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February 2007 News Archives

February 01    February 05    February 06    February 07    February 12    February 13    February 14    February 15    February 16    February 26    February 27    February 28

What I am listening to as I type this:  Rammstein - Rein Raus

February 28, 2007

When I left Europe this weekend, one thing aside, I was happy to be going home.  I loved every minute of my time there, but simple frustrations were starting to accumulate.  Paying $6 for a bottled water (you cannot get tap water).  Everybody speaking a different language (we only ran into 4 Americans while there).  Not being able to read menus.  All of these things I could live with, but I was happy to get out and back to the normal.  That being said, holy shit do I want to be back in Zermatt right now.  I don't think one can realize how incredible that little village is.  Everybody is so polite, every woman is gorgeous, all the food & beer is delicious, no cars so you can walk everywhere, no crime worries, clean air due to no cars or gas-powered anything, the most amazing views in the world, 7000 vertical foot snowboard runs.  I loved every second of my time there, every waking second.

So now I'm back to the old, writing ad hoc reports, rebuilding PC's because Sony is a fucking garbage company (I'll leave it at that, but yes, they pissed me off yesterday and cost me about 4 hours of work), deciding how to upgrade Oracle to 9.2.0.8 from 9.2.0.6, fixing printers, maintaining a call database.  Humph.  I miss Zermatt.

I just got my research paper back, graded, which I wrote on the plane ride to Zurich last Saturday.  Let me tell you, this was a piece of shit paper, it was arguably the worst paper I've ever written.  I got a mutherfucking 100% on it.  This irks the shit out of me.  Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the 100%, but how in the fuck did this professor give me a damn 90% on my grid computing paper?!  Although it wasn't my best piece of work, it was my favorite paper I've written so far for this course.  Ah well, If I can simply write something average on this 15 pager due this week (which is worth 30% of my grade) I should be able to pull an A out of this beast.

It's snowing like crazy, I cannot wait to get up to the mountains this weekend for some pow pow riding.  I'm done with Switzerland, so no worries about getting hurt, so it's time for big air.  Maybe bigger than this (taken a week ago today in Zermatt, I think).

Pictures aren't up yet, maybe later today, we'll see.

What I am listening to as I type this:  Rammstein - Klavier

February 27, 2007

First off, this "jet lag" phenomenon is just a myth.  Not affecting me in the least in either direction of the States.

Just insanely busy at work, I've got so much shit to do.  I wish I had time to put up pix, but I don't.  I've got so much to do outside of work as well.  15 page research paper due this week, want to develop the Team Blonde website, need to post pictures on fleetmack  ... etc. etc. etc.  On top of that, the mountains are getting dumped on, so Tim and I are heading up there on Saturday.  The stress of an active lifestyle.

Fabienne has one of these, it is one of the coolest things I've ever seen.  Maybe not as cool as that Bret Saberhagen jersey, regardless, I want one.

Yesterday consisted of working, talking to Fabi, running, unpacking, laundry, cooking, and a bit of lounge time.  Tonight it's time to get back at the books ... have some personal long-term things to look into as well which you'll be getting information on as things develop.  I wish snowboarding season was over, I need my weekends to study.  Holy shit, did I say that out loud?!

What I am listening to as I type this: 

February 26, 2007

This Trip = (Every Expectation - 1).  The "-1" in the simple equation means it didn't snow once while I was there.  I could care less about this fact, could care less.  The views still destroyed everything Colorado has (bold statement, I know) and we were able to find good snow and take some good shots (both panoramically and the liquid type).

Let's just say on this trip, there were four moments when I was convinced it was the happiest moment of my life.  I can't even describe how awesome everything was. I was in heaven on the train ride from Zurich to Zermatt.  The Matterhorn is breathtaking.  The town of Zermatt is ... well ... there's no comparable close second in the world.  The beer was delicious.  The food was phenomenal (especially the Vodka Salmon pasta I had).  We made friends with damn near everyone in town.  Then there's Fabienne, while realizing I develop crushes frequently, she's the most amazing woman I've met in my life.

Got back last night, stupid Dallas wind storm/Dust storm ... so I'm very tired today.  Bigger updates will come with time, I will likely write a jumbo story about the trip.

Pictures will tell the tale, but that'll likely be tomorrow, until then, here's a glimpse ...

What I am listening to as I type this:  Ant Banks - Straight Hustlin'

February 16, 2007

A press conference will be held this afternoon, for I believe that I am the father of Anna Nicole's child.

Last night I wrote a research paper on the 802.11 technology standard, it was the easiest research paper I've ever written.  I got my week5 graded paper back, another 100%.  So far on my research papers I've gotten a 100%, 95%, 90%, 100%, and 100%.  I deserved that 95% as that wasn't my absolute best effort, but that 90% pisses me off.  That was a damn good, albeit short, paper.  I have one case study and one research paper left to write before I call it quits for the weekend.  The boss is closing the office at 3 today due to Monday being a holiday, so that should give me plenty of time!

It's official, I've finally solved the spambot forum registration problem, thank God, that was getting annoying.  Now if only I could fix it in my guestbook.  I'm certain when I return on the 26th my guestbook will be jammed with bullshit ads.

Things are in line, my friends, things are in line.  This time tomorrow ... well ... I'm sure you're sick of hearing about it by now.  I have to cut my hair tonight, finish packing, get a new battery for my altimeter watch, get some cash, print off a bunch of tourist info to read on the plane, prepare documents and school stuff for me to do while overseas, and hopefully squeeze in some pizza at Old Chicago.  That's tonight's agenda.  My little Zermatt snow forecaster is pissing me off royally in that it doesn't say it's snowing over there worth a shit.  This pisses me off tremendously as it's just been dumping in Beaver Creek.   Positive attitude, Bryan, positive attitude.

Be good while I'm away folks!! Pictures will be plentiful from the land of cheese, knives, watches, and bank accounts; I assure you of this.

On a final note, it's your lucky day today, I'm going to show you the code from one of the dynamic effects on my page, aren't I kind?  That or I just want to show off my mad computer programming skillz (note: extreme sarcasm, I'm a terrible programmer).  So yes, this is how I pull the 5 most recently updated forum topics and post them on my main page:

<?php
include('http://www.fleetmack.com/forum/config.php');
@mysql_connect("my_connection", "my_logon", "my_password");
@mysql_select_db("forum")
or die("FleetForum database is currently down, for realz dawg.  I just said 'for realz dawg'");

$getinfo = "SELECT * FROM `phpbb_posts` ORDER BY `post_id` DESC";

$infores=mysql_query($getinfo);
$irnum=mysql_numrows($infores);

$N = 0;

What I am listening to as I type this:  2 Skinee J's - Riot NRRRD

February 15, 2007

Since my professor didn't get back to me last night, I am forced to do a ton of homework tonight.  A ton of homework tonight.  Anyone want to write two research papers and a case study tonight?  Yeah, me either.  Thank God for Luke helping me out with information for my 15 page research paper due in two weeks, nobody at my company was able to help me out, so yet again, Hy-Vee comes through in the clutch.  I love that place.

I'm done with Lost.  I set my VCR last night to tape it at 8, not realizing the dipshits were replaying last week's episode first, so I missed it.  I'm sick of their scheduling bullshit and am just done.  I'll wait for the DVD's; I don't care if anyone spoils it for me.  It'll be nice having (0) TV shows to revolve my schedule around.  All part of the plan to phase non-sports-related TV out of my life.

Deet, doot, deet, doot, deet, doot, deet, doot, deet, doot .... Switzerland .... ahhhhh, the anxiety.

What I am listening to as I type this:  Bloodhound Gang - Why's Everybody Always Pickin' On Me?

February 14, 2007

It's Valentine's Day.  I'm not doing anything for it.  I'm not the biggest fan of any fake-holiday.  St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, birthdays:  none of these will you get me to celebrate.  I think I put on a green hat once in the Florida Keys on St. Paddy's day, but that's just to fit in as they were serving us beer at age 20 without carding us.

"Deet Doot Deet Doot Deet Doot Deet Doot Deet Doot Deet Doot"  ¿Comprende?  Ok, I'll explain.  That's the sound of the clock ticking right before 24 goes to a commercial break.  This is the countdown noise that has been embedded in my head the past week or so waiting for Saturday morning to just GET HERE ALREADY!!!!

Dakine High Roller 180cm  Snowboard Travel Bag:  $169.99
Burton Capstrap Binding Straps:  $39.95
UnderArmour Snowboard Socks:  $19.99
6-pack ankle-length athletic socks: $19.99
Hand Warmers:  $3
Snowboard Waxing:  $15
Total:  $268 pre-tax.  Total cost when shopping with Tim and using his employee discount, after tax:  $109.

Rock on, Tim, rock on.

Lost is on tonight, now if my damn prof would just get back to my emails about my research papers I can write them in time to watch it!

What I am listening to as I type this:  Better Than Ezra - Heaven

February 13, 2007

A 2007 pictures gallery has finally been created.  Pictures limited as I just got my camera back last week.

It's snowing again today, in fact, there was more ice on my windshield this morning than any time in the past 5 1/2 years since I've lived in Colorado. Quite ridiculous, it was.

If ever you are in need of a healthy Mexican homemade meal, I can recommend nothing better than Enchilada Lasagna.  Seriously, that stuff was just delicious, absolutely delicious.

Tonight I need to haul ass on my homework, then meet up with Tim to get my high rooler & capstraps (and give him his Flows back), then we're going out to eat. Pretty informative news today, my friends.  I've got to get back to work.

What I am listening to as I type this:  New Radicals - Mother We Just Can't Get Enough

February 12, 2007

This is a cool email to get from your grad school prof:
Hi Bryan,
Attached, please find your graded paper. I am very pleased with your class performance and your midterm grade is an (A). If you have any questions, please let me know.
Regards

The weekend is over.  Let the madness begin.

Mule got here Thursday night and we headed up to Dillon for the weekend.  Just chilled out and went to Keystone all day Friday.  Nobody was there and we got in the high-teens amount of runs in.  Friday night we played some poker and old-school Atari, then hit up A-Basin on Saturday. Again got in a very good number of runs with very short lift lines.  The snow was kinda shitty, but we made due.  Saturday night we went to Old C's and played (and won) trivia.  I brought Mule to the airport yesterday morning, went back to bed, did laundry, cleaned up shop, did some reading, etc. etc. etc.

So now the madness begins.  I have to get everything ready this week, my checklist is enormous:
-write two research papers
-conduct an interview for my final project
-complete 2 weeks worth of school work
-compile a list of what to bring
-work out like I've never ran or lifted before
-purchase a snowboard bag
-load up the ipod with a good mix of tunes
-get Swiss Francs on hand, prepare finances for the trip
-don't go clinically insane

Yes, this shall be a very busy week, my friends.  Very busy.  But check it out ... the days I arrive in Zermatt, 14 and 11 cm are forecasted ... I must not think of this, I have plenty to get done at work this week.

What I am listening to as I type this:  Nelly Furtado - One Trick Pony

February 7, 2007

Please continue to pray for the family & friends of Keith Kohorst.

Lost comes back on the air tonight, I really am not even that excited for it.  I'll watch it assuming I get done with my homework, but I think TV in general is losing me as a fan, I rarely watch anything except late-night cartoons, Miami Ink, and old-school re-runs (currently, Growing Pains).  No more football.  I don't really give a shit about hockey any more since the Avs got rid of Tanguay, Blake, Foote, Forsberg, Hinote, etc. etc. etc.  Extreme Engineering lost it's host, who I think made the show.  American Chopper isn't doing new episodes in HD any more.  Steve Irwin is dead.  They have asinine shows like American Idol, House M.D., and all this Dancing With the Stars crap on every time I turn the damn tube on.  I really don't see myself getting any kind of television service a year from now, other than keeping my DirecTV  so I can get the NFL and HD package (but killing off the basic package, I think you can do that). I get all the local channels in HD for free with my HD antenna.  Damn that monopoly on the NFL package, I thought monopolies were illegal?

Let's all take a minute to laugh at my friend Towns who thinks NASCAR is a sport.  Ahhhh, hahahhahahahaha.  I'll admit it isn't easy and I couldn't do it by any means, but it isn't a fucking sport.  It's like giving a foot massage.

Mule gets here tomorrow after work, we're hitting up the mountains until Saturday, then coming back here to go to a Rage game Saturday night.  I'll likely study on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday hardcore as I need to complete two weeks worth of work.  I'm getting testy here waiting to hear back from a guy I have to interview for my final project (for my first class).  I'd really like to conduct the interview before I go to Switzerland so I can spend my 20 hours of airplane time in the next couple of weeks completing this project!

Last night I read 2 chapters and completed three case studies.  Tonight I have to write a research paper and participate in some online discussions for my class.  From there it'll be smooth sailing for the completion of Week5 of my graduate school adventures.

What I am listening to as I type this:  Supersuckers - Sleepy Vampire

February 6, 2007

Please pray for the Kohorst family as Keith Kohorst passed away yesterday.  This in of itself is beyond terrible, not to mention with the passing of his mother a few years ago, and with his brother, and all of our friend, Phil passing away last year.  Mark, Kris, Jason, Chad, and the rest of the Kohorsts will be in my thoughts & prayers.

Look at that, just look at that. It's snowing every day this week in Zermatt.  Hopefully it'll stay that way, I'd LOVE for it to snow at least 1/2 of the time I'm there.

Not trying to sound at all cocky here, honestly, but if you really think this is a difficult run or complain about it at all, you probably have no business riding or skiing in Colorado.  I'm next to 100% positive that I could very easily go down that run in a goofy stance the entire way (given that I ride switch, but that is my non-natural stance), with fogged up goggles, on solid ice, at my top speed, with a non-lidded beer draft in my hand ... and I wouldn't spill one drop.  Ok, never mind, that did sound very cocky.  Regardless, my point is: if you can't handle that simple of a run ... well ... then why the hell are you on it?!?!

I am so incredibly behind on school work this week, I haven't started yet.  Last week I was done by Tuesday night.  I have 2 chapters to read, a lecture, 3 case studies, forum participation, and a research paper.  Mule arrives Thursday afternoon; the next two nights will be incredibly busy.  Next week I have to complete two weeks worth of school stuff and conduct an interview with an IT manager as prep work for my final project.  I'm going to be busy as hell until I leave this country, I really shouldn't be going on dates right now, it's killing me.

Anyone want to write a research paper for me?  How about 3 that I have to write by next Thursday?  I need to just get this degree and get on with my life, this is taking up way too much time which should obviously be otherwise spent running, snowboarding, and at Old Chicago & BW3's.

Keith claims the trophy is on its way ... the engraving is getting done.  That's right, in reality I'm no champion - but in Fantasy Football land, I am thee champion.

What I am listening to as I type this:  System of a Down - P.L.U.C.K.

February 5, 2007

Colts win, I'm very proud to say that was my preseason pick and through everything all year I maintained that pick.  I really didn't care who won yesterday.  I like Peyton and Dungy so wanted them to win, and the Bears beat the Seahawks twice this year so I wanted them to win to make my boys look good.  Regardless, that score was much closer than it should have been, the Bears were lucky to not lose by 30 I think.  Rex is just awful except when he plays the Seahawks for some reason.

Had a pretty chill weekend, stayed home on Friday night with intentions of snowboarding Saturday, which I decided against doing upon the alarm clock's beeping.  Saturday I worked on my car ... changed sparkplugs, pulled my dash to replace a light bulb, and pulled my rear speakers with intentions of replacing them, however I need a metal saw to get the new ones to fit, so we'll save that for another day.  In the meantime, I've got a couple of gaping holes in my rear deck.

Saturday night I met with JamesOn and a couple of others at Ruby's, Uno's, Charlie's, and Woody's.  Froggy showed up a bit later so I spend some time with her.  Yesterday FG and I hung out until 3 or so, then I burnt my tongue on a delicious QDoba burrito and proceeded to go to D-Weezey's place to watch the Super Bowl.  Tonight I have a date with FrogGirl (whose name may be revealed in the somewhat near future) then I have to do a ton of school work this week.  Mule gets here Thursday so I'll need to be done with school work before then.  Also need to meet up with Tim so I can pick up a Dakine High Roller at cost, and maybe some Burton Capstraps as well, I hear they make a world of difference on your toe edge.

What I am listening to as I type this:  System of a Down - Revenge

February 1, 2007

If you could have seen my eyes light up, oh if you could have seen.  This is, without a doubt, the coolest thing I've ever seen.  There is a 100% chance that I am buying that.

My third research paper was graded and returned to me yesterday, I thought it was by far my best paper (my first two received a 100% and a 95%), but I got a fucking 90% on it.  I guess that's an A-, regardless, I was livid as it was easily my best paper yet.  So I've decided that what I think is good is really not very good.  Based upon this premise, last night I wrote a research paper which I think is horrible, so I am going to turn it in and fully expect another 100%.

Memory doesn't serve me right in that I cannot recall if I've discussed Aqua Teen Hunger Force on here recently.  I had watched this show about 20 times in the past and thought "What the hell is this?"  But it grew on me, as several of you can vouch for, it's really the only show, at all, I've watched in the past month on any sort of regular basis.  I'm addicted.  So yesterday, when the bomb scare happened in Boston, I got upset.  This was a completely innocent act and had absolutely no intentions of being a bomb scare.  I think it is ridiculous they have arrested men in regards to this, and I strongly hope this doesn't affect the show's future in any way.

Don't think I didn't try racking my brain, but I've got nothing today.  I can think of nothing to say, other than this:  Brrrrrr.   Let me reiterate this:  Global warming, my ass, we just completed the 8th coldest January in the history of Colorado.

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