Tuesday, August 31, 2004

Shredding Junior

Hello again. No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Not yet anyway! Still struggling through life with a stiff back. I hear it may last for weeks. At least it seems to be getting a little better every day. Today was busy for me, lots of moving around, so I hope that I don't take a step back with it tomorrow.

I've been having some good luck playing poker the last few days. No-Limit Hold 'em if you were curious. Sunday I came in 2nd in one tournament, 1st in another, and nothing to talk about in a third. On Monday I came in 2nd and today I came in 3rd. 1st through 3rd pays, so it's been pretty good.

I've also started wondering about Junior. Junior 8 to be exact. What is Junior? It is one of the strongest chess programs on the market. If you were to pick the top 3, you'd probably go with Shredder 8, Junior 8, and Fritz 8. Let's ignore the fact that Shredder 8 just got its butt kicked by Hydra, because Hydra is running on specialized hardware. Shredder, Junior, and Fritz all share the same interface. It's just the underlying engine that's different. I recently picked up both Shredder and Junior. Shredder is a lot of what you'd expect from one of the best programs, Junior is supposed to play more "human"/tactical type games. I thought they'd be a great mix.

To do some basic comparisons I decided to have them play some tournaments against each other. I wanted some immediate feedback, so I decided to have them play bullet (game in 1 minute) chess. I thought that in really fast play Junior might have the advantage because of it's tactical nature. Boy was I wrong! After about 20 games, Shredder has one every single one - easily. It doesn't seem right. Two of the top chess programs in the world, and one of them getting constantly outplayed. I don't care what the time control, that just doesn't make sense. Anyway, I need to play some slower games and do some more research because there must be some kind of an explanation for it.

Until next time!

Sunday, August 29, 2004

Another day goes by

Another weekend flies on by. Not that I'll miss it, at least not the suffering in pain part of it. A definite improvement today. Hopefully tomorrow it'll be barely noticeable, but we'll see. Not too eventful a day for me. My main accomplishments being winning a few on-line poker tournaments. I came in second on one, and first on another. No-Limit hold 'em is definitely a fun game.

Just over two weeks until "The Sims 2" comes out. I'm really looking forward to that. Hopefully it lasts past the first few hours of playing. Over the past few years I really haven't enjoyed computer games as much as I used to. And so it goes.

I hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Saturday, August 28, 2004

I love you tomorrow

Wow! Amost never in my life have I experienced back pain like this. Sure, the kidney stones a few years ago sucked more than anything ever, but at least the pain killers helped. I went to the emergency department late this morning/early this afternoon and they gave me some prescriptions. Unfortunately, I can't take the good stuff until before I go to bed. Right now I'm just hoping that it does its job. They tell me that if it's not better by Wednesday I should see my doctor. I'm not so sure - I think Monday sounds much better!

It's not the kind of thing that you think about so much, but when it happens to you... Thanks to my family, friends, and others for being there for me.

Here's to hoping that tomorrow is a better day!

Friday, August 27, 2004

Twist and shout

As you may already be aware of, I'm currently living in a world of suck. It'll get better, of that I am certain. Still, suck is suck. How could it get any worse than being sick in the summer - which never happens to me. Tonight I hurt my back. Yep... the 'ol snapper cracker. What's worse is that I hadn't even started helping my sister move yet. Nope, I was just carrying the good 'ol laundry basket. I'm sure it's related to my being sick. Either that or it's because I know Kip. He has this freaky weird ability to push on to me any ailments that he may obtain - sometimes years later.

I did have a really good sandwich tonight. I was going to add some tomato, but changed my mind at the last minute. It was turkey and cheese on a tomato wrap, microwaved for 35 seconds. Wow! I was impressed. Though my culinary skills may amaze few, they never cease to amaze the one that matters most - me.

Enjoy your night.

All roads lead to sick

There is no mistaking the feeling. The wonderful feeling that surrounds, engulfs, and completely permeates your very being. Yes, my friends, all roads lead to sick. I left work early today, slept a few hours, and life goes on. The good news is I think it's almost gone. I definitely felt worse last night when it initially hit me. Last night was the runnies - and I'm sure you know what those are. They suck! Today it's more the tired and aching muscles along with the foggy mind. Tommorrow morning we move my sister Linda, so hopefully another night of rest and tomorrow I'll be as good as new. If not then, hey, who said suck had to stop at one day. I can take it!

It's in the game

Since time is short this morning I only have one question. Do androids dream of electric sheep? I'll be waiting for Sean's answer to that one later, I may even be motivated enough to do some analysis on my own. Maybe. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, it's about a game of chess I played last night on the ICC. I thought I played well, but I felt like I couldn't do anything - I lost. Got it? As for me, time to run.

Until next time!

Thursday, August 26, 2004

And to all a good night

I'm getting a cold! It's tearing me up inside. Who gets sick in the summer? If we leave out the "not enough sleep last night", the "worked 12 hours today", and the general consensus between me and myself that things suck, I still come to the same conclusion... if a tree falls in the forest. You got it -who cares! Welcome to my world!

Speaking of my world, I think it's about ready to turn in for the day. I'm going to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face another day. And gosh darnit, people like me!

On that note, hope you're all healthy, happy, and shining at least a little bit of light on that dark side of the moon. I've got a busy weekend, no time to be sick. Sleep, must sleep.

... And to all a good night.


Let the day begin

My house is vibrating. I know - it sounds strange. Here I am in my house and I can hear it! I'll have to check it out soon. It's very unusual. My house, by its very nature, doesn't vibrate. What possible reason could a house have for vibrating... at 6:37 in the morning? It's not a constant vibration, I sense that it is man-made. Someone is making my house vibrate.

And a fine good morning to you too!


Set right what once went wrong

I did it! I know, it was simple and easy. I never said I was smart, people just assume it. My blog was set to Pacific time instead of Eastern time. And I got my first email on gmail from someone other than me!!! My sister, Linda! Yay! Keep them coming now - don't be shy! I'm really going to bed now.

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

A time to sleep

Yes, my friend(s), another day is over. It was quite a day really. Not that you're interested, but you're going to get the summary nonetheless. I woke up about 45 minutes after my alarm, put in my 8 hours at work, installed a wireless access point for a friend who just got a new laptop, had my guitar lesson, played a game of chess, did a little bit of nothing, and here we are! Ok, maybe there were a few other things in between, they just didn't make the summary.

If you didn't know this about me, I'm a big fan of chess. I love to play. Someday I have hopes of being good at it, but who knows. Tonight it was a quick game on the ICC (Internet Chess Club) against a computer named Tinker (rated around master level, fluctuates between 2200 and 2400). Me, right now I'm around 2050 on the ICC. My USCF (United States Chess Federation) rating is around 1750. That's a Class B rating if you were curious. In other words, I'm a fish.

I did make a change to my blog today - now anyone can post comments. I was surprised when Kip told me that he had to register so that he could post a comment. If you'd like to hear more about Kip in future posts, let me know. I have so many great stories to tell!

So much more to say, but I think I'd rather sleep. Work will be here again before you know it, and I really don't like not getting my 8 hours of sleep! I can't understand how so many people seem to get by day after day with so little sleep.

PS: I'm still waiting for some gmail! Get writing!

Sleep well!

All alone in the night

If you're a fan of science fiction, this title might be familiar to you. A shining beacon in space, all alone in the night? Babylon 5! Now, on with the story.

I was a recent recipient of an amazing gift. Every geeks dream. The holy grail of e-mail. The Google GMail account! That's right, I recieved an invite for my very own gmail account. I was pretty excited. I've been wanting one for weeks.

So now that I've got this great new email address I take the time to write a little note to my friends, family, and others letting them know of my good fortune. My hopes and dreams consisting of a reply, of giving them the chance to be my first. Imagine my disappointment. My utter and total despair. I have yet to receive an email. I'm crying inside! I feel like a shining beacon in space, all alone in the night.

Alright, break-time's over. Back to work! If you have a chance, say hi!

Until next time!

A Beginning

The Wheel of time turns and ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend, legend fades to myth, and even myth is even long forgotten before the age that gave it birth comes again. In one age, called the third age by some, an age yet to come, an age long past, a wind rose along the great plain called the Caralain Grass. It wasn't the beginning, for there are neither beginnings or endings to the turning of the wheel of time. But it was a beginning. - Robert Jordan, The Wheel of Time.

And here begins my weblog. Welcome, and enjoy the journey!