I usually don’t write about crime. In fact, I’ve always found it somewhat ironic that the Cap Times, “Your Progressive Voice,” has an entire section dedicated to “Law and Order” on its website.

However, there are some crimes that are so low and so sickening; so base and so deserving of damnation; so utterly perverse; they demand publicity.

Some sadistic degenerate has stolen the cue balls from the Memorial Union pool room.

After all tragedies we ask the same question. Why? Why would somebody do such a thing? Why would a person intentionally harm others and violate such a beautiful display of communal trust? Was he/she watching as I naïvely deposited a dollar into the machine (after getting a dollar in change at the front desk), racked the balls and then went to reach for the cue ball? Did the expression of puzzlement on my face give him/her pleasure?

Let me make myself very clear. I support random searches of citizens with round bulges in their pockets.

Physical therapy this morning, last landscape arch. seminar meeting this afternoon, you know, the usual…

Oh wait, didn’t I mention? I WAS ACCEPTED TO ROME! That’s right kids, I’m spending 25 March – 10 June 2010 in ROME. IN ITALY. WITH ITALIANS. AND ARCHITECTURE. SO EXCITED! (can’t you tell?)

Lift for Hot Water

Originally uploaded by hasanahmad1980

There was a fifteen minute break in my class, and I ran to get coffee because I forgot to bring it from home.  I could already feel the withdrawal headache coming on. The coffee stand in our building on campus is located in a cafe in College Library. I have talked about the cafe there before. However, today my go to spot was met with a crisis. Their hot water wasn’t working, so they couldn’t do anything that required hot water. If it were me, I would have started a bonfire outdoors and had runners through the snow to keep the supply coming. Since the staff at the cafe is not as dedicated as I am to maintain the flow of that sweet caffeinated nectar, I ran the hundred yards or so sans coat to my emergency backup location, Memorial Union, to get my fix.

Random personal fact: I don’t enjoy reading small books as much as reading large books.

At the moment I am reading The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews. This novel is definetly a change from the norm. I’m about half way and it kind of makes me want to read Toews’ A Complicated Kindness.

Here are some positives of the novel so far:

• Toews taps into youth culture -> Thebes’ died hair (purple), odd conversations, out of the box personalities
• A variety of music is mentioned -> M.I.A., Dead Kennedys, Public Enemy, OutKast
• Mentions various cultured films -> Nightmare on Elm Street, Run Lola Run, fight Club, Psycho, Raiders of the Lost Ark
• Many pieces of literature are mentioned -> The Anarchist Cookbook, Lost, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

The negative aspects of the novel are:

• Towes` writing style.
• The dialogue sometimes confuses me.

Overall, it`s a pretty okay novel.

Moving on!

This evening I went to a UW (Univeristy of Waterloo) concert. It was free and my piano teacher – Jason White (well I must say x-piano teacher) performed Rhapsody in Blue. He was spectacular. It was wonderful! The gentleman beside me fell asleep a few times, and apparently there was a university student in the back (a female of course) who was on her phone the whole time the concert was going on. Other than those down points I enjoyed it immensely. That was my first orchestral concert I`ve been to. I eventually want to go and see the TSO. That would be awesome! Maybe when I`m older and they have a free show!

Unfortunately, throughout the entire concert, I felt unacomplished with my own skills. I want to go into music performance, but my friggin theory is not up to par! I need to get that over with so I can get my certificate (especially before the 5 year limit is up). Anyways, I`m going back to Toronto in about 7 hours so I will write later.

Term paper is DONE, finito, finis! So relieved. Now, sleep. I worked on it until 2 AM this morning, slept for 8 hours, got up and worked on it until just now (3:30 PM) it’s due in less than an hour and I still have to shower, make myself presentable and drive up to school. READYSETGO.

Head’s up: Anne and I were out for ride with a neighbor on Wednesday and noticed an upcoming Burke-Gilman trail reroute.

Apparently a small portion the trail needs to be closed December 14 – January 3 to allow early prep work for the future University Link light rail station.

An easy detour is available on Mason Rd, the lightly-traveled access road which runs parallel and just above the trail grade.

More from Sound Transit:

Between December 14, 2009 and January 3, 2010, Sound Transit’s contractor will install the infrastructure for an electrical ductbank that will provide power to the UW Station construction site and ultimately additional high voltage service to the University of Washington light rail station.

-ST November Newsletter

Props to Sound Transit for wisely timing the closure to take place during a traditionally low-use period—dead winter during the UW Christmas break—as well as for advertising it in advance (a nice contrast to the no-notice, no-accessible detour SDOT closure here and especially in Fremont last spring in the middle of Bike to Work Month).

I’m sure this will be just the first of many disruptions between now and the projected 2016 opening, but hopefully this is a signal of how ST plans to respect other alternative transportation users as they implement next phase of this eagerly (in our family, anyway) awaited mega project.

-Tim

The majority of the time I don’t know what I’m going to write about before I start blogging for the day. Today is one of those days. Even though I got plenty of sleep I still ended up being sleepy. And I’ve got a killer headache right now.

So,  today we’re going to have some positive thinking and imagination time!

UC Irvine and University of Washington, the two schools tied for my number one spot. They’re really different. But… I’d be so happy to be at either one of them. Fingers crossed. After living in the same house since birth, I’m so ready to be anywhere but here. I’m not even going to apply to the college in my town (Mom and Uncle went there). I think even if I don’t get into any colleges next year I would still move and go to community college and live somewhere else on my own. My parents aren’t that bad. But… I need a change.

Multimedia story by Lisa M. Porter. Click here to view.

Text by Jonathan King

Brennon Leighton’s unique approach to winemaking has earned him multiple awards, including “Winemaker to Watch”.

“You use the art side of yourself, the creative part of yourself, and you also use the knowledgeable science part of yourself as well…you have to become one with what Mother Nature or God has given you.” – Brennon Leighton

After being a member of a punk rock band, Brennon Leighton switched his focus to the world of wine. The up-and-coming winemaker was introduced to wine while working as a waiter at an upscale restaurant in northern California, and thus he pursued a degree in oenology at the University of California at Davis.

Leighton is a pro at using a forklift, as he spends much of his day operating one while crushing and pressing grapes. The work for the winemaker gets even busier, especially in autumn, as he has to process, crush and press nearly 80 tons of grapes. During the crush season he spends up to 70 hours per week in the winery. In addition to managing the whole winemaking process, he oversees the Efeste staff, maintains relationships with suppliers, and regularly promotes Efeste wines at industry and winery functions.

The interns at Efeste assist Leighton with all facets of the winemaking process. As the winemaker continues to get his shirt covered with grape stains, he’s helping future winemakers in getting their hands a little messy as well. Maybe one of them will be the next “Winemaker to Watch”.

Multimedia Story By Arlene Carvalho Click here to view

Fifty per cent of the American population, approximately 150 million people, drink some type of coffee.

“When you come into The Ugly Mug cafe you leave all your worries behind…” – Chi Nguyen, barista.

The door opens and a bell chimes to signal the customers arrival. The sound of steaming milk and chatter fills the small cafe on NE 43rd Street. Tables and chairs are decorated with postcards from customers travels and original paintings line the walls above comfy couches, a style that has been described by customers to be “like your grandparents living room.” – Chi Nguyen. All the paintings were painted by the owners and their friends, giving a bit of themselves over to the customer, something they hope to be reciprocated. They give out postcards to each customer in the hope that they can fill their cafe with stories.

The Ugly Mug is not a large chain cafe like the one’s that dominate the main shopping strips of Seattle. It is housed in a 1920’s building which immediately gives it an old world feel, distinctly different from modern establishments. It’s a quaint, family owned business in the University District around the corner from the University of Washington. It has gained a following of loyal customers who like its welcoming and laid back atmosphere – and the fine art of the latte.

Chi Nguyen has worked at The Ugly Mug for over a year and recommends the “amazing” sandwiches which contain secret ingredients – only a select few are allowed to make them. In addition to the special sandwiches they have a large range of over 50 coffees and teas available. Nguyen insists that they “can make anything you want!”

By Daniela Rossi

Though it hasn’t received much play, it looks like that campus left which everyone loves to hate may have accomplished more than holding a sit-in or talking to the Chancellor.

The article in The Cap Times seemed to miss the boat a bit, but they at least got the gist.

Using a series of pressure tactics, an anti-sweatshop coalition of students from across the country on Nov. 17 succeeded in persuading Russell Athletic, one of the nation’s leading sportswear companies, to rehire 1,200 workers in Honduras who had lost their jobs when Russell shuttered its factory shortly after workers unionized.

Remember that UW dropped its apparel contract with Russell back in February for these very reasons. While I don’t doubt student activism played some role in all of this, I’m sure it wasn’t the students that persuaded Russell overall, it was their bottom line. And Russell’s bottom line was only affected because, as the NYT noted, this was a “nationwide campaign against the company.” Dozens of large Universities took actions similar to our administrations.

Most relevant sources seem to be framing this as a landmark event in workers rights, which is why I am so confused that this hasn’t been receiving more coverage around Madison. But, this also presents a certain template proven to work for organizations interested in these kind of issues.

How have we not heard more about this from SLAC and their allies?

The Student Activity Center is apparently the bomb (and yes, I’d like to bring that expression back). ASM Voice lists the following times to study there during Finals week. From what I’ve heard, the SAC is a good place for group studying. It’s a brand new version of College Library, which is just too damn popular for people like me to stand.

Today was rough; it really feels like things are falling apart at the seams. Let the quarter countdown begin!

+ Nine more days of class
+ Five more American lectures
+ Three more Landscape lectures
+ Three more Rome lectures
+ Three Exams
+ One Paper

Must…make…it…

New Lab Increases Region’s Car Clout

We’ve written about electric vehicle news in Portland races and Eugene launches, as well as new battery technology being developed by Albany’s Oregon Freeze Dry and EnerG2 a Seattle start-up. Now, there’s interesting car news from the University of Washington and Lamorghini of Italy. They have formed a new advanced composites lab at UW.

UW has a history of composite research in aerospace from it’s years of working with Boeing. The new lab will develop advanced automotive applications of composite technology to reduce weight while increasing the strength of new vehicles. These developments are critical to improving automotive fuel economy and safety. This collaborative lab is a welcome investment in our region and a new arrow in our car cluster quiver.

Below is a lead to the UW PR release and a cool video of a Lamborghini Murcielago. Now here’s a place that the oft overused term “Awesome!” is appropriate.

…

…

UW’s newly named ‘Lamborghini Lab’ brings composite parts to sports-car arena

Oct. 6, 2009

A partnership between the University of Washington and the Italian sports-car company Automobili Lamborghini has been formalized, and the presidents of both organizations today attended the naming ceremony of the UW’s Automobili Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory.

The UW is the first university in the country to collaborate with Lamborghini. The company has committed to provide substantial funding for lab equipment and support for UW undergraduate and graduate students.

“This partnership is a win-win situation,” said Matthew O’Donnell, dean of the UW’s College of Engineering. “It further establishes the Pacific Northwest as a leader in composites research, it funds equipment for a UW engineering lab and it provides students with valuable research experience that’s directly tied to real-world applications.”

“Partnerships between the UW and industry leaders like Lamborghini give our students the advantage of working on real-world problems,” said UW President Mark Emmert. “We are excited that UW researchers and Lamborghini engineers will be collaborating to bring innovative materials to the automobile industry.” Full release…

Apparently the Badger Herald will be dedicating the rest of the semester (practically) to confronting the question of “diversity.” The response in both campus papers to a couple of provocative columns has been so strong that Jason Smathers has decided to put everything else on the backburner. It sent the following email to a certain number of people (I have no idea how many) this morning:

Dear Jack Craver,

To stimulate conversation about race, ethnicity and minority issues on campus, The Badger Herald is asking members of the University of Wisconsin campus community to submit letters and guest columns attempting to answer the question, “What does ‘diversity’ at UW actually mean, and how should we address it?”

We encourage students from all walks of life to sound off on a range of issues relating to the racial and ethnic makeup of campus and what UW and its related bodies are doing to make this a more accepting, equitable and comfortable place for all students.

Jason Smathers loves this stuff. Gerald Cox knows what I’m talking about. Themes, special editions, boycotts. Gimmicks would be the less flattering term. They’re not all bad, and the thinking behind them are usually very idealistic, but the response is usually negative.

with thanks to the Husky Football Blog: http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/huskyfootball/

]]> http://glennstrumpetnotes.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/huskies-30-cougars-0-alumni-band-helps/ Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:04:31 +0000 glennled http://glennstrumpetnotes.wordpress.com/2009/11/29/huskies-30-cougars-0-alumni-band-helps/

Glenn's Proud!

Pre-game rehearsal

For the first time since 1968 (41 years!), the Apple Cup ended in shutout–this time the Huskies held the Cougars scoreless. The headline on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s website on Sunday morning read, “Huskies Crush Cougs in Apple Cup Blowout.” This 102nd game between the two schools started at 3:30 p.m. and was played under lights as a cold wind blew wildly around the stadium. We were among the ~67,000 fans who were so grateful it did not rain. Chris Polk rushed for 130 yards and became the first true UW freshman ever to rush for over 1,000 yards in one season. Jake Locker had the kind of game everyone has expected of him every time he’s played these past three years, running for 94 yards, passing for 196, scoring one touchdown himself, passing for another.

Once again, I attended for free as a member of the Husky Alumni Band. The band’s routine goes like this. We arrive three and half hours before kickoff and have a short rehearsal at the tennis court grandstand just north of Hec-Ed Pavillion. Then we walk to 4-5 tailgate venues in different parking lots. At each site we play about five tunes, ending up with a little longer session at the final stop near the Husky dog and Coach Jim Owens statues at the stadium entrance. In addition to the songs mentioned in my post (below) on 11 October, we played a bunch of other tunes yesterday, including “Shake a Tail Feather,” “Hey! Baby!”, “Vehicle,” “Find Myself a Sunny Spot,” ”Polynesian Paralysis,” “Separate Ways,” and one of my favorites, “You Can Call Me Al.” Of course, we always play “Victory for Washington” and “Bow Down to Washington” everywhere–those two are givens.

During the game itself, the routine continues. We play a few tunes during some of the time-outs. Our turn to play is all coordinated with the UW Varsity Band via headsets. Then, after the Varsity Band concludes its half-time show, we play a few tunes from the track in front of the main southside grandstand until the teams return and the second half begins. Next, after the game ends, we play a few tunes in front of the people in the “horseshoe” stands at the west end, where we always sit during the games. Our last song there last night was “Celebration.” People in the stands sang along and swayed to music…it’s great to relish a victory.

Finally, we walk back to the Nordstrom Tennis Center behind Hec-ED, and play some more. I walked there with Dan Niven (see my post of 9 September below). Dan plays trombone, manages the Mills Music Store in Lynnwood, sings in the Total Experience Gospel Choir of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Seattle, and is an actor in various community theater groups. He’ll play the Ghost of Jacob Marley in the Evergreen Family Theatre’s production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Redwood Family Church in Redmond in early December.

We overheard a couple of very pleased fans talking about this victory and about beating the University of California Bears next Saturday. Dan noted that they spoke using the pronoun “we,” meaning the Husky football team. He observed that it’s funny how people own the team when it wins but disown it when it loses, switching to the pronoun, “they.”  It’s “we did this and that” when our team is winning, and “they did this and that” when our team is losing…chuckle.

How did the Alumni Band help “our” team win this historic game? Well, several times during the tailgate playing tour, we played our special version of the “WSU Fite Song.” We started out with the regular tune but suddenly broke into “Old McDonald Had a Farm.” Then we switched back to the regular fight song, only to interrupt it again with “The Farmer in the Dell,” immediately concluding with a most discordant, emphatic “Splat!” And that’s how WE really won the 102nd Apple Cup!

VII Ogólnopolska konferencja naukowa “Z badań nad świadomością i kompetencją językową dzieci i młodzieży”, Uniwersytet Warszawski, 26.11.2009. Konferencja poświęcona pamięci Jana Tokarskiego i jego językoznawczych dokonań.

Very well written report on consumer brand engagement by Garrick Schmitt of Razorfish. I actually cited some material from this for my term paper for com 529 Strategic Research: Digital Media.

Feed Blog

PDF copy of Feed

Very well written report on consumer brand engagement by Garrick Schmitt. I actually cited some material from this for my term paper for com 529 Strategic Research: Digital Media.

Feed Blog

PDF copy of Feed

17th C Rome midterm: conquered! American Art paper: destroyed! I emerge victorious!

Spent most of the day studying for my Rome exam, wrote my American Art paper on Maurer’s At the Shore (1901), so we’ll see how it goes tomorrow… Almost…to.. Thanksgiving…

Also, scanned, signed and uploaded some of my film prints from this past spring, check them out: here

As the Official Mover of the University of Washington Huskies Athletics, we are proud of our 2009 Apple Cup winners.  Washington had their first shut out in 45 years against long-time rival Washington State with an incredible score of 30-0.  We are proud!

UGH. Woke up at 9:45 for my 10:15 physical therapy appointment; ran around getting my stuff together, knowing I was forgetting something but not sure what it was, but it wasn’t clothing, makeup, contacts or my laptop/iPhone so really, how important could it be?

Made it to PT, then seminar at noon, went to class, went to Starbucks to meet the insurance agent who is handling our bodily injury claim, came home and — BAM! That thing I forgot? It was the research books I had used for my paper, all from other Summit libraries (OSU, WWU, etc) due back today. But it’s ok, Suzzallo is always open late, right? Apparently not on Fridays. BE is closed, Art is closed, every single library is closed and each of these 18 books has a $50 overdue fine.

Needless to say, a long and loud string of expletives escaped my lips before I could really worry about it. Anyway, because they’re art history books, naturally they’re all several hundred pages, oversized, and heavier than they look (which is already pretty heavy), so we load them into two paper bags on one of those dorky little aluminum luggage carts for your carry-ons and set off, back to school, in search of Odegaard.

Naturally, the library is either up or down two flights of wet, slippery concrete stairs, no matter where you park, so I struggled down, was laughed at by a pair of preteen (okay, probably freshman) snobs who probably don’t even know what a research paper is. Anyway, I made my way to the information counter where I was informed that there is, in fact, a four day grace period for Summit books before they fine you $50/book. Good to know (two hours ago).

Despite all of the stress, my night ended happily — no overdue fines, paper is done, and it’s the weekend.