blogging about music, fencing, and books

Monday, November 24, 2008

Some things I found using Google Reader

1. doane paper grid+lines - cool company that makes notebooks; every other page is a graph/lined sheet.  Sells in 3-packs, $9.80 - a bit pricey, but cool

2. the sketchbook project exhibition - they send you a sketchbook - you draw!  simple, right?  But then, they take it ON TOUR!  every notebook will be exhibited in this national art show that will hit major cities on the East Coast, like Atlanta, Chicago, and NYC! the theme is "Everyone you know".  Check it out!










3. Etherpad - read this review from the Google Blogoscoped blog:


EtherPad is a collaborative, real-time text editor. An EtherPad document is quickly set up without any need for registration. You can then share the URL of the document, and others who will visit that page will then be able to see, in real-time, whatever you’re typing**. This has an interesting feel to it because there’s no “security buffer” as in typical chat programs: every letter you write will be shown as you write it, including occasional errors before you fix them.  I’m told EtherPad allows only 8 users maximum at a time.

Yesterday, EtherPad was temporarily down every now and then, but otherwise quite interesting to use. I only tried it for basic chat, but the creators list use cases like meeting notes, teleconferencing, drafting and editing prose, and phone interviews for developers applying for a job. The EtherPad creators write, “With EtherPad, anyone in a meeting can contribute to the notes, or watch them as they’re typed.” They also say, “For phone calls in general, EtherPad serves as both a communication channel and a shared record” 

For example, with Google Docs it takes about 5 to 15 seconds for a change to make its way from your keyboard to other people’s screens. Imagine if whiteboards or telephones had this kind of delay! In contrast, the EtherPad infrastructure is built to carry your every keystroke at the speed of light, limited only by the time it takes electrons to travel over a wire (such as an “ethernet” cable).

Also, the creators say, Google Docs doesn’t allow easy URL-based sharing of document that also can be edited, doesn’t allow undo for someone else’s changes, and won’t colorize edits by someone else. However, Google Spreadsheets, part of the Google Docs suite, does show colored cell borders (only during the time of editing, though), and it also has a document setting that allows anyone to edit without signing in, like for this document. Simlar to EtherPad, Google Spreadsheets also has a chat box next to the spreadsheet.
The company behind this product is called Appjet Inc., and EtherPad is built on top of the AppJet platform. The creators say, “We originally released AppJet as the easiest way to get a new web app online and hosted, starting with print("Hello world!"), and it has since expanded to support simple database-backed web apps. Over 2,500 apps have been built to date using the AppJet site.”

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

St. Louis, Missouri – Home to Kitchen K and the slowest restaurant service in the United States… and the Arch

We arrived in st. Louis Friday evening, and decided to go out for dinner at around 7ish after we had unpacked our belongings at the Renaissance hotel. Which, by the way, is an awesome hotel, and if you ever
go to St. Louis, you should definitely stay there! It's a kickass hotel, no lie. 
We wandered (and by we, I mean myself, my mom, my brother, and Sam Austin) around in the cold, deserted streets on a Friday evening without seeing a living soul. How scary is that? I mean, there were banks and stores and all; it wasn't like Memphis, which was mad sketch at night, with those out-of-business stores and boarded up windows. Even the locals didn't dare to walk the streets after the sun went down. I got the feeling that whoever planned downtown St. Louis had intended it for a much larger populace. It was actually pretty sad to see such a huge, well-constructed, but deserted city. No wonder they needed fencers here J
Anyways, we went to a restaurant called Kitchen K, which has the slowest restaurant service in all of American history. No joke – it took them a 30 minutes to "get a table ready" for our relatively small party of four. And from our vantage point, there were at least three unoccupied tables that we could have sat at. So, anyway, starving and quite pissed off, we sat down and ordered our food. An hour later, we got our "hot wings" – which, by the way, were nowhere near hot; they were just fried chicken wings with a red, tasteless sauce and a bootleg creamcheese dip. Our burgers came soon after, and they also sucked major balls. I ordered "the Hawaiian", which claimed to have pineapple and a great sauce on the patty. Yeah, right – pineapple BITS!! They gave me a grand total (and I counted) of 7 teeny little pineapple squares on top of my patty. The sauce was a black slop that tasted like nothing. Un-freakin-believable. I can guarantee that Kitchen K wouldn't last a heartbeat in Manhattan with crappy ass service like that.
The Cadet women's tournament was the next day, and I did really badly. Let's just say that I didn't make top 8, and some people who should have been eliminated in the 16s weren't.
The next day, my brother fenced Y-14, but the check-in time was relatively late, so we went to the Arch. Pretty awesome, I've got to admit – it's a colossal structure and just looking at it makes you dizzy! But the Mississippi!! What a sad sight! I was expecting to be blown away by the largest river in the US, and all I saw was a muddy, ugly little thing. It was disappointing.
Did you know there was a MUSEUM under the Arch? It was a Westward expansion museum, and it was somewhat interesting, though lacking in detail. I took some pics that you can see below. But the best part was the ride up to the top of the Arch. First, we were crammed into tiny little pods that felt like something from Star Trek, which had one tiny little porthole window, and we sat there, crammed, for what felt like 20 minutes but was actually 5, as the pod got yanked up slowly by what looked like elevator cables. Not a fun ride.





Friday, October 31, 2008

Long-overdue post

hey all,
it's been quite some time since my last post, and just wanted to give a quick update on the books i'm reading now:

I've recently been drawn to the how-to books of writing genre (how to write a book, how to write a short story, etc), and found some really good books on writing by writers

-Bird by Bird: some instructions on writing and life by Anne Lamott.  I just bought this book on my Kindle; can't wait to read it!









-Reading like a Writer by Francine Prose.  Bought it on my Kindle a while ago; an excellent book for anyone who loves to read.  However, if you're looking for some real guidelines on how to write, say, a novel, this book doesn't provide the guidelines, tips, and checklists that people usually like to see.  Great book, though - highly recommend it.  Does contain very important message for prospective writers - read, read, read!






-On Writing by Stephen King.  Just bought it on my Kindle as well, but so far, from what I've read from the reviews, sounds excellent and worth a try.  Stephen King is a legendary author and I'm a huge fan of his work - so excited to read what he has to say!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Two Spanish Guitar Virtuosos You've Never Heard Of

Rodrigo y Gabriela ...a friend, who happens to be a Spanish music enthusiast, tipped me off about these two; a little-known Spanish guitar group with flying fingers, they managed to top Irish music charts in 2006.  Read more on the two on Last Fm

Favorite Songs:
-"Tamacun"
-"Ixtapa"
-"Stairway to Heaven" (a Latin twist on the original)
-"Juan Loco" (seething with energy; great piece)
-"Paris" (catchy song, great rhythm and style)
-"Diablo Rojo"
-"Diem" (slower pace, but still really good - interesting violin parts)

this group is DEFINITELY worth a listen

I Can Ride A Bike With No Handlebars

"Handlebars", a song by Flobots , is a song that was introduced to me by my brother, and I gotta say, usually I'm not a fan of the politically-themed, agenda-oriented hip-hop genre, but this song really hit home with me, especially after watching the music video.  It's on the surface, it's about two friends who choose very different paths in life; however, if you pay close attention to the lyrics, you'll understand that this song is about the rapid advancement of technology, and the seemingly limitless potential that we have in the world - we can do anything we set our minds to, and, of course, the destruction we can do with this power.  Pretty stiff stuff for a simple little catchy song.  My advice - enjoy the song first, then watch the music video.

Womanizer - Britney Spears

"Womanizer" if the first single to be released from Britney's upcoming album "Circus". This simple, mediocre, pop-y song does what Britney does best - cater to the lowest common denominator; although I've got to say, "Break the Ice" did a much better job. Obviously, however, because this is America and we take whatever nicely packaged synthetic crap that the music industry throws at us, this will be #1 on the Billboard chart in a matter of weeks.

However, I do have a good word to put in for Britney - I heard that she's trying to get her act together with the release of this album, and if it's a legit effort (getting her kids back, quitting drugs, etc) then all the power to her.

G.O.Y.A.L.T. Juanes! (Get Off Your Ass and Listen To)

Juanes, Colombian superstar (and superhunk), is a Spanish rocker with a big heart; he started the Mi Sangre Foundation to help injured people in his native Colombia. His latest album, which came out about a year ago, "La Vida...Es Un Ratico" (Life is a Moment).

Quick Summary of the Best of Juanes
-"Me Enamora" (She/It Makes Me Fall in Love)
-"La Camisa Negra" (The Black Shirt)
-"A Dios le Pido" (I Ask God)
-"Bandera de Manos" (Flag of Hands)
-"Volverte a Ver" (You Return to See)
-"Gotas de Agua Dulce" (Drops of Sweet Water)
-"Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor" (I Am Worth Nothing Without Your Love)
-"Mala Gente" (Bad People)
-"La Paga" (The Wage)
-"Tres" (Three)

**this is not a complete list, just a compliation of a couple favs off the top of my head. And if I have translated some titles wrong, please let me know and I will correct it.

Remember the Name - Fort Minor

This song is definitely not new, and it's not topping charts anywhere. But I don't care - it's a great song, and is becoming "one of the most popular sports anthems", even though it was released in 2005 in the first Fort Minor album, "The Rising Tied", only "Where'd You Go" got any mainstream success.

"Remember the Name" is sung by rapper/singer Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park (of which Fort Minor is a side-project), and the lyrics are like the gears of a tightly wound clock, with each word in perfect lockstep with the one before it. It's a great song; HIGHLY recommend it!


you don't mess with texas

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz's single might be gaining momentum in America (finally!), but once again, the US is getting last year's music. Last year, Jason Mraz was topping charts in almost every country in Europe with his quirky, soulful single (just check out this clip of Jason Mraz playing in Sweden!!). A year later, the single has hit US shores and is gaining quickly in both sales and popularity.

Mraz, singer of the popular song "The Remedy", disappeared for a surprising amount of years (I had written him off as a one-hit wonder) before returning with a vengeance in 2006-7. But not to worry, he's still the same shabadoo-ing artist with that smooth, lyrical voice with a knack for slipping in an obsene amount of words into each beat. If you haven't heard the song yet (which is nuts), check it out here.




Kate Ryan - Belgium's Queen of Techno

Not just another ugly face
In a country starved of an entertainment superstar with an international following (or just plain entertainment), Kate Ryan is a godsend. A competitor in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 (EU's version of American Idol), Kate Ryan quickly became a European phenom with her techno single "Voyage Voyage" in 2007. Then, in 2008, she released Ella Elle L'a (She has it), which is all the rage in nightclubs all over Europe. Ella Elle L'a has a cliche, Euro dance club techno beat, and Kate Ryan is no Heidi Klum, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't like it :)

Mon Paradis - Christophe Mae

singer with 'tude
Christophe Mae got his start when he participated in the popular French theater act "Le Roi Soleil" (The Sun King; aka Louis XIV). Along with co-star Emmanuel Moire, he went on to start his solo career, releasing the album "Mon Paradis" in 2007. Quite frankly, his voice takes a little getting used to; he has a surprisingly large vocal range. However, once you get the lyrics/paroles of his single "On s'attache" (Efforts), and listen to "Belle Demoiselle" (Beautiful Woman) and "Ca Marche" (from Le Roi Soleil), it's hard to find what not to like!

El Mundo Se Equivoca - La Quinta (5a) Estacion

"El Mundo Se Equivoca" (The World is Mistaken/Wrong), is La Quinta (5a) Estacion's (The 5th Season) 3rd album, and features some great music - just listen to "Me Muero" (I Die - don't worry, it's not as morbid as the title makes it out to be), which features trumpets and other traditionally Mexican musical forms (which is odd, considering that La Quinta Estacion is a Spanish group), "Suenos Rotos" (Broken Dreams), a stripped-down, simple, touching ballad with just a piano and the powerful, beautiful voice of Natalia Jimenez (lead singer). OMG. If you need a reason to listen to this group, make it Nataliz Jimenez - she has a voice that is overflowing talent and raw energy; just listening to her can inspire one to sing in the shower ~ And, obviously, she sounds better live than on the recording.

Of course, listening to these songs without the lyrics is like searching for a pin in a dark room. So, of course, I've posted some links to the songs I've mentioned.

Me Muero lyrics/letras
Suenos Rotos lyrics/letras

and listen to this too: Algo Mas, from their previous album "Flores de Alquiler" (Leased Flowers)
Flores De Alquiler lyrics/letras


Julieta Venegas - MTV Unplugged

Julieta Venegas, a beautiful Mexican singer/songwriter/composer, is one of my favorite Spanish artists because her style is creatively clean and simple; plus, she is an AMAZING performer who often sounds better live then on the recording. Obviously, her MTV Unplugged concert was excellent; and, in addition to playing hits like "Limon y Sal" (Lemon and Salt, live), "Eres Para Mi" (You Are For Me, live), and "Andar Conmigo" (Walk With Me, live), she also played her new hit single, "El Presente" (The Present) on the accordion, which is already popular in both Spain and Mexico. It's a great, catchy, song that showcases her skills as a performer - a typical Venegas song. Check it out!

El Presente lyrics/letras
Eres Para Mi lyrics/letras
Limon y Sal lyrics/letras

Julieta Venegas and her tricked-out accordion

Tenia Tanto que Darte - single; Nena Daconte

A Spanish pop duo, Nena Daconte is comprised of Maria "Mai" Meneses (singer/composer, former contestant on the Spanish TV show Operacion Triunfo, a Spanish singing contest) and Kim Fanlo (guitarist), and their first hit single, "En Que Estrella Estara" (In What Star I Will Be), was number one in Spain in 2006. It's a good song; check it out. Their recently released single, "Tenia Tanto que Darte" (I Had So Much to Give You), from their second album, Retales de Carneval (Remnants of the Circus) has more of a pop-y feel to it - the adorable music video belies the melancholy lyrics. (The lyrics are translated; if you're a beast at spanish&want to challenge yourself, simply type in google "letras tenia tanto que darte" and you should get some results) This song is already #1 on the Spanish iTunes chart, and if the rest of the album is anything like the single, Nena Daconte is poised to pick up a couple of awards at year's end.

Mai Meneses has a great voice - I'm not talking Celine Dion-caliber here - but undoubtably talented and in "Tenia Tanto que Darte", exudes a cute, girly exurberance that's hard to dislike.

Mai Meneses(L), Kim Fanlo (R)