Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
International Year of Stadium 110
So as many of you already know (probably because Toto already told you) 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy. What I'm sure few if any of you knew is that it is also the International Year of Natural Fibres (no joke, it's U.N. sanctioned).
When I discovered this fact on Wikipedia, I thought, if natural fibres can have their own year-long, international celebration, why cant Stadium 110? And so, we shall have an International Year of Stadium 110. And because this will probably be the last year that students will be living in stadium (at least for a while), I have decided to hereby declare this year the International Year of Stadium 110. To commemorate this momentous year we will party-all-the-time and maybe get one of those cool websites from the U.N.
"But wait," you say, "this year is already one-quarter of the way over, you've already missed a fourth of the celebration." But that's where you're wrong. Who says that we at Stadium 110 need to follow your Eurocentric Gregorian calendar? Why is your calendar better than everyone else's? You Western Imperialist Dogs!
Maybe today isn't the actually the 15th day of the 4th month of the 2009th year anno domini. Maybe it's actually the 7th day of Miyazya (the 8th month of the Ethiopian calendar) in the year 2001. Or maybe it's actually the 26th day of the 1st month of the 1388th year of the Iranian calendar, or the 25th day of the 1st month of the 1932nd year of the Indian calendar. That's right, this party is just beginning! I'm sorry, did I just turn your perfect little world upside down?
So get ready to party everyone, the International Year of Stadium 110 is just beginning.
When I discovered this fact on Wikipedia, I thought, if natural fibres can have their own year-long, international celebration, why cant Stadium 110? And so, we shall have an International Year of Stadium 110. And because this will probably be the last year that students will be living in stadium (at least for a while), I have decided to hereby declare this year the International Year of Stadium 110. To commemorate this momentous year we will party-all-the-time and maybe get one of those cool websites from the U.N.
"But wait," you say, "this year is already one-quarter of the way over, you've already missed a fourth of the celebration." But that's where you're wrong. Who says that we at Stadium 110 need to follow your Eurocentric Gregorian calendar? Why is your calendar better than everyone else's? You Western Imperialist Dogs!
Maybe today isn't the actually the 15th day of the 4th month of the 2009th year anno domini. Maybe it's actually the 7th day of Miyazya (the 8th month of the Ethiopian calendar) in the year 2001. Or maybe it's actually the 26th day of the 1st month of the 1388th year of the Iranian calendar, or the 25th day of the 1st month of the 1932nd year of the Indian calendar. That's right, this party is just beginning! I'm sorry, did I just turn your perfect little world upside down?
So get ready to party everyone, the International Year of Stadium 110 is just beginning.
The BA-K-47
Why am I posting this? I don't know. There's just something about a scale replica of an AK-47 made out of bacon...
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Hand in the Sky?
Today I formally accepted a graduate offer from Penn State's Astronomy dept, so I figured it would be appropriate to have an astro-themed post. So, in honor of my impending poverty/insantiy:
Earlier today, Nonberg found a cool picture and asked me if I had seen it:
I hadn't, so I decided to look it up for myself. To my suprise (I thought this might have been faked), this is a legitimate picture of the region around pulsar PSR1509-58. The pulsar is in the central bright spot. It's an x-ray image, though, so it was an x-ray camera known as Chandra that took it, and you wouldn't be able to see this with your eyes. Unless you're superman. Also, since x-rays don't really have color, the colors are fake: blue means higher energy x-rays and red means lower.
Pulsars are pretty sweet: they're stars that have run out of fuel and collapsed into small (~10km) balls of neutrons known (so creatively) as neutron stars. More than that, though, pulsars have crazy magnetic fields (15 trillion times stronger than Earth's) and are spinning really fast (this one spins about 7 times per second). This pulsar, like many others, has at least one jet of material/energy that it is shooting out (to the lower left). This kind of energetic outflow, along with the large amount of x-rays it produces, is what has disturbed the surrounding material to glow like a hand, and is also exciting the nearby "red" gas cloud RCW 89.
An interesting sidenote is that, when you look at pulsars with a radio telescope (as Joel Weisberg does), they often have spots of radio emission that sweep across your vision as they rotate. This produces a very regular series of radio beeps, with periods of milliseconds to seconds. Because they are so regular, one might mistake these for radio signals from aliens: the discoverers of the first pulsar even named it LGM-1, standing for Little Green Men.
Now, some people might interpret the first picture as the hand of a supreme being, perhaps reaching for something (a stapler? a can of beer?). But I'm pretty sure most supreme beings have two hands, so I managed to find a picture of the other:
So this particular supreme being is apparantly flipping us off with its other hand. And yes, this is a real picture, taken by Hubble, of (a small part of) the Carina Nebula. Weird, huh?
Easter Saturday: A (Fuzzy) Recap
So there have been a number of comments about how we've been blogging less. This has been discussed. However, that does not mean that we have not been both a) busy and active in our social lives, and b) stoking our creative genius with other technological endeavors. It just so happens that these two things have occurred by means other than blogging.
As an example of (a) occurring, we had Easter Saturday. As an example of (b) occurring, Mark and I produced a PowerPoint presentation to explain how we would successfully navigate (a). Thus, we have been participating in both (a) and (b). Just not on the blog. So suck it.
Anyway, the PowerPoint will be up soon. I don't know when. Soon. More pressing, of course, is a (fuzzy) recap of our experiences on Easter Saturday.
I roused myself at 10:30am. I was not completely awake (having gone to sleep at 4) and had a somewhat fuzzy head, but mustered the courage to emerge from the sheets, dress myself, and make some Yogi Teas Detox Blend. I carried my cup downstairs, walked in Stadium 110, groaned, and collapsed onto the couch. At that point, I had about 1 hour and 15 minutes before Easter Saturday would commence. To prepare myself, I needed to eat. Donuts. From the Holiday.
I borrowed Nonberg's keys, drove to the Holiday, bought a coffee and 6 awesome donuts, and drove back. We ate them. Mark gave me some smoothie that he made. We listened to some music to get us pumped up, and then departed for a long journey to the depths of the Carleton Arboretum.
After a 5 minute hike, we arrived, and (not so) coincidentally the festivities occurred. We searched for Easter eggs, exchanged them for our glorious rewards, and searched for more. I'm not quite sure how time passed, but I know the following:
1. Mark and I left after a little while to get him some shoes, since he apparently had decided to walk to the arb barefoot. During this walk, we debated whether or not we should take the risk of carrying Solo cups across campus. Courage prevailed over what security would call common sense and we successfully carried them to the room and back. Sadly, we arrived to see Alfredo was sitting in the room and not at Easter. I guess we sort of knew that would happen when we arrived, but it's worth noting nonetheless.
2. Mark and I returned to Easter. His feet were outfitted with adidas adissage sandals (circa 2001). My footwear had not changed.
3. I think we probably searched for a few more eggs at this point.
4. Around 3pm (?) we decided we'd had enough! It was time for food! So, we walked to the room and nicely asked Alfredo to drive us, in Mark's car, to Erbert's and Gerbert's! This was fine, apparently, since Mark was in the car.
5. When we got there, we decided to order. So we did. And then we made really creepy voices for a long time, narrating what the sandwich artists were doing as we watched them. I think they were about 50% creeped out and 50% slightly amused. For an idea of the voice, called my friend from home, Morgan, and ask him to do the creepy voice from the summer. And also, tell him that you're referring to the voice that I used when I called him to tell him that I used the voice. Does that follow?
6. We soon returned with delicious Tappys and Tullii (Tulliuses?), and made our way back into the deep woods.
7. At some point Ted and I bravely threw ping pong balls into red cups.
8. Then we left for a nap. I apparently called my sister as I carried a pitcher (which I found in the fridge the next morning), and Ted and Mark carried a large blue bench.
9. We partook in a team nap in the loft. We awoke after 40 minutes to go to dinner. Mark says my brother called during this nap. My phone says the conversation lasted 1 second.
10. We ate dinner. Burgers and pizza. Delicious ice cream sundaes. I think I talked to Lauren Knoche. I also think that Mark threw food at a shirtless Schlaefer?
The end of Easter Saturday. The rest was synchro show stuff and I'm sort of tired of typing so I'm going to stop.
I will do an informative (Toto-style) post on Mojo, even though it's pretty much intuitive and there's not much to say.
As an example of (a) occurring, we had Easter Saturday. As an example of (b) occurring, Mark and I produced a PowerPoint presentation to explain how we would successfully navigate (a). Thus, we have been participating in both (a) and (b). Just not on the blog. So suck it.
Anyway, the PowerPoint will be up soon. I don't know when. Soon. More pressing, of course, is a (fuzzy) recap of our experiences on Easter Saturday.
I roused myself at 10:30am. I was not completely awake (having gone to sleep at 4) and had a somewhat fuzzy head, but mustered the courage to emerge from the sheets, dress myself, and make some Yogi Teas Detox Blend. I carried my cup downstairs, walked in Stadium 110, groaned, and collapsed onto the couch. At that point, I had about 1 hour and 15 minutes before Easter Saturday would commence. To prepare myself, I needed to eat. Donuts. From the Holiday.
I borrowed Nonberg's keys, drove to the Holiday, bought a coffee and 6 awesome donuts, and drove back. We ate them. Mark gave me some smoothie that he made. We listened to some music to get us pumped up, and then departed for a long journey to the depths of the Carleton Arboretum.
After a 5 minute hike, we arrived, and (not so) coincidentally the festivities occurred. We searched for Easter eggs, exchanged them for our glorious rewards, and searched for more. I'm not quite sure how time passed, but I know the following:
1. Mark and I left after a little while to get him some shoes, since he apparently had decided to walk to the arb barefoot. During this walk, we debated whether or not we should take the risk of carrying Solo cups across campus. Courage prevailed over what security would call common sense and we successfully carried them to the room and back. Sadly, we arrived to see Alfredo was sitting in the room and not at Easter. I guess we sort of knew that would happen when we arrived, but it's worth noting nonetheless.
2. Mark and I returned to Easter. His feet were outfitted with adidas adissage sandals (circa 2001). My footwear had not changed.
3. I think we probably searched for a few more eggs at this point.
4. Around 3pm (?) we decided we'd had enough! It was time for food! So, we walked to the room and nicely asked Alfredo to drive us, in Mark's car, to Erbert's and Gerbert's! This was fine, apparently, since Mark was in the car.
5. When we got there, we decided to order. So we did. And then we made really creepy voices for a long time, narrating what the sandwich artists were doing as we watched them. I think they were about 50% creeped out and 50% slightly amused. For an idea of the voice, called my friend from home, Morgan, and ask him to do the creepy voice from the summer. And also, tell him that you're referring to the voice that I used when I called him to tell him that I used the voice. Does that follow?
6. We soon returned with delicious Tappys and Tullii (Tulliuses?), and made our way back into the deep woods.
7. At some point Ted and I bravely threw ping pong balls into red cups.
8. Then we left for a nap. I apparently called my sister as I carried a pitcher (which I found in the fridge the next morning), and Ted and Mark carried a large blue bench.
9. We partook in a team nap in the loft. We awoke after 40 minutes to go to dinner. Mark says my brother called during this nap. My phone says the conversation lasted 1 second.
10. We ate dinner. Burgers and pizza. Delicious ice cream sundaes. I think I talked to Lauren Knoche. I also think that Mark threw food at a shirtless Schlaefer?
The end of Easter Saturday. The rest was synchro show stuff and I'm sort of tired of typing so I'm going to stop.
I will do an informative (Toto-style) post on Mojo, even though it's pretty much intuitive and there's not much to say.
NEW LIFE!
Kinda funny how this resurrection talk is happening around the easter season, eh?
Hm...
Jesus = reborn. Blog = reborn. Blog = Jesus?
It's okay for me to say that, because I years ago taught Sunday School to lil kids, and because Tim's mom is a minister and will save my soul... hopefully.
ANYWAYS! Here is a quick update on all things Stadium 110. Buckle your seatbelt. Here we go:
Hm...
Jesus = reborn. Blog = reborn. Blog = Jesus?
It's okay for me to say that, because I years ago taught Sunday School to lil kids, and because Tim's mom is a minister and will save my soul... hopefully.
ANYWAYS! Here is a quick update on all things Stadium 110. Buckle your seatbelt. Here we go:
- THE SYNCHRO SHOW OCCURED. And it was a spectacular feat. But it took up a lot of time last week. Because of this, little blogging actually happened. Stay tuned, because we're gonna get it on youtube, and of course here first.
- THE ALEXANDERS WON THE POLL. To see the final results, once again, stay tuned. Seriously. It's gonna be great.
- Stadium (and I think its safe to say Carleton) is under siege. From what? SOME UNIDENTIFIED SICKNESS. My medical expertise says the plague. All I know is that Toto and I are the only ones completely not infected... Ted and Tim are unknown. And the rest are all dying or dead already.
- Easter Saturday also happened last weekend. If you don't know what this it is, you're missing out. There may or may not be a blog post explaining this wonderful and somewhat still new Carleton tradition.
- A NEW POLL IS COMING SOON! About a certain social event that Nonberg mentioned earlier.
- More drunk blogging is coming soon!
- First Mate Charlie has been stopping by a lot. If you haven't seen him around... I'm sure you will soon.
- Some informational/presentational posts on topics ranging from "How to Screw With Security" to "How to Drink for 12 hours Successfully."
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Re-Birth
Someone pointed out today that "our blog is dying". Let's face it, that person is right. We have not posted in awhile. People have been finishing up their comprehensive exams, had lots of home work, and BK has probably been arrested by the KGB for disclosing information about Moscow. (The church he took a picture of was probably a missile silo).
So the big question is, how do we bring our blog to the point where it does not have to be on life support? This is where you (the readers) come in. Comments and suggestions are two simple ways in which you can help add to our blog. The more you comment and suggest, the more we can respond to your specific needs.
In the mean time we will do our best to post about more fun issues and continue to stream Stadium 110 live for your viewing pleasure. Moreover, we will also be needing your help for the next Stadium 110 social function, so get excited for that.
So the big question is, how do we bring our blog to the point where it does not have to be on life support? This is where you (the readers) come in. Comments and suggestions are two simple ways in which you can help add to our blog. The more you comment and suggest, the more we can respond to your specific needs.
In the mean time we will do our best to post about more fun issues and continue to stream Stadium 110 live for your viewing pleasure. Moreover, we will also be needing your help for the next Stadium 110 social function, so get excited for that.
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