Desktop Backgrounds

I work at a computer company, so obviously, the use of a computer is one of necessity. In only a few weeks, I've developed a certain bit of affinity with my workspace. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a super-fast Dell Precision 690 and 2, yes TWO, 24 inch HP monitors.

But, whenever you lock your computer or step away for a minute, your desktop background is broadcast to whomever looks your way. And so far, I have seen some pretty bad backgrounds. A no-no is keeping the templated background that is given to you when you first boot up. I think it shows a lack of creativity. There are others that like to put up a candid picture, perhaps of their pet or maybe a girlfriend/boyfriend. These are nice, but small digital cameras don't take pictures in 1920x1200, meaning there's always some ugly blue space surrounding the picture.

What people need are elegant, artistic, and even funny desktop backgrounds. So please, if you are reading this, visit the following three websites and download a background and help beautify your office-space:


- Vladstudio.com - this site is amazing. Original, creative, and free! If you want to get backgrounds for a 1920x1200 screen, you have to register.

- mandolux - a really sweet site, with precise, high-def images that go nicely on dual-monitors.

- InterfaceLIFT - this site has a wealth of backgrounds, and a variety at that. Be sure to sort by resolution to get the best wallpaper for your computer!

HP7 / Arrested Development

So yes, I finished Harry Potter. I don't want to give anyway any spoilers to the vast majority of people who haven't read the book, but suffice it to say, it was much different than previous versions, although not in a bad way, but in one that just made the book not as exciting as others have for me. Plus, since it was the official end to the series, I thought the ending was cliche and somewhat contrived, but in many ways it really did finish an excellent series. So read it, definitely.

And while you're at Borders or Barnes and Noble, be sure to get:

Arrested Development.

I just bought season 1, and holy shit, it's hilarious! The Bluth's are a seriously dysfunctional family and what's better is that their interactions are shockingly funny. It almost feels like a reality show, like Real World, mixed with an element of third-person narration to keep the plot moving. I particularly enjoy Tobias, who is struggling to be an actor, is a "never-nude," and likes to cry in the shower. Good stuff.

HP7 is Coming

Of course the internet is buzzing with spoilers, activity, etc of the upcoming HP7. Myself included, will be getting the book as soon as possible and reading it this weekend. Hopefully the next update will be my own impressions of the book.

Biking to Work

I biked to work for the first time today. According to Google maps, the route is about 5.85 miles each way. It's a pretty decent route, because there are bike lanes alongside East Bayshore, Garcia Road, Amphitheater Parkway, and Shoreline Boulevard. And the route is flat, so there are no hills to slow me down.

Also, there is a shower on the first floor of my building, so after getting to the office, I was able to shower before starting work. And there are towels, shampoo, and body wash I can use.

I'm really starting to enjoy the perks of working here.

Two interesting cycling articles

Since I have an interest in road cycling, I thought I'd share two interesting articles published by the NYTimes:

1) The Bicycling Paradox: Fit Doesn't Have to be Thin

- The jist of the article is that unlike running, where thin, strong people are the best, even people who are overweight can be decent cyclists. Much of this has to do with how the body sits on the bike, and how your center of gravity can allow you to still be powerful on a cycle. I guess I can relate somewhat to all of this, since I am by no means and thin, and seem to do a lot better on a bicycle than running.
2) A New French Revolution's Creed: Let Them Ride Bikes

- Interesting - Paris is allowing for cheap rentals of bikes to get around various sections of the city. It's a great idea and should hopefully help significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the city. I wonder if anything like this would work in the US, however. Off the top of my head, SF would be too difficult because of all the hills, NY would suck because there's really no bike lanes and the Metro/buses/taxis seem to be good enough. Maybe Chicago. LA is too spread out. How about Las Vegas? Doubtful. Anyway, I'd be interested in seeing another article about how this program works out in a year.

Excited

Today was pretty cool. Besides training, there are a few things why working at Google is awesome

1) Free, excellent food - today I ate at one of the 14 cafeterias, and had some really tender roast lamb, portobello mushrooms, fresh salad, and some great chocolate chip cookies. It seems that everyday during lunch, it's another adventure to one of the cafeterias with some people on my team, along with some really good food.

2) Great facilities - I mentioned a few of the amenities yesterday, like a game room, but along with that, we toured a few of the buildings, and there's free food everywhere, ping pong tables, a ball pit, massage chairs. And today, we rode around the Google campus on some fixed gear bikes that anyone can take to get from building to building. To be honest, much of this hardly feels like work, but again, I think that's the point - for us all to feel very happy when we come here everyday.

So yes, many of the reasons why I wanted to work for Google are holding true, and I'm very happy for that. As work picks up in the coming few days, it should be exciting.

First Day, First Impressions

So, I had my first day of work at Google. A little crazy at first, since there were about 100 new people starting work this week, and only 4 total going into Search Quality, the division I am in. Can't mention much about the work itself, since I signed a whole bunch of non-disclosure paperwork. On the other hand, I will say that I'm happy to get 2 24 inch monitors, a kitchen stocked of free food, and a game room with a XBox 360, PS3, Wii, and foosball. I haven't got to play any of the games yet, and I don't really want to ask people to play because then I'll look like that's all I want to do. I'll give that a few weeks, then. As for the work itself, it seems very intriguing and it will be a good challenge, especially after an extensive background in historical research. It will be interesting to see how my skills in that area will translate into this position.

In the meantime, I'm trying to adjust to going to be early so I'm not tired in the afternoon. I was okay today but I don't want to build up and sleep debt. I do, however, need to find things to occupy my evenings. Without a TV, you have to get creative. Of course, once Harry Potter comes out this weekend, I know what will occupy my time. Until then, I might as well read some books on my shelf that I haven't looked at for a long time. Or surf the net some more. Probably the latter.