Mountain Hardwear - Monkey Man
Saturday, August 30, 2008

I have been talking about this jacket for about a year and decided that I needed to get one this fall. This afternoon we stopped into Moosejaw to see when they would be getting them in and to my surprise they were already hanging on the racks. After trying it on and walking around the store for way too long I got my jacket and I am ready for fall. If you have never tried on one of these coats you are missing out. It is the softest fleece on the planet and is wind and water resistent. Even though its over 80 degrees out I am counting down the days til I can wear this around town. You can find the coat at REI as well but as usual its never on sale..

Posted by mardenhill 8/30/2008 11:37:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Misc

Dem Convention Day 4
Thursday, August 28, 2008

Obama officially accepted the party's nomination tonight and gave an amazing speech probably one of his best. In front of 85K people, Obama laid out his plan for the future and in the process took a few shots at McCain and the GOP. It was nice to see the fighting side of Obama, we all knew it was there but he kept it hidden throughout the primaries. I guess it was another one of his plans, to keep everyone guessing and the interest alive. For months Obama did run on lofty rhetoric but I expected the concrete ideas would surface once the nomination was over.

It will be hard for the GOP to try and top this convention, they know they can't but are still sitting there freaked out not knowing what to do. They will recycle the same old tired themes, will attempt to use fear and attack Obama's character since they have nothing else. Although the hits have hurt Obama he has learned how to withstand the kitchen sink while running against Hillary and this will help him against the GOP.

I am interested to see the temperment issue play out and I expect to see McCain reach his boiling point over it and explode in an interview or debate. If this happens it will be the end of the campaign. It will not look like a waking lion instead like a grumpy old man who fell asleep on the porch. McCain has his hands full and you know that every other guy who ran is secretly happy inside they lost.

Posted by mardenhill 8/28/2008 11:46:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Politics

The Verve - Forth
Wednesday, August 27, 2008

After a 9 year hiatus, (not technically a breakup/reunion since you need to reach 10 years in my book), the Verve are back with a proper 4th cd. After just a few songs you feel like its '96 all over again when the Brit Rock music scene was actually good and the Verve along with Oasis, Blur and Pulp were on top of the world. The music of the Verve is one that takes a few listens, the layers are thick and the mood is tense and dark at times. Forth opens with "Sit And Wonder" a sonic landscape with swirling guitars, re verb and trademark Ashcroft vocals. Track 2 "Love Is Noise" features an interesting loop in the background with light keyboards and a heavy bass line. Track 3 "Rather Be" is the closest to sound of Urban Hymns and more of a straightforward song with little complexity. The melody is quite nice and the song flows and will make an excellent radio single. Over the next few songs the Verve showcase their psychedelic influences and meander thru with multiple tempo changes. I am happy to see the Verve back together and playing in top form. Richard Ashcroft had a pathetic solo career and it goes to show how important Nick McCabe and Simon Jones were to the writing process. With new Oasis on the way, Brit Rock may actually have a chance at a decent revival.

Posted by mardenhill 8/27/2008 08:30:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Music

Dem Convention
Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Well we are into the 2nd night of the Dem's convention and no real fireworks. Last nite was nice, Sen Edward Kennedy spoke as did Michelle Obama. Both were great speeches but no attacks. I was expecting more fire tonight and so far its been pretty tepid. Hillary is on next and although she will throw a few jabs out the speech will be more about her. That leaves tomorrow and at that point we are over half way thru. The Dems did this in '04 and it pissed me off. If they don't get off their asses and attack McCain and the Bush Administration I will have to go in and knock some skulls.

Posted by mardenhill 8/26/2008 10:19:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Politics

Joe Biden
Monday, August 25, 2008

Its a few days old but I just wanted to congratulate Obama on his choice for VP. I have been a fan of Joe Biden for a while now and thought it would be a great pick but didn't expect it. I figured that Obama would save Joe for Secretary of State but now that leaves the position open for Bill Richardson. Joe will be a great attack dog and although he is gaffe prone, he has the luxury of the media just laughing about it vs dwelling. He gets the same free pass that McCain gets when it comes to being a Maverick.

Its going to be an interesting and quite exciting campaign season. There will be no punches pulled and I think you will see a more disciplined and united Democratic party that is ready to fight.....

Posted by mardenhill 8/25/2008 08:05:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Politics

Riedel Vitis
Friday, August 22, 2008

It's a late posting but I still wanted to get it done. I wanted to thank Erika for my anniversary present last weekend which was a set of Riedel Vitis Riesling glasses. The wine glasses are very cool and they are quite tall with a tight pull at the bottom. This is a new series for Riedel and my favorite so far. The Pinot Noir has a more pronounced V style which separates these glasses from others and you can see the whole line at the website below. I think the Pinot will be my next glass to get.

August 16th was our 5 year anniversary and this weekend we are going up to Traverse City for a couple days. We plan on checking out a few new vineyards as well as dinner at Stellas.

http://riedel.com/

http://galiantdemos.com/stellatc.php

Posted by mardenhill 8/22/2008 10:32:00 AM 0 comments    

Labels: Travel, Wine

VP Update
Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Well I have been reading some of the blogs and other internet postings and many believe the Biden is just a smokescreen. I can see that and in reality Biden would be 1st in line for Sec of State in an Obama administration. Hillary keeps popping back up so who knows. Maybe Obama announced her Tuesday time slot as a swerve to keep the talk elsewhere or maybe she is speaking and there is no chance for a spot on the ticket. Its hard to say, the polls are tightening but then those who are polled do not reflect the changing population. The majority of younger people under say 35 don't have land lines and just live off of cell phones. These people are never polled and I can vouch for this. I have been cell only for 8 years now and never receive telemarketers or surveys. The media needs to make this a horse race for ratings and the 24 hr news cycle so most of the what you hear tends to be just BS anyways.

McCain's VP choice is also interesting with Tom Ridge and Joe Lieberman making their way into the mix. Both are pro choice which would piss off the hard core right and evangelicals who already do not like McCain. There is also a chance that if Obama doesn't pick Hillary or another woman McCain will and that could be former eBay CEO Meg Whitman or the governer of Alaska. If McCain were to do this and Obama played it safe with a white male then McCain wins round one. This doesn't guarentee the GOP a victory but it does put the millions of boomer women who hate Obama in an interesting position.

Posted by mardenhill 8/19/2008 09:37:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Politics

VP Soon
Monday, August 18, 2008

Well its down to the wire and just a few more days for Obama to keep us in suspense over his VP choice. Rumors are floating that it may be as early as tomorrow or late as Friday. I have a feeling it will be either Thursday or Friday, probably Thursday that way there is a whole day of news before the weekend.

As for choices, well Obama has some good ones and a number of duds. The lackluster choices in my book would be Sen Evan Byah from Illinois. I know its a safe choice but come on, the guy is a total bore and couldn't fight his way out of a brown paper bag. Next on the list would be Governer Tom Kaine of Virginia. The guy is nice but I don't think two newbies will go over well in the general election. Sen Hillary Clinton, there are too many things that are wrong with this scenario and we all know it won't happen.

Personally I would like to see Sen Joe Biden, I used to think he was an idiot and only wanted to hear himself talk but I grew to like the guy and think he would be a great VP. Biden is brilliant when it comes to foreign policy and the inner workings of DC. He may be gaffe prone but he is very good and diffusing the comments with humor. I don't like the idea of running 2 senators again but with Biden I could overlook that. If not VP then Secretary of State. My 2nd choice would be Gov Bill Richardson of New Mexico. His resume is chalkful of great accomplishments and anyone willing to go against the Clinton's get fist bump in my book. It will be interesting to see which way Obama goes and how it will play out in the general.

Posted by mardenhill 8/18/2008 10:28:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Politics

Oasis - Shock Of The Lightning
Sunday, August 17, 2008

http://idolator.com/400474/oasis-prove-that-they-still-know-how-to-sound-like-oasis

Looks like we have an official leak from Oasis and this track is just as good as the other. It's classic Oasis, loud, brash, in your face strut and swagger. Its a grown up version of "Rock N Roll Star" with a few more layers and punch. I don't expect anymore leaks over the next couple months but you never know.....

Posted by mardenhill 8/17/2008 12:17:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Music

New Oasis Single "Falling Down"
Thursday, August 14, 2008

http://stereogum.com/archives/album-art/new-oasis-falling-down_014461.html

You can check out the 1st single or what could be from the upcoming Oasis cd Dig Out Your Soul. The new cd will drop in October which a ways off but something to look forward to. Before that we should have new Stereolab, The Verve, The Cure and possibly Ryan Adams & The Cardinals to bide our time.

Getting back ot Oasis, the song features Noel on vocals and isn't a blistering Rock N Roll song nor Wonderwall ballad. Its mid tempo with plenty of layers. You can see why these guys are fond of Kasabian and there are subtle hints of their style here in the song. I can picture this song live, the stage is full of smoke and the lights are dim. They are flashing around and spotlights zero in on different members. Another good comparison would be Interpol without the heavy Joy Divison drone. If this is an insight into the possible new direction, I am very excited and cannot wait for the full length.

Posted by mardenhill 8/14/2008 10:36:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Music

Finally Over

Well I just finished my final in my College Algebra class tonight. It really sucked and although I didn't do as bad as others I am not patting myself on the back either. I have a set number of points that I need to get a 'C' in the class and if I reach that I am happy. I was not asking for a lot, just a simple 'C' and the knowledge to pass Calc. I have a feeling that a number of people were going to fail this class and I have to blame the prof for that one. He was a nice guy and quite funny but when it came to teaching he was awful and we had to learn on our own.

This past semester has been a bear for me, I haven't been in school since '97 and the last math class I took was in '95. I had to relearn a number of things all over again and just hope I retain enough of it to get thru my next two semesters. I have to take Trig next semester and Calc in the Winter as pre-reqs for my MBA program. I only need Calc but I am nowhere near ready to take that class so I opted for the Algebra and Trig to get me up to speed.

I can finally complete the square on equations, all semester I was lost on the concept and just the other day it dawned on me. My downfall this semester were logs, natural logs, parabolas and hyperbolas and matrices. I can do the matrices on my calculator but if asked to do them long hand no way. Story problems are also a thorn in my side but I am getting better. Well its off to grab a glass of wine, after the day I had I deserve it.

Posted by mardenhill 8/14/2008 09:59:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Grad School

Olive Opus N*4 & Melody N*2
Sunday, August 10, 2008

Posted by mardenhill 8/10/2008 12:20:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Technology

Grand Traverse Pie Company
Thursday, August 07, 2008

On my way to work this morning my car started acting up and with the possibility of being stranded I decided to turn back around and head to my local repair shop. I have a Midas shop that has worked on my car for years so I took it there. Besides getting the air conditioning recharged (something I have been putting off for months now and can barely handle it anymore) I needed a new battery and some kind of hose. The repairs were going to take most of the day and since my office is nowhere near the shop I decided to setup in the local Starbucks down the street. It was fun for a couple hrs but I had to move next door to the Pie Company for lunch and better WiFi reception. See Starbucks charges you $10 a day and I was not about to pay for service. The Pie Company offers free connectivity so I grabbed their signal and spent the day working. I was able to do most of my job which included building out a new Blackberry Server today while sitting in both Starcucks and the restaurant.

The food selection is pretty close to Panera Bread but the Pie Company excels in their pie selection hence the name. I had a turkey sandwich that was good but missed the chicken pot pies. I am kicking myself for that one but will have to come back. For dessert I had some Key Lime Pie which I highly recommend. Anyways, I should get back to work.

Posted by mardenhill 8/07/2008 02:26:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Restaurants

IKEA

Courtesy of Gizmodo.com

Ikea To Seel Flatpack Solar Panels Soon?

That's what the Cleantech Group is reporting, based on details of a recent €50 million investment into Ikea's GreenTech fund, used to finance research into consumer solar panels, green building materials, alternative light sources, etc. In the same way that Wal-Mart can basically fart one night and wake up the next morning having changed the face of massive globalized retail, Ikea moving to sell presumably affordable solar gear for everyday users could be a big push to the industry. There's a reason why your Ikea is usually next to a shipping port—these Swedes move serious weight. But the question is, what will they be called? SØLECKK? SUNGLYÄSS?
.................................................

Now this is pretty interesting, as usual no specifics but if this is true and the panels are affordable then this would be a big win for IKEA and the rest of the world. Just imagine a do it yourself kit where you could setup a few solar panels on your home that anyone with a pulse could do. The panels wouldn't have to take you off the grid but a percentage of energy would be worth it and something I would definitely consider. It also depends on your area and even though the metro Detroit area isn't Palm Springs we do see a good deal of sunlight throughout the year. I will be keeping my eyes on this one but I don't forsee anything happening for a couple years.

Posted by mardenhill 8/07/2008 01:58:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Technology

Michigan Delegates
Sunday, August 03, 2008

Today Barack Obama asked the Democratic convention's Credential Committee to fully seat both Michigan and Florida's delegates in Denver. I knew this would happen whomever the nominee was but I am still pissed that I was disenfranchised this past January. I plan on taking my anger out on the Michigan legislature, Democratic party and the DNC. As of now I have not given any money to Obama or the DNC, the only thing I have donated was $10 to the Oakland county Democratic chapter for an Obama yard sign and bumper sticker.

I haven't decided if I will give Obama any money for his campaign, I will make that decision after the convention. I do applaud Obama for circling back to MI multiple times since the end of the primary and depending on how much time he spends here will denote if and how much money I give him.

On a side note, don't forget to vote Tuesday, August 5th. There will be plenty of local issues to vote for as well as primaries and other positions. In Berkley we have a millage on the Detroit Zoo, City Judge (4 candidates running) and a primary for the State House seat for my district.

Posted by mardenhill 8/03/2008 10:26:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Politics

Dogfish Head - Midas Touch

This is a beer I have been wanting to try for a while but didn't want to spend the money on a 4 pack. Luckily Cloverleaf over in Royal Oak sell single beers and I was able to pick one up. The beer is made from the recipe discovered in King Midas's tomb. The beer contains barley, honey, muscat grapes and saffron and at 9% can pack a punch. It's a lighter ale with a deep golden color and smooth finish. At $12 a 4 pack, its kinda pricey but well worth it. I would definitely buy again and will add it to my list of favorite Dogfish Head beers. Right now its Festina Peche season and come September, Punkin Ale will take its turn. The Punkin Ale is one of my favorite fall pass times, some people have football and I have pumpkin ale.

Posted by mardenhill 8/03/2008 10:12:00 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Beer