Feb 11 2012

Here I Go Again

After hearing nothing but positive reviews about this free app and service for at least a year, I finally created an account with Evernote, downloaded the computer app, and even downloaded the app for my as yet un-procured iPhone. Basically, with my account activated, I can jot down an idea, create a short video, record a piece of audio or any mixture of the three, whether on my computer or (soon-to-be) smart phone, and it will automatically sync between the two. I can capture all or part of a web page, take a picture of a person and annotate it with their name using either audio or text, shoot a meal and add details like ingredients, other guests and location, and the “note” will then sync with my computer app or vice versa. I can also access my information from any web browser. Once I create a note, I can edit it, download any attachments, or share it. This will become a lot more  meaningful and useful once I get my iPhone.

My first note from a live recording of the Daily Giz Wiz.

 

Feb 11 2012

Timeline Movie

A cool new service called Timeline Movie Maker created a short video of my Facebook Timeline, complete with cool edits, transitions and even a soundtrack. It’s very impressive technology but it’s a real shame that all you can do is share the video back on Facebook and not automatically be able to post it somewhere like YouTube or Vimeo where the service would get a lot more exposure. I was able to capture the video for my own personal use using special software.

Feb 10 2012

Gopher Reunion

Met up again with the same gopher I took pictures of four days ago. I was counting on it’s bad eyesight and occasional longer underground stays to sneak in between some large pots in the garden to get about two feet away from the hole. This time I sat and watched this runty rototilling rodent for about fifteen minutes, darting in and out of it’s newly excavated burrow. I find it amazing that, besides finding nutritious roots and plants to eat, digging holes in the ground appears to be it’s main goal in life. And it never seems to be finished or satisfied. Every day we’re finding new dirt mounds in our backyard. Good thing our canyon-overlooking yard is located on bedrock.

Feb 10 2012

Early Valentine’s Sweetness

Received an early, unexpected and completely unsolicited box of Cheryl’s Valentine buttercream and sugar cookies from my happily-married, Con-workin’, Buffy-lovin’, Texas-livin’, non-Valentine friend. And I don’t mean Jeff.

Thank you for my extended sugar high, Lisa. The Ladybug was delicious.

Feb 09 2012

McCartney Live

Watched a terrific concert by Paul McCartney streamed live on iTunes to promote his new album, Kisses on the Bottom. It was broadcast in black and white from the Capitol Studios in Hollywood. All the songs were older pieces except for two that he wrote for this album. They were all lounge-style classics including Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive, It’s Only A Paper Moon and Bye Bye Blackbird. At first I was worried I wouldn’t care for it since I’m not a big post-Beatles McCartney fan but as soon as I heard the first song, I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter, I knew I was in for a real treat. This album will be a must-buy for me.

(All images copyright of their respective owners.)

Feb 09 2012

The Squamata And The Little Piggies

This scaly little critter (who I believe is female) is slowly getting used to me walking in and out of our garage’s back door, so long as I don’t stomp past it like Godzilla. But then again she might become attracted to me if I did. Probably make me battle Mothra again.

Feb 09 2012

Marine Huey Flyby

Wish there would be an easy way to find out why this Marine Bell Huey equipped with FLIR (forward looking infrared radar) flew over our house not once, not twice, but three times! Maybe they’re finally looking to ask me to help fight the Decepticons and they just couldn’t find a level area to land.

Feb 09 2012

Return Trip To The World Of Sea

Once again I took my mom to SeaWorld for our weekly jaunt around the park. We started things off by getting our picture taken with the always-friendly, O.P. Otter, after which we ran into our old Terrific Tuesday friends, Shirley and Paul, whom we see pretty much every time we go. This was the first time we actually walked around the park with them, though. Normally they walk in the opposite direction than we do. (Maybe that’s a hint?) Anyway, we walked together up until we arrived at the Sea Stars where then they kept walking and my mom and I did our usual looking for the Sunflower Star, which we found. (Too difficult to shoot, though.) Plus, there at the Tide Pool, I was able to feed two types of krill (pacific and another kind) to some of the fish living in the pool. For a very brief moment I was a volunteer at SeaWorld. That’s going on my LinkedIn. That was followed by a trip to the bathroom to wash the stinky fish smell from my fingers. (Yes, Lisa? You had something you wanted to add?) We finished the visit with another character photo, this time with the more tourist-recognizable, Shamu.

Feb 08 2012

Getting Paid For Doing Our Part

Every few months, after collecting all my empty plastic water bottles along with other miscellaneous recyclables in large plastic bags, I go to the Miramar Landfill Recycling Center with my mom. Today was one of those days. It was filthy, stinky, loud and unfriendly, but for our minimal troubles we received $20. Seems like a small amount but it’s $20 more than we had yesterday. (More than enough for a tuna melt.) Ironically though, doing it this way didn’t technically keep it out of the landfill.

I didn’t get a chance to take the one overall main shot I wanted to because, since I had my camera slung on my shoulder, one of the employees came up to me and politely whispered that photography was not allowed. (There are no “No Photography” signs.) Luckily he came up to me after I already had taken most of the shots I needed.

Feb 07 2012

My Revu Update

So after posting on my blog yesterday about signing up for an online resumé service called Revu, none other than the CEO of that very company discovered and tweeted about my post. That is true customer appreciation and valued interaction.

Here then, in living color and at actual size, is the brief back and forth social moment we shared on Twitter:

Feb 07 2012

Wherefore Art Thou, Romero?

Took my mom for a scheduled appointment with Dr. Romero, her primary care physician. Not front page news, but I just wanted to document it. Flatus discomfort was possibly discussed. She’s fine by the way, thanks for asking.

Feb 06 2012

Gopher It

Carefully and oh-so-slowly sat down to within three feet of the gopher that’s been ravaging our backyard lately. Since I would never consider hurting it I only took shots at it of the photography kind. Amazing are those choppers it has to constantly keep wearing down. They look like extended corn kernels.

Feb 06 2012

Review My Revu

Well, it’s happened again. I’ve signed up for yet another online service. This one is called Revu and is a free resumé/skillset infographic service that can take your LinkedIn info and turn it into an online business/hiring aid. It’s highly customizable where you can choose from various themes, rearrange info widgets and it allows you to add in much more info than just LinkedIn. There are also some page analytics you can view, although those are a bit limited in the free version. In any case, at least I scored this before anyone else with my name did. Now to just take the time to make it look more impressive.

Feb 05 2012

Not A Very Super Bowl

Watched the NY Giants defeat the New England Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI on a nice, large plasma TV at the Tapias’ house. Except for the last five minutes it was probably one of the most unexciting, even boring, Super Bowl games I had ever watched. Since the three of us are west coasters it was a darn good thing we were more interested in the commercials than the actual game. And as far as the halftime show, except for the costumes and pageantry, I thought Madonna’s halftime show started a bit week. It steadily got better and ended well. Got to give her credit to still be able to perform like that. Most of the much-aniticipated commercials I thought fell a bit flat. Judging by all the beer commercials it still amazes me how there’s an unfortunate can’t-have-a-good-time-without-alcohol mentality in this country. Pretty sad. Nothing against alcohol, drink it myself on occasion, but I don’t need it to have fun. Some of the commercials were very good, e.g. Honda’s Ferris Bueller take-off, Audi’s exploding vampires and MetLife’s assembly of cartoon characters. All in all, it was a good time just hanging out with four of my closest friends.

Feb 05 2012

Walking At Tidelands

Met the Tapias at Tidelands Park on Coronado for an impromptu walkabout on another fantastically beautiful southern California day. There definitely were a lot of walkers, joggers, picnickers and bike riders out today getting in some sun and exercise before the big game this afternoon. Sylvia and Rodrigo, having already walked some with Lilo and Stitch before I arrived, didn’t stay too long before heading off to Phil’s to pick up some BBQ for lunch. I stayed a bit longer and spent some time taking pictures of the bay, the bridge, the palm trees and the downtown skyline before heading south to meet them at their house for some pre-Super Bowl hanging out. Rodrigo and I also made a long overdue Starbucks run while Sylvia made some delicious home-made chocolate chip cookies. Also got some amazing sunset shots during halftime. Nice way to end the weekend.

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