College Text Books

I am glad that I kept my college science and engineering text books for reference. However, sometimes you come across situations like this:

"The solution to these equations make a good exercise for the reader (see Problem 3 at end of chapter.)"

Good for professors. Bad for professionals.

The Mechanic's Dilema

Ever take something apart and put it back together and find something missing? Take a look at the figure below. What happened to the missing square?

Finally, 2009!

It's time to review how my 2008 Resolution went and proclaim new ones for 2009...

My resolution for 2008 was to "reduce input" in order to "be more productive". Here are some of the things I did to reduce input...

• Reduce television time - One thing I implemented was "no-TV Tuesday". I figured cutting one day a week of TV watching would be easy. I was surprised how hard it actually was. I like having TV on in the background when I do other tasks. Even though I missed having the TV on, I found I could focus on my other tasks more, so it was a good idea. I'm not sure how much it reduced my dedicated TV watching, though, because I record everything on DVR, so I wound up watching the shows on another night instead.
• Less magazines - I canceled one magazine subscription and recycled a stack of magazines I was going to read "some day". Now, I find that I am catching up on trade journals that I never got a chance to read.
• RSS reduction - Last year I spent ~30-60 minutes/day reading RSS feeds. I eliminated 20% of the feeds and moved the rest to a new reader. My old reader forced you to read all new items in a feed once you opened it, forcing more effort on my part. My new reader allows me to read at my own rate and I no longer feel the necessity to read every post.

Even though I managed to reduce input, I failed at "being more productive", mainly, because I introduced new distractions. This year I have become addicted to online poker and Wii rockband. So much for New Year's Resolutions.

For 2009 I have resolved not to make a resolution. (OK, I just couldn't think of a good one.)

Virginia Beach

This summer, I went on a vacation to Virginia Beach. It was my first time there, and it was lots of fun. I highly recommend it for a relaxing time.

Walking along the shopping area, I passed this store:


which reminded me of one of my favorite video games from 25 years ago!
I don't know why they went with that name, I really doubt people who shop there remember this game.

The view from the hotel was nice:

See the 'family bicycle' on the bike path? It looks like fun, but it's not. It's the most evil contraption I've ever had the displeasure of trying. The boardwalk is only 3 miles, but it would have been easier to jog than ride the full distance.

Here is a view from atop the historic Cape Henry Light House (built 1792):



That's the "modern" lighthouse (built 1881) in the foreground. What's out in the water just to the left of the lighthouse? That's right, it's a freakin' sub!


After the lighthouse, I stopped by First Landing State Park and ran into this water moccassin:

McCain vs. Obama

Dang, wish I saw this BEFORE the election. It might have changed my vote.

Light Doodling

Here is my first attempt at light doodling. These pictures were taken with long exposure in a dark room with a pen light and a laser pointer.

I Need a Nemesis

Last year, I made a New Year's resolution to make life more interesting. I wish I had thought of this idea that somebody posted on Craig's list:


Nemesis required. 6-month project with possibility to extend

I've been trying to think of ways to spice up my life. I'm 35 years old, happily married with two kids and I have a good job in insurance. But somethings missing. I feel like I'm old before my time. I need to inject some excitement into my daily routine through my arm before its too late. I need a challenge, something to get the adrenaline pumping again. An addiction would be nice, but, in short, I need a nemesis. I'm willing to pay $350 up front for you services as an arch enemy over the next six months. Nothing crazy. Steal my parking space, knock my coffee over, trip me when Im running to catch the BART and occasionaly whisper in my ear, "Ahha, we meet again". That kind of thing. Just keep me on my toes. Complacency will be the death of me. You need to have an evil streak and be blessed with innate guile and cunning. You should also be adept at inconsicuous pursuit. Evil laugh preferred. Send me a photo and a brief explanation why you would be a good nemesis.