn't recommend watching it if you have any type of phobia about elevators.
(via kottke)
Not So Unique?
Did you know that scientists recently located a solar system relatively close by that closely resembles our own? Pretty cool huh? Excerpt:
Astronomers say they have found a miniature version of our own solar system 5,000 light years across the galaxy -- the first planetary system that really looks like our own, with outer giant planets and room for smaller inner planets.The discovery, they said, means that our solar system might be more typical of planetary systems across the universe than had been thought.
Can You Read This?
I just upgraded our site to a newer version of the blog software we use. If this entry publishes alright then I know all went well. Fingers crossed!
Seattle Landmarks Close
Another Seattle icon, Sunset Bowl in Ballard, is scheduled to shut its door in April. This comes on the heels of the announcement that the Crocodile Cafe, a legendary music venue, has been shuttered as well.
Tip: Fix Scratched DVDs and CDs
One of my pet peeves is renting a DVD and finding it virtually unplayable due to scratches and smudges, especially when you've saved the movie for toddler meltdown time. If wiping it off or cleaning it with warm water and soap doesn't work, then try one of the tips offered in this how-to, which also includes video instructions for each method. Before I found this article I tried the toothpaste method, which worked great. However, while it filled the deeper grooves it also left superficial scratches that made the surface of the DVD cloudy. Since it was a rental I didn't care, but I wouldn't use this particular method on my own DVDs/CDs - try the Brasso instead.
Related Entry: DVD Tricks
Comments Back On
Per Julie's request I've removed the requirement that everyone register via TypeKey in order to comment. We've installed another piece of software to see if it helps filter the spam. Give it a shot and let me know if you have any problems.
Authenticated Comments
Well, the spammers finally find this site and have been submitting massive quantities of bogus comments full of useless links. *Sigh* - I thought I had managed to keep this site off the grid. To keep them at bay I've turned on the authentication feature for comments. From now on you need to register via the Typekey authentication service to leave a comment. The good news is you only have to do it once, and our site will remember who you are from there on out. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Zappos Redux
I wrote a while back about my love for Zappos, the online shoe retailer. This story blows my experience out of the water and serves to reinforce my decision to try and throw business their way.
It's October?
It's 86 degrees in Champaign today, with highs expected to be close to 90 this weekend. Fall still hasn't arrived. How's the weather where you are?
Google News
At least once a day I check Google News to get a quick overview of the top stories. Every now and then beside a story they display a thumbnail photo that makes absolutely no sense - at least not at first glance. Take the screenshot below. The article is about spraying for west nile virus and the accompanying photo is of Arnold Schwarzenegger dressed as Conan the Barbarian. Huh? Well, I clicked the photo and it takes you to an article titled, "Schwarzenegger Announces Plan To Fight West Nile." Strange photo to use, but it makes a bit more sense. Anywho, just wanted to share.
Steamy
The weather I dreaded, but expected, when we moved here has arrived. There is a heat advisory in effect until Thursday PM due to a heat index of 100+ degrees.
I Love Zappos
If you ever need to purchase a pair of shoes online look no further than Zappos. They might have the best customer service of any online or brick-and-mortar store I've ever experienced. Free overnight shipping, free return shipping, price protection guarantee (110% refund of price difference), friendly live chat customer service, exhaustive selection, helpful reviews...the list goes on.
I recently ordered a pair of shoes and had to return them for a larger size. When I got the right size I still didn't like them, so I purchased a different style, then had to return that pair for a larger size. Four transactions total, and all of them were painless (ok, you DO have to drop the return box off at UPS). After one transaction I was using the chat feature to request a discount since I found the shoes cheaper somewhere else. I accidentally closed the chat, and connected with another rep minutes later. She explained that Jorge (the first rep) had already credited my account even though we got cut off. Great. Thanks. Bye. Well, today in the mail I received a hand written (hand written!) thank you letter from Jorge apologizing for getting cut off and letting me know how much he had credited my account for.
Anywho, I think it's important to highlight good customer service, and Zappos has definitely earned my loyalty. Oh, and I've also had really good experiences lately with Apple (iPod repair), Canon (free camera repair after warranty expired), and Dunkin Donuts (free donuts...yum).
Please Don't Tell Me
Will it be possible to avoid any spoilers about the final season of The Sopranos before we are able to see it on DVD? I'm guessing not, but in order to safeguard against that we are requesting that this site remain a "Sopranos Free Zone" for the time being. Unfortunately I've seen a few headlines today suggesting that the finale wasn't much of a finale in terms of concluding the Sopranos saga. I smell a feature movie in the future if that's the case.
Was It Really 30 Years Ago?
I can't believe the original Star Wars was released 30 years ago (May 25, 1977). Wired magazine has a nice section on their site devoted to the anniversary, or you could visit the official site. I love that movie. Favorite Luke Skywalker line? "It's not impossible. I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back home, they're not much bigger than two meters." He was such a dork.
Netflix Promotion
I just received an email from Netflix containing a friends and family promotion offer. Follow this link to try out their service free for one month, which is two weeks longer than their standard offer. If the link doesn't work leave a comment and I'll forward the original email. We've really enjoyed using Netflix as we wean ourselves from cable tv (ok, as I wean myself).
The Wal-Mart Midway
Cooper and I have a tradition when we go to Wal-Mart together - if he helps me shop then he gets to either ride the mechanical pony or have me try and win him a toy using the steel claw doohicky. I always make sure I have two quarters since they both cost $.50. Yesterday I couldn't find any quarters, so I stuck five dimes in my pocket as we left the house. Since Cooper was having a rough day I was looking forward to giving him a little pick-me-up.
He ended up choosing the steel claw booth, and I plopped my five dimes in the machine. No dice - it only accepts quarters. I looked in my wallet to see if I had a dollar I could use since the game also accepts $1 and $5 dollar bills. I didn't have a one, but I did have a five. At this point Cooper is getting all excited and telling me what he wants to try for, so I'm dreading telling him I have no money and we need to leave. I debated, then decided I could put in the five, play once and hit the coin return. At the very least I would walk away with four bucks in quarters.
With our first credit I positioned the claw over a cherry-red motorcycle Cooper had his eye on. The claw dropped, closed and came away with the prize in hand. My job was done and Cooper was happy. I hit the coin return...nothing happened. I had been conned. I had nine more credits and fully intended on making the machine pay. When all was said and done we walked away five dollars poorer, a little bit wiser, and in possession of the following loot:
- Red motorcycle
- Green race car
- I pair sunglasses
- Crazy ball that lights up when you bounce it
- The Betty Boop doll you see pictured above, which Cooper picked out for Julie.
Lesson learned? Always carry quarters when you go to Wal-Mart.
Reusable vs. Disposable
I have a plastic coffee mug that I take with me whenever I go to the University coffee shop. Along with a $.25 cent discount I get that warm fuzzy feeling knowing that I'm helping the environment by not throwing away that paper cup. Lately it's been getting a bit grungy and I'm considering replacing it with a nice ceramic version that is microwave friendly as well. Sounds reasonable, right? Well, according to one study I might be doing more harm than good when I sip coffee from my reusable mug. The study's conclusion?
The lesson of this life-cycle energy analysis is that the choice between reusable and disposable cups doesn't matter much in its overall environmental impact. One should use one's best judgement.Indeed, in situations where cups are likely to be lost or broken and thus have a short average lifetime, disposable cups are the preferred option.
The equalizing factor is the energy required to produce and clean the reusable cup. I still think I'll replace my old mug with a new one, but studies like this certainly make you think. Reminds me of the article I linked to a while back comparing the environmental impact of the Hummer vs. the Prius (FYI - I still want a Prius).
(link via kottke)
Delicious Update
Well, after seeing nothing but Delicious links on our site for the better part of two weeks I'm going to try yet another way of publishing those links. Instead of posting them daily as an entry on this site, I'm going to splice them into the feed we publish. So, if you view the content of our site via a feedreader then there will be no change what you see. However, if you actually visit this site regularly to check for new content (how novel!) you will not see the daily link entries. You can still browse those links if you wish, you just have to visit my page at Delicious to do so.
We now resume our regularly scheduled programming...
Homemade Microwave Popcorn
For whatever reason I've been craving popcorn these days, but for the life of me can't find a microwave popcorn that isn't loaded with butter, and I don't want to buy an air-popper that I might tire of in two weeks. Consequently, I was intrigued when I came across this recipe for homemade microwave popcorn. All you need is a bag of popcorn ($1.50), a paper sandwich bag ($1.50 for 100), olive oil and seasoning. I followed the directions and it came out great. 1/4 cup of popcorn made about 2/3 the amount you would get from a store bought bag. FYI - there is no need to staple the bag shut, just fold it over a few times.
Stuck
It's always a good idea to move your car into your driveway before a big snow, otherwise the snow plows do this. For some reason it took these people a good week to dig it out.
And the Winner Is...
I just learned this morning that one of my co-workers, Meagan Hennessey, won a Grammy earlier this month. She and her husband won in the category of Best Historical Album for Lost Sounds: Blacks and the Birth of the Recording Industry, 1891-1922, which they produced for the record label they run. Not only did I not know she was nominated, but I had no idea she was involved in this industry. I haven't seen her since I've been out on paternity leave, but will have to ask her about the experience next time I see her. Congrats!
Ok, It's Cold
It's 20 below with the wind chill right now (7:30 PM), and it's supposed to be colder tomorrow. Just had to share. We'll see if I make it out for my run in the morning.
Morning Update: Yes, I went for a short run this morning. The air temp (not wind chill) was -2 degrees when I stepped out the front door. Other than frosty eyelashes and eyebrows it wasn't too bad.
Seattle Storms
Looks like Seattle got hit with a pretty incredible wind/rain storm yesterday. The Seattle Times has a gallery of photos highlighting the damage. I can't remember a time growing up when the Seattle schools were closed for anything other than snow. I hope all of you Seattleites are doing well.
Hovering at Zero
The high temp today in Champaign is expected to reach 17 degrees, but when you factor in wind chill it will be a balmy 0 (zero). Hey, at least the sun is shining!
Renton IKEA
Did you know the IKEA in Renton, WA has the highest sales of any US location? When I made the trek up to one of the IKEA locations (yes, there are two) in Chicago I was expecting an absolute zoo (noon on Saturday), but was pleasantly surpirsed by how quiet the store was. I guess Seattleites love their Scandanavian furniture.
While we're on the subject, did I happen to mention that I got the wrong color bookcases when I went up there? Yes, it's true. 3.5 hours of traffic on the way up, and an alternate return route that took me by the State Pen in Joliet and I got the wrong color! Who knew there was both a BEECH color and a BIRCH color?! *Sigh* Do I dare go back?
Cooling Down
Yesterday was the first day in a loooong time that the high temperature stayed in the 70's (78, to be exact). We were able to go out for a run/walk in our neighborhood last night without the fear heatstroke. Ahhhhh.
Corn
We're surrounded by corn fields right now, so I thought it only appropriate to replace our site mast with a representative photo. To provide context, this photo was taken from the street as you exit our neighborhood (ok, our "subdivision"). If you're in the area feel free to join us at the Urbana Sweet Corn Festival later this month.
MacGyver Tips
The spirit of MacGyver lives on at the personal productivity site, Lifehacker. They offer all kinds of hacks/tips to make your life easier, but my favorite category is the MacGyver tips section. For example, their latest piece of advice is to spray a bit of Pledge furniture cleaner on a DVD that is a bit scratched and won't play. When we subscribed briefly to Netflix this was my personal pet peeve. Nothing worse than having to wait three days to finish the last five minutes of the movie that wouldn't play. I'll try this next time.
No Tour Day France
I'm having a hard time digesting the fact that our cable package (which is not basic) does not include OLN. Consequently, we have not been able to watch any of this year's Tour de France, even if the top contenders were booted. I'm suffering through Bob Roll withdrawls.
New Look
Decided to practice my skills and freshen the look of the site a bit. I think most pages have been converted to the new design. If you see remnants of the old, please let me know.
The banner photo is from Meadowbrook Park, which is located in Urbana, IL.
Steamy
The weather I've been waiting for, although not looking forward to, has finally arrived. Today in Champaign the high temp is expected to be 95 degrees, with 90% humidity. Thank goodness for air conditioning!
Fireflies
One feature of the Midwest I find pretty cool is the existence of fireflies, otherwise known as lightning bugs. Since our neighborhood is surrounded on three sides by corn fields, and our yard backs up to the prairie, we seem to have a large population nearby for our viewing pleasure. We were driving home in the dark last night and there were so many it looked like a comet shower. By the way, their glow-in-the-dark goo, formally known as luciferin, glows brightly on your windshield after you hit one going 70 MPH on the highway. ;)
