.: What’s Bruin :.

Really weird. On the way to work this morning, as on every morning, I was listening to KOGO news on AM 600 for traffic and weather reports. At the end of a short news segment at about 7:09 AM a man’s voice (other than that of the news broadcaster) came on the air and repeated: “F**k you,” over and over again.

That was really bizarre. After the next brief news segment, a different person gave this apology/explanation:

We apologize for what happened at the end of the last broadcast. We didn’t want that to happen. But sometimes those things happen.

It’s not much of an apology or explanation for the Linda Blair-like outburst on public radio.

Tags: bizarre, Events, KOGO, Linda-Blair, public-radio, strange-events

Mediterranean Dinner - yummy tonight

Tags: CoolPix , Food

Moving In

Tags: CoolPix , Events, family, Pourpa, UCLA

UCLA beat nationally ranked Oklahoma. And it wasn’t even close at 41-24. Unfortunately, the game was not televised here in San Diego, except on ESPN pay-per-view. Pourpa and I listened to it on the way home from UCLA today, as we finished moving him into his apartment for this year.

Not good enough for ABC, NBC, or CBS. Heck, the game was not good enough even for Fox Sports.

Tags: football, Sports, Television, UCLA

Dual Display Apple vs. PC

I got a notebook stand the iCurve . Now I can use both keyboards at the same time (one for PC and the Bluetooth Apple keyboard for the PowerBook.

Tags: Apple, Computers, geek_stuff, monitor, PowerBook, Star_Wars

This is a cool meme from Neil. Mac evangelist, Dave, participated also. Looks cool enough, so here’s what on my PowerBook Dock.

Dock, Left

• Finder - Haven’t found a way to remove this as Neil points out, but I like it.
• DragThing - Got this based on Dave’s recommendation. It organizes your apps and files for easy access.
• Dashboard - Apple’s widget thing. Pretty cool and convenient, but sometimes I forget it’s there. Thus, I don’t use it that much.
• Automator - Apple’s script/process thing. I know I didn’t expain it very well (check out the Apple.com for a better explanation). I use it to change the “.JPG” extension in iView Media Pro to “,jpg” for all my photo files in fell swoop.
• Firefox - The best browser in the world.
  [I don't have Apple's Safari on the dock, simply because the quicktags function in WordPress does not work properly with Safari.]
• Proteus - A multi-protocol chat client. I disagree with Neil about Adium. I hate the Adium interface and Jabber integration. I think Proteus is much easier to use and intgrates the multiple chat clients much easier. I wish Proteus could integrate video chat.
• Entourage - The mac version of Microsoft Office’s Outlook. It has email, calendar, to do list, and address book functions.
• NetNewsWire Lite - An RSS aggregator I use to read blogs with RSS feeds. It’s pretty cool and free.
• Ecto - Blogging software. I’m trying this out ocassionally based on Dave’s recommendation. I really like it, but my tags plugin with WordPress is not working with it. The author of that plugin is working on a workaround. So when she finally fixes it, I will use Ecto more regularly.
• BBEdit - Powerful text editor I use for editing my WordPress templates and stylesheets.
• Transmit - FTP software
• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Quicken - Financial management software. I use this to manage my finances, balance my checkbook, and reconcile my bank statements.

Dock, Right

• Circus Ponies Notebook - Good notetaking tool. But now that I’m taking classes online, I don’t really use this that much.
• Pages - Desktop publishing tool, part of the iWork suite. I’m using it for the second time to make a newsletter.
• Keynote - Apple’s presentation software. Haven’t really used it. I guess I’m too used to PowerPoint.
• iView Media Pro - A photo cataloging software. Professional alternative to iPhoto. This is awesome if you’re into photography.
• PictureSync - Great photo upload tool. I use it to upload to Flickr.
• 1001 - Desktop photo upload tool that integrates with Flickr and Ecto. I probably won’t keep this on the dock given my current Ecto incompatibility.
• Photoshop Elements - Photo/graphics editing software by Adobe, the “lite” version of Adobe Photoshop.
• iMovie - Very cool digital video editing tool This is what I used to make all my Greece moveis.
• iDVD - Very cool DVD processing software. This is what I used to produce all my Greece DVDs.
• iTunes - MP3/audio file player by Apple. Integrates with iPod.
• System Preferences - Similar to Windows Control Panel.
• Missing Sync - Integrates my Palm-based Treo 650 with my laptop via Bluetooth. I sync all my Palm data in Entourage and Treo 650 with this nice piece of software.
• Applications - Link to apps folder.
• Home - Link to Home folder.
• Mac OSX - Link to OSX web site.
• Trash

Tags: Apple, Computers, dock, geek_stuff, PowerBook

The Transporter 2 was most likely the last movie of the summer that Pourpa and I will see together in the theaters before he moves back to UCLA. It was pretty darn good, a lot better than the first one. This one had lots of action and fight scenes in it. The only cheesey thing about it was that some of the action scenarios and stunts were somewhat not believable.

An extra bonus was our pre-movie meal at Mr. Taco. I had my favorite, carne asada burrito, while Pourpa had a shrimp burrito.

Tags: Events, family, Food, Movies, Pourpa

So I’m trying this software called ecto. It’s a blogging interface, seems pretty cool. We’ll see how it goes. It seems to integrate with WordPress just fine. So far as I’m typing this entry, I like it. It also integrates with iPhoto, iTunes, and Amazon, pretty nifty. Those are more features than what I would get with the current interface plugins that I have. It also easily helps me categorize with categories and Technorati tags.

Dave speaks highly of ecto, so I’ll try it for a few days.

Update: The only thing I don’t like about this software so far is that I can’t integrate my Ultimate Tag Warrior plugin with it. I don’t really use Technorati tags within my posts, although the plugin I use seems to automatically record each tag over there. I would prefer if there were more customization possible and the Technorati tag thing could automatically place the tags in the same format and location as what I have now. It doesn’t make sense for me to compose the entry in ecto and then have to edit the tags in the WordPress interface. I may occasionally use ecto, but I can’t see myself using two interfaces just to post one article. That would be a waste of time.

Tags: Blogging, Computers, ecto, software, WordPress

USA television network cutoff their coverage of the Robby Ginepri vs. Richard Gasquet match in the middle of the third set. Instead, the station started showing “Law & Order.”

Thanks a lot. I was watching that you know.

Update: Yeah, thanks again. Looks like Ginepri won after all, even after being down a break in the fourth set. He blanked Gasquet in the fifth set at love. But of course, I had to “experience” all of that on the usopen.org web site because of the lack of tv coverage.

Tags: Rants, Sports, Television, Tennis, US-Open

Lazy on Labor Day

Tags: CoolPix , Josephine_Bruin, lazy, Photography

I found these organizations (which are coordinating relief efforts to victims of hurricane Katrina) through my church’s web site. Since I’m not a big fan of the Red Cross, I’ve decided to give a donation via Samaritan’s Purse.

I donate there every year during Christmas time, Operation Christmas Child. They are a worthy organization and they seem much more trustworthy than the Red Cross.

Tags: Announcements, charity, donation, Hurricane-Katrina

9:224 PM, 12:34 remaining, 3rd Quarter
Long possession at the start of the second half. Chris Markey head butts two SDSU defenders and makes the first down. Markey gets another first down two plays later. 24-6, UCLA.

9:25 PM, 11:26 remaining, 3rd Quarter
Drew Olson throws up a Hail Mary, which Marcedes Lewis catches at goal line. Coach Dorrell challenges the call. But under review, the refs uphold their call, no touchdown. 1st and goal, UCLA first down, 24-6.

9:29 PM, 11:13 remaining, 3rd Quarter
Marcedes Lewis leaps over the SDSU defenders for the touchdown. Medlock makes the extra point, UCLA leads 31-6.

Meanwhile, Maurice Drew, star of the first half, goes into the locker to get looked at. Apparently, something is wrong with his leg.

9:38 PM, 8:14 remaining, 3rd Quarter
Poor defense by UCLA. The SDSU quarterback gets taken out for a couple of plays, replaced by a freshman. Then SDSU puts their top quarterback back in the game. On a 2nd and 10 play, he throws a 27-yard touchdown pass. SDSU decides to go for a two-point conversion to make up the extra point deficit from the first quarter and they make it. UCLA leads 31-14.

9:42PM, 8:00 remaining, 3rd Quarter
With Maurice Drew out of the game right now, there is no doubt that UCLA is still in good hands when Chris Markey makes a 71-yard kick return play! UCLA will have the ball inside the 30-yard line.

9:44 PM, 7:08 remaining, 3rd Quarter
Brazeall of UCLA runs to the goal line, just short of the touchdown., 31-14, UCLA.

9:45 PM, 6:55 remaining, 3rd Quarter
Chris Markey comes back in the game, just in time to leap over the SDSU defenders for his second touchdown of the game. Medlock makes the extra point, 38-14, UCLA.

Oh yeah, Maurice Drew returns to the sidelines after being treated for leg cramps.

9:53 PM, 3:33 remaining, 3rd Quarter
SDSU has to punt AGAIN. Chris Markey catches the punt, returning it for 41 yards, after almost dropping the ball! It looked like he was trying to fake out the SDSU defender. 38-14, UCLA.

9:57 PM, 2:05 remaining, 3rd Quarter
UCLA goes for a field goal. Medlock makes the 48-yard attempt, leading SDSU 41-14.

Third quarters ends, ho hum.

10:13 PM, 11:52 remaining, 4th Quarter
SDSU scores another touchdown and makes the extra point. UCLA leads by 20, 41-21.

I want this game to be a total blowout. I don’t want SDSU to score again, and UCLA should score at least two more touchdowns.

10:22 PM, 10:01 remaining, 4th Quarter
UCLA has to punt at 4th and 9. I’m getting bored, 41-21, UCLA.

10:38 PM, 1:41 remaining, 4th Quarter
Medlock makes a 41-yard field goal. UCLA leads 44-21.

There is no possible way for SDSU to comeback and win.

10:48 PM, end of game.
UCLA wins 44-21. UCLA continues its domination over San Diego State with a record of 20-0-1.

Tags: football, Sports, Television, UCLA

7:40 PM, 12:51 remaining, 1st Quarter
Thanks to ESPN2, our television coverage started with the end of a 64-yard touchdown run by Maurice Drew of UCLA within the first three minutes of the game. For 15 minutes we were subjected to watching boring USC vs. Hawaii. You’d think with 2:30 remaining in that yawner and USC up by 46 points, they would switch to the UCLA game.

At least the game is off to a good start, right Jeff? 7-0, UCLA.

7:49 PM, 7:49 remaining, 1st Quarter
Maurice Drew saves a fumble, and a penalty on the field goal attempt, forces Medlock to kick it from 48 yards back for a missed field goal. 7-0, UCLA.

8:05 PM, 1:05 remaining, 1st Quarter
Poor defense by UCLA leads to a touchdown by SDSU. But a Bruin partially blocks the extra point kick. Little satisfaction for ending the quarter so poorly. UCLA still leading, 7-6.

8:12PM, End of 1st Quarter
Excellent pass to Marcedes Lewis. UCLA first down in SDSU territory on their 40-yard line. 7-6, UCLA.

8:23 PM, 11:50 remaining, 2nd Quarter
Maurice Drew gets a first down at the 3 yard line. We’re on the verge of scoring again. 7-6, UCLA.

8:24 PM, 10:17 remaining, 2nd Quarter
Drew goes out of the game for one play. And his substitute makes a run for the goal line, but SDSU stops him with inches to go. LAME.

8:26 PM, 9:49 remaining, 2nd Quarter
Drew comes back in. Everyone knows Olson is going to hand it off to Drew. The SDSU defense converges on Drew at the goal. But Drew leaps over the SDSU defensive line, landing on his back in the end zone for a touchdown. Extra point is good! UCLA leads 14-6.

8:33 PM, 7:37 remaining, 2nd Quarter
SDSU defense weakens. They don’t even possess the ball for a minute. They have to punt.

Maurice Drew catches the kick. An SDSU defender clips him just a little bit. Drew spins, ref throws a white flag down. Drew picks up speed and scores another UCLA touchdown, running 72-yards for the punt return! Medlock makes the extra point, 21-6, UCLA.

8:38 PM, 6:23 remaining, 2nd Quarter
SDSU passes on their first play after the UCLA touchdown. And they fumble!!! Again, they don’t even possess the ball for a minute. UCLA interception. First down on the SDSU 10-yard line, UCLA, leading 21-6.

8:42 PM, 4:17 remaining, 2nd Quarter
Drew goes out of the game for two plays. 3rd down and goal. Drew’s sub get stopped once again. However, at 4th down, Medlock makes a 23-yard field goal. 24-6, UCLA.

8:50 PM, 1:31 remaining, 2nd Quarter
Two very poor defensive plays by UCLA lead to two consecutive first downs by SDSU. Stop them from scoring before the half is over! 21-6, UCLA.

8:56 PM, 0:48 remaining, 2nd Quarter
1st and goal for SDSU. UCLA pours on the defense against the SDSU sophomore quarterback, forcing an almost sack. The SDSU quarterback makes a sophomoric mistake and tries to throw the ball away. But UCLA catches it for an interception!!!! YES, YES!!! SDSU was on the verge of scoring. And now, UCLA can let the clock run down to the end of the first half.

UCLA leads 21-6 at the end of the first half.

I love how the UCLA fight song plays as the backdrop of SDSU’s bumbling mistake.

Tags: football, Sports, Television, UCLA

(4:46:07 PM) Michael: hey how are things going
(4:46:19 PM) JoeBruin88: hey michael, good
(4:46:22 PM) JoeBruin88: how about you
(4:46:25 PM) Michael: good
(4:46:41 PM) Michael: sorry i havn’t emailed you at all
(4:46:47 PM) JoeBruin88: no worries
(4:46:47 PM) Michael: i was going places all summer
(4:47:20 PM) Michael: hey by the way i ended up getting an A in rope’s class
(4:47:40 PM) Michael: so that means you taught me well in alg 1
(4:47:43 PM) Michael: so thanks
(4:47:58 PM) JoeBruin88: that’s awesome. thanks that’s nice of you to say
(4:48:11 PM) JoeBruin88: what class was that? algebra 2?
(4:48:15 PM) Michael: ya
(4:48:23 PM) JoeBruin88: so are you a senior now?
(4:48:28 PM) Michael: ya
(4:48:33 PM) Michael: went by fast
(4:48:44 PM) JoeBruin88: nah, you’re still a short baby-faced freshmen
(4:48:52 PM) Michael: haha
(4:48:58 PM) Michael: thanks
(4:49:10 PM) Michael: so what are you doing for work now
(4:49:12 PM) JoeBruin88: so where are you applying to school?
(4:49:19 PM) Michael: not sure yet
(4:49:25 PM) JoeBruin88: i work in the same field, instructional design
(4:49:33 PM) JoeBruin88: for a defense contractor
(4:49:41 PM) Michael: cool
(4:49:57 PM) JoeBruin88: i’m on an awesome project now, redesigning the training curriculum for information technology for the US Navy
(4:49:58 PM) Michael: werent you taking classes or something couple months back
(4:50:02 PM) JoeBruin88: yeah
(4:50:09 PM) JoeBruin88: i graduated with a master’s in business
(4:50:11 PM) Michael: was that for this stuff
(4:50:13 PM) Michael: nice
(4:50:31 PM) JoeBruin88: no, but i’m in school again for another master’s in educational technology
(4:50:36 PM) Michael: US NAVY that sounds pretty cool
(4:50:39 PM) JoeBruin88: not in school this fall though
(4:50:42 PM) JoeBruin88: taking a break
(4:50:46 PM) Michael: wow
(4:50:56 PM) Michael: you must enjoy school
(4:50:58 PM) Michael: LOL
(4:51:04 PM) JoeBruin88: i think so
(4:51:16 PM) JoeBruin88: but i am tired of it for at least a while
(4:51:35 PM) Michael: thats why they have summer
(4:51:46 PM) Michael: or in your case fall
(4:51:57 PM) JoeBruin88: i took two online classes this summer
(4:52:15 PM) Michael: for what
(4:52:25 PM) JoeBruin88: my new master’s program
(4:52:31 PM) Michael: oh
(4:52:48 PM) Michael: were they easy
(4:52:54 PM) JoeBruin88: yes and no
(4:52:58 PM) JoeBruin88: i got As of course
(4:53:21 PM) Michael: well if they were tough that means you learned something so that’s good
(4:53:50 PM) Michael: hard*
(4:54:57 PM) Michael: i got a computer design class this year
(4:55:03 PM) JoeBruin88: cool
(4:55:05 PM) Michael: hoping to learn to make web sites
(4:55:12 PM) JoeBruin88: LOL
(4:55:18 PM) JoeBruin88: that is cool
(4:55:19 PM) Michael: finally i know
(4:56:06 PM) Michael: alright i got to go
(4:56:17 PM) JoeBruin88: later then
(4:56:19 PM) Michael: studying sat
(4:56:27 PM) Michael: it’s a blast
(4:56:28 PM) Michael: LOL
(4:56:32 PM) Michael: cya
(4:56:33 PM) JoeBruin88: make it good so you can get into UCLA!
(4:56:37 PM) Michael: ya
(4:56:42 PM) Michael: will do
(4:56:44 PM) Michael: later
(4:56:42 PM) Michael: will do
(4:56:44 PM) Michael: later

Tags: chat, education_and_training, former-student

UCLA has NEVER lost to SDSU in football. I don’t expect that today will be an exception. We’re having a BBQ of hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries. Unfortunately, the game tickets are $50 a piece, coupled with the UCLA Alumni Association tailgate party at $25 a piece. So that’s a bit too expensive for us all to go, let alone myself.

So we’re gonna watch from home. I may do my game blogging as in the past two years. Then email the results to Jeff (a co-MBA grad of mine).

Kickoff is at 7:15 PM PST tonight.

Go Bruins!

Tags: football, Sports, Television, UCLA