Greg Nilsen

I Have To Admit, This Is Pretty Awesome!

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:57:00 -0700

As a software developer, desktop space is at a premium. I strongly prefer dual monitor setups because I can usually code in one screen and test in the other. For this reason, I've often shied away from doing any serious development on a laptop (at least one that isn't docked) because of the single-monitor constraint.

That is, until I saw the gScreen Spacebook:

Now that's the stuff of software developers dreams (even if it is in the neighborhood of $3000)!

What Ever Happened To The Lyrics Challenge?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:40:02 -0700

Hey guys!

I'm working on some exciting stuff with the lyrics challenge, but haven't had time to put together our usual monthly challenge.

However, I don't want you to go without your fix, so I've decided to periodically put lyrics for you to name the artist and song for on my Twitter feed (@GregNilsen) with the #lyricschallenge tag. So be on the lookout for those. As always, I'll tally up the points and make regular updates of the scores here on the blog.

I hope you enjoy the new format!

Vick's Back: Will It Matter?

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:28:52 -0700

So, Michael Vick is officially back in the NFL after signing with the Eagles today, but the question is whether or not it means anything? The former starter now will likely start at #3 on the Eagles depth chart behind the always-primed-to-be-impeached starter McNabb and AJ Feeley. He could be used to bring the "wildcat" element to Philly, but that really doesn't feel like their style. And let's face it, the guy isn't the greatest passer anyway, having peaked in the NFL at a 56.4 completion percentage (with the majority of those to Alge Crumpler anyway). He's most dangerous on the ground, but does he have the same acceleration and speed after being out of the league for two years?

And even all those questions are secondary to the question that is most central to his signing: Are the fans ready to forgive Vick? After all, what he did was unconscionable to most Americans. However, he served his 23-month term. Then again, how many felons can leave prison and walk into a $1.6 million job?

In addition, we are also in the wake of Donte Stallworth's 24-day sentence for manslaughter following his hitting and killing a 59-year-old man in Florida while driving drunk. So, many people are comparing the two and wondering if justice really has been been served in the two cases. Regardless, I'm sure that Vick is glad to not have the full glow of the limelight on him.

So, Vick is back, and who knows if he'll even see the field this year, but I'm sure he's glad to be moving on with his life...

Idiot Can't Find Job, Sues College

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:20:29 -0700

That's right...if you haven't read it anywhere else, you can read here how Trina Thompson is suing Monroe College because their office of career advancement hasn't helped her more to get a job. Of course, she's a prime candidate with her 2.7 GPA and "solid attendance record".

According to Thompson, they can't even take the time to call up and say "I got this student, her attendance is good, her GPA is all right -- can you interview this person?"

The nerve!

Clearly, Monroe College made a mistake in allowing this individual to fall through the cracks and actually receive a degree. Too many bonus points for that "solid attendance record", I guess.

NFL Draft Moving Again...Still No Good Reason Why

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:27:00 -0700

Just when you thought they couldn't mess it up again, let alone so soon, the NFL has announced that next year's draft will start on Thursday night in "prime time", with the remainder to follow over the next two days. This after pushing this past year's draft back to not start until Saturday evening, only covering two rounds on day one, and then rushing through the rest on Sunday.

While I realize that all sports are targeting the "prime time" slots (yes, more for the advertising dollars than viewership), they're also alienating their fans at the same time. Sure, there are plenty of over-the-top die-hards that will still be watching, but I don't think I'll waste my time on a weeknight when there's a good chance my team trades out of the first round all together (like the Patriots did this past draft).

Yes, I'm getting older, spending more time working on the house and spending time with my family and less on football, but shouldn't the league be making it easier to follow these things, not more difficult. The Saturday at noon draft start time that I always remember were always great because you could spend a lazy afternoon just watching the draft coverage. And then you'd know the key draftees before going out to dinner, a movie or whatever that evening. Now they want to dominate my Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday? No thanks! I'll just find something better to do and then check it on the internet before I go to bed...assuming it's over by then!

Sorry you had to make this decision, NFL. The logic behind it is nearly as flawed as the BCS.

Steve McNair and the Perception of Athletes

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:15:07 -0700

I'm not sure I understand this at all...so we're supposed to ignore the major character flaws of an athlete because he was a warrior on the field and was a major contributor to his community? I'm sorry, but that just doesn't fly with me. Here was a married man with four children running around with a woman nearly half his age, which appears to have ultimately gotten him killed. If this were a politician or CEO, the word going around with this story in the media would be "scandal", not "tragedy".

For some reason, athletes get a lot more latitude with their personal lives than most people do. If you knew a 36-year-old who was dating a 20-year-old on the side of their marriage, there would almost certainly be tons of gossip at the water cooler and over the backyard fences. And if they were killed, even if they were a pillar of the community, more people would be saying "they got what was coming to them" than "oh, that's such a shame".

Now, I'm not saying that Steve McNair is the devil and should rot in hell, but that we should hold him (and every other celebrity, for that matter) to the same standards that we do for everyone else in our lives. For me, I'm sorry to say that means that McNair's extracurriculars are a major black mark on an athlete who played the game the right way and was respected on the field. And to simply ignore that mark is an injustice to our children, who view these athletes as role models.

Mongolian BBQ At Home

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:33:47 -0700

One of my favorite restaurants is BD's Mongolian BBQ because you can grab whatever you're in the mood for, and mix and match different tastes and combos throughout your meal. Plus, it's fun to watch them cook your meal with sticks on the flat top.

Well, oftentimes I cook very similarly when I'm at home. I start with a base meat, and start adding in what sounds good. Tonight was one of those nights, and it turned out great! I can give you the ingredients, but not much more. Didn't get a chance to grab any pictures (went too fast) and I didn't measure out anything...

Chicken Breast
Butter
Mushrooms
Red Bell Pepper
Salt
Pepper
Onion Soup Mix
Emeril's Essence
Dried Thyme
Soy Sauce
Worchestershire Sauce

All that cooked together served on a bed of biryani rice. Nothing gourmet, but it hit the spot!

Oh, and it was a one skillet meal as well (thanks to Uncle Ben's microwave rice), making cleanup even easier.

More Thoughts On Michael Jackson

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:02:00 -0700

Like many others, the passing of the King of Pop has caused me to once again delve into his music and remember just how good he was at what he did. Despite all the personal craziness, no one reached the masses like Michael did, an no one may ever again.

One of Michael's true gifts as an artist was to take songs, whether he wrote them or not, and really own them. Whether it was a love song, a message to the next generation, a story or self-aggrandizing, he was able to pour himself into the song and convince the public to buy it. Whereas many pop acts have come since Michael's heyday, and many have had the talent and supporting music to make good music, but often end up with a manufactured feel. However, Michael lived in the music, and almost always managed to come across as authentic.

Will there ever be another like Michael? Probably not. But at least we'll always have his music to remind us that "pop music" doesn't have to be a dirty word...

Remembering The King of Pop: R.I.P. Michael Jackson

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:20:00 -0700

I have to admit that growing up a child of the 80's, Michael Jackson was probably my favorite musician. Heck, even today as I mostly listen to rock and alternative music, there's still a part of me that smiles fondly when listening to Jacko's music. I always found what happened late in his career to be tragic, and until proven otherwise, I decided to keep focusing on his music.

So, today, I'd like to revisit a few of my favorite Michael Jackson songs and videos:

Thriller was the cherry on top of the King of Pop's video collection. It really epitomizes the "it's not just a video, but a mini-movie" that he often took with his videos. I can remember all the fuss about the debut of this video and the primetime attention it got back way back at a time when it was really unprecidented.
Smooth Criminal, from the admittedly awful Moonwalker movie (I once got to watch while having my braces worked on), is a song that has always stuck with me. Just a great, catchy tune and intriguing video. Still not sure how it really fit into the movie, but who cares now?
Leave Me Alone was one of the first Jackson songs I can remember that really started to encapsulate Michael's feelings about growing up in the limelight. Plus, the crazy Peter Gabriel type video is pretty cool, and surprisingly and subtly meaningful.
Scream from the latter part of Michael's career is actually one of the hilights for me. Not only was the video dripping in style and effects, but the song is extremely raw for the pop star. In fact, much of the "new" HIStory album (Disc 2) was like this, but much less subtle!
The Way You Make Me Feel is simply a great song with a great video. While there's nothing really amazing about the video in terms of guest stars or special effects, it simply demonstrates, much like Beat It, the way Michael was able to capture the camera.
Lastly, one of my favorite songs, Man In The Mirror. I'm not sure there could be a much better musical message than to encourage people to take a long look at themselves.... It really does speak to the "make the world a better place for the children" message he was always delivering.

I could go on and on, because there is hit after hit to pick from, but I think I'll stop there. Farewell to one of the true influential giants of the music industry. Many have already tried to imitate his work, and many more are sure to come, but there's only one King of Pop. At least, there was...

Monthly Lyrics Challenge: June 2009

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:28:36 -0700

We've rolled around to another month, so that means it's time for another Monthly Lyrics Challenge!

We're sticking to a very defined theme this month, as all the lyrics below are from songs that appear in a popular video game franchise. So, we've also added a bonus question worth five points if you can name that franchise as well.

Oh and we are sticking with each lyric being worth two points, one for the artist and one for the song. So, if you've got the artist but can't put your finger on the song name, go ahead and at least try for partial credit.

This is the month to build up the points and really prove your stuff!

May 2009 Lyrics Challenge Winner

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:39:00 -0700

Apparently, May was a busy month for most people, because we only got one submission. That's pretty weak people! How are you supposed to gain bragging rights when you don't beat anyone? Feel free to refer your friends next month.

But, Wade did enter this month and picked up three points in the process. Nice work! Congratulations!

For the rest of you reading who didn't bother to take the time to enter, here is the answer key for May:

Wyclef - Gone 'Till November
See, you must understand, I can't work a 9 to 5
Green Day - Boulevard of Broken Dreams
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Fabolous - Holla Back
I'm Gangsta
Ya'll just wannabe's
Social Distortion - Ball and Chain
You can run all your life
But not go anywhere
Nine Inch Nails - Survivalism
I got my propaganda I got revisionism.
I got my violence in hi-def ultra-realism.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Snow (Hey Oh)
Deep beneath the cover of another perfect wonder
Where it's so white as snow
Finger Eleven - Paralyzer

This club has got to be
The most pretentious thing
Since I thought you and me
Dead Eye Dick - New Age Girl

I don't know where she's going
And I don't know where she's been
All I know that loving her has gotta be a sin
Oasis - Wonderwall

By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
Weird Al Yankovic - Baby Got Jack

What the hell is an anaconda?

If You're Missing The NHL Playoffs, You're Missing All The Fun!

Thu, 21 May 2009 22:02:32 -0700

If you're a sports fan and you haven't been watching the NHL playoffs, then you should be ashamed (especially if you've been tuned in to the boring NBA playoffs that ESPN and ABC have been repeatedly trying shove down your throats).

This year has been one of the most enjoyable playoffs overall in any sport in a long time, and I don't just say that because my Pittsburgh Penguins have been successful. Tight, competitive series where the stars have truly shined (heck, after tonight, each of the top three players in the game has posted a hat trick at one point in the playoffs, and two of those were even in the same game) have made this postseason the must-see event of the season.

And it is truly amazing to see the talent levels across the board. Besides the more well-known stars, the teams remaining have scoring threats ten deep, so there are always threats on the ice. Plus, each team has great net-minders who will make game-changing plays with the leather and pads.

Simply put, the NHL playoffs have been exhilarating, and this season should put the NHL back on the map of major sports (but probably won't since most of the games are on the not-widely-available VS. network and ESPN continues to pretend it doesn't exist. If you can catch a game, I would highly recommend it, even if you just wait until the Stanly Cup Finals (but you're going to miss out on more great hockey if you wait!).

What's The Point Of Laws If They're Not Enforced

Thu, 07 May 2009 20:54:01 -0700

One day a few weeks ago, I had the following experiences in my travels to and from work:

Watched a police car sitting at the front of a light across from me watch a crossing car run a light nearly 5 seconds after the light had changed, only to wave me on and ignore the blatant violator.
Travel with traffic on the interstate at 65 in a 55, only to be passed by a state trooper going 70+.
Nearly get cut off by a police car rolling through a stop sign in a residential neighborhood. I had to slam my breaks to avoid a collision, and then the cop finally saw me and let me have the right of way.

These events just brought to a head one of the things I am regularly observing with increasing frequency: that we are a number of key laws that are simply not being enforced with any kind of consistency any more. People are driving further and further over the speed limits, weaving in and out of traffic (usually without using any turn signals at all, a personal pet peeve of mine), and breaking laws right and left, even in the presence of law enforcement officers.

And look...I do understand that police officers can't be everywhere at all times. And yes, there are times when more pressing matters require officers to overlook minor offenses. However, it should be the responsibility of police officers to act when they see these clear offenses, and to uphold the letter of the law at all other times...especially when they are on duty! I don't see that as being too much to ask as a loyal, upstanding, taxpaying citizen. Do you?

Monthly Lyrics Challenge: May 2009

Mon, 04 May 2009 21:40:58 -0700

We're back at it once again with a new edition of the Monthly Lyrics Challenge. No theme this time around...mostly because I simply haven't had time to put one together. You're lucky you're getting this month's challenge, let me tell you!

Anyway, we've got a slightly new feature this month! Now, each lyric is worth two points, one for the artist and one for the song. So, if you've got the artist but can't put your finger on the song name, go ahead and at least try for partial credit.

So now with chances for double the points, good luck!

April 2009 Lyrics Challenge Winner

Mon, 04 May 2009 20:18:29 -0700

Well, I'm a few days late since I was out of town, but last months results are in and we have a winner. Congratulations to Courtney, who was able to successfully name one of the ten lyrics in last month's challenge. Yes...our winner got just one out of the ten correct. But a winner is a winner, so congratulations! For the rest of you who got zero out of ten, here is the answer key for April:

Kanye West - Jesus Walks
Now hear ye hear ye want to see Thee more clearly / I know he hear me when my feet get weary Cause we're the almost nearly extinct / We rappers are role models we rap we don't think
Crash Test Dummies - Superman's Song
Tarzan was king of the jungle and Lord over all the apes
Flobots - Handlebars
I can hand out a million vaccinations / Or let'em all die in exasperation Have'em all healed of their lacerations / Have'em all killed by assassination
My Chemical Romance - Teenagers
So darken your clothes or strike a violent pose / Maybe they'll leave you alone, but not me
Jane's Addiction - Been Caught Stealing
I walk right through the door. Walk right through the door. Hey all right! If I get by, it's mine. Mine all mine!
Genesis - In The Air Tonight
How could I ever forget, it's the first time, the last time we ever met
Dr. Dre (feat. Snoop Dogg) - Nuthin' But A "G" Thang
You never know she could be earnin' her man and learnin' her man - and at the same time burnin' her man
Pax217 - Voices
we are all obsessed with comparing one another to eachother and it scares us
Wallflowers - 6th Avenue Heartache
And the same black line that was drawn on you / Was drawn on me
Sublime - April 29, 1992 (Miami)
Next stop we hit, it was the music shop, / It only took one brick to make the window drop Finally we got our own P.A. / Where do you think I got this guitar that you're hearing today?