Blogger Has A Bug

There is a bug in the Blogger interface that I have been fighting with ever since I started blogging on it. I think that Blogger provides a wonderful service and I have really enjoyed being able to participate in it. However, this one bug just burns my hide from time to time.

The problem is that there is no way to specifically publish in the default font for whichever blog you are publishing to. Okay, that was a mouthful. Basically, what I'm saying is that everything is fine and dandy until I decide to change fonts while writing a blog. Occasionally, I want to demonstrate Linux/Unix commands or snippets of code in my blog posting. The convention for doing this is to have your commands appear in Courier font, so as to separate them from the main article. I can do that just fine. But, once I want to return to the original font of the posting, how do I do that? The problem also extends to the fact that the editor uses a specific font that may be different from what the published blog's font will be. See the problem?

I tend to feel that the editor should really have no font specified, and that there should be a "Default Blog Font" option on the Font pull-down menu. This option will allow the user to return to the default font for that particular blog if they have temporarily specified a different font.

Now, I know there's a workaround for the font problem that I'm having. Namely, one would write their entire blog without specifying a font and then go back and specify a font for those parts that need specifying. But, that feels like a workaround.

Anyhow, I just thought I'd vent a bit.

Take it easy, y'all!

Happy Birthday, George and Robert

Washington and Baden-Powell, respectively


It has been a good day so far.


When the cold of winter comes
Starless night will cover day
In the veiling of the sun
We will walk in bitter rain

But in dreams
I can hear your name
And in dreams
We will meet again

When the seas and mountains fall
And we come, to end of days
In the dark I hear a call
Calling me there,
I will go there
And back again


Wasn't that a great film?

Song of the day: Breakdown
Quote of the day: "You've been running around like a monkey on drugs all week!"
Fun activity of the day: speed dating

Is It Bad...

...to create your own Googlewhacks?

It appears that I have inadvertently created another one. I used to have the "rootisms" Googlewhack, but that is no longer the case. In fact, my current web site doesn't even show up on Google's search when you search for "rootisms."

The Googlewhack I'm talking about is "gigalizard." If you type gigalizard into Google, it returns exactly one search (i.e. a Googlewhack.) This unique search happens to be located on my web server. Unfortunately, I can't tell you all to go out and try it right away because very shortly, my site will be offline for a while amidst a move. (It's kind of hard to keep my web server server-ing when it's packed away in a moving truck. I also have to transfer my Comcast Internet connection to my new abode so that I can continue to serve web pages and host friends and family pictures.

Anyhow, take it easy, y'all. I'll see you all later.

ps: Gigalizard isn't just some random word I created and posted on a web page. If you install the "Firesomething" Firefox extension, that is one of the possible names it generates.

Laughter is just a smile with the volume turned up

Flute 11
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 12
Trumpet 27
Trombone 19
Tuba 11
Harp 10

tpt+/flt-

For a good laugh (medicine for the soul), please visit my viral video blog. The latest one just about did me in.

Happy meday

Today is the day that I'm celebrating my birthday with anyone who wants to. I'm throwing a partay at my house this evening. Come if you wish. You are welcome to bring games and/or food. There will be socializing. We will begin at about 7 pm. If you do not receive a phone call from me, please refer to this post for an invitation to the festivities. For those of you for whom this announcement was too short of notice, I give my humble appologies. Yes.... Planning ahead. I'm working on that skill. Also, anyone who wants to can meet me and Jason tomorrow at the Ice Sheet @ 6pm for skating and dinner or something afterwards. Bring a date. I will.

That is all.

Life of a Newly Minted Sysadmin

As you may or may not know, Monday I began work for a company in Kaysville called ABC Office. I am a system administrator for the company. It's actually a job that I have been looking for for quite a long time. I've been slowly getting accustomed to learning a whole new set of people's names, things about them and some things about the company. To date, my head is still swimming a bit. :)

But, the real fun in my job is what I get to do. I start off my day (I'm still learning how this all goes) by changing out the surveillance tape from the day before. I check it to make sure that it did record properly. Then, I change out the previous night's server backup tape. I have to also look at logs from the server and find out what has been going on with it. This is my first real experience with a real server running on a RAID array with a tape backup. It's all new to me and it's kind of fun. This week, of course, has really been an eye opener for me because of the newness of it all. After I do the standard morning things (with great assistance from my supervisor) I proceed to whatever she has me do next. Lately, they have needed me to scour their website for problems because they are in the process of transferring it from one ISP to another. That's kind of boring.

The other day, I had the privilege of taking apart a monitor to see if the fuse was blown in it. It turned out that the monitor was bad and needed to be gotten rid of. So, my supervisor and I went through the building and gathered up all the known bad monitors and tested them out. I must admit that I let the smoke out of one of the monitors when I plugged it it. There's a very familiar and distict smell to burning electronics. :) I also had to call the waste management facility to find out what to do with the dead monitors, since they are considered hazardous waste.

Let's see, I also got to help out with a couple of printer problems in the accounting department. I've also been setting up a script on each machine throughout the company that shuts the computer off should the user forget. Basically, you can instruct Windows to shut itself down by incorporating the following into a scheduled task:

C:\Windows\system32\shutdown.exe -s -f -t 00

Hmmm, that looks strangely familiar to the Linux/Unix way of doing it:

shutdown -h now

Needless to say, I have been having quite a good time so far. I know there will be challenges, but with good training and a level head, I can succeed. Oh yeah, I was also the one who first saw the drive fault indicator on one of the disks in the server's RAID array. So, on Friday, we get to experience changing out a disk on the server. I'm excited.

Chao!!

Hokay...

Here's the Earth. Chilling. You might say, "That's a pretty sweet Earth."

But seriously folks, I hope everyone from Band Land is wonderfully well these days. I can't say I am wonderful, nor can I say I am awful. I just kind of am these days.

I'm most recently frustrated by my car situation. The dang thing is still doing the exact same thing I took it in there to fix!! I guess I'll have to go back down there and hopefully they can pinpoint the problem.

I want to give you all a word of advice: never take an online class (unless you really want to). I have two this semester and being the lazy type that I am, am having difficulties keeping up with it. It's no fun when you can't stay motivated. Maybe I should join Procrastinators Annonymous.

And now, the day's entertainment:

Flute 12
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 12
Trumpet 26
Trombone 19
Tuba 11
Harp 10

Trumpet +, Harp -.

Happy Blogday

Flute 11
Clarinet 9
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 24
Trombone 18
Tuba 10
Harp 10
Blog 7

That's right, kiddies! In honor of the blog's third birthday, I'm taking a point away from every section and giving them to the blog as a Robin Hood-style present. Isn't that great?

Naw! Just kiddin'. I really won't do that. Just ignore this post as it doesn't really have anything to do with the points at all. It was just to wish everyblogger a happy day.

VOTE FOR '06 REGIMENT!!!

Ok, here's the deal, DCI has this classics countdown thing every year where people choose their 8 favorite drum corps shows of all time (a few hundred shows to choose from). Then the top 30 out of that few hundred get voted on by everybody again to dwindle it down to 8 that will be shown live, nationwide in movie theaters. The top 30 have already been choosen an what's way awesome is that 2006 Phantom Regiment made it!! Now go here and vote.

Here are the corps that I voted for:
1988 Madison Scouts
1989 Phantom Regiment
1991 Star of Indiana
1995 The Cavaliers
1996 Phantom Regiment
2000 The Cavaliers
2003 Phantom Regiment
2006 Phantom Regiment

Notice I voted for 2006 Phantom Regiment, I hope you all do too :) You don't have to vote for the same ones I did but if you know little or nothing about drum corps, then these are some good ones. And don't be afraid to vote more than once but you do have to use a different email address each time. I voted 10 times! (yes that means I have 10 email address and surprisingly enough, I remember them all....) Oh, and don't worry, all you'll get is an email back saying what corps you voted for and that's it, unless you say yes to their newsletter.

Oh and thanks Jon.

I'll say....

Flute 12
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 12
Trumpet 25
Trombone 19
Tuba 11
Harp 11

Yeah, that'll do. (sax -,tuba +)

later.

Happy Birthday John Williams

It is Feb. 8th, and that means it's Johnny Williams' birthday. It's also the five-year anniversary of the XIX Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Can you believe that it's been that long?

Anyhow, I just thought I'd remind you of that. He is the Maestro and all. :)

Oh yeah, and I'm starting a new job on Monday with ABC Office. I'll be working as a system administrator. Kristin and I are really excited. Speaking of Kristin, she will be starting a new position at her work starting on Monday. I'm not exactly sure what she'll be doing, but it involves training people.

Anyhow, take it easy, y'all. We'll let you know how the house buying turns out. :)

Chao!

Happy Birthday, Jules Verne and BSA

~~~~~ .:And many more:. ~~~~~

Flute 12
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 25
Trombone 19
Tuba 10
Harp 11

Tuba's need some love. Flute's will have to provide a point.

Thanks, Kristin. I think I must've fat-fingered the keyboard or something there.

Sounds like the movie world is treating you well, Andrew. As for car's that reminds me I should check my oil.

Definitely.

P.S. the blog is now on the new Blogger. You'll need to switch over to post, if you haven't already. But I'm sure most of you were waaaay ahead of me on the switch.

Life, as 'twere

So, I had a great day today. I got an interview with Instructional Media Services to be a camera operator. It went really really well, and I'll hear back for sure by the middle of next week.

I signed up for a great workshop on the technical side of filmmaking wich will happen on the 24th.

I got my finished film back from the Cinema Lab. It looks pretty darn good, however, they did incorrectly time about four shots to look red, which they shouldn't have. There'll be a show from my 16mm film class coming up in April. I'll let all you band hall denizens know when it is in case you wanted to come see it (hint hint).

Also, I discovered I have not outgrown reading comic books. My love of Batman has been re-kindled after learning that Paul Dini (who wrote for Batman the Animated Series) was hired by DC to be the principal writer of it's Detetective Comics line. I immediately went out and picked up all the back issues (six total) and ran home to read them. While they aren't comic book masterpieces and would work better as episodes of the cartoon, they're still fun reads.

And, last, but certainly not least, I got my car back. Turns out it was the clutch afterall. My mechanic was super awesome though and called Hyundai USA and told them he thought they should pay for it rather than me. Hyundai agreed to pick up $700 and I was left to cover only $300 of total repair work. I thought they did an excellent job protecting my interests at the dealership, and I thought Hyundai was very awesome to pick up that much of the bill. Now I have it back, and it drives like new.

The grand finale:

Flute 13
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 25
Trombone 19
Tuba 9
Harp 11

Trumpet +, Flute -

-2

Alas! I have noticed an error. Jon has posted
"Flute 14
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 10
Trumpet 25
Trombone 19
Tuba 9
Harp 11"

But that only adds up to 98! So to fix it, here's what I think it should look like

Flute 14
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 12
Trumpet 25
Trombone 19
Tuba 9
Harp 11

And now, since I'm here, my move is

Flute 14
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 24
Trombone 19
Tuba 9
Harp 11

Trumpets down, Saxomaphones up.

~Kristin

gg [Ten]

This is just to let y'all know that I ganked another vid link from my boy Duswoo's blog and posted it up on my blog. If you at all appreciate the talent that is human beatbox, you'll love the vid.

Flute 14
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 10
Trumpet 25
Trombone 19
Tuba 9
Harp 11

If life were represented with an instrument, I think it'd have to be brass. I mean, come on - doesn't life sometimes seem like a great big royal fanfare, and other times seem a bit blatty and flat? Brass just about covers the spectrum.

I will feel differently tomorrow. Perhaps then I'll feel that life is more like a Clariharpophone. Or something. But for today, I'm on a brassy kick.

We string players gotta stick together.

Flute 14
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 25
Trombone 18
Tuba 9
Harp 11

String players unite! Harp+, Trumpet-

Car Problems?

Andrew, how many miles does your car have on it? Last I checked clutches were good for some 50 or 60,000 miles. And that really depends on the quality of the clutch build. If it's a cheap clutch, you may not get that much out of it.

I've had my car for a little over three years as well (but it's a '99 model) and it's got a problem with the front end. The previous owner crashed the car into something and then had it mostly fixed. The part he/she couldn't fix was the front end subframe which is slightly deformed on the driver's side. This causes sharp left turns to be a bit weird. If everything works out with work, I'm going to replace the subframe this summer and get everything tightened up. I want that car to track as straight as an arrow. I've been lucky with my engine and transmission. With 115,000 miles on both, they're doing pretty well. My engine develops enough torque to spin the tires freely on ice without my foot on the go button. Oh yeah, and Kristin turned over 100,000 miles in her car last week. Of course, high mileage cars are nothing new for my family. We had an '85 Suburban that we finally sold in 2005 with somewhere in the neighborhood of 350,000 miles on it. All that mileage was on one engine that had never been rebuilt. Can't say the same for the transmission. :)

So, basically, if you take care of your car, it will take care of you. Be sure to monitor all fluids, changing them when needed. Keep proper pressure in the tires. Do proper brake maintenance. You know, all the good stuff. Cars are marvelous things. They are these really complex, really finicky things that we all use to get around. Yet, somehow with all that complexity, they manage to serve us pretty well for what we ask them to do.

Flute 14
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 26
Trombone 18
Tuba 9
Harp 10

Licorice stick -, Valved Bugle +.

Car Problems

For those of you that don't know, I bought a new car about three years ago. The thinking was that a new car would have fewer problems than a used car, and that if there were any problems, they would be covered by warranty.

Well, I have encountered my first problem with my car. Something was making the manual transmission very sticky. I thought nothing of it at first, attributing it to the cold weather. The problem gradually got worse. I finally broke, and took it to the dealer to see what was up.

They hooked it up to the diagnostic machine and informed me that it might be the clutch assembly, or the transmission. They couldn't pinpoint the exact problem and asked me if it was okay to leave the car overnight so they could disassemble the transmission.

I kept my fingers crossed hoping it would be the transmission and not the clutch, since the transmission is covered by the warranty, and to replace the clutch would set me back $900.

This morning I got word that my clutch was completely shot, and there was also some problem with the transmission. So, here I am waiting to hear back if they got it fixed and what the dammage is. I think I can actually fight the clutch, since the problem in the transmission could have led to the clutch wearing out faster than normal. The moral of the story is, new cars are great, just be careful with them.

In other news:

Flute 14
Clarinet 11
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 25
Trombone 18
Tuba 9
Harp 10

Trumpet + (of course), Harp - (Sorry Hava)


UPDATE:
Well, as it turns out, it wasn't the transmission after all. The mechanic told me it was the pressure plate on the clutch which was completely worn down. Additionally, they found an oil leak in my engine, but that's covered (thank goodness). I guess the new moral of the story is: Don't buy a manual transmission vehicle if you don't yet know how to drive one. That, or Hyundai clutches suck.

Same ol'

Flute 14
Clarinet 11
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 24
Trombone 18
Tuba 9
Harp 11

There you have it. Plus one fife, and minus one bugle.

Vista's Vista

For all of you out there who are interested, today marked the launch of Microsoft's new flagship product: Windows Vista. Vista is supposed to revolutionize the way Windows users use their PCs. I've been using Vista at work for about a year now, but it has only been beta and Release Candidate versions which haven't really impressed me all that much. However, once I saw a real Release-to-Customer version running on a high-horsepower box, I was pretty impressed. Microsoft has done a nice job with it. So, if you have a machine with a good amount of horsepower (read: sweet-a** graphics card) you have my modest endorsement of this product. I say modest because, after all, it is a Microsoft product and they are known for spotty quality. Also, I cannot, under any circumstances, recommend Windows Internet Explorer. It is a piece of crap. Always has been; always will be.

In other news, fish in the Minot river are not currently swimming upstream to lay their eggs. The river's frozen. But, Kris and I are in the process of buying a house. We have decided that $16,000 is about our breaking limit for rent. That is approximately how much we have spent in the last year and a half to live in our apartment. So, we put an offer on a nice little house on 35th street. We will definitely be having a party there when we get moved in. :) It has a (almost) fully finished basement so we can watch movies. So, if you know anyone who's selling a used (but functional) lawn mower (or any other yard tools), please let me know.

Anyhow, if you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up somewhere else. :)

Sorry, sorry

Can't do that. This is a game to kick people off, not put them on, I can only authorize the trumpet -1, tuba +1. If you didn't hear, you can only move one point a post and have to wait for someone else to make a move before you can move again. So, before my post the results were:
Flute 13
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 25
Trombone 17
Tuba 9
Harp 11

After my post, the results are:
Flute 13
Clarinet 11
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 25
Trombone 18
Tuba 9
Harp 11
Clarinet -1, Trombone +1

Euphonasia

Mercy tubing...

Well, Dr. Root euphonized me (and it's going very well) in part if not yet in full - or, in Simfphonyk Baand if not in Dzaz Baand.
I suppose just to account for myself it's trumpet -1, tuba(?) +1; or Euphonium, +1. Or, what the heck, one for each just to be safe. So trumpets -2 instead.
and some baroque foreign-language names

Flauta 13
Chalumeaux 12
Sarrusophone 13
Clarino 23
Posaune 17
Helicon 10
Theorbo 11
Euphonium 1

so there ye be.
Two silly jokes:
1. new vegan adventure movie: Pirates of the Carob Bean
2. New (remade) pirate song by "pieces of eight none the richer" - "Thar she blows"
Thar she blows, thar she blows again...


No otherwise comment, otherwise.

Salani Kahle

How long shall it go?

Flute 13
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 25
Trombone 17
Tuba 9
Harp 11

Flute+, Trumpet-

Sundance

Well, I suppose it makes me a sellout, but I'm in the middle of attending Sundance '07. "Why would that make you a sellout?" you might ask. Simply because Sundance is not what it once was. It was originally envisioned as a place indpendant filmmakers could come, show their work, and get it out there. The Sundance of today is a far cry from what it once was. Studios strike deals to have their films shown, while the majority of real indie filmmakers don't get an opportunity. Those that do get in are made with the help of rich relatives and Hollywood connections. Gone are the days of Sundance truly fostering and preserving the independant filmmaker.

The reason I decided to attend was because the U offers a Sundance class for credit. All one must do is attend around 8 or 9 films, and write an 8-9 page paper on the films seen, and in return, you get 3 credit hours. I thought, "Why not? I've never been." So far, I've seen three films, all really great. I'll get some reviews up over on my personal blog in a few days for any interested parties.

Flute 12
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 26
Trombone 17
Tuba 9
Harp 11

Trumpet + (natch!), Clarinet - (I hope Nena will forgive me for that).

-Flute, +Trombone

Flute 12
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 25
Trombone 17
Tuba 9
Harp 11

A thought: Would Trombone -1 be simply Trom?

In my British History class we were talking about King George I and how he didn't speak a lick English.
Student: Wouldn't parliament be upset about having a king that didn't speak the language of their country?
Dr. Francis: We've elected presidents from the south.

It's been busy...

...in the Band Hall! I can't remember the last time I saw this much activity in here. It seems like we've all been very busy creating a jazz band. Jazz bands are cool. Jazz flute is usually really cool.

Anyhow, I just wanted to mention that Norton Internet Security (the suite of software with Anti-virus, firewall, and food blender) is a total piece of garbage. Never buy it. I have it on my work computer and it causes nothing but headaches for me. First off, it slows my computer down so that any hardware advantage I may have (such as broadband Internet, 1.7GHz CPU, etc) have no effect. I might as well be running an old 200MHz computer with dial-up Internet access.

Also, just today, my Norton Internet Security alerted me to the fact that I was unprotected against this certain threat. So, I clicked the button to update the virus database and after waiting for a good amount of time, it came back saying that the update failed and that I would have to run the update manually. Okay, no problem. I tried running the update manually. Still no luck. So, I clicked on a link provided by the program and it opened that crapheap Internet Explorer browser (thus promoting more insecurity) and took me to a webpage that informed me that the server was down. Of course, it didn't mention if it was just the web server or if Norton's update server is down. I'll tell you, this software is bad. I hate hate hate Norton. I will never subject myself to that kind of nonsense voluntarily. I personally like AVG or Avira better because they're smaller, lighter and free. They seem to do the job of anti-virus. I don't need all that anti-spam, anti-phish crap. I know what a spam is and I know what a phish is. So there!!

Anyhow, I just thought I had to rant for a minute. Computing on the home front is not nearly as messy. I run a tight ship at my house, and we don't have anti-virus problems. :)

Chao!

South Africa will never be the same

NO, it's not Jinglesthreela... but stay tuned
It's what my mom wrote up:

Jarrett Wheatley has returned from his Mission in Johannesburg, South Africa
(where apparently he ate chickens feet, and learned to 'click.')
It's true!
You are invited to come hear his mission report
Sunday the 21st
11am – Mt. Lewis III Ward
435N. Jackson (corner of North street and Jackson) Ogden...

Feel free to visit us that afternoon
4pm – at the Wheatley’s
469 E. 800 N. #B3
782-5066


QUOTE
"Just as a building is constructed one brick at a time, the Savior's true Church is built
one conversion, one testimony, one baptism at a time." —Elder L. Tom Perry

So that's the story for today.

aaaahhhh...... that's nice

So I've done some thinking/research and I'm going to be getting me a 30BG Video Ipod. It was a toss up between that and a Zune. I went to Circuit City and you are able to try them both out and right off the bat, I didn't like how the Zune seemed so cluttered and it's ease of use wasn't all that great. The Ipod is simple and easy to use and that's what I was looking for.

So this leads me to my main reason for posting. I'm going to be putting mostly music on it but there are some videos that I for sure just had to have on there. Unfortunately, some of those videos are on youtube. So I did some research and finally found something that I was looking for, a firefox extension to download video from sites like youtube and google video!! It's called Video Downloader Once I got the vids off of youtube, I had to convert them and, after more looking, I found something to take care of that. It's called CinemaForgeLite. With that you can convert it to just about any video type you want. Both are free so that's even more awesome.

Well, just thought I'd share that. Later.

Dude, it's just a game.

Look, Andrew, I actually do think you speak for yourself due to the fact that nobody has said anything about any of this thus far. They all know how I am and know that I'm just a sarcastic guy and all this is just in good fun. So as far as me being "snarky and rude" and that not being welcome around here, well that is up to everybody else to decide. But until then, I'm not going to be serious, cause like you said, it's a game. I mean, what, there can't be some trash talkin' and hidden messages? Come on.... there are only 2 rules in this game and neither say anything about playing nice, or not playing snarky and rude for that matter.

And we're back!

Flute 13
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 25
Trombone 16
Tuba 9
Harp 11

From one annoying instrument to get through doors to another!!! GOAL!!!

Let's get serious.

Look, Ricky, there's no reason to get snarky and rude. I think I don't neccesarily speak for myself when I say that's not needed or welcome around here. We're all supposed to be good band buddies and get along. I don't know what I ever did or said to you to make you treat me so rudely, but whatever it was, I do appologize. I hope you can look past whatever our differences may be and get back to being good band buddies again.

blow up.

Meh. That wasn't a big blow up, trust me. That wasn't even a little blow up. Very few people have seen that side of me and if you know anything about me, you would know that it would take a LOT to get me to blow up.

And now I present a move that will, if you can believe it (and I'll go ahead and say pun intended), blow up the trumpets ego even more ;)

Flute 13
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 25
Trombone 16
Tuba 8
Harp 12

abut -, tepmurt +

p.s. yeah, sounds like a good idea but no. A game like this isn't meant to be civil and I'm going to be ruthless. Plain and simple. But I do want to say thanks for the clarification on that rule for me again so soon after Ben had clarified it.<---sarcasim...... Also, if you are going to make a general statement that everybody knows is directed to me, then just say it to me, thanks kid!

+ T-bones, - Clarinet

Flute 13
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 24
Trombone 16
Tuba 9
Harp 12

Ummm.... ooookay....

Not sure what the big blow up there is all about... Hey, I have an idea! Let's all be civil to one another and just take it for what it is, a game. And my first order of business in this game is:

Flute 13
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 24
Trombone 15
Tuba 9
Harp 12

Trumpet+, Flute-. I hope my mother can forgive me.

So, last night I was watching one of the greatest movies ever made. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a true classic of American cinema. I highly recommend it for those interested. If you've never heard of it, it stars Jack Nicholson as a guy who is a criminal that gets sent to the nut house after he feigns crazy in prison. He ends up bringing a sense of humanity to the patients that they never had before. Nicholson won the Oscar for Best Actor and the movie won Best Picture. I give it *****/*****.

My bad

Flute 14
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 23
Trombone 14
Tuba 9
Harp 12

I meant to take from sax and give to trumpet, but I forgot about the first part. The foregoing is simply a correction of my earlier mistake. And now for my actual game move. A-like a-so:

Flute 14
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 23
Trombone 15
Tuba 9
Harp 12

Saxton to Tromlone! And the bucket is good for two, bringing Saxton one more assist closer to breaking the record.

hahaha!!!!!

This is just to easy.

Flute 14
Clarinet 15
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 23
Trombone 14
Tuba 9
Harp 12

Believe it or not, I'm getting much enjoyment from you and how much you feel you have to stay on top. It is.... well..... simply hilarious.

MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you will just point your attention over here...

You are not allowed to do such. Take a look at the last move I made (Tubas -, Trumpets +). You have made an illegal move. Please make sure you have dialed the correct number and try your call again.

Flute 14
Clarinet 15
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 22
Trombone 14
Tuba 10
Harp 12

You may either take or give to the trumpets, or take or give to the tubas, but not both.





###############ALERT#################

Jon- You never took away a point from anyone on your last post. We currently have 101 points on the board. Who do you want to take a point away from?

meh

I don't think I've made this move in a long while.

Flute 14
Clarinet 15
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 21
Trombone 14
Tuba 11
Harp 12

trumpet -, tuba +

I'm baaaaaaaack.

Flute 14
Clarinet 15
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 22
Trombone 14
Tuba 10
Harp 12

FREEEEEEEEEEEDOOOOOOOM!!!!

Flute 14
Clarinet 15
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 21
Trombone 14
Tuba 11
Harp 12

This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.

...as Shakespeare would say.

Oh, by the way, I'm going to be migrating the blog from the old blogger beta to the new blogger. I hope this won't cause any problems. When you go to blogger.com to log in, it now allows you to log in with the old or the new. I'm not sure if the band geeks blog will show up in the old or the new after the migration. I'm not going to move it just yet, so if you have any comments, suggestions, ideas, thoughts, dollars, advice, concerns, or other things you need to give me before the actual move, please feel free to do so.

I don't quite know how to put this...

...but I'm kind of a big deal.

Flute 14
Clarinet 15
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 20
Trombone 14
Tuba 11
Harp 12

I'm always lurking. Bwwaaaahahahaha......

Look at Ron Burgandy

Don't forget that jazz bands should have flutes.

Flute 14
Clarinet 15
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 19
Trombone 14
Tuba 12
Harp 12

GOOOOD MOOOOORNING BAND HALL!!!

Hello!

Flute 13
Clarinet 15
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 19
Trombone 14
Tuba 12
Harp 13

Good morning starshine!

So hey Kids!-
I'm sorry none of you have heard from me in like, forever, but I Czeched the blog and saw this interesting new game and just couldn't help posting. I hope everyone is doing great! I am, and stuff.

Here's the newest score board!
Flute 13
Clarinet 15
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 18
Trombone 14
Tuba 13
Harp 13

Batman Out-
Britty

I remember my times in Jazz band

Good times. Good, fun times. So if we're turning this into a jazz band then why are tubas being done with? I've played quiet a few songs with tuba in it, in fact, I had a whole concert in high school that had a tuba for the whole concert. But I've never heard of a harp being in a jazz band before.... BTW, every time I've done jazz band, I've played trombone, so I'm all for this.

Flute 13
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 19
Trombone 14
Tuba 13
Harp 13

Oh, and I'd like to thank everyone for the spread, cause it was pretty funny to see that happpen. Maybe again..... we'll see.

I need a doctor, I think.

So, ever since I got back from Texas, I've had this weird sinus thing going on. My nasal breathing is irregular and feels blocked most of the time (it's the annoying kind where the blockage shifts from nostril to nostril) and my ears feel plugged and pop a lot. I've tried just about everything, but it hasn't gone away. Maybe I will need to go see a doctor. Other than that, I feel pretty healthy. Maybe this is a mystery for House, MD...

Anyway, I would like to be the first in thanking Jon for his allegiance. I would like to make a further proposition. Let's make this into a Jazz band.

Flute 13
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 19
Trombone 14
Tuba 12
Harp 14

Thus spake Zarathustra!

life is good.

Flute 13
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 18
Trombone 14
Tuba 13
Harp 14

For so long I felt so homeless. Then along came Andrew and welcomed me into the trumpet section. I guess I'm an honorary member. And if I turn around and take points away from the trumpets later on in the game, I guess that makes me a dishonorary member. Well, for now, until I get a better offer, my loyalties lie with the

trunkets!

Always did like brass, I guess.

As for life being, good, well - it is. And I'm not just saying that because I've decided to start dating a lot more. I'm saying it because it's true. I'm not saying there aren't occasional challenges. But the overall scheme of things just can't be beat.

The End

Alrighty!

Flute 14
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 17
Trombone 14
Tuba 13
Harp 14

Man, I love that rule too!

Sorry Ben

Just trying to keep everything even (man I love the clarification of the rule).

Flute 14
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 16
Trombone 14
Tuba 14
Harp 14

George Costanza down, Tubby up.

Blah

You're all poo-heads.

Flute 14
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 16
Trombone 15
Tuba 13
Harp 14

Take that!

Answer

Ok, I know that some of you have been continually asking whether its ok to do a move like: from trumpets to flute followed by from trombone to trumpet. Yes, this is legal considering that each move is just moving one point and not two seperate moves. You just can't undo exactly what the previous person did. Of course, you could always wait for someone else to post, then undo it; that's completely legal.

-Trumpets, + Trombones...obviously

Flute 14
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 15
Trombone 15
Tuba 14
Harp 14

Oh, and another thing, I think that when it gets down to two, we'll just call a winner.....? Weigh in please.

SPREAD!!!

Trumpets -, Harps +

Flute 14
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 16
Trombone 14
Tuba 14
Harp 14

YEAH!!! YEAH!! yeah! yeah....

If you liked VirtueDesktops...

then you'll most likely like this latest ff extension:

Tab Effect

Doesn't work on Mac, though. :(

Flute 14
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 17
Trombone 14
Tuba 14
Harp 13

And that's the way the cookie crumbles. [tpt-,tb+]

Continuing the redistribution 'pets -1, 'bones +1

Flute 14

Clarinet 14

Saxophone 14

Trumpet 18

Trombone 14

Tuba 13

Harp 13

I concur

Before I do a little more spreading, I'd just like to announce a compendium - a collection - a gathering - of videos, both embedded and linked from this blog and that of my former-co-worker-and-friend Duswoo. The new* blog can be found at:

Bag-O-Cool

If you have any cool videos, just email me, or post them here and I'll try to do another roundup later on.

Ok, so for that I-Can't-Believe-It's-Not-Trumpets Spread:

Flute 14
Clarinet 14
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 19
Trombone 13
Tuba 13
Harp 13

Spread it like butta!!!

I say, let's spread the trumpet wealth out a bit....

Flute 14
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 14
Trumpet 20
Trombone 13
Tuba 13
Harp 13

and make there be 14 for all!

The race is on......

Flute 14
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 21
Trombone 13
Tuba 13
Harp 13

Umm....I hope there are no hard feelings for this move. There were just too many thirteens.

Thirteens all around... almost

Next time I get a car I want one with as many extras as this puppy has.

And speaking of good times, I'm-a go do some work now, since I'm at work. Apropos, no?

Flute 13
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 22
Trombone 13
Tuba 13
Harp 13

Legalities

Actually, that is legal. Jon and I talked about this a couple of weeks ago. It is okay to favor one group or another by countering someone else's point increase or decrease. What's not allowed is to undo the previous move by simply reversing the points. In chess, when a piece is simply moved back and forth more than three times in successive turns, it results in a stalemate, regardless of the players' positions. What I understand is that we want to avoid the appearance of stalemate by not allowing even one move to be atomically undone. Atomically simply means a series of steps carried out as if it were one step.

Anyhow, that's my $.02.

Baby, this one's for you!

Flute 13
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 13
Trumpet 23
Trombone 13
Tuba 13
Harp 13

My lady played Sax. in high school. Some of you knew that, some of you did not. Either way, I've made my move.

Still wondering if this move is "legal" or not but I figured I'd get it in before the hammer was brought down upon us all.

later.

I'll rob YOUR hood

Ta da:

Flute 13
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 12
Trumpet 24
Trombone 13
Tuba 13
Harp 13

Just to clarify, did we ever decide if it was kosher to do the above move? John took from trumpets and gave to saxophones, I in turn, took from tubas and gave to trumpets. Thus, it is not undoing the previous move. Can I get an official ruling?

Robin Hood

Flute 13
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 12
Trumpet 23
Trombone 13
Tuba 14
Harp 13

Take from the rich. Give to the poor.

And speaking of putting dates on your calendar, a very important one is coming up next month. On the twelfth day, to be exact. That's right, kiddies - the day you've all been waiting for: the band geeks blog's third birthday. And I quote:

"I know, can you believe it?"
- Homestar Runner in Fluffy Puff Commercial

Well done!

At least the Horns went out in a blaze of glory... after they were doused with gas and had matches thrown at them. Bwwaaaahahahaha. Nothing better than ridding the world of French Horns. Except when Maestro John Williams is writting for them. Then it's a shame...

Anyhoo:

Flute 13
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 24
Trombone 13
Tuba 14
Harp 13

Up up and away with trumpets! Down down and towards with tubas!

Hooray! I will be getting my Sundance tickets this week. It should be an interesting experience.

Andrew posted, so I can post again, yay!

Flute 13
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 10
Trumpet 23
Trombone 13
Tuba 15
French Horn 1
Harp 13

More respect the ol' Trombone way at the expense of the Horns Francaise.

Well, I'm back

As sam would have it.

Well hello to all (though I've seen a lot of youse) , and let me just say this hemisphere is a little strange... snow is amazing stuff. And my Dad laughed at me when I called the traffic lights "Robots". So there.

Otherwise, my chops are pleasantly busted from Pep Band last night (I was pleasantly surprised by my ability to play, once I got my instrument working) and I am looking forward to participating in all musical matters as the semester proceeds.

Is anybody planning anything after Saturday's game? Not that any of the veterans are doing pep band these days. it's too bad. This younger generation of trumpets doesn't understand the glory of Pep Band... perhaps a teaching opportunity. Ah well.

I am a little confused right now, which is why I am rambling on in a vague and strange manner.
Oh yes, the other thing. I sat down and watched Jinglesþula I and II yesterday. OH MY WORD it is strange - but so cool. Of course, I don't actually have the final theatrical version.

And I declare open season on Jinglesthreela. Of course input is welcome!

AND p.s. my blog was also released honorably after two year's service, and is now thekobus.blogspot so those of y'all what are linked might want to update that.

My Whole Self Hurts

I'm working on getting over strep throat that has wiped me out for the last two days. Two thinks really sucked about this little bout with strep: 1) a persistent fever approaching 104 degrees, and 2) when I was finally able to eat something, it tasted like sand. Now, the former was definitely the worse of the two because I really have not had an appetite at all. That blasted fever kept me up all night long and made me so very uncomfortable. Fortunately, after considerable drug intervention (namely a penicillin prescription), I'm starting to feel almost normal. I'll tell ya, though, I haven't been sick like this for almost two years. In March of '05, I came down with strep and it knocked me out for four days. Of course, I didn't get it diagnosed for two days.

Well, enough of that. I just wanted to check in and see how everything was. In my absence, there's been quite a bit of traffic on this site, which is very good.

I'm getting tired, so it's time that I go in the other room and watch another movie. :) Chao!!

My back is in a world of hurt.

I moved lounge furniture today at the dorms. I must've pulled something because my back hurts like the Dickens. Yowza.

Anyhoo...

Flute 13
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 10
Trumpet 23
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 2
Harp 13

Looks like the French Horns are about to be extinguished.

Jason, as to your question about switching to the new blogger, I have done just that and can see no real huge difference. It doesn't affect the way other blogs are shown at all. You being a computery type, might just find some cool little tricks from it, but regular old me can't see anything major.

Frenchies have too many and Harps don't have enough

Flute 13
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 10
Trumpet 22
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 3
Harp 13

Jon, as to about considering financial advice, give me a jingle, I may have some helps for ya.

Velbekommen Tilbage

In other words, you're welcome back, Jarrett. May peace and prosperity shine down on your enterprises. And starships.

Flute 13
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 10
Trumpet 22
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 4
Harp 12

Clarin-up. Down Sax. Now the woodwinds are unbalanced. As am I.

I forgot my username yesterday. Now I feel like a dumb.

Does anyone have any sound financial advice?

Quote of the day:
"Q: If a ninja falls down in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
A: If a ninja does anything, it doesn't make a sound, and if it does make a sound, it's most likely the last sound you'll ever hear."

New Year's, woo hoo!

Flute 13
Clarinet 11
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 22
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 4
Harp 12

That would be flute +, and clarinet -

Something new

Question: Do we know how it will affect the band blog if someone switches to the new Blogger? I'm just wondering because I'm considering switching, but I don't want to lock anyone out or make it so that everyone has to switch whether they want to or not. Anyone out there using the new Blogger who might be able to lend some assistance?

And now for the Really Big Shoe:

Flute 12
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 22
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 4
Harp 12

trpt++; fhrn-- // For any of you who are not programmers, the ++ and -- simply mean add or subtract 1 respectively. :)

And have a very happy New Year, if I don't post on here before then. Also, please be safe in all of your celebrating. Don't drink and drive. :)

GREETINGS one and all

Hmm... I thought I posted before, but it doesn't seem to have appeared. Too bad.
So I suppose there's a reason that only the veteran band citizens have continued posting. Just imagine what it will be like when (1. Jon is nimptopsical, I thought that was funny) you are an old man...

Well, I send my greetings to all and play "taps" for the funeral of the string family in your game. No vote at this time as I can't defend an instrument I haven't played for almost 2 years now. But oh well. PS there is a recent post on my blog for a change.

If any of you be wondering, I will once again grace the VBC with my presence starting next semester. So be prepared for the new, updated Jarrett Wheatley experience - the world will never be the same.

All sarcastic boasting aside, I wish you all the best, a Merry Christmas ('n Geseënde Kersfees) and a Prosperous New Year (n' Voorspoedige Nuwe Jaar) in all aspects and languages.
But I must hie. Salani Kahle!

The Ultimate Answer...

...to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything:

Will It Blend?

Ooh, a site dedicated specially to turning ordinary household objects into dust (another ordinary household object.) It's almost like alchemy, but with more horsepower.

Happy Holiday-type-days for you all.

Add one for my wife and minus one from that wooden woodwind.

Flute 12
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 21
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 5
Harp 12

Rollercoaster

Flute 11
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 21
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 5
Harp 12

Well, darn it all if you guys aren't just the best friends a guy could have
*sniffle* I mean, seriously. I just don't know what I'd do wivoutd awl of you... *sob* I just..... BWAAAAAAwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....

(My impression of what I think I would blog like if I were plastered. Sorry, I had a glass of eggnog for dinner last night and it made me think of what I'd be like if I were inebriated).

I am locked out of my office right now, so I'm sitting in my old/Ben's new office blogging. I didn't have time to make rice pudd'n yesterday like I was supposed to for our office party today, so my ex-/Ben's new boss will be mad at me. Oh, well. I'll just have to bring some in later this week.

And speaking of Ben, yeah, I agree - a clarification on the no-undo-previous-move item would be good. <opinion>I was under the impression that you couldn't undo what was just done by moving the point directly back from where it was put (undoing both moves), but that moving another section's point to a recently-deprived section was ok. </opinion> Anywhoo.......

Yay for elipses.
Yay for adventures.
Yay for my spider plant in my office not being dead like I though it was (I watered it not enough, then way too much).
Yay for summer that is drawing closer every day.
Yay for Atari.
Yay for the stuff.

Kaybye.

Flute 11
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 21
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 5
Harp 12

I'm scared........that's all.
Flute +, French Horn -

.5

Well, ok, you undid half of what I did. I took from the trumpets and you gave back to the trumpets on the next move. So then, are we able to undo half of the previous "move"? An answer to this would 4 shore change the way I play da game. I just understood it as we couldn't undo any part of the previous "move" but I did look at the other moves and there are 2 times (that I noticed) where this has happened so I'm assuming it's ok?? Either way it's not biggy cause it's just a game.

I did not undo what you did. Notice that you took from trumpets and gave to french horns. I took from tubas and gave to trumpets. That's how it works. Look at the older posts...

Flute 10
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 21
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 6
Harp 12

What happens now??

"Rules: 1) You can't undo something that someone just did" I'm guessing the score stands as it was? Not sure though, it was never talked about.

Flute 10
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 20
Trombone 12
Tuba 16
French Horn 6
Harp 12

I am incredibly offended.

And yes, I am completely serious too.

Flute 10
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 21
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 6
Harp 12

..............................................................................

yup, Version 2.156743857565645

yeah.....

Flute 10
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 20
Trombone 12
Tuba 16
French Horn 6
Harp 12

French fries are up, Donald Trump is down.

A fun poem

"There once was a Lady named Bright
Whose speed was much faster than Light
She went out one day
In a Relative way,
And returned -- the previous night!:

—Anonymous, early 20th century

This point change, however, is by no means anonymous. Nor is it vindictive. Or earth-shattering. Or edible. But I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.

Flute 10
Clarinet 13
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 21
Trombone 12
Tuba 16
French Horn 5
Harp 12

Trumpet to Clarinet 2-point conversion. Ding!

yup.

I know that this is in good fun and all, but I simply just don't like the trumpets and I think it's time to take them down a few notches. Join me, won't you? (Just kidding....well, actually, not really. I wouldn't lie about something like that)

Tuba+, trumpet-. Now somebody else needs to post so that we can end this trumpet lead and take them down. I mean, seriously, does anybody (besides trumpet players) actually like trumpets. They just sound so puny and weak.

Flute 10
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 22
Trombone 12
Tuba 16
French Horn 5
Harp 12

yup. This will be fun now :)

Merry Whatever-us

Flute 10
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 23
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 5
Harp 12

I must avenge my wife. No hard feelings.
Flue +++, Trumpet ---

Harppy Holidays Everyone

Flute 9
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 24
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 5
Harp 12

Harp +1, French Horn -1

Happy Birthday, Tycho!

No, not Tyco, maker of fine children's toys. Tycho, observer of the heavens. From Denmark, too. :)

Clarinet+ Horn-

Flute 9
Clarinet 12
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 24
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 6
Harp 11

So...............................
how's everyone doing? That's just great. Since the semester is (practically) over (for those attending classes), I think we need to have somewhat of a celebration by way of social gathering and food and games and such.

The other day my brother gave me a set of the original Atari pong paddle-style controllers which are now gracing my office desk here at the Stick. Isn't retro fun?

In other news, it's supposed to be 49 degrees today. Crazy, no?

Well, for anyone with any finals left to take, I wish you goodest luck.

T minus 14...

...hours and Disneyland opens! Yay!!!

I just thought I'd throw that in there because that's where I'll be. Photos will be forthcoming. :)

And now on to bizz-ness.

Flute 9
Clarinet 11
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 24
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 7
Harp 11

trpt++; flt--;

It's not that I have something fundamentally against flute players; my ears are damaged and have a very hard time listening to high-pitched sounds. And really, that was more of a "--" against piccolos because they hurt so bad to listen to. I've spent too many years listening to loud sounds (such as being in a jazz band and marching bands). Do I regret my hearing loss? Not one iota. It's like a war wound. I'm very proud of it. But, it does call into question my ability to listen to mp3 players. :) I also revel in loud sounds like those from good old American muscle (Chevy 350 small block, Ford 427, and Chrysler 426 Hemi). Those are some beautiful sounds, something no Euro-lib car or Japanese rice burner will ever [properly] imitate. :) Speaking of which, the Corvette is the most beautiful 4-wheeled creation to ever grace the surface of the planet. Ever. Period. I think this one comes in near the top, too. ;)

Wow! I went from flutes to sports cars in one paragraph. I like to gravitate to cars, if you can't tell.

Anyhow, take it easy, y'all!

This just in...

...French horns are going down!!

Flute 10
Clarinet 11
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 23
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 7
Harp 11

Take that, Frenchie!

Flute +, French Horn -

Flute 10
Clarinet 11
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 22
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 8
Harp 11

Ajax can be fun

So can sending the violas to be with the violins. They will be happier together, I think.

Flute 9
Clarinet 11
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 22
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 9
Viola 0
Harp 11

Not much new here - just life in the fast lane.

Quote of the day:
"Never, never, never give up."
- Winston Churchill

Meh

Flute 9
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 22
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 9
Viola 1
Harp 11

Trumpet +, Viola -

That is all.

Yay! Trumpets are legal now!!

Flute 9
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 21
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 9
Viola 2
Harp 11

Andrew, I can only think of a couple of people I know who actually like Microsoft. And I am not one of them. I use Windows out of necessity; it provides some services that other systems do not, that I have discovered to be difficult to live without. I forsook MSN messenger a couple of years ago because of its desire for constant attention. I use mostly Jabber for IM (Google chat, gaim), but if I do need to connect to MSN/AOL, I use Trillian. So yeah, I don't much care for Microsoft either. Except, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I do think the Zune player is pretty cool.

Y'know, a couple of years ago, I purchased some speakers for my computer so that I could upgrade the sound experience. I forked over about $50 and bought the Logitech X-230 2.1 speaker set. Previous to that, I had this fairly nice 2.1 system by Altec Lansing which I donated to Kristin so that she wouldn't have to listen to her old crackly speakers anymore. Anyway, when we moved to Ogden, we set up our TV and DVD player, but desperately needed some decent movie sound. So, I sacrificed and connected my nice speaker system to the DVD player. It really wasn't a sacrifice at all. Over the last year plus, we have really enjoyed the sound that the X-230 puts out. The subwoofer is enough to actually blow air across the room. The sound rivals some Bose systems for clarity. Just last night, we were watching "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and during the end credits, I went in the other room. I could still hear the music loud and clear through the concrete walls. I do try to keep the music down after 10:00 pm so we don't come off as being bad neighbors. But yes, those little speakers are really quite impressive.

Anyway, that's my product review for the day. Take it easy, y'all!

Trombone +1 and Viola -1

Flute 9
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 20
Trombone 12
Tuba 15
French Horn 9
Viola 3
Harp 11

I looks like we'll have an interesting time once Viola goes the way of all that is Violins (violence).

I am running out of post titles...

I must have just sat there for litterally minutes trying to think up a title for this post, but nothing is coming to me. Also, Messenger is not signing me in, and I am getting quite pissed at the little bouncing MSN icon in my dock. Which leads me to my next point, I hate Microsoft. Seriously, can't these people ever get anything right (granted, the XBox is pretty cool)?

On the better side of life, I finished one class completely and now just have two more to go. My cinematography class is all but finish. I just need to get a sound mix done, then fill out a picture log, then send the whole shebang out to Denver and pay $100 and pray I have the patience and nerve to wait six weeks. Then, I just have one measly little project to do for ASL. I'm just worried about my grade in sign language. I need a C- or better. Wish me luck!

Also, I decided that my neighbor is an annoying twerp who keeps his music up too loud. Good thing he's getting evicted from the dorms.

On to business:

Flute 9
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 20
Trombone 11
Tuba 15
French Horn 9
Viola 4
Harp 11

Tumpet +, Viola -

A first

Just Strong Bad's mask not on his head.

Flute 9
Clarinet 10
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 19
Trombone 11
Tuba 15
French Horn 9
Viola 5
Harp 11

Flute - Clarinet +

And if you want to see a video about a different look at wiki editing, check this out. (Click on #3)

Trumpet +, Viola -

Flute 10
Clarinet 9
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 19
Trombone 11
Tuba 15
French Horn 9
Viola 5
Harp 11

Anyhoo, how's everyone doing? Us school people are all winding down for a nice, well deserved holiday break. As a fine arts major, I don't have to do any finals, just projects. I am split whether or not that is good thing. On one hand, I don't have the stress of tests, on the other hand, projects are large and take lots of time. Either way, the semester is nearly done. Happy semester break everyone!

KML != Camel

Cory, KML stands for Keyhole Markup Language. In other words, Jon wants to do some more stuff with Google Earth, like designing cool structures and placing them in certain places on Google Earth. That's what .kml means. But, if you like, you could create a really cool 3-D camel and place it somewhere and make everyone look for it. :)

Tired of meta tags? Try sketching it

If you've ever needed a CC licensed image to use for a website, flyer, or other purpose and you've tried searching flickr.com, but just can't quite find that perfect picture using search terms, you should check retrievr out. It's pretty amazing what they did. You basically sketch what you're looking for and every brush-stroke does a new search and returns more photos, narrowing the search.

Check it out.

I've been waiting...

Bwwwaaahahahahaha!!!

I get to destroy the violins! STOP THE VIOLINS!!

Flute 10
Clarinet 9
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 19
Trombone 11
Tuba 15
French Horn 8
Violin 0000000000
Viola 6
Harp 11

The violin gets one zero for each of its former points. Whoever goes next, feel free to just delete it from the list, also, feel free to add more points to trumpets.

Jason, I remember each and every single one of those people. In fact, I was just sitting down last night and thinking about the really cool arrangemnet Seth did of the Disney Electrical Light Parade for brass quintet.

Jon, I dig the events idea. Let's do it!

Jarrett, I had a strange experience the other day when I ran into your double here on the U of U campus. I swear, he looked almost exactly like you. Hope you have a pleasant journey home.

Okay peoples lets chip away at the viola and french horn...

Who's...

...scruffy lookin'? I mean, old?

So Jon, do you want Win3.1 to burn into your monitor? I have a copy of it if you'd like to use it for just such a devious purpose.

And why did I not know aboot the concert at St. Joe's last night? Geez! I played in that concert once. I had to fill in for Dave Cox who had some other engagement that night. Present was Seth C. Miner (Minor), Joel Green, Matt Moore (see him almost every week on Music and the Spoken Word), Chris Stubbs, and me. Well, and then there was the orchestra and choir. It was a cool concert. Now, anyone who knows all of the aforementioned people, raise your hand. I guess that would make me a little "old" now, wouldn't it. But, I'm not using the word "old," only "experienced."

Anyhow, I guess I have to do my civic duty to stamp out competition wherever its stinking corpse may lie. Oh wait, that's Microsoft. Never mind. My civic duty is to advance the cause of trumpet players the world over!

Flute 10
Clarinet 9
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 18
Trombone 11
Tuba 15
French Horn 8
Violin 1
Viola 6
Harp 11

And the "aye's" have it.

Old Computer Stuff and Other Stuff

I love old computer stuff. So nostalgic. My brother offered me a bunch of old computer stuff yesterday. I'm putting the Atari pong paddle-style controllers and a couple classic Atari controllers in my office as decor. And the CRT in my other office has the older Windows logo burned into it (95-2000 - not the 3.1 version). Yay.

Jarrett, good to hear from you. I hope everything is still going swimmingly. Can't wait to hear about S. Africa and all your adventures. Keep it up.

Flute 10
Clarinet 9
Saxophone 11
Trumpet 17
Trombone 11
Tuba 15
French Horn 8
Violin 2
Viola 6
Harp 11

Violin: one more nail in the coffin
Clarinet: TTL += 1

Everyone come to the Bell Tower at noon today and get a free hug.

There was a most excellent choirs/orchestra concert at St. Joseph's in Ogden last night. If you missed it, you really missed out. But then, I'm admittedly rather biased. Aside from my bias, though, it was still a very good concert.

I propose...

Summer Games

Hiking
Movies
BBQ's
Road Trips
Ultimate Frisbee
Stargazing
Boating
Rock Climbing/Ice Climbing
Concerts
Dancing
Breakfast
Volleyball
Ice Skating
Firesides
Game Nights

Starting when the weather warms up after this upcoming mini ice age we call "winter", I think we ought to have a communal calendar of events that we can all refer to and show up to as many or few of the events on it as we can or want to. Maybe a little .kml for each event that shows the meeting place and includes meeting time and/or other pertinent info. Each activity could happen once or more than once during the course of the warmer months ahead. Just an idea.

Hmmm....

this blog is starting to look like my Nelspruit district. They all called me "the Old Man". And it seems only the old men have continued to post lately. Funny how life goes on.

All I can say about your game is Bagpipes + 1, Panpipes - 1
or Accordion + 1, Nickelodeon - 1

I am not scared to fly... but I dread flights greater than 9 hours in length.

Well, I hope you're all doing well. And... well, that's all really

A. 2 J. W.
(or "wheatface" as some would have it).