I just signed up for Yelp.
reidy.yelp.com/
It's highly addictive. This will be the end of me.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Why the internet is so dangerous (or awesome)
I won't go into specifics, for fear of reprisal from co-workers, but I want to remind us all that anything you say or write can end up on the internet and if you don't control the content, will stay there forever. Old blogs, random comments or forum posts, can all come back to be embarrassing web pages associated with your name. It's like, a permanent record. Not so cool.
So anyway, the reason I'm noting this is because at the behest of a co-worker and some snooping, I found some random Urban Dictionary definitions, Google AdWords sponsored listings for various queries, a MySpace page, YouTube videos, a Xanga, and a brand new website by my co-workers. Kind of incriminating them, but really interesting for me, since it really shed some light on what the people I work with are outside of the job. Or, what they were like before working at Google.
But, the title of this post was about why the internet is so dangerous and awesome. It's dangerous for obvious reasons, but awesome in that I got a good laugh out of all of the funny defitions one of my co-workers used for his own nickname. So face it, if your name is on a webpage, it's gonna be indexed and placed in Google search results. Instead of screaming libel, we might as all get a good laugh out of it.
So anyway, the reason I'm noting this is because at the behest of a co-worker and some snooping, I found some random Urban Dictionary definitions, Google AdWords sponsored listings for various queries, a MySpace page, YouTube videos, a Xanga, and a brand new website by my co-workers. Kind of incriminating them, but really interesting for me, since it really shed some light on what the people I work with are outside of the job. Or, what they were like before working at Google.
But, the title of this post was about why the internet is so dangerous and awesome. It's dangerous for obvious reasons, but awesome in that I got a good laugh out of all of the funny defitions one of my co-workers used for his own nickname. So face it, if your name is on a webpage, it's gonna be indexed and placed in Google search results. Instead of screaming libel, we might as all get a good laugh out of it.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Reality Check for East Palo Alto
When I told my co-workers that I lived in East Palo Alto for the first time, they were all surprised; some asked if I thought I was safe while others jokingly asked if I had ever been shot at. I've realized that it's not the best neighborhood, but I've found it pleasant. No problems with neighbors (they even have some nice children who run up and down the street) and I have my own bedroom/bathroom all to myself. Rent is cheap and I have ample parking in our driveway or the street.
Well, so much for that.
This weekend, MLK weekend, of all weekends, East Palo Alto was hit with three major crimes. A murder. A vandalism of an elementary school. A shoot-out leaving one man wounded. All, just a few blocks from where I live.
It's pretty scary stuff. I drive by the intersection everyday where the murder occurred. Last Thurdsay, I recall seeing police cars and paramedics at a blocked off area of the road where it all happened, probably an hour after the murder. To think, if I had left one hour earlier, I could have been caught at the intersection when the drive-by happened. But, what baffles me is that the next day, at that same intersection, life is back to normal. Kids are playing out in the streets. People walking around like nothing happened.
People move on. Life has to go on, or nothing would be normal.
The question, I am currently confronted with, is if I can or should continue to live here. I have the means to move out. Should I fear for my own safety? I'm not completely certain of my decision yet, but I'm willing to stick things out until my contract ends in August. My understanding is that these crimes have been committed by people outside of EPA. My housemate mentioned that some people are getting out of jail and settling old scores. If it's a one-off thing, then I think I'll be okay. If it keep up, however, I think I would seriously consider moving.
Well, so much for that.
This weekend, MLK weekend, of all weekends, East Palo Alto was hit with three major crimes. A murder. A vandalism of an elementary school. A shoot-out leaving one man wounded. All, just a few blocks from where I live.
It's pretty scary stuff. I drive by the intersection everyday where the murder occurred. Last Thurdsay, I recall seeing police cars and paramedics at a blocked off area of the road where it all happened, probably an hour after the murder. To think, if I had left one hour earlier, I could have been caught at the intersection when the drive-by happened. But, what baffles me is that the next day, at that same intersection, life is back to normal. Kids are playing out in the streets. People walking around like nothing happened.
People move on. Life has to go on, or nothing would be normal.
The question, I am currently confronted with, is if I can or should continue to live here. I have the means to move out. Should I fear for my own safety? I'm not completely certain of my decision yet, but I'm willing to stick things out until my contract ends in August. My understanding is that these crimes have been committed by people outside of EPA. My housemate mentioned that some people are getting out of jail and settling old scores. If it's a one-off thing, then I think I'll be okay. If it keep up, however, I think I would seriously consider moving.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Reworking my tags
When I first started this blog, I thought about tagging posts with whatever subject they were about. I never really thought much about organization - that maybe if I just wrote enough, there would be enough overlap. From a readers' perspective, however, everything was too specific that the purpose of tags - which I believe to be some simple organization based on a common theme or subject, was lost.
So, I've spent some time going over my old posts and decided on the following tags from hereon out:
Biking - road and mountain
Blog - posts related to updating this blog...like this one!
Books/Magazines
Check this out - news articles or video clips I recommend you take a look at
Food - for posts related to restaurants I've recently eaten at
Games - Xbox360 and other stuff
Google - stuff about the greatest search engine ever
History - at one point I was a history major
Travel - places I've been/want to go to
Meta - personal life related posts aka the 'Dear Diary' stuff
Music - live bands or recordings
Photography - pictures I've taken
Politics - various political related posts
Prius - since I drive one, maybe this will have some future use
Sports - self explanatory
Television/Movies
Uncategorized
Work - things related to working
I'll be adding a tag area to the right side navigation of my blog, in case you're ever interested in sorting posts based by each tag.
So, I've spent some time going over my old posts and decided on the following tags from hereon out:
Biking - road and mountain
Blog - posts related to updating this blog...like this one!
Books/Magazines
Check this out - news articles or video clips I recommend you take a look at
Food - for posts related to restaurants I've recently eaten at
Games - Xbox360 and other stuff
Google - stuff about the greatest search engine ever
History - at one point I was a history major
Travel - places I've been/want to go to
Meta - personal life related posts aka the 'Dear Diary' stuff
Music - live bands or recordings
Photography - pictures I've taken
Politics - various political related posts
Prius - since I drive one, maybe this will have some future use
Sports - self explanatory
Television/Movies
Uncategorized
Work - things related to working
I'll be adding a tag area to the right side navigation of my blog, in case you're ever interested in sorting posts based by each tag.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
NYE @ Rubicon
 |
| Rubicon 12/31/07 |
Jenny and I went to Rubicon in San Francisco for New Year's Eve. We had a price fixe 4 course meal with excellent oysters, lamb, and pomegranate sorbet, to name a few. The food, service, and ambiance were pretty great, but I'm not sure it was anything particularly unique, so it's probably a one time thing that we went here. But, if you have a special occasion to go there, I recommend it!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Clean your car!
I'm ready to show everyone my new 2008 Toyota Prius. Click the link below to view a few photos uploaded to Picasa.
From the advice of my Father, I've discovered the importance of washing your car. It really helps with its upkeep and value - my Dad's 96 Acura still looks gorgeous like he had just bought it. If you're curious about what products to use, I highly recommend Mr Clean's AuoDry Carwash kit.
The water-gun attachment serves as a filter for soap to clean your car, and some brilliant de-ionized water plugins, which allow your car to dry spotless! And it really works, taking out all of the frustrations of washing a car on your own. Plus, refills of soap run for about $8, meaning you'll pay around $5 to wash your car, instead of $20+ at a professional car wash.
The other thing I recommend you get is Eagle 1 Wax-As-U-Dry. It's about $5 and will last for a really long time [1+ years] and waxes your car while you run your towel over the car, drying it at the same time. And no, I am not sponsored or anything by these two products. They really do work and I'm very happy with my results. I used to never wash my old car, but now that I have a new car, I feel a lot more invested in making it last as long as possible.
 |
| Prius |
From the advice of my Father, I've discovered the importance of washing your car. It really helps with its upkeep and value - my Dad's 96 Acura still looks gorgeous like he had just bought it. If you're curious about what products to use, I highly recommend Mr Clean's AuoDry Carwash kit.
The water-gun attachment serves as a filter for soap to clean your car, and some brilliant de-ionized water plugins, which allow your car to dry spotless! And it really works, taking out all of the frustrations of washing a car on your own. Plus, refills of soap run for about $8, meaning you'll pay around $5 to wash your car, instead of $20+ at a professional car wash.
The other thing I recommend you get is Eagle 1 Wax-As-U-Dry. It's about $5 and will last for a really long time [1+ years] and waxes your car while you run your towel over the car, drying it at the same time. And no, I am not sponsored or anything by these two products. They really do work and I'm very happy with my results. I used to never wash my old car, but now that I have a new car, I feel a lot more invested in making it last as long as possible.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Success! Traveling and Presenting
I had posted last week that I had purchased a pair of noise canceling headphones. During my flight to Chicago they turned out to be a blessing. My flight was delayed about 4 hours, so I sat in the airport and read the Kite Runner while having the noise canceling activated. It allowed me to concentrate better, and I think prevented me from being as fatigued because I didn't have to constantly hear all of the airport noise. So I highly recommend noise canceling headphones!
Of course, the transition from Chicago to St. Louis was a little hectic. We landed at 10:20 and my flight out to St. Louis was supposed to depart at 10:50. Once we landed I rushed out to my plane, running through the terminal as fast as I could. I had my backpack and carry-on bag with me, and got tired pretty quickly. But, when I turned the corner and saw the terminal lined with cots and people already getting ready to sleep, resigned to the fact that they would be spending the night there, I decided that there would be no way that I would spend the night in Chicago. So I ran and caught my plane - but of course, it wouldn't leave for another 45 minutes due to additional boarding of late passengers and bad weather.
Christmas was the first time our family had been together since June, and the first time I had been home to St. Louis since last December. Plenty of things had changed - the roads, the things in my home. Nonetheless, it was nice to catch up. My family loved the Google gear I got them =) So it was a successful holiday! And back to work on Thurdsay.
Of course, the transition from Chicago to St. Louis was a little hectic. We landed at 10:20 and my flight out to St. Louis was supposed to depart at 10:50. Once we landed I rushed out to my plane, running through the terminal as fast as I could. I had my backpack and carry-on bag with me, and got tired pretty quickly. But, when I turned the corner and saw the terminal lined with cots and people already getting ready to sleep, resigned to the fact that they would be spending the night there, I decided that there would be no way that I would spend the night in Chicago. So I ran and caught my plane - but of course, it wouldn't leave for another 45 minutes due to additional boarding of late passengers and bad weather.
Christmas was the first time our family had been together since June, and the first time I had been home to St. Louis since last December. Plenty of things had changed - the roads, the things in my home. Nonetheless, it was nice to catch up. My family loved the Google gear I got them =) So it was a successful holiday! And back to work on Thurdsay.
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Posts (Atom)
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Why the internet is so dangerous (or awesome)
I won't go into specifics, for fear of reprisal from co-workers, but I want to remind us all that anything you say or write can end up on the internet and if you don't control the content, will stay there forever. Old blogs, random comments or forum posts, can all come back to be embarrassing web pages associated with your name. It's like, a permanent record. Not so cool.
So anyway, the reason I'm noting this is because at the behest of a co-worker and some snooping, I found some random Urban Dictionary definitions, Google AdWords sponsored listings for various queries, a MySpace page, YouTube videos, a Xanga, and a brand new website by my co-workers. Kind of incriminating them, but really interesting for me, since it really shed some light on what the people I work with are outside of the job. Or, what they were like before working at Google.
But, the title of this post was about why the internet is so dangerous and awesome. It's dangerous for obvious reasons, but awesome in that I got a good laugh out of all of the funny defitions one of my co-workers used for his own nickname. So face it, if your name is on a webpage, it's gonna be indexed and placed in Google search results. Instead of screaming libel, we might as all get a good laugh out of it.
So anyway, the reason I'm noting this is because at the behest of a co-worker and some snooping, I found some random Urban Dictionary definitions, Google AdWords sponsored listings for various queries, a MySpace page, YouTube videos, a Xanga, and a brand new website by my co-workers. Kind of incriminating them, but really interesting for me, since it really shed some light on what the people I work with are outside of the job. Or, what they were like before working at Google.
But, the title of this post was about why the internet is so dangerous and awesome. It's dangerous for obvious reasons, but awesome in that I got a good laugh out of all of the funny defitions one of my co-workers used for his own nickname. So face it, if your name is on a webpage, it's gonna be indexed and placed in Google search results. Instead of screaming libel, we might as all get a good laugh out of it.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Reality Check for East Palo Alto
When I told my co-workers that I lived in East Palo Alto for the first time, they were all surprised; some asked if I thought I was safe while others jokingly asked if I had ever been shot at. I've realized that it's not the best neighborhood, but I've found it pleasant. No problems with neighbors (they even have some nice children who run up and down the street) and I have my own bedroom/bathroom all to myself. Rent is cheap and I have ample parking in our driveway or the street.
Well, so much for that.
This weekend, MLK weekend, of all weekends, East Palo Alto was hit with three major crimes. A murder. A vandalism of an elementary school. A shoot-out leaving one man wounded. All, just a few blocks from where I live.
It's pretty scary stuff. I drive by the intersection everyday where the murder occurred. Last Thurdsay, I recall seeing police cars and paramedics at a blocked off area of the road where it all happened, probably an hour after the murder. To think, if I had left one hour earlier, I could have been caught at the intersection when the drive-by happened. But, what baffles me is that the next day, at that same intersection, life is back to normal. Kids are playing out in the streets. People walking around like nothing happened.
People move on. Life has to go on, or nothing would be normal.
The question, I am currently confronted with, is if I can or should continue to live here. I have the means to move out. Should I fear for my own safety? I'm not completely certain of my decision yet, but I'm willing to stick things out until my contract ends in August. My understanding is that these crimes have been committed by people outside of EPA. My housemate mentioned that some people are getting out of jail and settling old scores. If it's a one-off thing, then I think I'll be okay. If it keep up, however, I think I would seriously consider moving.
Well, so much for that.
This weekend, MLK weekend, of all weekends, East Palo Alto was hit with three major crimes. A murder. A vandalism of an elementary school. A shoot-out leaving one man wounded. All, just a few blocks from where I live.
It's pretty scary stuff. I drive by the intersection everyday where the murder occurred. Last Thurdsay, I recall seeing police cars and paramedics at a blocked off area of the road where it all happened, probably an hour after the murder. To think, if I had left one hour earlier, I could have been caught at the intersection when the drive-by happened. But, what baffles me is that the next day, at that same intersection, life is back to normal. Kids are playing out in the streets. People walking around like nothing happened.
People move on. Life has to go on, or nothing would be normal.
The question, I am currently confronted with, is if I can or should continue to live here. I have the means to move out. Should I fear for my own safety? I'm not completely certain of my decision yet, but I'm willing to stick things out until my contract ends in August. My understanding is that these crimes have been committed by people outside of EPA. My housemate mentioned that some people are getting out of jail and settling old scores. If it's a one-off thing, then I think I'll be okay. If it keep up, however, I think I would seriously consider moving.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Reworking my tags
When I first started this blog, I thought about tagging posts with whatever subject they were about. I never really thought much about organization - that maybe if I just wrote enough, there would be enough overlap. From a readers' perspective, however, everything was too specific that the purpose of tags - which I believe to be some simple organization based on a common theme or subject, was lost.
So, I've spent some time going over my old posts and decided on the following tags from hereon out:
Biking - road and mountain
Blog - posts related to updating this blog...like this one!
Books/Magazines
Check this out - news articles or video clips I recommend you take a look at
Food - for posts related to restaurants I've recently eaten at
Games - Xbox360 and other stuff
Google - stuff about the greatest search engine ever
History - at one point I was a history major
Travel - places I've been/want to go to
Meta - personal life related posts aka the 'Dear Diary' stuff
Music - live bands or recordings
Photography - pictures I've taken
Politics - various political related posts
Prius - since I drive one, maybe this will have some future use
Sports - self explanatory
Television/Movies
Uncategorized
Work - things related to working
I'll be adding a tag area to the right side navigation of my blog, in case you're ever interested in sorting posts based by each tag.
So, I've spent some time going over my old posts and decided on the following tags from hereon out:
Biking - road and mountain
Blog - posts related to updating this blog...like this one!
Books/Magazines
Check this out - news articles or video clips I recommend you take a look at
Food - for posts related to restaurants I've recently eaten at
Games - Xbox360 and other stuff
Google - stuff about the greatest search engine ever
History - at one point I was a history major
Travel - places I've been/want to go to
Meta - personal life related posts aka the 'Dear Diary' stuff
Music - live bands or recordings
Photography - pictures I've taken
Politics - various political related posts
Prius - since I drive one, maybe this will have some future use
Sports - self explanatory
Television/Movies
Uncategorized
Work - things related to working
I'll be adding a tag area to the right side navigation of my blog, in case you're ever interested in sorting posts based by each tag.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
NYE @ Rubicon
|
| Rubicon 12/31/07 |
Jenny and I went to Rubicon in San Francisco for New Year's Eve. We had a price fixe 4 course meal with excellent oysters, lamb, and pomegranate sorbet, to name a few. The food, service, and ambiance were pretty great, but I'm not sure it was anything particularly unique, so it's probably a one time thing that we went here. But, if you have a special occasion to go there, I recommend it!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Clean your car!
I'm ready to show everyone my new 2008 Toyota Prius. Click the link below to view a few photos uploaded to Picasa.
From the advice of my Father, I've discovered the importance of washing your car. It really helps with its upkeep and value - my Dad's 96 Acura still looks gorgeous like he had just bought it. If you're curious about what products to use, I highly recommend Mr Clean's AuoDry Carwash kit.The water-gun attachment serves as a filter for soap to clean your car, and some brilliant de-ionized water plugins, which allow your car to dry spotless! And it really works, taking out all of the frustrations of washing a car on your own. Plus, refills of soap run for about $8, meaning you'll pay around $5 to wash your car, instead of $20+ at a professional car wash.
The other thing I recommend you get is Eagle 1 Wax-As-U-Dry. It's about $5 and will last for a really long time [1+ years] and waxes your car while you run your towel over the car, drying it at the same time. And no, I am not sponsored or anything by these two products. They really do work and I'm very happy with my results. I used to never wash my old car, but now that I have a new car, I feel a lot more invested in making it last as long as possible.
|
| Prius |
From the advice of my Father, I've discovered the importance of washing your car. It really helps with its upkeep and value - my Dad's 96 Acura still looks gorgeous like he had just bought it. If you're curious about what products to use, I highly recommend Mr Clean's AuoDry Carwash kit.
The water-gun attachment serves as a filter for soap to clean your car, and some brilliant de-ionized water plugins, which allow your car to dry spotless! And it really works, taking out all of the frustrations of washing a car on your own. Plus, refills of soap run for about $8, meaning you'll pay around $5 to wash your car, instead of $20+ at a professional car wash.The other thing I recommend you get is Eagle 1 Wax-As-U-Dry. It's about $5 and will last for a really long time [1+ years] and waxes your car while you run your towel over the car, drying it at the same time. And no, I am not sponsored or anything by these two products. They really do work and I'm very happy with my results. I used to never wash my old car, but now that I have a new car, I feel a lot more invested in making it last as long as possible.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Success! Traveling and Presenting
I had posted last week that I had purchased a pair of noise canceling headphones. During my flight to Chicago they turned out to be a blessing. My flight was delayed about 4 hours, so I sat in the airport and read the Kite Runner while having the noise canceling activated. It allowed me to concentrate better, and I think prevented me from being as fatigued because I didn't have to constantly hear all of the airport noise. So I highly recommend noise canceling headphones!
Of course, the transition from Chicago to St. Louis was a little hectic. We landed at 10:20 and my flight out to St. Louis was supposed to depart at 10:50. Once we landed I rushed out to my plane, running through the terminal as fast as I could. I had my backpack and carry-on bag with me, and got tired pretty quickly. But, when I turned the corner and saw the terminal lined with cots and people already getting ready to sleep, resigned to the fact that they would be spending the night there, I decided that there would be no way that I would spend the night in Chicago. So I ran and caught my plane - but of course, it wouldn't leave for another 45 minutes due to additional boarding of late passengers and bad weather.
Christmas was the first time our family had been together since June, and the first time I had been home to St. Louis since last December. Plenty of things had changed - the roads, the things in my home. Nonetheless, it was nice to catch up. My family loved the Google gear I got them =) So it was a successful holiday! And back to work on Thurdsay.
Of course, the transition from Chicago to St. Louis was a little hectic. We landed at 10:20 and my flight out to St. Louis was supposed to depart at 10:50. Once we landed I rushed out to my plane, running through the terminal as fast as I could. I had my backpack and carry-on bag with me, and got tired pretty quickly. But, when I turned the corner and saw the terminal lined with cots and people already getting ready to sleep, resigned to the fact that they would be spending the night there, I decided that there would be no way that I would spend the night in Chicago. So I ran and caught my plane - but of course, it wouldn't leave for another 45 minutes due to additional boarding of late passengers and bad weather.
Christmas was the first time our family had been together since June, and the first time I had been home to St. Louis since last December. Plenty of things had changed - the roads, the things in my home. Nonetheless, it was nice to catch up. My family loved the Google gear I got them =) So it was a successful holiday! And back to work on Thurdsay.
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