root1.org - rantings from a datacenter near you


$www.root1.org ------------- /\/\/\/ feature dishes: -> [[/]]blogshit[[x]] /\ /\/\/ photo galleries: -> [[/gallery/computer_hardware/]]hardware[[x]] -> [[/gallery/events/]]events[[x]] -> [[/gallery/food/]]food[[x]] -> [[/gallery/livingspace/]]living space[[x]] -> [[/gallery/misc/]]misc[[x]] -> [[/gallery/nature/]]nature[[x]] -> [[/gallery/pets/]]pets[[x]] -> [[/gallery/products/]]products[[x]] -> [[/gallery/videogame_stuff/]]videogame stuff[[x]] /\/\/ \/ so you wanna chat? -> [[mailto:nick@evul.net]]nick@evul.net[[x]] -> Nickr on <a href='http://www.efnet.org/?module=servers' target=_blank></a> -> Ask for IM details /\/\/\/ partners in crime: -> <a href='http://486dx2.com' target=_blank></a> -> <a href='http://ts.asciiscene.org' target=_blank></a> -> <a href='http://sal-one.com' target=_blank></a> -> <a href='http://forum.asciiscene.org/' target=_blank></a> -> <a href='http://www.thesniper.net/blog/' target=_blank></a> -> <a href='http://www.selfstyle.com.br/' target=_blank></a> <a href='/admin' target=_blank></a>$	$/\ / \ Root is BOLD /\ /\__________________________________________________ / \/ / Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:50:52 -0400 \ /\/_______ ___ __ _ \/So its been another <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/returning_to_the_car_at_night.jpg' target=_blank></a>. American LeMans on Sunday was a lot of fun. Didn't bring any of the lenses or bodies this year due to the mega hassle last year with heavy rain, and a chance of rain in the forecast. So <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/events/alms2008/gt3_rotors.jpg' target=_blank></a> any really <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/events/alms2008/the_winning_lmp1_audi.jpg' target=_blank></a> Although here is the <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/events/alms2008/coolest_porsche.jpg' target=_blank></a>, sadly it didn't lock up in the first corner. Monday I finally decided to take home the Foundry FastIron2 I had sitting in the colo. Its pretty useless minus a few gigs of capacity and two OC3/12 ports. Sadly its also like 60lbs loaded, and <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/foundry_fastiron2_waiting_for_green_light_at_corner_of_yonge_and_lakeshore.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/last_three_blackberry_handsets_in_order__9000_8310_8700.jpg' target=_blank></a> What a great phone! The display is gorgeous, 480x320 like the iPhone but smaller; the keyboard is just great, like the 8800; it has four speakers, which it uses to play music or divx/xvid audio incredibly well; 3G, wifi, gps, camera; 1gb internal flash + 8GB microSD; a 624mhz ARM CPU; need I go on? OS 4.6 is not so revolutionary on 4.5, it has all of 4.5's improvements, and adds slightly newer widgets and cursors for the first time in like 5+ years of Blackberry. The entire flow of the UI is a lot better, and everything is super fast on the 624mhz CPU. All my 3rd party apps still work perfectly. Jivetalk seamlessly switches between wifi and 3g, and nobody sees you sign on or off. Best part is tether is much more useful. Even right downtown within 151 Front, I was able to sustain 1mbps today demoing it for someone on my laptop. Great! <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/waiting_at_EB_for_purolator_with_disgaea3.jpg' target=_blank></a> waiting for Purolator to come with Disgaea 3, and to much lesser extent, Tales of Vesperia. From there I went straight home and began playing it while waiting for my 3pm appointment. Not that I haven't played the jap version extensively, but it really is a great game. High res 3d maps and menus, 240p sprites. The real improvement is 16:9 and 48khz stereo. My perfect kind of next gen game! Last night we ate at a <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/brazillian_bbq.jpg' target=_blank></a>. There were 13 kinds of meat brought around on swords. <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/brazillian_bbq_meats_before_hands_became_too_dirty_for_phone.jpg' target=_blank></a> Nothing beats eating 5 kinds of animals in a single meal. Highlights include a very nice lamb, chicken hearts, parmigiana pork and a delicious cinnamon pineapple. <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/brazillian_bbq_sides.jpg' target=_blank></a> I think thats my adventures so far this week, root out!$ $/\ / \ Another wonderful and busy week /\ /\__________________________________________________ / \/ / Sun, 24 Aug 2008 05:56:30 -0400 \ /\/_______ ___ __ _ \/So to start off this wonderful and busy week, I ran Windows Update on my work PC, only to find that the graphics card no longer existed after reboot. After fucking with 3-4 sets of drivers including hacked drivers, I gave up and decided that it would be relegated to terminal services only. This was mostly an excuse to buy a more media oriented laptop to complement my work oriented eeepc. So I went out laptop shopping, and settled on <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/computer_hardware/new_laptop_1.jpg' target=_blank></a>. At 15.4'' it was <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/computer_hardware/new_laptop_2.jpg' target=_blank></a> than what I was initially looking for, however the display has <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/computer_hardware/new_laptop_basement.jpg' target=_blank></a>, making it acceptable. Minus the shitty TN panel, common on all laptops nowadays, its a very nice laptop at $600. Core2Duo 2.0ghz, 3GB RAM, 250GB disk, and totally whisper quiet. Needless to say I am very very pleased as it <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/computer_hardware/new_laptop.jpg' target=_blank></a> and has a very nice feel to it, at any price point. Witness my amazing <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/cooking_mexican_sausages_1.jpg' target=_blank></a> before <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/cooking_mexican_sausages_2.jpg' target=_blank></a> used on <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/cooking_mexican_sausages_4.jpg' target=_blank></a> So tonight was our official going away party for Joe, although we've since decided to go for steak on Thursday as well. Food wise, we did quite well with a <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/joe_party_sushi.jpg' target=_blank></a> and <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/joe_party_pizza1.jpg' target=_blank></a> large <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/joe_party_pizza2.jpg' target=_blank></a> plus an overkill amount of snacks. <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/rum_and_cognac.jpg' target=_blank></a> we did quite well too, although sadly I had to leave at 5am (more on that in a bit), so I couldn't have that much. The coup de graces however, was the <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/joe_party_cake.jpg' target=_blank></a>, an idea he had at least a year ago, made even <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/joe_party_seeing_cake.jpg' target=_blank></a> now especially with Joe returning to Taiwan and the IOC's refusal to recognize it as a country. It was awesome :) Coincidentally I also decided to try the Lightscribe burner out in this laptop with some <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/lightscribe_goatse.jpg' target=_blank></a> results. <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/more_lightscribe_fun.jpg' target=_blank></a> it really is a cool tech, albeit more as an <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/lightscribe_code_geass.jpg' target=_blank></a> Sadly I had to leave earlier than desired, aka no sleepage, because I've got to head off to Mosport in about... 30 minutes, for American LeMans. Hopefully it will not rain like last year, and I will not get the flu again. Hopefully! Cheers and root out!$ $/\ / \ Don't worry about the details... /\ /\__________________________________________________ / \/ / Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:44:53 -0400 \ /\/_______ ___ __ _ \/Ok so its been a long while since I've posted anything. Apologies to those who I promised a post to, like 800 times. Sadly, interesting things happen EVERY DAY and by the time I am home I never have the energy or desire to blog about them. In fact, I can count the number of times I've been home before like 3-6am in months on one hand, and not counting the thumb. I have some silly stories about spontaneously planned and subsequently canceled Japan trips, retarded customers, and even stupider vendors, but they'll have to wait for another time... Thanks to the camera phone though, I've got loads and loads of pictures. So lets skim over some of the details of the past month... <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/12_new_cabinets_moved_in.jpg' target=_blank></a> Moving them up to the suite was a bitch load of work. Thankfully we've got to sell atleast, and with our current momentum, they will be sold out within a month or two. <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/wallace__round_1.jpg' target=_blank></a>, more so than usual because <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/aug09_2008_joe_finishing_6th_redbull_double_vodka.jpg' target=_blank></a> is moving back to Taiwan, and we need to get in as much boozing as we can. We will be having our ultimate going away party August 23rd, i.e. Saturday or next week, and I hope to post some great pics :) <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/downpour.jpg' target=_blank></a> and it has been rather unpleasant since the weather has been so nice otherwise, rather cool, etc. I am just glad it has gone away whenever we've had equipment to load on our loading dock at the datacenter. Here are some food pics, too lazy to talk about em: <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/flaming_lobster_sushi.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/bacon_wrapped_scalops.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/mongolian_grillage_2.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/fried_squidy.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/tons_of_handrolls.jpg' target=_blank></a> and <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/giant_spider_and_queen_of_salmon.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/legendary_tacos_3.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/epic_brekfast_for_dinner.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/brisket_sandwhich.jpg' target=_blank></a> and <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/food/delicious_tulip_steak.jpg' target=_blank></a> In the same spirit as the above montage, here are some silly pics from this month... <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/anybody_in_there.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/clean_me_2.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/bells_still_current_out_of_band_for_colocated_gear.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/bells_still_current_out_of_band_for_colocated_gear.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/sleeping_in_yonge_eglington_timmies.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/do_not_put_in_mouth.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/do_not_put_in_mouth.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/cabby_hits_cyclist__only_fare_gets_out_to_help.jpg' target=_blank></a> The 151 Parking garage has been <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/151_parking_garage_leaks_1.jpg' target=_blank></a> for the past month, here are a few pics of it. <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/151_parking_garage_leaks_2.jpg' target=_blank></a> Yesterday on my way to dinner <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/nature/front_street_bat_1.jpg' target=_blank></a> on Front and Yonge. Now it was day time but a bit rainy, which atleast kept crowds down, but with all the drunks, bums and similar in the area, I was a bit worried <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/nature/front_street_bat_2.jpg' target=_blank></a> Mostly because they're pretty uselessly stunned during the day. Using an paid-postage envelope filled with flyers (that I was on my way to send) I managed to lift him into a barred window about 7 feet up, that would protect him until night fall. Once I disturbed him <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/nature/front_street_bat_3.jpg' target=_blank></a> <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/nature/front_street_bat_3.jpg' target=_blank></a> Was very cute. Last but not least, I was picking my sister up this morning, and she lives next to the Chinese Embassy. There are a minimum of two cop cars in front of her building at any time, and there are daily protests by vicious Buddhist monks and falun gong meditation warriors. Today the embassy was actually <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/chinese_embassy_welding_a_double_height_fence_with_barbed_wire_onto_existing_fence_1.jpg' target=_blank></a> to <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/misc/chinese_embassy_welding_a_double_height_fence_with_barbed_wire_onto_existing_fence_2.jpg' target=_blank></a> I snapped some pics and they scowled at me heavily. Until the next one, root out!$ $/\ / \ More toys at work and no caffeine /\ /\__________________________________________________ / \/ / Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:30:38 -0400 \ /\/_______ ___ __ _ \/<a href='http://root1.org/gallery/computer_hardware/WD_VelociRaptors.jpg' target=_blank></a> As you can see they're 2.5" drives in 3.5" heatsink sleds, very cool. I'd love to slug all 16 into one box which I'd use to.... rar and unrar stuff very fast. <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/computer_hardware/new_quadcore_xeons_2.5ghz.jpg' target=_blank></a> Nothing too interesting, I just think the boxes are pretty :P I've also been 3.5 days without caffeine now. Well not without, I am having 1 lightly caffeinated drink / day, i.e. a single tea or diet Pepsi. Its a big jump from the >1gram of caffeine per day from 2x venti coffees from Starbucks plus redbull plus pepsi plus whatever else I got my hands on. Aside from the usual headaches, I've been having some light mood swings downward. However the upside is the past two nights I've actually had dreams again for the first time in ages. So that's definitely cool. I'm sure my overall mood and energy levels will be a bit more crash free if I can keep it up. Root out!$ $/\ / \ Been too busy to blog... /\ /\__________________________________________________ / \/ / Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:17:43 -0400 \ /\/_______ ___ __ _ \/...or just totally unmotivated to blog :P <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/computer_hardware/41_server_chassis_on_our_loading_dock_(5_not_pictured__still_in_boxes).jpg' target=_blank></a> As taken by the camera in my new Blackberry 8310. I have been taking a lot of frivolous pics, I think camera phones are a dangerous addiction :P$ $/\ / \ MGS4 arrives in Japan /\ /\__________________________________________________ / \/ / Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:16:40 -0400 \ /\/_______ ___ __ _ \/This is Friday news but I was pretty out of it yesterday so... Its always very amusing exporting games back to Japan, it sorta seems like it is breaking the laws of nature and the universe. I risk total world destruction every so often to help someone play a story-rich game in English. So I sent Ricardo a copy of US (Canadian) MGS4 LE to Japan, and through the miracle of Air Post (1/3 the price of EMS), it arrived in only 5 business days. Its very sad that I have sent stuff (surely more games) to Japan via EMS and had them take 2 weeks. Go Canada Post go! Here are the <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/videogame_stuff/japa_receives_mgs4_1.jpg' target=_blank></a>, <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/videogame_stuff/japa_receives_mgs4_2.jpg' target=_blank></a>, and <a href='http://root1.org/gallery/videogame_stuff/japa_receives_mgs4_3.jpg' target=_blank></a>$

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