The whole point of this exercise is to, of course, kill dead time. Well, technically I'm not in that mode. I'm trying to figure out what I should do now that I've 'grown up', per se. The bicycle business has treated me well and might still. I plan to throw quite a few resumes out at Interbike (cycling industries' tradeshow, for you all not in the know), am trying to figure out what kind of technical career I should pursue; IT, networking, etc. The stuff interests me in a way and it's a still growing field, so there's a possibility there.
And then there's music. I'm not going to run off and be a rockstar by any means that I know of. But I want to learn to record music at the very least. So in that interest I want to leave Garageband and move into Ableton Live. The 'Live' name comes from the fact arrangements can be played and arranged, well, live. And now they even have a looper built into it so you can record and replay guitar samples and record new ones on top of the last one. Nifty!
They have online 'how-to' movies like this...
http://downloads.ableton.com/movies/tour_of_live.mov
So that's what I'm up to. Looks like I'll be in Phoenix for a bit, barring someone at the tradeshow grabbing my attention. Portland rocks and I would like to get back there after the market recovers and/or my skillset has expanded somewhat. We'll see...
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
German Word of the Day...
I knew of this before and now I'm going to use it. The German word of the day...
http://www.transparent.com/wotd/today/german.htm
The best or at least most prominent info I've found on actual sentence structure is the Wikipedia. That's a little more involved than a lesson a day, but I'll see what I can pull off.
Today's word? Gesund. It means 'healthy'.
http://www.transparent.com/wotd/today/german.htm
The best or at least most prominent info I've found on actual sentence structure is the Wikipedia. That's a little more involved than a lesson a day, but I'll see what I can pull off.
Today's word? Gesund. It means 'healthy'.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Diode
Another easy one today; The Diode..
My friend Andy offered up the idea that I should take notes to reinforce memory of certain fact, so this is what I typed out while watching this video and reading the wiki...
Diode allow flow of electricity in only one direction in a circuit. Effectively converts alternate current, AC to direct current, DC
Zener Diode, also known as avalanche diode low voltage, prevent damage to components
Signal Diode, low voltage
Rectifier Diode, hi voltage, so called because it converts AC to DC, ie rectification
Light emitting diode, LED
varicap diode is also used as a capacitor
1874 Ferdinand Braun, accidentally discovered first diode
Yungadish Chandra Bose, used similar device to look for electromagnic waves
P/N Junction Russel Shcumacher Ohl, 1939 discovered mixing impurities with semiconductor crystal, usually silicon, would allow control of how well it would conduct electricity, P = Positive, N = Negative (duh). Put them end to end, you have a diode
The interest here is not only in the knowledge of the parts. I would like to build a tube amplifier or two, for both instrument and hi-fi stereo amplification. I have a developed ear that hears that difference while playing guitar. I'm sure there's a difference with playing recorded music too.
One last note; As I'm out and about and may not be able to post here every day. This is an interesting thing to try though and I will endeavor to persevere...
My friend Andy offered up the idea that I should take notes to reinforce memory of certain fact, so this is what I typed out while watching this video and reading the wiki...
Diode allow flow of electricity in only one direction in a circuit. Effectively converts alternate current, AC to direct current, DC
Zener Diode, also known as avalanche diode low voltage, prevent damage to components
Signal Diode, low voltage
Rectifier Diode, hi voltage, so called because it converts AC to DC, ie rectification
Light emitting diode, LED
varicap diode is also used as a capacitor
1874 Ferdinand Braun, accidentally discovered first diode
Yungadish Chandra Bose, used similar device to look for electromagnic waves
P/N Junction Russel Shcumacher Ohl, 1939 discovered mixing impurities with semiconductor crystal, usually silicon, would allow control of how well it would conduct electricity, P = Positive, N = Negative (duh). Put them end to end, you have a diode
The interest here is not only in the knowledge of the parts. I would like to build a tube amplifier or two, for both instrument and hi-fi stereo amplification. I have a developed ear that hears that difference while playing guitar. I'm sure there's a difference with playing recorded music too.
One last note; As I'm out and about and may not be able to post here every day. This is an interesting thing to try though and I will endeavor to persevere...
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Knowledge, Creativity and where they meet
You know, I love caffeine.
There's something about the fire it lights between the synapses that just makes me aware of so many things that I'm in the middle of, things I could learn and things I could be making. This is rarely surrounded much by negative waves...
...and it really wasn't today either. I was well aware that as soon as the three shots of espresso kicked in an outlet for the inspiration would be taken out by pencil on paper. But since I was thinking about the inspiration when the caffeine kicked in, I concentrated on that and cross-referenced it with things that have skimming the top of my head, specifically things that I've wanted to do but haven't for the same reason that we all don't do these things; Time.
Today's excuse is of course being on the road. That argument holds no water. I have the internet. Why can't I learn a word or two of German a day? Why can't I learn about how a capacitor works?
I have no time, yet there are long periods of boredom. There are all these interesting things I want to do but for some odd reason I'm not making an effort. I figure the most obvious way around the problem is to go to school. When you're paying for it and it's on the schedule, you follow through. But I'm going to try to do is breath new life into the blog and try and learn something each day.
It's a small thing to learn that the German word 'nagel bett' means 'nail bed' (An odd thing to start out with, yes. Just happen to be watching The Big Lebowski with a friend and it was in there.) but it's more than I knew 20 minutes ago. if I can hold onto it, I'm a little bit closer to speaking German. If I learn another language, it will probably make learning other languages moderately easier.
So expect a new small challenge each day. It might be super-easy, it might not. If I have internet connection, I will post though. Play along if you'd like...
There's something about the fire it lights between the synapses that just makes me aware of so many things that I'm in the middle of, things I could learn and things I could be making. This is rarely surrounded much by negative waves...
...and it really wasn't today either. I was well aware that as soon as the three shots of espresso kicked in an outlet for the inspiration would be taken out by pencil on paper. But since I was thinking about the inspiration when the caffeine kicked in, I concentrated on that and cross-referenced it with things that have skimming the top of my head, specifically things that I've wanted to do but haven't for the same reason that we all don't do these things; Time.
Today's excuse is of course being on the road. That argument holds no water. I have the internet. Why can't I learn a word or two of German a day? Why can't I learn about how a capacitor works?
I have no time, yet there are long periods of boredom. There are all these interesting things I want to do but for some odd reason I'm not making an effort. I figure the most obvious way around the problem is to go to school. When you're paying for it and it's on the schedule, you follow through. But I'm going to try to do is breath new life into the blog and try and learn something each day.
It's a small thing to learn that the German word 'nagel bett' means 'nail bed' (An odd thing to start out with, yes. Just happen to be watching The Big Lebowski with a friend and it was in there.) but it's more than I knew 20 minutes ago. if I can hold onto it, I'm a little bit closer to speaking German. If I learn another language, it will probably make learning other languages moderately easier.
So expect a new small challenge each day. It might be super-easy, it might not. If I have internet connection, I will post though. Play along if you'd like...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Portlander's update...
Sorry it's been a bit since a post. Pretty busy, still trying to find work....
Bicyclin' Portland
So right before getting my friend Erik to send me one of my bicycles this way, I happen past a yard sale with an X-Large Univega most likely from the early 90's ,complete with slick tires, a rack and u-lock. All for twenty dollah(make you holla!)!
Boy, does this thing take me back. I had a Trek 820 from 1991 that was very similar to this. Cromoly frame and fork, 21 speeds, cantilever brakes. It's seen a bit of use but I didn't have to do too much to it; True the rear wheel a little bit as it took a ding somewhere, but that's it. Oh, there are a ton of things that I would do to this bike in typical habit like replacing all the cables and cleaning the drivetrain, but I decided to leave this lamb the way it is. Well, I changed the seat. Actually spent another twenty on a WTB SST takeoff saddle. Your seat is the one thing I will tell you not to ever compromise on. Two days on a worn-out gel saddle was enough! And boy was I beat the first day. It's not my first reminder that two months out of the saddle will catch up.
Perhaps the thing I enjoy about this bike the most is that it is 'just a bicycle'. I've been in a habit now of owning specific machinery for an application and I do love all the little details that go into such things. But this bike is not just the only such equipment that I had early on. It was all I needed. I wasn't and hadn't been in the industry when I had that Trek. And I rode it everywhere. I read books and lusted after other things, but the Trek was what I had and it just kept on truckin'.
Two Wheeled Elitism
The Bicycle runs rampant in Portland in many forms. The fixie hipsters are of course quite prevelant, but I've seen more old diamond frame Schwinns here than anything! A week before I left Phoenix, I turned down buying a black Schwinn Racer for $25 at Goodwill. Pretty bike, but I didn't it was the reasoning. Well, I could have probably gotten $150 for it in the condition it was in, perhaps $250 here in Portland. Amazing.
But bicycles aren't the only thing running around on two wheels here. You've got guys on scooters, either modern(like me) or vintage(maybe one day...), mopeds(the next thing to the fixie as far as hipsters. Google 'Puddlecutters'), motorcycles and of course cars. And everybody seems to have a beef about the other one. In fact, that's the most prevelant bitch I hear from the average Portlander; How people transport themselves about. Well, I suppose if you've got to be hostile about something, it might as well be that as opposed to something like "those damn Mexicans"...
Homesickness
It occured to me last week that I've been missing my peeps in Santa Fe and Phoenix quite a bit. Portland's got a lot going for it and I'm still seeking employment, but if things don't start bearing fruit by end of this month I'm going to give serious consideration to giving my love back to one of those places by end of July, most likely Santa Fe. I'll try to keep you posted. Whatever is supposed to happen will happen, eh?
Ciao!
Bicyclin' Portland
So right before getting my friend Erik to send me one of my bicycles this way, I happen past a yard sale with an X-Large Univega most likely from the early 90's ,complete with slick tires, a rack and u-lock. All for twenty dollah(make you holla!)!
Boy, does this thing take me back. I had a Trek 820 from 1991 that was very similar to this. Cromoly frame and fork, 21 speeds, cantilever brakes. It's seen a bit of use but I didn't have to do too much to it; True the rear wheel a little bit as it took a ding somewhere, but that's it. Oh, there are a ton of things that I would do to this bike in typical habit like replacing all the cables and cleaning the drivetrain, but I decided to leave this lamb the way it is. Well, I changed the seat. Actually spent another twenty on a WTB SST takeoff saddle. Your seat is the one thing I will tell you not to ever compromise on. Two days on a worn-out gel saddle was enough! And boy was I beat the first day. It's not my first reminder that two months out of the saddle will catch up.
Perhaps the thing I enjoy about this bike the most is that it is 'just a bicycle'. I've been in a habit now of owning specific machinery for an application and I do love all the little details that go into such things. But this bike is not just the only such equipment that I had early on. It was all I needed. I wasn't and hadn't been in the industry when I had that Trek. And I rode it everywhere. I read books and lusted after other things, but the Trek was what I had and it just kept on truckin'.
Two Wheeled Elitism
The Bicycle runs rampant in Portland in many forms. The fixie hipsters are of course quite prevelant, but I've seen more old diamond frame Schwinns here than anything! A week before I left Phoenix, I turned down buying a black Schwinn Racer for $25 at Goodwill. Pretty bike, but I didn't it was the reasoning. Well, I could have probably gotten $150 for it in the condition it was in, perhaps $250 here in Portland. Amazing.
But bicycles aren't the only thing running around on two wheels here. You've got guys on scooters, either modern(like me) or vintage(maybe one day...), mopeds(the next thing to the fixie as far as hipsters. Google 'Puddlecutters'), motorcycles and of course cars. And everybody seems to have a beef about the other one. In fact, that's the most prevelant bitch I hear from the average Portlander; How people transport themselves about. Well, I suppose if you've got to be hostile about something, it might as well be that as opposed to something like "those damn Mexicans"...
Homesickness
It occured to me last week that I've been missing my peeps in Santa Fe and Phoenix quite a bit. Portland's got a lot going for it and I'm still seeking employment, but if things don't start bearing fruit by end of this month I'm going to give serious consideration to giving my love back to one of those places by end of July, most likely Santa Fe. I'll try to keep you posted. Whatever is supposed to happen will happen, eh?
Ciao!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Midstate Oregon and Portland
When I pitched my tent that evening I had tried placing the tent in a spot the sun strikes. With only one tree next to the spot, I chose poorly. The dew quickly dried after moving it into the sun, no problem. I just didn't stir as quickly. I wasn't particularly in a hurry. I just knew this was probably my last night camping.
I packed up and headed north, the final goal exceptionally close. I arrived in Eugene about three hours later and spent a bit of time there but it was at such a time that I didn't really want to stay. Portland was so close! A mere 100 miles away! But at the same time I didn't want to arrive in the evening either. I made the decision to ride north til I felt daylight had run out. I made it just 20 miles shy of Salem, 70 miles to Portland. Not much to say about that area regarding scenery. I didn't stop and pop any photos, really. The goal was about reached and couldn't pause to take pictures of fields and sheep. I stayed at a hotel (gasp!), allowing for a shower and semi-proper bed.
I got up the next and headed on up, the goal to arrive by Noon. After a rather uneventful hour and a half...
I arrived at 11:57 am at my destination at the hostel I was staying at!
Now how can you celebrate such a thing? Well, you can have some awesome drinking chocolate...
Or how about some excellent sake? Sayuri. Highly recommend it...
So here I am. Have been for a week. I got a place month to month and Monday will start the intense jobsearch, although I plan to get a resume out tomorrow for an available position. Will he score? I'll be the first to let you know! :)
I packed up and headed north, the final goal exceptionally close. I arrived in Eugene about three hours later and spent a bit of time there but it was at such a time that I didn't really want to stay. Portland was so close! A mere 100 miles away! But at the same time I didn't want to arrive in the evening either. I made the decision to ride north til I felt daylight had run out. I made it just 20 miles shy of Salem, 70 miles to Portland. Not much to say about that area regarding scenery. I didn't stop and pop any photos, really. The goal was about reached and couldn't pause to take pictures of fields and sheep. I stayed at a hotel (gasp!), allowing for a shower and semi-proper bed.
I got up the next and headed on up, the goal to arrive by Noon. After a rather uneventful hour and a half...
I arrived at 11:57 am at my destination at the hostel I was staying at!
Now how can you celebrate such a thing? Well, you can have some awesome drinking chocolate...
Or how about some excellent sake? Sayuri. Highly recommend it...
So here I am. Have been for a week. I got a place month to month and Monday will start the intense jobsearch, although I plan to get a resume out tomorrow for an available position. Will he score? I'll be the first to let you know! :)
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