Nothing much to report, just everyday school every day. The next couple of weeks I am going to hit the books pretty hard in preparation for my final two tests (you know how it goes). The Sodexo continues to get worse as the semester progresses, I don’t know how they do it but they can always seem to make something more potent or more awful than before. Plus my USB Flash Drive took a crap along with the major english paper i have been working on for the last couple of days and the updates to ITOOLM. Not all is lost but a good chunk of both have to be rewritten.
Otherwise on the upside of things. Remember Freescale the company who I had to turn down the summer internship for, well they are offering a scholarship for a pretty good chunk of change. All I have to do is submit the resume and I think I have a pretty good chance of picking it up, since the company basically called the school and asked for me. I have to update the resume tonight and turn it in tomorrow afternoon.
I am getting a bit anxious to go home now. Its been a long time since Christmas. I just have to keep thinking only a few more weeks.
Quake Fever
Hi everybody Sorry its been so long since my last post, but Quake Fever has set in and I have been devoting a large portion of my bloging time to working on my new clan [UAV]'s (Unstoppable Allied Vanguards) website. Anyway Tommorow I should beable to work on ITOOLM and mabye just mabye post it. We'll see. All I really have to say right now is Quakecon is goin to be a blast going down there with all my friends whoob I almost never see as they all go to school way closet to home then I do. Plus I get to play games for 96 hours straight and there is no one ther to tell me to go to bed or do my homework. Man I wish I was goin tommorow.
Quakecon Roster 2005
*************************************************
Cockatoo Computing Roster
Quakecon 2005
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Brian Gruening - Cockat00*
Joe Wrzesinske - WPL_XB70*
Daniel Bluel - PapaKitty*
Chris Sanderson - Colonel Sanders
Andy Narido - /////
Derrick Nnaji - eXplosive
*Indicates taking the Train
**Stay tuned for more information and prices on The Hotel and the Amtrak ride down.**
Peace, Love and Rockets QUAKECON 2005
I'm not missing it this year. If anyone wants to go give me an email right away or post a comment we will work somethig out. If we can get a bunch of guys together we can share a room for dirt cheap but let me know and let me know fast.
“QuakeCon’s 10th anniversary is a historic milestone and a time to celebrate the volunteers, fans, sponsors and games that have driven QuakeCon to become the largest event of its kind,” said Todd Hollenshead, CEO, id Software. “We’re going to have the party of a decade, and we want everyone to be there.” The 10th Annual QuakeCon will once again draw thousands of people from around world to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, from Aug. 11-14, and is open to video game fans worldwide free of charge.QUAKECON
This years event will once again be held at the Gaylord resort in Grapvine Texas and I am not sure who would name a hotel "Gaylord" maby its last name is "Focker"..GAYLORD RESORT
First-come, first-served online registration for QuakeCon 2005 will begin at 9 p.m. EST on Friday, April 15, 2005.
“QuakeCon’s 10th anniversary is a historic milestone and a time to celebrate the volunteers, fans, sponsors and games that have driven QuakeCon to become the largest event of its kind,” said Todd Hollenshead, CEO, id Software. “We’re going to have the party of a decade, and we want everyone to be there.” The 10th Annual QuakeCon will once again draw thousands of people from around world to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, from Aug. 11-14, and is open to video game fans worldwide free of charge.QUAKECON
This years event will once again be held at the Gaylord resort in Grapvine Texas and I am not sure who would name a hotel "Gaylord" maby its last name is "Focker"..GAYLORD RESORT
First-come, first-served online registration for QuakeCon 2005 will begin at 9 p.m. EST on Friday, April 15, 2005.
Announcing...." I'm the Only One Like Me"....
For the last week I have been secretly working on a blog entitled “I’m the Only One like Me” and today I am announcing it’s finally nearing completion. At is heart, the multiple entry’s will give an in-depth look at what it’s like being a White Northerner attending a Historically Black College (HBC) in the South. Although I am not exactly sure when I will post “I’m the Only One like Me” (ITOOLM) as it still needs some proofing and tweaking I'm sure it won't be long. ITOOLM will be posted in chapters or sagas. Sometimes in third or first person each Chapter will give a unique outlook on a certain aspect of life at an HBC. I look forward to posting each saga and hope it will bring a bit of understanding to the idea of “I’m the Only One like Me”.
Otherwise I might take a small break from updating everyday with a large blog to spend a little bit more time working on ITOOLM. So don’t get angry and start emailing me every ten minutes to Update the blog. If there are any certain topics you would like me to write about, give me an email, or post a comment and I will do my best to shine some light upon some of your conundrums . If all goes well look for part one very soon.
Oh yeah. And sorry about the links to WWdN and thinkgeek. Wil's website is down for some reason right now. Mabye he is doing something sweet.
Otherwise I might take a small break from updating everyday with a large blog to spend a little bit more time working on ITOOLM. So don’t get angry and start emailing me every ten minutes to Update the blog. If there are any certain topics you would like me to write about, give me an email, or post a comment and I will do my best to shine some light upon some of your conundrums . If all goes well look for part one very soon.
Oh yeah. And sorry about the links to WWdN and thinkgeek. Wil's website is down for some reason right now. Mabye he is doing something sweet.
Rid the Castle of the Evil pesky Cats
I spent a great deal of time today playing wit da Putty Tats, and make sure to check out the new Technorati Profile.
Hail Drops are falling on my Head
Up at the ungodly early time of 0500 this morning for PT, I was surprised to find the weather fairly nice. About 70 with 50% humidity. It’s been a long time that the weather has cooperated with early morning PT. Anyway my PT group did a couple of laps on what now become known as the loops. (A two mile loop around campus.) Popped off a couple of sit-ups, push-ups and called it a day. “My bed was calling”. I wonder how much good PT does you when you go to bed right after it until like 1100. Man from now on I am adopting the “Real Genius” Policy on running, I only run when chased. When I awoke to the sound of a thunder storm complete with hail a few hours later I knew I would not be leaving the room for the rest of the day.
Perhaps I should have blogged about his sooner but I just plain forgot about it. This entry will bring us back a few days while I was still in Arizona with Kim.
Saturday evening Bruce, Sheila, Kim and I decided to go on a double date. The plan was, go out to dinner together and from there the split up and go do whatever it was each us wanted. We took both cars in order to ensure maximum distance and secrecy from the falcon-like eyes of the elders after dinner. I found myself right at home in the Texas based steak house Bruce and Sheila choose BJ’s.
After a brief joke session and the appetizer, which was actually big enough to be a four course meal, I swore to myself and my stomach I was never going to eat again. A seemingly short time later as our waiter brought the salads and soups I wondered if stomach pumps were included as a complementary service for customers. By the time the main course (a 16oz steak) came to the table Mr. Tummy and I were on the verge of a digestive tract breakdown. “Oh lord where are the Tums”. At least I saved some room for the dessert the “ChocTanic.” And oh yes we brought home the doggy bags.
Following our dinner fit for the Hulk, Bruce and Sheila gave us some driving directions to a club entitled Jillians. Not a far drive, Jillians, according to their research it was supposed to be quite the place to hang out. So Kim and I hoped into out sleek Bullet Red…….”Family…….Mini,,,Van””Yeah..”. And headed off, what we did not know was that a very interesting night of laughing, tanning, sitting, and pondering was in order.
Arriving at this Jullians our initial impression was one of good nature. Valet Parking, Neon lights, water fountains, bouncers, tons of clubs, even a live band playing right outside (pretty good might I add) filled the entire area. However our initial impressions were soon filled with feelings of curiosity. Yes there were lots of teenaged kids, but none not a college student was to be seen. And right along intertwined with them were old people. I mean the median age must have been about 40 (as I am sure not a single 40 year old adorned the streets that night). The streets were filled with both the munchkin land-like ambiance of High School kids, and the formaldehyde smell of old people.
A strange place. Kim and I walked around hoping to find a group of college kids and follow them in the shadows to a secret college spot that only college students knew about, but were unsuccessfully disappointed. However along our walk I did get a sun tan from the flamingly bright, as I honestly believe that every guy with a compass that didn’t point to north was out (a.k.a. not straight PPL). It was about that time that Kim and I realized where we were. A perfect place for kids between the ages of 14 and 17, and the grandparents that brought them. Most of the clubs read you must be 21 to enter and the ones that did not require the age were totally filled with ankle biters. We then retreated to the relative safety of Borders to see on the off chance if they had Wil’s other book “Dancing Barefoot”. Nope guess it’s more of a specialty item.
At this point Kim and I both dazed and confused yet still understanding decided we would be better suited back at home watching a movie of our own choosing. Where we could snuggle without wide eyed staring kids just waiting to yell our “OOOOOOOOhhhhOOOOOO” or the criticism of old people who thought that anything more than holding hands in public is a sin.
We drove back home and watched “The Rock”.
Perhaps I should have blogged about his sooner but I just plain forgot about it. This entry will bring us back a few days while I was still in Arizona with Kim.
Saturday evening Bruce, Sheila, Kim and I decided to go on a double date. The plan was, go out to dinner together and from there the split up and go do whatever it was each us wanted. We took both cars in order to ensure maximum distance and secrecy from the falcon-like eyes of the elders after dinner. I found myself right at home in the Texas based steak house Bruce and Sheila choose BJ’s.
After a brief joke session and the appetizer, which was actually big enough to be a four course meal, I swore to myself and my stomach I was never going to eat again. A seemingly short time later as our waiter brought the salads and soups I wondered if stomach pumps were included as a complementary service for customers. By the time the main course (a 16oz steak) came to the table Mr. Tummy and I were on the verge of a digestive tract breakdown. “Oh lord where are the Tums”. At least I saved some room for the dessert the “ChocTanic.” And oh yes we brought home the doggy bags.
Following our dinner fit for the Hulk, Bruce and Sheila gave us some driving directions to a club entitled Jillians. Not a far drive, Jillians, according to their research it was supposed to be quite the place to hang out. So Kim and I hoped into out sleek Bullet Red…….”Family…….Mini,,,Van””Yeah..”. And headed off, what we did not know was that a very interesting night of laughing, tanning, sitting, and pondering was in order.
Arriving at this Jullians our initial impression was one of good nature. Valet Parking, Neon lights, water fountains, bouncers, tons of clubs, even a live band playing right outside (pretty good might I add) filled the entire area. However our initial impressions were soon filled with feelings of curiosity. Yes there were lots of teenaged kids, but none not a college student was to be seen. And right along intertwined with them were old people. I mean the median age must have been about 40 (as I am sure not a single 40 year old adorned the streets that night). The streets were filled with both the munchkin land-like ambiance of High School kids, and the formaldehyde smell of old people.
A strange place. Kim and I walked around hoping to find a group of college kids and follow them in the shadows to a secret college spot that only college students knew about, but were unsuccessfully disappointed. However along our walk I did get a sun tan from the flamingly bright, as I honestly believe that every guy with a compass that didn’t point to north was out (a.k.a. not straight PPL). It was about that time that Kim and I realized where we were. A perfect place for kids between the ages of 14 and 17, and the grandparents that brought them. Most of the clubs read you must be 21 to enter and the ones that did not require the age were totally filled with ankle biters. We then retreated to the relative safety of Borders to see on the off chance if they had Wil’s other book “Dancing Barefoot”. Nope guess it’s more of a specialty item.
At this point Kim and I both dazed and confused yet still understanding decided we would be better suited back at home watching a movie of our own choosing. Where we could snuggle without wide eyed staring kids just waiting to yell our “OOOOOOOOhhhhOOOOOO” or the criticism of old people who thought that anything more than holding hands in public is a sin.
We drove back home and watched “The Rock”.
Nightmare/\3 = sqrt Heaven
All I have to say about Friday through Monday morning is that Kim and I had a really great time together although short it was really good to see her again. The weirdest part about the whole thing is that weekend is the longest time either of us has spent together without having to leave because dad called (FFILS). Anyway everything went smoothly until I arrived at the airport and Kim, Sheila, and I sat down at a small restaurant right before the security checkpoint. We ordered a plate of Buffalo Wild Wings to hopefully hold Kim and I (especially Kim over for a while). When my phone rang. Expecting it to be mom or dad I answered. “Hello”…………”Yes I am looking for Brian Gruueuueen” his Indian “quick-e-mart” voice was ever too familiar,, the guy from the shuttle company. “Dare has been a problum with da shuttle bus and ahhhh we will be unable to pick you up”. He continued for a few mins telling me there was nothing he could do that evening. Well here we go again I thought as memories of a week past jumped into my mind.
Oh god the one thing I was counting on when I got back was that shuttle. I immediately got on the phone with the parents told them the situation they reminded me that grandma and Grandpa had some friends ‘the Pennings’ (they had given me a ride once before) in Houston and she would get their number for me just in case. Just as soon as I had finished with mom and dad I began to call those students back at PV who I knew had cars. After several unsuccessful attempts I managed to get Ryan who said there was a possibility, and I should cal him when I got in. I continued to call people while I passed through the security line as Kim held my side and Sheila watched upon us with one of those sort of a sad puppy dog faces. The time came to say goodbye when I reached the forbidden sign that read “ticked passengers only beyond this point” I gave Kim one last long hug and kiss put my Star Trek bag on the X-Ray machine and walked through the metal portal separating Kim and I for the next two months. For anybody happening to watch or see us It must have looked like something directly out of some Chick Flick Movie with a sappy beginning or ending.
When my plane left (about 40 minutes late might I add) I had so many emotions running through me people might have thought I was Pregnant. Unlike last time my flight back was smooth and comfy I slept the entire way back.
After picking up the miraculous only that that had not gone wrong with the traveling the “Miraculous black bag of choths”. I began calling my miscellaneous contacts…… Each time I called another “sorry I cant make it”. I took out the Pennings number and gave them a call “Hello is this Brian Gruening Calling” I said as hopefully as I could. “Yes”. “I have run into somewhat of a pickle my plane came in late and the shuttle bus is broken down,, I am kind of stuck here.” Almost before I could finish my sentence he had offered me a place to stay for the evening and that he would be around in about a half an hour to pick me up.
Someone up there was watching over me this time. Steve picked me up brought me to his house fixed me up a delicious hot homemade bowl of soup and a nice bed for the evening. I got in touch with the shuttle company and they said they would be more then happy to pick me at the airport the next morning. And as luck my have it Steve was heading in that direction in the morning on his way to Alabama to do a study in the wetlands (he’s a biology professor at the University of Houston). The next morning after a will needed sleep I packed up the Star Trek Bag (after a rather good away mission’ good thing its not a RED case’). I took the shuttle back to PV just in time for my Navy class.
Thanks Steve, I owe you one. Mabye I can get you a slushy "I am pretty sure I know a guy who can get you one".
Oh god the one thing I was counting on when I got back was that shuttle. I immediately got on the phone with the parents told them the situation they reminded me that grandma and Grandpa had some friends ‘the Pennings’ (they had given me a ride once before) in Houston and she would get their number for me just in case. Just as soon as I had finished with mom and dad I began to call those students back at PV who I knew had cars. After several unsuccessful attempts I managed to get Ryan who said there was a possibility, and I should cal him when I got in. I continued to call people while I passed through the security line as Kim held my side and Sheila watched upon us with one of those sort of a sad puppy dog faces. The time came to say goodbye when I reached the forbidden sign that read “ticked passengers only beyond this point” I gave Kim one last long hug and kiss put my Star Trek bag on the X-Ray machine and walked through the metal portal separating Kim and I for the next two months. For anybody happening to watch or see us It must have looked like something directly out of some Chick Flick Movie with a sappy beginning or ending.
When my plane left (about 40 minutes late might I add) I had so many emotions running through me people might have thought I was Pregnant. Unlike last time my flight back was smooth and comfy I slept the entire way back.
After picking up the miraculous only that that had not gone wrong with the traveling the “Miraculous black bag of choths”. I began calling my miscellaneous contacts…… Each time I called another “sorry I cant make it”. I took out the Pennings number and gave them a call “Hello is this Brian Gruening Calling” I said as hopefully as I could. “Yes”. “I have run into somewhat of a pickle my plane came in late and the shuttle bus is broken down,, I am kind of stuck here.” Almost before I could finish my sentence he had offered me a place to stay for the evening and that he would be around in about a half an hour to pick me up.
Someone up there was watching over me this time. Steve picked me up brought me to his house fixed me up a delicious hot homemade bowl of soup and a nice bed for the evening. I got in touch with the shuttle company and they said they would be more then happy to pick me at the airport the next morning. And as luck my have it Steve was heading in that direction in the morning on his way to Alabama to do a study in the wetlands (he’s a biology professor at the University of Houston). The next morning after a will needed sleep I packed up the Star Trek Bag (after a rather good away mission’ good thing its not a RED case’). I took the shuttle back to PV just in time for my Navy class.
Thanks Steve, I owe you one. Mabye I can get you a slushy "I am pretty sure I know a guy who can get you one".
New Renewabel Energy
Surprisingly my luck took a turn for the better, when in fact my luggage did show up at the rotunda; at least I had my cloths. Anyway I met Bruce right outside the gate and before I knew it we were on the road. Kim’s parent’s house is actually located in a city called Surprise a few miles west of Phoenix so it was only about a forty-five minute drive back to the house. Along the way we encountered little traffic as all the old ‘snowbirds’ (or old people who move down there for the winter, escaping the snow of the north) were well past their 2100 bed time, so we made some really good time pulling into the driveway around 0100 Mountain time. Bruce was just quick to show me my room and bed as I was to hit the sack. I was asleep even before my head hit the pillow.
By the time my body had stored up enough energy to roll out of bed around 0900 the whole fam (Bruce, Jen, Jacob and Brianna) were up, with the exception of Sheila who was still at the clinic at the time. I opened my door and proceeded into the kitchen in a sort of dead man shuffle complete with a bad case of bed head and BO (shower was next on the agenda).
That afternoon we drove into phoenix to pick mom up from the clinic where she had spent the night in some type of brain monitoring station. She looked much better than what I expected when we picked her up.
And so bringith the Brianna (Kim’s five year old sister). Now I consider myself to be a fairly energetic person. Being used to nineteen hour days on a fairly regular basis I can hold my own when sleep looks me in the face. “BUT” a new force was brewing just around the corner and I was soon to realize a new breed of energy entitled…………….. Brennergy. Brianna could teach us all a thing or two about never stopping. From the second the sun shines through the window of her hot pink room, onto her hot pink bed, over her hot pink pajamas and into her eyes, there is no stopping her. Never in my life have I known a five year old child with so much natural energy, put her next to any high school cheerleader and they could talk for hours. Humankinds only saving grace and defense angst the Brennergy is a merger of two of the most powerful forces known to man, the TV and Mickey Mouse. This top secret super weapon’s code name ,…..Project Disney……thanks Walt wherever you are, you saved my life, or maybe Brianna’s.
Brianna’s brother Jacob who (despite a few mental sicknesses) is a great kid. I can see a little bit of me in that boy. Extremely smart but hates school, loves playing games and working on the computer. He would be a prime test subject for a test regarding that paper I wrote about Video games and the future of learning. I bought along a couple of C++ books and lectures I downloaded off the net with me and introduced him to programming. After I taught him the basic syntax or typing of the language we made a couple of text based battle games and a bunch of math problem solvers. Jacob actually was one of the fastest learners I have ever lectured in regards to C++. Mark my words if he continues to work on programming Mr. Carmack over at ID studios is going to have some serious competition.
I spent most of the week before Kim arrived with Brianna and Jacob making sure they stayed out of trouble and shuttled Sheila around in the family Mini van (as the doctors say she cant drive yet). It was really great to spend some time with the future family in law in their own domain of Arizona.
In other news I had to turn down another summer job offer. This time from Freescale who makes the semiconductors for Motorola. I am really beginning to wonder if the NAVY can keep up with all of this money I could have had by now with Lockheed Martin or Boeing or Freescale.
By the time my body had stored up enough energy to roll out of bed around 0900 the whole fam (Bruce, Jen, Jacob and Brianna) were up, with the exception of Sheila who was still at the clinic at the time. I opened my door and proceeded into the kitchen in a sort of dead man shuffle complete with a bad case of bed head and BO (shower was next on the agenda).
That afternoon we drove into phoenix to pick mom up from the clinic where she had spent the night in some type of brain monitoring station. She looked much better than what I expected when we picked her up.
And so bringith the Brianna (Kim’s five year old sister). Now I consider myself to be a fairly energetic person. Being used to nineteen hour days on a fairly regular basis I can hold my own when sleep looks me in the face. “BUT” a new force was brewing just around the corner and I was soon to realize a new breed of energy entitled…………….. Brennergy. Brianna could teach us all a thing or two about never stopping. From the second the sun shines through the window of her hot pink room, onto her hot pink bed, over her hot pink pajamas and into her eyes, there is no stopping her. Never in my life have I known a five year old child with so much natural energy, put her next to any high school cheerleader and they could talk for hours. Humankinds only saving grace and defense angst the Brennergy is a merger of two of the most powerful forces known to man, the TV and Mickey Mouse. This top secret super weapon’s code name ,…..Project Disney……thanks Walt wherever you are, you saved my life, or maybe Brianna’s.
Brianna’s brother Jacob who (despite a few mental sicknesses) is a great kid. I can see a little bit of me in that boy. Extremely smart but hates school, loves playing games and working on the computer. He would be a prime test subject for a test regarding that paper I wrote about Video games and the future of learning. I bought along a couple of C++ books and lectures I downloaded off the net with me and introduced him to programming. After I taught him the basic syntax or typing of the language we made a couple of text based battle games and a bunch of math problem solvers. Jacob actually was one of the fastest learners I have ever lectured in regards to C++. Mark my words if he continues to work on programming Mr. Carmack over at ID studios is going to have some serious competition.
I spent most of the week before Kim arrived with Brianna and Jacob making sure they stayed out of trouble and shuttled Sheila around in the family Mini van (as the doctors say she cant drive yet). It was really great to spend some time with the future family in law in their own domain of Arizona.
In other news I had to turn down another summer job offer. This time from Freescale who makes the semiconductors for Motorola. I am really beginning to wonder if the NAVY can keep up with all of this money I could have had by now with Lockheed Martin or Boeing or Freescale.
Nightmare part II
The next few hours passed without even a single incident. I finished “Just a Geek” and started Chapterhouse Dune. Before long the stewardess (oh I mean Flight Attendant) called the first class passengers onto the plane., then the back rows first I had a while to wait as my seat was in row twelve (right up front). “All remaining rows” I picked up my Star Trek Briefcase which held my laptop, portable hard drive, and countless other electronic devices. Walked over to the gantry handed the stewardess …(ahhh I mean...Flight Attendant,…lady) my ticket and snaked my way to the 757 waiting on at the end. Thoughts of seeing Kim filled my mind.
Just as I rounded the last curve of the gantry my ears were struck with an anvil. “Everybody go back” a man called out from in front of me. “The plane is broke”. The thoughts of Kim were quickly replaced with the angry groan of 150 passengers. My feet did an about face and began walking my oblivious body back to my seat in the terminal. I sat down anxiously awaiting the flight attendant (got it right this time) to tell us what the hell was goin on. Ten minutes later the familiar voice of a ‘life is just peachy’ flight attendant over a mediocre P.A. system filled gate 4B. “Ladies and gentleman we have had a problem with the fueling of our aircraft, the ground crew is working right now to try to fix it, we will be back on in twenty minutes with an update for you”. After a couple of pages into chapter two of Chapterhouse the same voice once again found itself in my ears. “Ladies and Gentleman at this point the ground crew are unsure weather or not they will be able to repair the airplane, we have two alternate aircraft arriving at 2200 at gate 8 we will be changing gates to 8”. Soo once again I walked down to the new gate about 400 meters, found a new ‘cold’ chair. And patiently awaited for the cleaning crew to disinfect the airplane.
Chapter Three went pretty quickly, as the call for the first class passengers rang through the by now completely desolate airport.(or so I thought it did) until I looked at the watch and it said 2245. At least Bruce who was waiting at the airport in Phoenix for me was an hour behind (time change).
When the 1970’s style safety briefing about “how to put your seatbelt on” appeared on the screens of the aircraft My body finally exhaled a breath of relief “Now I can take a nap”……………lucky for me the guy next to me already had that idea and his mouth and nose were informing the adjacent chairs around him of it. Needless to say I contemplated shoving my entire complementary flight pillow into his gaping mouth. At least I had my headphones to keep me company and King Snore-allot out of my mind (I now know why its illegal to bring a gun on a plane). By the time the in flight movie came on GET THIS (((Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events))) “need I say more”. I was beginning to think the plane might just crash.
I woke up after a great nap, just as the plane was about to land. I hope they did not loose my luggage too.
Just as I rounded the last curve of the gantry my ears were struck with an anvil. “Everybody go back” a man called out from in front of me. “The plane is broke”. The thoughts of Kim were quickly replaced with the angry groan of 150 passengers. My feet did an about face and began walking my oblivious body back to my seat in the terminal. I sat down anxiously awaiting the flight attendant (got it right this time) to tell us what the hell was goin on. Ten minutes later the familiar voice of a ‘life is just peachy’ flight attendant over a mediocre P.A. system filled gate 4B. “Ladies and gentleman we have had a problem with the fueling of our aircraft, the ground crew is working right now to try to fix it, we will be back on in twenty minutes with an update for you”. After a couple of pages into chapter two of Chapterhouse the same voice once again found itself in my ears. “Ladies and Gentleman at this point the ground crew are unsure weather or not they will be able to repair the airplane, we have two alternate aircraft arriving at 2200 at gate 8 we will be changing gates to 8”. Soo once again I walked down to the new gate about 400 meters, found a new ‘cold’ chair. And patiently awaited for the cleaning crew to disinfect the airplane.
Chapter Three went pretty quickly, as the call for the first class passengers rang through the by now completely desolate airport.(or so I thought it did) until I looked at the watch and it said 2245. At least Bruce who was waiting at the airport in Phoenix for me was an hour behind (time change).
When the 1970’s style safety briefing about “how to put your seatbelt on” appeared on the screens of the aircraft My body finally exhaled a breath of relief “Now I can take a nap”……………lucky for me the guy next to me already had that idea and his mouth and nose were informing the adjacent chairs around him of it. Needless to say I contemplated shoving my entire complementary flight pillow into his gaping mouth. At least I had my headphones to keep me company and King Snore-allot out of my mind (I now know why its illegal to bring a gun on a plane). By the time the in flight movie came on GET THIS (((Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events))) “need I say more”. I was beginning to think the plane might just crash.
I woke up after a great nap, just as the plane was about to land. I hope they did not loose my luggage too.
Kim Comes in Today
Just a quick update about what has been goin on. I have spent most of the week down here looking after kim's siblings,(wow what a hand full). Yesterday we brought Brianna to a Summer Baseball game Rnagers v.s White Socks (White Socks won). Ayway just thought I would post so yall don't think I died or something. I'll make sure to fill you in on all the details when I get back to Texas.
Nightmare Part I
Ever have on of those dreams where you don’t think you’re going to get out alive? That dream became a reality form me on what was the most agonizing trip I have ever been on.
As I have no car down here I rely on a shuttle service, Ground shuttle get to and from to Bush International airport. The service is a pretty good deal for twenty bucks they pick you me up and let me off right at the airline gate. Anyway, they are supposed to call me when they are right outside of Prairie View right approximately 1800. 1800 rolls around and no phone call 1810, 1820, I try calling their office but no one answers. Thinking they just forgot to call I picked up my ready packed black bag and official Star Trek Briefcase and headed over to where the shuttle was supposed to be picking me up hoping it would be there waiting for me.
I closed the my room door behind me and walked down the hall turned to corner to the small entry way in the front of the building with a large glass door and a guest sign in place to the right., when gazed out the entry to what has become home. I saw what I had dreaded every day for the past two weeks. It was raining and it was raining hard. Ok fine ill walk in the rain a bit of water never hurt anybody right. Half way to the rendezvous point, what had initially been the type of rain that song birds seeking cover in the trees, chirp there seductive tunes in, had turned into a rain more consistent with that of a tropical monsoon where the birds no longer chirp little songs of peace but screech out tunes of horror.
By the time I made it to the pickup place (luckily under a roof) I was not one for being dry, and to make matters worse they still had not called. I waited for another what seemed like an eternity, ten whole mins before the call did come in.
“Hello is this Brriann Grruuuunnneea? The obviously Asian man spoke with the accent of Abu from the Quickie Mart asked. “Speaking” I answered. “Yeah,…. Wel de Shuttle is bout ahh feve minutes away ok, it is a bluuu van… ok”…..“Ok” I said and waited.
It was a good thing that my place was not scheduled to leave until 2100 I thought as I loaded up my gear into the van. Well I guess the worst is behind me I thought as the van took me off the campus. What I did not know at the time was that it could get worse a whole lot worse. And worse it did get. I arrived at Bush fourty-five minutes later at the Contenential terminal, grabbed my boarding pass, and proceeded through unusually short security lines to my gate E-2. I called Bruce(Kim's Dad in AZ), and Dad back home. Took out Wil's Book "Just a Geek" (which I have read twice now and highly reccomend), my watch said 1930.
Oh, and Joe the campus shut down their superG Routers they dont use mine anymore.
As I have no car down here I rely on a shuttle service, Ground shuttle get to and from to Bush International airport. The service is a pretty good deal for twenty bucks they pick you me up and let me off right at the airline gate. Anyway, they are supposed to call me when they are right outside of Prairie View right approximately 1800. 1800 rolls around and no phone call 1810, 1820, I try calling their office but no one answers. Thinking they just forgot to call I picked up my ready packed black bag and official Star Trek Briefcase and headed over to where the shuttle was supposed to be picking me up hoping it would be there waiting for me.
I closed the my room door behind me and walked down the hall turned to corner to the small entry way in the front of the building with a large glass door and a guest sign in place to the right., when gazed out the entry to what has become home. I saw what I had dreaded every day for the past two weeks. It was raining and it was raining hard. Ok fine ill walk in the rain a bit of water never hurt anybody right. Half way to the rendezvous point, what had initially been the type of rain that song birds seeking cover in the trees, chirp there seductive tunes in, had turned into a rain more consistent with that of a tropical monsoon where the birds no longer chirp little songs of peace but screech out tunes of horror.
By the time I made it to the pickup place (luckily under a roof) I was not one for being dry, and to make matters worse they still had not called. I waited for another what seemed like an eternity, ten whole mins before the call did come in.
“Hello is this Brriann Grruuuunnneea? The obviously Asian man spoke with the accent of Abu from the Quickie Mart asked. “Speaking” I answered. “Yeah,…. Wel de Shuttle is bout ahh feve minutes away ok, it is a bluuu van… ok”…..“Ok” I said and waited.
It was a good thing that my place was not scheduled to leave until 2100 I thought as I loaded up my gear into the van. Well I guess the worst is behind me I thought as the van took me off the campus. What I did not know at the time was that it could get worse a whole lot worse. And worse it did get. I arrived at Bush fourty-five minutes later at the Contenential terminal, grabbed my boarding pass, and proceeded through unusually short security lines to my gate E-2. I called Bruce(Kim's Dad in AZ), and Dad back home. Took out Wil's Book "Just a Geek" (which I have read twice now and highly reccomend), my watch said 1930.
Oh, and Joe the campus shut down their superG Routers they dont use mine anymore.
Limited Connectivity
Ok, first off did not update the blog yesterday I fell into a Coma-like sleep for about eleven hours. In the words of Lili Von Shtupp,… “Ahhh I fweel Wefweshed.”
As the entire campus has now gone away to their miscellaneous spring break hotspots, homes, and parties. I find myself sitting in front of a computer screen (with no internet by the way) writing this blog. The campus has never been so quiet or at the same time so boring. But, it’s really nice to have some peace and quiet around here for a change. Normally the faint sound, or more often the completely audible sounds of, Snoop Dogg or Nelly resonate through the halls of my dorm. It’s not that I hate RAP music (Which I can now tolerate after ten months of hearing nothing but Rap), I am just saying to put on some good old Toto, Journey and dare I say it…. Styx is really pleasant to the earlobes.
But over the past hours I have become ever so aware of my dependence on the internet for survival here at PV/no-mans land. My link to the outside world as I like to call it (those of you who have been down here know what I am talking about). Sure its fun to run off into the endless fields of grass and cow pies of the governors Ranch (right next door to PV), whittle a stick,....chuck some corn....., or have a nice conversation with a lonely cow, and run like hell when the lone longhorn sees us trying to “horn” in on his bitch., No matter though, cuz we’ll get back at him later at one in the morning when he mysteriously falls over and sees a bunch of college students running away as fast as they can (a.k.a. “Cow Tipping”). …. But it just does not offer the same fast passed connection between the brain body and soul as a 108megabyte super G router can.
I’m not sure exactly how many hours a day I spend online but I am sure it is a substantial part of my day (maybe it’s a good thing that I don’t know). While “connected” Trillian is always on, as I look for English paper sources, surf Slashdot for the newest tech news, finish a C++ program, and stream DI. Not only is the internet an absolute must when it comes to Education but also to my mental health. I had to write an equation statement about my relationship to the internet it would probly sound something like this Ahhhhh high speed internet connection + Doom 3 and Unreal Tournament 2k4 = fun. (The availability of the internet is directly proportional to the sum of my mood and mental health). If that makes any sense.
I have spent most of the day packing for my trip to Arizona, to see Kim’s mother’s family and Kim at the end of the week. I am so excited I can barley sit still, I suppose some of that comes from never being off campus other then for Navy functions since I got back from Christmas break. Still I really can’t wait to see Kim.
I’ll try to update the blog as much as I can during spring break but more likely the better stuff will come after the break when I have some time on the plane to sit down and write some good stuff.
As the entire campus has now gone away to their miscellaneous spring break hotspots, homes, and parties. I find myself sitting in front of a computer screen (with no internet by the way) writing this blog. The campus has never been so quiet or at the same time so boring. But, it’s really nice to have some peace and quiet around here for a change. Normally the faint sound, or more often the completely audible sounds of, Snoop Dogg or Nelly resonate through the halls of my dorm. It’s not that I hate RAP music (Which I can now tolerate after ten months of hearing nothing but Rap), I am just saying to put on some good old Toto, Journey and dare I say it…. Styx is really pleasant to the earlobes.
But over the past hours I have become ever so aware of my dependence on the internet for survival here at PV/no-mans land. My link to the outside world as I like to call it (those of you who have been down here know what I am talking about). Sure its fun to run off into the endless fields of grass and cow pies of the governors Ranch (right next door to PV), whittle a stick,....chuck some corn....., or have a nice conversation with a lonely cow, and run like hell when the lone longhorn sees us trying to “horn” in on his bitch., No matter though, cuz we’ll get back at him later at one in the morning when he mysteriously falls over and sees a bunch of college students running away as fast as they can (a.k.a. “Cow Tipping”). …. But it just does not offer the same fast passed connection between the brain body and soul as a 108megabyte super G router can.
I’m not sure exactly how many hours a day I spend online but I am sure it is a substantial part of my day (maybe it’s a good thing that I don’t know). While “connected” Trillian is always on, as I look for English paper sources, surf Slashdot for the newest tech news, finish a C++ program, and stream DI. Not only is the internet an absolute must when it comes to Education but also to my mental health. I had to write an equation statement about my relationship to the internet it would probly sound something like this Ahhhhh high speed internet connection + Doom 3 and Unreal Tournament 2k4 = fun. (The availability of the internet is directly proportional to the sum of my mood and mental health). If that makes any sense.
I have spent most of the day packing for my trip to Arizona, to see Kim’s mother’s family and Kim at the end of the week. I am so excited I can barley sit still, I suppose some of that comes from never being off campus other then for Navy functions since I got back from Christmas break. Still I really can’t wait to see Kim.
I’ll try to update the blog as much as I can during spring break but more likely the better stuff will come after the break when I have some time on the plane to sit down and write some good stuff.
Chaos Strikes Prairie View
I finished my English Midterm in what must have been record time I was in and out of there before I even had time to look at the watch to see what the time was. Basically running back to the room anticipating a sweet online game of Doom 3, I was reminded of a scene from Independence day. Remember the scene where David and his father are driving in the car trying to get to Washington to warn the president the aliens are going to attack, anyway as they are driving in the inbound lane when David’s father says “Everybody in the world’s trying to get out of Washington, we’re the only shmucks trying to get in.” As I ran back to the room I must have passed the entire student body on there way our to freedom. Cars were double parked in the streets, students were running to and from them franticly as dirty cloths dangled from every makeshift hanger a body can make. The air was filled with the roar of car horns from every make and model imaginable creating the world first Honking Symphony Orchestra. For a while I was unsure weather I was going to make it get back to the room. “Maybe I should have brought some Bangalore’s”.
Quickly opening the door and closing it just as fast I was greeted by the familiar music of the Doom 3 title screen as I had already loaded it up prior to leaving for the midterm. Time to get cockat00’s Frag on. I hit the refresh server list, found a good server and brought Cockat00 into the game. I spent the rest of the afternoon mopping up in miscellaneous Doom maps making sure the Cockat00 reputation was holding strong. I really hope I make it to Quakecon this summer. That’s it for now, I guess maybe I’ll throw in a movie and make some popcorn.
Quickly opening the door and closing it just as fast I was greeted by the familiar music of the Doom 3 title screen as I had already loaded it up prior to leaving for the midterm. Time to get cockat00’s Frag on. I hit the refresh server list, found a good server and brought Cockat00 into the game. I spent the rest of the afternoon mopping up in miscellaneous Doom maps making sure the Cockat00 reputation was holding strong. I really hope I make it to Quakecon this summer. That’s it for now, I guess maybe I’ll throw in a movie and make some popcorn.
Three Midterms Down Three to Go
Nothing much happening today other then studying for the last couple of midterms I have in Computer Science, Math, and English tommorow. This morning a navy training Helo gave our ROTC unit a visit and a pretty lame show (in my opinion EAA has set the bar pretty high for me). Speaking of EAA this summers show is goin to be the best one in a long time with main attractions like the last flying B-29 Fifi, a B-24 Liberater the White Knight and space Ship one. I am telling you I am goin to be out of my mind working there this summer. I just hope my request for the June Navy training goes through. I an goin to have a nervous breakdown if I dont get to go to the airshow this year. I am goin to hit the sack early tonight need my rest for the big day of midterms.
Congratulations Global Flyer
Two mins ago Rutan and his crew from Scaled Composites broke aother world record when the Global Flyer landed compleating its non stop around the world flight.
Umbrellas don’t do any good on the ground
Well three finals down four to go. This week has been the longest I have had in a long time, the hours just seem to be inching along. It’s also getting hard to keep my mind on studying these last few days before I leave, I find myself drifting away with mental pictures of seeing Kim again more often then my books want me to. As nice as a few of the days have been her (actually hitting 80 the other day) as of lately the campus has been overrun with that of gray smog and gloomy rain torrential thunderstorms at night and winds that seem to cut the nice out of the day like a knife. Walking between classes it’s not uncommon to see the lone top or bottom half of a blown apart umbrella emerged in a puddle muddy water. I myself had to salvage my eight dollar umbrella yesterday after a gust of wind made short work of it. With spring break so close, midterms, and the weather being as it is, the campus atmosphere seems almost like that something Stephen King would write about.
Anyway for some good news for a change. Today I was awarded 600 smackers of naval leadership money. The commanding officers give this money out to MIDN who best exemplify the navy’s core values. I guess I was not entirely surprised to hear my name on the list as I worked my butt off for them this semester, …………….but 600 dollars I was not expecting that. Ok here’s the best part about this, this extra money means that the navy has paid for my full tuition and then some. Now………I am actually going to get money back for going to school. Can you believe that?!! All I have to say is I guess hard work does “pay” off. Maybe that new Video card inset that far off.
Anyway for some good news for a change. Today I was awarded 600 smackers of naval leadership money. The commanding officers give this money out to MIDN who best exemplify the navy’s core values. I guess I was not entirely surprised to hear my name on the list as I worked my butt off for them this semester, …………….but 600 dollars I was not expecting that. Ok here’s the best part about this, this extra money means that the navy has paid for my full tuition and then some. Now………I am actually going to get money back for going to school. Can you believe that?!! All I have to say is I guess hard work does “pay” off. Maybe that new Video card inset that far off.
StarTrek Fans pledge 3 million to Enterprise
Now this is what i am talking about people who know good tv when they see it.
TrekUnited.com :: Star Trek Fans United to Resurrect and Fund Enterprise
TrekUnited.com :: Star Trek Fans United to Resurrect and Fund Enterprise
developer.* - Code as Design: Three Essays by Jack W. Reeves
Here is a verry interesting article about Programming and Software.
developer.* - Code as Design: Three Essays by Jack W. Reeves
developer.* - Code as Design: Three Essays by Jack W. Reeves
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