Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Little Big Town
M, Letty and I headed up to Table Mountain Casino for the Little Big Town gig on Tuesday night. Jim couldn't make at as he's been feeling under the weather and resting up for the big Vegas weekend.
Kate and Casey - the twins from Denver - opened up the show with some good 'ol acoustic country music. Kate was the more girly of the two and, being older by 9 minutes, claimed to be the wiser. She also seemed to have most of the talent, but I don't think she tells her sister that.
Little Big Town themselves were great - even if all they really do is the singing and playing acoustic guitar and tambourines and leave it up to the 3 piece backing band to do all the difficult stuff with their instruments.
Arriving there a little early (Mental Note: Don't believe the start time on the ticket - especially because Table Mountain doesn't serve 'adult' drinks.) M and Letty insisted on an 'advance' on their Vegas gambling fund. It's amazing how quickly $100 can disappear inside a casino.
Kate and Casey - the twins from Denver - opened up the show with some good 'ol acoustic country music. Kate was the more girly of the two and, being older by 9 minutes, claimed to be the wiser. She also seemed to have most of the talent, but I don't think she tells her sister that.
Little Big Town themselves were great - even if all they really do is the singing and playing acoustic guitar and tambourines and leave it up to the 3 piece backing band to do all the difficult stuff with their instruments.
Arriving there a little early (Mental Note: Don't believe the start time on the ticket - especially because Table Mountain doesn't serve 'adult' drinks.) M and Letty insisted on an 'advance' on their Vegas gambling fund. It's amazing how quickly $100 can disappear inside a casino.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Happy Birthday Dad/Trevor
Many Happy Returns on this your umpty-finfteenth-ish birthday.
Hope you have a great day!
Love,
C & M
M & C
Hope you have a great day!
Love,
C & M
M & C
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Next Generation Sounds
I'm in the process of coming up with a new an improved solution for music around the house. There's not really anything wrong with the current solution, but it's getting a bit 'old' from a technology point of view and requires quite a bit of techy fiddling to try and get the Rio Receivers (for our bedroom, garage and outside) to work with the Mac Mini I now use for the main music server in the house.
My new plan is to base everything around Apple equipment - using Airport Express' to wirelessly send music to those areas and using a laptop or an iPod Touch as a fancy remote control. The latter is quite appealing as it is wireless and small and can be used from the bed to select music and control the volume without having to squint across the room at a tiny LCD screen. It also has the advantage of allowing you to browse the Web and/or play games should the mood so take you. Part of the plan would also be to upgrade our home network to the faster 'N' protocol so that we don't have to wait 24 hours to watch a movie we download on the AppleTV.
I broached this subject with Michelle the other day and she said she was fine with it as long as Chuck, Jim and Letty signed off. So, I figured I would go one better and let the whole universe of UlloaSullivan.com readers provide their thoughts and feedback on the plan right here on the internet.
So, here you are Dear Readers - the fate of our home music system is in your hands. Oh, and before you comment, just be aware that the upgrade plan inevitably means that some of our current equipment will become available... I believe they operate at both 110 and 240v too. ;)
My new plan is to base everything around Apple equipment - using Airport Express' to wirelessly send music to those areas and using a laptop or an iPod Touch as a fancy remote control. The latter is quite appealing as it is wireless and small and can be used from the bed to select music and control the volume without having to squint across the room at a tiny LCD screen. It also has the advantage of allowing you to browse the Web and/or play games should the mood so take you. Part of the plan would also be to upgrade our home network to the faster 'N' protocol so that we don't have to wait 24 hours to watch a movie we download on the AppleTV.
I broached this subject with Michelle the other day and she said she was fine with it as long as Chuck, Jim and Letty signed off. So, I figured I would go one better and let the whole universe of UlloaSullivan.com readers provide their thoughts and feedback on the plan right here on the internet.
So, here you are Dear Readers - the fate of our home music system is in your hands. Oh, and before you comment, just be aware that the upgrade plan inevitably means that some of our current equipment will become available... I believe they operate at both 110 and 240v too. ;)
Central Valley Fly Guy
M and I managed to get down to Bakersfield on Sunday afternoon to watch J swim in two finals - Mens 200m Individual Medley and 100m Backstroke. Having already picked up two 1st place results the day before - taking over the banner of 'The Fly Guy' in a closely fought Butterfly final - he managed to pick up another 1st in the backstroke (see picture) and a none-too-shabby 2nd place in the Medley.
I say none-too-shabby as I've been teasing him about coming in second but the fact is that he knocked a whopping 5 seconds off his personal best in that event. And because I'm sure he's probably getting faster times than I was when competing in the Bicester and District Finals a little over 20 years ago - although back then I was pretty much 'The Fly Guy' myself, beating Simon Sturgeon-Clegg and David Watkins into submission in final after final.
Anyway, as I've told Justin a couple of times since Bakersfield, if it were up to me I would have bought him that Baskin Robbins milkshake to celebrate on Sunday evening.
I say none-too-shabby as I've been teasing him about coming in second but the fact is that he knocked a whopping 5 seconds off his personal best in that event. And because I'm sure he's probably getting faster times than I was when competing in the Bicester and District Finals a little over 20 years ago - although back then I was pretty much 'The Fly Guy' myself, beating Simon Sturgeon-Clegg and David Watkins into submission in final after final.
Anyway, as I've told Justin a couple of times since Bakersfield, if it were up to me I would have bought him that Baskin Robbins milkshake to celebrate on Sunday evening.
Car Correspondence
If it wasn't enough to get a phone call from the local BMW service center a couple of weeks ago letting me know that my car had contacted them to tell them it needed to be serviced but now I see that it is receiving its own Birthday emails from the car dealership too.
Surely, 335 (as I now see you like to be called - I had always chosen to use your full name, with the 'i' on the end out of respect) if you need some attention you could just let me know. Or Michelle if you're not comfortable talking to me about these things. We're both here for you.
Until your 3rd birthday, when we fully intend to trade you in for a newer, better model. Yeah, that's right. Just 11 more months and you're out of here. That'll teach you to go talking to your friends about us.
Surely, 335 (as I now see you like to be called - I had always chosen to use your full name, with the 'i' on the end out of respect) if you need some attention you could just let me know. Or Michelle if you're not comfortable talking to me about these things. We're both here for you.
Until your 3rd birthday, when we fully intend to trade you in for a newer, better model. Yeah, that's right. Just 11 more months and you're out of here. That'll teach you to go talking to your friends about us.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Beijing Tourism
We managed to take a quick detour en route to a partner meeting yesterday so that I could do the touristy thing and get my picture taken in front of the Water Cube and Bird's Nest stadium of Beijing Olympics fame.
There were long lines of people waiting to get inside the Water Cube itself so I didn't make it in to bathe in the hallowed waters but it was pretty neat just to hang outside in the minus 2 degree chill and wonder, just as many of the Chinese people are too, just what they are going to use these impressive facilities for in the future.
Apparently, even in China, some things can be just too big for their own good.
There were long lines of people waiting to get inside the Water Cube itself so I didn't make it in to bathe in the hallowed waters but it was pretty neat just to hang outside in the minus 2 degree chill and wonder, just as many of the Chinese people are too, just what they are going to use these impressive facilities for in the future.
Apparently, even in China, some things can be just too big for their own good.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Mental Note
Painting an ugly building blue and decorating it with clouds does nothing more than create an ugly blue building decorated with clouds.
What, though, if you make it an artistic statement by adding in mannequin painters on a platform permanently painting one of the clouds? What do you get then? Is it art?
What, though, if you make it an artistic statement by adding in mannequin painters on a platform permanently painting one of the clouds? What do you get then? Is it art?
Happy Birthday Little Brother!
On this 19th day of February 2009 (well, it is where I am right now) we would like to wish our littlest borther many Happy returns.
And while we're at it, why not share with you a picture of him playing footie when he actually was still quite little.
Happy Birthday!
C&M / M&C
And while we're at it, why not share with you a picture of him playing footie when he actually was still quite little.
Happy Birthday!
C&M / M&C
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Chinese SpongeBob
Chinese SpongeBob
Originally uploaded by UlloaSullivan
Anyway, perhaps it was the jet lag but I found this funny when I was channel hopping last thing before going to bed last night.
Enjoy!
Snow and Rockets in Beijing
Not only is it freezing cold here right now, but it started to snow yesterday as a result of the Beijing Weather Modification Command Center firing rockets of Silver Iodide into the clouds above the city in an attempt to break a 4 month drought - the longest in 38 years.
That there is even such a thing as a Weather Modification Command Center here boggles my mind, actually.
Still, the last time a government agency was involved in firing rockets into the sky in Beijing some pretty bad things happened.
That there is even such a thing as a Weather Modification Command Center here boggles my mind, actually.
Still, the last time a government agency was involved in firing rockets into the sky in Beijing some pretty bad things happened.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Bound for Beijing
As the 'Where's Craig?' shows, I'm heading to Beijing tomorrow morning for a reconnaissance mission for work. I plan to find some time to go look around the Forbidden City if possible and also swim in the same water as Michael Phelps (which is perhaps not quite as appealing as it once was).
Getting the Visa you see here is a bit of a pain in the arse, though - you have to fill in the forms and then go and stand outside the Chinese Embassy in line with a bunch of other people, wait for your number to be called, and then cross your fingers while the lady behind the counter reviews everything. The last time I did this, en route from London, I actually forgot to take my passport with me. And I'll be paying another visit to the Chinese Embassy in London in the not too distant future too - it turns out that if you want anything more than a single visit Visa you have to apply from your home country. Why that is I'll never know - the lady couldn't explain it either.
Watch this space for updates from somewhere where the government still has a bit of money left.
Getting the Visa you see here is a bit of a pain in the arse, though - you have to fill in the forms and then go and stand outside the Chinese Embassy in line with a bunch of other people, wait for your number to be called, and then cross your fingers while the lady behind the counter reviews everything. The last time I did this, en route from London, I actually forgot to take my passport with me. And I'll be paying another visit to the Chinese Embassy in London in the not too distant future too - it turns out that if you want anything more than a single visit Visa you have to apply from your home country. Why that is I'll never know - the lady couldn't explain it either.
Watch this space for updates from somewhere where the government still has a bit of money left.
Strange Flowers
Just received this in the mail today - just in time to be loaded on the iPod and accompany me on my China trip. Only listened to the first song so far but just know that I will love it.
I'll keep you posted.
I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
UPDATED: I'm Speechless
I've now gotten over being speechless.
Now I have just one question: Isn't some of that my money?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Out of the Ashes
Sometimes, out of the ashes of a horrible disaster comes a story that makes you pause, sit back and think that perhaps there is a chance for all of us to get along and have the world be a better place. That just like in a Disney movie, everyone will come together to overcome the odds, fight off a hideous monster/curse/disfigurement with a group of surprising compatriots with their own idiosyncracies, learn something about themselves and each other, and live happily ever after.
This is just such a story.
This is just such a story.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
So Close!
The FHS Aca Dec team, lead by UlloaSullivan.com's very own Michelle, were pipped in to 2nd place in Division 3 by a mere 5.1 points.
After a day of testing and the Super Quiz showdown - complete with screaming faculty, family and friends (that means you, Aaron and Christina) - on the second Saturday of competition, and after a visit to the local Red Robin - the Worlds' Greatest Gourmet Burger Maker - we waited anxiously for the awards to be announced.
Having been promoted from the 4th to the 3rd Division after last years landslide victory - and most improved school award - the individual medals were tougher to come by. However, the overall team result placed them firmly in head-to-head competition with Sunnyside High School and, once again, getting higher overall scores than several schools in the 2nd Division.
Congratulations Ms. U and Mrs Fenton (Assistant Coach) and to the entire team.
After a day of testing and the Super Quiz showdown - complete with screaming faculty, family and friends (that means you, Aaron and Christina) - on the second Saturday of competition, and after a visit to the local Red Robin - the Worlds' Greatest Gourmet Burger Maker - we waited anxiously for the awards to be announced.
Having been promoted from the 4th to the 3rd Division after last years landslide victory - and most improved school award - the individual medals were tougher to come by. However, the overall team result placed them firmly in head-to-head competition with Sunnyside High School and, once again, getting higher overall scores than several schools in the 2nd Division.
Congratulations Ms. U and Mrs Fenton (Assistant Coach) and to the entire team.
Friday, February 6, 2009
A Snowman Tribute
Paul sent me a note this morning letting me know there were some photos for me to take a look at on his Facebook account. Not wanting to hurt his feelings (quite easy to do, actually) I took a quick look only to discover this.
I'm not quite sure what to say. I mean, I am of course honoured to have been immortalized in snow outside a house in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire. Although I guess it's the snowman that is immortalized in the photo and not actually me that is immortalized in the snow given that the snow will melt once the cold spell is over. Anyway, I digress. Where was I? Oh, yeah... I'm honoured to have my likeness captured in the snow but I don't think the ears are really anatomically correct. And I wouldn't allow myself to be seen, let alone photographed, in a beige and brown tie.
That said, I am impressed by my little brother's artistic sculpting abilities. Who would have thought he had that kind of talent? In a short chat with him after the unveiling he said he was inspired to retaliate after we created the cute Mii for him at the Sullivan party a few weeks ago. He also indicated that he would have made one for Neil but that he didn't have enough snow.
I'm not quite sure what to say. I mean, I am of course honoured to have been immortalized in snow outside a house in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire. Although I guess it's the snowman that is immortalized in the photo and not actually me that is immortalized in the snow given that the snow will melt once the cold spell is over. Anyway, I digress. Where was I? Oh, yeah... I'm honoured to have my likeness captured in the snow but I don't think the ears are really anatomically correct. And I wouldn't allow myself to be seen, let alone photographed, in a beige and brown tie.
That said, I am impressed by my little brother's artistic sculpting abilities. Who would have thought he had that kind of talent? In a short chat with him after the unveiling he said he was inspired to retaliate after we created the cute Mii for him at the Sullivan party a few weeks ago. He also indicated that he would have made one for Neil but that he didn't have enough snow.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Reading between the headlines
Watching or reading the news can be a pretty good way of keeping up to speed with what's going on in the outside world. But sometimes getting to the real story requires you to read between the headlines.
Just last week, for example, was the news that scientists had determined that obesity is actually caused by a virus. At least, that is, in mice that are exposed to a ridiculous doses of some super rare virus. Not only that, but if you have been unfortunate enough to receive such exposure the changes that the virus causes are pretty much permanent. The between-the-headlines message there being that if you happen to suffer from obesity it's really not your fault, that you can't do anything about it anyway, that you might aswell continue consuming the same quantities of food as before because that will actually help the economy.
And then this morning we learn that there are wild Mountain Lions roaming the streets of San Mateo. At first blush, it seems like a pretty cool, exciting story about the hardiness and adaptability of wild animals to co-exist with humans. However, reading between the headlines a slightly different interpretation can be inferred. Apparently these are pretty dangerous animals that can savage a person pretty badly and potentially cause death. I think you'd need to be able to run pretty fast to get away from one. I think those obese mice would struggle to escape. As would, I suspect, a human suffering from the same 'virus'.
Faced with the choice of saving the economy verses saving my own life, I know which I'd choose.
Just last week, for example, was the news that scientists had determined that obesity is actually caused by a virus. At least, that is, in mice that are exposed to a ridiculous doses of some super rare virus. Not only that, but if you have been unfortunate enough to receive such exposure the changes that the virus causes are pretty much permanent. The between-the-headlines message there being that if you happen to suffer from obesity it's really not your fault, that you can't do anything about it anyway, that you might aswell continue consuming the same quantities of food as before because that will actually help the economy.
And then this morning we learn that there are wild Mountain Lions roaming the streets of San Mateo. At first blush, it seems like a pretty cool, exciting story about the hardiness and adaptability of wild animals to co-exist with humans. However, reading between the headlines a slightly different interpretation can be inferred. Apparently these are pretty dangerous animals that can savage a person pretty badly and potentially cause death. I think you'd need to be able to run pretty fast to get away from one. I think those obese mice would struggle to escape. As would, I suspect, a human suffering from the same 'virus'.
Faced with the choice of saving the economy verses saving my own life, I know which I'd choose.