(Op.9) Nocturne No.2 in Eb Major
Image via Wikipedia
So it seems like it’s been forever since I’ve actually written a decent post on here. I feel like now is as good of a time as ever. So let’s get started jah?
Getting the nitty gritty stuff out of the way first…
- I have 3 more days of classes
- I have passed enough assignments in all of my classes such that if I pass the finals I will pass the course
- I wrote a paper on the “Evolution of Greek Architecture in Relation to the Developments in Mathematics” or something like that
- I recorded/produced my first track (see Never Know [post below])
- I went to for the first Vancouver for reading break (see pictures on Flickr [on right])
- Worked 30+ hours in the last month doing recordings
- Learnt to play most of Chopin‘s Prelude in E Minor (see Ben Zander video [below]
- Got knocked out in the first round of the floor hockey playoffs. Scored one goal all season.
Anyways, that’s really all I can think of for the moment. The biggest one on that list is probably the trip to Vancouver. Girlfriend and I went for reading break, which was in the beginning of November (10th – 14th). We stayed in a cheap little hotel which was actually really nice. The trip wasn’t the greatest, and didn’t really compare to when we had gone to Seattle a year previous. I was sick going over there, and had to truck around a fistful of kleenexes everywhere we went. In the two days we had there, we walked close to 15+km around the city, from Gastown to Yaletown to Granville Island to etc etc etc. We got to see Robson street and the malls and such, which was nice. It would have been a lot better if we had an entire week to spend there and take everything at a more leisurely pace. There’s much more of that city I would like to see.
Girlfriend really wanted to go see Bodyworlds which was on at the Science World, so we did that on the night of the 11th, and to be honest it wasn’t that great. I’d seen it before in Edmonton a few years back, and this one was pretty lackluster by comparison. The exhibit was smaller and had less interesting pieces and it was pretty enclosed versus the large open space in Edmonton. So that was a downer but we carried on. Girlfriend wanted to go to the art gallery too, but we just didn’t have the time or the energy. Maybe another day. We were in bed by 10pm each day and up by 8. We definitely don’t know how to vacation.
Oh! I forgot something very important that I did in the last week! I met Alexisonfire! As you may or may not know, they are one of my favourite bands of all time and a group that I really enjoy in all aspects of manner
Image via Wikipedia
and music. So it was pretty cool to meet them finally. If you don’t know their names tough, because I’m going to refer to them as such. This is only my personal opinion and experience so it may not be a true representation of character, but Dallas and Wade didn’t give the best impression to me. Dallas was very “Hi, Autograph? Photo? Next?” or at least that’s how it was to me. There were quite a few other people there and that was a disappointment but to be fair I wasn’t the most outgoing individual there. I had a nice chat with Steele and he seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say. Same with George and Ratbeard, and I enjoyed my conversation with them. So it was kind of a interesting experience. It was kind of like “Okay-go-ahead-make-awkward-conversation-with-people-you-really-admire-who-don’t-care-who-you-are-for-a-half-hour.” But it was cool to do. I don’t think I’d do it again, especially for that price tag ($100).
All that being said, the show was pretty ridiculous. With people climbing up on stage and crowd surfing, combined with the terrible sound and the show having to be done by 9:30 (to accommodate all the clubbers on a Friday night) I think it was a mediocre experience. It had it’s highlights and it’s lowlights, but that’s to be expected.
I’m not sure what else to write tonight…exams are coming up, and I will be done by the 18th. So hopefully I’ll write some more posts coming into the holiday season. (I actually was going to type Christmas there, but then changed it to holiday. Isn’t that so politically correct of me?)
And for something completely different! A Hipster Hitler comic!
Art School
Related Articles
- Alexisonfire wants to cool down a bit (theglobeandmail.com)
- Music Review: Putting Some Muscle in Chopin Along With the Poetry (nytimes.com)
- Sunday Stories…Last Minute Homework and an Evening with Chopin! (crazygoangirl.wordpress.com)
Firefox taking the next step to Internet superiority
Firefox Just Perfected Tabbed Browsing. It’s Like Apple’s Expose Plus Spaces For The Web.
So really, you need to watch this video, or just read what I am going to write below.
Firefox has created a super awesome new browser that’s going to be available soon. With a new feature called Tab-Candy, it allows users to sort and manage their tabs much like the Expose feature on a Mac. I know Girlfriend will love this feature because she is terrible with her tabs.
Basically, Firefox has given you a giant flat table with all your tabs on it. You can sort all your tabs into different groups, label them, and then when you click on a certain group to view the page, you will only see the tabs within that group. (Ie, if you’re doing research on Miley Cyrus, but on Facebook and stuff at the same time, you make your Miley group, and then gawk at her for few minutes until you realize that’s illegal.)
This is going to be particularly handy for me. Right now I have a bunch of bookmark groups, such as all my emails/networking/facebook group, my webcomics group, my online banking group, my music group, etc etc etc. So now I can have each of these groups seperate and easily accessible. 
Another great thing is that you can have separate log-ins for email. So Girlfriend is going to get her own group just for her, and she can log into it whenever she wants, and won’t have to deal with my saved passwords and stuff.
And it doesn’t stop there! They’ve got all these plans for being able to connect to other people. Essentially letting you see what everyone else is browsing on the internet at the same time, which could prove problematic at some points/decreasing our privacy even less, but interesting for sure.
An Introduction to Firefox’s Tab Candy from Aza Raskin on Vimeo.
Anyways, it’s just in the development stages right now, but this looks practically revolutionary – I’m going to download the beta version now and try it out! Maybe you will too!
THE INTERNET IS RUNNING OUT!?
Less than a year until internet addresses run dry.
Gad Zooks!
So basically because when the guys who created the internet didn’t think it would get this big, they coded with only 32 bits of address space. What this means is that you get 400 million unique memory addresses (in this case IP addresses) [32 bits ^ 2].
There is apparently 232 million addresses left, which will last about another year.
They have already created a solution, basically adding more bits to the IP addresses, but it is very expensive for companies to upgrade their systems to accommodate the new bits.
So don’t start freaking out, this isn’t Y2k all over again, but stay tuned for more!
Some Cool Things!
So in lieu of the post below this – the Star Wars Trilogy in 2 minutes, with Lego! I bring you these! Something I saw yesterday that I want to get now. For no real reason what so ever.
It’s a Star Wars USB drive! So Awesome. They have Yoda, Darth Vader, Boba Fett and Stormtroopers. Want. http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/tyme-machines-4gb-usb-drive-storm-trooper/10128249.aspx?path=e11ec037788f17c4e19ee34983fb8734en02
I came across a “Fake Science” site today. So basically the REAL answers to all your questions. Girlfriend might like this one.
Allegretto poco Scherzoso
I am finally coming off of one of the most hectic weeks of my year. Last week almost killed me. Starting on the Friday previous, making that the 12th. I worked that night, the next night, and the night after that. On that Wednesday my parents arrived in time for my jazz band concert on Saturday. That Thursday night I had a rehearsal for said jazz band, and then a midterm the day after in my recording class. Then Saturday was the concert and dress rehearsal, so that day was basically a write off. And then to top it all off, on Sunday I had to finish a 1300+ line assignment for my computer science class. Throw in seeing your parents everyday and them harping on you about just about everything. It did not make for a good week.
My parents being here caused me a lot of stress. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned, but Girlfriend and I are, or were, hoping to move in together in September. As of now it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. My parents flat out told me that if her and I wanted to live together then I would have to pay for all on my own. My parents very generously cover a large amount of my expenses while I am in school. And depending on whether or not I find a job this summer, I could have little to no funds of my own. This has caused a point of conflict for me and girlfriend, and for my parents and I. Girlfriend is questioning whether or not she wants to maintain this relationship, when in the long run it is probable that it will not last due to our individual goals. My parents like to think that they’re letting me make my own decisions in what I do, when really I feel as though they are adding a significant amount of influence by saying that they won’t pay. It’s ridiculous and stupid and grr.
In other news…well I don’t really have other news. It’s looking like I’m moving back to Calgary this summer. I really don’t have many other options, nobody here has looked promising with jobs. And I’ve been applying much earlier than I did last year. The thought of taking more courses has crossed my mind. But I think I would go insane going almost 3 years straight without a break. Maybe I’ll apply to Banff again. They rejected me this time, but that could be because the competition was so great and my recordings weren’t that good.
Speaking of recordings, I get to do something pretty cool tomorrow. My recording class wants to do a session on recording drums, so I get to play for them! It’ll be fun being on the other side of things for a change. Hopefully I’ll be able to listen to something to drum along to…I feel that it’s really hard to play drums to nothing. Oh well, we shall see tomorrow. Maybe I’ll get a recording of it and I can post it for everyone to hear!
Oh drums! Jazz band. Sucked. Go figure. I played my three songs and left. There was nothing to stay there for, our ‘leader’ was just using the forum as a promotion for her and her band. The ‘guest’ artist she invited is a blues harmonica player. Together, him and our leader have two bands together, and they will be touring to Germany in May. Definitely a big fucking joke. I was so pissed at that, and really glad I left. The school is trying to find a new jazz teacher. Thank God, and one of the candidates is Matt Brubeck (Dave Brubeck’s son) and he taught us a class on Friday which was pretty cool. See video of Dave Brubeck playing piano and you will understand how good his son is.
And with that, I think I’ll sign off.
Later days,
- J
Long Road Ahead
So as I type this I am listening to Velvet Brown play the tuba. Well actually right now she’s talking. I have never seen one performer talk so fucking much. I can’t stand it. Players should just come out and play. If you want to talk become a fucking actor.
As you can see, or read, I suppose, I am a little grumpy right now. Today has been a really long day. I was up @ 8, class @ 9:30, break for 2 hours, classes from 12:30 – 2:30, break, class @ 3:30, break for dinner, then two hour jazz band practice and then work.
Now if you don’t know, I work as a recording tech at the school of music here at UVic. I record quite a few of the concerts that roll in and out of this place. From tuba recitals, to the jazz band to the wind symphony. So yeah, I basically just press record and sit on my computer, but it’s still work. And it’s days like these that it’s no fun. I also work the next three days, so I really hope that I don’t die. I’d be really happy on that fact. It’s really fun some of the time, and the opportunities are great, just with 6 classes it’s not so fun always.
Now today was my first Jazz band rehearsal, and it was pretty friggen lame. Since I’m doing the auxillery percussion and don’t actually own any of my own instruments, I didn’t actually get anything to play today! I sat there for two hours doing absolutely nothing. I did do my music homework though! So that’s always nice. Hopefully I’ll be able to access some of the stuff, like vibes, or shakers. I doubt it’ll happen, so we’ll see.
So, if you are coming from the MuchMusic VJ site and reading my blog, then you should leave a comment! Because that’d be nifty! I really need to get on that video. It’s pretty hard to think up things to say about yourself while not sounding like a douche (Props to Jenn, who does a Vlog (ThoseWeekendGirls in the blogroll). Maybe this weekend if I get around to it. But leave me a comment MM viewers! (If you’re out there!)
Classes are going okay, my electrical engineering class sucks a lot though. We had the lab for it again today, and I have mentioned that it’s like teaching a parent how to use a mac when they’ve used windows all their life. It’s so fucking stupid. I got alot of my friends to send the prof an email about how bad it was, and he’s offering help and taking the computer part off the assignment. Which is nice. I’m going to go to him for help and see if I can understand it at all. So we’ll see how that one goes.
I’ve just gotta say that all my blogging counterparts out there, you guys stink. I feel like everyone hopped on the blog train and now they’re too lazy to actually do it. So to all of you out there. BLOG MORE. We want to read about your life without actually having to talk to you about it so that we can feel apart of your life without offering help advice or actually being there….Just sayin….
I suppose I should get back to work now. Just wanted to drop a quick update. This may be the last post I ever write if things go poorly. I could be dead by next week from all this work.
Later days,
Love,
- J
First Day (Hopefully They Aren’t All Like This…)
09/09/09 – Today was the first day of school for me here at UVic. And boy was it an eventful day.
Classes were not all that exciting. I had music theory first thing this morning, and I was in a class of about 35, which for some of you is a dream, but for a music class, it’s quite large. We were even moved to a new room because it was so big. And because of this unexpected capacity, my teacher didn’t have any handouts for me and a few other people. Which is no big deal, I met him after class to get them from him, but he told me he wasn’t ready yet, and they’d be available later in the day. (This will come into play later)
After that, I went onto my computer to confirm where my next class was. I happened to stumble upon the Apple website looking on better ways to keep my battery from dying on me all the time. I have a battery life of about an hour and a half, this is not good. As I was there, I came upon this -> http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2377 Which talks about a problem with the video card of my generation of computers. Stating that it causes:
No video on the computer screen (or external display) even though the computer is on
Hey! That’s what was wrong with my computer! Awesome! Because…:
Apple is issuing refunds to customers who may have paid for repairs related to this issue. Please contact Apple for details on the refund process.
This is straight off their website. So basically, I was like SCORE. Apple is going to pay for my stuff. But I had to go to my linear algebra class by this time. We got into this room, and again packed to the ceiling. It’s ridiculous. Anywho, I’m pretty sure my prof walked to our class from the harbour this morning he’s so fresh off the boat (My apologies to any of the Asian persuasion who read this blog). He pronouces all his “th” ‘s as “s” ‘s so words like “Math” become “Mas” which is not as bad as my math prof last semester who said “Math” as “Mat”. So after spending an hour struggling to understand this guy, I went to go print off a resume.
I’m applying for a job as a music assistant at the local radio station here, so I got my cover letter and resume all printed off and went to deliver it to the head director guy here. So I hand it to him and say “I’m applying for the job as Music Assistant here.” and he’s like “Okay thanks.” And proceeds to find some file for my resume. And that was about it. I left soon after.
So now comes the good stuff. I get home, sit down and call Apple. I’m ready to reem them out about how shitty this is and how they should pay for my computer. So I get some help lady and I tell her my problem. And I point out that, Apple is paying for repairs to solve this problem. And my problem was solved, because of the logic board not the video card. She counters with, we’re offering refunds on repairs for video cards, not logic boards. I retort with, How am I to know that it wasn’t the video card in the first place? And that faulty video card is still in my computer. So after a long debate, I reemed her out because I’ve had nothing but trouble with this computer: A new CD drive within the first 10 days, a new battery after a year, a new logic board after a year and a half, and now I’m going to need a new battery again. So I don’t understand how Apple can sell me this product and say: This is a good product, good to go. And have it crap out on me like this so many times. It’s ridiculous. I ended up talking to a customer relations person and talked to him. He said that he would call the computer store and talk with the guy who did the service on my computer, and then call me back with their verdict.
So I waited for a while, and ended up having to go to my software engineering class. Which was also uneventful, but seems like it might be cool. I also talked to our prof about being a computer/music kid, and he might start gearing some things a bit towards us now. Which is cool.
I got back home, pretty pissed and grumpy and depressed about my computer, to get a call from the Apple guy, and he said that Apple would cover my costs, and that I just have to go back and get my money refunded. Good. Bout fricken time. So that cheered me up a little.
I had dinner with the boys tonight. And I guess I haven’t said much about my new roommates or moving in. I’m living with three guys that I knew from last year. And I must admit they’re pretty good roommates, one of them, D, made us all dinner consisting of chicken, rice, and salad. And I was impressed. The girlfriend and I cleaned up and then lounged around before I went for groceries. Then came home and we hung out more, I told a wonderful story about Donald Trump and his radish farm and then bed.
But yes, my roommates. We had K, D, and B. I think we should call ourselves KD-BJ. It’d be good times. But yeah, they’re all from Calgary and D actually lives no more than 10 minutes away from me. Which is really random. They’ve never lived where they’ve had to cook for themselves, but they brought more than enough utensils and stuff. It’s weird, because they share all their stuff. Like food. I’ve spent all summer with, whats yours is yours, you buy it, you eat it. Here it’s like, someone else buys it and you can just eat it. It’s defintiely a different lifestyle that I have to get used to. We’re also getting cable, and I got suckered into getting the $20/mnth/guy package. We’ll see how that goes. But it’s definitely going to be a fun year for sure.
Anywho, got another day of school tomorrow. Should be good! I’m excited! I bought a programable coffeemaker. And I’m using it for the first time tomorrow morning. Can’t wait! I also just had the great idea of putting it in my room instead of downstairs. I have the perfect little shelves for it…Wonderful.
Got more CD’s too. Look for reviews coming soon.
Later days,
- J
Grr.
Fuck I am pissed. Today is just getting worse and worse. I found out that my computer is being repaired. Yay. The part will get in…tomorrow. Around 11. Which is when I’ll be arriving in Calgary. Great. That helps me none. Hurray computer is getting fixed though, I guess.
This entire process has been so fucking frustrating. It’s going to be a month since my computer broke and it’s probably going to be another month until we get everything sorted out.
And then Apple decides to send me an email today telling me about Snow Leopard, the new OS coming out on Friday. Well FUCK YOU Apple. Just rub it in my face. I am about ready to smash some computers around here.
I’m at the point where I don’t even care any more and I just want to get my computer back. I hate having to use these lab computer’s, I hate having to be watched while I use someone else’s computer, I hate having to ask and feel like I’m always in a rush to use a computer and I can never relax while I’m on it. I hate not having my pictures, or my music. It’s sad to say it but I’m pretty sure my life is become fairly dependant on computers.
I considered staying here a few extra hours and pushing my flight back just to get my computer back. But then the guy says “Well I can’t guarentee that the part will get here then.” Well great, order the piece of shit on rush if you have too. And even if the part does come tomorrow, the store opens @ 8, which is when I have to be at the airport for my 9 o clock flight.
And then it’s going to sit in the store for a week until I can get it when I come home. I’m fairly certain that’s not even going to be the problem and when I get back it won’t work then and then I’ll be even more time without a computer. If this new logic board doesn’t fix it, I am getting everything off the harddrive, and getting a new one. I want to call Apple and complain again about how shitty their computers have been to me and how fucking ridiculous this whole experience was.
And then once I do get it fixed, I’m going to be stuck with an $1100 Visa bill until I can send it to my dad, who has to send it to MasterCard who will finally decide if they’ll cover it. Fuck My Life.
- J
Today In the News
I found this article on the globeandmail, I think this is a pretty cool picture. Accompanied by the subsequent viral photoshops.
Also, a signed copy of Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” was sold on auction today for $35 000 (U.S)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/hitlers-infamous-manifesto-sold-at-uk-auction/article1250850/
Here’s how to “unfriend” someone gracefully. I prefer to just block them on Facebook. Problem solved.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/family-and-relationships/how-do-you-un-friend-someone-gracefully/article1250583/
And here’s one for my girlfriend, who keeps asking me how snakes, and frogs have sex. Or if they do. Maybe we can see this and learn!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/rossellinis-lessons-on-underwater-sex-headed-for-toronto/article1248436/
Mac Letter
So as you may or may not know, I have been having troubles with my computer, so today I decided to send the Mac people an email and let them know I am not happy, this is how it goes:
Dear Folks at Mac,
I have been a fan of your products for about 3 years now, and I was very happy when I bought my first laptop, a refurbished MacBook Pro. I was very pleased with the idea of getting a refurbished computer, and the 30% off was definitely a plus. But within the year or using my computer, I have not been so satisfied with it.
Within the first ten days, I had to get the a brand new CD drive installed into the machine, leaving me without my new computer for two weeks. Within 6 months, I had to get my battery replaced, because my original one was part of a defective batch that had been recalled. And now, a year and a half later, my logic board has stopped working, resulting in my computer becoming completely un-usable. I am now waiting to repair my computer.
When buying a refurbished computer, I understood the risks that came with it, but I was fairly confident in the abilities of your people at Apple to provide me with a computer that would not have these kinds of malfunctions. I am now questioning whether my next computer will be a Mac, and that has to do with my poor experience in owning my own Mac. I hope that in the future when you are putting on the shelf, ready to sell, that problems like this will not happen. Defective batteries and improper CD drives should not be happening in a computer that has been certified by your staff as ready to be re-sold. I think it would be wise to the customer to know what has happened to their computer that made it refurbished in the first place.
Thank you for your time and consideration in reading my letter.
I hope this helps you in the future in better customer satisfaction.JCS
Victoria BC, Canada
So following that, they give you a nice little blurb saying:
Thank you for your feedback on the MacBook Pro.
We cannot respond to you personally, but please know that your message has been received and will be reviewed by the MacBook Pro Team. If we need to follow up with you on your ideas for improving the MacBook Pro, we will contact you directly.
We appreciate your assistance in making the MacBook Pro a great computer.
MacBook Pro Team
Apple
Well ain’t that just great. They’re not going to respond to me. Then whats the freaking point of even sending in the feedback? I’m becoming less and less enthused about Mac’s support.
